Meet me at the abandoned train yard in an hour, I've got something I think you might find interesting.
Zack sits atop on the cargo trains, staring up to the sky. It's still midday but the sun is slowly being blocked out by the clouds rolling in.
He checks the time on his phone: 12:30pm.
"She should be getting here soon," Zack says to himself.
He grips onto the USB, he'd sort out this situation whatever it takes. Cloud may say that he was fine just leaving things as is, but Zack knew that wasn't entirely true. He knows how much Cloud loves music. The way he would always tap his foot to the music, the way he hummed tunes whenever he thought Zack wasn't listening, even the distant look Cloud would get in his eyes whenever he spoke of his songwriting days. Zack can tell how much Cloud missed it.
Zack breaks out of his thoughts when he hears someone climbing up the ladder, her black hair coming into view.
"Seriously, did you have to choose the highest cargo train?" She breaths out, catching her breath as she climbed onto the top.
Zack chuckles, "Sorry, I like climbing up high places remember?"
She sighs, "Alright, so what is it. You only contact me when you need me"
"Aw come on, don't be like that. I text you happy birthday every year"
She rolls her eyes, "Spit it out Zack, I don't have all day"
"Alright, alright. I've got this video, think you can make a big story out of it. I mean I don't know a better reporter than you, Yuffie"
She cocks an eyebrow and puffs her chest at the compliment, "Well at least you know talent. What kind of video are we talking about?"
"A video that will essentially destroy the great Sephiroth's career," He waves the flash drive in the air.
"Sephiroth? Of Jenova? Gotta admit I'm curious about what you've got on there. The band is so popular, I can't imagine anything taking him out."
"Well, I think you gotta see this. You bring your laptop?"
She nods and pulls it out of her backpack. They both take a seat on the ground and Zack puts the drive on her laptop.
He has her watch though the video without saying anything.
After she finishes watching, she turns back to Zack, "Wait, you mean to tell me that Sephiroth stole that song?! They're number 1 song isn't even a song that he wrote?" She stands there with her mouth gaped, "Zack, do you know how big this story is! Oh my god, I gotta write the report asap" She taps her foot as she scratches the bottom of her chin, thinking of ways to deliver the story.
"I think you'll come up with something good, you always do"
She hums, "Why you wanna expose him though? You guys got beef with them or something? But your band is just as popular though…"
"Ah…well you see—" Zack scratches the back of his head, "My boyfriend is the one who has a problem with Sephiroth, but I hate him just as much because of everything"
"Your boyfriend is the one who with the problem…wait—does that mean he's the one who wrote the song? He's the blonde in the video?"
Zack nods.
Yuffie's eyes light up, "Oh. My. God. This makes for a great story! Just imagine it," She wipes her hand across the air in front of her, as if envisioning the headline, "Boyfriend of Crisis Core's lead singer Zack Fair, is the real songwriter of Jenova's number one hit". She puffs her chest, "It's perfect!"
"Wait, wait, Yuffie," He says quickly, "Please don't mention Cloud in the article. Like you can say Sephiroth didn't write the song and that someone else from the same school wrote it, but please don't explicitly mention Cloud"
She tilts her head in confusion, "Why though? Wouldn't he want everyone to know that he wrote it? That popularity should be his. Why wouldn't he want that?"
"I just…I don't know if he's ready for that yet. He had everything taken away from him, all of his dreams gone in an instant. I'm sure he'll let people know when he's ready"
She sighs, "Alright, I'll blur him out of the video and won't mention his name. Promis. Just—" She inches into his personal space and pokes her finger at his chest, "When he is ready, I want to be the first reporter to get the exclusive you got it?"
He laughs, "Alright, alright. I'll let him know. I'm sure you guys'll get along anyway"
"Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got lo—ts of work to do tonight. I want this out as soon as possible"
And with that, she hurries back down the ladder, leaving Zack alone.
"Always full of energy," Zack says to himself, placing his hands on his hips and shakes his head.
He had met Yuffie back when he was still doing street performances. She would always come to watch him. She's always been full of energy, always coming and going whenever she wanted to.
Zack glances down at his phone. Cloud's probably working right now. Zack decides to swing by and pay him a visit. Maybe help out a bit; sort through some stuff, do inventory checks, help ring people out, anything. He just wanted to spend time with Cloud right now.
It's a muggy day. The sky's been overcast all day, it had rained earlier this morning and the clouds decided to stick around. However, that didn't stop people from being out. Crowds were loitering on the roads and in the shops.
As Zack approaches the shop, he notices a particularly large crowd near the alleyway where Cloud's shop was located, which was weird because it was never really busy around here. Not many people knew about Cloud's shop. However, the closer he got, he could hear the gossiping of the crowd.
Oh my god, is that Sephiroth?
Is the rest of the band here?
Why's Sephiroth here anyway?
Does he know that guy?
Something seems to have happened…
Ex-lovers?
What no way. You think Sephiroth would waste his time dating someone?
I don't know man, the blonde is pretty cute if you ask me.
Hey, is that Zack?
What where?
Zack frantically pushes his way through the crowd. He knew exactly who they were talking about, and he felt his blood boil. Sephiroth seriously had the nerve to show up here.
Zack finally gets through the crowd and rushes up to Sephiroth and shoves him away from Cloud.
"Didn't I tell you to stay the fuck away from him! Why the hell are you here!" Zack shouts.
"Zack" Cloud seems surprised to see him.
"Cloud, you okay? He do anything to you?" He checks Cloud up and down, making sure there was no harm done.
Sephiroth brushes himself off and moves his hair back over his shoulder, "Zackary, we were just chatting. I'd appreciate it if you didn't make a scene"
Zack looks around him. People were definitely talking, whispering amongst each other. Zack takes a deep breath, calming himself. He should probably keep a cool mind. Everything will be over soon.
"Sorry, didn't mean to shove you that hard, just don't really like you getting all close and personal to my boyfriend you know" Zack shrugs.
Sephiroth scoffs and turns his attention back towards Cloud, "I'd recommend you think about my offer. It would be in your best interest after all"
Zack looks over at Cloud, "What's he talking about? What offer?"
Cloud doesn't say anything. Just keeps his head low and steadies his breath.
"I offered him a job you can say. I'll pay him as much as he needs, doesn't have to work in this shack of a place"
Cloud stands there, unable to hear what goes on after that. He knows Zack's getting angrier, his voice filling with malice.
He and Sephiroth continue to argue back. The crowd surrounding them continues to whisper amongst each other, wondering why the two vocalists are arguing.
Cloud doesn't want anyone to think ill of Zack, he's just trying to protect him. He's always trying to protect him, always standing up for him. Cloud appreciated that, but he knows that there will come a time when he needs to stand up for himself.
Cloud takes a deep breath and steps forward. He firmly grips Zack's wrist and tugs him back. Zack flips his gaze to him, there's still anger lingering in his eyes, but Zack goes quiet when he sees Cloud's neutral expression. However, his eyes shine as though he's found his answer.
"Cloud…"
Cloud softens his grip on Zack as he releases him. He steps in front of Sephiroth and looks straight into his green eyes. No fear, just a newfound resolution giving him confidence. He has people around him who care for him, who are there for him through thick and thin. His life means something, he means something. Can't believe it took him this long to realize it, but it doesn't matter how long it may have taken. He's here now and that's all that matters.
"Sephiroth," the name rolls off Cloud's tongue effortlessly, no stutter, no hesitation, "I have no interest in doing anything for you, especially when I receive no credit. I'm not a slave for you, nor do I plan on becoming one"
Sephiroth cocks an eyebrow, intrigued, "Oh? So you plan on just doing this? You'd give up a comfortable life for this?"
"I like my life as it is. I'm not the same person I was all those years ago. I'm different…I'm better now. In fact, I have plans for myself. I will not let you do as you please"
"Is that a challenge?"
"Not really, since I'll be the one coming out on top" Cloud smirks.
"Don't get too cocky now, you should know your place"
"Oh, I know my place. Now I'd appreciate it if you'd leave. You're causing a disturbance and I need to get back to work"
Sephiroth sighs, "Fine, but I will be back tomorrow. I will not take no for an answer. I'll drag you back if it comes to that"
"As if I'll let you do that" Zack growls.
Sephiroth waves at the annoyance and makes his way out of the area, the sea of people moving out of his way, allowing him to pass without bumping into anyone.
When he's gone, the crowd disperses, as there is no longer any drama to watch.
Zack grips Cloud's shoulder and shakes him a bit, "Holy shit, Cloud! Where did that come from? That was awesome! You were like super hot just now!"
"…Thanks," a faint smile creeps on Cloud, "Why are you here today? I wasn't exactly expecting you"
Zack pulls Cloud into an embrace and ruffles his hair, "I wanted to see you of course! I'll help out for a bit if you don't mind"
"You don't have to help out if you don't want to you know"
"Nah, it's okay. I don't want to just be sitting around anyway," He pulls away, "So, there anything you need me to do? I can sweep around or something"
Cloud hums, "Sure, that's fine, but…can I ask you something first?"
Zack tilts his head, "Yeah, what's up?"
"What'd you do after I sent you the video?"
Zack grins at him, "You'll see in the morning," he tugs Cloud back into the shop, "Now come on, I'm sure you still have some work to do"
Zack paces around the shop looking for something to do. He starts straightening out some of the items hanging on the wall.
"Man, you keep everything pretty tidy in here already" he laughs, "There isn't much for me to do"
"I like to keep things clean" Cloud chuckles, "Unlike someone"
Zack leans back, unable to contain his laughter, "You got me there". He wipes the tears from his eyes, "When do you close tonight?"
Cloud glances over to the clock, "In 2 hours. I don't usually stay open that late since most customers come during the day.
"Cool, cool. You wanna grab dinner afterward then? It's been a while hasn't it?"
Cloud's eyes light up and nods his head, "I'd like that…maybe I can pick a place this time" he peeks at Zack through his bangs.
"Sure Sunshine, whatever you want"
Cloud pouts, "I wonder how many nicknames you're gonna give me…"
Zack chuckles, "I've got quite a few stored in my head"
"Great" he playfully rolls his eyes.
The two of them work together in the store for the next couple of hours. Zack trying to sneak in a touch nearly every second. Since Cloud was too conscious about someone walking in, he'd brush him off and keep to his work, causing Zack to pout each time.
Cloud locks up the shot as Zack waits for him outside.
"Alright, where to?" Zack asks excitedly.
"Do you like stews?" Cloud says, "There's a hotpot place I like going to that's not far from here"
"Sounds good, now lead the way Princess" Zack teases, gesturing for Cloud to walk in front of him.
Cloud frowns, "That has to be the worst one yet"
He chuckles, "Alright, I'll scratch that one off the list"
Zack wraps his hand around Cloud's, "This okay?"
Cloud blushes and nods his head. "Restaurant is this way" he points as he begins to guide Zack.
They weave their way between the people on the road. Zack occasionally pulls Cloud closer to him when it gets more congested.
Cloud notices a large crowd gathered around a large tv outside a bar. Normally he would've just ignored it, as it wasn't usually anything important, however, what he heard had him flipping his head around.
Breaking news: Jenova's #1 hit was never really written by their lead singer Sephiroth.
There's a clip from the video playing on the screen, his face is blurred out from it. But if anyone knew about him and Sephiroth in the past, it would be obvious that the person in the video was him.
He turns to Zack, "D—Did you do this?"
"I didn't do it exactly, but I have a friend who's a reporter. She knows how to make a huge headline" Zack leans over to get a better look at Cloud, "You okay?"
"…Yeah, I just wasn't expecting this to happen so quickly. I'm just trying to wrap—"
He's cut off when a reporter is trying to interview Sephiroth.
"Did you really steal the song? From whom did oy steal it form? Are there other songs you stole?"
The reporter's being persistent, pushing the microphone into Sephiroth's space. However, he keeps his head down and turned away, his hair hiding any emotion that may be on his face.
It truly was a sight to see.
Cloud stares at the screen. There's no way Sephiroth would be able to talk himself out of this situation. Zack had even submitted his song sheets to them, so they were showing pictures of those on the news. All that combined with the video; all the evidence is there.
He overhears the crowd watching, "I can't believe this, that was one of my favorite songs. I wonder who really wrote it…"
Cloud's heart clenches. He's never thought about what would happen afterward. After Sephiroth's game was exposed to the public. Does he tell everyone he wrote it? Was that what he wanted? Honestly, he felt conflicted. It's wonderful that he can get back to writing freely without feeling like Sephiroth would show up at any time to steal his music. But at the same time, would the public like him? What would they even think of him? What if they didn't like him? Then what would he do?
"—oud—"
What if he wasn't good enough?
"Cloud"
Zack is suddenly in Cloud's space, his nose barely brushing against his own.
"What's on your mind?"
"Nothing really…"
"Cloud" he pinches the blonde's nose, "You're obviously thinking about something". He looks at Cloud lovingly, "You can tell me you know?"
Cloud takes a deep breath, "Well…it's just that, what if when I go public with my music, what if…what if they don't like me? Or they don't like the stuff I make? What am I supposed to do then?"
"Cloud," Zack cups his face, forcing him to look up into his blue-violet eyes, "You should write the things you want to write. So what if some people don't like it? It won't do you any good if you focus on songwriting just as a means to please others. Do what you wanna do. There will be people who like what you make, and those people will be your real fans"
Cloud blinks a few times, "…You sure?"
"Trust me, I've been down that road and it gets…tiring, to say the least. Now," Zack places a kiss on his cheek, "Chin up, you'll do great"
He smiles, "You're right. I'm probably just overthinking anyway…" He averts his eyes back to the road and begins to make his way to the restaurant once again, pulling Zack along with him.
Once they arrive at the restaurant, they order a medium-sized bowl and split it between the two of them. Cloud looks over at Zack to him enjoying his food. Makes Cloud feel warm inside, seeing Zack enjoying himself.
After their meal, Zack walks Cloud back to his apartment. They stick close to each other the entire way there.
Once they reach Cloud's unit, the blonde unlocks the door and steps inside, gazing back at Zack on last time before tuning in for the night.
"I'll come by tomorrow around noon, that okay?"
Cloud nods, "I'll be here"
A comfortable silence falls between them. Cloud reaches for Zack's shirt, tugs him, pulling him into a kiss, "Thank you…"
Zack's expression is soft, "Anytime. I want you to be happy" He kisses Cloud's forehead, "Think I'll head home now. Goodnight Cloudy"
He blushes, "…Love you…see you tomorrow" he mumbles it so quietly, Zack nearly misses it.
He chuckles, "Love you too"
With that, Cloud closes the door and retires into his apartment. He places his shoes on the rack and slumps down onto the couch in the living room. He picks up the small notebook resting on the coffee table and skims through it. He had a draft for a song sketched in it. It's something he's been working on the past few months. Something he's been writing for Zack. He wants to perform it for him someday, but it has to be perfect; there's so much he wants to convey to him.
Cloud's taken out of his thoughts when there's a knock on the door.
"Zack? Did he forget something?" Cloud asks himself.
He gets up from the couch and makes his way to the door. He unlocks it and opens it, "Zack? Did you—"
His eyes widen when he finds a hand suddenly reaching for him, pushing him back violently inside his apartment, slamming him against the wall. His breath gets stuck in his throat.
"Of all the things I expected you to do, this wasn't one of them Cloud. You think I'll just let this all go?" The man scoffs, "Oh no. If I'm going to lose my career, you might as well to"
Zack walks down the quiet road, making his way to the train station. There were still a few people on the road, most of them also making their way home, wherever that was for them.
"Oh," Zack remembers something he forgot to tell Cloud. He wanted to take Cloud to this new music bar tomorrow. Supposedly was very laid back and was only opened during the day rather than during the night.
He pulls out his phone to call Cloud. He dials the number and places the phone against his ear.
The number you have dialed—
Zack frowns. He didn't leave that long ago…but maybe Cloud was just in the shower. He'll try calling him again when he gets home.
Suddenly there's an emergency vehicle flying by him, moving in the opposite direction he's going. Zack turns around to see where the car was going. It makes a hard left up the hill…that's towards Cloud's apartment…
Zack's heart sinks. Did something happen? Maybe it wasn't going to Cloud's place, but somewhere that was in the same direction. However, he couldn't shake his gut feeling off him.
It wouldn't hurt just to make sure…
Zack quickly turns around and runs back to Cloud's place. Hopefully, he's just overthinking things and nothing was wrong…