Cloud tugs at the man's wrist, trying to force his hand away from him. Once he realizes that's not working, Cloud swings his foot, kicking the man away from him.

Sephiroth stumbles backwards, placing his hand to his gut. "I see you've learned how to bite. Did that Zackary teach you that?" he smirks.

"Why are you here?" Cloud demands an answer. Sephiroth has no business being here. If anything, he should be somewhere hiding from the reporters. Doesn't he understand what sort of situation he's in?

"I'm sure you've already seen the reports" Sephiroth doesn't bother fixing his disheveled hair, "You started this with me, I see no reason why it cannot end with you as well"

"Are you crazy," Cloud shouts, "This was all you! Did you really think you can just act like you'd never get caught. Just get over it, you messed up. It's time you suffered the consequences"

Sephiroth sighs as though he's tired of Cloud not understanding; as though Cloud had something had something to understand. He approaches Cloud sinisterly.

Cloud backs up, keeping himself faced towards Sephiroth. He didn't dare turn his back because he wasn't sure what the man would do.

Soon enough, the silver-haired man lunges forward, gripping Cloud by the throat.

Cloud tries to push him off, but has little luck doing so. Instead, he bites onto Sephiroth's arm, pulling blood out of him.

Sephiroth pulls back, looking at the blood dripping from his arm.

Cloud moves into a defensive position, "Get out. Right. Now" He grabs his phone out his back pocket and calls for help, "Hello—"

"I'm not going anywhere Cloud" Sephiroth rips Cloud's phone from his hands and throws it against the wall, smashing the screen.

Cloud cowers back throwing anything and everything at Sephiroth, without caring if anything broke. However, he just kept approaching him, closing the distance between them. Eventually, Cloud was close enough that Sephiroth could grab him.

He grips Cloud from his hair on the back of his head and smashing him against the wall. Cloud feels something drip from his nose. Probably blood, judging by the red smear on the wall.

He doesn't know how long everything lasted. Just felt the aches in his body, his head throbbing, and his vision spinning. Cloud does his best to stand his ground. He reels back his arm and with all of his force, he throws a powerful blow to Sephiroth's face, causing the man to stagger back. This only infuriated him further, and Sephiroth once again grabs hold of him. However, Sephiroth was eventually ripped away from him.

Cloud crashes to the ground, unable to hold himself up. He places his hand on his head, trying to calm his pulsing headache.

He tries to see what's going around him. There seems to be a lot of people around. He can see the shadows of others moving in his apartment, who seem to be pinning Sephiroth to the ground, cuffing him. He can see him struggling, his silver hair splayed across the floor.

Cloud feels strong hands lift him from the floor carefully. An arm wrapping around his waist, hoisting him up.

"Cloud—oh my god…are you okay?"

Sounds like…

"Zack?" Cloud asks, his voice hoarse. He's still dizzy.

"Yes, can you see me alright?" He gently tilts Cloud's head towards him, catching his eyes.

Cloud squints, "You're a little blurry"

"How's your head feel?"

"Hurts a little"

Zack frowns, "I'm so sorry. I didn't expect him to go this far, I should've stayed with you tonight"

Cloud lets out a tired chuckle, "S'fine. You're here now… and—and I bit his arm pretty good…and that punch…he's definitely gonna feel that later"

Zack huffs trying to conceal the feint smirk. Cloud really did do some damage to that asshole, "I noticed. Come on, let's get you looked at. Make sure you don't have a concussion"

He lifts Cloud into his arms and brings him out of the chaotic apartment. Cloud can hear Sephiroth calling out his name. So much anger…why? He didn't do anything. All this was from Sephiroth's own decisions, not his. He closes his eyes and nuzzles against Zack's chest, breathing in his scent.

"Zack, I'm fine. Doctor said I'm just gonna have some bruising, nothing major" Cloud sighs.

"I know I know, but you know, seeing you on the ground all beaten up really scared me"

Cloud huffs and pulls Zack into a kiss, "I'm. Fine. Now would you stop freaking out. My head is still throbbing. You mind if we go over to your place?"

"Y—Yeah, of course. It's kinda messy though…"

"That's fine. I don't mind"

After Cloud had been taken to the hospital, the situation was all over the news. Sephiroth was arrested assault and the public eventually pieced together that Cloud was the other man in the video, the original creator of the song. There were reporters that constantly tied to interview him. However, he declined every time. He just wanted some quiet for a bit now that everything was over.

Cloud's phone starts ringing. He glances at it noticing it's from a number he doesn't recognize. He would typically ignore it, but he found himself picking it up.

"Hello?"

"Yes, hello? Is this Cloud Strife?"

The voice sounded vaguely familiar, "Yes?"

"I don't know if you remember, but this is Lazard of Midgar Performing Arts"

Cloud's eyes widen. He's at a loss of words. Why was Lazard calling him suddenly. That school is behind him…his past is behind him now.

"You're probably wondering why I am calling after many years. Well…due to recent events, I wanted to formally apologize for my accusations in the past. It may be years late, but I am truly sorry. I never believed you in the past and that was deeply irresponsible of me. I should've gathered more evidence before coming to conclusions"

Cloud takes a deep breath, "It's alright…I've moved on from it"

"If you would like to come back, I will personally enroll you, your tuition would fully covered"

"You mean…you're asking me if I want to go back?"

"Of course, it's the least I can do after everything…"

Cloud thinks it over. He was upset when he was kicked out, and a part of him did miss attending the school, but…things are different now. He's honestly content about how things are now and quite frankly doesn't see the need to finish school.

"I appreciate it, but I think I'm going to have to decline. I'm perfectly happy with how my life is now"

Cloud can hear Lazard's smile through the phone, "That's quite alright. I'm glad you're doing well. But if you ever change your mind, the offer stands"

"Thank you"

Cloud hangs up the phone and sighs, reminiscing on the time where going to Midgar Performing Arts meant everything to him.

"Who was that?" Zack comes out from the bathroom, drying his hair, with a towel wrapped around his waist.

"Just an old acquaintance" He's happy here, with Zack.

Zack hums and takes a seat next to him, some of the water from Zack's hair drips onto him.

"Could you dry your hair completely first, your dripping all over the place." Cloud grabs the towel from him and begins to dry Zack's hair himself, his face getting intimately close to Zack's"

Zack chuckles, "Sorry, I never have the patience to dry my hair completely every time"

A silence falls between them. Cloud playfully wraps the towel around Zack's face and leans into his bare chest.

"You smell like soap" Cloud mumbles.

"Is that a good thing?"

"Mhm…"

Zack leans down and places a kiss on top of Cloud's head, his blonde hair tickling his lips.

"Hey…" Zack starts hesitantly.

Cloud looks at him, concealing a smile because Zack still has the towel wrapped around his head.

"Do you think you'd wanna…I don't know…move in together?"

"Y—You want me to move in…with you?" Cloud stutters.

Zack hums, "I mean, I'm practically seeing you everyday now. And besides, after everything that's happened and just all the time we've spent together, I want to, I don't want to be apart from you"

Cloud blushes, "I—I would like that…"

"Really?"

"Mhmm" he leans into Zack, nuzzling his head into Zack's neck, "I like being with you, and…I also don't want to be apart from you"

Zack wraps his arms around Cloud, squeezing him. He's just so cute, how'd he get so lucky…

1 year later

Cloud's running down the stairs, doing his best not to be late. He had to run some errands that he got caught up with prior to seeing Tifa.

A lot has happened over the past year. Cloud moved in with Zack, somehow Aerith and Tifa started dating, and now…now Cloud was writing music.

Cloud had met up with Zack's reporter friend Yuffie. During the interview with her, he told her that he was going to start writing music, not for anyone else, but for him. For the time being that is. Maybe he'd look into songwriting for others at some point, but not now. He wanted to focus on what he had already and the people around him.

Today is his official "debut" as a singer/songwriter. He's supposed to be performing a song tonight at Tifa's bar, hence the reason why he is meeting up with her now.

He finds her sitting at a table within a coffee shop, sipping at her latte. Her luscious black hair is braided very loosely, most likely Aerith's work.

"Tifa, sorry I'm late. I had a few things that took a little longer than I thought they would" He explains, taking the seat across from her.

"That's alright, gave me some time to think about everything," She pauses, gazing down at her drink before meeting Cloud's eyes with a warm smile, "I can't believe this is happening. Words cannot explain how happy I am for you. To see you doing what you love freely, and just seeing how happy you are with Zack…I couldn't be happier"

"You don't have to act like my mother you know," he teases.

"I know, I know." She smiles.

"But you do know you've been a huge part of it all as well. You've been with me every step of the way"

"Yes, but you know as well as I do that it was because of Zack that you are here now doing this"

She had a point, Zack gave him confidence, reminded him how much he loved music, how much he wanted to write again. If it wasn't for Zack, he'd probably still be an empty shell just trudging through life.

"…Yeah, that's why I wanna make tonight special." He twiddles his fingers as a blush rises to his face.

She chuckles, "You do know there are going to be reporters there"

He nods, "Yes, that's okay with me. Besides, maybe some will back off after finding out." Since he had written such a well-known song, reporters were constantly trying to interview him about it. It was all draining, but hopefully it would die down over time.

"Alright," She claps her hands, "You get the outfit I told you to pick up?"

"I did…you always pick something that's kind of…revealing"

"Revealing? Not at all, just a little skin. We both know Zack likes it"

Cloud huffs. It's true Zack loved it so much, always wanting to take his pictures, always trying to leave marks…

"You'll come by the bar later today. Aerith is gonna help with the makeup as I work on the decorations. He's gonna love it" He can see the excitement in her eyes. "I also can't wait to here the song. You'd never let me look at it" she crosses her arms.

"It's just really…personal," He took a year to the write the song, wanting every aspect of it to convey his feelings. He wanted to see that bright smile on Zack's face. "You'll hear it tonight, so just be patient"

"Yeah, yeah. Everyone is gonna hear it tonight."

"Oh, that reminds me, how's Zack getting there?"

"Ah, I have my friend Jessie getting him. She the vocalist of Avalanche remember?"

Cloud nods.

"I told her to just drag him along. Tell him there's this really cool band playing. Zack's always down to listen to new bands. Oh, and I also told her to make sure he sits at the table near the front." She smirks.

"Alright, sounds good," Cloud slid up from his chair, "Guess I'll see you tonight…"

Cloud was nervous the whole way to the bar. Even speeding through the highway did nothing to calm his nerves.

He pulls up behind the bar, making sure his bike was out of eye's view. He steps off and enters through the back door. Aerith is the first to greet him.

"Cloud! You're here" she beams, "Hurry up and get dressed. I can't wait to do your makeup" She bounces in anticipation.

He walks into the back room, locking the door behind him. He hangs the clothes Tifa picked out for him on the rack and begins to remove the clothes he's currently wearing.

He slides on the suit Tifa picked for him and slides the rings onto his fingers. He looks at his reflection in the mirror.

It's a black satin suit, that hugged the shape of his body. The jacket featured a deep 'U' cut that showed off some of his chest. A chain hung from the collar. The pants accentuated his slim legs, and the 2-inch heel on his boots shaped his legs further. He wore silver rings on his right hand and silver chained earrings that attached from his lobe to the helix.

He comes out of the room, Tifa and Aerith both waiting for him outside the door.

"Oh my god! You look so good! Zack's gonna drool all over you. Just wait till your makeup is done. You'll be irresistible" Aerith gives him a thumbs up.

"The suit looks great on you" Tifa adds, nodding her head, proud of her choice.

Aerith brings him to a stool and sets him down, setting up her mirror and pulling out various brushes and shades of eyeshadow from her bag.

"Close your eyes" she tells him, "Spreading primer over his bare face and eyelids.

She gently pats foundation into his skin, his face becoming even more flawless than it already was. She grabs her eyeshadow brush and reaches for a cream shade to brush over his brow bone, to add some highlight. She then spreads plum colored shadow on his eyelids, then proceeds to apply a little golden shimmer on the edges. She puts away the eyeshadow and reaches for the mascara and brushes it along his eyelashes, elongating them. She then grabs the lip color. She opts for a light shade of pink and paints it onto his lips. She takes a step back, observing her work.

"Alright, all done. You can open your eyes now"

Cloud flutters his eyes open, blinking a few times, adjusting to the longer lashes. He looks at Aerith then over at Tifa.

"Well?" he asks, unsure if he actually looks good.

"Cloud, you look so pretty" Aerith gleams.

Tifa nods in agreement, "Zack's gonna lose his mind"

Aerith spins him towards the mirror, allowing him to look over Aerith's work. He moves his head around looking at himself from different angles.

He looked…pretty, and kind of…erotic. The plum eyeshadow contrasted with his blonde hair. His blue eyes more prominent from the golden shadow brushed on the inner corner of his eyes. His skin looked flawless, his lips looked soft and plump.

He turns to Aerith in disbelief, "This is me?"

"Yes," She giggles, "You're already pretty, I just brought out your features"

He glances over at the clock, it's nearly time for the show. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.

Tifa notices his nervousness and places a hand on his shoulder, "You'll do great. We'll be cheering you on." She smiles ever so gently towards him.

"Who's this new band you're talking about?" Zack asks, following Jessie into the bar.

"You'll see. I'm sure you'll love them. Tifa said they're really good" She explains as she guides him through the dense crowd of people.

Zack hums. Tifa didn't allow many people to perform at her bar, so given that she reached out to this band, they were probably really good.

They reach a table near the front of the stage. Zack glances around. There's a lot of people here. He's never seen it so packed. It's even more packed than the time he came to perform with the band. There are even reporters here. So, whoever was playing, they had many people anticipating the performance. If only Cloud could be here to see it. He tried getting him to come, but apparently, he had to go across town for some supplies for the shop. Zack wasn't going to go since Cloud couldn't make it, but Cloud told him to go. Told him to record the performance so he could show him later at home.

The various conversations from the crowd buzz in Zack's head. So many conversations happening at once, he can't tell what anyone is talking about.

"I'm gonna go get some drinks," Jessie mentions.

Zack nods as she leaves, disappearing into the crowd.

Suddenly the lights dim, the spotlight shines onto the stage. Tifa's standing in the light, mic in hand.

"Wow, a lot of people showed up tonight. Now tonight is a special performance, as most of you probably already know. It's his first time performing to the public, so I hope you'd all give him lots of love. He's a little shy so I'll introduce the song he's singing tonight. Now the song he's singing is very special. He's been working on it for nearly a year and is dedicated for a special someone." She smirks. She looks glances behind herself then moves her attention back to the crowd, "Looks like he's ready. Please enjoy the show everyone"

She exits the stage, and the lights dim once again. The shadow of a person can be seen walking on the stage, positioning himself in front of the mic. There's a guitar player who sits on the stool behind him. Looks like it's going to be an acoustic performance. Always a nice change of pace, Zack thinks.

The lights brighten a bit as the music (insert link to one ok rock song here) starts, but it's still difficult to see the vocalists face.

The lights don't showcase the vocalist until he starts singing. It's at that moment where Zack's heart stops. He stares in awe at the man singing on stage, his mouth hanging open, taking in every single feature. His slim legs, the little peek of his chest, the earring that hung off his ears, his flawless skin, his pink lips, his beautiful blue eyes, the spikey blonde hair Zack has loved since he first saw it.

"…Cloud?" Zack says to himself.

Cloud sways his hips on stage, immersing himself into the song as he gazes at Zack and only Zack. There's so much passion written on his face, his blue eyes reflecting with love.

Zack at first is so taken aback by the sight of Cloud and the way he's just singing to him that he doesn't notice the lyrics for a second. When he does catch them, tears well up in the corner of his eyes.

Another song for you about your love

'Cause you love me that's full of faults

I wish you could see it from this view

'Cause everything around you is a little brighter from your love

Not only did Cloud dedicate this performance to him, he wrote this song specifically with him in mind.

As he sings, Cloud begins to walk off the front of the stage, the spotlight following his every movement. He approaches Zack, never breaking away from his gaze. Cloud stands in front of Zack, singing with the widest smile he hasn't seen since their first date. Cloud takes hold of Zack's hand, bringing it up to his face, closing his eyes, basking in the warmth of Zack's hand on his porcelain skin.

Zack swings his other hand around Cloud's waist pulling him in closer. He didn't care that everyone's eyes were on them, and neither did Cloud. Cloud had made a decision, and Zack couldn't be any happier that his decision involved telling everyone about them.

Cloud pushes their foreheads together as he reaches the end of the song. Zack just closes his eyes and absorbs every single lyric, his heart swelling from all the love Cloud is giving him.

The song reaches the end and Cloud presses forward, kissing Zack. Zack gently grabs the back of Cloud's head, running his fingers through the blonde hair.

He pulls away and whispers something only Cloud can here, "God I love you so much".

Cloud blushes and pulls away, averting his attention to the crowd who's watching every intimate moment happening between him and Zack right now.

Cloud brings the mic back to his mouth, "I hope you all enjoyed the performance. If you haven't noticed, this is a song that I wrote specifically for my boyfriend Zack. Some of you may know him already as he is the vocalist for Crisis Core… Anyway, I just want to thank you all for coming to see me…and listen to me perform…" he blushes. It's so nerve wracking talking in front of so many people.

There were some 'awes' from the crowd. Suddenly everyone applauds him. He can hear some encouragements coming from the crowd.

After things die down a bit, some of the reporters approach Cloud, asking to interview both him and Zack. The two of them agree to it and they answer all the questions, most of it being about how they met and how long they've been dating.

Zack and Cloud arrive home after the long night. Cloud sighs and slumps on the couch, beginning to remove his stage clothes. However, Zack stops him.

"Hold on, don't take them off yet"

Cloud glances at him confused, "Why? We're home already and I want to get comfortable"

Zack hums and climbs over him, "Well, let me do it." He leans down placing a kiss on the part of Cloud's chest that's exposed. He sucks against it wnough to leave a faint mark.

"Z—Zack…" Cloud gazes at him as he wraps his arms around Zack.

Zack lifts Cloud's leg and positions him higher on the couch. He peels of Cloud's blazer as he kisses along his jawline.

"Can't believe you did all this for me…" he pulls back, taking in the sight of Cloud, his torso completely exposed, "And you look so good right now. Seriously, the makeup…the outfit. Can't believe my boyfriend is this attractive"

Cloud blushes, "I'm glad you like it…"

Zack chuckles, "I'd love whatever you'd do for me"

He continues to place kisses along Cloud's body, moving lower until he reaches the hem of his satin pants, "You mind if I take these off?" he asks, slipping his finger in between the bands.

Cloud nods as he watches Zack.

Zack wastes no time in removing them, placing kisses along his inner thigh.

Cloud shivers at the gentle touch, his cock begins to swell underneath his boxers, "Zack…you too…" he tugs at Zack's shirt.

"Alright, alright" Zack leans back and quickly removes his shirt tossing it to the side.

Zack's about to go back to kissing Cloud's thighs, but stops when he feels Cloud's hands on his shoulder. He looks up, "What's wrong?"

Even through the foundation, Zack can see the blush rising on Cloud's cheeks, "You don't have to all the work…"

Zack tilts his head, "What do you mean?"

Cloud pushes him back, "S—Stay there…just watch for now…" he timidly spoke.

Zack eyes widen at the sight before him. Was Cloud really about to masturbate in front of him? Zack gazes in anticipation.

Cloud does his best to keep his eyes on Zack's as he reaches for the bottle of lube on the table next to the couch. He pops the bottle open and pours some into his hand and moves his hand down to his cock, slowly stroking it. He bites his bottom lip as he applies more pressure, pumping a bit faster.

A shallow gasp escapes him. He feels more aroused knowing Zack's watching him so closely. His eyes flutter as his face grows pink. Lust shimmers in his blue eyes as he gazes at Zack.

Zack's breath hitches as his face grows hot. He swallows the lump in his throat, finding himself growing hard as he watches Cloud stretch his entrance, translucent fluid beginning to drip out the tip.

Zack inches forward as Cloud starts to whimper. He brushes against Cloud's inner thigh, "Can I?" He asks, his voice hoarse. He couldn't sit and watch any longer.

"I—I'm almost ready…" Cloud stutters out.

Zack looks at him knowingly, "You know, you don't have to do everything. I like helping you out…I like feeling you come undone by my own hands".

Cloud blushes, "I…I just want…I just wanted to try this…"

Zack's eyes widen, "Really?" He leans in closer and places a kiss on Cloud's cheek, "Is there anything else you wanna try?"

"N—Not right now, but…I don't think I can keep this up any longer" He gazes at Zack eagerly, biting his lower lip.

Zack chuckles, "Alright, alright" He lays Cloud back lower and hover over him, "Just sit back and relax". He replaces Cloud's fingers with his own, probing Cloud on the inside. Zack pushes his fingers deeper, brushing against Cloud's prostate.

"Mm" Cloud moans out. He wraps his arm around Zack's neck and kisses his neck, moving down to place light nibbles on the dip of his shoulder.

Zack pushes Cloud further down onto the couch. He removes his fingers from Cloud and grabs him by his legs, pulling him closer to him. Zack removes his swollen member and positions it against Cloud's tight entrance.

Zack only pushes the tip in, teasing Cloud.

A faint whimper is heard from Cloud.

Zack smirks, "Tell me, what do you want?"

Cloud moves himself, trying to get Zack deeper in him, "You know what I want. Just give it to me…"

Zack eyes him, "Do I? I won't know for sure if you don't tell me"

Cloud lets out a quiet "tch" before grabbing the back of Zack's head and pulls him in for a hard kiss, "J—Just fuck me already"

Fulfilling Cloud's wishes, Zack thrusts the rest of his length into Cloud, causing the blonde to throw his head back, his eyes widening from the sudden stretch.

Zack continues to relentlessly thrust into Cloud, barely giving him time to breath. Cloud's make up begins to smudge as his moans grow louder with every thrust.

"Z—Zack! Yes, just like that" he moans as his legs begin to shake.

His mind is filled with Zack, and only Zack; he wouldn't ask for it any other way.

Zack leans down to place a wet kiss on Cloud's stained lips, their tongues curing into each other's as though they were starved.

Zack pulls away and nibbles at Cloud's neck as his rhythm becomes more erratic. He's getting close.

Cloud knows this. He wraps his legs tighter around Zack, pulling him in.

Zack thrusts into him a few more times before he buries himself as deep into Cloud as he can and releases, filling Cloud.

Cloud comes at the same time, his body trembling as his orgasm peaks.

After finishing, Zack falls on top of him, wrapping his arms around him and flipping them over so that Cloud is resting on top of him.

Zack gazes at Cloud and kisses the tip of his nose, "You wanna washup now?" he asks.

Cloud hums, "Yes please, I bet my face is a mess right now"

Zack chuckles, "It isn't that bad"

"But it's still bad"

"You said it, not me" Zack teases.

The two of them wash up together. Cloud walks out of the bathroom, still in the process of drying his hair. Zack's already sitting on the bed.

Cloud sits next him, laying his head on Zack's lap and closes his eyes. Everything that happened a year ago quickly flashes through his mind. The good memories and even the bad ones. Despite it all, it's always been Zack. He's always been there for him, always supporting him, always showering him with affection, always assuring him that everything would be alright.

A genuine smile lifts on his face as he opens his eyes to meet Zack's, "I love you" he says quietly, but just loud enough that Zack could hear.

Zack grins and kisses his forehead, "I love you too Cloudy"

Cloud lifts his head from Zack's lap and scoots himself closer into his boyfriend's space. He nuzzles his head into Zack's neck, "Zack?"

"Hm?" Zack loves it when Cloud nuzzles into him like this.

"Do you think we can write a song…together? I've been thinking about it for a while and I really want to write one with you…" he blushes.

Zack beams, "Of course! I'd love that!" Unable to hide his excitement, he asks, "What should we write about?"

Cloud chuckles, "I don't know, but as long as I write it with you, I'm sure it'll be wonderful"