All In a Day's Work
A FFVII Remake Fanfiction Ship
By ChocoWriter
FFVII Remake Copyright Square-Enix
Cloud glared up at the Shinra corp. monitor, as sector seven began to fall. A Shinra representative was staring while haughtily discussing how they were pretty much…doomed. This representative seemed to have an icy grip on Aerith, controlling her lively spirit with a few chilling words. Aerith, who had kept Cloud in control when Sephiroth showed up. Aerith who had smiled at him instead of running away. Aerith, who had become his…friend.
I…I can't lose… NOT AERITH! Cloud internalized.
Suddenly, the screen shut off. Attempting to contain his anger and grief, Cloud barreled toward Tifa. Quickly Tifa, Barrett and himself narrowly avoided death as the plate collapsed, soaring away on an adapted zipline.
With their home destroyed, the trio reached a new decision and mission- to save Aerith. While sneaking into Shinra tower and fighting off solider after soldier, Cloud only had one thought in his head.
I MUST save Aerith. At ALL costs.
Tifa's strength, intelligence and skills helped the trio gain access to the building via a series of iridescent emerald key cards. Once Tifa was safely out of the caged-in desk and on the floor with Barrett, Cloud slipped his key card was safely into his pocket. With Aerith on his mind, Cloud bolted upstairs, without so much of a grunt to Barrett and Tifa.
"Cloud! Wait! What are you-?"Tifa shouted.
"Get back here, merc!" Barrett growled.
During the brief transmission from the Shinra rep before the plate fell, Cloud managed to find coordinates and location of the broadcast.
They've got to be holding her on the same floor. Even if not, I can blackmail that representative into telling where she is. He seemed to be all bark, but no bite…maybe he's a Turk as well…Anyway, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that Aerith is safe and that I find her. Quickly.
Cloud rushed until he finally found the floor- B3- General Affairs Auditing. This card had better work…but I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't. Shinra is more uptight about its security than AVALANCHE is with Barett's cell.
Cloud groped for his sword with his right hand, swiping his card with his left. Astonishingly, the light indicator glowed green, and the doors opened- to a waiting room. Plush black leather chairs and sofas sat unoccupied, lining the perimeter of the room.
Good. Less work to do. Cloud noted, and padded his way past the room, down a long hallway that ended with two large intimidating metal doors. However, there was no place to swipe his key card. Cloud sighed, gaining his composure, and flew at the doors with his Buster sword- with all his strength- only to fall right into the other room. The doors had opened on their own.
Not a great sign. Cloud thought, trying to shake off stars. He slowly stood up.
"Oh, it's you, from earlier. Looks like the AVALANCHE scum can bounce back." An icy, smooth voice remarked. Cloud turned to face it, drawing out his sword, but the owner was gone.
"Too slow."
Cloud felt a soft brush of hair near his ear. Yelling, he swung his sword in a nasty backslash that would have left the receiver in the hospital for days. However, his blade only pieced the air. Growling, Cloud charged straight ahead, only to be kicked from behind, taking the breath from him. Stumbling to his knees, Cloud gasped, trying to get up- to attack his invisible opponent. But an icy grip formed over various points of his head and neck, causing black to form around his vision. His sword was swiftly knocked away, and he kneeled forward from the weight of his attacker.
Definitely not good. Cloud thought. He fought hard against the grip, to no avail, quiet chuckles drifting down. Cloud struggled to keep his eyes open.
"There's no use struggling, Mr. Strife. We'll talk. Soon." And with that, Cloud lost consciousness.
Tseng looked down at his sudden attacker. After the interaction at the plate, Tseng had been eager to place his finger on the blond-haired fighter. He was all too familiar. And who could forget a face like that? Flipping through files, Tseng had realized that it was Cloud Strife, the same SOLDIER who was wanted, dead or alive way back when. Luckily for Strife, Hojo moved on to bigger, 'more interesting' things, and the case- and search- was dropped.
What to do now? Tseng thought.
There is no way Hojo can find out about this. Tseng shuddered at his memories of Hojo's infamous lab. The struggling test subjects, their horrific forms. Hojo probably thinks he's dead anyway, so at least there's that. I'll keep him out of Shinra's eye, but I still have a job to do. Aerith is secured, but Shinra's security is still in question…
Tseng brushed his hands over Cloud's (admittedly) attractive form, with seemingly several hundred cuts and bruises obscuring what could be porcelain skin. He took in the long, adorable eyelashes that fluttered every now and again. Cloud's charm surprised Tseng, compelling him to want to help his enemy.
With some convincing, I can dig up more information on AVALANCHE, get more work hours in and, maybe, a quick distraction…. Tseng thought, humming in satisfaction at his favorable plan. He lifted Cloud up, kicking the massive sword behind his desk (it would make a great relic in his personal collection) and made his way to the executive men's bathroom. (Yes, it contained a bath. It was really just Rufus's, but a few flirtatious meetings with Rufus granted Tseng keys to the grand bathroom). Purring, Tseng began the bath water and began unfastening Cloud's leather belt.
A nice distraction indeed.
…
Cloud woke up surprisingly refreshed. But only able to move his eyes and eyelids. He could still feel his limbs- clothed in some sort of silk, touching a firm, cold bed… or table? Cloud looked around to find that he was in some sort of lounge. The soft orange lights and pleasant obsidian walls seemed to confirm his guess. Incense smelling of tea tree perfumed the room, lulling Cloud into a calmer state. Intricate silver mandalas adorned the ceiling, mesmerizing, and dazzling. Despite all the soothing elements, Cloud's SOLDIER instincts kept him wary and constantly fighting to move his limbs. Cloud failed to notice Tseng on a plush leather couch nearby, serenely sipping his favorite chamomile tea. Noticing the flutter of long eyelashes, Tseng rested his cup on a dark oak table.
"You're awake, yes?"
"What have you done to me?" Cloud growled, finding he could move his mouth as well.
Thank goodness. Cloud thought.
"Patched you up. Let you rest. Consider me a friend." Tseng hummed, moving closer to Cloud.
"Why can't I move?" Cloud said, some semblance of panic settling into his voice. He could only hear the voice from earlier, which unsettled him.
"I didn't want you injuring yourself further. A fine blend of medication and my extensive knowledge of the human body will let you rest for a while longer. I trust that you can still…feel?" Tseng brushed his fingertips over Cloud's neck, testing his theory.
Finally, Cloud was able to see his captor. It was the man from the transmission, but up close, he seemed quite different. Almond shaped cat-like eyes with dark espresso irises met Cloud's. Long, sooty lashes made the man's eyes pop attractively, bringing out the color of his silky, jet-black hair. The same soft hair that tickled Cloud's arm, causing him to shiver. Nothing seemed out of place- from the man's earrings to his crisp black suit. Under the gaze of such a magnificent figure, Cloud struggled to maintain eye contact.
Noticing the slight blush forming in the blond's cheeks, it seemed to Tseng that he formed a safe bet that Cloud's sensory system was online.
"What are you planning to do to me?" Cloud said, gritting his teeth.
"Help ease the burden- the stress- you put on your body." Tseng purred.
What I really plan to do is coax Cloud into a state of vulnerability, to tease out AVALANCHE's plans. But considering that he's a supercharged SOLIDER…this could take a while. Tseng sighed.
All in a day's work.
"I NEVER let my guard down. Got that-"Cloud barked out, and with that Tseng began, massaging Cloud's hand. Rubbing tiny circles of warm, peppermint-scented oil, Tseng began to lecture.
"It seems that your Materia overuse has taken a toll on your body. In addition to the immense strain your put on your form, you also weaken its ability to heal. Luckily for you, I know how to get your blood flowing so that you can heal quickly. Many natural remedies can do just as much heavy lifting as Materia can. Sadly, not many people know this." Tseng said, moving to Cloud's wrist and forearm, sliding his long, capable hands back and forth over the tendons and major muscles. Cloud stayed quiet, refusing to engage with the enemy. Yet, this was more effective than Madam M's massage. He hadn't realized the strain he had put on his forearms alone until Tseng was releasing it, coaxing it out with his nimble fingers. Tseng slid up to Cloud's upper arm, taking some pleasure in rubbing his hands up and down the built muscles.
"Just like the planet's energy can be manipulated, so can the human body's energy. Those who bother to learn the ways of the planet can also learn the ways of life. I was taught that when I lived in Wutai." He sighed fondly. Regardless of his Turk operations there, Tseng had learned much from the captive natives.
"These days, it's much easier- and cheaper- to use Materia. No one listens to their bodies anymore. And consequently, tension" Tseng kneaded Cloud's shoulders, "builds up".
With that, Cloud let out the slightest, quietest sigh of pleasure. Which he had released subconsciously. Tseng locked his dark chocolate eyes with Cloud's who slightly flushed. Attempting to glare back.
"It feels good, doesn't it?" Tseng said, briefly sliding his fingers up and down Cloud's upper spinal cord, sending a shudder through his body.
"Whatever you're trying to do won't work." Cloud grunted, but with less of a bite to his words.
Your reaction begs to differ. Tseng thought with satisfaction.
"I'm not trying anything other than to help. Now just relax and unwind. You can call me Tseng, by the way. Think of me as your ally." Tseng continued with a soft, deep voice.
Cloud was struggling to keep his eyes open and glaring. He only let himself relax when he slept and being allowed to do so sent shivers through his sore body. Tseng grinned in pleasure at that. He moved to Cloud's other arm, noticing a twitch in Cloud's hand.
I must have calibrated the dosage wrong. He's gaining back control faster than I anticipated. Tseng grimaced.
He talked, trying to distract Cloud as he took out a box containing a syringe with paralysis-inducing chemicals.
"My time in Wutai also helped me to learn of the vast array of medicinal herbs that naturally heal the body. They can do just as much heavy lifting as Materia can, with more nourishment to the body. Something you should consider, Cloud. "Tseng rambled, rapidly stabbing the syringe into Cloud's deltoid.
"What was that? "Cloud grunted.
"Just a little something to ease your muscles. No poison, I promise." Tseng assured, putting the syringe in the box, and moving back to the arm he had massaged. Cloud growled as he felt what little control he had over his body cease once more.
"What. Did. You. Put in me." Cloud sputtered.
Tseng ignored the question, moving to Cloud's pecs, trying not to let his cheeks flush over Cloud's built chest, fingering his abs.
"Impressive." Tseng murmured, flirtatiously.
Cloud grunted indignantly. But he felt himself relaxing into Tseng's touch.
My own body is betraying me. Cloud thought, but he felt himself slip into the tranquil mood of the room.
Tseng rapidly picked Cloud up and flipped him over, stripping him of his silk tank-top shamelessly, starting on his shoulder blades. Facing down and (what he thought was) out of Tseng's sight, Cloud's eyelids shuttered closed.
I'm…I'm…tired of fighting. Cloud noted, drained.
How does he know exactly where I hold all the tension of my battles…and how to free it? Cloud thought. This…Tseng…isn't as destructive as a Shinra operative should be. So…what is he?
Tseng noted how Cloud's eyes were closed and how he was more apt to subconsciously sigh at Tseng's touch. Good.
"Touch can be very therapeutic. It seems that it's been too long since you've had any release. "Tseng kneaded Cloud's upper back.
"It's taking longer than normal to coax your muscles to free you from your burdens. "He continued trailing down.
"Tell me, what burdens do you hold on to, dear Cloud?" Tseng whispered sweetly.
His voice caused Cloud's head to spin. Cloud became conflicted as to whether to fight or give in. Noticing the agitated flicker of Cloud's eyelashes, Tseng moved his fingertips along Cloud's spine. Cloud shivered, nearly giving into the stimulation. Turning him over to smooth Cloud's furrowed brow, Tseng lightly shut Cloud's eyelids in one smooth motion.
Tseng continued, moving his fingers in elegant circles over Cloud's forehead, cheeks, and mouth, lingering at his lips longer than he should have. Cloud had never felt his constantly apprehensive face relax, and he finally melted into Tseng's touch, resting his eyes shut.
Tseng flipped him onto his stomach, pausing.
"I will comfort where you need it most only if you answer my simple questions. For example..." Tseng kneaded Cloud's neck, digging gently into the nerves and muscle tissue. Cloud nearly whimpered in pain and pleasure.
"What burdens do you carry, Cloud?" Tseng purred, rubbing more warm, mint-scented oil onto Cloud's back.
"You don't want to know..." Cloud slurred.
"You can tell me…" Tseng whispered
"…"
In response, Tseng huffed and dug particularly deep into a sensitive nerve, invoking grunts of pain from Cloud.
"There are two ways to loosen your muscles. One will result in great pleasure" He ran fingers along Cloud's spine.
"And one in great pain" He jammed his thumb into another sensitive nerve.
"Answer my simple questions, and you will be less sore, and this won't be as hard. Remember, I'm only here to help."
I need…to…stay vigilant. But…Cloud shuddered at Tseng's deep jabs- which seemed to hurt worse than being prodded with a sword.
"I forgot to add- method two may also damage your pain receptors so you will truly only know a world of pain. Consider your options wisely." Tseng stated.
Cloud's eyes flew open at another jab and opened his mouth to find Tseng's soothing touch once more.
"F-fine. My burden is my own cowardice. Happy?" Cloud muttered, sighing at the gentle yet firm strokes down his back.
"Cowardice at what?" Tseng hummed, gently massaging into Cloud's shoulder blades.
"Not…saving those I care for. But I…try to make up for it."
"How?" Tseng asked, massaging Cloud's upper neck, encouraging a moan from Cloud.
"B-by fighting for them."
"Tell me more" Tseng purred, caressing the SOLDIER's jawline. The circular motion Tseng utilized on Cloud's constantly clenched jaw nearly had Cloud purring himself.
"Fighting…for their cause. For saving the planet."
"And how are you fighting?" Tseng moved to Cloud's lower back, which held the most strain from the sword. He worked his fingers into the multiple knots.
I've never felt. This kind of…release. What if Tseng really is my ally? Cloud thought, hypnotized by Tseng's expert touch.
"By protecting them from danger." Tseng rubbed his hands up and down Cloud's lower back, finishing up there.
"And?"
"T-taking down the reactors." Cloud shuddered as Tseng held a pressure point that eased Cloud's body into a deeper state of leisure.
"W-what did you- "Cloud felt his body shuddering, relaxing as if he had put it to sleep.
"Remember Cloud, I am your ally. Here to help. Here to relive you of your burdens." Tseng hummed, moving to Cloud's thighs. Such a tense area helped Tseng coax more answers-and groans of pleasure-from Cloud.
"How is Shinra involved in your efforts?" Tseng asked.
"They.." Cloud hesitated, earning a sharp push right into his vastus muscles.
"They suck the lifeblood from the planet. At that rate, there'll be no 'promised land'. S-so they must…end their action at least." Cloud quickly simplified.
I can't give away AVALANCHE's murderous plot to kill the Shinra family, Cloud thought.
"Is that all?" Tseng asked, beginning to squeeze Cloud's calf muscles.
"And we need Aerith. And that's the end." Cloud added. Tseng finished up massaging Cloud's legs and turned him again to massage his face.
"I can alleviate you of your physical stress- but also your mental troubles. You can talk to me." With his physical tensions eased, Cloud fought to stay awake.
"Sure. M-maybe later. I'm…about to…to" Cloud slurred, then passed out.
"Good. Very good." Tseng grinned, lightly kissing Cloud's cheek. He returned to his couch, sipping his still warm tea, and jotting down all the important information Cloud had given.
I'm glad this tactic worked. It's not every day that you get work done by feeling up a handsome man. Tseng grinned. Stretching like the cat he was, Tseng got up, injecting Cloud with heavy sedatives.
"We'll be sure to talk later, love. But let your body and mind rest now" Tseng purred, as Cloud gave one last shudder and went limp.
…
"Cloud….Cloud…. CLOUD!" A more sinister voice warbled.
"N-no more. I just need- need to" Cloud slurred.
"You need to save to planet. "
"Why?"
"Because it is me. And I… I am your everything. And don't forget...this feeling…" Sephiroth's shadow placed his hand on Cloud's forehead. The pain and throbbing in Cloud's head slowly reached a fever pitch, waking Cloud from his drug induced slumber.
"You need to leave. You need to live." The voice crooned.
It hit Cloud like a bike from the Midgar expressway. Getting taken out. Revealing his secrets. Tseng. He had control of most his body and staggered around, finding his clothes on the couch. He pulled them on. Finding the door locked, he kicked and rammed into it until it was open. He ran into the office, finding his Buster Sword against the wall.
"What the-! " A surprised Tseng looked up from his reports.
How could I have miscalculated the dosage AGAIN? Maybe I really am losing my touch. No matter. Tseng thought, rising into a fighting stance, gun in one hand.
"Open the door. NOW." Cloud growled.
"Or else what? I thought we were friends, Cloud." Tseng asked in his alluring voice, causing Cloud to shudder.
Remember. Aerith. He…he could have hurt Aerith. And that is unforgiveable. But I need a strategy… Cloud noticed that there was a card indicator on this side of the room.
If it were to be blasted, that might be my ticket out of here.
"Try me, Tseng."
Tseng snarled and fired. Cloud dodged or deflected again and again until…
BANG!
The card reader was shot down and the doors jumped open. Cloud sprinted faster than before away from the room, knocking chairs around to obscure Tseng's path. Tseng followed quickly behind, but one of the larger seats was blocking the doorway.
"You think that you can run away, Cloud? I'm only one of three Turks. You will be found. And I won't be so generous with you next time." Tseng spat icily. He swiftly pulled out his phone, calling one of the Turks in question…
"Reno!"
"Wha..whazza.. boss?" Reno slurred, sleepily.
"Get down here NOW. My captive just escaped. Since you lost him last time, it's your turn to redeem yourself."
"But-"
"NO! Do your job and you might receive benefits, especially from Rufus. Go. Capture Cloud Strife- a blonde with spiky hair-"
"Yeah, I know him. On it." A grumpy Reno replied.
You may have gotten away this time, Mr. Strife, but you will be my prisoner soon. And I'll get straight to work… Tseng thought, formulating a plan for their next encounter, calmly picking up the scrambled furniture in his office.
I won't give up yet.
Cloud was too focused on his mission to pay attention to Tseng's threats.
What next, what next, what-He gasped as he saw the form of Sephiroth, pointing upward, just as quickly fading away. Cloud could hear Barrett, Tifa and…Aerith! He raced up the stairs, slowly regaining control of his semi-sore limbs. Catching up to the gang, Cloud smiled more that he should have.
"Cloud! What happened?!" Tifa demanded, only to be interrupted by gunfire. She quickly grasped Aerith's hand protectively, causing them both to blush.
"Long story. I'll tell you later" Cloud yelled.
And hopefully not get kicked in the face for it three times over. Cloud thought warily. As the crew rushed to the Avalanche helicopter, Cloud's memories of Tseng brought a slight blush to his cheeks. He had never been caressed like that by anyone- especially not an appraising, attractive man.
No. NO! Focus on the mission! And with that, Cloud ran from the confusion and new feelings and into the known battleground.
Fin. Thanks for reading! Please tell me if you want any additional chapters.