…oooOOO…CHAPTER TWO…OOOooo
…Five Years Ago, Part 2…

"Are you ready for this?"

Cloud shifts his body to the side when Zack Fair approaches him from behind with a grin on his face. Black damp hair sticks to his pale skin from the sweat he endured just recently. Cloud turns to face him directly while seeming sort of glum. The motivation to show up for training and to be tested with duels isn't fitting to him at the moment. Lately, he's been feeling a bit off. He feels it in his hands, his legs, his arms—his chest. Cloud crosses his wiry arms before lowering his head with his eyes closing softly, his lips departing just a smidgen with frailty in his words, "do you think we are ready?"

Zack throws his arms up in the air exaggeratingly while raising his voice immediately, "come on man! Stop feeling discouraged. You are doing awesome."

Zack shoves his elbow into Cloud's back. His body jerks forward suddenly with the discouragement lingering still. He only met Zack two months ago. Who knew that they would become best friends? Not to mention that his girlfriend is extraordinary and beautiful. When Cloud first met her, the smell of rose evaded his senses unforgivingly. The floral smell of the flower girl always cheers Zack up when he's in his darkest moments of his own discouragement. Whatever makes the hyperactive trainee smile vibrantly and talk with jovialness is sufficient.

Cloud opens his eyes halfway when in deep thought suddenly. He looks up at his good friend before speaking shocking words that causes Zack's excitement to be met with dismay at the same time, "are first-class SOLDIERs going to be present?"

Zack throws his body against the wall in the hallway they stand in as he sighs, his smile diminishing, "I don't know. I doubt it. I was told by Angeal that Sephiroth is absent for the day. We all thought he would be there. When I think about it, I never spoke to him before. I can't wait to meet him."

Cloud doesn't react and his face remains the same as it was seconds ago. Good… He won't have to witness me today…

"Ooh," is all he mumbles before glancing up at the window to get a view of the vital sky outside.

Zack stares at him with bewilderment, sensing that something is off about Cloud somehow. He shuffles on the wall to stand next to Cloud with eyes devoted to him. The two men both lean up against the wall with their backs now with crossed arms. They both lower their heads to stare at the black marble floor to get lost in their reflections.

"Are you okay? Cloud? You've been acting different lately. It's like you lost your innovation or something," Zack doesn't move his head when speaking in a serious tone. Quiet and careful not to attract the ears of other people. Possibly SOLDIERs if they are around them.

"Are you implying that my inspiration to join SOLDIER is depleting?" Cloud is quick to ask a question over his.

They both lift their heads slightly to glance at each other before looking back down at the floor.

"Can I say something without you getting upset?"

Zack… You're a really good friend… You care… Aerith is a lucky woman…

"There's no need. Whatever you are thinking about, you're right. I don't think I am cut out to be SOLDIER," this is shocking to Zack's ears when Cloud speaks nonchalantly in a discreet voice.

"Don't say that. That's not true. It takes dedication and a lot of blood and sweat. You're more than you think," a hand is rested on his shoulder when comforting words are spoken.

As much as he wants to tell him that he's giving him more credit than he deserves, it will only cause him to feel more self-pity towards himself. Their conversation is interrupted when more people start to enter the hallway. They push themselves off the wall when seeing a lot of men and woman walking past them.

"It's almost time," Zack speaks in a hypnotic state while looking at the clock. In his gloved hand, it's revealed that he's clenching his VR keycard.

"Heh. You're thrilled out of your mind right now," Cloud teases as he finally smiles just a smidgen.

"Ooh, yea!"

The sudden upbeat in Zack's voice is an attempt to spark something inside Cloud. They both start heading to the 49th floor in a methodical order behind the other people. Even with the walk being quiet, inside his head, he's wailing—screaming. Wanting. Loathing. His eyes glance at the people around him. They hold so much hatred that he feels himself burning from the inside out.

They all want to be heroes… To be like him… So do I… Or so I thought…

This isn't what he wants anymore. The pursue of wanting to become SOLDIER and to prove himself to Tifa is slowly disappearing. Just seeing how people look nervous, it makes him feel sympathetic almost. Most of them do not have what it takes. So many already left without an honorable humble speech or a pat on the shoulder. Shunned. Disgraced. Humiliated to reveal their self-sulking faces ever again in front of Shinra. As revolting as it sounds, it's pure anguish. Being in a place surrounded by people who are followers. Followers to what seems like an immense fantasy of chaos and humility.

Why do I have these thoughts…? Why do I question myself on what I am trying to pursue…?

Cloud leans his back up against the wall once they reach the 49th floor. A long line of people wait patiently, begging to join him. If only he could let it in and sulk with him. What mortifies him more than anything is the fact that no one can truly fathom the bewildering and obscure thoughts brisking through his head right now. Zack starts twiddling with his hair as the wait for the arrival of the president keeps prolonging. The sight of the three brothers walking past them grabs the attention of numerous people.

Kadaj, Loz, Yazoo… The ones who have the highest chance of succeeding SOLDIER…

People admire them as they walk to the end of the line. The respect they have at least is vast. Cloud was bothered at first by how they never conversed with anyone. Maybe it was high-standards or poverty. It took him a few weeks to realize that they shouldn't have to pretend to socialize and speak to people just because it's what is expected of society. Cloud lowers his head when glancing at the youngest momentarily.

Obligations… The world is full of obligations… Why am I thinking like this…?

"Ooh, look—they even act as if they are too good to even greet anyone."

Cloud raises his left eyebrow slightly when the man beside whispers to his friend. They both look at the famed brothers with infamous backgrounds yet talented.

"It's only proper respect to acknowledge the people that train together. They are a waste of time anyway. Look at them—acting as if they already succeeded SOLDIER. I hope we are matched so I can wipe their smug faces on the ground."

Cloud closes his eyes without effort, getting lost in his own thoughts again. It happens suddenly. The harsh beating of his heart pounding against his chest so vigorously. The pain is quite welcoming. Inviting him to follow it when it disappears. Perhaps to a place where the expectance isn't required or taught about. The voices finally come to an end when the arrival of President Shinra fills the hallway with his supremacy and seriousness. Everyone straightens up with flabbergasting gasps coming out of their mouth when seeing a shocking appearance behind the President. Zack about stumbles forward from overwhelming shock when noticing the person himself.

"Cloud!" he starts excitingly but keeps his voice muffled through his gloved hand to avoid being heard, "that's Angeal Hewely. A famous first-class SOLDIER."

Cloud observes the SOLDIER named Angeal as the President and him walk past them. The SOLDIER reminds him of Zack. Probably because of the hair. People gasp and whisper. Mainly because the SOLDIER carries no weapon. It's now making sense to him that becoming SOLDIER or admiring the idea of becoming SOLDIER is starting to feel overrated. Angeal and the President stand beside each other with Angeal greeting everyone with a warm kindhearted smile.

"Good morning. Are you guys prepared for your first test? I hope so. Only twenty of you will walk out to the second part of the test after today," people start looking at the SOLDIER like they just witnessed a miracle happening over the gates of hell connected to the gates of flying fat cats. Cloud is quiet and makes no reaction to his words or his appearance. He couldn't feel the same for Zack who has the biggest smile on his face. If he kept smiling any longer, the blondie was sure it would be indefinite.

"Angeal will be joining us today. The instructions are simple. You will be drawn randomly. You will not know who you will be competing with you until you enter the training room. Until you are picked, you all must wait inside the conference room. You will be split up into two groups of twenty and report to the separate rooms in the conference hall. Wait until your name is called over the speaker to exit the conference room. When I call your name, enter the conference room and head into the red room," everyone gives their full attention to the President when he starts calling names.

Cloud remains quiet when Zack crosses his fingers with he hopes that they get put in the same group. The two friends wait patiently until it happens. "Zack Fair."

Cloud looks up at him in shock, smirking when he starts approaching the door leading to the conference room. Amusement sets in since he walks slower than usual since the anticipation proves to be too much.

Please put me with him…

Cloud hopes so. The waiting is getting longer the more the names are called. Zack is already long gone when the President lowers the paper in his hand. With only one name left, the wait is torture. He couldn't help but to glance at the three brothers since they are likely going to be in the same group. It makes Cloud wonder if favoritism is a problem between the inferiors and the superiors.

"Cloud Strife," and just like that, not caring if it's obvious the teams were split between the weak and the strong, he's glad to be on Zack's team.

President Shinra… You are on my shit list… You know very well that you practically strung out the weaklings… Are we that weak to you…?

The exhilaration in Zack's face when Cloud walks inside the red room when entering the conference area will always be memoizable. "That's my dude!" he proclaims with proudness.

Unfortunately, everyone else doesn't share the same excitement since they all see it too. All but Zack. Cloud is quiet and quite frankly, he's fucking pissed. The exasperation flows through him like a wildfire. It only took Zack a few minutes to collect himself when realizing that there's a reason as to why no one is thrilled. Cloud pulls out a chair and sits down with an emotionless expression. A few minutes go by when Zack joins him. The guy tries so hard to be optimistic. What makes Cloud smile while letting out a low chuckle is how Zack is always thinking on the bright side.

"At least you got to meet Angeal. He was so cool. If I make it into SOLDIER, I want him to be my mentor. Yah know?"

"The world doesn't deserve you," his reply is full of remorse and happiness at the same time.

They both sit quietly when hearing the speaker on the ceiling coming to life.

And so it begins…

…oooOOOooo…

The night is dark. Dark as the vivid blue sky on a muggy overcast day. Dark as it seems, it doesn't stop Cloud from emerging from the shadows while holding so much sorrow and agonizing torment in those glimmering blue eyes of his. The limp in his leg gets more severe with each step. His body is hunched over with his bloodied hand clenching his shoulder. His left arms dangles beside him as if he doesn't have any more strength to keep it moving normally. Those eyes that hold so much pain and misery can just burst into neverending tears of pure humiliation and malice. With him being in the weak state he's in, his body just gives up on him. People walk past him when he crashes to the ground beside a cement barrier separating a house and a store. There's so much happening right now that he feels the need to step off the edge of the world and just run to his demise instead of waiting for it. His breathing is heavy, his ribs feel broken.

I am broken…

Cloud angrily pulls out his phone while wincing in excruciating pain. Whenever he moves his left arm, he feels like someone is jabbing his elbow with a corkscrew. It feels broken just like everything else in his body. He dials a number with the wind picking up speed. His hair blows with it, moving away from his face—revealing the bruises and cuts on his cheeks, his busted lip and his blooded nose. He puts the phone up against his ear while breathing quickly, his nostrils flaring out from the immense indignation he received.

Fraudulent bastards… Cheaters… Fuck them…

"Hello? Cloud? Where are you? I've been waiting for an hour now. Where are—"

Cloud cuts off the person on the other side of the line when he speaks in a quiet voice, becoming angrier the more he thinks about the humiliation when feeling nothing but melancholy now, "can you carry me home?"

The person on the other side of the line doesn't speak momentarily. Either from shock or simply from confusion. It's not until seconds go by when the person speaks in a calm but worried manner, "what happened? Why are you calling and asking me to do that?"

Cloud closes his eyes in order to keep calm before erupting, "I need you to carry me home," he calmly speaks, his voice showing signs of cracking almost.

"What are you doing right now? Why didn't you call me? Why are you asking me to—" Cloud cuts him off again, this time, expressing uncontrollable anger towards the person who is finally revealed when he speaks his name.

"Sephiroth! I cannot walk any longer. Please come carry me home, Do something. I'm already snapped. Just carry me home."

There's silence between them before the sounds of Sephiroth scuffling around on the phone is heard. Cloud breathes in and out but he about falls over from the pain just by taking in a deep breath. The phone drops from his hand from it quivering without control. All he could do was slowly lean up against the cement barrier in pain. A twinging pain shoots to his head from his arm when he carefully rests his dislocated left shoulder against the cement.

"I'm a few minutes away from Seventh Heaven," he speaks weakly, not even attempting to pick the phone up.

Minutes go by while he attempts to relocate his shoulder in the proper place. It's so painful that he can't even bear the thought of not being medicated to do so.

I'm so fucking pathetic… Begging… Whining… Acting like a child… I'm not a man… I'm a faggot who can't tolerate pain… I'm a little bitch…

The pessimistic thoughts make him realize that his self-pity is going to be the one thing that will linger wherever he goes. With the pain being severe, rage fuels him when he slams his shoulder against the cement barrier. The night is filled with his wailing cries that lasts for about three seconds. His upper body feels like it's being lit on fire over fire. If he keeps going on any longer, he's eventually going to knock himself out since he's only causing himself more discomfort. The option seemed inevitable until he hears footsteps approaching him. His head lowers enough to see leather boots and long silver hair following the strong chilling breeze.

"What the fuck happened to you?"

Cloud looks up and locks his eyes on Sephiroth who stands feet away from him, observing the miserable state he's in. The amount of strength it took to put on a faint smirk that soon disappears off Cloud's face took a lot of wasted effort.

"If I could walk I would. Just help me up," his grumbling doesn't seem to be recognized for the moment.

There's nothing in the world that will make Cloud comprehend why a first-class SOLDIER such as Sephiroth is in his life. The warmth that seeps through his body when strong arms lift him off the ground was relieving. The effort and strength was indeed—effortless. Cloud slithers his arm through silky strands of silver hair to get a good hold around his neck. The addiction started weeks ago. That comforting hold Sephiroth displays is a hold that Cloud doesn't want to forget. Ever. He rests his head against his chest when Sephiroth begins to walk. The pain is agonizing with every step the SOLDIER takes. There's no embarrassment since Cloud would've never made it back home without passing out in the middle of night. The feeling of security is immense. To the point that Cloud is straightforward. They are both always straightforward with each other.

"You won't tell anyone about this—right?" he asks with seriousness.

His electric blue eyes become dazzling when looking up at Sephiroth's face that's so refined and perfect. His chiseled face and how flawless it glows under the dim streetlights makes him want to glorify the sexy motherfucker. Cloud starts to daze off at him when thinking about how beautiful and gorgeous he is. Even up close. The one thing he sees in front of his eyes is what women yearn for. Yet here he is, being carried by the hero who is somehow devoted to a young and small fucker such as himself.

"Don't stare too long. You will make me blush," that deep resonating voice makes Cloud groan suddenly. The hot tingling sensation of intense bliss furies through his veins.

I could listen to you talk and sing for eternity… Your voice is desirable and seductive even when you are casually talking… oh, GAWD…

"I didn't think you would do it," Cloud begins to speak in a low voice with hints of shock to his words, "yah know? Carry me."

The edges of Sephiroth's lips curve up into a confident grin with his green eyes putting Cloud under an intoxicating spell. "I will do many things for you," Sephiroth admits, his eyes gleaming whenever they come across the dim lights to an old and small apartment building.

It's not huge. It looks more like a small motel than anything. Cloud doesn't say a word when they enter in his home. The apartment isn't spectacular but it's perfect for him. It's small, cheap and serves him a roof over his head. The shock in Sephiroth's eyes when Cloud pulls off his clothes from his upper body is genuine. Huge bruises are vibrantly visible under the fluorescent light in the kitchen hanging over the small wooden round table they sit at. Painful silent groans slip through Cloud's departed lips when Sephiroth gingerly places his fingertips over a giant bruise that covers half of his back.

"What happened?" he asks finally with his eyes observing the condition of Cloud's body.

The shame in his eyes when he lowers his head grows since what he will hear may make the SOLDIER have second thoughts.

"Why do you waste your time with me?"

There's silence followed by his question. The silence proved to be too much for Cloud. There's nothing spoken from them both when he rises from his chair and limps into the living room to lay down on the couch. His body feels like it was his by a truck. After taking a beating, trying to fall asleep is impossible. Sephiroth walks around the couch when he finally realizes what is happening. Cloud avoids eye contact with him. In fact, he can't bear the thought of looking at his face when he opens his mouth. The embarrassment is intense and the fear of being abandoned because of being pathetic is likely to happen.

"You did not pass."

Don't…

"I don't want to talk about it," Cloud mutters immediately, still refusing to look up at those alluring eyes full of wonder.

For once, he would love for Sephiroth to yell at him. Be mean back to him. Be more belligerent and heartless. Nothing he could do could make the man lash out on him. Cloud doesn't move when hearing him moving to his knees to reach his level. The soft touch of his hand being placed over his chest is sort of—inviting. So many questions race through the teenager's head when his eyes stare hypnotically up at his ceiling. The ceiling is in poor condition. Peeling and full of water damage and stains. No matter how much he thinks about why the SOLDIER sticks with him, he will never find joy until he discovers why.

"Why do you bother with me?" Cloud asks suddenly, sounding a bit irked in a way.

"I didn't know you needed an explanation," he moves his eyes away from the ceiling and to the back of the couch.

"I'm basically a twig compared to you. I failed. That means I am weak and pathetic. This isn't self-pity, it's the truth. Or maybe I do feel pity in myself. I mean, just look at me. I can't even walk. Fuck Shinra. Moving to Midgar was a mistake."

Sephiroth doesn't move an inch or react to his words. Instead, he sits on the floor now as his hand slides off Cloud's chest. There's so much going through the blondie's head right now that he wonders if Sephiroth can put two and two together.

"You want to leave Midgar. Don't you?"

Yes…

Cloud turns on his side for his back to face the man he is fucking. The pain was excruciating but he bites down on his tongue to prevent the wincing from escaping his mouth. His eyes close softly with his lips quivering as they start to move, "you wouldn't understand. It's a constant battle in my head because of the way I've been thinking lately. You're a SOLDIER. I am just a man who was pursuing a fantasy. We should have never chatted on that website."

There's nothing left for him to say. Cloud feels so vulnerable now that if he were to break, it would have to be at his lowest point. He can't feel that vulnerable then. Everything is quiet until his eyes open from the harsh sound of Sephiroth moving around shit in his living room. His body jerks forward into the couch from something hitting it with force. Sharp pains spread throughout his body when he moves onto his back only to see his other couch pressed up against the one he is on. The arms of both couches and the backs of them form a rectangular enclosed space. Astonishment floods his eyes when Sephiroth throws himself onto the bed made of pressed up couches.

"What are you doing?" Cloud asks confusingly.

Sephiroth doesn't speak a word since he's too busy getting nice and snugged into the cushions. His body alone takes up both couches almost. Cloud turns back onto his side when their eyes meet momentarily. When he finally speaks, they close instantly in regret when coming to the realization that Sephiroth is a fucking sweetheart imprisoned in a tall body.

"You're in pain. I don't want you to feel more pain by moving you to the bedroom where I was going to sleep. I don't want to sleep alone."

Cloud closes his eyes halfway while fighting the urge to not give in. As usual, witnessing the silly side of Sephiroth, it's impossible to not react to such tenderness.

"You're like an armored teddy bear," he jokes and chuckles quietly only for pain to cause him to stop. Whenever he tries to ignore it, it starts building up in his chest.

The sudden feeling of an arm sliding underneath his side and feeling another moving over his stomach makes his body shake. Chills travel down his spine when feeling the warm and smooth skin of Sephiroth's body pressing up against his. The feeling of legs moving into the back of his with his bulge pushing against his lower back makes him feel completely loose. Somehow, the warmth emitting from his body eases the pain that Cloud is cursed with.

"You're like a pebble in my grasp," those deep words slither over Cloud's neck with hot breath making goosebumps form on his skin.

Cloud closes his eyes and feels completely in his comfort zone when feeling his head press up against his. The light touch of his lips brushing against his earlobe makes his heart explode inside his chest. This is a feeling he never wants to forget about. If it tries to leave him, he will pursue it till it's his forever and ever. Sephiroth gives him no choice but to move his head towards him when he grabs his face with his hand. Cloud about burst into tears when their noses rub into each other. The cool feeling of wetness stroking his bottom lip makes him groan from pain. The dried blood is picked up by Sephiroth's tongue that soon moves over his busted nose. Seeing how his secret boyfriend taste his own blood makes his mind go berserk. Their lips start touching, brushing against each other to feel their own succulence.

I can taste my blood… What you do is hot… It makes me feel hot… And sinful…

"You taste good when you hurt. Your blood is sweet. I want to taste more of you," those shocking words cause Cloud to forget about their difference for a moment when he gently presses his lips against his fully, closing their gap.

They finally kiss passionately without it progressing in a sexual direction. The pain of his lip feeling like it's ripping apart is ignored with the slight touch of happiness falling over his body. They both eventually cover up with a blanket and hold each other. Sephiroth treats Cloud as if he is a cute fluffy kitten that he must protect. Cloud will always cherish his adoration.

…oooOOOooo…

Weeks go by ever since Cloud walked out of Shinra. It wasn't until three weeks ago that he learned from Zack that he overheard the President speak to Angeal after their test. Zack was more thrilled to hear that Cloud will move forward to the next part of the SOLDIER process. When Cloud told Sephiroth, he was informed that he already knew. That was weeks ago. Still, Cloud knows why he never spoke a word about it to him. Because Sephiroth knows deep down that he doesn't want to continue with SOLDIER or be involved with Shinra.

Cloud walks into his bedroom wearing black jeans that are undone. His hair is damp from being fresh out of the shower. The spikiness is less exaggerated. Strands stick to his steamy skin as he closes the door, grabbing the attention of Sephiroth who is on the verge of passing out. Cloud looks at him with lust and with less astonishment than usual when seeing his amazingly long glowing hair that's enticing just by itself. He doesn't react when watching him shove his face into his pillow since the light from the hallway shines through the room.

"I have to be up at five in the morning. Why are you still up making a ruckus?"

Cloud grins momentarily when walking over to his bed. The aggravation in Sephiroth's voice is more amusing than horrifying. Sometimes, he wonders what he's like when he's genuinely pissed and in the mood to rip a person in half. Cloud laughs it off in his head as he sits down on his bed while running his fingers through his hair. The smell of the bedroom is relaxing. Especially when a fresh shower just hits that right spot. There's nothing like a fresh shower and feeling clean.

"I'm sorry to tell you this, but it's only ten o'clock," he smoothly mutters, implying that his fuckboy is just being crabby.

"I will fight you," Cloud looks down at Sephiroth with a look of fear suddenly, sensing that he's serious, "please don't."

You're a different person when you're tired…

"I've been up since three in the morning. It was a long day. And it's cold as fuck in this room."

Cloud sighs while rolling his eyes, becoming blunt himself too, "then let me come over to your house then. Why suffer here if it's that bad?"

His body moves as Sephiroth shifts his body to look at Cloud. "You know why."

Ooh… Right…

"You'd be ashamed if someone saw you wrapped around a man."

Their moment intensifies when Sephiroth grabs Cloud from behind without warning. His body is pulled back into a tight embrace with his legs dangling over the bed now. Using his boyfriend's chest as a pillow is more than he could ever ask for. Silver strands of hair fall around them both like cotton candy being dropped above them. Even his hair is still wet from his shower two hours ago. Cloud pulls his legs up on the bed and retaliates by purposely pressing his knee up against Sephiroth's pride. What he wasn't expecting to feel was teeth pressing down on his bottom lip rashly. This only causes Sephiroth to grunt in a pinching pain when Cloud jerks his knee into his crotch in reaction. An honest reflex that is.

"If I had to guess, if you had the power to overtake me, you would be the dominant one," Sephiroth teases with a lustful smirk painting his face.

Cloud's face runs red as he turns away from nervousness. His eyes close lightly as he blushes hard with butterflies finding their new home in his stomach.

"I doubt it," he moves away from the man who makes him feel hot and sinful suddenly, "you're obviously the dominant one."

I love this feeling…

His fingertips stoke his bottom lip where teeth indents can be felt. The pain causes him happiness as his plump lips curve up into a malevolent grin. The feeling of hands sliding over his back and around lower stomach makes his eyes light up from enjoyment. The moment they find their way through his jeans, he knew he fucked up by being too loud and waking the lustful demon up.