Disclaimer
FF7 characters don't belong to me… But this fic does, hehehehe. Sequel to 'Second chance'. This contain some yaoi stuff, so be warned. And also mistakes (as I always say, nobody's perfect down there) so please be gentle… but you can e-mail comments to me (Flames will be printed and burned to keep my yaoi couples warm this winter… hehehe) Now that I've say all I wanted to, go get a cup of tea, sit down and enjoy!
Htress
htress@jenovaproject.com
Knocking on heaven's doors
Vincent and Cid had invited all of their friends to a party at their home, in Rocket town. It was the first month after Sephiroth's defeat. By friends, it also mean Cloud and Sephiroth… (go read 'Second chance' and finds out what happened…!). So he and Cloud were going to Rocket Town anyway. The day before departure, we found our little couple cuddled down on the couch. Sephy was holding his lover with a worried look.
- My, my, Cloud! Did he say, you didn't even look at your meal tonight… What do you have?
- Mmmm… I'm kinda tired… You mind if we don't spare today? I think I'm going to sleep.
- Does your ankle still hurt?
- Yeah… wonder on what I stumbled, it's still burning. No more skinny-dipping in the middle of the night for me, I guess.
Sephiroth remembered how much fun they had last night, playing dirty games on the lake shore… Until he chased Cloud, the poor boy stepped on something and sprained his ankle bad, he had to carry him back to the house (where they continued to have fun, though).
- Awwww… Come here.
Cloud closed his blue eyes and leaned against Sephiroth, who started to tap gently his blond-spiky hair. He wanted to say something, but he somehow knew that Cloud wasn't in the mood. He grabbed the remote control and turned on the TV to listen to the news. Few minutes later, Cloud was snoring lightly so Sephiroth carried him to bed. Geez, it's only 6:30. He barely ate today, wonder what he have… Hope he'll be fine by tomorrow. He put the covers over him and left downstairs to get his Masamune.
- I guess I'll be all alone tonight… sigh
He stepped outside and started training.
Later that night (about 2:00 am) Sephiroth woke up as Cloud was trying to slip into his arms, chilling. He heard him whisper that he was cold, and without thinking, he embraced the boy and fell again into sleep. Cloud looked at his lover's sleeping face, tightening his embrace, unable to stop shaking. Eventually, it woke up Sephiroth again ten minutes later, who managed to sat up the boy and flicked on the lamp on the bedside table. He leaned Cloud's head on his shoulder, rubbing his back.
- Cloud, stop shaking. I can't sleep.
- I… I can't… Sephy, I'm cold…
- Why don't you go get yourself another blanket? Sephiroth answered, a little annoyed
Cloud looked up into Sephiroth's green gaze, then leaned back on his shoulder.
- It hurts like hell… I even tried a Cure spell… the blond handed him the green orb he had kept under his pillow.
- Wait here a minute, I'll come back.
Sephiroth came back with a heavy blanket and muffled Cloud into it before disappearing in the bathroom. Cloud laid back on the bed and closed his eyes. So cold… It's freezing me to the bones… Cold sweat was damping his hair, making it stuck on his face. When he felt a warm hand on his forehead, he saw Sephiroth shaking a thermometer.
- Well, believe me, you do have fever to shiver like that. Now open your mouth.
While Sephiroth was bandaging his ankle, he felt Cloud stiffen under the touches and whimper. How can it be that painful? And why the Cure spell didn't work?, the silver haired man thought as he removed the thermometer from Cloud's mouth. He handed the boy some tablets and water. After that, Sephiroth put Cloud in a comfortable position (that means he managed to wrap him up in his blankets) and returned to sleep. Cloud tried to spoon closer to his lover, who grabbed him firmly in his slumber.
******
The next morning, Sephiroth got up early (They have a party to attend to, remember? And he don't want to be the last to arrive…) to prepare breakfast. He was glad when he saw that Cloud was already up and in the bathroom, probably taking his shower. I knew he would be better this morning. He smiled and headed downstairs. Sephiroth started wondering what he could eat when he heard a thud. He always drop something in the shower… How did he survive to SOLDIER? Pretty boy dropping his soap in the showers… hehehehe! He's impossible… (he does have a dirty mind...) He didn't pay attention to it until a faint voice called him.
- Sephy… need you…
He rushed upstairs to find Cloud lying on the floor near the bed, puffing and bathed in sweat. He grabbed him and was about to put him to bed when Cloud started to moan, painfully holding his stomach. Sephiroth turned and carried him into the bathroom just in time. He rubbed Cloud's back, shaken by spasms over the toilet rim, groaning in pain. And then, without warning, Cloud crushed on the floor, panting for breath. If only everything could stop spinning…
- Here, put this on your forehead, you'll feel better.
The blond stayed down, feeling something cool on his head. After few minutes, he looked at his lover pitifully. Sephiroth helped Cloud to get back on his feet first, then he led him toward the bed. Damn… Everything's turning upside down, Cloud though as blackout took him out. He fainted, nearly hitting his head against the bedside table.
- Hold on… Sephiroth said, laying Cloud on the bed, I must get you a doctor…
But there are no doctors in this village, and since Cloud is unconscious, I can't leave him alone… he thought. A flash passed through his mind. He picked up the phone.
- Vincent? You were awake?… No time for this, listen to me… I want you to get me a doctor… No, not me, Cloud is… I can't leave him alone… there's none, here. I-I don't know… He has fever since yesterday and now he's bringing up everything he have ate in is life… Ok, thank you.
He looked at the death pale blond boy, went fetching a bucket and sat beside him, holding the hand towel on Cloud's face, extremely worried. His blue eyes were staying closed…
******
After he called everyone to inform them of Cloud's illness (and for that reason, no party, sniff), Vincent rushed upstairs to wake up Cid. He was shaking him frantically, leaving him no chance to sleep longer. The man buried his head under the covers.
- Come on, Cid!!! Hurry and get the Highwind ready…
- What the f&?% are you talking about… lemme sleep! muffled Cid, throwing a pillow to Vincent's face.
- It's no joke, Cid, get up!!! I'll go ahead and fetch a doctor and you, lazy guy, get the Highwind ready, you heard me? Vincent nearly yelled, yanking the pilot by his pyjama top, I'll explain later.
Cid frowned and was about to throw another pillow, but Vincent was already gone. He sat up and lit a cigie. If I didn't knew him, I could think he was about to shoot me right the f&?% here… Better get dressed before he comes back… So he did.
******
- Mmmph…
- Can you at least hold back 5 minutes? Said Sephiroth, Wonder how you can vomit like that since you haven't eaten anything yesterday…
He took the bucket and went to the bathroom to empty it.
- Sephy… come back… I'm gonna die… God it hurts!!!!
He heard Cloud moan as another heave took over him. Sephiroth shivered and made a disgusted face. What have I done to deserve such a thing… Oh, ok… I almost destroyed the world… Ok, I guess I deserve this. Awwwwww… Yuk.
- Sephy…, he wailed, curled on his side, owwwww… urghh……noooooo………NOT AGAIN!!!
Cloud couldn't hold back, he was sick as hell. Sephiroth quickly came back, cleaned Cloud's mess and sat down next to him, shaking the thermometer. Cloud closed his eyes while Sephiroth was caressing his feverish cheeks, washing the tears away. Everything I tried failed… Cure, Antidote, Healing… After few minutes, he removed the thermometer. Cloud's condition was getting worse. Sephiroth sighed as he put back a icy-wet hand towel on his lover's forehead. What do you have? What is happening to you? The main door opened downstairs.
- Try to sleep… The doctor just arrived, Sephiroth said, as footsteps were becoming louder
- God damn it, Vince! Look at him, he's even paler than you… Cid stated, eyes wide open.
Vincent hopped on the bed and put a hand on Cloud's cheek. Burning. The doctor, with Vincent's help, sat up the boy and began his examination, tossing the bedclothes apart. He stopped to his swollen ankle. He unwrapped the bandages and froze; two tiny marks were visible (very, very tiny).
- Hey, Seph, Cid called, taking the man by the shoulder, ya must have some food here, right? Angry Vampy here didn't even let me have my breakfast…
- Am not a vampy… you two just have to go, I'll stay here, argued Vincent
- Anyway, started Sephiroth, I didn't got mine either, so… What would you like, Cid?
******
- Listen, Mr. Sephiroth, you'll have to give him injections like this. (The doctor was guiding his moves while Sephiroth was holding the syringe.) Good, now push and retrieve it. That's it. And remember, you must clean the skin before and after the injections, and always change the needle.
- Ok… I'll stay here and look after him. I hate needles…
- I'll send you medicine via the shop every two days. They will call when they'll receive it. Let me know if his condition change, I'll manage to come back to see if I can do something.
- Thank you.
Sephiroth stayed with Cloud the rest of the day, washing his face and giving him water whenever he could. Most of the time, Cloud wasn't able to keep it down, but Sephiroth just kept giving him few sips. He couldn't even hold down his medicine, and it is why Sephiroth was forced to give them by injection (He messed up a set of sheets when the doctor first gave him tablets, so…). Cid and Vincent decided they would stay until Cloud recover, so Cid returned to Rocket town to get some of their belongings. Vincent was preparing dinner. I wonder if Cloud will ever recover… He remembered what the doctor said to him when he examined the boy.
- It seems that he has been bitten by something, and it might be a rare golden-ringed snake (Small snake about 1 foot long, black with a yellow ring under the head. Mostly encountered under temperate climate, nesting into deep caves and DANGEROUS. What the hell that snake was doing outside though still remain a mystery.). The poison's not violent, but it may be fatal if his body is not strong enough to get rid of it. If Antidote had been cast immediately after the bite, maybe he wouldn't be in such a state, but it is mostly ineffective. There is no known antidote, so all I can do is treat his fever… he can be sick like that for weeks, and no one knows if he will recover or…
Die…As if we needed such a thing… Vincent sat on a chair, letting his thoughts go, hoping for Cid to come back quickly. When everything looked ready, he went upstairs.
- Sephiroth, dinner's ready… How is he?
- Sleeping… he whispered softly, At least… he doesn't suffer when he sleeps.
- He's strong, he'll go through it, don't worry. You have to sustain yourself, come now.
Sephiroth stood up and followed wearily Vincent to the kitchen, leaving Cloud alone with his agitated dreams.
******
Vincent took over Sephiroth for the night and went on Cloud's bedside. (Truly speaking, when Sephiroth first slipped off his chair when he fell asleep, Vincent carried him on the couch and went back check on Cloud.)
Cid had meanwhile returned and was undoing the packages in the guest room. He came out to get some food and wanted to watch TV, but someone was fast asleep in the living room… He did get his food, but instead watching TV, he went upstairs. Vincent was kneeled near the bed, washing the floor. Cid muffled his laugher. The black haired man lifted his head to face his companion.
- He can't control himself… He caught me unprepared… Vincent said in a soft voice
- Yeah, sure… he chuckled back, You'll stay up the night?
- Yes. Sephiroth's exhausted.
- Know this. By the way, y'know where the guy put his spare blankets? 'Cause I don't want him to catch a f%?&ing cold… One's enough, Cid added, pointing Cloud.
- You're right. I think Sephiroth put them in the washing room. If not, they must be in a closet somewhere in the house. Goodnight, Cid.
- G'night Vinny. Wake me up if you're tired…
They shared a kiss before Cid left.
******
Days after days, the three managed to watch over Cloud, but Sephiroth was the one to be at his side most of the time. Between the little trips to the store and the nursing, they received few phone calls from their friends. They were starting to worry (especially when they noticed that Vincent and Cid were still at Cloud's home) and when Vincent told them the truth, many left their home to visit their friend. Red XIII was the first to arrive.
- How did you learn about it? Asked Vincent
- I've overheard rumours, and also Cait Sith came to tell me, my friend.
- Shhh… not that loud, Red, you'll wake up Sephiroth, the ex-Turk scolded, pointing the couch.
The older SOLDIER was spread on the couch, mouth slightly open. A blanket was covering him partially, revealing the old T-shirt he was wearing. It was a gift from Cloud… Red looked surprised. Is he really back at his old self?
- Sorry… Can I see Cloud?
- Upstairs. Cid is there.
Red climbed the stairs and entered the room, greeting Cid silently. He jumped on the bed and sat near Cloud's head.
- He does look an unhealthy colour… Does he wake up sometimes?
- Yeah, Cid answered, he does but, shit, he throws up everything we gave him before… He's not even able to keep down a damn f$%?ing glass of water. It's freakin' Seph bad, y'know…
Red thought for a moment, curling himself against Cloud's arm.
- Maybe you should try to give him warm milk instead. It is better than water when you are poisoned. Also, let him eat some baby food, it is much more easier to digest and even if he throws up, he'll get the elements he needs to survive.
- You're damn right… Wonder why Vince haven't think about that… I'll go tell him and, …yawn…, I'm going to sleep a bit. Keep an eye on him.
The cat nodded and lay his head on Cloud's chest. Poor Cloud… please get well soon… As if the boy has been reading in his mind, his blue eyes opened and a shaky hand began to rub the beast's back.
- Red… Cloud said in a faint voice
Red started to lick gently his former leader's hand. He's suffering, I can see it through his eyes. He snuggled closer and began to purr, trying to calm down Cloud a little. Shortly after he awoke, Red called Vincent who came with a half-filled glass of milk. They sat up Cloud, letting him drink small sips, until his shivers stop. He leaned against Vincent's false arm, moaning his lover's name.
- You want to see him? Vincent asked
The blonde nodded and Red left to came back several minutes later, followed by an angel visibly fallen from his heaven… Sephiroth took the boy from his friend, hugging him gently. Passing smooth hands on his back, the blond hissed and rose protesting groans.
- Vincent, could you go prepare a bath, please? He's sore again…
The dark-haired man disappeared into the bathroom. The beast looked at his former enemy, who was murmuring softly, effectively calming the blond boy he once tried to kill. He cares… so much for Cloud, it's hard to believe it when you saw him some time ago, ready to destroy the world… Sephiroth tossed the bedclothes apart and lifted Cloud, transporting him in his massive arms. While he and Red changed the damps sheets, Vincent asked to his friend to reassure him.
- Tell me he'll go through this…
The beast looked at him with a worried look, before lowering his head.
******
The week passed, in which Cloud's health went from bad to worse. But at least he wasn't vomiting as much as he did, thanks to the wise advices of Red. He was barely able to speak, and his sleep was agitated. Sephiroth didn't want to leave him alone.
Almost there and yet o far away… Cloud can your hear me? … feel me? Maybe not… I'm so sorry. He stretched his arm to twirl a golden lock into his fingers. You're so beautiful when you sleep… but you also look like you're going to fade away… please don't. I owe you so much, I want you so badly… I… He fell on his knees, kissing Cloud on the forehead softly, caressing his cheeks. Love you… Silence was hard to bear, Cloud using to be such a noisemaker… and many times Vincent or Cid had to drag Sephiroth back to the couch, as he was frequently crying himself to sleep, without any sobbing sound, feeling himself drowning away with Cloud.
******
Barret and Tifa came together the same day, and Marlene was of the party. Tifa rushed to Cloud, holding his hand tight, while Barret stood in the doorway, letting Marlene jump on the bed to brush Cloud's hair. Sephiroth was at his lover's bedside and Vincent was preparing some tea downstairs.
- He's so thin… sobbed Tifa, And you, you … Sephiroth…
She let go Cloud's hand as she felt one tapping his back.
- It's ok Tifa. I know how it's hard for you… to be standing near me, but please there is a child here…
- No, I mean, y-you're not the one who killed…, I-I just wanted to say that… you looked awful, she babbled.
- Thank you, he answered with a true smile, from you, I'll take that as a compliment…
They just stared at each other few seconds before they started to laugh softly.
- Why uncle Cloud isn't awake? It's pass noon…
- Marlene, dear, your uncle Cloud is very sick…, Sephiroth answered, so sick we have to give him baby food to eat… and sometimes he doesn't keep it down.
The little girl made a face. Barret sat on the bed, hugging his daughter tenderly.
- Don't wake him up, you imp. Go brush uncle Seph's hair instead while me and Tifa are going to talk to Vampy. Be sweet, ok?
The child happily jumped across the room and started to brush her uncle Seph's silver hair, giggling. Sephiroth let the child untangle his long locks and bangs, somehow amused when she said that he looked like a doll.
- Uncle Seph, can I braid your hair?, she asked
- What? If you dare…
And she did. After few minutes, Sephiroth was looking like a lovely doll, two looooong braids falling on each of side of his head and same numbers of fluffy jade green ribbons on the end. Marlene had brush his bangs so much that they were almost floating. When he saw himself in the mirror, he turned red and chased the girl, gently scolding her.
- You sure are a little imp… come back here!
He turned when he heard low moans coming from the bedroom. He told Marlene to go get some milk for Cloud and returned to his lover's bedside. When he opened his eyes, he stared at the most beautiful bishonen with braids he had never seen.
- … Seph beautiful… 'cept ribbons, he whispered, a semblance of laughter escaping his lips.
Marlene came back with Vincent, who couldn't help himself but laugh when he saw Sephiroth, so much he called the others… and they started to roar with laughter. Cloud only blinked. Who's there? I-I can't see very well...
- Hey, Cloud like that, except for the ribbons…, argued Sephiroth, blushing.
- Can I give him his baby food?
- Hmmm… Marlene? … S'that you?
At the sound of his voice, Tifa suddenly started to cry, unable to stand the weakness and pain in which Cloud was. Barret took her out of the room, followed by Vincent who left the tray on the nightstand. Sephiroth sat up Cloud, handing the small spoon to Marlene.
- Don't give him too much, or he will be sick. I'll help him to stay sit.
And they started to feed Cloud, Sephiroth giving instructions to Marlene. The child seemed to do some good to Cloud, who stayed awake a bit longer than usual. After another hour, Barret called his daughter. It was the time for them to go back home. Marlene jumped on the bed and hugged Cloud (who was sleeping again), kissed him on the cheek, then did the same for his other uncle. They left, saying that they were going to pray Aerith to look over Cloud.
******
Another week later, Cloud was still bedridden, extremely weak and feverish. The medicine did not seem to hold back his fever. He wasn't waking up regularly like he usually did before, and Vincent, Cid and Sephiroth were worrying sick. The blond was giving the impression he had given up the fight. Vincent took Cid apart in the kitchen while Sephiroth was bed bathing Cloud.
- Cid… I'm afraid this must be… the beginning of the end… he will not recover.
- Stuff it, Vince, Cid answered before shooting numerous swears at his lover.
- I know… It's hard to imagine… Vincent stated with bleary eyes, but, sooner or later…
- Awwwwww… Vinny, don't say such things. You know Seph, he's as stubborn as you, he won't let him go that easy.
He hugged the dark-haired man, who started weeping over his lover's shoulder.
- Shit, you're exhausted… Go get some rest and please, toss those f$%?ing thoughts away.
Cid led Vincent to their room, staying with him until he fell asleep. He closed the door, flicking a cigarette shakily. And if he was right? Godamnit, now I'm brooding like Vinny... he quickly wiped off a tear.
But the next morning, while they were taking breakfast, a painful cry came out of Cloud's room.
- Nooooo!!!! CLOUD! WAKE UP FOR GOD'S SAKE!!!
As they rushed upstairs, they found Sephiroth shaking the blond boy, on the verge of despair. He plunged his face into Cloud's neck.
- Please, open your eyes…
Vincent pushed gently Sephiroth away and, trembling, he took Cloud's pulse. Weak.
- He's still alive, he said with a relative relief, Cid call the doctor immediately.
He lay down the boy gently and lifted a broken Sephiroth up on his feet, hugging him tight.
- I-I saw… the pain in him, he just said he didn't want to go… He's… he's… he's gonna die, Vincent… he said, shedding a flow of tears on Vincent.
- It' okay… I got you… Shhh, Seph… put yourself together… he's still alive for now and he needs you at his side, the ex-Turk answered, be strong for him.
- Yeah… Cid added, the doc'll be there soon, he'll fix him up.
Sephiroth was shattered, desperately clung to Vincent. The ex-Turk felt those broken cries pierce through his heart and he started to tremble. He let fall his head, losing control of himself and started to cry, soon followed by Cid.
- Come on... Vinny stop it (sniffle, sniffle) Damn f$%?ing lovey crap...
They kneeled down on the floor, and started to pray for their friend, who seemed to be in his death throes.
******
- He's not totally in coma, he still react to some stimuli. There is a possibility he can wake, but if he doesn't by three days, you'll have to take him to Midgar's hospital… And you know what it means.
- God damn it… Cid's cigarette fell from his mouth
- Cerebral death… muttered Vincent
Sephiroth suddenly lost his colours. He staggered backward, shocked, unable to bear the pain that had taken his heart. Cid grabbed him, fearing that he might just collapse on the ground. So stunned he was, he didn't notice the sharp needle that pierced his arm. Getting dizzy from the drug, he let himself faint into Cid's open arms. Vincent helped to get him sit on his chair.
- It should calm him for some hours, the doctor said, he seemed to be a strong emotional, so I brought some sedatives. Take those 2 syringes, just in case. I can't do anything else… Pray for him.
The doctor left with those words. Cid and Vincent carried Sephiroth down on the couch and decided to stay both alert, Cid upstairs and Vincent downstairs. The dark-haired man covered Sephiroth, took the phone and informed all of their friends that their former leader was at death's door. Two hours later, Sephiroth awaken and started to cry and nearly choke Vincent by clinging on him desperately. It took the two extra syringes to get him back to sleep (and free Vincent who was turning blue…).
In the middle of the night, someone knocked on the door. Vincent answered and welcomed Barret, Elmyra and Marlene, who was asleep. His father laid her on the couch, into Sephiroth's arms and went upstairs. When the morning showed up, everybody was there: Tifa, Red XIII, Barret, Elmyra, Shera, Marlene, Yuffie, Reeve, Cid, Vincent and Sephiroth (who finally woke up after Cid had given him a massive dose of sedative). They formed a circle around Cloud's bed and addressed a prayer to Aerith, for their friend. Then Sephiroth sat down on the floor, holding Cloud's hand and letting his head fall on his shoulder.
- We should… leave them alone for a moment, quietly said Vincent.
Everybody left, Tifa closed gently the door behind them. Sephiroth closed his eyes and wiped off the tears on his cheeks.
- Cloud… before you go… I-I love you, he said in a strangled voice.
He got on the bed, sat up Cloud and hugged him, rocking him like a baby, crying his heart out. I can't even sing to you a lullaby 'cause I don't know any…
- Please, Aerith… bring me back my Cloud… he whispered.
He buried his head into the blond hair he loved so much and cried until he fell asleep.
******
Another day passed, everybody gathering near Cloud, hoping to see those blue eyes open, to hear him say he's all right, praying. The night fell, and nobody was really hungry for the meal Vincent had prepared. Sephiroth didn't even showed up, looking over Cloud, saying that he wanted to be there when his lover… would pass away. The gang was cleaning the dishes when they heard Sephiroth cry out their ex-leader's name. A plate crashed on the ground, Vincent was shaking, hands clutched on the edge of the sink. Tifa burst into tears. It's over, she thought, crushing on the floor. Cid felt his heart sank and grabbed the ex-Turk before he collapse. Red closed his eye and lowered his head. Yuffie, Shera and Reeve looked at each other worriedly while Barret and Elmyra turned to hold back Marlene, but she was already running upstairs.
- Marlene, NO!, the man shouted, but she was making her way to the bedroom.
Her voice ringed few seconds later.
- Daddy! Daddy! Uncle Cloud is awake!!!
They all rushed upstairs. Marlene jumped on the bed, clasping her little arms around his uncle, while Cloud was stroking weakly Sephiroth's hair, who couldn't believe what he was seeing, only able to whisper his lover's name.
- Sephy… Marlene… Why…, he stooped when he saw all the gang, what are you doing here? Vincent? Why are you… crying? I thought the party was at Cid's house… He said in a frail voice.
- Thanks the gods… Red quietly said, you're back.
- Daddy said you were dying…
- God damn it, Cloud!, added Cid
- How do you feel? sobbed Tifa
- Weak, weary and… hungry. Sephy, would you please let me go?
The man shook his head and sat behind Cloud, crushing him into a powerful embrace.
- Never, I-I'll never let you go…
While Vincent ran downstairs to search for food, Sephiroth stayed clung to Cloud. Everybody let go a sight of relief, gathering around the boy to reassure themselves; he was still amongst the living. Vincent returned with what was left of the dinner and laid down the tray shakily on the bed before Cloud. With Marlene's help, he cleaned the plate, Sephiroth still crying silently at his side.
******
The next day, everybody returned to their homes, relieved. Cloud stayed awake most of the day, his fever was down and he was eating… A week later, when he began to walk (and by that fact beginning to cause some intimacy troubles…) Vincent and Cid decided to return to Rocket town. After Sephiroth and Cloud made their eternal thanks to their friends, they left in the Highwind.
- I'm damn glad he's recovering at last. I was sure I was about to have a f$%?ing heart attack when I heard Seph yell that night…
There was no answer from the ex-Turk. Cid turned to see if he was ok, but he wasn't on the deck. He finally found him in their cabin, sprawled across the bed, laying on his stomach and fast asleep. Cid undressed him, leaving his pants on and dragged the covers over his lover.
- And who's the lazy guy, now? Cid whispered, kissing Vincent on the forehead.
And he left for the deck.
******
- I can't believe I was out of it for a month… Cloud said, grabbing the soap, Was I that sick?
- How can you ask such a thing? Did you even see you in the mirror? You lost about 30 pounds… You look awful.
- Lower, lower… ouch, right there… Were you always by my side?
- Most of the time, Sephiroth answered with a smile, but Vincent and Cid helped me a lot. Marlene did look over you too… she brushed your hair, and mine.
- I thought this was a dream… She did braid your hair with green ribbons, no?
Sephiroth dropped the soap.
- Arrrgh! Don't tell me you remember that…
Cloud laughed at that one, Sephiroth's face turned crimson and he sank into the water in a shrug.
******
Two weeks later, Sephiroth and Cloud were back to sparring. Cloud suddenly stopped when his Omnislash hit Sephiroth who fell backward.
- Looks like you are regaining your strength and your skills, Sephiroth stated.
They returned inside, hanging up their weapons on the wall. Cloud was heading for the kitchen when Sephiroth grabbed his arm, pulling him closer. Burying his head into his neck, he whispered words that he had kept for too long. He's still weak, but I can't stand it anymore…
- Cloud… Take me…here, now… he asked in a soft, deep voice
The blond turned, grabbed a fistful of silver hair and hungrily kissed his lover, parting his silky lips to plunge his tongue into his mouth. Sephiroth led him on the couch, never breaking the kiss. Heat was quickly rising between the two, flow of desire running through their veins as they sensed each other's erection. Finally, Cloud broke the kiss.
- I'll come back, gimme a second.
He returned with a small, hand-crafted blue glass bottle that he put on the coffee table. Yanking his T-shirt away, he pounced back on Sephiroth, hungry for more kisses. Shirt and trousers flew up high, as well as underwear, low moans filling the whole house. Cloud began to lick down Sephiroth's throat, hands caressing the older man's hips, rubbing their arousals together. Cloud easily reached the blue bottle and dipped his fingers in. At the same time he gripped a nipple with his teeth, beginning to suck it, he plunged gently a digit into Sephiroth's entrance. It took nothing more to make the sliver haired man scream in pleasure. Liquid fire… liquid fire devouring me…
- AH!
Cloud stroke his sensitive spot as he entered another finger in. He had turned his attention to the other nipple, letting Sephiroth pant under his touches and teasing. He was feeling an urge for release, but he also wanted to hear Sephiroth scream under him. And he did as Cloud pushed a third finger in. After few more minutes of pure torture, Sephiroth feverishly took Cloud's head and shut their lips together in a long, wet kiss. They were both shaking, overwhelmed by their burning desire. It's been so long… oh god, so tight…
Feeling Cloud gently entering into him, Sephiroth arched, a low groan escaping his throat. Then Cloud pushed all his length inside, merging them into one. They stayed that way a moment before Sephiroth clamped his legs around Cloud's waist.
- When I said now, I real-ly meant it, you know…
Cloud laughed at Sephiroth's impatience. It was so unlike him, somehow it was making him more attractive. And it was soooo fun to give back the favour…
- Do you need an invitation or something? Come on!
Last few words sounded like a plea, as Sephiroth pulled Cloud toward him with his legs, making them groan with pleasure. Ok, ok, ok… I-I think I'm better get going… Cloud thought. He started to thrust a slow pace at first, then faster as the legs around his waist encouraged him to do so. He raised the speed, groaning loudly as he sensed he was coming, Sephiroth screaming his name under him. With what was left of strength in him, he thrust one last time, flooding his lover with his seeds. Sephiroth followed, his climax splashing on their stomach. Cloud leaned over him, breathing heavily, searching for the warmth and security that only his lover could give him. Sephiroth embraced the boy lazily, feeling numb from pleasure.
- Cloud, we better go to bed… unless you want anybody coming here see us naked on the couch like that.
- You'll have to drag me along 'cause I'm not moving anymore… I'm wasted, the blond answered with a mischievous smile.
He lifted Cloud over his shoulder, transporting him like a backpack, and slumped him down on the bed. Before slipping under the covers, he cleaned himself with some tissues he threw away. He felt Cloud snuggle beside him, already drifting into sleep.
- Cloud?
- Yeah…
- I… Could you… Sephiroth blushed, nahh… never mind.
- Could you what? There is something bothering you… you're blushing, hihihi!!!
His face turned red, just to make Cloud giggle even more. The boy sat up.
- Come on! Tell me, it cannot be so much embarrassing!
Sephiroth escaped Cloud's gaze and looked at the window, playing nervously with his hair.
- Awww… Sephy…
- Could you teach me a lullaby?
- WHAT?
He startled, never having expected such a request. Then he remembered that Sephiroth was raised by Hojo. No wonder he doesn't know any… but which one… Cloud came closer to Sephiroth, playing with the silver strands sprawled on the pillows and began to hum an old song his mother taught him years ago. Sephiroth looked amazingly at Cloud, and after he heard the tune several times, his blond partner began to sing. Sephiroth closed his eyes and listened, unwillingly slipping off the real world…
Under the stars and above the land
Upon you, vigil
Your guardian,
Your angel
Surrounded by blissful moon aura
Sweet scents and warmth
Riding the sky
To catch up your dreams
Gold chocobos with silvery reins
Wait for adventure
Let your angel
Spread wings so pure
Only joy and happiness awaits
On the dream shore
Close your tired eyes
And knock on heaven's doors
Fin
This is not a real lullaby, and the tune is from my little music box my godmother gave me when I was a child… I still love that little song.
Remember the snake… next chapter: Lurking in the shadows…