Painful reunion
Vincent lay awake in his bed, yet again, for the fourth night in a row now. Cid was snoring beside him, not that it was preventing him from sleeping, far from that. The vampire was very worried about his son. He rose up, stretching his tired body one more time before slipping into his robe and went downstairs.
The eerie glow of the streets gave him enough light to allow him to spot the kettle and the pot of tea leaves on the counter. He waited for the burner to be hot enough and settled down the small container, watching it so it wouldn't make any noise when the water would start to boil. Absently he prepared his mug, and only when he sprinkled a small amount of tea leaves did he realise it was Cid's favourite one. From here he could easily see the whole street and his son's house. There were still lights on, and he guessed it was probably Sky's fault; since he and his brothers had had this 'seizure' as Aerith called it, the spiky haired blond had lost his taste for sleep, too.
Lost in his thoughts, Vincent didn't hear the kettle reaching boiling point, and even less Cid coming down the stairs. When he brushed past him and poured the hot water into now two mugs, the vampire jumped out of his skin.
- Calm down, the pilot said
Vincent smiled; the voice of his companion was full of sleep, a little gruff, too. Obviously, he just woke up, and that was probably his fault. But even if he knew it was unnecessary, he apologized.
- Naahh, don't worry 'bout it. Hey, is it a smile or am I dreaming?
The smile grew larger, and a faint chuckling sound passed through that very well guarded mouth.
- I assure you, Cid, it is a smile. I'm sorry. I am a little depressed these days… I am really worried about Sephiroth. And Cloud. It's been a while now that Sora's gone, and we don't…
- Stop worrying for him, stop wondering, asking questions or whatever… Cloud may not be at his best, but he is still trying, Seph is stronger than ever, he can take care of himself. Sora will gave them a hand, too. It will be alright.
- I hope so.
The two men returned to their mugs, slowly sipping their tea until Cid lead Vincent into the living room to sit on the couch. It was very comfy and the dark haired man allowed to be petted a little, and at the moment he least expected, meaning just before the sunrise, his eyes shut like they were weighting tons. Talk about timing… Cid sighed as he felt those lean fingers grip his nightshirt; then, shrugging, he managed to pick him up and bring him back into the bedroom. At least someone would sleep waaaaaaay in this morning.
Phil and Hercules were astonished; their guest was, as one would say, very unique. Cloud has apparently fallen asleep a few days ago, both of them unable to wake him up afterward. Worried at first, their fears died down when the Lord of the Underworld didn't show up for him. Laying on his cot in a semi sit position, Cloud was in a sort of very deep sleep. It was night, and the moon was shining on his prone form. He was surrounded by a golden dust that was floating around him and his wings were now transluscid, only the bandages were fully visible.
- He's healing…
- About time!, replied the goat
Hercules sat down next to him, gently stroking the transparent feathers. Oddly, he smiled and began to think of the recent events that had happen at the coliseum. Sora had won the Phil and Pegasus cups. He was improving. But that wasn't his main thought. The young Keyblade master had been asked to give a letter to Cloud. What he did. The blond had read it in great privacy, then drifted off shortly after. And now he was healing.
- I wonder what was in that letter…
- Hm?
- I said, I wonder what was that letter about. Something must have happened so he have to heal so quick…
- Hey, you're not as dumb as you look!
The Hero glared at his mentor, quickly taking the hint. Pulling up another sheet over their guest, he left with Phil and asked what was going on. Adding the fact that Hercules now knew where JENOVA was hiding with Sephiroth… Even with the progress Sora made, he wasn't ready for Hades's cup… He needed more training. Plus, when he would tell Cloud, the blond will want to participate, too. But he felt a little hesitant to send the blond alone to fight in the games…
Laguna stretched, leaving the bed reluctantly. He grabbed his cane, wobbling to the closet where he slipped into his pants and wrapped his shoulders into a large woollen shirt. He heard Kyros shift in his sleep and he smiled; it was so good to have him around again. Even if he wasn't in Esthar anymore, Laguna never stopped to get up early. Old habits never dies. He was always preparing breakfast when his son and Seifer were coming down… He walked to the door and opened to pick up his newspaper and, to his surprise, there was a letter for Squall. Well it said Leon on the envelope and it was coming from Olympia. He placed it on the table, and Kyros greeted him in the kitchen.
- Hey, I thought you were still sleeping!
- I was, but Squall and Seifer weren't. Your son is a lot like you, Laguna.
Both chuckled at that. Maybe Squall had forgotten he wasn't in his soundproof quarters at Balamb garden, because as on cue they heard him cry out Seifer's name, a little playfully, but still… Let's say it wasn't leaving any place for imagination… A coffee mug in hand, Kyros gestured to his mate to sit down and gave him a serving of the steaming liquid. It was very relaxing, the early morning provided them a good time for talking and cuddling because they knew from experience that after their frolics, both Seifer and Squall would sleep off a little longer. Morning coffee was soon replaced by a healthy breakfast; bagels, fruits and a delicious omelette that both of them devoured hungrily. Suddenly, Laguna stopped eating and looked at Kyros with wide eyes.
- We didn't buy anything for the baby!
- What?
- Kyros! We didn't throw the baby shower for Quistis, or Zack for that matter!
The lean fighter raised an eyebrow questioningly, but suddenly burst out laughing, soon followed by Laguna. Both men blinked and made a mad dash for the bedroom, dressing up hurriedly and getting down as quickly as they climbed up. Seifer and Squall, knocked over by the 'Two Terrible', as they were called in the army, looked at themselves, still groggy.
- What was that all about? Asked Squall
- Phew… Kids…
Cloud opened his wings and soared through the cloudless skies, flying freely. The wind was slashing at his hair, caressing his face and washing away his tears. Arms crossed on his chest, holding on to the only thing that linked him to his love, he continued to search in this realm of dreams. The blue was shifting slowly; the blond did not know where he was, but somehow he felt that it was safe. Suddenly, as if the though of Sephiroth was too much for him to bear, his wings closed and he fell into the aqua sea below. His body floated, immobile, resting a little and allowing his mind to be relieved partially from his grief.
- Sephiroth…, he whispered
- ……… Cloud?………
Cloud's blue eyes snapped open, and he spread his wings in surprise. It was a very soft reply, as if it was coming from very far, but he had definitely recognized Sephiroth's voice. Regaining hope all of a sudden, he flew up, opening his ears and heart, letting them guide him to the source of the voice… The sea took the form of a large bubble, then it shrunk until it could hold a single person, floating before Cloud. Without thinking any longer, the blond entered in. Faster than the wind, he was transported into a dark realm.
- Cloud……… help me…
- Sephiroth!!!!
His cry seemed to give some light to the gloomy form chained to the darkness. The silver haired man lifted feebly his head, which immediately was laid against a warm surface. He was heavily bleeding, his face was black and blue, wings broken and useless in a heap behind him. Cloud slipped his arms around his torso, letting his head fall on his shoulder.
- Come on, let's pull you out of here.
Determination shone bright in those emerald eyes, that, though he couldn't see it, was mirrored in azure's. Both fought against darkness, Sephiroth's arms bent as he forced his way out and, suddenly, he found himself floating in a golden light. Cloud was crying, holding his head in his lap. Blood stopped streaming in his eyes, he could clearly see his mate, shining in all his glory, wings open and folded around his wrecked body in a protective gesture. He saw Cloud close his eyes and place his hands on his temples. A fuzzy warmth spread through him, but he felt a searing pain in his left wing when the healing spell shot through.
- You are healing, but I don't think I can make any better… You'll have to do the rest by yourself. Seph… God, I am so happy…
- Cloud… You did it… You freed me. Thank you.
- Sephiroth… There is something you must know. Vincent wrote to me… we…Zack and Quistis…
Sephiroth sat up, understanding immediately what was implied and feebly hugged Cloud, who squeezed back. They laced their hands together, joining lips in a very tender kiss. The blond closed his eyes, resting his forehead on Sephiroth's shoulder. He was feeling like he would fall asleep very soon; his stasis phase was over. He did not want to leave the silver haired man alone here, but he knew he couldn't stop himself from waking up. But he felt Sephiroth's presence grow stronger within him, he had at least given him hope…
- Sephiroth, I love you…
Somewhere in the dark, a lonely figure resting in a calming purple lake smiled.
Squall hugged Seifer one last time, then moved to his father to do the same. Once more he read the letter; it was a request from Hercules. Apparently that man was important enough for he was asking for his help on Cloud's and Sora's behalf. And as a proof of his honesty, Sora had signed the letter as well.
Cid and Vincent were already waiting in the Highwind, while Angel and Sky sulked near the ramp. Both of them wanted to go to Olympia to see their fathers, only… Vincent was forbidding it. Squall climbed in, waving one last time and holding securely Lionheart. When he turned his back though, Laguna gave Seifer a poke with his cane.
- C'mon, I know you're itching to go with him. Now's your chance, he said.
Seifer nodded, grabbing Hyperion that Kyros was tending him and just before the ramp could close completely, he hissed himself in. Laguna hugged Kyros as the ship took off slowly, leaving Traverse Town for the infinite space. That meant they would be in a perfect intimacy for quite a while. Angel looked at them as they began to walk out and smiled, a little spark of melancholy in his eyes. The thought of his fathers hurt him. The silver haired man turned to go back home with his brother, who was swaying a little. The lack of sleep was catching him up.
- Sky? Sky… Come on, you need to rest up.
- Yes… Help me, Angel. I'm feelin' faint…
Upon entering the house of his parents, Angel waved to Zell, supporting his brother to the couch. Both men helped him to lay back, where he immediately fell asleep. The silver haired man asked where was his other brother.
- Upstairs. He's taking a nap. Soooooo… what's up with him?
- He says he's tired, but I think he feels something. He hurts really bad inside.
- Zack told me about the dreams he had… He sees Sephiroth tied by a dark creature, injured and weak, bleeding. He's calling, calling for Cloud's help who try to reach him, but he can't… He's so shaken up when he wakes that I need to give him a herbal potion to help him calm down.
Both men sighed as Angel confessed he had the same kind of dreams.
Cloud opened his blue eyes, feeling the warm rays caressing his face. He curled under the cotton sheets, enjoying the sun, thinking back at what had happened during his stasis. He was feeling the presence of his mate nearby; Sephiroth had an energy pattern very unique, and now it was a little dormant, but it was very recognizable and positive. The breeze was cool and refreshing. He felt relax, still tired, though, so when he heard quiet footsteps coming into his room, he stayed well hidden under the blanket. He felt the presence very near him now, and another sheet was softly added upon him.
When he came around, this time he threw himself out of the bed, stretching his stiff muscles. When he was done, his legs were shaking and his arms were hurting, giving him a slight idea on how much time his stasis lasted. He sat back down, taking a few minutes to recuperate, and then spotted a toga folded on a bench near his bed. He wrapped it around his naked body, then walked out to meet Hercules and Phil, who were actually dining with guests who turned out to be Seifer and Squall.
The stasis's weakening effect was very fast to wear off as Cloud discovered few days later. He could now concentrate on his search for Sephiroth, and with Hercules precious help about that matter, they found out that he was inaccessible unless they enlisted for the Hades cup. Squall had offered himself to be his partner for the games, and they were training since then. It has been a few weeks now, and they were developing a good complicity, though it would never reach the total osmosis. Seifer was sitting in the shades, watching this interesting session while opening his ears for any useful info coming out of the other participants; they were mostly heartless, after all. It wasn't the work he would have preferred, but in the circumstances, he had to admit that Squall had more affinities with Cloud than him. And it was bugging him.
He was enjoying himself, though; there were very puny creatures trying the preliminaries right now, and it was very funny. So much for those weaklings… Soon there was a lean figure blocking the field from his view and Seifer smirked.
- Improving?
- Yes. It is to be expected, we are training together every day, Seifer.
The blond stood up, 'humph'ing and grumbling, but Squall was quick to block his way out. He gently grabbed his hand, guiding him in the deserted change room. Cloud was taking a shower, but it was private enough for the brunette.
- Seifer…
No answer.
- Seifer, look at me. You don't have to be jealous. I love /you/, and no one else.
He proved his saying by gently bending down and kissing him. That seemed to work, because Seifer smiled a little. Promising with a wink that he was planning a very special training session with him later, Squall dragged him to the shower stall. They met Cloud on the way, who just laughed a little before shaking his head. Those two were decidedly very unique.
End
Author's notes
Sorry for the late update!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!! slip on helmet OUCH!!!! I know, I know… But I seem to have a lot of problem with my comp at home, and the ones at work! I don't seem to be receiving any e-mails… BloodRaevyn, I am so sorry for the troubles… Try to send me another message, and I'll send you my mother's e-mail. She will be able to receive it. I will try to find another e-mail account soon. Hotmail sucks… Anyway! Be ready, Sephiroth's gonna be freed in the next chapter: Strings of Insanity.