Chapter five

It was hard trying to open my eyes. Frankly, I didn't want to. I felt hot and clammy. I'm thinking it had to do with the rather wet dream I just had. Not only was I alive, I was dreaming about having sex with Sephiroth too. Groaning from deep within my throat, I kick off the sheets and blanket. Big mistake. Had I forgotten about my leg? I bit my bottom lip to prevent myself from yelling. I removed the remaining covers from me with my hands and slowly sat up. It looked like someone had dressed me. I now was wearing a white t-shirt and black sleeper pants. That's strange, because I didn't bring any clothes with me here.

"Shopping for me now?" I hiss quietly. The clothes were comfortable and fit well. That boiled my blood.

My eyes ignored the erection against my right thigh and looked over to the left one. The injured one. I had to pull my pants down a little to really see it. The stab was too high up my leg. I wasn't surprised to see it wrapped nice and neatly. With my nails, I pick apart the taping and unraveled it. My leg responded with more searing pain, but it wasn't like this was new to me. Finally, I reach my bare skin. There was a long deep red line. I placed a finger on it. It stung back at me. There were also stitches. Of all the things Sephiroth knew, I don't think he knew how to stitch wounds. It looked professionally done. Did he take me to the hospital?

I carefully swing my legs over the edge of the bed. The floor was cold. How long was I unconscious? I suddenly see crutches by my bed. Yeah, I've been to the hospital. But I didn't remember none of it. I grab them and hop over to the window. The glass fogged up as I breathed against it. The sky was dark, slowly turning a lighter blue color. Must be pretty early in the morning. I look down to the ground and gasp. Everything was totally covered with a white blanket. It couldn't be winter already? I sat the crutches to the side and balanced on my good leg. Then with a grunt, I open the heavy window. Cold morning air whipped past me, bringing in a few snow flakes.

For some reason, this makes me smile. I stick my head out the window and inhale deeply. God, it was cold out there. But I'm happy with it. The snow picked up, falling in a thicker pattern. Brisk cold, wet flakes met my hot face.

Suddenly, I'm reminded of Tifa. Long ago, when we were still kids. How I timidly watched her and the other kids of my town have a snowball war. I wanted to join in. But none of the kids asked me to. And I was too shy to ask. So I sat down and watched them. Funny, I'm sure I would've clobbered each and everyone of those snotty brats. Then I would have Tifa all to myself to play with.

I closed the window up and hoped back to the bed. My mind was finally at ease. I lay down on top of all the cover. I still felt hot though. Not from the dream anymore, probably a fever.

Scenes from my fantasy came back to me. The two of us…in his bed. Making love. I frown and try to push past the thought of it. How could I still want him after what he did to me? Okay, maybe I had a punch or two coming from what I said to him, but to skewer me in the leg with that sword? I could've died! …I wanted to.

I roll over to my side.

He keeps saving me. Whatever he has plan must be big. I'll find out. That reminded me. I scoot myself over to the edge of the bed and look under it. My sword was still down there. It wasn't like I could use it right now. I couldn't even walk without crutches. Sephiroth had me in a corner right now. He could either kill me, torture me or whatever else he wanted. I wouldn't be able to properly defend myself. Yet he didn't. Instead, he helps me get back well. This all didn't make sense to me. He acts as if he's…

My door opens slowly. I become alert. The room was lit with sunlight now. I didn't realize I had fallen asleep in my thoughts. A tall familiar figure comes walking in. Sephiroth was busy reading the label on a bottle of something. I freeze. He looked a little different. He wore nothing but long sleeper bottoms, similar to mine. Ah, he must've just gotten out the shower. His hair was wet and slicked back, instead of his usual bangs, letting more of his face show. Damn, he looked hot… this wasn't the time to feel that way about him!

"Hmm…" He turns the bottle and finally looks over to me. His bright green eyes widen slightly. Yes, I was awake.

"…Surprise." I spoke coldly.

He quickly gives me a big smile and sits on my bed. I, on the other hand, sees no reason to be cheery. So, I pull the cover around me, creating a barrier from him.

"How are you feeling?" He asks me.

"Guess."

A guilty look falls over him. Good. He then sits the glass of water on the night stand beside my bed. I didn't notice that when he entered. I put two and two together and figured the bottle was full of pills.

He now had a saddened tone. "Are you hungry?"

"No."

I could laugh at him. He was clearly fed up with my one word responses, yet he was feeling so guilty… so he was forced to take it. He opened the bottle and held out two pills to me. When I didn't make any effort to pick them up, he sighed.

"They're pain relievers. I swear."

I turned my head. I wasn't about to take his help anymore, at least not voluntarily.

"Cloud," he began gently, "I haven't been able to talk to you in two months…" Two months! Was I hearing right? That got me to turn his direction and listen.

"And…" I wanted him to go on.

He diverts his eyes to the floor. "I never meant to attack you."

"Bullshit. Is that what you told the doctors or did you stab them too?" Normally, I don't have a temper. But he seems to bring out the extreme in me. He closed his eyes. I really shouldn't be saying things that'll upset him in my condition.

"Please, Cloud." He whispered. He expected me to believe I was hurting his feelings.

"I might've said some things that weren't called for, but that didn't mean you had to stab me!" I added.

After a moment of silence, he spoke again.

"Yes, I overreacted. And I understand your hatred for me, but it's far from mutual…"

I began to feel faint and dizzy. My body temperature had gone up some more. But I still had a few words and names to call him!

"..You…" I couldn't go on. I felt myself fall deeper into the bed. It was strange, like I was hot on the outside and cold in the inside. His hand makes it's way to my forehead. Sweat was developing on my brow. I sneeze.

"Looks like you have a fever. I'll have to get you some medicine…"

Now I was completely fed up with him. All his niceness. And for what? I sit up abruptly and scoot the edge of the bed.

"Hand me my crutches, please." I ask calmly. He cocks a brow at me.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Never mind." I reach over and grab them, nearly falling on my face. He tries to help me up, but I smack his hands away.

"Cloud, what are you doing?" He re-asks.

"I don't need your damn help. I'll get my own medicine." I stood looking for my shoes. He remained quiet. When I find them, I quickly slip them on and hop out my room; cautiously taking my time down the steps.

"It's below zero out, you don't even have a coat." He called from the top of the stairs, halting me at the front door. I knew that really wasn't the issue. He feared I wouldn't return. That actually I was leaving him.

"I'll manage." With that, I slammed the door behind me.

"Damn it to hell…" I snarl to myself as I hop through the snow. It was very cold out here. The snow was really falling hard too. Making visibility limit to about four feet. My bare arms stung from the cold, but that didn't break my grip on the crutches. I pushed on. I was still sweating though. I knew that couldn't be good in the dead of a snow storm.

My mind paces myself. Step by step…by misstep. There was a patch of ice hidden under the snow. I was "lucky" enough to find it though. My foot slipped up in the air and I came crashing down. I landed painfully on one crutch and the other was laying somewhere in the snow. That wouldn't stop me. I immediately pull myself up with one crutch and searched for it's twin.

It seemed like an eternity before I reached the local store. I pushed the door open and was greeted with the warmth of a fireplace. My legs trembled as I walked up to the counter.

"You don't look too swell, son." The older man behind the counter spoke to me. It's been so long before I heard the voice of another.

I opened my mouth to speak, but the words came out shaky. I was soaked from the melted snow.

"Say that again?" The man asked, coming from behind his desk.

"…M-medicine. For colds.." I tried it again. He shook his head and escorted me to a big chair by the fire. I didn't protest. The thought of sitting down next to a fire was alright by me.

After I sat he hurried into the back of the place. I rested my head against the chair and listen to the crackling flame. Sephiroth popped into my mind suddenly. Our fight in the book room. I see myself getting thrown to the floor…then I see him getting kicked into the old desk. My arms wrapped themselves around me. He wanted to hurt me, for I had hurt him with my words. Hurt,… but not kill.

"There's the lad, dear."

I look up slowly to see the shopkeeper return with a blanket and a woman behind him. He wraps the blanket around me and the woman hands me a hot cup of something. I don't ask, but take a sip of it. The steam caressed my face, and I smiled. It was hot apple cider.

"That should warm you up, deary." She spoke politely.

"How…much do I owe you?" I was able to speak in full sentences now.

"When a dangerously pale young man on crutches comes in to my shop, we don't necessarily charge them for the help we can give." The man spoke. I turned to the woman as she began to talk.

"Why, you just came out of a blizzard with no coat and barely able to walk. All for cold medicine?"

I nodded.

"Do you have a place to stay?"

Do I dare tell the old man yes? That would mean returning to Sephiroth and dealing with my chaotic emotions.

"No, not really." I speak before sipping more of the cider. "But I'll be leaving here soon. There's no need to worry."

"At least stay here a few days. Until you get back on your feet." The old woman told me. I shook my head. I wasn't about to jeopardize these nice people's safety.

"Then you'll spend the night here at least tonight. No room for discussion." The man concluded and return to his post behind the counter.

"…" I couldn't argue.

The woman smiled at me and shuffled back from where she came, saying lunch would be served shortly.

>>

That night I laid on the cot the couple gave me in the cozy backroom. It was oddly comfortable, yet I couldn't sleep. At least I didn't feel like I was about to die. Now it only felt like I had a normal cold. You know, chills, body ache, sneezing, coughing…the whole nine yards. Then, of course, my leg was aching dully.

I reached over and pulled a tissue from the box they gave me and tried to blow my nose. The blowing triggered a cough, and before I knew it, I was caught in a coughing spell.

"I hate colds…" I moaned nasally.

My weary eyes made their way up to the small window in the room. Snow clusters gathered in the corners on the outside. It was still snowing.

Maybe I should run off to Midgar, my mind negotiates with me. I did miss the others like crazy. Whatever Sephiroth had planned wouldn't be anything me and the others couldn't handle. Yes, this made sense! I'd leave early tomorrow morning. After I thank the couple, I'll find a vehicle or hitch a ride back to Midgar. I cross my arms under my head and smile up at the ceiling. True, it was a plan that made perfect sense. But why didn't I feel anxious? My smile faded. …I didn't want to leave…

I wanted to be with Sephiroth.

I bowed and thanked the couple that morning. Telling them I wouldn't forget their kindness. The old man handed me some more cold medicine and told me to keep my health. I nodded and limped my way from the shop. I could almost walk with the crutches now.

I stood in the middle of the town. In front of me was the entrance to the town. Behind me was the direction of the Shinra mansion. The snowing hadn't stopped, snow was up to my shins. I had to make a decision quick or I'd freeze senseless again.

"Midgar or the mansion? My friends or Sephiroth?"

I looked behind me. The outline of the mansion could be seen through the heavy falling snow. What was I thinking? I couldn't leave him. Not only from the fear of what he would try to pull next, but from the strong lingering feeling of care for him. With a sigh, I pull my body all through the blistering cold snow, back towards the mansion.

I quietly hobble into the house, kicking off my snow-covered boots.

"Sephiroth?"

I called at the foot of the stairs. No answer. I knew he was still here. Hopefully not in the basement. I coughed and sniffled, making my way up the steps.

I decided to check his room first. With my crutch, I pushed the door further open. Nothing. His bed was made and that was about all. Either he was gone or in the dreaded basement. I didn't have the strength to venture down there. I turned and hopped back down the hall to my room. Again, I pushed the door open and froze in shock.

There he was. Asleep in my bed. It had to be about nine o'clock in the morning, so he should've been up by now. And why was he in my bed? I carefully limp closer to him. Yeah, he was asleep. He must have went to sleep on accident, for he was fully dressed. He had on a dark green turtle neck sweater and some casual black jeans. The guy was becoming more and more normal to me. He didn't seem like an unstoppable force anymore. I don't know why I was so fixated on watching him sleep. But I couldn't take my eyes off him. He didn't look as calm this time. His face seem troubled. I had to get a closer look.

I try my best to limp over as quietly as possible. Sadly, I was getting pretty good at this sneaking stuff. I was at the edge of the bed when my crutch hit the frame. Smooth one, Cloud! I mental yell at myself. It was a delayed reaction to his awakening. Maybe he thought he was still dreaming. Once he figured the dream was over, he turns slowly to me. I couldn't hold back a smile, his perplexed gaze was adorable.

"Cloud?" His voice was barely above a whisper. Guilt was now sitting on my shoulders.

"In the flesh."

He sits up and folds his arms across his chest. Today, I guess, he decides to keep his cool. Ironically, it was quite obvious he was excited.

"You're back…?"

"I said I was getting medicine, didn't I?" I coughed some more, covering my mouth with the box of cold pills. He gives me that "you-poor-thing" look and scoots himself directly in front of me. Then he sits on the edge, with me pretty much standing between his legs. I began to feel a little bashful at his closeness. Its been a while. His hand goes up the back of my damp shirt and feels my bare skin.

"Your skin is freezing. You could've died out there." His touch is warm against me.

I shrugged. "Been through worse."

I watched him as he gently ushered me back a little so he could stand. Once on his feet, he lifts my shirt up. I let go of the crutches and held my arms up so he could get it over my head. The shirt was then tossed to floor. His eyes traveled down to my pants then promptly back to me. I knew what he was asking, yet I played dumb. We'd both have more fun if I did. He sits back down and eases them down to my ankles. I step out of them. Okay, now I was standing in nothing but my boxers. Shivering from the inside out.

"Now that you're out those wet clothes, you should get in bed and warm up." Sephiroth instructs me while he gets up and walks to the other side.

"You're staying too, right?" I asked timidly. He looks at me and smiles slightly.

"Alright."

He sits down and removes his sweater to reveal another shirt under it. At least he knew how to keep himself warm. He gets in the bed and under the covers. I remain standing by the bed in thought.

"Well? Are you going to continue to freeze or what?" The older one asks me.

"My boxers are damp too. Should I take them off?"

He blushed vaguely at my question.

"Oh, please. I'm sure you've seen it by now…" I too sit on the bed and decides to take them off. It felt a lot better to get those cold, soggy clothes off. I could tell, while I was sliding under the covers next to him, Sephiroth was trying not to look at me below the waist. I slip closer to him, absorbing his body heat.

"After a while, you should feel better." He pulls me against him and I wrap an arm around him. This beats sleeping next to a fireplace any day.

>>

"Hey…"

A voice called to me. I had fallen into a peaceful sleep.

"Cloud."

"Mmm?" I groaned a reply and opened my eyes. It was still daylight shining in the room. I turn over to see Sephiroth propped up on his elbow.

"You should take some of that medicine. You have a bad cough." He moves some hair out of my face with his hand. Well, I didn't feel cold anymore. I was actually sweating.

"You do know you're going to catch my cold?" I grinned at him. He shrugged, reached over me and grabbed the medicine box from off the stand next to the bed.

"In comparison to having you here with me, it's a small price to pay.." I blushed at that. Maybe my thoughts about him were right.

"Sephiroth?"

"Hmm?" He put the medicine down and looked at me.

"I'm sorry for…what I said that night. I knew it was a sore spot for you." I was about to go on when he placed a finger on my lips.

"Don't apologize. That's my job…"

The only thing I could do was nod, so I did. But I didn't want to hear him apologize to me. At least not now. I took his hand before he could remove it and placed it on my chest. Here I was, nude and in bed with the man I was supposed to be killing. My mind was far from killing him though. Even in my condition, I wanted something I was only able to dream about.

"Touch me." I said without knowing. Yes, I wanted it that badly. He hesitated before letting his hand travel down my abdomen. My heart was pounding in anticipation. His fingers wrapped around my stiffened manhood. Slowly finding a stroking motion. I gasped and looked down. His hand was under the sheets, but I could see the movement. The feeling was astonishing.

I rested my head back on the pillow. My eyes closed and I smiled. Then he stopped. I looked up to him, he looked at me. I wanted to ask why'd he stop, then I felt cool air against my exposed skin. The sheets were removed from me. Sephiroth positioned me upward some, so my back was touching the headboard. I was sitting up now. He placed himself in front of my waist and before I could figure out what was going on, his mouth replaced were his hand teased.

I moaned loudly. He was full of surprises. I had always fantasized me giving him oral pleasure. My hand squeezed the pillow beside me. I was trying not to moan too loudly. His in-out rhythm sped up, causing my hips to jerk. My legs parted ways some more. I knew I was about to climax any second now. If I could only hold out a little longer…

"…God…" I sighed deeply and fell down into a relaxed slump; a smile crept across my face as I watched him rise to my eye level.

He rolled over back to my side after a quick kiss. I was still drowning in my lingering orgasm. It was bliss.

"You should really be warmed up now." He whispered to me, stroking my arm with the back of his hand. I nodded and eased my way down. Laying next to him once more.

"Was…it a lot?" Ah, I can speak now. He shook his head no. Good. As we know, I'm embarrassed quite easily. And the thought of me over ejaculating qualified as a cause.

I nestled myself against him. His arms wrapped themselves around me. The world could have stopped for all I cared, as long as I was able to be with him, nothing mattered anymore.