Rating: NC-17

Summary: Cloud can't believe that Sephiroth is the enemy they are fighting. It seems like only yesterday that Sephiroth was laying in the same bed as Cloud….what happens when Cloud finally meets Sephiroth face to face after he burnt Cloud's hometown to the ground?

Author's Note: This is an AU obviously. It also contains relationships that involve two men. If you have a problem with that you shouldn't read this story. I do not own this characters and I'm not getting any profit from this story. I hope you enjoy it.

A love that was lost

Chapter One:

Cloud stood in the middle of the flames. Feeling their heat but at the same time not caring that it was there. His attention was focused on the figure standing in front of him. He watched as the silver hair was waving in a wind that Cloud couldn't feel. Cloud shivered as he searched Sephiroth's beautiful mako green eyes for a sign of the man he loved. But found nothing but a cold barrier.

"Why…?" It was only a whisper. But Cloud hoped that his question would reach Sephiroth's ears.

"It's time for the humans to pay for what they did to my ancestors. You should feel lucky that your town was the first to repent." Sephiroth said and Cloud couldn't believe how monotone his voice sounded. Cloud couldn't believe how he never knew how close to insanity Sephiroth really was.

"But…what about us..?" Cloud asked. Hating how insecure he felt. Hating how he would still be willing to be with Sephiroth after all the destruction he had caused.

"Us…? Was there ever anything between us? Everything that we shared was just something to pass my time. Did you really think you were ever worth my affections?" Sephiroth let out a laugh and that was all it took to snap Cloud out of whatever reverie he was in. He looked around and saw his home burning to the ground. An image of his mom popped into his mind and it finally stuck him that his family was dead. Sephiroth, the man he loved had killed his family and burnt down his home. Cloud saw red as he charged for Sephiroth pulling his blade out on his way.

Sephiroth easily dodged the attack and watched as Cloud stumbled past him and regained his balance. Cloud straightened back up and looked at Sephiroth and something in Sephiroth wavered when he saw the raw pain and rage in the eyes of Cloud. It didn't last long though as Cloud charged again Sephiroth blocked the counter attacked and Cloud went flying back and landing on the ground with a resounding thud.

Cloud got back up and Sephiroth couldn't hold back the laughter.

"You think you can beat me? You think that you can even lay a hand on me? I suggest you get out of here before you die with your town."

Cloud watched as Sephiroth rose off the ground and then he was gone. Just like that. Cloud sunk to his knees. His life was over. His family, home, friends…his lover…they were all gone. He had no where to go and even if he did…..what would be the point? There was no way he was going to go back to SOLDIER……

Cloud finally felt the heat from the fire. He stood back up and realized that he couldn't die here. He had to live….and get stronger. He had to avenge his family….his town….his self. He took a deep breath and started to run through the flames. Trying to ignore the pain that seared through him…

Cloud awoke with a start and looked around. He relaxed as he realized it was a dream….a very vivid dream…a dream that had to yet again remind him of how messed up his life was. He got up and rubbed his eyes. He was in an Inn in Midgar and he had to leave today and continue his search for Sephiroth. It was two years since Niblehiem was burnt to the ground by Sephiroth and he was still searching for him. His next stop was Junon. He left the Inn, picked up some supplies….and then he was on his way.

About 3 miles outside of Midgar Cloud got aggravated. Something was nagging at him, something telling him he needed to be careful. Something telling him that if he saw Sephiroth again that he wouldn't be able to fight….that he would just be able to star. Cloud sighed, two years….two years and he still wasn't over him. Cloud felt the familiar tug of depression and shook his head. Now was not the time to feel sorry for him self. He had a long time ahead of him before he reached Junon….he needed to be ready.

Cloud looked at the sign that told him he was now in Junon. He took a deep breath. He could feel him. He knew Sephiroth was here. He knew that if he went into the city that his life would change. That he would meet him once again….and possibly be killed. He mentally readied himself and walked into the town and couldn't believe how tense he was. It wasn't like Sephiroth was going to come swooping down from the sky and attack him….he looked around and relaxed a little when he saw that it was just a regular town….people were walking around, there were shops, animals. Sephiroth was probably at the Shinra building in town. Cloud looked around until he saw the building and made his way toward it.

He walked into the building and couldn't believe how it looked like any other corporation. He walked up to the desk and tried not to feel out of place as the receptionist looked at him.

"Welcome to the Junon distract of Shinra. How may I help you today?" The lady asked and Cloud saw her hand move closer to the red security button.

"I'm here to see Sephiroth." Cloud stated simply and that was all it took. She hit the button and ran. Cloud cursed and ran toward the elevator. He was stopped by two security guards and quickly fought his way threw them. Once in the elevator he pushed the button for the top floor. Knowing that was where Sephiroth would be. Cloud cursed again when the elevator made no attempt to go anywhere and quickly ran out and found the stairs. He took a deep breath; he would have to run to the top floor…

He made his way quickly up, fighting guards along the way and realized that they were getting stronger the higher he got. Finally he burst through the doors of the top floor and after fighting a couple more guards he busted through the only set of double door that were on the top floor. It was a meeting room. With a long oval table and chairs placed around it. Cloud stopped in shock when he saw Sephiroth sitting on the chair facing the door with his feet propped up on the table.

Cloud watched as Sephiroth stood up and felt it all rush back to him. How Sephiroth smelled…how soft his beautiful hair felt under his hands. The doors slamming behind him brought Cloud out of his trance and he was once again looking into Sephiroth's cold eyes.

"I'm guessing you found me so you could try to kill me" Sephiroth stated and Cloud nodded.

"You know you are no match for me. I won't let you live like I did before."

"If I die you'll be with me." Cloud said and that is how the fight began.

After a couple of minutes Cloud was lying on the floor with blood coming out of his mouth and Sephiroth was standing a few feet away from him looking like he just got done with coffee.

"This is your last chance to leave Cloud…" Sephiroth said and Cloud stood up and felt the frustration build up.

"I don't understand why you are doing this Sephiroth. What happened in Niblehiem? What made you this monster! You took everything from me! I LOVED YOU!" Cloud attacked again, letting the anger boost his strength. Sephiroth dodged the attack and Cloud turned to face Sephiroth once again.

This time when Cloud looked in Sephiroth's eyes he saw something…

"I found what I truly was in Niblehiem….what my purpose in life is." Sephiroth stated and Cloud felt his shoulders sag.

"What? Your purpose in life is to be a monster…? The Sephiroth I knew would never believe such bullshit." Cloud said and Sephiroth laughed.

"The Sephiroth you knew is dead. He died when he found out he was nothing but someone's toy." Sephiroth attacked Cloud and Cloud fell to the ground. He quickly stood back up but knew that he was bleeding more. He looked at Sephiroth and took a deep breath.

"Please Sephiroth….you were never someone's toy……please…."

Cloud watched as Sephiroth charged and didn't even make an attempt to block. The full impact of Sephiroth's fist hit Cloud in the stomach and Cloud go to look once more into his x lover's eyes before he passed out.

END OF CHAPTER