Cloud really didn't know how to process everything. One minute he was sick to his stomach leaving the labs, the next he was huddled on the couch with Zack, Sephiroth, Angeal and Genesis tending to his needs. It was really something to see. In all his life he never thought he would be in this position where he had the best of Shinra at his side.

Whatever medicine they gave him was beginning to work wonders. He could smell the food and his appetite came back. He felt his mouth water with sudden interest.

"What did you guys make? It smells good." Cloud asked them, noting the relieved smiles all around.

"We all chipped in and made pizza. Would you like a slice?" Zack grinned with excitement. At Cloud's nod the lieutenant climbed over the couch to grab him a slice.

Cloud munched it down. The pizza was amazing. Soon all of them were sitting in the living room enjoying slices of pizza. Once the blond managed to scarf down two of them he glanced around.

"Thanks, guys. You all made this? For me?" He couldn't believe he was considered that important to them.

"We couldn't decide on what to make first. So we drew straws. It was Zack's idea." Angeal explained.

"But - " Cloud was going to say he wasn't special and they didn't have to go this far just for him when someone cut him off.

"No buts. You're one of us, now." Genesis eyed him. "Don't you ever think of yourself as someone unimportant."

"You're special, Cloud. Let no one tell you otherwise." Angeal added before gesturing to the general. "Know what he's been doing since you were gone?"

"No?" Cloud looked between the two.

"Pacing. I swear he would have made a hole in the floor if it were possible. Of course he would help when we asked, but once he thought of you again he went back to pacing." Angeal explained.

"Which was quite a lot, might I say." Genesis scoffed. "You would think you were delivering a baby with the way he paced."

"Poor example to use, Gen." Sephiroth shot him a look.

"What? Some labors last that long."

"And I imagine you've had your fair share of that experience?"

"Do I look like a ladies man?"

"You have a fan base almost as big as my own."

"Okay, let me rephrase. Do I look like I enjoy the company of the fairer sex?"

Even as they continued to banter Cloud was blushing bright red. Zack couldn't contain his laughter any longer as he wrapped an arm around the blond for a short hug. Cloud squeaked, but otherwise didn't fight the hug. It was the first form of physical contact that he didn't flinch away from. The action didn't go by unnoticed.

"You should have seen your face, Spike! Oh, man! Wish I had taken a picture." Zack let him go to wipe away a happy tear.

"Anyways," Angeal cleared his throat while sending Genesis and Sephiroth the look. "What we mean to say is that you're stuck with us, whether you like it or not. And no matter what happens we all stand by you."

Cloud felt Sephiroth's arm snake around him to place a hand on his hip. The blond leaned against him. It dawned on Cloud that all this time he craved for the safety of Sephiroth's touch. He looked up at his lover with a tentative smile before he turned his attention to the others.

"Thanks, everyone. I think I feel better. I'm sorry for making you all worry."

"No need to apologize. Everyone who walks out of Hojo's labs always look like death incarnate. Even Sephiroth has bad days after a visit." Genesis shrugs. "It's one of those things I'm rather glad I got assigned to Hollander."

"How does that exactly work? Do I get a choice when it's time for my mako injections?" Cloud wondered. He really hoped he would.

"It doesn't work like that. It's up to the professors. And if I know Hojo, he will insist on overseeing your injections." Sephiroth knew it soon as the professor agreed to assess Cloud. "Don't concern yourself with him right now. Tonight we relax and enjoy each other's company."

And so for the rest of the night the group enjoyed more pizza and a movie. Eventually the first to leave was Angeal, saying he had an early morning start. When Zack and Cloud passed out snuggling underneath the blond's blanket, Genesis offered to help move them.

"I'll move Cloud." Sephiroth knew his friend's dislike for the puppy, but he had rights to his lover.

"Yeah, yeah." Genesis sighed as he lifted up Zack. "Man, he's heavy."

"And please don't toss him onto his bed. I don't want to hear he's got a migraine in the morning." Sephiroth whispered while holding Cloud. The blond snuggled closer to him in his sleep.

"I'm not that heartless, Seph." Genesis laughed softly.

When they emerged from the separate rooms without incident the two men shared a drink. As they sat together sipping away Sephiroth had a lot on his mind. However there was one curiosity he had to satisfy.

"What earned your approval of him?" Sephiroth eyed Genesis, who smirked.

"He never told you?" An auburn eyebrow was raised.

"Either he didn't know, or he's being sly in order for us to talk."

Genesis laughed softly. "Well, I did complain you've hardly spoken to me recently."

"That would be why." Sephiroth chuckled.

When they calmed down Genesis took a sip. He savored the taste for a moment so he could consider his choice of words carefully.

"I found them fighting off monsters in the Slums. Didn't think anything of him from what I saw. Then I watched as the gang sprang their trap and used the dogs to drag Zack away."

"You saw the whole thing?" Sephiroth narrowed his eyes.

"Listen, I was going to intervene no matter what. I just had to see how he would fare first. I mean, Angeal told me how he pushed you around. So of course I had to see for myself."

"Did you fight him?"

"Didn't have to. I witnessed the wild madness in him take over. And that's when I made the connection he's just like you."

"I fail to see what you mean."

"Do you know the reason why I broke it off between us?" Genesis eyed him.

"You didn't give me a clear answer."

"The first time I seen you wipe out an entire village in Wutai. That wild look in your eyes as you enjoyed it? Then the lack of remorse afterwards? Scared the shit out of me." Genesis gathered himself to continue.

"It made me realize you're on another level of crazy. One I don't think I would be able to reach. I don't even want to try. And it made me realize that meant I wasn't the right fit for you."

"But you see it in Cloud?" Sephiroth understood where he was going.

"Oh he hides it very well. Or perhaps he doesn't even realize it. It's a part of him he has yet to explore. You are therefore the most important person in his life, relationship or not. You can teach him how to control it."

"I don't want him to learn how to access it." Sephiroth frowned.

"After today I don't think you have a choice. Not with Hojo showing interest. He will find a way for Cloud to not be able to turn it off, then what are you going to do? Watch him as he hurts everyone close to him? By then it will be too late to teach him, Seph."

Genesis let the words sink in. He watched as the realization hit Sephiroth pretty hard. He hated to be the one to make the general come to terms with the worst possible outcome. But Genesis wanted these two to succeed.

After a long uncomfortable silence Genesis finished his drink. He placed the glass on the counter and gathered his coat from a chair. The night was late enough he felt like it was time to go to his own bed.

"Take care of him, Seph. The world is starting to see how important he is to you. Only time will tell if together the two of you can withstand the world's cruelness."

"Do you believe?" Sephiroth felt the weight of his friend's words crushing him. "Do you believe in myself and Cloud?"

"Of course I do. I have to believe. You're the strongest person I know. He just gives you a reason to fight. Once he finds his confidence I think he will shine on his own pedestal."

"What if..." What if Sephiroth failed?

Genesis felt an urge then. He wanted to reach forward to gently brush part of the silver hair back. Genesis had to remind himself he can't. He doesn't have the privilege anymore. Then suddenly there was a whimper and movement coming from the master bedroom.

"I'll see myself out." Genesis moved to retrieve his boots.

Sephiroth made his way to his bedroom to find Cloud stumbling in the dark to find him. The blond clung onto him. Sephiroth pulled Cloud into a warm hug.

"Was it a nightmare?" He whispered. He could hear the door outside softly close as Genesis left.

"I got scared when you weren't there." Cloud whimpered as tears escaped.

"Forgive me. I'm here now. Do you want to lay down or watch a movie? It's just us." Sephiroth wiped away those tears ever so gently.

"Can we watch a movie?"

"Of course, Cloud. Anything that will help you best." Sephiroth moved them to the couch and chose a movie for them.

As the movie started they snuggled together underneath the blanket. Sephiroth mindlessly ran his hand through soft blond spikes. His mind wandered to that moment before Genesis left. He seemed torn, fighting an inner battle.

"Sephiroth? Whatever happens, I'm glad I got to meet you." Cloud spoke out of the blue halfway through the movie.

The general studied his lover in his arms. And in that moment he felt his resolve strengthen. Genesis was right. They had to endure, and they will. Together there will be nothing to stand in their way.

"I'm glad, as well. No matter what they say tomorrow, I will train you on how to better control your anger. I should have started that a long time ago. Forgive me."

"It's all right. We had a lot on our plates." Cloud reached up for a kiss.

Sephiroth returned the kiss. In seconds it grew heated. It didn't help matters Cloud started grinding against him. Taking the hint the general turned off the television before moving them back to the bedroom. All concerns over Genesis was forgotten.