"I can't find a blacksmith who will accept my project." Cloud complained one day.
"They know their limits. If they know they can't pull it off then they won't try. It would be a waste of effort, time and money." Sephiroth assured calmly.
"You sound like you already found someone." The blond caught on.
"Did I? You tell me." The genetral smirked.
"...I can't tell if you're bluffing." Cloud admitted. Even through their link he couldn't get a good read on his lover.
So in the end Cloud decided to let it be. He will worry about finding a blacksmith once he reached First Class. And if Sephiroth did surprise him then all the better.
Apparently Larson and the judge finally worked out a deal. Cloud didn't care what they worked out, he was more interested in what this last part of the trial will become. Emilia informed him there will be a specialist to better explain Cloud's reaction to the rape, and that it was a normal response.
When they walked in it was the same as before. Three desks for their placement. Cloud immediately noticed Zack sitting right behind where the blond would sit. His presence was a welcome sight.
The specialist, who sat next to Larson, moved to the witness stand. Cloud realized it was his therapist. He didn't know what to think of this. And Emilia began her questions.
"Would you please explain the differences of reactions to a stressful situation such as sexual assault and harassment." Emilia started.
"Yes. There are several kind. There is the usual, fighting back and screaming on the top of one's lungs. However, when under special circumstances, the brain might shut down. In essence the person is there in body but not in mind. Think of it as like a child hiding from an abusive parent and never coming out until it is safe to do so."
"What do you mean by special circumstances?"
"Alcohol can be a major variable. It muddles the brain. Thoughts may be slower. Panic sets in and the first instinct would be flight, instead of fight. If the intoxicated person is unable to get away then the brain could possibly forget the whole ordeal as a safety mechanism. The amount of alcohol might also play a factor, which shuts down the part of the brain that keeps record of memories."
"Are there any other factors?"
"Sometimes people are just too afraid to say no. These sorts don't want attention drawn to themselves if they're in a crowd. If it's someone they know then the chances increases. If it's someone they don't know very well, it's rare but it does occur. Again their first reaction is to get away as fast as possible."
"I see. You're my client's therapist, correct? For quite some time I believe. Can any mental problems be a factor as well?"
"Mental disorders can play a part. But I have been observing Cloud Strife for quite some time. While there are underlying issues such as depression and some anxiety, these are all trauma based. Trauma from that night in particular. Thus far he hasn't had any setbacks or any major concerns."
"So what you're saying is that there isn't any sort of medical problem before that night?"
"I can't account on the beforehand, but I strongly believe that there weren't any."
"I see. I gave you the written report by Tseng of the Turks, the leading investigator of my client's account of what happened. Did you read all of it?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"And what is your opinion on my client's response that night?"
"Judging by the report I believe Cloud Strife experienced one of those circumstances due to the alcohol consumption. The combination of alcohol and the young man usually being quite shy play a key factor in his response. I believe he attempted to follow his first instinct and tried to flee. When that didn't happen then his brain completely shut down and refused to keep record."
"When Garrett, rest in peace, explained Cloud 'came to' and tried to fight back, would you say that would be the first type of response? How would that happen when at first he shut down as you explained?"
"The body relies on the five senses. Sight. Taste. Touch. Smell. And hearing. The taste of something foreign in one's mouth might have triggered the brain into overdrive. This either results in vomiting or biting if an object is in the mouth. And because it would have sent Cloud into a panic he wouldn't have been focused enough to realize all he had to do was pull up his pants in order to make a run for it. Which reduced his critical time of being able to get to safety which resulted in being punched at."
"You believe Cloud Strife was punched?"
"Yes, ma'am. The bruising in the photos taken the day after don't match with someone hitting their head face first into something. One side is bruised underneath the eye a considerable amount with the nose swollen. And then there is a small bruise above the other eye. If it were consistent with a fall then the bruising would have lined up perfectly on both sides of the face."
"Not even if the face came down at an angle?"
"The chances are slim for that kind of result. I would say one in a hundred. But it is unlikely when he was found lying on his back. If he fell face forward then he would have been found on his stomach and chest than on his back."
"And you don't think he was repositioned at all before he was found?"
"No. There was no blood on the floor or the bed. His nose bled enough that it would have left a trail on a surface if it was allowed to do so. Instead it dried on his face."
"I see. Your Honor I have no more questions." Emilia returned to her seat. Larson stood up briefly.
"Your Honor I have no questions."
"Thank you for clearing up those last few details. It is now time for the jury to consider Brandt Jackson's sentence." The judge nodded. "Take all the time you need."
"Is there a step missing? Weren't you supposed to convince the jury that I'm in the right?" Cloud whispered.
"That is usually the case, but no one is accepting to represent Brandt. Not even the public free attorneys. Therefore it would be pointless if I'm the only one to speak." Emilia explained.
It only took the jury three hours of consideration. Emilia got the call while they were in the food lounge area. Cloud couldn't eat more than two bites, even while Sephiroth attempted to encourage him. When they all sat down again in the courtroom the cameras were going wild when Zack placed his hand on Cloud's shoulder for support.
"Your Honor. We have come to a decision on the accused, Brandt Jackson. We have all come to an agreement to find Mr. Jackson guilty in all charges."
Cloud closed his eyes. He felt Emilia rubbing his back. On his other shoulder Sephiroth placed his hand gently. It was a startling contrast to Zack's as his hand tightened a bit. There was a flash of movement and all eyes turned to Brandt who stood up, body language tense. His mako green eyes sought out Cloud for the first time.
"You're just lucky you're Sephiroth's bitch. I heard that whole conversation when I was 'passed out'."
More cameras flashed.
"Believe what you want. Relationships don't define me." Cloud never faltered.
Brandt took one step and Security grabbed his arms and dragged him out of the courtroom. Free to show emotion Emilia pulled Cloud into a hug. He returned the gesture awkwardly, and when she was done Zack did the same.
When the three of them left the courtroom they were swarmed more than usual by the press. Pictures, questions, video cameras running. It was all so overwhelming Cloud actually looked down to allow his eyes not to be seen.
Upon entering the car being driven by Tseng, Cloud's eyes returned to their normal color. He shared Zack's grin. Emilia was laughing.
"That was my best trial. And I've had many." She claimed.
"I'm glad you took it. Thank you." Cloud smiled fondly, tears forming in his eyes.
"No thank you. I wouldn't have taken it if it wasn't for you. I wouldn't mind representing you in the future. But I suggest you don't land in trouble until First Class." She smiled slyly.
"Yes, ma'am."
The whole of Shinra celebrated. No matter where Cloud went he was met with congratulations or a shake of the hand. That night the whole gang celebrated at Sephiroth's suite. Even Hawke was invited, which he agreed for this occasion.
In the middle of the night Cloud's phone went off. It was a number he didn't recognize but answered it.
"Hello?"
"I hope you don't plan on celebrating all night." Rufus spoke heartily.
"Isn't that the point of parties?"
"Speaking of parties, you are going to be my bodyguard for tomorrow's party I'm throwing at Costa Del Sol. Oh, and don't worry, Sephiroth will be invited. I am pulling one of his favors he owes me."
"Why does this sound more like a getaway retreat?" Cloud raised an eyebrow.
"Because it is. The party will only take place for one day. But I've cleared your schedules for four days. So you two get a honeymoon in my personal house at Costa Del Sol. Tseng and I will only be available for two. My scheduling isn't quite so forgiving."
"I don't know what to say?" Cloud was beside himself. Rufus was doing something nice? Without anything expected in return?
"I believe this is where you're supposed to say thank you? At least that's what normal people say." Rufus suggested with sarcasm. Despite himself Cloud laughed.
"Thank you."
"I just made you laugh. I believe Tseng owes me two hundred gil now."
"Excuse me? You two made a bet over me?" Cloud placed a hand on his hip.
"I made the bet I could get you to warm up to me before the year is over."
"Now hold on - "
"You laughed. That counts as warming up to me." Rufus tuts.
"...Fine. You're not a complete ass. But you're still an asshole."
"I'll take that as a compliment. I expect you both to be awake at seven sharp tomorrow morning."
"Yes, Sir."
They hung up and Cloud relayed that Rufus wanted him and Sephiroth at tomorrow's party at Costa Del Sol. Reluctantly an hour after the news everyone called it a night. Rufus had been the one to wait until half an hour before midnight to inform them of the last minute party he was hosting.
The next morning Cloud awoke to the alarm blaring. He complained the whole way to the helicopter, but soon as they climbed inside he shut his mouth. Upon their arrival he was in awe at the beauty of the costal region.
The party wasn't special to Cloud. He ticked away the minutes as they passed. Even so he did smile charmingly at everyone who congratulated him for the trial. When it ended just after dinner Rufus sent them all away.
"You two will be at the other end of the house. It's big enough that we won't be hearing each other if things get a little too rowdy. We each have our own bathrooms and a kitchen, with access to a private area of the beach where no one will take pictures." Rufus explained thoroughly.
"I understand why you're doing this for us. But why are you having your own thing here as well?" Cloud couldn't help but ask.
"Because what's the harm of spending time together with the person who matters to you most? Life is too short to waste away wishing for the chances we have now." The vice president shrugged. "Even if it's one day, it's enough."
Cloud had a flashback to the night his mother made dinner for the Turks. Tseng had really taken her words to heart. And Rufus actually listened to him. Maybe Cloud had been too quick to judge the vice president after all.
That night as they laid on the beach looking up at the colorful galaxies in the sky, Cloud felt at peace. He turned to stare at his lover. Sensing he was being admired Sephiroth met Cloud's gaze.
"You know...if that hadn't happened, we wouldn't have met. I mean, we might have since I would be Zack's pupil no matter what. But you wouldn't have shown interest in me if Brandt hadn't created in me the madness to be at level with yours."
"You still would have caught my eye. But I would have waited a little longer before approaching you." Sephiroth knew what he liked. The blond fit the bill to attract his attention.
"But would we be this close?" Cloud asked honestly.
It took a long moment for Sephiroth to answer. He thought hard to explain. Cloud couldn't read his thoughts but he sensed the emotions. He understood Sephiroth had difficulty when it came to speak matters of the heart in tender moments like this. When he spoke his voice held no hesitation.
"When the sun sets we're both the same. No matter the circumstances. I believe that in some way we would have been drawn to each other. It is inevitable. Even if I had followed her will, we are like the planet with its moon. Encircling each other for eternity. Always reaching, but never touching. I do not know how I know this, but I know it to be true."
Cloud stared into those glowing green eyes. There was no sinister schemes. No hidden lies. Sephiroth's heart lay bare before him. Just as how Cloud's had been this entire relationship. And now Sephiroth had let go of his mask that he so carefully crafted and maintained.
"I believe you." Cloud knew it too. This feeling couldn't be explained. But they knew without a doubt that fate brought them together. Even if one of then went down a different path their fates were still intertwined.
Their lips met tenderly at first. As their hearts melted into each other into one the kiss intensified. Cloud climbed on top without breaking the lip lock even as he was being entered.
It was as if they couldn't tear themselves apart. Back and forth their love bounced between them. It was endless and somehow this connection felt deeper than the day they went at it like rabbits for hours on end.
"Sephiroth!" Cloud finally pulled away when he reached his peak.
"Beautiful," Sephiroth gasped as he went still.
They looked into each other's eyes and they knew. Nothing will tear them apart. No one will understand their love and they didn't care. This connection went deeply into their hearts and souls they were practically the same. Two sides of the same coin.
To think it all started with a cup.
