Pairings: Irvine/Squall, Reno/Vincent, Seifer/Zell? Kiros/Laguna, Cloud/Zell/Sephiroth? Reno/Irvine? Cid/Vincent, the rest is unknown at the moment and the ones with question marks I'm still thinking on. :blinks: If you wanna give suggestions for yaoi pairings please do so. They're welcomed. And from that I'll see what I can do about it.

Warnings: yaoi, AU, slight moments of nose bleed, possibly major angst in later chapters, emotional stress, attitude, crossovers, possibly major flirtation action, stuff even I don't know about

Author's comments: Finally updated! Sorry for the wait. Classes were really stressful and time consuming this time.

Comments: (changes made): "old McDonald" lyrics or well, singing (quotations and italics)

My god, I wanna fuck him. what the character is thinking (italics only)

FF Banding Together 6

It was one 'o clock and Cloud was downstairs at the garden just like he'd been told. It hadn't been that hard to find it, one sign leading to another. He was dressed comfortably though, wearing a silk blue shirt and a pair of loose white pants just for the occasion. He couldn't help feeling nervous…wondering if it was wrong for him to be there. He was meeting with a judge for crying out loud! Wasn't that illegal? But the man…this Sephiroth guy intrigued him in such a way he just had to do it. Cloud checked his watch again, seeing that a minute had passed and still the man wasn't there. No, he had to calm down. There was no reason for him to be this way.

"You came." The deepness of the voice startled Cloud causing him to turn around quickly to see the man standing before him. Sephiroth's silver like hair was back in a ponytail, he was wearing a comfortable white button up shirt and a pair of normal slacks looking just like someone you'd see walking down the street everyday, just an extremely sexy someone. "I didn't think you'd actually do it."

"Why did you call me down here? And so late at night." Cloud was curious mentally wondering for a moment if the other planned to kill him and hide his body. But then again what reason would he have to do that? He noticed the other's intense stare on him and looked away, rubbing a hand against his arm. Just the other being there sent shivers through his body. Ignore the fact that the moonlight beamed off Sephiroth's hair lighting him up and making him shine like an angel. He was like some Greek god or something. He was irresistible.

I shouldn't be thinking like this. Especially not about a judge.

That didn't stop his thoughts though and he forced himself to look at the man again as he spoke. "I don't think it's a good idea for me to be here right now," Cloud said, his eyes closing for a moment as the wind blew hard against him. "I have practice in the morning."

"You remind me of someone," Sephiroth said. He took a step closer to Cloud causing the other to back away slightly, even though he didn't mean to. "Not your looks exactly…but something about you…reminds me of an old friend of mine by the name of Zack."

"Wait, you knew Zack?" Apparently, Cloud wasn't the only shocked one as Sephiroth was staring at him with slightly wider eyes now.

"Yeah. I was ten, two years older than him when he moved to my neighborhood."

"Sounds about right," Cloud said with a nod. He turned and started to walk down the sidewalk of the garden, knowing the other was following beside him, but forcing himself to keep his mind off of that. "He was about eight when he moved. We had been best friends since we were three. Then at eight he just said he had to go, so he left. I hadn't heard from him since and I've been wondering how he's been doing."

"We used to be best friends as well," Sephiroth said making Cloud stopped and turn to face him, a frown showing up on his face.

"What do you mean, 'used to'?" This didn't sound good, not at all.

Sephiroth stopped as well, but he didn't turn to look at Cloud. Instead he tilted his head back looking up to the sky and closed his eyes. "Yes. He's been dead a while now…decided he wanted to become a mercenary. Bad thing was, he got killed in action. His family was heartbroken." He clenches his hands, eyebrow twitching giving Cloud hints that Sephiroth had to be just as upset as the family had been. Still…it was a shock knowing that he would never be able to see his best friend again.

Cloud turned his head away for a moment before he looked at him again. "…I'm sorry," he said quietly, "that this all happened…."

"Don't be." Sephiroth said quickly, turning around to face Cloud as he took a step closer. "I think this is what he would have wanted me to do."

"What do you mean-mmf!" Cloud's eyes widened looking ready to pop out as he felt the others lips on his. His mind was telling him that this was the forbidden, to be kissing this judge as if they'd known each other forever, but his lips…they wouldn't stop. They kept responding to the soft kiss, his tongue pushing out of his mouth as his protest died on his numbing lips. He started to close his eyes, his eyelids already half way shut as he held onto Sephiroth's shoulder. It was all going ok though, until Sephiroth reached under his shirt touching one of his nipples. That jolted Cloud awake with a yelp as he struggled to pull away. "W-wait. We shouldn't be doing this."

"Doing what? This is normal between two people."

"We just met this morning! This isn't normal!" He could feel his breathing coming in quick pants that were a match for Sephiroth's despite his outward calm. He acted liked this didn't mean a thing, like his job wasn't on the line for kissing someone he was supposed to judge, or like Cloud's band wasn't on the line for trying to bribe the judge, not that he was trying to but to the seeing eye, it'd probably look like it. "Look, maybe after we put this whole competition behind us, then we could consider…d-doing this. But we can't do that right now, I mean, it'll cause a lot of problems and mmmff!" Again the judge's lips made contact with his and Cloud found himself losing the battle to keep control. He was finding it so much harder to say no, hands clasping into Sephiroth's shirt as he held on starting to grind his body against the other. He could feel himself being lowered down carefully to the ground, felt the other's body laying on top of him, giving off its own craving heat. Cloud was in paradise now and there was nothing that could make him go back.

"What the fuck do you think you're trying to pull!"

Reno sighed. "Just shut the fuck up and start playing."

"Don't think I'll just do whatever the hell you tell me! I didn't listen to my father and I'm certainly not going to take this shit from you!"

Once again it was another argue. This was day two of their little practice, Sunday now, and everyone was already growing restless. Reno and Rufus hadn't even waited five fucking seconds before going at it with each other. It was driving Cid to madness, in fact maybe he was going mad. God, what the hell was it going to take to get these lousy son of a bitch pretty boys to sit their asses down and start playing!

"Alright, all of you shut the hell up!" Cid yelled out, slamming his fist down on the table he was sitting at as he was watching the others up on the stage, hoping for a good practice today since he hadn't been there yesterday. Frustrated, he chewed slightly on the end of his cigarette, giving them all a glare…well except for Vincent. For some reason when he looked into those intriguing red eyes, he could never bring himself to give a mean look. "Counting today, we have six full days of practice so we don't have time for all of this arguing." Standing to his feet, he pointed to the distracted Cloud, dumping the ash of his cigarette on the floor. "Cloud, I want you to play that part again, but take it a little slower." His eyes shifted to Reno as he placed the cigarette back into his mouth. "Reno, don't strain your voice so much, tune it down a little. And Rufus, stop whining like a little bitch and play the fucking drums like you mean it!" Finally his eyes settled on Vincent and they softened. Why was it he could never be forceful with him? Was it because he always did what he was told?

So why the hell are you allowing Reno to keep him around like a fucking slave then!

Quickly Cid shook his head and cleared his throat nodding his head to Vincent. "You're doing just fine, just keep up the good work." With a little sigh, he lowered himself back down into the chair. "Ok, we'll take five for now. Just don't go wondering too far, I don't want to have to come chase your asses down. We still have a deadline to meet…after that I don't care what you do. We'll continue once everyone's back so don't take all fucking day."

Everyone started to set down their instruments and go about their business. Rufus went over to Cloud, talking to him about something, probably about Reno. For some reason Rufus just seemed even more agitated than usual. Cloud, on the other hand, happened to be dazing off a lot and not paying attention, something that was uncommon with him…well uncommon in the fact that he was smiling about it. And let's not mention that fact that he practically passed out from exhaustion four times in a row by now. As for Reno, he was heading in the direction of Vincent. But of course Vincent was heading in Cid's direction and Cid had to clear his throat and try to keep his eyes from looking down at the tight dark blue pants.

"I…need to ask you something," Vincent said once he was in front of Cid. He must have known that Reno was waiting on him, because he was speaking quickly, keeping his eyes turned away.

"Yeah, what do ya need?" Cid smothered his cigarette into the ashtray and leaned forward on his elbows attentively. Why did he allow Reno to run this kid over like he did? Well, maybe because it wasn't his business what was happening. If Vincent didn't ask for any help…maybe he didn't want it.

"I was wondering…." He leaned down suddenly, not too much but enough so that he could easily whisper to Cid without being overhead. "If it will be ok for me to go out tonight…out into the city." Now Cid's eyes widened after the spoken request. Vincent wanted to go out on the town? Was he sick? Maybe the question he was wondering was how did he plan to do that with Reno keeping such a tight reign on him.

"Fine," Cid said waving it away as he started to reach for another cigarette. "Just be sure to come by my room before you leave." He was whispering too, he realized. "If Reno ask where you're going, tell him you're coming to see me, ok?" At the other's nod, Cid felt himself smile. He could only hope this would give the other some small bit of self-confidence. Thinking on it now, Cid knew why he allowed it. Reno was their singer, and one of the more popular males in the group…if he didn't get his way, he would quit. Anyone would pick him up so he would never really be out of work. And of course, what was a band without its singer? Good…but not the best….

Vincent actually gave him a smile, one of the more rare things Cid ever got to see from him, and turned heading out of the room. Cid frowned watching Reno who was looking at Vincent leave. He didn't look happy about it and quickly turned his attention to Cid. "What was that all about?"

Cid lifted a brow before he slipped a new cigarette into his mouth and started to look for his lighter. "He asked to see me later. There's no harm in it so be light on the fucking kid."

Reno nodded but he didn't look like he really believed it as he reached into Cid's shirt pocket and pulled the lighter out with two fingers before a smirk lifted to his lips. "You wouldn't be leaving any information out on me now would you old man?"

With a grunt, Cid reached for the lighter, only to have it pulled back from his grasp. "Course I wouldn't. The fuck you take me for anyway?"

"I take you for the old lying man I know you to be. You know as well as I do that if we give him too much free reign that things will get out of control." The words were whispered now, Reno's thumb clicking on the lighter causing a flame to be produced. As he held it closer, Cid looked at him cautiously before he leaned forward, the cig entering the flame. "That's the main reason for why I treat him as I do."

"I ain't that old," Cid muttered taking a breath of the cig, letting the toxins fill his lungs. "Still, if things are so bad, wouldn't it be safer for him to be in my room or another?"

"No. You'd only pamper him even more than you're doing now." The lighter was closed and Reno gently set it down on the table before he stood up straight, looking at his nails. "He responds to what I do. In a different sort of way, he needs what I give him…he just doesn't know it yet."

"…Has he remembered anything yet?" Cid asked curiously, his eyes lifting up to meet the singer's. The touch of a smirk was in his eyes making Cid begin to wonder about Reno's mindset. How much did he really know about his own members…having known them a long time?

"No, he still holds to his falseness. I'm sure he will awaken soon. Once that happens, everything will be either perfect or in chaos." Finally Reno stepped back, winking an eye before he turned around and started back towards the stage. "Ok, let's get back to work!" Cid could see the glare in Rufus's eyes as well as Cloud and sighed. Loooong day.

It had been a long practice…and Squall was tired out of his mind. All he did was argue back and forth with Irvine then get cussed at by Quistis. Even more confusing, Rinoa was starting to show her hate for Irvine as well. In fact last night she had said outright that she disliked Irvine. When Squall asked the reasons though, she hadn't answered. Still…what had happened yesterday while they stood out there in the lobby…the look in Irvine's eyes…it just sent a chill down Squall's body. Why was that? He couldn't figure it out yet. But then it was like none of that happened as they were back at square one. This time it was Irvine being out of tune….or Squall skipping ahead in the song. It was because he was so preoccupied that he messed up…what was Irvine's excuse? He said that since he didn't get laid last night, he wasn't on track meaning really… 'let me have sex and I'll sing correctly.'

I hate him…

Probably the other problem was the fact that Zell so preoccupied too…he was missing his hits in which case he'd mutter a quick apology. He also seemed to be shaking a lot lately and looking around nervously. But whatever happened to him…it wasn't Squall's place to ask. If Zell wanted to tell them, he'd do it on his own time.

Shoving his hands into his pockets, he started down towards his room, Rinoa once more on his arm. He was finding that her comforts were starting to lose their magic. He didn't want to admit to that…but it was true. No matter how much she was trying, the despair wasn't leaving him. And as much as he hated it, he found himself thinking about Irvine more than usual. They could be eating and he'd find himself staring at him across the table. When asked if something was wrong, he just looked away pretending that nothing had happened. It was that look that effected him…like Irvine actually cared what happened to him. But he was a playboy…how could he care?

Suddenly Squall ran into something and he fall back, shaking his head rapidly to get rid of the dizziness. Rinoa was beside him instantly, asking if he was ok and he nodded his head pushing her to the side. What the hell did he just run into? As he looked, he saw a set of eyes somewhat similar to his own and a round face with something of a sheepish grin on it. "Ah, sorry about that," Laguna said rubbing his hand behind his head also on the ground.

"Don't worry about it," Squall said pushing up to his feet. He reached out a hand pulling Laguna to his feet then glanced over at Rinoa. "Let's get going." Yeah maybe he should have apologized too…who knew who's fault it was. He hadn't been paying attention himself after all. Besides…the guy had to be an idiot.

"Ah…wait a minute," Laguna said, getting Squall's attention once more. Squall paused at the end of the hallway, resting his hands on his hips as he turned his glaring eyes to the man. He wasn't in the mood for this. "Ah…" Laguna once more rubbed at his head as he started walking over towards Squall. "Yeah, I was just wondering if you knew a woman by the name of Raine. I mean I know this sounds a little sudden and all, but this is just for curiosity's sake."

Squall lifted a brow slightly before he nodded his head slowly, curious yet untrusting where the man was going with this. "Yes…I know her, she's my mother…why?"

"Yeah well, I know this may sound a little weird but…" Laguna smiled down at Squall, though it was a nervous smile, and reached out resting a hand on Squall's shoulder. "Squall, there's a chance that well….you know, I….well."

"Just spit it out," Squall said reaching up and brushing the hand away.

"I'm your…um…biggest fan!" Laguna said taking a step back as he nodded his head. "And I just wanted to tell you that. Good bye." Without a second thought he was gone, running down the hallway away from Squall leaving the two staring after him in confusion.

"….What a weird guy." Rinoa said, her hands holding onto Squall's arm once again despite his attitude about it earlier.

"Hm…." Squall shrugged his shoulders and turned around, Rinoa in tow, to start walking the other way. He knew that wasn't what the guy had wanted to say or else, why even mention his mother. From remembering what his mother had said his father was like, it was likely that this could be the man; however, Squall preferred to pretend at least for now that his father wasn't a complete idiot. He also preferred now to wonder why his father had left them alone like that. He had enough problems right now, with Irvine walking around being an asshole and with Zell freaking out at every corner. Quistis wasn't any help either with the way she was stressing out. And Rinoa…he was still confused about that.

"Squall?"

"Yeah?" Squall said looking down at her.

"You still love me, right?"

TBC….

Yes weird place to end it and generally a weird chapter. It's been a while so I apologize if it sounds a little weird at times. But once I get myself back into this story I'll try to bring it back to speed. :blinks: the screan looks blurry. My eyes! My eyessssss! Anyways, also look forward to a new FF7 story coming soon, starring Vincent and Cid.