Comments: Huuuuuuullo everyone!
First of all, I'd like to begin by saying that I am a bad, bad author… yes, very bad indeed. I was supposed to update last week and I didn't… but I had good reasons! The Nephew from Hell took me hostage and did allow me to sleep more than 3 hours. So you can imagine that with this torture, my mind was NOT fit for writing. And then, I needed to save all the stuff I had on my hard drives on DVDs because I bought myself a new comp and needed to format before transferring them onto the new thing.
My new computer rocks by the way. I absolutely love it. And I'll be getting a lovely flat screen in 2 weeks… not just flat… but also thin and BLACK… mwahahaha!
But anyways… I'm here now… I've the new chapter for you guys… you can all be happy and praise me now.
ON YOUR KNEES!
BOW DOWN BEFORE THE MASTER!
MWAHAHAHA!
Okay… I'll stop now… see what new computers can do to you?
Anyways… before I leave you all ickle messages like you so wonderfully deserve, I'd like to dedicate this chap to Shiri Matakami. She has just discovered my fic yesterday, and was simply wonderful to me with her understanding of what I am trying to do with this fic. Thank you so much dear, for your wonderful reviews and support!
Blue Baroness: Thank you so much! Cookies for you! I'm so glad that someone agrees with me about Cloud's personality! I mean, did the guy EVER seem like a fragile, innocent naïve girly UKE in the game? I mean, okay, his mind was fucked and that part of him might have been fragile, but he was never GIRLY! Why the fuck would he have become a spluttering, stuttering girly wreck because he was younger? All because of Sephiroth's influence? I don THINK soooo! So anyways… Thank you so much for your review! Please keep reading, I hope you like this new chapter as much as you enjoyed the two first ones. BY THE WAY! Sephiroth never showed up on Cloud's first day at Caf. Duties. This was his first day, and Cloud was just thinking that with his luck, General Sephiroth would probably come down do the Cafeteria duties even though he NEVER came down to eat there… thought I should clarify
TatsuKitty: Cloud is yummy indeedy! Don't worry, girl… there will be plenty yaoiness… eventually. You gotta know that I'm going to make you wait for it though. I don't write yaoi unless it's got a founded plot… and you DEFINITELY need plotting when Sephiroth's involved… I mean… this is SEPHIROTH we're talking about; the sly, sly General that IS a Sex God, but a very picky one. Someone needs to tweak his attention and THAT is NOT easily done. I've read the new HP book, yes…SPPPPOOOOIIIILLLEEERRR! HE IS NOT EVIL! I REFUSE TO BELIEVE IT! HE'S MY BABY… NO… MY BABY CAN'T BE EVIL… -SOBS-
Elirian19: He IS cute, in't he? I really like him… I dunno if I portrayed him correctly, 'cause he just had like, 2 minutes of screenplay and I doubt anyone has gotten his personality correctly… but I'd like to think that he's this way. Thanks for your wonderful review! Hope you like this new chap!
Risanda-Aniki: I really like Zack/Cloud brotherly relationship myself. I don't enjoy reading about them shagging it off. Cloud's not's just a piece of ass everyone could get a pass at and I don't really see Zack as gay dude… I mean, it would be very hot, because HE'S hot and ANY two hot gay men are hot together… but… yeah… there will be no Zack/Cloud action in this fic… at least… not really. And absolutely NO Seph/Zack action… or Seph/Cloud/Zack… although that would be hot… but perhaps a fiction of MY fiction? Tee hee… anyways… Thank you about the title… I really love it to. I surprise myself with the things I come up sometime. At first, it came from a joke I made with someone and it actually stayed. This fic isn't going to be a very dramatic one, at least, not until the end, so, the title felt good. You know, when I first saw you pen-name, I thought you'd written "aniki" and I was all… wtf? She's WHO'S older brother! Enjoy the new chap dear… thanks for the wonderful review!
Chelle: You are awesome as ever, darlin'. I do so enjoy talking and brainstorming with you as well –hugs- you rock, babay!
Crozx angel: I do apologize for not typing your pen name exactly the correct way, but I'm dying to finish these comments so I can UPDATE! But anyways… of COURSE Cloud's uke! I mean… Sephiroth! BOTTOM? That's like… a mortal sin or something… -shudders at the thought- but you still rock –hugs-
DownRight-evil: What DO you mean? I do think I have enough reviews, thank you P anyways, I'm glad you enjoy my ficcy… after all, who would I be if there was no one to share me world with? -glomps back- Do you watch Bleach, by the way? Because if you do… -crosses arms- SPIRITS ARE ALWAYS WIIIIIIITH YOOOOOOUAAAAH! BOOOOOOWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA! … ahem…
Steven heap: Whadya mean you'll finish when the yaoi comes? Yaoi's the BEST that's to come! P
ALLLLLLLLLLRIGHTTYYY THEN!
Didn't that come from The Mask, originally?
Anyways…
HERE IT COMES BABY!
Chapter 3
The wonders of bed rest
The first thing he thought, when his consciousness finally came back from its trip to oblivion, was that he was dead. But then, of course, like any one who wakes up from unconsciousness, he was startled and jerked up… and then shouted in pain, falling back down on his back heavily as his body contorted in agony.
Every swear words imaginable suddenly echoed through his mind, cursing wildly at his own misfortune, as the memories of the last few hours came sinking down upon him.
How could he have let himself be disgraced this way? How could he have failed again?
Someday, he was going to make those fuckers pay for what they did to him… if he ever got tall enough, that is.
His anger calmed slightly as it finally dawned upon him that he didn't know where the hell he was.
He was lying down on a soft, wide mattress. As he glanced around, blue eyes inspecting his surroundings, he discovered a room that definitely wasn't his and much too large, if not extremely so, to be a dorm room. It was wide and nicely decorated with dark wooden furniture. The walls, on the other hand, were complete opposites to the dark, almost graceful appearance of the furnishings. Several kinds of posters had been posted on them, covering almost every inch. Bands, movies, shows… the pictures diverged too widely and Cloud didn't recognize half of what were on them.
This was obviously a teenager's room… or at least, one whom still had the mental stage of one.
… and was that a Pokémon poster over there?
"Cloud?" he heard steps making their way closer to him. He turned his head, glancing at his left, just in time to see Zack move towards the bed he was laying on. He then felt a pressure on his left shoulder. He heard himself yelp in pain.
"Don't touch me!" he yelled after a few seconds, once he'd regained his breath.
Zack recoiled quickly. "Sorry! I uh… sorta… forgot…"
Cloud blinked at him, appalled. This was the guy who was going to treat him? He'd be lucky if he left this place alive! The idiot was probably going to put him in worse shape than he already was!
Hell no… he was not going to enjoy the wonders of bed rest for the rest of his life.
Summoning all of his remaining strength, gritting his teeth stubbornly, he began to sit up, ignoring the vivid burn coursing down through his muscles, but Zack, glaring firmly at him held him down softly by the shoulders and pushed him back down against the mattress.
"I told you not to touch me!" Cloud shouted wildly, forcing down the pain as he weakly tried to battle against the restraining hands; a pretty pointless effort when you considered the fact that he could barely move his hands and legs and Zack carried a 250 pounds sword every day.
He must have probably looked like some pathetic squirming snail at that moment.
"Will you calm down? I'm just trying to help here, man!" Zack insisted.
Cloud looked up at him, suddenly feeling his body freeze at the words.
Help? Help?
Did he look like someone who wanted help?
Who was he kidding?
Cloud was nothing close to naïve.
"I don't need your help!" Cloud yelled, stubbornly, renewing his efforts to escape Zack's restraining hold.
Zack stared down at him, eyebrows raising doubtfully, an amused smile forming across his lips. He continued to stare down at him for several moments, holding him down silently, wearing the same expression.
Cloud could begin to feel his insides boil with rage. What the hell was his problem? Why was he looking at him that way?
"What!" the blond haired youth finally snapped, more than irritated.
"You remind me of someone soooo much it's scary…" Zack chuckled, finally removing his hands from Cloud's shoulder and sitting beside him on the mattress.
The spiky haired boy stared at him, confused, anger suddenly vanished. He remained motionless on the mattress, feeling too puzzled to struggle any longer. This was by far the weirdest morning he had ever experienced.
Was it even morning yet?
Zack grinned down at him, watching him with strange curiosity and blew a low whistle.
"Man, you were out like a rock… I wasn't even sure if you were still alive there. I wanted to wake you up, 'cause I can't patch you up while you're unconscious, but I was pretty sure you'd be grumpy… no offence, you don't really seem like a morning person." Zack grinned down knowingly at him after his last words.
Cloud glared back. The guy didn't only talk too much for his own good, but he also switched subjects faster than anyone could follow. He couldn't have been stuck, injured, with a worst choice of person.
Oh, right… he hadn't been given a choice.
Since his first time seeing him, Cloud had instantly felt the need for caution around Zack. The life he had held since childhood had aroused in his heart a barrier of undying suspicion. In his mind, people were not usually nice unless they wanted something else in return. He could trust the others in the establishment even less because of the way they had all acted around him since the first day he had joined… and what had happened last night proved his point entirely.
Although, he had to remind himself that he had stolen something in the first place.
Smart choice that had been…
But he'd never said anything about being smart, had he?
It had been different with Hiroki, when they had first met, because he was short as well. But Zack… he was well known and respected in the Department; he was strong, envied, and he knew it. He had to enjoy the attention, had to love his popularity and take advantage of it… hadn't he? After all; who in their right mind wouldn't?
Cloud had to remind himself that the chances of Zack Charon being in his right mind were very unlikely.
No matter how kind the young man seemed, Cloud had to remain cautious around Zack. People were not nice; people were selfish and used each other, by whatever means, to reach their ends.
"What do you want?" Cloud snapped distrustfully, narrowing his eyes at the dark haired man.
Zack's eyes widened, surprised, almost disbelievingly. "I thought we'd already gone through that? I want to help you… unless you'd have preferred it if I'd left your bloodied ass to rot, down there?" he chuckled, shaking his head teasingly. His cheerful smile lost some of its liveliness when he saw that Cloud was glaring up at him with as much suspicion, not laughing at the joke.
Cloud snorted derisively. "You want me to believe you're just helping me for the hell of it?"
Zack frowned, sighing. "Now, let me set something straight, Cloud. Not all of us are total assholes in the Military Department."
Cloud snorted once more.
Zack smiled bitterly. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I didn't say a lot of them aren't… just that there are some good people."
Cloud raised an eyebrow, staring at his 'superior' doubtfully. "… and you're saying you're one of them, is that it?"
Zack shrugged. "I'd like to think so, yeah…"
Seeing Cloud's still extremely doubtful stare, Zack chuckled. "Man, you really are the same…"
Cloud frowned. There he was, comparing him to this person again. How annoying could he get?
"… as who?" Cloud snapped, irritated. He wasn't one for conversations, especially with cocky, vain bastards like Zack, but he was getting very annoyed of being compared to someone he didn't even know. He swore to the Planet, if it was just some other shorty, he was going to kick his ass… no matter how bad he'd get his ass kicked back for it.
Zack smiled bitterly once more. "The old me…"
The blond haired youth's jaw clenched with suppressed rage. How dare he compare him to someone like Zack!
Zack laughed quietly. "Thought you might not like that… but, it's true. I used to be short like you, you know?"
Short? Short? How did that have anything to do with him? How dare Zack assume they had been similar because of their height! Was that the only thing he could be compared to! Was that the only thing Cloud could be described as!
Oh, he was going to kill him.
Cloud cringed with restrained fury, averting his eyes away from him, faking disinterest. Zack seemingly wanted to renew his efforts as he noticed the boy's look. He took a deep breath and started over.
"I used to be short, mistrustful, rebellious and violent. I lived in this town called Gongaga. I got roughed up a lot over there because of what I looked like - spiky hair, short ass - but then I decided I wouldn't let any of those bastards affect me anymore. I started training; I wanted to become strong and prove everyone my worth."
Something much too similar to Cloud's own ideals suddenly struck home. Slowly, Cloud turned his head and turned towards Zack curiously, narrowing his eyes. Was it possible that someone had lived the same life as him? Was it possible that someone could understand him?
No… it couldn't be…
"I read about the Shinra Military; heard they were recruiting, but my parents weren't very rich and Gongaga's far from Midgar; it's on another continent South West of here… I needed money to go overseas. My parents wouldn't let me join before I was 17 anyways… so I waited, trained and saved money in the mean time." Zack's blue eyes suddenly glazed with compassion as he stared down at Cloud. "I'll admit I was luckier than you, in a way, because by the time I joined, I had time to grow up and train… so people didn't really look down on me … but you gotta believe me when I tell you that I sure as hell know what you're going through; I've lived through it my whole life, man…"
The compassion and understanding was so genuinely intense in his eyes that Cloud couldn't even doubt the truth in his words for a single moment. Zack was one of those people who openly divulged their emotions for everyone to see, no matter how hard they tried to hide them. Cloud had probably known that fact from the very beginning and had simply chosen to ignore it; it was easier to reject than trust; to trust meant that some day, that trust might be broken. Cloud did not forgive easily and he did not want to risk being hurt, no matter how hard he attempted to convince others and even himself that he couldn't be affected by anyone.
Zack had still saved him from the beating and tried to help him though, earlier that day, when Cloud had been on cafeteria duties and in return, Cloud had been an ass towards him. Somehow, now that he thought about it with this new point of view, he felt slightly ashamed. He could no longer ignore the fact that someone had genuinely wanted to show kindness to him.
Seeing the sympathy in the older man's eyes only heightened his shame. Unable to face it any longer, Cloud turned his eyes away, staring at the wall in front of him.
"Well, now that we got that clear… does this mean you won't be pouring boiling stuff down my fronts anymore?" Zack asked innocently.
At the words, Cloud couldn't hold back a soft chuckle from snaking its way out of his lips. Hesitatingly, he turned his attention back to the dark haired young man, trying to keep up his annoyed façade and apparently miserably failing.
Zack grinned happily at him. "Seriously, man… that hurt… and my pants were ruined, too!"
Cloud stared away, feeling bad for his actions and despising the feeling. "I'm… sorry…" he said quietly, hating the words and yet knowing he had to say them. "I wasn't having a good day and…"
"Don't worry… I think I know what went through your head; to you, I was another one of those jocks, trying to put you through hell. Seeing me after all you've had to put up with ever since you got here was just the last straw."
Cloud remained silent. So Zack really did understand him…?
To be honest, he had probably refused to think someone could be nice. Or perhaps, he had simply been jealous of Zack, in a strange, grudging way… hence the reflexive animosity towards him. The man was everything he hoped to become, and he had been able to obtain it in only several months time, although he still hadn't become a member of SOLDIER. He seemed to have achieved everything so easily, when Cloud…
Man, he was such a fucking brat!
"So… this is your room…" Cloud said awkwardly after several silent moments, trying not to sound too interested.
"Hey, be grateful I'm letting you enjoy the comforts of a real mattress, which, by the way, you probably haven't had the chance to do in a loooooooong time…" Zack reproached cheerfully.
Of course he hadn't, the cadets slept in bunkers for fuck's sake… but he wasn't going to admit that, was he? He was strong; he had to show he could endure whatever obstacle came his way.
So he simply shrugged at the words in response, keeping a cool, calm expression.
Man, he must have seriously looked like he was so full of himself ; no wonder people always wanted to kick his ass.
Why the hell was he thinking about this now?
He officially hated Zack.
"How about I patch you up a little, now, huh?" Zack proposed.
Cloud did feel like shit right about now so that didn't seem so bad, but his pride wouldn't allow him to acquiesce or even ask, so he simply glared at the man.
Zack nodded, smiling. "I don't have a Revive Materia, that's why I had no choice but to wait 'til you woke up. My Cure isn't all that leveled up, mind you… but it'll do. It's not recommended to use it to mend all injuries; something about lowering your self-defense mechanism and physical resistance to pain and injuries… doesn't it suck? They give you things to make life easier, but then, you can't even use them properly… I swear-" and so on, Zack continued.
Cloud groaned, his head already aching from all the words. "Do you always talk this much?" he scorned, thoroughly annoyed, glaring up at the man.
The dark haired man paused in his words, mouth still open as he glanced down at the younger boy, eyes wide with confusion. "Yeah… sorta…" he admitted sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Let me disinfect your wounds, close them up with the Materia and then I'll check for broken bones…" the dark haired man stood up, rushing out of the room.
Cloud closed his eyes still refusing to accept or even acknowledge Zack's words. He wasn't even here willingly, after all.
Only minutes later, he suddenly yelped, eyes shooting open as he felt a sting on his skin as a cool cloth was pressed against an open wound on his arm. Zack was back beside him, cleaning his wound. Why hadn't he heard him coming back?
"I thought you'd resigned yourself to treatment, from your lack of response…" Zack grinned mischievously.
The bastard had done it on purpose, too! "Asshole…" Cloud snapped, turning his head away from him. Zack simply sniggered and continued to clean to other visible wounds on his arms.
"Dude, you'll have to take off your shirt…" Zack said in a slightly awkward tone after a few minutes.
Cloud's head abruptly turned back to face him. "What!"
"Hey, calm down…we're between guys, right?" Cloud did not calm down. "Your shirt has a bunch of blood stains and I'm pretty sure you're injured underneath, so unless you want me to remove it for you, take it off…"
Cloud opened his mouth to argue, but grumbled instead. He wasn't ashamed of his body, really. He was short and thin, but he was fairly fit. Alright, perhaps not as fit as Zack… and you could still see a few ribs poking out here and there… but… that was all… he had nothing to be embarrassed about, really. He just… didn't enjoy being observed without a shirt.
That was a perfectly normal teenage reaction.
Slowly, he sat up, ignoring the pain it caused his body. He glared at Zack as he moved his hands to the hem of his shirt, hesitating.
Zack rolled his eyes. "What, you want me to turn around or something? I'm still gonna see you after you've taken it off. I'm the one who's gonna treat you, remember?"
Cloud's glare intensified. "I can do it myself."
Zack poked his forearm harshly, bringing another pained groan from Cloud's throat. The blond spiky haired youth shot him a deadly glower.
"Like hell you can…" Zack mocked in a friendly tone.
Angrily, Cloud tugged the hem of his shirt upwards and tore his shirt off, staring grudgingly at Zack. He then deeply regretted moving so aggressively fast because his entire body was now screaming in agony.
Without further delay, Zack began disinfecting the many cuts on Cloud's upper body, careful not to cause him too much pain. The blond haired youth ignored every sting, every burn of the disinfectant, letting no sound of complaint escaping his mouth and shutting up his pride which was yelling at him to stop Zack from taking care of him.
After several moments, the dark haired young man finally moved away from Cloud, inspecting his patient for any other wounds.
"Well, at least you won't have to remove you pants, right?" he said cheerfully at him. Cloud did not even spare him a glance and he stared down at his lap intently attempting to stop the heat from spreading across his cheeks.
"Do you have trouble breathing?" Zack asked methodically.
"Not really…" Cloud answered, forcing an emotionless tone. Zack wasn't examining his body. It was all in his head. He was not staring at it mockingly. He did not have pity in his eyes.
For God's sake… he wasn't self-conscious. He was perfectly comfortable with his body.
"Alright, then I doubt you have any broken ribs; trust me, you'd be in a lot more pain than this." He brought a hand to Cloud's arm, pressing against it and sliding back and forth, inspecting for broken bones. He then moved it, making it bend at the elbow and shoulder and proceeded with the same inspections with his other arm. Cloud's skin and muscles ached, but he remained silent through it all. He could endure it and would surely suffer far worst injuries in the future.
"Well, you sure as hell got lucky…" Zack finally concluded, sitting beside him, hands on his knees. "No broken bones from what I can tell. You'll hurt like a bitch for a short while, but that was to be expected…" he chuckled bitterly.
Cloud rolled his eyes.
"Can I just go now…?" the spiky blond haired youth grumbled.
"No way… you're in no condition to walk yet."
"But what about classes, I'm in deep shit if I don't attend and it's going to be your fault!" Cloud raged.
Zack raised a hand, silencing him instantly. "Don't worry, man, I've already dealt with all of that. I advised the instructors of what happened. I've also taken care of those assholes who did this to you while you were knocked out."
Cloud suddenly felt a sickening churning to his stomach. He had dealt with them? He had told people what happened!
"Are you stupid or something?" Cloud shouted, almost hysterically. "Do you have any idea what'll happen now? The entire squad will be on my case!"
Zack raised his hands defensively in front of him. "Let me finish!"
Cloud stared at the older man for several more moments, enraged, breathing erratically.
"I asked the Council that they be removed of the Academy," Cloud's eyes suddenly bulged, rage building once more. He was about to yell, very keen on telling the bastard exactly what he thought, but Zack raised his hands to hush him once more. "But they wouldn't allow it, saying it was just a teenage quarrel, or whatever bullshit. They didn't want to lose any good SOLDIER candidates." Zack frowned at this, obviously disgusted at the prospect.
"They've been warned by me personally… but that's it…"
Cloud stared at the dark haired man for several more minutes, furious. This was not what he needed. Zack's interference had probably made things worse. He could only imagine what Bill had told the rest of the Squad. He dreaded the moment he would need to go back to his dorm room.
And everyone now knew what had happened. He wouldn't be able to hide what a disgrace he truly was.
Cloud's shoulder slumped, defeated. Should he seriously consider leaving now? He couldn't fool himself any longer. He couldn't summon the determination anymore. Had he ever truly felt it? Had it simply been nothing but a false feeling all along? A desperate hope? A fool's hope? There really was no point in staying any longer. He was simply deceiving himself, thinking he would ever be able to reach his goals. He was born a failure and would forever remain one.
A gentle hand suddenly pressed against his shoulder, shaking him softly.
"I told you not to touch me…" Cloud hissed, head bowed, sounding more sad than angry like he had first planned on doing.
Zack remained silent for several moments, staring at the younger boy, dark blue eyes filled with compassion. He needed to help this kid. Four years ago, he had found his own path alone, he remembered how difficult it had been; he needed to guide Cloud in the right path, because back then, no one had been there for him. His parents, try as they might to be supportive, just hadn't understood him the way he had needed. Zack understood what it meant, what it was to be alone and he would not allow Cloud to remain on his own any longer.
He just needed to figure how he could approach such a defensive, suspicious person. How could he break Cloud's barriers?
One thing was for sure… the kid was going to be one tough nut to crack.
"So… let's close those wounds, huh?" Zack cheered, extending his left arm, where he wore a dark, spiked bangle. Two slots adorned it, shining under the light where two green Materias had been inserted. Index and middle finger extended, he brought his closed right hand near his face, keeping his Materia arm extended towards Cloud, palm open. He closed his eyes in concentration and began to pray for the power of the Planet.
He felt warmth spreading inside his body, becoming more intense as energy gathered towards his left palm. The Cure Materia began to glow intensely and a green aura suddenly surrounded Cloud's body.
The blond spiky haired youth gasped, feeling a gentle tingle, almost a sting, engulf him. He stared down at his glowing body, watching as his many wounds slowly closed and the ache in his muscle was gradually soothed.
After a few seconds only, out of the corner of his eyes, Cloud saw Zack open his eyes and lower both of his hands. The green light faded little by little, leaving in its trace the weakening, strange, tingly sensation. He still felt a weak, residual ache from his many injuries but felt extremely better.
He had heard of the wonders of Materia before, but couldn't stop himself from staring down at himself, amazed. His wounds had all closed leaving soft, pink scar tissue in their place. He had been healed, but his body would still need to recover on his own. His closed wounds were still very sensitive and would probably easily reopen.
"Just like magic, isn't it?" Zack joked.
Cloud snorted. "It is, you dumbass…"
"Tsk, tsk… watch your tongue, Strife, I'm still your superior, ya know…" Zack warned, grin never leaving his lips.
Cloud raised an eyebrow, staring at the dark haired young man mockingly.
"Was that the first time Materia was used on you?" Zack asked, curiously.
Cloud nodded, looking away from him as his blue eyes suddenly darkened once again, seemingly lost in despairing thoughts. He looked around the room, observing his surroundings with indifference until finally, his eyes suddenly fell on something near the door, over Zack's shoulder.
It was resting against the wall and desk, light shining on it like an artifact descended from the heavens, given by the Gods.
Okay, so maybe he was dramatizing it a bit, but it sure as hell looked like it to him.
Then again, it might have been because of the Materia's reflection, shining brightly in the weapon's slot.
Zack noticed the boy's blue eyes widen as they obviously fell on something he was most interested in. He knew instantly what it was.
"So you like swords, huh?" Zack asked, smiling mischievously.
Cloud's eyes abruptly shot back at his face, as if awakened from a deep slumber… or a freakin' good day dream.
"Maybe…" Cloud snapped, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "What if I do?"
Was I ever that defensive? Zack wondered, mentally sighing.
"Well, join the club!" he said, clapping Cloud's shoulder in a brotherly manner. Cloud, of course, shot him another one of his heated death-glares. It was getting old, really… but Zack would be better off not mentioning that unless he wanted to suffer some bitch-slapping.
Note to self : never associate the term 'bitch-slapping' to Cloud Strife while in his presence. Zack mentally sniggered at the reaction Cloud would most definitely have if he mentioned that too.
Oh yeah, he was going to have fun with this one, he just knew it.
"I've noticed you watching it. They really need more swordsman in the Military… people are going all technical, using guns, these days. They soon won't even be able to fight, anymore," Zack shook his head. He suddenly noticed a flame coming to life in the blond's azure eyes. He hesitated for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts.
"People no longer seem to appreciate the true art of fighting… they just want to look cool holding a gun. They think guns can make them powerful, when really, it's just making them weak! Swords, on the other hand, are like extensions of one's body… it's a weapon, but you still have to rely on your own strength and abilities to fight…" Cloud suddenly said with a flame, a passion Zack had never heard coming from anyone, talking about the same subject. So they were even more alike than he had believed.
"I know! It's driving me crazy! People want to train with or without weapons just to show off or 'kick some ass'! There's so much more to fighting than that!" Zack continued, eyes lighting up with a similar enthusiasm than the younger boy.
"Yeah… fighting is like - it's an art… it's a way of concentrating, relaxing, expressing yourself… even communicating. You can see so much more in a person by the way they move…" As he talked, Cloud's eyes had glazed with an almost dreamy, excited look. He continued explaining his views on the subject, talking animatedly.
Zack nodded to his every word, listening intently. He had never spoken to someone as passionate as he was on the subject and it simply amazed him. At first glance, Cloud seemed like a quiet person who simply despised communicating; he appeared to be nearly anti-social really. But seeing him now, talking so vivaciously, he understood that it had all been a façade. His suspicion and disappointment in people had probably driven him to give up on even trying talking with people. He didn't need to waste time when he knew nothing good could come out of a pointless conversation.
That was where he and Zack differed. The dark haired young man usually spoke to everyone about anything because he needed to feel appreciated by everybody. Was it because of his childhood, where he had been looked down upon, or any other reason, he didn't really care. This was who he was.
If people didn't like 'The Babble Mouth' they could just go fuck themselves… not that he'd ever say it like that. He would leave that sort of language to Cloud.
"But… I've heard that you didn't even like fighting…?" Cloud asked, almost warily, after several minutes into their conversation.
Zack blinked, confused. "I guess that's what people would think, wouldn't they? I usually don't resort to violence if I don't have to, that's true… so people usually think it's because I'm a softy who despises fighting."
Cloud smirked. "You are a softy…"
Zack sniffed, insulted, raising his chin. "Your point?"
Cloud's smirk widened. "A softy usually wouldn't like fighting…?"
Zack suddenly pointed at him. "AH HA! That's where you're wrong, dude!"
Cloud blinked, staring strangely at the man's finger, which had been extended only an inch away from his eyes. He forced himself not to laugh at the older man's childish behavior.
"The fact that I don't like resorting to pointless violence doesn't make me a softy, nor does it prove that I don't like fighting. Fighting, like you said, is an art. I don't fight those who don't consider it as such, as well, because it's not as gratifying. Besides, the people who don't consider it art suck hairy balls at it… so why waste my time beating them to a bloody pulp when I know others could do for me?"
Cloud gaped at him laughter bubbling inside his stomach. "What? You're just a goddamn lazy ass!" he chuckled, unable to contain his amusement any longer.
Zack crossed his arms, pouting. He turned his head away. "I'm so misunderstood…"
Cloud laughed all the more, holding his stomach, as Zack stared back at him, grinning.
To be honest, Cloud completely understood him, even though he himself enjoyed fighting no matter what. Zack was a softy, who also deeply enjoyed fighting with good fighters. Any other fights were pointless to him because they were like… over kill…
And… suck hairy balls!
Cloud erupted in even louder laughter. Who would have thought those kind of words could escape Zack's innocent mouth?
"So all in all… that's why I love swords so much, too; because even though it's a weapon, you still use your body along with it. It's a totally different experience than using guns for example," Zack explained. Cloud nodded, smiling genuinely, a gesture he had not made in a long time.
The blond youth suddenly glanced down, thinking of what his own ideals had been before joining Shinra Military. Zack loved swords as much as he did. Could that mean…?
"W-Why did you join the army?" he asked, staring nervously at his hands. "I mean… you wanted to become stronger… but is that… the only reason…?"
Zack narrowed his eyes in thought, a finger tapping against his chin. Cloud watched him anxiously. "That was basically the only reason, yeah… why? Why did you want to join?"
Cloud suddenly glanced down. "Oh… same reason really…" he answered awkwardly. "What else could there be, really? Anything to get me out of Nibelheim and become stronger…" he shrugged.
Zack watched him carefully, reading all the signs in the younger boy's body expressions and tone. He suddenly smiled knowingly.
"Have you ever seen General Sephiroth fight?" he began, conversationally, still smiling knowingly.
Cloud's shoulders suddenly twitched. He refused to glance up as the excitement bubbled inside his stomach. "No… not really…"
"That man is scary. I've only seen him once, during a mission. Before becoming a trooper, I was sent on a mission in Cosmo Canyon area. Something went wrong; there were a lot more monsters than we expected. They called for back-up… Sephiroth was sent to help us." Cloud suddenly glanced up, eyes wide, apparently a lot more interested now.
"The man is an army on his own. He nearly defeated more monsters than all the Cadet Squad managed… without even breaking a sweat," he recounted, a hint of awe tracing his tone.
Zack watched as Cloud's azure eyes suddenly came alive with an inferno, a thirst for either power or action, the dark haired man couldn't distinguish; but he'd seen a similar expression a thousand times before: hero worship.
Bingo! Zack mentally cheered. He'd met many other 'Sephiroth wannabes' in the five months he'd been here, at the Shinra Military. The others were very different than Cloud though… not to mention thoroughly annoying. He'd almost felt the need to ban those in his Squad. In his opinion, there should have been a new question added to the list of those asked to new candidates, before they were accepted in the Department.
1. Do you idolize General Sephiroth?
2. If yes, are you ready to shut the hell up about him?
Zack sniggered to the appalled looks he would have gotten from the Military Department Council, if he'd ever suggested such a thing.
Apparently, the hero worship was not only extremely frequent amongst Cadets. The thing was like a freakin' epidemic… not that he didn't like the guy; Sephiroth was an impossibly great SOLDIER. He just didn't feel the need to endlessly babble on about him.
It was kind of ironic when you considered the fact that he was usually the one to babble on endlessly about anything else.
"I went to talk to him after the battle – "
"You talked to General Sephiroth!" Cloud interrupted, asking in an almost high-pitched tone. Zack rather liked his usual almost bored calmness… a lot better.
"Not the most pleasant of persons, that guy…" Zack shook his head frowning.
Cloud blinked, disappointment causing his face to revert to his usual almost emotionless expression.
"I didn't like him much, honestly. He's one of the coldest, harshest, most arrogant bastards I've ever met…"
An expression of near-horror discretely crawled its way onto Cloud's face. Zack watched him with an almost amused fascination.
"I mean… he doesn't flaunt his 'greatness' and doesn't even openly divulge his superiority – because let's be honest, the guy is superior in some ways – like some others do, but…" Zack frowned thoughtfully apparently trying to find the best words to explain himself.
"He just has this paralyzing aura of… complete control and indifference. He's very silent, barely addresses anyone and when someone does speak to him, he indirectly makes you wish you never had. And his eyes…" a shudder passed down the dark haired young man's body. "There's just an indescribable iciness in them. He looks down at you, without any reaction or emotion whatsoever. He just slowly turns his gaze towards you and you instantly feel like a tiny, pathetic insect…" he shuddered once more, his voice growing quieter with every word.
Zack explanation was so vivid in emotion and detail that a shiver passed through Cloud's body as well. How pathetic would he have felt in Sephiroth's presence? He could almost imagine himself quickly shrinking before the General, feeling his body freeze as his aqua gaze chilled him on the spot.
Zack shook his head, as if trying to wake himself up from a very unpleasant dream. "Anyways…" he took a deep breath. "You can imagine that whatever I wanted to tell him sorta flew outta my mind and ran hiding somewhere far, far away. I've said it once, I'll say it again… the guy is scary…"
Zack suddenly chuckled happily, unpleasant memories easily forgotten. "I don't understand all those people who worship him so entirely. If you ask me, the guy's like some freaky Ice Bitch from Hell… he seriously needs to get that stick outta his ass."
Cloud gaped at him outraged. "Shut up!" he snapped at him, before he could stop himself. Zack's glance flew at him, surprised. A knowing smirk spread across his lips, causing a weak blush to spread across the blond haired youth's cheeks.
"I-I mean…" he stuttered. "It doesn't matter how he is… he's still the best SOLDIER who's ever lived. He's legend…" Cloud said quietly, staring down at his hands.
"Is that why you joined? To become like him?"
"No…!" Cloud said defensively.
Zack and Cloud stared at each other silently for several moments, until finally, the dark haired young man broke the silence, chuckling.
"Hey, man, no sweat. I really don't care why you're here. It's none of my business… and it'd be cool if we hung out sometime. I like ya, buddy," Zack slapped his shoulder firmly.
Cloud gaped at him. After the initial shock finally ebbed away, the short spiky haired youth glanced away quickly, shrugging Zack's hand off him. "Sure… whatever you want…"
Zack beamed at him. "You know…" he began, as something suddenly dawned upon him. "I know, for a fact, that the instructors haven't given you a pass for the private gym… and..."
Cloud's lips thinned, purposely looking away from Zack. There was nothing he detested more than being reminded of his weaknesses.
"I think you have potential, Cloud…" Zack continued nervously.
The blond boy's eyes widened, warmth spreading into his heart.
"I want to train you…" he said more firmly.
Cloud's head shot upwards, eyes widening in disbelief as he stared at the young man before him.
"I mean… we're both swordsmen, right?"
The spiky haired teen simply gaped back at the Squad Captain. Zack cocked his head to the side, smiling amiably.
"Well?"
Cloud frowned. "I don't want to be favored… I need to do this on my own… I'm not weak!" he argued stubbornly.
"I know you're not weak, stupid! I just want to give you a chance… unless you haven't noticed, other instructors haven't. The odds are already turned against you, Cloud. I'm just giving you the fair chance others should have given you before me… and don't think I'll be goin' easy on you, kid."
Cloud glanced back down at his hands. A determination he had thought forever destroyed suddenly ignited inside him. He felt his strength, his will returning. His hands began twitching against his knees, anxiously gnawing at his trousers.
Could he trust Zack? Should he accept his help?
He knew he was going to regret this later…
A smirk suddenly spread across his lips as he could no longer contain his glee.
"Sure… what the hell…?" he snorted, staring up at his new mentor… and perhaps even… his new friend.
Yeah… like hell they would ever become friends.
A large, goofy grin spread across Zack's face as he threw his left fist in front of him, his spiked bangle looking atrociously out of place on such a cheerful person. He winked at him and gave him the thumbs up.
Yeah… I'm gonna regret this for sure… Cloud shook his head in disbelief, unable to force back a weak smile from spreading across his lips.
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TBC
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Author's note: Okay… am I the only one who thought an EXCEEDINGLY large amount of dirty thoughts about Zack and Cloud's whole SWORD conversation? roflmfao
Oh my GAWD… I had to force myself not to write a bunch of yaoiliscious comments, back and forth between the two… I mean… come on… talking about Swords… and how much they love them… cracks up alright… I will stop now…
So… beside the wonderful sword loving… how'd you like it?
I promise we will be seeing Sephiroth soon… in all his stick-in-the-ass glory, as Zack would oh so graciously put it!
I will update next Friday, if everything goes well!
Love you all!