"I don't have a family." Cloud was proving to be stubborn.

Sephiroth had shown him the missing person report. The blond refused to believe that boy was him. The general then asked Zack on his opinion.

"Yeah, that looks like Cloud." He agreed.

"I don't believe it. That's not me." Cloud glared, growing frustrated by this.

Sephiroth stopped pushing the issue. He was recognizing that the blond would snap if they continue. However that still left him with the problem Cloud's mother will insist upon seeing him despite the warnings. Zack was beginning to learn to read Cloud as well and luckily followed Sephiroth's example.

Then came the fateful day she arrived at Midgar. Sephiroth came up with a last minute plan. He had to get permission from the Turks to use one of their interview rooms. Their special rooms, actually.

Basically two rooms connected but separated by a very thick glass. The glass can change so that either neither room can see the other, or one can look into the other. This was only the most recent upgrade funded by Rufus himself for the Turks to use.

Sephiroth escorted Cloud into one of them. He knew Lazard and one of the Turks have already brought Mrs. Strife into the adjoined room.

"What are we doing here?" Cloud asked, sensing eyes on him. He glanced around, but found no one else there.

"Meeting your mother." Sephiroth stayed in front of the door to block it.

"For the last time I don't have a family." Cloud snarled as he whirled to glare. Sephiroth noticed the mako green color intensifying in the blond's fury.

Before Sephiroth could respond the glass changed so they could see into the other room. The change was so sudden that Cloud was caught off guard. He turned his head and went still.

Sephiroth was just in awe. Cloud was a near spitting image of her. Even parts of her hair around her face. Her eyes weren't deep blues as his, but they were more of the sky while Cloud was an ocean. She seemed troubled with what he said, but soon as their eyes met she offered a relieved and supportive smile.

The general focused once more on Cloud. For a long moment he was still. Sephiroth sensed Cloud was too deeply shocked.

Then he began shaking. The general tensed. He half expected Cloud to attack despite the thick glass between them. Instead he turned away so his back was to her. Sephiroth noticed the shaking reduced then. But the small tremors were still present.

"Cloud," He didn't know what to say.

"...Can we leave? Please?" His voice was so distant and sad.

"Will you at least think about reaching out to her?" Sephiroth had a sense nothing will stop this woman to keep trying.

"Why? I'm not the same boy she lost. She would be horrified and ashamed of me."

"Unless she outright says so, I don't think even you believe in your own statement. You're trying to avoid what makes you uncomfortable." Sephiroth held his ground from the glare.

"And how the hell you know me so well?" Cloud snarled.

"Because I do the same thing." He admitted, making the blond hesitate.

After a long moment Cloud glanced over his shoulder. She had moved closer, hand on the glass. He turned back to the general.

"...Can I think about it?"

"I will allow a few days. Then I will bring it up again." Sephiroth gave in.

For the rest of the day the general kept a close eye on Cloud. A few times he had to leave for short meetings. He told his friends to check on Cloud often. Zack informed him he will stay over until he was done.

Sephiroth allowed himself to take up Genesis' offer on a couple of drinks. The red commander had just returned from the front lines and invited his friends for a drink. Both of them raised an eyebrow at how fast the general was taking it down.

"That bad?" Genesis chuckled.

"He refuses to acknowledge that he has a family even when he sees her. I understand not wanting her to see how he is now. But I get the feeling she won't stop."

"She's a mother." Angeal commented. "I don't think she would even care. Although the rumors going around are making him seem like a monster."

"What rumors?" Sephiroth hadn't caught wind of them yet.

"That he craves hearts. And will kill anyone who even so much as looks at him funny then eat their heart. Zack has been telling people off though, so everyone is confused currently." Genesis explained. "To be fair, we've been doing what we can to put a stop to them, too. But I'm not sure how quiet the media will be."

"And that video that was leaked only adds to the mystery." Angeal added.

"Should I start taking him along for missions? Once they see he doesn't actively seek out everyone for their hearts then it will settle that issue." Maybe.

"Start with taking him with your solo missions before introducing to a group. He still might scare some people if he starts eating the hearts of monsters." Angeal advised.

Sephiroth's phone went off. He answered once he checked the name. Then Zack requested a video call. Sephiroth raised an eyebrow but accepted anyway. The young man held it at an odd angle, and he raised a finger to his lips before placing the phone somewhere.

"So, you're saying you're upset. Granted I believe anyone would be. But, how come you don't want to reach out to her?"

Angeal and Genesis were now on either side of Sephiroth. They of course overheard and wanted to listen for the answer. They didn't have to wait long.

"Because I'm a monster."

"And why do you think that?" Zack inquired gently.

"I know that's what you guys think about me."

"Actually, no. I can't say for the others, but I don't see you as a monster. Just someone with weird tastes if anything. I understand where you came from and that would make everyone go a bit wonkers."

"Okay, then everyone else does."

"What makes you say that?"

"I can see it in their eyes. Their fear scents, it's overwhelming. Even Sephiroth was afraid of me at first."

"Well, he's adjusting to you just like you're adjusting to us. And who cares what everyone else thinks? I think you're a good person. Sephiroth seems to think so, too."

"How do you know?"

"I mean, you're here aren't you? If you were a lost cause he wouldn't be trying so hard to help you."

"Is he doing it because he's told to or because he cares?"

"You could always ask him yourself." Zack suggested.

"No thanks."

"I think you should. So, the fear scent thing. Does this mean you can tell us all apart?"

"Well, yeah. It's why I wanted to fight Sephiroth at first. He was...different."

"What do we smell like?"

"Besides the mako? You smell like fresh rain in between spring and summer."

"What about Angeal and Genesis?"

"Angeal is a vibrant spring. Genesis is like a hot summer and some sort of fruit I can't identify."

Somehow the descriptions matched their personalities in a strange way. The three of them glanced between themselves at the oddity of it.

"And Sephiroth?" Zack pressed.

"...Frigid and unforgiving winter. Like when you step outside and the cold burst of air hits your face and lungs and you feel like you're breathing for the first time."

Sephiroth noticed the more detailed Cloud was with this description. He felt the stares from both Angeal and Genesis. Zack picked up on this, too.

"What about Sephiroth makes him different to you?"

Cloud hesitated for a moment.

"In some ways he reminds me of Weiss. But his eyes aren't cold. It's why I eventually turned away from fully being part of that pack. Their mentality is the strongest shall prevail. Any signs of weakness means extermination."

"That's a bit harsh. I can see why you didn't want any part of it."

"I had to prove myself over and over with them. With Sephiroth I don't need to do that. I feel safe."

"Is that why you stole the blanket from his bedroom?"

"No!" Cloud squeaked.

"Awe, but you look so cute wrapped up in the blanket!" Zack teased.

"Am not! Why do you call me cute anyway? We're both guys! I'm a monster remember?"

"First, stop calling yourself that. Second, a guy can think another guy is cute. Which by the way, you are. You're adorable."

"I don't understand? How am I adorable?"

"Well you're already cute as a chocobo chick. And guys can give each other compliments."

"What's a chocobo?"

"Oh my goodness! I gotta take you to see one! They're these giant birds that you can ride on! They come in a variety of colors, but they're mostly yellow."

"Giant...birds?" Cloud seemed lost.

"You know, it would be better if I showed you someday. Tell you what, if I ever see a mission that takes me close to a chocobo farm I'm requesting to take you along."

"Mission?"

"It's a job that Soldiers take up. We fight monsters and stuff."

"And I'm to become one? When will that start?"

"You're asking the wrong person, buddy."

"So...am I seen as a monster?"

"I think most people are confused. But they know you as the Heart Eater. I don't know why that's more known than your name." Zack was honest.

"But you see me as adorable."

"Yeah. In time I think others will, too."

"What about Sephiroth?"

"I have no idea. Why, you interested or something?"

"In what?"

"Well, you know Soldiers won't bat an eye for a guy liking another guy."

"What do you mean liking another guy?"

"What do you know of relationships?"

"What?" Cloud was even more confused.

"Relationships are when two people like each other enough to become lovers. It can be a guy and a girl together. But sometimes guys like other guys, and same with girls. They can like other girls like that too."

"You mean...mates? Partners for life?"

"I suppose? You know, you really make me think of a wolf."

"Because they infused me with wolf DNA. Whatever that means."

"So you're part wolf. You know, that explains so much right now."

It actually did. Sephiroth couldn't believe he didn't see it sooner. He hung up to give Lazard a call.

"Hey, they were getting into the good stuff!" Genesis glared.

"And it's a more private conversation." Angeal sighed with a shake of his head.

"I don't suppose you don't have a solution with Cloud and his mother?" Lazard answered.

"I want to read over all the files the Turks got on Cloud. Everything Alexus did. It might help solve that problem and a better understanding how to help him adjust to our way of life."

"I don't know if they will grant it. They've refused Shalua to have any knowledge about her sister. But I'll see what I can do." Lazard couldn't make any promises, but understood the general's train of thought.

"Very well." Sephiroth hung up. He took another sip before handing the cup back.

"You're leaving?" Genesis watched as the taller man gathered his boots.

"I've spent enough time here." Sephiroth could feel a slight buzz. He didn't want to risk drinking more.

"Tell the puppy I'm going to be here a while." Angeal waved.

Sephiroth wondered when those two will come out with their secret relationship. Even he could see they were together and they haven't even told him yet. Sephiroth didn't need a special nose to understand when two people were together.

He entered his apartment to find Cloud wrapped up inside one of the blankets. One that had been from Sephiroth's room. He didn't mind and so he didn't voice any opposition.

"Angeal will be staying over with Genesis a while longer." Sephiroth passed along the message.

"Seriously? When will those two come out of the closet already?" Zack frowned.

"What do you mean come out of the closet?" Cloud tilted his head.

"It means opening up about a big secret."

"What's that strong smell? It's...sharp and leaves a weird after taste in my mouth." The blond turned to Sephiroth.

"That would be alcohol. And before you ask, puppy, no I didn't drink a lot. Barely enough to be buzzed." Sephiroth noticed the way the Second Class glared.

"What do you mean buzzed?"

"It means I'm not impaired."

"I don't like the smell of whatever alcohol is." Cloud declared.

"Then I won't drink in the future." Sephiroth rarely ever drank. His tolerance was so high he has to consume large amounts in order to get plastered anyway.

Zack tilted his head. It didn't escape him how easily Sephiroth was willing to change for Cloud. The general saw the wheels turning in the Second Class Soldier's head.

That night Zack sent a message.

I think you two would be good for each other.

Sephiroth was surprised by this. He asked why. He had picked up the subtle signs Zack had an interest in the boy. In his mind the two would make a better pair.

You didn't hear all of the conversation. Was all Zack would say. He refused to provide more answers even though Sephiroth pressed for them. He gave up and turned his phone on silent.