"He's emotionally and mentally scarred the entire squad." Heidegger glared.
He didn't care about the men. Sephiroth saw right through him. He was sure he wasn't the only one.
"She ran. He saw her as prey. When prey run then the predator instincts kicked in. Even I couldn't snap him out of it. It's why Weiss allowed her to die. He saw no point to allow her to run with them when Cloud wouldn't give up." Sephiroth held his ground.
"You said you can control him." Scarlett tilted her head.
It was clear who had secret ties to Hojo. Whenever he got bored then Scarlett and Heidegger get the leftovers. If it's still in once piece and functioning, anyway. And all three of them wanted a piece of Cloud. They would fight over him like starving dogs over scraps.
"And I can in most situations. That wasn't a situation where I had full control." Sephiroth glared. "If you compare the previous missions with this one, then you can agree with me that he was triggered."
"And you sure you can still control him? I've read that one of them forced you to stab him." The president inquired.
"Yes. I can. After he finished he came to his senses. From there I had no issues."
Meaning it truly was simply put, a freak accident. And Sephiroth was taking a stand to protect Cloud. A part of him knew this will definitely earn him trouble later. Trouble from his own men, tensions with some of the other departments.
But the idea of just handing Cloud over to these wolves in sheep clothing made him feel disgusted with himself. In comparison the blond was a better person than some of these people in this very room.
And Cloud was waiting outside. Most likely listening in. Sephiroth knew his hearing would allow him front row seats. And he would understand who was friend or not. That Sephiroth will hold his word to protect Cloud from these people.
"He is necessary." Hojo finally added his opinion. "He knows Weiss and his group best. Who better to guide General Sephiroth and the Soldiers to take them down? Although I prefer if they were captured, but their bodies are sufficient enough to study from dead or alive."
"Then afterwards? Do you believe you can keep him in line so no more incidents happen?" The president studied Sephiroth.
"Yes. With absolute confidence." He vowed.
"Fine. He's on a probationary period of two months. No missions outside of Midgar for the duration. He is to resume his classes and other duties."
Sephiroth took his leave. He didn't glance at Cloud as he made for the elevator. The blond quickly kept pace. For his credit Cloud remained behind him and not beside him.
He understood the fury Sephiroth had. And he knew that the general had every right to be angry. Cloud knew he messed up. And even though Sephiroth could have simply stated that he can't control the blond, he stood his ground.
A newfound respect was born. And Cloud felt lost in how to make it up to Sephiroth. He heard the whole exchange of course.
When they entered the elevator Cloud warily glanced up at the taller man. Still Sephiroth wouldn't glance at him. He felt the urge to say something.
"Sephiroth - "
"From now on you address me as Sir." His voice was stern.
"Yes, Sir." Cloud stared at the floor. "I'm sorry. Sir."
He felt those eyes turn to him then. But he couldn't bring himself to meet their gaze. For the first time Cloud felt shame. And he was trying not to cry. This sensation was so foreign and confusing for him.
"Don't allow that to happen again. And soon as we're back home, you're washing your face. I'll put in the order for a new uniform. Your duties are relieved for the rest of the day." Sephiroth's tone relaxed the more he spoke.
"Yes, Sir." Cloud could only nod.
On their way back to the living quarters they ran into Zack and Angeal. Despite the blood on Cloud's face the Second Class Soldier ran over and pulled Cloud into a hug. Sephiroth tensed as he felt the eyes of every Soldier nearby staring.
Cloud couldn't hold the tears anymore. He sniffed while his body shook. Zack hugged tighter if possible.
"I know I wasn't there but I know you weren't at fault." The dark haired Soldier assured and Cloud finally clung onto him. A whimper escaped him and the blond choked back more sounds.
And the sight of him trying so hard not to show any weakness melted away the fury Sephiroth felt. He had to remind himself that even he had days where he slipped up.
"So he's still in your custody." Angeal seemed relieved.
"Fortunate he had previous missions history to compare. Otherwise his probation wouldn't have been two months."
"They might also be feeling the pressure to send you out to the war again. Will they allow him to go with you?" Angeal asked.
"They don't want the idea of him staying here without me. Therefore two months is enough time to prepare. Think you and Genesis can cover for me during that time?" Sephiroth knew how much Angeal hated the war.
"I know Genesis will be more than eager." The commander steered the conversation away from himself as usual.
"Angeal, I'm asking as a friend." Sephiroth sighed, sending him a look.
"It might complicate things because Zack can't always come with me. But yes. I can manage." Angeal gave in.
"You know what he needs? A good shower, and some homemade soup. Made by yours truly! I've got my mama's recipe memorized." Zack piped up.
And that was how they found themselves spending the evening. Sephiroth changed into normal clothes while Zack used his kitchen. Angeal helped with the guidance, simply so that Zack didn't make a total mess and to help find what they needed.
Shortly after the shower stopped there was a shattering of glass. They immediately rushed to open the bathroom door to see Cloud, towel wrapped around his waist, had punched the mirror. Tears streaked down his face and Sephiroth was the closest to pull him into a hug.
The blond crumbled in his embrace. So they sat on the floor, the blond curled up in his lap crying his eyes out. Sephiroth watched as Zack removed the glass pieces from Cloud's hand while Angeal grabbed the emergency medical kit.
"I couldn't wash the blood off my face." Cloud whimpered.
Alarm spread through them. Sephiroth carefully glanced over Cloud's face. He saw none. This was a hallucination the blond was going through.
"Focus on me. The blood is washed off, Cloud. Just focus on me and breathe." Sephiroth instructed. The blond turned his head so it was buried into the general's chest. He felt Cloud focus on his breathing.
"I think I got all the glass. Hey, Cloud? Angeal is gonna clean the wound. You might feel a stinging sensation. It's just the medicine working to make sure you don't get sick. Okay?" Zack earned a nod so he moved out of the way for his mentor.
"One, two, three." Angeal counted out loud until the cotton ball touched over the worst of the cuts. Cloud hissed and tensed up, but otherwise didn't attack.
"I know, buddy. Even though the chances of an infection are low with mako, we still need to do this." Zack assured.
Cloud relaxed. Whether it be because of Zack or because the stinging eased wasn't clear. Sephiroth was relieved that the blond wouldn't go into either fight or flight mode on them.
When it was done with each cut Angeal bandaged those he deemed necessary. When he finished Sephiroth carried Cloud over to the couch. He was careful not to allow the towel to move or reveal anything.
Soon enough the soup was done. Cloud stared. He didn't understand why it looked familiar. It didn't smell the same as what he remembered. The chef had pulled out foldable tables for Cloud and Sephiroth to have their bowls.
"Gongaga special! Meat, potatoes, tomatoes, rice and noodles." Zack flashed a proud grin.
"It makes me think of...a different kind of soup. Almost the same. But without the red things. And the meat was different." Cloud studied the bowl.
"Ah, that must be the Nibelheim special. I've heard that villages have their own special soups that every family grows up with. I decided to toss in a bit of Midgar specialty in the spices."
That explains why this had a more fragrant scent. From his memory it smelled only of meat. Plain with only salt and black pepper to flavor it. Cloud grasped a spoon and had a bite.
He almost started crying. There was more of the memory coming to him. The face of that woman who claimed to be his mother. She was sitting next to him, smiling as he ate.
"My, you're growing already? You're going to be big if you're still hungry after two bowls of this." She smiled warmly as he ate away.
"More! More!" He happily demanded after slurping down the last bit.
"Okay, but last bowl. I have to make more tomorrow." She got up to get him one last bowl.
"Thank you, Ma!"
"Anytime for my little Stormcloud."
"Cloud?" Zack's voice snapped the blond out of the memory.
"...Yeah. She was my ma." Cloud bit his lip.
"You remembered?" Sephiroth was amazed.
"One portion. She made something similar to this. And I wanted more. Does this mean I have to start replying to her letters now?" Cloud was embarrassed to still struggle with writing. He can read, but writing wasn't implemented during his years in the lab.
"Only if you wish to." The general wasn't going to force him.
"Can someone help me write it after dinner?" Cloud felt ashamed for his writing abilities.
"Course, Spike. I'll be glad to help. Maybe we should start some sort of writing get together? That way I can help you practice writing." Zack offered.
"Yeah. I'd like that." Cloud nodded.
After dinner was finished Zack went over their first writing practice. When Cloud managed a few milestones Zack wrote down the actual letter for Cloud. When they finished Angeal announced it was time for them to leave.
Cloud realized when they left that he still had yet to change into some actual clothes. Blushing brightly he ran to at least put some sweat pants and a shirt on. He came back out for another bowl of soup when Sephiroth surprised him.
"What does being a mate mean to you?"
Cloud paused. He thought over his words. He understood that his views were different from everyone else. He took the time to reheat the soup on the stove.
"Mates are when two people stay together for the rest of their life. Even when things get tough they stick together. Sir." He added the sir as an afterthought.
"You can say my name in private."
"When it's just us and no one else is around?" Cloud clarified.
"Yes. And you choose me for a mate, why?" Sephiroth inquired.
The blond turned around. He was surprised to see the general standing behind him. Half an arm lengths away. How did Sephiroth sneak up on him? Cloud stared into his eyes to keep himself from faltering.
Meanwhile it gave Sephiroth a moment to consider his own reflection towards Cloud. The blond had proved what he suspected to be true. That Cloud meant forever or never without even considering anyone else.
"Because you've accepted the part of you that is a monster."
Sephiroth never saw that answer coming. And all he could do was stare as he processed what Cloud had stated so casually.
"And you don't with yourself?" He asked.
"I'm not sure. I seem to scare most people. I just want to be part of the world somehow. And you make it worth trying."
"Don't listen to what they say. You are trying your best. That is all anyone can ask for. Whether they understand you or not is not their place to judge." Sephiroth affirmed.
"I already don't care for what they say. But a twist of a few words and they can take me away from you. And it all starts when I do what comes naturally to me." Cloud powered his gaze.
"That's why I'm here."
"...Why do you help me?"
"Because I see you worthy to be here. In our world that you were forcibly taken away from at a young age. And you didn't turn your back on the same world that is turning on you. Despite everything you don't hate it, or us." And Sephiroth truly meant it.
"Then why can't we - "
"Because the idea of forever with one person is scary. I am general of Shinra. I am considered the strongest man to live. I fight wars, monsters, and everything in between. That sort of life isn't meant for relationships."
"Angeal and Genesis found a balance." Cloud of course noticed when their scents lingered longer together.
"They have the luxury. My life is controlled in almost every aspect. From the president, to Professor Hojo, even to Director Lazard."
"Then why don't we leave this place?"
"Because we would then have an entire army after us. You've never seen the Turks in action. They are like wolves. Catch a scent trail and they will be on us." Sephiroth didn't like where this was going.
The temptation. And Cloud was so willingly interested to bring it up. No, that ember will not be ignited.
"We can't run from our problems. We have to face them head on because we're Soldier."
"I'm not considered one yet."
"You are to me." Sephiroth stated with such conviction Cloud didn't know what to say.
"You have the heart of one. I see it clear as day. Zack, Angeal, even Genesis see it. That's why we're all helping you."
"So...you're saying we can't be together?" His voice dropped as he spoke.
"I never said that. I am simply telling you that to be mine, it comes with many obstacles that will frustrate you. It will test everything you have. I am asking you, do you really wish fighting for our relationship forever?"
"Yes. For you, yes." Cloud didn't hesitate.
Sephiroth couldn't bring himself to reply.