"Will you and Rufus be okay?" Cloud asked as they approached a fancy townhouse that so happened to be the very top of a building.
There was a helipad, a pool, and who knows what was inside. All Cloud knew was that this was way out of his price range. Although, if he accepted to be a Shinra, then he had a claim to money and assets that could afford three of these.
"We will be fine. At least, I want to believe so. This is the first time I've had to make an intervention." Tseng for once wasn't so sure.
"He looked like a piece of him broke from what you last said to him." Cloud had noticed that detail.
"Which means we have a lot to talk about when I return."
"Good luck with that." The blond was grateful for the Turk in more ways than one now.
When they landed, the passengers waited until Tseng was ready to give them the tour. He handed them both a key card.
"This is the key that allows you to get inside the building, this townhouse, and everything that this building has to offer. There's a gym, sauna, and I believe a lounge area."
"Is this one of my brother's unused houses?" Cloud asked.
"Actually, this is mine. My secret hideout for emergencies. Not even Rufus knows that I own the top floor." Tseng produced another key to open up the door to be let inside.
"You prepared two extra cards. Did you expect to bring us here?" Sephiroth noticed the number of cards.
"You should know me, General. I am always prepared. I had hoped it wouldn't come to this, though."
They entered the living room space. Large, an expensive couch and an even more expensive TV mounted on the wall. Adjoined with only a bar to separate them was the kitchen that was also spacious.
"As you can see, this place has everything you'll ever need. There are three bedrooms, two baths. However the master bath is only accessible by the master bedroom. There are some food here, but be mindful it's been a while since I've had the time to go through them."
"Are there any clothes that will fit us?" Sephiroth knew it would be a miracle if there were any.
"I'll send for your spare clothes. It'll be discreet and no one will know."
"As long as it's not Reno." Cloud commented.
"No. Either Rude or Cissinei will be delivering them. Is there anything personal you would like us to grab?" Tseng offered.
"No, just clothes." Cloud began to fiddle with the tie. "Stupid thing."
"Here, let me help." Sephiroth reached to undo it.
Sensing that he was intruding, Tseng silently made his way to the back door that lead to the large patio with a pool. He paused to glance one last time over.
"I won't justify their actions. But I will say that they really did believe they were doing the right thing."
"Which one decided to keep us apart?" Cloud asked. He knew Tseng wouldn't lie.
"Lazard. Rufus agreed on the notion you would be distracted. They never thought that by having Sephiroth's loyalty then the others would follow."
"Heh. Whatever. I can't find myself to care about them at the moment." The tie was finally off. So Cloud removed the blazer.
"And that is why I brought you both here. Don't be worried how long you'll take. Rufus is good at distracting the media." Tseng took his leave to make for the helicopter.
"So...how do we go about this?" Cloud wished he asked more questions on how Tseng and Rufus bonded. But then again, they met when Rufus was, what, twelve, they said?
They admitted that they didn't immediately go into anything sexual because of the age. But Cloud and Sephiroth are adults. And his brain was still reeling with the fact he was chosen for this man.
"Up to you. I don't wish to do anything that makes you uncomfortable." Sephiroth was leaving it all to the blond.
"That might...just know, I'm not uncomfortable with you. But I'm still in shock. I mean, all I've got going for me is what sort of family I come from." Cloud wasn't sure whether he was grateful for leaving Nibelheim or not.
On the one hand, he finally met his promised love. On the other, his brothers kept them apart. And he still was unsure what to think on this.
"That doesn't mean anything to me. But if you'd like, you can tell me how it has come to this. This union you three created."
"We might need to sit down for this. It's a long story."
So they sat on the couch and Cloud explained everything from the start. The night he first met Tseng, to meeting Rufus. And he explained that was around the time he met Genesis.
"Was it really just a date?"
"Nothing happened between us. He offered, but I declined. I wanted to experience that with my promised love. You know, he kept saying I talked like one of his friends. Was that you he was referring to?" Cloud looked up at the general.
"Quite possibly. He's offered himself numerous times to me. I declined. He called me cute for even hoping to find the one." Sephiroth hated that conversation.
"I think it's sweet." The blond blushed at his own comment.
Cue long awkward moment.
"So, you came to Midgar. And you joined Soldier?" The general tried to pick up the conversation again.
"Yeah. I thought it would be easy enough wait while they compiled the evidence. Then I noticed a scent that would drive me insane hanging around Lazard's office."
"I tried numerous times to catch you. I even asked Lazard if your name came up. He lied to my face."
And the anger rushed back tenfold. It was proving that what Tseng said was true. Lazard was the one to come up with the idea.
"I am sure he had no ill intentions. He acted like a big brother. Although I wouldn't know how siblings work, Angeal and Genesis have opened my eyes to the act of brothers in arms." Sephiroth noticed the change.
"Still. That's just wrong."
"I agree on that. Soon as I saw you standing with him on live television, I had to do something. My apologies for making it public. I didn't mean to put you on the spot. But I needed to confirm if it is you." Sephiroth explained.
"Well, my life was going to be public business after we removed our father from the company anyways. So in a way that saved us the trouble." Cloud was getting over the shock.
He couldn't help but admire Sephiroth. This was different than admiring from afar. The cameras really don't do him justice.
"You're free to touch me. Do mind if you do, I'll be returning the gesture." Sephiroth surprised Cloud with his bluntness. His words made the blond blush.
"I - I'm not - "
Suddenly an arm snaked around Cloud and he was pulled onto the general's lap. Instinctively his thinner arms wrapped around broad shoulders. He stared, entranced by Sephiroth's eyes.
"What did I say earlier?" Sephiroth asked. His tone remained stoic and serious.
"That...that I'm worthy in your eyes." Cloud gulped. He found words difficult.
"You're shaking. Are you afraid of me? Or excited?"
"A little of both?" The blond hadn't even noticed that he was trembling.
A playful smirk and the way those eyes seem to light up in excitement made Cloud shudder. And something about that expression drew him in.
Without even thinking Cloud leaned closer. He caught himself centimeters away from their lips meeting. Sephiroth watched curiously.
"I don't want you to feel pressured into anything. You hold all the cards in making the decisions of how fast we go." The general offered.
"Then...slowly?" Cloud felt his stomach sinking. This was a lot to take in.
"Then might I suggest you don't sit on me?" Sephiroth smirked as the blond blushed deeply.
"You're the one who pulled me on top." Cloud huffed as he climbed off.
"Careful. I might take offense when you're being a brat and react accordingly." The tone said it all and the blond looked away.
There was a knock at the door. Cloud got up to answer, grateful for an excuse to move. He opened the door to see Rude.
"Surprised Reno didn't sneak in with you." Cloud commented.
"He tried. Boss sent him on a mission." Rude handed over two bags. "One is yours, the other is General Sephiroth's."
"Thanks." Cloud accepted them. He did a peak in both of them to identify which was his.
"No problem." Rude shut the door for them.
Cloud handed Sephiroth his bag. He pondered where he should change when suddenly a phone rang. He instinctively reached for his. Only to realize it wasn't his.
"Of course it is." Sephiroth checked his phone. "Is it all right if I take this? They won't stop until I at least answer once."
"Who?" Cloud grew nervous.
"Angeal, Genesis and Zack."
"Sure? Wait, who is Zack?" Cloud tilted his head.
"You'll see." Sephiroth accepted the video call. He made a face at the three of them literally pressed against each other like a sandwich for a better view.
"He actually answered!" Zack bellowed.
"And he's still clothed." Genesis commented.
"So much for your claim." Angeal teased.
"Please tell me you didn't make bets." Sephiroth frowned.
"No!"
"Never!"
"Course not!"
"You make horrible liars." The general deadpanned.
"Okay these two made the bets. I stayed out of it." Angeal gave in.
"Don't make me run over there and collect the bet money." Sephiroth threatened.
"We're good!" Zack panicked.
"You can't leave the cutie all alone, Seph." Genesis countered.
"Cut the pet names." Sephiroth glared.
"Okay, sorry. Didn't think you would be that sensitive." The red commander backed up.
"So when do we get to meet him?" Zack was eager to meet. "Wait, where are you, anyway?"
"For now, we're not sure when we will be returning. And we're at a secret location. For various reasons I won't give details."
"Is it a townhouse Rufus owns?"
"No. Tseng wouldn't take us somewhere Rufus owns."
"Oh, so then it's one of Tseng's townhouses!"
"Don't spread word or I swear I'll hunt you all down." Sephiroth warned.
"Okay. So you're not sure when you'll be coming back home. Can we still talk to him at least? Please? Pretty please with a cherry on top?" Zack begged.
Sephiroth glanced at Cloud. The blond smirked, then before he could even rethink his decision he placed himself half on the general's lap to be in view of the camera.
"Hey, guys." Cloud greeted.
"Look at you, already at home with the General Sephiroth." There was a sly tone in Genesis' voice.
Cloud nearly choked. Sephiroth smirked behind him.
"Hello! My name is Zack Fair, Extraordinaire! At your service." The one holding the phone introduced. "You know Genesis already. But this is my mentor, Angeal."
The dark haired commander waved.
"Cloud Strife." He stated out of habit.
"Strife? Not Shinra? Rufus had the old man sign on live television to legitimize you." Angeal noticed.
"I'm...still debating on that." Cloud wasn't sure.
"Guys, can we not make this awkward? Bad enough we can't meet in person yet!" Zack whined.
"Or I can pull a few strings. It is a three bedroom here." Cloud figured why the hell not.
"You sure? We don't wanna intrude on the whole bonding process. Does Seph even agree?" Zack was being thoughtful.
Cloud glanced up at the general.
"They're practically attached to me by the hip."
"So then they're a package deal just like my brothers." Cloud made the connection.
"Except not as sneaky." Sephiroth assured.
"I'll get in touch with Tseng. Oh! Bring swimming trunks! We got a pool." Cloud got excited.
"Sweet! We'll get packing! Can't wait for a sleepover party!" Zack bellowed.
"Calm down, puppy!" Genesis hissed.
"Let him be excited." Angeal reprimanded.
Cloud climbed off to begin making the call on his own phone. He held it up to his ear as he dialed Tseng's cell. He didn't have to wait long.
"I'm guessing this is the food order?"
"Actually, now that you've mentioned it, we're going to need extra. Do you think Commanders Genesis and Angeal can come visit? Oh, and Zack, too."
"You're pulling a little bit much for a newly named Shinra." Tseng warned.
"Well, just for a couple of days? Maybe? Think of it as my late birthday present."
"Your birthday party that you promised to your brothers as a celebration after conquering the company?"
"Yes. You said I have free reign to punish them. So I'm excluding them from my birthday party." Cloud found himself smirking.
"And you're making Rufus pay for everything. Would there be alcohol in the order?"
"What's my brother's preferred drink?"
"Hmm. Rufus has two favorites depending on his mood. The Dumbapple Wine, or Fort Condor Whiskey."
"Whiskey or wine?" Cloud turned to Sephiroth, knowing the others could also hear him.
"Wine." Genesis immediately spoke up.
"Whiskey!" Zack argued.
"I'm feeling adventurous, so whiskey." Angeal answered.
"Whiskey." Sephiroth agreed to his friend's statement.
"Two bottles of whiskey." Cloud relayed.
"Swear to me that whatever mess you make, you guys clean it up?" Tseng sighed. "And anything breaks I'm pulling out of your pocket, Cloud."
"Er, I promise. We will be responsible."
"Actually, he can pull money from my account instead of Cloud's." Sephiroth surprised everyone.
"...Fine. Only because he can afford it. Although if Cloud accepts Shinra then his assets quadruple what he's already getting as Soldier."
"Yeah I figured." Cloud sighed.
"The food should be there in an hour. I'm afraid I can't bring the boys until early evening." Tseng promised.
"That's fine. Gives us time to cook." Cloud was glad for it.
After they both hung up Sephiroth turned to Cloud. There was a curiosity in his eyes.
"You sure you want your birthday party with us?" He asked.
"Yeah. I'm sure. My brothers lost that right keeping you from me." Cloud nodded.
"Hmm." The general hummed.
"What's wrong?" Cloud blinked.
"Nothing. Just for a moment, you spoke like Rufus would."
There was a flash of fury in Cloud's eyes. Sephiroth found the emotion attractive, actually. He silently admired the burning anger in those deep blues tainted with mako.
"I'm not - " Cloud tried to argue.
"You misunderstood. It was a mere observation. And you'll have to get used to it. You accepted your role as their brother. Whether you take the name or not, you're still their brother by blood. People will only see that."
"I guess." Cloud looked away. The fury he felt earlier melted away like a stream. "But I've got you."
Sephiroth smiled at the words.