Cloud helped himself to a shower before the party began. It gave him a moment to think to himself. And maybe a part him began to panic a little inside.
Why did he have impulse control issues? He supposed it started when he up and left Nibelheim. He was more impressed with Tseng than Rufus, if he were truly honest.
And yet of his brothers, Cloud leaned more towards Rufus anyway. It was confusing and he knew better than to play favorites. However with the facts given that made it hard.
And it was bringing down his mood. Since the shower wasn't helping Cloud figured might as well give up trying having a break.
After drying off and choosing his more comfortable clothes, he ventured into the kitchen. His nose was met with heavy aroma of pizza. And his stomach growled.
"There's the lucky guy!" Someone came up and practically hugged him from behind tightly.
"What the - ? When did you guys get here?" Cloud almost elbowed Zack in the face.
He only stopped when he caught sight of Angeal and Genesis. The two commanders were dressed in normal clothes and were helping Sephiroth sort the pizza arrangements.
"A few minutes ago." Angeal smiled. "Excuse the puppy. He was eager to meet you the most."
Cloud almost asked how they made pizza so fast when he noticed the boxes. Must have been Tseng pulling a move to spoil them for the night. He did make it clear he would just because Rufus will be paying.
"You're a bit shorter than I thought you would be." Zack finally let go. He moved so they could stand face to face.
"Like you're any taller." Cloud scoffed.
They were nearly the same height. Zack was maybe half an inch taller, but that barely counted in Cloud's opinion. The dark haired Soldier flashed a grin, not at all bothered by the slight attitude.
"Seph, you got a naughty one! I can see why you weren't paired with Genesis. The two of you would burn this whole city."
"Where did this spitfire come from?" Genesis wondered.
"Hidden away because I was intimidated by you. And constantly afraid you would find out I was staying at my brother's villa." Cloud shrugged.
"How long was this plan to take over been going on?" Genesis tilted his head.
"Just before that date."
"So, what are your current options once you've calmed down from this whole mess?" Angeal inquired.
"Either turn my back on my brother's, or become a pain in their ass for the rest of their lives. I'm leaning more towards being a pain in their asses."
"So you'll just continue as Soldier? But who will be the new director?" Zack piped up.
"Rufus actually thought of handing me that position. But when we met, he quickly realized that I'm not the type to sit behind a desk." The blond helped himself to some pizza. The others were already eating.
"But you're granted to revision the whole department to improve what Lazard couldn't." Sephiroth pointed out, earning surprised expressions from the others.
"What? What's wrong with the way it is now?" Genesis had a slight frown.
"A lot. Lazard doesn't see a lot of the internal problems. Like the instructors being downright abusive. I was also trying to investigate why the majority felt loyal over the two of you but few with Sephiroth." Cloud elaborated.
He felt a change in the air. And the blond quickly filed that away. It would seem they were aware of this problem but never addressed it.
"So, then why not be a Soldier and Director?" Zack broke the silence.
"What? I have to stay at the desk." Cloud was confused.
"Then you'll have a stand in who will be learning your changes to the division and assume responsibility once you feel that you can go back to being Soldier."
Cloud considered it. And as he thought it over, he could see maybe it could work. He started to come up with ideas, plans, all beginning to take shape and form in his head.
The blond turned to find the laptop he had seen lying around in the master bedroom. Except Zack stopped him with his arm then promptly turning him back to face the group.
"And where do you think you're going?" Zack crossed his arms.
"You gave me an idea. And a reason to come back to the company."
"Nope! You pulled strings to have us here. That means no work with guests over!" Zack countered, earning a pout.
"And there's Lazard showing through." Genesis smirked. "All work, no play."
"Don't forget the Rufus attitude. The future of Soldier will be interesting to say the least." Angeal smiled along with his friend.
"Would you believe me if I said I wasn't raised around them? I've only known them since the beginning of summer." Cloud hated being compared.
"What, you don't like us seeing the similarities?" Genesis caught on.
"We don't mean any harm in it. Remember we're all learning to get along here." Angeal was trying to keep the peace.
"It's fine. It's been a rough day." The blond felt horrible.
"That's why we're here! Let's bring out the drinks! Have a party! Have some fun!" Zack handed everyone a glass.
Cloud was beginning to understand these men as the night went on. Zack was easy to get along with. He was the perfect social butterfly.
Angeal was the mother hen of the big three. Caring. Keeps the peace. And always willing to look out for everyone. Cloud suspected this man puts everyone before himself on missions.
Genesis was a strange mixture. Cloud knew of this man's temper. It's been one of the many talks Soldiers go on about. But when he's not triggered, the commander is for the most part laid back. If a bit obsessive of Loveless.
Sephiroth, although more comfortable around his friends, was still hiding in his shell. Cloud listened into the way Genesis would tease the general, trying to get him out of his shell. Sephiroth humors him for a short.
But his tolerance was very low. And Angeal would eventually step in before Sephiroth starts to get pissed off and then the party is ruined with a possible fire. Cloud could see that these trio made a balance.
There was something going on with that thought. Something important. But Cloud lost track of it.
"What you thinking about?" Zack leaned closer until he was fully leaning on the blond's back.
Cloud felt the heated glare sent their way. Awkwardly he tried to push the other off. But Zack was heavier than he appeared.
"Can you get off?" Cloud asked.
"But you're so comfy!" Zack's voice was beginning to slur.
"Okay, time to cut off the puppy from the drinks." Angeal reached over the couch and pulled his pupil off.
"Aww! Don't be such a party pooper!" The younger laughed.
"Time for bed, now that I see the time." Angeal effortlessly placed Zack over one shoulder. His pupil raised both arms out like a plane.
"Night, everyone. We'll be taking the bedroom next to the guest bathroom." The commander waved at them all.
"Night." The majority echoed.
"I'm surprised how well you've been handling the drinks, little bird." Genesis comments.
"Who, me?" Cloud stared.
"Who else here has hair like a chocobo?" The commander raised an eyebrow.
"Point." The blond gave him that.
There was an awkward silence. Now that Zack was being put to bed, the life of the party was gone. Cloud didn't feel tired, strangely despite the time.
"How about a movie? Does Tseng even have any?" Genesis began to shift through the area of the TV.
He manages to find some. And they all agreed on some random movie. Genesis turned off all of the lights. And for the first time Sephiroth moved closer to Cloud to pull him to cuddle on one corner of the couch.
The blond didn't feel anxious like this. Cloud briefly wondered why, but ignored it. Everything about this moment felt so right. Soon the blond was beginning to nod out.
He couldn't help it. His face was on Sephiroth's chest. And the sound of his breathing and his heartbeat calmed his brain. He didn't fight as his eyes closed and he laid there, completely comfortable.
"Think he's asleep?" Genesis whispered.
"Should be. His breathing has evened out." Sephiroth had been debating when to move them to the master bedroom.
In truth Cloud wasn't. He was in a state right before sleep. He had faked sleep for so many years growing up just so he can stay awake longer in order to read more books. Which then created a pattern he had a hard time breaking.
"How are you holding up?" The commander asked.
"How do you think I'm holding up?"
"Now isn't the time to close yourself off from us, Sephiroth." Genesis sighed.
"...I don't know how to feel." The general admitted after a long moment.
"Is it because you're overwhelmed, or that you're trying to keep yourself calm and not take it out on the brothers?"
"A bit of both, actually. But mostly because I'm scared."
"You? Scared?" Genesis had the same thoughts as Cloud.
"I don't want to scare him, Genesis. Right now he's insecure that he's not enough for me. I'm afraid to say or do something that would frighten him."
"Find a common ground and work from that. There's a reason the planet chose you to be with him. Maybe you're both exactly what the other needed the most." Genesis offered.
"You make it sound so easy." Sephiroth countered. "Here we all thought you would find your destined heart first."
"You could always ask Tseng for tips." The commander had mirth in his voice. "What? Everyone suspected he has found someone. But the way he's stepped in to put a stop to the brothers turning on each other, that confirms it with me."
"For all you know, he had the company's best interest in mind and acted accordingly."
"But he made it personal by bringing you two here, out of their reach. And even offered food and your spare clothes. No, he's with one of them. I'm betting on Rufus. Why else would he happily hand the seat over to Lazard?"
Sephiroth didn't have anything to say to counter Genesis. And it was enough for an answer. For a few agonizing minutes the only sound was the TV with its low volume so as not disturb those who were sleeping.
"I promise I won't reveal this little secret. It isn't really my concern."
"But my love life is?" Sephiroth almost huffed.
"I merely wish to see both of you happy and succeed. I knew something was special about him soon as we met. Didn't think it meant him being a Shinra and landing you, though."
"You believe there's a chance for us to succeed?"
"There is no hate, only joy. For you are beloved by the Goddess." Genesis quoted. "I understand the concept of faith is strange to you, Sephiroth. But I know you had enough in you to search for him. Now that he's here, you're scared to lose him. I think that's a good first step."
"How?" Sephiroth was confused.
"Because it means you're willing to change for him. When before, it took a great deal for Angeal or I to even convince you to even try to step out of your bubble. I think you two need some time and faith. Then everything will fall into place."
Sephiroth was either too tired to reply, or he didn't want to admit that Genesis was right. Either way, a short time later the general carefully got up and carried Cloud upstairs.
The master bedroom and bath took up the whole upstairs portion. There was even a small patio to overlook the pool and the city. Carefully Sephiroth placed Cloud on the bed before placing himself close.
Cloud turned, half asleep, to nuzzle his face against Sephiroth's chest. It was enough incentive for the general to place an arm around the blond to hold him close. Sleep claimed Cloud within minutes.