"Hey, Spikey." Zack tried to flash a smile. It didn't work so well.
"You're the bodyguard?" Cloud's brain was processing very slowly.
"Yeah so thing is, I thought he died. I left and found work as a hunter. Then our accident happened, and I came back here."
"And that's when you woke up, I presume." Vincent turned to the silver haired vampire, who smirked.
"I sensed his return. And it was enough to awaken me from my slumber."
"Only this time around, I won't let you survive this night." Vincent took aim.
Something primal awoken from within Cloud. Out of reflex not of his own mind grabbed the handle of his sword. He sent a panicked and angry look at Vincent, and in his peripheral Zack slowly backs up. As the dhampir tensed, the vampire watched curiously, for he had never seen his guard back away before.
"... And this is one of many reasons why I work alone." Vincent sighed in defeat.
In a flash he drew Cerberus. When he heard the gun click Cloud swung with equal speed. The dhampir saw it coming and easily parries. In the background the vampire sneaks to a safer distance. Zack caught up with him. Cloud had a trained ear at their conversation as he tried to focus on holding back the rage burning inside his chest.
"Why did he turn against his comrade?"
"I think his inner wolf found its mate. But...thing is, I've met mine already. So I think you're the lucky man."
"You can't be serious?" The silver vamp was flabbergasted.
Focus. His inner beast snarled.
"I don't get a say in this!?" Cloud yelled at no one in particular. And just like that his fury was released.
He gasped in pain as he doubles over in pain. His spare hand spared him from face planting into the floor. In a blink of an eye his hand became a claw. Fur the same color as his hair grew along his arm and the rest of his body. In the end he stood on two hind legs and howled.
The beast inside of him won.
Cloud was driven by the urge to protect his mate. He lunged forward with a snarl. Vincent leaped out of the way, hesitating raising his gun at the now turned werewolf. Taking advantage of this weakness the beast went all out in his rage.
In the back of his mind, he couldn't help but wonder exactly why Vincent was hesitating. He had many hands turn against him, and usually he was known for becoming the hand of their death. Or perhaps he was always forced into killing.
Even so Cloud had the upper hand. His claw raked against a leg, and blood was spilled. The scent was driving him insane. It was mouth watering for a feast. But Cloud fought against his inner beast to focus on Vincent. It made the difference when he took his first aim.
The bullets grazed his shoulder. Silver. Cloud yelped in pain. It spurred his anger to higher levels, however. So he lunged again. He noticed a beam of wood holding up part of the second floor was leaning. So he pushed against it with his strength. The ceiling came crashing down upon them.
The werewolf pushed his way out of the rubble and shook the dust off. He caught sight of a wounded Vincent, struggling to free himself. Cloud raised a claw for the finishing blow, aiming for the dhamphir's throat.
"Enough," The vampire moved closer and raised a hand.
Cloud turned, and in an instant his fury burned out. He moved closer and whined. Green eyes studied him cautiously as the outstretched hand gently touched his furry cheek. With another pained whine Cloud transformed back to normal. His strength leaving him, Cloud almost loses balance. Fingers curled under his chin and the blonde remained on his knees.
The vampire smirks at the pretty sight before him.
"Yes, I think I'll keep you."
"No. You won't." Vincent warned, Cerberus was almost within reach.
"You are in no position to have a say in this matter." Green eyes glared. "Besides, look at his state. He's practically shaking with need."
Cloud blinked. He was. He couldn't believe he hadn't noticed until now. He had been too focused on being enchanted. He had no idea what was going on anymore. The vampire's scent was a drug to him, and the simple touch on his chin made him want more.
A name sang in his head. He could barely hear it. Even so he repeated it in the hopes of not forgetting it.
"Sephiroth," Cloud whispered, almost begging, surprising everyone.
Huh? How did he know his name again?
"I accept you, Cloud." His voice practically purred at the name. It took every ounce of control for the blonde not to cling onto him and make a fool of himself.
"Come, let's take our leave. It's time we leave this dreadful state of a mansion." Sephiroth noticed how Cloud couldn't quite make his legs work so instead he scoops him up into his arms.
Zack watches with hands on his hips and a know it all smile. On his back was his own sword and crossed over it was First Tsurugi.
"Know what, I don't feel so bad after all for biting you, Spikey."
"I still don't understand what's going on? I mean, I understand it, just..." Cloud was lost.
"Hard time processing? I'll give you time to sort that out. First, we need to find a new place to call home." Sephiroth wanted to stay focused.
"Did you guys take the truck here?" Zack inquired.
"Yeah." He nods, not fully paying attention.
"I'll drive. You two have fun in the back." Zack flashes a grin.
"Wait, what?" Cloud panics.
"I won't force myself on you if you're not ready. In the meantime, you should watch your tongue, Zack."
"Aww but you love me."
"Like the annoying brother I can't get rid of."
"Har har." Their banter earned a giggle from Cloud. "Score! He laughed! He's comfortable now."
"Zack!" The blonde blushed deeply.
They made it to the vehicle in question. The back was basically a giant box with no windows and only one door meant for taking anyone prisoner. This was to capture one alive for further questioning about the rest of the coven, should the hunters be taking on such a high risk job.
Since it was close to dawn, Sephiroth couldn't be exposed to the sun. So while it wouldn't be the most comfortable ride, it at least protected him. The pair climbed in back and Zack closed the door on them. A minute later the engine roared and the vehicle began moving.
After a long moment Sephiroth sighed.
"I know you want to ask something."
"Is it that obvious?" Cloud wondered.
"Something is bothering you. What is it?"
"... Why did you have me spare him?" Cloud thought of Vincent.
"Because he hesitated. And cornered. It wouldn't have been a fair death for a former comrade."
"So it wasn't some evil plan for him to spread fear to the others?"
"Where did you get that idea?"
"Movies."
If Sephiroth was honest, he would say it was partially true. But the main focus was so Cloud wouldn't be troubled with what he had done. If they were supposed to be for each other, then he would rather build him from a not so depressing level state.
"No. I didn't want to see you hurting. This I swear."
Cloud looked into those green eyes, studying him.
"Thank you." He saw truth in them, and that was enough. Cloud leaned his head against Sephiroth's shoulder.
"Rest, Cloud. You've earned it."