"So how exactly are we supposed to work? I mean... So far I really like you. That's besides the inner wolf talking." Cloud found himself rambling.
He couldn't really sleep the second night they traveled. So he took to asking another question that was bothering him. They traversed so much ground already, covering a huge distance from Nibelheim. All in the work of Zack constantly driving.
"I've been wondering the same." Sephiroth admitted. "And I've grown fond of you as well."
Despite Zack's teasing the most the pair have done was cuddle. Cloud's inner wolf wanted more, but if Sephiroth needed time to adjust then he will be patient.
"I'm amazed at how well you're taking this relationship in stride." Sephiroth comments, bringing him out of his thoughts.
"Well... It feels natural. Somehow. And it's not like I can run away and go back to the hunters guild. As much as I miss them." Cloud turns to look into that curious gaze. "Besides, you're taking this quite well, too."
"For someone of my stature, you mean? It's not unheard of, this sort of relationship happening. Although not often, the rare times it does is deemed a blessing to us."
"How so?" The blonde blinks.
"Because then we have someone there for us in the day. And we aren't so easily killed when a werewolf turns."
"But I get the feeling this sort of thing isn't always accepted." Cloud said, earning a nod.
"Some families see it as a curse. As you know, should we bite each other, we either die or become horrible monsters hell-bent on killing everything in sight."
"The last option is news to me but... I rather not see that." He had never heard of such tales. Then again he never cared for vampire lore, only their weaknesses. As if sensing this, Sephiroth made an inquiry.
"What made you become a hunter?"
This time around it took a moment for Cloud to answer. He was gathering up the courage to talk about it, without crying. He couldn't even mention anything to the guild. So this will be his first time explaining his story.
"Vampires destroyed my village. Thinking back, I think it was their ghouls. But there were a few vampires, too. And they... Killed everyone. I managed to hide with my friend Tifa, and we somehow survived that night."
Cloud was shaking. The tears on the verge of falling. But he stubbornly kept them at bay. Sephiroth gently wraps an arm around him to pull him close. The gesture reduced the shaking somewhat.
"Some of my kind have no sense of control. Or want of it. Those kind make me sick. If they don't listen to reason, then I just strike then down."
"You hunt your own kind for that?" Cloud glanced up in surprise.
"They poorly represent my kind. Such reputation is below us. It is better to weed them out than allow them to create more chaos." Sephiroth held a determination that said he was serious.
And a whole new level of respect was earned. Cloud watched him for a moment. When the awkwardness creeped in he spoke sincerely.
"I see why Zack is loyal to you." The blonde hunter comments.
"In a way we saved each other, when we met." Sephiroth admits.
"Care to tell me about it?" Cloud inquired curiously.
"He would be better at telling the story." At the pout, Sephiroth sighed. "Careful, such expressions might earn you certain reactions from me."
"Such as?" Cloud might have come off too eager when suddenly their faces were closer. Those eyes stared into his own as if daring him to move closer. But Cloud was too entranced. His heart was racing as fast as a chocobo inside his chest.
Ever so slowly their lips drew closer like magnets when suddenly the moment was broken when Zack opened up the door.
"Heyo! Guess what I... Found?" He caught onto what was happening real quick. "Should I leave you two alone for a little while?"
Cloud was inwardly panicking. He had been so invested in the moment that he didn't realize the movement of the truck had stopped. He blushed even brighter at the mention of being alone and turned his face away to bury into a cold shoulder.
"Just show us what you found, already." Sephiroth glares.
"Found another of your family's mansions still intact! Might need a little touch up, but it's not as bad as the Nibelheim one." Zack wasn't at all phased by the cold glare.
"What time is it?" The pair slowly pulled themselves out of the truck.
"Almost dawn, so might wanna get some sleep. I know I'm beat from driving."
"Go ahead and make yourself at home. We will find ourselves a room." Sephiroth ignored the flash of a knowing grin.
Cloud was too embarrassed to register the time frame of exiting the truck and following his future mate inside the mansion until they found a room. It was cozy, surprisingly. And the bed not in too bad shape for them.
Soon as he laid down Cloud nuzzled against Sephiroth and fell asleep. Meanwhile the vampire watched over him even as dawn approached. He silently wondered how he was blessed with an adorable person such as Cloud.