The Host

by CryptCreeperX

A troubled youth, Cloud leaves home to join an elite gang of soldiers. But flipping burgers at Chocobo Chow and living in the Slums during unsafe times wasn't in the plan. Neither were rejection letters from Shinra Inc. An encounter with an enigmatic silver-haired Host presents a new obstacle. Guided to a world of sensual pleasure, Cloud bonds with a man who revels in dark passions

8. Dance with the Devil

Author's Note: Check yourself before you wreck yourself, ghouls and boils. Warning: tons of 'smexy-wtf-am-I-reading' moments in this chapter.

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CHAPTER 7: Dance with the Devil

"Big titties," Wedge proclaimed as he grabbed a glass of beer next to him. His mouth was slack and the words left his lips in mumbled, drawled-out sounds. "That's all I want out of this life. I want to shove my face in a pair of titties and – hiccup – suffocate myself. I'll die a happy man, bro. Honest truth."

And that was all the big boy said before chugging his beverage in one take. Wedge belched out loud a beat later.

Somewhere on the second level of club LIFESTREAM, a guitar shrieked an onslaught of high-pitched notes in rapid succession. It practically drowned out a jubilant crowd that had grown to twice its original size. It was close to two in the morning but the energy in the club still hadn't let up. The air grew misty and thick with heat. Temperatures escalated thanks to many new arrivals. As the early morning hours rolled on, reckless youths worshipped dance, music, booze, drugs, and sex.

At the booth, Wedge and Cloud sat together at opposite sides. Neon lights flared all around them. The two had kept each other company for a good while. Ele', Biggs, and Jessie were all gone. They had abandoned the booth an hour ago to join the giant mob on the dance floor. Only Wedge and Cloud stayed behind.

Two large holographic images of mantra rays currently floated above their heads. Across their table was a collection of abandoned glasses and plates. A few pieces of the birthday cake remained. The once massive tower of chocolate was now reduced to chunks of frosting and collapsed breading at this point. Both boys observed the leftovers with mild interest.

"How would you want to die?" Wedge curiously asked.

Cloud currently slumped against his seat with unfocused blue eyes. His distorted vision casted blurred movements and a kaleidoscope of intertwined images. Only in this drunken, semi-aware state did he entertain such an absurd question. He shrugged indifferently. "Dunno. In a blaze of glory, I guess…"

"Don't we all…" the other boy mumbled back. Wedge raised his beer in a toast. "Here's to dying with the flames of hell whipping at our backs then."

Cloud didn't bother lifting his mug; his arms felt too heavy. Both of them had been drinking for an hour, filling their heads with all sorts of liquid fantasies. While Cloud was nowhere near Wedge's intoxication level, his glassy eyes were masked by fatigue and disorientation. His head throbbed as well. It was as if a thousand knives dug deep into his skull and went straight for the meaty, sensitive parts of his brain. Was this the notorious symptom of a hangover? Was he that drunk?

"Do you prefer big titties or small ones?" Wedge inquired next from the other side.

A numb look crossed Cloud's face. He knew both of them were too out of it to really care for his personal preferences – finely perked ones. Briefly, Tifa came to mind. In that moment Cloud held his breath. He knew Tifa would grow a nice pair. She had already developed an impressive rack the last time he saw her. Chilly days were definitely memorable days for him. Tifa's pair always reacted to the cold.

"There are plenty of chicks with big and small ones at the Honey-Bee Inn," Wedge mentioned shortly. He washed down his throat with more beer; a toothy smile still planted on his face. "I'm sure you'll find – hiccup – someone you like there."

A quiet sound stayed stuck in Cloud's throat. His eyes drifted to the membership card on the table; the original source that inspired their current conversation. It was a one-time visit to the naughty den in Wall Market. Cloud wasn't sure whether to thank or smack Wedge for the gift.

"There's no expiration on it," Wedge added, "So go butt-crazy whenever you want to."

"…Geez. Thanks."

"Any time!"

Wedge's inability to detect the bells of sarcasm that rang in Cloud's voice amused the country boy. Still, he said nothing and took a long sip from his glass of water instead.

It was the humidity in the club that bothered Cloud the most. So far, he had drunk eight glasses of water. It did little to cool his body or satisfy the dried texture of his tongue. His bladder gradually made protests. He'd need to take a piss soon. Cloud stayed put though. Aside from his incapacitated state, there was another reason why he chose to stay behind in the booth.

While Wedge vulgarly expressed his adoration for big-breasted Wutai chicks, Cloud ice-blue eyes fell to a particular man upstairs. Black. That was what Cloud called him. Without knowledge of his true identity, Black was as good as any name to appoint. It felt appropriate.

Throughout the hour, Cloud watched Black from his booth. The veiled Host had not moved from his spot. Casually lying on his side across the velvet seating area, he supported half of himself up with an elbow. One knee was raised while a free hand held a very long, elegantly shaped pipe that emitted a bizarre green smoke. The veil lifted just high enough to slip the pipe's mouth piece through. Whatever substance Black inhaled Cloud didn't recognize it.

The Host's female client, meanwhile, lay passed out by his side. It was a wonder why Black hadn't abandoned her to join the other Hosts. Over the course of his close observations, however, Cloud learned why he stayed behind in his spot.

At first, Cloud dismissed it as mere coincidence. The long veil made it impossible to see the exact direction of Black's sights. Even so, Cloud felt his skin crawl with a familiar sensation. There was no mistake about it. Since the birthday cheer, a quiet tension had developed between them. Black spent most of his time smoking and watching. Watching him.

Pinned to his booth, Cloud nearly suffocated in Black's heavy, steadfast gaze. It was impossible to avoid it. Every move he made was observed by shrouded eyes. Cloud swallowed hard, unsure if it was nervous knots or concern that tied him to his seat. Or perhaps the liquor in his system had really fucked up his ability to think and correctly perceive. Perhaps all of this was in his head.

A sudden urge to pee struck the tip of Cloud's agitated groin; a reminder from Mother Nature to take care of proper business. He briefly squeezed his thighs together and battled the uncomfortable sensation with sheer will. Like hell he'd leave the safety confines of his booth. Black was out there. Watching him.

"Aren't you hot in that thing?" Wedge abruptly inquired, noticing Cloud's silence. He scooped up two inches of chocolate frosting from the discarded cake with a finger. Sucking on his pinky, he noted questionably, "Weren't you gonna take off that – hiccup – coat?"

Cloud forced his eyes away from Black. "Huh? What?"

"Your coat…"

Cloud reactively glanced down at his heavy coat. He frowned. Originally, he'd planned to visit the men's restrooms and change into the shirt Jessie had given him. But that plan quickly changed when he noticed Black keeping a watchful eye on him throughout the evening. Cloud refused to leave the booth, feeling both paranoid and nervous. For all he knew, the rumors were true and the black veil concealed a face that oozed with pus, blood, and rotten meat. A demonic being with all the mannerisms and essence of an angel… Black would strike as soon as he left the booth. It was a terrifying yet provocative fantasy.

"I'm fine," Cloud lied and drank more water to cool himself off.

"You're sweating more than I do on a single push-up though."

Cloud simply readjusted himself in his seat.

"Bah, remove the coat," Wedge begged.

That anxious feeling from before grew in Cloud's belly. When he checked upstairs he found Black exhaling a giant puff of smoke. There was something hypnotic in the way the strange green haze slithered around his dark figure like a ghostly snake. It was alluring. Cloud set his glass of water down.

"Go change," Wedge urged.

"I can't," Cloud managed to mutter. "The restrooms are likely full so there's no point of changing now."

"Who says you gotta go there to change? Change – hiccup – here."

"What?"

"You heard me. Take off that stupid coat and – hiccup – switch shirts here. You're sweatin' like a hog."

"Wedge, shut up. You're drunk. There's no way I'm changing out here." Cloud was just as drunk but tried to keep the tone of his voice calm.

"What? You're afraid of showing your man-tits? Ain't anyone gonna – hiccup hiccup – give a shit if you change in our booth. Look 'round you." Wedge lazily waved a hand at the crowd on the dance floor. At least ten women were topless, happily flashing people with perked nipples. "Just change, man. It's not like anyone is – hiccup – gonna watch you."

Cloud narrowed his eyes in an all-knowing manner. He sat still, getting more and more irritated with Wedge. And himself. He hated how tensed he'd become. Cloud partly blamed it on tonight's dust-filled and alcoholic partaking. They made him edgier than usual.

"Cloud," Wedge demanded one last time with an exaggerated pout. "Change."

"Fine…" Cloud bellowed back. Wedge's constant nagging had finally forced his hand. Now his fingers found their way to his coat's buttons.

Beads of sweat streaked down his cheeks. The heat from the club made it harder to breathe. Keeping his face down, Cloud grew embarrassed. He didn't dare check Black's reaction to his undressing. The faster he changed the better. Cloud slowly lifted the heavy coat off his shoulders. Tiny bumps surfaced across his skin. He actually felt better. A ton of weight had disappeared. He'd been sweating in that damn coat the entire time and now felt as light as a feather without it. Unfortunately, the sight of a yellow uniform shirt reminded him why he kept it on in the first place.

Cloud muttered an incoherent word, feeling even more exposed and irritated. His fingers quickly worked to remove the top while he hunched down as much as he could, attempting to conceal himself with the table. Seconds later, the flimsy material was tossed aside.

"Damn, Cloud. You got a hot body…" Wedge remarked at a shirtless Cloud; his beady brown eyes wide opened now. "I'd go Bear for you…"

"Shut up." Cloud glared at him.

"You work-out?"

"Yeah, I guess."

Wedge gave one more glance-over at Cloud's bare chest. "You should strip for the ladies. Certainly pays better than the army."

Cloud rolled his eyes. Inwardly, though, he enjoyed the compliment. He didn't flaunt an impressive six-pack like all the cool guys. However, his body did showcase a lean and tight frame. The tummy was flat and his slender arms possessed all the necessary toned muscles required to lift pounds of steel. He had the slim figure of a dedicated athlete. If not for the long scar below the navel point he'd feel more comfortable with his body.

Cloud paused before putting on the shirt Jessie had given him. He didn't know why, but he caught a glimpse upstairs. He didn't understand the warmth that flushed down his body when he discovered Black sitting in a different upraised position. His long pipe now rested idly between gloved fingers. Cloud's breath hitched. Something in the way Black watched him made this moment more intense. Black didn't move. Nor did he take a smoke from his long pipe. Licking his lips, Cloud did not cover himself yet. His skin rushed with another wave of heat and, for the briefest of moments, he reveled in the attention given to him right now. He felt… a desire.

"Ugh, I feel like shit," Wedge suddenly groaned.

The words snapped Cloud out of his trance. He blinked several times.

"Why do I feel like shit?" moaned the big boy again. Wedge massaged the sides of his scalp.

With a small amount of reluctance, Cloud slipped on the black short-sleeved shirt. It fit perfectly. He turned his attention to Wedge. "That's because we drank a lot, idiot…" Cloud quietly reminded.

"Think I'm gonna –hiccup – take a little nap…"

Cloud cocked a brow at Wedge.

Wedge's chubby red face hit the table with a dull thump. A second later, he mumbled, "Yep. Nap time."

"Hopeless." Cloud sighed. "You're hopeless, Wedge…"

"Bah. I'm not hopeless, I'm – hiccup – just misunderstood." Face-down with saliva drooling at the corners of his mouth, the big boy closed his eyes.

Cloud shook his head. He reached over the table to smack Wedge's cheek and wake him up. Wedge snored. Cloud considered slapping him again until a buzzing sound vibrated from his pants' pocket. Glancing down, he retrieved his electronic device. It was a text message.

Nunchaku (2:10AM): Get laid yet?

Cloud's cheeks rose to a deeper shade of blush. He figured Kyle would text him during the birthday get-together. Their colorful conversation at the restaurant hadn't been completely forgotten. With a soft scoff, Cloud typed a quick reply.

Omnislash (2:10AM): Nope.

Cloud didn't have to wait long for a response. Kyle was all too quick to point out the obvious.

Nunchaku (2:10AM): What the fuck, man? No potential prospects? I'll happily fuck you if no one does.

Omnislash (2:11AM): Not interested.

Nunchaku (2:11AM): I'll be a gramps by the time you make up your mind.

Omnislash (2:11AM): Whatever. Still not interested.

Nunchaku (2:11AM): Have you at least found someone interesting enough to fuck?

Cloud nearly rolled his eyes. That damn question. Kyle was relentless. Of course, Cloud was a bit disappointed he hadn't found anyone to take home as well. He still hadn't mastered the art of random one-night stands. The women he'd slept with had either been minor associates or gone out on a date with him at least once prior to the dirty deed. His ability to initiate sex was also clumsy at best. A lackluster compliment here. An awkward glance there. He'd only gotten away with it because the girls thought his efforts were cute and took pity on him. It also helped he sported pretty blue eyes and a decent-sized cock.

As the morning hours drew his birthday celebration closer to an end, Cloud wondered if he'd be lucky at all today. He admittedly wanted to bring home company; he needed to relieve the stress that had built up since the day of his third rejection letter. At least he did find someone worth an interest: Black.

No sooner did Cloud think about the Host did he look upstairs. Again, the veiled creature stared back, observing him as always. Cloud suddenly remembered Kyle's mission. The street hustler had mentioned the elusive man; a man in a black veil who saw only the people he chose to see. It sounded bizarre at first. Cloud couldn't believe such a story. But there he was: the black-veiled man.

Nunchaku (2:13AM): Where are you?

Omnislash (2:13AM): Club LIFESTREAM.

Nunchaku (2:13AM): That place is elite. You'll definitely find someone and get laid.

Omnislash (2:14AM): I guess.

Nunchaku (2:14AM): You really need to work on that confidence of yours, buddy.

Cloud mentally scolded Kyle and messaged back a 'whatever'. Of course. It was so easy for Kyle to think like that; to be so damn optimistic. Everything came naturally for him. Everyone loved and idealized the other blonde. Cloud didn't doubt the street rat's handsome looks and charms would convince the veiled man to see him; to choose him. Kyle was fucking perfect.

Nunchaku (2:16AM): I still haven't found him.

Omnislash (2:17AM): Him?

Nunchaku (2:17AM): Yeah. Him. The black-veiled man.

Cloud paused. It was as if Kyle had just read his mind. Both sets of teeth gently tapped together a few times. He thought a moment. Kyle would be ecstatic if he learned the black-veiled man was here at Club LIFESTREAM. He had passed up the birthday get-together in search of him. Cloud's fingers hooved over the cellphone's keyboard. He contemplated over a proper response.

Nunchaku (2:18AM): I don't understand. My sources say he's out in the city right now.

Cloud's fingers hesitated.

Nunchaku (2:19AM): Do you think he's there? At the club?

Cloud still debated on what to type.

Nunchaku (2:19AM): Have you seen anyone in a black veil?

Cloud's fingers finally moved across his keypad. Each letter he pressed lit in rapid succession. Halfway into typing a confirmation of the Host's location, though, that tang of bitterness from before seeped into Cloud's thoughts.

Black would likely choose Kyle. It was a fact. Once again, Kyle would be the favorite of the two blonds. Once again, Kyle would end up on top. Cloud's briefly looked up at the Host and wondered if Black would have approached Kyle by now. Perhaps Black would've spent the evening staring at him instead. Cloud's jaw reset itself. He read over his unsent text message and blankly stared at the enter key of his phone now. Before he could think any more on it, a familiar chime alerted him to a new comment.

Nunchaku (2:20AM): Cloud? You there?

Cloud didn't understand how he developed a fascination with Black or why the possibility of Kyle being chosen bothered him. Black's occupation still sounded bizarre to his ears. It wasn't like Cloud intended to call on him. If anything, his intrigue likely came from pure curiosity. No matter the taboo or personal implications, Cloud couldn't deny the appeal of the Host. With a deep swallow, his fingers tapped on a single button. Delete. Each word disappeared. They were replaced by a short and brief message.

Omnislash (2:23AM): Have to go now.

Cloud shut the phone before he could read the next reply. He drew a breath afterward. Almost as soon as he ended their chat, feelings of guilt and disappointment emerged.

Cloud recalled Ele's conversation not long ago. Giant cock-teases, she had claimed. Look, but don't touch. Touch, but don't taste. Cloud wondered what sort of tedious requirements the Hosts demanded of their clients, especially the black-veiled man. They weren't the type who opened up to anyone. A fat pocket likely played a part in their selection process. Considering the amount of club attendees already interested in the four Hosts, they could afford to be picky with their clientele. It was probably suave and beautiful clients like Kyle they took a fancy to, not minimum-waged punks like him.

Cloud felt like shit right now. He couldn't understand where these feelings of resentment came from. Nor why he felt jealous in the first place. He'd just screwed over his friend. And for what? Because he hated how popular Kyle was? Because Black would choose him? Growling to himself, Cloud opened his phone again. He felt ashamed of his childish tantrum. When he saw a smiling emoticon and 'good luck' text Kyle had left for him, it only made Cloud hate himself more. He immediately typed his original response and a quick apology. However, when Cloud glanced at Black upstairs he stopped typing.

Black was gone.

Cloud leaned forward in his seat. The female client still rested on her side, still asleep, but Black was nowhere to be seen. Cloud's eyes searched for the missing Host across the second floor. The music changed. As if echoing his tensed mood, it turned to a more furious, fast-beat tempo. Sirens wailed on and off while words spilled from the mouths of the musicians. They spoke of love, knives, and agony. The song prompted the crowd to scream louder. Everywhere, the air reeked of electric energy and pure desire. Strobe lights flickered on and off again from all directions. A mist of blue settled across the club.

Licking his dried lips, Cloud wondered if Black temporarily left for better adventure or ditched the club scene altogether. Likely the Host had grown tired of their little game and simply moved on. Disappointed by the thought, Cloud shut his phone and slid it back into his pocket. The text didn't matter anymore. He no longer knew where the Host was.

Peachy.

Feeling his bladder ready to explode again, Cloud ultimately decided now was a good time to relieve himself. He checked on Wedge first. Still snoring, the big boy wasn't going anywhere. Cloud made his way out of the booth. At first, his legs stumbled when a sensation of vertigo and disorientation temporarily took over. Cloud fought to regain his balance and forced one foot in front of the other. It was like climbing down a forty foot ladder; every successful step became an act of god. As clumsy as his physical actions were, however, his mind remained coherent enough. He slowly made his way down a small flight of stairs.

Avoiding the big crowds, Cloud stuck close to the glassed walls and placed a hand on it to steady himself. Several times he had to stop and re-focus his vision. Thankfully, a straight line of blue neon lights directed him to the men's restroom.

When he finally arrived there were two entries at opposite sides of each other. Lines had formed outside those entrances. For whatever reason, one line was longer than the other. Cloud opted for the shorter one but immediately stopped mid-stride.

Within the low-lit setting of the club, Cloud discovered the silhouette of a terrifying yet elegant shape: the figure in black. Black stood in line with his back pressed against a wall, one knee casually bent with arms folded across his chest. A PHS was currently flipped open in his hand; its screen casted a soft tinted light. The long veil stayed over Black's face while he stayed occupied with his cellphone.

Cloud's mouth parted. The even rhythm of music played louder in his ears. Both cheeks burned with heat while erratic thoughts danced in his head. The influence of alcohol and drugs only made him succumb to his mental wanderings faster. He wasn't ready to stand near this strange man. Even if he was, he wouldn't know what to say or how to act. Their distant interactions throughout the evening were as far as Cloud was willing to go. Stepping backing, he quickly joined the longer line before Black noticed him. As if sensing his presence, though, the tall shadow looked up from his PHS.

Cloud reached the other line. When he glanced back, he noticed that Black had lowered his arms from their crossed position. The weight of his stare bore down on the teenager. It never wavered.

Holding his breath, Cloud had trouble standing on both feet. Nervous knots overwhelmed his stomach. He hid behind the bodies of men in line, trying to avert that heavy gaze from him. Already dreading his decision to visit the restroom, Cloud kept to himself. He felt exposed. Naked. That awkward feeling amplified when he noticed a few men in line glancing back at him. The large bald man directly in front of him smiled in a manner that made his shoulders tense. Cloud considered returning to the booth but his bladder demanded attention. Several times he had to shift his weight from one leg to the other, sometimes crossing them.

Thankfully, the long line moved along the wall. When Cloud made it to the neon-lit entry point, the door automatically slid aside for him. There was a curved hallway that snaked up to a small set of stairs. The corridor's glassed walls showcased a family of fish flowing to and forth. Through the transparent wall and swimming fish, Cloud could see the second line of men on the other side. He found Black there. Black stood, staring back at him. Cloud frowned when the veiled figure lifted up a single finger. Black slowly shook it, making a peculiar 'no' gesture.

No? Cloud blinked several times, confused.

The current song in the background continued its chaotic melody. The line progressed again. Cloud reached the small set of stairs and came to the main section of the restroom. The restroom was massive. A soft bluish tint emitted from its glass floor. Thousands of small fish swam under his feet. He felt as if he were walking on water – in his drunken condition he might as well have been. A paranoid voice within worried about a leak or crack in the glass. Because the entire restroom was situated deep inside the aquarium's waters any break could potentially flood the whole compartment. Cloud fought against the gruesome thought and forced one foot forward.

He noticed the restroom was large enough to accommodate a good number of occupants. With so many attendees at the club tonight all of the urinals and stalls were in use though. The enormous space was divided in half by a large water wall that reached up to the glass ceiling. LED lights continuously changed its colors. On both sides of the water wall were the restroom's sinks. The faucets themselves were constructed of glass; their exposed pipes glowed. Rectangular mirrors hung in suspension by thin metal rods attached to the ceiling.

Straight ahead from the small flight of stairs, Cloud saw two rows of restroom stalls. They were several feet apart and faced each other. One row ran against a wall while the other set of stalls was situated in front of the water fall. Urinals lined along the far back of the restroom. Cloud advanced a step and momentarily struggled with his balance. From his immediate left he caught a glimpse of the other side of the restroom. Divided by the same water wall, the second half of the men's room also featured two lined stalls facing each other.

Cloud wrinkled his nose. It smelled of fresh bleach here. Something else drifted in the air; something that shared the same oily stench of ejaculated juices. Cloud moved further toward the stalls. He paused.

A large crowd had gathered in the narrow space between the two rows facing each other. At first, Cloud dismissed the peculiar scene. Then he heard soft moans echo throughout the area. Up until now, he hadn't heard them; the dance club's music blared too loudly from the restroom speakers. He was now close enough to hear the groaning. For whatever reason, the crowd of men stared intensely at the two rows of stalls. Cloud couldn't see what they saw from his angle. He quickly made a face when he noticed a few men expose themselves. Their arousals out, they pumped themselves through tight sweaty fists. When the line moved along again, things became clearer to Cloud.

The first thing Cloud discovered was that the stall doors and walls were all made of glass; clear and visible glass. The lack of private measures initially baffled Cloud until he joined the crowd and stood between the two rows. He froze in place. Through the exposed stalls, he witnessed an exhibition of raw, unbound human pleasure.

While a few men openly injected needles and shot up chemical romance into their veins, others engaged in debauchery. At the glassed stall next to Cloud, he saw a tall and slim man with a neatly groomed cut. He stood with no shirt on; his trousers pulled down to his ankles. Facing a wall, his pale buttocks were spread wide. The man's skin shined with the dull blue color of the restroom's sterile-like lighting. Each breath he drew fogged the glass. Standing behind him was a bulky, muscular man wearing only a terrifying full-faced scuba mask. His breath wheezed audibly as he thrust deep and hard nonstop, like a machine set on auto-pilot mode. His massive muscles rippled with each motion he committed. The sound of wet pounding could be heard through the glass while the slim man's length helplessly wobbled up and down. Its glossed tip smacked and smeared the glass.

Cloud looked away but the stall next door was just as eye-shocking. Crammed with four men, three of them were connected like a train and clumsily pushed into each other's crevices. The fourth man rested on his knees. His face was buried between the buttocks of the last man. Again and again, his head bobbed as he lapped at a sensitive spot there.

At the stall directly across them was a boy in his early twenties. He sat kneeled between two older men in opposite sides. The boy kept slapping his face with their aged cocks. The older men whispered many encouraging words until two spurts of white goo sprayed outward. At that point, Cloud stepped back.

Nauseous, his throat burned. The liquid he'd drank all night rose and threatened to erupt. Cloud swallowed it down and shut his eyes. He understood now why one of the restroom lines was shorter than the other; why Black had gestured a 'no' to him earlier. This line led to a peep show. Each stall showcased one perversion after the next. Voyeurism was welcomed as well as those who wanted to participate in the show.

Running a hand through sweat-mat hair, Cloud felt awkward and out of place. He could still hear the sounds of hot sweaty flesh getting slapped above the electro music. The air reeked of sex. Cloud wished the music was loud enough to block out everything. And yet, he was disturbed when some part of him wished the music was completely gone.

The teen swallowed hard. That tiny voice of self-loathe and resentment gnawed at him. It reprimanded him for standing here with a half-awake want. Cloud blamed it on his full-bladder and compromised condition. He was a young, drunken fool.

Once he saw a man publically shit on a glassed-made toilet and wipe himself in front of the audience that became his last straw. Cloud turned away in disgust. He decided to take a piss elsewhere. Perhaps he could sneak into the women's restroom. Or find a potted plant somewhere. He needed to leave this place. Cloud made his way out of the line. However, the chubby man in front of him abruptly grabbed his arm and pulled him back. The big guy already had his erection out and held it tightly with a free hand. That same twisted grin from before now reappeared on his face.

"Hey, birthday boy…" he started in a low breathy voice, "I gotta nice, juicy present for you…"

Cloud narrowed his eyes. Due to his public-wide celebration, it didn't surprise him many strangers recognized him as the birthday boy. Still, he wasn't in the mood for this crap. "Sorry. Not interested."

The big guy didn't let go of his arm. "Don't be shy, angel-face. Daddy will treat you good."

"Get lost, Daddy, or I'll rip off your balls and make you choke on them," Cloud threatened back. He was drunk, yes. But he had a nasty habit of beating things to a bloody pulp whenever someone annoyed him.

The man merely laughed and dismissed the threat. He tugged at Cloud and brought him closer, soon rubbing his rigid, slimy penis across the boy's thigh. He was about to make another crude suggestion until he froze in place. Cloud noticed the expression. He suddenly felt a presence nearby and turned.

A tall dark figure loomed over them. Cloud barely made an audible sound from his throat; a mixture of surprise, fear, and fascination. Without a word, Black swiftly grabbed the hand that clung to his arm. Cloud could hear the soft cracks of finger joints break. The big guy bellowed out a painful yelp. Black did not release him. He slid a gloved hand to the back of his veil.

Glimpses of long silvery hair appeared when the black cloth briefly shifted to the side. Cloud had never seen hair like that before, thick and smooth with an unnatural pigment. Eventually, his eyes followed the gloved hand's movements. It withdrew a foot-long blade hidden beneath the veil. Black gracefully placed the sword near the chubby man's exposed groin. He was in the perfect position to castrate him.

"Observe," a low and even voice ordered from behind the black veil, "A complimentary blade of mine. Nowhere near as impressive as my other sword, but it suffices. For the ancient Wutai clans, this blade's primary function involves beheadings and ritual suicide." Black lured the katana closer to the head part of the man's fat cock with one silent move. He leaned closer to the man's ear and whispered, "Beheading… That's quite an appropriate function to perform at this moment. Wouldn't you say?"

The big man's knees visibly wobbled. Already, his hard-on lost half of its shape. Black finally let go of his hand. With broken fingers the big guy took many unbalanced steps back. He trembled nonstop, looking on the verge of tears. Whatever sounds came from his mouth were incoherent. Zipping up his pants with his only workable hand, he quickly scurried away.

Cloud witnessed this event in complete silence. He didn't blink. Somehow, the voice that spoke had also frozen him in place. Nothing in Black's tone sounded forced. His mannerisms were effortless while his voice's pitches were a collection of melancholic, low melodies that bounced in the air. Cloud stood still, completely transfixed.

"If it is deviant pleasure you desire I will leave you to your devises, boy," the veiled stranger spoke again, his voice smooth and not above a whisper. "On the other hand, if you came here to discharge then be advised: you're standing in the wrong line."

Without another word, Black headed to the other line across the restroom. His gloved hand swiftly returned the foot-long blade to a holster concealed underneath his cloak. Again, Cloud saw thick strands of long silvery hair. Against the blackness of the Host's whole attire, the fair hair really struck out. Cloud took a swallow. Standing in line with a bunch of men who now watched him like live bait, he didn't waste any more time. He quickly trailed after Black and reached the other side.

Cloud was relieved to find steel-made walls and doors in the stalls here. Unlike the other line, this one was meant for those who actually needed to use the damn restroom. If only he discovered this sooner when he arrived. Cloud now stood behind the dark-cloaked stranger as they waited for their turn. There were a few men ahead of them. This didn't help his situation. His bladder was ready to explode. The adrenaline rush Cloud had just experienced now exhausted his body. At this rate he'd piss in his pants and shame himself in front of everyone, including Black.

Chewing on the insides of his mouth, Cloud blankly stared at the space between his feet. Fish floated below. He considered thanking the Host for his assistance. A tinge of embarrassment struck deep in his gut though and he ultimately decided against it.

Black definitely had a terrifying and intimidating presence, despite his dignified stature. Standing behind him, Cloud halfway expected Black to turn around and stare down at him like he'd done throughout the evening. He didn't. There was only a prevailing silence between them, broken only by the sounds of music and heavy panting from the other side of the restroom. With so many awkward circumstances happening all at once, Cloud figured his rotten luck would bring him here. It brought him to the mysterious man in black on a full bladder and in the middle of an orgy.

"Is this your first time seeing something like this, boy?" Black suddenly asked without looking back.

Boy. Cloud was slightly annoyed at being called a boy than man but bit back a smart-ass reply. The question itself flustered him. Cloud stayed silent and fidgeted in his spot.

It was definitely an awkward moment. Aside from his bodily demands, there were the sounds of sex that echoed across the walls. Even from their current position, glimpses of the orgy could still be seen. Black obviously saw the couplings but maintained a calm demeanor.

"A sea of impenetrable, lustful gazes with only the motive to drive forth a slick and ready want into the warmest nether regions…" the veiled man noted thoughtfully, "It's all an erotic landscape composed of endless consumption, yes?"

Velvety sounds of Black's voice penetrated Cloud's ears again. The back of his exposed neck felt moist while leg muscles weakened. Strange. Whenever the dark figure spoke Cloud felt more unglued. No other person had inspired this kind of reaction before. He mentally scolded himself for putting himself in this predicament. Black suddenly turned and looked at Cloud; the veil silently flowed after him.

"I've seen you looking at me the entire evening. You've watched me since I entered this place," Black pointed out evenly. Leaning his head to one side, he inquired, "Do I strike you as strange?"

It took a long moment for Cloud to find his voice. What came out sounded raspy and uncertain. "Honestly? Y-yeah."

A soft and very low chuckle escaped the other man's concealed mouth. His facial veil slightly moved.

"I saw you looking at me too," Cloud confessed. He held his breath for a second. Then he quickly reiterated his statement and muttered, "At least, I thought you were."

"I was."

Cloud's eyes flashed with surprise, shocked by his open admittance. Curious, he asked, "…W-why?"

"Because you strike me as strange too, boy."

Somehow, Cloud detected a smile behind the dark veil. There was a glint of green hidden within the blackness of his face. Or perhaps it was a reflection from the restroom's light? An abrupt feeling of lightheadedness overtook Cloud. Feeling dizzy from it, he bent slightly forward. His eyes drifted to the glassed floor again. He'd definitely had too much to drink tonight. Or maybe it was something else. Crudely, he placed a hand on his crotch, as if to will it from leaking. That damn bladder of his…

"Do you enjoy the company of men?" the stranger spoke again, sounding curious.

Cloud blinked several times, taken aback by the question. He frowned. "I've never considered it." Cloud kept his eyes on the family of fish beneath his feet. As if to prove his point, he added, "I'm into women. This is my first time seeing anything like this."

"Does it offend you?"

Cloud briefly glanced up. Across the restroom, he saw two men lying on the floor. They lapped at each other's cocks. The tensed penis in Cloud's hand stirred. He quickly diverted his attention back to the swimming fish below. Avoiding Black's question, he noted aloud, "You obviously aren't shocked by it."

"You assume correct. Sexual intercourse among men has always fascinated me."

Cloud tightened his hand's grip. This was none of his business. However, it was mildly shocking to know Black was into guys. Boldly, he remarked, "I guess women aren't your thing."

"And what makes you think that?"

"You like men." The boy shrugged. "So you must not like women."

"I'm not exclusive to men," the Host corrected, "I happen to enjoy women very much."

Cloud thought about the woman he was with, recalling the Host burning her nipple. He stared at Black. "But I thought being with men meant you were, well… exclusive to men?"

At this, the tall stranger folded his arms behind him and took one step forward. He leaned forward so that his voice carried strongly. "And who wrote that rule, boy?"

Cloud took a deep swallow and suddenly wanted to disappear. "I-I don't know…"

Silence.

Perhaps Black's occupation as a Host encouraged him to embrace both genders without discrimination, Cloud reasoned. He honestly didn't know and felt stupid right now. Mentally, he debated on how many partners Black had, provided he had any at all. Surely, his status as a Host and the rumors of his disfiguration likely prevented him from sex.

"No offense," Cloud later apologized and ignored his mental ramblings, "That's just… what I heard."

Black finally made a quiet chortle sound. "If only the world operated under pre-defined, black-and-white notions, boy. Wouldn't life be grand?"

That last part oozed with sarcasm. Cloud remained speechless.

"Social stigmas, spiritualists, and mainstream media may strive to classify our species into sub-categories as they do at the Frozen Section of a Supermarket," Black proclaimed, "However, I will enjoy the pleasures of man or woman whenever I choose." A gloved hand reached out and tenderly set aside a strand of hair on Cloud's cheek. Soon, the Host asked, "And you, boy? Would you bed a woman just to follow the rules of the establishment? Or would you reap the rewards given to us upon our creation?"

Still hunched in his spot with a hand covering his agitated groin, Cloud stayed within his safe bubble of silence. He didn't blink; didn't move. It was hard to reply when he partly understood the other man's perspective.

It wasn't that he didn't like girls. Cloud adored them. Like many teenaged boys with a raging hard-on, he enjoyed fondling the soft pubic mound between a woman's legs or licking the bizarre lips of a moist vulva with his tongue. But Cloud hadn't explored the unique surfaces of another man or tasted them. Growing up in the conservative country side, it was a taboo to like other boys. It was why he never considered the option.

"You should try it," Black suggested.

"Try what?"

"You should try running the tips of your fingers across the flat planes of another male's chest, boy."

Cloud instantly straightened up and removed his hand from the crotch. "…W-what?"

As if to prove his point, the Host rested his gloved hand on the boy's shoulders. A thumb strayed and explored the shape of Cloud's collarbone. Then it followed the curve of a pectoral muscle until it settled on a particular spot. "You should feel his beating heart."

Cloud held his breath. The hand stayed over his heart. Even with the cotton fabric of his shirt, he felt the imprint of the man's gloved hand. The non-stop thumping of his heart throbbed through both ears. With dazed eyes, Cloud intently listened to the strange man's words. They existed from another realm.

The tall man drew close to Cloud. A strong scent of vanilla drifted thick in the air. With his veiled face only an inch from Cloud's, he murmured directly into his ear, "You should feel the warmth of his breath tickle your skin and let it seep through you."

The boy softly blew out, unable to hold his breath anymore. The way Black spoke… He'd never heard anyone talk like that before.

"Perhaps when you realize he is a living animal with similar desires as yours," Black resumed, "you may indulge yourselves in exquisite fantasies and remove yourself from the public's status quo."

So close to each other, Cloud slightly turned his face toward Black. Their lips must've been an inch from each other, he faintly realized. It was hard to tell with the veil in the way. Through its meshed patterns, though, Cloud faintly saw starry green eyes. They stared intensely at him. A predator's eyes.

He exhaled again while his fingers twitched. Completely transfixed by those hidden emerald eyes, Cloud's hand rose. It reached up and stopped at the veils' hem. He touched it. A spark of determination surged within him. The rebellious boy tugged at the veil. He wanted to see that grotesque face everyone talked about. However, right as he lifted the veil up an inch Black grasped his wrist.

The motion was a blur. An instant. It happened so fast that Cloud didn't realize his hand had been stopped until he felt a resistance when he tried to pull at the veil again. He was enthralled by the man's insane speed.

"I'm up," Black informed in a no-nonsense tone. He released Cloud's hand and turned away from him.

Watching the long veil glide behind Black, Cloud was speechless. His entire body felt heavy. Black was certainly an unusual creature. The Host tossed out ho-hum, everyday trivial talk in favor of provocative ideals and concepts. Cloud wanted Black to keep talking. He wanted to listen to those deep rich sounds emanate from the depths of his throat. Unfortunately, the man was next in line. A stall had become available. It quickly reminded Cloud of his own peril state.

By now his half-awake member leaked a drop of piss in his drawers. Fuck. He hadn't realized how close he was to exploding until now. Cloud struggled to hold himself together and placed both hands between his legs now. If another stall didn't open soon he'd spoil his trousers and make a public fool of himself. Cloud's anxiety must've shown. Just as Black took a step forward, he paused and glanced back at him.

"You need to immediately relieve yourself too. Yes?"

Slightly embarrassed by his predicament, Cloud answered with a silent nod.

"Unfortunately, so do I," Black confessed, "I've had too much to drink tonight as well."

Cloud looked at the ground. He mentally counted to a hundred, hoping to distract himself from his body's demands.

"Join me, then," said Black.

Cloud cocked his brow, not quite understanding what he meant.

The other man noted his confusion and clarified, "We can share the same stall."

Cloud considered the offer. He shook his head. "Well, there's a chance another one will open so…"

The tall figure nodded. "Very well. Suit yourself then."

Black headed for the only opened door. Cloud mentally counted again and clutched his groin. His eyes quickly surveyed the area for a new opening. The good news: he was next in line. The bad news? Based on how long it was taking, Cloud suspected the stalls on this side were currently occupied by men secretly jacking off to the orgy. If that was the case he was doomed to wait a bit longer. This left only the urinals at the back side of the restroom. However, they were all still occupied.

With a bladder about to explode, Cloud was tempted to kick down a door and threaten someone's life in exchange for their toilet. But he ultimately decided against it. His best chance was to take up Black's offer. Without a word, Cloud hurried after him.

Their stall was the last door at the back row. Hopefully, Black would be fast about his business since Cloud needed to relieve himself ten minutes ago. He expected the man to quickly get inside it and hurry. Instead, Black casually stopped and turned to him.

"Come," he said. It sounded like a command.

Cloud frowned. "You want me to use it first?"

"No. Like I said, I'm in dire need of this as well."

"Fine. Go ahead and use it. I'll wait."

"You're welcomed to come inside with me."

The boy blinked slowly. He mentally replayed Black's words and was positive he either misheard or misinterpreted them. "…Excuse me?"

Black crossed his arms. In an amused sounding voice, he explained, "Unlike women, we can both go at the same time. It's one of the benefits of having a rod that can shoot at a specific location."

Cloud fell silent.

"Well?" pressed the other man and opened the door. He stood at its entry.

Cloud's brows furrowed. "You mean… we both take a piss? At the same time?"

"Is that a problem?"

"Um…"

"You've used urinals before, haven't you? Same concept. You should be fine. Unless you are one of those reckless buffoons who cannot aim straight and splashes everywhere, in which case, wait your turn." Black stepped inside the stall and disappeared. His deep, leveled voice reached Cloud's ears again when he demanded, "Come inside before I leave you out there, boy."

Outside of the stall, Cloud was stumped. He tried to make sense of what was being proposed here. It seemed this man wanted to take a piss with him. Crap. This was fucking worse than using a public urinal. He'd be peeing only a few inches away from a stranger with a semi-erect cock in clear sight.

Cloud soon felt another small trickle of urine soil his underwear. There was no more time to waste. Either he pissed on the floor with several eyewitnesses or suffered with only one. As fucked up as this situation was, Cloud reassured himself it would be okay. Black was likely drunk. He probably wouldn't remember his face after tonight. Hell, even if he did it was a big city. The chances of them running into each other again were slim to none. Neither of them knew the other's names. It would be okay. Yeah…

"Fuck it…" Cloud muttered to himself and entered the stall. He was drunk enough to agree with Black's insane idea.

Together again, Black closed the door behind them and secured it with a lock. It was just the two of them now, stuck inside a small compact space with only a porcelain toilet between them. There was an excellent view of live fish in the glass wall in front of them.

Cloud didn't breathe let alone talk. No matter how many times he mentally reasoned with himself, it still didn't make this moment any less awkward. Cloud considered turning around and letting the guy have some privacy. However, that still didn't address his immediate need to use the toilet right now. His concern was eventually cut short when Cloud noticed the tall man remove his leather black gloves.

The thick leather material slowly peeled off. As Cloud stood idly by, he saw slender fingers appear one by one. The nails were long and coated with silver paint. It was the first time the man exposed any skin. The teenager blinked; surprised they weren't burnt or disfigured as he had initially thought. The man's ivory skin was smooth and flawless. There were no unwanted blemishes, wrinkles, or popping veins. No signs of age or stress. The pale color served as a sharp contrast to the dark attire. It subtly glowed under the restroom's lighting.

Reactively, Cloud glanced at his own hands. Sweaty palms. Some cake frosting underneath unevenly cut nails he often chewed. Discolored calluses from constant sword practice. A few scars from the times he'd been careless with his blade. Cloud almost felt unworthy of seeing such beautiful hands next to his.

He couldn't stop staring. There was something sensual about the man's hands, the way they were curved and milk-white. Cloud wondered how red the blood would flow if the veins on his slender wrists were ever severed, especially against such porcelain skin. Within the depths of his young mind, a dark desire emerged. Cloud wanted to sink his teeth and cause that beautiful skin to bruise. These strange musings continued while Black's delicate fingers carefully placed the leather gloves inside his coat's pocket. They soon glided elsewhere.

It was the sound of an undone metal buckle that finally brought Cloud's attention to the man's current actions. Watching Black work the button of his expensive trousers, the boy's mind suddenly ran rampant with a collection of half-developed thoughts. Cloud didn't dare meet the man's gaze, fearful his curious nature would betray him. He set his eyes low and took a deep breath. The tips of his fingers twitched. In contrast, Black possessed all the ease and gestures of a talented artist. He was soundless and swift when he pulled the zipper down. Those same lovely fingers soon slipped inside the black trousers. A second later, they pulled out an impressionable muscle.

This was the first time Cloud observed another man's cock. He was surprised to discover it was semi-erect like his. A flushed tip barely poked out of the foreskin. Like the majority of city boys, Black had been cut. The trimmed foreskin conveyed a light shade of pink with a smooth and bumpy texture. The muscle was of noteworthy size despite its half induced state. Eight inches seemed to be the magical number it hit when stretched to the max, Cloud predicted. Black's size was definitely not small or ridiculously large. It was ideal. Cloud found himself studying the ragged line of one particular vein. It subtly popped up along the side of the shaft.

"Are you just going to stand there gawking, boy?"

The question returned Cloud back to the land of Gaia. Flushed at the cheeks, he quickly looked away from the notable vein. The audible amused sound from Black indicated he wasn't uncomfortable or upset by his intrusion though.

"Sorry. I'm just a bit…" Cloud cut himself off. He let his words drift into silence.

"You've seen one of these before," the other man testified and lifted the toilet's lid up with the heel of his black boot. "You obviously own one. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about."

Sure, he'd seen one before, Cloud thought. But it was his, not anyone else's. Cloud tried to keep his wits about him. He miserably failed and fell into silence again instead. Even when Black's words made sense he didn't feel any better. He figured Black viewed this as a natural, non-sensual event since he'd been in the company of men. This was normal for the Host. Cloud, on the other hand, hadn't been with a guy. This wasn't an average, everyday event for him at all: it was completely new and surreal. Cloud licked his lips. When his bladder screamed at him again he knew he couldn't dilly-dally around the issue anymore.

"Go on," urged the man next to him, as if reading his mind.

The muffled sounds of the club's music and the moans from the nearby orgy bounced off the walls. Cloud focused on the electric beats and colorful fish that swam outside the glassed wall in front of him. It'd give him a nice distraction. He undid the button and zipper and revealed his own semi-hard structure.

Unlike Black, Cloud was all natural. Many country boys in the Nibel area weren't cut. Black's perfectly trimmed shape was a sharp contrast to the long, flimsy layer of loose foreskin that housed the entire head portion of Cloud's strained member. This made the teen more self-conscious. Seeing their cocks side-by-side like this, he was tempted to cover himself. Cloud forced himself to relax though. It seemed stupid debating which penis looked prettier when the organ in question looked silly regardless.

Cloud held back a sigh. The bulging sight of veins that pulsed across his length was apparent. It was difficult to stay soft when the muscle between his legs reactively twitched. Whether it was because of the orgy scene outside or Black's dominating presence, Cloud did not know. Nor did he want to know.

"How old are you, birthday boy?" Black inquired and broke their silence.

The mocking tone was apparent in Black's voice. Initially, Cloud chose not to reply in retaliation. He wasn't in the mood to talk anyway, not when he was exposed and mortified by his obvious condition. The other man didn't move or say another word though. Black expected an answer and was willing to wait for it. Reluctantly, Cloud revealed at last, "…Seventeen."

The other man turned his head away. Black aimed at the designated area and went about his business.

Cloud forced himself to commit the same action. Only half hard, he was still able to shoot into the bowl with no issues. He held onto the base with both hands and adjusted his stream so that it didn't overlap with Black's or cause unnecessary splash. Releasing excess from his bladder, Cloud instantly felt relieved. He averted his eyes back to the glassed wall in front of him to further relax. Along with the fish that swam about, there were words and pictures left behind by former occupants of this stall. A few phone numbers. Juvenile depictions of a penis. Quoted sermons of the end-of-days.

Cloud took a deep breath and continued emptying his bladder. He regretted not being drunk or high enough to completely dismiss this event as hilarious. Or ignore his natural curiosities. As he stood close to Black, it was almost impossible not to take in the shape of the other man again. Cloud's eyes drifted back to the protruding vein he noticed before. He admired the way it wrapped around the side like that.

At the other side of the restroom, the heavy sounds of sex continued. Cloud could hear a man's husky voice echo. "There we go… There we go… Deeper. Harder. Fuck me harder… Yeah…"

The words were laced with primal lust; an intense want for pain and pleasure. As much as he wanted to blame the alcohol and drugs he'd consumed tonight, the erotic noises that erupted in the restroom did turn Cloud on. He closed his eyes. Admittedly, he enjoyed sex in the times he engaged in it. The rush of blood… The sound of hot, sweaty skin smacking loudly… The musk of his own ready cock… Those tiny details gave him pleasure. Perhaps it was the lack of it in his life right now that made him want it even more. Even when his conservative upbringing clashed with the sexual prowess of his youth, the vulgar act of sex permanently stayed in his ever-expanding mind. To witness an orgy and stand beside a man who offered him a clear view of his sturdy length… It awakened outraged yet excited thoughts.

Cloud exhaled through his mouth. He kept his eyes closed but sensed the taller man bend forward. He was grateful Black did not berate him for his silence, especially when he felt at odds with himself right now. Invading another man's intimate space provided him with a new experience. Cloud didn't anticipate how intense it would be until now. He refused to open his eyes, fearing it would push him back to his reality and cause him to break away.

Side-by-side, Black's veiled face felt not far away from his. Cloud could sense his presence and wondered if something would transpire between them soon. The possibility surprisingly did not terrify him. Just inches away from Black, that tiny gap between them almost made their distance unbearable. Cloud's breath hitched. Moments passed. A stillness settled in the air. Black drew closer. And then…

Flush.

It was the sound of their toilet. Quickly opening his eyes, Cloud suddenly realized his companion was done. Black withdrew his hand from the sensory box that manually activated the flush. He now stood at full height. Slowly blinking, Cloud discovered his own bladder had been emptied. He was no longer shooting a stream. Dread gradually hit him though when he noticed something else. His eyes cast down. They widened in horror.

Cloud had been so lost in his thoughts, so lost in the moment, that he hadn't paid attention to the muscle in his hands until now. It stood at a proud six-and-a-half inches; rigid and pointed at a high angle. He was fully erect. When Cloud looked up, he found what he desperately prayed was not there. Fresh urine streaked down the glassed wall. His urine. Cloud could feel the color drain from his face.

Careless. He'd been so fucking careless. Unknowingly losing control of his stream, he'd become one of those reckless buffoons Black barked about earlier. This was worse than that time in Chocobo Chow when he ran out of toilet paper and hurried to the next stall, only to find none there either.

Fearful of a disgusted face hidden by the black veil, Cloud didn't dare look back at Black. He could already feel eyes on him. They'd been on him the entire night. This moment was no different. Cloud wasn't sure whether to stay quiet or dump his head inside the toilet water and commit suicide. The latter certainly beat living out the rest of his years with tonight's horrific memory at the back of his mind. It didn't help that the looming figure remained motionless either. Cloud wondered if Black was that mortified with him. The Host hadn't spoken a word since he asked for his age.

It was around this time Cloud caught something peculiar at the corner of his eye. He looked. Black's own member. Cloud saw that well-cut and perfectly shaped penis was stretched to full length. It stared up at the ceiling, all eight inches of it. That particular vein Cloud had taken a fond interest in now budged and expanded outward. He strangely felt relieved by this. Granted, Black hadn't been as foolish as him; he didn't piss on the wall. Still, he currently suffered from the same physical distress that haunted him. Black was rock-hard. It made Cloud's own fragile condition more bearable, even understandable.

He was a bit curious over what set Black off. However, his thoughts were cut short when the Host carefully slipped his sturdy muscle back inside his pants. A zipper pulled up, soon followed by a secured buttoned. Black unlocked the door and stepped outside without a word.

Cloud stayed in the stall. Dumbfounded. His teeth clenched together while he growled to himself. "Stupid, stupid, stupid…"

The youth's face rushed with furious color. Smelling the stench of his own urine in the stall, Cloud quickly gathered toilet paper to clean up his mess. He muttered a slur of incoherent curse words. How could he have been so stupid? He was such an idiot. Shaking his head and continuously berating himself, Cloud managed to wipe off the piss. He dumped the toilet paper in the bowl shortly after and flushed it. Kicking open the door with his foot, the teen left the stall.

No surprise: Black was already gone. The entire restroom lacked his presence. No doubt, he quickly wanted to get rid of the pathetic teenager who'd pissed all over the wall. Like a reckless buffoon. Irritated again, Cloud approached a sink and washed his hands until they smelled of soapy mint. Then he marched out of the restroom, feeling moody as ever.

Cloud stood outside the restroom and decided it was best to return to the booth. He was ready to put this night behind him once the others were ready to leave. Even the desire to take someone home had died out. However, his body grew rigid when he spotted a familiar dark figure straight ahead.

Black stared back at him; his head cocked to one side. No sooner did Cloud spot him did the strobe lights flash on and off. Within a blink of the eye, he disappeared.

Cloud's mouth went dry. He wasn't sure if that was a figment of his imagination. Black wanted nothing to do with him. Right? Cloud's eyes shifted left to right. They wandered across the club scene in the hopes that what he saw wasn't just the illusion of a drunken and hopeful boy. When he relocated the mysterious Host at the dance floor, though, he confirmed his suspicions. Surprised, Cloud wondered how Black had crossed several feet of distance within a span of only a few seconds. It was impossible. No man could walk that fast. Yet, there he was. Cloud's heart quickened its pace when a ceiling light soared over Black. He vanished again.

Was this a game? An illusion? Did Black want him to follow him?

Cloud spent the next few minutes trekking the Host. He ventured deeper into the club and watched the tall figure drift in and out of the crowd; a mere shadow amongst the land of the living. One moment Black stood next to a pair of dancers, the next he was near a pool. Cloud wondered if the alcohol and drugs truly affected his perception. He had a hard time keeping up with him, especially when the darkness of the club cloaked Black. Glimpses of colorful light and holographs posed as constant distractions. A flicker of movement here; a flicker of movement there. Distinguishing reality from tricks of the mind became harder and harder. Cloud stood in a daze, feeling both tensed and excited. His stomach suddenly twisted at the sight of an ominous shape at the center of the dance floor, standing among a sea of moving people like a statue. Black looked to Cloud's direction. He waited. For him.

Cloud's eyes struggled to focus. Somehow, the music became distorted; slower. The bodies of dancers continued to move while a ceiling's blue light glazed over the entire dance floor. Black remained at his spot. It was clear he would remain there for however long it took Cloud to come to him. A familiar sensation brought the teenager to his senses. Thankfully, he was drunk enough not to care. If Black unveiled his maggot-infested face and swiftly decapitated his head, so be it. Yes, that sounded ridiculous. But in Cloud's compromised mind it was the inevitable conclusion for tonight's birthday celebrations. Black had, after all, burned off a woman's nipple. Either the Host wanted to dance with him. Or devour him. Far be it for him to reject such a challenge.

Suppressing whatever concerns that popped in his head, Cloud headed for the dance floor. Like a moth drawn to a burning flame, he mused. Even when he felt guilty for his unintentional actions in the restroom, Cloud was relieved Black still wanted to see him. He pushed his way forward. The crowd in the dance floor was tightly compacted. It was impossible to see past a few feet or gather enough personal space to avoid bumping into anyone. His ears throbbed each time the drums pounded in rhythm. He could hardly breathe within the mass of bodies. His delirious mind feared he'd pass out from a lack of oxygen before he reached Black.

Arms waved in the air. The attendees screamed in rejoice. Cloud's head shifted left to right, feeling lost and claustrophobic. He wondered where he was in relation to the center of the dance floor. Near? Far? Black was nowhere to be seen. Maybe he had missed him. Or perhaps he stumbled into a wild goose chase. Licking his lips, he looked back at the direction of his booth. Cloud entertained the possibility of returning to the safe zone. Away from black shadowed figures. He shouldn't have come, a tiny voice whined. Cloud didn't know why he did, especially after he made a complete fool of himself in the restroom. He mentally scolded himself for his lack of good judgment.

Cloud frowned when he noticed the people in front of him stop dancing. They stepped away from him, as if to offer him space. But it wasn't out of courtesy. Cloud realized they weren't looking at him: they were looking behind him. Shortly after the realization hit, Cloud suddenly sensed that familiar dark presence from before. He could smell a vanilla scent in the air.

Cloud didn't get the chance to turn his body around to see Black again. Two slender arms wrapped around his waist from behind. The enigmatic Host pulled him closer until their bodies made contact. A puff of hot air escaped Cloud's lips. He felt the warmth of the other man's body transfer to his skin. His head unsteadied now, Cloud struggled to keep his balance. He still wasn't sure what to make of this. He didn't know why he'd come; why he was here. But it somehow felt right. Cloud closed his eyes. He pushed back against the tall figure behind him and, together, they danced.

Their bodies swayed back and forth. Unhurried. Carefully. Even while the other dancers moved fast and impatiently, they kept to their own beat. Cloud had never imagined himself dancing with another man. He started to understand Black's words earlier. Men were no different from women. Of course, this Host wasn't like other people. With his long veil and terrifying height, Black gave off a unique vibe. He was dangerous. Elegant. And extremely hypnotic. His mystery appealed to everyone, regardless of gender. Cloud doubted he was the only man in the dance club taken by Black's presence. It was this mutual feeling that helped suppress any unease. Cloud allowed himself to accept this bizarre moment for what it was without the fear of public scrutiny or harsh personal judgment.

Cloud gradually loosened his rigid posture and corresponded with Black's steady rhythm. They still hadn't faced each other. Pressed against his back, Black stayed behind Cloud. In a way it helped. It made the whole situation less pronounced. Cloud did not flinch when leather gloved hands explored his body. They slid dangerously close to his navel area before gliding up the long vertical path that divided his abdominal muscles. Tilting his head back and letting it rest on the man's sturdy chest, Cloud softly sighed and opened himself up more.

He'd never been the type to embrace his body's assets or indulge in foreplay. Only seventeen years old, the conservative country boy from Nibelheim was still learning the ropes of his sexuality. And patience. It was a strange period in his life, riddled with questions and social-related concerns. He just wanted to fit in. Nevertheless, Cloud dived nose-deep into the giant unknown. He felt the electric heat of his body intensify as he grinded against the other man. Another dizzy spell hit Cloud. His fully erect length ached for attention. Shifting uncomfortably against his inner thigh, it was trapped by the confines of cotton fabric. Cloud moved his hips in a small circle. He rubbed himself against Black's nether regions.

The music's momentum picked up. When the dark figure thrust his pelvic forward, Cloud reacted by pushing back to meet him. Despite the clothes that prevented actual contact, his body burned with want. This had to be the most erotic situation Cloud found himself in. And with a man no less. He did not care. Whether it was the alcohol or some idle curiosity that came forth with a vengeance, Cloud chose not to care. He'd worry about it another day.

Soon out of breath, the blond-haired youth opened his eyes. They drifted upward at first and absently observed the large lanterns and holographs that swam above them. Their forms sparkled and glowed. Cloud's clear blue eyes drew down. He watched dangerous, slender hands roam across his body. One slipped under his shirt. Foreign fingers teased the structure of his stomach's muscles. The other hand followed the length of Cloud's right arm until their hands interlocked. Black lifted his arm in the air and bent it slightly back toward him. The boy took note of the action and wrapped his arm around Black's neck. It brought them closer to each other. Cloud shuddered when two fingers clasped around his nipple and gently pinched it. Black lowered his head and brought their cheeks side-by-side.

"Do you feel this?" his steady voice reached his ears. "Do you feel me?"

Cloud sucked on his lower lip. He barely stifled a groan; his only response.

Covered by the veil, Black's breath blew against him when he slightly turned his face. Black-meshed lips grazed across the hot surface of Cloud's cheek. The boy didn't dare meet his face or stare into his covered green-lit eyes. There was something delicious about Black's complete anonymity after all. It gave the boy permission to divulge in any sinful fantasy without planting a specific face to it. Black could essentially become nobody. And everybody. He could even become his personal god and savior.

As their faces rested cheek-to-cheek and they danced, Cloud spread his legs slightly apart. The inquiring boy couldn't help but wonder what it felt like to be taken by behind. He had an idea of how men coupled. He saw it in full display back in the restroom. Initially, the idea grossed him out. Getting his shit shoved in didn't sound appealing at all. But as Cloud stood with his back pressed against Black's, he did enjoy the heavy mass of another man's body over him. The mere thought of Black violently mounting him like an animal was a terrifying vision that actually excited him.

Close together, Cloud used this opportunity to slide his body back and forth over Black's pelvic area again. He felt the budge he saw earlier and deliberately rubbed against it. For a second, Cloud thought he heard a soft chuckle from behind. But it could've been the music or some other dancer. The eager boy committed the action again though and hissed when that budge slid directly between his buttocks this time. Black placed both hands on Cloud's hips and guided the teen directly to him.

"…You smell of unrelenting lust, boy," Black's veiled mouth breathed out against his cheek.

The baritone sound of Black's voice resonated deep in Cloud. It coursed all the way to his toes and brought the tiny hairs at the back of his neck up to their ends. Cloud bit deeper into his lower lip when Black pushed into him again. Harder this time. They followed the music's lively beat like the rest of the crowd; all while simulating a provocative and vulgar act. A lingering moan leaked out from the boy's throat, soon lost to the loud music. Despite their layers of clothing Cloud could still feel him. He opened his legs a bit again to gather more of the sensation. Black's thrusts followed the song's fast tempo. His entrapped erection pushed against its intended location. Cloud's arm wrapped even tighter around the neck. It was partly to keep his balance and partly to encourage Black their vicious dance.

Gradually, Cloud's body coiled with friction and anticipation. Saliva filled his mouth. Any time he sucked in the air through gritted teeth he drooled at the corner of his lips. The teen could already feel his underwear grow damp by the transparent drops of pre-release juices. Cloud didn't care. He wanted more of this. He enjoyed being naughty and bold for once. Inwardly, the youth hoped they would continue this and bring each other to release. He wasn't far.

It was midway into their dance that Black unexpectedly turned the boy around. At last, they faced each other. Cloud swallowed hard, trying to breathe. Their budges directly touched. He could feel his tip boil. Somewhere within the teen's wild fantasies, he entertained the image of their hands digging deep into each other's pants. They'd mutually bring themselves to climax. However, Black made no move to push them closer together. Nor did he touch Cloud. Rather, Black observed him in that same calm, collected demeanor of his. The Host silently bowed his head and their foreheads touched. The dark veil hung between their faces as a type of barrier. Yet, the flimsy material also transported them to a private, more exclusive world. It was just the two of them now.

For Cloud, it was as close to a spiritual experience he could ever have. He recalled the time he entered a church in the city. There was an air of quiet solitude. Stillness. Feeling an invisible magnetic force draw them together, Cloud wondered if Black felt the same thing. Was this the special connection people wrote about in poems? Or performed in films? Cloud didn't pay attention to the club's music or people anymore. His universe revolved around black meshed fabric and hidden green eyes. Those eyes… they possessed all the simple desires of a predatory animal.

Despair. It was a promise the child would never forget.

Feeling the breath of the other man through the veil, Cloud knew he was not the only one transfixed. Black stayed within an inch of him and didn't move away. His concealed eyes were locked on Cloud's blue irises. It was as if the Host was looking for something there. He apparently discovered it because one gloved hand gradually rose and touched the side of the boy's face. Reactively, Cloud rubbed his cheek against the leather. Inviting him to touch him more. It was such a radical reaction, especially on behalf of an otherwise traditional country boy. The memory of Black's beautiful pale hands came to mind and Cloud suddenly craved for skin contact. Physical contact. He suspected Black felt the same way. Black's thumb now gently trailed the bottom of his fat lip and lingered there for a long time. Cloud surprised himself by sliding out his tongue and briefly licking the thumb there.

At this point, he debated on whether to lift the veil and steal a kiss. It didn't matter if Black's face was a distorted mess. Or if he was a guy. Or a Host. Or if it was the booze talking. He wanted to kiss him. Cloud waited a moment. Then he did the unthinkable and took the initiative. He grabbed the veil's hemline as he did before. Surprisingly, Black did not resist this time. The Host stood and watched him. Cloud waited another second before taking a deep inhale. He slowly raised the lacey black cloth inch by inch. Preparing to meet his bride, the boy was ready to seal tonight's unusual encounter with a kiss.

Cloud only got as far as uncovering the chin before he felt a hand on his shoulder from behind. The blunt action forced him to stop. Cloud looked back with a questionable frown on his face. He dropped the veil when burning blue eyes returned his gaze.

"Run along, silly boy," advised a red-haired man of tall height. It was one of the blue-eyed Hosts; the aristocrat. He soon added, "This one's fire burns too brightly for you. You'll likely be scorched alive under his touch."

The Host kept his hand on Cloud's shoulder. Effortlessly, he pulled him away from Black, as if he were a disobedient child. Cloud stumbled and nearly fell backward. He regained his footing and glared at him.

Indifferent to the reaction, the tall red-cloaked man stood between them. He turned away from Cloud and directly addressed the veiled creature. He murmured, "The wandering soul knows no rest, I see…"

Black simply crossed his arms behind him and stayed silent.

Confused by this intrusion, Cloud soon spotted the other two blue-eyed Hosts nearby. Their bizarre eyes shined like mirrors blazed with blue light. Approaching first was the raven-haired youth. He removed the e-cig from his lips and observed Cloud with an amused expression on his face. It was as if he knew some terribly funny joke. The lively boy kept silent though and merely covered his mouth to suppress a laugh. Next to him was the muscular Host. Thick brows pulled together. For some reason, this man looked displeased. He shifted his cool-blue gaze back and forth between Black and Cloud. When they finally stopped at the veiled man, he shook his head in silence. Clearly, he was not happy.

Cloud returned his attention back to the dark figure. He wanted an explanation. His skin boiled, however, when he found the red-haired Host now placing both his hands at the sides of Black's veiled face. He leaned forward and gently kissed the lips hidden behind the black shroud. Both men stayed close to each other. Intimately close. Cloud took a step forward; both shocked and severely pissed by this unpleasant change of events. One moment he shared bliss with Black. The next…

Cloud growled under his breath. He didn't care who this red-haired creep was, he wanted to punch him. The well-built Host with dark hair, however, abruptly blocked his path. His massive body loomed in front him. Glowing blue eyes penetrated Cloud again. This time the man's expression was warm.

"You'd do best to leave," he spoke in a soft but concise tone. His deep voice conveyed concern, perhaps even sympathy. With a sigh, he added, "Trust me, it's for the best."

The teenager felt his blood turn cold when the red-haired gentleman looked back at him. The finely dressed Host offered Cloud a smile that was anything but genuine.

"My friend, the fates are cruel," the Host announced in mocking fashion. He tenderly stroked Black's veil with idle fingers, still looking back at Cloud. "There are no dreams, no honor remains. The arrow has left the bow of the goddess."

For some reason, his words sounded familiar. Cloud heard them before. However, at this moment he didn't care to know of their origins or significance. He wanted to wipe that smirk off his pretty face. The muscular man in front of Cloud stood his ground though and blocked him again. He was practically a human-made concrete wall. Against him, Cloud knew he'd be sent to the ground with one punch. This reality did not stop the teen as he still struggled to push past him. He needed to reach Black. Driven by wild emotions, Cloud was determined to fight on; to fight for that connection he felt. However, his spirit soon deflated when he looked over the big guy's shoulder. He caught a glimpse of Black.

The tall figure now danced with the red-haired Host. Under a collection of brilliant lights, their bodies pressed close to each other; their gazes locked. The red-haired man claimed Black's body. He slid his leather-clad hand between his legs and caressed the sensitive budge there. They were two beautiful and terrible beasts, standing together as one. Not once did Black look back at Cloud.

Cloud's shoulders slumped. His energy dissipated. He took a slow step back. Tight-lipped, the big guy in front of him noticed the defeat in his eyes and gave him space. He nodded his head though, as if to say he was making the right decision. It was time for him to leave. Relaxing his hands, Cloud forced himself to turn away. He noticed the raven-haired boy again. He no longer smiled or appeared amused. His blue eyes were soft; the shine dimmer. Like the big guy, he looked concerned. Cloud softly scoffed and looked away from him. He didn't need his or anyone's sympathy.

Quickly, Cloud walked off the dance floor. The critical voice in his head snarled and ridiculed him as he cut through the crowd.

Once again, he'd made a complete fool of himself tonight. This was penance for all the dirty thoughts and actions that had transpired tonight. Or would've, at least. His soul would forever burn in hell for what he'd done or desired, Cloud bitterly thought. He quickened his pace. Glassed blue eyes burned but he fought back the unwanted sensation. Big boys didn't cry. Cloud refused to give in to his broken emotions. He'd been rejected many times in his life. However, this one admittedly hit deep in the gut. He felt a link with Black. He thought the feeling was mutual. But Ele' was right: Black was a giant cock-tease. The Host had played him like a puppet master. It was his job.

Entrapped in a sour mood, Cloud finally returned to his booth. He found Wedge awake. The others had returned from their dancing frenzy as well. All of them currently enjoyed a good laugh. Jessie was the first to notice and welcome him back with a shy smile. But Cloud silently slipped inside the booth and refused to look at anyone. He was back in his usual spot. In front of him he saw the table menu's interface. Even in his drunken state, he decided to order himself a few drinks to get over his inner turmoil. Across the table, Ele' noticed the tight-lip expression on Cloud's face. She frowned.

"What's up? You okay?"

Cloud's fingers danced across the table's menu without looking up at her. "Yeah. Why?"

"You look… off."

"I'm fine," he quickly dismissed. Cloud browsed through the drinks menu again.

"Haven't you had enough to drink?" Biggs snickered. Drunk himself, he rubbed his tired eyes with the palms of his hands.

Cloud ignored him. He selected a few options. Then he briefly paused and studied his hands. Even when they smelled of fresh mint, he had a strong desire to clean them again. He wondered if he still smelled of unrelenting lust. Curious, Cloud asked no one in particular, "Do I smell funny?"

Wedge halfway snorted and laughed at the strange question. Meanwhile, Ele' and Jessie exchanged a puzzled look. Biggs merely shook his head.

"No, man. Why?"

"Never mind." Cloud's fingers flickered across menu. He ordered fifteen shots for himself.