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

23. Boutique

Author's Note: Cloud gets new 'duds'. Also, lots of hanky-panky here. Lots. Like, my head hurts from editing over 10 pages of it... (Warnings: alcohol, language, Cloud getting his freak on)

---

Chapter 22: Boutique

When Cloud first stepped inside the Boutique with Kyle, he didn't anticipate walking in the middle of a quarrel. Behind the shop's counter, a rough looking fellow sat slouched with arms crossed. The well-fitted blazer that covered his broad shoulders revealed many wrinkles while the jeans that fitted nicely over his lean and toned legs contained loose threads. His disheveled ash-gray hair dangled down to his neck, nearly covering his face as he bowed his head down. In contrast, the young woman kept her items pressed, properly tucked in, and in good condition. Her hair was pulled back in a fancy bun. Towering over the man's slumped form, the color of her cheeks grew red as she raised her voice.

"You better not drink another drop while I'm gone." The young female placed both hands on her full hips and barked, "This is the last time. I mean it."

"I haven't touched a damn thing…" insisted the fifty-something man. Voice deep and rough, each word that slid out of his mouth sounded slurred.

So caught up in their heated argument, the two hadn't heard the sound of the door's bell chime as it closed or notice their new arrivals. Their bickering ensued.

"Stop lying to me," demanded the woman, "You can't keep getting drunk like this. It's bad for your health and for business. You're constantly getting plastered and scaring off the customers!"

"Bah! For the last time I'm not drunk. I'm completely…" He paused to burp aloud. "…fine."

The woman growled and clenched her hands into balls of fists. Her eyes suddenly widened when she noticed Cloud and Kyle by the door. Clearing her throat, she stood straighter and relaxed her fingers. "I, uh, gotta head off to work now…" she muttered to the man. "I'll be back as soon as my shift is over. Behave yourself. Okay? Love you, Dad."

She planted a kiss on her father's reddened forehead and then gathered her bag from the counter. On her way out of the Boutique, she smiled and nodded at the two boys. Kyle stepped out of her way while Cloud held the door for her. The door jingled again when it closed.

A low-beat tune from the shop's static-riddled speakers filled the awkward silence among the three males. Cloud was surprised to see no one else here. He expected the Boutique to be buzzing with people and noise, especially on a busy weekend in Wall Market. Observing the shop owner again, he saw him reach into a bottom drawer of his counter and remove a large bottle. It was filled to the tip with an auburn-red liquid. Its label read, Ifrit's Hellfire.

"Want some?" the shop owner offered with a wink.

Cloud raised a brow while Kyle snickered next to him.

Kyle was the first to reach the counter. No surprise, the unruly boy accepted the bottle without hesitation and swallowed down its contents. He squeezed his eyes shut almost immediately. His entire face turned red. Kyle sputtered a holy shit and coughed many times, which earned him a hearty chortle from the man behind the counter. It took the boy awhile to breathe again. Once he did, he turned to his companion and held the bottle up with trembling fingers. Cloud strolled next to him.

Admittedly, Kyle's reaction nerved Cloud. The made boy's tolerance to alcohol was high. For him to react like that? This drink meant serious business. Still, it all got Cloud curious. The fatty J he smoked with Kyle earlier dried out his mouth and made him thirsty enough for a drink. He reasoned to himself that he could handle a sip of Ifrit's Hellfire. Right? The flushed color on Kyle's cheeks only encouraged Cloud to take the bottle and test his limits. Already, his nostrils flared from the bottle's fumes. Gulping down a decent amount, the flat of his tongue instantly tingled and numbed on contact. The liquid burned down his throat like lava. Cloud's eyes produced tears as he bent over and violently coughed.

"Haven't seen you here for a while, Nunchaku," the shop owner mentioned above Cloud's loud hacking fits. He retrieved the bottle and later asked, "Your boss workin' your sassy, lilly-white ass off?"

Kyle bobbed his head and patted Cloud's back. "Yep. I gotta meet-up with the Don after this. He's expecting company this afternoon or some shit like that. I got bodyguard duty. Booooring."

"Who's your friend? He's got nice fair skin."

"This is Cloud." Still patting his back, Kyle revealed, "He has a hot date tonight. We're here to find him something delicious and sinful to wear, Lenard."

"Ah, hot dates are the best." Lenard's glassy eyes brightened. "Got something in mind?"

Cloud's coughing fit finally settled down but he remained quiet. Not only did his tongue still feel numb, but he honestly didn't have an answer to Lenard's question. This whole thing was Kyle's idea.

"Maybe," Kyle answered on his behalf, "I'd like to scope out the place first. See what I missed, y' know?"

"Jolly good. My new shit is toward the dressin' rooms. Be sure to check it out."

"Fabulous. Mind if we stash our crap here?" Kyle indicated the plastic bags they still carried from their visit at the Pharmacy. "We got a shit-ton of rubbers you can help yourself to."

"Son, I haven't found a good lay in ages so I doubt I'll need 'em. It's a good thing you both are protectin' yourselves though. Lotta psychotic bitches out there that wanna entrap pretty boys like you." Lenard raised the bottle to his lips. "Go ahead and dump the bags here. Make yourselves at home. I'll check on you boys later. I'm just gonna wet my beaker for a moment…"

The shop owner proceeded to drink straight out of the bottle. It baffled Cloud to see him chug it down like water. This man's blood must've been fused with fire. Once their belongings were placed at the counter, Cloud and Kyle left Lenard alone. They traveled deeper into the Boutique.

Despite the owner's tussled appearance, the shop itself looked well kept. It had a spotless wooden floor that smelled of fresh pine oil. An impressive grid of flashy lights spanned across the ceiling and bathed the entire boutique with rainbow colors. Various outfits hung along metal-meshed walls while stacks of bottoms and tops sat on rectangular tables. An impressive collection of shoes filled the cabinets close to the Boutique's counter. Not far from them was a door that likely led to Lenard's office. Currently closed, it was off-limits to the public. Cloud swallowed hard when they came across a section dedicated to women's lingerie soon after. Faceless mannequins stood post to showcase several provocative pieces.

"The Boutique has a gorgeous selection here," noted Kyle as he raised a leather corset in his hands to eye-level. "It's all handmade, can you believe that? Lenard used to be a successful fashion designer on the Plate. Made millions of Gil. But the bastard lost his mojo and ended up in this shithole."

"Serious? That guy?" Cloud cocked a thumb back at the shop owner. He saw Lenard sway his head back-and-forth while he slammed his already half-empty bottle down on the counter. "That guy was a millionaire fashion designer?"

"Uh-huh. He was the best. He worked with every supermodel in the world."

Cloud observed Lenard again. While it was hard to imagine that guy being a world-acclaimed designer, he could see hints of his glory days in his hazel-green eyes. They were clear and intense. Likewise, the high cheekbones, full lips, and strong-jawline revealed a handsome rugged man beneath the unkempt hair and clothes. Lenard must've been a real heartbreaker in his youth. Fixating on his large hands, Cloud studied the way they touched the glassed bottle. Clutched its neck. Gripped it.

"Lenard kept getting blitzed during his dry spell," Kyle elaborated, still inspecting the corset in his hands, "He developed a bad reputation as a man hard to work with. His last public appearance was at the Autumn Midgar Fashion Show. He took a piss on President Shinra's shoes and got arrested."

"Damn. Was he trying to make a political statement?"

"Nah. He couldn't find the restrooms. The damn drunken fool just took a whiz right there and then, not realizing he was pissing on the most important man in the world. It's been downhill for him ever since."

"No shit." Cloud ran his tongue along his bottom lip. Mouth dried, he still felt thirsty. And hungry.

"Lenard is still a great man though. I'm sure he'll make a comeback someday." Kyle put the corset down on the table and remarked with a grin, "I buy all of my lace stockings and underwear from him."

Somehow, that didn't surprise Cloud. Not. One. Bit.

Moving onward, the back of the shop led to a wide hallway. The lights were different here: uniformed and low-lit. Dressing rooms flanked both sides of the corridor and led to a tall three-way mirror at the end. Couches clustered at the center of the dressing area, right next to a coffee table littered with fashion magazines. A sign, New Collection, hung over two long racks close by. They contained an assortment of tops and bottoms.

"Let's start with the basics, shall we?" began Kyle as he fingered through a row of men's dress shirts.

Cloud made a face, already regretting this. "Nothing too out there. I don't want to look stupid."

"You see yourself in the mirror today, sweetie? You look like a Slums thug ready to bash someone's head with baseball bat." Kyle looked up and down at Cloud, eyeing his jersey tee and patchy cargo pants. "What, you playing against the Cactuars today? In that case, batter up."

Rolling his eyes, Cloud joined Kyle by the rack. "Fine. Whatever. Let's get this crap over with."

"That level of enthusiasm will take you far, dear."

"Shut up."

For over an hour, they went over various colors and styles. Hip-hop music played in the background, frequently interrupted by static. Bored and high, Cloud's face appeared flat and lifeless. He stepped in and out of his dressing room with outfits he absolutely despised. Kyle's idea of fashion involved chains, leather, shiny fabrics, and meshed materials that allowed as much skin to show. Cloud felt like a male gigolo in them. All the while, Kyle laid spread across one of the couches; a smug look on his face.

"Spin around," the Prince of the Underworld commanded and twirled a finger in the air. "Spin, spin, spin and look at yourself in the mirror, my darling. Do you like it?"

Eyes half-closed, Cloud spun around once in front of the three-way mirror. He could see the crack of his ass peek out from his low-rise jeans. The glittery yellow sleeveless shirt glowed brightly against the lights. It fit snuggly against his already scrawny frame. The fur vest only added to Cloud's annoyance. Its fluffy material somehow agitated his nose. He sniffled loudly before lumbering back into his dressing room without a word. It was time to try on the next set of nightmarish clothes.

In many ways, Cloud felt grateful few customers visited the Boutique. He didn't want anyone to witness this catastrophe. Those that did stop by the shop left in a matter of minutes after making a purchase. Lenard's drunken state and random outbursts certainly explained the lack of people here. Any who tried to make a return of their purchase retreated from whence they came. Likewise, those that asked for discounts or tested Lenard's patience scurried to the exit as fast as they could. The Boutique stayed relatively empty, save for the two boys at the dressing area.

When Lenard finally arrived to check on them, his face appeared redder and shinier than before. Cloud sensed the man went through the whole bottle of Ifrit's Hellfire after an elderly lady stormed out of his shop, screaming about cotton panties. The man's hands now held a blue bottle called Diamond Dust.

Leaning slightly to one side, Lenard stood next to Kyle by the couches and studied Cloud. His eyes drifted up and down while thick brows pulled close together. The young Nibel native couldn't decipher Lenard's expression but assumed it had something to do with the ridiculous clothes he currently wore – red leather pants and a polka-dotted shirt with a wide collar. This was still too bold of a look for him. His legs feeling hot and sticky, Cloud fiddled with his pants. He tried to loosen them at the crotch area.

"You model, kid?" Lenard at last spoke. His words sounded spaced out and low.

The question caught Cloud off-guard. He stopped fidgeting with his crotch. "Uh, no…"

Lenard scratched his unshaven chin and cocked his head to one side. "You should. You're short, a bit too short, but you definitely got the body and the aura."

"Aura?"

"Yeah. The aura."

Confused, Cloud turned to Kyle for an explanation. His companion offered him only a shoulder shrug.

"An aura can speak volumes about a person without sayin' a word," explained Lenard and wiped the beads of sweat off his nose with a sleeve. "Photographers dedicate their lives trying to record it; artists attempt to recreate it. Some auras barely have presence while others shine brightly. That's the secret behind high-profiled, powerful individuals, y' know. Their auras scream to the world…"

On the couch, Kyle turned around and dangled an arm over the backseat. He looked up at Lenard. "Does Cloud's aura scream to you, old man?"

Lenard stumbled forward but stopped. Again, he cocked his head to one side. Quietly, he replied, "I don't know if it screams to me, but there's definitely something… profound about it."

Both Cloud and Kyle exchanged another glance at each other.

"There's something sad and beautiful about you, kid." Focusing on Cloud, Lenard held the bottle to his mouth and took a drink. Afterward, he muttered, "It's like wandering through a vast field of snow and dead trees during a starless night. I can't tell whether I want to cry or smile at the scenery…"

Looking away, Cloud broke eye contact. He didn't offer a comment back. Something about Lenard's words struck him. They reminded him of his conversation with Sephiroth days ago. Despair reeks from you, boy, but there is something else that burns in those extraordinary blue eyes of yours.

Was this what the Host meant? His… aura?

It was at this point Kyle snorted out loud and broke the odd silence. His eyes darted to the shop owner again. "You are sooo drunk, Lenard. Your daughter is gonna be super pissed when she returns later and finds you drunk and foolin' around with boys less than half your age."

Lenard's face grew slack for a moment. Then he burst out laughing. His hazel-green eyes gleamed as he smacked Kyle on the shoulder. "H-hey! Screw you, you little shit. I ain't drunk!"

As more laughter ensued between them, Cloud relaxed his tensed abdominal muscles. He put the strange thoughts related to Lenard's words behind him and pulled off his blouse. Shirtless now, Cloud was ready to head back into his dressing room to take off the annoying leather pants as well. They continued riding up his crotch – how anyone could wear leather pants all day was beyond him.

"Let's kick things up a notch," Lenard suggested before Cloud reentered his dressing room. He raised the blue bottle in his hand. "If the next outfit is a hit, we set it aside. If it's a miss, we share a round. Got it?"

"Ooooh, that sounds like super fun!" Kyle clapped his hands repeatedly.

Cloud's jaw danced. At the rate he currently went, they'd all end up dead-drunk. So far nothing worked. Despite his pleasant high, Cloud's patience waned. Shopping for clothes proved downright annoying. He hated it. Still, now that fashion guru was here maybe his luck would change. Cloud drew his eyes to the man. He noticed Lenard's gaze drift across his bare chest. Up and down. Their eyes met shortly after.

Cloud licked his lips. Quietly, he agreed, "Sure. I'm up for it, old man."

Lenard set the bottle on the coffee table and retreated to the front of the store. Cloud saw him lock the doors and flip a sign there. The Boutique was now closed to the public. This made Kyle clap his hands again. He repeatedly called Lenard a naughty old man. The shop owner ignored him and twirled his store's keys several times around a finger before shoving them into his jacket's pocket.

"Let the game begin then," Lenard announced with a smile.

---

Colors from the Boutique's lights blurred and danced all around Cloud as he looked up at the ceiling from his dressing room. He saw a kaleidoscope of hues spin in slow motion. Somewhere at the back of his mind, he thought the bittersweet flavor of Lenard's latest drink went down a little too smoothly. What Diamond Dust lacked in punch, it more than made up for in allure and taste. Cloud took an immediate liking to it. Like metal joints given oil, he now felt looser. Lighter. That swirly sensation in his head lured him away from the typical questions and thoughts he might've entertained under a clearer state. Instead, it allowed him to focus on Kyle's and Lenard's crazy suggestions with little fuss.

Lenard's feedback actually proved helpful. The shop owner was sensible to his personal tastes. Cloud liked the three potential outfits proposed to him. The man recommended clothes that accented his blue eyes and lean frame. Nothing too wild. But nothing too boring either. His only concern now involved how much it all cost and whether he could afford it.

"Come on out!" commanded Lenard outside his dressing room door. "Let's see it!"

Somehow, the fashion guru was still able to talk in complete sentences. The man certainly could hold his liquor. That was more than Cloud could say for himself. He attempted to leave his dressing room to showcase his latest outfit but accidentally slammed his face against the door.

"Ouch…" Cloud rubbed his nose. He tried to open the door but it didn't budge. He tried again. It still didn't move. With a growl, he knocked on his door and spat, "I'm stuck. I can't get out. Did you assholes lock me in? I'll kick both your asses. Get me out!"

On the other side of the door, the muffled sound of Kyle's laughter rose above the Boutique's music. "Dumb-ass, did you lock yourself in again?"

Cloud checked his door. Sure enough, the latch was still secured. Rolling his eyes at himself, he undid the bolt, pushed down on the door's handle, and stumbled out of his dressing room.

On the couch, Lenard and Kyle immediately applauded when Cloud made his appearance. They sat with Gil spread across the cushions. Pulling out his PHS, the shop owner snapped photos of Cloud. The phone's flashes made the novice model blink and squint his eyes. He stood in an unsteady stance.

"Spin around," commanded Kyle in a high-pitched voice. "Spin, spin, spin, and look at yourself."

Cloud did his usual spin but had trouble walking in his five-inch-high platform shoes. When he succeeded on his second attempt, he saw his reflection. The three-way-mirror showed a blue eyed boy donned in a rainbow-dyed raincoat, meshed shirt, striped pants, and top hat that blossomed with fake flowers and tiny lights from its band. It was an atrocious outfit, one Lenard and Kyle laughed at it. They tossed Gil into the air. Carefully, the inebriated teen squatted down to collect it all.

Somewhere along the way, likely on their tenth shot, the drinking game's rules changed. It had become a game of wits. Kyle and Lenard took turns choosing various items in the shop for him to wear. Cloud entertained all sorts of requests, from the tame to the chic to the generally stupid. So far, he had amassed two hundred Gil from it, more than enough to cover this month's rent and food expenses.

Once Cloud collected his prize, he tried to stand at full height again. He failed. Feeling light in the head, he lost his balance. The heel of his shoe slipped forward and he landed on his ass. This resulted in a round of laughter. Cloud's throat grew hoarse from the loud sounds that repeatedly came out of it. His entire face brightened red. Feeling too heavy to get up again, he stayed on the ground.

"Next bet?" Cloud asked later while flipping through the wad of Gil in his hands. He tried to count how much he earned but had trouble steadying his vision. He couldn't tell if it was ten G-notes or twenty. Eventually he gave up and looked up at the two on the couch. "I'm ready for the next request."

"Yeah, you look ready," Kyle replied sarcastically, watching him sprawled on the floor.

Despite winning, Cloud hand-motioned for one of them to give him the half-empty Diamond Dust bottle. Lenard slugged forward. As the man stood in front of him, Cloud joked, "I'm lookin' to get myself a sports car after I clean out your pockets. Or maybe a villa at Costa del Sol? I can't decide."

"Smart-ass," Lenard shot back and brought the Diamond Dust close to the boy's face.

Looking up at the man, Cloud made it a point to stick out his tongue and open his mouth wide. He saw the way Lenard's eyes wandered down his body; saw the way they fixated back to his lips. Seeing his bold action affect the older man's aloof demeanor admittedly amused Cloud. It gave him a rush. Lenard must've realized this because a corner of his mouth soon lifted.

Lenard traced Cloud's lips with the tip of his bottle before pouring its sweet liquid down his throat. It was a large dose, enough to nearly make Cloud gurgle and choke. The shop owner pulled the drink away and waited for the boy to properly breathe again.

"Because of you, kid, I'm all wiped out," Lenard muttered with a smile. He removed the excess of Diamond Dust off Cloud's mouth with a thumb. "Funny how a pretty face can do that to a man."

"You shouldn't play with fire then, old man," Cloud stated as matter-of-fact, letting his Nibel accent slip. He leaned forward and parted his lips again. This time, his mouth attached itself to Lenard's thumb. Tasting the Diamond Dust's sweet essence there, Cloud sucked on it.

"And here I thought Kyle was the bold one…" Lenard whispered down to him, sounding out of breath.

Cloud withdrew with a soft pop-like sound. His blue eyes pierced Lenard's. "I'm a chockful of surprises."

Lenard smirked. He tenderly stroked Cloud's cheek with the back of his hand. Then he glanced at Kyle on the couch. "It's your turn, kid. Better make it a good one. Your boy here has gotten super cocky. I might have to spank him."

"By all means, daddy, please do," encouraged the other youth with a nod. "He might like it. Of course, don't deprive me of my next request. I guarantee you it's gonna be a good one."

Kyle shoved a hand down his pants. At first, it looked like he was reaching for his cock to pull it out. Instead, it was his wallet. Cloud scoffed at this. He should've known he'd keep that damn thing in his underwear – what a fucking weirdo. He saw the other boy remove ten Gil slips. Kyle abandoned the couch to join them. Bending down, he snatched the top hat off Cloud's head and placed it on himself.

Kyle waved the G-notes in the air. "See this? One thousand Gil here. One thousand. You man enough to handle this request?" The devilish smile on his face suggested this was going to be a real challenge.

Standing next to Cloud, Lenard repeated to himself: "One thousand Gil...? Sheeit. Maybe I should take up this bet. Get my damn Gil back…"

From the ground, a snicker slipped out of Cloud's mouth. The curious teenager felt more intrigued than concerned by this upcoming challenge. Clothes were just clothes, after all. Jeggings. Tanks. Fuzzy sweaters. Leg warmers. Kitty ears. Tunics. While none of that was his personal style, it certainly wouldn't scare him away from one thousand Gil. He might've been drunk and high, but definitely not stupid.

"I'm up for anything," Cloud declared. He would've stood and stared at Kyle at eye-level to further prove his point. But his legs still felt too heavy to move.

"You sure? You might regreeeeeeet it," Kyle sang back.

"Stop wasting my time and throw down."

Granted, it might've been a rash decision on his part to jump before checking his landing spot. Yet, Cloud grew eager to wipe that smug look off Kyle's face. It annoyed him to no end. Whatever his friend wanted to prove he wanted to disprove it. As Cloud sat cross-legged on the ground, he waited for Kyle's request. He expected him to choose some vulgar item that would either ride up his crotch again or reveal more skin than he would've wanted. Instead, his companion tossed him a left-field request.

"I want you to wear a dress, Cloud."

Golden brows shifted. Lips slightly parted. Cloud blinked and leaned back. He looked up at Kyle and wondered if he had misheard him. His liquid-tainted thoughts made it damn near impossible to focus and think straight. Cloud mentally danced back and forth and concluded Kyle must've meant dressy. Not dress. The wide-eyed expression on Lenard's face, however, indicated otherwise. The once acclaimed fashion designer stared at Kyle with brows set high. He didn't say a word. Cloud realized right then and there that Kyle meant… dress. As in a woman's dress.

"That's… against the rules," Cloud said under his breath. He shifted and no longer sat cross-legged.

"We never placed any restrictions," Kyle pointed out and tipped his top hat to Cloud like a gentleman. "You wear whatever we dare you to wear. Since there's a women's section here, it's fair game."

The muscles along Cloud's stomach contracted. He tensed up. Damn.

"You still want that sports car?" Kyle egged him on. "Villa in Costa del Sol? Then go all the fuck out. I won't give you this Gil if you half-ass it. The world doesn't like half-ass bums. Got it?"

Cloud didn't give the snarky pretty boy an answer yet. Instead, he snatched the bottle from Lenard's hand. The lowly teen chugged down more than the usual. Beside him, Lenard stood quiet.

Cloud initially thought the shop owner would also take delight in his misery. However, Lenard looked surprisingly… elated. His hazel eyes ventured back and forth between the two boys before they settled back on Cloud at last. Lenard's voice contained a lively high note in it.

"I can pick you out a dress," he offered. "Kyle likely told you what I used to be. I've always entertained the idea of feminine clothes for men but couldn't get into that. That kinda thing killed careers."

"It's a first time for everything, eh?" Kyle mentioned and readjusted his top hat on his head.

Brushing the coarse gray hairs along his jawline with a finger, Lenard's eyes stayed on Cloud's face. They didn't waver like they usually did. "I think you would look incredible in a dress," Lenard claimed, "You have the frame for it. And your complexion… You're like the perfect blank canvas to work with, kid. I knew that the moment you stepped into my shop."

Taking another drink, Cloud emptied out the bottle this time. He stared at it and wished for more to magically appear. When that didn't happen, he met Lenard's gaze again. Cloud's brow set low and even. His mouth twitched before he finally spat, "I think I'm drunk enough. You better hurry up and pick me out a dress before I sober up and come back to my senses…"

Lenard's mouth stretched out. His hazel-green eyes intensified. He turned and headed to the other side of the store. A man on a mission, he nearly fell on account of the alcohol and excitement. Lenard rebounded fast though and stalked the main floor of his shop for potential dresses.

By now, Cloud's platform shoes irritated his feet. They felt heavy and clunky, making the sides of his feet burn and itch. As he leaned forward to get them off, Kyle joined him on the ground. He set the empty bottle aside and assisted in removing the other shoe for him.

"I'm surprised you agreed to this," the unruly boy admitted, "You that desperate for Gil? Or did you really want to win this bet against me?"

Cloud shrugged his shoulders. "Dunno. Maybe both? Far be it for me to refuse a challenge."

"Right." Kyle didn't sound convinced. "You know what I think?"

"Not really."

"I think you're doing this for Lenard." Kyle placed both shoes to the side and sat next to Cloud. His features appeared soft but his eyes penetrated the other boy. "In all the times I've talked with Lenard, I've never heard or seen him as excited as today. I think you realized how broken up he is and want to spark some life back into him. That's why you're doing this. For his sake."

Cloud's eyes fell to an empty spot between his bare feet. He snorted. "I haven't done anything. I'm just being drunk and stupid right now."

Kyle smiled. "Uh-huh… So that business back at the Pharmacy meant nothing too?"

"Huh? What the hell are you talking about?"

"That brat…" Kyle reiterated for him, "No one would've missed her when she ran off, except for her mother. I know I wouldn't have. But you raced after her anyway. You got her back."

"Is there a point to any of this?"

Kyle reached a hand out. He cupped Cloud's chin and raised his face so that they could see eye-to-eye again. "My point is you have a pure soul, Cloud. Underneath that grime, shit, and attitude, you have a beautiful heart. Maybe that's the aura Lenard is talking about. Maybe that's why… you draw me in so much, far more than anyone else I've come across."

Cloud stiffened under his touch.

"I'm tainted and impure," confessed the other boy. His smile barely formed on his lips. "I want to bask in your light. I suspect others want the same from you…"

"I… I don't know what you're talking about." Cloud pushed the hand away from his face. He forced himself to his feet. The numbing sensation on his legs returned and made him wobble. Cloud managed to steady himself though. He looked down at Kyle. "I'm not pure. If you knew what kind of thoughts I have every day, you'd realize I'm anything but that."

"I'm not saying you're pure in thoughts or the body. You're a guy with the same wants as any other guy." Kyle stood as well. "I'm just saying you're pure in soul. You could do all sorts of shit – drink, fuck, smoke – but in the end you're still driven by your heart. That makes you pure." Kyle shut his eyes and emphasized, "You… cherish things, Cloud. There's probably not a thing in this world you don't cherish."

For whatever reason, Kyle's words tugged at something deep within Cloud. He frowned. Turning away, he padded barefooted to his dressing room, creating distance. "Tell Lenard I'll be waiting for him here."

Kyle said nothing. He also knew well enough to give him his space and didn't follow.

As soon as Cloud shut the door behind him, he removed the silly raincoat off his shoulders and meshed top. Then he stood still. His teeth bit into his lower lip. Drawing out a bead of blood, Cloud leaned against a wall and thumped the back of his head against it.

Stupid, stupid, stupid… Cloud knew he shouldn't have overreacted like he did. He instantly regretted the way he spoke to Kyle. His friend had merely expressed his feelings. It wasn't his fault. Yet, the words upset Cloud somehow. Perhaps it was because the other boy thought the world of him; he praised him too much. Cloud didn't feel worthy of any of it. Just like the mother at the Pharmacy, Kyle failed to see the truth. He was as impure and tainted as everyone else – maybe even more. The last thing he wanted was to give Kyle any false illusions about himself or disappoint him with the grim reality of it all.

With a sigh, Cloud brushed back his hair with a hand. Then he placed that same hand on the door's handle. He needed to step out and apologize; Kyle deserved that much. The handle gave way as Cloud pushed down on it. He opened his mouth, ready to draw out the necessary words that needed to be said. By this time, though, Lenard had already returned.

The shop owner walked up to his door right as Cloud opened it. The man stopped short of knocking and grinned. His eyes brightened with color as he asked, "Are you ready?"

The apology would have to wait, Cloud realized. His lips withdrew into a thin line as he stared at the articles in Lenard's hands. He saw a gold-and-purple dress with capped sleeves. Its high collar and floral designs were reminiscent of Wutai fashion. While the dress ran down to the ankles and covered enough, it featured a long slit at one side. Cloud wondered if his waist could even squeeze into that damn thing.

"I got you this and a… few more items to complete the look," Lenard said but paused. His eyes drifted down to the items in his hands. "I'll understand if you object."

On deeper inspection, Cloud noticed the man also brought along complimentary pieces. Among them were purple shoes and a pair of purple lace cheeky boyshorts. They matched the long stockings that reached up to the thighs. Cloud blinked several times at the items in Lenard's possession.

"Having the whole set would be ideal," explained Lenard when he noticed the color drain from Cloud's face. "Besides, the leg slit is high. It'll show your boxers. Of course, you could go commando. But, uh, depending on your size, just make sure your junk points the other way of the slit. Know what I mean?"

Of all the days Cloud opted for boxers over briefs, it had to be today. He shook his head. "Don't… Don't you have any briefs here in the shop I can use?"

"They all sold out," Lenard sheepishly reported. "I got only boxers; same dilemma."

Cloud wondered if that was a lie to get him to wear all this shit. With a frown, he grabbed what looked to be a lacey waistband with suspenders. "And what the fuck is this?"

"Er… that's a garter belt. It keeps the stockings from falling." With a grin, Lenard reminded the teenager, "Kyle did say to go all the fuck out. Right?"

Smart-ass, Cloud wanted to say back but kept that to himself. Studying the dress again, he considered searching for another. All of the ones he had encountered during his initial walkthrough of the store contained less material though. Some featured straps he couldn't understand, let alone, wear. Lenard clearly chose the most conservative and easiest dress of the bunch for him. Glancing at the lingerie next, Cloud obviously had second thoughts about those as well. He wanted to reject it all and take his chances with his boxers, no matter how stupid he'd look with them. Yet, he recalled Kyle's love for lace…

Cloud knew Kyle more than Kyle knew Kyle. Even if he looked terrible in the dress, the street rat would flip his shit solely for the underwear. As awkward as that made Cloud feel, it seemed like the perfect way to make amends. He'd suck up whatever integrity he had left and do this for Kyle. Good thing he was high and drunk. Cloud suspected his line of rational thinking would've been different otherwise.

Without a word, Cloud grabbed his chosen attire. A peek around Lenard's shoulders revealed Kyle waiting at the couches again. He held a fresh bottle of Diamond Dust in his hands, something Lenard had likely brought back on his return. Cloud felt determined to see this through and closed his door.

Minutes passed. The music overhead switched to another theme. It now played cheery tunes that reminded Cloud of nursery rhymes and food commercials. Lenard's eclectic taste in music was weird.

While a girl sang about cloudy days and airships, Cloud cursed, spat, and struggled to get into his clothes. The boyshorts he just slipped on didn't cover his whole ass, leaving the lower half of his cheeks exposed. They also gave Cloud the impression he had a wedgie. It prompted him to pull down on his underwear several times. Muttering a curse word, he maneuvered his prick to one side so that it didn't peak its head out from below or above.

As Cloud worked his way around to the other items, it didn't take him too long to call out to Lenard for assistance. When Lenard finally arrived in his dressing room, Cloud nearly growled at him.

"My underwear is crammed right up into my ass hole. I honestly don't understand why anyone would buy underwear like this. Also…" Cloud held up the garter belt. "I just spent ten minutes trying to figure this shit out and I still have no idea what attaches to what."

"Welcome to the complicated world of women," Lenard replied and closed the door behind him.

The fashion guru's history with models likely made the sight of a nearly nude boy seem almost trivial. Lenard kept his hands and eyes on the task and readjusted the straps of the garter belt for Cloud. He bent down to raise the thigh-high stockings higher and evenly.

The teen stood still and kept quiet. Lenard's current actions and close proximity made Cloud more hyper-aware of his presence. That sweet, delicious raspberry scent of the Diamond Dust alcohol emanated from the man's hot breath. It became intoxicating to breathe in. Lenard's touches likewise burned Cloud's skin. The man's rough and warm fingers slid along his thighs while he attached the garter's clasps to the hem of the stockings. Crikes, this man was twice his age, yet…

"That feel good?" Lenard interrupted his thoughts.

"Um. Y-yeah." The boy's cheeks grew warm from his actions and choice of words. "Thanks…"

In that moment, Cloud felt exposed. He stood wearing only the purple lingerie. His pinkish nipples perked in reaction to the lack of cover and tension in the air. Lenard faced him. Observing the teen's lithe shape, his hazel eyes paused at the slight bulge that pushed against the lacey underwear. Cloud exhaled when their eyes met. He expected the man to make a move, feeling surprised that he wanted him to. Instead, Lenard turned him around. He stood behind Cloud to assist with the other items.

Moving fast and with efficiency, Lenard helped the Nibel native slip on his dress. It fit snugly against his slender frame. Lenard's hand slid the back zipper up. Before securing it all the way to the top, though, he bent down to plant a kiss on the boy's bare neck. Cloud stiffened at first. Then he breathed out slowly. That small amount of physical contact tingled across his entire body. He sighed, feeling his laced panties tighten even more around him.

"Naughty old man…" Cloud whispered, repeating Kyle's earlier words.

Behind him, Lenard laughed. He pulled away just enough to move the zipper all the way to the top. Afterward, he stood next to the dressing room's door. "I'll be back. Let me get something real quick."

Cloud didn't know what the something was, only that it took Lenard roughly two minutes to get it. When the shop owner returned he held a large cosmetic bag in his hands. Cloud knew what this meant. His blond brows knitted closer together. Opening his mouth, he was ready to protest.

"Please." Lenard raised a hand to cut him off. "Trust me, kid. I know what I'm doing."

Cloud's teeth tapped together inside his mouth.

"It'll be fast and painless," the man insisted. "I promise."

"Riiight…" The tight, elastic hem of the stockings made Cloud's legs itch. He dug a finger underneath one of the bands to scratch at a spot. Later, he mumbled, "Fine. But you better not make me look like a clown. And you owe me a whole bottle of Diamond Dust after this."

"That's a promise, kid."

Lenard went to work on Cloud. Years of working in the fashion industry showed in his silent demeanor and prompt actions. He no longer looked like a sluggish man who just drank over two bottles of hard liquor and was ready to pass out. On the contrary, he acted as a possessed artist desperate to show his vision to the world. Lenard's fingers flew all over the wild platinum-blond hair, teasing it in all directions with a comb. His movements became steadier and slower at the more meticulous tasks.

Cloud tried not to blink when Lenard worked on his eyes. He spent the most time on them and frequently muttered beautiful over and over again. The liquid eyeliner smoothly followed the shape of Cloud's left lid before coming to a stop. This repeated several more times until Lenard stepped back. He studied the boy's eyes. Stared intently at them. Took a visible swallow. And stared again. After what felt like an eternity of staring, Lenard at last capped the eyeliner. His work was done.

Reactively, Cloud wanted to scratch his left eye. He stopped himself midway in the act. All of this felt alien to the teen. He puckered his lips once and thought they tasted funny. It was the first time he wore lipstick. Even when he dressed up for All Saints' Wake as a kid, he opted for masks than make-up. The coating on Cloud's lips felt smooth and thick. Despite its artificial flavor, it didn't taste too bad.

While Lenard stuffed his combs and cosmetics back into the bag, Cloud contemplated over his appearance. He dreaded stepping outside to look at himself on the three-way mirror. For all he knew he looked like a freak in a dress with clown make-up. The unsavory thought worsened when he envisioned Mr. Mukki in a blond wig with lipstick. Cloud winced and instantly regretted taking part in this.

As if sensing his doubts, Lenard zipped up his bag and approached the teen. They stood face-to-face. A step forward brought the older man even closer. He pressed his lips against Cloud's forehead. When Lenard kissed him again, this time on the cheek, his voice carried directly into Cloud's right ear. "That one thousand Gil is yours. I've never seen anyone as fucking gorgeous as you. Man or woman."

Cloud held his breathe when Lenard suddenly kneeled before him. The man's face hoovered close to his excited prick. It was made more obvious by the dress's thin and shimmery material. Lenard remained on his knees. He grabbed the purple heels on the ground next to him and slipped each one on the boy's feet. Cloud rose three inches higher. Holding onto Lenard's shoulders, he steadied himself.

Lenard didn't move from his spot. He focused on the water blue eyes above him while Cloud adjusted himself to the heels. Once the boy removed his hands from his shoulders, Lenard brushed one of his palms against the firm shape in front of him. The middle aged man followed its path over and over again, kneading it to life. At one point, he nuzzled the side of his face against it.

Cloud reactively shuddered. His hardened skin felt moist at the tip. The meshed material of his panties only agitated it more. When Lenard bit through the fabric with his teeth Cloud let out the air he'd been holding back. The man nibbled Cloud's cock through the fine material of his dress until he pulled away.

"Show time, baby," Lenard announced once he got to his feet, looking as flushed as the boy. He stepped away and opened the door for him.

Lightheaded and hard, Cloud found himself reluctant to step out but did anyway. The material of the stockings felt odd against his legs, at times rubbing at the inner thighs. His panties still rode up his ass and felt even tighter thanks to his fully awake member. Walking out of the dressing room, Cloud tried not to trip on his purple heels, even when his balance already felt off due to his alcohol consumption.

Cloud spotted Kyle still on the couch. The street rat currently took several gulps from his bottle before looking their way. He froze when he locked onto Cloud. Darker blue eyes widened. Kyle nearly dropped the bottle over the coffee table as he rose up from the couch. His mouth parted but nothing came out of it, save for a strange throaty sound.

"Well?" Cloud started. "I'm in a dress. I'm all dolled up. And I'm fucking hard. You now owe me one thousand Gil, asshole."

The other boy didn't respond. Rather, that same silly slacked-mouth expression on his face remained. Of all the times for Kyle to finally shut up it had to be this moment, Cloud thought; amused.

"Say something, idiot," he pressed.

Working his mouth again, Kyle finally formed words. He twirled a finger in the air as he'd done in previous times and softly replied, "Spin, spin, spin. I want you to look at yourself in the mirror."

Cloud didn't want to. He originally intended to show Kyle his stupid dress for a few seconds before promptly taking it off and putting the memory of it behind. His curiosity grew, however, from the warm smile that decorated Kyle's youthful features. He'd never seen him that excited by anything before.

From behind, Lenard wrapped his arms around Cloud's waist. The shop owner pressed their bodies close together. Cloud felt Lenard's hard-on against his lower back. Together, they spun around to face the mirror. The boy didn't react for a long time. He didn't recognize the person reflected back to him.

The wild blond hair looked familiar, but appeared fuller and shaggy. The purple and gold dress fitted nicely along a slim and flat-chested figure. An intense purple color defined the lips while dark, smoky eyeshadow and mascara amplified the blue in the eyes. When Lenard released his arms, Cloud took a step closer to the three-way mirror. He saw the sinful appearance of purple meshed material peek out through the leg slit. Its single suspender contrasted strongly against his ivory freckled skin. If not for the obvious erection sticking out, he could've mistaken this reflection for a woman.

"Not bad, eh?" Lenard spoke directly into Cloud's ear from behind. He wrapped an arm around him again. His hand rubbed the boy's stomach in small circles. To Kyle, he said, "I still got the touch, right?"

"That you do, old man, that you do…" Just as another cheery melody played from the speakers, this time about Moogles and stars, Kyle walked over to them. He momentarily removed his top hat and bowed to Cloud. "They're playing our song, m'lady. Shall we dance?"

Cloud didn't know whether to smile or punch Kyle right now. He settled for rolling his eyes instead and letting the boy place his arms around his shoulders while Lenard slid his to the waist from behind.

In front of the mirrors, the three figures danced. The ceiling's lights washed over them. Swaying and laughing, their bodies moved to the fast-tempo of a jovial song that sang of togetherness, love, and pom-pom dreams. Lenard spun Cloud. Kyle did the same afterward. Cloud concluded his lipstick was resistant to smearing since it didn't rub off when the three of them kissed each other moments after.

Kyle kissed him first – it was a passionate fast one that involved lots of tongue. Cloud turned and kissed Lenard next – it was a slow and deep exchange that left him out of breath. When Kyle and Lenard turned to each other, it was a wet and long embrace. Cloud immediately suspected the two had tangled before.

As the song reached a crescendo of fast notes, the two men lifted Cloud up by his waist. The transformed boy chuckled out loud as they spun him around in circles. One high-heel shoe nearly slipped off. They moved him around again and again. Cloud spread out his arms. Flying, he watched the collage of colors on the ceiling twirl above and tried to touch them with his fingers, too elated to care that he couldn't. Once Kyle and Lenard set him down again, Cloud sucked in air. Curious hands roamed and explored his slender body. They touched him in places that sent him hissing in satisfaction.

"You look divine in that dress," Kyle mentioned, his hand teasing the spot where Cloud's right nipple would be. His tongue stuck out and traced the lower half of the other's mouth with it. Above the whistling sounds of Moogles singing, Kyle expressed, "Purple is a nice color for you, Miss Cloud."

"Miss Cloud?" Cloud bit Kyle's lip in retaliation for using such a ridiculous title. Later, he admitted, "Mm, the dress does feel nice. My balls finally got enough room to breathe…"

"Crude. Very crude, Miss Cloud." Kyle swayed their bodies back and forth. In a lower, dangerous tone, he whispered, "Gods, you look completely fuckable in that dress. I want to tear it off you."

This made Lenard laugh. Still behind Cloud, he rubbed his notable bulge against the boy's backside and declared, "You break; you buy."

"Yeah," echoed Cloud. "You mess with my dress, Kyle, and I'll mess with your face."

He lightly slapped Kyle's cheek. The other boy snatched his hand and placed it between his legs. Through the rough material of Kyle's jeans, Cloud felt his hardened member. With a scoff he squeezed it.

"Y'know…" spoke Lenard again. "All of this makes me want to start a new collection."

"Oh?" Kyle looked away from the hand touching his protruding part. "What do you have in mind?"

"Seeing Cloud like this, I'm motivated to explore male beauty…" Lenard slid his hand down to Cloud's exposed leg. He caressed the thigh there and murmured, "Until today, my men's line has been typical. Boring. I'm inspired to try something new now. I think you two can help me."

"What do you mean?" Cloud had to ask.

"Would you two be interested in being my models? Help explore this new direction with me? It'd jumpstart my muse and be a great way to get people back into this dead shithole."

"Stop being a dick to your customers then," suggested Kyle with a snicker. "That would be a good start."

"Fuck you." Lenard laughed. His fingernails gently scratched along Cloud's inner thigh. "So how about it, boys? Will you model for me? You both will be compensated for your time and work."

"You gonna photoshoot us wearing lingerie too?" Kyle teased. "Like you did with me during our private shoots back in the days you were still married, naughty old man?"

Lenard flushed with color. "This entire thing is gonna revolve around my more provoking pieces."

"You mean trashier ones," corrected the street rat. "You wanna doll us up with demeaning shit and take photos of us. Don't you, you filthy pervert?" Kyle smiled sweetly. He leaned over Cloud's shoulder to kiss Lenard. Then the boy returned his attention to Cloud. Their hot lips slid over each other back and forth.

"What about you?" Lenard addressed Cloud, fondly squeezing his thigh.

Cloud waited until Kyle pulled his lips away. As the street rat tugged at his earlobe with his teeth, he replied in a coarse voice, "I've never modeled before. Don't know if I'd be any good to you. Also, I got a full-time job already and am trying for Shinra this year. You'll need to work around my schedule."

"That's fine. We'll meet on times you're free. Like I said, you'll get paid. All you need to do is wear my shit and smile for the camera. Easy-peasy shit."

Tightening his grip on Kyle's bulge, a corner of Cloud's mouth drooled while he roughly shifted his lips to the other side. Their non-stop lip motions resulted in slippery, loud kissing. Cloud's response came out breathy and interrupted. "I don't know. Even if I say yes… Mmm… I gotta wear regular stuff. I don't wanna… mmph… screw up my chances in getting into the Tsviets because of risqué photos…"

"It'll be underground work," reassured Lenard from behind. "Only a few select people will see it. You're hardly recognizable like this anyway. And besides, this would hardly be scandalous enough to kick you off. You'd be surprised by some of the photoshoots the Tsviets have done in the name of public charity."

By this time, Lenard's hand slipped further through the dress's slit. Fingers traveled up. Cloud groaned in Kyle's mouth while they roamed underneath his lace panties, soon pulling out a fully actualized cock. Lenard's rough fingers gripped and squeezed it tightly.

The shop owner's actions admittedly surprised Cloud. Not only was this guy once married and had a daughter, but he was old enough to be his father. Lenard apparently had no issues being with boys half his age though. As to whether it had always been this way or the result of a mid-life crisis, Cloud couldn't find it in himself to care, not when the man's large hands worked his shaft good and hard. Lenard spread out the clear juices that already oozed out of it, making him slick at the top. Cloud shuddered.

"So how about it, baby?" Lenard whispered into his ear. "You wanna model for me?"

Head spinning, Cloud had difficulty getting his thoughts in order. The two sets of hands that explored his body consequently divided his attention. Giving and receiving was already a problematic issue for him with a single partner. But with two? Cloud's impatient, eager prick already stood ready. He forced himself to focus on Kyle's instead, anything to prolong that blissful liquid-hot release that awaited him.

Clutching onto Kyle, Cloud suddenly got hit with a lightheaded spell. He wasn't sure if it came from his drunken state or the sudden rush of blood. "I think… I'm getting dizzy," he mumbled. "I need to sit…"

Both Kyle and Lenard withdrew and helped him to the couch. Sitting at the edge of it, the Nibel boy took a minute to reorient his senses. Images blurred and remained unfocused but gradually improved as he stayed seated. Cloud noticed Kyle stand in front of him.

"You all right?" the boy asked with concern in his voice.

"Yeah." Cloud softly chuckled when he admitted, "I think I got too excited…"

A quiet scoff came from Lenard's direction. He sat on the couch beside Cloud and brushed his hair with his fingertips. The action felt paternal and filthy at the same time. Meanwhile, Kyle kneeled before him.

"Too bad. I wanted to excite you in other ways." Rubbing the palm of his hands alongside Cloud's thighs, Kyle drew close to the throbbing member between them, indicating what he had in mind. He pulled back though with a smile. "I should take you home though. Let you sober up. We got three potential outfits for you to wear tonight anyway. We'll get them all so you can decide on which one works the best."

That seemed like the reasonable route to take, Cloud mildly thought to himself but remained quiet.

"Don't worry about the costs," Kyle reassured. "It'll come outta that thousand Gil prize you won, heh. In the meantime, let's get our stuff and get you home. Yeah?"

A moment of contemplation passed before Cloud leaned forward. Brushing back the smooth strands of Kyle's hair, his fingers played with the loose curls there. Blue eyes then intensified when those same fingers gripped the back of the boy's head. Swiftly, Cloud pulled Kyle forward. He maintained eye-contact while he drew his face close to his crotch again. The hand let go of the hair. Moving the slit of his dress to the side, Cloud revealed his harsh pink hard-on. The sight of lacey underwear, the garter belt's straps, and stockings only made it look cruder.

"You said so yourself," Cloud spoke slowly, "The world doesn't like half-ass bums. So finish it."

Kyle's brows rose in unison. His face relaxed again when he drew out air. He whispered, "You never cease to amaze me, Cloud Strife."

"I have my moments. Now shut up and blow."

Staring at the three-way mirror across, Cloud saw their reflections again. His half-lidded eyes followed Kyle's movements, followed how his thin and pretty body positioned itself good and proper between his spread legs. He observed the boy bend over his lap and lower his head. Moments later, sweet warmth and wetness engulfed Cloud's member. He sighed and shifted his gaze up at the ceiling again, observing the colors of spotlights dance.

The hazards of being drunk weren't lost on him. At any moment, he could pass out, puke, or do something similarly stupid – he really should've waited until he was sober for this. But as tempting as it was to play things safe, he still had his wants. Since this morning, he woke up with one. Cloud needed to feel again. He needed to feel his body rise to that wonderful high he had reached last night.

Sephiroth…

Flashes of light came from Cloud's left side. It brought his attention to the oldest man of the three. Lenard took pictures of the teens together with his PHS. His actions instantly pulled Cloud back into his memory of Sephiroth last night; both of them trapped inside each other's worlds while surrounded by spectators. Blue to green. Green to blue. A lovely face with burning words and touches.

The fond memory of Sephiroth stirred Cloud. He lifted his dress's slit further away, offering Lenard a clear shot of his engulfed cock. Kyle's head repeatedly bobbed up and down on it. He slurped up its essence. Lenard snapped more pictures. He got in close for the last shot. A click later and the man leaned toward Cloud. He kissed the teen right above his damped brow. Then their mouths connected.

Slicked tongues swirled and glided against each other. Lenard slid next to the teen on the couch. They remained lip-locked while Cloud received moist pleasure from below. The wet muffled sounds of Kyle's mouth went in synch with the Moogle song that still played above. For Cloud, the lively tune about togetherness and sacred bonds sounded ironic and absurd given their three-way connection right now.

Sometime after Cloud's breathing increased, Kyle picked up speed. His mouth slipped over the rod of flesh faster and faster. That familiar, striking sensation at the pit of Cloud's belly surged and gradually expanded outward. He could feel his cock tingle inside Kyle's mouth. Moments passed before the street rat pulled out his lips with a smack and looked up at Lenard.

His forehead and cheeks glossed with sweat, Kyle panted and offered, "You want a taste of this, old man? Definitely sweeter than that stuff we've been drinking."

Lenard didn't have to answer back. Instead, he positioned himself over his young companion's lap. Cloud lifted his cock upright for him. He watched Lenard open his fat lips wide and take him in. With a soft hiss, the teenager soon felt a different kind of pressure and speed. Whereas Kyle relied on quickness, Lenard took his time and went deep, reaching all the way down to his hilt. The man seemed to savor every inch of stretched-out skin since he only pulled out for air.

Gripping at the couch's seats, Cloud produced a throaty groan this time. The surge from his belly point reached down to his toes. Lenard either had enough meat in his life to know what he was doing or was in the mood for it right now. Either way, it felt fucking glorious. Cloud's mascara-covered lashes fluttered. His heels dug into the wooden floor as he stretched out his legs. It wouldn't be long now…

In front of Cloud, Kyle stood at full height. Fingers undid the zipper and button of his jeans. His chunky shaft flopped out. Pointed halfway up, it bounced when he took a step closer and addressed, "I think it's time you learn how to handle one of these."

Cloud breathed out while Lenard resumed his business below. The scent of Kyle's exposed part smelled of heavy musk. Its pinkish head glistened under the store's spotlights. He nodded.

"Take it slow," Kyle advised him. "No need to rush. I can hold out for as long as you need me to."

"I don't doubt it." Cloud stared at his length again. Their current positions somewhat unnerved him; he didn't like anyone towering over him. Still, he set aside the initial reaction and ran his fingers across the warm and sturdy length.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to face-fuck you," reassured the other boy with a slow exhale. On a sing-song note, he added, "…Unless you want me to?"

"Don't," Cloud immediately rejected with a firm squeeze.

Kyle chuckled.

Leaning closer to the mass of flesh in his grip, Cloud stroked it a few more times. He'd never done this before. The one time he had tried with Kyle they got interrupted by his stupid dog. His heart picked up speed. Experimentally, Cloud's tongue lashed out, tasting the tip smothered with pre-cum. It was bitter and salty. A soft hiss came out of Kyle when he licked again. The steady volume of the boy's sounds encouraged Cloud to explore further. He parted his lips wider.

Kyle was right. It was easy. Cloud had no experience in blowing another guy but the act reminded him of all the countless times he had mindlessly sucked on an ice cream stick. Except this time the surface felt bumpy. It was also warm – very warm. His lips followed along its path, growing more and more accustomed to its subtle texture and peculiar flavor.

"Less teeth…" instructed Kyle, wincing. "Use the roof of your mouth and tongue to hold it in place…"

Recalling the painful times girls did this to him, Cloud took up his suggestion. He adjusted accordingly.

It didn't take the teenager long to get a rhythm going. That awkward oral fixation Cloud had as a kid resurged itself. He moved his head more freely. Rolled his head side-to-side. Pushed in and out. Sucking in as much as he could, Cloud tried to take it in deeper but a gag reflex prompted him to withdraw.

"Careful," cautioned Kyle and gently patted the back of his head. "Try again…"

Wiping fresh tears from his eyes, Cloud exhaled loudly. It was hard to focus when Lenard kept stuffing his mouth with his own meat stick. A deep breath later, though, and Cloud proceeded one more time.

"That's it…" Kyle muttered from above. "That's it… You're doing fabulous, Miss Cloud…"

Again. That stupid title. Miss Cloud. The Nibel native hummed, still annoyed by his newly assigned nickname. He made no effort to scold the other boy though – perhaps later he would. Supplying his partner with the hot wetness of his mouth, Cloud focused on the low grunts he heard from above. They motivated him to increase his speed. Kyle's fingers soon clutched onto his hair, tighter and tighter.

Idly, the Nibelheim teen thought about his Host again. The mental image of Sephiroth's beautiful body still haunted the back of his mind like a persistent apparition. Shutting his eyes tightly, Cloud came to regard his first ever blowjob as practice. The bolder aspect of himself entertained the idea he would someday put this newly acquired skill to good use on the angelic creature. He would make Sephiroth wither under his touch. He would stand above the rest of his other stupid clients. Feeling more ambitious and determined, Cloud swallowed down as much of Kyle as he could.

"Go on…" encouraged Kyle from above, watching Cloud inch down his length. "You can do it…"

More tears streaked down Cloud's face. Taking in the stiff flesh proved challenging. Kyle wasn't large but the throat automatically wanted to push out the mass of meat being forced inside. Cloud suppressed the urge to cough, knowing it would trigger another gag reflex.

"Relax it," Kyle instructed down to him, "Relax your throat. You're almost there, baby. That's it…"

Relaxing his throat long enough, Cloud felt Kyle's tip finally brush beyond the edge of his mouth, reaching deeper down the canal. He quickly retracted when it became too much for him.

"That was a lot better," Kyle commended him with a low-sounding laugh; his face sweaty and redder.

"I learn fast." A half-laugh, half-cough came out of Cloud, feeling both amazed and embarrassed by his progress so far. He was close, very close.

Wiping away the excessive amount of drool from his lips, Cloud took a long moment to breathe again. He looked down at Lenard. The man's face rested on his lap. He retained a consistent rhythm; fat mouth shaped into a well-constricted 'o' form. Lenard repeatedly pushed the cock all the way in and out. Each time he reached its tip he licked and wagged his tongue at it like a deprived canine.

The sight of this man sucking him off – this dirty, old man with ash-gray hair and lined features – both repulsed and allured Cloud. Men Lenard's age weren't supposed to fool around with budding boys like him. Yet, there he was, slurping loudly and sucking him off like a hungry babe being nursed. Cloud breathed harder. His fingers scraped across Lenard's thick hair. He clutched onto it and thrust once into the mouth. The act caused the older man to gag and gurgle. Lenard slowly looked up at Cloud.

Once the older man collected himself again, he whispered, "Go on, boy… Keep going. I can take it…"

Lenard kept his mouth opened. Face flushed, Cloud pushed the man's head down on his shaft with both hands. He shot his hips upward. The wooden frame of the couch rocked with each pelvic motion Cloud committed. His glittery purple lips went slack. He felt himself reach closer to his high; felt his body tense-up in anticipation for it. He continued to pump into the heated moist mouth. Again and again. Lenard gurgled many more times but didn't pull away.

It took the sound of a familiar ringtone to briefly break them away from their intimate connection. Cloud paused when he realized it came from his PHS.

Abandoned along with his previous clothes in the dressing room, it rang loudly. At first, Cloud resumed his business. He wanted to come hard into Lenard's mouth. Right. Now. However, the persistent ringing from his phone broke his concentration. It didn't stop. Even when it went to voice message, it began its terrible song again. Fuck. It was likely one of his coworkers pestering him over his day off. He instantly regretted not turning off his electronic device earlier.

Still sheathed by Lenard's mouth, Cloud continued his upward thrusts. He panted and glanced over at Kyle. "Hey. Do me a favor. Turn that shit off for me…"

With a nod, Kyle left to retrieve the phone from his dressing room. He walked back to the couches with the PHS in his hands shortly after. A finger moved to the kill switch. However, Kyle paused when he checked the phone's caller ID screen. His figure stood still at first. Then his blue eyes brightened. Covering his mouth, the pretty boy apparently found something funny. He tried to suppress his laughter.

"What?" Cloud demanded. The non-stop ringing and silly expression on Kyle's face made him irritated. He had trouble keeping his focus. When his fuck-buddy made no effort to turn off the phone, he spat, "Well? Who the hell is it?"

Hearing the impatience in his voice, Kyle turned. He reported in three brief words: "It's your mom."

That answer immediately caused Cloud to stop. His shoulders turned rigid. On his lap, Lenard lifted his glossed face and rubbed his jaw. He muttered a damn.

"You want me to answer it?" Kyle approached Cloud. The phone in his hand still flashed; still rung. Even after the PHS went to voice message again it restarted its tune. "I can tell her you're busy."

Cloud felt a great swelling develop at the pit of his stomach. He knew that phone would keep ringing. Neither he nor Lenard moved from their respective spots though. The shop owner seemed as peeved as he was and rested his head back on his lap. Lenard began lapping up the sticky juices of his cock.

"Maybe let it go to voice message again?" Kyle suggested later, sensing Cloud's reluctance.

"I can't." Cloud sighed. "I told you before: she likely thinks I'm dead in an alleyway somewhere. I haven't called her back since yesterday. Knowing her, she's hunting down a detective to recover my body."

"I think you're overreacting. But hey, if it gives you peace of mind, then you should answer it."

Cloud exhaled sharply, partly from Lenard's wonderful mouth and partly from his growing frustration at the whole damn thing. Granted, picking up the phone was a simple solution to a simple problem. A conversation with Mom was long overdue. Their Saturday meet-ups were a tradition he'd maintained since he had arrived in Midgar years ago. Until now, he had never missed one. Cloud wasn't in the mood to talk though. He had other things he wanted to do. Things his mother would definitely not approve of.

"Go talk to your mother," Lenard murmured in between his swallowing. He looked up at Cloud with only his eyes. Lips smacked wetly over one ball before he added, "Just act discreet. Understand, baby?"

Gently stroking Lenard's hair, Cloud didn't protest. He let Lenard resume sucking him off while grabbing the phone from Kyle. Yes. He would act discreet. Perhaps he'd manage to cut the conversation short so he could go back to having his fun with Lenard and Kyle. At least, that was the intended plan.

Clearing his throat, Cloud clicked on the button and finally answered it. "Hey, Mom…"

"Don't 'hey, Mom' me, boy," Mrs. Strife instantly barked. "I waited all day for you to come online yesterday. All day. Where were you? What happened?"

"I had a long shift," Cloud lied. Already, the guilt hit him.

"I thought you only had class yesterday."

"Someone… called in sick at the last-minute. I had to cover their shift." A reasonable fib, Cloud thought. It was way better than admitting he got plastered and hooked up with a gorgeous green-eyed Host.

"You should've messaged me, Cloud. I got worried. You've never missed our facetime chats before. I thought you were lying dead somewhere in an alleyway. I was about to hire a detective to find you."

Cloud gave Kyle an 'I-told-you-so' look. Then he addressed his mother again. "Sorry. I got busy."

"Too busy to even text me back?" The sound of Mrs. Strife's growl lingered from the other line. "Are you busy now? Can we facetime? I want to see my boy."

"Um…" Cloud glanced down at the old man licking him clean between his legs as well as Kyle's plump cock next to his face. "I'm, uh, kinda busy and don't have my laptop on me." His skin burning up, he hoped his emphasis on busy would push his mother to call at another time.

"Well, can we just talk for a few minutes then?"

Cloud frowned. He knew this question was a dangerous one. A few minutes usually translated to a few hours. However, if he answered no to her question then his mother would waste a few hours anyway complaining about his lack of time spent with her. Cloud had to choose his next words carefully. Of course, it was difficult thinking up words when Lenard tended to his cock so well. The shop owner slipped it down his whole throat and looked up at him. Daring him to say something about it.

Cloud hissed and breathed out. "I'm, uh, in the middle of my lunch break, Mom… I gotta go soon."

"That's fine. Hearing my baby's voice is all I need." A pause. "Hey, are you okay? You're breathing pretty heavy right now."

"I'm, uh, just feeling under the weather." Cloud closed his eyes and felt the steady rhythm of Lenard's mouth again. Gods…

"There's something I need to tell you," began his mother again, "It's why I'm calling. But first, let me officially report that my garden is ruined. The Lockhart's damn cat killed it, including my potatoes."

"I'm sorry to hear that…" Cloud muttered off hand. He sensed something off when his mother quickly skipped over the reason why she called, but ignored it when Lenard bit his tip. He opened his eyes again.

The nasty old man seemed to relish in the fact Cloud was on the phone with his mother. His actions became more vulgar and pronounced. Lenard made sure the teen watched him. He slapped the cock repeatedly against his grizzly cheek before drawing it in again. Cloud couldn't find it in himself to make the man stop. He didn't want him to. Not when his full lips and large hands sent his entire body tingling all over. The consumed blissful chemicals in Cloud's veins only heightened the sensations.

Fuck. It all felt so good.

"It took me a whole season to grow those potatoes," griped his mother in his ear, returning Cloud's elated Self back to the planet. "And now they're ruined. I tried talking to Mr. Lockhart about his cat, but he's never around. As for Tifa… well…"

Cloud already regretted picking up the call. He didn't want to hear any more of this. Even the mention of Tifa made him sigh in discomfort. While his mother rambled on from the other line, Cloud focused his attention on something more pleasant. His eyes locked onto his close friend.

Unlike Lenard, Kyle remained quiet and kept his hands to himself, mindful of the caller. The street rat actually tried to be on his best behavior. It was a first for him and almost made the other teen laugh. Licking his purple-painted lips, Cloud stared at the boy's neglected but still-very-erect member.

"By the way, how's that promotion at Chocobo Chow going along?" Mrs. Strife later asked. She must've sensed her son's lack of interest because she now switched to another subject. "Did you accept it?"

"I'm still thinking it over…" Cloud touched Kyle's column of meat. His fingers wrapped around its stem before stroking it up and down. Planting a kiss on its head, he mentioned to his mother shortly after, "Mr. Mukki is giving me awhile to decide on it…"

Above, Kyle reached out and took Cloud's face with both hands. Their eyes stayed on each other. Slowly, Kyle brought his cock to the other's lips. Cloud relaxed his throat for him. This allowed the boy to push in. They maintained eye contact while it sunk in deeper. And deeper. It finally went all the way in.

"Honestly, I'd rather you take that job," Mrs. Strife expressed somewhere in the background. "It'll be less dangerous and you'll actually get healthcare benefits. I know you got your heart set on the Tsviets but, baby, every day I hear more boys your age die in the name of Shinra and the Tsviets."

His entire mouth stuffed, Cloud could only reply with, "Mm-hm..."

"I'll sleep better if you take that assistant manager position job instead. Of course, I'll sleep even better if you came back home. That city is full of bad things and people."

"Mm-hm…"

Kyle pulled out to let Cloud breathe. Once the air traveled into his lungs again, they repeated the process. The more times Cloud deep-throated Kyle the more accustomed he felt toward the act. The sensation of being completely filled made him curious about other intimate interactions.

"Be careful," resumed his mother. "I'm hearing bad rumors there. Something about dead bodies?"

"Mm-hm…"

"You're taking care of yourself out there, right, Cloud? Take your knife with you at all times."

"Mmmmmm-hmmm…"

Cloud practically moaned that last response. By now, Lenard's mouth rapidly shot up and down between his legs. The former esteemed designer moved in the same tempo of the new upbeat tune that played across his shop. This time it was the ever popular Chocobo theme.

"Are you okay?" Mrs. Strife asked above the music. "You sound off today…"

Static from the speakers tainted the familiar, loveable soundtrack. Neither man bothered to notice or care. The three took comfort among themselves, each trying to reach his own climax. Their faces appeared flushed and shiny from their labored efforts. Lenard had his free hand over his own hard-on, furiously yanking at himself, while sucking down Cloud's. Kyle's cock twitched inside Cloud's mouth, signaling his climax soon. Tossing his head back, he groaned when Cloud bobbed his head as fast as the Chocobo theme as well. At the corner of his eyes, Cloud saw their three-way act unfold on the mirrors.

It was fucking beautiful.

"You're staying away from those nasty city women, right?" his mother continued later. Her impatience became evident when she wondered aloud, "Cloud? You still there…? Are you even listening to me?"

Having gone without a response for too long, Cloud pulled out. He made sure to move the phone away to prevent his gagging sounds from being heard. Panting hard, his free hand stroked Kyle's shaft. Cloud waited until his breathing settled. With a half-formed smile, he brought the phone close to his face again and replied, "I don't think you need to worry about the women, Mom. I'm in good company…"

Below, Lenard loudly spat on Cloud's member to create more slickness. As the saliva dripped down, his hand formed a tight fist around him. He pumped the stem fast and hard.

"Mmm, very good company…" Cloud repeated and gritted his teeth.

A pause from the other line. "Cloud? Are you sure you're okay…?"

His mother's question reminded him to be more discrete. She was getting suspicious. If Mrs. Strife ever learned her sweet, precious boy was currently dressed as a woman, eating cock, and getting sucked off by a dirty man twice his age, she'd die of a heart attack – then return to life to beat him with a slipper.

"Mm. I'm fine…" Cloud tried to reassure her. "I kinda took something to get rid of a headache though, so I'm feeling… all over the place." He leaned forward again and ran his tongue along Kyle's length. "I totally feel better now though…"

"Headache? You're sick, aren't you? No wonder you're hardly talking. No wonder I keep hearing you moan like that. At first I thought…" Hurrying her next words, she sounded concerned now. "Oh, honey. I feel terrible for not noticing this sooner. My baby is sick!"

"It's nothing," Cloud dismissed. "Don't worry about it. Seriously."

"But I do have to worry! You're my baby. My baby is sick and I'm too far away to help!"

For the next ten minutes Mrs. Strife went over the usual spill about drinking lots of water and resting more. No more staying up late. No more working himself to death. Mrs. Strife soon disclosed in-depth a recipe he should try to treat his headaches and any possible nausea – something that involved Bandersnatch urine. The guilt Cloud had initially felt from his lie turned to annoyance, especially when his shaft swelled with heat, blood, and cum. Kyle, himself, looked damn good and ready for him again.

While his mother rambled on, Cloud went in for another deep swallow. He relaxed his throat and slid Kyle's length back in him. A moan echoed back to Cloud. Despite the boy's earlier words, Kyle started thrusting into his mouth. He pushed in and out of it again and again. At some point, his friend went a little too fast and too deep. It triggered a gag reflex. Cloud swiftly pulled back and violently coughed.

Immediately, his mother chimed in. "Oh, honey, are you okay? That cough sounds terrible!"

"Y-yeah… Sorry." Cloud coughed a few times before saying, "I'm eating right now and almost choked…"

His comment was meant to stop his mother from getting more worried over a fabricated illness. If she thought he was choking on food and not dying from a deadly disease then she'd move on. The irony in Cloud's words was not lost on his friend though. Kyle nearly laughed out loud but put a hand over his mouth. The boy's stiff prick wobbled as he shook uncontrollably and silently chuckled to himself.

Cloud suppressed a growl. He would've reprimanded Kyle if not for the growing tension that suddenly overwhelmed the lower half of his body. At last, his hot shaft sputtered inside Lenard's mouth. Its veins bulged out. Cloud winced as he trembled. He bit into his lower lip so that his mother wouldn't hear him come hard. Thick wads of white lines continued to shoot out of his rod.

On his lap, Lenard rested his face on one side. He kept his mouth wide open. Allowing the boy to watch him collect it all, the dirty man wagged his tongue out to encourage more deposits.

"…Fuuuck yeah…" whispered Cloud and tried to squeeze out whatever was left in him.

"Did you say something, honey?" his mother asked on the other line.

Realizing he was still on call, Cloud exhaled sharply. "N-nothing. I didn't say anything…"

He looked down at the man on his lap. Mouth filled with a glossy white substance, Lenard closed his mouth and visibly swallowed. He looked close to release as well. His large hand continued working himself. Cloud leaned forward to help him. Their hands clasped together. They fisted over an aged cock that was thin but very long. Cloud liked the fit of it in his palm. In a matter of seconds, he saw Lenard violently quiver and roll back his dimmed eyes. White leaked through their intertwined fingers.

"Oh baby…" was all the man could say, repeating it over and over again. Whether to himself or to Cloud, the teenager did not know.

Lenard looked up at him. They smiled at each other and shared a small, tender kiss. Cloud moved away when he heard his mother on the phone again. He left Lenard to relax across his lap and sat upright again. Cloud faced Kyle next while his mother addressed him.

"Listen, I'm going to let you go," she said. "You sound really under the weather. But before I go, I wanted to mention something to you… It's not a big deal but…"

The high-pitched tone in his mother's voice indicated she was holding something back. Lies in the Strife household were uncommon. Thus, neither could effectively hold a lie without giving some big hint away. For Cloud, it was his lack of eye contact that gave away his deception –he suspected that was the reason why his mother preferred live cam-chats. For Mrs. Strife, though, it was her higher-than-usual tone.

"Um, one of my friends will be visiting Midgar."

Mrs. Strife's tone sounded very high. Normally, Cloud would've pressed his mother more about this. It definitely sounded like she was trying to sugarcoat something. That already spelled bad news. At this moment, however, Cloud was too occupied with Kyle to bother inquring about the details.

They resumed where they had last left off. This time, Cloud didn't gag. He kept his throat relaxed, even when Kyle's pelvic motions became more aggressive. Cloud's jaw began to ache but didn't move away. Having his friend push himself into his throat, shutting off the air supply, gave him a lightheaded sensation similar to last night's encounter. It was as close as he could get to it. Cloud held his breath. Focusing on the Chocobo melody theme that still played, he tried not to pull out for air too quickly.

"I told my friend not to visit that horrible city," his mother's voice came through the receiver. "But she insists on going. She also offered to deliver your birthday present on my behalf."

More and more, this conversation sounded suspicious. Cloud didn't like where it was going. He debated on talking more about this friend and what his mother really wanted from him. Kyle began to tremble though. His breathing became more erratic. Pounding into Cloud's mouth, a slacked expression drew on the boy's face. Cloud opened his eyes. He watched Kyle unravel himself.

"So… you might get a visit from her," Mrs. Strife mentioned over the phone. "She didn't tell me when she planned to make the trip. But be a dear and offer her a place to stay during her visit. Okay?"

Just as Cloud finally needed air, Kyle pulled out. An explosion of white trailed after him. Cloud made sure to move the phone away from himself again. He didn't want his mother hearing him gasp for air. Nor did he want her to hear Kyle groan loudly as he shot the last wad of cum over his dolled-up face.

Both of them tried to breathe. Cloud coughed several times. Only after the air circulated back into this throat again did he lean toward Kyle's tip. His tongue wagged at the minuscule opening of his urethra. Cloud let the tangy taste of semen taint his tongue. Like Lenard before him, he swallowed it down.

When Cloud finally put the phone to his ear again, he overheard his mother frantically repeat: "Cloud? Cloud…? Are you there? Answer me."

"Sorry, I had to put the phone down to talk to someone…" Cloud replied at last.

Breathing slower, the teen massaged his jaw; it felt raw. Cloud watched Kyle collapse on the spot next to him on the couch. Just as he did, Lenard rose up from his dormant position. The older man licked off the milky substance on Cloud's face with his tongue. He cleaned it all. His chin. His cheek. His lips. Not wanting to raise any suspicion over what just happened, Cloud focused on his mother again.

"Um, yeah, your friend can crash at my place," he offered, "It's not much, but I'll make room for her."

His strategy of diverting her attention elsewhere seemed to have worked. Rather than inquire more about his current condition – and the strange noise – his mother sounded pleased over the phone. "Thanks, Cloud. I appreciate it. I'm sure you two will get along great. My friend thinks very highly of you."

"Yeah…" Cloud almost chuckled when Lenard nibbled at a spot on his neck. "Listen, Mom, I gotta go. Break time is over."

"Okay, dear. Will we facetime this Saturday?"

"I'll try. I got a lot on my plate though…" Cloud refused to tell her about tonight's date. Or his newly acquainted friend. After he briefly kissed Lenard back, he mentioned, "I kinda found a new side-job. Nothing too big but it'll help with the bills. I'll tell you about it some other time."

"Good. Now you'll have enough Gil to actually visit your mother. Don't overwork yourself, though. Okay? I love you. Call me if you need anything."

"Will do. Thanks, Mom. Lots of love."

As soon as Cloud hung up, he tossed the PHS on an adjacent couch and slumped back. Thank the Gods: it was over. He wasn't sure if it was relief or the aftermath of his orgasm that left him in a calm and sleepy condition right now. Whatever it was, he stretched out his spine and halfway closed his eyes.

"So I take it you'll model for me, eh?" Lenard leaned beside him. He started rubbing the boy's shoulders.

"If it's as fun as what we're having now and I actually get paid for it, then hell yeah." Cloud hummed softly to himself, enjoying the massage.

"My, my, my… I've unleashed a terrible beast in you," Kyle said at the opposite direction. "I knew there was a sex-fiend hiding behind that rural-boy get-up."

"I'm not a sex-fiend." Cloud fully opened his eyes with a frown. His words sounded slightly slurred when he elaborated, "I'm more like a man open to experiences."

Kyle laughed. So did Lenard. Cloud smiled along with them. The aftermath of their intense activities left them all in a lethargic state. The seventeen-year-old teen wanted to rest on the couch for a few minutes but paused when he heard the sound of a PHS go off again. He growled, thinking it was his mother. The tune sounded different though. He saw Kyle retrieve his phone from a back pocket and flip it open. An unpleasant look crossed the boy's face as he checked the caller ID. Kyle muttered a curse word.

Cloud snorted aloud. "Don't tell me: it's your mother."

"Pft. Close enough." Rising off from the couch, the frown on Kyle's face didn't disappear when he reported, "It's the Don." He tucked himself in and zipped up his pants. "Damn. I didn't pay attention to the time. His afternoon meeting is in fifteen minutes. I gotta split and play bodyguard for him."

"Mm, and here I was hoping you'd enlighten me more…"

Kyle blinked once. "Oh? You just took two guys at the same time and you're up for more?"

The slit of his dress still placed aside, Cloud's spent cock remained visible. He widened his legs more, revealing more of his stockings, lacey underwear, and garter belt. Blond hair covered his right eye as he shifted his head to one side. His purple lips stretched into a small smile. "What do you think?"

"What do I think?" Kyle bent down and caressed his cheek. "I think I need to get you drunk more since you apparently get veeery horny." His eyes drifted between Cloud's legs. "Gods, I can take you now…"

"Then do it. Teach me how to take it in." Cloud rubbed a specific spot on himself. "I'm a fast learner."

"You are." Kyle stepped back and stood straight. "How about you join me instead?"

"Join you?"

Kyle readjusted his clothing. "It's too late to drop you at your place. And you clearly need to sober up."

"I don't need to sober up," Cloud denied and idly touched his flimsy prick. "I feel peachy…"

"Sure you do, you horny corndog." Kyle scoffed. "Come with me. I'm sure that meeting won't take more than ten minutes – tops. The Don has the mental capacity of a kid; it's rare for anyone to hold his undivided attention for longer than that. You can wait at one of the manor's rooms. Then I'll fetch you."

"Hey, Cloud can stay here with me…" Lenard suggested. He stopped rubbing the boy's shoulders and placed an arm around him. To Cloud, he said, "Sober up here. Hell, if you want someone to teach you how to take it in, I can."

Kyle waved the older man's hands away. "Shoo-shoo, you beast. Cloud hasn't gone all the way; at least, not like that. I don't want his first-time experience being drunk and with a naughty man like you."

"Yeah, you're supposed to be working anyway," agreed Cloud and removed his arm. "Snap to it, old man." Slipping his member back inside his panties, he readjusted his dress to cover himself and got off the couch. Unsteadied as he was, Kyle kept him on his feet.

A hearty chuckle came out of Lenard's mouth. "Gods, you boys are going to be the end of me."

"You act like that's a bad thing." Kyle smirked back, turning away afterward to retrieve Cloud's clothes in his dressing room.

The other boy exchanged phone numbers with the shop owner. Cloud actually looked forward to future meet-ups regarding the photoshoots. Getting paid to wear clothes and smile for the camera sounded like an easy side-job. Making out with Lenard was also fun. Later, all three of them headed to the counter to finalize their purchases. No surprise, Lenard gave Cloud the dress for free. The teen didn't know how to feel about that, especially when a sudden realization hit him as Kyle grabbed their bags.

"Wait…" Cloud wobbled and stepped away from the counter. He glanced down at himself. "I need to change back to my clothes. I forgot to take this damn thing off. Help me with the zipper…"

"You're better off with that on," Kyle advised. He had a strange, serious look on his face. It was rare for him to be serious about anything. Soon, he explained, "Few people are allowed in the Don's manor: his crew, his guests, and women. Anyone not in those categories gets a bullet to the head."

Cloud leveled his brows. As drunk and high as he was, he had a bad feeling about this. That sentiment seemed shared by Lenard. From behind the counter, the older man crossed his arms.

Kyle idly swayed the bags in his hands back and forth. "I'm gonna say you're my girl, Cloud. Normally, the Don likes to get his hands on the new merchandise, but he will be too busy with his guests to even notice ya. So play it cool and do as I tell ya when we get there. Okay?"

Cloud weighed in his options but a mild headache developed. He'd never met the Don before. In all the years Kyle worked under the notorious man, he'd refused to bring him to the manor. Something about this spelled trouble. Cloud couldn't bring himself to question Kyle, though, not when all he wanted was a nice warm spot to rest his head on. A shower would be nice too, considering their actions moments ago. While Lenard had licked off all the evidence from his face and cock, he was covered in dried spit.

Beside Cloud, Lenard shook his head. "Can't say taking him to the Don's place is the better option here."

"Can't say I trust you to keep your hands to yourself while I'm gone, old man," rebutted Kyle.

"Ouch. No faith for the wicked, huh? I'm offended." Lenard laughed softly. He waved only once at them while Kyle hooked his arm around Cloud's and led him out of his shop.

---

Once outside the Boutique, Kyle remained attached to Cloud's arm. He practically dragged the boy to their destination. They maneuvered through the crowd of Wall Market. Steam evaporated in the air from all directions. Too drunk, high, and tired, the Nibel youth ignored the long stares from many men they passed by. Cloud nearly forgot about the dress he wore until his heels dug deep into a soil, prompting him to stumble forward from time to time. It was difficult to walk in these stupid shoes. When guys whistled at him, he replied in kind with a middle finger and a low manly growl. It earned him many confused looks in return.

Kyle retained his silence throughout it all, meanwhile. The boy pushed them through the clutter of people. Within minutes, they arrived at a massive structure with parted steel doors and tall pillars. Red vertical banners hung down and flapped. Beyond this entrance appeared a cluster of kiosks. Various vendors busied themselves, selling their wares and food. Cloud's stomach growled. Looming above it all was a two-storied mansion.

Don Corneo's place had a massive roof with wooden shingles and tall pillars. Concrete walls made it appear impenetrable. Lit brightly and decorated by colorful Wutai symbols, the giant structure took a lot of its inspiration from ancient temples. Cloud scoffed to himself the more he looked at it. While he never met the man, he'd heard his share of stories concerning Don Corneo's inflated ego. No doubt, the Don considered himself on the same level as a deity; a Godlike man that needed to be worshipped.

"Huh. Looks like the Don's guests have already arrived," Kyle quietly noted.

Cloud followed his gaze.

Passing through the sea of vendors, a red carriage steered by a Chocobo stopped in front of the large entry doors of the mansion. Two of the Don's men already stood guard there. They approached the carriage, armed with rifles. At the carriage, a well-dressed fellow with a long coattail dismounted. He opened a rear door for his passengers.

Cloud froze on his spot when several figures piled out of the Chocobo carriage one-by-one. In his drunken stupor, the teenager had to blink twice, nearly doubting the scene that played out before him. Yet, the piercing blue eyes of LOVELESS' Hosts were unmistakable. More so, the faces of the men he saw standing outside the carriage…

Genesis, Angeal, and Zack.

Of them all, the auburn-haired Host wore a face-mask that covered his nose and mouth. Cloud wasn't that surprised. The arrogant beautiful aristocrat likely wasn't a fan of the air down here. His arms appeared crossed and he stood with all of his weight shifted to one leg. Genesis shook his head when he glanced down at his soiled leather boots. Angeal and Zack, on the other hand, kept their faces visible and talked to the guards. While their voices were too far away to hear, Cloud's attention swiftly swayed back to the carriage driver again.

By now, the driver helped the last passenger out. Cloud's stomach churned at the sight of a very tall and slender figure draped in all black. Completely concealed by a black bridal veil that dragged to the ground, the Host stepped down and reached ground level. Cloud should've expected him to be here too.

"The Black-Veiled Man…" Kyle whispered beside him. His eyes sparked with color as they widened. "Holy shit, he's actually here…"

The two teens stood a good distance away from the Hosts. Nonetheless, Cloud hid himself from direct line-of-sight, moving behind a currently closed kiosk. He dreaded accompanying Kyle on this trip and wanted to retreat back to the Boutique as fast as he could. His eyes stayed locked on his Host though.

Sephiroth.