Title: Hysterical Tinge
Pairings: Undecided for now, but probably going to ZackxAngeal, CloudxSephiroth. Genesis needs some love. We are now speaking to each other, that is why he is in this chapter.
Warnings: Descriptions of kidnapping, assault, rape...you get the picture. Remarkably, Zack's actually not too hurt in this one. Physically anyways...
Notes: Thank you to everyone who reviewed/alerted/favorited this story. It means a lot to me.
Chapter 6
Standing in an elevator, Cloud fingered the laminated card labelled "visitor" clipped onto his shirt. It had his picture on it, naming him as Lucas Ness. Breathing slowly, he went over the story in his head. He was visiting Zack, his cousin, because he was planning on becoming a cadet soon. Simple enough, and if told convincingly, easy to believe. He was on his way to meet up with Zack and Angeal. The elevator doors slid open. Without looking where he was going, Cloud stepped off. Only to run into a man in a white lab coat. The man's eyes narrowed behind thin glasses, but widened when he got a better look at him.
"Hello," he practically purred. "I'm Doctor Hojo." Cloud took an involuntary step backwards. This was the man he was warned about. Cloud's pulse quickened as he waited for the worst, for Hojo to grab him and send him back to his prison. But, Hojo just smiled and patted him on the shoulder, before leaving. Cloud waited, nearly breathless with relief. Curious, Cloud stepped into the room the doctor had just vacated. Only to gasp in surprise at what he found.
Sephiroth stood there, weakly trying to put on his coat. A bloodstained cotton ball was taped to his arm. He eyed Cloud, feebly sitting down on a chair.
"Hello."
Cloud approached him, wide eyed. "W-what happened?"
The general chuckled softly, without humour. "I was being...difficult." He tried to stand, but Cloud pushed his shoulders.
"I'll...go get Angeal. He can help."
Sephiroth shook his head. "I assure you, I am perfectly alright." But, the blond had already left. He tried to stand, but sat down again, disgusted with how weak this new injection left him.
Cloud sped up around the corner, nearly tripping in his panic. Up ahead, Zack was talking with a group of people. Angeal stood off to the side, speaking with a older-looking man who gripped a wooden sword. Zack turned to Cloud, a genuine smile coming to his face.
"Guys, this is my cousin." He wrapped an arm around Cloud. "Lucas." The crowd of people either smiled or nodded in acknowledgment.
Cloud gave them a small wave, and turned to Zack. "I have to talk to you." He motioned at the same time to Angeal. "It's Sephiroth. I think he's hurt."
Hojo hungrily stared at Cloud as he hurried away. Picking up a phone, he dialled the number.
"Did you see him?" The voice asked first thing.
"Yes, he's here. And I have a plan."
Angeal moved quickly, his large strides forcing Cloud to move fast to keep up. Zack, used to Angeal's paces, kept up easily. The trio wound their way through the halls. Finally, they reached the room where Sephiroth was sprawled out on a chair. Biting his lip nervously, Cloud hovered while Zack and Angeal helped the general up. The two slung an arm over their shoulders, and led Sephiroth out of the room. By this time, the silver haired man was so weak he could barely keep his head up. Angeal kept his lips in a hard line. This wasn't the first time Sephiroth had been rendered virtually helpless by a visit from Hojo. But it was particularly bad this time. They went to Genesis's apartment, it was the closest. The auburn haired man opened the door with a grin, but frowned when he saw the state of his friend. Ushering them in, he cleared off a overstuffed couch. Near tears, Cloud was sent off with Zack to get some water and cloths. Sephiroth glared up at his friends.
"I'm fine. You don't have to do this."
Genesis just chuckled. "I know that. Just humour us okay?" It was an unspoken agreement between them that had spawned from intense sparring sessions. No matter how reluctant the other was, they would have any injuries treated.
Sephiroth glared again, but closed his eyes with a sigh. "I've had worse than this you know."
Angeal smiled sadly down at him. "We know."
"Just don't tell Cloud that." Genesis's voice was amused. "Your boy is about to breakdown."
Sephiroth opened one eye. "Oh. He's mine now?" The question was stated matter of factly. "I wasn't aware."
Genesis shook his head. "That was joke." Cloud and Zack came back into the room. The blone handed the water to Sephiroth, who thanked him quietly. Zack had an oversized blanket. Nervously, he spread the cover over the surprised general.
"You should get some rest," Zack told him quietly.
Sephiroth sighed. "You're right, for once." His eyes were tired, but amused. Zack grinned in response. He sat down next to Angeal, his forearm brushing against the burly SOLDIER's arm. Angeal pulled away as if he had been burned. Genesis watched this exchange with knowing eyes and smirked to himself.
Zack sighed as he leaned back in the chair. They were taking turns to watch over Sephiroth; it was currently his turn. Both Sephiroth and Cloud were asleep, their breathing even. Angeal and Genesis had disappeared. That left Zack alone with his thoughts.
Something he didn't want to happen these days.
The teenager sat up straight. All he thought about these days it seems was his kidnapping ordeal. He closed his eyes as Cloud's scream of pain echoed through his head. Zack snorted, disgusted with himself. Cloud had it so much worse, and he wasn't having nightmares each night. He wasn't having thoughts about his mentor.
Zack leaned forward, head in his hands. He was so pathetic. Angeal didn't feel about him that way. He never had and never would. Angeal was just...perfect in every way. He probably wanted someone equally perfect.
Someone who was NOT Zack.
But Zack always clung to a faint sliver of hope. When Angeal smiled at him, everything else just didn't matter. The raven haired boy smiled painfully to himself. His eyes focused on Cloud who had stirred in sleep. Getting up to adjust the blanket covering the younger boy, Zack had a momentary reprieve in his musings. Right now, this was more important.
Angeal closed his eyes and leaned against the wall of his room. Genesis watched him, waiting. Angeal ignored him. This wasn't a conversation he wanted to have.
"Just admit it, Angeal. You love the puppy." Genesis voice was animated, going faster. "I had my doubts. But it was so clear today. The way you pulled away from him..." The auburn haired man's voice trailed off. Angeal rubbed vigorously at the spot where Zack's arm had touched him.
"What makes you say that?" Angeal was deliberately stalling. His eyes remained closed.
"Don't play dumb with me, Angeal." Genesis's voice was still patient, calm almost. Only someone who knew him could detect the undercurrent of anger in his voice. "I know you. Better than I know Sephiroth. I know when you are in love." He used the word love, because Angeal was passionate about everything he did. There were no crushes, only serious relationships. Each one had left the slightly older man disillusioned with romance.
Angeal sighed, finally opening his eyes. "Even if that was true, what do I do? Go and tell him that the person he is supposed to trust is romantically interested in him?" His voice rose with each question.
Genesis tilted his head. "Angeal you poor, blind fool. He is so infatuated with you. Has been since the day you two met. He is dying for you to see him as more than just your student. I'm surprised you haven't picked up on that." He smiled, genuinely amused. "Top SOLDIER my ass."
Angeal stared at his friend. Not for the first time, he was concerned for Genesis's mental health. "So? He's a kid, Gen. Seventeen years old. That's too young to fall in love. His feelings, if they are there at all, are probably nothing more than a crush. It'll pass in time."
Now, Genesis was getting annoyed. "I believe I am more knowledgeable than you in the subject. He loves you. It would be cruel to deny him."
Angeal paused. Although there hearing was not as enhanced as Sephiroth's, they both heard the approaching footsteps of Zack. When he was right at the door, Genesis turned to Angeal. "Do you trust me?" The question was rushed.
Angeal frowned. "Of course," he answered without hesitation. The door swung open just as Genesis kissed Angeal with all the passion he could muster.
At the door, Zack faltered. His world came crashing down around him as he watched Genesis and Angeal kiss, twisting in a passionate embrace. He tried to hold back on his tears, but a few slipped out anyways. Not saying a word, he left quickly. Angeal finally got control of his senses and pushed Genesis away.
"What the hell are you doing?"
The SOLDIER just grinned. "So, now you know. What he feels for you is genuine. Go after him, Angeal." The bigger man glared at his friend for a few seconds before running out after Zack. Genesis smiled to himself, picking up his phone. Dialling a familiar number, he waited until the person on the other end picked up.
"Hey baby. What do you need?" The other person drawled.
"Just you. Could you come over? I have a surprise for you." The auburn haired man toed his boots off, tossing them over his shoulder.
"That's sounds great. I'll be right over."
Angeal caught up with Zack down an empty hallway. The man gently grabbed Zack's shoulders, turning him around. The teen struggled weakly, tears streaming down his face. "Zack what is it? Please, tell me."
Zack breathed in. The words were meant to reassuring, but they just made things worse. He doesn't know. "W-why didn't you tell me?"
Angeal's brow knitted in confusion. "Tell you what?"
"T-that you and him were...together. It would have made things a lot easier." The words were dull. Angeal blinked once. Twice. Three times. He was going to kill Genesis.
"Pup, I'm not..." The words were cut off when Zack pressed his soft lips to his. Angeal's eyes widened, but closed as he responded to the kiss. Zack's inexperience came through as he hesitantly reached up and rested his hands around Angeal's neck. It lasted for what seemed like a life time, but ended too soon.
Zack pulled away. "I always wanted to know how that felt." His face was flushed with exertion and his hair was mussed. For the second time that day, Zack ran away. Only this time, Angeal didn't follow. He was definitely going to kill Genesis.
Hours later, Zack sat on top of the ShinRa building's rooftop. The sky was, as usually, a dull grey. He snorted. Perfect to set my mood. He moodily wrapped the jacket he had around him. There was footsteps coming up behind him, but he didn't turn to acknowledge whoever it was. The steps stopped and a resigned sigh was heard.
"That didn't mean anything you know." Zack tensed, bristling. It was Genesis. "That kiss," the man continued. "Consider it...a test if you will. You know about tests, right? Your top of your classes after all." Zack didn't acknowledge that he had even heard Genesis. Again, the man sighed. He stepped forward, and sat down next to Zack. "I needed to know that you really felt strongly about Angeal. I'm sorry if I hurt you, but understand this. Angeal is important to me, very important. I want him to be happy. And, you make him happy."
Finally, Zack turned to face Genesis. "Are you for real? What kind of person does something like that?" Thankfully, the words were not angry, just amused disbelief.
Genesis shrugged. "Surely you have figured out by now that I am not like most people. But thank goddess for that. If I was, I wouldn't have any fun." Zack laughed, not as boisterously as his former laugh, but close. There was a silence and Zack sobered.
"So you two...aren't secret lovers or anything like that?"
Genesis wrinkled his nose. "No. That would be...strange to say the least. Our love is strictly platonic."
Zack sighed in relief, a bit embarrassed. "I really screwed things up, huh?"
"Not at all, puppy. Angeal's very forgiving, especially to cute and fluffy things. Go to him. You two need to talk."
Zack sighed, pulling out his cell phone as he left. Reaching the doors to the steps, he paused. "Thank you." Genesis waved him off, watching the city below. He pulled out his copy of LOVELESS and turned to where he had left off.
Cloud sat up on the couch in Genesis's apartment. The place where Sephiroth had been sleeping was empty, the blanket folded neatly. The blond blinked, eyes getting used to the darkness. He found a note on top of the blanket, stating that Sephiroth had gone to get some paper work done. And that he was not to worry, everything was fine. Cloud smiled softly. Getting up, Cloud stretched out his muscles. Deciding he would head back to Angeal's place, Cloud stepped out into the hallway. He rounded a corner, heading for the elevators. Only to be yanked back against a doughy chest. He struggled, but stilled all movement when a gun was pressed to his temple.
"Oh, Cloud. Did you really think I wouldn't find you?" It was Hojo. "There is someone who is dying to see you again."
Zack closed his cell phone, breathing in. He had sent a message to Angeal, stating that they needed to talk. The older SOLDIER had yet to respond. As an afterthought, Zack had added on an 'I Love You.' He frowned, stopping when he heard an odd noise. It sounded like a suppressed whimper. He rounded a corner, only to stop in horror at what lay in front of him. Hojo had Cloud subdued, with a gun to his head. He grinned nastily at Zack.
"What do you think you are doing?" Zack asked quietly.
Hojo dug the gun into Cloud's skin, making the blond wince. "The same thing I am going to do to you. Someone is paying big gil to get you. I am just collecting payment. Plus, the gil I'll get off of him." He shook Cloud. "A boy who can do natural magic? Do you have any idea how many people would buy his talents? And not just his magical talents either." He lewdly ran a hand over Cloud's trembling chest. Cloud flinched and whimpered, eyes screwed shut.
Zack glared. "You are not getting out of here. I'll..."
"You'll what? Scream for help? Try it, he'll be dead before you even get one word out." Hojo was of course bluffing. But, Zack bought it. Paling, he raised his arms in surrender.
"Okay. Okay, I'll go with you. Just don't hurt him. Please."
The doctor nodded. "Leave any weapons you have on the floor. Oh, and your cell phone too." Zack obeyed. As he and Cloud were ushered away, the phone started to vibrate. The message "I love you too" flashed across the screen.
Whew. That was an adventure and a half. Oh fuck you Hojo. I am off to devise ways in which his horrific demise will amuse me.