Chapter 4 has arrived – sorry it took a bit longer than I had hoped! It includes a song, which I found to fit well with what I needed. I did not use the whole song, basically the lyrics I needed are actually written, the rest of the song is still playing doing the interactions between the men…you just aren't gonna read it…if ya understand what I mean.

Pairings: Sephiroth/Zack/Cloud

Warnings: Yaoi, Sex (in later chapters), possible language and violence

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or the song

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Chapter 4 –Need You Here

The faint pale glow of the sunrise had barely lit the horizon when the silver haired man woke from his slumber. He was a morning person; hardly any sleep wouldn't change that. His internal clock was always on time.

The warm body next to him was new though. He sighed contently and gently kissed the top of the spiky raven haired head. He should leave while they were asleep and before anything got too complicated. Slipping carefully from the SOLDIER's arms, he stared down at the pair in bed and warm smile graced his lips. His eyes soften, closing slightly. They were so beautiful; they both cared for each other so much. He could see it every time one would be in the presence of the other.

How he wished to be part of that, to feel the way they did… to have them feel that way for him. The General shook his head and frowned. No. This train of thought had to be derailed. Yet the man could not leave, his feet refusing to march their way to the door. Instead, he made his way to the balcony, sliding back the glass door and leaning on the railing.

He had been so deep in sorting through his emotions that he never heard Zack make his way behind him, "Gil for your thoughts?"

Sephiroth glanced over his shoulder, "Morning Zack. I didn't hear you wake."

Zack clutched playfully at his chest, a look of mock horror on his face, "The mighty General caught off guard!? It can't be!"

He glared icy daggers at the younger man, growling in a warning.

Zack chuckled, waving his hands back and forth nervously, "I'm just kidding." As Sephiroth turned back around to watch the rising sun, Zack wrapped his arms around the taller man's waist, fingers trailing nimbly across the toned muscles of his chest as he placed delicate kisses along his spine.

Sephiroth's whole body shivered before he tensed and pushed out of the loving grip, "I should go,"

"What? Why!?"

"Just better this way," the older man stated bluntly.

Zack looked completely confused, "What do you mean?"

The General stayed silent for awhile but Zack still stood in his way, waiting for an answer. "The only reason you need me is to help both of us grieve for Angeal. I will be here to help you through the hard times, I swear it. But you don't need me for anything else."

The raven haired man tipped his head to the side, his eyes softening. Reaching up he tried to place a hand on the taller man's face, but Sephiroth took a step back, bumping into the balcony railing. Zack shook his head, "What if I want more than that?"

Emerald eyes snapped to the younger man, trying to determine if he truly meant what he was saying, "Don't joke like that."

Zack placed his hands on his hips in slight annoyance, "I'm not joking."

The General didn't believe him, "You don't need me. Cloud and you are perfect for each other"

Rolling his eyes, Zack replied, "Can't you see that we both want you here, Seph?"

Sephiroth shook his head in denial, "I highly doubt that. I will not get between you two. Last night was even too much. I'm surprised Cloud doesn't want to kill me."

"Kill you for what?" Cloud yawned as he stepped onto the balcony, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

"For being a moron," Zack answered.

"ZACK!" the cadet shouted in horror.

The first class SOLDIER pointed at the General his eyes wide with a pout on his lips, "Well he is! He wants to leave because he is too scared to make things complicated."

"I fear nothing Lieutenant!" Sephiroth clenched his fists in anger, taking a step toward the younger man. Cloud was suddenly there between them, one hand on each man's chest. Just his slight touch was enough to stop any continuing argument.

Zack sighed, "We want you here Seph, always have. Both of us need you here… the three of us together."

Sephiroth could see the yearning in Zack's eyes for him to understand but it was the deep blush of the cadet and the light touch of his hand that had yet to remove itself from his chest that shocked him. "Cloud… I…," he was unable to form any words.

The raven haired man slowly approached him, placing both hands on the each side of his strong jaw and gently kissed him. "He wants you here too," the SOLDIER tried to reassure him.

The General glanced over at the blonde whose cheeks were still bright red and eyes were completely fascinated with his own feet. Sephiroth pulled back, taking the younger man's hands off of his face. He shook his head firmly, "I have to hear it from him Zack. I stand by my previous statement. I will not come between you two. I must know that he truly wants me here and is not doing it to please you."

Zack nodded, "That makes sense."

The two older men turned to the cadet, who blushed an even brighter crimson than he was before and shuffled his feet in nervousness. Silence followed as Cloud periodically opened and shut his mouth, trying to get words to escape. If he wouldn't have been afraid to frighten his lover away, Zack would have laughed because the young man looked just like a fish gasping for breath.

"It's ok Cloud. If you are unsure you don't have to say anything. We shouldn't have put pressure on you," Sephiroth tried to comfort the upset cadet.

Cloud's shoulders slumped in defeat and he pleadingly looked at Zack, "It's just… I can't…"

"I know Sunshine, it takes time for you to open up… hey wait! I got an idea!" Zack squealed before jumping over a lounge chair and racing back into the bedroom. Sephiroth raised an eyebrow and waited with the very nervous blonde for the excited man to return.

"Found it!" Zack exclaimed as he burst back onto the balcony. In his hands was a sky blue music player.

Cloud's eyes widened in terror and he lunged for the device. The raven haired man was so shocked that it was gone from his hands and clutched protectively to the cadet's chest before he could blink.

"… I only thought it would help," Zack whispered.

Sephiroth didn't know what was on the player but obviously Cloud was hesitant to share it, "Don't rush him Zack,"

The cadet was shocked at the tone of protectiveness in his commanding officer's voice. Zack hung his head, "I'm sorry, Cloud"

The blonde immediately wrapped his arms around his lover's neck and kissed him deeply. He clung to the man, demanding more, devouring the soft lips. Pulling back, he leaned his forehead on the muscular chest, "I know you were trying to make it easier for me. Thank you."

Cloud closed his eyes and took a few shuddering breaths before jamming the music player into his pocket. He grabbed Zack's hand and headed straight for Sephiroth. Tentatively, he reached out, brushing his fingertips across the silver haired man's long digits and across the palm before taking the hand in a firm grasp. The blonde boldly led both back into the bedroom.

Letting go of their hands, he crawled onto the bed, clutching one of the pillows to his chest. Sephiroth took a seat on this right and Zack on his left. Breathing deeply a few times, Cloud reached into his pocket, retrieving the music player. He stared at it a few seconds, wide eyed, before frantically shoving it at Sephiroth.

The General took it, looking puzzled, "What do you want me to do with it?"

"Turn it on… you'll know when you see it," Cloud brought his legs up to rest his chin on his knees, trying to get into as small of a form as possible.

Sephiroth turned on the device and scanned the playlist. A title jumped out at him immediately. How could it not when it was his own name. He scrolled down to it and hit the play button. Light, upbeat music blared out of the speakers as the lyrics started.

'The way your hair swings over your eyes'

The silver haired man sucked in a startled breath.

'Wanting you for such a long time'

He stared at the object in his hands, mesmerized at the words coming out of the device.

'You'll never know I'm after you'

Sephiroth's eyes snapped to the blonde. The young cadet was blushing once again, not looking at him.

'And you smell like how angels oughta smell'

Cloud squirmed a bit on the bed, looking ready to bolt for the door. Sephiroth reached out and slipped his fingers around the smaller hand as the next line blared out.

'So hold my hand, I'll take you everywhere'

Cloud's eyes settled on the hand that firmly squeezed his palm.

'The way your words keep me in line'

Sephiroth smirked, a light chuckle escaping his lips.

'Waking up to the green of your eyes'

That line seemed to give Cloud the courage to finally stare deeply into the emerald orbs of the General. The sapphire eyes expressed every emotion and more that the blonde had for him. If the song hadn't been enough, that look was clear as day and night.

'You'll never know I'm after you'

Sephiroth leaned back against the pillows, bringing Cloud down to rest the young man's head on his chest. He ran his fingers softly through the golden locks as Zack rested his head on Cloud's stomach, a very happy smile on the SOLDIER's face.

'So come on and hold my hand, I'll take you everywhere'

Sephiroth pulled the small, porcelain hand to his lips, spreading delicate kissed across the back. Gently licking a fingertip, he kissed and sucked on it, producing a low moan from the blonde.

'The way your hair swings over your eyes

The way your words keep me in line

I'm telling you for the very last time

You better know'

As the last cords died out, the three men stayed tangled together, too content with each other's company to break the silence. Hands explored bodies, touching, memorizing every inch of skin, as the sun finally crested all the way over the horizon, bathing the room in its rich golden light. They basked in the presence of each other, humbled by how life could change in less than a day.

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A/N: What's gonna happen next??? :D I'll try to hurry with the next chapter.

And if anyone wants to know the song used, it is called Hold My Hand by New Found Glory