"Professor, Zack Fair is here for his mako treatment Sir," the woman's voice came over the speaker phone and Hojo's eyes turned dark.
"Send him in, send him in," he said hastily and awaited the arrival of the man. The brunette walked through the door a moment later, a nervous smile on his face.
"Professor Hojo," Zack greeted, a dark feeling weighing heavily on his psyche.
"Take a seat in that room Lt. Fair, I'll be right in," Hojo instructed, pointing to the room opposite the one he left the unconscious cadet in. After Zack entered and took a seat in the examining chair he went in and smirked when he turned his back to lock the door.
"So Lt. Fair, any complaints lately?" the man asked, feigning concern.
"None Professor."
"Good, good. I'll be giving you a stronger dose of mako since your system seems to be adjusted to the regular dose," Hojo finished, flipping through Zack's file.
The brunette tensed but he quickly filed the paranoia away, praying to Gaia he was over reacting. He watched as Hojo went and fetched the syringe with the glowing green liquid after tying his arm with a small hose.
"Ready my boy?" Hojo cackled before plunging the needle into Zack's vein.
_______________________________________________
Sephiroth sat around the huge wooden table in the conference room the next day, frowning because something dark and heavy was weighing around him. He was at a very important meeting with the director and heads of all departments, including Scarlet, Heidegger and Hojo.
Somehow Hojo seemed too smug for his liking, especially since he seemed to be paying keen attention to him also.
He had gotten home late yesterday evening to see Zack sleeping, curled on his side with his hair a mess and looking all fuckable, but he let him be since he seemed tired. It wasn't strange that his lover was sleeping but that he was sleeping at that time. Zack was too hyper to fall asleep before later in the night unless they had a few good rounds of back breaking sex. Top that off with the fact that he found out Cloud was missing from his classes for the day and all those little discrepancies just bugged him.
"And that concludes our budget report," President ShinRa announced and the others all filed out of the room, all except Hojo.
"So, my boy," Hojo started when it was just both of them in the room. "How have things been lately?"
Keeping his arms folded Sephiroth scowled. "A little late to be playing father, isn't it professor?"
Hojo snickered before using a finger to push his glasses up on his face. "I'll be seeing you around….son," Hojo chuckled the last part as an afterthought before exiting.
Sephiroth growled before leaving also. He knew the best way to forget about the unforgettable scientist. Find Zack.
____________________________________________
Sephiroth knew Zack was training today and he had a minor headache so he decided to get some rest until he came in later. Meetings like what went on earlier always left him mentally aching, which was worse than the physical.
Pushing the door to his apartment open Sephiroth stepped inside, almost fumbling when he stepped on something. Looking down he noticed a brown paper envelope that must have been slipped under the door. Picking the item up he looked at it to notice it had one written name on the front, his. He opened the flap and saw a set of pictures, frowning at the idea that whoever it was couldn't just hand it to him. How did they get up to his apartment anyways? He'll have to check out the camera room a little later to see who it was.
Looking at the pictures the silver haired man's eyes widened before a level of rage never felt before washed over him.
Sephiroth honestly had no idea what happened after he saw the first picture, but whatever it was had gotten a hold on him and was unwilling to let go, coiling around his heart like a poisonous snake and filling him with so much rage he was seeing red. He was going to kill somebody and his mind zoned in on the two in the pictures, knowing whichever one he saw first would die a horrible death.
Everything that happened next was a blur, hearing the door open and knowing it was Zack, grabbing his lover by the collar and punching him in the face, hard. Zack cried out and grabbed his face while his body hit the wall, but that only fueled his insanity because the next thing he knew he had Masamune gripped tightly in his hand before piercing Zack right through the heart, wanting to destroy it like the man destroyed his.
"S…Seph?" Zack chucked out, violet eyes wide before he looked down at the long sword pinning him to the wall. His gaze followed the length of the sword up to the man's hand before resting on rage filled mako eyes. He was expecting to get speared by his lover this evening, just not like this.
"What did I…do?" the brunette asked, clasping both hands on the sword where it entered his body. He flinched when Sephiroth's frown deepened, or was it because he was going into shock? Either conclusion was not good and his vision started blurring around the edges while he lost focus. What was happening?
"W…why?" Zack asked, the sound of his voice sending across clearly how much pain he was in.
"Because if I can't have you, no one can," Sephiroth replied icily, ignoring the part of his brain that was telling him to stop, he was hurting Zack and this was wrong. He knew with the mako enhancement Zack could stay alive with the wound for a while, but not for too long.
Zack tried to reach out a shaky hand to his lover, "But you do have me… to yourself." There was now blood running out the corner of his mouth and his body felt numb. Breathing felt like getting a 1000 needle attack by a Cactuar. This was not good.
The temperature in the room dropped a few degrees after Zack spoke. Did his lover take him for a fool? He saw all he needed to see to know that wasn't true. Zack wanted Cloud, Zack had been sleeping with Cloud and the pictures proved it. When he was finished with Zack he would find the little slut of a cadet and show him why touching his things was akin to touching fire, you could lose your hands and ultimately your life. There was no way he would make this easy on either of them at all.
Pulling the sword back sharply Sephiroth watched as Zack gasped before crumpling to the floor and curling in on himself with his face contorted in pain. Some part of him really wanted to go to the brunette and comfort him, but the majority of his emotions was in a destructive mood. Deciding to listen to the small part of brain that told him to walk away before he really killed him, he walked up to the hunched figure and squatted beside him. Running his hand soothingly through the black spikes he felt Zack flinch, his entire body shaking.
"I'll be gone for exactly one hour. If you're not out of my apartment by the time I get back I will kill you Zack," Sephiroth said in a voice so devoid of emotions Zack couldn't stop the tears that fell freely from his eyes. This was it? One year of happy relationship gone down the drain for reasons unknown?
Zack was in too much pain to speak but he wanted to, for Sephiroth to make him understand why this was happening. Did he think he was cheating, planning to leave him? The door slammed shut and he tried to stand, bracing himself against the wall and gasping in pain when certain moves placed pressure on his damaged heart.
________________________________________________________
Hojo threw his popcorn bowl in the air in delight when Sephiroth stabbed Zack, though he frowned when said bowl landed on top his head, causing popcorn to rain down on him and get lodged behind his glasses.
________________________________________________________
Reaching inside his pocket with a blood stained hand Zack pulled out his phone, dialing another cadet friend he had who was good at hiding his cell phone.
"Tell Cloud I need to see him now, please," Zack rasped into the receiver before the phone slipped from his fingers. A moment later he fell to the floor in a heap, passing out on the cold surface.
_______________________________________________________
Frantic, Cloud raced towards where he knew Zack would be. Conrad sounded grim when he told him Zack called saying he needed to see him and he sounded like he was hurt. Luckily, the guards stationed at the entrance to the building had given him leeway to come and go as he pleased once they found out he was acquainted with Sephiroth. Taking the elevator up to the last floor he pounded frantically on the door to Sephiroth's apartment, causing his knuckles to hurt slightly with the force.
"Zack, Zack let me in!" the blonde shouted lightly. Getting no answer he pushed the door open and walked in.
"ZACK!" Cloud shouted when he spotted the bloodied figure of Zack passed out nearby. Stunned he stood where he was for a moment, not able to take in what he was seeing. His eyes then flickered to a bunch of photos strewn about nearby, taken in by what seemed to be wild yellow hair similar to his own.
Picking the items up Cloud gasped in shock when he realized it was his hair, and not only was it him but he was with Zack, both of them in a very compromising position and the pictures fell from his shaking fingers while his mouth opened in a soft gasp.
What was happening? How were these pictures made because he knew he was never with Zack…and if Sephiroth ever found them……
Now the blonde had a very good idea what had taken place and he looked around frantically, knowing that if the General even smelled him he was as good as dead. Realizing he was alone his eyes settled back on Zack, who he tried to help in his shocked state. Not knowing what to do he felt the blood covered hand for a pulse, feeling nauseated at the sight of so much blood, Zack's blood.
"Zack?" Cloud was so scared he had no idea what to do.
"He's in here, Let's go." Cloud heard the voice of Professor Hojo nearby and he turned, startled when he heard him but grateful he wasn't alone.
"Professor!" Cloud shouted frantic, pointing at Zack but gaping because he didn't know where to start.
"It's alright my boy," Hojo reassured, placing a clammy hand on the frightened teen's shoulder. "Bring it in."
Cloud watched as a gurney was brought forth and the wards lifted Zack gently and placed him on it. There bloodied phone was just lying there and there was so much blood and Zack might die and Sephiroth might kill him and the world was so unfair and Cloud's thought process continued into a jumbled mess until Hojo started talking to him.
"I'll advice you to go back to the barracks and stay there and avoid Sephiroth as much as possible, listening cadet?" Hojo asked when he realized Cloud was spacing out.
"Y…yes Sir," Cloud added absentmindedly before asking, "Will he be ok?"
Hojo smirked, his back to Cloud. "I'll take very good care of him."
Cloud watched helpless as they wheeled Zack away, a heavy feeling weighing on his psyche. Dread, helplessness and fright was just a few of the feelings coursing through his veins. Deciding that Hojo was right about keeping his distance, Cloud got the hell out of the apartment before the shit hit the fan.
____________________________________________
Sephiroth returned to his apartment an hour later like promised. He went to a secluded area in the outer area of Midgar that had trees like a forest. Many monsters were known to be in that area and because of that it was densely populated, which suited him well when he unleashed his fury on the unsuspecting creatures.
Five hundred of the highest leveled monsters in the area decapitated and sliced to shred in such a small amount of time. With blood dripping from his body, the elite opened the door to his apartment and wearily stepped inside.
Empty.
Cold.
Dark.
No bouncing, talkative, naked Zack. No cheerful greeting, no kisses, no sex. No life.
Standing in the middle of the empty apartment Sephiroth allowed his mind to reminisce the look on Zack's face when he tried to kill him, telling himself he deserved it but feeling uncomfortable with said thought. After all the declaration and promises that left those pink lips he never expected Zack to cheat and now when he really thought about it, he should have made sure the whore was dead.
Nobody, ever should make a fool of him, take and trample what he found so hard to give in the first place. Looking at the spot where Zack's blood stained the carpet Sephiroth smirked. There was still one more he had to deal with and he would make sure young Cloud Strife never come between another couple ever again.
___________________________________
The next day a completely worn out Cloud stood in a perfect line with his squad mates, face front and centre while they got inspected by higher officials.
Cloud was trying hard not to shake in his boots because Sephiroth was the one inspecting, and he was so afraid to see the look in those eyes his bladder threatened to release. The sole of the man's hard boots tapped loudly the closer he got and when Cloud could tell it was him next, he closed his eyes momentarily, knowing he shouldn't because he could get in trouble for it. A few seconds later when no reprimand or punishment came from his actions, Cloud opened his eyes, confused to see the General had already passed him and was about two cadets down. He didn't know whether to breathe a sigh of relief or what, because his gut instincts told him the man had plans for him, plans that'll make him wish he was never born.
Sephiroth moved back to the front of the room and out of the corner of his eyes Cloud could see him talking lowly with his instructor. His heart sank when the man turned his gaze towards him.
"Cadet Strife!" the instructor clipped and Cloud nearly squeaked in answer.
"Sir, yes Sir!"
"You'll accompany the General back to his office for some information," the man informed him and Cloud's heart sank. Watching him walk away, silver hair like a perfect curtain behind him Cloud trailed, wondering why he was even born if he was going to be killed this young anyway.
The elevator ride was suffocating and the blonde actually hesitated before he stepped inside the man's office. When Sephiroth took a seat and stared at him lazily that actually made him fret even more. Averting the man's gaze he allowed his eyes to wander to the other more cluttered desk in the room, which he assumed was Zack's.
"You do know why you're here, don't you cadet?" Sephiroth asked in a tone so calm Cloud could barely hear his words above the beating of his own heart.
"Um, no Sir," Cloud answered hesitantly, blue eyes trying hard to focus.
"Hn." Sephiroth flipped his head to the side absently while simultaneously reaching for Masamune. He reveled in the way those ocean blue eyes widened in fright and the way Cloud started shaking slightly.
"You do know I'm possessive, don't you cadet? You've seen it countless times, right?" Sephiroth asked while gazing at Masamune.
Cloud swallowed, "Yes Sir."
"And in spite of that information you still…"
"No Sir…," Cloud cut the man off before he could continue. "…I never touched anything of yours General."
"So the evidence is… fake?" Sephiroth asked deceptively calm. Deep down he was itching to use his sword and it showed in the way he kept twirling the handle around in his hand.
Despite his obvious stress level rising, Cloud answered truthfully. "Yes Sir, I would never ever touch Zack Sir. It would make no sense someone as small as me go against you."
"I see your point…," Sephiroth answered in thought. "…but maybe you're covering for Zack because he's the one that came on to you." He stood and made his way around the desk, watching Cloud backing away the more he neared. He had to admit he expected Cloud to be begging for his life or pissing himself at his presence, but his ability to stand and defend himself despite his fears impressed him. He'd make a fine SOLDIER if he ever survived what was about to happen to him.
Feeling his back hit the wall, Cloud's breath quickened when Sephiroth pressed his body against his while running a hand through his hair.
"Please, don't…" Cloud muttered when Sephiroth's grip on his hair tightened painfully and his head was pulled to the side. He could feel the man's tongue licking a trail up his exposed neck and he flinched.
"I need to know why Zack would choose you behind my back," Sephiroth whispered into the boy's ear, smirking when he his body shook once more.
"He didn't…" Cloud started but yelped when Sephiroth slapped him hard across the face, busting his bottom lip. If it wasn't for the grip the man had in his hair he was positive he would have been across the room by now and he was reeling from the pain.
"Stop it!" Cloud shouted when his head was smacked into the wall. He looked into those cold green eyes to realize there was no getting through to him, no reasoning with such a powerful man at all.
Sephiroth smirked when he threw the smaller male across the room, causing him to crash into Zack's desk with a thud before he rolled across it, causing the papers to fly all over the place.
Cloud groaned with the pain that shot through his body from the hit. His vision swam but his breath hitched when he realized Sephiroth was standing over him, an even colder look in his eyes. He cried out, clawing at the hand that grabbed him by the neck and lift him off the floor before slamming him down painfully on top of the desk, causing him to arch his back and scream from the pain that ran through him.
Cloud tried hard to fight the man off but it didn't work and all his efforts earned him was a broken rib and a punch that broke his nose.
That was when he started crying. "Please, stop hurting me," Cloud begged, his words a gurgle from the blood collecting in his throat.
"It's a pity I can't kill you Cloud, for image's sake. But…." Sephiroth brought his face down to the sobbing boy's ear, "…there are fates far worse than death." And with those words he started shredding the youth's clothes from his body.
______________________________________________
Hojo walked over to a barely conscious Zack strapped down on an operating table in one of his empty labs. He had been experimenting on the brunette for two days now and he always made sure it was painful. The mind fuck he was causing with the goggles on Zack's face that showed him nothing but some of the most horrendous crimes ever committed towards mankind –mainly his experiments—had tears streaming down the man's face.
"Now…" Hojo cackled. "…Let's see how this concoction fares against the mako in your system," Hojo explained before plunging a needle with red liquid inside it in Zack's arm.
Zack flinched, but was in no shape to move since Hojo had given him something to deaden his muscles. He felt the liquid burn as it race through his veins, causing him to cry out before his body started convulsing.
'Sephiroth, where are you?'
___________________________________________________
Sephiroth zipped his pants up before looking back on the pitiful creature that was Cloud Strife curled into a ball on Zack's desk. His entire body was decorated with black and blue bruises and there was semen and blood running down between his thighs. He kept whimpering and crying with his back turned to him and Sephiroth ran a hand through the matted spikes.
"Get out," the elite sneered before pulling Cloud up by the hair to stand on shaky legs.
The boy threatened to fall but tried his best, limping slowly towards the door. His entire body hurt so bad he wasn't sure he would be able to make it very far.
"W…we never touched each other, Sir," Cloud said in a voice so hoarse from screaming he wasn't even sure he said it. When he closed the door behind him, he took a few steps before he collapsed right where he was, out like a light.
Sephiroth picked up his phone and dialed one of his subordinates. "There is an injured cadet outside my office door, discreetly take him to get fixed up, then I want him in my apartment right after," Sephiroth commanded through the phone. He smirked when the other man on the end confirmed his wishes. His original plan was to let Cloud go, but he honestly did see why Zack would want him.
Cloud's nightmare was far from over.
______________________________________________
A week later……
Sephiroth never once gave in to his desire to find out if Zack was even alive. No doubt he missed his lover but there was just something preoccupying his time that was addicting, something like a drug that gripped him and wouldn't let go.
Walking through one of the training fields during an evaluation, Sephiroth allowed his thoughts to wander to the young boy he had tied up in his apartment, naked, embarrassed and hurting. He never made it any more easy on the young cadet than the first time and he noted with some satisfaction that Cloud was resigning himself to his fate little by little. He stopped trying to defend himself by saying that he and Zack wasn't involved, because the more he said it the harder his punishments would be. Therefore, Cloud just stopped saying it, he even almost admit that he did last night, just what he wanted to hear.
He had to admit Cloud in his battered state was just as beautiful as Zack in his throes of ecstasy. It made him hard and needy whenever those blue eyes would gloss over with tears and his skin would become flushed. His voice when he pleaded was orgasmic and Sephiroth had to remember to maintain his decorum, he was on duty after all.
Fortunately it was late evening and the day would soon be over. Sephiroth couldn't wait to get back so he could start on his next round of punishments. He bought a new set of toys just for the occasion and he was anticipating the trip back to his apartment.
All in all he never forgave Cloud for sleeping with Zack, and it showed in how harsh he treated the boy.
________________________________________________________
Zack was at his wits end, he was going mad because Hojo made it an entertainment affair in the nights to watch Sephiroth abuse Cloud. He was pass the point of crying and all he could do was listen to Cloud's screams while he himself was strapped down and forced to listen and watch. He had begged Hojo countless times not to turn the monitor on, to knock him out so he wouldn't have to deal with the knowledge that his lover was raping and abusing his best friend, especially this evening when he saw what exactly Sephiroth had in store for Cloud. He had tried asking the bastard of a man countless times what he'd done, what was the reason for all this and all he did was laugh, a sort of manic laugh that chilled Zack down to his core.
Also, his hatred for Sephiroth was building ten fold, he loved him but at the same time he hated him. All his feelings for the man's slowly turning into heart felt loathe. He always knew Sephiroth was incredibly dangerous, but none of it had ever been directed at him before, and having to listen to Cloud he wished it was him tied up and being abused, he would more be able to deal than the fragile blonde.
Further more, Sephiroth had never called his name and he seemed to enjoy molesting Cloud so much it made his chest hurt. If he knew this would happen he would never have introduced Cloud to his nightmare, it was all his fault.
Hojo always laughed and cackled when Cloud would scream and he would sometimes find himself with his mind wandering very far away, going to a place where everything was ok and the three of them went back to how they were in the beginning.
The monitor shined brightly in the dim room and as much as his head felt like it was being weighed down by bricks, Zack managed to turn it to the side when the sound of Cloud whimpering reached his ears.
He felt like shitting himself when the screams started.
__________________________________________________
Two days later Sephiroth found himself walking down the halls of the labs. It irked him he had to be here, anywhere near professor Hojo but he had to if he wanted to make it in time to a meeting in one of the lower complexes. The problem was this was a short cut and walking here was the only way he could guarantee he would make it on time.
Going over the minute for the meeting he had in a folder Sephiroth rounded the corner, but stopped short when he heard somebody utter Zack's name in a hushed whisper. Any normal human would have missed the voices behind the door but with his enhanced hearing it was as clear as day.
Stopping, Sephiroth listened keenly to what was being said.
"Do you think he'll allow Lt. Fair to live?" the first voice asked solemnly.
"I highly doubt it," the second voice answered. "He's also banking on the General killing the kid."
"Yeah, he's been forcing the Lt. to watch the abuse. The man must be going out his mind if his screams are any indication."
"Yeah, not even with all the different experiments I've ever heard him scream that much."
"By the way, what does the Professor have in store for the Lt. today?"
"Mmmm, let me see…" there was a rustling of papers before the man continued. "Dissection of his…"
Both men started in fright when the door burst open and cold green cat-like eyes with so much fury in a face twisted with rage looked at them.
It took Sephiroth less than a second to kill the two frightened men with his bare hands.
________________________________________________
Sephiroth knew he had to find Zack. He stormed out of the room listening keenly for any sound of him or Hojo. His chest constricted while he walked, afraid to find Zack as much as he wanted to. The men had said Zack was forced to watch what he did to Cloud and that hurt way more than any physical injury could.
It was all Hojo's doing? What had he done?
Storming up to the receptionist Sephiroth grabbed the woman by the front of her blouse and drew her across the desk so his face was inches from hers.
The woman flailed with her eyes wide in fright.
Sephiroth took a deep breath before he spoke. "Hojo, where is he?"
"General, I…I don't…," the frightened woman started but she was deftly cut off when Sephiroth slammed her head into the desk, knocking her out cold and watching as her body fell to the floor.
The silver haired man walked around the desk, kicking the woman's limp body out the way before he started searching for anything that would tell him where Hojo was. For the first time in his life he felt true regret, but that emotion was overshadowed by the desire to kill Hojo for what he'd done.
Spotting the black ShinRa embossed diary under some pile of papers he pulled it out and immediately started flipping through the pages. Scanning the contents his eyes landed on the entry for today, which told him Hojo was already at the meeting he was suppose to be at.
Sephiroth knew Hojo would be gone for at least a few hours and that gave him ample time to find Zack. Trying to use logics he figured the Professor wouldn't have kept Zack anywhere that might expose him to others, especially if he was being abused so that left the lower level where the empty labs were. Walking over to the descending stairs he took them two at a time until he was on the ground floor.
Attuning his sense of hearing the silver haired warrior listened keenly for any sound of another person being present. Over the echo of the leaky pipe and the squeaking rodents he managed o pick up faint breathing behind a padlocked door.
"Fuck," Sephiroth muttered under his breath, but it took little effort for him to tear the entire pad and lock off the door before he stepped inside a dimly lit room.
The room stank of death and with his enhanced senses Sephiroth had to use a hand to cover his nose. There were burgundy clotted stains in places that had him scrunching his nose in disgust. There was an open door that led to another room and he quickly went through it, gasping when he spotted a battered and bloodied Zack, countless bruises and cuts decorating his body. He was strapped to an operating table with his body limp as if dead.
Sephiroth had never felt so afraid in his life.
"Zack," Sephiroth whispered, slapping swollen cheeks before tearing the restraints right out of the side of the bed. Zack looked so frail and weak and he knew he caused this, he played right into Hojo's game and had hurt the only two people he could trust with his life. Now he wondered if there was any atonement strong enough to rectify his sins.
Cloud, he'd never be able to look him in the eyes again.
Before he could lift his broken lover into his arms Sephiroth noticed out the corner of his eyes the flat screen monitor on a table in the room. He felt his heart sink at the sight of Cloud tied to his bed, bound and tied.
"Fuck you, Hojo," Sephiroth growled before lifting the monitor and smashing it into hundreds of little pieces. His emotions were in complete disarray when he scooped Zack's limp body up in his arms and head out the door.
___________________________________________
Cloud's body quivered when he heard the door slam open. He squirmed as much as his restraints allowed at the knowledge Sephiroth was back so soon. He had rope burns around his wrists and ankles and even around his neck. His entire body throbbed with the uncomfortable position he'd been left in all night, not to mention the things that were done to him. He had heard Sephiroth talk about an all day meeting so it scared him the man was back so soon.
Cloud closed his eyes and prayed that his nightmare would just disappear when he heard the bedroom open. He yelped, opening his eyes wide when he felt another body beside his. He could not believe what he was seeing, it was Zack and he looked just as bad, if not in worse shape than he himself felt he was in.
"Zack," Cloud gasped. Did Sephiroth really do the brunette like this.
"Sephiroth!" Cloud called out to the man searching in a nearby box for something, his flowing silver hair cascading behind him like a perfect waterfall.
"What the hell did you do to Zack?" Cloud asked, forgetting momentarily about his own state. Zack seemed to be in pretty bad condition and it made his heart constrict at how deathly pale he looked. No SOLDIER should ever look like that.
"I did not do this to him Cloud," Sephiroth answered, muttering a string of curses when his trembling hand couldn't find the materia he was looking for. He had never been so wrong about anything in his life and he honestly did not know how to express the sincere regret and hurt he was feeling. He loved Zack and Zack liked Cloud, how could he have been so blind? Only Hojo was ever able to manipulate him like this and for that he would pay with his life.
Closing his eyes the silver haired warrior allowed all the atrocities he'd committed against the two to run through his mind and he almost fell to the floor when he realized it was unjust, so undeserving of them both. But Cloud had tried to tell him, hadn't he? The cadet was so adamant about his beliefs because he knew he was right, but he had allowed the hate to consume him, to devour what common sense he should have had towards the situation and now, now…..
"Found it."
Cloud's eyes widened when Sephiroth came over with a glowing green ball.
"What the hell is that?! Stay away from him!" Cloud shouted because he knew Sephiroth would try to hurt them once again.
"This will heal his wounds, be still," Sephiroth growled. This was no time for him to be accused of something he wasn't doing. How ironic.
As a quick after thought Sephiroth grabbed a knife from close by and cut the bindings around Cloud's hands and feet. He didn't see the need for them if the blond was to be absolved of his wrong doings.
Cloud's eyes widened and his heart rate sped up when he saw the knife coming towards him, half expecting for Sephiroth to kill him right there beside Zack, but he gasped in surprised when Sephiroth freed him.
Sitting up in the bed and rubbing his raw wrists he eyed the other man warily. "What are you doing to him?" Cloud asked once again, watching as there was a bright glow that enveloped the brunet while Sephiroth held the materia and focus. He got no answer but he watched as Zack's wound's slowly disappeared. He gasped, backing himself up when Sephiroth turned the glowing orb towards him.
"Keep still," Sephiroth commanded and he did as told, feeling a tingle inside his body while the pain slowly subsided. He didn't know how to react to the first act of kindness he'd gotten since Sephiroth took him so he said nothing. He didn't deserve any form of kindness for what he did anyways.
"I won't hurt him anymore," Sephiroth whispered more to himself than to the blond. He ran a hand soothingly down the side of Zack's cheek, feeling for all the world like the monster of the century…which wasn't too far from how he felt before he met Zack.
"Sephiroth," Cloud spat and the man looked at the blond, knowing that for all the wrong he'd done there was nothing that Cloud could do to make him ever raise his voice or hand to hurt him ever again.
"I said let him go, now," Cloud commanded. He knew he was taking a big gamble talking to the man that way but could he really blame him? He had seen how hard the man had taken his mistake and it gave him the courage to be more forward, more open.
"I need him," the elite whispered once again, his green eyes downcast while he kept rubbing the soft cheek.
"You tried to kill him!" Cloud was getting angrier by the second. Did he think it would be so easy? "And you raped me," Cloud continued. "Over and over and o…."
"Stop!" Sephiroth started breathing hard, his chest constricting when confronted with what he'd done. Now that the initial rage had receded all the atrocities he'd committed against the two came rushing back like a tidal wave, a guilt ridden weight pulling him down to the darkest recess of his heart.
Cloud smirked when he saw the closet thing he thinks he'd ever see to a crestfallen look on the man's face.
"You don't deserve him," the blond sneered.
Sephiroth knew Cloud was right, but hearing him say it hurt more than anything ever had and he silently left the room. He didn't have to stay there and listen; besides, Hojo had to be dealt with.
Grabbing Masamune Sephiroth slipped out the door, knowing Cloud would watch over Zack until he got back.
"Zack…?" Cloud said softly, wiping the brunet's brow and forehead with a wet wash cloth. Zack had murmured something before twitching slightly in his unconscious state and he hoped he would awaken. The past week and a half had been a total nightmare and as much as he wanted to get out of the room, get away from Sephiroth he couldn't leave Zack alone, not like this. Besides, Sephiroth had already tried to kill Zack once and he felt he would do it again if provoked so he placed both hands around Zack's shoulder and tried to lift him.
Cloud tumbled off the bed to the floor in a heap. 'Shit, he's really heavy.'
The movement and noise cleared some of the fog in Zack's brain and he slowly opened his eyes, blinking them a few times before looking around the room.
"Cloud…?" Zack rasped, his voice hoarse from screaming. Cloud was kneeling on the floor with both elbows planted on the bed while wearing what appeared to be his shirt, watching him worriedly.
"How are you feeling, want some water?" Cloud asked and Zack could tell the smile he got was forced.
"Yes, thank you…" He watched as Cloud gingerly stood up before trying to walk straight but failing miserably. He turned his head away in shame because he felt it was his fault Cloud got hurt.
"Here," Cloud said softly while handing the glass filled with tap water to the SOLDIER who seemed so lost in thought he hadn't realized he had returned.
Startled, Zack looked at Cloud before taking the glass and putting it to his lips. The cool water felt heavenly going down his parched throat and he placed the empty glass on a table beside him after.
There was then a heavy silence between them, neither knowing what to say or do at this point.
"Where is Sephiroth?" Zack asked candidly, his mind warring with his heart over how he should react to the man.
-Heart-There must be a good explanation, take him back.
-Mind-Leave him, he hurt Cloud and left you to Hojo.
"He um…he left," Cloud said nervously, his agitation increasing because he wanted to get the hell out of there and take Zack with him.
"I think we should leave before he gets back," Cloud said, moving from his position towards Zack while holding out his hand for him to take it so he can help him up.
"Wait, Cloud…" Zack said, grabbing the boy's hand but only so he could stop him from leaving without hearing what he had to say "…I don't know why Sephiroth…." Zack hung his head, not sure how to say what he wanted to say.
"Zack…?" Cloud's eyes were wide with fear. Did Zack know, but how could he? No he couldn't know, did Sephiroth tell him? But that wouldn't make any sense.
"I'm sorry he…hurt you," Zack said softly before watching Cloud yank his hand away, clutching it to his chest and looking at him with wide eyes. God he's too young.
"How do you know that?" Cloud asked, frantic because he honestly was hoping it would stay between him and Sephiroth and Zack wouldn't know about it.
"Hojo, I don't even know why Sephiroth did what he did," Zack sighed, playing with his fingers absently. Why were things so fucked up? Sephiroth's his boyfriend and he was the one that introduced Cloud to him in the first place.
Cloud blinked. "Because he thought you were cheating on him with me."
"What?! That's ridiculous," Zack laughed nervously but deep down he knew it was true. His lover had shown high levels of possessiveness before that he thought was out of control but when he remembered Masamune piercing his heart and the cold look in Sephiroth's eyes he surmised the man honestly thought that. Deep down Sephiroth thought he would intentionally hurt him, and just why was his heart constricting at that thought?
Sephiroth should have known better.
Cloud's brows then drew into a frown when a thought hit him. "Who hurt you so badly, weren't you with Professor Hojo?" Then he made a huge gasp, "Did Sephiroth find you? Zack we have to leave before he gets back!" Cloud said frantically while tugging on the First's arm.
"Cloud, Cloud!" Zack shouted, not budging an inch no matter how hard Cloud pulled him. "It wasn't Sephiroth."
"What? T…then who?" Cloud asked confused, his blue eyes searching the violet of Zack's.
"It was Hojo," Zack sighed.
Cloud became even more confused. "Zack, Hojo told me he would look after you and make you better."
"You don't know Hojo like we do Cloud and now I know who set this whole thing up," Zack said solemnly, slowly moving off the bed. He laid a hand on the frightened teen's shoulder before ruffling the back of his hair, capturing his frightened gaze with his own. "This was all an elaborate scheme Cloud, I know what Sephiroth did to you was horrendous but somebody set it up that way, I'm sorry," Zack finished.
"I…I can't…" Cloud started before trailing off, he didn't care why but Sephiroth hurt him and he couldn't forgive and forget.
"I'm not asking you to Cloud, I saw and I know…I just feel… responsible somehow," Zack sighed, looking blankly at the wall to the side.
"What, why? You didn't tell him to rape me," Cloud answered.
It broke Zack's heart to hear Cloud say it, especially since images of said rape was flashing across his mind. Cloud's screams, his plea, his sacrifice. Could he ask him to forgive his lover? He couldn't nor would he dare try, it would be so unfair to Cloud even if it would make him happy.
"I'm sorry Zack, I can't stay here," Cloud said suddenly with a crestfallen look on his face, turning to leave.
Zack let him go, allowing his hands to fall by his side. "I understand."
Cloud stopped by the door with his hand on the handle, looking back at the brunet whose cheery persona was replaced by images of a man lost, confused and hurt. He smiled a sad smile before walking out and locking the door. They all had to make their own decisions and if Zack wanted to try with Sephiroth then that was his problem. All he knew was that he never wanted to have anything to do with the silver haired man ever again and if Zack wanted to kiss and make up, he would stay away from him too.
If he could, Zack would have cried when Cloud walked through the door.
___________________________________
The meeting took a little longer than expected, was as boring as usual and Sephiroth was a no-show. Hojo could see the president was very angry his biggest investment wasn't present for potential investors but he didn't care about that, what he needed was a cold shower, some food and then some time with his fave experiment.
The man's lips quirked at the corner when he thought about what he would be doing to Zack later.
But first thing first, shower then food.
Making his way to his apartment near the labs he entered, tired, toeing his shoes off at the door before walking through the living area that led to his bedroom. The place was only semi dark but he knew his way around well enough to not knock anything over. Somehow there was a chill running down his spine and he couldn't explain why, but something was tugging at his senses.
"Hello Professor…" Sephiroth purred, his voice carrying across the room like an omen.
"What the…!" Hojo jumped, startled when he heard his name. He looked over to a corner of the room to see Masamune, the moonlight glinting off the blade that shone through a window.
"What the hell are you doing here, get out!" the man pitched, fixing his glasses on his face. Somehow he knew this wasn't going to end well for him and he wanted a way out.
"You, Professor Mojo is the reason my life is…way too complicated for my liking," Sephiroth informed the man smoothly, his voice betraying the rage he felt inside while he stood and walked over to him slowly.
Hojo backed up with every step he took forward and He could hear his elevated heart rate like a Wutain drum on a calm night.
"You Professor are going to die!" Sephiroth said maniacally, raising Masamune high in the air for a strike while Hojo tried to run.
The man never made it far before he was struck down with just one blow that tore through flesh, ligament and organs, a shriek of pain the last thing to ever leave Hojo's lips.
____________________________
Zack didn't know what to do while he sat around the dinner table, contemplating what had happened, what was happening and what will happen. He couldn't focus on a single thought while his head swam. He had a good idea where Sephiroth went and decided to wait on his return, this would be one time he would turn his head and ignore the man's wolfish ways. Besides, Hojo deserved it for what he'd done to them all.
Tapping his feet lightly on floor, Zack was a bit startled when he heard the font door open. He quickly stood up and was greeted by the sight of a bloodied Sephiroth, the entire front of his body covered in the thick crimson substance that hit his enhanced nostrils like a freight train.
The sight might have made anybody else run for the hills but they were SOLDIERS and have seen this enough on the battle field to not be affected by it. Masamune was also covered and he watched Sephiroth take a hesitant step towards him before turning towards the bathroom suddenly. He didn't go after him but the look in those green eyes said it all, Hojo's dead and wouldn't be bothering them ever again. But where will they go from here? Could they pick up the pieces and move on?
He wasn't so sure.
Sephiroth emerged fifteen minutes later, his hair damp and his body clean while dressed in a loose fitting silk slack and no shirt. He watched the man take a seat across from him before looking him straight in the eyes. Sephiroth's face was blank but his eyes were stormy, a whirlwind of emotions and he didn't know where to start.
"I think we should stop seeing each other and you should move out," Sephiroth said so suddenly the sound of his voice startled Zack.
"No," Zack answered confidently, leaning back in his chair while giving his lover a hard look.
Sephiroth released his breath before answering, "I hurt you, you shouldn't be around me."
"It was Hojo, he manipulated you."
"I could have killed you."
"I'm alive, aren't I?"
"I raped Cloud."
"…"
"Yeah, yes you raped Cloud," Zack answered dismissively, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. What Sephiroth did was wrong but he loved him with all his damaged heart.
"You need help and I think I can help you so this doesn't happen again," Zack said, scratching the back of his head and giving the man across from his best puppy dog look.
Sephiroth leaned back in his chair and gave Zack a calculating look in return, he trusted no one right now. "I raped Cloud and tried to kill you, why would you help me?"
"Because I know you well enough to know if you're by yourself things will only get worse," Zack answered, looking him dead in the eyes. Gaia he really didn't deserve him, Sephiroth thought.
"That would hinder your friendship with Cloud, who I'm sure has no intention of ever forgiving me," Sephiroth answered, the baritone of his voice a little lower than usual.
"I'll deal with Cloud, you just focus on yourself right now," Zack answered him, smiling. He placed his open palm across the table in invitation and Sephiroth hesitantly took it, the relief evident in his gaze.
"I'm…sorry," Sephiroth managed to muster, He'd never been sorry about anything in his life before but this time he truly was and he hoped Zack was sincere. He wouldn't have been so forgiving if he was in Zack's shoes but he guessed that was why he saw his lover as a better man than he will ever be…he had a heart, one he almost destroyed.
Sephiroth closed his eyes and shuddered at that thought before opening them and smiling faintly.
_______________________________________
That night, while Zack slept peaceful in their bed Sephiroth stayed up, caressing that soft body and hair, listening to Zack's beating heart and wondering how he could be so lucky. Zack loved him but now he knew for certain, there was no doubt in his mind and he swore he would never make any mistake like the one he made before ever again.
But Cloud……he was increasingly happy he still had Zack by his side. He had no idea how to even approach Cloud but he knew with Zack's help he'd be alright. He fell asleep shortly after making a phone call to the barracks, with his arms wrapped possessively around the strong body of his lover.
_________________________________________
Cloud didn't go to the infirmary after he left Zack's apartment, opting to head straight for the barracks instead. He was greeted by squad mates who were congratulating him on his first excursion to Mideel, courtesy of General Sephiroth. Some were excitedly asking him questions about what they did while some others kept frowning at him the entire night. He didn't mean to lash out at the ones that were around him but they were suffocating him and everything was a lie, how could he tell them about something that never happened in the first place?
"Wow, you're a douche Strife, we just wanted to know about your trip," Matthews said haughtily, another cadet with shoulder length blonde hair and dark brown eyes. He wrinkled his nose at the smaller cadet before walking off.
Cloud sighed before walking over to his bed and dumping himself on there like a log, not feeling the least bit comfortable. He could feel the glares he was getting giving him goose bumps and some others made it obvious they were talking about him, whispering and snickering. He planted his pillow over the back of his head and screamed into the mattress, not wanting to be here but knowing he couldn't leave without getting into trouble.
"Cadet Strife."
Cloud snapped to attention when he heard his instructor call his name.
"Yes Sir," the boy answered.
"Come with me," his instructor answered and he followed behind the man who headed out the door, wondering what was going on. He vaguely wondered if Zack was alright but quickly cleared his head of that thought; he didn't want to think of any of that right now.
They travelled out the barracks and over towards another building, walking down a few halls until they stood before a door.
"The General has arranged for you to sleep here tonight, or for you to stay as long as you need," the man responded before handing him a keycard and walking off. He stood in a daze, half wondering if he should just walk away even though privacy was what he needed right now. His hesitation stemmed from the fact that Sephiroth was the one setting this up…what if he hurt Zack and just wanted to get him alone again? Many scenarios ran through his mind while he stood outside the door but ultimately he didn't want to go back to the barracks, deciding to risk being alone than going back to someplace so impersonal. He put the keycard in the door and stepped inside, making sure to lock it behind him.
The room was a single unit with a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living area only. It had yellow walls and was sparsely furnished but he didn't care, he was finally alone. Finding the bedroom the small blonde lie down, hoping this wasn't a plot of some sort before closing his eyes and falling asleep because of fatigue.