A/N: This is the beginning of the end, a bittersweet sensation came over me while writing this final chapter the chapter that brings this fantastic lustful and confusing romance to a close. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I have enjoyed the entire story. Please read and enjoy.

HOW TO READ: The first paragraph takes place towards the beginning of AC, and then the next paragraph takes place towards the end of AC before continuing on the path of my plot. X3

CHOICE

'Nocturne dreams.'

CHAPTER 020

Cloud sat in the church at the edge of the small patch of yellow and white flowers, leaning his weight on his left arm and resting his right arm upon his raised knee, gazing emotionlessly over the beautiful and sweet-smelling flora. The bright midmorning sunlight shown down through the devastated roof causing the spikes of the blond's hair to seemingly glow magically. He turned his head slightly, his Mako blue eyes shifting to his left arm. He gently took the black sleeve and rolled it up slightly, gazing blankly at the black mark that went up the length of his arm. He gently ran his gloved thumb over the rugged edged pattern of the black mark, inhaling slightly at the throbbing ache that radiated from his arm. He let out another sigh as he moved his hand, the black sleeve falling back down his arm. Cloud eased himself down till he was resting on his back, right arm covering his face from the sun that warmed his skin even through his clothes.

"Geostigma…Shinra…Sephiroth…when is this nightmare going to end?" he breathed quietly. It had been several hours since his conversation with Rufus and even more hours since his encounter with the three remnant brothers.

'Cloud.' Cloud winced and quickly rolled onto his side gripping his arm as pain ripped through his arm and spread throughout his nervous system. He let out a pained grunt as painful flashes of glowing green and overwhelming black and images of a tall silver-haired figure assaulted his mind before everything went black. 'How long will you take this suffering? How long until you remember?'

*

Cloud could feel the soft, cool earth dampening his clothes beneath him and the gentle tickling sensation of the flowers against his skin and he let out a small groan, wincing slightly. How many flowers did he crush this time? Aerith would kill him if she were alive to see this. But even as this thought flittered into his mind, a rush of guilt overcame him and he merely lay there allowing his senses to return to his body. He could feel his fingers and his toes, the joints at his elbows and knees, feeling his chest rise and fall with each breath, feel a light pressure near his hip…wait, what? Cloud's eyes snapped open and his pupils dilated slightly as he jerked into action a fraction of a second too late. His arms were slammed into the earth above his head and his legs were pinned beneath the large and surprisingly very heavy body above him. A thin layer of cold sweat spread quickly over his body as he glared up at the figure, swallowing quietly; his mouth had gone very dry.

"You look tired, Cloud."

"Sephiroth," Cloud snarled in a low voice, struggling against the other man, trying to free his arms from the ruthless grip, but all in vein. A cruel smirk flickered across the silver-haired demon's thin lips, jade eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you want?!" Cloud barked not at all ready to admit the fact he was trapped and totally helpless. He may not admit it, but he had already accepted the fact that he was going to die. He would never find a cure for the Geostigma, he would never be able to help Denzel get better, or see Tifa or Marlene again. The thought hurt very much and almost made him want to cry, but he did not, he would not. He would not show weakness to his enemy. The smirk grew upon the larger man's lips and he shifted slightly, a movement that caused the rays of sunlight flittering down upon them from the devastated roof of the church to catch in the long strands of silver hair. Cloud could not help but notice how each individual strand rolled in unison like the rolling waves of the sea. No, he should not be focusing on that, he HAD to focus on trying to get out of this situation.

"What I want, Cloud," Sephiroth began in a low deep growl as he slowly lowered his head. Cloud stiffened, his eyes wide and unblinking as their noses nearly touched as the other man slid lower till his lips were near the slightly pink shell of the blond's ear. "Is you!"

Cloud's eyes bulged out of his head and he let out a struggled grunt as he began struggling, thrashing beneath the other man, causing him to shift only slightly. Sephiroth chuckled, sitting up a bit and watching as the blond tried to dismount him, flip him off, anything, but to no avail, he was just too firmly planted. "Come now, Cloud, didn't they teach you anything while you were in SOLDIER?" He paused. "Oh wait, you never made SOLDIER, now, did you?"

Cloud let out a growl of frustration but froze as once again the other man's face was directly in front of his. When had he bent down? Cloud blinked a few times. He could see himself reflecting in those strange jade eyes.

"What-what are you doing?" Cloud asked, his voice unwavering, the only sign of his fright was the slight trembling in his joints. Sephiroth did not answer but instead tilted his head slightly and pressed his lips to the other's. Cloud's eyes widened and he tried to turn his head away, but the other man added a little force to the kiss, pressing the other's head harder against the earth, preventing him from being able to move. Cloud gasped once his lips were released and instead his neck was latched onto. "Stop it!" he snapped as those thin lips nibbled at his Adam's apple.

"As much as I want you to enjoy this," Sephiroth began, before pausing, his voice darkening. "I will have what I want with or without your consent."

Cloud gasped as he felt a nip at his Adam's apple. "Now stop complaining and enjoy."

That was an order Cloud refused to obey. He struggled as the silver-haired monster pulled the zipper of his sweater between perfectly white teeth and pulled it down half way, exposing his chest. Sephiroth sat up slightly, forcing both of the blond's wrists into one hand, using the other one to unzip the sweater all the way, pushing it aside to expose the blond's well defined and lean stomach.

Cloud tried everything he could to get out from under the Sephiroth as he went on kissing at his body. Sephiroth was trying to be as gentle as possible; for the moment. He did, after all want Cloud to enjoy this as much as he would.

"STOP IT!" Cloud yelled, his voice had steadily and steadily gotten louder till he was practically screaming at the top of his lungs, as if that would get it through the other man's skull. Sephiroth ignored him and continued on his downward path. He had pulled the blond's arms back over his head and held them tight against the blond's own stomach as he lowered himself; his nose hovered above the blond's navel and he paused for a brief moment before licking at the soft patch of white blond hair that was visible above the hem of the blond's pants, also the area directly above the blond's penis. Cloud gasped, his head slamming involuntarily against the ground. Sephiroth glanced up.

"Oh?" he inquired with a smirk. "Did you like that, Cloud?" Using one hand, he popped the button of the dark navy blue denim pants, pulling down the zipper and pushing the cloth aside a little before snuggling his face against the folds of cloth, licking the blond's stiffening length.

Cloud bit back a gasp as his body involuntarily began responding to the teasing licks, only releasing small shudders; he did not want this. This was wrong, he should not be reacting to these touches, especially not from Sephiroth!

"Stop! Don't…ugh…nhmm…please!" Damn it, he could not hide his weakness anymore. Sephiroth ceased his licking of the now thick and hard member, lifting his head and hovering over the blond, grim expression on his face before one of anger took its place. He smacked the blond across the face. Cloud gasped as his head was snapped sideways, before looking up at the silver-haired man from the corner of his eyes. Sephiroth had changed. He no longer had the air of someone who believed themselves to be a savior, above the human race. He no longer looked like a mad man with a psychotic smile. No, he looked more frightening, more dangerous; a look of pure animalistic rage had crossed his features.

"Why?"

Cloud turned his head to face him. He was terrified; he could not remember ever seeing a look of such rage upon his enemy's features before, it scared him beyond imagining. Not because he was afraid he would be killed; no, it scared him because even though he could not remember ever seeing such a look, he had a gut-wrenching feeling that he had. "Why do you reject me still, Cloud? I have always tried to show you how I feel about you, but still you push me away…every time!"

Cloud blinked, his ragged breathing hitching slightly. What was Sephiroth talking about? He had never done anything to him but hurt him and caused him serious physical, emotional and physiological abuse. "I am tired of you rejecting me!" Sephiroth snapped. "I will have you even if I have to take you by force!" He snarled like a deranged dog. Cloud yelped as his pants and boxers were roughly pulled down to his mid-thigh before being forced over his knees and down to his calves. His eyes widened as the silver-haired man positioned himself so he could rest his hips against the blond's. No, no, no, no, no, no this can not be happening!

With a quick yet smooth thrust forward, the larger man was completely sheathed inside of Cloud who arched and screamed in pain. He slumped against the ground, teeth gritted and eyes clamped shut, his body trembling slightly due to the painful shockwaves radiating up his rectum. This is not happening, Gaia this can not be happening!

Buried deep inside the blond, Sephiroth leaned forward and gently kissed the blond's temple. The blond's eyes opened, a slight glint resting at the corners. Their eyes met for a brief moment; Cloud's full of pain and fear while Sephiroth's held determination mixed with a fair share of enjoyment. With a light jerk Sephiroth pulled out nearly all the way before thrusting back in. Cloud winced with every thrust, pained grunts escaping him as white hot pain shot up him with every thrust; he wanted to scream but he did not have the energy.

As the thrusting continued the pain Cloud had been feeling began to numb, which he was glad for, and then, unexpectedly, a rush of pure ecstasy shot up his spine, making him arch and moan loudly. Sephiroth smirked, with a slight shift of angle (he had) managed to locate the blond's prostate. He jerked and successfully hit it again. He began nibbling on the blond's collarbone, enjoying the moans and groans he was receiving from the blond.

"I told you I wanted you to enjoy this as much as me, Cloud."

"Uah…S--…uh..ph…." Cloud stuttered, tears brimming at the edges of his eyes. Why did it have to feel so good? He let out a whimper at the smirk directed towards him.

"AAAaah!" Cloud bolted out of bed, pillow and blanket flying off of the bed, sheeting wrapped loosely about his middle. He glanced around trying to remember where he was. Once he spotted his paper-covered desk and the stack of motorcycle tires at the end of his bed and the boxes under the window he relaxed slightly, though his breathing was still heavy and a thick layer of sweat was cooling upon his now clammy skin. He ran his fingers through his damp, spiked hair as a light knock on his door caught his attention. "Come in," he said in a quiet voice in fear of his it breaking on him. The door opened and a brunet popped her head in.

"Cloud?"

"Tifa, come on in."

She complied and entered, leaving the door cracked. She was in her pajamas and her long dark hair was a little fluffier than usual.

"Are you okay? You screamed."

Cloud could feel heat rise to his face and ears and self-consciously looked away. He lifted his knees and rested his elbows on them, sighing. Tifa took a seat on the edge of the bed, a worried expression upon her pale face. "Was it… the dreams again?"

Cloud bowed his head and nodded.

"They keep getting more and more intense…Tifa, what's happening to me?" he asked in a low voice. Tifa gently gripped his shoulder, rubbing over the slightly damp skin with her thumb in a comforting gesture. He had only been back at Seventh Heaven for a few hours and already his peace was disturbed. Tifa was just glad he had not disturbed Marlene who had been sleeping with Tifa.

"I don't know, Cloud, but I promise I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Cloud looked over at her and smiled.

"I know, thank you. You've always been a good friend, Teef."

Tifa smiled, releasing his shoulder and resting her hands on her lap.

"Of course, you never teased me when these appeared," she said with a light chuckle as she pointed to her full breasts. Cloud chuckled as well. She smiled. "And because you were always so kind." She stood up. "I will always be here to support you." She walked to the door and paused, glancing back at him. "Just as long as you don't suddenly say you have a crush on Cid or Barret." She winked and exited, closing the door silently behind her. Cloud smiled before sighing and lowering himself back down onto the bed. He sighed, the throbbing between his legs beginning to slowly ebb away, thankfully.

'These dreams…they began when I contracted the Geostigma. What if Rufus is right? What if Sephiroth's will is still floating back and forth in the lifestream? What if he's there, waiting….' Cloud groaned and covered his face with his hands. At first the dreams had been rather docile, just light suggestions of Sephiroth wanting him in a sexual way, but as time went on and the Geostigma spread along his arm the dreams began getting wilder and wilder each and every time. And what bothered Cloud the most was the mere fact that the dreams aroused him, just an afterthought of the situation would send pleasurable little shockwaves to his groin. 'Why is this happening?'

*

Kadaj sat on the bank of the pond, the glow of the trees around him causing the water to sparkle beautifully. He had been sitting there ever since Cloud had been rescued by the strange man in red. It had been several hours, but still he could not find sleep. His mind was too busy, too occupied for sleep. He glanced behind him at the sound of a twig breaking to find his stoic older brother, Yazoo, approaching him.

"You should get some sleep, we go to Edge tomorrow," the eighteen-year-old stated matter-of-factly as he paused near his younger brother's seated form. Kadaj turned his eyes away and continued to look over the pond.

"I know."

"You can't be tired tomorrow."

"I know."

"We need you to be at your full strength for the fight that lies ahead."

Kadaj jumped up and brandished his fists.

"I know, okay, I KNOW!"

Yazoo did not even flinch, but merely gazed at his younger brother through emotionless jade orbs. Kadaj sighed and turned away. "I just can't sleep."

"The dreams?"

"Yeah…they've intensified."

"Why do you think they occur?"

"I'm not sure…I just know that it means something."

Yazoo looked momentarily thoughtful before sighing.

"Dreams aside, you need to sleep. If the dreams come let them come." He then headed back to wherever he had set up camp. Kadaj glanced over his shoulder and watched him go before sighing and shaking his head.

"It isn't that easy brother…you're not the vessel…you're not the one forced to feel these strong emotions." Kadaj reclaimed his seat at the edge of the pond and continued looking out over the glistening water.

*

The world was nothing but blackness with streams of flowing blue and green light, the souls and memories of those who had died and joined with the lifestream. But in a flash the blackness grew into a bright white void till everything as far as the eye could see was evaporated into pure whiteness, a field of yellow and white flowers blossoming as far as the eye could see. This was Aerith's heaven. In the lifestream, those who joined and had enough will and heart could bend the time and space around them to form a heaven of sorts from their fondest memories; but those who were truly evil in life were forced to remain in a domain of their worst memories. "So, what do you think is going to happen?"

Aerith stood up, yellow and white flowers swaying lightly against her ankles. She clasped her hands behind her back and turned in a neat swaying motion to face the black-clad figure lounging on a clear patch of grass, arms pillowing his head. She shook her head, her braid swaying slightly.

"I don't know; I'm not really sure what he is up to." She paused for a moment before thoughtfully continuing. "Zack, what do you think he is up to?"

Zack craned his neck back as to look back at her without getting up.

"Hmn, well, whatever it is, I'm betting it has something to do with Cloud."

Aerith nodded.

"Perhaps, before it was to avenge his so-called mother, but this time could he really only be trying to get Cloud to remember him?"

Zack pushed his hands flat against the ground above his head before rolling back and pushing himself up in one quick motion, landing gracefully on his feet. He brushed himself off of the dirt and grass that was not really there, force of habit perhaps, before meeting the girl's thoughtful gaze.

"It's possible; I wouldn't put it past him. He really did love Cloud, and knowing that his choice didn't matter broke his heart. He even fused with the lifestream, now he's trapped in the old Nibelheim reactor."

"Is that where he ended up?"

Zack nodded.

"It is the source of his worst memory."

Aerith turned away, putting an inquisitive finger to her pink lips. She knew of the hardships that Cloud had been going through and had in fact contacted him once and was willing to give him a hand if need be, but she was beginning to wonder how much help was really needed.

"Before, all he wanted was for Cloud to remember him…now he is trying to get Cloud to remember the love they shared."

Zack nodded.

"I wonder how much of Cloud's memory was blocked due to this whole mess."

Aerith glanced back at her ex-boyfriend.

"Including the fact that his memories were fused with yours."

Zack blinked and scratched the back of his neck.

"Maybe…maybe we could help them out?"

Aerith gave the black-clad puppy a thoughtful look before smiling.

"I don't know who was a better influence, Angeal, me or Kunsel."

Zack blushed.

*

Marlene sat at the table, eating breakfast and watching an irritable Tifa move about the kitchen, every so often glancing towards the stairs or out the window, seemingly waiting for something. What could she possibly be waiting for? "Tifa?"

Tifa blinked and turned away from the window to look back at the little girl.

"Yeah, what is it, sweetie?"

"Shouldn't we wake up Cloud so he can go find Denzel?"

"No sweetie, let's let Cloud sleep, he'll find Denzel when he wakes up. Don't worry." She offered a weak, but hopefully cheerful smile. The little girl returned to her breakfast, and Tifa returned to looking out the window.

*

It was still early morning and Cloud had finally fallen back to sleep. He was lying on his back, right arm resting on his chest, left arm hanging off of his bed, sheets crumpled about his middle, and his pajama-clad legs exposed to the early morning chill. His lips were parted slightly and deep breathing could be heard from him. He closed his mouth, licked his lips and shifted with a light hum.

Cloud grunted as he was pushed down upon the muddy earth; he could feel the mud sliding along his body, staining his clothes and smearing on his arms. He looked up at the man towering above him, emotionless gaze bearing down upon him. Just the sight overwhelmed him.

"Sephiroth, what do you want?" he asked with a light snarl.

"I want you to remember me."

"How could I EVER forget you!? You RUINED MY LIFE!"

A saddened expression flittered across the tall silver-haired man's face. He nodded.

"Yes, Cloud; I did ruin your life. But I want you to remember me before that happened. Remember how much I loved you; remember how I never wanted to hurt you."

Cloud frowned, puzzled by this revelation.

"I…I don't…." He gasped as Sephiroth hunched over him and gently grabbed his chin between his gloved thumb and index finger. Their noses were nearly touching, long strands of shining silver hair curtaining their faces.

"Let me remind you, Cloud." Cloud blinked. "Don't fight it, just let the feelings overflow, let the memories flow back."

Cloud let out a soft groan as his lips were captured and an arm wrapped around his middle in a gentle embrace. He lifted his hands, resting them upon the larger man's chest and shoulder, a small form of defiance, but a pathetic one. He allowed the other man's tongue entrance to his mouth and groaned as their bodies slid against one another; doing as he was told; letting the memories flow.

'Cloud's face turned bright red, tears glistening in the corners of his eyes. Sephiroth leaned down, his hair spilling over the teen's smaller frame as he leaned towards the blond's now red ear. "Do you want help with that Cloud?" he asked, gently running his hand along the teen's lower back. Cloud's head went limp and he bowed it, eyes closed. He was still turned away from the General, but Sephiroth continued gently rubbing the teen's back.

After several minutes of the General's large hands rubbing and massaging his back, Cloud realized how much he had surrendered himself. He suddenly remembered the General was also naked and that maybe the General was not teasing him. Even if he was being teased, Cloud so desperately wanted that large hand to go lower to touch his bottom, which the General had teasingly complimented.

"I…I want you," Cloud whispered. "I always have."'

Cloud groaned as the other man's hand slid along the inside of his now exposed thigh. His cheeks were flushed and he was covered in mud.

"I…I think…uhghmnn…I think I remember the first night we…ugh…"

Sephiroth gently nipped at his ear.

"Yes?"

"The first night we, uuuhhh made love….uh…."

"Ahuh."

Cloud gasped as a tongue flicked across the shell of his ear.

"You….uuughmmm were really….upset because" he gasped as a finger poked at his entrance, arching his back. Sephiroth was eyeing him through lidded eyes.

"Because it wasn't special." He leaned nearer to the blond's ear as he fingered him, stretching him. "I never wanted to hurt you, Cloud; I only ever wanted to love you."

Tears sparkled in the blond's eyes.

"Seph…you always made me feel loved…why'd you have to destroy everything? My hate for you was really the only thing that ever hurt me," he sobbed. Sephiroth pulled him against him. Cloud wrapped his arms around the other's shoulders, his fingernails digging against the hard flesh. "I love you," he sobbed. Sephiroth gently nuzzled the blond's muddy hair before pulling him even closer.

"I love you to, Cloud," he breathed before smoothly entering the blond in one swift motion.

Cloud's eyes fluttered open. He looked around for a few moments; allowing his eyes to focus. He was lying on his stomach, head on the end of his pillow, right arm dangling over the side of the bed, sheets and blankets piled on the floor. He pushed himself up a bit and glanced down to his exposed stomach and groaned. He was sticky with semen.

*

SUNSET THAT EVENING

Cloud let out a soft grunt as he skidded across the roof top, sword still in hand, boots rising dust upon the abandoned Shinra building. His head snapped up as a shadow flew over his head. He turned around and came face to face with the impressive, if not frightening, form of Sephiroth.

"Sephiroth," Cloud breathed. Sephiroth smirked at him from his perch.

"Good to see you, Cloud."

Cloud swallowed, his hand trembling slightly; his sword felt extremely heavy. Sephiroth did not seem at all interested in drawing his sword, it merely rested limply at his side as he stared down at the blond, smirk upon his thin lips. "I see your Geostigma is gone."

"Sephiroth," Cloud whispered; his sword falling to the ground with a loud clatter. Sephiroth titled his head slightly. Cloud licked his lips. "Is…are you…."

Sephiroth's smirk grew more pronounced and he nodded. Seconds later, the still rather short blond had his arms wrapped around his middle, face pressed against his chest. Sephiroth smiled and stuck his sword into the ground, wrapping his own arms around the blond, cradling him against himself.

"I told you I would never be a memory."

Cloud winced slightly.

"But did you have to do it in such a painful way," he asked. "So many people have died because of the Geostigma…."

"It was the only way to get your attention; you can be very bullheaded when you are fueled by hatred, Cloud."

Cloud lifted his head, pressing himself closer. He could not believe this was Sephiroth, the man he had hated for so long and yet he so craved. How could this be the same person? Were they both simply fools?

"I love you, Seph."

"I love you to, Cloud," Sephiroth stated, their lips connecting, gently at first before the sheer overwhelming madness of being able to hold each other and know that they were both physical beings overwhelmed them and their kiss grew hungrier.

"I want you," Cloud breathed as they broke apart for a moment before their lips clashed again.

"I know, I know but, we don't have much time."

Cloud panted as their lips parted again.

"I know, I know." He could already hear the Shera as it approached. In a few minutes it would arrive. "Go to my apartment!" Cloud stated quickly. "I'm sure you already know where it is. I don't live at Seventh Heaven so, go there and I'll hide you! Please." He kissed Sephiroth's lips quickly. Sephiroth was a little surprised by the desperation in the blond's voice, he had been very skeptical about his plan.

"Okay," he stated. Cloud smiled.

"Um…one other thing." He grabbed Sephiroth's sword and pushed it into the taller man's hands. "I need you to cut me up a bit."

Sephiroth cocked an eyebrow, looking at the blond as if he had lost his mind. "We have to make it look like we fought; otherwise they'll think something is up. And I don't think they would ever understand."

Sephiroth nodded. He understood. He gripped the blond.

"This is going to hurt."

"I know."

A few minutes later Sephiroth vanished into the shadows cast by the setting sun and Cloud, a bit battered and bloodied, held his left arm and winced as he turned to look up into the sky where the Shera had appeared. He bent down and picked up his sword, putting it on his back before grabbing the ladder that was lowered for him. He knew Tifa would be glad to see he was okay. Relatively speaking.

*

Several hours, a few cure spells and a home cooked meal later, Cloud trudged up the steps to his apartment flat, keys jingling in his pocket. He was tired, but his excitement was hard to contain and helping him stop from thinking of falling into bed and sleeping. Upon reaching his door he pulled his keys out of his pocket, unlocked his door and entered, closing the door behind himself quickly. His apartment was dark save for the small lamp on top of his night stand. His flat looked a lot like his room back at Seventh Heaven, which Tifa kept just in case something happened and he had to stay over. He eyed the man who was sitting on his low sofa, legs crossed, lazily holding a book aloft reading through it.

"So, how did it go?"

Cloud clicked the lock.

"Fine, and you can stay here, no one ever bothers me," he stated, kicking off his shoes by the door like he always did before crossing the room to stand near the sofa. "It's strange."

Sephiroth looked up from the book to the blond. "That I could hate you so much and yet love you at the same time." He looked away, unable to meet the jade eyes of the other man. "It's so confusing."

Sephiroth stood and gently cupped the blond's chin. He could sense the confusion and turmoil rolling off of the blond in waves. He gently lifted his hand along the other's cheek before running his thumb over the small scar above his left eye.

"I am truly very sorry, Cloud." He pulled the blond into a gentle embrace and kissed his forehead before simply resting his chin atop the blond spikes. "If I could have prevented any of this from happening I would have, just so you could have been spared the pain." 'The pain that I caused.'

Cloud nodded, easing into the embrace a little.

"I…I know, I know that, Seph…and, I have all my memories, that first night, the surprise night you planned, the night we shared with…" his voice cracked slightly "…Zack. And still I find it hard to fully trust you…I don't want to be hurt anymore."

Sephiroth felt his heart clench behind his ribs. He had expected that.

"I know…but I will do whatever it takes for you to trust me again, Cloud, I promise. I never, ever want to hurt you."

Cloud tilted his head, his eyes finally roaming up to meet those of the taller man. They remained like that for a short while, never breaking eye contact.

"I want you," Cloud whispered. "I think I always did."

"Even when you sought my death?"

Cloud bit his lip.

"Rage and sexual tension tend to be one and the same with me," the blond breathed, receiving a smile from Sephiroth, who already knew that. How could he forget that battle-raged cadet of so many years ago?

"I want you, too, Cloud, but I'm willing to wait until you are ready."

Cloud tilted his head down a bit, eyes still connected with the taller man.

"…Would now be too soon?"

Sephiroth chuckled and captured the blond's lips in a brief kiss.

"Never," he said quietly before once again claiming the blond's pink lips, hands resting on his hips as he lead him back towards the bed that rested in the very back of the flat.

*

Sephiroth gently ran his hands along the younger man's naked flesh while he claimed the pink and slightly swollen lips. He soon broke the kiss, both breathing a little harder. He smiled, running his fingers through the blond spikes that where damp with sweat. It was hard to believe that this strong figure had once been his frail little cadet. He admired how the blond's narrow face now held a slightly more masculine jaw, how his long, slender and freckled nose seemed all the more sturdy upon his face. He gently ran his thumb along the corners of the blond's eyes and mouth. Perfectly smooth. This saddened him slightly; after all it told him that the blond did not smile much. He went on running his hand down along the younger man's neck, down his chest where he paused to rub his thumb over a perk and erect nipple; the corners of his mouth twitched at the gasp he received. While he continued to run his hand across the blond's chest, he let his eyes travel lower, down the gentle slope of his ribs to the muscular and defined stomach. Not too defined, Sephiroth noted happily. His hand paused as his jade green eyes fell upon a small patch of discolored skin; a few inches above his navel and almost tucked beneath his ribcage. The blond's body was littered with small scars from the many battles he had been in, that did not surprise or bother Sephiroth who had his own share of scars; but this one was different. He let his hand slide down from the blond's chest to his stomach where he brushed his fingers over the slightly pinker shade of flesh. Cloud gasped and his stomach muscles twitched. Sephiroth glanced at him for a moment.

"Did that hurt?"

Cloud shook his head, looking at a downward angle at him from beneath heavy eye lids.

"No. Not really."

Sephiroth's attention returned to the patch of skin. He understood. Some wounds caused psychological wounds that never really healed, and sometimes caused phantom pain. He did not touch the wound again, but he measured it with his fingers, resting beside the scarred flesh. This was no ordinary wound, this wound he had caused. He rested his hand on the younger man's stomach.

"I'm sorry, Cloud."

Cloud shook his head.

"It's okay, really. It's just a memory."

Sephiroth gazed at him through sorrowful eyes. Cloud offered him a small smile before sitting up and wrapping his arms around the other man's neck.

"It's okay Seph, really," he stated, gently pecking the silver-haired man on the lips. "Please make love to me," he whispered. He then lowered himself back down onto the bed, arms resting above his head, stretching his form out a bit. Sephiroth felt his mouth go dry. Even though he could sense the turmoil in the blond, the younger man was still willing to surrender himself in hopes of salvaging the good memories they shared, even despite the nightmare that had encased them for so many years. Sephiroth looked around. He did not want to hurt the blond, at all; he knew he would probably balk at the first signs of pains. "There's some lube in my night stand drawer," Cloud stated in a quiet voice. Sephiroth nodded in thanks and leaned over, opening the drawer and withdrawing the lube. He eyed the bottle for a moment. The title read: Tingling mint.

Sephiroth blinked and held up the bottle in a questioning motion towards the blond. Cloud smiled as a darker flush crossed his features.

"Subconsciously it reminded me of you. I always remembered that your hair smelled like mint the first time we made love."

Sephiroth nodded and popped the cap and began gently pouring some onto his fingers. "I also have earthy spice."

Sephiroth snapped the cap closed and cocked is eyebrow. Cloud smiled. "You used to smell like earth and spices, it was a real turn on."

Sephiroth knew he should not be surprised, after all, the mind remembers everything you ever saw or experienced in life even if you could not tap into it. He gently eased the blond's legs apart and up slightly so they rested on his hips and thighs. Neither had full erections and were only semi-hard, but that did not seem to bother either of them. For the past several hours they had been touching, kissing and exploring in more of a 'getting familiar' way rather than a sexual way.

He slid his hand between the blond man's thighs and gently began rubbing his lubricated fingers over the dark pink ring of flesh. Cloud gasped and Sephiroth glanced up at him.

"That's cold."

He continued running his fingers over the puckered flesh until he was sure the outside was fully lubricated and the muscles were relaxed enough for him to slip his index finger in. Not a complaint came from the blond man, who had his eyes closed and was breathing steadily through his nose, his fingers flexing as his insides were rubbed by that invading digit. He let out a low breath, his fingers twitching as a second finger was added and gently began scissoring , stretching him. The muscles in his thighs trembled slightly from the sensation, and the muscles inside him ached just a little from the lack of use; he was glad Sephiroth was going slow and working his fingers with the utmost ease.

After Sephiroth was sure the blond was fully lubricated, he withdrew his fingers, receiving a small groan of loss from the blond, before grabbing the bottle of lube again, popping the cap and pouring a little more onto his fingers. Once the bottle was closed and set once again upon the bed, Sephiroth gently took the blond's placid penis into his hand and gently began rubbing the lubrication on. Cloud groaned, his body tensing slightly before he opened his eyes and gazed down, lips parted slightly as he watched.

Sephiroth, after having had a quick glance at the back of the bottle had learned that the lubrication did in fact tingle, causing a strange yet arousing sensation, and he wanted Cloud to feel amazing. While he rubbed and rolled his fingers over the blond's member, it began to harden and grow. Once Sephiroth had slathered the other's erection, it was at its fullest. He estimated that Cloud had reached six and a half inches, maybe seven. He then went lower and gently rolled the blond's sac in his hand, allowing the rest of the lubrication to smear onto the sensitive skin. Cloud could not help but moan. He had bit onto his knuckle with perfectly white teeth and had his eyes closed.

"Are you okay?" Sephiroth asked as he continued rolling his hand over the blond's genitalia; Cloud nodded.

"Yeah," he breathed out heavily. "It's just been…awhile."

"How long?" Sephiroth asked as he released the blond and poured some lube for himself. He heard the blond sigh a breath of relief and released his slightly bruised knuckle.

"Seven years."

Sephiroth paused, his fingers sticky with lube, bottle hanging in the air in his other hand as he gazed at the blond in surprise. Cloud blushed and hunched his shoulders slightly.

"What? I was busy hunting you and stopping Shinra from destroying the world, remember?"

Sephiroth nodded. He did suppose that would not leave anyone much time to fool around; of course, he could be surprised. After all, he had gone on some very important missions with Angeal and Genesis and they had somehow managed to find time to fool around. He sighed; those two had been too much.

Once he had lathered up his own erection, he was a little surprised at how correct the bottle had been describing the effects of its contents. He shivered slightly before positioning himself between the blond's thighs.

"If you feel any pain, tell me and I'll stop."

Cloud nodded; he (was not) worried. In fact, he did not even have much sexual tension, and he was totally relaxed; he liked it.

Sephiroth positioned the head of his penis against the blond's entrance and gently eased his hips forward, pressing against the skin that went with him till he slid past the tight ring of flesh. Cloud had closed his eyes and was breathing heavily but did not show any signs of pain, so Sephiroth continued easing in till he was all the way in; both let out grunts of relief. Sephiroth bent down, sliding one arm beneath the blond before meeting his blue eyes, their noses centimeters from touching.

"Move," Cloud breathed quietly. Sephiroth complied and pulled out slightly before pushing back in. He kept a slow rhythm for awhile until both knew they needed more. Soon they were rocking together in a steady yet speeding rhythm, slick sweat covering their bodies, sliding against each other as their breathy moans, groans and pants filled the flat. Sephiroth hissed slightly as the blond beneath him dug his nails into his shoulder blades, but did not stop. He had slid one hand between them and was jerking the blond off at a quick speed, only a little faster than the rhythm they had established. Cloud moaned and groaned loudly. "Uhhhhh…S-Seph….hmnmmmm…yes uugh yes…..I can't…hmg."

Sephiroth gently tucked his face into the crook of the blond's neck and nipped the sweaty flesh before licking over the small wound. He was close, too; Cloud arched against him.

"Ugck SEPH!" he cried, eyes slamming closed as his climax crashed over him like a tsunami. He shot his white and warm seed across his and Sephiroth's stomachs, let alone Sephiroth's hand as he continued jerking him lightly, shifting between several quick jerks to help the flow of semen escape the long shaft before going to slow, gentle motions and back again. A few thrusts later and Sephiroth released the blond's member, shooting his own load inside the blond with a groan. He pulled out of the smaller man before lying down next to him. Cloud rolled onto his side, still panting, and locked eyes with the silver-haired man. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against the other man's. "I love you, Sephiroth."

Sephiroth pulled the blond flush against him.

"I love you, too, Cloud."

*

Sephiroth lay upon his back, the sleeping Cloud Strife draped across his chest, a sheet covering them both from the waist down. He was gazing at the opposite wall where he could see the first rays of daylight brightening the wall as it flittered in through the sheer-curtained windows. A content smile crossed his thin lips as he closed his eyes(,) snuggling the blond in his arms a little closer.

'Perhaps it was my choice after all.'

The End

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