Disclaimer: Characters belong to Square-enix I'm just borrowing for my and your amusement enjoy!
Proofread twice if there are any typos sorry I tried to catch them all if you find one let me know and I'll correct it

Sorry for the extra long chapter I wanted to pack a lot into but I didn't think it would be that long (insert perverse Reno joke here) it's about 9 pages using new times roman 12pt font but I hope you enjoy.

For the most part there we things Sephiroth did not mind he was ok with noise due to the fact Zack was always noisy. He did not mind hordes of people being around he had grown up with an entourage of scientists watching his every move but what he did mind was the lack of space. He and Cloud shared a small room that was made smaller by the addition of a changing table and crib. Sephiroth sighed and carefully slipped out the room not wanting to wake Cloud now that he had finally fallen asleep, he was less than happy that Cloud lead a small group of WRO cadets on a training exercise through the mythril mines and was now feeling under the weather. He placed Evan in the play yard and ruffled the boy's tiny tuffs of blonde hair. "Ok you two try not to spit up or make any more weird smells and Lucrecia keep your socks on honey." he said putting a sock on a the tiny foot, before returning behind the bar to finish doing inventory.

"I never thought I'd see the great Sephiroth wiping a runny nose or changing a dirty diaper." Tifa said counting whisky bottles.

"I'm mildly grossed out by it and I'm counting the days until they're potty trained" he said truthfully, just as he was going to say more Marlene and Denzel ran in Marlene whining about why she couldn't walk with him to buy candy, soon as they saw Sephiroth they quickly quieted down and in unison offered a apology.

"Oh yea I'm sure you cannot wait to deal with those kind of fights" Tifa said handing piece of paper over to Yazoo.

"It's ok Cloud is sound of asleep if he's anything like he was as a cadet he could sleep though ifrit tearing apart the city, I put snacks in the kitchen why not eat that instead of something that will rot your teeth? And I don't mind I usually had to deal with Zack whining about wanting to go on a dangerous mission or worse out with Reno and wanting to take Cloud with him." he said remembering how Zack would whine it wasn't that dangerous and that he wouldn't let anything happen to "their Spiky".

"Cloud never talks about when he was a cadet I think it's because Jenova blocked or erased or altered his memories so he doesn't trust them." Tifa said handing Yazoo more papers.

"He was shy, I remember when Zack first introduced us and thinking he was so out of place on the army but a hard worker." Sephiroth said but what he really wanted to say was the minute he saw Cloud he was in love.

Tifa smiled as she heard the kindness in Sephiroth's voice just as she was going to ask Sephiroth about how he currently felt about Cloud they heard a thud come from upstairs.

"Cloud you ok?" Sephiroth yelled thinking Cloud had bumped into something while on his way to the bathroom, after a few seconds passed without a response Sephiroth looked a Tifa with a worried expression and began to walk upstairs and into their bedroom. "TIFA!" he screamed as he picked up the unconscious blonde "Cloud! Come on open those beautiful eyes of yours Cloud!" he yelled frantically a Tifa ran into the room. "What's wrong with him I thought it was just cold?" he asked as Tifa knelt beside him noticing that there was a materia orb and tranquilizer not far from him. "Yazoo get my car and pull it around front Kadaj call Reeve and tell him we need a medical staff at the emergency door of WRO. Sephiroth can you carry him?"

Sephiroth nodded "Tifa what's going on?"

"Cloud used barrier-contain and a tranquilizer on himself. That means Jenova is attacking him. She must have made him do something or her voice is telling him to do something so to protect us he used barrier-contain and knocked himself out I'll explain at WRO HQ right now Cloud needs medical attention." she said rubbing Cloud's forehead and standing up. Sephiroth carefully picked up Cloud. As they made it downstairs, Sephiroth looked at thee twins then at Kadaj. "Kadaj I'm counting on you keep them safe please." he said smiling worriedly at him Kadaj smiled and said "take care of brother." Sephiroth nodded and followed Tifa to the car and quickly climbed into the backseat as Tifa got into the drivers seat and sped to towards the WRO hospital.

As they were speeding along the highway when Cloud began to stir and Sephiroth heard

"Jenova is trying to take over his mind talk to him don't let her in" He was pretty sure it wasn't Tifa but there wasn't time to make sure he decided to take the advice Jenova wasn't going to take Cloud away from him again. He looked down at Cloud who was looking at him with terrified expression. "Cloud do you remember when you caught the flu from Zack?"

Cloud blinked his hazy eyes "Uh-huh, you we mad that Zack didn't get flu shot earlier and didn't go to the lab 'eurp' once he felt sick so I got sick because I was taking care of him." Cloud said feeling car sick.

"I wasn't mad, I was scared because your fever was so high. Do you remember what I said in the elevator?" Sephiroth asked placing his hand over Clouds eyes to block the sun.

"You and Zack weren't going to let anything happen to me." Cloud said as his breathing hitched.

"What else?" Sephiroth asked.

"To...to focus on you because that elevator made me feel sick." Cloud wheezed.

"That's right just hold on a few more minutes ok." Sephiroth said rubbing the top of Cloud's head trying to get him to stay alert.

"Seph does that other thing still apply?" Cloud said pulling Sephiroth's hand away so he could look at him.

"Other thing?" Sephiroth questioned he could not remember anything else about that day other than the fear and anxiety he and Zack felt.

"Uh-huh" Cloud nodded "about being able to tell you and Zack when it's too much."

Sephiroth smiled and rubbed his thumb over the bridge of Cloud's nose "Of course Cloud that rule and all the others still apply"

"It's too much Seph I can't silence her." Cloud said softly and Sephiroth nodded trying to figure out how to help Cloud. Tifa watched the two of them with amazement she had never thought of it before now but it finally donned on her Cloud had a life and apparently a happier one at least for a while after he left Nibelheim. It sparked a new curiosity in her.

"Cloud listen to me ok? I have an idea but if you don't like it just let me know and I'll try to come up something else ok?" Sephiroth said worriedly he could tell Cloud was having a hard time focusing and breathing.

"Okay" was all Cloud was able to get out. "Remember what you told me about Jenova being able to control you when you handed over the black materia? I think she can only control her cells but you're a mixture of her cells your own and a lot of mine so instead of Jenova being able to control you I need to focus on my cells let them make a barrier to keep her out ok? Let me protect you Cloud?" Sephiroth said holding Cloud tightly he could feel Cloud snuggle him gently "That's it Cloud we're almost there." he said he a large building that he assumed to be the WRO headquarters come into view.

"We're almost there Cloud just hold on". Tifa said not liking the fear that was his Sephiroth's eyes.

When they reached the WRO the first thing Sephiroth noticed was a large mass of doctors and nurses waiting with a stretcher, soon as the car came to a complete stop the nurse was opening the door and pulling Cloud from his arms. Even though he wanted to hold on, he knew he had to let go Cloud needed medical attention. Cloud was quickly rushed into the he building as Sephiroth tried to follow him Tifa stopped him.

"We're not allowed to be with him I know it's hard but will you trust me when I say Cloud is in good hands?" Tifa said expecting Sephiroth to push her away but he had a way of shocking her when she was least expecting it, Sephiroth carefully wrapped his arms around the shaking woman.

"I trust you." Sephiroth said he had no choice it appeared she had gone through this many times with Cloud so he needed her expertise.

"Awww now what would Rude think if he saw this?" Reno said and Tifa and Sephiroth both jumped.

"Reno!" Tifa yelped "Is Rude here?"

"Nuh-huh on a mission with Cissnei I called him he said he's on his way back soon." Reno said.

"Excuse me are you two with Mr. strife? " a woman in a white uniform said looking at two who exchanged worrying looks.

Sephiroth spoke up "Is Cloud ok?" they had barely been there 10 minutes had something gone wrong? Was he now alone again and left to parent two small children would Tifa and the others even let him? So many thoughts rushed through his head.

"He's ok the doctors are working him now Reeve asked me to check on you two and escort you to one of the private rooms." the nurse said motioning for them to follow her. After a long walk and elevator ride they arrived at a small room that overlooked the city. "Reno you know this floor pretty well if you need anything help them please soon as I get more information on Mr. Strife I'll be back." the nurse said as she exited the room. Sephiroth immediately took at seat near the window. "I'm going to call the others I'll be back in a few ok? "She said Sephiroth nodded a response he barely heard Reno tell her she could use the phone in his office.

Sephiroth's mind began to race as he stared into space. "What if I hurt him what if Jenova is using my cells to hurt Cloud he already said it was too much? Did I just add fuel to the fire? He can't fight Jenova and me." he thought before shaking his head. "I cannot think like that Cloud is a fighter he would not leave our kids they mean to mean to world to him.

"Sephiroth?" Tifa said placing her hands on his shoulder. "Here I brought you some coffee." She said softly sitting down next to him. "Everyone is on their way Yazoo had already called everyone Yuffie and Loz are busy with wedding stuff but Loz said that can wait"

"Has Yuffie decided what kind of flowers I know last time Loz and I spoke he said her inability to just pick something was making him reconsider marriage and women. " Sephiroth said trying to distract himself from the thoughts he was having.

"He wouldn't do that he loves her too much and no she changed her mind again. Look Sephiroth I won't lie to you it's going to get really scary for a little while but if you'll let me I want to be there for you and Cloud no matter what?" she said looking up at him before smiling when she saw the look of confusion. "I've come to terms with everything yes you burned my hometown to the ground well not you really but Jenova controlling you. I know you were not the one who was controlling Cloud. It was not you who killed Aeris, it was Jenova disguising herself as you. Marlene was right Cloud would never put in us danger."

"I'd like that but the others, they seem troubled by me caring for Cloud," Sephiroth said staring into the paper cup.

Tifa smiled it was an interesting choice of words but she did not question Sephiroth. "Don't worry they'll come around eventually." she said hugging his arm she couldn't help but giggle at the way he tensed up.

"Excuse me I have an update on Mr. Strife" the nurse from earlier said. Tifa held Sephiroth hand tightly it seems they were bracing themselves for the worse.

"The doctors just sent his blood to the lab, he started to run a slight fever we aren't sure why but it looks like the mako in his body is building up but there's no need to worry the doctors and nurses attending to him are working very hard." the nurse said offering them a reassuring smile.

"Thank you" Sephiroth said he knew and frankly did not care that his emotions were now clearly showing he had every right to be concerned, didn't he?

The hours ticked by every hour the nurse would come by and give them an update even if there was no change she would tell them which in a weird way made Sephiroth happy it meant Cloud was alive and he wasn't getting worse. "Tifa?" Sephiroth said poking her arm.

Tifa lifted her head from Rude's chest. "Did something happen? She asked looking around for a nurse.

"No it's getting late I'm going to call and check on the kids." he said it he had a strange feeling in his chest and he was feeling exhausted.

Sephiroth started to worry when no one picked up after the third ring his worry turned to full blown panic once Marlene answered the phone and he heard what couldn't only be the cries of Lucrecia.

"What's going on?" Sephiroth asked.

"Yazoo dropped and pan and it scared Lucrecia, is Cloud ok?" Marlene asked.

"He's ok, listen I need you to do me a huge favor ok? I'm going to stay here with Cloud so could you read the twins their bedtime story tonight I was planning on reading the little chocobo that could. Oh and could you hand her the green sheep & hold the phone to her ear." Sephiroth said smiling and Lucrecia stopped crying almost instantly as she heard his voice. "I need you and your brother to behave for uncle Kadaj and uncle Yazoo I'll be home with daddy soon ok?" Once he was sure that the girl was calm he asked to speak to Kadaj who seemed shocked that Sephiroth trusted him to care for his niece and nephew. Sephiroth knew out of all of them Kadaj feared him to most but under advice from Cloud, he was trying to change things and help Kadaj see that he wasn't going to harm him or his brothers. As he walked back to the waiting area he kept hearing a buzzing sound almost like the one he heard upon entering Nibelheim, as he opened the door to the room he was in with Tifa he heard the voices of Clouds others friends. "I don't need this right now, I really don't" he sighed as he entered the room Tifa cut off the conversation she was having with Barret and walked over to him. "Is everything ok at home?" She asked quietly. Barret said Vincent will be here soon he wanted to stop off at he bar to check on Kadaj and the others first.

Sephiroth smirked, "over protective grandparent" he commented before taking a seat.

"Very it's weird you know Vincent is usually well emotionally detached but now with grandkids we see more of him it's nice" Tifa said. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine ok not fine I'm worried about Cloud should it be taking this long?" He asked not caring if Clouds friends overheard him he did not have the patience to deal with them at the moment and he was sure if one of them said anything to him about the way he felt he would snap at them.

"It's talking a little longer but I'm sure Cloud is ok." Tifa said holding Sephiroth's hand tightly she was a little shocked when she felt Sephiroth squeeze back.

"Excuse me?" the nurse from earlier had returned causing everyone to jump "Mr. Strife has been moved to a room you can visit him now one at a time if you like"

"Go last Sephiroth" Sephiroth looked at Tifa he was sure it wasn't her voice and he knew it wasn't Jenova the voice was too gentle.

Tifa looked at Sephiroth and he shook his head, "you go I have something I need to tell him but don't rush." he said quietly and resumed looking out of the large window as Tifa went to join the others in the halls.

Cid gave Tifa a odd look and she shook her head., "Don't Cid, this isn't easy for him please don't give him grief he didn't have to let us go first so please make it quick I get the feeling there's something weighing heavy on his heart." Tifa said looking back at Sephiroth through the narrow glass of the door; she gave each of them a look that said she wasn't kidding.

After a 45-minute wait Tifa tapped Sephiroth on the shoulder she hated doing so especially after he looked so calm dozing. "Sephiroth you can go in now." Tifa said quietly. "He's still unconscious the nurses said he will be for awhile Cloud is stopping himself somehow, I told the nurse she should talk to you first." She added as Sephiroth stood up.

"Uh how long was I out?" Sephiroth asked.

"Not long I figured you could use the rest ready?" Tifa asked and began walking towards Cloud's room.

Once outside the room a familiar met them older man who was of Wutai decent.

"General Sephiroth?" the man said.

"Doctor Hamasaki?" Sephiroth said. If anyone asked he would have happily declared he now believed Cloud was in excellent hands. Sephiroth tuned to Tifa and said "Doctor Hamasaki treated Cloud a lot when he was a cadet."

"He's a very strong young man I thought it would take longer for him to recover from the flu outbreak; you had such a hard time with the two of them didn't you?" Doctor Hamasaki said looking at Sephiroth & Tifa.

"Cloud not so much but Zack I was ready to call Tseng and ask if I could borrow one of their holding cell but knowing my luck Zack would have bribed Reno and they would have spread the flu throughout sector 4." Sephiroth said remembering how worried he was when he felt how warm Cloud was.

"I'm sorry it took so long I was a little stunned by Cloud's blood work, it would be easier just to show you." Doctor Hamasaki said pulling out a tablet pc. "Ok as you know Cloud genetic make up is very different, Hojo infused him with pure Jenova cells and undiluted mako as well as S-cells which are your cells Sephiroth. From the Turks findings out of the 126 research subjects Cloud was the only one who lived, that we know of. Somehow Cloud was able to take control of your cells and Jenova's and make them his own, Hojo said in his notes that he used a much more aggressive technique similar to what was used on you and Lucrecia at the time conception though birth. Are you still following me?" Doctor Hamasaki asked and Sephiroth nodded. "Cloud has also been trapped in the lifestreme as well as recovered quite miraculously from mako poising three times that we know of, however, the time he spent with Hojo we'll never truly know the sadistic things that were done to Cloud just that he was very strong & lucky to have survived. Now let me show you his results. Here are the results from a brain activity scan. Cloud is in a self-induced comatose state the parts of the brain that control motor functions are showing little to no activity." Doctor Hamasaki said.

"Cloud has always feared that Jenova would take over him again and he would hurt us." Tifa said in a hushed tone.

"Now if you look here the parts that process thoughts and emotions are very active, in 30 years I've never seen anything like it." Doctor Hamasaki said showing Sephiroth the rest results.

"He's waiting and fighting." the voice from before said and Sephiroth frowned apparently he was the only one capable of hearing it.

"Ok now let's look at the blood work, ok here's your blood under the microscope nothing abnormal for you here are your cells see the layer of mako here, those are Jenova cells. Ok now here's Clouds blood work from a month ago." the man said as he pulled up Clouds results.

"The cells are like Sephiroth's?" Tifa said.

"Yes we know that Hojo intended for Cloud to become a perfect Sephiroth copy but something within Cloud prevented it even Hojo himself was unable to explain it but I think Zack escaping with Cloud had a lot to do with that. As you can see these are Cloud's cells, those are Jenova cells and Sephiroth those are your enhanced cells Clouds cells are also mako enhanced. Ok now these scans were taken a little over an hour ago for every one of Cloud's cells there seem to be two or three S-cells for lack of a better word orbiting around them. Notice how they protecting Clouds natural cells and avoiding the large cluster of Jenova cells. This is where things get weird," the doctor said pulling up another scan and Sephiroth's eyes went wide. "Your s-cells did that I've never seen anything destroy a Jenova cell as we observed that Jenova cell was acting as a virus and trying to basically hijack Cloud cells. Now here is where things get weirder. We took this scan of Cloud brain. Sephiroth your cells have formed a barrier protecting Cloud from this aggressive cluster of Jenova cells. The weird thing is if you over lay the brain activity scan with this. You'll see..."

"Jenova is trying to attack the most active part of Clouds brain. Why? Why would she want his memories?" Sephiroth interrupted.

"Correct, we're not sure the Turks have gone to the old Shinra building hopefully they can get into the basement where Hojo stored research hard drives. But it's my guess that the area Jenova needs in order to take over his body without your cells in his weakened state Jenova would be using him for Odin knows what." Doctor Hamasaki added.

"On the way here Cloud said he could feel her and he couldn't fight her off so I asked him if he could manipulate my cells like Jenova did years ago but to use them to for a barrier to let me protect him until he could fight." Sephiroth said ignoring the looks of shock on Cloud's friends faces.

"So that's what's going on interesting." Doctor Hamasaki said in a way that made Sephiroth cringe as it reminded him of Hojo. "Soon as the Turks return I should have more answers, if you want you can stay with him as long as you like." Sephiroth nodded and let doctor be on his way and prepared to enter Cloud's room. As Sephiroth extended his hand to open the door Reeve walked out and smiled and Tifa placed a hand on his shoulder. "It looks worse than it is. Just hold his hand let him know you're there." she encouraged before giving him a soft shove and closing the door. Sephiroth took in a deep breath, Cloud was unconscious but slightly propped up Sephiroth wanted to smile but his fear wouldn't let him even though there were dozens of tubes and wires Cloud looked peaceful his hair was disheveled and one spike drooped covering his left eye.

"Just talk to him he won't be upset." the female voice called.

Sephiroth took Cloud's hand and held it tightly but not tight enough to disturb the tube that looked that it was draining the mako from his body. "I called home the kids are ok Lucrecia was giving Yazoo a hard time but I calmed her down" Sephiroth said and yawned suddenly he was very tired. "Despite our best efforts Zack and I put you in more danger. If Zack and I hadn't" he yawned placing his head next to Clouds hand. "Hojo might not have and you'd..." he trailed off as he fell asleep.

It's going to take me awhile to update this story I want to work on my OC story 'Anything for my Angel' http : / yaoi . y-gallery . net / view / 754782 / at y-gallery but I hope you enjoyed it.