Beyond
Flora Winters
I do not own Final Fantasy VII.
Summary: Sometimes the dead simply do not stay dead. This story will contain boy love, strong language, and scenes of explicit violence.
Chapter Three
The sky was dark with rolling black storm clouds. Thunder was booming and lightning slithered across the heavens like fiery tongues belonging to snarling dragons. The waves under the ship were just as dark as the sky above his blonde head. It would soon be pouring the rain and he didn't even feel the slightest bit concerned. All he wanted to do was find the silver haired bastard, cut his fucking head off, and kick it like a soda can.
"Mr. Strife," a concerned voice asked and he turned his head to see that it was the handsome sailor who had greeted him when he had boarded the ship. "The storm will soon be upon us. You should go below before it gets rough out here."
A blast of cold wind ruffled his leather cloak and he smiled. It actually touched him that a complete stranger was concerned for his safety.
He nodded his head. "You take care out here in this."
The young man grinned with really white teeth. He might have been a year or two older than him. His skin was so tan from all the sun he must get. The long, shaggy locks which framed his rugged face were nearly white as snow from where the salty, sunny air must have bleached them.
"Will do, Sir," he said, turning to walk away.
"Hey," Cloud said, stopping him. "What's your name?"
The guy turned around. "Rhys."
Cloud nodded. "Stay safe, Rhys."
"The same to you, Mr. Strife," he said and was gone.
Cloud turned his head to look back out across the endless black sea once more. He didn't really want to go in. He didn't want to return to his cabin. He didn't want to go to sleep either.
He pulled the charm out from under his vest and held it in his naked palm. It was so warm and glowing with that soft red light. He closed his eyes, longing for his heart to hold him.
"…I love you…"
His brilliant blue eyes snapped open just as the thunder above herald in the rain. The cold drops drew him back to that tear soaked day.
He was kneeling there beside Zack's breathless body, holding his naked hand in his own. He was rocking back and forth on his knees, humming to him, not wanting to leave him alone.
His head was held upwards, letting the cruel rain wash away the tears and blood, numbing his very senses with every frigid drop that touched him. He had never felt such pain or loneliness before. His very reason for existing at all had been broken deep inside him and was literally laid out before his bleeding eyes to weep over.
"Why can't I…why can't I…stay with you?"
He could hear his past screams echoing over the growling thunder all around him. His knees suddenly gave out on him and he gripped the railing to keep from falling to them.
He could feel the tears causing his eyes to sting. He pulled himself up, mentally forcing his legs to work as he held onto the charm, letting the glittering warmth from it comfort him. It pulsed like a loving heartbeat in his palm.
He closed his eyes, feeling those gentle arms wrapping themselves around his narrow waist. He could feel those soft kisses being planted on the back of his neck. He was so warm.
"Why?" He whispered to the sound of the unforgiving sea. "Why couldn't he stay with me?"
The tears fell from his closed eyes, trailing down his rain soaked cheeks. He opened them and slowly made his way inside.
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Rhys had been watching him the whole time. He had never seen a more tragic figure before. The way he looked, the way he moved, it was haunting. His blue eyes were so bright, but were illuminated with such a deep sadness.
He shook his head. Someone so beautiful should never have to look like that. It was so wrong.
"Come on, boys!" A loud voice yelled over the ocean's stormy roar. "Let's get this done before the Goddess drowns us out here!"
He turned.
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Cloud was seated on his bed with his back resting against the wall. He only had on his pants and t-shirt because the rest of his clothes were hanging up, drying. He was reading a book he had found on his dresser. It was a sappy romance novel. Hell, it beat going to sleep. He wasn't mentally capable of going through another nightmare again.
He wanted to reach the Northern Continent soon. He knew where that prick was. Of course the Lifestream would spit him out. He was a nasty taint after all. He just didn't think he would have to ever see that place again. He was terrified that her spirit haunted the place.
A sudden knock came at the door and he looked up from the kissing scene. "Yes?"
"It's me, Mr. Strife," a familiar voice said. "I've made you some tea."
"Oh," he said, putting the book aside. "The door's open."
It was Rhys and he had a mug in his hand. It was a pale blue and he could see the steam rising from the rim. The white haired sailor walked over and handed it to him, telling him to be careful. It was hot.
He nodded, taking it from his slightly larger looking hand, noticing he had crimson colored eyes. "Thank you."
"I thought it might warm you up after standing in that downpour," Rhys said, taking two steps back.
Cloud took a small sip and then quickly took another. It was the best goddamn tea he had ever had. It was delicious. He told him so, too.
"Thanks," Rhys grinned. "It's my mom's recipe."
Cloud sadly smiled. It must be nice and comforting to have a family. He used to have one of those. It was gone now. It was dust in the cruel wind.
"Mr. Strife," Rhys said.
"Hey," Cloud said, gently handing him back the now empty cup. He had downed it all. "Call me Cloud."
Rhys nodded, taking his cup back. "Thank you, Cloud."
Cloud looked at him.
"Thank you," he said again. "Thank you for all that you have done."
Cloud was in silent shock. Someone was actually thanking him and meaning it. Sure, the management back in Wutai had as well, but staying at their hotel meant better business and tourism. It just wasn't the same as this.
"I know a measly little cup of tea and a thank you is tiny compared to what you did for us all," he said, shrugging. "But…"
"Stop," Cloud said, smiling at him. "This measly little cup of your mother's delicious tea and your tiny thank you…it makes me happy."
Rhys looked down at him.
"It came from your heart," Cloud said, looking away. "And that's a great gift."
So, he thought, not all people are complete assholes. It's good to know that some descent folk still exist.
"Well," Rhys said, backing up. "Have a pleasant night, Cloud."
"Um," Cloud said, not wanting him to leave just yet. "Are you off duty?"
Rhys stopped. "I am."
"Do you know how to play cards?" He asked, holding up a deck he had found under the pillow.
Rhys cocked an almost white brow. "Are we on a ship?"
Cloud chuckled.
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Two hours later, the two were on the bed, throwing down their cards. Rhys cursed, rolling his eyes.
"I win again," Cloud said, grinning.
"If we were playing for cash," Rhys said, looking down at them in shame. "I'd be naked right now."
Cloud laughed and a yawn snuck up on him. It had come sneaking up from out of nowhere.
Rhys looked at his watch. "I should get going."
"Duty?" Cloud asked, picking up the scattered cards.
Rhys shook his head. "No. You look like you're about to fall over flat at any moment."
Cloud mentally winced. He must look like hell. His dreams sure did. YAY! They could match together.
Rhys got to his feet and began to slide them into his worn leather boots.
"Rhys?" Cloud asked, biting his bottom lip. He really didn't know the right way on asking a guy not to leave just yet.
"Yeah?" He asked, turning around.
"I, uh," he said, stumbling over his tongue. "Would you…would you mind staying until I fall asleep?"
He felt so fucking stupid. He didn't know this man and he didn't know him. He must look like a total moron and a queer to boot.
"Sure," Rhys said, walking over to pull up the chair in the corner. "Having trouble sleeping?"
Cloud nodded, feeling relieved that his request had not been turned down with a snort and a slamming door. "You could say that…"
"I'll stay for as long as I can," Rhys said, sitting down.
"Rhys?" He asked, seeing how funny he looked, sitting on that tiny thing.
"What?" Rhys asked, folding his arms, looking absolutely ridiculous. His knees were up to his chin. "Do you want me to hold you?"
Cloud's heavenly blue eyes widened and they were so tragically painful to look at. "If you don't think its weird…would you?"
Rhys smiled and it was so pure. He stood up and kicked his leather boots back off. "Scoot over."
Cloud did so, rolling over onto his side so that he was facing the wall. He felt the sudden weight beside him and closed his eyes as those powerful arms wrapped around him, pulling him back against a rock hard chest. The handsome sailor smelled like the sea. It was so crisp and clean.
"You can sleep, Cloud," Rhys said, humming to him. His voice was beautiful. "I'll try and keep the bad dreams away."
Cloud opened his eyes. "How did you know?"
"I'm a good guesser," Rhys whispered in gentle melody.
Cloud felt so warm in his arms. He could feel the charm blazing with comfort against his chest. He closed his eyes, drifting off to the sound of Rhys' heavenly voice.
TBC…
Please review and tell me what you think.
I would like to think everyone who has read and reviewed this story so far. Your kind and encouraging words puts a smile on my face. I wish you all many happy blessings.
Flora.