A/N: Hey guys, I realized I forgot a disclaimer for the last chapter, so no, I do not own FF7, it belongs to Square Enix, yeah yeah yeah...Anyways, here's the next chapter! Enjoy (hopefully?)!

As weeks passed, Zack and Cloud fell into an easy rhythm together of meeting up on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for training. Zack worked with him on everything from sparring to grappling, and even some tentative sword work. They had developed a close friendship that pleased Zack immensely and confused the hell out of Cloud.

What could such an important man see in me? he thought when Zack would spot him in passing and yell out a greeting. He was ecstatic that the black-haired SOLDIER was paying attention to him; it felt so good to have someone to talk to, however used to loneliness Cloud was. It had even gotten to the point where Zack would drop by during meals, even though he had the privilege of eating in the classier, much nicer 1st cafeteria. He would slide into the seat across from Cloud and ignore all the jealous looks of the other cadets, going on about something or other that Sephiroth had made him do. Cloud felt a quiet contentment when the man reached out to ruffle his hair affectionately or slung an arm around his shoulders in his friendly way.

The only downside to having such a friend was that the bullying had gotten worse, but Cloud was able to hide it from Zack, since they didn't usually hit his face. He didn't want any pity from the man. Sometimes when things were dark, he would wonder if Zack was just being nice to him because he felt sorry for him. God, please let that not be the case. He'd die if he found out that Zack was like all the others deep down.

Cloud was pulled from his mental wanderings by his sergeant's yell. "STRIFE! QUIT DAWDLIN'! FIFTEEN MORE LAPS FOR STANDIN' THERE STARIN' INTO SPACE LIKE A LOVESICK BROAD! C'MON, LADIES, PUT YER BACKS INTO IT!"

Damn, that old geezer can yell, Cloud thought irritably. He started jogging, his tired muscles complaining with every step. Even with extra instruction from Zack his daily training was tough. Wearily, Cloud forced his legs on, slowly pushing through lap after lap until he'd completed the required amount. The class had ended, and so he made his way to the showers to clean up before dinner.

Zack didn't stop by that day; he must have had too much work to escape from Sephiroth's clutches. Cloud sat down at his usual table and started chowing down, hungry from the exercise. His appetite had become larger than ever since he'd become a cadet; all the calories they burned training had to be gained back somehow and more exercise sure as hell wasn't the answer, like all the sergeants seemed to think.

When he had finished and put his tray in the proper receptacle, Cloud started towards the gym. It was a Friday, so he had training with Zack. It was still early, but he had nothing else to do. He trotted down the halls, feeling refreshed after showering and eating, eager to see his friend. He reached the gym a whole half-hour early and thought half-heartedly that he should warm up. Cloud sighed. He was especially sore today, and more exercise wasn't looking like fun to him. But I have to…I have to be a SOLDIER!

The door to the gym slammed open, and he turned with a bright smile. "Zack!" The happy expression dropped from his face when he saw that it wasn't Zack, but a gang of five boys, all taller and older than him. He recognized them as his fellow cadets.

"Hey, Cloudy boy," the one in front sneered, sauntering forward. He had slicked-back dark brown hair with a lock that fell loose into his eyes. His cronies weren't much to write home about—tall, burly, all with cruel grins and hard eyes. Cloud backed away, looking wary. Five of them? He could handle one, sometimes two, and sometimes even three, but five? Fear welled in his chest.

"What do you want?" He had to force his voice not to shake, but it trembled a bit anyways. The leader's grin widened.

"Ya waiting for your fuck-buddy?"

"He's not my—" Cloud began hotly, but was cut off with a sharp backhand to the face.

"Shut up, Strife. I'm talking, so ya don't interrupt. So how is it? Ya like fucking a higher rank to gain some favor? What's he promised ya?" The boy moved closer so he was right in Cloud's face, but the blonde refused to yield any more ground. "A nice, cozy spot as a First? A good fuck with General Sephiroth? Huh?"

Cloud felt his blood boiling as the brunet continued to describe lewd fantasies starring him and Zack. "Zack is a friend," he hissed out finally. "He's nothing but a friend! I'm not trying to gain favor, and I'm certainly not fucking him!" He ducked the fist that shot forward and drove his own into the brunet's stomach. When the older boy doubled over, Cloud grabbed his head and kneed him in the nose, breaking it cleanly. The boy howled in pain, and his cohorts attacked. Cloud fought back tooth and nail. Training with Zack had improved him greatly, but he was still small, and there were too many.

He struggled, managed to break free, and stumbled back. His lip was split and he had a shiner, not to mention countless other bruises and pains all over his body. His wrist felt broken. Cloud ducked another punch and choked as a foot slammed into his chest right on his solar plexus. Driven backwards, Cloud barely registered being caught by a firm grip as he wheezed for air. When the hands didn't let go, he struggled furiously.

"Cloud?"

The boy looked up into the violet eyes of Zack, who had caught him as he'd been thrust backwards. The SOLDIER's gaze took in the scene, and the purple orbs hardened.

"Someone had better tell me what the fuck is going on here, quick," he said in a quiet, deadly voice. "And your story had better be damn good."

The group of bullies snapped lazy salutes, a few of them sporting evidence of Cloud's struggles. Zack felt a little surge of pride when he saw the brunet who appeared to be the leader nursing a broken nose, blood pouring down his face.

"Well, ya see," the brunet began, "We were wonderin' what was so good about him. We hadn't gotten to the fun part yet."

Zack's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

The boy leaned close, not even bothering to sound respectful towards his superior. "I wanna see if his ass is really so nice and tight that you'll fuck him for a favor."

Zack's self-control snapped. In a flash, he'd let go of Cloud and seized the brunet by the collar, slamming him up against the gym wall none too gently. In fact, the boy's head cracked against the concrete audibly. The SOLDIER didn't seem to care. Fury seemed to smoke from his skin. Cloud, even in his half-conscious state, observed with awe. He had never seen Zack angry before; the man was always cheerful and smiling, for God's sake. This new side to him was a bit frightening.

"If you ever," Zack began, "say anything like that again, I will rip your fucking heart out and make you eat it. I'll say this once. I am not fucking Cloud, and he is not getting any favors from me. I teach him one-on-one because he's good. If there was another more promising than he is and my schedule permitted it, I would do the same for them." Zack smiled then, but it wasn't filled with humor and cheer. It was a feral, predatory grin that said he'd like nothing more than to disembowel the boy in front of him. With a final jerk, the SOLDIER let the brunet go. He slid down the wall, wheezing. "I don't have to fucking explain myself to you," Zack said coldly. "I'm feeling generous right now. If you and your boys get out of my sight in ten seconds, I'll think about leaving you be."

There was a scuffle, and the five boys high-tailed it out of the gym, terror skating across their features. Zack calmed his breathing as he watched them go, knowing he was far from finished with them. He was beyond pissed. That anyone had the gall to attack Cloud made him furious. Wait. Cloud. Zack looked around, spotting the boy curled on the mat a few feet away. He rushed to his side.

"Chocobo-head," Zack said softly, pulling the boy into his arms. "C'mon, look at me." Cloud's baby-blue eyes cracked open and he tried to mumble Zack's name through a mouthful of blood. "I'm so sorry, Spike," Zack said, lost for words. He scooped Cloud up in his arms and began the trek back to his room, ignoring the curious stares he got from others in the hallways.

When they reached Zack's living quarters, he juggled the limp body in his arms so he could unlock and open the door. Setting Cloud down on the couch and removing both their boots, Zack saw that he'd slipped out of consciousness. Probably for the best, he thought.

Cloud opened his eyes to see Zack's face come into focus. He stared into the violet eyes dreamily. There was something warm and damp rubbing against his face, and it took him a moment to realize he was in an unfamiliar place, his body hurt all over, and Zack was wiping his face with a damp washcloth that was quickly turning red.

"You're awake, blondie," Zack said with a smile. Cloud tried to smile back, but winced as his split lip reopened. Zack's look turned to one of concern. "Don't move, Cloud. You got fucked up pretty badly," he said, sponging blood away from his friend's face. Cloud nodded and lay back, letting his superior clean up his wounds. When Zack had neatly bandaged the areas that needed it and cast a Cure on his broken wrist, Cloud dared to try to sit up. Zack helped him lean back against the couch cushions.

"Thanks," the boy said quietly, looking down.

"No problem." Zack was watching him, now leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "Cloud," he started. "Does this happen a lot? You had some fading bruises when I lifted your shirt up. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't want you to pity me," Cloud said firmly, still refusing to meet Zack's eyes. "I can take care of myself."

"Yeah, you were doing a great job back there!" Zack snapped, then sighed. "Cloud, you are an amazingly talented fighter. But you just can't take on five guys! I'm surprised they didn't kill you. They were going to rape you, you know." The last part was said quietly.

To Cloud's horror, tears began to build up in his eyes, and for the life of him he couldn't get them to back down. They spilled down his cheeks in waterfalls, splashing onto his knees and the couch. Zack cursed under his breath.

"Cloud, I didn't mean to make you cry…" He dropped down beside the boy and took him in his arms. "Come on, Chocobo-head, stop it. Shhhh, it's okay. I'm here, everything's okay." Zack stroked his friend's back, mindful of the bruises that were now healing slowly thanks to his Cure. Cloud's body shook with sobs as he buried his face in Zack's shirt, not even caring that the motion hurt his battered flesh.

Zack held the boy for what felt like hours, thankful that his body wasn't reacting embarrassingly; the sight of Cloud unhappy quelled all sexual desires in a heartbeat. He coaxed the cadet's body into his lap to make the hugging angle less uncomfortable, and reached up to carefully wipe away a few tears.

Cloud gave a last, hiccupping sob before he forced himself to stop crying. He felt his face burning red with shame. SOLDIERs did not cry. Hell, grunts didn't even cry. He was mortified that Zack had seen him break down like that over nothing. Cloud studied his hands in his lap, too ashamed to meet Zack's eyes.

"Cloud," the man said, taking his chin in one hand and forcing them to look at each other face to face. "Crying isn't something to be embarrassed about. Hell, every so often I break down and sob like a baby, just because I can."

Cloud stared. "You don't."

Zack grinned. "Well, okay, I don't, but I've seen battle-hardened veterans bawl before. Trust me, it's nothing to abhor. I'm sorry I made you cry, though. I didn't think—" He broke off. "I need you to talk to me, Cloud. I know you're being bullied, and so there's no use denying it." Zack's voice softened. "I need you to tell me if you're gang-raped as well."

"No," Cloud said flatly. "They don't rape me, Zack."

"It's still harassment, Chocobo-head. They can be court-martialed for it."

Cloud grabbed his arm. "No! Don't you see? That'd just make it worse!" His voice took on a pleading tone.

"Cloud…"

"Please, Zack! Please don't tell anyone." Tears welled up again. Zack felt his heart twinge.

"Okay, Spike, but you have to promise to tell me the next time you get bullied. Even if they're just beating you up, it's not right and should be stopped. All right?"

Cloud's eyes flashed. "Or you'll do what?"

"I'll…" Zack racked his brain. "I'll tickle you to death!" He seized Cloud's foot and tickled the bottom of it, making the boy writhe and giggle. Zack smiled. "That's better. You're much cuter when you're smiling, Cloudy boy."

The blonde flushed. "I am not cute," he said crossly. Zack grinned.

"Aww, you are too!" He tussled Cloud's hair fondly, then dumped him unceremoniously back onto the couch. "I'm gonna go grab a beer. Want one?"

Cloud looked at him reproachfully. "Zack, I'm underage."

"Pfft. No one'll care. I bet your cadet buddies drink all the time." Zack dug in the fridge and pulled out two cans, tossing one to the boy. "Loosen up. Stay here tonight and we'll hang out, have some guy talk, whatever."

"Guy talk?"

Zack grinned, flashing his pearly teeth. "If girls can have girl talk, we can have guy talk. C'mon, Spike! Live a little!"

Cloud scowled. "Fine," he said sulkily, popping open the beer. "If I get in trouble, it's your fault."

"No one else is around, you're not gonna get in trouble," Zack said, rolling his eyes and taking a sip of his own drink. He sat back down on the couch and grabbed the remote, clicking on the TV. "You wanna watch a movie? I hope you like horror, Cloudy boy."

"Ew, no!" Cloud said. "Don't you have something nice and…not gross or scary?"

Zack laughed, going to the cabinet under the TV to look. "Nope," he said, his voice muffled. "It's all gory and awesome. Oh, look! I have The Shining! Cloud, come on! You have to see this!"

"No!" Cloud almost shrieked, clapping hands over his ears. "I hate scary movies!"

"How can you want to join SOLDIER if you can't stand blood?" Zack asked, bewildered, and Cloud scowled.

"It's not the blood, it's the fear factor," he mumbled, looking abashed. Zack shrugged and popped the movie in anyways.

"I'll cover your eyes when it gets scary, okay?" He sat back down on the couch after dimming the lights. "Seriously, Cloud, this is a classic."

Cloud groaned. "Why do I have the feeling that every horror movie is a classic to you?" Zack slung an arm around his shoulders.

"Lighten up," he said mildly. Cloud stiffened and waited for him to take the arm away, but Zack kept his one-armed hug, pulling the boy comfortably against his side. Cloud relaxed, enjoying Zack's warmth and the feeling of being held. He felt safe and toasty inside.

Needless to say, when the movie got under way, he was not feeling safe anymore. Zack laughed at the most wrong moments, and when it got scary, he didn't say anything, because he didn't think it was frightening at all. Cloud was rigid with terror, and kept whimpering and hiding his face in Zack's chest. The SOLDIER didn't seem to mind, and even petted his hair lightly when it was obvious Cloud was about to have a fear-induced heart attack.

"Damn, that was good!" Zack crowed when the credits rolled by. He got no answer. "Cloud?" When he looked down at the boy, Zack saw that the blonde was fast asleep, leaning against his chest with a look of pure bliss on his face. The man felt his body stir and scowled, mentally ordering Little Zack down, boy. He switched off the TV and maneuvered himself and Cloud so they were lying horizontally on the couch, the blonde boy curled up to his chest. Aw, the kid's gonna kill me in the morning, was his last thought before he drifted off.