AN: I think this will be the last story that I'll be updating in this site.. It's actually late already for this.. or who knows.. I'm moving to AO3 because the UI is much friendlier, I guess.
He felt rather at peace as he floated amidst the nothingness that surrounded him. He needs not see it, he just knows that the vast void went on and on, as he folded onto himself in a foetal position. He's just going to be drifting here, alone, forever. It felt kind of lonely but an overwhelming sense of safety and belongingness takes over him, and he completely surrenders to slumber. If anything, it felt like the womb of his mother cradling him to sleep. But sometimes he wakes up, or not, and he gets stuck in the middle of the two—and that's when he sees something vague. At first he couldn't recognize what it is, but as time went by, he slowly realized that it was a flower. He wasn't sure if it was real or just a memory, but he sees it, right there, just out of his reach. It looked small and fragile at first, until the once closed buds unravels itself into a beautiful yellow blossom. And in those moments he felt like he had forgotten something important, and he desperately tries to reach for it, setting his foot on the void that was now the ground, kneeling, and plucking out the flower gently— grasping it carefully between his fingers. He then searches his mind with difficulty for what feels like a lifetime. Lilies. That's what it is, he thought, and the blackness around him suddenly fills with them, golden, blooming and never-ending beneath his feet. It felt so real, he can practically smell them. It envelopes him and he drowns in it, overloading his senses. He opens his eyes.
All he sees is green.
A creeping sense of panic rose within him, as his hazy mind processed his immediate surroundings and finding itself trapped in an enclosure. A sudden feeling of claustrophobia followed and he struggled on instinct, pushing and pounding against the glass around him. Adrenaline came rushing through his veins, along with something else, something that is much stronger, something that is more primal, and something more deadly. His hand balled into a fist in response, colliding towards the glass in a crushing blow. The glass cracked beneath his strength, and he sent another blow, shattering it completely. The sea of green spilled on the floor. He tore off the tube that was inserted in his mouth, setting foot on the tiled floor. An alarm was echoing from a distance but he paid no mind to it, eyes wide and heart racing. Rows upon rows towards him were enclosures of the same kind, housing different kinds of specimens, most of them human. He walked towards one of it and onto another, peeking through the luminous Mako they were suspended in. He backed away immediately in a mixture of horror and revulsion as his mind tried to process what it was seeing. It came back to him slowly with a head-splitting headache. It was Genesis and Angeal. Yes, it was his mentor Angeal in there, in that tank— It was not possible, Zack thought, as he wracked his mushy brain in an attempt to remember what has happened, or what is happening.
Where am I? How long has it been? Am I still at Shinra's headquarters?
His temples throbbed painfully and he backed away into a wall, trying to regain balance. He can remember going to Hojo's laboratory and then—and then.. His whole body screamed in rage. Children—they were just children. They experimented on an unborn child and a baby. His body shook and as he tried so suppress his emotions. Those fucking bastards. It became clear to him from that point on how cruel fate can be, being lead to believe that they have freedom of choice.
He can hear hurried footsteps and frantic voices coming his way and he braced himself, willing for his headache to fade away. The laboratory is definitely being used to further enhance the Soldier program, or rather, on making a new breed of soldier. Zack smiled to himself despite the strain on his mind. They made a big mistake. He's going to destroy their precious specimens. He walked towards the nearest tank and examined it. Cables of different sizes were attached to it, snaking upon the floor and into some kind of central processesing system. He cannot decide which is which so he pulled everything out, destroying the wires in a harsh, forceful tug. The light inside has gone out and he moved to the next one.
"Stop! Get away from the tank—" Someone shouted at him by the door but he paid no attention to the man. They were probably laboratory assistants or new scientists judging by what they wore, Zack thought idly.
"Stop or I'll shoot—" The voice said once more and so he looked, meeting the terrified eyes of the men in white lab coats. He pulled the next set of wires anyway and a gunshot was fired.
Zack took cover behind the tank which the bullet cracked, and listened. They were slowly entering the room looking for him and he waited until they've gotten a bit closer, smashing the glass tank with his fist. It sent shards of glass flying towards the men and they yelped, backing off in fear. He then lunged towards them, aiming for the person who wielded the firearm. He sent the petrified man and his gun flying against the wall in a swift kick, while the other two stood in silence, cowering amongst themselves.
"Please don't hurt us—" Zack heard them say simultaneously, and he turned his full attention to them, giving them a grin. It seemed to scare them further more.
"Do you happen to know where my clothes are?" The brunet asks casually, scrutinizing the men before him.
"Uh—"
"Are you gonna make me ask twice?" The brunet followed, slowly approaching the men. He isn't gonna strut here buck naked, alright.
"I—I'll get you one. There were supplies for Soldier guards in here." One them replied frantically, scrambling off the doors in a hurry. He let him go without a second thought and looked at the remaining scientist.
"Now.. What shall I do with you?" The brunet asks the trembling man that has now gone ashen.
"Ahh I know—you'll be my hostage. Do you know where the professor is? You know..Hojo? Is he here?" The man nodded eagerly, backed off in a tank.
"He's probably watching us from the cameras. He'll send the guards to capture you."
"Is that so? I'll just kill you in front of them to scare them off then. What do you think?" The brunet replied, cocking his head to the side.
"Please—" The man looked desperate. Zack grinned.
"I can tear your arms off of your shoulder easily—"
"I—I'll help you get out of here, please.. Just let me go. I'll take you to where the Professor is—"
"Now that's what I want to hear." Zack replied, turning his back from the man, walking away to retrieve the discarded gun. He picked it up and aimed at the surveillance.
.
He isn't going to lie but he felt some sort of satisfaction at the destruction he had caused for the first time in his life. It was probably because of all those pent up feelings he had been harbouring through the years just went off and do their own thing, or maybe deep inside he really was just destructive in nature. It had been quite liberating, but he needed to get out of there soon enough. There's only one thing left that he wanted to address.
Zack's wide eyes focused on the helpless man in front of him. He can easily crush him at this point. His urge was so strong that his eyes glowed intensely for it. He had already incapacitated all the men he had sent, and now there was only him.
"Humans are complicated indeed—aren't they? They ask me to create things that will help them surpass their limitations. And when I succeeded and gave them what they want, they in return want to kill me for it."
"Is that it? Is that all there is to it? They ask you and you just follow?" Zack asked, fists closing tightly on his sides.
"I simply make the necessary step forward that nobody can, nor dare to take." Hojo replied defiantly albeit his unfortunate position. Nothing seems to scare him. Since before, there was nothing behind those eyes but cold, mechanical thinking.
"You know.. When I think about it—I kinda understand you, honestly. It's just—there's just this small thing that I have a problem with." Zack replies as a smile grazed his face like a madman, raising his hands in the air in what seemed to be a mocking sign of frustration.
"All of you—you didn't leave any of us a choice. You strip everything away until there was nothing left for us to do but to fight our way out. But why? You just take, and take—" The brunet trailed off as he walked menacingly towards the professor. Just what kinds of thoughts does a genius of man have? Does he enjoy everything about this? Did he find thrill or a sense of fulfilment? Does he feel like—God?
"That is what you say, but isn't that only an excuse so you can kill me?" Hojo asked unfazed, propping himself up against the wall to stand up.
"What do you think?" Zack asked as he loomed before the smaller man, his unnerving grin not leaving his face.
"You can do whatever you want with me, but the entirety of Shinra will come after you." Zack only smirked in response.
"How ironic isn't it? You just helped me get stronger so I can destroy you in return."
.
Lazard looked at Tseng's impassive face and thought how young he was, wondering what had brought him here. It actually boggles his mind why an enemy of Shinra is working for them. Does he not care what happens to his home land? Unlike him, he just can't leave this godforsaken place. Putting his thoughts aside, he cannot help but feel sickened as another tragedy has yet to fall on Soldier. After everything that happened, another one of his promising Soldiers had left the army, or so they thought for he disappeared all of a sudden. He has now resurfaced, and it seemed like they want him dead as well. The space they are walking on is getting really small.
"We received a report that a top tier Soldier had escaped Shinra's laboratories. According to the distress call, not only he had refused treatment, but he also completely destroyed our facility and injured our scientists. They say he was mentally unstable at this point and needs to be captured. He is considered a high level threat."
"And what has it got to do with what you're requesting?" Lazard asked in a skeptical manner.
"We concluded that this is the best possible way to flush him out and capture him with minimal casualties."
"My soldier is just a novice, and is very young, still. I can't just simply let you use him in your mission."
"This is Soldier's responsibility as well. You cannot let a dangerous man like him roam freely."
"And what if your plan doesn't work?"
"Someone has informed me that they have a close familial bond. He will surely be concerned with his well-being. I have gone with Zack Fair in his retrieval mission with the Firsts after all. I saw how he values his fellow Soldiers."
Lazard cannot say a word. It seemed like he wasn't willing to give him a choice. He didn't believe a single information about that report either. Why is Zack Fair, a Soldier, in the possession of the science department so far away from Midgar anyway? He could be well treated here in the headquarters, unless they are using him to create a replacement. It's the only reason why they are hell-bent on capturing him. His grip tightened on the pen he forgot he was holding. He doesn't have any control over anything if the mission was given to the Presidential guard dogs.
"I want him transferred under my jurisdiction after he's captured. He's my Soldier." The blonde man demanded.
"We will see about that. It's not my call. I'm just following orders." The stoic man replied, dark eyes studying blue ones. It seemed like they were both feeling very uncomfortable about what's going to happen, but neither one of them is going to admit it. The more they peel the onion, the more convoluted everything gets. Nobody knows what the truth is anymore. Now even the science department gets involved.
What's next?
.
Cloud felt like days just fade in and out in slow motion. He tried to busy himself with a lot of things since they were newly appointed Soldiers, but at the end of each day he just finds himself staring blankly against the white walls of their newly acquired quarters, unable to sleep. Four people can share a room now and he chose to be with his friends. Their relationship seemed to have gotten much stronger than ever, and it just—reminds him constantly of someone. And so at nights like this he tends to sneak out and go somewhere else. How he's got access to Zack's suite, he ain't going to tell, but he misses him so he ends up in his bed, curled in a ball, tangled in a mess of his blankets and pillows. His smell still lingers in his room and it only makes his internal suffering worse. Maybe he's a masochist, Cloud thinks, doing this kind of shit. It was probably the best idea that Kunsel took Zack's sword for safekeeping, for he might think of something dumb and try using it. And then dark thoughts would continue to flow in his head, until he loathes himself for thinking about it in the first place. What if they never really find him though? The blonde grunts and rights himself up quickly, and reaches for Zack's bedside table. If he remembers correctly, it should still be in the drawer beneath it. He opens it carefully, and sees the glinting chain in partial darkness. He takes it, examining the dog tags amidst the faint light on the window, and removes one.
Morning inevitably came and everything once again just boiled down to anticipation as he waited and waited for any information about Zack. And it finally did, along with a jarring conclusion. An escaped ex-Soldier, the report says, along with the words dangerous and unstable. They made him look and sound like some complete wreck. He had crumpled the report into a ball and threw it in the trash after he had read it. It was utter bullshit. Reno filled him on how he came up with a plan on retrieving the Soldier with his boss, and he agreed, because there is no other way he can get himself involved with this matter. Ramza, Delita and Kunsel were surprisingly supportive of it, as they gave him a clap on shoulder and a squeeze on the hand. Their expression of eagerness to accompany him made him smile, and it made him realize that it felt good to have genuine people around.
Cloud was then informed that Zack was last spotted in a remote town along the mountainous regions of Nibel, and they were pretty confident that he hasn't gotten any farther yet for the time being, considering he's got no resources to spend. They will be travelling thousands of miles away from Midgar, into some backwater town in the middle of nowhere. It seemed they made it clear that anyone aside from Shinra personnel wouldn't be able to find the whereabouts of this facility and its activities. It was such an inconspicuous place to do all sorts of bad things.
.
Despite the gloomy atmosphere, the townspeople were surprisingly warm and friendly, Zack realized as the locals welcomed his stay despite the glaring fact that he'd just popped out of nowhere and is highly suspicious. They reminded him of the folks back in Gongaga, and how everyone knows everybody. Wearing a Soldier uniform probably helped his situation as the elders expressed some sort of comfort for having him around, for he was deemed handy at taking care of ferocious wolves from the mountains. They gave him food and shelter in return, and it was enough, though he would say that the materias he found on the laboratories sold quite well. He realized as the days dragged on that this way of living isn't that bad at all. A mercenary life, that is. He can live decently and still have all the peace and quiet that his psyche needs. And so when a commotion broke in town, he knew that it won't be easy, or shall he say—that Shinra won't make it easy. Did he not make the right decision by not killing those crazy scientists?
He was informed that there was a helicopter not far away from the edge of the town, and it looked like they have sent the Turks to fetch him. They aren't even being discreet about it, Zack thought darkly as he finished a measly meal. Should he escape now or face them? He let out a troubled sigh and thanked the star struck kid that went out of his way for the information. He left the inn promptly. He only wished that they didn't send Sephiroth with them. The thought of it made him smile a little, knowing how reluctant the guy is. He walked towards the town centre casually, and saw a bright red head from the distance. He looked nervous as he spotted him in return, and soon enough other members of the Turks joined him, with a Soldier in purple uniform. Zack wanted to shake his head and laugh maniacally at his non-existent luck.
"Lieutenant Zack Fair. Shinra sent us here to pick you up. Please come with us, we meant no harm." Tseng started tentatively, walking towards the ex-Soldier.
"Your family is here as well. He wants to talk to you." The Turk continued, eyeing the blonde.
Zack only gazed at them in return, face blank like a clean sheet of paper. He didn't seem to be bothered nor troubled with their presence, and it makes the Turk leader feel uncomfortable.
"No. I don't know him at all—"
"And I'm not coming with you. I already decided to leave Shinra."
This is not going very well, Reno thought immediately, as he watched Tseng and Cloud stiffen in his response. He can sense that the blonde is getting pissed, if anything. His boss though, is getting really agitated. He's pretty sure they'll get their asses kicked by this Soldier if he felt threatened enough.
"Let me make it clear. You need to cooperate with us. You are held accountable for the destruction of property you have caused. You also injured the head of the Science Department. Come with us, and don't make it difficult for everyone else." Tseng fired back as he stressed the Soldier's current disposition.
"You can say whatever you want, but I'm not coming with you." The brunet replied nonchalantly, unflinching.
Tseng's eyebrows knitted in frustration. It doesn't look like he'll be willing to cooperate with them anytime soon. Should he let Cloud Strife do the bidding like Reno suggested? But the said blonde drew his sword for battle in contrary and they went on full alert as they realized that he wasn't going along with the plan.
"What are you doing?" Tseng warned, giving the blonde a stern look.
Well, this ridiculous plan of making him bait isn't just working like Reno had predicted, Cloud thought in irritation. And he knows why. He knows the game that Zack was playing right now, and he didn't come here to play games.
"You're coming with us." The blonde replied in serious tone, walking forward.
"Go back to where you came from, or I'm gonna kill all those Turks."
Cloud can sense the Turks panic at the brunet's warning for it felt real. He was starting to have some doubts but if somebody here knows Zack, it's him. He looked at Reno's face and he nodded in a silent agreement. Zack frown as the redhead cocked his gun at his direction.
"We'll see about that." The blonde replied, blue glowing eyes filled with sheer determination.
Time seemed to slow down as Cloud watched the brunet reach for the sword on his back. The tiny hairs on his arms and neck went up and he froze. A blinding light had suddenly thundered to their direction and he instinctively raised his hand in defence, closing his eyes momentarily from its impact. A split second is all it took to send Tseng crashing to the ground. Cloud immediately retaliated with a fire spell, along with a flurry of bullets from Rude and Reno that came all together in his way. He was able dodge it quite easily, or maybe they are just too slow to land a hit. Zack sent them another blinding thunder in return. Reno and Rude yelped in shock as Cloud evaded, teeth grinding against each other.
Zack had definitely gotten faster, Cloud realized as he still dodged the rows upon rows of icicles that he now sent bursting into his direction. But when he can't, he just shatters it completely with a swing of his sword instead. Challenged, Cloud lunged forward, swinging his own sword with all that he's got. It clashed with Zack's in full force, ringing deadly in his grip. He was about to trigger another spell as a booted leg came flying to his side, and he blocked it with his arm in impulse, his entire body straining against his kick. He stood his ground but the force made him stumble across the dirt. He bounced back, cursing through his teeth. He's gotten much stronger as well, Cloud thought infuriatingly. A switch clicked on his head, and he activated the materia once again in his sword.
Zack watched as fire magic coursed through the blonde's sword and he grinned.
"Hey, that's dangerous!"
The brunet mocked, and was swiftly attacked with sword magic from where Cloud stood. He kept on attacking him in an unrelenting pace, and he evaded and deflected it with such grace in return. It looked like the blonde was using everything he had learned, and it made Zack's heart thump wildly in his chest as thrill emanated from his bones. He smirked at him and the blonde summoned the icicles once more, its sharp edges towering like a prison to keep him at bay. Zack clenches his jaw and balled his fist, and he rushed towards it, shattering each one that he summoned until he broke into the blonde's defensive space. His blue oceanic eyes were wide and resolute. He crashed his sword against the blonde once again, this time with his in all his strength and speed, pushing the other into his limits. He can feel him wavering against his blows as he tries to parry and endure it, and he gives him everything, kicking and slicing in his way until it became too much for the blonde to handle. Cloud's sword went flying off of his gloved hand in a last attempt to defend himself from his attacks. He seemed to have gotten too overwhelmed as Zack saw his shaking hands and hear his laboured breaths. He pointed his sword towards his heaving chest.
"It's over—Go back now." Zack said pointedly as he tried to search his blue glowing eyes. He cannot read him.
The blonde only scoffed in return, and his dark eyebrow arched in amusement that he didn't want to show. Cloud then gripped the blade of his sword forcefully and his whole body tensed in response.
"Stop—" The brunet warned in a deadly voice. The blonde only gripped it tighter and quickly snatched a knife from his boot with his other hand, pointing it threateningly against his gut. Zack knows exactly where this is going and he clicked his tongue.
"Stubborn as always." Cloud smirked in response as he saw the frustration breaking from the brunet's façade. His brows were now knit together tightly, completely unhappy with the situation.
"I know you too well, you jerk. Stop playing this game."
"You can't fool me."
.
"Aren't those Turks gonna look for you?" Zack asked as he walked onwards, his back turned to the blonde. There's no doubt left that he isn't planning on leaving him alone, so he just walked aimlessly beneath the darkening sky, away from the town, and everyone else. There were only the sounds of the dried leaves and twigs scrunching underneath their feet; along with the night critters hiding amongst the shadows of the trees. He had been going back and forth at this mountain's forests for the past few days now, taking care of stray wolves and monsters.
"They won't. And I'm not leaving you alone."
They have reached a clearing now and Zack stopped on his tracks and sighed, running both of his hands on his face to his hair.
"Fuck me to hell—" The brunet bursts out, sitting himself heavily in a tree stump nearby. Cloud followed suit and stood in front of him, looking unbelievably calm. Zack can't raise his eyes to meet his.
"When—"
"When are you going to accept me Zack?"
Zack heard the blonde ask in a soft voice, feeling his eyes looking straight into his soul. He cannot make himself answer. He didn't know what to say. At first he thought it was for the better if he burdens this alone. Everybody would've thought that he's a goner anyway. The last thing he ever wanted was for the blonde to end up in same exact situation, like Genesis, Angeal, and himself. But Cloud had followed him stubbornly across the continent, and is now standing right in front of him.
"All this time—all I ever wanted is to stand beside you."
"I told you not to leave me, didn't I?"
Zack hears him say, and it makes his heart clench.
"You know that I'm the enemy of Shinra's empire now, right?" The brunet finally replies in a voice of utter regret.
"I know."
"I just—I really don't know what to do anymore. I want to protect you but I also want you by my side." Zack said as he met the blonde's blue eyes. It was full of pain.
"Then do both." Cloud replied earnestly, oceanic eyes glistening in the dying light.
"I'm sorry." Zack replied as he brought the blonde closer suddenly, hugging his midsection. He buried his face on his stomach, nuzzling him lovingly, apologetically. There is no point in fighting the tide. His whole body ached longingly for him. He felt the blonde's arms encircle his shoulders in return. Zack opens his eyes to peer at him, his face like a child that just got reprimanded. Cloud only thought that he looked adorable like a puppy.
"You're stuck with me now." The brunet said as Cloud's gloved fingers raked his hair. The blonde just smiled at him happily for there was nothing more at this moment that he could want. Zack thought he looked utterly beautiful.
"It's alright, Zack. I understand."
.
After finding an inn at the outskirts of Nibelheim, Cloud sent an email to his friends, Kunsel and especially Reno, informing them of what had happened. The Turks had probably headed back to the nearest military station to treat their injuries. He hopes it would go without problems with the red head and not arouse suspicions from his boss if he informs them that he had eloped with Zack. He really owes him one this time. He then broke his phone after matters have been taken care of. What awaits the both of them now, he isn't really sure, but he is extremely comforted by the fact that Zack was alright. It will just be a matter of time when Shinra sends people to find them.
He turned on his bed as he heard the shower go off, watching as a robed Zack approached to join him by the bed. He had no idea how much he missed him. But now here he was, safe and in arms length. The brunet smiled at him as he dried his dripping hair, tossing the towel away after to the other bed across him. They won't be using that, anyway. He crept under the blanket and lay beside Cloud, immediately collecting him in a tight embrace.
Cloud wouldn't be able to explain really, but he felt deeply embarrassed beyond naked at this moment. Maybe it's because he realized that there is nothing more he can hide from the brunet. Zack knew that he would do anything for him at this point, and that was the ultimate truth. He was now splayed beside him, propping himself up in one hand, looking as his face. His other hand roamed his exposed chest in feather-like touches, and he can only flush in return.
"Did you really agree to take me back to Shinra?" The brunet asks softly, his watchful eyes following the blondes' tiniest movements.
"It's the only way for us to find you. Everyone is worried."
"Really? Did you think about me a lot?" Zack asked, smiling fondly. He noticed that the blonde was clearly getting flustered since they got here and can't seem to look him straight in the eye.
"Yeah.. I just wanted to see you." He heard the blonde reply in a small voice, and he leaned in and kissed his forehead. Cloud still does not look at him.
"You know, for a moment back there I got caught up in this desire of destroying everything that is Shinra—but then.. I remembered my mentor and why he has given me a choice. I always kept on chasing something that is much bigger and grander than my existence and forgotten what's more important."
"What is?" The blonde ask meekly, peering at the other.
"Friends.. Family. Forgiveness."
"Honour.. Love."
Zack trailed off and was looking at him with such melancholic eyes. He then hovered above him, his body heat radiating into his own.
" You—"
Cloud couldn't move an inch as Zack grazed his fingers on his face, his cheek, his lips—his touch light as ever. His ministrations stopped at the crook of his neck, finger hooking at the chain that pooled in his collarbones. He tugged at it gently, pulling it towards himself. Zack's heart was racing once again. Cloud was blushing so hard even his ears went pink. It was his tag. Cloud was wearing it along with his, so close to his heart.
His old self had died a long time ago with his friends. And those tags that were left behind are a reminder of that. But it came back, and has found a new purpose. He felt so loved. He wished he could convey how much he loved him in return, and how endearing he was. Zack gazes at the blonde's half-lidded eyes that were averting his, and smiles tenderly.
"Are you gonna keep this safe for me?"
"Yes.." Cloud uttered in embarrassment. He wanted to roll away and hide under the mattress right now just so he can't face him. He has never been this flustered in his entire life. Still, he manages to look at his eyes for its pull was so strong, just like a clear blue sky. He was then kissed passionately, and he let himself get lost into the feeling. Cloud clung to him for dear life, as his tongue met his, as they both try to get closer to each other, and get deeper into each other. Zack was removing his robe, and he let him do whatever he pleased. He just closed his eyes as his body was kissed all over, as if it was worthy of praise. He shivered as his nipples were suckled and his thighs were caressed, his warm calloused hands travelling to the tender fleshy parts under his knees. He shivered as the brunet tugs him closer still, his legs now on Zack's hips, feeling his warm and hard body grinding against him. He just closed his eyes as he was kissed and sucked on his neck, heart thrumming faster until he was nothing but a beating mass of want and need. Cloud grips his raven hair in return, arching his back to meet his warmth, to feel him more.
"I want you— " Cloud heard him say against his ear and he shudders, pushing the other gently away. He looks into his eyes that were glowing faintly and kissed him.
"I want you too." He replied breathlessly between the tiny gap between their mouths. Zack pulled away and he hears him open all the cabinets on the bedside table, looking for something. He returns to him with a grin on his face, opening a tiny bottle of lotion.
"Close your eyes and relax for me, okay?"
Zack pulled his hips closer once again as his slick fingers traced and massaged his opening. It made his heart race in a mixture of fear and anticipation, and he tried to remain as calm as possible. He then felt a finger gently slip in and out, going a bit deeper each time. Cloud chewed on his lower lip as two fingers then begins to enter him, his entire body focused acutely at his motions. He tries his best not to squeeze in response but his fingers now were stroking him more forcefully, caressing a part of him that makes the tingles go up and down his spine, until it all accumulates in his groin. He grips on the bed sheets and the pillows tighter and he moans, not able to suppress it any longer. He feels so aroused to the point of coming and Zack had not even touched his erection. He opened his eyes as he felt the fingers slip out, and he looks at the brunet, knees trembling. Zack leans down and kisses him deeply, stroking his hard member. Cloud clung to him and sucked a breath as he eased slowly inside him, feeling utterly stretched and full. "You alright—?" He hears him ask, and he nodded amidst his racing heart and hazy brain. All his mind can focus on was his heat, and his hardness that filled him perfectly, and he holds on to it, not wanting to let go. He thrusts into him slowly and deliberately at first, whispering words of comfort into his ears. He picked up his pace when he started to meet his thrusts, and he cries out, feeling overwhelmed. Cloud didn't know who was moaning and grunting at this point as they both chased the intensifying pleasure, heavy breaths escaping their lungs—back arching, lips crashing against each other to catch muffled cries and broken words like love, Zack, or Cloud.
"I—love you so much.." Cloud hears him say as he neared his climax, and he wraps his legs on him tighter, urging him on to follow. He brings him closer in an embrace and whispered the same thoughts in his ear, white hot bliss consuming them both.
A loud beating of the heart can be heard as they lay tangled in each other's limbs. It's probably because they have become one, Cloud thought as he gently traced the outlines of Zack's chest. He was sleeping so peacefully. Cloud smiled in contentment as he peered on his face, nestling his head on his chest to breathe him in. He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around him. I love you—
I love you.
.
.
The cold gusts of the night wind sent chills to his bones. Above him are the starless skies, and beneath him, spreads the megacity that is Midgar. It looks like he has been finally found out. His legs trembled slightly as he stood at edge of Shinra's embankment, cornered, yes, but definitely not trapped. He thinks that he wouldn't feel anything if he dropped seventy floors down, a swift death, leaving nothing but a splat of blood on the ground.
"Director, please, step back down—"
The blonde turk pleaded, looking extremely panicked. It was quite thoughtful of the President to send two young ladies to arrest him, Lazard thought sarcastically. They were keeping their distance but they wouldn't be able to do anything really, if he jumped. If he didn't send soldiers with guns along with them, he probably would've given the ladies the chance to talk it out. More people then bursted out of the roof exit, shoving their way against the troop of grunts. Lazard realized he was causing such a commotion at this rate but he was pleasantly surprised when he saw that they were Soldiers. Everyone went to a standstill.
"Put your weapons down—or you'll be arrested for obstruction." The squad leader commanded, as his men promptly pointed their guns on the Soldiers. The auburn haired Soldier didn't look threatened as he raised his sword higher against them.
"I don't give a damn—we're taking the director. If you don't turn those guns away this will get ugly." Luxiere replied, Mako eyes glowing intensely. Kunsel has drawn his sword as well beside him and he grinned.
"Stop—" Lazard yelled, voice cutting through the tension.
"I'm coming with you. Put your guns down."
Lazard took a step forward. He can't let it go on like this. He'll face the consequences of what he did and get this over with. The Soldier program had suffered enough.
"No! Director, don't—" Luxiere yelled in response, completely angered by his decision. Lazard only smiled at the both of them and continued walking towards the Turks.
"Let's go. Leave my Soldiers alone." The Turks nodded in response and signalled for the troop to stand down. It looked like he needed to accept that this is the end for Soldier. They might be feeling betrayed right now, he thought, as he walked past their disappointed faces.
"You'll be escorted right away to the President's office." The Turk with curled brown hair said, as they marched their way through the elegant Presidential corridors. An uneasy quiet accompanied them as they drew closer to Shinra's office. One of the soldiers immediately opened the grand double doors in front of them, and they entered. Lazard's blue eyes widened. The blonde haired Turk started screaming in horror. The soldiers behind them paled as they slowly entered the expansive room with utter dread. Shattered glass was strewn all over the ground, yet everything else in his office was still in perfect order. There isn't any sign of struggle in sight.
Behind the ornate desk sat President Shinra, a lifeless man with a face in a forever state of shock. A towering sword had pierced his chest, gleaming ominously against the bright lights. Crimson red blood dripped slowly to the carpeted floor, pooling beneath his feet.
Everyone in Shinra would recognize the General's masamune. It was a sword that won every battle it had fought, and claimed thousands of lives—it was the embodiment of his glory. But it was now left behind, discarded, in a show of outmost rebellion.
The black bird had broken from its cage, a single dark wing fluttering into the night.
.