The secrets begin
Thankfully Cloud had regained consciousness without the need to throw up again and after a short time of panicking over his actions had finally started to calm down. Zack had forced his own concerns to one side as they had talked, silently struggling to maintain the soothing notion that everything was going to be fine. In truth he wasn't sure if things were going to be alright, considering what Cloud had actually done, and because he had yet to hear from Angeal the soldier was sure something was wrong. But these were not things he wanted the cadet to know and certainly not things he wanted to think about himself. So the cheerful joking mask had been put on while they went over the event, with Cloud's continuous worries pouring out as Zack repeated the same mantra of things being ok. Eventually the blonde had worn himself out and thankfully hunger had taken a step forward to replace his thoughts, the physical emotion adding a perfect distraction just as the soldier's resolve over keeping the truth from the blonde was wavering.
To Zack's relief they had eaten dinner mostly in silence and he was quick to find a film for them to watch in the evening, his heart aching at the thought of having to repeat the same words again. Perhaps it was cowardly of him to avoid the subject, it certainly wasn't a good thing to do, but inside the soldier knew that he couldn't lie to Cloud. That if the cadet asked him anymore questions about what he thought then he might actually break and reveal his own fears of what could happen. But that was it wasn't it, the real reason why he wanted to avoid the topic again, his own worries and uncertainties eating away at him as he tried to make the cadet feel better. The truth was he didn't know what would happen because no one had ever hit the general before, at least no one who was still alive to talk about it, and this very fact made the soldier's chest feel tight.
The film had begun with both of them still tense and unable to relax, the stiffness in their bodies revealing them to be uncomfortable beside each other on the sofa. It had been Cloud to close the distance between them first, as his body finally gave into the tiredness it felt, and he leant against the soldier's chest for comfort as if it were a pillow. Zack had taken the action as a good sign and slowly raised an arm to wrap it around the cadet's shoulder's, carefully drawing the smaller frame closer to his own, and breathed a silent sigh of relief as Cloud had snuggled in against him. It wasn't long before the mental and physical exhaustion of the day finally caught up with the cadet, his eyes drifting closed as the sound of Zack's heart beating and the steady rise and fall of the soldier's chest lulled him into a deep sleep.
Zack waited a little longer as the movie played across the screen, his attention not on the story being told but the thoughts currently swirling about in his head. He absentmindedly ran strong fingers through the mass of blonde hair in front of him and drew on Cloud's peaceful expression as if it were a life line in his stormy sea of troubles. There was still so much uncertainty after everything that had happened, still so much he needed to know but had no one to ask. The soldier lent forward and placed a gentle kiss amongst the crown of golden spikes, momentarily closing his eyes to slowly breathe in the scent that was Cloud. The air which entered his body instantly filled him with a sense of calm, the sensation of the moment giving him a brief feeling of peace.
Reluctantly Zack moved back and looked down at Cloud again before turning his attention towards the clock in the kitchen, the time displayed showing that it was now after nine.
"Time for bed." The soldier whispered affectionately, as he moved to free himself of the position they were in.
Cloud hardly stirred as Zack tilted his body forward and then lowered him down onto the sofa so that he could stand, there was also no visible protests as the soldier bent down again and carefully lifted the cadet in his arms. A few minutes later and Cloud was tucked up in bed, the majority of his uniform having been removed slowly so that he wasn't woken. Zack was careful to only take off what was necessary for the cadet to sleep more comfortably, their relationship not yet at a point where he felt able to strip the sleeping blonde completely. After making sure that Cloud was settled and covered up sufficiently Zack made his way back into the living room, silently closing the door behind him so that any noises he made wouldn't disturb the cadet. He had barely sat down again when a soft knocking at the front door drew his attention towards it and thoughts of Angeal had him moving across the room in seconds.
It was therefore a surprise when he opened the door and was greeted but two figures, neither of which he had expected to see that evening.
"Reno, Cissnei?" He said, their names being spoken as a question in itself.
"Hello Zack." The brunet greeted softly, her gentle expression giving the soldier cause for concern.
"We need to talk." Reno added before anything else could be said.
"Now's not the best time." Zack replied, his eyes instinctively glancing towards the closed bedroom door to check it.
"He asleep?" Reno asked carefully, his foot now strategically positioned so that Zack couldn't close the door on them.
"Yes, why?"
"Because you and I are going for a beer and a chat." The red head replied evenly.
"I can't leave him alone Reno, you know that."
"Which is why Cissnei is here."
"It's true." The young female Turk chipped in kindly. "I'll watch over him while you boys are out talking."
"Thanks, but there's nothing to talk about." The soldier protested weakly, his head bowing slightly so that he didn't have to meet there eyes.
"Zack man, he attacked a group of cadets in class." Reno pointed out bluntly, his need to get through to the soldier outweighing anything else.
"I was there." The soldier informed them cautiously.
"Then you also know that he hit Sephiroth, theeee General Sephiroth." The red head spat out in a harsh whisper, his patience at trying to get through to his friend nearly gone now.
"I know, ok, I know." Zack snapped back, his worry and frustration now finding someone to vent on.
Both Turks looked at the soldier with concern, the mako glow now burning in his eyes showing that he was struggling with his emotions. The brunet and red head exchanged a quick glance, their expressions showing equal concern for their friend's current state.
"Zack this isn't like you." Cissnei pointed out calmly, her hand coming up to rest on the soldier's forearm. "Please, go with Reno and talk or at least get some air."
"I can't leave him." The soldier whispered, his voice sounding strained as he tried to remain in control of his anger.
"If you don't come and blow off some of that steam with me who are you gonna take it out on?" Reno asked, his direct question giving no doubt as to whom that person might end up being.
"I would never do that." Zack managed through gritted teeth, as he began to understand the implication of the red heads words.
"Not on purpose Zack, but it could happen." Cissnei added quickly, her hand now giving the soldier an affection squeeze. "Please trust me to look after him. If anything happens I will call you, I promise, but right now you need some space."
They watched anxiously as the soldier struggled with his thoughts and feelings, as he shifted restlessly in the door way while deciding what to do. Both breathed a silent sigh of relief when he nodded in agreement and moved to one side so that they could enter, with Cissnei moving silently over to the sofa and Reno remaining in the doorway while the soldier got his jacket. A few minutes later both Zack and Reno were leaving the apartment building, their progress down the path coming to a halt as a wave of guilt washed over the soldier causing him to stop and look back.
"Come on man, he'll be fine." The Turk reassured, gently pulling on Zack's arm to get his attention.
"I said an hour Reno and I mean it." The solder replied firmly, his eyes levelling with the red heads to show he was serious.
"Fine, but in that case you are going to talk."
"I told you there's nothing to ..."
"Damn it Zack I've known you too long to fall for that, so don't pull that shit with me." Reno cut in angrily. "Something's up and it's not just about what happened today. I saw it in your eyes yesterday as well, when Cloud went all quiet outside the diner, so we are going to talk whether you like it or not."
There was a moment of silence between them as both men simply stared at each other, the protesting words dying on Zack's lips as he took in the Turk's concerned expression. The annoyance quickly melted away to be replaced by guilt, the soldier now feeling regret for taking out his frustration on a friend, and knowing that in truth Reno was right. He looked away and sighed heavily before turning his gaze back towards the Turk, the need to talk to someone he could trust once more resurfacing within him.
"This another one of your serious 'friend talk' speech's?" The soldier asked, his attempt to lighten the mood giving Reno hope.
"Yes it is." The red head agreed hesitantly, his voice softer now as he tried to bring his own feelings back under control.
"I appreciate this Reno I really do, but I just don't know where to start." Zack admitted nervously, as he ran a hand through his untameable black spikes.
"Why don't we start with a beer and see what happens?" Reno suggested, his head nodding in the direction they should go.
"Ok, I guess that wouldn't hurt." The soldier agreed, the words being spoken as if to reassure himself more than the Turk.
"No, it won't." Reno agreed as they both began to move down the path again.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Far across the compound in another building there were two more friends who were about to have a similar discussion about the very same blonde haired cadet.
A knock at the door drew Sephiroth's attention away from the report on the desk in front of him and towards the person waiting patiently outside. He could already tell how it was by their very presence, the aura of the man currently hidden from sight being one he recognised easily.
"Come in Angeal." He called, knowing that the commander was only waiting out of respect for his rank.
The fact that Angeal had also done this was enough to let the general know that his friend was not here for a casual chat, the apparent need for formality showing the commander's unease about whatever it was they were about to discuss. Again Sephiroth had a pretty good idea what, or who they were soon to talk about.
"Seph?" Angeal asked cautiously as he entered the office, closing the door firmly behind him.
The general relaxed back in his chair and gave the commander a faint smile, silently letting the soldier know that formality was not needed here. It was clear from Angeal's hesitant use of his name that he wanted there to be an open discussion between them, but that he was also unsure how Sephiroth would react after what had happened today.
"You can relax Angeal, I am not going to punish the boy."
It was as if someone had suddenly cut the strings holding the commander up, his body practically slumping into the offered chair as he let out a relieved breath.
"I'm sorry Seph, if I had known ..."
"Angeal." Sephiroth cut in firmly, his eyes levelling with the commanders as he spoke. "You could not have known that any of this would happen."
"I still feel responsible. I did after all suggest he go back to class."
"And it was a wise decision." Sephiroth noted calmly. "No one could have predicted that there would be an incident like that."
"I still can't believe that he hit you. I'm not saying I approve of what he did to the other's, but to you ..."
"Angeal my friend I am glad you care so much, but let the matter go."
"What happens now?" The commander asked after a brief silence between them.
"The injured cadet's have been treated and will return to duties as will young Strife. I feel that things will be different for him in regard to them now."
"Do you think they will go after him?"
"Maybe, but not yet." Sephiroth spoke thoughtfully. "They will need time to work out his weaknesses before trying anything again."
"That is not a comfort." Angeal noted grimly.
"That is also not your main concern." The general added, his tone also becoming unsettled.
"What do you mean?"
"Young Strife's actions in the sector seven incident have made him stand out from his peers." Sephiroth replied carefully, as he observed the commander's growing unease.
"You mean by saving people lives?" Angeal questioned suspiciously, his chest tightening slightly as he began to get a bad feeling about where the discussion was going.
"It was not just anyone's life." The general corrected him, his eyes now watching his friend with concern. "He not only saved the lives of his patrol but also a high ranking soldier and he did it singlehandedly."
"He did what anyone would have done." The commander protested weakly, the bad feeling in his gut now spreading throughout his body.
"No." Sephiroth corrected harshly. "He acted above and beyond his station, and he did it with such efficiency that it has drawn unwanted attention his way."
"Who?"
"People who were content to ignore it as a passing interest until today."
"You mean Hojo?" Angeal asked, his blood now running cold.
"Yes." The general replied, his tone softer now as he saw the worry in his friend's eyes.
"Why would he be interested in Cloud?"
"In truth I am not sure. The boys' skills and abilities are already more than acceptable for a cadet, as we have already discussed, but they are still nothing compared to a soldier."
"What do you think it is Seph and be honest with me."
"I believe it was the detachment the boy showed during and after the incident." Sephiroth replied, sighing heavily as he let the weight of his words settle on the commander's shoulders. "It is rare to find a soldier potential who is able to distance themselves from the battle, it makes them ... valuable."
"It makes them better at what they do you mean." Angeal replied carefully, remembering to keep his rising anger in check.
They were both fully aware of the general's ability to switch off his limited emotions when necessary, the skill coming in quite useful when ShinRa required him to deal with a situation. It was something neither of them liked and both tried desperately to ignore.
"I saw it today Angeal, when he looked into my eyes. There was no emotion there, no fear, nothing."
"You almost sound surprised." Angeal noted cautiously, his hands now silently crushing the arm rests of the chair he sat in.
"I have met very few individuals who can meet my gaze Angeal, you of all people should know that." Sephiroth paused here, waiting patiently until the commander reluctantly nodded in agreement with his words. "This boy not only met my eyes but didn't hide away and in truth I found his expression to be ... unsettling."
Angeal's bowed head instantly snapped up to reveal a shocked expression upon his face, the wide eyes blinking for a few seconds as the commander quickly pulled himself back together.
"You ... but nothing unsettles you." He breathed, his own unease at the words evident in the tone of his voice.
"Indeed, which is why his case intrigues me."
"What are you going to do?"
"For now I will do my best to keep him safe for you, but my involvement must remain discrete. Hojo already pays enough attention in me, if he were to find out that I find the boy interesting it would only add to his own curiosity."
"How did he react to hearing that Cloud struck you."
"He wanted to know more of course."
"What did you tell him?"
"I told him the truth, that the blow was nothing more than an accident which happened when I broke up a fight between Strife and some of the other cadet's during training."
"Thank you."
"Do not thank me yet. I may have protected the boy this time, but I still have to convince the man that Strife is not worthy of his attention at all."
"Then Hojo has not given up?"
"No. There is something about the boy which still intrigues him and until that is erased or replaced with something else he will be watching."
"What would he do to Cloud if ..."
"There is nothing he wouldn't do in the name of science and for ShinRa." Sephiroth cut in firmly, his eyes now glowing with a burning green of mako to show his repressed anger.
"I will speak with Zack and make sure that he keeps a careful watch over Cloud." Angeal replied quickly, his words being a reassurance not only for the general but also for himself.
"Just make sure there are no more incidents which draw attention towards him." Sephiroth warned as gently as he could.
"I will." The commander responded confidently, his need to protect the people he cared about giving him strength and determination.
After a few minutes Angeal rose from his chair and left, his silent departure not being an insult to Sephiroth but more of an indication of how strongly he was being affected by the turn of events. The general listened as his friend left the outer office and moved away down the corridor, his enhanced hearing following the commander as far as it could until he was out of range. Then and only then did Sephiroth return his attention back to the report on his desk.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Back at Zack's apartment Cissnei sat quietly watching the television, her eyes occasionally being inexplicably drawn towards the bedroom door as she waited for the boys to return. She found herself wondering about the cadet who currently slept in what she knew was Zack's room, silently questioning how close the two had actually become in the past few weeks. The brunet sighed as she thought of the soldier's reaction again, his slipping control at the door showing that he did indeed have strong feelings towards the blonde. She whispered a silent prayer to the air that Cloud would remain sleeping and oblivious to Zack's absence, somehow knowing that if he awoke while the soldier was gone it would only cause more problems.