AN: This is the TCO Christmas Special! Yes, yes, it's an intermission and spoof in the story, but hey, who are you to complain? It's more S/C! It took me a while to get this going in my head, and practically all day to pull up and smush together, but I hope you like it all the same. After all, it's something I put together for you lovely readers and reviewers! And yes, of course, everyone's ALIVE! (Duh.)
Disclaimer: As usual, I do not own Squaresoft/Enix so I cannot possibly rightfully own FFVII, nor do I own the luscious male characters. I don't own the female ones either, but the males are more important! (drools)
The Complete Opposite
Intermission: A Wish Come True
By K
---
Eyes of the purest blue stared deep into the eyes of a mist-like green. Cloud never imagined he would fall in love with those cat-like eyes and their owner. As a silver bang fell in front one of those gorgeous eyes, he gently brushed it away, finally feeling comfortable with the contact of this other person. He didn't know how long they had been together, but it seemed like an eternity ago when they were still fighting each other and getting at each other's throat whenever they were childishly giving the other the Silent Treatment. Cloud wished they didn't have to fight for so long and so childishly. He wished he could've understood his feelings earlier and realize what was right and wrong. But, alas, there was nothing he could do about the past and was glad for his present and future. How often was it that someone fell in love with just the right person on the first try? Cloud never tried to get into a relationship with Tifa, and didn't really find Aeris his "type." He was just... uninterested. It worked out fine, anyway. Tifa married Barret and they both raised Marlene, and Aeris had Zack. It was a wonder how the two ever got together, but Cloud didn't feel like concerning himself with something that wasn't really his business. Cloud remembered a long time ago when he was training for SOLDIER and studying at the Academy, and was (unfortunately) rooming with Zack. The black haired man spoke often of a sweet, yet strange girl that grew a garden in her backyard, always clad in a simple, modest pink dress. Zack would explain how he would always visit this girl and help her with her gardening, then fell in love with her and asked her to be his girlfriend. Cloud always had a hard time imagining how Zack was when he was younger, and before he became painfully perverted and terribly too cheerful for his own good. When he finally met Aeris, the sweet, pink-clad girl, she was not like he imagined. Aeris was a little on the adventurous side, and not at all like the quiet brunette Cloud mentally imagined. Still, neither Aeris nor Tifa suited his fancy. In fact, there was practically no fancy to begin with! During the time he traveled with the girls and the rest of AVALANCHE, there was no time for romance, and he didn't bother setting his eyes on anyone. How could he when an evil, deranged man was always invading his mind and killing him from the inside out, driving him to the edge of insanity, all the while leading him all across Gaea to search for him? Talk about a bad case of obsessive-compulsive disorder! Cloud was chased and pushed all over Gaea in search for a single man. To stop him, yes, but still... Why was he subject to such a mad goose chase? Cloud would rather have cut to the chase (pardon the pun) and dealt with the man first off instead of experiencing all that hardship and pain. At least... in the end, he captured that forbidden dragonfly and kept it forever under his watchful eye in a crystal glass that accented its beauty. Never, ever, would he let it go.
"Cloud..."
The stress of his name brought Cloud out of his reverie and back to those green eyes and velvet voice. He loved that voice now that it lost its harshness and always spoke to him in a loving and sometimes seductive manner. At first, he never would have thought that voice could sound like silk on smooth skin, far too used to the chalkboard-grating harshness it usually carried. But now, he didn't know what he would do if that voice disappeared for the rest of his life.
A gentle kiss on his forehead pulled his attention to something else.
Cloud tilted his head and returned the kiss, savoring the sweet smell and feel of his love. Each kiss, from his very first to the one they shared now, was different, yet equally the same. They were always gentle, almost as if the owner was afraid to break him or hurt him. There were rare times when those kisses were rough and bit into his skin with aching pleasure, but only when Cloud pleaded for it. Otherwise, they were all like feathers dancing on the surface of a lake, spreading all over his body in a taunting and agonizingly wonderful manner. Every time those lips touched him in a sensitive spot, he would inwardly cry out for more, undergoing a battle of patience and self-control. He would want more and more, but had to struggle to control himself when those lips moved over his body and tended and teased another part of his skin. And when those luscious lips met his, it was like he was melting, both hot and cool at the same time. Each kiss directly on his mouth was a gift from heaven and a curse from hell, leaving him breathless and temporarily dazed afterwards.
As they broke apart, Cloud wrapped his arms around the broader body and curled into him, resting his forehead on a smooth, broader chest. Lips lightly kissed the top of his golden crown and a hand found its way around his waist, the tips of fingers sneaking past the waistline of his pants. Cloud squeezed his giant teddy bear and smiled against the other's chest, the feel of his larger frame so natural and comfortable to him. He remembered scarring this body many years ago, and then so recently trying to heal them. Cloud had once touched all those scars with the tips of his fingers, exploring and trying to figure out the story of each one. It was so surprising that only two were from him. Well, one really, but they were still done by him and his better. Both carried a painful story, and both weren't completely healed. Every emotion welled up in that body was just waiting to burst out. Cloud knew he hadn't heard even half of what he wanted or needed to hear, and it would take some time before his love found it right to reopen his wounds and tell the tales of his horrible past and deathly experiences, and let Cloud heal them.
Cloud rubbed at the ring on his left hand, resting on his fourth finger. It shone silver, and the words embedded in it were ones he would cherish forever. He felt a similar texture of metal at the base of his back. Yes, they both had bands, but they were as different as they were similar. While Cloud's was silver, the other was gold. He chuckled at the symbolism. Cloud would never let his dragonfly go, and the other would not let his birdie Cloud fly either.
The ways of love were most confusing, yet so magnificent and fun and the same time. Whenever there were no troubles, they would act so giddy it was astonishing. Once at each other's throats, they now embraced each other with the rare kind of love that many people did not see this time and age. After so many years of suffering and pain, it was hard for anyone on Gaea to experience true happiness when you knew that somewhere across the city or over the seas someone was in the midst of battle and many others were dead.
Cloud was happy to set an example for those of Gaea, and was even happier to come to such a wonderful "end." But, no, there never really was a "happily ever after" since they still moved on and continued to develop and deepen their relationship.
"Love..."
Cloud looked up into green eyes and blinked in question.
"Cloud, we should get out of bed now. That busty woman-friend of yours will be expecting you to help her at the bar today."
Cloud laughed. Yes, this man was the one he fell in love with. Beautiful, strong, and a mouth like a crotchety old fart of a man. With eyes that could be gentle in one moment, seductive the next, then raging mad in another, this man was suddenly now as open as a book, so easy to read when they were in each other's presence.
With a smile, Cloud answered, "Yes, Sephiroth, I suppose we should before Tifa barges in on us. I'm sure she wouldn't like what she'd see."
"Like she cares. She has an oaf of a husband to live with. What's two more men in bed any different, especially one as lovely as you?" said Sephiroth with a cat-like grin.
Ah, Sephiroth, the name once feared by all. Never was it associated with the word "flirt" or "complimenting." Now, though, it was a simple name used often and lovingly by a mere blonde, young man every day, and Sephiroth himself was open and constantly tried to find a way in making the blonde blush. Of course, there were times Cloud addressed the man with a stern edge in his voice in response to Sephiroth's behavior, but never did Cloud spit his name with venom. Raw hatred was no longer present between them. Sure, they got on each other's nerves from time to time like normal couples, but only because of each other's annoying habits.
Cloud reluctantly drew away from his silver-haired lover and kissed the man before sliding out of bed. He quickly searched for a pair of clean clothes and climbed into them. He knew Sephiroth was watching him, so he made sure to be slow, yet quick about his changing. When he had gotten a belt through his pants, a knock came to their door.
"Cloud? I need your help today. Get up and quickly come out, okay? Dressed, of course," came a slightly muffled voice of a woman.
Tifa. Yeah, that's her. Didn't sound like her, as she usually had that sharpness and bounce in her voice. Now, with Marlene to take care of, Tifa had to practice in using a kinder voice when around the little girl and be a proper mother to her. Every now and then her gentle voice carried into her normal speech and sounded strange to Cloud, but he got used to her softer tones in speech when he realized her physical manner was still the same. Tifa could still drop kick a drunk out of her bar without a bat of the eyelash. She could even take down a whole gang without breaking a sweat. After what she went through, drunks in her bar were nothing but annoying flies on her hundred-gil chocolate cake. Really she didn't need Cloud to guard her at the bar; she just needed someone to help her serve everyone and keep the business going whenever she had to "take out the trash."
"Sure, Tif, I'm coming. I'm almost ready."
"Thanks, Cloud," Tifa said through the door. "I really need your help today since it's the day before Christmas and all these drunks are trying to snatch a drink and a feel from me."
The sound of the woman's boots on the polished wood came and quickly faded as she left to tend to her supposedly rowdy customers. Cloud smiled at the door and slotted the tail of his belt into the next loop. Looking around, he searched for his hair tie while he pulled out a clean white shirt and buttoned it up, leaving the top two buttons loose. Evidently, the shirt he picked up was nearly see-through, courtesy of Zack, the idiot. The black haired AVALANCHE member gave it to him on his and Sephiroth's anniversary. Because they were friends, Cloud didn't have the heart to burn the horrible article.
"Once you're done working, let's go out," Sephiroth suddenly said.
Cloud picked up a strip of leather and used it to tie down his hair. It took many months to grow it out enough to pull it back into a ponytail. There were still a few uncooperative spikes, but they just accented his forbidden look. There were a lot of physical changes Cloud went through since the Meteor incident, and growing out his hair was one of them. Looking around for socks, Cloud spotted his old gloves. It had been a while since he'd worn them, and never put them back on if unless he was wielding his sword. But the last time he'd picked up a sword was so long ago...
Sephiroth asked Cloud to keep his gloves off, especially after they got together. Cloud supposed it was Sephiroth's way of telling others that Cloud was "off-limits." There really was no need, and he felt rather incomplete without his gloves, but for his love, Cloud put them away and never touched them again. The same went for his sword. Though it stayed in the room at all times, like Sephiroth's Masamune, Cloud never had the need to pick it up to fight. Cloud could never go without his sword, but since he wasn't fighting anymore, it stayed in the corner, collecting dust, near the head of the bed. Masamune, likewise to Sephiroth, flanked the other side of the bed, a reminder to any thief or wander-in whose room they trespassed.
"Where did you want to go?"
Sephiroth smiled, something Cloud adored, and answered, "I want to take you out somewhere. It's a surprise for you. After all, it's almost Christmas."
Cloud put a bow in his tie and walked back to the bed where Sephiroth sat. Leaning forward, he kissed the man and smiled down at him. "Thanks. I don't know when they'll clear out, or when Tifa will let me go, but if I can grab a lunch break, how about you show me then? You can treat me to lunch."
Sephiroth chuckled and caught the blonde by the wrist and kissed him. "Is that an order or just a suggestion?"
Cloud pushed at the taller man and threw him a "no-no" look. "Don't tempt me, Seph. And yes, I want you to take me out if you can. Or do you have to go to the office?"
Sephiroth shook his head. "I only need to turn in some paper work for Rufus. The rest of the day I have off."
Cloud smiled and nodded. "Good." He dug under the bed for his boots and pulled them on over his socks, lacing the twelve eyes. "I'll see you later, then."
As Cloud opened the door and gave a small wave before leaving, Sephiroth gave a quiet, "Bye, love," in return, catching the blonde off guard and a blush to form. Cloud didn't get to hear endearing words often, even though he knew Sephiroth loved him. The man's actions were enough to tell him how caring Sephiroth was. With an inward smile, Cloud made his way next door and immediately pulled two men apart that were starting to pull at each other's shirt. Tifa, on the other side of the bar, was picking apart another fight.
"Hey, break it up."
Cloud shoved the two men back into their seats and cracked a smile he always had whenever he worked in the bar. He had to "appear" pleasant, after all. Whenever Cloud had his bad mornings, he especially had to be nice around the others because if he wasn't careful, he could bite someone's head off, or hurt them far more than necessary. (Not like he cared or anything as long as he was happy in the end.)
"Cloud! Finally. Could you serve those two tables over there for me, please?" Tifa called when she heard the blonde's voice, nodding with her head to the two tables she had addressed.
Cloud tore away from the bickering men with a warning look and nodded to Tifa. The two tables she indicated were near the entrance, and remarkably, one of the few tables that didn't look like they were trying to start a fight. Heading for the nearest one, Cloud smiled and addressed the guests.
"Welcome to Tifa's 7th Heaven: Restaurant and Bar. What would you like to order?"
The table consisted of four persons: two men and two women. The women stared at Cloud in such an obvious manner that Cloud had to look at the two men first. The men were disgruntled that such a man was working here, and guessed it was probably why almost a third of the guests in 7th Heaven were females of various ages. Cloud didn't like the attention he got from the women, nor the glares from their husbands or boyfriends whenever he passed their table, but it couldn't be helped. This was probably why Sephiroth had him keep his gloves off. New customers didn't know he was already taken, and regulars knew not to touch him or else face the wrath of a certain silver-haired man. Cloud laughed inwardly at the thought, remembering the first time someone tried to grab his butt in Sephiroth's presence. Sephiroth was still trying to get used to the fact that Cloud was going to be working with other men and women that might try to make a move on him. And, that unfortunate day he had off, Sephiroth was standing behind the bar helping Marlene reach glasses and bottles out of her reach, and a drunk customer dared to grope Cloud. Cloud himself wasn't used to people touching him everywhere and yelped in surprise, nearly dropping his tray of empty glasses. Sephiroth was at his side in an instant, dragging the drunkard out of the bar before Tifa could even react, and beat the man so violently, Cloud had to run outside and stop his lover from killing the man. Now, thankfully, the regulars and those who were at the bar that day knew what territory they were crossing into if ever they upset the blonde or did something they would try on a whore on the street. Sephiroth, everyone knew, was not a man to be messed with, especially when it came to Cloud.
When the men ordered, Cloud turned to the two women and did his best to get their orders quickly without lingering too much as they tried to make conversation with him. He left with a smile and went to the bar to pick up his waiter's pad to write down everything they said. Marlene greeted him as she expertly twirled a liquor bottle and poured the liquid into a shot glass.
"Cloud, is Sephiroth going to help us today?" was the small brunette's voice. She was wise beyond her years and Cloud wasn't too surprised when it was her who figured out his feelings for Sephiroth first.
"I'm not sure. He has to turn in some paper work, so he probably won't be here for a while. Do you think your mom will give me an hour lunch break?" he asked.
Marlene shrugged and glanced at Cloud out of the corner of her eye. As the blonde tied his black waiter's apron around his waist, she said, "Maybe. But it all depends on how business goes then and if she can find a replacement for you in those few hours. Knowing you, Sephiroth will try to keep you away from work for more than an hour."
The two laughed at this, as it was true. Sephiroth tried a few times to pull Cloud out of work, which was very uncharacteristic of him. Always prompt with his work, Sephiroth was hardly the man to let Cloud slack. But, to everyone's surprise, the man tried and did his best to keep Cloud happy and his life exciting, taking the blonde to different places and riding with him on their chocobos. For White Day, Sephiroth gave Cloud a gold chocobo, raised by Sephiroth himself. Cloud couldn't have been happier that day; he named the oversized chicken Ashur, tribute to the bird's manner and his lover's past life. Every White Day, Cloud and Sephiroth went riding on their chocobos.
Cloud pocketed his waiter's pad and pulled out two beer bottles and uncapped them. Coming out from behind the bar, he gave the two men their drinks and told the women he would be right with them as soon as he visited the other table and got their orders. The women cooed over him and bid him a farewell that was best saved for when their lovers went to war. Coughing inwardly at his situation, Cloud ventured to the other table and was surprised to see all of them wearing some sort of hood to hide their faces.
Nonetheless, Cloud smiled and pulled out his pad, flipping to the next blank page to take their orders. "Welcome to Tifa's 7th Heaven: Restaurant and Bar. What would you like?"
The group at the table glanced at each other and silently showed him what they wanted to order off the menu. Cloud was a little suspicious of their hoods, but didn't say anything as he wrote down what they wanted and quickly made his way back to the bar. Someone (a drunk) caught him halfway and tried to touch him. Cloud automatically clocked the man and moved on, sliding the orders back into the kitchen where a grumpy man was cooking, a white cook's outfit a big contrast to his mahogany colored skin. The man's right arm was a prosthetic, replacing the arm gun Cloud had gotten used to in his first few years knowing the man.
"What the #&$ is this?" the large man in white said, staring down at the orders like they were aliens from the next galaxy over.
Cloud, used to the man's vulgar language, simply answered, "Two new orders from those tables by the front." He turned away before the large man could curse anything else at him and tended to the customers' beverages.
Cloud served the two tables and tended to the rest of the restaurant like Tifa, breaking up any fights and throwing anyone out when necessary. The hours went by quickly, and Cloud had seen neither hide nor glimmer of silver hair from Sephiroth all morning. He didn't expect to, because Sephiroth barely stepped into the bar. It was only when he had his rare days off and had nothing planned for the day that the silver-haired man set foot into the restaurant and helped Marlene behind the bar. Otherwise, if he had something to do (most likely), Sephiroth wouldn't go where Cloud worked for fear of seeing something he didn't want to see or worse. They both knew that Cloud could take care of himself, but in the beginning it was a bit of a struggle for Cloud to convince Sephiroth that he didn't need any saving. Yes, Sephiroth had a period where even he was the obsessive boyfriend. Hard to believe, but it was true. Cloud could laugh now at those times when they would argue and Cloud would end up being frustrated by the end of the day having to deal with Sephiroth's obsession "disorder."
Slowly, the customers cleared out, and by an amazing one o' clock, only a few customers were left lingering at the bar and eating. The same hooded group stayed through all hours, barely making any noise. It was a wonder as to why they would stay after they had paid for their meal and only ordered a drink or two every once in a while, but as long as they did no trouble, Cloud didn't complain, and Tifa seemed fine with their presence. Marlene took a break and Cloud replaced her behind the counter, tending to a few guests. It wasn't long until they left and tipped Cloud for his service. Cloud bid them farewell and started to clean up.
Tifa snapped her towel and smiled as she stood up straight from wiping down her last table. "That wasn't as bad as I thought it was. They cleared out pretty fast, don't you think?"
Cloud looked up from the glass he was cleaning. "Yeah. Are you closing for the afternoon since it's so slow?" He placed the clean glass in its proper place and picked up another.
Tifa threw her rag over Cloud's shoulder, the towel making a wet flop noise as it hit the edge of the counter. "Probably. Why? Are you going out with that man of yours?"
Cloud nearly dropped the glass in his hands. "Tifa!"
Tifa plopped down onto one of the bar stools. "Like it's something new? I have no problem with you going out. I guess we can all take a few hours off."
Cloud composed himself and smiled. "Thanks, Tif."
"Does this mean that he's free to go?" a familiar voice interrupted.
Tifa casually looked over Cloud's shoulder and finger waved at the tall man in black standing there. "Already? That was pretty quick."
Cloud looked over his shoulder and smiled at his lover. He put away the glass and tossed his rag at the counter on his other side, his towel landing near Tifa's. "Are you back already? I thought Junon took longer than this."
Sephiroth stepped closer to the bar, but stayed outside of it. He noted the hooded group at the table in the front, and made sure to check himself. "Rufus didn't delay me this time. He just needed those papers and dismissed me."
Cloud lifted a brow. "Really? Huh. Well, are we going now or do you need to do something first?"
"Are you finished here?" Sephiroth asked. Cloud looked at Tifa who grinned and nodded. "Then let me get something from the room and we can go."
Cloud walked out from behind the bar. "Want me to grab Ashur?"
Sephiroth nodded and disappeared behind the door leading to the hallway that connected all their rooms next door. Cloud turned to Tifa and untied his apron. "Are you, Barret and Marlene going to have the day off?"
"We'll probably just take a few hours off. Do you want to open up this evening?" Tifa asked, brushing hair over her shoulder.
Cloud shrugged. "Did you need me at a certain time?"
"Oh, well, people probably aren't going to be coming in tonight, so we can open up a few hours later. We can open up around seven. Get here at six-thirty if you can manage it. I know how you two just can't stay away from each other," she laughed.
Cloud threw his apron onto the counter and shook his head. "Same goes for you, Tif. I'll see you later."
"Bye Cloud!" Tifa called after his disappearing figure before sighing and turning around in the stool to face the hooded group. "Well, how's that for a warm couple?"
The ones who had their backs to Tifa turned around. The nearest one lowered his hood and grinned, shaking his head of black locks. "It's been a while, but they seem to be getting along fine," he said. "Can't wait until tonight, though. It'll be great! Thanks for lending this place out, Tifa."
Tifa crossed her legs and snorted at the man. "Just as long as you don't burn the place down, Knightblade. Otherwise, I'm making you pay for the whole thing: insurance and rebuilding and refurnishing the place. It'll come right out of your pocket."
The black haired man grinned and flapped a hand to assure her. "No worries, Tifa. While you're enjoying your afternoon with your hubby and that cute girl of yours, we'll be fixing this place up AND not breaking anything!"
"We'll make sure Zack doesn't touch anything, Tifa," a low voice said, coming from one of the other hooded figures. When the hood was lowered, the familiar shine of red eyes behind a curtain of long black hair revealed the character to be Vincent.
Tifa grinned. "Good to see you, Vincent. Glad there's someone to look after this idiot."
Zack protested but his argue failed as the others got up and pulled down their hoods, greeting Tifa and immediately setting to work. It would take them all the hours they had to get this place fit for a party and a certain couple. It took them a long time to get used of their two leaders of AVALANCHE in a relationship together. One was their official AVALANCHE leader, fearless and fearsome; and the other was someone who used to be their enemy, diabolical and deranged. ...Cloud and Sephiroth. Together. Who would've thought...?
Zack glanced at the door where Cloud disappeared and grinned. Well, at least he knew way back then. He guessed it a long time ago, and had no doubt when they finally did. Now, he knew Cloud was running outside to quickly get ready for whatever Sephiroth had planned, whistling for his chocobo.
Ashur was nipping at a few weeds in the backyard when he heard Cloud's call. The bird trotted up to its master and nuzzled him. Cloud petted the bird and smiled as it cooed. Like the person it resembled, Ashur was kind towards Cloud and rough around everyone else. Only Sephiroth's bird, Sin, could control it, like how only Cloud could really stop Sephiroth from doing something stupid. How symbolic...
"Ready?"
Cloud looked over his shoulder to see Sephiroth approaching him with Sinclair. They looked so alike. Cloud chuckled at the thought and nodded to Sephiroth. "Yes. But where are we going?"
The corner of the silver-haired man's lip curled slightly upwards as he mounted his bird. "Somewhere familiar. Mount your bird, you'll see."
Cloud did as he was told and climbed onto Ashur. He followed Sephiroth out of Kalm and across the plains of Gaea. The gentle wind blew more quickly as they rode on their chocobos, the fast speed of the Black and Gold chocobo equivalent to a rollercoaster going down after the first drop. When the birds came to the edge of the continent, Sephiroth slowed them down to a trot, letting the birds pad their way across the water and over the several islands leading the way to the northern continent that was blanketed in snow and ice. Sephiroth slowed them down to a walk until they came upon the mine village. It was still small and the number of people there only grew so much over the years, and they still guarded the entrance to the Sleeping Forest, a forbidden forest that no one went through for fear of getting lost or dying. Only those who had traveled it before with the aid of the Lunar Harp could recognize the real path leading to the City of the Ancients. Cloud didn't know why they were visiting this place on such a day, but didn't object as they demounted and walked through the village toward the forest. An old woman near the entrance of the forest looked up from her work and smiled at the two. She automatically took their chocobos for care while they entered the forest.
Sephiroth took Cloud's hand once they were away from the entrance and kissed the back. "Do you know where we're going?"
Cloud looked up at the silver-haired man and nodded. "The City of Ancients. Monsters no longer linger here, but why are we here? I was expecting something not quite like this."
"What did you want instead?"
Cloud shook his head. "I'm not saying I don't like coming here; I'm just wondering why. This is the most unique place you've brought me."
Sephiroth looked forward and led the blonde through the maze leading to the City. "The City is a little different from what you last remembered. I wanted you to experience its beauty once more, especially on a day such as this."
"Christmas?" Cloud asked.
Sephiroth nodded as he helped Cloud over a log in the middle of the pathway. It was unnecessary, but it gave him a reason to touch Cloud more without completely ravishing him. "I wanted to spend this day with you, as much as I could."
Cloud smiled in embarrassment. "Thanks, Seph. Too bad you can't. I have to get back to work around six tonight."
Sephiroth nodded. "I'll help you."
Cloud looked up at his lover in surprise. "Are you sure?"
Sephiroth threw the other man a snort. "If I have to suffer through your getting molested just to spend more time with you, yes. I won't stand still if a fight breaks out or someone starts harassing you."
It was almost a warning. Cloud laughed and nodded, quickening his step a bit to keep up with Sephiroth's long strides. "Well, we'd better enjoy ourselves and get to the City quickly if you're going to be grumpy later on."
"You make me sound crotchety."
"Well, you are," Cloud laughed. "It's hard even nowadays to get your to smile around others."
Sephiroth didn't supply an argument for that. He knew that he wasn't too friendly around others, much less social. He saved his smile for certain people and on certain occasions. Cloud was practically the only person who ever saw him smile so often (which really wasn't so much against normal social people who smiled at least five times a day).
"At least I can see you smile," Cloud said quietly as they continued on to the City, following the stone path.
"Now you sound like a love-sick girl not even in her twenties with her first man," snorted Sephiroth.
Cloud laughed. "Love-sick? Maybe I am, but I don't here you complaining with how I act."
Sephiroth shook his head and pushed aside one of the sea-like plants leading to the center of the City. Cloud ducked under Sephiroth's arm and walking into a haven full of colors and life. Light that seemed to appear out of nowhere radiated off the walls and the floor, bouncing off even the ceiling. Strange colors shone in his eyes as he turned to Sephiroth and drew the man into a hug. The silver-haired man returned the blonde's hug and led him down the colorful path to the opening leading to the lake and shell-like structure. By the lake, the two men took of their boots. Cloud dared standing in the water and was shocked to find it only slightly cold. He suspected the water to be cold like before when Aeris sank below, but now it was absolutely perfect. Cloud didn't bother rolling up his pant legs as he walked forward a foot or two, getting the hems of his pants wet. Staring down into the water reminded him of something he had done a long time ago, something he needed to forget.
Sephiroth stood up and came up from behind Cloud. He wrapped his arms around the blonde's waist and rested his head against he blonde's shoulder. "We can't regret something from the past. We can only move forward."
Cloud overlapped Sephiroth's arms around him and tilted his head back. "I know. I can't regret, but I can't forget either."
"I never said to forget it. Just... let it go. I'll be here."
Cloud smiled and leaned against Sephiroth. "Thank you."
Sephiroth welcomed the man by kissing his jaw, turning him around to kiss him again. Cloud reached forward and entangled his fingers in the man's silver tresses, wrapping his arms around his neck. Forever gentle, Sephiroth kissed Cloud on the lips, slowly deepening it and making it something more. Cloud opened his mouth and soon was enveloped in a feeling so pure and great he lost himself in the kiss.
It seemed like an eternity before Sephiroth pulled away and drew them out of the lake. Cloud moved his arms and wrapped them around Sephiroth's larger frame, burying his face in the man's broad chest. When they broke apart, Sephiroth led Cloud away from the lake and into the shell structure, following the spiral steps until they reached the entrance to the City below. They descended the steps and followed the long path down to the crystalline city. Down below, they passed different buildings until they came to the secluded platform. The two jumped across the raised pillars onto the platform where Sephiroth finally let go of Cloud to pull something out of his pocket. Cloud wasn't looking when Sephiroth did this, his back to the entrance as he stood in the center of the platform and looked beyond to the emptiness that led nowhere certain. Sad and strange memories started to surface, and quickly dissipated when something obscured his vision. Taking hold of it, Cloud held it out in front of him find the item to be a single silver hoop earring.
"An earring, love?" he questioned, turning around to face the taller man.
Sephiroth smiled. "Remember when I got your ears pierced but never gave you earrings? A single earring."
Cloud snorted. "For Christmas? I expected something else."
"You don't like it?"
Cloud shook his head. "I'm not saying I don't. I'm just... skeptical. How sure are you that I'll wear it?"
Sephiroth took the earring from him and fastened it onto Cloud's right ear. "Because it's from me."
"You never know, I might reject your presents one of these days." Cloud tried to suppress a laugh when Sephiroth bent his head and licked at his ear. "It's so gaudy! I'm a walking jewelry case, thanks to you."
Sephiroth wrapped his arms around his lover to keep him from pushing away. Cloud tried his hardest to keep from laughing as Sephiroth kept attacking his ear, but failed miserably; the earring just added to his sensitivity. Sephiroth pushed the laughing man down until they crashed to the floor of the platform, trapping him. Expertly, he released the man's ponytail and lost himself in Cloud's unique scent. He nipped at Cloud's neck, flicking his tongue out at a sensitive spot under Cloud's jaw line. Cloud practically melted under his every touch. His chest was soon open for Sephiroth's attack as the man deftly snapped the buttons apart and opened the shirt to his liking. Cloud freed one of his hands and brought Sephiroth to him, kissing that vicious mouth that spoiled him.
"What did you expect instead of the earring?" Sephiroth asked at last after their tumble.
Cloud was still trying to gain his breath, splayed out on the crystal. "A baby," he joked, turning his head to catch Sephiroth's horrified look. He laughed and brought the man's hand to his lips, kissing the palm. "I'm kidding. No, we don't need a child. You're enough."
Sephiroth shook his head. "Cloud, for the first time in my life I nearly had a heart attack. Never say something like that again." He chuckled and cupped the smaller man's chin, drawing him forward for a short kiss.
"Actually, I didn't know what to expect. I'd still love you even if you didn't get me anything. I don't need anything but your love."
Sephiroth snorted. "You damn cliché romance novel."
Cloud grinned. "You crotchety old fart."
Sephiroth smiled and kissed the blonde before getting up, pulling the blonde up with him in one motion. "We're even. Now, let's get back before Tifa starts her motherly rampage for bringing you late."
Cloud nodded and they reluctantly left the City, walked through the forest, and retrieved their chocobos back from the kind old woman. They bid her farewell and set back across the sea to the eastern continent where Kalm was. They had a few moments to spare, so they showered and changed back home before making their way to the restaurant.
The lights were out and Cloud had to feel his way around the wall for the light. He bumped into a few things that he didn't remember being there, and cursed when he stubbed his toe on a chair.
"Why in the world is everything out of order?" he cried, grabbing Sephiroth's arm for support.
Sephiroth steadied his lover and he searched the wall for the light himself. He knew they were by the front door, but since he was never in the bar, he didn't actually know where the light switch was. After a few moments, he found it and flicked the switch. Almost immediately after the lights went on, there was a shout of "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" throughout the restaurant.
Cloud turned around in Sephiroth's arms to see his fellow AVALANCHE members wearing festive clothing and screaming joyously. Zack, dressed in red and white with a matching cap, sauntered up to them with a grin. "Look where you're standing, love birds," he crowed.
Cloud turned and looked up immediately and saw mistletoe just inches above Sephiroth's head. "For crying out loud! Zack!"
Sephiroth looked down at the blonde and let a smile show. Catching the blonde's attention, he cupped Cloud's chin and drew him into a kiss. Cloud closed his eyes in the midst of bliss and wrapped his arms around the man's neck. He was in heaven. It was only on special days such as this one that Cloud was showered with kisses and constant shows of affection from Sephiroth.
"Yeah! Show me action!"
The sound of a girlish giggle and the constant click of a camera shutter interrupted the kiss. Cloud settled back onto the heels of his feet, barely realizing he stood on his toes to kiss Sephiroth. He turned and looked over his shoulder to see Yuffie with a camera in her hand and video recorder slung around her neck.
"Yuffie."
Sephiroth nipped at Cloud's ear before turning to the young AVALANCHE member. "Shove that at us again and I'll break it," he growled.
Cloud chuckled and slowly dropped his arms. "He means it, Yuffie."
Yuffie wrinkled her nose and mocked a glare at the two. "Oh-! You wouldn't be able to catch me you powder puffs!" Despite her comeback, she edged away from them.
The rest of the AVALANCHE members laughed and started cheering. Zack whooped and yelled something about a party. Cloud and Sephiroth exchanged looks of pity and "Is Zack on more crack than usual, or what?" before they were dragged apart by the said man and forced to mingle. Cloud tried to get back to his partner many times, but Zack stuck to his side like rubber cement glue and made sure they didn't get too close to each other and escape the party. Surprisingly, Vincent was also helping with Zack's plot and kept to his son's side. There rarely was a time that Vincent participated in such a devious and moronic plot, but whenever he did, there was no hope of escaping if you were held captive. If you weren't scared to death by his appearance and dark demeanor, you were once he unleashed his demon. Vincent was a man of his word, and if he thought the good consequences outbalanced the bad consequences, he would apply himself to the cause. After all, he helped defeat JENOVA and save the Planet even after all the pain he experienced.
The party involved drinks, yelling, singing, and a bit of dancing. Eventually Zack and Vincent let the lovers go and escape the noise. Slightly tipsy, Cloud had to wrap himself around Sephiroth for support. Sephiroth didn't object as he slung an arm around the blonde's waist. He loved the other man's scent, and the sip of alcohol made his emotions just a bit more intense. The two walked out of the bar and detoured from their house to take a nightly stroll. On a day such as this, the Eve of Christmas, not many people were out and about. Even the homeless and troublesome children were asleep and curled in their beds. Cloud and Sephiroth passed by a few children that were sleeping together under a warm blanket, probably given by one of the caring parents for the cold winter night. Kalm was a beautiful place on a winter night, very few clouds in the sky as stars shined overhead. Sephiroth took Cloud up to the clock tower in the north corner of the town, leading the blonde upstairs to the top balcony. There, they stood facing the Northern Crater and the lights that seemed to come from the mountain itself. It was beautiful sight and perfect for Christmas Eve. Cloud held tighter to his lover and let himself be enveloped in that big, warm embrace. He forgave Zack for keeping him away from his lover, Tifa for helping Zack in hosting her bar, Vincent for keeping Sephiroth occupied, and Yuffie for interrupting their kiss. If not for them, he wouldn't have been able to enjoy the warmth that was Sephiroth and the love their shared; he wouldn't have been able to see the lights from the Crater blanket the sky with majestic colors that bedazzled the eye; he wouldn't have been able to share this blissful moment...
Just like a play and on cue, a star shot overheard. Cloud tugged at Sephiroth's shirt and pointed to it. "Make a wish, love."
Sephiroth hugged the blonde tighter and kissed the top of his head. "My wish already came true."
Cloud smiled and tilted his head to kiss the silver-haired man. "I made my wish."
"And what's that?" asked the Ex-General when he pulled away.
"A child," Cloud said with a grin.
Sephiroth froze before shaking his head. "I told you not to say that. What did you really wish for?"
Cloud kissed the man and breathed, "You."
Sephiroth smiled and leaned down to meet the man's lips. Behind them, the clock tower struck twelve o' clock, the start of a new day: Christmas, the most special day of the year. Well, the second most special day of the year. Valentines was still a few months away, after all...
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE...
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AN: At a stop of over 15 pages, I hope everyone enjoyed the story. I would've had it juicier, but I couldn't put it on this site. I just hope you like the TCO Christmas special. Happy Kwanza/Hanukah/and any other holiday out there that's similar to Christmas. I hope you get lots of love and presents from your loved ones this year. Consider this story a gift from me to you. Please, do share it with others; I want it to be loved by everyone. And yes, that last line was a hint for upcoming things. I just hope I can make it. Till then, please stay warm over the winter holidays and look out for the new chapter of TCO.
Thank you!
PS: Please don't confuse the intermission with the rest of the fanfic. Cloud may be with Seph in the alternate universe and everyone's dandy and all alive, but this snippet is not part of the story. Once again, please don't confuse the two. Thank you, and please leave a comment!