~!~

CHAPTER 7

~!~

Sephiroth sighed tiredly. Today was the worst. After his meeting with Hojo and Lazard, he was finally able to start his mission. Naturally, he finished all the required tasks, even captured some specimens on Hojo's request. He was ready to leave, but then a very specific helicopter of Turks arrived with an update on Sephiroth's current mission.

He had to spend yet another two hours doing more tasks for ShinRA, mainly because the dark haired Turk, Tseng, was too busy browsing through a small portable computer.

~More like giving me excuses as to not go into the fields and lift a finger~

His red head subordinate was no better. He disappeared and remained that way until the end of the mission.

So the Silver General ended up performing the extra mission by himself.

~It's not like I would let them help me, either way~

As if fate hated him, the clumsy red Turk knocked over one of the cages, causing the trapped creature to escape into the wilds. As an apology, the Turk offered to catch the monster, and Sephiroth allowed the red head to go with his offer.

He never returned.

Tseng advised Sephiroth to go check on the situation, and with a sigh, Sephiroth followed the Turk's directions if he wished to return to ShinRa in the same day.

Much to Sephiroth's dismay, a couple of illegal dealers had captured the missing Turk. After dealing with the small group of dealers and releasing Reno, Sephiroth came to discover that being taken hostage is the Turk's way to get into the enemies facilities to gather information.

~Their job sounds even more risky than mine. Have to give them a little credit~

So he spent another hour standing by a corner, waiting and watching the Turks examine the area and claim all of the goods for ShinRA's sake.

The Silver General only let out a relieved sigh when he saw Midgar by the distance. He didn't dare to make a mental dancing victory in his mind when The Turks announced that they were done and ready to leave. Nor did he react when he sat inside the helicopter. He didn't even dare to let out a sigh before the fat lady sang. In other words, until he was actually sure that nothing else would keep him from returning to the headquarters.

~I hope to make it in time to meet with Cid. I wonder what he did today~

Sephiroth checked the time. Somehow, in spite of all the unexpected surprises he had, it was still early. He already bathed, dried off and changed into normal sexy clothes. Then, he decided to do something that he didn't have the chance to do today. The Silver General went out to pick up his car before meeting with Cid. He had left him by the restaurant's parking lot, and left it there when he went for a long walk with the blonde.

~I completely forgot about it last night~

~!~

Angeal groaned audibly as he walked out of the infirmary. He insisted that Zack would get his treatment first, because he was the one who suffered the most damage. But, against the nurse's advice and before Angeal could put a stop to it, the younger dark haired male made a dash to meet with 'someone'.

~Stupid puppy~

The younger man even managed to hurt Angeal to the extent of needing bandages for a couple of hours.

~I got to hand it to him, though. Damaging a First Class in one strike is no easy task ~

The Dark General frowned. Just when he got over his hangover, now he had a sore body to deal with. Also he would have to fill out a report about the explosion and damage caused in the training room.

~Better start with it, if I want some rest tonight~

~!~

"And then I had to listen to the nurse's lecture. But I ran away before she got the chance."

Zack spoke to Cloud after swallowing a mouthful. Both males went over to a nice and calm fast food restaurant.

"Slow down on that, or you can add chocking into your injury's list."

Cloud pointed out, watching his dark friend devour rapidly the ten burgers that he ordered for himself.

"But I'm so hungry!"

"I really wonder if that's the mako's fault or if you have a hole in your stomach."

The dark haired male laughed and stole some of Cloud's fries.

"Probably."

The blonde narrowed his eyes, but allowed his friend's actions. Zack, however, raised his hands in defense.

"Hey, easy tiger! It's just fries."

Cloud blinked and shook his head in disagreement.

"It's not 'just' fries, Zack. It's 'my' fries."

The blonde emphases what he meant by taking a hold of his pack. Zack just watched with amusement as he took a sip of his drink before devouring the last burger.

~It feels so right to be with him. I wonder if he feels the same way~

The dark spiked head wondered, munching thoughtfully on his food. How could he know what Cloud felt? Then he grinned as an idea crossed his mind.

~I know! I'll set my moves on him in a club and see how he reacts to it~

"What you're thinking about, Zack?"

Cloud asked, looking over to his taller friend. Zack simply smiled at him and said;

"Wanna dance?"

Cloud blinked in confusion at the question.

"Huh?"

~!~

Cid felt much better now. He returned home, took a nice nap and properly prepared himself for his second date.

~Second date~

He was excited, and found the bus ride to be incredibly slow.

~Gosh, look a'me. I can't even wait to see 'im again~

He felt ashamed at his own emotions, but didn't want to let go of them. Cid never felt something so intoxicating about anyone, before. And he couldn't wait to see if those feelings were still there. He was very curious as to see if he was really crushing over the General, or if it was just all due to the excitement of joining the air force. He also questioned about Sephiroth's emotions and intentions towards him, as well.

~Guess I'll find out today if we connect that well or not~

Cid touched his lips unconsciously, but pulled away immediately. He didn't know what to expect on second dates. Everything could turn upside down on those.

~Wonder if he prepared somethin' for today too? Or am I s'pposed to have somethin' prepared this time?~

Cid felt panic form inside his chest, but it was too late to do back now.

~Now I feel stupid. That thought never crossed my mind~

The blonde stepped out of the bus when it arrived at Sector 8. He would have to improvise. Cid made his way to the same spot by the theater, where he stood last night. But much to his surprise, the Silver General was already there, leaning against the wall as he checked something on his phone. The blonde man took some time to admire the taller man. He was wearing something lighter and comfortable. The white shirt hugged his firm chest perfectly, and those blue jeans revealed the strong muscled legs of the man.

~Damn! He's only wearing normal clothes, but he looks so damn good in them~

Cid swallowed dry. The other man looked so normal, but his silver hair gave him an exotic aura. Cid began to walk towards the Silver General, but slowed down on his steps again.

~Wait. What do I do when I come over? Do I kiss him? Are we boyfriends, now?~

Those questions plagued the blonde so much that he failed to notice the General's approach. Sephiroth had noticed the blonde's presence ever since he arrived into Loveless Avenue, but he pretended to be distracted with his phone. Upon noticing the other man's uncertainty, he decided to walk over.

~Nervous, huh? I'll change that~

The silver haired man admitted silently that he was also feeling nervous. After their first kiss, many things were left to discuss.

~Perhaps today I can define what we are~

"Cid."

Sephiroth called out, watching the blonde intensely. The male had opted for a button shirt this time.

~I'll have fun taking off those buttons~

The taller man pushed those thoughts aside. He had yet to see if they were going that far ahead.

"Hey, Sephiroth."

Cid greeted back with a grin, but Sephiroth could sense nervousness in his voice.

"Are you alright?"

"Huh? Yeah… yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

Cid kept his grin up, but the taller man knew better.

"You look nervous."

Sephiroth smiled when he saw the blonde flush slightly. He was easy to read.

"You seein' things, Sephiroth. An' yer one to talk. You look kinda tired."

Cid pointed out, looking over at the silver haired man blink.

"Yes. I had a long day."

"Oh? Ye can tell me about it."

Cid offered with a smile, willing to listen to the man's problems.

~I got to buy me some time~

"I got something prepared for us."

He announced quickly and Sephiroth raised an eyebrow. The blonde did not sound confident at all.

"Oh?"

"You'll see when we get there."

Cid laughed nervously and motioned Sephiroth to follow, to which he complied, walking right beside the smaller man.

~Something prepared for me?~

Sephiroth liked the idea. He liked to have things done for him.

~I'm too spoiled, sometimes~

But the man's antics made him wonder what was wrong.

~What happened to all that boldness he showed me last night? What is worrying him?~

They walked side by side in silent for a couple of minutes before Cid opened his mouth to start a conversation.

"So, huh, what ye do today?"

~Where are we going?~

Sephiroth wondered as he followed close by Cid.

"I spent half of my day performing a mission."

They were heading towards a row of houses, to which he knew had no restaurants whatsoever.

"It was that hard?"

Cid asked, but his eyes were searching around the place.

~Isn't there a freakin' restaurant around here?~

"It wasn't hard."

Sephiroth explained. Cid looked over for a moment.

"On the contrary, I had a couple of unexpected setbacks that prevented me from finishing the mission."

The silver haired man grimaced at the thought of the Turks, making the blonde tilt his head curiously.

"Ye got to elaborate a little more on that."

Cid pointed out, chuckling at the male's expressions. Seeming to relax a bit, before resuming in his frantic examinations, Sephiroth's eyebrows lifted upwards slightly.

"Do you know where you're going?"

Sephiroth asked, not missing one bit of the blonde's actions.

" 'Course I do!"

Cid spoke firmly, looking up to the taller man with an offended look.

"So where are we, then?"

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow, watching.

"Huhhh….."

Cid stopped for a brief moment and looked around himself.

"We're in front o' door 302, see?"

Sephiroth chuckled and shook his head. They were indeed in front of a door with that number, but it did not cover the obvious fact that Cid was lost.

"You're lost, Cid."

"Am not!"

The blonde defended himself, becoming rather flustered.

"The restaurants are in the opposite way, Cid."

The Silver General pointed, watching the blonde turn over and scratch his head while mumbling a low 'Oh…'.

"What's going on, Cid?"

The shorter man let out a heavy defeated sigh, his shoulders dropping along with his actions.

"A'right, I'm lost. I admit it!"

"Cid?"

Sephiroth asked, placing a hand on his shoulder to give the blonde a reassuring squeeze.

"I'll come clean with ye. You were so nice an' attentive to me the other night, that I felt I should reattribute it, but…"

He trailed off for a moment, giving another defeated sigh before continuing.

"…I messed up on my plannin'. I lied. I don' have anything prepared."

Cid hung his head in shame, not ready to see the disappointment in Sephiroth's face.

"Cid?"

"Yeah?"

The shorter man didn't lift his head, but found himself leaning into that warm hand that still rested on his shoulder.

"You can surprise me on the next date, alright?"

~Next date~

Cid flushed in embarrassment, muttering a 'thanks'.

"I feel so stupid right now."

The blonde admitted, running a hand through his hair.

"You know, I am happy to know that you wanted to impress me. That means something to me."

Sephiroth admitted, watching the other man's reactions closely.

"Really?"

The silver haired man nodded with a smile and leaned over to plant a kiss on the blonde's cheek. Cid felt that he wanted to reattribute that small sign of affection and gave a quick peck on the General. When he pulled away and locked his blue eyes with green, he found one of the man's eyebrows slightly raised.

"You never dated before, have you?"

"I have, but not that many…"

He admitted with a shrug. Sephiroth wrapped an arm around the blonde in a daring manner.

"And how do you like this so far?"

Cid tilted his head at the question.

"Well, in spite of my failed attempt, I do like dating ye."

"Good, because I want to get to know you, Highwind."

"I agree, Sephiroth."

They shared a smile before Sephiroth released Cid from his embrace.

"Oh, and Seph?"

"Yes, Cid?"

The Silver General raised an eyebrow at that nickname and received a cheeky smile from the blonde.

"I like the way ye say my name."

The shorter man walked past Sephiroth as he spoke, and heard the other man chuckle audibly.

"You shaved."

Sephiroth pointed out, surprised at the fact that he just noticed it now.

"Huh? Yeah, I did. Didn't want ye to feel like ye were kissin' a barbed wire."

Cid explained with a shy grin, running a hand over his chin. Sephiroth hummed in appreciation, watching the younger man's features. He looked even younger, if that was possible.

~Good to know that he is also expecting something out of this~

They walked side by side to the restaurant's area in content silent for a while, before Sephiroth broke the silence.

"Given the circumstances, I assume that you will let me pay for our meals again, tonight?"

The silver haired man inquired, looking sideways at his companion.

"If I say no, ya'll take me to the most expensive place, won't ya?"

Sephiroth chuckled admittedly.

"Most likely."

"Sneaky bastard, aren't ya?"

Sephiroth gave out a small smile, turning his face towards Cid.

"I would refrain from naming me such things, Cid."

"Oh, it's not like I meant it the bad way or somethin'."

Cid tensed when he felt the warm breath of the General in his ear.

"I find it arousing, Cid."

Sephiroth refrained from laughing when the blonde gasped loudly at the confession.

"Geez, I'll be careful then…jus' until we are somewhere more appropriate?"

~You don't back down on anything, do you?~

Sephiroth smirked to himself, nodding at the blonde.

"That would be acceptable, yes."

"Then, huh, shall we?"

Cid spoke, motioning towards the restaurant's way.

~!~

(A/N: Weiss & Nero are not related in this story)

*We have some free time. Do you want to meet with us, Gen?*

Genesis read the message and pondered.

*Where do we meet? *

He asked, waiting for an answer by the computer.

*We want to go to the Honey Bee Inn. *

Genesis blinked. It was Weiss who replied.

*Huh? I heard some nasty things about that place….*

Genesis replied, unsure.

*Don't worry about it. We got your back, Gen. *

Nero reassured the red head with a smiley face.

*Alright. I trust you guys. *

"He's in."

Oh the other side, Nero and Weiss logged out of their respective computers after they confirmed the meeting place.

"Yes, indeed."

Weiss spoke with a smirk on his face, receiving a soft smile from his companion.

"Just be gentle with Gen, will you?"

"You're crushing so bad for him, aren't you, Nero?"

The white haired man laughed when he saw pink taint his lover's cheeks.

"S-so?"

"Aw, don't sulk, Nero."

Weiss spoke as he walked over and lifted the black haired man's chin upwards with his finger, before continuing.

"You can claim him all for yourself, tonight."

Nero nodded, receiving a quick kiss on his lips from the taller man.

"Don't break or scare Genesis. Promise me?"

Weiss groaned in dismay as he released Nero's chin.

"Alright, alright."

"Thanks!"

Nero threw his arms over his lover in appreciation. Weiss just scratched his head in indifference, but wrapped one arm around the other man.

"Yeah, don't mention it. I swear you love him more than me."

Nero brought a hand to caress the taller man's chest.

"I love you as much as I love Genesis."

"Oh yeah? Prove it."

"I've proved it plenty of times already."

Nero said with a pout.

"I want more of that."

Weiss said with an evil grin, but all he receiving was a playful hit on his chest.

"Let's get ready. We don't want to keep Genesis waiting, do we?"

"No, we most certainly do not."

Weiss smiled to himself, following the other male.

~!~

TBC