Silmeria - This idea has been sitting in the barn for a while and why not give it a try and see how you guys like it?

Disclaimer- I claim no rights to Final Fantasy VII

Chapter Five - A Hidden Shadow

Cloud stared down at the bouquet of forget-me-nots before looking up at Aerith with a sad smile and pressing the bundle into his chest. He lowered his head and shuddered as one of his tears hit a petal before sniffing and meeting Aerith's eyes again.

"Thank you."

The gratitude was sincere and full of love and Aerith could only nod before turning her back to Cloud so that she could hide her own tears. It had been three months now and winter had vanished and Spring was taking its place forcing Cloud to realize that Midgar had not only shed its cloak, but had bloomed like a field of flowers. Gone were the dark cloaks and the fires that warmed homes and in its place were merchants who brought out fresh produce and colorful clothing for the dancers and rare mages who fluttered along the cobblestone streets like phantoms of good will. But, despite the good cheer that Midgar shared over surviving its harsh winters, Cloud was forced to come to the realization that more than half a year had passed since his parents died outside Midgar's borders which explained the bouquet of forget me nots in his hands.

It was his mother and father's favorite flower. It was the flower that the began and ended their courtship with and Cloud wanted to hate it, wanted to throw the flowers in the flames, but every time he looked at the petals he was reminded of his father and the smell of his mother. He didn't have the heart to toss them away, so, he gave Aerith another smile despite the tears rolling down his pale cheeks.

"Thank you, Aerith. It means a lot to me that you remembered."

Aerith shook her head, her back still turned to her friend-her family. "How could I forget? When your family helped mine out so much?" Aerith turned, looking uncomfortable but sincere when she asked. "Do you need an escort? To see their graves, I mean?"

"No." Cloud murmured, knowing that the Beta meant well, but he could clearly see that she was a might uncomfortable with the thought of seeing lost loved ones. It reminded her too much of her father, he supposed. "But, thank you." Cloud turned towards the door and gathered his cloak, putting it on and letting the hood remain off. It had become too warm to wear it, but cold enough to still wear the entirety of the cloth. "I'll be back soon, okay? Tell Mama Ifalna that I'll be careful."

"I will."

Cloud stepped through, closing the door behind before taking a deep breath and bumping into a thick chest. He looked up, taking a step back and feeling the heat rush to his face when he realized whom he had bumped into.

"Lord Fair." Cloud struggled to hold the smile as he bowed his head in greeting and reverence. "Good morning."

"Cloud." Zack tilted his head to the side, a smile pulling at his lips in exasperation. "What did I say the last time?"

Cloud huffed, keeping his head lowered at the gentle, but firm chiding. Spring had also brought interesting changes in the form of rather charming lord who had yet to stay away from the Faremis-Strife household, much to Aerith's displeasure, but to Cloud? He found the man's presence soothing and a touch intimidating. After all, why would a lord want with an Omega who had lost his sires?

"Good morning, Zack." Cloud corrected gently, his eyes scanning the crowds warily. Over time, Zack's presence had garnered more attention than even Ifalna wanted for their small shop and Cloud wanted to tell the man not to come so often, but how do you tell the Alpha and Lord of Midgar not to come to your home and shop? Not only would it be an insult, but it would personally hurt Zack's feelings. Despite the hidden feelings, Zack had come to care for the Faremis' and Cloud himself-the Omega more so than the two women and in deepest part of Cloud, he was elated at such a fact. As an Omega, he was filled with glee that he managed to capture the attention of an Alpha that was as handsome and charming as Zack, but the logical side of him panicked.

Surely, someone of Zack's caliber had someone? The woman, Lady Cissnei of Junon, seemed like a wonderful candidate and he did want to inquire about it, but he had a feeling that Zack wouldn't or didn't want to talk about it.

"Are you well?" Zack stepped closer, a smile pulling at his lips. "You're quiet and withdrawn. Did I say something wrong?"

"No." Cloud murmured, lowering his head so that Zack couldn't see his blush. "It's-you're fine, umm, was there something you wanted? Aerith is here, but Mama Ifalna isn't for the moment and I'm-" Cloud stopped, his face paling and his lips became pinched. "I'm about to leave the city for a couple of hours."

"Oh?" Zack looked cautious, but the curiosity was there. "Are you going to Kalm? For ingredients?"

"Yes...and no." Cloud clutched the bag closer to his chest. "It's-well."

Zack drew back, that same cautious expression came back and a flinted smile pulled at his lips. "It's alright. You don't have to tell me. I'm sorry that I pressed."

"No." Cloud stepped closer, his eyes dark with pain. "My-my parents." Cloud shook his head. "I'm visiting my parents grave." Cloud turned his eyes away, not wanting to see Zack's expression of pity, but he was quite surprised when he felt a hand under his chin that forced his eyes back to Zack to see a sad expression on the Lord's face.

"I am sorry for your loss." Zack murmured, his lips still pulled into that sad smile. "Do-do you have an escort? I can take you if you want? Is it far? We can rent a chocobo."

"It's not far at all, Zack." Cloud reached up and clasped his hand with Zack, a warm feeling settling at the pit of his stomach. This wonderful, kind-hearted man was making his heart melt and Cloud was at a loss as to what to do about it. "I don't want to be a bother about it and I do not lie, it's not far from Midgar." Cloud blushed at his next words. "I don't think it's best that we're seen alone nor to go anywhere alone."

Much to his surprise, Zack huffed and folded his arms and took in Cloud's appearance with a chiding eye. "It's a crying shame that I can't take my friend to go see his parents when the entire world thinks I'm going to debauch him."

"Zack-"

"I am the Lord and Alpha of Midgar and I go and do as I please and if I want escort my friend outside the city, well, then that's what I'll do. Besides, an Omega shouldn't be travelling alone in the first place. Tis the reason why I always make sure that there's a caravan with Beta's should an Omega need an escort or a family is heading out." Zack shook his head, his violet eyes growing worried. "There have been strange creatures out in the plains as of late and I worry for my people. Thus, the reason why I asked if you need an escort. For, I, too, need to leave the city to meet up with an investigation team I sent out a week prior. They have asked for me, you see."

"Oh," Cloud murmured in understanding, his eyes lighting up when he met Zack's amused ones. "Well, since we're going the same way, why don't I join you? We can make a small trip out of it?"

"But, of course, Sir Strife." Zack held out his arm, his lips pulling into a beaming smile. "I would be honored. Do you have everything you need? We won't be back for a day or so."

"No, I'm afraid that I don't have a lot of supplies, only the essentials for a couple of hours-"

"That will be enough, plus what I brought and besides, we'll be back before dawn so we can put our supplies together and we can share." Zack held out his arm again, internally purring when Cloud took it and pulled it a little closer to his chest forcing Zack to inhale that smell of citrus and pine that he had fallen in love with days prior. It took all the control Zack had not to drag Cloud back to his manor and make love to him. No, that would be plenty time for that. Of that, he was sure.

"You have been around Chocobos, right?" Zack inquired curiously as they stopped in front of the wagon that spoke of Zack's wealth, but it was inconspicuous enough to force a wandering traveler to think of it as nothing more than a merchants carriage-a very talented merchant.

"Uh, yeah, I used to ride Chocobos all the time before I presented." Cloud flushed, feeling a rush of sadness of all the adventures he wasn't able to experience due to him being an Omega, but the past was in the past and there was nothing he could really do now but accept it.

Zack frowned at the wording, stopping just before they were to board the carriage. "You do realize that here Omegas have more...rights and privileges, right?"

Cloud nodded, his mind flashing back to the Omegan Archers and Swordsman he had seen during the waning winter months. He remembered how excited he had been at the sight of them, but was quite disappointed when he learned that only Omega's with high standing could become archers and swordsman and those of commoner birth had to have special permission seeing as those of high birth already had marriage and dowries secure, whereas those of common birth had to fight and save their way to the top. Of course, the right to join was there, but the road to it was quite uneven.

"I know, but the road there is quite difficult, and I'm content with my life as an apprentice."

Zack's features shifted at the remark before helping Cloud into the carriage and closing the door behind them. After a short adjustment, Zack sat next to the driver's window while Cloud took up the larger bench. Zack took a moment to scan the Omega up and down and smiled at the state of clothing. Cloud had taken to wearing a light green cloak along with a cream colored tunic and brown trousers and boots. He was dressed modestly, but Zack wondered what the younger man would look like dressed in silks and velvet's, but most of all, what the beautiful young man would look like naked among such material? Zack suppressed licking his lips at the thought and he turned his attention to the window as they left Midgar.

"What's it like?" Cloud questioned suddenly, drawing Zack's attention away from the scenery. "What's it like being a Lord?"

"Exhausting." Zack chuckled, pressing his fingers against his temple, lips pulling into a smile. "It's...difficult holding so many lives in your hands. From the moment you're born, you're being scrutinized from under a magnifying glass and it can cause a lot of stress. But, at the end of the day, when you see people smile and you know it's because of something that you did, well, it makes it worth it, you know?" Zack sighed, leaning back, raising an eyebrow when Cloud had his mouth covered and his gaze averted as if he was hiding something. "Are you alright?"

"Yes." Cloud muttered behind his hand, his eyes sparkling. "I'm fine."

"Oh?" Zack leaned forward, narrowing his eyes as Cloud leaned back against the seat. "If that's the case then remove your hand."

"No-" Cloud squeaked when Zack reached over and removed his hand to see a smile and a blush adorning Cloud's pale cheeks. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make it seem like I was making fun of you."

"Huh?" Zack stepped back, stared at Cloud for a full second before a small chuckle ripped itself from the man's throat. "Cloud, you silly thing, you weren't making fun of me."

"I know-it's just was that it was adorable when you were talking about your people and-" Cloud sighed, the blush still present on his cheeks as he finally turned away from the Alpha. "It's-it's nice to see a high ranking noble talk so passionately about providing for his people even if the job is exhausting, you give it your all and I just want you know that the people and I appreciate it."

"Oh." it was Zack's turn to blush, though it was less noticeable. "Thanks."

Cloud tilted his head at the sight of Zack's awkward shuffle. Strange. "Are you-" he stopped, almost unable to comprehend the thought. "Are you not used to compliments?"

"Oh, I'm used to them, but I question their sincerity." Zack lips quirked at the thought. "You should have heard what the merchants from Junon and Kalm were saying." Zack clasped his hands together and bright smile pulled at his lips. "Oh, Lord Fair! It was so generous of you to welcome us to your humble town. But, might I ask a favor? You see...I have daughter-"

"Ah." Cloud hummed, lowering his eyes and hoping to the Goddess that Zack didn't smell the jealousy coming off from him. "You're being used as marriage fodder at the moment?"

"At the moment?" Zack repeated, scoffing. "Try all the damned time. I can't get a moments peace!"

"And, so, you come and bother me?" Cloud teased, laughing when Zack gave him a teasing look in return. "Seriously, thank you for the ride, Zack, I appreciate it, but you won't get in trouble, will you? I mean, I'm pretty sure your council aren't too keen on you being seen with a commoner."

"What they want is irrelevant at the moment." Zack stated, his tone turning aristocratic and cold. "My council's actions have been disobident as of late so you'll have to excuse my tone."

Cloud wanted to ask how, but seeing the cold light in Zack's eyes, his lips thinned and he nodded, deciding that it was best that he changed the subject for now. Whatever happened, it was best that it stayed in Midgar for the moment.

"So, what's this about creatures in the plains?" Cloud inquired, watching with mild relief when the tension left Zack's broad shoulders and the cold light left his eyes. Good. That was the Zack he wanted to see and the not the cold hearted man that he had an unfortunate run in with.

"One of my guards brought back the body of a wolf that was deformed." Zack began, his tone grim. "We don't know what it was until Nanaki, our Archivist, examined it. We thought on bringing Doctor Hojo, a scientist from Junon, but the Lady Cissnei warned against it. She had written that his ethical standards weren't the best and he was in the middle of a great project at the moment."

"If that's the case then why is he still in the Shinra Family's employ?"

Zack shook his head, his expression exasperated. "He had been a good friend of the previous Alpha, Rufus' father, and Rufus is rather traditional when it comes to keeping family friends in the loop and in close circles."

"What of yourself?" Cloud pressed gently. "Do you believe that loyalty to your predecessors benefits you in the long run?"

"No." Zack's response was immediate and Cloud was glad for it. He didn't want a man whose loyalties were based purely on those of his mother and father. Beliefs changed and Cloud was proof of it. All his life, he believed that he was destined to remain in Nibelheim and eventually marry an Alpha, who had no ambitions and no sense of adventure. However, Fate had a funny way of changing things which explained how and why Cloud ended up in Midgar as an apprentice.

"You never told me what your plans were after your apprenticeship is over with."

"Oh?" Cloud's expression grew thoughtful. "I was hoping on becoming a traveling healer. I've always wanted to see the world."

"No." it was out of Zack's mouth before he could stop it, but he no desire to halt the words nor did he take it back

"Huh?" Cloud frowned at the negative response. "What do you mean no?"

Zack narrowed his eyes, his own frown marring his lips. How could he explain to Cloud that he didn't want the younger man to go? That he wanted to court him? Granted, he wanted Cloud to reach his full potential, Omega or not, but just the thought of the man leaving caused a touch of unease to roll in his stomach.

"My apologies." Zack began smoothly, leaning back and turning his stare out the small window. Outside, the rolling plains were green with life and the sky a vibrant blue that couldn't and wouldn't match Cloud's eyes. A shame, really. "My thoughts have a habit of running to my mouth and escaping. I was quite shocked to hear that you want to become a travelling healer. I had thought that you planned on becoming a full time member of Faremis' Apothecary?"

"Oh." Cloud visibly relaxed, his scent of pine and citrus covering the carriage and it caused Zack's chest to rumble with acceptance and arousal. What a tempting thing Cloud was, but Zack would wait.

He was a patient man.

"I still have plans on becoming a healer for Madam Ifalna until I get the hang of things-more than the apprenticeship offers, but one day I would like to travel the world and see what it has to offer."

"With no means to defend yourself?" Zack inquired, his Alpha instincts rumbling at the thought of Cloud wandering alone in a world where Alpha's had no problems taking Omega's against their wills.

Cloud smiled as the carriage rumbled to a stop at last and the noises of the investigation crew came inside forcing Zack to realize that their conversation and journey was over for the moment. The door opened and the sun burst through along with the jovious voice of Kunsel, the head of his guard, but all of the noise dulled and shifted when Cloud chuckled, the noise sending a shiver quaking down his spine.

"Who says that I don't know how to defend myself?"

Zack blinked, watching as Cloud climbed out of the carriage, his grin bright against the sun and gave a curious glance in Kunsel's direction before turning and walking towards the large tent that was designated as Zack's from the Fair Family insignia glaringly on the front. Kunsel turned to him, his brown eyes inquisitive, but the tilt of his lips showed how amused and curious he was about the newcomer.

"Found yourself a challenge, mi'lord?"

Zack snorted at the question, but didn't ignore the excitement at the thought. "Indeed, my friend."