Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Prologue

Cloud Strife is sent back in time. Not in his entirety, only bits and pieces of his already haphazardly assembled mind are sprinkled across the new timeline, none of them making sense but they’re not supposed to. They never did and still wouldn’t.

Sephiroth is sent back in time. Not in his entirety either. In its process of rewinding and undoing what needed to be redone again, the Planet overlooked the fact that one could not exist without the other. Cloud Strife was impossible without Sephiroth, and Sephiroth continued to exist in spite of Cloud Strife. He had to be picked apart and separated far more carefully than the patchwork hero. Once the Planet was done, his memories were tossed into the great salad bowl that is the Lifestream and spat back out parallel to Cloud’s.

Parallel, not with or next to or opposite. Two tracks moving in the same direction but never touching. Similar but never the same. The Planet only noticed when it was almost done and rather than unbinding its work (because it really did not want to redo it), it simply tugged and reworked the framework of the tracks. A single point of convergence, they’d merge and become one. And by then, there would be no more need to overwrite time. Still, changes must be made.  Claudia Strife gives birth a year sooner, heroes will live, and wings never take flight. Certain beings never forget, they cannot. Chaos and storm clouds and baskets filled with flowers. They are as much part of the Planet as the Planet is— in part— comprised of them. They also remember, though in varying degrees of completeness.

When it’s work is done, the Planet hovers its metaphorical hand over the equally metaphorical start button and presses play. Then it presses fast forward because the first million years are rather empty and boring and the following 2,000 equally so. Shinra, both the man and company, are born, the Cetra die, Vincent Valentine is shot, Ifalna and Gast fall in love, Jenova crash lands. None of that in order. The Planet stops fast-forwarding and watches the birth of a boy with silver hair and bright green eyes that should not yet be slit but are. It holds its breath and waits.

Chapter 1

Cloud Strife is 4 when he begins having nightmares. At first, they were just strange dreams of a blue-green world that stung his skin and nails clawing at glass. Then it melted into eyes that bore into his soul and called him forward to join them, to stop resisting, and finally give everything up. His mother is there most nights to comfort him when he wakes up crying for someone whose name he hardly remembers. His days are spent furiously scribbling faces and places and names his mother had never heard before like if he didn’t write them down he’d forget. Sometimes, Claudia Strife would catch her son swinging a stick down in repetitive motions like he was practicing a sword technique he’d never learned. But eventually, it all came to a sudden stop. His dreams and drawings and frenzy ended, and the boy went back to being relatively normal, if a little antisocial. If Claudia notices that some nights he does not sleep, she doesn’t comment.

Cloud Strife is 5 when he first tries to sneak into Shinra mansion. It’d been abandoned for several years, when one day the researchers and guards that resided there suddenly left in the middle of the night, leaving a half-demolished building in their leave. The residents of Nibelhiem avoided the mansion out of fear of monsters, but the children saw braving its empty halls as a challenge. Cloud does not have many friends, or any at all besides Tifa, so he enters the building in an attempt to build a repertoire with the local children. He enters in the afternoon and exits late into the night, stumbling into his mother’s arms with scrapes and bruises and mumbling about getting to Midgar and a meteor. He sleeps for two days and wakes up with no recollection of what happened.

Cloud Strife is 6 years old when the nightmares resume. Instead of being people or places drowned in green, they are of fire and screams. Ash and smoke and dust fill the air and clog his lungs, stopping him from crying, forcing his legs to move forward, forward, forward. Until he reaches the end and then he keeps moving beyond that, driven by rage and fear and deep sorrow that doesn’t feel like his own but he knows too intimately to be anyone else’s. He doesn’t tell his mother because she already has enough on her plate and does not need more, nor does he tell Tifa. He keeps it to himself and reasons they’d go away if he ignores them long enough, just as his mother told him the mocking children would as well. Most of his nights are filled with thrashing and fighting against nightmares he wished he could understand.

Cloud Strife is 7 years old when he meets Sephiroth.

~

“Are you alive?”

Cloud blinked and was greeted with green eyes and slit pupils.

“A cat?”

“No.”

“A talking cat.”

The talking cat huffed and moved away in a wave of silver. Cloud took a deep breath and pushed himself into a sitting position. He was in a field of grass, nothing breaking the straight horizon. Blue skies, sunshine, green rolling hills far in the distance. It looked like one of those motivational posters he saw hanging in the mayor’s office. Cloud wrinkled his nose at the thought before remembering the talking cat and turning around. It, in fact, was not a talking cat, but a silver-haired boy in a hospital gown with bandages around his neck and arms. They stared at each other for a few moments before Cloud rubbed his eyes and moved a little closer. The boy moved back.

“So you’re not a cat.”

The boy huffed slightly in irritation but his expression didn’t change. “I did say I was not.”

“Well, you act like one.” Cloud crossed his legs and chewed on his lip while thinking. He sucked at this. He wished he had Tifa or his mom to tell him what to say. “I’m Cloud.”

“Ok.”

Cloud frowned. “What’s your name?”

The boy looked away from him. “I am not allowed to disclose that information.”

“Fine. How old are you?”

“I’m not allowed to disclose that information.”

The blonde stamped down the rising anger in his chest. He would not prove his mother right. He could be patient. “Where are you from?”

“I’m not allowed-“

“Ugh! Ok, I get it!” Cloud tugged his hair in frustration. He took a few breaths in and out before getting to his feet and standing in front of the boy with determination burning in his eyes. “Let’s go find out where we are.”

The boy stared at him for a long moment, then dusted himself off and marched ahead of Cloud wordlessly, apparently having decided to take the lead. Cloud wanted to stomp and refuse to follow, but there was no one else around and he’d rather not be alone on some strange field. The scenery didn’t change as they moved, it was almost like they were walking in place. He watched the grass move slightly in the nonexistent breeze as the two walked in silence until Cloud got bored.

“I know you're not allowed to tell me your name or whatever,” he began, watching the other’s hair sway behind him, “But is there anything you can tell me? Like, how tall you are or why your hair is silver?”

“... I believe I am currently 5’5”. I was born with this hair color,” he finally said.

“That’s pretty cool,” Cloud replied, genuinely interested. “My mom says my dad had brown hair and that I look just like her in everything except my smile. I’ve never met him though, so she could just be lying. But, I don’t know...” he didn’t realize he’d been rambling until the boy slowed his pace and was walking beside him, still facing forward. Cloud blushed and clamped his mouth shut.

“My mother’s name is Jenova,” the boy said, startling Cloud with the sudden conversation. “I am told we share similar features. My hair and eyes especially. My father... I don’t believe I have even a passing resemblance to him.”

“Your mother must’ve been very beautiful then,” Cloud blurted out. The boy looked at him with slight concern and Cloud knew his face was bright red. “I-I mean you’re- you’re just very, uh, unique looking, is all.” Gods, Odin, mom, whoever is listening, strike me down where I stand.

“Thank you,” he responded lightly. “You also have a very unusual appearance.”

Cloud couldn’t help but smile.

“Thanks. You're weird too, I like you.”

The boy's mouth twitched

~

Sephiroth woke up and walked to his desk, carefully reaching into the drawer after angling himself to block his hands from the camera and pulled out his journal. He briefly ran his fingers lightly over the rough brown leather cover before opening it and quickly recording his strange dream. A bright world that wasn't confined by white and grey walls. The grass— or what he was pretty sure was grass based on his readings— felt good. It was soft and interesting to touch. He wrote that down. Gast had said that he should write his thoughts and what he did during the day in the journal before he gave it to him. He'd said they'd help after his treatments. They did not lessen the pain that followed his injections, but it was a welcomed distraction. He put down the pencil and read over the entry.

I had a dream of a boy named Cloud. He possessed a light accent of someone not from Midgar. We were on a field that never ended. The grass was nice to touch. His father had brown hair and he presumably resembles his mother. The boy was not unusual and did not seem to have any mako treatments. He is not a threat.

Sephiroth frowned at the page. Was that how journal entries were supposed to be written?

He closed the journal and placed it back in his drawer. It didn't matter, it was one dream that he would most likely never have again. They were just firing neurons during the period of sleep when his brain was the most active. And even if they were something more, he had no way of meeting Cloud. Hojo would not release him until he was perfect, and at the rate that he was developing, he would never escape the scientist's grasp. He hardly knew the boy from his dream anyway, and it wasn't even guaranteed that he existed. But if he did, even if he did, Sephiroth couldn't meet him. He wasn't allowed to talk to anyone Hojo hadn't preapproved. Still, Sephiroth hoped he'd see him again. Later that day when he returned back to his cell after learning how to kill someone without letting them bleed and lied down in bed to sleep, he wished he'd dream again.

For two weeks, nothing happened. Sephiroth slept and dreamed of nothing besides the occasional vision of fire and black wings. Nothing unusual, no empty open field of grass, and no short boy who seems to have no filter between his emotions and mouth. Sephiroth ended up feeling strangely... disappointed. At what, he wasn't sure. But it was highly distracting and irritating, and though he tried his hardest to hide his frustrations, Hojo saw through his rather flimsy mask. He’d have to work on that.

"Focus, boy!" He shouted.

Sephiroth felt an inhuman growl want to leave his mouth as he braced himself against the downward swing of his opponent's sword. He pushed back and sliced wildly at his stomach, hoping to catch something. He missed. Sephiroth took a second to glance up at the platform Hojo was standing on and caught a flash of his narrowed eyes beneath his glasses. He tightened his grip on his sword and dashed forward, stabbing straight through the man's chest with every ounce of anger and strength he had, twisting and pushing harder until the blade was buried up to its hilt. The man's eyes went wide, filled with tears of pain and surprise. Sephiroth almost felt...

He slid off the sword and didn't move. Sephiroth watched, bored, before turning his gaze up to Hojo again, but the scientist was gone. The rage roared and reared its head and it took everything he had in him to not try and chase after Hojo and kill him. He hardly remembered walking back to his room. He focused on the pain of his nails digging into his palm and tried to even his breathing. Nothing worked. He wanted to rip Hojo to shreds, see Cloud again, tearing off every limb of his body, walk beside the blonde boy, burn him alive and listen to his scream, claim his puppet-

He forcefully cleared his mind of the confusing thoughts, feeling the bed, the air from the vents, listening to the whirring of the electronics in the camera watching him. And eventually, he fell asleep.

~

 This time, Cloud was the first one on the field. There was a large planter box and some tools a little off to the side.  Two pairs of gloves, shovels, rakes, a watering can, and a few packs of seeds with no labels on them. He put the gloves on and observed the tools, figuring they were in pretty good shape before bringing the seeds closer to his face to try and figure out what to use them for. A groan caught his attention and he turned to see the boy, curled on his side. Cloud crawled towards him and was about to reach out to wake him when the boy opened his eyes and shot back, just out of reach. Cloud pulled his hand back with a sheepish grin and waved.

“Hullo.”

The boy took a moment to compose his breathing. “Hello.”

“So we're here again.”

He nodded. “It appears so.”

Cloud gestured wordlessly to the pile of tools and planter box. The boy got the message and moved to the opposite side. Cloud watched him turn the gloves over with reserved fascination before slowly slipping them on and picking up the small shovel. His gaze flicked between it and the soil in front of him in clear confusion.

“We’re planting seeds,” Cloud explained, successfully staying completely still under the boy’s watch. “I don’t know how exactly these got here,” he waved the shovel for emphasis, flinging dirt everywhere, “but I think it’d be fun to plant them anyway. And we can find out what they’ll grow into together.”

The boy watched him dig for a few moments before speaking again. “That is assuming these dreams will be a common occurrence.”

“Uh, yeah sure.” Cloud shoved his shovel into the ground and dug a decent-sized hole that he threw a few seeds in. He looked back up at the boy, who was mimicking his movements. “Will you tell me your name this time? Or can I keep calling you a talking cat?”

“... Sephiroth. And no.”

Cloud looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “Really? That’s such a cool name.”

Sephiroth quickly tilted his head down. “Thank you.”

Cloud got up to move a little closer to him and was thankful when he didn’t move back. Cloud made sure to keep a reasonably wide gap between them, though.

“Do you think we’re dreaming?” He asked the taller boy.

“I believe so. The last thing I remember before waking up here was-“ Sephiroth cut himself off with a sharp frown. “I was in bed.”

“I don’t think I was sleeping.” Cloud tapped his chin as he thought, smudging dirt on his face. “I’m pretty sure I was looking for Teef and then those boys came to talk to me and- oh crap! I can’t let mom find out!”

“Find out what?” Sephiroth asked as he followed Cloud in raking a section of dirt.

“That I got into another fight. I probably fell asleep in that ditch while hiding.” He let out a deep sigh and let the rake fall from his hand lazily. “I’ll have to sneak in again.”

“Why don’t you kill them?”

Cloud stopped his fidgeting and looked at Sephiroth slowly. “What?”

“Why don’t you kill them?” Sephiroth repeated, oblivious and still shoveling deeper into the ground with slightly more strength than needed. “If they are threatening your life there is no reason not to take theirs.”

“Y-you can’t just kill people like that! They haven’t done anything wrong.”

“They hurt you,” Sephiroth said.

“That’s not that bad. I’ll recover eventually.”

“They made you angry.”

Cloud hesitated and Sephiroth took that as his cue to continue.

“They not only caused you physical harm but also angered you. They did so without provocation and to someone who could not match their strength.” He stabbed his shovel into the ground over and over again, digging far deeper than necessary. “They do not deserve to live.”

“They do,” the blonde insisted. “They may not be good people now but that doesn’t mean they can’t change. Everyone can and deserves the chance to.”

Sephiroth narrowed his eyes slightly but didn’t argue. He finally put the shovel down gently and sat staring at the hole he’d just dug. “What plants will these seeds become?”

Cloud wanted to keep pressing him about his messed-up morals but went with the change in the subject anyway. He didn’t really like thinking about people dying or see Sephiroth mad.

“Chrysanthemums and zinnia, I think. They’re flowers. They bloom at different times though. Chrysanthemums in the fall and zinnia in spring. And I’m pretty sure they mean something special too, but I can’t really remember.” He wasn’t sure how he knew anything about gardening in the first place, but the information felt familiar. “These don’t really grow around where I’m from.”

“And where is that?”

“Nibelheim.”

“What is your home like?”

Cloud stopped shoveling for a second and looked at Sephiroth. He was still wearing that strange hospital gown, but his bandages were wrapped in different places than last time. He stuck out from the vibrancy around them like a pale dot.

“It’s nice,” he finally said. “It’s always cold here, even in the summer but there are really pretty flowers that bloom around the base of the mountain in the spring.”

Sephiroth leaned back and looked at the sky. Cloud wondered if he saw it often. “What color are they?”

“Every color you can imagine. There are green and bright yellows, some blue and purple ones called violas and pink camellias...”

~

"A war with Wutai," Hojo muttered while walking back and forth. Sephiroth struggled not to shift nervously. "The doctor's specimens will probably show themselves at some point. There is no longer use in hiding you, you're skills surpass any other SOLDIER..."

The professor continued mumbling but Sephiroth tuned him out. He stared at the mako bubbling in the tubes, blue-green hue cast on the white floors. He hated the color. It was unnaturally bright and saturated, it stunk and burned his senses. It was so opaque he couldn't see through it. Pink flowers would be better.

"Lie down."

He moved without thinking, feeling the biting cold of the metal on his back. The ceiling was the same color as the walls, but the wash of mako tinting was mercifully missing. Staring at it was like being in a void of nothing but blankness. A light moved over his face and turned on, nearly blinding him before his eyes quickly adjusted to the sudden lighting. He sighed and closed his eyes. He didn't want to see the instruments. Darkness was better than that. Poking and prodding and stabbing and cutting and injecting and-

("I think it's almost morning."

"I suppose."

"Do you want me to tell you more about the flowers next time?"

"...yes.")

When Sephiroth opened his eyes, it was too white. All-encompassing, painfully bright . It wasn’t unfamiliar— not comforting, though, especially when paired with the screeching of scalpels across the room that sent a shiver down his spine he couldn’t suppress. But the strange yellow boy with eyes that matched the sky he’d only seen once before that dream stayed on his mind. He tried to think of him rather than the needle pushing into his face and body. Cloud. Truly a strange name. I’d like to hear it again.

“Up, boy.”

Sephiroth obeyed, forcing his tired limbs to push himself into a sitting position, gripping the edge of the table he was lying on for support. Everything burned and hurt and felt numb all at once. It was like he could feel the mako they’d injected him with flowing beneath his skin, burning his blood vessels as it made its way through his body. He blinked back the tears of pain as Hojo approached and tilted his head up and to the sides, inspecting him, slapping a bandage on his tested eye.

“Hm.” Hojo let go, took a few scribbled notes, and waved his hand for the guards to take Sephiroth back to his cell. He didn’t struggle when they lifted him harshly by his arm and dragged him back down the hall to his room.

Sephiroth leaned back slowly on his bed, biting back a whimper of pain as he did and only letting himself breathe once he was fully laying down. He stared up at the darkness above him, trying to control his breathing. He really wanted to crawl to his desk, open the hidden drawer he’d made, and pull out the journal with hastily scribbled notes of his dreams, always scared he'd forget if he didn't write them down as soon as he woke up. Sephiroth could hardly move and yet he couldn’t help but want to reread the pages over and over, imagining Cloud's smile and the imaginary sun and the soft colors of the flowers as he closed his eyes. But it was dark which meant he had to sleep, and he always liked the dark since Hojo couldn’t see when he-

He turned his head into his pillow and muffled his cries.

~

"And these," he pointed to the crude drawing in the dirt with his stick, "are forget-me-nots. They’re blue and grow well in the shade. I think that’s all the ones I know." He set down the stick and went back to tending their plants while Sephiroth stayed crouched over the drawings. With a nod and hum, he moved forward and held a bud in his hands.

"They look strange."

Cloud stopped his gentle tuneless humming and looked up from his watering can at Sephiroth. His eyebrows were furrowed, holding the curled petals with a slightly confused look that almost made Cloud laugh. He settled for a light snicker and accepted the unangered glare from the silver-haired boy.

"You don't think they're pretty?" Cloud asked.

The flowers still hadn't fully bloomed, but the buds were sprouting from the ground and hinted at the fact that they were soon going to bloom. It was strange how they had grown in their shared dreams, even without someone taking care of them. Cloud chalked it up to dream logic, which never really made any sense.

"They are strange," Sephiroth repeated, apparently not being able to come up with a better reply. "They are not man-made, and yet they follow the golden ratio to a tee. I have read of it, but seeing it is quite different."

"So you like them."

Sephiroth rolled his eyes. Surprisingly. It shouldn't have been such a shocking reaction, but Cloud had never seen the boy do something so... childish.

"Yes, I suppose they are pleasing to look at. Why are they so small?"

"They haven't fully bloomed yet. When they do, they'll get bigger." 

The sound of feet shuffling made Cloud look up and see Sephiroth picking absently at a bandage covering his eye. Cloud felt tears suddenly spring up.

"Seph." He waited for Sephiroth to look at him. "Are you-" obviously not,  "what did they do?"  

He stared at Cloud for so long he started wondering if time had frozen. But eventually, he spoke. "Experiments."

Cloud knew. He knew so well it hurt to admit. He knew what they did and what they would do so well he didn't have to ask any further, but he shouldn't know. Cloud's head hurt almost as much as his heart.

"C-can-," he swallowed and tried to steady his cracking voice. "can you leave?"

"And go where?"

"I don't know. Anywhere. Here— Nibelheim— if you want.” He left a gap for Sephiroth to fill but it remained empty. “You could share a room for me and I’m sure ma wouldn’t mind. I think she’d like you. You could help me with chores in the morning and then we could explore the mountain in the afternoon and come back home for dinner at sundown. And you can go to school with me if you want, but you seem plenty smart already.”

The water sloshed in the can as he set it down to look up at Sephiroth. He was staring at the flower buds. Cloud immediately turned crimson. I’m t alking too much.

“I... how would I get there?” Sephiroth asked in a voice so fragile it sounded like the faintest breeze could shatter it and sweep it away.

“Well, Nibelheim is pretty far from Midgar, but I think you can take a boat,” Cloud replied, feeling his excitement increase at the prospect of finally meeting. “But if not, I can go save you.”

 Sephiroth made a noise that sounded like a graceful snort. “I do not need saving.”

“Maybe you do.”

The taller boy stared down at Cloud but he didn’t move. Eventually, his face softened. “I think,” he began slowly and cautiously, “I would like that.”

A smile that almost hurt Cloud’s cheeks spread across his face. He stood and cleaned his hands on his pants.

“I’d like that too.” He held up his pinky between them. “Wanna make a promise?”

Sephiroth looked curiously at his finger. “I don’t understand.”

Cloud poorly stifled his laughter. “A pinky promise. When you wrap them together, it seals it to our souls until it’s fulfilled.”

Sephiroth lifted his pinky warily. “Then we should be careful with our promise.”

Cloud shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ll go first, and when you're done, say ‘I promise’. 

I’ll meet you, Seph, no matter where or when or how. And if I have to, I’ll save you. I promise.”

Sephiroth cleared his throat and straightened his back. “I, Sephiroth, will meet Cloud...”

“Strife,” he filled in. Sephiroth nodded.

“...Strife at an undetermined location and time. I promise.”

Cloud smiled brightly as they linked their fingers together and spotted his friend’s face flushing red before he hid it away. At that, Cloud outright laughed. Sephiroth grinned.

~

The water ran from the faucet for a few seconds, the soft rushing and draining down the sink echoing through the empty bathroom before Sephiroth put his red hands under and let the water wash the color away. He didn’t really want to clean himself, the red was the only thing in him with color besides his eyes, which he rarely got to see. But the water felt nice on his palms, and he hated the slick feeling of the blood coating his hands, the way it was hotter than his skin and clung with a vengeance.

(“A perfect specimen wouldn’t need to wash up,” Hojo spat when Sephiroth asked for permission to clean himself. “This war will do you some good. Finally, perfect what I’ve started.”)

Sephiroth closed his eyes and listened. The water sounded just as it always did, but if he listened close enough, used the very limited imagination he had, he could hear Cloud laughing as he told him about the mud he fell into at the foot of the mountain, or the scary mansion at the edge of town, or the girl in his village who seemed to be the only one who tolerated him. But he was only imagining it. He closed the tap and walked back to his desk to finish reading over the military tactics book he had to have memorized by tomorrow.

Sephiroth flipped through idly, watching pages filled with diagrams and charts pass by in a blur. He wanted to sleep. He wanted to close the book and lie his head down on the cover and wake up in a field of green and blue next to a boy who seemed to have the sun on his head. He wanted to hear his voice reprimand him for killing so easily, without remorse. Prodding him for more personal information that Sephiroth shouldn’t spill.

He stopped flipping. He thought they’d have faded away by now, the strange dreams and the boy with an accent, but they persisted. At first, he reasoned it was just a way for his mind to cope with the pain of the mako and procedures he was put through. But if they really were real, if Cloud was an actual living, breathing person that if he could somehow manage to escape Hojo’s grasp he could go see-

The pencil snapped in two. Sephiroth sighed and put it down. There was no use in daydreaming about things that would never really happen. Finding out whether or not Cloud was real was not the task he’d been assigned to complete. He flipped to the first page and began reading.

~

“I saw you on tv.”

Sephiroth jerked his hand back slightly from the flowers he’d been touching. “You did?”

“Yea.” Cloud rocked forward on his heels to get a better look at them. The chrysanthemums bloomed a while ago and were a welcome sight after the weeks of snow and white Cloud had been subjected to ever since winter started. “They said you’re a hero. A SOLDIER.”

He hummed and sprinkled water on the pink flowers. The black gloves of his new uniform were made more jarring by the bright flowers that were in full bloom. Cloud didn’t like it. It was too dark and black to be natural, and it made him seem like a stain on the hill the two always met at in their dreams. It looked too big, too mature, made for someone who was supposed to be older than Sephiroth was. And yet, it fit perfectly.

“I make sure to record every newscast so I can see you.” He never regretted rushing home from school with the new bruises he’d earned from tripping over rocks in his frenzy to make it back in time to watch the tv. “I don’t think my ma believes me when I tell her I know you, but she acts like she does. She always says ‘well then stop being such a terrible host and invite the boy over for dinner’. So, do you want to come over for dinner?”

“Right now?”

Cloud waved his hand and shook his head. “No, of course not. I know you're over in Wutai fighting and I’ve got school. But you don’t have to ask if you want to. My ma always complains about me not bringing any friends over...”

Sephiroth sat beside Cloud with a soft plop and continued looking over the flowers. “I will see when I’m available.”

“Awesome! You know we can even have a celebration dinner for when you win the war.”

The older boy made an amused face. “When I win?”

“Yup, I believe in you.”

“As I also believe in you.”

Cloud didn’t bother hiding his happy blush. “When’s your birthday?”

Sephiroth clipped off a leaf that was crumpled and dying. “I don’t have one.”

“Everyone’s got one, you probably just don’t know it.”

“And when is yours?”

Cloud huffed but raised his hands to count the months that had passed since. “Um, August 11th. It already passed. I’m eight now.”

“Oh.” And for once, Sephiroth sounds genuinely surprised. “Happy birthday.”

Cloud giggles, earning him a look from Sephiroth. “It was a while back. I think I’m closer to being nine. Still though, thanks. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift for my birthday than this.”

Sephiroth tilted his head to the side. “Than what?”

“Being with my friend.”

“...friend...”

A flash of a dream passed through Cloud’s mind for a second and his heart clenched at the memory. He shook his head to try and brush aside the weight that it brought. The sky overhead and flowers were much more interesting than brooding about nightmares.

“I also enjoy our time together,” Sephiroth finally finished. “And I hope we will continue to see each other,” his gloved fingers moved gently across the flower’s petals, “to see the flowers bloom.”

Cloud smiled and closed his eyes. “Me too.”

Chapter Text

Cloud Strife is 10 when Tifa’s mother dies. It rained that day, and the next, and the entire week, like the Planet itself was mourning her. Cloud did not cry, though he did miss Mrs. Lockhart’s sweet smiles and calm demeanor. Tifa did not cry either. Instead, she marched up Mt. Nibel, wanting to see her mother. Cloud followed. The bridge was unstable and the two fell. He carried her unconscious body back to town. Mayor Lockheart blamed him, no one believed otherwise.

~

A boy with red hair and one with an enormous sword strapped to his back decided that midnight was the perfect time to introduce themselves. Sephiroth was beyond irritated. Why were they even in his tent?

“Genesis Rhapsodos,” the redhead said with a flourish and a sort of speech pattern that only sounded natural in a theater.

“Angeal Hewley.” The other offered Sephiroth his hand. He stared at it until the brunette retracted and scratched the back of his head uneasily.

(“Hollander’s specimens” he remembered Hojo calling them, warning him to watch them closely. “ Not that they’d pose a threat,” he’d sneer, “ you’re far more refined than they will ever be.”)

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir,” Hewley said hesitantly, trying to discreetly nudge Genesis in the ribs. “We are eager to follow your command.”

Sephiroth didn’t react for a moment, trying to understand why he was being so formal with him before he remembered he’d just been promoted. He was Lieutenant now. Not that his position actually meant much, it was more of a ceremonial title than anything since he never stayed with his squadron long enough to actually command them. But it demanded respect, and sometimes Sephiroth was glad people would avoid him out of reverence rather than fear. It wasn’t like that at the start. But right now, he’d much prefer if these two would leave him alone so he could go back to sleep.

“You’re dismissed,” he said shortly, eyes flicking to the opening of his tent. “Goodnight.” He didn’t even pause to take in Hewley’s confused expression and the half bewildered, half offended gaping look Rhapsodos had. Sephiroth lied back down on his side and closed his eyes, not bothering to make his sleep believable. Eventually, the shuffling of feet and zipper closing let him breathe comfortably and stare at the shadows on the walls of his tent. He tried to force his mind to dream of a field and a boy with bright yellow hair-

“Lieutenant Sephiroth.”

Sephiroth clenched his fists so tightly he almost ripped his blanket. He sat up slowly and laid a steady gaze on his commander, waiting for him to talk.

“I’d like to introduce you to two new SOLDIERs who have joined us. Please follow.”

Sephiroth got to his feet and followed behind the commander through the winding paths between the tents of their encampment. It was past lights out for most of the fresher recruits, but the camp was still teeming with life and fully awake, caffeinated troops. Normal grunts and SOLDIERs who chatted and filled the time during their rather boring nightly shifts with games and stories. Sephiroth had been assigned to one of those watches once, during the first and the only week he was a Third. Every moment of it felt like a lesson in keeping his sanity under the torture of monotony.

They eventually made it to the mess hall which held a few troopers sitting and talking over a cup of coffee. At one table close to the entrance was-

“Angeal Hewley and Genesis Rhapsodos,” the commander introduced. Angeal looked absolutely mortified and Genesis massively peeved. “They have great potential and I think it would benefit our military if you three got along.” He slapped the Lieutenant forward on the back and Sephiroth wanted to rip his hand off. Instead of acting on his more homicidal tendencies like Hojo would’ve wanted, he very calmly took a seat opposite the two.

“I’ll leave you to it,” the commander said before walking off.

The three sat in silence for a few minutes, Rhapsodos determined not to look anywhere near Sephiroth and Hewley shifting uncomfortably. It grated on Sephiroth’s nerves to no end.

“You entered my tent in the middle of the night without permission,” he stated plainly. “What was the reason for that?”

Rhapsodos’s jaw moved slightly like he was swallowing his anxiety. Hewley cleared his throat and tested out a few words before settling on a sentence.

“We, uh, um, we just wanted to introduce ourselves.” He took a deep breath and evened out his breathing. “We were inspired by you, seeing you on the tv and all your heroic deeds. So we came here to try and do the same. Help people, win the war, save the world.”

Sephiroth would’ve scoffed at that last statement if he cared enough to.  “So you decided waking me up in the middle of the night was the appropriate course of action.”

“Uh...”

“Yes,” Rhapsodos interrupted, finally meeting Sephiroth’s gaze with a piercing, unshakable determination. “We did and while it may have been an inconvenience to you, I felt it was necessary to introduce myself. I have the feeling we will be seeing each other quite often in the future.”

Sephiroth suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. He instead stood and got ready to leave. “Then I suppose I will see you both on the battlefield. Goodnight.”

“Wait,” Hewley called. Sephiroth had begun to leave but stopped. “Maybe we got off on the wrong foot. I know that commander set us up to be acquaintances and we didn’t really make the greatest first impression, but I don’t see why we can’t be friends.”

Sephiroth kept his face clear of curiosity and bubbling excitement at the word. “Friends?”

“Yes, I’m sure you know the meaning of the word,” Rhapsodos said. Hewley promptly punched his shoulder before sending an apologetic look to Sephiroth.

He looked down at his pinky and imagined another wrapping around his own. Maybe having another two friends would be...

“Very well, we’ll speak later.” He saluted the other two then left, all while trying to hide the upturned corners of his lips.

~

After over a year of being in Wutai, battle became routine. A debriefing of tactics, a short speech just before they set out, and then finally the fighting would commence. But whenever Sephiroth took to the field, it was over quickly. Much too quickly for his liking. As it was now, nearly done. Sephiroth lazily lifted Masamune to eye level, staring down the length of the blade at the approaching screaming Wutain soldiers. Should he meet them halfway or wait for them to come to him? Which would draw the battle out longer?

“Lieutenant!” Hewley yelled from behind. Sephiroth didn’t turn, waiting to see the blurs of black and red fly past him and proceed to destroy their troops. And just like that, the fighting was over.

“That was rather anticlimactic,” Rhapsodos said as the two walked back, cleaning the blood from their swords. “I was expecting the lieutenant to stop them with a flick of his hand.”

Hewley twirled his sword and placed it on his back with the other. “Please wait for reinforcements next time, sir. We’re here for a reason.”

“I do not need reinforcements.”

“Well, we know that, but you shouldn’t have to do it all alone you know.” Hewley’s face twisted into a strange, somber grimace that reminded him too much of Cloud’s.

“Head back,” Sephiroth said, walking past the two. “I’ll clean up.”

The two made a few arguments but relented when they realized Sephiroth wasn’t stopping. Cloud. How long had it been since he’d last seen him? Since the beginning of the war? He’d been eight then, so by now, he must be...

There was hardly any use thinking about it. In fact, the more he thought, the more it proved that Cloud and those dreams were just that. Dreams. There was no boy with endless flower knowledge and hair that defied gravity, whose smile made him feel like he wasn’t that strange. In the end, he didn’t exist. It was useless dwelling on such insignificant things like dreams or imaginary friends. He shouldn’t have let himself get so caught up on them. Hojo would’ve said-

It didn’t matter what Hojo thought. The scientist was on another continent, not standing over Sephiroth with a syringe and scalpel in hand. Even if he were, even if Sephiroth knew he wasn’t real or that they’d never actually meet like he desperately wished for, he still smiled every time he would think of Cloud’s name. And it still stung when he remembered how many birthdays he’d missed, how much time they spent apart.

He stopped in the middle of a forest he somehow managed to wander into while thinking. Sephiroth listened to the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs. Perfect. He’d prefer not to think about how terrible of a friend he’s been to an imaginary boy. When the first assassin sprung from the trees, he easily pivoted on one foot and stabbed his sword straight through the man’s neck before pulling back to meet another’s dagger that was aimed for his face. The thrill of battle rattled through his body with every swing. He wondered what Cloud would say to him if he’d frown and tell Sephiroth that killing people wasn’t right and-

He misstepped and was met with a shallow slice across his cheek. A sting of pain and gushing blood was all that resulted from it. Sephiroth grabbed the assassin’s wrist with enough force to snap it and pulled them into the tip of his blade. When the last one jumped from the ground where they’d been lying, screaming something about Wutai's independence while bleeding out from a stab wound, Sephiroth flung his fellow assassin's body at him and skewered them both. They slid from his blade without fanfare. Sephiroth wiped the blood from his cheek and frowned at his stained glove. He shouldn’t have made a mistake. Distractions weren’t acceptable. Unless they were Cloud. He grinned at the thought and stalked back through the forest to the military camp.

But he stopped when he saw Rhapsodos leaning against a tree, apparently chatting to a bush filled with flowers shaped liked domes with a book in hand. It was a strange sight, and Sephiroth caught the tail end of what he was saying before he stopped.

“...My friend, your desire is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess - oh, Lieutenant Sephiroth,” he greeted with a salute.

“Third Class Rhapsodos. I wasn’t expecting to find you out here. I thought you would go back to camp.”

Rhapsodos flipped his hair and closed his novel, storing it safely in his back pocket. “I already did. That was a few hours ago, sir.” Had he really been out that long, just... thinking? Rhapsodos continued. “I was just doing a bit of light reading.”

“To the flowers?” Sephiroth asked, quirking an eyebrow.

Rhapsodos‘s eyes widened and he visibly bit back a scowl, crossing his arms in front of him instead. “I find it relaxing. Angeal often comes here to look at the flowers and I needed to practice anyway.”

Sephiroth began walking back down the path to the camp and Rhapsodos followed by his side. “Practicing what?”

“Reciting,” he said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “LOVELESS.”

“The epic.” Sephiroth had only read about it in passing. “You wish to be an actor?”

“No, I will be a hero. But the play is... everything,” he finished dramatically.

Sephiroth hummed. “What type of flowers were those?”

“Hydrangea, I believe? Angeal told me but I didn’t really care to listen too closely.”

“You and Hewley are close,” Sephiroth murmured without thinking and immediately grew embarrassed at making such an intrusive comment. “I did not mean to-“

“We grew up together in Banora,” Rhapsodos interrupted, pointedly not looking at Sephiroth or acknowledging his flustered apology. Sephiroth breathed a mental sigh of relief. “I was rather interested in dumbapple cultivation for a time.”

“Banora White apple juice, correct?”

Rhapsodos nodded and kept his eyes forward but would occasionally steal a glance at Sephiroth when he thought the Lieutenant wasn’t looking. “I think you’d like them. The dumbapples, I mean.” His eyes gleamed with a strange fascination and excitement Sephiroth didn’t understand.

The two finally made their way through the rather busy camp to the line of tents that were the SOLDIERs’ and other troopers' temporary residences. Hewley was leaning against one tent, inspecting the enormous sword he kept on his person but never used before spotting the both of them and quickly saluting.

“Lieutenant.” Sephiroth nodded and he fell back at ease. “I see you’ve brought Genesis back, sorry for any trouble he might’ve given you.”

Sephiroth ignored Rhapsodos's indignant noise. “His presence was rather tolerable during our short time together.”

Hewley’s mouth wavered like he was struggling to suppress a laugh while Rhapsodos mumbled something under his breath.

“Ah, that’s- that’s good,” he managed after a second.

Rhapsodos growled and muttered something unintelligible before stomping past Hewley and disappearing into the tent. He quickly turned back and saluted before finally vanishing

Hewley turned around to Sephiroth once his friend was gone. “Feel free to call us by our first names, Lieutenant. Angeal and Genesis, if you’ve forgotten.”

Sephiroth stared at him for a moment before nodding slowly. “I have not. And mine is Sephiroth, not Lieutenant.”

Hewl- Angeal gave him a grin before he saluted and followed Genesis away.

~

Romaine hearts leaves, cherry tomatoes, onions, and olives. No salad dressing, water to drink. It was his usual, following the diet, and honestly was not that bad. Rather routine, of course, but not distasteful or bland. Sephiroth stabbed his fork into a bunch of leaves and listened to the way they crunched under the weight of the utensil. But it was just a salad in the end.

“Hey, are you alright?”

Sephiroth nearly stabbed his fork through his plate when he heard Angeal’s voice. His mind dimly recognized the slightly unfocused red and black shapes in front of him as Angeal and Genesis, but it took a moment for him to fully process it and come up with an answer. And it took an even longer moment to actually say it. “I’m eating.”

Genesis huffed something that sounded like a bemused laugh. “Really?”

“Yes,” he lifted the fork to his eye level, “I think.”

“But you were not listening. Both Angeal and I have asked you several questions that you either gave grunts as answers or ignored entirely.”

“When was the last time you slept?” Angeal asked, worry coloring his voice.

“Last night.” Sephiroth never missed a night of sleep, it wasn’t good for his health in the long term and would negatively affect his performance on the battlefield.

Angeal raised an eyebrow. “And when was the last time you slept at least 8 hours?”

When? Last night had been a brief, 30-minute nap and then he was reviewing battle plans and looking over reports. Not the night before, or the week before. Maybe last month? But it could’ve been further back than that. “Some time ago.”

“Well then, it’s no wonder your so out of it.” Angeal crossed his arms and chewed his lip in thought.

Genesis tapped the side of his mug rhythmically. “Have I frightened the goddess’s gentle nurse such that you no longer weigh my eyelids down?” he quoted. “And what has been plaguing your dreams to keep you up for so long?”

“Nothing,” Sephiroth couldn’t help but say bitterly. There was nothing to dream of and no one that appeared to him. When he slept, it was to nothing, and he was tired of it. And sick of his salad. “I’m just hungry.”

“Hungry?” Genesis asked incredulously. “Really?”

“Yes.”

Genesis looked at Angeal, utterly baffled. The latter’s eyes seemed to light up and he stood with a sudden idea. “I think I know just the thing that'll help. Follow me.”

Genesis got to his feet while Sephiroth spared his sad salad one last pitiful look before trailing after them to the kitchens behind the mess hall, which they really should not have been in.

“I’m not sure we are permitted to be here,” he voiced, glancing at the stoves they passed on their way to the fridges.

“It’s alright, I’m just going to make something really quick. Won’t even need the stoves.” Angeal paused with his hand on the handle of the fridge and turned around. “Do you eat meat?”

Sephiroth considered it for a moment. “No meat. Please.”

The older man nodded and opened the door, picking out a few ingredients and handing them to a slightly annoyed Genesis. When he got everything he needed, he pulled out a cutting board and got to chopping an apple while instructed the redhead to cut and toast bread. It left Sephiroth feeling distinctly useless.

“Do you require my assistance?”

Angeal seemingly didn’t hear him, leaving Genesis to scowl at his friend and settling Sephiroth with a stern look. “Of course not. Just sit and wait patiently. You’d be a liability with a knife right now.”

They both knew that was a lie: Sephiroth could be half-dead and still decimate an army on his own, but he accepted Genesis’s excuse, too tired to argue, and sat on a chair that was helpfully propped up in the corner. He watched the two work methodically, Genesis far slower than Angeal and constantly asking for instruction while the other breezed through his tasks of putting various fruits into a blender and stacking other ingredients on top of the bread. It appeared he had a talent for cooking, like Genesis’s talent for... being Genesis. Sephiroth tipped his head back, feeling gravity’s pull a little too keenly, and thought about what he liked to do. Fighting, he supposed. He was supposed to like it and he was good at it. But he enjoyed watching flowers grow, learning more about them, feeling their gentle weight in his hands...

He raised his hands to his face and pinched his cheek. No pain.

“I must be dreaming,” Cloud said out loud. There was a distinct pressure on his back that felt like the ground and grass. Above him was only the sky.

“Cloud?”

A familiar voice. One he missed and hearing made his heart swell so much he thought it would burst. “Seph.”

He heard his breath next to Cloud’s ear and turned to see a silver ponytail splayed out in all directions on the ground with the other’s face staring serenely up at the sky. He looked older like he did when Cloud saw him on the news. But he hadn’t realized how much time had passed since then, and even after Tifa-

“Do you like salads?” Sephiroth asked.

Cloud choked back tears and pushed down the guilt that was making it hard to speak. “N- not really.”

“Hm,” the other hummed. Sephiroth finally shifted his head to the side and his expression shifted from calm to worried. Cloud’s eyes must’ve still been red and puffy. “Cloud are you-“

“I’m alright,” he interrupted quickly. “And I don’t like lettuce.”

“...wake? Ah, there you are.” The hand that was shaking him gently fell and Sephiroth sat up in the seat and shook away the sleep. He looked up expecting to see a tear-streaked boy’s face but was met with Angeal’s smile instead. “Food's done.”

A plate was held in front of him and a drink in the other hand. Two slices of bread with apple slices and cheese tucked between them, sprinkled with black specks and smelling faintly like a perfume. The drink was thick and opaque and looked a little unappetizing with its texture, but the color was a gentle pink. Sephiroth accepted both and tried to decipher what they were before caving in and deciding to ask for information.

“What is it?”

“Have you never seen a sandwich and smoothie before?” Genesis remarked as he approached them from behind.

“No.”

He blinked a few times before Angeal mercifully intervened. “Give it a try, tell me if you like it.”

Sephiroth nodded and lifted the ‘sand witch’, taking a quick sniff of it and biting in. His eyes widened at the flavor- flavors of the food. It was so much, almost too much for him to handle. It must've been the magic from whatever witch charmed it. Each bite was a new burst of sweetness, creaminess, and something else he couldn’t describe. All of that in just a few ingredients that could easily fit in both of his hands. He hurriedly took more bites, now wary that the other two might want to take it for themselves if they knew how good it was. Angeal’s short bark of laughter and Genesis’s smirk were enough to soothe those fears.

“Don’t worry, it’s all yours,” Angeal teased lightly. He handed Sephiroth the smoothie and added, “don’t eat too fast. We don’t want you choking.”

Sephiroth filed away the command, forcing himself to slow down even though he didn’t want to, and took a sip of the drink. It was just as good but far sweeter. He closed his eyes and felt a smile creeping onto his face. In a few minutes, both the ‘sand witch’ and the smoothie were gone.

“Well, I’m guessing you liked them,” Angeal said.

Genesis rolled his eyes. “Of course he did, everyone does.”

After the dishes were cleaned, they walked Sephiroth back to his tent and bid each other quick farewells.

“Sleep,” Angeal commanded sternly.

“What he said,” Genesis helpfully added. They waved goodbye and left. Sephiroth rested on his cot and let his eyes close on their own, feeling sleep come far easier than it had in months.

Like some sort of disturbed, corrupted phoenix, Sephiroth rose from the ground caked in mud and blood. Whose blood, he wasn’t quite sure. If the pain in his side and slickness of Masamune’s hilt was any indication, it was a mixture of both his and whoever else he’d sliced and stabbed that day. And it had been a long, long day. Sephiroth took one look at the chaos around him and concluded it was the longest day of his relatively short life.

It was an ambush, which wouldn’t have been anything too out of the ordinary or difficult to deal with, except for the fact that they’d gotten them in the middle of a thunderstorm, at the bottom of a hill surrounded by dense forest. And to make matters worse, he was the only SOLDIER with the squadron of troopers. Of course, he would’ve been more than sufficient, but it came with numerous casualties and ━apparently ━battle wounds for the newly appointed general. With a great and heavy exhale, he forced himself up and steady on his feet, sucking in harsh breaths to try to compartmentalize the pain. It was far easier to do than it should’ve been.

Dozens of troopers lied dead around him and if he didn’t look hard enough, Sephiroth could pretend they were sleeping or just unconscious. But his eyesight was too good and the rain not strong enough anymore to hide the smell of iron. He staggered forward, every step sending bolts of pain up his side. Almost the entire squadron was wiped out and the few that got away had most likely been killed on their way back. He couldn’t stay put unless he wanted to be kidnapped and executed. The next base was maybe another 10-minute walk. If he wasn’t surprised with another attack, he’d make it there without bleeding out. With a goal in mind and a destination to try and get to, he pressed forward, ignoring the copious amount of blood staining his uniform.

Ignore the pain and it’s like it never even existed. It was a mantra he’d come up with when he was younger and it was just as useful now as it was then. One foot in front of the other, ignoring the rainwater that matted his hair and plastered the dirty silver locks to his forehead. For a brief, split second, he wished he’d cut it as Angeal had recommended. But he liked having his hair long, it was something he could hide his face behind or hold whenever he wanted. And Cloud liked it. He’d called it unique, Sephiroth remembered with a pained smile. Maybe if he slept well tonight, he could hear the boy’s voice in his dreams. Then he’d finally wake up feeling...

But for now, his focus was on getting back. Back to the base he’d been heading toward, where Genesis and Angeal were waiting for him so they could commence the operation on Fort... something. Sephiroth hardly cared to remember the names at this point, he’d been tired of the war since his first battle. He could already hear Angeal’s speech about his duty and honor as a SOLDIER and how he should be taking better care of himself. He could already see Genesis’s frustrated eye rolls and hear the quotes being recited like the fate of the world depended on him deciphering its meaning.

“Even if the morrow is barren of promises,” Sephiroth whispered, pressing his hand tighter to the wound in his side in an attempt to rid himself of the dizziness, “nothing shall forestall my return.” He nearly snorted. Genesis was not a good influence on him.

After what seemed like an eternity of walking over slippery mud and feeling the drizzle of rain on his face like a shower of bullets, he saw the structures that comprised the base and nearly fell over himself with the adrenaline boost he received. And he did, falling face-first into the ground as the world seemed to spin uncontrollably and his legs stopped listening to his brain. Vaguely, he realized he’d lost too much blood and hadn’t given the mako in his body enough time to patch him up. But that was only vaguely because his mind began drifting off as worried shouts and racing footsteps approached.

~

Cloud was surprised, to say the least. Last he remembered, he’d been staring at the television, his brain slowly powering off while the storm raged outside, watching old recordings of Sephiroth on tv. The Silver General, the Demon of Wutai, World’s Strongest SOLDIER. Every time he watched them, saw his silver hair blowing in the wind behind him, he felt an enormous swell of pride building in his chest. His friend, the boy who hadn’t even seen a flower and didn’t know what a pinky promise was, was one of the strongest people in the world. It almost made him smile.

Almost. No matter how great Sephiroth was, how well known or incredible, how much of a hero, Cloud Strife would always be Cloud Strife. The stupid, talentless boy from a backwater village in the middle of nowhere who let his only friend fall off a mountain. Being surrounded by great company didn’t make him great by association. He’d already learned that the hard way when he couldn’t save Tifa and couldn’t prove he hadn’t purposefully let her fall from the bridge.

So he was surprised when he closed his eyes and then opened them a second later to see his room was now a field of bright green grass with the open expanse of an almost cloudless sky above him. It was a sight he hadn’t seen in a while, and one he didn’t realize he missed until his heart clenched painfully and his breath hitched. He’d almost convinced himself that the field and Sephiroth never happened, that his dreams were just the result of an overactive, lonely mind. But no matter how many times he blinked, the sight never shifted or changed. He heard a sharp gasp and turned to the side where Sephiroth was sitting straight up, hand clutching hard at his side and breathing heavily.

“Seph?” He called hesitantly. The older boy’s gaze snapped to him, only needing a split second to process everything before his face softened and the beginnings of a smile touched his lips.

“Cloud.” Sephiroth said his name like it was a prayer, like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. And that if he said it with any more conviction, Cloud would blow away with the wind. He moved closer to the SOLDIER and grinned.

“It’s... been a while, huh? Um, 2 years, I think?”

Sephiroth’s eyebrows shot up and his hand went limp at his side. “2 years? Really?”

Cloud nodded. “Last time we had this dream, I think I was 8. I’m 11 now.”

“Oh,” Sephiroth breathed. “Sorry I was absent for so many birthdays.”

Cloud bit back a giggle at his friend’s sincerity. “S’alright. I don’t think either of us has much control over when these dreams happen. And we met that one time where you asked me about... what was it? Lettuce?”

“Salads,” Sephiroth provided, his eyes gleaming playfully. “I tried a ‘sand witch’, though I'm not sure why a witch is needed in its creation. And a smoothie.”

“And what’d you think?”

“They were,” he paused, looking for words that could capture his feelings, “incredible.”

Cloud’s lips twitched but he couldn’t bring himself to fully smile. “I’m glad you liked them. How are you doing?” Sephiroth’s eyes darkened slightly at that statement and Cloud swallowed. His hand went back to clutching his side with a worrying amount of force. “Are you hurt?”

Sephiroth snapped out of whatever storm of emotion his mind has been caught in and looked at his hand before releasing his grip.

“No,” he replied, confused. “But I...”

Cloud chewed on his lip at the implication. “What happened?”

“...we were attacked by Wutains. I made it back to base,” he furrowed his eyebrows, “I hope.”

“That’s,” not good, considering he was attacked and probably injured, but, “hopeful.”

Sephiroth hummed quietly and scanned Cloud’s face, a small frown settling on his lips. “You were... crying?”

Cloud touched his face. Sure enough, his cheeks were wet. He scowled and looked away. “I’m alright.” He must’ve fallen asleep while crying. Sephiroth’s frown stayed so Cloud decided to change the subject. “Tell me a bit about Wutai. I’ve seen it on the news but you're there right now.”

The silver hair boy stared at him for a moment before turning around. Cloud followed his line of sight and saw a planter box growing with far too many flowers. “I met two people. Angeal Hewley and Genesis Rhapsodos. They’re Seconds now, but should soon be promoted to Firsts.”

“Are they your friends?”

Sephiroth shrugged and pulled his feet into a criss-cross position. “Genesis is obsessed with a play. LOVELESS. And I’m certain Angeal would enjoy tending to these flowers.”

So they are . Happiness built in Cloud's chest at that. “They sound interesting.”

“I suppose.” He paused for a moment. “I’ve missed these shared dreams.”

“Me too.”

“I think I’d... like to visit your hometown soon.”

“Really!?”

He nodded slowly. “Whenever you are available, though.”

Cloud almost laughed from excitement at what Sephiroth was suggesting. “I’m always available! When you get here, we can scale the mountain together and sit at the top. I’ve been practicing climbing it on my own. It’s pretty hard but you could definitely do it. Oh, and you can bring your friends, that’d be a lot of fun.”

Sephiroth let his posture relax slightly. “That seems intrgiuing. I think I would benefit from seeing terrain other than that of Wutai.”

Cloud took a minute to process and decipher what he said, missing his friend's voice but not the struggle that came with the complicated way he worded things. “Uh, yea?”

Sephiroth’s lips twitched. “Soon, there will be a lull between missions. Maybe then I can- oh.” He held his hand up to his face and frowned.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m waking up,” his eyebrows pinched together and he looked harder at his arm like it would vanish if he turned away. “I think.”

"How do you know?"

"Hm, a feeling. I can faintly hear other's voices outside this dream." He looked back at Cloud. “Will you be alright?”

Cloud tilted his head slightly. “I’m already fine.”

“Take care of yourself, Cloud Strife. I don’t want you to cry again.”

Cloud huffed. “I wasn’t-“ he blinked and Sephiroth was gone. He watched the flowers sway and pouted. “Crying.”

~

Sephiroth blinked and he was awake. He stared at the ceiling for a second, gathering his thoughts and memories into a coherent timeline, placing the blurry images and muffled voices he’d heard while unconscious in an order that seemed reasonable. Then he felt the thin blankets of the medical tent stacked on top of him and the lingering tingle of Cura coursing through him. Finally, he turned his head.

Angeal was asleep, arms crossed against his chest and head tucked, leaning back on the chair. He looked ready to spring into action at any moment. And next to him was-

“Looks like you’re not dead,” Genesis said, snapping his book closed and dropping it into his lap. Angeal woke up at the sound and ran a hand down his face before gazing at him with a smile that was too tired and had an edge.

“Hey, good to see you.” His hand reached out presumably to smooth Sephiroth’s hair but stopped halfway. Sephiroth let his expression soften a bit to give permission and was vindicated when Angeal’s smile grew a little more genuine and his fingers ran through his hair soothingly.

“I apologize for-“

“Just shut up already,” Genesis snapped but the anger wasn’t directed at Sephiroth. “Did you truly expect us to accept an apology from you when you got injured doing your job?”

Sephiroth blinked. “Yes.”

Genesis’s face lit up with fury. “And who taught you that?”

“Gen-“

Genesis shot Angeal a look that shut him down. “Well?”

“Hojo.” He didn’t think it’d be that surprising or hold such importance. Hojo had drilled into his head that any form of injury was a sign of failure, a sign that he wasn’t yet perfect and more work needed to be done. It was a simple fact of the world that injuries meant weakness and Sephiroth was not allowed to be weak. But somehow, that one name managed to wipe away the levity in Angeal's voice and turn Genesis’s anger cold. They gave each other a look Sephiroth didn’t understand, not that he understood many of them anyway. It was like the two had a psychic connection that made it easier for them to decipher each other’s expressions. Sephiroth wondered if maybe he and Cloud would have that ability one day.

Eventually, Angeal sighed and said, “you don’t have to apologize for anything. You didn’t do anything wrong. And besides, what’s most important is that you’re here, safe, awake, and alive.”

“And he’d never have to apologize again if that bastard were dead,” Genesis growled. He shifted as if he were about to stand but Angeal’s hand on his shoulder stopped him. “My friend, the fates are cruel...”

Angeal closed his eyes for a moment. “We heard you were ambushed. You did well to make it here. How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Sephiroth answered honestly. All of his most dangerous wounds were closed and he didn’t feel lightheaded from blood loss.

“That’s good. Are you hungry?”

On cue, his stomach grumbled. “Yes.”

Angeal huffed a chuckle and placed a plate with a sandwich on his lap. He helped Sephiroth into a sitting position and watched the boy devour the food in seconds.

“Thank you,” he said when he finished.

Angeal put the plate back on the nightstand next to the bed. “Don’t mention it.” He shifted closer to Sephiroth. “You were mumbling in your sleep. Something about a cloud. Do you want to talk about it?”

They heard. Sephiroth figured they'd see through any lie and tried to come up with a suitable explanation that wouldn’t make him sound like he’d lost his mind.

“I’ve had dreams of a boy named Cloud from Nibelheim since I was a child. I meet with him occasionally in a dream world.”

Silence fell over the room. “Oh,” Angeal whispered. He opened his mouth and closed it, then looked at Genesis who only shrugged. “Um, like an imaginary friend.”

“No,” Sephiroth said with conviction. “He is real. I am going to meet him.”

“Seph-“

“I would like to leave as soon as I recover.”

Angeal let out a long, drawn-out sigh that made Genesis snort.

“Sephiroth, even if he is real, we can’t just leave in the middle of the war. The other SOLDIERs and troopers need you on the battlefield. You’re far too important to just up and leave on a leisure trip.”

Sephiroth frowned. “It would not be a leisure trip.”

“It is if it’s not for Shinra or aiding the war effort.”

“Who said it wouldn’t be aiding the war effort?” Genesis interjected, leaning forward to put his elbows on the bed. “If my memory serves me right, there is an old reactor and Shinra-owned mansion in Nibelheim that has been abandoned for several years. I’ve seen several reports saying that it needed to be inspected.”

Angeal raised an eyebrow. “And do these reports actually exist?”

“Perhaps not now, but they will soon.”

Angeal and Genesis stared at each other, the former through narrowed eyes and the other with a self-satisfied smile. Eventually, Angeal relented and threw his hands in the air.

“Fine fine, we’ll go. But,” he looked pointedly at Sephiroth, “it will only be for a week at most. And if he’s not there, we’re coming back immediately.”

“Of course,” Sephiroth breathed, hardly able to believe that they’d actually be going to Nibelheim, that he’d actually be able to see Cloud. “When do we leave?”

Angeal rubbed his chin in thought. “In two days. You should be fully recovered by then, and all the excitement from this ambush should’ve died down.”

“You’re dream boy better be worth it,” Genesis said with a smirk. “What’s he like anyway?”

“He’s-“ Sephiroth closed his eyes and thought. They’d only met a handful of times but Sephiroth felt like he’d known him far longer. He enjoyed being with Cloud or around him or even just thinking about him. He had yellow hair and blue eyes that didn’t have a mako lightbulb glowing behind them. They were blue like the sky that wasn’t dotted with clouds. Ironic. “He’s strange.”

The rain lasted for two days. It was mid-afternoon, but the grey clouds overhead hid the sun and seemed almost dusk. Cloud always liked the rain. Maybe it was because of his name, maybe it was because of the fiery dreams he had every night when he was younger. He didn’t really know. But sitting in the rain then, letting the drops of water splash gently on his bruised face and wash away the blood from the open wounds felt good. It felt better than how he felt whenever he thought of climbing up the mountain or getting beaten up by the other kids.

Cloud hated the rain, too. It reminded him of loss, which he supposed made sense because of Tifa's mom, but it was... more. The rain made him want to mourn someone he was sure was gone but he'd never met. At least, not yet.

He sighed and wiped some of the water out of his eyes. It still felt good.

~

Sephiroth watched the scenery pass by in a blur, the landscape fusing into one incoherent stroke of green and brown. The helicopter’s propellers were the only thing he could hear, even with the headsets on to protect his delicate hearing. The sun was halfway through the sky, hanging directly above them and shining down indiscriminately on everything below. Not that he’d seen it, the only thing Sephiroth saw when he looked up was the boring grey of the helicopter’s interior. It sucked all of the excitement and anxiety that’d built up in him the week before. He was bored.

“Why don’t you try sleeping?” Angeal said into the microphone on his headphones. “There won’t be much else to do besides that. Unless you want to hear Genesis’s ramblings about his play.”

Genesis did not even bother glaring at Angeal, only flipping the page of his novel, entirely engrossed. Sephiroth tapped his foot.

“How much longer?” He asked.

“Not sure, maybe-“ he paused when the helicopter shook, stretching his arms out to steady himself. “Soon I hope.”

“You don’t get motion sick, do you?” Genesis asked while flipping a page, seemingly unfazed.

“No,” Angeal responded with a frown. His eyes darted to both windows on the sides of the helicopter. “I’d just prefer if we didn’t crash and burn in the middle of nowhere.”

Genesis scoffed. “Such an irrational fear. Heroes wouldn’t die in such a manner.”

It would be nice insurance to have wings though, Sephiroth thought. A black one, maybe.

“Aw you think I’m a hero Gen?” Angeal teased.

“I never said that now did I?” Genesis snapped but Angeal didn’t back down.

“It’s an honor to be viewed as such. Let me offer you some advice as a Genesis-approved hero: embrace your dreams and always protect your honor as-“

“By the goddess you are insufferable!”

The helicopter began to descend slowly and the speeding view outside the windows slowed to the point that Sephiroth could more easily make out a mountain in the distance. Their argument stopped as the vehicle hovered above the ground.

“Mt. Nibel,” Genesis provided before taking off his headset. Angeal and Sephiroth followed suit. “Looks like we’ve arrived.”

As soon as the helicopter came to a rest, the mound of emotions Sephiroth had been feeling before their helicopter trip came back in full force and almost sent him sprinting out the helicopter. Angeal’s hand on his shoulder stopped him from taking the 3-hour drive from their landing spot to Nibelheim on foot. The older SOLDIER stepped out first, apparently feeling the need to scan the area for danger before the others exited. Genesis walked out, the wind dramatically blowing his hair behind him. Sephiroth took a deep breath, stifling his emotions somewhat so he didn’t feel like he’d explode the moment he set foot on the ground, and the three began their journey to Nibelheim.

The truck drive was surprisingly not as boring as the helicopter ride. The lack of noise and larger space to stretch out made it easier for Sephiroth to accept the wait, and Genesis and Angeal’s banter plus occasional stories were enough to keep his mind engaged and active rather than rotting away thinking about absolutely nothing.

“You’ll catch a disease one day from doing that,” Genesis remarked, frowning at the picture Angeal had pulled up on his PHS. He turned the device to Sephiroth, showing a younger-looking Angeal crouched beside several lines of plants shooting up from the ground, smiling brightly.

“I like gardening,” he explained to Sephiroth. “Used to have a small garden back home. I was planning on growing Banora Whites before I left.”

The leaves were bright green and looked extraordinarily healthy. “Do you know how to grow flowers?”

Angeal’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “I think so. Never actually grown a whole patch of flowers, but I’ve grown a few. I know a lot about them though.”

He closed his PHS and set it back in his pocket. Sephiroth bit his lip and considered his question.

“Do you think... you could perhaps teach me how to grow them?”

Genesis made a small noise of surprise and Angeal’s expression softened into fondness and pride. “Of course,” he responded.

“Enough about your flower talk,” Genesis interjected, “What should we expect when we meet your Cloud?”

My Cloud. Sephiroth bit back a smile at the phrasing. “He is rather emotive and has a short temper. I believe he lives with his mother.”

“And Nibelheim?”

He thought of the flowers and the mountain. “It's a rather small village, and it’s cold there almost all year round.”

The truck made a left and began climbing up a steep hill. After a few more minutes of driving over rocky terrain and short conversations mostly centered around LOVELESS, they came to a stop at a flat area. The three exited the truck, Angeal thanking the driver for taking his party to the village before they drove off and the trio turned their attention to the entrance just a few feet away. A sign hung overhead reading ‘Nibelheim’ in plain, worn writing.

“Are you ready?” Angeal asked from Sephiroth’s side.

Sephiroth took a deep breath and counted down from 3, remembering the emotional training he’d done that was supposed to prepare him for moments like these, when everything felt too overwhelming for him to handle. After a few moments of shoving his fears and excitement and joy into a neat box and placing it in the corner of his mind, he looked past the entrance at the town and marched forward with his goal in mind.

Chapter Text

Nibelheim was a quiet, tiny village. The town square was almost completely taken up by a large water tower, and there were only 20 buildings maximum in the village. Even though it was mid-afternoon on a Tuesday, the streets were almost completely empty besides the occasional stray cat and the elder people sitting outside their homes.

“It’s quaint,” Angeal noted, his face staying neutral while he observed the village.

“I knew it was backwater, but I didn’t think it’d be this,” Genesis kicked his boot into the ground and sent a brown cloud into the air, “dusty.”

Sephiroth saw the sign for the inn. “We should get a room before we look for Cloud.”

Genesis and Angeal followed him to the building, entering a small, sunlit room with a clerk at the desk and a man in a red shirt and leather vest standing in front talking to him about something. They both perked up when they heard the chime over the door ring, the older man’s eyes widening in immediate recognition.

“Sephiroth,” he said, stepping forward and offering his hand. Sephiroth stared at it until the man retracted his offer, his expression not changing. “I- I was not expecting you, but it’s an honor to welcome you to Nibelheim. I’m Mayor Lockheart.”

Sephiroth didn’t say anything, too busy scanning the bulletin behind the desk to pay attention to the mayor. Angeal sighed and took over, shaking hands with him.

“I’m Angeal and he’s Genesis. Sorry for not sending word beforehand, we're here on short notice.”

Lockheart shook his head. “It’s no issue at all, Nibelheim would be honored to host you three for however long you like.”

“Good because we’ll be staying for a week, and I won’t be sleeping in a less than acceptable room,” Genesis said. The mayor’s face hardened and lost a bit of its friendly demeanor but his tone stayed consistent.

“Of course, you’ll have only the best.” He clapped his hands lightly together and addressed them all. “Now, is there a particular reason you’ve all come here that I can help you with before you get settled for the day?”

“Cloud Strife,” Sephiroth blurted. The mayor and clerk stared at him like he’d grown another head. “Do you know where he lives?”

The mayor’s eyes narrowed with what looked like anger at the mention of his name. It made Sephiroth itch to summon Masamune. “The Strife’s life at the edge of town, opposite this inn. Not too hard to find, the place is small and old.”

“Thank you. Angeal will request a room,” Sephiroth said before briskly turning away.

“Ah wait,” Lockheart called. Sephiroth grit his teeth and looked back at the mayor. “That brat only means trouble. He’s out of control and a menace to the rest of the village and even his mother can’t seem to get a handle on him. If he’s done something wrong then-“

Sephiroth took a short step closer, staring down at the man through narrowed eyes. “Then what?”

He had to hand it to the mayor, if it were anyone else, they would’ve been cowering and shaking in their boots under Sephiroth’s gaze. But Lockheart stood firm, the only indication of his nervousness being the bobbing of his throat and bead of sweat on his temple.

“Then I hope you find him,” the mayor said with an uneasy smile. “My office is just back there if you need me. Let me know.”

Sephiroth glared him down for a second before leaving the inn as quickly as he came. Angeal and Genesis’s footsteps joined him a few seconds later, presumably after apologizing to the mayor and the voiceless clerk at the desk. They walked to the other side of the water tower and down a narrow path between a few rows of houses.

“So the mayor,” Angeal said to break the silence.

Genesis scoffed. “A sorry excuse of a man. He sounded like he had a personal vendetta against a child.”

“I hate to agree,” Genesis let out a noise of indignation at Angeal’s remark, “but he didn’t make the greatest first impression. Talking about a child like that...”

Sephiroth wanted to gut the man for speaking about Cloud in such a tone. Such a degrading, insufferably ignorant, rude-

“Hey, we both do,” Angeal said, setting his hand on Sephiroth’s shoulder. He must’ve said all that out loud. “But let’s refrain from murder while we’re here.” Angeal shot a look at Genesis. “All of us.”

Their conversation ended as soon as the house came into sight. It was exactly as the mayor had described it, relatively small compared to the other houses in the village and it looked significantly older, but nonetheless orderly and livable. There was a small pot of blue flowers out front under the porch that matched the color of Cloud’s eyes. Sephiroth felt some of the anger dissipate and be replaced with the excitement and anxiety from earlier. He liked that feeling far better than the coiling rage in his stomach. They walked to the front door and Angeal knocked.  It immediately opened to reveal a small form with spiky blond hair loosely pulled into a ponytail.

“Cloud? ”

“You’re Sephiroth!”

“Looks like we found your dream boy,” Genesis smirked before pausing and leaning forward past Sephiroth. “Or girl?”

Angeal’s hand was still frozen in the air and he pulled it back into an awkward wave. “Um, hello... Miss Strife?”

She smiled brightly, but not the way Sephiroth exactly remembered from his dreams and placed her hands on her hips.

“Yes, that’s me. I’m Claudia Strife.” She glanced up at Sephiroth. “And you’re the one my son constantly talks about and has hung up in his room.”

He nodded stiffly and the woman’s smile grew wider.

“I never doubted him, even if he thought I did. Ah, but where are my manners.” She wiped her hands off on her apron and held out her hand for Genesis and Angeal to shake. “I think I’ve heard about you two as well. Um, Angel and... Generator?”

“Gener-!”

“That’s... close enough,” Angeal said with an amused smile. “We’re sorry to intrude ma’am, but we’re looking for-“

“Cloud, I’m guessing.” She opened the door more and gestured for them to enter. Inside was nice: a small living room, kitchen, and short hallway with only three doors. The lights were off but the sunlight from the windows was enough to brighten the entire house. Pictures of Claudia and Cloud were placed on the mantel and hung on the walls. It was homely.

“Sorry for the mess,” Claudia said while rearranging a few things. “I was, well still am, in a rush to get to work. Didn’t exactly have time to clean.”

“We’re sorry to keep you then,” Angeal apologized.

“It’s alright. Please, make yourselves at home. Grab a snack if you’d like, we’ve got enough food.” She quickly checked her watch and sprinted to the door. “Cloud should be home in a bit. I’ll make dinner when I get back, and yes you are all invited and I expect you later. Goodbye!” She left them standing in the empty house in silence.

“Well,” Genesis breathed before settling into a chair in the living room as if he owned it, “she said to make ourselves at home, did she not?”

Angeal frowned at him and ran a hand through his hair. “I suppose so, but don’t get too comfortable.” Despite that, he took off the Buster Sword and leaned it against the coat rack at the front door. The massive sword made quite a striking image next to the normal furniture.

Genesis had already moved the chair closer to the window and was reading LOVELESS, as always. “I’m hungry.”

“I am as well,” Sephiroth added.

Angeal sighed. “I’ll see if there’s anything quick I can make for lunch. I don’t think we've eaten since breakfast anyway...” he trailed off as he walked into the kitchen and out of sight. Sephiroth stayed standing by the front door, unsure of what to do. Genesis peeked over his book and hid a smile when he saw the lost general.

“Why don’t you look around and see what more you can learn about Cloud?”

“Isn’t that snooping?”

Genesis raised an eyebrow. “And when were you ever one to respect privacy?”

Always, but you aren’t . He instead walked over to the window on the other side of the living room. The sky was still sparse with grey clouds from the rain earlier and they seemed to collect around the peak of the mountain. Mt. Nibel itself was just barren rock. Sephiroth reasoned he could probably see all of the village and far beyond if he climbed to the top. Cloud had said something about wanting to do just that. They’d probably have to wait a few days for the rock to dry so they wouldn’t slip. But maybe Cloud could show him the flowers that grow around the mountain while they waited and explore the mansion. A smile tugged on his lips and he couldn’t help but let it show.

Angeal exited the kitchen holding a plate of what looked like little pieces of toasted bread. “I made pizza rolls.” He held the plate closer to Sephiroth. “Want some? There’s no meat in them.”

Sephiroth picked one up and turned it over in his hand while Angeal gave the plate to Genesis, who promptly stuffed a handful into his mouth and kept reading. He was about to try it when the door opened and a small, soaked figure walked in sullenly, stopping to take off their shoes. He watched them straighten then come to a full stop, eyes widening.

“Sephiroth.”

Cloud’s hair was dripping wet, hanging down in front of his eyes and his usual spikes flattened to his head. Bruises and cuts were littered all over his arms and face. He looked like he’d just crawled through mud and only had the rain to wash off the dirt. But Sephiroth didn’t notice. He didn’t notice anything besides Cloud’s eyes, boring straight into and past him, like he was looking at someone else.

“Cloud-“

“No.”

Sephiroth drew back. “No?”

Cloud shook his head fervently, face twisting with fear and loathing and confusion. “No, you shouldn’t be here, not yet. There’s still t-time. It’s too soon, too soon.”

“Cloud, you’re not making sense.”

The boy pressed a hand to one eye, grimacing in pain and stumbling backward. “You- you shouldn’t, you can’t...” his eyes fluttered close and he fell back into Angeal’s arms. He took off his gloves and rested the back of his hand lightly on Cloud’s face and furrowed his eyebrows.

“He’s got a fever. Nothing serious, I hope.” He hoisted Cloud up in his arms and walked toward Sephiroth who hadn’t moved since the boy collapsed. “Can you help me find his room?”

Sephiroth took a second longer than he really needed before responding by randomly guessing which room was his. Angeal walked in and set Cloud down on the small bed, tucking him under the blanket and pushing his hair out of his face. Sephiroth stood awkwardly by the door, unsure of what to do, afraid his proximity might worsen his condition.

“I’ll go into town and look for some medicine. I’ll have Genesis try a Cure on him, it won’t help with the fever but it’ll heal his bruises.” He glanced up at Sephiroth and gestured for him to sit beside him on the edge of the bed. “Think you can watch over him while we’re gone?”

“I,” Sephiroth paused, opening and closing his fist, “think so, but he didn’t seem to want me here...”

Angeal sighed and shook his head. “He has a fever, Seph. He was probably just a little delirious and wasn't completely aware of what he was saying. I’m sure he wants you here just as much as you want to be here.”

Sephiroth closed his eyes and let out a breath, trying to calm his nerves. “Ok.”

Angeal patted his back and left. There was slight murmuring in the living room, the door opening and closing while Genesis’s footsteps echoed from the kitchen. He looked down at Cloud’s sleeping form and reached out to touch him like Angeal did before deciding against it. Sephiroth glanced around the room, noticing how messy it was and the poster on the wall of... him. He let out a breath of amusement and turned back to Cloud. Sephiroth could wait.

~

When Cloud came to, he decided he was much happier being asleep. When he was unconscious his head wasn’t throbbing like he’d just slammed it on the ground multiple times and then tumbled down the mountain. At least his face didn’t hurt anymore. He’d almost sworn they’d broken his nose with how hard they punched him, but now he hardly felt anything at all. Besides the heaviness of his limbs and pulsing headache, everything else felt fine. Great even. He cracked open an eye and was met with someone he felt like he should know. Maybe in a past life.

“The wandering soul knows no rest,”  he smirked and stood. “Your dream boy’s awake,” he addressed someone to the side. Cloud tried to see who it was but his head was pounding from just the shifting light in the room. After a second, familiar green eyes met his.

“You’re awake.”

Cloud blinked a few times and squinted. “Am I dreaming?”

“Genesis is here, so I suppose not.”

“Genesis is...” Cloud racked his rather fuzzy memory before finally remembering where he’d heard that name. “Oh, I thought it was Generator.”

The redhead practically shouted. “How is generator even close to Genesis?!”

Cloud winced at his loud voice and attempted a shrug. “First four letters are the same.”

“I swear to the goddess-“

“Genesis,” Sephiroth interrupted. “Can you make something to eat and bring Cloud water?”

There was a moment of silence before Genesis stomped out of the room, mumbling what sounded like elaborate curses under his breath. 

“I apologize for his... boisterousness. He can be quite dramatic. How are you feeling?” Sephiroth asked, flooding Cloud’s vision with the green of his eyes and silver hair again.

“Um, better, I think. Thanks. How long have I been out?”

"Several hours. We arrived here just before noon. It is early evening now."

"Oh, did you meet my ma?"

"Your... mother." Sephiroth sounded the word out like it was one he'd never heard before. "Yes, we met her while she was getting ready to leave for work. She is very different from you."

"Yea, I guess." She seemed to have all of the social skills and friendliness Cloud never inherited, which he was still a little bitter about. "Can you help me sit up? I'd do it myself but I don't want to throw up."

Sephiroth regarded him suspiciously but helped Cloud sit in an upright position. When Cloud was settled, he drew back and sat with his hands folded in his lap like a dutiful schoolboy. Cloud felt a laugh bubbling in his chest but it came out as a dry cough that evolved into a fit. After a few minutes of Sephiroth trying to soothe him by slowly rubbing circles on his back, it subsided to a dull ache.

“Thanks,” he panted. Cloud took a test breath and was relieved when he didn’t cough out another lung. He settled back against the pillow, observing the way Sephiroth’s fingers twitched like they wanted something to do. He was as tall as he was on tv and in the drams, but he still looked small and pale in the black baggy pants of his uniform. It was surreal, seeing Sephiroth in person, sitting on his bed, fidgeting nervously. It almost made Cloud want to laugh again, but he didn’t want to end up coughing up blood. “It’s kind of weird, having you here.”

”How so?”

”It’s just like... a dream come true.” More than he could ever know. Having him there was almost too good to be true. “I’m really glad you’re here.” 

“It is... very good to see you too, Cloud.” His hands tightened with every word. “I know you were frightened when you saw me, but I would like to inform you that I would never hurt you.”

Cloud raised an eyebrow. Frightened? He wasn’t-

“Oh right,” he realized. He’d been... seeing things he knew hadn’t happened. Fire and screaming and a sword that looked an awful lot like Sephiroth's sliding forward, aimed straight for his chest. Cloud shuddered at the thought. But he wasn’t scared exactly. It was more rage and grief than anything. “It’s fine, I just wasn’t feeling well. But I guess I’m still not 100% yet. But really, I couldn’t be any happier to see you.”

With that, all of the tension in Sephiroth’s shoulders melted away and his posture relaxed minutely. “That’s... reassuring.” His gaze drifted around the room, brushing over the books on Cloud’s desk before settling on the wall where had a poster of-

“Oh my gods,” Cloud groaned, hiding his face in his hands. “Please just, pretend you don’t see it.”

“I was trained to evaluate every detail of my environment. I’m not sure if that will be possible. Especially since it’s so noticeable.” The amusement was dripping off Sephiroth’s voice. “I don’t remember posing for that photo but it’s a nice poster, though I did not know you were a fan.”

“I’m not a fan!” Cloud blatantly lied , balling his hands in the sheet. He could practically feel his face burning with embarrassment. “I-I just... I just missed you, is all.” Sephiroth’s smirk turned fond and even though it was supposed to make Cloud feel better, it just wanted to make him curl up in a ball and die. “Whatever, I don’t even need it anymore since you’re here now.”

Cloud was luckily spared further embarrassment when Genesis burst into the room, juggling two plates of pizza rolls and pieces of cheese in one hand and a glass of water in the other. Cloud was almost impressed by the display. He set the plates down in Cloud’s lap and the water on the bedside table, folding his arm expectantly. Once he was satisfied, he settled in the desk chair.

“So dream boy, how old are you?”

Cloud finished chewing his pizza roll and responded. “11. You?”

“You don’t need to know.”

“He is-" Sephiroth started

“Never mind that. Why did you stumble in here half-conscious and soaked to the bone?”

Cloud stopped himself from tossing another roll in his mouth. “I... got into a fight.”

Genesis leaned back in the chair and frowned. “Oh? So the mayor was right, you’re a troublemaker.”

“I’m not!” He growled. “They came after me. They always do.”

Sephiroth’s light mood suddenly became darker. “Why?”

“They,” Cloud paused and clenched his jaw, “they’re just stupid is all. All of them, except for Tifa.”

Genesis’s frown changed into a smug grin. “Ah, a girl. I see.”

Cloud glowered at him. “She’s just a friend.” That reminded him... “Didn’t you come with another friend? The one who caught me, um, Angel?”

Sephiroth let an easy half-smile slip back onto his face. Cloud liked it much better than whatever emotion had shown just a minute prior. “Angeal. He’s out getting medicine and should be back soon.”

“As in right now,” Angeal’s voice answered from the doorway. He walked over to the bedside and deposited a bag that he dug through, pulling out a glass bottle of medicine. “Nice to meet you Cloud. And it’s good to see you feeling better.”

Cloud shrugged. “Just a little better.” He accepted the little cup of medicine, swallowing it in one go and shaking away the taste. It was horrible, but at least it made his throat feel better. “Uh, I get why Sephiroth’s here, but why you two?”

“I insisted we joined him,” Angeal answered.

“Aren’t you in the middle of fighting a war?”

Genesis let out a huff that sounded like a laugh. “You’re right, we are. But Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess, and we could not let our dear General fly off to meet a mystery boy alone. This matter was far more important than the war”

Cloud blushed harder than he thought possible. “Oh.”

Sephiroth looked between the three of them, confusion obvious on his features.

“So Cloud, what’s this place like?” Angeal asked while settling on the floor.

“Boring. There’s not much around here besides the reactor up the mountain.”

“And the mansion?”

“It’s been abandoned for as long as I can remember. A lot of kids used to sneak in as a sort of ritual thingy but the adults banned them from entering after I did it.”

Genesis who’d already begun reading LOVELESS, looked up from the pages for a moment. “And what heinous crime did you commit that warranted such a rule?”

“Nothing. I was probably too young to go in there, so that's probably why. But there's nothing much in the mansion.” His memory of that night was really sparse, besides coming across the occasional rat that nearly sent him bolting out of fear. “A few monsters in there but it’s mostly just some rotten furniture and stuff.”

Angeal furrowed his eyebrows. “Why would they just abandon it like that? And the rector too, it’s strange...”

“Angeal, I thought we were here to relax,” Genesis groaned. “I refuse to do any investigating.”

“Didn’t you file the reports that were were here on an official Shinra mission to inspect the reactor?” Sephiroth pointed out.

“Yes but that doesn’t actually mean we have to do anything. It's not as if Shinra will actually care. Besides, wouldn’t you rather spend time with Cloud than work?”

Cloud saw Sephiroth glance at him from the corner of his eyes but he did not respond. Instead, the front door opened.

“Cloudy, I’m home!”

Cloud sat up straight. “Ma.” He tried to swing his leg over the side to go greet her but was stopped by Sephiroth’s hand on his shoulder and a firm look.

Genesis stood. “I’ll go let her know what happened.” He walked out and after a short muffled conversation, Claudia entered Cloud’s room still wearing her work uniform and apron with a worried look on her face.

“Oh Cloud!” She rushed over and enveloped him in a hug that he returned. She pulled back and inspected his face, quickly turning it side to side and checking his temperature with her hand. “I told you not to go out earlier. Why don’t you listen to me?”

He bit his lip and cast his eyes down. “Sorry. I-I wanted to see Tifa.”

The grip she had on his shoulders loosened a little and she let out a soft sigh. “Alright then. You came back just before your fever got worse anyway.” She turned to Angeal and the other two and smiled gratefully at them. “Thank you all for taking care of my storm cloud.”

Cloud was sure he was blushing up to his roots and could faintly hear Genesis stifling a laugh over the rush of blood in his ears.

“There's no need to thank us, we’re just living up to our honor as SOLDIERs,” Angeal said warmly.

“Well then, now that all of the thanks are out of the way,” Claudia placed a kiss on Cloud’s cheek and stood to address the three, “What would you all like for dinner?”

“Ma’am, we couldn’t-“

“Anything without tomatoes, please,” Genesis answered, cutting off Angeal. “And you, Sephiroth?”

“I do not eat meat.”

Cloud thought for a moment before deciding. “How about soup?”

Claudia nodded and finally looked at Angeal. “Any preferences?”

He glared at the others in the room before relenting. “None, just that you let me help you, at the very least.”

She chuckled and put her hands on her hips. “A handful, the lot of you. Fine, let’s get cooking, Angel!”

Claudia left the room with Angeal following after her, tapping Genesis’s shoulder on his way out and waiting for him to get up. The redhead only slumped down further in the chair.

“What?”

Angeal gave him a pointed look and crossed his arms, head tilting in Cloud's direction. “You’re going to help us cook.”

Genesis looked between the two sitting on the bed and finally pushed himself up with more effort than necessary. “There is no joy, only hate...”

“That’s definitely not how it goes.”

“And how would you know?...”

Their voices faded as they walk out of the room, leaving Sephiroth and Cloud alone. Cloud rolled his eyes and leaned back against the bed frame, feeling a little drained. The last time he calmly spoke to that many friendly people was... not recently. It made him feel good, but he still wasn't used to having such long conversations with anyone besides Tifa, and she usually carried those mostly on her own. His fever didn't make things any easier either.

“Would you like to rest?” Sephiroth shifted slightly on the bed to give Cloud more space. He shook his head.

“No. Actually...” Cloud spotted a book on his desk and got an idea. “Can you bring that blue book with gold lettering here please?”

Sephiroth retrieved the book which Cloud quickly flipped through and opened to the page he had marked before. He moved closer to Sephiroth, setting the book down with the pages opened between them. There was a picture of a pure white flower with light purple streaks radiating out from the center and a second of a purple-pink version of the same flower. Sephiroth leaned in closer to the page and his face lit up as he read through the paragraphs below the image.

“It’s a magnolia. They’re native to Wutai and super old. They actually existed before bees, so they’re pollinated by beetles instead.”

“Fascinating,” Sephiroth breathed. “What do they symbolize?”

“Nobility, perseverance, and femininity.” Cloud was mentally high fiving himself for having the foresight to memorize an entire textbook worth of different flower facts to tell Sephiroth. “The white ones symbolize purity.”

“What about hydrangea?”

Cloud locked gazes with Sephiroth briefly. He couldn’t help but smile as he flipped to the page and they read together.

~

Sephiroth was no stranger to dinners. Not anymore, since Angeal and Genesis had trained him in the art of sitting at a table with other people and making polite conversation while eating. Though they claimed the conversation was supposed to be polite, it almost never was when Genesis spoke, usually teetering on the edge of condescending or downright insulting. So Sephiroth was far from nervous when he took a seat on a very old chair Angeal had dragged out of storage. But when the soup was finally served and the conversation began, he realized he really ought to be far less calm than he was.

“So Sephiroth,” Claudia began, slowly stirring her bowl of soup to cool it off, “how did you meet Cloud?”

The subject of the sentence proceeded to cause Cloud to nearly on his soup and required Genesis to cast a quick Cure on him to stop him from coughing.

“We occasionally share dreams. Our first one was 4 years ago.”

She took a sip of her soup. "Do you know why you have these dreams?"

"No." Sephiroth never really thought about why it happened, he simply accepted it as a fact of the world like the sky being blue or the world being round. A brief idea that━ for some reason━ the mansion on the hill might hold answers flashed through his mind, but he disregarded it.

“And where are you all from?”

“Genesis and I are from Banora,” Angeal answered. “It’s in the Mideel area.

“I think I’ve heard of it. Not really a small town, is it?"

"Well, it's not big either. I don't think a small town could've contained Genesis for his entire childhood, though."

“And you, Sephiroth?”

Though she said it in a gentle tone, he suddenly got the distinct feeling that he was being interrogated. Which is only natural considering I traveled over several thousand miles to meet her son who I supposedly met in a dream. Sephiroth forced down his defensive instincts and focused on giving an answer.

“I do not know. I was raised in a lab in an unspecified location by a scientist.” A good response. He let out a mental sigh of relief, happy with his answer, and waited for Claudia’s reaction.

“Oh.” Her smile fell and a weight hung over the room. Sephiroth swallowed and hurried to change the subject, not wanting to ruin their dinner.

“I’ve heard that many flowers grow around the mountain throughout the year. I wish to see them one day.”

She brightened slightly at the topic, following along with his abrupt switch. “Oh yes! I’m sure Cloud will be willing to take you when he’s feeling better. How long will you be staying?”

“Only until the end of the week.”

“Aw, so short? Do you have a place to stay?”

Angeal leaned forward onto his elbows, having finished his food in record time. “We... don’t. Genesis, did we get a room?” Genesis shrugged and kept eating. Angeal sighed and let his face fall into his hands. "Right we left before we could rent one. I hope they'll still have it available.”

Genesis clicked his tongue in annoyance. "I would rather sleep on the streets than accept a room from that mayor."

“Well,” Claudia tapped her chin in thought. “I have work again in an hour until morning, so you can stay here and take my bed. Or sleep on the couch or in Cloud’s room, if he doesn’t mind.”

Cloud waved his hand. “Don’t care.”

Angeal ran a hand through his hair. “We really shouldn’t be intruding so much and I wouldn't want to take over your bed.”

“You’re hardly intruding if it's only for a few days. But why do you have to leave so soon?”

Sephiroth wondered the same thing. “We have to report back to Wutai.” Even though Shinra could win the war without him. It’s not like his contributions did anything to shorten its length, despite what the propaganda said.

“Aren’t you all a little too young to be fighting in a war?”

Sephiroth had never heard anyone say that before. “I am 15.”

She pointed at him with her spoon. “Point proven. And Genera- uh, Genesis, are you going to eat your soup or stare at it?”

Genesis gripped his spoon tightly but forced himself not to snap at the woman out of embarrassment. “ Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul. Pride is lost ."

Claudia shot him a questioning look while he stuffed a spoonful of soup into his mouth and then couldn’t stop himself from eating more to answer the question. Angeal sighed.

“LOVELESS. It’s a play he’s obsessed with.” Genesis shot him a glare but didn’t comment further.

“Oh! I know it!” Her fingers drummed on the table in beats of three. “ Wings stripped away, the end is nigh.”

Genesis stopped eating and stared at her like he’d seen the goddess herself descend from the heavens. “You know the play?!”

“Of course I do. I wanted to be an actress when I was younger. I memorized nearly the entire thing. There is no hate, only joy for you are beloved by the goddess, Hero of the dawn, Healer of worlds.” She grinned with pride while Genesis stared at her like she hung the stars. “But then I had Cloud, and I couldn’t have asked for a better future than that.”

Cloud rolled his eyes but didn't bother hiding his blush.

Genesis sighed with something that sounded like longing. “Cloud Strife, I don’t think you properly appreciate your mother’s brilliance.”

“What!? How do I not?”

“Well first of all,” he sat up a little straighter in his chair and took in a deep breath like he was about to go on a monologue, which wasn’t too far from what happened. “She is an incredible cook, possibly the best I’ve ever had the honor of meeting.”

“Hey!” Angeal jokingly protested.

Claudia smiled. “Aw, Gener- Genesis, you’re so sweet.”

Genesis held up his hand and continued addressing Cloud. “Not only that but she’s also a thespian. A well cultured, intelligent master of the arts who understands the importance of LOVELESS in evolving the depth of our culture.”

“Looks like this has turned into a Claudia Strife appreciation dinner,” she joked.

Cloud shrugged. “You deserve it.”

Her spirit practically flew as she threw her arms around her now flustered son. “My storm cloud~!”

Sephiroth stopped listening and closed his eyes, wading in the comforting sounds. It felt good. Everything, since he got to Nibelheim and Cloud woke up, felt right. It was like he was living the stories Angeal had told about his own mother, the way his eyes shone with pure love every time he thought of her. He could see it in Cloud’s eyes now, and it filled Sephiroth with so much of everything that he didn’t know what to feel.

Dinner ended midway through dessert when Cloud fell asleep and face planted into his plate. Angeal helped clean his face, carried him to his room, and tucked him in while Genesis went to wash up.

“Looks like I’ll be cleaning then.” Claudia stood and picked up plates. 

Sephiroth copied her actions. “I’ll help.”

They both made their way to the kitchen sink, Claudia washing the plates, Sephiroth drying and setting them on the counter since he had no clue where they went. He made sure to be extra careful not to accidentally break one of them from moving too fast.

“Did you enjoy dinner?” She asked while scrubbing a plate.

“Yes, it was very good.”

“I’m glad. Angeal told me you’d like anything I made, but I wasn't sure if you really did.”

He frowned. “Why did you think so?”

Claudia rocked her head from side to side as she thought. “Your face, probably. You just looked so... entranced.” She paused and set down the dish she’d been working on before picking up another. “It's good to see you so relaxed."

Sephiroth wanted to tense at that. He shouldn't have let himself be calm, be relaxed, let his guard down. He knew that, but he couldn't bring himself to raise his hackles at the statement. "I'm not used to being in an environment like this."

"I can tell you aren't," she murmured, slowing her actions. "None of you are, but who's to say that can't change?"

The words repeated in his mind over and over, trying to grasp what she was saying but somehow falling short of an answer every time. "I... don't understand."

"That's alright, you don't have to understand just yet. I can’t say I know you well but I want you to know that you’ll always have a home here, with Cloud and I. No matter what. So don’t hesitate to smile.”

Back in the labs, in his tiny grey-white room with no windows, Sephiroth would sometimes dream of what his mother was like. Hojo told him she’d died giving birth to him, but he wondered what she would’ve been like if she was still alive. Maybe she’d be like Claudia, lighting up the room like a sun, constantly wrapping her son with as much love as she possessed in her body and even more. She’d smile at him and her hair would brush against his face when she leaned down to kiss his cheek. And when Hojo would come to give him his treatments, she’d soothe his pain afterward with stories of fantastical creatures and magic. Or maybe with descriptions of flowers and what they meant. Sephiroth felt a hand resting on top of his own. Claudia squeezed and gave him a grin before turning back to the dishes. And Sephiroth let himself smile.

“Hey buddy, you ok?”

Cloud sighed. “Yeah.” His fever had apparently gone away because his head was feeling ten times better than it was before he went to sleep. Unless he was still asleep and this was a dream. But then where was Sephiroth?

“So, what do you say? We doing this?”

“Y-yea.” He didn’t know what 'this' was, but he had the feeling that he would’ve said yes to it either way.

“Ah, you don’t remember, do you? Not yet at least, which is why I'm still here.”

“Remember what?”

“Never mind about that. Right now, you need to focus on this.”

“On what?”

They huffed. “You ask a lot of questions, don’t you?”

Cloud suddenly got very irritated at the nonanswers he was getting. “Who even are you?”

“Another question.” They flicked his forehead. “That’s not important.”

“Hey!”

“Pay attention. You can and will forget a lot of things. You may forget this dream entirely but you need to remember this. Think you can do that?”

Cloud swallowed. Something about what they said threw him off. “I can.”

“Alright then. I had about 5 years from here, but you might have longer this time ‘round. Either way, answer this truthfully. Can you hear the planet crying out in pain?”

If his eyes were opened, Cloud would’ve stared at him in disbelief. He elected not to respond. The other let out a breathy chuckle.

“Yeah me neither. I’d be worried if you said you did.”

“Then why’d you ask?”

A flick. “You asked another question.” They placed a hand on his shoulder. “Even if you can’t hear it, see it. You’ve got eyes, use them. Don’t listen but look. Flowers don’t grow beneath Midgar, but they do around Mt. Nibel. Yellow lilies, forget-me-nots, and daffodils.”

What? “But half of those don’t grow here.”

“Cloud.”

“And you didn’t answer my question. Who are you?”

“Don’t worry, I'll see you again. Oh and one more thing before you go. Save Sephiroth, save everyone, save the world. It'll be easier in that order. Alright?”

“Cloud.”

He opened his eyes and met with Sephiroth’s. Almost immediately, his headache returned in full force. Cloud pushed himself up against the wall and squinted into the dark, making out his friend's glowing eyes.

“What are you doing in here?”

Sephiroth blinked a few times and if Cloud could see his face, he would be able to see a smirk. “You’re mother,” Cloud suppressed a shiver at the way he said the word, “said we could stay. You gave me permission to sleep in your room. Do you not recall?”

Cloud rewound his memory to dinner and vaguely heard his mother asking him if Sephiroth could sleep with him, to which he tiredly nodded his head and then nearly passed out and landed face first in his pie. Cloud sighed and eased up a bit, scooting to the side to give Sephiroth more room.

“Why’d you wake me up?” He asked as the taller boy shifted more onto the bed.

“You were talking in your sleep.” He paused. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“It was... something with flowers, I think.” Cloud barely remembered it besides, “lilies, forget-me-nots, and daffodils.” He yawned loudly and stopped thinking too hard about it. “Not that it matters much though. It was just a dream.”

Sephiroth hummed and Cloud fell back asleep, dreaming about nothing more.

Chapter Text

When the morning sun rose in Nibelheim, Sephiroth rose with it. He’d usually wake far earlier than he did, to the sound of marching footsteps and someone walking into his tent for a report. He never had to wake himself or set an alarm because of it. But he wasn’t on the frontlines of war anymore. He was sleeping next to Cloud, one of the younger boy’s arms draped over his chest, tucked in the corner of the bed and under the blanket he had to get from Claudia because Cloud kept hogging the other.

He didn’t move, not wanting to wake Cloud up yet. Instead, Sephiroth watched the sunlight filter into the room through the window, casting it in golden hues that nearly took his breath away. He’d seen the sunrise’s light a hundred times but now it felt special. He glanced at Cloud and wondered if he was still dreaming and if he'd woken up just as breathless every morning. The door creaked opened and Sephiroth fought down the urge to jump to his feet and greet the intruder with Masamune. He instead waited and saw Claudia tiptoeing to the bedside quietly, crouching beside it and stroking Cloud’s hair lovingly. Her attention shifted to Sephiroth and her expression held. She held out her hand, palm facing upward. Sephiroth placed his on top, feeling the warmth of her hand around his own.

Take care, she mouthed. She squeezed before letting go and silently leaving. Sephiroth watched her go and fell back asleep wishing she’d stay.

Movement on the bed caused the blankets on top of Sephiroth to shift and be dragged off his now half-awake body. He heard a groan from Cloud and sat up, frowning when he saw the boy curled up in a ball under a pile of blankets and Angeal grimacing at a thermometer he was holding.

“Good afternoon,” Angeal said without looking up. He brushed aside Cloud’s bangs and touched his forehead gently. “103. Looks like you’ll be staying here for the day.”

Sephiroth thought he heard Cloud mumble something that sounded like 'you’re not my ma'. He turned to Angeal. “What do you mean afternoon?”

“It’s 1:30. You’ve been asleep for practically half the day. Lunch is already ready if you want some.”

Sephiroth began getting out of the bed, immediately cursing the loss of warmth and Cloud’s presence by his side. He looked at the sick boy one last time before following Angeal to the kitchen table, where he set a plate of toast and various fruits down in front of him.

“Genesis went with Ms. Strife to work.” Angeal was busy tidying up the kitchen while Sephiroth ate. “You wouldn’t believe how insistent he was to see where his now beloved surrogate mother worked.”

Sephiroth could imagine the redhead spouting endless amounts of quotes and pestering the kind woman until she conceded. He felt a little bad for Claudia.

“How’d you sleep?”

Sephiroth considered that. “Well. The bed was rather comfortable.” He’d also thought had a strange dream where he thought he could hear someone calling to him. But it wasn’t interesting enough to mention. “Cloud’s bed is very nice. And I think... I think sleeping by his side helped ease the difficulties I often have falling asleep.”

Angeal paused for a moment to smile at Sephiroth from over his shoulder. “That’s great, Seph. You know, I was a little hesitant to come here, but seeing you look so-“

A knock at the door cut him off. Sephiroth stood to answer it and found a girl about Cloud’s age with dark hair and a white dress waiting.

“Hello, is Cloud-“ she stopped and her eyes widened in recognition. Sephiroth almost rolled his eyes. “You’re-!”

“What do you need Cloud for?” He asked bluntly, not waiting for the shock to wear off.

The girl visibly stuttered and shook herself out of her daze. “Um, I’m Tifa, Cloud’s friend. I heard he was sick and came to check on him.”

So this girl was the Tifa he’d gone to see. The one he’d gotten into a fight for and gotten sick for. And she was just now going to check on him. Sephiroth frowned and Tifa drew back a little, fear flashing in her eyes.

“He is very sick. I’m afraid you will not be able to see-“

“Excuse me.” Sephiroth was pushed to the side and Angeal took his place in the doorway. He gave the girl a friendly grin. “Hi, I’m Angeal. You wanted to see Cloud, right?” Tifa glanced between the two men nervously and nodded slowly. Angeal shifted to the side. “Then please come in.”

Her hands twisted in her dress as she walked in. Sephiroth stared until her eyes met his. She held his gaze rather admirably for a few seconds before looking away.

“I’m sure you’ve been here far more often than we have,” Angeal said. “Um, I haven’t been here long enough to tell you to make yourself at home. I’m sure you know where to find Cloud’s room.”

The girl nodded. She turned to walk down the hallway, hesitated, throwing a glance at Sephiroth, and entered the boy’s room. Sephiroth sat down at the dinner table and unconsciously moved his chair closer to the door. He focused on the mumbling and strained to pick out words with his enhanced hearing, finding Cloud’s voice first.

(“...Tifa.”

“Hey Cloud... feeling?... that’s good. Who are those people and why is...” her voice faded out.

“My friends.”

Sephiroth held back a smile.

“Friends? How do you even know them?!” Tifa’s voice rose.

“It’s complicated... But, can you do something for me?”

“Hm, ok, but only because you're sick. You owe me. What is it?”

“Can you-“)

A hand tapped his back, distracting Sephiroth. He sighed irritatedly and turned to glare at Angeal, but the feeling was replaced with sheepishness when he saw the unimpressed look he was being fixed with.

“It isn’t very honorable to eavesdrop, Sephiroth.”

Sephiroth dipped his head. “I no longer am.”

Angeal shook his head and the two of their gazes snapped up when the door to the room opened again. Tifa stepped out and closed it gently behind her, lingering a little longer staring sadly at the wood before she turned and saw the two SOLDIERs staring at her.

“H-hello.”

“You finished talking to Cloud?” Angeal asked.

“Yes. Thank you for letting me see him.” She bit her lip and averted her gaze. “I was worried when he didn't come by yesterday.”

Sephiroth crosses his arms and stared at her harder. She was worried about him but didn’t bother to look for him? Not even when it began pouring and he was sitting alone, battered and bruised because he went to see her. Had Cloud not left his home to visit Tifa, he would’ve never gotten sick or hurt or be confined to his bed for days. Sephiroth dug his nails into his arms and resisted the urge to express his thoughts to the girl in less than kind ways.

“Cloud asked me to give you both a tour of the village,” she said, cutting through Sephiroth’s thoughts. “I'd be willing to be your guide if you’d like.”

Angeal hummed in thought. “That’s very nice of you, Miss Tifa, and I think it’s a great idea. Sephiroth will go and I’ll stay here.”

“What? Why just me?”

Angeal shrugged. “Someone needs to stay and take care of Cloud. And I got a pretty good tour on my own yesterday when I went shopping. It’ll be good for you to get some fresh air.”

Sephiroth quickly went through several excuses he’d come up with to get him out of the tour but none of them would work. With a relenting sigh, he stood and grabbed his boots.

“Let’s get this done.”

They entered various shops, Tifa briefly greeting the vendors with a friendly smile then hesitantly introducing Sephiroth. As soon as their eyes found him, they usually shrunk away and quickly ended the conversation. If Tifa cared, she didn't show it, and Sephiroth really didn't bother to make himself less intimidating. He was there only for Cloud, anyone else, especially this girl, were just unnecessary and sometimes unwanted accessories. After doing the rounds, they found their way back to the square and stopped by the structure in the middle.

“This,” she walked to one of the support beams and slapped it heartily, “is the water tower. It must be as old as the town, so at least a century old. It holds some freshwater during summer when it doesn’t rain as much, but a lot of my friends and I climb to the top and hang out there.”

Sephiroth looked up at the top and imagined what it’d be like sitting there, staring out over the rest of the village and the forests and mountains in the distance beyond the gate surrounding the town and the mountains. It must’ve been an even greater view at night. Would Cloud take me to the top when he feels better?

Tifa stood on her toes and tried to peek over the houses at the horizon. “Ah, we don’t have much time left. I’ve gotta get home before 4 so I can do some summer work. But I haven’t shown you everything...” she trailed off.

“I’d like to see the mansion.”

Tifa blinked out of her thoughts and shook her head. “It’s off-limits. Too dangerous, ya know?” Sephiroth did not know but he didn’t want to explain that nothing in their village was dangerous enough to threaten him. “How about we head up to where the trail to the mountain starts? We don’t have time to cross the bridge there, but it’s an interesting view.”

He let her lead him past the mansion on the hill up a narrow trail in a small valley that opened up to a cliffside. It was connected to Mt. Nibel by a rickety-looking bridge that swayed and creaked unsteadily with every breeze. Mt. Nibel itself was uninteresting, but the enormous reactor sitting atop it was the opposite. It looked abandoned even from a distance, the entire mountainside dyed light green from the mako that was pouring out. On the side opposite that of the reactor were a few bushes and spots of nature that somehow managed to grow.

“Do flowers grow there?” He asked the girl that he’d nearly forgotten about.

“Yea, I think so. Violas and some others I can’t remember. But there haven't been that many lately.”

“Pink camellias,” he whispered to himself. He looked back up at the reactor and stared. There was something about it...

He reached out and up, wanting to grasp onto it. It was missing, gone and he needed it back again. He missed the warmth of Claudia’s hand on his, he hated the fact that she already had a son in Cloud. He wanted to be wrapped in Her arms and reunite with Her. He missed Her with such fervor that Sephiroth realized something was wrong. But it was right because he was here, waiting and willing and ready for Mother -

“Sir? Are you ok?”

He let his hand fall limply to his side and looked at Tifa blankly. He despised the girl, interrupting his conversation with Her, failing to protect Cloud, stealing away his time when the only one he should be with was Sephiroth. “No.”

Her eyes widened and she struggled to respond. “U-Uh, w-well we can go back to Cloud’s house and ask Mr. Angeal to make sure you’ll feel better.” Her hands were clenched so tightly it must’ve hurt. Sephiroth wanted to smile at her discomfort. “L-lets go before it gets late.”

He gave one last longing glance at the reactor before following after the girl, quickly forgetting the overwhelming feeling of needing to reunite.

They walked down the path leading to the village, which was now relatively lively compared to before they went to see the mountain. Villagers didn't bother to hide their stares as Tifa led Sephiroth around the square to a group of kids who were calling her over enthusiastically and sitting outside of a two-story house.

"Hey guys!" she greeted. "I've brought a guest-"

"Is that Sephiroth!?" one of the kids shouted.

"Holy crap, it is!"

They jumped to their feet and crowded around him with stars in their eyes. 

"It's really nice to meet you, sir! I'm-"

"I've always wanted to join SOLDIER. You're my hero-"

"You're so cool!"

What's Wutai like?-"

Sephiroth took a few steps back and tried to gather himself while the children kept babbling. He wasn't used to being around so many people, being the center of attention. It made it hard to breathe.

"Guys," Tifa said over the chatter. She frowned, looking anxious, and put her hands on her hips. "You're being rude."

The group fell silent and stared at Sephiroth silently, fidgeting and inching closer to him. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. 

"I am here to visit Cloud Strife." The silence that followed that statement was deafening.

"Cloud?" One of the older boys said incredulously. "Wonder what he did wrong to have the Silver General come for him."

"Probably that time he snuck into the mansion."

Another kid scoffed. "Who gives a crap? Whatever it is, that bastard had it coming." His lips curled as he looked at Sephiroth. "Hope you give it to him good."

Sephiroth didn't know when Masamune had formed in his hand. He just felt the sudden urge to watch this child cough up blood and struggle for breath as his sword carved out his insides and suddenly he was holding the long blade’s edge against the boy’s throat while his friends screamed and ran in terror.

"Sir!" Sephiroth turned his attention to Tifa, watching her flinch at the way he glared at her. She steeled herself and grabbed his arm, dragging him away from the children he'd been so ready to murder towards Cloud’s house. He frowned down at her hand on him and yanked it away violently, stopping her in her tracks. 

"Don't touch me," he hissed. Her expression wavered with fear before it hardened. 

"What were you going to do to them?"

Sephiroth turned the sword over in his hand, enjoying the way the light danced on the edge of the blade. "Most likely kill them."

Tifa's face twisted in horror. "W-what!?"

"They insulted Cloud." He let the blade dissolve. "And they are most likely the ones who harmed him."

"But that's no excuse to kill someone! They're just children!"

Rage clawed at his chest. This girl's friends harmed Cloud and she hardly seemed to be bothered by that fact. "I do not care. You seem to find them more important than Cloud, anyway."

She furrowed her brows in anger. "You don't know me!"

"I don't need to. I know Cloud and that is enough." He stalked off without another word back to the Strife house, slamming the door shut behind him with enough force to nearly crack the frame. Sephiroth couldn't move. If he moved, he might turn back around and slaughter every person in the village. 

"Sephiroth." He jerked his head up and met Genesis's worried gaze. "Are you alright?" He lumbered to the couch and lied down face first in response. Genesis scoffed but the amusement behind it was forced, catching onto Sephiroth's unstable mood.

Sephiroth was tired. That was strange, especially since he'd been sleeping so well since he got to Nibelheim. But now he was tired, and he didn't know why.

"I got home an hour ago," Genesis said softly. "How was your tour?”

Sephiroth didn’t bother responding feeling his grunt was enough of an answer and luckily it was.

Genesis hummed and the sound of rustling paper filled the otherwise quiet room. “The storm of discontent brings the wrath of the goddess at world’s end. The hero seeks salvation in her arms, knowing no rest...”

Sephiroth listened absently to his voice and felt the static in his mind he didn’t even know was there fade away to pleasant nothingness.

~

“Goddess, I thought this place was supposed to be cold," Genesis grumbled as he took another step. "Why is it so hot?"

"It's summer, Genesis. And besides, the mako makes it easier." Angeal climbed to Cloud's side and snapped a photo of the view on his small camera. "Cloud here isn't even enhanced and he's keeping up just fine."

Genesis scowled. "He's a mountain boy, he doesn't count."

"At least... I'm not... complaining," Cloud said in between breathes. Sephiroth was already waiting at the next patch of flat ground, obviously trying to stop himself from laughing at him. Cloud finally made it to his side and plopped down on the ground, tossing his head back to feel the breeze. "Gods, it's hot."

"Shall we take a break?" Sephiroth asked, crouching by his side.

"Sure," Angeal said, setting down the bag of equipment he'd been carrying. "This seems like a good spot and Cloud still needs to take it easy."

Cloud internally rolled his eyes but looked out at the view. From the side of Mt. Nibel, it was amazing. Cloud had made the climb before, well half the climb, he'd never actually made it that far up and never would on his own. When he declared in the morning after his mom said he was no longer sick that he would be climbing the mountain whether the others liked it or not, they swiftly readied bags of supplies and got ready to join him on his climb. Sephiroth had been more than excited, busying himself by preparing at breakneck speeds for their hike. And even now, looking out over the village and the land beyond it, he looked happy. Cloud smiled at him until he turned and met his gaze.

"Yes, Cloud?"

"Nothing, you just look so... at calm." He turned back to the view. "Have you ever seen anything like this?"

"No," Sephiroth breathed. "I didn't know a view like this existed in the natural world."

"If you think this is nice," Angeal interjected, sitting on the other side of Sephiroth, "then you should see Banora at night. The apple orchard is almost magical."

"Magic does not exist," Sephiroth said, looking like he was getting ready to go into a long explanation as to why.

Genesis took a seat next to Cloud. "Then what is materia?"

"Condensed mako energy that has crystalized and stored-"

"Alright alright, I read the textbooks too." Genesis sighed and pushed his bangs back from his face. “Aren’t there supposed to be flowers somewhere around here?”

“There are...” Cloud replied before realizing there were supposed to be bushes of flowers dotting the otherwise barren mountain. But what was left was just a pile of dry sticks. “They're supposed to be growing around this time.”

“Then where are they?” Genesis pressed. “Sephiroth would not stop raving about how excited he was to see them on our way here and I now have high expectations.”

Sephiroth ignored the other’s rambling and frowned. “Do they not grow here?”

“No no they do. But they’re all... dead, for some reason.” Admitting that disturbed Cloud more than he was expecting.

“Might just be too dry for them right now,” Angeal suggested while he stretched. It was a reasonable guess, but it’d been raining so much lately. The only other reason would be...

“Maybe we should start heading back down,” Cloud said, tearing his gaze away from where it had settled on the abandoned reactor.

Angeal nodded in agreement and hiked his bag back up onto his back. “I agree, I don’t want to be up here when it starts getting dark.”

After a brief clean-up and observing the relatively desolate area, they began their climb back down Mt. Nibel to the village, resuming their positions with Sephiroth walking by Cloud’s side and Genesis and Angeal leading with ease.

“Thank you for taking me up here,” the older boy said. “I’ve been up a few mountains but never one like this.”

“What, extremely bland and boring?” Cloud joked, Sephiroth shook his head.

“Fun.”

Cloud rolled his eyes and bumped his shoulder against Sephiroth’s side playfully. “You don’t have to lie ya know. You can say this place sucks, I bet Midgar is ten times better.”

A grimace flashed over Sephiroth’s face briefly. “It is... ok.”

“Wow, you really don’t make it sound exciting.”

Sephiroth shrugged. “You are not living there, so it really doesn’t matter. Nibelheim is far nicer scenically.”

“The people in Midgar are probably better,” Cloud grumbled lowly.

“They are not but...” Sephiroth trailed off and narrowed his eyes at the distance. “Are you planning on going there?”

Cloud fought back a blush. “Um, maybe?”

“To join SOLDIER.”

“That’s the idea.”

“Why?”

Cloud honestly hadn’t thought too deeply about his currently far-fetched dream, but looking at Sephiroth, walking by his side as he’d always wanted, it didn’t feel too out of reach. “I... I want to be like you one day. You know, strong and brave, respected.” He sighed and kicked at a rock. “I just... I don’t know.”

Sephiroth's expression didn't change but Cloud got the feeling he'd said something wrong. "I see."

~

Sephiroth was shaken out of his sleep rather carelessly. He groaned and tried to slap away the hands on his shoulder but they didn’t budge.

“Seph, wake up,” Cloud whispered. “There’s something I want to show you.”

“And it can't wait until morning?”

“It’s the mansion.”

Sephiroth sat straight up and stared at Cloud’s dark form. “Really?”

Cloud nodded. “Yea, but we’ve gotta go now. I’m pretty sure everyone’s asleep. We can sneak out through the window.”

Sephiroth tilted his head and listened to the breathing of everyone in the house. After concluding they were in fact asleep, he stood slowly from the bed and followed Cloud to his window. After watching the smaller boy struggle to push it open for a few moments, he helped and easily slid it up with no noise. They crawled through the opening, the night wind cooling Sephiroth’s skin, and made their way through town silently, making a beeline straight for the mansion at the top of the hill. Once they came to the gate, Cloud shook the lock and tried pulling it before giving up.

“It’s locked.” He gave it one last irritated pull. “Maybe there’s a way over...”

Sephiroth sighed and wrapped his arms around Cloud, hoisting him up against his chest. The boy floundered in confusion for a moment, giving Sephiroth time to jump over the gate and land gently on the other side.

“You could give me a warning next time,” he snapped, stomping into the abandoned mansion. Sephiroth smirked and followed quietly.

The mansion looked exactly how it did inside as it did out. Collapsed wooden beams lay on the cracked tile of the floor, a layer of dust resting over everything. He had to watch his step to make sure his foot wasn’t impaled on a stray rusty nail or shard of glass. Despite that, there was still the sense that Sephiroth was supposed to go there, that something was waiting for him, and once he found it...

“Let’s head upstairs, I don’t think we’ll find much on this floor.”

They climbed up the steps that Sephiroth was almost certain would collapse beneath their feet at any moment, batting away flying mirrors with jabs. They took the hallway to the right and walked into a room that was just as messy as the rest of the mansion with a circular brick wall in one corner.

"I wonder why this place was abandoned," Cloud thought out loud while running his hand along the wall. "From what my mom told me, Shinra just up and left suddenly one night and never came back. Like they were running from something."

"It might've been too expensive and made financial sense to cut it out of the budget."

Cloud huffed and leaned back against the brick wall. "You're such a buzzkill, you know-" the sound of stone grinding overpowered his voice. Sephiroth watched the wall Cloud had just been leaning against move to the side and reveal a secret stairwell leading down below the mansion behind it. "Woah, who'd have thought?"

"That's... strange. Not many Shinra-owned buildings have secret rooms hidden in this manner. It's rather intelligent though, you'd never know it was here unless you stumbled upon it by accident."

Cloud hummed. "Let's see what's down there."

"That does not sound like a well-thought-out idea." Who knows what's down there?

"It's not but we came here to explore, didn't we?" And with that statement, Cloud started making his way down. Sephiroth reluctantly followed, feeling tension rising in him.

The stairwell led to a dark basement with several doors on either side and one at the end. Sephiroth stared at the doorway across from them, wanting to march in there and look around, but instead trailed after Cloud into one of the other rooms, but the door was locked.

“Can you-“ Cloud began until Sephiroth tore the door off its hinges. “Ah than-“

A sudden roar cut them off and barely gave Sephiroth enough time to tackle Cloud out of the way of being impaled by an enormous red tentacle. They landed harshly on the ground and quickly scrambled to their feet.

“What the hell?” Cloud breathed, staring at the enormous purple and red monster rampaging in the basement hall.

Sephiroth immediately summoned Masamune and was extremely grateful he always carried a Fire and Haste Materia in his shoes. He cast Haste on himself, quickly dashing forward and sidestepping the swipes from the beast. He slashed clean through its purple leg, leaving it screeching in pain and struggling to keep itself steady. Sephiroth spun and cleaved at the tentacles shooting at him, spotting Cloud frantically attempting to dodge the monster’s hand from crushing him. Sephiroth cast Fire in his direction, giving him enough time to cut through all of the red tentacles and stab the monster in one of its eyes.

It reeled back, screaming so loudly it felt like Sephiroth’s ears would bleed, before the red side seemed to melt off, leaving it completely purple. Sephiroth didn’t bother waiting for it to recover from his barrage of attacks, instead casting the strongest fire spell from the mastered materia and completely engulfing it in flames. It staggered backward in Cloud’s direction, prompting Sephiroth to rush over to the boy and snatch him out of the path of the monster. He watched it roar until it fell over silently, keeping another fire spell at the ready until the only sound in the hallway was that of the slowly dying fire. When it finally dissolved into green lights and vanished, Sephiroth heaved a breath and turned to Cloud, who was staring at the fire with terror on his features.

“It’s over now, Cloud,” Sephiroth said gently, tucking the materia back into his shoe. “Are you hurt?”

Cloud swallowed hard and shook his head wildly. He placed a hand on his chest and took a few controlled breaths before settling his gaze on Sephiroth’s sword. “H-have you always been able to do that?”

“Do what?”

Cloud chewed on his lip and clenched his fists nervously, though Sephiroth was unsure of why he was so shaken. “Summon your sword from nowhere?”

He looked down at Masamune and shrugged while it dissolved back into nothing. “For as long as I’ve had it, yes.”

Cloud frowned deeply. “You shouldn’t be able to... never mind. Thanks for saving me.”

Sephiroth only nodded and helped the boy back to his feet, keeping his hand on his shoulder as he swayed slightly. Once he was ready, they entered the room they’d broken into. There were three coffins atop a platform, two by the door, and other barrels and crates scattered about. It didn't faze Sephiroth, but he could tell Cloud was uncomfortable.

"Shall we go back?"

Cloud quickly shook his head. "I want to see what's inside."

Probably dead bodies , but Sephiroth kept that to himself. Cloud stepped up the platform and started pushing off the cover to the middle coffin, clearly straining at its weight. Sephiroth considered helping him but decided it was more interesting watching his friend struggle.

“Almost-!” Cloud finally pushed the top off the coffin with a final heave and would’ve fallen in face first if Sephiroth didn’t catch him by the back of his shirt. He huffed a breath and smiled triumphantly at Sephiroth. “Thanks.”

Sephiroth was about to respond when another breath rang through the room.

"To wake me from my nightmare... who is it?"

Cloud’s eyes widened at the sight of something behind Sephiroth. He instinctively placed himself in front of the boy and held up Masamune, getting himself ready for battle. A figure clad in red sat up slowly in the coffin, a golden claw gripping one side and hand on the other. When they turned and spotted the two boys, Sephiroth tightened his grip around his sword and nearly snarled.

“Who are you?” They asked in a voice that sounded raspy from disuse. Sephiroth adjusted himself to cover Cloud since he decided to try and peek around him.

“We are not inclined to answer that question.”

“I don’t know you. You must-“ they stopped and narrowed their crimson eyes. “Are you... Sephiroth?”

He forced himself not to show his surprise and enacted the training he’d been taught for if he was ever captured in battle. Ask questions, answer none. “Who are you?”

The person didn’t speak. Their attention shifted to something behind Sephiroth, which he quickly realized was Cloud. He tensed and got ready to spring into action, but Cloud’s hand on his arm stopped him from trying to run the man through.

“V-Vincent?” He breathed. The man, presumably Vincent, showed no reaction besides his clawed hand tightening.

“You are... Cloud.”

“How do you know my name? Who...” Cloud cut himself off with a sharp gasp and pressed a hand to his temple. Sephiroth was ready to draw blood. He pointed the tip of his sword at the man’s chest.

“Answer my question.”

"How old are you?"

Sephiroth stared and didn't answer. The man stared back, unmoving. Neither willing to speak and ready to sit in silence for as long as possible. Another wince from Cloud had Sephiroth pushing his sword higher up to the man's throat.

"What are you doing to him?"

"Nothing, he's just remembering."

"Remembering what exactly?"

Vincent shrugged stiffly. "Me, you, a few things from the future, I suppose. Nothing entirely, nothing whole."

"What exactly does that mean?"

 “...” Vincent suddenly sprung from his coffin, flipping in the air and landing gracefully on its edge. “It’s not safe here, you two should go.

Cloud huffed a pained chuckle. “S-should’ve said that e-earlier.” He sucked in a breath and evened his voice. “Can you answer his question? Otherwise, he might kill you on the spot and I don’t really have an argument as to why he shouldn’t.”

“...Vincent Valentine.” His eyes scanned the room and the two boys. “You are Lucrecia’s son.”

Sephiroth blinked and his grip wavered momentarily. “Who is that?”

The man’s eyes flashed with something that seemed like regret. “Your mother.”

“No, my mother is... Jenova...” How could she possibly be anyone different? How did this man know who he was? And how did Cloud...

The man rose from the edge of the coffin and seemed to glide across the floor, coming to a stop kneeling in front of them. “Jenova is not your mother. It is a virus that must be eliminated. Your true mother is Lucrecia Crescent,” his voice softened when he said her name and he turned to address Cloud, “and you don’t seem to recall yet, though I suppose it is only a matter of time.”

Cloud’s eyes were still closed but he cracked one open. “Why are you so cryptic?”

“You’ll know later when it is right. For now, I will get everything ready.” Vincent stood and walked to the entrance of the room. “Thank you for waking me.” And he vanished.

Sephiroth stared at the stop where he’d just been, struggling to comprehend what he’d just said. Lucrecia Crescent. If that was true then that’d make him...

“Sephiroth Crescent.” It didn’t make sense, none of what the man said did, but it sounded right. His own mother, the one he’d always been told was his mother —Jenova— never had a last name. But if this Lucrecia person truly did exist... Something warm welled in his chest.

“What the hell?” Cloud said, finally moving his hand from his face. “How did I know his name? How did he know my name? And what the hell was that about your mom?”

Sephiroth’s mind moved away from the thoughts on his mother back to the strange man. As much as he wanted to stay down in the basement and keep looking for answers to their questions, his internal clock was slowly approaching 6 am, when Claudia Strife woke. “We need to get back before your mother finds out we snuck out.”

Cloud frowned and sighed. “Alright, let’s go. I guess my brain will just explode at home.”

They climbed back up the creaky steps and made their way out of the mansion. The early morning light had yet to reach over the cover of the houses, but it was still lighter out and easier to find their way. They hopped back over the fence and were about to make their way to the house when a tattered red cloak swept into view. Vincent stood in front of them silently for a second, regarding the two in a way that made Sephiroth want to shift into a battle stance. Finally, he spoke.

“Where can I get a PHS?”

~

Cloud was determined. The pain in his stomach was enough to make him want to stop entirely and curl on his side, but he’d keep pressing. He had to. He couldn’t lose. Everything depended on it, on beating him. So he channeled every ounce of energy he had left and pulled. Genesis hardly budged.

“Is that really the best you can do?” He teased. “My soul, corrupted by vengeance hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey.”

Cloud shouted out a war cry and pulled the rope, hoping to catch Genesis off guard. Unfortunately, the redhead decided to stop fooling around. With a casual flick of his wrist, he completely knocked Cloud off balance and pulled the rope onto his side. He crouched beside Cloud’s side and whispered menacingly into his ear.

“Legend shall speak of sacrifice at world's end.”

Claudia’s loud cheers and Angeal’s laughter only worked to make Cloud even angrier at his loss forgetting all about the bruises on his stomach from the rope.

“That’s not even fair!” He shouted. “You’ve got SOLDIER strength!”

Genesis rolled his eyes and cast a quick Cure on him. “You should’ve thought about that before you challenged me to a battle. I never go easy.” He made to move away but Angeal suddenly appeared by their side and frowned at Genesis.

“You're not going to help him up?”

Genesis glared at him but spun around with a huff and tugged Cloud up so fast he fell into Genesis’s chest, knocking them both over. Claudia’s laughter grew nearly hysterical. Cloud pushed himself up, punched Genesis in the shoulder, and stomped over to where the others were sitting. Vincent and Sephiroth were seated a little away from the blanket, talking to each other quietly. Cloud doesn’t miss the excited and confused gleam in his friend’s eye. He sat down next to his mother and accepted the sandwich she offered him.

It’d been a strange day yesterday, introducing his mom to Vincent while trying to come up with a story behind finding him that didn’t involve sneaking into the mansion in the middle of the night, nearly getting killed, and opening a coffin. He especially left out the part where Vincent already knew both him and Sephiroth and the strange feeling that they’d met before. With the way Claudia had welcomed the three SOLDIERs when they first arrived, it was hardly a surprise she greeted Vincent with the same friendliness.

“Good try,” she almost sang. “You gave him a good challenge, Cloudy.”

Cloud took a frustrated bite out of his sandwich. “I lost.”

“And?”

“And I can’t lose. Not if I want to be stronger.”

His mother sighed and ruffled his hair lovingly. “All that matters is that you try your hardest, Cloud. If you do that, you’ll be capable of everything. Even beating a SOLDIER at tug of war.”

He munched away silently on his sandwich and watched Genesis and Angeal engage in a tense tug of war that ended in the rope being torn in half.

“Ms. Strife,” Vincent said from behind. Cloud’s attention snapped to the man and Sephiroth who took a seat beside him. Cloud sent him a questioning look and received a shrug and lips that twitched into a smile. Cloud returned the expression.

“Please just Claudia.” He shook her head. “Why are all of you so formal?”

If Vincent was flustered by that statement, he didn’t show it. “I’d like to thank you for your hospitality. It’s been an honor staying with you last night.”

Claudia waved her hand. “Please don’t thank me. Anyone who’s important to one of my boys is important to me.” Her eyes flicked between Cloud and Sephiroth.

“I... thank you.”

"Will you be staying?"

"Yes, until tomorrow. I'll leave when the others do."

“I see. Well then,” she stood and drew Vincent into a hug, “we'll miss you when you leave.”

Vincent hesitated but eventually returned it. “Thank you again.”

“Of course.” She let go and smiled at him. “But enough of that, you're not leaving yet anyway. What do you want for dinner?”

“Dinner?”

Claudia hummed. "Yes, I'm sure you know what it is. You must eat something besides blood."

“I am not a vampire-“

She linked her arm in Vincent's. "Tell me all about it on the way back."

Vincent lost his voice and only nodded.

“Well then, I think you should start heading back too. You all have got be up early tomorrow so you can catch your ride back.” She and Vincent walked away to poke Angeal and Genesis and let them know.

“What’d you talk about?” Cloud couldn’t help but ask as he put things back in the picnic basket.

“... my mother.”

“Oh.” He vaguely remembered Vincent saying something about her when they first met the night before, but his head had been hurting so bad he couldn’t hear over the ringing in his ears. “What about her?”

“She’s...” he struggled for words for a moment, “alive.”

“Are you going to see her?”

“Vincent said he’d take me when I was older.”

Cloud bobbed his head and was suddenly struck with a theory. “Do you think Vincent is... your father?”

Sephiroth’s stopped folding the blanket and stared at him. “I...”

“I mean, think about it. You’ve got the same nose and face structure. And you’re both super tall and talk like you’re giving a dramatic monologue.”

The taller boy’s thinking expression quickly transitioned into fond exasperation. “Those are not necessarily concrete proof of a shared lineage.”

“Well... no, but it makes sense.” And better than the alternative.

Sephiroth smiled at him and it made Cloud blush faintly. “It does.”

They took the long way back, by Cloud's insistence, meandering around the edge of the town and walking through the center by the water tower. Cloud moved past Sephiroth who'd stopped by the structure, looking longingly at the top. Cloud watched him for a moment before tugging gently at the sleeve of his shirt. 

"Want to go to the top?"

Sephiroth looked down timidly at his feet. "Yes."

Cloud led him around to the other side and up the ladder. They sat at the edge, feet dangling over the side of the platform. The view was nice as always. The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold and red just above the horizon. It was familiar, but Cloud enjoyed it nonetheless. 

"I wish," Sephiroth started, eyes shining, "we can have more days like this."

"Me too." Cloud shifted a little closer to Sephiroth and leaned on him lightly. "I'm going to miss you all when you leave."

"I do not wish to fall out of contact with you for an extended period of time. Again."

"You can't visit again?"

"I don't know if I can." The sun was sinking slowly and the sky was darkening with its fading light. "I'm sorry."

Cloud exhaled. "It's not your fault, don't apologize." He closed his eyes and focused on Sephiroth's arm against his side.

"...Cloud?"

"Yes?"

"Is it possible to... make more than one promise?"

Cloud hummed in response and waited for Sephiroth to continue.

"I'd like to make another promise, then."

Cloud's heart warmed. He sat up and blinked back the lingering sleepiness. It was almost completely night, they should really be getting back soon. But it could wait. He held his pinky up and Sephiroth hesitantly linked his together.

"What do you want to promise?"

Sephiroth took a deep breath. "I want to become someone you can truly look up to and admire. A person that deserves your praise."

Cloud raised his eyebrows in surprise. "But you already are someone that deserves the praise. I mean, you're Sephiroth."

The other boy turned his head down and clenched his free hand. "I just... I'd like to be better. For you."

Speech suddenly became difficult because of the lump in Cloud's throat. He bit his lip and forced back the stinging in his eyes. "Y-yea."

"In return," Sephiroth said, "I'd like for you to make a promise."

"And what would that be?"

"You'll wait until you're older to join SOLDIER."

Cloud huffed playfully. "I wasn't planning on joining now. Maybe when I turned 14."

"I- I know but," Sephiroth clamped his mouth shut. "I'd like for you to wait until you turn 16, at least."

Cloud didn't really understand why but the look on his friend's face made him say "...Alright, I promise."

The tension in Sephiroth's shoulders eased and he gave Cloud a grateful smile that made the blonde feel horrible for even questioning his reasoning. They unwound their pinkies just when Vincent's voice nearly scared Cloud to death.

"You've been gone for long."

Cloud let out a yelp while Sephiroth looked like he was a second away from accidentally murdering Vincent. "Gods, you didn't need to scare us!"

"Perhaps you should've been more aware," he said, the smirk evident in his voice. "Dinner is almost ready. Ms- Claudia sent me to fetch you both."

"Got it, we're coming." Cloud helped Sephiroth to his feet and glanced between the two. "Hey, you guys wanna try something?"

Vincent and Sephiroth shared a look before the former spoke up. "What is it?"

Cloud held up his pinky. "A promise."

"Is the pinky necessary?"

"Of course it is," Cloud grumbled. He looked at Sephiroth for backup and was rewarded when he lifted his in turn. "You too, vampire guy."

Vincent sighed and did the same but left his clawed hand hanging by his side. Cloud snatched it up and linked his with the metal.

"You've got two hands, you know?"

"What do you want me to promise?" Vincent asked tiredly.

"That's up to you. How about I promise to help you buy a PHS and learn how to use it in the future?"

Vincent perked up at that. "Ok."

Cloud turned to Sephiroth. "Your turn."

"I promise to... um, provide funds for the future purchasing of a PHS."

Vincent nodded. "Then I promise to tell you everything you want to know about your mother." Sephiroth's eyes widened. "And for you Cloud Strife, I will protect whatever future you plan to create."

Another confusing statement, Sephiroth and Vincent just had to be related. Cloud shrugged and let go. "Alright, let's head back. I'm starving."

~

Sephiroth didn't realize he didn't want to leave until he was standing at the gates of Nibelheim, waiting for the truck to arrive. Getting through breakfast was hard enough with the tears that insisted on being shed, but walking away from the Strife residence without turning around and running back inside was torture. He didn't want to go. He wanted to sleep in Cloud's bed by his side, and wake up to the smell of pancakes and Claudia's voice, and spend the rest of the day doing some activity with Genesis and Angeal and Cloud before Vincent came and brought them home for dinner. He wanted to see the sunrise and sunset again from atop the water tower of Mt. Nibel. Sephiroth didn't want to leave, and when he spotted the truck driving up the hill to the village, that want became a desperate need to stay.

"Thank you, Claudia, for you're hospitality and everything you've done," Angeal said. He dug in his bag and pulled out a stuffed wallet. "I know this isn't much but-"

"Definitely not," she declared, pushing the wallet back into his chest. "Honestly, you're all so difficult. I didn't let you stay at my house so you could pay me. Otherwise, I would've let you all stay at the inn."

Genesis shook his head. "All that awaits you is a somber morrow no matter where the winds may blow." He threw his arms around her in what had to be the first embrace Sephiroth had ever seen him initiate. "I will miss you."

Claudia returned the hug with a smile. "Then make sure you call or visit. Don't make me suffer while you're gone."

Cloud and Vincent came through the gate, the former's puffy, red eyes contrasting with the scowl on his face. "Hope you weren't going to leave without saying goodbye to me."

"Of course not," Angeal said, ruffling his hair much to the boy's disdain. "Don't worry your mother. Stay out of trouble."

"I'll try. Oh, Gen," Cloud tapped Vincent's arm and waited for the man to hand him a book. "You almost left this behind."

Genesis glanced at it and waved his hand. "That's your copy. I figured it was an excellent gift for your genius of a mother and for you to teach yourself."

"You just had two copies of LOVELESS with you?"

"I always carry at least three."

Vincent spoke up. "Your ride is here."

Sure enough, the truck had pulled up to the flat area just in front of the gates and was waiting for them. Sephiroth tightened his grip around his bag at the sight. 

Genesis turned and waved as he walked away. "You bear witness to the end of your journey. It is not always a happy thing."

Angeal squeezed Sephiroth's shoulder, nodded at Vincent and Cloud, gave a quick hug to Claudia, and handed her a paper. "Our PHS numbers. Call whenever." He followed after Genesis and entered the back of the truck.

"Till we meet again," Vincent said. "Take care, Ms. Strife, Cloud." He left behind the truck and seemingly vanished into thin air. Claudia put her hands on her hips and huffed. 

"Not even a hug, huh?" She grinned at Sephiroth. "And how about you?"

"I-" Sephiroth looked up at the sign and made sure to burn the image of the village and the Strifes into his memory forever. "Thank you. I will find a way to repay you one day."

Claudia hummed and stepped forward to grab his hand. "As I said, there's nothing to repay. I just want you to be happy." Sephiroth clenched his jaw and nodded, unable to find words and desperately wanting to embrace her. Claudia let go. "I'll give you both a moment." She moved back behind the gate, just out of hearing range.

"So..." Cloud started, crossing his arms, "I'll see you soon."

"...y-yes." He inhaled and hugged Cloud. The younger boy returned it with just as much strength, letting out a small noise of surprise.

"I think this is the first time I've seen you hug anyone," Cloud teased.

"...I believe this is the first time I have shared a hug with another person."

"Ah," Cloud breathed.

"I do not want to leave," he whispered.

"You won't be gone forever, Seph. I have a feeling you'll be back again."

"How do you know for sure?"

"I don't. But call it a, um, gut feeling." Sephiroth could hear the smile in his voice. "Yea, and I know it's right. So don't worry." Cloud pulled back and smiled. "I'll be waiting for you."

"You might be waiting a long time."

Cloud shrugged. "I'm not exactly patient, so I'll probably come to find you and drag you back." The truck beeped and got a startled laugh out of Cloud. "See ya."

"Goodbye."

Sephiroth forced himself to turn away and enter the truck. Genesis was already asleep against Angeal's shoulder. Sephiroth took a seat and braced himself when the truck started moving again. He was suddenly very glad that the back of the vehicle didn't have windows. He glanced at Angeal, who shot him an understanding look. Sephiroth leaned back and stared at the ceiling, wondering if the entire week was just a dream. It was too good to be real.

But even if it is, Sephiroth grinned, it's a dream I'm glad I had, even if it's over.

Chapter Text

The curtains of the Strife house were always pulled closed when Claudia was at work. She wasn’t a paranoid woman, since she trusted her son enough to know who to let in and who to keep out, and the village disliked the family of two enough to keep themselves away. Nonetheless, if she was not home, the curtains stayed drawn.

Cloud knew this rule and made sure to abide by it, pulling them together when his mother waved goodbye and opening them as he greeted her when she returned home. He was often not home, either getting into fights with local kids, sulking by himself or sometimes chatting shyly with Tifa. And so the curtains stayed drawn.

After Sephiroth and the others left, not much changed. The villagers remained as hostile as ever, temperature slowly dropped from the midsummer heat, the stars still shone clear overhead. Maybe Tifa seemed to make more of an effort to spend time with Cloud and a new person moved into the village the week after the SOLDIERs visit. Besides that, nothing changed, and the curtains stayed drawn.

Claudia returns home around 7 every evening to cook dinner with the help of her son, the two of them chatting about each other’s day and other topics of conversation while the moonlight shone through the windows. They sat at their table and chatted over food before she tucked him into bed and drew the curtains halfway, allowing a sliver of the outside to peep through. Once she was done, she’d go to bed and the house fell silent until morning.

The curtains were not drawn, and a set of eyes stared through the window into the sleeping house.

Sephiroth and Angeal sat across from each other at the unnecessarily long table when Lazard and a few other SOLDIERs walked in. The Director paused and glanced around the room before sighing.

"Where's Commander Rhapsodos?"

Sephiroth tilted his head back while Angeal pinched the bridge of his nose. That was apparently enough of an answer for Lazard who sat down and carried on with the meeting.

"General Sephiroth and Commander Hewley, you will be deployed to-"

The door slammed opened, Genesis appearing in the opening wearing enormous sunglasses and carrying a cup of coffee. "Am I late?" He didn't wait for Lazard to respond, strutting over to the seat next to Angeal and plopping down gracefully. "Carry on, I'm sure I haven't missed anything important."

Angeal glared at him but Lazard continued like nothing happened. "You both will be deployed to Wutai by the end of the month, and I'll be sending-"

"Wait, by the end of the month?" Angeal interrupted. "That's not right, we just got back and have barely had any time to settle."

"I know, but..." Lazard's eyes flicked to Sephiroth briefly, "the professor would like more data to analyze and your skills were always best used out there rather than here."

Genesis scoffed loudly and crossed his arms. "So we're nothing but weapons?"

"Genesis," Angeal snapped under his breath. The redhead rolled his eyes.

Lazard looked down at the papers in front of him and shuffled through them. "Shinra finds you three work best on the battlefield rather than in an office or in the tower. I'm sure none of you disagree. Back to the topic at hand, the Commander and General will be deployed with two squadrons of troopers and a few SOLDIERs, and new recruits for the program will also be sent there for experience. Your squads will consist of..."

Sephiroth's attention was dragged away from the director and to the sharp pain on his shin. He looked at Genesis, who was glaring at Angeal and gripping the table while he squirmed oddly. Another pain in his shin had Sephiroth frowning and deciding to retaliate against whatever was attacking him with a harsh but subtle kick. Genesis yelped loudly, earning him an angry frown from Lazard for being so loud. Genesis was seething, eyes flicking between a smug Angeal and aloof Sephiroth while his body shifted more noticeable and his legs flew out wildly beneath the table. 

"Commander Rhapsodos!" Lazard said.

Genesis stopped, blinked, and turned to Lazard. "Yes, director?"

"You're being distracting, if you don't stop I'll have to ask you-"

"To leave?" Genesis asked with too much hope in his voice.

Lazard rubbed his eyes beneath his glasses. "Commander Hewley and General Sephiroth will be stationed in Osana; we've gotten reports from troopers already there about guerilla groups that-"

"Osana?" Angeal asked in disbelief. "That far south?"

"If you'd let me finish my sentences then you'd perhaps receive your answer, Commander," Lazard replied too calm. "The guerilla groups have been raiding our camps and kidnapping SOLDIER. Their loss is a major blow to the war effort."

And the company's profit. SOLDIERs were expensive, losing one━ even a Third class━ would be a huge financial loss the company would be unwilling to put up with for much longer. So they would deploy their ultimate weapons. Sephiroth frowned at that line of thinking, though he knew it was true. The ring of his PHS mercifully gave him an excuse to leave the mission debriefing early, much to the annoyance of Lazard and Genesis, who was shooting him angry looks while the General sauntered out to answer his phone.

“Sephiroth.”

A snort. “You always answer in the stiffest way possible.”

Sephiroth quickly ducked into a closet and lowered his voice but couldn't keep the excitement out of it. “Cloud.”

"Ah, so you are happy to hear from me."

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"You sure don't sound like it," Cloud said. Sephiroth could hear the eye-roll in his voice.

"Genesis says something quite similar."

"And for once I agree with him." He chuckled softly. " How are things?”

“Good.” Great now that I hear you. “And you?”

“Alright, I’m holding up. School’s a killer though, so stupid...” his voice trailed off into incoherent grumbling that made Sephiroth grin. “Anyway, I’ve got a question.”

“What is it?” Sephiroth asked, tilting his head to try and hear something that lied just below his hearing.

"What should my mom get you?"

"Get me?"

Cloud huffed. "Yea, like a gift, you know?"

"But I haven't done anything to deserve a gift."

"You don't really need an excuse to get someone a gift," Cloud said as noises indicating he was moving came from his line, "She just wants to get you something."

The concept still didn't make sense to Sephiroth, he'd never gotten a gift from anyone besides several copies of LOVELESS from Genesis and a camera he never used from Angeal. He had no use or want for anything extra unless it was Cloud's company. "Whatever she feels is best."

"Ugh, you're one of those people."

Sephiroth finally recognized the faint buzzing of electronics in the room, it was just a matter of pinpointing it. “Which people?”

“People who say 'I'll like anything you get me'. Always the hardest to find stuff for. Whatever, I think I've got an idea, thanks for the help though."

“Of course,” Sephiroth breathed, momentarily forgetting his hunt before he found the device hidden in the air vent in the ceiling. Sephiroth snatched it out, recognizing that it was a recording device, and crushed it quickly in his hand. “I must go.”

“So soon-“

“We’ll speak later.” Sephiroth hung up, feeling slightly bad, and tucked the PHS and the remains of the device back into his pockets before slipping out of the closet and waiting around the corner to the meeting room.

“Well I wasn’t the one trying to kick people mid-meeting.”

”You started it!”

”I was playing footsies not ‘kick the other person as hard as possible’-“ 

When Genesis and Angeal stepped out, he yanked them out of their conversation, straight up the stairs and to his apartment, locking the door behind them.

“What happened?” Angeal asked quietly, recognizing the expression on Sephiroth’s face. Genesis’s irritation soon faded to seriousness. Sephiroth reached into his pocket and retrieved the remains of the recording device. Genesis nodded and focused, listening for anything similar in the room they were in.

“Nothing,” he said finally. “Who were you speaking to?”

“Cloud.”

All three fell silent as realization set in. Sephiroth should’ve known better, he was trained not to make such a stupid, simple mistake. He shouldn’t have known Cloud Strife and definitely should not be speaking to him on his personal PHS, and yet he did exactly that, in a bugged room no less. And now Cloud was potentially in danger of being on Shinra’s radar, which was never good, considering-

“Don’t contact him,” Angeal finally said. “We don’t know who’s phone is being recorded and which rooms have these devices. Giving them our phone numbers was already risky enough, we can’t risk giving Shinra any more evidence of the Strifes being connected to us.”

Genesis chewed on his lip but soon nodded. “I’ll see if there’s anything on them in the systems. If there is-“

“Then I’ll find a way to inform them,” Sephiroth finished before adding, “discreetly.”

Angeal gave him a hard look before taking the crushed device and examining it closer. “Turks?”

“Who else could it be?” Genesis scoffed. “Where were you that you found this?”

“A closet down the hall from the meeting room.”

Genesis’s eyebrows pinched together. “A closet? That doesn’t make any sense...” he waved his hand as if dismissing his own thought. “Never mind, they have ridiculous justifications for their actions.”

“But it seems to get the job done,” Angeal remarked.

“Perhaps.”

A knock at the door had all of them on high alert. They stared at it, wondering if it was a collective hallucination from paranoia before another knock cast those thoughts away. Angeal dragged Genesis into Sephiroth’s bedroom and closed the door enough so they would be hidden but could still see out. Sephiroth cautiously opened the door to a meek lab assistant holding a clipboard close to his chest.

“S-Sephiroth?” He stuttered. Sephiroth didn’t respond, waiting for the man to take the hint that he would never receive verbal confirmation. “The professor wants you. F-for your inspection, b-b- before your deployed.”

Sephiroth was about to respond when Genesis roughly shoved him out of the way and spoke to the assistant.

"You can tell that bastard that the General will be occupied for the next few hour- no, weeks as he prepares to leave for Wutai."

"But-"

"I. Don't. Care." Genesis growled. "Leave." He slammed the door in the man's face and turned to face Sephiroth and Angeal, his face burning with rage and entire body shaking.

"Genesis, I have to-"

"I don't give a fuck what you feel you have to do," he snapped. "Hojo is nothing compared to Cloud. Compared to you."

Sephiroth swallowed hard. Genesis thought he was... important? Or at least he means more than anyone except Angeal. He shook away the thought and focused back on the matter at hand. He still had to report to Hojo, especially now that he was being deployed soon. "I need to attend my checkups."

"You have a choice."

Do I really?  Sephiroth held that statement. "It is not a matter of choice, it's a requirement to make sure I'm in peak shape for battle."

"You are not a fucking weapon, Sephiroth. You don't need to be tweaked or fixed or studied for any reason. Ever."

He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked at Angeal. "I'm sure he knows that Genesis."

Genesis clicked his tongue and brushed past them to search the fridge for something to eat, but more so to keep himself from saying anything he'd regret.

"He's right, you know," Angeal said softly. "I hope you don't ever feel like you're not... human. Because you are." He grinned sadly at Sephiroth. "You are."

Sephiroth clenched his jaw and looked down at his feet. He wanted to agree with that, believe that, but he couldn't. Not when he was the way he was. But he could try to believe it, for Angeal and Genesis. For Claudia. And Cloud.

"I still must go. Hojo won't accept my absence."

Angeal sighed and stepped back. "Right then. Be careful."

Sephiroth nodded stiffly, eyes briefly falling on Genesis who was angrily shoving spoonfuls of ice cream into his mouth, refusing to look up or anywhere besides inside the carton.

"Please do not make a mess."

Angeal laughed, a startled but genuine sound. "I'll make sure Genesis cleans up after himself, don't worry about it. Focus on yourself, Seph, and call when you're feeling up to it. Alright?"

Sephiroth nodded and grabbed his trench coat, slipping it on and leaving the apartment after watching Genesis snap at Angeal while the other smiled exasperatedly. He walked down the hall to the lab. It was, as usual, a depressing, anxious walk that Sephiroth always despised. It felt like the hallways grew more narrow the more he walked, the lights growing harsher overhead, glaring down on him and making him feel as sick and pale as he looked. The doors opened revealing Hojo standing expectantly behind it, arms crossed with his greasy hair slicked back into his usual ponytail that made Sephiroth want to shave bald. 

"Took you long enough," Hojo grumbled, turning to look down at his clipboard and tapping on the steel table with his pen."Sit down, boy."

Sephiroth ignored the blatant disrespect and followed the instruction, taking off his leather coat and shirt. He sometimes wondered why he even wore one, considering the number of treatments he got that required he take it off. Hojo grabbed a pen and inspected Sephiroth's chest, making careful markings with the ink.

"How have you been feeling?" Hojo asked.

"Acceptable." Sephiroth left out that the last treatment of whatever Hojo gave him left him bedridden with a fever for days, and unable to keep down food for a period of time after. Being sick for weeks was better than being subject to more of the professor's tests. 

He finished marking and put the cap back on the marker, inspecting his work carefully. "You took time off about a year ago. I just read the report." Sephiroth fought not to react and waited for Hojo to ask the inevitable question. "Where did you go?"

"Nibelheim," Sephiroth answered honestly, knowing that it would only be a matter of time until he knew. And at that point, he'd start investigating and wouldn't stop until...

Hojo hummed thoughtfully and picked up a scalpel, pressing it against Sephiroth's skin and making incisions while his subject tried not to wince.

"Interesting," the professor mumbled under his breath, "what called you there?"

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow. "Nothing, it was for a mission."

Hojo frowned and dug his fingers into Sephiroth's skin, forcing him to suck in a harsh breath and turn away to blink back tears. "Did you visit the mansion?"

"Yes?"

"But not the basement?"

Sephiroth curled his hands into a tight fist. "No," he lied. If he knew he went to the basement, he'd know he met Vincent and spoken to him about his true mother, that he went with Cloud, and the whole mission itself was just an excuse to see the boy. And if he found out about Cloud's existence, then he was at risk of so much more than village bullies or the occasional monster. 

Hojo narrowed his eyes but turned away. "Fine, I'm done with you."

Sephiroth put his trench coat back on and folded the shirt over his arm, not wanting to put it on over the painful surgical wounds that wouldn't heal completely for at least a day without a Cure. He left the lab without another word, refusing to stumble as he made his way back to his apartment and praying Genesis and Angeal weren't there. He appreciated their support and utter disdain for Hojo, but he really did not want to interact with anyone. Luckily, his apartment was empty when he finally collapsed on his sofa, tilting his head back and staring blankly at the white ceiling above him. The pain was gradually lessening, whether if it was because his mind was controlling it or the mako was healing it, he didn't know. Either way, he felt like-

"Shit," Sephiroth whispered when his PHS started ringing again. The thing never seemed to stay silent. He glanced at the caller ID, an unknown number with the area code from somewhere in the west. Nibelheim. His finger hovered over the answer or decline button. He desperately wanted to answer and hear Cloud's laughter and voice. Let him talk his ear off, even if the boy wasn't really one for chatting. It was a risk, but not for Sephiroth, and not one he wanted to take for Cloud. Finally, he bit his lip and turned it off. 

"General, would you please follow me?"

Sephiroth's gaze flicked up to the Turk who'd just entered his tent. He really wanted to say no, he was extremely busy trying to figure out what the common link was between the 30 reports he'd just read and locate the guerilla fighters' base. Instead, Sephiroth pushed himself out of his seat for the first time in 5 hours and did exactly as the Turk asked, trailing after her through the dark hallways of the fort to what was obviously a makeshift interrogation room that they were trying very hard to make it appear otherwise. They obviously failed.

“Please take a seat,” the Turk instructed, waiting for Sephiroth to do as told at the doorway. “Someone will be with you shortly.”

She closed the door and left him alone in the room to contemplate how exactly he’d avoid answering questions. He knew his absence had not gone unnoticed, it was impossible for him to go completely off of Shinra’s radar when he was the poster boy for their war. He already told them everything they wanted to know, not the complete truth but something adjacent to it. But of course, that was not enough. And it seemed it followed him out of Shinra Tower after he'd been deployed back to Wutai. He still hadn't spoken to Cloud, even though the calls never let up. A call rang every three days, like clockwork. It both warmed Sephiroth's heart and made it freeze. The constant freeze-thaw hurt more than he'd like, but it was a good reminder. A good way of never forgetting.

The door swung open again, two men walked in and took seats on the opposite side of the table. He squinted at the older one with brown hair, swearing Sephiroth had seen the man before. The younger one looked of Wutain descent, which was odd considering the war but Sephiroth didn’t care enough to think any deeper.

“General,” the older said in a deep voice. His gaze was steady, unmoving, and might’ve been intimidating if he wasn’t Sephiroth. “We apologize for intruding upon your time. We promise this will not take long.”

Sephiroth only nodded and waited for the man to continue. They stared at each other until the Turk nodded to his partner who presented a file.

“I’m sure you know what this details.” A pause for an answer that never came. “You were reported to be missing from the frontlines for a week by your squadron.” Another lull. “You filed reports as to your whereabouts at the time.”

It had the phrasing of a question but was a statement. Sephiroth could only get away with silence for so long. “I did.”

The Turk opened the folder but didn’t even bother reigning inspecting the papers in it. “On another continent.”

“Yes.” Sephiroth kept his expression neutral and eyes from straying to the rustling papers.

“Where did you go?”

“West.”

“Your mission went well, then.”

“Yes.”

“But it appears you have yet to complete your completed report.” The Turk finally broke his stare to only run his eyes over the forms for a second. “It will get done.”

Another not question. "I've already done it."

The man hummed and crossed his arms, coiling in preparation to strike. “The president has been requesting a meeting.”

The meetings he’d been avoiding diligently since the beginning of the war. Dodging them was easier than the conversation he was currently having, but it was only a matter of time until he’d be forced to go. “I will ensure I am there.”

“Please do, I am almost fed up with his constant badgering on the matter.” The man smirked and gave the appearance of being relaxed. It nearly threw Sephiroth off, but his partner’s serious demeanor kept him grounded. “How was Nibelheim?”

Sephiroth frowned. “I do not feel comfortable divulging such details to someone I hardly know.”

Oddly, his expression calmed even more. “Veld. Or Verdot.”

“Which one?”

He shrugged and grinned, completely empty of amusement. “Most call me Veld.”

“...it was fine. Though I fail to see what significance it has in this discussion.”

“Light conversation, General.”

“It would be more engaging if you’re partner participated.”

Verdot didn’t even spare a glance at the other Turk, who was cut from stone. “He’s here for observation.”

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow. “Observe what?”

“I hear Nibelheim is a beautiful place. Small village, everyone knows everyone. You know,” he leaned forward on the table, “there’s a mansion there. Someone I knew used to work there. Shinra owned, but it’s been abandoned for a while now. The local kids challenge each other to sneak in, but the villagers banned them from going in after a bit. I’m sure you saw it.”

Sephiroth gripped the edge of his chair hard enough to bend the metal. It took everything in his power to stop himself from showing any emotion, from reacting to what he said. He was suddenly extremely grateful he hardly understood human emotion. “I did.”

Verdot’s smile remained. They stared at each other in silence, Sephiroth waiting for the moment the other man would crack, and the Turk doing the same. A stalemate, he thought bitterly. Verdot tapped on the table slowly, never looking away, hardly blinking, unmoving. The silence was so heavy it was almost painful until it was lifted by the ringing of Sephiroth’s PHS. Still, neither moved.

“Gonna answer that?”

Sephiroth didn’t reply. The phone continued ringing. Verdot stared.

“How’s the food there? I hear the soup is great.”

“Do you require anything else of me?” Sephiroth kept his voice icy even though he was burning. The ringing stopped and he thought he’d be free, but it rang again. Verdot inspected Sephiroth for a brief moment before abruptly standing, the younger Turk following his motions. “Your report, General. Soon.” And with that, he was gone. Sephiroth bolted from the room in the most composed way possible, pacing down the hallway and only remembering his phone was ringing when he was more than several rooms away.

“Sephiroth,” he greeted blandly.

“We really need to work on improving your friendliness over the phone,” Genesis said. “That is no way to greet a friend.”

Sephiroth sighed and continued his walk, occasionally throwing glances over his shoulder with the feeling that he was being watched. “Good afternoon Genesis.”

“See that wasn’t too hard. Good afternoon Sephiroth, how are you on this fine-“

“What do you want?” Sephiroth interrupted while rounding a corner.

“Unbelievable,” Genesis mumbled. “I just thought it would be nice to inform you that a fresh batch of recruits will be sent there in a few weeks. You and Angeal will be forced to integrate them into your battle plans and ensure they make it out alive. Shinra does not want the money they invest in these new SOLDEIRs to go to waste.”

“Very well thank you for the notice.”

“Oh and one more thing. Angeal received a call from a dear weather pattern of ours.”

Sephiroth’s heart sped at the thought. “He did?”

“Yes. And don't worry about it being tracked, I made sure to enlist the help of a particularly talented recruit to help encrypt the information. Anyway, he was asking after you to complain about someone and for some gardening tips. Angeal informed him you were predisposed since he couldn’t find you in your room and told him some nonsense about soil temperature. Where were you, by the way?”

“Being interrogated by Turks.” He slowed his steps to a normal pace now that he was nearly outside the compound.

Genesis fell silent for a second. “So they know.”

“It appears that way.” Verdot was not exactly subtle with the implications of his words. “I presume they’ll be watching the village.”

“And us.”

“I wasn’t aware they were not already.” Sephiroth was nearing his room. “We'll speak more later, I have reports to look over.”

“My friend, do you fly away now?”

“Goodbye.” Sephiroth hung up and checked his missed calls. One from an unknown number located in Nibelheim. He deleted the notification and stuffed the PHS away, not wanting to risk calling back. The light in the hallway he’d been wandering in shifted. Sephiroth looked out the tiny window and saw what clouds covering the previously clear, sunny sky. 

~

Cloud's afternoon started like normal. He wanted to see Tifa, but she had a busy day, between piano lessons and hanging out with the other kids. Cloud's lips twisted at the thought of them. Instead, he explored the backwoods behind the mansion after his mom left for work, kicking rocks over and poking at the interesting bugs that were under it. He made sure to bring his camera to take pictures of flowers he saw along the way, shaking them and stuffing them into his pocket as soon as they were dry. The crunching of leaves and twigs made him snap his head up in the direction of the sound and spot a tall, blonde man wearing black dress pants and a white shirt wandering aimlessly between the trees. The man got closer, saw Cloud, and he recognized him as the neighbor who'd moved in earlier in the month. The man gave him a sunny smile and waved enthusiastically.

"Hi! I didn't think there'd be anyone around here," the man said when he got closer. He crouched down in front of Cloud and stuck out his hand to shake. "What's your name?"

Cloud stared at the man's hand suspiciously for a moment before hesitantly taking it. "Cloud."

His expression didn't change but recognition appeared to flash in his eyes. "Nice to meet you Cloud, you can call me... Nun, for short."

"Short for what?"

Nun hummed and rocked his head side to side. He finally leaned forward and flicked Cloud's forehead in a way that felt invasive. "Nun-ya-business!" he laughed,

Cloud grit his teeth and looked back down at the ground, unsure of what to say and uncomfortable. Nun continued the conversation on his own. 

"I'm sure you've seen me around, I just moved in, but I probably won't be staying for long. Just came here to settle some business and I'll probably be gone in a few months."

"Business?" Cloud echoed, raising an eyebrow. What business was there in Nibelheim, of all places?

"Some property nonsense, boring stuff," Nun said nonchalantly, waving his hand as he spoke. "I'm also looking for someone I’ve already found, but that's beside the point."

"And that point is?"

Nun scanned him briefly, looking for something in his face and when he found it, the older man grinned in satisfaction. "The point is... what the hell are you doing out here?"

Cloud scoffed and stood, Nun following his actions. "Nothing."

"Well, I can see that- hey, wait up!" Nun hurried after Cloud when he started walking away. "You're a brat aren't you?" 

"Maybe I am."

Nun laughed brightly. "I think I like you, kid." He made to ruffle Cloud's hair, but the boy slapped his hand away and glared. Nun but his hands up in mock surrender. "My bad my bad, you're just so cute!"

This man was quickly making himself a nuisance. Cloud walked around the outside of the mansion fences and said nothing as the man rambled, hoping he'd leave if he just didn't speak.

"But does anyone actually live in this place? I mean, I know Shinra owned it, but I heard you kids like to snoop around and shit at night."

The first part of the question was strange, but Cloud ignored it. "Some kids do."

"You ever do it?"

Cloud shrugged and walked past the water tower in the center of town. "Maybe."

"What'd you find in there?"

"I said maybe, not yes." Cloud stopped in front of his door and crossed his arms, standing in front of Nun with obvious irritation on his face. "What do you want?"

"Just to get to know you. Is that so bad?" Nun asked, trying his best to make puppy eyes, but his expression was too sharp and analyzing to be anything other than unsettling.  Cloud struggled not to squirm.

"Yes."

Nun sighed and let a half-smile settle. "Alright, sorry for buggin' you kid, I'll leave you be. Not for long, I hope. I'm sure I'll see you around soon."

Cloud grunted in acknowledgment of his statement and waited for Nun to leave. The man's smile grew as he saluted and left. Cloud huffed and frowned. It was strange that he found him in those woods, especially since so many people stayed away from that area.

"Weird," Cloud mumbled. He waited until the man was out of sight and walked around to the back of his house, sitting on a tree stump that'd been there forever and gazing up at Tifa's window. He wondered if she was home and wanted to talk to her, but he didn't really have anything to chat about. He didn't want to go up to her and stand around awkwardly while she tried to chat. He swung his legs and got lost in his head when the window he'd just been staring at opened up, a smiling Tifa popping her head out.

"Cloud!" She called happily and waved.

Cloud snapped his head up and fought back a blush. "T-Tifa."

She leaned forward and rested her head in her hands. "What'cha up to?"

"Nothing," he said quickly, turning his head to the side. "I, uh, talked to that new guy. The one who moved in."

"Oh him? He's kinda funny, isn't he?"

Funny? In a comedic sense or an odd way? Nun could've been funny if he wasn't so strange and touchy, and he was weird but Cloud didn't think Tifa was someone who'd talk about someone like that behind their back. Or was she? Did she talk about him like that with her friends? Cloud scoffed at that. Those kids were stupid, he didn't care what they thought. But he cared what Tifa thought.

"Cloud?" She said, bringing him out of his spiraling thoughts.

He wanted to bury his head in the ground and never interact with anyone again. "I-I guess some of his jokes are ok."

Her eyebrows rose and she giggled. "Yea, but I saw him wandering around the mansion. And don't tell anyone this but," she looked around and tried her best to whisper shout, "he was poking around the reactor too. He was asking my dad for the key, but he didn't give it to him. Don't know what he wants around there, but still."

"Maybe he's a spy."

"Maybe," Tifa replied. She turned around and disappeared for a moment before returning to the window again. "Sorry Cloud, I've got to go. Talk later, yea?"

Cloud nodded and waved as she left. He wanted to call out to her, ask her if she could meet him at the water tower so they could talk, but the words got stuck in his throat and he was too embarrassed to ask. With a disappointed huff, he got to his feet and went into the house. He walked through the dark living room to his room, tossing his favorite stick back under his bed so his mom wouldn't find it and throw it out. Cloud sat at his desk and carefully placed the pictures he took in the afternoon on the table, holding them to the light, smiling in satisfaction at their quality. He opened the small, leatherbound book and flipped to the pages he was writing on, pasting the pictures he'd taken during the day onto the pages and writing on the paper under it. 

Forget Me Nots

Small blue flowers that symbolize remembrance after partings or death; true love; a lasting connection

He chewed on his lip as he stared down at his handwriting, hoping it was good enough after the endless amount of practice he did to get it right. He would've sent Sephiroth the big flower guide they'd poured over together, but it was too scientific and hard to understand for Cloud's liking. Not that Sephiroth wouldn't be able to understand it, Cloud just wanted to give him something more personal. More interesting, maybe. He sighed and leaned back in his seat, hoping it'd be a good gift. He knew the older boy would like anything he or his mom sent him, but Cloud knew he didn't get very many gifts and if this would be the first of many Cloud would give him, then it had to be perfect. 

His mom got home after a few hours. They opened the curtains, made dinner together, ate, and chatted about Genesis sending them tickets to a traveling LOVELESS production and other topics. They cleaned up and his mother tucked him into bed, brushing back his bangs and flicking his ponytail lovingly.

"Are you really going to keep that?" She asked playfully.

"I thought you liked my hair," he said sullenly.

"I do, I'm just asking. I thought you hated having to do your hair though."

He really did hate it, having to wake up and brush his hair every morning and tie it back into a small ponytail so the other kids wouldn't pull on it when they tried to beat him up. But great people had long hair. His gaze fell on the poster on his wall and he hid his face half under the blanket to make sure his mom wouldn't see his face. "I don't want to cut it."

"You don't have to, Cloudy. As long as you're happy, I'm happy." She paused and looked at the poster Cloud had just been staring at. "Have you heard from him?" she asked softly.

Cloud bit his lip. He hated how she sounded so sad. "No," he admitted reluctantly.

Her smile faded a little. She sighed. "How's the book going?"

Cloud shrugged and gestured for her to look at it. She walked over to the desk and flipped open the book, eyes widening with every page she looked at.

"Wow, Cloud," she breathed. "You took these?"

"Y-yea?"

Claudia grinned brightly at him. "These are amazing! You could be a real photographer when you grow up."

Cloud rolled his eyes but smiled. "I want to be SOLDIER, ma."

She hummed and wrapped her arms around him. "And you will be, storm cloud. For you are beloved by the goddess Hero of the dawn, Healer of worlds."

"...is that LOVELESS?"

"And if it is?"

Cloud scrunched his nose. "You've been spending too much time around Genesis."

She laughed pressed a kiss to his forehead. "I love you."

He giggled softly. "Sure you-"

(The fire burned and raged in front of him, swallowing up the house and everything inside indiscriminately. He could hardly hear the screams of the villagers over the roaring of the flames. He needed to get inside, grab his ma and run. He dragged himself forward, clawing at the ground, nails digging painfully into the dirt to get a hold of something to pull himself forward, to save her. Her scream cut through the air, stabbing into his heart, leaving it bleeding rapidly in his chest. The sound of a sword being drawn, slicing, footsteps walking out slowly. Silver hair and unearthly green eyes, leaving without a glance. He reached out, feeling the smoke clog his lungs and burn his eyes.

"M- ma..."

It hurt, everything hurt. He would get there in time, he had to-)

"Cloud?"

He blinked away the vision and held back a gasp at the sound of his mom's voice. Cloud closed his eyes to stop the tears from falling. "I-I love you too."

Claudia frowned and stroked his cheek before standing to leave. She glanced back at the window, stopping for too long, and then left, turning off the light and closing the door behind her. Cloud evened his breathing and stared up at the ceiling, glad that whatever just happened wasn't real and never would be. His mom was alive, he was ok, Nibelheim existed. And Sephiroth wasn't there or crazy. He took solace in that, but sleep came around uneasily nonetheless.

~

Cloud sat with a scowl on his face and arms crossed guardedly on his chest, waiting for Sephiroth to show up. When he finally popped into existence in the dream and turned around, his scowl turned sourer. 

"You've been ignoring me."

"Yes," Sephiroth answered, following it with a sigh. "I'm sorry."

Cloud clicked his tongue and stood, starting his march off into the distance. Sephiroth quickly trailed closely behind him, staying silent on their aimless walk as Cloud tried to let the anger roll off of him instead of turning back to snap at his friend.

"Has anything happened in Nibelheim lately?"

"No." Absolutely nothing interesting, and the highlight of his week━ talking to Sephiroth━ suddenly ended for apparently no reason. Other than Sephiroth not wanting to talk.

"There haven't been any suspicious figures nearby?"

"No," he almost growled.

"How is your mother?"

"You'd know if you bothered to call," he spat before catching himself and stopping abruptly. Cloud closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths.

"I-I apologize for my neglect." Sephiroth hesitated and continued. "It was not my intention to make you angry. I just wanted to know if you were..."

And yet you succeeded at it. Cloud kept that statement to himself and whirled around to meet Sephiroth's gaze. He looked... tired, and pained, dark circles under his eyes making Cloud's heart pang with guilt and sympathy. "I'm sorry for getting angry, I'm sure you had your reasons but... ma's been worried." She'd been asking after him, the anxieties over Sephiroth's wellbeing written so clearly on her face he slowly started to resent the General for it, even if he knew it was completely unfair. "But are you ok?"

Sephiroth almost seemed to jump at that question. "I..." he cleared his throat "I'm fine."

"Obviously not but I won't press if you don't want me to." It really wasn't easy prying information out of Sephiroth, especially when it's about his wellbeing. 

Sephiroth sighed. "I've recently been deployed back to Wutai."

"Again? Didn't you just get to Midgar?"

"I've been here for about 2 months. I suppose they think that's enough time. I might be inclined to agree with them." He pulled his trench coat tighter over his chest unconsciously. 

"And they just ship you off back to the frontline? With hardly any rest?!" Cloud felt his anger rising, again.

"I'm a SOLDIER, Cloud, the strongest one and a general in this war. I can't just be allowed to-"

"You," he jabbed a finger forward, "are allowed to do anything. You. Want. Regardless of what they say, whoever they are. You're a person, Sephiroth, a human being just like me and everyone else and you deserve to be treated like one. Not like a fuc-" he sucked in a sharp breath to stop himself from cursing. "Not like some sort of animal or robot."

"But-"

"There are no buts, Seph," he said gently, firmly. He put a hand on Sephiroth's and slowly pulled it away from where he was clutching against his chest. "You don't deserve to be treated like this."

"...ok."

"Good." Cloud loosened his grip a little and gave Sephiroth the opportunity to let go, but he didn't. "What was up with your questioning earlier? Felt like I was being investigated for murder or something."

Sephiroth shook his head dismissively. "Nothing, I was just being overly cautious."

"Better safe than sorry," Cloud said with a smile. Sephiroth didn't respond.

~

The timing could not have been any worse. Genesis had called, using code to tell him and Angeal that he'd finally found someone who could stop their calls from being traced, and told them it'd be ready in a week. But that was the last and most important week of Sephiroth's 2-week deployment to Wutai. He and Angeal were assigned to train a squadron of new recruits who were promising for the SOLDIER program, fresh 14 and 15-year-olds. It was Sephiroth's least favorite part of his job, not that any part of it was particularly enjoyable though. That was probably why he was sent with Angeal, the more personable of the Firsts. Even though it made sense as to why Sephiroth was there━ an effort to show Shinra's complete dominance after his short absence from the frontlines━ it still felt too inconvenient. Hojo's chat, the Turk's interrogation, the recording device. He didn't like it.

“So please don’t set fire to anything,” Angeal pleaded before they walked out in front of the recruits. “I really don’t want to have to nearly get my ass burned while trying to save one of these kids. Again.”

“I’ll try my hardest not to,” Sephiroth replied with as much sarcasm and annoyance as he could manage to put into his tone. The conversation ended when the recruits stood at attention to the two Firsts. Angeal stepped forward and thankfully took the lead.

“I’m Commander Angeal Hewley, and I’m sure you all know General Sephiroth. We’ll be leading your mission today, so before we set out, I’ll give you all a few tips and commands you must follow. First, do not abandon your squad under any circumstances...”

Sephiroth tuned out and inspected the lineup of recruits. They were all generally tall, well-built young men that couldn’t have been any older than 18. Shinra always recruited them young, after all.

“...do I make myself clear?” Angeal finished, receiving a chorus of yes sirs in response. “Then let’s go.”

The march to their destination was only 10 minutes but it was as boring as Sephiroth expected it to be, especially since it was being led by Angeal. But eventually, they arrived at the field, where a small army of Wutain soldiers was lined up in front of the encampment, ready to fight. Angeal got ready to go through the formal steps of negotiation, even though they never actually reached an agreement. Their general stepped out of a tower on the surrounding wall and spoke through a megaphone.

“We refuse to surrender to Shinra scum!” The soldiers cheered. “And we will never negotiate with you dogs!”

Angeal sighed and unhooked the smaller blade he lugged around instead of the Buster Sword. “Well, that makes things easy doesn’t it?”

Sephiroth similarly summoned Masamune. “It does indeed.” He turned to the SOLDIERs behind him. “You understand your duties. Destroy the Wutains, leave no man behind, take no prisoners.”

The enemy general gave one last shout of inspiration in their native language and the Wutain troops surged forward, intent on defending whatever independence they believed they could still hang onto. Sephiroth rushed forward into the fray, forgetting the troops he was supposed to be leading and observing behind him to clash with the enemy.

Fighting was like a dance. Elaborate, beautiful, and if done well, downright exhausting. And exciting. Sephiroth would never admit it to either Genesis or Angeal, but they were not nearly enough to seriously threaten his own power, even when combined. So he sought out a challenge on the battlefield, hoping that one day he wouldn’t be able to easily weave in between lines of men and mow them down, and instead be stopped by an immovable object. He knew the day would never come, but it didn’t hurt to hope.

Sephiroth instead spun around on his heel, swinging Masamune as he moved and cleanly decapitating two Wutains in that single motion. He brought his sword up to his chest in time to block the incoming swing of a sword and cleaved through the trooper that tried to cut through him. A spray of bullets from just up ahead we’re easily dodged and when Sephiroth couldn’t be bothered to dodge them, he redirected them with the flat of his blade. He jumped into the air, almost activating his Fire materia before remembering what Angeal asked of him and settling with casting a quick Haste on himself to move faster and slice through the men. He heard another gun cocking and turned to meet the incoming bullet but found he didn’t need to when one of the rookies shouted a battle cry and stabbed the man before he could fire.

“You alright boss?” The recruit asked, dark brown eyes focusing on Sephiroth with a mixture of frenzy and excitement.

“What happened to your helmet?”

The recruit’s eyes widened much like a puppy’s before he patted his head, only somehow just noticing he really wasn’t wearing any headgear. He chuckled and pushed back his blood and sweat-soaked black hair from his face.

“Guess I lost it,” he grinned.

“How did you manage that?” Those helmets were designed to stay on no matter what thanks to a magnetic clasp. If there was an issue with the mechanism, Sephiroth would have to look into it immediately.

“Uh, I don’t really-“

“Zack!” A voice in the distance interrupted. They both turned and saw the battlefield filled with dead bodies of both a few recruits and Wutains, the wall they’d been guarding partially collapsed. The recruit who’s called for the boy apparently named Zack ran up to them, stopping to catch his breath before jumping into a salute. “General!”

Sephiroth nodded and the recruit fell at ease. “Commander Hewley sent me over here to inform you that he needs you immediately, but he didn't specify for what exactly, sir.”

“Very well. Thank you...”

“Private Kunsel, sir,” the boy filled in. He turned back to his friend. “Zack, what were you thinking, running off like that? And what happened to your helmet?”

Zack sheepishly scratched the back of his head. “Um, I took it off.”

“What!?” Kunsel’s reaction mirrored how Sephiroth probably should’ve reacted.

“It was uncomfortable! And I couldn’t let these incredible looks be hidden behind a helmet!” Zack laughed and threw his arm around Kunsel’s neck while the other grumbled. He grinned at Sephiroth and gave him a two-finger salute. “Stay safe, General, and I’ll see you around.” The two walked off like they hadn’t just wiped out an entire group of Wutains and were just on a casual stroll.

Sephiroth approached the rest of the group and saw Angeal pacing back and forth, one hand pressing his PHS against his ear and the other firmly on his hip. He stopped when he saw Sephiroth and settled an urgent expression that made Sephiroth desperate to find out what was wrong.

"He's here now. I'll let him know." Angeal hung up and focused solely on Sephiroth and he knew before he spoke. "Claudia called. Cloud's missing."

"Your spending a lot of time dilly-dallying, aren't you?"

Cloud huffed and dared to crack open an eye. There wasn't anything around him, just blinding whiteness. The voice was behind him anyway, so there was no need to keep them open. "Not my fault you won't tell me what to do."

"Honestly," they breathed out as they presumably sat beside him, "I don't even know myself."

"Why am I here again?"

They hummed like a verbal shrug. "You got kidnapped."

Flashes of Nun's sorry face and a brief apology as he knocked Cloud unconscious flashed through his mind. Cloud clutched his head at the phantom pain. "Gods, why do I only end up here when my head hurts?"

"Jogs your memory maybe."

"Maybe."

They flicked his forehead. "Things are changing. Whether that's for the better or not, I can't say. But change is good. Keep it up."

"Getting kidnapped is good progress?"

"Compared to the alternative? Yes."

Cloud couldn't disagree with that. "And if I die?"

They fell silent for a long moment. "Let's hope that's not necessary to fix things."

"I... guess." Cloud sighed and opened his eyes but didn't look at the other voice, not really caring. "What cryptic piece of advice do you have for me this time?"

The slight annoyance was noticeable in their next sentence. "Your a smartass, aren't you? I wasn't intending on telling you anything but whatever. Slums, north, stars."

"That was... straight forward. Kinda."

"I can't give you direct answers, but I'm not Vincent."

Cloud breathed a laugh. "No, you're not." Cloud paused and almost hit himself for his stupidity. "Right, you're-"

"Oh kid, you're finally up!"

Cloud groaned as the pain throbbed in his head. He turned his eyes up, head feeling like lead and hands bound behind his back.

"Sorry for, uh, knocking you out. I would've used that sleeping stuff the others use, but I uh, might've forgotten it back at the tower." He smiled sweetly. Cloud still wanted to knock his teeth out. The ground beneath them rumbled and sent a wave of nausea through Cloud, nearly making him lose his dinner. Nun must've seen his face turn green. "Please don't tell me you have motion sickness."

Cloud glared at him but forced himself to close his eyes and steady his stomach as best as he could.

"Oops, my bad." Nun ruffled his hair, making Cloud momentarily forget his sickness to kick out at the man. 

"Right forgot." Nun reached forward and removed the gag from Cloud's mouth.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Cloud growled.

"Hm, not the question I was expecting, but if you want an answer, I might as well give you one." Nun sat in front of him on the floor of the truck with his legs crossed. "Pretty sure I'm completely fine, or else I wouldn't have this job."

Cloud looked him up and down, taking in his black suit and the nunchakus lying on his shoulder. "Turk. Is your name even Nun?"

Nun's eyes widened in surprise. "Impressive, I didn't think you'd know, and no but I figured both my nickname and real name are way too long. You thinking about joining?"

Cloud was about to snap a retort but had to push back more nausea. "My mom..."

"She's alright. My partner's watching her. Gun's not as friendly as me, but they'll get along. I hope."

"What do you want me for?"

Nun shrugged and stretched. "I don't want you for anything. Veld might want to interrogate you as to how you know the General, but as for what Shinra wants... who knows?"

"Hojo," Cloud whispered in horror under his breath. Hojo wanted him, the Science Department was going to experiment on him again. Another 5 years of constant torture, ending in confusion and pain, and Z-

A jolt of pain shot through Cloud's head, causing him to double over and almost throw up.

"Hey kid, what's wrong?" He began reaching out presumably to soothe Cloud when the truck crashed to a halt, sending both of them tumbling forward until they hit the wall. "God damn! What the hell is going on?" Nun grabbed the weapon off his shoulder and opened the window to talk to the driver. "Hey what's-" He cut himself short with a grim look and yanked Cloud by the back of his shirt and dragged him out of the truck. He continued tugging Cloud along as the boy struggled against his captor.

"Let me go!"

"No can do kid, sorry again." Nun snorted even though his expression remained stark. "Feel like all I've been doing is apologizing to you. Guess it doesn't mean anything considering I'm kidnapping you, but whatever."

Cloud turned his head and saw a blur of red racing towards them in the darkness, the front of the truck completely totaled.

"Shit," Nun breathed, throwing Cloud behind him and pointing a pistol at the boy's head while brandishing the nunchakus in the other. Vincent stopped in his tracks, standing unnaturally still while Cloud struggled to recover his breath with a gun pointed at his skull.

"Might want to slow down there," Nun said. "Neither of us wants him getting hurt, right?"

"What do you want?" Vincent said lowly, his voice sounding like there were two people speaking at once and his eyes were practically glowing amber.

Nun swallowed hard and tightened his grip around his weapons. "I don't want anything but to be a good Turk. And you want to save this boy, right?"

Vincent didn't break his stare or respond, his hand slowly reaching to draw Cerberus. 

"How about we make a deal?"

"I could just kill you." Vincent's cape appeared to be morphing behind him, looking almost organic in the darkness. 

"You could. But if I don't call my partner to confirm he's been delivered in a few, that lovely lady back in Nibelheim might not be so safe. Mm, her and the village, probably."

Cloud's heart stopped at the threat. "Wait..."

Nun gave him a sad smile. "Sorry kid, that's the job. Shinra is thorough and if I'm unsuccessful... well no one would find out about my mistake." He grimaced and turned back to Vincent, tilting his head. "But you could let us go, and maybe they'll all survive."

"Or they won't."

"Or that."

Vincent stepped forward and the gun pointing at Cloud was pressed against his head. The older man's bright eyes flicked to him in a silent sign of something, almost looking apologetic. Doesn't suit him, Cloud thought under the wave of anxiety and fear.

"I would stop if I were you," Nun warned.

"I could say the same."

Another step, the pistol moved down to the side of his neck. Cloud stared hard at Vincent, trying to get him to say what the hell he was doing before he got shot and died at the ripe old age of 13.

"Then we're doing this."

Vincent pointed his gun at Nun. "We are."

They shot.

Chapter Text

He raised his hand to his face, turning it over, waving it, watching his translucent limb move through an almost dreamlike fog. That probably wasn't too far from the truth. He took a step forward and felt his feet move but nothing changed around him. Them.

Us.

He winced at the unwanted voice. He'd heard it somewhere before, but even then it was oppressive, venomous, disconcerting. He didn't like it, didn't like how it made it harder to think and hear people talking around him. He didn't like how it twisted his feelings into something he didn't recognize belonged to him. They felt alien and foreign in a way that made his skin crawl. But he continued walking forward, feeling the voice grow louder and boisterous and overwhelming- 

'Hey.'

He blinked at the bright blue eyes staring into his own. "...hi."

Cloud stepped back and crossed his arms over his chest. 'What are you doing here?'

Sephiroth blinked again and shook his head, trying to remember where he was, why it felt like the mounting wave of anxiety and fear suddenly dissipated at the sight of Cloud. "I could... say the same." His eyes widened. "You’re ok."

Cloud frowned, almost apologetically. Sephiroth felt himself go cold. 'What are you doing here?' he repeated. 'You shouldn't be here.'

Sephiroth looked around. They were in the middle of a flower field, yellow flowers as far as he could see. No sky overhead, just a soft white ceiling of light that made it look like heaven. "Where are we?"

'Hm, I don't really know. Last I remember I was..." he trailed off and rubbed at his neck. 'Is she gone?'

"She?" Sephiroth felt like he knew, instinctively like it was engraved in his bones, in the very essence of his being. "I think so," he admitted, feeling disappointed even though the feeling scared him.

Cloud looked up at the sky. 'I miss you.'

"I..." Sephiroth didn't know what to say. Cloud's tone bothered him, made him want to squirm uncomfortably. "I'm sorry."

The younger boy shook his head. 'Don't be. You haven't done anything wrong.'

"I- I should’ve protected you.” He wanted to cry. “I’ve only put you in more danger. I’m so sorry.”

'Hey, it’s alright, none of this is your fault I promise. None of what happens is your fault, Sephiroth.' Cloud smiled at him but it didn't have any joy. 'Like I said, don't be sorry. I don't want you to be, I can't-' Cloud sucked in a breath and looked like he was on the verge of tears.

Sephiroth reached out to touch him but immediately recoiled for no discernible reason. He wanted to grab Cloud, hold him tight, have him forever by his side, but something pushed against him while simultaneously drawing him closer. It hurt but felt great. His head pulsed but he never felt calmer. It made Sephiroth unreasonably angry and want to destroy something, everything, because it was too much. He opened and closed his fist to keep the rage in check.

"Cloud, what happened?" he grit out, keeping his voice steady.

The boy sighed heavily and his lips wavered. 'I don't want to die. I don't want anyone to die. But I-I don't know what to do, what I can do.'

Sephiroth's heart dropped to his stomach, all anger being cooled and replaced with dread. "Where are you? I can help you, wherever you are, just tell me and I-I'll come."

"The flowers sure are pretty," Cloud breathed. "Yellow and white lilies. Maybe if things had been different, we could’ve watched them bloom."

"Cloud!" Sephiroth grabbed his friend's arm, feeling a jolt of electricity run through his arm, but he brushed it and Cloud's terrified expression aside, pulling him in close and...

Everything faded away to darkness. The static returned as Sephiroth stared at the ceiling above him, the panic building slowly in his chest until he needed to get up and move. It felt like a dream, like what he'd just seen wasn't normal or never even happened. But the shaking of Cloud's hands and his voice, the look of utter grief and heartbreak, made it feel real. Sephiroth really hoped it wasn't. He sat up on his bed and evened out his heart rate, or tried to.

Re... re... union

Sephiroth mindlessly hummed in agreement and paced around his room until the sun rose, not hearing his PHS ringing throughout the night.

In a future long abandoned, flowers grew around a sword stabbed into the ground in a church. Cloud Strife knelt by the red flowers, gently taking their petals into his hand and watching them turn from spider lilies to daffodils before his eyes.

“What now?”

The scenery swept away and was replaced with the blue-green of the Lifestream, wrapping around the man. The Planet watched the flow of time warp and change, twisting and wavering, stuttering under the weight of the present, determined to reach the future, never looking back at the past. Pieces of an incomplete and unfinished puzzle falling into place upside down without a picture to guide the product. Patches of flowers trampled over to reach the most beautiful, promising ones. The Planet would’ve sighed if it had a voice all could hear.

“Sorry I couldn’t stop him from being killed, you didn't exactly allow me to tell him exactly what he needed to know.”

What needed to be known was a matter of perspective and the only perspective that mattered was that of the Planet. Mako pools were littered around the base of Mt. Nibel. The promise of valuable treasures and natural materia lured many to their edge, and the area was well known for the tremors caused by landslides and avalanches-

“I-he ━ gods that's weird ━ will not be falling into a mako pool. Or be injected with mako. Or S or G or whatever cells.” He paused before adding, “and I will not have a demon or monster shoved into him. If you're going to bring him back, then let him be. He'll have a hard enough time as is, he doesn't need more pain.”

Pain is subjective and not a concept that really mattered in the long run. While Cloud Strife currently lay dead, or at least as close to dead as a human could reasonably be before ultimately succumbing to their fate, the Calamity from the Skies cracked one eye partially open, its permanent grin inching wider a fraction. Its son, hearing the call of its mother, moved on command, the beating of a single wing threatening to completely derail the course of the path they were set on. A black feather dangled in nonexistence, waiting to-

“No! It's too soon, that can't... Sephiroth is still sane and he’s still alive.”

G cells were never as stable as S. They would not last much longer, but their eventual decay would not occur soon. Not while the Calamity was focused solely on its legitimate child, ignoring the rejects rather than actively pressing their deaths.

“Ok ok I get it, I get it.” Cloud Strife would’ve buried his head in his hands if he had a corporeal form. “Gods why didn’t you just send me back whole? This would’ve been so much easier. Now we’ve got to rely on this kid remembering and becoming me and I...” he sighed and resigned himself to the fate the Planet decided for him from the moment it picked him apart and rewound time. “There must be something that can be done.”

For every action the Turk makes, Vincent Valentine reacts. A shot to the neck that in every other timeline would’ve resulted in immediate death, but in the right world, a quick Cure is cast just in time to stop him from succumbing to blood loss. A swing of nunchakus, the firing of his gun. A limit break, calling upon the power of a WEAPON, or a being adjacent to it. The Calamity did not close its eyes, but it fell back into a state between sleep and wakefulness.

The Lifestream faded away to a blue sky, a white feather ascending. A flower field, no one standing in the middle, a starry sky left quiet, sword lilies and chrysanthemums placed in a bedroom, catching the golden light streaming in.  Give and get, equivalent exchange. A future for the past. The tracks have already been set, they simply need to followed. Cloud Strife readied himself.

“Till the end of the line.”

Chapter Text

“Private Zack Fair.”

Zack whirled around at the mention of his name and stood at attention to his commanding officer.

“You will get your weapon and report to the helipads at once for immediate transfer.”

“To where exactly, sir?”

The officer rolled his eyes. “That’s not for you to know, Private. Be there in 30 minutes sharp.”

Zack sighed as the man walked away and sprinted down the hallway to the equipment room to grab a sword and helmet off the racks, before deciding against taking the helmet and just leaving with his weapon. He ran to the barracks even faster, feeling excitement and anticipation build with every second that ticked by. He was finally getting deployed on his first mission! Not that being sent to Wutai didn’t count, but that had been more for the experience than anything. This was a real, wholesale mission to somewhere he didn’t know but honestly, he didn’t care if it was the middle of the Corel desert or back to Wutai. He’d only been on break for a few days and was already getting antsy.

“Zack, slow down! You might run into someone!” Kunsel yelled at him, grabbing his friend's arm to slow his momentum. “Where are you even hurrying off to?”

“I literally have no idea but I’ve got a mission, Kun!” Zack was practically vibrating with excitement. “They told me to head to the helipad in 30 minutes.”

“Oh right, I’m going with you too. I was just heading back from picking up my helmet. Where’s yours?”

“Not important. Where do you think they’re sending us?” Zack asked as the two walked at a reasonable pace back to their rooms. “Maybe we’ll go to Wutai again, or a monster clean-up mission in somewhere like Kalm. Oh! Or maybe super north like Icicle Inn!”

Kunsel shivered involuntarily and opened the door for Zack to enter before him. “I hope not, I’d prefer not to freeze my ass off.”

Zack shuffled through his rather sparse bag of items, cobbling together toiletries, underwear, and some spare clothes, even throwing in a coat and swimming trunks just in case. “I’m sure it won’t be that bad no matter what, but I wonder what the rush is?”

“Hmm, well the Firsts have been acting kind of...” Kunsel bit his lip and shook his head. “Never mind I shouldn’t be talking about that.”

“About what?”

“Nothing.”

Zack groaned and tackled Kunsel to the ground. “Tell me!”

“Fine! But get off me first!” Zack scrambled off his friend and waited dutifully for the story. “You can’t tell anyone this, alright?”

“Just get to it!”

“Ok ok. Well, Commander Rhapsodos came to me a few weeks ago and asked me to make sure no one could track his calls. I don’t know how he found out I could do it, but I agreed. I had to look through each call he made and do a bunch of technical crap, but I basically found out that almost every single personal call from someplace on the western continent was being monitored by Shinra.”

“Really?”

Kunsel nodded gravely. “And when I told him, he started freaking out and threatening me not to say anything. But that call Commander Hewley got the other day was definitely related because when he told the General-“

“Private Fair and Kunsel.”

The voice sent a shiver down Zack’s spine. He quickly got to his feet and waited for Kunsel to do the same, trying not to melt under the General’s icy stare.

“Don’t waste time.” The man turned on his heel and left.

Zack and Kunsel shared a look but both of them packed in silence and sprinted to the helicopters. The two and another few squadrons of recruits and troopers boarded and endured the 4 hours long, high-speed flight in complete, stifling silence that made Zack want to get up and do squats just to get moving. He was never good with being still, but the General’s intimidating presence was enough to stamp down that urge. Zack had thought he did a pretty ok job endearing himself to the man on the battlefield, but his deeds had apparently been forgotten as Sephiroth stared hard out the window, looking for something.

When the helicopter landed, they boarded multiple Shinra-owned trucks and sat for another hour till they finally reached their destination. Zack breathed in the fresh, cool air and noticed their altitude, somewhere in the mountains. He was honestly expecting a battlefield or a village, but there was nothing in front of him besides white rubble and the ruins of what looked to be a town. Kunsel, or who was probably Kunsel under the helmet, wandered beside Zack as they awaited commands from their officers and the General, who had strangely disappeared after the helicopter ride.

“Where are we?”

“Nibelheim,” Kunsel replied, pausing to look around, “or what used to be Nibelheim.”

“What happened here?” Everything looked too freshly charred to be more than a few days old.

An officer approached their group and assigned them to the General’s command, their assignment being to sweep the village and mansion, which had surprisingly remained untouched, for any survivors. The two other groups went to search the mountain and inspect the reactor.

Zack stepped carefully over the rubble, lifting ashen beams that almost dissolved in his hands and calling out to anybody who’d managed to live.  He mostly stayed close to Sephiroth, who had made a beeline for the eastern edge of the village and over the remains of what probably used to be a quaint house. Kunsel followed closely behind, his gloves just as white as Zack’s from the ash. It was a little less unnerving having his friend beside him, mostly because the sound of his footsteps and breath were a welcome departure from the almost absolute silence of the surrounding area. The General moved like a ghost and was working so slowly he almost seemed to be paralyzed in his spot, sitting in the middle of the ring of debris with his back to Zack.

“What do you think happened?” He asked Kunsel again.

“A fire.”

Zack snorted without amusement. “No shit.” He moved aside a fallen door and was met with the sight of a burnt body, a scream frozen on the charred face, flesh and muscles shriveled horrifyingly. Zack gulped and placed the door back in place. He flicked his gaze to Sephiroth. “Do you think anyone survived?”

“I don't... my grandma always said hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.”

“That’s not really promising advice.”

Kunsel sighed and tightened his grip on his gun. “No, it isn’t.” He glanced over his shoulder at the other members of the squadron. “I’m going to go help search the rest of the village. Think you can handle here?”

Zack held up a thumbs up and watched Kunsel walk away back to the center of the wreckage. It was just him and Sephiroth in that area, and the General still hadn’t moved. Zack chewed on his lip, spared one last glance at his friend, and got up to slowly and loudly approach the man so he wouldn’t sneak up on him.

“Fair,” Sephiroth greeted with no infliction of his voice.

“Uh, h-hey boss- sir.” Zack swallowed and moved closer to Sephiroth but made sure to keep a sword’s length distance between continued to approach him like he was a scared animal. “Found anything yet?”

Sephiroth quickly stuffed something into his trench coat but made no move to stand. “No.”

Zack hummed and settled around some black planks of wood a good distance away from Sephiroth. He pushed aside some of it carefully, finding what looked like a poster that had miraculously survived being reduced to nothing in the fire. He decided to test the waters and ask a question that may or may not be classified.

“Do you know what caused this?”

“There is an ongoing investigation being conducted by the company, but it appears there was a village fire that may have been started by a gas leak.” Sephiroth’s tone was distant, firm, matter of fact in a way that made Zack cringe at his coldness. “A total of 56 villagers-“ he stopped abruptly, eyes widening minutely, and slowly looked towards the mountain.

“S-Sir?” Zack looked in the same direction but didn’t see anything of note.

“Did you not hear-“ Sephiroth cut himself off and glared at Zack, who quickly turned his attention back to the area he’d been inspecting. They worked in silence again for a few minutes.

“Join the others, I can search this area myself,” Sephiroth said lowly.

Zack tilted his head up from the poster he’d been uncovering and locked eyes with Sephiroth. His entire face was neutral in its usual apathetic way, but his eyes were heavy with everything. He was kneeling, fists clenched tightly by his sides, the entire bottom half of his completely black uniform as white as his shoulder pauldrons, head bowed slightly towards the ground. Like he’s grieving.

He broke eye contact and pushed aside more wood to find a large poster of Sephiroth with the phrase ‘Join SOLDIER, become a hero!’ at the bottom. It was the same one Zack had seen that sparked his dream and got him where he was then, sitting in the rubble of a village, atop corpses of innocent people. It reminded him of that story Kunsel has told him once, of a ritual an ancient people used to do where they send off their dead in an enormous bonfire, sealing their journey to join the Lifestream. It was almost like that. Zack grimaced. He wished it was almost like that. Then maybe he wouldn't be sitting in the middle of a graveyard.

“You shouldn’t have to do this alone, sir.” He could still feel the heat of Sephiroth’s stare on his head and looked back up.

His gloves looked just about ready to rip with the force Sephiroth was clenching. He then heaved a long, deep breath before letting the tension out of his palms, but it remained in his shoulders.

“Perhaps it’d be best if I did,” Sephiroth mumbled seemingly to himself. Zack pretended not to hear. The General stood. “There are no survivors in the village. Only the mansion remains.”

He was off, and Zack made to follow. He stopped for a moment, something yellow catching his eye. It looked like flowers, but Zack could never tell them apart from one another. It was pretty though, and a little strange it was still standing after what happened to the town.

The squadron followed Sephiroth’s lead up the hill to the mansion, the General tore open the gates, and the others following him through the enormous doors. A few monsters here and there weren’t anything to break a sweat over but besides that, there was nothing else. They went upstairs, poked around some of the other eaten furniture, stopped for too long in a room with a weird brick wall that Sephiroth looked like he wanted to demolish, and they left the village to wait at the rendezvous point. The other groups reconvened after an hour and the mission was over.

“Just like that?” Zack groaned, tossing his hair in mild frustration.

“Just like that,” Kunsel echoed, taking off his helmet.

“Not really much of a mission if we didn’t actually save everyone.” Anyone, Zack mentally corrected. There was no one left to save, just corpses that had yet to dissolve into the Lifestream. It was far too little way too late.

“Don’t think like that. Not every mission is about being a hero. Sometimes, it’s about clean up.”

“I wish that weren’t true. I feel more like a groundskeeper.”

Kunsel grimaced. “You can’t save everyone, Zack.”

Zack buried his face in his hands and shook his head. “I have to try.”

~

The light from the sun cast blue shades of the morning sky through the drawn curtains. Then it changed to gentle white of afternoon, deepening to yellows and oranges of late evening, darkening to dusty purple of dusk, and settling on black of night. Sephiroth watched the colors change from his desk, thinking of different synonyms and descriptions for the colors, recalling the reason for why it happened.

Every color had a different wavelength and the intensity of the sun’s rays caused them to...

He leaned back in his seat, feeling cramped and stiff from sitting unmoving all day. His PHS lay face down on the other side of his desk, buzzing incessantly ever since he got back to Midgar. It was almost enough to distract him from the book-shaped issue on his desk and the growing noise in his mind. It sounded almost like someone speaking to him from the other side of a window, their voice brushing against the shell of his ear and making him unreasonably angry.

Sephiroth stood and left his office, trying to ignore the overwhelming oppressive feeling from the day prior in order to get food from his refrigerator. He scarfed down an empty salad, dissatisfied with the way it sat in his stomach, and returned to the position he’d taken up at his desk, in front of the book and felt the urge to burn down the building.

The PHS rang for what seemed like the millionth time. Sephiroth snatched it up, finger hesitating over the answer button for too long. The call went to voice mail. He wasn’t sure whether to be disappointed or pleased with the outcome, but he wasn’t given time to ponder his feelings before another call from the same number came. No caller ID, he never saved contacts onto his PHS. He answered anyway.

“Yes?”

“Sephiroth.”

He hung up. Angeal called back a second later, and then again when Sephiroth didn’t pick up, but it stopped after that. He set the phone back down and fought back the pain in his chest that was making it difficult to breathe. As much as he loathed the idea, he’d have to schedule an appointment with Hojo in the morning for his symptoms. He didn’t sleep, but that was nothing new considering he hadn’t closed his eyes for longer than a few minutes in several days.

The next few days proceeded much the same as the last, this time the white noise in his mind building to an irritating degree that meant he could hardly focus on the documents on his desk. But he forced himself to because the alternative was that he think of other things or lie down in bed unable to get up until he had to to survive. The lighting changed, his PHS rang, his secretary occasionally came into his office with a new folder of reports and relaying that a visitor wanted to see him. He told her that unless it was the president, he wouldn’t be seeing anyone.

The potted plants Angeal has given him a year ago were dying, so he threw them out. There was no point in keeping it around if he couldn’t save it anyway. He visited the science department once for an appointment. Hojo was absent, apparently away at one of his other labs, so Sephiroth met with Hollander instead. He ended up breaking the man’s wrist midway through the appointment and went to the training rooms, peeved that he didn’t crush more of his bones. Sephiroth destroyed almost half a million gil worth of equipment and went back to his apartment to smash his desk in half with his fist. After a quick meal, he summoned Masamune and cut the wood into smaller pieces, then descended into the slums. Sectors 5, 6, and 7 were free of monsters for several months after.

He’d taken to drinking coffee and energy drinks and anything else with even an ounce of caffeine to keep himself awake. There was nothing he could do if he was asleep and no one to see, so he had to stay awake at all hours of the day. Even if that fucking voice was almost screaming at him every second. Even if it took every fiber of his being and iron will not to fly to the western continent and search every inch of land until he found who he was looking for. Its constant calls for him to go back were growing increasingly tempting, and Sephiroth wasn’t sure if it was because he was becoming more unhinged with every passing hour or because it was making truly compelling arguments. Some days, he felt he could see Her. Only out of the corner of his eye, a brief flash of a creeping smile, a deformed, abomination of a human, red glowing eyes boring into him. As soon as he tried to meet them they were gone and left behind empty space.

This planet is... your birthright.

He could feel his mind slowly unraveling and the desire to go to the Nibelheim reactor grew with every night he didn’t sleep. He put in countless requests to Lazard to be sent back to Wutai as soon as possible to distract himself, all of which the Director glanced over and said he’d look into before asking if Sephiroth had spoken to Angeal or Genesis. After the third time that same interaction had occurred, Sephiroth left Lazard’s office needing new chairs and a crack in the desk to be fixed. When he got back to his apartment, he took a cold shower and sat on the floor for what felt like hours, staring at the empty wall, trying to gather the pieces of himself into a coherent, functioning copy. It felt like everything in his life was spiraling out of control.

15 days after he returned the mission, Sephiroth’s landline on his new desk rang. He answered with the same greeting and continued reading over documents concerning spending for the SOLDIER program and reconstruction of some villages.

“Sephiroth.”

“Don’t hang up,” Genesis barked and quickly added while Sephiroth went to press the end call button, “it's urgent.”

“What is it?”

“Come to Angeal’s apartment at 7 pm.”

“Just tell me-“ Genesis hung up. Sephiroth leaned back and glanced at the clock which read 6:45. He finished signing off the forms, grabbed his trench coat, and swiftly made his way across the Firsts’ floor to Angeal’s apartment. Genesis answered, wearing his usual overly dramatic ‘casual’ wear.

“So you showed up.”

“What is the urgent business?”

Genesis scowled and yanked Sephiroth inside the apartment, slamming the door shut behind him.

“Wait here,” Genesis warned before leaving to the kitchen.

It smelled like something was cooking, no doubt Angeal making dinner. It was Thursday, which he’d usually invite Genesis and Sephiroth over so the three could eat together. Maybe he still would’ve, if Sephiroth picked up his PHS. Sephiroth was glad he never answered. He heard the mumbles of the two and Angeal came out soon after, carrying three plates of food precariously in his hands.

“Seph,” he said with a sad smile. Sephiroth looked between him, the food in his hands, and Genesis who looked like he’d been caught red-handed, and turned back to the door to leave, ignoring Genesis’s calls as he took steps back down the hallway. He only came to a stop when a hand pulled him back.

“Where the fuck are you going?” Genesis growled.

“Back to my apartment. It is obvious there is no urgent matter that needs discussing.” His watch read 7:10 and if he spent another minute doing nothing, he was going to run Genesis through for wasting his time.

“No urgent matter,” Genesis echoed in disgust. “Have you even looked at yourself lately? Or have you been too busy wallowing in regret to even care about that?”

“What exactly do I have to regret?”

Genesis looked stunned before his face twisted in rage. “You did not just ask me that question.”

Sephiroth’s fingers twitched for his blade. “What do I have to regret, Genesis, besides time being wasted here talking to you?”

“Do you really need me to list it for you? Are you really that fucking thick?!” He was practically screaming at that point, jabbing a finger into Sephiroth’s chest. “Fine, how about not talking to me and Angeal for weeks? Or spilling information to the Turks? Or getting the only fucking people who cared about you outside of us killed?-“

“Genesis!”

Angeal pulled him back just in time to get a hand on Sephiroth’s and stop him from impaling the redhead. The three stood frozen for what seemed like an eternity, Masamune pointed right for Genesis while the other glared at Sephiroth with enough fire to burn down a village. Angeal shoved both away from each other, panting heavily and fixing the apron he was wearing. He addressed Genesis first.

“Go back inside,” he demanded with no room for disagreement. Genesis did as he was told without another word, slamming the door shut and splintering the wood. He turned to Sephiroth. “We need to talk.”

“We don’t,” he replied, letting his sword leave his hand.

“We do.” Angeal dragged Sephiroth back toward the latter’s apartment and locked the door behind them. He sat beside him on the couch, leaving the lights off and letting the light from the city be enough to brighten the room.

The view would’ve been wonderful if Sephiroth bothered to look outside his window. The twinkling of the city was a sight to behold, an incredible example of engineering and human ingenuity.

“Have you been eating regularly?” Angeal asked.

“Yes.”

“Exercising?”

“Yes.”

Sleeping went unasked. He figured the dark circles under his eyes and the fact that he felt like he was losing his mind and hearing things was enough of a response.

“It's ok you know,” Angeal said lightly, “to talk to me or Genesis about it. We’re here for you and always will-“

“Talk about what?” Sephiroth hissed and immediately regretted it when hurt flash across the other’s face.

“What happened.” He sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair, looking far older than his age for a moment. “Cloud and Claudia.”

He didn’t react to their names. “They died. There is nothing to talk about.”

“Sephiroth, please don’t... it’s not easy, I know it isn’t, and-“

“I’m perfectly fine Angeal,” he snapped.

Angel shook his head. “You're not. I know you’re not because you're a shit liar. And because Genesis isn’t and- and I’m...” his voice wavered dangerously at the end. He looked Sephiroth in the eye and grabbed his hand. “It’s ok to not be ok, Seph.“

The world became extremely blurry and the pit in Sephiroth’s gut grew and grew until it felt like he’d be swallowed whole. The anger and anxiety and frustration mounted and changed into something Sephiroth didn’t want to acknowledge or understand. It was easier just being angry or bored or too tired to feel anything. Even paying attention to the voice in his head made more sense than whatever he was feeling.

“I don’t know if I’m... I just want to sleep.” Without wishing for him or seeing him as a specter or imagining their screams and the fire burning away at their skin until there was nothing left but ashes and a book.

Angeal pulled him into a loose but warm hug. “Then sleep. I’ll still be here in the morning. We can talk— really talk— later. But for now,” he leaned back and smiled, “sleep.”

His room was washed in the light blue of the morning he’d grown accustomed to watching night slowly lighten to when he woke up. Sephiroth took Angeal’s words to heart and slept, waking up feeling empty, but the voice's whispers had quieted to almost complete silence. He stayed laying in bed for a few moments, wondering if he’d find the energy to actually push himself into motion, and managed to when he needed to go to his office.

He tiptoed out of his room. Angeal kept his word and was sleeping uncomfortably on the couch, eyes redrimmed and hair tossed messily. He regarded his friend and felt a surge of gratefulness before he continued onward to his office. He closed the door gently behind him and sat at the desk, pulling the book in front of him. He wanted to leave, hide away from the inanimate object like he had from the scientists as a child. But it was just a book, one that read ‘Flower Journal by Cloud Strife’ in gold lettering across the cover. He steeled himself and opened it to a randomly filled page since it was only half complete.

Spider lilies, with an image of a red flower on the page. No description, but a note with practice cursive writing fell out. Sephiroth took it reverently, tracing the unsteady curves of each line with his finger, engraving them with his touch.

Such insignificant creatures, She would've said, laughing. You are worth so much more.

And She was probably right. Hojo would've agreed. He was Sephiroth, they weren't even important enough to be liked by their neighbors. There was nothing to be felt over their deaths because, in the grand scheme of things, they didn't matter. Cloud was gone, and the world kept turning. A book was all that was left. He spent 13 years alive on the Planet, Claudia at least twice that, and the only thing left of them was a fragile, half-finished book and a few notes. It was pathetic, really. 

Sephiroth closed it and held it to his chest, crying silently until Angeal entered the office. But even then he didn't stop.

2 weeks prior...

Cloud couldn’t remember, but he knew this wasn’t his first time getting shot. The searing, burning pain of a bullet ripping through flesh and muscle, mako immediately working to seal itself around the bullet, having to tear it out afterward. It was all very familiar in a morbid way. But getting shot in the throat was new.

He heard the sound before he felt the pain and it started off with a struggle to breathe. It eventually escalated to blood pouring out his throat and Cloud collapsing from the pain while even more gunshots rang through the air. He vaguely watched Vincent and the Turk fight through the fog of tears, his friend seemingly transforming mid-fight and proceeding to tear his opponent apart limb for limb. Cloud might’ve felt bad for him if he hadn’t shot him in the neck, but he was too busy trying not to die to care

And he was somehow still alive. The fight hadn’t lasted long, only a few minutes at most, but that should’ve been long enough for Cloud to lose consciousness and never regain it. He could hardly breathe with the pouring of blood up and out of his throat, filling his mouth with the taste of iron, bringing desperate tears to his eyes as he grew colder. He didn’t think he’d be so scared of dying, but he hadn’t really thought about what would happen if he were gone. His mom was waiting for him, Tifa was back at Nibelheim, he never got to say goodbye to Sephiroth or finish his gift...

But it hurt. It hurt so much, too much for Cloud to bear and the tears came rolling before he could stop them. It felt like his head had been held in tar and he was braving a Nibelheim winter without any clothes. His throat burned and screamed and his lungs ached for breath he couldn’t take-

“Breath, Cloud,” Vincent commanded his voice back to normal. A wave of warmth swept away most of the unbearable pain, replacing it with a dull ache. But the memory of it kept Cloud petrified. “Breathe.”

Cloud forced himself to obey, sucking in a greedy breath and then coughing hard. Blood continued to leak out of his mouth, it was almost a wonder he hadn’t drowned in it. After what seemed like an eternity, no more blood came up, and he was instead left with an extremely sore throat and the worst headache in his life.

“V-“

“Don’t speak yet, it will only irritate your throat.“ Green light glowed softly around them, soothing the pain. Vincent’s eyes were still bright, but the light was fading back to their usual crimson shade. “I’m sorry.”

Cloud closed his eyes and shook his head slowly, blinking away the remaining tears and overwhelming horror from just a minute ago. It wasn’t Vincent’s fault, but it didn’t stop everything from hurting.

“I should’ve found you sooner, or stopped him from-“ he cut himself off abruptly, closing to cast another spell instead of speaking. Cloud’s throat finally felt good enough for him to speak.

“M-ma,” he whispered.

“She called me and said you were missing. I went to your house to investigate, but there was a Turk stationed there, so I tracked you down instead. Luckily, I intercepted you before you reached Costa del Sol. If you had gotten there, you would have been lost to me entirely.”

And at the mercy of Hojo, went unsaid. Another healing spell and Cloud gathered enough to sit up on his own. He felt at his throat where the bullet wound should’ve been. Scarred skin, the only reminder of his almost death being the phantom ache and lingering soreness.

“H-how did you find me?”

“The Turk was in a rush and while he normally would’ve covered his tracks, he left a rather noticeable trail. Regardless, I’m sorry, Cloud.”

Cloud shook his head. “It’s not your-“

(“And the claw? What’s the deal with that?” Barrett asked gruffly. Cloud glared at him while Tifa geared up to reprimand him for his rudeness.

Vincent held the claw to his face, the firelight dancing on the gold in a way that was painfully familiar. Cloud quickly looked away and blinked back the memories.

“This is my punishment. For my sins...”)

“...are you alright?”

Cloud rapidly blinked opened his eyes and wildly glanced around to make sure he knew where he was before meeting Vincent’s concerned gaze.

“I-I, you...” he saw the claw hovering over him with a Cure materia in hand. “Your sin...”

Vincent’s hand hesitated before he finally cast the spell. “You remember?”

“Gods, why do you keep asking me that?” Cloud presses a hand to his eye, trying to push back the pounding headache and confusion. It felt like he knew too many things at once and couldn’t sort out what was real and not. “What exactly am I supposed to be remembering?”

“Memories.”

“But who’s!?”

(“No, not memories. A memory is something that is consciously recalled, right? That’s why sometimes it can be mistaken or wrong. It’s different from a memory deep within your heart.”)

“Odin’s balls,” Cloud breathed and fell back onto the ground, feeling fresh tears at the corners of his eyes. “I- I don’t understand, Vincent.”

Vincent sighed. “Don’t worry too much about it right now. They'll surface when you're ready. Focus on regaining your strength.”

“And ma?” When Vincent didn’t respond Cloud pressed. “What about my mom?”

“... I don’t know.”

“What do you mean?! What happened to-“ Over the top of the trees was billowing black smoke blowing upward into the sky. “Nibelheim.”

Vincent followed his gaze and immediately gathered Cloud into his arms as gently as possible. In the blink of an eye, wings formed from his cape and they took flight. Flying should’ve felt freeing and exhilarating, but the only thing Cloud could focus on was the black clouds floating from the village and the red and orange glow cast by the raging flames onto the trees surrounding it. He hoped and prayed to every god and entity he knew that this wasn’t happening, that it was all a dream and he’d wake up in bed, crying and calling to his mom so she could comfort him like she always did after one of his nightmares. Because it just couldn’t be real, it had to be a nightmare. But when they landed and the heat of the flames blasted against his face, reality hit him.

He stumbled forward towards the gates of the village, willing his weak limbs to move under the weight of his body. Vincent’s hand yanked him back behind a tree just as a group of Turks wandered away from the destruction.

“Damn, I hate doing shit like this,” one of them with bright red hair and tattoos under his eyes complained. “Making us do their fucking dirty work.”

“It was Veld’s orders,” a blonde woman replied, inspecting her gun. “We do as we’re told.”

“You’re telling me that like I don’t already fucking know.”

“Relax.” Another adjusted his sunglasses as his head slowly swiveled around the perimeter of the area. “Let’s report back, the job's done.”

“Hell yeah, no way I’m wasting any more time out here, yo. Wonder where that new kid is...”

When they walked far away enough that their conversation couldn’t be heard, Vincent half-carried Cloud through the partially collapsed gate into the burning town. Cloud let go of the man and dragged his feet over the bodies that lined the street. Bullet wounds riddled their bodies, blood dripping from their wounds between the cracks in the pavement and the ones closest to the flames catching fire. Their skin melted from their bones like wax, and thankfully, most of the people were already dead as their bodies were cremated. Cloud wasn’t sure if he could stomach them still being alive. He could hardly stand the stench of burning flesh. 

“Boy!”

Cloud looked for who called him and saw a Wutain man hunched over a small body, coughing and pressing his hand to a wound on the person he was protecting. Cloud squinted and made out who it was. Tifa. He hurried to her side and saw she’d been shot in the shoulder.

“Y-you need to get her out of here!” The man wheezed and struggled to catch his breath. “Leave now before it’s too late!”

“B-But I can’t! My mom's still-“

“Cloud,” Vincent said, gliding to his side and scooping Tifa into his arms. “I’ll help them. Go find her.”

Cloud looked between Tifa and Vincent and nodded. He sprinted through the burning town, barely keeping his balance as the world spun and the fire reached out for him. He kept running, leaping over burning beams and the collapsed structure of the water tower, around the buildings that were reduced to flaming rubble, through the narrow path where smoke gathered and filled his lungs. He nearly lost his balance, the blood loss and lack of oxygen draining him and filling his sight with black spots. Cloud slammed his fist onto the standing brick wall, hacking up his lungs, but pushed himself forward regardless. He was almost there. He needed to save her, he had to this time. She couldn't die again.

The floor seemed to sway under his feet and his legs finally gave out. He was coughing so hard he was certain there would be blood. The world was nothing but a blur of fire and tears, smoke stinging his eyes and the light blinding him, making it almost impossible to see. But Cloud dug his nails into the ground and crawled forward towards the inferno that was his house. He’d make it in time, if he just pushed himself a little more, moved a little faster, kept dragging himself forward. He couldn’t breathe anymore and he used the last bit of breath in his lungs to reach out and call to her, hoping against hope she’d hear him and respond. He almost got his wish when a hand met his, but it was too big and calloused and wrong. It was Vincent’s. Cloud felt himself be lifted into Vincent’s arms and being moved away from the ruins.

He fell into unconsciousness, praying he’d finally wake up from the nightmare.

"I've never been so proud. The man you've become..." she set down the dish she was washing and brushed the stray hair from his face. "Don't be a silly goose... Are you listening, Cloudy?"  She kissed his forehead, but he was already fast asleep.

“Is my mom dead?”

Cloud wasn’t looking at Vincent but he heard the clicking of keys stop and could feel the other look at him.

“I haven’t been able to confirm. There’s still a good portion of the village and the surrounding area to search.”

“Don’t,” Cloud began. He bit his lip hard enough to draw blood. “J-Just tell me, please.”

“...most likely.”

Cloud opened his eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling. “Tifa?”

“She’ll be ok. She and Zangan will be relocating.”

A nice way of putting going into hiding. “Where are we?”

“The mansion basement.”

“Won’t they find us?”

“Shinra will want to remain as disconnected as possible from what happened.” Images of dead, burning bodies made Cloud shiver. “It was a Turk mission, so the clean-up will be SOLDIER’s duty. The only person who knows of this place is Sephiroth, and he can’t reveal that information without acknowledging he has been in here which would be... detrimental.”

Sephiroth. He might be sent to clean up Nibelheim. Ironic.

Vincent’s red eyes came into view, peering down at Cloud.

“I’m sorry.”

“You’re starting to sound like a broken record.” Cloud tried to put as much emotion as he could into his voice but it fell flat and he never managed to pick it back up. “Unless you put a flamethrower to my house, it wasn’t your fault. You saved Tifa.”

“I promised to protect your future and I’ve already failed.”

Cloud forced himself to sit up, closing his eyes to stop the wave of nausea that washed over him as he did. “If it weren’t for you I’d be dead. So would Tifa and that old man. You haven’t failed at anything.” Cloud leaned his head back against the wall and finally took in his surroundings. “What is this place?”

“The basement library.”

“Why here?”

“You were- are weak from blood loss and your lungs were slightly damaged from the smoke. It would’ve been unsafe to travel any further, especially since Shinra has already sent men to the village.” Vincent moved away from him to the ancient computer he’d set up on the desk in the middle of the room, flanked by piles of books. “There was also some junk I had to get rid of.”

The pile of ashes in the corner was most likely what remained of the junk. “When are we leaving?”

“When you are fully recovered.” He typed something quickly and reached for a yellow materia on the desk, casting a quick spell on Cloud and humming. “In 2 days at least. We’ll leave for Kalm.”

Cloud nodded. It was completely silent beside the clicking and occasional metallic tapping of Vincent’s claw on the desk. It rang in his ears unnaturally. There should’ve been something, but Cloud could hardly hear his own breath. All he could hear was the echoes of a roaring fire and his pleas for his mother. If he listened hard enough, he could push aside that overwhelming sound and focus on his mother’s voice. Calling his name, singing ‘storm cloud~’, asking about his day. He stared at the doorway, imagining the sounds he’d grown familiar to, half expecting her to wander around the corner and lean on the doorframe, smiling lovingly at him and waiting for Cloud to drift off to sleep.

“Vincent.”

“Yes?”

Cloud covered his face with his hands. “What am I supposed to do?”

She wasn't coming back. His mom was gone and he’d never see her again. She wouldn’t welcome him home in her usual sing-song voice or open the curtains when she got back from work or comb his hair gently with her fingers. He pressed his palms tighter into his eyes. The realization that she really was gone, that Claudia Strife would never take another breath or step felt like a bag of bricks was on his chest, crushing him beneath their weight. But even that would’ve been better than the soul-crushing grief that made him curl into a ball to try and withstand the force of it.

He felt a weight on his head, fingers tangling softly in his hair, but he didn’t bother to look up. Not letting himself sob was already a struggle, he didn’t need to add making eye contact or moving to that either.

“Live,” Vincent whispered.

He dug his fingernails into his arms to ground himself. He forced himself to listen and understand because he well and truly had nothing else left. Cloud’s breath stuttered but he somehow managed to hum. He wiped his eyes and took a deep breath. He would live, no matter what.

Chapter Text

“Fucking shit, god damn it!”

Cid threw the wrench against the side of the plane, only for it to bounce off uselessly and land painfully on his hand, eliciting another string of explicit language. He stared at the silver metal, shinning in the sunlight. The rocket stood tilted in the distance, looming over him and his plane, mocking him.

‘There go your dreams,' it smirked.

“Shut the fuck up.”

Cid picked up the wrench again, held it to the screw that refused to be taken out, took a hard look at it before sighing and putting the tool down. He took off his goggles and ran a hand through his hair, tossing it a bit to try and shake away the frustration. But it lingered so he focused on the Tiny Bronco instead. The skies would have to be good enough, he guessed. The door behind him swung opened, but he didn’t turn around to look at Shera when she spoke.

“You’ve got visitors,” she said softly.

He scowled. “Then get the fucking tea ready. I’ll be there in a minute, god damn.”

He brushed aside the lump of guilt as the door closed again and instead lit a cigarette. He took a deep breath and blew out the smoke, making eye contact with the spaceship one last time.

“Hell, can’t get a moment of peace.”

Shera didn’t like him smoking inside or leaving trash around.  I don’t give a flying fuck what she likes or don’t like, he thought. Still, he put out the fresh cigarette after a few more puffs and tossed it in the garbage instead of on the ground then walked inside.

A tall man wearing a long red cape and two kids— a boy with ridiculous blonde hair and an anxious-looking girl— were sitting around the table while Shera dutifully served them tea. They looked at each other for a moment, indecipherable words passing between them that Cid wished he could (will) understand. He broke away and took a seat at the table, crossing one leg on top of the other. They stared at him silently until it stoked the flames of his anger enough to get him riled up. Again.

“What are you waiting for?! Drink the fucking tea!”

The blonde stared at him indifferently while the girl glared harshly and looked like she wanted to shove the tea up his ass. The man in red only sighed.

“Thank you for the hospitality, but we wanted to ask you for something.”

“You want to ask me something but won’t even drink the god damn tea I’m offering ya?! For free?!”

The girl stood abruptly from her seat. “We’ll drink your fucking tea if we-“

“Tifa,” the man said firmly. She scoffed and sat back down angrily. “I apologize for our manners. We’re all a little... tightly strung, at the moment.”

“Isn’t everyone these days?” Ever since he saw smoke rising from the other side of Mt. Nibel two years ago, every Shinra employee that’d visited him in Rocket Town was oddly suspicious and weary, putting him on edge. It also didn’t help that some reactors were malfunctioning or outright exploding. Cid swung back the tea like it was hard liquor and boy did he wish it was. “Well, who are you and what ya want?”

“My name is Vincent. He is Cloud and she is Tifa, as you heard. We were wondering if you would be willing to fly us to the eastern continent on your plane.”

Cid leaned back in his seat and desperately wished he had a cigarette tucked between his lips. Or something else to do besides stare at these people and have to endure them staring back at him. He glanced over at Shera washing the dishes and moving in between rooms, wondering what she was doing before dragging his attention back to the conversation at hand.

“And why would I wanna do that?” Because really, who were these people, and what did he owe them?

Vincent shrugged and rested his hand on the table while the other stayed strangely limp at his side. “No reason in particular. I simply asked to see if you would accept.”

“Why don’t you just take onena those Shinra boats over there? Why the fuck you gotta ask me?”

“We try to...” Vincent trailed off like he was looking for the right phrase, “avoid associating with Shinra when we can.”

“You do know I work for them though.”

Vincent looked at the boy, of all people, whose facial expression didn’t change. Super fucking scary.

“We know,” Vincent stared simply. “And yet, you seem like the most trustworthy person to ask to transport us there.”

Cid frowned and looked at all of the guests. The girl’s gaze was flicking to Cloud and Cid like she was waiting for one of them to attack the other or Cid to call the president and have them killed. The boy was almost cut from stone with how little he moved or emoted, and Vincent was just... goth. He liked the guy though and he really had no reason to say no, considering the space program wasn’t getting funding for projects any time soon and he’d honestly rather be flying somewhere than stuck in that house. It was tiring having to avoid Shera all day only to snap at her over the littlest things. Maybe some time away would do him some good, do them both some good. Then maybe he won’t have to stare at that rocket every morning and every night.

He grabbed Vincent’s untouched cup of tea and drank it in one go. “Alright, we leave in an hour. Don’t be late.”

“Thank you,” Vincent said with a nod and stood. “I’ll go buy supplies. Please join me Tifa. Cloud, stay.”

The boy growled and it was the first show of emotion Cid had seen on him. “Let me go with you.”

“You are not fully healed yet.”

“I’m perfectly fine. The blast wasn’t even that intense.”

That statement made Cid do a double-take because, a blast? This kid didn’t look older than 15 and he’s blowing things up? What was wrong with this kid's weird vampire dad?

Vincent shook his head. “You’re staying. We’ll be back in a bit.” He left, leaving the girl standing uneasily in the doorway.

“Cloud, I-“

“Just go Tifa,” Cloud grumbled, slumping down in the chair. “I’ve got to recover, remember?”

Her uncertainty and concern morphed into frustration and she stomped out, slamming the door shut with enough force to rattle the frame. Cid glared at the boy, who glared back.

“What?”

“The fuck is your problem you little shit?” Cid barked.

“What do you mean?”

“That girl’s your friend, right?”

Cloud’s eyes widened a bit but narrowed and hardened. Cid didn’t like that they did that, he didn’t like seeing how cold and distant they went. They might be complete strangers, but he was way too young to be looking that way. He’s way too young to be having so much angst.

“What of it?”

Cid huffed and drank the girl’s abandoned tea. “Start treating her like one if she really is. From what I heard, your dad should be arrested for child endangerment, but she cares about you and you’re being a fucking prick.”

Cloud looked down at the table. “You don’t know me.”

“Sure maybe I don’t. All I know is that a little asshole, his shitty dad, and a nice but protective girl barged into my house askin' for a ride somewhere. But I can recognize asshat behavior when I see it.” I’ve got enough first-hand experience myself, he thought bitterly. “So stop being a dick and let people care.”

The boy glanced up and looked like he was about to retort when his eyes glazed over for such a long moment that Cid thought he suddenly lost consciousness from whatever Shera had spiked the tea with. Cloud blinked a few times, returning his eyes to their natural clear blue, and sighed, looking way too tired.

“Y-yea, your right.”

Cid scoffed and snatched Cloud’s tea, drinking it all. “Like hell, I know. Now fuck off until we gotta go.”

~

Cid sat in the cockpit of his tiny plane while the other three cramped in the back, the kids practically sitting on Vincent (not their dad, Tifa had vigorously corrected). He adjusted his headset and glanced at them over his shoulder.

“Y’all ready?”

A chorus of yes rang out. He flicked the switches and adjusted his grip on the wheel, taking a deep breath.

“Tifa,” Cloud said behind him, loud enough that Cid could hear but it was obviously not intended for him. He still listened.

“Yea?”

“I’m... sorry, for being so...” he sighed. “I’ve just been so caught up in my own head lately, it’s hard to tell...”

“I know,” she finished when he didn’t seem to want to complete what he was saying. “Thanks for apologizing though. I forgive you. Just talk to us next time, yea? We’re here for you.”

“Yea, thanks.”

Cid shook his head. Kids, such a pain in the ass. “Where we headin’, Vlad?”

“I am not a vamp...” Vincent didn’t finish his exasperated sentence. “Kalm.”

“We picking someone up?”

“No, meeting with them for other things.”

Cid stretched his neck. “Let’s move out!”

The plane’s engine came to life, the buzzing undercurrent of excitement that always trilled beneath his skin before a flight becoming more prominent as it started to move. The Tiny Bronco didn’t need any room to take off, so after turning it around, he pulled the wheel and felt the plane take off from the ground. He could almost hear the triumphant music ringing in his ears and felt the urge to crack a grin at the feeling of making it to the air. The sky’s bright, wide blue embrace welcomed him with its usual shining sunny smile, its cloudy brows shooting up as it said ‘welcome back'.

“Good to be back,” Cid murmured, the ground growing more and more distant from them. A glint of metal to the side drew his attention. He caught one last glimpse of the rocket, its usual smug expression replaced with something more fond, a bit longing and solemn.

‘See you, space cowboy.’

“Fuck off,” Cid bit back with a playful grin. And the Tiny Bronco took to the skies.

Chapter Text

Living in Shinra Tower should’ve been boring. For many low-ranking troopers and fresh SOLDIER candidates, it was. They’d wake up early in the morning for training, be sore and tired for the rest of the day, and have to endure eating whatever they called ‘food’ that week in the cafeteria. Things were expected to be quiet and the day’s rolling on and blending seamlessly into one, massless form.

That’s how Kunsel expected life to be once he became a Second. He was happy with his position: the pay was decent enough that he could send some home and keep some for himself, the food really wasn’t all that bad if he ignored the taste and drank a healthy dose of soda with it, and the missions he was assigned to weren’t anything that would kill him. All in all, life should’ve been boring in a good way. Should’ve been.

But he was friends with Zack Fair, meaning every day was exciting.

Kunsel’s day started like every other. He woke up bright and early at 8, brushed his teeth, combed his hair, dressed, and got ready to put on his helmet when the door to his room suddenly burst open, a panting and sweating Zack in the doorway grinning like an idiot. Kunsel sighed and stopped mid-motion.

“What’d you do now?”

“I maybe might’ve changed Angeal’s shampoo to temporary hair dye last night while he was asleep.”

“The type that’s hard to wash out?”

Zack fired off finger guns. “That type.”

“Ok, and where-“

“Zackary Fair!!”

Zack’s eyes comically widened. He yanked Kunsel’s arm, making him drop his helmet on the floor. “We’ve gotta go. Now.”

“We?!” Kunsel exclaimed as he was dragged out of the room and down the hall. He dared to glance behind him and was met with the terrifying sight of Commander Hewley hurtling towards them, bright blue hair staining the white T-shirt he had on.

“Yea we!” Zack rammed into a door leading to the stairs and practically flew down the steps while Kunsel struggled to keep up with the breakneck speed. “We’re partners in crime, Kun!”

“God damn it!” Kunsel’s grunted as he leaped down flights of stairs. “I haven’t even stretched!”

Zack laughed brightly. “At least your getting in your 1,000 steps!”

In middle school, Kunsel was on the track team. It was a pretty big accomplishment, especially since his school had one of the best teams on the continent. He wasn’t the star runner, but he never wanted to be. Kunsel was happy just contributing to their overall success. But he hadn’t put those skills to use in 4 years— ever since he joined SOLDIER— and even though he was far from out of shape, having to suddenly sprint at full speed down more than 50 flights of stairs and then through a busy city without any sort of warm-up should’ve been impossible. The only reason why he was still alive when they reached the train station was probably because of the mako in his body, but even that was struggling to keep him going.

“Z-Zack,” Kunsel managed in between breaths, “we... we need to... slow down.”

“Don’t worry bud, we’ve already reached our destination.” Zack clapped Kunsel’s hunched over back heartily, somehow not even panting. “Alright let’s grab a seat.” He practically dragged Kunsel into the train and took seats.

“Wait,” Kunsel started, recovering from almost dying, “Where are we going?”

“The slums.” Zack’s fingers tapped away quickly on his PHS, a smile spreading on his face. “We’re gonna meet my girl.”

“I’ve got shit to do.”

“And what exactly does that shit entail?”

Kunsel tried to think of a response that wasn’t going on a drinking tour around the city by himself and tracking Turks. But sadly, he couldn’t. He sighed and tilted his head back.

“Wake me up when we get there.”

30 minutes later, Zack forced him out of the seat and exited the train to the slums. Kunsel was, at first, surprised, having completely tuned out what Zack had told him earlier about taking the train beneath the plate. But once he’d recovered his bearings and was walking down a dirt path to an abandoned but well-kept church, he was prepared to meet Aerith Gainsborough.

“I’m here!” Zack announced playfully. She stood from where she was kneeling in the middle of the flower bed and carefully ran to him to be swept into his arms and a passionate kiss. A kiss that was deepening into something far deeper than Kunsel had time to watch but didn\t really want to, so he cleared his throat.

“Right, babe, this is Kunsel. Kunsel, Aerith.”

Kunsel presented his hand which Aerith shook with a smile. “This guy won’t shut up about you.”

She giggled. “Trust me, all he talks about when he’s here is you. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was trying to drag you into our relationship.”

“Who says I’m not?” Zack joked.

“If that’s the case, then I hope you’re both here to finally fix that wagon.” She pointed to a broken pile of wood sitting in the corner of the church. She regarded Zack with a mock-serious look, “and maybe you’ll finally rescue the poor plushie you punted up onto the ceiling beams?”

Zack gasped and hurried off after that, shouting something about having to rescue poor Mr. Moogle. Kunsel looked back to the wagon.

“Guess I can take a look at it. What do you need a wagon for anyway?”

“I sell my flowers up on the plate. The wagon was Zack’s idea, but he obviously didn’t know what he was doing.”

Kunsel glanced at the yellow flowers growing in the patch of dirt in the middle of the church. He’d heard Zack mention how Aerith grew them but he wasn’t sure whether he was joking or not. Apparently, he wasn’t, which made the fact that she really did grow flowers beneath the plate even more impressive.

“You know how to fix stuff like that?” Aerith asked as the two walked over to it.

“I’ve read how, but I’ve never actually put those skills to practice. Wouldn’t hurt to try.”

“It’ll hurt my poor wagon though.” She ran her hand over the wood gently like it was alive. “I’ll get you some tools, don’t run off.”

Kunsel huffed in amusement and watched her walk away. Kunsel had made it a duty of his to investigate anyone who was in close contact with either him or Zack and that included Aerith. She was exactly like the Turk's reports described her: playful, kind, sharp. The fact that Shinra even had such an extensive folder on her was a little concerning, but besides that, she was a normal girl. He could probably trust her not to assassinate Zack in his sleep. Probably.

“Here ya go.” Aerith handed him a toolbox.

Zack came back into the room, panting and covered in dust. He proudly held up an equally dusty plushie proudly. “He’s been rescued!”

“Awesome!” She caught the toy as it was tossed to her and scrunched her nose. “He’s gonna need a good wash though.”

Zack crouched by Kunsel, picked up a hammer and a few nails, and started pounding away randomly at the wagon.

“Whoa whoa whoa what the hell are you doing!?” Kunsel frantically pried the hammer from his friend’s hands.

“Fixing the wagon?”

“No, you’re making it worse. You can’t just do whatever, there’s a process you know.”

Zack let out a pained sigh and hung his head. “Fine, show me so I can help.”

Kunsel explained what he thought they had to do to get a functioning, stable wagon, and the three set about it. Things were going well, the main structure was sound and two of the three wheels were attached. They were drinking water and chatting peacefully when the church doors burst open and Angeal marched in, patchy blue and black hair dripping wet behind him.

“Zack Fair.”

Zack gulped. “H-Hey Angeal.”

Angeal came to stop in front of the three, standing with his arms crossed over his student.

‘Have I introduced you to Aerith yet?” He asked nervously and gestured to her.

Angeal sighed and smiled at her. “Hello Miss Gainsborough, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You too.” Their handshake lasted just a moment too long, Aerith’s smile freezing before she let go a touch quickly. Not that anyone besides Kunsel noticed. “I’m guessing that’s Zack’s fault,” she added, referencing his hair.

“It is.” He glared back at Zack.

Zack held up his hands in surrender. “Ok I take responsibility, but how the hell did you find me? I was sure I lost you.”

“You did, But you’ve got a tracking app installed in your PHS. I had a quick call with Lazard and he told me exactly where you were.”

Kunsel hummed. He’d disabled that tracking app and a few other recording devices Shinra put onto his issued PHS a while ago and was planning on doing the same to Zack’s. Looks like he’d have to get on it sooner than he thought.

“I’ll give you a choice,” Angeal began. “You can either do desk duties for three weeks or be stationed on the plate for patrol for the same amount of time.”

Those were probably the worst assignments anyone could be assigned. Incredibly boring and monotonous.

“Geal, please no,” Zack pleaded, dropping to his knees and doing his best impression of a puppy being scolded. “Give me another option!”

“You didn’t give me the option as to whether I wanted blue hair or not.”

“It was a prank! A joke! Supposed to make you go ‘haha Zack good one’ and then we link arms and skip off into the sunset.” Zack’s eyes were sparkling in a way that almost convinced Kunsel. Angeal didn’t budge.

“Choose.”

Zack blew a raspberry and hung his head. “Plate patrol.”

“Right then. Sorry for intruding Miss Gainsborough.”

Aerith shook her head. “It was great meeting you! I’d really love it if you swung around again soon.”

“Yea, wait, we should totally go on a group date!” Zack’s mood took a complete 180. “You can bring Genesis-“

“Why Genesis?” Angeal asked defensively.

“Because you’re not subtle. And Kun you can bring whoever and we can go to a restaurant or something.”

It actually sounded like a fun way to waste some time, but Kunsel was not dating anyone. Though, there was that guy he met last time he visited the bar in the slums.

“Sure,” he said, resolving to getting the guy’s number and asking him out.

Angeal frowned but relented. “Fine, I’ll see if Genesis is interested.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Aerith said with a smile.

“Then we’ll see you later.” He planted a kiss on her lips. “See ya.”

They made the trek from the church back to the train station through the Sector 5 slums, weaving through the partially crowded streets to their destination while Zack rambled off with occasional comments from Kunsel or Angeal, though the First was busier scanning for potential threats than providing meaningful input.

“...so Aerith and I hit up this bar in Sector 7 and the bartender was right up your alley.”

“Which one?”

“The one with black hair, reddish-brown eyes.”

“Ah, yea what about her?”

“What do you think?”

They waited for the train to board the station and open the doors. “She’s cool, but like 15.”

“She’s working at a bar at 15?!” Angeal asked.

Kunsel shrugged. “She’s not the actual bartender, she just cleans up. Besides, I’ve already got someone in mind.”

Zack smirked. “Oh really, who?”

“Zack, leave him be. If he wants to tell you he’ll tell you,” Angeal interrupted. “Let’s go.”

The two walked onto the train and Kunsel made to follow. He paused just before boarding, spotting a distinctive flash of bright red hair and a suit. Reno, probably. He had the weekly Aerith checkup assignment that Kunsel had read about in the definitely not hacked files.

“Get on before the train leaves!” Zack shouted.

Kunsel huffed and took his seat.

~

“Something caught your eye?”

Reno turned away from where he’d been staring at the train. That dude with brown hair looked familiar, but he couldn’t figure out from where.

“Nope.”

Tseng didn’t have to say anything for Reno to know he was suspicious. “We’ll split here. Remember your mission.”

He swung his baton lazily in one hand. “Yea yea, find the dude who’s supposed to in that terrorist organization, take him in for questioning.”

“Alive,” Tseng added. “And well enough to actually answer the questions.”

“Got it yo. Go see your girl.”

Tseng didn’t respond, leaving Reno swiftly and quietly down the path that leads to her church. Reno watched him go and kicked up some dirt.

“Fucking hate the slums.”

The mission was pointless. They didn’t know what their target looked like or sounded like, only that they were a male and bounced frequently between Sectors 5 and 7. Rude was already scouting the other area, so Reno accompanied Tseng on the way down to 5 so he could go see that girl that fucking scientist is obsessed with. He’d met her once or twice and the only impression he’d gotten from her was that she was ok, if a little difficult. That and her taste in guys was horrible since she was dating Zack fucking Fair. Not that he wasn’t hot, just annoying as hell.

But he was getting distracted. He had the impossible job of finding some terrorist— potential terrorist was more fitting, considering they hadn’t actually done anything yet, they were just suspected of being a new member of AVALANCHE— in the middle of the slums with zero leads. That was the life of a Turk, making the impossible possible. That entailed following around random people without being seen for a bit until he knew they weren’t the person he was looking for and moving on. Boring work, really. He could be hitting up a bar right now with Rude or doing anything other than what he was currently doing, which was following a random cat into an alleyway to try and pet it because god damn it was adorable.

“Here kitty,” he cooed, holding out his hand in the way Cissnei showed him. “Here, kitty kitty.”

It actually worked and the cat crept close to Reno’s hand, smelling it tentatively before rubbing its furry head against his palm.

“Fuck yeah,” he whispered, carefully petting the cat. “So cute.” He was entranced with the animal that he only realized something was wrong when the cat’s eyes focused on something over his shoulder and scampered off. Reno didn’t even have time to turn around before the cold kiss of metal met the back of his neck.

“Reno.” His voice was surprisingly gentle, soft enough to get lost in the breeze if he was standing further away.

“Fucking hell.” Reno shifted his legs a little beneath him. “So you really do lurk around here.”

“What do you want?”

“You, obviously.”

“Hm.” The gun pressed harder against his skull.

“So,” Reno began, “What’s your name?”

Instead of a verbal response, he snatched the baton from Reno’s waist.

“Damn, your cautious.”

“What do you want?” He repeated like he didn’t know how to say anything else.

“I already answered that question, yo.”

“I’ll ask you one more time before I kill you,” he said lowly. “What. Do. You. Want.”

“I can’t really tell you that, no matter how much I value my life. Sorry.”

He sighed and the gun moved from his head. “Fine.”

Reno almost breathed in relief but the searing pain of a bullet through his shoulder stopped that before it started and changed it to a scream. The person shoved a piece of cloth between his teeth and forced his face to the ground.

“I’ll have to ask Rude.” The weapon pressed against his head again. “Guess we won’t get to know each other this time.”

This time? He struggled against their hold on his wrists but the pain in his shoulder stopped him short of bucking the guy off. Fucking shit. He was going to die in the middle of some random, musty-ass alley in the fucking slums. All of this just to find some asshole whose name he never even knew.

“Unless,” they paused, “you’re willing to tell me now.”

Like hell he was. He nodded fervently and waited for the guy to take the gag from his mouth.

“Shinra knows you’re involved with AVALANCHE and they want to know if you’re planning on blowing up any reactors soon.”

He snorted which was the first sign of emotion Reno had gathered from the man outside of mild exasperation. He’d make a fantastic Turk.

“Of course they’d know. Hm.” He yanked Reno up onto his knees. “Take a message for me.”

“Why the hell would I do that? I don’t even know your name,” Reno hissed, growing angry with this bastard's attitude and the fact that he shot him.

“...Tidus.”

“Really?”

“Tell Veld the Turks really need to work on covering up their atrocities. You leave too many survivors alive, you know.”

Reno bit his lip. Those were classified, unless there was another leak. He really did not want to go through that headache again. “What makes you think I’ll tell him?”

His question was met with silence. Reno turned around slowly to find the alleyway empty. He was alive but didn’t even see what the guy looked like. And that was definitely not his name either.

“Fuck,” Reno breathed. “He stole my baton.”

~

Aerith handed the empty baskets to Tseng and closed the cabinet that kept her supplies.

“Ok, I’m ready, let’s go.”

He opened the door of the church for her and trailed behind her as they walked down the street. Tseng had shown up almost immediately after Zack and the others left. She had expected him to only stay for a few minutes and then leave, but it was well into the afternoon and bordering on evening and he offered to accompany her to her house. She of course didn’t refuse, but he hadn’t been as talkative as he usually was, which was bordering on mute some days and minimal on the best. It was the former that evening, but the silence was tense rather than comforting.

“Any new missions you can tell me about?” She asked lightly as they passed the orphanage.

“You know there aren’t.”

She pouted. “Oh come on, you know I can keep a secret.”

Her insistence was rewarded with a tiny smile. “I know.”

“Then?”

“...I will be accompanying the Vice President to Wutai soon for diplomacy.”

“That’ll probably be on the news then.”

“It will be highly publicized.”

The smile faded away again to his stoic expression. Aerith decided to take a more direct approach and skipped in front of him, forcing him to come to a stop.

“Somethings on your mind.”

He sighed. “There always is.”

“Then tell me what it is that’s bothering you so much.”

Tseng narrowed his eyes slightly. “Am I that easy to read?”

She tapped her chin in thought. “Not exactly, I’m just perceptive.” It was the same reason why shaking hands with Angeal had put her on edge. When they touched, something inside her screamed that he was wrong unnatural, calamitous. It wasn’t the same with Tseng— the moment she saw him she could feel his unease and apprehension. It wasn’t exactly the Planet shouting at her like it was with Angeal, but it was something. “I’m sure you’ll feel better if you tell me.”

“I won’t,” he replied decisively.

Aerith put her hands on her hips. “You won’t know until you try. And besides, what do you have to lose?”

Tseng’s grip on the baskets tightened slightly. “The professor has requested the Turks increase their efforts in searching for the last Cetra.”

“Oh.” Shit. “I see.” She moved out of his way and resumed their walk to her house in silence. Hojo was growing impatient after 18 years without a subject to work on. Aerith unlocked the door and let Tseng put down the supplies in the closet.

“Thanks for walking me home,” she said. Tseng nodded and turned to leave. “Um, Tseng.”

He paused and looked back at her. “Yes?”

“How long do I have?”

He clenched his fists. “He requested for an immediate delivery of the specimen upon finding it,” he almost spat out the last word, “but I will make sure to be extra careful with my efforts, so it will take a while to narrow down their location and arrange transport to Shinra Tower. I also have other matters outside the city to attend to.”

Aerith grinned. “Thank you.”

“Don’t.” He left.

Aerith went to her room, took her ribbon out of her hair, and set it on her dresser. The materia from her mother slipped into her hands, sitting there delicately and uselessly. It rolled on the wood, coming to a stop against the wall. She sighed. She had to summon... something, but she didn’t even know what it was or how to do it. The only advice the Planet gave her was to pray, which she’d been doing all her life and nothing really interesting had come of it besides occasional talking to people in the Lifestream. Aerith fell back on her bed and stared at the glow-in-the-dark stars on her ceiling. There was so much to do and not nearly enough time.

~

Angeal was trying to blink away the sudden headache when his PHS buzzed.

Zack Fair added you to ‘Dinner Date’

His headache apparently reacted to the notification for him by pounding at his head harder.

“Are you feeling alright?” Sephiroth asked from across the room.

Angeal shut his phone off and tossed it onto the floor beside the mat, hoping it wouldn’t get crushed by trampling feet. “I’ll be ok I think. Just a headache.”

“We can postpone the sparring session for another day.”

Angeal shook his head and finished his stretches. “No, I want to spar now.” And he knew Sephiroth was itching to burn some of the pent-up energy from the week. “Let’s start.”

They stood in battle stances for a second before Angeal jumped forward. Sephiroth never took the initiative to start fights, preferring his opponents to come to him. It was a risky move but when you’re Sephiroth, you could afford to take that risk. Angeal’s initial strike to his side was blocked easily, as was his next overhead. He slashed up, hoping to catch the General by surprise, but he just jumped back. Angeal knew he would and immediately stepped forward, aiming for a slash to Sephiroth’s chest. Masamune met it halfway.

“Is that the best you can do?” Sephiroth smirked. Angeal bit back a retort that would’ve sounded scarily like Genesis and grinned instead.

Sephiroth pushed him back, almost throwing off his balance but Angeal recovered, pivoting his feet to brace himself as the other jumped over him and slashed downward. He bat it away, anticipated where the other would land, and aimed a stab at his head. Sephiroth ducked and brought his sword down hard on Angeal’s, shattering the blade from the force of the strike. The tip of the sword tapped his chest.

“Alright, I yield,” Angeal conceded, waiting for the blade to move away from him and checking the broken sword. There was no hope for fixing it after that.

“I don’t know why you insist on using those swords,” Sephiroth commented as he let Masamune leave his hand. “You’d be far deadlier with the Buster Sword in hand.”

“Maybe, but this was mostly for you than me anyway. And I can’t let this thing get ruined in battle.” They cleaned up the shards of metal and left the room together.

“What’s the point of a sword that isn’t used?”

Angeal hummed and pressed the elevator button. “It’s a family blade. I guess it’s more ceremonial than anything.”

His PHS rang again while the two entered and waited for the elevator to take them back to the apartment floor. Texts from Zack and Kunsel discussing and settling on a restaurant on the plate just down the street from the tower. They supposedly made classic cuisine from Mideel and were the best in the city. Angeal thought of a response and noticed Sephiroth trying to steal a glance at his phone.

“Zack’s forcing me out later this week. We’re having dinner at some restaurant.”

“The Second Class you’re mentoring?”

“Right.” Angeal had been trying to introduce Zack to Sephiroth for the longest, but his friend never seemed interested and Zack a bit too enthusiastic for the subdued General. And Angeal really didn’t want it to go the same way his introduction to Genesis went. “Do you want to go?”

Angeal had been expecting a flat no, but instead, Sephiroth said, “Perhaps. Who will be attending?”

“Well, Zack and his girlfriend, Kunsel, whoever he brings, me and...” Angeal sighed. He couldn’t lie because Sephiroth would be pissed, but he knew that the moment he told him the last person Sephiroth would immediately shut down the idea. “And Genesis.”

As expected, Sephiroth’s face lost the light of anticipation, replacing it with careful apathy. “Oh.”

“Sephiroth-“ Angeal started as the door opened. The other sped out and down the hall to his apartment, leaving Angeal behind.

The frustration made his headache worse and his whole body ached, but not from exercise. He kept his anger in check until he got to his apartment, where he slowly shut the door behind him and then let himself scream into one of the pillows on his couch.

“God damn it!” He yelled, letting the fabric muffle his voice.

Four years. Four whole years they’d been like that, Sephiroth avoiding everything and anything to do with Genesis, and the redhead doing everything in his power to antagonize Sephiroth. Four years and Angeal felt like he was going to snap if they didn’t talk it out soon. He was tired of walking on eggshells around them, waiting for the other boot to drop and one of them to kill the other. And he really didn’t want to have to send Genesis’s remains to Banora. But they refused to talk. While Sephiroth claimed he told Angeal whenever something was bothering, he only did so after days of prompting and pestering, and even then he never gave the full story. Genesis was just a bomb waiting for someone to light the fuse. That someone was Sephiroth.

Angeal pulled away from the pillow and slumped into the cushions on the couch. His head pulsed and he felt chills run down his spine. Maybe he was coming down with something. SOLDIERs getting sick was extremely rare, but not completely unheard of. Sephiroth always complained about headaches and if he got sick occasionally, it would be expected that Angeal would at least once. He closed his eyes and tried to will the pain away but he must’ve fallen asleep because he woke up to the sound of Genesis barging in, complaining as per usual and the afternoon light of his apartment dimming to that of late evening.

“Wow,” Genesis began, “you look terrible.”

“I feel terrible. Why are you here, Gen?”

“Oh so now I need a reason to come and see you?” The irritation in his voice almost made Angeal mad again. “We’re having dinner tonight, remember?”

He had remembered, which is why he invited Sephiroth along to buy groceries, and then they went back to the training rooms to spar. But whatever sickness he had left him drained, even if the pain had subsided a bit since earlier. “Can we get take out? I really don’t know if I’m up to cook.”

“Such a waste of money,” Genesis grumbled, yet he called the local pizza shop and ordered three boxes of plain cheese, one with pepperoni.

“Why three?”

“Because I know that puppy you lug around likes to devour your leftovers and I don’t want you starving if he eats it all.”

Angeal cracked one eye opened at Genesis and grinned gratefully. “Thank you.”

He tossed his hair and stood to put his jacket on the coat rack. “I’m going to see if you have any medicine that isn’t expired by more than a year. If not, I’ll order some to be delivered.”

He watched Genesis walk to the bathroom and couldn’t help the smile that overtook his features and smothered the frustration that'd been simmering earlier. Genesis and Sephiroth could be- were difficult almost 100 percent of the time, but that didn’t detract from moments like this. He just had to get the two of them locked in a room together with their hands bound behind their backs so they can finally talk it out. Both of those tasks seemed near impossible for Angeal alone, though. His PHS buzzed again.

Zack: Be there or be square!

Kunsel: Never say that again

~

Genesis couldn’t say no.

That was a lie, he could say no. He loved saying no, it was one of his favorite words besides ‘LOVELESS’ and ‘goddess’. He never hesitated to deny people anything, never caring about their ‘feelings’ being hurt because he said no. If they couldn’t handle that simple form of rejection then they never should’ve spoken to him in the first place. But when Angeal squinted in the darkness of the late evening and groaned in pain, asking Genesis if he could go to Zack’s dinner date without him, he couldn’t say no. His gut twisted at the sight and his mouth moved before he could even consider refusing Angeal’s offer. Even though he definitely should’ve.

That was how he found himself standing in an elevator next to Sephiroth, the tension between the two thick enough to suffocate any poor soul who tried to brave the ride down. Things were actually peaceful for a few seconds, or as peaceful as it could be between the two of them without one trying to throttle the other. But it hadn’t started, or ended, that way.

“The fuck are you doing here?!” Genesis demanded, standing between the elevator doors.

Sephiroth didn’t even acknowledge him, choosing instead to stare passively at the glowing buttons. Two could play that game, Genesis thought as he crossed his arms and stared over Sephiroth’s shoulder, not bothering to move and preventing the doors from closing. The alarm telling whoever or whatever was in the sensor’s way beeped loudly and steadily, and still neither would concede. Genesis was far too proud and angry, and Sephiroth never backed down from a challenge. An unstoppable object and immovable force. Just as my rival should be.

The standoff lasted far longer than it needed to. It took well over 30 minutes for someone to pass by and break their contest, and that person just so happened to be Second Class Kunsel, who had the misfortune of being on the wrong floor at the wrong time and all the other elevators being in use.

“Haha, wrong-“

“Get in,” Genesis ordered.

Kunsel snapped to attention and marched into the elevator, standing with his back rigid and to the wall. Genesis flicked his gaze between the two of them and finally moved from in between the doors, but still made sure he was facing Sephiroth dead on. The doors finally closed, the beeping stopped, and they stood inside the unmoving elevator silently.

“Commander Rhapsodos, you’ll be joining us tonight? To the dinner date, I mean. Sir.” Kunsel asked hesitantly.

“I will. But I was wondering what our dear General was doing here, considering he was not invited.” Genesis glared at Sephiroth with a look that could kill. Kunsel squirmed.

Sephiroth uncrossed his arms and presented the screen of his PHS in one fluid motion. It was a message from Angeal. “Commander Hewley requested I attend the event in his stead. Though, I might have reconsidered my attendance had I known I was not wanted.”

“You still have the chance to. No one has pressed the button,” Genesis snarled. Sephiroth’s eyebrow twitched subtly, feeling Genesis with glee.

“Your welcome to come, sir, I’m sure Zack and Aerith will be pleased you could make it,” Kunsel said.

Sephiroth’s mask of cold indifference fell for a split second. The difference in his voice and expressions weren’t drastic enough for anyone but Genesis and Angeal to ever have noticed, and only if they were paying attention. “Aerith...?”

Genesis narrowed his eyes. “You know Fair’s partner?”

The change was gone just as quickly as it came, taking away any opportunity Genesis had to figure out what had happened. Sephiroth stared at him and the competition began again, making Genesis seethe more than before.

“Sorry sirs, but do you mind if I chose a floor?”

Genesis directed his animosity toward the Private who, to his credit, managed to keep a straight face (a face which Genesis had never seen since it was always hidden under that helmet of his).

“Go ahead,” Sephiroth responded. Kunsel reached over and pressed the first-floor button before Genesis could stop him and settled back in his spot at parade rest.

Genesis looked back at Sephiroth. “Are you really going?”

“That is what I plan to do, yes.”

“Why?”

“Angeal asked me.”

“And you chose to go because Angeal asked you?”

Sephiroth glanced at him. “I just told you.”

Genesis scoffed. “That is not an answer.”

“I fail to see why it’s not.”

If it weren’t for the fact that Genesis rather liked his outfit and didn’t want to ruin it, he would’ve attacked Sephiroth right there in the elevator. “I will ask you one more time. Answer carefully. Why are you going?”

“Ang-“

Genesis really tried not to, he did, but he was never known for his patience and Sephiroth had done a brilliant job of wearing it down to the point of nonexistence over the past four years. No, the entire time they’ve known each other. So Genesis attacked the Silver General in the elevator descending 30 floors in Shinra Tower while Kunsel tried to avoid getting caught in the crossfire and record the fight at the same time.

In a normal battle, Masamune would’ve been sticking out his back. But both of their swords were too long for close quarter combat, so when Genesis summoned a ball of flames in his palm and shoved it in Sephiroth’s face, there wasn’t much the General could do but brace for the explosion. The blast sent Sephiroth’s head slamming into the wall of the elevator and Genesis’s arm almost dislocated. He had no time to dwell on the pain in his shoulder as he had to dodge the bolts of electricity from Sephiroth, a smart move considering they were trapped in a tiny metal box. Genesis couldn’t avoid it entirely and one of his legs went numb from the lightning.

Seeing few other options, Genesis curled his fist and aimed a punch for Sephiroth’s face, knowing a blow to the stomach wouldn’t do much to stall him. It didn’t land, and for his troubles, Genesis got kneed in the ribs. He stumbled back and gasped for air while having to duck to avoid another blow. Sephiroth’s hand almost went through the metal itself. Genesis looked between the destruction and Sephiroth’s face.

“Are you trying to kill me?” he hissed.

“You started it.”

The doors to the elevator opened, providing Kunsel with the escape he needed to hightail it out of the building. It also meant Sephiroth had enough room to summon Masamune and Genesis responded by unsheathing Rapier. He leaped back, blocking strikes from Sephiroth and trying to navigate his way out of the building while moving backward. Civilian onlookers fled from the action and SOLDIERs and other brave Shinra employees stared in awe and terror at the battle unfolding before them. If Genesis weren’t trying to stop himself from being decapitated, he would’ve smirked at the crowd and began monologuing.

One particularly strong strike forced Genesis to bend his knees to absorb the damage, sending him flying back through the glass door of the entrance to the building. He shook off the shards and sidestepped Sephiroth’s overhead slash. Sephiroth didn’t immediately leap back to attacking, electing to stare him down while slowly stalking over, like a predator. An apt description.

“When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end the goddess descends from the skies,” Genesis quoted between pants.

“Enough,” Sephiroth snapped. “What do you want, Genesis?”

Genesis had to stifle hysterical laughter. There were people watching now that they were literally fighting in the middle of the street, he didn't want to look like he completely lost it. “You want to know what I want? Have I not made it plainly obvious?”

Sephiroth was outright glaring at him now. “So what you wanted was to attack me and make a scene? And for what, to prove yourself as a worthy rival or a hero?”

“You really think this is about you?!” Genesis could feel the fire crackling in his palms, waiting to be released.

“What else would it be about?”

“You’ve locked yourself away in your room for four years, not even acknowledging they existed and hardly talking to anyone. Yet you remember the name of a girl haven’t even met and go on fucking dinner dates like no one’s ever asked you before! Like I haven’t asked you before !”

Sephiroth’s grip on his sword tightened. “What are you talking about?”

Genesis’s eyes widened and he scoffed. “You really are a monster.” He ran his hand over the blade, the inscriptions along the metal lighting up as the sword was doused in fire. “The world would be better off without you.”

The only thing that almost made Genesis pause was Sephiroth’s whisper of “maybe.”

But their blades never met. The sound of metal on metal still rung through the air, but Rapier and Masamune instead clashed with a rather sturdy kitchen knife and an oversized handgun.

“You ok kid?” Zack asked.

The aforementioned kid shook his wild blonde hair. “I’m only a year younger than you.” He looked up, clear blue eyes locking with Genesis’s and making his heart stutter to a stop.

“I’m in Midgar for less than a week and you guys almost destroy the city.” Cloud sighed as they all lowered their weapons and frowned at the Firsts. “Can’t you at least wait until we evacuate the city to have your deathmatch?”

Chapter Text

As Sephiroth sat crammed into the booth, staring at four years dead Cloud Strife sipping his soda and pointedly ignoring Genesis, he wondered if he should take up a religion. Hojo had highly discouraged it, claiming it to be mysticism to control the masses and no one close to him had ever been the religious sort. He knew there were several religions, the faith the Wutains followed was closely related to nature with their gods being personifications of natural events, there was Genesis’s beloved goddess but he wasn’t sure if the redhead actually worshipped her or the play, and the practices of the Ancients which have been long lost to history. Watching Cloud Strife chat casually with other people like he hadn’t been proclaimed dead for nearly half a decade made Sephiroth run through the pros and cons of each to determine which god to thank for this resurrection. Because it surely had to have been that and not Cloud hiding the fact that he was very much alive for so long from him. It had to.

“-Sephiroth?”

He was shaken out of his daze by the girl- Aerith he remembered with an unfounded, burning sense of anger- who called his name.

“I’m sorry, I was not listening.”

She giggled and to anyone else, it would’ve sounded natural. Sephiroth saw Cloud’s eyes narrow. He noticed too.

“I was asking why you two decided to fight right before your date?”

“Our date ?” Genesis spat. “He wasn’t invited.”

“But he’s here now,” Zack interrupted, fondly twirling around the kitchen knife he’d borrowed, “and I for one am glad.”

“What happened to Angeal?” Kunsel asked, having dropped the formalities of using titles after he sprinted out of the elevator. Sephiroth would have to apologize to him for nearly killing him with lightning earlier.

“He’s sick,” Genesis grumbled.

That caught Cloud’s attention. “SOLDIERs can get sick?”

“No, but maybe he’s caught the same thing that’s been afflicting Sephiroth as of late.” Genesis’s glare rested on him, as did Cloud’s gaze.

Cloud turned his attention to Sephiroth. “You’ve been sick?”

“No,” he said over the voice that'd chosen to speak up now, of all times. Her hand slithered up to his cheek and he disguised brushing it off with fixing his hair. Genesis scoffed but directed his anger back at Cloud.

“Why are you here?”

Cloud shrugged. “Kunsel asked me out and I said yea,” he answered, gesturing to the Second with his fork. “I thought we’d just be meeting with his friends, I didn’t know you’d be here, but it’s good to see you both.”

“Good to see us?” Genesis echoed. “You’re supposed to be dead.”

“I am?” Cloud’s voice dropped. His grip on his cup tightened minutely. "I was aware I'm supposed to be. Would you rather that I was?"

Genesis cracked the plate he’d been holding. He opened his mouth to respond but Zack interrupted.

“So Cloudy, you live in Midgar?”

“I guess, I just got here a week ago.” He drank more of his soda and his voice lightened considerably but had an air of weariness. “I’m staying with a friend in the Sector 7 slums.”

“So that’s why we haven’t met,” Aerith said. “I live in Sector 5 and I know basically everyone. But I was wondering why you looked familiar.”

Cloud blinked a few times and swallowed. “Uh, yea I think I’ve seen you... somewhere.” His voice teetered at the end.

“Can we order now? All that action earlier has got me starving,” Kunsel sighed, gesturing toward Genesis and Sephiroth to make his point extra clear.

Genesis picked up his menu and basically hid behind it. “Please, I’d like to end this as quickly as possible.”

The poor waitress that was attending to them took their orders and scurried off, returning in record time with her hands full of their plates and setting them down in front of the party.

“Excuse me,” Genesis started and everyone groaned, “I asked for no pickles.”

“O-oh! I am so sorry let me-“

Genesis stood abruptly. “I’d like to speak to your manager.”

Zack’s fork reached over Genesis’s plate. “I’ll eat your pickles for you, you don’t need to-“

“Call the manager. Now.”

The waitress moved to sprint off but Aerith stopped her with a smile. “There’s no need for that. Thank you for the food.” The terrified woman gave her a grateful look and hurried away.

Genesis grit his teeth. “I specifically wanted to speak with her manager about her poor skills.”

Aerith’s expression didn’t leave but turned sharper. “I know you did.” She twirled her pasta around her fork. “But you really didn’t need to scare her just because you're mad.”

“I am not mad,” Genesis bit angrily.

Cloud rolled his eyes. “Yea sure you're not.”

“I don’t want to hear a word from you,” Genesis snapped. “You have no right to speak after what you did.”

Kunsel sighed and leaned back in the booth. “Ok, I’m confused, what exactly did he do that you insist on antagonizing my date?”

“You don’t need to know.”

Kunsel raised an eyebrow. “I think I do after you both,” he eyed Sephiroth, “almost got me killed over whatever your issue is. And it obviously involves Cloud, who is my date, so I’d like to know.”

“Damn Kun, you’ve got guts,” Zack praised, patting his friend's shoulder. “But yea, can we hear the story? I’m dying to know.”

“No”/“Yes”/“Don’t ask me” was all spoken at the same time. Genesis glared harshly at Sephiroth, who ignored him in favor of looking at Cloud. The blonde exhaled and leaned on his elbows.

“I was reported dead for 4 years.”

“What!?” Zack shouted, earning him stares from the other patrons in the restaurant. Aerith slapped the back of his hand lightly. “What?” He asked more quietly.

“To make a long story short there was... an incident,” Cloud grimaced and Sephiroth forced down the guilt that welled up. “I had to basically go into hiding for a while and I couldn’t contact Sephiroth or Genesis. Don’t ask me how I know them, that’s a whole ‘nother story,” Cloud added when Kunsel and Aerith opened their mouths. “So they're mad at me, I guess.”

“I’m not...” Sephiroth began but stopped. Was he? He surely should be and there was the stinging feeling of betrayal and whispers of 'traitor', but he didn’t want to be. He couldn’t when Cloud was still alive, even if Sephiroth did think he was dead and grieved him. But he couldn’t bring himself to actually be anything but overwhelming relieved that he was alive. And it was his fault, not Cloud's, wasn’t it?

Genesis slammed his hand on the table. “Mad?! I am beyond furious, Cloud Strife. Where have you been?”

“Around.” Cloud offered casually.

“Oh really? And you just decided to show up suddenly?”

“I’ve only been here for a week, Genesis, and I couldn’t exactly contact you before.”

“But why?!” Genesis almost shouted, but it was filled with more pained anger than pure rage. He bit his lip and cast his eyes down in a very uncharacteristic way that made Sephiroth’s stomach twist and based on the look on Cloud’s face, he was feeling the same. “Just- Just tell me, please. Because if you are alive then maybe-“

“No,” Cloud said flatly. With a scary sense of finality. “I'm sorry but I can’t. Not now.”

Genesis looked ready to burst but, by some miracle, reigned in his rage and managed to keep his voice even and low as he scoffed. “You two are really perfect for each other. Haven fun in hell.” He stood from the booth. “Don’t bother trying to contact me again.”

They watched him go in silence, the food having grown cold while they spoke. Cloud’s tired sigh broke the silence. He slumped down in his seat, exhausted. Sephiroth wanted to reach over and offer him some support, but he didn’t want to overstep his boundaries when he had just gotten him back.

“Sorry guys, I kind of fucked things up, didn’t I?”

“Aw no ya didn’t Cloud,” Zack soothed. “I mean, I get why Gen’s mad, but he’s always like that.”

“Yea I know why he’s upset too, I just...” he idly watched the condensed water drip down the side of the cup. “I just can’t tell him yet.” He looked up at Sephiroth, a storm of emotion in his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

His voice caught in his throat, but luckily Zack noticed and jumped to the rescue.

“Don’t worry about it, you’ll be ready whenever you feel up to it.”

Cloud blushed faintly. “Thanks.”

Aerith cooed. “Oh my god, you're so cute!”

“Isn’t he!?” Zack exclaimed in agreement. “Kunsel we're stealing your date.”

Kunsel and Cloud shared an exasperated look of understanding before the Second said, “it’s whatever he wants, I’m not his handler.”

Zack’s eyes widened in sudden realization. “Like a... chocobo.” His hand seemed to have a mind of its own, reaching over to ruffle Cloud’s spikes but he was able to swat it away. Zack was, if anything, persistent, and his hand ended up in Cloud’s hair. “I think we’re going to keep you Spikey!”

Cloud stared at Zack for a split second too long before a nostalgic smile spread across his face. “That’s good with me.”

Sephiroth watched them for the rest of dinner, feeling like he was intruding on something he didn’t belong in. He poked at the food and ate an adequate amount so no one would ask questions and mindlessly engaged in the occasional inquiry thrown his way. Zack and Kunsel concocting another date plan they wanted Sephiroth to join them on, Aerith proposing he come look at the flowers with an amount of fervor that made him inclined to say yes, Zack with another suggestion of a movie night with Angeal. He nodded along to them, saying he’d check if he were free, all while focusing solely on Cloud.

His smile, the occasional bubble of laughter that crept past his stoic facade that was rather easy to break through. The way he picked the bell peppers out of his food and would sneak them onto Kunsel’s plate when he thought the other wasn’t looking, or how he drank the entire cup of soda and couldn’t finish his plate of food. By the end of the evening, Sephiroth could recall how many invisible freckles were on Cloud’s left cheek but not what he’d had to eat. Thankfully, he wasn’t being quizzed on it, even though Aerith seemed rather intent on proving something through a suspiciously directed conversation that wanted him to confess to something romantic.

Zack led them out whispering to Kunsel and glancing over his shoulder at the others. Finally, he whirled around and said, “Well, that was-“

“A complete disaster,” Cloud filled in. Everyone but Zack hummed and nodded in agreement. “But, I had fun.” Cloud smiled warmly. “Thank you.”

Zack blushed and grinned with pride. “You really are a great kid Cloudy.”

Cloud rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

Aerith linked her arm in Sephiroth’s and smiled up at him. “Don’t forget to come to see the flowers, alright? I’m sure they’d love to help you. Oh and you too Cloud.”

Help me? “Ah, ok. Thank you for the invitation, Miss Gainsborough.”

Aerith pouted. “Why do all of you call me that like some old lady? Just Aerith.”

Sephiroth fumbled for words. “...Aerith, then.”

She winked at him and skipped to Zack’s side.

“Thanks for coming Cloud and um, sorry about everything,” Kunsel said.

“Don’t be, I’m just glad you weren’t killed.”

“You don’t need us to take you home? We’re heading to the slums to drop Aerith off anyway.”

Cloud shook his head. “I’ll find my way back on my own, but thanks.”

“So,” Kunsel dragged, “a second date isn’t off the tables then?”

Sephiroth beat away the possessive desire to say ‘it is’ in Cloud’s place and watched the events unfold without interfering. The blonde huffed and snatched Kunsel’s phone from his hand, took a few minutes to type something in and then handing it back. “You know how to reach me.”

Kunsel grinned and turned back to walk off with Aerith and Zack. Sephiroth and Cloud stood side by side on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, watching the light of the setting sun dim to dusk over the minor amount of destruction Sephiroth and Genesis had caused earlier. Most of it had been cleaned up while they were eating, but some rubble from smashed road remained.

“You’ll be heading back then?” Cloud asked quietly.

Sephiroth looked down at him. Even after so many years, their height difference remained unchanged. It was almost amusing. “Yes.”

Cloud nodded. “Well then, I’ll see you later.” He waved. “Bye.”

Sephiroth stood in stunned silence while Cloud proceeded to walk in the direction of the train station. He fully expected him to turn around and say something more to Sephiroth, or at least call something back before he left. But Cloud was walking off resolutely and with no intention of sparing even a glance backward.

“Cloud!”

The sound of his voice echoed off the walls of the empty street and made his voice sound more desperate than it really was. Or maybe he’d always sounded that way but he was just hearing it for the first time in. Regardless, Sephiroth shouted his name and Cloud stopped and turned back to face him, eyebrows furrowed slightly with what Sephiroth hoped was confusion and not frustration or anger. Sephiroth pushed away the darker thoughts and bounded up to Cloud.

“Cloud,” he repeated not for any particular reason besides the fact that saying the word, his name, felt right on his lips. “Do you have somewhere to stay the night?”

Cloud blinked in surprise and cocked his head. “Yea, I’ve got a place in the Sector 7 slums. I was going to stay there.”

Of course, he did, he wasn’t a child anymore. He’d been living on his own for 4 years, of course, he already had his life settled. He didn’t need Sephiroth or anyone to look out for him. He didn’t need someone who put him in danger and would continue to do just that by associating with him. He didn’t need Sephiroth. ‘ He doesn’t need you.’

“The trains to that Sector stop running in a few minutes,” Sephiroth forced out, speaking over Her.

“Oh. I guess I can go with Zack and the others and just walk to 7 then.”

“Why don’t you stay with me?” Sephiroth blurted out, feeling like his window of opportunity was slowly slamming shut in his face.

Cloud made a face that made his heart drop. “You live in Shinra Tower, right?”

“Yes, but...” he obviously didn’t want to stay in the tower (or does he not want to stay with me). Sephiroth ran through every possible reason why he wouldn’t want to stay there from Cloud having a fear of heights to him despising the thought of staying by Sephiroth’s side.

“I have an apartment outside of the Tower we can stay in. It’s a few minutes' walk away.”

She slithered over him, her wet hair falling onto the back of his neck, making him want to shiver. ' He doesn’t love you, my son. Only I truly do. I understand what you are. No one will ever know-'

“Ok,” Cloud said resolutely. His eyes flicked to where Sephiroth had been staring into space suspiciously before settling back on him. “I’ll stay with you for tonight.”

He could feel Her wrath pulsing behind him but it was easy enough to ignore.

Cloud stood by his side and tilted his head in gesture. “Lead the way.”

The streetlights were dim and made it hard to see more than a few feet ahead, but his mako enhanced vision and the lights from the surrounding buildings were enough to light up the streets. Still, Cloud didn’t move more than a few steps away from Sephiroth’s side. His steps were evenly paced and steady, but too controlled to be calm. Sephiroth told himself he was probably just anxious because of the dark.

“You didn’t seem too surprised to see me,” Cloud said.

Sephiroth shrugged. “I suppose I’m in shock.”

“Reasonable.”

Their conversation lapsed into silence as they walked. The streetlights flickered overhead, and Cloud moved a little closer to Sephiroth.

“What do you think of Midgar?” He asked quietly, enjoying the peace of the evening after the day’s excitement.

“It’s alright. I haven’t been here too long, but I’ve met some cool people. And,” he looked up at Sephiroth and smiled, “I got to see you again.”

Sephiroth had to look away to stop the burning in his eyes and quiet the hollow ring in his chest. “You could’ve come to see me.”

Cloud shook his head. “It was too dangerous. It still is.”

Sephiroth fought not to let his voice crack because he didn’t want to verbally admit Cloud was right. “Where have you been?” Instead of what he actually wanted to know.

“Around." Cloud chewed on his lip uncertainly for a second. "Everywhere, I guess. Kalm, Mideel, Banora, Gongaga.”

“Alone?”

“No, I’ve been with Vincent.”

“Is he here?” Sephiroth hadn’t forgotten the promise he’d made all those years ago.

“No, just me. He had other matters to handle.”

“Ah.” 'He abandoned you just like the rest of them will'. “I see.” He bit his lip hard enough to draw blood. “Will you be staying long?”

Cloud sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. If all goes well, then no. Realistically, probably.”

Sephiroth stopped. “Goes well? What did you come here for?”

Cloud looked at his shoes. “Business.”

“You said something similar earlier, but I’d like to know what exactly that entails.”

Something close to fear flashed on his face, but his expression remained schooled in neutrality. “What if I told you I came here to take down Shinra?”

They stared at each other, trying to read the other through body language alone. Cloud was... different, but Sephiroth supposed that was natural. He wasn’t 13 years old anymore, Sephiroth wasn’t responsible for him in any way. Even if he wasn’t a legal adult, he already has Vincent watching him until he was old enough. He wasn’t alone, and though the thought should’ve been reassuring, it only made his throat constrict.

“Then I’d be forced to stop you by... any means necessary.”

Cloud was still for a second. A sweet, warm smile that made Sephiroth think of Claudia broke out across his face. “I’ll hold you to that, but we should spar before. Wouldn’t want a boring battle.”

Sephiroth blinked back tears and resumed their walk at a faster pace. “The apartment is just around the block.”

They reached the apartment building after a few minutes, heading up the elevator to the penthouse. The apartment was exactly as it was when he first got it. Sephiroth didn’t make use of it since he hardly found himself out in the city for longer than a few hours. Still, it was spotless, not even a speck of dust on the table since ShinRa sent cleaning people around every once in a while, just in case he did need it.

“Nice place,” Cloud said with a faintly impressed tone.

“I don’t use it much. Are you hungry?” No one besides Zack and Kunsel had really eaten much at the restaurant, and Cloud only had his soda to drink.

“No, but I really gotta use the bathroom.”

“It’s connected to the bedroom.”

Cloud nodded and hurried off, the clicking of the door shut letting Sephiroth know he found it. Sephiroth flicked on the lights and took off his shoes, putting them in the closet, before he fell back on the bed. He wouldn’t be able to sneak into the tower without catching someone’s attention. He’d have to come up with an excuse to get the Turks off his back in the morning.

In the morning...

An unwanted but not unwelcome memory came to mind. One of sleeping in the clouds (or was it next to one?), rising a little before the morning, a hand on his reassuring him that it’d be back for him to hold in the evening. Warmth and comfort. A far cry from the monochromatic apartment or the labs. The door opened and closed, lights in the corner of his eye flicked off, a weight settled beside him on the edge of the bed. When Cloud was there, the persistent static that accompanied Her presence died down. The tension eased out of his shoulders.

“I’m sorry,” Cloud whispered into the darkness.

“For what?”

Sheets shifted beneath his head and his voice moved closer. “I don’t know... everything I guess.”

Sephiroth had a right to be mad. For four years, he’d thought Cloud to be dead. Every day was a little easier than the last, but it was always hard. Sleeping, looking at the sky, pictures of flowers, the little book in his nightstand. Four years and Angeal still insisted he talk about it. He’d thought he’d gotten over it, whatever it was that made his chest grow tight every time he saw a cloud in the sky. And even if he hadn’t, he would still be justified in being angry at Cloud for letting him feel that way for so long. And still, he wasn’t. He was just tired.

“Is your mother...” he didn’t finish the question, what he said was enough.

“No.”

“Ah.” A different response wasn’t expected. But it didn’t hurt any less. “Will you still be here in the morning?”

Cloud sighed and moved further onto the bed, settling on top of the cover. “Where else would I be?”

“I don’t know,” Sephiroth breathed, closing his eyes. Back in my memories. Sleep was fast to drag him into its arms. “Thank you... for being here.”

Sephiroth fell asleep, even while he knew Cloud was wide awake.

~

Sephiroth was up in his bed, the sheets ruffled a bit but not completely tossed. Based on the fact that he could see everything clearly in the room, it was too late for him to be waking up on time. A glance at the alarm clock confirmed that by reading 7:05. Far too late, but he couldn’t bring himself to care much. Something had happened last night, something out of a dream, but it was so real to him at the time it hurt to remember it wasn’t. His arm stretched to his side, finding an empty spot that was still warm. He went on a dinner date, well, it was supposed to be one but his date tried to kill him and then stormed off. He walked to his apartment and went to sleep. He was alone. So why did he feel so-

Sephiroth bolted out of bed. “Cloud!”

He almost tore the door off the hinges in his haste to get up. Cloud was gone, even though he promised he’d stay. The static threatened to return and as much as he would have to admit it, She was ri-

“Good morning,” Cloud greeted with a grin, putting down bags on the table. He was wearing the same black leather jacket, shirt, and dark jeans from last night, minus his shoes. “Sorry, I had to step out to buy us breakfast. You didn’t really have any food and even if you did, I’m clueless when it comes to cooking.”

Sephiroth evened out his breathing and stared at Cloud until it was uncomfortable.

“Um, are you ok, Seph?”

The nickname that he hadn’t heard from that voice in years jerked him to attention. Sephiroth smiled. “Yes. What did you buy?”

“Just come look.” They sat across from each other at the table and rifled through the bags of food. There was a lot. “I know SOLDIERs eat a lot so I just kind of got everything they had on the breakfast menu. I won’t be able to finish it all but you probably will.”

Sephiroth took out boxes of pancakes and eggs and toast. There really was a lot, and none of it had meat. “Thank you.”

“No problem. I’d rather not starve anyway.”

Cloud picked a box at random and started eating, Sephiroth doing the same. Sleep left him with every bite and he slowly realized how surreal the entire situation was. Sitting across from Cloud, peacefully eating breakfast from the local fast food restaurant in his apartment in the heart of Midgar. He almost didn’t notice when he started crying, but Cloud did.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

Sephiroth registered that tears were falling, and quickly wiped them away. “I-I don’t know,” he stuttered. “I just... you were dead. For so long. I never thought...” he looked down at his food and wiped away the tears that refused to stop. “I never thought I’d see you again.”

Arms wrapped around him and pulled him close. Even if Cloud was smaller than him, it felt right, being in his arms. Sephiroth hugged him back carefully.

“I’m here now.” Cloud squeezed. "And I’m not leaving you behind again.”

They stayed like that for a while. Sephiroth wished it was forever.

The way back to Seventh Heaven was easy enough. Cloud left soon after breakfast, giving Sephiroth his PHS number before they’d parted. He’d been to do the same with Genesis but...

Cloud sighed in his seat on the train and glanced over his shoulder out the window at nothing. That was really disastrous, but he really couldn’t complain about it going that way. He wasn’t exactly expecting to find Genesis and Sephiroth fighting to the death in the middle of the street though, but honestly, that wasn’t that surprising. What he hadn’t expected was news of Angeal being mysteriously sick or Genesis spouting monster at Sephiroth a few months too early.

(“SOLDIER is a den of monsters.” Even though the sea of green and shouting voices that weren’t there, he could hear him clearly and see him glaring at the ground, blue eyes glowing hotly. “Don’t go inside.”)

Again. They were getting more and more common and still didn’t make any sense. Well, at least Cloud was beginning to put names to the faces he saw. Zack was almost the same as he’d seen him in the... visions, memories, whatever. Bright, optimistic, but younger and less world-worn than before. And seeing him smiling, laughing, breathing was nice. It was reassuring, that maybe the things he saw wouldn’t come to pass.

Meeting the others was fun. He liked seeing Aerith chatting and messing around rather than slumped over and lifeless. Same with Zack. Kunsel was new and nice too. He was glad he agreed to that second date instead of defaulting to his usual rejection. Maybe he’d see the others next time. And even Genesis, despite his histrionic nature, was a welcome sight. Sephiroth was also... sane. And more somber and withdrawn than he remembered. Seeing him cry at the table during breakfast though was relieving, he guessed, and heart-wrenching. At least he still had emotions. Cloud would have to work on keeping that safe.

The train came to a stop and Cloud hopped out. He began his stroll through Sector 7, looking up at the steel sky. It wasn’t a relaxing sight by any means, but it was better than the fiery, broken sky that had been plaguing his dream for weeks. It was early afternoon and the streets were growing busier by the second. People loitering about, rushing to their destinations, talking to their neighbors and fellow slum residents. If Cloud didn’t know about the extreme poverty and mako-mutated monsters that tore people apart, he’d think the slums were an ideal place to live. Like the Shinra propaganda insisted it was. Comparable to the plates above. He struggled not to gag at the thought.

“Hey!”

The call came from behind and Cloud didn’t turn to it. It honestly could’ve been for anyone, the slums weren’t exactly empty at this time of day.

“Yo, blondie!”

His breath caught and dropped. He glanced over his shoulder and saw the telltale bright red hair and a shining bald head beside him. Cloud wasted no time hurriedly ducking behind a dumpster out of view. He crawled under a gap in a chain gate, climbed a rooftop, kept low, and walked along the makeshift roofs to his destination while keeping an eye out for Turks. It was probably from his little stunt last night stopping Genesis and Sephiroth. Either that or it was revenge for shooting Reno in the shoulder which he really didn't want to do but honestly didn't regret. But damn, they were fast. Tifa was going to kill him.

Seventh Heaven came into view and his spirit immediately rose. The bar was an anomaly. Cloud had the feeling it shouldn’t exist yet, that it was too soon for Sector 7 to have the bar, but it wasn’t an eerie or unsettling thing. He was grateful that it existed, earlier than intended or not. At least he had something and someone to look forward to seeing every day, someone he didn’t have to lie to. Well, lie to most of the time. Tifa was wiping down the counter, no doubt preparing for a busy day of cleaning and 'not bartending'. When Cloud hopped off the roof and walked in, she beamed at him and ran from around the counter to embrace him warmly.

“Hey,” she breathed into his ear.

He hugged her. “Hey.”

She let go and smiled at him. “How was the date?”

Cloud let out a long sigh, giving Tifa the sign that it would be a long story. She let him sit down and went back to the task of cleaning while he recalled the events. She only seemed mildly surprised when he mentioned Sephiroth and Genesis’s spat, saying she’d heard about it from some upper plate workers who visited the bar after their shifts. Cloud was slightly peeved that Mr. Carpenter allowed Tifa to work the bar. She was more outraged when he told her he stopped them in the middle of the street.

“You are so stupid,” she hissed, fist curling tightly. She looked over his shoulder out the window and quickly walked to the door to make sure the sign was flipped to close. “So that’s why those two Turks came in here earlier.”

“Rude and Reno?”

“I don’t know their names, all I know is they came in here asking if I saw a blonde kid.”

The corner of his lip twitched up. “And did you betray me?” Tifa just glared angrily at him. Cloud ruffled his hair tiredly. “Sorry, but I couldn’t just let them fight like that.”

“No, but you didn’t have to outright interfere. It’s a miracle they haven’t already found you and dragged you in for questioning or torture.”

He flinched at that because she was right: Zack and Kunsel probably could’ve handled it, or even just Zack alone. But Sephiroth looked ready to cut Genesis down and he didn’t want to see that happen to anyone ever again. He decided to change the topic of conversation.

“I went home with Sephiroth.”

She tensed at that. “And was he...” insane went unsaid. She knew about his visions, ever since he’d nearly had a panic attack in front of her over one and Vincent had to explain that it was his future memories (whatever that meant) returning. Didn’t make it any less confusing for either of them, but Tifa didn’t doubt that they’d actually happened. Not since Nibleheim. He internally winced at that memory.

“He was fine. No, maybe not fine. He was really down. But he didn’t look like he wanted to burn down a village. Maybe just really needed a nap.”

She relaxed a little. “That’s good.”

“Yea.” It was great and all that Sephiroth still seemed to have his wits about him, but Cloud still had that nagging feeling that something was wrong. The way he’d been staring off into space and constantly wanting to glance over his shoulder at something that wasn’t there felt familiar in the way that Aerith or Zack did. And that was never a good sign.

“Vincent called,” Tifa said, bringing Cloud out of his ruminations.

“About what?”

“He said he was coming soon. That he’d picked up that person from Kalm and you’d need to see a fortune teller.” Tifa scrunched her face. “What does that even mean?”

Cloud grunted noncommittally And opened his PHS to send an email. He kind of felt bad for snooping through Kunsel’s phone to get the email address he needed, but he’d make it up to him next time they went out. Cloud typed up the quick message and read it over. It was vague enough so no one else would understand it but had the right details to get his attention. He pressed send, knowing the encryption would keep him off the grid.

“Cloud.” He looked up and met Tifa’s frustrated gaze. “You’re going to get yourself killed if you keep this up.”

“We’ve had this conversation before Tifa.” They had, almost a hundred times. “I’ll be fine. Vincent and I have got everything covered and it’s nothing we can’t handle.”

“It obviously it is because there wouldn’t be Turks lurking around here if you guys could really do it on your own and you weren’t so dim!”

Cloud waved his hand. “I’ve got the Turks covered.”

Tifa crossed her arms. “Then what about the Science Department?”

“What?”

“You already know what they're capable of.” Tifa frowned. “Just because you haven't done anything as dramatic as kill the General doesn't mean Hojo won't-“

“It’s fine,” Cloud interrupted. He could feel his heart racing at the thought. He really just needed a nap. Instead, he met Tifa’s eyes. “I’ll be more careful-“

(“If you get really famous and I’m ever in a bind, you’ll come and save me, right?”

His brain short-circuited. That had to be the most meaningful thing Tifa had ever said to Cloud. Instead of saying something cool or smart, he said, “what?”

She pretended not to hear him, much to his relief. “If I’m ever in trouble, my hero will come and rescue me.” She smiled at the starry sky. “I want to experience that at least once.”

He blinked. “What?”

She huffed and turned around to look at him. “Come on! Promise me!”

“All right...”)

“-I promise.” It wasn’t a promise they’d made yet, but he’d honor it no matter what, He smiled. She eased a little and returned the expression, but it was tight.

“Hello~?” A voice sang from behind. Cloud and Tifa turned their attentions to whoever just walked in. A pretty girl with a basket of flowers and a pink ribbon in her hair. “Oh, hi again Cloud!”

“Aerith?”

“You know each other?” Tifa inquired while Aerith walked up and took a seat at the bar next to Cloud.

“Yea, she was at the date last night.”

She nodded and put her basket on the bar. “I hear you do deliveries.”

“We do.” He almost forgot about the infant delivery service he set up the day after he got to Midgar. “Deliveries on and under the plate; anywhere and anytime.”

Aerith giggled. “Cute tagline, did you come up with it yourself?”

“He did actually, pretty clever isn’t it?” Tifa said with a wink.

Cloud stood from his seat. “Show me what you need delivered and when.”

Aerith and Tifa shared a look before the former followed him. “I guess I’ll see you later than...”

“Tifa.”

Aerith nodded and smiled. “Aerith. You work here?”

“Legally, no. But if we’re off the record...” Aerith nodded fervently and Tifa smirked. “I’m the best bartender in this city.”

“I feel like I should be reporting this to someone,” Cloud mumbled. “Mr. Carpenter is breaking at least one child labor law.”

“Oh he’s breaking them all,” Tifa said cheerily. “But he’s letting us live here, so no complaining.”

Cloud rolled his eyes. “Let’s go.”

Aerith frowned for a second but quickly waved goodbye to Tifa when Cloud started walking away. He wished he had more time to talk to Tifa, but he’d see her later anyway. The streets were just as busy as before, making it difficult for Cloud to keep pace with Aerith as she expertly maneuvered in between people. When she noticed him lagging, she slowed her pace and walked beside him, humming to herself.

“Where are we going?”

Aerith looked at him and winked. “Sector 5. That’s where the delivery is.”

Cloud pinched the bridge of his nose. Of course, he got roped into escorting this girl back home. “Why didn’t you just call your delivery in?”

“I wanted to see you again in person.”

Cloud quirked an eyebrow but didn’t comment further on that. Aerith led him to a section of the plate that collapsed, where they played a sort of game of moving the giant mechanical hands and hopping from platform to platform. They emerged by a playground that looked abandoned and he followed her through the rest of Sector 5 until they came upon a church. It was tucked away in a quiet corner of the Sector, a safe haven from the world.

Walking inside was like entering heaven itself. The church didn’t feel like it belonged. It wasn’t an unsettling feeling or anything, more ethereal but worldly at the same time. Sunlight streamed in from a hole in the roof onto a patch of flowers at the front of the church. But he was expecting there to be water instead. Weird.

“Feel free to look around while I go get it ready.” Aerith hurried off to a room behind the main section.

Cloud took her advice and ambled along the rows of pews, stepping over breaks in the wooden floor towards the flower bed. He knelt by the edge, gently grabbing a flower in one of his fingers. They were beautiful, familiar. Impossible. Flowers didn’t grow beneath the plate, or anywhere in Midgar.

(“The flowers here are quite resilient because this is a sacred place. They say you can't grow grass and flowers in Midgar. But for some reason, the flowers have no trouble blooming here. I love it here.” She grinned. He didn’t mean to blush.)

And yet here they were, in an abandoned- well, not abandoned, but definitely not sustained church, blooming despite everything. It was a contradiction to everything the city represented. Midgar sucked the life out of everything and everyone, the wasteland just outside the city a testament to that fact. But the flowers grew where an artificial sun shone, where it never rained and plants were drowned and killed by the overwhelming amount of mako.

“Yellow lilies,” he said to himself.

“I see you know your flowers.” He looked up at Aerith, who was walking over to him and crouched by his side, placing the bouquet she’d retrieved beside her. “They symbolize reunion.”

Cloud let go. “I know.”

“Oh, so you’re a flower expert?”

“Something like that.” Flashes of planting pink flowers in a bright green field made it harder to talk. Aerith didn’t mind and made up for it.

“You feel familiar.”

“...so do you,” he said without thinking because she did. So familiar it hurt when he looked at her but he didn’t want to look away. If he did, she might disappear.

Her hand brushed against his. “I’m here.”

Strangely familiar words. “Yea.”

Aerith pushed a few flowers gently. “I ask you a weird question?"

"Go ahead."

"...can you hear the Planet’s calls?”

Can you hear the Planet crying out in pain? A memory across two Lifetimes that still didn't make sense. “I-I-“

“Ah don’t worry too much about it,” she added hurriedly. “I just... I know this might sound crazy, but you feel different from everyone else. You feel like... me.” She sighed. “I’m sorry, I must sound crazy.”

(“Someday I'll get out of Midgar... Speak with the Planet and find my Promised Land.”

She sounded so... Cloud bit his lip and tried not to dwell on it. He’d get her out of Midgar and help her find it. )

“You don’t. You’re just... special. In a good way. You’re-” he really wasn’t good with words. “I believe in  you.”

She grinned slightly. “At least one of us does.” Aerith stood with the bouquet in hand and passed it to Cloud. “Here’s the delivery for one Zack Fair.”

He read the card with directions on it. “Shinra Tower?”

“Yup, and I’ll pay extra for fast delivery.”

Cloud perked up at the mention of money. “Sure thing, but what’s the occasion?”

“Nothing, but the card attached says anniversary just so he can remember it's soon. And because I feel bad that his date idea didn't work out too well.”

She really was something else. He pocketed the instructions, he already knew the way, somehow.

“Ok, I’ll head there now.”

“You won’t need help getting back to the station?”

“No, I’m not taking the train up.” He could feel the buzz of excitement beneath his skin already. “Do you have the payment?”

“Zack’ll cover it.” Aerith hummed and rocked on her heels with her hands behind her back. “Thanks, by the way. See you soon?”

He gave her a small smile. “Soon.”

”Oh and bring Sephiroth next time!” 

Cloud made his way back to Sector 7 in just under 15 minutes. The motorcycle and ID card he definitely didn’t steal from a distracted trooper was sitting where he left it, just behind the bar under the tarp. He uncovered the bike and ran his hand over the metal. It was a sturdy Hardy-Daytona, not the flashiest thing but a nice ride nonetheless. Not as nice as the one he’d seen in those visions...

No point fawning over a bike that didn’t exist, or at least didn’t exist anymore. Cloud jumped onto the seat, revved the engine, and took off down the roads that lead up from the slums to the upper plates. He drove in and out of traffic which was highly illegal but Shinra wouldn’t care enough to enforce the law with any traffic tickets. And Cloud didn’t care, the rush of air through his air and whistling wind past his ears was beyond satisfying. He made it to the front of Shinra Tower with the bouquet in the bike’s compartment within 10 minutes. A new record.

The building itself was fine. If he weren’t as jaded as he was, he’d probably have marveled at the architecture and grandness of the lobby area, watching the SOLDIERs walk by with awe. Instead, he focused on other details like the still shattered glass doors from yesterday and the uncanny look the giant statue of the president had. Cloud had the urge to draw on its face. He walked up to the front desk, bouquet in hand, and waited for the receptionist to notice him.

“Delivery for Zack Fair,” he recited.

She tapped on her keyboard and made the call, turning away for a moment before pressing the phone to her chest. “Who’s it from?”

“Aerith.” No last name because Cloud’s not stupid enough to do that. A few more seconds and he was confirmed.

The receptionist slid a keycard through the hole in the window. “He’s on the 63rd floor, in training room 3. This is a guest card, so it’s only good for today.”

Cloud pocketed the keycard but didn’t leave the desk. Might as well get this over with as quickly as possible. “I’m starting a delivery service and I’ll probably have a lot of trips to the tower. Is there any way I can get a keycard that won’t expire to make my deliveries faster?”

“Delivery service? Doesn’t Shinra already have one?”

Cloud shrugged. “Not one that operates on and under the plate.”

The receptionist eyed him suspiciously for a moment before reaching behind the desk and sliding a form under the gap in the glass. “You can apply for a business keycard here. You’ll still have to come to the front desk when you get it for permission to enter and you’ll have to renew it every three months.”

“Perfect thank you.” Cloud shoved the form into his pocket and walked off.

He was expecting it to take more than one delivery to actually get one that was in the Tower and get the business keycard. He’d have to thank Aerith later, and explain that her flowers just got him a way to sneak into the Tower undetected to commit crimes. She probably won’t mind. He knew his way around the tower and easily found his way to the training room he’d been directed to. He pressed the button to open the door and entered, hoping he wouldn’t get crushed or stabbed by walking into what was probably an ongoing training session.

There was no training going on, but a very animated Zack chatting to...

“Oh, hey Spikey, I didn’t know it’d be you making the delivery!” Zack bounded up to Cloud and smiled at the flowers. “Thanks a ton. You’re the best.”

“Ah, um, y-yea.”

“Have you met Angeal? He’s one of the super famous Firsts so I’m sure you know him.” Zack turned to Angeal and grinned, not noticing the baffled expression on his mentor’s face. “Geal, this is-“

“Cloud,” he breathed.

Cloud took a deep breath and really hoped this went better than last night did. And that maybe he’d actually get home before the next day. “That’s me. Long time no see, huh?”

Angeal glared. “Huh.”

Cloud gulped. He fucked up, big time.

Chapter Text

Zack heaved in a breath and held up his hands. “Alright, I yield.”

Angeal smirked and lowered his sword from Zack’s neck. “You're getting much better, or maybe I’m not a hundred percent recovered from that cold. You only lost this time because you’re distracted.”

“Oh right, you feeling any better?”

He helped his student up to his feet and rolled his shoulders. “I think so. The body aches and cold symptoms are gone, just got a faint headache. But that can’t be why you aren't focused.”

Zack hung his head and pushed himself from the ground, twirling the sword around mindlessly. “Is it really that noticeable?”

“You’re not exactly one for subtly. But tell me, what’s on your mind?”

He grinned playfully and presented his PHS text conversation, which Angeal pointedly ignored. “My girl is sending me a gift and it should be arriving here soon.” He reread their messages with a smile as they went to put the training swords back on the rack. “She said it’s to make me feel better after our shitty date yesterday.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you how it went.”

Zack shrugged and clicked at the computer to power off the system. “Like I said, shitty. It started with me and this kid having to stop Genesis and Sephiroth from fighting and destroying the entire block.”

Angeal’s eyes widened in surprise. Looks like he was behind on the news. “They fought? About what?”

“Not really sure, Genesis and Sephiroth were pretty tight-lipped about the whole ordeal and Gen stormed off before we could even order our food. Anyway, I had to grab a kitchen knife and it somehow, thank whatever god is out there, held up under Masamune. The kid just had this giant handgun on him which is kind of concerning the more I think about it but it’s a good thing he did because he would’ve gotten cut in half-“

“Zack,” Angeal said, interrupting his ramblings, “slow down. Was this person another SOLDIER?”

“No just some kid. Short, the craziest blonde hair ever, super cute.” Zack paused his musings and thought about it. “Huh. He wasn’t a SOLDIER but he didn’t even seem fazed by Genesis’s attack. Must be strong.”

“Strong?! Zack, Genesis is a First Class SOLDIER. Either that kid is absolutely insane or has enhancements.”

“Probably just the insane part. I didn’t see any sign of mako in his eyes and Kunsel just kind of picked him up from nowhere. Well not nowhere, some bar.”

Angeal crossed his arms. “What was his name?”

“Oh it was super cool, something like-“

The door to the training room opened. Cloud walked in, carrying a bouquet of flowers in his hands. His stride was easy and confident until he realized who was in the room and froze. Zack glanced between him and Angeal and realized he must be star struck.

“Oh, hey Spikey, I didn’t know it’d be you making the delivery!” He grinned and skipped to Cloud. “Thanks a ton. You’re the best.”

Cloud swallowed and muttered something unintelligible.

Damn, he must seriously be nervous. “Have you met Angeal? He’s one of the super famous Firsts so I’m sure you know him. Geal this is-“

“Cloud.” Angeal’s gaze never left the blonde.

“That’s me. Long time no see, huh?”

“Huh.”

The tension was palpable and Zack could feel himself starting to sweat, even if the standoff didn’t involve him. This guy seemed to know everyone and while it should’ve been alarming and highly suspicious and maybe something he should’ve reported to the Turks, it was also super interesting. Some cute random kid Kunsel just happened to ask on a date knows all three of the Firsts? If it was a coincidence it was a damn lucky one. Or unlucky, based on the absolutely killer look Angeal was giving Cloud then. That was not helped by the fact that Angeal was holding a very real sword while Cloud was unarmed, not that Zack expected his mentor to attack the kid.

“You go missing for four years, have me and everyone else thinking your dead, and the first thing you say when you see me is long time no see,” Angeal said flatly. “Long time no see,” he echoed to hammer home the point. Even Zack winced.

“Angeal, I-“

“What can you even say, Cloud? Whatever you tell me would just be an excuse.”

“It’s not an excuse!” Cloud exclaimed. “I-I have my reasons.”

“Whatever reasons they are, they’re bullshit.”

“You don’t even know what they are,” Cloud snapped.

“I don’t need to know,” Angeal retorted, his voice low, “there’s nothing you can say that would make what you did ok. I- we grieved for you, Cloud. For four years. And it took so long to try and learn to be ok, to try and move past... especially for the other two...” Angeal’s whole body shook with emotion that made Zack’s heart pang. “And you just show up like nothing happened, like we didn’t even matter to you-“

“You did!” Cloud shouted, his eyes widening pleadingly. “You still do! And it’s not that nothing happened or I- I don’t care I just- I can’t tell you.”

“But why?”

“It’s too dangerous.”

How could anything be dangerous for Angeal? And Cloud had already proven he could protect himself. What did they have to be afraid of? Angeal seemed to have the same line of thinking, turning his head slightly.

“Dangerous for who?”

Cloud didn’t respond and Angeal seemed to take that as enough of an answer.

“Then how can I believe what you're saying when you say you care but can’t trust me enough to tell me anything?” Zack held back a cringe at his ‘I’m not upset, I’m disappointed’ air that never failed to make him feel like he’d really fucked up.

“I’m sorry,” Cloud blurted out, his stoic expression cracking slightly. “I’m- I'm sorry Angeal.”

“For what?” Angeal asked blandly.

Cloud’s jaw clenched and Zack wanted to step between the two and protect Cloud from everything.

“For disappearing. For not saying anything. For letting you think I was-“ Cloud clamped his jaw shut and closed his eyes. “I promise I'll tell you, I swear I will when it’s over but I can’t right now it’s not safe and I can’t let anything happen to any of you because you're all I hav-“

Instead of berating Cloud or just staring blankly at him while he continued to spiral, Angeal sighed, forcibly letting the tension fall, crossed the distance between them in one step, and threw his arms around the blonde.

“Gods, I’ll yell at you later.” Angeal pulled him tighter. “You’re alive.”

After a minute of stunned silence, Cloud nodded. “Yea, I am. But you aren't mad at me anymore?”

“I mean... of course I am,” Angeal started and paused to stare Cloud in the eyes firmly. “I'm livid, but I didn’t realize how short a lifetime could be until you weren’t here, and I don’t want to waste that time pushing you away.”

Cloud’s eyes welled up with tears, his lip wavering. “Yea, ok.”

“And what about your...” Angeal didn’t finish. Cloud buried his face in the older man’s shoulder and shook his head jerkily. Angeal smoothed down his spikes. “Right. Even so, I’m glad you’re ok. I’m sorry for getting upset at you when you first-“

“No no, it’s ok. I- I get it,” Cloud sniffed.

Zack shifted from foot to foot watching them, debating whether or not he should leave them be or join the hug. He didn’t want to go but he also didn’t want to intrude, so he was stuck watching the touching scene awkwardly until they pulled back from each other.

Angeal squeezed his shoulder. “You don’t have to tell me yet, alright? Don’t worry about it.” He carded his fingers gently through Cloud’s hair. “I want to know eventually but I’m fine knowing that you’re… here, alive, ok. So don’t worry about it, I’m ok we’re all ok,” he repeated. They whispered in silence for a moment while Cloud most likely composed himself. “How long have you been in Midgar?”

“A-about a week,” Cloud stuttered, rubbing at his face.

”And you’ve already seen Sephiroth and Genesis.”

“Yea. But it, uh, it didn’t go well.”

Angeal rubbed his temples as he thought. “We need to talk. All of us. It’s been too long since we have, especially with you but things haven’t been good between the other two. But not tonight, I’ve got SOLDIER exams to watch over.”

Cloud shrugged. “I won’t be leaving for a while and I’ll probably always be available. When I’m not doing deliveries.”

“Good. Give me your PHS and I’ll put in my number.”

While Angeal typed out the digits, Cloud turned to Zack.

“You got my payment?”

“Payment?” Wasn’t this a gift?

“Aerith said you’d pay.”

He huffed out a laugh. “Of course she did. Ah, but I don’t have my wallet on me. Mind following me back to my place?”

“Whatever.” Cloud accepted his phone back, putting it back into his pocket. “Were you two training?”

“That’s what a training room is for.”

Cloud rolled his eyes and addressed Angeal instead. “I thought you were sick.”

“I was. I’m feeling better now.”

Cloud frowned. “Really?”

“Really.”

Cloud’s expression only deepened with some strange sort of panic that made him seem as if he was on the verge of another breakdown. But he quickly gathered the pieces and slipped back into his usual attitude. “Let me know if you are not feeling any better soon. I know someone who can help.”

Angeal smirked. “Thanks for the offer but like I said I’m fine.”

Cloud shared a look with Zack that he couldn’t really understand but he instinctively knew the feeling of what it meant. Unwavering, certain, reassuring. It should’ve been an optimistic one, but it was more foreboding than anything.

“You guys done here?” Cloud asked.

Zack forced his casual cheer, trying to ignore the unsettling gut feeling when he focused on Angeal and silently vowing to protect them both from whatever Cloud was expecting. “Yup, everything’s powered down. Let’s head out!” He marched ahead of Cloud to the doorway, waiting for him to follow. “See ya later Geal! Hope I get invited to that talk!”

“I might have to in case things get out of hand.” Zack could hear the anticipatory exasperation in his mentor’s voice.

“You mind some exercise?” He asked Cloud.

“Not really. What do you have in mind?”

Zack grinned mischievously. “Just the daily 1,000 steps.”

It took far less than 1,000 steps to climb the 15 floors from the training rooms to the floor with the Second’s apartments, but Cloud held up spectacularly. He did have to take a short break, giving Zack time to run up and down the stairs at least twice before they continued their upward hike. By the time they reached his apartment, the blonde was spent.

“Why didn’t we just... take the elevator? Like normal human beings?” He asked as he flopped down on the couch.

“Exercise Spike. You definitely needed it.”

Cloud glared at him but it lacked any real anger. He opened his mouth to retort but his stomach did that instead by growling almost on cue.

“Wow, what timing.” Zack opened his fridge and called over his shoulder, “frozen pizza or tamales?”

“Nothing, I don’t plan on staying long.” His stomach growled again. Cloud groaned in frustration. “...pizza.”

So stubborn. Zack popped the pizza onto a pan and into the oven. When he went back to the living room, Cloud was staring at his emails, constantly refreshing. He sat down next to him.

“Waiting for something?”

“Yea.” He sighed and shut it off. “How long does it take a Shinra employee to respond to an email?”

“It depends who it is and what the subject is.” Zack crawled over to the dresser his boxy tv sat on and rifled through video games. “If it's someone higher up, probably a while unless you're the president or someone adjacent. If it’s just a normal dude, whenever they feel like it.” He tossed a controller to Cloud. “Who are you emailing?”

“...Sephiroth.”

Zack held back a giggle and plugged in the system. “You don’t have his number?”

“I forgot to ask.”

“Rookie mistake, Cloudy. But you’re lucky you’re friends with his best friend.”

Cloud raised an eyebrow and caught Zack’s carelessly thrown PHS. “You’re his best friend?”

“Not yet, but I’m working on it.” He waved his hand and popped in the CD before jumping back onto the couch. “Point is I’ve got his number, so now you can call him up for a date or whatever.”

Cloud blushed so hard Zack thought he was going to catch fire. “I-I wasn’t going to ask him on a d- dat- on a-“

Zack laughed and threw his head back. “Ok, whatever you say Spikey.” He ruffled his hair playfully, much to the other’s disdain.

"Thanks though," Cloud mumbled.

"For what?"

"I mean, you barely know me but you're so nice." Cloud poked at some of the buttons on his controller. "I guess you're just like that."

Zack considered him and looked down at his hands. "I guess I am but..." he hummed and smiled more genuinely at Cloud, "I don't know Spike, you just feel different from everyone else. And like, yea I barely know you, but I hardly knew Kunsel when we first met and now we're besties. I don't see why it'd be any different with you."

Zack didn't know it was possible but Cloud's blush deepened. His gaze turned more sentimental, solemn. "Thank you."

Zack bumped his shoulder against Cloud's. "There's no need to thank me for anything. I don't do it for the thanks, you know."

Cloud smiled. "Yea, I know."

"Alright enough chatting, you ever play 'Chocobro Racer'?"

"I'm only here for the food Zack."

"Yea yea, stop deflecting."

"I'm basically a pro at it."

Zack raised an eyebrow and shifted on the couch. "Oh really? Looks like I'll have to get into gamer mode, then."

Cloud rolled his eyes. "Like that'll save you from an ass whopping."

"Oh, it's on Cloudy."

~

A knock at the door woke Cloud up. Shit. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep or stay longer than a few hours, but the pizza and video games were an enticing offer he couldn’t resist after basically not eating the entire day. The clock read 7 pm, so it wasn’t even that late. He still had time to make it back to the bar before Tifa made dinner and Mr. Carpenter got back to yell at them for whatever transgression he made up this time. Zack was still completely out on the floor, the tv screen on and buzzing with the earworm music from the video game. Cloud pushed himself up, shut off the tv, and went to answer the door.

“Who is it?” He called out before opening. After that instance where he almost got mugged, he was way more cautious when answering.

“Turk.”

Cloud bit back a groan and considered waking Zack up, but he didn’t even stir at the medium volume conversation so he wouldn’t be ready for talking to a Turk anytime soon. He promised Tifa he would be safe so he would. Cloud sighed and opened. Tseng didn’t react, not outwardly at least, but Cloud thought he saw the flicker of recognition flash through his dark eyes. Thought, but he doesn’t know for certain.

“Civilians aren’t allowed on these floors,” he stated blandly.

“Not a civilian, and I’m applying for a business keycard.”

“What business?”

“Deliveries.”

Tseng stared at him then glanced over his shoulder into the messy apartment. “I have something to discuss with Fair.”

“I’m sure you can discuss it with me and I’ll relay it to him when he wakes up.”

“It’s company information.”

“All the more reason then. He’s not going to be in any state to listen if you wake him up now and I’m sure what you have to say really can’t wait until later.”

Tseng’s eyes narrowed and Cloud knew he’d won. “It can. Let him know I stopped by when he’s up.”

“Fine.”

Tseng eyed him one last time and turned on his heel to leave. Cloud ran a hand through his hair and got his things together. He shot Zack a quick message letting him know he left and closed the door quietly behind. Only to be stopped by another person.

“Oh hey Cloud,” Kunsel greeted as he left his apartment which was conveniently right next to Zack’s. “You visiting?”

“Deliveries.”

“Oh, right you’ve got that business out of the bar.” He followed Cloud to the elevators while going through his bag. “You know I’ve been meaning to call and request a delivery.”

Cloud raised an eyebrow. “You have.”

“Yea.” He finally pulled out a small cardboard box and handed it to Cloud.

“Just this?”

Kunsel tilted his head from side to side. “Thought you delivered anything. And yea just some electronics for something he’s working on, but you don’t have to do it now.”

Cloud shook his head and pocketed it. “Who’s it for?”

“Director Tuesti.”

Cloud froze and slowly looked away from the metal doors at Kunsel, meeting the red of the helmet. “...you know?”

“Know what?” Kunsel asked innocently. Cloud narrowed his eyes until the other cracked. “Ugh, yea I know. Not everything, just that you took my phone and went through it to get his and some other officials’ contacts.”

The small pistol he always kept just in case felt especially heavy now as they waited for the elevator to descend. Cloud wasn’t the greatest with guns, no matter how hard Vincent tried to drill it into him, but he was capable enough to protect himself. Whether those skills would hold up against a SOLDIER Second had yet to be seen, and he wasn’t too keen on trying it now. Kunsel must’ve noticed his tension because he only sighed and rested a gentle hand on Cloud’s shoulder.

“I’m not going to attack you or report you or anything, relax. Honestly, I’m impressed that you were able to outsmart me for all of a few hours. Still a record.”

“Why do you trust me?”

“I don’t really, but Zack does and so does the General. A friend of my friend is my friend,” Kunsel said then frowned at how stupid that sounded. “Anyway, you seem like your on a mission to uh, you know, take down the patriarchy or whatever which I’m all for honestly. This company is kind of shit and you're cool.”

Cloud rolled his eyes and relaxed. “You work for this company, you know.”

“Maybe, that doesn’t mean I have to like them, does it?” The doors opened and Kunsel ambled out with a short salute. “Another date sometime soon?”

Cloud really wanted to say no, but he’d rather not push his luck. “Maybe, when I’m done taking down Shinra.”

Kunsel laughed, said “then I’ll make sure that gets done soon,” and walked off, leaving Cloud to continue descending in the elevator alone. He sighed and leaned back against the wall, cursing himself for being so reckless. He only got away with it this time because Kunsel is... well, Kunsel, but he needed to be more careful. He felt for the box in his pocket and shook his head. At least he got something from it. The elevator doors finally beeped open at the ground floor and Cloud stepped out, only to bump into Sephiroth, of all people.

“Cloud,” he breathed.

“Seph. It’s good to see you.” Because it was. Even if he had seen him just a few hours ago, Cloud was always eager to see him. Just to make sure he’s still sane, he told himself. Just that, it had to be just that and only that.“You’re heading up?”

Sephiroth looked at the closing doors. “I was. Were you here on business?”

“A delivery for Zack. I’ve got a business,” he said for what felt like the millionth time that day.

“It’s rather late. I don’t think the trains to the slums will still be operating.”

They were, they stopped at 10, but Sephiroth has a hopeful gleam in his eyes that made Cloud couldn’t say no to, even though he really really should. Instead, he said, “you’re right, I’ll need somewhere to stay tonight” just to see the gleam brighten to joy. Gods I can’t do this.

“You can stay at my apartment if you’d like. I still have some business to get done here but I can meet you back there when I am done.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Cloud agreed, getting the feeling that this should’ve been a bigger deal than either of them were letting on.

“Do you remember the way there?”

“Yup.” He fully intended on taking his bike on a tour around the city before actually heading there.

“I will let the receptionist know you will be there then.”

Cloud nodded and waved. “See you then.”

Sephiroth looked like he wanted to say something else but just waved back and went up the tower. Cloud walked to the parking garage, admired his bike for a second, then got on and sped off down the winding streets of the city. He made sure to drive by the mako reactor, checking to see if it was close enough to any residential areas that an explosion might cause damage. And to no surprise, it wasn’t.

(“No... no way,” Jessie mumbled under her breath defiantly, but there were still the remnants of regret and guilt.

“This couldn’t have been us... could it?” Biggs asked no one in particular, but Wedge responded anyway.

“But what if it was?”

Cloud frowned at the destruction. The fire, the burning, it’s familiar but it’s over. Even if it was actually them or Shinra or whoever, there was nothing they could do about it now.

“What’s done is done.” He locked gazes with Barrett and tried not to let his own guilt seep through the cracks of his already fractured mask of confidence.)

His PHS rang. Cloud pulled over to the side of the road, popped in an earbud to answer, and kept driving.

“Cloud Strife speaking.”

“Hey, where have you been?” Tifa asked.

“Made the delivery but it was to Zack, so I ended up staying longer than expected.”

“Alright then. Will you be back tonight?”

Cloud swallowed a lump in his throat. “No, I’m going to be staying at Sephiroth’s.” The conversation was a painful reminder of something and he felt like he’s letting Tifa down, like he’s running away from his problems when that can’t be because he’s running right towards them. This time... at least. “I’m sorry,” he said to try and quell the gnawing feeling at his heart.

“Dilly dally shilly shally. I don’t know why you’re apologizing for having a life Cloud, I’m not your mom or girlfriend you know.”

“I know I just... feel like I’ve got to say that to you.”

She fell silent for a beat. “Don’t feel bad about things that haven’t happened yet,” she said like she could read his mind, and sometimes he thinks she really might be able to. “I don’t expect anything of you and you don’t owe me anything but making sure that you’re trying your hardest to be happy.”

Cloud breathed out. “I know, thanks. When did you get so wise?”

“I’ve always been. But back to why I called, Vincent’s back.”

“Hm, ok. How long he’s been here?”

“Just a few hours. He stopped by the bar and told me Elfe and Shears are staying at an inn. They’re trying to get in contact with her father and he wanted to know if you have the blueprints to mako reactor 0 or an email from Reeve yet.”

“I’m working on it right now.” Cloud pulled the motorcycle to a stop outside the theater. “Let him know I’ll be at the bar tomorrow.”

“Got it. Oh and one more thing.”

“Yea?”

“Bring me back some sweets?”

Cloud grinned lopsidedly. “For sure.”

“Thanks Cloud. I’ll see you tomorrow then. Have fun.”

“See you, Teef.”

He hung up and checked his messages. One from Zack with a bunch of thumbs up, a few from Aerith (how’d she get his number?), and another from Sephiroth, surprisingly.

Sephiroth: Zack gave me your PHS number.

Of course he did. Cloud kept scrolling.

Sephiroth: I will be there around 11:30

Sephiroth: I apologize in advance for my late arrival

Sephiroth: There is a meeting with the director I must attend.

“Which seat, sir?” The receptionist at the theater asked.

“Whichever is available.”

Me: No biggie, I’m going to a LOVELESS production

Me: Should be done by the time you get out

“That’ll be 2,000 gil.”

Cloud grumbled and coughed up the frankly ridiculous amount of money he had to spend on a ticket. He could buy a hi-potion for cheaper.

Sephiroth: Have fun.

Cloud smiled at his phone and almost bumped into someone as he was typing.

“Sorry I wasn’t-“

“Paying attention?” Genesis scoffed. “Too busy staring at your phone.”

Cloud sighed and put away the PHS. “Good to see you too, Gen.”

“Why are you here, Strife? Didn’t I tell you not to contact me?”

“I can’t see the play?”

Genesis’s face twisted in disgust. “You were never the one who was interested in the arts. That honor always belonged to your mother.”

He beat back the wave of grief that rose in him and firmly told it to stay down. Now was not the time to be sobbing over a tragedy that had happened years ago. “People change.”

“A foolish belief only you still hold.”

The doors opened and they walked to their seats which, by some cruel coincidence, happened to be right next to each other.

“Infinite in-“

“-Mystery is the gift of the goddess,” Cloud finished mindlessly. “Don’t you have any other quotes besides the five you always spout?”

Genesis bristled at the challenge. “Foolish in his desires are those who tempt the power of deities the reign above, wishing to tame fate with their hands alone.”

“Congratulations, you know more than you’re average Joe.” Cloud couldn’t help but smirk when Genesis exhaled between clenched teeth. He opened his playbill and pretended to be engrossed with its contents. “Have you seen this production yet?”

“I have,” Genesis snapped.

“What do you think of the lead actress?”

He quirked an eyebrow. “Jessica Raspberry? She is an excellent actress who has a brilliant command over the text on stage, but could do with less zest when it comes to the more subtle lines.”

Cloud looked at him with surprise. “Wow, you actually know your stuff.”

Genesis rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. “Surprised I’m not a philistine like you?”

“Yea actually. Thought you were just a poser.”

Right then was when Cloud decided riling Genesis up was his second favorite hobby, right behind riding his motorcycle. The lights dimmed and the audience quieted.

“Enjoy the show, Generator.”

LOVELESS actually wasn’t as bad or boring of a play as Cloud thought it’d be. He already knew the plot because of his mom, but it was entertaining to watch. Genesis was reciting the entire play line by line which was grating but Jessie was really great, and she definitely deserved the standing ovation she received at the end. Genesis was moved to tears.

“That was brilliant,” he murmured. “I must meet her.”

“Yeah me too. Do you know how to-“ Cloud stopped when he noticed Genesis had vanished from his side. He spotted his red outfit in the crowd and shoved through to reach him as he made his way towards the backstage.

“...absolutely incredible performance, Miss Raspberry,” Cloud heard as he approached. “You are truly fit for a much larger stage than this.”

“I am aren’t I?” She agreed in that sweet, sly voice Cloud remembered from who knows where or when. “I’m actually due to perform at the Kalm Grand Theatre soon.”

“I might have to follow you there.”

“Miss Raspberry,” Cloud greeted as he approached. “You were great out there.”

Jessie smiled seductively and made a show of looking Cloud up and down. “Thanks a lot, cutie. What’s your name?”

“Cloud, Strife.” He tapped Genesis’s arm. “This is Genesis.”

“It’s great meeting you both, especially you Cloudy skies,” she winked. She reached into her bag and handed them both hastily written over bakery cards with her phone number on it. “For when you come next time, Genesis. And if you ever want a date, Cloudy.” She turned  and skipped away to the rest of the actors who cheered as she approached.

“Interesting woman,” Genesis said  to himself as he put away the card.

“Yea, She’s something else.” He felt his phone buzz in his pocket and realized he’s got to get going. “We should do this again sometime, Gen.”

“I really don’t think I’d want to take you to see a LOVELESS production again.”

“I mean spend time together.” He punched Genesis’s shoulder lightly. “I’ve missed you.”

“And yet you never bothered to let me know you were alive,” Genesis growled.

Despite resolving that he wouldn’t, Cloud got defensive. “You think I just wanted to disappear off the face of the Planet for no reason?”

“And what exactly is that reason?”

“Because my fucking village burnt down and I’m one of two survivors, one of whom is not my mom. Because it definitely wasn’t some faulty gas pipe or rouge bonfire or whatever fucking excuse this god damn company came up with, and because maybe I was only 13 when it happened.” Cloud hissed.

Genesis blinked. “I know...” he started.

Cloud huffed and realized he  fucked up again but he really didn’t care enough to bother. “Whatever, I really don’t care if you’re still mad at me, I’m not doing this so for me anyway. I’ve got shit to do and you being upset is the least of my worries.”

Cloud stomped out of the theater and drove way past the speed limit on his way to Sephiroth’s apartment.

~

Angeal: We’re having dinner tomorrow at 7:00. Do not stand us up.

That us meant Angeal and Genesis. His fingers hovered over the keys for n and o, but he couldn’t say that. Angeal must’ve met Cloud, which meant it was time for them to talk, but Sephiroth was never one for talking, especially not with Genesis. He didn’t want to go, but there was nothing he could say to get out of it.

A sharp jab to his side forced Sephiroth to look up from his phone and refocus on the meeting that Hojo was thankfully missing from. Something to do with a laboratory in another town being tampered with. Lazard frowned, shooting him a reprimanding look, and turned back to Heidegger's rambling speech.

"...which is why SOLDIER should be merged with my department," he finally finished with one of his annoying, triumphant laughs that made Sephiroth want to tear his ears off.

"That was an interesting speech, but SOLDIER will remain as it is for now," Shinra said. Heidegger growled but sat back down. "I have one more thing to add before we conclude this meeting. Now that this war is officially coming to an end, I would like to redirect all military efforts to weeding out this extremist organization that goes by the name of Avalanche.”

The announcement wasn’t unexpected, just a little inconvenient with Cloud’s appearance. He’d have less free time and be out of Midgar on more missions. And if Cloud was only there for a short amount of time…

“Sir, if I may-“ Lazard started but was immediately cut off by the President.

“You may not.”

Lazard looked like he was a second away from snapping his pen in two so Sephiroth spoke up in his place. “Mr. President, is this organization truly such an imposing threat that we must divert most of our operations to them?”

Shinra glared at him in a way that was supposed to be intimidating but few things truly intimidated Sephiroth. “They are not, but any group that challenges my authority must be put to a stop, immediately and ruthlessly. I cannot allow my company to show weakness in the face of… unfounded opposition.”

“But sir,” Lazard interjected after managing to get his voice in check, “would it not be best to use SOLDIER and the military for more public reasons, such as rescue missions or monster cleanups?”

Shinra regarded the director cooly. “SOLDIER is not a task force that was created to handle such menial task. Monsters are not a major issue and if they were, the military would be adequate enough to deal with it.”

That was a blatant lie since the monsters in the slums and around towns outside Midgar seemed to be mutating and growing stronger.

“Your department will handle these terrorists, properly this time, and that is final,” Shinra finished. “That’s all. You’re all dismissed.” Sephiroth made to move but stopped when the president called, “Sephiroth, stay.”

The others left with Lazard shooting him a strange look before he turned. Sephiroth sighed and faced Shinra.

“Yes Sir?”

“You and Rhapsodos were seen fighting in the streets the other day.” He leaned his head on his fist. “You caused quite the ruckus.”

“I apologize for-“

Shinra waved his hand. “I don’t care about the damage you both did nor the public attention. It will be easy enough to spin it in a favorable manner.”

Of course it was. “Thank you, sir.”

The president regarded him for a beat. “Two people were seen putting an end to the battle. Second Class Zack Fair and a blonde wielding a large gun.”

The air grew cold and tension coiled around his shoulders. Shinra didn’t wait for him to respond. The last time Shinra had found out about Cloud he-

“I hope this person has considered joining the SOLDIER program, he’d make quite an interesting candidate.”

“He... has considered it. I believe he came to the city for that very reason.” Cloud never did say why exactly he came to Midgar, but SOLDIER seemed to be the last thing on his very busy mind.

“Very well,” the president said, not at all satisfied with his answer and no doubt already looking into it. “Do not forget you will be accompanying my son and that Turk to Wutai soon. You are dismissed.”

Sephiroth tried not to sprint out of the meeting room and took the elevator down to the lobby without bumping into anyone on the way and speed walked down the relatively empty streets in the direction of his apartment. Posters lined the walls on the buildings he passed, promoting SOLDIER or the newest LOVELESS production. None that he usually paid attention to or cared to look at, the faded weathered colors blending the flyers into the walls they are pasted to.

He was about to round the corner that the complex is by when one caught his eye. It’s more vibrant, newer looking than the others and read ‘Kalm Summer Festival! August 1-21. Come join Kalm residents for weeks of fun!’ Sephiroth took the flyer off the wall and folded it gently into his pocket. A festival. He had no idea what that entailed but it sounded like something that he would enjoy and would be nice to take Cloud to. His birthday was between those dates. Perhaps Sephiroth could take him as a gift.

Maybe Cloud would like that.

“Hey.”

Sephiroth looked up at the sound of Cloud’s greeting as he entered his apartment. The blonde was sitting casually on the couch, an air comfortability about him rather than the righteous one that constantly surrounded Genesis. Why was he souring his thoughts with Genesis anyway?

“Hello. Were you waiting long?”

“Not really, just a few minutes. I kept myself busy anyway.” He held up his glowing PHS. “How’d the meeting go?”

Sephiroth let his shoulders fall and hung up his coat. He considered not telling Cloud about Shinra and remembered the last time he didn’t say anything. “Fine. There will be an increase in missions soon and I am to accompany the Vice President to Wutai for negotiations. And… the President is interested in you.”

“He is?” Cloud asked carefully.

“Yes. Are you,” he paused and bit his lip anxiously, “planning on joining SOLDIER?”

There was a long gap of silence before Cloud spoke. “I’m considering the pros and cons of the program.”

It was a non-answer but Sephiroth wouldn’t press. At least he knew this time. And Sephiroth could protect him this time. He would.

“So the war is coming to an end?” It was a simple question that broke the lull in their conversation but the way he said it had a strange anticipatory dread. Like he was waiting for something bad to happen.

“I should hope so. Did you eat?”

“Not since I was at Zack’s place so no. Wanna order something?”

Sephiroth would much prefer a home-cooked meal, but he was hungry now and desperate to lighten the mood. “Ok.” He watched Cloud make the order and went to his room to undress into something more comfortable. Cloud would probably want to wear something else too, but he didn’t really have anything that’d fit him or he might want to wear. All of Sephiroth’s clothes would be far too big and Cloud would practically be swimming in whatever he gave him. With that thought in mind, Sephiroth grabbed a sweater and shorts with a drawstring and headed back to the living room.

Cloud looked up from a deck of cards he had dragged out of somewhere and smiled so genuinely it made Sephiroth’s heart clench. He quickly swallowed back the urge to sob in his arms, again, and handed him the clothes.

“Oh, thanks.” Cloud started pulling off his leather jacket and turtleneck unashamedly, forcing Sephiroth to hurriedly look away and fight back a blush. He instead redirected his attention to the cards. “Wanna play?”

“I don’t know many games.”

“That’s alright, this one is pretty simple anyway. Here, you can read the box.” Cloud handed him the colorful box the cards were previously in and shuffled the deck clumsily. “The game is called Uno. You basically put down the same color or same number card as the one down and the first one to get to zero cards wins.”

Cloud tried to quickly slide the cards in between one another but they went flying. Sephiroth bit back a smirk and finished reading the instructions. The game seemed easy enough. Cloud handed him seven cards and the game began with a green 1 card. Sephiroth’s deck was really good and judging by the look of distress on Cloud’s face, his hand must not be great.

“Do you want to go first?”

Cloud responded by slapping down a simple green 3 with too much force. “Sure.”

Sephiroth put down a blue 3. “How was your day?”

“Pretty ok I guess.” Cloud played a reverse and then a blue 7. “Hung out with Zack, saw Angeal, went and watched LOVELESS.”

His heart tinged with a biting feeling at the mention of him spending time with Zack but he ignored it and scrunched his nose. “Why’d you see LOVELESS?”

“It’s really not as bad as you think. I mainly went to see the lead actress and she was great so the whole show was better because of it.” He put down a plus 2 and grinned sharply when Sephiroth begrudgingly picked up the extra cards. “I even ran into Genesis.”

Sephiroth’s next play was delayed. “You did?”

Cloud nodded. “Yea. You can imagine how he reacted.”

Sephiroth frowned and looked down distractedly at his cards. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, it’s not your fault he’s an asshole.”

But it is. Or at least, it felt that way. Sephiroth wasn’t sure what exactly he did wrong to be on the end of Genesis’s wrath, but he must be deserving of it. He had to be because he was responsible for so much worse. “You met Angeal as well?” He asked, not wanting to broach the topic of his culpability in Genesis’s behavior. Not today.

Cloud visibly grimaced and drew cards slowly until he could play one. “Uh, yea. I- I didn’t realize that...” he met Sephiroth’s gaze with a somber look in his eyes before turning his head back down. “I want to tell you everything, I really do, but I just- I just can’t. I’m sorry and I know that doesn’t mean shit because you deserve to know and I haven’t exactly been treating you right. But you’re still important to me and that’s why I can’t...”

“It’s ok, there’s nothing to be sorry for, I understand.”

Sephiroth didn’t actually understand, but the declaration of being important made his heart skip a beat and he was desperate to get Cloud to raise his head again and smile, to be rid of the overwhelmingly downtrodden and resigned tone of his voice, the tenseness that ran through his shoulders. Even if it meant he never actually got the answers he wanted, needed, even if it meant the smoldering anger he’d tried so hard to put out only grew a little brighter every time he set eyes upon Cloud. He’d be fine, they’d be fine. Sephiroth would get over it eventually, whether Cloud told him what happened or not. He would be fine.

Cloud’s features pinched together. “It’s not ok. I-“ he must’ve read something in Sephiroth’s posture that made him refrain from pushing things further. “Your turn.”

Sephiroth put down a plus-4 and changed the color to red, but Cloud quickly countered with a plus-2.

“That’s not legal,” Sephiroth claimed, picking up the box and examining it closely.

“It was in the Strife house and Tifa plays that way.”

“I need hard evidence it’s allowed.”

“Fine then search it up.”

And Sephiroth did, only to find that it is not a legal move. Cloud refused to accept the outcome and continued to argue his case.

“Literally every person I know plays this way!”

Sephiroth waved both the phone and box in front of him. “The official rules say it’s not allowed.”

“Who gives a fuck about the rules!?” Cloud shouted, throwing his hands in the air. “Rules are meant to be broken!”

Sephiroth rolled his eyes. “You're just upset because you’re going to lose if this illegal move of yours doesn’t work.”

“I won’t lose!”

“Then don’t use the move.”

“Hell no, it’s allowed and I’m using it!”

“It’s definitely not.”

Cloud narrowed his eyes. “I will fight you if you say it’s illegal.”

Sephiroth finally smirked and set down his cards to the side, carefully flipped over. “I’d like to see you try to win.”

“You’re gonna regret that.”

Cloud literally pounced at him like some sort of agitated house cat and wrestled him off the sofa onto the floor. He was surprisingly light, but he was nimble enough that Sephiroth couldn’t get a solid hold on him for a good amount of time. Hand to hand was never his preferred method of combat, that was always Angeal’s thing.

“Just tap out!” Cloud huffed after he thought he had Sephiroth in a headlock.

“Why when you are not even close to defeating me?” In one swift move, Sephiroth pried himself free of Cloud’s grasp, flipped them both over, and ended up pinning the blonde down by his hands on his back. He grinned smugly down at him. “Looks like I win.”

“Fuck you,” Cloud snapped without any heat. He scowled but his eyes shone with mirth and something Sephiroth hoped he’s not just imagining.

Sephiroth tightened his grip on Cloud’s wrists. “Give up.”

“I don’t think I will.”

“You won’t gain anything from being stubborn. I was victorious in both the rules and this battle.”

Cloud smiled defiantly and it was mesmerizing to witness. “Doesn’t mean shit. I won’t give up. Ever.”

His breaths that were briefly heavy from the unexpected exertion were starting to even out, his chest rising and falling beneath Sephiroth, lips parted.

Sephiroth let go and shifted back, shaking his head and hoping he’s not blushing. Cloud pushed himself into a sitting position while grumbling lightly about ‘not actually losing’. He stopped after a moment and stared at Sephiroth, a small smile creeping onto his face.

“Did you take a shower?”

“N-no. Did you?” Sephiroth tried not to seem too anxious when he spoke but it was all up to the gods now as to whether or not he came off as desperate.

“Yea,” Cloud bit his lip, a strangely troubled look flitting across his features, and checked his phone, their game having been abandoned. “Food’ll be here soon if you want to go shower in the meantime.”

Sephiroth nodded jerkily and got up. “I-I think I will.”

He felt Cloud’s gaze on his back as he went to the bathroom and put the shower on its coldest setting. He was boiling alive and needed an excuse to get away from Cloud, even if he wanted him to stay by his side forever as his. He stepped in the shower and winced at the freezing water hitting his face. This was stupid, he was being stupid getting so worked up over Cloud. Sephiroth closed his eyes and composed himself. Tried to. After just standing thoughtlessly in the shower for a few minutes, he got out and redressed to eat dinner. Cloud waved at him as he entered the living room where boxes of Wutain takeout were sitting on the coffee table and the tv was on.

“I didn’t start without you, if that’s what you were thinking,” Cloud said, passing him a pair of chopsticks. “Wanna watch a movie?”

No, because that would make his self-imposed dilemma even worse. “Yes, but I don’t exactly have many we can see.”

“That’s alright, I’m sure we can find a shitty film to pass the time,” Cloud said with a grin and while Sephiroth really just wanted to talk and shake information out of Cloud, he supposed it was fine if it made Cloud happy.

After only 30 minutes, Cloud fell asleep against Sephiroth’s side. He sighed and turned off the tv, his eyes immediately adjusting to the darkness. It was almost 2 am and the city was still bright, as it always was. He glanced down at Cloud, back at the light coming in from the window and decided it was too bright. And not comfortable enough. He picked up the blonde and carried him to his room, setting him down on the same bed they’d slept in together the night before. Sephiroth almost flushed at that thought. He was socially inept but not completely stupid, he knew what sleeping together usually meant. Then he proceeded to break down in Cloud’s arms over Cloud’s mother and then invite him over again the next day for… a sleepover? That was what Angeal called it whenever Sephiroth and Genesis stayed over. Without him, of course. Always without him.

Besides Cloud’s evenly placed breaths that occasionally hitched or quickened, the room is silent. Sephiroth listened to him closely, hoping it wouldn’t be the last time he heard it but not really knowing if it was. He still didn’t know what happened last time, how he was even alive and he wanted answers, desperately. At the same time, he didn’t want to know. Because he already had a hint of an idea as to what Cloud would tell him if he asked and he wasn’t sure if he really wanted that to be confirmed. If it was, then Genesis was right, and he really was-

“Hey,” Cloud whispered, his hand gently touching Sephiroth’s arm. “You’re still up?”

Sephiroth swallowed and nodded before he realized Cloud couldn’t see him. “Yes, you fell asleep watching the movie.”

Cloud snorted sleepily. “It was shit anyway.”

“I agree.” It was terrible, but he enjoyed watching Cloud’s eyes light up with amusement and the lowbrow jokes.

Silence lapsed for a beat. “Are you going to sleep soon?”

“Yes.”

Cloud hummed dreamily and fell silent for so long Sephiroth thought he’d fallen asleep again. “Will you... be here in the morning?”

I should ask you that question. It was a bitter thought that stung more than he was willing to admit. “Probably not. I’m sorry.”

Cloud let out a breath. “Then... stay here... tonight. Please.”

Sephiroth glanced over his shoulder at Cloud, not really understanding what he had asked. “What do you mean?”

No response came, Cloud was asleep. He rubbed his face tiredly and thought back to the message Angeal had sent. It wasn’t an invitation but a request, or a demand. There was no turning it down or avoiding it this time. Sephiroth crawled onto his side and watched Cloud for a moment before closing his eyes. 

Aerith was used to having nightmares or strange visions. Dreams of deformed monsters spawning from a corrupted Lifestream, a man twisting and willingly transforming himself into an abomination, a headless figure with a chilling smile. It was normal, and she’d grown used to them. What she wasn’t used to was lucid dreaming, or waking up in a green field under a bright blue sky. One she’d never seen and got lost looking up at.

“Wow,” she whispered to herself. “What a dream.”

“Miss Gainsborough?”

Aerith whipped her head around to the new voice. “Sephiroth!”

The General looked just as dumbfounded as she felt, which didn’t really make sense for a dream version of him to be confused. Unless, of course, if wasn’t a dream, which considering who she was and who she knows he is, it probably isn’t.

“Um, hello?” He tried, stepping closer to her in his full leather outfit. Aerith looked at herself and saw she was wearing her usual pink dress and jacket.

“Hmm.” She did a twirl to test out the physics. Normal. “This is weird.”

“I suppose it would be,” Sephiroth responded.

Aerith raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been here before.” He didn’t need to respond for her to get her answer. He didn’t even need to react. It was almost like she was talking to the flowers, where she could feel their response. A feeling of nostalgia and longing hit her like a truck and almost made Aerith want to cry. She blinked back the tears. “That’s good.”

“Good?” His green eyes were hot with what she could feel was suspicion and anger, but not directed at her.

“Yes, it’s good. This place is...” she tapped her toe into the dirt, thinking of how she should phrase it. “It’s somewhere you can be sure you’re safe.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

Aerith shook her head and sat on the ground. The grass felt nice on her legs, soft like her flowers but she didn’t have to worry about trampling it. It wasn’t hard to hear it, to get lost in its endless cadence of soft, melodic beating. The gentle hum of its pulse beneath her fingertips. “The Planet will keep you safe here.” Even if it doesn’t want to.

It was silent for a bit, Aerith focused on the grass and Sephiroth just standing at a distance. Eventually, she heard him quietly walk over and sit an arms length away at her side.

“Safe from what?” He asked.

That was a tricky question. Being here in the heart of the Planet was a double edged sword. It kept him safe from Jenova, the Planet itself, Hojo, Shinra, himself, but it also put everything at risk. It was a gamble Aerith was pleased to make, but was still surprising. But she still wasn’t sure how to answer it without giving away to much.

“From people who want to hurt you,” she eventually settled on.

Sephiroth scoffed. “I’m not sure there’s anyone who is capable of such a feat.”

“Well aren’t you humble?” She grinned when he frowned. “Anyway, What do you usually do when you’re here? There’s not much around...”

Sephiroth looked at his feet. “Are others able to come here?” He asked instead of answering.

“Um, in theory no. This place can only be accessed by people like us, and there aren’t many of us around.”

“Us?”

“Uh...” How could she phrase Cetra and son of the Calamity who’s at risk of losing his mind in a roundabout way? “People with a special connection to the Planet.” Nailed it! “Someone’s been here with you before, haven’t they?”

He didn’t respond, choosing to glare at the ground instead. It wasn’t hard to guess who though. There were only two other people as connected to the Planet as she was, and Vincent didn’t really seem like the type of person who Gaia would call to aid Sephiroth.

“It makes sense now!” She exclaimed, dragging Sephiroth’s gaze back to her. “Why you’re so close with Cloud.”

Sephiroth narrowed his eyes. “He has a connection as well?”

In more ways than you think. “Yea, I guess he does. Almost as much as me.” And way more than you.

“Is there anyway to access these dreams more regularly?” There was a hint of desperation in his voice but nothing in his expression.

“I don’t think so. I’m not even sure how I ended up here, but it might just be whenever and whoever the Planet thinks needs to be protected. It’s easier to do when you’re asleep because that’s when your the most vulnerable.” Aerith winced at her phrasing. It could’ve had a lot more finesse.

“So it’s a fluke,” he stated blankly.

“Not a fluke, more like luck? But it’s like really good luck, what’s that word?…”

Sephiroth didn’t seem to care, falling back into the silence that she wasn’t sure was comfortable or not. Aerith fiddled with her dress. She really was not cut out for this. Sephiroth was hard to read and her Cetra abilities were only really useful for getting an earful of the Planet’s screams about the harbinger of death, the one winged angel which really didn’t make any sense since he didn’t have a wing. And her visions or feelings of the future were too vague and disjointed to make sense of.

Aerith fell back onto the grass and stared at the bright blue sky she’d only seen a few times a week when she sold her flowers on the plate. It was gorgeous, so deep and vast that it made her stomach twist itself in knots. It was terrifying and reminded her of the familiar comfort of Zack’s eyes, flecked with violet and green. She smiled.

“Do you like anyone?” She asked suddenly, feeling the heat of his gaze fall on her.

“I tolerate many people.”

“No I mean, do you like anyone? In a romantic way.”

She turned her head to see him, his eyebrows scrunching in confusion and thought. It was kind of funny to see.

“I… don’t know.”

“Don’t know if you like anyone or what it’s like to like someone?”

“…I don’t know.”

Aerith giggled and sat up, scooching closer despite every cell of her body telling her not to to stay far far away. “Is there anyone that you want to around more than anyone else and when your close to them you feel,” she closed her eyes and imagined Zack’s voice sounding throughout the empty church, “your heart is fuller than it’s ever been before?”

Sephiroth’s eyes widened as if she’d just revealed the deepest secrets of the universe. “Yes,” he breathed and the image of the aloof, cold General fell away, leaving just Sephiroth behind.

“And who is it?” Aerith prodded, nudging her elbow against his arm. She may not understand how to save the world and change the future, but she was definitely an expert when it came to relationships. At least compared to him, she was. 

Sephiroth bit his lip nervously. “It’s-“

He stopped just as awareness came over Aerith and presumably, him as well. She could hear the shuffling of feet and opening and closing of doors. She must be waking up. She looked back up at the sky and smiled at the blue above.

“Remember to come to the church, alright? Like I said, the flowers are waiting for you.”

Sephiroth sighed and though it sounded exhausted and confused, it was hopeful.

“I will. Goodbye Miss Gainsborough.”

She looked at him and pouted. “Just call me Aerith!”

Chapter Text

Sephiroth was gone by the time Cloud woke up, which was at 6:30 am, meaning the general had woken up at an ungodly hour for work. Cloud changed out of the oversized clothes reluctantly, burying his face in the fabric for a concerning amount of time, imagining Sephiroth wearing them, recognizing the faint smell of vanilla and lavender on it that always lingered wherever Sephiroth walked, probably from his shampoo. Once Cloud realized he had been sniffing Sephiroth’s clothes for well over 10 minutes, he folded them sloppily, got dressed, and raced out of the apartment while ignoring the blush that was definitely not on his face.

He checked his email, still no response. A few messages from Tifa checking on him, way too many from Zack with random thoughts and an invitation to dinner, one from Sephiroth explaining why he was gone and apologizing profusely, and one from Kunsel. Curious, Cloud opened the latter one first while he walked out of the apartment building.

Kunsel: SOLDIER’s got a new Avalanche-focused initiative going on. Be careful.

Cloud frowned at the message.

Me: who said I’m Avalanche?

Kunsel: No one, all I said was be careful ;)

Kunsel: Oh what’s this about a potential bombing of reactor one?? Sounds dangerous

Cloud rolled his eyes and shoved his phone into his pocket, ignoring the buzzing from text messages. He walked into the bakery he’d searched up the day before which was thankfully opened at that time, right by the theater. The woman behind the counter still looked to be setting up but she greeted him with a friendly smile and a cheery welcome that was a bit too energetic for that early in the morning. Maybe she had a coffee. He blanched at the thought of drinking something so bitter willingly. Cloud browsed their selection of baked goods and decided on a dozen cupcakes of various flavors, but mostly chocolate. Tifa liked those, and if he gave her the majority he could have a few vanillas to himself. Cloud sighed at the thought of eating one and the bell above the door rang, interrupting his delicious daydream.

“Well, I didn’t expect to see you so soon!” Jessie exclaimed as she skipped to his side. “Good morning... Cloud was it?”

“That’s right.“ What luck. “You got another production coming up?”

Jessie hummed and tilted her head, her ponytail swaying behind her. “Always got one. I’ve got rehearsals in a bit, but figured I could stop by and pick up a snack before.” Her gaze fell on him and her eyelashes fluttered. “But it looks like I’ll end up with more than just a treat.”

Cloud turned away, made sure his face was neutral and that the blush creeping up his neck stayed firmly below the collar of his jacket. He asked the lady behind the counter for a coffee while Jessie ordered a croissant sandwich and a few tarts.

“Are you going to be coming to our next play?” She asked him as she accepted the sandwich and tucked the pastries away into her bag.

“Probably not. Tickets are a bit too expensive for me.”

She pouted. “That’s too bad, I’d really love to see you again sometime.”

“I’m free most days if I don’t have a delivery.” Something tickled the back of his mind, a promise that was never fulfilled. He took a sip of his coffee and immediately recoiled at the taste. “I’m free whenever if you want to go out for pizza or something.”

“Oh, that’s an awesome idea! How about pizza at my place? My mom makes the best and you can bring a friend or two if you want.”

Cloud blinked at her in feigned shock for a moment, not surprised that she invited him over so soon, considering her personality. He kind of felt bad for using Vincent’s ‘not manipulation, Turk tactics’ on her, but it gets him to the blueprints faster. “Probably just one.”

Jessie flashed him a charming smile. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll text you. See you around?”

“Yea.”

He waved at her as she spun out of the bakery. He took another sip of his coffee, almost gagged, and walked back to the parking garage his precious bike was sitting in with the box of cupcakes in one hand and his phone in the other.

Kunsel: I’m not sure if you know this but Professor Hojo has been holed up in one of his labs

Kunsel: There have also been a few internal reports on a certain blonde guy roaming the slums

Me: how’d you even find out they're looking into me?

Kunsel: I’ve got my ways. I’ll let you know if anything happens.

Cloud realized he should probably be far more worried that Kunsel knew about him being in Avalanche, but he had the feeling he could trust the Second. And the information he gave was enticing, to say the least. Hojo being anywhere for too long was never a good thing; Cloud needed to find out which lab he was at and why. Soon. He sent Tifa a message saying he’d be on his way which she immediately responded to with a thumbs up. He got on his bike and drove back down to the slums, parking behind Seventh Heaven and walking up the steps with his cold coffee and the sweets. Tifa was already waiting behind the bar, her head tucked into her folded arms. She looked up and blinked at him blearily before smiling softly.

“Welcome back.”

“It’s good to be back.” He put the box on the counter and opened it to show her. “Chocolate, vanilla, and marble. Don’t eat them all.”

Tifa’s smile grew. “Cloud you're the best, thank you!”

He sat across from her and they ate their cupcakes for breakfast in companionable silence. Cloud took another sip of his cold coffee and hissed at the taste.

“Gods this is gross,” Cloud mumbled but that doesn’t stop him from trying to drink it again and yup, it’s still shit.

“Then why’d you buy it?”

“'Cause,” Cloud said without intending on finishing his sentence.

“You are literally just throwing money away.”

Cloud just grunted and pushed the cup aside. He grabbed another cupcake and sighed at the taste. So good.

“How’d your date go?”

Cloud almost choked on his cupcake. “D-date? It wasn't a date Tifa, we were just... hanging out.”

Tifa stared at him bored. “Don’t even try to deny it. You can’t say sleeping over at Sephiroth’s house two nights in a row and going to dinner with him isn’t, at the very least, a date.”

“I-it’s... not?” He offered lamely.

“Cloud if I didn’t know any better, I’d think the two of you were already in a relationship. And you know what?” She took a bite to make her next point even more dramatic. “I don’t know any better.”

Cloud fiddled with the wrapping of the pastry. Sephiroth’s stare lingering on Cloud, the way his fingers twitched whenever they were close, the fact that they slept together in the same bed in two consecutive nights. But he couldn’t, they couldn’t. It was too dangerous to be around each other. He saw the way Sephiroth’s face twisted every time he mentioned Zack or Tifa, the way his stare sharpened if he mentioned anything he did in the last four years.

But it wasn’t right for Cloud to think of it like that either. Of course, Sephiroth would be possessive, of course, he’d be afraid every time someone new grew closer with Cloud. They were friends or... they were friends, at least, and Cloud didn’t want to lose anyone close to him again. And he knew Sephiroth didn’t either. Cloud rubbed his eyes tiredly. This was not what he needed to be focusing on.

“Even if I- he wanted to, I wouldn’t do that. Not now.”

Tifa gave him a small frown. “You’re allowed to be happy, Cloud. I know you’ve got a lot on your plate, but you need to focus on stuff like this too.”

Cloud sighed. “Yea, you're right.” So right it hurts to think about because he knew why he wouldn’t and it was completely his fault. Cloud had vanished for so long and even if he was back he really couldn’t be there for Sephiroth for very long. It wasn’t right of him to feel- to let Sephiroth feel any way about him outside of friendship if he’d be gone before he could even say-

“Where’s Vincent?” Cloud asked instead of continuing that train of thought. Another issue for another day. Still didn’t stop it from stinging.

“Right here,” Vincent said appearing out of literally thin air and almost making Cloud knock over his abandoned coffee. Tifa wasn’t successful in maintaining her composure and dropped her cupcake.

“Holy crap Vincent,” Tifa huffed as she bent over to clean up the mess. “Can you not do that so early in the morning?”

“It’s not that early.”

“It’s before 8, so it’s early.”

Vincent blinked for longer than what would be normal and addressed Cloud. “We are meeting with Veld on the upper plate at 15 minutes after two.”

Cloud stared. “Today?”

“Yes.”

“And why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”

Vincent glanced at Tifa with what Cloud would say was anxiety but it’s Vincent so it’s probably not. “Tifa said you were on a date. I didn’t want to interrupt with the news.”

“It wasn’t a-“ Cloud cut himself off by rubbing his temples. “Ok fine, maybe it was a date, but this is far more important than my feelings.”

“I think I’d disagree with that,” Tifa said. “If your feelings keep Sephiroth from falling to the dark side, then they're way more important than meeting with Veld.”

Cloud can’t really disagree or refute that, so he changed the topic of conversation. “And you're sure Veld won’t bring Shinra or anything?”

Vincent shrugged. “As far as he’s concerned it’s family business. All he knows is someone has very... enticing information on his daughter who has been reported dead for several years.”

Sounds familiar. “Does he know you're going?”

“I suppose it’ll be a surprise.”

“Fine, Tifa and I will stalk your lunch date then, Turk style.” He slid the box closer to Tifa who’s eyes shown in delight as he basically gave her permission to eat them all. Not the most nutritious breakfast but whatever, they were good. “I’ve got a call to make, I’ll be back down in a bit.”

Cloud walked up the stairs to the room he shared with Tifa, flopped back on the bed, and stared at the ceiling. Gods, he missed this view. Not that he didn’t appreciate the view of Sephiroth gazing- looming over him. Cloud shook his head. Can’t get attached again. Things are happening, falling into place and once they fully do the last place Sephiroth needs to be is by Cloud’s side. The only place he needs to be is...

Where? The General didn’t exactly have many places to go and if Cloud left him, there would be no one in between him and Jenova. And Cloud has been planning to do just that, just disappearing into the night after betraying him, lying to him. Not lying, just ‘withholding certain truths’, as Vincent had said. But that wasn’t too far from what Hojo-

(Sephiroth paced back and forth back and forth, research journal firmly in one hand while the other flipped through wildly. But his face was oddly blank. Zac- Cloud watched with growing concern. They’d only come to deal with the dragon and the reactor, not... whatever this was.

The sound of feet hitting wood stopped abruptly. Za- Cloud’s attention snapped to Sephiroth, standing in the hallway connecting the... laboratory to the office. His head tilted up towards the roof, asking to the stars hidden by layers of wood and cement and mako.

“My mother’s name is Jenova... Jenova project... is this just a coincidence?”

Something about that was wrong, that it couldn't be true because it just wasn’t. But Z- Cloud held his tongue because what was he going to say? A gut feeling didn’t hold much weight to whatever Sephiroth was reading, but that gut feeling only intensified when he caught a glimpse of the General’s eyes tighten to what looked like slits for a split second. When no answer came from the heavens, Sephiroth let his head drop, face hidden behind hair as he stared at the ground.

“Professor Gast... why didn’t you tell me anything?.... why did you die?”)

A knock on the door accompanied by a soft 'hey' ended the memory and soothed the headache and heartache that came with it. Cloud found Tifa standing at the doorway.

“Bad?”

He closed his eyes. “Not good.”

Her soft footsteps grew closer and eventually retreated after she gently tapped his shoulder.

“I’m downstairs.”

When he knew she was gone, he opened his eyes again, feeling far more exhausted than he had since the disastrous dinner date. She’d left a cupcake for him on the nightstand. He downed it quickly, letting the sugar drive away the bitter memory and regrets that didn’t belong to him anymore like Tifa always reminded him when he always forgot. He’d do better this time, and that started with forcing fucking Tuesti to actually respond.

Cloud peeked inside the delivery box and found a small slip of paper tucked inside. He pulled it out, realizing it was just a quick note Kunsel had written in scrap paper that he’d knew Cloud was nosy enough to find. A number was scribbled on it with a quick smiley face and thumbs up. Cloud dialed and hoped it wasn’t the President’s personal cell. Or Rufus’s. Or Tseng’s. He shivered at that thought.

“Director Tuesti of-“

“Hello, I’m Cloud of Heavenly Delivery,” he interrupted because he really did not want to hear Reeve announce his title and was more than relieved it was actually Reeve and not someone else.

“Uh, yes hello how can I help you?” Reeve asked in that awkward way Cloud remembered. Or, partially remembered.

“I have a delivery for you from Second Class Kunsel. A small box of what I believe is electronics?”

“Oh yes! When is the soonest you’ll be able to deliver?”

“Um, In a week or so, I believe. Is there anywhere, in particular, you’d like it dropped off?”

“My office. I should be in, but I’ll phone the receptionist just in case.”

Cloud pulled his fist back in silent celebration. “Sounds good, I’ll call you the day before.”

“Alright thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

Cloud hung up and made a mental note to buy Kunsel a dozen cupcakes next time for making his life 100 times easier.

~

Plate patrol was as boring as it’s always been. It’s just wandering empty streets during work hours when the most interesting thing happening is the occasional stray cat or dog padding close enough to get pet for a few minutes. Zack loved dogs way more than the average person, but that didn’t make the assignment any less brain-numbing than it already was. At least he’s got Kunsel with him, the man volunteered to join him this time— bless his kind soul. Zack stretched, and the sound of his spine cracking rang through the air.

Kunsel glanced up from his phone in horror. “Dude, what the fuck?”

“I’m just stretching Kun.”

“Yea but you sound like someone snapped your back over their knee. Do you, like, not stretch in the mornings or something?”

Zack rolled his eyes. “I do, I just got creaky bones, man. Oh, do you want to come to dinner with me tonight? Angeal’s treat.”

Kunsel glared at him. “We were supposed to finally finish going over your application for First Class, remember?”

Zack messed with his hair wishing he could put that off again but then Kunsel really would kill him. “Yea yea I do, I’ll have to ask someone to go for me then.”

Kunsel blew a raspberry and went back to looking at his phone as he’d been doing almost obsessively all morning. Zack tried to restrain his curiosity but he really couldn’t help himself.

“Who’ve you been talking to?”

“Cloud,” Kunsel says casually and looked up. Zack smirked and wiggled his eyebrows in a suggestive manner that made Kunsel roll his eyes.

“You two... ya know,” Zack winked and nudged playfully with his elbow until the other laughed and shoved him away.

“Sadly no. Pretty sure he’s into the General, but I’m helping him out with something.”

Cloud and Sephiroth, yea that seemed reasonable. The way stole looks at each other during dinner and Cloud’s reaction to getting his phone number were enough clues for him, even if it wasn’t much. “What are you helping him with?”

“Sending him troop routines and rotations around the tower, finding information on Hojo, hopefully taking down Shinra,” Kunsel said like he’s telling the time.

Zack stared at him and opened his mouth when his phone rang. He fumbled around in his pocket until he felt it and answered.

“Hello~?”

“Zack.”

Kunsel poked his arm and raised an eyebrow. Zack mouthed 'Tseng' and went back to the phone.

“Oh hey Tseng, what’s up?”

The Turk sighed on the other end. “Did you forget we were meeting for lunch.” It’s a statement, not a question because yeah, he forgot.

“Oh, uh yeah no- I mean maybe but I’ll definitely be there by…”

“2 pm. Hurry and don’t be late.” Tseng ended the call abruptly. Zack checked the time and saw it was already 1:54.

“Shit.” He quickly put the address of the restaurant into the maps and saw it’d take 10 minutes to get there on foot. “Shit, Kun I’ve gotta go.”

“You’re gonna be late,” Kunsel responded, not even hiding that he’d been eavesdropping.

“You know I won’t,” Zack grinned.

Kunsel huffed. “Just don’t run into anyone, please.”

He held up two fingers in a v. “Peace.”

Zack ran at what felt like the speed of sound, and he knew he’s definitely breaking all sorts of records on his mad dash to get to his destination on time. The streets were empty before but they were starting to fill up as more people left their jobs for lunch. But he somehow managed to avoid crashing into anyone or breaking any bones as he ran. Zack made it to the restaurant at 1:59 and intercepted Tseng before he entered.

“I... made it... in.... time,” he huffed between pants.

Tseng gave him an unimpressed look. “And you almost killed yourself in the process.”

Zack waved his hand and took a deep breath to stand up straight. “Whatever, let’s sit, I’m starving.”

They were soon seated and Zack read through the entire menu three times and drank 5 glasses of water before Tseng was ready to speak.

“You are seeing Miss Gainsborough often.”

“Ah, so he speaks!” Zack waited futilely for a response of amusement but was met with a frown. He sighed. “Yeah I do, we're kinda dating.”

“And yet you’ve been seen with other people on multiple occasions.”

Zack narrowed his eyes. What’s that supposed to mean? “I’m not cheating on her.”

“And I’m not her father. I would be... displeased if you were anything less than faithful,” Tseng’s tone dipped into something threatening that put Zack on edge, “but I’m speaking of the blonde man.”

“Oh, you mean Cl-“ he stopped himself. ‘Half-truths and doublespeak’ is what Kunsel always said to do when being interrogated by a Turk. Zack wasn’t exactly skilled at either of those, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. “Spikey, yeah no were just friends. But what about him?”

Tseng just watched him as their appetizers were brought out. Cheese sticks and tomato sauce. Zack ate almost the entire plate on his own and ordered two more.

“You gonna eat any or...”

“Are you aware of Miss Gainsborough’s unique traits?” Tseng asked, picking up a cheese stick with as much grace as humanely possible. It made him look like royalty.

That could mean a lot of things and he doesn’t want to put Aerith in danger. He could be talking about how incredibly kind and amazing she is, or that thing she occasionally brought up where she talks to her flowers and the Planet, whatever that means. “She’s got a lotta unique traits, Mr. T, I’m not sure I know which one you're talking about.”

Tseng’s eyebrow twitched at the nickname. “She has never known a sky beside the steel one that hangs over the slums. It’s a rather grim sight after a while.”

Zack tilted his head a little in confusion and watched a smartly dressed man with a long black ponytail and a short, stoic girl walk into the restaurant and sit down. He chewed on another cheese stick. “I’ve never heard her complain about it.”

“Have you ever asked how she feels?”

“Of course! I’m not a bad boyfriend or...” she’d never seemed to mind living in the slums, she even liked it. I mean, her whole life is there, why wouldn’t she like it? Zack chewed on his lip and watched the couple from before being approached by a man with brown hair and all parties stiffen. “Does she want to leave?”

“Hm. While I can’t do anything to stop her if she does, it is my duty to watch over her.” Tseng’s eyes sharpened slightly and followed Zack’s line of sight to their side and closely watched the party of three for a moment but turned his full attention to Zack (though he knows that’s not the case: the strangers are still lingering in his mind and Zack knows he’s watching them just as closely as he’s watching him).

“Then...” Zack furrowed his eyebrows and thought, “I’d guess she’d like to see the sky. I’d want to be by her side when she sees it.”

Tseng nodded. “The General has asked for time off next week.”

”Sephiroth?! He never asks for a break!”

“He says he has matters outside of Midgar to attend to.” Tseng put down his half-eaten cheese stick and stood, straightening his suit. “You’ll most likely have an increase in filing to do.”

Zack groaned. “Ugh, I hate reports. Can’t you help me out, T?”

Tseng’s face twisted oddly. “I already have. Goodbye Zack, don’t be late for the next meeting.”

“Alright, bye.”

Zack ate his appetizer and watched Tseng walk away while the waitress finally brought out his burger. Super weird conversation, but it’ll make sense later. Probably. Hopefully. Zack pulled out his PHS in between bites and shot Angeal a message asking where Sephiroth was going next week. He also asked Cloud just in case, since he’d probably know too. Zack smirked at the thought of the two dating. They’d be cute together. The ding of a phone that’s not his caught Zack’s attention and he looked back at the three. The girl’s face was contorted in anger while the men were the very image of stony. Well, one of the men, he could only see the back of the brunette. He chewed suspiciously on his burger and definitely did not listen in to their conversation.

“... really working for that fucking bastard?!” The girl hissed sharply, betrayal thick in her voice.

“I’m sorry but-“

“I knew this was a mistake. Let’s go.” She yanked on Ponytail’s arm, but he stayed still, staring at the other man.

“If he finds out either of us is alive, he will stop at nothing to get us back.” Ponytail’s tone was low and sent a shiver down Zack’s spine. He took another bite of his burger and scanned the restaurant, thinking he saw blonde spikes sitting in the corner but it’s just a girl with the prettiest red eyes he’s ever seen. Kind of reminded him of that girl at the bar.

“He won’t find out,” the brunette finally responded and Zack swore he’s heard his voice before in the background of Tseng’s phone calls. “Acquiring and planting the materials in the eight locations won’t be an issue either. I can have it done by that date. But it's impossible to keep this under wraps if I'm going to make it happen.”

“I understand, you won’t need to either.”

The girl scowled. “All you’ve ever cared about is that fucking company. Maybe I should’ve stayed dead.”

“Felicia-“

The girl turned around and marched out without even a glance back. Ponytail looked down at his lap. “I’ll ensure her safety.”

“...please.”

The conversation lapsed into silence for so long Zack was sure it was over. Until brunette spoke again.

“It’s good to know you aren’t dead anymore.”

Really fucking weird turn of the conversation but Zack was not uninterested.

“That was not the case for... a while.”

“Hm... the scientists too?” The brunette’s tone was slightly strained, weighty.

“...”

“Hm.” That hum said a lot more than Zack thought a hum could ever say. “I visited Lu before...” there was a pregnant pause. “She- She wasn’t at her best.”

“I know.” And for the first time in the entire conversation, Ponytail sounded more than blank.

Brunette’s head bobbed. “Take care of that kid, your partner. He isn’t the most discreet and my colleague is interested in him.”

“I’m well aware.”

“I’ll help as much as I can but-“

“I understand,” Ponytail repeated and stood to leave. “We’ll meet again.”

“We will.”

Zack’s burger went cold by the time the conversation he’d been spying on was over. He focused down at his plate and felt something turn in his stomach that curved his appetite. He’s gotta see Aerith soon.

~

Sephiroth started getting ready at 6:00. He really doesn’t need that much time to prepare, he’s not Genesis who will literally spend hours prepping himself for something as simple as going to the grocery store, but he’s also not Angeal. It usually only took him 15 minutes to be fully ready, but whether it was nerves or something else, he spent nearly 40 minutes preparing for the dinner that evening. Until Angeal sent him another text.

Angeal: Change of plans. Go to this address in Wall Market.

Sephiroth bit back a groan of frustration and slung his trench coat over his shoulder as he walked out of his apartment. He hated going to the slums, especially since everyone was constantly staring at him like he was an object or deadly monster instead of... maybe Genesis has a point in his degrading observations. He decided to take a taxi down to the slums rather than the train. The spiraling train of thoughts he was already sliding down could continue later when he wasn't being ogled at and dodging whatever probing questions Angeal and Genesis would have.

This would not be fun. Exhaustion was already creeping into his form, making Sephiroth run a hand down his face to try and beat it away. He was far from a great example of social interaction and probably the antithesis of being emotionally intelligent or aware enough to have a ‘talk’ like Angeal insisted on having. The closer he got to his destination, a rather nice bar for being in the slums, the more his urge to jump out of the car and run away grew. The taxi came to a stop and Sephiroth exited.

Deep breaths in and out to calm his heart. He opened and closed his fist in tandem with his heartbeat. He could do this. He was ready.

“Are you just going to stand there or are you going to enter?” Genesis snapped from somewhere to Sephiroth’s side.

So much for his calming exercises. He didn’t rise to the provocation and walked inside, spotting Angeal already seated at a table with a drink in hand, a downturned expression that made Sephiroth’s heartache sitting on his face. Genesis brushed right past him, sitting next to Angeal. Sephiroth took the last empty seat across from them and really wished he had an excuse not to have come.

“Are you guys hungry?” Angeal asked, swishing his drink around casually. “I didn’t order anything in case you were.”

“I just want a drink,” Genesis said tiredly, flicking through the options.

“How was your day, Seph?”

Sephiroth traced the patterns of the wood of the table with his eyes. “Fine. Nothing of note happened.”

Genesis snorted. “When does anything of note happen around the Tower?”

“That’s kind of the point you know,” Angeal pointed out. “Nothing is supposed to be happening, at least not anything like out on the field. If it were, then it wouldn’t be Shinra Tower.”

Genesis hummed and waved over the waitress. “I’ll take a Cosmo Canyon.”

She turned to Sephiroth and tapped waited. “I’ll take the same,” he said quickly, not really interested in drinking.

“You really ordered that drink?” Angeal asked Genesis.

“It’s the best thing on the menu. I’m sorry but I wasn’t the one who chose to go to a fucking slum bar for dinner. How did you get the idea anyway?”

Angeal shrugged and sipped his drink. “Zack said it was nice.”

Sephiroth listened to their casual banter lighten his previously damp mood. It felt... normal, like how they used to be way before. It was pleasant and it threatened to spark something warm in his chest that Sephiroth quickly blew cold. Not yet, they hadn’t talked yet, and when that happened everything would fall apart again and they’d both leave him this time, not just Genesis. No need to get his hopes up only to have them crushed.

“Sephiroth?” Angeal’s call dragged him back into the conversation. The red drink was sitting in front of him on the table. It looked good.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t listening.”

“Right,” Genesis said simply, like nothing else needed to be said. And just like that, the tension returned.

Angeal glared at the redhead. “I was asking how you were.”

“I’m fine.” His default response. Always fine, always ok, always stoic and neutral and unreacted just as he was taught and trained. Why would he be otherwise?

“And have you spoken to Cloud?”

That’s none of your concern sat unsaid on the tip of his tongue. But that wasn’t right, so he instead said, “yes.”

“Are you going to elaborate or is this going to turn into pulling teeth?” Genesis set his drink down rather forcefully. “Can you give more than a one-word response?”

Sephiroth grit his teeth. “No.”

“Ok ok, let’s calm down before-“

“I wonder how you even managed to hold a conversation with your beloved Cloud if you can’t with us,” Genesis interrupted, stopping Angeal’s futile attempts at peacekeeping. “But I guess you're a perfect match for each other. He refuses to talk and you can’t. So you can both sit in miserable silence together.”

“At least our every conversation doesn’t devolve into another petty argument over nothing.” Sephiroth didn’t appreciate the way Genesis continued to target Cloud. It was beginning to grate on his already frayed patience.

“They are not arguments over nothing, you are either too stupid or too blind to understand why I’m upset.”

Sephiroth leaned back in his seat to collect himself before he could say something he might regret.

“I'm sure Sephiroth understands why you're upset,” Angeal stated firmly.

Genesis scoffed. “How would you know what he does and doesn’t understand?”

“Because I feel the same, Genesis, that’s how,” Angeal hissed so harshly enough to make Genesis recoil. “We all feel the same. You are not the only person capable of being angry.”

“It seems like it sometimes.”

“Because you're too caught up in your own fucking world to see otherwise!” Angeal slammed his hand down on the table, ignoring the looks they were getting. “You don’t care about anyone but yourself and constantly trivialize everyone else’s feelings and then wonder why everyone is apparently out to ruin you!”

“That’s completely hypocritical coming from you.”

“It is?! How when I’m the only person who’s willing to endure your stupid tantrums over nothing?!”

“Because you only care about him!” Genesis shouted, jabbing a finger in Sephiroth’s direction. “It’s always ‘Sephiroth this, Sephiroth that’ like he’s a fucking child who can’t make his own goddess damn decisions! You constantly coddle and make excuses for him when he can obviously speak for himself.”

Angeal’s face darkened. “I’m only trying to resolve whatever issue you two have so we can go back to how things were.”

“Then let us resolve it and stay the fuck away!”

“Well, you sure aren’t making an effort to do it now.”

“Because he won’t talk!”

“I’ve already shown I’m more than willing to converse with you,” Sephiroth interjected. Their argument was escalating into something that really didn’t involve him and he was more than uncomfortable to listen to.

“Oh right, with your one-word, non-answers.” Genesis rolled his eyes and sat back. “Then tell me why you seemed incapable of doing this for the past four years whenever I asked, but the moment Angeal does you bend to his will?”

“He is actually willing to talk things out. And Angeal has never attacked me with the intent to kill in an elevator.”

“You were the one who tried to crush my head with your fist.”

“I assumed you could take the hit, considering you are supposed to be my rival,” Sephiroth smirked despite himself. He really shouldn’t be poking a sleeping dragon, but it gave him a cold sense of satisfaction to see Genesis twist himself into knots to try and retort.

‘Pathetic humans’ , she cackled.

“I wouldn’t have to attack you if you had responded to me prior.”

Sephiroth stirred his drink around mechanically, barely registering the motion as his own. The static that was always there grew louder until it was hard to hear anything besides Her voice, trickling into his mind and Her words falling out of his mouth.

“Have you ever considered that maybe you are not worthy of my attention? That all you are to me is a screaming brat who doesn’t know when he’s lost or an insignificant creature I hardly even bother to glance at when passing by?” Sephiroth watched through a haze as Genesis and Angeal’s mouths hung open in shock. He felt a ripple of joy that didn’t belong to him at the sight. “Perhaps Angeal has always been more worthy of me than you will ever be.”

The static left him just as quickly as it had possessed his mind, leaving him with the aftermath of what he had just spouted. Sephiroth tried to maintain his composure but knew he was slipping, knew the dumbfounded look the other two had on their faces was being mirrored on his own, but his was laced with terror at whatever She has made him say. He set down his drink with a shaky hand and slowly stood.

“I- I think I’ll leave.”

He left without glancing backward and didn’t hear them calling out to him like he expected them to. Wanted them to. Wished they would. His chest hurt so much it felt like his heart might fail him at any moment. He gripped his trench coat and yanked it over his chest as he walked down the brightly lit streets, clutching his hand close to try and keep whatever pieces of himself left together.

It was hard to force the images of Angeal’s disappointed, resigned stare, Genesis’s utterly crushed expression. It was impossibly difficult, but Sephiroth had always made the impossible possible before. He could do it now. He tried to do it. But it wasn’t working.

Nothing was working now, everything was falling apart and for that the first time in his life Sephiroth didn’t know what to do. If they had any sense they'd be gone, Genesis and Angeal and Cloud and Zack and Aerith. It wasn’t him, it wasn’t him and he could spend the rest of his days saying that but it wouldn’t matter because they’d be gone anyway. It was a miracle any one of them managed to last this long around him without leaving in disgust or being relieved Sephiroth was finally out of their lives. Because he wasn’t worth whatever he made them suffer through just so he could scrape together even a modicum of what he hoped, what he prayed was happiness.

And for a while, he thought he’d had it. With his friends in Wutai, with Cloud in Nibelheim, and even after he’d lost it he was given the hope he could get it back again. It was at his fingertips, practically begging him to make it his. But all Sephiroth was good for was...

Was what? Not breathing if the blurriness and burning sensation in his lungs was anything to go by. 

Hojo sneered down at him. ‘A perfect specimen wouldn’t need anyone.’

But Sephiroth needed them, needed someone if only to stop him from passing out on the street. It felt that way, at least. But he needed to be perfect so they’d stay, and even if he were, if he thought he was, they always always left and he didn’t know if he could take it anymore-

‘Then don’t.’

A pair of inhuman glowing red eyes opened from the smooth cement wall in front of him. And then another pair opened, and another, until the entire wall was covered in eyes twitching and blinking and tracking Sephiroth’s every move until he couldn’t stop himself from trembling. He begged his legs to move, to run, to do anything but stay frozen but they wouldn’t listen to him. The eyes blinked and spread to the ground, closer and closer to his feet.

’Deny them, my son. Embrace me.’

He slammed his eyes shut and counted up and down from three, shouting over the static until it was gone, or low enough that he couldn’t hear before blindly moving forward, eyes unopened in an attempt to will away whatever nightmare this was. It had to be because if it wasn’t, if it were real, then he couldn’t-

Nausea rolled over him and he doubled over, hoping he wouldn’t ruin his hair. Somehow, he managed to avoid doing that and heaved onto the pavement in a short alleyway. A hand rubbed his back soothingly and the other held back his hair until he was done.

“Th-thank you,” Sephiroth breathed, hoping whoever it was would stay.

“I’m rude, not cruel,” Genesis of all people said.

Sephiroth whipped his head around to meet the other’s unreadable face. “Y-you’re here.”

“Obviously.”

“Why?”

Genesis rolled his eyes and let Sephiroth’s hair go to help him into a more comfortable position leaning back against the wall. “Because you’re throwing up in an alley on the slums.”

“No, why did you come after me? After...” what he said but didn’t mean to, would never even dream of speaking or even thinking. It didn’t matter if he wanted to say those things or not. He’d said them and that was it. He deserved whatever punishment Genesis would inflict, he deserved to be left behind again. Even if the very thought of that forced him to hide his shaking hands in his trench coat.

“Because I know you Sephiroth,” Genesis said quietly. “And I know that wasn’t you.”

Sephiroth clenched his fists. “And if it was?”

Genesis glared at him. “Then I’d beat you up and then drag your ass to a therapist because what you said was fucked up but said a lot more about you than me.” He grabbed Sephiroth’s hand and eased his palms open, ignoring how unsteady they were. “But I wouldn’t abandon you, no matter how hard you push me away.”

Sephiroth felt his eyes stinging and looked at the dirty pavement. “Thank you, Genesis.” He would’ve apologized but he had the feeling that would’ve only gotten him the ire of the redhead.

“My soul, corrupted by vengeance hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey,” Genesis sighed. “Let’s go back, Angeal was pretty worried when you bolted and I chased after you.”

The thought of going back was far more enticing than before, especially when he was sitting in a dirty alleyway where She could appear again. But...

“Can we... stay a moment?”

Genesis regarded him for a moment. “... ok.” He sat by Sephiroth’s side on the ground.

Wall Market was bright and lively, considering the night was still young and it was Friday, it was reasonable that it was. The lights still hurt his eyes, but it was just a light headache rather than the skull-crushing pain and fear from before. The bustling and sound of voices from the street were surprisingly calming and a soothing wave of sound compared to the grating screeching of Her voice earlier. Genesis broke the lull in the conversation though.

“Are you going to explain what happened or am I just going to be left guessing that you were possessed by some transcendental entity?”

That was scarily close to the truth. “I... don’t know.” And the fact that he didn’t was more frightening than whatever happened. The emotion must have shown on his face because Genesis changed topics.

“You know we never did talk about your issues.”

“I don’t have any.”

“Do you know that you are a terrible liar?” That was obviously not true. If it were, he’d still be in the labs. Hojo would’ve never let him leave if he were honest. “Have you gotten anything out of Cloud yet?”

“No,” Sephiroth admitted, biting his cheek to keep himself in check. There was no need to get upset again, even if it felt like his emotions were entirely out of his control. “But I’m sure he will tell us soon.”

“You’re sure about a lot of things, but Cloud is not the same as he was before.”

The redhead’s face twisted into a pained grimace that was out of place for him. Sephiroth was used to anger or indignation from his friend, not guilt or regret. That was reserved for him, which he’d keep buried deep down and never let it see the light of day.

“I trust he’ll tell us.”

Genesis shook his head. “I don’t.” The weight of his gaze never left Sephiroth’s face. “And I’m not sure if you should either.”

“Are you calling him a liar?” Sephiroth asked dangerously. He could feel Her unfurling again from wherever she slithered away to.

“I’m saying he isn’t open with us when he has no reason to be. I... I understand that certain circumstances kept him from contacting us, but I don’t know why things are still that way if they have to reason to be. Why can’t he just confide in us? In you, at least. Why does he act like the entire fucking world is mounted on his shoulders alone when all he has to do is ask?!” Genesis’s tone gradually rose with every word until he was once again fuming, but this time at Cloud. That didn’t make it any better than before. If anything, it only served to stoke Sephiroth’s anger.

“He doesn’t need to tell you anything if he doesn’t want to,” Sephiroth said as evenly as humanly possible. And he doesn’t need to tell me either, he thought acidly before casting it out of his mind. Silence stretched for a period until Genesis spoke again.

“You know you can be angry, right?”

“...”

“Ugh ok, I’m not saying you don’t get angry, obviously. I’ve been on the receiving end of that far too many times to say otherwise.”

“Then what are you saying?”

The tap of his fingers on his coat distracted him for a beat. “That you’re allowed to express that anger and... let people know how you feel. You don’t always have to seem so,” he gestured vaguely to his face, “indifferent, bored, apathetic.”

“I already did express my emotions earlier at the bar.” And look how that turned out.

Genesis threw his arms in the air in frustration. “You know that’s not what I mean when it wasn’t even you! I mean you don’t have to be so passive all the time, especially when you’re with Cloud.”

Bitter jealousy and possessiveness curled in his chest, scratching against his ribs. “What does that have to do with Cloud?”

“Everything really. I haven’t seen the two of you together outside of... that one time, but I could already see you just crumbling under his words. Maybe not outright, but you hardly protested anything he said and...” The sentence stopped when he caught sight of Sephiroth out of the corner of his eye. He huffed. “Never mind.”

It was a sentiment Sephiroth wasn’t sure he agreed with. He’d always found it easier to just... stay silent whenever something he didn’t like was happening. As long as he and others who were close to him were unharmed, he didn’t really care. Silence has always meant less pain in the past and fewer problems in the present; he didn’t see why that wouldn't apply to the future. And he’d already seen the result of ‘speaking his mind’, even if the words weren’t his own. The thoughts must’ve been, had to have been, because they couldn’t have sprung from nowhere. He shook his head and pushed himself to his feet. With his head clearing, the stench of the alley was becoming clearer.

“Let’s go back.”

Genesis got to his feet in a swift motion and the two walked side by side back to the bar. It felt good to be on not hostile terms with him, even if not everything was completely resolved. Sephiroth had patience though. He was willing to wait for that. When they walked in, Angeal was sitting at the counter, smiling and laughing loudly at a joke the man wearing red he was talking to had said. Angeal slapped a hand heartily on his back and turned around to greet the two that had entered with a flushed smile.

“Hey, look who’s back! You guys done killing each other?”

Genesis cocked his head. “Sure. Are you... drunk?”

Angeal scoffed and waved his hand nonchalantly. “Course not Gen, you know SOLDIERs can’t get drunk off shit like this.”

Because their systems heal before the alcohol can take effect. Only specially made alcohol worked, and yet Angeal’s cheeks were pink and his eyes were covered with a gleeful haze that many of the other patrons had.

“Ok,” Genesis said carefully before turning his attention to the man who hadn’t moved. “And who’s this?”

“Oh, this guy? Guess who, I’ll give you a second...” it was literally a second, “Alright, it’s Vincent.”

Vincent sighed and didn’t turn around. Not that Sephiroth blamed him.

“Vincent!?” Genesis balked, stomping to the man’s side to peer at his face. “You’re alive too?!”

“Sadly,” Vincent said, taking a long sip of his drink.

“Haha Vinny, you’re hilarious!” Angeal laughed and ordered another drink. His behavior while drunk was oddly reminiscent of Zack. Sephiroth didn’t know what to do with that information.

“Where have you been?” Genesis asked, ignoring Angeal.

Vincent put down his drink. “Rocket Town, Wutai, Kalm, Mideel, Banora, what remains of Nibelheim, Icicle-“

“Ok ok, I get it. Why are you here?”

“Both Zack and Cloud could not make it, the latter asked me to attend in his place.”

Genesis frowned. “They were invited?”

“Zack was, then Cloud by Zack. To ‘keep the balance’,” Vincent responded with air quotes in his gruff voice.

Genesis rolled his eyes and went to help Angeal to his feet. Vincent turned his attention to Sephiroth but didn’t say anything to start a conversation. Not that he needed to.

“Will you take me to see my mother?” Sephiroth felt Her did her claws into his back at the mention of another mother. He hid the grimace as best as he could but Vincent seemed to read through it easily.

“Yes.”

It was a one-word response, far less than anything Cloud or Genesis or Angeal would’ve given, but it still made Sephiroth’s heart clench painfully and choked him so words refused to come out. The feeling was far more painful than anything She had done that night, but he couldn’t help but smile and nod in response that someone had actually given him a concrete answer. For once.

“We’re leaving now Sephiroth,” Genesis announced as the two stumbled to his side.

“Gen, this- this dude’s cramping your style,” Angeal stuttered.

Genesis sighed in exasperation and scanned Vincent. “How?”

“The red, th- the cape coat thing. Uh, he uh, he’s tall...”

“It is good to see you are all... mostly well,” Vincent finished, eyeing Angeal oddly.

“Hmph, just don’t disappear next time,” Genesis said.

Vincent stared.

Genesis rolled his eyes and half stumbled out of the restaurant with Angeal still babbling at his side.

“I don’t suppose you will be lingering around here.” Sephiroth wasn’t going to ask his burning questions. Vincent was a man of even fewer words than himself, if he asked something like ‘what are you doing here’ the only response he’d get would be silence or something cryptic he didn't have the energy to decipher.

Vincent shrugged. “Aerith’s church is open to all who seek aid. You all should visit soon.”

And he still got a cryptic answer in response. Sephiroth sighed. “Goodbye then.”

Vincent titled his head down and returned to focusing solely on his drink. Sephiroth watched him for a moment before leaving the bar to follow after Angeal and Genesis, glad he wasn’t leaving as he came.

Chapter Text

The constant dings from his phone at 2 am woke Cloud up. He forced himself to roll over and grab it from the nightstand before Tifa got up and flung it out of the window. The first few messages were from Vincent, who’d somehow gotten his number.

Vinny: All defices are in place

Vinny: devices

Vinny: Devices

Me: Great, tell Veld thanks next time you see him.

He slapped the phone down and waited for it to buzz again.

Vinny: I will.

Such a dry texter. At least the bombs were in place. Now he could get some actual sleep-

His phone continued to make noise.

Seph: Good morning

Seph: I apologize for texting you so late

Seph: I assume you must be asleep

Cloud rubbed his eyes and blinked a few times against the light of the screen.

Me: not anymore.

Me: what’s up?

Seph: Will you be available next Wednesday?

His birthday? Cloud wasn’t really planning anything anyway.

Me: Probably

Seph: would you like to join me on a trip

Seph: to Kalm

Me: sure, sounds cool

Seph: please meet me at my apartment

Seph: by 8 am

Seph: I will have transport arranged

Cloud sighed and buried his face in the pillows again for a few seconds before his phone buzzed again. Tifa groaned in her sleep.

Seph: I look forward to seeing you.

Cloud breathed out something close to a sleepy chuckle.

Me: same here.

~

Aerith watched Sephiroth pace nervously in front of her, though the confidence in his stride would have her think he was completely fine. He wasn’t usually this easy to read, but she wasn’t about to complain or interrupt in his anxious rant.

“Perhaps he wouldn’t be comfortable taking a helicopter, maybe I should rent a truck, but I don’t know how to drive...”

Aerith hummed. “I think you’re overthinking this.”

“I disagree, I do not think I have planned this out enough.”

“Sephiroth, come sit down.”

He shook his head. “I’d prefer to stand.”

She sighed. He was going to burn a hole in the imaginary ground if he kept pacing. “Please?”

His hands were shaking as he wrung them out, a nervous tick she didn’t know he even had. One she was certain he didn’t have, along with constantly glancing at her like he was trying to reassure himself she was still there. Something’s not right.

“Seph, are you ok?” She asked carefully.

“I’m...” he stopped and pushed back his hair.

He took one look at her and caved, sitting across from her with rigid posture. Aerith’s unanswered question from last time had a  pretty obvious answer now. But she couldn’t tell if his panic was over the date or something else.

“Ok, let’s talk through the plan again. Slowly this time.”

Sephiroth breathed in. “I have already invited him out, though he doesn’t know where this coming Wednesday. We will take a helicopter ride courtesy of Cissnei to Kalm where a festival is being held. And then... I do not know.” He dragged a hand down his face again. “And that is the issue.”

“I don’t see what’s wrong with your plan, it sounded pretty good to me.”

“I don’t know what to do once we get there. I have not looked over the activities or food or even asked Cloud if he has any potentially fatal allergies that I must-“

“Ok,” Aerith held up a hand to stop him. “You're definitely overthinking it now. Not everything has to be planned to a tee. Sometimes you’ve just got to be... spontaneous.”

He stared at her like she just said she was summoning Meteor, which shouldn’t have been a funny thought but she couldn’t help but laugh.

“I know you’re used to having everything laid out before you execute it, but Cloud-“

“I never said it was Cloud,” Sephiroth countered defensively, slightly petulant.

“Fine then, your mystery boy I’m sure would be fine with having a bit of surprise. Especially since it’s his birthday.”

Sephiroth slumped over a little. “I just… need it to be perfect. I don’t want to push him away again.”

Aerith’s heart clenched. She put a gentle hand on his shoulder. “It doesn’t have to be, whatever you do he’ll appreciate it. I’m certain. No relationship is perfect and that’s how it’s supposed to be. If it were, it’d be boring.”

Sephiroth didn’t brighten at her words, but he didn’t turn away either. Aerith tapped her chin, trying to think of how to be more reassuring besides just saying go with the flow. As much as she’d like to tell him that again, Sephiroth was not that type of person, even if Cloud was. But maybe Cloud would like something Sephiroth could plan.

“You know, Cloud- I mean your mystery boy might like flowers. I know someone who visited my church and knew the ones I had planted.”

Sephiroth did perk up at that. She grinned.

“I can give you a bouquet before you two leave. And Zack sent me flowers from Kalm once that were very beautiful. I can get the florist’s location and name for you.”

“Please,” he said with more emotion than she’d ever heard from him before. He sounded so young when he spoke she could feel her smile widening in response. But it immediately fell from her face when he spoke again.

“Do you... ever see Her?”

“Her?”

“Ah, the um...” Sephiroth's body stilled, “the Planet, through your connection.”

Dread stabbed through her chest. Aerith bit the inside of her cheek hard enough to draw blood and thoroughly ignored the instinct to get away from Sephiroth. “What does she look like to you?”

His face dropped as if it had any emotion showcased on it in the first place. “I wouldn’t know. I simply wanted to know what exactly this connection entails.”

A lie, not blatant but easy enough to pick out when she had the Planet on her side. But he’d already shut down, she wouldn’t be getting anything else from him unless she wanted to run the risk of pushing him away, which was not what he needed. So Aerith plastered her best, most charming smile onto her face, hoped it didn’t look too strained, and waved her hand casually.

“I get it. Honestly, it was kind of confusing to me at first too, but I think you’ll understand it as time goes on. And who knows, maybe we can do it together.”

It was a simple proposal she could already hear the Planet screaming at her for making but it was hers to make. She just hoped it’d do her some good and she wasn’t dealing with a lost cause.

“Oh, and maybe you’ll finally visit my church!”

Sephiroth nodded and the corners of his lips twitched in what she hoped would become a smile.

~

Zack wasn’t sure what he was expecting when Aerith called him at 6 in the morning on a Wednesday, but it was definitely not a request to accompany Sephiroth to her church in exactly 15 minutes. Zack had spoken to him a few times, like that disastrous dinner date— which thinking of it, he really needed to return that knife to the restaurant but gods damn it, it was a best knife! But they weren’t exactly besties. Not yet at least. Regardless, he couldn’t turn down a request from his girl, so he shot Angeal a quick message not really explaining anything except that he’d be late because of Sephiroth and headed out of his apartment to the lobby area where the General was already waiting, fully dressed in... dress clothes?

“Good morning, Fair,” he said dryly.

Zack gave him a short salute. “Morning sir. Um, Aerith told me you were heading down to her church?” When did they get so close anyway?

“Yes. I have arranged to pick up a bouquet of flowers.”

Zack nodded as he and Sephiroth made their way to the train station. That made sense. But when did they exchange numbers? Did they exchange numbers?

“So...” Zack began, suddenly grown shy as they took seats. “What brings you to the slums?”

“Vacation days.”

Ok, that explained absolutely nothing. “You’re taking a vacation in the slums?”

Sephiroth glared sharply at him. So no joking allowed. Zack made sure to make a mental note of that.

“Tseng said you were heading out of Midgar.”

“He did.”

“I was thinking about taking Aerith somewhere too. I don’t think she’s ever been out of the city.”

“...”

“Do you have any recommendations?”

More silence. This was turning into Zack vs a brick wall. But he didn’t give up, it wasn’t in his nature to do so. So he kept pushing as they exited the train and made their way to the church.

“How’d dinner go the other night?”

Sephiroth glanced at him from the corner of his eye. “You know.”

All of his questions sounded like statements, making Zack more anxious than he really needed to be.

“Uh, yea. Angeal asked me to come as a mediator, I guess, but I had to fill out some forms for a First Class promotion I’m aiming for soon so I couldn’t make it.”

It might’ve just been Zack’s imagination, but he could’ve sworn he saw Sephiroth’s expression soften slightly.

“Your presence would’ve been welcomed but... it was ultimately unnecessary, though not completely so,” he answered in his usual stilted manner, with a hint of gratefulness. “Someone else attended in your steed.”

“Oh really? Who? Was it Cloud?”

“How is your mentor?” Sephiroth asked instead of answering Zack’s very pressing question.

“Um he’s alright I think. You know, now that I think about it...” he hadn’t gotten a message from Angeal yet and it was already way past the time he normally woke up. Zack pulled out his PHS and checked his messages, spotting one from Genesis saying he had a free day. Zack didn’t exactly trust the validity of that granting of permission but if he was getting duped, he’d take the redhead down with him and rat him out to Angeal.

“Zack?”

“Sorry, I think Sis is with Angeal right now, so he should be fine.”

Sephiroth’s face screwed up in a way Zack never thought it could. “Sis?”

Zack bit back a laugh. That was supposed to be a secret but... “Yea like Gene-sis. So Sis.”

Sephiroth nodded sagely and murmured the word to himself as the doors to the church came into view. Zack pushed open the doors, announcing themselves to the seemingly empty building.

“I’m back!”

Just as he said it, Aerith’s head popped out from one of the backrooms, a sleepy but still sunny smile on her face.

“Hello~!” She sang out as she moved to meet them halfway, hands hidden behind her back. “Good morning Zack! Seph!”

Zack pecked her cheek with a kiss. “Morning. What’s up?”

She turned to Sephiroth with a mischievous look in her eyes. “I’ve already got it ready Sir General!”

Sephiroth, who was in a strange kind of trance, sighed. “If I am to call you Aerith, then please just call me Sephiroth.”

She giggled. “Alright then Seph, here ya go.”

She moved her hands from behind her back and produced a beautiful bouquet of various colored flowers. Zack was prepared to fight Sephiroth to the death of he rejected his girl’s flowers when Sephiroth smiled (he can smile?!) into his bouquet, looking a lot like a lovestruck teenager and not the expressionless Demon of Wutai he’s known.

“Thank you, Aerith. He’ll love it.”

Zack glanced between them multiple times. Aerith smiled knowingly.

“He will. Now get out of here and go pick up your date. Tell him to head to my house so you guys can get picked up.”

“But I already arranged-“

Aerith waved her hand and started shoving Sephiroth towards the door. “I’ll have Zack tell her and Cloud knows the way, don’t worry about it! Now skedaddle!”

She closed the door behind him and grinned devilishly at Zack’s absolutely lost expression.

“What the hell just...” Zack scratched his head. “What?”

Aerith giggled. “Tell Cissnei to pick them up by my house. You know in that empty area.”

“Ok but... Cloud And Seph?” Aerith nodded and Zack hummed sagely. “Yea ok, makes sense.”

~

Aerith’s church was... what he had always thought it’d be. It was an embodiment of her, the girl’s very essence extracted and given a tangible form in that building. It was as if she took a piece of herself— empathetic and warm and healing— and put it out there for all to see, for all to appreciate. And when Sephiroth was there, the world seemed to quiet.

She hadn’t been as loud as She’d been last week but the moment he stepped foot in the church, all the static and distant murmurs and constant frustration and confusion was completely washed away, not faded into background noise like it did when he was focused, or almost silent when he was with Cloud. It was gone, completely. He could’ve stayed there forever.

But then Aerith had shoved the frankly beautiful bouquet of flowers into his hands and shoved him out the door. And so it was back, and almost less bearable than before because he’d never gotten a true break, true peace until that moment and once he had experienced it he never wanted to let it go again.

He did though because he had flowers and it was Wednesday and he was going to see Cloud. He wasn’t going to lose track of where he was or where he was going or who he was and this date would go perfectly and She would not-

Sephiroth stood motionless in front of the church. It would go well, and after they got back, maybe he and Cloud could visit the church together. With that in mind, Sephiroth took out his phone and started navigating.

It took far longer than expected to get to Cloud’s residency which Zack had vaguely referred to as Seventh Heaven in one of their text exchanges. Mostly because Sephiroth had no clue where to go, considering he had to cross a collapsed section of the plate and ask many frightened and star-struck people for directions that they were too nervous to give. But instead of feeling himself calm the closer he got, his anxiety built until the book he’d tucked into his shirt earlier weighed a ton. It reached a boiling point when he knocked on the door to the bar.

“We’re closed! Come back in a few hours!” A feminine voice called from inside. Sephiroth tried to muster up the courage to speak but it fell flat. So he knocked again.

“Ugh, just- give me a minute!” A minute passed and the door opened, a more mature version of the Tifa Lockhart Sephiroth remembered from years ago standing, gaping at him from inside. “Oh, uh, hi.”

Sephiroth let out a few embarrassing sounds that were supposed to be words before he actually managed speech. “H-hello.”

The awkwardness of just standing in silence was the most unbearable situation Sephiroth had ever been in, and considering he’d been forced to perform the lead role of LOVELESS along with Genesis and Angeal to a live audience, it was quite the feat to be labeled as such. He clutched the bouquet closer to his chest hoping it would whisper some trick to get out of this... not conversation, but the flowers sadly remained silent.

“Um,” Tifa finally uttered, shifting from foot to foot, “I think... uh, I’ll go check on Cloud, I guess.”

Sephiroth just nodded.

“Do you... want to wait inside?”

Sephiroth nodded again.

Tifa stepped out of the way. “Please come in.”

Sephiroth nodded a third time before he realized that he should probably walk inside. His feet moved mechanically, dragging him into the empty, dark bar.

“I’ll uh be a second.” Tifa eyed him for a split second too long and bounded up the stairs. Sephiroth glanced around the room. It was... a bar. There wasn’t much more to say about it. Except that he was living with Tifa...

“Seph!”

Cloud practically leaped down, much to Sephiroth’s dismay, landing with a slight wince that he was trying to hide and quickly changed to a grin.

“I didn’t know you’d be picking me up.”

Sephiroth thrust the bouquet into Cloud’s hands. “Happy birthday,” he said instead of saying ‘good morning’ or ‘yes cloud there was a change of plans', like a normal person.

Luckily, Cloud was more pleasantly surprised than repulsed by Sephiroth’s attempts at conversation. He took the flowers reverently, eyes widening and shinning, even in the dim lighting.

“Dahlia and tulips,” Cloud breathed past his sweet smile that was even more beautiful than the flowers themselves. Sappy, Genesis would’ve scoffed before reciting a fitting line from his play. “Thank you.”

“I’m glad you like them.”

“You know I love flowers,” Cloud called over his shoulder as he went behind the counter to fill a vase with water. He placed the bouquet into the container and set it on the counter. “Tifa! I’m leaving!”

“Have fun!” The girl called from somewhere upstairs.

Cloud set the vase in a room behind the bar and made his way to Sephiroth’s side. “To the tower?”

“No, Aerith said by her house.”

Cloud’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Aerith said?” Sephiroth opened the door and the two made their way back to Sector 5. “I didn’t know you two were close.”

“It’s a recent development.”

“Huh,” Cloud didn’t look... displeased, the emotion on his face too complicated for Sephiroth to pick apart. “That’s good.”

He looked at the blonde but didn’t question his comment. They followed the path to Aerith’s house, stopping just before they arrived there and turning to a wide opened area where Cissnei had parked the helicopter. She waved at them from the cockpit.

“Wow, I didn’t know we’d be riding in this,” Cloud said nervously.

“Are you afraid of heights?”

“Uh no, I just get a little,” he made a gesture that was apparently supposed to mean something but it was too vague and sweeping to have any significance. He sighed and slumped over slightly. “I get motion sick.”

“Will you be alright?”

“I’ve been through worse. Let’s just get this ride over with.”

The helicopter ride looked torturous for Cloud, whose face turned a sickly shade of green. He kept his eyes and mouth closed the entire time, probably keeping his nausea from becoming overwhelming through sheer willpower. Sephiroth couldn’t help but feel guilty for subjecting him to this and counted down the minutes of their 5-hour ride until they reached their destination. They landed a little outside Kalm and Cloud practically stumbled out of the vehicle onto solid ground. Sephiroth quickly thanked Cissnei and went to check on him.

“Are you ok?”

Cloud panted with his hands on the ground before picking himself up unsteadily. “Much better, that’s for sure.”

Sephiroth clenched his fist. This was already going just as well as their first outing and it hadn’t even begun. No wonder Cloud didn’t want him around. “I’m sorry.”

Sephiroth met Cloud’s easy gaze. “Don’t be, I’m excited to see what you’ve got planned.”

He swallowed his guilt and nodded. “Let’s go.”

~

Kalm was beautiful. Cloud was there only a few weeks ago before he and Tifa left for Midgar so he wasn’t expecting any big changes, but the entire place was covered in elaborate, colorful decorations for some sort of festival he didn’t even know existed. Calming, vibrant music played, the streets were lined with stalls and vendors, and lights were strung up from the buildings. People were packed onto the streets, the early afternoon sun beaming down on them.

“What festival is this?” He asked as they slowly meandered through the streets.

“A summer festival. The flyer did not specify beyond that.”

Cloud stopped by a string of fallen lights to inspect the detailing of the paper shades closer. They had elaborate symbols and scenes delicately cut into them and would probably show up better at night. “This is so cool.”

“Would you like to eat?”

“Hell yea.” He’d skipped breakfast and was starving for something that wasn’t cupcakes. “What do they got?”

A lot, apparently. Potatoes coated in cheese and seasoning, fried everything, fish even though Kalm was not a seaside town, meats, different types of fruits. There were so many options it was almost overwhelming, and it was for Sephiroth. Cloud settled on a plate of potatoes and a hot juice mixture of different fruits.

“It’s tea,” Sephiroth said as the two took seats at one of the foldout tables in the square.

“No it’s hot juice, it said it on the sign.”

“It’s tea in concept and everything but name.” Sephiroth peered over the rim of the cup into the liquid and nodded, satisfied with his assessment.

Cloud rolled his eyes and munched on some potatoes. Gods they were so good. “It’s not and can't be because I fucking hate tea and this shit is awesome.”

“It is. It’s a hot drink made by infusing the essence or flavor of fruits and leaves into a mixture to be consumed.”

“Ok but it’s juice. And it tastes good, tea never tastes good.”

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow. “Tea is an excellent choice of beverage.”

Cloud rolled his eyes. “Alright, Mr. High Society, you and every other 50-year-old like it.”

“Genesis enjoys it.”

“He doesn’t count.”

“Angeal, Lazard, Director Tues-“

“Fine! You win!” Cloud exclaimed. He crossed his arms across his chest and made a pointed effort to look anywhere but at Sephiroth’s smug face, the silver of his hair glittering like strings of silk in the sunlight, bright green eyes like jewels-

He slapped a hand over his face. No no no, he’s not allowed to fall in- whatever with Sephiroth, it’s not right for him too. Even though the man is like a statue, cut from perfect marble, features so fucking symmetrical it’s terrifying how perfect he looks. But no, Cloud is very much not in love or falling in love or anything. He proved this point by pointedly not staring into his eyes and getting lost in them, catching sight of a game booth.

He grabbed Sephiroth’s hand (not to just feel it in his, only to grab his attention). “Let’s go check that out.”

He didn’t wait for a response, dragging the other man out of his seat over to the booth. Cloud tossed a few gil to the clerk running the game and picked up one of the plastic revolvers.

“It’s a shooting game?” Sephiroth asked, turning the fake gun in his hand carefully.

“Yup, just shoot as many of the targets as possible and you win one of those,” he pointed to the giant plushies hanging on the roof of the booth. At Sephiroth’s slightly unsure expression, Cloud grinned and said, “not too good with a gun, are you?”

“Most high ranking SOLDIERs train with swords rather than firearms. Except for Genesis. Are you?”

Cloud shrugged. “I like to think I’m decent.”

The buzzer rang for the game to start and it was over far too quickly. Sephiroth was admittedly not very good at handling the fake gun, but his precision was impeccable. Cloud kept up, easily taking out his targets in seconds without struggling. He’d have to thank Vincent for that.

Sephiroth looked up at the plushies. “Which one did we win?”

"Whichever we want.” Cloud tried to seem nonchalant about it, but he really wanted the chocobo one. It was so cute. He instead crossed his arms and feigned indifference in a way that felt eerily familiar as Sephiroth scanned the selection in front of the nervous clerk.

“That one,” he finally settled, choosing-

“The Chocobo!” Cloud almost beamed before getting his exuberance under control. “Good choice.”

Sephiroth hummed as he cradled it in his arms, looking ridiculous. “I know. Would you like to visit the gift shop?”

Cloud glared. “I’m not a tourist, I’ve been here plenty of times.”

That might’ve been the wrong thing to say because Sephiroth’s face tightened minutely. Right, four years missing with no answer as to why because Cloud was a shitty person.

“I know.”

They admittedly spent a lot longer in the gift shop than he expected. He decided to buy a souvenir for Tifa and maybe something for Zack, a snow globe and a new materia bracer with a ridiculous, cactar design. Sephiroth bought nothing, which wasn’t too surprising.

“I thought you’d already been here.”

Cloud pulled his hoard of goods closer to his chest, feeling like a Nibel dragon. “Doesn’t mean I can’t buy shit.”

They spent most of the afternoon wandering around the shops, Cloud making various stops in the general and materia stores, poking around for better materia and Phoenix Downs he really doesn’t need but still has the itching desire to buy. One glance at Sephiroth causally perusing their selection reminded him that he was being paranoid for no reason. Old habits and worries, maybe. But they did stop in the weapons shop for maybe a bit too long.

“Don'tcha think that swords a little too big for ya kid?” The store manager asked from behind his counter.

Cloud scowled and glared at him over the buster-style sword he was testing out. “No, I don't think it is.”

“Cloud…” Sephiroth started, “I think he may have a point.”

“Oh really? And what exactly is that point?”

“Maybe that sword is not really your style. I think you’d be more suited to a…” Sephiroth’s eyes wandered to a pair of blades hanging on the wall. “Maybe something like that?”

Cloud hung the enormous sword back on the wall and ran his fingers along the flat side of the blades. He smiled at how similar they were to the back blades of his Fusion Sword.

He sighed. Not his anymore but wow did Sephiroth still know him well. Even when he wasn’t supposed to. Not anymore. “Yea I agree. Maybe I'll get it later.”

“Are you sure? I can purchase it for you if you wish for it.”

Cloud shook his head. “No, I'd rather not. I feel like it’d just be inviting trouble.” And I have enough of that. Cloud grabbed his hand and kept moving onward.

~

Sephiroth exited the shop with two muffins and cups of hot chocolate and spotted Cloud talking to a group of children. A little girl handed him a ball while babbling brightly. He took it with a kind, a gentle smile he probably reserved for children and threw it up in the air, keeping it off the ground with his feet and knees. After the short, impressive performance, he gave it back to the girl and mussed her hair while the other children shouted in celebration. They waved goodbye and skipped off, leaving Cloud to make his way over to Sephiroth and excitedly accept the food.

“Is this coffee?” He asked suspiciously.

“Hot chocolate.”

Cloud breathed a sigh of relief. “Great, thanks.”

They found an empty spot on the edge of the stage at the center of town and sat down side by side.

“What was that performance you were showing the children earlier?”

“Oh, that? It’s a game called keepie uppie. You basically keep the ball from touching the ground using everything but your hands. I learned it...” Cloud trailed off and played with the wrapper of his muffin. “Uh, a long time ago, I think. A friend taught me in exchange for some material I had. I had to teach myself because she was a shit teacher, and she stole my material in the end, but I learned.”

“It was impressive,” Sephiroth said, only to prevent any air of somberness from taking hold.

Cloud leaned back on his hands. “Ifs not too hard, you’d probably be good at it. Well, you’re good at everything,” he added with a grin.

“I beg to differ.”

Music started playing from the entrance to the town, causing people to hurry to the sides of the streets as the sun began to descend below the horizon. The string lights lit up, casting the pavement and surrounding walls in hues of gentle yellows and pinks and oranges that made the entire village appear as if it were an illustration from a fairytale. Cloud tugged on his sleeve.

“We need to move, they’re coming.”

Sephiroth didn’t need to ask who they were, as a line of dancers came into view in the distance. The duo joined the people at the side of the streets beneath the lights, the sound of music and shoes tapping on cobblestone and clapping and cheering filling the hot summer air. The female dancers gathered their skirts and swayed beautifully with them, feet rising and falling in time with the beat. People started clapping along, Cloud joined them, and Sephiroth tried to follow his lead.

“This looks like something they used to do in Nibelheim!” Cloud shouted over the wave of noise even though Sephiroth wouldn’t struggle to hear him either way. Still, the mention of his village shocked him, but he didn’t bring up its fate.

“The dancers?”

“Yea! We sometimes had a spring festival if the winter wasn’t too bad. I went a few times with my ma.” Cloud watched the dancers wistfully. “I didn’t bother learning the moves to the dance.”

“Why not?”

“Don’t like it.”

When the group made it to the stage, they paired up and performed a similarly elaborate and well-choreographed dance, ending with fireworks going off somewhere in the distance and the cheering growing to an insane volume. They bowed and left just as the square was beginning to clear for some unknown reason.

“What’s going on?” He asked Cloud, hoping the blonde would have the answers.

“This is when everyone else gets a chance to dance. They’ll probably start playing music soon. I always hated this part. I never knew what to do.”

“Oh.” Sephiroth’s feet were itching to try to replicate what he had seen the other dancers did. “Perhaps I could teach you someday.”

Cloud raised a curious eyebrow. “You know how to dance?”

“It was a necessary skill I was taught in order to attend certain social gatherings.” He wouldn’t say that he enjoyed it though. If he had admitted that out loud to Hojo or anyone, his lessons would’ve abruptly stopped. And Cloud seemed hesitant about dancing.

“Would you like to dance then?”

Sephiroth blinked in bewilderment. “What?”

Cloud huffed. “I asked if you wanted to dance.”

“What?”

“Oh my gods, your turning into me.” Cloud almost buried his hands in his face but somehow resisted the urge to.

“I apologize, I thought you didn’t like dancing.”

“I don’t, but you looked like you wanted to.”

That did not make sense. “But what I want is insignificant.”

Cloud frowned at him. “Who- never mind I know. Regardless, it matters to me. And it’s my birthday.”

“So shouldn’t we do what you want?”

“And what I want is for you to dance with me.” Cloud grabbed his hand and pulled him to the middle of the empty square just before the music started playing. All eyes fell on them and Sephiroth could practically hear Cloud’s heart racing at the newfound attention. “Lead the way.”

Sephiroth stepped back slightly to assume the proper starting position, pushing back the sudden rush of nerves and hoping he didn’t look as hot as he suddenly felt.

“I will not fail to meet your expectations.”

Cloud grinned. “You’d never fail.”

Other couples quickly joined the pair just before the music started. It was a jaunty tune, not too dissimilar from the music playing earlier when the dancers were moving down the street. It started slowly, allowing them to bow to each other before pressing their palms together and circling slowly then quickening with the pace of the music. They executed a few turns and then met in the middle, Sephiroth’s hands settling on Cloud’s waist and back. The blonde didn’t look too nervous, but his eyes flicked from place to place like he was trying to figure out what to do. Sephiroth held back a grin at the sight and leaned forward.

“Just follow my lead,” he whispered as he practically swung Cloud around him.

“That's easier said than done! I hardly know where to put my hands.” Cloud’s fingers dug into his arms as Sephiroth lifted him from the ground for a moment.

“Keep them on me.”

He twirled Cloud in then out, wishing he didn’t have to move away from him every time their bodies pressed together, no matter how briefly. Cloud eventually settled into a relatively smooth rhythm, his feet moving slightly awkwardly but with enough confidence that no one would notice he wasn’t entirely on beat. He seemed to know more of what to do with his hands, which wasn’t saying much considering they were locked behind his back. Cloud was grinning from ear to ear when they met again, his face flushed from exertion and joy.

“Guess I’m not so bad,” he said in between spins.

Sephiroth’s smile grew. “You’re a fast learner.”

The music swelled to a crescendo. Sephiroth tightened his grip around Cloud’s waist and hoisted him off the ground to spin together in time with the music. It was probably the closest they’d ever been and Sephiroth could see the colorful lights from the surrounding stalls reflecting in his eyes that were a truer blue than the sky could ever be. It was like looking into water, even if he knew it wasn’t actually blue. Cloud’s cheeks were lightly dusted with pink, his grin never left his face, crinkling the corner of his eyes in delight. And as they spun and spun, he laughed a sound Sephiroth never thought he’d hear in earnest again and never wanted to lose. It was raw and boyish and almost immature in its honesty. It was perfect. Sephiroth couldn’t help but laugh as well.

~

“Follow me.”

Cloud grabbed Sephiroth’s hand and led him away from the village to the tallest hill. It was a short hike to the top, where dandelions bloomed proudly. He sat down amongst them and gestured for Sephiroth to join him. And they just sat, staring up at the starry, cloudless sky that was so clear Cloud felt like he could see into the rest of the universe. Trails of stars lit up sections of the sky in a lighter shade of dark blue that made his chest ache but in a good way. A way he didn’t deserve.

“Thank you,” Cloud said in a low voice, his eyes still trained on the endless sky, “For today. For... everything. It was great.”

“I’m pleased if you are.”

“Then you must be ecstatic.”

“I suppose I am.”

Cloud let himself smile and his gaze fell onto the other. His hair glowed from the faint light of the village, but it was almost like starlight.

“Like what?” Sephiroth asked, making him realize he’d said that out loud.

Cloud blushed furiously and turned away. “Uh, j-just that your hair is...” he sighed. “It looks like starlight.”

He looked back at Sephiroth expecting a smug grin or menacing smirk. Something that said 'I won'. Instead, his mouth hung slightly open in shock. He closed and opened it a few times, cheeks turning a similar shade of red as he curled a lock around his finger and observed it closely.

“That’s quite the comparison.”

“Well, it’s fitting isn’t it?”

“I... I think it would be more apt at describing you.”

Gods why was he so- “So you’re saying I’m wrong.”

Sephiroth shook his head fervently and leaned forward on his hands. “No, you’re not! I just... don’t believe I deserve such a compliment.”

Of course, he doesn’t. For all their similarities, some things were just too similar. Cloud lightly knocked his arm. “You deserve it, Seph, and so much more,” than I could ever give, “so just take the compliment because I’m not really in the business of dolling them out to whoever.”

Sephiroth twisted his hands together, unsure, but nodded. Cloud reached to his side and plucked a dandelion from the ground, turning it around in his fingers and watching the ball of puffs twist with the motion.

“Ma used to get so upset when I came home covered in these tufts,” Cloud said quietly. “And I mean covered, head to toe in it.”

“What were you doing to end up in such a state?”

“Rolling around on the ground for no reason. Looking back, it made no sense, but I thought it was fun.”

And it was. Running his hands through the rows of dandelions and watching the tufts fly into the sky, weaving forget-me-nots into pretty blue crowns he’d give to his mother and, if he was feeling brave enough, Tifa. Daydreaming about dreaming of a boy with silver hair and green cat eyes who was the weirdest and coolest person he’d ever known. Then doodling him and the boy together in SOLDIER, watching the news to catch a glimpse of him, chatting to Tifa from his backyard and her window, talking to ma about whatever and whoever.

But those dreams and halcyon days turned into nightmares and endless, endless planning and lies and secrets and visions of things to come he’d have to prevent and memories he never wanted but constantly forgot and couldn’t forget ever again lest he lose whatever crumbs of a life, of happiness, of hope he had left. Cloud blew away the tufts, watching them sail into the darkness of the breezeless night, outlined silver by only the moon’s light.

“We made a promise once. Well, twice.” He felt the ghost of a pinky around his own. “In a place just like this.”

Sephiroth was silent but Cloud wasn’t expecting a response. His presence was enough.

“I didn’t come to Midgar to join SOLDIER or work in Shinra or do any of that. I came because...” he took a deep breath and looked the other man in the eye. “Because I’m trying to make the world a better place and keep my promise, but I can’t do either of those things if things stay the way they are.”

“...your promise?” Sephiroth said slowly, carefully, emotionlessly.

“The first one we ever made. I said I’d save you if I have to, and I always honor my promises.”

Sephiroth’s mask fractured first, eyes widening slightly. Then it cracked, his hands shaking at his sides, unnoticeable if it were anyone else, the slightest jerk backward then inching forward. And it finally broke completely, his face softening and falling and heart pounding in his chest, not that Cloud had the enhanced senses needed to tell.

“But I couldn’t keep mine,” Sephiroth whispered. “And- And I’m not sure if I ever can.”

Cloud huffed and shook his head, then leaned forward to rest his forehead against Sephiroth’s, feeling the heat of his face against his own. It felt good, it felt right. Cloud stared into his eyes, which were too close to see both so he focused on one, still amazed at how bright and warm they could be. Cloud smiled.

“Didn’t I tell you before? I already admire you Sephiroth, I always have. You’ve always been the person you wanted to be, and you’ve always deserved the world.” Hmm, maybe not that phrasing. Cloud bit back an almost hysterical laugh. “You never needed to prove yourself to me.”

“But I’m not perfect and I have to be or else you’ll leave.”

The unspoken words hurt more than anything Sephiroth said.

'You’ll leave again, just like everyone else. Like Gast, like your mother, like my mother, like Vincent'.

And how could Cloud reassure him that wasn’t the case if he was the reason he believed it so strongly in the first place? Cloud closed his eyes, mostly to keep back tears.

“You don’t-“ he cleared his throat to stop his voice from cracking. “You don’t have to be and you never will be. No one is. But-“ Cloud opened his eyes and pressed his hand against Sephiroth’s chest. “That’s what I love about you. That you’re not the Silver General or Demon of Wutai or Hojo’s son or Lucrecia’s kid or the world’s greatest SOLDIER or anything. You’re Sephiroth and that’s enough. That’s always enough. And I... love you.”

And he didn’t deserve to. Cloud knew he was a hypocrite, he was dense but not a complete idiot. If Sephiroth was enough then why wasn’t he?

Because I’m a shitty person who was going to jump ship the moment I told him everything. Right. He was just going to up and abandon Sephiroth again when he obviously needed him. Here he is, spilling his heart out to the man who deserved so much more, so much better than Cloud. Gods I’m the worst.

“Cloud.” Sephiroth’s voice was smooth and soothing, and Cloud hardly noticed his thumb wiping away the tear rolling down his cheek. (When did he start crying?)

“Yea?” Cloud choked out.

Sephiroth smiled. It wasn’t a smile that swept someone off their feet or made the world come to a stop. Cloud had scarcely seen those on him but when he did, it made his heart pound and his soul soar. But this one was small, fragile, so ready to fall and shatter into a million pieces and never return at the slightest breeze. And yet, it was his. Cloud’s. It was only ever meant for him and he knew it the moment he saw it. It’s mine, and the thought warmed him.

“I love you too.”

Cloud’s forehead slid from Sephiroth’s and into the crook of the other’s shoulder, burying his joyful and sorrowful tears into his shirt. Slowly, delicately, he brought his arms around Sephiroth’s torso. Sephiroth did the same. He grinned, still crying.

“Wanna make another promise?”

“Yes.”

Still tangled in Sephiroth’s embrace, Cloud reached out to the ground and pulled a dandelion.

“When this is all over, we’ll go back together.”

“Go back where?”

Cloud shrugged. “I don’t know. Wherever home is.”

The dandelion tufts blew off the stem from a rouge breeze. He watched them dance away into the sky.

“Yes. I will help you find it.”

Cloud closed his eyes and exhaled as he drew back and held out his pinky. “Then it’s a promise?”

Sephiroth linked his finger with Cloud's and then drew him into another embrace. “It is.”

He looked up from beneath his eyebrows at the stars, thanking them for listening to them again.

~

Sephiroth carried a sleeping Cloud back to the room he had rented for their stay, though rented was a strong word. Once he’d called the inn to book ahead of their stay, the owner insisted on giving it to him for free. Regardless, he softly pushed the door open with his feet, his hands preoccupied carrying Cloud princess style into the room. He set the blonde on the bed and looked around at the decorations.

An entire wall of chrysanthemums and lilies and roses and various other flowers was sitting just behind the bed, the words ‘Happy Birthday!’ sitting on top in white lettering. The florists really outdid themselves, Sephiroth would have to send his thanks later, even if Cloud wouldn’t get to see it. Cissnei was on her way and with how heavily he was sleeping, Sephiroth would probably have to carry him back to the helicopter.

Not that it mattered. Sephiroth reached over to push a spikey bang that had fallen into his face out of the way and stopped mid-motion. Was this appropriate? Would Cloud be ok with him touching him in such an intimate manner? Sephiroth sighed and dropped his hand. They’d only gave each other confessions of mutual love, but it could’ve been platonic or-

You're overthinking it again , a voice that sounded far too similar to Aerith’s sang. It's love, Seph, not a game or trick. Just go with it.

Sephiroth let himself smile and rested his hand on Cloud’s. The future was uncertain, but when wasn’t it? For now, he’d trust himself, and this was enough. This was was perfect, even if it didn’t have to be.

Chapter Text

“10 Gil a pop! You can’t get a better deal, or better flowers, anywhere in Midgar!”

The man sighed as his daughter tugged eagerly on his sleeve, giving him the money. Zack took it and handed the flowers over to the girl, who squealed in delight.

“Thank you!” She called as they walked away.

“Thank you! Tell your friends!”

Aerith chuckled and nudged his arm. “You make a great salesman.”

“I’ve gotta be if we’re really gonna fill this place with flowers.” He rubbed his chin, considering. “It must be the face.” He leaned in close to her so he filled her sight.

“Hmm, or it’s the eyes.” She leaned in even closer.

“Or the smile.”

“Or the kisses.”

And of course, they kissed. It was brief but just as sweet as every other kiss they’d exchanged. When he pulled back, she was flushed red but still grinning.

“How romantic,” he joked as they continued walking towards the theater.

“I’m in a romantic mood.” She twirled one of her lilies in her fingers. “I just hope that Sephiroth’s date goes just as well as ours.”

“I’m sure it will.” Zack knew the General had zero game, but he didn’t really think that mattered when it came to Cloud. That reminded him... “where did they go?”

“Kalm. It’s Cloud’s birthday.”

Zack gasped. “No fucking way! I didn’t even get him a gift or anything! Shit!” He snapped open his PHS and sent Cloud a happy birthday message while running through gift ideas in his head. “What do you think he’d like? Maybe a new gun or something, but I don’t even know where I’d find one even remotely as cool as his. Oh, how about a video game? He’d definitely... Aer Bear, you ok?”

Aerith had started drifting away from him toward an alleyway between the LOVELESS theater and the shop beside it.

“Aerith?”

She didn’t stop when Zack called her, just continuing to walk over and eventually settled by something that was glowing against the wall. Zack glanced around for any suspicious activity before following her and crouching by her side.

“Hey, what’s up?”

The thing she was looking at was a broken pipe, leaking mako onto the ground, glowing faintly in the small darkness of the alley. The green light reflected off her focus face, basket set on the ground beside her. She reached out to touch it before deciding against that and clasping her hands in prayer in front of her chest, closing her eyes.

Zack sat back against the wall, watching her and making sure no one came after he while she... did whatever it was she was doing. He stopped questioning her after he’d seen her shyly speaking to her flowers on multiple occasions or turning around like someone had called her from behind, only to met with empty space. She was special, he knew that. Why she was and what she could do didn’t matter, as long as she was safe and healthy he was good. So he waited and kept watch, checking his phone to keep the notifications from ringing too loudly.

Aerith opened her eyes after a few minutes, a somber look flashing in them as she turned away from the broken pipe. “Can I tell you something?”

Zack shifted closer to her. “Of course, anything.”

“Promise me you won’t... think I’m crazy.”

If he was going to do that, he would’ve done it a long time ago when she first said the flowers talked to her. But he was in for the long haul already what’s one more crazy revelation to add to the pile that he feels will grow bigger soon.

“I promise.”

She let her hands fall into her lap and stared down at the ground. “I have... visions, of the future. But their not visions, because the future has already happened.”

“...so it’s time travel?”

“Kind of?”

“Huh,” Zack said, not knowing how else to react. “That’s crazy. Not that I’m saying your crazy, just it’s... wow. Ok. So what’s the future like?”

And the downturned lips returned with that question. Not good, then.

“Humanity doesn’t end if that’s what you're worried about,” she said blankly. “Not all of it, at least.”

So really, really bad. “What happens?”

Aerith sighed, too tired to be coming from his sweet flower girl from the slums who’s never seen the blue sky outside of glimpses.

“A lot. Too much to explain.”

“Can you show me?”

Her eyes widened and then closed. She breathed. The Planet breathed with her.

Suddenly, just as suddenly as falling into a church or being saved by Angeal’s beloved sword or Cloud taking off his helmet with a shy smile, (when did any of those things happen?), everything swept away. The dark alley they’d been sitting in was replaced with sparkling white, Aerith standing somewhere close by, but just out of reach. It felt... scary.

“I didn’t think it’d actually work,” Aerith said without speaking. Her voice was like a choir. “Considering you’re infected with It.”

“It?”

In an instant, Aerith was standing closer, facing him with her hands behind her back in her usual casual pose, but frowning in concern.

Zack cleared his throat and looked around. “This is?”

She followed his gaze and shook her head. “What we both want to see. Memories of the future, courtesy of the Planet. Not all of them will make sense to you, but they will to others.” Her hand was entwined with his again. “Brace yourself.”

That was an impossible thing to ask.

Zack fair is 13 when he sneaks out of his house in Gongaga to travel across an entire continent and ocean to join SOLDIER. In hindsight, it wasn’t the smartest thing to do and he’s lucky he didn’t get killed or kidnapped or worse on his way there. But, also in hindsight, it was both the best and worst decision he’d made in his entire, very short life.

Angeal Hewley is 25 when he meets Third Class SOLDIER, Zack Fair. It was really a spur-of-the-moment decision for Angeal, who’d decided to watch the Thirds train in order to avoid listening to Commanded Rhapsodos ranting about the latest LOVELESS production. Zack was exceptional, but he’d always been, and after a quick chat where he easily endeared himself to the First, he was taken under the other man’s wing.

~

Hello~?

He’s falling, crashing through wood beams and onto something that’s suspiciously soft.

“Hello?”

It sounds like... “mom?”

“You two always say that when you land here. Do I really sound motherly?”

He blinked a few times and saw-

~

Cloud Strife is 16 when he and Zack are assigned on a mission to Nibelheim. It sounds like a dream come true, his best friend who he definitely does not have a crush on and is also a SOLDIER will be going to his hometown. He can introduce him to his mom, maybe Tifa if he’s feeling bold, and prove he’s not a total failure for not making SOLDIER. But that never happens. One thing leads to the other and Cloud is using Masamune as a sort of lever that’s stabbed straight through his stomach to throw the General over the side of the railings. Then he’s dying, then he wakes up and nothing is ever the same.

Tseng is- he’s too late. The buster sword is gone, and only Fai- Zack is left. He looks like he’s sleeping. Most of the blood was washed off by the rain that never looked like it’d end. But it did. Only Zack and Tseng were there now. There are marks in the dirt, someone got away. Tseng ignored them and kneeled by his side, the box suddenly too heavy for him to continue holding. The ground is too hard and rocky to dig deep enough into, so he puts the box tucked into one of Zack’s arms and leaves him sleeping under the clear sky.

~

Wake up!

“You fell asleep again,” she said as he sat up in the flower bed. “Think you can stay up this time?”

“What’s going on?!” Zack exclaimed in exasperation. “I keep seeing these... visions from other people’s point of view and then ending up here or...” he groaned and fell back.

“Hey, not on the flowers!”

“Sorry.” He sat back up and looked at Aerith. “Wait, you’re not-“

~

She watches. They are not her children but she watches regardless. The Cetra shows him the future and she watches through a peephole in his mind. It’s not entirely clear and fragmented but she watches. It’s a future that can be hers if she watches and shows her son what could be his. What will be his-

~

“No.”

“This doesn’t make sense!”

Aerith hummed a short sweet song as she braided flowers into Zack’s hair. It was just long enough to maybe tie into a ponytail if he wanted to.

“Why’d you say no?” He eventually asked.

“Because I’m not your present-day Aerith.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Then who are you?”

“The future version of her.”

“And why am I here?”

She shrugged. “Time travel is weird and even though you’re not technically time traveling, it’s still strange and disjointed. So sometimes,” she made a sweeping gesture, “you end up in in-betweens. In between your present and a different future than the one you’re heading down. So this is your future, and I’m your future Aerith.”

He sighed. “And you’re still alive.”

”Surprisingly, it seems.”

”No no I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just…” he bit his lip, “you know, the future. The other future.”

”Hm.” Aerith cocked her head. “I know. But as long as your around, I’m sure that won’t happen.”

”Really?”

”Really,” she repeated with a smile. “Besides, your stronger than Jenova on your own and she’s no match for the both of us. That’s how we just stopped her from taking over your mind and seeing the future for her own advantage.”

Zack blinked. “What!? She- she tried to do that?”

“Yea.”

He scoffed in disbelief. “Am I going to forget this interaction?”

She nodded. “Of course.”

In a split second, it was over.

Breathing was an arduous task. Forcing breath into his lungs to chase away the black spots that gathered at the edge of the pristine white image of nothing in front of him. Aerith’s hand never left his.

Her touch was grounding, but not enough. Because he’d seen her trapped in an empty mako tank (the same one he had been in), visiting Gongaga, hands clasped in front of her in prayer, a sword stabbing straight through her, her body slumping forward, eyes fogging and closing to never reopen, materia slipping from the ribbon he’d given her into the water, blood slowly, gently, mercifully dripping from the wound onto the blade and onto the ground and-

(From his wounds. Everything hurt. Bullets tore through him everywhere and there was too much blood. Coupled with the rain, it was almost impossible to see. The bullet lodged in his skull hadn’t killed him, but boy did it make it hard to think. At least the sky was easy enough to understand. And the grey clouds overhead.

“Z-Zack.”

Cloud, clouds, rain, and tears. ‘Yea buddy, I want to cry too’. They were so close to Midgar, so, so achingly close it almost hurt more than his wounds-

He almost didn’t realize what he was saying until he reached his hand behind Cloud’s head and pulled him down to his chest. The blood would get in his hair. On his face. He hoped Cloud wouldn’t mind, that he could forgive Zack for being such a shit hero. Such a shit friend. And yet, he has to tell him, before he can’t.

“You’ll be-“)

“Zack!”

He gasped, filling his burning, cold lungs with oxygen. A hand he faintly recognized as his flew to his chest, searching for bullets and blood. The only thing he felt was the knitting of his uniform. He stared at his hand, the leather on his skin-

Aerith’s skin covered the black material. Zack looked up and met her worried, guilty eyes. “Come on, get it together.”

“Wh-what-“ he swallowed in an attempt to follow her instructions and try to be semi-coherent. “Cloud… Sephiroth!” He bolted upright, adrenaline coursing through his body. The literal cause of everything was still very much alive and well and currently out on a fucking date with Zack’s best friend. The guy who went through way too much to stop him. “Aerith, we gotta-“

“Calm down Zack, you aren’t breathing right.”

“That doesn’t matter!” He exclaimed, flailing his hands. “Sephiroth’s going to go crazy again and you- you and Cloud will-“

“Will be fine,” she finished firmly, her grip tightening. “Cloud knows what he’s doing and he’s got Vincent looking out for him.”

“Cloud… knows?”

“They both do.” Aerith looked at the ground and turned her head back up. “And now you know too.”

Zack chewed on the inside of his cheek and focused on the pain. “Right right ok, so I’ve just got to get the jump on Sephiroth and take him down before he does anything.”

“Ok, that’s what we’re not doing.”

“Then what are we doing Aerith?! Because things are going to fall apart soon and Sephiroth is still alive!”

Her hands migrated to his cheeks, pressing against them and making sure the only thing he could look at was her.

“I’m going to find a way to summon the holy water. I… don’t exactly know how, but I’ll figure it out. I’ve got an idea, somewhere north… but I’ve got to do it no matter what. And you,” she grinned sharply, “will be my bodyguard.”

Zack searched her eyes for any sign that she might be lying or that everything he’d just seen wasn’t real, but they were just green and honest. He leaned forward and kissed her before taking her hands in his.

“I think you need to fill more than just this city with your flowers. I’m getting you out of Midgar.”

Chapter Text

I love you.

Those three words kept ringing in Sephiroth’s head. It’d been a few days since Kalm but the sentiments still felt fresh. Everything felt brighter, more colorful. As generic as it sounded, Sephiroth felt like he was truly living for the first time since he left Nibelheim during his only visit.

I love you made his mornings less groggy, the afternoons less of a slog, the not entirely hostile but still awkward interactions with Genesis a little more bearable. It made checking his phone for text like receiving a new sword and seeing one from Cloud made his heart flutter in a manner that felt slightly unhealthy. But he didn’t care.

“You seem happy,” Angeal commented as they stride down the hall. Not ‘happier than usual’. Happy.

He shrugged. “I suppose I am.”

“Your trip to Kalm went well then?”

“Zack told you?”

“Obviously.” Angeal smiled and stopped, turning completely to face Sephiroth. “I’m glad you are, Seph. It’s been too long since you were.”

Sephiroth blinked. That was certainly not what he expected to hear. “I... thank you.”

Angeal barked out a laugh that turned into a cough, lasting a little too long. “I should be thanking Cloud because this was definitely his doing.”

Sephiroth bit his lip and looked away, resuming their pace just to hide his grin. “It was.”

I love you made nights easier, more simple. The quick back and forth text exchange before bed with Cloud, sending Aerith his usual well wishes, checking in with Angeal and Genesis in their ‘let’s be friends’ group chat. It drove off the weight in his chest whenever his brain dug up childhood memories that burned his eyes and choked the life out of him. Sincerity and dandelions under a starry sky replaced bodies burnt to ashes and a little book of flowers sitting in rubble.

I love you was his and his alone. And so was Cloud.

His phone buzzed for the third time since he entered Hollander’s lab. The scientist glared.

“Popular, are we?”

Sephiroth stared daggers at the man until he scurried away in fright, not wanting to have his arm broken. Again.

Cloud: going out for pizza today with Tifa, want me to bring you a slice?

Me: No thank you. It is not in my diet.

Cloud: fuck diets, eat whatever you want, you’ll still have those ridiculous abs no matter what you eat

“All tests results have come back with adequate results,” Hollander announced as he walked into the room, forcing Sephiroth to quickly reign in the blush he was certain he had. “They’ve already been sent to Hojo for review. The bastard never trusts what I say anyway, so you’ll have to go in for another inspection soon.”

Inspection, like he was an object. A weapon. “Where is Hojo?”

Hollander waved his hand dismissively. “Like I’d know. You can leave.”

Sephiroth didn’t need to be told twice. He shrugged on his coat as he left to where the training rooms were. The Second’s rooms were usually empty at that time of day. Destroying hundreds of thousands of Gil worth of equipment sounded like a good way to expend his excess anger and energy.

The rooms were predictably devoid of people, besides one which he could hear voices from, voices that sounded distinctly like Zack yelling some sort of catchphrase while being reprimanded by Angeal. Sephiroth glanced at the keycard to the room he’d chosen and used it on the occupied room instead.

“Yeah!” Zack shouted as he downed a virtual behemoth. He pushed the headset from his face and smiled at Angeal. “How was that?”

Angeal rolled his shoulder, pausing briefly to eye it while he spoke. “Not bad, you could do better.” He glanced over Zack’s shoulder at Sephiroth discreetly with his ‘teach him a lesson’ look that had the General silently summoning Masamune.

“Could do better!? I just took down a behemoth on my own! In record time too...” Zack trailed off, watching Angeal poke at his shoulder. “You ok?”

Angeal let out a breath. “Focus Zack.”

Zack threw his hands up. “Chill, the mission is over!”

Angeal cocked his head. “Is it?”

The sword flicked up, the end of the blade hovering over Zack’s shoulder.

“Showing your back to the enemy, overconfidence will destroy you.”

Zack tensed and clenched his jaw, keeping his stare hard on Angeal.

“Hey Seph. You caught us at just the right moment.”

“Did he?” There was an undercurrent of hostility and something close to anger in Zack’s voice that sounded unnatural there. It was closer to Genesis than the puppy’s usual bright demeanor, and it made Sephiroth hesitate.

Angeal furrowed his eyebrows, aware of the shift, but ignored it. “He did. Now you’ll get a lesson I can’t teach you.”

“And what is that?”

“When to give up in the face of overwhelming defeat and call for help.”

Sephiroth swing forward, expecting his sword to meet air rather than Zack’s blade. The Second leaned into the block, fixing a surprisingly burning glare onto Sephiroth. His sword came swinging back down towards Zack in a quick arc, slower than he would usually attack in a real battle, but it was blocked again, this time with a push backward that almost sent Sephiroth stumbling.

She smirked. ‘Hardly a challenge ’

With a short cry, Zack unleashed a flurry of swift, weighty slashes of his sword, handling the broadsword like it weighed nothing and swinging with the obvious intent to kill, or at least maim Sephiroth enough to incapacitate him. Sephiroth dodged each one, resting his sword on his shoulder to stop a last second overhead slash that would’ve taken his arm clean off if he were any slower. He needed to end this. All the wind was knocked out of Zack with a short jab of the hilt of Masamune into his stomach, sending him stumbling backward. Sephiroth tripped him and pinned him to the ground by pointing the end of the sword just above his face.

“Zackary, you need to-“

“I don’t need to do anything!” Zack shouted, surprisingly desperate and frantic. As if he thought Sephiroth really intended to harm him. “I haven’t given up yet! Th- This isn’t over!”

“Z-“

“Zack.” Angeal came up from behind, placing an easy hand on Sephiroth’s shoulder to lower his blade. “You lost.”

Zack’s jaw clenched tightly, brows dropping into an almost snarl that made him look feral. “No no I haven’t yet, I- I can’t lose!” He looked at Angeal panicked, grabbing his mentor’s hand and pulling him slower, away from Sephiroth. “Please Angeal. Y-you can’t- I can’t let you… please, just please.”

Angeal placed his hand on top of Zack’s and squeezed. “It’s ok, deep breaths. This is just training. You don’t need to succeed all the time. The mission was a success anyway, you only lost to Sephiroth in the spar-“

“And that’s exactly it!” Zack slammed his fist into the ground, whipping his head back around to pin Sephiroth in place with a glower he didn’t even know the other could muster. “I lost to him and I- I can’t. We can’t! He’s not- it’s not safe Angeal and- and…”

‘You’re nothing but a monster to them. A monster that can hardly playhouse. But not to me, my son.’ A smile, thick in her tone, curling in his ears and smothering him beneath layers and layers of sick love-

Sephiroth stopped breathing. Closed his eyes to stop the world from swaying. And to avoid seeing the rage and betrayal and utter pain swimming in Zack’s eyes that he knew he didn’t put there, couldn’t have put there because he was- he was sure he didn’t do anything. Not to Zack, at least. He couldn’t have. Even if Zack thought he did whatever it is that deserves his ire, Sephiroth didn’t even remember it. But maybe that’s worse.

“-Sephiroth?”

He opened his eyes again, seeing Angeal shooting him a concerned, pleading look while Zack’s hands shook uncontrollably by his side, face scarily pale.

“I-“ he cleared his throat, hating how broken that one letter came out. “I apologize for... causing you distress. It was not my intention to-“

”Ok that’s enough,” Angeal cut in, crossing his arms with some strain. “You didn’t do anything wrong and Zack is...” he shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. “Zack, you need to apologize.”

”He doesn’t”  and “For what?” were spoken at the same time. Angeal was visibly struggling to maintain his composure.

”Now, Zack.”

Zack swallowed hard and looked everywhere but at Sephiroth. “...sorry for...” he made a frustrated noise and roughly rubbed his eyes. “Gods, what’s wrong with me? That’s not him, it’s not, it’s...” the last few words were mumbled so low Sephiroth was unsure if it was meant for him to hear. Eventually, Zack looked back up apologetically. “Sorry.”

Sephiroth silently let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding in, feeling some of the suffocating weight in his chest let up. “For... what it’s worth, I apologize as well.” For giving you reason to be afraid. Though Zack has plenty reasons for that.

”Was that’s so hard?” Angeal said lightly, patting his mentee on the back gently. “Let’s get off the floor unless you really want to stay here. In that case I won’t blame you but... Zack?” 

“Angeal.” Zack was speaking in almost a whisper, hard enough to hear even with enhanced hearing. He reached forward and rested his fingertips on Angeal’s shoulder, where a dark spot was ominously growing larger with every passing second. “Y-you’re hurt.” 

He studied Zack’s face before forcefully relaxing his shoulders and pouring calmness into his frame. “Its just a small nick, Zack. I’m alright.”

Zack only seemed to breath harder, despair slowly sleeping into every inch of his body until it began to affect Sephiroth as well. He pretended not to hear Her cackling. 

“It’s ok Zack, I’ll be fine. It’s really not that bad.” Angeal turned to Sephiroth. “You’ve seen me take worse, haven’t you? This isn’t anything to worry about.”

He phrased it casually but his eyes were searching for something else. A hidden question just below his comment. Tension in his posture waiting to snap.

‘ A reassurance you care about their pathetic lives when you could never value something beneath you.’

He met Zack’s gaze, pretending not to see the other flinch back. Pretending he didn’t care if he did. “It’s nothing of concern,” he lied because it was easier to say that than admit to anything else. He looked away to the ground.

“See?”

Zack bit his lip and gathered himself, getting up. Angeal sighed and helped him, glancing between his student and Sephiroth.

“How about we go see Genesis and have him patch me up? Just for your peace of mind.”

“…ok.”

“Right then.” Angeal glanced at Sephiroth. “Dinner later?”

Sephiroth nodded. “Tomorrow.”

A soft chuckle that made him regret not accepting the invitation for that night.

“Tomorrow,” Angeal agreed and the two left.

Left him alone in the training room. With no intention on asking him if he… Sephiroth shook his head, opening and closing his fist to keep himself from putting a hand sized hole in the ground or going back to the labs to do the same to Hollander’s face as he initially wanted. He deserved to be standing in there alone. Deserved Zack’s sudden hatred, being the least favored of Angeal’s closest, the anger from Genesis all over again, and Cloud-

His phone buzzed.

Cloud: maybe we should get out of the city for a while soon.

Cloud: kalm was fun and I want to do it again soon

Sephiroth grinned. She tucked a silver strand of hair behind his ear, Her glowing pink eyes peering down at the screen over his shoulder.

Me: I would enjoy that. But I have work

Cloud: fuck diets and fuck Shinra.

Me: A compelling argument. I’ll consider it then

(“You deserve it, Seph, and so much more.”)

Cloud was his. I love you was theirs-

‘ Yours.'

His, and nothing else mattered but that.

‘ Nothing .’

~

Bad times always started with two words.

“Yo, Blondie.”

“Fuck,” Cloud groaned. “It’s Reno and Rude.”

They weren’t necessarily a signal for trouble. Well, they weren’t before. When he’d run the bar on the odd night when Tifa went out on a date and Barrett took the kids. Reno would just happen to stop by every single time without fail and order the most complicated, ridiculous thing on the menu. Water with a single drop of espresso and extra whipped cream.

(“Don’t forget the sprinkles,” Reno added with a wink while Cloud contemplated smashing a bottle over his head.)

But that was before Cloud, Tifa and Vincent teamed up with Veld and his amnesiac daughter and her friend and Kunsel who was suspiciously helpful and Aerith to take down a mega corporation that literally ruled the world and created a slightly unstable human weapon using alien DNA to keep control over said Planet. So yea, Bad Times now started with the words ‘Yo, Blondie’ and Cloud wasn’t sure how to feel about it. Maybe he needed new enemies. Then again, any enemy that wasn’t Sephiroth was a good thing. He’d rather keep the General as a... as someone close than someone he has to drive his sword through again, and not in the good way. 

Elfe peeked from around the corner and frowned. “Shit you’re right. The fuck do they want?”

“Like I’d know.” Cloud did in fact know. They either wanted to question Cloud about how the hell he helped break up a fight between two First Class SOLDIERs a week ago— even though that seemed to happen forever ago—  or they were there to take him in for being with Avalanche. Either one was not conducive to the elusive Good Time Cloud was seeking by playing fiddle with the bomb detonators with Elfe. So he didn’t tell her because that was easier. “Go tell Tifa and don't come back down.”

“You're not my god damn dad, Cloud.” She still stood and quietly bounded up the stairs.

Cloud ran a hand down his face and walked from out back to behind the bar, staring at Reno and Rude sitting on the other side. The redhead smirked.

“Knew you worked here.”

“I’ve got somewhere to be so let’s make this fast.” He glanced at the clock behind him. He only had 10 minutes to spare before he went to Jessie’s. “What the fuck do you two want? And don’t beat around the bush.”

“Compensation for ditching me that one time and my gunshot wound, Tidus,” Reno responded sourly, pulling at his suit to show off the scar. “Scars are pretty badass, but only when the person giving them is facing me head-on and not hiding their pretty face.”

“Who sent you?”

Hopefully Tseng, because Cloud really did not want to deal with Veld betraying them and then taking off with his daughter right before they actually went through with their plans tonight. And Vincent would never let himself live down the fact that his former best friend led to Cloud and Tifa’s demise. He already talked enough about hints sins, adding another one to the pile would be torture. 

Reno snorted, dragging Cloud it of his musings back to the conversation. “Wouldn’t you like to know, weather boy?”

“Weather-“ Cloud cut himself off with a sigh. “I’m not telling you anything you know.”

“Oh, I know. I mostly just came here to gloat before I kick your ass and have Rude drag your unconscious and/or dead body back to your precious hometown so your boyfriend’s dear old dad can give you his blessing.”

Hojo was in Nibelheim. Hojo was in Nibelheim and Cloud was in Midgar and Jenova was still in fucking Nibelheim, waiting to be blasted into space or exorcised by Aerith and Sephiroth was in Midgar. And Hojo was there with her, doing God’s know what. Cloud felt nauseous.

“Didn’t know my hometown was still standing,” he mumbled, pressing his palm to his eye to keep back memories of mako tanks and screaming and scalpels and-

“Neither did I. Must be new.”

“You aren’t going to burn it down this time?”

Reno blew a raspberry. “Might if I get bored. I don’t usually make burning down shitty towns a hobby of mine, yo. Not like you with blowing up reactors.”

“Have I blown up enough to make it a hobby?”

“You’ve destroyed eight.”

Cloud huffed and lowered his hand from his face to behind the bar, reaching for a bottle. “Guess it is then. At least I don’t murder people for fun like you.”

“Lie! You killed that kid. What was his name, uh pistol or something...”

“Nunchaku,” Rude replied lowly, pushing his sunglasses further up his nose.

Reno snapped and grinned. “Nunchaku, right. Yea we found him torn apart limb for limb in the woods. A pretty gruesome sight you know, finding someone’s arm and head a few feet away from his torso.”

His hand unconsciously reached up to rub at his neck. “Couldn’t say he didn’t have it coming,” Cloud said with a grimace.

Rude sighed loudly and rubbed his temples. “If you come with us easily we can ensure you are taken directly to Hojo after the interrogation.”

“And that’s a better option?”

“It’s your only option blondie,” Reno interrupted, rolling his eyes. “You might be a badass, but you can’t take the two of us alone, unenhanced. Come easy and I’ll go easy later, alright? So what do ya say?”

Cloud tilted his head. “Not interested.”

Before Cloud had the chance to throw the bottle at Reno’s head, Rude fell unconscious and Reno was slammed face-first onto the counter, Elfe restraining his hands behind him while Tifa dragged the other man of his seat at the bar.

“Not interested? Really? That’s like the cheesiest fucking thing you could say,” Elfe snapped as she worked on tying up Reno’s hands. “You sound like a fucking dork dude.”

Reno turned his bloody face to the side and tried to look at Elfe from the corner of his eyes. “Y-Yo, you’re  the boss’s daughter! Fuck, what was it? Uh Felix or Ferdinand… wait no he said it was Eve or-“

“Can you shut the hell up? Gods you are so damn annoying.” Elfe yanked his baton off his belt and tossed it to Cloud as she moved him to the opposite wall as Rude.

“Cloud,” Tifa called, standing with her hands on her hips and a stern expression that just screamed DISAPPOINTMENT in all caps. “What were you thinking?”

Cloud sighed and ran a hand through his hair, immediately catching on a tangle. “I could’ve handled them on my own.”

Elfe scoffed. “Sure and I’m a SOLDIER First Class. You’re lucky Tifa and I were here dude or you’d be fucked.”

“I am. Thanks.”

Elfe rolled her eyes while Tifa’s expression softened slightly. She moved to behind the bar and grabbed a mastered Sealing materia she kept there for the especially rowdy nights when Cloud’s dead stare and punches weren’t enough. She quickly cast Sleepel onto Rude and moved to do the same to Reno.

“What are you just gonna leave us tied up here all day while you go blow up reactors?” Reno asked while his nose still dripped blood.

“That’s the idea,” Cloud responded.

“Shit.” He looked down at his shoes, deep in contemplation. “Can I at least get my baton back later? You stole my last one, you know.”

Cloud took Reno’s baton and snapped it over his knee before throwing the broken pieces on the ground. “No.”

Reno’s eyes widened in genuine grief over the loss of his baton and opened his mouth probably to complain when Tifa cast the magic over him, rendering him unconscious.

“Oh thank god, I was going to tear out my hair if I heard him yapping again,” Elfe complained.

Tifa handed the materia to the other girl. “We’ve got to go now or we’ll be late.”

Cloud sighed and grabbed the keys to the bike. “Not while I’m driving.”

True to his word, he got the both of them to the upper plate in less than five minutes, executing a few experimental maneuvers including riding on the walls and doing flips over rows of cars that got him a slap on the back of the head from Tifa.

“Are you trying to get us killed?”

Cloud shrugged and parked the motorcycle in Jessie’s driveway. “Maybe.”

The door swung open on Cloud’s second knock, and the rest of the evening proceeded completely normally. Jessie’s mom greeted them at the door and chatted them up until Jessie herself made an appearance, in an especially pretty white dress, sauntering out of the room and taking a seat right across from Cloud and staring at him with eyes that were so painfully familiar it rendered him speechless sometimes. All the time. That left Tifa to pick up the slack for the conversation about theater while Jessie’s mom finished making the pizza.

“No I haven’t actually been to the theater production of it yet,” Tifa admitted sadly while Cloud tried to pick up on what they were talking about.

Jessie gasps like she’s personal,t offended. “That’s insane! Everyone in Midgar has seen LOVELESS in person at least once.”

Tifa shrugged. “If you live up on the Plate that is. If you live below it, you hardly have a chance to see the sky.”

Jessie frowned. “That’s kind of fucked up.”

“Believe me, I know.”

Jessie’s mother returned to the dining room with the pizza and dinner continued, without her father.

She waved her hand. “He’ll probably be back way after you guys are gone. The guy never knows when to take a break.” It’s said lightheartedly, but the sentence lingered and Cloud knows what she means. He’s seen the room, the shallow, partially conscious breathing that could stop at any moment but he’s certain would never truly deepen. Not in that future.

Jessie’s mom cleared her throat. “He’s a hard worker and it's because of that that we’re all able to live without worrying about power.”

Cloud could see Tifa physically restraining herself from starting an argument with the woman so he intervened.

“I’m sorry, but can I use your restroom?”

Jessie perked up at the sound of him finally speaking and smiled. “Course. It’s down the door at the end of the hall.”

He murmured a quick thanks and turned the corner, making sure no one was following as he slipped into the room that definitely not the bathroom. The bedroom was... nothing like Cloud remembered. An empty king-sized bed against the wall, a desk tucked into the corner of the room, and a bookshelf next to their dresser. He didn’t need to look at the picture frames on the dresser, he already knew who was in them.

(A happy family of three, Jessie in the middle wrapped in her parents’ arms. Her father’s.

The quiet beeping of machines and the sound of oxygen pumping into a mask drew his attention back to the bed. If Cloud ignored all of the wirings around him, he could almost imagine the man was asleep. Maybe that’s why Jessie only visited at night.)

Cloud sighed and dug through the desk drawers until he found the blue roll of paper outlining the structure of mako reactor 0. He put it away and glanced one more time at the empty bed, listening to the chorus of the women’s laughter from the dining room. He turned on his heel and left.

~

Tifa exhaled merrily as she and Cloud made their way down the street towards the tower.

“That pizza was really good.”

“Yea, it was,” Cloud replied, a small grin threatening to put a crack his unsmiling face. “I’m glad I got to try it.”

She’d heard that before, that voice he sometimes used. The one that meant he was referring to those memories, that’d she’d missed something and had to replay the line in her head to read in between the words and try to understand. Not that she ever would completely, but she could try.

And she did and gathered that something... not good had happened. Tifa quickened her steps to fall right in pace with his and tapped the outside of his hand with her fingers. Three times, then wait. He tapped back, three times, and wrapped his pinky around hers. He’d be alright.

“Do you know where you’re going to plant the bomb?”

Cloud grunted and tapped the rolled-up blueprint against his leg. “The actual controls to shut down the reactor and entrance to Deepground aren’t in the same place and the bomb isn’t big enough to hit both with its blast. I’ll have to ask Shears and Elfe later about it but...” Cloud shook his head and looked up. “I’m really not qualified for this.”

“Don’t be such a downer, I’m sure you’ve got t his, qualified or not. How hard can planting a bomb really be?”

Cloud shot her an unimpressed look. She smiled back.

“Who taught you how to make bombs anyway?”

“Oh, uh... J-Jessie...”

Tifa raised an eyebrow. “Really?” The sweet, kind of cute theater girl that was relentlessly flirting with Cloud the entire dinner did not look like a bomb maker or even a potential criminal.

“Yea,” Cloud breathed out, an irritated but fond smile tugging at his lips. “She was good at it.“

Was. Tifa glanced over her shoulder at the house they’d just left. If everything- when everything goes well, Jessie won’t ever have to become a bomb maker and her dad won’t ever work for Shinra again. And it won’t just be her, Vincent, and Cloud against the world.

“I think we can manage.”

All they had to do was convince him to muster up a modicum of courage she was certain he had to possess if he was really such an important member of Cloud’s party and tell him that maybe Shinra wasn’t all that. Not the easiest task but... once a traitor always a traitor.

“So do I.”