Work Text:
-click-
-click-
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-click-click-
Another item added to the cart. Pushing the total now to $761.39 *before* taxes and shipping. Expedited shipping, mind you, because he's bored and wants these cute Lego sets as soon as possible. He can't even remember when he got on the Lego website, nor the last time he's played with any, but its something to cut the boredom.
After clicking "Go to Cart" and inputting the address of the lavish hotel he was currently staying in, he clicked "Complete Purchase" for a grand total of $908.43.
That exorbitant amount, sans fees and shipping, was only for three sets. Three limited edition Lego sets, all based on famous restaurants: “Butter”, the incredible Italian eatery helmed by the 3-Michelin star chef Guarnaschelli, “Holden Co.”, the socio-influencer experience that put molecular gastronomy on the map, and “Waffle House”, perhaps the most infamous and revered of them all.
Even with the highest tier of expedited shipping and being near a distributing center, the quickest the Lego sets would be delivered would be within a few hours. Which meant until then, he was left wandering in his own thoughts.
Thoughts like, “What to do until then?” “What to do afterwards?” “How much longer does he have to stay here waiting for him?” “If he is even still ali–”
"He is alive. His account wouldn't be active anymore if he wasn't."
Sephiroth knew that was a ridiculous statement; unless notified of the person's passing by an official signifier, the bank would not know or care about their users' livelihoods. Even if said account holder is bankrolled by one of the richest and most powerful men in the city. But he will cling to anything at this point. Rolling over on the ultra soft, satin comforter-covered bed, Sephiroth let out a long, lonely sigh.
It's been 12 days, and he has not seen nor heard from his beloved boyfriend, Squall.
He's not totally unaware of where Squall is or what's going on. The work Squall does tends to take all day, or even a couple days at a time; that's not what worries him. Being part of a specialized guard unit for one of the three bigwigs of the coporate center of the city essentially begets long hours and an irregular schedule. But, the rich CEO that his boyfriend directly bodyguards for is in hot water as of late, due to being called out a dirty, rotten, disgusting piece of waste. With rumors of someone holding a tetrabyte drive full of evidence, even!
So naturally, that means the ultra unforgivable boss is scrambling to do damage control and now laying extra work on his employees to cover his own ass. Being part of his personal protection, Squall is most likely being forced to stick to his boss like glue 24/7, and that his job just got a lot more risky than normal. It all makes sense…
But still.
Blue-green eyes stared at the rose-colored drapes framing the balcony-view window, wishing desperately that they would flutter thanks to a sudden shift in the air from his room door opening, and his lovely tall, dark and brooding baby would be standing there for him.
But the curtains lie as still as ever. Hauntingly pretty, and achingly empty.
"How long must you be gone...?"
Sephiroth spoke aloud to no one but himself, mentally pushing past words his mother whispered to him. Words that told him he should forget about trusting his passions towards workaholics with no time for love, or pursuing pretty boys too self-absorbed to share their attention with anything else. She always claimed no one could equal him, that no one was good enough and anyone that showed interest only wanted to use him.
Squall isn't like that. Squall is the sweetest, most attentive person that Sephiroth has ever befriended, and the last three years together had been the best years of his life. Despite how different they are, they have found completeness in each other, and obviously mean to stay together forever.
Even if he is still mad about that mistake.
Oh how Sephiroth wishes he could turn back time.
”So that's what this is, then. I’m just a substitute for who you really want…”
“I've explained that it was a mistake, he knows it was a mistake! He knows I would never…”
He spoke aloud in his empty room, trying desperately not to replay that dreadful night in his mind. But his thoughts are drowning out rational thinking, playing to his insecurities.
“Mnnh… Maybe he's choosing to take on extra work, so he doesn't have to look at my face anymore, too disgusted to even be in the same space as me...
Or he's leaving me alone for so long, to see if I'll find a 'better replacement'... someone blond, blue eyed, cold demeanor, just like…"
Sephiroth rolled back over, wrinkling the thick comforter as he curled tightly on himself. He hated how his mind raced when not around proper distractions. He hated how much he still hurts from being dumped by his former love, and how much he hurt Squall by mistaking the two.
It was an honest mistake; made in the heat of the moment! Not once, in all their time together, did he compare the two, or allude to Squall that he wasn't matching up with 'what he had before'. He never once saw Squall as a replacement for his ex. Heck, it took Sephiroth months to even consider the thought of dating again!! To show such disrespect by saying he wants a replacement for an ex would be an insult to him or anyone willing to give him a chance…
But the damage was done and now he was saddled with infinite feelings of uncertainty.
Sephiroth scowled, meaning to curse his former partner's name. But his arms tightened around his stomach, feeling sick from the mere thought.
I can never truly hate you, can I? Even when you linger in my mind like a forgotten poison, threatening to burn me again, I can never truly be mad at you.
I hope you are safe and happy, wherever you are, Cloud.
The name made a welcome warmth bloom in his chest, that was then quickly snuffed out by a regretful chill.
And I hope, wherever you are, Squall, that you are safe and happy as well, and that you come home soon.
There it is again. Just like he said.
"I've been nothing but an afterthought to you this whole time, haven't I? How many times the words you said to me were meant for him instead?”
Sephiroth sat up properly, taking a deep breath to center his mind, barely easing the sunken feeling in his stomach. He felt dizzy. Sick. Scared. Hurt. Lonely.
So. Damn. Lonely.
Ever since Cloud left him, he felt as if he wasn't meant to be with anyone. Wasn't meant to live a normal life, wasn't meant to have a close relationship with someone he loves. Squall taught him otherwise. Showed him that he's not just a “pretty piece of arm candy”, that he is indeed someone that can love and be loved.
But now…
There was a knock at the door.
-knock knock knock-
It wasn't Squall's telltale double knock, and it shouldn't be any of the hotel staff. He phoned the front desk this morning to politely decline any services today. So then who...?
-Knock Knock Knock-
"... …”
Sephiroth felt absolutely horrible, both physically and mentally, but before he could work on stifling his feelings, there was someone that needed to be addressed. So he got up, slipped on the velvet-soft, hotel-provided slippers, and went to the peephole. Through which, he sees a trio of people, all in black suits and shades, and all concealing weapons.
Firearms.
What are such heavily armed men doing here… Are they looking for Squall..?
No.
They're here for me.
Sephiroth stepped back, a hand to his queasy stomach, nerves and worry causing a cold sweat to develop. Not only was his mind racing towards every bad possible outcome, he was sure there was no safe way to exit this scenario.
So for what it was worth, he at least had to protect himself. Something his mother insisted on, and one of the few things he agrees with her about.
-Knock.-
-Knock.-
-KNOCK.-
"Come in."
And the door handle rattles slightly, before turning softly, allowing access.
The three men take up the majority of the doorframe and then some; one grinning, the other scowling, and the one in front holding a stone-faced stare, speaking once inside the room.
"You is a ...Mister Sephiroth?"
"I am."
"Pretty fucked-up name, d'ntcha think?"
"My mother gave me my name and I think it's lovely, thank you."
"Well, tell yuh ma that we disagree. Y'now, when she make it down'ere to hell withcha."
The three drew their guns of varying models, prices and lethality. All for them to click in the ready position and be cleaved in two, within milliseconds of them aiming.
The shock of silence was cut with pieces of gunmetal thudding to the carpeted floor. The three men stared incredulously at their mark, who now stands before them, holding the enormous blade that did the deed.
"Didn't you know a mother fears nothing but outliving their own progeny? How could you say such a foul thing.”
The three suited gentlemen stood dumbfounded, now glaring at the person before them. Their “easy mark”. Supposedly a one-and-done job, all they had to do was find the traitor who sold out their boss. Best way to do that, was to find the traitor's boyfriend to root ‘em out. Said boyfriend, supposedly only held a couple part time jobs out of high school, been pampered by a previous partner and never fought or had a hard day in his life.
This “spoiled princess” is currently standing nearly seven-foot-tall, in a midriff-showing red and pink t-shirt, matching pajama pants and expensive-looking fuzzy slippers.
And holding a sword that's as long as he is tall, and strong enough to cut through gunmetal.
One-handed.
But, these three men came to do a job, no matter how ridiculous the mark is. So they pulled out their secondary guns, and took aim.
And again, heard a deep whoosh, but did not see the blade, only the falling pieces of their very pricey, company firearms.
Sephiroth raised his blade at an angle, the afternoon sun shining softly along the razor- sharp edge. "Whatever business you have here, consider it incomplete. I refuse to sully this place with your disgraceful blood."
The men knew that if they came back empty handed, their lives would be on the line. If guns didn't work, then surely fists would. That absurdly long cheese grater is as big as the room, so surely, he can't swing it to defend himself.
So they charge. Three against one. A surefire win. Surely.
The burly, grinning one was met with a palm to the bottom of his jaw, knocking him (and and a couple teeth) out.
The tall, scowling one took a knee to the gut, hard enough for him to wheeze intensely, nearly losing his lunch.
And the short, stoic one was tripped by the sudden drop of a 30-pound ōdachi falling to the floor in front of him, then caught by the collar of his suit and unceremoniously tossed out in the hallway.
Followed by his friends.
And their broken weapons.
Then the door closing.
Sephiroth huffed. He made sure to lock the door and put a chair under the handle to help deter them from trying to enter again, then bopped back down on the bed. With his cellphone in hand, he quickly scrolled through his recent dials to find the number he needs, and calls it.
-ring-
-ring-
-ring-
… "Hello? Yes, this is Room 221B, I want to report three thugs trying to break into my room…
…Yes, I've kicked them out and they are hanging around in the hallways.
…Yes, of course. And be safe, the men said that they mean business."
Once he hung up, he huffed again.
"Well that was a first..." Sephiroth muttered aloud, running a hand though his silvery locks. Oddly enough, dealing with those three gave him enough distraction to ease his stomach, at least. But now begins a new worry: If people are trying to go after him to get at Squall, that must mean Squall is on VERY important mission detail. If that's truly the case, then he should be proud of his baby!! But at the same time, he's so worried. Thugs sent to kidnap or execute loved ones of people even scantly related to Squall's boss means this won't be the last attack, no matter how badly he troubced their first attempt.
Even worse, what Sephiroth just went through, Squall is most likely going through ten times worse...
"Please be safe, my love... I'll wait for you as long as it takes, just come home soon.. "
He rolled onto his stomach, biting his lower lip. Worrying isn't going to do anything productive or helpful. Sephiroth knew well enough that letting his thoughts wander only gets his stomach right back upset. Instead of dreading, he can check on the arrival of his Lego sets. Even if they were annoying, those henchmen killed st least some time, right?
Not enough time, unfortunately.
"Uuuuuugghhh, they won't be here for another two hours?! If only there was an even faster shipping option…"
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