Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Joining ShinRa’s Pre-SOLDIER program was no joke.

It had taken Cloud thirteen years of bullshit in Nibelheim, three years of hard times in Midgar, and two years grunt work in the infantry to walk through the halls of the newly established training Academy. He thought he’d seen it all by then—gone through the wringer and then some.

It turned out, he was very wrong.

“Strife, you’re last again!”

Cloud was bent over, panting, hands on his knees after running I don’t even know how many laps around the state of the art gym. They hadn’t even pushed him this hard in boot camp for in infantry, which was honestly a bit crazy considering the fact that anyone who graduated from this place would be showered in mako anyway.

“Didn’t he score the lowest on in sword combat, too?”

“He couldn’t cast a single spell either.”

“How’d he even get in?”

Fuckin’ Nibelheim all over again, the way people were looking at him like he didn’t belong. Except he wasn’t the same runt he had been back home, not by a long shot. For now he’d bite his tongue, but he’d find another way to shut them all up soon enough. And he wouldn’t have to say a word to do it.

So what if he couldn’t run all those laps in record time? He could sprint faster than anyone. And sword combat? He’d racked up the most bull’s-eyes with his rifle in his infantry days—there was no way he wouldn’t learn how to use a sword just as well.

As for materia, well. He couldn’t say much about that. It was just so damn expensive, he’d never even held one before. Then his trainer put one in his hand and expected him to know what to like it was nothing.

Maybe that was why they called it magic.

Cloud bit back a sigh, opting to gulp down an entire bottle of water instead. It felt like he wasn’t going to throw up from all the running, which was a win in his books. He could almost breathe normally again, too.

Tomorrow’s run would be easier. Things like this took practice, and he had no problem putting in the time. Wasn’t that what the training program was for in the first place? The very reason ShinRa had revamped its entire SOLDIER entry program and built a damn Academy was so that they could find and train the best of the best.

That’s what Cloud would be, in time. Just not today.

“Alright, that’s enough for the day!” their SOLDIER trainer said, gesturing toward the nearby benches once he had everyone’s attention. “Take a seat!”

They filed onto the benches, all fifty-something of them, and not a single person sat near Cloud. As much as he tried not to let it bother him, it did, but he kept a straight face at least. Everyone else was chatting away with their newfound friends, gossiping and boasting and whatever else for a few minutes until their instructor waved a single hand to signal for silence

The guy seemed to give the entire group a once over yet someone didn’t spare Cloud a glance as he spoke, “Good work today, most of you. The Director has a few words before you’re dismissed.”

There were gasps and whispers as a familiar man in a purple suit walked into the room, like he had been biding his time. As the Director of SOLDIER, he would have a vested interest in the outcome of this training, certainly.

Of course he’d come to watch the first day’s training sessions.

“Thank you, Luxiere,” the Director said, facing the group with a very businesslike expression. “Welcome, everyone. For those who don’t know me, my name is Lazard Deusericus, and I’m the Director of SOLDIER.”

The few who hadn’t known that started muttering under their breaths until their trainer—Luxiere—gave them a no-nonsense look. When they all shut the hells up, the Director continued his speech.

“I’ve handpicked each of you to be here, based on your applications and the recommendations from your supervisors here at ShinRa. That being said, this is a highly competitive program, and only top performers will become SOLDIERs,” Lazard told them, his voice practically booming. “Take a look around. There are fifty-three of you here.”

Everyone did as they were told, a bit weary at first. Then it made sense when the Director revealed, “Less than twenty of you are expected to achieve the results needed to become SOLDIER.”

Woah. Even Cloud was quietly stunned by that, though he supposed he shouldn’t have been. Yeah, they needed more SOLDIERs, but fifty all at once? In the infantry, sure, but not in ShinRa’s most elite division.

“Every single one of you is here for a reason, and has the potential to succeed. Your instructors will be the ones to determine your fate here, so I advise you listen closely and follow their lead,” Lazard said, and at that, a number of unfamiliar faces walked into the room—followed closely by very familiar faces.

The room was buzzing as several First Class SOLDIERs entered the gym, each with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Most looked neutral at best, and a couple looked like they’d been dragged…but a few were happy. Including Zack—his buddy.

His friend caught his eye, sparing him a single wink as he stood in line with the likes of Angeal Hewley, Genesis Rhapsodos, and Sephiroth. Seriously, he had gone on a small handful of missions with Zack while he was in the infantry, but the guy was such a goofball and they’d hit it off so well.

It was easy to forget that he was also a First Class SOLDIER himself.

“I’d like to introduce your instructors for the program,” Lazard declared, effectively silencing the raging fan club that had formed behind Cloud. “To my left, you’ll see a handful of Second and Third Class SOLDIERs. These will be your day-to-day instructors for the duration of the program.”

One by one, Lazard gave their names, finishing off with the one he’d already mentioned—Luxiere. Then he got to the good part.

“To my right, you’ll see your Special Instructors,” Lazard revealed. “These are our First Class SOLDIERs. They’ll teach specific topics based on their areas of expertise, as time allows between missions. I’m sure they require no introduction…”

Lazard named them off anyway, looking a tad bit smug if Cloud didn’t know any better. This was probably fun for him, showing off his subordinates in front of a group like this. By the time he was done, everyone was on the edge of their seats, Cloud included.

“Now, a special announcement. Our top ten recruits have the honor of being assigned a SOLDIER mentor. These mentor will work one on one with their recruit, and offer personalized guidance to supplement their training,” the Director said, pushing up his glasses as the group got pumped up again. “That’s not all. Our top recruit will have a unique privilege—they will be able to select their own mentor from the group.”

Lazard had everyone eating out of his hands at that, and seemed to enjoy taking his damn time calling names. One by one by one he worked his way down the list of the top recruits, letting them know who they would be paired with. Seconds and Thirds, Cloud noticed—with good reason, he assumed.

The Firsts were probably too busy to babysit someone.

After his abysmal performance throughout the day, Cloud found himself oddly at peace with the whole situation. It was fine, not being one of the top ten—he’d just have to work hard and get there. Plus, it saved him the stress of worrying about if he would be assigned to some stranger.

He’d pay extra attention in class instead, and then practice on his own time.

“Lastly, our top student—Cadet Strife!”

All eyes it the room were on him before the nerves could even hit, but Cloud was too dumbfounded to care about that. No one could possibly have been more shocked than he was to hear his own name because there was just no way…

What the fuck?

“Who will you choose, Cadet Strife?”

--

To say the Director was displeased with his selection would have been an understatement.

The man was a true professional, never once breaking the image of a well put together businessman while he was in front of such a big audience. No, it was only when he had asked Cloud to follow him back to his personal office to discuss the full details of his mentorship that the mask came off.

“I know I didn’t explicitly state the Special Instructors were off limits,” he began, leveling Cloud with a severe look, “but I would have thought it was implied. Their first priority is field work.”

“I understand.”

“Sephiroth of all people won’t have time to dedicate to your training.”

“I understand,” Cloud said again, and he was kind of dying on the inside because he really did get it. He hadn’t even meant to pick his childhood hero, it just kind of happened. “Is it too late for me to choose someone else?”

“Yes,” Lazard sighed, raking a hand through his hair. “This is our first group since the Academy was established. If word gets out that I dangled this in front of you and then took it away without reason, it may impact our future applicant pool.”

“But if I’m the one choosing—”

“You’ve sealed your own fate,” the Director said, waving off his words. “I just hope you realize what you’ve done. Sephiroth isn’t the mentor type.”

“…I understand.”

“The other recruits won’t be pleased.”

“I’m not here for them.”

Lazard sighed. “He’s not going to be happy either. Sephiroth is a notoriously private person.”

“I won’t do anything to make him uncomfortable,” Cloud vowed—he appreciated his own privacy, too. “I promise.”

“That won’t be easy, considering the fact you’ll be living with him.”

“What?”

“All the mentees will be rooming with their mentor—it was meant to be an added incentive for potential new recruits to push for the top ten,” the Director explained dismally. “All of the Seconds and Thirds had consented to the agreement in advance.”

“Can’t I just…not?” Cloud offered. “I’ll stay in the dorms.”

“You’ll draw the entire mentorship into question if you do that.”

“This is a mess.”

“It is, but…” Lazard hummed thoughtfully, a hand on his chin. “It may be good publicity if you end up making it. Our applicant pool could double next time.”

It seemed like Cloud wasn’t supposed to respond to that, so he didn’t bother. Instead he stood there awkwardly, wondering what the hells he had gotten himself into. Why had he gone and said that name?

Because…

He frowned, shaking off the justification in his head. It was stupid, and Sephiroth wouldn’t remember it. An elite operative like him—he’d probably seen dozens of towns like Nibelheim. No way would he remember some dorky kid, or anything else that had happened back then.

Cloud, on the other hand, would never forget it.

There was a knock on the office door before the Director spoke again, and the man seemed to straighten out like he knew who it was. Given the situation, Cloud could venture a guess, too.

“If you could, just wait outside,” the Director instructed him.

He knew a dismissal when he heard one, and left the office without dispute. Sure enough, Sephiroth had been the one who had knocked, and he walked right in without sparing Cloud so much as a glance.

Seriously, what had he been thinking? Things were going to be hard enough without any drama.

A playful whack on the back snapped him out of his self-pity in a hurry.

“Dude,” Zack said, making his appearance outside the office very well known. “I knew you were brave, but damn.”

“Shut up,” he groaned. “I already know I’m an idiot. What’re you doing here?”

“I came to check on you.”

“I’m lucky I didn’t get thrown out already.”

“It’s not that bad,” Zack reassured him, but the usual hint of humor was nowhere to be found on his face. “Why didn’t you pick me if you wanted a First? You know I woulda helped you.”

“It wasn’t about that, it just happened so quickly.” He wiped a hand over his face, miserable. “How mad is he?”

“He…as in Seph?” Zack snorted when Cloud gave a meek nod. “I mean, he’s not visibly angry.”

“Really reassuring.”

“All those instructors—the regular ones? They knew about the mentor program. They agreed to it all,” his friend explained carefully. “It’s not easy, mentoring someone on top of everything else. Takes a lot of work and time.”

“Plus the whole living together bullshit…”

“Fuck, I forgot about that,” Zack admitted, growing a bit paler. “He’s prob’ly pissed. Not at you—at Lazard. Seriously, someone shoulda seen this coming. Anyone else in your shoes woulda done the same damn thing.”

“I think Lazard meant to be more specific, but he got caught up in his speech…”

“I told him to leave the pep talks to me, but he didn’t listen.”

“Why am I the top recruit anyway? I suck compared to everyone else!”

“Not true,” Zack huffed, offended on his behalf. His heart swelled despite his sour mood. “They’ve been at it a lot longer, mostly. Some of them tried out two or three times back when we were doin’ the old recruiting system.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, and others have been enlisted in the infantry a lot longer than you. There are a couple pretty new, like you, but you’re the minority for sure.”

“That still doesn’t explain how I got the top spot.”

“You heard Lazard—your application and recommendations. Your musta done well on the assessment, and I bet your Sergeant put in a good word for you,” Zack explained easily.

“I guess. I still sucked compared to them.”

“Today was about breaking the ice. Tomorrow’s when the real work begins.”

“I just want to sleep,” he groaned—and wake up to find that none of this had really happened. “I don’t even know where I live now.”

The office door swung open as if on cue, Zack’s mouth open like he had the answer on the tip of his tongue. Sephiroth’s presence took priority though, both friends looking toward the man.

Gaia, it would have been a lot easier to act naturally if Sephiroth weren’t so damn attractive.

It took a nudge from Zack to snap him out of it, and luckily, his friend wasn’t done trying to help him just yet.

“Spike’s a good kid, Seph,” Zack tried, not shying away even a little. “He didn’t mean to cause you any problems.”

Cloud, well…he didn’t know Sephiroth well, but it looked to him like the man just didn’t care. Probably because it didn’t change anything, regardless. His powerful gaze slid over to Cloud, silently assessing the blond.

“I really am sorry,” Cloud said, unable to look away when their eyes finally met.

Those eyes…Cloud remembered them all too well, even when every other thought on his mind seemed to find away. That look, telling him he could make his own path—encouraging him to do what he needed to do. Just like that day, Sephiroth didn’t say a word to him, instead giving him a single nod of what felt like acceptance.

Then he walked off, like there was nothing else to discuss.

“You better follow him,” Zack urged, giving him a gentle room. “You live with the dude now, remember?”

Oh shit. Something told him Sephiroth wasn’t planning to hold the door open for him, so he took off in a hurry before he could be left behind. Maybe he really was a hopeless new recruit, after all.

--

They only had one conversation in Sephiroth’s apartment, and it was to-the-point. What rooms he was allowed in, and what rooms he wasn’t. What he was allowed to touch in the ‘common areas’, and what he wasn’t. There wasn’t a ton of stuff anyway, the apartment itself feeling a bit…well, vacant.

Everything looked like it was standard issue furniture, which he only knew because Zack had a lot of the same shit. Except while Zack had personal touches throughout, Sephiroth did not. Maybe in his bedroom, but Cloud most certainly was not allowed in there.

Not that he wanted to check it out.

“I’m not a fan or anything,” Cloud said, almost desperately. He had been very pointedly not staring at Sephiroth, trying to keep his eyes fixed on neutral areas to prove his pure intentions. “I swear, I didn’t pick you for any weird reason, or—”

“I have a mission this evening.”

“…As in, tonight?”

“Yes,” Sephiroth responded, a slight furrow in his brow the only indication that any of this might be bothering him. “My schedule will not be altered.”

“I understand.”

Cloud kept looking at the man despite the intense desire to hang his head in shame, figuring he owed his ‘mentor’ at least that much. Never in his life had he felt so bad for a decision that he made. It was obvious Sephiroth didn’t want another apology though.

He just wanted continue with his life, uninterrupted—and Cloud was a major interruption.

That wasn’t an option anymore, and they both knew it. There was nothing else to say on the matter, and a silent understanding began to settle between them. Maybe it was presumptuous, but it felt like he knew exactly what Sephiroth was thinking of him in that moment.

There was no point in being frustrated. No point in getting angry.

Sephiroth had accepted his new reality, at least in theory, and would probably decide what that meant for the two of them while he was gone. For now, he wanted nothing to do with Cloud, and so the blond didn’t even feign offense when the famous First left the apartment without so much as a goodbye.

“Fuck,” Cloud breathed, slumping dejectedly when he was finally alone.

What had he done?

--

There were a lot of perks that came along with being Sephiroth’s mentee, but honestly? It kind of sucked, too. Luckily he hadn’t really had any expectations in the first place because if he had, he would have been sorely disappointed.

The apartment was nice at least—basically unlived in, and the bed in that guest room was amazing. Not living in the dorms was a big win, as was having his own kitchen to cook in. There were only a small handful of things he wasn’t allowed to touch, and it was all easy enough to remember.

A mug with a cute cat doodle on it. A stash of very expensive looking candy. An oddly specific spot on the couch.

Honestly, the more he thought about it, the more he wished he’d been feeling anything other than guilt when Sephiroth showed him around the place—the few things that were off limits would have brought a smile to his face under normal circumstances. The fact that Sephiroth hadn’t returned after a full week set him a little more at ease every day, and he quickly found he actually liked returning to their ‘shared’ apartment after each grueling day of training.

Life outside of his surprising new sanctuary? Not so fun, largely due to the expectations that came along with being top student and Sephiroth’s mentee.

“Seriously, how could you be the top student?” one of the cadets complained, staring down at him in disbelief after he had landed on his ass again. “Even Sephiroth won’t be able to fix you.”

After another swift defeat, there was very little Cloud could say in response to that. So, he hopped to his feet, dusted off, and got back into position for more hand-to-hand training. What else was he supposed to do? Bickering wouldn’t get him anywhere, and it wasn’t like he actually had Sephiroth around to help.

If he was going to prove himself, it would be through his own actions.

“Ready,” Cloud said, fists raised.

A few swift jabs in the gut had him on his back, again.

This first week was all about establishing a base line in any combat related courses. For hand-to-hand combat, their instructor had only shown them the absolute basics. How to hold their hands. How to spread their feet. What types of moves were off limits, and what zones of the body were off limits.

The rest of this course had been rotating partners to see who would be matched with who starting the following week. That would be when the real work began, apparently.

“Switch,” their helmeted instructor called out.

Cloud gave a nod to his opponent before shuffling to the next person, squaring his jaw as he realized who it was. Cadet Higgins—the number two student.

“I’ve been waiting for this,” Higgins said, an unsettling grin on his face as he took the ready position.

All Cloud could do was mirror the position, sure that he knew where this was going. What he didn’t expect was for the punch to his gut to hit so damn hard. It had him keeled over, which gave Higgins two more free swings before he was on the floor.

Fuck.

It felt like he couldn’t breathe. Thank Gaia they were almost done for the day because he was basically just getting shuffled around the room for everyone to take a hit at this point—no one was as bad as he was. The fact that his next course was just a ShinRa history lesson was his only saving grace.

He’d have time to rest before doing anything physical.

There was an influx of laughter nearby, and Cloud was pretty sure it was being directed toward him. It wouldn’t be the first time one of Higgins’ buddies distracted the instructor so that they could all have a good laugh at his expense. He didn’t even bother opening his eyes, instead focusing on his breathing.

Shit, his whole body was aching.

A green hue behind his eyes distracted him from it before he could dwell any further, flickering until it had his undivided attention—just a small dot at first, slowly expanding until it was all he could see. Then it was everything, filling every corner of his mind until it was all he could think about. Until it threatened to consume him entirely.

“What’s happening?”

“Is he okay?”

“Isn’t that—”

The chatter around him was distant but grating, and it became more noticeable as the sea of green began to contract back down into himself. It was still just as vibrant even as he reached out for the last bit of it, only to find it gone before he could fully grasp it.

“Magic’s not allowed,” Higgins complained, loudly.

Just loudly enough to snap Cloud out of it entirely, his eyes fluttering open. He jerked up, startled to find himself on the floor. What…Every part of him remembered being there, in the training hall, but it felt so long ago now.

Their instructor was already crouched down by his side, giving Cloud a once over. “You okay, Strife?”

“I’m good,” Cloud said, a bit surprised to realize he meant it. Not a single ache remained. “Really good.”

“Cadets aren’t authorized to use materia until they’ve finished first term and scored a passing grade in materia theory,” he continued, holding out a hand. “I’ll let it slide this time, but I do need to confiscate it.”

“…I don’t have any materia,” the blond responded, brows furrowed.

“I saw him cast it,” Higgins insisted, arms folded across his chest. “It was green—a healing spell.”

“Class is dismissed,” the SOLDIER said, looking around the room expectantly. “Go to the study rooms if you’re bored.”

Thankfully, everyone knew a dismissal when they heard one, and quickly turned to leave. Only Cloud remained, sure that he was supposed to since the SOLDIER hadn’t moved from his side. Once everyone was safely outside of the training room, his instructor removed his helmet and extended a hand toward Cloud.

It was the first time Cloud had seen him without a helmet on since he’d met the guy.

“Sir?” Cloud asked, reaching out to shake the man’s hand.

“I’m Kunsel,” the instructor told him, smiling a bit. “I know we did general class introductions already, but I didn’t get to meet you personally.”

“…Nice to meet you?”

“I’m a friend of Zack’s,” he explained carefully. “I know you’re a good kid, Strife.”

“Thanks, I guess?” Cloud said, not sure where this was going. “If you know about me from Zack, then you must know I’ve never cast a spell in my entire life. I don’t have any materia.”

“You definitely just cast a spell.”

“That’s not possible. I’ve never even touched a materia before coming here.”

Cloud turned out all his pockets, making a show of it as he showed the man what little gear he had—basically nothing, given that he was in gym clothes for this class. There was really only one other place he could have a damn orb like that, and he definitely wasn’t hiding one there.

Kunsel was giving him an appraising look when he was done. “Did Sephiroth teach you how to cast without one?”

“He’s been gone all week. I haven’t seen him since that first day.”

“Uh, no,” Kunsel said, raising a brow. “He’s been back for three days now. He finished his mission early—pretty typical for him.”

Three days? “He hasn’t been back to his apartment. At least not when I’m there.”

“Interesting.”

Not really, but Cloud kept that part to himself. It was obvious, not interesting—Sephiroth was avoiding him. He probably still wasn’t happy about Cloud living in his apartment, and he probably had no plans to teach Cloud anything.

“It’s fine,” Cloud resolved, straightening where he sat. “I need to do this on my own anyway.”

“Do what?”

“Get better. I suck right now,” he said, not offended in the least when Kunsel chuckled rather than placating him. “I don’t how I got in the top ten in the first place, let alone the number one spot.”

“Yeah, about that…” Kunsel raked a hand through his hair, and his thoughtful expression said enough. He knew—Kunsel knew how it happened. “I’m not sure.”

“Yes, you are,” Cloud insisted. “Tell me!”

“I don’t know!”

“You’re making a face like you do.”

“This is why I always wear the damn helmet,” he sighed, grabbing it and pulling it right back on. “I can’t tell you what you wanna hear.”

“But you know something.”

“I know a lot of things. I know that all the other cadets are treating you like crap,” Kunsel started, effectively silencing Cloud. “I know that they’re mad that your name was called, and they’re jealous that you get to work with Sephiroth.”

“But I don’t get to work with him.”

“They don’t know that,” Kunsel replied with a shrug. “Look, I’m not gonna lie—you’re in the bottom two for this class right now. Sounds about the same in most your others.”

“I know.”

His time in the training program was a two-year commitment, broken up into several terms almost like university. This term, he had six classes throughout the week—three per day, alternating on a rotation. Hand-to-hand combat, sword basics, physical fitness, materia theory, basic military tactics, and an obligatory ShinRa history course.

The tactics class was the only one clicking for him so far.

“How are you planning to get better without a mentor who’s willing to help you?” Kunsel continued.

“I’m going to do what everyone else without a mentor does—pay attention in class, and learn from the instructors.”

“Even some of the other instructors are pissed—Sephiroth is a big deal around here. Most of us haven’t even talked to him one on one, let alone gotten to train with him.”

“They still have to teach the class.”

“Maybe, but there are ways to teach a class without teaching individuals—especially in hands on ones, like this,” Kunsel told him, frowning. “I’ll do what I can to help you here, but you may want to talk to Zack for sword basics if your instructor doesn’t help enough.”

Zack. Cloud’s heart sank at the mention of his friend, missing the guy more than he could admit. He just couldn’t do it though—he couldn’t let Zack bail him out again “I can’t. Can you imagine if they think Sephiroth and Zack are helping me?”

“Zack knows how to do things quietly when he wants, trust me. He’s good at drawing attention where he wants it, and then avoiding it in other areas of his life. He wants to help you.”

“I want to try for myself first.”

“You know…” Kunsel paused a moment, then shook his head. “There’s only one other guy I know who can cast without any materia equipped, other than Sephiroth. I doubt he’d get involved though.”

“Who’s that?”

“Commander Rhapsodos.”

Cloud snorted. “Yeah, I don’t see that happening. I’m still not convinced I cast anything, anyway.”

“I know a spell when I see one, and it definitely came from you,” Kunsel said flatly. “You got time before your next class?”

Cloud eyed the clock on the wall, giving a quick nod. “Thirty minutes.”

“Alright. Get back in position. I wanna show you something—a better stance for your size. Technically it’s part of next week’s training, but you’re the smallest guy here, so I think it’s fair to show you now. Just this one time, since I can tell you’re stubborn about doing shit for yourself.”

Before Cloud could think to argue, Kunsel had taken a ready position in front of him, so he quickly slid back into his own. Much like his classmates, the SOLDIER was on him in a flash, except his fist never hit Cloud. Instead he stopped short, his motions deliberate.

“Nine out of ten, your opponents were getting you just like this,” Kunsel began, walking Cloud through a few quick defensive moves to prevent that style blow from landing. Then he added offered the blond a couple options for counterattacks—simple but effective for what they would be learning to start.

It was strange, standing across from a uniformed SOLDIER and learning all of this. Something told him Kunsel didn’t even use hand-to-hand combat, nor did most others in the program—it was more of a foundational skill for fighters at their level. Yet he explained it so simply to Cloud, in a way that was clear and concise.

No way would he be forgetting anytime soon. In fact, he was curious about trying it out on his own.

By the time he got to his next class, all of his classmates were under the impression Kunsel had chewed him out and confiscated his materia. Little did they know what had really happened.

He bit back a grin, choosing to ignore them rather than allowing himself to get dragged into the drama.

--

It took one failed quiz in his materia theory class for Cloud to understand the depth of the situation he was in, and it was a very unpleasant realization. He was ages behind the other cadets even when it came to the most basic content, and he only had so much free time to pour into studying and practicing on his own.

Unfortunately, none of his other instructors were nearly as cool as Kunsel.

“Lowest out of all the classes,” their instructor announced, much to his dismay.

Everyone would have found out regardless, but having it spoken so bluntly while he was still in class had him cringing. The program was competitive, and their scores were posted—almost like a ranking system. He could have made himself scarce after class though, to avoid everyone’s reaction to his latest slip up.

Instead he had to listen to every damn word while his SOLDIER instructor pretended not to notice a damn thing. The other recruits were relentless.

“Seriously, was he really the top candidate?”

“What kinda favor do you think he did to get into this program?”

“Better question—who did he exchange that favor with to get in?”

“Makes you wonder what Sephiroth’s been doing with him so far.”

They were all snickering after that, aside from the one guy who sat to Cloud’s right. Thompson. A quick glance told Cloud why—he’d failed as well. If Cloud hadn’t been even worse, it was a good possibility that Thompson would have been their target instead.

The two exchanged a somber look, and it felt like they were on the same page.

Rumor was that the bottom few cadets would be dismissed at the end of the term. At this rate, Cloud would be the bottom cadet overall—his good marks in basic military tactics wouldn’t be enough to help, nor would his slow but steady progress in Kunsel’s class. Thompson might be on the chopping block with him if something didn’t change soon.

“Want to meet up after class?” Cloud asked quietly.

“Yeah, man. If you can help me with tactics, I can help you with history.”

“Then maybe we can figure out materia theory together,” he said with a nod, relieved when Thompson agreed. His fellow cadet offered him a tiny smile at that he returned briefly, and then it was time for class to continue.

Their instructor made a few more digs at Cloud’s abysmal score as he went over the quiz results, and then launched right into the lecture for the day. Something about how materia originally came to be discovered, and how ShinRa stumbled upon it for the first time. The guy was basically just reading the textbook to the class, and Cloud couldn’t help wondering if it really made sense to anyone.

The bits about finding materia, sure. Remembering names and dates wasn’t so hard. The bits about how those people picked up a random, colored rock and realized they could use the rocks to cast magic spells? Not so simple.

By the end of class, Cloud hadn’t really understood a word.

Thompson nudged him when the lecture wrapped up for the day. “You didn’t get a word of that either, did you?”

“Nope,” Cloud confirmed, chuckling softly as his fellow cadet sagged in relief. “Maybe we’re just overthinking it. The quiz was mostly about facts, nothing abstract.”

“Yeah. We don’t need to understand how it happened, just that it did,” Thompson reasoned.

“Exactly. Maybe the rest will make sense when we put it into practice.”

“Can’t you already cast though?”

“Nah, not really.”

“What was that the other day then? In hand-to-hand,” he said, raising a brow. “Looked like a spell to me.”

“It was Kunsel,” Cloud lied—he felt a little bit bad about deceiving the very first cadet who’d been nice to him, but what was he supposed to say? Thankfully, Kunsel had already agreed to this little story, so it probably wouldn’t end up biting him in the ass if word got around. “Instructors have to heal us if we get hurt, that’s all.”

“Seriously?” Thompson hummed thoughtfully, like he was trying to remember that day. “I guess I was too busy lookin’ at you to notice. You were down for a good minute.”

“Yeah, I think it happened so fast—everyone just thought it was me.”

“Well if you do figure out how to cast…will you show me?”

“Yeah, of course,” Cloud promised. “We have to make it to next term, though, and no promises I’ll learn it fast.”

“I guess we should try to understand it first.” Thompson looked down at their textbook distastefully, like even the sight of it was confusing to him. Then he looked up to the front of the class where their instructor was, surrounded by a few of the other students. “It’s hard to get in and ask questions.”

“We’ve got an hour before our next class…Maybe we can figure some of it out on our own. Wanna go to the library or something?”

“Too crowded. Maybe we can go to your place?”

Cloud quirked a brow. “Uh, no, sorry.” It wasn’t specifically against any of the rules Sephiroth had given him, but the idea felt wrong. His mentor still hadn’t returned, but something told Cloud he would know if random cadets were hanging out in his apartment. “It’s not really my place, you know?”

“Oh, right. How’s that, anyway? Living with Sephiroth?”

“Um, well. I don’t know,” he admitted with a shrug, hyperaware of the attention this line of questioning had drawn. It was obvious their SOLDIER instructor had heard Sephiroth’s name, given the way he was glanced in their direction, and that only seemed to spark interest from the few classmates who remained. Ugh. “He’s been out on missions.”

“What kind of missions?”

“I’m a cadet—he didn’t tell me,” Cloud said easily. “I can’t just wait for him to get back to learn, so…I’m going to the library.”

“Okay,” Thompson agreed, hopping up—a bit deflated, but surprisingly he didn’t push the subject or argue. “I’ve got top marks in history right now. I can show you some mnemonics if you want.”

“If you have time, yeah. That’d be great. I’ve got a system down in tactics I can show you,” Cloud replied in return—a pattern that he had come up with to keep the different strategies separated in his mind. It was based on a video game he played with Zack, but he wasn’t about to tell Thompson that. “It’s really simple when you get used to it.”

“Cool.” Thompson offered a real smile when they were free of the eyes and ears from the classroom, relaxing more and more by the step as they got further away. “I’m sorry about that—I shouldn’t have brought up Sephiroth in front of everyone.”

“It’s fine. Just…I don’t know the guy, okay? I get that people are curious, but I’ve got nothing to share.”

“Most the cadets are in the Silver Elite—Higgins included. They’re jealous.”

“I get it,” Cloud sighed, raking a hand through his hair. He might have been, too, if the situation were reversed. In this case, he’d brought it on himself, so he couldn’t really complain. “I’m still not going to talk about him. I don’t know anything, and even if I did, it wouldn’t be my business to share.”

“I respect that.”

“You still wanna study, then?”

“Yeah, of course!”

Cloud kept a tight-lipped smile on his face as he nodded along, hoping that the uneasy feeling in his gut was wrong. It was kind of nice having another cadet to talk to—if all Thompson really wanted was the inside scoop on Sephiroth though, this would be a short-lived arrangement.

For now, the blond decided to keep an open mind and make the most of their study session.

--

His next quiz in history class went surprisingly well, thanks to Thompson.

Cloud was a bit awed as he stared down at the paper, and even his instructor’s sarcastic quip couldn’t get him down. Something about how the top student still wasn’t on top, since apparently two other students had managed to score more points.

Frankly, Cloud didn’t care. Going from basically failing to a solid A felt like a major win.

“You look happy,” a very familiar face said, grinning at him as he stepped out of the classroom.

Gaia, it felt like it’d been ages even though it had barely been a few weeks so far.

“Zack!” Cloud exclaimed, too happy to mind the fact that his friend’s appearance was kind of causing a scene. He could practically hear the whispers about how he was sucking up to yet another First, but he couldn’t be bothered. “Are you teaching today?”

“Yep. I’m helping out in the training hall,” Zack explained, gesturing a few doors down. “Sword basics.”

“Oh.” He frowned—he didn’t have that class until the following day. “Are you doing more than one class?”

“Here and there. I think I get your group next week.”

“Nice.” That had Cloud perking right up, even happier than he’d been about his A. Just because he couldn’t accept Zack’s help when they were alone didn’t mean he wouldn’t enjoy it with everyone else. “I suck at that class.”

“I heard,” Zack admitted, ruffling his hair. “I kinda thought you might be havin’ a hard time, actually, but you seem okay.”

“I’m fine,” Cloud said firmly, his smile still genuine. “I’m just a little behind. Got my first A in history.”

Zack gave him a quick high five, looking more pleased than Cloud felt. “Just remember, when all else fails—the answer will always be whatever makes ShinRa look good. Fact or fiction, it doesn’t matter.”

Cloud snorted, not totally surprised he hear it—the ‘history’ did seem a little skewed at points, and they had barely grazed the surface in class so far. “I think I’d rather get those questions wrong than write down a bunch of bullshit.”

“That’s up to you, man. I bet you could still pass either way—you’d just hafta do better in your other classes to make up for it.”

“I’ll find the right balance.”

Zack gave him a nod of approval, then seemed to realize what time it was. “Shit, I better go.”

“Have fun.”

“Call me later?”

“Uh, okay?”

“It’s not urgent, but I gotta tell you somethin’,” Zack said, giving him a quick wave before running off toward the training hall.

Random.

Cloud sent Zack a quick text, telling his friend to just call him instead since his classes were done for the day. Zack was the SOLDIER—the one with real work to do. All Cloud had planned was an extra trip to the gym, and then hitting the books again before bed. Not exactly a fun night, but it was pretty typical now.

Two hours later, Cloud had run more laps and lifted more weights than he cared to think about, praying to Gaia this shit would pay off and he’d start to see some results fast. Night after night he’d been doing this, sure that his stamina was improving little by little.

Whether or not he was putting on any muscle from all the lifting? That he wasn’t sure so about. But he definitely felt it when he was done, and he had to drag himself back to the apartment with how exhausted he was.

Then he took the longest shower ever—another perk of living with Sephiroth.

That guy had installed the most amazing shower head. At first, Cloud had been paranoid about messing around with anything in Sephiroth’s bathroom, regardless of the fact that nothing was ‘off limits’ aside from the shampoo. He took the fastest showers possible and was way too nervous to touch a damn thing.

But the more days went by without any signs of his ‘mentor’, the more at home he felt. Curiosity won out after a couple weeks, and after a particularly shitty day of classes, he’d caved in and tried out every damn setting. He hadn’t regretted it since.

The water pressure was seriously incredible, especially after a long work out.

Half an hour later, Cloud was sighing in relief as he pulled on his most comfortable pajama bottoms and t-shirt. Then he went to the living room, knowing damn well he’d fall asleep in two minutes flat if he tried to study in bed again. He brought a few books with him, deciding to start with history.

One A didn’t mean he was in the clear—he’d need a few more just to cancel out that first quiz score. He started reading through the same section from class, making new notes as he read along. Thompson had really given him some good study tips, much to his surprise.

He’d forgotten all about the phone call he was expecting from Zack until his PHS started ringing out of the blue.

“Hey,” Cloud said, still skimming the pages as he answered.

“Yo, Spike!” A very typical Zack greeting. “What’re you up to?”

“Just got back from the gym,” Cloud responded. “Studying now.”

“Boooooring.”

“What’d you expect?” he laughed. “This school is no joke. I think they’re giving us twice as much work since we’re the first batch of cadets.”

“Maybe, but that’s still no fun. Kinda wish it was like before, and you could just come over and play games.”

“Me too,” Cloud smiled, still mind boggled that had ever happened—seriously, Zack was too nice. If he hadn’t taken a quick liking to Cloud back when he was a trooper, who knew where Cloud would be? Probably stuck in the infantry, still too shy to make the kind of decisions he’d needed to make to impress his sergeant. And without his sergeant, he never would’ve gotten the recommendations needed to make it into this school. “What’s up? You hate phone calls.”

“Only ‘cause I’d rather talk in person,” Zack responded casually. “Figured you didn’t wanna deal with any more attention right now.”

“You figured right. So…you don’t have anything specific to talk about?”

“Right to the point, huh?” Zack teased, and Cloud could easily imagine his smile. “Guess I’ll jump right in, then. Remember that time you picked Seph to be your mentor?”

“No, I totally forgot,” he said dryly, as if he weren’t sitting on the approved side of Sephiroth’s couch with several of his textbooks spread out across the coffee table in front of him. “Why?”

“Do you wanna switch? For real,” Zack said, the humor gone from his tone. “I know he’s not helping you, and I’m pretty sure I can work somethin’ out with Lazard.”

“Zack…it’s fine.”

“It’s not. You were supposed to get to pick your mentor—to get the lessons and help you need. If you fail, you might not get another chance, and that’d be on me.”

“…What do you mean on you?”

“I mean…Nevermind,” Zack sighed, and Cloud seriously wished they were talking in person now. It wasn’t often Zack was evasive like this, and he really didn’t like it. “I heard some stuff from your instructors. Sounds like the other cadets are being assholes to you.”

“Sometimes. It’s fine, though. I’m catching up, bit by bit. It’s just like two years ago when I joined the infantry—once I prove myself, they’ll have nothing to say.”

Things had been a lot worse back then, even though the stakes weren’t quite as high.

Cloud had been younger, and a little lost. Sure, he’d endured a lot at that point, but that didn’t make him trooper material. He was scrappy—he’d done what he needed to in order to get by in Midgar. Nothing he was ashamed of, but also not the kind of back story that impressed people in the military.

No one cared that he’d taken on some odd jobs, or that he’d impressed some locals in the slums. All they saw was some scrawny kid who didn’t look like he belonged. Someone who wouldn’t have their back in the field.

They made his life hell until he proved them wrong.

“You know…they used to steal my gear right before patrols,” Cloud said, snorting at the bad memories. “They’d mess with my bed so I’d fail inspections. They’d volunteer me for cleanup duty in the chow hall.”

“I remember. You told me.”

“Then you remember I didn’t let you help me back then, either.”

Zack sighed, almost uncharacteristically broody. “That doesn’t mean I hafta like it. You’re my little buddy, y’know? You shouldn’t have to prove yourself to be treated right.”

“I’m not saying you’re wrong, but…that doesn’t change the facts.”

“This sucks,” his friend complained. “I hate this. Can’t you just be a SOLDIER already?”

“Yeah, I’ll get right on that,” Cloud joked, laughing softly as he heard Zack snort.

“I’ll knock some sense into Seph if he doesn’t get his shit together soon. Doesn’t matter if you think you’re the best or not—he’s your mentor, and he needs to help.”

“…You seriously thought I was going to pick you, didn’t you?”

“Duh. We’re friends, Spike. You never mentioned being a bit Sephiroth fan or anything.”

“Because I’m not!”

“I saw the way you were lookin’ at him.”

“Everyone looks at him that way! Doesn’t make me a fan,” Cloud insisted.

“Then why him?”

“Does it even matter?” the blond asked, glancing around the empty apartment pathetically. It was basically his own, private room. He was Sephiroth’s mentee in title alone, not in reality. “I’m just going to stay out of his way and do my own thing when he gets back.”

“Fine. If you need me though, I’m here.”

“I know. I didn’t mean to ignore you or anything these last few weeks. Just trying to stay off the radar.”

“I hear ya, but you’ve got that fancy apartment all to yourself—gimme a call or whatever, even if you just wanna vent.”

“Okay.”

“…You’re not gonna, are you?”

Cloud snorted. “Probably not.”

“You’re too stubborn for your own good sometimes, Spike.”

He began skimming the page of his textbook, not sure what to say about that. Zack wasn’t wrong, and the way he was being so adamant…a rush of fondness surged through Cloud as he read his textbook, almost wishing he had picked Zack when the opportunity presented itself.

The fact that they’d ever become friends was still a little unreal to him on most days, and he was sure he’d always be grateful. Right now though, he needed to get through this on his own.

--

Another few weeks came and went, and Cloud still hadn’t seen Sephiroth at the apartment.

Mentor or not, things were going okay overall. That whole thing Zack had said about him being stubborn? Definitely true. He’d stubbornly been busting his ass every day—before, after and during class. He still hadn’t proven himself worthy of being ‘top student’ or whatever, but it felt like he was making progress just by controlling what he could control—clawing his way to the ‘middle of the pack’.

Cloud wasn’t satisfied with that, even if the naysayers were getting a bit quieter by the day. There were some classes where he was still lagging behind, and he had to pass them all if he wanted to make it into SOLDIER.

His focus had been so singular…He’d thought nothing would distract him from it at all, right up until the day when his mentor finally turned back up at the Academy.

Holy shit.

When Cloud first saw the man, he had literally stopped in his tracks, eyes wide. Sephiroth hadn’t looked affected at all, walking right by with nothing more than what felt like an obligatory nod of acknowledgement.

Then he was gone, and it took several minutes before Cloud kicked his ass back into gear and went to class. It wasn’t until his next class ended that he found out exactly where Sephiroth had been going.

Apparently, his mentor had made his very first appearance in class as a Special Instructor.

Not Cloud’s class, of course. The cadets were split into five groups for all of their courses—an attempt to give them a better student to teacher ratio as they rotated through their courses. Sephiroth had made an appearance in Class B’s ShinRa History lesson.

Cloud was in Class A.

“Isn’t it weird the General’s first appearance was with another class?” Higgins asked, pointedly not including Cloud in the discussion. “All the top students are with us.”

They were in the library for a required study hour, which so far had proven to be a waste of time. Cloud would have been studying either way, whether it was required or not—just not here, with the rest of his class.

The room was unnecessarily hot, and all his peers wanted to do was gossip with each other. They still hadn’t accepted Cloud into the group despite his progress, and he was fine with that if this was the kinda shit they wanted to talk about.

“Maybe he didn’t feel like he had to come to our class,” another cadet said, and suddenly Cloud felt several eyes on him as he continued reading about the origins of lab created materia. “Since we have his mentee with us, and all.”

“That useless piece of shit?” Higgins snorted. “He’s been dragging the class down more than anything.”

“Maybe even Sephiroth doesn’t want to deal with him.”

“Hasn’t Strife been getting top marks in history though?”

That was news to Cloud, if he was. Honestly, he knew he had been doing better, but he thought Thompson was still top of that class. He was more curious about what Sephiroth had taught that other class than who was getting what grade in his own.

They hadn’t even learned about the founding of SOLDIER yet. What had Sephiroth gone to discuss that pre-dated the program? He tried to keep reading despite the nagging thought, but couldn’t quite shake it as easily as he’d hoped.

“Stop doing that!” Higgins snapped. “Strife!”

“Hm?” Cloud looked up, raising a brow when he realized all the other cadets were looking at him. Some were glaring, and some were just staring with wide eyes. “What happened?”

“You’re not funny.”

“Thanks?”

“Why do you have a barrier up?” Higgins asked, and Cloud followed his gaze curiously.

There were pieces of crumpled up paper around him, among other things. When Higgins tossed another one at him and it fell to the floor without ever hitting him, Cloud blinked in surprise.

What?

Higgins continued, “Instructor Kunsel already gave you a warning. No materia allowed.”

“I don’t have any materia,” Cloud responded simply. “And anyway, I’m pretty sure throwing a bunch of shit at me is against the rules, too.”

“You think you’re pretty smart, huh?”

“Nope.”

“I don’t know how Sephiroth puts up with you. You’re the worst in every class that matters,” Higgins complained—and he wasn’t totally wrong. Sword basics was still his worst class overall, and given that this was a Pre-SOLDIER program, that was a big problem. “You’re not impressing anyone with those casts, either. Any one of us could do that if we had a materia.”

“Except me,” Cloud responded dryly.

He’d never cast a spell with a materia in his entire life. In fact, he wasn’t even convinced he was casting any kind of barrier now—it was just as likely this was some kind of elaborate joke to get him in trouble after what had happened that day in Kunsel’s class.

“Oh shit,” one of the cadets muttered, and the rest quickly followed.

They were hopping to their feet, standing at attention in a way that wasn’t really required outside of the infantry. Cloud found himself doing the same, almost out of habit. The hustle in the air was contagious when it came to shit like that.

Then he realized why they were doing it. Commander Rhapsodos had entered the library and was walking directly toward their group. He had the most dazzling smile on his face all the while, and looked every bit the SOLDIER icon that he was.

“At ease, cadets,” Genesis told them, sparing them an amused look. “Cadet Strife, I’ve come to retrieve you.”

“Excuse me, sir?”

“I’m aware you were expected the general,” he started, much to Cloud’s confusion, “but he was called away on another mission. I trust you won’t mind if I step in for the afternoon’s training?”

“Uh, no,” Cloud said, pretty sure that was the right answer, “I don’t mind. Sir.”

“Wonderful!” the redhead exclaimed, winking at the group before slinging an arm around Cloud. Then he led the blond right out of the library, offering an exasperated apology to the attendant who was responsible for making sure they stayed put for the duration of their ‘study’ time. “So, Cloud, dearest…”

He cringed in Genesis’ hold, the man’s tone way too familiar for someone he’d never really met. “Dearest?”

“I heard the most interesting tale this afternoon,” Genesis continued, guiding Cloud down the hallway and into a familiar room—the classroom where he usually had his materia theory course. It was empty at this hour. “You’re familiar with Kunsel, yes?”

“He teaches one of my classes,” Cloud confirmed.

That was enough for Genesis to drop all pretenses, removing his arm from Cloud and eyeing the blond with a critical look. It was harsher than any he had ever seen on the man’s face, and that face was everywhere—on posters and on TV. Who knew that same man could make a face like this?

Genesis raised a brow after a long pause. “And? Is there anything you’d care to tell me?”

“Uh…I suck at hand-to-hand combat?” Cloud guessed, raising a brow. That seemed to worsen the man’s mood, the harsh look on his face turning into something fierce. “I’ve gotten better! I’m not impressive, but I’m not the worst.”

“I’m hardly concerned with your fists. Tell me about the spell you cast.”

Oh. Cloud tried to keep a blank expression, but he could feel the furrow in his own brow. “I don’t even know if that’s what happened.”

“I trust Kunsel more than most in this program. He knows better than to waste my time.”

“Well, he said that’s what happened. That I healed myself after taking a hit in class.”

“Oh? What kind of hit?”

“The kind that really hurt, near the end of class.”

“Ah. So you’d taken quite a few, then?” Genesis assumed, hand on his chin. “Interesting.”

“And? Aren’t you going to ask?”

“Ask what, dear?”

“If Sephiroth taught me some secret skill?”

Genesis laughed at that, his harsh expression finally faltering. “As if I need ask such a ridiculous question. Where do you suppose he’s been sleeping all this time, hm?”

“Wait…seriously?”

Everything about Genesis’ demeanor told him the man was indeed serious, and Cloud frowned deeply. How long had Sephiroth been back? All this time, he’d been thinking his mentor had been sent back out on another long, elaborate mission. Something dangerous and worthy of a legendary SOLDIER.

Had Sephiroth actually been hiding out with his buddies this whole time?

“I’d intended to leave you to your fate, but it seems our paths were intended to cross,” Genesis concluded, like it was an indisputable fact. “There are very few who possess your particular skillset.”

“What skillset is that?”

“The ability to utilize the mako in your veins as a sort of personal materia.”

“Uh, you’re way off base,” Cloud said, laughing softly. “I’m just a cadet—I don’t have mako in my veins.”

“Yes, you do. The nature of your exposure may be unknown to me, but I’ve no doubt it’s true.”

…Mako exposure? Cloud shuddered, not liking the sound of it one bit. Nothing particular came to mind, but there had been a Reactor back in Nibelheim. He’d only gone there once, and it had been a largely uneventful trip. So boring that he hadn’t ever gone back.

“I took the liberty of pulling your lab work,” Genesis continued, “and it appears you have unnaturally high mana levels for an ordinary civilian. The full details were classified, even with my security access. Rest assured, I’ll find out why.”

“I don’t understand—why are you telling me all of this?”

“I’m aware Sephiroth hasn’t spent much time with you,” the redhead responded pointedly. “It appears he has no intention of it, either. I’ve decided to fill the role myself, off the record.”

“The role?”

“I’ll be your mentor, of course. We’ll have to keep the arrangement private under the circumstances, but I’m afraid that’s a necessary concession for now. You’ll have the option to switch mentors next term, and we can make the correction at that time.”

“Wait, what? I get to switch mentors?”

“Lazard made a deal with Sephiroth, it seems,” Genesis responded. “Sephiroth agreed to put up with this farce for six months in the interest of the Academy’s growth, under certain conditions.”

“What conditions are those?”

“That, I’m afraid, is not for me to say.”

Judging by Genesis’ tone, that wasn’t open to negotiation, and so Cloud didn’t waste his breath on asking. Instead he folded his arms across his chest, ready to take a stance of his own.

“Until he says otherwise, Sephiroth is my mentor,” Cloud said decisively.

“He’s not mentoring you.”

“That’s my problem, not yours.”

“Truly?” Genesis scoffed, though he looked more amused than he had to this point. “You’d decline an offer to train with a First Class SOLDIER?”

“I turned Zack down, too, and he’s basically my best friend.”

“I’m a Commander.”

“So? Are you going commanding me to be your mentee?”

“Hardly. I’ve better things to do than waste time on someone who won’t appreciate what I have to offer.”

“Then we’re on the same page,” Cloud concluded, only backpedaling when Genesis scowled, “Not that I don’t appreciate your offer!”

“You’re a fool either way. There’s no shame in accepting help—especially not when you’re experiencing something few could ever hope to understand.” Genesis sighed dramatically before Cloud could respond, and he took the hint and shut his mouth. “I’ll be sending Sephiroth home this evening. I trust you haven’t destroyed the place in his absence?”

“Uh, I mean, I may have taken over the coffee table,” he admitted, hand on the back of his neck—most of his books were still there, spread out since he hadn’t been expecting his mentor to return any time soon. “I’ll clean up before he gets home.”

“See that you do. I don’t expect I’ll see you again for quite some time, dear. I do hope you treat him well.”

Huh?

Cloud quirked a brow, watching as Genesis left just the same way he had entered—with purpose. If he was going to tell Sephiroth to go home now…shit. The blond hurried on his way out, hoping to Gaia that he got back to the apartment first just to make sure it was clean.

Generally, he left the place in the same good condition it had been in when he got there, but it wouldn’t hurt to make sure. Sometimes he’d been known to run to class without cleaning his damn coffee mug, and he didn’t want to end up on Sephiroth’s bad side over something so stupid.

--

Three more nights passed before Sephiroth actually returned to the apartment.

Cloud had been a bit stressed for the first two nights, hiding out in his room instead of making himself at home. Other than coming to and from classes, he only ever left his room for basic necessities—food, water, bathroom.

By the third, Cloud’s nerves had settled, and he’d convinced himself that Genesis had decided to let Sephiroth stay over for the full duration of this ‘mentorship’. That had blown right up in his face when he dared to venture out for an extra snack—he was reading a particularly challenging chapter of his history book, and he needed some sugar to make it through.

The apartment door creaked open while he was in the kitchen, and Cloud’s heart jumped in his chest. Shit. He felt Sephiroth’s eyes on him before he even looked up, and there was no ducking for cover now.

Wow. It was the first time he had seen SOLDIER’s ‘general’ in something other than his preferred uniform, and it took every ounce of effort on Cloud’s part not to eye the man from head to toe.

Seriously, though. Sephiroth was in long black sweats and a simple white t-shirt, somehow looking like a model all the while—his hair was in a loose ponytail, and Cloud got the impression his mentor hadn’t exactly planned to return like this.

Had he intended to spend one more night with Genesis?

“Hi,” Cloud said when he realized Sephiroth wasn’t planning to say a word. He shuffled a bit where he stood, wishing he had just read that chapter and gone to bed already. “Don’t suppose you like pudding?”

“Pudding?” Sephiroth raised a brow.

“It’s chocolate.”

The lack of an immediate no kind of felt like a yes, so Cloud grabbed another bowl before he could talk himself out of it. This was the same guy who had told Cloud not to touch his secret candy stash—a stash filled with fancy chocolates. It was a safe bet that Sephiroth had a sweet tooth.

He scooped out what felt like a SOLDIER-sized serving, then set the bowl down on the counter tentatively.

“It’s homemade,” Cloud explained when Sephiroth didn’t budge. It was like he was assessing Cloud’s intention—like he didn’t know what to think of this weird peace offering. “My mom sent most the ingredients...Zack brought me the milk.”

“You allowed him into my apartment?”

“Nah, he just brought it to the door. I don’t have time to hang out with him right now, I just need to focus on training,” Cloud explained, sure that he was rambling. He really, really couldn’t help it though, when Sephiroth seemed to have so little to say. If Cloud didn’t fill the silence, he would have to focus on that stare, and it was just a little too intense for him right now. “I was actually studying. Needed a break.”

“I see.” Sephiroth, to his great surprise, had the smallest smile pulling at the corner of his mouth as he approached the kitchen, taking small, measured steps. Cloud swallowed hard as he watched the man take the bowl of pudding, and quickly pulled out a spoon and placed it on the counter as well. “Thank you.”

“Yeah, no problem.”

Cloud grabbed his own bowl, pretty sure the long pause in conversation was some kind of signal for him to go away. No one needed to tell him twice—he was off toward his room without delay, muttering about how he’d clean his bowl before bed.

He could feel his mentor’s eyes on him every step of the way, but it was Sephiroth’s voice that had him stopping in his tracks before he made it halfway.

“How did you manage to receive offers of assistance from two First Class SOLDIERs?”

“I don’t know,” Cloud shrugged, glancing back over his shoulder. To his surprise, Sephiroth had already started eating, and was looking at him in a way that prompted him to continue, “I’ve known Zack since I was a trooper—we’re friends.”

“And Genesis?”

“He heard a rumor.”

“What rumor?”

“He seems to think I can do some weird casting.”

“Is he correct?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted quietly. “He seemed pretty sure.”

Sephiroth’s expression didn’t change, but Cloud knew exactly what the man was thinking. That when it came to things like this, Genesis was rarely wrong. There was a reason Genesis was commonly described as SOLDIER’s best caster, and it wasn’t just because he looked good casting a Firaga.

That guy knew his stuff, presumably. Luckily, Sephiroth didn’t press the subject.

“I turned them both down,” Cloud said after a beat.

“Yes, you did.”

“You’re not going to ask why?”

“No.”

“It’s not because of you,” he responded quickly. “I’m glad you haven’t been helping me.”

“You selected me for the role.”

“And I’m sorry,” Cloud insisted, frowning a little. “I honestly don’t know why I blurted out your name. I just saw you, and I…”

He shrugged, helpless to explain. That same, inexplicable feeling swelled within him again as he stood there, thinking to himself how the green in Sephiroth’s eyes took him right back home—to the day they’d locked eyes for the very first time.

“It was the same, back then,” Sephiroth said, brows furrowed slightly.

“…Back then?”

“In Nibelheim.”

Cloud blinked a few times, trying to unpack that statement before reacting. “You remember me?”

“Yes.” Sephiroth brought another spoonful to his lips, pausing momentarily. “I remember this, as well.”

“You remember…pudding?”

“Your mother’s pudding.”

“What does that mean?” he asked cautiously, watching as Sephiroth seemed to focus his attention on the bowl. “Sephiroth?”

“It’s late,” his mentor said. “Return to your room.”

“But—”

“We can discuss this tomorrow.”

“You’ll be here still?” Cloud asked quietly.

“This is my apartment.”

“Yeah, but…” Not really. “It’s been nearly two months.”

“Goodnight, Cloud.”

Very reluctantly, Cloud finished the short walk back to his room. He downed his snack quickly, then slid right into bed without bothering to try to finish that chapter.

It wasn’t like he would have been able to focus anyway. Not anymore.

--

Tomorrow came and went in a hurry, and it seemed like talking to Sephiroth wasn’t so simple. Not due to lack of effort, either. To his surprise, his mentor had popped up twice—once when he was rushing out the door to get to his physical training session, and once right after he returned home for the night.

It had been late—much later than usual, even for Cloud. Sephiroth had sent him to bed again without budging on the matter, and when Cloud looked in the mirror, he knew why. He’d stayed up tossing and turning the night before, and then worked his ass off all day. He looked dead on his feet.

When he woke up, Sephiroth was already gone. Another mission. This one was a short one, thankfully, but for some reason those three days felt even longer than the previous two months. He didn’t waste time in the library or the training halls after class on the day he was expecting Sephiroth to return.

No, he’d gone right back to the man’s apartment.

“Sephiroth?” Cloud asked, knowing the man in question was home.

That iconic black leather jacket was hanging off the back of one of the kitchen chairs, which was a clear indication Sephiroth had returned. Maybe he was unwinding or taking a nap or whatever…that much Cloud wasn’t sure about, but he plopped down onto his side of the couch patiently as he waited.

Unfortunately, he had underestimated just how tired he was when he sat down. Damn cushions—it really was too comfortable. He was dozing before he even realized it, the world forgotten right up until he heard someone calling his name.

It was quiet, but even in the depths of his unconscious, Cloud knew who it was.

“Mm, Sephiroth?” he mumbled, blinking his sleepy eyes open. A glance at his phone told him a full hour had passed already, but he didn’t care. He looked back at his mentor with a small smile. “Welcome back.”

“You should rest—”

“Rested enough,” Cloud interjected, biting back a yawn before Sephiroth could give him the kind of look that would send him right back to his bedroom in silent obedience. “I’m in training—I’m used to being tired.”

“A mentor should tend to their mentee’s needs.”

“Uh, that’s not exactly the relationship we have,” Cloud laughed, surprised to see just how perturbed Sephiroth looked. “Look, you don’t know me, so I get it. You don’t know how I am.”

“How is that?”

“I don’t know when to quit sometimes. Being sleepy is a side effect,” he explained with a shrug. “It’s fine though. I know not to overdo it. I don’t need you to babysit me.”

“Very well,” Sephiroth agreed, clearly reluctant. “I shall take you at your word.”

“Good. So…am I allowed to ask how your mission went?”

“That is not what we agreed to discuss.”

“Classified, huh?”

“Yes.”

Cloud nodded along, watching curiously as Sephiroth seemed to hover nearby. “Are you going to sit?”

“I would prefer to stand.”

There was plenty of room on the couch, even with Cloud there, but he could take a hint. “We can go to the table, if you want.”

In lieu of any kind of verbal agreement, Sephiroth walked over to his small kitchen table and took a seat. Cloud took a hint and quickly followed, sitting across from the man. The silence between them dragged out for a beat.

“So…Nibelheim,” Cloud said, clasping his own hands together on the table just to stop the impending fidgeting. Something about having Sephiroth’s undivided attention was more nerve wracking than he had expected. “Not the best town, huh?”

“No, it is not.”

“You went there on a mission?”

“I went there many times.”

“Maybe I’ll tell you what I remember first,” Cloud compromised, frowning a bit. He didn’t want to, but it seemed better than prodding the man for answers. Sephiroth gave a small nod. “When you came to town on that mission, I’d just barely turned thirteen. An adult, by Nibel standards. I remember the other kids…there’s this old Nibel legend.”

“The warrior’s tale.”

“Yeah, that’s what we call it now. It used to be like…a coming-of-age ritual,” Cloud explained, and he got the impression Sephiroth already knew that as well. “Way back, when you became an adult, you’d have to leave town—you wouldn’t be allowed back until you proved yourself in combat.”

“I’m familiar with the story.”

“Then you know what it entailed. You couldn’t just run off and kill a bunny—it needed to be something serious. A threat to the village, or something comparable. They’d give you a weapon, and you weren’t allowed back until you proved your worth.”

“Upon return, you would be granted the honor of naming your blade.”

“Yeah—it was always swords, back then. There’d be a ceremony for anyone who came back, and they’d declare the name,” Cloud confirmed, smiling despite himself. “Then you were a real adult. Someone who could contribute to the village properly.”

When he was younger, he’d thought it sounded so cool. Those were different times though—back then, kids were taught about combat and survival in a different way. There were no walls around town, and food wasn’t in abundance. Fending off predators was a serious concern in those days.

Sure, Cloud had learned a lot more about basic survival skills than anyone who grew up in Midgar, but it was different. He didn’t learn to hold a sword. He never learned how to use one.

Sephiroth interrupted his daydreaming, “That practice ended nearly a millennia ago.”

“The other kids in town thought it’d be funny if I had to do a trial anyway. They gave me a stick,” he said, chuckling even as the bad memory made him shudder—they hadn’t exactly given him much of a choice either, dragging him right out of town. “I was supposed to kill a wolf.”

“I saw you on the mountain path,” Sephiroth confirmed, eyeing him curiously. “You succeeded.”

“If you can call it that,” Cloud scoffed, getting pissed off just thinking about it. He nearly died, all because those assholes thought it would be funny. “I don’t even remember how I did it. All I know is, I had a foraging knife on me.”

“You struck its head with the stick,” Sephiroth told him. “The impact disoriented the wolf, allowing you a short window to take action.”

Then he’d pulled out the knife and…Another shudder tore through him. How many years had he had nightmares about that day? The thing about wolves was, they usually traveled in packs. It was a lucky fluke he had only faced off against that one stray.

In his dreams, it was always more than one that found him.

“What’d that wolf ever do to me, anyway?” Cloud vented. “I was the one out there in his territory. It’s not like wolves walk into town these days. He only tried to attack me because I was out there hunting for one of them.”

“Perhaps,” Sephiroth agreed slowly. “You did what was necessary under the circumstances.”

“Did you really see all that?”

“Yes. I was prepared to intervene, but you didn’t appear to require assistance.”

“What were you doing out there?”

“There were rumors of a dragon,” his mentor explained, like it was business as usual.

Cloud’s eyes were wide. Nibel dragons—that was the real stuff of legends. “I didn’t hear about that.”

“It was reported near the Reactor.”

Right. Of course ShinRa had been forced to dispatch SOLDIER, then. That Reactor was inspected routinely, but always by a research team. They wouldn’t have been able to get past a dragon on their own though.

“And?” Cloud prompted. “Did you find it?”

“Yes. When I returned to town, you were already there.”

“I snuck back in—I didn’t want the other kids to see me,” he recalled, shaking his head. Whether he’d succeeded or not hadn’t mattered to him. What he’d done felt wrong, and it felt like a sign that there had been a SOLDIER in town at the same time. “I told my ma I was going to Midgar the next morning. Then I snuck on your transport.”

Underneath the supplies that had been loaded. He’d basically stowed away under a bunch of bags and extra uniforms. He’d only dared to peak out once, right before they left town.

Sephiroth had held his gaze for a solid minute, not saying a word.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Cloud asked quietly. “I’ve always wondered.”

“I felt I understood you in that moment.”

His heart jumped in his chest, and he swallowed hard. That…it was remarkably similar to what Cloud had felt when their eyes had locked all those years ago. Anyone else would have tossed Cloud off the transport, or maybe even taken him into custody.

“About the whole mentor thing…when they asked me who I wanted,” Cloud started, a drawn-out sigh between his words, “I looked at you, and I just…I had to say your name. I can’t explain it.”

All eyes in the room had been on him, some stunned, some annoyed—some just curious. Cloud had been dumbfounded by it all, but when he looked over the group of SOLDIERs, there was only one name that clicked.

The moment he’d realized Sephiroth’s gaze was on him as well, it took him right back to that day on the transport. Sephiroth had given him the opportunity of a lifetime, all by simply not saying a word.

“I know you didn’t want this. I won’t bother you,” Cloud promised, resolute. “I don’t expect you to do anything else for me.”

“I’ve done nothing.”

Cloud snorted but didn’t argue.

The truth was it was embarrassing to think of just how much Sephiroth had done for him. Sneaking on that transport wasn’t exactly a well thought out plan, and the trip to Midgar took days. It wasn’t like he had thought to bring food, or water, or anything at all.

But someone had conveniently left him rations, just within reach of his hiding spot. The same someone who always seemed to distract the entire group of personnel every time they stopped, giving Cloud time to sneak off and pee—to clean up, and then get back in his hiding spot before anyone noticed.

And now that kindness was repeating itself. How easy would it have been for Sephiroth to toss Cloud aside now, the same way he could have back then?

“I don’t know how to pay you back,” Cloud said after a short silence. “Other than working hard and making all this worthwhile.”

Sephiroth shook his head in response. “You owe me nothing.”

“I wouldn’t be here without you.”

“Then do as you say you will—succeed, Cloud.”

He smiled a bit, feeling more pumped up than he had since the day he’d gotten his acceptance letter to the Academy. “Yeah, I will! I kinda suck right now, but I’m making progress.”

“Mentors are sent weekly recaps from the instructors,” Sephiroth revealed, giving him such an appraising look that it nearly brought a blush to the blond’s face. “You were the bottom cadet. Now you’re rank 18 overall.”

Cloud raised a brow—he knew about those reports, but he wouldn’t have guessed Sephiroth actually read them. He also hadn’t realized he climbed to rank 18 already…last he’d checked, he ranked somewhere around 26 of the 52 cadets.

“I’ve been studying a lot,” Cloud admitted.

“Your peers and instructors have done little to assist.”

“I’ve had some help,” he insisted. Kunsel, Thompson—they’d done a lot for him, all by offering a few simple tips. “There’s just one class holding me back right now. I’ll figure it out.”

“Which class?”

“Sword basics.”

Gaia, he knew it sounded ridiculous—especially to Sephiroth who was probably thinking if he could take down a wolf with a stick, some basic stances and swings shouldn’t be a major concern. But again, Sephiroth was too kind to say it.

Instead he held Cloud’s gaze, piercing as ever. “Why is it a challenge for you?”

“You mean, why am I bad?” Cloud laughed, not even sure where to begin. “I don’t know. I get the stances, and the swings—it makes sense, and I can go through the motions well enough. It’s just the swords, I guess.”

“The swords?”

“Yeah. We use these generic double handed swords…typical SOLDIER weapon,” he explained with a shrug. “They’re kind of awkward to hold. When we’re just going through it without the swords, it’s fine, but when I have to pick one up…”

It was game over. He could barely hold the awkward thing, despite the muscle he had been putting on lately through his training. It wasn’t like he was enhanced like an actual SOLDIERs—those things were heavy. Not to mention the fact that Luxiere taught that class, and that guy hated Cloud more than any of the other instructors.

“I see.”

Cloud tried not to laugh at how pathetic he must have seemed, saying all this to Sephiroth. The same man who was fighting actual dragons when he was Cloud’s age—paving the way for how renowned SOLDIER would become during the war in Wutai.

“Anyway,” Cloud said, looking down at the table blankly. “I’ll figure it out. I’ve been doing a lot of lifting.”

Sephiroth’s eyes trailed his body at that, and for the first time, he felt incredibly self-conscious around the man. The last thing he needed was to have the SOLDIER’s only General telling him that he still had the arms of a 13-year-old, especially when he’d been busting his ass every damn day.

He folded his arms across his chest, choosing to focus instead on how proud he’d been with his own progress. Cloud was looking and feeling stronger than ever, and a little scrutiny wouldn’t change that.

“You should rest now, and carry on as usual,” Sephiroth told him shortly. “We’ll reconvene when it is necessary.”

That was that, apparently. Sephiroth stood up, and it looked like he was headed back to his room for the night.

Before his mentor could get too far, Cloud asked, “Hey, Sephiroth?”

“Yes?”

“How’d you know about my ma’s pudding?”

A small smile pulled at the man’s lips. “That is a story for another day. Goodnight, Cloud.”

At some point during their conversation, Cloud had shuffled to the edge of his seat, and he stayed right there as he watched Sephiroth go back to his room without another word. He didn’t even blink as he stared after the man, suddenly feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all.

Wow.

That had gone better than expected.

--

The next day, something odd happened in his basic sword training course.

There were swords—a lot of them—lined up along the perimeter of the room. All the same style, but with varying lengths and weight. They were just like the class had been using all along, all identical in shape, yet there were drastic differences.

“So,” Luxiere began, looking less than please as his gaze moved from student to student. “Thanks to Sephiroth’s chosen one here, you’re all gonna pick a sword for class from now on.”

All eyes were on him after that, and all he could do was shrink back. He’d been getting more confident in his other classes—most of his peers had a lot less shit to say once he’d started catching up with the class, too. In this class though?

Someone always had something to say to him in this class. Usually about how bad he was. They’d kind of all lost interest in the whole Sephiroth thing when they realized the man barely paid any attention to Cloud.

Had they also forgotten that he was the one who chose Sephiroth? It wasn’t the other way around.

“Sephiroth’s chosen one, huh?” Higgins snorted, snatching the standard sword like he was proving a point. Even in his hands it looked heavy. “Think I can spar with you today, Strife?”

“Okay,” Cloud agreed with a shrug, looking over the swords.

Something told him Luxiere would pair him with Higgins anyway, so there was no point in getting bent out of shape about it. That man hadn’t exactly been Cloud’s biggest fan, and he also happened to be Higgins’ mentor.

A match made in heaven. They both got a kick out of Higgins besting Cloud on a regular basis.

Instead of worrying about that, he focused on picking out which sword he wanted to use while he still had time. There were more options than he would have expected…It would takes days to figure out exactly which one suited him best.

For now, he grabbed one that felt like he could hold it well enough and gave it a few tentative swings in the air.

Yeah, this could work.

“So what’d you hafta do to get your mentor to do this for you?” Higgins asked,

“I didn’t do anything,” Cloud said, not sure why he even bothered. It was obvious no one would believe a damn word he had to say at this point. Just like with everything else so far, he’d have to prove himself through actions.

He could only hope that having a sword he could hold properly would really make a difference.

“Alright, split into pairs when you’re ready—we’re gonna continue where we left off last week,” Luxiere said, most the class already grabbing a blade and splitting off. A few stubbornly grabbed the same ones as usual, but to Cloud’s amusement, most grabbed something different—something more suited to their statures. “Stance B!”

Cloud slid his legs apart just right, pivoting his body and holding up the sword in the appropriate stance as Higgins did the same. Then they waited for the signal to strike, and that was it.

“Holy shit,” Cloud muttered, eyes wide as their blades clashed for the first time.

Amazing the difference, when he could lift the thing without putting all his strength into it. That gave him the chance to put his energy behind the swing instead—to choose the force instead of thumping the damn thing around as best he could.

It took a few more swings to start to find his footing, and he was on his ass before he had a chance to gain the upper hand but wow.

This was worth a few rumors.

“You’re using a buff, aren’t you?” Higgins huffed, eyes narrowing as Cloud came back at him again.

“What’re you talking about?”

“You’re always casting random shit!”

“I am not.”

“You’ve never come at me that hard before.”

“You seriously can’t think of any other reason today might be different?”

“I can think of a few things you might’ve done for Sephiroth to get him to teach you how to cast a spell like that.”

“You’re such an ass. I didn’t—”

“Strife,” Luxiere called out, eyes narrowing. “Stay after class.”

Cloud cringed, but grunted his acknowledgement. That was basically now.

The front half of the class had been spent in the classroom, reading through a combat book and discussing the application of various sword skills. Then they’d watched a demonstration—their instructor, Luxiere, had sparred with another one of the SOLDIER instructors.

By the time they got to the training room, and everyone had picked out their swords, time was basically up. He could only hope they got more hands on time next session. He went over to the sword racks and put his choice of the day away, making a mental note of which one it was before walking over to Instructor Luxiere with his shoulders squared.

The guy didn’t even wait for everyone else to leave before laying it out for him. “Just because Kunsel let’s you get away with that kinda behavior doesn’t mean I will. Hand it over.”

“I don’t have any materia, sir,” Cloud insisted.

“If I have to scan you, I will. Just turn it over and accept your punishment.”

“There’s nothing to hand over.”

“No one makes that kind of improvement overnight just because they switched out swords.”

“I lost the match,” Cloud reminded his instructor.

“I’m going to call him here—Sephiroth. We’ll see how long you’re his favorite when he finds out you’re cheating,” Luxiere threatened, and honestly, Cloud wanted to laugh. He didn’t though. He kept a straight face, remembering his place despite it all. “You think I won’t?”

“I think my mentor is a busy guy, and he won’t appreciate any unnecessary interruptions, sir,” Cloud said quietly, too aware that others were still listening.

“You’re pretty confident, huh? You must be good if you think he’ll overlook this just because you’re cute.”

“If you want to insult me, go ahead,” Cloud said, his eyes narrowing, “but don’t drag my mentor into this. You might not know me, but you should know him by now. This program wouldn’t even exist without Sephiroth. He wouldn’t exchange sexual favors with some random cadet.”

“Even the best of us have needs,” Luxiere responded dryly.

And then he pulled out his PHS, calling someone and asking them to send Sephiroth to the training room. The rest of the cadets took the hint, scurrying out of the room before Cloud’s mentor arrived. Then his instructor just watched him, like he thought Cloud would dispose of the evidence somehow if he wasn’t being monitored.

Twenty minutes went by, not a word spoken. Then Sephiroth finally showed up, his sheer presence startling Cloud out of his brooding. He straightened where stood, heart pounding in his chest as their eyes met across the room.

Sephiroth was annoyed, very clearly.

“I’m sorry,” Cloud said, unable to bite it back under the scrutiny of that look. He’d promised to stay out of Sephiroth’s hair, and what had he done? “I didn’t mean—”

“Is there a problem?” Sephiroth asked, turning his attention to Luxiere.

“Strife’s been bringing materia to his classes. It’s giving him an unfair advantage,” Luxiere explained. “I saw it myself while we were talking—he cast some kind of barrier. Before that, one of the other students thought he had an attack buff of some kind as well.”

Barrier? Cloud blinked in confusion, sure that he hadn’t done that.

Sephiroth turned to Cloud, and then the strangest thing happened. A red aura surrounded his body as his mentor studied him, like he was being scrutinized from head to toe.

What was this?

“He has no materia,” Sephiroth concluded, unequipping one of his own and offering it to Luxiere. “Scan him yourself if you have doubts.”

Luxiere swallowed visibly as he took the materia, equipping it quickly. That same red aura washed over him, and Cloud understood this time—it was a scan spell. They were checking his gear and equipment without ever having to do any kind of invasive search.

“I saw him,” Luxiere insisted again, casting the scan one more time. “I swear, I saw—”

“Enough,” Sephiroth interjected. “You can keep the materia. Use it before you decide to waste my time again.”

“Yes, sir. I swear, I wouldn’t have called you—”

Sephiroth cut him off with a look, then turned to Cloud. “You’re dismissed, Cloud.”

Cloud gave a nod of acknowledgement before hurrying out of the room. The atmosphere was tense—more tense than he had ever experienced. So much for the tentative truce he and Sephiroth had established.

--

The rumors about Cloud trading sexual favors for training sessions with Sephiroth only got worse after that day.

Apparently, Sephiroth wasn’t the type to show up in person for things like that. The fact that he hadn’t been punished was suspicious. Everyone ‘knew’ Cloud had a materia that day, which meant that obviously Sephiroth bailed him out.

Luxiere’s sudden removal as an instructor in the program really didn’t help, either.

The whole situation was getting out of control, and the funny thing was, he hadn’t even talked to Sephiroth since. Days and days had gone by, all without so much as a polite greeting or farewell as Cloud rushed in and out of the apartment for classes.

He probably could have brought it up—Sephiroth may have answered, if he asked directly what happened with Luxiere. That wasn’t their deal though. Cloud was supposed to stay scarce and mind his own business. They were only supposed to talk when it was ‘necessary’.

If he broke the deal before they even made it to the first meeting, Sephiroth might tell him he was done with their little arrangement.

He’d taken to studying in the library instead of back at the apartment, determined to uphold his end of the bargain. Unfortunately, he wasn’t the only one who studied a lot, which made it a lot less productive.

Even the cadets he kind of liked seemed to have a thing about gossiping.

“C’mon,” Thompson goaded, elbowing him in the side. “We’re friends now, aren’t we?”

“I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“Is he good? I bet he is—probably the best, like he is at everything else.”

“We are not having this conversation.”

“You’re living everyone’s dream,” the cadet practically whined. “You could at least share a little. Yes or no answers—I get it if you don’t want to get into the details.”

“I am giving you a yes or no answer,” Cloud said clearly. “No, nothing happened. No, nothing will happen. No, his sex life is not any of my business, and no, I don’t have anything else to say about it.”

“Aw, don’t be like that. It’s not like I’d think any less of you—we all know you work harder than any of us,” Thompson insisted. “Well, everyone except for Higgins knows, and that’s just ‘cause he’s jealous still.”

“He’s the top student,” Cloud grumbled. “He’s got nothing to be jealous of.”

“Uh, he’s jealous he didn’t get to pick his mentor, ‘cause if he could’ve, he’d be the one warming—”

Cloud’s scowl cut his friend off. Anyone who thought Sephiroth would allow that kinda shit was delusional, and it pissed him off. “Do you want to study, or not?”

“You’re kinda scary when you get mad,” Thompson said, snorting. “You know, I swear, your eyes flash when you do—every time you get tunnel vision about somethin’.”

“What’re you talking about?”

“I know it sounds weird, but it’s like…you know what mako looks like?”

“Yeah,” Cloud said slowly, the exact color coming to mind so easily that he shuddered. Sephiroth’s eyes were that shade. “Green.”

“It’s like that. Just for a second, then it’s gone.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Yeah, well, I told you it’d sound weird,” his friend shrugged, sliding one of his papers across the desk to Cloud before he could get too lost in his own head about what Thompson had said. The most recent quiz from their tactics course, from the looks of things “If you walk me through the two I got wrong, I promise not to bring up your precious mentor again tonight.”

He rolled his eyes. “Make it two nights, and you’ve got a deal.”

“Fine. Lay it on me—what’d I fuck up this time?”

“So, if you were caught in a pincer attack like this…” Cloud walked through the scenario, and it seemed to dawn on Thompson as he spoke.

It wasn’t that Thompson had been completely wrong, he’d just been thinking of a pincer attack by humans. The situation described on the quiz was with ‘an unnamed forest creature with earth-based magic’.

By the end, Thompson finished for him, “…So I’d want to use the fire materia instead.”

“Yeah. Create an opening, get into a better position and draw them out.”

They walked through the next scenario, and Cloud smiled a bit as he realized it was kind of the same. Thompson really understood this stuff now, he just needed to pause and read through he questions. The guy was latching onto one or two key words from previous lessons and quizzes, without seeing the added nuance that had started to be layered on as they got further into the class.

Considering how badly Thompson had been doing when they first swapped study tips, he felt kind of proud even if this quiz hadn’t been a perfect score.

“I should get going,” Cloud said, realizing the time. “See you in PT tomorrow.”

“Oh shit, it’s almost lights out!” Thompson was on his feet in a hurry, packing up all his stuff and giving Cloud a friendly whack on the back. “Thanks again—see ya!”

“Yep, bye.”

He took his time gathering his own study materials, feet dragging every step of the way back to Sephiroth’s apartment. It was late enough that the man was probably asleep, or in his room at the very least. Still, Cloud took his time, hoping to avoid another awkward, silent encounter.

It wasn’t like he had any pudding to offer.

What if Sephiroth had heard all of the rumors about them? The instructors were just as chatty as the cadets when it came to things like this, and even Zack had called him with concern when he’d heard some of the stories. Gaia, that had been an embarrassing conversation. If he didn’t know what to say to his own friend about the situation, then he definitely didn’t know what to say to Sephiroth.

Thankfully, his mentor was nowhere in sight when he returned to the room.

--

Something strange happened the next morning.

Cloud poked out of his room, breathing a sigh of relief when he realized Sephiroth was gone already. His mentor had a specific tell—he always left his jacket slung over one of the kitchen chairs when he was home. It was gone though, and that meant two things.

He could take his damn time in the shower, and he could make breakfast before rushing out the door.

After indulging in the best water pressure ever, Cloud got into his uniform and went to the kitchen. He had about twenty minutes before he had to leave, which meant he could crack open a book while he ate. Sephiroth had told him back on that first day that he could eat whatever he wanted, and he’d never thought twice about it since—not when he found out ShinRa delivered groceries for the Firsts since they were so busy.

A bagel sounded nice enough, so he popped one in the toaster while he brewed some coffee. That was when he saw it.

There was a candy in his mug.

It wasn’t his favorite mug or anything—just a generic white one that he happened to use every day. The candy inside though…it wasn’t just any kind. It was an individually wrapped chocolate. A very fancy chocolate, that he knew for a fact belonged with Sephiroth’s stash.

Why was it in his mug?

His hear thumped away in his chest as he eyed it, sure that he was interpreting this wrong. No way was it for him—not when Sephiroth had been so clear that the candy was off limits. Just like he’d been clear that the mug with the cat doodle on it was also off limits, which made it even more clear this was no mix up.

Had Sephiroth put it there for Cloud?

After eyeing it dubiously for a few minutes, he removed the candy and set it on the counter. Then he went about his morning, pouring his coffee and covering his bagel in peanut butter. He started eating right there, not bothering going to the table.

By the time he was cleaning up, he realized his PHS was lit up with a message from an unknown number.

I would like to speak with you this evening.

Cloud stared at the message in disbelief, his heart still hammering away. It couldn’t be…but he had all the other cadet’s phone numbers saved already. Who else would want to talk to him? Only Sephiroth. He took a picture of the candy on the counter before he could stop himself.

Is this a test?

To his surprise, the response was almost immediate. That is a chocolate. The test is in history.

A smirk was pulling at Cloud’s lips until he realized—he didn’t know about any tests today! He snatched the candy off the counter and ran out the door, hoping he could get to class just early enough to study up for a few minutes. He was way more nervous than he should have been, given how much time he’d spent reading that boring textbook.

They were almost up to the history of the war, and something told him class would get a lot more interesting when they got to that point. They’d really be deep diving into SOLDIER at that point, which was what this whole Academy was all about.

“Why’re you freaking out?” Thompson asked, giving him a strange look.

“Stress,” Cloud shrugged. It wasn’t like he could say that his mentor let it slip that there’d be a surprise test today. “We’re going to meet our new instructor today.”

“For sword basics?”

“Yeah. I heard the guy’s a real hardass.”

“Worse than Luxiere?”

“I guess,” Cloud replied—actually, he hadn’t heard anything at all other than the fact that they’d be assigned someone new. “Do you think he’ll be Higgins’ new mentor?”

“I heard they may let him keep working with Luxiere, since the term’s so far in.”

“Seriously?” He frowned a bit. It shouldn’t matter either way, but there was no doubt in his mind that Luxiere probably blamed him for everything that had happened. That would be a dangerous combination since Higgins had been on more of a tirade than usual. “Whatever. I’m gonna read.”

Cloud cracked open his textbook at that, ignoring a very confused Thompson. Then, when the anxiety really started setting in, he unwrapped his special chocolate and popped it into his mouth.

Mmm.

As it melted in his mouth, his tension seemed to melt with it, and he realized how silly he was being. He had studied enough, and even if he hadn’t, it was too late now. Better to just enjoy Sephiroth’s little treat and move along with his day.

“Was that…” Thompson snatched the candy wrapper out of his hands, looking at it in awe. “That was a Rocket Chocolate!”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Those are imported from Rocket Town.”

“Well, yeah,” he said, raising a brow—wasn’t that implied in the name? “So what?”

“So, they don’t even import those in the city. How’d you get one?”

“I’m from Nibelheim,” Cloud replied casually. “Rocket Town’s just over the mountain.”

“Your family sent it, then?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you have any more?”

Cloud scoffed. “No way.”

As if he’d share if he did. Even if that hadn’t been from Sephiroth’s stash, he was stingy about food that reminded him of home, and that chocolate definitely came with some nostalgia hidden away inside its wrapper.

Some of his best memories had come from the trips he took with his mom to Rocket Town.

They’d always stock up on candies, and that was where she got the chocolate powder, too. The kind in her pudding recipe. It made sense that Sephiroth enjoyed the pudding, now that Cloud thought about it. Anyone who liked Rocket Chocolates would.

Maybe Cloud would ask her to send him more so he could make another batch sometime.

Their instructor walked in before he could dwell too much on it, and sure enough, the class was being given a surprise test—something to prepare for their upcoming midterm, apparently. It wouldn’t weigh as heavily, but it would give them an indication of where they stood and what they needed to work on.

Ugh.

It ended up taking the entire class, and Cloud had a cramp in his hand by the time it was done. Very inconvenient, since his next course was sword training. He proactively started doing hand exercises after turning in the test, feeling surprisingly good about how it went.

“You look a lot less stressed,” Thompson noted as they left class together. To his surprise, two of the other cadets were trailing behind, chiming in about how hard the test was. “It wasn’t that bad!”

“You two have the best grades in all the book classes,” one of them griped. “Of course it wasn’t hard for you.”

Thompson gave Cloud a look, and then slid his gaze back to the other two. “Wanna study with us?”

“For real?”

“Yeah. We usually go to the library most nights—for sure we’ll be there before midterms.”

Weird. Cloud forced a smile as the two other cadets agreed enthusiastically with this plan, a bit awed that they wanted anything to do with him. Usually they trailed after Higgins.

Thankfully Cloud didn’t have to contribute too much to the conversation, letting Thompson take the lead with it. Not that he didn’t want new friends or whatever, but he didn’t really know how to approach the situation.

Their friendly chatter went on and on, right up until they got to their next class. A very familiar face was waiting for them as they entered the room, stunning the whole group into silence.

“Hey!” Zack greeted them, giving Cloud an enthusiastic pat on the back as he entered. “How’s it going everyone?”

“Are you covering today?” Thompson asked, grinning broadly as more of the cadets began trickling in behind him and hovering when they realized exactly who was covering their class for the day.

They’d had a few different instructors covering throughout the week since Luxiere was removed, but none of the Special Instructors had dropped by until now. On top of that, Zack in particular was something of an idol at the Academy—he was well-liked by all of the students, and not quite as intimidating. That made him much easier to approach.

Soon basically all the students were surrounding him, eager to soak up whatever knowledge or attention Zack was willing to give them. Only Cloud kept it moving, going to his desk as usual and watching with amusement.

This was definitely a welcome change.

“So, great news!” Zack announced once everyone had arrived. “I’m gonna finish out the term with you guys.”

“Seriously?” Cloud asked from across the room, surprising even himself. Didn’t Zack have shit to do? He was supposed to be a Special Instructor—not a daily one. “For the whole term?”

“Yep! I volunteered,” his friend explained, and Cloud could see Zack was forcing himself to look at everyone instead of just the blond. “It sounds like you guys are a little behind right now, but I’ll get you caught up in no time! So put your damn books away, and let’s get some swords!”

Wow. This would be the first time any of the Special Instructors had joined them in the training hall for one of the sword lessons, and there was no denying the excitement Cloud felt at the prospect. He’d seen Zack in action, and that guy was no joke.

If he could learn even a little of what Zack knew, his least favorite class would quickly become his favorite.

--

Cloud was still so pumped up with thoughts of how good his day had gone that he didn’t even get nervous walking back into the apartment after classes. He’d actually wanted to keep going—to spend some time in the training hall with the others going through some of what Zack had shown them earlier in the day.

Sephiroth hadn’t really said what time they were talking though, so he made his way home instead. A good decision, since he felt his mentor’s gaze on him the moment he stepped through the door.

Then the nerves came back in a hurry. He froze as their eyes met, suddenly not so sure he wanted to do this. There were only so many things Sephiroth might have deemed important enough to talk with him about, and something told him it wouldn’t be about his history test.

Sephiroth broke the silence first, “Hello, Cloud.”

“Hey. Is it okay if I put my stuff away?”

“Of course.”

Cloud gave a nod, making his way right past the table where Sephiroth was sitting and headed to his bedroom. He put his bag down, then detoured in the restroom—it was a fair assumption that Sephiroth wouldn’t mind. A few splashes of water on his face snapped him out of his thoughts, and he let out a long sigh as he toweled off after.

This would be fine.

By the time he was walking back out, he was smiling a bit despite himself. It really had been a good day.

“You look pleased,” his mentor noted as he took his seat across from the man.

“I am pleased. Today was great.”

“I trust your test went well, then?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Cloud replied casually—he wouldn’t really know for a couple days. “I don’t mean this the wrong way, but…it’s fine, you know? We don’t need to talk about my tests and my grades like we’re really mentor and mentee.”

“Truthfully, I am uninterested in your test scores,” Sephiroth admitted.

He blinked in surprise but found that he appreciated the honesty. “Okay. So, what’d you want to talk about?”

“Did you find it strange that you were named top student?”

“Well, yeah. Honestly, most the others had a better foundation than me.”

“My assessment was similar. I did some research,” his mentor said, gesturing to a file on the table between them. Cloud took it as permission to look, and he opened it curiously. “That is your Academy application, including your references.”

Cloud was pretty sure he wasn’t supposed to see those, but he got the impression Sephiroth wanted him to read through it. There were only a few—his sergeant, and a couple of other CO’s from his time in the infantry. It all looked pretty generic, detailing his strengths in a relatively black and white manner.

Nothing really seemed strange about it.

Then he got to the last one. A very long one that he didn’t remember requesting. “Zack?” Cloud breathed, skimming the page in disbelief. “What the hells!”

“You appear surprised.”

Uh, that was an understatement. “I think I’d remember if I singlehandedly saved my platoon in the Ancient Forest,” Cloud griped, tossing the folder back down without even finishing. From the looks of it, there were two or three more elaborate tales that looked more like fiction than anything. “I can’t even believe him!”

“He intended well.”

“His intentions got me on everyone’s shit list—including yours, if you think about,” the blond ranted. “I wouldn’t have had a mentor, let alone the choice of which mentor, if he hadn’t written that. I may not have gotten in at all!”

“You would not have,” Sephiroth confirmed. “Your examination results were average at best, as were your accomplishments to date.”

“I knew something wasn’t right.”

“Do you plan to quit?”

“What?” Cloud frowned, wondering if he even had a choice. “No way! I’ve been working too hard to stop now. Not unless you’re telling me I’m getting kicked out.”

“I’d intended to do so, until I discussed the matter with Zack.”

“He’s just nice. Too nice.”

“Zack understands the weight of his decision,” Sephiroth responded shortly. “He knew you would thrive should you be granted the opportunity.”

But he also knew Cloud would be behind the others right from go. That was probably why he had made it so Cloud would be the top student—so that he could pick a mentor and get some help. Except Zack had miscalculated because Cloud chose someone unexpected.

Gaia, Zack had been so right though. If Sephiroth hadn’t been in that room, he probably would have tried to pick his friend instead.

“That’s why he kept insisting I could switch mentors.”

“I believe he knew the other students would not respond well to your initial skill level, but few people would treat you poorly if he remained by your side.”

Wow. He’d basically intended to do it all for Cloud—to make his life better, and to help him achieve his dreams all the while. Except he’d gone about it in the absolute worst possible way. The blond slumped in his chair, defeated. He couldn’t even be mad after the initial wave of irritation.

Zack was seriously a good friend, even if he’d made a bad decision.

“He has offered countless times to assume the role of mentor for you,” Sephiroth continued. “I told him the decision would remain yours.”

“This is so messed up…”

“You have surpassed all expectations, in many regards. For a student who should not have been accepted to be approaching the top ten is remarkable in and of itself. To do so without assistance is even more noteworthy.”

“I’m not trying to impress anyone other than myself,” Cloud insisted. “Now that I know I don’t belong here, it just makes me want to prove I can do it on my own even more.”

“Then perhaps you should remain here.”

“It doesn’t bother you?”

“It did, initially. Now that I understand your intentions, I find the situation more agreeable,” Sephiroth told him. “Would you prefer Zack’s assistance?”

Cloud swallowed hard as he thought it over, already knowing in his gut he had made up his mind. Just like he had called out Sephiroth’s name that day, almost inexplicably drawn to the man, he was ready to do the same today. Being with Sephiroth just felt natural somehow, and the longer his mentor stared while awaiting his answer, the more sure Cloud felt.

This was where he wanted to be, and a rush of fondness for his friend couldn’t change that.

“I’m going to keep picking you until you tell me I can’t.”

“I will be your mentor in title alone,” Sephiroth reiterated. “I will allow you to live here and allow others to believe we share that partnership.”

“I understand. We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing, if that’s okay. I’ll mind my own business.”

“Very well.” Sephiroth gave him an appraising look, eyes sweeping the blond’s form like he needed to make one last assessment. Whatever he was looking for, he must have seen it—he gave Cloud a nod of approval. “I have one condition.”

“Okay.”

“Should you wish to remain, you will come to me with questions pertaining to your training.”

“But you said…?”

“I will not dedicate time to planning a training regime for you, nor will I be able to assist you in that manner,” Sephiroth explained slowly, “but I will answer direct questions should you fail to locate the information independently.”

“Okay,” Cloud agreed—it was simple enough. Plus, it made sense. If he went around asking Zack or anyone else outside of the other cadets, they’d eventually start to wonder why he didn’t ask his mentor instead. “Am I allowed to have a condition, too?”

Sephiroth looked slightly amused by his boldness. “Why would I allow you a condition?”

“Because this is a good one!” Cloud exclaimed. “If you’re going to do this for me, I want to do something for you.”

“I intend to do nothing. That is our arrangement.”

“Yeah, but sometimes nothing is a lot. Plus, you might have to deal with more bullshit, like when Luxiere called you to class.”

Sephiroth’s eyes narrowed at the mention of his former instructor. “He was not suited as an instructor. The fact that he did not recognize the need for different sword variations is sufficient evidence.”

“Is that why you ran him off?”

“I did nothing other than file a standard report with the Director.”

Cloud snorted. “Well, I’m not complaining. I’m glad it wasn’t just about me though—I can deal with instructors who don’t like me.”

“I have no interest in using my authority to assist you in any way.”

“Then let me make you pudding every week—that’s my condition.”

“Pudding?”

“I can’t guarantee it’ll be my mom’s recipe every week,” Cloud said, smirking as he saw what looked to be genuine interest in Sephiroth’s gaze. “It’ll be good though. I’ll leave it in the fridge if I don’t see you—we won’t have to meet up or anything.”

“I find your condition agreeable.”

“Good,” Cloud nodded, pretty sure he would have done it regardless. What was the harm? “I do have one question—training related.”

“Very well.”

“I’ve been looking into different books on materia—I finished the textbook early,” Cloud explained, frowning a bit. “Everyone’s so sure I’ve been casting spells randomly, but…”

He shook his head, sure it couldn’t be possible. Yeah, some strange things had happened, but that didn’t automatically mean it was magic. Other than that very first time in Kunsel’s class when he’d been out of it, he didn’t feel a thing—the barriers they accused him of? His eyes flashing mako green?

It just didn’t make sense.

“If you have been seeking answers in materia theory books, you have been misguided.”

“What do you mean?”

“You are casting without materia. It stands to reason the answer you seek will not be found in a materia related book.”

“Oh.” He thought it over, wondering if such a book even existed. He hadn’t seen anything just about casting—about magic, without any discussion of materia. “Is there a specific one?”

“It is likely your ability stems from a form of mako exposure.”

“Genesis said something like that, but I don’t remember that happening.”

“It may not have been a pleasant memory,” Sephiroth said, quietly. “Mako exposure is often a painful experience. Even in the diluted form SOLDIERs receive, it can be difficult.”

Hm. Nothing particular came to mind even as he tried to force himself to remember, but it seemed like things wouldn’t be that simple. He’d just have to find a book on mako instead, and the potential side effects of exposure.

“I’ll dig around more in the library.”

“You may ask again if you are unable to locate the information.”

“I will,” Cloud promised, a small smile on his face. “There’s one more thing—it’s kind of awkward. Nothing to do with training.”

“I do not engage in gossip or rumors.”

His face was red as Sephiroth’s eyes held him in place, like he knew exactly what was on Cloud’s mind. “You heard, then?”

“I have already dismissed it without thought.”

Something about the finality in Cloud’s tone told him that was that—Sephiroth didn’t care if people thought they were messing around or exchanging sexual favors. Honestly, if Sephiroth could shrug it off so easily, who was he to argue? It’s not like anything was actually happening between them.

Maybe, just maybe, Cloud had developed the tiniest crush on his mentor, but who wasn’t at least a little attracted to Sephiroth? The point was, it was all one sided, and there would be no sexual favors or anything else exchanged between them aside from some damn good pudding.

--

Things were considerably easier after Cloud and Sephiroth had talked it out, and all notions of pretending to be something they weren’t went out the window. It was a major burden off his shoulders, knowing Sephiroth had accepted his presence at the very least.

The man still very clearly valued his privacy, but they had an unspoken agreement that went along with the verbal one they’d made. Cloud didn’t need to hide in his room or stay out late just to avoid running into Sephiroth, just like Sephiroth didn’t need to camp out at Genesis’ place anymore.

That didn’t mean they chatted or hung out—definitely not. It was more like they occupied the same space, but separately. True to his word, Cloud had made his first batch of pudding to commemorate their first week of the agreement, leaving a good-sized portion in the fridge overnight.

A Rocket Chocolate was waiting in his coffee cup the next morning, and the pudding container was gone.

“You sure you’re not gettin’ laid?” Thompson asked, giving Cloud a suspicious look after their hand-to-hand class ended for the day. “You’re glowing.”

“I got a good night’s sleep.”

“So did I.”

“Maybe you’re glowing, too,” Cloud tried, not even sure what that meant. Thompson looked just as normal as he was sure he did. “This conversation is pointless.”

“It’s not!”

“It might be, except you never listen to me.”

“Dude. I’ve been in the Silver Elite since I was eight,” his friend confessed. “Give me some crumbs, damnit!”

“There are no crumbs to give. He’s supposed to be teaching our next tactics course—ask him yourself if you have questions.”

Thompson was practically bouncing as they walked down the hall. “Is he really?”

“Yep.”

“He’s gone to every other class but ours. This is awesome!”

“I guess,” Cloud shrugged. Maybe he would have been excited too, if the circumstances had been different. As it stood, he was dreading that class. Their newfound balance was fragile—the last thing he needed to do was mess up in class and ruin everything. “I get that he’s Sephiroth, but you do realize he’s a normal guy, right?”

“There’s nothing normal about him.”

“That’s bullshit.”

“All of the Firsts—they’re somethin’ else,” his friend insisted. “You don’t get that strong without being special from the start.”

There was no winning this conversation, so Cloud chose to stop talking instead. Thompson had gotten pretty good at reading him after all this time—he steered the conversation elsewhere when Cloud shut it down, boasting about his most recent win in Kunsel’s class.

Those other cadets who had started studying with them? They had returned the favor already, offering to help both Cloud and Thompson in the physical courses in exchange for help studying the book-based courses.

A win-win scenario. Cloud had been making progress on his own, but he was starting to see that getting help wasn’t so bad either. There were certain limitations to self-paced training that were removed with a partner.

“Yo, Spike,” Zack greeted, grinning at him as he and Thompson were walking by the training hall. “You’re late.”

“Late?” Cloud raised a brow. “For what?”

“Our training session, duh. Don’t tell me you forgot!”

“Way to go, Strife,” Thompson laughed, whacking him on the back. “Have fun—see you in the library tonight?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there.”

With that, his friend kept walking, leaving Cloud there with Zack. He side-eyed the First, following him into the training hall slowly. They hadn’t really talked since Cloud found out what Zack had done to get him into the Academy.

“So…training?” Cloud asked, hand on the back of his neck. “I already told you I don’t need any special training.”

“I made that up to get you alone,” Zack explained, the smile faltering on his face. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

“I’m in your class four days a week.”

“That doesn’t count, and you know it. You don’t even look at me unless you have to.”

“Yeah, because I don’t know if I should be hitting you or thanking you for what you did. It’s messed up, Zack,” he ranted, and even the unusually somber expression on his friend couldn’t stop it now that he’d started. “I only get one shot here. If I wasn’t ready, then I wasn’t ready. You can’t just decide for yourself what’s best for me and then not even bother to tell me!”

“Spike…”

“Sephiroth wanted to toss me out! He said he was going to until you talked him out of it.”

“He was just bein’ stubborn. He knows how good you are—he doesn’t need to watch every class to know the kinda progress you’re makin’,” Zack insisted. “Everyone knows how hard you’re working—even the instructors. Even the ones who wanna watch you fail. They all know you’re good.”

“What if I’d waited a year? If I’d trained more in the infantry—learned the foundations better,” Cloud said with a sigh. “I would have been in a better position here.”

“Who cares how you started? You’re gonna be top ten soon.”

“You’re missing the point. It wasn’t your call to make.”

“You’re right,” Zack admitted, slumping in defeat. “I’m sorry.”

His heart sank in his chest as he eyed his friend, much preferring to see a bright smile on Zack’s face. The intentions had been good, and it was working out, luckily. It was just frustrating, and Zack needed to understand that.

When it was obvious he did, Cloud caved in almost immediately.

“Promise you won’t do anything like that again?” Cloud asked slowly.

“Yeah. Promise.”

“Then, it’s whatever,” he said. “Don’t worry about it.”

“I wouldn’t have let you fail. I woulda found a way to help you, mentor or not.”

“I know.”

“The offer’s still open, too. I know you don’t need me,” Zack told him plainly, “but I’ve been training with all the other cadets who ask. No one would bat an eye if you asked for help, too. Not anymore.”

“…Is that why you did this? The instructor thing?”

“Duh,” his friend laughed, raking a hand through his hair. “You think I’d rather be holed up in school than out there in the field?”

“Zack.”

“C’mere,” Zack said, pulling him right in for a long overdue hug—the kind that was way too warm and too tight, but was still somehow perfect despite it all. “I’d do anything for you, Spike.”

“It’s hard to stay mad at you like this,” Cloud muttered, Zack’s warm chuckle rocking them where they stood. “You’ve already done too much for me. I’m not asking for more.”

“I’m offering.”

“I have Sephiroth if I have questions.”

Zack snorted. “Right. How’s that working out for you?”

“It’s fine,” Cloud insisted. “We’re not really mentor and mentee, but it’s better that way. Especially now that I know what you did—I don’t have to waste time doubting myself, or if I deserve to be here. I’m earning my spot on my own.”

“Damn right you are.” After another moment, Zack pulled back from the hug, the big grin back on his face right where it belonged. “I still don’t get why you picked him.”

“I don’t either, but…” Cloud shrugged. “I don’t regret it.”

“It’s weird, don’t you think? You pickin’ him. Him letting you stay. He coulda pawned you off on me even if he didn’t wanna toss you out,” Zack reasoned. “Or Gen—the whole thing makes no sense. All that magic stuff? It can’t be a coincidence.”

Cloud snorted because he didn’t know what else to say. Realistically, he had no reason to believe his weird magic skill had anything to do with Sephiroth, but he still hadn’t had much luck finding any good books on the subject to research.

How could he understand the reason behind it if he didn’t even know how it worked?

--

Midterms came and went before Cloud could really process just how long he had been at the Academy, and it felt like he had really found his place. With Zack taking over his sword training class, there really weren’t any subjects where he felt like he was in completely over his head.

Yeah, he wasn’t perfect, and yeah he had a lot of work to do, but it felt manageable.

There was one nagging issue on his mind every damn day as classes came and went, and it didn’t seem like it would be going away anytime soon. Not when he was still being accused of cheating by some of the students. They were adamant, and made it clear they intended to prove his guilt one way or another.

Higgins and his crew. They were convinced Cloud was using materia to get some edge in their combat-based courses, and it was getting ridiculous. The number of times his instructors had scanned him was borderline intrusive at this point.

Once he finished his last exam, it felt like it was time. He stared at his phone, debating whether or not he should send Sephiroth a quick text.

They had really settled into their new norm, living separately in their shared space. Honestly, Sephiroth was gone on missions a lot anyway, and Cloud was busy too. It worked out just fine, and they barely ever spoke beyond polite greetings and farewells. Sending a message might be an unwanted disruption.

Hadn’t this been part of their deal, though? This was a training question.

Can we talk?

Cloud shoved his PHS into his pocket before he could dwell on what he had just done, praying to Gaia that he hadn’t just made a massive mistake. The worst-case scenario here was a lot more severe than Sephiroth simply saying no. In his gut he knew Sephiroth wouldn’t have him tossed out or anything so extreme, but that didn’t mean he was willing to upset the balance they had found.

Thankfully, no one was back at his apartment when he returned.

It gave him time to calm down, making a quick dinner—some Nibel style rice. He made a big batch as usual, preferring to only cook a couple times each week so that he could focus on studying instead. Even with this batch of exams out of the way, he couldn’t afford to get complacent.

Mmm.

The best thing about cooking food from home was, he could sneak a bite without his mom whacking his hand. It was too damn hot still, and he burnt his tongue a bit, but he had no regrets. A few minutes later, the food was actually done.

He made himself a heaping serving and brought it over to the kitchen table, ready to make quick work of it.

The sound of a keycard at the door had him straightening where he sat, regretting the big mouthful he had taken as he turned toward the door. His mentor stepped inside a moment later, not sparing him a look until the door was safely closed behind him.

“Hi,” he greeted, automatic.

“Hello, Cloud,” Sephiroth responded, already unclasping the elaborate straps on his jacket.

This happened sometimes. For some reason, it was like Sephiroth had to take that damn thing off the moment he was home, and sometimes Cloud was around for it. Even after seeing it countless times now, he still found himself awed.

Fan or not, the fact was, Sephiroth was fucking attractive.

The jacket was revealing enough, and without it, Sephiroth was basically topless in his leather pants. It took every amount of focus he had to stop himself from staring appreciatively at his mentor’s physique, his food forgotten entirely.

A few minutes later, Sephiroth had unfastened the last clasp, sliding the leather jacket from his shoulders and hanging it in its usual spot—on the kitchen chair. Then he turned his gaze on Cloud, like his lack of a shirt was all no big deal.

“I will return shortly.”

“I’ll be here,” Cloud forced a tightlipped smile.

Gaia, he was an idiot.

Sephiroth looked slightly bemused, and Cloud could only hope it was because the man was used to Cloud being a little awkward at times. Whatever. It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen Sephiroth being a little awkward sometimes, too.

Living together made them privy to all sorts of things about one another, even if they tried not to notice.

A few minutes later, Cloud was still working his way through his plate. His mentor took the seat across from him, looking way more relaxed now that he had changed into his usual lounging gear—a plain white t-shirt, and some black sweatpants. His hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and it was like deja’vu as Cloud eyed the man.

It was the same outfit Sephiroth had been wearing that first time he’d returned to the apartment after staying with Genesis for nearly two months. To this day, it was his favorite of all things Sephiroth ever wore around the apartment—he just looked so different.

The TV version of Sephiroth…ShinRa’s Silver General—he was nowhere to be seen. As much as Cloud liked that side of Sephiroth, there was something so effortlessly appealing about this side as well.

“Is the jacket super uncomfortable?” he wondered, setting his fork down.

Sephiroth raised a single, perfect brow. “Is that what you wish to discuss?”

“No, just curious. You don’t have to answer.”

“It is an unfortunate uniform.”

“No one else’s uniform looks like that.”

“It was given to me before the Battle of Fort Tamblin,” Sephiroth explained dryly. “I had not intended to wear it on more than one occasion.”

“That battle was a big deal. Didn’t the war end there?”

“Officially, yes.”

“Oh, man,” Cloud said, shaking his head in disbelief. “That sucks!”

“Yes. Now I have several spares, in addition to this one.”

An iconic outfit worn during an iconic battle. ShinRa probably ate that up—it was no wonder it had become so entwined with Sephiroth’s image. Part of him wondered why Sephiroth played along, but something told him not to push his luck by asking for more.

After a long pause, his mentor asked, “Would you prefer to finish eating before we speak?”

“I’m almost done. There’s a lot if you want any. I don’t know if you’re hungry or whatever.”

Sephiroth glanced down at Cloud’s plate tentatively. “A Nibel recipe?”

“Yeah. My mom sent some spices last week. It’s not exactly the same as hers, but it’s okay.”

“If you are certain.”

“I am, go ahead.”

Cloud poked at his plate while Sephiroth went to go make a plate at his own, smiling a bit all the while. The fact that Sephiroth liked Nibel food was kind of cool—most people around Midgar weren’t impressed by the bitter spices, or the hearty flavors.

There was definitely something about his hometown that meant something to Sephiroth, that much Cloud knew without asking.

“Shall we begin?” Sephiroth offered.

“It’s about the magic thing,” Cloud started, letting Sephiroth get in a few bites before continuing. “I’ve looked through every book on mako in the library, plus the ones on magic. I can’t find anything.”

“Have there been any issues?”

“…Yeah.”

“Describe them.”

Cloud let out a short sigh, shuffling where he sat. “It kinda seems like maybe I have a barrier up like…all the time,” he admitted. “I don’t know how to stop it.”

“A physical barrier?”

“I think so.”

“Do you believe you have one in use right now?”

“I can’t tell,” Cloud replied.

“You do not,” Sephiroth responded shortly. Then he took a few more small bites. “If the magic is innate, it will likely occur as a reaction to your surroundings. Perhaps you were in danger at the time?”

“Not really. Sometimes it’s during training, but sometimes it’s in the library.”

“If you do not feel the barrier, how would you notice it in the library?”

“Some of the other cadets…” He rolled his eyes, really not wanting to get into that. “Those rumors are still going around. Most of them got bored with it, but a few are still annoying.”

“They threaten you?”

“No—they’re not that stupid. They throw shit,” Cloud shrugged. “It hits the floor, not me.”

Sephiroth seemed to understand now, putting the pieces together slowly. “What is your question?”

“Could you either tell me which book to read, or tell me how to stop with the magic thing?”

“I will obtain the necessary books from Genesis. Allow me a day.”

“Thank you.”

Sephiroth just nodded in response, then went back to his dinner. A comfortable silence settled between them as he ate, and Cloud smiled to himself. Things really were so much easier between them now. What had he even been worried about?

He decided to go clean up while his mentor finished, figuring their conversation was over anyway. The leftovers were portioned out and put into the fridge, and the dishes were done in no time.

“Thank you for dinner,” Sephiroth told him, cleaning his own plate and fork.

“No problem. I usually make big batches—you can have some whenever.”

“I enjoy your cooking.”

“I enjoy your candies,” Cloud replied easily.

The Rocket Chocolates in particular that always seemed to appear in his coffee cup on days when he left pudding in the fridge. Something told him it wasn’t just the promise of sugar that gave him so much extra energy on those days.

To his surprise, Sephiroth gave him a rare smile before reaching into the highest cabinet and pulling out two of those very chocolates from his stash.

He offered one to Cloud. “Dessert, then.”

“Thanks,” the blond muttered, his face red before he could tell himself not to get embarrassed. He hadn’t been trying to bait Sephiroth into sharing when he’d said that. “These really are the best.”

Sephiroth unwrapped his own, popping it into his mouth with soft expression. It was unlike any Cloud had ever seen on the man’s face, and he found himself entranced by it. He didn’t even try to look away when Sephiroth caught him staring, instead taking the moment to unwrap his own chocolate.

This was the first time they’d shared one together, and it tasted better than ever.

“Goodnight, Cloud.”

“Hey, Seph, do you think…?”

He blinked in confusion, the question lost on his tongue. Everything in front of him was fuzzy all of a sudden, just like his mind, and the next thing he knew he was dizzier than he’d ever been.

“Cloud?” Sephiroth had a hand on his waist before his eyes fluttered closed, keeping him steady. “Are you alright?”

All he saw was green behind his eyes, Sephiroth’s voice growing distant as he sunk further into it. It was hard to move in it—hard to breathe. He wanted to reach out…to let Sephiroth know he was fine. But all he could do was lay there helplessly as the waves of mako green around him seemed to drag him deeper.

--

He wasn’t sure how much time passed like that, floating in the abyss. All he knew was there was a warm hand on his own, pulling him back at some point.

“Cloud.”

--

When Cloud woke up, he was lying down on his own bed, Sephiroth sitting in a chair nearby. He felt tired—his entire body was heavy, and it was like the weight of it was pressing down on his lungs. His breathing was shallow, and for a few minutes, it was all he could do to catch his own breath.

That feeling…the hand that had pulled him back? It was gone, and he felt a little helpless without it.

“Sephiroth?” he tried, his throat so dry. Strange, since he could have sworn that he was drowning just moments before. “What happened?”

A glass of water was being handed to him in lieu of an answer. “Drink, Cloud.”

That sounded like a great idea, and Cloud didn’t argue. He downed it in one go, coughing only once because he forced it down so fast. Sephiroth took the glass when he was done, setting it on his nightstand.

“Would you like more?” Sephiroth offered.

“No, I’m good,” he said. Then he blinked a few times, trying to remember how they had gotten here. “Why are we in here?”

“You fell unconscious.”

“I did?”

“Yes. I’ve been monitoring your condition,” Sephiroth explained. “You appear stable. Have you been unwell recently?”

“No. I’ve been great.”

“Perhaps you have been overexerting yourself.”

Cloud frowned, sure that wasn’t it either. Yes, he worked hard, and yes he worked a lot…he wasn’t stupid enough to ignore the cues from his own body though. On days when he felt totally drained, he stopped. That was a lesson he had learned a long, long time ago, and one he wouldn’t forget.

No, whatever had happened, it was something else.

“It’s going to sound weird, but I had this feeling…” Cloud shook his head, not quite sure how to explain it. Almost like nostalgia, washing over him right before the waves hit. His eyes flickered to Sephiroth’s and he shuddered—that same, familiar color was staring back at him, albeit filled with concern rather than the nothingness. “I don’t know.”

“Rest for now. We will speak another time.”

Sephiroth rose to his feet, apparently content now that Cloud wasn’t just unconscious.

He watched as his mentor left the room, wishing he had something to say—some concern or question that might get Sephiroth to stay with him a little bit longer. That wouldn’t have been fair though, when Sephiroth had already gone out of his way to help Cloud after whatever had happened. He shuffled onto his side, staring at the empty chair and trying to understand the nagging feeling in his chest until sleep finally came again.

That night, he dreamt of nothing but green.

--

A full month went by without Cloud running into Sephiroth again, even in passing. The books Sephiroth had promised were waiting for him on the kitchen table when he woke up that next morning, and then it was like Sephiroth was gone.

At first, Cloud assumed it was a mission. It wasn’t like he expected Sephiroth to give him a heads up—sometimes the guy just left, and that was fine. There was no jacket on the kitchen chair, and whenever Cloud made pudding, it was still waiting in the fridge when he returned home.

All sure signs that Sephiroth was gone.

Except every week, his mentor would pop up as Special Instructor. Never in Cloud’s class either, which meant Cloud had to sit there and listen to the other cadets whine about it. Then, accuse him of being the reason somehow.

“So much for being Sephiroth’s chosen one, huh?”

“I wouldn’t want to see him more than I needed to either.”

“Maybe he got bored—he already got what he wanted.”

Cloud tried not to react to Higgins or his buddies, even as their words actually stung. Usually it was so easy to dismiss them, but now…Their reasoning was all wrong, but maybe they were right about one thing.

Was Sephiroth avoiding their class specifically?

“Strife!”

Cloud snapped out of his thoughts, brows furrowed as Higgins stood in front of him. “Yeah?”

“Why’re you always zoning out?”

“I was reading,” Cloud shrugged, gesturing down to the book in front of him. “That’s what you’re supposed to do during study hall.”

“You weren’t reading. What, were you thinking about Sephiroth’s dick?”

“What the hells is wrong with you?”

“You are. We all know you don’t belong here,” Higgins told him, arms folded across his chest. “Luxiere found out your secret, you know.”

Cloud rolled his eyes. “Right. Which secret is that?”

“How you got accepted here in the first place. I knew you were doing messing around with Sephiroth, but I didn’t realize you got to Zack, too,” Higgins huffed. “Let me guess—Sephiroth found out, right? He doesn’t seem like the type who likes to share.”

“What are you even going on about?”

“I’m talking about the end of your time here,” Higgins replied easily. “You slept with Zack to get him to pad your resume for you.”

“That never happened.”

“No? ‘Cause Luxiere already talked with all your old CO’s. He’s got a meeting with Lazard today to talk about it.”

Ugh.

Cloud’s heart was racing away anxiously in his chest, but he kept an even expression on his face. No way would he let Higgins know he had anything to be concerned about. Not when he had finally breached the top ten list of cadets. He had proven he belonged, even if his entry hadn’t been ideal.

“The Director’s not going to be impressed,” Cloud responded dryly. “He personally reviewed all of the applications. If your mentor wants to accuse the Director of making a mistake right to his face, tell him to go ahead, but all he’s going to do is dig himself a deeper hole.”

Higgins seemed to blanch a little at that, but his expression didn’t change. “We’ve got a video of you casting, too. Lazard won’t think that’s a waste of time.”

“Yeah, he is, because he probably already knows I’ve been scanned more often than any other student here,” Cloud reminded the cadet. “I don’t own any materia.”

“Sephiroth does.”

“Yeah, and he needs them for missions. They’re his.”

“Guess we’ll see about that. Good luck back in the infantry—you’re gonna need it.”

Wow this guy didn’t know when to quit. Cloud just shook his head and looked back down at his book, content to keep on reading. The end of this term was in sight, and he didn’t have time to spend on rumors or gossip.

“Hey,” Thompson said, sliding into the chair beside him a few minutes later. He nudged Cloud until the blond looked up. “Sorry I’m late. I was with Kunsel—he was showing me a new technique.”

“Yeah? How’d that go?”

“Great! I’ll show you next time we’re in the training hall.”

“Cool.”

“Yeah…” His friend pulled out his own books, then glanced over at Cloud curiously. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. Just Higgins and the usual.”

“Don’t they ever get bored of that? It’s been like, four months now. Even I stopped asking you about Sephiroth.”

“It got even worse.”

“What did?”

“The shit they’re saying.”

“How could it get worse?”

Cloud shook his head, too annoyed to even say it. As if he’d ever mess around with Zack like that. The problem was, that didn’t change the fact his acceptance really had been fraudulent in some ways.

What if the Director re-examined it? It wouldn’t take a Turk to figure out certain parts had been inflated—all the guy would have to do is make one phone call to Cloud’s old sergeant.

It wasn’t like Cloud had asked Zack to lie for him, but that sounded like an excuse more than anything. The fact was, Zack was a First Class SOLDIER—Lazard would be more inclined to blame Cloud if there was anyone who needed to take responsibility for the situation.

After everything Zack had done for him…If it came down to it, he would. He’d take the fall in a heartbeat, even if it was the very last thing he wanted to do. Things had been going so damn well, aside from the whole Sephiroth thing.

What other option was there though?

--

To Cloud’s great dismay, he really did get summoned to see the Director.

It was a couple weeks later, and he’d had plenty of time to think. There were a few things the summons could have been about. His application. His rumored affair with his mentor, or friend. Or the whole casting debacle, which may or may not have been true in a sense.

He had a vague idea about what to say depending on which topic came up, and could only hope it wouldn’t be all three. The Director might just say he was more trouble than he was worth if that were the case, and he didn’t know what he could say to prove otherwise.

Yeah, he had made a lot of progress, but the Director would know that. It was all a matter of record.

The fact didn’t escape him that he and Lazard hadn’t exactly gotten off on the right foot either. As he entered the man’s office, he couldn’t help remembering the first time had had been dragged there—after choosing Sephiroth as his mentor.

Lazard looked just as displeased when Cloud walked in the door.

“Have a seat,” the Director started, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. Cloud took it without delay. “Do you know why I’ve summoned you here, Strife?”

“No, sir.”

“You don’t?”

“I would only be guessing, sir,” Cloud responded slowly. “Is it about the rumors?”

“Yes, in part. Students and instructors are prohibited from entering into any type of physical or romantic relationship,” Lazard told him. “Special Instructors aren’t excluded.”

“Nothing’s going on between me and Sephiroth.”

“And Zack Fair?”

Cloud very nearly snorted. “No, sir. Nothing’s going on with him either.”

“They both indicated the same thing,” the Director responded, unfaltering even as Cloud blinked in surprised. They’d been called in about this, too? “As it stands, there’s no evidence—unless you have something to add, I’ll consider that matter settled.”

“There’s nothing to add.”

“Good. Then we’ll move on. What can you tell me about the rumors you’ve been using materia to gain an advantage in class?”

“They’re not true. I’ve been scanned regularly.”

Lazard let out a short sigh, raising his glasses with two fingers. “I was told you may say that. I was also told your bag had never been searched.”

Cloud handed over his bag when the Director motioned for it, not really seeing the point in all this. That is, until the Director pulled out a green orb from the very first compartment he’d opened. His eyes went wide as Lazard held it, and he was truly speechless for a moment.

It wasn’t his, obviously.

“Do you have anything to say?” Lazard asked, giving him a meaningful look.

I don’t know how that got there. Not exactly the best defense, so Cloud didn’t even bother trying. Instead he just shook his head, mind blank as the Director made a quick call. How was this even possible?

Higgins was the obvious answer, somehow. How would he have gotten a materia, though? Maybe from Luxiere, but that just wouldn’t have been smart—a SOLDIER would have known better. Even one who held a grudge.

“What’s going to happen to me?” Cloud asked after a pause.

“Your mentor will be joining us. Then we’ll discuss punishment.”

Mentor. He swallowed hard, suddenly even more anxious than before. Gaia, Sephiroth was not going to be happy. No doubt his mentor would believe him, but this was just more drama that Sephiroth had never agreed to deal with in the first place.

Drama…Cloud’s stomach turned as he thought back to the day he passed out, sure that was the exact reason Sephiroth had been avoiding him since. It would be a miracle if Sephiroth didn’t have him pawned off on Zack or someone else by the end of this conversation.

Assuming he didn’t get kicked out entirely.

That possibility pissed him off. It was one thing if he had to accept a punishment for something that had actually happened—the whole application thing. For something that he never did though? No way. Cloud wasn’t sure what to say in his own defense, but a quiet rage started to fill him as he sat there thinking about it.

His mentor showed up several minutes later, effectively distracting Cloud from his sour mood. Yep, Sephiroth was not happy, Cloud noted. The displeasure was subtle on his features, but they had spent enough time together for Cloud to see it clearly.

Definitely not the expression Cloud had been hoping to see after being apart for so long, but it wasn’t like he could blame Sephiroth for it. He wasn’t happy about the situation either.

It seemed his mentor already knew exactly why Lazard called him here, strolling right up to the desk.

“Director,” Sephiroth greeted, extending a hand without further ado. Lazard didn’t hesitate, dropping the materia right into Sephiroth’s palm. “This is a fire materia. In all your reports, was it mentioned that my mentee was using fire spells?”

The Director raised a brow. “No.”

“This should be a simple matter to resolve,” Sephiroth said. “Cloud—explain why that is.”

Cloud’s heart jumped in his chest as he was finally acknowledged by his mentor, and it took him a moment to collect his thoughts. It was obvious what Sephiroth meant.

“Manufactured materia each have a serial number etched into them,” Cloud explained. “It’s logged at the time of purchase. We should be able to look up who owns this materia if we can access the database.”

“I’ll have the Turks find the owner. It may have been reported stolen, though,” Lazard noted, eyes sliding back over to Sephiroth. “What then?”

“I see no reason to speculate.”

“Sephiroth…” the Director didn’t look pleased with that response, at all. “There are protocols in place. If this materia was reported stolen, he’ll have to be held accountable for it—for having it, and for using it.”

“You’re dismissed, Cloud. Return to the apartment.”

“Wait. You are not dismissed,” Lazard said firmly. “I’m responsible for SOLDIER and the Academy. This matter isn’t closed until I say it is.”

“I wish to speak with you privately,” Sephiroth responded. “Unless you prefer me to speak my piece in front of a cadet?”

“Fine. Go, Strife—and don’t speak with anyone about this. As of now, you’re on suspension pending the investigation.”

“Suspension?” Cloud repeated, color draining from his face. “We’re coming up on finals next month.”

“You should have thought about that before bringing a materia into my office.”

“I didn’t know it was there,” Cloud insisted. “Someone must have—”

“Cloud,” Sephiroth said, softly this time. Their eyes met, and he gave the blond a simple but meaningful look. “I will meet you at home.”

He held his breath for a moment, nodding in response. It wasn’t until he was outside the office door that he let it out slowly, wondering what the hells they would be talking about.

The fact that Sephiroth was trying to bail him out kind of pissed him off—not because he was ungrateful, but because it shouldn’t have been necessary. He balled his hands into fists as he headed back to their apartment, feeling more than a little helpless.

He hated it.

The only thing that kept him preoccupied as he waited was the tea he started making. It was always best to stay busy when he was like this, especially since the nerves may have layered on otherwise.

By the time it was ready, and he was pouring himself a cup, his mentor returned. He wordlessly poured a second, remembering how Sephiroth preferred it—if he didn’t want to drink it, oh well.

Thankfully, Sephiroth took a hint and sat down at the kitchen table, like he knew Cloud had set that cup out just for him. He couldn’t stop himself from smiling a little as he took his first sip. Shitty situation or not, the familiarity of the moment was nice.

“Your suspension has been lifted,” Sephiroth said, so conversationally that it felt a little anticlimactic.

“Already?”

“Yes. There was no basis for it.”

“But…the materia.”

“The Director placed a call in to the Turks before I left. They identified the owner.”

“And?”

“It confirmed my suspicions. Even if the owner claimed it was stolen at this point, there is sufficient evidence to indicate otherwise.’’

“I don’t get it. Why would anyone buy a materia knowing it’s serialized, and then plant it on someone else?”

“Part of the reason the Academy was established was to bridge the knowledge gap SOLDIERs have outside of combat,” Sephiroth explained. “Most current SOLDIERs are not aware of the serialization.”

“Wouldn’t Higgins have known though? He would have told Luxiere, if that’s who it was.”

“You have read extensively on materia. It is likely he has not.”

That was definitely true, though Cloud couldn’t be sure where he’d read that tidbit on materia. Honestly, it might have been his textbook, but it might have been any number of other books at this point. He sipped at his tea, his stress melting away a bit more by the minute.

Being here with Sephiroth again…it was terribly nice.

“You didn’t strip today,” Cloud noted, regretting his choice of words when Sephiroth raised a brow. “I mean, your jacket—I know it’s been a while, but you used to take it off right away.”

“I have a meeting shortly. This was an unplanned interruption in my day.”

“Oh, right. Sorry.”

“You need not apologize.”

“Yeah, I do need to. You’re busy. You shouldn’t need to—”

“Meetings can be rescheduled. There is no scenario in which I would not assist you, Cloud.”

“But…” Cloud could feel the truth of Sephiroth’s words somehow, but it didn’t make sense. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

“Yes, I have.”

His mouth hung open slightly, not expecting Sephiroth to just admit it like that. “Did I do something wrong?”

“The fault is my own.”

“I don’t understand. I thought things were going okay with us?”

“You collapsed.”

Cloud frowned, not sure what that had to do with anything. “That wasn’t your fault.”

“I am not convinced that’s the case.”

“…What does that mean?”

“Remaining in my presence may not be in your best interest.”

“If you want me to leave, tell me to leave and I will.”

“I cannot,” Sephiroth responded. “I will not lie to you, Cloud.”

He paused for a moment, trying not to be too hasty with his responses. What did that mean, though? It sounded an awful lot like Sephiroth saying he wanted Cloud to stay, but…

Why would he go out of his way to avoid Cloud if that was the case?

“I like being around you,” Cloud said instead, swallowing hard as Sephiroth’s gaze pierced him. “I don’t want you to avoid me.”

“Very well. We will continue as we were,” Sephiroth agreed, looking somewhat reluctant even as Cloud sighed in relief. “If you feel a sense of unease, I would prefer you tell me.”

“Unease?”

“Yes. The day you collapsed—you mentioned a feeling.”

“Yeah, but it wasn’t unease.”

“What was it?”

“Like, I was stepping back in time,” Cloud tried to explain, grasping back onto that same strange nostalgia. He had plenty of time to think about it since that day, and he’d slowly pieced it together. Why he felt that way. “There were these dreams I used to have, when I was a kid—when you gave me that chocolate, it brought me right back. Like I had been in that exact situation before.”

“Dreams…” Sephiroth’s brows were furrowed, and he was suddenly very interested in his tea. “When was this?”

“I don’t know exactly—I had them every night for a few years. It was weird because before they started, I never remembered my dreams.”

Then suddenly, it was like every detail was saved in a file somewhere in his mind—in vibrant colors.

“What happened in these dreams?”

“It changed a lot, but they always had one thing in common. There was this character,” Cloud explained, smiling despite himself—he couldn’t quite remember anymore, but he did remember describing it to his mother. “I remember I’d wake up and wish he was real—my mom called him my imaginary friend.”

Sephiroth just stared at him for a moment, not saying a word. Then he prompted, “Please continue.”

“Why do you care about my dreams?”

“You mentioned it may be related to your collapse. It stands to reason I should know.”

Not really, but Cloud was willing to play along anyway. He hadn’t thought about these dreams in years, too focused on getting by in Midgar and then getting by in the infantry. Things had been much, much simpler in his childhood dreams.

“Don’t you have a meeting?” Cloud remembered, glancing at the time. Sephiroth didn’t budge, not looking like he cared at all. “We can talk about this later.”

“I would prefer to speak now.”

“There’s not much to say. I hated Nibelheim—I didn’t have any friends. I told you about those other kids, right? The ones that ran me out of town?”

“Yes.”

“They were always like that, even before the whole trial of manhood bullshit. There was this old mansion in town,” Cloud explained, a small smile on his face, “they used to think it was haunted. You may have seen it while you were in town.”

“I am familiar with it.”

“Well, I used to hang out behind it to avoid them since I knew they were too scared.”

“In your dreams?”

“No—I really went there,” he replied. “The dreams started after. No one ever came or went from that mansion, but in my dreams…there was another kid. An outcast, like me.”

His smile grew as he remembered, like the details locked away in his mind were opening back up for him one door at a time. The boy had been a little older than him—maybe five years. He was much stronger, and much more daring. Cloud had wanted to be just like him.

It was a little embarrassing to admit he wanted to be like some made up kid in his dreams, so he left those details out.

“There was this whole elaborate story I made up. He was living in the mansion, but he wasn’t supposed to ever leave—he used to sneak out, and he saw me sneaking around, too. We’d meet whenever we could after that, which was basically…” Every damn night he had those dreams. “A lot.”

“This boy…why was he prohibited from leaving the mansion?”

“He never really explained. I think it was just that whoever was watching him didn’t want him going out.”

“I see. What else do you remember?”

“Just kid stuff. We’d do different things—sometimes we’d try games that I couldn’t play with the other kids, other times we’d go on adventures.”

“Adventures?”

“Yeah. Stupid stuff—we’d go up the mountain path. My friend…he was really something,” Cloud said, laughing softly because it had all felt so real. “I didn’t need to worry about wolves or anything. He always kept us safe.”

“That sounds like a lively series of dreams.”

“It was. For the longest time, I was convinced it was all real. My mom used to argue with me about it.”

“You are not one to back down from a debate.”

“No, I’m not,” Cloud agreed with a grin. “But she was right.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I went inside, and no one was there.”

Sephiroth’s gaze sharpened. “You entered ShinRa manor?”

“ShinRa?” Cloud repeated, because what? “Does ShinRa own that property?”

“Yes. It is frequently used to house personnel during visits to the Nibel region.”

“Guess I’m lucky no one was there when I went there. I just remember feeling like I had to,” Cloud tried to explain, his heart aching in his chest at the memories. “The dreams…they stopped one day. I hadn’t accepted they were dreams yet though, so I went in trying to find my friend. That was when I realized my mom must’ve been right. No one had been in that place for years.”

A long pause settled between them, and Cloud couldn’t get a read at all on what Sephiroth may have been thinking. Just that he was, and that he needed a moment—so Cloud waited patiently, sipping at his tea until Sephiroth seemed ready to continue.

“What was the last dream you remember?” his mentor asked slowly.

“Why’re you so curious about this?”

“Please, Cloud.”

He swallowed hard, not able to say no to that. “We went up to the Reactor. I had never been, and he wanted to go anyway. He said there was something in there that he wanted to see.”

Cloud paused, trying desperately to piece the last bit back together. It was a blur though, unlike the others that he could imagine so clearly.

“I don’t remember it all,” Cloud said after several minutes, Sephiroth’s gaze unrelenting the entire time. “He got caught up with whatever he was doing, and I got bored. I went back outside.”

“He found what he was looking for inside the Reactor, and he destroyed it,” Sephiroth told him quietly. “Then he realized you were gone.”

“…Why would you think that?”

Sephiroth just raised a brow. “This friend—what was his name, Cloud?”

“It was a weird name. I couldn’t really pronounce it back then—my accent was a lot thicker before I got to the city. I used to call him…”

The name was on the tip of his tongue, and the longer he stared at Sephiroth, the closer he seemed to get to it. A few more minutes passed like that, until that stare seemed to pierce his memory.

Seph.

That was his friend’s nickname. Cloud swallowed hard, his eyes widening by the second—it didn’t seem possible, but it wasn’t exactly a common name. The grim expression on Sephiroth’s face seemed to confirm it, and he wasn’t quite sure how he hadn’t realized sooner.

“You have the same eyes.” Distinct—Cloud used to think they were pretty, when he was younger. He still kind of did, especially right now when he could stare back freely. “Just…greener.”

“My mako levels have increased over the years.”

“You always wore a hat.”

“I had reason to believe my hair color would draw unwanted attention if I were spotted outside of the mansion. Winter hats are of no note in Nibelheim.”

Cloud leaned forward on the table, studying Sephiroth more closely than he ever had before. His features…they had definitely developed, but there were hints of that cute young boy looking right back at him.

“Holy shit.”

“Indeed.”

“You knew, all this time?” Cloud asked.

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you say anything? This is crazy!”

“You seemed to have forgotten. The fact that you cannot remember our last encounter…it is troubling, Cloud.”

“Why? What happened that day?”

“The mountain path has always been dangerous. You had already been attacked before I found you.”

He frowned, trying desperately to remember, but coming up with nothing. “What was it?”

“You were my primary concern. I dispatched the creature without thought.”

“So, what happened then?” Cloud wondered, raking a hand through his hair as he tried futilely to piece it together himself when Sephiroth hesitated. “Don’t you think I deserve to know?”

“I healed you.”

“When you were that young?”

“I was enhanced at that time.”

“You were like, 13!”

“I am not a typical SOLDIER.”

No, he wasn’t, but Cloud didn’t need to know anything to know that. The entire program had been built around Sephiroth and his accomplishments, which started with the war in Wutai—when Sephiroth had been just 15. It had lasted years, not ending until Sephiroth had become First Class in the brand new SOLDIER program.

The rest was history. Year after year, the program evolved, leading up to the Academy entry program—all based on the precedent Sephiroth had helped set.

“You were always so strong,” Cloud realized. “You were training all those years?”

“Yes. Training, and being studied.”

“So that’s it? You healed me, and then I never saw you again?”

“Your injuries were severe. The healing spell was not sufficient.” Sephiroth hesitated again but seemed to understand he needed to continue as Cloud stared at him curiously. “I had noticed a pattern during my own training. Whenever I was injured, it would heal on its own.”

“Is that normal for SOLDIERs?”

“To some degree, yes. The mako hastens our recovery.”

“But it’s more than that for you,” Cloud assumed from his tone.

“Yes. I acted rashly,” his mentor admitted. “I used my sword to draw blood from my own palm and pressed it to your injury. It was my hope that the cells which enabled my quick recovery may transfer to you in some capacity.”

“…Cells?”

“Yes. Mine are unique, compared to other SOLDIERs. I was not aware at the time just how unique.”

Sephiroth flipped his hand palm-side up on the table, and Cloud’s eyes were on it in a flash. Sure enough, there was a long scar across it, almost parallel to the longest palm line on his hand.

“I thought you healed quickly. How’d you end up with a scar?”

“I had to re-open the wound several times.”

Cloud cringed, tracing his finger across Sephiroth’s scar before he could think better of it. Wow. It was actually a little terrifying—to think Sephiroth had done this for him. When the healing spells failed, Sephiroth must have been desperate if he tried something like this. It must have been painful.

And it must have worked.

“Is that why I’m alive?” Cloud asked slowly.

“Yes. The effects were not immediate, but the results are evident,” Sephiroth explained shortly. “I continued until your wounds were sealed, and then carried you to your home. You were still unconscious at the time.”

“Was it temporary? I don’t feel like I’m enhanced or anything weird.”

“You are not. SOLDIERs require regular doses of mako to maintain their enhancements. All that remains in you are my cells.”

“How can you be so sure?”

Sephiroth frowned slightly. “They are mine. As I stated, I was not aware of just what that meant at the time.”

Cloud got the distinct impression the notion made Sephiroth uncomfortable, so he dropped it despite the desire to ask what it did mean. Instead he thought back to that day and the story they had been reliving together, feeling like there was still so much that had gone unsaid.

“I didn’t see you again for years after that.”

“No. Not until I returned on a mission, after the war. I volunteered for that mission. I was curious to see what had become of you.”

“Bet you didn’t expect me to sneak on your transport.”

The hint of a smirk pulled at Sephiroth’s mouth. “No, I did not, but I could not deny you. There is little I wouldn’t do for you, Cloud.”

He could feel the heat in his cheeks at Sephiroth’s words, and he tried to cover it by popping his elbows up on the table and cradling his cheeks in his hands. This was all so damn surreal. Those dreams—they had lasted for years.

To think, he had spent all of that time playing with Sephiroth back in Nibelheim.

“Why’d you leave like that, without even saying goodbye?”

“You nearly died, Cloud,” Sephiroth told him. “I was the one who asked you to join me that day.”

“But I’m the one who wandered off.”

“You were the type who never enjoyed sitting still. I knew that about you.”

“So? It was my own fault.”

“No, it was not. You had a tendency to seek out challenges—to prove you could do the same things I could,” Sephiroth explained. “Your admiration pleased me. I encouraged the behavior.”

“Seph…”

“Had I been honest with you, and explained the truth behind my abilities, you may not have been so reckless that day.”

“It’s not like even you understood it back then. You were a kid, too.”

“I knew enough.”

He dropped one of his hands back down onto Sephiroth’s palm instinctively, except this time he curled it around the man’s hand. To his surprise, Sephiroth squeezed his hand back in return.

“I’m fine now. Better than ever,” Cloud promised. “I’m glad you were my friend.”

“As am I.”

Chapter Text

--

The fact that Sephiroth was his childhood friend changed everything and absolutely nothing, all at once.

They had reverted to their usual behavior. Greeting each other. Saying goodnight. Sometimes waiting turns to use the bathroom or something silly like that. Sephiroth was back to religiously eating his pudding and leftovers, and that was the biggest indicator that things were really good with them.

But they weren’t suddenly best friends all over again.

Still, he couldn’t help feeling a newfound familiarity when he ran into the man. The tiny smile on his face was just a little more meaningful every time they ran into each other, and it kind of felt like Sephiroth’s was as well.

“Do you remember that time we went camping?” Cloud asked one day, slinging his backpack over his shoulder—he was on his way out, of course, but figured it would be quick.

Sephiroth was just minding his business, indulging in a disgustingly strong cup of coffee. He glanced up at Cloud though, which made him happier than it should have.

“Yes. We had set up a tent just off the mountain path.”

“And we went back every damn day for a week.”

In the broad daylight, since Sephiroth had said he wouldn’t have been able to slip out at night. It had sounded like such a natural thing back then, but now he wondered…was he being ‘monitored’ while he slept? What did that even mean?

All he had cared about back then was toasting his marshmallow on a stick, and hanging out with his friend.

“I was surprised it took the wolves so long to find and destroy,” Sephiroth admitted.

“That was the only time I ever went camping,” Cloud said, grinning. “Did you light that fire with materia?”

“No.”

“You called it magic though. I thought you meant like a trick, back then.”

“There are different methods of casting, Cloud,” his mentor reminded, giving him a pointed look.

Oh. “Like how I do sometimes?”

“Yes. I can cast most standard spells with or without materia.”

“I can’t wait until next term when I can start casting,” Cloud said, shaking his head. “I don’t think I’ll understand the difference until I do it with materia.”

“You may find it more difficult.”

“Do you? Or, did you when you first started?”

“It is not a fair comparison. Mako eases the use of materia.”

“Oh, right,” he muttered, letting out a short sigh. “It’ll be kinda funny if I can’t cast after all this.”

“I admire your persistence,” Sephiroth told him. “You will succeed, even if it takes time.”

Wow. Cloud was not blushing, nope. “I should go.”

“Very well.”

“Have a nice day.”

“You as well, Cloud.”

He forced himself out the door before getting caught up in another round of pleasantries, then scurried off toward the training hall. Zack had texted him and asked if he could swing by before class, and there wasn’t a ton of time. All of the cadets showed up early to bug Zack when they could, which meant Cloud had to be even earlier if they wanted to talk privately.

Thankfully, it was just Zack when he entered the room, doing squats like he was bored.

“Really?” Cloud asked, giving him a look.

“What? You think I get an ass like this from standing around?”

“The thought had never crossed my mind, actually.”

“Don’t lie,” Zack winked, causing Cloud’s deadpan expression to crumble. He couldn’t help laughing at how ridiculous his friend was. “Thanks for coming.”

“Yeah, no problem. What’s up?”

“We haven’t really gotten to talk much,” Zack started, hand on the back of his neck. “Y’know—since the whole Lazard thing.”

“Oh, that.”

“Yeah, that. What happened?” his friend asked. “One minute, I’m in his office and he’s askin’ me if I’m sleeping with you, and the next it was like nothing happened.”

“Nothing did happen. Not like that anyway. I think the Director knew, and there wasn’t any proof.”

“I heard some things from Kunsel. The other kids seem to think you shoulda gotten in trouble for something else.”

“Yeah, because someone put a materia in my bag.”

“What?”

“Sephiroth sorted it out. They’re serial logged—they found the owner.”

Zack frowned. “Who was it?”

“Who do you think?”

“…Asshole,” Zack muttered, kicking at the air. “I always stood up for that guy. Always went outta my way for him—and he always acted like we were buddies, too.”

“Zack. He didn’t do it to you, he did it to me.”

“Same thing. He knew you were my friend,” Zack said. “It pisses me off.”

“It’s fine, Zack. I’m fine,” Cloud said clearly. “If anything, I should be in trouble—just not for that.”

“About that. The Director kinda knows.”

“What do you mean? He didn’t even ask about anything else.”

“Apparently he knew the minute he read your application,” his friend explained with a sigh. “He figured I wouldn’t stick my neck out for just anyone, and he was right.”

“So…he doesn’t care?”

“As long as you prove me right, nope. And if not, I’m the one who’s gonna be hearing about it—he made that pretty clear.”

“How do SOLDIERs even get punished?” Cloud wondered.

“You don’t wanna know.” Zack grinned at him, clearly not worried. “You’re gonna be top of your class, so who cares?”

Cloud snorted. “No pressure, huh?”

“I mean, you’re movin’ up fast. Time’s pretty much up this term, but you’ve got 3 more. You could still be valedictorian before you’re done here.”

“Is that a thing?”

“You’re the first class—we’re makin’ up the rules as we go.”

“That’s really reassuring.”

“I’m just sayin’, you said you wanted to be the best when you got here, and you still could be,” Zack told him. “You’re already the hardest worker.”

“I can’t go at this pace forever.”

“It won’t be. Think about all the things that make sense now that you don’t think about anymore. This term is all about foundations, and you’re nailing it. You just gotta remember it when you move onto the next.”

“Maybe.”

“Not maybe,” Zack insisted. “You got this, Spike! My class was your worst, and now you’re kickin’ ass! You’ve beat almost everyone.”

“That’s different. It was my worst because I couldn’t pick up the damn swords,” Cloud reminded his friend—amazing how quickly things had changed when Sephiroth solved that little problem for him. “Plus, you’re a way better instructor than Luxiere.”

“Aw,” Zack beamed, hand over his heart. Then he ruffled Cloud’s hair like the brat he was. “You know I’m still down for extra training, if you’re interested.”

“I appreciate it, but I can’t right now.”

“Don’t be like that! All the other cadets ask me for help all the time, and I do whatever I can. It’s not like you’d be gettin’ special treatment if we do it this way—I’m just a regular instructor now.”

Cloud scoffed. “Nothing about you as an instructor is regular. You’re a First Class SOLDIER! Even the other instructors wish they had class with you.”

“You’re exaggerating.”

“Kunsel told me,” Cloud countered, hands on his hips. “We both know if Kunsel heard it, it’s true.”

“Then that makes you even more ridiculous for saying no. It’s not like I’ll be teaching straight through the next three terms, Spike,” Zack reminded him. “I’ll be back to being a Special Instructor when your classes switch over.”

“So?”

“So, you’re too stubborn,” his friend accused, and then he straightened out, turning his head toward the door. “Someone’s coming. C’mon, do some squats with me.”

“Squats? Are you crazy? I had PT at 5am, and—”

“Whatever, if you want them to think we’re in here makin’ out—”

“Shut up,” Cloud groaned, throwing his bag down and falling into a stupid squat.

Gaia, Zack was lucky that shit eating grin on his face was impossible to be mad at. His legs were burning, but he gritted his way through a full two reps with his friend as the other cadets came trickling in.

Then Zack went on about how it built core muscles, which were integral for sword combat. Sounded like a load of shit, but what did he know? Zack was the First Class SOLDIER.

And he was an amazing friend.

--

Finals had begun, but there was one thing all of the cadets were talking about more than any of their exams so far. Even their one-on-one fights with Zack were second priority to the rumor going around, and that had everyone fired up and excited.

Higgins is sleeping with Luxiere.

Cloud cringed the first time he heard it. True or not, he really didn’t care…and everyone seemed to want to know his opinion on the subject, or to see his reaction. It was annoying.

“Dude,” Thompson said, giving him a look. “You could at least tell me. It’s justice, isn’t it?”

“It’s not anything. Who cares?”

“You should care! That guy’s been out to get you, saying you’re doing all this shit when he’s the one—”

“It’s probably not even true.”

“It is. One of the SOLDIERs saw, and—”

“It’s not any of our business, and we don’t know the whole story, so there’s no reason to talk about it.”

“Don’t you wanna see them get in trouble though?”

Cloud frowned. “No. Why would I want that?”

“You got top marks on every final so far—if you hadn’t messed up at the start of the term, you’d be number one,” Thompson told him, matter-of-fact. “Higgins is your competition.”

“You realize we’re all going to be comrades, right? This isn’t a contest to be number one—it’s prep work to make sure we’re ready to go out into the field. Having each other’s backs is part of that.”

“That’s not how they see it. Luxiere wanted his boyfriend to be number one—to be better than Sephiroth’s mentee. That’s why he was so shitty toward you,” Thompson revealed. “That’s why he never helped you in class.”

“He already got punished for that,” Cloud said, and more than that thanks to the whole materia fiasco. That had been a secret though, and one that never evolved into a rumor since Cloud knew how to keep his damn mouth shut. “Look, I get why you think I’d be interested, but I’m not. Can we drop it now?”

“Will you tell me something about Sephiroth then?”

“Nope.”

“Fine,” Thompson sighed. “You’re no fun, man.”

“Whatever.”

“I was just kidding about the Sephiroth thing.”

“I know,” Cloud said, smiling despite himself. Thompson had stopped nagging about his mentor a while back and it felt like they had an understanding in that regard. “Actually, I have to go see him soon.”

“Sephiroth?”

“Yeah. I got a message to go to his office.”

His own words brought back the nerves he had felt when he got the message, still not sure what it was about. Sephiroth hadn’t said much to him before he left the apartment that morning—just a reminder to eat something before running out the door, and then a quick good luck.

“Hells man, don’t keep the general waiting! Get outta here!” Thompson exclaimed.

“Uh, I’ve got time.”

“You ever been up to that floor? The elevator ride could take an hour if other people are getting on and off.”

Oh shit. Cloud hadn’t that of that, and suddenly he was giving his friend a quick wave. Something told him Sephiroth would forgive him if he was a bit late, but he really didn’t want to keep the man waiting when this was obviously work related. The meeting wouldn’t be in his office otherwise.

Wow the elevator really did suck. Cloud always went between the same couple floors—the Academy itself was housed entirely on a private floor, and then Sephiroth’s apartment was one up from it. Going up another ten or so was kind of a pain since the doors opened every single stop along the way.

Thankfully, he was still earlier than necessary.

He looked around curiously along the way, a bit surprised to see several offices. It looked like most of the Firsts had their own offices and their own secretaries, which wasn’t the image Cloud had in mind when he thought about SOLDIER—especially not their most elite operatives.

Paperwork and meetings. It must have been a very real part of the job, especially when there wasn’t a war or crisis going on outside of standard ops. Apparently they helped manage the schedules for all of the Seconds and Thirds, in addition to running the mission intake hub. There were different specialties within each class, different type of missions…

It was all very elaborate. They’d just barely grazed on it during classes—the actual processes behind the day-to-day operations would be covered during a SOLDIER-focused course in second term.

After any cadets who failed were cut from the program.

“He’ll see you now,” Sephiroth secretary told him, a pleasant smile on his face.

“Thanks,” Cloud muttered.

Then he went in, pretending to be as calm as he was when they were back in the apartment even as his heart hammered away anxiously in his chest. As usual, Sephiroth’s eyes were on him the moment he walked into the room, and that did very little to calm him down.

“Hello, Cloud.”

“Hey.” He paused, glancing around the room—a very standard ShinRa office. The cute cat mug on the desk was the only personalized item Cloud could see, and it brought a smile to his face right as he looked over at Sephiroth. “Should I salute?”

“That will not be necessary.”

“Okay.”

“Have a seat.”

Cloud walked over to the desk, sitting down slowly and then waiting. And then waiting some more. “Is everything okay?” he asked.

“It is. I have some paperwork for you,” Sephiroth explained slowly. “It is regarding your mentorship.”

“Oh?”

“I made an arrangement with the Director at the beginning of the term.”

Six months. Genesis’ words came back in a hurry, and he swallowed hard where he sat. “Okay.”

“I had not intended to participate in the mentor program.”

“Okay.”

“You and I…we are not mentor and mentee, Cloud.”

“I know,” Cloud agreed easily. “You don’t need to beat around the bush. You didn’t choose this—I get it.”

“The option remains yours. You may choose your mentor—Zack and Genesis would still agree, should you select them.”

“Do you want me to choose someone else?”

“No, I do not.”

Cloud blinked in surprise, snapping right out of the dismal lull he had almost fallen into. “You don’t?”

“I enjoy your company. That is not, however, the purpose of a mentorship. Should you prefer—”

“I don’t prefer anything or anyone else. I want you.”

Sephiroth raised both brows, clearly taken aback by Cloud’s firm response. “Why?”

“Because I enjoy your company, too.”

“If this is about our past…”

“It’s not. I liked being around you even before I knew.”

“An instinctive part of you knew all along.”

“What’s that mean?” Cloud asked quietly.

“A part of me remains with you.”

“Your cells?” Cloud quirked a brow. “I don’t think—”

“There was extensive research conducted on this subject. The professor who was charged with my care—he called it the Reunion Theory.” Sephiroth eyed Cloud closely, like he was waiting for some kind of reaction before continuing, “He believed that any cells separate from my body would seek to return—to reunite, in a sense.”

“And? Do you believe that?”

“Yes, I do.”

Cloud slumped in his chair, not quite so easily persuaded. It wasn’t like Sephiroth had given him a proper blood transfusion. Not that he remembered it very well, but they hadn’t exactly been in a lab that day.

“It is possible my cells have influenced you, or guided you here,” Sephiroth said.

“Or maybe this was what I always wanted,” Cloud responded insistently. “You remember when we were kids—I wanted to learn to fight. To do something meaningful. I didn’t come here for you.”

“Not specifically, no.”

“The odds of us meeting were slim to none even if I came here. The fact that we ended up in this situation was—”

“A statistical improbability. Yet here we are.”

And here they would remain, if Cloud had his way. He stared at Sephiroth, feeling particularly stubborn. There was just no way—whatever research he was referring to had to be incorrect. There was nothing

“What happens next, then? According to this research?” Cloud wondered. “We’ve been reunited for a while now.”

“The professor in charge passed away shortly before your arrival in Midgar. I destroyed all evidence of that project.”

“Why?”

“I could not risk anyone discovering his theory.”

Or testing it out on anyone else, Cloud guessed. They had probably tried to make more SOLDIERs like Sephiroth throughout the years, but it seemed like there hadn’t been much success. Even the next best Firsts weren’t on the same level, at least according to what ShinRa publicized.

“Your name appeared on his reports,” Sephiroth said after a long pause.

“What?”

“Professor Hojo was in charge of my care at the time. He discovered our trip to the Reactor.”

“Okay?”

“I told you I destroyed something in the Reactor that day. It was part of an experiment of his. He was not pleased.”

“You wouldn’t have done that without a reason.”

“I regret nothing, in that regard,” Sephiroth said simply. “Nonetheless, he was furious. I was seen returning to town with you that day.”

“So?”

“I had never shown interest in other children. You were a curiosity to him,” Sephiroth explained. “I believed if I complied with his commands, he would leave you in peace.”

“And then you left town.”

“Yes. I did as the company asked of me from that day until his death with little hesitation.”

“Why was my name on those papers, then?”

“It appears you were monitored after I left Nibelheim. He likely suspected what I had done.”

“And?”

“And, he is no longer us. He was the type to keep his research closely guarded until the timing was right—I believe he had not shared his theory with another. He was waiting for proof.”

“For me,” Cloud said, raising a brow when Sephiroth nodded. “How’d he die?”

“A lab accident. One of his subjects escaped—a sentient creature of some kind. Red XIII.”

“What kind of name is that?”

“I would assume one assigned by Hojo or the technicians in the labs.”

“That’s so messed up.”

“Yes.”

The fact that Sephiroth himself had been reduced to a lab subject of some kinds ticked him off too, and he found himself brooding where he sat. And then he’d been used—sent off to fight wars, all without ever saying a word even if he maybe didn’t want to do those things.  

“You really listened to everything he wanted you to do…because of me?” Cloud asked slowly.

“I would have done more if it meant keeping you safe.”

“It’s been more than ten years!”

“Five, since Hojo passed away. I find ShinRa much more agreeable in his absence.”

Cloud snorted, but then quickly sobered back up again. “Still. That’s a long time.”

“He did not ask for more than I could manage. I spent the bulk of those years in Wutai, and I do not regret my actions there.”

“But you weren’t there the whole time.”

“No,” Sephiroth agreed, his expression darkening. “The lab work was…frustrating, at times. Tolerable, though.”

“That’s really reassuring, Seph.” Not that he was the one who needed reassuring—Sephiroth was the one who had to endure it. All so that some crazy professor would leave Cloud alone. “You didn’t need to do that for me.”

“You may have become a test subject, had I not.”

“Maybe I’d be willing to do that, if it meant keeping you safe from that guy.”

“He would not have done irreversible damage to me—he prized me as a creation. You may not have been so lucky.”

Lucky. Cloud literally felt sick to his stomach at that, especially when he saw just how damn serious Sephiroth looked. How was what Sephiroth had to endure lucky?

“I did not tell you this to upset you,” Sephiroth said. “I did not intend to discuss Hojo at all, however, his theories seemed relevant to your decision.”

“Seph…” The thought of Sephiroth going through all of that was upsetting, period. The idea of him enduring it alone, without ever talking to anyone? That was even more upsetting. “It’s not right.”

“It is the past.”

“Then what are we going to do now, in the present?” Cloud asked slowly.

“The choice is yours.” Sephiroth set out two papers on his desk, gesturing to each as he spoke. “This form will effectively end our mentorship. We could arrange to spend time together still, should you choose.”

Cloud’s gaze flickered to the other. “Or?”

“This confirms our mentorship for the duration of the second term. Regardless of what this paper says, I have no intention of mentoring you,” Sephiroth reiterated. “The arrangement will be in name only. Things will continue as they have.”

It didn’t take any thought. He snatched a pen from Sephiroth’s desk and quickly signed the second form, ready and willing to remain Sephiroth’s ‘mentee’ for as long as the man would allow. Now that he knew the truth, it felt even more important than ever to stay close.

To find a way to make all this up to Sephiroth somehow, even if that just meant becoming friends again and working through some of it together. Classes, training—he could figure all that out on his own, one way or another.

“Should we keep the same conditions?” Cloud asked as he set the pen down.

“You only asked me a single question during your first term.”

A question he still didn’t quite understand, either. Though now that he thought about it, maybe he did—maybe it was all related to the man in front of him, and whatever bound them together.

“I like to figure things out on my own when I can,” the blond shrugged. “Not that I didn’t want to talk to you.”

“Then we should amend the conditions. Instead of training questions, you may ask personal ones—I cannot promise to answer,” Sephiroth reasoned, looking at him thoughtfully, “but if you wish to get to know one another, it seems logical.”

“I do want that. I won’t ask anything weird, I promise.”

“Then we agree.”

“And the pudding?”

“I would not mind it twice a week,” Sephiroth responded.

“Done.” He grinned at the man, already knowing exactly what his first question would be. “Can we start now, or this a second term exclusive?”

“I have time for one question.”

“How’d you know about my ma’s pudding? I don’t remember ever bringing any along when we hung out.”

“When I brought you to your house that day, she was distraught. You were unconscious, and the amount of blood was alarming.”

“She figured you out, huh?” Cloud guessed, knowing her all too well. “That you saved me?”

“Yes. Once she cleaned you and saw there were no injuries, she knew there was nothing she could do to speed your recovery. She took to caring for me instead.”

By giving him a heaping helping of pudding—very typical of his mother. Probably after making him shower and change. The fact that Sephiroth remembered it so fondly was kind of cute, and Cloud found himself smiling at the man. Seph, his childhood friend, had always been kind and considerate, and it was painfully obvious that nothing had changed in that regard.

It didn’t take a theory for him to work out his feelings in that moment. Grown up Sephiroth was definitely the kind of person Cloud wanted to be friends with, and no amount of science would ever make him doubt that.

--

Unfortunately, the desire to get to know one another didn’t change reality.

They were still both very busy in their own ways, Cloud with the start of his second term, and Sephiroth with the whole being the general of SOLDIER thing. Things carried on basically the same as they had been, with the two only meeting in passing in the early mornings or late evenings when they happened to be home together.

Cloud always leaped on those chances. One question—he didn’t want to pry or overstep. So far, Sephiroth had been receptive to his attempts, and had even asked a few back in return.

“So, question of the day,” Cloud said, two weeks into the new term. He all but collapsed on the couch as he spoke, tired after a long-ass day. Sephiroth was sipping tea at the kitchen table, glancing over at him curiously as he peaked over the top of the couch. “All the weird shit aside…what’d you think when you saw me in the gym on the day that I chose you as my mentor?”

“I was relieved to see you were doing well,” Sephiroth said, like it was so simple.

“Why? You already knew I was in Midgar.”

“I was aware you were in Sector Seven, but beyond that, I knew nothing of your life. There was no reason to monitor you.”

And Hojo was gone by then, apparently. Cloud frowned a bit, not sure why the thought that he hadn’t been creepily followed kind of bothered him a little. It made sense though, given who Sephiroth was.

“Zack never mentioned me?” Cloud asked.

“He may have, but not by name. I was provided a list of cadets prior to your arrival, so it was not surprising in the moment—not until you made your selection.”

Yet even then, he hadn’t expected Cloud to pick him. It was kind of funny, given how simple that choice had felt in the moment. “I was happy to see you, too. I just didn’t realize why.”

Sephiroth didn’t respond to that, going back to his tea in a way that told Cloud time was up on this topic of conversation. He let himself slide down onto the couch after that, shuffling until he was in a comfortable position.

Just for a minute.

He didn’t have time to laze around, but second term was no joke so far. Their physical fitness class continued, but other than that, it was an entirely new set of courses.

Instead of sword basics, they had been divided into groups based on what sword type might suit them best—Cloud’s focus was on single handed blades, at least for this term. He also had practical tactics, which was a mix of lecture based courses with field based training. They’d be putting their skills to the test in the VR in a few more weeks, working through fictitious scenarios where they would need to make tactical decisions. Then there was the SOLDIER foundations class, focusing on the program itself and its functions. Who knew SOLDIER had dozens of branches, and that the Class system was more of an overarching rank?

He also had his first materia training course, and they were getting awfully close to the point where they’d be handed an actual materia---something he was very nervous about. Plus, his history of Midgar course, which was strictly focused on the city rather than anything else, and probably some other classes he couldn’t even think of right now.

Yeah, he was burnt out, and things were just barely starting.

What would happen next term, when their classes were mostly all combat focused, with ‘advanced’ in the title? When sword combat started getting paired with tactics in the VR? When a new round of cadets started in their very first term, occupying the training halls and library where he would need time alone to study and practice?

“Ugh.”

“Is something wrong?” Sephiroth asked.

Cloud didn’t even attempt to sit back up. “Nah. Just moping.”

“About?”

“I powered through first term—I studied all damn night if I had to,” Cloud said slowly. “I don’t know if that’ll be enough this time around.”

“You appear to be doing well. The reports have not indicated any areas of concern.”

“So far,” Cloud muttered, sure Sephiroth could hear him. It had only been a couple of weeks. What about when a couple more passed? “I’ll figure something out.”

“Yes, you will.”

He smiled to himself, thinking how nice it was to hear—it wasn’t like Sephiroth had ever been prone to offering needless flattery. If he said he thought Cloud could do it, then it was because he really believed it.

The good news was, Thompson had proven to be a consistent study partner again despite the fact that not all of their courses lined up. The other few cadets that had hounded them for tips were also interested in working together, which meant he had some resources to leverage. He’d just need to line out his schedule in more detail, and really get a feel for what courses he might need help in.

For the time being, he closed his eyes, shutting off the world around him for just a moment. It felt so damn good. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep right there on the spot.

When he woke up, he was lying in his own bed, not quite sure how he had gotten there.

--

About ten cadets hadn’t made the cut from first term to second term. They’d been dismissed the program entirely—each of them sent back to the infantry to work out the remainder of their contract with ShinRa. It was part of the deal when they’d signed on for the Academy in the first place.

Thankfully, Cloud had made the cut. As had his entire class, which was no surprise at the time because they had been the advanced group within the program. Second term was different in that regard, though.

Their class groupings weren’t based on any particular logic as far as Cloud could tell. He was with different cadets in each of his courses this time, and while that didn’t really matter…it mattered a little bit to him.

Mostly because there were still two or three he wished he didn’t have to see.

“Still can’t cast, huh?” Higgins asked, leveling him with a flat look.

“Shut up.”

“It’s kinda crazy considering how often you were casting last term,” the other cadet complained. “Is this just an act? Pity for the rest of us who haven’t figured it out yet?”

“Is it really so hard to believe I’m just terrible at this?” Cloud countered, snorting when Higgins’ eyes widened in surprise. “You’re supposed to be number one, right? Show me how it’s done.”

“Like I’d help you.”

“Not like you can when you can’t do it either.”

They both glared at one another, only getting distracted when one of the other students managed another Fire spell. What the hells—why was this so complicated?

“Wanna make a bet?” Higgins asked, giving him a look.

“Depends on the terms.”

“I bet I can figure this out before you. No getting help from anyone other than Kunsel,” he said, gesturing toward their instructor—Cloud’s favorite instructor this term, since Zack was back to being a Special Instructor. “Winner gets Sephiroth.”

“Uh, what?”

“It’s bullshit, you know. I was top student last term,” Higgins vented. “They made me choose a new mentor because…”

He glared off, not finishing his sentence and not really needing to. Cloud already knew, and frankly, he had no intention of holding it against Higgins because it really didn’t matter to him. The guy was clearly bummed out about it still, and the last thing Cloud wanted to do was kick someone when they were down.

Those rumors about Luxiere and Higgins? They’d been true. As a result, Luxiere was on some kind of temporary suspension. It sounded like he would be back to work soon enough, but he wouldn’t be teaching or mentoring anyone any time soon.

“Anyway—you weren’t even number two,” his fellow cadet complained, snapping out of his thought. “Why’d you get to choose before me?”

“It’s not like anyone else got reassigned either. We were supposed to keep the same person all year.”

“Well, the year’s up after this term, and if I can’t have the mentor I really want, I’ll take the next best thing.”

“I’m not betting that. He’s not a prize, he’s a person.”

“You say that like you didn’t choose him like he was some kind of trophy.”

Cloud scowled, not sure why he was letting this guy poke his buttons. “If you wanna bet, let’s bet something we can actually control.”

“Like what?”

“If I win, you stop with all this bullshit. We don’t need to be buddies, but I don’t wanna hear your shit anymore. I just want to do my own thing, quietly.”

“Fine. But if I win, you’re gonna confess.”

“Confess what? That you planted a materia in my bag?”

“No—you’re gonna confess to whatever the hells it is you did to get into this Academy in the first place. Lux may have been wrong about how it happened, but we both know something gave you an edge.”

“Fine, deal.”

“You seem confident.”

“I am confident. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“But someone you care about did,” Higgins guessed. “And you’re gonna know what it feels like—to have that person punished when all they did was try to help you.”

Cloud bit his tongue, suddenly wishing he hadn’t already basically agreed. Zack had told him that Lazard already knew, but…what if the Director could only protect Zack so long as there was plausible deniability? If Cloud strolled right into that office and blurted out the truth, he might be forced to reprimand Zack in some way.

Judging by Higgins’ gloating expression, that was the expected outcome.

“I won’t lose,” Cloud shrugged, feigning confidence.

Except he couldn’t feel the materia in his bracer even a little bit, nor could he do a thing to get Kunel’s attention when the man was already trying to walk three others through the same spell. Class was over before he even had a chance, and there just wasn’t time before the next one began.

How in the hells was he going to do this?

--

Technically, Cloud still had two weeks to pull off a cast before he received his first bad grade in his materia class, but he wasn’t in a position to wait. Not when he had made that stupid bet.

The truth was, he just wouldn’t do it—he wouldn’t do a damn thing that would get Zack in trouble.

No matter how proud he was, he just wasn’t the type to throw his friends under the bus. Especially when said friend had done nothing but help and support him all this time. He would rather walk away from the program entirely than be the reason Zack was punished, and that wasn’t something he could do either.

That meant he only had one option.

He needed to win the bet so that none of it mattered. Otherwise he would forever be branded as the cadet that didn’t keep his word, and that would sting more than anything Higgins had ever said about him. Mostly because it would be true.

Higgins had been staying after class with Kunsel nearly ever day, doing breathing exercises and trying to get in tune with his inner mana—whatever that meant. Apparently everyone had some mana, connected intrinsically with their own Lifestream. It would be enhanced by the mako, should they become SOLDIERs. And then it would all return to the Planet some day, when they died.

In theory, Cloud understood all of it. The actual application? Not so simple. He didn’t feel anything in his veins, let alone mana. So much for heightened levels of mako, or whatever the hells it was that Commander Rhapsodos had told him that one time.

“I suck at this,” Cloud sighed.

“You are glaring at a wall, Cloud,” Sephiroth told him, bemused.

“And it’s still not on fire.”

“I had not realized you disliked the apartment to such an extent.”

The blond furrowed his brows, suddenly looking away from the wall and right at Sephiroth—he hadn’t realized his mentor had sat down on the couch beside him, pudding bowl in hand. Usually he always at a safe distance away, at the kitchen table at the very least. It was kind of nice that he didn’t mind sitting on the couch together now.

He wasn’t about to ruin that by saying something stupid.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I’m happy here.”

“I was not being serious.”

Sephiroth cracked the tiniest smile, and man, that did things to Cloud’s heart. It wasn’t often that Sephiroth made a joke like that, and it was a sure sign he was getting more comfortable in the blond’s presence. It made him stupidly happy, and he found himself returning that tiny smile with a broad grin.

“It would be kind of funny, explaining it to whoever deals with that kind of thing,” Cloud laughed.

“The Director would not be as amused.”

Right, because no one else would have the authority to deal with it, probably—or the courage, since it was the general’s apartment. Cloud snorted, for the first-time kind of liking the privilege that came along with Sephiroth being his mentor.

“I kinda wish I could, just to see what would happen.”

“I enjoy the privacy that wall provides,” Sephiroth responded dryly.

“You’re the general—they’d probably come fix it pretty fast. Or, you know, you could put the fire out. I’m sure you’ve got a trick or two up your sleeve.”

“You may prefer the Director’s punishment over mine.”

“Guess that depends on what you have in mind,” Cloud responded, glancing at the man curiously. He just held Cloud’s gaze, all but expressionless. “What?”

“It may be best to leave that question for another night.”

“That’s not fair!”

“Many aspects of life are not fair—your inability to cast the spell, for instance.”

“Well, that’s just rude,” Cloud joked. “And here I thought you wanted to be friends again.”

“Perhaps Genesis would be a better friend to you if you believe it is polite to set someone’s apartment on fire.”

“You know, if I could cast this spell, I might do it right now just to see what you’d do,” Cloud said, slumping as the amusement he’d felt buzzing inside him seemed to fade. “Which brings me back to my first point—I suck at this.”

“Casting requires focus initially,” Sephiroth said, only stopping when Cloud waved a hand. “Is something wrong?”

“You can’t give me any hints.”

“This is a simple matter. It will require no actual instruction.”

Cloud shook his head resolutely. “I made a deal with one of the other cadets. A bet.”

“A bet?”

“Yeah. I need to figure it out on my own.”

“You have read more on the subject than most SOLDIERs by now.”

“And I still don’t feel a thing when I equip a materia.”

“That is related to your ability to cast innately, Cloud. You have become accustomed to the feeling of a mako-like presence at all times.”

“Seph, please,” he said, looking at his mentor helplessly. “A bet’s a bet—I need to figure this out on my own.”

“I have said enough for you to do so.” Sephiroth downed another spoonful of his pudding, looking oddly at ease about the whole thing. “I suspect you will be casting in two days’ time.”

“What happens in two days?”

“You need to rest this evening,” Sephiroth reminded him—and, yeah, he did have his first test tomorrow in one of his classes. “Tuesdays are your busiest day, which will not allow you time tomorrow. The following day is when you will succeed.”

“You sound so sure.”

“Wednesdays have been your most productive day since this term began.”

Had they? Cloud raised a brow, realizing that was probably true. “How’d you know that?”

“I know many things about you.”

“Well, I know a thing or two about you, too,” Cloud said, glancing down at the man’s empty pudding bowl. “I’ll make more before I go to bed.”

“Perhaps you could show me, next time.”

“I can show you now, if you have time.”

Sephiroth rose to his feet, trailing behind Cloud in silent agreement. Then he started washing his dishes, like he knew that Cloud might need some of them for what they were doing.

“Before we start, I have to swear you to secrecy,” Cloud warned, pointing a wooden spoon at the First. “What I’m about to show you is a Nibel secret.”

“Your mother learned the recipe from a friend in Rocket Town.”

“How’d you know that?”

“We discussed it as children. You would sneak candies from her purse.”

Right—those Rocket Chocolates that Sephiroth was still fond of to this day. Cloud’s mother had a friend who would send them periodically if they couldn’t make the trip, and Cloud used to steal them regularly when he planned to meet with Sephiroth.

“I told you it was the same flavor as the pudding,” Cloud recalled, brows furrowed. “Do you remember everything?”

“Yes.”

“What the hells!” Cloud actually did whack the man with the spoon this time, but it was gently—just enough to convey that he was jealous. It still startled Sephiroth, clearly not used to being treated like that—he looked adorably perturbed. “I want to remember everything about you.”

“Then I shall remind you, day by day,” Sephiroth told him quietly, placing a hand over Cloud’s before he could pull the damn spoon back. It was enough to cause him to shudder as he held the man’s serious gaze. “And I shall show you the man I’ve become since.”

“I’d like that.”

“My interests have changed.”

“So? I still like spending time with you.”

“We shall see.”

He swallowed hard as Sephiroth released the wooden spoon, though he didn’t regret a single word. There was nothing Sephiroth could say to him—nothing Sephiroth could do to him that would change his desire to stay close. Sephiroth was a good person, that much he knew.

The rest was all just details.

--

Two days later, Cloud very nearly set Sephiroth’s apartment on fire. It wasn’t as funny as he had imagined when there were literal flames in front of him, and no practice dummy to absorb them.

“Holy shit!” the blond gasped, eyes wide as he tried to find something to save Sephiroth’s poor, innocent curtains. When he couldn’t find anything, he did the next best thing—he called out for help. “Seph!”

“Cloud,” Sephiroth rumbled, appearing from his bedroom like magic and putting the damn thing out with the flick of his wrist. Then he shifted his gaze over to the blond, not amused. “Was I unclear regarding my preference for keeping this wall?”

“It was an accident! I didn’t think anything was actually going to happen!”

“You felt nothing leading up to your cast?”

“Well, not nothing, but I didn’t think it’d happen,” he sighed, letting out a long breath as the adrenaline seemed to settle. He’d felt like he was going to burst—right up until he basically did, in a sense. “Did I seriously just do that?”

“The burnt curtain seems to be sufficient evidence.”

“I don’t know if Higgins will accept it as proof. I’ll need to do it again when I see him.”

“Perhaps I should requisition a training dummy.”

“Is that a thing you can do?”

“The Director would allow it.”

Wow. Cloud stared at the curtain a moment, relieved that it took most of the damage—definitely better than burning the wall down or anything important.

“I really am sorry,” Cloud told his mentor. “I was thinking about what you said…separating out all these different feelings.”

“And?”

“And, it worked a lot faster than I expected,” he sighed. “It felt pretty similar, but also not the same at all.”

“Your innate abilities tend to be defensive—barriers or healing spells.”

“And fire is…dangerous.”

Sephiroth nodded once. “Yes. If you wish to practice, I would prefer you do so elsewhere.”

“I’m sorry,” he said again, eyeing his feet dejectedly—he kind of felt like a kid getting scolded by someone he respected. Except worse than that because this was Sephiroth, and respect didn’t cover what he felt when he was around this man. “I’ll pay you back for the curtains.”

“That will not be necessary.”

“It’s the principle of the situation.”

“ShinRa will issue more without charge.”

“Then I’ll pay you in pudding and candy.”

“I have a steady supply of both,” Sephiroth responded dryly, raising a brow when Cloud finally glanced back up at him. Thank Gaia he looked like he was lightening up a little because Cloud didn’t know what he’d do if this man was actually angry with him. “I accept your apology. No further action is required.”

“Just like that? No punishment?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“You should not ask for things you are not prepared to receive, Cloud.”

Cloud was a bit awed by the darkening look in Sephiroth’s eyes, finding it so unfamiliar from the looks this man tended to give him. He had started to catalog all of Sephiroth’s expressions in his mind, discovering that even the most subtle change meant something.

This one was unlike any of the others.

He was acutely aware of how close Sephiroth had stepped to him in order to put out the fire, and just how formidable his sheer presence was. The way Sephiroth loomed over him, so tall and imposing—it had a shudder tearing through him, and not in a bad way.

Fuck.

Sephiroth was hot. It wasn’t the first time he had thought as much, but it was all he could think about as he found himself hostage to the man’s stare. He would have given anything to know what was running through this Sephiroth’s mind—what had brought that look to his face as he stared down at Cloud.

And just like that, Sephiroth eyed him from head to toe, almost pointedly before taking a step back. The usual look returned to his face a moment later, like nothing had ever happened.

“Seph?”

“Yes?”

“Do you…” He wasn’t even sure what he wanted to ask, but he knew that he couldn’t. Maybe he had imagined the whole thing—maybe it was all in his head. “Do you mind if I go? I’m supposed to be meeting Zack soon.”

“Zack?”

“Yeah. He was out of the city—said he’d be back about this time.”

“You normally sleep at this hour.”

“I know, but he’s been gone for a while, and you know…we’re friends.”

Sephiroth looked less than pleased. “I am not your mentor. You may do as you please.”

“But do you mind? Not as a mentor, or anything else.”

“I would prefer you stay.”

Cloud’s eyes went wide. “Really?”

“Yes. I would consider it payment, should you still choose to insist on reimbursing me.”

“I do insist,” he decided quickly. “I’ll stay.”

Sephiroth nodded in approval. “Very well.”

“It is kinda late,” he realized, shooting off a quick text to Zack—they really were supposed to meet up for a bit. “I’ll see him another time. Want to watch a movie or something before bed?”

“Will you remain awake long enough to enjoy it?”

“I make no promises,” Cloud said, smiling a little.

He had fallen asleep on the couch on more than one occasion now, always waking up back in his own room. At first it had been a mystery, but by now he knew—Sephiroth had carried him back each time.

“Very well. You will select the film, and I will select the snacks.”

“Deal.”

Cloud began browsing Sephiroth’s selection while the First rummaged around in the kitchen—probably picking out yet another sugary treat for the night. It was so hopelessly endearing that Cloud couldn’t even be bothered by it, despite the fact he preferred salty snacks during movies.

After a few minutes, the blond just grabbed the movie his hand was on, finding he didn’t actually care what they watched. Mostly he just wanted to keep spending time together until he inevitably fell asleep. He popped in the disc before reading the title of what he’d picked. Some romcom of all things—definitely a bit unexpected.

“Genesis enjoys this series,” Sephiroth explained as he sat down, offering Cloud a spoon. His snack of choice? Ice cream—a single pint, that he apparently intended to share. “We have no other snacks.”

“That’s fine. I like ice cream. Vanilla’s kinda boring, though.”

“Is it?”

“Yeah,” Cloud replied, not that I stopped him from dipping his spoon in as the movie started. Then he took a big bite, savoring it as the movie began to play. “It’s not terrible.”

Sephiroth hummed in agreement, already a couple of spoonful’s in. He seemed content to focus on the movie, and Cloud couldn’t help stealing another quick glance. He looked so good, always. Effortlessly so, in his pajamas—who knew what he had been in the middle of doing when Cloud called out for him?

And Sephiroth, he had just come running like it was nothing. Then he’d stayed, never once attempting to retreat back to his room. It was all a bit of a mystery, much like the evasive words and looks that came along with their exchange this evening.

There was one thing Cloud knew for sure as he sat there, growing more aware of it by the second. He was hyperaware of Sephiroth’s presence by his side, moreso than ever before. Even as the drowsiness began to kick in and he slumped into Sephiroth’s shoulder, he could feel it.

He needed to get these thoughts the hells out of his head before he said or did something stupid.

--

So, Cloud kind of had a thing for Sephiroth.

It didn’t take a genius to figure it out, but after that night it was on his mind every time he saw his mentor. Literally every time they exchanged greetings, farewells, or questions of the day.

How he hadn’t realized sooner was more of a mystery since he was sure it didn’t just happen out of the blue.

No, this had been ongoing. The way his heart raced when Sephiroth was nearby, even before he saw the man. The way he felt so at ease in the man’s presence. The way it felt like it didn’t matter if they talked endlessly or not—that they could enjoy being together regardless.

Not to mention just how damn attractive he found the found man. That he had definitely been staring him right in the face for a very long time, but it was a lot easier to pretend not to notice when he didn’t notice the rest of it.

Now it was game over. There were no take backs when it came to feelings, and they only seemed to get more apparent as the days went by.

“Spike,” Zack said, waving two hands in front of the blond. “What’s up, man?”

“Huh?”

“You’ve been zoning out for a solid minute. I thought you wanted to hang out?”

“I do!” Cloud insisted, snatching some chips from his friend. He really did miss salty snacks sometimes, but it felt like sugary treats were kind of his thing with Sephiroth so he wasn’t complaining. “I’m just tired, that’s all.”

“You’re always tired.”

“Yep.”

But this was a special day. There was some kind of ShinRa banquet going on, and classes had been canceled the following day. That meant he had an extra day off for the first time in forever. Unfortunately, Sephiroth had to go to the banquet, but Zack didn’t.

They were back at his place, playing games for the first time in forever.

“How’s school going?”

“Good. I worked things out with Higgins,” he revealed, smirking a bit at Zack’s impressed stare. “We made a bet.”

“Yeah? You win?”

“It was a tie, actually,” Cloud said, surprised enough—he had been so sure he had won, except that Higgins had also gone to class prepared to cast after the night he’d managed his first spell. “We just kind of agreed to disagree. We’re not buddies, but he’s not saying shit anymore.”

“That’s awesome!”

“Yeah. Everyone else is okay, too—his friends.”

“Heck yeah. I knew you’d work it all out.”

“Yeah.”

Zack snorted. “Is that why you’re zoning out? ‘Cause you’ve got nothin’ to mope about?”

“Hey!” he whacked his friend’s arm. “Can’t I just have a moment to enjoy things being good?”

“On your own time! I never get to see you anymore,” his friend complained. “You’re always canceling on me.”

“It’s not my fault. I’ve just got a lot going on, and sometimes it’s easier to stay home with Seph.”

“…Seph?” Zack’s brows shot up. “Since when do you call him that?”

Oops. Cloud honestly wasn’t sure if the whole ‘childhood friends’ thing was a secret or not. “Since recently,” he answered, which was actually true. He wasn’t sure when he had taken to calling Sephiroth that old nickname again, just that it had happened. “We have an understanding.”

“Yeah? Looks like more than that,” Zack accused, almost like he couldn’t believe it. “Wait, do you have the hots for Sephiroth?”

“Zack!”

“I’m serious! You’re blushing!”

“I am not!” he insisted, covering his damn cheeks with his hands. “You’re stressing me out, that’s all.”

“Am I? Or am I right?”

“I mean, would it be the worst thing?” Cloud reasoned, pointedly looking away from Zack. It wasn’t like he could talk about this with Thompson or any of the other cadets—maybe Zack was a safe bet, since he knew Sephiroth and would keep his mouth shut. “Everyone knows Seph’s hot. It’s not a big deal.”

“Not everyone lives with him!”

“Yeah, but it’s not like he feels the same.”

“He better not,” Zack replied, giving Cloud a meaningful nudge. “You heard what happened with Luxiere, right?”

“That was different.”

“Was it? ‘Cause I seem to remember him being that guy’s mentor, and then being told he couldn’t have anything to do with the Academy anymore,” Zack said slowly. “The Academy, which is kinda the future of the whole organization, in a way.”

“Sephiroth isn’t even an instructor.”

“You think Lazard will care?”

“I think Sephiroth has done a lot more for ShinRa and Lazard than most people.”

“They’re both kinda sticklers about the rules and all that,” Zack warned. “I don’t know if you wanna go down that route, Spike.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, if anyone needs to follow the rules, it’d be the general, right? It wouldn’t be worth the hassle unless you guys were super serious about each other, and even then, you’d hafta be smart about it.”

“Smart how?”

“Like, wait till you graduate,” Zack replied with a shrug. “Or, Seph could talk to Lazard first. He could avoid your class and drop the whole mentor thing. I’m sure there’s some kinda compromise.”

Cloud scoffed. That was probably true, but that would be getting way ahead of himself. Right now all he knew for sure was that Sephiroth valued his company, and that he had a soft spot for Cloud because of what had happened when they were younger.

At the end of the day, that meant very little in terms of any potential relationships.

“I think you’re trying to distract me from kicking you ass,” Cloud said, game face on as he eyed the TV. They were here to play, after all. “

“Hells no! You’ll be running back to Sephy in tears when I’m done with you.”

“…Please stop,” Cloud practically cringed, Zack’s overly playful tone too much.

“Maybe he can cheer you up by training you with his big sword.”

“I’m seriously never telling you anything ever again.”

“You’re no fun, Spike,” Zack said, suddenly focused on the game they were playing—he’d just realized how badly he was losing, much to Cloud’s amusement. “No fair!”

“You’ll get over it.”

“Whatever. I wanna rematch.”

A few minutes later, they were starting their little game over again, and Zack was much quieter this time around. He still didn’t win, but when the teasing started right back up again…Cloud was pretty sure he was the one who had suffered the biggest loss that evening.

--

Crush or not, Cloud wasn’t the type to go hide in his room just to avoid seeing someone. Maybe for a day here and there, but it wasn’t like it was Sephiroth’s fault that he was so gods damn gorgeous—nor was it Sephiroth’s fault that Cloud seemed to be falling further by the day, every time he learned something new about the man.

Things were just so much easier as the days rolled by. The term was halfway over before Cloud knew it, and he still hadn’t run out of things to ask or talk about. Strange, considering how shitty Cloud was in conversation with most people.

With Thompson and the other cadets, they had to drag it out of him if training wasn’t the topic. Talking with Sephiroth was so much simpler, and even the longest silence never felt awkward.

His favorite moments were the ones where they weren’t in any kind of rush—usually on a quiet evening, when Cloud’s training and Sephiroth’s mission schedule happened to be light enough to allow for just a little more time than usual.

“No way!” Cloud laughed, surprised by the clear images Sephiroth had put in his mind with just a few words.

This time, his mentor had revealed the story behind how he, Angeal and Genesis first met Zack. It involved a lot of caffeine and sugar, which were two things a young Zack Fair probably did not need on the open plains of Wutai.

Zack, in his defense, was much tamer these days. He had grown and matured a lot over the years, and honestly, Cloud had never known that restless, overly eager side of him. It was still funny to think about though. He always heard stories about Zack being puppy-like in his early days with the program, but hearing Sephiroth confirm it…

That just made it even better.

“I bet it was awesome,” the blond continued. “I wish I could’ve been there to see that.”

“It is for the best you were not. It was war.”

“You realize I’m not some kid with a stick, right?” Cloud teased. “I know the whole Academy thing is brand new, but I’m here to become a SOLDIER.”

“I am aware.” Sephiroth frowned slightly. “SOLDIER is at its best when there are creatures to fight—monsters. Not people.”

“I…agree,” Cloud said, sobering up in a hurry. “I didn’t mean to sound—”

“I know.”

“Okay, good.”

Sephiroth nodded in lieu of an agreement. And then he caught Cloud off guard completely. “You and Zack are close.”

“Yeah,” he agreed slowly. “We’re friends.”

“Is that all you wish to be?”

Cloud blinked a few times, surprised. “Do you mean…?” He knew exactly what Sephiroth meant, but it seemed so very random. “Things aren’t like that with me and him.”

“Would you allow them to be?”

“Nope.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know,” Cloud shrugged. “I’ve never thought about him like that.”

“Zack has done much for you.”

“Yeah, he has.”

“How did your friendship begin?”

Cloud hummed thoughtfully, not particularly liking the story—but it was Sephiroth. If he could tell anyone, it was this man. “I had been in the infantry for about a year when we met. There was a mission—Modeoheim. Does that name mean anything to you?”

“Not particularly. I read the reports, but there was nothing of note.”

“Sounds about right. There really wasn’t much out there other than snow,” Cloud shrugged. “I think that’s why they sent me. They needed someone who understood the terrain, and I know more about crappy weather than most people.”

“A logical choice, then.”

“Yeah. I don’t think they expected me to be useful outside of picking out good camp spots and helping with the gear,” he explained, shivering just a little as he remembered that day. “There were some kind of creatures nearby—I saw their tracks, but the Turks we were with insisted we use a really obvious camp spot even though I said we shouldn’t.”

“Turks do not take direction well.”

“Yeah. Why would they listen to me?” Cloud snorted, not feeling bitter or anything because he kind of understood their logic. “There was an ambush, though. I think Zack heard it first, but I had been ready for it since we set up camp. It reminded me of that day in Nibelheim—do you remember when we got snowed in that cave?”

“Yes.”

There had been a pack of wolves circling. Instead of killing them all, Sephiroth had done things the Nibel way—he had let the snow deal with them. All it took was a well-timed swing of his sword to collapse all the snow at the entrance.

Then they’d set up camp, made a fire, and had a pretty fun afternoon. Eventually, when it got late, Sephiroth got them out—with magic, presumably. Cloud had been so damn awed, at the time.

“I decided to give it a try,” Cloud explained. “There were a lot of them—enough that it made sense to take them out in one go. I’d always been a good shot.”

“You used your rifle?”

“Yeah. One round to a nearby slope, and it came rushing down on them. I didn’t realize how fast SOLDIERs were—Zack almost got buried in all the snow,” he said, laughing softly. At the time, he hadn’t been very funny, but now? It was kind of hilarious. “I was horrified.”

“Another SOLDIER may have been furious.”

“Zack got a good laugh out of it. Told me it was fine. The rest is kind of history.”

“I see.”

“At the time, I thought he was just nice like that with everyone, but I get it now,” Cloud said with a small smile. “He’s nice to everyone but he only becomes friends with specific people. I never understood what he saw in me, but I’m glad it all happened.”

“Zack has always been an effective judge of character.”

“I guess. I’d rather talk about you though. Is it my turn to ask a question again?”

“Perhaps.”

“Did you seriously think I was into Zack?”

“You speak of him frequently, and you enjoy his company. He is an attractive young man.”

“Yeah, he is. He’s great. That doesn’t mean I’m in love with the guy. That’d be like saying you’re in love with Genesis, or Angeal. Just because they’re hot and you like to hang out with them doesn’t mean anything automatically.”

Sephiroth raised a brow. “I see.”

“Unless you really are secretly in love with them?” Cloud asked, mostly joking even as he frowned at the thought.

“No. They are my friends. Zack as well.”

“How’d you meet them, anyway? Was it before the war?”

“Yes. They were test subject like me, except another professor oversaw their treatment. Together we became the first SOLDIERs.” Sephiroth glanced over at him, his expression so guarded that Cloud could practically feel the pain behind it. He reached out before he could stop himself, taking Sephiroth’s hand into his own and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I would prefer not to get into the details of our meeting.”

“That’s fine. We don’t have to talk about it.”

“We went to Wutai shortly thereafter. That was where we established our bonds as friends.”

So they hadn’t hit it off right away, huh? Or maybe they hadn’t been able to, under the circumstances. Cloud tried not to think about it too much, though he was curious as ever. He wanted to know everything about this man—anything that Sephiroth was willing to share.

“Did you ever date them?” Cloud joked, hoping to lighten the mood.

“No. We had an agreement, for a time—there were certain methods of stress relief we shared. There was no dating involved.”

“…Stress relief?”

“Is it so strange to imagine?”

Cloud swallowed hard, sure that strange was the last damn word he would choose. Something told him Sephiroth wasn’t just implying that they would spar or exercise together—no, he was talking about something much more primal.

“You slept together?”

“Many times. Our education on the subject was limited.”

“So, you…experimented?”

“In a sense, yes. I learned much about myself in those days.”

“Like what?” Cloud wondered.

“I am not the child you once knew, Cloud. My interests are not so innocent.”

“So? I still want to know.”

“You wish to know my sexual preferences?”

“I…” Cloud sat there, helpless to look away as Sephiroth held his gaze like he owned it. He could feel the heat in his cheeks, and he was kicking himself for letting the conversation get this far, but it was all on the table now. Did he really want to turn back, knowing they may never talk about this again if he did? “Yeah. We’re both adults—we can talk about this kind of thing.”

“Perhaps you should tell me your own first.”

“Me?” Cloud snorted, finally released from Sephiroth’s stare. He shook his head, trying to recompose himself. “There’s not a ton to say. I didn’t really have a friend to experiment with.”

“You have no established preferences?”

“I guess not. I messed around in the infantry, but that wasn’t the best. It was quick—goal oriented,” he explained with a quiet chuckle. All about getting to an orgasm fast, not really about enjoying the moment. “Unless liking orgasms counts as a preference, I don’t really know.”

“You have much to learn, then.”

“Yeah? Do they teach that at the Academy?”

“…It may be best for us to end this conversation here.”

Cloud frowned slightly. “Okay. Sorry.”

“You need not apologize.”

“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“You did not. I am willing to discuss the matter—it is you who appear uncomfortable.”

Did he? Maybe his posture was a bit stiff, but he genuinely was curious. It was more, he was afraid of how obvious it might seem if he prodded any further. Would Sephiroth see right through him?

“You have a barrier in place,” Sephiroth continued, assessing him curiously. “I would not harm you, Cloud.”

“Seriously?” Cloud looked down at himself, the reaction instinctive even though barriers weren’t visible to the untrained eye. He looked and felt normal, in that regard. “I don’t remember casting anything.”

“You indicated this had stopped.”

“It did,” he insisted. It had been months since he let off a random cast without realizing it—since he had learned about casting with materia. “I don’t get it.”

“You must feel more uneasy than you realize.”

“Seph…”

The truth was, nothing about Sephiroth made him feel uneasy or anything close. If anything, his little cast was his body’s way of keeping these damn feelings contained—not some subtle message that he wanted Sephiroth to stay away.

Gaia, no. The last thing he wanted was any unnecessary distance between them.

--

The problem with casting intentionally was, he only had so much actual mana.

All the cadets were similar in that regard—they would succeed in a few spells, but nothing higher tier. Nothing beyond their means. Apparently, that would be a non-issue if they made it into SOLDIER.

They’d get their mako enhancements, and their mana levels would increase simultaneously. Those who cast well with their current limitations would likely become more focused casters as part of SOLDIER.

Cloud wasn’t quite in that group. Not yet. It kind of bothered him, since he had been casting all along in his own way.

“What’s up, Cloud?” Kunsel asked, looking over in his direction when all the other cadets wandered out of the training hall. There wasn’t much time before the next class. “I can already take a guess, so you may as well say it.”

“You know what I can do,” Cloud started, remembering that day back in first term—when he’d hit the floor and healed himself in Kunsel’s class. His instructor just gave a nod, like that much was obvious. “It hasn’t been happening much lately, but sometimes…”

“I’m gonna be honest,” Kunsel said, hand on the back of his neck. “I’m not the best caster in SOLDIER. This is a basic course—that’s the only reason I can get away with teaching it. What you can do isn’t basic.”

“But you know everything.”

“You’d be better off asking Sephiroth about this one.”

“Haven’t you figured that out by now?” Cloud asked, raising a brow when Kunsel nodded. Figured—this guy really did know everything. “He doesn’t train me.”

“He would though, if you asked him to.”

“I don’t want to. You’re my instructor.”

“And you’ve been casting in my class. You’ve been getting top marks on all the tests, too. By the books, I’m an amazing instructor.”

Cloud sighed. “Is there another one of the instructors who might know?”

“Uh, no. You don’t want to go around telling just anyone about it, either. I told you before—it’s not something just anyone can do,” Kusnel reminded. “Ask Zack to get you a meeting with Commander Rhapsodos, if you’re curious.”

Hmm. Would Genesis actually help him though, after Cloud declined him before? It wasn’t like he had seen the man since. Maybe asking Sephiroth wouldn’t be the worst thing, just this one time.

“What is it you want to know?” Kunsel asked slowly. “I could ask around, maybe.”

“I want to know how to do it on purpose so that I stop doing it on accident.”

“Okay. I’ll see what I can find out…” His instructor paused, looking thoughtful. “Have you tried doing it on purpose?”

“Yeah.”

“Recently? I’m not an expert, but it might be similar to using a materia. You might just need to connect with it.”

“I guess not very recently.”

“Well, go ahead. No one’s looking.”

Pfft. As if it could be that—

“Oh,” Cloud breathed, straightening as he felt a barrier forming around him. “Shit.”

“You know, for such a smart kid, you’re kinda—”

“Don’t be rude, man,” Kunsel cut in, chuckling softly. Then he sobered up, taking a few steps closer. “Hey…your eyes are green.”

“Green?”

“Yeah. Go ahead and try to stop now.”

Stopping was, surprisingly, just as simple as the initial cast had been. It was kind of like what Sephiroth had told him before, leading up to his first materia cast. At the time, he had to separate out this innate feeling inside him. The elevated mako levels or whatever it was.

He compartmentalized them, blocking them off and instead focusing on his own mana and the materia in hand. Only then was he able to cast with materia. It made sense that he might be able to do the same with this, now that he already knew how to get a sense of it in himself.

“How about now?” Cloud asked curiously.

“Super blue, like usual. Weird.”

“Cloud.”

Kunsel straightened out at the sound of that voice, like he already knew who had walked into the training hall. Cloud did, too—Sephiroth just had that kind of presence. He glanced over at the door, only surprised by the serious look on his mentor’s face. The fact that Sephiroth’s hand was on the hilt of his sword didn’t go unnoticed either, and Cloud found himself eyeing the man with concern.

“What’s up?” Cloud asked.

“May we have the room?” Sephiroth asked instead, looking toward Kunsel.

His instructor took the hint, headed out without protest. Then Sephiroth took several long strides forward, until he was standing directly in front of Cloud.

“Are you alright?”

Cloud frowned. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I do not know,” Sephiroth responded, taking several long strides until he was standing right in front of Cloud. Then he eyed the blond from head to toe, almost like he was looking for injuries. “Are you certain there was no threat?”

“Positive. I was just trying to figure out the whole casting thing. Kunsel was helping me.”

“Did he provoke you with combat?”

Cloud snorted. “No way. I just thought if I did the materia-free thing on purpose, maybe I could control it better. Then I’d stop doing it on accident.”

“You succeeded.”

“Yeah. How’d you know?”

“I felt it. That is why I assumed you were in danger.”

“What do you mean you felt it?”

“We’ve discussed this. The mako-like presence you feel…” Sephiroth trailed off, looking more uncomfortable than ever before. “It is not mako. Do you remember how I described saving you?”

“Yeah, with your blood.”

“With my cells, Cloud. It is not just mako in my cells.”

Cloud had kind of figured that much based on their previous conversation, but again got the impression Sephiroth wasn’t quite ready to talk about whatever all this meant. Someone had done something terrible to him, that much Cloud knew—the experiments he mentioned. That professor.

He felt irrationally angry as he stood there, hands balled into fists. “If that specimen hadn’t taken out Hojo, I swear to Gaia, I—”

“Cloud,” Sephiroth said, giving him a curious look. “Why are you upset?”

“Because! It pisses me off. The fact that you can’t even talk about it means it’s bad, right?”

“It was…not pleasant. I am fine, though.”

“This is getting kind of weird, isn’t it?” Cloud realized, slowly. As the anger faded, he was left with a strange reality—something was going on between him and Sephiroth, and it wasn’t the kind of something he had been wanting all this time. “Your cells…or whatever. You can still feel them? The ones in me?”

“Yes.”

“So, when I cast without meaning to…I’m using them,” he figured, raising a brow when Sephiroth didn’t disagree. “You feel it when I use them.”

“It would appear so.”

“But why didn’t you ever notice before? This isn’t the first time.”

Sephiroth hesitated a moment before admitting, “I did. This time was different.”

“What was it like before, then?”

“Pleasant.”

“That’s vague.”

“I’m not sure how else to describe it. I did not mind the sensation—it was as if we were close, even when we were not.”

Cloud blinked, trying his best not to fixate on Sephiroth finding it pleasant to think about being close to him. Gaia, this man would be the death of him and his poor, defenseless heart.

“And now?”

“It was as if you were calling to me—pleading for my assistance.”

There was only difference between all the previous casts and this one. Intention. When Cloud did it on purpose, he was pulling on those cells—when they acted on their own, though…

If it wasn’t his own subconscious doing it, then what was it?

“My awareness of your presence has only increased since our reunion, as has my desire to keep you safe,” Sephiroth told him. “I believe…”

“What?”

“Perhaps now is not the time to discuss this further.”

“Kunsel…he said my eyes were green when it happened. That’s not the first time someone’s said something like that to me.”

“I hope not,” Sephiroth said, looking a little sad as he stared down at Cloud. “I prefer you as you are right now.”

“Seph…” Yep, confirmed. This man would be the death of him, all while looking completely oblivious to it. “I think we need to figure this out sooner rather than later.”

“And if there is no solution?”

“Then, we’ll understand it at least.”

“I will not allow you to become a test subject. Even if that were the only means to prevent this, I could not.”

“You’re jumping way ahead,” Cloud told him calmly. “I just want to know what all this means, that’s all. I’m not going to be anyone’s test subject.”

“Hojo may be gone, but there are those who wish they could control me in the same manner,” Sephiroth said, eyes narrowing. “Those who would carry on his experiments, if given the opportunity.”

Except Sephiroth had no reason to comply—and the lab team had no leverage to convince him otherwise. These days, Sephiroth was about as highly ranked within the company as he could be, and there was no touching him.

Cloud, on the other hand, was near the bottom of the totem pole.

“You destroyed all the evidence,” Cloud said, almost to reassure himself. “They have no reason to be interested in me.”

“Our connection alone is of interest.”

“They don’t know we’re connected! I’ve been your mentee on the record all this time.”

“The fact that I’ve allowed it is of interest to them. You are not the first to attempt to get close to me.”

“What’re you talking about?”

“Many assume I have allowed you to remain by my side for less than wholesome reasons.”

Cloud quirked a brow, not quite sure what that meant, but getting the impression his guess was right. So, the cadets weren’t the only ones who liked to run their mouths, huh?

“Even the other cadets stopped asking me if we were sleeping together.”

“Because you did not humor them. That does not mean they do not believe it to be true. We have never been seen training together, in all these months.”

“So, what? The other SOLDIERs think you’re fucking me? They think that’s why you keep me around?”

“Yes. I have very particular preferences, Cloud.”

“And?”

“Their assumptions are understandable, in this instance.”

Cloud frowned, not quite understanding until Sephiroth’s gaze swept him up and down in a very different manner. Sephiroth wasn’t assessing him for injuries—not this time. He was just being pointed in a way Cloud couldn’t misread, taking in the blond’s features with what could only be appreciation.

He was checking Cloud out, and it kind of looked like he liked what he saw.

“I don’t get where you’re going with this,” Cloud said, face red as Sephiroth finally held his gaze again.

“They cannot discover the true nature of our connection,” Sephiroth responded firmly. “Their assumptions will benefit us. They will not approach you while they believe you are mine.”

Mine. Cloud’s eyes went wide, a shudder tearing through him as Sephiroth’s gaze seemed to darken. “Do you even realize how stupid that sounds?”

“Our connection runs deeper than even I realized. They will seek to study it, and to gain control over it if it is discovered.”

“It’s not like I’m going to tell anyone.”

“Nor will I. In the meantime, it would be best if you ceased casting without materia. Do not draw any unnecessary attention toward yourself.”

“You showing up here out of the blue probably won’t help,” he said, laughing softly because it was just so ridiculous. Then he saw the time. “I’m going to be late to class—that won’t help either. I’m never late.”

“I will accompany you.”

“That’d be really subtle.”

“I am not aiming for subtly.”

“Seriously, you’re going overboard,” Cloud said, sighing in defeat as Sephiroth insistently walked by his side. “They already thought those things without you parading me around.”

“A reminder will do no harm.”

Except to Cloud’s heart. With Sephiroth walking a step too close to his side, it was impossible not to think about all the things that he wished were real between them. Fuck, he wanted a lot more than some rumor—a lot more than just anything physical, too, even though the idea was very appealing.

He wanted it all.

“So, you like cute blonds?” Cloud tried to joke, falling short when Sephiroth gave him a look. “What? You called yourself particular.”

“I am.”

“And?”

“My preferences have little to do with hair color.”

“Oh,” Cloud muttered, frowning a bit.

So much for that. They stepped out of the training hall, and Cloud knew he was out of time for asking personal questions. It’s not like he would have asked what he really wanted to anyway—if he was Sephiroth’s type. That would have been going too far, and he wasn’t sure he would have been able to handle hearing the inevitable ‘no’.

Logically, Cloud knew there were more important thing to talk about anyway—the whole sharing cells thing, for instance. For whatever reason, that just didn’t feel as urgent as finding out more about Sephiroth and the kind of men or women he preferred.

--

It took less than thirty seconds for the cadets to swarm Cloud after class that day, hammering him with questions about Sephiroth. Not that he could blame them—his mentor didn’t make appearances regularly. Even when Sephiroth did pop up at the Academy as a Special Instructor, it was almost always to help with a different class.

In a lot of ways, Sephiroth avoided him in public. Turning up together after all those months had been the most exciting thing to happen all term, at least when it came to gossip.

Two days later, they were still going on about it.

“Seriously, he was checking out your ass,” Thompson insisted, giving him a nudge.

Cloud almost missed the days back in first term when it was just Thompson bugging him in the library. This time around there were four other cadets, including Higgins—of all the people. His former nemesis seemed to be pretending not to be interested, but Cloud saw the way he seemed to be gauging the blond’s reactions.

“I’ve got a nice ass—doesn’t mean anything’s happening,” Cloud said with a shrug.

“I bet he’s into some kinky shit,” one of the cadets guessed. “Whips and chains—the whole works.”

“Maybe if you stopped daydreaming in class, you’d do better on your tests,” Cloud said, pointing at the textbook in front of him. “We’re supposed to be studying right now.”

“I want to study how well Sephiroth fucks you. Seriously, I’ll pay to watch.”

“I’ll pay double to watch you—”

Cloud groaned, ready to take his damn books and get the hells out of there even though this was a ‘mandatory study hour’. They’d probably think he was going back to his place to screw around with Sephiroth though, and that just wouldn’t do either.

Seriously, why had Sephiroth thought this was even remotely a good idea?

“You know, you used to look embarrassed when you denied it,” Higgins said, giving him a look that could only be described as suspicious. “Something changed, didn’t it?”

“Nothing changed.”

“It was all a load of crap, first term. This time, something’s happening,” he continued, growing more and more confident even as Cloud huffed. “Or you wish it were, maybe.”

“Shut up.”

“That’s not a denial.”

“Well, in his defense, who wouldn’t want to hook up with Sephiroth?” Thompson jumped in. “It’s not nearly as fun if he just wishes it was happening.”

“I’m literally not here for fun,” Cloud groaned. “I just want to study, damnit.”

“You’re already getting an A in that class,” his friend said, no sympathy in his voice. “C’mon, give us something! You wouldn’t talk about him at all last term.”

“He’s a private person. I’m not going to gossip about him.”

 “Your eyes are doing the thing!” Thompson said, narrowing his gaze as he eyed Cloud. “Flashes of green.”

“Bet it’s ‘cause the mako in Sephiroth’s—”

These guys were worse than infantry grunts with their crass gossip and wild imaginations.

“Seriously, stop it,” Cloud sighed, raking a hand through his hair.

“Why? Are we getting too close to the mark?”

The fierce denial was already on the tip of his tongue, but he bit it back as he realized.

There were other people in the library, casually glancing over to their table from time to time. SOLDIERs, watching from a safe distance and pretending to be doing other things. They could hear every word with their enhancements.

Maybe he was just being paranoid. Or maybe they were listening to Cloud since they couldn’t exactly get away with asking Sephiroth directly. What would they assume about him and the green in his eyes if he didn’t play along at least a little? Would those rumors make it down to the labs?

If Sephiroth was worried about something like that happening, shouldn’t he be at least a little concerned? Maybe?

Gods damnit. “That’s between me and Sephiroth,” Cloud said, cringing at his own words.

Regret didn’t help him—it was too late to take the words back, and while he tried to play it off like he was just being stubborn, everyone took it as some weird type of confirmation. Friggin’ too much time on their hands…

Cloud practically sprinted out of the library when time was up for study hall, and found himself on the elevator. There was only one person who could even begin to understand how Cloud was feeling after that shit show, and he was standing awkwardly in front of the man’s secretary before he could think better of it.

“You aren’t on the calendar today.”

“Yeah, about that,” Cloud started, frowning a bit. “Could you just see if he has a couple minutes? If he says no, I’ll leave.”

Sephiroth’s secretary picked up the phone a minute later, not looking quite as friendly as he had when Cloud showed up the last time—probably because that had been a scheduled appointment. Thankfully, he gave Cloud a nod after hanging up the phone.

“He’ll see you. His next appointment is in thirty minutes.”

“I’ll be quick,” Cloud promised with an awkward smile.

Then he walked into his mentor’s office, dropping the fake smile the moment the door closed behind him. Sephiroth was sitting behind his desk looking as imposing as ever in his uniform, quickly assessing the blond. Probably trying to guess why he had shown up out of the blue.

“You seem upset, Cloud.”

“I am upset.” Cloud plopped down unceremoniously in the chair across from Sephiroth’s desk. “Are you super busy?”

“No more than usual. I have time to speak.”

“I just lead a group of cadets to believe my eyes were flickering green because of the amount of mako you’ve pumped in me inadvertently.”

“That is not how mako transference works.”

“I kinda figured, but they don’t really care.”

Sephiroth was smirking at him, looking way too amused. “I see.”

“What the hells is wrong with people anyway? Even if something were happening, it’d be none of their business. It’d be between you and me.”

“I agree.”

“I mean, it’d be one thing if any of this were true,” Cloud vented, shaking his head, “but they just kept going on and on even when I told them nothing was happening! It’s even worse than last term. They said you were checking out my ass, and—”

“That is true.”

“Huh?”

“I gave you a deliberate stare before I left the other day.”

Cloud straightened out in his chair. “Why?”

“The same reason you allowed them to believe I have transferred mako into your system.”

“You’re sure this is okay?” he wondered, glancing down at his own hands. “It feels kind of…wrong.”

“It is not a lie. We have not confirmed their suspicions.”

But it still felt wrong, Cloud realized. Maybe because he wished it were true…he wished Sephiroth were interested in him. He wanted Sephiroth to look at him like that.

“The rumors will stop in time, as they did before.”

“When do you think it won’t matter?”

“When we understand our connection and can control it adequately.”

“And if we never do?” Cloud wondered—how many of those answers would have died with Hojo?

“You will have little to be concerned with when you are SOLDIER.”

“You’re the Silver General. You’re really okay with everyone thinking you’re breaking the rules with some random cadet for another year?”

“We have little control over any rumors. So long as we aren’t actively engaging in the behavior, I will have broken no rule.”

“Oh.” Cloud sighed, not quite sure what he wanted to hear, but knowing that wasn’t it. “Okay.”

“You need not say or imply anything that makes you uncomfortable. Enough has transpired already to allow the rumors to take shape.”

“Right. I guess I’m making this into a big deal when it’s not.”

“The more pressing concern is why there was discussion of your eyes. Were you casting?”

“No. I don’t think so at least,” Cloud said, shrugging helplessly. “Did you feel something weird?”

“It has become a normal feeling.”

“What do you mean?”

“The sensation—like a distant pull on my consciousness.”

“But if I’m not actively doing it, then why’s it happening?”

“I can only theorize it has more to do with my desire to protect you than your own desire to cast a spell. My cells may be reacting to any discomfort you feel with your surroundings.”

Cloud scoffed, thinking that sounded nice enough, but frankly…he was done listening to theories. For now at least. Just in time, anyway, since there was only fifteen minutes left before Sephiroth’s next meeting.

“I guess I should go,” Cloud realized.

“You are welcome to stay. I can reschedule if you wish to discuss the matter further.”

“You’d do that for me?”

“There is little I would not do, Cloud.”

“I don’t even have anything to talk about. I don’t even know why I came here, really,” he said, laughing softly because it was so impulsive. “It kind of feels like the more we talk, the more time I want to spend with you. Is that weird?”

“I feel the same.”

No, you don’t, Cloud thought, his heart aching in his chest. Sephiroth was his friend—a very good friend, who he had gotten to know all over again after spending years apart. Someone he just plain liked, who he wanted to remain close to as long as he could.

Except it was so much more than that, which meant it was not mutual. Gaia, he was falling harder by the day, and at a complete loss about what to do about it. These feelings...maybe he never stood a chance against them.

--

By the time second term was entering its last month, Cloud was done.

The daily grind—classes, studying, training. The further they got into the term, the more challenging it became and frankly…he was exhausted. They were going at it nearly every day, sometimes late into the evening. Trying to balance that, plus time with the other cadets, plus time with Zack, plus dealing with all the rumors that never actually stopped, plus writing to his mom…

It was a lot, and he was starting to really feel it.

The only thing that didn’t feel like a burden was when he was holed up in the apartment with Sephiroth, talking about everything or nothing—and sometimes not talking at all. Just silently enjoying each other’s company without all the pressure that seemed to surround him when he stepped foot outside of their apartment.

Leave it to Special Instructor Zack Fair to show up at Sephiroth’s apartment looking for him the one day he decided to say fuck it all and stay home.

“You skippin’ class? Seriously?”

“I’m number two right now. I can afford to miss a day.”

Zack raised a brow. “True, but that’s not like you at all. Is something wrong?”

Cloud sighed, opening the door and inviting Zack inside. Normally he never invited anyone in since it wasn’t technically his place, but something told him Sephiroth wouldn’t mind.

His mentor had been out of the city on a mission for an entire week. It was way too quiet without him.

“I’m still going to study tonight,” Cloud insisted. “And I texted Seph. He said I was allowed to have up to three sick days before auto failing.”

“Spike…what the hells is going on?”

Cloud frowned, plopping down on Sephiroth’s couch and pulling the blanket back over himself—one from his room that he had dragged out for the day. He was having a TV marathon before Zack decided to interrupt his day.

“Nothing.”

“Something’s bothering you. I need you to talk to me.”

“I’m fine,” Cloud insisted. “I just haven’t had a day to myself in a longass time, that’s all. Seph’s out of town, my schedule was light today—it felt like a good time.”

“Can I join you, then?”

“Only if you go back to your place and bring some damn snacks. All Seph keeps around here is sugar.”

Zack snorted. “Deal. Gimme ten minutes.”

True to form, Zack was on his feet and out the door in a hurry, returning with his arms full. Chips, crackers, drinks—he brought a little of everything, including more sweet treats.

“Seph doesn’t like cookies,” Zack said, matter-of-fact. “That means they don’t count as sugar.”

Cloud snatched one and munched on it, finding that it wasn’t quite as good as the treats Sephiroth did like. It was okay though. “Don’t make a mess.”

“As if I would.” Zack spread out their snacks on the coffee table before inviting himself under the blanket with Cloud. “So, what’re we watchin’?”

“Serious SOLDIERs. Duh.”

A new TV series—a dramatization about SOLDIER. It focused on a few specific ‘Firsts’ who were not so subtly based on Angeal, Genesis and Sephiroth. There was a little action, a little drama, and a little romance.

Honestly, the acting was shitty, and the plot kind of stupid, but Cloud liked it well enough.

“This show is so bad,” Zack said, grabbing a handful of chips. “I kinda love it.”

“Right?”

“I still can’t believe that puppy is supposed to be me.”

An actual puppy, in the series. Fake Angeal’s pet—adopted after he found it on the fields of Wutai.

“It’s way cuter than you,” Cloud shrugged unapologetically.

“Brat.”

“Whatever. I’m your favorite friend.”

“Yep.”

They both were quickly entranced by the nonsense in front of them, and a full three episodes went by in silence other than the laughter at particularly bad scenes. Then Zack snatched the remote, pausing the show.

“So, how’re you doing?” he asked pointedly.

“I’d be better if I could see what happens to Sir Sefross next.”

Zack snorted, loudly. “I’m sorry, it’s just even more ridiculous when you say it out loud!”

“That’s the character’s name! And I’ll have you know, I’m very invested in his quest to save Jack.”

Jack as in Fake Angeal’s puppy, who had run off while his owner was out on a mission. It seemed like a pivotal character development episode, clearly. Zack pausing was just not cool.

“You’re full of shit,” Zack deadpanned.

“Maybe. This is my day off! Can I just not talk about rumors or gossip or anything else?”

“Give me ten minutes, then I promise to shut up.”

“Deal,” Cloud agreed, shuffling until his legs were crossed comfortably where he sat. “Hit me with it.”

“With what?”

“Whatever question you really want to ask.”

Zack dropped the grin, giving him a no-nonsense look. “Are you guys sleeping together?”

“Uh, no. Why would you think that?”

“You said you liked him a while ago. I’m surprised he hasn’t made a move yet.”

“Why would he make a move?”

“Look, Spike…” Zack shook his head grimly. “It’s not my place to say, but Seph really likes a good fuck.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, he likes to get laid,” his friend said, almost sounding apologetic about it. “I’ve never known him to go this long without sex, and I’ve known him a while.”

“Seriously?” Cloud asked.

“Yeah. I know he’s kinda awkward about some things, but with sex, he’s about as blunt as they get.”

Cloud shuffled where he sat, not sure how to feel about that. Yeah, Sephiroth had implied on more than one occasion that he had experience—with Genesis and Angeal, if nothing else. And, yeah, sometimes he hinted about having preferences. He’d even hinted that he found Cloud physically appealing in some way, and the looks he gave Cloud sometimes…

Not subtle. But they never really did circle back to talking about any of it.

“Maybe he feels weird bringing people here since I live with him now,” Cloud realized with a frown.

“Nah. He never brought anyone here. There may not be much to this place, but it’s his.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“I don’t wanna be an ass or anything, I’m just worried about you,” Zack admitted quietly. “I know you have feelings for him—with all the rumors goin’ around, I wasn’t sure if something actually hapepend.”

“You think I’m going to get hurt,” Cloud realized. “What, you think he’d sleep with me and then move on?”

“Not necessarily. Just, it might be a possibility, that’s all. I’ve never known him to have a boyfriend, you know? Just guys that he liked to fuck. Very specific guys, too.”

“What’s that mean?”

“He has a type. You kinda fit the mold, so to speak.”

“He said he wasn’t into blonds, or whatever.”

“It’s more than that,” his friend replied. “You’re tiny, okay? You pack a big punch in that little body. That kinda shit gets him going.”

“What’re you talking about?”

“I mean, he usually goes after guys like you. He likes ‘em small and curvy—and he likes them even more when they have a backbone. It’s kinda rare for people to talk back to someone like him,” Zack explained with a shrug. “The big blue eyes and innocent face? Total bonus.”

“I don’t have an innocent face!”

Zack snorted. “It’s not an insult, man. You’re hot. And you’ve got cute hair.”

“Whatever.”

“It’s kinda crazy he hasn’t done anything yet. I thought for sure he woulda tried something by now.”

Cloud sighed, wishing he could explain himself to Zack better. The fact was, no one knew about Nibelheim—about Sephiroth and Cloud knowing each other all those years. About the injuries Cloud had apparently sustained.

Without knowing all of that, it was easy to see why Zack would think of Cloud as just another person who might pop in and out of Sephiroth’s life. Things were different with them, though. Even if nothing ever happened with them physically or romantically, they were friends.

Sephiroth wouldn’t do anything to hurt him.

“You sure nothing’s goin’ on?” Zack asked, a finality in his voice like he needed some closure.

“I’m sure. We’re just friends,” Cloud said firmly. “Yeah, I’m into him, but he’s definitely not interested in me like that. Maybe he likes what he sees, but he’s made it pretty clear he’s not planning to touch me.”

“What do you mean? You guys talked about it?”

“Not specifically. Just the rumors, you know? He said he didn’t care—as long as he wasn’t breaking the rules, people could think whatever they wanted.”

“Right. Well, I can’t say I disagree with him on that—it’s like I told you before. You’d hafta wait, or talk to Lazard first. It’d be a hassle. Not worth it for a quick fling.”

A fling. Cloud had nothing against the idea of flings, but having one with Sephiroth…it didn’t sit well with him. He probably wouldn’t say no though, if the opportunity came up. Not that it would, since apparently Sephiroth was blunt when he wanted someone, and he had never given Cloud any indication that he wanted anything more than rumors between them.

Before he could get too sulky, Zack hit play again, giving Cloud a much needed distraction.

--

By the time Sephiroth returned from his mission, Cloud had gotten his shit together and figured out what he needed to do to move forward. He needed to get all this nonsense off his chest, once and for all.

If Sephiroth was used to being as blunt as Zack said, then this didn’t have to be a big deal. He could blurt it out, and Sephiroth could turn him down. No harm done.

It wasn’t like the guy would disown Cloud after all this time. No, he’d let Cloud say what he needed to say, and then they could probably go back to normal after a few days when Cloud proved that he was adult enough to carry on as usual.

So, he squared his shoulders as he returned to their apartment that night, knowing Sephiroth would be waiting for him. Eating the pudding Cloud had left, and unwinding after what must have been a tiring mission.

“Hello, Cloud,” Sephiroth greeted, not even looking toward him.

No, he was at the kitchen table, looking as good as always in his pajamas. A bowl of pudding was in front of him, and frankly, the guy had ever looked quite so blissful. That made this the ideal moment to casually drop his feelings and then do a tactical retreat.

“Hi,” Cloud said after a moment, surprised to find his hands were shaking slightly. He tried to play it off, taking off his backpack and dropping it near the couch like he would any other night when he planned to hang out study. Then he moved toward the table, taking his spot across from Sephiroth. “How was the mission?”

“Longer than necessary,” Sephiroth responded, glancing up at him curiously. “Are you well?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You are in your uniform. Normally you would have changed before joining me.”

“Right. Guess I was just happy to see you were back.”

“You should get comfortable. We can speak when you are ready.”

Cloud nodded a few times, inwardly relieved. Yeah, he had thought this out, but actually doing it was a whole different thing. He went to his bedroom and grabbed a change of clothes, making quick work of it.

Then he stalled a tiny bit, picking out his uniform for the next day and doing a few things he normally wouldn’t bother with. When he was good and ready, he walked back out to the kitchen, then took his seat across from Sephiroth.

A hot cup of tea was waiting for him. His favorite.

“Thanks,” Cloud said, a small smile on his face. Sephiroth gave him a polite nod in response, and Cloud could see it already—the question in the man’s eye. He definitely knew something was up. “You sure you’re not tired or anything? You were gone a while.”

“I spent more time traveling than working.”

“Where’d you go? If you’re allowed to say.”

“Mideel.”

“Oh, cool. I heard that’s the closest city to the Lifestream.”

“Yes. They also have a well-known hot spring.”

“Yeah? Did you check it out?”

“Yes. There was a delay with the transport home, so ShinRa arranged my stay.”

“Perks of being general, huh?” Cloud teased, barely able to imagine Sephiroth at a hot spring. Not because it wouldn’t be relaxing, but the guy was pretty famous. “Did you get swarmed?”

“No. They have private areas.”

“Oh, that’s good.”

After a long pause, Sephiroth set his tea down. “Something is on your mind.”

“Yeah.”

“Are you willing to elaborate?”

And, just like that, Cloud chickened out and started talking about the next best thing. “I talked to Zack while you were gone.”

“You speak with him frequently.”

“Yeah, except this time we talked about you. He was telling me how you usually sleep around, and I got to thinking. You kinda brush me off every time we talk about things like that.”

“It is deliberate,” Sephiroth confirmed.

“Okay. We don’t have to talk about it. I guess I just figure since half of ShinRa already thinks we’re screwing around, it wouldn’t be so bad to know what you’re into.”

“Is this truly what you wish to discuss, Cloud?”

He swallowed hard. “Right now? Yeah.”

“So it was not initially.” Sephiroth waited for him to nod in agreement before letting out an uncharacteristic sigh. “I would prefer you speak your mind.”

“Well, right now this is what’s on my mind. I’m not a kid anymore, Seph. I know you probably see the old me when you look at me sometimes, but that was all a long time ago. I’m a grown man.”

“I am aware,” Sephiroth told him flatly. “I do not see a child when I look at you. I have not since you entered the training program.”

“…Seriously?”

“Do you see a child when you look at me?”

Uh, definitely not. That would actually be very, very weird given his current predicament. “No.”

“Then we are in agreement. We knew each other as children, but that is not who we are today,” Sephiroth said firmly. “You are an attractive young man, and I that is precisely what I see what I look at you.”

“You…do?”

“Yes. I have contemplated how best to get you in my bed for months now.”

“Um. Did you ever think about…I don’t know, asking?”

“It has been a successful approach in the past.”

He snorted because obviously. “I bet it has.”

“You are different, Cloud. You are a friend. You live here,” Sephiroth reminded him. “I would not wish to make you uncomfortable, or to feel obligated.”

“Why would I feel obligated?”

“I am your mentor.”

“Not really. You haven’t taught me anything school related.”

“That does not change the facts,” the First insisted. “I am in a position of power over you, whether you realize it or not. Our connection alone is proof of that.”

“That doesn’t count,” Cloud insisted.

“It does. I am aware of your desire for me, Cloud. It is not solely physical intimacy you seek from me.”

Cloud blinked in surprise, ready to protest—to deny it fiercely, or at the very least change the subject. The pained look on Sephiroth’s face had him pausing though, realizing that saying these things hadn’t been quite as easy for him as the blond assumed.

If Sephiroth was trying to be honest with him, the least he could do was be honest in return.

“It’s true,” Cloud admitted instead, his voice quiet. “I’ve been falling more and more every day.”

“I was aware of your feelings before you were—your desires, and hesitations. I feel them all, Cloud.”

“Seph…” He stopped for a moment, not quite sure what to say. As their eyes locked, he figured it out quickly. “Do you want me, too? Not just in your bed, but as something more?”

“Want…desire,” Sephiroth mused, shrugging. “Neither are adequate. A very real part of me wishes to claim you. To make you mine, in every conceivable way.”

“Maybe I already am, then.”

“You speak as if it is of no consequence.”

“I know you, Seph. I trust you.”

“You know nothing of the things I would do to you.”

“So tell me. Let’s talk about it,” Cloud said, like it was so simple. Maybe it had been, all this time. “I want to know.”

“I am not a gentle man, Cloud. I want to possess every aspect of you—mind, body and soul.”

He shuddered where he sat. “How would you do that?”

“I would claim it all patiently, while you are at your most impatient. I am a man of control—of discipline.”

“Like…sexually?”

“In most facets of my life. I spent years as little more than a pawn thanks to Hojo—never again.”

Shit. That was actually a little heartbreaking, especially when Cloud was acutely aware of the reason Sephiroth had allowed himself to be treated as a tool by that evil man. It was little wonder his friend had redefined his life after that, and molded himself into the person he was today.

“You are curious still,” Sephiroth noted, raising a brow. “You should be wary, Cloud.”

“I couldn’t be. Not about you,” he insisted. “If you were just some guy on the street, and you said you could feel what I was feeling, and that you wanted all those things…I’d be freaked out. But it’s different with you.”

“Why?”

“I know you. And if you’ve felt all of that all this time without doing anything, then that’s even more proof that I can trust you. You’ve been putting me first this whole time, haven’t you?”

“Your wellbeing is more important to me than my own desires.”

“So…if you want me, and I want you,” Cloud started, throwing caution to the wind and letting his eyes rake Sephiroth’s form the same way his friend had looked at him not moments before. “Does that mean we can try this out?”

“No,” Sephiroth responded, brows furrowed. “Relationships are strictly forbidden between instructors and cadets, regardless of mentor status. They are, however, commonplace among the ranks of SOLDIER.”

“I don’t really care. Everyone already thinks we’re sleeping together, right?”

“Their assumptions mean little. We will reassess the situation after your graduation.”

“That’s more than a year away.”

“Yes.”

Cloud snorted, mostly to himself. Frankly, these feelings weren’t going anywhere—he knew enough to know this wasn’t some fleeting crush or hero worship scenario. This was it. In the grand scheme of things, a year wasn’t that much to ask, yet it felt entirely impossible.

How could he stay away when Sephiroth was right there in front of him almost every day?

“Why do you want to follow ShinRa’s rules so badly?” Cloud wondered—because wasn’t that a contradiction?

“Is it so difficult to believe I may want to lead by example?”

“No. If you’d asked me yesterday, I would have said that makes perfect sense. But you just said you didn’t want to be controlled by anyone anymore, in any aspect of your life.”

“If it is my decision, then it is not outside of my control.”

“Oh. Okay,” Cloud slumped where he sat, not sure what else he could say. It hurt to think Sephiroth would decide to wait when there may be other options. “I don’t want to wait, but I’m not going to argue or pressure you.”

“A year will give us time to better understand our connection.”

“You think I might change my mind…Is that why you want to hold off?”

“It is possible you will.”

“No, it’s not. Is it really so hard to believe I might just really like you?”

“Yes.” Sephiroth gave him a very simple nod. “It is.”

“I don’t give a damn about cells or our connection. None of that matters,” Cloud said firmly. “I like you because you’re you, Seph. You’re way nicer than you give yourself credit for, and you’re always considerate. You’re funny. You don’t make me talk when I don’t feel like it. Your views on things—your values? I like all that, too.”

“Cloud—”

“I’m not done yet,” the blond said, raising a meaningful brow. “I like how easy it is to be around you. All the expressions you make—even when it’s something little or stupid. I like how much you like chocolates, and how you like my mom’s pudding. Fuck, Seph—I like everything! Even right now, when it’s pissing me off that you want to wait and I don’t, I like it because it just means you care.”

“And my desire to claim you—this possessive feeling,” Sephiroth said slowly. “Do you like that as well?”

“Yeah, I do,” Cloud said, swallowing hard. A shiver went up his spine at the dark look in Sephiroth’s eyes, but he still meant every damn word. “I really like that. I want it.”

“Perhaps this is inevitable, then.”

“Don’t say it like that—like it’s some weird fate. It’s not. This is our choice, and I choose you, Seph.”

“I will always choose you, Cloud.”

“Tell me that in a year,” he grumbled, the words coming out bitter instead of as the lighthearted joke he’d intended.

“I am telling you today. If you are certain, then I see no reason to wait either.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. I will speak with Lazard tomorrow—he will remove me as Special Instructor. Then we will be free to act as we please.”

“…Does that mean we’re not going to mess around tonight?”

A tiny smirk pulled at Sephiroth’s mouth. “No, we are not.”

“But I get to be your boyfriend?”

“Yes.”

“Rumor is, you don’t do the whole boyfriend thing.”

“The rumors are true. You are an exception.”

Cloud stood up from his chair, looking at his ‘boyfriend’ carefully. He took a step closer, waiting for any sign of discomfort or hesitation. There was none. Sephiroth just looked a bit awed, if anything, and it was actually super flattering.

His heart beat a little faster every tiny step he took closer.

“Can I kiss you at least?” Cloud asked when he as close enough to touch.

Sephiroth looked dubious at best. “It may not be wise.”

“Why?”

“I have never been known to stop at a single kiss.”

Cloud furrowed his brows. “Yeah, I don’t really want to think about you kissing anyone else right now, or anything else that might have followed.”

“Then I will focus on you, Cloud.”

Um, yeah. He ran a tentative hand over Sephiroth’s cheek, making sure it was really okay. It didn’t seem like Sephiroth was bothered by the gentle touch—instead he looked curious, his eyes silently encouraging Cloud to continue with his little exploration.

Gaia, Cloud adored this man. He took his time, studying Sephiroth more closely than ever before. His eyes seemed even greener than usual, tracking Cloud’s every movement. He really was everything Cloud had said, and more.

This man—he was probably one of the most attractive on the entire Planet. One of the most sought after, for sure. He was smart, powerful—talented. How many people would kill to be in Cloud’s shoes, seeing Sephiroth like this? Uniform off, hair up, and utterly entranced by the person in front of him.

“It’s kind of crazy,” Cloud breathed, laughing softly as it really hit him that he was the person who had Sephiroth looking so smitten. “You…you’re way out of my league.”

A single hand covered the one on Sephiroth’s cheek, holding him there before he could think to retreat. “You should not underestimate yourself. You are beyond anything and anyone I’ve ever known, Cloud.”

That felt like explicit permission to do exactly what he wanted, and so Cloud did. He leaned in closer, Sephiroth’s hand giving his an encouraging squeeze before he could stop short or question himself again.

The moment their lips touched, he knew he would never be the same again.

Kissing was something Cloud was very comfortable with, in general. He might not have had the most experience in other areas, but this? This wasn’t supposed to be a big deal. He’d had more than one or two rushed make out sessions in his infantry days, he thought he’d gotten pretty good at it.  

This kiss was unlike any other he had ever experienced, though. He could feel it from head to toe in a way that was almost illogical.

“Seph,” he breathed, very nearly overwhelmed by it.

All that did was earn him a nip to his lower lip, and then Sephiroth was sliding his tongue into the blond’s mouth with purpose. He hummed in approval when Cloud responded in turn, pivoting just enough that he could pull the blond right into his lap, like he needed to be even closer.

Cloud didn’t mind that one bit, craving that same closeness.

It was like his mind was being unlocked more and more by the second, every nerve alight inside him in the best possible way. Like this is where he was meant to be, and he felt a little desperate for more. The heat in Sephiroth’s lip—the firmness of his grip. It was all so, so much, and he didn’t know what to do other than to surrender to it all. To Sephiroth, and every feeling he had for this man.

The telltale hardness underneath him told him he wasn’t the only one being so affected by it all.

“Do you want this to continue, Cloud?”

“Yeah.”

Sephiroth didn’t ask twice. Instead, he lifted Cloud as he stood, bringing their lips back together as he carried the blond right to his bedroom. Then he dropped Cloud right onto the bed, their lips still connected even as the man loomed over him.

Fuck, the way Sephiroth’s whole body seemed to cover his own was unbearably hot, and Cloud found himself arching up to bring their bodies closer as Sephiroth’s hands slid until his shirt.

And, yeah.

As it turned out, Sephiroth had been spot on when he said things might not stop at a single kiss.

--

Being with Sephiroth was kind of surreal despite the fact very little changed between them that first day. It was just the confirmation of it all that made Cloud feel a certain way, like he could relax. Like this wasn’t all just in his head, or on his side.

Sephiroth liked him, too. Probably more than that, if his feelings were as strong as Cloud’s, but even he’d been hesitant to turn it into a dramatic love confession.

Honestly though…if this wasn’t love, what was?

It was all he could think about all damn day, and he returned to their apartment the moment classes were done. He sprawled out his books on the coffee table in a feeble attempt to stay busy and study, but it was basically futile.

The minutes dragged on and on and on, until finally the man who had consumed his thoughts returned home.

“The Director was not pleased,” Sephiroth told him after exchanging their usual greetings.

Then he proceeded to start shedding that signature jacket, and the only thing that felt out of the norm was the way his eyes lingered on Cloud appreciatively. It made Cloud feel oddly bashful, which was kind of silly given the fact Sephiroth had literally seen him naked the night before.

“Why not? I knew he wouldn’t be happy, but I didn’t think he’d care. It’s gotta be better than us sneaking around, right?”

“I initially requested to be removed as Special Instructor,” his boyfriend explained slowly. “I did not intend to elaborate unless it was necessary.”

“It’s not really any of his business.”

“He would disagree. He believes my presence is required at the Academy in order for the program to remain viable over the next several years. Even if my appearances are infrequent, it generates excitement among the cadets—or so he claims.”

“I mean…he might not be totally wrong,” Cloud admitted, thinking about all of his classmates—yeah, they loved seeing Zack or Genesis or Angeal, but there was something special about the days when Sephiroth was around. “You’re a big deal in SOLDIER. It makes sense you’d be a big deal to potential new SOLDIERs, too.”

“I explained the circumstances to the Director when I realized he would not budge.”

“And?”

“He believes we should wait. In a year’s time, we are free to report our relationship to Human Resources—they will help ensure our mission schedules do not overlap, and that I will have no direct control over your career.”

“That’s…logical. But it’s also a load of crap.”

“Yes. Now that I have had you…” Sephiroth shook his head slowly. “I will not deny myself again.”

“Yeah? You wanna make out as an act of rebellion?”

“If you are willing.”

Cloud gave him a look. “I thought I made that pretty clear yesterday.”

“There is much to discuss before we allow ourselves to get carried away again.”

“Like what?”

“Last night—I was not at my most patient.”

“Yeah, I was kinda surprised given all that stuff you said about patience and discipline and all that.”

“I underestimated the impact your pleas would have on me. Between that and my own desire to be inside you—”

The blush on his face was basically immediate. “Seph.”

“Yes?”

“I don’t mind begging for you in the moment, but I don’t want to talk about it hours and hours later.”

“Duly noted.” Sephiroth had gotten distracted from his jacket, and finally took the thing off, tossing it onto the kitchen chair a moment later. “Are we permitted to discuss next steps?”

“Yeah.”

Sephiroth, to his surprise, moved in closer to the couch and sat down in front of it right by Cloud’s side—just like that. Shirt off, leather pants on, and looking frigign’ hot as ever with his hair still down. He had grown accustomed to Sephiroth changing into pajamas or anything else at home.

This was…

Kind of nice, but kind of different. Intimidating almost, except the fact it was Sephiroth. He would always feel comfortable around this man.

“Is something wrong?” Sephiroth asked slowly.

“No, just…you know. You’re kind of distracting.”

“As are you.”

“I’m not the one without a shirt.”

“That can be rectified, if you prefer to remove yours as well.”

Cloud smiled despite himself. “I’m hoping to finish this book tonight,” he admitted, gesturing to the one spread out in front of him.

Sephiroth’s gaze flickered over to it, like he was assessing how long it would take Cloud to finish. A while, unfortunately.

“Should we continue after?”

“Nah, we can talk now. Unless you think you can’t keep your hands to yourself?”

“You were the one who pleaded for—”

Cloud raised a hand, eyes wide. “We literally just agreed not to talk about that.”

“You need not be embarrassed, Cloud,” Sephiroth said, the sound of his name on this man’s tongue bringing him right back to the previous night when he’d all but purred it out as he slid into Cloud for the first time. “We will need to be able to discuss things freely if we intend to have a relationship.”

“Yeah, but…” Talking about how wrecked he’d been was not on the top of his list, even if it was on the top of his mind. “We can talk around certain things.”

“I will try.”

“So, what do you think, then? We keep things secret,” Cloud assumed, earning a nod from Sephiroth. “No dating, then.”

“Not outside of the apartment, unfortunately.”

“That’s okay for now. We’ve managed to stay interested in each other so far, and it’s not like we went out before.”

“I agree. It may be better this way—had I been removed as Special Instructor, you would have been reassigned to the dormitories.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. I would not have been able to continue with this mentorship.”

“Right,” Cloud muttered, sighing in relief. “I guess that is good, then. I didn’t think about it before.”

“I prefer having you here,” Sephiroth agreed easily. “I believe we are on the same page about the typical aspects of our relationship. We can work through things as they arise. I suspect there may be much I have never experienced.”

“Yeah, we can work through it as things come up then.” Cloud paused a moment, frowning. “Is this not what you wanted to talk about, then?”

“Cloud,” Sephiroth said, holding him steady with a single look. “I have a particular set of preferences.”

“Is this about sex?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Tell me about it,” Cloud shrugged, wondering what happened to the blunt man from the night prior—the one Zack described who would just flat out say what he wanted. “What’s wrong?”

“Under normal circumstances, I would not mind being declined. The idea that you might…”

Cloud dropped a hand onto Sephiroth’s thigh without thinking, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I’m not going to decline, Seph. I don’t know if I’ll want all the things you do, but I’m pretty sure we can meet in the middle somehow. Right?”

“I would hope so.”

“So, go ahead and say what you need to say. I’m listening.”

“I have already told you of my desire to make you mine. What I have not said is what that means.”

“…Okay?”

“I want you to submit to me, Cloud. Completely,” Sephiroth told him, holding his gaze steady. “Your pleasure, your pain—I wish for you to entrust them to me.”

“Is this like…a kinky negotiation?”

“There is no need to negotiate today. All I need to know is if you are willing to try.”

“You want me to let you do whatever you want to me?”

“Yes. We will discuss the specifics in advance,” Sephiroth explained. “It is a simple matter. I will respect your wishes.”

“So, if I didn’t want to try something, or if I wanted to stop…?”

“We would not try something if you were not willing, and I would stop if it was your wish.”

Cloud didn’t claim to be an expert on sex or kinks or any of this, but he got the impression Sephiroth wasn’t asking for something quite so easy. Especially knowing himself, letting go like that…it sounded fine enough in theory. In practice, it might end up being a little scary though.

But, this was Sephiroth. The same man who had always kept him safe. The same man who had always been kind and considerate toward him, even when he had no real reason to be.

“I’m willing to try,” Cloud confirmed. “I can’t make any other promises.”

“That is fine. I will earn your full submission in time.”

“You just mean in the bedroom, right?”

“Yes. I have little interest in dictating any other aspect of your life.”

Just how he got his pleasure, and his pain. Cloud swallowed hard, wondering exactly what it was that came in between those two. Undoubtedly, he would find out soon if Sephiroth had anything to say about it.

Never in his life had he considered anything like this before, but there was a certain appeal to it. As long as he was with Sephiroth, he was pretty sure they would enjoy himself one way or another.

--

Things started out simple enough with their exploration. Sephiroth’s preferences were actually pretty straightforward, and not nearly as kinky as Cloud had anticipated. Definitely as enjoyable, though.

He liked to order Cloud around a bit—into certain positions, or to perform certain tasks. He really liked to bind Cloud’s hands in some way, regardless of their position. His preferred tool for bringing Cloud both pleasure and pain? His own hands. That man really liked to spank Cloud’s ass, and to Cloud’s surprise, he really liked the way it made him ache.

Sometimes he didn’t do any of that at all—he just took Cloud on whatever damn surface he felt like in the apartment, hard and fast, like he couldn’t wait any longer to take what he wanted. Like he couldn’t get enough. It was almost embarrassing how quickly Cloud could get off in those moments, knowing that he was the one who had gotten Sephiroth so worked up that all pretenses and patience was forgotten.

It was actually an amazing way to unwind after a long, shitty day. All of his stress seemed to melt away in those moments, and all he could think about was Sephiroth.

“Cloud,” Sephiroth said, returning to his bedroom after their most recent round with a glass of water in his hands. “Drink.”

“I’m fine,” Cloud muttered, but he knew better than to argue when Sephiroth gave him that look.

He sipped at the water, finding it more refreshing than he anticipated.

It was another thing that Cloud liked—the way Sephiroth would basically trip over his own feet trying to take care of Cloud after. It was sweet, and unexpected.

They never actually did anything super hardcore, or anything where he felt like he needed any real aftercare, but that never seemed to stop Sephiroth from offering it. A glass of water, a snack, a massage, some lotions, a quick cure—it varied depending on the day. But there was always something.

Maybe it was a sign of what was to come, since things were just getting started between them. It had only been a couple weeks, after all. They’d talked everything through, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t talk more about different things.

He watched as Sephiroth leaned down and picked up a piece of fabric from the floor, sipping away at his water. It was a blindfold—something they had just tested out for the first time. Honestly, of all the things they had tried, it had been the most intimidating since his hands had also been tied behind his back.

But it wasn’t so bad in the end.

“I prefer seeing your eyes,” Sephiroth decided, curling his fingers around the material.

“You were the one who wanted to try it.”

“I have never disliked it before.”

Cloud snickered as Sephiroth literally burnt the damn thing in his hands with a fire spell like a petulant child. “You’re ridiculous.”

“It’s not as if we’ll be needing it again. If I wish to cover your eyes in the future, we will agree on another method.”

“Like what?”

“Magic.”

“Uh, is that a thing?” Cloud asked, raising a brow. “Magic during sex?”

“Yes,” Sephiroth responded, sliding into bed again beside Cloud.

The fact that they were both still naked wasn’t lost on him, and when he felt Sephiroth’s hand on his hips, he decided he was totally down for another round.

That didn’t seem to be what his boyfriend had in mind, though. Instead, he ran a hand over Cloud’s skin, a strange sensation trailing underneath his fingertips.

“Is that…” Cloud shivered as Sephiroth nodded. “An ice spell?”

“Yes. A well-controlled spell can be pleasurable in the correct setting—fire, ice. There are certain benefits to support spells, as well. It is ill-advised in most instances, though.”

“I bet most people can’t control them well enough.”

“Correct.”

“I might not mind trying.”

“I have been curious, given our connection. It may be possible for me to prompt a spell from you,” Sephiroth mused. “Your pleasure would still be in my hands.”

“All I’ve ever done with that was a cure and a barrier, though.”

“You have been casting for an entire term now,” Sephiroth reminded him. “Have you noticed the difference between casting support spells and any other type yet?”

“It kinda tingles, all over.”

“Yes. Pleasure is about sensations, Cloud. A properly timed barrier pulled from your own mana may be enough to push your limits further.”

“And you…you’re sure you’d be able to do it for me? Because there’s no way I’d be able to focus enough to cast a spell.”

“Our physical intimacy has increased my awareness of our connection. If I wish for you to cast in those moments, it would be a simple matter to achieve it.”

Cloud swallowed hard. “Really?”

“Does it worry you?” Sephiroth asked, his hand stilling on Cloud’s hip.

“A little. I don’t really understand how a few cells could let you do that…”

“Perhaps we should discuss this when we are not in bed,” his boyfriend decided, a small frown pulling at his lips. Cloud didn’t like it. “Tomorrow?”

“I’m fine, Seph. We can talk now.”

“And we will, about other subjects.” Sephiroth paused, thinking it over slowly. “This term is nearly over.”

“Yeah, another week.”

“Are you prepared for exams?”

“As much as I can be. If I do well, I might bump Higgins out of the number one spot this time—we’re pretty close in rankings.”

“I have seen the reports. Have you had adequate time to study?”

“Are you asking if you’re fucking me too often?” Cloud snorted, too amused by the look on Sephiroth’s face. Yeah, that was exactly what Sephiroth was getting at. “I’m fine. I’d tell you if I needed more time.”

“You used to study in the evenings.”

“I’ve been going to the library after class,” he admitted—not to mention waking up early if he had a lot on his plate. “I don’t come home until I’m ready to unwind with you.”

“I am a patient man, Cloud. If you need rest, or time—”

“I know,” he promised, offering a soft smile because seriously…how did he get such a sweet boyfriend? “I’m good. I like how things are going right now.”

“Very well.”

He leaned in, planting a gentle kiss on Cloud’s lips. Then he curled up on his side, pulling Cloud into his arms like it was the most natural thing to do. Cloud sighed contentedly, finding that it really was.

This was where he belonged.

--

Cloud made it through approximately one exam before he was being pulled aside by Higgins, an accusatory look in the cadet’s eyes.

Here we go again, the blond thought. Hadn’t they worked this shit out a while ago?

“You’re seriously screwing the general, aren’t you?” Higgins asked, eyes daring down to Cloud’s neck.

“No,” Cloud insisted, maneuvering out of the cadet’s grip with practiced ease. “Don’t touch me.”

“It’s not like I’m going to hit you—I just wanted to see if I was right. That’s a hickey!”

“What?” The blood drained from his face as he covered his neck with a hand. There was no way. “No, it’s not!”

“You’re unbelievable. All this time, I thought maybe I was wrong about you,” the cadet said, shaking his head with disdain, “I thought maybe you were a hard worker, and that you’d just gotten off to a slow start. But that’s not all, is it?”

“You’re way off base.”

“Then who the hell’s giving you hickeys? You don’t go anywhere other than the damn library and that apartment.”

“What, are you watching me?”

“We’re all under the microscope here—there’s not much that happens that we don’t all know about.”

“Look,” Cloud hissed, narrowing his eyes, “I study longer than anyone here. I wake up at the ass crack of dawn, and I keep working until I can’t even focus on the damn books anymore. My grades? I earned those.”

“Right, earned.”

“You spent the entire first term fucking Luxiere—you’re probably still getting training tips from him,” Cloud reminded the cadet. “I never once called you out for it. I didn’t question you because it wasn’t any of my damn business.”

Higgins folded his arms across his chest. “You’re right, it’s not. And that’s completely different.”

“Why? You can get help from your SOLDIER boyfriend and your mentor, and that’s totally okay?”

“My mentor isn’t the Silver General! You’re already getting help from the best of the best—fucking him for extra favors is just low.”

“That’s not what’s happening. We don’t even train together!”

“We’ll see what the Director has to say about that. Last time he said there was no proof, but this time? It’s written all over you, literally. And your friggin’ eyes—again. How much mako is he pumping in you?”

Higgins stormed off after that, leaving Cloud speechless for just a moment.

The truth was, there were marks littering Cloud’s entire body this time around. Hickeys on his chest, bruises on his hips…Higgins had no idea. Not that Director would look at anything not readily apparent, but still.

Sephiroth had already told the Director that he wanted to be with Cloud. It wouldn’t be much of a stretch for Lazard to believe something had happened, given the circumstances.

Ugh.

He shot off a quick text to Sephiroth, asking for his boyfriend to give him a call if he could. Of all the days for Sephiroth to be out of town. Things had been so damn perfect that morning, when they were cuddling in bed and exchanging lazy morning kisses before saying goodbye.

Now he had to deal with this bullshit.

It wasn’t like he was entirely unprepared for this possibility, but it was annoying. And all he could do was wait—classes were limited during exams, and he didn’t have his next one for a few hours. In the meantime, he couldn’t even focus enough to study.

The summons came about thirty minutes before that exam.

“Cadet Strife,” Lazard said, pinching the bridge of his nose when the door shut behind the blond. “I should have realized this would happen.”

“Nothing happened, sir.”

“A little discretion would have been nice.”

“I don’t know what you want me to say, sir.”

“Tell me Cadet Higgins is wrong,” the Director responded simply. “Tell me you’re not engaged in a sexual relationship with Sephiroth.”

“I’m not engaged in a sexual relationship with Sephiroth.”

“That was halfhearted, at best.” Lazard let out a short sigh. “I’ve already removed three other instructors for the same reason. I can’t be seen giving Sephiroth special treatment.”

“Is that what this is about? Appearances?” Cloud asked, biting back the scoff that he wanted to offer. “We’re not doing anything wrong.”

“There are rules. SOLDIER is a branch of the military. For its own General to discard the rules…” Lazard shook his head like he was at a loss. “I can only see one way out of this where no one gets punished.”

“What’s that?”

“You’ll be assigned a new mentor to train with, and to live with. We’ll wait until the start of the next term—the next group of cadets will be starting their first term by then,” the Director said, almost to himself. “I’ll assign one of them to Sephiroth, and make it appear like it was all planned. A first-year exclusive mentorship with the Silver General.”

“You realize he’s not actually mentoring me, right?” Cloud asked, raising a brow.

“He’ll have to change his approach with the next one. I doubt he’ll have time for you on top of that and his mission schedule. This could work.”

“Even if you don’t care what I think, he’s not going to agree to that.”

“He won’t have a choice.”

“Nothing’s happening with us,” Cloud tried again, doubling down. He put a hand over his neck, covering the mark as Lazard’s eyes darted to it. “This was from one of the other cadets.”

“Name him, and I’ll call him here to validate.”

“…I can’t.”

“I thought as much,” the Director sighed, again. “I’m sure you could come up with someone willing to cover for you, but you don’t seem like the kind of cadet who actually wants special treatment, Cloud.”

“I don’t.”

“Then let it go this time. Any other SOLDIER would have been removed from the program. You’d be assigned to someone else either way. In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t so bad. You’ll be just like everyone else.”

Except it was horrible. Not the part about being like everyone else—the part about being away from Sephiroth. The part about someone else living with his boyfriend for an entire year.

“Sephiroth came to you. He told you.”

“Removing him as Special Instructor isn’t an option. As a future SOLDIER, you should understand—we aren’t in a time of war right now, which means there isn’t much press,” the Director told him. “The monster threats haven’t slowed down though. We need the personnel, which means we need to draw them in. Sephiroth understands that more than anyone, even if he doesn’t like it.”

A few moments passed, and Cloud was starting to realize the Director was about done with this conversation. He slumped, feeling more defeated than usual as he tried in vain to come up with some kind of solution. Something where he and Sephiroth would at least have time together.

They could work it out with Cloud in the dorms, but not if Sephiroth had to mentor someone for real. Something told him that would have to be Sephiroth’s battle though—he’d have to be the one to put his foot down with Lazard on that.

So, Cloud did the next best thing he could think of. He haggled. “…Can I choose my replacement mentor?”

Lazard sat back in his chair, arms folded across his chest curiously. “I suppose that would be warranted, since Higgins chose his new mentor. Only if you’re number one, though.”

“Deal.”

“You’re dismissed, then.”

Cloud hung his head, taking a long, deep breath before leaving the office. He had a really bad feeling about all of this. Unfortunately, he also had an exam to go take.

--

Somehow, Cloud got through that day, albeit in a haze. He was pretty sure he did well on his exams, but he was too numb to really know either way. It was like he was going through the motions, and he could only hope he had retained all that studying in his trancelike state.

Why did this have to happen?

He trudged back to his apartment when all was said and done, offering nothing but halfhearted smiles to the other cadets as they celebrated the last of their exams—the big finale of their second term.

Even on a good day, he wasn’t that social…but especially not on that day.

To his relief, Sephiroth was already back when he returned. The sight of him alone was enough to remind Cloud he wasn’t in this alone, even if the man was sitting on the couch in his full SOLDIER uniform looking less than pleased.

“I’m sorry,” the blond said, dropping his bag right there in the doorway.

The door shut behind him, and that was when Sephiroth stood. He seemed to realize Cloud wasn’t going to take a damn step, so he closed the distance between them with long strides.

“You did nothing wrong, Cloud,” Sephiroth told him, thumbing over the mark that had been left on his neck. “I was the one who did this. I should have been more aware.”

“I should have noticed before going to class. I could’ve—”

“You have a uniform, Cloud. There is nothing you could have done. Even makeup would not have concealed this.”

“…This is so stupid. I’m a consenting adult—and you? You’re not my teacher!”

“Forget that for a moment. Are you well?”

“As well as I can be, aside from all that. Why?”

“You are pale.”

“I’ve been anxious for hours now.”

“I felt it,” Sephiroth admitted. “Your discomfort—I felt my own reaction, as well.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your casts—the ones you don’t recall performing,” he explained slowly. “I am now certain it is my doing. It is a response to your discomfort. A fleeting attempt to shield you.”

Cloud frowned, not quite sure…except, what had Higgins said?

“And your friggin’ eyes—again.”

“I think I did do the green eye thing today,” Cloud said with a sigh. “I don’t remember. Everything’s kind of been a blur since I went to see Lazard.”

“I was summoned to his office upon my return.”

“And?”

“And he is the Director. My influence only goes so far,” Sephiroth said solemnly. “I could not change his mind about reassigning you. He believes my judgment has been clouded on this subject, and he is not wrong.”

“He’s doing damage control.”

“Yes. His logic was sound.”

“So? That’s it?” Cloud asked, frowning a bit. “You didn’t talk him out of the whole mentor thing?”

“No, I did not.”

“Why not? I’m sure you could’ve.”

“Your peers would believe the rumors to be true if that were the case, which would lead many to question why I would be exempt from punishment,” Sephiroth said. “By reassigning me, the Director will make it appear as if this were planned from the beginning.”

“But…”

“You will select Genesis as your mentor,” Sephiroth told him, brushing his bangs from his eyes. “I frequently visited his apartment prior to our relationship. It will be of no consequence if I do so again.”

“But…” Cloud’s heart sank in his chest, and he reached out without thought. His hands were curled around the straps of Sephiroth’s jacket, and he stared up helplessly. “I want you.”

“I was never your mentor. In that regard, nothing will have changed.”

“I can deal with that. I can even deal with being in the dorms, or wherever,” he said, “but you having someone else here? You literally fucked me on that couch two days ago, and I’m supposed to be cool with some random cadet hanging out there? That’s where I do basically all of my studying. It’s my spot.”

“Whoever it is will likely do as you did—hide in their room, or the library. I will work as I have been, and spend minimal time here.”

“You’re going to have to train them.”

“…Yes.”

Yeah, it was probably petty, but Cloud didn’t care, “This is bullshit.”

“The only logical alternative would be your removal from the program.”

“What?”

“The Director cannot remove me from the Academy, but he can remove you. He did not say as much, but had I pressed, he would have made it clear. This is the option that allows you to remain. It is what I want.”

Cloud’s heart stilled in his chest, overcome with a rush of affection for this man.

Surely Sephiroth had done enough to help Cloud by now. To protect him over the years, from Hojo and anyone else who may have been curious. The fact that he did so again without so much as blinking was just as heartwarming as it was painful.

He really, really didn’t want Sephiroth doing things like this just for him. There was no changing the First’s mind though, that much was clear.

“I want to forget this whole day,” Cloud decided. “Can you help me with that?”

“…Are you asking what I think you are?”

“Yes.”

“It may not be an appropriate time. You are upset.”

“That’s exactly why it’s a good time. I want to be close to you while I can,” Cloud said firmly.

“We will be close, then,” Sephiroth responded, pulling Cloud right into his arms. “There are other ways to forget than through sexual release. I will remind you.”

“Seph…”

Cloud 100% knew he was being super childish and petty with his reaction to all of this. The fact that Sephiroth wasn’t dismissing him entirely was a miracle, and he was pretty sure his heart was about to burst with just how much he loved this man.

A few moments later, he was being lifted and brought over to the couch, then sat right down in his damn spot. Sephiroth walked away shortly thereafter, but only to go fetch a bowl of pudding and two spoons. Then he sat by Cloud’s side, talking a bit more animatedly than usual about his day.

About his mission. About the paperwork fiasco it was going to cause. About how his secretary was furious with Lazard’s impromptu summons because it through his whole day out of whack.

By the time Sephiroth had finished talking, Cloud was still laughing, a spoonful of pudding in his mouth. “Your secretary might be my favorite of all the secretaries. Just, not when he’s mad at me.”

“I have already informed him you are welcome any time.”

“Aw, I bet he hates me now.”

“He is well compensated for his job,” Sephiroth shrugged. “Handling a changing schedule is a part of that.”

“Well, I’m definitely not gonna be the one who tells him that,” Cloud said, snickering when Sephiroth casually didn’t say that he would tell the man himself. Then his eyes flickered down, realizing for the first time that Sephiroth was still in his work jacket. “Are you gonna wear that all night?”

“I did not want to leave you alone.”

“I’ll be okay. Go get comfy.”

“Perhaps in another hour.” With that, he laid down on the couch, effortlessly pulling Cloud right on top of him. “I would rather hear about your day, first. The parts that do not include Lazard or any other cadets.”

Cloud combed through Sephiroth’s bangs with his fingers, awed as always at how soft they were. “I friggin’ love you, Seph.”

“I love you, too, Cloud.”

--

When the term ended, the cadets had a full week off before the next began. Just enough time to shift some people around as the new batch of cadets trickled in, making themselves at home in the dormitories and getting ready to start their career as cadets in the Academy.

The other cadets were mingling with them—scoping out any potential competition and taking bets on who would be in the top ten for that batch.

Cloud had better things to do.

He spent his week in relative bliss, enjoying nearly every waking moment with Sephiroth. His boyfriend had managed to swing a few days off in the midst of it, and they’d basically spent the entire time in bed.

Not just fucking, either. No, they’d done plenty of that, but a lot more too—it was like a repeat of all their time together, jam packed into one week. They’d watched movies, and stayed up all night talking. They’d made pudding, and Sephiroth had even written a letter to Cloud’s mom.

He didn’t let Cloud read a word, but the fact he had done it in the first place was unbearably sweet.

“So, I guess this is it,” he said, a couple bags at his feet. He glanced around the apartment with a frown, feeling more like he was leaving home than he had when he’d left Nibelheim. “I really like it here.”

“You are always welcome back, Cloud,” Sephiroth told him.

“Always, starting in one year.”

“Genesis’ apartment is comparable in size and fixtures.”

“Yeah, it’s really not the fixtures I’m going to miss, Seph.”

“I am attempting to lighten the mood,” his boyfriend said, a tiny smile pulling at his lips. “I will visit frequently.”

“Promise?”

“Yes. I’ve discussed the matter with Genesis—he intends to stay at Angeal’s regularly.”

“Zack said they’re dating?”

“Yes. It is not widely known, but you will see firsthand since you will be living with Genesis. They will appreciate your discretion.”

“Yeah, of course,” Cloud agreed easily. Then his eyes slid over to the couch. “Promise you’ll make my spot a forbidden spot for your new cadet?”

“I will be quite clear.”

“And your candy stash?” Cloud asked slowly.

“I have already packed it in one of your bags. When I desire chocolate, I will have to go to Genesis’ to retrieve one.”

“You’re seriously the best boyfriend,” he said, a bit awed by the man and how easy he was making this.

“You are mine, Cloud. I intend to make you happy.”

“You’re mine too, you know. I guess you’re not the only one who can get a little possessive, huh?”

Granted, he really had nothing on Sephiroth.

His boyfriend had all but consumed him the night before, taking him so many times that he’d lost count of his own orgasms. He had marks trailing from just below his uniform line right down to his friggin’ ankle, all courtesy of some joke Genesis’ had made about taking over Cloud’s ‘training’.

Fuck, it had been good though. His whole body was still deliciously sore, and he felt closer to Sephiroth than ever—like he truly was Sephiroth’s, the way that his boyfriend had imagined from day one of their relationship.

“Genesis and Angeal are aware of the years I spent in Nibelheim,” Sephiroth said, snapping him out of his daydream. “They are aware we met back then.”

“They are?”

“Yes. They do not know the details of our connection, but they know of our friendship,” Sephiroth said slowly. “They are also familiar with the story of how you arrived in Midgar.”

Cloud practically cringed. “You told them I stowed away?”

“They were curious why I accepted that mission in the first place. We have shared much, through the years.”

“Okay…Do they know anything else?”

“I believe they assume we rekindled our friendship upon your arrival, and that things naturally progressed between us.”

“I guess they’re not wrong about that.”

“I suppose not. They are not bad people,” Sephiroth added, and Cloud found himself returning the small smile his boyfriend offered. “I believe you will enjoy your time with Genesis.”

“Is he actually planning to teach me things?”

“Yes. He intends to explore your casting abilities.”

Cloud swallowed hard, not sure what to think about that. If Genesis didn’t know about his connection with Sephiroth, then he probably thought Cloud just had some weird talent. That definitely wasn’t true.

Yeah, Cloud had learned to cast a bit in his second term, but he hadn’t necessarily excelled.

“He is an intelligent man,” Sephiroth continued. “He will take note of your eyes, should they change color.”

“That’s not something that happens with just mako exposure, huh?”

“No, it is not,” Sephiroth confirmed. “Do as you deem necessary—if you wish for him to know, you may tell him. If you prefer it remain between us, then do not.”

“Are you sure?”

“It may be beneficial for you to discuss this matter with someone else.”

“It kinda makes me uncomfortable.”

“That is why I am leaving the decision to you.”

Cloud gave a nod of understanding, figuring he would decide for himself when the time was right. “Anything else?”

“No. It may be best if we leave before Genesis seeks you out on his own.”

“Right. Wouldn’t want to keep my new mentor waiting.”

Sephiroth leaned down and stole one last kiss, too short and sweet for Cloud’s liking, and then picked up some of Cloud’s belongings. It turned out Genesis’ apartment was basically a few doors down, so they didn’t have to go very far at least—and none of the other cadets or anyone else would see Sephiroth helping him ‘move’.

The redhead was waiting in the doorway, arms folded across his chest as he eyed the two. “Truly? You’re an hour late on your first day, dearest.”

Dearest? That was the exact way he had spoken with Cloud all those months ago when they met—way too familiar for someone he didn’t know. Cloud looked up at Sephiroth with wide eyes, only to have his boyfriend give him a reassuring nod.

“Right, sorry,” Cloud supplied.

“Rest assured, I’ll take the matter up with your former mentor.”

“Genesis,” Sephiroth said, giving his longtime friend a look that Cloud had never seen. “Enough.”

“I’ve barely started,” Genesis responded with a shrug, allowing just Cloud inside. “I believe you have your own mentee to go retrieve.”

“There is time still.”

“Ah, hands off—this one’s mine!” the redhead said, shooing Cloud’s boyfriend away.

And Sephiroth…was letting him? Cloud watched in awe as Sephiroth sighed in resignation, shooting him an apologetic look before excusing himself politely from the apartment.

What the hells had he agreed to when he picked this man to be his mentor?

“So, Cloud,” Genesis said, slinging an arm around his shoulder. “Shall I give you the grand tour?”

“It’s not actually optional, is it?”

“You learn quickly. I look forward to working with you,” Genesis winked.

And then he started guiding Cloud through the apartment, which was remarkably similar to Sephiroth’s in layout and company furnishings. Nothing about it felt the same though, and by the end of the tour, even Genesis’ fast pace and quick wit couldn’t change the facts.

He wanted to go home.

--

A full week went by without Cloud seeing Sephiroth once, and that was when he knew this whole ‘we’ll still see each other’ thing wouldn’t work out quite the way either of them hoped. Between classes starting, Sephiroth’s new mentorship beginning, and Genesis taking over Cloud’s life…

There just hadn’t been time.

They had spoken on the phone each night, which was actually kind of fun—he’d had a smile plastered on his face the whole time. But a phone conversation wasn’t quite the same as sharing a bed, and there was something to be said about the subtle nuances in seeing Sephiroth’s expressions or feeling the changes in his touch.

It hadn’t gone completely unnoticed that Sephiroth had evaded all questions about his new mentee during those conversations, and the curiosity was starting to get to Cloud.

He did the only thing he could think of when he caught a break between classes a few days later—he sought out his very favorite Special Instructor, who he knew for a fact had been around the Academy that morning.

Zack was beaming when he saw Cloud walk into the training hall, and he gave the blond the biggest hug.

“It’s been weeks, man!” Zack exclaimed, very nearly squeezing the life out of Cloud. “How’re you doing?”

“Was better before you hugged me,” he griped, giving his friend a playful push when his grip eased up. “I don’t know if anyone ever told you this—hugs are supposed to feel good.”

“I think someone might’ve but I forgot. Should we try again?” Zack teased, arms wide open. Cloud took several big steps back, feigning wide eyed horror. “Shit, Spike. For real—how are you?”

“Good. I heard you were around so I thought I’d come say hi.”

“I swear, ever since you and—” Zack cut himself off, and his expression alone conveyed what he was trying to say. Ever since he and Sephiroth got together, he hadn’t really seen Zack much. “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too. You were off on a mission every time I had any free time.”

“I know—there’s been a lotta shit goin’ down all over the place,” his friend admitted, shaking his head dismally. “But hey. Things are working out?”

“They were better last term, but…” Cloud shrugged because what else could he say? “Have you seen him at all?”

“Seph?”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah. I went to his place last night, actually,” Zack responded. “I wanted to meet the new guy—make sure he was doin’ okay. I figure it’s not his fault he got caught up in all this, y’know?”

Leave it to Zack Fair to pick up on something like that. Honestly, Cloud had been so caught up in his own shit that he hadn’t really thought about what the new cadet might be going through.

No doubt Sephiroth would treat them with respect and would do his part to actually assist in training since that was the deal. Were all the other cadets giving him shit though? Maybe. Did he feel isolated, being stuck in Sephiroth’s place?

“How’d that go?” Cloud wondered.

“Uh, surprisingly well,” his friend said, hesitating for a moment. “He talked a lot. You should prob’ly ask Seph about him.”

“Why?”

“Uh, ‘cause I’m sure he wasn’t expecting it either—that guy’s not shy at all. Not even around Seph. I don’t think he has much of a filter,” Zack explained with a shrug. “He was kinda cool.”

“And?”

“And what?”

“You’re holding out on me,” Cloud accused, raising a brow. “What is it?”

“I mean…Seph doesn’t care,” his friend insisted.

“About what?”

“The new guy…he’s tiny. And curvy. Definitely not as cute as you, Spike, but I kinda noticed. The dude’s hot.”

…So, he was Sephiroth ‘type’. At least, Zack’s perspective of that, from what his friend had told him once before. And he was cool. And chatty. Things that Cloud really wasn’t.

“I’m really not worried about that,” Cloud admitted, surprised to find that he meant it. “Me and Seph are good.”

“Great.”

“You look kinda skeptical.”

“Not skeptical, but if I noticed, then Seph definitely noticed.”

“So?”

“So, I don’t know. I’m not part of your relationship,” Zack shrugged, looking a little apologetic. “I can’t speculate.”

“You think because he liked to mess around in the past, that he might not be serious about me?”

“I didn’t say that. He’s definitely serious about you, or he woulda been makin’ moves the first day he saw you. I told you—he’s normally blunt about what he wants. I just think you guys went from zero to a hundred super fast,” Zack explained slowly. “One day you were pining about him, the next it was like he was everything.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. It’s like you guys were off in your own little world for a while there. Even now—he wanted you to work with Gen, so you did,” Zack said, giving him a look. “Is that what you wanted?”

“I mean, he’s a little weird, but I’ve got an issue with casting. It makes sense to work with Genesis.”

“Low blow, Spike,” Zack said, hand over his heart. “You seriously didn’t even consider me? Again?”

“Shit…it’s not like that,” he insisted, shaking his head apologetically. “You’re my best friend.”

“I know—who do you think stuck his neck out to get you in here in the first place?”

“Zack…”

“I’m just giving you shit, man. It’s all good,” he promised, giving him a pat on the shoulder. “Honestly, there’s a lot more going on right now—fights are breakin’ out all over. I’m kinda glad I’m not tied down here.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” Zack said, grinning widely. “I’d help you if you needed me, but with Gen and Seph stuck mentoring, I’m gettin’ most the good missions. It’s kinda awesome.”

It was only when he was sure just how much Zack meant it that he relaxed a little, grinning right back. “That is awesome.”

“Hey, we should go get some lunch or something! I’m actually gonna be going outta town again—”

Hurricane Genesis entered the training hall before Zack could finish, effectively silencing Zack with the sheer power of his boots clacking along the tile floor. He stopped when he was right in front of the pair.

“Honestly,” Genesis said, glancing between the two. “I had no idea you were such a hot commodity around here, dear.”

“Uh, that’s not—”

“Not worth it, Spike,” Zack muttered, giving him a fond look. “He’s gonna think what he thinks.”

“Well, he’s thinking wrong,” Cloud said, chancing a glance at his new mentor. “We’re friends. I haven’t seen him in a while.”

“Yes, because you’ve been barricaded in Sephiroth’s apartment in between classes,” Genesis responded, unimpressed. “What are you up to, then?”

“We were thinkin’ about lunch. Wanna join us?” Zack offered.

Genesis narrowed his gaze at Cloud, and then shifted it over to Zack. “I suppose. You leave tomorrow, yes?”

“Yeah.”

“Then perhaps a meal is in order,” the redhead reaffirmed, much to Cloud’s surprise.

Maybe Genesis wasn’t so bad after all. Cloud made a silent vow to be a better friend to Zack, and then gave his undivided attention to the two—one old friend, and one potential new friend.

They didn’t have much time before Cloud would need to leave and get to his next class, and he intended to make the most of it.

--

To Cloud’s surprise, Genesis continued to pop up unexpectedly throughout his days for a solid week, all without ever asking to train. Instead, he would appear around lunch time, or when Cloud had any kind of break between classes.

It was all a bit strange, but the more it happened, the more he realized the guy was harmless. Yeah, he was very opinionated, and yeah he sometimes cut people off, but it wasn’t that big of a deal. He seemed friendly enough despite his tendency to reach conclusions a little bit too quickly.

Cloud’s only real question was, what conclusions had Genesis reached about him since all this began? No doubt there was some purpose behind the redhead’s behavior, and he was just biding his time for now.

“Ah, there are you,” Genesis said, winking when Cloud dared to blink in surprise. His advanced combat VR training course had just finished, and he actually hadn’t anticipated Genesis waiting outside the damn door. “I was hoping you’d wrap up early.”

“Class ended late.”

“I didn’t say my hope became reality.”

“You…have a strange outlook,” Cloud said, but he found himself smiling despite that. “What’s up?”

“I believe it’s time we start training.”

“Okay,” he shrugged, eyeing the man curiously. “Like, right now?”

“Ideally. I’ve taken a look at your schedule—you’re free, yes?”

“Yeah. I was going to study with Thompson, but—”

“Who is that, dearest?”

“Another cadet,” Cloud replied with a shrug. “We’ve been study partners since first term.”

“Ah. He’s welcome to join us on another occasion, then.”

“He is?” Cloud asked slowly. Thompson would die—he was a Sephiroth fan at heart, but that didn’t mean he’d say no to working with any of the Firsts. “You sure?”

“If you’d like,” Genesis replied. “Truthfully, I have little interest in mentorships, but this should be a novel experience.”

“Why’d you agree, then? You even offered, before—”

“You are unique among the cadets here,” the redhead explained, like it was obvious. “I’d intended to fight for you, however it seemed futile once you and Sephiroth reconnected.”

Cloud pulled out his PHS, shooting off a quick apology to Thompson and following it up with a promise to make it up to him—to which Thompson sent an immediate complaint. Their advanced weaponry class was no joke, and they’d intended to deep dive the current chapter of their textbooks. It was actually super cool stuff, but this was important too.

He reassured his friend in the next message, Training with Gen. He says you can come next time.

And, yeah. He had never seen so many damn exclamation marks as were sent in Thompson’s reply. Cloud grinned as he saw it, then looked up at Genesis. “He’s cool with it now. Where should we go?”

“Back to my apartment.”

“For training?”

“Now that there are additional cadets cycling through, there are no spare training halls,” Genesis explained indifferently. “We would have to make an appointment, which I have little interest in doing.”

“So, can I make an appointment, then? For next time?”

“If you insist. I’ll have my secretary send you my schedule.”

“Couldn’t your secretary make the appointment, then?”

“My secretary is a busy man. If you wish to train with me, you’ll need to put in some leg work to make it happen.”

It was like whiplash talking to this guy, but Cloud found himself chuckling softly. “Okay, whatever.”

“So, tell me, dear,” Genesis continued, “how are classes?”

“They’re good. It’s like everything from the last two terms, but combined,” he explained, and that was probably a massive understatement. “We haven’t had any tests yet, so it’s hard to say how I’m doing specifically.”

“The reports indicate you’re understanding the material, at least.”

“For the most part. Advanced weapons are kinda neat.”

“They are. I’m much more curious about your advanced casting course,” Genesis admitted, side eyeing him. “I hear you’ve yet to call a summon.”

“That’s true. No one in the class has.”

“My protégé will be the first to do so. I’ve already decided.”

“Right, I’ll get on that.”

“Zack said you had a dry sense of humor,” the redhead said, humming thoughtfully. “How is it you’re able to cast without a single materia equipped, and yet you aren’t able to cast with a materia?”

“I am able to cast with a materia. Just not summons.”

“Or higher tier materia.”

“No one in class can. The instructors said they require more mana than most unenhanced personnel have.”

The real purpose of those classes was to master lower tier materia—to work up from the fire spells to firagas in time. No one actually expected a cadet to pick up Bahamut and call the damn Dragon King out like it was no big deal.

“We only get to try for a few minutes at the end of class,” Cloud added, when their mana levels were already basically depleted. “They’re just humoring us with it.”

“An astute observation. I recommend reserving some of you mana next time, or requesting an ether. The instructors are obligated to provide one, should you ask,” Genesis revealed, much to his surprise. “It’s a little-known fact.”

“Why didn’t they say that at the start of class?”

“Then everyone would ask every time—ethers aren’t inexpensive.”

“Why offer them at all, then?”

“Mana depletion can be dangerous at certain levels.”

“That’s messed up.”

“Again, I’m impressed by how quickly you learn,” Genesis said dryly. “So, tell me, Cloud…” The elevator doors closed behind them, and Genesis’ amused expression hardened in a flash. “What do I need to know about your casting ability?”

“Huh?”

“You’re cute, not dumb. Answer the question, dear.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve been watching you from a safe distance for quite some time now, even before this farce began,” Genesis revealed, gesturing between them. “I intend to help you still, should you choose to accept, but I won’t help someone who conceals relevant information from me.”

“You want to know why I can cast without materia?”

“How, would be a more accurate question.”

“My lab work says I have elevated mako levels.”

“And the truth?” Genesis pressed, giving him a pointed look.

This guy could see right through him. Cloud swallowed, debating his options briefly. Then he went with his gut.

“I’ll tell you back at your place. Not here.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Genesis agreed.

To his credit, Genesis didn’t ask again as they got back up to the First Class Residential floor. Instead he chatted away happily, like nothing was out of the ordinary at all as they encountered a few other ShinRa personnel along the way. Once that door closed though, his no-nonsense expression was back in a hurry.

“So…care to elaborate, dear?”

“You know about me and Seph, right?” Cloud asked slowly. “We were friends in Nibelheim.”

“He’s told me the story,” Genesis confirmed. “I fail to see how this is related.”

“I’m going to make some tea,” he decided, going right to Genesis’ kitchen and ignoring the dramatic sigh that followed.

He was feeling tense, and he needed to calm down before he accidentally ended up with a barrier around himself. He didn’t give a single damn if Genesis assumed he was stalling. Several minutes later, Cloud was pouring them both cups which Genesis accepted with a pointed nod. Then Cloud took a seat, finding it not nearly as comfortable as all the times he had sat down across from Sephiroth in a very similar position.

“We were friends, but he was older than me. I looked up to him—wanted to be like him,” Cloud explained slowly, not bothering to wait for prompts. The words seemed to tumble out of his mouth, “I followed him up to the Reactor. He got caught up in what he was doing, so I ended up wandering off.”

“A bold move.”

“Stupid, would be more accurate. I was eight, maybe nine? I got attacked,” Cloud said. “I don’t really remember it, but Seph said I almost died. By the time he found me, even healing magic wasn’t enough, so he…”

“What did he do?” Genesis asked, gently this time.

“He cut open his own hand, and pressed it to my wound. Over and over again, until my body started healing itself.”

Genesis blinked several times, going through a series of emotions. Shocked, at first, and then curious. And then outraged. A few others before all that was left was understanding. “He must have been terrified.”

“Like I said, I don’t remember it. But, yeah…he was barely a teenager at the time. It would’ve been right before he left town and ended up meeting you and Angeal.”

“It’s little wonder he was so hesitant about becoming friends.”

“I don’t really know.”

“This does explain quite a bit—about our past, and about you,” Genesis said, a hand on his chin as he hummed thoughtfully. “So, all these years, you’ve carried his cells in you. Prior to your enlistment, did you notice any peculiarities?”

“Not with casting,” Cloud shrugged. “Not that I noticed, at least. The thing Kunsel told you about—it seemed like similar things happened most of last year. I’d cast without knowing it.”

“And? I assume Sephiroth arrived at a conclusion by now.”

“He thinks it’s him. He thinks his cells are trying to protect me when I’m uncomfortable, or when there’s some kind of perceived threat,” Cloud explained dismally. “He says he can feel it more clearly now, since we’ve been together.”

“Have you attempted a cast intentionally? Of your own free will?”

“Only once. Seph…he showed up in the training hall a few minutes later,” Cloud said. “I was with Kunsel.”

“And?”

“And, Seph had his hand on the hilt of his sword. He thought I must have been under attack or something—that I was calling out to him.”

“Interesting,” Genesis muttered thoughtfully. “And now the two of you are inseparable. Or, you were, until quite recently.”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“I’ve known the man for years, and suddenly I couldn’t get him to return a simple phone call. It sounds as if something similar occurred between you and Zack.”

“It’s not like that. If it was, we wouldn’t be apart right now—we would’ve found a way to stick together even in this situation.”

“Perhaps some distance is precisely what you need. You have a limited grasp on what is it that binds you together—I can assist you in understanding it. Time away will be critical to my theory.”

“I don’t want to be away from him.”

“It’s not as if he has an abundance of free time. His new mentee is needy—a demanding little thing. It seems his reflexes are not to be rivaled, though,” Genesis said, watching Cloud with interest. The blond was scowling despite himself, really not wanting to hear it. “Are you the jealous type, dear?”

“I don’t care if his new mentee is cute, or if he’s got good reflexes. I don’t even care if he’s smarter than me, or learning faster,” Cloud ranted, because he’d heard that rumor already.

It sounded like the new group of cadets overall seemed to be outpacing what his group had done in their first term. And their top student was actually really good rather than a ‘fraud’ like Cloud had been. None of that really mattered to Cloud though.

Genesis seemed to read as much from his face. “No, you just care that he has Sephiroth.”

“Yeah. I get that it’s not his fault, but…” Sephiroth was Cloud’s boyfriend. “Why do you think Seph put up such a big fight about mentoring me, but not this guy?”

“I suppose I could answer you, but perhaps it’d be best if you ask him yourself.”

“We barely talk.”

“There’s been little time. Start of term is a busy window—things will settle soon.”

“Seph said you were going to help us. That he’d be allowed to stop by if I came here.”

“Sephiroth will always be welcome here,” Genesis responded shortly.

So he just hadn’t been coming, then. Cloud slumped where he sat, his mind reeling. Was he the only one feeling this way? Like he was going a little crazy from being apart? It was kind of irrational, given the fact they had been apart longer during some of Sephiroth’s missions, but that was just it.

This wasn’t a mission. Sephiroth was literally down the hall, yet he was entirely out of Cloud’s reach.

--

Sometimes Cloud wondered why he let himself get pulled into the rumors and the gossip. He was in the library, surrounded by a few cadets from his class and wishing he was literally anywhere else. Even the ones he kind of liked…they had been particularly nosy since third term began.

“C’mon,” Thompson said, goading Cloud a little. The others had insisted he be the one to ask Cloud, since apparently Cloud liked Thompson best. They probably weren’t wrong, but still. “It must bug you a little.”

“Not really,” Cloud shrugged.

He kept trying to read—they’d gotten onto the advanced weapon chapter about the Ruby WEAPON, and it was seriously cool. The idea of fighting something like that…

“He was your mentor for a whole year basically,” Thompson continued. “Now he’s fucking his new mentee.”

Cloud scowled. “I seriously doubt it.”

“The guy had a hickey on his neck in class. Sound familiar?”

Too familiar. Except Cloud had been summoned to the Director’s office, whereas this new cadet just smiled and winked—everyone liked the guy too damn much to complain, apparently. What the fuck.

“It was probably one of the other cadets,” Cloud said firmly. “Not like none of you ever had a hickey in class, too.”

“I watched one of their training lessons the other day,” one of the other cadets revealed. “Sephiroth was super hands on. I was really surprised.”

“Didn’t you always say he was too busy to train that often?” Thompson asked curiously.

“He is busy. There’s just a lull between missions, probably,” Cloud insisted.

“Or, he’s got a good reason to stay put right now. The General must have some say in what missions are worth his time.”

“And your eyes—they haven’t gone green since this term began,” Thompson said, studying Cloud closely. “Must mean you’re not getting your regular dose of his mako.”

“You seriously still think that’s what was happening?” Cloud huffed—seriously, didn’t that rumor ever get old? “That’s not how mako transference works.”

“Was it really all planned from the start? That you’d only have Sephiroth for the year?”

“Yep,” Cloud said, knowing that was the official company line now. “They told me in advance.”

“But they made it sound like you got to choose him.”

“They thought it’d make things seem more exciting, and honestly, he’s the one we all would’ve chosen anyway so it worked,” Cloud shrugged. “Can I keep reading now?”

 “Seriously,” an unexpected cadet—Higgins—chimed in. “Can we all just go back to studying?”

“That other class is walking circles around us, huh?” Thompson said, snickering at the look on Higgins’ face. “Must piss you off being number two in the inferior group.”

“We’re not inferior,” Higgins snapped. “The instructors were still figuring shit out with us. We were like the test group—obviously things are going smoother with the new guys. They’ll probably be even smoother next year, and guess what?”

“What?”

“We’ll be SOLDIERs, and none of us will give a damn. So why don’t you all shut up and read your damn books,” Higgins said, and for once, Cloud was totally on board with what he had to say.

Unfortunately, the other cadets never seemed to learn, and kept going on and on despite it all. Cloud had gotten pretty good at zoning everyone out after enough of these mandatory study halls, luckily. He got through about a chapter and a half, and felt like he really understood the material.

And then it was time to go. He collected his shit, saying an amicable goodbye to the others before headed toward the elevator. It was a bad decision, but…

He found himself in front of Sephiroth’s secretary a short while later, a fake smile on his own lips.

“Sorry to bug you,” Cloud started, gesturing to the folder he had kept in his hands. Standard issue manila folder—it had a few study materials in it. “Commander Rhapsodos asked me to drop this file off. Sephiroth’s hands only.”

“I can take it for you.”

“The commander was very clear, and…well, he’s kind of harsh when I don’t do things exactly as he says,” Cloud said lowly, and thank Gaia his guess paid off.

Sephiroth’s secretary nodded empathetically and granted Cloud entry to Sephiroth’s office without so much as a scowl. He would have let Cloud in regardless, since Sephiroth had told the man that Cloud was allowed, but it was best to have an excuse so that no one would ask questions.

“Cloud,” Sephiroth said, glancing at him with concerned eyes. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah.”

“It may not be wise for you to be here if—”

“Then, it’s not alright,” Cloud corrected himself. “I needed to see you.”

“Come here,” Sephiroth told him, and Cloud did.

He dropped his bag and that damn folder somewhere between the door and his boyfriend’s desk, and then he walked right on over. Sephiroth pulled the blond into his lap the moment he was within reach, carding a gentle hand through Cloud’s hair.

Fuck, Cloud had really needed this.

It felt like coming home, finally being in Sephiroth’s arms again, and he found himself leaning into the touch. “I miss you,” Cloud said.

“I miss you as well.”

“Talking on the phone’s nice, but…”

“It is insufficient.”

“Yeah.”

“What reason did you provide for coming here?”

“Dropping off a file from Genesis.”

Sephiroth glanced at the fallen folder, then back to Cloud. “That will only allow us a few minutes together.”

“It’d be polite if you asked me how I was doing when I gave you the file. You were my mentor for a long time.”

“That may allow us a few additional minutes.”

“And, maybe I’d ask how you were doing, too. Maybe we’d even talk about how my training’s been going since I got reassigned.”

“I see,” Sephiroth said, smiling faintly. “Ten minutes, then.”

Ten minutes. He sighed contentedly, leaning into Sephiroth’s broad chest and just enjoying the feel for a solid minute of his short time. The strong arms around him—it made him feel secure in a way he hadn’t since they’d parted. The only thing better would have been if Sephiroth had been in his pajamas, or…well, naked.

But his uniform wasn’t so bad, and there was still a sense of familiarity and warmth that felt very Sephiroth.

“Do you think you could mark me before I go?” Cloud asked quietly.

“Mark you?”

“Yeah. However you want,” he shrugged. “All the other ones…they’re gone now.”

“Cloud…”

“I’m sick of hearing about you and that other cadet. I know nothing’s going on, but he’s walking with a hickey, and everyone thinks it’s yours. It pisses me off.”

“I would not touch him,” Sephiroth said simply. “He is of no interest to me.”

“I know, but still…” Even without that irrational bit of jealousy, Cloud wanted it. Some reminder of Sephiroth on his skin to take with him when he left. “Please?”

Sephiroth’s lips were on his in lieu of an answer, and just like the first time they kissed, his nerves were alight as the moments passed. Except this time, Sephiroth didn’t let him ease into it. There was no gentle exploration whatsoever as Sephiroth slid his tongue into the blond’s mouth, each motion filled with urgency like he wanted to consume Cloud right there.

Kissing Sephiroth…they’d shared a lot of kisses in their time together, each with varying levels of intensity. There was one common theme through them all though, and it was just as clear today as it was the last time they’d kissed. Sephiroth managed to convey a simple message every time, no matter how gentle or heated it was—that Cloud was his, and he wouldn’t stop until he was damn sure that Cloud knew it.

Not that Cloud had ever really forgotten, but that didn’t mean he didn’t enjoy the reminders.

“Seph,” he pleaded into the kiss, shuffling in his boyfriend’s lap in a very deliberate manner.

He wasn’t stupid—he knew how to get Sephiroth going by now. The faster he surrendered in that kiss, the harder Sephiroth got beneath him, and fuck if Cloud wasn’t getting turned on as well.

It had been too damn long.

“Cloud.”

“Please,” the blond whispered, breaking away just long enough to hold Sephiroth’s eyes. They were running out of time. “I can be quiet.”

“No, you cannot,” Sephiroth responded, sounding a bit fond.

He lifted Cloud just enough to put the blond on his desk, uncaring of whatever the hells he had been working on prior to Cloud’s arrival. Then he made quick work of Cloud’s belt—just enough so that he could lower Cloud’s uniform pants down to his thighs.

It was uncomfortable, actually, and he couldn’t really move his legs well like that. Something told him that was the point though, and when Sephiroth flipped him on the desk just like that, he knew he was right. His bare ass was on display just the way Sephiroth liked it, and with a single hand Sephiroth had his wrists pinned together right on his own back.

Fuck, it was hot how easily Sephiroth could maneuver his body.

He groaned when he felt his boyfriend’s hand come down on his ass. “Is this what you came here for, Cloud?”

“No, but I’ll take what I can get,” Cloud replied, moaning softly when Sephiroth’s hand came down on the other cheek. “Please.”

“There is no time to tease.”

“Then don’t. Just take me, Seph.”

“I have already taken you—you are mine, Cloud,” Sephiroth said, leaning down behind him and speaking right into his ear. The feel of his warm breath had Cloud shuddering, and the feel of Sephiroth’s clothed cock against his bare ass wasn’t lost on him. Unfortunately, his boyfriend’s ironclad grip prevented him from pushing back against it. “If this is what you want, you shall have it.”

A finger was teasing his rim a moment later, and Sephiroth made quick work of preparing him. There really wasn’t time to draw it out, and fuck if Cloud cared. Ten minutes quickly turned into fifteen, and frankly, Cloud lost track after that.

All he could think about was Sephiroth, and how good it felt to be together like this.

--

The first time Cloud met Sephiroth’s new mentee was actually in passing. It was a surprise that it took so long, really, given the fact that they came and went to the same floor frequently. Honestly, Cloud didn’t even know the guy’s name or anything about him—just that he was tiny and curvy, and that he talked a lot.

It seemed this cadet knew exactly who Cloud was, giving the blond an appraising look when they approached the elevator at around the same time one day.

“You’re the reject, huh?” the cadet said, not an ounce of sympathy in his tone. “Sucks to be you.”

“Not interested,” Cloud shrugged, hoping to opt out of the entire conversation.

“Everyone’s interested in Sephiroth.”

“It’s a one-year deal,” he replied, keeping his tone as steady as he could. “You’ll end up with a new mentor, too. Plus, Genesis is great.”

“Not as great as Sephiroth,” the cadet responded—seriously, what was this guy’s name? Cloud wasn’t about to ask. “I heard he liked to fuck you last year. Guess that’s part of the deal for him when he let’s someone live with him, huh?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“He’s got that cute cat mug, too. He let’s me use it when I give him what he wants.”

Cloud snorted. “You’re funny.”

“You really don’t care that he’s my mentor now?”

“Nope. I’ve got enough on my plate without the drama,” Cloud told the guy with a shrug, thanking Gaia when the elevator doors opened. “Oh, and that mug? It’s mine—I didn’t realize I’d left it. I’ll ask Gen to swing by and pick it up.”

“What?”

The cadet looked crestfallen, and Cloud frankly did not care. Not when he thought he was pulling a fast one, acting like he had some kind of leverage or proof something was going on. Like he knew something cute or quirky about Sephiroth that only someone who knew him intimately well might know.

Hadn’t Zack said this guy was cool? How friggin’ disappointing…

Part of Cloud had been hoping all the rumors about Sephiroth fucking that guy were just from the other cadets—that they were doing exactly what they had done to Cloud. But, no. This cadet was playing right into it, eating it up and acting like it was all true.

Pfft. Cloud did not have time for that nonsense today.

He gave the kid a two fingered salute before wandering off in the other direction, headed over to the training hall where he was supposed to be meeting with Genesis. The marks Sephiroth had scattered across his collarbone just below his uniform line seemed to throb as he moved along, a pleasant reminder of what Sephiroth had told him two nights prior when he finally come to see Cloud at Genesis’ apartment.

“I will return before these fade.”

That cadet could daydream all he wanted, but at the end of the day, Cloud was the one Sephiroth was actually fucking. Cloud was the one Sephiroth loved. They were tied together—by their memories, by their affection, and by so many other things.

“Well, aren’t you energetic today,” Genesis said, assessing him quickly when he stepped inside the training hall that Cloud had booked for their session. “Did something happen?”

“I just met Seph’s mentee. What an ass.”

“He seems well mannered enough.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t talk about him,” Cloud decided, brows furrowed. “It’s just going to piss me off, and I need to focus.”

“Very well. Did you notify Sephiroth of our intentions for the day?”

“Yeah, we talked last night,” he confirmed. “He said he just has meetings, so it should be fine.”

“Then let’s begin, dear. I’d like to start with something simple,” Genesis instructed, giving him an expectant look. “Cure will do.”

Cloud gave his mentor a nod, suddenly feeling a tad bit nervous. Yeah, he’d told Sephiroth what they were doing, but…this would still be the first time he tried to use their connection to cast on his own.

Last time, Sephiroth had been so concerned. Even knowing Cloud was just testing it this time…

“What if it distracts him too much?” Cloud asked quietly.

“He’s a grown man. He’ll manage.”

“What’s in his cells, anyway? If it’s not mako—”

“That, my dear, is not for me to reveal,” Genesis said, raising an elegant brow. “Carry on.”

Cloud let out a long sigh, mostly to help clear his head. Then he focused on himself, compartmentalizing what he felt the way he did when he had a materia equipped—except this time, he only felt that compartment. The mako-like presence in his mind that was so innate now that it almost blended right into his own consciousness.

He pulled on it, tentatively, but enough to feel the gentle caress of a Cure spell sweeping his body.

“Fascinating,” Genesis whispered, stepping in closer and forcing Cloud to hold his gaze as the spell tapered off naturally. “That color…”

“My eyes?”

“Yes. They’re a striking green—a shade I’ve only ever seen in one man’s eyes.”

“Seph…”

“Do you feel him?” the redhead wondered. “His presence?”

“Not exactly.”

“What do you feel, then?”

“It’s kind of…tingly? And warm. But normal, too. Whatever it is, it’s been with me for a long time now.”

“Yes, it has. Without your knowledge, it’s likely to have settled. To think, it remained dormant all those years you spent apart,” Genesis continued, a hand on his chin. “Continue casting until you’ve reached your limit.”

“Over and over?”

“With minimal delay, preferably. I suspect you’ll attain a greater separation between this and your own mana in time,” the redhead theorized. “It will require frequent practice.”

“How’s that going to help me?”

“If you’re able to separate the two properly, you’ll be able to utilize them together as you fit as well. By the end of this term, you may be the first and only cadet to manage a summon,” Genesis told him.

“Isn’t that kind of unfair though?”

“No. Sephiroth’s presence in your mind is a hinderance—it’s made things more challenging for you, in terms of casting. You’ll require complete understanding in a way no other cadet will ever comprehend.” Genesis paused, eyeing him curiously. “I suspect his presence in your mind has also had an undue influence over your relationship.”

“What?”

“It draws you together, yes?”

“No,” Cloud insisted. “I want to be with him. It’s got nothing to do with—”

Genesis waved him off before he could go on a rant. “Regardless, having a firm understanding of your connection will benefit both of you. What you choose to do with that understanding is between you and Sephiroth.”

He nodded his head in agreement, glad that Genesis seemed inclined to drop the subject after that. Then he started casting, Cure after Cure—on himself, on Genesis…He only managed about ten before he was spent, but that was actually a lot.

When he had a materia and was pulling on his own mako, he could usually on get up to three before taking a quick break to regenerate some mana.

“He’s likely to show up soon,” Genesis guessed, eyeing the door. “You’ll send him away if he does.”

“Why would I do that?”

“If you intend for me to assist you, then you’ll need to do your part. I understand his curiosity, but you won’t progress if he attempts to distract you at every turn. He needs to accept whatever it is he feels when you cast so that the sensation normalizes.”

Cloud bit his lip, not liking the idea of that.

The thing was, whatever this connection he had with Sephiroth meant, he kind of liked it. The fact that Sephiroth had some instinctive desire to keep him safe made Cloud happy, and the idea that he could call out to Sephiroth when he needed his boyfriend…

It was reassuring, in a very inexplicable way.

“You are a strong young man, Cloud Strife,” Genesis told him sharply. “You don’t need Sephiroth to show up and protect you. Whatever he left inside you that day is yours now, and you will learn to control it as if it’s your own.”

“But…”

“If you don’t send him away, I’ll intervene with your schedule—I’ll find ways to ensure you don’t see one another, even late at night. As your mentor, it would be a simple matter.”

Cloud scowled. “What the hells! I thought you were his friend.”

“That is precisely why I’m helping you, dear. You’ll still be with him, should you both choose to remain together. The only difference is, you’ll be able to call upon your connection at will rather than at the whims of your subconsciousness.”

“You’re kind of an ass,” Cloud grumbled.

“Call me what you’d like—that won’t prevent me from helping. Sephiroth is a dear friend, and I suspect you will be in time. He arranged for you to be in my care for a reason, and I won’t disappoint him.”

Just what was the relationship Sephiroth shared with this man, once upon a time? Cloud eyed his mentor curiously, but his stubbornness won out—no way was he going to ask now, and something told him Genesis wouldn’t answer anyway.

“Ah, right on time, it would seem,” Genesis sighed, glancing at the door.

A moment later, it was opening, and a very frazzled looking Sephiroth stepped inside. He was visibly relieved when he saw that Cloud was unharmed, but he obviously needed additional reassurances. More than anything, Cloud wanted to let the man hug him—to hold onto his boyfriend in return.

That wasn’t the deal, though.

“I’m fine, Seph,” Cloud said, a tiny smile on his face.

“I understand,” Sephiroth responded, like he logically did. He still looked so torn though. “May I stay and watch?”

Cloud swallowed back the lump in his throat. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. The whole point is to do it while you’re not nearby.”

“I see…” Sephiroth’s gaze flickered over to Genesis, like he knew the redhead was responsible for that answer. “You will ensure no harm comes to him?”

“What harm do you anticipate coming to him in the confines of a training hall?” Genesis sighed, a bit dramatically. “He’s casting healing spells.”

“I can take care of myself,” Cloud chimed in, balling his hands into fists. He could do this. “I’m fine, Seph. We’ll talk about it more tonight.”

“Very well.”

It was heartbreaking, watching Sephiroth walk out of the training hall without being able to exchange so much as a proper goodbye—a little hug or kiss. But Genesis didn’t give Cloud much time to recover, instead demanding him to continue the moment it felt like he could.

Then he tossed Cloud a materia, insisting he cast traditionally in between his bursts of his other ability. Seriously, the guy was almost relentless about it, right up until their booked time frame in the training hall came to an abrupt end.

By the time Cloud was walking out, he was actually feeling a lot more accomplished than he had expected.

--

Sephiroth didn’t answer Cloud’s call the night of his first real training session with Genesis, instead shooting off a vague text about being tired. That was fine, Cloud had thought at time. Except the same thing happened the next night.

And the next, until the messages stopped entirely. A full two weeks went by like that.

After a little digging, Cloud found that his boyfriend hadn’t really left the Tower much—there had been a couple of missions, at least according to the gossip, but nothing that took him too far away or for too long.

“I think he likes coming back home and fucking—”

Cloud gritted his teeth through those rumors, annoyed at the notion his boyfriend couldn’t stay away from some other cadet. Even without Sephiroth talking to him, he just knew that wasn’t true. It couldn’t be.

“He can’t see you right now,” Sephiroth’s secretary said, almost looking apologetic for once. “He’s booked up all day.”

“It’s not for me, it’s for the Commander.”

“No exceptions—he was very clear. Even the Director isn’t allowed in today.”

Right. So much for Cloud’s ‘permission’ to see Sephiroth whenever. He’d even gone when he specifically knew Sephiroth liked to take his lunch, all for nothing. It was frustrating, to say the least.

Could Sephiroth feel how uneasy he was? The discomfort rolling off him in waves?

There was no accidental or impromptu casting, so it was difficult to say. Then again, that hadn’t happened at all this term—at least not to Cloud’s knowledge. It seemed like Sephiroth had come to grips with that quickly when he found out he was the one reacting to Cloud’s feelings, so maybe it was no big deal.

His fingers were trembling, to his surprise, when he pulled out his PHS on the way back to the elevator. Surely Sephiroth had heard Cloud talking to his secretary—no matter how ‘soundproof’ a door was, it seemed like Sephiroth heard everything.

Why was Sephiroth avoiding him?

Did I do something wrong?

Cloud shot off the message, feeling more insecure and uncertain than ever before. All the marks Sephiroth had left on him—they were faded now, and he felt a little lost without them. Like maybe he didn’t really belong to Sephiroth anymore, not in the way they had agreed.

His heart ached in his chest, and he could barely hold his shit together as that thought plagued him. Why did it hurt this much?

Cloud slumped against the side of the elevator the moment the doors closed, taking long, deep breaths. Then he did the only thing he could think of, desperate to make the pain go away.

He healed himself, pulling on that mako-like presence in his mind the way that Genesis had taught him to. It was his mind—his ability to control. A rain of soft green fell over him as the spell went off, and he realized it was more potent than any other materia-less cast he’d managed.

It did nothing to wash away what he was feeling, though.

His PHS was buzzing before the aftereffects of the spell diminished, and he looked at it with bitter eyes.

Are you alright, Cloud?

Now Sephiroth cared? Now that Cloud had cast some stupid spell without warning him in advance—now that he was a safe distance away from Sephiroth and his precious office?

He glared at the phone, then shoved it back in his pocket. If Sephiroth wanted to know how he was doing, then he could come find Cloud and see for himself. It probably wasn’t fair, knowing that Sephiroth might assume the worst—that he’d been hurt. But he wasn’t thinking logically.

“Yo, Strife!” Thompson was waiting by the elevator when Cloud got off on the Academy floor, a grin on his face. “I thought you’d forgot about me!”

Shit. Cloud actually had, but he smiled a bit and tried to play it off. They were supposed to be studying today—advanced war tactics. There was an exam coming up, and they’d be in the VR for it on the open plains of Wutai.

If they managed to learn enough about the terrain and the types of creatures that might be there in addition to the troops, they’d be at a distinct advantage. Tactics was still Cloud’s strong suit, and he’d promised Thompson and a couple others that he’d talk them through his approach to a few scenarios.

“Zack was looking for you a minute ago,” his friend continued, glancing at him curiously. “He seemed a bit worried.”

“What do you mean?”

“He said you weren’t answering your phone.”

Cloud frowned, pulling out his PHs once more. Sure enough, there were several missed calls from Zack. The timing of it all…he swallowed hard, sure that Sephiroth had done this. Instead of looking for Cloud, he’d asked Zack to do it.

Bullshit.

“It’s fine, he just left something at Gen’s place,” Cloud shrugged, shooting off a quick I’m fine before pocketing it again. That would have to do. “I’ll get with him later if he needs it that badly.”

“You sure?” Thompson asked.

“Yeah. Let’s go,” Cloud said, nodding toward the library. “Sorry I’m late.”

“You’re doing me a favor—I’m not complaining.”

“Yeah, but it’s not cool. I shouldn’t do that.”

“It’s all good. You’ve been kinda distracted all week.”

“I have?” Cloud asked, brows furrowed.

“Yeah. I was starting to think maybe you weren’t sleeping enough or something.”

“I haven’t been, but that’s normal for me.”

Thompson snorted. “Right. So, hey did you hear the news?”

“What news?”

“One of the newbies got caught cheating on a test,” Thompson replied, snickering. “I think his name was Edmunds. He got booted out.”

Cloud feigned interest, soaking up as much pointless gossip as he could handle as Thompson talked and talked. Honestly, normally he would have tried to change the subject, but this was better than the alternative.

Sometimes it wasn’t so bad, just being another one of the cadets—he could pretend a bit if things were like this. Like maybe nothing was wrong with him, and everything was perfectly normal.

--

Cloud plopped down on Genesis’ couch the following day after classes, glad this his mentor was nowhere in sight. It had been a long day. Normally he didn’t spend much time in the living room, but old habits died hard—it wasn’t like Genesis hung around every day anyway.

Mostly, his mentor spent the night at Angeal’s after checking in with Cloud in the mornings and after class. That worked out just fine for Cloud, since he was used to doing his own thing when it came to studying.

He hadn’t meant to fall asleep like that, right there in the living room, but the next thing he knew, he was being shook so gently. A familiar voice was calling his name, summoning him back to awareness.

“Cloud.”

“…Seph?”

“Yes,” the voice concerned, and as Cloud’s eyes fluttered open, he smiled softly as the sight of his boyfriend filled his vision. “I did not mean to disturb you.”

“It’s fine. I didn’t mean to fall asleep,” Cloud admitted, sitting up slowly and stretching out with a big yawn. There was a cup of tea waiting for him on the coffee table, and Cloud realized there was one for Sephiroth, too. He scooted enough for his boyfriend to sit down beside him. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“As am I,” Sephiroth responded, mirroring his tiny smile. “It has been a difficult week.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes. I did not intend to make you feel…”

Cloud frowned as his boyfriend trailed off, already forgiving the guy. “It’s fine.”

“It is not.”

“What do you want me to say, then? That I’m pissed?”

“That would be preferable, yes.”

“Um…are you here to fight with me?” Cloud asked slowly, growing more confused by the second. “Because I’m not in the mood to argue, Seph.”

“I am not, but…you are too forgiving with me, Cloud.”

“Look, I’m not stupid,” Cloud said after a long pause, holding Sephiroth’s gaze steady. “You had time to call, or message me, and you didn’t.”

“Yes.”

“So, you needed space,” he assumed, raising a brow when Sephiroth gave a nod. Then he swallowed hard—this all seemed a lot easier when it was just a possibility in his mind rather than actual words being spoken between them. “Why?”

“Our connection worries me,” Sephiroth began, brows furrowed just slightly. “Genesis has conducted some research into the matter since your initial training.”

“And?”

“And it is possible your attraction to me—your desire to be close—may have more to do with our connection than your true feelings,” Sephiroth told him. “I would not take advantage, knowing that.”

“Seph…” If Cloud wasn’t pissed before, he was now, his eyes narrowing as the irritation seemed to flood him. “That’s bullshit and you know it. I already told you—I don’t give a damn about your cells or any of that! I love you.”

“Then allow me the time I need.”

“What time?”

“I would like you to continue your training with Genesis,” Sephiroth responded. “To understand our connection, and to take hold of it yourself.”

“But…I already do,” Cloud insisted.

“You have grazed the surface, Cloud. There may be more.”

“You can control your side, can’t you? I haven’t had any barriers or anything,” Cloud reminded him.

“I can. It is a simple matter now that I understand it—I suspect it may be more challenging for you.”

“Why? I get that I’m not a SOLDIER, or—”

“It is not a matter of skill or experience, Cloud. You are the one experiencing the sensations,” Sephiroth attempted to explain, looking like he wasn’t quite satisfied with his own word selection. “My cells are intrinsically tied to your own and have been for many years. You may not feel the distinction initially.”

“I do, though. I can separate it out—I can cast without materia, not using my own mana because I can filter it.”

“There may be more,” Sephiroth said.

“And if there’s not?”

“Then I will feel reassured in the matter. Allow me this, Cloud.”

“I…” Cloud stared at Sephiroth, at a loss for what to say. “I don’t understand how being apart will help.”

“You have grown increasingly attached to me. Separation—”

“Stop.” He shook his head, not wanting to hear about separation. “I grew attached because I love you. I love the way you make me feel—I love being with you! And I thought you wanted that. If I’m being too clingy or whatever, I can back off, but I don’t want…”

“You are not clingy, Cloud. I enjoy your company—I crave it, in most instances.”

This conversation wasn’t getting him anywhere, and he knew it. He sipped at his tea, and inwardly found that he kind of understood what Sephiroth was saying. Even if he didn’t like it at all, he could understand.

“I want you to return to me, if you still wish to be mine when you are ready,” Sephiroth continued, and Cloud snatched his hand at that—like maybe if he just held on now, none of this would have to happen. “I will wait however long is necessary.”

“Seph…I don’t like this.”

“Nor do I.”

“How will I know when enough time has gone by? Or that I understand enough?”

“I trust your judgment. Genesis will help with any necessary assessments.”

“Fine,” Cloud conceded.

There wasn’t any other option, as far as he could see. If Sephiroth respected him enough to come talk about this when it was obviously a challenge, then he would return that respect—he would try to deal with this.

He’d just have to bust his ass like he did with everything else and get a handle on it quickly.

“Wait,” Cloud said, still gripping Sephiroth’s hand as his boyfriend attempted to rise to his feet. “Where are you going?”

“I would like to return home before my mentee returns.”

“Uh, okay?”

“If I return first, I will be able to retire to my room in peace.”

Cloud frowned a bit, and then a short burst of laughter escaped him. Poor Sephiroth—no way did he like having some stranger staying at his place, even if he was undoubtedly more familiar with that guy by now.

“I’ve got a better idea,” Cloud said, tugging Sephiroth back onto the couch. His boyfriend allowed it, but fixed him with a dubious stare. “Just hear me out. This is the last time we’re going to see each other for a while, right?”

“Yes.”

“So, I gave up and said what you wanted me to say. I agreed,” the blond said, building up to his ask, “How do you feel about a goodbye kiss?”

“I feel as though it may lead to more.”

“I’ve got no objections. I like how it feels when you’re—”

“Cloud,” Sephiroth said, pinching the bridge of his nose with his free hand. “You are making it more difficult than necessary for me to do the right thing.”

“Then, I’ll settle on a kiss. A really good one—or two, if you want.”

“I will not indulge you with anything further.”

“Deal.”

They never did know how to do anything in halves.

Cloud straddled his boyfriend before he could doubt himself, opting to go for the exact kiss he wanted if this was going to be it for a while. He cupped Sephiroth’s cheeks in his hands, staring down with affection as Sephiroth’s gaze darkened almost immediately.

He paused for a moment just to admire the man’s features, awed as always at just how attractive Sephiroth was. From his long lashes to his sharp jawline, Cloud took in every inch of it with a soft smile on his face.

Sephiroth’s posture was tense, and that didn’t escape Cloud’s notice—nor did the fact that his hands were balled into fists, planted firmly on the couch rather than on Cloud’s ass where they would usually be in a position like this.

As much as he wanted to savor this moment—this kiss—he also didn’t want to make Sephiroth uncomfortable.

“This okay?” Cloud asked, thumbing over the man’s cheek tentatively.

“Yes. We will only kiss, though.”

“Right, that was the agreement.”

He leaned in closer, bringing their lips together in such a familiar manner. It was slow at first—a soft graze that had his heart racing. He didn’t pull back though, figuring it would count as one kiss so long as he kept going. The moment Sephiroth seemed to relax underneath him, Cloud opened his mouth, humming appreciatively when Sephiroth took the hint and brought their tongues together.

Sephiroth’s hands slowly found their way to Cloud’s thigh after that, his grip almost possessive as he got lost in their kiss. It never got too heated though—the moment Cloud squirmed in Sephiroth’s lap, his boyfriend’s hands moved to his waist, keeping him firmly in place until Cloud stopped trying to move at all.

Instead, he just let go and focused on the moment. Sephiroth’s lips. His tongue. The feel of his hands, and the warmth of his body beneath Cloud. If this was their last kiss for a while, he fully intended to enjoy every damn second of it.

--

The best part about getting Sephiroth caught up in a long kiss was, even if they didn’t end up tearing each other’s clothes off, that man always found a way to stake his claim. Cloud admired the small bruises on his hips as he got into his uniform days later, smiling fondly at the memory.

He had a lot of favorite kisses with Sephiroth. When they were back together, that one would probably make the list. For now it was still a bittersweet memory, and he tried desperately to shake it as he finished getting ready for the day.

It was definitely too early in the morning to be daydreaming about Sephiroth. And a little counterproductive, probably. Wasn’t the whole goal here to make sure he was able to separate himself from Sephiroth, in his mind if nothing else?

“This is stupid,” he grumbled to himself.

No way would he be able to stop thinking about Sephiroth anytime soon.

Truthfully, he still didn’t quite understand what the objective was  in all this—he had taken hold of those cells or whatever when he cast without a materia equipped. He’d proven he could compartmentalize them from his own mana already.

What more was there to do?

His mentor didn’t agree things were so simple, and had been running Cloud through the wringer every day since. At the stupidest time of day, too…before classes.

“So, you hate me, huh?” Cloud joked when he emerged from his room, watching as Genesis sipped at his coffee. It looked like he’d been up and ready for a while.

“SOLDIERs frequently rise early for missions. We also require less sleep.”

“You realize I’m not a SOLDIER, right?”

“In eight short months, you will. I intend to have you fully prepared prior to that date.”

“Thanks, I guess,” Cloud supplied, accepting the coffee that his mentor offered and taking a very long sip. If only the effects were immediate. “So, we’ve been at this a few days.”

“An astute observation.”

“What am I trying to do, exactly?”

“You’ve increased your stamina substantially since we began,” Genesis said, humming thoughtfully. “In time, you’ll manage your casts more efficiently and be able to complete more prior to requiring any type of recovery period.”

“Okay. And that’s when I can go see Seph again? When I cast a certain number in a row?”

“Nothing quite so specific.”

Cloud slumped a bit, but wouldn’t be defeated so easily. “Then what is it? In a not-so-specific way?”

“I suspect you’ll be able to utilize his cells without taking on his eye color in time,” Genesis responded, raising a critical brow. “It may require mingling your own mana in the mix. Once you’re able to do so, you’ll have shown sufficient control.”

“…I’ve never cast with my own mana. Not without a materia.”

“Perhaps that would be a good starting point, then.”

What? Cloud frowned into his cup, not even sure where to begin mixing and matching where he drew his casting ability from. The whole concept was abstract enough as it was—he created a room in his mind to visualize most days, and even that was confusing when he really thought about it.

“I suspect when you do so, Sephiroth won’t feel it as a call for assistance,” Genesis continued. “He may not notice at all.”

“I’ll try.”

“Good. I would also like for you to exercise control over his ability—to deny him entry to your mind.”

“You mean when he casts barriers and stuff? When he thinks I’m in trouble?”

“Yes.”

“He hasn’t been doing that anymore though. He said he gets it, and he stopped.”

“He may understand, but you don’t. You’re in control of your own mind, Cloud. You’ll need to keep him out when we get to that exercise, even if you’re confident he would do you no harm.”

“I am confident,” Cloud said, just to make it clear.

But he would give it a go when the time came, if that’s what it took. The idea of having full control over all his abilities was appealing—it might even be a useful skill to have when he was a SOLDIER.

For now, he wanted to take it one step at a time.

“I’ll stop the eye thing first,” he decided with a nod.

“Well, have at it,” Genesis shrugged, giving him a look. “There were no training halls available, so we’ll have to conduct our little experiment here today.”

“No training halls again?”

“You’re healing yourself. It’s not as if I’m concerned for the furniture.”

Cloud rolled his eyes, but brought up that stupid visualization in his mind. He could feel it, as always—the mako-like presence that was so undoubtedly Sephiroth. A little tug was all it took before a simple cure was washing over him to start the day.

How to do that with a mix of his own mana—that was the question.

“Honestly,” Genesis muttered, scowling at his PHS. “For a man who boasts of patience, he’s insufferable.”

“He’s asking if I’m okay?” Cloud guessed, snickering when Genesis gave a nod.

Typical. At least he hadn’t come running, which was progress in its own way. Cloud cast another few spells, quickly making an assessment—basic cures were too easy. They required too little for him to really try to mix and match his baseline.

“I think I need to work up to a Cura or Curaga,” Cloud realized.

“Be my guest,” Genesis responded pointedly.

Cloud cast again and again and again, hoping to break into that next tier. It never happened though. Not on that day at least—nor any of the following days.

--

A full two weeks passed before he knew it, and his lack of progress was starting to feel pathetic. Every morning he and Genesis woke up at some ridiculous hour, and his mentor watched while he healed himself repeatedly to no avail.

“Try this,” Genesis told him one day, tossing him a green orb.

A healing materia, from the feel of it. “How will this help?”

“You’ve yet to cast a higher tier healing spell in class,” the redhead responded. “It feels different from a higher tier combat spell. I suspect when you understand how a Curaga should feel, you’ll gain some clarity.”

“Okay.”

Cloud was nothing if not willing to try, and so he found himself working his way up with the materia and his own mana instead. It did feel different, casting like higher tier spells.

It also felt different casting with his mana, he realized, in a setting where he was able to do both back to back.

--

Another few days, and he’d mastered the damn materia, much to Genesis’ delight. He still hadn’t sorted out his whole materia-less casting problem, though.

--

Before Cloud knew it, a full month had passed since his last conversation with Sephiroth. Midterms were rapidly approaching, and Genesis had effectively shut down all training efforts that weren’t strictly related to his classes.

To his surprise, his mentor really intended to mentor him.

They practiced in the VR together, and they even sparred sometimes. Genesis didn’t have the patience to review test scores or work through any textbooks, but he was willing to hunt down any additional reading for the blond or point him in the right direction. Better books, in Genesis’ own words—not as dry and intolerable as a textbook.

He’d even started dragging Angeal along somedays, to help Cloud with new stretches or to give tips on layering on some additional muscle. Cloud had tried to politely decline, feeling a bit greedy for having the help of more than one First Class SOLDIER, but Angeal wasn’t having any of that.

“I insist,” Angeal had said—the day that they met. And that had been that.

With their help, Cloud was confident he would maintain his position as the number one student in the second-year group throughout the exams.

“I’m just sayin’,” Zack told him, pointing a fork in Cloud’s direction. They’d found a rare overlap in their schedule, and Zack had promptly dragged Cloud to his room for some Wutaiin. “I’m kinda starting to get offended for real. I mean, Gen’s one thing, but Ang?”

“I didn’t ask him to help me!”

“You didn’t say no either.”

Cloud snorted. “Yes, I did!”

“Right. Ang prob said too bad, huh? He likes helping out.”

“I’ve only had him as Special Instructor a couple times,” Cloud mused, poking his fork into his food. “He’s always super patient with everyone.”

“Yeah, he’s like that. Gives good advice, too.”

“He walked me through some new stretches and workout routines.”

“Sounds about right,” Zack said, a grin on his face. “I’m glad you’re doing good, Spike. Getting the attention of so many Firsts isn’t easy.”

“It’s all thanks to you, really. I wouldn’t be here without your help.”

“Yeah, you would. You just might not have started till this year, but it is what it is now,” his friend replied with an easygoing shrug. “So, you’re all ready for exams?”

“Yeah, I think so. I’ve got a couple things I want to run through before I hit the VR for advanced combat, but I’ve got time still.”

“How’s the other thing going?” Zack asked casually.

“Is my relationship some other thing now?”

“Well, no, but…are you still in a relationship?”

“Yeah,” Cloud nodded, sure of that much. He didn’t need to see Sephiroth to know it was true. “We’re going to be fine, it’s just hard right now.”

Unbearably hard. Cloud still woke up with an ache in his chest every damn day, reaching for a man who was not in his bed—unable to stop himself from feeling those desires. But that would be a very pathetic thing to say, so he kept it to himself.

“Can I tell you something?” the blond started, realizing he’d yet to have a proper conversation with Zack about all of this. Zack, who was his best friend, and who had done so much for him. “About me and Seph…”

“I already know,” Zack said, looking a little apologetic. “Gen and Ang sat me down and told me.”

“What?”

“They kinda thought I’d lose my shit on Seph if they didn’t, and they mighta been right,” his friend admitted sheepishly. “I saw that other kid getting close to him one day, and I thought maybe he’d moved on or something.”

“What?”

“Seph’s my friend,” Zack said firmly, “but like I said a long time ago. He’s got a type. I thought maybe you guys went from zero to a hundred too fast, and that things maybe fizzled out. It pissed me off.”

“Even if that did happen, it wouldn’t automatically be his fault.”

“No, but you’re my little buddy. I brought you here.”

“So?”

“So, if you got hurt because of something I did, I’d have to live with that,” his friend explained like it was obvious. “But, yeah. Gen and Ang told me what’s up, and…wow, man.”

“It’s not a big deal,” Cloud said.

“I don’t know all the details about whatever Seph was injected with, but I know it’s not the same as me or any of the other SOLDIERs. Even Gen and Ang—there’s was different too, but not like Seph’s.”

“I’m fine, Zack.”

“Yeah, but…” Zack shrugged helplessly. “I know you guys’ll work it out. I just worry about you, you know?”

“Yeah. I get it.” He smiled despite himself, appreciating how much Zack cared even if it did make him feel a little exasperated. “So, what’d you mean about that other guy?”

“Seph told him to back off, don’t worry.”

“I’m not worried, I’m curious. All the cadets still seem to think they’re secretly hooking up all the time.”

“Honestly, I think he was playing up a couple of things he thought Seph might like. Silver Elite rumors,” Zack explained conspiratorially. “They think Seph’s into all this weird shit.”

“What do you mean?” Cloud asked, not even sure he wanted to know.

“There’s this story column they have in the fan letters—it’s ongoing, and a lotta the terminology’s outdated now. It’s about a trainee who Seph falls in love with,” his friend said. “And everyone thinks it’s based on a true story. That Seph has a thing for needy young dudes who don’t know how to swing a sword properly—or that he’ll pop a boner just by helping someone get into the right stance.”

“That’s stupid.”

“Yep. Plus, it’s not like anyone who actually goes to this Academy needs that kinda help—you’re all vetted, and his mentee is supposed to be the top student. I think it just annoyed Seph when the dude asked for that kinda help.”

“So why’d you get mad, then?”

“Because Seph did it. It was super clinical now that I’m really thinkin’ about it, but at the time I was just like…dude, seriously?” Zack huffed, then he reached out ruffled Cloud’s hair. “Don’t pout. Seph and I had a good talk after Ang and Gen told me what was up, and…you guys are the real deal, Spike.”

“I just feel like this is all my fault,” he admitted. “It’s been a month and I haven’t figured anything out yet. If I could just do better…”

Maybe Cloud was the hopeless recruit here who needed Sephiroth’s help. Except Sephiroth couldn’t offer it, despite being the one person who might understand it best. No doubt he knew more about what Cloud was feeling than Genesis did, even if his current mentor meant well.

“I don’t claim to be an expert, but…if it was that simple, you woulda done it already. You work hard, Spike. You’ll figure it out.”

“I hope so.”

“And, hey—if all else fails, stop trying so damn hard,” Zack suggested. “Sometimes that’s the best thing you can do when you get stuck. Go back to the basics and start over.”

Back to the basics. It was simple enough advice, but it hit home as Cloud sat there munching on his food. Maybe he was trying to go too deep for this one. Visualizing, and working on higher tier casts, and thinking this to death…

The basic principle of casting was pretty straightforward. An exchange of mana for spell power—the caster would send a little mana toward the materia, and the two would interact. The result would be whatever spell was cast.

Maybe instead of just pulling on that mako-like presence as if it were an anomaly, he needed to treat it like it was the materia instead. It was worth a try at least, and it would just be a healing spell…

Why not?

Zack’s place was as good as any other. Cloud straightened out, breathing in a few times until he felt it—the mako-like presence and his mana. Instead of trying to separate the two or letting them mingle naturally, he directed  his mana with clear purpose.

A healing spell was washing over him a moment later.

“Did anything weird just happen?” Cloud asked his friend.

“Uh, yeah. You healed yourself at my damn table. You burn your tongue or something?”

“So other than that, nothing weird with me?”

“I don’t think so,” Zack responded, motioning for him to try again. This time Zack watched Cloud very carefully before shaking his head. “Nope. Looked normal to me.

“Zack,” Cloud grinned, setting his fork down. “You’re so fuckin’ smart.”

“Duh.”

--

Exams came and went, and Cloud came out on top in his class, much to his relief.

Honestly, he really did want to be the best—that had been his goal. He also really wanted to beat Higgins, even if he tried not to play into their ‘rivalry’ or whatever.

It felt really, really good to succeed.

For the first time in his life, it was almost like everything was exactly the way it was supposed to be with one glaring exception. He had good friends, acquaintances, teachers…He was learning at a fast rate, and he was going in the right direction to achieve his dreams.

Sephiroth, though, was not by his side.

That felt wrong, even after he had worked out the distinction between the different types of casting he could manage. There was still some work to be done to fine tune everything, but even Genesis had given him the nod of approval to go ahead and reach out to his boyfriend.

The thing was…it didn’t feel like the timing was quite right.

“Something’s wrong with me,” Cloud admitted, quietly.

He was staring at himself in the mirror after a long, hot shower, and even still it felt so damn embarrassing to say. Somewhere along the line…

Sephiroth had become his entire world.

ShinRa’s Silver General had occupied his every thought—his every dream, for months and months, even before their relationship began. It was a miracle Cloud had accomplished anything at the Academy, under the circumstances. And that hadn’t really changed in their time apart.

If anything, he had craved Sephiroth more, even after he had met his goal.

Cloud wrapped a towel around himself, hoping to dry off this damn feeling along with the water on his body. The thing was…he loved Sephiroth, completely. Time apart didn’t change that at all, and in his gut he knew Sephiroth still loved him, too.

But maybe the time apart hadn’t been such a bad thing.

“Cloud, dear,” Genesis said, knocking gently on the bathroom door.

“Yeah?” he called back.

“Are you alright? You’ve been in there quite some time.”

Oops. It had been a long, long day. Maybe he’d gotten caught up in the shower, enjoying the water pressure a bit too much. It wasn’t as good as Sephiroth’s shower, but it was still pretty damn nice.

“I’m fine,” Cloud answered, kicking himself into gear.

He threw on his pajamas, ready to play it off like he was just unwinding after a stressful day. It wasn’t like Genesis wouldn’t already know about his workload—mentor status and all that. Genesis knew damn well what Cloud had on his plate, and midterms ending didn’t mean things were slowing down anytime soon.

The fact that Genesis paid such acute attention to his schedule was still a surprise, and definitely had been unexpected when this whole mentor reassignment thing went down.

To his surprise, Genesis was waiting right outside the bathroom door when he stepped out, giving him a critical once over the moment he stepped out.

“What’s up?” Cloud asked slowly.

“That’s for me to discover,” Genesis responded, raising a brow. “You’ll have to forgive me—SOLDIER enhancements can be both a blessing and a burden.”

“You…” Heard what Cloud had been muttering to himself. “I’m fine, Gen.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Well, too bad,” the blond shrugged, helpless. “I don’t have anything to say.”

“These types of conversations aren’t my strong suit. Shall I call in reinforcements?”

“No,” Cloud insisted, shaking his head firmly. “I’m fine.”

“Zack returned from Junon a few hours ago. Angeal’s quite worried as well.”

“I don’t need to talk to anyone.”

“It’s quite alright, Cloud,” Genesis replied, smooth as ever. He put a hand on Cloud’s shoulder, fixing the blond with that look like he knew what was best. “Sephiroth misses you dearly.”

“I know. I miss him, too.”

“You’ve yet to contact him,” Genesis continued, raising a brow. “I had assumed it was due to midterms.”

“It was.”

“And now?”

“I feel the same, Gen. He’s all I can think about,” Cloud said slowly, every damn day. “I thought…the way you guys were talking, I thought it’d be different when I figured out the casting thing.”

“Not necessarily. That was just for peace of mind.”

“To make sure he wasn’t secretly luring me in?” Cloud scoffed. “I told you guys it wasn’t like that. But you were so sure, and now…”

“Nothing’s changed,” Genesis finished, and then he smiled. “Cloud, dear. This is a good thing.”

“It’s a good thing we wasted all this time?”

“It was hardly a waste. You have an understanding of yourself you never would have hoped to achieve under ordinary circumstances. You’ve mastered several materia, and are on track to be the only cadet in this Academy to manage a summon this term. Your accomplishments speak for themselves.”

“So you think it’s okay?” Cloud asked quietly.

“Do I think what is okay?”

“To want someone the way I want him.”

“Yes, I do. You’re both consenting adults. I see no reason for you to remain apart when your desires clearly align.”

“But they aligned this whole time, and you thought it was weird!”

“I never,” Genesis objected, waving both hands emphatically. “I merely wanted to ensure things were as they appeared.”

“Was it that hard to believe I love him?”

“No. It was very simple to believe that,” the redhead said, softly this time. “Your dependence on him was a surprise though. Given your history, and what we know of Jenova—”

“Jenova,” Cloud repeated, mouth dropping slightly. Where had he heard that name before? “What’s that?”

“Ah, my apologies, dearest. You’ll need to speak with Sephiroth.”

Cloud scowled, but didn’t argue with that. There were some things he needed to speak with Sephiroth about directly, and he wasn’t going to shy away from it. He pulled out his PHS, asking his boyfriend when they might be able to talk.

This evening.

The instant response had him smiling, but he quickly responded back with a counteroffer. Is tomorrow okay instead?

He didn’t really want to wait an extra day, but…this weird mood seemed to be following him around. An extra day would give him just enough time to finish sorting through all the things he wanted to say.

Of course, Sephiroth responded, and Cloud’s heart friggin’ stopped in his chest when the next message came through.

It was a heart emoji.

--

Genesis had given him the next morning off from training, thankfully.

They’d come to an agreement that they would continue to work on his casting even after his recent success, with a new goal in mind. To fine tune his skills as much as possible prior to any potential enhancements.

Apparently if he learned to cast more efficiently now, it would benefit him down the road because most SOLDIERs tended to overspend their mana on simple casts. A side effect of having a bigger mana pool.

Cloud was totally on board with that, even if it meant waking up before classes to master another orb.

All that was waiting for him the next day though, was a Rocket Chocolate in the bottom of a very familiar cat mug. Sephiroth’s mug, that Cloud had never actually asked Genesis to go steal for him just to spite Sephiroth’s mentee. It made him stupidly happy when he saw it, and he made two cups of coffee just to fully enjoy it.

Then he’d made some damn pudding—for later.

The day dragged on and on, and Cloud thought he was doing pretty good all things considered. He’d flubbed a couple answers when his instructors called on him, which had most the class laughing because that happened so rarely, but…

Oh well. That was when he actually ate his Rocket Chocolate, enjoying his little pick-me-up thoroughly.

By the time his last class ended, Cloud had a plastered smile on his face and made quick work of his farewells. He apologized to Thompson and the others for missing their usual study time, and then took off for Genesis’ apartment.

That was where Sephiroth was supposed to be waiting for him.

His heart was hammering away by the time he stepped off the elevator, and he was buzzing with excitement by the time he used his keycard to open the door. Even knowing all the things he had to say, and how serious this conversation might get, there was just no denying it.

Cloud was fucking happy.

To his absolute delight, Sephiroth was already there waiting for him, sitting on Genesis’ couch in his uniform—looking a tiny bit uncomfortable, but relieved to see Cloud. A smile pulled at his lips as he met Cloud’s gaze, and that was enough to seal the deal.

Fuck it. Why get right to it when they hadn’t seen each other in so long?

“Cloud,” Sephiroth said in lieu of a greeting, brows furrowed in confusion when Cloud basically plopped right down in his lap. “What—”

“Unless you need to tell me that you don’t want to kiss me right now, I really don’t want to hear it yet.”

Sephiroth, thankfully, never failed to respond to Cloud’s advances in some way. He looked a little bewildered, but brought his lips right to the blond’s without any further delay, kissing Cloud like he had a point to prove.

Maybe he did.

His boyfriend’s lips moved against his almost desperately, and he made quick work of the situation. Cloud was lying down on the couch half a second later, and Sephiroth was looming over him in an achingly familiar way. All the while, their tongues were entwined, and Cloud was ready to melt right into the damn couch with how badly he wanted more.

How had they gone so long without seeing each other, let alone with kissing? Without touching or—

“Cloud,” Sephiroth attempted between kisses, groaning when the blond nipped at his lips and drew him back in. A hand on his hip kept him from rutting up, and it looked like Sephiroth’s own words were causing him physical pain. “We have much to discuss.”

“Five more minutes.”

“…Very well.”

For a man of control, sometimes Sephiroth really did have none when it came to Cloud. He leaned back in, continuing as if they hadn’t paused at all. Except this time, he was the one rutting down, pulling little moans from Cloud like this was any other day.

But, it wasn’t. Five minutes passed before Cloud could even figure out the damn straps on Sephiroth’s jacket, and his boyfriend began to taper off their kisses slowly.

“I feared the worst,” Sephiroth admitted quietly, allowing just a few more pecks between his words. “Genesis reported you had reached your objective days ago.”

“I had exams, and…I wanted to clear my head a little.”

That had Sephiroth eyeing him warily, and all kisses ceased. “Has something changed?”

“No, not like that,” Cloud said easily, not wanting Sephiroth to worry about that. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“I thought maybe something was wrong with me,” Cloud admitted. “You guys were so sure there might be something, but then...nothing changed, Seph. Nothing at all.”

Sephiroth assessed him cautiously before sitting back up, pulling Cloud with him like it required no effort. Fucking hot. “Nothing is wrong with you, Cloud.”

“Then why didn’t you listen to me in the first place?”

“I had to be certain there was no undue influence.”

“It bothers me,” Cloud said, expression serious. “It pisses me off, actually. That you don’t trust yourself the way that I trust you. That you really thought you might be manipulating me.”

“Cloud…”

“I don’t understand why you can’t see it,” he continued, gesturing at himself helplessly. “I love you. Me. Not some weird cells in my head, Seph.”

“I understand.”

“You didn’t even try to hear me out before,” Cloud ranted. “You just pushed me away, and…fuck, Seph. I don’t think you understand how much I miss you when we’re apart.”

“I understand all too well,” Sephiroth responded evenly. “I feel the same, Cloud.”

“Then why? Why was it worth all that time?”

“There were extenuating circumstances. Had they proven true…” Sephiroth shook his head, looking utterly defeated. “You would have been little more than a puppet, Cloud.”

“I resent that.”

“My desire to claim you—to keep you as my own,” Sephiroth explained slowly, “it seemed to be related.”

“Or maybe you’re just kinda possessive, and maybe I just like it.”

“Perhaps.”

“Not perhaps. It’s true.”

Sephiroth held his gaze before conceding a nod. “You are beyond my wildest dreams, Cloud.”

“Well stop dreaming then. Let’s just be together, in real life, and not spend any extra time apart. I’m busy enough, and so are you,” he reminded his boyfriend, very pointedly. “We don’t have time to waste doubting this just because it feels too good to be true.”

“I agree. I will not doubt you again.”

“Good,” Cloud said, nodding in approval. “So…what’s Jenova?”

Sephiroth visibly cringed at the mention. “The experiment in the Nibel Reactor—the one I destroyed,” he explained slowly. “Her name was Jenova.”

“Her name? She was a person?”

“No. It is unclear where she came from, but she did not appear to be of our Planet. I was injected with her cells while I was a fetus,” Sephiroth revealed, expression grim as Cloud’s mouth dropped slightly. “Her voice haunted me as a child.”

“What do you mean?”

“She desired terrible things—for me, and for our Planet.”

“So…you went and destroyed her?”

“Yes. That does not change the fact her cells remain inside me, Cloud,” Sephiroth said, giving him a pointed look. “And you, as a result of my actions.”

“I’ve never heard any weird voices.”

“Nor have I, since that day. Hojo theorized I became her main host after that—that she would attempt to reform despite her destruction,” Sephiroth said dryly.

“And you thought maybe it was that—his reunion theory, or whatever, that brought me to you.”

“Yes. Even now, I can feel our connection.””

“But…I learned how to control it,” Cloud said, raising a challenging brow. “Maybe you can still feel it, but you can’t do anything. Go ahead—try if you want to.”

Sephiroth’s stare turned far more serious than before, his brows furrowed slightly in concentration. Nothing happened though, and Cloud honestly wasn’t sure if he felt relieved or disappointed by that. He liked the idea that Sephiroth was always with him in some way.

Though maybe that hadn’t changed, despite it all—not if Sephiroth could still feel their connection, and Cloud was able to freely take hold of it as well.

“You’ve done well, Cloud,” Sephiroth told him after a long silence.

“We talked about that professor’s theories before. I don’t get why it became such a big deal again when things were fine with us.”

“Genesis’ involvement raised the concern again,” Sephiroth admitted. “He was not wrong to suspect something was amiss with my influence over your ability.”

“But it had nothing to do with anything else.”

“Having control over our connection will benefit you. Now, at least, we can be confident you are here of your own free will.”

“Good because I am here, and I want you, Seph—all the same ways you want me,” Cloud said, raising a meaningful brow. “Mind, body, soul—heart. I want it all.”

“You have had possession of those for quite some time now, Cloud.”

“Then…I also want pudding.”

“Pudding?”

“Unless I can talk you into going to bed with me right now,” Cloud responded, a bit hopeful. Sephiroth just gave him a look though—one that said he wasn’t quite ready yet. There would be no talking if they went there, and it seemed they had some catching up to do still. “Then, yeah. Pudding it is.”

He hopped to his feet, a stupid smile on his face when Sephiroth rose as well and took his hand. His boyfriend remained no less than a step behind him the whole time, hovering way closer than necessary just because he could.

It felt so, so nice.

Honestly, Cloud was still a little annoyed they had wasted so much time, but he understood Sephiroth’s intentions at least. His boyfriend had done the admirable thing, even if it drove him crazy.

At least he had worked out a few new skills in the meantime, too.

“Your pudding never fails to impress me.”

“It’s the special ingredient,” Cloud said, like it was obvious—he had shown Sephiroth how to make it after swearing the man to secrecy. “Do you remember?”

“I believe you called it magic.”

A grin spread across Cloud’s face, ridiculously pleased that Sephiroth remembered their ridiculous conversation right down to the last detail. It was actually just a dash of cinnamon, but considering all the things that had happened largely due to the actual magic shared between them…

Maybe there was a little magic in every bowl they shared, too.

Chapter Text

--

Epilogue

--

By the time Cloud graduated from the Academy, only half the total cadets who had entered the program his year passed with him. It had been eye opening, to say the least. Term after term, the bottom few were sent back to the infantry without hope for a second change.

That was just part of the deal at the Academy—you either passed, or you failed.

It wasn’t until Cloud had given his very awkward ‘valedictorian’ speech that it all really sunk in for him. He was in his Third Class uniform, surrounded by the other graduates that had been there with him since day one.

None of them had expected Cloud to be there with them, let alone as the top student.

“Congrats, man!” Thompson exclaimed, pulling him in for a big hug—his favorite cadet, for sure, even through all the ups and downs. “I woulda failed out without you.”

“That’s not true,” Cloud huffed. “You worked hard for this.”

“Yeah, but you…You busted your ass. All of us noticed,” Thompson said, a sincerity in his eyes as he gave Cloud one more pat on the back. “You bailed me out so many times.”

“Whatever,” Cloud brushed him off, feeling a little flustered by all the attention that was on him. Zack was still howling from the audience, and Cloud could not deal with it right now. “You bailed me out, too.”

Thompson just rolled his eyes, grumbling about how Cloud still didn’t know how to take a compliment. Then he moved onto the rest of the cadets who had all started to look up to him at some point. Maybe he had drawn them all in the same way he had gotten Cloud to be his friend—that guy was just really good natured, minus his thirst for gossip.

To Cloud’s surprise, it was Higgins who approached him next with a very familiar Second Class SOLDIER by his side. Luxiere. Definitely not a sight for sore eyes, but a part of him actually felt bad for a moment.

Hadn’t he and Sephiroth done the exact same thing as these two?

Except Luxiere had been removed from the instructor side of things, while Sephiroth was heralded as an iconic Special Instructor. It wasn’t fair, really. The fact that he and Sephiroth had tried to come clean to Lazard didn’t really change things.

Higgins extended a hand to him after a moment. “We’re comrades now, right?”

“Yeah,” Cloud said, reaching out and shaking it tentatively. “Comrades.”

“So, I’ll see you in the field, maybe. Good luck.”

“Yeah, good luck,” he said, a little bewildered.

Luxiere didn’t say a word, instead just giving him a distasteful look which Cloud chose not to care about. Then he continued greeting the cadets who came up to him, and the ShinRa personnel who were mingling in the crowd.

There was a lot riding on this first group of cadets, apparently. Lazard had personally reminded Cloud, as ‘top student’. The financial investment in the Academy had been pretty steep, so they’d need to produce some results fast.

No pressure, though.

“Yo, Spike!” Zack waved at him, still pushing his way through the crowd—with Genesis and Angeal trailing behind him. “Hold up.”

“Only if you promise not to squish me to death,” Cloud said, pointing an accusatory finger at him.

“It’s your graduation! Everyone knows the biggest hugs come out when there’s somethin’ to celebrate,” Zack insisted, pulling Cloud right in despite his protests the moment he was within reach. Cloud didn’t even pretend to fight it, instead throwing his arms right around Zack’s back.

Fuck, where would he be without Zack Fair?

“You did good, Spike,” Zack said, ruffling his hair fondly after a few minutes in that hug. “I’m proud of you.”

“You…” Cloud felt a lump in his throat, and no, he was not going to cry. He just didn’t know what else to say. “Thanks.”

“Aw, man,” his friend joked, a fond look on his face. “You’re gonna make me blush with all that appreciation.”

“Zack, I…”

Two hands were clamped firmly on his shoulders a moment later, and ShinRa’s ‘puppy’ was giving him a deadly serious look—the kind only a veteran combat SOLDIER could offer.

“You’re gonna do great,” Zack told him firmly. “You earned this.”

“I hope so.”

“You did. And you don’t hafta say anything else—I already know.”

“Yeah.”

Zack grinned at him, dropping his hands to his side. Then he gave Cloud another nod, which the blond understood—they’d see each other later. Some kind of celebratory dinner back at Genesis’ apartment.

That, of course, didn’t mean Genesis had no intention of congratulating Cloud publicly as well.

“My adorable protégé,” Genesis said, fully exasperated as he indulged in his own long hug. Cloud snorted into his chest, glad that no one could see his true reaction. “I’m quite proud, dear.”

“Thanks, Gen.”

“I’ve never mentored anyone before. I never believed I had the patience for it.”

“You don’t,” Cloud confirmed, grinning as he pulled back and saw the glare on his mentor’s face. “But…you were the perfect teacher for me. I appreciate everything you did—all of it, you know.”

“Yes,” Genesis said, sparing him any unnecessary explanations. “My only regret is that you never did manage to summon Bahamut.”

“I summoned like, three others,” Cloud reminded him—Ifrit, Shiva, and Ramuh. Basic casts comparatively, but no other cadet had managed to get even close. “Doesn’t that count for something?”

“Hardly. I expect the best from my protégés—I suspect we’ll have to continue working together for several more months after your injections,” Genesis revealed, much to his surprise.

“You won’t stop learning just because you graduated,” Angeal chimed in, a kind smile on his face.

“Of course not,” Cloud said hurriedly—he’d known as much. He just hadn’t expected Genesis to offer any additional help. He looked back at the redhead. “Are you serious?”

Hadn’t Genesis done enough? The guy had basically given Cloud his apartment so that Sephiroth could come and go as he pleased. He had been a true mentor in every other regard—monitoring Cloud’s progress, his strengths, his weaknesses…

The whole thing had been an unexpected blessing for Cloud, and was definitely one of the reasons he had remained on top throughout that last term. Without Genesis, he would have been so confused in half of his classes.

“I won’t let you down,” Cloud promised when confirmed it.

Genesis looked pleased to hear it, watching with a fond smile as Angeal gave Cloud a warm hug and offered yet another congratulations to the blond. Not to mentions promises for a new diet plan that would help with the side effects of his upcoming mako injections, apparently.

“Sounds good,” Cloud said, giving Angeal an appreciative nod.

The crowd began to pile up a bit after a few minutes, and both Firsts gave him an apologetic look. Then Genesis leaned in close, “We’ll see you tonight, dear.”

“Yeah, see ya.”

A surprising number of people Cloud had never met came up to him after that, and he plastered a smile on his face as they got in their obligatory pleasantries with him. Cadets from the first year group. Miscellaneous ShinRa personnel. Even some SOLDIERs—ones that hadn’t been apart of the instructor group.

“So, hey,” one SOLDIER tried, giving him a big smile. “Can I take you out to dinner to celebrate?”

Cloud very nearly snorted because who even was this? “Sorry, I’ve got plans tonight.”

“Another time, then?”

“I’m gonna be pretty busy. Injections and all that.”

The guy deflated a bit but seemed to understand before had to be too blunt in his refusal. To Cloud’s deep amusement, no less than three others made similar attempts at asking him out, and it took him right back to something Sephiroth had told him before they left for the ceremony that morning.

“Your uniform…it accentuates your figure.”

At the time, Cloud had been a bit put off by the compliment. He wanted to look badass in his new uniform, not curvy or whatever. Then Sephiroth had basically dragged him back to bed, making quick work of him as if it prove a point.

And, yeah. He had definitely proven some kind of point, but at the time Cloud thought that point had more to do with Sephiroth being insatiable than anything else—not that the uniform really did suit him.

Apparently Sephiroth hadn’t been wrong.

Cloud glanced around as he thought about his boyfriend, too aware that he was really the only person left that Cloud actually wanted to talk to before getting the hells out of here. He’d stayed for a respectable amount of time, probably.

Going home with Sephiroth sounded like a good idea.

It didn’t take long to feel his boyfriend’s eyes on him in the crowd, watching his every movement. Observant as always, he seemed to know Cloud was just about done with all this. A single look exchange acted as a conversation, and Cloud quickly found a way to excuse himself and head toward the back elevator.

A private one, reserved for First Class SOLDIERs.

Sephiroth was already there, and pulled Cloud inside with him without so much as a hello. To Cloud’s surprise though, he didn’t select the residential floor from the buttons.

“Where are we going?” he asked, smiling at his boyfriend’s serious expression. “Seph?”

“We are going to Human Resources.”

“Today?”

“Yes. I would very much like to kiss right now.”

Cloud snorted because wow Sephiroth was adorable sometimes. “We can’t just rush off to HR. They’re probably not even open! I don’t know if you noticed, but there’s kind of an event going on today.”

“Tomorrow, then. We will make our relationship known.”

“Seph…” Cloud gave him a look as he hit the residential floor button. “We agreed. We can tell HR tomorrow, but we’re not telling everyone else for six months.”

“I did not agree,” Sephiroth responded dryly.

“…You heard those SOLDIERs hitting on me, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Are you jealous?” Cloud asked, snickering when Sephiroth just gave him a look. Yep, adorable. “You stay at Gen’s and sleep in my bed nearly every night you’re in town. I’m basically covered in hickeys and bruises under this uniform. I’m yours, Seph.”

“It is not enough.”

“Seph…I love you,” he said, shrugging because what else did he need to say? Even this irrational, possessive side—Cloud loved it all. “You get hit on all the time, by the way. You don’t see me trying to mark you up for show.”

Sephiroth leveled him with another look, and yeah. Maybe he had a point. His boyfriend was wearing a standard issue SOLDIER uniform rather than his typical jacket due to some poorly located scratch marks, but that was not entirely Cloud’s fault.

And it wasn’t like Cloud hadn’t been thoroughly punished for his little indiscretion either. He shuddered as he thought back to it, kind of wanting to see what else he could do to get that kind of reaction out of his boyfriend.  

“I thought they’d heal faster than that,” Cloud said in his own defense,

“Surface wounds do not trigger my body’s innate healing ability.”

“That might have been good to know a year ago,” Cloud responded, the air light between them as the bantering continued, “Plus, you were the one who didn’t tie my hands.”

“You said you would behave.”

“You know me better than that,” Cloud replied unapologetically.

Seriously, as much Sephiroth seemed to get off on calling him a good boy, he could not sit still when Sephiroth was touching him in certain ways. Most the time, at least. That made it only logical to assume that Sephiroth knew Cloud would do something, and he had allowed it because he thoroughly enjoyed spanking Cloud’s bare ass.

It had been a win-win situation overall, since Cloud had enjoyed it just as thoroughly.

Cloud quickly added, “You hate that jacket anyway. And to be honest, you look kinda hot in a regular uniform.”

“Do I?”

Cloud looked him up and down, swallowing hard when his gaze met Sephiroth’s once more. “Yep, confirmed. It’d only be better if you put your hair up.”

“I will take that under advisement.”

“I bet it’s easier to get out of, too.”

“We will find out shortly.”

Cloud had no objections to that, figuring they may as well enjoy the short lull they’d have before things got hectic again. Sephiroth would be as busy as ever, but Cloud would have to wait for his scheduled mako injection before things picked up again. It was still a full two weeks away, and then he’d have some time off after while he adjusted.

In the meantime, he was casually moving back in with Sephiroth.

“You’re off the hook for the whole mentor thing still, right?” Cloud double checked.

“Yes. Lazard determined that allowing mentees to reside with their mentors was causing preventable issues,” Sephiroth explained. “All mentees will live in the dorms moving forward.”

“Seriously? We really were the test group, huh?”

“Yes. In theory, it made sense—your time with Genesis, for example, benefited from your residency.”

If waking up at the ass crack of dawn and stumbling into the kitchen to cast spells counted as a benefit, sure. All the rumors about mentors and mentees fucking though? Probably a headache for Lazard—and it wasn’t just rumors about Sephiroth, either.

There were at least four others, aside from Luxiere. It was kind of crazy.

“Does that mean you are mentoring someone? Just not living together?”

Sephiroth frowned slightly. “Yes. I have negotiated it to be a single term arrangement.”

Half a year, then. Which meant the back half of every year, Sephiroth wouldn’t have the added responsibility. It still kind of sucked, but…it was a lot better, overall. They’d still draw in new cadets with the promise of time with Sephiroth, and Cloud could have his damn couch back.

“Okay.”

“You appear displeased.”

“I am, but it’s not your fault. I just want you to myself, that’s all.”

“I understand the feeling.”

“You know, I’ve been wondering…” Cloud trailed off, only continuing when Sephiroth grabbed his hand right there in the elevator and gave it an encouraging squeeze. “Why didn’t you want to mentor me, really?”

“There were three considerations.”

“Okay. The first?”

“My attraction toward you,” Sephiroth said, almost looking apologetic as he Cloud’s eyes widened in surprise. “The moment I saw you in my apartment, I felt as if I had to have you.”

“That soon?”

“Yes. I was concerned with what may happen should we spend too much time together, particularly since you did not recall our past. I had not considered this an inevitability at the time.”

Inevitability. Cloud smiled, thinking to himself that it kind of had ended up feeling the way in the end. “Second?”

“I did not wish to be in a true position of power over you. That, and you appeared to have the desire to progress on your own. I saw little benefit in intervention.”

“You weren’t wrong,” Cloud agreed easily. Then he frowned a bit. “What was the third reason, then? Did you think I was a creepy stalker or something?”

“No,” Sephiroth responded, and then a long pause settled between them before he continued, “I mentored you as a child, in many ways. You grew bold as a result, and it led to your injury.”

“You…You didn’t help me because you were worried I’d get hurt again?”

“There are many who admire me—who would follow me into war,” Sephiroth explained, a deep frown etched onto his handsome features. “Not all survive, Cloud. Even victories can be filled with losses.”

“I’m still going to be a SOLDIER, Seph.”

“I am aware. I would prefer to have a separation between us in that regard. If you require assistance, I am here, but if you do not…Genesis is a competent mentor.”

“I get it,” Cloud said, nodding in agreement. A bit of a separation for work stuff made sense, even if it might not be so simple with Sephiroth being the only ‘general’ in the program. “That’s why you were willing to kick me out, huh? When you found out how Zack got me in?”

“Yes. I had not intended it to be malicious, but if you were not prepared…if you were injured as a result of his decision, and I had been privy to that information,” Sephiroth said, shaking his head. “I would not have forgiven myself.”

“Well, thanks for letting me stay. And for not mentoring me.”

“You are welcome, Cloud.”

It was Cloud’s turn to squeeze Sephiroth’s hand, and just in time for  his boyfriend to pull it back. The elevator doors swung open a moment later, and they headed right to Sephiroth’s apartment. To Cloud’s dismay, that friggin’ cadet was waiting outside of the place, glancing between them with wide eyes.

“You,” he said, staring at Cloud with confusion.

“May I help you?” Sephiroth asked, polite as ever.

“I just need a minute. We made a lot of progress this last year,” he started, sounding eager and excited in a way Cloud hadn’t heard before. “If I could keep working with you—”

“Our mentorship was a one-year arrangement. My next mentee has already been selected.”

“Why’re you helping him then?” the cadet asked, gesturing toward Cloud. “Your mentorship ended a year ago.”

“I am not helping him,” Sephiroth responded simply. “Cloud is a friend, and comrade now.”

“…Friend?”

Cloud bit back his reaction to this dude’s skepticism, instead letting Sephiroth do his thing. His boyfriend took no shit, really---he was a bit awkward sometimes, yeah, but when it came to his Silver General work mode, he had his approach down to a science.

Concise and to the point, leaving no room for argument.

This would work out for the best, anyway. If they were going to go public with their relationship in a few months, it wouldn’t hurt to lay the groundwork. To make it known they were ‘friends’ now so there would be no surprises later.

Sephiroth really was an intimidating guy when he wanted to be…Cloud watched with masked amusement as the other cadet apologized and retreated, taking the time to check his boyfriend out again. Even without the signature leather straps and pauldrons, it was like Sephiroth’s sheer presence alone was enough to do the trick.

“You’re kinda sexy when you’re in the no-bullshit zone,” Cloud said, only half joking.

He didn’t miss the barely-there smirk that Sephiroth tried to conceal at his words, but he let it go when there was no vocal response, instead following his boyfriend inside the apartment a bit eagerly.

Even after spending a year in Genesis’ apartment, walking back into Sephiroth’s felt like coming home.

“I apologize for Eric’s behavior,” Sephiroth said once they were safely inside. “I do not believe he means us any harm.”

“Who?” Cloud asked, blinking in confusion.

“Eric,” Sephiroth repeated, raising a brow when Cloud showed no signs of recognition. “Cadet Eric Franklin. My former mentee.”

“Oh. Was that his name?”

“You have complained about him periodically for most of the year, and you didn’t know his name?”

And, okay. Cloud knew it was kind of rude and petty that he hadn’t learned that cadet’s name, but it had also been necessary for his own sanity. Putting a name to that guy would have taken Cloud’s irrational jealousy and brooding to the next level, and there just hadn’t been time for that shit.

Not when he was studying constantly, trying to make sure he passed all his classes.

Cloud shrugged apologetically when Sephiroth’s stare didn’t relent. “I didn’t have time to learn anything that wasn’t strictly relevant.”

“And my affection for you—was that strictly relevant?”

“Yep. I don’t think I would’ve made it without that,” Cloud confirmed with a grin. “I don’t have time for any more drama, that’s all.”

“Nor do I,” Sephiroth agreed, pulling Cloud close. He stared down with adoration in his eyes, like nothing else mattered right now other than the fact they could actually be together. “Shall we continue our conversation from this morning?”

“Which part?”

“You were curious if I could still prompt a cast from you,” Sephiroth responded, carding a hand through the blond’s hair. “I suspect the answer is yes, so long as you allow it.”

Hm. He had been curious about that. Ever since he’d worked out his little casting dilemma, he had really assumed control of Sephiroth’s cells like they were a part of him. It was like Sephiroth was locked out of that room in Cloud’s mind, unable to access what was once his own power despite being able to feel it pulsing behind the door.

They’d had a very long talk though, about a certain conversation they’d had in bed early on in their relationship. About how it might feel if Sephiroth pulled a spell from Cloud in the right moment—what sensations it might provoke.

Knowing how well Sephiroth understood is body and his reactions now, Cloud had no doubt he would enjoy it.

“We should try,” Cloud decided without hesitation.

“You would allow me to control even this aspect of you, knowing what it might mean?”

“Seph…” Cloud gave him an unimpressed look. “I trust you.”

“I am willing, then.”

Cloud gave a nod, able to filter through with a practiced ease now that he had a lot more experience with this skill. It only took a moment before he was giving Sephiroth the go ahead, and another moment before a magic barrier was brought to the surface of his body. One that Cloud had definitely not cast on his own.

It tingled, from head to toe.

“Were my eyes green?”

“Yes,” Sephiroth said, looking a bit fascinated by it—he’d never actually seen it in person now that Cloud thought about it. “You felt the cast?”

“Yeah. I kinda liked it.”

“We will try then, when you are willing.”

“Okay. Maybe tonight.”

There wasn’t time now—not when they had to go over to Genesis’ for their dinner party in a little bit. That didn’t matter though. Cloud linked their fingers together, guiding Sephiroth to the couch and taking a seat. It had been an exhausting morning, despite all the excitement.

Crowds like that, and the endless pleasantries…definitely not his thing.

Thankfully Sephiroth understood completely, and he didn’t say a word about it. He just put an arm around Cloud when the blond slumped into him, enjoying the closeness that they always seemed to share. It was so, so relaxing being able to understand each other on this level without needing to put it all into words every time.

Sometimes a well-timed silence said I love you louder than the actual words.

The barrier his boyfriend had cast—it still surrounded him as they sat together, almost like a hug. It wasn’t dissimilar to the sense of safety and security he always felt with Sephiroth, now that he thought about it. Their ability to make each other feel like this…

Maybe that was the real magic between them.