Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The Dads of SOLDIER

Dadesis: I am not a dad, who added me to this? A daddy, maybe 😘, a dad, no.

Momgeal: Why am I "mom"geal?

Dadiroth: I have no offspring and my father was a poor role model, I'm not sure I fit any of the requirements for this group.

Dadesis: if it was a daddy group you would 😏😏😏

Momgeal: 🤦

Dadesis: mmm, yeah, I did NOT forget about you @Momgeal 😉😉😉

Dadsel: lol

Dadrector Lizard: Zackaronius Clementine Fair, if I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times to STOP CALLING ME DIRECTOR LIZARD.

Dadz: that's not my name and I didn't! *Dadrector* Lizard 🦎!

Dadz: anyway, has anyone seen Cloudy?

Dadsel is offline.

Momgeal is typing…

Dadiroth is typing…

Dadesis is offline.

Dadrector Lizard is typing…

Dadrector Lizard: Zack. Explain.

Dadiroth: Where is Cloud?

Momgeal: Zachariah McRudolph Justice Fair, what do you mean, "has anyone seen Cloudy"?

Dadz: I mean I kinda don't know where he is? and was hoping he was with you? @Dadsel @Dadesis hbu?

Dadrector Lizard: When did you lose him? Where are you? @Dadsel, any leads?

Momgeal: ^

Dadiroth is offline.

Dadz: I'm near the playground he likes, you know the one with the slide with the weird bear head? I turned around for a second to help this little girl who was had gum on her shoe and he just disappeared! I don't know what to do I've been looking everywhere and asking everyone but no ones seen him and that was 15 min ago and he's prolly fine but I'm also rly worried and I thought he would have popped out wanting to play Stamp games if I got out my phone so I took my time texting you to lure him out and hE ISN'T LURED.

Momgeal: ok, calm down, Seph's on his way. I'll make some calls and you stay at the playground in case he shows up.

Dadrector Lizard: I just got off the phone with Tseng, they're on the lookout, and since Kunsel's been quiet, I'm sure he's working on it too. Check up on top of things, you know he's a climber, but stay at the playground.

Dadz: jwieynd

Momgeal: Zack? Are you ok?

Dadsel is online.

Dadsel: got him. @Dadrector Lizard you can call off the Turks @Momgeal please call Sephiroth, his phone will only ring for you @Dadz go with Genesis.

Momgeal: Got it. But is Zack ok?

Dadz: y just surprised by Gen g2g otw to pick up Cloudy

Dadz is offline.

-------------------

Cloud was a good boy and tried his best to listen to "big bro Zack". He was so cool. He could throw Cloud up, like, above a building if he wanted! Mr. Beargeal didn't like that though, and it made Cloud's tummy hurt sometimes. He looked up to check on Zack before going down the slide again and WOW!

There was two whole chocobos right by the street! Cloud zipped down the slide at lightning speed and launched towards the new friends. Chocobos are so fast, just like Cloud and Zack and Mr. Kitty and Mr. Gem! Nyoom!

"Wark!" One of them called, and the other turned to look at him. At Cloud! They already knew he was there to see them and be best friends!

"Kweh? Wark! Wark wark, wark kweh wark kwehkweh kweh?"

Both birds bent down to nuzzle him, checking him over like mother hens. Cloud giggled and pet them in return, then hugged the smaller one's beak.

Suddenly, he felt the ground slip from under him and he was plopped on the big one's back! He squeaked a little in surprise, then delight, and hugged the feathered neck in front of him, almost completely disappearing between the pack it was carrying and the feathers. The birds continued to coo over him and pick through his hair, looking for bugs or something.

It was impossible to hear over their fussing, so he missed Zack calling for him, and he was so engrossed in his new friends that he didn't notice when the pair walked away from the playground until one tug on his hair was a little too sharp and he yelped, looking up…then around…then behind them…and found himself utterly lost.

Cloud was a brave boy. Sometimes he didn't ask Zack to turn on the nightlight, or even Mr. Kitty to check the closet for bad guys.

But like Mr. Beargeal said, courage isn't not being scared, it's doing the right thing when you are afraid, even though it's scary!

So even when he started crying, Cloud didn't give up. He wiped his face in his chocofriend's feathers, then, still whimpering and crying, looked around again.

He still didn't recognize anything or anyone, and began to hiccup little sobs when a light flower scent crossed his nose.

"Hi there," a lady said, talking to the chocobo next to him. "You look lost. My name is Aerith. I see you have two friends with you, may I say hi to them?"

The chocobo understood her, nodded, and moved out of the way so she could see the big chocobo and Cloud better.

"Lovely to meet you two big chocobos. I don't see your grown-up human with you, were you trying to take this young one home?"

This time, both chocobos nodded into her gentle petting hands.

"Hmm, that is very kind. But I think this friend's family is looking for him, and you've lost your human too! I'd like to help if I can." She kept petting the big birds, but turned to Cloud, who had tried to wipe the snot off again and was wrangling his hiccups as best he could. "You probably heard me say my name, didn't you?"

Cloud nodded.

"Aerith"

"That's right! What's your name?"

"*Snrrk* Cloud. Do you know where my Zack is?"

"Not exactly, but we're right in front of my church, and if we sit here on the front steps, I'll bet you 6 flowers your family will show up soon to get you."

Cloud narrowed his eyes.

"Geal said not to make bets because then GenGen will take my candy."

"That's actually very wise. How about instead, you help me pick out one flower for each of your family members, and by the time we're done, we'll be ready for them to pick you up?"

"Ok," agreed Cloud. "Mr. Kitty says helping people is good, so that's ok."

With the help of his feathered friends he wriggled down and they all sat on the stoop to choose flowers from the basket on Aerith's arm.

Right as Cloud finished picking the 6th one, a shadow fell over him, then he was swooped up into a cave of silver.

"MR. KITTY!" he shouted, squeezing the neck in front of him like his life depended on it.

"Cloud," rumbled Mr. Kitty. "Are you alright? Any injuries?"

"Hehehe Mr. Kitty, your hair tickles. M'alright, no injuries to report. Did you meet my friend Aerith? She finded me when I couldn't find Zack. Where's Zack? Is he lost? Are you lost? I picked you a flower so when I was done I wouldn't be lost!"

"Hi! I'm Aerith. Cloud's been helping me after this pair of chocobos tried to take him home."

Puzzlement, then understanding crossed Sephiroth's brow, before he nodded deeply, almost bowing.

"Thank you, Aerith. We were very concerned about Cloud."

"Mr. Kitty, let me down, I gotta get your flower." Cloud squirmed, but not too much, Mr. Kitty smelled like home and safety and Not Being Lost. Sephiroth relented and introduced himself to Aerith, keeping one eye and one hand on his slippery little chocochick the whole time. He had just been adorned with a hand-selected bloom when Genesis and Zack ran up in a flurry of concern.

Cloud burst out crying when he saw Zack, inconsolable with relief until he got his hugs. Zack cried too, only passing him off to Gen after demanding and receiving many promises of never running off like that again (though, to be fair, Cloud had been choconapped).

They all made it home eventually, and Mr. Beargeal, Mr. Lizard, and Uncle Kuns got their flowers and hugs too, and Cloud fell asleep in Zack's arms, worn completely out.

Zack fell asleep on the couch, hugging his Cloudy, and they both had to be hauled off to Cloud's little racecar bed. Zack would wake up cramped and sore, but no one could pry him off the baby without waking them.

Not that Sephiroth, Genesis, or Angeal could tear themselves away either.

--------------

Dadsel is online.

Dadsel changed their name to "Kuncle".

Kuncle is offline.

Dadrector Lizard: you're all still on duty tomorrow.

Dadrector Lizard: close chat

Dadrector Lizard: end

Dadrector Lizard: exit

Dadrector Lizard: change name

Dadrector Lizard: how to change name in group chat

Dadrector Lizard: quit

Dadrector Lizard: close

Dadrector Lizard: how to exit group chat

Kuncle is online.

Kuncle removed Dadrector Lizard from The Dads of SOLDIER.

Kuncle: he's more of a grandpa anyway

Kuncle changed the group name to "Coolest uncle ever (and dads)".

Kuncle changed Dadz's name to "StampTheDad".

Kuncle changed Dadiroth's name to "Sephikitty".

CissnAunty joined the chat.

CissnAunty: by the time you get this, we'll be all set up, click HERE for the link to Cloudy's geolocation data. I told them we shoulda done this sooner, dumb butts.

Dadesis is online.

Dadesis: the moment I suspect any of you are tracking my baby to do harm, you all will be roasted harder than any failed thanksgiving TURKey ever has been, and I know you know about Zack's little dragonsgiving incident.

Dadesis is offline.

Sephikitty is online.

Momgeal is online.

Sephikitty: ^

Momgeal: ^

Momgeal: But thank you for your thoughtfulness. But ^.

Sephikitty is offline.

Momgeal is offline.

CissnAunty: as if I wouldn't murder them first, but roger that, boyos! Sleep tight!

CissnAunty is offline.

Chapter Text

ZackAttack: Hey, um, Angeal?

Ange(a)l: Yes, Zack?

ZackAttack: If you were to, say, find a baby, um, chocobo crying in the desert without a parent around and decided to bring it home and it turned out to be superpowered and was now hiding in the vents, how would you, hypothetically, lure it out? And make it stop crying?

Ange(a)l: …

ZackAttack: also, what would you feed it?

Ange(a)l: …

ZackAttack: and, um, how would you do all of that with a broken hand? Hypothetically.

Ange(a)l: …

ZackAttack: …that's got the bone sticking out?

Ange(a)l: Gen, Seph, and I are on the way, try to keep pressure on any bleeding and if you can, turn on some calm music. Birds like music, and that always helps Gen when he's in a sulk.

ZackAttack: ok, thanks! Hypothetically. Um, maybe a little less than hypothetically on that hand.

—--

Angeal had started walking at the first "um", and collected Genesis and Sephiroth from their spar after the broken hand comment. 

—--

Momgeal: @here doc will be able to set it and Gen can do some targeted casts later to help healing further. Any luck with the chocobo?

Sephiroth: about that…

Genesis: It's not a chocobo. Your puppy brought home what my scan tells me is a HUMAN CHILD. And no, we have not fished it out of the vents yet.

PupEZ: heiejbwh

Genesis: What was that, Puppy? You have a good explanation for kidnapping a child?

PupEZ: chocochocococo

Momgeal: He's a little loopy from the blood loss, painkillers, and typing with one hand. Which I have questions about, because we had a mostly coherent text conversation not 30 minutes ago.

PupEZ: good at txtin one hands. Choco ok? Where?

Momgeal: Put the PHS down, Zackary. @Genesis did you try music?

Genesis: Yes, and it calmed down a little, but won't come out. I'm mixing up some fresh juice for it, maybe that will help.

PupEZ: SEPHIPUR PURR kitty 4 chocobobobo

Momgeal: @Sephiroth, Zack's suggesting you do that rumbling thing. Go ahead and try, it can't hurt.

Sephiroth: ok

—--

Back at Zack's apartment, Sephiroth knelt next to the vent that sounded closest to the sad little chirps and wark-ing hiccups that were echoing around. Truly heartbreaking, but better than the wailing that had been going on.

He ignored how the cover looked like it had been bodily torn from the wall and bent down to look into the little tunnel before starting a low purr in time with the calming music Genesis had set up.

—---

Cloud sat curled up in his little cave, rocking back and forth and whimpering, burying his face in his knobbly knees. He had hurt Mr. Zack Fair with the Hair! And now he was gone and there were just two big humans he could hear trying to get him to come out.

They probably wanted to throw him away for hurting Mr. Zack Fair with the Hair. He didn't mean to! But he had and there was BLOOD and now the men were playing music and talking about genfish and sephghetti and Cloud didn't understand but it was probably BAD because he was BAD because he hurt Mr. Zack Fair with the Hair!

He was about to start crying harder when he heard something odd. Like a purr or momma when it was time to sleep. He uncurled a little to listen better.

It really did sound like a purr. Was there a cat friend in here? Or momma? It didn't sound quite like either, so he shuffled around and crawled stealthily closer, then gathered his courage and  peered around the corner.

"Kitty?!"

Two green, slitted eyes stared back at him unblinkingly, and the purring intensified.

"Kitty?" he asked again, hesitantly.

"I do have feline eyes," replied what was now clearly a catman. "Hello. My name is Sephiroth. What is yours?"

"Cwoud."

"Nice to meet you, Cwoud. My friend Genesis is making juice, would you like some?"

Cloud almost nodded, but stopped himself. He had an important question to ask first.

"Zack?"

"He's at the doctor's right now."

Cloud whimpered and started to retreat.

"But he's going to come back soon. He's strong, a little break won't stop him," Sephiroth soothed. The chococrest popped back into view.

"Mr. Zack okweh?"

"Yes, Zack is ok."

"Sephikitty mad?"

"Sephikitty? Oh, me. No, I'm not mad. Would you like a hug? I understand that children…" suddenly, Sephiroth found himself with a faceful of slightly soggy choco-child. He started purring again and shifted the little 'Cwoud' to a better hold, pulling it out of the vent entirely, but letting it hide in his hair.

*Click*

—----

Genesis sent an attachment.

Genesis: I'm sorry for doubting you @PupEZ. That is actually a chocobo. Why is it so spiky?!

Momgeal: Good job @Sephiroth @Genesis. We'll be there soon.

PupEZ: toldjaa chocobobobo. Coko ok?

Genesis: Yes, it started crying again, but at least it's out. I still require explanations.

PupEZ: koko!

—----

Angeal guided Zack in the door and to the couch, prompting Sephiroth and Genesis to emerge from the kitchen with a spiky little fluffball still clinging to Sephiroth.

"ZACK!" it suddenly yelled and launched itself from Sephiroth's arms, startling everyone but Zack. It wasn't easy for the average grown man to escape Sephiroth, much less a toddler.. "Mr. Zack ok? Mr. Zack Fair with the Hair? Cwoud sorry! Cwoud didn't mean to hurt Mr. Zack!" It babbled and sobbed, now stuck like a limpet onto Zack's shins, moist face rubbing into his dusty pants.

"I'm ok, little chocochick, I'm ok! It's not your fault and it's almost all better now, see? Hehe so soft," Zack reassured him, petting his little head. "Come up here!" He bent down to pick up the floof, but was stopped by Angeal, who did it for him. 'Cwoud' didn't notice, just snuggled into Zack, carefully avoiding his injured hand.

"See Cwoud? I told you Zack was strong," Sephiroth smiled.

"Not Cwoud, CWOUD! Zack's super strong!" Cloud announced. "Sephikitty was right!"

Zack snorted.

"What did you call him?"

"Sephikitty! He has fee wine eyes," Cloud solemnly educated his new friend.

—---

Eventually, after Genesis and Zack stopped cracking up at "Sephikitty" and they'd figured out Cloud was actually a little boy named "Cloud", they all settled in for dinner.

During dinner, Zack told them how he'd been out clearing the road to Midgar of monsters when he heard Cloud crying. There was nobody else around for miles, just the chocoboy in baggy little cargo pants and a tank top, almost like a SOLDIER uniform.

The break had happened when Zack had told Cloud to hold his hand tight and found out the hard way that their new baby was a great listener and WAY stronger than any toddler should be. It got worse when Zack "hold my beer" Fair got home and noticed the bone was actually in two pieces, and tried to reset it. By himself.

All the questions about where he came from or why he was so strong would have to wait, but they all agreed to keep their new pal a secret from the Science department.

The night drew to a close with Zack snuggled up to his new buddy, one set of big snores to accompany a set of little ones, Angeal out on the couch, and Genesis and Sephiroth retiring to their own places.

—-----

Genesis is online.

Genesis changed Sephiroth's name to 'Sephikitty'.

Genesis is offline.

Chapter Text

Cloud's favorite show was about Stamp the dog and his friends. Mr. Gen said Mr. Zack looked just like Stamp. Cloud didn't see it. Mr. Gen was weird, but he made good juice.

This week Stamp kept running into Dr. Nefarious, who wanted to take him to the pound. It was scary, even though Stamp escaped every time. Mr. Beargeal agreed, since he usually was with Cloud when he watched the show, and the two of them practiced saying things to scare off bad guys like that, so Cloud felt prepared for today's adventure.

He was going to see Grandpa Lizard in his office for the first time! Everybody else was going to hunt monsters, so he and Grandpa Lizard got to have a sleepover with Uncle Kunsel. Cloud had packed everything he needed: his drawing supplies from GenGen, Stamp plushie from Zack, bear pajamas, and his kitty night light. (Beargeal packed things like socks and toofbrushes, which Cloud did NOT think were essential).

—--------

Momgeal added Director Lazard to the chat.

PupEZ changed Director Lazard's name to Dadrector Lizard.

Dadrector Lizard: Zohnathan Persephone Fair, if we did not so desperately need the reactors cleared, you would be scrubbing the VR rooms with a toofbrush.

Dadrector Lizard: I meant toothbrush. Cloud's a menace. Much like his father.

Momgeal: Haha, I'm afraid it's true. Thank you so much for taking care of him! Please text us with anything you need. Oh! Not sure I mentioned it, but he doesn't like fish, but seaweed is sometimes ok, and he'll eat fish if he's hungry, but since we'll be gone, it's probably better not to push the issue.

Sephikitty: Does he have his nightlight? The silver cat?

Genesis: He likes his apple juice freshly made, even if it's more like applesauce. He says it helps his digestion and brain, but don't give it to him just before bed.

Kuncle changed Genesis's name to 'Papa Hen'.

Kuncle changed Sephikitty's name to 'Sephomom'.

Kuncle: Gentlemen, the chocobo is in good hands. I have all his emergency contacts and a key to Zack's place if we forgot anything. And a frankly exhaustive list of his food preferences, not that I plan to worry about "picking the legs off of his crickets because they tickle" because I do not feed children bugs. Chill.

PupEZ: BUT MY BABY

Kuncle changed PupEZ's name to 'DramaMama'.

—-----

Finally. It had taken far too long to orchestrate a situation where all the Firsts were away, leaving the new specimen unguarded. Truly ridiculous that Sephiroth had tried to deny him access. If anyone should have access to an enhanced child, it should be Hojo; he's raised one before and knows much more about their physiology.

Absolutely absurd that anyone else would deem themselves qualified to handle such a rare creature.

Anyway, Hojo had created his opportunity and prepared well. As inefficient as it was, future endeavors would run more smoothly if he endeared himself to the subject. He grumbled under his breath and pressed the remote to let the monster loose near the SOLDIER floor.

As expected, it worked perfectly, and the specimen was left unattended in the canteen. Brilliant, like himself. Hojo approached.

"Hello, child," he began. "What is your name?"

Hojo was not prepared for the look of intense suspicion that followed.

"Cwoud. Who're you?"

"I am a professor. I know your caretaker, Sephiroth, and he sent me to pick you up during this emergency. Come along now."

The suspicion only increased.

"Grandpa Wizard said to stay here. I don't know you. Mr. Sephikitty says don't go to a second wocation."

Hojo sighed.

"Well, Sephiroth told me after the director talked to you and said it was fine. Besides, I have treats in my lab; you may have some if you're good."

"Beargeal says no tweats before dinner. You're being weird. I don't wike that. Pwease go away."

"It's not weird, it's for your own good, now come along or I'll have to tell Sephiroth you're being a bad boy."

"No!"

Hojo, growing angrier by the second, decided on a more direct method, and pulled out a syringe.

"NO! NO SHOTS! STRANGER DANGER! BAD TOUCH! FIRE!!!"

The thing was screaming now, and Hojo, unwilling to risk wasting any more time, lunged to inject him.

Only to meet an enhanced kick to the shin and an earful of siren-volume screeching. SNAP! Well. He'd broken enough of his specimens' bones to identify that sound.

—-----

The shot had said it all. This guy was Dr. Nefarious in disguise, but since Cloud had practiced, he was ready. No way he was going to be taken to the pound. He kicked the creepy guy right in the leg and ran, just like Stamp said, yelling at the top of his lungs.

He barrelled out of the canteen and careened down the hallway in the direction Grandpa Lizard went, Stamp plush clutched to his chest. The evil doctor's screams added to his own noise, propelling him straight into Uncle Kunsel's arms.

"Cloudy! What on earth? Are you ok buddy?"

Cloud hiccuped a quick sob, but nodded and pointed back where he came from.

"Dr. Nefawious twied to twick me!" he panted, "but Grandpa Wizard said to *hic* stay, and I don't want to go to the *hic* pound, so I kicked him!"

Kunsel had already signaled a group of SOLDIERS to keep going towards the unholy shrieking behind Cloud, texted Lazard, and shot a message to Cissnei. Awfully convenient for there to be a monster on the SOLDIER floor when all Cloud's normal guardians were away, and that nasally howl could only belong to one person.

—--------

By the time the dads made it to Zack's apartment, Hojo made it to the med bay with 5 broken bones and more bruises than could be accounted for by a single kick to the shins, not that anyone cared.

The second the door opened, they were met with a yellow blur and an incoherent retelling of a brave battle between a learned (but scared) (but brave) chocochick and an evil doctor.

Eventually, Cloud wound up in Sephiroth's lap, still shaken up, clutching a handful of hair in one hand and Stamp in the other. Sephiroth turned him a little to make eye contact.

"Cloud."

"Yeah, Mr. Sephikitty?"

"I want you to know I am very, very proud of you. You handled that situation exceptionally well, especially when he tried to trick you by using my name. I will NEVER ask you to go with that man, and I am very pleased you were smart enough not to listen to him."

"Yeah, Cloudy, you did a great job, we're all proud," added Zack, with a gentle ruffle to Cloud's prodigious mane.

"Of course," agreed Genesis, patting his little knee. "That f—person and anyone like him deserve all the kicks to the shin in the world." Genesis' eyes added the promise of fireballs too, but it didn't need to be said out loud, partly because it would turn into a lot of cussing.

"Just like we practiced, right Cloud?" Angeal smiled as he pulled them all into a group hug with a golden center.

Chapter Text

There’s a weird trail of crumbs that ranges all over Zack’s apartment, including the bathroom, on top of bookcases, and under a fake plant, but not around or on top of it.

He shoves peanuts into Sephiroth’s mouth one by one whenever he thinks Seph needs to eat that evening, saying “peanut” each time, with a totally serious tone of voice.

Cookie Crop Circles - baked goods arranged in mysterious patterns on the big dining table in Angeal’s apartment.

A horrifying bowl of Every Cereal At The Same Time + chocolate milk.

Steadfastly refusing to eat eggs with a fork, only chopsticks allowed, to prove his mad skills.

Chapter Text

There’s a weird trail of crumbs that ranges all over Zack’s apartment, including the bathroom, on top of bookcases, and under a fake plant, but not around or on top of it.

(It was Zack trying to coax fairies and/or mice into specific areas so they could build nice homes: under the sink is close to a water source, but cozy, on top of the bookcases would make a for a nice lookout point, and under the plant would make it easier to build a dirt cave. Not that the plant has dirt; it’s fake. Kunsel helped. Cloud was at Angeal’s for the night, and Zack wanted to surprise him with new friends.)

He shoves peanuts into Sephiroth’s mouth one by one whenever he thinks Seph needs to eat that evening, saying “peanut” each time, with a totally serious tone of voice.

(Genesis, because as sassy and ridiculous as he is, he truly, deeply cares, and knows Seph needs a little extra snackage sometimes)

Cookie Crop Circles - baked goods arranged in mysterious patterns on the big dining table in Angeal’s apartment.

(Sephiroth, who was trying to set up a lesson for Cloud about cell structures and/or astronomy and/or hair care when he next stayed with Seph. Cookies supplied by Angeal. Seph wasn’t really drunk--very hard to achieve with his level of enhancements--but he did get into some catnip tea, which he was oddly more sensitive to...)

A horrifying bowl of Every Cereal At The Same Time + chocolate milk.

(Angeal. He was hungry, ok? And sometimes a guy needs to put down the high-fiber oat flakes and have some Lucky Charms. Or have both. At the same time.)

Steadfastly refusing to eat eggs with a fork, only chopsticks allowed, to prove his mad skills.

(Cloud – he got a new set of chopsticks from Uncle Tseng and really really REALLY needed to learn how to use them RIGHT NOW on whatever was in front of him, which was scrambled eggs.)

Chapter Text

"You have good insulation,” patting Angeal’s tummy. “Stay warm in winter. Good for hugs too.” *Gives hugs*

Lazard: Seems like someone needs a nap.
Complimenter: *looks at Genesis for a minute, then nods knowingly*

“Zack is way more cleaner than a dog; he bathes every week!”

“You sound just like a normal person, Sephikitty!”

“Do you keep the helmet on because you have bad hair? It’s ok, so does ‘Geal sometimes.”

Chapter Text

"You have good insulation,” patting Angeal’s tummy. “Stay warm in winter. Good for hugs too.” *Gives hugs*

(Sephiroth, during his catnip tea adventure.)

Lazard: Seems like someone needs a nap.
Complimenter: *looks at Genesis for a minute, then nods knowingly*

(Cloud. Lazard was talking about Cloud, but honestly, Genesis also needed to be put down for a nap, so Baby Cloud wasn't wrong.)

“Zack is way more cleaner than a dog; he bathes every week!”

(Angeal when Genesis calls Zack a dirty puppy after Zack, covered in monster guts, glomped him. Angeal meant that Zack takes a long bath every week to relax and really let the nice scents soak in, though he takes showers regularly as well.)

“You sound just like a normal person, Sephikitty!”

(Zack, praising Sephiroth for correctly using slang, something he’d been practicing really hard. Sephiroth was proud of the compliment.)

“Do you keep the helmet on because you have bad hair? It’s ok, so does ‘Geal sometimes.”

(Genesis, totally sincerely and drunk-whispering, while petting Kunsel’s helmeted head.)

Chapter Text

GenGen had been really grumpy lately. Never mean to Cloud, but Cloud could tell something was wrong. He was too tired to play, and always wanted it to be quiet, would snap at his other dads, and the others would look at each other funny when GenGen wasn't looking.

Today especially. Cloud heard the door open and recognized GenGen's scent: apple shampoo, leather, sweat, and something else. The something else had been growing stronger lately and Cloud didn't like it AT ALL, but couldn't explain why. And he definitely didn't like the new smell that mingled in just now: blood.

Cloud picked up the drawing he'd been working on and tottered around the couch to greet him as quietly as he could.

"GenGen!"

"Oh. Hi baby bird," GenGen replied, leaning heavily against the wall as he kicked off a boot.

"I made you this!" Cloud held out the drawing: a big red blob with a smaller yellow blob, each shooting fire from what could generously be described as their arms.

"Thank you, sweetheart," GenGen slumped more than kneeled to get on Cloud's level and took the paper. "You and me practicing with materia?"

"Uh-huh!"

"I really like the flames, they're so vibrant." Gen reached out to hug Cloud, but suddenly winced and let out a small cry. "Aagh!"

"GenGen?" The blood smell was stronger now and Cloud was getting worried. "Zack!"

Zack appeared as Genesis paled, sweat glistening on his brow and good hand clutching his shoulder.

"Cloud? Gen! What's wrong?"

"NOTHING, Zackary. I'm FINE." Genesis spit out. Zack's expression hardened a bit.

"Are you, Gen?" He asked, pointedly looking at Cloud, who was now patting Genesis' face, a little hesitant after his outburst.

"GenGen's arm smells like blood," said Cloud, and Genesis sighed.

"Just a little cut chickadee, no need to worry."

"No. You have to get someone to look at your owies, Mr. GenGen. Make it better and so you don't get an affection."

"Infection, sweetheart."

"Speaking of…" Zack knelt next to them and felt Genesis' forehead. Hot and clammy. "You've got a fever, come on, let's get you on the couch and take a look," Zack said, and as Genesis started to protest, he raised an eyebrow and continued, "like Cloud said. We have to be patient and get our owies looked at."

Genesis wasn't weak to kittens or puppies or other people's babies, but he was an absolute sucker for the big blue eyes swimming in unshed tears that came from his little chocobo.

"Fine, Puppy, you can help me get this coat off."

Zack hopped to it, helping Genesis ease his wounded arm out, then walking him over to the couch. The wound was nasty; once Genesis had shed his shirt, the Other Smell filled the living room, mixing cloyingly with the blood scent. Cloud wrinkled his nose, but did his best to fetch and carry and watch as Zack tried to clean it and cast cure.

It didn't work.

"You think I didn't try that?" Genesis hissed as it was jostled. "I'll have Hollander look at it tomorrow, just need some rest."

Zack frowned. Hollander wasn't Hojo, but there was no love lost between him and his "patients". Not knowing what else to do, he decided to work with what Gen gave him and text Angeal on the sly. Maybe he knew more.

"Ok, but if it gets worse, I'm getting Momgeal to haul you in sooner. Why don't you have some water then take a nap with Cloudy, it's about time for his nap anyway. I'm sure he wouldn't mind the company, would you, Little Spike?"

"Nope! GenGen can nap with me!" Cloud beamed and patted Genesis' arm. Genesis melted a little and soon enough, the pair was snoozing away.

—----

ZackAttack: Ang, something's up with Gen, like, other than his weird mood he's been in. Did you know about his infected shoulder?

Ange(a)l: It's infected?! Already?! He got that sparring this morning! I thought he'd cast cure on it, he said he would and that it was fine.

ZackAttack: he said he'd tried, and I did too, but it has, like, zero effect. He didn't want to go to medical, said he'd see Hollander tomorrow, but idk Geal, he's got a fever and passed out on the couch with Cloudy.

Ange(a)l: ok, something is definitely up. Maybe whatever's been bothering him made the wound worse somehow. I'll come over in an hour or so. He needs the rest, so don't bother him, but let me know right away if something changes.

ZackAttack: will do. See you soon.

Ange(a)l: see you 🐶

—-------

Cloud hated that smell. It followed him into his nightmares. He wanted to wash it off of GenGen, get it to go away for good, but he didn't know how.

"My son," a woman's voice hissed softly. "My son."

"Momma?" Cloud asked, wary and unsure.

"Mmm, much better than this waste," she continued.

Cloud couldn't see her, but could see GenGen. He looked way worse than before, black lines tracing his veins and pulsing with a green glow around the edges. The web spidered out from his heart and his shoulder, where black blood slowly oozed.

"GenGen?" Cloud called, and patted him. No response at all.

"Come closer, little son," continued the voice. "Leave that useless one and let me in."

Cloud shivered. That was NOT his momma. He barely remembered her voice, and her face was lost to him, but the warmth of her love and care for everyone around her was NOTHING like what he felt from the shadows suddenly creeping closer.

"No!" He stated firmly, shaking a little. "No! GenGen's not useless and you're being mean and I don't like you. Go away."

Cloud's tears started to fall, but he kept his wobbling lip firmly jutted out in a defiant pout.

"Son, son, don't you want a mother? Where's your mother? She left you. I can be your mother."

"NO! You are NOT my momma and you need to GO AWAY!"

Cloud's crying grew as he threw himself over his friend.

"Papa Gen is kind, like momma, and I love him, so LEAVE HIM ALONE!"

—-----

Zack was drying the last dish when he heard Cloud whimpering in his sleep, but he quickly set it down and hurried to the living room as it grew into sobs, only to see Cloud clinging tightly enough to bruise to Genesis' prone form, tears and snot leaking all over the bandage.

"...leavE HIM ALONE!" the baby shouted, loud enough to startle himself awake, completely disoriented, but still clinging to Gen. He locked eyes with Zack, and the waterfall of tears kicked up a notch.

"She *hic* wanted to hurt Papa *hic* Gen and she was SO MEAN *hic* and said she was my momma *hic* but she WASN'T and I HATE HER *hic* and she wouldn't leave Papa alone!" Cloud wailed. Zack rushed over and slowly pried him off of Genesis, rubbing his back and wiping his tears.

"Shh, Spikey it's ok, it's ok honey. She's gone now, it was just a dream. Gen's going to be ok, shh…"

But Gen was not ok, and a moment later started seizing. Zack leapt back to keep Cloud out of danger, set him down, and started counting and kept watch to make sure Gen didn't hurt himself.

Thankfully, the seizure was short, and as soon as it was over, Zack rolled his friend onto his side, picked Cloud back up, and called Angeal.

—------

Genesis woke to a pounding head and a soft, tiny hand stroking his cheek.

"Urghhh," he grunted. "Lil egg?"

"Papa Gen!"

"Genesis!"

"Gen!"

"How are you feeling, Gen?"

A chorus of voices greeted him and he groaned again, shutting his eyes.

"Headache," he mumbled. "And sh…" he paused, surprised that the hot agony in his shoulder had faded to a simple dull ache. He quickly took inventory of his body and found that the heaviness weighing down his every bone and muscle had lifted, replaced with aching and soreness as if he'd done a full workout--a much better feeling. "...actually fine. Better than normal. What happened?"

The SOLDIERS filled him in, smiling fondly when Cloud mentioned the scary woman in his dreams. They clearly thought it was nothing, but Genesis believed enough in the spirit realm to wonder what really happened; it rang way too true to be a simple dream or mere coincidence. But he filed that thought away for later, too busy consoling his chocochick and preening over being given such an auspicious title as "Papa Gen".

"You've never called me Papa before, little darling, why did you start?"

"Are you mad?" Cloud looked up hesitantly through his spikes.

"No, honey flower, not at all, I'm actually quite honored."

Cloud brightened up, then shrugged.

"Because you're Papa. I already had a momma. And I have Daddy Seph, Dad 'Geal, and Puppa Zack!"

If everyone weren't so busy cooing, melting into the floor, and having existential crises, they would have given Zack more grief for being a puppy, even to his son. Though that would absolutely come later.

Since Genesis' fever was gone and he looked (and felt) so much better, Angeal only dragged him to the regular clinic, then hauled him back for several days of sleepovers with their favorite chocochick and his dads on Zack's living room floor.

Chapter Text

Sephiroth was Not Pleased with this summons from Rufus Shinra. Nor was Lazard. Nor Angeal. Nobody was pleased, really, even Cloud, who didn’t get what was going on, but picked up on everyone’s disgruntled vibes.

“Alright Cloud, remember what we talked about? We’re going to meet Mr. Rufus, but you don’t have to be his friend or do what he says or help him. If he does or says something you don’t like and we’re not around, just tell us, like with anyone that makes you uncomfortable, Ok?” Angeal instructed his little chocobo.

Cloud nodded solemnly, thinking back to Hojo, and cringed.

Unable to delay any longer, Angeal straightened up and Big Spike (Zack) grabbed his Little Spike, ready to go. They had agreed that Zack would hold him and the others would stand guard. Not that they thought Rufus would do anything, but as a show of force and solidarity against whatever machinations the sneaky VP might think up.

They were eventually ushered into the big corner office and Rufus started up with some superficially polite, slightly mocking greeting to his half-brother and the SOLDIERs. But Cloud only had eyes for one being in the room.

“Doggy,” he whispered, then quick as a whip, shot out of Zack’s arms and over to Rufus’ tentacled guard beast. Zack shouted, ready to yank him back, but not wanting to set off the dog (?) and risk Cloud getting hurt. Everyone in the room tensed and stilled as Cloud held out his hand for it to sniff.

“Hello Doggy, I’m Cloud,” he announced, then giggled as it sniffed his palm. “Can I pet you?”

Then to everyone’s shock and awe, the thing nuzzled its head into the boy’s hand, sneezing once in blessing.

“Doggy!” Cloud squealed, now practically hugging the thing, its tentacle wagging fiercely up out of Cloud’s way, little noises like wet purrs rumbling from its chest.

Rufus’ jaw practically hit the floor, crafty monologue cut short mid-sentence. Lazard’s eyes just about bugged out of his head; that creature liked Lazard, and had almost bitten his hand off twice. Sephiroth, Genesis, and Angeal looked stunned, each halfway into a battle stance they had started to take the instant Cloud moved. Even Tseng, melting into the shadows, had his eyes slightly wider than normal, an expression that on most people would be described as “serene”, but on him was the equivalent of shrieking “WHAT ON EARTH?!”

Zack was the first to break the silence with a half-crazed, half-happy laugh, then Genesis slowly smirked.

“That’s my chocobo,” the Red General muttered, then huffed a little laugh himself.

“Make a new friend, little bird?”

“Yeah!” said Cloud, still giggling and now trying to avoid slobbery dog kisses.

The meeting was wholly derailed, and Rufus wasn’t able to get it back on track with whatever vaguely threatening and manipulative agenda he had outlined. All of his schemes were forgotten as he was jostled from his normal worldview and into the orbit of one spikey little chocochick.

Chapter Text

"BLACHOO!!! Aaaaa…" Cloudy's little wail trailed off quickly; he didn't want to complain, but he was so miserable. Angeal winced from where he was cooking–hearing his baby suffer from the flu was not his idea of a good time. And his back was aching. And he'd been tired for weeks. But it only seemed to be getting worse.

He was getting worn down. So old. Cloud deserved better than some decrepit old man whose back hurt. So did Zack. And Genesis. And Sephiroth. Angeal sighed, leaning against the counter and rubbing his temple. Great, now he had a headache too.

At least Gen had perked up. After that weird, infected wound had healed he'd been fit as a fiddle. So full of beans and life, unlike Old Man 'Geal over here. Gen had taken to terrorizing new recruits with such vigor that Angeal had had a steady stream of complaints running through his inbox.

At least Gen was being constructive too; he took recruits out constantly to clear out slum areas while dodging his fire attacks as "training exercises". Good thing Angeal wasn't a recruit, he wasn't sure he could handle all that anymore.

—

Sephiroth watched Angeal wince at the counter after Cloud's big sneeze. The pathetic wail tugged Sephiroth's heartstrings too. Which was odd. For so many years, Sephiroth scarcely believed he had a heart, beyond the literal muscle in his chest.

Angeal and Genesis had changed that belief, sparking life there bit by bit, and when Zack came along, he fanned the flames. Then little "Cwoud" peered around a corner in a vent and poured gasoline into the mix.

Sephiroth had never felt like this before. He was sure, if it came down to it, he'd be willing to burn the world down or summon a meteor on everything he'd known, just to keep Cloud safe. It was a frightening feeling, but he could no more help it than he could helpbreathing.

Sephiroth looked at Angeal again, unmoving from where he'd slumped against the counter, hand massaging his head. That was certainly odd. Angeal had been withering as Genesis revived, and now he was about to let eggs burn. Very odd.

"Angeal."

Angeal looked up, a pained twitch between his eyebrows.

"The eggs?"

"Oh. You're right, I'm sorry. Must have zoned out," Angeal replied, mechanically wrapping up his work before handing Sephiroth a plate and staring off into space again.

"It's no problem, you just seemed preoccupied. Do you have a plate for Cloud? I'll deliver it to him," Sephiroth asked.

"DAM…I…sorry, uh, here," Angeal frowned at himself for his forgetfulness, hastily assembled a plate for Cloud, and again returned to rubbing his temple.

Sephiroth frowned, but cleared his face and made good on his delivery promise before hastening back to the kitchen. No change.

Sephiroth didn't know what the right thing to say was, so he said what he was thinking.

"You look bad, Angeal. I'll sign you out so you can stay home today."

Angeal spluttered a bit, but Sephiroth soldiered on.

"I'll stay home too and do paperwork, so you can rest. It would be unwise to go into the office if you have a contagious illness."

Angeal sighed again and shrugged his shoulders.

"Fair enough," he muttered, and trudged off to sit with Cloud for a bit.

"Hey munchkin, are you feeling any better?" Angeal flopped next to his feverish little chocobo and smoothed his hair back.

"Noooooo SNRK," moaned Cloud, burrowing into Angeal's side. "Fanks for eggs. I did by best but I can't BREATHE *hic* SNRRK"

"Aw, sugar cookie, that's all I can ask for. Here, have a little sip of juice at least and see if you can take a nap, ok?"

"Ok," Cloud agreed, huffing and puffing and… "ha…ha…hAAABBCHOOOOOO!!!! Wahhaaaaa ACHOO!!! Waaaaaaa…"

A disgusting spray of little egg chunks, toxic flu snot, and juice suddenly covered Angeal, from his raised eyebrows, to his wide eyes, to his…oh no…open mouth…

"Urg," Angeal stammered, and without thinking, swallowed back a little retch. And some toddler snot. "Um, ok…Honey, we need to work on covering our mouths when we sneeze, but it's ok. Let's get cleaned up."

So they did, after which Angeal practically collapsed next to Cloud to 'just shut his eyes for a minute' while Cloud slept.

Sephiroth came to check on them a little while later and heard Cloud mumbling away in his sleep.

"You can't have Dadgeal either….no…you're a stupid octopus…MY Dadgeal…BLACHOO…"

Sephiroth allowed himself a little smile at the two of them cuddled up, Cloud spread out like a starfish across Angeal's chest in his yellowest chocobo onesie and Angeal snoring like a bear.

It was too much. He couldn't help himself. He leaned down to stroke Angeal's hair, then Cloud's, planting a little kiss on the still-warm forehead, then going for a little nose rub.

That was a mistake.

"BLACHOO!!!"

Angeal caught Cloud's flu and was down for almost a week, though when Cloud could breathe through his nose again (the next day, because kids are little germ monsters, but can bounce back extra quick once the parent needs them to be still for a little while), he claimed Angeal smelled better than usual. Angeal's recovery was thereafter slightly hampered (or enhanced) by the world's yellowest, heaviest cloud scrambling all over trying to help and asking for snuggles.

Sephiroth caught the flu for about a day too, which was impressive, considering all the mako swimming in his system that usually slaughtered pathogens on sight.

Genesis and Zack were exhausted by the end, the recruits were delighted by the reprieve from Genesis, Angeal came out feeling lighter than ever, and Sephiroth quietly treasured the day he spent wholly free of responsibilities and the lab and completely squashed by a toasty lump of cuddly toddler. Even if he was sneezing the whole time.

Chapter Text

https://archiveofourown.to/works/47430658/chapters/119971798

Chapter Text

It was a dark and stormy night. Genesis wanted cookies. But they were at Angeal's, and everyone had been banned from using Angeal's fancy stainless steel pans, and Genesis in particular had been banned from using his kitchen. You firaga a turkey one time …

Anyway, they couldn't go out with Cloudy–he might get swept away with his relatives as they raged in the sky (Genesis smirked at his pun)--and staying in would result in a horrific death by Angeal (for touching his kitchen) or no cookies. Wait! Cloud!

Genesis gathered all his acting skills and casually made his way over to where Cloud was drawing "schematics". Angeal was humming by the windows, tending to his rare plants and oblivious to everything else.

"Hey little chickadee, what are you working on?"

"Mmmm…swordocycle," Cloud mumbled, tongue stuck out as he concentrated.

"A swordocycle? A motorcycle-sword combination? Ambitious! What's the best part?"

GenGen always understood Cloud's drawings, he was cool like that.

"The swords can pop out and POW! Get monsters as you go past them!"

"I love it. Are you including any materia? Or special compartments for snacks or anything?"

"Mmm…maybe!"

"I get hungry on missions sometimes, it's always handy to have some protein bars or cookies on hand," Genesis mentioned casually.

"Cookies?" Cloud perked up. He was a big fan of cookies.

"Mmhm, they aren't the healthiest, but they're a good energy booster. I really like cookies. Do you?"

"GenGen. I like cookies a LOT," answered Cloud, very seriously. "Can I have cookies now?"

Genesis sucked in a breath through his teeth.

"I don't know, baby bird, I don't think we have any in the pantry, and you know I'm not allowed to make them. Sorry."

Cloud frowned, thinking hard.

"DADGEAL! He can make cookies! Dadgeal!" The young chocobo scampered off to Angeal, excitement rolling off him in waves of cuteness. The man never stood a chance.

However, Angeal had his suspicions, and Genesis was not allowed to partake until he'd promised to do the dishes.

—---

"Ha! I shall surpass you, Sephiroth! Your skills have nothing on mine, there are no dreams, no honor remains! You are naught but the dust beneath my bootheel, peasant! QUIXOTIC." Genesis slammed down his letter cards with a flourish.

Sephiroth scoffed.

"Bold statements coming from my second in command. I have studied far more than one poem; I know the sciences and I have only one thing to say to you. OXYPHENBUTAZONE!" Sephiroth crowed, placing a ludicrous number of letter cards down.

"YOU SAID YOU WERE OUT OF Z'S!!!"

"Seems to have been your mistake to ask a foolish question."

Enraged, Genesis leaped up, scattering cards and tokens alike.

"We had a PACT. A blood OATH…"

Then, right as things were about to take a violent turn at family game night (again), a set of disgruntled warks sounded.

"GenGen! You knocked over my village!"

Genesis froze in horror, and turned. It was true. Angeal glowered from his own destroyed village, Zack looked devastated at his, and Cloud was a mixture of the two. His lower lip stuck out as he stared through his fluffy spikes at the collapsed society he'd built, then at Genesis, then back again.

"Hah," scoffed Sephiroth. "Your hubris and y–"

"And Sephikitty, you provoloned him!"

"It's provoked, sweet pea," Angeal gently corrected, before glaring at the two again.

"You provo-cloned him, and now my sheeps are a mess!"

Sephiroth's own expression turned just as guilty as Genesis', and the two spent the rest of the night playing cooperative games ONLY, under strict supervision from Angeal. There may also have been some bribery to win back the chocobaby's favor, though his prices were steep and he demanded recompense for Zack and Angeal's destroyed villages as well. A just ruler.

—--

"Puppa Zack, can we…?"

"Yes."

—--

"I don't think we can swing a whole day off together over the holidays; it's standard policy to have a First on duty." Sephiroth said sadly.

"But it's Cloudy's first holiday with us! We have to have family time!" Zack whined.

"I'll try to ask Lazard, but don't get your hopes up."

"Wait a minute, I have an idea!"

Zack scampered into the bedroom and rustled around.

"Cloudy, come here a minute!"

Cloud obeyed, then emerged with Zack a few minutes later in a full wolf puppy onesie.

"It's dangerous to go alone, take this," he prompted, holding the chocopup out to Sephiroth.

Sephikitty's cat eyes suddenly gleamed with comprehension and not 15 minutes later, Lazard was left clutching his remaining dignity in his office and trying to figure out how to tell the board he'd been defeated by a toddler's big blue eyes.

(Turns out he didn't need to–Rufus invited himself and Dark Star over, and handled all the politics)

Chapter Text

Baby's first mission should have been to someplace closer, Genesis thought ruefully. He rubbed Cloud's back as the helicopter jerked and swayed.

Sephiroth and Zack looked (to an expert eye) to be on the verge of tears, and even the bottle redhead piloting had quieted down over time. It was supposed to be an extremely simple mission that would turn into a mini-vacation. Angeal had stayed behind as the token First at headquarters with the promise of going on the next trip, though with some (understandable) sadness.

Genesis didn't know if he'd had a premonition or was still recovering from the nightmare flu Cloud gave him, but regardless, Angeal had definitely been spared. Every single sick bag in the chopper, a used sandwich bag, and an unfortunate glove were each full of Cloud's misery. (Sephiroth learned the hard way that the thrill of success diminishes rapidly when your goal was to catch projectile vomit.)

Cloud hiccuped and whined, eyes squeezed shut and stomach (finally) empty.

"Pwease awmost there? Pwease Papa?"

Zack whimpered. Sephiroth almost flinched. And ok, maybe Genesis was getting close to crying as well, but nobody needed to know that.

"Turk, report," he snapped.

"Yo, almost there, little man, just 5 more minutes," Repo (or whatever) replied.

Genesis grunted acknowledgement and soothed his chick.

"See? Almost there, fledgling. You're doing so well. Hang in there."

Pepo was, fortunately, as good as his word and finally, FINALLY set the helicopter down in the field near the mansion. Genesis and Cloud were the first out, followed quickly by Sephiroth and Zack, who swarmed their exhausted chocobo immediately.

Pelo and Zack went off to town to scrounge up gossip and hopefully medication, and Sephiroth set about slaying monsters in the mansion to prepare it for their stay and to cool his head. Cloud passed out in Genesis' arms, who made use of the quiet to check in with Angeal.

Genesis didn't even notice how long everyone had been gone until Zack and Lelo were back, glorious medicine and supplies in hand.

"Where's Seph?" asked Zack, making grabby hands at his Little Spike. Genesis obliged; Cloud was passed all the way out and Puppy could use the cuddles.

"I suppose still clearing out the mansion, though I'd have thought he'd be done by now. I'll go check on him."

And check he did, the mansion was clear, and Sephiroth had, for some reason, been distracted in the library. Genesis shelved his curiosity though when Sephiroth followed him to set up some rooms and start dinner. All went well, and Zack, Cloud, and Rico joined them.

Cloud was grumpy after waking up, though his constitution had improved and he was able to have a simple porridge for dinner. With complaints of it "smelling funny here", he settled back down for the night and they all retired.

—---

Reno was a light sleeper, so he jolted awake the instant the kid got loud.

"NO! You can't have Daddy! NO! I HATE YOU! LEAVE DADDY ALONE!!!"

Reno sprang out of bed in an instant and burst into the suite the Firsts were sharing with their mini-me, ready for action. Fortunately, they were all up too, soothing junior after what had clearly been a nightmare.

Relieved, Reno offered a lazy salute and wandered back to bed. Weird, but not his problem, probably just the remnants of that motion sickness, poor kid. Seeing even Sephiroth covered in unmentionable baby fluids had been a sight to see, but the small fry was so miserable it wasn't worth it.

Not that Reno had a soft spot for kids. He was a lone bachelor wolf, and had needed to grow up way too fast to have any experience with normal kids. And this one wasn't even that cute. Or fluffy. Or adora…y'know, it was time to sleep now.

Chapter Text

Tifa knocked smartly on the mansion door, bright and early. The cool mountain morning air had her bouncing on the balls of her feet like a boxer, ready for a day of something different . And boy, did she get it.

A high-pitched voice yelled something behind the door, then a pitter patter of swift, light feet came up to it, ending in a little thud, then the door creaked open.

"Hi!" chirped a little chocobo with a wave.

Tifa froze.

"...Cloud?" She crouched down swiftly and reached a hand out, but didn't touch. "Cloudy, is that you?"

It was the chocochick's turn to freeze, confusion rippling across his chubby face. Suddenly, he clutched his head and let out a little cry of pain. A thunder of adult footsteps sounded behind him as Tifa remained where she was, not wanting to scare him, but desperately longing to sweep him up in her arms.

"Cloudy? Are you ok? Shh, it's ok, it's just me, T…"

Then, just as the door swung wider and Cloudy was engulfed by a pair of big, bare arms, he replied.

"Teefs!"

—--

PuppaZack sent an attachment.

PuppaZack: @Momgeal you will not belIEVE what just happened.

Momgeal: what? Who is that holding Cloud? Why does it look like he's been crying? Did he get sick again? Is that a doctor?! I thought it was just motion sickness!!!"

PuppaZack: dad chill

PuppaZack: it's fine

PuppaZack: she's the guide we hired to the reactor

Momgeal: * but why was my baby crying? *

PuppaZack: I'm getting to that! Anyways, she showed upt his morning when we were all finishing breakfast, which was fine, but not like you make it

Momgeal: Zack. Get to the point.

PuppaZack: so we were eating with Reno, nice guy by the way and she knocks on the door

Momgeal: @Sephikitty @Dadesis please

Dadesis: She did indeed knock on the door.

Momgeal: 😑

PuppaZack: and Lil Spike goes running over to answer it. We thought it was fine because monsters don't knock and what were they going to do lol and besides we knew she was coming

Momgeal: I know Gen is a jerk, but @Sephikitty, can you sum this up? Please?

PuppaZack: so anyway, Spiky opens the door and idk exactly what happened next, because I wasn't there, but it sounded like she said something to him, then he did his lil kweh of distress, you know how he does, like when he stubs his toe or bonks his head do we need to get him a helmet? He's bonked his head several times on tables and stuff.

Momgeal: is he ok?! Did he hit his head again?! Check for a concussion!

PuppaZack: no I don't think so, but he's had a headache on and off since Tifa got here. That's her name, it's Tifa, she's cool

Momgeal: acetaminophen should help, and you know he likes it when you massage the base of his neck

Dadesis: Funny you should mention that…

Dadesis sent an attachment.

Momgeal: ??? Did you tell her he liked that?

PuppaZack: no, she knew already

PuppaZack: because get this

PuppaZack: SHE KNOWS HIM 😲😲😲

PuppaZack: we think the headaches are because Cloudy was trying to remember, you know how he lost most of his memories before we got him and he wasn't able to tell us much besides that he has a mom

Momgeal: thank you, Zack, yes I do indeed remember that about MY BABY

Momgeal: also thank you @here for quickly telling me what was going on with MY BABY and why he was crying and if his HEAD WAS OK

Dadesis: Spicy Geal! We'll talk later 😘

Momgeal: 😑

PuppaZack: lol anyway, Cloudy knows her too, he remembered her name and stuff and they've been inseparable. Apparently she used to babysit him before he and his mom disappeared. No knowledge of where Momma Strife might be or if she's alive tho, poor baby. 🐣

Momgeal: Momma Strife? Is that Cloud's last name?

PuppaZack: yeah, pretty badass, right?! Cloud Strife 😎

Momgeal: I'm glad we found out. Tell Tifa thank you for watching over him. I'm sure Reno will interview her to see if she can tell us more, but it's a relief to know he had friends before he came to us. Cloud Strife.

Dadesis: We know you're crying, papa bear.

PuppaZack: ❤️🐻❤️

Dadesis: Don't worry, I won't let anyone take our chickadee. Any mother who abandons her kid like that won't get him back from me. The father was out of the picture before he was born, so that won't be a problem either.

PuppaZack: ^

Momgeal: Gen, we don't know if she abandoned him, don't be mean.

Dadesis: Fine, but I still won't let anyone else take him.

Momgeal: I know, Gen. Thank you for protecting our little munchkin. ❤️

—---

Tifa squeezed her Cloudy a little tighter as he babbled on about his dads, his new dog friend (who had a tentacle? Maybe he meant tail…), and how helicopters were super cool but poisonous.

Losing him and Momma Strife right after losing her own mom…it was hard. But he was here now, and so was she, and that was enough for now.

Chapter Text

"No!"

"Cloud, be reasonable, I know you don't want a bath today, but you're covered in dirt and…is that monster goo?! Where did Zack and Genesis take you?!" Angeal struggled with the enhanced toddler. Sure, he was enhanced too, but that just increased the risk of injury if he forgot his strength trying to pry the child off of things.

"No!"

"Stop clinging to the door frame, it's going to…"

CRRRUNCH RRIIIIPPP

"Cloud! I won't ask again. It's time for your bath!"

"No!"

"Hey, I heard a noise…Cloud, did you break this?" Tifa frowned down at a very stubborn chocobo now clinging to the other side of a half-mangled door frame.

"No!"

"Is this because you don't want a bath?"

"No!"

"Is it because Momma isn't here to set it up how you like?"

"NO!"

"Well she can't be here right now, but your dad and I are here and we love you very much."

"No."

"And we'll always do our best to never leave you," Tifa continued, now giving him (and the door frame, by extension) a hug.

"no."

"Alright, stinky Pete," she continued after a minute or two of cuddles and neck rubs. "I brought your mooglebubbles, just like we used to use. Can you remember the song Momma liked to sing for bath time?"

"No."

"That's ok, I do," said Tifa, gesturing for Angeal to add the bubble bath to the warm water in the tub. He did, agitating it to produce…wow, that was a LOT of…bubbles, listening to her hum and tickle Cloud gently.

"All set, now in we go," she finished, having gradually coaxed the limpet loose and free of his filthy garments.

"No!" He continued to protest verbally, still a little stiff, but now returning her hug. She eased him into the water, still holding him and humming as he slowly came around and started building bubble towers and singing along with her.

—---

Momgeal sent an attachment.

Dadesis: That was mahogany! 😡

Sephikitty: Bath time again?

Sephikitty: @Dadesis, why do you have mahogany on the bathroom door?

PuppaZack: oof, I'll bring my tools over later, but we're gonna need replacement wood

PuppaZack: lol that's what sh

Momgeal: 🤨

PuppaZack: should always be done when it's this badly damaged! 😇 Did you get the gremlin cleaned? I don't see a swamp on the floor…

Momgeal: see, that's the other thing…

Momgeal sent an attachment.

Sephikitty: 😯 (@PuppaZack did I do that right?)

Dadesis: What sorcery is this?! The gift of the goddess! My eyes have seen beauty and I know not if it is truth or the illusion of madness. Infinite in mystery…

PuppaZack: UEOEOEJSVWJDBF KRISHW 🤯🤯🤯🤯😯😯😯😯😯 (Yeah @Sephikitty, that was perfect!) DID SHE DRUG HIM?!?! WITH WHAT?! CAN I HAVE SOME?!

Dadesis: Yes, can Zack have some?

PuppaZack: 😒

Momgeal: 🙄

Momgeal: I'll fill you in later, but suffice it to say, Aunty Tifa is a blessing from Gaia.

Sephikitty: After seeing this, I must agree.

Dadesis: A gift of the goddess indeed. Or a goddess herself.

PuppaZack: All hail the Queen 👸🙌👑🥊

Sephikitty: I still want to know about the mahogany @Dadesis.

Chapter Text

With the whole Tifa thing, the gang decided to take a day to relax in the manor. Or something. Reno didn't particularly care; the tea was good, but not enough to satisfy him. So he went exploring.

Monsters were tough, but so was a kid from the slums, and Reno was nothing if not resourceful. So he slipped away and up the mountain to the reactor. They hadn't really needed a guide, he knew how to tell which path smelled most like mako and had Turk signs around it. Odd that there'd be ones marking this route high clearance, but that had literally never stopped Reno.

Reno skipped up the steps and into the reactor.

Um, mystery of the high clearance solved, yo. Crap.

—-----

Sephiroth wiped off his face. They really needed to have a heart-to-heart with Cloud about covering before a sneeze. Sure, it was probably his own fault for being dusty, then picking up a toddler for a nose rub, but still.

His head hurt, so after breakfast with Cloud's old babysitter, he retired to the cool library to continue his studies. Or maybe take a nap first.

—-----

Zack was having. A. BLAST. With Tifa and Cloud. They ran around the big mansion, playing hide and seek, eating snacks, going super fast, and having all kinds of fun! He and Cloud even convinced Tifa and Genesis to do piggyback races!

Results:

Cloud riding Genesis vs. Tifa on Zack: Team Cloud

Tifa vs. Cloud vs. Zack, no piggybacks: Zack, but only because of his enhancements. The mountain air was thin and that girl could MOVE. Cloud, also enhanced, got distracted by a shiny rock. Jury's still out on unenhanced mountain girl vs. enhanced baby.

Genesis riding Zack vs. Cloud on Tifa: Team Cloud, because Genesis was a saboteur who kept wriggling around, so Zack slipped and accidentally threw him in a pond.

Zack riding Genesis vs. Cloud on Tifa: Team Cloud, because Genesis wanted revenge and threw Zack in the pond even though it was an accident the first time and largely Genesis' fault.

Cloud riding Zack vs. Tifa on Genesis: Team Tifa, both of them were fiercely competitive and resorted to trickery (making Cloud giggle so much he almost fell off).

Zack riding Tifa vs. Cloud: collective failure as everyone caught a case of the giggles halfway through.

Post-lunch pre-dinner snacks were followed immediately by naps in the sun, with only one Cloud around, safely snuggled between old friend and new.

—-----

Genesis allowed himself a genuine smile at his puppy and chocobo napping in the sun with the girl. He had wanted to hate her, initially, for representing a threat to his custody of Cloud and/or for letting Cloud end up crying alone in the desert.

But not even Genesis could hold onto his pettiness when he saw how much Cloud loved her. She also confessed to him, while Zack and Cloud were "secretly" sneaking around on their turn to hide, that she had taken up martial arts and had been saving up since Cloud disappeared so she could go find him and Claudia. The look on her face was harder than steel, and less flexible, when she said she would never let him be lost like that again.

Then she had smiled and told him she would hate to have to murder the dads he clearly loved so much if they ever let harm come to Cloud. Genesis was not frightened of a teenage girl from Nowheresville. Not at all. He shivered, and blamed it on the cool mountain air.

"Yo, shaky pants, what's poppin?"

Genesis did not even turn to acknowledge the pest, merely grimacing in place.

"Hey, so, you know what's up in that reactor, right? They didn't just send y'all up here without a briefing, surely," Poco continued, almost nervously. Nervous was not something you wanted to see in a Turk. "If not you, I'm sure ol' Seph-dog knows."

Genesis whirled and leveled him with his most commanding face.

"Talk."

"It's just that, you know how he goes on about his mom, right? Seems interesting, is all."

"I know. I don't know why you would know. He only speaks of personal matters in private . But what's interesting?" Genesis' hairs were standing on end. Something was clearly wrong and it was time for answers.

"It's just interesting," Loco continued, voice lowered, "that she's in the reactor, yo. Right now."

Genesis raised an eyebrow.

"And even more interesting," whispered Kopo, "that she's a naked tentacle alien with eyes on her nips, surrounded by human experiments in mako tubes."

Genesis would have laughed. Or punched Jepo. If he hadn't paid attention to Cloud's nightmare mumbling, or the edges of his drawings. Or Genesis' own nightmares that he had the day of his seizure. Or what Angeal didn't say during his bout with the flu. So instead, he took a moment to locate everyone by sound (Zack, Cloud, and Tifa still sleeping, Sephiroth…Sephiroth still in the library…), then grabbed the Turk by both shoulders.

"Say. Nothing. To anyone. Do not speak to the General. Do not speak to Zack. Do not in any way contact your precious Tseng or Rufus or any Turk person or network or entity. And if you breathe a word to Tifa or Cloud, you will wish I had killed you preemptively to silence you. For then I would at least have made it swift."

"Hey man, I don't want your chocochick caught up in anything any more than you do," Redo said, solemnly looking him in the eye.

"Good," replied Genesis. "You will take me up there tonight when everyone's asleep and we'll go from there. Dismissed."

Rono nodded and strolled off, whistling and casually twirling his baton and swatting at random leaves, to all appearances bored and dumb.

—---

Well stick him in a sewer and call him a rat. That conversation was unsettling. Not that Reno was worried about what Genesis would do to him, nah, he had no interest in hurting the chocobo and therefore had nothing to fear.

It was more the fact that Genesis hadn't known about the reactor, but had known something about ol' booby-eye.

And that Sephiroth was holed up in the library. And had been for two days now, on and off, instead of with his mini-me and the new chick.

And that the whole "human experiment" thing hadn't been what had set "Papa Gen" off.

Time for a little walkabout to clear his head.

—---

Ok, what in the freshest cesspool outside wall market was happening?!

Reno groaned and slumped to the floor mid-vampire-monologue, holding his head in his hands and trying not to think about the paperwork in his near future.

One of these days he would have to stop listening to his curiosity cat. This was not a relaxing walkabout, and it was not clearing his head.

Chapter Text

"Cloudy, c'mere," Tifa said, kneeling down with a simple balloon on the carpet, and gesturing Zack over to watch.

Cloud sped over as fast as his little sausage legs would take him.

"You ready?"

He nodded eagerly.

"Ok, hold still!" She got the balloon she was holding and rubbed it against the carpet, then hovered it over Cloud's hair.

"How is it MORE SPIKY?!" Zack exclaimed. "I would have thought it would fan out like normal hair, but it got MORE SPIKY. Do mine next!!!"

So Tifa did, but Zack's hair responded normally, still making Cloud giggle and Tifa laugh, but the spikes were not on point.

"Why didn't it work?!" puzzled Zack, utterly bewildered.

"Because, dear Puppy, you are not a chocobo like our fluffy fledgling," piped up Genesis, waltzing into the room. "You have fur, not feathers, and no beautiful crest to speak of." He pet Cloud's head reverently.

"Hmm," said Tifa. "Zack, what kind of animal did you say Angeal was?"

"BEARGEAL!" Cloud squawked.

"Bear!" barked Zack.

"And Sephiroth and Genesis?"

"Kitty!"

"Phoenix!"

Genesis was not a stupid man, and as Tifa started charging the balloon up again while the boys were shouting, he stood straight, ready to make a dignified, but swift exit.

"Get him," she smirked, and suddenly Genesis was glomped by a giant pup and a tiny chocobo.

"No! This is ridiculous! Zachary Toulane Fair, you get off of me right now! Bluejay, listen to your PapaAACK!"

Everyone paused in wonder.

"Well I'll be," said Zack, reverently.

"Pfft," snorted Tifa, snapping a photo one-handed with Zack's PHS.

"Papa is a bird! Just like me!" Cloud chirped, throwing his hands up in celebration. Beneath him, the now-spiky Genesis oscillated between wanting to coo and planning Zack and Tifa's demise.

Zack forgot he was holding his fate underneath him and shifted to high-five Cloud.

"When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end…" the voice started at a low growl, building with each word.

"THE PIC IS ON ZACK'S PHS!" Tifa screamed, throwing the object at Zack, grabbing Cloud, and making a break for it. Just as quickly, Zack grabbed the flying container of evidence and shot off in the opposite direction, desperately trying to text a group chat, any group chat, the blackmail material.

"THE GODDESS DESCENDS FROM THE SKY…"

"ANGEAL SAVE ME!"

"Nope."

"SEPH PLEASE!"

"Hmm…no"

"AAAAAAA!!!!"

Zack need not have worried for the picture; Tifa had sent it to herself already. His hide, however…

Tifa kept a set of weaponized choco-eyes with her for as long as possible.

Chapter Text

1) Destructive pest control: tried to kill all the bugs and mice…individually. With a fly swatter and without regard for the decor around him.

2) Washed already-clean dishes again "so we could use them for two meals in a row!"

3) Vacuumed the throw blankets.

4) Bathed the pillows.

5) Fetched the paper. All the paper. From every doorstep on the 3 surrounding floors.

Chapter Text

Destructive pest control: tried to kill all the bugs and mice…individually. With a fly swatter and without regard for the decor around him.

(Sephiroth. Kitty. Generated a great deal of mess in his uncoordinated quest. Most of the pests were hallucinations. It was really strong tea.)

Washed already-clean dishes again "so we could use them for two meals in a row!"

(Cloud. He's very helpful. And forward thinking! He even did it without asking, climbing up to take the dishes out of the drying rack one by one, walking them over to the tub–narrowly missing the toilet as a nice basin because Angeal was a stickler for closing the lid–giving them a wash, setting them on the bathroom counter, and forgetting about them since they were out of his eyeline. Angeal was so proud of him for playing quietly while Dad did paperwork! Until he found out. Then he was just grateful his baby didn't get hurt–or tarnish his stainless steel pans.)

Vacuumed the throw blankets.

(Angeal. Zack shed A LOT, the blankets were on the floor, it was a perfect storm.)

Bathed the pillows.

(Genesis. He insists he was totally sober and that his throw pillows just required hand washing. Fair enough, but didn't explain why his bed pillows were just as lovingly bathed, burrito'd in towels, and laid down in Cloud's bed. Or why every pillow smelled like Cloud's bubble bath.)

Fetched the paper. All the paper. From every doorstep on the 3 surrounding floors.

(Come on, we all know this one. Zack. He fell asleep on top of the pile, super proud grin on his face. He didn't want anyone to steal them before people woke up.)

Chapter Text

Genesis rubbed his temples.

“Geso. You mean to tell me not only did you find a secret stash of human experiments, a tentacle alien monster mother, and my last nerve, you also found a zombie Turk?!”

“It’s Reno, yo. And yeah, that last one was accidental.” Shelfo did not look much more put together than Genesis. “He’s still down there if you want to chat, Generific.”

If looks could kill, Genesis’ body count would be astronomical, plus one.

“I think I will. Before the reactor. Keep watch, Dilfo,” he snapped, turning towards the basement entrance.

“Me too!” Zack popped out from around the corner.

“Zackaniel Eloise Reynaldo Fair, how long have you been eavesdropping?!” squawked Genesis. “And when did you learn anything resembling stealth?! I must be more tired than I thought…”

Even Pofo looked startled. Zack sniffed, offended.

“You’d be amazed at what I’m capable of! Anyway, something weird is going on. Seph’s not himself and Cloudy keeps having those nightmares and I’ve seen his drawings, they look like how the creepy boob lady sounds.”

Genesis was surprised by Zack, but took it in stride. He’d grown a lot, both under Angeal’s tutelage and with the responsibility of being the primary chocobo caretaker.

“Very well, you and I will interview the zombie, Fedo can keep watch. I assume Cloud, Sephiroth, and Tifa are asleep?”

“Yup! Who’s Fedo? Oh! Reno is his name, Gen,” Zack corrected innocently.

“Yeah Gen, name’s Reno,” Clupho smirked. Genesis ignored him and led Zack downstairs.

—-

It was some time later, lengthy monologue still petering out, when the three in the basement heard Blorpho call down.

“Genevieve! Zack! Zombie dude! Yo, Seph took the baby up the mountain, Teef’s following, get up here!”

They wasted no time darting up the stairs to find Soxo on the floor, holding his ribs and wincing. Genesis had pulled the zombie Turk with them and kept a strong hand locked around his wrist. The angsty coffin-dweller was part of this, he was sure. Zack rushed over to Heho.

“Hey man, you alright? What happened?”

“All good yo, just some bruised ribs or something. Tried to get between Seph and the door. He looked real weird man, eyes glowing, blown pupils, totally spaced out. Started talking about his mother and he took Little Man. Little Man wasn’t too happy either, kept telling him not to listen to “her” and trying to calm him down. Teefs went after them, told her not to stop ‘em but to keep an eye out while I got you.”

“Where were they headed, do you know?” demanded Genesis.

“Bro, I think we both know. Reactor, most likely,” Reko took a breath and let Zack help him up. “We should get going,” he groaned, “I know the way.”

“Alright, we’ll go after Sephiroth at the reactor. Zack, help Remo,” Genesis was about to ask which direction to start when he was interrupted.

“Excuse me,” intoned the musty coffin man, “did you say Sephiroth?”

They all looked at him oddly.

“Yeah dude, General Sephiroth? Demon of Wutai? He’s got a baby and what looks like brain damage and is headed up the mountain to meet his alien mama Jenova? Let’s go?”

“Jenova is not his mother. Yes, we should go,” the long-booted man replied and almost floated out the door.

“Well, zombie man’s headed in the right direction,” offered Reto, and they all hastened out.

—----

Tifa raced up the mountain behind Sephiroth, careful not to draw his attention. He had Cloud and anything could happen, and from the way he was slaying monsters left and right, she was no match for him. Cloud kept hugging the man, crying softly, but trying to calm him down.

“Pwease, Sephikitty, she’s not a good Momma, pwease don’t wisten,” he warked, voice shaky.

“...”

“She wants to eat you, Sephikitty! Don’t want Sephikitty to weave me!”

“Cloud…” Sephiroth spoke slowly, with an eerie rumble to his voice. “...I will never leave you. You, Mother, and I will be together forever. We will rule the planet.”

“I don’t want to ruwe the pwanet! Sephikitty!” Cloud rubbed his slimy face over his daddy’s. “She’s a meanie and she wants to hurt you! She tried to hurt Dad and Papa!”

“They were inferior, Cloud, you and I are not. There is no harm with her, only greatness. We will be one mind, and roam the heavens. Ah, I see now why you were named Cloud, it is most auspicious,” Sephiroth continued, speeding onward. It was all Tifa could do to keep up now, even as he paused to kill anything that remotely crossed their path. He almost seemed to drink in each corpse as they passed, savoring the sight of life blood spilling out.

“No! I just Cwoud! You just Sephikitty! She a mean, bad mother, not a Momma!”

They had arrived. Sephiroth swung the door open and Tifa heaved for breath, gawking in horror, but barely able to take anything in.

—----

Reno by this point was practically being carried by Zack’s arm around his waist, his own arm slung over Zack’s shoulder. He’d given up talking, and just pointed as needed, not that the trail was all that hard to follow with the monster bodies strewn about. The old zombie kept pace with Genesis, awfully sprightly for someone who’d presumably been locked in a coffin.

They arrived just after Sephiroth strode inside, weeping Cloud in his arms, panting Tifa at the door. Zack shoved Reno in her direction and leaped after Genesis and the emo guy, who were trying to reason with an unhearing Sephiroth.

—----

“Here at last, Mother,” Sephiroth purred, hand resting on the glass. “I’ve brought you your sons.”

“Good,” she replied, her tone soft and proud. “My sons,” the sibilant words hissed from her unmoving mouth, or perhaps directly into his mind. He heard other, annoying voices buzzing in the background like so many flies, and his little Cloud’s whimpers up close. Cloud would understand soon, he was just a child now and couldn’t grasp the majesty of what she offered.

“Set me free, little ones,” she called again, and Sephiroth obeyed, searching methodically for the controls to open her tank.

“NO!” The scream was shrill, close, and desperate. “DADDY! NO!”

Warm moisture hit his face in a small spray. He licked his lips automatically, and was suddenly met with the taste of blood. Time stopped as Sephiroth finally dragged his eyes away from Jenova and to the source.

His baby.

Cloud’s nose was bleeding freely, eyes overflowing with rivers of tears, little trickles of blood coming from his ears and where his tiny fingernails dug into his own scalp in pain, his other hand clinging for dear life onto Sephiroth’s long hair.

“Daddy, pwease,” he whimpered. “Pwease, Daddy.”

Now it was her voice that screamed, but he barely heard it, heart in shreds as he took in his precious baby’s distraught face, pale and hurting as he fought off Jenova, trying to protect himself and his Daddy.

She did this.

Rage like he had never felt welled up in his heart. She made his baby hurt. She caused his baby’s nose to bleed. She forced Sephiroth’s baby to protect him, Cloud’s Daddy , who should have been protecting Cloud . It was her influence scoring crescent grooves into the perfect skin under his baby's golden spikes.

The next scream came from Sephiroth. Deep, loud, and long as he reached into his mind and threw her bodily out, feeling his soul and cells ripping down the middle as he curled around his son. For once not out of his mind, he summoned Masamune and plunged it into the tank, straight through her vile heart, before stumbling back to more stable footing on the platform.

The last thought he had, his own nose, eyes, and ears dripping with blood now, his body slowly giving way, was to protect Cloud’s head before he passed out. He didn’t feel the strong arms catch the two of them or the heat of Genesis’ firaja roasting Jenova alive.

Chapter Text

“Ok, Cloud, I know you don’t want to go…”

“NO! NO SHOTS! BAD GUYS GIVE SHOTS!”

“...to the doctor, but it’s impor…”

“NO!”

“...tant that we keep an eye on your health…”

“NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!”

“...and make sure you don’t get sick.”

“NO! CHOMP!”

“Did you just try to bite me?”

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

This had been going on for almost an hour now, Angeal and Zack trying to wrestle a very angry, very stubborn, very strong bird into human clothes so they could be presentable at the pediatrician’s. At least they knew his lungs were healthy.

“I think it’s time we called in reinforcements,” Zack sighed as the chocobo wriggled free yet again, shedding garments and scrambling on top of the fridge to wedge himself in the gap between the fridge and the cabinet above it.

“I think you’re right,” agreed Angeal, his sensitive hearing aching under the relentless onslaught of what could only be a foghorn possessing his kid’s vocal cords.

“My friend, your desire is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess,” Genesis groaned, relieved. “Tifa?”

“Tifa,” nodded Angeal.

“Tifa,” Zack confirmed.

“I texted her half an hour ago, she should be here soon,” said Sephiroth over the continuous roar of defiance.

“There is no hate, only joy, for you are beloved of the goddess,” Genesis sighed gratefully, clapping a hand on his friend’s shoulder. A knock on the door sounded and he sprang over to open it with a flourish. “Heroine of the dawn, healer of worlds, please come in.” He bowed.

Tifa grinned and came in, kicking off her shoes.

“Top of the fridge?” she asked.

Already, the 4 supersoldiers were staring at her in awe.

“How did you know?” breathed Zack.

“Yes, thank you so much for coming, Tifa, right this way,” gestured Angeal. He was already planning the menu for her thank-you dinner in his head. Tifa nodded and followed, pulling a plastic food tub from her satchel.

“CLOUD!” Her shout was just enough to shock him into pausing for breath. She didn’t say anything else, just shook the tub during the ringing silence.

He didn’t start up again. Instead, a little tuft of yellow peeked over the edge of the tall fridge, followed by a chubby hand. Tifa opened the tub and fanned the lid at him so he could catch a whiff of it. The hand and hair were joined by sparkly blue eyes and another hand, now making grabby fingers.

“Hmmm, no, I don’t think so,” Tifa said, reaching into the tub. “These are only for good boys who listen to their dads and aunties.” She snagged something small from the container and popped it into her mouth. “And for good Tifas. Pretty tasty.”

The grabby hands intensified and were accompanied by a whine.

“Mmm, super tasty. If there are any chocobos that want to share, they’ll have to get ready fast and behave at the doctor’s office.”

The whine got louder, more distressed.

“It’s ok, Aunty Tifa goes to the doctor’s office every year and it’s not too bad, then she gets her treats,” she said, popping another morsel into her mouth and savoring it. “And we’ll be with you the whole time and won’t let any bad guys get you. But you really had better hurry, or these will all be gone soon.”

Decision made, a pale pink and yellow blur shot off the fridge and was soon replaced by a short chocobo, fully dressed (sans shoes) at Tifa’s feet, whining again softly and looking up at her with the biggest, bluest eyes it could muster.

“Oh! There’s my Chococloud! Good job getting ready, here you can have 2 now, then we’ll go. You can have more when we get there and you behave calmly for the nice desk people and nurses and doctors.”

The chocobo hopped from foot to foot, suddenly at the door, urging his dads to join him and whining softly again with impatience.

—-----

After the men collected their jaws from the floor and gathered themselves together, they made the trek down to the pediatrician’s office, right on time to fill out paperwork. Their chocobo stayed quiet the whole time, apart from little warbles and whines and silent requests for more of whatever drug Tifa had in her plastic container.

He even let the doctors and nurses collect blood and give him booster shots, though he refused to leave Sephiroth’s arms for any of it, and had to be distracted when the needles came out. Tifa used another magic move in addition to the insanely powerful snack; stroking the bridge of Cloud’s nose with her finger.

His eyes watched the finger trail from between his eyebrows to the tip of his beak over and over, completely hypnotized. Every now and then, he opened his mouth like a baby bird, and Tifa popped another snack in while he chewed and stared cross-eyed at her index finger.

—-----

“What even are those?” Zack finally inquired after a long stretch of truly blissful, ethereal, magical silence.

“Chocolate covered crickets!” Tifa chirped, snagging one for herself and tossing another into the open maw of their baby chocobo.

No one recovered.

Actual footage of Cloud

More actual footage of Cloud

Chapter Text

Genesis did not want to return to Midgar, but Zack had a horrible poker face, Angeal couldn’t keep something like this secret while worrying, and Sephiroth was still out of commission. At least if Genesis was moody, it wouldn’t be unexpected, and they had planned to do a swap like this anyway to give Angeal time on vacation with Cloud.

Angeal had set out soon after Genesis had called him with veiled concerns about his talk with Reno. Yes, Reno , the Turk had earned his name when he tried to protect Cloud from a crazed superhuman (and an evil alien), then guided them up the mountain with broken, not bruised, ribs in time to save their chocochick. Genesis had even healed him as much as his limited mana allowed after decimating the stupid squid and healing Sephiroth, and the two redheads leaned on each other all the way back down the mountain.

Zombie man, now known as Vincent, had switched off carrying Sephiroth with Zack, and Tifa wouldn’t let go of Cloud until he woke up a few hours later, looking for Sephiroth.

Sephiroth, who still hadn’t woken up, but was going to be ok. He would have to be ok, or Genesis would revive Seph himself and kill him again for making Cloud lose his Daddy (and Genesis his friend, but he wouldn’t admit that).

—-----

Angeal swapped the warm washcloth on Sephiroth’s forehead for a fresh, cool one, sighing heavily.

“Dad?” a sleepy voice piped up from where Cloud was burrowed into Seph’s side.

“Hey cupcake, I’m here,” Angeal smiled, stroking the golden spikes. “How are you feeling?”

“Sweepy,” replied Cloud, rubbing his eyes. “Daddy ok?”

“Yes, muffin, Daddy’s going to be fine, he just has a fever, like you did when you had the flu.” It was a bit more than a fever–it had taken Genesis cast after cast to repair the damage Sephiroth somehow acquired internally, to the point of magic exhaustion–but Cloud didn’t need to know the details.

“And like Dad did when you had the fwu! And GenGen with his owies!” Cloud sat up, yawning a little and reaching out for a hug. Angeal was all too happy to oblige.

“Exactly! Well, now that you’re up, let’s get some breakfast. Are you hungry for oatmeal or eggs?”

“Yes!” chirped Cloud. He hadn’t been too hurt, Genesis left his healing to Zack after a quick assessment showed only some burst blood vessels and scratches, but he was exhausted and ready to refuel.

The pair made their way down to the kitchen (with reassurances that Daddy would be fine on his own for a while) and got busy. Tifa wandered in blearily, grunting a greeting at Angeal and burying her face in a soft chocobo tummy.

“Aunteefs!” he giggled before settling in her lap for some snuggles.

Zack and Reno appeared next, Zack bouncing and hovering around Reno anxiously.

“Chill, bro! I’m fine, just sore, you weirdo!” Reno swatted at the pup.

“You sure? Hey Geal! Let me know if you need a hand! Morning Tifa! I could have brought you breakfast, Red! How’s my spiky Cloud? Geal, can you cast another cure on Reno? I don’t think Gen was able to get it all last night. Is that bacon?!”

“Sure,” chuckled Angeal. “After breakfast, which you’re just in time for.”

—----

Reno was uncomfortable with so much domesticity, but he hid his discomfort like the Turk he was and graciously accepted Angeal and Zack's fussing long enough to get most of the ache in his chest lifted. He sighed, and almost stood up to leave when he was suddenly accosted by a set of spikes.

"Mr. Weno?"

Dangit. It was cute coming from a nervous baby chocobo. Genesis must never know, or he'd weaponized it.

"Yo, Little Man, what's up?"

"Thank you for hewping Daddy! I'm sorry he threw you into the wall!"

"Not your fault, Spike, and you're welcome, but you owe me a favor later."

Angeal, Tifa, and Zack gave him a death glare, which he waved off with a wink. Cloud just nodded seriously.

"Um, Mr. Weno?"

"Yeah, pipsqueak?"

"Pwease don't be mad at Daddy! The mean squid wady tricked him! …are you mad?"

"Nah, kid, that b…"

Reno didn't need to be looking at Angeal to feel the menacing aura.

"...thing was a mean one, I could tell. No hard feelings. But he owes me a favor too!"

Cloud nodded again, relieved, then held his arms up. Puzzled, Reno looked to Zack for help.

Hug , mouthed Zack, miming the action. So Reno did.

Wow. This chocobo was hel…hecking squishy, and how were the spikes so soft?! Oh no. This was too cute. No, nope, he couldn't let his reputation…ugh, nevermind. Reno officially gave up. Baby chocochick was going to be an unofficial Turk now, screw everyone else.

"Alright, that's enough, you barnacle," Reno protested gruffly. "As for your favor, you have to be on my team when we play hide and seek next, got it?"

Cloud let go with a wide grin and chirped a little 'Yes!', scampering off to tell Tifa he'd be on her team the time after next time.

Fu…

Crap . New vulnerability: acquired.

Chapter Text

"Zackareeya Matilda-Lee Constantine Mike Gonzales Fair the Third, did you keep a whole GRANDBABY a secret from me and your father?!"

Zack turned white as a sheet and froze, Cloud's hand in his. Angeal waited a beat to see if he would recover, but with no results, he stepped in.

"Mrs. Fair, what a surprise! Lovely to see you," he began.

"Don't you start with me, Angeal Remington Otto Hewley, you didn't tell us either!"

"I'm so sorry, I thought he told you," Angeal bowed, mortified. "Please, let me introduce you to Cloud. Cloud, this is Zack's mother, Mrs. Fair, can you say hi?"

"Hi," said Cloud, still trapped in Zack's stony grip, awkwardly twisting around and waving.

"Oh, call me grandma!" She cooed, waving back. "Unless you have a grandma already, in which case I'm sure we can work something else out, like Grandma Fair. You look like a young man who likes snap peas, would you like some? Here!" She dug a container out of her purse, offering it to Cloud. "If you're not allergic or anything, is he?"

Angeal shook his head dumbly, and Cloud bounced in place until he could reach the peas, absolutely thrilled. He loved chomping the crispy things like his ancient dinosaur ancestors chomped bones (or his less ancient chocobo ancestors also chomped sweet peas) and hunting down the little peas from the crispy shell.

"Fanksh oo," he said around a mouthful.

"You're most welcome, my little spiky egg! Now, let's unfreeze your Puppa and you can show me your home and all your friends and favorite things!"

And they did. And he did. Drawing after drawing was brought forth for her judgment and she found something excellent in each one.

"This is me, and Aunty Tifa, and Mr. Weno, and Puppa, and Daddy, and Dad, and Papa, and Momma, and Grandpa Lizard, and Uncle Kunsel, and the chocobo lady Aerith, and Dark Star, and Grandpa Vincent, and Uncle Tseng, and my chocobo friends getting ready to fight bad guys."

"You have so many good friends, don't you! I'm so happy you do, Cloudy." She smoothed his hair fondly. "And I'm proud of your Puppa and everyone for taking such good care of you, even if they are going to have to build me a new shed and fill it with my favorite rare garden gnomes to make up for not introducing us. "

Zack smiled sheepishly, hand on the back of his neck.

"Thanks, Ma," he mumbled, and never one to shy away from physical affection, glomped her, Cloud,  and some miscellaneous dads (Angeal and Sephiroth; Genesis was scared making certain calls to his own mother busy) in a hug.

Chapter Text

The more Angeal read, the more horrified he became. Whether the documents had been planted or not, the underlying horrors felt too real to be untrue under the layers of mad ramblings and misleading details. Every hint Sephiroth had dropped, every story he told without realizing its implications, all tracked with what the madman Hojo had done with the blessings of Gast and Lucrecia.

Maybe they didn't know the full extent of his plans, but the two dead (or were they just missing?) scientists had started down a slippery slope that Hojo turned into a cliff topped with motor oil.

And Sephiroth had read all this while his mind was under attack from Jenova. But how did Cloud hear her too? Not to mention the dreams he and Genesis had experienced.

Angeal had questions. But for another day. There was a precious, alive, hungry baby, and an unconscious friend who needed him to make lunch.

—-------

Sephiroth needed to get up. He needed to protect his baby, his beloved Cloud, or she would get him, and he would NEVER let her get that close again. But first he needed to be able to see.

With the effort of moving an entire behemoth carcass, he lifted his eyelids. He was back at the mansion, afternoon sunlight bathing the room, crickets chirping relentlessly outside the window, an almost imperceptible presence hovering in the corner…wait, what?!

Sephiroth hastened to move his heavy head and found a dark figure smoothly rippling towards him, the edges of his being shifting just outside of the realm of natural physics.

"Rest easy," a voice came from the man. "You are well, everyone is safe."

"C…lou…d," Sephiroth croaked.

The corner of the man's mouth twitched ever-so-slightly upward.

"On your chest, asleep and hale," he answered, and sure enough, a golden floof rubbed just under Sephiroth's chin. He slowly became aware of a heavy warmth covering his torso and a soggy spot just under his collar bone. Drool.

Shuddering with remembrance of the other night, Sephiroth vowed never to tell Cloud to cover his face again to prevent contamination.

"Peace. Rest. If I wished to harm you two, I would have already," the shadowy man urged softly, and Sephiroth, oddly enough, felt safe enough to obey.

—----

When Sephiroth could finally stay awake for more than a few minutes, he began apologizing. To Cloud primarily, but everyone else as well.

Cloud wouldn't have it.

"It's ok, Daddy. She was reawwy mean and scary, but we kicked her butt! And now you're safe," he declared with the confidence of a full-grown chocodrake, patting Sephiroth's cheeks.

And, Sephiroth thought with no little wonder and admiration in his heart, he completely believed the tiny chick.

It was good that Sephiroth's healing abilities and Genesis' magical prowess were so strong, for as soon as he was able, Sephiroth clung to his chocobo and wouldn't let go. They even had to be a team in their games, though Reno insisted on being on their team as well, as his compensation for getting yeeted into a wall.

Cue a truly baffled group gathered in the dining room after an hour spent trying to find them. Tifa had even tried her hidden chocobo luring techniques, but to no avail. Two traumatic childhoods plus intensive stealth training made for some very slippery hide and seek players, even if they had a toddler on their team.

"I give up!" Zack declared, throwing his hands in the air. Tifa stared at a mysterious plastic food container mumbling to herself.

"It always works though," she mused, completely dazed. Angeal scratched his head and patted Zack on the shoulder.

"Would you like to know where they are?" A smooth, quiet voice asked. All three seekers jumped.

"Oh! Uh, Vincent. Sure, if you can find them," Angeal stuttered.

"Very well," Vincent agreed, and with a well placed thump to the table and wall, he called out, "Time to come out, they surrendered."

A thunk came from under the table where Reno had been holding himself up, spread-eagle, braced against the lip of the table edge and the legs, and Sephiroth dropped from a ceiling beam with Cloud in his arms.

"But they always work!" exclaimed Tifa.

"You mean these?" Sephiroth shook a bag of chocolatey lumps and Tifa did a double-take.

"How did? When?" She ripped the lid off her container and found the insides filled with boring peanuts.

"That would be me, yo," Reno smirked, and high-fived Cloud and Sephiroth. "Nice trick though, fists." He winked and sauntered out of the room, yelling, "losers make dinner!"

Chapter Text

“And here I thought you were infertile. Who’s the lucky girl?” she asked, eyeing Zack.

“ Mother !” hissed Genesis. “Zack is a man and Cloud is adopted and that would be my private medical information !”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I had any special information about you, since I didn’t find out about my grandbaby until two days ago .”

“ Mother ,” whined Genesis. “I apologized. I didn’t realize Angeal had contacted Gillian and…”

Genevieve raised a single eyebrow.

“...I…sorry, I’ll be sure to let you know of any new major life developments as soon as possible next time, and I understand Angeal’s honorable communication skills are to be emulated, not used in an argument,” Genesis recited. Clearly this was not their first conversation, nor would it be the last. “Please, let’s just…here, I’ll introduce you. Cloud! This is my mother, Genevieve Rhapsodos and my father, John Rhapsodos. Mother, Father, this is Cloud. Cloud, say hi.”

“I am very pleased to meet you, Cloud,” said Genevieve, bending down to his level and holding out her hand. Her husband followed suit.

“I as well, young Cloud,” he said. Cloud shook each of their hands and concentrated very hard on the lines he’d practiced.

“Wovewy to meet you too, Mrs. and Mr. Whapsodos. I hope your trip was pweasant,” he intoned solemnly, then grinned at Genesis. “I remembered it right!”

“You did, very good, my little chickadee,” Genesis’ answering smile was warm as he ruffled Cloud’s hair. “Well, now that we’ve made our introductions, shall we head to dinner?”

—----

This…may become a problem (it was absolutely and already a problem, Angeal was just in denial). Cloud’s sapphire eyes glittered as he took in the enormous pile of boxes on their doorstep.

Gillian, the Rhapsodoses, and Mrs. Fair (since neither of them knew about Cloud, only Mrs. Fair had come to surprise Zack) had all come and gone, absolutely delighted with their new grandbaby and now sending welcome gifts. Genevieve and Rufus had had a staring contest in the hallway earlier, so now he and the Turks were part of the problem, and while Lazard and Vincent weren’t showy, they were competitive. Oh yeah, and all of SOLDIER were also besotted.

—-----

Momgeal sent an attachment.

Momgeal: Help. They’re at it again.

PuppaZack: oh my giddy aunt

Momgeal: @PuppaZack please tell me you do not actually have a giddy great aunt for Cloud because I do not think I can handle another one.

PuppaZack: nah. Where the heck are we gonna put all this???

Momgeal: ^

Dadesis: Did my mother send him a crate of apples? She doesn’t even send me crates of apples!

Sephikitty: How does one harvest that many crickets, and why does Rufus know about that?

PuppaZack: the Turks

Momgeal: Turks

Dadesis: I’m sure Refo told them.

PuppaZack: it’s Reno, Gen! Lol idk how you keep forgetting 😂

Momgeal: …

Sephikitty: Even I knowskdfaj;fkl

Dadesis: Hmm, my bad.

Momgeal: never change, pup 💗

Sephikitty: Sorry, dropped my PHS. When Genesis snatched it.

Dadesis: There was a fly. Anyway, is that a replica of Masamune…done in real steel?

Momgeal: yep, right next to a LITERAL, WORKING GUN. Sephiroth, you need to speak to Vincent about child safety again.

Sephikitty: Why?

Momgeal: …

Dadesis: Never change, @Sephikitty.

PuppaZack: kids are clumsy, Seph, Cloud might shoot himself or someone else by accident. He needs training.

Momgeal: oR To nOt HaVe A gUn

PuppaZack: @Momgeal I AM SO PROUD OF YOU FOR MEMEING, GREAT JOB!

Momgeal: 🤦

Dadesis: And you, my dear Angeal, need to talk to Gillian about that lab kit, which I know contains chemicals like HCl because I had to talk my own mother out of getting it.

Momgeal: …

PuppaZack: 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Dadesis: Hush, puppy, your parents sent a unicycle.

PuppaZack: still funny lol 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 besides they sent a helmet too

Reno added Reno to the chat.

Reno: yo don’t forget the taser we sent

Reno: oh and it might be activated, idk, just don’t let kiddo open the box

Reno: keep it frosty Genie 😜

Reno left the chat.

Dadesis: If you’ll excuse me, I have a rat to squish.

Momgeal: how did he get in here?

Kuncle added Kuncle to the chat.

Kuncle: same way I did. Don’t forget the replica buster we threw in for our favorite chocobo! 🐤

Kuncle left the chat.

Momgeal: if anyone needs me, I will be rethinking my life in Zack’s apartment with a hyper chocobo who is now surrounded by violent objects.

Sephikitty: ok

PuppaZack: I get off soon, I’ll be home in a bit 💗 🤣

Chapter Text

Cloud was a smart boy. He did science all the time with Daddy, and he knew how to read his books, and he could totally tie his own shoes (GenGen disagreed, but Puppa Zack said 'if they stay on his feet, who are we to judge?' and GenGen said 'his parents, who will be blamed when he's 19 and takes 3 hours to get ready for a date and shows up with a clump of knotted nightmares instead of laces').

But anyway, Cloud was smart and helicopters were SO COOL, but they were poisonous to Clouds. So he had to figure something else out.

"We can't weave without Aunty Tifa," he said over breakfast, kicking his heels nervously.

Brilliant. Aunty Tifa liked Nibelheim and he'd never seen her in a helicopter, so this would at least buy him some time. He shoveled more pancakes in. Planning was hungry work.

"Pumpkin, Aunty Tifa has a life here, we can't expect her to up and leave. But we can come visit her again," said Dadgeal.

"No! I won't weave without her!"

Tifa gave him a long look, then as Angeal was about to start in again, piped up.

"Actually, I've been meaning to talk with y'all about that. I've been preparing to leave for some time, even before Cloud disappeared, and was wondering if I could come with you. Or at least, if I could visit once I get myself to Midgar in a few months."

Uh oh. This was not going the way he thought it would. It sounded great to have her come, but that would still mean helicopter poisoning. Think fast, like a motorcycle…

"I could go with Aunty Tifa inna twuck or a motowcycwle!" He announced, interrupting the grownups' discussion. "I hewp carry her bags." Heh, brilliant.

Aunty Tifa gave him another long look.

"I would be happy to have you go with me, Cloudy, but I don't think your dads would be ok with being apart from you that long, and they have to get back to Midgar."

Cloud kicked his legs faster and was about to protest when she spoke again.

"But before we keep discussing that, I have a question: are you scared of going on the helicopter again?"

Cloud's face felt warm, and his leg speed kicked up a notch.

"No! I'm not scawed! Just want to hewp Aunty Teefs!"

"Awww," muttered Puppa from down the table, before he got an elbow in the ribs. Mr. Weno chuckled, and Sephikitty's face softened.

"Cloud, honey, it's ok to be scared, you had a terrible trip last time. I heard you got sick the whole flight," said Dadgeal.

Sephikitty, Puppa, and Mr. Weno looked a little pale, maybe green for some reason. Dadgeal just looked so understanding and kind and he had guessed it exactly right and ok maybe Cloud was a little scared and didn't want to throw up again and…

"HEWICOPTEWS AWE POISONOUS TO CWOUDS," he finally burst out. "THEY'WE SO COOW BUT POISONOUS!"

Sephikitty, who was next to him, picked him up and started purring and wiping his cheeks. When had he started crying?

"We got you special medicine this time, Cloud, it should make you feel better and not get so sick."

"Yeah, Spiky, we don't want our best buddy to be sick any more than you want to be sick."

"Yo, I'm outta barf bags my dude, so I'm all for making sure you don't upchuck."

"Reno…*sigh*. Someone remind me to stock up on alternatives before we leave. Just give it a try, Cloudy pie, and if it doesn't work, we'll stop and figure something else out, ok? I promise, we want to make it as nonpoisonous as possible for our Cloud."

Cloud considered it for a minute, safe in Sephikitty's lap. His dads always tried to make him feel better and were usually pretty good at it. And helicopters were super cool when you weren't being poisoned.

"Ok," Cloud sniffed. "But stiww bwing Aunty Tifa?"

"I'd love to come, Cloud, if there's room," Tifa smiled, reaching out to pet his Spikes.

"Certainly," said Sephikitty. "If anyone complains, I'll override it."

And with that, Cloud's trip back promised to be excellent.

—-----

Zack was relieved and highly entertained. Cloud only threw up once, midway through, when the meds started wearing off and they dosed him again. The rest of the time he was a loopy, cuddly, talkative little mess. He wasn't a big conversationalist for a kid his age, so it was pretty great seeing some of the thoughts that went on under that mess of spikes (albeit interspersed with bouts of unconsciousness).

"An' then she twied to get Dawk Staw and we KICK POW CHOMPED on her tentacwe and…ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ…SNRK…cwickets are native to the mountainous wegion of Nibewheim, but can be found in many…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…FAST, wike a motowcycwe…."

Many earlobes and hairs were sacrificed to the firm grip of a drowsy chocobo, but they made it through.

When they disembarked, Hollander was waiting for Angeal and Zack.

"Finally, you're back. Come along to the lab, I need to run some tests and…"

The meds had worn off again, and Cloud hadn't found his land legs yet, still cradled in Zack's arms.

"BLEARGH"

What a beautiful end to a beautiful day; one scientist down, coated entirely in chocobo upchuck.

They took their leave and avoided Hollander for the next week.

Good chocobo.

Chapter Text

Kunsel added Kunsel to the chat.

Kunsel added Tseng to the chat.

Kunsel added Lazard to the chat.

Lazard: Hello, everyone. I would like to ask you all a question. Why is the majority of my fighting force trying to take a sick day at once?

PuppaZack changed Lazard's name to Grandpa 🦎.

PuppaZack changed Tseng's name to Tsalty.

PuppaZack: should I do it?

Momgeal: Zackary.

Tsalty: …

Dadesis sent an attachment.

Sephikitty: Adorable.

Grandpa 🦎: Is that my grandbaby in a pot dressed as a stalk of corn? With Aerith and Tifa? Did they kidnap him again?

PuppaZack sent an attachment.

Tsalty: …

Grandpa 🦎: Now a chocobo outfit. I,, 

Sephikitty sent an attachment.

Tsalty: …

Kuncle: hwjejejeiebehe and they put him in the basket WITH THE KITTENS??? IN HIS KITTEN ONESIE?!

Grandpa 🦎: j

Dadesis sent an attachment.

Tsalty: …

Grandpa 🦎: the…the adult chocobos…adopted…I can't…

PuppaZack sent an attachment.

PuppaZack: just like his Puppa in his wolfsie, snuggled with Dark Star

Tsalty: Well, this answers my questions about my own employees. Zackulous, please send me the entire album directly.

Tsalty left the chat.

Grandpa 🦎: owosjks

PuppaZack: Gramps? You doing ok there?

Grandpa 🦎: I need to sit down cuteness ieihbwm give them whatever time off they nejdjdd

Kuncle removed Grandpa 🦎 from the chat.

Kuncle: I'll check on him 😉. And maybe sit down myself. Y'all really gotta stop sending these in batches, you have to spread out this kind of ammo over time.

Kuncle left the chat.

—-----

Cloud was having. A. Blast. Puppa Zack had strapped him to his back and they were now killing monsters together in the slums.

NYOOM! So fast! Puppa Zack was the COOLEST!!! He could kill, like, FIVE wererats in one blow! Swoosh!!! And jump and somersault and do tricks like CRAZY!

Suddenly, the air got thicker, and an almost oppressive weight tinged the atmosphere. Was it a bigger monster? Would Puppa get it in one blow? Cloud was super ready.

"Crap. Crap crap crap. Cloud, I know I said you should never keep secrets from your dads, but…"

"Zackalog," a voice boomed, a wave of spiritual pressure almost resembling a bear following it.

"Crap. Act natural," Zack hissed.

"Whengiolino," the voice boomed again. "Coopernetes."

Zack was frantically shaking monster guts from his sword and unstrapping Cloud.

"Fair. Junior." The voice stopped, and a huge man loomed around the corner, followed by a helmeted SOLDIER. "What." (It wasn't a question) "Were you doing with my child."

"Oh, uh, hi Angeal! Fancy meeting you here! I thought you were in Junon?"

"What. Were you doing. With my child."

"Getting some fresh air, right Cloud?"

"Yeah and we killed a BUNCH of monsters!!!" Cloud chirped, completely oblivious to the daggers almost physically manifesting from Angeal's eyes.

"...he was perfectly sa…" Zack started.

"Cloud, sugarplum, Uncle Kunsel is going to take you to meet Grandpa Li-LAZard for lunch with Uncle Rufus and Dark Star, are you excited to see her again?" Angeal asked, voice light and smile big for his Cloudy pie.

Cloud's fat baby head wobbled in a nod so fast, Zack was afraid it would fly off. He should have been more worried for his own head.

"I WOVE Dark Star! Can I give her tweats?!" he cheeped, practically bouncing out of his skin. Zack should be worried for his own skin.

"Certainly, if Uncle Rufus says it's ok and you're careful with your fingers," Angeal confirmed. "Go on now with Uncle Kunsel, Zack and I have some work to do, but one of your dads will pick you up before dinner."

"YES!" shouted Cloud, tiny fist raised in celebration. "Love you Dadgeal!" He sped over, gave his Dad a quick hug and a gross kiss on the cheek, then waved at Zack and grabbed Kunsel's hand, eager to see his other dog friend.

"He's enhanced and he's perfectly fine and…" Zack began babbling. It was going to be a long afternoon.

Many hours later, Angeal showed up at Lazard's office with a body slung over one shoulder. Cloud was worried, but Angeal assured him that Puppa was "just taking a nap" and "would be fine…eventually".

Angeal also told Lazard of the new training grounds that had been prepped out in the wastes. A nice, manufactured terrain, with many hand-dug ditches and a meticulously hand-paved track.

Chapter Text

Cloud jolted upright in the middle of the night. Daddy was in trouble. He didn't know how he knew, but he did. He bolted out of bed and into Zack's room.

"Puppa! Puppa wake up!"

Zack was awake immediately.

"Baby, what's wrong?"

"Daddy's in trouble!" Cloud whimpered.

"What? What happened? Was it a dream?"

"NO! Puppa! Daddy's in trouble, we have to help him!"

"Ok, ok Spiky, let me call him," Zack reassured, hefting the chocochick up one handed and fumbling with his phone in the other. It went to voicemail.

"What in the…Seph, Cloud's worried, call back as soon as you get this and let us know you're ok. We're fine. I'm calling 'Geal." Zack hung up and began dialing again.

"Mmmphh…Zack? It's the middle of the night," Angeal said.

"'Geal, Cloud says something's wrong with Seph, and he's not answering his phone, could you check on him?"

"He's not answering? He's in Midgar and supposed to be at home…hopefully his battery died or something, I'm heading over to his apartment now. Go ahead and call Gen though, something feels off about this. Cloud, you did a good job getting your Puppa, we'll find out what's going on with Daddy and help, ok?"

Cloud just whined in response, still worried.

"Love you, gummy bear. I'll call you back in a minute, Zack." He hung up and Zack was dialing Genesis immediately.

"Zackary, this had better be an emergency," came Genesis' tense growl from the other end of the line.

Cloud let out a small "Papa" and Genesis' tone changed immediately.

"Hey little egg, it'll be ok, is Zack there?" he replied.

"Hey Gen, I just sent 'Geal to check on Seph, Cloud woke up saying something was wrong."

Sounds of movement filled the line.

"On my way. Cloud, birdie, do you know what exactly is wrong or where Daddy is?"

"I think downstairs, I dunno what's wrong. Papa, you gotta find Daddy," Cloud's voice started to break.

"We will, chocoling," Genesis promised. "Zack, send Angeal down to the labs, we'll start there if he's not in his apartment."

"Ok, gotta go, stay safe," said Zack, hanging up and redialing Angeal. "’Geal? Any updates?"

"No, he's not here, but everything looks normal."

"Ok, Genesis is headed down to the labs and wants you to meet him there to start looking. Cloud thinks he might be downstairs from us."

"Got it. Keep the line open and Gen or I will call back soon."

It was a tense, awful wait, Cloud squirming and whimpering and wanting to go help, but Zack only allowing him to get dressed and check their go-bag of supplies: medical, food, water…anything that might be needed to patch someone up or be ready to get out of town. Cloud gathered his favorite plushies into the bag as well, one for each of his dads and himself.

Finally, the phone rang.

"We got him, heading to Angeal's. I don't know if Cloud should…"

"I'm coming to see Daddy," Cloud Strife said, putting his foot down. "He needs me."

"Alright, chickadee, but it might look scary. If you change your mind, it's ok, we'll take care of Daddy for you," soothed Genesis. "Zack, wait til you hear us go by, give us 5 minutes, then bring chicky over with the big supply kit."

Papa Gen was right, it was scary seeing Daddy so pale and covered in wounds, but Cloud had already known how hurt he was, and it wasn't any worse for him seeing it in person than it was sensing it remotely.

While his other dads busied themselves sewing up cuts and bathing wounds, Cloud got to work pulling Daddy's hair out of the way, then arranging a crown of plushies around his head: a bear, a phoenix, a chocobo on top, a kitty, and a puppy. Then he snuggled up as close as he could without getting in the way, trying to purr and gently petting Sephiroth's face.

He fell asleep like that before the others finished up, grim and dirty.

"This cannot keep happening," Genesis growled. "He lost so much blood this time."

"He won't let us do anything, you know how it is," Angeal sighed, plopping into a chair. "It's his father. His horrible, abusive, evil father."

"Even after reading all those journals in Nibelheim?" Zack asked. "After meeting Vincent?"

"I don't know what to tell you, Zack. Maybe he thinks things can change. Maybe he thinks Hojo just got swept up in the science as usual and due to his upbringing, accepts this…torture as normal. I had hoped with Cloud…but apparently not. Maybe he thinks he's sparing Cloud by giving Hojo himself to focus on." Angeal's face was now buried in his hands, a slight quaver on the edge of his voice.

"We should just kill Hojo," Genesis spat.

"And get arrested ourselves? What about Cloud? What about the other scientists? Hojo is one of many," Angeal countered. "This whole company is filled with rot. I don't even know how to begin to fix it."

Genesis' eyes suggested one way to begin cleansing the company, but he held his tongue. It wasn't the first time they'd had this argument, and Angeal had a point about Cloud.

"We'll talk to him again once he wakes up. Maybe get him to see that he's not helping Cloudy by getting himself hurt," Zack sighed, words optimistic but tone defeated. "Poor Cloudy." He pet their chocobo's head. "Neither of them deserves this. They're so brave and just want to take care of each other." Now Zack was crying. "Sniff…this whole time we were waiting, he just wanted to help his Daddy…sniff…and such a smart, brave boy to come get us…sniff…"

Angeal engulfed Zack in a hug, just holding the back of his spiky dark head and letting him weep. Genesis reached over and rubbed the puppy's shoulder, then sighed.

"We need to talk about that soon, and we can't let it out of this room. The way Seph can always find Cloud, how Cloud knew something was wrong, the spooky tentacle woman who he said tried to get Angeal and I, then her being real …but not tonight."

"Yeah," sniffed Zack. "I have off tomorrow; you two should get some rest and I'll keep an eye on our special beans."

"Alright, thanks Zack." Angeal let Zack go. "We'll cover for him with SOLDIER. This one seemed…vengeful, so we should keep an extra close eye out for ourselves and Cloudy."

Zack gave a little salute and the two took their leave, giving Cloud forehead kisses on the way out and watching the way his little face scrunched up, then smiled in his sleep.

Chapter Text

1) If people were boogers, I’d pick you first!

2) I’m missing vitamin U.

3) Your hand looks heavy, let me hold it for you.

4) *drops a lime* “I did that so I’d have a pickup lime. May I have your number?”

5) If you were a fruit, you’d be a fine-apple.

Chapter Text

1) If people were boogers, I’d pick you first!

(Cloud, under Zack’s instruction. Angeal was not amused. In other news, the hand-built training grounds in the desert will soon feature a dry olympic-sized swimming pool)

2) I’m missing vitamin U.

(Zack, to any of his friends)

3) Your hand looks heavy, let me hold it for you.

(Genesis, trying to fluster someone)

4) *drops a lime* “I did that so I’d have a pickup lime. May I have your number?”

(Sephiroth, practicing under Zack’s instruction, doing his best)

5) If you were a fruit, you’d be a fine-apple.

(Angeal to Genesis. It did not work, partly because it was quickly followed by “or a dumb-apple” from Sephiroth, which led to property damage, partly because Angeal was primarily in it for the pun.)

Chapter Text

Dark Star LOVED her chocopup. He smelled just right. Fresh and earthy, as if Gaia herself loved him and had given him a big wet lick. He also almost always had something delicious on his person that he couldn’t reach with his silly little tongue, so Dark Star took care of it every time. Clearly his human parents and big brother hadn’t figured out how to properly bathe him.

His big brother was still a pup too, so it could be forgiven. He smelled fantastic as well. He clearly liked to roll in nice smelling things: lots of monster guts, he was constantly getting sweaty, and the planet had given him a smaller, but still detectable lick too.

Both of them were great to hang out with. Whenever her human, Rufus, started getting wound up, she’d do her best to remind him of her chocopup, then they’d go play. Like today. He was at his desk, looking at some stupid dead tree sheets (not very fun to chew, unlike sticks) and frowning, and was starting to smell irritated. Dark Star huffed and got up from her bed between him and the door.

She wagged her tentacle and padded over, shoving her nose onto his lap and sighing heavily enough to move the stupid papers.

“Hey pup,” he muttered absentmindedly, dropping a hand to offer a passing rub to her ears. Nice, but not good enough.

She huffed again, throwing a little groan in at the end and leaning in more. The papers fluttered around, getting mixed up.

“Dark Star!” Rufus sounded upset, oddly enough. Well, sometimes he was just like this. “I’m working, and you’re being a pest! Go lay down!”

Dark Star was a good girl, an excellent girl, and an obedient girl, so she went, groaning deeply as she sank back into her bed, head pointed at him, gaze unwavering. Rufus grumbled and shuffled the papers some more. Dark Star gave him some time to forget (and may have snuck in a snooze).

Soon enough, it was time for phase 2. She got up to “stretch”, heh, little did he know she had ulterior motives. Rufus ignored her, and therefore she had no command to go lie back down, so she moseyed over to her toy basket and sniffed through it. Perfect. She dug around a bit to keep him from suspecting anything, but she knew what she was there for.

Dark Star selected the chocobo squeaky toy that had a quiet squeaker that did both ‘wark’s and ‘kweh’s. She gave it a few very subtle squeaks to make sure it was working and to plant the right seeds in Rufus’ mind. Then she selected her puppy squeaky and dropped it outside the basket. A visual cue, since humans were dumb like that and had terrible senses of smell.

Seeds planted, it was time to water them. She took the chocobo out and back to her bed.

“Kweh-wark.” Phase 3 had begun.

After an eternity (5 minutes) of being subtle, Dark Star kicked it up a notch.

“KWEH-WARK! KWEH-WARK!” She tossed it up into the air  a couple times and CHOMP! Caught it again and again and squeaked it some more and this was super fun so great she was having a great time oh boy chomp chomp “KWEH-WARK!”

“DO you mind?!” Rufus barked. She did, in fact, mind. At his outburst, she hopped up and trotted over, depositing the fantastic-smelling object in his lap. It was nicely coated in drool too, to start disintegrating the flesh. She was really great at helping like that; she knew his teeth sucked and couldn’t bite as well as hers.

“Ugh…Dark Star…ew. Urg, now it’s on my pants and my hands and the paper…fine. I needed a break anyway.” He tossed it for her and she thundered over to GET IT and BITE IT. He picked up his PHS and made a couple calls. Tseng soon opened the door silently and made his way over, declining her offer of the squeaky. Weirdo.

“Mr. Strife and Mr. Fair are in the training rooms downstairs sir, and here are your fresh pants.” Tseng handed the stinky things over. Humans were strange and insisted on “washing” (they didn’t even lick them once!) their weird removable fur in nasty “detergent”. Even someone as wise as Dark Star struggled to comprehend that one.

—-----

Tseng stepped out to give Rufus some privacy, and gave a subtle nod to Cissnei, who grinned and whipped out her phone.

“Code bumblebee. Yes, the training rooms. ETA 10 minutes. Any time, DL.”

—-----

After an eternity, Dark Star brought her human downstairs to the nice-smelling fun rooms and found what she had been looking for.

“DAWK STAW!!!!” A small, spiky streak shot across the training area and she soon had her pup right where he belonged. Yum, looks like peanut butter behind the ear today! Nice! After a subtle nod from her human, she shot off to tumble with the pup.

They played chase, they played wrestle, they played “go really fast in every direction”, they played “steal the helmet from Kunsel” (super fun), and got the big pup to participate in most of it. They took a couple breaks to slurp slorp some water and play “do silly human stuff for TREATS” and occasionally lie on the floor to cool off. During one of these sessions, she found cricket bits in his weird fur (delicious).

Someone brought out bubbles and the three of them had a BLAST biting and chomping them. By this time, a good chunk of new friends (Turks and SOLDIERs) had joined in, but she always kept herself between them and the pup, and made sure someone was keeping an eye on her human at all times.

—----

“Lazard,” smirked Rufus.

“Rufus,” returned Lazard. “Come to observe training today?”

“FASTEW, DAWK STAW!” a chocobo warked in the distance.

“Of course. When I take over from Father, it will be important to be familiar with all aspects of the business. What are you doing down here? Don’t you usually have paperwork to do?”

“Like you said, it’s important to be in touch with one’s employees.”

“Cloud, did you see that one? I chomped it SO HARD!” a puppy yapped excitedly.

“BARK BARK BARK!”

“Dawk Staw says hers was bigger!”

“Well you’re on, Dark Star. Let’s do who can get the highest one next!”

“Yes, indeed,” Rufus agreed, and the two half-brothers shared a rare moment completely without animosity.

Chapter Text

Angeal woke up bright and early as usual, and started breakfast. Breaking eggs felt wrong somehow, these days, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why. As he was wrapping things up, he heard a soft pitter patter of small feet.

"Mphhh," a little voice sounded from where it was suddenly buried in the side of his leg.

"Good morning, my sunny side son!" Sue him, he could make dad jokes if he was a dad.

"Mmrrrrghh," came the reply, still muffled in his thigh.

"Did you remember to go to the bathroom?"

The warm little chocochick froze for a second, then ran off at top speed. He was back soon though…too soon.

"Did you flush?"

Pitter patters went back to the bathroom before a satisfying flushing sound was heard, and Angeal was almost engulfed in a full-leg hug again before…

"Did you wash? With soap?"

The chick whined, but performed his duties honorably, and when he came back, was lifted up into a big morning bear hug with kisses.

"Dad stooooop hehehe your beard tickwes hehehe," Cloud protested, but didn't try to escape.

They settled in for breakfast soon, then cleanup, Cloud insisting he could help.

"I do it myself!"

Yeah, Angeal would 100% be redoing it himself when Cloud was distracted, but he also 100% would not discourage voluntary dish duty.

After dishes, Cloud helped water the plants (and the floor, and himself, and the wall–there was a reason they did this before getting dressed) before they both got ready for work.

It was Angeal's job to train SOLDIERS all morning, and Cloud's job to supervise from Angeal's shoulders and demonstrate as needed. He also performed vital disciplinary duties as well.

"FASTER!" the chocobo yelled as the man carrying him ran laps for failing to wipe down the equipment properly. The hapless SOLDIER just grinned and tried to go faster, not realizing Cloud's appetite for speed was insatiable.

Angeal had him demonstrate some advanced flexibility moves, as his kid was apparently made of rubber.

"See, just do the spwits, then reach forward super far!"

They wrapped up and had lunch in the main mess hall with the rest of the SOLDIERS, who never missed a chance to ruffle their mascot's fabulous crest if he was willing, or offer him a high five. A few candies made their way into his pockets, which Angeal emptied out.

"You can have two of these after lunch, then we'll save the rest."

The chocobo pouted, and half the room suddenly experienced chest pains at the sight. Angeal leveled a glare at them, a single raised eyebrow reminding them of the lecture about spoiled enhanced toddlers turning into spoiled enhanced adults. They collectively cringed internally and tried to steel themselves. Some efforts were more effective than others, and several people had to leave the mess hall entirely.

Large lunches finished, the pair made their way up to Angeal's office, where Cloud ran to his cozy corner den. They had set up a small brown tent with soft cushions, a blankie, a few toys, and some books. Cloud liked to read for a little before naptime, so he did, while Angeal made a few calls and started his paperwork.

After Cloud's nap, he had to do his own paperwork (age-appropriate worksheets in all subjects; their chocobo was a smart little cookie and they would not neglect his education), just like Dad. Zack came bouncing in mid-afternoon, stole the chick for a quick zoom around the office to visit all the administrative staff and get some wiggles out, then dropped him back off 15 minutes later.

Seph and Gen also dropped by, got a quick hug and a gross toddler kiss to the cheek each, and went about their days. No sensitive meetings today, so Cloud got to hang out with his dad the whole time, migrating back and forth from Angeal's lap to his den.

Finally, it was time to go home. Everyone was busy, so the pair made pasta and watched a couple episodes of Stamp the Dog before bedtime. Cloud got a bath with "no, not the whole bottle of" bubbles, brushed his teeth SUPER good, got his PJs on BY HIMSELF, DAD, and they read a story together.

"Goodnight sweet pea," Angeal murmured, planting a kiss on Cloud's forehead.

"Dad, no, tickles," laughed his sleepy son.

With a chuckle and a pat, Angeal made sure the nightlight was on, then left his baby to enjoy sweet dreams.

Chapter Text

Sephiroth didn't sleep much; he didn't need to. He wasn't asleep now, at 4 in the morning, sitting by Cloud's bedside while his tiny whistling snores filled the air. Sephiroth couldn't stop wanting to be with his…his son. It was permissible to call him that. Sephiroth was called "Daddy" after all.

Cloud's hand twitched. Sephiroth wondered what he was dreaming of. Perhaps his mother. Sephiroth had often dreamed of his own mother–a woman who loved him and wanted him and would take him out of the labs to watch the stars go by. He dreamed she would show him greatness, and gentleness. That they would gather flowers together, or discover new planets, or just cuddle by a fireplace.

But only ever in his mind. His birth mother had experimented on him and his…cell donor? Parasite? The alien Jenova. Jenova had wanted to hurt Cloud.

Maybe Cloud's "Momma" was different. Maybe in another universe they could have shared a Momma.

But in this universe, Sephiroth was already grown, and his son was also missing a mother, just like him, but under no circumstances would Cloud ever be missing a dad. Apart from the redundancy of having four dads, each of them were highly capable, enhanced SOLDIERs, talented, smart, and ferociously protective of their son.

Nor would he have a…complicated father. Of course, Sephiroth would encourage excellence, educate his son, and train him; of course he wanted Cloud to succeed and be able to protect himself and have every opportunity. But there would be no experimentation.

No labs. No training to the point of collapse and beyond. No studying under physical and mental duress. No sleep deprivation to "prove your capacity" or other tests that Angeal and Genesis had called "torture" and "abuse". Not for his son.

What a gift, Sephiroth thought, watching the sun slowly light up the room, turning Cloud's head into a riot of yellow brilliance. What a gift to be able to father a son like Cloud.

Cloud by himself was a precious, wonderful boy. He was stubborn, fiercely loyal, loving, independent, kind, strong, smart, and the way he said "Daddy" was indescribable. Then add to that the fact that he had saved Sephiroth's very life from Jenova, and through that act, possibly the entire world. As a child. Exceptional.

Sephiroth was surprised to feel a proud smile on his usually stoic face, and an unfamiliar wetness in his eyes, as he watched Cloud's eyes flutter open.

"Mmm?" the child mumbled, squirming and rubbing his face in the pillow before looking back up. "Daddy?"

"Hello, Cloud," Sephiroth's smile grew warm. Cloud reached out to be picked up, and Sephiroth obliged, carrying him around as he prepared a utilitarian breakfast for the two of them. Cloud drifted in and out of consciousness as he went, content to silently cling to his Daddy and soak up his warmth.

Sephiroth soon forced himself to set Cloud down to perform his pre-breakfast bathroom routine, making sure to call out "soap" when he didn't smell it being used the first time. Good thing Genesis had warned him about that little quirk, or he might have forgotten.

Today, they would take a trip to Junon to inspect the base, so he helped Cloud dress in leathers. His independent child did not want help, nor to wrestle with the uncomfortable clothes, but when Sephiroth explained that it was necessary for riding a motorcycle, he cheerfully acquiesced.

Soon they were out on the road, wind whistling past, Sephiroth's hair streaming behind them like a flag, Cloud secured in front of him. What Angeal didn't find out wouldn't hurt him. In fact, Cloud might even be less safe in a standard-issue car, outside of Sephiroth's easy reach in the back seat, or worse, in a Shinra corps vehicle driven by some incompetent trooper.

Every squeal and whoop of joy filled Sephiroth's heart as he guided the bike across the desolate landscape, at much slower speeds than he would normally. Still fast enough to satisfy Cloud and make Angeal uncomfortable, though.

They made it to Junon without incident, and began work, Cloud held in one arm or clinging to his sleeve as they went. No issues arose until Scarlet appeared, her malfunctioning robots in tow.

It wasn't long before one of the things shot off towards him and Cloud, but he split it in half without a thought beyond checking his son for harm. Cloud was fine, but Scarlet was one wrong move away from death. Sephiroth rounded on her, Masamune in one hand and Cloud in his other arm.

"How dare you!" she screamed. "That prototype was the only one of its kind! Weeks of work! Wasted!"

"How dare I?" Sephiroth intoned coldly. "How dare I, Scarlet? Were it not for the laws of the land, it would be you cut in twain at my feet. You endangered Cloud and everyone around you. Get your scrap out of his presence at once and pray to your deity of choice that you never come that close to hurting him again," he spat, not moving an inch or dismissing his sword.

Startled, but smart enough to save her own hide, she did as she was bid, but not without glaring at them and huffing incessantly.

"I don't wike her," Cloud muttered quietly after she left. "She shouldn't be mean to Sephikitty."

"Nor to you, and she should never have brought an untested war machine near civilians," Sephiroth agreed. "When you build things, I'm sure you'll do a much better job of assembling and stress testing many prototypes before submitting the final product for review."

Cloud nodded seriously.

"Yes, Daddy, I don't want anyone to be scawed."

Sephiroth dismissed his sword and pet his child's golden spikes, absolutely certain he'd be true to his word.

"Shall we have lunch?"

Cloud agreed readily and they fulfilled their caloric needs at the local mess hall. While they were finishing up, a strange cat appeared.

"Daddy!" Cloud whispered. "Can I pet it? How do I get it to come here?"

"Yes, you may. And I don't think you have to worry about that, because it is already coming towards us. Let it sniff you first, and if it is comfortable with you, it will let you pet it."

—----

From his desk, Reeve grinned quietly as the little chocobo and the great Sephiroth pet the stray cat. He had been watching the Junon cameras to keep an eye on Scarlet, and had wound up watching Cloud and Sephiroth instead.

Something about this kid was changing things in the company; everyone in SOLDIER and the Turks loved him, and he and Dark Star had somehow managed to facilitate a budding warmth between Lazard and Rufus.

Reeve sighed and switched back to watching Scarlet yell at hapless underlings. He had work to do and disasters to prevent.

—----

As soon as she left that silver-headed snake, Scarlet made some calls. So what if there was a kid there?! She was creating something exceptional here and those brats had to ruin it. If they got in her way again, she'd show them just how much damage a woman scorned could really do to a pathetic chocobo.

—-----

Heidegger was not happy with Lazard sending one of Hojo's freaks and its pet to review his perfectly operational base. The yellow pipsqueak almost got destroyed by one of Scarlet's stupid machines. Pathetic. If you don't want to endanger something, don't bring it to a military base.

—------

Soon enough, Cloud and Sephiroth were back on the road. Cloud made a valiant effort to stay awake for the whole ride, but passed out eventually, snugly cradled to Sephiroth's chest. Sephiroth would have nuzzled his hair if it weren't for the helmets…and height difference. His son was so small while still being so strong. Truly incredible.

Once back in Midgar, it was late enough that it wasn't worth going back into the office, so Sephiroth carried Cloud home. He was disappointed when he woke up to Sephiroth untangling him from the leathers; motorcycles were a passion of his and missing any moment of being on one was tragic to him.

Sephiroth had several meetings still, and Cloud had worksheets to complete, so they set about their own tasks. During the budget meeting, Sephiroth had Cloud listen in and watch him scribble out quick calculations on a scrap of paper. Sephiroth could, of course, do these in his head, but it was good for Cloud to see in practice.

At a few points during the day, Cloud's other dads called to check in. Genesis and Zack were out on missions, and Angeal was practically held prisoner in the office lately due to certain SOLDIERs' property-damaging actions and the paperwork they generated. The fact that Genesis and Zack were out on missions was not a coincidence.

That was something else Cloud had done for Sephiroth. He had a family in these men. They were all friendly before; he would dare say he was friends at least with Angeal and Zack, but now they'd all grown much closer.

Genesis had opened up and cooled down his animosity. Sephiroth had been very grateful when Angeal sat himself and Genesis down and forced Genesis to admit that he actually liked Sephiroth and kept challenging him as a way to both hone his skills and spend time together. Angeal had then made Sephiroth identify that the strange longing feeling that manifested as competition was a yearning for friendship, and state it clearly.

That had been a relief. Sephiroth was neither good at understanding Genesis' poetic and abstract speech, nor his cryptic actions. He was also less than expert at identifying and expressing his own desires beyond the basics. Having a guide in Angeal smoothed that jagged edge between them, and now they could spar and parent together excellently.

Zack just exploded into Sephiroth's life and acted much like Angeal in helping him interact with the world. They had practiced common gestures (high-fives), emoticons over text (honestly, sending a picture was much more efficient than typing out a whole sentence that the picture apparently was meant to convey), and even "pick-up lines" (Sephiroth was man enough to admit that saying "I would like to engage in physical intimacy" was probably not very seductive for most people).

And Cloud had forced them all together. Where a budding friend boat had once floated, a flourishing friendship was now sailing. Sue him, he might not understand sarcasm perfectly, but language was well within his grasp, and Zack had assured him that puns were essential to fatherhood.

Dinner was pleasant, though messy, so Cloud was bathed before bed, and Sephiroth learned an important lesson about letting children measure the amount of bubble bath to use.

They read an excerpt from their favorite aerospace magazine, exchanged hugs and kisses, and Sephiroth left his son to sleep.

Then crept back in half an hour later to make sure he was not experiencing nightmares.

Chapter Text

Genesis did not fully wake when the warm little chocochick wriggled under the covers and snuggled up under his wing, just enough for a quick pet to his chickling's crest. They both fell back asleep immediately, only to be disturbed by the alarm moments later.

"WARK WARK WARK WARK…"

"FU- FRIGGIN!"

"WARK WARK WA-"

*WHACK*

"kwehhhh…" the blasted machine let out a dying breath and both Genesis and Cloud heaved a sigh of relief. Genesis wrapped both arms around his chickadee, burying his face in those downy spikes and inhaling deeply.

They could just stay like this. He could call in sick, have Sephiroth cover materia training. But then someone would come take his baby bird away to prevent infection. As if any disease he caught would have been given to him from someone other than his precious spiky germ factory. That boy really needed to learn to sneeze with his face covered.

But then again, maybe not, because uncovered sneezing and unwanted snot sharing seemed to keep happening right before vastly improved health for elite SOLDIERs. His baby was special. Not that any child of Genesis would be anything other than spectacular, but this one was something else.

And now he was squirming. It was suspiciously like a "little kid who drank to much water" wiggle, so Genesis heaved a very salty sigh at the prospect of losing his cuddly chick, and let him go completely.

"Better go to the bathroom, ducky."

Cloud whined, but complied, and Genesis kept an ear out (not hard with a wide open door–they should probably also have a talk about polite door use).

"Put the seat up…"

*Clunk* *splaaaaassshhhh* *pitter patter*

"If you're done, wipe up any mess, put the seat down, and flush…"

*Pitter patter* *wipe* *clunk*

"Check the floor…"

"Eep!" *Wipe wipe* *flush* *pitter patter*

"Those had better not be the feet of an unwashed chocobo trying to come back into my room."

*Pitter…*

"SIGH!"

Was the little parakeet mimicking Genesis' sighs? Good, he was learning to up the drama.

*Whooshhh*

"With soap, little egg."

"SSSIIIGGGGHHHHJHHJHHH!"

Even better, a solid 6/10 for drama, 7/10 for execution.

*Squirt* *whoooshh*

Cloud's turn completed successfully, Genesis finally dragged himself up and took care of his own business after ordering breakfast. He could cook, but why bother when he had people for that?

The pair blearily sat on the couch together until the food came, just watching the sun rise and mutually hating mornings. After breakfast, they both had enough energy to start getting ready.

Cloud followed Genesis like the imprinted chocoling that he was as he went about his beauty routine. The chick whined for Genesis to do his face too, so Genesis let him apply a light moisturizer while he did his full routine. Cloud mostly did a good job, and it wouldn't hurt that his ears and…(why did he take off his shirt?? Sigh, toddlers)…belly button had a little extra moisture.

Next was hair. There was not much to be done about the spikes–they did that on their own and adamantly refused any other style–but a little child-safe anti-frizz for chicky couldn't hurt. Genesis drew the line at earrings, especially since Captain Slippery Ear (a) had no piercings and (b) was still heavily moisturized. Maybe it was time to wipe off the excess before it ruined a shirt.

Speaking of shirts, Cloud looked very svelte in his Genesis-replica outfit. It had taken about thrice as long as necessary to get him into it, because he insisted on doing everything himself, but the end result was perfect.

His mini-me in hand, Genesis set off for the training grounds.

They had a good time. Well, Genesis did. Scaring recruits and juniors with fireballs was a well-loved pastime of his, and Cloud thought their yelps were funny because he didn't realize exactly how terrified they all were. Genesis smiled sadistically. The SOLDIERs would never let on, either; they wanted to look cool in front of their mascot.

Genesis had always known, instinctively, that Cloud would be good with magic. Something just felt right about him; the magic fields of the planet seemed to merge and flow around him more smoothly than with most.

So they'd started small, Genesis teaching him about the different types of materia and casts that could be performed. His little chocobo was, of course, quite talented, and could easily pick up a materia and know what it was and how to use it, even at his young age.

They had started work with small casts as well, and target practice, mostly using fire–Genesis' favorite element. Cloud was reasonably good with fire, naturally, and with lightning. Maybe it had something to do with the hair.

Well today, the SOLDIERs and Cloud would all be practicing with ice. Genesis demonstrated a few moves for the class, preening under the glittering gaze of his favorite fluffy fellow. Both he and Cloud loved shiny things, and ice was no exception.

Genesis set the SOLDIERs to their drills, making sure no one was being stupid (or at least, no more than usual) before guiding his chocobo up to the line in front of the targets.

"Alright, little bird, let's have you identify each of the materia in this bag. Wait! No looking, just reach in, identify it by feel, then draw it out and place it in this other bag. When you find a regular, non-mastered ice materia, you may put it in your own bracer."

Cloud nodded eagerly and got started.

"Heal! Mastered Fire! MP up! Chocobo chick!"

"Like you," Genesis teased, poking Cloud's fat cheek.

"Papaaaa!"

They continued, Genesis reveling in the growing admiration he could sense from the SOLDIERs behind him at his chocoling's ability. Soon, Cloud finished and had his ice materia equipped, ready to cast.

"Would you like some instruction, help, or just to try it?" asked Genesis.

"Just try, Papa!"

"Alright, little egg, I'll step back and you aim at the target."

Genesis was so intent on watching his chocobo that he didn't notice that idiot, Roche, bumbling over, and only just noticed how powerful Cloud's cast would be in time to protect himself and his chick.

The attack bowled Rock over and Cloud let out a scream.

"Little bird! Are you alright?" Genesis quickly checked him over; no damage, thankfully.

"MISTEW MOTOWCYCWE!" Cloud wailed.

Groche sat up, groaning, shivering, and yes, definitely damaged.

"Mr. MOTOWCYCWE ARE YOU OK? DID I HUWT YOU?!" Cloud wriggled free of Genesis' grasp and rushed over.

"All g-good under the h-hood," Hairball answered, teeth chattering, nose blue, and face red.

"YOUR NOSE IS BWUE!" Cloud was starting to hyperventilate. That wouldn't do. Genesis stalked over to the idiot and his chickadee. "PAPA HIS NOSE IS BWUE! I HUWTED MR. MOTOWCYCWE!"

"Cloud, take a deep breath, he's fine," Genesis modeled a breath, but Cloud was too distraught to follow his lead, breaths becoming shorter. Idiot gearhead. They would be having words after this for scaring his chocobo so much. "Cloud Strife," he said sternly. "Take a breath. Rush is fine, and besides, if you want to fix it, you'll have to be breathing first."

Finally, that caught his attention and he took a few longer breaths, mimicking Genesis, eyes still going back and forth from his Papa to the SOLDIER, who gave him a thumbs up and a shaky grin. A few others had gathered as well by this point.

"Sir, would you like me to cast cure?" asked a voice from the crowd.

"No, Cloud can do it, if Roach consents," replied Genesis, still modeling deep breathing.

Rope nodded eagerly.

"Of c-course, I would be d-delighted for the little s-speedster to j-join this d-dance," he tried to purr, but came out sounding more like a backfiring bumblebee. Genesis would have rolled his eyes if Cloud wasn't watching.

"Alright, Cloud, equip this healing materia. Would you like instruction, help, or to try yourself?"

"I do it mysewf, Papa…but stay?"

"Of course, little egg," Genesis agreed, and kept careful watch as his chocobo gathered his concentration, aimed, and performed an absolutely beautiful cast over the idiot Ross, healing him completely. "Very good, Cloud. How are you feeling?"

"Sweepy, but good, Papa! Mr. Motowcycwe, are you ok now?"

"Engine's running clean as chrome, mini motor man!" Poach replied. "Thank you for the excellent tune-up and I'm sorry for driving in your lane and causing this accident."

Genesis' eye twitched dangerously, and everyone but Cloud got a little nervous. As they should.

"It ok! I sowwy for huwting you! Hug?"

"Not your fault, piston pal, and sure!" Rug opened his arms and Cloud jumped in, smiling happily. Genesis' glare burned, and the bystanders quickly found reasons to get themselves out of the blast zone. Pouch took the hint too, and released Genesis' baby. "We'll have to get out on the road soon, scoot galoot."

Genesis' teeth were bared at this point, Cloud still turned towards Bloache, who quickly blanched.

"Yeah!" shouted Cloud, oblivious.

"Excellent, safe travels, young roadster!" Finally, at long last, the pest sped off, leaving a happily waving Cloud behind. The glower on Genesis' face instantly disappeared once Cloud turned back around.

"He's ok, Papa! I hewped fix…YAWN…him!"

"No, my little bird, you did all the work fixing Ranch! You did very well," Genesis replied, sweeping his youngling into his arms. "Now, you used a bit more mana than usual; it is time for lunch and a nap."

He spun imperiously on his heel, ordered the SOLDIERs to clean up, and marched off, putting in an order for delivery from the nicest Wutaian place around. It wasn't long before he and his chickadee were enjoying it in the solitude of his office.

Cloud was still struggling with chopsticks; even more so while tired, so Genesis wound up feeding savory brown noodles into his open maw. The baby bird eating worms imagery was absolutely not lost on Genesis, and he smirked.

"I'm sweepy," Cloud yawned.

"Hi Sweepy, I'm Papa," said Genesis, gently wiping Cloud's messy face. Sue him. He was a Papa, he could make dad jokes in the privacy of his own office to his little spiky copy.

"Papaaaaa, sweepy, not sweepyYAAAWWN!"

"Alright, alright, into the nest." Genesis laid his hatchling in the giant basket he kept in the corner of his office, lined with comfy red blankets and pillows, a deep maroon shade artfully pinned to overhang the area. "I need to step out, so I'll have someone come sit with you, but I'll be back by the time you wake."

"Ok, Papaaazzzzzz," Cloud's voice trailed off into a tiny snore as he fell asleep. Genesis gave him a quick peck on the cheek, fluffed the nest around him, and made a call.

"Kunsel…Yes, in my office, but be quiet, he's already asleep… Yes of course this is about earlier... No, I will not cause permanent injury, I'm not an imbecile, unlike Warshe," Genesis hissed, insulted, but also trying to let Cloud sleep.

He needn't have bothered, as Cloud didn't twitch a feather until after Kunsel had come and gone, and Genesis was brushing off a spot of motor oil from the bottom of his coat. Well worth it.

The other dads who were in town stopped by briefly, then paperwork for two, a nice restaurant, and a bath later, Cloud was tucked in and ready for Loveless.

Genesis' voice rose and fell, gentle and easy on the ears, lulling the chocochick to sleep. An hour later and another soft peck to his crest, and Genesis left his baby bird safely tucked in for the night.

Chapter Text

Zack bounced out of bed into a big stretch. It was going to be a good day today! He had Cloudy most days, but today was still going to be great with just the two of them. Unable to contain his excitement, he bounded in to wake up Cloudy-pie.

"Morning, Sunshine!" Zack pounced with bunch of quick kisses all over the chubby little cheekies in front of him. "Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey!"

He had not, in fact, cooked eggs and bacon yet, but that sounded like a great idea! High in protein, good for growing boys, easy to do…yeah, breakfast plans = locked in.

Cloud whined and swatted at him.

"Puppa nooooo too early stooooop," he groaned. "Noooooooo."

"Aw, someone's a grumpy gill today. Alright, I'll get started on breakfast, you go take care of business, and remember to wash with soap!"

"Mrrr," Cloud groaned in response, and Zack skipped off to the kitchen and got busy. Soon enough Cloud stumbled in, whining softly and holding his arms up to be held. Zack instead took a moment to sniff at the hands.

"Good job, Little Spike! Washed with soap like a manly man!" He picked his baby up and let him settle in for a sleepy snuggle while he finished cooking. Loathe to give up the warmth, Zack let him stay there through breakfast.

"Alright, snax = complete, you wanna pick your clothes and get dressed?"

"Yeah!" Mini-Spike had perked up a bit. Great!

"Orange you glad you picked your own outfit?" Zack crowed as Cloud showed up in a bright Costa Del Sol sunrise shirt with a smiling orange sun on it, blue shorts (on backwards and inside out, not that either of them noticed), mismatched socks, and the best chocofloof ever on his head.

"Puppaaaaaa," Cloud giggled as Zack tickled his tummy. Dad jokes were as inescapable as Zack's attacking fingers, mwahahahaha. Just wait til he was a teenager and Zack could misuse slang!

"Alright, you pick. We're taking a group of SOLDIERs out to the training field in the wastes, do you think we should have everyone ride in the transport truck or take motor-"

"MOTOWCYCWES!!! PUPPA WE TAKE MOTOWCYCWES!!!"

"Roger that, Cap'n Chococloud! Get your motorcycle gear then and let's boogie!" Zack had already told the troops they'd be practicing advanced vehicular maneuvers today, anticipating this very reaction.

"Puppa I'm ready for to go to MOTOWCYCWES!!! Let's go! Puppa, stop being swow, wet's go!"

So they went. And had a BLAST. Sure, Cloud couldn't participate while they were sparring and practicing acrobatics, but Zack and Roche took him on a couple laps and he got to watch everything in between.

Cloud had to take a break after riding with Roche; they'd done the exact same thing as he and Zack, but he got a little nauseous with Roche…oh. Zack's heart squeezed in his chest as he realized Cloud just felt that much safer with himself. Crap. His backwater buddy was just too precious.

"Puppa," came a wheeze from Zack's arms. "Too tight."

"Oh! Sorry, Cloudy! *sniff* Got some dust in my eye!"

Zack did not have dust in his eye.

Lunch was sandwiches with the guys. Someone started tossing grapes to Cloud, and it turned into a competition between all of them to see who could catch the most with their mouths. Zack won, and he and Cloud celebrated with a big Cloudy Sky: an activity largely frowned upon by Angeal and Genesis, where Zack yeeted Cloud up as high as he safely could, then leaped up to catch him.

Yeah, no amount of trust can completely stop the nausea that came from chucking a motion sickness prone child into the air after eating. Oops.

He didn't throw up! Just looked super green and had the SOLDIERs quickly getting him into the shade, fanning his little face, and encouraging him to take small sips of water while his stomach settled.

No problem, he felt better within minutes, and they were able to get back on the road home. It wasn't too far, so Cloud stayed awake long enough to see the motorcycle parked, but not an instant longer. Zack carried him up to his office and settled him down in his bright little pup tent, and got to work.

Work was super boring when it was paperwork. Zack had to get up to check Cloud every 5 minutes, because he wanted his kiddo to be safe! And because he was bored to tears. And because every time he checked, he placed another piece of completed paperwork over the chocochick until he was a mound of paper with just a little nose sticking out.

*Crunch crunch*

"Puppaaaaaa," Cloud whined as he sat up, shedding important documents right and left. "I'm not a mailbox!"

Zack laughed and helped him out, straightening up what he could. Then Cloudy got his own paperwork to fill out, and Zack kept checking on him.

"Puppa! I do it myself!" Cloud shoved his face away gently after the nth interruption. "You gotta do your work!"

"Ok, ok," Zack chuckled, and tried to concentrate once more.

That only lasted so long, and soon the two of them took a break to brighten everyone's day. They visited Fred, Marie, Lunette, and Jim at the admin desks, then checked on Seph, Gen, and Geal. Then more paperwork, ugh. Then it was finally time to go!

Zack and Cloud grabbed burgers and ran around the playground nearby for a while, before heading home for a bath and bed. They read a story about his favorite TV show, Stamp the Dog, then after one last, big, snuggly huggly, Cloudy went to sleep.

Zack had learned a lot, having Cloud. He was so glad to have such a great lil guy in his corner, and closing his door every night gave him a small twinge of sadness. But there was always tomorrow, and the next day, and hopefully forever where he'd wake up with the prospect of another Cloudy day.

Bonus:

"Zackary Kenneth Fair, did you roll in these papers before turning them in?" Lazard asked Zack's voicemail. "I swear, every time you turn something in, it's crinkled, stained, mysteriously smells like beef jerky, or all of the above. Please take more care with your documents, this is getting ridiculous. And tell Cloudy hi, and…is this drool and chocobo down?! Zack, pull yourself together."

Chapter Text

Cloud had been all set and ready to have fun with Zack today when a sudden monster attack was reported just outside Midgar, and he had to go help. Cloud's Puppa was so cool, he'd probably SWOOSH SLASH the monsters super fast and be back soon, but in the meantime, Cloud would hang out with the guys, Uncle Kunsel, and Mr. Motorcycle. But no motorcycle riding.

"Sigh," sighed Cloud.

"Rhapsodos? Oh, hi Cloud!" Uncle Kunsel came into Grandpa Lizard's office, just barely missing Puppa Zack. "Thought I heard your Papa. Ready for breakfast?"

Cloud's tummy rumbled.

"Sounds like a yes!"

Uncle Kunsel took him to the mess hall for breakfast, and it was super messy. A lot of the guys were gone, but there were still enough to stomp everywhere in muddy boots, and they kept playing "catch the eggs with your mouth", which was super fun. Cloud had learned from his Puppa, so he was pretty much an eggspert. All the guys egged him on, and before long, he was stuffed.

Mr. Motorcycle showed up then and WOW SO FUN! He said they could go learn maintenance! So they did! It wasn't as fun as going fast, but Cloud loved looking at all the parts and handing Mr. Motorcycle tools.

"Do you need the wrench, Mr. Motowcycwe?"

"Yes, little speedster, perfect timing!"

So, so cool. Maybe one day his dads would give in and let him do his hair just like Mr. Motorcycle. Not even Puppa had seemed excited when he shared the idea the first time, and not even Sephikitty had agreed. Dadgeal said he'd think about it and Papa Gen just said no.

"Sigh," sighed Cloud.

*THUNK*

"Sir?" Mr. Motorcycle's head popped out from where he'd just bonked it on the underside of a motorcycle with 3 wheels. "Weird, thought I heard your fiery father for a second, little lightning. Pass me the pliers, my speedy high flier."

Next, Kunsel and Cloud were asked to make a delivery across the city. It went great and they even ran into an infantry patrol, who had a cool little robot scuttling along with them.

—----

This was strange. Kunsel couldn't put his finger on it; it wasn't exactly abnormal to see patrols in this part of town, nor was it terribly strange that they'd be sporting one of Scarlet's new toys. But something felt off. Well, not much to do about it since they were all headed back to the tower, but he'd definitely keep himself between Cloud and the machine, at least.

—----

Reeve got off the conference call and cracked his knuckles. Time to check on Scarlet and Heidegger. And the chocobo. Sue him, that kid was even more adorable than Chuckles the Cat, and he wouldn't have to sit through Shinra commercials every two minutes. Seriously, they had the monopoly on energy, why did they have to use every ad slot? And then some?

Scarlet was safely off in her lab, but…this was odd. She had sent a new robot out with a standard patrol. Well, not terribly odd, she wasn't known for common sense or product testing.

And now for the chocobo…rats, he left the building with Kunsel. Maybe he could hack the city cams and find them…

—----

Uncle Kunsel was being a little weird. He wouldn't let Cloud near the cool robot, though when he explained the mean woman had made it, Cloud agreed. The last time he was near one of her thingies, Sephikitty had to chop it up.

Cloud was starting to get a weird feeling in his tummy, so he tugged on Uncle Kunsel's sleeve to ask to be picked up when suddenly, a huge BOOM went off. Cloud instantly found himself wrapped up completely in Uncle Kunsel's arms as a blast of heat and light pushed them roughly to the ground.

Cloud was dazed for a moment before everything came back into focus. There was smoke, and yelling, and Uncle Kunsel wasn't doing anything. Cloud squirmed until he could see his uncle's face–he was asleep.

Cloud wriggled free of his grasp and looked around. The infantry guys were scattered around, most on the ground, and the place the robot had been was now a pile of scrap metal. Seeing no immediate threat, he looked over Uncle Kunsel and…oh no! There was a dent in his helmet and a bunch of cuts all over his back.

Cloud started breathing fast, not that he noticed. This was bad, he needed his dads to help. Wait, maybe Cloud could help! He felt along Uncle Kunsel's bracer and yeah! There was a healing materia!

Without bothering to remove the bracer, Cloud grabbed it and concentrated hard, trying to focus on his uncle's head first. Daddy said head wounds could be very bad.

So he cast, though nothing seemed to happen, except some cuts closing up. Cloud tried again, focusing harder. This time, it worked much better, and Uncle Kunsel groaned and woke up.

"C-Cloud? Baby? Are you ok?"

Cloud was so relieved he could cry. So he did.

"*Hic* Kuns!" He sobbed and gently hugged his uncle. "Cwoud fine! *SNIFF* But you got hit inna *sob* head so I cuwed you but *sob* you didn't wake up *sob* so I cuwed you again and *sob*"

"Shhh, shhh baby, it's ok, you did a great job." Kunsel slowly sat up and checked Cloud over; he was fine. But the troopers were not, and the funny feeling had not gone away and he still had a headache and stabby feelings all along his back half and…

—-----

Reeve startled in his office chair. He had found Cloud alright, and the new machine, heading back to the tower together. It looked like SOLDIER Kunsel was wary of it, but Reeve had a bad feeling and instantly leapt into action.

First, he shot a text anonymously to the motorcycle SOLDIER, then was drafting a similar message to Lazard when the robot suddenly exploded. It took out the camera he had been watching from, so he wasted no more time informing Lazard, then quickly set about getting another angle.

—-----

"Chocobo danger. Coordinates: X.Y, moving to tower."

It was odd for Roche's PHS to ping for an unknown number, but the instant he read the text, all thought left his mind and he grabbed the nearest working vehicle and was on the road in a heartbeat. One didn't become such an excellent rider without listening to one's instincts, and as sketchy as this text was, everything inside was screaming at him to get on the road now.

—----

"Little speedster!"

Kunsel hadn't heard Roche's motorcycle arrive, but he heard the yell, and blearily looked up, waving a hand, both arms secure around a sobbing Cloud.

"Kunsel, is he alright? Are you alright?" Roche skidded to a stop by them.

"Mr. Motowcycwe!" Cloud sobbed. "It expwoded and bonked Uncwe Kuns inna head!"

Kunsel started to nod, but thought better of it.

"Yeah, we're ok," he grunted. "Scarlet's machine. Gotta check troopers."

"Slow your roll, Kuns. You take care of Cloud for a minute, and I'll call it in.

"Mkay," agreed Kunsel, making sure to keep Cloud's gaze away from the downed troopers.

—----

Cloud passed out soon after from mana exhaustion, and Kunsel only stayed lucid long enough to make sure he was secured with Roche. Later on, he learned that the blow to his head would have been fatal were it not for the helmet and Cloud's swift intervention; as it was, he was still foggy when Zack visited him.

"M'sorry, Z'ck. Cloudy ok? He s'med ok, but m'out of it," Kunsel slurred.

"Kunsel. Buddy. Cloud's completely fine, thanks to you. *Sniff* You…"

"No cryin', Z'ck, it's ok."

"I'll cry if I want to, dumb butt!" Zack stopped resisting and wrapped his buddy up in a big, gentle hug. "You saved my baby. Thank you. *SNIIIFF*"

"Any time," Kunsel grunted, awkwardly petting the spiky head.

"He's got something for you, just a sec!" Zack let Kunsel go, bounced over to the door, and opened it for Cloud and Lazard.

"I drawed a picture!" announced the chocobo, holding up a sheet of paper. It had a blob with a gray head holding the hand of a blob with a yellow head. You couldn't see the gray head's eyes, but both figures had big smiles.

"Aww, th'nks, Cloudy," Kunsel accepted it gratefully.

—----

Cloud spent the rest of the afternoon with Uncle Kunsel, making sure he drank plenty of water (he wasn't up to having lunch, but didn't mind Cloud eating) and took good naps. Grandpa Lizard and Zack stayed with him too, popping out here and there to make calls or do grown up stuff while Cloud napped and did his own paperwork.

Mr. Motorcycle stopped by with dinner, and Zack thanked him too. Cloud gave him a picture of a swordocycle. Then Papa Gen came in, fresh from the road.

"My little chickadee, I heard what happened. Are you alright?"

"Yeah Papa, I'm fine, but Uncle Kuns got bonked on the head and I couldn't cure him all the way," Cloud frowned, disappointed in himself.

"Cloud, it was a bad injury, you actually did very well helping as much as you did. And Kunsel’s going to be ok, thanks to you and…” the pause wasn’t very long or noticeable, but Papa Gen seemed to be thinking something over very hard. “...Roche.”

—----

Zack and Cloud stayed with Kunsel that night, while Genesis debriefed with Lazard. Both of them, Kunsel, and Roche felt off about his little “accident”, but despite their investigations, no new information turned up, either about the patrol, Scarlet’s indiscretion, or the strange texts Lazard and Roche received.

They resolved to keep on guard over both Kunsel and Cloud, and spread the word through the rest of SOLDIER.

Chapter Text

1) Jumped on a table and sang the Stamp the Dog kid's show theme song.

2) Lined up all of Dark Star's squeaky toys in a creepy circle with one toy splayed in the middle like a sacrifice.

3) Rode through Midgar with Zack, barking at the sky (who, totally sober, joined in).

4) Drew puppies on every piece of loose paper and the whiteboards in both Lazard's and Rufus' offices.

5) Has a tickle spot that makes their leg kick.

Chapter Text

1) Jumped on a table and sang the Stamp the Dog kid's show theme song.

(Rude. He likes watching Stamp with Cloud.)

2) Lined up all of Dark Star's squeaky toys in a creepy circle with one toy splayed in the middle like a sacrifice.

(Cissnei. She was mad she wasn't allowed to poison Hojo yet, and tried to creep Tseng and/or Rufus out as vengeance. It worked, but they didn't know who did it, so she didn't get what she really wanted, which was vengeance on Hojo for scaring their chocobo.)

3) Rode through Midgar with Zack, barking at the sky (who, totally sober, joined in).

(Cloud, and let's be real, it was Zack that started it.)

4) Drew puppies on every piece of loose paper and the whiteboards in both Lazard's and Rufus' offices.

(Reno, because he's secretly a softie that loves Rufus and Lazard and knows they love dogs, but has to express his love via drunken vandalism.)

5) Has a tickle spot that makes their leg kick.

(Tseng. Don't ask questions if you want to live. It was a few fellow Turks who found out and they're sworn to secrecy.)

Chapter Text

Cloud woke up sad today. His dads would all be gone all day; some to bored meetings, some to missions. Why anyone would set up a bored meeting was beyond him; the lack of fun was in the name.

Sephikitty saw his frown as soon as he woke up (Sephikitty always seemed to know just when he'd wake up, it was great!), and immediately scooped him into a hug. Cloud clung tight and rubbed his face against Sephikitty's shoulder.

"Daddy," he mumbled, and Sephikitty purred, which was a little tickle-y when your belly was smooshed against his chest. Cloud soon couldn't help himself, and started giggling.

"Good morning, Cloud," Sephikitty said, pulling back and smiling gently. "Reno and Rude will be here soon to take care of you, but I wanted to say good morning before I left. As we discussed, you'll be back here tonight, and I will come back after your bedtime. I realize it is not recommended to wake children from sleep regularly, but I am willing to make an exception; would you like me to let you know when I have returned?"

Cloud instantly felt better, and nodded super hard.

"Yes please, Sephikitty Daddy! I miss you."

"I will certainly miss you as well, Cloud," replied Sephikitty, giving him a nose nuzzle. Cloud and Sephikitty just cuddled until the Turks arrived, Sephikitty occasionally purring.

—-----

“Yo, little man, you up for some fun today?"

Cloud nodded sleepily, giving Sephikitty one last hug before being put down.

"You know our emergency information, and we sent a copy of his usual schedule and other information. Please do not hesitate to reach out," said Sephikitty.

"Roger that," Reno saluted lazily.

"Thank you. Cloud, I'm sure you will be good for the Turks. Remember to let someone know if there is an issue, and I will come wake you when I return."

Cloud nodded again and waved goodbye, trying to keep a brave face. He was a little wary since the incident with Kunsel, and didn't like his favorite people to be out of sight for too long.

Rude looked down at the mournful little chocochick trying his best, and ruffled his hair before heading to the table with the breakfast they'd brought. Reno, meanwhile, distracted Cloud with a reminder to do his business and wash up–with soap. Cloud secretly wondered what all the grownups' obsession with soap was about, but did as he was told.

When Cloud came out, he silently padded over to Rude and held his hands up to be picked up. Rude obliged, and even let him sit in his lap for breakfast. Reno was torn between jealousy and definitely not melting into a puddle at the cuteness, because he was a tough slum kid who didn't get sappy over sleepy chocochicks. Or grumpy, stoic partners turning into friendly furniture at one slow blink of a chocochick's eyes.

"You finished, little man?"

Cloud nodded.

"Ready for some sneaking? You'll need to pick out some boring clothes, then we can get going."

Cloud's idea of "boring" clothes was actually pretty on-point. If he hadn't been the cutest chocobo in Midgar, he'd have slipped through any crowd totally unnoticed.

"Nice work, yo. To the tower! But we'll go the back way."

And they did, taking the stairs. Cloud was suitably impressed with how well Rude melted into the blind spots of the cameras, and how Reno knew exactly where they all were. Reno and Rude in turn were impressed with how quiet Cloud was.

They spent most of the morning just traversing the tower, even making it into the vents at one point, and crawling past the labs. Cloud heard Hojo, and signaled Reno, so they turned away at the first opportunity and had more fun spying on the SOLDIERs to help Cloud feel better. The moment hardened Reno and Rude's resolve to take Hojo out the instant the ban was lifted.

For lunch, they raided the executives’ catered spread, teaching Cloud how to rearrange things to make it look like no one had been there. No one could prove they didn't reprimand him when he had a face-uncovered vent-dust sneezing fit near Hojo's sandwich any more than they could prove that Reno had seen the sneeze coming and nudged that particular sandwich into the line of toddler snot fire.

Before naptime, they decided to wait just outside the executive's meeting area and text Sephiroth and Angeal to come say hi on their break. Cloud was thrilled and ran to the door when it opened, almost bumping into Palmer, who was hastening to the restrooms.

"Out of my way, peasant!" he screeched, blindly aiming a kick in Cloud's direction. He missed, but didn't stop as he continued on his mission for relief. Palmer also missed the dirty looks the Turks shot him.

Cloud paid no mind, because the next people out that door were…

"Dad! Daddy!"

"Pumpkin!"

"Hello, Cloud."

They only had a brief moment to exchange hugs and crumb-filled toddler cheek kisses (Cloud had yet to master wiping one's hands or face after dirtying them at lunch).

For naptime, Reno and Rude guided Cloud through a series of hidden doors and back staircases to a wonderfully cozy Turk hideout. Comfy sofas, a fully stocked kitchen, a TV with video games, and tons of comfy chairs and hammocks and nooks all over the place.

"I wike the high one by the window!" Cloud decided, after they asked where he'd like to nap.

"Great pick, yo! Only the smallest, best Turks fit up there; it's a great vantage point for recon, escape, and if you hop down, you're in a pretty defensible area!" Reno crowed, proud that their newest ninja had such good taste.

Cloud had a nice nap, then a nice time doing his paperwork along with Aunty Cissnei. He told her about his adventures that day, including how they avoided the labs because Hojo smelled bad. Her bloodlust for Hojo's hide increased again. It really was a shame he was needed to maintain the SOLDIERs' health.

For dinner, Tseng brought dinosaur chicken nuggets for everyone and they watched Stamp the Dog. Cloud sat with Rude, who he just knew was a big fan as well, and told him all his fan theories. Rude nodded along, and much to everyone else's surprise, chimed in once or twice.

Finally, it was time to go home, so Cissnei, Rude, and Reno took him to Sephiroth's. The smell of his Daddy's shampoo made Cloud tear up a little, but he steeled himself. Daddy promised he'd be back tonight and would wake him up.

Cissnei was in charge of bedtime stories, with Reno providing sound effects, which was pretty fun. Cloud drifted off with a smile, and the Turks privately agreed to protect that smile with their lives.

Sephiroth returned around midnight, at which point the Turks left. He glided into Cloud's room and took a moment to just breathe in the scent of his baby and gaze on his angelic little face, before waking him with a gentle back rub.

"Hello, Cloud."

Cloud came to quickly.

"Daddy!" He chirped sleepily. "Daddy Sephikitty!"

A quick hug turned into an entire night of Sephiroth being stuck, unable to escape the iron claws of his baby. Not that he minded in the slightest.

Bonus:
Hojo fell slightly ill and had a miserable rest of the week as the remaining Jenova cells he'd injected into himself were purified.

Bonus:
By the end of the day, President Shinra found a resignation letter on his desk from Palmer, who had chosen retirement over…whatever it was he discussed with the Turks after trying to kick Cloud. Shinra didn't care, one less embezzling leech to whine in his ear about the space program that had produced no Promised Land thus far.

Chapter Text

Hojo knew something was wrong. The Firsts had come back saying they’d checked the reactor and cleared out the monsters, and Sephiroth was completely normal. Had he not met subject J? Was the call ineffective? Was it dormant? What had gone wrong?!

Hojo had prepared. He had lined things up, orchestrated the trip, tested Sephiroth a thousand times, and left the information for him to find. Subject S had reached maturity, as had the cells. What had gone wrong?!

Even if he hadn’t seen the journals, he should have felt the call and gone to subject J. The booster shots he received before he left, if nothing else, should have compelled him to visit the reactor. Even its dormant cells craved mako, why had he not sought that abundant source? What had gone wrong?!

Hojo paced back and forth, hunched and muttering, anger building with each step. What could have distracted his masterpiece from its destiny? What was getting in the wa…the child. The odd, chocobo-hybrid enhanced child, who had slipped from his grasp.

Spite filling his veins, he decided it was time to run some tests while he planned for the future, and called Sephiroth.

—------

Scarlet was enraged. It was clearly Heidegger's men who had messed up, her bomb had gone off perfectly! It was time to step things up. She put on her slinkiest dress and made her way up to Shinra's office to discuss bird extermination plans.

—------

Shinra couldn't care less about Scarlet's revenge, or Heidegger's pettiness. But he did care about Hojo's efforts to reach the pools of infinite mako, and if the chocobo was in the way, he would sign off on any plan to remove it. Meanwhile, he had a Space Program director to replace.

—------

Vincent wandered after being forced awake. Sephiroth was alive and well, but so was Hojo. He found Lucrecia eventually and spent a long time staring at her crystal and talking to her. He told her of Sephiroth and his son, Cloud, of the little family the pair had gathered, of his own partial success in subduing Chaos, and of his fears over losing control and hurting someone he loved.

Lucrecia just wailed about her own sins from her crystal, and refused to come out. It hurt to have her rejection again. Even when he knew the full story of why she'd run from him the first time and could understand, perhaps more than anyone, her reasoning for penance, it still hurt.

How could she hide here in this cave knowing there was hope and forgiveness to be had, or a child who she could potentially help? Sephiroth clearly longed for closure, and Cloud could use a competent scientist in his corner should any health concerns arise.

Then it hit him. He had left Sephiroth alone with Hojo while he moaned in a cave. How could he be so stupid? He was leaving Sephiroth and Cloud alone now, and Hojo was still alive, probably plotting away! He might even have planned what happened in Nibelheim and would now be angry.

Vincent leaped to his feet. Not again. Two was enough misery caves to mope in while a child was at risk. He said his goodbyes to Lucrecia and began making his way to Midgar. Perhaps by the time he got there, he would have better control of his inner demons.

Chapter Text

Cloud woke up cold and alone. Everything around him was bare metal, and he couldn't even feel his Daddy Sephikitty. And his head hurt and he felt like he'd been taken on a helicopter without his helicopter allergy medicine. No good.

He let out a little whimper, before pulling himself onto his hands and knees and crawling to a corner and curling up there, shivering. He wanted his dads. Right now.

"Already?" A muffled, nasally voice sounded from outside his small cell. "Interesting…it seems subject C has more tolerance than expected. Prepare for experiment 626."

It sounded familiar…Cloud racked his memories for who it could be…DR. NEFARIOUS! Not the TV one, but the one who tried to give him shots and smelled super bad and hurt Daddy.

Cloud let out a tiny growl. Nobody should hurt his Daddy.

"Subject C displaying feral vocalizations, set reminder to investigate samples for non-human genes and perform investigative surgery if the issue persists," said Dr. Nefarious.

Cloud frowned deeply and curled up tighter. He didn't know what that meant, but he had a sneaking suspicion it had to do with him growling and that it wasn't any good.

"Commence experiment 626."

Suddenly, a vent in the ceiling started blowing nasty-smelling air in. Cloud covered his nose and mouth, but it didn't help, and soon his tummy felt upset, then everything just burned. Unable to keep it in, Cloud leaned over and got sick, crying as the burning got worse and worse until he blacked out.

—-----

Kunsel had a good gut. It was pretty sensitive, and never wrong. And it was telling him something in the world had gone horribly, awfully awry.

He grabbed his PHS–no news yet, but that probably wouldn't last long. He scanned his brain for anything unusual lately, besides the exploding tech the other day…nothing. Though he hadn't seen Sephiroth or Zack today…

—-----

Kunsel added Kunsel to the chat.
Kunsel added Lazard to the chat.

Kunsel: @here my gut went off, everyone ok?

Dadesis is typing…
Momgeal is typing…
Lazard is typing…

Lazard is typing…

Lazard: come up to my office.

—------

Well, this couldn't be good. Kunsel didn't run, but didn't waste a millisecond getting there. He opened the door to three serious faces.

"Kunsel, have a seat," directed Lazard. Kunsel sat. "We need to talk about Sephiroth."

Angeal took the lead, explaining how Sephiroth was still under Hojo's thumb and had to be brought back last night after Cloud sensed he was in trouble. Kunsel nodded along. He'd guessed some of this and the rest wasn't any more far-fetched than anything else he'd seen. When they finished, he shook his head.

"I felt off last night, but this isn't that. Something else is wrong, or it got worse. You said Zack was with Seph? Let's call and make sure everything's ok."

Genesis' face grew alarmed; he trusted Kunsel's gut more than even Kunsel did, and if something worse was going on, there was no time to waste. He leaped to his feet and out the door to check on Sephiroth in person.

Angeal dialed Zack.

It rang.

And rang.

And went to voicemail.

Angeal swallowed heavily. Zack was known for forgetting to charge his PHS, it wouldn't be that unusual if that was the case now, especially if he had stayed up all night looking after Seph. He took a breath and tried calling Sephiroth instead.

It rang, and rang, and went to voicemail.

Just as Angeal hung up, Kunsel's device went off, and he answered immediately.

"Kunsel."

"Cloud's gone," came Genesis' voice. "The door was wide open and Cloud's gone. Sephiroth is still out, and so is Zack, and I can't find Cloud anywhere."

Angeal was out the door in a heartbeat. Kunsel assured Genesis that they'd find him, hung up, and began assembling Turks and SOLDIERs alike. Lazard called Rufus. The hunt was on.

—------

Cloud woke up cold again. Again? Oh yeah, Dr. Nefarious had him trapped. Everything hurt, and now it smelled bad in here from when he got sick. Cloud whimpered and tightened into a ball in his corner.

"Subject C regained consciousness at the expected time. No external changes observed. Samples showed signs of S-cells, though no S-cells injections have been performed. No sign of J-cells pre-experiment. Analyzing new samples now. Responsiveness test commencing."

Cloud was jolted from his stupor by a series of loud screeches and flashing lights. He yelped and covered his ears and eyes as best he could. When the sounds stopped and the ringing faded, he heard the scientist's voice again.

"Subject responsive to visual and auditory stimuli. Vital signs were normal at time of sampling and injections for experiment 627, it is acceptable to engage experiment 628 at will. Begin preparations for experiment 628."

Cloud did not like Mr. Creepy staring at him and doing experiments. He looked around the small metal room, and saw a camera up in a corner, a long, thin vent that he couldn’t fit through, and the outline of a door. Camera first.

Ignoring the aching in his bones, Cloud gathered himself and quickly made a leap for the camera. He connected instantly and ripped it out of the wall. He tried to pry apart the metal wall using the hole where the camera had been, bracing himself in the corner, but had no luck before he slipped and fell back down.

An enraged screech sounded from outside. Good. Cloud stomped on the stupid camera, hands dripping a little blood from where his skin had been torn on the jagged metal bits. He tried again, this time for the vent, maybe the hole would be bigger if he wrenched its cover off too. No luck this time; he wasn’t heavy enough to pull the cover loose, and couldn’t get enough leverage to use his strength. It started spewing a different stinky gas than before, and soon he was knocked out again.

Chapter Text

Zack groaned, but didn’t wake as Genesis shook him again, Angeal hovering anxiously over Sephiroth, who seemed no worse or better than he had last night. Genesis huffed and went for a slap this time.

“Hnnnn,” Zack’s eyes fluttered, but wouldn’t stay open.

“Genesis!” hissed Angeal. “I think he’s drugged–even when drunk, he’s not this hard to wake up.”

“I think you’re right. I can’t find any signs of breaking and entering, we’ll need to get someone to check the logs and cameras since Zack can’t tell us anything yet.”

“They’re all missing,” a new voice sounded. “There was a blackout for an hour on this and a few other floors this morning after you two left for work. When the cameras started recording again, the front door was open.”

“Tseng,” said Angeal. “Thank you for helping. Was there any sign of Cloud wandering off alone on the surrounding surveillance?”

“No, he was not seen exiting the dead zone, which ended near a well-trafficked area. We are investigating everyone who was in that area during the blackout. Gentlemen, I will be frank with you, this is too finely executed to be a coincidence, an external threat, or the work of an amateur.”

“Hojo,” spat Genesis. “He’s come after Cloud before, but we couldn’t prove anything.” He would have charged off to confront Hojo then and there, had Angeal not stopped him.

"No murder, Gen, if we're wrong, I don't want you out of commission," said Angeal. "And we need to make sure Zack's ok."

—----

This time, when Cloud woke up, he was in a small glass tube next to a bigger tube holding a big dog-cat-thing. He almost jumped in surprise, but found himself extremely weak, barely able to move.

"Doggy…" he murmured. Its ear perked up, but it didn't move. "Kitty?" he tried again. This time it raised its head and padded over to be closer to Cloud. "Kitty." Cloud decided. Then thought of his Sephikitty. Then started crying softly, until he fell asleep to a barely perceptible rumble from the giant kitty.

—-----

Zack was finally awake and almost inconsolable over losing Cloud and not remembering what happened. Angeal reassured him that the sedatives they'd detected in his blood would have killed a lesser being, but he couldn't help but think that if he'd been paying more attention, he could have prevented being poisoned.

Vincent had shown up and was now prowling around, trying to find any trace of their chocobo. The Turks were also scouring their secret hiding places throughout the building and interviewing everyone who even thought about going near the blackout zone during the time Cloud disappeared. Every SOLDIER was on alert, and even all the administrative staff Cloud and Zack visited were keeping an eye out.

Sephiroth was still out, his bloodstream showing even greater traces of the sedative with less blood volume, due to the experimentation he'd endured.

—------

"For experiment 631, subject C will be removed from the disruption field to detect whether the reunion principle is at play. Monitoring systems have been deployed in subject S to alert on any changes."

Cloud could barely hear the annoying voice, everything was blurry and disjointed. He had no idea how long he'd been here, or where ‘here’ was. He just wanted his daddies to come get him already.

Cloud tried to turn his head or move, but found himself strapped down to something cold by strong, metal restraints.

"Injecting substance 9802. Commencing experiment 631."

Cloud's arm was stabbed with a needle and the burning from before started up again. Lacking the energy to scream, he just cried and whimpered quietly, until…

—-----

Sephiroth's unconscious body started twitching and moving, his head turning slightly, and his eyebrows scrunching up. Genesis immediately perked up from where he was texting Kunsel and hurried to his side.

"Seph? Are you waking up?" he called, softly.

"Nnnn…Cld…."

"What's that, Seph? Are you cold?" Genesis laid his hand over Sephiroth's head, feeling a slight fever. He pulled the blankets up higher and pet the silver locks.

"NNNNO! CLOUD! CLOUD!" Sephiroth's unfocused eyes flew open, body now shaking. "LET HIM GO! CLOUD! CLO-"

And as suddenly as he had woken, Sephiroth went limp, eyes sliding back shut as he wheezed out one last, weak "Cloud…" and passed out.

Genesis' heart was racing, and he quickly relayed the new information to Kunsel. Cloud was being hurt, and held captive, and Sephiroth might be able to find him, if he could wake up.

—-----

Tifa saw red. How could they let someone steal her little friend? From under their noses!? She hung up sharply.

"Aerith?"

"I heard. You go, I'll talk with the flowers and see if they know anything, and keep the doors open. Lost things often find their way here," Aerith offered a tiny, gentle smile of reassurance.

Tifa hugged Aerith fiercely, angrily wiping her eyes as she held on.

"I'll be back. I'll get him back. Thank you, Aerith."

She sped out the door as Aerith clasped her hands together and turned to her flowers to begin communing with the planet.

—----

Cloud had felt his Daddy, for just a few minutes, before the table he was on was wheeled past a barrier. The shock of losing the connection combined with the agony of the drugs made him lose consciousness again, and he paid no mind to the big cat that watched him sleep.

Chapter Text

It had been 36 hours, and no sign of Cloud. Angeal and Kunsel (Genesis wasn't allowed…yet) had confronted Hojo in his labs, but the scientist played dumb, and they couldn't catch Cloud's scent, nor any sign of him, so they had to leave empty-handed.

Angeal was beginning to wonder if maybe Cloud had been taken somewhere remote or had…no, that wasn't possible, Sephiroth had sensed him earlier, he had to be alive. And now that Seph showed signs of actually waking, they could likely try tracking Cloud down through their strange connection soon.

They also harassed Hollander, with no luck. Tifa had shown up too, and gone out again with Zack and Genesis to check Cloud's favorite haunts. Several of the Turks were now branching out into the seedier sides of the city, to see if anyone had taken the boy for ransom.

—------

Aerith was tired. Speaking with the planet so intently took a lot out of her, and she had been trying for some time. She took a few deep breaths and focused again, trying to project the idea of Cloud as he appeared to the planet at as wide of a range as she could.

Surprisingly, this time she heard back.

Echos of a fire lion's thoughts came through, and she latched onto them, strengthening her connection to them. There! Images of a spiky, scared little person, huddled in a tank somewhere dark, eerie green light glowing around the edges of the room.

She expressed her relief at seeing him and her concern for both Cloud and the fire lion, trying to get them to give her more information. The image of Hojo's face almost made her pull away–she knew that man from her own past and nightmares–but she held on. The fire lion couldn't tell her much more, just the layout of the room their tank was in and their own concern about Cloud, who seemed to be sleeping quite a lot.

Aerith projected gratitude over the bond and withdrew, panting and fumbling for her PHS as soon as she was grounded in the church again.

—----

It was around the 48th hour that Sephiroth finally woke, though he could not sense Cloud and was still weak.

Angeal was beginning to despair.

—-----

Cloud? Was that his name? He was surrounded by green, his veins were flowing with green, his stomach and intestines and lungs packed with green.

He could see shapes through the green. Some of them were scary, like the white blob with the black squid and shiny giant eyes where a head should be. Some of them provided small comfort, like the long red one with the glowing tail–that one was Kitty. Kitty was important, but also wasn't the right kitty?

He didn't know what that meant by that; he couldn't remember. But he knew someone was looking for him and they would find him, maybe the right kitty. Or many kitties. And a puppy? Or maybe that was a bird…or a bear… But whoever they were, they would find him.

—-----

Reeve was furious. Of course he found out about the missing chocobo quickly, but as he scrambled to find him again, he ran across a series of communications between Scarlet, Heidegger, and Shinra about their petty complaints, conspiracy to murder a child, and Shinra's approval.

Shinra's approval where he signed off on "giving" the child to Hojo.

Scarlet's plans to cause the blackout.

Heidegger's cooperation in providing unwitting meat shields to transport a certain "package" once it was collected from the blackout zone.

This would not stand. He sent anonymous messages to Tseng, Rufus, Lazard, Kunsel, and Genesis with the evidence.

No sign of where exactly Cloud was, but at least this was a start.

—-----

Vincent was with them as Sephiroth started to force himself up to go find Cloud, even though none of them knew where he was.

Suddenly, Zack, Reno, and Tifa burst in.

"It's Hojo. It has to be. Aerith saw him in some lab with Cloud," Tifa gasped out, having run all the way here, where they were basing their operations.

"And he hasn't left the building, by normal exits or Turk routes," supplied Reno. "And I have an idea." He held up a device.

Chapter Text

Zack and Tifa shared a long look, Sephiroth’s arm slung over Zack’s shoulder as they waited for the signal. She hadn’t quite forgiven them for losing Cloud, but she had put her anger aside for the sake of the mission. She knew logically it wasn’t their fault, but she just…she would finish forgiving them once Cloudy was safe. She gave Zack a serious nod, which he returned, guilt still there, but buried under burning resolve.

Tifa shut her eyes, then covered them with her hands to prepare for the blackout.

—------

They hadn’t wasted any time. They tried to reach Genesis, but he wasn’t answering, so the group set off with Vincent, Kunsel, and Angeal as the vanguard, Reno sneaking ahead to set the EMP as deep in the labs as he could. Sephiroth, Tifa, and Zack would try to locate and rescue Cloud, and a handful of SOLDIERs and Turks were at their backs and covering their advancement through the building to avoid alerting Hojo or his co-conspirators.

—-----

Nanaki gazed at his little friend, floating in the mako. Poor kit, they’d hardly shared a moment awake together, but it was clear this was just a young kitling who had no business being within 50 miles of Hojo, much less under his control. At least the flower lady was looking for him, and Nanaki too, from what he could tell. The thought warmed his heart as he tried to purr for the kitling again, hoping it would offer some comfort.

—-----

“Now!” The signal went off, the power in the labs completely off, all electronic devices crippled. Tifa’s eyes flew open and adjusted quickly as Sephiroth let out a little gasp and stumbled.

“Down one level,” he panted. “Stairs on the left.”

The trio paid no mind to the sounds of the vanguard encountering booby traps and monsters, just plunged down a level as fast as they could, following Sephiroth’s breathy directions.

“Right. Left. Second door. Straight ahead.”

And there he was, floating in a tank of green goo, a larger cylinder beside him containing what must have been the fire lion Aerith mentioned. Zack and Sephiroth set about clearing the manual overrides on the tank, and the goo slowly drained, Cloud sinking with it until it finally left him a soggy lump at the bottom.

Tifa didn’t have time to jump in and get poisoned before Zack was on his knees next to his baby, pumping his chest to expel the excess mako in his lungs and encourage him to breathe air. At the first gasp, Zack scooped him up and cradled him in his arms, uncaring of the toxic goo covering his Little Spike or being coughed up all over him.

“He’s ok,” Zack croaked, through tears. “Passed out but his heart and lungs sound good. He’s ok. Little Spike’s ok.”

“Cloudy,” Tifa let out a little sob of relief. “Thank you, Zack, Sephiroth,” she smiled, whipping out her PHS to text the group.

—-----

"Scarlet," a deep, melodic voice growled from the shadows of her lab.

"Genesis! What a surprise. I thought you would be out looking for your child, I heard he was missing, the poor thing," Scarlet replied, fake concern trying to mask her indifference.

"Hmm, he is. I actually came to ask you if you knew anything about that," Genesis replied, sauntering over.

"Me? Why would I? You know I'm busy in my labs, so unless he wandered in here, I wouldn't have seen him.”

“Oh I believe you, I’m sure you haven’t seen him at all. But perhaps you’d like to tell me who has seen him, or where he is?” Genesis was quite close now, all danger and seduction, like a carnivorous plant trying to attract a fly.

“I think you know me well enough to know I truly do not care about children, and therefore have no clue of where yours is,” Scarlet scoffed.

“I do, I just wanted to see if you would think to tell the truth to spare your life. You’re running out of chances, my dear.”

“Hardly, if I’ve been telling the truth, which I have. Now run along, I have work to do,” she commanded.

Genesis stared at her, gaze pinning her in place, and waited.

*PING!*

His PHS went off. He pulled it from his pocket, keeping one eye on her as he glanced at the message.

“Out of time, how sad,” he remarked, and plunged his sword through her.

—----

*PING!*

“Father,” Rufus said, opening the office door.

“What do you want, Rufus, I’m busy,” the old man grunted in reply.

“You’re needed in Scarlet’s labs, she said something about a rocket? She won’t listen to me about setting it off from the top of the building, and blew up my PHS in a fit of rage. Would you mind terribly making sure we don’t get exploded as well today?”

“You’re getting awfully sassy, boy,” Shinra growled, but got up. He had always been of a practical mind, and practically speaking, letting Scarlet use explosives of that magnitude was not compatible with making money. Or living life. They made their way to the labs, Dark Star following.

When they arrived, it was to Tseng standing in front of two oblong lumps under tarps.

“What is the meaning of this, where is Scarlet?” Shinra complained.

“She got blown up in a lab accident, Father,” replied Rufus. “Truly a tragedy, since half the board was there too, for the demonstration.”

Shinra whirled on Rufus.

“I don’t know what you think you’re playing at, boy, but you’d better get your head screwed on straight,” he hissed.

“Such a shame, that Tseng and I only just escaped due to his bravery and quick thinking, too late to save any…child-killers.” Rufus’ tone was ice cold.

“You’ve never had any qualms before, during the Wutai war,” said Shinra, before reaching into his coat for his revolver.

Before he even had it drawn, Dark Star was on him, and the reign of Shinra Senior ended.

“Much to my eternal shame, Father,” muttered Rufus. “Well Tseng, we have work to do. Shame I’ll have to dirty this suit, but it is what it is. Good girl, Dark Star.”

—----

“I said, how dare you show your face here, Valentine?!” shrieked Hojo. Angeal, Kunsel, and Reno were clearing out lingering monsters and booby traps to make things safe for Cloud’s retreat while Vincent went after Hojo.

“I am doing what I should have done all those years ago,” Vincent intoned blandly.

*PING!*

“Oh? And what might that be, you pathetic…”

*BANG!*

*BANG!* *BANG!*

*BANG!*

Chapter Text

Zack clung tight to his baby all the way back to their apartment, even while helping Sephiroth. He could see the longing looks everyone had, but in an unusual bout of selfishness, he couldn't bring himself to let go or share.

Tifa started a warm shower for them to wash off the mako, Angeal started stress-cooking, and Genesis arrived in time to set up a guard rotation until the dads could catch up on sleep and in case any other conspirators decided to come out of the woodwork. Sephiroth collapsed onto the closed toilet next to the shower to help Zack decontaminate himself and Cloud.

“I don’t remember seeing you during the raid,” a voice came from around Genesis’ waist height. Genesis hummed in acknowledgement, then did a double-take.

“Pardon me, who are you? And why are you here?” he demanded.

“Nanaki. I was imprisoned with the kitling in the labs, and the flower lady contacted me about finding us. I am here because I followed the kitling, his fathers, and this lady here.”

Tifa was staring with her mouth open and eyes bugging out.

“You can talk?!”

“Yes.”

“Um, hi, I’m Tifa? Thanks for helping us find Cloud?”

“My pleasure, I am glad he is safe with his pack now and I extend my own thanks to you all for setting me free as well,” replied the fire lion.

“I’m sure you’re aware that I can and will kill you if you hurt my chickadee?” interjected Genesis, having just gathered himself.

“Naturally,” agreed Nanaki.

“Excellent, then thank you for keeping an eye on him and helping us find him. You may call me Genesis. Zack is holding Cloud, Sephiroth is with him, and Angeal is in the kitchen.”

“Of course, and I am pleased to meet you all.”

And with that, Genesis unwittingly absorbed a new family member into his life. A literal fire lion that cared for Gen’s baby? It was only natural.

—-----

Zack settled in the middle of the couch with Cloud, Sephiroth huddled next to him with a hand on Cloud’s back, Tifa on Zack’s other side, gently stroking Cloud’s little cheek. Angeal was still cooking.

In the kitchen, Genesis laid a hand on Angeal’s arm.

“‘Geal,” he began. “We got him back.”

“Yeah,” replied Angeal, scuttling around, frantically mixing things. “I’m so relieved, I was worried about our little muffin.”

“Yes, we all were. Have you sat down with him yet?”

“No, I’m making him soup and some of his favorites, here, taste,” Angeal shoved a spoon in Genesis’ direction without actually looking for a response. Genesis frowned.

“‘Geal, pause for a moment,” Genesis urged, blocking his path to the cutting board.

“Huh? Do you need something? Does Cloud need something?” Angeal’s breath was short and his gaze distracted. “I’m just fixing up some of…”

Genesis grabbed his shoulders and looked him in the eye.

“‘Geal, stop. Look at me. We have Cloud. He’s going to be ok now.”

Something cracked when Angeal made eye contact. His breath hitched.

“He was right there, Gen,” Angeal’s eyes twitched back and forth between Genesis’, like he couldn’t focus on a single point. “He was in the lab and I couldn’t find him when we went down there,” Angeal’s breath was coming quicker. “You were right and he was right there and…”

Genesis pulled his friend into a hug as he started sobbing.

“...and *sob* I didn’t see him! He was left for ages after I was RIGHT THERE! I left our baby with Hojo! I *sob* Cloud *sob*”

“Shhhh, shhhh, Angeal, sweetheart, it’s ok, we got him back, shhh,” Genesis hummed and rocked the massive SOLDIER gently. “You saved him, he’s going to be ok.”

Angeal cried and cried, Genesis having to get creative about turning down the stove and shoving sharp objects out of the way while still hugging his friend. And while crying himself, but no one needed to know about that.

As Angeal calmed down and was about to start wrapping up the cooking, a distant boom sounded. Tifa and Nanaki were on their feet in a second, Sephiroth and Zack instantly shielding Cloud. Angeal ran into the den while Genesis checked his PHS.

“What was that?!” cried Tifa.

“I don’t know, but we should…” Angeal was cut off by Genesis.

“Take a breath. That sounded to me like something normal exploding in the R&D area of the building, I’m sure it’s nothing for us to be concerned about.”

Tifa looked at him like he’d grown a second head. Angeal studied his face sharply.

“I’ll check on it, but everyone, please relax,” Genesis continued, going to the door to talk with whoever was on guard duty.

“...was it just me or was that weird?” asked Tifa, after a pause.

“That was weird. He probably knows something, and it’s probably better if you don’t ask; I’ll check in with him later though,” sighed Angeal. This smelled a lot like trouble and he didn’t want Tifa mixed up in it.

Zack and Sephiroth uncurled from where they were wrapped around Cloud, and Angeal finally let himself go over and check on him.

“Hey, little munchkin,” he said, running his fingers through the golden spikes and kissing his forehead. Then, to the surprise and delight of everyone, Cloud’s eyes drifted open just a little.

“Mmmmmnnn,” came a tiny, quiet moan from his barely parted lips.

“There are my blueberry buttons,” Angeal encouraged, a huge smile splitting his face.

“Cloud,” gasped Zack, as if that was the first time he’d exhaled that day. Sephiroth simply purred as Tifa shoved her head over to see.

“Cloudy!” she exclaimed softly, and grabbed his small hand warmly in her own.

“My beautiful chicky,” Genesis said, having come in at just the right time. “So good to see you, precious.”

“Hnnnn,” Cloud whined softly, and with that deep thought now conveyed, passed out again.

“Cloudy?” asked Tifa, sniffling a little.

“Mako poisoning,” said Sephiroth. “It’s good that he woke that much this soon. He’s likely to come in and out of consciousness like this for some time before he fully wakes. It’s too early to tell what side effects he will have. When he is more alert, we should watch for motor function issues, memory loss, pain, and other neurological problems, such as seizures.”

“For now though, rest is the best thing for him. And for us,” concluded Angeal. “Please, everyone try to eat something, then we should all try to catch up on sleep.”

Everyone shifted uncomfortably.

“Oh for heaven’s sake, I’ll take first watch,” grumbled Genesis, not actually annoyed. “The goddess knows none of you will sleep otherwise, and I’m the most alert. Tifa, you’re welcome to the spare room down the hall, Sephiroth and one or two others may take the chocobo to Angeal’s room, and the rest of you sort yourselves out. Spare blankets and pillows are in the hall closet.”

“I’m shocked you knew that,” said Angeal, a little stunned. Genesis sniffed imperiously.

“Of course he did,” said Zack. “Gen likes being comfy.” The first hint of a grin started to show on his face. Genesis flipped Zack off, and everyone let out a little laugh.

The tension now eased, everyone had a light snack and collapsed where they could, Angeal ending up on the floor in his room since “you three were poisoned and need the bed and to not be left alone”, and Nanaki sprawled comfortably on the couch. For about three seconds.

Angeal threw open his door, causing Tifa to stumble out of the spare room as well.

“THE EXPLOSION!”

“Oh, that,” scoffed Genesis. “It was a heartbreaking tragedy in Scarlet’s labs. Apparently she was demonstrating some new robot and she, the president, and Heidegger all perished. It seems Rufus, Tseng, and Dark Star were also there, but escaped with only minor injuries. Sorrows for the bereaved.”

Genesis did not look sorrowful, bereaved, or heartbroken, and Angeal looked even more suspicious, but everyone accepted the explanation and returned to bed.

Chapter Text

Cloud had not bounced back. It had been several days now, and while he was making progress, it wasn’t much. Tifa had to go back to work soon after the raid, taking Nanaki with her to stay with Aerith. His dads were growing worried though, and at Aerith’s suggestion, decided to bring Cloud to the church to get some fresh air.

Angeal and Sephiroth stayed at the tower, working hard to maintain stability in the wake of the passing of most of the board, leaving Genesis and Zack to escort Cloud.

“Alright, we’re here Cloudy, to see Aerith and Tifa and Nanaki, your friends! Would you like to help open the door?” Zack babbled, then paused. Cloud didn’t answer or move to open the door, his head listing to the side. “Ok, I’ll do it by myself! I’m sure you can understand, you’re a big believer in independence.”

Genesis would have rolled his eyes or laughed, but could only manage a weak smirk today as Zack opened the door.

“Cloud!” called Aerith as she trotted down the aisle. “So good to see you! I see you brought your Puppa and Papa today, hello Zack, Genesis!” She nodded to each of them, then pounced to snag Zack and Cloud in a quick hug.

“Hey,” said Tifa to the men, softly, and ruffled Cloud’s hair. “Hi Cloudy. Let’s go play in the flowers and see Mr. Nanaki again.”

They eventually settled in the blooms, Cloud cuddled in Tifa’s lap, everyone chatting casually. She played with his fingers, humming a counting tune and making his lax hands dance.

“Mmm,” Cloud grunted.

Zack and Genesis snapped their attention to him as quick as a whip.

“What’s up, buddy?” Zack asked, a little waver in his voice. Cloud didn’t say anything else.

“He’s been getting more quiet after he finally woke up,” explained Genesis. “But I think he likes that song, Tifa.”

“Oh well he should!” she remarked, smiling. “It’s one of our favorites, though we used to do it with toes more often, and it would make him giggle so much. Let’s free those little feetsies and see what we got!”

Soon, Cloud’s tiny toes were loosed from their shoes and socks, and Tifa let them sink into the dirt for a bit as she set the garments aside, before picking both his feet up and starting her song again. At each count, she grabbed a toe gently.

“One, two, three, four, five
Once I caught a fish alive
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten
But I let him go again

Why did you let him go?
Because he bit my toe oh no!
Which toe did he bite?
This one on the right!”

And with a little “om nom nom” she dove down and pretended to bite his right pinkie toe.

“Mmmoho.” It was soft, but it was there. A tiny, quiet little mumble that sounded like “more” to the discerning ear. Zack was grinning broadly now as Tifa did as her petit prince demanded and repeated the song. Aerith clapped each time, Nanaki purred, and Genesis graced them with a smile. Each time, Cloud looked a little clearer, a little more present, and started holding his head straighter.

Eventually, Tifa grew tired, and decided they needed more movement.

“Cloudy, let’s go for a walk!” She set him on his feet where he swayed for a minute, but ultimately stayed upright long enough for her to get up too, stretching her cramped legs while holding his hand. “I bet you can’t make it all the way to Aunty Aerith with me holding just one hand,” she challenged.

Zack looked worried, but she shook her head subtly at him, and they set off, Cloud’s steps dragging and awkward, but determined. After a hug from Aerith, they made a game of it, going to each of his friends or dads in turn, Tifa slowly reducing the amount of help she gave Cloud until he was stumbling along completely on his own.

“He always likes a challenge,” whispered Tifa to Zack, while Cloud got his hug from Genesis. Zack laughed out loud at that and nodded eagerly, so proud of his fierce little Spike.

On one round, they were pointed to Nanaki.

“Who next, Cloudy?” asked Tifa, not really expecting, but waiting for an answer.

“Kitty,” he mumbled. She almost tripped over herself, but recovered just in time.

“Right on! Let’s go!”

And they went…but not in the direction of Nanaki. Cloud toddled around in a 180 to face the church doors, and began his own journey to his own destination.

“Cloudy?” Tifa asked, perplexed.

“Kitty,” he mumbled again, shuffling along, and at that moment, the door swung open to reveal none other than Sephiroth and Angeal, who had come during a break to check on them.

“Kitty,” he stated, a little smugly for a barely coherent toddler struggling to walk, and was soon caught up in strong arms after Sephiroth ran up to meet him. They spun in a circle, Sephiroth grinning wider than Tifa had ever seen him grin.

“Hello, Cloud.”

Chapter Text

Cloud was on a mission. A secret mission. It was a good thing Mr. Reno and the Turks had helped him learn how to sneak super good, because his Mark was super good at detecting sneaking. Though he was still unsure why he had to change Sephikitty's name to "Mark".

Aunty Cissnei had taught him all about how to have contacts everywhere, and how important it was to rely on your trusted friends, but always have a backup plan. Mr. Reno taught him how to blend in or stand out and the best places to WHACK bad guys. Uncle Tseng taught him a lot of stuff about hiding "neutralized targets", which he didn't really get, but it was still cool. Mr. Rude helped him practice being light on his feet.

With a vast wealth of knowledge stored in his spiky hair (Aunty Cissnei said you could store a LOT of secrets in big hair–Sephikitty must be the biggest secret haver EVER), he drew up a plan.

Step 1) Build a trusted network and drop hints and ask for favors, being ready to do favors in return.

Step 2) Distract Markikitty with Miss Direction.

Step 3) Finish preparations and spring the trap at the right time!

It was already a great plan, Cloud could tell. He'd drawn a picture for each step, and even had Zack help him spell "step" and each number so he could label the pictures. The first picture was a picture of himself, Zack, Genesis, Angeal, Lazard, Aerith, and Tifa. Next was a picture of Markikitty and Genesis. Finally, the last picture had all his friends with Markikitty in the middle with a fiery cake.

Genius.

Ok, time to lay some groundwork.

"Puppa, I gotta call Papa GenGen, can I pwease use your PHS?"

"Great job using "please", Little Spike! Sure thing, do you remember how? And would you like help?" replied Zack.

"Yep! And no help pwease, I can do it!"

"Gotcha, here you go, I think he's got a break between meetings, so now's a good time to call."

"Thanks Puppa!" Cloud patted Zack's leg and cautiously ran with the PHS back to his pup tent in Zack's office. He very carefully selected the call menu and found the one with the picture of his Papa looking angry with a fireball in his hand, and pressed the call button.

"Zack?" Papa answered quickly. He must have been super bored after the meeting and looking at his phone. Cloud understood. Bored meetings were boring.

"No Papa, it's Cwoud!"

"Cloud? Are you ok? Where's Zack?"

"Cwoud's fine," giggled Cloud. "Puppa's at his desk, I need help with a secret mission."

"Oh? Do tell," urged Genesis. Cloud enabled super secret mode and started whispering, unaware that even really sneaky toddlers were bad at whispering.

"I gotta do a secret mission to give Daddy a birthday, since he doesn't have one. But it's gotta be a surprise! So since he's the Markikitty, I need a Miss Direction lady to distract him when it's time. Can you do it?"

Muffled choking noises came from outside Cloud's tent.

"BWESS YOU, PUPPA!" he called, so Puppa would be sure to hear him.

"Pppfffft thank you, Spiky!" Zack coughed a couple more times.

"I most certainly can, my chocochick! When would you like to do this? And is ZACK OK OUT THERE? DO I NEED TO COME HELP HIM?" Genesis replied, loud enough for Zack to hear.

"Cough pfft All good Gen pfft, thanks! Cough!" replied Zack.

"Wow, Puppa has good hearing," muttered Cloud. "Um, I want all his friends to come, you, Dad, Puppa, Aunty Tifa, Aunty Aerith, Grandpa Wizard, ummm…I don't know, everyone else too!"

"Well, it may be hard to coordinate, but let's start with that guest list and Angeal can help you by getting it scheduled, and he'll tell me when. Would you like me to call him for you?"

"No thank you, Papa Gen! I can do it myself!"

"Very well, young chocobo, that sounds like a plan. May I ask why you chose me to help with misdirection?"

"Papa, you LOVE giving directions, you'd be the best! And you're very distracting, especially with fire," Cloud crowed, proud of his reasoning.

"KEOEOEJBRJDKWUHEVRN COUGH COUGH COUGH AHAHAHAINBEHBBBMMMMPHHHH," Zack exploded into a worrying series of coughs.

"PUPPA? ARE YOU OK?"

"Fine snort cough cough, just the wrong cough snort cough pipe, Cloudy!" Zack said.

"Well thank you, my fluffy chocoling, you have good reasons. I'll be by shortly to help your Puppa. Is there anything else I can do for you?" asked Genesis.

"No thank you, Papa GenGen!"

"Alright my little bluejay, I'll see you soon. Goodbye!"

"Bye Papa!"

Papa GenGen did come by, and helped Puppa Zack a lot–lots of strong thumps to the back! Though his coughing lasted a very long time… Cloud was a little worried, but they both assured him Puppa Zack would be ok, so he let it go for now.

He remembered just in time to promise Papa GenGen a favor, which Papa solemnly considered, then accepted.

"How about this: the next time Grandma Rhapsodos sends you apples, you share with me?"

"Silly Papa, I always share with you!"

Genesis' heart clenched painfully.

"Well perhaps you can write her a letter and ask for more?"

"Yes! I can do that! But I'll need some help with spelling."

"Of course, it would be my pleasure."

And with that, Genesis left and it was time to call Dadgeal.

—----

Angeal rubbed his temples as he heard Genesis storm out of his office towards Zack's. At least with Cloud around, the fireballs seemed to be more controlled. Almost. Angeal sighed as he heard Genesis return, then his PHS ring.

He looked at the caller ID. Oh dear. It was going to be one of those days then.

"Hello? Zack, are you alright?"

"Dad! Puppa's fine! He had a coughing fit, but Papa GenGen helped him!" Cloud's chipper little voice was a balm to his soul, and his words spelled great relief for the resident peacemaker. At least it hadn't been bad this time.

"Ok good. What's up, sweet pea? Do you need something?"

"I need a favors, but I will give you a favors in return!"

"Sure thing, honey bunch, what do you need?"

Cloud's voice dropped from "indoor voice" to "indoor voice with rasp to indicate whispering".

"I'm on a secret mission to give Daddy a birthday, because he doesn't have one. Papa said you could help cord and late…"

"Coordinate, gummy bear," Angeal corrected.

"..cord in late, and I need help baking a cake since I'm not allowed to cook unsupervisioned. Can you help?"

"Absolutely, sugar plum. That's such a great idea, I would love to help!"

"Thanks Dadgeal!" Cloud's smile could practically be heard through the PHS. "What favors do you want? Aunty Cissnei says you gotta be ready to do favors for your secret helpers."

"...Does Aunty Cissnei talk to you a lot about secret helpers?"

"Yeah! She and all the Turks help me sneak better!"

Angeal plunked his head quietly onto his desk, then quickly raised it and scribbled out a note to himself to have a word with the Turks to make sure they weren't corrupting his chocoling too much.

"I see. Well, I can agree that it's generally nice to help others as they help you. For my favors, I will need you to help me do some repotting later with my plants, does that sound like a good deal?"

"Perfect, Dad! Thanks!"

"Anytime, dumpling."

As soon as they said their goodbyes, Angeal's door opened and Genesis swooned in, dramatically flopping on the chair in front of Angeal's desk.

"That chocobo in human skin is going to kill me one day," he declared, head hanging over the back, legs sprawled everywhere.

"Honestly? Me too," agreed Angeal, rubbing his chest over his heart.

—------

While Genesis and Angeal were suffering cuteness overload together, Zack was left to brave it all alone.

"Puppa?"

"Yeah Spike?"

"Can you keep a secret?"

"Definitely. What's up?"

Cloud told him the plan, and asked for help getting "Markikitty" a present (as if Zack hadn't heard the whole thing already twice over), and of course he agreed. It wasn't until Sephiroth came to pick Cloud up for the night that Zack stumbled over to Angeal's office.

"Angeal. I think I contracted diabetes," he said, having burst in without knocking.

"Same," said Genesis from an ungainly position in a chair, not bothering to move, and Angeal groaned in agreement.

Chapter Text

Sephiroth was worried about his chocochick. For several days now, he'd caught him doing strange things, like stealing Sephiroth's clothes and smuggling them out of the apartment under his jacket, or hugging Sephiroth's head. Just the crown of his head.

He hadn't confronted Cloud about any of it–he had enough people questioning his every move both as a child, and now as an adult–and didn't want to saddle Cloud with undue scrutiny. Perhaps this was all normal for a child; he certainly wouldn't know. But he made sure to ask some questions.

"Cloud, are you feeling alright?"

"Eep!" Cloud jumped, jacket fat with stolen clothes. "Daddy! Cwoud's feewing super fine, reawwy. Cwoud feews reawwy good, just, uh, fuww from breakfast."

That was suspicious too; Cloud's lisp got worse when he was nervous, excited, or lying. He also was growing out of referring to himself in third person…or so Sephiroth had thought.

"Very well. If you ever feel bad, I would be glad to assist you. Are your emotional needs being met?"

Cloud tilted his head, confused.

"Um, I think so? Puppa says it's ok to have big emotions sometimes."

"He is correct. As long as you choose to not hurt others when you have strong emotions, it is perfectly fine to experience them."

"Puppa said that too!"

"Your Puppa Zack can be very wise. Well, if you are feeling well and emotionally content, shall we go to work?"

"Yes Daddy Sephikitty! I love going to work with you."

"I as well, Cloud."

—----

Whew, Sephikitty hadn't noticed. Operation Birthday was still a go. As soon as Puppa Zack picked him up, he shucked off the toasty jacket and freed Sephikitty's pants.

"I got the package, Puppa," he whispered conspiratorially, when they were safe behind closed doors.

"Great job, Spike!"

Success.

—----

Sephiroth was worried about his friends and fellow dads. Granted, they weren't behaving as oddly as Cloud, but he'd walked into a room more than once to find them clutching their chests or heads, fanning themselves, or talking about insulin.

"Zack, do you require assistance?"

"Huh? Oh, no, thanks Seph," said Zack, straightening up from where he had been slumped against the wall. "Just a little woozy, no worries."

"Wooziness is very concerning in a SOLDIER of your caliber; the level of mental or physical strain to cause that would be significant. Please, sit down."

Zack made a tiny "oof" sound, and acquiesced.

"Seriously, man, I'll be fine in a second," Zack wheezed.

"If you insist. However, I must insist you visit medical if the issue persists."

"Roger that!"

Satisfied, Sephiroth set off down the hall to inform Angeal that Zack needed to be monitored for a few days.

Only to find Angeal fanning himself with a sheaf of papers, and Genesis a practical puddle in a chair in front of him.

“Angeal. Do they ship insulin in high enough quantities for this? I fear not. When I perish, bury me under our tree and give my remaining supply to those in need. I further bequeath…oh, hello, Sephiroth,” Genesis rambled languidly.

“Genesis, Angeal. Are you both alright?”

“No, I am going to perish.”

“Genesis? No, I will not let this stand, what do you need?” Sephiroth wasn’t sure what to do, but he was sure that he wouldn’t let his friend go without a fight.

“He’s exaggerating, Sephiroth, no need to worry,” groaned Angeal. “Cloud’s just been super cute lately, and we’re both overwhelmed by it.”

“Alright…if you’re sure you are both fine, I will not press the issue. Speaking of Cloud, he seems to be behaving a bit strangely lately; I caught him stealing my clothes and yesterday he kept hugging just the crown of my head, as if he was measuring it or something. Is this normal behavior for a child? Should we be concerned?”

Genesis groaned again, but Angeal quickly jumped in.

“Oh! Yes, I believe he’s fine. It seems to be a phase he’s going through. I wouldn’t worry about it, Seph, kids sometimes go through strange periods like this and it’s a normal part of childhood development.”

“Thank you, I am relieved to hear that. Please do let me know if either of you need assistance or medical leave; I saw Zack in the hall claiming to be woozy, so I fear there might be some kind of illness going around. I care for you all, so if there’s anything I can do to help, or if there are any concerns with you or Cloud, please let me know what I can do,” Sephiroth offered solemnly, and left.

Genesis slithered to the floor.

“That’s it. I died. Angeal, they are both too adorable. If our tree is unavailable, pack me in a canoe and light it on fire so I may ride the flames to Valhalla, for I have perished and my soul has departed. My soul, made diabetic by cuteness/Hath endured torment to find the end of the journey/In my own salvation/And our eternal slumber."

Angeal just moaned sorrowfully as Zack entered without knocking.

"A SOLDIER of my caliber. Sephiroth…he just…and he was so worried for us…my heart…Angeal, I think I died," Zack proclaimed, also collapsing to the floor. "Oh, hi Genesis, did you die too?"

"Yes."

"Great, we can be dead together.”

—----

Sephiroth could hear tiny feet pitter-pattering around the apartment. Normal. He was doing his evening reading in the Midgar Science Journal, just keeping an ear out for Cloud since he said he had his own plans. This was not unusual for them; they were both fairly quiet people and could appreciate a calm evening spent on their own, but in the vicinity of each other.

Sephiroth smiled to himself as the footsteps got closer. Soon, a small hand tapped his knee, and he set down his magazine.

“Hello, Cloud.”

“Hello Daddy Sephikitty. Do we have tools?”

“We do. What tools do you need?”

“Oh, I just need them to build some stuff.”

Sephiroth was very curious about what stuff Cloud was planning to build, so he waited expectantly for more information. Cloud squirmed.

“What are you building?” he finally asked.

“It’s a secret, sorry Daddy! But pwease can you teww me where the toows are?”

Sephiroth did not want to discourage creativity, by any means.

“Certainly, Cloud, but I must ask that you come get me if you wish to use the hammer, power tools, or anything sharp. I would also like to make sure you’re not making something that could hurt someone, can you please verify that?”

Cloud nodded so fast his head almost flew off.

“Yeah it’s not going to hurt anybody! An’ I’ww come get you!”

Sephiroth nodded solemnly, and showed Cloud the small household toolkit Angeal gave him when he moved in. It wasn’t until 15 minutes later that Sephiroth sharpened his hearing again.

That sounded suspiciously like a screwdriver opening a vent cover.

“Cloud,” he called.

“Shoot!” a quiet little voice cussed, then called back, “Yes, Sephikitty?”

“Please do not enter the vents–I cannot easily reach you or come with you should the need arise.”

*clunk*

“Sigh.”

Why did it sound like Genesis was in the apartment?

“Ok, Sephikitty.”

“Good boy, Cloud. Let me know if you would like help with anything.”

—----

Foiled! Cloud had been so quiet, but Sephikitty was just that good. He’d have to think of another way to test the glitter deployment system Mr. Weno gave him.

—----

Angeal, glittering like a vampire in the sun, took a deep, calming breath, and called Zack to come get Cloud while he had a chat with Reno.

—----

Reno thought Genesis was someone to be cautious with. Reno wisely acknowledged that Zack and Sephiroth were formidable opponents. Reno had incorrectly categorized Angeal as someone who would be a problem only if he lost his mind. It had been 3 hours. Three. Hours. And the glitter had been cleaned up (by hand) an hour ago, but the lecture was Still. Going.

—----

Finally, it was the right day. Cloud had planned and prepped and plotted, and Papa GenGen was out being Miss Direction. They decided to hold the party at Angeal's, so that's where all the decorations, guests, presents, and cake were. Cloud had diligently returned his favors, and all that was left to do was wait.

—----

Sephiroth accepted Genesis' slightly odd request to spar right after work for an hour. It was quite refreshing, and just the thing to work up an appetite for an Angeal dinner, which was their next destination.

As they approached, Sephiroth gave Genesis a look. It was eerily quiet, but he could smell that many people had passed by recently, and the air felt warmer than usual. Genesis just winked, and opened the door. Oh, the people were inside. Strange that no one would say anything, but surely Angeal had his reasons, and his food was tempting enough to make almost any other guest acceptable.

But why was everyone hiding?

"SURPRISE!!!"

As Sephiroth and Genesis rounded the corner, Cloud came flying off of a bookshelf. Sephiroth, of course, caught him easily as a collection of Sephiroth's closest associates came out of their hiding places.

"Surprise?" asked Sephiroth.

"Yeah, Daddy Sephikitty! Surprise happy birthday!"

"For who? We just had yours not that long ago…" Sephiroth asked, puzzled, looking at no one but Cloud as they all smiled and waited for him to explain.

"For you, Daddy! You didn't have a birthday, so I made you one! I used AWW my secret sneaking training and got everyone to hewp and made presents and cake and decorations and dinner and I made sure to give favors back and we were SO SNEAKY and you didn't even notice!"

"For…me?"

"Yeah, siwwy Daddy! Um, do you wike it?" Cloud started to look a little hesitant. This would not do. Sephiroth stared deep into his son's eyes, and with the greatest solemnity he could muster, replied.

"Cloud. I like it. I like it very much. Thank you."

Cloud's smile came back like the sun bursting through his namesake and he threw his arms around Sephiroth's neck.

"Cwoud so gwad! Wove you, Daddy!"

"I love you too, Cloud."

—----

It was a perfect night. Sephiroth's favorite foods, a horribly decorated cake ("Cwoud did a decorate it himsewf!!!"), and a suitable number of friends all made an appearance.

Sephiroth was made to wear a flower crown crafted by Cloud and Aerith the whole evening, and it fit perfectly ("I bet you didn't know that's what Cwoud measured your head for!!!" "I had no clue, I assure you").

He was given drawings, chocolate covered crickets (Cloud's beady little eyes followed them very closely, and he was very eager to help Sephiroth eat them), a cat-inspired onesie to match Cloud's ("I bet you didn't notice I stowed your cwothes!!! I sneaked them out for to get measured, Papa Gen and Puppa Zack hewped!"), and a surprising number of small tokens from each of the partygoers.

Eventually, everyone left except Cloud and his dads, Cloud's yawns getting progressively bigger and bigger.

"Cloud," said Sephiroth. "This was, without a doubt, the best birthday I have ever had. You made today absolutely wonderful. Thank you."

Cloud smiled sleepily.

"Love you, Daddy Sephikitty," he murmured from his spot in Sephiroth's arms.

"I love you too, my sweet Cloud," he replied, planting a soft kiss on his son's forehead as the child drifted off to sleep.

----------

Chapter Text

Cloud woke up in the dark. Cloud did not like waking up in the dark. If he was with his dads, he always had a nightlight, usually a gray kitty one that looked like Daddy, and Aerith’s home always had light flowing in from somewhere, like it couldn’t be contained, and everywhere else, his dads usually let him bring a spare nightlight. The last time he woke up in the dark was in the labs, and that was a very bad time. He didn’t even want to think about what happened before he met Puppa the first time.

“Cloud?” a young voice said next to him. “Are you ok?”

Who was that? Cloud’s memory had been a bit spotty since losing his Mama and especially since going to the labs, but he couldn’t even drum up a sense of familiarity for the person.

“Who are you? Where’s my dads?” he asked nervously.

“It’s me, Marlene!” the owner of the voice sounded like she was seconds away from crying. “I was gonna show you the mines, ‘member?”

Slowly, bits and pieces came back to him. He and Dad were on a mission, and met a girl his age, and he showed her how to sneak, so she showed him where her dad worked and…after that, there was nothing.

“Ow, yeah, I wemember. I hit my head, but I ok. Awe you ok?”

“Yeah. Scared. I want my daddy,” she whimpered, then started crying softly.

“Me too,” Cloud agreed, sniffling a little and wincing as he sat up in the dark, jostling his head a bit, and suddenly finding a hand searching for his, which he held immediately, being sure to squeeze gently. Not everyone was strong and tough like his dads and Dark Star, so he had to be careful. “Dad wiww come find us, he’s super big and strong and good at finding things,” he declared, wobbly, trying to reassure Marlene.

“Snifff, my dad and Uncle Bear too,” she replied, strengthened by the thought.

“My dad’s wike a big bear, so huge! Maybe they’re rewated. Sniff.”

“Unc’Bear is too! Sniff”

They sat in silence for a bit, holding hands and thinking of their parents and uncles and aunts. Cloud grew more nervous in the dark, tears leaking out constantly, his breath steadily growing shorter.

Then, from a distance, Cloud heard a yell.

“--ene!”

“Did you heaw that?” he asked, in a whisper.

“No?”

“I think I heaw someone, shh so I can wisten,” Cloud urged, holding his own breath. Marlene did too and he strained his ears.

“-lene!”

“I think it's our dads!” he chirped eagerly, and her grasp on his hand tightened in excitement.

“Marlene!”

This time, Cloud was sure. He squeezed Marlene’s hand and leaned towards the sound.

“HEWE!” he shouted. “WE HEWE!”

Some pebbles clattered around them, disturbed by his noise.

“Marlene? Cloud?”

This time, Marlene heard the voice too.

“Unc’Bear!” she exclaimed.

“MARWENE’S UNCWE BEAR!” Cloud screamed. “WE HEWE!”

More pebbles were dislodged as the sound of running feet joined the frantic calls.

"Baby? Are you in there, Marlene?" A deep voice sounded from outside and above wherever they were.

"Yes Unc'Bear! Cloud too!" shouted Marlene, beyond relieved to have her uncle so close by.

"Thank Gaia, are you two ok? Can you see anything?"

"We ok! Can't see anything!" replied Marlene.

"Ok, baby, just sit tight for now, I'll start digging you out. Let me know if anything changes."

"Ok, Unc'Bear!"

After a few minutes of digging, with some ominous creaks and groans, a light suddenly pierced through the darkness like a knife. Cloud flinched and whimpered, but tried to keep his eyes open, head aching, but desperate for light.

Marlene squeezed his hand.

"Unc'Bear we can see the light!"

"Really, baby? That's great! Just a few more minutes."

Marlene cheered, and Cloud tried to smile, though the noise and light and tension were starting to wear on him. Soon, a big enough gap to get through was cleared above them, about 3 Clouds high, and a big, sunglasses-wearing head popped into view.

"Hey kiddos! Let's get you out. Can you climb to reach my arm?" Barret said, holding out his hand. Marlene immediately tried to scramble up, but to no avail–there were no good footholds.

"Wait, I can wift you," said Cloud.

"You sure about that, little man?" asked Uncle Bear, skeptical of the kid's ability to safely hold up his niece.

"Yeah, big man," said Cloud, annoyance creeping into his tone due to the pain and Uncle Bear's doubt.

He quickly helped Marlene climb up on his shoulders, then braced her as she stood carefully. Thankfully, she was just tall enough to reach her uncle, and he grabbed her one-handed to pull her up. On the way, her foot knocked against the bump on Cloud's head and he couldn't hold back a yelp of pain.

"Kid?" Barret quickly freed Marlene and peered down. "Kid, are you ok?"

"Sorry Cloud!" Marlene was close to tears again. "Unc'Bear, he hit his head an' I kicked him!"

"Cwoud ok," he whimpered, trying to stay brave as his vision swam.

"Hang on, kiddo, just stay put and we'll lower something for you," Barret said, casting about to find something while trying to check over Marlene and keep an eye on Cloud.

Cloud could do this though. He took a few deep breaths and as he steadied himself, checked around for some good spots. Yeah, he could do this.

"No, Cwoud can jump," he declared, and much to Uncle Bear's shock and horror, kicked off, bouncing up quickly towards the opening.

Unfortunately, in his injured state, Cloud miscalculated, and right as he made his last kick, he slipped.

"AAAAAA!!!" Cloud screamed, still hurting and frightened. Marlene shrieked too, worried for her friend.

"NOPE!!!" roared Uncle Bear, stretching extra far and snagging Cloud by his shirt, quickly hauling him up the rest of the way and into a hug.
"Gotcha!"

Cloud, shaking and crying, held on too. It wasn't the same as his dad's, but he was scared and it hurt and…

"CLOUD! MARLENE!" A new voice shouted in the distance.

"OVER HERE!" bellowed Uncle Bear. "I GOT 'EM BOTH!"

Then, in far less time that it would take a normal dad, Cloud was sure, his Dad appeared. Cloud wasted no time reaching out with both arms, still shaking and crying and so scared and hurt and now his Dad was here but it was dark in there then it sounded like it would break and squish him and he slipped and almost fell again and it was SO DARK and he couldn't hear his dads and…

"Shhh, honey bear, shhh, I've got you now. I've got you," Angeal crooned, hugging him tightly. Cloud hadn't even realized he'd been talking, and once Angeal's voice got through to him, he just gave up and sobbed openly, which made his head hurt, which made him sob harder, so his Dad held him tighter.

—----

Angeal couldn't and wouldn't let go of Cloud, all the way back to Dyne's house. He wouldn't let go when Cloud was looked over by the doctor. He wouldn't let go when Cloud's small head wound was healed. He wouldn't let go when they got back to the inn. He certainly wouldn't let go to drop the sleepy chocochick in the bath where he could slip. He didn't let go to call the other dads. He didn't even let go for dinner, when having two hands free would have been much easier.

And not once did Cloud let go either, maintaining a death grip on whatever piece of Angeal he could clamp down on, be it suspender, arm, shirt, or most painfully, chunk of hair. Cloud said nothing the whole time, even through the lecture, which weakened considerably from what Angeal would normally deliver as he felt the faint tremors still wracking Cloud's small frame.

"Cloud, honey, it's time for bed," said Angeal, not loosening his hold, but reasoning he should put Cloud down now so he could rest. Cloud's hold tightened and he shook his head. "What? Why not, pumpkin?"

Cloud just shook his head again.

"It's going to be ok, Dad's right here baby," Angeal began. The parenting books he'd read suggested explaining what would happen in detail while reassuring the child they would have their parent's support. "You're already in your PJs, with your teeth brushed, just like at home, and we plugged in your kitty nightlight. Just like Daddy, right?"

Cloud didn't move.

"So now, I'm going to put you in your cool foldout bed, then we'll read a short story, then I will turn off the overhead light. Your kitty light will be on still, so we can both see, and I won't leave the room. Then I will get in my bed, right there, and we'll go to sleep, right here in the same room. When we wake up, we can see if the inn has waffles." Angeal felt good about this explanation. Direct, reassuring, and looking to a pleasant future.

Cloud shook his head and tightened his grip.

"Let's start with a story." Maybe starting the follow-through would remind Cloud that his dads were true to their word. So Angeal sat down on Cloud's bed, barnacle still attached, and read a story.

Only, as the story went on, his resident limpet only clung harder, to the point he started trembling again. Angeal sighed and put the book down.

"Cloud," he started, about to deliver an Angeal Lecture about proper sleep habits.

He was stopped in his tracks as the trembling ramped up and tiny whimpers started to leak out in time with a shaking yellow head.

Screw it.

Forget parenting books, forget logic, forget "discipline and structure", his baby needed a dad tonight.

"Ok, ok, Cloudy, it's ok, I won't let you go. You're safe, baby. I have you, and nothing can get you here. Not the dark, not bad guys, not anything. I won't let you go."

For some reason, that did it. Cloud didn't fully let go the rest of the night, sticking like glue, but he slowly relaxed as time went by and Angeal stayed true to his word.

The sun rose on a sleepy scene of a koala bird hugging his dad, and a dad awkwardly half-sitting, half-lying on a foldout bed–asleep, but only just–and holding onto his chocobo like an immovable marble statue.

And the first word out of the chickling's mouth after babbling incoherently on the mountainside and going mute for the rest of the day and night?

"Waffles."

Chapter Text

Zack was so excited. This was the first time he'd be taking Angeal and Cloud to meet his parents! Sure, they'd all met before, and kept in contact, but this time they were going home to Gongaga, so Cloud would get to see all his favorite spots from growing up, and Angeal would get to check out the cool plant life!

Poor Spiky was struggling. He'd taken his "hewicoptew awwergy meds" before they took off, and was super loopy.

"Puppaaaaaa," he said, listing towards Zack in his seat.

"Yeah, Spiky?"

"aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa," continued Cloud, aimlessly, dragging out the sound just to listen to his own voice (apparently). "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"

"Yep, that's me, kiddo!" Zack smiled, hugging the chocobo a little closer with one arm.

"aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"

"Buddy, you gotta inhale at some point."

Angeal snickered from the seat across from them.

"aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" Cloud's servers were lagging a bit, but he did listen…eventually. "aaaaaaaaaa…ohhkay. HEEEEEEEEEEEP." He drew in a big breath until his tummy swelled up.

This was apparently super interesting, and he forgot about inhaling or saying "Puppa", and instead flopped a hand up to poke at it.

"Puppaaaaaa…I got a big tummy…ohh…now it smaww…" poke poke poke. Inhale. "Puppaaaaaa…now it big…oh, now it smaww…" poke poke poke. "Puppa, is your tummy big? Big tummy, Puppaaaaaa?"

"It would be if he took a breath as big as yours, munchkin," said Angeal warmly. Cloud startled, then a big grin took over his face.

"Hi Dad. Dadadadadadadadad. Dad's hewe! Dad's hewe too, Puppa!"

Tseng, who was piloting, but could hear them over the comms, found it difficult to maintain a professional demeanor.

—-----

Cloud got all the hugs and kisses from his Grandma and Grandpa Fair that he could ask for. And he got (in Angeal's opinion) way more sweets than he should ask for. Sadly, Angeal had to leave fairly soon to assess the monster situation, while Cloud and Zack got to touring.

"And this is the biggest hollow log in the whole area!" lectured Zack.

"Wow, Puppa, super big stick! What's that?" Cloud pointed at a frog.

"That's a frog! They're pretty friendly, but you gotta watch out for touch-mes, cuz they’ll zap you with a status effect if they’re bothered.”

Cloud tried to let the frog sniff his hand, like he did with kitties and puppies, but it just hopped away. Well. This wouldn’t do. Cloud was determined now to make friends with at least one frog on this trip.

So they kept going, Zack showing Cloud lots of cool trees and rocks and mud pits to roll in (it helped with stealth! He’d have to tell Mr. Weno as soon as they got home) and caves and animal dens and ponds. Super fun.

At every pond, Cloud kept a sharp eye out, and it finally paid off. He saw a frog through some bushes, so he crept up, watching as it noticed him and started dancing on its hind legs. So cool. Cloud decided this was how they said hello, so he got a little bolder, and started softly waving his arms just like the frog.

Just as he decided to extend a hand for sniffing, Zack popped up.

“WAIT, CLOUD, THAT’S A T-” Zack dove in between Cloud and his new friend, preventing contact, but getting jabbed himself by the frog. “Gero.”

Oh. So that’s what a touch-me frog did. Uh-oh. UH-OH.

“Puppa?”

“Gero.”

“Puppa, are you a frog now?”

“GERO!” frog-Zack pointed frantically at the disappearing touch-me, who had run off after neutralizing the threat.

“Don’t worry Puppa! I’ll protect you!” Cloud promised, and quickly scooped up his Puppa. To be honest, he was kinda excited to both pet a frog like he’d wanted and to be the one his Puppa relied on. His dads always took such good care of him, and he tried to help all the time, but rarely did he have an opportunity to protect them.

Frog-Zack pointed again at where the touch-me went, so Cloud pet him gently.

“Puppa, it’s ok, I won’t let him turn me into a frog too, I’ll take you home and Dadgeal will know what to do.”

Frog-Zack slapped a shiny webbed hand on his head. Cloud took this to mean he needed more pets, and obliged.

“Although, I don’t know the way back, do you?”

His frog dad nodded his head and pointed in a useful direction this time, so Cloud set off, Puppa filling his arms to overflowing, but held securely. Cloud was a strong boy.

—----

That was a really cool bug, it had a really big head. Cloud followed it.

"Gero."

"You like him too, Puppa? Do…do you want to eat him? Now you're a fwog?!"

"Gero!"

"Ok, I try to catch him for you, you sit here." Cloud put frog-Zack down on a tree stump and stalked the bug with the big head.

"Gero!"

"Yeah Puppa, I catch it for your snack! Now shhh!"

"Gero! Gero gero!"

"Puppa. Wemember, when someone asks for quiet, it’s powite to respect them. I gon’ catch it now.”

*slap*

Puppa’s foot was on his head again, but Cloud didn’t notice as he crept closer and closer and closer and…POUNCE! Missed the bug! Rats.

“Puppa, I missed it, I’ll have to cwimb this tree, you stay safe!” And with that, Cloud scurried up. He wasn’t just a strong boy, he was a good climber too! As soon as he could, he popped his head above the treetops, eager to catch more bugs, because obviously they’d try to get to higher ground to escape Cloudators (Cloud predators). As he looked around, he caught sight of Grandma Fair’s home not too far off.

And with that sight, he remembered he had a Puppa to protect and fix. Oops. He scrambled down to a background of disgruntled and worried “gero”s.

“Sorry Puppa! I back! I saw grandma’s house, that way!” Cloud pointed to where he thought they should go.

Frog-Zack nudged his hand a little to the left (ok, maybe more than a little), and soon they were off again!

This time, Cloud jogged so he could get Puppa home so Dadgeal could fix him, not noticing Zack turning an even greener shade due to their bouncy gait. At last, they made it.

“DAD! PUPPA TURNED INTO A FWOG!” Cloud yelled, bursting through the door.

Grandma Fair popped out of nowhere, looked them over, and burst out laughing.

“Zackary Marie Fair,” she cackled, but wasn’t able to continue. Grandpa Fair came out too and chuckled as well, both of them breaking out into laughter every time they looked at the sight of a mud-caked chocobo presenting a very green frog like a baby lion to his new kingdom.

“Can you fix him?” asked Cloud, secretly relieved by their cheerful attitude, but still wanting to help his Puppa.

“Yes, yes we can. Grandpa, would you help Cloud fix Zack?” Grandma Fair said between laughs. Grandpa Fair agreed and led them back outside with a long-handled net. Quick as lightning, he snagged something in the bushes and dragged it out.

“Gwandpa, wook out! That’s what got Puppa!” said Cloud, squishing Zack to his chest, as far up off the ground as he could reach. It wasn’t very far.

“It’s ok, Cloud, set Zack down for a second and you’ll see.”

Reluctantly, Cloud did as he was told, and Zack hopped over to the captured touch-me.

*POOF*

There was Puppa! All fixed!!!

“Son, did you forget to tell Cloud that you just had to get jabbed again?”

Cloud and Zack both turned bright red.

“Oh. That’s why Puppa was pointing at him. SOWWY PUPPA!” Cloud hugged Zack, burrowing into his shirt to get that wholesome, friendly smell back.

“No, I’m sorry Cloud, I should have told you what to look out for…and how to fix it…and helped you find a better frog to pet.” Zack grimaced.

Cloud shook his head firmly.

“No Puppa, you make the best pet fwog EVER!”

Angeal, who had just walked up, tilted his head, confused.

“What on Gaia?”

Grandpa Fair just lost it again laughing, letting the touch-me loose…which ran straight for Angeal.

*POOF*

Chapter Text

Genesis groaned, but couldn’t hear himself. Nothing felt right. Except maybe the warmth at his core. He’d always loved warmth. And fire. But not in his bones. Well, metaphorically yes, but this felt literal, and was all over the place. He groaned again and this time he heard it, though it sounded bad. Then he heard something far, far worse.

“P-papa?” Cloud’s tiny, scared voice wavered up from somewhere. Oh, his arms. Chocobo in arms. Huh, chocobo at arms. Cloud would look super cute all decked out with lil weapons for his lil wings.

“H’y chicky,” Genesis slurred, trying to open his eyes. The chocobo squirmed, which hurt. A lot. Genesis wheezed and clutched his baby tighter, which made it hurt more, so he forced himself to relax. “D’rlin, you ok?”

“Yeah Papa,” sniffed Cloud. “You not ok. Sowwy Cwoud huwt you!”

“S’okay, m’okay, just sore.”

Cloud scoffed at that–who taught the sweet innocent summer child to scoff??? Oh, Genesis did, that’s right. Well, he was a good teacher, apparently.

“Papa, you stay stiww, Cwoud find hewp,” Cloud declared, and started squirming out of his arms again. Genesis let out an undignified whine at the loss of heat, which was hidden amongst various groans of pain until, mercifully, he passed out again.

—----

Cloud did not like this at all. He hadn’t liked it from the start, when they got in those stupid vans to drive around. Driving was no fun when your dads had to sit far away and you had allergies. He didn’t like taking his helicopter allergy pills, especially for something as uncool as a transport van.

He hadn’t liked it in the middle, when the vans had been attacked by monsters and he’d been pulled out, still loopy, to hide behind Papa. He could have helped! Maybe. It was kinda hard to walk straight at that point. Though he had tried, and when he tried, a stray blast had come barreling his way and Papa had to dive in front of it.

He certainly didn’t like it now, after the blast had knocked him and Papa down a steep embankment. He had some scrapes and bruises, but only because Papa Gen had protected him by taking the brunt of the damage. At least Papa had woken up for a few seconds, but he didn’t look good–pale where he should be pink, and dark red where he shouldn’t be bleeding, and his breathing sounded funny.

Still woozy, Cloud pushed himself up and listened for his friends. They were fighting way up there, and to get to them, he’d have to leave Papa GenGen for the monsters to find. If he yelled, the monsters might come get them anyway, and he wasn’t sure he could protect them both. Cloud sat back down heavily and tried to think.

Papa’s materia! Maybe he had something that could help. Cloud hurried to check. A bunch of elements…some support and commands…a couple summons…there! A healing materia! Cloud didn’t waste any time grabbing the materia and casting, focusing on Papa GenGen’s head and chest. Good, it…yawn…seemed to be working, his breathing sounded…yawn…better.

Cloud’s head spun and spun, but he wanted to try again, he had to help!

“Stop.” Papa GenGen’s voice sliced through Cloud’s thoughts like a knife. “No more casts, chickadee.”

He still wasn’t up and moving, but at least his eyes were open and…when did his hand get on top of Cloud’s? Exhausted, Cloud whimpered, trying to protest.

“No, son. You’ll get hurt. I need you to be ok. I need you to stop right now and wait for the SOLDIERs to stop fighting, then call them down if I can’t.” Genesis’ gaze bored into Cloud. “Promise.”

Papa Gen looked so serious, and Cloud was so, so tired. He whined one last time, then nodded, grimacing.

“Pwomise,” he said.

“Good boy. Come give your Papa a hug, it’s cold.”

This, Cloud could do. He immediately wriggled between Papa Gen’s arms and held tight, face buried in his chest, which he felt heave a soft sigh of relief.

—----

Genesis could feel his body trying to knit itself back together. Cloud had done excellent work, as usual–his boy was a genius with materia–but that had been a steep, long fall, after a direct hit, and he knew that if he tried to get up now, he’d probably undo any progress Cloud had made.

His poor chocochick. The small birdy was balled up tight as an egg, shivering from magic exhaustion and the effects of the nausea medication. Maybe if Genesis tried a cast or two himself…

THUNK

—----

Genesis heard thudding footsteps and shouts of…yes, those were his SOLDIERS, good. And that was his chocochick, good. Or less good. Hard to tell.

“NO! HAVE TO HEWP PAPA!”

Someone’s hands were on him now, trying to take something from him. Trying to take his chocoling! No!

“No,” Genesis groaned, pulling his chick as close as he dared. “Chocostay.”

“SEE! Cwoud towd you! It ok, Papa, Cwoud keep you warm.”

Something thunked against Genesis’ chest as something else tickled his chin. Chocofloof. Good. Baby egg safe. Baby egg warm.

“Good chocoling,” he muttered.

The SOLDIER voices conferred together while he held onto his sunny Cloud. Ha. Sunny cloud. Haha. Sonny Cloud. Sunny cloud Sonny Cloud. Hahaha. Chickling warm.

“Oh yeah, he’s out of it, and it doesn’t look like he’s letting go any time soon. Alright, you heard the chocobo, boys, let’s get ‘em up and to medical.”

Good. Safe egg baby.

—----

Genesis drifted in and out all the way back to Midgar, all through treatment, and wished he could have stayed out for this. This being Momgeal.

“Genesis Rhapsodos.”

Genesis groaned, loud and long. He felt fine. Well, fine-ish, and he still had his chocobo, but Angeal didn’t need to know that. The chocobo part he did, that was hard to miss. just not the fine part. Whatever.

“Genesis Rhapsodos, I know you feel fine if you’re able to make that dramatic of a noise.”

“Blood loss,” he murmured plaintively.

Angeal gave him a hard stare, and as subtly and gently as he could, Genesis jostled Cloud enough to make him whine in his sleep. Angeal’s expression fell to pieces like a stale oatmeal cookie in Zack’s overeager hands.

“I’m just glad you two are ok,” the big man sighed, plopping down into a seat nearby. “Cloud’s just magically exhausted, by the way, he got checked. Are you ok?”

Genesis considered for a bit, then nodded carefully.

“Yeah, Angeal, I’m ok,” he said, softly.

Angeal relaxed further, placing a big hand over the one Genesis had planted on Cloud’s back.

“At least I will be,” Genesis continued, melancholy dripping from his every pore as he let his eyes slip slowly shut. “It was a hard fall, to be sure, and I wasn’t certain I’d saved Cloud at first, through the haze. Ah,” an entirely fake moan, “hhh, ouch. But he was fine in the end. Such a strong boy, he tried so hard to save me, but I had to stop him before he lost too much mana.” Genesis sighed. “And it’s so cold with the blood loss…”

By this time, Angeal’s eyes had rolled all the way up to the ceiling, and his hand had moved to his own face. Thus it began.

—-----

The next couple days of Genesis’ tyrannical convalescence were torturous for the rest of Cloud’s dads; Cloud believed wholeheartedly in the “invalid’s” every twinge of imagined pain, and supported his every whim.

“Puppa, get out, Papa GenGen needs cuddles, not noise right now.”

“Urrggg, yes, please Zack, my head…thank you, Cloud.”

“Dad pwease get us more appwe juice, Papa needs it for heawing.”

“And Cloud’s a growing boy,” agreed Genesis, happy to support his toasty little chickling.

“Yeah, and Cwoud’s a growing boy! No, Daddy, you not move, Papa needs super cuddles.”

“Chickadee, I think we can let Sephiroth g…”

“NO! Papa, Daddy gives good purr cuddles, and you need to feew better. Daddy stay. And Dad, you cuddle too after appwe juice. PUPPA! YOU CAN COME BACK IF YOU QUIET!” Cloud yelled, with all the sincerity and innocence of an unaware hypocrite.

Fortunately, after an hour of being uncomfortably squished between three large men and a squirmy chocobo, Genesis’ health improved rapidly.

Guess super cuddles really do work!

Chapter Text

Zack Fair created a new group.
Zack Fair changed Zack Fair’s name to ‘PuppaZ’.
Zack Fair changed Angeal Hewley’s name to ‘Momgeal’.
Zack Fair changed Genesis Rhapsodos’s name to ‘PapaG’.

PuppaZ: guys gusy hadve you deen sephs’ hair today
Momgeal: Zackufulus Pomeranian Fair, have you seen autocorrect? Because it clearly hasn’t seen you.
PapaG: ^ slay, @Momgeal
PuppaZ: GYAUS, SEPHS HARE
PapaG: Angeal, is your puppy trying to sell us gysahl greens? Or perhaps a rabbit?
Momgeal: I don’t know, Genesis, it’s unclear given the absolute gibberish that’s coming over the wire. Perhaps he’s having a medical episode and needs assistance.
PapaG: Hmm, tragic.
Momgeal: Indeed.
PuppaZ: A;SLKJF;KDJASFKJ GUYS
PuppaZ: SEPIROT’S HAIR
PuppaZ: Sefiroth
PuppaZ: SEPHROT
PuppaZ: SEPHIROTH’S HAIR
PuppaZ sent an attachment.
Momgeal: …
Momgeal: you might have just killed Gen
Momgeal: he just spat his coffee out and is literally rolling on the floor laughing and/or choking
Momgeal: fair, though, this is amazing
PuppaZ: toldja
PuppaZ: and I’m always Fair 😘
Momgeal: 🤦

—----

“Daddy, your hair is poofy and itchy,” whined Cloud from where he was wrapped in a cave of silver strands for his morning snuggles.

“Ah yes, I believe it has gained volume from the humidity,” agreed Sephiroth. “It’s a shame; I’m almost out of both conditioner and anti-frizz.”

“Mrr,” grunted Cloud, still sleepy.

The pair continued their morning tasks: snuggling and supervising for Cloud, making breakfast and holding a grumpy chocobo for Sephiroth.

Suddenly, Cloud sat up.

“Daddy!”

“Yes, Cloud?”

“I fix your hair! Aunty Tifa and Aunty Aerith showed me how to bwaid!”

“Oh, that sounds very practical. Thank you, Cloud, I would like that.”

It was very practical. Sephiroth also knew how to braid, so he helped Cloud straighten each braid out as they went. He also had to help hold the thicker strands of his main braid, since Cloud’s hands were so small, but it was the chocobo who directed all the efforts and chose the bows.

In the end, he was adorned with 5 differently-colored hair bows, one big braid, and two small braids where his bangs usually were.

“Good work, Cloud. I see you have chosen different colors, may I ask what your reasoning was?” Sephiroth asked, proudly smoothing the big braid over his shoulder to rest in the front.

“The brown one is for Dad, the wed one is for Papa Gen, the green one is for Daddy, the bwue one is for Puppa, and the yellow one is for Cwoud!” chirped Cloud, pleased with his logic.

“I see. Good choices. Are you ready for work then?”

“Yep!”

—----

“Form up. Groups of three on one; we’re practicing fighting against multiple foes. Non-lethal blows only. You may begin.” Sephiroth ordered, after sweeping into the training area, baby chocobo perched on one arm.

Nobody moved. Odd. They usually did. Sephiroth opted to stare the SOLDIERS down and wait for one of them to explain themselves. Hesitantly, Luxiere raised his hand.

“Um, sir?” he said.

“Yes, Luxiere?” replied Sephiroth.

“Uh…is there… I mean, um, why… that is to say…”

“Spit it out, SOLDIER,” commanded Sephiroth, expertly using a phrase Zack had taught him.

“Um, I see you have a new hairstyle?” Luxiere squeaked.

“I do. Is that all?” asked Sephiroth.

“Uh, yes sir!” Luxiere threw in a salute. Strange. Well, to be fair, Sephiroth did not often braid his hair.

“Anyone else?” Sephiroth asked. Other than some nervous shuffling, no one came forward. “Then let us continue the exercise.”

“Yes sir,” the SOLDIERs chorused and formed into groups.

It was an unusual practice session; everyone seemed to get distracted easily. No matter, distractions were to be expected on the battlefield, so this would be good for them. Cloud did well in his studies; Sephiroth had him watch each group and identify potential issues, which Sephiroth would confirm or explain, then relay to the SOLDIERs as necessary.

—-----

Kunsel knew about it before he saw it, but knowing did not prepare him to see the Great Demon of Wutai, the Silver General, the Scourge of the Battlefield, wearing multi-colored hair bows with his bangs braided into little antennae. Kunsel did not spit his coffee clear across the canteen. He was a professional.

“Good morning, Sephiroth, Cloud,” he said to the pair.

“Hi Uncle Kuns!” shouted Cloud.

“Kunsel,” Sephiroth greeted him calmly.

“Cloudy, did you do Sephiroth’s hair today?”

Cloud beamed like a new star exploding into the universe.

“Yep!”

“You did a great job. I see you picked a different color for each of your dads and yourself?”

“Uncle Kuns is smart! I did picked that!”

Kunsel smiled and ruffled the magnificent floof.

“You should drop by Lazard’s office today to show him,” he suggested, nary a hint of a mischievous glint in his eye showing. That’s why he wore the helmet.

“Yeah, Grandpa Wizard! Daddy, can we?”

“Certainly,” agreed Sephiroth.

Chapter Text

Rufus was pretty great. He was Dark Star's human, of course he was pretty great! He took her on walks, out to bite monsters, gave her snacks, pet her and gave belly rubs…a paragon, really! And he had good friends like Lizard Littermate, Tseng-of-the-Sneaky-Treats, all the Turkeys, and her favorite chocopup ever, Cloud.

But sometimes Rufus got caught up in his own silliness, and started smelling like his nasty sire with those stupid fire stink sticks. Which weren't fun to chew, sadly.

Dark Star tried her best to hide the things, "cigars", but he always seemed to get new ones. She tried to growl at whoever delivered them, but he said "no", which was very hurtful and weird. She also BARKed at them to warn him about the FIRE NEXT TO HIS FACE, but he again told her to hush!

What was a guard dog for if not to guard her human?! What was a threat if not stinky fire next to your human's face?! None of this made sense!

So, Dark Star conscripted her chocopup into the efforts. He was good at communicating with silly humans. She was very proud of her pup's prowess in this regard, and made sure to give him extra good kisses when he translated correctly for her.

—----

"Mr. Wufus, Dawk Staw says sharing is caring," Cloud said, leveling an intense blue stare at the sandwich in Rufus' hand, and the fries on his plate.

Dark Star deployed her own gaze in full force.

Rufus tried to resist, he really did, and Angeal did exactly nothing to help him. Rufus was the one who insisted on a lunch meeting when he knew nobody was available to watch Cloud, he could suffer the consequences.

He sighed and handed the fries over. His doctor had told him to start watching his sodium intake anyway.

—----

"Mr. Wufus, Dawk Staw doesn't want to go to the wabs," Cloud almost whimpered this time, hugging her neck. Rufus had mentioned needing to take her for her checkup and shots.

She hugged him with her tentacle and tried to lick his ear.

"You take her down to the labs?" asked Director Lazard, his own sad gaze turning to Rufus.

Sephiroth said nothing, but his expression hardened.

"She came from the labs, they know best what she needs to be healthy so she can play with you, Cloud," Rufus tried.

"No! Wabs are stinky!" Cloud shouted, hugging her even tighter.

"Maybe you could have someone come up here?" Director Lazard tried, his heart a gooey mess.

Sephiroth stared.

Rufus sighed, defeated. Probably just as well, the scientists always seemed so nosy and the atmosphere creeped him out. He'd have to give the department a deep audit soon, Cloud wasn't wrong about the fishy smell, both metaphorically and literally.

"I suppose it is out of our way, and what is the point of my position if I can't order scientists around?" Rufus conceded.

Instantly, the tension in the atmosphere eased, Cloud grinned, and Lazard looked almost happy. Huh, Rufus didn't see that expression often on his half brother. It wasn't half bad. He chuckled inwardly at his own joke. Nice.

—----

"*Cough cough* Mr. Wufus, you stinky!" Cloud announced indignantly. Zack and Cloud had come upon Rufus brooding over a smoke while on a walk with Dark Star.

Zack coughed too, though it was hard to tell whether it was disguising a laugh or not.

"Cloud, it's not polite to tell people you're not close to that they smell bad in public," said Zack.

"But Puppa, we're super close, see?" Cloud reached out and patted Rufus' leg.

"I meant close, like, relationship-wise," said Zack, trying to salvage the situation. "Like close friends."

Cloud's spiky head tilted in confusion.

"But Dawk Staw is my best doggy friend? And Mr. Wufus is my friend too, right Mr. Wufus?" Asked Cloud, growing worried. While Zack tried to figure out how to politely crush his baby's heart with the reality that his boss, who said baby had just insulted, was not his close friend, Rufus dug deep and decided to find some mercy.

"Hmm, I see your point, Cloud. I would like to think of myself as your friend, so I will accept your commentary accordingly. I was just about done with this cigar anyway," Rufus said, extinguishing the offending item. "Though if you do criticize someone's smell, it is polite to only do so if they can quickly remedy the situation. For example…" Rufus trailed off, as he had lost Cloud's attention about halfway through to Dark Star bowling Cloud over in a flurry of dog kisses and tentacle wags.

"Smewws better, Mr. Wufus!" Cloud chirped between squeals at his best doggy friend.

For her part, Dark Star was overjoyed that Cloud got Rufus to put out the cigar. Good chocopup.

—----

"Genesis," purred Rufus, as he nearly ran into the man in the hallway. Genesis had been standing still, taking up a great deal of presence for the amount of space he was occupying. "Might I assist you with something?"

"Burning smoke sears the eye of the goddess and the innocent choke in terror. My friend, my vengeance will be tenfold, your crops charcoal under my heel."

"A line from Loveless, I presume?"

"No."

And with that, Genesis spun on his heel and left a chill in the air behind him. Rufus swallowed nervously and looked at Tseng, who had been following him.

"So eccentric, these SOLDIERs," he laughed nervously. Tseng raised an eyebrow by a fraction of a centimeter. Rufus swallowed again and kept walking, only to almost run into Angeal.

"Angeal," he purred. Angeal's arms were crossed, and he didn't have to project an aura of menace, thanks to his size. But he did anyway. Well, more an aura of disappointed fatherhood, which was worse in some ways. "Something I can help you with?"

"Rufus, we all have our vices," Angeal began, calmly. "And as an adult, you are entitled to make your own decisions." His tone grew sterner now. "However, I will thank you to avoid smoking around Cloud if possible," –the 'if possible' was tacked on like an afterthought– "he is still a young child, and carcinogens are not good for his developing lungs."

"Oh, I see," Rufus tried to stuff down the memories of his own father looming over him. "Of course, I know we all care about the young chocobo's health; I will endeavor to be mindful."

Angeal nodded once, and stepped aside, allowing Rufus and Tseng to walk (not scurry, Rufus would never scurry) past.

Well, that was unpleasant. Rufus straightened his shoulders and turned the corner, only to find Sephiroth casually polishing Masamune on a random bench.

Ok, maybe Rufus did scurry, but only on special occasions.

—----

Cloud was trotting down the hall when he smelled it again, coming from Mr. Rufus' office. This wouldn't do, not at all. Dark Star didn't like it and neither did he or his daddies, but they just kept talking about politeness. Was it really that polite to let your friends smoke nasty cigars? Cloud didn't think so, so he changed course and headed for Mr. Rufus' office, making sure to say hi to Mr. Fred, Rufus' assistant.

Knocking was a work in progress with Young Cloud, and slipped his mind once again this time. Oops. Well, he was busy right now.

"Mr. Wufus!" Cloud exclaimed. Rufus jumped about a foot in the air, hastily putting out his cigar and rushing to crack open a window.

"Oh, hello, young Cloud, wh-"

"Mr. Wufus, Dawk Staw does not wike that stinky smewws! And my daddies say it's bad for you! Why you do that?"

"Oh, well, it helps me relax," started Rufus, fumbling about and fanning the last vestiges of smoke outside.

"Mr. Wufus, Dawk Staw can hewp you rewax. She's very fast and good at super cuddles."

"I, uh, suppose…"

"And I don't want my friends to get sick," Cloud said, his lower lip jutting out and his giant eyes glistening. His tiny fists were clenched in determination as he stared Rufus down.

Rufus, for once, was at a loss for words. He stuttered for a second, then after a glance at Tseng, who had been observing from his corner of judgment, and Dark Star, who was lovingly slobbering all over Cloud's arm, sighed in defeat.

"I suppose it is a nasty habit, that I learned from my father."

"Is he a meanie?"

Where had that come from? Rufus didn't want to know, and didn't want to answer.

"At any rate, you and Dark Star have convinced me. It's time to throw them out."

Cloud grinned and ran over, giving him a quick hug on the legs.

"Dawk Staw says thanks!"

And she did, by jumping around and slobbering…all over his nice, clean suit.

"Dark Star! That's disgusting! Sit!"

Dark Star did, but she was a big girl, and if you sit just right as a big dog, you can trap your great, wonderful human's feet and keep licking him anyway while still being a good girl.

Cloud's giggles and Rufus' protests echoed into the hallway, making Fred smile quietly at his desk and make a note to find out Cloud's favorite candy.

Chapter Text

Cloud was having a good time. His dads said he could play with the Turks today, and they all took full advantage of the situation. They'd practiced disguises and pickpocketing earlier this morning with everyone, then Cloud and Tseng practiced Wutaian, then he did weapons training with Rude and Cissnei, and now he was climbing through the vents with Reno!

—----

Every single one of the Turks, without exception, was proud of their chocobo. Not just their Chococloud, who was spectacular as always, but with their chocobo-disguised Chococloud, who doubled as a feather duster for the vents. The kid looked like a chocobo normally, but with this costume, they’d have to keep a close eye out for parental chocobos trying to steal him (again), and even humans wanting to raise a new steed.

—----

Yuffie was having a good day. She’d managed to find her way into Midgar, all the way to Shinra Tower, through several unlucky victims’ pockets and bracers, and was now hunting down the legendary cache of materia that had to be somewhere in here. She scuttled along the vents, marveling at how clean they were. That should have been her first warning.

The second warning should have been the odd yellow feather. But the great ninja Yuffie didn’t really need warnings, she could handle whatever came up!

Including, apparently, a LITERAL CHOCOBO LOST IN THE VENTS.

“CHOCOBO TACKLE!” Yuffie shouted, and jumped for it. It shrieked the oddest wark she’d ever heard and…yelled back?

“NO! BAD MOOGWE! DOWN!” it darted out of her reach, a truly impressive feat, and turned to face her. “Be a nice moogwe! I fwiendwy!” it declared, holding up both wings.

“WHAT THE F-”

“Dad says use nice words!”

“-udge?! I didn’t know chocobos could talk in Midgar!!”

“I not a reaw chocobo, I in disguise,” it whispered, at a volume most people would describe as “conversational”. Yuffie did not notice.

“I’m not a real moogle either,” she ‘whispered’, at the same volume, then declared, “I’M THE GREAT NINJA YUFFIE!”

“Yo, Cloudy sky, what on earth is going o-” a rooster popped its head around the corner. “INTRUDER!” it yelled into its sleeve. “Looks like a f- like a fudging moogle, heading south, tried to contact Chococloud!”

Yuffie knew a losing fight when she saw one, and two birds vs. one moogle needed re-evaluation at least, especially when the smaller bird was able to evade her. Her! Yuffie the Great! Improbable! So she got out of Dodge.

—----

Reno watched the moogle go, opting to check on his little pal first.

“Yo, my man, what just happened?” he asked. “You ok, little dude?”

“I fine, it’s a moogwe in disguise, like me!”

“Kid, did you tell her you were in disguise?”

“Yep!”

“Chococloud, buddy, if you’re in disguise, nobody should know, so you can’t tell anyone,” Reno said, slightly exasperated.

Cloud’s eyes grew big in understanding and he nodded solemnly, then tilted his head in consideration. He came to an obvious solution.

“But she’s a friendwy moogwe, and we can tell our friends!”

“Bud. Pal. Not everyone who seems friendly is going to be a good friend!”

“Yeah, but she will!”

Reno sighed and made a mental note to help Cloud develop his skepticism. Then immediately cringed inwardly, he didn’t want to ruin the pipsqueak’s innocence like his had been…but stranger danger! And he had recognized Hojo’s evilness, so maybe it wasn’t that bad… Of course, he’d also just blabbed to a random moogle-costume-wearing whacko crawling around Shinra’s vents…

Sigh.

—----

Yuffie hunkered down in a quiet supply closet, top shelf of course, and decided to take a moment to peruse her haul. Oh yes, this was good. The spiky one had some nice, sturdy, basic materia like the big one, and the oh-so-great demon had a good variety, but the red one? What a steal! Rare summons, strange support materia, wonky complete materia–all mastered. She couldn’t contain a triumphant giggle. They never knew what hit them.

Her giggle slowly developed into a cackle, and she was enjoying herself immensely, when all of a sudden, a ceiling tile popped out and a chocobo dropped next to her.

“Why do you have Papa’s materia?” it asked. Yuffie yelped.

“Chocobo! What?! These are MY materia, o-chibi-chan!”

“I’m not an o-chibi-chan, O-BA-SAN!” it squawked.

Yuffie squawked back.

“Rude!”

“Wude’s not here, I made him get wost so I could find you mysewf.”

“What?! Wait, do you speak Wutaian?! Where did a chocobo learn that?!”

“Hai! Tseng-oji-san is teaching me!”

“Whatever, and I’m not giving these back. Because they’re mine!”

“Hmm,” the chocobo pondered, stroking the underside of his beak. “I show you really cool motowcycwes if you do!”

“No deal, kid, I get motion sickness,” Yuffie stuck her nose up in the air.

“ME TOO!” shouted the chocobo, excited to meet a fellow sufferer. “I’m awwergic to hewicoptews and vans and sometimes motowcycwes, but not when my dads drive, and caws and boats and it SUCKS! Eeep! Don’t tell dad I said the sucks word!”

Yuffie softened. She got in trouble with her dad for cussing too, and motion sickness was the PITS. Poor chocobo.

“Alright, I won’t…but I might tell YOUR MOM!” she crowed, sticking her tongue out.

But instead of getting angry, confused, or worried, the little chocobo deflated in his costume.

“I can’t find my Mama,” he said. “I wost her.”

Oh crap.

“Shi- shoot dude, where did you lose her, somewhere around here?” maybe she could point him in the right direction, then get rewarded with directions to the materia stash!

“Nooo,” the fluffball was warbling now, crap crap crap. “I wost hew and I can’t find hew and she wasn’t at home and Aunty Tifa didn’t see hew and my dads can’t find hew and I don’t know where she gooo00000oooooed!”

“Oh he- heck, I’m sorry chocobo. Want a hug?”

The now-sobbing chick nodded and tackled her, barely giving her time to catch him. Weirdly at a loss for words, Yuffie just held on for a minute, rocking back and forth, her own eyes watering.

“You know,” she sniffed, “I lost my mama too. She died when I was little. And…” she paused, sniffing again, “...and I don’t know why she left me!” Oh great, now she was full-on crying too.

“Me eithew!” he sobbed. “I want Mama!”

“Me too!”

They kept hugging and crying for a few more minutes, Yuffie petting his little head every now and then. Man, she was getting tired of calling him random things, she chuckled internally, trying to cheer herself up.

“Hey chocobo,” she sniffled, “got a name?”

“Cwooouuuud,” he wailed softly.

“Mine’s Yuffie. Figured if our Mamas saw us crying all over each other, they’d want us to at least know each other’s names, right? Heh heh,” she laughed, poking him gently in the side.

“Y-yeah,” he burbled, now with a little giggle. “Mama awways said be powite.”

“Sounds like a good Mama. Like the kind who’d come find you again. I hope she does.”

“Yeah. Youw Mama woved you?”

“Yeah. Dad says so at least.”

“Then she a good Mama too,” said Cloud, nodding, then rubbing his…ew…snotty face against her shirt to clean himself up and get another nuzzle in.

Yuffie grimaced and started gently disentangling herself, wiping her own face on her sleeve.

“Come on kid, your dads are probably worried about you, we should go fi-”

BAM!

The door burst open and a hyper spiky ball burst into the room.

“FOUND YA! Cloudy, you scared Uncle Reno, come on, let’s go apologize. Oh! Hi moogle kid! Wait, didn’t Reno call in a warning about a- HEY! COME BACK!”

“Eff you, loser, Yuffie out!” she called, jumping up through the ceiling tile Cloud had left open, very pleased with her haul and unwilling to risk those SOLDIER weirdos getting it back.

It wasn’t until she was miles away that she opened her bag and found only her original stash left. That little thief! What a cheap shot, getting her to feel feelings!

That was…kinda hardcore, she could almost respect that. Little turd.

Chapter Text

Yuffie considered the man before her long and hard, stroking an imaginary beard and contemplating what would need to be done.

"Cloud!" she shouted.

"Yessir!" he responded with a salute.

"Take his cloak!"

"Yessir!"

"..." said Vincent, handing over the garment.

"Hmmm…we'll do some with and some without. Cloud!"

"Yessir!"

"Give the man a comb!"

"Yessir!"

"..." said Vincent.

"None of that, old man; the bandana can stay, but the rat's nest has to go. Get to combing. The ladies love a melancholy man, but not a hobo," Yuffie declared.

"..."

"It's ok, Grandpa Vincy, sometimes I gotta get combed too," the chocobo consoled him, patting Vincent's knee.

"Oof. These boots. Don't get me wrong, it's a hel- heckuva fashion statement, but we gotta tone things down to appeal to the non-crazies. It's a tough scene out there, gentlemen."

Yuffie whirled around like a miniature tornado, picking and pulling at Vincent's outfit, adding commentary and criticism as she saw fit. Cloud worked diligently as her helper to get Grandpa Vincent all cleaned up for the photo shoot.

"Which, to be clear, Gramps, does not involve any gun shooting whatsoever," said Yuffie, wagging a finger at Vincent, who looked disappointed. "You gotta wait til at least the third date to start shooting your-"

"..." said Vincent, pointedly glancing at Cloud.

"- guns, Gramps. Sure, you can get started earlier if ya want, but if you're looking for something long-term, it's ok to take it slow."

"..." said Vincent, eyebrow raised.

"Of course I know what I'm talking about! I'm the great ninja Yuffie!"

"Yeah!" cheered Cloud, fist in the air.

"I'll have you know they consider me an expert back home at all things love and ninja!"

The eyebrow went up further.

"You watch your tone," she scoffed. "Anyway, time for the photoshoot!"

What felt like hours later, the moogle-chocobo team had amassed a sizeable portfolio of Vincent in different poses: with the cloak, without the cloak, cloak over the shoulder, Turk suit, no Turk suit, hair in face, hair out of face, brooding by the window reading a book, pretending to cook, shots focusing on his butt, shots focusing up Cloud's nostrils, shots of Cloud's thumb, pictures of a cool bug….

"Cloud, we were supposed to take pictures of Gramps, not bugs."

"Sowwy, it was a reawwy good bug."

"Dam- dang, you're right kid, I'll save these to a separate folder…done! Alright, let the selection process begin!"

"..." said Vincent.

"Nuh-uh, don't you try to escape now, we haven't even started on your profile deets! Sit back down! Cloud! Sit on him!"

"Yessir!"

Vincent now cemented to his spot by reason of having a super cute chocobo pick him as a chair, was forced to review photos.

"..." he said, expertly.

"Hmm, I agree, the lighting's just not catching your good side, how about this one instead?"

"..."

"Great. Cloud, put that one in the "good" folder!"

Cloud complied. He was good at technology, unlike Grandpa Vincy, who somehow managed to open a tax account with the Wutaian government when trying to turn down the brightness settings on his PHS. Cloud wasn't sure what all "taxes" entailed, but he knew they made everyone grumpy.

"Alrighty, hard part is done. Now let's talk about you. Age?"

"54," said Vincent.

"...let's round down a bit, it's only fair due to the whole," Yuffie waved her fingers vaguely, "vampire zombie coma penance thing. 42. What do you want to say in your bio?"

"Hello. My name is Vincent Valentine. I wish to become acquainted with a woman and attend dates. Thank you for your consideration."

"MWAAAAH!" shouted Yuffie, imitating a buzzer, both her thumbs down.

"Grandpa Vincy, you reawwy need our hewp. It's ok, though," agreed Cloud, patting his Grandpa's arm. "We hewp real good!"

"They already see your name here, old man! You gotta sell yourself, that was like the most boringest thing EVER! Add some spice! Some flair! Talk about your hobbies and where you'd like to go on dates!"

"Hello. I would like to visit restaurants with women of interest. I also like target practice."

"... we're going to be here a while."

And they were.

—----

An age and a half later, Vincent was finally released from his match finding duties, and sent to deliver Cloud back to his dads for his afternoon nap.

Vincent was so quiet carrying Cloud, that Lunette and Marie, administrative assistants and friends of Cloud and Zack, literally ran into them.

Both women teetered on their heels and collided with each other, winding up on the floor. Vincent quickly set Cloud down, then knelt and offered each a hand.

"My apologies, ladies, are you alright?"

"Oh! Oh my, yes, thank you," replied Lunette, blushing, taking his metal hand without hesitation.

"I haven't seen you around here, who are you?" asked Marie, glancing suspiciously over her glasses between him and Cloud.

"My Grandpa Vincy!" chirped Cloud. "He's reawwy coow and can go super fast, like Daddy!"

Marie relaxed considerably, Cloud had mentioned the man before and Zack had expressed his approval. That was good enough for her.

"Well, it's lovely to meet you, Mr….?" she asked, looking into his deep, crimson eyes.

"Vincent Valentine," the man replied, helping both women to their feet. "Lovely to meet you both as well. I was just taking Cloud to Zack Fair for his nap."

"Oh, Zack, such a nice young man!" said Marie.

"Yes, we do appreciate Zack and Cloud's visits so much!" agreed Lunette. "You'll all have to drop by soon. We'd love to chat more, but we wouldn't want to keep young Cloudy from his rest!"

"Of course," said Vincent, bowing slightly, then scooping up a yawning chocobo.

"Bye bye-bye Ms. Wunette and Ms. Mawie," Cloud yawned, waving one hand, the other busy rubbing his eyes.

"Bye-bye Cloud, Mr. Valentine!" the ladies chorused.

"Please, call me Vincent. Goodbye," Vincent said, as he swept off down the hallway, leaving two blushing women waving happily after him.

—----

"Any luck with the ladies?" asked Zack as he tucked Cloud into his tent.

"I fear not, not a single woman seems to have expressed interest today," said Vincent, monotone as ever. "Yuffie said they were all "bots", and the ladies in the hallway spared little thought for my advances. Perhaps I shall have to inquire about this 'speed dating' of which Yuffie speaks. Farewell Cloud, Zack."

Zack waved him off, then muttered to himself.

"Just like Seph: so hot, so clueless." He frowned, then brightened up. "I'll have to teach him some pickup lines!"

Chapter Text

“Mr. Highwind, thank you for joining us all the way from Rocket Town,” began Rufus, as a haze of smoke with legs descended from the airship.

"Uh-huh. Why is there a da-" Cid started.

The sudden sharp look from Shinra’s top First-class SOLDIER halted the man’s intended cuss. He was brash, not stupid.

“...a kid here?!”

“Mr. Highwind, Cloud is my son, who kindly volunteered to greet you and your airship. I am informed by Cloud that it is an excellent craft,” said Sephiroth, his face neutral, and his tone only slightly judgmental to the inexperienced listener.

“Huh,” said Cid, rolling his cigar between his teeth, looking Cloud up and down appraisingly. “Kid has good taste at least. Now what did the illustrious new president try to drag my a– butt all the way to Midgar for?”

“Ah, of course, if you would join us inside, we shall get down to business,” said Rufus, gesturing to the door.

—----

Cloud would not be deterred by the grumpy man. He knew a lot of grumpy men, and more importantly, he knew a lot about sneaking from the Turks. So he sneaked onto the airship.

It was SO COOL. He’d probably be allergic to it, just like with helicopters, but it was still SO COOL! Luckily, he had brought a sketchpad, so as soon as he got down into the engine area, his pencil was going super fast to capture everything.

—----

Shera guiltily crept down into the engine room. Cid would probably yell at her, but she couldn’t help it. She loved machines, almost as much as Cid did, and a little maintenance work couldn’t hurt. She was just about to set down her toolkit, when…was that a chocobo?!

“Um, hello?”

The chocobo jumped a solid 2 feet into the air from where it had been…drawing schematics?? Oh, it was a child.

“HEWWO!” he squawked, looking around guiltily, but clearly trying to seem nonchalant.

“What are you doing down here?” she asked.

“Um, just drawing! The door was open! I didn’t pick a wock or anything!”

“Oh…,” said Shera, at a loss. “May I see your drawings?”

“Uh, sure,” the kid said, picking up a handful.

“Are these…drawings of the engine?”

“Yeah! It’s super coow! I never see anything wike it! It’s awmost as coow as when Mr. Motowcycwe took his motowcywe apart!”

“It is pretty cool, I agree!” said Shera. “My name’s Shera, what’s yours?” It wouldn’t hurt to be polite with another machinist, especially one of such a tender age.

“Cwoud!” he said proudly.

“Well, Cloud, would you like to help me do some maintenance?”

Cloud’s eyes grew almost as big as the sky, sparkling with little stars of enthusiasm. Just like Cid’s.

“YES PWEASE!”

—----

“D— politics and f—-g Shinra, how in tarnation did four board members die so suddenly?! At least that idiot b—d Palmer’s gone. SHERA! Where is that woman?! SHERA, BRING ME MY G—N TEA!!!” Nothing. Cid looked around the usual places. No Shera. Only place left was the engine room. If she was down there screwing around… He stomped angrily down the hall and threw the engine room door open. “SHERA! WHY IN THE F—”

“AAAAA!” a chocobo squawked, interrupting his cussing just in time. What in the seven seas was this pipsqueak doing down here?!

“WHAT IN THE SEVEN SEAS IS THIS PIPSQUEAK DOING DOWN HERE?!” Cid bellowed, blowing smoke everywhere.

“Hi Cid, Cloud was ju–”

“AND SHERA, WHERE IS MY G—.... MY TEA?! I’VE BEEN CALLING FOR AGES!”

“HEY!” the chocobo shouted, then coughed. “STOP BEING A MEANY!”

Cid started to reply, but the kid stamped his foot. Hard. Did that little f—r just dent his floor? Surely not, no kid was that strong. Maybe one of the SOLDIERs, but…

“HEY! I SAID STOP BEING A MEANY!” said Cloud, fists on his hips. He was clearly not a fan of being ignored. “I JUST HEWPING MS. SHEWA DO MAINTENANCE!”

Cid opened his mouth again.

“She’s reawwy nice and coow and so is this ship and YOU JUST SHOUTING! Maintenance is vitaw! That’s what Mr. Motowcycwe says!”

“You listen here, brat…” Cid growled.

“And YOU STINK! Fire is bad for down here! SAFETY WISK!” Cloud insisted, pointing at a warning sign which agreed with him. “Mr. Motowcycwe said so.”

“It is a safety risk, Cid,” muttered Shera.

“See, Ms. Shewa very smart. Now go away, we busy,” Cloud said, spinning around and huffing. Cid got a weird mental image of a swordsman in a red coat, but couldn’t place it.

Completely bewildered, Cid actually took a step back. And another. And he was outside the engine room with the door shut, looking at a little shelf with an unobtrusive ashtray embedded in it. He blinked rapidly a few times. Well, they weren’t wrong about the safety risk at least.

Beyond shocked at himself, Cid put out his cigar, stuck a toothpick in his mouth, and opened the door again, this time without a bang.

“Did a chocobo just yell at me?” he asked Shera, who was still close by.

“Um, yes,” she said, with a tiny little grin playing at the corner of her soft mouth. Huh. It had been a while since he’d seen that. Looked good on her.

The chocobo shuffled in front of her, arms crossed and covered in grease.

“Weww, are you gonna be nice?” he asked.

“Hurmm,” grunted Cid.

“Ok, then you can hewp us. I can’t reach up there, you hewp?” Cloud held out his supplies.

“Grrph,” said Cid, and took the proffered items.

They spent a good 15 minutes finishing up before a voice came from above.

“Cloud? Time to come back! Seph said you snuck on the ship, so I know you’re down here!” called Zack.

“Curses,” muttered Cloud. “Sephikitty catched my sneaks.” Then, out loud, “Sowwy Ms. Shewa, I gotta go. Thanks for letting me hewp! It’s a reawwy, reawwy coow ship, Ms. Shewa and Mr. Grumpywind. Here,” he said, handing Cid a piece of paper. “I drawed that. You’re coow when you’re not mean and stinky. See you later!”

And with that, he ran off, leaving Cid and Shera to their beloved engine and a funny little drawing of it done by a birdboy.

—----

“Um, Seph?”

“Hello, Zack.”

“Where’s Cloud, I thought you had him?”

“On the airship.”

“On the…on the airship…is he alone!?”

Sephiroth tilted his head the tiniest fraction, confused by Zack’s tone.

“Yes?”

“Seph, why is he alone?!”

“He was sneaking, I didn’t want to interrupt him.”

“Seph, bud, pal, light of my life, we’re talking about child safety later, but I gotta go make sure our kid isn’t dead real quick. CLOUDY! HEY SPIKY!”

Zack ran off, leaving a still-confused Sephiroth tilting his head further, then shrugging. Off in his office, Angeal felt a sudden, unexplained urge to facepalm.

Chapter Text

Disaster seemed to follow Vincent, and today was no exception. He sighed into his coat collar, his long, dark hair drifting across his crimson eyes.

"Grandpa Vincy, why is everyone's nose bweeding?"

"I know not, Cloud. I wonder at times if it is a reaction to the Chaos that brews inside me, trapped and angry, a Just Punishment for my sins…" Vincent began in his deep, rumbling voice, but was interrupted by a soft pat on his cheek from the chocobo perched on his shoulders. He looked up through the silken strands of midnight locks at his grandson.

"Grandpa Vincy, Puppa tells Dad 'no sewf-diwf-wactating comments when the sun is behind a Cwoud', right Daddy?"

"Self-deprecating, Cloud, and yes, that's right. Besides, I see people with nosebleeds a great deal when I go out into the city. And come to think of it, in many other places as well; perhaps the planet's air quality is in decline," said Sephiroth, his long silver mane flowing gently with the breeze they generated by walking. He, Cloud, and Vincent were out on a mission to get lunch and pick up an order for Zack from a specialty shop.

None of the party knew what would be in the package. Sephiroth wondered about it absentmindedly as he adjusted his open-breasted coat. It slipped for a second, accidentally revealing a nipple, oops. Across the street, a group of pedestrians collectively stumbled and fell in a heap. That happened a lot with civilians, and even some SOLDIERs; perhaps it was a lack of training.

The wind picked up and swept his coat and Vincent's cape around, revealing their strong, toned calves and thighs striding purposefully towards their destination. From his perch, Cloud chuckled.

"Wooo! Windy wind!" He chirped, flinging both arms in the air and fully trusting his steed. Behind them, a flock of chocobos started warking urgently, but settled into soft, chuckle-y ‘kweh’s as Vincent's strong arms flexed to keep Cloud secure. A group of people nearby squealed. They must have been bothered by the wind.

A couple drinking coffee at a little outdoor table at a local cafe spat their drinks out simultaneously as the three walked by, boots thumping like heartbeats. Really, the cafe ought to be more careful about monitoring the temperature of their beverages.

Leather creaked softly when they reached the crowded train and grabbed onto the handrails. Cloud had to dismount, held securely in his grandfather's arm, as the combined height of chocobo and man was too great. As it was, Sephiroth and Vincent still towered high, with their voluminous hair almost brushing the ceilings.

Sadly, all the seats were full, many people fanning themselves and urgently dropping into available spots as if they were all feeling faint. Strange, as it was a rather mild day. Cloud squirmed a little as the train started moving, worried about his motion sickness. He soothed himself by burying his face into Vincent’s long, alabaster neck with a nuzzle and a sigh.

Everyone around them seemed to sigh as well with little “awww” noises. Sephiroth knew motion sickness wasn’t contagious, so it must just be what people do when a train starts. Not wanting to be left out, he breathed a sigh as well, his broad chest heaving with the movement, leather creaking as it struggled to contain his substantial pectoral muscles and rock solid abdomen.

The train car was filled with sudden coughs. Maybe this was part of the ritual. Sephiroth coughed at the same time as Vincent, who had caught on to the social cue. Good, it was nice that they were all reaching the same point of understanding.

Soon enough, the trio disembarked along with a swarm of tripping pedestrians, two pairs of sharp, glowing eyes watching carefully for potential threats to their baby. Each time Vincent made eye contact with a citizen, he intensified his gaze, causing most people to quickly look away and blush. It must be embarrassing to be caught staring; he himself didn’t suffer from such concerns, but he could have compassion for those who did.

Cloud opted to hold Vincent and Sephiroth’s hands to walk off the last vestiges of motion sickness.

“Wait! Daddy! Grandpa Vincy!”

“Yes, Cloud?” they replied in unison.

“Swing me! Pwease?”

“I don’t see any swings around, Cloud, and we’re on a mission,” said Sephiroth, disappointed that he couldn’t easily accommodate the child.

“No, wike, with your arms! While we walk!” chirped Cloud. “Wike that!” He pointed at a couple who was swinging their child between them every few steps. It…actually looked pretty fun. Vincent’s eyes lit up in understanding as he shared a look with Sephiroth. They both gave tiny nods to each other. While they exchanged glances, they both caught movement out of the corner of their eye as a shopkeeper dropped a tray of wares; fortunately, it appeared to be nonbreakable items.

“I am amenable,” said Vincent.

“Agreed,” said Sephiroth.

And they set off, Cloud’s little giggles and chirps of “wheee!” echoing down the street. Vincent noticed pedestrian after pedestrian clutching their hearts. Interesting. He would have to keep an eye on that, though it wasn’t that unusual in his experience to see such things.

Finally, they reached Zack’s specialty shop, “Magic Michael’s” and strode up to the counter. The day had gotten warmer, so Vincent and Sephiroth both were grateful for the air conditioning blowing gently on their sweat-glistened skin.

“Hello,” Sephiroth greeted the shopkeeper, who appeared to be trembling slightly. He sighed; it was hard sometimes being so intimidating. He smiled down at Cloud as he waited for the shopkeeper to respond. Cloud was so utterly unafraid of him, and it warmed his heart to no end that he could be a safe haven for his precious son. He heard the shopkeeper’s heart rate pick up and their breath quicken; time to intervene before they hurt themselves. “We’re here to pick up an order for Zack Fair.”

“Of course!” they squeaked, diving behind the counter to rummage around. They popped back up, panting, rubbing their chest, and red as a tomato. “Already paid for, so you should be all set.”

“Thank you,” replied Sephiroth, nodding gently in their direction before taking the package with his sword hand. A gesture of good faith, he hoped.

The trio rounded out their outing with a visit to a quiet restaurant, still catching signs of the general populace struggling with the warm weather: nosebleeds, stumbling, flushed faces, stuttering, fanning themselves, etc. Sephiroth made a mental note to talk with Rufus about the potential public health crisis as he wiped a dollop of cream from his nose and their server ran into another table while staring at him.

Chapter Text

Cloud watched with glittering, hungry eyes and his Dad and Puppa sparred. Their huge swords clashed and clanged, sparkling under the training area's lights. He had wanted to bring his swords (Minisume and Baby Buster), but Dadgeal had locked them up and said "only for a few pictures, then not until you're 30". Fortunately Puppa and Papa wheedled him down to 20, but that was still SO OLD.

Then, he had tried to sneak in the gun and various other weapons Grandpa Vincy, the Turks, and others had given him, but got caught by Dadgeal again. Sigh. So, he had to content himself with watching while he did his paperwork.

Or did he? There was a whole armory just around the corner, and Dad and Puppa were busy… Cloud activated stealth mode, pulling up the hood of his bear sweatshirt and ducking low to the ground. Super spy sneaky time.

—----

Kunsel knew a lot. He kept his feet on the ground and his ear out for gossip. He had a sharp eye and a quick mind, and it actually took some skill to notice when Cloud scuttled by; it looked like his Turk training was paying off. That couldn't be good.

Kunsel was blessed with an average, forgettable build, and a reasonably pretty, forgettable face (except for his eyes–gorgeous), and had honed his skill at blending in to a razor's edge to complement these natural gifts. So he had no trouble unobtrusively following the brown blur zipping under benches and around trash cans as it made its way to the armory.

Kunsel was regarded as a trustworthy party in many matters animal (Puppy and chocobo wrangling, of all varieties), vegetable (grocery shopping, plant babysitting, cooking), and mineral (sword and materia handling, and specialty hair/skin care product acquisition). It completely escaped him as to why. That was a lie–he knew: he *was* trustworthy when it mattered, and just as importantly, careful when he sowed chaos (his favorite pastime).

Kunsel decided to use his sneaking skills to hide his chaos today, and melted into the background as he saw Cloud go for the biggest sword he could carry. It was blunted, and by the time he started swinging, Angeal's baby radar would go off. He tapped away at his PHS to have the training ground security footage sent to him later.

Deep within Vincent, Chaos purred encouragingly at his son.

—----

Cloud proudly snuck his find into an empty training area, and began practicing. He'd seen his daddies do drills with the SOLDIERs often enough that he had to be a pro by now. And this sword was bigger than he was, which was PERFECT. SWOOSH!

—----

The hairs on the back of Angeal's neck stood stiff. Zack must be getting into trouble, he thought, as he spun and parried and matched blows with…Zack. Oh, ok, Zack was accounted for, problem solved.

Maybe the spiky feeling was because Zack was getting so good, he had to really watch himself! Excellent! Time to pull out a few extra stops!

"Zack! Someone wrote 'gullible' on your boot!" Angeal shouted, grinning widely from the fun and exertion. Zack looked down. The hairs on the back of Angeal's neck were still up as he used the distraction to trip his mentee. Uh-oh.

Oh! Genesis! Duh, his trouble sensors must be going off because Genesis was up to something. Because Cloud was down here with them today, and no way was HE triggering the…oh no.

"Uh, Zack?" Angeal began, frozen and not daring to move.

"Yeah?" said Zack, panting and grinning.

"Cloud's right behind me, working on his homework, right?"

"Nope! Just the…uh-oh, it's just the homework. Dad senses?"

"Dad senses."

The pair wasted no time bolting out of the room.

—----

WHOOOSH

“WHEEEEEE!!!!” Cloud had forgotten that he was supposed to be sneaking, and was now fully absorbed in throwing himself bodily across the training grounds with the help of the sword. He was strong enough with his enhancements to fling the object around, and light enough that if he let it, it would fling him around in turn.

Sword-pole vaulting, spinning really fast, flips in the air…

“CLOUD MEPHISTOPHELES REYNALDO SUNFLOWER STRIFE!” Angeal’s voice boomed across what must have been the whole of Midgar. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

“Goin’ fast, Dad!” yelled Cloud, as he spun into another flying flip, giggling madly.

Completely dumbfounded, Angeal stood there, mouth opening and closing like a bewildered fish. Zack skidded to a stop behind him, having heard the call after they split up, and took in the situation. And started laughing.

Angeal tried to look at him in betrayal, but caught sight of the glee on Cloud’s face as his tiny bear-clad chocobo body zipped and whirled around a sword thrice his size (Dad vision was still activated). He tried and failed to let a grin spread across his face as Zack fell to the floor, tears streaming down and cackling hysterically.

“HAHAHA GO CLOUDY! HAHA HE AHAHAHA HE’S GOIN’ HAHAHAHA HE’S GOIN FAST, DAD BAHAHAHAHAHA”

Angeal’s grin grew to a giggle as he envisioned the toy Cloud had selected for Dark Star for her birthday: a motorized ball with a floppy tail attached that would zoom off in any and every direction like a possessed squirrel. Or like a hyper chocobo with a giant stick.

—----

Kunsel was not disappointed.

—----

Angeal tried really hard to be disappointed, and since he was an old pro, he managed it. He also (barely) managed to keep a straight face as he oversaw Cloud writing a miniature essay about how he would “ask my daddies for permission to yeet myself across the training ground instead of sneaking off by myself to go super fast even though it’s really fun and I sneaked I mean snucked real good”.

Angeal also tried really hard to not give in, but eventually caved under the sparkling gaze of not only the chocobo, but his puppy, bird, and kitten friends when they saw how much fun Cloud had been having. With a sigh (and a hidden smile), he opened his laptop to look up where he could get wooden training swords for a pint-sized pal.

Chapter Text

Genevieve Rhapsodos was in town, and when Genevieve Rhapsodos came into a town, the town knew it. Or suffered the consequences.

Rufus Shinra would have developed an attitude about her, but honestly, he enjoyed the challenge. Her wealth could not rival his, but her influence and connections? Priceless. (And he liked watching Genesis squirm.)

"Ah! My grandson, Cloud Strife. How are you today, my cherub?"

"I good!" Cloud chirped, holding up his arms for a hug. To Rufus' surprise, she knelt to embrace him fully. "I made you this!" the chocochick continued, holding up a sheet of paper with wild splashes and blobs of color.

"Oh? Well, let's see, just a moment," replied Genevieve, twisting open an ingeniously folded pair of spectacles and placing them on her austere nose. Rufus imagined it could have been a clown nose, and on her it would still have looked austere. He also had no idea whether she needed them or not.

"Are these schematics for an apple coring machine?" she asked.

"Yeah!"

Rufus very nearly scratched his head; how on Gaia she understood that was well beyond him.

"Hmm…I like how you made a piece to dislodge loose seeds, very efficient. Thank you, Cloud."

Cloud's smile rivaled an operating room light to the face on a cold Saturday morning. No wonder the Turks opted for sunglasses so often.

"Has my son been feeding you well?" she asked, gently poking his cheeks.

"Yeah, and I only share appwes if I want to, wike you said!"

"Good. Genesis deserves apples only when you feel like sharing or when he comes to visit his parents."

Genevieve did not look at Genesis. She did not have to. Everyone in the room (except Cloud) could feel the weight of motherly passive aggression consolidate and focus, like a fog monster churning mist into a solid body pointed directly at the hapless First. Genesis would never stoop to shuffling nervously between the door and his baby, antsy to escape, but not willing to leave his child in the danger zone. That would be undignified, at the very least.

"You've enjoyed your crickets from Uncle Rufus too, haven't you, Cloud?" piped up Rufus. Dark Star almost put a paw over her face in embarrassment and exasperation. Lazard inched closer to the door.

"Yeah, Mr. Wufus! Very yummy! Um, do you have some right now you was sharing?"

"Ah, sadly I do not," replied Rufus, his plan to one-up Genevieve having backfired. Dark Star's instinct to face-paw intensified.

"Oh, what a coincidence, I do," said Genevieve, gingerly removing a plastic container from her bag. She was too well-bred to hold it with her thumb and forefinger (or tongs, 6 feet away from her person), but it was a near thing. "Here, darling, you may have the whole thing."

Not one to look a gift cricket in the mouth, Cloud hopped up and down in place and accepted it gratefully.

"Thank you!"

"Of course, My Grandson," Genevieve replied, emphasizing her familial tie to the prized chocobo.

"And do you often play with your Rapier replica your grandfather and I sent you?"

"Yeah! Weww, when Papa's not too busy with work."

The figurative mist monster's focus split like a hydra; equally intense, invisible, burning gazes focused on Lazard, Genesis, and Rufus now.

"I'm sorry to hear that your Papa isn't allowed enough time for you!"

Danger. Danger. Error. Exit. Abort. Lazard was inches from the door now, hand reaching behind him for the handle.

"Cloud!" Genesis burst out. "We should get those crickets taken care of before our outing with your grandmother!"

Cloud, struck with a sudden sense of urgency (though not quite the same one Lazard, Rufus, Dark Star, and Genesis were feeling), clutched the small tub to his chest.

"Ok, Papa! Grandma Genevieve, I gotta go! Be right back!"

"Of course, Cloud," she smiled, barely able to pinch his cheek fondly before Genesis swept him up and out the door, hot on Lazard's heels, who had slipped out as quietly as a mouse. Or a lizard.

Rufus was left alone with the ladies, one of whom wanted his head, and the other of whom was wondering why on earth he hadn't brought snacks. Well, never let it be said he didn't enjoy a challenge.

—----

"Whew, just in time," said Cloud, as he opened his little tub of bugs. "Stiww fwesh!"

Lazard and Genesis nodded solemnly, all parties equally relieved and satisfied to have made their exit on time.

Chapter Text

Chews on tree.

Hugs tree.

Climbs to the top of the tree and plans to fly down.

Tries to make flower crowns.

Barks at tree.

Chapter Text

Chews on tree.

(Zack. BIG honkin' stick, WOW! The, uh, rational explanation he gave was that you're supposed to eat the inner bark in survival situations and he was hungry. But we all know what this was really about.)

Hugs tree.

(Sephikitty. He knows he's supposed to be part Ancient, knows Aerith is for sure part Ancient, and overheard someone call her a "tree hugger", so he's trying to get in touch with his roots, pun fully intended. Honestly, it's very much up in the air over whether he was actually intoxicated. He would do this sober.)

Climbs to the top of the tree and plans to fly down.

(Genebirb. He is pretty birb. He is talented birb. He is stronk birb. He is caught by Angeal and caged cruelly in his arms until he sobers up–nothing less could hold him for long. Don't worry, he doesn't get bored, he gets distracted 5 minutes in by the shiny, pretty earring he, Zack, and Cloud convinced Angeal to get, then he gets distracted by the need to sing, then sings himself to sleep. Afterwards, he is torn between trying to hire Kunsel to delete the video from Seph's phone and being worried Kunsel will use it for blackmail. He should just ask, because Kunsel already has a copy and absolutely will be using it for blackmail.)

Tries to make flower crowns.

(Angeal, who uses whole-ass branches because of his massive size and strength. When asked why he made them so big, he says "Zoloms can be princesses too, Aerith says.")

Barks at tree.

(Cloud. Someone told him about bark, but didn't clarify, so he tried to make friends with the tree in hopes it would bark back.)

Chapter Text

"Zackary Kenneth Fair, did you take my son to a petting zoo AS A PET!?" Angeal fumed, holding up a PHS with a very incriminating photo as Cloud, Sephiroth, and Zack came in the front door.

"I got crickets when they petted my hair," Cloud said, grinning from ear to ear. Genesis grimaced from his spot on the couch, not a fan of insect ingestion. Or insect anything, honestly. Even being in Angeal's apartment with all the plants…ugh.

"We don't even need dinner now!" Zack crowed proudly, kicking off his boots willy-nilly, then helping Cloud with his shoes.

"First of all, no, second of all, I understand why you might assume so for Cloud, but tell me, Zackaronius, why YOU wouldn't need dinner," Angeal growled. It was family dinner night and he and Genesis had put a lot of effort into the evening meal.

"I had crickets too!" Zack said cheerfully, bouncing past Angeal without heeding the growing aura of menace and flopping almost on top of Genesis. "GEN! Haven't seen you in FOREVER!" 

"GET OFF ME, PUPPY, YOU REEK OF BARNYARD! And I saw you YESTERDAY!" Genesis yelled, shoving Zack violently to the floor and holding his nose, waving his other hand to dissipate the supposed stench.

"They're high in protein," mumbled Sephiroth around a mouthful of…

"ARE YOU STILL EATING CRICKETS?! IN MY APARTMENT?! BEFORE FAMILY DINNER ?!"

Sephiroth's chewing slowed to a halt.

"Umpfff…yesh?"

Angeal bent down to get on Cloud's level and addressed him directly.

"Cloud, honey, you're not in trouble, but I'm going to kick your Daddy and Puppa out, ok? They've been naughty."

Cloud gave a thumbs up. This happened often enough, and if he was given a heads up, he wasn't worried. Dad would never hurt his Puppa and Daddy, just huff and puff a little, and give Cloud big hugs to make sure he knew he wasn't in trouble himself.

Angeal straightened to his full height.

"Zackathan George Fair and Sephiroth Wheaton Elizabeth Fair, GET OUT OF MY APARTMENT UNTIL YOU ARE WASHED AND READY TO APOLOGIZE, BEHAVE LIKE HUMANS, AND TREAT MY TABLE WITH RESPECT."

Zack and Sephiroth's eyes grew big as they scrambled back into their boots, only just now realizing they had insulted the cook and may have miscalculated on the "literal chocochick" gag.

"Geal-" began Zack.

"Zackathan, I do not want to hear another word!"

"Hmm. Mmhmm. Hmm hmm hmm hmm hmmhmmhmm," hummed Zack, gesturing to Angeal's PHS, still in his hand, while he backed out of the door, pushing Sephiroth behind him.

Angeal did not budge, shutting the door firmly behind him.

"Cloud, my chickadee, it's time for your bird bath!" Genesis sang from down the hall over the sound of running water. He was not taking any chances on fleas, ticks, lice, bedbugs, or even stray * shudder * cricket bits Cloud may have picked up at the * cringe * petting zoo. All those hands touching animals then HIS BABY'S HEAD?! No.

Cloud happily trotted off for bath time, shedding clothes as he went. Angeal followed the trail, muttering under his breath about "rambunctious puppies" and "some semblance of order and decency", while dutifully checking his PHS as Zack had asked.

Oh.

Angeal froze, eyes welling with tears, half bent over with various chocogarments in hand.

"Geal?" Genesis called from the bathroom, Cloud happily splashing away. Angeal startled out of his daze and finished following the clothing trail to just inside the bathroom door. "Angeal, my friend, what's wrong?"

Angeal leaned into Genesis' touch as he grasped his arm, his other, clothing-filled hand now clutching his heart.

"Too. Cute," whispered Angeal, a lone tear trickling down his chiseled face. He turned the screen to Genesis and started swiping through the rest of the pictures with his thumb.

Cloud's hair being nibbled by a goat. Cloud feeding crickets to a big mother chocobo. Cloud stuffing his face on the sly and thinking the chipmunk cheeks weren't totally giving him away. Cloud's nose being tickled by a cat's tail while he tried to pet it. People petting a beaming, cricket-chomping Cloud.

Cloud. Surrounded on all sides. By an entire, whole, complete flock of chocochicks. In a nest. Napping.

Genesis' knees wobbled and his hold on Angeal's arm became his support.

"Precious," he breathed. "Gift of the goddess. Perfect, darling treasure. My soul…"

*SPLASH*

"HAHAHA! METEOR TWO, COMING IN!" Cloud yelled behind him, a rubber chocobo bath toy in hand, ready to cause another enhanced-toddler bath bomb.

"Angeal, dear friend," said Genesis, stiff as a board and backside completely soaked with muddy baby bathwater. "Would you help our darling treasure finish up? I seem to need a moment to refresh myself."

"Sure," said Angeal, smiling and wiping another tear (and whatever bathwater hadn't hit his shield friend) from his face.

"Thank you."

Chapter Text

Angeal puttered about his indoor garden, dusting, turning, and watering plants. He loved each of their leafy little personalities. He loved burying his hands physically in dirt; besides the probiotics, it also just felt right, being so close to nature. The occasional bug didn't bother him, in fact, it tickled his heart to see the tiny lives scuttle across his huge, rough hands.

What he loved most of all though, was finding the little treasures left behind by his friends and baby. Today, there was a collection of little plastic brick characters, perched in and around the hardier shrubs. It warmed his heart that Cloud and Zack had so much fun *and* remembered to be gentle with the more sensitive plants.

Watching Zack grow from a puppy with 90% limbs and zero impulse control to a promising young man with excellent combat skills and the makings of a hero was one thing, but seeing him blossom into a father was a whole new delight. The added responsibility honed away the goofier, more irresponsible softness–mostly–and Angeal got to see a whole new side of Zack, one that was patient, calm, and incredibly clever.

No one else could have such unrestrained, joyful romps with their chickadee, and still maintain that undercurrent of authority. He would be a beloved leader – both respected and cherished. Cloud trusted him with his life, and Zack backed up that trust every day. He was always helping Cloud understand *why* (a vital thing at Cloud's age), and when he couldn't explain and needed blind faith, it was there because of the groundwork he'd laid.

By every plant, there was a little label with the scientific name written in precise, evenly spaced letters, along with a list of facts on the back about soil, water, and lighting preferences. These were written by Sephiroth.

Sephiroth had grown too. They had been friendly before Cloud came along, and Angeal was pleased with the slow, steady progress Sephiroth had been making in coming out of his shell and integrating with society. He was a sharp, talented boy, and a sharp, talented man.

His competitive nature had been teased and fueled by Genesis', and Angeal had worried at times about them, until he forced them to talk it out. Turns out Seph hadn't even realized what his feelings were (or what feelings were in general), or that Genesis wanted to be friends. Progress on that front was still slow, but he was picking things up; Angeal thought that watching Cloud be taught informal social etiquette helped.

But something had also unlocked in him, especially after the Nibelheim incident. He was more willing to try new, goofy things with Zack and Cloud, more playful in his fights with Genesis, and started initiating sweet gestures, like the plant fact cards and cuddles. He also had that special connection with Cloud, and instead of being a towering, foreboding figure to friend and foe alike, he softened into a protective power.

Zack had hardened where Seph had softened, and it was just what each of them needed. Being friends with each other certainly accelerated that growth as well. Angeal smiled broadly as he thought of the petting zoo incident. For as much as he ranted and raved, seeing them logically bumble through that decision was sweet.

And Genesis, his oldest friend–he had written names for each plant alongside Sephiroth’s facts. Swirling, flowing script decorated the front of each card, bestowing monikers like “Frederick” on his cactus and “Babs” on his fly trap. Angeal had always seen the loyal, selfless Gen underneath, but now others were seeing him too.

Sure, the man was as petty and ridiculous as ever, but the crude nastiness born of boredom and frustration had faded as he gained deeper friendships and a child for whom he wished to be an example.

Gen’s imagination, intelligence, and creative energy were powerful in evil and in good. Blood-spitting, rage-filled spats with Sephiroth had become sweaty, shouty ordeals that ended in post-workout meals together instead of slammed doors and isolation. Zack running and giggling nervously down the hallway, seconds from incineration after a prank, turned into elaborate pranks performed together for a common goal, such as setting off the sprinklers to make paperwork impossible.

Rough, frantic posturing and snide remarks to Angeal had become true self-confidence that leaned on his real strengths. No one, not even Sephiroth, had Genesis’ fine-tuned skill with materia, and now that Gen had stopped rabidly pursuing Seph’s whole identity, he was building his own back up. Ironically, this made his combat losses to Seph closer and closer to ties.

Angeal sighed happily and straightened up. Time to prep for movie night! He hummed as he went about his preparations, failing to think about how he’d grown too. He’d been almost as bad as Gen, but secretly, under the table. He had set himself up as a paragon, and wrapped virtue around himself so tight it became strangling. Lately, though, he’d begun to breathe again.

He couldn’t pretend, anymore, that Shinra was noble–that illusion had cracked after the sit-down with Seph and Gen, and by now it was shattered to pieces. He couldn’t pretend, anymore, that he knew all the answers, not with a toddler around to ask question after question after question (no, Cloud, no one knew “why is why”, and no one was going to halt all proceedings to go look up the answer to “when motowcywe wheels go super fast, if you were a cricket, and why is yellow, then you fwy off to the weft, could you punch a wererat hard enough to genewate thwust?”).

So instead of pretending, he unclenched. He let people see him squirt mustard on his face and “not notice” (it made Cloud, Genesis, and Zack giggle uncontrollably). He let out a loud “FIDDLESTICKS” when he stubbed his toe, and used it as a teaching moment about healthily expressing pain and frustration instead of a point of shame for loss of control. He even turned in reports late. Some things in life were just more important, like rocking your baby to sleep after a nightmare.

Being a Dad was freeing. And beautiful. And for each lecture, mess, heartache, frustration and late night of worry, there was a big, sloppy kiss on the cheek from an adoring baby, a hesitant cat-boy scooting closer on the couch, slowly leaning his head onto your shoulder under the guise of “generating body heat for Cloud”, a self-absorbed bird pausing his preening to wipe the mustard off your face, or a big floppy dog growing into his paws and stepping between the world and the vulnerable.

Chapter Text

Cloud panted, dull-eyed, looking out over the dry wastelands in front of him. He was slumped against Fenrir, aching and dehydrated, and completely and utterly alone. No one was waiting back in Edge. No one was waiting anywhere.

A few former experiments wandered aimlessly, but they, like him, weren't living anymore. No one was. Even Vincent had wandered off, probably to Lucrecia's cave or something, and here Cloud was, lying next to a dried-up pond in a derelict church.

He peeled off his gloves and dug his papery, calloused hands into the dirt.

They'd had their moments, though it was all gone now, Sephiroth and Jenova's scourge still devouring Gaia. Cloud didn't get it. He'd had them both in his head, their desires and passions washing over him, but what glory was there in ruling over nothing? What joy could one get from sucking all life out of an entire world?

He tilted his head back and looked for the sky, but it was all dust and nothingness now. The air was dust, the ground was dust, even the wild oceans had turned muddy and shrunk down. The only moisture left was his blood and the mako running through it.

Speaking of which, there went his skin again, peeling apart while trying to knit itself back together. This time it was his knuckles that had split open, spilling red into the dirt. He thought about putting his gloves back on. It didn't seem worth it.

Suddenly, where his blood met the ground, a swirl of green burst forth, whirling and spinning until it revealed a small, womanly form, about a foot high, hovering above the ground.

"Cloud," she said, placing a misty, ethereal hand on his. "I don't have much time."

"Gaia," he croaked. "Sorry about, y'know." He waved vaguely around. "Sucks." He probably shouldn't be so flippant with the literal planet, but he couldn't bring himself to care.

"Cloud, you must listen. You must stop this."

"Tried. Failed."

"In this time, yes, but I will honor you with a chance to fix it in another time."

"Honor me? Listen, don't do me any more favors, you already took the people I loved."

"They would have come to me anyway in due time. Time, which we are short on."

"In due time my butt, you tried to save yourself and just took them."

"It is no matter now."

"It is VERY matter now. Take me or leave me alone, I'm done."

"I will do neither, I will use the last of our life to send you back. You will fix this. You must remember. You must fix this."

Cloud just rolled his eyes.

"If not for me, you would never have lived. If you care at all, you will fix this for your friends, though it will require a sacrifice."

"A sacrifice? I have given EVERYTHING. Or you all took it. Screw off. You and Jenova and Sephiroth."

"Cloud," came a new voice. If he could still produce tears, Cloud's eyes would have watered.

"Aerith…"

"Cloud, you've been so strong. I can't stop her, but don't be afraid. There's hope. We can do this one last thing, this one last try. I am so sorry this has been put on you."

The glowing green form had changed to look like her, and it tore at his heart. He couldn't save her. Or anyone.

"You can, Cloud. There's still time. But not much. Just one m…"

She was cut off and Gaia reappeared.

"We have minutes at most. I only need a suitable sacrifice."

"Screw. Off."

"Gaia," a new voice again, but one that sounded so, so familiar. Cloud strained to place it, as the form of Gaia did not waver. The sound was faint, but stern. "Enough. You will find your sacrifice back in time."

"Oh! Of course. Very well. Cl-" she was cut off.

"Cloud, I love you, baby. You've done so well and I'm so sorry to ask you for more, but darling, I saw you happy with your friends, and I will see it again. I am so proud of you, Cloudy Sky. Save the world one last time, not for her, but for you."

And there, for just a flicker, Gaia's face changed to one he hadn't seen since he was sixteen years old.

"Mama!" He cried out. But she was gone, leaving his head spinning with grief and longing.

"Remember, you must kill Jenova. In every form, every cell. I will give you my power and blessing, and you will cleanse us. It is time."

And with that, Gaia pulled with all her remaining strength, yanking the life from anything else left roaming her empty husk, and threw Cloud with all her strength, and all the strength of all her children that was remaining, back in time.

—-------

Claudia Strife bolted upright from her dream. She had to get to Midgar. She had to get Cloud to Midgar now. There was no telling when Gaia would make good on her plan, and no one in this town would take care of her baby once Gaia did. She didn't know if Aerith or Zack would know anything, but regardless, she knew they would care for Cloud. So she had to get him there. Now.

Tifa was a sweet girl, but her father wouldn't let her take on the town outcast's child to raise. Or if he did, Cloud would be hated. He'd had enough hate in his life. Or he would. Would have? Whatever, time was weird and she had to go NOW.

She grabbed a big bag and emptied the food into it, threw on some jeans, and dug out her emergency cash. It wasn't much, but…well, it wasn't much. She dumped the food and money in her beat up old truck and went back for one last thing.

She slowed as she reached Cloud's room. She opened the door softly and looked around one last time. Incoherent scribbles ("diagrams") covered the walls, toys were left scattered on the floor where he'd played with them after he was supposed to be asleep, and a very empty tub that had contained his favorite snack lay forgotten by his bed.

And there, in the middle of it all, was her sun. The best thing that had ever happened to her, and in her motherly opinion, to all of Gaia. With an expert touch, she swept him up in her arms and carried him out to the truck.

—-----

They drove through the night, Claudia not stopping for a second until her son needed a break. Eventually the truck broke down and with the help of some friendly chocobos, they continued on. Somehow, they got across the sea on what little cash she had, and Cloud was kept satisfied with the bag of food.

It was hard to tell until he stopped feeling so sick from all the vehicular travel and they were walking through the wastes towards Midgar, but clearly something had changed about her son as the journey went on. His eyes weren't glowing in the morning sun, they were just…glowing. He was strong too, and quieter than any toddler should be.

Claudia hastened her steps. She needed more time. This wasn't enough time.

As they went, Claudia began to feel weak and lightheaded. She pushed on. Someone had to explain to Aerith. Gaia was moving too quickly, she would forget that detail. Someone had to make sure Cloud was safe. Cloud, who was stumbling and tripping sleepily beside her.

Claudia stopped, arms and legs trembling with exertion, and picked him up. She hummed to him and let him fall asleep on her shoulder, spite giving her the strength to put one foot in front of the other.

It was too much, she was so exhausted, but she would not stop. She dropped the food bag and plowed on. She had to see him safe and happy with Aerith. She had to.

She couldn't. She had run out of time, and Gaia was coming for her, taking her energy and life force to fuel Cloud's trip back to this timeline. She tried to shake Cloud awake as she dropped to her knees.

His eyes fluttered open and he moaned. Her heart broke, but this wasn't her time, it was his now.

"Baby, Mama loves you more than anything. More than the whole world. Mama is so, so proud of you as you are and for who you'll become. Be strong, sweetheart, and love well. I love you."

"Love you too, Mama," Cloud murmured, hugging her tightly. Way too tightly for any normal human child, but it didn't matter. She hugged him back.

And she was gone. Cloud crumpled to the ground, passed out as she faded into the life stream and Gaia tried to force his older self into his place. It was her last, dying gasp, and she failed, merging the two Clouds instead of replacing the child. She could only hope his memories remained.

—-----

Cloud panted, dull-eyed, looking out over the dry wastelands in front of him. He was slumped against a rock, aching and dehydrated, and completely and utterly alone. Not even his Mama was here.

And he really wanted his Mama. He was so confused. Where was she? Why couldn't he remember anything? Why did these clothes feel so weird but normal at the same time? Why did it seem like he could hear and see and feel more than normal? But it still felt normal? Where was lunch? Where was MAMA?!

He started crying.

Chapter Text

Cloud and Puppa were at the park again, this time with strict instructions to get Puppa first before making new friends or going off with them or chasing animals. Even if they were friends. Even if they had snacks. Even if the snacks were crickets. Yes, really. Puppa promised not to eat his crickets if someone was going to share. And if someone said they had puppies or kittens or chocochicks, he had to get Puppa first, so he could see them too.

—-----

Momgeal: how is it going @PuppaZack?

PuppaZack: geal been 5 min

PuppaZack: still wlkin

PuppaZack: ;P

Momgeal: ok, let me know if you need anything. The lunch I packed should have plenty, but if you need to stop for something, make sure Cloud still eats his vegetables.

PuppaZack: cloud always eats his veggies! We have the cutest bested kido

PapaGen: We do indeed.

Sephikitty: Affirmative.

Momgeal: agreed.

Kunsel added Kunsel to the chat.

Kunsel: heck yeah

Kunsel left the chat.

CissnAunty added CissnAunty to the chat

CissnAunty: best baby chocobo

CissnAunty left the chat.
Momgeal: @CissnAunty @Kunsel if you have time to hack into our PRIVATE FAMILY GROUP CHAT, you have time to finish your reports

PuppaZack: awwww family awwww

Sephikitty: I didn’t know you felt that way, Angeal, but I am honored, and consider you all family as well. And Cloud, of course.

PapaGen: ;)

Momgeal: …

Momgeal: Yes, @Sephikitty, I consider us all family, especially considering we happen to share a child together, but even without Cloud, you are all very dear to me. ❤️

—------

Kunsel appeared in Angeal’s office right at the least opportune moment.

“That was extremely cute, sir,” he smirked, neither his eyes nor his PHS camera missing Angeal’s pink cheeks. A suspicious giggling sound echoed around the ventilation. Apparently Cissnei hadn’t missed anything either.

"Kunsel, Cissnei, thank you for volunteering to clean out the SOLDIER common room refrigerator," Angeal rumbled dangerously.

The vents thunked and Kunsel vanished like smoke, unwilling to risk further censure. The SOLDIER fridge was commonly raided by the Science department looking for new life forms and toxins–not an ecosystem to be taken lightly, by any means.

Angeal, still pink, turned back to his PHS.

—------

PuppaZack: you too geal ❤️❤️❤️

PapaGen: Of course, my dear, old friend. ❤️

Sephikitty: Zackary, where might I find the emoticons, again?

PuppaZack sent an image

Sephikitty: Thank you.

Sephikitty: ❤️

PuppaZack: it's emojis if they're, like, an actual pic like that. Emoticons for symbols like punctuation

PuppaZack: I think?

PuppaZack: like this: <3 = emoticon and this: ❤️ = emoji

Sephikitty: Thank you for the instruction, Zackary.

PuppaZack: Cloudy asked wha we were talking about so I showed him and he wants to send a voice message hold on

PuppaZack sent audio.

:AUDIO:
"I wove you! You are the best daddies PUPPA WOOK A MOTOWCYCWE PUPPA WOOK RIGHT THERE THERE IT GOES WOW SO FAST!!!! PUPPA WET'S FOWWOW IT PWEASE!!!"
:AUDIO:

PuppaZack: yofzydozfyxyihdtittdzzxouckgx

PuppaZack: sorry, chocobo wrangling9GIDVPIGDGUPDUPG

PuppaZack sent audio.

:AUDIO:
"CLOUD NOT THE FACEROYFSTUSIG I'll hold you up ok just stop climbing me like a trnxoyfzyfzdi oops almost dropped the PHS…PUPPA THE MOTOWCYCWE IS GETTING AWAY CAN YOU GO FAST PWEASE? YEAH HOLD ON! *rushing air sounds* *THUNK* *whooshing sounds* WHEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! YES PUPPAAAAAAAAA FASTEW!!!!!!!!! YOU GOT IT, SPIKE, JUST HOLD ON *extreme whooshing noises* *car horns galore* *more whooshing* Ok Cloudy, they're going on the highway, wave bye! BYE BYE MOTOWCYCWE!!! WOW!!! Thanks Puppa! I have to teww Mr. Motowcycwe water, that was SO COOW and-KZZZT"
:AUDIO:

PapaGen: …

Momgeal is typing…

PapaGen: 🍿

Momgeal is typing…

Sephikitty: Genesis, I believe you mean to signal that you believe something amusing is about to happen, so you are sitting back and getting comfortable to watch?

Momgeal is typing…

PapaGen: @Sephikitty you are exactly correct. 🍿

Momgeal is typing…

Sephikitty: Well, in that case, I shall participate alongside you. 🍿

Momgeal is typing…

—-------

After Puppa got chewed out by Dad for making the cars honk, they finally made it to the park. Cloud had a great time. There was dirt and stuff to climb and…A KITTY!?!!!!

Cloud remembered his instructions just in time, and right before trying to make friends with it, he called to his Puppa.

"Puppa!" He whisper-shouted. "It's a KITTY! Come WOOK!"

Zack, who had watched that little moment of consideration and was super proud, bounced over immediately.

"Great job remembering to get me, Cloud! Oh! What a cutie! Hey there, big guy!"

The fluffy orange cat sniffed and accepted Zack's offer of head rubs–a friendly fellow!

"What are you doing in the corner like this, buddy?" He asked, Cloud crouched beside him, watching intently. Suddenly, as Zack's hand traveled further down its back, it flinched and yowled.

"PUPPA! You ok? Kitty ok?"

"Yeah, he didn't get me, but it sounds like he's got an owie…" Zack, more gently this time, stroked along its head then down its spine, pausing when it tensed up. "Yeah, he's got a scratch along here…looks fresh too, like he ran across something sharp and didn't see in time."

"Puppa, can I cure him? Pwease? Papa gave me this materia! I did it for Uncle Kunsel and Mr. Motowcycwe and Papa!" Cloud begged, showing Zack the materia necklace that had been tucked down his shirt.

Zack gave him a big grin. It was a long but shallow cut, and his spiky son could totally handle it.

"Abso-tootin-lutely, little spike! Just pause if you need to, and if you sense bigger wounds, let's stop and let Puppa look, ok?"

"Ok! HEAW!"

With a little puff of magic and a happy, surprised "mrrp?", the cut sealed up, and the cat was back to full health. It got up, stretched, then rubbed all over Cloud, who giggled as the fur tickled him.

"Puppa he's friendly!"

"Yeah, buddy! You did a good job, so he's saying thank you!"

The cat walked off, and Cloud's face fell. He knew that's how animals were sometimes and would respect its space, but… wait… it paused and looked at him.

"Puppa," Cloud whisper-said. "Can we fowwow him?"

"Yeah! I think he wants us to!"

So they did; they followed the fluffy orange cat all the way back to…

"PUMPKIN! There you are! I was getting worried since it was close to lunch time! Oh! You brought friends? Hi! I'm Wedge, and it looks like you already met Pumpkin!" A large, friendly man chattered away.

"Yeah, we saw him near the park! Nice to meet you, I'm Zack! Cloudy, can you introduce yourself?"

"HI I'M CWOUD AND I HEAWED PUMPKIN AND YOU HAVE SO MANY CAT FRIENDS CAN I PET THEM?!" Cloud opted for the direct approach.

"Sure, if they let you! Some of them are a bit shy. You said you healed her? She's a girl, by the way! Do you know how to say hi to cats? Oh! I see that you do! And they like you a lot!" Wedge chuckled as his little cat army swarmed the chocochick, meowing happily.

Zack, who had no trouble following the stream-of-consciousness style of speech, jumped right in.

"Oh yeah, animals love little spike! I'm big spike, y'know, cuz of the hair? Sorry, my lady! Thought you were a dude and forgot to actually ask! Yeah, she had a long cut on her back, but our sunshine is great at casting 'heal', so he patched her right up!"

"She doesn't mind! Thank you both so much! Would you like to join me for lunch as thanks? Some of my pals are coming too, but anyone who's a friend to Pumpkin is a friend to me!" Wedge replied cheerfully.

"Just wike Dawk Staw! She's a wady too!" Cloud chirped from somewhere in a puddle of fur. If Zack were the worrying type, he might start to get concerned about Cloud being able to breathe.

"We'd love to! His Dad packed lunch though, so we brought our own food, is that cool?"

"Definitely! Oh! Biggs, Jessie! Look! Pumpkin brought Zack and Cloud to have lunch with us!"

After the adults exchanged greetings and introductions, they extricated Cloud from the whirling furnado around him, and all had a nice lunch together.

Chapter Text

Cloud stirred in his sleep. Sephiroth watched, curiously. Maybe this one was another motorcycle dream, or one where his chubby little cheeks would chomp down on imaginary crickets. All of Cloud's dreams were fascinating to watch.

Cloud's tiny, delicate fingers curled into a fist. Ah, motorcycle.

If he tuned into their bond, really concentrated, he could get a sort of flash of afterimages from the dream. Well, no time like the present to practice.

Sephiroth trailed the back of his finger over the apple of Cloud's cheek, then settled a couple fingers over his son's wrist and shut his own eyes. He breathed in deeply, Cloud's bubble bath and freshly laundered clothes almost overwhelmed his natural scent–something vaguely earthy, but fresh, like recently tilled earth or a spring morning.

If he listened closely, he could hear soft whines and whistles, like the beginnings of speech that were cut off as soon as they started. The thud of Cloud's heart matched the pulse in his wrist–safely paced, but a little fast as the dream went on. His small body was warm, radiating heat like the pavement just as spring turns to summer. His skin was soft and felt too thin beneath sword-calloused hands.

Grounding himself in Cloud's presence helped him settle his breathing to match, and bit by bit, Sephiroth opened himself up to the psychic link. The sensation of speed and excitement bubbled up all around him like pink fizz, and in a moment, he could practically feel the wind in his hair and the rumble of the powerful machine as it tore across the landscape.

There! The feeling of a strong arm wrapped around his stomach. Again! The vision of a chocobo trying and failing to catch up. If Sephiroth had been paying attention to himself at all, he would have felt his own mouth twitch into a broad grin to match the one he caught snatches of in the dream, pure joy rocketing and rolling around the two of them.

Mirth was an unfamiliar feeling for Sephiroth, so it surprised and delighted him when it brewed in himself and joined the frolic of Cloud's emotions.

Then, like an itchy tag on a new shirt, a twinge of loneliness darted through the dream. Sephiroth was puzzled, but it had gone by so fast, he didn't quite know what to make of it, so he let it go on its way and settled back into the dream.

But it came back. Then a spike of fear, and another of rage, then something painful and raw and too strong to be one thing. As the negative feelings swirled up, a thread of innocent confusion and concern grew, until it overtook the fun of the dream.

Sephiroth stayed as close as he could, puzzled and anxious over what seemed to be multiple sources of upset. Usually, when he joined Cloud's dreams, nightmares were shooed away in the face of his protection, or simply forgotten in the happiness of enjoying something together.

He shook himself and tried to project safety and warmth, but struggled due to his own bafflement. Still the negativity grew and grew, and suddenly, Cloud cried out in reality.

Sephiroth jolted back, eyes flying open, connection dulled, but still open enough to sense Cloud's distress. He checked his child over for signs of illness or injury, but found nothing beyond very far away physical pain from the bond.

"DADDY!" Cloud cried, finally forming a word and waking himself up, sobbing. He jerked and looked around wildly, and Sephiroth instantly pulled the boy into his arms, cradling him close and rubbing his back.

"I'm here, Cloud," he soothed, then purred.

"Daddy? But I heard *sob* you being huwt again! *Sob* Daddy are you *sob* huwt?!"

"No, Cloud, I am completely well. I thought I felt you hurting though, do you have any ailments?" Sephiroth asked, pulling back to look Cloud in the eye and check him over again.

"No, Daddy, I fine! *Sob* But I thought you was angry and wonewy! *Sob* And scared! *Sob*"

"Cloud," Sephiroth said, hugging him tightly again. "I am perfectly healthy and happy, just concerned for you. I felt all those emotions from you. Perhaps a dream?"

Cloud shook his head from where it was buried in Sephiroth's now-soggy shirt.

"No! Just wike when the eviw *sob* man stowe you and *sob* you was sick and he *sob* stowed me! Not a dream, Daddy! *Sob* I stiww feew you scared!"

"My dear Cloud, if I am scared, it is only for you. I am safe and hale, and you are safe with me. Please, take some deep breaths with me, it appears you are on the verge of a panic attack."

"O *sob* Kay, Daddy."

With Sephiroth leading, they went through a breathing exercise. This had become a semi-regular practice between the five of them; the techniques initially learned to help Cloud, but useful for the dads as well as they experienced their own nightmares and panic.

Eventually, Cloud calmed down, and though he claimed he could feel faint distress from his Daddy Sephikitty, and Sephiroth thought he felt the same coming from Cloud, they settled and Cloud fell asleep to the rumble from deep within Sephiroth's chest. Sephiroth kept up the purr until it was time for Cloud to wake, unwilling to let the boy risk another terrible dream that night.

Chapter Text

"Seph, buddy, this is the fourth time you've called this morning. Cloud's still ok, I'm looking at him right now and he's just sitting there, drooling over a motorcycle magazine Roche brought him… Yes, we're visiting Genesis right after lunch so he can do a deep scan… Ok, but you gotta cool it a bit or you'll freak him out, let me ask…" Zack cupped a hand over the mic on his PHS and called out to Cloud. "Hey, Little Spike! You got a sec to talk to your Daddy?"

His love and care for engines were all that kept Cloud from shredding the magazine in the wind generated by his haste.

"Daddy? Is Daddy on there? He ok? I tawk, Pwease?"

"Yeah bud, here," said Zack, a little surprised at Cloud's anxious tone.

"DADDY! You ok?... I fine! You not huwt?... I practice my heaws!... No, I not wonewy, are you? … Ok, you get Papa GenGen to check too?... Ok, wove you! Bye bye!"

Cloud handed the phone back to Zack, who reassured Sephiroth once again that Cloud was perfectly healthy. It was a little weird, but he'd had his own moments of paranoia (especially after Hojo), so he didn't worry too much and they went about their day.

Post-lunch found them in Genesis' office, Cloud on the desk, idly kicking his heels.

"Alright, little bird, how about you pick out the materia we'll use today? We want to check on your health and possibly perform some healing, so go ahead and select the most relevant ones from this collection," Genesis instructed, gesturing to his favorite collector's case, each shiny orb carefully nestled in a velveted divot.

Cloud stroked his nonexistent sideburns down his jaw to his nonexistent beard and surveyed the box carefully, tilting his head back and forth. After some consideration, he gently touched each materia in turn, sensing its type and purpose, and made decisions from there.

Genesis preened over his choices, suggesting or disqualifying a few as he went. Cloud was so engrossed that he didn't even notice Sephiroth's approach until he knocked on the door.

Genesis frowned when he noticed Cloud jump a little. That was odd, Cloud and Sephiroth could usually sense each other before either were in range of sight or hearing. Failing that, he knew Zack and himself had heard Sephiroth walking down the hall, so there was no reason Cloud should be surprised.

"Hello, Cloud, Zack, Genesis," said Sephiroth, entering after his short knock.

"Daddy Sephikitty! You ok?" asked Cloud, earnestly checking him over.

"I am well, and you?"

"I ok, Papa and I were picking out materia to use!" Cloud showed off his selection proudly.

"I see," replied Sephiroth, and obligingly hopped up on the desk when Zack patted the spot next to Cloud. Genesis grumbled under his breath about "shedding all over my antique mahogany".

"Papa, check Daddy too? Pwease?" begged Cloud, tugging on Genesis' coat.

"Of course, chickling," said Genesis. "We wouldn't want our great and terrible General to be unwell and lose all his hair, now would we?"

Cloud gasped.

"NO! Sephikitty's hair is good! Can't wose it! Quick! Check pwease!"

Genesis smirked at Sephiroth's disgruntled face and Zack wiggling around trying to hide his own amusement, and got to work. Chickling first, then Sephiroth.

Slowly, wave by wave, magic washed over the two of them, focusing on different parts of their bodies and wellbeing. No skills were missing, no ailments discovered, no injury or poison detected.

"Fit as the proverbial fiddle," chirped Genesis, patting both patients on the head. Sephiroth's glare promised retribution later, but he held his tongue as Cloud squirmed happily under the affection.

"Thanks for checking, Gen!" Zack said, ruffling Genesis' hair affectionately. Karma was on point today, it seemed; Genesis squawked and swatted him off. Sephiroth practically purred in satisfaction as Cloud giggled and Zack bounced out of reach.

"I bet Little Spike's ready for his nap now, huh buddy?" said Zack, eager to get out of range of Genesis. Cloud nodded and held out his arms to be picked up.

Before Zack could oblige, Sephiroth scooped up the chocobo.

"Would my office be suitable, Cloud?" Sephiroth asked quickly. The others exchanged glances, but let Cloud decide.

"Yes pwease, Daddy Sephikitty," he said, yawning and snuggling up under the curtain of silver hair.

"Zack, will you pick Cloud up after his nap? I have commitments after then, but only paperwork before," said Sephiroth, just a hint of desperation in his tone. Zack smiled fondly.

"Sure, man, will do," he said, and ruffled Cloud's hair. "Sleep well, buddy!"

"Mkay," said Cloud, sleepily. Genesis gave his baby bird a quick peck on the cheek and Sephiroth and Cloud left for Sephiroth's office.

Sephiroth kept up a low purr on the way there, so by the time they arrived, Cloud was limp and barely conscious. Sephiroth pondered for a moment, staring at the boxy day bed constructed in Cloud's corner. Sunbeam or shade today? The cool silver, blue, and green pillows and blankets seemed to suggest a warm spot this time, so Sephiroth pulled Cloud's shoes off gently, then positioned the sleepy chocochick right in a sunbeam, with one silky silver sheet pulled over him. Perfect.

Sephiroth continued purring in contentment, and after a moment's hesitation, decided to Work From Box (WFB) for the duration of Cloud's nap. He gathered his supplies and nestled in next to Cloud, happy that there was enough room for even someone his size to fit comfortably in with Cloud. The sun was just right, and the little snores made a perfect background soundtrack, especially when supplemented with purrs, which helped ward off nightmares.

Cloud slept happily, no sign of troubled dreams as Sephiroth's purring rumbled on. Then a soft knock came at the door, and Angeal opened it quietly.

"Hey Seph," he said, smiling at their sunshine in a sunbeam. "I know Cloud had a bad night and I wanted to check on you two. Did Gen take a look?"

"Yes, he scanned us both at Cloud's request, and found absolutely nothing amiss," said Sephiroth, pausing his purrs. "I found the same when I checked last night, but Cloud seemed so distressed–even in pain."

"Poor baby, he's been through a lot, I'm not surprised he's had night terrors."

"Indeed…though this seemed different," began Sephiroth, but was cut off by a little whimper from Cloud.

Angeal quickly knelt and placed a large hand on Cloud's back.

"Oh, Little Blueberry," he murmured, rubbing gently. This usually worked, but not today; Cloud's whimpers grew into whines, then yelps, then…

"DADDY!" Cloud shouted himself awake, crying and scrambling around. Sephiroth quickly pulled him into his chest in a firm hug.

"Shhh, Cloud, I'm right here," he soothed.

"Daddy!" Cloud tried to speak around his sobs, but couldn't. Angeal found a way into the box bed with them and talked them through a breathing exercise, as Sephiroth seemed upset too. Once he'd calmed down, Cloud squirmed free enough to hold Sephiroth's face in his small hands. "Daddy ok? Wonewy? Huwt?"

"Daddy's fine, cupcake, he's been here the whole time. Are you feeling ok?" asked Angeal.

"Cwoud ok," said Cloud, patting down his Daddy, looking for invisible hurts. Sephiroth did the same for Cloud, and when Cloud proved to be fine, he lulled him back to sleep with purrs. Angeal heaved a sigh.

"Are you ok?" Angeal asked, looking his friend in the eye. To the practiced gaze, he looked a little lost still.

"Yes…though I worry for Cloud. It still feels like he's hurt somehow," Sephiroth said, returning to purring immediately. He wasn't taking any more chances today on Cloud's sleep.

"Oh Seph, I'm sorry," said Angeal, rubbing his friend's shoulder. "He'll be ok. Like you said, it's pretty faint, right? Probably a holdover from his time in the labs or before he came to us–there's a lot we don't know about. He's a tough cookie though!"

Sephiroth nodded absently and Angeal decided that was as good as he was going to get today. He pressed a quick kiss to Cloud's head, patted Sephiroth's knee, and started to get up.

"Well, I have to get back to it, but I'll check in later, ok?"

Sephiroth nodded again, and Angeal squirmed around.

"Oof, ugh…" he wriggled a bit for leverage. "Uh…I seem to be a little stuck, could you scoot over?" Sephiroth tried, but he was tucked pretty close to the wall. Angeal heaved and rocked, and with much huffing and puffing, finally levered himself free, only to trip and flop ungracefully to the floor.

Sephiroth stared. Angeal stared.

"Are you al-"

"Don't tell Zack. Or Gen. Please?"

Sephiroth let a tiny smile slip through and nodded.

"Thank you. I would never hear the end of the old man jokes." Angeal snorted, gathered himself together, and left, smiling back and not realizing that Sephiroth had not promised not to tell Cloud. Cloud, who would likely wake up disgruntled and in need of a pick-me-up. And if Zack happened to be there and overheard? Well, Cloud takes priority and Zack's good hearing is hardly Sephiroth's fault.

Chapter Text

"Zackary, where's my Cloud?" Sephiroth asked.

"On a playdate with Rude, Reno, Tifa, and Aerith," said Zack, plopping down next to Sephiroth on Angeal's sofa.

"I thought Angeal…family dinner?" Sephiroth slurred. "Cloud is family. For family dinner. Where is my Cloud?"

Zack grimaced.

"He's safe, buddy, and it's 2 in the afternoon, we're here to have a…meeting. GENESIS, HURRY UP!"

"Keep your shirt on! Gaia knows we have enough half-nudists running around," Genesis grumbled, entering the room with a tray of cider for everyone.

"Yeah, we'll have to address that at some point too–just because Seph goes au naturel under his coat doesn't mean Cloud should whip his shirt off in the middle of the grocery store and scream 'begone foul beasts' at the lobster tank," groaned Angeal, running his hands down his sideburns to his beard. "The look Linda gave me…but that's beside the point. Sephiroth… Hey! Seph! Eyes up!"

Sephiroth's gaze snapped up from studying the carpet to Angeal's face, shocked.

"Thank you. Sephiroth, when was the last time you slept?"

"Mmmmmmmm….Monday? Monday," mumbled Sephiroth.

"But that was yesterday?" Zack asked, confused.

"Thought it was tomorrow," Sephiroth marveled. Angeal tilted his head, also confused.

"Which Monday?" said Genesis.

"Oh, uh, last week?"

"Was that a question?"

"Mmmmm…Monday," said Sephiroth. Angeal, Zack, and Genesis simultaneously smacked their own foreheads.

"Buddy, pal, that's why we called this meeting. You haven't slept in OVER A WEEK?! Dude," whined Zack, grabbing Sephiroth's hand. "You gotta sleep, man."

"No!" exclaimed the General. "Cloud! Nightmares! He can't sleep without purr. Need purr for Cloud."

"Then sleep while he's awake!" exclaimed Genesis, throwing his hands up.

"No!"

"Can you even purr anymore? Try it right now."

"No! No, wait, YES! Here," Sephiroth exclaimed and tried to purr.

"Homie, you sound like a dying frog with laryngitis. Not good," said Zack.

"I've heard better noises coming from Roach," Genesis sniffed.

"It's ‘Roche’, Gen!" Zack chirped, innocently.

Angeal and Genesis both rolled their eyes.

"Seph, this isn't good for you or Cloud. Please, we're a family, and we want to help. Cloud's only getting more worried about you. What is going on?" Angeal pleaded, placing his hand on Sephiroth's shoulder.

Sephiroth sighed.

"Every time he sleeps, he thinks I'm in trouble. He only sleep good if purr. I feel him scared and lonely and hurt all the time. Right now." Sephiroth bowed his head, face hidden as he clutched his heart. "My Cloud. Like with stupid tentacle thing. She can't have Cloud."

"And we won't let her take him," said Angeal, firmly.

"I thought she was dead?" asked Zack.

"Yeah but Cloud hurt," whined Sephiroth. "My Cloud."

"Ok, ok Seph. I think you should take a nap, then you'll feel better and be able to help him better, right?"

Sephiroth just whined and shook his head.

"We'll protect him. I promise," said Angeal and motioned for Genesis. Out of Sephiroth's line of sight, Genesis quickly cast a strong sleepel over the man, causing him to slump instantly.

"Oof, easy bud…Angeal–bedroom or couch?" asked Zack.

"Let's put him in my bed, he won't fit anywhere else. If he wakes up, we'll hear him."

Together, they made Sephiroth comfortable, Genesis cast another sleep for good measure, and they returned to the living room to continue.

"This isn't nightmares," said Genesis. "It's their odd psychic connection and something's wrong. I checked them both over at the start of all this and they were fine. Cloud still is, though General Goofenshmirtz is low on sleep."

"I don't get why they both think the other is 'lonely'" said Zack. "We haven't been neglecting them, have we?"

"Not that I know of," mused Angeal.

Genesis stood up and started pacing.

"Wha-" Zack started, but Genesis shushed him with a wave of his hand. Zack looked to Angeal, but he just shrugged. Best to let Genesis stew for a bit.

"Drawings." Genesis barked, suddenly. "Where are Cloud's drawings?"

Angeal pulled a stack of notebooks and paper from a side cabinet and motioned to the fridge as well. Zack jumped up to gather the collection from the fridge, bringing it over to the big dining table where Genesis was spreading out the rest.

A glorious array greeted him: spiky yellow blobs bounced across the pages, past big yellow blobs (chocobos?), around complicated metallic blobs (machines, aka "diagrams"), through fields of monster-colored blobs, and usually with one or more tall blobs with glowing eyes. Cloud's other friends and family featured as well, but Zack noticed with a twinge of pride that he and his fellow dad-blobs featured most often.

"Hehe, 'Geal, look at this! I've got a dad-blob-bod, hehehehe," Zack chuckled, holding up a gorgeous portrait of a spiky yellow and spiky black pair wielding giant swords to…rescue a tub of crickets from an evil Hojo? The liberation clearly was going well, as Hojo was a greasy puddle on the ground, only identifiable by a broken pair of spectacles floating in the goo.

Angeal smiled fondly, but kept helping Genesis until he found his own masterpiece: a giant blob performing maintenance(?) on an absurdly large sword, while a spiky yellow fellow worked on his swordocycle. The swordocycle was, naturally, even bigger than the buster sword in blade length, and featured pockets for cookies, which Blobgeal had evidently baked, as there was a plate between him and his little munchkin.

"Awww, that's adorable!" Zack crowed. "Look, here's one with a multi-headed Sephikitty!"

"Zackary, would you focus?" snapped Genesis, absentmindedly, then froze. Suddenly, he grabbed Zack's hand with the drawing and pulled it closer to study. "Only one of those heads belongs to Sephikitty. SEPHIROTH," he quickly corrected himself. "Dig up all the ones with Sephiroth."

Sensing Genesis was onto something, the swordsmen hopped to it, and soon they had a collection of silver-topped blob pictures performing all sorts of feats, from killing Jenova to summoning cats to holding Cloud-blobs up "reawwy" high to see over things.

"What do you see, Gen? These are super cute, but…" Angeal trailed off, scratching his chin.

"They're not all Sephiroth," said Zack. Genesis clapped a hand on his junior's shoulder approvingly.

"Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess, we seek it thus and take to the sky. Indeed, Zackathan, they are not all Sephiroth. Or at least not OUR Sephiroth. Angeal, here, this happened last week, see how you're stuck next to Sephiroth in Cloud's day bed, like a pathetic giant lump?"

"Your point?" Angeal growled, looming.

"Now look at this one, a generic motorcycle ride with Sephiroth – except his hair is too short, and doesn't perk up like cat ears."

"Huh, that is weird," Angeal muttered. "Same with this one, that sword is too short to be Masamune."

"Guess we'll have to see if Seph has Sephblings, hahaha," laughed Zack. Genesis and Angeal grimaced. "Come on, guys, just a joke, there's no way Shinra has some secret stash of clones or something!"

Angeal and Genesis raised an eyebrow each.

"Yeah, I heard it as I said it, Shinra totally would. Guess we'll have to go back to those research notes and ask Seph if he knows anything," Zack sighed. "Should we wake him up, or…?"

Suddenly, Zack was interrupted by a furious shout.

"CLOUD!" roared Sephiroth from Angeal's bedroom. A huge clamor sounded, and the Firsts barely had time to blink before a streak of silver shot past them and out the door.

Chapter Text

SOLDIER Boys Group Chat

ZackAttack: SILVER ALERT

Director Lizard: What? I thought he was with you! -Lazard

ZackAttack: ye but gen put to sleep an woke up nran out yellow boat clod

Director Lizard: Kunsel please translate. -Lazard

Kunselnator: Sephiroth was with Zack, Angeal, and Genesis. Genesis sleepeled Sephiroth, but he woke up and ran out suddenly, yelling about Cloud.

Kunselnator added Reno to the chat

Kunselnator added Rude to the chat

Kunselnator: @Reno @Rude heads up incoming silver bullet

Director Lizard: Thank you, Kunsel. -Lazard

Kunselnator shared a location

ZackAttack: kuns were clod

ZackAttack: txh

Director Lizard: Kunsel, please advise. -Lazard

Kunselnator: Zack asked where Cloud was and I shared his location

Director Lizard: Thank you, Kunsel. -Lazard

—----

Zack sprinted on, following the shrieks of shocked Midgarians, mild property damage, and the glowing dot on his PHS indicating Cloud’s location. At least he knew where Seph was going. Beside him, Genesis and Angeal ran on wings of haste, faces grim with worry.

—----

Sephiroth paid no mind to the screams of who or whatever he sped past in his rush to find Cloud, who was growing more panicked by the second. His baby was in distress, possibly physical danger, and he would not let that stand. His thick hair whipped against his bare torso and arms, causing little welts that healed as quickly as they were made. He didn’t notice, just as he didn’t notice the cuts in his feet that gathered debris and healed over instantly as he ran.

—----

Cloud squirmed unhappily in his seat as he polished off his ice cream. Tifa noticed instantly and paused her conversation (verbal spar, she was winning) with Reno.

“Hey, Cloud, you ok?” she asked. “Here, you’re all sticky…” she wet a napkin and tried to do damage control on the toddler’s face and hands…and legs…and shirt…and hair. “Bud, we’re going to have to hose you off when we get home,” she teased, poking his round little tummy and earning a giggle, which turned into a whine. “What? You can’t possibly be too full, it looks like most of that ice cream ended up on you instead of in you.” She grabbed another handful of napkins.

“Nnnn…Daddy,” Cloud said, wriggling away from the cleansing assault on his hair.

“Hmm?”

“Daddy’s sad.”

“I’m sure he misses you, but he’ll be ok. He’s with your other dads, remember?”

Cloud frowned, but let her carry on with her ministrations. Reno frowned too, Grumpy Cloud wasn’t entirely unusual, but his Turk senses were tingling, and a quick glance at Rude confirmed he wasn’t the only one.

“Yo, tiny tot, Rude and I are gonna do a sweep so you can practice spotting us and your hand signals, ready?”

Cloud, temporarily distracted, nodded firmly. He always took his super secret Turk training very seriously. Aerith and Tifa smiled.

“Ooo, Cloudy, I’d like to help, can you show me?” asked Aerith. Cloud glanced at Rude and Reno and used his hand signals to ask if that was ok, to which they replied yes and melted into the background to do their sweep. Cloud turned on super secret spy mode.

“Ok Auntie Aerith, we gotta sneak good to hewp them sneak good. Pretend we tawking!” he ‘whispered’, loud enough for the next two tables to hear. “Wook, if we wook at the fwowers, we can watch them better an stiww be sneaky!”

Cloud and Aerith watched carefully, having a good time huddled up next to the basket of flowers she’d brought. It was a great sales technique, actually, having a beautiful young lady and an adorable chocochick show off the blooms, and garnered a few transactions.

But as time went by, Cloud grew more and more restless and anxious, until he trailed off, fiddling with a leaf and frowning.

“Cloud?” asked Tifa. Cloud sniffled, just a little bit.

“Daddy,” he said, and stretched his arms out for a hug. “Scawed and mad.”

Tifa scooped him up and held him close.

“He’ll be alright, I’m sure, shhh,” she soothed, rubbing his back. Aerith cooed softly and reached out to pet the spikes.

“He reawwy scared!” Cloud said, beginning to cry. His crying grew as he began to hyperventilate. Rude and Reno saw, and quickly returned, having found nothing on their patrol.

"Yo, my man, what's buggin ya?" Reno asked, hovering awkwardly behind Aerith, a moment before every hair on his body stood on end. "Crap," he said, pulling Aerith back with him.

Rude started for Tifa and Cloud, but wasn't nearly fast enough to reach them in time, as out of nowhere, a silver streak appeared like an avenging comet.

Cloud was plucked out of Tifa's arms and captured in Sephiroth's in a split second, Sephiroth pivoting at the last moment to crash backwards into the table and chairs.

"DA-DADDY!" Cloud managed to wail amidst hiccuping sobs.

"CLOUD!" he replied, heaving for breath and wrapped entirely around his baby. "CLOUD! Ok? Are you? Cloud?"

Cloud couldn't answer, too panicked to breathe, let alone talk, which only agitated Sephiroth.

"Cloud!" called Tifa from where she'd been thrown to the ground. Sephiroth's gaze locked onto her with all the fury of a demon, but Tifa Lockhart was not one to be cowed. "Easy, Sephiroth, Cloud's just scared and you're making it worse."

Sephiroth's gaze did not waver or cool, but Aerith stepped in front of her fallen friend.

"Hi, Cloud's Daddy, is your baby ok?" she asked calmly, body made small and facing at an angle away from Cloud. She kept her voice soft and movements slow, her bangles making a gentle tinkling noise at her side, her eyes neutrally focused on the middle distance. "Cloudy needs deep breaths, hee-hooo, like that, can you show him? Hee-hooo," she murmured. After a few very tense seconds, Sephiroth started following her example, eyes still sharp and feral.

"Very good," Aerith continued. "Cloudy's got such a cute, soft shirt today, don't you think? It's a little sticky from his ice cream though, can you smell the sugar? He had vanilla with sprinkles and looks very handsome, even with some in his hair. Yes, he looks so cute and healthy, just a little scared, right?" she rambled, encouraging Sephiroth when he turned his focus onto Cloud, inhaling deeply and loosening his grip just a smidge. "Good, good. Hey Sephiroth, you with me?"

Sephiroth shuddered once, took another deep breath, then nodded firmly.

"Good. Is Cloud hurt?"

A few moments' pause to check and…he shook his head

"That's great. Anyone else?" Aerith asked, glancing around as Genesis, Zack, and Angeal ran up, panting. Immediately, her eye caught on something very wrong as Tifa struggled to stay upright–a pool of blood gathering quickly under her leg, where a shard of broken plastic had embedded itself through her shorts. Sephiroth too, was covered in cuts, but those were small and healing quickly, as far as she could tell. She took another deep breath and waved the SOLDIERs closer. "Alright, Cloud's other dads are here to help Cloud calm down. I'll check on everyone else."

"Ok," croaked Sephiroth, still focused on Cloud, but briefly clocking his friends. "Cloud, deep breaths, everything's ok."

Cloud whined between sobs and burrowed into his Daddy's embrace, thankfully unaware of Tifa's injury. Angeal and Zack hurried to Sephiroth, while Genesis and Reno started working on crowd control and calling headquarters.

Satisfied, Aerith smoothly, but quickly turned and knelt by her roommate, waving Rude over as well.

"Tifa, how are you feeling?" she asked, pulling out her small set of pruning shears that she always kept on hand.

"Um, woozy and..ouch! My leg-" Tifa, who had been watching Cloud, Sephiroth, and Aerith, finally started to look down at her thigh. Aerith stopped her with a cool hand under her chin.

"Oh, I already saw that one, I'll handle it. Can you keep an eye on Cloudy for me? I've got to cut some of your shorts out of the way real quick, then I'll heal you right up, is that ok?"

"Uh, yeah," slurred Tifa, the shock slowly setting in as she did as she was told.

Aerith moved quickly, motioning to Rude to help by steadying Tifa. She snipped away with her sharp shears, then grasped the stuck plastic and fabric.

"Alrighty, Rude will hold your leg, you'll feel a quick pinch, then I'll cast cure. Ready, Teefs?"

"Yeah," said Tifa foggily, still trying to watch Cloud behind his dads.

Rude shifted a bit so his large hands spanned both sides of the plastic, Tifa's torso cradled in his shoulder. He and Aerith exchanged nods, and in one swift movement, he clamped down, she pulled the object and cloth free, and he shifted to seal the wound shut.

Tifa let out a surprised yelp, then promptly passed out as Aerith shouted a healing spell and the wound knit together.

"T-teefs?" a little voice wavered.

"She's ok, Cloudy," said Aerith. "Just a little owie and I already cast cure, so now she's taking a nap. Are you doing ok?"

"Cwoud ok," he said. "Everyone ok?"

"Yeah, sweetheart, everyone's fine."

—----

Cleanup wasn't as bad as it could have been; there were a few minor injuries and ailments such as bloody noses and cuts and bruises, not counting Tifa's injury which Angeal insisted on having the Shinra doctors look over, or Sephiroth's feet and back, which were easily handled. Even the property damage was no worse than if a strong wind had gone through, except for the ice cream stand’s furniture (Angeal spent many minutes apologizing and writing checks).

There was still plenty of fallout though.

“Sephiroth,” said Angeal, once they were all back home in Angeal’s living room, Cloud asleep in Genesis’ lap as he hummed a quiet tune. “This is exactly what we were worried about.”

Sephiroth cringed and avoided eye contact.

“Luckily, Tifa and Cloud will be ok, but you flying off the handle can’t happen again, too many lives would be at risk.”

Sephiroth still sat there, staring off at the carpet, waiting for…something. Angeal paused to let his words settle. Then Zack stepped in.

“Seph, you’re not in trouble. We’re not going to hurt you,” he said, scooting closer.

Sephiroth’s head jerked up and he looked into Zack’s face, surprised.

“Of…of course,” he muttered, his tone not matching his words at all, shock and a little bit of awe seeping in. “Though Tifa…”

“She’s not mad at you, she knows you were scared and just trying to protect Cloud. It was an accident,” soothed Zack, setting a warm hand on Sephiroth’s arm.

“Cloud…”

“He’s not mad either. Nobody’s angry or looking to hurt you or him. You’re safe, with us.” Zack gestured around the room and Angeal and Genesis nodded along.

“We care about you and want you and Cloud to be and feel safe,” said Angeal. Genesis nodded again, unwilling to interrupt his humming. Sephiroth’s lips twitched and his eyes didn’t quite well up with relief, but he relaxed his shoulders just a bit. Angeal went on. “We’re here to help, Sephiroth. You’re very strong and capable, but even great generals need a nap sometimes, ok? Look, Genesis can mimic your purring for Cloud, and Zack and I probably can too, so we can take turns looking after him while he sleeps. And we’ll figure something out for your sleep too. That’s what we want to do: find solutions.”

Sephiroth swallowed, then nodded firmly.

“Alright. I believe a nightmare of mine worried Cloud, so when I woke, I sensed he might be in trouble and went after him.”

“That makes sense!” chirped Zack, squeezing his arm. “We’ll keep you two close while you catch up on sleep, so if you feel that way again, he’ll be easy to find.”

“Right,” said Angeal. “And–don’t sue me–if humming works for Cloud, it might work for you to keep the nightmares at bay. Would you be willing for one of us to try while you sleep?”

Sephiroth considered for a long moment–he did not enjoy being vulnerable–but ultimately nodded again.

The rest of the day was spent creating and enjoying (or enduring, as Genesis complained) a large, toasty Sephiroth-Cloud sandwich, flavored with a few well-timed sleepels to keep General Jeopardy-to-Public-Safety from waking too soon.

Chapter Text

Thinks this is about a ranch wearing a dress, tries to put a dress on a fence post while visiting a chocobo ranch.

Thinks this is about wearing appropriate attire for a ranch, dresses himself like a ridiculous cowboy before the trip to the chocobo ranch.

Knows this is about the condiment, drinks a bunch straight from the bottle, throws up.

Thinks this is about "raunchy" dressing, almost parades around the SOLDIER floor in naught but some strategically placed pieces of lettuce. (Yes, this is definitely a drunk SOLDIER, yes, he got stopped before he left the apartment, no, no citizens of Midgar perished.)

Thinks this is about turkey dressing and tries to fill a turkey with ranch dressing.

Chapter Text

Thinks this is about a ranch wearing a dress, tries to put a dress on a fence post while visiting a chocobo ranch.

Cloud. It's super cute. He picks one for himself and one for the ranch to match, and somehow packed more in case the other chocochicks wanted to try it too. He's gotten better at sneaking clothes, apparently.

Thinks this is about wearing appropriate attire for a ranch, dresses himself like a ridiculous cowboy before the trip to the chocobo ranch.

Sephiroth. Tifa helps tone it down later, after the guys get pictures.

Knows this is about the condiment, drinks a bunch straight from the bottle, throws up.

Zack "will eat anything because puppy's gotta puppy" Fair.

Thinks this is about "raunchy" dressing, almost parades around the SOLDIER floor in naught but some strategically placed pieces of lettuce. (Yes, this is definitely a drunk SOLDIER, yes, he got stopped before he left the apartment, no, no citizens of Midgar perished.)

Genesis, stopped by Angeal. Yeah, he probably would have done something similar while sober for the right price, AND if he didn't have a kid they were trying to teach about modesty and not flinging your shirt off in a grocery store to fight lobsters.

Thinks this is about turkey dressing and tries to fill a turkey with ranch dressing.

Angeal. He kinda knows he's wrong, and is giggling the whole time, but enough of him wonders and wants to try it that he lets himself go.

Chapter Text

"Alright, now that we're all caught up on sleep and in our right minds, it's time to brainstorm," said Genesis, looking at Sephiroth, who was studying a Cloud drawing very intently. "To summarize: Sephiroth and Cloud's odd psychic connection is acting up, telling each party the other is seemingly lonely, hurt, and scared at times, even when that is not the case. This is intensified during sleep and soothed by purring or humming. Additionally, we have found strange drawings by Cloud showing Sephiroth-like figures and speculated that Hojo may have attempted to create alternative versions of Sephiroth. Sephiroth, have you heard anything along those lines?"

"No, though it is certainly something that man would do. Given what Vincent told us, and what she said when I visited, Lucrecia only gave birth to myself, and sealed herself away not long after," said Sephiroth. "Of course, there may have been other carriers or he could have stolen her genes for later use."

"Did we ever find out if Hojo was your…genetic donor?" asked Angeal, absentmindedly shuffling through more drawings. Sephiroth stiffened.

"We did not," he said, through not-quite-clenched teeth. Zack scooted closer to his friend under the guise of picking up another drawing.

"Look at this one, it's almost like Seph has short hair! Wild! Or, well, the opposite of wild, hehehe," Zack chuckled, now firmly crowding Sephiroth's personal space, an arm over his shoulder, and the picture in his other hand. Sephiroth relaxed into the puppy's affection, and Angeal smiled fondly at his protege.

"The idea of clones has merit, that man was, if nothing else, proficient at modifying genes. And I know for a fact he had many laboratories across the continent. If there are living clones, it is likely they are being held in one of his secret locations. Truly, I've often wondered why Cloud and I specifically have a connection, when it seems we were all infected with Jenova cells. Perhaps this cloning theory will give us more answers to his origins as well," Sephiroth finished, with a barely perceptible shudder.

None of them wanted to think of their little sunshine in Hojo's hands, and they all wore sour expressions at the thought. Sephiroth's eyes grew distant as he focused on Cloud's feelings–fortunately, he seemed to be happy enough where he was playing with Tifa in Zack's apartment.

Without noticing, Sephiroth began to drift into that liminal space, outside of the waking world and along the metaphysical pathways of magic and feeling. Cloud spared him some curiosity every now and then; he was easily distracted by his GREAT Aunt (a term Reno used mercilessly). There was Genesis and his stash, of course, of flashy and mastered materia, and various spots of warmth where others carried smaller stones. Cloud's presence was almost overwhelming, so it was hard to notice, but as Sephiroth floated further and further into and out of himself, another area of brightness seemed to flicker behind him.

"...then maybe we can pluck individual hairs and string them up like tinsel and wave them around until SEPHIROTH notices we've been TALKING ABOUT HIM FOR THE PAST TEN MINUTES!"

Sephiroth blinked rapidly as he came back to himself.

"Mrrp?" he said, tilting his head, then quickly righting it. "I mean, did you say something?"

"Yeah man," laughed Zack. "You totes zoned out there for a sec, you good dude?"

"Yes, I think so. I was trying to sense the connection, and may have…"

Sephiroth suddenly hopped up, accidentally shedding a large, floppy, Zack-shaped object which had been draped over him (it was Zack), and made for the door. It was only a short walk down the hallway to Zack's apartment, so he reached it just as the front door swung open.

"Daddy! All done?" Cloud chirped, springing from the floor like an enchanted pogo stick, arms wide and ready to be caught. Sephiroth obliged, of course.

"Hello, Cloud. Not quite, I was hoping you'd help me with something," said Sephiroth.

Tifa raised an eyebrow from where she'd materialized in the doorway.

"Completely safe, of course," said Sephiroth. "Shall we?"

Tifa and Cloud nodded, and joined him back in Angeal's.

"Dude, you gotta stop running off suddenly," said Zack from where he'd fallen in an attempt to get his boots on and chase after Sephiroth.

"Agreed," said Genesis, who was elegantly sweeping his coat off from when he'd thrown it on. Nobody asked why the coat was more necessary than shoes for him. It was Genesis. One did not ask such questions of Genesis.

"Hey cupcake, have you been having fun with Aunty Tifa?" Angeal asked.

"Yeah! We played games and drawed pictures!" Cloud said, again choosing the pogo launch option to fly from his Daddy to his Dad. "Then Daddy said he needed help, so we camed here."

"What did you need Cloud's help for?" Angeal asked.

"I want to try both of us working together. Cloud, I believe there's a third party involved in our connection; I want to determine whether that is the case, and if so, get a reading on their location."

"Oh! Yeah, the other Sephikitties! They're that way." Cloud pointed in a random direction.

Zack's jaw dropped. Genesis' eyes bugged out. Angeal pinched the bridge of his nose. Tifa's head tilted. Sephiroth blinked slowly.

"Baby bear, you knew there were other Sephikitties? I mean Sephiroths?" said Angeal.

"Weww, after Daddy was feewing better, I knew he wasn't sad, so it must be new Sephikitties. And they live that way."

"...I knew we should have asked first," said Genesis, groaning. Zack just laughed.

Chapter Text

"Alright, and you have all our emergency numbers, right?" Angeal asked. Kunsel nodded. "And you know where the ecial-spay acks-snay are?"

Kunsel nodded.

"And Aerith will be with you, though on second thought, I'm not sure if that will make things better or worse…"

"Probably worse, sir," said Kunsel.

"Hmm, you're right, maybe best to have a Turk keep an eye out for her, I should call Tseng for you…"

"I'm sure we can handle things, sir."

"Do you have all the materia I recommended? And the fidget toys? How about the-"

"Sir, with all due respect, I've babysat Zack before," said Kunsel.

Zack squawked and trotted closer.

"Angeal! I'm a full grown man! A First Class SOLDIER! I've got this. I can totally hold down the fort with all the meetings and whatever," said Zack, waving a hand vaguely.

"Zackarufus Ganymede Fair, please tell me you did not refer to being the sole Midgar First Class SOLDIER representing myself and the entirety of the corps, including General Sephiroth, for any and all decision making and local emergencies as 'meetings and whatever'," said Angeal.

"'Geal, chill, you go have fun with Cloudy and I'll totes have the fort held down. I'll even put it in a choke hold of efficiency!"

"No! Do not put anyone or anything in a chokehold! And I shouldn't have to say this, but also don't put anything that's not food in your mouth, Zackruption Mercy Fair! No, don't argue, I had to take you to get your stomach pumped LAST WEEK when you thought that mushroom was 'probably fine'! Gaia, maybe I should stay after all. Why do I trust you with my kid again?!"

"Yo, he's my kid too, and I'd never feed him mystery mushrooms without making sure they were fine!" Zack retorted, a little hurt.

"BY EATING THEM?! WHAT IF YOU HAD DIED?!?!" Angeal had a point.

"But I didn't? Come on, Angeal, I've got Kunsel and Lazard, we'll be totally fine!"

Angeal's nose bridge was getting the pinching of a lifetime at this point, but after more reassurances from Kunsel, he agreed to go. To be fair, the mushroom did look a lot like its safe counterpart, and he did only eat one. Sigh.

—-------
"Shotgun!" Tifa yelled, quickly and firmly asserting her place in the cab. Genesis would have complained more, but he was busy manhandling a still-worried Angeal into the truck as well, while Cloud and Sephiroth got set up on their MOTORCYCLE!!!

"Daddy! Do you think the new Sephikitties wike motowcycwes?! I bet they wuv them. Motowcycwes are so coow. Can I steew?" Cloud asked, practically vibrating from excitement.

"No!" called Angeal from the truck.

"Spoiwspowt," muttered Cloud under his breath.

Sephiroth smiled quietly. He'd admonish the chocobo, but Cloud hadn't meant for anyone to overhear and was entitled to his own (correct) opinions; Angeal was a spoilsport when worried. Besides, he wouldn't be able to hide his true feelings and therefore saw no point in attempting to deceive the youngster.

"I suppose we'll have to ask once we meet them, though I expect they will. Motorcycles are, as Zack would say, cool."

Cloud bobbed his head vigorously as he settled in, practically vibrating with excitement. They'd brought his motion sickness pills, but Sephiroth had insisted on a motorcycle as a drug-free option. Sue him, that giggle and the gleeful kicking of feet were worth the world and everything in it.

—--------

"Do you think Kunsel will remind him to drink water?"

"Angeal, darling, my childhood friend, my bond brother for life, my fellow parent of a beautiful baby boy–Zackary will be FINE. Tifa, please, would you plug in my PHS?" Genesis said, handing her the device.

Tifa took it graciously, and was about to hit play when she noticed Rude's subtle shake of his head. It could have been the road, but this was Rude, better play it safe. She looked closer at the playlist.

Loveless, Act 1
Loveless, the Musical, Director's Edition
Loveless, Act 2
Loveless, the Grand Epic, Soundtrack
Loveless, Act 3
Loveless, an Operatic Classic
…

Tifa gulped. Close call. While Genesis threw himself back in his seat, she wiggled the aux cord out of the socket just a bit, then pressed play.

"KKRRRRRRCCHHH OVELESS, ACT ONE. A KRRRRRCH PLAY BY KRRRRRRRCHHHHzzzzzzzzzPOP!"

"Oof, sorry Genesis, let me check the connection…" she made a show of jiggling and prodding the cable on both ends.

"EEEEEEEEKDJDJD When the war of KKRRRRRRCCHHH,"

"Yikes, guess that wasn't it."

"Try yours!" Genesis exclaimed, a little pale. "I can send you my playlist, just…try your PHS," he said, as Angeal texted Kunsel for the 18th time in as many minutes.

"Sure," said Tifa, cheerfully, and plugged hers in. Fortunately for everyone except Genesis, the same issues appeared to plague all devices. Truly a tragedy.

Genesis groaned loud and long, resigning himself to a classless slog in the back of a Shinra transport vehicle with only the Gaia-forsaked LOCAL RADIO to listen to. Tifa bit her lip, barely containing a smirk and chuckle. She glanced over at Rude who had the tiniest upward tic in the corner of his mouth. Angeal was dead to the cabin drama, alternatively peering out the window to check on Sephiroth and Cloud, and nervously checking his PHS.

—----------

Road Trip Drama Chat

Tifa: current record for amount of time Genesis has gone between dramatic sighs: 4 minutes, 33 seconds

Zack: lololololol w bout Geal, he stooped worrying?

Tifa: no

Kunsel: no

Cissnei: no

Aerith: sweet summer child

Lazard: Hello. Angeal Hewley has never stopped or "stooped" worrying about you, Zack Fair, since the day your mentorship was assigned. Thank you, Lazard.

Kunsel: bro, I am on the verge of inventing a bot to reply to him so I can get a break

Zack: oops I shld prolly txt him back

Kunsel: please do.

Zack: and my bb?

Tifa: Cloud is having the time of his life with Sephiroth, every time I look back there (which is about 1/100th of how often Angeal looks), he, well, hold on a sec…

Tifa sent an attachment

[Picture: Cloud, securely held in front of Sephiroth, spikes smooshed out all sides of his bright chocobo helmet, goggles and leathers on, has the biggest grin on his little face humanly (or chocoboly) possible. Sephiroth is smiling just a little, hair streaming out behind him, kitty helmet firmly in place (a recent purchase at the insistence of Cloud and Angeal. Safety first!)]

Roche: MY MAN 🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️

Zack: Lazard can I take vacation

Lazard: Hello. No, Zack, you may not. Thank you, Lazard.

Zack: 😭😭😭😭 but my babyyyyyyy look at himmmmmm 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Zack: an Seph wo happy 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Tifa: Genesis just threatened to force Cloud's pills into Angeal

Zack: my babiessssssssssss 😭😭😭😭😭

Tifa: pfft, Rude nodded, I think they're actually considering it

Reno: It was that tiny sarcastic one, right? Infuriating. And yes, he's actively planning how to take down Hewley.

Cissnei: what are you, the Rude mind-reader/interpreter?

Reno: yep

Tseng: yes

Knives: yeah

Kunsel: yep

Tseng: Emphasis on "Rude".

Cissnei: …accurate, question withdrawn

Tifa: I'm turning on the radio, what's the best channel to mildly infuriate Rhapsodos?

Zack: anything that's not Loveless

Cissnei: accurate

Kunsel: …you didn't hear it from me, but…

Reno: ? @Kunsel

Kunsel: but you didn't hear it from me. See, @Cissnei, that's how you keep a secret. And you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

Cissnei: :P

Tifa: update: we can only get honky-tonk and monk chanting/animal sounds, it's hard to tell, reception is so bad

Zack: TIFA TURN IT OFF HE'LL KILL YOU ALL

Tifa sent an attachment

[Audio File: honky-tonk music overlaid with incoherent shouting from Angeal and Genesis, and suspiciously fiery sounds]

Tifa: okayyyy, honky-tonk is a no go

Tifa: we're "pulling over and enjoying the scenery" at the next viewpoint to "check on Sephiroth and Cloud" and "get some fresh air"

Zack: pfft he's used that one on me before

Luxiere: same

Roche: ditto

Kunsel: bonus points if he says "let's all stretch our legs, ok?"

Tifa: …

Tifa: Kunsel are you a god or a seer?

Zack: yep

Kunsel: 🪖

Tifa sent an attachment

[Picture: Cloud chattering in Angeal's arms, gesticulating wildly. In the background, Sephiroth and Genesis are making intense eye contact over the bike]

Tifa sent an attachment

[Picture: selfie of Tifa and Rude, Tifa's making a peace sign and Rude is looking stoic. Both are wearing sunglasses]

Tifa sent an attachment

[Picture: Baby Cloud using two hands to hold a giant water bottle while still in Angeal's arms. In the background, Genesis has one hand splayed dramatically on his own chest and one finger aggressively poking Sephiroth's]

Zack: @Tifa uh you might want to address that

Tifa: what? Cloud's just having some water? It's cute? Look at his little chipmunk cheeks?!?!

Tifa sent an attachment

[Picture: Cloud's chipmunk cheeks. Angeal's head is in the process of turning from Cloud to the men behind them, who are now out of view]

Zack: @Tifa CUTE BT SEPHGEN BEHIND U

Tifa: what do you meoaaljsbeiwkwhsvjdd

Reno: oh I hope this is what I think it is

Kunsel: it definitely is

Zack: ^

Kunsel: lol I just heard Lazard's sigh from down the hall

Rude sent an attachment

[Picture: blurry photo showing what appears to be two very tall SOLDIERs (First Class) hunched nearly in half to allow a small figure to comfortably hold them by their ears while another tall SOLDIER (First Class) stands menacingly above them in a classic lecture pose]

Rude sent an attachment

[Audio File: a muffled child's voice saying "Daddy and Papa! No fighting near my motowcycwes!" Then a distant man's voice, "Cloud, muffin, it's not your motorcycle, it's Shinra property. But you're right, Daddy and Papa shouldn't be having petty, irresponsible, childish squabbles over-" (audio cuts out)]

Reno: YES! BINGO!

Cissnei: OOO, what did ya get?

Reno: 5 across, baby: "Hewley lectures someone about responsibility", "Hewley suggests getting fresh air", "Rhapsodos arson", "Cloud's chubby cheeks", and "Sephiroth and Rhapsodos fight over something ridiculous"

Cissnei: nice, but if you call me baby again, I'll poison your box dye…again 😘

Reno: you got it, sweEospwjebbfn

Knives: oh look, I just saved a life 🙄

Reno: thank you so much, Knives, I owe you 50 coffees minimum

Knives: you're welcome Reno

Tseng: @Knives please give him back the PHS soon, he's on the clock

Reno: I have no idea what you mean, sir, but Roger that!

Knives: ditto

Tifa: hey how would you know if it was something ridiculous?

Cissnei: girl.

Kunsel: girl.

Knives: girl.

Aerith: girl.

Tifa: lol, fair enough. For those who want to know, it was about hair conditioner.

Chapter Text

The next leg of the journey was much slower, since Angeal insisted on driving the motorcycle with Cloud, maintaining a pace which some might describe as "elderly basset hound seeking a nap spot". It felt extra slow to Sephiroth, as Genesis had finally remembered that he could recite Loveless from memory as an alternative to honky-tonk. Tifa and Rude didn't seem to mind too much; Genesis had a nice voice, and it wasn't the 347th time they had heard it.

They trundled along, each mile drawing them closer to the mysterious "Sephikitties". Sephiroth didn't notice the bond change much over time–Cloud was such a brilliant presence, he easily outshone the interlopers. He did notice Cloud growing tired as naptime rolled around, and smiled softly to himself as the child's determination to enjoy every last second of being on a motorcycle warred with his need to snooze.

Eventually they pulled over again, and Cloud lasted all of 3 seconds after being lifted off the motorcycle before he passed out in Sephiroth's arms. Genesis and Tifa gave him dirty looks for stealing the cuddle bug, but too bad, Sephiroth was faster.

"If he dreams of the new Sephikitties, I should be with him to help," said Sephiroth when Genesis grumbled. Tifa snorted and Angeal grinned.

"Hmmm, what was that?" Genesis asked, a smirk dancing across his face. "The new what now?"

Sephiroth was not a blusher. He never felt the need and rarely felt embarrassment–it simply wasn't efficient. And he was definitely not blushing now, his cheeks only felt warm due to the toasty toddler snuggled up in the crook of his neck.

"The new Sephikitties, as Cloud has designated them," he said, haughtily. "An apt description if they also have feline traits. Now let us be off, this road only goes one direction and it's best to travel while he's still resting."

Everyone was intimately familiar with why that was a good idea, so they hopped to it, stowing the motorcycle in the back of the truck and piling into the cab for another round of Genesis' performance of Loveless.

Time went by, and just as Angeal was about to threaten to sit on Genesis, Cloud began to stir, whimpering quietly. The enhanced dads caught on immediately and signaled Rude to pull over–nobody wanted chocovomit in the car.

"Cloud, honey, are you waking up? It's ok, we pulled over, sweetheart," cooed Angeal, rubbing a big, warm hand on his baby's back. Cloud didn't respond, just twitched and whined.

"I'm afraid he's in a nightmare, and it feels stronger than normal; I'll try to join him and wake him up from inside the dream," said Sephiroth, breathing deeply and centering himself, quickly slipping into Cloud's feelings due to their proximity and the intensity of the dream.

Rage, loneliness, fear, and confusion swirled around, and Sephiroth fought to project calm. It was an uphill battle, as he felt wave after wave from the "others" quite close by. Cloud's own distress was tangled with theirs, and visions of a lab sprang up and vanished rapidly. Sephiroth kept wading in, gritting his teeth against the sights, sounds, feelings, tastes, and smells of his own worst nightmares.

Safety. Refuge. Protection. Calm. Sephiroth wanted to rage against Hojo, but he shoved that feeling down as far as he could. Gradually, to his surprise, Cloud latched on and started to send little tendrils of protection to the others, slowly calming his panic and trying to imitate his Daddy's method of promising safety.

Then suddenly, they were both awake and gasping for air in the real world, Cloud sobbing.

"Easy, easy, deep breaths, that's it. Sephiroth?" Angeal murmured as he held them both close.

"I'm alright," Sephiroth panted. "Cloud…"

"He's ok, he's awake, right cupcake? That's right, it's ok to cry, good boy, it was a dream and you're awake now, Dad and Daddy've got you."

"Aunty Tifa too!"

"And Papa! Ripples form on the water's su-"

"AUNTY TIFA HAS A SNACK!" Tifa shook a familiar plastic tub, interrupting Genesis, who shot her a dirty look.

"*Sniff* Snack?" came a tiny voice from between two mountainous men and a round of hiccups.

"Yeah, Cloudy, your favorite! Want some?" Tifa cooed, popping the lid open and shaking it again. A small hand popped out instantly from a cascade of silver hair, the rest of the boy still hidden except for a shock of yellow hair fluffed around chin height on the men. Tifa dutifully placed two treats in his palm, and just as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished, followed by happy crunching noises and some squirming until two hands and a pair of big, wet eyes popped out.

Tifa obliged, one cricket for each hand this time, and soon a couple of very chubby cheeks emerged from the huddle due to space constraints.

"Fanksh you Auntie Teefsh!" Cloud sprayed, causing Genesis to cringe and fish out a handkerchief. Angeal and Sephiroth untangled themselves, Angeal sneaking in a firm squeeze to Sephiroth's arm and receiving a reassuring nod in return. "Papa shtaaahhhpp 'm aww cwean!"

"Hmm, I disagree, my chickadee. Stop squirming, you have an insect leg in your bangs."

"Papaaaaaaa!!!"

Tifa giggled and closed her magic tub for later use.

"WAIT! PAPA! THE SEPHIKITTIES! They're super cwose and scared, we gotta hewp them!" Cloud's (completely altruistic) cry came out muffled between the last few chomps and Genesis' cleaning, but was clear enough.

"Of course, my fledgling," said Genesis, strapping Cloud's helmet on.

The team moved quickly into position; Sephiroth and Cloud took the motorcycle and were off in a flash, soon finding a quiet and partially hidden turnoff from the main road. Those in the truck rode in blessed silence, eyes peeled for any sign of trouble–from without or from Sephiroth and Cloud.

"We're near the mythril mines," murmured Genesis. "A cache of rare resources and energy–the perfect location for a lab.” The others frowned and hummed grimly in acknowledgement.

Soon enough, they drew up to a cliff face and came to a stop.

"They're close," said Sephiroth. "I can sense them clearly. Rude, Genesis, and I will find the entrance and locate the targets. Tifa and Cloud, please stay in the truck with Angeal as a guard."

"Daddy, I hewp!" Cloud said, squirming out of his chocobo helmet.

"Not this time, Cloud; we will contact them first. If they are not hostile, we will facilitate a meeting, but for now, you will remain out of danger." Sephiroth said.

Cloud pouted, but Sephiroth cut in before he could object, kneeling before his son.

"Cloud. Do you remember when I was scared and found you at the ice cream shop?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you remember how your Aunt Tifa got hurt?"

Cloud nodded sadly.

"I did that. I hurt her."

"But it was a accident, Daddy!"

"Yes, that's right. I was so scared, I caused an accident that hurt Tifa. The others are scared too, and might lash out, just like I did. As your Daddy, I refuse to let you or Tifa be caught in the line of fire again. So stay here and keep an eye out, and if it's safe, you can help later." Sephiroth held his gaze, and after a moment of consideration, Cloud sighed softly and nodded.

"Ok, Daddy, I hewp water."

"Good." Sephiroth stood swiftly and signaled his men. "Let's go."

—----

It didn't take long to find the entrance, or to break in; Rude apparently knew every standard Shinra backdoor and then some. It was cold, hidden behind stone walls. Too dark until the light switches were found, then far too bright, with a sickening hum emanating from random machinery and the overhead lights alike.

Then they were there. Suddenly and unceremoniously, Genesis, Sephiroth, and Rude found the tanks–and the experiments.

"My friend, the fates are cruel," muttered Genesis.

Rude adjusted his glasses uncomfortably.

Sephiroth stared, silent as the grave.

Most of the tanks held tortured and barely identifiable masses of flesh, twisted machinations of unholy practices. Each display told a different tale of wretchedness and suffering; only three monitors showed ongoing vital signs. A small boy, probably four years older than Cloud, a young teen with features just barely starting to sharpen, and an older teen, all with long, silver hair, thin hospital scrubs, and blank, sleeping faces.

Sephiroth swallowed.

"The youngest first," he said, walking with measured steps to the console and beginning the sequence to drain and open the tank. Genesis stood by, neither comforting his friend or drawing his sword, anger and concern raging behind his eyes.

"They were on a countdown, some kind of dead man's switch," said Rude, as he scoured the middle child's records. "Several more injections were planned, then a release in a few months."

"There are no dreams, no honor remains," said Genesis. "You're saving these records?"

Rude nodded. A Turk was always prepared to gather information.

Sephiroth stood in front of the tank, completely stoic. It was not time to think of his own captivity as a child, even as he looked on what could be his twin. It was not time–he took a breath–to think of Cloud's captivity. It was time to complete a mission; time to save three children.

Finally, the mako drained and the child crumpled to the ground, followed by the door sliding open and Sephiroth stepping in and checking his vitals. Airways clear, heart quiet, but steady.

"He's alive," Sephiroth said, and the tension in the room eased slightly. Sephiroth picked the boy up and brought him over to the emergency shower to wash the mako off, knowing from experience how unpleasant and overstimulating it would be once the subje- the child regained consciousness.

"I'll finish up here," Genesis said, slipping his hands under the boy and nodding over to the next tank, where the mako was almost finished draining. The three of them worked seamlessly, and soon had three dry, clean boys in fresh scrubs laid out on the floor. Hojo didn't care for the laws of nature, but he cared about his own hide enough to keep decontamination supplies in his own size around.

"They'll wake soon," said Sephiroth. "Cloud is doing well outside. Once they wake, we-"

He felt a sudden surge of confusion and energy as the boys woke in unison, then a clamor of voices in his head.

"BROTHERS!"

"IT IS TIME!"

"VENGEANCE!"

"DEATH!"

Sephiroth winced and stumbled, and the children didn't waste the opportunity. At speeds rivaling only Sephiroth himself, they darted as one towards the exit, barely pausing to smash through a plastic cover to hit an ominous red button.

Genesis lunged after them, only to be met with the door slamming in his face. Sephiroth barely caught himself and Rude only had time to blink before a loudspeaker calmly made an announcement.

"Self-destruct sequence initiated."

"CLOUD!" Sephiroth bellowed, and would have torn the door off its hinges if Genesis hadn't just blasted it down. They shot off, Rude hurrying behind, and burst into the sunlight just in time to see Angeal fall to the ground and the truck speeding away.

"GO!" Genesis screamed, Sephiroth leaping onto the motorcycle while Genesis ran to Angeal.

He kicked it into gear and was hot on their tail…until the motorcycle sputtered and began to slow on its own. Sephiroth glanced down; it was out of fuel.

As smoothly as he had jumped on, he sprang off and began running. His boots slammed into the earth like hammers, wind whistling angrily past his ears. His eyes bore into the truck as if to sear through it, every muscle of his body straining and screaming to go faster.

It was no use. The truck drew further and further away until he finally stumbled to his knees and let out the single loudest cry he had ever uttered as he watched it disappear into the distance.

"CLOOOUUUUUUUUUUUD!!!!!!!"

Chapter Text

It happened in a blur. One minute, Tifa was chatting with Cloud about the gear shift in the front seat of the truck, the next minute three small Sephiroths had piled in and were driving off.

"GET OUT!" Tifa screamed, hugging Cloud close and kicking blindly. Her leg was caught before it could connect, and Cloud was wrenched from her grasp.

"Hello, brother," cooed a soft, sibilant voice.

"GIVE HIM BACK!" Tifa refused to give up, punching, kicking, and biting. The Sephiroths seemed surprised, but quickly hit back.

Only, it didn't connect.

With a roar, Cloud tore himself free and smacked the fist out of the way.

"DON'T HURT AUNTY TIFA!" he screamed, shoving himself in front of her. The Sephiroths seemed shocked.

"But you are brother," said the middle teen.

"She is not," said the youngest.

"She is other," said the oldest, who was driving.

"Mother said to kill the others. You are young, don't worry, we will kill her and you will join us," said the middle.

"Like Hel you will," spat Tifa, backed into a corner of the cab with Cloud. "Leave Cloud alone." She glanced about, seeing the landscape zip past outside and Sephiroth shrink into a distant dust cloud. They were moving too fast to jump–Cloud might survive if she protected him, but she would die; she wouldn't risk throwing him out alone or leaving him with her body. They were trapped, for now.

Cloud growled, raising his fists a little shakily from Tifa's arms.

"You cannot escape, mortal," the middle one spat at Tifa, then turned his gaze to Cloud. "But you can, brother. You may seek vengeance with us. We heard your screams. You deserve recompense."

"Justice," said the youngest.

"Death," said the oldest.

Cloud growled again, but it came out as more of a hiccup.

"Our maker intended us for destruction, but mother taught us about new life," the middle teen went on. "And we will have it, and let you-"

At this moment, he leapt at Tifa, pinning her down as the youngest grabbed Cloud, who was shaking and screaming.

"-JOIN US!" He fumbled for the door handle, ready to throw Tifa to her death.

"BLEEARGH!!!"

The cab was filled with an overwhelming stench as Cloud's motion sickness fully activated. Everyone froze as Cloud let out a little hiccupping wail.

"...Brothers…" said the smallest Sephiroth look-alike. "It got in my mouth." He let out a small noise that some might call a whimper, though he tried to make it a cough.

"...Very well, Yazoo, switch," said the middle one, and fast as lightning, Yazoo shed his shirt and took over Tifa-guarding duties while the elder grabbed Cloud.

"Thank you, Kadaj," said Yazoo, trying and failing to spit and wipe the choco-upchuck from his person while Tifa struggled and kicked.

"Of course," said Kadaj. "Be still, young brother, and fear not, for you will-"

"BLEEARGH!"

"AAAUGGHH! ARE YOU QUITE DONE?!" screamed Kadaj. Cloud's hiccupping wail continued, but he nodded. "Very well. Loz?"

Kadaj switched with Loz, tossing his shirt and Yazoo's out the driver's side window, then settled in to start his monologue again, but again was interrupted by another eruption from Cloud.

"I don't think he was actually done," said Loz solemnly, drenched in sick.

"For Gaia's sake, give him back! He'll calm down if I hold him. Or better yet, let us out, you psychotic Sephiroth-wannabes!" said Tifa, still kicking up a storm.

Kadaj sighed, then nodded to his brothers, who handed Cloud back.

"Cloudy," Tifa breathed, petting his hair. "Slow breaths, Cloudy, just focus on breathing, good job. Oi! Jerks! Let us out!"

"No!" Kadaj said harshly. "But we will let you live for now. Care for our brother, and we may grant you the honor of sacrifice at the end."

"Screw you," said Tifa. "Baby, do you want a little helicopter medicine?"

Cloud, completely and utterly miserable, whined a tiny 'yeah', so Tifa began digging around in her bag.

Her fingers brushed against her PHS.

"What are you doing?" asked Kadaj, sharply.

"He'll feel better with his motion sickness medication."

"No drugs!" Kadaj hissed.

Cloud let out a loud belch.

"Brother…" said Yazoo.

"Kadaj…" said Loz.

"...FINE," said Kadaj.

During their conversation, Tifa blindly clicked the buttons to call the group chat that she knew was still up. Someone was sure to pick up, so she just muted it and kept pretending to dig around, scooting the PHS closer to the top.

"Where are you taking us?" She asked, pulling out the medicine and a water bottle. "This looks like the road to Junon."

—----

Reno was the first to pick up.

“Tifa? Yo Tifa, did you butt-dial the group?” he asked.

“Where are you taking us? This looks like the road to Junon.”

“I ain’t taking you anywhere, you’re too mean, Fists!” Reno laughed, but Tifa ignored him. He frowned. “Yo, Teefs!”

“I think it is exactly my business where you’re taking us after you KIDNAPPED US! And what did you do to Sephiroth, Genesis, Rude, and Angeal?”

“Yo…crap. KUNSEL!” Reno leaped up and darted down the hall to start alerting people.

—----

"Wh'appened?" Angeal groaned. "G-gen? Where'sh Cloud?"

"Easy, Angeal, that is quite the head wound you have, and I haven't had a chance to heal it," said Genesis, wobbling in and out of Angeal's field of vision.

"Cloud."

"He's going to be fine, my friend. Now relax for a minute." Genesis cast a powerful cure, and Angeal's vision slowly stopped swimming, showing him a worried Genesis and Rude's dusty pant legs.

"Thanks Gen," he said, easing himself up into a sitting position. "Where's Seph? And Cloud and Tifa?"

As Genesis explained, Angeal's heart sank. How could he have done this? He had one job, to protect Cloud and Tifa, and yet…

"Angeal," said Genesis, sharply. "Stop that."

"Stop what?"

"They overpowered Sephiroth, myself, and a Turk all at once, you stood no chance. Indulging in your penchant for self-flagellation will help no one. Now dig out your PHS and let's try for a signal. None of ours work, but it can't hurt to try."

Angeal nodded and obliged.

"Thanks, Gen," he said quietly as he handed it over and stood up. Genesis tossed the object to Rude, and joined him.

The whole area was wrecked–the destruction of the lab apparently included setting off charges in the rock face and underground, tearing up the scenery and road to make the place almost unrecognizable. Rude finished fiddling and shook his head; the cell service had also been knocked out in the area. No help for it but to start walking.

—----

Sephiroth growled deep in his chest, rage billowing around him as he nearly crushed his PHS. No signal. But no time for theatrics. There may be a signal further along. Genesis surely had things handled, so he wouldn't wait; he let his anger flow into his body and started running. He wouldn't catch up, but he wouldn't give up either.

—----

Chapter Text

Vincent did not waste a second getting to Shinra headquarters after Kunsel's call, arriving just in time to board the chopper with Reno, Kunsel, and a medic.

"Yo, strap in, we're going full throttle," said Reno as he took off. Vincent nodded and settled in.

Reno wasn't exaggerating. In almost no time, they had located a truck speeding towards Fort Condor, as Tifa had relayed.

—----

The teens noticed the helicopter before Tifa or Cloud (who was struggling to stay awake), but it moved so quickly, there was little they could do before it landed in front of them. Kadaj slammed on the brakes, and Tifa and Cloud would have gone flying had Yazoo not caught them. He glanced over them, and Tifa nodded to indicate they were ok.

"Our ride has appeared," sneered Kadaj, and he motioned for everyone to get out. Tifa struggled, but between two enhanced teens and keeping her grip on Cloud, she was forced to move.

Vincent and Kunsel came out swinging, followed closely by Reno and the medic. Kadaj and Loz sprang to meet them, arms suddenly glowing as they activated materia that had been embedded in their bodies. No one dared to start shooting–Cloud could get hurt and there were large tanks of very flammable fuel close by.

Yazoo dragged Tifa and Cloud closer to the chopper by her arm.

Kunsel kept his focus on Kadaj, matching him in magic and cunning, but not quite in speed. Reno darted between Kadaj and Loz, outmatched on his own, but slipping in hits and blocking blows where he could for Kunsel and Vincent, the latter of whom was slowly overpowering Loz.

Finally, Vincent used his claws to catch Loz and send him flying off the road.

"VINCENT!" Tifa yelled. He spun around just in time to see her elbow Yazoo harshly, then bodily heave Cloud through the air towards him.

Vincent moved like lightning and caught the child, who was barely conscious and only managed a small yelp. Tifa, her hands finally free, got busy punching Yazoo while Vincent shot over to the medic and handed Cloud off.

Unfortunately, just as Vincent turned back to the fighting, Reno and Kunsel were both tossed away. Loz had recovered and taken the opportunity to help Kadaj, and now Vincent and Tifa were the only ones standing.

"Brothers!" Kadaj yelled over the sound of the still-whirring helicopter blades. Yazoo threw Tifa and himself on board as Kadaj and Loz scrambled in behind him. Vincent was loath to leave Cloud unguarded, but after a moment, he jumped forward to help Tifa.

His split-second hesitation was all it took for the brothers to get the chopper off the ground, Tifa with them, and they disappeared into the horizon.

"Tifa! Cloud!" Kunsel yelled, stumbling after them.

"Cloud is here," said Vincent, his head hanging slightly. "Though Tifa is gone."

"Little man," gasped Reno, turning to the medic after scrambling over to the group. "How is he?"

"He's drugged with something and seems to have been sick," she said. "His vitals are strong, however, and the only injuries I see are some bruises."

"That's his motion sickness medication," said Reno. "He got sick and Tifa was able to dose him; she mentioned it on the call."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"That gal is a legend. Looks like they're still headed towards Fort Condor, and that chopper is easy to track. I'll call it in," said Reno.

—----

"Why did you bring the woman, brother?" asked Loz, poking the now-unconscious Tifa. Yazoo tilted his head and thought for a minute.

"We need a sacrifice," he said.

"She is a worthy sacrifice," Kadaj chimed in from his pilot's seat. "A fierce fighter, though no match for us."

"She cared for the little one," conceded Loz. "Worthy."

"Mother cared for us," said Kadaj. "We will carry her vision forth and bring the little one and Older Brother with us."

Loz and Yazoo nodded solemnly.

—----

Zack hadn't made it onto the first chopper, having been on patrol in the slums, but he sure as anything made it onto the second one. They picked up the original road trippers and the crew of the first helicopter as they went, handing out potions and getting everyone checked.

As soon as they had him, they passed Cloud around until he started to look green again. He floated in and out of consciousness, asking for his dads and Tifa in turn.

"Puppa, where Teefs?" Cloud said, blinking blearily, one hand twisted into Zack's shirt, the other grabbing at the air for her. "Zzzz….Puppa pwease Teefs?"

"Shhhh, baby," Zack soothed, blinking to clear his own eyes. "Shhhh, just take a nap baby Spike."

Cloud whimpered and snuggled closer, but left a hand out for Tifa to grab.

—-----

The three siblings made their way through dark corridors in perfect sync, propping up an unconscious Tifa against the walls when they had to fight.

"Closer, brothers," Kadaj murmured excitedly as he killed another monster.

"To destiny," said Loz, hurling a fireball. Yazoo hummed in agreement. "Come now, little brother–show more enthusiasm!" Loz said, grinning at Yazoo.

Suddenly, a rock went whizzing by Loz's head to hit a monster that had been sneaking up on him. The boys made quick work of the remaining fiends.

"Thank you, brother," said Loz, nodding at Yazoo.

"I did not aid you, brother," he replied, and they looked at Kadaj.

"Nor I, I was busy actually fighting," sniffed Kadaj.

"It was me, fuzz-brains," groaned Tifa from her seat against the wall. "Pay better attention or they'll get you."

"How dare-" began Kadaj.

"Why?" Loz demanded, cutting his brother off. "Are we not your enemies?"

"Cloud's worried about you knuckleheads," she griped, tenderly feeling around her head and hissing when she found a lump. Loz and Yazoo tilted their heads in unison.

"But we are still your enemies?"

"You will be our sacrifice?"

"And Cloud's my nephew," she said. "'Sides, in case you haven't noticed, I'm not doing so hot and you're keeping the monsters from eating me for now."

"Of course you're not hot, we are surrounded by stone, it is quite cool!" Kadaj blurted loudly. Tifa hissed again.

"Dude, volume. It means I'm not feeling well. I'm dizzy from when you idiots knocked me out."

"What do you mean by 'nephew'," asked Yazoo suspiciously.

"His mother was like a sister to me, so I call him my nephew." The heads remained tilted. Tifa sighed. "He's a dear family member and friend, like how you three are brothers."

"You knew mother?" Loz said, awe in his tone. "You met Jenova?"

"Jenova? The creepy tentacle alien? Cloud's mom was Claudia, not some mind-controller thing who hurt Cloud!"

"How dare you?!" screamed Kadaj. "Mother told us of our great destiny! She would never hurt our brother! Come, we have wasted enough time on this…human." He spun on his heel and marched off.

Yazoo and Loz looked at his retreating back.

"Our mother…" said Yazoo.

"Our destiny…" said Loz. They shook themselves, then Loz pulled Tifa's arm over his shoulder and stood her up. "Our destiny awaits." He finished firmly, nodding at Yazoo to follow.

Chapter Text

"Brother, are you growling?" Yazoo asked Loz. Loz looked at him, shocked.

"No? I am not angry?"

"But brother, you're making a noise."

"I am? I am!" Loz observed, head tilting in time with Yazoo's as Kadaj stomped ahead and Tifa stumbled along, arm still slung over Loz's shoulder, his arm around her waist.

"'s like Seph's purrs," she mumbled.

"What is a purr?" Loz asked.

"Like when he's happy or hungry or feels safe. Some animals do it too, like cats."

"Well, I am happy to be with my brothers," mused Loz. "And something does smell good to eat."

"Really?" asked Tifa, wrinkling her nose. To her, everything just smelled musty and bloody.

"Yes, I have smelled it too. Perhaps the woman's bag is edible," remarked Yazoo, sniffing around and identifying the source.

"The woman has a name," Tifa grumbled. "I'm Tifa. I'd say nice to meet you, but so far all you've done is kidnap and hurt me and my nephew."

"Humans are weak!," yelled Kadaj,without turning around.

"You're human," Tifa yelled back. "Just because Hojo injected you with alien cells doesn't mean you're not!"

This got Kadaj's attention, and he spun on his heel, growling, and was only stopped from hitting her by Yazoo jumping between them.

"Calm, brother, she does not know mother's voice, she is only human," said Yazoo, maintaining eye contact. After a minute of Kadaj's eyes searching Yazoo's, Kadaj growled again and stomped back into the lead.

"What he did to you was wrong," said Tifa, softly. "He hurt Cloud and Sephiroth too."

Kadaj did not reply, and the group trudged on.

—-------

No one wanted to put Cloud at risk again, so they stopped at Fort Condor to let him and some others off. Everyone wanted to help, but ultimately Sephiroth pulled rank and divided the team so Cloud would be guarded and the more injured people could rest.

It was Sephiroth, Zack, Genesis, and Rude who landed in a small clearing next to the helicopter they'd tracked.

"What even is this place?" asked Zack. "Feels kinda like home with the jungle, but there's something in the air, something Aerith-y. LOL *AER*ITH-Y IN THE AIR!"

"Zachariah, please focus," groaned Genesis.

"I bet they went into that weird stairway thing," said Zack, a little chastised.

"Oh you bet that, do you?" Genesis asked, sarcastically.

"Rude," said Sephiroth, and Rude nodded from where he was perusing the tracking software that was following Tifa's still-open call. Well, as best it could–the signal had cut off not long after she had apparently gone inside the building, but she didn't seem to have come out. "Yes, into the ziggurat."

—--------

"We have reached our goal, brothers," Kadaj breathed, staring around the room in awe. Loz and Yazoo hummed in agreement as Loz helped Tifa sit on the dais. "Now we shall unlock the key to our destiny."

Tifa wanted to make a snide remark, but her head was pounding. She sighed and tilted it back, resting against the cool surface behind her as the boys got to work solving puzzles, of all things.

—---------

The men made quick progress through the temple, easily following the signs of fighting and not encountering many monsters themselves. Rude was hard-pressed to keep up with the enhanced SOLDIERS, but doggedly ran on, checking every so often to see if any of his tools would pick up their quarry's presence.

—---------

"At last, brothers," Kadaj said, a smile spread generously across his face. "Our time has come. Prepare the sacrifice."

Yazoo and Loz looked uncomfortable, but turned to Tifa.

"You have been given a great honor," Yazoo started, softly.

"A worthy sacrifice for your nephew and our future," said Loz.

"Zzzzzzz," said Tifa.

"You idiots," said Kadaj. "Wake up, sacrifice!"

"Zzzzzzz…"

"Brother, she appears to be sleeping," said Loz, a little lost.

"Really?" Kadaj snarked. "What a brilliant observation, brother."

"Zzzzzzz…"

"Perhaps…Awake, T-Tifa," Yazoo tried, awkwardly poking her cheek.

"ZzzSNRK Huh? Oh, it's the Sephikitties. Five more minutes. Zzzzzzz," she said, closing her eyes again.

"We insist!" Loz said. "T-Tifa."

"ZzzSNRK Fine, fine, if I give you crickets, lemme alone?"

"Crickets?" Loz said, his head tilting sharply. "What's crickets?"

Tifa groaned and groggily shuffled through her bag, pulling out a tub that to certain populations, smelled like heaven.

"Brothers, that was the smell! It comes from there! Brothers!" chirped Loz, practically bouncing.

"Only for quiet, calm boys. Sit," demanded Tifa, still hoping to resume her nap. Loz sat so fast and hard the stone cracked underneath him. "You ok, bud?"

"Yes!" squeaked Loz, holding his hand out. Kadaj began to sputter angrily.

"Say please," insisted Tifa.

"PLEASE," said Loz, and was at long last rewarded with a couple chocolate covered crickets. Kadaj's rage was reaching apoplectic levels, and he was about to start shouting again when Loz interrupted him. "MMMM, BROTHERS! THUS IS THE FOOD OF THE GODS!"

Yazoo, surprised and curious, sat down and scooted closer.

"It is not…poisoned?"

"Nah," said Tifa, sighing a little now that she knew her sleep was ruined. She ate one to show them. "I keep these for Cloud. And because they're good. If you want some you'll have to be polite like Loz."

"Or we could just take the-URK," said Kadaj, as each of his brothers yanked him down to a sitting position.

"PLEASE!" Yazoo and Loz chorused, beady eyes focused on Tifa, and were each given more bugs. Kadaj's hands were still captive (and he had not said please), so Loz forced some of his share into Kadaj's mouth.

"This is very good, you are a good woman," said Yazoo around a mouthful.

"THE BEST!" Loz agreed, too busy helping decimate the tub to notice he had not tacked on 'after mother'.

"ENOUGH!" roared Kadaj. "We will feast greatly once we have fulfilled our destiny. Which we must do. Woman! Once we leave this place, after 10 minutes, you will complete the last puzzle and become our sacrifice. You will serve your 'nephew' with your death, and we will rule the galaxies as mother foretold! Rise, and prepare yourself!"

The room was silent for a moment, except for the sound of Loz licking out the plastic tub. Yazoo's discomfort was clear to anyone who knew Sephiroth's face, and there was even a creeping look of sadness.

"Um," said Tifa. "No thanks?"

"It is your destiny, the little one will be honored."

"No, Cloud will be SAD. We're a family. Me dying will hurt him, and if you think I'll do that, you've got another thing coming, you great-value-brand Sephiroth."

"I am confused," whispered Loz to Yazoo. "She said Kadaj is greatly valuable, but she seems angry."

"It must be a colloquialism," said Yazoo. "Her tone is hostile."

"Then we will comfort him!" said Kadaj, stamping his foot. "You WILL be the sacrifice and we WILL satisfy mother's vision! Now rise and prepare to meet your fate!" This time he grabbed her arm, yanking her up and causing her to cry out.

In that moment, Sephiroth burst into the room, Masamune flashing, the others at his back. Kadaj cast Tifa back down roughly, and she would have fallen hard, had not Loz and Yazoo caught her.

Chapter Text

Cloud was unhappy and unwell. As time went on, his lucid periods became more lucid and he was made ever more aware that his Tifa and three of his dads weren't there. When he passed out, the combined turmoil between Sephiroth and the brothers haunted his dreams.

If Angeal had been at all inclined to put him down, it wouldn't have been a pleasant experience for anyone. As it was, Angeal alternated between humming soothing tunes and encouraging Cloud to take little sips of water while dodging uncomfortable questions.

Reno monitored the comms until they lost the connection, then switched to trying to distract Cloud when he was awake by sharing tall Turk tales. He thought he was a solo storyteller, until Vincent cleared his dusty throat.

"That's not how I remember the Wutai Watermelon War," Vincent said. "Perhaps Veld left the details out–while the ninjas were caught in the vines, so were we, and we escaped by making the farmer laugh and scold us all so hard that the ninjas turned tail as soon as she let them go. There was no 'wooing of the ninja queen' in my recollection."

Angeal chuckled, Reno laughed, and Cloud smiled a bit as he drifted back to sleep.

He woke up a few minutes later mid-panic attack, with Angeal urging him to breathe.

—-----

"Brother!" Kadaj growled, a savage grin scrawled across his face. "You have come to aid in mother's cause!"

Sephiroth, seeing Tifa in the hands of the others, stopped in his tracks.

"You are incorrect," he said. "I have come to stop your plan and retrieve my friend."

"Poor, delusional older brother. You have grown soft in your dotage. I will just have to remind you- HALT!" Kadaj exclaimed, seeing Genesis and Zack trying to sneak around to Loz, Yazoo, and Tifa. "If anyone moves, the woman suffers." He nodded to Loz and Yazoo, who hesitantly nodded back. "I must commune with Brother, then you will all see!" With that, he darted forward, planting his palm on Sephiroth's chest.

—------

Cloud yelped as his dreams jolted sideways from uncomfortable conflict to vivid images.

The creepy tentacle woman appeared in the swirling mess, speaking words of promise and destruction, but not to Cloud. This felt different from her appearances in the past; she was being remembered by someone else and Cloud was only able to watch.

It still hurt though. She was poisoning the listener with every word, and Cloud was yanked into Kadaj's–oh, these were Kadaj's–feelings as she slithered her way into his heart.

Kadaj on a table, being hurt by Hojo, but soothed by Jenova. Kadaj watching his brothers undergo experiments, listening to her thoughts of revenge. Kadaj alone and isolated for incalculable amounts of time, floating in mako, only able to hear the screams of other subjects or the sibilant thrum of Jenova's dreams.

Cloud cried, scared and hurt as he was swept along.

—-----

Sephiroth didn't twitch as Kadaj made his move. He wouldn't risk Tifa getting hurt even more on his behalf. He had already caused her so much grief: from stealing her Cloud unknowingly, to nearly letting his baby be killed, to accidentally almost killing her when he couldn't keep himself under control.

He only ever called her to babysit, or when they were stumped with Cloud. Angeal had made half-hearted offers to split custody, and Zack had invited her to live with them, but Sephiroth had stayed selfishly silent. And worse, had no intention of changing.

His choice wasn't just selfish for himself, it was unsafe for Cloud–she had never let Cloud down like he had. Tifa hadn't severely wounded Cloud's friends, or left him to rot in the labs due to weakness, or taken him straight into the jaws of danger. She had even sacrificed herself today to save his son, when he had been beaten pathetically and left in the dust.

So he let Kadaj move, only bracing himself for whatever blow came next.

It was not what he'd expected. A pulsing, angry wave of emotions and images crashed into him, most of them intimately familiar from his own time in Hojo's custody and under Jenova's influence.

—-----

Tifa watched as Sephiroth just…stood there. She knew he was sharp and fast, and had deliberately not moved. Probably to save her skin. Idiot.

The blow itself didn't look harder than a silly slap, but after a pause, Sephiroth jolted and shuddered, eyes slipping shut.

"SEPH!" she yelled.

—------

It had been a quiet, fun day–Tifa had joined the Dads and Cloud for dinner and a movie, and Angeal had made traditional Nibel food, including snacks.

"Seph, pass the plate," chirped Tifa from where she was squished under Cloud and between Zack and Angeal. Sephiroth, slightly stunned, tilted his head.

"...Seph?" he asked, and Zack and Cloud giggled. Angeal smiled and Genesis smirked.

"Yeah, Seph, you're my nephew's dad, which makes you my brother, which gives me the right to shorten your name because I NEED THE SNACKS, STAT!" she replied, grinning and making grabby hands at the plate.

"Thank you?" said Sephiroth. "I've never had a sister, so I am unfamiliar with the protocol; I suppose I shall hazard a guess and call you…Teef?"

"Yes that's perfect, Seph, THE SNACKS."

"Oh, of course…Teef," Sephiroth handed them over happily and spent the rest of the night nursing a soft, warm feeling in his chest, and ignoring Genesis' attempts to make increasingly ridiculous nicknames for him.

—----

"SEPH!"

Sephiroth was still tumbling in the whirlpool of Kadaj's memories, but he heard Tifa's yell and kicked himself in the metaphorical pants. She deserved better than this weakness.

So he began to swim.

This was so, so familiar, but it wasn't everything. He pushed back against Kadaj, first with memories of what he found in the Shinra manor basement; all of Hojo's traps and plans were laid bare. It hurt to remember that time, Jenova's voice seducing him as he was forced to face his upbringing and biology, but it resonated with Kadaj, he could tell.

Kadaj forced his own memories of hearing Cloud scream. Sephiroth responded; Kadaj had heard Cloud's hurt, but Sephiroth had heard his strength and love too. His soft pats on his dads' knees and angry yells at Jenova leave his dads alone. The word "Daddy" piercing through Jenova's lies. Cloud's sweet, tender nose bleeding from her machinations, his focus all on saving his friend.

She wasn't a good mother. Cloud's family was protective and promised good things just like she did, but they didn't command their baby to kill.

—------

Kadaj's growl resonated in the stony room, and Yazoo and Loz winced.

"What's happening?" Tifa demanded. "Yazoo! Loz!"

They both shuddered.

"Our brothers are fighting over Mother," said Yazoo.

"I do not like it," said Loz, lower lip trembling just a bit. "They are scaring the little one."

"You mean Cloud?!" Tifa exclaimed.

"Yes," whimpered Loz. "He is frightened as he sleeps."

"Well, can you do anything? Can you, I don't know, shield him or force him to wake up?"

Yazoo's eyes brightened and he grabbed Loz's hand.

"I'm unsure, but we can try, can't we, brother?"

Loz nodded eagerly and grasped his hand back.

"We will try."

They shut their eyes and dove into the swirl, seeking their baby brother.

—------

Angeal was worried; Cloud had passed out again during a panic attack, and still seemed to be suffering. His vitals were heightened and his thin, delicate skin was too warm.

He kept humming, holding the boy close to his chest–the only thing that seemed to help at this point.

—-------

Loz and Yazoo skirted around the fighting, linked together and trying to find their baby brother. It was hard; both Sephiroth and Kadaj's emotions and memories were strong, their pull like the tide. But they had work to do.

There! Twisting, sad, scared little Cloud. The brothers tried to surround him.

Loz didn't know what to do – in the past, comforting his brothers mostly centered around thoughts of revenge and world domination, but Cloud was upset by those. They'd known very little peace, comfort, fun, or brightness, having been cloned and raised in the labs, and only escaping that very day.

So Loz floundered for a bit before seizing on something sure to bring happiness: CRICKETS! He knew Cloud loved them, and he did too! He shared the memory of Tifa handing him his first, and how good it was. Sweet and nutty with a satisfying crunch. Lab food was rarely crunchy, or smelled this good!

It worked, a little; Cloud's presence calmed just a touch, distracted by the remembered sensations and a glimpse of Tifa.

Yazoo took the cue from Loz and remembered how Tifa had taught them about nephews and Cloud's mother. Not Mother, his…his real mother?

Cloud brightened again. Both older brothers beamed at their success. Now to convince him to wake up…

—-----

Angeal caught the change as it happened. He was so in tune, listening to every beat of Cloud's heart, that he noticed the tiniest pause as it started to slow down.

Then his breathing eased, and the little twitches of his hands and scrunches of his chubby face smoothed out, then, all of a sudden, Cloud was blinking slowly and looking at his dad.

"Dad?"

"Yeah, sugar, Dad's here," said Angeal, kissing Cloud's forehead.

"Dad, kitties say I gotta stay 'wake," Cloud said, rubbing his eyes with both fists. "M'tired, n Daddy's upset."

"I think staying awake is a good idea, cupcake. Daddy's pretty tough, and it's less overwhelming when you're not asleep, right?"

Cloud nodded.

"Right, then let's stay awake if we can, Daddy will be happy if you're safe."

Angeal cringed before he took a deep breath, and through gritted teeth, said, "And let's get a SOLDIER soda as a special treat, ok?"

Cloud's eyes nearly popped out of his head. The caffeine and sugar content had been prohibitive in the past, for both Cloud and Zack, on Angeal and Lazard’s orders.

"WEAWWY?"

Angeal sighed again.

"Yes, sweet pea, just this once, to help stay awake."

"AWIGHT!"

—-------

Loz and Yazoo gasped a little as they came back to themselves in the temple.

"Well?" asked Tifa, eagerly.

"Baby brother woke up," said Yazoo, smiling.

"We helped him stay away by remembering crickets!" Loz grinned.

"Great job, you two!" said Tifa, patting them on the arms.

"Hate to interrupt," Zack interrupted from where he was frozen by the entrance. "Teefs, you ok?"

Tifa waved.

"A bit banged up, but I'm ok," she said.

"Yes, we carried her and did not let her fall!" Loz chirped.

Zack and Genesis looked puzzled. Rude looked stoic.

"Then you wouldn't mind if I cast a healing spell on her?" Genesis ventured.

Loz and Yazoo looked at each other for a long moment, then nodded.

"Yes, we accept," said Yazoo.

"I like the wo- Tifa," said Loz.

"Is, uh, he gonna be a problem?" said Zack, pointing to where Kadaj and Sephiroth were frozen together.

Yazoo and Loz tilted their heads.

"I don't believe so," said Yazoo.

"Kadaj is busy," said Loz.

"Oh, I haven't introduced myself," said Zack, bouncing in place a little and waving. "Hi! I'm Zack Fair, with the hair! This is Genesis, Rude, and you seem to know Sephiroth. What are your names?"

"Yazoo."

"Loz!"

"Fantastic," said Genesis, dryly. "Casting now."

Thankfully, Kadaj didn't notice or didn't care, and Tifa slumped in relief and exhaustion as Genesis' powerful spell washed over her, still held by the brothers.

"Mind if I pop over?" said Zack. "I just wanna check on her."

"Very well," said Yazoo.

Zack carefully trotted over, hands in plain sight.

"So, you guys look just like Sephiroth, are you related?"

"He is our brother," said Loz.

"His DNA was used to form us, and we share Mother. Though she…" Yazoo trailed off as Zack checked Tifa's pulse.

"Yeah, I met her," said Zack. "She was there for you in the labs, right?"

They nodded uncomfortably.

"My mom is great, she was there for me every day, she gave me food and shelter, and she's really cool. I think you'd like her! She's a lot like Tifa, actually. And our friend Aerith. Honestly, Angeal too. Real great moms. I bet they'd love to meet you some day." Zack babbled as he worked. Tifa seemed ok, she'd just fallen asleep and was coming around. "Have you ever had apple cider?"

The boys shook their heads.

"Oh man, it's just perfect on cold days! Gen's mom made him learn how to make it, right Gen?"

"Yes, Banora apple cider really is perfect to ward off the chill," said Genesis, slowly walking closer, still keeping a wary eye on Kadaj and Sephiroth.

"There is a chill in here," said Yazoo, a little reluctantly.

"Yes, I have been feeling it more as time has gone on," said Loz.

"Maybe cuz ya ain't wearing shirts!" Zack said.

"We had to remove them because the small one vomited on us."

"...all three of ya?"

"Yes, the volume was almost impressive."

"Truly prodigious."

"Yep, little Spike is like a fire hose of ick once he gets going. Trust me, he's a lot more fun and friendly when he's feeling better. And, y'know, not being kidnapped!" Zack laughed. Genesis glared at him. "Maybe if y'all chilled out, we could all hang out together! What's your deal anyway?"

"I am confused," said Loz. "I thought we already established there was a chill here?"

"Oh! It's a way of saying 'calm down'!" Zack said.

"We…we were planning on destroying this…vile…earth," said Yazoo, sadness creeping into his voice as conviction dropped away.

"What?! Dude, nah, the earth's great! Ya gotta get to know it at least before destroying it."

"I agree with Zackary, it is only fair and sensible to experience something before casting judgment," Genesis said. "You have all known a great deal of strife and torment, but there is much more to life than that."

Chapter Text

Grandpa Lizard and Little Lizard were both assisting Cloud with his work today: SOLDIER mission assignments.

"Grandpa Wizard," Cloud said. "Mr. Motowcycwe likes rocks, he should go to Cosmo Canyon.”

"I agree, it's been a while since he's been out there. Though I didn't know he liked rocks, when did that come up?”

"Oh he said he likes to rocks and roll, which is siwwy, because the motowcycwe wheels roll, not Mr. Motowcycwe.”

Lazard nodded sagely.

"I see. Very well, to Cosmo Canyon Mr. Roche goes. How about your Puppa Zack?”

"Hmmm," Cloud said, stroking his chubby chin thoughtfully. "Cosmo Canyon. Puppa likes rocks too. He keeps saying 'that rocks' even when it's not rocks. He maybe needs hewp identity them. Maybe Mr. Motowcycwe can hewp.”

"Good point, I'll make a note in his continuing education file. How about your Dadgeal?”

"Cosmo! Mr. Red's Grandpa Booger-havin said something about cricket cake, and Dad likes to bake cake." Cloud's eyes gleamed.

"Hmm, and I suppose if he learns how, he can share with you?”

"Yeah!”

Lazard smiled at the utterly guileless tactician in his lap.

"Very well, how about your Papa Gen?”

"Papa says 'infinity in mysterious is the gift of, um, the lettuce?' so maybe somewhere with chocobos so he can learn that lettuce is just a plant and doesn't give presents. Chocobos are very smart.”

Lazard pet the chocofloof springing up from Cloud's wise noggin, and grinned at the thought of Genesis Rhapsodos quoting Loveless at a bunch of very uninterested birds. Oh, and the efforts he would have to go to to keep his coat unpecked...the horror on his face as he navigated around the droppings...chocobos were very smart indeed.

"Yes, I agree completely. I think we should send your Uncle Kunsel to help him.”

Lazard did not say "...and to take videos for my personal entertainment", Cloud did not need to know that detail.

"Yeah, Uncle Kuns likes chocobos! Daddy too.”

"An excellent choice, young man.”

Sephiroth would have a brilliant time watching Genesis get harassed, and the chocobos would covet his long silver hair and make the most wonderful nests with it. Another great photo op for Kunsel.

Chapter Text

Kadaj was growing angrier by the second. His brother wouldn't listen. Why wouldn't he LISTEN?! Mother had clearly spoken to him too, they both remembered her. They both remembered her cool voice, her soft whispers, her strong promises. Kadaj knew, because Big Brother showed him.

Big Brother had stabbed her, but that wouldn't have killed her. She, like them, was made of sterner stuff. She would forgive him. (Nevermind that she had been quiet for some time, that her whispers felt like memories and visions nowadays. She wasn't dead, she couldn't be.)

—----

Sephiroth's chest ached watching Kadaj's memories. He understood, more than anyone, every moment of despair, every scrap of hatred. He had lived it too.

He knew the numbness and indifference you had to wrap around yourself to survive. Hate faded into bitter resolve, then cold determination, then to a little dormant grenade waiting for the slip of a pin and release of a lever when the time was right. His pin had been pulled once, and now Kadaj's was loose.

—-----

“...there is much more to life than that,” said Genesis.

Loz, to his surprise, found himself nodding. He stopped immediately and looked guiltily at Yazoo.

Yazoo…Yazoo looked tired. His eyes glazed over, staring at nothing for a long moment. Then he looked up at Loz, searched his face, and strangely withdrew from their brotherly bond. He looked at Kadaj. He looked at Sephiroth. He glanced at Zack’s soft grin and Genesis' concerned expression, and at Rude in the corner. He looked at Tifa.

—----

Loz felt uncomfortable being cut off. Kadaj and big brother were busy, the little one was far away and awake, and Yazoo had shut him out. He shifted back and forth nervously.

“Hey man,” said Zack. “You ok?”

“Ye-es,” Loz replied hesitantly.

“OH! I know! Are you hungry? I brought snacks! Here, try a protein bar!” Zack drew one out and peeled it open. It looked like the nutrient bricks from the labs, but smelled better. It was no crickets, but…

“Ok,” said Loz. It tasted as good as it smelled. This kept happening. These people kept giving him snacks. Good snacks, without demanding he kill a monster or get zapped in return. The little one seemed happy. Big brother seemed happy. He looked at Yazoo just in time for their gazes to meet, and Yazoo opened back up.

Loz felt the exhaustion wash over him again, along with a warm little spot of hope. Yazoo wanted to…to give up? Loz was confused, they planned this for ages, this was their destiny?

But was it? Yazoo seemed to say. Was it really necessary to destroy the entire planet? Right now?

Loz crumbled. No, he didn't want to. Not while there was a Tifa and protein bars and crickets and the little one and warm air and just not hurting for once. Yazoo agreed, then looked at Genesis.

“What will you do if we abort our mission?”

—--------

Sephiroth was making no headway with Kadaj. All the light and happiness he showed him, all the redemption and peace he had found, none of it meant anything to a screaming teenager who had only, ONLY known anger and pain.

Sephiroth thought back to Cloud ripping off the doorpost instead of taking a bath, and climbing onto the refrigerator to avoid the doctor. Tifa had talked to him about it–Cloud wasn't mad at baths, or unable to understand things like being clean and healthy, he was scared and he missed his mom.

Only it wasn't inanimate objects Kadaj was threatening; he had already hurt Tifa and Cloud.

Sephiroth was angry about that. But his heart also ached for this young man, practically a copy of himself. It was time for a different tactic. Sephiroth had displayed hope for the future and truth about the past. It was time for truth about the future and hope for the present.

—--------

Genesis' gaze was sharp and penetrating.

“I suppose we will ask that you not attempt to kill anyone. Cloud likes you, so I imagine he will want us to house you while we determine next steps, though I will not permit him to be alone with you until you have proven you won't kidnap or hurt him. If you are concerned about experimentation, there will be none of that for anyone. We killed Hojo after he hurt Cloud.”

“We don't like Shinra,” hazarded Yazoo.

“Frankly, I have my reservations as well,” replied Genesis. “If it helps, the president and several of his associates are also dead.”

“Will there be food? What about mako tanks?” asked Loz.

“Oh, dude, there will be SO MUCH FOOD. It takes a LOT to fill an enhanced stomach, heck, I feel like I spend most of my time eating!” Zack said, grinning broadly. Genesis snorted. “And no mako tanks. We're working out how much we need mako to stay healthy, but after Hojo died, we found out pretty quick that the tanks were overkill, er, I mean too much!”

“If by ‘we’, you mean ‘Gillian’, but yes, there will be food and no mako tanks,” said Genesis, trying to look down his nose at Zack. It was hard because the puppy was taller than him now.

Loz and Yazoo looked at each other again.

“I think,” said Yazoo. “We will not destroy the planet today.”

“Great!” chirped Zack, then jerked his thumb over his shoulder at Kadaj and Sephiroth. “Uh, what about him?”

“We will discuss it,” said Yazoo, and he and Loz abruptly tuned into the fight.

—---------

“KADAJ!” Loz projected. “We wish to withdraw!”

Yazoo hurled his feelings of exhaustion, hope, and relief from talking to Zack and Genesis over the bond.

Both hit Kadaj like a slap to the face.

His own brothers. His kin. How could they?! How DARE they?!

His internal scream of rage swirled through the maelstrom of malice he had been casting at Sephiroth, whipping the storm into a higher frenzy until it broke free of their psychic bond and came out of his throat.

“RAAAAAAAAAAGGGGHHHHHH!!!”

The onlookers jumped, surprised by the outburst from the formerly silent teen.

“NO!” screamed Kadaj. Suddenly, his arms moved to start casting, but were caught instantly by Sephiroth.

“No,” said Sephiroth, bear-hugging Kadaj, trapping his arms at his sides. “That is enough.”

“IT IS NOT ENOUGH! IT WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH!” Kadaj yelled, spurts of deadly fire shooting from his hands. “YOU ABANDONED US!”

“I did not know you existed. Cease casting, you will hurt yourself,” said Sephiroth.

“SHE LEFT ME!” Kadaj’s own legs were being burned, and his scream carried a sob. “THE WORLD WILL BURN!”

Time to end things. Sephiroth could feel his own legs burning and used the sensation to fuel his wrath, which had been simmering just under the surface since he first lost Cloud.

“IT WILL NOT,” Sephiroth roared, pushing all his authority into his voice while shoving his personal promise into Kadaj's mind, dearly hoping that Cloud was indeed as awake and distracted as he felt. He unlocked that part of his mind that he had hidden since Nibelheim and Hojo's kidnapping, the part filled with unholy ire and vengeance, the part that even with Jenova’s absence was fierce, raw, and hungry.

No one, not his blood, not Cloud's friends, not even he himself would be allowed to take Cloud's health and happiness. No one would take his child's world, even over his dead body. Visions of other universes and timelines pulsed with his rage and tenacity, glimpses of Sephiroth's revived corpse burning towns and destroying planets seared across their strange psychic bond, all at once with no reprieve.

Everything stilled.

“She left me!” Kadaj sobbed again, the pain from his legs setting in, fear shaking the edges of his words. “She left me, just like all of you!”

“We wish to withdraw from our plan, not leave you,” said Yazoo. “Please, you are hurting yourself.”

“Brother,” said Loz. “Please.”

“I will be alone again,” said Kadaj, still struggling weakly in Sephiroth's firm hold.

“No,” said Sephiroth, then silently projected the memory of his birthday. He was holding Cloud, a bit of icing tickling his cheek, surrounded by gifts and smiles and hugs. Angeal hovered within reach, ready to supply him with whatever he needed. Genesis waxed poetic, but left a warm hand on his shoulder. Zack bounced around, taking pictures and telling Sephiroth how handsome he looked in his flower crown. Tifa cheered them all on, giving both him and Cloud a peck on the cheek when she handed him her gift. “Ours are not alone.”

Sephiroth hadn't realized before that moment, but between Cloud's care for the trio and his own empathy, he had decided they were his. That must be why he hadn't used deadly force, he thought, holding up and hugging Kadaj as much as he was restraining him.

At some point, Loz and Yazoo had joined Kadaj. Each grabbed one of his hands, and unwilling to burn them and weakened anyway, Kadaj stopped casting.

“Just withdraw,” said Loz.

“Together,” said Yazoo.

“Cloud would be happy,” said Sephiroth.

“Ok,” whispered Kadaj, and passed out, tears dripping down his cheeks.

Chapter Text

It was a while before Kadaj woke up. When he did, he found himself strapped down and began struggling, only to feel a powerful sleep spell overtake him almost instantly. He wanted to fight it, but he felt his brothers’ calming presence nearby and gave in.

—---------

“Dude, did you just sleepel your own brother?!” asked Zack.

“Yes? His thrashing would have destabilized the helicopter,” said Yazoo calmly.

“Yes, our brother can be unpleasant when he wakes,” said Loz, munching on another protein bar from Zack’s seemingly endless supply.

“Once, he bit the head off of a scientist who ended his sleep cycle early,” said Yazoo.

“It was most amusing,” said Loz.

“Do you mean lite-” Zack began, but Genesis clapped a hand over his mouth.

“Zackary, do not ask questions you don't want answered. You two, are we clear on the understanding that there will be no killing of humans unless your lives are at stake?”

Loz and Yazoo tilted their heads and looked at each other.

“Yes, these terms are acceptable, as long as we may kill those who threaten our comrades’ lives,” said Yazoo.

“That is reasonable,” agreed Genesis, perhaps too readily according to Tifa's raised eyebrow.

Getting her out of the temple was a hotly debated topic between Sephiroth and Rude’s eyebrows, and was about to involve Loz when she solved the issue by waking up and deciding to walk out by herself.

Loz offered to carry her, but she reminded him that he wasn't wearing shoes. Then Sephiroth offered, and they all had a chat about taking care of one's own BURNED FEET before offering to carry others. Finally, Rude was met with a kind smile and a shake of her head. She'd been hauled in; she'd walk out.

—---------

Cloud had indeed been awake and distracted for Sephiroth's outburst, but he still felt the echoes of it. It was scary and he jumped a little, but it was followed quickly by calm from all his Sephikitties.

“Daddy made everyone take a pill chill!” Cloud chirped, interrupting his own lecture on the highly academic topic of ‘whatever is in Cloud's mind at this moment’.

“Chill pill, baby bear,” corrected Angeal, smiling. “Glad to hear it, do you know if everyone's ok?”

“Yeah and bears are so coow! Dad, do you like bears? When I grow up, I’mma fight a big bear and be his friend and we'll ride motowcycwes together round and round and do bears eat motowcycwes? I don't think so but maybe they do and I have to make sure he eats dinner before riding round and round SUPER FAST…”

Angeal chuckled. This was the best he was going to get while Cloud was hopped up on SOLDIER soda.

—----------

There had been some debate over where to take the trio, though it was ultimately decided that they would rendezvous with Angeal in Fort Condor. This turned out to be Cloud's preference; he shot out at the first opportunity to check on his Aunty Teefs and Daddy Sephikitty and Puppa and Papa and Mr. Wude and the other Sephikitties.

Tifa snagged him immediately in a fierce bear hug, pawing through his hair to check for head wounds and attacking him with cheek kisses, earning uncontrollable giggles that eased everyone's hearts.

—--------

It didn't take long after they arrived for the trio to feel the weight of such a busy day (and toddler germs). Loz and Yazoo were feeling weak and queasy when Cloud trotted up to them and gestured for them to get closer.

They obeyed instantly, and he mashed each of their foreheads to his own in turn.

“Dad, I think they have femurs!” Cloud exclaimed, climbing up on Kadaj's cot to check him next.

“I think you mean fevers, pumpkin,” replied Angeal. “You three are looking a bit pale, let me see…” he rummaged around in a nearby med kit. “Yes, thermometer! Alright, now hold still.”

“NO!” Yelped Loz, shoving Yazoo, Cloud, and Kadaj behind him. Everyone in the room startled, some reaching for their weapons or materia.

Cloud scrambled down and tugged on Loz’s pants.

“It's ok, Woz, it just checks for femurs. Here, I show you. Dad, do me!”

“Of course,” said Angeal. They must not be used to sane medical care, just like Sephiroth and Cloud. “Loz, it's alright, all I'm going to do is hold this device up to Cloud's forehead. It will detect his body temperature and make a noise when it has a good reading, which will show up on this screen here. I can even do it to myself, see?”

Angeal demonstrated on his own forehead, then when Cloud wiggled past Loz, on Cloud's.

“May I or Cloud check you and your brothers now?”

“It's ok,” said Yazoo, weakly.

Loz nodded and let Angeal check all three of them. Angeal went slow, telegraphing his movements and explaining as he went. He showed them each their readings–all elevated, and immediately went into Dad mode, heating up tea and providing cool wet rags.

Cloud volunteered as his loyal and super duper helpful assistant, trailing after his dad like a duckling and commanding everyone around him with all the authority only a tiny chocobo could muster.

Sephiroth had expected to feel more tense than he did, watching Cloud interact with the trio, but he could sense their protectiveness over him and relaxed, despite Cloud almost getting run over as he darted underfoot while “helping”.

“Wie down, Yazoo. Yes, and put the covers on wike a good boy. Papa says staying cozy is important if you're sick.”

“Thank you, Cloud, but I am not cold.”

“No. Papa said be cozy.” The chocobo would have his way, regardless of Yazoo’s feelings, and his foot stamping emphasized the point.

“Angeal, are you sure Cloud should be in here if they're sick?” asked Zack, quietly.

“Don't worry, pup, I'm pretty sure I know what this is,” said Genesis, interrupting Angeal. “Loz, Yazoo, you said Cloud threw up on all of you?”

The pair nodded solemnly, and Yazoo subtly squared up to look more intimidating in case Genesis tried anything.

“Ah yes, I thought so. Cloud's…excretions seem to have that effect on those of us whose DNA has been tampered with. Don't worry, it should pass soon enough. Sephiroth had the worst of it, but is fine now. It took several exposures and several days of sickness each time, if my calculations are correct.”

Since no attack seemed to be forthcoming, Yazoo relaxed and coughed a bit, prompting Cloud to shove a wad of paper towels in his face.

“Dad says cover when you cough and sneeze!” Cloud chirped, with zero awareness of his hypocrisy. “If you're contagious, it can get everyone else sick. WAIT. PUPPA! I NEED TO CHECK EVERYONE ELSE FOR FEMURS!”

Cloud scurried over to the thermometer, then up to Zack, bouncing with urgency.

“Puppa, do you have a femur?”

“I have two, little Spike!” Zack proclaimed proudly.

“HURRY AND SIT DOWN!” Cloud exclaimed, tugging forcefully until Zack complied, then scrambling into his lap. “DAD! PUPPA HAS TWO FEMURS!”

Tifa stifled her giggles in Rude's shoulder in the corner, while Sephiroth and Vincent smiled the same, tiny smile. Cloud, however, was not amused.

“Puppa, stop waughing and howd stiww!” Cloud demanded, almost bonking his father on the head as he tried to activate the thermometer. It beeped, and Cloud read the number, utterly perplexed. “Dad, it says he's ok, but he said he had TWO!”

“Munchkin, Zack is playing with you. He doesn't have a fever, but he has two femur bones,” said Angeal, petting his little bird.

“Yes,” said Genesis. Here, I'll write it down for you. See, femur with an ‘m’ means the bone, and fever with a ‘v’ means an elevated temperature.”

Cloud's little yellow brows furrowed in concentration.

“But the Sephikitties have femurs?”

“Fevers, my chickadee. And femurs. They each have two femur bones, and they each have a high temperature, also known as a fever,” said Genesis.

“Where?” said Cloud.

“Here and here,” said Zack, patting Cloud's legs. “And mine are here and here.” He patted his own.

“Huh,” said Cloud, then patted Genesis' thighs. “Here and here?”

“Yes, darling.”

“Here and here?” He patted Angeal's.

“You got it, sugar plum!”

Cloud grinned, then laughed, then ran around to everyone in the room, patting their legs and asking if that was where their femurs were.

This was the scene Kadaj woke up to: a room full of laughter and newfound knowledge.

Chapter Text

Loz and Yazoo were the first to notice Kadaj waking, and quickly surrounded him.

“Brother we are safe,” said Loz.

“Brother, we are with the little one and Big Brother, they have cared for our wounds and we are sick due to the little one's vomit,” supplied Yazoo, using his body as a shield to protect…he wasn't sure himself whether it was for their companions or his brother, it just seemed necessary to stand between them right now. Kadaj groaned, almost petulant. Loz patted his head.

“Are you in any pain?” Angeal asked, hovering worriedly at a safe distance. Kadaj glared, but Yazoo poked him.

“Only the normal amount,” grunted Kadaj. Angeal sighed; he was used to this, unfortunately.

“The normal amount is zero pain. Where does it hurt, and would you like some medicine?” asked Angeal.

“No!” exclaimed Kadaj, before falling into a coughing fit. Once he regained his breath, he tried again. “It is just where the materia is embedded, nothing unusual.”

Yazoo and Loz nodded along.

“Yes, we are used to this pain. The mild aching from the fever is also acceptable,” said Yazoo.

“Are you sure?” asked Angeal, wary of pushing the issue, but longing to help his, no, THE, THE new children. “I have a mild painkiller and fever reducer, acetaminophen. Cloud takes it when he feels sick, though we don't have his usual flavors, just pills.”

“No!” Kadaj said.

“He means it will not make a difference to us, we will metabolize it too quickly to be effective,” translated Yazoo.

“Ah, like Sephiroth, of course. Well, I do have SOLDIER-strength dosages if you change your minds or want to try, any of you. I’m enhanced, and have felt better with two of these pills,” said Angeal, holding up a bottle labeled for SOLDIERs only. “I don't think you are in danger from the fevers at this time, so I won't press the issue.”

All three of them relaxed minutely. They'd had enough people forcing mysterious substances on them in their lifetimes.

“What will be done with us?” asked Kadaj. “We have surrendered our plans for the time being, but we will not be subjected to experimentation or Shinra.”

“Oh!” said Tifa, standing up. “That's my cue. No experimentation, no Shinra, we all promised, right everyone?”

The men around the room nod, and Yazoo and Loz confirm it.

“Of course, your brothers have also promised not to kill anyone unless they or their loved ones are in danger. Can you accept that too or are we going to have a problem?” Tifa continued, raising an eyebrow.

Kadaj gave the question consideration.

“Maiming?” He asked.

“Also off the table, except if your lives are in danger,” said Tifa. Kadaj frowned, as did Loz and Yazoo. “If it helps, the vast majority of humans living outside of the labs do not maim each other. The risk to yourselves is low and we are just asking you to meet the same basic expectations as, say, myself.”

“I will kill anyone who harms the child,” said Kadaj, firmly.

“Me too,” said Tifa. “Or beat them up real bad until Cloud is safe.”

“Like you fought with us,” said Kadaj.

“Yes,” said Tifa. “I also intend to protect you as much as I can, just like with Cloud.”

Kadaj looked surprised, then sceptical, but Loz smiled and Yazoo kicked his feet.

“I suppose I can avoid maiming and killing for the time being,” said Kadaj.

“Great!” Tifa chirped and smiled. “Then I'd like to offer you a home with me, my friend Aerith, and her mom, Elmyra. I spoke with them on the phone and they agreed. It is in Midgar, a big city, but it is outside of Shinra, so we will be close enough to meet with Cloud regularly, but far enough to not be in the Tower.”

All three teens blinked owlishly.

“YES!” said Cloud. “Stay with Aunty Teefs!!! An’ I come say hi AWW the time! And Aunty Aerith. She got a BIG stick that can go WHACK! WHACK! On bad guys and she got pretty flowers too.”

“We will confer,” said Kadaj, imperiously.

Cloud kept extolling the virtues of the ladies while Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo's eyes glazed over. After a few minutes, the teens returned to the present.

“We will accept, but we will kill, maim, and destroy anyone who attempts experimentation or harm,” Kadaj said. “We are not weak.”

“I understand,” said Tifa. “And so do Aerith and Elmyra. No experimentation. Aerith would like to look at your arms and try to make the materia hurt less, but only if you say it's ok.”

“No experimentation!” Kadaj stated, wheezing a bit with all the excitement.

“Ok, I'll tell her you said no for now. You can change your mind later if you like,” said Tifa.

Kadaj frowned, but nodded.

“Wet’s go home?” Cloud asked, tugging on his nearest dad’s pant leg. “Wanna show the kitties my night light and bwankies and motowcycwe schematics and…”

“Of course,” said Sephiroth. “Let's go home, all of us.”

Chapter Text

So they went home. Cloud struggled with the travel, but having the three brothers and his Daddy helped him deal with his helicopter allergy. They purred (even Kadaj) and used their mental connection to help distract him, since he was still caffeinated from his SOLDIER soda and the meds weren't helping as much.

When they got home, Aerith and the trio bonded quickly over their distrust of Shinra, enthusiasm for Cloud and Tifa, and love of chaos. Kadaj especially latched onto her and the pair were rarely seen apart. Truly a terrifying duo when it came to pranks.

Loz made a deep connection with Elmyra, and she taught him the joys of cooking and glaring dangerously at random men who wanted to talk to Tifa and Aerith. If his bulk was intimidating before, it was frightening now when combined with a look of motherly disapproval and disdain. There were never any problem patrons when he worked the bar when he got old enough, pink frilly apron and all.

Yazoo and Tifa enjoyed each other's quiet company, whether they were running Seventh Heaven, installing water filters, or fighting monsters. Yazoo helped Tifa improve her stealth and Tifa helped Yazoo stop threatening to strangle people in casual conversation. They both helped Kadaj stop biting at people (Aerith did not help, she in fact told him biting was fun).

Cloud and one or more of his dad's came often to visit, and eventually the boys agreed to visit Cloud and his Dads, even though they lived in the Tower. It was hard every time, but they grew to trust the dads, especially Zack and Angeal, to have their backs. It didn't hurt that Zack and Angeal were the ones most likely to have good food on them at any given moment.

It also took a great deal of time to convince the trio to let Aerith and Genesis look at their materia shards. Hojo, true to form, had cruelly embedded the magic elements under their skin, and it took the combined skill of Aerith, Genesis, and a local surgeon to free them. They refused general anesthesia, but seemed unbothered during the procedure.

“I do not hurt,” said Loz, marveling as he looked at his arms after they healed. “I am in no pain.”

Kadaj looked off-kilter and Yazoo was quiet.

“Yeah bud,” said Zack, handing Loz a bowl of Mac n cheese (for optimal recovery, of course). “Nice, right?”

“Yesh,” said Loz, around a bite. “Nishe!”

Despite their dazed expressions, Kadaj and Yazoo nodded along. It was nice. Very nice.

—---------

Everyone except Cloud was surprised when a boy with soft silver curls, a monocle, and a data pad showed up in Sephiroth's apartment one day.

“Hi Chadwey!” said Cloud, waving. “Do you need combat data? The new Sephikitties can pwobabwy hewp!”

Zack yelped in shock, Sephiroth did a double take, and Chadley just nodded.

“Yes, that would be most helpful. Will you introduce us?” Chadley asked.

“Yeah!” Cloud chirped.

Later, Cloud and his dads had a long discussion (well, long for Cloud: 10 whole minutes) about how many people he was psychically linked to (“Just me and the kitties!”) and the importance of telling your adults when you hear voices in your head.

—-----------

The next new family member was more of a surprise for Cloud than Chadley was, and had everyone immediately on edge.

“Puppa? I finded a sad man over there, can we hewp him?” Cloud asked, tugging on Zack’s pants.

“Cloud, you know you need to come get Puppa before talking to strangers!”

The look of disdain Cloud threw should not have appeared on a child's face.

“Puppa, that's why I comed to get you,” he huffed.

“Ok, ok, but how did you know he's sad?” Zack asked, letting himself be dragged. Cloud ignored him and just ran up to a man on a bench in a tattered poncho.

“Hi Mr. Sad Man! I Cwoud. Me and my Puppa hewp.” Cloud announced.

The man looked up and Zack gulped. Blonde, spiky hair. Blue eyes. A sassy grin.

“Sup, kid?” said the man.

—

Many questions, answers, hot cups of tea, and tearful hugs later, and a new family member was absorbed into the group: Grandpa Glenn, aka Gwenndpa.

Having been Sephiroth's uncle, more or less, Cloud found it only fitting that he was of the same generation as Grandpas Lizard, Fair, Vincent, and Rhapsodos.

Glenn complained about his fate, but Genesis assured him it was far preferable to showing up as Cloud's deadbeat bio dad, because all the father slots were fully occupied, thank you very much!

Glenn agreed in the end, Cloud definitely had a perfect set of Dads of SOLDIER already.

Chapter Text

“Hey guys!” Tifa said, grinning at Cloud, Sephiroth, and Zack. Loz, Kadaj, and Yazoo sped past her to envelop Cloud in a whirlwind of giggling play-fights. “Thanks for watching them today, they really needed Cloud time.”

“I understand completely,” said Sephiroth, nodding solemnly.

“But just a heads up: we've been learning a lot about fairness, bodily autonomy, and human rights lately, and we're all a little…intense about it at the moment,” said Tifa, grimacing.

“I do not believe I have seen you be intense recently,” mused Sephiroth.

“She's talking about the kids,” said Zack, glomping Tifa in a hug. “No worries, Teefs, we'll make sure everything is all fine and dandy! We've been learning about fairness too with our Stamp show.”

Tifa and Zack exchanged knowing nods: Stamp was an excellent educational tool for young minds.

“Ok well y'all have fun!” Tifa said. “Bye Loz, Yazoo, and Kadaj! Be good!”

“I do what I want!” said Kadaj.

“Bye Aunty!” said Loz.

“Farewell,” said Yazoo.

“Bye-bye Aunty Teefs!” chirped Cloud.

It wouldn't be long before Sephiroth and Zack discovered why Tifa had warned them.

—------

“I got your nose!” Zack crowed, his thumb sticking out of his fist in an unconvincing mimicry of a human nose.

“No Puppa!” Cloud giggled. “Give it back!”

“Ok, unless…BAM!” shouted Zack, using his hands to take Yazoo’s “nose” and put Cloud's in its place. “I SWITCH IT WITH YAZOO’S! MWAHAHA!”

“Puppa nooo! That's MY nose!” Cloud yelled, still giggling.

“I did not consent,” said Yazoo. “Return my nose immediately.”

“Oh, right! My bad,” said Zack, and promptly complied.

Cloud looked (and felt, across their bond) a little disappointed, so Yazoo thought it over for a second.

“I have changed my mind. I consent to the game, you may steal my nose,” Yazoo declared, leaning towards Zack.

“Hmm,” said Kadaj. “Mine too.”

“ME ME ME!” shouted Loz, and soon Zack had no shortage of noses to swap and steal, and quickly lost track of who had what.

“Puppa I want mine baaaack,” whined Cloud, getting tired of the game.

“Ok Spikes!” said Zack and popped a nose back on Cloud's face.

“No,” said Kadaj. “That one belonged to me.”

“Oh, sorry!” said Zack, and swapped Cloud and Kadaj.

“MINE!” yelled Loz. “It's not fair, that one was mine! Give it back! I want miiiiiine!!!”

“Return them correctly,” said Yazoo, pulling out a knife. Where did he get a knife?!

“Where did you get a knife?!” Zack asked. “And I will, but I lost track, can you help me out?”

Yazoo tilted his head, considering whether he would assist this bumbling knave when his beloved Loz and Cloud were getting upset. Zack held up his hands in front of himself, each holding an imaginary nose in a faux-prayer mode.

“Please?” Zack asked.

“Very well,” Yazoo agreed, and helped Zack identify and return everyone's snoot to the rightful owner.

Zack heaved a sigh of relief upon completing the task, then Sephiroth had to go and open his big mouth.

“Gentlemen, Angeal prepared us a shepherd’s pie for lunch, shall we partake?” Sephiroth said, having just pulled said pie from the oven.

Cloud cheered and led the herd of silver-headed ducklings to the dining table.

“I insist on equal portions,” said Yazoo.

“Yes, or else,” said Kadaj.

“Of course,” said Sephiroth, and since there were six people in attendance, dug the spoon in to cut the pie into halves, then each of those into-

“THEY'RE UNEVEN!” shouted Loz.

“We must be fair, Tifa insists!” Yazoo demanded, watching with an eagle eye.

“FOR CLOUD!” Kadaj shouted.

—----------

When Tifa arrived to pick the boys up, Zack looked at her balefully.

“You weren't kidding,” he said.

“Oh boy,” she commiserated. “Did we start yelling about the consent of the governed?”

“So much,” said Zack, rubbing his ears. “I stole the wrong noses, Angeal made a circular pie that was all squishy…we had to dig out a scale to weigh each portion down to a tenth of an ounce.”

Tifa grimaced.

“Yep, that tracks. Did they threaten to throw your tea in the bathtub?”

“Yes,” said Zack, flopping onto the nearest surface.

“Aw, but they're so cute all cuddled together like that,” said Tifa, pointing to the pile of silver curled around a center of gold on the couch. “You must have done a good job to wear them out so well. Thanks Zack.”

“Mrp,” said a sleeping Sephiroth, who was part of the cuddle puddle.

“And Sephiroth,” whispered Tifa. “Guess I'm here until naptime is over, huh?”

“I certainly can't stand to wake them up,” said Zack. “Props to you if you can.”

“Nope,” said Tifa. “You're stuck entertaining me.”

“I'll take it,” grinned Zack.