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Crystal Clear	By : MystIc19 Category: Final Fantasy VII > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1058 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 21
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- 23
The days seemed to be crashing into each other, eventually turning into weeks. Despite whatever life distributed time didn�t stop for anyone.

Kyo�s death was getting deeper and deeper into the past as the days rolled by and daily routines progressed. Cloud didn�t bounce back from it right away, but also it didn�t hold him back as much as Zack had thought it would�.and he wasn�t sure if that was a good or bad thing. Sure yeah he didn�t want Cloud to drown in misery, but he didn�t know if his approach to the situation was healthy or not.

The day after the blonde found out about his friends passing he didn�t step foot out of the apartment, or the bed for that matter. He was unusually quiet and if he did cry it was silent, crystal tears falling from pained blue eyes. He didn�t make a sound and often just stared out into the distance.

Zack had called in that day canceling his assignments, he couldn�t leave Cloud by himself at a time like that. And even though the blonde didn�t utter one word to him the SOLDIER knew he was grateful just to have his presence. It was a silent understanding between the two, Zack would just be there with him, he didn�t need to talk to comfort his lover but just be there. And if Cloud did want to talk then that was fine�but he didn�t.

And then after that day there was no more tears, at least not that Zack saw and Cloud had gotten up. The SOLDIER had fed the recruits colonel an excuse that the other was sick to cover his absence from the previous day and he assumed that it may be that way for a while, but Cloud was ready to get back to things.

Zack wanted to question him, ask him if he was sure and that he shouldn�t push it. But he decided that maybe he shouldn�t, he didn�t want to rattle the fragile state that Cloud was in. And maybe this was how he dealt with something as tragic as what had happened. Maybe he didn�t need to be lying in bed where his mind could keep tormenting him of thoughts about his friend that he lost. Perhaps it was better to get back in the game, to keep him busy so that he couldn�t dwell on the situation.

It seemed like a good idea at first anyways, but Zack couldn�t deny that even though Cloud tried to brush it off and move on that something was different about him. It was like maybe the blonde lost a little piece of himself when Kyo died�and maybe he did. But something was missing, maybe it would come back later�but then again maybe not. Maybe tragedy affected a person in such a way that whatever damage was done was non repairable.

They didn�t talk about it at all after that, it was almost as if it hadn�t happened. Zack wasn�t sure if it was good for Cloud to completely deny it, after all it was his best friend but�if that�s how he coped with it, then what else could he do? Everyone handled things in their own way.

Turning the doorknob to the apartment the SOLDIER stepped inside before closing the door quietly behind him. He let out a tired sigh as he kicked off his boots and made his way further into the place. The lights were all off except for the faint glow of the television that was flickering in the living room. He spotted the blonde curled up on the couch with the phone in his hand, fast asleep.

Crossing over to the couch Zack looked around for the remote before picking it up from the table and clicking off the television. He gently took the phone out of the boys hand before carefully pulling him up a bit, getting ready to haul him to bed. But the blonde woke up anyways from the small movement and rubbed tiredly at his eyes.

�Hey,� Zack spoke quietly with a smile before kissing the other on the forehead.

�Where were you, I called you at your office,� Cloud began immediately while pulling himself up more on the couch.

�I wasn�t there, I told you I had some dinner meeting to go to,� Zack explained while helping the other off of the couch.

�That was tonight?� Cloud asked as Zack led him down the hall.

�Yes,� the other replied as they entered the bedroom, �I told you to stop waiting up for me Spike.�

�I wasn�t I fell asleep watching TV,� Cloud answered while crawling into bed.

Zack smiled while shaking his head. He knew Cloud was lying, but he understood why he did it. Cloud had always been worried when he was away on assignments or if he had to be out late regarding work or something. But ever since Kyo�s death his worry had only grew, and if Cloud couldn�t catch him at his office and it was late he would wait up for the other, even when Zack told him not to. He always made up an excuse so that it would seem as if he weren�t waiting up but really�it wasn�t that hard to figure out.

After changing out of his SOLDIER attire Zack climbed into bed beside the blonde while wrapping his arms around him protectively.

Cloud let out a content sigh before closing his eyes, but not before reading the clock. It was late and he had to get up early for watch duty. But he didn�t mind being a little tired the next day. It was worth being a little sleep deprived waiting up for Zack knowing that he would be able to sleep in his arms once he got home. That he was safe and resting beside him. He wouldn�t sleep soundly until he knew that�he couldn�t.

xxx

Leaning against the wall the blonde stifled a yawn while blinking his eyes rapidly. His lack of sleep from the night before was getting to him, but it was his own fault really, it was fine though he could just finish his shift and then go back to the apartment and crash. It was fairly slow actually, not many people passing through, perhaps it was because a lot of the SOLDIERS were on assignments, and the cadets�well they weren�t allowed to step off the premises during early hours, they had classes in session.

Hearing footsteps near he pushed himself away from the wall getting ready to do a standard check before freezing in his movements altogether. Now there was a face he hadn�t seen in a while.

�Are you here to relieve me?� He asked, his voice seeming to hold no certain tone to it whatsoever.

�No,� the ex SOLDIER replied with a shake of his head, �I was assigned to this post�but I wasn�t told to relieve you.�

Cloud frowned while keeping his gaze fixed on the other for a moment longer. He was always assigned this post, always during the same hours for the most part, and he was always alone, he never had a partner. So why the hell would he have one now?

�There doesn�t need to be two of us here,� the blonde continued while beginning to walk away, �I guess my shift must be over early.�

�Wait,� Jin quickly began before the recruit had gotten to far away, �I don�t want you to get in trouble for leaving. I think they were saying something about extra security since like�I don�t know President Shinra is arriving back from some sort of trip. Maybe that�s why they wanted two here by this gate.�

Stopping in his tracks Cloud let out a bit of a sigh. Now that Jin had explained that he did recall hearing his colonel saying something about heavy security when the President arrived, but he didn�t know when or where that was going to be exactly�but it looked like it was here and now.

�Fine,� he spoke quietly while moving back to where he had previously been standing while leaning up against the wall and crossing his arms across his chest. He kept his gaze downwards, feeling like he would drift off to sleep at any moment really, though he wouldn�t let that happen.

�They finally let me into Special Ops,� Jin began to speak out of nowhere after a while. Maybe it was because the silence was beginning to get to him. �I guess they didn�t know where to place me for a while but they did have me working non stop, so it�s not like I got a break or anything��

�Talking isn�t necessary,� Cloud replied quietly, still keeping his gaze on the ground. They may have to be on the same watch shift but for the love of Shiva that didn�t mean that they had to interact like they were pals.

�Sorry,� the other mumbled while running a hand through his hair, �it�s just I haven�t seen you in a while,� he continued.

He says that like it�s a bad thing. He didn�t reply but simply just let out a bit of a sigh. Why the hell did it have to be so slow today? He was wishing that somebody, anybody would pass through just so he would have an excuse not to talk with the ex SOLDIER.

Jin let gray eyes roam over the recruit for a moment, he looked tired if not anything else. And more or less slightly annoyed probably wishing for his shift to just be over.

�Cloud,� Jin began while keeping his eyes fixed on the other, �I�m sorry about Kyo.� He knew that Kyo and he were good friends, and he hadn�t gotten to see the blonde in a while to tell him he was sorry for his loss. After all word of the SOLDIERS that were lost during the Wutai assignment was all over the facility right after it happened.

He noticed the way Cloud tensed from the mention of Kyo�s name and how his eyes closed for a moment before opening again.

�I thought,� Jin began before taking a breath and reaching into his pocket, �you might want this.�

Hearing Jin�s words the blonde kept his eyes downward for a moment longer before lifting them a bit in curiosity.

There in front of him was a silver beaded chain that was holding a thin flat piece of silver oval shaped metal on it. His friends name was inscribed on the small plaque along with his SOLDIER ranking.

He felt his heart slam against his chest as his eyes widened just the slightest. �Where did you get that?� He asked while letting his eyes move to Jin.

�His room was a few doors down from mine,� Jin began while looking at the dog tag that was dangling from his fingers, �they had packed a lot of his stuff after he�I guess they sent it back to his family, but I found this in the hall, they must�ve dropped it.�

After he�

Keeping his gaze locked on the object before him the blonde didn�t even blink as if it would somehow vanish if he did so. This was it, the only thing left behind from his friend. The only thing he could remember him by aside from his own memories. Just some small object engraved with a few words that signified a person that was once living�

�I don�t want it,� Cloud replied quickly while turning his head and dropping his gaze once again.

�What?� Jin asked completely confused while giving the other a strange look.

Cloud didn�t reply, he was certain that the ex SOLDIER had heard him.

Letting out a sigh Jin looked at the item before placing it back in his pocket. �Fine, I can just give it to his officer, I�m sure he�ll send it back to his family then.�

When he was still answered with silence the other frowned before shaking his head. �You act like you don�t care,� Jin began while narrowing his eyes slightly, �wasn�t he your best friend?�

Even though the blonde still didn�t say anything Jin knew that he had heard him. He seemed to suck in a breath upon the mention of those words but that was it.

Studying the other Jin couldn�t tell if Cloud was just in a bad mood or didn�t want to talk about it. Then again maybe he just didn�t want to talk to him�after all he did make him upset a while ago when he had been bad mouthing Zack. But was that it? He honestly couldn�t tell, there was something different. And if Cloud was still mad about that last time then he would�ve gladly told Jin and yelled at him right? Indeed, he had dealt with Cloud�s temper many many times, and none of those times had caused him to be quiet.

�The fact that you�ll never see him again doesn�t bother you?� Jin continued to question while raising a brow, �seems sort of selfish to me.�

�Shut up!� Cloud finally snapped while turning his gaze upwards towards the other.

Jin couldn�t help but give a bit of a smirk. So he�s not totally devoid of emotion, this is the Cloud I know�

�Why are you still talking!? You don�t know a damn thing so just be quiet!� The blonde continued to rant. How could the ex SOLDIER say that he didn�t care, of course he cared! His best friend was gone, but he didn�t need to be reminded of it every day! He was starting to forget�well maybe not forget, but he was moving on. And he couldn�t do that if he kept having little reminders of the other thrown in his face.

�I think I might know a thing or two,� Jin replied with a tilt of his head, gray eyes piercing into the blue ones before him.

�I doubt that,� Cloud began a bit more softly while running a hand through his hair.

�Kyo was a good person, it�s only normal that you would miss him-�

�Shut up�Jin, stop it,� Cloud started while moving away from the wall, �I don�t want to hear it.�

�Not that you have to obsess over it,� Jin continued as if he hadn�t even heard the blonde�s plea, �but there�s nothing wrong with acknowledging it.�

�I have acknowledged it!� The recruit shouted, �how could I not have? But that�s�you wouldn�t understand.� Looking away he was hoping Jin hadn�t heard the break in his voice, or the tears that had already begun to well up in his eyes. �You can handle this post by yourself,� he continued while moving to walk away.

�Cloud,� Jin spoke softly while catching the boys arm.

�Let go!� Cloud snapped, turning bright Mako eyes towards the other. �You have no right to call me selfish! Or to act like you understand at all! You don�t�don�t�� trailing off his voice lowered not as forceful as he would�ve liked it to have been. He felt a slight tug on his arm and he found himself right in front of the ex SOLDIER, oblivious to the tears that had managed to escape and were now rolling down his face. Before he knew it he found himself in a tight embrace, his arms on the side of him as his eyes widened slightly.

�It�s alright� Jin spoke hesitantly while holding the blonde close to him.

�No,� Cloud began while moving to push away from the other, �let go.�

�Cloud� Jin continued softly, �hey it�s ok.�

No...it�s not. Closing his eyes the recruit couldn�t bring himself to speak that aloud. Warm tears continued to fall from his eyes as he felt a hand run comfortingly through his hair. The fact that it was Jin didn�t seem to cross the recruits mind, either that or it did and he didn�t seem to care, cause at the moment it was nice to be comforted actually.

�Part of healing is accepting it and grieving. Without that�you can�t heal,� Jin explained quietly.

Easier said than done. But he was probably right, Cloud admitted that, Zack had been concerned about him too, though he didn�t speak about it too long the blonde knew that the SOLDIER was still worried.

The way Jin had spoke that though seemed as if he knew from experience�had he lost someone to? Had he been through the same thing once? A part of him wanted to ask but�that was personal, and he didn�t want to pry.

�I�m fine,� Cloud began while moving to pull away again, but Jin wasn�t budging.

�You don�t have to act Cloud,� the ex SOLDIER further explained, �you�re obviously not ok.�

Sure he wasn�t alright now that he had brought Kyo up. He didn�t want to hear about him, he just wanted to not have him mentioned. It probably seemed cold and heartless, but it wasn�t that he was trying to forget his friend�he just wanted to forget this pain.

�I was until you had to bring him up!� The blonde snapped while pushing against the other and trying to pull away, �why did you have to do that! Why did you say all that? I don�t get you! Are you trying to make me upset? You say that you care about me so why would you do that? Why can�t you just leave me alone!?�

Hearing the small blonde shouting at him made his heart break as his eyes widened slightly. He had it all wrong�all so wrong. He pulled the thrashing boy closer and tighter not wanting to let him go until he understood.

�Cloud no, I wasn�t trying to hurt you,� Jin began to explain quietly, �I could tell something was bothering you�I pushed it just a little because I wanted to see if I could stir up some sort of emotion in you. It�s not good to hold it all in. I was just worried about you�I do care about you, don�t ever think otherwise.�

�Stop it,� the blonde replied while trying to hold back his sobs and pull away once again.

�You want me to leave you alone?� Jin asked in a somewhat pained tone while closing his eyes briefly, �then I will. I�ve been doing a lot of thinking and well�I figure that if I do care about you like I say I do then�your happiness should be what matters most. And if�that�s with Zack and not me then�I won�t interfere.�

What? The recruit could hardly believe his ears. Or was he so upset that he was hearing things? �Jin?� He questioned hesitantly.

�I figure I should finally do something right�for once in my life,� he continued while squeezing the other tighter. �But maybe�one day you can forgive me? And�we don�t have to be anything more but at least friends someday. But no rush.�

This was�some trick, right? Wasn�t that how Jin Barton operated? No, no he sounded sincere. So maybe he wasn�t all bad like his father after all.

Remaining silent for a moment Cloud didn�t know what to say, after all he had told Jin to leave him alone more times than he could count�but he guessed he just never figured that it would happen.

�I�Jin�� he was utterly speechless. What was he supposed to say? It�s about damn time! Or, thank you! He honestly didn�t know, and the way that Jin had spoken it just�made him feel sad actually. But it was the right thing�right? Jin had feelings for him, feeling that he couldn�t return, and as long as he was in the picture he would only cause problems and get hurt in the long run. So it was for the better.

He felt the ex SOLDIER tighten his hold on him even more if that was possible as he ran his hand through disheveled golden spikes. He didn�t object to it though, he felt something in this closeness, maybe it was Jin�s way of saying�goodbye? He didn�t know what to say to the other, the older teen who he had deemed his bully and rival since the first day he stepped foot into Midgar, the person who had spewed all kinds of words of hate at him and words of kindness with the same mouth. The kid who made him feel so worthless and yet tried to pick him back up when he fell. He didn�t know what to say to that person, so instead he just lifted his arms from his sides and wrapped them cautiously around the other.

Because maybe in a way, even though Jin Barton had proved to be a mystery to him since the beginning�he was there since the beginning. Like Kyo was. And he had already lost him, so maybe in some strange way he didn�t want to let something else familiar go. No matter who or what it may be, he just�didn�t want to lose anything else. And for the moment�he could act like he wasn�t.

xxx

Breathing heavily the SOLDIER fell onto his back beside the blonde as he tried to calm his racing heart from their last bout of lovemaking. Zack surprisingly was home earlier today than usual, he even beat the recruit back, so they seemed to be taking advantage of the situation as much as they could.

Rolling onto his side the blonde draped a lazy arm across his lovers chest before placing a light kiss there.

Zack let out a sigh of satisfaction as his hand got lost in damp blonde spikes.

�You should come home earlier more often,� Cloud spoke up with a bit of a grin.

�Yeah?� Zack asked while glancing down to the boy, �is this what awaits me if I do?�

�Maybe,� the blonde replied while lifting himself up slightly to look into his boyfriends eyes.

�Hmm you make that sound too tempting,� Zack answered with a wink while pulling down the other for another heated kiss.

�Mm,� the recruit smiled against the kiss before pulling back, �so is that a yes?�

�If it was up to me I�d be back early all the time,� Zack started while letting a hand trail down the smooth skin of the others back.

Cloud gave a bit of a chuckle before leaning down and placing a few kisses on Zack�s neck, �why were you off early today anyways?�

�There wasn�t much we had to do�just some meeting during the afternoon,� he explained a little distracted by the blonde.

�Meeting? Another one? What was it about?� The recruit asked while trailing his kisses downwards.

�Uh, just some upcoming assignments and that sort,� he replied while closing his eyes briefly.

�Oh,� Cloud began while pausing in his movements briefly, �what type?�

�Mm?� Zack began while opening his eyes lustfully to gaze at innocent blue eyes peering back at him.

�The assignments,� Cloud asked again while moving back up a bit so that he was face to face with the other.

�Ah that,� Zack started as his eyes widened a bit. This was something that he wanted to talk to Cloud about later. Seeing as how he was sure it would put a damper on their evening. But he couldn�t avoid it forever so he guessed it was now or never. �It�s nothing big really, but I am going on an assignment with Seph in a few days.�

�What?� Cloud asked in shock as his eyes seemed to grow wider.

�Yeah,� Zack began while pushing himself up a bit, �but it�s not even really a mission�more of an errand,� he joked while putting on a smile to try and lighten the mood.

�And you�were you going to tell me at all?� Cloud asked a little angry while pulling himself up a bit as well.

�Babe,� Zack began while moving closer and taking the boys face in his hands, �of course I was. I just didn�t want to tell you right at this minute.�

Cloud frowned before pulling away from Zack, �so when then? The morning that you were going to leave?�

�Cloud don�t-�

�No,� the blonde began while shaking his head and looking away for a minute, �I just�no, I really don�t want you to go. Can�t someone else go instead?�

�Cloud�this is what I do, I can�t send someone else in my place for no valid reason. Besides Seph wants me to go with him,� Zack explained cautiously.

�Me not wanting you to go isn�t a valid enough reason?� The blonde asked while turning blue eyes back towards the other.

Zack practically winced from the look the boy was giving him, it was enough to make him feel guilty and the tone that accompanied it didn�t help either. �I didn�t mean it like that�you know that I care about how you feel it�s just-�

�Please Zack? It�s just�it�s too soon,� Cloud spoke softly while dropping his gaze to the bed.

He didn�t need to say anymore than that, Zack understood him. He was still really nervous and paranoid about any assignments that the SOLDIER had to go on. But honestly, what could Zack do about it? He had already passed on two assignments that the blonde didn�t know about because he knew he wouldn�t be able to handle him going away. But he couldn�t do that again, he was already pushing it as it was, and besides this was what he did�it was what being in SOLDIER was, and while he understood his boyfriends concerns, Cloud knew that being in SOLDIER had dangerous possibilities. Maybe it had just really set in though since he had lost someone close, but he couldn�t deny it and he couldn�t run away from it forever.

�Look listen to the whole thing first alright?� Zack asked pleadingly while taking the boys hand in his, �it�s just to check out this reactor in Nibelheim. You�re hometown right? So no worries there huh? Something about some monster sightings, we basically just have to go and report back�sounds simple enough doesn�t it?�

�Nibelheim?� He asked curiously. Why the hell would they be going there? He didn�t even know that there was a Mako reactor in that small crummy town. And he thought that Nibelheim was the most dullest place ever so he was surprised that they would even bother with going there even if they did hear of monster sightings.

�Yeah, and you said it�s a small town like where I�m from so nothing to worry about,� Zack continued with a smile while running a hand through blonde hair, �it�s an open and shut case. I�ll be back before you know it.�

Giving a bit of a sigh Cloud looked away in thought. He didn�t care if it was to Nibelheim, he still didn�t want him to go. Something could happen on the way, anything!

Stop being paranoid Cloud! Stop being so damn whiny! This is Zack! There�s a reason why he�s in first class. And he�ll be with General Sephiroth�

�Zack I,� he began still wanting to protest in some type of way despite what his mind was arguing.

�Hey,� Zack spoke softly while tipping up his chin and looking into his eyes, �trust me okay?�

Trust me�

And with that�was it enough? Every time his boyfriend had said those words to him things were fine, he had never managed to disappoint him once. So he had no reason to start doubting now really.

�Okay,� he breathed quietly with a small nod. Though he didn�t want him to go and wanted nothing more than to hold onto him and never let go�he knew he couldn�t. He couldn�t stop living life because he was so afraid, and he definitely couldn�t stop Zack from living his. Besides, Zack was a first class SOLDIER. And Cloud wanted to be that someday, and that would never prove true if he kept acting this way. Sure yea he was hypersensitive to the Mako and so he may never be in SOLDIER�but they might be able to do something about that some day, and if that day came he wanted to be ready. And he definitely knew Kyo was a great SOLDIER, and he knew that he was aware of the dangers that came along with it and faced them head on, and he knew that he did that even in the end and died with honor. So really, for the recruit to be so paranoid wasn�t good, and if he wanted to make strives forward he had to cast his fears aside. But then again�maybe he just wasn�t as strong as they were, cause he was a still a little nervous about Zack going.

�That�s what I want to hear,� Zack spoke softly with a smile before leaning forward and capturing the blonde�s lips in a sweet kiss, �I love you.�

�I love you too,� Cloud replied while returning the smile before leaning forwards and pressing his lips against the SOLDIERS. He didn�t want to think of Zack leaving him in a few days, he wanted to push it as far away from his mind. All he wanted was this moment, and Zack. To take away all his concerns and worries, and with every touch and every kiss a bit of that seemed to be erased.

xxx

Knocking on the door tentatively the blonde let out the breath he didn�t realize he had been holding. He hadn�t been summoned to the General�s office in a long time so he was wondering what it was that he wanted to speak to him about.

�Come in Strife,� a smooth voice answered from the other side.

Cloud nodded and realized that the man couldn�t see him and so he turned the knob on the door. How did he know it was him anyways? That was a little scary.

Pushing open the door he stepped inside, �I-� he started before freezing altogether. The words seem to disappear from his mind as his eyes focused on the ex SOLDIER sitting in one of the chairs in front of the General�s desk. What was he doing here?

�Strife, please have a seat,� Sephiroth began while looking at the confused blonde.

Nodding a bit dumbly he quickly walked over to the other unoccupied chair and took a seat, but not before glancing at Jin from the corner of his eye. He saw the other return the same questioning expression before the man spoke up again.

�I�m sure you two are wondering why you are both here,� he began while leaning back in his chair on the opposite side of his desk, �so I�ll get right to it.�

He didn�t know why but the recruit was getting nervous suddenly as he swallowed the lump in his throat. Was he messing up his tasks in Special ops? Did his colonel not want him in his unit anymore? But no, what did Jin have to do with any of that?

�There is a small assignment that I�m going to be going on, but I need a few more to tag along. Needless to say I chose you two,� he explained plainly while glancing blue to gray eyes.

�What?� Both of the boys said in unison before turning to look at each other.

�Assignment?� Cloud asked a bit confused.

�Yes, to Nibelheim, I understand that�s your hometown recruit. I figured you would be of use to go along,� he explained to Cloud before looking back to Jin, �and seeing as how a lot of the other SOLDIERS are away on assignments of their own, I find it only logical to choose you. After all just because you were demoted doesn�t mean that you aren�t SOLDIER material. Besides, the two of you were top students in Sergeant Okuda�s class and I haven�t forgotten that�

�Really sir?� Jin asked almost perking up at the General�s explanation.

Sephiroth simply nodded before leaning forward and resting his elbows on his desk, �I won�t make promises but perhaps if you see this assignment through to completion, with no problems, I can talk to your officers and see if they�ll reconsider reinstating you to your previous rank. That is if you prove yourself worthy however.�

Jin�s eyes widened as he sat speechless for a second before nodding enthusiastically. �Yes sir! I will�I mean I won�t mess this up sir!�

�So we�ll see,� the man simply replied with a bit of a nod, �I�ve already talked with your superiors to let them know you�ll be away. We leave in a few days.�

Sitting still somewhat in shock the blonde shook his head. This was�the assignment that Zack was telling him about just the other night right? It had to be, it was to Nibelheim and he said that he was going along with General Sephiroth. He couldn�t believe it! His first assignment, his first real assignment that meant going away from the facility�even if it was only back to his home, he supposed it was still good enough. And the best thing about it was that he was going to be with Zack! He didn�t have to worry so much now, he felt a lot better knowing that he was going to be with him now. He couldn�t help but let a small smile spread across his face. It looked like the General was impressed enough to deem him worthy to go along on an assignment with him, that had to be like�the best honor! Then again�maybe he only wanted him to go because he knew that he knew Nibelheim well, but even having said that the blonde was still excited that he was chose by the General to go.

�I�ll brief you on the rest when we head out,� the General continued before turning his focus on a folder that was in front of him while flipping it open, �you�re free to leave.�

The two nodded before thanking the man once again and rising to leave.

�Cloud,� Sephiroth suddenly spoke up before the recruit had exited out the door with Jin right behind him.

�Yes sir?� Cloud asked while turning back to look at the other.

�You have no intentions on meeting with Professor Hojo anytime soon do you?� He asked while keeping his gaze on the file before him.

�Um,� the blonde began a little thrown by the question, �no sir.�

Lifting green eyes to meet the blonde�s the General nodded, �keep it that way.�

The recruit didn�t have a chance to question anything further as the man turned his focus back to the file in front of him, �yes sir,� he simply replied while slipping out of the door.

Jin closed the door after he exited before turning to look at the blonde, �well this is interesting,� he half joked with a bit of a smile.

�Yeah,� Cloud began while glancing back at the General�s office door, �I guess it is.�

�Did you hear that? If I can pull off this assignment with no problems he might be able to get me back into SOLDIER! This is great!� Jin began while starting to walk away from the door a bit.

�Yeah,� the blonde began with a nod, �that�s�that�s good Jin. I hope it works out.�

The ex SOLDIER gave a small smile before letting his gaze linger on the boy, �hey�what�s up? I thought you would be thrilled about this, your first assignment right?�

Tearing his gaze away from the door the recruit shook his head trying to crush his curiosity about what the General had said to him before he left out. Why was he letting it get to him? He just asked him about Professor Hojo and he wasn�t going to the lab for any reason so what was the problem?

�I, I am, sorry I just�spaced out a little,� Cloud replied while cracking a small smile.

�That�s fine,� Jin answered with a small laugh before shoving his hands into his pockets, �it looks like�we�re going to be around each other for a little while, so�I hope you can tolerate me for a little bit. I know I said I�d leave you alone so��

Cloud felt a little guilty at that, and wasn�t like he wanted Jin to feel bad, after all he didn�t set this up the General did. And he understood why the man would, both Jin and he were obvious picks for an assignment like this.

�Jin it�s�don�t worry,� he spoke while stepping aside to allow a Shinra staff employee to pass by.

�Oh,� Jin replied with what sounded like a sigh of relief, �okay good.�

Shifting a little the blonde looked at his watch, �So uh I�ll-�

�Yeah,� Jin cut in while glancing at his watch as well, �I have to get back to my post so I�ll�see you when we get word to head out.�

�Yeah,� Cloud answered before moving to walk away.

�See ya,� Jin added lastly while giving the other one last smile, the smile that Cloud didn�t see much, the one that was actually genuine and sincere and didn�t seem to be tainted with mischief or ignorance.

Turning he walked down the hall and made his way to the elevator as Jin went the opposite direction.

It was only then after everything had settled that it him. Yeah, he was glad that he was going on his first assignment, and that he was going to be going along with Zack�but it just registered that he was going with Zack and Jin. And from what Zack had told him the other night about the assignment Cloud knew that he wasn�t aware that Jin would be coming along, hell he didn�t even know the blonde was yet.

Letting out a sigh he ran a hand over his face, it looks like that train wreck that he was dreading may just happen after all�though he was praying to Shiva that he was wrong.

xxx

A/N: And there is chap 22. Yeah it took forever and a day to finally post, but alas there it is. Though I am so upset with myself because this is not the original chap 22, that one somehow got deleted from my computer�so I literally had to try to reconstruct this from scratch and remember everything that I had in the last one. It wasn�t fun at all, and I know I didn�t put everything that was in the original, when I typed the older one it came out to like 15 pages in word and this one is just over 13. I am so sorry everyone, it was really my fault for not backing up my work. *sigh* anyways I hope you enjoyed it. About 3 chaps to go till the big finale! Or well just the end, hehe. Thanks so much for your reviews guys, if it weren�t for those I don�t think I would�ve even been motivated enough to reconstruct this so quickly.

But just some quick chapter notes, I really wanted to delve into how Cloud deals with his friends death, I think it shows well on his character how he sort of closes up and doesn�t want to feel, sort of his defense mechanism for not being �weak.� And I don�t want people to get it twisted that he has feelings for Jin or something, its more so that he just doesn�t want to lose something else that he knows, its supposed to be a bit weird but�its Cloud no? Like the one thing he swears he hates and pushes away constantly has just become the norm and he doesn�t know how to react to that change. I just wanted to touch on that so that people weren�t confused, but everything else I hope is pretty self explanatory, ah I�m rambling sorry!

Thanks much! ^^ Until chap 23! Ja ne!
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