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The Path to Redemption	By : Nakkinomiko Category: Final Fantasy VII > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1095 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don’t own Final Fantasy VII or any of its characters. SquareEnix does. I make no money from this…I just like to play with them.

Chapter List
- 22
- 23
Disclaimer: I don’t own Final Fantasy VII or any of its characters. SquareEnix does. I make no money from this…I just like to play with them.
A/N: Well, this is the end of this story. Thanks to everyone that took the time to read this one. Amber, only this chapter left in this story, but I do have some side-stories set in this universe that once I get them edited I’ll post them. Muci, I’m a sucker for a happy ending too. I don’t mind character torture if they get their happy ending! Daydreamer, I too love Yazoo and Loz…especially Loz. I’m fascinated by his relationship with Marlene in the movie, especially now that I’ve seen the extended cut of the film. So interesting how she seems to feel safe with Loz in that scene in the forest. I’ve actually written a side story in this AU about the two of them. Once I get it edited I plan on posting it.
On with the chapter!
*****
Chapter 23
Three months later:
Sephiroth breathed a sigh of relief when the apartment complex came into view. It had been an excruciatingly long day at the office, and he was dreaming of how divine it would be to sit down in a chair to relax. He pulled into his assigned spot in the parking garage and wearily dragged himself out of his sleek, black sports car. He walked towards the elevator and set the car alarm as an afterthought. The elevator ride to the top floor seemed to take an eternity, and when it finally reached the top, he was more than ready for his day to be over.
The doors slid open, and Sephiroth had to work to keep from rolling his eyes when the man waiting on the other side suddenly snapped to attention and saluted. He lived in a Shinra-owned complex, and a great deal of the existing First Class SOLDIERS lived there. Sephiroth recognized the young man as one of the newly promoted, and it took him a moment to remember that his name was Jeffrey Anders.
“At ease, Anders,” Sephiroth said, and he couldn’t quite help the laugh that left him. “We’re off duty. You don’t have to salute.”
Anders colored brightly, but nodded and relaxed a little. “Sorry, sir,” he said with a sheepish grin. “Habit and all.”
Sephiroth mentally went over all he knew about the young man. He’d graduated with honors from Shinra Academy, and was one of the most talented SOLDIERS Shinra had seen since, well, himself and Zack. Sephiroth had been the one to administer the arms test on this one, and he’d lasted for nearly twenty minutes before Sephiroth had disarmed him. It was unheard of--most only lasted five minutes against him, if they were lucky. Only two other people had ever lasted that long--Cloud and Zack--and only Cloud had ever been able to beat him. Jeffery would make General in nearly no time at all--Sephiroth was sure of it, and it worried Sephiroth a little, because it reminded him disturbingly of his own past.
From what Sephiroth had seen, Jeffrey Anders was a loner, just as he had been. He was also very pretty, with shoulder-length dark chocolate brown hair, fair skin, and dark amber eyes that glowed like the jewel itself, enhanced as they were with Mako energy. Again, he was reminded of himself as he watched both men and women try to catch Jeffrey’s attention, but to no avail. It wasn’t that Jeffrey was cold, as Sephiroth had been, but he was definitely afraid to allow himself to establish meaningful relationships. As far as Sephiroth could tell, the man had no real friends.
Too much like me, back then, Sephiroth thought. He couldn’t allow it, not when he knew the possible outcome. Hell, he’d lived it, hadn’t he?
“Lieutenant, where are you headed?” Sephiroth asked.
“Was just going to go grab some takeout and bring it back for dinner,” Jeffrey said with a shrug.
“How about you come with me and have a home-cooked meal instead?” Sephiroth said. He delighted in the way surprise lit up the younger man’s face.
“Oh, sir, I couldn’t intrude. . .”
“I insist,” Sephiroth said. He slid his hand beneath Jeffrey’s elbow and tugged him along. “My wife always makes far more food than we need--we never know when guests are going to drop in. My brothers drop in whenever they like. Feeding you would be no problem at all,” Sephiroth said. They’d reached the apartment by then, and Sephiroth opened the door and ushered Jeffery in.
The aroma of roasting meat immediately engulfed them, and Sephiroth found himself grinning. There was probably a whole turkey in the oven, and if he knew Maggie, it was fully dressed and roasting with a pan of vegetables. It was his favorite.
“Wow,” Jeffrey murmured. “That smells really good!”
“Indeed,” Sephiroth said. He paused long enough to hang his jacket on a peg next to the door and the motioned for Jeffrey to follow him to the kitchen. He wasn’t overly surprised to find that Maggie was not alone. Kadaj sat at the table, and Yazoo stood at the counter with Maggie. Yazoo was chopping vegetables for salad.
“Hey, Seph,” Kadaj greeted with a grin. “Who’s your friend?”
“This is Lieutenant Jeffrey Anders,” Sephiroth said. “Jeffrey, these are my brothers, Kadaj and Yazoo . . . and my wife, Maggie.”
Maggie turned from the counter and smiled warmly at them. “It’s nice to meet you, Lieutenant,” she said. “Please come on in and make yourself comfortable. Dinner will be on in a bit. Kadaj, grab him a beer out of the fridge?”
“Sure,” Kadaj said.
“Where’s Rufus?” Sephiroth asked as he stepped forward to hug Maggie in greeting.
“Oh, wrapped up in Shinra workings, as usual,” Kadaj said with a shrug. “I’m going to end up taking a plate home to him, as usual.”
“What about Loz?” Sephiroth asked.
“Um, last I knew, he was still doing paperwork in his office,” Jeffery interrupted. Jeffery belonged to Loz‘s squad, and in fact, was Loz’s second in command. “He mentioned something about heading over to Seventh Heaven for dinner.”
Sephiroth shared an amused look with his brothers. When Loz wasn’t working at being a damn fine Shinra General, he was most often at Seventh Heaven, for the simple fact it was where Marlene was. None of them quite knew how or why Loz cared so deeply for Barrett’s adopted child, but he did. The two had developed an odd bond that a lot of people would have called unhealthy, but their lives were far from normal, and no one in their close circle of family and friends said anything about it. Loz wouldn’t hurt her or do anything inappropriate, and the Ancients help any fool that messed with the girl!
“Well, we won’t be seeing him this evening, then,” Maggie said with a giggle. “Looks like there’s plenty of food to go around then. It’s a good thing Sephiroth brought you along, Jeffrey.”
“Yeah,” Kadaj agreed. He handed Jeffrey an open bottle of beer.
“Um, thanks,” Jeffery said. He was uncomfortable, but was making an effort to be friendly.
“I’ve not seen you around before,” Yazoo said suddenly. He was looking at Jeffery with curiosity.
“I was just promoted this week,” Jeffery said. “I just moved into this complex a few days ago.”
“Hm. That explains it,” Yazoo said with a slight smile. “I’m fairly certain that I’d remember if I had seen that handsome face before.”
Sephiroth felt his brows arch into his hairline at the unmasked interest he saw in Yazoo’s expression, and if the blush on Jeffery’s features were any indication, the Lieutenant saw it too. It surprised Sephiroth, because before now, he’d never really seen Yazoo take an interest in anyone. In fact, right up until a moment ago, Sephiroth hadn’t even been sure if Yazoo’s taste had tended towards men. And it seemed as if Jeffery might be the same, or at least very open-minded, because he didn’t take offense at the comment at all.
Maggie laughed and punched Yazoo in the arm. “Will you knock it off? You and your brothers--always overwhelming people!”
Jeffery smiled a little, and he was still blushing a little. “It’s okay,” he said. “I don’t think I mind.” He sounded a little surprised as he spoke the words.
Yazoo grinned at him before he gave Maggie the arrogant smirk that Sephiroth and his brothers were infamous for. “See, Maggie. He likes the attention.”
Maggie rolled her eyes and gave Jeffery an apologetic smirk. “You’ll have to forgive him, Jeffery. They’re arrogant, all of them, and it’s something I’ve just had to resign myself to.”
“They’ve got a lot to be arrogant about,” Jeffery returned.
Maggie gave him a look of mock horror. “Hush, you! It’ll go right to their heads and then I’ll never hear the end of it!”
Yazoo frowned. “One would think, dear Sister, that you didn’t like us.”
“Nonsense,” Maggie said. She stood on her toes and pecked Yazoo on the cheek. “I love you all dearly. . . big egos and all! Besides, Sephiroth is much more arrogant than the rest of you put together. If I can put up with him, I can certainly stand you!”
Sephiroth smirked and glanced at Jeffery. The man was trying to suppress his laughter. It was the first time he could ever remember seeing anything but a somber expression on that face.
“Now, Sephiroth, be a good husband and set the table, ne? It’s nearly time to serve dinner.” Maggie’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she watched him move to do her bidding.
Kadaj and Yazoo snickered.
“Great and Mighty Sephiroth, indeed,” Yazoo teased.
Sephiroth didn’t mind it at all when Jeffery finally gave in and laughed.
*****
Much later, after their dinner guests had left and all the dirty dishes had been washed and dried, Maggie turned, stood on her toes and kissed Sephiroth hard on the lips.
“You are the most wonderful man I’ve ever known,” she said. “I’m glad you brought Jeffery here, Seph. He’s really nice, and I think he and Yazoo have hit it off.”
“I really just intended to befriend him,” Sephiroth said with a chuckle. “The Matchmaking was rather unintentional.”
“Why did you invite him?” she asked.
“Because he reminded me far too much of myself,” Sephiroth admitted.
Understanding flooded her hazel eyes, and she hugged him close. “You really are a sweet man, despite what other people might say, and I love you, Seph.”
“I should hope so,” he said with a chuckle. “You married me, after all.” He kissed her lips softly. “I love you too, Maggie-mine.”
“Your father left a message on the machine for you. He’s planning a surprise party for Yuffie’s birthday in Utai next month and wants us to be there.”
“I could use a break,” Sephiroth admitted. “I’m assuming he’s invited everyone else, too.”
“Oh, I would imagine so. He said something about making sure we help Kadaj convince Rufus to join us. If anyone needs a vacation, it’s that man.” Maggie sighed and rested her head against Sephiroth’s shoulder.
“Oh, I’m sure Kadaj and the Turks can handle it,” Sephiroth said with a chuckle. He had no doubt at all that Rufus would show up. Kadaj and his friends in the Turks had made manipulating Rufus into taking care of himself into an art form. Rufus would show up in Utai, and would most likely even think that it was of his own volition, even if the rest of them knew better.
“Yeah, I suppose so,” Maggie said. He felt her grinning against his shoulder. “Poor man doesn’t stand a chance, does he?”
“Not at all,” Sephiroth said. He ran his hand over her blonde hair and then buried his nose in it and inhaled deeply. She always smelled so good, a mixture of the soft musk perfume she wore and a scent that was uniquely her own. It was at times like these, when it was quiet and they were alone, that he always paused and thanked the Ancients that they had seen fit to give him this woman. Her love was precious to him.
“You okay?” she whispered. “You’re trembling.”
He smiled against her hair and held her closer. “I’m fine. I was just thinking of you, and how very lucky I am that you put up with me.”
Maggie pulled away a little and smiled up at him. “It’s no burden at all.” She stood on her toes and kissed him, slow and sweet. “Let’s go to bed, ne?”
Sephiroth slid his arms around her waist and hoisted her upwards. Maggie giggled and wrapped her legs around his waist and buried her fingers in his silver hair. Sephiroth kissed her as he easily carried her to the bedroom.
“I hope you weren’t planning on sleeping right away, Maggie-mine,” Sephiroth purred into her ear. “I’m afraid that I’ve other plans for you.”
“I suspect you want to have your wicked way with me, General.” Maggie shifted and nuzzled his cheek. When she spoke again it was to whisper in his ear. “Lucky for you, I like your wicked ways.”
“Indeed,” Sephiroth growled.
Sephiroth made love to her, slow and sweet. He took time to properly worship her, his fingers and lips skimming nearly every surface of her body until she was trembling and gasping for more. Maggie tumbled over the edge as he sheathed himself in her warmth, and it did not take long for Sephiroth to follow her. They shared several deep, penetrating kisses as they recovered.
“Always so good,” Maggie whispered into his ear. “Love you, Sephiroth. Always.”
“And I am so grateful for that,” Sephiroth confessed. He left the bed long enough to find a damp cloth to wipe away the evidence of their lovemaking, and then returned to wrap her in a warm embrace beneath the covers. They drifted to sleep together, dreamless and content.
*****
Rufus was still working when Kadaj finally made it home. He took the plate of food Maggie had sent for Rufus to the kitchen and zapped it in the microwave before carrying it and a glass of wine back out to the living room. He set the plate and glass unceremoniously on top of the papers spread across the coffee table. Rufus chuckled slightly and looked up at him. Kadaj crossed his arms and stared down his nose at his lover.
“I suppose it’s time for me to eat dinner,” Rufus said with a smirk.
Kadaj arched a brow. “It was time nearly three hours ago, idiot. Now, eat. Maggie worked hard to make that. And, by the way, you’re sorry you missed dinner tonight.”
Rufus picked up the plate and sat back on the couch. “Oh?” He took a bite of the turkey and smiled.
“Mm hm.” Kadaj grinned. “I think Yazoo might have a boyfriend.”
Rufus’ brows shot up with surprise. “Really?”
Kadaj nodded and proceeded to tell Rufus about Jeffery Anders. Rufus had finished eating by the time Kadaj had finished the tale.
“Most interesting,” Rufus said. He sat his plate back on the table and reached for his wine glass. “I’ve not met the new officers yet. I guess I’ll go down to the offices tomorrow and introduce myself.”
“You’ll like him,” Kadaj said. He took the glass out of Rufus’ hand and crawled into his lap. His knees straddled Rufus’ thighs, and he wrapped his hands around Rufus’ neck and leaned down to give him a slow, deep kiss. Rufus’ arms wrapped around his waist and pulled him close.
“I think I’ve done enough work for the night,” Rufus murmured against his lips. “I was thinking that a nice, hot bath might be in order.”
Kadaj grinned against his lips. “Would you be wanting company, then?”
Rufus growled, and his teeth nipped at the pulse in Kadaj’s neck. Kadaj arched his head back to give his lover better access. Rufus took it for the invitation it was and bit down harder.
“I love you,” Rufus murmured against his flesh. “More and more each day.” He pulled back and framed Kadaj’s face with warm hands. His blue eyes were brilliant as they looked up at him, full of warm passion and a love so intense that it still scared Kadaj sometimes.
Kadaj felt the burn of tears, and laughed helplessly as they fell. Sometimes the happiness he felt in Rufus’ arms overwhelmed him, so that it seemed the only thing left for him was to weep with joy. Rufus kissed the tears away as they fell, and then kissed him on the lips again.
“Oh, I do love you,” Kadaj breathed. “Rufus, you have no idea how much I love you.”
“Oh, I think I do,” Rufus murmured. “But you’re more than welcome to show me.”
Kadaj laughed even as more tears filled his eyes. “For as long as you’ll have me, Mr. President.”
“How does an eternity sound?”
“Sounds about right,” Kadaj murmured. He closed his eyes as his emotions speared through him, sweet and sharp. When he opened them again, Rufus was gazing up at him, an invitation in his blue eyes and a slight smile playing across his very kissable lips.
“Okay?” Rufus whispered. He reached up to brush away fresh tears from Kadaj’s cheeks.
“Yeah,” Kadaj assured him. He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against Rufus’. It was easy now to forget his past and all the hardship he’d faced. Jenova seemed like a distant nightmare now, and Kadaj knew that if the memories ever pushed themselves to the surface again, Rufus would be there to scare them away and surround him in safety.
Rufus tightened his hold on Kadaj and easily stood from the couch. Kadaj wrapped his legs around Rufus’ waist and rested his head on the President’s shoulder as he carried them to the bathroom. Rufus set the tub to filling with hot water, and then slowly stripped Kadaj of his clothes. Kadaj returned the favor, and by the time he was finished, the bath was ready.
They made love, slow and leisurely, as the water cooled around them. They only got out when Kadaj started to shiver. They dried off quickly, and Rufus carried Kadaj to bed, and promptly made love to him again.
Kadaj pulled Rufus down and kissed him deeply as he was once again brought to completion and the chill brought on by the cooling water was chased away. Once Rufus had cleaned away the evidence of their lovemaking with a warm washcloth, the two snuggled up beneath the warm comforter and settled in for the night.
“Love you,” Kadaj murmured. He burrowed closer to Rufus’ warmth.
“Happy?” Rufus whispered. He asked the question every night, and didn’t mind when the answer wasn’t always positive. Sometimes it wasn’t, because Kadaj was still working through the minefield that was his own psyche. Sometimes the depression was almost unbearable, and even though Dr. Winterfell had assured him it would lessen as time went on, it still frightened him when it became so intense and he had trouble focusing on anything but the pain of his past.
Fortunately, tonight was not one of those nights.
“Very,” Kadaj assured him. He closed his eyes and relaxed into Rufus’ embrace.
“See you in the morning,” Rufus murmured.
“Count on it,” Kadaj replied. Sleep tugged at him hard, and Kadaj succumbed easily, knowing that he was safe in Rufus’ care, and always would be.
*****
End . . . for now . . .
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The Path to Redemption