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Walking Out on Destiny	By : HarliqueenNight Category: Final Fantasy VII > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 2575 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII and all things associated are owned by Square Enix and Testuya Nomura respectively. I own nothing save for the characters and places created for the sake of this fan fiction and recieve no profit in the creation of this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 24
- 25
- 26
A/N: I've had quite the looong hiatus. I've been out of mind and out of sorts getting things in my life together and dealing with my health. Because of this, a lot of ground got covered without you guys. Thus it's VERY long. I think you all deserve a nice long read considering how long it's been. But there are more chapters that I'm cleaning up...i just have to do so slowly. I have lots of issues with my health so I go more slowly than I used to.

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Walking Out on Destiny Season Two

Episode Ten: Building the Foundations

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Tseng practically fell through the door of Vincent's house. He was so tired it was making him sick. He was nauseated from lack of nourishment and he hadn't rested since he'd gotten back. He still had Claude waiting in the Brig to be interrogated. The weight of Veld's betrayal was heavy on his shoulders. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to go back to that office and force Veld to drown in his own blood. He couldn't tell anyone either. He couldn't tell the world that Veld had been the one who had fed his Turks to the wolves, that it was him that gave Tseng a taste of his past just to teach him a lesson. In the words of Reno "this is fuckin' blullshit!"

He plopped down on the couch and put his head in his hands. He was so tired of all this; he needed to kill something, badly.

"Tseng?"

Tseng quickly lifted his head and looked at Sephiroth who'd come out of his room. He blinked a few times, first in surprise and then to make sure he was real. He stood slowly, keeping his eyes trained on Sephiroth. There was a ghost of a smile on Sephiroth's lips and the taller man spread his arms welcoming Tseng to fill them. He did so. Tseng breathed a heavy sigh when Sephiroth embraced him and hugged Sephiroth's waist. He'd never been so relieved to see his brother and wished he could stay like that. Sephiroth looked down at Tseng who rested his head on his chest. He ran his fingers through Tseng's silken hair gently and Tseng felt his worries drift to the back his mind. This was what he missed when he came home. He missed having someone to will the worry away. Now he understood why Vincent liked for them to be home when he got there.

"I heard what happened," he stated empathetically. "HQ's been buzzing about all those orphans that were at that checkpoint. Come sit down and tell me all about it."

Tseng nodded. "I'll make us some tea."

"I'll start the flicks." Sephiroth said, releasing Tseng.

Tseng smiled. Yes, he admittedly missed coming home and telling Sephiroth about his day and settling down for spiked tea and bad movies. He really needed this.

They talked about everything they each had misses since the last they'd seen each other. Sephiroth explained what happened between him and Genesis and his fears about their future. Tseng told him the story about Rude and Reno and his brief stint with Claude while they watched a slasher flick.

"Oh yeah, you sent me a text that day. I was busy at work and never got to answer. You asked..."

"If there was something wrong with me?"

"Right, though hearing about what happened between you and Claude, I now understand the question better."

"I just can't help but wonder if perhaps I'm not suitable as a lover to anyone. I'm not exactly attractive to anyone except sexual deviants. I'm still virgin to sexual things, and I every time someone advances on me, I get the urge to kill them. I feel trapped when they try."

Sephiroth nodded. "You have to give yourself allowances, Tseng. You aren't perfect. I mean, you're the product of a rape; you were trampled on all the way up until you were bought off by some pedophile and sold into slavery. The only people you've had as far as sexual experience is a bunch of men who were trying to break you. You can't expect that sort of trauma not to follow you around."

Tseng rubbed his temple. "I know…but, it just makes no sense to me. I can let Reno as close as he wants when he decides to approach me. I even allowed Claude close but with Claude, when he gripped my hair I just wanted to slice his throat open to make him let go."

Sephiroth paused at that piece of information. Out of nowhere, he quickly slipped his hand into Tseng's hair and yanked the man's head back, just to test a theory. Sure enough, Tseng had a knife out and had it pressed to Sephiroth's throat. That part wasn't surprising. It was the look in his eyes that caught Sephiroth off guard. He expected to find fear, or panic, or even anger. He'd not been prepared to see the confusion clouded with unbridled lust. Sephiroth slowly let him go and made no sudden moved until Tseng lowered his blade.

"Well, that explains that."

"Why…why did you do that? I could've killed you!"

"You wouldn't have," Sephiroth said picking up his teacup. "Tseng, did you know the hair is for more than just exposing a throat to slit."

Tseng rolled his eyes. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"The hair has many follicles that are tightly attached to your scalp. When pulled, they strain the skin like a pinch and send strange mixed messages through your nerve endings telling you to expose your throat to lessen the pressure," he explained.

"Yes, and?"

"The idea that someone has that kind of control over you simply by reflex alone scares you, but it also has the power to cause arousal. You, Tseng, have a fetish for your hair being pulled. The idea that power has been taken away from you excites you. But you didn't know it because you don't recognize pleasure like someone your age should by now. When Claude touched your hair all you could see is your hair being tugged so that you could be killed. How many of those men in the slave ring pulled your hair, Tseng?"

Tseng hesitated on his answer before he responded softly. "…all of them."

"Did it always hurt to you?"

Tseng shook his head. "The madam I lived with used to tug my hair and it would tickle because she'd do it so randomly and so lightly. It would make me laugh. T-Then there was one of the traders; he would rub my scalp trying to sooth me because I was so young. He would rub my scalp like Vincent does, or did rather, and then he would pull slowly increasing the pressure until it got a response from me. He took some kind of notes down though I will never know what they were about."

Sephiroth nodded. "There's nothing wrong with enjoying such pleasures, Tseng. They just have to be administered by the right person, someone you trust."

Tseng inwardly shivered remembering how often Reno slipped his hands into his hair and tugged to the point of pain, remembering how it made him cry out. "Yes, I believe you're right."

"As far as your other concerns," Sephiroth put his cup down and took Tseng's face in his hands. "You believe you're unattractive? You believe you could not be a suitable lover? Then how about this? There are days that I have to remind myself that you are my brother."

Tseng's eyes widened in surprise, but didn't try to break Sephiroth's hold. His gaze was locked with Sephiroth's viper like eyes. Their gaze zeroed in on him like pray and it made him feel light, airy, like he was hypnotized. It was becoming hard to think and he couldn't bring himself out of the trance.

"…brother…"

"Yes, when you say that, the urge goes away. But you're a temptation in just appearance alone and devastating as a whole. I think about sometimes how soft this hair is just like Vincent's and how much I'd love to see it down more often, cascading like black blood around your face. These exotic eyes of yours put the moon over Costa de Sol's shores to shame. They practically glow when you're enjoying something and it isn't just the Mako regimen. Tseng, you're entirely too beautiful and that's why it attracts bad men. They see this beauty, this innocence that you believe you hide from everyone and the first thing they want to do is corrupt it, conquer it, and ultimately destroy it."

"Then…what hope is there for me?" Tseng whispered, not realizing just how close their faces were.

Sephiroth smiled a very warm rising in the corners of his mouth that Tseng had not seen in a long time. "They aren't all like that Tseng. Whether you choose man or woman, they aren't all like that. Some will actually love you. Some will treat you with such care and devotion that you'll get sick of them. When you find them you'll know it." He carefully released Tseng. "But you'll go through many of false positives. Many heart aches."

Tseng took a deep breath and exhaled audibly. "You…you miss Genesis already?"

"I miss his touch, his body next to mine." Sephiroth laughed. "That unbelievably feminine body of his. I swear only a number stood between him and becoming female."

Tseng smiled, humming in amusement. He leaned back on the arm of the couch and propped his head up on his hand. "Reno's no better. He's as slutty as he acts but an amazing Turk. However, I had the strange pleasure of seeing him naked and I can tell you that the Turk uniform does not do him justice."

Sephiroth drew up his knee. "Did you just admit to checking out Reno?"

"He's constantly trying to get into my pants and I like to know what he's trying to get in there with. However, I believe he's found his drug of choice in that Don. Hopefully, he will leave me be."

"Here I thought you were in love." He chuckled. "Whoever manages to find their way between your thighs, Tseng, will be conquered by them."

"You have no idea how disturbing it is to hear you say that."

They both laughed. They talked for a bit longer and watched gory slasher movies until they were both too exhausted to do anything else. They curled together on the couch and Tseng lay over Sephiroth's larger form finding comfort in his brother's comfort. Sephiroth stayed awake a bit longer, watching over Tseng as he slept peacefully against his chest. A sense of dejavu washed over Sephiroth and he remembered how they had been the first night they began to behave as brothers. He smiled. He rubbed the other man's temples and placed a chaste kiss to his forehead. Even though Tseng appealed to his more carnal appetites, Sephiroth knew that he'd never pursue the young Wutaian that way. His body was sacred to him and he felt obligated to protect the fragile sanity that was there. However, he figured there was nothing wrong with helping Tseng find his way to normal life, or rather as normal as it could be.

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"Come here, boy."

Rufus paused in his stride. He had been trying to quickly rush past his father's study but had failed. He hadn't expected the man to be home so early since he was often out gallivanting. He hesitantly pushed the door open and peered inside. It was his father and Heidegger longing about with glasses of scotch. He took a deep breath to somewhat sooth his stampeding heart.

"You wanted to see me father?"

"I hear you've been to the Turk floors more often lately. Want to tell me what you think you're doing, boy?"

Rufus felt his mouth go dry, wondering which if the Turks could've told on him. He went through every name he could think of that knew he had been visiting that floor. Cissinei, of course not Cissinei, she was kind but not stupid. Rod? No, Rod was too much his friend to rat him out. Guns, bless her, was a total mother hen when he'd get knocked out. She wouldn't do anything to place him in danger. Melitta trained him personally when she wasn't tired from the collar jolts Heidegger liked to push on her. Who, who, who….shit. He knew.

"I've been learning hand to hand, father. The activity has been helping with my health."

"Gyahahah, having those Turks pinning you mats is helping your health? I told you Reginald, he's gettin' like his brother."

"Lazard I could care less about," Reginald grumbled. "Come here, boy."

Rufus gulp quietly and dared to get closer. His mother wasn't here to protect him; his brother wasn't here to distract this man. He was alone with nothing to defend himself. He stood before his father, trying to keep his breathing as calm as possible, not wanting to have an attack in front of him. ShinRa put his scotch down with a little trouble, it was obvious he was drunk but was doing well to keep his composure.

"So, you have random Turks pinning you to the mat? I hope they're all female and I don't have to worry about you."

Rufus didn't understand what that mean so decided to be truthful. "No they're not; I have male instructors as well, sir."

"Told you!" Heidegger said with a laugh. "Boy's getting curious."

Rufus flinched. "I don't…understand?"

"You wouldn't would you. Why the hell do you think you need to be learning anything from Turk?"

"I was told they were a good place to start. Hojo says physical activities will help my asthma, is there a problem with me wanting to become stronger, sir?"

Reginald stared at him long and hard before he backhanded Rufus. Rufus stumbled backwards but managed to keep his footing. He couldn't hold in the sudden asthma attack that seized him from the surprise and shocking pain from the blow. He held his mouth, already tasting the blood on his tongue. Heidegger's laugh wrung in his ears and he looked up at his father through angered eyes.

"What are you gonna do, boy?"

Rufus felt a quiet rage burning right in the center of his body but he couldn't summon it to stand against this man. He couldn't do it. He was scared. "Nothing, sir."

Heidegger's condescending laugh weighed heavily on him and when he heard his father's laugh join it, he felt like less than nothing. Lazard was not here to stand beside him and his mother was not here where he could hide behind her. Heidegger shoved him harshly in the back of his head bringing him back to his knees in front of his father. The elder ShinRa stared down at this his heir and scoffed.

"You got eyes like your mother, always defiant and always trying to be in control, yet here you are on your knees in front of me just like her."

"Don't you dare say that about her!" Rufus snapped without thinking and was swiftly met with his father's leather shoe against his jaw. He fell to the side and held his jaw breathing harshly through his nose. He rocked a bit trying to lessen the pain. Reginald laughed drunkenly and stood up.

"I think you need a lesson just like the ones I should've given her!" he spat slipping off his belt.

Rufus turned away and flinched when the belt was raised high to strike him. The planet had to have been watching over him, for right at that moment a knock on the door came.

"Who the hell is it?" Heidegger snarled.

"Veld, sir. You asked me to stop by."

Rufus's hopes shattered. Veld was just his father's lackeys, betraying his own brethren to keep his neck clean. He did not want pity or help from this man. Veld came in at his father's beckoning and only cast him a single offhanded glance like one would when they noticed a dog in the room. Rufus, holding his stinging jaw, quickly jumped to his feet and ran from the room. He ignored the furious calls of his father and the braying laughter of Heidegger. He couldn't stay in that house. His father was drunk and when he was drunk he was determined and when he was determined he was dangerous. He'd spent too many a night while his mother wasn't home listening to the abuse he'd rain down on Lazard. He never spoke of it and Rufus never asked about it. However, he refused to have that happen to him. He chose to get out while his father was handling business with Veld. He quickly tossed any clothing he could in his school bag and rushed out of the house. The cool air stung his face and he didn't want to even think about how swollen his jaw was.

Using some gil he had stashed away, because he feared he would be tracked if used his debit card, he hoped on a metro train that would take him closer to headquarters and far away from the Manor. He didn't know where his mother was since she'd left with Hojo and Lazard was out with a friend. It dawned on him as he set on the cold seats: he didn't have friends...he didn't have anyone to turn to...he had nowhere to go. He kept his head down and tried to stifle the cry that threatened to erupt from his throat. Why did Lazard and mother have to leave him defenseless with that man? Why did they leave him alone instead of giving him somewhere to go? He pushed his face into his sleeve and cried.

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Tseng was up before dawn, his internal clock pushing him up for work. He needed to interrogate Claude later in the morning and he had shopping to do for the house. He sat up realizing he was on the couch and that somehow Sephiroth had managed to move him without waking him. He had to have been exhausted to have slept so heavily. He sat up and saw a still warm light breakfast with tea on the coffee table. He smiled. Sephiroth must have left only a while ago. He sat up and stretched a bit before eating. Tseng's phone vibrated and he had to swallow quickly to answer it.

"Tseng here."

"Hey, I'm this close to frying someone's brain, yo."

"Reno?" Tseng glanced at the clock. "You don't exist at this hour."

"My point exactly. Check your phone. Someone kept ringing me all last night but every time I answered it was just somebody breathing and whimpering."

Tseng made a face. "I'd say someone was playing a trick if it weren't for the fact-"

"That our phones ain't local or listed. Their private numbers Tseng and the calls kept coming from a ShinRa issued cell number. I tried to activate the lojack on it but for some reason my clearance wasn't high enough. So I called you. Can ya find that fucker and put a bullet through his head so i can go back to being nonexistent for a few more hours?"

Tseng hummed. He checked his phone to see numerous missed calls from the same number. "It's one of the executive numbers," he murmured.

"Well go and execute their ass. g'night!" Reno grumbled, hanging up.

Tseng rolled his eyes and dialed back the number. It rung and rung and he almost gave up when the soft click of someone answering rang through the receiver. "Hello?"

A soft whimper and a shuddering shiver came through.

"This is a private number, if you are a ShinRa executive state your name and identification number," Tseng said in a monotone voice, believing he would get Scarlet or Reeve. They tended to accidently dial often since the company phones weren't glitch-free yet. When there was only more of that shivering he rolled his eyes. "Listen, if you do not identify yourself, i will be forced to track your location. I highly doubt you will want the Turks to find you."

"T-Turk?" a child's voice echoed.

Tseng's brows furrowed. "Who is this?"

"R-Rufus...ShinRa. ID code," there was a pause, another shiver and a groan of pain. "ID code number 541902...I...need help."

"Rufus?" Tseng was on his feet slipping on clothes quickly. "Rufus, it's Tseng. I need you to tell me where you are right now!"

"I-I don't know..."

"Are you hurt?"

"Y-yes...my jaw...I'm cold...and I can't breathe..."

Tseng took the phone from his ear and used his administration code to activate the lojack in the boy's phone. He discovered that boy was in the Sector 5 slums. He was somewhere beneath him. Tseng threw his jacket on.

"Rufus? Listen to me. I'm going to alert your parents and I'm coming to get you."

"No!" Rufus rasped and coughed. "P-please...don't...j-just you. Only you. Just you come Tseng. Please."

Tseng paused at the desperation in Rufus's voice. "Okay," he replied softly. "Shh, I'm coming. I'll come alone, just don't move."

Rufus began to hyperventilate. "I'm c-cold...I-I-I don't have my inhaler...help me please."

Tseng whispered a few soothing tones in Wutain as he walked out of the door. He kept Rufus on the line as he used his clearance to take the train down to the slums ahead of everyone. He followed the signal from the phone. Rufus had grown very silent and Tseng could no longer hear his breathing through the speaker. His heart as well as pace quickened. It was his job to protect Lady ShinRa and those Lady ShinRa valued and Rufus was someone she valued more than anything. She'd risked her life to bring him into this world and he wouldn't see that boy taken out of it simply because he wasn't fast enough. His fast stride broke into a run as the GPS showed that he was close. He followed the trace to a rundown warehouse. Tseng drew his gun as a precaution before entering, unsure if this was a trap. Costa de Sol had made him paranoid. It was cold and dark save for only a few boxes lying around and a dim light coming from one of the corners. A small hand lay from behind the gnarled cardboard and Tseng felt his heart sink.

"Rufus," he breathed, running to the boy's side. He touched the pale hand first, feeling how icy cold it was. Carefully he removed the weatherworn sheets of cardboard finding Rufus curled tightly around a book bag, his face swollen and purple. A loud wheezing came from between blue lips. Tseng was not surprised. All of the slums, save for sector seven because of its incompletion, had complete plate coverage and was sealed to the gate. No sunlight ever breached so it was hard for warmth to reach this place. Tseng took off his jacket and wrapped the boy in it before pulling him into his arms, into the warmth of his own body heat. Rufus was barely conscious and his breathing was alarming Tseng. The Turk searched the boy's book sack one handed as he supported the child and thanked whatever gods were watching when he found the inhaler. He pushed it to the boy's lips, hoping the medicine would be enough until he could get him to a physician.

"Rufus? Rufus i need you to open your eyes."

A small delirious whimper came in response.

"I know your hurt," he whispered close to the boy's temple. "I know your cold, tired, and in pain. I know you ran for a reason but right now, you are the most important thing to me. You must open your eyes and look at me."

Rufus could hear Tseng soothing dulcet tones somewhere distant in the haze. He just wanted to sleep, but the voice beckoned him to come back to the cold and the pain. Rufus's eyes only opened a fraction but the sight of those pale quicksilver eyes filled with concern for him would be something he would never forget.

"T-Tseng."

"Sir," Tseng responded instinctively. He held up the inhaler and pressed it to the child's lips. "Breath."

Rufus did so, taking in the medication when Tseng pumped it. After doing so twice, Rufus laid his head exhaustedly on Tseng's shoulder, taking deep breaths of the exotic combination of scents that blanketed the man who held him. Tseng carried the boy from the slums with his backpack over his shoulder. He kept his jacket over Rufus's head, not wishing to expose the boys identity to the thugs of sector five or to the ShinRa troops. Last thing either of them needed was word to get back.

"I t-tried," Rufus whispered brokenly into his ear. "I tried to get stronger as you told me. But...I'm not good. I'm no good alone."

Tseng's expression did not change as he passed the ShinRa guards boarding the train. "Rest, Rufus. I'm taking you home."

"No!" Rufus wheezed breathlessly, not energy in him to fight. "Please...don't take me home."

Tseng sighed, visibly fatigued by this. "Not your home. Mine."

Rufus released a relieved sigh and relaxed against the man that held him upright. "Thank you...you're the only one who came."

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Rufus didn't know when he had fallen asleep, but when he woke, he was in a soft full-sized bed. A cool towel was on his head and he felt beyond exhausted. He remembered running away and finding a warehouse to hide from the Slum crime life until morning. But he didn't expect it to be so frigid and the injury to his jaw had been unbearable. His asthma had hit an all-time high for agony and he didn't know what else to do. Now that he was awake, he realized that he didn't hurt so badly. He touched his jaw, finding it healed. He was dressed in an oversized set of pajamas and daylight was spilling into the room like a welcomed friend. He slipped out of bed and went to open the window, breathing in the fresh air that only above the plate could offer. Clean crisp with a hint of Mako emission. He sighed and looked around a bit before slipping out of the room quietly. He peeked first, hoping not to disturb anyway before padding down the hallway finding the living room. He froze at the edge of the hall hearing Tseng's voice and seeing the man's beautiful profile staring out at the patio.

"No, don't execute him yet. I still need to talk to him. Keep him in the fish bowl a little longer." He ran his fingers through his hair tiredly and Rufus saw a cigarette dangled between his lips. "I know it was a push to take a personal day but…this couldn't wait. I want you to round up all the Turks tomorrow morning, six am sharp...I don't care what Reno says, he will be there. We have things to discuss. No, do not invite Veld. Leave him out of this otherwise we'll all have a leash. Thank you, Melitta. And please, leave Lady ShinRa free of this. I fear it will do more harm than good. Goodbye."

Rufus watched the man take a slow inhale on the cigarette and he breathed to smell the exotic smoke that drifted from between the Wutain's lips and filled the living room. Whistling sound frightened him from the trance that scent caused. Tseng turned away from the patio and went to the kitchen. Rufus didn't know why but he didn't want to be seen. Not yet. He watched the Wutain put out the half smoked cigarette in the sink before taking a sip of what he assumed was liquor. The man sighed and passed a hand through his beautiful midnight hair and made Rufus's fingers itch to do the same. He'd never seen someone who had such a delicacy about everything he did yet at the same time could threaten someone's life with a knife. Rufus remembered that little encounter well.

"Are you hungry?"

Rufus gasped.

Tseng looked his direction. "Your stealth skills are novice at best. I heard you when you left the room. Come, sit down."

Rufus gulped and walked into the living room. He sat down on the couch stiffly, watching Tseng make a strange smelling tea. The Wutain took only a few minutes before he came from the kitchen with a tray and gracefully crouched down, never rattling the set. He meticulously placed each cup in front of the boy and then skillfully poured each without spilling a single drop.

"Wow…" Rufus whispered.

"Hmm?"

"Sorry, it's just that our maid at home can't seem to make it through the week without rattling or breaking the good tea sets. My mother hates it when she serves the tea."

"In another life, I was a servant boy in a brothel."

"You mean you weren't always a Turk."

"Of course, every Turk began as someone else, but we forsake it for this life." Tseng handed Rufus a cup. "Drink this, it will help your asthma and keep you calm."

"Thank you," Rufus took a sip and immediately coughed at the strong flavor. "What the hell's in this menthol?"

"It's mentholated, yes. Drink it." Tseng ordered, taking up his own cup and sipping it easily.

Rufus, not about to be outdone, drunk his quickly, flinching at the taste. Tseng smirked and took the empty cup from him. Tseng put the tray away once he was done and sat next to Rufus on the couch. Rufus tensed up when Tseng's weight lifted his smaller frame slightly. Was he really so small compared to everyone?

"Now, I want you to explain what happened to you last night and why no one but Turk received the call."

"None of the ShinRa Militia responded and the personal guard hung on me. I believe my father told them not to. My mother said if I ever needed help to call Turk because they were to be trusted. I couldn't call Veld because he is nothing but a traitor, so I called you. I called you and I called your partner. I'm glad I did."

"You ran away from home?"

"I had to…I was scared for my life. My father he…" Rufus shook his head. "Tseng, can I trust you?"

"You can, above all others."

"My father was drunk and he hit me…and I believe Lazard has had the same treatment. No, I know he's had worse."

Tseng remained silent, watching how Rufus's fists twisted the fabric of his pants.

"I can't go to mother, she's not strong enough. Lazard gets it enough from him and…Tseng, I don't have anyone on my side. I don't know what to do."

Tseng worried his lip a bit in thought before reaching out hesitantly touching the boy's hair making him turn his way and reveal the tears were threatening to fall. "I am on your side."

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"Cloud!"

Cloud leaned over Zack's balcony spying the beautiful Rosso, her hair a messy punkish cut around her face and rocking a pleated skirt/pant combo. She wore a skin tight tank top that exposed her midriff and a deep red vest. She smirked up at him, her crimson eyes lined with dark liner.

"You stay in that house all day darling. You need to get out. Show a lady a good time?"

Cloud blushed at how her accent caressed his ears. "Um, I don't have a key to this place…not sure I can leave."

"Oh come now darling. You have a phone. Show me a good time…for my pleasure?"

Cloud looked over his shoulder, checking to see if Zack was still in his room and out of earshot. He looked down at Rosso and nodded. "Ok."

Rosso laughed. "Well then, I'll be right here. Don't keep me waiting."

Cloud excitedly pushed away from the balcony and ran into his room, slamming the door just as Zack was coming out. Zack arched his brow at the speed at which Cloud bolted into the room. He was just as shocked when the blond sped out of the room in a pair of cargo pants, black tee, and a button up shirt. His heavy boots thumped on the carpet as he sped past and out the door.

"See ya, Zack, I'm taking your key! BYE!"

"Jeez, kid didn't even make sure he was good enough to leave the house."

Zack blinked and closed his dropped jaw. He went to the balcony and peered down to see where Cloud was off to. He spotted the spikey haired kid meet up with the hot redhead he'd spotted passing through the labs. They smiled at each other, exchanged a few words of greeting before she motioned for him to follow her. Zack quickly took a picture of the two with his phone and forwarded it to Angeal, Genesis, Sephiroth and Hojo with the tag "oo-la-la."

Rosso had taken Cloud to Sector 6 where the international restaurants and import stores were for something like a taste of home. Being a snow dwelling types, they enjoyed hot, heavy meals and Cloud admitted he'd missed his Nibelhiem cuisine. Rosso watched him enjoy himself heartily and when he caught her staring he would blush and look away. When they finished their meals, Rosso encouraged him to go to a café she found.

"I'm not one for sweet coffee, but Dominic tells me that this place serves good for ladies like me?"

"It's a Sertino's!" Cloud dragged her inside, excitedly. "I've always wanted to go to one of these. It's the best coffee shop on the planet and I hear the ShinRa HQ has their own built inside the lobby. Every SOLDIER who's ever been any rank comes here. We gotta have it!"

Rosso laughed. "Calm down, darling. The caffeine isn't going anywhere."

Cloud flushed but shook it off. "Just try it once. I hear it's like drinking heaven!"

"I knew an alcohol like zat once, I didn't wake for two days."

"…the hell does that?"

She shrugged with a smirk.

Cloud shrugged as well and ushered her into the coffee shop. They spent the rest of the day trying out the pastries and coffee types from latte to frappe to espresso until Cloud was so hyped up he could've shot through the roof. Rosso found herself giddy for no reason and slipping into her native tongue from the Northern Crater.

"Ya know what would be awesome, Rosso, I think it would be awesome, know what we should do!" Cloud said in one breath. "We should totally play Zack's video games he has like tons of em, we should totally shoot him. It's like five he's on night duty we should seriously do it! I wanna do it. Let's do it Rosso!"

Rosso shook her head. "We should do eet! We should definitely do eet!" She got to her feet suddenly. "Let's do it! But before we do that, we should totally get a brew! Let's get a brew!"

"Hah you said brew! Zack's got beer, good beer!"

She gasped suddenly. "I think I just heard the planet move!"

Cloud slapped his hand over his mouth and bounced in his seat. "I'm gonna text to Zack that seven shots of espresso is the meaning of life. It makes the planet turn and everything!"

They made their giddy way back home and plopped down on the couch. It took them all of sixty seconds to hook up the console and get deep into gaming, each going through a few bottles of beer. They played fighting games, went online and talked pure shit to Zack's online buddies as they wore them out on games. Their reactions and actions were so fast they shorted out the controllers making them spark in their hands. Cloud stared at his and threw it away when it shocked him a bit. Rosso did the same with hers realizing they weren't going to get anymore gaming done. Cloud sighed and glanced at Rosso as she took a swig of beer from the bottle. She drunk like a Nibelhiem native but still managed to be pretty as a snowfall. Cloud shook his head. He had to be pretty drunk to be full of sappy stuff to say. Rosso glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, her lips still wrapped around the bottle. Her finely arched red brow raised and she pulled the bottle from her cherry red lips.

"Something wrong, darling?" she asked gently.

"I really wanna kiss you." The words tumbled out of Cloud's mouth before he realized what he was saying. He slapped his hands over his mouth, eyes wide and ears going red from embarrassment.

Rosso stared at him for a moment before giving him one of the sultry smiles she'd given him the first day they met. She put down her beer and scooted over to him so that they were barely a foot apart and she sat on her knees in front of him. Cloud slowly let his hands fall from his mouth as he looked into her bright crimson eyes. They were beautiful with flecks of gold near the iris and they drew Cloud in. His body began to lean towards her without his consent and to his surprise Rosso was leaning in as well. When they were nose to nose, Rosso hesitated and said,

"You remember my name, don't you darling? My whole name."

"Yeah," Cloud answered in a slight whisper, his heart pounding with anticipation.

"Say my name once and I'll kiss you. I want to hear you say my real name."

Cloud was slightly confused, but when faced with how pretty she truly was and how, despite her tomboy mannerisms, she was very much a girl. Much more so than Tifa, much more so than the girls back home, Rosso…Rosaria was a real girl and Cloud had a crush on her.

"Rosaria…" Cloud said gently, enjoying the taste of her name.

"Cloud," she said with a soft smile and pushed forward, pressing her soft lips against his.

Cloud's heart flutter and he felt like he could fly for a moment. Despite the taste of Zack's beer on her tongue and the several hits of espresso threatening to shoot him into orbit, Cloud realized that this was the best first kiss he could ever have imagined with any girl or boy. They came together and separated a few times in gentle smacks until Clouds hands slid to her face and held her there deepening the kiss. Her tongue flicked against his lips tempting him and he responded in kind, his tongue clumsily slipping past her lips. They bumped tongues once or twice uncomfortable before they found a common ground and moved their lips together sweetly. Rosso slipped her hands into his hair finding the spikes soft as chick feathers and just as easy to thread. They made out like this for a while before they both pulled apart panting, each forgetting that it was possible to breath in a kiss. Rosso looked at him with a warm smile and lightly flushed cheeks while he was red as a beet and bashfully looking down. His baby blues flicked up at her and they both giggled.

"It's getting late, perhaps I should go home," Rosso said, pushing her hair behind her ear.

"Yeah…Zack will be back soon too. Hey…Rosaria?"

"Hmm?"

"What does…what we just did, does it…are we…do you want…that is."

"Are you asking if I want to go with you?"

Cloud nodded sheepishly.

"Not just yet. Don't get ahead of yourself, darling. I like you but I don't know if I like you that much yet."

"Yeah…me neither. But we kissed?"

"And so we did and I would do it again, but I think we should get to know each other a bit better first before we go together. After all, you don't know anything about me."

"That's true…yeah, your right!"

"Besides, you were absolutely terrified I was going to say yes!"

Cloud scratched the back of his head. "Well I was scared to tell you that I wasn't sure I wanted that."

"Cloud, don't be afraid to say what you feel. Say what you mean and mean what you say," she advised. "You will be surprised how much more quickly you'll get your heart's desire."

Cloud was confused by this statement but it left him with a good feeling. He wanted to try this, wanted to be more outgoing. Even though he was quick witted, he still was no good and speaking with other people. Rosso's advice seemed to make the most sense.

Cloud offered to walk Rosso home but she refused saying she was a big girl. They kissed once more finding they enjoyed it much more than they should and it took a while to separate. They laughed between kisses before Rosso pulled away and placed a finger to Cloud's lips allowing her to make it out the door. They said giddy goodbyes and Rosso glanced back at him once before making her way down stairs. Cloud watched her leave a moment before closing the door and leaning back against it with a comfortable sigh. Midgar was amazing. He had more friends than he ever had, he'd been reunited with his idol and actually sleep in the same bed as him, he was filling out, had a phone, and there was actually a girl who didn't want to kick his ass. Life was just oh so good.

Zack came home a half hour later and peeked in Cloud's room. He found him stretched out over his bed singing to himself and texting away with googley eyes and a goofy smile.

"-you've got a way of making sun shine out the rain…you've got a way of turning ashes into flame…I can't believe your making darkness into light. You're making all my contradiction, turn out right."

Zack snickered at Cloud's soft singing. The kid was twitterpated like a chocobo during mating season. He leaned against the door frame watching the blonde and tried to ignore the pang in his chest. Cloud was his friend and he was happy for him.

l

l

Sephiroth was surprised when his office door opened and Genesis stepped in. He kept the emotion off his face but he somewhere within there was a relief to finally lay eyes on the redhead again.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, commander," he asked, trying to stay professional.

"…Seph…can we talk?"

Sephiroth looked up at Genesis and saw the pleading in those slate tinted eyes. That color always meant Genesis was on the verge of tears, he just wouldn't show it. Sephiroth gestured to the chair in front of his desk and put his pen down when Genesis sat. Genesis stared at his lap, his mouth working but no sound coming. He was trying to find a way to say what was on his mind and Sephiroth, having known him long enough, allowed him the time to collect his thoughts.

"I…was so very wrong for what I'd done to you and Angeal."

Sephiroth gave slow blink and remained quiet.

"I know that I was horrible to you, and that I cheated and I lied. I know what it's like, to feel us grow apart and try to fill the void with someone else. I'm so sorry that this is happening and that we aren't like we used to be."

"Genesis, you think this is what I want to hear. I want to hear in apology but not for what's happening. Do you realize that despite what's happening, despite the fact that I can't..i can't feel for you like I used to, it still hurt that you admitted to not loving me anymore? You told me you don't care anymore and that's something I could never say to you because it could never be true no matter what happens."

"I know…I know, I just…I don't know what's wrong with me. I just, I just wanted so badly to hurt you and I don't know why. I was jealous even though we were doing the same thing. But, when you left…when you packed your things and moved out of our penthouse, our home…I knew it was real that I had driven you away." Genesis reached out and touched Sephiroth's face with both hands, pushing his bangs back from his face. "You don't know how I wept on Angeal when I realized I would not see this beautiful face when I woke in the morning. How there was actually a chance that…that I wouldn't ever kiss you again. By the Goddess, Sephiroth, I'm scared."

"Scared, G?" Sephiroth said gently.

"I'm scared of what's happening to us. Angeal…Angeal is the only one who hasn't changed…who hasn't…" Genesis lowered his head and Sephiroth caught a glimpse of silvery white hairs mingled into his beloved's apple cinnamon mane. Sephiroth placed his hands on Genesis's and pulled them from his face and placed them on the desk. Genesis looked up at him with those soulful slate tinted eyes as he watched Sephiroth reach into his hair. He plucked on of the white strands from his mane and examined it. It was frail, dead hair, aged beyond recognition. It didn't even feel like one of Genesis's soft, pampered locks. Sephiroth's gaze turned to Genesis.

"Gensis, have you been feeling alright?"

"Aside from depression, I've fine Seph. Why?"

"How long have you been getting these?"

"For a month now, been spot dying to hide it but the buggers keep popping up. It's either stress or the Mako treatmeants. Sephiroth, don't worry about me. Please, just let me-"

"Genesis, I-"

Genesis growled in frustration and pulled Sephiroth to him and kissed him. Sephiroth's eyes shut instinctually and he pulled Genesis aggressively over his desk until the redhead was ontop of it. Genesis worked his way into Sephiroth's lap unsure where the sudden burst of passion came from but he would follow it and wouldn't allow Sephiroth to back out. Sephiroth had no intention of releasing Genesis as his tongue parted the redhead's lips and dominated his mouth. They tugged at each other's clothing until the straps on Sephiroth's uniform began to give way and Genesis's turtleneck was lift showing the flat plane of his stomach. Sephiroth tipped him back over the desk with his legs spread around him and ravaged his stomach with his teeth and tongue. As they progressed, Genesis became very vocal; his moans and cries echoing to outside the office mingling with Sephiroth's animalistic growls. Lazard walked by about to head home for the night and froze at the door.

"Goddess, I missed that cock!"

Lazard's eyes bulge and he quickly shuffled past, his face flushed in embarrassment. He really had t work on those fraternization rules.

Sephiroth had Genesis's aggressively pinned down to the desk with his legs spread wide shamelessly. Genesis's finely manicured nails dug into the flesh of his back and Sephiroth's overgrown canines pierced his neck, drawing the slightest bit blood. Genesis howled as he was pounded into over and over, knocking over documents and folders carelessly. Sephiroth growled feral and clung to him as he felt Genesis tighten around him. This was good, animalistic, intense…but this wasn't how it used to be.

"Seph, don't stop, don't stop," Genesis chanted, his voice breaking as his pleasure reached a peek. "OH SEPH!"

Genesis came hard, his head tossed back beautifully and his eyes glowing amethysts of lust. His legs tightened around Sephiroth's waist and Sephiroth came almost simultaneously, filling him to the brim. He laid his head on Genesis's chest, not minding the mess on his abs.

"God, I missed you," Sephiroth said wearily.

"Yeah…" Genesis panted. "But…did it…"

"No. Wasn't the same."

"It wasn't like before."

"It was good but…just weird…"

Sephiroth lifted himself up and looked down at Genesis. "…this is the first time we slept together and…"

"And we didn't feel anything past the satisfaction. Then…then it's over."

Sephiroth laid his head on Genesis's chest. "Yeah…"

l

There's a sickness in my soul,

I don't know but I've been told

It's uncurable

Afterwards, Genesis walked through the door to their once shared penthouse finding Angeal waiting for him, his head tilted in question. Genesis looked at Angeal as if seeing him for the first time in months and took a few uneasy steps toward him, falling into his arms. Angeal caught him and hugged him close, not speaking or questioning.

There's a darkness in my heart

Slowly tearing me apart, it's unbearable.

"I still love him," Genesis whispered.

"I know…" Angeal replied kissing Genesis's forehead.

Drop of blood,

Lake of tears

Baby, after all these years you're still beautiful

Genesis leaned up and kissed Angeal fully, before the man guided him to the bathroom.

"I made you a bath. Wutain Snap Dragon oil."

"You always know what to do, Angeal. I'm sorry I take you for granted."

Angeal smiled and shook his head dismissively. Once their clothing was discarded, Genesis laid against Angeal's bare chest, surrounded by the smell of the one who use to give them all the most comfort.

"I couldn't bring him home…"

"At least you tried."

And I've been loved

And I've been used

Cut wide open, scarred and bruised

I'm unbreakable

Sephiroth stepped into his family home, with heavy feet. His eyes fell on Tseng who sat tranquilly on his spot on the couch, drinking his tea and working. His hair was down from his usual ponytail, and he wore a black button up shirt and sleep pants. Sephiroth stared at him for a long while, seeing the elegant way he shifted the papers and how his pinky was up when he sipped from the tea cup. Sephiroth felt a smile spread across his lips and he closed the door.

Tseng acknowledges him then, his gorgeous gray eyes boring into his own with a welcoming smile. "Welcome home."

Flesh it heals, I know

"I'm home."

Hearts they never mend

Tseng got up and met him at the door, taking his jacket and bag. "How was work?"

Lovers come and go

Girl right now I need a friend…

Sephiroth embraced Tseng. "It was fine."

l

Lucrecia laughed and smiled as she ran through the old mansion, Hojo chasing her like they were teenagers rather than dignified scientists.

"Come on Kanaye, you aren't old yet!" Lucrecia baited.

"My dear you make me act complete fool of myself!" Hojo said in a good natured tone.

Lucrecia ducked and dodged around the ball room, making her escape towards the music room giggling. Her beautiful brown eyes were so full of life and happiness as she leaned against the piano. Hojo approached her and slipped his hands around his fiancé's waist. She looked up at him adoringly and slipped his glasses from his face staring into his dark Wutain eyes. Hojo never quite understood why she always took his glasses off before kissing him. She would always say that she loved the intensity of his eyes when the glasses were off. He wondered if she knew that that intensity was from his inability to focus his eyes well without the glasses. She slipped the tie from his carelessly made ponytail and ran her fingers through his hair.

"How did I capture such a fine, intelligent man, Hojo?"

"The same way I captured such a young bride," he teased, placing a sweet kiss to her lips.

"Excuse me, Doctor, Professor, the bodyguard has arrived."

"ShinRa militia probably," Hojo murmured. He didn't like the idea of having someone standing over his shoulder all the time. Lucrecia held the same expression when he glanced at her. She gave a tiny whine and a pout formed on her lush lips. He smiled and placed a finger to her lips. "Only a temporary setback, Lucy."

Lucrecia smiled gently and they separated to a respectable distance as a blue clad man walked in. Hojo arched his brow. A Turk had been chosen to watch over them? That was suspicious. He was about to rudely dismissed the man until beautifully narrow sherry tinted eyes focused on him. Thin, frail, yet graceful limbs walked slowly towards them with single-minded authority. His hair was a strange sort of discord that swept almost completely over his eye and managed to be messy and stylish at the same time. These were the new Department of Administrative Research, Lady ShinRa's personal guard and investigator. The organization was not fully functional yet, so he did not realize he was staring at the future Commander of Turk. Right now, this was just a boy, barely in his 20s, bowing to him respectfully in true Wutainese fashion and boring into his eyes like a pit viper seeking to entrance. Hojo had never been more enticed by a man in his entire life…

"My name is Vincent Valentine, I've been assigned by the Department of Administrative Research to supervise your work and extracurricular activities."

His ears enjoyed the deep tones of the Turk's voice he almost missed his wife's well hidden gasp of horror. It struck him then. Valentine?

Hojo sat up from his dive into the memories and looked at Valentine who slept peacefully on his home lab table. He went over to him and checked his vitals finding the fluctuating.

"You're dreaming too?" Hojo asked softly. "Or is it the monsters tormenting you? Don't worry Valentine, Tseng will come through for you just as he promised. I envy you on that aspect. Someone unafraid to risk their life and career to save you.."

Vincent's eyes fluttered wildly for a moment before he shifted in his sleep and relaxed once again.

Hojo shook his head. "I wonder…will this body of yours be able to handle what I am to do to it?"

Vincent let out a soft sigh and Hojo touched his cheek. "You have no idea…what things you've reawakened while lying asleep on my table. I guess the question now is…will you abandon me when it's all said and done."

Hojo turned away from the table and walked away towards the bathroom. He didn't notice Vincent's eyes slowly open and his head turn slowly to watch his retreat. He wasn't sure he knew this man…part of him did but he just wasn't sure. He sat up a bit and watched Hojo disappear down the hallway.

He slipped off his shirt and slacks wearily, feeling old and worn out despite Jenova's cells constantly regenerating his body. He pulled the tie from his hair, letting his true black hair fall around his shoulders, proud that Jenova had not changed any of his physical features save for the dark glow in his black eyes. His heritage of Northern Wutai gave him features similar to Vincent, strong chin and cheekbones and a thick tongue made for the elegant language spoken by the nobles of that far away world. Veld was southern Wutain and for that alone, Vincent should never have trusted him. Part of him sometimes scowled when he saw Veld and Vincent together, know the someday Veld would betray him because it was deep in his blood to do so. He'd often wished that he and Vincent could've somehow found common ground even if it was only because they shared heritage and blood. Yet, he couldn't stop being condescending to the gunman. He couldn't stop looking down on him and patronizing him and never knew why. This bitterness over stealing a woman that was hardly his from the start had kept him from possibly knowing the gunman for who he was...rather than for the adulterer who broke the illusion of his loving marriage.

Hojo sighed and removed the rest of the clothing He truly was an old man but those cells kept him in his thirties, kept the true wrinkles away, kept him from living out his life and dying accordingly and while being this way helped him to accomplish great things he almost wished that his age would catch up to him. However he knew that it would not. Live forever…and never die. That had always been the goal. To cure death. He'd done it to himself, to his wife, to his son, and now to Vincent. He looked at his reflection in the mirror with disdain and disgust. He'd chosen Lucrecia because she was in love with his mind and didn't care much about his looks. He had been born plain, nothing extravagant no matter what she'd said of his face. Though, with his hair down, it took more years off than the Jenova cells did. He almost looked like his son with his bangs falling on either side of his face, framing it gently but not as harshly as Sephiroth's. He removed his glasses. He didn't truly need them anymore for Jenova had fixed his sight long ago, but he kept them to hold onto some piece that was truly himself. Running fingers clumsily through his hair that despite popular belief he took care of.

He started the shower and stepped in once the steam encompassed the room. He stood under it, letting the heat relax his muscles and his mind. He pressed his hands against the wall and leaned forward, letting the water roll down his back. Distracted in his own mind he didn't hear the door open. In fact, he didn't notice a thing until he felt a presence behind him. He swiftly turned, ready to attack until he saw Vincent standing with him beneath the spray, the loose pants he had been given clinging to his body. Hojo sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Vincent what are you doing in here? Get back to bed."

Vincent didn't respond. Instead he moved closer, making Hojo instinctually back up, hoping he wasn't about to be on the receiving end of one of the summons going crazy. He flinched when the gunman wrapped his arms around him and pressed close to him. His wet hair clung to Hojo's skin as he rested his head on the professor's shoulder. He rubbed his cheek against Hojo's neck and leaned against the doctor. Hojo hesitantly hugged Vincent to him. The feel of the gun man's body was so solid; he didn't even feel as frail as he knew he was. He could feel the hard heartbeat against him triggered by the immortal beings in his body. That sound from Vincent was…soothing. It kept the voices that often threaten to overwhelm him away. Vincent pulled back slightly and looked him through confused unfocused eyes, showing that even he had no idea what he was doing. Hojo actually felt himself smile when Vincent pressed his nose to his.

"Gallian influencing your decision...or perhaps Hellmasker? Gigas certainly doesn't care about me. He broke my leg last time."

Vincent nuzzled his face unable to convey what he wish to say though he wasn't sure what he wanted to say. He breathed in Hojo's scent, the other presences in his head marking the professor as a protector, an ally, a friend. Vincent pressed his forehead against the professor's being only slightly taller than the man and searched those eyes, finding he invasion, the sickness the creatures spoke of…the reason Hojo had took it upon himself to test the Jenova cells. Hojo noted the pitying look his eyes and turned away, but Vincent wouldn't let him. He tilted his head looking down at Hojo as if seeing him for the first time...with his own mind.

"..i…never hated you…"

Hojo looked at the gunman, unable to hide the surprise.

"Never once…did I hate you…"

Hojo shook his head. "You ignorant whelp," he murmured with no real venom. "Why can't you just loathe me like her? Why do you have to give me a reason to continue this?"

Vincent relaxed against him and Hojo cursed as the gunman fell unconscious on him. He held the man up, under the spray but didn't move. He simply allowed himself one moment of peace to enjoy the feel of another human being in his arms.

"Stop giving me reasons to be a good man."

l

A/N: and there you go. Due to life, the next chapter should be finished in a week or so. Sorry if you thought I abandoned you guys. Totally didn't. Time skip coming up! Woohoo. Less melancholy more fun fun fun. And the little rosso and cloud is a fling, I always wanted to try that pairing out ever since dirge of Cerberus cause I was like that's kinda hawt. But yeah to be continued. More Cloud and Sephiroth next. I just wanted to establish that Gen and Seph's relationship is permantly over. They may screw or something but that's as far as it will go.
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Walking Out on Destiny