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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
- 26
- 27
- 28
A/N: lol here we go! Don't get discouraged. This IS a Cloud and Sephiroth fic. Just watch it unfold and be satisfied :3 Also, I miss reviews. I appreciate those who left them and I love you for it, but to those who haven't more peaz. They keep me getting up and on this story. Im not the healthiest but hearing from people who actually enjoy my writing even if its only a fanfic, make me so happy and make me feel so much better. So keep them coming :3 we can do better than 5.

Um, lets see incentive. I'm actually able to write more often soooo the more reviews the faster the updates. Trust me, I can deliver now.

Walking Out on Destiny Season 2

Episode 12: Cut…

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Cloud waited up for Zack when he came home, feeling content and even a bit giddy after spending the whole day with Sephiroth. He had one regret about the whole thing. He didn't try to kiss him when he should have…he was so scared that it wasn't what the general wanted. He had completely passed up his chance for his first kiss from a guy; one that he really, really wanted. Dammit! He shook his head. Wow, he really was a twink, but he supposed he had to be in order to fantasize over three guys and obsess over one. He stared at his feet trying to understand the feeling he was getting. It wasn't love, he knew that much. However, it was no longer his hero-worshipping crush. Something about being around Sephiroth made his chest want to explode and made him want to cry like a girl every time he left. On top of that Genesis called to something in him that wanted to nurture. It was really weird since he was the smallest one here, but sometimes the Crimson Devil would get these looks where his eyes would be so dark and his gaze so sad. It was like he knew something that the others couldn't possibly know and he was suffering from it. It made Cloud want to stand on his toes, draw the man down and whisper that everything would alright even though he could barely reassure his own mother. Then there was this fluttery thing with Zack he got. They had a lot of close calls behind these walls but Zack always stopped and Cloud was too chicken shit to do anything about that. He wanted Zack to do it…wanted to know he wasn't wrong. He wanted Zack to want him because somehow the idea of Zack not wanting him would be small heartbreak. Zack was not one to just sleep with someone he crushed on otherwise Cloud was certain he would've lost his virginity by now but it didn't stop him from wanting to be right. He wanted to be sure. He was too scared to be wrong about him as well as Sephiroth, as well as Genesis. What the hell was he thinking he couldn't be thinking that about three people? He couldn't be whining about three people who were really out of his league. Ugh, he needed to grow a pair. He was lifted thankfully from these unmanly thoughts when Zack came into the house.

"Zack! Welcome back!" Cloud spouted standing. "You won't believe….the day…I had…"

Cloud lost his voice as he looked at a weary and haggard Zack. The man who was barely older than him was bent over with almost vacant glowing eyes that wouldn't lift from the floor. His clothing was torn and dark spots where blood had dried decorated his clothing. While Cloud was certain it couldn't all be his blood, he was certain that some of it was. He had a patch on his cheek covering what Cloud hoped wasn't an ugly gash and the way he sluggishly closed the door and leaned against it almost broke Cloud's heart. Who was this crestfallen SOLDIER? Where was his Zack?

Zack lifted his eyes noticing Cloud for the first time and a bit of light came to their dullness. "Hey Choco-shit. Have a good day without me?"

Cloud couldn't even smile. He ran to Zack and wrapped his arms around him impulsively and squeezed him tight. Zack was surprised at the action but his constitution was weak and he wrapped his arms around the smaller boy as they both slid to the ground. He didn't have to pretend to be happy right now, he could just relax and ache after a long day.

"What happened?"

"I failed and someone got killed because of it…"

"Oh Zack."

"Someone got hurt because I jumped the gun. I didn't listen to Angeal and someone lost their life because of it. We were ambushed so I only did what I thought was the right idea and…" Zack's chuckle was so mirthless Cloud felt his own eyes tear up. "I'm so gonna get it."

Cloud pulled back slightly to look Zack in the eye. Zack never looked so melancholy to Cloud as he did right then. He had a sad smile on his face that didn't even try to reach his eyes which were still dull from obvious guilt, fatigue, and dread for the coming day. Cloud looked into those eyes, so that fake smile and couldn't help but think how this was not a Zack he ever wanted to see. There was such a thing as missions going bad Genesis had said. He suddenly imagined Zack coming to this apartment alone after one of these bad missions all alone, with no one to tell him to be alright. Sephiroth and Tseng had each other. Genesis and Angeal had each other. Who did Zack have? He was the odd man out. Cloud shook his head.

"Hey?" he said timidly. "It's ok. I know you now and Angeal has always known you. I don't think it was your fault….no I know it wasn't your fault."

Zack laughed humorlessly and lowered his head. "How can you say that when all this blood isn't even mine…"

"Zack, everything's gonna be ok," Cloud said with a genuine smile. "It will be. You just need to shower and rest and everything will look better in the morning."

Zack shook his head fighting back tears. He didn't want to cry about it, he stopped crying over things like this way back in his academy days. He refused to, he didn't want to. Someone was dead. He felt Cloud hold either side of his face and he was forced to look into those never ending pools of blue he had been coming to love more and more.

"Zack, everything's alright."

Zack would never be able to tell anyone what possessed him in such a moment like this one. Perhaps he was just weakened, perhaps it was just the weariness of the day, or perhaps he was acting on the urge he'd been having since Cloud first showed up at his door. Who knew who cared? All that mattered was that he didn't realize he was leaning in until it was too late. His lips connected with Cloud's, eyes closed so that all he could do was feel. Cloud jumped slightly, startled by the action but he did not pull away. No, he didn't and knew he should've. But he didn't. He pressed back, his eyes shutting closed. Zack's lips were chapped and bruised from roughing it out on in the field and gave a nice rugged feel to the kiss that Cloud enjoyed it. To Zack, Cloud's lips were like kissing a downy pillow, gentle, pliable and softer than a woman's. Cloud's hands slipped from Zack's face to his shoulders and finally to cross behind his neck. Zack's gloved hands slid to Cloud's waist, gently tugging him closer and deepening their kiss. Zack carefully nudged Cloud's lips apart making the blond whimper softly as he parted them for the invasion. He delved into the warmth tasting white mocha, Cloud's caffeinated drug of choice. He felt Cloud tentatively, shyly flick his tongue against his and respond in kind to the tasting. He growled lustfully and squeezed Cloud's hips when the blond nibbled lightly on his tongue. Cloud moaned against his mouth not knowing where either of their heads was and not caring. Cloud pressed himself against Zack straddling his lap, legs on either side. This wasn't like the sweet little make-out session between he and Rosso, or the romantic kissing under the city lights he imagined with Sephiroth tonight. No, this was something more intense, more tangible, and more real with no sugar coating. Zack wanted him, Cloud knew he had wanted him, and Cloud admitted that he'd hoped Zack would make a move. Why couldn't he make up his mind about who to crush on?

They broke apart for a moment, staring into each other's eyes and panting. Zack's eyes were lit up brightly from the rush of Mako and Cloud was entranced by them as he leaned back in and placed a gentle chaste kiss to Zack's parted lips.

"Cloud…" Zack said finally, his voice slightly hoarse. "You…um…am i…am I forcing this on you?"

"What?"

"Are you only letting me do this because…because you think it will make me feel better?"

Cloud blinked in surprise and shook his head at such a ridiculous idea. He wasn't some naïve kid about something like this. Just because he was virgin didn't mean he just blindly went into something like this. "No Zack, I'm not stupid. I'm doing this because I want to. I kinda always wanted to but…seeing you like this I gave me the final push."

"So you're only doing this cause I'm sad?"

"NO! I'm doing it because…because…I...your bleeding," Cloud said suddenly, touching the gauze on Zack's cheek.

"Oh…crap, I think before we do anything like this I need a good long shower. And you probably do to, you smell like me right now and I know I smell rank."

Cloud nodded. "Yeah…you're a whole new level of raunchy now that you mentioned it."

"Hey! That didn't seem to matter when you were trying to eat my tongue off!"

Cloud rolled his eyes and got up. "I get the shower first for you coming in emotionally traumatized and scaring the shit out of me."

"But I'm the one emotionally traumatized!"

"Ain't nothin' wrong with you!" Cloud shouted over his shoulder as he headed to the bathroom.

Zack said nothing but smiled warmly up until he heard the bathroom door close, then it turned into a sad frown. "What am I doing? I know I like him, I almost love him even though we barely know each other, but…why do I feel like such a jerk right now?"

Cloud sat on Zacks bed waiting for him to out of the shower. His hair was still damp from the shower and he was swimming in Zack's shirt; all of his own were dirty since tomorrow was laundry day. He hugged a pillow close to him and breathed in Zacks scent, trying to think about this. Okay, yes he had a hella-strong crush on Sephiroth, that was a definite positive. Yes he had a schoolboy crush on Rosso. He'd never met a girl like her before but he was certain that was just as much for fun as it was for Rosso. Check. Crush on Genesis which made him want to never disappoint the redhead. Check. Zack…

Cloud hugged the pillow tighter. Zack was fun, Zack was kind, Zack made him feel like there wasn't anything he could do to offend him. Zack made him laugh, looked after him, didn't care that he had a crush on a guy or a girl. Zack…cared. Zack was home…Zack was a definite answer to the question of liking. If there was anyone who Cloud could claim to be in strong like with it was Zack who gave him a boner every time he woke up in the morning. Who didn't make him feel stupid and never allowed him to doubt himself. Who stayed right there since he'd been there and made sure someone watched out for him when he wasn't around. Who was willing to step aside to let someone else take Cloud's heart. Oh yes, he wasn't stupid. Zack could be very guarded when he wanted but his eyes…his eyes told any and everything. Cloud could see the heartbreak in Zack's eyes whenever he brought up Rosso. The small glints of want whenever they got a little too drunk and cuddled on the couch. On top of that, even though Zack initiated the kiss, Cloud certainly didn't pull away; he hadn't wanted to. Yes, it was real, a definite yes. Cloud was in very strong like with Zack and would say so when Zack came out of that bathroom.

"I think I'm a bit more put together now."

Or Zack could come out shirtless with his hair soaked and a towel around his shoulders and water rolling down his stupid perfect chest! Cloud grimaced and shoved the pillow over h lap. Zack blinked obliviously at Cloud's blushing face.

"What?"

"How do you expect me to pay attention with you half naked?"

"Oh…yeah forget you get a boner just from staring at back!" Zack teased, before putting on a shirt. "Better?"

"Sit your tight ass down!" Cloud grumbled.

"Yeah, yeah." Zack plopped down on the bed and rested his elbows on his legs.

Cloud licked his lips. "So uh…what are we gonna do?"

"Whatever you want to," Zack replied, staring at the wall. "I…honestly didn't want to make a move on you while I was like this. Ya know, all full of inner yuck and shit."

"But I guess that's what it took to get you to finally do something."

Zack glanced at him in confusion. "You were waitin' for me to? I thought that…ya know you were all nose open for Seph."

"NO!" Cloud growled in denial. "Well yeah, I have a big crush on him but I'm not sure if they're for the right reasons. I mainly just want to be his friend at the moment. But with you…when you came through that door my first instinct wasn't to hug you. I can admit that though you're probably gonna tease me about it. I wanted to kiss you for some gay reason and wipe that look off your face. Zack don't ever look like that again. Don't ever look hopeless! When you look like that it…it breaks hearts."

"Breaks yours?" Zack asked with a small smile that for once was not teasing.

"Yeah…and it wouldn't have that effect on me if I didn't have some kinda feelings for you. But I thought about it cause…well cause I don't wanna go into this all half-assed. Strifes don't do stupid shit like that!" he said proudly. "So I thought about it, thought it over and realized that while I hesitated to even think of kissing Sephiroth even when I had the perfect mood-"

Zack's brow arched at that.

"Shuddup, I hesitated to kiss him…but with you I went right into it. I wanted to because you're you." Cloud turned so that he was facing Zack. "It's comfortable. You feel like home when I'm with you and I'm not all jittery and stupid with you. I can touch you without being all shy and I can hug you without feeling like a girly idiot. All this time I was just waiting on you. I knew you liked me but you never would do it."

"Because...I just…I dunno, I felt like me even attempting to go out with you or ask you anything would be me taking advantage of you. Things would get all awkward if you said no and I didn't want to ruin this friendship."

"And if don't say no…then what?"

"Are you saying no?"

Cloud shook his head. "I'm saying yes, you idiot."

Zack turned so that he was completely facing Cloud. "You're saying yes…to everything. Like everything being with me entails."

"Yes…"

"I'm an asshole."

"Dur."

"Sometimes I look at other girls."

"Just don't come home smelling cunty."

"I sometimes get hit on."

"I will choke a bitch," Cloud said plainly. To his credit, it actually sounded like he would do it if it came to it. Zack no longer trusted any Strife out of Nibelhiem not to murder with their bare hands.

"I leave at a moment's notice."

"I'm headed to basic soon, I'm ok with time apart."

"I sometimes come home full of Mako and the only thing I can think of is to eat and fuck."

"I throw ice on you and you totally are nothing but a teddy bear after injection, you liar."

"Am not! I sometimes come home like this, sometimes I'm not always smiling."

"Then I won't hesitate to kiss it better."

"I snore and fart in my sleep."

"I'm usually unconscious when that happens."

"Why do you have an answer for everything?"

"Because you're being stubborn and don't know how to take a yes and run with it."

"Heh, well I'm not a jealous lover. You look at someone else I won't get mad and I won't get all bitchy."

"Neither will I."

"I'm not always the most sympathetic guy but if your cryin, I'll be right here. Just don't bitch about what some guy did to you in training and I won't hang up on you."

Cloud smirked. "You mean like how you bitch about Angeal's training."

Zack laughed and shook his head. "So…I'm gonna ask. Cloud?"

"Yeah?"

"Will you go out with me?"

Cloud smiled warmly and nodded. "Yes, I will go out with you."

Zack smiled and leaned over to kiss Cloud who met him halfway.

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Tseng was getting the rest of his things packed for morning. He would be on the Minerva and dock at Costa de Sol, from there they would utilize Tiny Bronco's discreetness to get where they needed to. He was almost done when he heard a knock at the door. He recognized the pattern and went to open it without worry of grabbing a weapon. He saw Reno standing there with a smirk on his face.

"Hey, beautiful."

Tseng rolled his eyes and closed the door in his face but didn't lock it. Reno opened it and walked in laughing. "What do you want Reno?"

Reno closed the door and grabbed Tseng wrist, twisting the Wutain into his arms so that Tseng's back was pressed against his chest. Reno had always been the taller of the two of them and it annoyed Tseng to no end to have to look up to the hoodlum. Tseng sighed.

"What, Reno?"

"Why did you cut ya hair, beautiful?" Reno asked against Tseng ear.

"Because I have the right to do as I please with it."

"Bullshit, boss man. I know you, you only cut your hair when something's on ya," Reno threaded his free hand through Tseng's shortened locks. "Come on, we know each other Tseng, tell me."

Tseng suddenly jerked away from him and backed up. Reno saw a flash of panic in his eyes that had never been present before around him. Tseng shook his head and ran his fingers frantically through his hair as if trying to remove the sensation of Reno's touch from his scalp.

"Tseng…" Reno whispered, confused. "What happened?"

"I do not wish to discuss it right now."

Reno narrowed his eyes as Tseng returned to packing. Reno recognized this behavior but he'd never seen it in his boss before. Tseng had been violated in some way and he was carrying it alone. Whatever Claude had done to him, he'd died to quickly for it. Reno slowly approached Tseng, keeping his hands out of his pockets as he did. He touched Tseng's shoulder feeling the muscle tense beneath it. Tseng paused in what he was doing, his eyes growing distant. Reno took the time to touch the suddenly too pale face and turn Tseng's face toward him, but the Wutain stubbornly kept his eyes turned away.

"I do not need to explain myself to you, Reno."

"No, ya don't. That ain't want I want. I just want ya to look at me," he requested, holding Tseng's chin. "I'm not ya subordinate, I'm ya friend, yo. Look at me."

Tseng blinked once and his eyes were looking at him and Reno almost flinched. His boss was weak. There was uncertainty, pain, humiliation, as well as a slew of other emotions he had never seen in Tseng's eyes before. Tseng could barely hold his gaze. Reno shook his head and pulled Tseng face close to his, resting his forehead against the Wutain's. Even that small gesture made the other man jump.

"Tell me what's going on in there, Tseng."

"…I…I am tired, Reno. I am tired of others using my weaknesses against me! Try to take what they have no right to. This hair…this hair is my fault and it makes me weak. I would cut all if I could!"

Reno frowned at the sound of Tseng's accent showing through. "Don't ever think that, Tseng. You have never been weak. Ya tired, ya burned out and ya haven't taken a breath since you took on this job. Ya not weak, yo. Ya just wounded."

Tseng looked at Reno with tired eyes. "Why do you do say this? Why do you say things like this?"

"Because even though ya always chasin a ghost…I'm always chasin' you, yo."

Tseng shook his head and tried to pull away, but Reno wouldn't let him. The redhead pulled him back and pressed a gentle kiss to his mouth, feeling angry at how Tseng flinched at the contact. Not angry at Tseng but at those who had put this paranoia into his boss, his friend. Tseng had never flinched at his touch before and it pissed him off more than anything to know that Tseng actually feared him, feared what he would do to him. Tseng forced himself to relax. This was Reno being Reno. He always did this, this was normal and didn't mean anything. That's what Tseng thought as Reno lowered him down to the couch. He kept their lips in close contact, parting only to place small chaste ones against the petal soft flesh. Tseng let himself be lain back and Reno moved over him, encompassing his vision, his pony tail falling over his shoulder to tickle Tseng's neck. Reno moved from Tseng lips to his ear to gently nibble there.

"There are better places to seduce you than just this hair, Tseng. Places that a slave trader wouldn't know. Places only I know," Reno whispered pulling a shudder from Tseng. "He wouldn't know that the dip just behind ya ear makes ya claw anything you can get hold of." Reno placed a kiss, applying a sensual pressure to the spot he mentioned. Tseng's nails scrapped against the couch fabric. Reno smirked against the skin, running his tongue over it, making Tseng release a shuddering breath. "He wouldn't know that right where your jaw meets ya neck ya have a ticklish spot that makes you moan when I bite down hard enough to bleed ya." Proving his point, Reno bit down hard as his teeth would allow and sucked. He reveled in the sound that burst from Tseng lips, that deep voice creating a moan that no one but he ever got to hear. He knew if he looked, he would see Tseng's eyes roll as he made that sound. He sucked hard leaving a beautiful bruise right above that accursed collar. Tseng's knee lifted, allowing Reno to lie between his legs. "See? They can only try to know ya, Tseng. But they only know how to hurt you. But me, I know things that make you feel good."

Reno kissed Tseng's collarbone, nibbling at the skin there and making the Wutain's head tilt back. It was all an overload to Tseng's senses. Reno had never been this tentative, this deliberate when he'd touched him before. He had also never before touched him in these places he talked about so how could he have known they were-

"Reno!" Tseng suddenly cried when Reno scraped his nails against his back. He didn't even notice the redhead get under, his shirt before he found himself arching against him, their pelvises meeting. Reno grinded back and nibbled Tseng's bottom lip.

"See? I know you, Tseng. I know you better than you know yourself and I have never tried to hurt ya with it." Reno pulled back and looked own into the lust clouded eyes of his superior, admiring the silvery glow in them. "I would never hurt ya like that, Tseng. Never like that. So don't ya ever confuse my touch with theirs!"

Tseng stared into chartreuse orbs not knowing what to do or say. He'd never seen Reno like this, never been touched like this save for after he'd killed and the high was still there. He'd never been touched just to comfort him. Reno's usual grin was not there, nor was his self-serving smirk. No, all Tseng could see were adoring eyes on a straight face that almost didn't suit Reno's usually playful features. Had he caused that sort of change in the wiry Turk?

"Reno…" Tseng whispered, not knowing how to continue. "Reno…"

Reno leaned down and pressed a hungry kiss to Tseng's mouth, knowing that's what he wanted and Tseng accepted for once without pushing away. Tseng's hands found Reno's hair and tugged the tie from there. He'd always mused about what Reno's hair felt like but professionalism kept him from it. This moment however…this moment…

Reno moaned against Tseng mouth at the feeling of those graceful fingers threading through his hair. They were careful not to pull or tug, only to explore. It gave him a sort of high feeling to have Tseng responding to his touch, moving to it, participating. He even smirked when he felt the Wutain boldly bite his bottom lip and delved his tongue into Tsengs mouth. Tseng's grabbed Reno's jacket instead of gripping his hair and tugged hard on it. Reno growled and lifted up just enough to shuck the jacket away, leaving only his untucked shirt. Tseng's hands curiously lifted the bottom and found his way to the sinewy muscle underneath. He was surprised at how hard the muscle actually was considering how lanky Reno was. He trailed his fingers to Reno's back and pulled the redhead closer his nail digging in when Reno found that spot behind his ear again and pressed his tongue against it.

"Ah!" Tseng gasped feeling teeth scrape the spot. He pushed Reno up from the spot and kissed him while tugging at Reno's shirt. Reno did the same, unbuttoning Tseng's shirt as fast as his fingers would allow. He pushed it off Tseng's shoulder just as Tseng had gotten his open and was exploring the skin of his chest. Once he got Tseng out of the shirt, he pushed the Wutain back down and lowered his mouth to that smooth chest he'd always admired. His lips found Tseng's nipple and nibbled with his teeth making the body beneath his writhe. Tseng practically screamed when he bit lightly while grinding down against him.

"Reno," Tseng moaned.

"Just like that," Reno whispered against his skin. "Say my name just like that."

Tseng's back bowed. Reno had slipped his hands into his pants, taking firm hold of him and stroking slowly as he made his way down to Tseng's navel. He dipped his tongue in slow, swirling and pressing against the spot as he stroked Tseng into frenzy. Tseng was completely out of his head, had no control over himself or the situation. For once he didn't care. He arched and rolled his hips with Reno's rhythm, one hand buried in Reno's loose hair while the other was buried in his own. Instinctually he clawed his scalp heightening the pleasure he was feeling from Reno's ministrations. Reno smirked at the sight of Tseng so completely lost in what was happening and felt a slight ego boost at the fact that no one else had ever seen Tseng like this. He unbuttoned and unzipped Tseng's slacks pushing them out the way a bit and tugging underwear aside. He lowered his lips and his tongue peeked out to run over the head of Tseng's cock. Tseng's eyes went wide and he looked down at Reno. The redhead's grin reminded him of a hungry fox and somehow that thought intimidated him. Reno swirled his tongue around the head before lowering his mouth slowly over it and sucking. Tseng's eyes rolled and his let his head fall back against the couch pillow. He couldn't control the sounds coming from his lips nor the grip he had on Reno's hair, not that the redhead minded. He loved the way Tseng's grip tightened and loosened in time with his motion.

"God, Reno please," Tseng whispered. "Please, please, please, please!"

Reno chuckled around his cock drawing more sounds from his superior. He took it easy on Tseng, didn't work him over like he'd done Rude. No, he took his time with it and would let Tseng come when he was ready. No games, no teasing, he wanted Tseng to enjoy it and to trust him to do this again. The pleas from Tseng lips had nearly done him in on that note but he continued to concentrate on Tseng. Reno could get laid whenever he wanted; this was worth more than his own pleasure. He felt Tseng squeeze his hair tight and his cock pulse in his mouth. Reno chose that moment to take the whole thing down his throat and swallow around it. Tseng suddenly released his hair to bury both hands in his own, arching in his orgasm and tugging his hair as the feeling washed over him waves he'd never felt before. Reno swallowed around Tseng's cock until the flow stopped and licked his swollen lips once he pulled away.

"Oh my god," Tseng moaned breathlessly.

"Feel good?"

He mumbled something in Wutainese that Reno didn't understand, but it sounded blissful.

Reno crawled his way up to Tseng's face and kissed him gingerly. Tseng lazily responded, still riding the high and shivering at the taste of himself on Reno's tongue. Reno brushed his cheek as he kissed him and pulled away when he felt Tseng's responses grow slower. He looked down to see Tseng's eyes blissfully closed and his face more relaxed than he'd seen him. His breath was coming in gentle pants and his cheeks were flushed from his recent orgasm. Reno pulled out his phone and took a picture, not knowing when he'd see Tseng like this again. Once it was saved, he kissed Tseng forehead and made a call to Cid. He was sure Cid could wait while Tseng got some much needed rest.

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Genesis stepped into Lazard's office and saw him pushing his glasses up on his face, his eyes tired. It made him smile a bit. He was starting to become fond of the man that would be their new director and enjoyed being a teased to the poor thing. Genesis knew that Lazard had a bit of a crush on him, he knew. But unlike most he had yet to make a move, not even a shy one. He wondered if he scared the poor boy. Genesis admired Lazard for his strength and authority when faced with the brass. The superiority he could fake in front of all those men and the boy he would become once they were gone had endeared him to Lazard and he would often escort the future director during his travels. Lazard would not order him to, but simply ask him. When Lazard would travel with his father, Genesis made it his business to be there because…there just something off when Lazard would receive word of a joint trip. That something triggered his protective nature and seemingly much to Lazard's relief would stay up all night with him when they stayed at hotel. Genesis would stay even after the boy had gone to sleep. So looking at him now, worn out and ready to collapse put a weakness in Genesis.

"Ah, commander, come in," Lazard said finally noticing him.

Genesis smiled and walked to his desk. "I come all this way to invite you to dinner and I find you here working until your eyes bleed. Did you even go to classes?"

"Yes, I went to classes right after a 7 am meeting with Heidegger and Scarlet," he began to count on his fingers. "and then after that brought Rufus and Mother to lunch, then I inspected the cadet list for SOLDIER over coffee with one of mother's sponsers and…and had a personal meeting with father."

Genesis's face fell, become cold. "You still will not tell me what these meetings entail?"

"I am afraid that it's not your business, Commander."

"The hell it isn't!"

"Genesis…"

Genesis sighed and sat down in the chair across from Lazard. He put his booted feat on the man's desk and regarded him silently. "Lazard?"

"Yes?" Lazard ask returning to the paper work.

"Black suits do not suit you. You are beginning to remind me of those insufferable Turks. You have eyes like bottomless pools of clearest blue that shame the even the cleanest of lakes. It's unfair that you do not flatter them."

Lazard chuckled. "What do you suggest?"

"…wear white…?"

"That shall be Rufus's color. I dare not take it."

Genesis tilted his head and then smiled. "Navy blue would make them glow like sapphires. Wear blue or violet. It will set you apart, make you one of us."

"What do you mean 'one of us'?"

"It will make you a part of the true ShinRa. The ShinRa that existed before Lady ShinRa's handicap. I chose red. Angeal, though oft called the Obsidian Devil, has always been a lover of that sooty charcoal color is why he prefers the uniforms, my beloved Sephiroth is of deepest black just like his brother Tseng though you should see Tseng in gold. He sets your mood." He chuckled to himself. "Lady ShinRa has always been elegance in white and beauty in pink. I feel that you should be a part of our little rainbow."

Lazard laughed. "I never noticed the array of color. Fine, I'll do something about that right after I become Vice President."

Genesis shook his head. "A man who does not desire power in this type of business is a strange one, especially when it's almost guaranteed."

"I don't want to rule the world, Genesis, I just want to survive in it."

"Don't we all. Well, you are boring me. Stop your work and come on. I came to take you to dinner and that it is what I will do."

"Oh no, I really need to-"

"I'll burn it."

Lazard was silent; looking at all the work he had actually finished and imagined it all in flames. He sighed. "Fine, I believe I can take a break. I'll bring the car around."

"I don't think so. I'll drive. I hate your homophobic driver."

"Oh Niles is not that bad, he's just old fashion."

"He is rude, inconsiderate and insulting."

"He is old, ornery, and has been a driver in the family since Mother was a child."

"I can drive us."

"I rather we just relax and ride."

"I will kill Niles and claim temporary insanity due to Mako influence."

Lazard stared at him.

"I'll do it. I'm a wonderful actor. Now let me drive."

Lazard rolled his eyes and gathered his briefcase. A small smile of amusement was on his lips however. "You are a spoiled brat."

"I'm quite used to getting what I want and who are you to deny me it, Lazard?" Genesis opened the door for him.

"I thought I was your boss."

"Hah, not yet princeling, not yet."

Genesis drove a flamboyantly red luxury car fully loaded rather than the "bigger is better" armored car Sephiroth had specially customized. It was beautiful under the light, its candy apple red paint job nearly made him want to lick the door and the license plate read G-G which most thought meant Gift of Goddess, but Lazard knew the truth. It meant Good Game; play on words for how Genesis obtained this beautiful machine. Lazard had never ridden in it before today but he'd seen it sitting there next to Sephiroth's monster and Angeal's muscle car. Normally he would see Zack's crotch rocket snuggly parked next to Angeal's car. Genesis clicked the auto-lock and opened the door for Lazard who huffed about being treated like the woman here. Genesis made a teasing face and shut the door. He waited for Genesis to place his Rapier in the built in rack behind their seats. Now that thought about, he'd never seen Genesis drive, but if Sephiroth and Angeal were anything to go by, he had no faith in Mako enhanced beings operating vehicles. He made sure his seat belt was buckled securely.

Genesis shucked his coat and climbed into the driver's seat, sensing Lazard's nervousness. It was amusing to see him trying to hide his fear. Part of him wanted to be cruel and drive like a bat out of hell, but he had a soft spot for him and decided not to drive him nuts. Genesis started the car and pulled out of the garage smoothly. He waved to the night guard and revved the engine as he burnt off onto the highway. On the outside, the sleek car was loud; purring for all to hear, but on the inside, well, Lazard realized his own limo was not this smooth of a ride. This was a beautiful beast and Genesis drove her with the gentile of a master breeder. He glanced at the red head whose eyes were full on blue, as they usually were when he was concentrating on something. They were glued to the road as they weaved smoothly through traffic heading toward Sector 3 and its high-end restaurants.

"What are you in the mood for, Lazard?"

"Something that bleeds," Lazard replied with sigh. "I've been living off of deli sandwiches and fast food. My guts are rotting."

Genesis smiled. "I know the perfect place. They have a Loveless theme this month."

"Ah, Loveless," Lazard mused.

Another reason Genesis liked Lazard, the man had a passion for plays as well. They came to a red light and Genesis tapped the wheel in contemplation.

"Lazard…may I ask you a personal question."

"I will not guarantee an answer."

"Would you consider…" Genesis shook his head, finding a better way to word his question. "Do you find me attractive?"

Lazard face heated up and he almost squirmed at the question. However Genesis was looking at him and those soft expectant features drew the answers from his lips. "Always, since the day I first saw you."

Genesis had not expected such honestly and he almost shied away from it but he held his ground. He was a grown man and a commander for that matter. "Then it isn't a matter of that. So tell me, we are friends, we are close, you believe I am attractive and I believe you are as well. So why are we not closer? Why are we not lovers by now and why do you still hide things from me."

Lazard frowned and turned to look out the window. "The light is green, Genesis."

Genesis sighed and stepped on the accelerator. "I will crack you, Lazard. Even if it takes years. You deserve someone who will look out for you."

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l

Angel rolled his eyes. "I don't really get it, Sephiroth. He's little, he's wirey, he's more of Zack's type…he's jailbait."

"I never I was going rape the kid," Sephiroth said distractedly. "I said I wanted to mentor him and I'm asking your opinion on how all that works."

"Genesis already picked him, you know he's gonna bitch-fit if you take that away from him."

Sephiroth put his hand over the speaker of his phone. "Angeal, either you make this simple or I put you out."

"You can't put me out of my own apartment," Angeal grumbled. "Besides, Zacks been fancying him you shouldn't really put your nose into that."

"What is wrong with you? He's fifteen, I have no interest in children."

"But he won't be a child forever…especially not once he begins SOLDIER training. Once he does, you'll look at him different. I know, I raised Zack through SOLDIER."

Sephiroth rolled his eyes. "I took an interest because he reminds me of us. Genesis can keep him; I simply want to be a part of it."

"Joint custody between two people who can't even live together. You are going to ruin that b-"

Sephiroth put his hand up to Angeal's face to silence him. "Hello, is this Isabelle Porter? Yes, I'm Sephiroth, Vincent Valentine's ward, I left you a message yesterday."

Angeal's brow rose at the cheerful voice coming through the receiver.

"Yes, I've grown up. I've been fine, coping mostly. I wanted to know if you had time to see me tomorrow. I want to buy a studio apartment."

Angeal blinked in surprise.

"No, no, just me, it doesn't have to be perfect, as long as it's isolated."

"Sephiroth…"

"Shh!" Sephiroth glared. "Yes 8 am will be fine. I will be there and thank you Ms. Porter. I'm sure Vincent misses you too. Goodbye."

When Sephiroth hung up he looked at Angeal's crest fallen face. The silver haired man sighed. "What?"

"Abandoning Tseng too?"

"No, but I can't hide in Vincent's house forever and I'm afraid I'm not coming back here…"

"Sephiroth Tseng still needs you."

"Which is why I'm not going move just yet. I just want a place to renovate. It's not for me."

"Huh, than who is it for?"

"It's a project. I'm bored. Work bores me. I need something to concentrate on. All this down time since the war has made me antsy and I'm tired drowning my troubles in secretaries and fellow SOLDIERS. It's becoming a nuisance."

"You're…getting a pet project because you're tired of sleeping around."

"I figured if I was occupied my dick would be too," Sephiroth said blandly. "In the meantime I think we should get Cloud some clothing for academy…and give him a rundown of how things are to go. The problem with most good cadets is that they never shine through because they never know when to."

Angeal just watched the silver haired man with an amused smile. "You realize you are acting completely out of character."

"I have character?"

"Good point. But the lengths you're going for this…well its unheard of. Genesis is really going to bitch fit."

"It will be his problem. Where is he anyway?"

"If I told you that, I'd have to kill you."

The blankness of Sephiroth's stare almost made Angeal's face fall. "Just say you don't know."

"I don't know."

"See that wasn't hard. I'm gonna go find somewhere to be. Tseng is still at home with Reno and far be it from me to be a cockblock."

"You said yourself Tseng hasn't shown interest in Reno."

"Doesn't mean his not. Tseng is trapped in puberty and despite Reno's demeanor I think he will be the one to pull him out of it. Tseng is barely in his twenties, he needs to grow up."

"Are you sure you aren't trying to force something that isn't there?"

"If wasn't there, Tseng wouldn't let himself be touched at all. In the right hands, a man is made both strong and weak at the same time. I think Reno can handle that since Vincent is not around to do so."

"Tall order. What about you, Sephiroth?"

Sephiroth lifted his eyes to Angeal through his bangs, almost looking colder than he'd meant to. "What about me?"

"Who's going to make you weak from now on?"

Sephiroth frowned and his eyes softened. "…I still have you? Don't I, Angeal?"

Angeal gave a warm smiled and reached over to brush that sinister hair out his face so he could see the teen he'd met all those years ago. "I'm not going anywhere, but perhaps you should have someone to take care of as much as you need to be taken care of. Perhaps you don't need someone to be weak for; you need someone to be strong for."

Sephiroth's thoughts crossed to Cloud briefly and the boys hate for destiny. "I'm destined to always be the strong one, the leader. What need have I of that sort of thing?"

"Because when you need to be strong for someone, it's not about being the leader or being physically strong, its about knowing and being there when they need you. Being human for them."

Sephiroth shook his head and got to his knees so that he could inch closer to Angeal. "I hate when we talk about emotions. Let's do something else."

"Always like you," Angeal murmured and kissed the silver haired man. "Always avoiding the issue."

"It's not an issue until you make it one."

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l

Tseng woke up far before dawn. In fact, it was three in the morning and he'd completely forgotten what he was supposed to be doing. He found himself on the plush couch, his clothing in disarray but a warm blanket put over him. He sat up lazily, lulled by the patter of rain outside the house and wondered what he was doing asleep. He was so heavy, so groggy. However, warnings were going off in his head. He touched his neck to see if the collar was doing anything strange and was surprised to feel only the skin of his neck. He checked frantically for a moment for letting his hands fall limply from his neck. Something made him turn his head toward the patio and he saw a figure sitting in the chair, hand dangling at their side with a cigarette burnt out from the rain. Black hair cascaded down the back of the chair and Tseng felt his heart skip a beat. Tseng got to his feet and ran to the patio door, sliding it open not caring if everything became soaked. Vincent! Vincent!

"Vincent?" Tseng croaked out against the cold air and rain.

The figure tensed at the name and then slowly looked back at Tseng over a pale shoulder. Tseng expected to gratefully meet warn red orbs that had comforted him all his life, however he was horrified by the two glowing amber irises that looked at him. A sinister smirk was on this man's face and he stood, sauntering over to Tseng who backed into the patio door. When had he closed the door? He swore he'd just opened. "Vincent" walked towards him, his eyes scanning him up and down and he slammed both palms on either side of Tseng's head. The sound of them hitting the glass echoed strangely and hurt Tseng's ears. He looked into those amber eyes, his own entranced by their unearthly dark glow. "Vincent" smirked, showing hints of long needle sharp canines that nearly distracted him away from those sinister eyes.

"So…" a voice both belonging to Vincent and not flowed off the tongue of this…this demon. "We meet again. Have you caught on yet…or will you stay in the dark up until I have you in my claws."

Tseng shook his head, not knowing what he was refusing. Maybe everything, maybe nothing, or something this demon was hoping to gain from him. What was this? "Who…are you…?"

"Vincent" leaned close to him, brushing soft lips to his. Tseng felt tingling like arcs of electricity flowing from that ghostly skin and he felt his knees weaken from fear and something he would not admit to this creature. "Don't you know Tseng?" A hand touched his face, sliding down his jaw and caressing his neck until he touched his chest and pressed a flat palm to the beating heart there. "Don't you know? I've been right here all long. Come find me and I'll show you what I am…what you and your precious guardian have always been. Mine." He leaned forward and pressed a deep hungry kiss to Tseng's mouth and Tseng couldn't fight. His body was filled with the adrenaline, the excitement, the bloodlust of every kill, every fight, every assassination he'd committed since he'd graduated to this suit. He felt it all filling him to the brim and while it sickened him to have all of what he'd down thrown back in his face, his body and the killer inside of him delighted in it.

Tseng bolted upright gasping and shuddering at the strange dark pleasure that coursed through his body. He rubbed his arms trying to shake the feeling off, but fell back on his back shivering and his body arching with the waves that washed over him. In his mind, all he could see was the demon's eyes, even when he tried to shake the image away.

"Tseng? You okay?"

Reno's voice penetrated through the haze of lust and he managed to pull himself under a small amount of control. It was enough to stop him from arching and writhing on the couch. He looked at Reno's concerned chartreuse eyes and pulled the redhead down to kiss him. He didn't know what else to do, but if he didn't get rid of…of…whatever this was, if he didn't pass it on, it was remain in his body, festering and weakening him. Reno moaned in surprise before jerking away at the sudden pulse of something passing through him from Tseng mouth.

"Fuck was that!" Reno said holding Tseng at arm's length.

Tseng blinked blearily at Reno before his vision finally cleared and he realized what he'd done. He snatched away from Reno shaking his head. "My apologies…it was…it was a dream." He nodded, repeating the statement more to himself than to Reno. "Yes, it was only a dream, nothing more."

"Hell of a dream."

Tseng nodded then he looked at Reno in surprised. "You're still here."

"Well…yeah."

"I just thought that…you had gotten what you wanted out of me that…"

"I would just gtfo? Fuckin' insulting, yo. Ya know I'm not that kinda guy with someone I'm in love with, Tseng," Reno teased.

Tseng rolled his eyes and stood up. "Where is Cid?"

"Um…probably in a whiskey induced coma. Why?"

"We need to leave tonight, under the cover of night. It will be easier to escape detection. I'm going to call him and get him up."

Reno nodded as he watched Tseng bustle around. He wouldn't allow himself to feel hurt that Tseng had expected him to leave afterwards. It stung a little but he kept in mind that Tseng didn't know jack shit about being anyone's lover. However, this was bothering him in a way that he didn't expect and it made him reach out and touch Tseng's hand as he continued to pack the rest of this things.

"Hey Beautiful?"

Tseng paused not wishing to answer to the pet name.

"When you come back…will ya…I mean…I want…"

"You're with Rude," Tseng said simply. "Aren't you happy? I do not like the idea of you cheating on him, even if it's just you being yourself."

"No. I mean we fuck a lot but we're just friends…not like what I..." Reno cursed himself for not being able to say what was on his mind. "I'm not just…" He'd never been tongue tied before in his life yet with someone who bolted at the first sign of entrapment, Reno found himself stumbling on his words.

Tseng gazed at him in confusion before continue. "I'm going to leave and go to Cid's hotel. If you figure out what you wish to say then…call me…please."

Reno was surprised at the soft request before watching the Wutain make his way out the door.

"Lock up when you leave."

It wasn't until then that Reno realized that Tseng had left a key on the stand by the door. Reno picked it up and smiled a bit. If this wasn't fuckin' progress he didn't know what was! Tseng, secretive, covert, the home is sacred Tseng had given him free access to his home. Reno could've hit the roof.

l

l

A bit of cursing and ranting and Wutainese insults, Cid was up flying the Minerva toward Junon for a fuel run. Tseng was on the bridge watching the skies. Though he had traded out his Turk uniform for civilian clothes, Cid noticed the kid still went black and white. He wore a pure white Wutain styled sleeveless shirt that hooked all the way his neck, successfully covering the collar with a pair of loose fitting black cargo pants and black hiking boots on his feet. His now too short hair fluttered around his neck and made Cid feel a bit of regret. The kid had beautiful hair like a woman and to see it haphazardly chopped off was painful. Tseng was like Vincent, when his hair was well kept and not abused it meant he was happy. Tseng was so far in the depression hole Cid wasn't sure what to do to get him out of it other than to make this wild goose chase as bearable for him as possible. What if they found nothing? What if they found something but it didn't help Vincent? What was he thinking; they should've just left Vincent in his grave.

"Cid," Tseng called, not turning around.

"Yeah, kid?"

"Do you believe…we're doing the right thing?"

"Stole the question right out my mouth kid. I really dunno."

Tseng looked over his shoulder at him, brushing his hair behind ear. "I think we are doing the right thing. Vincent was never ready to die…I know that for truth. However, what he will become because of this I am unsure he will forgive us."

"He'll know we did it to save him."

"Yes, you are very unselfish Cid." Tseng turned and walked off the bridge. "I need air."

Cid watched the smaller man leave the bridge with his shoulders slightly hunched. Cid honestly didn't get it. Tseng loved Vincent almost as much as he did, he wanted to see Vincent alive and happy. So why did he feel selfish.

"Ick, I'm probably gonna have to make him feel better. Or at least get him to talk. Vince, what am gonna do with yer kids."

Tseng leaned against the railing on the outer walkway of the ship. The air was clean leaving a good taste in his mouth, and that dark world was far below him. The stars were so beautiful at this young hour of the morning. They glowed like new found materia in the darkness and made Tseng feel weak in his heart. He lit up a cigarette and stared at his lighter in contemplation. What Reno had done to him that morning had not only cleared away years of uncertainty that he could feel pleasure without blood on his hands. However, it had placed a doubt in his mind. His heart, even at such a young tender age had always belonged to Vincent. He was only twelve but he knew what he felt and knew it was real and purer than any an adult could feel. Now that he was an adult, the love did not fade. It grew into vast proportion that made him compare anyone he looked twice at to Vincent Valentine, who had taken his life from the hands of slavers and brought him into a world where the darkness was his friend. To find out he was alive had nearly cause him to slip into obsession. Perhaps he was already there with he had been carrying on. But what Reno had done had felt so good, felt so right that he felt that his love for Vincent was wavering for the redhead. On top of it, he had left the redhead a key and practically begged him to call when he could say what Tseng knew he would say. He felt more than anything that he had betrayed that love.

Tseng sighed, releasing the tobacco tinted smoke from his lips. He had no delusions. He was not like Sephiroth where he could handle being loved by more than one. Either he was loved by one or none, because his heart couldn't take being filled with so many just to have them taken away or leave him. He was not strong like Sephiroth who could take heartache and cast and indifferent glance at it. So on this trip, he had decided that he needed to choose. Choose the love he knew in Vincent; or the nuances of Reno's unpredictable style of…was it love? He wasn't even sure if Reno loved him. He knew Reno cared, knew Reno was his friend, and knew Reno would die for him. But did he love him and could Tseng love him when Vincent was right in reach.

"While yer chasin shadows…I'm always chasin you…"

"We will chase our quarry for eternity Reno…" Tseng whispered, fighting back the moisture building in his eyes. This was it. He would find Chaos…the final component for Hojo to save Vincent's life. Once it was discovered, he would save Vincent…and he would decide. Once he held the man in his arms…he would decide. Tseng took a slow drag. "I will decide if it's you I wish to stay close to."

l

l

Lucrecia tapped a few keys on the console and watched as the stasis tank drained and begin to open. She stared at the figure of Nobel inside, no long herself but a mutated monster. Her face was deformed, cracked in some places like a horrid mask and her eyes were black as a great white shark. She stared straight up at the ceiling as if there were no life in her. She had been made tall, bulky so like an alien creature. Her curly black hair had become bone straight falling around her like liquid midnight and her skin had been made a sickeningly pale lavender color. Her full lips were flushed a deep red as if she wore blood on them. Lucrecia approached the tank and looked down at Helena with a cruel smile, her voice echoing her own as well Jenova's.

"My cells run through your system, infect your body and your womb," she said with a smile. "You are now my child, my daughter, my servant. You will do as I say and carry death to someone I know you hate. You will find Tseng you will kill him before he returns. That should amuse my husband."

"I…I…what…?"

"Oh no, no, no, dear. It will be alright." Lucrecia cooed. "Just get up…and when you stand, you will know who to kill. Make him bleed for me my love."

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A/N: see that didn't take long. Some real action in the next chapter. Gotta wonder if Tseng will survive it. Depends on the plot bunnies. Next Episode: Deal…
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Walking Out on Destiny