Through Life

Author’s Note: I feel I oughta warn you about something in this chapter. Corneo’s mansion? Non-con. If you don’t like it, then skip that part, please.





“Why would your friend want a job at the Honeybee Inn?” Aerith asked as they walked into Wall Market.



“Side money?” Cloud asked.



Zack looked at him. “Do you even know what the Honeybee Inn is, Spikey?”



“…”



Aerith whispered. “It’s not a good place.”



“Oh.”



She maneuvered around the town until they were at Corneo’s door. The guard put up one hand, shaking his head.



“Get outta here. The Don doesn’t play that way.” He leered at Aerith. “You can go in.”



Aerith thought furiously before saying. “I’ll be back, okay? I have two friends that might want to come in with me…”



As they walked away, Zack said. “Uh, these friends of yours…”



“We’re going to need dresses….wigs? Maybe…” She muttered.



“Yeah. It’s us.” Zack despaired, but quickly perked up. “Can’t wait to see you, Cloud!”



Cloud groaned.



Aerith entered the dress shop. “Hello?”



A girl smiled her way, red curls bouncing around her face. “Oh! Hello!”



The flower girl was already in conversation with the girl when Cloud and Zack walked in. The males stood back, listening

with some interest.



Aerith walked back to them. “Now we go to the tavern.”



“You want us to be drunk in dresses? No way.” Cloud shook his head.



“No, silly, we have to convince her father to make dresses for you.”



“Why,” Cloud asked. “Can’t we buy one of the premade ones? I saw some in there.”



“Not pretty enough.” Aerith said innocently.



She passed them. Zack’s mouth was open, slightly horrorstruck. Not pretty enough? He had a vision of himself in sequins.



The tavern was busy. Aerith seemed to know who she was looking for and slowly made her way through the tables. She nimbly avoided any wandering hands.



“Excuse me, sir, I was wondering if you would make some things for two friends of mine…”



“I don’t make any men’s clothes.” The man pointed at Zack and Cloud.



“No, no, I know.” Aerith said soothingly. She turned to the men. “Go get a drink, okay?”



Zack and Cloud turned from her, unable to make out any of her whispering. They slid onto stools at the bar. Zack ordered

a drink, but Cloud passed. He instead watched Zack toss the shot back.



“Disgusting stuff.” Zack said good-naturedly.



Aerith called them back.



“I understand, miss. I will try.”



“Thank you so much!”



“It’ll have to be convincing…” he mused. “What do you want them to look like?”



Aerith expressed her wish for them to be able to keep on their original clothing beneath them. “Something that shimmers…and is soft.”



He stood. “Thank you miss.” He smiled. “I’m sure my daughter has been quite worried about me. You gave me a challenge. Thank you!”



Aerith turned to Cloud and Zack. Zack immediately asked. “What did you tell him?”



She blushed. “You don’t want to know.”



“We’re cross-dressers, aren’t we?”



“…mm, something like that.”



Zack sighed mockingly before Aerith said. “We’ll find wigs… unless you want to force down your hair.”



Zack patted Cloud’s hair. “I don’t think you could fit a wig on our heads, Aerith.”



She giggled. “You know what you’ll need?”



Cloud frowned. Zack, however, took one look at Aerith, sniffed, and laughed.



Resting one arm on Cloud’s shoulder, Zack asked him. “Hey Choco, what do ya wanna smell like?”



Cloud spluttered. “Smell-what?”



Aerith was heading out of the tavern. She looked around briefly before heading for…



“No way.”



Cloud and Zack followed her to the Honeybee Inn. She walked up to the man at the door, but the boys were stopped.



“Here.” A man whispered, passing a card into Zack’s hand. “I’m never gonna decide. Go on- take your friends in. I doubt

she loves me anyway.”



Zack watched the sad man walk away. What was that about? The ex-SOLDIER felt bad for the stranger.



“Zack!”



He looked towards the Inn to see Aerith and Cloud waiting for him.



Zack presented the card at the door and the three entered, Aerith somewhat nervously. A woman dressed as, who would

guess it, a bee, hurried towards them with a smile plastered on her face.



“Standard is two people a room.” She said in a caressing voice.



“I’ll wait here.” Aerith stepped back.



Cloud was so confused. Sure, older cadets had told stories of the Inn, but what was going on?



The woman unlocked a door. “Here you are. Would you like me to join you?”



Cloud swallowed. Oh. That’s what it was.



Zack declined politely. She shut the door and was gone. Cloud looked around the room.



“Why did Aerith-“ Cloud began to ask what they were doing there.



“Ah-ha!”



He looked toward the closet, where Zack held up what looked to Cloud like a strip of lace.



“What is that?” Cloud asked against all better judgement.



Zack turned it and Cloud barely recognized it as underwear. “They look your size, Cloudy.”



“N-no way. I am not wearing that.” Cloud protested.



The two stood across the room from each other, Zack pouting and holding up the lace thong. Cloud crossed his arms, a slight red flushing his cheeks. He looked away to hide it.



Zack silently made his way across the room. He leaped, knocking Cloud onto the bed. Cloud cried out in shock as metal encased his wrists. Wide eyes looked up at Zack. They were…fearful.



Zack smiled mischievously and Cloud turned his head to observe the handcuffs attached to the bed. He saw a strip of cloth, then nothing.



“Zack, hey.” He protested weakly. “We don’t have time for this…”



But the older man didn’t say a word. He undid Cloud’s clothing slowly and carefully. Cloud shifted, frown in place. Zack had him half naked within moments. The shirt would, unfortunately, have to stay.



Cloud felt the lace on his flesh, sliding up his legs. “How is this necessary?” he asked. “It’s not he’ll be able to tell…”



“You’re right.” Zack said huskily. “It’s more for me.”



He admired the sight, one hand resting on Cloud’s barely covered groin. He slowly replaced the blond’s pants and belt.



He tucked Cloud’s boxers into his pocket before unlocking the cuffs. Cloud removed the blind himself as he sat up.



“It’s uncomfortable.” He whispered.



But Zack had on that smile again. Cloud bit back his question, wanting to take it off, deciding to live with it when he looked at Zack.



“Let’s go.” Cloud hurried for the door. He didn’t want to rick Zack jumping him- not with the contents of that cupboard.



Aerith smiled in relief when she saw the others leave the room. She held up a small bag for their inspection.



“Make-up?” Cloud asked incredulously.



“Mm-hm.” Aerith turned and led them from the inn. She didn’t ask about what happened in the room.



Aerith took them to a small store hidden beside a material shop. Cloud looked around at all the little bottles and shiny pieces of metal.



“What are we doing here?” he lamented.



She fixed him with a smile and handed him a bottle of perfume. “It’s my personal favorite.”



He held the bottle to his nose and sniffed. It was gentle, reminding him of lilacs and vanilla. He handed it back, nodding his consent.



Zack slipped on a Diamond Tiara. He mock twirled and bowed. Aerith and Cloud both burst out laughing. Aerith was still chuckling when she bought everything- the perfume, tiara, and an assortment of hair products.



On the way back to the dress shop, Zack was mid-sulk. “I was only joking about the crown dance.



Cloud smiled. “I thought you looked good in it.”



That helped. Zack was grinning as the dress-maker handed over two dresses. Zack received one of silver. He stared at it and wondered if the maker had ever seen Sephiroth’s hair. Cloud’s was a more innocent color of emerald.



The maker smiled in satisfaction. “I enjoyed making those.”



Zack slipped the long-sleeved dress over his head. It hid all his muscles nicely, extra fabric and thickness giving the appearance of a chest. He looked at the shoes Aerith offered him then suspiciously. He changed into them quickly before standing up straight.



Cloud took slightly longer. Zack couldn’t help but smile as he thought of the lace hidden by the clothing.



Aerith carefully did the boy’s make-up. She grinned, lathering lotion into their hair. Zack sat on a stool, Aerith tenderly brushing down his black spikes.



Cloud watched in slight jealousy as Aerith leaned over Zack’s shoulder to slide his tiara into his hair. Her chest

brushed against him, almost seductively.



Zack stood when Aerith was done. Cloud took his place. Aerith did his just as gently as she had done Zack’s.



“There you are.” She said as she stepped back.



She began searching the dress rack for her own as Zack and Cloud looked each other over. Zack had to admit- he liked his chocobo all dressed up.



“You look lovely.”



Zack turned to look at Aerith. She stepped forward, wrapped in layers of a shining cobalt. She blushed and looked down.



“Are we ready then?” Cloud asked.



Aerith held up her perfume, using it on all three before presenting it to the dress-maker’s daughter.



“Let’s go.” She said.



Corneo’s men let the three through with a low whistle. All three tinted pink.



A man led them to a large entrance room. Cloud looked up at the balcony and the doors there, wondering which one hid Tifa.



“Wait here.” The man said as he left.



Aerith waited until the man was gone before heading for a door. “Tifa’s down here.”



“How do you know?”



She hesitated. Cloud told her to forget he asked and continued through. They walked down a large staircase.



Aerith didn’t want to explain how she just knew. It was almost…instinct.



It didn’t matter all that much, anyway.



“Tifa!”



She turned. “Who-?”



Cloud walked up to her. “It’s me, Tifa.”



She looked at him carefully. “Cloud, is that you?”



He nodded as Zack stepped up beside him. Tifa looked between the two, then at Aerith.



“Who are you?”



“I’m Aerith.”



Tifa asked then. “What are you doing here?”



“Asking you what you’re doing here.”



She hesitated with a glance to Aerith. Aerith smiled and walked across the basement to cover her ears.



“Corneo’s men are starting to worry me.” She said lowly. “They’re always in the bar during hours, then outside when it’s closed. I’ve seen some trying to talk to Barret. I’m gonna find out why.”



Cloud frowned. “You think it’s AVALANCHE?”



“Maybe.”



Zack mused. “He’s gonna pick one of us tonight, you know. It could be Aerith. If you tell her, she can help too.”



“Can I trust her?”



“More than you can trust just about anyone.”



Tifa trusted his judgment and went over to explain the situation to Aerith. Zack looked at Cloud.



“Be careful okay?” he whispered.



“I will.”



“Ladies!” the call came from up the steps. “The Don is waiting!”



Aerith smiled weakly. “Come on, ladies.”



Cloud scowled halfway up the steps. They were directed to the Don’s chambers. The four nervously spread in a line.



“Here you are.” The guard said and left.



Corneo’s eyes widened. “Tonight is a good night, a good night indeed!”



Zack looked out of the corner of his eye at Cloud. Corneo stood in front of the blond, fingers grasping Cloud’s chin. Don Corneo made his way down the line, carefully inspecting each person. He stood behind his desk and spoke.



“I have chosen my partner for the night.” He announced.



With dramatic flair, Corneo gestured for Cloud to walk forward. Cloud did so, and Corneo pointed through a curtain.



Cloud risked one glance back before walking in.



“Scotch, you take these three and don’t bother me.” Without waiting for anything else, Corneo went after Cloud.



“Lay down.” He commanded Cloud.



Cloud hesitated. He slipped his shoes from his feet and pulled his legs onto the bed. Corneo firmly pressed him down.



Corneo whispered in his ear. “How do you prefer? I go for the kink, myself.”



Cloud nervously swallowed. “I-I don’t care.”



“Good.”



Cloud’s wrists were tied to the bed. For the second time that day, he recalled. His legs were the same. Cloud was thankful for the swirling fabric- his pants were well hidden.



But then Corneo pulled up the dress. One hand landed on Cloud’s pants.



“You’re a male.”



Cloud looked down at the kneeling Corneo, the man’s face a mask of surprise as he stared at his fingers clasping the button on Cloud’s pants.



“Mmmph.”



Corneo continued pushing up the dress. “Hey- what’re you doing?” Cloud cried as the don yanked down the blond’s pants.



“I will not be made a fool.” Corneo said softly, menacingly. “You came here for sex, and I’m going to give it to you.”



He laughed. “You like lace?”



Cloud felt the lace slip off. “Please stop.” Like that had worked with Sephiroth years ago.



“Oh no…” Cloud whimpered. That had been the last time. The first and latest time. He never thought it would happen again.



“Oh yes, boy. “ Corneo laughed again. “Did you ready yourself for me before you came?’ Cloud screamed as Corneo thrust

one dry finger into him. “Oh, I guess not. An oversight on your part, perhaps?”



Cloud could only cry. “Please no, don’t do this, I didn’t want…Zack!” he shivered and shouted again as he struggled.



“Zack!” the name seemed to give him strength- he had to go find Zack.



Corneo whispered. “He won’t be coming for you.” His voice became softer. “Not in time, anyway.”



-*-*-*-*-



Zack heard the agonized scream. “Cloud! Cloud!”



Scotch threw back more alcohol. “Don’t worry about your friend, missy.”



Zack shot out at Scotch. His fist landed on his jaw. Zack tore out of the dress, silently apologizing to its creator.



“I don’t have my sword.” Zack swore.



But then it was in his hand. “Whoa!”



Aerith laughed despite their situation. It knows when it’s needed.” At least, the planet knows.



Zack stabbed Scotch with a yell of “I’m coming, Cloud!”



Aerith had her staff in hand and was beside Zack, forcing the door open. “This way!”



Zack could not have run faster. “Cloud!”



-*-*-*-*-



Sobs of pain wracked Cloud’s body. He glared at Corneo through the tears. It hurt, it hurt everywhere.



And then Corneo was moving. He slid from Cloud to slam back in. Blood began to lubricate his path. Cloud’s screams became hoarse as his throat became raw.



“Zack, Zack, Zack….” Cloud sobbed.



Corneo had torn open the dress; It lay in tatters around Cloud’s body. He reached beneath Cloud’s shirt and experimentally twisted one nipple. Cloud arched with a cry. He felt a new burst of wetness in him, and he knew Corneo had come. The man pulled out and crawled up to straddle Cloud’s face.



“Clean me off.” He ordered.



“N-no.”



The Don pressed his cock against Cloud’s lips. “I wonder which of them this Zack of yours is?”



Corneo began to stand. “I’m sure if I go in, I can find out.”



The blond did the only thing he could in is position. His tongue slid out as his eyes screwed shut.



The door slammed open. Zack screamed in rage, tearing Corneo from Cloud, throwing the man to the floor. Aerith and Tifa were at Cloud’s side, untying him.



“Tifa, watch Corneo.” Zack said coldly.



She did so and Zack knelt at Cloud’s side. “Baby?”



Cloud looked over at Zack. “Zack, I- I’m so sorry, I-he-“



“Shhh.” Zack wiped a thumb over Cloud’s lips.



Zack gripped Cloud’s hand in his own. He firmly, yet softly, met lips with the blond. His tongue moved to clean Cloud’s mouth of all blood and semen.



When he pulled back, he whispered. “Stay still.”



He knelt between Cloud’s legs and tenderly cleaned his sore hole. Cloud shudder but painfully forced himself to sit up and watch Zack. He could trust Zack.



“What game are you playing?” Tifa yelled at Corneo.



“You’re the AVALANCHE girl.” Corneo mocked. “Your organization will be dead today, you know. Don’t you want to say goodbye?”



“What?” she froze.



“Oh, Heidegger knows where your hideout is. That pillar…how hard will it be to destroy?”



Tifa glanced at Zack and Cloud. “I have to go… Oh, god, Cloud…”



Zack replaced Cloud’s boxers and pants. Cloud threw the thong at Corneo. Zack lifted Cloud in his hands after handing him a potion. They headed for the door, Cloud weakly opening the bottle.



Corneo walked back to his bed. “Such a pity. He really was a good fuck. Perhaps I shall have to allow men in.”



Zack opened his mouth and turned for Corneo, but the Don said “Uh- uh. Go play, now.”



He pulled a lever hidden from sight, and the four collapsed as the floor disappeared beneath them.



“Goodbye!” Corneo called.



-T.B.C.-



The chapter that wouldn’t end. Yeah, so I changed how they found the items. Why would you receive sexy cologne for giving someone medicine? A tiara for showing a man what the vending machine sells? I had trouble doing that to Cloud. Poor guy. I’m still waiting for pairing wants- let it be known here, though, that I AM going to have some Reno/Cloud. I know it sounds like he’s cheating on Zack, but I have it planned out. Think Wutai. That’s all I’m saying.