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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
- 33
- 34
- 35
A/N: again I want to thank you all for sticking this out with me and keeping up with the story. I felt so much better from the comments I got about the author note and the reviews for the new chapters. You guys really make me keep going. This is gonna…hit the feels a bit so bear with me.

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Walking Out on Destiny

Season Three Episode Four: The Moment I Said It…

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Vincent sat patiently pulling all the data he needed for the last ten years from the Turk Databases searching for information on the collars, the new members, and Veld. Hojo had informed him of everything he could and Vincent promised that he would put a bullet in Veld Verdot's head. He worked from the laptop Hojo had given him while he played assistant. Hojo was giving the Turks their monthly regimen of Mako and Vincent keened his ears to talk of young ShinRa and a rebellion coming soon. Hojo seemed to be somewhat trusted among them since these talks were not hushed but directed towards him. Slowly but surely Vincent was getting a feel for the climate of this new ShinRa. President ShinRa had all but weeded out the truly loyal Turks and had them either under control with the collars or with gil. He was more disappointed the Veld was not collared. The newer Turks were not allowed in on the secret talks and they could not be trusted since they were being trained by Veld though Tseng did his best to recruit a small select few that he could mold into Turk. One of them was names Rod and he had been eying Vincent the entire time though Vincent paid it no mind. The suspicious eyes of the young Turk could deduce anything he wanted to but Vincent knew it would be wrong especially since no one knew nor remembered who he was. As he lifted information from the databases he noted that Tsuki, Kid's former partner, was still MIA while Melitta was listed retired. He glanced around to ensure that no one was watching his screen and input his own code to hack his old database he'd coded himself a long time ago. It was old and outdated compared to what he was finding on the laptop now, but because of that, no one had bothered to check it. He decoded the information, downloading to the laptop before covering his tracks.

"Professor, Sir?" he said with less politeness than he meant.

"What do you want?" Hojo said with annoyance as the newest trainee glared at him when he approached with the Mako needle. "I'm very busy as you can see and if you need someone to hold your hand while you work, you've picked the wrong person."

Vincent narrowed his eyes at the man. "I need an outside hook up to the Network, the one in your office is…damaged."

Hojo glanced back at Vincent who held a truly serious look. Hojo sighed and muttered about regretting ever giving him the damn computer. He put the needle down much to the relief of the Turk and slid his name badge into the identification slot. "You won't be able to get a network outside of ShinRa without proper clearance, but I have my own personal network funded on my dime so you can access that one. Its coded, protected and I'm the only one with the passcode." He took it and typed it in. "Be sure you delete it off when you're done. It's bad enough ShinRa likes to know everything I do, don't need them catching on to this."

"I will only be ten minutes, professor," Vincent murmured offhandedly as the man backed away. He immediately connected his database to Hojo's network and found that it hooked to nearly every science department terminal in every ShinRa base meaning from there he could connect with each Turk database. He broke into all of them scanning them for any information about Tsuki because knowing Veld, he knew exactly where she was and was keeping a heavy thumb on her. No Turk ever left the organization, not without a bullet in their head. If Tsuki was alive, Veld has something solid to keep her inactive. He found a file in the Mt. Coral base intelligence files and went through it. It was labeled identity T06. That was Tsuki's standard ID number in ShinRa database. He opened each file finding surveillance reports and a few images of Tsuki around Cosmo Canyon. Some of the pictures data pretty far and he tried to find more recent ones. He paused when he saw one marked from last year. Tsuki was sitting near the Cosmo Canyon fire with who he recognized as her extended family but also two little ones nestled into her side. So that was why she never came back and was no longer a threat; she'd gained baggage. SO much for seeking aid from the past, but perhaps Tsuki could be of use if he was able to communicate with her. He stole the files and all intelligence related to her and exited out, being sure he had been untraceable. ShinRa's networks may have had higher security, but they still used the old-school build for all of them. Vincent felt a bid old.

"Well that's the last of the cretins. I'll be heading to the SOLDIER floor next, Lucrecia and Dr. Hollander are conducting some form of research within the new SOLDIER candidates and with the old ones as well. They're all going to be present," Hojo said, a question hanging within his tone.

Vincent stared down at his hands, thinking if this would really be a good idea. He ran the risk of Sephiroth recognizing him, but it had been ten years and he had changed enough that with the disguise he shouldn't be so easily recognized. He took a deep breath making a decision. "May I?"

"Well, you are my assistant, but I'm putting you to work. Can't have you bothering me while I deal with them, takes more concentration than you realize to stay on my toes around those two vultures and a regiment of mako enhanced idiots."

Vincent smiled in amusement though he didn't mean to.

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Lucrecia touched Sephiroth's face reassuringly. "Now, now, don't be nervous. It's a routine checkup."

Sephiroth jerked his face away and looked off to the side. "Will you just hurry and get this over with. I don't like being unconscious for too long around you."

"A few questions first as usual. Don't break tradition. Now, how many sexual partners are you boasting this year, hmm?"

"…two…"

"Oh?" Lucrecia's brow rose. "Why the decrease?"

"Haven't been in the mood," Sephiroth sneered.

"Oh dear, hope you aren't becoming impotent."

"Don't make jokes. I'm finding it difficult to form the emotional attachment it takes to have sex."

Lucrecia rolled her eyes. "Just say you don't care about sex anymore. It will make it easier on record. So no one has caught your eye lately, no one…permanent?"

Sephiroth mentally buttoned his lip. Normally, he didn't really have a care about sharing his sexual exploits with her, he enjoyed making her cringe at the numbers but now, now he felt the need to keep his desires a secret. "No…"

The machine beside him bleepped. She looked at him and smirked. "So you are capable of slipping up, you're lying to me. Ah well, keep your secrets, they must be important. Anyway, you're not going under yet, we have to wait for the other 1st Classes and the new cadets. Project C should be coming as well, I can't wait to have you both in the lab at the same time."

"Can't imagine what for."

"Simple, Cloud is…exceeding my expectations by sheer willpower and ambition alone. He's making progress you never made and I didn't have him from infancy," she said with a swell of pride. "He's…making me happier than you ever did in your adolescence."

Sephiroth inwardly flinched. Lucrecia watched the readings from his reactions on the machine and smirked. "I believe that is a play on the fact that he is far removed from supposed 'parental' influence. Either way, Cloud Strife is a diamond in the rough, and I believe I've only just begun to see the flawlessness."

Sephiroth was about to make a scathing remark when Genesis and Angeal walked in with Hollander.

"And then he spread his legs for me like a wonton little whore!"

Hollander rubbed his temple. "I asked a simple question, how many, you didn't need to go into detail! Dammit Genesis.

"Oh but daddy I could say so much more."

"I'm glad you're adopted otherwise I would be cursing myself over you."

"I'm glad I'm adopted otherwise I wouldn't be so pretty. I'd be an ugly cunt bag like you, daddy."

Sephiroth smirked at Genesis who winked at him when he came in. The fight between them had in a sense cleared a lot of the poison between the three of them and they were becoming closer to what they used to be. Sephiroth could continue to laugh at Genesis's jokes without a tongue lashing coming his way and Genesis could smile at him without Sephiroth giving him a dejected expression. Angeal was soaking most of it in, happy to have at least some of their balance back. Angeal quietly walked to his usual station and began stripping down out of his uniform. Genesis did the same, still taunting Hollander as the man grit his teeth and got his equipment ready. Just as they did, the automatic doors opened once again and the group of SOLDIER cadets walked in chatting amiably as if they weren't walking into hell's kitchen. Angeal and Genesis was surprised to see the girl among them. They'd heard about her, even heard about her and Cloud being friends, but they'd never seen her. Rosso had her arm wrapped casually around Cloud's waist and him vice-versa. They were doing a silly walk trying to synchronize their steps. Genesis glanced at Angeal as he had a reminiscent moment.

"Well, it's about time you showed up. I wanted you all to meet your predecessors," Lucrecia said in motherly voice.

"Sorry we're late, princess is on her period and was cranky this morning!" Kyle said glaring back at Rosso and Cloud.

"I'm not on my period," Rosso defended.

"Wasn't talkin' 'bout you!"

"Eat a dick, Kyle," Cloud spat crankily.

Lucrecia rolled her eyes and walked over to Cloud with a gentle smile. "Withdrawals again, Cloud?"

Cloud nodded sheepishly. "Yes, ma'am."

Lucrecia put her finger under his chin and lifted his face to look at her. She gave a sweet understanding smile. "You should've called me. I'll see what we can do about that today. Shalua, get me a copy of Cloud's mako regimen. We may have to adjust it."

"Yes, ma'am."

She flicked Cloud's nose. "See, already taking care of it."

Cloud nodded with a smile of his own. The more he came to see Dr. Lucrecia the more he failed to see what made her so evil. He believed Hojo when he'd told him that something was amiss about her, but it was really hard to tell when she treated him.

Sephiroth watched the interaction between Cloud and Lucrecia with a poisonous longing and hint of jealousy. She'd never been so gentle with him, not even when he was a child. Cloud looked in his direction and waved.

"Good morning, sir." He spouted cheerfully but maintained protocol. "You too, Commander Genesis and Commander Angeal."

"Hey Cloud," Angeal said politely as he was directed to sit on the stretcher.

Genesis waltzed on over half dressed and glomped Cloud fabulously. "Oh look at you all smiles and shit. My little whore mouth blond even has friends!"

"Gen stop it!" Cloud struggled.

Kyle rolled his eyes. "Gay!"

"Happily so! Want to see how many licks before you bat for the other team!" Gen replied licking his lips at Kyle.

"Awe man! Ugh, no sir!" Kyle choked before going to one of the empty stations.

Cloud slipped out of Genesis's arms and skittered over to where Lucrecia was. "Where do I go, Doctor?"

"Right here next to Sephiroth. Sephiroth you already know Cloud obviously. Today he's going to undergo the same treatment as you this time."

Sephiroth struggled to control his face so that the horror would not show. From his experience, Cloud could barely handle the regimen he had; why would she give him the same mixture she gave to himself?

Cloud slipped out of his clothes, keeping his back to Sephiroth so that he wouldn't see the blush on his face. He tried to stay calm and remembered that he'd gotten naked in front of his friends plenty of times, however it didn't stop the flutters in his chest. He felt eyes on him, but he brushed it off as his imagination. Once he was out of his clothes he climbed onto the stretcher and Lucrecia allowed him the modesty of being covered up by a sheet. He missed her triumphant glance to Sephiroth. She slipped a sedative into his arm and rubbed it reassuringly before beginning to hook him up to the monitoring machines. Cloud took a deep sigh and looked over at Sephiroth, already feeling sleepy.

"So even though you're the perfect SOILDIER, you still have to go through this?"

Sephiroth nodded. "Yes, in order to remain perfect, I have to consistently be augmented. You most likely will too."

"We'll see about that," Lucrecia chimed in.

Cloud blinked sleepily at Sephiroth. "I hope not…whenever we do this I always go somewhere strange. I…I don't feel…much like me after its over. You gonna be here…when I wake up…?"

Sephiroth murmured a "yes" as Cloud's eyes closed and he slipped under. He looked at Lucrecia as she came to him with his own sedative. "What are you planning?"

"Planning? Nothing, I'm simply creating someone worthy of your greatness," she said leaning close to his face. She pressed a chaste kiss on his cheek. "He's a gift…if you continue to please me, I can make him perfect for you."

Sephiroth turned away from her. "He's already perfect."

She smirked as she pushed the plunger. "Yes….but you want him to be able to survive you don't you."

"Leave him alone, Lucrecia…I don't want him if it means he has to be anything like me."

She stood up straight. "That's not your decision to make."

Sephiroth was distracted from responding when the door open once more revealing Hojo and who he supposed was a lab assistant. Hojo came over to him but his vision was already blurring when the man began speaking to him.

"Professor." He managed to greet without slurring.

"Sephiroth, I'm here to assess you with the Doctor here. Apparently she felt she needed help handling all of you."

"She can barely handle herself," Sephiroth whispered tiredly. His eyes happened to fall on the lab assistant but he began to see multiples as he fought sleep. When his eyes became unreliable, he started to smell something strangely familiar near him.

"He's already under," He heard Hojo whisper. "Go on, he won't remember this."

Sephiroth felt a gentle but first hand touch his forehead tentatively. That smell, Wutain Snap Dragons….gun oil? He tried to focus his eyes to see but he stared at brown orbs that peered down at him. That face, the shape, the piercing stare. No, it was definitely the medication. It was just making him hallucinate about that face, about that touch. However, as he slipped under, he couldn't help the strange well of emotion that bubbled just beneath the surface and spill over as one single involuntary tear. The darkness hit him and he couldn't think or feel anymore.

Vincent gently wiped away the tear from the corner of Sephiroth's eye. His kid…his son, was lying on the slab even after all he'd done to prevent this and there was nothing he could do. His hand trembled as he brushed the bangs away from Sephiroth's face in attempt to ground himself. Still handsome, still young, still just a kid in his eyes. Vincent blinked a few times putting a cap on his emotions before looking at Hojo. He found Hojo staring down at the boy himself in a strange way before the man adjusted his glasses and looked toward Lucrecia as she returned. He quickly snatched Vincent's hand away from Sephiroth holding it at his side preferring to give an embarrassing impression rather than make her suspicious with Vincent's touching. Lucrecia glanced at their hands and then cut her eyes at Vincent.

"Another one, Kanaye? You've discovered the fruits of younger loins in your old age," she giggled. "I'm glad you saw reason and decided to be on my side. You'll be impressed what I have accomplished with Cloud."

Hojo felt Vincent's hand tremble and realized he was holding the man's gun arm. He squeezed it tight. "I can imagine its nothing innovative otherwise you wouldn't have called me here."

Lucrecia pet Sephiroth as her assistants wheeled him and Cloud away. "Oh on the contrary, I simply wanted your opinion. Do you remember mine and Grimore Valentine's theories about Chaos, Omega, the Weapons, and the Cetra. Well I found that thanks to DNA from Dr. Gast specimen, I found out that Jenova who is not an Ancient mind you, is a parasitic life form that happens to be inhabiting a Cetra body, hence the confusion. Now some Cetra was easily infected by her and she took over them, some were immune but did not survive the onslaught. However, I also learned that there were those who had certain key genetic code that could merge with Jenova and control her. The ones who merged were killed no doubt, after all you're willingly merging with the "Calamity" as Ilfana so calls it. However, you had those who did not wish to merge and they survived…."

"Survived? And?"

"They survived and interbred with the budding human race. Considering most were isolated to the Northern Crater which I believe was not always frozen, I can only assume that their bloodlines with southward slowly, but not completely. So conditions would be right to breed someone who has a bit more Cetra in their gentic code than usual if you tap from the northern gene pool. However, the genetic code for the merger is usually only found in females and Cetra were"

Hojo's mind was racing with the possibilities of what Lucrecia was implying, but Vincent narrowed his eyes at the talk. Vincent was highly intelligent and could've been a scientist if he'd applied himself, so this talk he knew well. This talk is what caused Sephiroth so much suffering.

"My dear, are you saying that Cloud has the genetic coding to merge with Jenova without being completely overtaken by the process?"

"I'm saying Cloud doesn't simply have the genetic coding for merger…Cloud has all of Sephiroth's specifications and none of weaknesses and with the write tuning to his mako and J-Cell integrations he will be able to control Sephiroth's natural alien tendencies as they emerge. But more importantly…"

"His body could manufacture a cure…" Vincent whispered.

Lucrecia smiled. "Your assistant is quick. Yes, he can give us a means to control the parasite in those already infected. It will be monumental in the future of SOLDIER. And we Hollander perfecting the G-cells within Rosso and Kyle, we are looking at the next generation of super SOLDIER, an army worthy of ShinRa and of my son. With Cloud at his side as a restriction device, there's nothing that cannot be accomplished here."

Hojo stared at Cloud's body as the tank he was placed in began to fill with J-Cell spliced Mako. The possibilities were endless once Jenova was a controllable substance. Not only could they progress, but they could stop the hostile takeover of their bodies by Jenova. He couldn't even contain the excitement and cold calculation and for a moment he forgot that it was Cloud whom he was considering slicing open and observing. Vincent shook his head and yanked his wrist from Hojo's grasp and left them to their theories. Hojo closed his eyes to summon calm and went after him, muttering an excuse me to Lucrecia. He followed Vincent out into the hall only to be met with Vincent's left first. Hojo stumbled backwards and Vincent clung to his hand having forgotten that the left side was now weak and partially decayed.

"Fuck!" Vincent spat.

"Feel better?" Hojo asked nasally as he tried to stop the blood flowing from his nose.

"No! Did you forget who that was in the tank? Did you forget that it as Cloud? That it was someone close to you! I though you cared about him, Hojo!"

"And we're back to Hojo again," Hojo muttered. "If you are asking me to pass up a way to get this parasite under control, you have some sort of mental deffecciency."

"I'm asking you to remember that that is a LIFE. Cloud Strife is a life! He's someone's child, someone's friend, someone's love."

Hojo closed his eyes to the slight pain of his nose healing. "I apologize for offending your sensibilities, but Lucrecia can smell a rat. Do you wish to be discovered or for her to realize I am actually trying to be a part of the solution?"

Vincent shook his head. "Your full of shit. I will play along, but Hojo I swear if you hurt that boy or any one of them in there, you will share the same bullet as Lucrecia."

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Zack waited patiently in the Lab waiting room as they began to file out. Rosso and Kyle came first looking sicker than when they'd gone in, then Angeal and Genesis came out, the latter looking less spunky than before. Angeal came and sat by him with an exhausted look on his face while Genesis kept going.

"I don't have time to play with dogs; I have a cold shower and a bed waiting for me. See you at home, Angie."

Angeal nodded and looked at Zack's amused expression. "What?"

"I'd hate to be the one they did this crap to."

"They do do it to you."

"Yeah but the worst I get is a few hot flashes," Zack replied. "You guys seem to always look like you've got one foot in the grave and the other in a puddle of Mako."

"Ha-ha" Angeal said sarcastically. "Imagine I look like shit, wait til you see Cloud. Speaking of, since you're free, I wanted you to go to the simulator today. The board will be there observing some of the lesser SOLDIERs. Be good if you got some face time in."

"I would, but I want to look after Cloud today. Since it's a lab day he's free to come home with me and I know he's going to be feeling like crap."

"Mm…I dunno if it's a good idea. If he's that sick he should stay in the labs until he's recovered; don't want him wandering off like last time."

"Saying you think I could watch him?"

"I'm saying leave him to the professionals and worry about yourself for now. They can take care of his symptoms better than you can."

Zack shook his head. "No, I'm going to watch over him and that's final. And whats taking them so long?"

Angeal shrug, disappointed that Zack was not taking his advice. "Lucrecia and Hojo are working on something new with them from what I understood."

Zack huffed and crossed his arms. "They need to hurry up, I'm bored."

"This is time you could be spending getting that face time."

"No, Angeal."

"Look, how about you go down now and just train a little, make it look good for them and then I'll call you when they come out. I'll even watch Cloud til you get back. Sound fair puppy?"

Zack bit his lip in thought. He had been sitting there for hours now and really was bored. Angeal wasn't the type to slip up; he'd definitely call when Cloud came out. He didn't find anything wrong with it. "Mm, Ok. But make sure you CALL me the minute he's done."

"I will. See have your cake and eat it too. Get a move on."

Zack chuckled and bounced off as fast as he could, anticipating a good exercise.

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Cloud fell out of the tank into someone's arms and immediately began to vomit. He didn't have the capacity to even feel bad about it. He was turned to the side so that his vomiting could be aimed at the floor and several hands were lifting him up as he choked the last remains out. Images, memories even were flashing before his eyes, memories he had no recollection of experiencing. He could see a red eyed man lifting him from somewhere painful; see a monster about to hack him to pieces, seeing a very strange redhead dressed in girl's clothing. Battles and bloodshed filled his vision and he couldn't focus on anything but the sound of swords slicing, gunfire and screams. In between all of it he kept getting glimpses of Genesis and Angeal and feelings that didn't belong to him spread throughout his body. However it conflicted with the fear and adrenaline from the images of death and the smell of burnt corpses from materia shots. He screamed at the confusion in his mind.

"Cloud?" he could hear Hojo's voice calling to him firmly and it grounded him. "Cloud focus, you're alright."

"I guess Sephiroth's regimen was a little too strong for him."

"You should've tried a half portion, what were you thinking, woman."

"I was thinking it would've been amazing if he'd handled it."

"Cloud focus on me, you're fine, you're not dying. Breathe."

Cloud lifted his eyes to Hojo's obsidian gaze and he tried to take deep breaths but he was too weak to hold his head up. He rested against Hojo's chest and took his time breathing, focusing on the eerily stable heartbeat in the man's chest. Hojo swatted away the assistants and lifted Cloud himself, carefully taking him to the nearest bed and placing him on it. Cloud stared at the ceiling listlessly. He was slowly began to come back to himself as his vision returned and looked at Hojo weakly, eyes fluttering.

"Stay still, you're safe, you're sane, stay still."

Hojo repeated that mantra unto Cloud's eyes slipped shut in a calm sleep. Hojo sighed deeply and looked back at Sephiroth who was suddenly banging to be released from the glass. When they did, he too collapsed and vomited a bit, though it was more from the vertigo. He lifted his head and looked towards Cloud with an almost animalistic gaze, his pupils dilating and shrinking in a strange spasm. Hojo backed away from Cloud who remained unconscious on the table and when he did, more of Sephiroth's sanity returned to his face. He scrunched his nose and shook his head, trying to figure out what'd happened. Hojo looked at Lucrecia who stood with a smile of both wonder and triumph on her face.

"What have you done?" Hojo asked in confusion.

"By giving them the same regimen, I'm linking them. Once the link is stabilized through the J-Cells, we can begin experimenting with control."

Hojo shook his head. "You're too overzealous! What if Sephiroth would've gone nuts from this like he did from the pheromones! You needed to stabilize Cloud's regimen before even attempting this!"

"Oh I'm sorry, I was just so anxious," Lucrecia pouted unconvincingly. "But what's done is done. The best way for the experiment to proceed is to not let them know right? So after they're better, let's not let them know. Let the link stabilize itself. I'm certain it won't take long since Sephiroth's had his eyes on the little boy since he came to town. Am I right?"

Hojo did not respond but a smirk spread on his face. "I fear we know nothing about our son sometimes. But yes, let it happen naturally. In the meantime, stabilize the boy or you'll kill him before we get our desires. Slow down, pet."

Lucrecia smiled genuinely at the tone of voice he used and leaned against her desk. "I know you'd come back to me Kanaye."

Vincent watched them with narrowed eyes. He kept telling himself he need to focus on his mission, he needed to continue to blend in, but how long could handle what was being done to his family as he sat and watched it.

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Cloud came around not too long afterwards and found everyone else but Sephiroth gone He shivered and realized he was naked as a newborn on a cold lab table. Vincent wrapped a sheet around him when he noticed the boy was awake and tucked it securely.

"I'll get your clothes."

"Thank you," he whispered hoarsely.

"And some water."

Hojo went over and took his vitals. "How do you feel?"

"Tired…and cold."

"That's to be expected. Once you feel you can move, you'll be released. Go home, rest up and call me directly if you have any complications."

Cloud nodded as a thermometer was slipped in his mouth. It beeped instantly and Hojo removed it as Vincent brought his clothes over.

"You're tempts a little high, but nothing that you won't live through. If you're up to it get dressed."

It took a few minutes of poking and prodding before he was allowed to leave and he looked back at Sephiroth who was asleep on one of the beds. He was being closely monitored and Cloud dared to ask about it.

"Is he alright, Professor?"

Hojo looked back at Sephiroth and then nodded. "Yes, of course he is. Like you, feels the effect of the Mako just as badly as everyone else. He's superhuman but he's still human I expect."

"That wasn't reassuring at all."

"You want reassuring call your mother who I'm sure is dying hear from you."

Cloud panicked and looked at the clock. "I was supposed to call her an hour ago. I gotta go, Zack has my phone."

Hojo nodded. "Get going, we're through with you. Remember what I said."

"I will!" Cloud swiftly made his way out of the lab, or rather as swiftly as the nausea allowed. He was surprised to stumble upon Angeal who was sitting where he'd left Zack. He stumbled over and plopped down next to him.

"Where's Zack?"

Angeal opened his eyes and looked at him. "He's at a training sessions, don't worry I'll call him and get him back over. You took a little longer than he expected and you know how the puppy is. Can't sit still."

"Yeah…he has my phone too," Cloud lamented. "Why did he run off to a training session?"

"Well you know how important it is to Zack to become a first class and a hero, he's getting in face time to boost himself up. I almost wish the conflict in Wutai wasn't at a standstill otherwise a good front line mission would've boosted him up already like it did the first time."

Cloud hummed. "Zack's SOLDIER career is really important to him, huh?"

Angeal nodded. "He thinks of nothing else. It's his dream."

"Yeah, I know that feeling, just wish he'd remember me once in a while."

"He does, he thinks of you all the time. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if it will hinder him."

Cloud turned and looked up in surprise. "Hinder him?"

"No, I didn't mean anything against you. It's just, when young people are in love, they tend to lose sight of their goals in life. It's just something being older has shown me."

"I don't want to hinder Zack. I want him to make it, just like I wanna make it. I want him there when I graduate; I want him there in his first class blacks," Cloud said with a determined glare. "I'm not going to be in his way and he won't be in mine. People being together is supposed to be supportive not hindering. Maybe you just had a bad experience, sir."

Angeal chuckled. "I had no experience. I sacrificed plenty to get where I am and I'm comfortable with it."

"Not everyone has to, sir," Cloud didn't know why he was being so aggressive, but he didn't like the implication and he certainly wasn't in the condition to be cordial. "Could you call Zack now, please? I need my phone, sir."

Angeal eyed Cloud for a moment, but shook his head with a chuckle. Cloud was a lot like his puppy and it rubbed him raw sometimes. "Sure thing."

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Six Months into SOLDIER training

Cloud's toes curled as a searching had trailed down his stomach.

"Damn, Cloud, only six months in and you've already lost all your baby fat. I'm gonna miss it," Zack whispered against his neck.

Cloud shuddered as that hand slipped under his sleep pants. "I'm not. First I get smaller then I'm gonna get bigger," he laughed. "Though hopefully not like you!"

Zack pulled back playfully. "And what's wrong with me?"

Cloud arched his brow. "Really? You're like stupid ripped. You're cut like ridiculous. I don't wanna look like a super soldier!"

Zack shook his head. "No of course not, that would take away from your girlish figure."

"Fuck you!"

"Trying to."

"Then shut up and do it!" Cloud said tugging him back down to kiss him.

"Baby you're a naaaag."

Zack froze in the middle of the kiss and looked at his phone as if he'd seen a ghost. He looked down at a suspiciously innocent faced Cloud.

"You did that?"

"No, Santa Clause did it!"

Zack sighed and moved to get up. "Funny. I know its Angeal."

Cloud tugged at him. "Then you know you shouldn't answer it. It's the middle of the night, come on Zack."

Zack touched his cheek. "You know I have to. It might be important."

Cloud growled and turned away from him, pulling the covers up. "Oh yeah, important mission with Angeal."

Zack didn't respond to him and answered. "Angeal, with all due respect sir, you're about two steps away from getting cursed out by me and my dick."

"Don't be vulgar, Zack. Its Lazard, he's having an emergency briefing for his most trusted SOLDIERs something's going down. Sephiroth's already here and Gen is on his way."

"Yeah but I'm only 2nd Class, I don't need to be there," Zack whined.

"Zackary…this is serious. You need to get here."

He hated when Angeal used his whole name because it meant that there was a snow ball's chance in hell of him saying no. "How long do I have to get there?"

"Zack!" Cloud whispered.

"ASAP, this isn't going to wait."

Cloud clamored over and pressed himself against Zack's back hoping to get his attention but knowing that this battle was already lost. "Tell him you can't go, Zack. Please, don't leave tonight."

"Alright, I'm on my way," Zack replied, carefully pulling away from Cloud and hanging up. "It's important Cloud."

"It's ALWAYS important when Angeal calls. Doesn't mean you have to say yes all the time!"

"You know I can't say no. This comes down from Lazard, I can't say no to the Director of SOLDIER."

"Well that's all great but why didn't he call you. If it's that important, why did Angeal have to be the one to call you!"

"Cloud, look I know this keeps happening a lot, but there's no reason to get mad. It's my job, it's going to be your job too someday. It'll be Sephiroth or Genesis blowing up your phone calling you away from me."

"And I would turn them down in a second, especially this time!"

"Cloud-"

"YOU PROMISED!" Cloud shouted.

Zack flinched since he'd never heard Cloud yell or hear Cloud sound so angry and it made him fell less than the dirt in his carpet. Cloud gazed him, hurt and frustration permeating those big blue eyes. Zack sat back down on the bed and pulled Cloud to him and tried to hug him but the blond pulled away. He rolled out of bed and began to get dressed.

"Cloud, don't do that, it's just a meeting I'll be back."

"No you won't," Cloud muttered. "You never do come back because it's always something that's either going to send you somewhere or keep you all night. There's no reason for me to stay here and wait up for you. I'm going back to the base while the trains are still running."

"Cloud, come on, please don't be like this."

"Like what? Frustrated, angry, a little hurt that you promised to stay the whole night and just jumping up when Angeal calls? What is it not fair for me to feel like that when every time we have a moment alone?"

"Are you…are you jealous of Angeal?" Zack said almost amused.

"Don't you dare laugh at me," Cloud snarled his face completely serious. "I am jealous. Because as much as I care about you, as much as I feel for you, I doubt you'll stop in the middle of what you're doing with him to answer the phone for me."

"That's not true, Cloud and you know it isn't," Zack rolled his eyes. "I'm not going to feed into this. Stay here Cloud, I'm begging you. Stay here and I'll be back as soon as this is over and I'll stay here the rest of the night and all of tomorrow. I promise on my own mother that I won't let you down again?" He tugged Cloud over so that the younger male was standing between his legs. He pressed his head against Cloud's chest. "Don't be mad at me, Cloud. It don't feel too good when you're the one mad at me, okay?"

Cloud's face softened and he hugged Zack. He didn't want to give in, he really didn't. Six months of drive-by dates and evenings were wearing him out and he wanted to be angry, he wanted to stay angry, but he couldn't because he loved Zack. He buried his face into those soft fuzzy spikes.

"You really are a first class ass."

"Yeah I am."

"Swear you'll be back before the night is over?"

"It's just a meeting, I swear."

Cloud nodded. "I'll wait up then. Nothing like Saturday night b-movies to keep me up."

Zack chuckled and looked up at Cloud. "That's the ticket. So, you're not mad at me?"

Cloud stared down into Zack's pleading eyes and couldn't help but crack a smile. "No…I'm not mad. Stupid, mutt."

Zack barked like a puppy earning him a kiss from Cloud and smoothing over his mood. He was much more relaxed now that he was sure Cloud was no longer upset. He could never be the type to leave a lover angry at him, wasn't kosher. After making out with Cloud a little longer than necessary, Zack donned his uniform and left Cloud to his wonderings. Cloud lay on Zack's couch and turned on the TV. No, he wasn't angry at Zack. He couldn't be because Zack was only doing as he was told right? That's how it would be when he became SOLDIER, calls in the middle of the night or snap missions. Cloud burrowed into the comforter. Even though it could all be rationally explained as Zack still being in the early stages of a magnificent military career, his mind couldn't shake the warnings. He was a Strife, they functioned on intuition and gut instinct, it's how they survived the barrenness of Nibelhiem before it was ever a functioning mining town and Mako plant. The warning had been louder and louder lately because it was always the same person pulling Zack off to do these supposed missions and meetings. It was always Angeal…

Sephiroth stepped out of Lazard's office with his own unique set of orders that were in truth going to trouble him for the rest of the night, but there wasn't much to do. Movement was going on and Lady ShinRa was…taking precautions. He rubbed his temple. Maybe Aerith was still up and could go for some late night tea, she always knew how to help his headaches. He went to Angeal to let him know Lazard was ready to see him when he saw Zack through the clear doors of the elevator. Sephiroth's brow furrowed.

"No offense, Angeal, but what is a lower SOLDIER doing here?"

"He won't be lower for much longer. Lazard asked for me to bring him in whenever I felt he was ready to handle one of our "crises" and from what I understand this is a real crisis."

"It is, but he's supposed to be with Cloud. I understood that this was their six month anniversary."

Angeal shook his head. "This is a bit more important; they're teenagers they'll have more little anniversaries. This is finally Zack's opportunity to clear the bar."

Sephiroth turned his back so that Zack would not pay attention to his words as he begin to walk down the hall towards them. "Angeal…this isn't right and you know it isn't. This was supposed to only involve me, you, and G,"

"And anyone whom I deemed trustworthy for the mission. Kunsel is here too and you've said nothing about that," Angeal said angrily.

"Because you are not trying to sky rocket Kunsel's career nor are you making him break a promise by being here. Your honor should've kept you from calling, Angeal."

Angeal actually glared at him. "What are you implying, Sephiroth?"

Sephiroth stared Angeal down and shook his head. "The same thing I've been implying all along. Catch yourself, Angeal…or you're going to hurt someone."

"This conversation is over," Angeal spat under his breath as Zack came up to them.

"Hey guys," Zack said dejectedly.

"Problem, puppy?"

"Pfft! You guys are the cause of all my relationship problems."

Angeal chuckled. "Perhaps you should've waited til a quieter time in your career to jump into one."

Sephiroth cut his eyes at Angeal but Zack didn't catch the motion. "Yeah I know right. Cloud's pretty pissed and I really can't blame him this time. I did promise."

"It's alright, puppy. I promise this is just a briefing. Come on, Lazard's ready to see us."

Sephiroth watched the two of them walk through Lazard's door before it closed behind them. This was truly going to hurt Cloud, but he wasn't sure if he was supposed to do anything about it.

"Let it run its course, Seph."

Sephiroth looked at Genesis who was lounging on the couch. "What?"

"You wanted me to not judge you. Well I'm not now. I know what you're thinking. Should I put a stop to this before the person I care about gets hurt, or should I let this naturally happen so when he's hurt he'll come to me," Genesis said standing with a sly smile. "I've played this game a million times Seph. You wanted to confide in me without me being condescending so I'm doing it. Leave that alone, let Angeal hurt himself, let Zack hurt himself because he isn't blameless, and let them hurt Cloud. If it doesn't happen that way…well…nobody will be able to be happy afterwards. Sometimes, people have to work their own problems out."

Sephiroth nodded and began to walk away. As he passed Genesis, he paused. "Come join me and Aerith for tea or coffee?"

Genesis gave him a surprised look but nodded. "This late at night? You people are barbaric. But, I'd love to."

l

It had been almost three hours since Zack had left, Cloud was getting anxious and he fingered his phone debating whether or not to call. Instead he called down the list of his friends but found them all to be busy, though Rosso briefly apologized for it. He then called Aerith and was surprised to find her up.

"Cloud?"

"Hey…uh, sorry about the time."

"No, no, it's ok, I was just finishing up something. What's wrong?"

"Uh, wrong?"

"Well the only reason you would call anyone this time of night is if you have a problem right."

"Heh, yeah you're right. Um, Zack's not here. He had some kind of…emergency meeting."

"Awe I know, Sephiroth isn't here either. But…I thought it was first class only? Zack is only second class right?"

"Yeah…but Angeal told him to come."

"Hmm…Sephiroth's here, I could ask him if you'd like."

"No! No, it's fine…really…" Cloud shook his head. "I'll just call him in a minute if he's still not back."

"Good idea. You know he'll answer."

"Yeah, he says he will if it's me, but…well we'll see."

"Cloud? Is everything…alright?"

Cloud felt his eyes burn but he shook it off. "I'm ok Aerith, really. Just getting the blues from all this."

"Mmm. I'm here for you if you need anything. My phone is never off! I mean it."

"Thanks Aerith. Let me give him a call ok."

"Alright, call back and let me know how it goes."

Cloud hummed and hung up the phone. He stared at Zack's number debating on if he should have a little faith and wait or if he should call. Zack promised he wouldn't be there all night.

l

"You think you're ready for this?"

"A freakin' mutiny inside the company and we're involved, I dunno. I didn't sign up for all this espionage stuff; this is more of the Turks area."

"Sometimes things happen, our job is just to make sure they don't cause too much damage. I'm glad you're taking it in stride though, puppy."

Zack nodded but kept looking at Angeal. He sighed. "Can we talk for minute, Angeal?"

"Yeah sure, pup."

"No…I mean...can we talk?"

"Oh," Angeal pulled the boy aside into one of the empty training rooms. "What is it, Zack?"

"I'm going to start turning my phone off when I'm with Cloud. I came this close to having Cloud leave me tonight because of a phone call and it was because it was from you."

"Don't tell me the little chocobo is jealous just because I call you away for missions."

"He has every right to be. It's always you and I don't leave for anyone else. I really want to get further and I really do appreciate getting let in on this, but Angeal, the petty missions have to stop. I'm not going to keep hurting Cloud or break promises. That's not who I am and you know it."

"Zack, if Cloud can't handle that you have a job to do then maybe he isn't right for you."

"Cloud can handle me doing this just fine. What he can't handle is having someone come along every time we're together and pulling me off on some stupid mission!" Zack snapped.

"Look, if you don't want to do your best here that's fine but don't make it because of some little boy and his immaturity."

"Oh you are one to talk about immaturity. Are you sure it's Cloud that can't handle me having a career or it's you who can't handle me having a relationship!"

Angeal shocked into silence and Zack took the guilt on his face as confirmation.

"I'm not stupid Angeal, I can bound around and be the happiest guy you've ever met but I'm not an idiot. Remember what you said after that night. You didn't want me, it was wrong to you because you were older, higher in the ranks, and that you didn't want to jeopardize my place in ShinRa. You didn't want me. You have no right to interfere when I've found someone who does!"

"Of course I wanted you. I still do, but that has nothing to do with this right now. You shouldn't be in a relationship when you know that as a SOLDIER you could be pulled away at any time."

"I know that; don't make it your job to teach that. I'm an adult now Angeal, I could always handle my life and my career fine even without you!"

"That doesn't mean you should!" Angeal growled. "You went and jumped into a relationship with Cloud without talking to anyone, without mentioning it to anyone. You didn't even tell me that you were interested in him. Of course I could see it, but you didn't even try to confide in me?"

"What for," Zack snarled shoving him backwards. "What so you could stop me? Tell me how it was bad idea. That it's a stupid move just like when I started messing around with Sephiroth?"

"Listen to yourself, Zack. You only started all this after that night and I know why you're doing it. You're doing it make me jealous and it isn't fair to anyone especially not someone so invested in you as Cloud."

"You think this is about you!"

"I know it's about me, otherwise this conversation wouldn't be happening."

"Don't start that you're older and wiser than me crap. I'm not the one ringing your phone off the hook every time you're with your boyfriend! If you aren't going to stop this then I'm going to drop out of the mentorship program!"

"Look, you're upset, don't do anything-"

"What stupid? There you go again. I'm filing the papers Monday morning. I can get to 1st Class without you!" Zack spat and turned away. He dug out his phone to call Cloud and let him know he was on his way home. "I need to go; I have a boyfriend at home who's probably still pissed at me because of you!"

Angeal couldn't stop the rush of anger and jealousy and panic that flooded his system all at the same time. He acted on it and he was certain he'd regret it. "Zack, don't you dare walk out that door!"

"Or what?!" Zack turned to say venomously, but he was jerked away from the door and slammed against the wall hard, his phone falling out of his hand. He stared into infuriated violet eyes for a split second before he was harshly kissed. Zack struggled to pull away, but just as quickly as it was happening, his resolve was slipping. The familiarity of being pressed against the wall, encompassed by Angeal's warmth was far too much and he couldn't resist, not even with the thought of Cloud at the back of his mind. Angeal worked his lips against Zacks until they gave and the teen was kissing back, the hands that were fighting hard to push him away slowly slipped around his shoulders and relaxed against him. The kiss was forceful, dominant as Zack had always remembered, making him submit easily underneath the more powerful first class and he gripped Angeal's shoulders when the man's knee brushed between his legs. It was just like that night. Alone, after hours in the shadows of the ShinRa building and Zack didn't think twice about tilting his head away to gasp in pent up pleasure. Angeal's teeth found his neck, his canines scraping hard against his skin as his knee rubbed against his growing erection. Zack clawed at Angeal's clothes, the uniform sweater coming undone as Zack fought against Angeal's skilled tongue and teeth.

Amidst the struggle, neither of them heard Zack's phone vibrating on the carpeted floor.

Cloud sat there staring blankly at the credits to another B-movie as Zack's phone went to voice mail. "I waited for you," he simply said before hanging up. He got up, grabbed his things and left the apartment. Zack probably wouldn't be back until morning anyway, no point in being there and no point in waiting around mad. The last train had already left, so he went to the only place he could. He rung Sephiroth's floor and was surprised to get an answer.

"Genesis, did you forget something?"

"Uh, hey Seph it's me."

"Cloud? What are you doing out this late?"

"I'm technically an adult in my home town. But, um, you know I was by myself at Zack's and he's not answering his phone so, I'm a bit pissed and didn't want to stay."

"….I'll meet you down, come into the lobby alright."

"Thanks," Cloud whispered as the building's defense system buzzed. He stepped in and took a seat to wait for Sephiroth to come down.

Aerith watched Sephiroth with her tea cup in hand as he flitted to throw on decent clothes, having just got out of the shower. She watched him go back and forth and noticed that the items he was looking for were next to her. Sipping her tea, she nudged his shoes right into his walking path and watched him trip over them and fall flat on his face. She hid her grin behind her cup as he lay there for a moment trying to collect his pride. He lifted his head and glared at her dangerously, but she managed to keep her eyes as blank as his.

"You're an evil little girl."

She regretted nothing.

Cloud only had to wait about ten minutes before the elevator came down with Sephiroth inside, his hair was braided back and Cloud began to absentmindedly admire Sephiroth's face. Sephiroth had amazing cheekbones. Sephiroth motioned for him to follow and was nice enough to take Cloud's duffel from him. They entered the elevator silently and once the doors closed, Sephiroth heard Cloud sniffle.

"Don't cry," Sephiroth said softly, without looking at him.

"I'm not!" Cloud said defiantly, his voice strained. "I'm just so mad!"

"What happened?"

"I told you it's our six month anniversary."

"I recall."

"Then tell me why I'm here instead of with Zack!"

"The mission briefing…"

"Yeah, except when I call Zack almost four hours later, he doesn't even bother to answer his phone!"

Sephiroth inwardly cringed at the pain in Cloud's voice. "Perhaps he's fallen asleep up there. It is fairly late, Cloud."

"He promised he'd come home. Seph. He promised no more petty missions, he promised no more unscheduled meetings, he promised this weekend was ours because it was our anniversary, and he promised he'd come home!" On the last word Cloud's voice broke and he was crying now. "I love Zack, I really do and even though I've been having doubts I still want to be with him….but now I'm just wondering if it's stupid to make myself all frustrated like this."

Sephiroth said nothing, he simply let Cloud talk.

"I'm probably over reacting...in fact I know I am but, today was supposed to be some kinda important. I've never been in a relationship with anybody and I wanted to mark all the important parts. First kiss, First fight, first three months, first six months, first year. You know, all that stuff your parents tell you they went through while dating. I had never thought I would get to date anyone who actually liked me for me so this was really important. But sometimes…sometimes I feel like a placeholder and I keep getting suspicious of who I'm a placeholder for. I know he doesn't mean it, I know he means it when he says he loves me but Angeal only has to say jump and he's disappears on me. Is that fair? Am I supposed to be ok with that?"

"No…you're not." Cloud looked up at Sephiroth who leaned against the back wall of the elevator and stared at the reflective doors. "No one outside of you two should have so much control over your relationship and it's not up to you to put a stop to it, but it's up to Zack. If Zack does not…then I do not know where either of you will be headed."

Cloud wiped his eyes and looked up at Sephiroth with both determination and fear. "If….if you knew something about Angeal and Zack…you would say something…right?"

Sephiroth froze, his mind running a million miles per second at the loaded question but realized that the only reaction that was logical, the only one that seemed necessary, to the point…was the truth. "If you asked me yes."

Cloud's mouth moved up and down and he looked away trying to find the words that he was too afraid to ask. Zack was a good guy. Zack was perfect, Zack didn't have skeletons in his closet and he would be straight forward about his feelings. Zack was…Zack was…Zack was only human…

Cloud looked up at Sephiroth's silent towering form. "Sephiroth…are Zack and Angeal...are they…."

l

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A/N: HA! Cliffhangaaaah. Lol nah I'm just kidding, but for now yeah it is a cliff hanger…only because if I had left all of what I'd plan to type in here it would've been waaaay too long. Sorry about the delay, I'm totally back in school going for English hoping to be a REAL writer someday. Maybe all of you will buy my books since you guys seem to be emotionally invested. Anyway, much Hojo's cruel scientist side is going to show through, but then you'll have much more of Cloud's nature showing through as well and he's not a pushover in this. There is no way he will be a push over because playing the games and watching the movie, I know Cloud is not a pushover. So um, we get to get into some deep stuff pretty soon: the shift of power in ShinRa, Aerith's real passion, and Tseng's role as Rufus's adjudant. I promise it will be action packed because MAGIC. So yeah! Also Vincent is going to be forced out of his disguise much sooner than he anticipated. Thanks guys for hanging in there, sorry about the slowness, but education comes first, especially with the amount of money it freakin costs. I probably need a beta but as I said, I don't keep up well, especially with how far inbetween there are updates.
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Walking Out on Destiny