Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ How Cloud got his ears pierced ❯ Chapter 1

“How Cloud got his ears pierced”

Part 1

(A “short” fan fiction inspired by tonberryknight's “Parade Rest” art piece and MuseOfDiscord's “Cloud in a schoolgirl's uniform” fantasy)

 

 

*Disclaimer: The world that this story is set in and all characters therein belong to Square-Enix. This fiction piece is strictly a non-profit exercise of creativity and entertainment for people (like me) who can't get enough of this world and the characters.

 

 

~I hate these parades. Of all the shitty assignments to put me on, these are the ones I dread the most.~

 

Sephiroth jammed his feet into his polished black boots, tucking the green uniform pants into them. With that accomplished, he stood up and checked his appearance in the full-length mirror. The two golden braids draped from beneath the fringed, right-hand epaulette were entwined. He scowled with annoyance and disentangled the shiny ropes, smoothing them out so that they hung tidily beneath the shoulder board as they were meant to. He noticed that the golden epaulette on the left was crooked and he sighed and straightened it out.

 

His temper began to cool until he noticed that one of his many ribbon bars on the left breast was also crooked.

 

~For fuck's sake, it doesn't end!~

 

“Sir,” someone interrupted from the open door of his quarters, “they've called for us to—“

 

Another voice interrupted the first one. “I'll handle it from here. You go and join your regiment.”

 

Sephiroth didn't turn around to face Zack as he strolled into the room. He was struggling to get the loose bar properly aligned with the others, but his white gloves were impeding his progress. Outwardly he looked calm, but Zack could see through the reflection in the mirror as he approached that the green, serpentine eyes were narrowed and flashing with annoyance.

 

“We've got to get going,” Zack said carefully. “Need some help?”

 

“No,” answered the General in a clipped tone. “I've got it.” He pressed the bar into place and resisted a sigh of relief. Turning around, he smoothed his hands over his green, gold embroidered coat, straightened the collar of the black dress shirt he wore beneath it, and reached for his hat.

 

“Uh, aren't you going to tie your hair back?” questioned Zack as the silver-haired man yanked the hat down, leaving his bangs dangling over the sides of his face and the rest of his shining silver hair flowing around his shoulders and down his back. While Soldiers were allowed to grow their hair long it was regulation for anyone with hair longer than collar-length to braid it or pull it back into a ponytail for formal military engagements or displays.

 

“They can always kick me out of the parade if they object to it,” Sephiroth replied caustically, giving Zack a hint of a crooked smile. He went to the masamune resting on his bed and drew it from its sheath, carrying it with easy familiarity. He never bothered to take the sheath with him during these public appearances, as per the President's desire. The citizens loved to see him holding the naked blade, ready to defend them at a moment's notice if he had to.

 

“I know you'd love that,” Zack chuckled. “You look good.” Actually, Sephiroth looked more than “good”; he looked fantastic. If Zack swung that way he'd probably be drooling by now, but he didn't dare say it aloud.

 

“Let's get this over with,” Sephiroth sighed, walking past the other man to the door.

 

Zack followed behind, noticing the tense set of Sephiroth's broad shoulders. “Hey, you know what's good for tension? S-E-X.”

 

Sephiroth stopped and turned to regard him. “Easier said than done, considering my preferences and the reputation I'm forced to uphold.”

 

Zack scratched his head and brushed some lint off of his navy blue uniform. “Yeah, but I'll bet it's easier than you think to find willing partners.”

 

“Finding willing partners isn't the biggest problem,” countered Sephiroth, “finding willing partners that I want to fuck is.” He continued on and turned down the now-empty hallway, taking his time because he knew they wouldn't start the parade without him.

 

Zack hurried after him, shaking his head. “You're way too picky, Seph.”

 

~And you seriously need to unwind. You've got too much pressure on your shoulders, Pal.~

 

As they made their way through the building down to the garage, Zack thought about trying to find some company for his friend that evening. The VIP party after the parade should technically supply a decent selection of viable candidates, but Sephiroth was very particular about who he took to his bed. He liked his lovers smooth of face and almost delicate, with demure and submissive personalities.

 

Zack sighed. None of the guys he knew to swing that way fit the bill.

 

~*****************************~

 

Cloud pulled the caps off of the lenses of his binoculars and crouched on top of the roof, waiting. The breeze picked up, lifting his golden bangs and cooling his sweat-beaded neck and forehead. After a while he felt the temperature start to drop and clouds began to roll in slowly from the East. He glanced up at the sky and frowned as the sunlight temporarily dimmed under the scattered masses.

 

~Please, don't let the parade get rained out. I've waited for so long just to get a glimpse of him in person…I have to see what he looks like!~

 

If anyone asked him just WHY he was so obsessed with seeing Sephiroth, he honestly couldn't have come up with a logical answer. The truth was that the General was so large in his mind, Cloud had an unreasonable crush on him without ever having really seen him. It was frustrating and his true purpose for wanting so badly to see what he looked like was to end the stupid infatuation.

 

General Sephiroth's looks couldn't possibly be as amazing as his reputation and Cloud thought that if he could get closure on that, he could stop obsessing over him. All he had to go by were the rumors passed around amongst the cadets and the fuzzy newspaper photo's he'd seen, shot from a distance. He'd never had the courage to ask his friend Zack to give him a detailed description of the man, afraid of how it might sound if he did.

 

He cocked his head and listened as he thought he heard the sound of the marching band in the distance. Yes, it was getting closer. They were playing the Junon Anthem and the music was slowly growing louder. Cloud stood up without even being aware he was doing it and he lifted the binoculars to his face to peer down the street. He saw helium balloons being released into the air a few blocks away but he couldn't spot any of the floats or marching regiments yet. He heard the distant sound of cheering and his pulse quickened.

 

~This is it…I'll know soon. I just have to be patient.~

 

He began to tap his foot nervously as he waited for the parade to draw closer. He licked dry lips as he spotted the marching band leading the way, with a banner stretched out in the front entitled “Junon honors the President and SOLDIER”. Cloud put one booted foot on top of the short half-wall trimming the roof and leaned forward a bit to try and see around the buildings down the street. His heart lurched when he finally spotted a float, but it was just the first bead and bauble float—one of many that carried people to throw candy, beads and kazoos for the kids.

 

Deciding that he wasn't going to be able to see clearly even when the SOLDIER float emerged down the street, Cloud stepped away from the edge of the roof and sat for a while. He pulled his knees up and rested his arms on them, listening to the generic, boring anthem and telling himself to be patient. He watched a trail of ants meander across the concrete, carrying food and building materials back to their home.

 

~Ants aren't much different from people,~ He reflected. He slowly became hypnotized by their single-minded activity, watching them come and go as they carried on their business. He didn't realize that the parade had reached his block until he heard the shrill whistle of the band conductor. With a gasp, Cloud struggled to his feet and lifted the binoculars to his face again, watching the parade slowly pass by on the street below.

 

He paid no attention to any of the novelty floats and he only paid minimum attention to the Presidential float. He mostly kept his binoculars trained on the SOLDIER float, which was steadily drawing closer but hadn't come close enough yet for him to make out details of the occupants. When it finally did, he recognized his friend Zack immediately and he smiled. While he was envious of the dark-haired Soldier, he didn't begrudge his success.

 

He knew that if Zack could have found a way to get him in one of the balconies with the cadets that made the cut, he would have. It worked out fine anyway because Cloud had discovered a lowered fire escape ladder in an alleyway and climbed up to the rooftop of the two-story building he now watched from. He had a better view now than he would have if he were crowded in the balconies with the 3rd Class Soldiers.

 

Cloud narrowed his eyes behind the binoculars when he saw the tall figure standing beside Zack on the SOLDIER float. His uniform appeared to be green in color and a fancier cut than the others. Unlike the other 1st Class Soldiers, the man in green wasn't waving to the crowd or tossing ShinRa doubloons from a bag. He stood straight and tall and unless Cloud's eyes were deceiving him, he appeared to be holding a very long blade propped behind his shoulders in a horizontal position. Was he wearing a silver cape?

 

Cloud leaned forward again and tried to make the binoculars focus sharper, but they had reached their limit of magnification. He kept them trained on the man in green, trying to work out what he had draping his back and what in the hell he was doing with the sword. It looked like he was wearing a black, hard hat usually denoting high rank. Cloud's eyes widened.

 

~That has to be the General!~

 

Cloud leaned forward far enough to start losing his balance and for a moment, his eyes bugged out behind the binoculars as he struggled not to tip right over the side of the roof.

 

“Shit!” He righted himself and let the binoculars dangle for a moment as he recovered from the adrenaline rush and caught his breath. By the time he calmed down from the terrifying moment, the SOLDIER float had reached his block. Cloud quickly picked up the binoculars again and focused on the float, now able to see Zack quite clearly. The dark-haired 1st looked like he was having a blast, tossing shiny doubloons engraved with the ShinRa emblem and little facts about the military to kids on the street.

 

“Zack!” Cloud yelled, waving. The other man heard him and looked up. He laughed when he spotted Cloud on the roof and waved back. The binoculars made it seem like he was standing right in front of him.

 

Cloud hesitantly shifted the binoculars to the left, focusing them on the tall man standing beside Zack.

 

~Let him be ugly, let him be ugly, let him be ugly…~ Thought the blonde over and over like a mantra as he focused on the General.

 

His mouth fell open. “Shit,” Cloud sputtered, “He's NOT ugly…he's not ugly at all!”

 

No, Sephiroth was about as far from “ugly” as anyone could possibly get. He was beautiful—so beautiful that it pained Cloud to look at him. What Cloud had mistaken for some kind of cape was actually the man's hair. It fell past the General's hips in thick glossy strands, like spun silver. His green uniform was embroidered with golden stitching and it fit his tall frame perfectly. He had broad shoulders, a narrow waist and hips, long, lean muscled legs and long-fingered hands. He was holding his masamune behind his head by the hilt with left hand and…polishing it? With a rag he held in his right hand.

 

Cloud stared in fascination as the General's white-gloved hand steadily stroked the cloth back and forth over the bright steel blade. He did it slowly and deliberately in a way that was strangely sensual, while his face…THAT FACE…maintained an expression of detached boredom. Cloud studied the perfect, creamy skin, the straight nose, the full, sensitive-looking lips, the angled jaw and the chin squared just enough to be masculine without appearing rough. Sephiroth's eyes were green and they flashed with the glow of Mako. As the float moved directly in front of the building, Cloud was able to see little details…such as how long and thick the man's silver eyelashes were.

 

~I'm dying,~ thought Cloud desperately, ~Somehow I'm dying and I'm seeing an angel wearing the General's uniform. Nobody can be that fucking beautiful!~

 

Suddenly the emerald eyes looked up and focused on him. The pupils were vertically slit like a cat's or a snake's, lending an even more inhuman quality to the man. Cloud felt his whole body tingle and he lowered his binoculars slowly, swallowing hard. The General continued to stare unblinkingly up at him, his head swiveling slowly as the float went by. Cloud couldn't look away from those eyes and he couldn't even think to try and mask the expression of longing and desire that he knew was on his face.

 

~***************************~

 

Sephiroth was used to feeling eyes on him, but halfway through the parade he felt it magnified several times over and it seemed to be originating from a single person. Following his senses, he looked up and spotted a young man with thick, spiky blonde hair standing on the roof of the building the float was passing. The blonde was fair completed and he wore a standard-issue ensemble of cadet pants, boots and a sleeveless blue sweatshirt. Though small in stature he was built well, with defined muscles in his arms and shoulders. He looked young—Sephiroth guessed him to be in his late teens—and he was staring down at him through a pair of binoculars.

 

Intrigued, Sephiroth kept his eyes on him and studied the line of his jaw and his shapely mouth. The blonde lowered his binoculars and tilted his head, staring back at him with a decidedly enthralled, infatuated expression on his fair face. He had the most arresting, beautiful blue eyes Sephiroth had ever seen and a youthful face that bordered on being delicate. The General held the mystery blonde's eyes until the float passed and he could no longer watch him without craning his neck indignantly.

 

Zack noticed the exchange of staring between his two friends and it occurred to him that he'd never even thought to find out if Cloud was gay or straight. The kid looked like he'd been hit over the head or something, staring down at Sephiroth in a daze. The General likewise stared at Cloud but his expression wasn't easy to read. The float passed out of range and Sephiroth resumed polishing his sword, his green eyes thoughtful.

 

“Zackary,” Sephiroth muttered out the corner of his mouth.

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Did you notice the blonde standing on the roof of one of the buildings we passed?”

 

Zack grinned. “Yeah, I know him.”

 

Sephiroth looked at him sidelong. “Who is he?”

 

“His name's Cloud…Cloud Strife. He's a really nice guy. I guess he's a little too nice because they failed him for the pass into SOLDIER based on his sensitivity. He might not look it but the kid's got some mad fighting skills. I hope he grows thicker skin and gets another chance next year.”

 

Sephiroth was used to getting a full story every time he asked Zack about anything, so he waited until the black-haired 1st finished babbling about his little blonde friend before speaking again.

 

“Cloud Strife,” The General repeated the name, tasting it on his tongue and finding it to his liking.

 

Zack was kicking himself on the inside. ~Damn, I'm such an idiot. The way that kid always blushed a little when I'd talk about Sephiroth and the way he's always so shy and reserved when he asks questions about him…I should have known!~

 

“I think you'll be seeing more of him,” Zack promised with a sly grin. Cloud was exactly Sephiroth's type and if he was right, the same held true in reverse.

 

~******************************~

 

When the parade was finished, Zack went to the cadet barracks looking for Cloud. He went straight to the small room that his friend shared with another cadet, hoping he'd catch him there. The door was hanging open and the blonde was putting his binoculars away in the chest at the foot of his bunk when he found him.

 

“Hey, Cloud. How'd you like the parade?”

 

Cloud jumped at the sound of his voice, having failed to hear him come in. “Zack,” he gasped, “You scared the hell out of me.”

 

Zack leaned against the doorframe and put his hands in his pockets. “Looks like you managed to find the best view in the city. Maybe I'm wrong, but it also looked like you had your eyes glued on Sephiroth.”

 

Cloud lowered his gaze and a flush spread over his pale cheeks. “You saw that, huh?”

 

“Why didn't you tell me, buddy?” Zack sobered and gave him an understanding, friendly look.

 

“Which part?” Cloud shrugged, plopping down on his bunk. “That I'm into guys, or that I'm obsessed with a man I never even saw before today?”

 

“A little of both, I guess,” Zack sighed. He crossed the room and sat down next to the blonde. “It doesn't matter to me either way, man. You're still a country boy like me.”

 

He was rewarded with a faint smile and a sidelong glance. “I guess I thought you'd freak out, or at least make fun of me over the Sephiroth thing.”

 

“Like hell I would,” Zack snorted, “I don't care about any of that and I might actually be able to help you out.”

 

Cloud looked confused. “How?”

 

“Well, you've got to help me out too. There's post-parade VIP party tonight and all of the high-ranking SOLDIER members and ShinRa execs are going to be there. I need you to go with me.”

 

“Uh, I don't have the clearance for it,” Cloud reminded him.

 

“I can bring a guest,” Zack shot back with a wink.

 

“Oh,” Cloud brightened. “Then I'll go.”

 

“Just a minute, there's a few strings, here.”

 

The blonde stared at him suspiciously. “What kind of strings…the kind that could hang somebody or the kind that end up with me wearing panties on my head to give the Soldiers a laugh?”

 

“Well, there ARE panties involved but they won't be going on your head.”

 

Cloud frowned at him and Zack clapped him on the back. “Just hear me out. I need a date for this thing. My reputation's going to be on the line if I don't show up with a pretty girl on my arm.”

 

“Then why the hell did you just ask me to go?” snapped Cloud with a frustrated gesture.

 

“Because you're my friend and it's too short of notice for me to go tearing around Junon looking for a girl. If we do this right we can both win. I'll have a date and you'll have the chance to rub elbows with the best. What do you say? I'll bet you'd make a cute girl.”

 

Cloud's sapphire eyes regarded him like he'd just announced he was a flying spaghetti monster. “I think you're out of your fucking mind.”

 

Zack laughed. “I'd have to be to think up something like this, wouldn't I? We could pull it off, though. You can go as an exchange student taking private schooling here at Junon. Everyone's going to be in uniform at this thing so we can pick up a girl's school outfit for you at the uniform shop.” The part about everyone being in uniform was a little white lie; the ladies attending could wear dinner gowns if they chose, but something wicked in Zack thought Sephiroth might appreciate the paradox of an innocent/naughty schoolgirl.

 

Cloud just stared at him for a minute. He finally blinked and put on a sarcastic expression. “My hair's not exactly `schoolgirl' regulation.”

 

“Not a problem,” Zack insisted easily. “We can pick up a wig for you. It's on me.”

 

“You're serious,” Cloud whispered in shock.

 

“Yeah, I am,” agreed Zack. “Come on, buddy. We've only got a few hours to go and you need to shave your legs and—“

 

“SHAVE MY LEGS??”

 

“Uh-huh. Have you seen the uniforms the schoolgirls wear here? You can't go around in a little blue skirt all night if you've got hairy legs, you know?”

 

Cloud stood up and backed away from him. “Nuh-uh…no fucking way, Zack.”

 

Zack sighed. “Okay then. It's too bad, though…Sephiroth's going to be there and I think—“

 

“Sephiroth?” Interrupted Cloud. His eyes went predictably dreamy and he looked down.

 

“Well yeah. He's the great General of ShinRa. Did you think he wouldn't be there? Hey, you might have even had the chance to talk to him alone, but if you're too scared to try this I guess you'll have to wait for another chance to come around.”

 

Cloud hesitated for a moment and then looked up at him again with a resolved, determined expression. “Let's go get the uniform and wig.”

 

 

~************************~

 

“Yeah, that looks good,” Zack approved as Cloud tried on the third wig. It was golden-blonde in coloring, matching his eyebrows better than the other two had. The hair fell in feathered layers to a few inches below Cloud's shoulders. “I liked the one with the pig-tail braids too, though.”

 

“I didn't,” Cloud frowned. “It made me look like a milkmaid.”

 

“It was cute!”

 

“It was stupid.”

 

Zack chuckled and reached out to ruffle Cloud's wig. “Fine, you're the one wearing it so you get the final say.”

 

Cloud took the wig off and went to the register, blushing when the store clerk gave him a curious look. “Costume party,” he fabricated, hoping it was convincing.

 

“I'll pay for it, Cloud.” Insisted Zack. “After all, I'm the one that talked you into doing this.”

 

Cloud almost declined but given the humiliation he was probably going to be experiencing that evening, he decided to let him. Zack gave the clerk the proper amount of gil and glanced at his blonde friend. He reached out and touched one of Cloud's newly pierced earlobes, examining the rhinestone stud in it.

 

“You didn't have to go so far as to pierce your ears you know.”

 

Cloud winced as the other man's thumb brushed the tender lobe. “I was thinking about doing it anyway. I'll get some custom earrings made later.”

 

“Man, I'd hope so. The rhinestones are great for your costume but they don't exactly say `manly'.”

 

Cloud smiled a little and took the bag from the merchant. They left the wig shop and walked a couple of blocks to the uniform shop. Zack told the clerk they needed a standard Junon private school uniform for girls and she asked if he had a sister he was picking it up for.

 

“Uh, we're getting it for this guy's twin,” Zack said with a nod at Cloud. “She's about his size, except for some muscle here and there. He's going to try it on to see if it'll fit her.”

 

“I see,” said the clerk with an appraising look at Cloud. His small, lithe stature made it easier to believe a woman could be close to his size. “You look around a size seven or eight. We can try those sizes first. The dressing rooms are in the back.”

 

Cloud swallowed and nodded. “No peeking, Zack.”

 

The dark-haired man snorted. “Like I would. Well, maybe just a little.”

 

The clerk giggled, blushing at Zack with obvious interest and he winked at her. Cloud rolled his eyes and followed the woman to the shelves containing the correct uniforms. She picked out a couple of outfits and directed him to the hallway at the back of the store, telling him to take his time deciding what fit best. Zack started to follow him but he spotted a rack with various sizes, colors and styles of pantyhose. Stroking his chin in thought, he examined the garter belts and grinned.

 

“You know Miss, his sister could probably use a new garter belt and a pair of thigh-high stockings to go with it. What color do you think would go best with the uniform?”

 

She considered it and selected a pair of white ones. “These are a popular choice for color coordination. During winter a lot of girls wear them with blue shoes or boots.”

 

“Hmm…boots,” Zack pondered. He imagined the Clerk wearing the outfit and mentally switched between boots and pumps, trying to decide which would turn him on more. Thigh-high boots with spiked heels would be great but he didn't want to make it TOO obvious that he was trying to set Cloud up for a screw session. There had to be a decent mixture of sugar and spice, here. “Maybe a pair of those cute flats I see so many schoolgirls wearing would be best. Do you know where I can find a pair in blue?”

 

“Oh yes,” said the clerk, “you can find what you're looking for at the shoe shop just across the street.”

 

“Cool.”

 

~******************************~

 

“I don't think I need the stockings,” Cloud argued with embarrassment as they finished up and started heading back to Zack's quarters.

 

“You want it to be convincing, don't you? Hey, you've got nice legs for a dude but there's still some muscle definition that most girls don't have. The pantyhose will smooth it out.”

 

Cloud sighed in defeat. “Did you have to get thigh-highs, though?”

 

Zack hid a grin and shrugged. “They didn't have that color in the whole variety. Sorry man.” He paused as they started past a lingerie shop, eyeing a pair of lacy panties adorning one of the mannequins in the display window.

 

Cloud followed his gaze and pressed his lips together. “Nuh-uh. I know what you're thinking Zack and no way!”

 

“Why not? Men's boxers or briefs sure as hell don't go with that outfit.” The other man suggested.

 

“Nobody's going to be seeing what kind of underwear I'm wearing,” huffed Cloud stubbornly.

 

“Hey, you never know,” Zack argued, thinking quickly, “what if a stiff breeze lifts your little skirt just enough to flash your undies? What if you fall? What if someone drops something near you and has a peek up your skirt?”

 

Cloud began to look scared. “You never mentioned any of that stuff…I'm not sure I can do this.”

 

“Come on, don't be a chickenshit. I'm not saying any of that's likely to happen, but it's better to be safe than sorry and what will people think if they see a cute little school girl wearing men's underwear?”

 

Cloud wavered and Zack let loose with the big guns to win the battle. “Sephiroth, remember?”

 

“Fine,” grumbled the blonde.

 

“We need to pick up a bra for you to wear, too.” Zack added.

 

“Why? In case you haven't noticed, I don't have anything to support!”

 

“I know,” Zack explained, “that's the biggest reason we need one. You've got to have some feminine curves or people are gonna be suspicious. We'll stuff it with toilet paper or something to make it look like you've got boobies.”

 

Cloud looked like he wanted to throttle him, but he didn't argue until they got inside and Zack suggested a DD cup. “Am I going as a schoolgirl or a porn star?” He growled.

 

“All right, all right,” Zack said, “We'll go with a B or C then.”

 

~******************************~

 

When they got back to Zack's quarters he drew a bath for his friend and set the disposable razor they'd picked up on the side of the tub, along with a can of shaving cream. He hung the uniform on the door and set the accessories on the closed lid of the toilet, then told the blonde that it was all set up and ready to go for him. Cloud entered the bathroom like a death row prisoner walking to his final destination.

 

“Poor kid,” Zack said to himself as he flipped through television channels and waited. “You know he's got it bad for Sephiroth if he's willing to do all this just to get the chance to be close to him.”

 

His conscience nagged him suddenly. ~And if Sephiroth breaks his heart it's going to be your fault.~

 

He hadn't considered that possibility before. All he'd been thinking of was helping both his friends, but they could never have a “normal” relationship because of the reputation Sephiroth had to uphold. The general might not even want a repeat encounter with the blonde if all went as Zack thought it would.

 

~I'll talk to him,~ He decided, ~I'll find a way to get Sephiroth alone and tell him I don't want him going all the way with Cloud unless he's interested in something more long term.~ He was confident that Sephiroth would listen to him because he was one of his only friends. While the man wasn't wildly affectionate, he was loyal to the few people he actually liked.

 

Zack heard Cloud swearing in the bathroom and he grinned. “Need some help buddy?” he called.

 

“I've got it,” Cloud's muffled voice snapped back.

 

Zack chuckled, imagining the blonde trying to work out the garter belt and bra. “I know a little something about what goes where, Cloud. You sure you don't want me to help you?”

 

“NO, I said I could GET it!”

 

“Poor kid,” Zack said again, shaking his head.

 

After several minutes, the bathroom door opened and Cloud stepped out. Zack got out of his chair and looked the blushing young man up and down. His first guess had been right; Cloud really DID make a cute girl.

 

The white cotton blouse's long sleeves were loose enough to hide the bulge of his muscles and his hands were small enough to pass for feminine. Some press-on fingernails would add a nice touch, but the calluses couldn't be helped. Zack didn't worry about that because the only people Cloud was likely to be touching tonight were he and Sephiroth. The blue sleeveless vest framed Cloud's fake bosoms nicely, parting wide at the chest and buttoned closed at the waist to accent the pseudo curves. The pleated skirt of the same color only fell to Cloud's mid-thigh and the white stockings concealed the male tone of his leg muscles, making the limbs appear more delicate and shapely. The patent leather flats matched the color of the skirt and vest and made his feet look smaller and almost dainty.

 

“Looking good, Cloud. Looking DAMN good, really. I might just have to keep you to myself tonight.” Zack approached his friend with a wolfish grin, eliciting a nervous reaction in the blonde. “I'm kidding, don't freak out,” Zack laughed when Cloud took a couple of steps backwards. “Here, you don't have to have the blouse buttoned up to the neck. It makes you look like a prude.”

 

Cloud jumped involuntarily as Zack reached out and undid the top three buttons, baring his throat and clavicle. The dark-haired man stepped back and looked him up and down again, nodding with approval. “Perfect,” he said. “Now we've just got to get you some fake nails and stop at the beauty parlor for a makeup job and you'll be ready to break hearts.” Feeling devilish, he grabbed the hem of Cloud's skirt and pulled it up for a look. He caught a glimpse of the garter strap, a smooth, pale thigh and a hint of a round butt-cheek covered partly by the lace of the panties, before Cloud slapped his hand in a manner that was surprisingly girlish.

 

“Knock it off!” The blonde said with high color in his cheeks. “I'm a guy, remember?”

 

“I just wanted a peek,” Zack snickered, “you've got nice thighs and a nice ass for a guy.”

 

“Zack,” Cloud warned, glaring blue daggers at him.

 

“Okay, I'll stop. I just couldn't resist. Now let's go get the finishing touches so I can get ready too.”

 

~***************************~

 

Sephiroth listened with half an ear to President ShinRa as he prattled on about national defense and clearing out the remaining rebels in Wutai. He despised social functions. He only attended them out of obligation because unlike everyone else, he always ended up discussing military matters and duties. There was simply no such thing as getting a break from work for him.

 

“You have nothing to worry about, President,” Sephiroth said with mechanical politeness, his green eyes scanning the ballroom with bored disinterest, “Leave everything to me.”

 

He spotted a familiar figure walking into the room from the arched entrance and he relaxed just a little. It looked like Zackary had found a date for the night and she was wearing a private school uniform. Sephiroth briefly wondered if she didn't have the money to purchase a gown in time, but it didn't matter since the woman attending had the option of dressing in their perspective uniforms or wearing formal gowns. Some of the younger Soldiers also had dates that were wearing the same uniform. He gave her a mildly curious examination, noticing from the distance that she kept her eyes lowered and seemed to be blushing. Her feathered blond hair was thick and shiny in the chandelier light.

 

~Not bad, Zackary. I imagine some of your straight associates might envy you tonight.~

 

Zack spotted him and waved, then started over, taking his date's hand. The young woman looked up and saw Sephiroth. He caught a flash of blue eyes before they lowered again and for some reason, the girl seemed suddenly reluctant. Sephiroth lifted a brow in puzzlement as she resisted Zack and he put an arm around her and practically dragged her along, whispering to her. Was she afraid of him? He smirked and rolled his eyes. Of course she was…most people reacted to him with fear or intimidation.

 

“Zack, I don't think I can do this,” Cloud whispered shrilly when he realized that the other man was taking him straight to Sephiroth. “What am I gonna say? What am I gonna do?”

 

“Don't worry,” Zack whispered back, “you look fine. Nobody suspects anything but if you keep making a scene they will. How's it going to look if I don't say hello to Sephiroth and introduce my date? Besides, I know you want to talk to him.”

 

Cloud was trembling as the other man put his arm around him and guided him forward. Zack frowned, feeling a wave of pity for the blonde. It mustn't be easy, meeting a living legend face to face that he'd probably been fantasizing about since before he joined the military. Like most young men their age, Cloud had joined in the first place partially because of Sephiroth. Everyone that didn't want to fuck Sephiroth wanted to be just like him or wanted him dead.

 

“Just take it slow, one step at a time,” Zack said with gentle patience as if talking to a skittish chocobo. They slowly crossed the floor and Sephiroth excused himself from the President's side and started toward them. Cloud froze in terror and Zack squeezed him gently and pushed against his back, urging him to keep walking. “It's okay,” he murmured, “you're doing fine. Just keep moving.”

 

Cloud gulped, resting his eyes on the many ribbon bars decorating each breast of Sephiroth's green uniform. ~So many,~ he thought in wonder, ~he's a hero and here I am, a SOLDIER reject dressed as a girl, thinking he could ever want me!~

 

It was all too much for Cloud. Before they could finish closing the distance between themselves and the General, he saw black spots and couldn't catch his breath. He dimly heard Zack call his name as the strength left his legs and he crumpled to the floor in a faint. His final thought before losing consciousness was: ~great. Now I'm a SOLDIER reject dressed as a girl passing out at the General's feet. Way to go, Cloud.~

 

~*****************************~

 

“Miss? Are you with us?” Sephiroth frowned and cupped the young woman's jaw with a gloved hand, gently shaking to encourage her to wake up.

 

Zack had her head pillowed on his leg and was fanning her face. “How do you like that, Seph? I told you the girls fall at your feet.”

 

“Very amusing, Fair.” Sephiroth looked up at the crowd surrounding them curiously. “Go about your business,” he told them firmly. They immediately dispersed, nobody daring to test the General's patience. “We should get her to a couch,” Sephiroth said.

 

“Yeah,” Zack agreed, thinking quickly. “You carry her and I'll bring a glass of water.”

 

Sephiroth gave him a look of mild surprise. “As her date, shouldn't you be carrying her?”

 

“I would but I wrenched my shoulder throwing all those coins today. I don't want to drop her, you know.”

 

Sephiroth sighed, unable to refute the logic. He slid one arm beneath the blonde's knees and the other beneath her shoulders. He was a little surprised when he lifted her—she was heavier than she looked. Her head flopped against his shoulder and her breath stirred his hanging bangs and caressed his jaw. It was oddly compelling and he frowned, looking down at her parted, peach-glossed lips.

 

There was something familiar about her that he couldn't put a finger on. Shaking his head, he carried her easily to one of the couches lining the walls and gently laid her down, grimacing as her skirt rode up on the left and bared a creamy thigh. He gingerly grabbed the hem of the skirt and pulled it down, then as an afterthought, he unbuckled the belt on his jacket and undid the buttons.

 

Zack approached with the glass of water and smiled hugely when he saw the General remove his fine uniform jacket and cover Cloud's legs with it. “And they say chivalry is dead,” he drawled as he set the water on the nearby coffee table and took a seat by Cloud's head.

 

“If you'd rather take the chance of people catching a glimpse of your date's panties, I could always take the jacket back,” Sephiroth said.

 

“Nah, she'll appreciate it when she wakes up. It's too bad I didn't think of that or I'd have given her mine.”

 

“You aren't a gentleman,” Sephiroth stated with a shrug. “Who is this young lady anyway? She looks familiar to me but I can't place it.”

 

“Oh, she's an exchange student from…er…Nibelheim. She's…uh…Cloud Strife's sister.”

 

“Ah,” Sephiroth nodded, “That's why she seems so familiar to me. She favors him in looks. I assume she has a name?”

 

“Of course,” Zack laughed nervously, quickly trying to think something up. “Her name's…um…Cloudia.”

 

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow at him. “Cloudia.” He repeated flatly.

 

“Yeah, what's wrong with that?”

 

“Sephiroth shook his head. “Strife's parents must be…interesting people.”

 

Zack laughed again and Sephiroth noticed the strained quality of it.

 

~Something's very suspicious about this. What are you up to, Zackary?~

 

He patted the side of the girl's cheek again and murmured to her. This time, he was rewarded by a slight flutter of her golden lashes and a faint groan. Sephiroth frowned at the timbre of her voice. While it was youthful, it seemed a bit husky for a woman. Her eyes opened and she blinked up at him. She had the exact same eyes as Strife—not just similar in color and shape, but exactly the same. Sephiroth stared into those riveting sapphire eyes with unmistakable recognition and to confirm his final suspicion, he lowered his eyes to her throat and examined it. It wasn't prominent but there was definitely an Adam's apple. This wasn't Strife's “sister” at all, but Strife himself!

 

Sephiroth looked up at Zack with slightly widened emerald eyes. The dark-haired Soldier guessed the reason for his subtle expression of surprise and he grinned and spread his hands. “No big deal, right?”

 

~I can't believe it…he brought him for me? Or is cross-dressing something that Cloud likes to do regularly?~

 

Zack could see the questions burning behind those slit-pupiled eyes and he'd have loved to answer them right away, but Cloud was aware of his surroundings now and the kid was staring wide-eyed at the General, looking like he wanted to run away. “Just play along for now,” he mouthed to Sephiroth before talking to Cloud. “You fainted, babe. It's okay, Sephiroth carried you here and gave you his jacket. Why don't you sit up and sip some water?”

 

Cloud's panicked blue eyes flicked to Zack and then back to Sephiroth. “I'm…I'm sorry,” he murmured softly, forcing his voice an octave higher as he struggled to sit up. “I don't know what happened. Th-thank you, General Sir.”

 

Sephiroth smirked wryly with amusement. “Think nothing of it…Cloudia. Or would you prefer that I call you Miss Strife?”

 

The blonde blinked in confusion, his pretty little mouth twisting as he looked at Zack. “Um, I don't mind either way, Sir.” He looked down at the jacket covering his legs and blushed appealingly. “Thank you for…for this. I think I'm okay now.” He struggled into a sitting position and dropped his legs over the side of the couch, lifting the military jacket with an expression that bordered on reverence. Despite his apparent shyness, his blue eyes were so very direct as they looked into Sephiroth's and he offered the jacket back to him.

 

“Thank you,” said the General in a caressing tone, making goose bumps spring up all over Cloud's body. He studied him with seeming casualty as he put the jacket back on and secured the buttons and belt. “Why don't you rest here for a moment and drink your water while your date and I have a little chat, hmm?”

 

“Yes, Sir.”

 

Sephiroth hid a smile. If he hadn't already discovered the truth about the “girl”, the constant referrals to him as a cadet would refer to a superior would have roused his suspicions. “Zackary, a word?” he said with a meaningful look at the black-haired Soldier.

 

Zack got up and followed him away from the main room and down the hall. They went into the Men's restroom and checked under the stalls to be sure they were alone, then Sephiroth rounded on him. Zack braced himself, never quite sure what Sephiroth was thinking or how he would react. When the General smiled at him, he breathed a sigh of relief.

 

“Did you bring him for me, or were you really just that desperate for a date?”

 

Zack grinned back. “Yeah, I brought him for you. I figured if he was disguised as a woman and you two hit it off, you wouldn't have to worry about sneaking him in and out of your private quarters.”

 

“I hadn't realized I was that obvious when I asked you about him,” Sephiroth mused, but his eyes were still lit up with a smile. Zack was a little surprised…he'd known the man was intrigued by Cloud but he didn't realize he was this attracted to him.

 

“You weren't, really,” he explained with a shrug, “I've just gotten to know you well enough to make educated guesses about how you really feel. I'm glad I was right.”

 

Sephiroth nodded. “Oh, you were. I owe you for this one, Zackary.”

 

Zack cleared his throat, seeing the spark of lust in the other man's eyes and realizing his intentions. “Don't thank me just yet,” he said in all seriousness, “I've got some rules.”

 

Sephiroth frowned at him. “Pardon?”

 

“Yeah, that's the thing. Cloud's my friend you see, and he's a really decent guy. I don't want you breaking his heart.”

 

“Zackary, we've never even seen one another before today. I'm sure his feelings for me aren't that strong.”

 

Zack crossed his arms over his chest and raised his eyebrows. “No? The guy wore a schoolgirl uniform just to have the chance to be near you. What does that tell you? He's practically worshipped you since he first started hearing about you.”

 

Sephiroth's brows drew together. “I see your point. Fine then, what do you suggest?”

 

“Just promise me you won't go all the way with him unless you think you'd be interested in more than a one-night fling. I don't think Cloud has a lot of experience if you know what I mean. I don't want him to get hurt.”

 

“If he's a virgin, I can't help but hurt him a little,” Sephiroth pointed out.

 

Zack rolled his eyes. “That wasn't what I meant and I think you know it.”

 

Sephiroth laughed softly, but sobered when he saw the uncommonly serious look on his friend's face. He sighed. “Oh hell, Zackary…you're a fucking tease, do you know that? All right, I promise that I won't take him unless I decide I like him enough for something more meaningful. You realize of course that he has to be trustworthy to be discreet, no matter how things go?”

 

“Of course,” Zack nodded, feeling relief. “Even if he wanted to brag about banging the Great Sephiroth, he wouldn't. He's not the kind of guy that talks about things like that…trust me, he's too damned bashful. Plus, he'd have to admit to dressing up as a girl to get in your pants and no guy that isn't into cross-dressing would admit to that, gay or straight.”

 

Sephiroth nodded. “Then we're in agreement. You won't mind if I steal your date for the rest of the evening?”

 

“Nah, I'll just tell people it wasn't that sort of date, if they ask. I guess we should tell him the gig is up.”

 

“I think it would be more interesting not to,” Sephiroth said with a crooked grin. “At least, not until I've decided where I want this to go.”

 

Zack sighed. “That poor kid. I'm going to hell for doing this to him.”

 

“Don't pity him just yet, Zackary. He intrigues me far more than any previous sexual interests ever did.”

 

Zack couldn't hide his surprise as the taller man walked out of the bathroom. It was unusual for Sephiroth to just come out and say what he felt, even though his statement had been predictably reserved.

 

~**********************************~

 

Cloud had finished his glass of water by the time the two men returned. He held his knees close together and his hands were resting on them demurely. Zack was a little amused and a little amazed at how well Cloud was continuing the charade without slipping up and doing anything masculine.

 

“Feeling better?” Zack questioned as he took a seat next to the blonde.

 

“Yes, thank you.” The blue eyes were subtly glaring at him from beneath lowered lashes, and Zack wondered what he'd done wrong.

 

“I think the young lady could use something stronger than water,” Sephiroth suggested in his cultured, gentlemanly way. “Champagne, Cloudia?” His lips almost twitched when he said the fake name but he contained it.

 

Turning the offer down didn't even cross Cloud's mind. When the General offered you something, you took it…even if it was a dead animal carcass. “Yes Sir. Thank you, General.”

 

“Don't go away,” Sephiroth said, giving him a little smile that made Cloud's heart leap in his chest. When the General was out of earshot, Cloud rounded on Zack.

 

“CLOUDIA?” He said with comically twisted lips, “Really…CLOUDIA? Was that the best you could think of?” He punched the other man lightly in the arm.

 

“Ow! Well, I had to come up with something fast and we didn't discuss your alias before we came! What's wrong with Cloudia?” Zack bit his lips but he couldn't stop the grin.

 

“It sounds like a hokey stripper name,” Cloud snarled, “You may as well have called me `Chardonnay' or `Bushmonkey'!”

 

Zack burst into laughter. “It's not that bad,” he said in a quivering voice, “what would you have suggested?”

 

“Something half-normal,” Cloud seethed, “Like…oh, I don't know…'Claudia', for a start, or how about `Christine' or `Brenda' or just about any other regular girl's name on Gaia! I couldn't be a bigger fucking freak show if I tried!”

 

“Relax,” Zack said between snickers, “It's not that big of a deal and `Cloud' isn't exactly a common boy's name anyway. Besides, Sephiroth likes you and that's what matters, right?”

 

Cloud's expression changed from outraged to hopeful. “He likes me?”

 

“Oh yeah. Trust me, the man isn't this attentive to people he doesn't like.”

 

Cloud bit his lip. “But, he thinks I'm a girl!”

 

Zack shrugged. “So what if he does? Tonight's about having some fun and you've got a chance to spend some time with him, maybe even get to know him a little. Isn't that better than nothing?”

 

Cloud lowered his eyes. “I guess so. Aren't you worried about how it's going to look if your `date' spends all her time with Sephiroth, though?”

 

“Nah, the entrance is way more important than the rest of the night. I'll just tell people that it was a casual date and I don't feel right macking on one of my best friends' `sister'. Enjoy the night, Cloud. Who knows what could happen, right?”

 

Cloud started to respond to that but he spotted Sephiroth returning with three drinks balanced in his hands. “Shhh, he's coming back.”

 

Sephiroth handed a flute of pink champagne to Cloud and then handed a mixed drink to Zack. “I hope that's all right,” he said, his eyes staying on Cloud's face. “Most of the ladies seem to prefer the pink.”

 

“It's my favorite…thank you,” Cloud lied. Truthfully he'd never had so much as a sip of champagne in his young life and his only experience with alcohol up until now was a can of beer. He sipped the drink daintily, holding the stem the way he saw real girls doing it. Sephiroth sat down on his other side and took a swallow of his mixed drink.

 

“I'd like to take you on the dance floor when you've finished that, if Zackary doesn't mind.”

 

Cloud almost choked. He looked at Zack with a half-panicked expression, pleading with his eyes for him to get him out of it.

 

Zack smiled and shrugged. “Sure, it's not like Cloudia and I are dating seriously. Keep her for as long as you want, man.”

 

“Well, Cloudia?” Sephiroth asked with a charming, sensual smile. “Would you like to dance with me later?”

 

“I…I would love to,” Cloud stammered, feeling his cheeks warm, “b-but I've never…that is, I don't think I'm very good at…”

 

“All you need to do is follow my lead. Don't worry, I'll wait for a slow song and I won't try any spectacular moves.” Sephiroth's tone implied that there was no other choice, and Cloud gulped and forced a trembling smile.

 

~That mouth is so delectable. I wonder how much experience Strife has?~ Sephiroth mentally pictured the blonde's lips around his cock and he shifted, trying to calm his body's reaction to the thought.

 

Cloud drank his champagne as slowly as he could without making it obvious that he was trying to stall. His heart hammered in his throat as he listened to Sephiroth and Zack talk about missions and upcoming events. The General subtly scooted closer to Cloud and their thighs touched, provoking another blush from Cloud. He wondered what would happen to him if the man discovered his secret and the unpleasant image of being run through with Sephiroth's impossibly long sword made him tremble.

 

“Are you cold, Cloudia?”

 

Cloud looked at him and stared at his lips. He shook his head absently, fighting a sudden urge to kiss him. “It was…just a chill. I'm okay.” He drank the last of his champagne, feeling it warm him to his toes and ease his tension.

 

After two more songs, the lights dimmed and the dreaded slow song started. Sephiroth stood up and offered his hand to Cloud, who stared dumbly at him. Zack nudged the blonde and he put his hand in Sephiroth's and allowed the General to guide him out on the dance floor.

 

~He's going to kick my ass all over the place for putting him through this.~ Zack predicted as he watched his flustered blonde friend move onto the dance floor with Sephiroth. ~“Oh well, I didn't know Seph would want a dance. The guy's full of surprises.”~

 

~*******************************~

 

Cloud swallowed hard as Sephiroth guided his hands to his shoulders. He jumped involuntarily when the General's hands settled on his hips and Sephiroth smiled and leaned in to whisper in his ear.

 

“Relax. I'm not going to hurt you.”

 

“S-sorry, Sir,” Cloud whispered back.

 

Sephiroth laughed softly, making him shiver again with desire. “You don't have to keep referring to me as `Sir', Cloudia. Just call me by my name.”

 

“I'm sorry…Sephiroth,” Cloud replied, flushing as the name tumbled over his lips.

 

Sephiroth pulled back to look at him, leading him into a slow dance. “I like the sound of my name on those lips,” he said without abashment and he pulled Cloud more tightly against him.

 

Cloud couldn't have answered even if he could think of a reply, because he was breathless with longing and excitement. He fell into step with Sephiroth, swaying gently to the soft music. The temptation to blurt out the truth was strong, now that he was beginning to see reciprocating attraction in the man's green eyes. It felt wrong to keep deceiving him but Cloud's selfish side wasn't ready to let the night end so soon, so he kept his secret to himself.

 

“Tell me about Nibelheim,” Sephiroth murmured.

 

“There isn't much to tell,” Cloud said truthfully, “it's a small town at the foot of Mt. Nibelheim. People lead pretty simple lives there and the only thing for miles is a Mako reactor.”

 

Sephiroth nodded. “I'm not surprised. That's generally the case with small, remote towns. How do people feel about the reactor?”

 

“Uneasy,” Cloud answered. “Some townsfolk want to petition to have it shut down, but most of them don't think it would do any good.”

 

“Probably not,” Sephiroth agreed. He took one hand off of Cloud's hip and traced his jaw with a gloved finger. “Are you and your brother close?”

 

“Yeah, closer than most siblings,” Cloud said dryly, lowering his eyes. Sephiroth's fingers trailed over his cheek and traced his ear, making his body sing with desire.

 

“You sound like that's a bad thing,” the General observed, hiding a smile. “Does he annoy you?”

 

“Not really. I just wish he wasn't so afraid to speak up when he wants something.” Cloud frowned, realizing this conversation was in danger of revealing too much.

 

Sephiroth understood the reference and he was pleased. He hadn't been entirely sure Zackary was right about Cloud's feelings for him, but now he was reassured. “Sometimes people keep things to themselves because they don't want to get hurt,” he said.

 

Cloud looked up at him with soft blue eyes and Sephiroth's breath caught. The temptation to kiss him hard was almost unbearable, but some propriety had to be maintained while they were in public. Instead, he drew the blond to his chest, encouraging him to lay his head on his shoulder. He felt the smaller body tremble in his arms as Cloud complied and he smiled. Strife's innocence was like a drug, filling Sephiroth with euphoric pleasure and a desire for more.

 

~***********************~

 

Zack watched the two of them from the bar and grinned, happy to see them enjoying each other so much.

 

“Hey Fair, isn't that your date dancing with the General?”

 

Zack turned to the owner of the voice, who was one of the newest 1st Class Soldiers.

 

“Yeah, but she and I aren't together like that,” he rehearsed his pre-fabricated explanation, “her brother is one of my best friends. She's here from Nibelheim on the student exchange program.”

 

Brett looked at Cloud with interest. “How long is she here for?”

 

“Um, I'm not sure. She's on the return program so she can come and go between here and there whenever she wants.” He almost broke into a sweat, hoping he understood the exchange program's various options right.

 

“Cool. She's a helluva cutie. I don't know how you keep your hands off of her.”

 

Zack laughed before he could stop himself. Oh, if only the guy knew…

 

“What's so funny?” Brett asked.

 

“Uh, nothing…I just thought of a funny picture I saw today. Hey, let's do some shots.”

 

“All right,” the other Soldier said gamely. Zack congratulated himself on his evasive skills.

 

~*******************************~

 

Cloud closed his eyes and gave in to the moment. Sephiroth's hands were rubbing his back and his chin was resting on the crown of his head. His body felt so good against Cloud's and the rocking motion made it easier for him to relax and enjoy the dance. His instincts took over and before he was aware he was doing it, he tilted his head back and pressed a soft kiss on Sephiroth's throat. He felt the other man's hands go still and he closed his eyes and swore at himself.

 

~Moron! Why did you have to do that?!~ He looked up at the General, afraid of what his reaction would be. Sephiroth's pupils were dilated wide and Cloud recognized desire when he saw it.

 

“Will you come to the balcony with me for some privacy?” Sephiroth murmured.

 

Cloud nodded wordlessly, hardly believing what was happening. The taller man put an arm around him and guided him off the dance floor, heading for one of the glass doors leading out to a balcony. Cloud shot a look of panic over his shoulder at Zack, who raised a shot glass to him and gave him a thumbs-up with his other hand. There was no help from that quarter.

 

When they made it onto the balcony, Sephiroth surprised Cloud but putting both hands on his waist. Cloud squeaked in a convincingly girlish way, hardly needing to fabricate it as the General lifted him easily and set him on the marble balustrade. “Comfortable enough?” the silver-haired warrior purred. Cloud nodded. “Good.” He kept one arm around the blonde to support him and he reached up with his other hand and removed his black hat. Cloud was surprised again when he put it on his head, tugging it firmly into place. “General Cloudia,” Sephiroth said in an amused tone, and then he cupped Cloud's jaw in one hand and lowered his mouth to his.

 

~Oh god,~ Cloud thought as Sephiroth's lips pressed against his in a firm, demanding kiss, ~He's really kissing me!~

 

Sephiroth's tongue traced his lips, asking for entry. Cloud parted them and felt a rush of dizzying lust when the tongue pushed past them and explored his mouth. He whimpered into the taller man's mouth and pushed his fingers into his long hair, losing what was left of his self-control.

 

Sephiroth was pleasantly surprised by the blonde's eager response to his kiss and he thrust his tongue aggressively, groaning with arousal as Cloud sucked on it. He reached down to pry the blonde's knees apart, only getting token resistance from him before they separated. He settled his hips between Cloud's thighs and slid the hand cupping his back down, squeezing his ass. He smiled against his mouth when he felt Cloud's erection pressing against his beneath the skirt and panties, but he didn't let on that he'd noticed it.

 

Cloud felt a moment of panic as Sephiroth's pelvis pushed against his thighs and he felt the General's hardening crotch rub against him. ~Fuck, he's going to feel mine too!~ But for some reason, he didn't seem to notice Cloud's boner. Maybe he was too aroused himself or maybe he thought it was a hairbrush or something concealed in the clothes. Cloud relaxed again and let the other man's tongue dominate his mouth, feeling his need rise to painful heights.

 

He panicked again when the hand on his ass moved around to the front and began to slide up his skirt. “W-wait,” he gasped, pulling his mouth away.

 

Sephiroth paused and looked at him. “Do you really want me to stop?” he said huskily, his fingers tracing patterns on Cloud's outer thigh.

 

Cloud's eyes drifted shut and he licked his lips. “No…but…but…mmph—“ His weak protest was cut off as Sephiroth's mouth claimed his again, kissing him demandingly. He felt Sephiroth's hand stroke the outside of his thigh and cup his butt cheek under the skirt, the fingers slipping under his lacy panties. He ground himself against Sephiroth's arousal shamelessly, horny beyond the point of caring anymore.

 

~***************************~

 

“Private Fair, have you seen the General?”

 

Zack groaned inwardly as Tseng of the Turks approached him. “I think I saw him earlier, why?”

 

“I need to have a word with him about a mission we want him to fulfill. Can you take me to him?”

 

“How about I go and look for him and if I find him, I'll have him come to you?” He'd seen Cloud and Sephiroth go onto the balcony earlier and he could guess what they might be up to. The last thing he wanted was for his friends to be interrupted by Tseng.

 

“Please do that,” Tseng agreed.

 

Zack walked away, trying to think of excuses to give the man because he knew that Sephiroth was neither in the mood nor available to discuss work right now. He went to the third balcony doors and almost opened them with an apology, but when he saw the position Cloud and Sephiroth were in, he changed his mind.

 

“Whoa!” Zack blurted, flushing in spite of himself. Cloud's legs were wrapped around Sephiroth's waist and the General's hand was up his skirt. “There's no way in hell I'm interrupting them now,” Zack muttered. “I'd like to keep living.” He hurried back to Tseng and figured honesty was best in this situation…otherwise the Turk might insist that he interrupt Sephiroth.

 

“Uh, the General's not in any condition to talk about missions, right now.”

 

Tseng frowned at him. “What do you mean?”

 

“He's with a girl,” Zack said bluntly, “and from where I was standing, the only mission he's got tonight is to get into her panties.”

 

“Oh,” Tseng said, looking comically flustered. “Well, he is a man with his own needs, after all. I suppose it could wait until tomorrow.”

 

“That's a wise choice,” Zack said seriously.

 

~***************************************~

 

-To be continued