Chapter Text
Cloud sat as primly as he could manage in the stiff new blue dress they had dressed him in for the interview. He kept his hands neatly folded on his lap despite the urge to tug at the dress hem that just barely covered his knees. The other omegas in the room would most definitely snitch on him if he fidgeted, but he wasn’t sure how much longer he could bear the scratchy fabric. He tried to surreptitiously scrape his shoulder blades against the back of the small wooden armchair he was sitting in, but the lead omega’s eyes snapped to him in an instant. Cloud froze, but couldn’t stop himself from glaring at the other omega.
The older omega sniffed in disdain, arranging himself gracefully on a settee without any of the seeming nerves that the younger teens around him displayed. His dress was a much more flattering cut and color, made with finer cloth. He leaned towards the omega next to him and whispered something and they both giggled. Cloud ground his teeth before abruptly remembering that he wasn’t supposed to do that either. His ass was still sore from that morning.
The lead omega leaned back to check that the headmistress was out of earshot before fixing Cloud with a look.
“It’s not like anyone would pick you anyway, Strife. You’re still such a baby! Alphas want mature, beautiful, and elegant omegas! Everyone knows that!”
“I’m not a baby! I’m 14!” Cloud interrupted.
The entire room burst into muffled giggles from the other omegas before the lead omega could shush them. He checked the hallway through the open door again before turning to quietly hiss with venom towards Cloud again.
“If you’re not a baby, then why do you cry every night since they brought you here? Hmm? You’re an embarrassment and a disgrace to the Shinra company! They should’ve just left you in that podunk town where they found you! Look at you! Your face is turning red just like a radish! You’re just a dirty radish! You don’t belong here with us, you belong in a stable!”
Cloud jumped up and charged at the other omega, claws ready to swipe into his face, but two bigger omegas were on him before he could even cross the room. The lead omega gave a short laugh, muttering, “Too easy,” before falling back with his hand to his head and shrieking piercingly.
Footsteps thundered up the stairs and the headmistress burst into the room, closely followed by a dark haired alpha dressed in a SOLDIER uniform.
“What is going on here!?” She demanded, eyes sweeping the room before landing with disapproval on Cloud.
“Oh, Headmistress! Thank goodness you’re here! It was horrible! He tried to attack me out of nowhere! I only meant to coach him on his posture, he needn’t have taken it so personally!” The lead omega whimpered tragically, hand hooked into the neck of his dress to “inadvertently’ reveal his scent gland while releasing his scent into the room.
The headmistress snorted at the display, but still turned her eye balefully on Cloud. “Sit in your seat properly Mr. Strife! We will have words later about this behavior.” She cast another look around the room at the other omegas, but they had already scrambled back to their various seats, all sitting demurely.
She turned to the alpha standing behind her, “I’m very sorry about that Mr. Fair, but perhaps we can discuss the paperwork afterwards? You may as well meet the omegas now that you’re here.”
The alpha shuffled his feet awkwardly and placed a hand on the back of his neck as if he were the one in trouble here. “Um, well, as I was trying to say, I don’t really…”
“It’s no trouble at all, just have a seat and I’ll go ring up the tea. The omegas have so been looking forward to meeting you!” The headmistress smiled at him before turning on her heels and was out the door before the alpha could reply, leaving him gaping after her.
He stood there for a moment before scrubbing the back of his head and chuckling awkwardly, as he scanned the room, eyes flitting over the omegas before landing on the large cushioned armchair set out for him. “Well, wouldn't want to be rude, I guess? I’ll just sit here then…” He sat down and then scratched at his head again. All the omegas eyed him appreciatively.
The alpha was extremely handsome. His features were perfectly symmetrical with spiky black hair framing a beautifully masculine face with a strong jawline. His eyes were a brilliant blue. He was probably the most handsome alpha Cloud had ever seen besides Sephiroth, but then, Cloud had only seen pictures of Sephiroth. This alpha was sitting just 5 feet from Cloud and Cloud could see the way his muscles rippled when he moved, and smell his scent.
Goddess, why did this random alpha smell so good?
“So, Mr. Fair, was it?” The lead omega wasn’t going to sit around and wait for this perfect specimen to notice him. Technically, they weren’t supposed to speak until spoken to, but the headmistress wasn’t here to enforce the rule, and it appeared that the alpha didn’t have any idea how to begin.
“Ah, yeah, that’s right! Sorry to barge in on y’all like that! I just… I thought someone had gotten hurt, and uh…”
“Ah yes, rather unfortunate that you should witness such a sight. Shocking really! Shinra has so many fine home-bred omegas, it’s baffling why they insist on bringing in beasts from the scrub, as if any cultured alpha would want such a thing!”
The alpha cocked his head cutely, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Oh? From… the scrub? You mean, like, the country?” His eyes turned to Cloud appraisingly, and Cloud couldn’t help hunching his shoulders slightly.
“That’s right!” The lead omega continued blithely, “They brought him in a few months ago and all he’s done since then is cry and snivel and get into fights! Can you believe the audacity? The ingratitude? Always crying for his mommy! Apparently she tried to hide him from the inspectors! Can you believe it? Can you imagine the embarrassment a SOLDIER would have to deal with on the daily with an omega like that? It’s ridiculous! We’ve been here in training to please an alpha since we were pups! He doesn’t belong in the same room as us!”
“Yeah… I’m getting that.” The alpha replied slowly, his jaw twitching as his eyes narrowed further, now fully fixed on Cloud.
Cloud hunched down even further, turning his face away. The urge to bare his throat in submission towards the now inexplicably angry alpha warred with the urge to jump up and punch the prissy lead omega in the face, freezing Cloud’s muscles. If only the lead omega wouldn’t keep bringing the alpha’s attention towards him!
“Exactly! A SOLDIER like you has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders! He shouldn’t have to deal with that kind of stress! He deserves to be greeted respectfully and to be doted on by a loving mate! Someone who knows his needs and will fulfill his every whim before he even needs to speak! That’s the Shinra promise, after all. A lovely mate to soothe your cares after an exhausting day of-”
“I’m not here looking for a mate, actually.” The alpha interrupted cooly.
The entire room of omegas gasped, sans Cloud, who sagged in relief to have the alpha’s gaze turned away from him.
“I came to file an extension on my single status. I don’t have time for a mate.” The alpha continued, “However… I believe I may have changed my mind.”
A susurration of excited titters swept through the room.
“Oh?” The lead omega leaned forward and licked his lips sensually, “Has one of us caught your eye?”
“You could say that.” The alpha said as he stood abruptly and took two long strides towards Cloud before dropping to one knee in front of him and reaching out to tilt Cloud’s face up from where he was studying the carpet. “Hey, it’s ok. I’m Zack, what’s your name?”
The lead omega jumped up, sputtering, “What?! But, him!? You don’t want him! He’s the one I was telling you about! The crybaby! The troublemaker! Just because he’s got a pretty face, you- You alphas are all the same! You-”
“That’s enough.” The headmistress is at the door. “All of you except Strife are to return to your rooms immediately. Aht, aht! No arguments! Go! I’ll deal with you later.”
The omega’s filed out of the room quickly, the only sound the whisper of cloth and the muted tapping of shoes. The headmistress closed the door behind them.
Zack didn’t turn his face a hair to acknowledge their exit or the headmistress's presence. His eyes searched Cloud’s face as if looking for meaning in a beautiful painting. Cloud sat frozen, caught between shock and dread. Why was the alpha looking at him like that? Surely he hadn’t meant that he wanted… Cloud?
Zack tapped his fingers against Cloud’s face. “Don’t be scared. I’m not gonna hurt you. What’s your name, sunshine?”
“No, it’s Cloud.” Cloud heard himself answering as if from a distance. “Not Sunshine. Cloud.”
The headmistress cleared her throat noisily, but Zack just laughed. “Oh! Bet I can clear those clouds up, Sunshine!” He winked at Cloud and then sat back on his heels, grinning, his white fangs flashing.
Cloud narrowed his eyes, was this alpha making fun of him?
The headmistress cleared her throat again and Cloud glanced at her before realizing that his hands were gripping the hem of his dress, and the material was rucking up above his knees. He smoothed it down in annoyance and then folded his hands in his lap again, trying to regain his composure; not that he had any to begin with. The alpha, Zack, leaned back on his heels seemingly perfectly at ease where he was.
“Would Mr. Fair prefer to sit on the chair next to Cloud?” The headmistress busied herself with accepting a small cart of tea fixings from the servants at the door. “Or perhaps the settee? There’s a table here for the tea.”
Zack looked as if he was thinking of refusing, but then seemed to change his mind. Standing from where he was kneeling with a series of quick athletic movements, he held out his hand to Cloud. “Come sit with me?”
Cloud hesitated, but remembered his training after a sharp look from the headmistress. “Of course.” He muttered, taking the hand and attempting to move gracefully to the settee with the alpha. The best he could do was a few economical moves and remembering not to spread his legs at the last second. Zack showed no such compunction, plopping himself eagerly down next to Cloud and spreading his legs comfortably.
“That’s more comfortable for you, right? Cloud?” He didn’t wait for an answer before leaning forward to pile some cookies on a plate and handing it to Cloud. “I don’t know what you like, but there’s a nice variety here. Just eat what you want and leave the rest.” He piled an even bigger pile onto another plate and set it on his knee. “Haven’t seen this many different kinds of cookies since Christmas! Thanks, ma’am, I think we’re fine on our own.” He addressed the headmistress for the first time since she’d returned.
The headmistress hesitated, “Policy states that a SOLDIER should not be left alone with a single omega, not that I think you’d do anything, but, until papers have been signed… it’s the reputation of the school on the line…”
Zack waved a hand unconcernedly, “Why don’t you bring us the papers then? The sooner we get them signed, the sooner we can leave this stinkhole.”
The headmistress stiffened, but bowed respectfully, before leaving at a brisk pace.
Zack poured some tea for Cloud and then himself, before sighing and leaning back to dunk a cookie in his tea, he took a bite, but then grimaced before placing it back on his plate. “Can’t hold a candle to Angeal’s” he muttered. He turned to Cloud, who still sat holding his cookie plate untouched. “So, you’re a country boy? Where from?”
“Nibelheim.”
“Oh, that’s on the northern part of the western continent right? I haven’t heard of that town, but the heim suffix is familiar. You get a lot of snow up there, right? I’ve never actually seen the snow. It doesn’t ever snow where I grew up, I’m from Gongaga myself-”
Cloud couldn’t help the snort of incredulous laughter. Was there really a place with such a silly name? Did they let their pups name their town? It sounded like baby talk!
“Hey! Did you just laugh?”
“Nope.”
“Heh, did so! I can see you trying to hide that smile! You’re pretty cute when you smile! Hey don’t hide from me, come on-”
“Ahem.”
At the sound of the headmistress clearing her throat loudly in the doorway, Zack jumped back from where he was leaning practically into Cloud's lap to get a good look at his face. Cloud straightened up like he’d been shocked, his posture going stiff. Both of their plates of cookies tumbled from their laps onto the carpet from the sudden movement.
Zack busied himself with picking up the cookies off the floor and piling them onto the tea tray, while the headmistress cleared space on the table for the papers by moving the teapot back to the cart. Cloud focused on evening out his breathing and trying to think about pleasant things, so that his scent didn’t give away his distress. It was probably too late for that, but it still calmed his nerves to make an effort.
The headmistress sat on a nearby chair and Zack went through the papers carefully, his brow scrunching up and the tip of his tongue sticking out cutely. Cloud had to drag his gaze away, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. His eyes wandered over the papers, but he couldn’t understand any of it and he looked away in embarrassment, distracting himself by sipping at his tea and picking through the pile of cookies for an unbroken one to nibble on.
Occasionally Zack would ask a clarifying question and Cloud paid close attention, but remained unsure of what they were talking about. What was a mating stipend? What was a stipulation? What was an end clause? What was the point of the paperwork in the first place? If Zack was going to take Cloud as his mate, then wasn’t it a simple process? None of the folk-tales he’d heard as a pup ever mentioned paperwork. Just heat and bites.
Cloud had to turn his body away to hide his blush.
“Seems pretty straightforward, for Shinra anyway.” Zack heaved a sigh, then nudged Cloud, “Any thoughts? You’ve been awfully quiet over there. Do you have any conditions you’d like to add? This is your chance to reject my offer, you know? Anything you want, I’ll make them add it in!”
Cloud stared at Zack, unsure how to respond. Wasn’t Zack a SOLDIER? How could he be so… naive? Cloud knew that he had no choice in the matter.
If anything had been pounded into his head in the past several months, it was that he was Shinra property. Just a small cog in a massive profit machine that was Shinra. That everyone had their place as long as they played their part, and if they didn’t play along, then… the consequences would be dire.
Cloud couldn’t suppress a shudder as he glanced at the headmistress briefly. She was watching him like a hawk, one eye-brow raised, as if daring him to object. Cloud swallowed past the sudden lump in his throat, knowing that his scent must be giving away his fear, but unable to stop it.
“No. No conditions.” Cloud picked up a pen from beside the papers and signed his name carefully in Heimat script. His signature was just window dressing anyway, he could at least give it a personal touch.
“Hey, what’s wrong? Your scent-”
Cloud cut him off. “Nothings wrong. I’m just nervous. I wasn’t expecting to be mated today.”
Zack chuckled nervously and scrubbed at his hair again, displacing the spikes in every direction. “Yeah, me neither.” Zack traced the curls of Cloud’s name on the paper absentmindedly, before shaking himself. He gave Cloud one more piercing look as Cloud concentrated on keeping his face blank, before shrugging and signing his own name with a jagged flair.
Zack let out a loud breath like he’d been running a race and then stretched, placing his arms along the back of the settee, one of his arms settling along Cloud’s shoulders and pulling him close. Cloud stiffened up, but at the quiet tutting sound from the headmistress, he remembered to relax, or at least to try to, leaning his head into the crook of the alpha’s shoulder.
“I’ll leave you two alone for a few minutes while I gather Cloud’s effects.” The headmistress said as she gathered the papers up into a neat pile. “I’ll kindly ask you to please save any “celebrating” for when you’ve relocated to your private quarters. I won’t be but a moment.”
She swept out and Zack heaved another sigh. “Celebrating huh? Man, I wish I’d known I was going to meet you today! Then I could have arranged a party to celebrate our mating day! I could’ve introduced you to Angeal and my friends! Man, they’re not gonna believe this! I’m not sure I believe it! I mean, when I walked in, I was determined to politely decline, but then… there you were! I guess Genesis is onto something when he goes on about fate. I never felt such a strong desire to protect someone... Were you really gonna attack that omega? I mean, he deserved it! Never met a nastier piece of work. Although, you do hear horror stories about Scarlett, amirite?”
It took Cloud a moment to realize that the stream of words had ended and that Zack was waiting for a reply to his question. What had been the question again? Zack wanted to have a party?
Cloud grimaced at the thought. He was pretty sure that wasn’t what the headmistress had meant by celebrating, but he was kinda relieved that that was the interpretation Zack had taken. He wasn’t sure if he could fulfill his duty to Zack, his mate, his alpha on such short notice anyway. He shuddered at the thought and Zack pulled him closer in response.
“Hey, you don’t need to worry about her! You’re legally mine now. I won’t let her so much as lay eyes on you! I can protect you, alright? I’m a SOLDIER Second!” He stated this proudly, rubbing Cloud’s arm soothingly and then began rubbing the scent glands under his chin against Cloud’s hair, covering him in his scent.
Cloud wasn’t sure who Zack was talking about. Was he talking about the headmistress? Cloud knew that the signed papers now meant that she no longer had any control over him, but that didn’t mean that he didn’t still, ultimately, belong to Shinra.
Zack was a SOLDIER, he belonged to Shinra by contract and blood. Being a SOLDIER meant literally letting Shinra shape you into a weapon for their own use through the secret process that allowed them to introduce mako into the blood, creating the super soldiers. All of the services and privileges that SOLDIERs enjoyed were just that, oil and grease to keep the machine running.
Shinra owned Zack, and Zack owned Cloud, it was simple really. Cloud wondered why Zack didn’t seem to know that. Or maybe he did? Maybe he did know, but chose to pretend otherwise for his peace of mind. Cloud could understand that.
Cloud snapped back to reality when the headmistress re-entered the room, realizing that his thinking had become hazy and that he was purring into Zack’s armpit, rubbing his nose into the strong scent there. He jerked back, face flaming and Zack made a soothing rumbly sound before coughing awkwardly as he noticed the headmistress.
“Um, right. Is this… all his stuff?” Zack motioned towards the small duffel bag.
“That’s right.” She answered, “We encouraged our omegas to live frugally so as not to be a burden on their alpha’s” She smiled and handed each of them a candy wrapped in gold foil. “Congratulations! May peace and prosperity be with you.” She announced in a formal tone.
Cloud and Zack both stood to accept the candies and Zack took the bag. “Um, thanks…” Zack answered for both of them. She nodded and motioned towards the door. “Always a pleasure to see a happily mated pair.” she replied and led them down the hallways to the front door, where she took a thin overcoat and scarf from a waiting servant and handed them to Cloud. “It’s not far from here to the Shinra tower, but your dress isn’t suited to the rainy weather we’ve been having.”
Cloud stood there, trying to decide if he was supposed to be thankful for this show of kindness. Was he just supposed to forget and forgive all the ways she had been cruel to him, just over a cheap coat? She seemed to sense his welling defiance, smiling sharply. “Remember, if things don’t work out with your new alpha, you’ve always got a home here.”
The threat landed and he turned away from her to shrug the coat on. Zack put down his bag temporarily to wrap the scarf around Cloud’s neck and head, protecting him from the elements.
“Ready, Cloudy?”
Cloud didn’t comment on the familiarization of his name, but only nodded. Zack smiled, more brilliantly than the sun, and taking Cloud by the hand, led him out the door.
Notes:
A million thanks to SonicoSenpai for encouraging me to write this! Your belief in me as a writer and excitement when I told you I was writing again means the world to me. I'm genuinely tearing up right now. :') Thank you for reading and discussing my fic with me! I wouldn't have the courage to do this without you. <3 <3 <3 <3
Chapter Text
A light drizzle was falling on the city, making the streets shimmer under the streetlamps. Cloud could already feel his hair getting wet, the thin material of the scarf providing no protection. At this rate, his spikes would be completely flat by the time they made it to Shinra tower. His shoes were even worse, they were already completely soaked through, even though Zack led him around any puddles they encountered.
Zack’s hand was warm and almost completely engulfed Cloud’s as he led him down the street at a brisk pace. Cloud had to trot to keep up, but he didn’t mind. The sooner they could get indoors, the better. The stench of mako in the air was worse than Cloud remembered from his last escape attempt. Was it because it was raining? He couldn’t help but feel that there was a slimy feel to the rain and he shuddered.
Zack changed course suddenly, pulling Cloud under an awning.
“Damn, but it’s nasty out! Are you warm enough?”
Cloud considered the question. The answer was no, but he could hardly complain about it. What was Zack supposed to do? Stop the wind that brushed against his legs and snuck up under his skirt? Stop the sky from spitting rain?
“I’m fine.”
Zack put his finger under Cloud’s chin and tilted his face up. “Are you?” Zack shook his head before Cloud could answer. “Nevermind that. I’m starved! Are you hungry? I know a good pizza place near here! Maybe the rain will stop while we’re eating! Or if you don’t feel like pizza, there’s an authentic Wutaian place just a little further. Oooh! Or we could go to the Gongagan place! We’d have to go past the tower to get to it though, so maybe we should pick something closer.”
Cloud watched a raindrop that was clinging for life to one of Zack’s spikes. It trembled on the very tip before losing its grip and falling. Zack’s spike shot back up towards the sky like a healthy blade of grass. Cloud wondered what Zack put in his hair to make it so resilient.
“Um, hello? Earth to Cloud?”
Cloud startled, realizing that Zack wanted something from him, but unable to remember if Zack had asked him a question, or what it was about he blurted out, “I’m sorry! Yes!”
Zack cocked his head in confusion and repeated, “I’m sorry? Yes?”
“Yes, whatever you want!”
Cloud’s heart was pounding and his hands felt clammy. Gods damn it! He was already messing up! Zack was going to change his mind and send him back for sure! He dropped his eyes and tried to pull his hand away. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” he repeated.
“Hey, hey! It’s ok! It’s not that big of a deal… I’m not mad, just… there’s nothing to be mad about! Come on, we’ll go to the pizza place since it’s closest.” And saying this, Zack put his arm around Cloud and pulled him forward through the rain.
Before Cloud had time to sort through his thoughts or calm his racing heart, they were stepping through a door into a warm place. Strong smells of cheese and oregano slapped him in the face as a bell tinkled over his head and someone behind the counter shouted “Welcome! Welcome! Sit anywhere you like! Oh, it’s you!”
Zack shouted back, “Thanks Joe! Can you fire up two meat lovers pizzas for me? I’m celebrating tonight! You’ll never guess what I did today!”
“What?! Who’s this? Don’t tell me you got a steady girlfriend? About time!”
Cloud stiffened, realizing that they were talking about him. He turned to face the shop owner, only realizing that he was glaring when the man flinched in surprise. He quickly smoothed out his face into a pleasant, neutral expression.
Zack laughed, “No! Even better!” He pulled Cloud even tighter against him, “Meet Cloud! He’s my new mate! We’re celebrating our mating day today!”
“Oh right! I forgot you were an alpha! Congratulations!”
Zack put his hand behind his head and kicked his foot as if he was feeling shy all of a sudden.
“Heh heh.”
Cloud stared at Zack. Did he just say "Heh heh" out loud?
“Would you like some drinks on the house? I have several options of soda you can choose from!” The owner offered.
Zack recovered from his shy spell immediately. “Really! Awesome! Hey Cloud, what do you want to eat?”
Cloud felt like he was going crazy. “Um, didn’t you already order two pizzas?”
“Oh yeah, but those are both for me! I’ve got a big appetite! It’s a SOLDIER thing. Just order whatever you want from the menu and I’ll go pick out my soda, ok?”
Cloud nodded mutely and swiveled to face the menu, doing his best to ignore the obviously curious owner who kept glancing his way as he sprinkled ingredients onto pizza dough.
Cloud pursed his lips when he realized that the menu was written in Midlands script. He shouldn’t be surprised, this was Midgar after all. Most of the letters were similar to Heimat, so it wasn’t as if he couldn’t parse it out, but none of the names were familiar to him. What did B.B.Q. stand for? What kind of pizza was a Del Sol? And was one of the options just cheese? Didn’t all pizza come with cheese? Who only ate cheese on pizza?! He tried to look at the pictures, but none of them looked even remotely like the pizza his mom used to make.
“If you don’t see what you’re looking for, I can make it to order if I have the ingredients.”
Cloud realized with a start that the owner was speaking to him. “Um, do you have one with bacon and onions?”
“Bacon and onions eh? I thought you looked like you came from the Heimat region, especially with those cute little braids! I’ll whip one up for you!”
“He’s pretty cute, huh?” Zack was back, draping an arm around Cloud’s shoulder, and leaning down to pinch Cloud’s cheek. “Can you believe I got so lucky?”
“Ha ha! After all the stories you’ve told me about near death experiences you’ve had, I’m starting to believe you’re a luck magnet, Fair! Of course you’d be lucky in love too!”
Cloud felt his face burning. He clenched his fists. It would be so easy to sucker punch Zack and run out of there! Zack’s stomach was right there, though, it did appear to be protected by some sort of stomach armor. Maybe he should go for the face instead? He glanced up at Zack, who smiled down at him blithely.
“What do you want to drink, Cloud? Come on over and choose something.”
Cloud closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing. Zack was a SOLDIER. Everyone knew that you couldn’t outrun a SOLDIER, let alone win in a fight against one. Their strength was legendary. He had to calm down before he did something really stupid.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Zack’s voice was quieter now, “Why’s your scent all funny? Did I say something to upset you?” His voice lowered further, “Did he?”
Cloud gritted his teeth. “No. Of course not. I’m just tired. Pick out whatever you want and I’ll drink it.” Cloud jerked away from Zack and plodded towards the nearest booth, sliding into the side facing away from the owner.
Zack stared after him for a moment before following after him and sliding in next to him.
“Hey now, if I said something, you gotta let me know! I’m practically famous for foot-in-mouth disease! My mentor is always getting after me for it. He says, “Think before you speak, Zack!” And “Slow down and think, Pup!” All the time!”
“So think then!” Cloud answers shortly, before freezing up when he realized that he’d spoken his thoughts out loud. Fuck, now he’d really done it!
Zack chuckled. He chuckled! “Yeah, you’re right, I’m sorry. Don’t be mad, ok? Do you not like being called cute? I know another omega who hates that sort of thing. I’d get my hair burned off if I tried anything like that! Not that I’d dare! He’s… well, anyway, I’m sorry. Forgive me?”
Cloud slid his eyes towards Zack. Zack had his head tilted cutely, hands palm together in front of his mouth. Cloud felt his jaw drop and he blinked. Holy shit. He’d never thought an alpha could look so cute!
“It’s fine. You can… you can… whatever you want!” Cloud sputtered.
“It’s fine? How can it be fine when your scent was so…”
“Because I said so!” Cloud snapped and hunched down, covering the scent glands on his neck with his hands.
“Alright, alright, I’m sorry. Really! I’ll… I’ll go get you a drink.”
Cloud glanced towards Zack as he walked away, his posture slumped forward like a kicked puppy. He felt a twinge in his chest. Had he actually hurt the alpha’s feelings?
“Everything all right over there?” The shop owner’s voice carried easily to where Cloud sat.
“Yeah, yeah, just a little disagreement about soda flavors.”
Cloud let out a breath of relief when he realized that Zack was covering for him. If word got back to Shinra that Cloud had talked back to his alpha… he didn’t want to even think about it. He ignored the continuing chatter between Zack and the owner.
Zack was being so nice to him! Way nicer than he deserved, especially with the way he was acting. He had to get it together.
He shook himself and pulled off his wet scarf and coat, placing them on the bench next to him. He ran his fingers through his hair, fluffing it up in hopes that it wasn’t completely ruined. He eyed the duffel bag which Zack had left on the other bench in the booth. Was his brush in there? There wasn’t much point if he didn’t have a mirror. Maybe he should make an excuse to go use the bathroom?
Now that he thought about it, that wasn’t such a bad idea. He needed a moment to himself just to reorient himself to his new reality. Everything had happened so quickly!
He decided to forgo the brush for now, his fingers would have to be enough. He didn’t want to be rifling through the bag here in the middle of a restaurant. He slipped out of the booth and tried to walk nonchalantly towards the bathroom. Zack was leaning against the counter as he regaled the owner with some story of SOLDIER glory, but they both looked up when they saw Cloud.
“Um, I just, I mean, may I use the bathroom?” Cloud stuttered, folding his hands demurely in front of himself at his waist.
“Oh sure! No problem, you just need the code! It’s 2244!” the owner explained before turning to check the pizzas in the oven.
Cloud stared at his back for a second before looking to Zack in bafflement. “I need a code?” Could this day get any weirder?
“Oh yeah, it’s because of all the druggies! I’ll show you how to do it!” Zack practically sprang over, his face alight with some inner joy. Cloud thought absently that if Zack had a tail, it would be wagging.
“See! Just type it in here on the pad by the handle and then hit the lock button. Nothing to it!”
“Oh, um. Ok. Um, I’ll just… go in then?” Cloud replied faintly. Zack was holding the door open for him with an expectant look.
Zack scrubbed the back of his head again, “Yeah, of course… Take your time, I’ll get our pizzas for us.”
~*~
When Cloud returned Zack was already halfway through his first pizza, wolfing down a slice with gusto. Another pizza sat in front of Cloud’s seat, along with six cans of soda, neatly lined up in rainbow order.
Zack had another six cans of green soda lined up in front of him, and he quickly downed one when he saw Cloud approaching. “I didn’t know what kind you like, so I got you one of each! I hope that’s ok?”
Cloud nodded and slid into his seat. “Thank you Alpha.”
Zack spewed liquid all over his own pizza. “What?!” He gaped at Cloud.
Cloud frowned, had he been mumbling again? He was always getting punished for mumbling.
“I said, thank you Alpha.” He made sure to enunciate clearly, his cheeks heating up as he realized that he was speaking at a volume that might be heard by the owner.
“No! No, I heard you, I… heard you…”
Cloud tilted his head, borrowing the mannerism from Zack. “Did I do something wrong, Alpha?”
Zack swallowed and closed his eyes. “Can you… can you just, not… do that?”
“Do what?”
“Call me that.”
Cloud frowned again. How was he supposed to salvage his reputation and ensure he didn’t get sent back if he couldn’t use the language proscribed by Shinra? He bit his lip and shifted his gaze down.
“What should I call you then?”
“Zack. Call me Zack. Didn’t I already tell you to call me Zack?”
Cloud couldn’t remember. Had he? He remembered Zack introducing himself that way, but surely that didn’t mean that Cloud was allowed to address him so familiarly.
He hesitantly shook his head. “I can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“Because…” Did Cloud really have to explain it to him? He felt the bad feelings welling up again.
Zack sighed, putting his soda down and stretching his hands across the table. “Give me your hands.”
Cloud looked up and blinked at him, “Huh?”
“Just do it, ok?”
Cloud held back a grimace and carefully placed his hands in the alpha’s, trembling a little in trepidation. Was he going to be punished right here in the restaurant?
“Cloud, look at me.”
Cloud looked up, feeling the tears prick in his eyes. “I’m sorry…” He swallowed, stopping himself from speaking the forbidden word.
“You have nothing to be sorry for. You’re just doing what you’ve been taught, I understand that, I do. But I’m your alpha now. You don’t have to be afraid of those people anymore. I can protect you. I will protect you. Ok? If I say something is ok, then it’s ok. Ok?”
Cloud looked down before remembering that he was supposed to look at Zack. He searched Zack’s face looking for any hint of insincerity or deceit. Zack seemed completely serious, his face earnest and gentle.
Cloud swallowed heart pounding, “Ok… Zack.” he whispered.
Zack beamed and squeezed Cloud’s hands gently. “That’s more like it.” He grinned wolfishly at Cloud, picking up one of his hands to kiss the palm.
Cloud gasped, a flush of warmth zipping through his body from his hand to his groin. He jerked his hand back and cradled it against his chest, eyes wide.
Zack chuckled and went back to wolfing down his pizza like nothing had happened.
Cloud, not sure what to think or feel, decided he had better eat his pizza before it got cold. He concentrated on his breathing for a minute before picking up a piece and taking a tentative bite.
He had to stop himself from spitting it back out again.
The texture was all wrong, and the bread… Why was it soggy?! He had to use two hands to hold it up or all the toppings were going to fall off, it was so floppy! And why were the toppings on top? Shouldn’t the cheese be on top to hold the toppings to the bread? And the cheese… he took another bite. The cheese was all wrong. He wasn’t sure what was wrong with it, but it was the wrong flavor. And speaking of flavor, why did the sauce taste so strongly of tomato, basil and oregano?? Where was the thyme and nutmeg? The sour cream?
He wanted to cry. He suddenly missed his mother so intensely he could barely stand it.
“Hey, what’s wrong? You don’t like it?” Zack was looking at him again, his face all concern and consternation.
If there was one thing that Cloud hated the most since he’d hit puberty, it was those damn scent glands and the way everyone could just taste his emotions by getting a whiff. Cloud struggled to do the same with other people. A myriad of scents assaulted his senses everyday, and he couldn’t pick one out to name it.
He gritted his teeth. “No, I love it. It’s delicious.” He lied, trying to throw the alpha off.
Complaining about food that his alpha had provided for him was unquestionably unacceptable. Even the folk-tales of home spoke of how sensitive alphas were about the topic.
Zack narrowed his eyes at Cloud. He pursed his lips and seemed like he was going to say something before he shook his head and sighed, lowering the slice he was eating back down and staring at it for a moment.
He looked back up at Cloud, “Would you like a salad instead?”
Cloud pursed his lips. Didn’t pizza usually come with salad? He hadn’t wanted to say anything before… “Sure.”
Zack smiled tiredly before standing and going over to the counter.
Cloud pushed his plate away before laying his head down on the table, hiding his face in his arms.
Why was everything so difficult? Why was he always doing everything wrong? Why was Zack being so patient? How long would it take for him to crack and start hitting Cloud? Why couldn’t Cloud just eat the disgusting pizza and pretend to like it? Why did he have to be a stupid omega? Why couldn’t he be a beta like his mother? Why couldn’t he go home? He just wanted to go home. He just wanted to go home. He just wanted to go home.
Cloud wasn’t able to stop himself from crying, his self-control breaking as he sobbed into his arms.
He could hear Zack’s voice as if from far away.
He didn’t care anymore. He couldn’t do this anymore. He just wanted to go home.
He felt Zack’s warmth against his body and he jumped, but Zack was just pulling him into a tight hug. He could hear the murmur of Zack’s voice, but nothing registered in his brain.
Zack’s hand stroked through his hair. “It’s ok, it’s ok, I’ve got you, I’ve got you. It’s gonna be ok.”
Notes:
If it makes you feel any better, I made myself cry too :')
*~*
The description of Heimat pizza comes from these two recipe essays:
https://www.everyday-delicious.com/flammkuchen/
https://www.curiouscuisiniere.com/flammkuchen-german-pizza/
As a pizza hating American, I must say, these sound amazing. If It wasn't for the part where I have to make my own dough, I would totally try to make them. :')
Chapter 3: A New Place
Chapter Text
Cloud kept his eyes trained on the ground as they walked the rest of the way to the tower. He was so embarrassed he’d lost control like that in a public place. He felt heavy with swirling emotion, but somehow also numb and empty. Nothing felt real and everything hurt all at the same time.
He clung to Zack’s warmth as if it were the only solid truth in his life. It didn’t hurt that staying close to Zack’s heady scent would surely cover his own distress. There were people everywhere, and he couldn’t bear that any one of them should know his shame.
Zack walked a little slower than he had earlier, his arm heavy around Cloud’s shoulders. The rain had not stopped, but it was light as a mist now, so perhaps he felt there was less of a hurry.
The next thing he knows, doors are hissing open in front of them and the pavement is replaced with the shiniest floor Cloud has ever seen. He glances up briefly to see shiny columns and shiny desks, shiny stairs, shiny railings, and bright lights. There are only a few people standing around the desks and chatting. He quickly looks down again. If they are staring at him, he doesn't want to see it.
Zack leads him straight through the lobby without stopping to chat with anyone. Cloud stares, confused, when they stop in front of a wall, but then Zack pushes a button and part of the wall opens up to reveal a tiny room.
When Zack led him inside and pushed some more buttons, he realized that it was an elevator. He’d only ever seen elevators in the movies that sometimes played on their Shinra mandated television back home. He felt a spark of excitement, but managed to swallow it down just in time for his stomach to do flips as the room jerked into motion.
He grabbed onto Zack who chuckled and pulled him closer. “I’ve got you! Almost there Spike!”
Cloud eyed Zack’s face on the reflective surface of the elevator. Another nickname? How many nicknames was his alpha planning on giving him? He should come up with a nickname for Zack in retaliation, but his mind was blank. Zack smiled at him in the reflection and opened his mouth to say something more, but just then the elevator came to a sudden stop and the doors opened.
“This way~” Zack practically sang, pulling him into a long hallway. “Wow, everyone must be out celebrating the weekend! It’s so quiet in here!” He nudged Cloud, “Lucky for us, eh?”
Cloud wasn’t sure if he was supposed to answer. It was easier not to speak, so he grunted. But Zack didn’t seem bothered.
Zack led him to a nondescript metal door, just like all the other doors lining the hallway and dug around in his pockets. “Damn it, where… Oh, right, I put it in my boot so I wouldn’t lose it!” He smiled sheepishly at Cloud as he pulled a small rectangular piece of plastic out of his left boot.
“Tada!” He announced with a flourish, and stuck the card into a slot in the door handle. The door made a ‘kachunk’ sound and Zack immediately pushed it open. “Welcome to my humble abode!”
Cloud peered into the dark room, unable to make anything out past the entrance, which was littered with shoes and an umbrella. That umbrella might have come in handy if Zack had brought it with him. Maybe it hadn’t been raining when he left? Or maybe he hadn’t known it was raining, Cloud couldn’t see a window from here.
“Oh right, your eyes aren’t enhanced, so-” Zack flipped on a light “Is that better?”
Cloud blinked at the sudden brightness and looked around curiously.
“Oops, I forgot it was so messy! I wasn’t expecting company!” Zack rushed in, dropping the bags of food and the duffel in the entrance as he ran around the room, picking up clothes and paper plates, plastic cups and silverware, takeout boxes and socks.
Cloud follows slowly behind him, letting the door close behind him with a thud.
Zack’s quarters were pretty small, there was a door immediately to the left of the entrance, which Cloud didn’t dare open. Inside there was a couch facing a strange black mirror on a low cabinet. Wires snaked out of the cabinet to tangle on the floor before plugging into the wall. Another door, just this side of the couch on the right side of the room, probably led into the bedroom.
He toed his wet shoes off politely in the entrance, grimacing before pulling his wet socks off as well. He felt a little bit indecent in his bare feet, but it was a relief not to have the wet material squishing against his toes anymore. He looked around for a place to put the dripping socks, but not seeing one, he laid them neatly over the top of his shoes.
When he stepped in further, he saw that there was a tiny kitchenette tucked into the left corner of the room. Just barely enough counter for a toaster and a small microwave, with a tiny fridge tucked underneath and a few cabinets above and below. There wasn’t even a sink.
Zack was rushing in and out of the bedroom. “Just a minute! You can sit on the couch if you like!”
Cloud noticed that Zack was still wearing his wet boots, tracking mud all over the place.
Cloud watched his feet to make sure he didn’t step in anything sticky as he made his way over to the couch and sat down primly. He stared at his reflection in the dark mirror, but he couldn’t tell if his eyes were still puffy. His face is too blurry and he wonders what the point is of having such an ineffective mirror.
“Oh! Would you like to watch some TV? I just need to check the bathroom real quick!” Zack picks up something off the end of the couch and suddenly the mirror erupts into light, color, movement, and sound.
Cloud startles and Zack looks at him funny. “Hey, are you ok?”
Cloud turns back to the television, his face warming in embarrassment. He knew that they had high-tech stuff in Midgar, but he hadn’t expected a television to be so big and… flat? How was it supposed to work without inside parts? Where were the knobs?
“Cloudy?”
“I’m fine. Just tired.” Cloud replied.
“Oh shit! I almost forgot! You haven’t eaten anything!” Zack dropped the device he was holding onto the couch next to Cloud, and rushed over towards the door to grab the plastic bags he’d left there.
Cloud glanced at the device next to him, a rounded oblong covered with buttons with numbers and mysterious symbols, but before he could get a better look, Zack was back with the food.
Zack grabbed a folding table from the far wall and opened it up in front of Cloud. “This is where I usually eat, since there isn’t room in here for a proper table. Angeal says it's a travesty, but I don’t mind! I like watching TV while I eat, but don’t tell him I said that!” He winked at Cloud, and Cloud wondered who that was, and remembered with dread that Zack had wanted to have a party.
He thought of the tiny room packed with strange, strong smelling alphas and shuddered.
“Aww, not you too?! I can turn it off if you don’t like it, but there’s really nowhere else to eat!” Zack pouted as he grabbed the device again, and the “TV” went silent.
“There, that better?” Zack queried with an anxious face.
“Um… you can have it on if you want…” Cloud wasn’t sure how he’d given his alpha the impression that he didn’t like the TV, but the cessation of noise was a relief.
“Nope! This night is for us! It’s our mating night, remember? I wanna get to know you!”
Cloud cringed at the reminder, thinking anxiously of ways Zack might want to “get to know him”. He dropped his eyes and squeezed his hands together in his lap. He was suddenly more aware of the persistent throb of heat from his ass. Was he still red? Would Zack see? Would Zack laugh at him? Wouldn’t Zack have to touch him there? Wouldn’t it hurt? He could feel his heart rate picking up.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Zack paused as he was setting out a salad and some kind of bread in front of Cloud. “Aren’t you hungry? I promise you don’t have to eat it if you don’t like it! Just one bite, ok? For me? If you don’t like it, I’ll order something from every restaurant in Midgar until we find something you like, don’t worry!”
Cloud could only stare at Zack in dismay. He wouldn’t… would he? He was suddenly imagining take-out cartons piled high in every corner of the room. Even if he did like the food, surely he wouldn’t be able to eat it all before it went bad! Maybe it really was true what they said about newly mated alphas being a little bit crazy about their omega.
“N-no, don’t do that!” He stuttered. He grabbed the bread and took a big bite. He almost cried in relief when the texture was firm and fluffy. It tasted strongly of cheese and garlic, but this was a combination that Cloud could appreciate. “Ifsh defwishioush!” He swallowed, nearly choking. “See?” He took another bite.
Zack narrowed his eyes at him, “Are you lying to me again?” He made a move as if to take the bread from Cloud, but Cloud growled at him, and Zack jerked back, startled.
Cloud stiffened up, realizing what he’d done. He’d just growled at his alpha! He’d really done it now. Now Zack would have to punish him! He whimpered and turned his face away, hoping that Zack would only hit him once.
“Hey, hey, what’s wrong?”
Cloud jerked and whimpered again when Zack’s fingers gently touched his face. The next second Zack was sitting next to him and pulling him onto his lap. Cloud struggled instinctively for a second before remembering to be still and let his alpha do what he wanted.
“Sh, it’s ok. I’m not gonna hurt you. I’m never gonna hurt you! I just… let me do this for you?” Zack’s voice was pleading, and then he started to purr.
His purr was deep and rumbly and seemed to vibrate through Cloud’s entire body. Cloud felt his body relax almost against his will, and he dropped his head back, baring his throat to his alpha. Zack buried his nose in Cloud’s scent gland and groaned. “Gods! I’ve been wanting to do this all day! Do you have any idea how good you smell?”
This was it. Zack was going to take his due from Cloud now. Cloud would do his best to cooperate. It wasn’t like he had a choice. It would be better to get it over with quickly. It helped that his body was limp as a rag-doll from the purring. But at the same time, it somehow made it worse. He’d never felt so helpless in his life.
Cloud waited for Zack to do more. For his lips on his neck and his hands to wander his body. He could feel the hardness of Zack’s leg bones against his sore ass, and he wanted to squirm away, but he also wanted to squirm closer. He could feel something else hard from between Zack’s thighs pressing against his hip. Zack was clearly ready.
Zack held him tightly and continued to purr, Cloud’s body relaxing despite himself. Zack’s arms remained firmly around Cloud’s middle and he began rubbing his scent in Cloud’s hair again.
Cloud’s hair was going to be in complete disarray, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.
Zack’s purr vibrated through his entire body, Cloud could practically taste Zack’s pheromones on his tongue; his mind felt hazy.
*~*
Cloud startled awake to quiet laughter from a television.
“Hey, you awake?”
Cloud looked blearily up at Zack from where he was tucked under his arm against his side. Oh right, this beautiful man was his alpha now. He put his face back into Zack’s armpit and purred.
“Whoa! I’m guessing that little nap did you some good, eh? That’s ok, you can drool on me all you want!”
Cloud jerked up, suddenly much more awake. “Zack?”
Zack smiled brightly, “That’s me~!”
Cloud pulled away and Zack reluctantly let him.
Once Cloud was sitting primly a few feet away, he felt he could breathe again. He glanced over at Zack who appeared to be watching TV while eating pizza, but his eyes met Cloud’s immediately.
“Sorry, I didn’t think you wanted it.” He said, holding out the pizza slice, “Do you still want the garlic bread?”
Cloud realized that the pizza slice in Zack’s hand was from the bacon and onion pizza that he’d ordered. “No, that’s all right. You can have it.” He felt his stomach clench in protest.
“None of that now.” Zack’s voice was stern “I’ll call every restaurant, remember? Do you want to try the pizza again? I’ll get you your salad and the bread.”
Zack was immediately standing up, moving the table in front of Cloud with a determined look on his face, before rushing over to the tiny fridge to get the bread and salad along with a few cans of soda, one of which he dropped on his bare toes. Zack cursed quietly, but brought the rest over quickly, rearranging the pizza on the table to make room.
“Damn, looks like we’re gonna need a bigger table! But don’t worry! The mating stipend will pay for it!”
“Mating stipend?” he couldn’t help but ask.
“Yeah! You know… it’s an incentive program to encourage alpha SOLDIERs to take a mate! Shinra believes that alphas are better SOLDIERs when they have a mate. Something about being better at taking orders when they have someone to go home to and boss around.” Zack chuckled awkwardly, “Supposedly less aggressive and work better as a team, yada yada. Angeal refuses to accept his, but I don’t see the harm in it. Free money is free money, right? My salary barely covers my own costs, I can’t really support two people without it, ya know?”
Cloud nodded dazedly. He hadn’t realized that Zack was being paid to take him on. He felt a pang in his heart and his stomach clenched. He felt really stupid. Really, really stupid. He had actually been starting to believe that Zack really did like him, but apparently he just needed money. He should’ve known. Of course, no one would choose him without an incentive!
“Ok, what is it now? What did I say? Why is your scent off again?”
“No reason.” Cloud stood up suddenly, barely avoiding knocking over the table as he avoided Zack’s grabby hands. He made an abortive movement towards the door before remembering that it was pointless to go that way. He made an abrupt turn into the bedroom and seeing an open bathroom door he made a beeline for it, slamming the door behind him on Zack’s nose.
Served him right for following him.
“Cloud?” Zack’s voice was muffled by the door, and Cloud held his breath, waiting for the doorknob to jiggle. Surprisingly, it did not.
“I’m sorry. Whatever I said, I’m sorry. I really have no idea this time-”
“Go away!” Cloud knew he shouldn’t talk to his alpha like that, but he didn’t care. He was too mad.
“Ok, ok, I’ll… give you some space, ok? Ok... I’m sorry…”
Zack sounded extra pathetic, but Cloud refused to be budged. Holding his breath, he waited until Zack’s feet shuffled slowly back to the other room.
Cloud felt sick to his stomach and he hurried to the toilet. Thank the gods it was clean! He knelt there for a few minutes, but when it became clear that his stomach wasn’t going to make good on its threat, he sighed and stood up to use the sink.
The mirror was filthy. Splatters of toothpaste sprayed across the surface made it almost impossible to see his own face clearly. Not that he really wanted to see himself right now. Toothpaste and shaving cream crusted on the water taps and the sink bowl. There was used floss and bits of black hair on the counter. Gross.
Cloud had wanted to splash his face with some water to cool down, but he didn’t dare touch anything. He went back to sit on the toilet and put his face in his hands.
He needed to apologize to Zack before he got mad. He was probably already mad. He was probably sitting in the living room right now, stewing on what a bad deal he’d made! Maybe he would finally hit Cloud. Maybe he would take him back and the Headmistress would beat him to death. Maybe that was the only way out.
Cloud sighed, he knew that there was no escape that way. Now that he knew about the mating stipend, he realized that he was too valuable as a commodity. Eventually he would be paired up with an ugly stinking alpha just looking for a payout, who would beat him and use him roughly. He would have no escape. He was too weak. Weak and pathetic.
He wondered how miserable he would have to be before he was able to do something about it.
“Cloudy?” Zack’s voice at the door was hopeful and soft.
Cloud bit his lip, he didn’t trust anything that might come out of his mouth right now.
“Cloud? I was thinking… Is it because I said the alphas like to boss their omegas around? I wouldn’t do that! I promise! SOLDIER’s honor and hope to die! If I ever try to boss you around, you have my full permission to kick me, ok?”
Cloud scowled. Was he pretending to not be mad? It wasn’t possible that he wasn’t mad. Was it?
“In fact, how about this! You get to boss me around! Yeah! I’ll even lay down on the floor, and you can step on me!”
Why did Zack sound strangely excited? Why was he always excited? It made Cloud want to sit on him. He shook his head, what was he thinking?
“Cloudy? Cloudy skies~ Cloudy with a chance of Thundaga~”
Everywhere he went people made fun of his name, Cloud had had enough. “Shut up!”
“Ok! Shutting up! Zipping my lips! Not a peep until you say otherwise~!”
Cloud waited for a moment. Would he actually shut up? He held his breath to listen better, but he couldn’t hear anything from the other side of the door. Was Zack still there?
“Zack?”
There was a pause, then “Yes sir?”
Cloud felt blood rush to his groin. What the fuck?! “Shut up!”
Silence.
Cloud took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Ok, it seemed like Zack was serious… And apparently enjoyed playing games. Cloud couldn’t help but feel reassured. If Zack was feeling playful, then he was probably not mad. Hopefully.
Cloud pushed his other worries to the back of his mind and made his way to the door. He hesitated a moment, before taking a deep breath and pushing it open. He would have to come out eventually.
Zack was kneeling on the other side of the door looking up at him hopefully. Cloud could practically see his non-existent tail wagging.
He almost shut the door back on his face.
“What are you doing?! Get up!”
Zack bounded up and the next thing Cloud knew, he was enveloped in Zack’s strong arms.
Zack began frantically rubbing his scent into Cloud’s hair, but didn’t say a word. Cloud couldn't resist the urge to hit him. “Stop that!”
Zack stopped, but whined low in his throat. The sound made all the hair stand on end over Cloud’s entire body and his groin twitched again. He hit Zack again, knowing that he couldn’t hurt him.
“I said stop. Why are you being so weird? Talk normally.”
Zack let out a breath like he’d been holding it in. Maybe he had.
“I’m sorry Cloudy! You forgive me, right? Tell me what I said and I won’t ever do it again!”
Cloud sighed, he really didn’t want to talk about it. “Forget it. It’s not important.”
Zack tilted Cloud’s chin up and searched his face, “Are you sure? You seemed pretty upset! I didn’t mean to upset you. I should’ve clarified that I won’t treat you like that! I know we’ve only known each other for an afternoon, but… I don’t think you understand how strongly I feel about you. I need to protect you. I would never hurt you. I’ll kill anyone who tries.”
Cloud closed his eyes and sighed in resignation. There was so much he wanted to say. ‘Those are just your hormones talking.’ ‘You’ll change your mind when you get tired of me.’ ‘You don’t really know me.’ but he held his thoughts inside.
Zack was quiet too, for a moment.
“Cloud?”
“What.”
“Can I kiss you?”
Cloud’s eyes flew open. Zack’s face was too close, his eyes too bright, his lips too wet.
Cloud headbutted him.
Zack immediately dropped him to hold his nose. “Ow! Cloud!”
Zack was laughing, but Cloud was already through the living room and at the front door, pulling on the handle. It wouldn’t open, so he changed course for the next closest door. He yanked it open to reveal some sort of water closet with a large sink and hanging racks for clothes, but Zack stopped him before he could enter, wrapping him in his arms. How had Zack moved so fast?
“I’m not mad, I’m not mad, it’s ok, it’s ok! I’m not mad! Cloud!”
Cloud continued struggling, breathing heavily in Zack’s arms as he kicked and twisted.
“I promise you, I’m not mad, SOLDIER’s honor! I deserved it, ok? I’m not mad.”
Zack began purring again, as if to prove that he wasn’t upset and Cloud wilted.
“That’s it. There you go. I’ve got you. I’m not mad and I won’t hurt you! I promise! Please, for the love of Gaia, will you believe me?”
Cloud whimpered. Zack’s arms were like a vise, there was no way he could escape anyways.
“I swear on all the gods! May Ramuh strike me down if I’m lying!”
Cloud stayed still in Zack’s hold. Glancing up he could see that Zack’s nose appeared unharmed. A little red, but not bleeding or crooked. His breathing calmed as Zack continued to purr, but refrained from scenting him.
Cloud sighed, “Ok. I believe you. Will you let me go please?”
Zack immediately let him go, but stood between him and the water closet. Not that Cloud was planning to hide in there anyway! Cloud turned and stalked back to the living room. Smoothing down his dress, he sat down, picked up a slice of pizza, and took a small bite.
It wasn’t so bad now that he knew what to expect, and the bread had firmed up as it cooled, improving the texture a great deal.
“You don’t have to eat that.”
“No. I want to.”
“Are you sure? My offer still stands. Maybe I can find a place that serves, um Heim… at? food?”
Cloud took a bigger bite. “Nope. I’m eating it.” His eyes flicked to Zack. “It’s fine. Can’t you tell by my scent?”
Zack scrubbed the back of his neck, before leaning closer to sniff at Cloud. “Hmm, I guess…”
He seemed undecided so Cloud patted the couch beside him. Zack immediately sat down, scooching closer until he was snug with Cloud, and draped his arm over Cloud’s shoulders. No one had warned Cloud that alphas were so snuggly.
Some comedy show with an inane laugh track was still playing on the television. Cloud allowed himself to get caught up in it. Keenly aware of Zack’s warmth pressed against his side, but tried to ignore it for now. He ate all the food steadily and didn’t comment when Zack opened an orange soda can for him to drink with his meal.
Even with half the pizza already gone, it was a little too much for Cloud, but he was enjoying the peace and didn’t want to have to endure any more discussions on the matter. He couldn’t hide the burp that the soda forced out of him, but when he glanced at Zack, he wasn’t even looking at him.
He snuggled into Zack, enjoying his warmth and his scent and the way he was lightly rubbing his fingers through the hair that wasn’t caught up in his braids. He started purring. He almost couldn’t help himself.
Zack rumbled once, but then cut himself off. “As much as I’d love to stay here and cuddle with you, we should unpack your bag and get you settled for the night. You must be tired.”
Cloud pursed his lips angrily, his purr coming to a stop. He didn’t want to get up. He pushed his face into Zack’s armpit and growled softly.
Zack chuckled and then sighed, “I know, me too! I feel the same, but you’ll thank me tomorrow when you wake up in your comfy jammies.” He nudged Cloud.
Cloud grumbled, but allowed himself to be prodded upright.
“Be right back!” Zack hopped up and dashed over to grab Cloud’s bag
Cloud wondered grumpily how he still had so much energy.
Zack dropped the bag on the couch and immediately unzipped it. Cloud cringed, but Zack was already pulling things out.
“Let’s see, another dress, a packet of socks, a packet of underwear, a toothbrush, a hairbrush, a box with a ribbon; Ooh, some kind of mating day present? Here, you open it! What else… two blankets and…”
Zack turned the bag upside down and a packet of hair ties fell out; Nothing else. Cloud felt his stomach sink. Where was his stuff? The things that he’d used at the school? None of this was his. Everything was new and still wrapped in plastic! Even the hairbrush! Where was his day dress? Where was his nightgown? Where was his blankie?!
Cloud opened the ribboned box in desperate hope that it would be in there, but was greeted with the sight of lace and more ribbons instead.
Zack’s head crowded into his space to see what it was.
“Holy shit! Is that what I think it is? You have something like this?!”
Cloud didn’t know what it was. Only that it wasn’t his blankie. He curled into a ball, trying not to cry, but a hiccuping sob forced its way out.
“Oh gods, oh shit, don’t cry! I didn’t mean it! I mean… I don’t think any worse of you! I promise! It’s ok to own something like that! It’s totally normal! I swear!”
Cloud didn’t know what Zack was going on about, but it only made him feel more anxious.
“Hey, it’s ok, it’s ok!” Zack draped himself over Cloud in an attempt to calm him, but Cloud had had it with being grabbed today and he clawed at Zack.
“Ouch! Ok, ok! I won’t touch you. I’m sorry...”
Cloud grabbed at the items on the couch, flipping them aside in the vain hope that maybe Zack had just missed it, moving them from one pile to another frantically until he’d run through everything twice.
It wasn’t there. Of course it wasn’t. This wasn’t even his stuff. They’d given him some kind of pre-packaged going away bag. His blankie was probably still hiding under his pillow. Unless they’d already cleaned up his bed. They’d probably already thrown it away. There had only been a scrap left after the other omegas had mocked him and torn it to shreds.
It was the only thing he had left from his home, from his mother. He’d been wearing it when they’d taken him. He’d been playing at hero in the wood out back when he heard a commotion at his house. He’d rushed home to his mother’s defense, blankie tied around his shoulders.
He pushed the plastic packets away and sobbed into the couch cushion.
“This… this isn’t your stuff, is it? Everything’s new… that godsdamn bitch! I’m sorry Cloud. I’ll… I’ll make this right! I’ll call the school and have them send your stuff right away! I should’ve known-”
Cloud grabbed Zack’s pant leg and shook his head wildly, too overwhelmed to speak.
“No? But Cloud, this isn’t right! Everyone knows that omegas need something with their scent on it to feel safe! Surely you had some blankets you used at the school for your nest? And… more clothes than this? And maybe some items from home? A picture maybe?”
Cloud shook his head harder. “No. Don’t. Please.”
Zack sat down next to him and placed a tentative hand on his shoulder. “Don’t you want your things? I promise it’s not a bother! I’ll even go get them myself if I have to!”
Cloud’s heart clenched. What if it was still under the pillow? What if Zack found it and laughed at him, just like those omegas had? No, that wasn’t possible. The Headmistress had ordered him to throw away the blanket when he’d first arrived. She certainly would not hesitate to throw away what remained of it.
The Headmistress was a stickler about cleanliness. Keeping it out of sight had been difficult with how often she wanted to change the bedsheets, and Cloud had resorted to keeping the scrap in his dress pocket most days.
Except today he’d been given a new dress. A dress with no pockets and too many ruffles.
He pulled at the blue ruffles angrily. He should have stuck it in his shoe! Why hadn’t he considered the possibility that he could be chosen? Why hadn’t he thought of it while they were still at the school? He could have run back to the room he shared with four other omegas and grabbed it before anyone could have caught him! He was faster than these city folk!
He growled, it was those stupid alpha pheromones! He’d been so caught up in the alpha’s scent that every practical thought had flown right out of his stupid head!
He hit himself and Zack grabbed his wrist. “Hey now! Don’t do that! Talk to me Cloud.”
Zack’s voice lowered to a commanding rumble and Cloud whimpered.
“I don’t- I can’t- There’s no point! It’s gone! They’ve probably burned it! It doesn’t matter because I’m not a baby and I don’t need it! Don’t call them! Please! I’ll do anything you want, alpha! Anything! Please don’t call them, please!”
“Ok, ok, breathe Cloud, just breathe. I won’t call them, ok? I should, but I won’t, ok?”
He pulled Cloud onto his lap and rubbed his hands up and down Cloud’s back. Cloud hitched out sobs and clung to him.
“Shhh, it’s ok, I’ve got you, I’ve got you.” Zack kissed Cloud’s hair and rocked him. Cloud wondered distantly why Zack wasn’t purring. He knew that his own purr couldn’t come out unless he was relaxed. Maybe it was something like that. Zack did feel pretty tense. He began scenting Cloud’s hair again aggressively. Cloud didn’t protest.
It was kinda nice the way Zack’s alpha pheromones seemed to cloud his mind a little so he didn’t have to think. He was so tired! He could hardly believe that this was the same day as this morning when he’d been whipped for growling. He’d only just met Zack today, but he was already clinging to him like some silly lovesick omega.
He didn’t care. He didn’t care. He didn’t care!
Zack was the only nice person he’d met since he got here! Zack said he would take care of him! Zack promised not to hurt him! Or leave him! Zack was warm and smelled delicious! Zack was the handsomest alpha in all the world, besides Sephiroth!
If he fell in love, that was only natural.
Chapter Text
Zack’s alarm goes off at the usual time, and he lays there listening to it for a minute, wondering why it’s so quiet. The previous day’s events suddenly come crashing into his brain and he leaps off the couch and dashes into his bedroom to shut the alarm off. He holds his breath and examines Cloud’s face for signs of wakefulness, but Cloud’s eyes are still shut, his face scrunched slightly, but soon smoothing out again.
Zack lets out a careful breath and kneels down so he can see Cloud’s sleeping face better. Gods, he’s so cute! His soft round cheeks, perfect for squishing! His perfect little nose, just right for kissing! His soft golden eyebrows, Zack wants to pet them, to lick them even! His delicate eyelashes that twitch cutely in some dream, and most tempting of all Cloud’s soft pouty lips, slightly open as he breathes.
Zack stands up quickly before he does something creepy and tip-toes back out of the room, closing the door softly behind him. Right! Time for his morning workout!
He usually did this in the space between his bed and the closet so that he could watch himself in the mirror, but the space between the couch and the kitchenette will do. He wonders idly while he does his sit ups if Cloud would prefer a table or an island in the space. He’d had the option to add an island when he’d been assigned the quarters, but had declined because he didn’t plan on doing any cooking. Did Cloud like to cook? He should ask him when he got up.
It’s weird doing his workout without any music, but he doesn’t want to disturb Cloud. He works his way through the routine Angeal had set up for him, skipping the noisier activities like jump rope, but he can do more squats later to make up for it. He sneaks back through his room to take a shower.
When he takes care of his morning wood in the shower, he can’t help but think about Cloud. He wonders what Cloud’s plush lips would look like stretched around his dick. Is that something Cloud will be willing to do for him? Will Cloud let Zack suck his little omega cock? His nipples? He wonders what kind of sounds Cloud will make if he licks his nipples. He wonders what color they are. Will they be brown like his own, or pink like Cloud’s lips? He wonders how long until Cloud goes into heat.
He comes harder and faster than he usually does and has to bite his arm to muffle his groans. It leaves a nasty mark, his fangs had cut deeply causing the wound to bleed, but there’s enough mako in his blood that it’s already closing up as he examines it. He spits into the sink to get rid of the acidic taste of mako and realizes with chagrin that he forgot to clean the bathroom sink last night. His mother would be horrified!
Thankfully he keeps the all in one cleaner under the sink so he won’t have to leave the room. He sprays it liberally over both counter and mirror until he’s almost choking on the fumes. He uses the hand towel to wipe everything down until the worst of the mess is gone. The mirror is still streaky from the cleaner, but it’s good enough. Cloud is a guy, he won’t care.
He shaves his fuzzy lip and chin and then has to wipe the sink and counter again. Angeal says that he doesn’t have enough hair to shave yet, but Zack stubbornly shaves it anyway. There’s no harm in looking your best, and now that he has Cloud it’s even more important!
Zack eyes himself in the mirror. He isn’t bad looking if he does say so himself! He hopes Cloud agrees. Does Cloud have a type? What if he isn’t Cloud’s type? The other guys all like to talk about what kind of mate they want, all sorts of specific details about size and color. But Zack never felt strongly enough about it to join in, though he enjoyed teasing his friends when he saw someone who matched their tastes when they were out on the town.
Now that they were sixteen they went to the bar every weekend, looking to score. Zack was happy going home with anyone who would give him the attention. Girls, guys, betas, alphas; Zack didn’t care. He’d never had an omega before, but they were closely guarded by their alphas or their parents and kept at home. Zack remembered that he was now an alpha with an omega at home, and he wondered why an alpha would go out looking for ass when they had an omega waiting for them.
He couldn’t wait to tell his friends his good fortune! He wondered if any other SOLDIER seconds had gotten an omega this weekend. He had thought they were all off partying as usual, but maybe they had brought home an omega last night as well. None of them could be as cute as his Cloud though!
He opened the door a crack and peeked through at Cloud. He still appeared to be sleeping, so Zack snuck as quietly as if this were a battlefield to his closet to grab some sweatpants, holding his towel around his waist just in case. Usually he would wander around his apartment naked after showering, allowing his hair and skin to dry naturally while he made his breakfast, but a lot of things are going to change now that he has Cloud.
Maybe in the future, after Cloud’s heat, Cloud wouldn’t mind seeing him naked. He wouldn’t mind seeing Cloud naked.
He shook himself and quietly shut the door between himself and Cloud.
He made himself some oatmeal with raisins using his electric tea kettle. He’d make some for Cloud too when he woke up. What would Cloud like in his oatmeal? He checked his fridge for bananas, but they were already gone. He didn’t have any milk either. He popped the last of the bread into the toaster and sat down to make a grocery list like his mom had taught him.
He wasn’t sure what kind of food Cloud liked, but for now he used an old list in the notes program on his PHS, just adding a x2 symbol next to each item. He pursed his lips when it was finished. He’d never really noticed how sparse his list looked before, but he usually only made breakfast for himself. He usually ate at the cafeteria for lunch and sometimes even dinner. He preferred to order out for dinner, or eat instant noodles if he got home late, but he felt anxious remembering Cloud’s initial reaction to the pizza.
He hadn’t thought it was possible for someone to dislike pizza! What else would Cloud dislike? He didn’t know anything about the mountainous region Cloud was from except that they had snow and wolves. What kind of food did they eat there?
When he’d first arrived in Midgar, the food had been strange but he’d enjoyed trying out every new food. Every meal outside of the cafeteria, an expedition in delightful discovery. He’d worked his way through every cafe and restaurant within walking distance of the tower and learned how to have food delivered to the lobby. Angeal scolded him for wasting money on expensive food when it was so much cheaper to make his own, but Zack had nothing else to spend his small salary on besides a few necessities and the occasional video game. Why not splurge a little if it made life more interesting?
Besides, his previous apartment as a SOLDIER third had been even smaller than this one! There was no room for a kitchenette, there had only been a bedroom and a tiny bathroom. Where was he supposed to cook?! Thankfully Angeal had taken pity on him and invited him over occasionally for meals. Zack’s mouth watered as he thought of Angeal’s cooking. He couldn’t wait to introduce Cloud to Angeal! Surely Cloud would like Angeal’s cooking!
Zack sent a quick message to Angeal.
guess what!
you’ll never guess! ha ha! >:D
Angeal didn’t reply, but he might be in a meeting or on a mission.
Zack quickly switched to messaging Kunsel.
hey, u busy?
Kunsel replied almost immediately.
Naw, just lifting some weights
Where are you? You’re usually here by now! I’m saving your spot, but you better hurry before one of these alphas gets huffy with me for leaving my towel on a bench!
Zack practically bounces in his seat from excitement, he wants to tell Kunsel so bad! But he also wants to see the look on his face when he tells him! He bites his lip indecisively before giving up. He can’t leave the apartment while Cloud’s still sleeping, but he also can’t wait.
ok, imagine the cutest angel you ever saw in a painting! no! cuter than that! now, imagine that angel sleeping in my bed! heh heh! >:)))
There’s a pause and then Kunsel messages back.
You scored last night? But you didn’t go out with us! And, how did you get them past security? You know you’re not supposed to bring people without a clearance into the tower!
Zack thought back to last night. He hadn’t even thought about security. He’d been so focused on Cloud that he’d just walked through like he usually did, trusting the chip in his key card to let him through. Maybe that was why. The chip had let him through? But shouldn’t the security have still questioned him about his +1? Maybe the school had called ahead to let them know. Was that something they did? Was there something he needed to do for Cloud to have clearance? Cloud was from a Shinra omega school, did that mean he already had clearance? No one had said anything about that when they were signing the papers.
His PHS pinged again.
Dude, don’t tell me you forgot??!
Do you need me to come over there? I can talk to security for you. I’m on friendly terms with most of them.
Zack winces, he hadn't meant to make more work for Kunsel again,
um, not sure. he’s not the usual kind of score. I haven’t even slept with him yet! I got an omega last night. from one of the shinra schools
Zack hesitated before typing again,
do I need to do more paperwork? I already filled a bunch out at the school :((((
There’s a long pause before Kunsel replies,
Wow, ok, yeah you need to fill out more paperwork. I can bring it up to you if you want?
Zack can barely contain his excitement,
yeah! let me wake him up and feed him some breakfast! I can’t wait for you to meet him!!!! :D :D :D
He jumps up, leaving his PHS on the couch and rushing into the next room. He stops abruptly when he sees Cloud is still sleeping peacefully. It’s almost a shame to wake him, he’s so beautiful when his face is relaxed in sleep, but he wants to give Cloud time to wake up before Kunsel arrives.
“Hey beautiful, hey Sunshine, wakey wakey!” he runs his hand through Cloud’s soft spikes.
Cloud’s face scrunches up cutely and he groans, the sound traveling straight to Zack’s dick.
Cloud turns away from him, pulling the covers over his head. Zack grabs them and flips them down, just like his dad used to do to get him up. “Come on Sunshine~ It’s the weekend~! We’ve got the whole day to spend together!”
Cloud glares at him, baring his cute little omega fangs.
Zack adds something new to his List of Things to Lick as Soon as it’s Allowed.
Struck by sudden inspiration, he hops into bed with Cloud. “If you don’t want to get up, I don’t mind! We can cuddle!” He pulls Cloud against himself and is immediately rewarded with a kick and a squirming omega.
“Get off!” Cloud’s voice is rough with sleep, but it’s like bells to Zack’s ears. He snuggles closer, burying his nose into Cloud’s scent gland.
“Mmmm, no can do, Sunshine! I’ve been thinking about you all morning! And now that you’re here in my arms, I’ll never let you go!”
Cloud stills, but Zack can feel him trembling, and smell his anxiety spiking. He purrs to reassure Cloud.
“Hey, it’s ok. I’m just kidding, alright? My friend is coming over, so I thought maybe you’d like to take a shower? Or you can eat first, if you like? I can make you some oatmeal, or some toast? I think I have some jam…”
Cloud’s anxiety is spikier than ever. “Coming over? But isn’t it still early?”
Zack glances at his alarm clock, “It’s already past eight!”
Cloud groans again. “Why are there no windows in here? And who goes visiting at eight in the morning?!”
Zack hums in thought, “Well, he lives just down the hall, so it’s not like it’s a big deal. And I’m sorry about the windows! Having windows would have come out of my pay and I’m not here most of the time so it didn’t seem important…”
He trails off in sudden consternation, what is Cloud going to do all day when he has to work?
He tries to remember if he’s ever seen a SOLDIER’s omega walking around unescorted, but he can’t be sure if he has. Do they just… stay in their den all day while their alpha is off doing SOLDIER things? He feels that itchy feeling he gets when he’s been cooped up too long and he shudders. He won’t do that to Cloud!
“Don’t worry, don’t worry, I’ll figure it out! Maybe I can convince someone to trade apartments? Or maybe I can get some of those sunlamps that Angeal uses for his plants? I think they can be on a timer, so they turn on during the day…”
Cloud is silent, but his scent is angry now. Is he mad because Zack just implied he could be happy with a little fake sunlight like a plant? It works for the people under the plate, doesn't it?
“I said don’t worry! My friend will help us figure it out! He’s good at figuring things out…” Zack started rubbing his scent on Cloud, more to soothe himself than anything else. Suddenly he really hopes Cloud doesn’t want to take a shower. He doesn’t want Cloud to wash off his scent.
“Are you hungry? Why don't we get up and eat something. You can watch whatever you want on the TV! How does that sound?”
Cloud sighs, but begins to move as if to get up. Zack releases him and watches as Cloud sits up and pulls the hair ties out of his hair, combing the braids out with his fingers. The hair hangs down in wavy locks around his shoulders and Zack’s fingers twitch with the desire to run his fingers through them.
Zack jumps up and runs to the living room where all Cloud’s stuff is still piled on the couch and brings him back the brush and toothbrush.
Cloud looks surprised, but accepts them with a shy smile.
Zack grins, his heart swelling with pride that he could anticipate his omega’s needs and seeing the gifts accepted from his hand. He’d been a little worried that Cloud wouldn’t want anything to do with the items from the school after he’d rejected the blankets that had come in the bag as if they had personally offended him. They still lay on the bedroom floor after Cloud had thrown them at the wall.
Maybe it was because those things carried scent from the school?
“You can use my toothpaste!” he offers, “You can use anything of mine that you want! Anything at all! What’s mine is yours!” He suddenly feels shy himself and scrubs at the back of his head as he waits for Cloud to reply. Is he being too corny? He doesn’t feel corny. He means every word of it.
Cloud glances towards the bathroom and his scent spikes anxious again. Zack tilts his head in puzzlement. Did he say something wrong again?
Cloud looks back up at him, his face turning pink, “Um, ok. Do you have a clean towel I can borrow?”
“Of course!” Zack bounds over to the closet to grab one. Thank the gods that there’s still a clean one! He hands it to Cloud triumphantly. “One clean towel for you, good sir!” He tries to imitate the staff from a fancy hotel like on TV.
Cloud’s mouth twitches into a slight smile and Zack’s heart leaps. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can get for you sir!”
Cloud’s face reddens again and he stands abruptly, holding up the sleep pants that he'd borrowed from Zack last night with one hand. He’s practically swimming in them. The collar of the shirt slides off one shoulder, exposing his collarbone and his scent gland. Zack feels his mouth fill with saliva and he swallows.
Cloud grabs the towel and the brushes from where they’d fallen onto the bed and rushes into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him, leaving Zack perplexed.
He hadn’t made him mad again had he? He hadn’t smelled mad. Maybe he was just embarrassed to be mated to such a silly alpha. But hadn’t he smiled at his joke the first time? What had changed?
Zack sighed. Were all omegas like this? Genesis had a temper too, but he was more likely to attack than run away. And once he got to talking, there was no shutting him up. Maybe Cloud just needed more time to come out of his shell.
Zack waited until he heard the water in the shower running before heading out to the living room to tidy up before Kunsel arrived. He picked up the remaining items from the couch, placing the clean black dress on the floor by the bathroom door with the packets of lacy undies and socks and the little packet of hair ties on top.
He’s not sure what to do with the lingerie in the gift box. Cloud had clearly been distressed by the sight of it. Maybe he should just throw it away? But aren’t these things expensive? Maybe he’s just not ready for that kind of thing yet. Zack carefully ties the ribbon back onto the box and shoves it up onto one of the boxes that sit on the top shelf of his closet.
He scoops the blankets into his laundry hamper and pulls the covers up over the bed. There, all tidy! He’s gonna need to take a load of laundry to the laundromat today. Maybe he should wash the sheets too? He’d felt bad that he hadn’t had a clean pillow for Cloud last night, he’d turned it over and hoped that it would be good enough.
Cloud hadn’t made a fuss, but by that time, he’d been so tired he was barely cognizant. Still woke up enough to throw off the extra blankets when Zack went to lay them over him though.
Maybe they should go shopping for new bedding as well as groceries. Maybe they should get a bigger bed while they’re at it! Zack thinks a bigger bed will just fit in the room. It would shove the bedside table up against the wall, but it will be worth it if he doesn’t have to sleep on the couch in his own apartment, right? Cloud won’t mind sharing his nest with him, will he? He seemed to like cuddling last night on the couch, once he had relaxed enough.
Mind made up, Zack goes to get his PHS to make a new list.
He finds a new message left from Kunsel in reply to his last message,
Who would have thought, the day would come when Zack Fair is entrusted with the responsibility for another person. ;P
Then at a later time,
I’ve got the documents. Let me know when I can come over.
Zack sent back
:P :P :P
he’s still in the shower, I'll text you when he’s ready :P
Kunsel sent back a thumbs up, and Zack opened his notes program to start a new list.
big bed
new bedding
extra pillows?
more blankets?
new jammies
sweatpants
jeans?
dresses?
t-shirts!
Zack racks his brain. What else does he need? He feels certain that he’s forgetting something important, but what is it?
He hears the shower water turn off and gets up to grab a T-shirt for himself so that he doesn’t embarrass Cloud in front of Kunsel. Not that Kunsel hasn’t seen him naked in the communal showers, but he’d noticed the way Cloud had avoided looking at his bare chest earlier. He does a few squats in front of the closet mirror to work off some excess steam before knocking on the bathroom door.
“Cloudy? I left the rest of your things by the door if you want them…”
He waits until he hears a quiet, “Ok.” from within before heading back to the living room, closing the bedroom door behind him.
Not sure what to do with himself now that he’s already tidied everything and made his lists, he wanders over to the kitchenette and discovers the toast that he’d made earlier is still sitting in the toaster. It’s cold now, but it’s the only bread he has left, so he scrapes some butter over it and pulls out the jam. Everyone likes strawberry jam, right? Unsure, he leaves it by the toast and grabs his PHS to add flavors of jam to the grocery list.
He hears gagging coming from the bathroom and rushes back to check on Cloud.
“Cloud! Cloud? Are you alright? Cloud?”
“I’m fine!” Cloud yells back through the door.
“Are you sure? I heard-”
“Yes, I’m sure, damnit!”
Zack eyes the handle. It would be so easy to break the lock. These doors aren’t built with a SOLDIER’s strength in mind. But would Cloud ever trust him again if he did something like that? Zack’s heart clenches. He can’t risk it. He takes a step back from the door and takes a deep sniff.
He can’t smell any puke. The only thing he can smell is the mint from the toothpaste and the scent of his 3-in-1 shower soap. He frowns, feeling more bereft than he thought he would that Cloud no longer carries his scent. At least they now smell like the same products, right? He still can’t wait for Cloud to come out so he can scent him again.
“Zack?”
He perks up at hearing his name, “Cloudy?”
“Can you leave so I can get my stuff?”
Zack cringes, “Oh right! Sorry! You’re sure you’re alright?”
He hears Cloud sighing, “Yes. Now scoot.”
Zack feels reassured that Cloud doesn’t sound angry anymore, maybe a little annoyed, but Zack’s used to that from most people. “Right away sir!” he calls out brightly in imitation of a PubSec officer, before turning smartly and marching back loudly to the other room and closing the door. He wishes Cloud could see him, but he hopes he put a smile on his face again anyway.
He turns on the TV to watch while he waits for Cloud to finish getting ready and pulls out his PHS to see if he can look up anything about Heimat food. He’s got a lot to learn about his new mate, and there’s no time like the present. Ooh! Presents! He should get Cloud a mating day present! Maybe a new video game? What kind of games does Cloud like? Zack is so excited! Having a mate is the best!
Notes:
Cloud is fine, he just gagged on Zack’s SOLDIER strength, extra foamy, mint toothpaste. 🤮
Chapter 5: A New Face
Chapter Text
Cloud fusses with the spikes on the top of his head. No matter how hard he tries, he cannot get his hair to lay flat.
Most of the longer strands were tamed by being braided into his braids. It had taken a while for his hair to grow out, but for some reason, the hair on the top of his head still refused to grow long enough to be added to his braids.
He’d been punished multiple times for it at the school. He’d gotten so many spankings over it that the other omegas had started to call him “Cherry Butt”. He’d tried making his spikes fit the mold of “being cute” by putting bows in his hair, but then he was punished for “rebellion”. He’d never understood how that one worked, but when he asked for an explanation, he was told he had a “bad attitude” and was punished again.
He’d tried staying out of sight, but by then the teachers seemed to have it out for him. And the other omegas were not willing to cover for him. He couldn’t hide behind them. He didn’t understand why they hated him so much. Just because he didn’t want these strangers to touch him or touch his things, they’d all treated him like he’d personally offended them.
Well, he’d certainly called them plenty of names and dished out a few black eyes, once he realized that they weren’t going to leave him alone. He’d already been stolen from home and family so he’d thought, what did he have left to lose? That’s where he’d been wrong.
After going without food for a while, whether as a punishment or because the other omegas “accidentally” dumped his tray on the ground, he learned to keep his sharp tongue and his claws in check. Mostly. Sometimes he just couldn’t stand it anymore.
When he lost his temper he was always the one to blame, even though he never started it. He’d end up ass sore from whipping, crying in the cold basement, losing his dignity as he begged for someone to let him out.
He winces as he remembers his most recent beating just yesterday morning. He drops the towel from around his waist and cranes his neck trying to see if his butt is still red. The marks had faded a lot, but they were still visible. Damn. Why did she have to hit him so hard? He looks like he has stripes!
He sighs and opens the packet of underwear, grimacing when he sees how lacy they are. He misses wearing comfortable cotton underwear. Having itchy lace poking and scratching at his most sensitive skin was so aggravating. And why were they so… narrow? They barely covered anything! What was even the point of them?!
He grumbles as he pulls them on and then quickly pulls the black dress over his head, twisting it till it’s straight and tying the sash in a careful bow. The dress was an exact copy of the frilly, bow laden blue dress they’d put him in yesterday. Why was it acceptable for his dress to have bows, but not his hair? Some of the other omegas had worn bows in their hair. He couldn’t understand it.
He frowns at the socks with lacy tops. Would they unravel if he cut the lace off? Probably. He sighs and folds the top down so that it at least isn’t touching his skin. He’s supposed to show his legs anyway, but not too much. He never could figure out where the line was. The line was probably wherever the teacher wanted it to be in order to have an excuse to punish him. Not worth the bother of trying to figure out, really.
He wonders where Zack would draw the line. He seems pretty tolerant now, but he has complete control over Cloud’s life. If Cloud doesn’t cater to his preferences, what will he do? Will he beat Cloud with little to no explanation like they did at the school? Or worse, send him back there? Cloud can’t risk it.
He shivers under the AC and checks his appearance again. Braids tied with small bows at the end (the only place he’s allowed to wear them, much to his confusion) dress straight, sash bow sitting at the exact center of his lower back, socks even with one another.
He makes another attempt to flatten down his biggest spike, but it springs up stubbornly. He wishes he had the hair clips he’d come to depend on back at the school, but the morning of the interview, they’d somehow all gone missing.
He knew the other omegas were behind it, but it hadn’t been worth the punishment he’d have received if he’d made a fuss about it. Thankfully the headmistress had been in too much of a tizzy getting everyone ready for the interview that she had somehow not noticed his hair.
He’d still gotten whipped for baring his teeth in a growl when someone knocked his water over his tray of food.
He practices his pleasant expression in the mirror. “Nice to meet you.” he murmurs. He grimaces in dissatisfaction. He still looks like he’s growling. He puffs his cheeks to relax the muscles and rubs at his temples. “Nice to meet you.” He tries smiling without any teeth at all.
“Cloud?” Zack’s voice came from the other side of the door.
Fuck. Did Zack hear him talking to himself? Maybe it was true what they said about SOLDIERs having super hearing to go with their super strength.
“Coming!” He calls, trying to inject his voice with pleasantness. He gathers up the packaging that his things had come in and shoves it into the overflowing trash can under the sink. He carefully lines up his brushes in an out of the way corner of the counter. He doesn’t feel comfortable letting his toothbrush lean against Zack’s in his cup. It feels too intimate and presumptuous.
Scooping up the laundry from the floor, he gives his face one more check in the mirror before opening the door.
Zack is waiting on the other side, giving Cloud a bemused look. “Finally ready?”
Cloud can’t help but wince. Had he taken too long? He’d been as quick as he could, but maybe he shouldn’t have bothered trying to fix his hair. “I’m sorry alpha.”
Zack visibly flinches. “Hey! What did I say?! Call me Zack, right?”
Damnit! Cloud is already messing up! “Yes, a-of course… Zack.”
Zack grins, his canines on prominent display. “That’s better! Are you hungry yet? I went ahead and heated up the water for your oatmeal!”
“Thank you a-um Zack. That was very thoughtful.”
Zack rubs the back of his neck with a pleased expression. “Feeling better after your shower? I usually feel better after a shower! Nothing better for washing away the doldrums, amiright?”
Cloud blinks at Zack. The what? “Um, yes, you’re right.”
Zack chuckles and bounces back into the kitchen, “Would you like some raisins in that?”
Cloud makes a face with his back turned to Zack as he dumps the towel and sweats into the overflowing laundry basket. “Um, do you have any apples maybe?”
“Huh? Apples? In oatmeal? Sorry, I don’t have any right now, but we can pick some up for you later when we go to the store!”
Cloud feels his brow crease. They’re going to the store? What did Zack need to go to the store for? Hadn’t he said it was his day off and that he was hoping to cuddle all day?
Not that Cloud wants to cuddle!
Cloud uses his hands to smooth out his brow before turning around and smiling in Zack’s direction. “Um, that’s not necessary. I’ll just have it plain, if you don’t mind?”
“It’s no trouble at all! We’re going shopping anyway. Remember the stipend? I figured we could use it to buy you some more things! And a bigger bed! My bed is too small for the both of us! I don’t want you to fall off! Ha ha!”
Cloud feels a stab of bitterness at the reminder about the stipend, but it is quickly washed away by a wave of anxiety at the realization that Zack wants to share the bed.
Cloud feels stupid. Of course Zack wants to share the bed. This is his apartment. That was his bed. And Cloud is his to do with as he pleases. It had been really unexpected when he’d left Cloud alone last night. He doesn’t know why he was now surprised.
“Oh. That’s not necessary.” Cloud enters the living room and glances nervously from Zack to the couch. “I can sleep on the couch. I’m sorry for stealing your bed last night.”
Zack gives him a funny look. “Uh, no. This is your home now. Our den. I’m not gonna make you sleep on the couch! I know omegas need to nest.”
Cloud feels his face heat up. As if he would need to nest outside of his heat!
Cloud feels a frisson of dread. His heat is not something he wants to think about. But apparently Zack was already thinking about it.
Of course he was. Zack is his alpha mate. Just because he acts like he wants to be friends with Cloud, did not mean that he wasn’t looking forward to mating Cloud properly. Zack would expect him to sleep with him; in both senses of the word.
“Oh. Right.” Cloud can’t think of what he should say, so he walks stiffly over to the couch and sits down primly.
Zack opens up the folding table for him and had brought over Cloud’s oatmeal before Cloud realizes that maybe he should have been doing those things and not making Zack wait on him, but before he can make a move or say anything, Zack is talking again.
“I’m sorry I don’t have any milk or sugar. We can pick up some milk later, and I’ll even get some sugar if you don’t tell anyone.” Zack winks at him.
Cloud wonders who he is going to tell. Is Zack not allowed to have sugar? He thought SOLDIERs could do whatever they wanted, but maybe he was wrong about that.
Before he can figure out how to ask politely, Zack is talking again, “Are you sure you don’t want any raisins? It’s no trouble, really. I have lots!”
Is this a test? Is he testing Cloud for compliance? Maybe it would be better to accept the raisins. It’s better than a beating.
“Yes, ok.” He smiles. Politely, he hopes.
“Awesome! It’s much better with a little flavor, right? Here! Just take what you want out of the container! I bought them in bulk because they were cheaper and sometimes I feel like I’ll never see the bottom! Ha ha!”
Cloud can feel his smile turning into a grimace and he turns his face away slightly to hide it. Great. Just great. Probably his least favorite food, and now he’d be forced to eat it regularly. His mom had liked raisins, but his mom had never forced him to eat anything he didn’t like. The school had said that she had spoiled him. As if! He snorted in anger at the thought.
“Cloudy?”
He takes a deep breath and fixes his smile before turning back to Zack who has a confused look on his face. “It’s nothing.”
He carefully takes a scoop of raisins and sprinkles them over his bowl mournfully. He eyes Zack out of the corner of his eye. Zack has his head tilted and his eyes are slightly narrowed. Not enough then? Cloud takes another scoop, and another, until his oatmeal is completely covered.
“Oh, uh, wow. You really like ‘em, huh? Why did you refuse them at first?”
“No reason.” Cloud stirs them into the oatmeal and takes a big bite. They aren’t so bad as long as he didn’t smell them. He chews quickly and forces himself to swallow. Ugh, gross.
Something must have shown on his face or in his scent, because the next thing he knows, Zack is whisking the bowl away from him. “I don’t understand, Cloud. If you hate them so much, then why…?”
“I don’t! I don’t hate them! I’m very grateful! I mean it! You’re very kind to me, alph–Zack!”
Zack sets the bowl down on the counter so hard that it cracks open, spilling oatmeal. “Damnit Cloud!”
Cloud hunches down where he was sitting, covering his head and whimpering. He knows there is no point in running.
Zack sighs loudly and sits down next to Cloud. Cloud flinches away, but Zack just pulls him onto his lap and begins scenting Cloud’s hair. “No, no, it’s ok. I’m not mad at you. I’m… well, maybe I was a little bit mad, but that’s just because… because we can’t continue like this Cloud! You can’t lie to me! Or I should say, I really wish you wouldn’t. I don’t really understand why you’re doing it, but if we’re going to make this work, then we need to be honest with each-other! Alright?”
Cloud sniffles and nods, eager to agree to anything his alpha says.
Zack sighs again. “Look. I can’t force you to tell me anything, so if you want to lie to me, you can, but… over something like this seems really silly! I’m not gonna make you eat anything you don’t want to! I’d rather you told me your preferences straight up so I don’t have to guess, ok? I want you to be happy, Cloud!” He begins scenting Cloud more aggressively.
“Ok! Ok, Zack, ok!” Cloud agrees breathlessly.
Zack groans and then tilts Cloud’s chin up to look at him. “I mean it! I want you to be happy! I’ll do whatever I need to do to make it happen! I’ll make it my new life goal!”
Cloud can only stare at him in dismay. So this is the line? He’s only allowed to be happy? How is that even possible?! Cloud feels his heart sink a little bit more. There is no way he could manage it even on a good day. Zack is definitely going to get tired of Cloud if he has expectations like that!
There’s a knock on the door. Cloud startles so hard, he almost jumps out of Zack’s arms.
Zack sighs, “We’ll talk more about it later, ok? My friend is here.” He deposits Cloud back onto the couch and gets up to answer the door.
Cloud tries to take a moment to calm his breathing and tidy his hair and dress.
He desperately wishes that he didn’t have to be here and meet Zack’s friend who would probably hate him. A guy who liked someone as carefree as Zack definitely wouldn’t like him.
He can hear Zack talking to his friend in the entryway. He sounds exasperated. “You can’t wear that in here, man! You’ll scare him!”
“I’ll just drop off the papers real quick then. I don’t want to intrude.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! I want you to meet him! Come on, he’s really sweet! He won’t judge you!”
There was more muttered conversation that Cloud couldn’t catch, except for, “No! You need to be able to see him! You won’t believe me otherwise!”
Soon another SOLDIER enters the room. He has the thickest glasses that Cloud has ever seen, but other than that, Cloud can’t see anything weird about him. He’s perfectly average looking even.
He stops and blinks when he sees Cloud. “Oh, um… hi.” He smiles tentatively.
Cloud is surprised. He seems… shy? How could someone like Zack have a shy friend?
Cloud nods back at him. He can’t bring himself to speak the lines that he’d rehearsed earlier. He doesn’t want to risk letting his emotions spill out.
“Hi.” He can manage that much at least.
“Well?” Zack queries loudly, “Was I right, or was I right?” He stands with his hands on his hips and his chest puffed out as if he’s awaiting praise.
Right about what? Cloud wonders.
Something about Zack’s posture seems to instill confidence in the other SOLDIER and he straightens up to give Zack a challenging look.
“I haven’t seen that many paintings of angels, so I couldn’t say.”
Cloud feels his face freeze. What the fuck?
Zack sputters, “That’s just because you’re uncultured! The museum is just down on Loveless Avenue and it isn’t that far from the tower! You could easily walk there!”
The other SOLDIER huffs a laugh. “Why would I waste my time doing that when I’ve got my hands full of unruly Thirds? Our days off are few enough as it is. I have priorities.” He holds up two fingers, “Drink, and get laid. Life is short, Zack.”
Zack rolls his eyes, “That’s why you need to experience more things! Try things out! You’ll never know until you try something!”
The other SOLDIER crosses his arms and smiles at Zack fondly. “And if I spend my weekend perusing boring museums instead of getting laid, and then get shipped out the next day? I’d spend the entirety of my deployment kicking myself and cursing your name!”
He winks at Cloud through his glasses and Cloud is taken aback. Is he flirting with him?!
“My name’s Kunsel, by the way. I should’ve introduced myself already, sorry.”
He holds out his hand to Cloud, and Cloud hesitates. They hadn’t taught him how to respond to this situation in the school. Only that he should never encourage anyone other than his own alpha to flirt with him.
As if his own alpha needed to flirt with him to get what he wanted.
Cloud glances at Zack, but Zack is still pouting at Kunsel, not paying any attention to Cloud at all. He isn’t jealous? Maybe he just hadn’t noticed.
Cloud still isn’t sure what to do about Kunsel’s hand so he decides to ignore it. “Nice to meet you.” He intones reservedly.
Damnit, he forgot to smile! He tries to bring up a smile, but his face twists with the effort.
Kunsel smiles again, and glances to the side awkwardly. He wipes his hand on his pants as if he hadn’t meant to stick it out in the first place.
Great. Cloud knew he’d hadn’t handled it correctly, but he wasn’t sure what it was he’d been expected to do. Surely this strange SOLDIER didn’t expect Cloud to shake hands with him? Right? The difference in their status was far too great for that!
Besides, Zack is right there. He hasn’t acted jealous yet, but if Cloud touches another alpha, then it would just be asking for trouble!
Cloud sighs and Zack shoots him a look. Oh right, he’s supposed to be happy. He forces a smile. He can see Zack opening his mouth to speak, but Kunsel beats him to it.
“Why don’t I go ahead and give you your paperwork so I can get out of your hair. I’m sure you must have plans for your day off?”
“Yeah, we were planning on going shopping. Maybe we could do something fun after that? I hadn’t really thought that far ahead.”
“Then you’re definitely going to need these. Do you mind if I make some room on your table?” Kunsel spoke this part to Cloud, who feels his face twist in confusion. Why is he asking him?
“Oh! I’ve got it!” Zack quickly clears the table of raisins and spoons.
“Ok, so I’m assuming you signed an acquisition of custody and a mating registration at the school?” Kunsel says glancing between them.
“That’s right, it’s in my coat, I’ll go get it!” Zack had been about to sit down next to Cloud, but now he jumps up and dashes to the entryway.
Kunsel lays down three thin stacks of paper in three neat rows before Zack bounds over and hands him a thick roll of papers. Kunsel sighs and begins sorting through them, trying in vain to unroll them.
“Oh, I see you’ve already filled out the stipend application as well. And…” He squinted at one of the curved papers “A pup waiver?”
“Yeah, we’re not supposed to have pups for the first five years.” Zack shrugs, “I need to, like, prove myself worthy of procreation or something like that.”
Cloud feels his stomach clench. What does that even mean? He bites his lip. It doesn’t matter, the thought of having pups terrifies him. The longer he can put it off, the better.
Kunsel hums thoughtfully and rearranges the papers on the table, flattening the rolled ones so hard that the table sways. “That’s probably for the best. I love you man, but I don’t think you’re ready for fatherhood.”
“Hey! I’d make a great dad! All the younger kids in the village used to follow me around and beg me to take them to the water hole or play hide and seek with them!” He turns sad eyes to Cloud, clasping his hands in front of his face, “You think I’d make a good dad, right Cloud?”
“Um, no comment.” Cloud wants nothing to do with this conversation.
Kunsel chuckled, “Sounds like you’ve got some convincing to do.”
Zack deflates, his whole body drooping dramatically. But then he straightens up almost immediately.
“Ok! Just gotta add that to my life goals! Reach SOLDIER First and become a hero! Make Cloud happy, and convince Cloud I’ll make a good dad! Heh heh!” He stood arms akimbo and grinned wolfishly at Cloud.
Kunsel shook his head, but he was smiling, “That’s a lot of goals man, don’t spread yourself too thin. You should focus if you want to obtain anything.”
“No can do! These are all really important goals!”
“Did you even want to be a father five minutes ago?”
“Well… yeah, I mean… eventually. But like, I’m a married man now! I have to be responsible and stuff. Prove my worth to my mate!” Zack winks at Cloud.
Cloud crosses his arms over his chest and scowls at Zack. Who said he wanted kids?! He understood that he didn’t have a choice in the matter, but it still rankled that no one was asking him his opinion. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about that for the next five years.
But wait, did that mean that they couldn’t sleep together? What about his heat?
His first heat hadn’t been that bad, though he’d been an emotional mess when he realized that he was an omega. His mom had held him through his crying sprees, helped him build a nest, and cooked up all his favorite foods.
But his last heat at the school had been a literal nightmare. Everything had been more intense and painful, and no one had comforted him. They’d locked him in a padded room and shoved food at him through a small hole, while he begged for relief. He didn’t want to go through that ever again. Did Shinra really expect him and Zack to wait five years?! What was even the point of assigning them as mates then?!
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Zack is sidling up to him, all concerned and looking to soothe him and Cloud can’t stand it.
Cloud stands up abruptly and begins pacing the room agitatedly. He desperately wants to leave. To go home. To get out. To get away. But no, that wouldn’t help the situation. He is an omega and he needs an alpha. He needs Zack. There had been that part of him that was relieved when Zack made it clear that he really was choosing Cloud. He had been relieved that he wouldn’t have to go through his heat alone.
“Cloud. Talk to me.” Zack was blocking his path, arms at his sides, voice low.
Cloud glances at Kunsel, but he seems to be pretending to be very interested in the paper he is reading, ignoring them completely.
It isn’t good enough, Cloud grabs Zack’s hand and pulls him into the bedroom, shutting the door behind them.
“Cloud what-?”
Cloud realizes that because of SOLDIER hearing, Kunsel would still probably be able to hear them, and pulls Zack further into the room into the bathroom. Zack makes no resistance and even closes the door behind them. He pulls Cloud into his arms and rumbles soothingly, “This should be good enough. He’s only a Second, if we whisper he can’t hear us.”
Cloud feels reassured that Zack understood somehow that he was seeking privacy. He leans into Zack’s warmth and breathes in his smell to ground himself.
Zack continues to purr for him and rub his back soothingly while he scents Cloud’s hair. “Can you tell me what upset you? Please?”
Cloud grits his teeth. He can’t tell Zack that he doesn’t want pups. Zack would either tell him that he’d change his mind eventually, or he might even decide that Cloud was no longer worth keeping. No, he needs to stay with Zack. That is imperative.
“Come on, I promise, whatever it is, I won’t get mad, ok?” Zack pulls away slightly and lifts Cloud’s chin so he can look into his eyes.
Cloud pulls his chin away and hides his face in Zack’s chest. His chest is surprisingly comfortable. He sighs, there is no escaping now. They are going to have to talk about it sooner or later.
“What about my heat?” he whispers so quietly that he can barely hear himself.
Zack went still. “Huh? Your… heat?”
Cloud winces at his loud whisper and growls in frustration.
“Yes!” Cloud hisses, “Are we really supposed to wait five years?! I… I can’t do that!”
Cloud feels his claws digging into Zack’s arms and tries to pull away. Zack grabs onto his hands and laughs a little. Cloud glares at him. What’s so funny?!
“Cloud…” Zack whispers, he pauses and seems to compose himself. “No one expects that! I’ll be given leave as soon as you go into heat so that I can take care of you. I won’t leave you alone, I promise! What made you think that I would?”
He sounds hurt, but Cloud just feels confused. “How are we supposed to keep from having pups?”
“Huh? What does that… oh, I see!” Zack laughs on a slightly hysterical note and Cloud pulls his hands away, scowling.
“Cloud, didn’t you- Didn’t they give you an IUD at the school? It was in your paperwork…” Zack frowns, suddenly serious. “They wouldn’t lie about that. Would they?”
Cloud frowns, “What’s an IUD?”
“Oh, it’s a little… a little thingy that they put in your womb? They just slide it in and it like, folds open so it doesn’t come out again? I don’t really know how it works, but a girl I was hook- I mean, someone explained it to me once. It’s very effective apparently!”
Cloud suddenly has a vivid memory of people holding him down and touching him where they shouldn’t while he fought like a wild thing to no avail. He’d definitely felt something hard and plastic enter him. Had that been it?
“Oh.”
He feels like there is cotton in his ears. Like he is underwater. Zack’s voice comes from far away. “Do you remember anything like that?”
“Yeah. I remember now. I have an IUD. I just… forgot.”
Zack huffs a laugh and pulls him back into his arms. “That’s a relief! We should probably get you scheduled for an appointment with medical anyway though, so they can check on it. We don’t want to be unprepared for your heat, right?”
Was he winking again? Cloud couldn’t think of another day in his life when he’d been winked at so often. Maybe it was a SOLDIER thing. Maybe they taught classes on it. How to Wink at Omegas and 5 other Handy Tips for Being Invited to their Nest. What would the other tips be? Purring probably. Purring and scenting like Zack was doing to him now. Again. He was going to have to fix his hair again before they went shopping. What were they going shopping for anyway? Oh right, a bigger bed so they could cuddle. That was probably one of the tips. Cuddle your omega lots and lots. They like it.
“Cloud? Earth to Cloud? Hello? Got stuck in the clouds again, Cloudy?”
Cloud punches Zack in the side. Zack falls over and pretends to be wounded. “Aaargh! You got me!”
Cloud can’t help the laugh that huffs out of his chest. What is Zack doing? He prods him with his foot. “Get up! I barely touched you!”
“Sorry, no can do. This SOLDIER is down. You’re gonna have to do CPR.”
Zack peeks up at Cloud hopefully through slitted eyes before going limp and letting his tongue hang out.
Why is he such a kid?! Cloud crosses his arms and backs away from Zack. “Nope. Not happening.”
“Awww, come on, I’m dying here! Have a heart!”
“Nuh uh.” Cloud uncrosses his arms and steps over Zack to look at himself in the mirror and begin fussing with his hair.
“Hey! You’re smiling!” Zack jumps up, miraculously recovered and hugs Cloud from behind.
Cloud sighs. His hair will never look tidy again will it?
He looks at Zack in the mirror. He is standing behind him, purring and resting his head on Cloud’s head. They fit together perfectly like this. He brings his own hands up to rest on Zack’s arms. He can feel his heart beating fast. He can feel Zack’s heart too. Strong and steady.
He eyes Zack’s wild hair. Zack probably doesn’t care about Cloud’s hair being messy. He can probably relax about that. He feels himself begin to purr and he closes his eyes to bask in the comfort of the moment.
If only they didn’t have to go out. Maybe they could stay in here forever and just… be. If only this moment could last forever. Then maybe Cloud could be happy like Zack wanted. Then he could check that goal off his list.
Cloud sighs. If only that were possible.
Chapter Text
Cloud’s stomach grumbles. He winces in embarrassment when Zack chuckles, squeezing him from behind.
“Come on Sunshine, let's get you something to eat. Do you like strawberry jam with toast?”
Cloud nods, trusting that Zack will see it in the mirror. Zack gives him one more squeeze before releasing him and opening the bathroom door.
They rejoin Kunsel in the living room. He’s found an iron from somewhere and is ironing a towel on the living room table, much to Cloud’s bafflement.
“Oh good, you’re back. I hope you don’t mind I rummaged through your utility closet.” He puts the iron down upright and lifts the towel, revealing ironed papers underneath. “I wasn’t sure if they’d accept your papers in the state they were in, so I flattened them out for you.”
“Oh, thanks man!” Zack bounds over and gives Kunsel an enthusiastic hug, causing him to chuckle awkwardly.
“Yeah well, try to keep them flat from now until you hand them in, ok?”
“Yeah ok, no sweat!” Zack gives him a thumbs up before taking two long steps into the kitchenette, where he slathers jam onto some toast that’s already laying on the counter. “Cloud hasn’t eaten yet, so I’m just gonna get him some food real quick and then we can look at the other papers you brought. Wanna watch some TV with us?”
“Sure. I don’t have anywhere I need to be until this afternoon. Sorry, I didn’t realize you hadn’t eaten Cloud, these can wait a bit.” Kunsel speaks the last part to Cloud as he removes piles of paper and the iron off of the table.
They sit together on the couch, Zack in the middle between them and Zack uses the button-covered device to turn on the television. Cloud isn’t sure what he was expecting, but is comforted by the familiar Stamp cartoon that is playing.
“This alright Cloud? Or would you rather watch something else? I’m not sure what’s playing this time of day.”
Cloud wonders if he should choose something else just so they don’t think he’s a baby, but his mouth is already full of toast, so he just shrugs.
“Good ole Stamp,” says Kunsel with a smile. “He’s probably the reason why we’re all here, right? Who doesn’t love a dog who's both a hero and a good boy, just like our Zack here!”
He elbows Zack in the side, who exclaims “Hey!” and they wrestle a little bit, Zack quickly ending up in a headlock.
Cloud watches wide eyed as Kunsel gives Zack a noogie before releasing him. Zack just laughs and shoves Kunsel half-heartedly. They settle down after that and relax while the show is playing, laughing at the funny parts.
When Cloud finishes his toast, Zack gets up and rummages in his fridge till he finds a glass container half full of spaghetti and meatballs, he warms it up and offers some to Cloud and Kunsel, who lights up.
“Angeal’s cooking?”
“Yup, last bit left from earlier this week. Try some Cloud, it’s really good!”
Cloud wonders why they’re so excited for what is obviously leftovers. He wonders how anyone could cook something like that without a proper kitchen. Maybe it’s from a restaurant? But then where did the glass container come from? And who is Angeal?
Cloud has a sudden thought. Zack surely doesn’t mean that Angeal? Angeal Hewley?! Famous friend of Sephiroth and a SOLDIER First? He feels a frisson of excitement. Does Zack know Sephiroth?!
He bites into one of the meatballs. It’s still cold in the middle, but it’s juicy and perfectly seasoned. He’s not sure when he’s ever had anything so good. Surely a SOLDIER First doesn’t spend his time cooking for SOLDIER Seconds. It’s probably just a really good restaurant, and Zack moved it from a takeout container to the glass dish to preserve the flavor.
He practically inhales the rest of the portion he’s been given and looks hopefully for more, but it’s already gone.
“It’s good, right?” Zack sounds really happy and he pulls Cloud in for a hug, surreptitiously scenting his hair.
Cloud pushes him off and straightens his skirt.
“Sorry I don’t have any more, but hopefully he’ll have us over for dinner soon! Maybe even this week!” He checks his PHS, “He still hasn’t gotten back to me this morning though, do you know if he’s been deployed again, Kuns?”
“I heard Genesis was coming back, but they usually give them a day or two before sending the other one out again.”
Cloud is glad he doesn’t have any food in his mouth or he might have choked. Genesis? As in Genesis Rhapsodos?! He stares in awe at the both of them. They really do know the SOLDIER Firsts! There’s no one else who has a name like that!
“Oooh! He’s probably busy then. Heh heh!”
Kunsel shakes his head, “He’s not back yet, but yeah, I imagine Angeal has other things to attend to than spoiled pups.”
“Hey! He does not spoil me! He makes me train harder than anyone else does! You’d change your tune if you ever joined us for one of our sessions!”
“You think it’s normal for an instructor to invite their trainees over for dinner? Or send them personal messages?”
“He’s not just another instructor and you know it! We had to sign official papers for the mentorship and everything! And if you spent any time with him, you’d know that he’s just like that. He sees every SOLDIER like extended family!”
“So you say. All I know is how sore I am after taking part in one of his classes. He’s a hardass.”
“If you mean a juicy ass with a heart of gold, then yeah.”
Kunsel snorts, “Zack, should you really be saying that in front of um, Cloud?”
Zack glances at Cloud, “Oh, I was just joking around! Cloud understands, right Cloud?”
Cloud feels faint. He can’t believe how familiarly they’re talking about the famous Firsts. He desperately wants to ask about Sephiroth, but doesn’t want to make his alpha jealous by showing interest in another alpha.
“You alright Cloudy? You look a little flushed.”
Cloud feels his cheeks heat up even more and he turns his face away. “I’m fine.”
Kunsel clears his throat. “Maybe we should take a look at those papers before I have to go. I’d like to have time to get ready for my date this afternoon.”
“Oh! Sorry buddy! I’ll clear these right up!” Zack is jumping up and clearing the dishes before Cloud can even think to move. Once again, Zack is doing something that should be Cloud’s job. He glances at Kunsel anxiously, but he’s not paying him any mind, only retrieving the papers from earlier.
“Ok,” Kunsel begins, “You’ve already filled out the stipend application, so you just need to turn that in with your mating registration. These two are the other important ones. There’s a bunch of other ones you might want to look at later, but I’ll leave those in a pile by the TV for you to look at later. Though, maybe the form for meal delivery should be in the important pile.”
He shuffles the papers around before laying out three neat piles and stacking another pile on the low cabinet that the television is set on.
“Meal delivery? We need a form for that now?!” Zack sounds annoyed.
“It’s for regular meal delivery from the cafeteria. For Cloud.”
“Oh! I was hoping maybe he could join me for lunch during the work week…”
“Have you ever seen an omega in the cafeteria? They’re not allowed in SOLDIER common areas, Zack.”
“What?! Not even the gym or the lounge? The arcade? What about the library? Or the pool and the ball courts? What is he supposed to do all day? Watch TV?”
“He can do whatever he likes, so long as he remains in your quarters. I hear-”
“What?! What about the areas open to the public? Surely he can, I dunno, hang out in the museum? Or browse the shops?”
“Zack. He can’t go anywhere outside of your quarters without you personally escorting him.”
Cloud sits quietly, ignoring the glances Kunsel sends his way. None of this is news to him, but apparently it is to Zack.
Zack slams a hand down on top of the papers, making Cloud jump. “That’s not fair! He doesn’t need a babysitter! He’s um, he’s…, how old are you Cloud?”
“I’m fourteen.” Cloud answers faintly.
“There! You see! He’s as old as we were when we joined SOLDIER! We always went wherever we wanted! All over the city! Why does he need an escort?!”
Kunsel is rubbing his face as if he’s tired. He sighs. “Zack, surely you know that things are different for us? You’re an alpha, I’m a beta. We have rights. He’s an omega. They-”
“That’s bullshit!” Zack jumps up and stands with his hands on his hips. His face is thunderous and turning red. Cloud holds himself as still as he can, hoping he can keep from attracting Zack’s ire.
“Just… bullshit!,” Zack repeats and takes on a lecturing tone. “My mama said that omegas are people too! We had several in the village and they had just as much freedom as anyone else! It never caused any problems! People in the city are straight up paranoid! If they’re so worried about their omegas getting snatched, then maybe they should teach them self-defense! Back in my village there was a small militia to deal with monsters and one of the best fighters was an omega! Heck, considering that Genesis is-”
“Zack! Mind your words!” Kunsel interrupts, “We’re not supposed to know about that!”
Zack glares at him. “I don’t get what all the secrecy is about! What’s the big deal? If Shinra needs more SOLDIERS then-”
“Zack, listen! I don’t want you to get in trouble!” Kunsel glances at Cloud, “You shouldn’t put wild ideas into your omega’s head! It’s not fair to give him false hope! Shinra would never consider a known omega for SOLDIER!”
“Why not!? What possible reason could there be? Is it because of the heats? That only happens four times a year, right? And if an alpha is mated to an omega, then they need that week off anyway, right? So it’s not like it costs them anything extra!”
“It’s not about that.”
“What’s it about then, because I’m not accepting this bullshit! Cloud should have the right to go where he pleases! People shouldn’t be kept indoors all day like a houseplant!” Zack looks to Cloud triumphantly as if to see if he appreciates his defense.
Cloud just looks at him in bafflement. An omega as a SOLDIER? He feels his heart clenching on the old pain of crushed dreams. He knows it’s impossible. Any remnant of his childhood dream had already been destroyed the day he got his first heat and realized that he was an omega. Even from Nibelheim, he knew that Shinra did not accept omegas into the SOLDIER program, or even the militia. How was Zack so unaware of this?
Kunsel is silent for a moment, he shuffles the papers on the table anxiously before sighing. “Fine, I’ll tell you the reason, but you have to promise not to breathe a word of it to anyone. Your life and Cloud’s life would be in danger if you say anything.”
Zack and Cloud both stare at him. Cloud feels nervous. He’s not sure what Kunsel is going to say, but if it’s that dangerous, maybe he doesn’t want to know.
He glances at Zack again, who has his arms crossed angrily. “Spill it.”
Kunsel sighs again, “Maybe you should sit back down?”
Zack shakes his head, “Nope. I have a feeling that I’ll want to be standing.”
Kunsel glances at Cloud who raises an eyebrow at him expectantly.
“Well, you know how… SOLDIERs are all, um, super strong and stuff?”
“Um, yeah dude. I’ve noticed.” Zack sounds unimpressed with this opening.
“Well, it’s true that they're the backbone of Shinra’s strength, but that also makes them a liability to Shinra.”
“What do you mean a liability? Are you talking about, like, those traitors that left after Rhadore? They weren’t enhanced.”
“Yeah, which makes Shinra’s inability to find them even more embarrassing. And it has made Shinra a bit paranoid.”
Zack rolls his eyes, “I don’t see what that has to do with us? We were raised in Shinra reactor towns. Our whole lives have revolved around Shinra. I’ve been wanting to be a SOLDIER for as long as I can remember! Used to play swords all the time with the other kids, left home as soon as I turned 13, much to my parents dismay. I wouldn’t just give up on my dreams like that!”
Kunsel shakes his head. “That’s not enough for Shinra. Your enhancements make you dangerous to ordinary humans. Even the new machines that Scarlet has been developing are no match for a single First. There are rumors that she’s planning on developing machines that could challenge several Firsts, but even then it would just be a pleasant exercise for them. Especially Sephiroth. He’s in a league of his own. He probably wouldn’t even blink.”
“Yeah, so? I still don’t get it! What does that have to do with Cloud being an omega?! Are they scared of omegas or something? Is it because Gen-”
“No Zack! If you’ll just listen, I’ll explain, ok?”
Zack huffs angrily at being interrupted, but goes silent, tapping his foot in impatience.
Kunsel takes a deep breath before continuing, “The omega program isn’t just an incentive to get alphas to sign up for Shinra. It’s insurance.”
There’s a moment of silence in which Cloud feels like he suddenly understands everything that he’s been through as if from a completely new light. Insurance. So that’s why.
He glances at Zack, but he’s scowling in confusion. “I still don’t get it. Just say what you mean!”
Kunsel grimaces slightly, but composes himself and pointedly does not look at Cloud. “Shinra uses the omega bond to control their alpha SOLDIERs. They keep them under lock and key while they send the alphas off to do their dirty work. If an alpha gets any ideas about deserting, he’ll think twice because of the bond he feels for his helpless omega back at home. It’s meant to keep a leash on you.”
Cloud watches the horrified comprehension grow on Zack’s face. “But that’s… that’s… that’s not fair!”
“You think Shinra cares about what’s fair? Zack, even you should know-”
“That’s not even what I mean! It’s not right! It’s not right!” Zack’s gaze shoots to Cloud, “They can’t treat a human being like that just because-”
“Again, when has Shinra ever cared about what’s right? Shinra only cares about making money, Zack! They have all the money and all the power! And since they’re the ones with all the power, they’re the ones who get to make the rules.”
Zack grinds his teeth audibly, his lips pulling back from his fangs. Cloud shrinks back and Zack’s face crumples. “But… Cloud is so sweet! How could they? Don’t they have omegas of their own? How could they make such a rule, knowing…”
Kunsel shakes his head, “They don’t care. Cloud is just a number to them. You are just a number to them.”
Zack sits down heavily on the couch as if his strings have been cut. He buries his face in his hands. “They can’t just…” His voice trails off, but his shoulders are set stubbornly.
“They can, and they have. If you say anything to anyone about this you risk having Cloud being taken away from you. Even after you mate him properly, they can still take him away. I’m surprised you didn’t notice it in the paperwork. You did read it, right?”
“I thought… I thought that clause was just in case I abused him or something like that…”
Kunsel nods, “That’s the official reason, but in reality an alpha is allowed to do almost anything he wants to his omega, and Shinra won’t care, so long as they remain an effective leash. If a SOLDIER proves to be a psychopath, then even an omega is not effective against that, but such cases are extremely rare.”
Zack lifts his face to look at Kunsel, “How do you know all this stuff? You haven’t been a Second that much longer than me.”
Kunsel shifts his eyes and shifts in his seat. “You know I enjoy cracking a good mystery. If something seems out of place, I can’t rest until I’ve figured it out. This wasn’t even that hard to figure out, even though the consequences for knowing it can be dire. Please don’t say anything to anyone, ok? Even to Angeal! He no doubt knows about this, but-”
“Angeal knows?! Why didn’t he say anything to me?!”
“Like I just told you, this information is dangerous! They probably wouldn’t stop at taking Cloud away either! You’d probably end up KIA or MIA, it’s that serious! Angeal was probably trying to protect you!”
Zack is silent for a moment before speaking quietly, “He did tell me not to take an omega. He even gave me the mating exemption extension paperwork…”
“There! You see?” Kunsel sounds slightly exasperated.
“But why? Why do they care so much if we know?”
“Uh, I’m not gonna put ideas in your head right now. I don’t think that’s-”
“Are they afraid we’ll all band together and burn this place to the ground? Even if we could… Could we do that?”
Kunsel shakes his head vehemently, “Don’t even think about it man! There’s a reason that SOLDIERs are rotated frequently! It’s not just to keep them from burning out on the frontlines! Haven’t you noticed how Angeal and Genesis are never sent to the front together? When one comes back, they only have a couple of days unless- they usually only have a couple of days together and then the other one is sent out. It’s not about earning a rest at all! It’s about dividing potential threats! It’s about Shinra having a hostage!”
Zack closes his eyes and pinches his nose. He looks like he’s in pain. Cloud scooches closer to him and lays a hand on his bent back. Zack jumps slightly before leaning into Cloud.
“But… that’s… how come Genesis-”
“No doubt these rules were made after the fact. It’s not like they can un-enhance him! And they can’t get rid of him either, he’s too famous! He’s one of their poster boys!”
Cloud can hardly believe what he’s hearing. Are they suggesting that Genesis Rhapsodos is an omega?! Surely not. That man gives off alpha energy even through his posters! Cloud had only stuck the Sephiroth posters that had come in his magazines to his bedroom walls, but that didn’t mean that he hadn’t studied the posters of Angeal Hewley and Genesis Rhapsodos to determine what made them worthy of being friends with Sephiroth. Was it because they were beautiful?
If Genesis was an omega then… No, that couldn’t be. Maybe he was a beta? Like Kunsel apparently was? It still seemed unlikely, but Cloud didn’t want to live in a world where he had to sit pretty and serve an alpha while another omega got to run around freely living his dream.
Cloud buried his nose in Zack’s scent, he didn’t want to have to think about this anymore.
Zack pulled him onto his lap and buried his own nose in Cloud’s scent. Cloud could feel him shaking. Was he crying? Cloud ran his hands soothingly over Zack’s broad back.
“Fuck this! Fuck this sideways! I…” Zack sniffles, pausing to gather breath, “I can’t accept this. Cloud doesn’t deserve to live like that! What if… what if we just leave? We could-”
“Zack, man, I know you’re upset, but don’t talk like that! Do you really think Shinra wouldn’t hunt you down? Is that something you want to subject Cloud to?”
Zack lifts his head, glaring at Kunsel. “If it’s what’s best for him then yes! In a heartbeat!”
Kunsel shakes his head, “How can you be like this already? I don’t see a mating bite…”
Zack doesn’t reply. Lowering his face to Cloud’s neck again, he rests his forehead there. Cloud tries purring for him to calm him down, but it’s difficult to bring one up. Zack’s scent is making him feel too tense.
Kunsel focuses in on Cloud, “Cloud? You’ve been awfully quiet. What do you think about all this?”
Cloud isn’t sure what he can say, he feels like his life is teetering over the brink. He doesn’t want to live the life of a hostage, but he doesn’t want to live as a fugitive either. Though the idea of living off the land or scrounging from settlements has a certain romantic appeal. He remembers all the time he spent outdoors during the warm months in the Nibel mountains and coast. Those are some of the happiest memories of his life, but they were only possible because his mother drilled survival skills into him.
He can’t remember much from the transport truck that brought him to Midgar because he was sick the whole time, but from what he saw of the area surrounding the city, it’s a completely different environment. One that seemed completely devoid of plants. He had wondered where the people in the city got their food from. At any rate, he doesn’t think he could survive out there.
Maybe they could hijack a vehicle and make it back to Nibelheim or Gongong… what was it called again? Zack’s village? He can’t remember, but that seems like an obvious mistake. Certainly their homes would be the first places Shinra would look for them.
There really doesn’t seem to be any escape. The only place that he knows of that isn’t Shinra territory is Wutai, but that’s only a matter of time until it belongs to Shinra too. It’s hardly a place they can run to anyway. The news on the television is always running programs about how savage the people there are. He shudders in memory and hugs Zack a little tighter. Zack returns the squeeze with bone crushing fervor. He pinches Zack in the armpit to make him let go.
Once he has Zack’s attention on his face, he speaks, “I think it’s for the best if we stay here.”
“What?! Really?! How can you say that?!” Zack sounds affronted.
“Do you know how to live off the land around here? What plants are safe to eat? How to hunt the local wildlife? How to avoid the local monsters? What sort of emergency situations to be ready for, like, are there flash floods? Landslides? Forest fires? That sort of thing?”
Both the SOLDIERs stare at him like he’s grown a second head. He pinches Zack’s armpit again on the side Kunsel can’t see.
Kunsel chuckles, “Damn Zack, your omega is about to put you to shame for survival training and he hasn’t even taken one class!”
Zack sputters, “That’s because… because I thought that stuff was useless! I never planned to get stranded anywhere!”
Kunsel shakes his head, laughing behind his hand, “I told you that was gonna come back to bite you!”
“I learned enough! I could survive! We could make it work! I know we could!”
Cloud shakes his head, “Not good enough. I don’t want to end up all alone in the wilderness because you got yourself killed.”
Kunsel doubles over laughing and Zack shoots him a betrayed look before turning back to Cloud.
“Please Cloud? I promise not to get killed! I promised I’d take care of you! I-”
“What about your dream? To become SOLDIER First, wasn’t it? To become a hero?”
“If I can’t be your hero, then what good is that?”
Cloud is stunned by the response. He glances over at Kunsel who has stopped laughing from his own surprise.
Cloud can feel himself blushing. How can this alpha say such corny lines with such a straight face?! He’s already starting to understand the clues from Zack’s scent and he seems completely sincere. Cloud feels his heart melting a little bit.
He brushes Zack’s bangs away from his face before letting them fall back. The sudden urge to kiss him is almost overwhelming, or maybe that’s Zack’s desire coming to him through his scent. Cloud feels dizzy. Kunsel is right, they shouldn’t have such a strong bond already. He fights the urge to run his hands over his scent glands to check to make sure there’s no bite. He spent enough time in front of the mirror today, he wouldn’t have missed it if there was one.
Zack is focusing so hard on his face that Cloud feels self-conscious. He lowers his gaze and very carefully does not look at Kunsel. “You already are,” he whispers.
“Huh?” Zack does that thing where he tilts his head cutely.
Cloud swallows and clears his throat before speaking louder, his face flaming. “You already are my hero. Please don’t get yourself killed on my account. I… I…” He can’t say it out loud. He clutches Zack’s shirt tightly and leans in to whisper in his ear. “I need you.”
Zack jolts as if Cloud had hit him with a lightning spell, and Cloud can feel the sudden hardness of Zack’s cock underneath himself. His own cock is threatening to swell in response. He swallows and backs up to put some distance between them.
Zack stares at him as if bewitched. Cloud frowns and pinches his armpit again. Zack shakes himself and then pulls Cloud back to himself, pressing their bodies chest to chest. Cloud squeaks.
“Zack! Kunsel is still here!”
Kunsel clears his throat loudly and Zack loosens his grip sheepishly. Cloud immediately puts as much distance between himself and Zack as he can, sitting at the far end of the sofa.
Zack adjusts his pants and scrubs at the back of his head.
Kunsel chuckles, “Sorry to be a third wheel man, but we still gotta look at the rest of the paperwork. You are planning to stay, right”
Zack sighs heavily and scrubs his face with his hands. “I’m still not convinced staying is for the best, but…” he glances at Cloud, “I’m not going to force you to do something you don’t want. Even if… even if the alternative sounds like hell.”
Cloud nods in gratitude. He’s actually a little surprised how easily Zack caved, but maybe he’s not as stubborn as Cloud can be. Or maybe Cloud has more of an effect on him than he realizes. It’s worth remembering for future reference.
Kunsel sighs in relief, “Thank the gods! I think Angeal might’ve killed me if I’d gotten you killed! Are you absolutely sure that you’re not going to change your mind later? I need to distance myself from you if that’s the case, no offense man, but I’ve got a family that I’m supporting back home.”
“I’m sure.” Zack sounds a little irritated at the question, and Cloud has to fight the urge to go comfort him.
If their bond is already this strong, how much harder will it be to be separated everyday once they’re properly bonded? Maybe he should rethink this staying thing. But no, he can’t forget his mother. What would happen to her if he and Zack ran away? He shudders.
Zack’s attention is immediately on him. “What’s wrong, Cloud?”
Cloud doesn’t want to go into any of that right now in front of a near stranger. Or ever really. As long as he’s good, his mom will be ok.
He shakes his head, “Nothing. It’s just cold in here.”
It is cold. The AC has been blasting this whole time and Cloud can feel goosebumps all over his skin. Suppressing the urge to shiver has been a constant battle.
“Oh shit! I’m sorry!” Zack is jumping up and rushing over to a panel by the door. He presses a few buttons and the air current stops. “I forgot that you might be cold! Enhanced bodies tend to run warm like we’ve got a constant fever. You must be freezing!”
Zack rushes into the other room before returning with a large sweater and the comforter off the bed. He holds out the sweater for Cloud until Cloud puts his hands up and lets him slide it over him, then he drapes the comforter over Cloud’s legs and tucks it in.
“That better?”
Cloud nods shyly.
“I could make you some tea or hot cocoa if you want?”
Cloud shakes his head.
“Are you sure? I have marshmallows!”
Kunsel clears his throat for what must be the hundredth time that morning. “Zack, It’s only an hour till noon and I’d like to get this squared away before I have to go?”
“Oh right, sorry man, I forgot about your date.”
“Yeah, no shit, but it’s ok. I know it’s been a lot to take in. It’s just that there’s one more thing and I’m kinda worried you’re gonna freak out.”
“What? There’s more? What could possibly be worse?!”
Kunsel sighs, “You have to promise not to freak out.”
“Nuh uh, I’m already freaking! What is it?”
Kunsel groans, but pushes on. “Well… have you noticed that SOLDIER omegas always wear a collar?”
Zack stares at him. “No way. No freaking way! Are you kidding me? Is that a requirement?! I thought they were just, I dunno, jewelry?!”
“Yeah, well, a lot of SOLDIERs will splurge on a really nice one while the endorphins are high from their first mating… there’s a catalog here…”
Zack looks from Cloud to Kunsel, to the magazine he’s holding out half-heartedly, back to Cloud again, and then back to Kunsel.
“Put that thing away before I punch you.”
“Hey, you promised not to freak out!”
“I did not!”
Cloud stands up, letting the comforter fall down to pool around his feet as he throws his arms around Zack. “It’s ok, Zack, it’s ok. I’m right here, it’s ok.”
These words sound familiar. Oh right, Zack had said the same thing to him over and over yesterday. Zack’s arms come up almost automatically to envelop him.
“Cloudy, you… you can’t be ok with this! Really! This is too far! He’s not an animal!”
This last part is directed towards Kunsel, who is no longer holding the catalog. It’s disappeared somewhere.
“No one is saying that. It’s just more insurance. Shinra never does anything by half measures if they can go overboard. The collar will have his key chip in it, which will allow him to enter and exit the building… it also has another feature but…”
“So he can go outside on his own?”
Kunsel shakes his head. “No. It will alert the guards of his presence every time he enters the lobby. If he isn’t accompanied by an alpha, he’ll be detained and questioned. You were supposed to get it last night, but the guards must’ve not been paying attention. They’ve probably already been replaced.”
“And other alphas just accept this without any fuss?!”
Kunsel shrugs. “They’ve just met their omega, they’re not that attached yet. They probably see it as a good thing if it keeps their new omega from running away.”
“That’s messed up! How can they-”
“I dunno man, most alphas don’t feel as strongly as you do about… justice and honor and whatnot. Shinra doesn’t really usually attract that kind of person.”
“What about you? I thought you were a decent guy.”
“Ouch man, don’t kill the messenger alright? I’m just telling you how it is, I’m not the one who enforces this stuff. I’ve done my best to stay off their radar.”
Zack is silent as he scents Cloud’s hair aggressively. Cloud can feel how tense he is. His scent is bitter. Is this what his anger tastes like?
“It’s ok, it’s ok,” he murmurs, rubbing Zack’s back.
Zack sighs, drooping onto Cloud and almost making him stumble from his weight. “Are you really ok with this Cloud?” He pulls away and studies his face, “Tell me honestly.”
Cloud can’t help the grimace that comes over his face. There’s no point in lying to Zack. “No…, I’m not ok, but I’ve endured worse and I’m still here. I can live with this if it means I… that I can stay with you.”
Cloud means it. Refusing would just mean being sent back to the school while gods know what happens to Zack. Eventually he’ll be chosen by another alpha, who will probably give less of a shit about what he wants.
He tries to imbue his gaze with all the conviction he can muster. “It’s not that big a deal, when you think about it.”
Kunsel breaks into the conversation hurriedly, “Right! And he only has to wear it when you go out into the city! He can take it off as soon as you enter your quarters! Its chip will be programmed to unlock once he’s inside! Just, uh, don’t leave the city…”
“Why, what happens if he leaves the city?” Zack demands.
“Um, just… just a little shock to the system. Not enough-”
“Fucking hell! What the fuck do you mean by a little shock?! What the fuck are we talking about here?!”
Cloud wonders if all SOLDIERs swear as much as Zack has today. Though perhaps today can’t be used as a metric. The sour smell of stress hasn’t left the room since they began discussing the paperwork.
“As I was saying, not enough to kill him, but enough to incapacitate him. They’ll actually run a test when they fit him for it. And no, I don’t know how that works.”
“What kind of test?” Zack asks flatly.
“I just told you, I don’t know. Perhaps they adjust it according to height and weight.”
This answer clearly does not satisfy Zack. Cloud can hear him growling softly. He reaches up and pulls on his long mane of hair to distract him. “I’m sure it’s fine. They’ve done it before with other omegas, right? I’m sure they know what they’re doing and won’t…” He stops himself from saying the words, kill me. He doesn’t want to upset Zack any more than he already is.
“Godsdamnit.” Zack mutters, “Godsdamnit! Are you sure you don’t want to run away with me before it’s too late, Cloud?”
Cloud sighs, “What about your family? What… what will they think if you go MIA? Do you really want to put them through that?”
Zack snorts, “They didn’t want me to join SOLDIER in the first place! I’m sure they’d be happy once I got a message to them!”
Cloud bites his lip. He’s not sure what he can say to that. Would his mom be happy if she heard that he had run away? She definitely would be after the way she’d fought to keep him out of Shinra’s hands. He remembers the way she bit and clawed at the officials with her blunt beta teeth and nails. He remembers the way bruises had blossomed on her pale face when they hit her. He remembers the way she’d screamed his name. The way he’d screamed as they dragged him away. How he’d wanted to kill those men.
“Cloudy? Are you alright? What-”
“I’m sure.”
“Sure? Sure about what?”
“I can’t run away. I have to stay here.”
“Why Cloud? What’s got you all worked up?”
Cloud shakes his head. He has to be good to protect his mother. The men who took him away had made that clear to him once they’d had him safely in the transport truck. First with their fists, and then with their words. The school had reinforced it. His mother’s freedom depended on him.
But he can’t tell Zack that. He’ll definitely get upset.
“Because.”
“Because…?”
“Yeah. Just because! I don’t want to talk about this anymore!”
“Ok, ok Spike. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you…”
“Well you did! Why can’t you just…” Cloud grits his teeth and shakes his head. “Look, I already knew about most of this stuff. It’s just the way things are! It’s better to just shut up and accept it!”
Cloud pushes at Zack, trying to dislodge him so he can go cry in the other room, but Zack just pulls him closer and holds him in what must be a gentle hold for a SOLDIER, since it doesn’t hurt, but might as well be prison shackles for all the good Cloud’s squirming is doing.
Cloud gives up on escaping and sobs into Zack’s shirt, not caring if Kunsel sees, he’s so mad.
“Shh, it’s ok, it’s ok, I’ve got you, I’ve got you. I’m sorry Cloud. I’m really really sorry!”
Zack is expanding the script, but Cloud refuses to be comforted.
Kunsel clears his throat again. “Um, I think maybe I should go. That should be the worst of it. You can look over the rest of the papers yourself. Just… try not to make a fuss publicly, ok?”
Zack doesn’t answer.
“Ok, ok, I'm going. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best, ok man?”
There’s a moment of silence, then Cloud can hear Kunsel’s footsteps as he returns to the entry and the door opens and closes.
Alone at last, Cloud loses what self-control he has left. He feels his legs buckle and Zack reacts immediately to pick him up. Holding him close, he sits down on the couch with Cloud on his lap, murmuring constantly to him and scenting his hair.
Cloud clings to Zack, rubbing his own chin over Zack’s neck and shoulders between sobs.
This is his home now.
Notes:
I'm sorry if this was an emotionally difficult chapter to read. It was an emotionally difficult chapter to write. 🥲🫂💕
Chapter 7: The Aftermath
Chapter Text
Zack feels like his world has been turned upside down and pulled inside out. He holds Cloud close, purring more to soothe himself than anything else. Cloud has stopped crying and his purr is like a tether, holding Zack to reality.
His stomach feels like it’s tied up in knots and his mind is a swirl of anxious thoughts. Is he really doing the right thing to stay with Shinra after what he’s learned? He had practically promised Cloud that they would stay, but will Cloud really not regret that decision later on?
Cloud has made it clear that he wants to stay with Zack, and Zack feels his heart swell with emotion as he remembers the clear bright shine in his eyes when he’d said it. The sweet sincerity in his scent.
But if they ran, they could still be together! Cloud has a point about it being difficult, but Zack doesn’t care about that! He knows they could make it work. It sounds like Cloud knows a thing or two about wilderness survival. He daydreams for a minute about teaching Cloud self-defense and maybe some sword moves. They could wrestle and spar together in the wilderness to their hearts’ content, no one to tell them what to do or where to go. And Cloud could teach him what he knows about wildlife and berries.
He imagines kissing Cloud under the stars and Cloud inviting him into his bedroll.
The main problem is that Zack doesn’t have any bedrolls or any other camping equipment for that matter. They’d need to stock up before leaving, which poses a problem. Try as he might, he can’t think of a way to do that right under Shinra’s noses without being caught. Perhaps Cloud is right. It’s way too risky.
He can’t bear the thought of losing him.
He sighs and drops a kiss onto the top of Cloud’s head. Cloud hasn’t allowed him to kiss him on the lips yet, but he probably won’t mind if Zack kisses his hair. He’s already allowed Zack to scent him repeatedly, and that’s much more intimate than a head kiss!
His PHS goes off. It’s Angeal. Of course he’s calling instead of messaging.
Zack feels his heart clench in angry anxiety.
Angeal should have warned him about this! He doesn’t care that it’s dangerous to talk about it! He deserves to know! This effects his whole life! And Cloud’s! If the company he works for is secretly evil and Angeal knew about it all along, it feels like betrayal that Angeal didn’t tell him. Kunsel said that Angeal is probably just trying to protect him, but how is letting Zack walk into this situation blind protecting him?
Angeal is treating him like he’s still a kid, and it hurts.
He lets the PHS ring till it goes to voicemail while he wrestles with his emotions. Cloud turns from watching the silently playing TV to look at him in concern.
Zack rubs his back and kisses his forehead. “It’s ok, it’s just my mentor.” He sighs, ”I should probably go see what he has to say for himself. Feel free to change the channel, and you can eat anything you want out of the cupboard. I’ll make us some lunch after I get back.”
“Where are you going?” Cloud sounds anxious, and Zack kisses his forehead again before rubbing some more scent into his hair.
“Not far. Just the bathroom.”
Cloud nods, his scent the only thing showing his relief, his face a mask of stoicism. He turns to the remote Zack placed in his hands and stares at it like it’s a puzzle. Zack suddenly remembers that he hadn’t known what a remote was when he was new to Midgar and cringing inwardly at his thoughtlessness, quickly shows Cloud how to work it before sneaking another kiss into his hair and slipping into the other room.
He closes the bedroom door for extra privacy before entering the bathroom and closing that door too. He isn’t sure why he’s putting up these temporary barriers. It isn’t as if any of what he needs to say is a secret he needs to keep from Cloud, but his emotions are fragile and it feels safer this way.
He stares at his PHS for a moment. He’s not sure what he wants to say to Angeal. He’s not sure what he can say. Kunsel had warned him not to talk to Angeal about it, but there’s no way Zack can do that! He needs to talk to him! To know what he was thinking. To know why he didn’t explain any of this to him. To tell Angeal off for treating him like he can’t handle the truth. To hear from him whether it really is the truth. And most importantly, to know for sure that there’s no way of escape for him and Cloud.
He takes a deep breath and ignoring the voicemail Angeal left him, calls him back.
Angeal picks up right away. “Zack?”
“Angeal.” Zack can’t give him his usual cheery greeting. His emotions are flat with dread and anger.
“What’s wrong?” Of course Angeal notices it right away.
“Why didn't you tell me about any of this stuff about omegas and Shinra Angeal?! Why didn’t you tell me about the way Shinra uses omegas to… Why didn’t you tell me that my omega has to wear a collar or that he’s my leash! Or that Shinra-”
“Stop SOLDIER!”
Zack finds his mouth snapping shut before he can even think about it. He recognizes the command from sparring classes. It’s meant to keep new SOLDIERs from hurting each other accidentally.
Angeal continues, “I don’t know where you heard any of that, but you should think twice before you-”
“Shinra isn’t here, Angeal! It’s just us! Why can’t you-”
“These are company phones, Zack!”
“So?! What does that have to do with anything?!”
“Call me back after you’ve had a chance to think about it!”
Angeal hangs up on him. He hangs up on him!
Zack sputters in incoherent rage and throws his PHS at the mirror, cracking the mirror.
He threads his fingers through his hair and grabs hold. Groaning, he holds himself back from bashing his head into the mirror as well.
Why is Angeal still giving him the runaround? Why can’t he just talk to him plainly? And what is it that Zack is supposed to think about? Of course the PHS is a company phone! It’s part of his salary! Shinra wants to ensure that they can reach their SOLDIERs at any time.
The thought echoes in Zack’s head. At any time…
It also has a location chip, so that they can retrieve wounded SOLDIERs easier. At any time…
Shit. It has a tracking chip just like Cloud’s collar will have! It’s not just for safety, is it? It’s also for insurance!
Is Angeal saying that their phones are bugged? After today, Zack wouldn’t put it past Shinra.
He hears the door to the bedroom open and stealthy footsteps creep up to the bathroom door. He sighs, Cloud must’ve heard him yelling and the thud from the PHS hitting the mirror.
He waits for Cloud to knock on the door, but Cloud remains quiet. He has to listen to hear his breathing.
“It’s ok Cloud.”
There’s a rustle of cloth like Cloud made a sudden movement. Zack must have startled him.
Zack opens the door. “It’s ok, Cloud. I’m not mad at you.”
Cloud stands hesitantly away from the door by a few feet. He’s clasping his hands anxiously, but he stands his ground and searches Zack’s face.
“I mean it! Come here?” He holds his hand out to Cloud, who considers it thoughtfully before stepping forward and letting himself be pulled into the bathroom. He glances at the mirror and then at Zack.
“I heard a noise.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. I lost my cool for a second. Didn’t mean to scare you.”
“I’m not scared.”
“Yeah, you’re a brave one aren’t you? I don’t think I could be as calm as you are if I was in your situation.”
Cloud frowns, “I cried all over you.”
“Heh, I cried too, remember? It’s ok to cry if you need to. Angeal says-”
Zack winces. His mind veers away from finishing the thought and he sighs. How did it come to this? He could’ve sworn that Angeal was always honest with him about everything! He’d even told him about Genesis, and that was supposed to be a secret!
Not a very well kept secret.
Genesis wears blockers over his scent glands, but Zack had still caught a whiff from him occasionally when he’d gotten agitated during materia class. He’d be surprised if anyone in SOLDIER didn’t know with the way everyone gossips.
It wasn’t as if Angeal and Genesis were subtle about spending time together whenever they were both in town. They were practically inseparable! Sometimes they let Sephiroth tag along with them when they went out together, but it is clear that Angeal and Genesis are an item from the way Angeal lets Genesis hang off of him possessively.
Sometimes he feels a little jealous of the way that Angeal so easily lets Genesis invade his space, while never allowing Zack more than a brief hug.
He shakes himself and pulls Cloud into his arms, scenting him again. He has his own omega now. It’s silly to feel put out that Angeal wants to be close to his omega when he knows how hard it is to resist his own omega.
Cloud pushes at him. “Did you finish your conversation with him? You didn’t talk for very long.”
Zack sighs, “No, he wants me to call him back, but I don’t really want to talk to him right now… Are you hungry yet? I think I still have some ramen. Have you had cup ramen before?”
“No, but I saw it on TV… they said that… that Sephiroth eats it. Is it really good?”
“It’s not bad. Depends on how spicy it is. I usually cut up sausages to put in it, or add an egg for extra protein because it’s a little lacking in nutrients. Angeal says-” Zack groans, “Gods dammit!”
Cloud looks up at him with wide eyes, “Did… what did he say?”
“He didn’t say anything! That’s the problem! He’s still lying to me!”
Cloud bites his lip and looks away, but Zack can still see his anxious face in the cracked mirror. Great. With the cracked mirror right in front of them, how is he going to convince Cloud that he’s safe with him? That he won’t snap and hurt Cloud too?
He drops his forehead into Cloud’s hair and groans again.
Cloud pats his arm, “Why don’t we go eat and… um, you can tell me about it if you want? Or not! Whatever you want.” He adds the last part hastily.
“Yeah, it’s been a while since I ate. I’m probably crashing a little bit right now. SOLDIER metabolism is no joke!” He chuckles mirthlessly.
Now that he’s thinking about it, he doesn’t know how he didn’t notice how hungry he is. Probably a good portion of the twisting in his stomach is from hunger.
He leaves his PHS where it lies and leads Cloud back to the living room.
There’s enough ramen to mix four servings together for himself and two for Cloud, but he starts Cloud out with just one to make sure he likes it first.
Cloud isn’t used to the spice and needs several glasses of water to go with it, but he won’t let Zack take the noodles away from him. He dances away and puts the couch in-between them, shoving the noodles into his mouth with a fork, while Zack watches with bemusement. He doesn’t drink the spicy broth, but Zack gladly drinks it for him.
Zack finds some stale crackers and offers those to him while he makes some hot chocolate with marshmallows. They really do need to go grocery shopping, there’s not even milk for the hot chocolate!
But in order to leave the tower, they need to get Cloud his collar. Maybe Cloud will be willing to stay here and watch TV while Zack goes alone… The thought makes him immediately anxious.
He doesn’t want to leave Cloud all alone in the apartment. What if they take him away while he’s out? Probably the only way to ensure that they leave him alone is to cooperate by turning in his paperwork and letting them collar Cloud.
Zack feels slightly sick.
He doesn’t know if he can do it.
He sighs. He wants to talk to Angeal about it, but if they can’t actually talk about it, then what is he going to say to him?
Cloud glances at him from where he’s sipping at his hot chocolate. Zack ruffles his hair affectionately, earning himself a glare and sits down next to him.
“Are you sure about this Cloud? Because I’m pretty sure we could make a break for it if there’s only a few guards at the door.”
“This?”
“Yeah,” he makes an expansive gesture around them, “this whole thing with Shinra and collars and… everything. I don’t think I could stand it! Wearing a collar and staying indoors all day! I don’t even know how I can keep working for this… for Shinra with what I now know! Maybe we could sneak out through the garage… Yeah! That’s a great idea!”
He turns to Cloud excitedly, “That way we wouldn’t have to walk! I could easily nab a truck! We could bring all of our stuff with us too!”
Cloud is shaking his head vehemently. “No, we still wouldn’t have time to stop for food, and none of my clothes are suitable for outdoor living. We would definitely run out of gas at some point anyway and have to hoof it. I don’t want to have to walk for more than a mile in those shoes they gave me.”
“Why? What’s wrong with them?”
“Um, they’re… they’re shit.”
Zack laughs in surprise at hearing Cloud swear and Cloud gives him a shy smile.
“Well, I guess we’ll have to get you some new ones then... Where did I leave my PHS?”
“You left it in the bathroom.”
“Oh right! Be right back!”
Zack hops up to run to the bathroom and retrieve his PHS. His steps slow down as he approaches it and he carefully does not look at the mirror as he grabs it off the counter.
If they run, he won’t be able to contact any of his friends or family… he’ll have to leave it behind. He’s gotten so used to relying on it all the time. It’d feel really weird not to have it on his person constantly.
He checks to make sure it’s not damaged, but SOLDIER PHS are made to withstand SOLDIER strength and don’t break easily. He sees that he has some messages from Angeal. Reluctantly he opens it up to look at them.
Zack, tell me you didn’t take an omega. Please.
Zack grimaces and checks the next one.
I thought we had agreed that you need to focus on your studies and your training! If you want to make SOLDIER First you’re going to have to work even harder than you did to make Second! Few SOLDIERs make it out of Second. We talked about this! You don’t have time for a mate. Believe me, they are more time consuming than you’d think.
Zack rolls his eyes. He knows all this! Angeal doesn’t need to repeat it!
Did you give them your mating bite yet? I can pull some strings and help you return them if you haven’t.
Please respond.
Zack holds on tightly to his PHS so that he doesn’t throw it at the wall.
He types back aggressively.
That’s none of your business!
He hits send and focuses on calming his breathing.
His PHS immediately starts ringing, but he opens and shuts it decisively. If Angeal is going to be that way then he’s definitely not talking to him!
It rings again and he opens it up to yell into it, “What?!”
“Zack, this is important, you-”
“No, Angeal! My mate is what’s important! Got that?! My mate! Mine! Don’t ever make that suggestion to me again! I will not be taking him back! Is-”
“Zack!”
“Goodbye now!”
Zack closes the PHS with a snap and throws it onto the bed. He stands and stares at it while breathing heavily, waiting for it to ring.
When it doesn’t, he heaves a sigh of relief and rubs at his temples.
He can’t believe Angeal actually thought that he would return Cloud! As if he could ever do that to him! He thinks of the other omegas bullying Cloud right in front of him, and the way Cloud seems to panic at the drop of a hat, which-
Shit! Cloud! He probably heard him yelling!
He rushes into the next room. He doesn’t see Cloud right away and he panics a little bit until he notices how lumpy the comforter on the couch is. It has a great big Cloud sized lump.
He can’t help but blow out a relieved chuckle as he goes and sits down next to it.
“Damn, I think I lost my mate somewhere around here… He’s cute as a button, with the prettiest softest blue eyes you ever saw… and his hair sticks up just like a chocobo butt! It’s adorable! Have you seen him, Mr. Lump?”
“Shut up.”
“That doesn’t really answer my question. I’m afraid that if you don’t answer me, I’m gonna have to tickle you.”
“I’m not cute!”
“Sorry, but wrong answers will also result in a tickling!” Zack sticks his hands under the blanket and starts tickling Cloud gently.
Cloud squeals loudly and tries to kick away from him, dislodging the blanket and exposing his face.
“Aha! Found you~!”
“Sh-shut up! You look like a hedgehog!”
Zack bursts out laughing and hugs Cloud to him. “Aww, you say the sweetest things!”
Cloud grumbles under his breath, “M’not sweet.”
“Sweet as candy my Little Chocobo Butt~”
Cloud huffs angrily. Zack swoops in to kiss his temple. “What kind of candy do you like, my Little Chocobo? We should get some when we go to the store!”
Cloud shrugs, “I dunno, normal stuff? Licorice, chocolate, sweet’n’sours, whatever.”
“Licorice?! You like that stuff?”
Cloud looks at him quizzically, “Yeah? Who doesn’t?”
“Um, people with taste buds, Bud!”
Cloud frowns, “There’s nothing wrong with my taste buds. Maybe yours are defective.”
“Heh, maybe so, maybe so… where did my PHS go?”
They search under the blanket and in the crevices of the couch, before Zack remembers that it’s still back in the bedroom. He goes to retrieve it and dutifully adds all of the candy that Cloud mentioned onto the list, along with the spicy candies that he likes. Cloud probably won’t like them, but they’re a good way to introduce him to spicier food if he’s willing to try them.
Zack realizes that he’s thinking about the shopping trip like it’s a foregone conclusion.
He sighs, and remembers to check on Cloud’s shoes. They’re less sturdy than your average loafer and they’re still wet inside when he feels them with his finger. Cloud’s right, hiking in these would be almost as bad as going barefoot. He’d no doubt get blisters even from walking around the massive Midgar grocery store!
He adds shoes to the list and check’s Cloud’s coat and scarf. Both are so thin that Zack wonders how he didn’t notice last night. He could try bundling Cloud up in some of his own spare clothes, but Cloud is a lot smaller than him. They’d be too big and he might trip on the pants; and wearing boots that are too big is a definite recipe for blisters.
Zack sighs and rests his head on the wall for a second. They’re as good as trapped.
They’ll just have to make the best of it. There isn’t a choice.
“Right!” Better get to it then.
Zack pushes himself up and taking the shoes with him, heads back to his bathroom to set the shoes up with his hair dryer. He’ll make buying Cloud new shoes the priority.
They just need to look over the paperwork, and then they can get going.
Kunsel was right to be worried, and Zack feels bad for getting mad at him. He really went out of his way to bring all that paperwork up and explain everything to them. It’s not as if any of this is his fault.
He thinks about what Kunsel had said about needing to protect his own family, and he feels bad that he forgot to think about how his decision might affect him. He pulls up his PHS to message him and has a random thought.
If both voice and texts are monitored, then what’s to stop Shinra from listening in on everything they say near the PHS microphone?
He feels like he’s going to be sick.
Hastily, he messages Kunsel.
Hey man, u alright?
Kunsel answers almost immediately.
I’m good, and u?
Zack sighs in relief before typing further. He stops and erases what he was going to say before starting again.
Just wanna let you know that I really appreciate you bringing up all that paperwork for us, and I’m sorry I got mad at you. Are you with your date?
He waits anxiously until Kunsel replies.
Yeah, we took a selfie by the fountain. Check it out! Am I lucky or what?
Zack squints at the picture of Kunsel without his glasses, smiling with his arm around a cute blond chick with short hair. He feels himself relax further. Kunsel is ok.
Damn! How’d a shrimpy guy like u bag a chick like that?
:P
Kunsel replies in kind,
:P
I have a heart of gold, and chicks can just sense it man. It’s not something I can teach you
Zack types furiously,
Hey! I get plenty of action!
Kunsel is quick to reply,
Not anymore you don’t! Unless you’re planning to cheat on Cloud?
...
No way man! Cloud is the best thing that’s ever happened to me! He’s the sun in the sky and all that. Or the Cloud rather, heh heh :D
...
He does seem like a keeper. It sounds like you’ve made a decision?
...
Yeah. We’re going shopping after we get the paperwork squared away. I’ll send you a selfie
...
Kunsel sends back three thumbs up in a row.
Zack closes the PHS with another relieved sigh. Maybe they’re not being spied on. If they were, then surely they wouldn’t just let Kunsel walk around, right? Though, maybe they were waiting to see what Zack would do. Kunsel hadn’t said anything treasonous, had he? He was just giving Zack information! Zack thought back, trying to remember what he had said himself.
He’d said a lot of shit. He’d been pretty mad, so he couldn’t remember all of it, but he’d said some pretty angry things about the company. If they were listening, then Cloud was in danger.
He feels his stomach churning and starts pacing back and forth in the bedroom. He doesn’t know what to do. Is it too late? Will they show up to take Cloud away any second? Or will they wait till they show up to drop off the paperwork?
He peers out at Cloud, who is curled up on the couch with the bag of marshmallows, eating them between crackers like little sandwiches and he feels his heart clench.
He has to show the company that he’s willing to behave and that he won’t cause trouble, but will they give him that chance? What if he goes to work like a good little Stamp, and comes home to an empty apartment? He can’t wait that long, he has to do something now, but what?
He stares at his PHS, wondering if he should call Angeal. Maybe he would know what to do.
No, he can’t do that. Angeal would probably be glad if Cloud was taken away. Wouldn’t he? If only he could introduce Cloud to him, then he’d understand why Zack feels so strongly! He’d help Zack find a way to let the Shinra know that he’s decided to be obedient.
Suddenly he has an idea.
He rushes out to the living room and turns down the TV. Cloud squawks at him cutely, but Zack places his PHS between them on the couch and gives Cloud his serious face.
“Cloud. You were right, I was wrong.” He speaks loudly, enunciating clearly, and Cloud gives him a funny look. “Let’s stay here. It’s the only way. I understand that now. I was just upset about… everything, but… I… my job is very important to me. We protect the people from monsters and terrorists and bring civilization to… to the people.” he finishes lamely.
Cloud has his head cocked to the side in confusion and his brows furrow. Zack continues in a more normal tone, “You are very important to me. The most important! The very most important thing in the whole world, and I won’t do anything to put you in danger, ok?”
Cloud bites his lip, but nods minutely, like he’s not sure if he believes it.
“I’m sorry for making you anxious with all that crazy talk! I’m so glad you’re here to talk some sense into me. If I ever start talking crazy again, you have my full permission to slap me!”
Cloud’s face twists as multiple emotions flit across his face.
“I mean it! Here.” Zack grabs Cloud’s hand and places it on his cheek. “You can give me a couple of slaps for upsetting you earlier!”
Cloud shakes his head and pulls his hand away. “No, it’s ok. I know you were upset. You… I don’t want to hurt you.”
“And I don’t want to hurt you, Baby-Doll! Do you accept my apology?”
Cloud nods shyly, “Yeah.”
Zack launches himself into Cloud’s arms, causing him to grunt.
Zack’s so happy he can hardly bear it. He feels tears sliding down his face and soaking into Cloud’s dress.
“It’s you and me forever, Cloud! I’m so glad you’re my mate!”
Cloud’s voice is soft, but Zack hears him clearly, “I’m glad too.”
Chapter Text
The urge to cuddle with Zack is strong, and Cloud wonders if he doesn’t say anything if Zack will forget all about the shopping trip. It seems likely. Zack has started purring again, and the idea of staying in all day and relaxing is tempting.
But Cloud remembers the cupboards that are almost bare and the fridge without milk and sighs. He pokes Zack gently in the side.
“What time is it? Shouldn’t we get going?”
Zack sighs, pouting at him before checking his PHS and groaning.
“Damn! Where did the time go? How is it already afternoon?!”
Cloud shrugs, “Dunno, Kunsel was here for a while, and then you had that argument with… your mentor.”
Zack groans again, “Right. Ok, well, we should look at the paperwork Kunsel left, I guess. Then we can go drop it off and get your collar…” He sighs again, “I’m not sure how long that will take, but we definitely need to go grocery shopping at least. And you need better shoes. Maybe we can eat out tonight! That would be nice, yeah? I was hoping maybe we could go somewhere fun, but we might have to wait till next weekend. Do you know where you might want to eat? I already checked, but I didn’t find any… Nibble… heim restaurants?”
“It’s Nibelheim. Nee-bell-heim.” Cloud enunciates it slowly for Zack. “Like the Nibel mountains?”
“Right! Sorry! That makes sense, I don’t know why I didn’t realize it sooner.”
Cloud shrugs, “It’s ok. I haven’t heard of your town either, what was it called again?”
“Oh! Me? Gongaga!”
Cloud can’t help it, he falls over in a fit of giggles. Not only is the town name silly, but the way Zack had said it was hilarious!
“Hey! What’s so funny! Gongaga is a great town! I’d love to take you there someday! I’m sure my parents would love you!”
Cloud sobers up at the mention of parents, a pang shooting through his heart at the memory of his mother, who he has not heard from since he was taken from her to be sent to the omega school in Midgar.
“Oh…”
“Hey, don’t worry! They’re really nice! They worry about me too much, but they’re good people! I’m sure you’ll get along!”
“What about my collar? I thought I couldn’t leave Midgar?”
Zack’s face falls and his scent changes. “Oh… right, I… I just got so excited for a second…. Maybe we can get special permission or something? I’d have to earn leave first… I haven’t been home since I joined Shinra…”
Cloud tries to give Zack a comforting smile, but it turns into a grimace. He sighs and turns to pick up the stack of papers, handing them to Zack.
Zack is giving Cloud a strange look that makes Cloud want to look away.
“Cloud… What about your parents? Did… Are they… they aren’t… ”
Cloud isn’t sure what Zack is imagining, but he sighs, knowing that he has to give him some information to get him off the subject.
“My dad died before I was born. My mom raised me all by herself. She… she should still be living there.”
After all, part of the reason they had taken Cloud was because of the debt she wasn’t able to avoid accruing in order to keep them housed, fed, and clothed. Surely they would have knocked off a large portion of it in recompense for taking her only child!
He wonders how she takes care of the goats without his help. At least she won’t need to make as much money from her seamstress work if she doesn’t have to worry about his care and feeding. He hopes so, anyway. It was the only thought that had brought him any comfort during the lonely nights at the omega school. At least he wasn’t a burden on his mother anymore.
He feels the tears prick his eyes, and he turns away from Zack, who is looking at him with a stricken look on his face. The next thing he knows, Zack is crashing into him, wrapping him up in his arms and squeezing a little too tightly.
“Oh gods! I’m so sorry Cloud! I should have thought of it earlier! We haven’t called our parents! I know it’s the modern age and we don’t need their permission to get mated, but they’ll feel bad being left out! We should have called them last night! I’m sorry, you must have wanted to talk to her, but I wasn’t thinking! I’m really really sorry! Um, it might be a little early over there, but do you want to call her?”
Cloud feels his heart start hammering. He hadn’t even considered that as a possibility. At the school, no one had been allowed to contact their parents, and he had assumed that it would be the same once he was mated. Could he really talk to her?
He looks up at Zack’s face from where he is hanging over his shoulder. He is afraid to ask if it is allowed. Zack seems to think so, and even if it isn’t allowed, he can’t pass up the chance to know if she’s ok. He nods.
Zack beams and holds up his PHS, “Great! What’s her number?”
Cloud rattles off the number that he’s had memorized since he was a pup, and Zack punches it in. He hands the PHS to Cloud, who’s hands tremble as he takes it and puts it to his ear.
There’s a series of tones, and then a recorded voice speaks, “We’re sorry, but the number you have dialed is out of service. Please hang up and try again.” There’s another series of tones and then the message repeats.
Cloud feels his heart sink. He looks at the PHS trying to figure out how to hang up. Zack reaches over and presses a red button for him. The PHS goes silent and Cloud carefully enters the number again, considers the layout, and pushes the green button.
Is he doing this right? The design of the PHS is different from the wall phone he’s used to, but when he puts it back to his ear, the recording comes back.
He looks at Zack helplessly, “Is it broken?”
Zack shakes his head, he’s apparently heard everything. “Maybe her line is disconnected. It can happen if there’s a storm or if someone can’t pay their phone bill…” Zack scrubs the back of his head, “Maybe we should try calling someone else in your town? See if we can still get through?”
Cloud fiddles with the PHS, he doesn’t know anyone else’s number, and even if he did, who would he call? None of the other townsfolk had been friendly with his mother, even though they relied on her seamstress work.
He knew it had something to do with his father from the way people talked. The other kids had been sure to let him know about it. Taking great delight in making fun of him for his absent father and calling him names.
Tifa was the only one who wasn’t actively mean to him, but she still only played with him when the others weren’t around, and she had never invited him into her house. He was pretty sure that her dad hadn’t approved of her being friendly to him by the way he had looked at Cloud and called her away. Especially after Cloud got blamed for her accident.
No, there was no one else he could call.
He shakes his head and hands the PHS back to Zack. “I don’t know anyone else’s number.”
Zack isn’t ready to give up. “What about the general store? Before my parents got their own line, they used to use the store phone to call my uncle who moved away. Lots of people did stuff like that! My mom still uses their number when she makes orders from catalogs. It’s easier to get things delivered that way.”
Cloud shakes his head. He never learned the number for the general store.
He knows that most people in the town used the store to make orders, but the store owner had always tried to charge his mother a ridiculous fee to use the store phone. It was the reason that she had gotten a home phone installed. Despite the expense, it was still cheaper, and her orders were less likely to get “lost”.
Zack purses his lips, “Well, maybe…” He starts shuffling through the mating papers from the school. He grimaces and then looks through them more closely. “It’s not in here…” Zack sighs and scrubs his face for a minute before brightening up again. “There’s a bunch of phone books in the library! Maybe we can take a detour after we turn in your paperwork, and look the town up!”
“Didn’t Kunsel say I wasn’t allowed in the library?”
“Oh, did he? I thought as long as I was with you that it was ok.”
Cloud thinks back, he is pretty sure that Kunsel said that he wasn’t allowed in the SOLDIER common areas at all, but now that Zack is questioning it, he isn’t sure either.
He sighs and slumps onto the couch. All the hopeful excitement he’d felt when he first placed the call has drained out of him. He’s so tired all of a sudden. He turns his back to Zack, curling up into a ball. He doesn’t want to go out anymore. Maybe starving to death won’t be so bad.
Zack sits next to him and rubs his back comfortingly. “I’m sorry Cloud. We’ll figure it out, ok? I promise.” He pulls Cloud into his lap, and begins scenting him again. “Don’t be sad, ok? If we can’t go to the library together, then I can always drop by after work tomorrow. I’m sorry we couldn’t get through to her today, but… A parent’s love is forever! You must miss her a lot, but she’ll be just as happy to hear from you tomorrow, right?”
Cloud sniffles and curls into Zack’s warmth. He isn’t even sure if she even still lives there. What if she wasn’t able to keep the house and had to move away? What if something happened to her while he wasn’t there to protect her? All his fears come rushing back in, and he can’t help the tears that fall into Zack’s shirt.
It would have been better if he’d never been born. Then his mother wouldn’t have had to struggle to provide for him.
Zack croons softly and kisses his hair, rubbing his back. “Don’t cry Chocobo Butt…
Suddenly, Zack starts singing.
“A mother’s love is forever
A father’s love is wherever
You go
If you go high, it’ll be there
If you go low, it’ll be there
So don’t you cry
Don’t you cry
I am here with you now
Here with you here
Forever
Forever and wherever
Forever and whenever
So don’t you cry
Don’t you cry"
Cloud is surprised by Zack’s singing. His voice is nice, but more importantly, it’s soft and tender, like the lullabies his mother used to sing for him. He’s not familiar with this one, but he feels comforted all the same. That’s right, he has Zack now.
Zack will help him find her. Zack doesn’t seem like he would ever give up once he’s set his mind to something.
*~*
Zack sorts through the paperwork as best he can with his limited range of movement. Cloud is a warm purring lump in his lap. His shirt is damp from Cloud’s tears, but he doesn’t mind. He feels bad that they weren’t able to get through to Cloud’s mom. He wonders how long it’s been since Cloud last talked to her. From his reaction he’s guessing it’s been a while. Maybe more than a week?
He usually calls his parents once a week. If he doesn’t, they’ll call him. They usually talk Sunday nights, since he’s usually out on the town on Saturday nights. Now that he’s remembered, he’s excited to tell his parents about Cloud. He’s hoping that Cloud will be willing to talk to them a little too, but it might be hard on Cloud if he can’t talk to his mom tonight as well.
Maybe if they hurry, there’ll be time for him to run to the library after their shopping trip.
Decided, Zack shoves the papers back together into a pile on the table. Kunsel already helped him with the more important ones. Things like applying for a bigger apartment or a medical appointment can surely wait. Cloud clearly isn’t ready to make any decisions on the matter right now anyway. The people at the administration office can tell him if he’s missing anything.
He freezes. Is he supposed to go to the SOLDIER administration or the civilian administration offices? He’s a SOLDIER, so he usually goes there, but Cloud’s a civilian, right? Does that mean that they register there? Surely a mating is a civilian matter, even if a SOLDIER is involved? He isn’t sure.
He wonders briefly if he should message Kunsel, but he feels bad that he’s already bothered him so much today. No, they can figure it out. They’ll just go to the civilian offices first.
Mind made up, he pats Cloud’s back. “Hey Sunshine, you wanna go get freshened up? I gotta change into my uniform real quick, then we can go.”
Cloud sighs aggrievedly and burrows into Zack’s armpit a little harder. Zack blushes, remembering his surprise and subsequent reaction the first time Cloud did that at the school. Cloud must really like his scent, huh?
Zack wills his dick to stay down and pulls Cloud to sit upright. Cloud scrunches his face at him grumpily, and Zack feels his heart skip a beat. How is it possible for anyone to be so cute?
“Come on Cloudy Skies, the sooner we get going, the sooner it will be over! Just think of all the fun we can have picking out comfy new jammies! Maybe we can get matching pairs!”
Cloud doesn’t seem excited by the idea. In fact he makes a face and rolls his eyes, but he looks too cute doing that too, so Zack isn’t discouraged.
“Start thinking about what kind of takeout you want to bring home! We can get all cozy in our new jammies and watch a movie tonight!”
“I thought you said we were eating out?”
“Oh, yeah, well, we can do that too, but I thought we might want to come home early, since we’ve had such a busy day?”
Cloud pouts and grumbles, “We haven’t even done the busy part yet.”
“Right, and I can see you’re already tired, but I can’t… I don’t want to leave you here all alone today. You’ll come with me and help me pick out some new clothes for you, right?”
“New clothes?! I thought we were just getting shoes and groceries!”
“And jammies.” Zack reminds him.
“That too! But I don’t need anything else!”
Zack cocks his head, “Uh, yeah you do. I don’t want you freezing to death while I’m at work. I can’t leave the AC off all day. It’ll get too stuffy in here. You might aphix… aphixi… you might suffocate!”
Cloud glances at the bare wall where a normal apartment would usually have a window, and heaves a heavy sigh.
“Fine.” Cloud mutters. He stomps off to the bathroom and nearly slams the door.
Zack wonders if he needs a snack, but all the marshmallows and crackers are already eaten. He opens his list and puts a x2 symbol by the chocolate.
He could really do with a Chocostick himself. He makes that a 4x symbol.
Notes:
This chapter was only supposed to be two paragraphs before the events of the next chapter, but the characters had other ideas.
Me: Ok! Time to get out the door! We just need a few establishing paragraphs before you head out for your busy day!
Cloud and Zack: Got it. This is a good time to talk about our parents.
Me: [person with two leashed kids going opposite directions meme] :')
Chapter Text
Cloud follows Zack into a brightly lit office. It’s just a room with a big desk against the far wall, with a bored-looking receptionist. Another girl in a business suit, with wavy red-brown hair that goes to her shoulders, leans against the counter, chatting with her. There are empty chairs all along the walls, and a small water fountain bubbles in the corner.
When they enter, the girl leaning against the counter straightens up and tugs on her suit to pull out the wrinkles. She smiles at them, holding out her hand in greeting towards Zack.
“Hi there! Zack Fair? It’s nice to meet you! I’m Cissnei, from the General Affairs Department. I’m here to-”
Cloud yelps as Zack grabs him and shoves him backwards towards the door. Zack reaches for something behind his shoulders, grabbing at air several times before freezing when his hand finds nothing there.
Cloud realizes with a start that he was reaching for his sword.
What is Zack doing? Why did he push him? He steadies himself against the wall that he had almost crashed into when Zack pushed him back. Why is Zack trying to attack the girl? She seems like a friendly office worker. Why would Zack feel like he needs his sword?
Cissnei holds up her hands in a placating gesture. “Please don’t be alarmed! You’re not in trouble! I’m just here to facilitate your intake since it seems that there was some miscommunication about proper procedure. I see that you have your paperwork with you?”
“That’s right, so there’s no need for you to be here! I’m cooperating with Shinra, so there’s no need to-” Zack cuts himself off.
Cissnei shakes her head, “I’m not here to cause you any trouble, or berate you for forgetting to turn in your paperwork last night. We understand that mating can be an emotional and exciting time and that a newly mated alpha can easily forget protocol. We’ve contacted the school and they’ll be more careful to include instructions for handing in paperwork in the future.”
Zack’s scent loses some of its angry bitter flavor. Cloud glances at him. He can see that he’s still on edge and seems wary of speaking. Cloud knows it’s not his place to speak, they’re in public, so he should be seen and not heard, but he doesn’t know how he can help Zack otherwise.
He gathers his courage to ask, “May I speak?”
Cissnei smiles at Cloud, “Of course, sweetie.”
Cloud feels a bit taken aback at the nickname. She’s not his mate, why is she speaking to him so familiarly? Maybe she doesn’t know his name.
“Um, I’m Cloud.”
She blinks at him in surprise, and then her whole posture changes into something more distant and professional.
“Of course, my apologies, Cloud. Feel free to speak your mind.”
Now that Cloud knows he can speak, he finds that he isn’t sure what he wanted to say, his mind is a jumble of chaotic thoughts and fears. Why is Zack so afraid? He’s not sure what the reason is, but Zack understands this world better than he does. If Zack thinks they need to be cautious of this girl, then he probably should be too.
The need to be careful with what he says makes it even more difficult to organize his thoughts into coherence. He glances at Zack who is still glaring at Cissnei suspiciously and wonders if he is having the same difficulty.
“Zack,” he tugs on Zack’s arm to get his attention, “Why are you so worried? She seems nice-”
“She’s a Turk!”
Cloud isn’t sure what that means. He glances at Cissnei helplessly.
“That is how many people refer to the Investigation Sector of the General Affairs department, but I assure you Zack, that despite the many rumors about us, nothing sinister is happening here. We only wish to help you get your new omega settled as smoothly as possible.”
Cloud watches as Zack purses his lips. He’s clearly still suspicious. Cloud wonders, are these the people who would take Cloud away if they misbehave? He eyes Cissnei speculatively.
Her face crinkles slightly in frustration, and she takes a calming breath before addressing Zack again.
“You are a very valued member of the SOLDIER program. Commander Hewley himself speaks highly of you, and has made his esteem clear by taking you on as a mentee. Shinra has high hopes for you-”
“I know all that!” Zack sounds irritated.
“Then may I ask what your concern is?” Cissnei waits patiently.
“I just… I don’t… I need to know that Cloud is safe!”
Cissnei appears to think for a minute. “It’s normal to feel a bit overprotective as a newly mated alpha. No one faults you for that, but please remember that we both work for Shinra and-,” she cuts herself off before continuing, “I’m on your side, Zack. I’m trying to help you.”
Cloud can’t get any scent from her, she’s probably a beta, but she seems sincere.
Zack seems unconvinced. “Uh huh, why should I believe you? I don’t know you.”
She sighs, “I get that. I really do. I’m sorry my unexpected appearance has put you on edge. The department- I’m just trying to do my job. And I understand that you’re just trying to protect your omega. Is there really no way we can work together to fulfill both of those goals?”
Zack scowls at the ground, scuffing his boots against the floor tiles. When he doesn’t speak again, Cloud pulls at Zack’s arm.
“Zack, didn’t we talk about… about how much you love your job and being a hero? I don’t… Don’t you need to work with other people from Shinra in order to keep that? I don’t want you to give that up on account of me. I’m proud to be mated to such a… a big strong hero.”
He can feel his face heating up from his embarrassment and he pulls Zack into a hug, both to hide his face and to help Zack calm down. He stands on his tip-toes to rub his chin just once against Zack’s chin to mingle their scent.
Zack seems to relax almost immediately, his arms coming around Cloud and he rests his chin in Cloud’s hair. Cloud thinks he must still be watching Cissnei warily, but at least some of the tension has gone out of his frame.
There’s a moment of silence.
“What can I do to make you more comfortable, Zack?”
“Not be here.” Zack mumbles into Cloud’s hair, but most of the hostility has left his voice.
“I’ll be out of your hair as soon as I can, but my boss would kill me if I left before we got your paperwork and everything all straightened out.”
Zack stiffens in Cloud’s arms, “What?! Really?! They’d kill you just for that?!”
Cissnei coughs loudly and sounds like she’s choking on something. Is she laughing? Cloud turns around to see.
Her face is slightly reddened, and she beats at her chest for a minute before smiling weakly at them, “Ah, no, that was just- I was just using a turn of phrase, but perhaps I shouldn’t joke about something like that when you’re…”
For the first time, she seems to be at a loss for words, and Cloud can’t help but smile at her in commiseration.
Zack blows out a breath and seems to relax even further. “Right, my bad. I just-” He grimaces, “It’s been kinda a rough day. I didn’t mean to get you in trouble. Do you… do you need to look at the paperwork?”
“That would be helpful, yes.” She nods, seeming relieved, “I can help you make sure you’ve got everything you need?”
“Alright.” Zack seems a lot more at ease now, and Cloud loosens his hold and steps to the side. Zack hands Cissnei the large bundle of paperwork. “We haven't filled out the forms for the housing upgrades yet, but we were hoping the staff could help us with that. We weren’t sure how much the stipend was going to be…”
“Ah, I see. That’s not a problem. There’s no hurry to make a decision on that yet.” She hands that portion of the paperwork back to Zack along with the brochure. “I’ll speak to the Papers Processing Division about including that information in the future.”
“Do you know how much it is? The stipend?”
“I understand that it is usually set at half of what the alpha makes. Since you’re a Second now, that means you make 2000 gil a month, right?”
“That’s right.”
“Then Cloud’s stipend should be 1000 gil a month, coming to a total of 3000 gil a month for the both of you.”
“Hmmm, ok. I guess that makes sense.”
Cloud isn’t sure if it *does* makes sense. If one person needs 2000 gil to support themselves outside of rent, then shouldn’t adding a second person require double the amount? It sounds like Zack’s budget is only going to get tighter from taking an omega. He’ll now only have 1500 gil for himself instead of 2000.
Cloud glances at Zack, but he doesn’t seem concerned. He did mention that he’d recently been promoted. Maybe it was still more than he’d been making as a Third. Cloud wonders how anyone is supposed to live on just 2000- no 1500 a month.
He’s surprised by how little a SOLDIER makes, actually. He would have thought 2000 a lot of money back in Nibelheim, but he knows that everything is more expensive in Midgar, especially food. The prices at the pizzeria had been shocking, but he’d figured that Zack must make a lot to be so nonchalant about spending that much.
He hopes Zack won’t come to resent him when he realizes that taking on Cloud means taking a pay-cut.
The stipend isn’t the payout he had expected it to be, and he shifts uncomfortably remembering how mad he’d gotten at Zack over something that was not as big a deal as he’d thought. He grimaces wondering how they’re going to afford all the things Zack talked about buying.
Zack and Cissnei are already finished going through the paperwork, and they’re talking to the lady at the desk. Cloud had almost forgotten the secretary was there, she was so quiet. He blushes again realizing that she must’ve seen everything.
He goes to stand dutifully next to Zack, and Zack smiles at him. He wonders how Zack can be so relaxed after he was so tense just a little bit ago. He even tried to go for his weapon!
Cloud eyes the magnetic clip on the back of the weapon harness that Zack is wearing. He wonders what Zack’s sword looks like, and if he’ll ever get to see Zack in action. Zack must be pretty good at using it if he’s been training under a famous First.
Cloud frowns, remembering the argument he’d overheard. He’d only heard Zack’s side, but from what he heard, it sounded like Commander Hewley is an asshole! He wonders why Sephiroth would want to be friends with someone like that.
“Cloud?”
His attention snaps back to the present and he answers before he can think. “Here.”
Zack smiles awkwardly at him, “We’re not in school, bud, I just wanted to ask you… um, do you have a preference for the design of the, um, the…”
Zack seems to be having a hard time saying it, so Cloud makes an educated guess as to what he’s asking about. “The collar?”
“Uh, yeah, that. Um, do you-”
“I’ll just take the cheapest one.”
Cloud doesn’t want to cost Zack any more money than he has to.
“But you didn’t even look at the catalog? I think the cheapest one might be a bit too heavy for you-”
“Nope. Not interested. And I’m stronger than I look!” Cloud glares at Zack before remembering that they have an audience and turning his glare to the floor.
“Ok, I understand, I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable. I’ll just get the smaller basic one with rounded metal then? It’s supposed to be, um hy-po-all-”
“Yeah, sure, whatever. I don’t care.” Cloud feels like he’s quickly reaching the end of his rope.
“Ok, ok, um, we’ll take this one, I guess?”
Cloud glances at the catalog to see Zack pointing at a slender rounded golden metal collar with a gem at the front. The picture next to it shows an attractive smiling omega wearing the same collar and little else. He returns his gaze to the floor. He hopes Zack doesn’t expect him to smile so easily or dress like that. If he does, then he’s definitely going to be disappointed.
He hopes the collar isn’t really expensive. He glances up again, but he doesn’t see a price listed. Does that mean that Shinra covers the expense? Somehow he doubts it.
The receptionist is talking, “Alright then, we’ll just need you both to sign here stating that you understand that the collar must be worn at all times outside of the Shinra tower. It’s advised that you put it on before leaving your quarters. The collar will send a signal to the guards at the door if it’s not securely fastened.”
More rules. Cloud nods dully and carefully signs his name on the line marked “omega” in Heimat script. Zack signs on his own line in his own quick scrawl.
The receptionist smiles politely, and takes the form over to a machine, she begins feeding it into a slot in the machine page by page, while the machine whirs and clunks mysteriously. Light leaks out from the seams.
“You might also want to go ahead and apply for a phone for your apartment.” Cissnei is talking again. “That way Cloud can contact you in case of an emergency, or when he goes into heat.”
Cloud feels his face heating up. How can she talk about that so casually?!
“Oh! Right! Um, well, I was thinking I’d like him to have his own PHS…” Zack is speaking.
“You may certainly get one for him if you can afford it. Do you have much in the way of savings?”
“Uh… uh… not really… no… “ Zack scrubs awkwardly at the back of his neck, his scent complex and unpleasant. Cloud wrinkles his nose.
“I can have the work crew install it today, to be out of your way as soon as possible. There’s already a box installed behind a plate in your apartment. They just need to remove the plate and attach the wall mount for the phone. The whole process takes less than half an hour, and will only cost you 200 gil.”
Cloud winces. That’s 10 percent of Zack’s income! Or rather… he tries to do the math for 3000 gil, but he had always struggled with percentages. He’s pretty good with the basics of math, like adding and subtracting, but he dropped out of school pretty early on so he could help his mom out. It had also had the benefit of getting him away from the other children, who bullied him. He had tried to study on his own, but most of the math stuff in his text-book had seemed really unnecessary.
He sighs, his mom had been right. He should have studied more. But then, who would have watched over the goats?
“You alright Cloud?”
Cloud nods at Zack. “I’m fine.” He looks over to where Zack is signing another form, he concentrates on the Midgar font for a second. Oh right, the phone. Well, he’s definitely glad he’ll have a way to contact Zack if he needs to, so it’s probably a necessary expense.
“Cloud Fair?”
Cloud jumps at a new voice and whips his head around to look at a young man who’s standing in a doorway set into the wall by the desk. Who?
“Come with me. We’ll get you fitted with your collar.”
The man’s tone is bored, but authoritative. Cloud glances at Zack, who frowns. “I’ll come too.”
Cissnei speaks again, “Ah, I’m sorry Zack, but alphas are not allowed in the testing rooms. You don’t need to worry about Cloud though. From what I understand, the process doesn’t take that long. He’ll be right out in a jiffy. In the meantime, we could sit down over here and take a look at the rest of the paperwork? You wanted to make an appointment for a medical exam for Cloud, right?”
Zack grimaces, “Is that the only exit out? They’re not going to… um.”
“This is the only exit.” The man smiles at Zack. There’s something about his smile that puts Cloud on edge. “Don’t worry, I’m not gonna steal your omega. I’m a beta.”
“Oh, right, sorry. My bad. You can… uh, Cloud? I’ll be waiting right here, ok?”
Cloud nods. There’s not really any choice, is there?
Notes:
The next chapter is already written, and I'll be posting it in a couple of days, since these two chapters are closely linked. It was just getting too long to be one chapter. ^^"
Chapter 10: A Turk's Work is Never Done
Summary:
There's a bit of whumpage here, but it's not too intense and it's over quickly
content warning
extremely brief, but nonconsensual vaginal fingering
Chapter Text
“There’s just one more thing for you to sign, Mr. Fair.”
Zack groans, and Cissnei can’t suppress a low chuckle.
Margot ignores both of them, her smile professionally neutral as she puts another paper in front of Zack. “This is your notice for imminent heat leave.” The secretary continues, “A copy will be sent to all of your superiors, so they know to let you go when your omega needs you.”
“Oh, I guess that’s pretty important.”
“All of this paperwork is important, Mr Fair.” Margot’s professional tone is starting to show signs of strain, and Cissnei gives her a commiserating smile.
“Right. Ok, all done now, right?”
“Yes, Mr. Fair, thank you for your patience.”
Cissnei keeps her smile to herself. Margot has displayed a remarkable amount of patience with the young SOLDIER. She makes a mental note to make a commendation to Margot’s superiors on her performance.
She turns to Zack, “Why don’t we sit down while we wait for Cloud. I understand it takes a little bit for them to get the calibration right.”
Zack frowns. “Do you know how they do that? It’s not gonna hurt Cloud, is it?”
Cissnei doesn’t think so, but she had only just read up on the procedure today, on her way here. It isn’t something she’s thought about before. Usually alphas don’t need quite so much hand-holding through the process as Zack apparently does. This is the first time she’s heard of a Turk being sent to oversee the process.
She isn’t sure why Tseng suddenly switched her assignment today to baby-sitting a SOLDIER, but it’s been an interesting learning experience. There’s so many different systems in place to keep the behemoth that is Shinra running smoothly from day to day, and most of them, like Margot’s patience, go unnoticed. It gives her that itch to dig deeper that she’s always had. It’s what put her on Tseng’s radar, back when she had merely been a secretary herself.
Now she’s a Turk with knives strapped to her calves and a gun at the small of her back, helping someone complete paperwork again. She wonders if her secretary experience is what made Tseng choose her for this assignment. It seems likely. He’s very good at choosing the right person for each job. It’s part of what makes him so effective.
“My understanding is that it shouldn’t hurt the omega at all. They’ll just take his weight and height and run it through a program, which will determine which level of materia to place in the collar slot.”
“Then why can’t I go with him? I promise I’ll stay out of the technician's way! Please?”
Zack clasps his hands in front of his face, and cocks his head in an endearing gesture. Cissnei fights back a smile. Ah, so this is the vaunted Fair charm. She’s gotta admit, it’s pretty effective. If she wasn’t a Turk, she might give in to that, but she’s been trained to resist emotional manipulation.
“I’m sure he’ll be out any minute. Let’s sit down, and you can tell me about when you met Cloud. It was at the Hambrook school, right?”
“Yeah, I wasn’t planning on getting an omega. Angeal told me I could file for an extension on my single status, but when I told them that on the phone, they said I should come by their office to talk about it, and then, that’s when I met Cloud.”
Cissnei keeps her face from showing her amusement. Zack had fallen for one of the oldest plays in the book. The, “We need to talk about this in person” line. But she supposes she can’t blame the school. She’s heard mentioned that they're usually overcrowded and always trying to get rid of omegas.
She frowns slightly, that might be worth looking into, actually. Why are they so overcrowded? Wasn’t Retrieval and Acquisition always complaining that people were always reluctant to give up their omegas to the program and saying they needed more money for compensating the families?
“So he was in the office at the school?” She asks Zack.
“Huh? Oh, no, he was in a room with a bunch of other omegas, but we heard a scream while we were in the office, so we ran to investigate. Cloud had attacked another omega! He looked so beautiful and wild, I was instantly smitten. I was still telling myself that I couldn’t afford an omega, but then the other omegas started talking shit about him, and I just couldn’t bear to leave him there with those bitches!”
Zack shakes his head. “Besides, if I left him there, he would have been snatched up by the next alpha to come along. He was definitely the cutest one there! I had to act fast, y’know? Sometimes, life throws you curveballs, and you just gotta adjust your stance.”
Cissnei nods. “That’s true. Being able to reorient when the unexpected happens is an important skill. You two seem like you’ve grown really close already.”
“Heh heh! We have, haven’t we? I can hardly believe that I just met him yesterday!”
Cissnei smiles. “It’s nice to see an alpha and his omega getting along so well. I don’t usually get to see the happy stories. Most of the time, I forget there are even omegas in the tower.”
Zack turns pensive. “Um, can I ask you about that, actually?”
“Of course. It’s not really my area of expertise, but I can always ask around for you, if I need to.”
“Cool, thanks. Um, can Cloud go with me if I want to pop into the library real quick?”
Cissnei thinks for a minute. “Oh, you mean the SOLDIER library? As far as I know, omegas aren’t allowed in the SOLDIER common use areas.”
“But why? We’ll just be in and out real quick, we won’t bother anyone! And why can’t he go there? I’d be with him! He’ll be perfectly safe!”
“It’s not *just* about safety. My understanding is that the common use areas are meant to help SOLDIERs unwind and relax after a stressful day. It’s important for mental health.”
“Sure, I get that, but what about the omega’s mental health? He can’t even join me for lunch in the cafeteria?! I think I would go crazy if I was stuck in my quarters all day, every day! I worry about him feeling lonely all day. And I won’t be able to use the common use areas anyway if I’m worried about him! I want to spend as much time as possible with him!”
“Well, you *are* in the honeymoon phase. My understanding is that most alphas appreciate the opportunity to get some space from a clingy whiny omega, and spend most of their time in the common area to get away from them. They won’t appreciate you bringing an omega into their space.”
“It’s not just a honeymoon phase! I already love Cloud! I would never want to spend time away from him! You don’t understand! You’re a beta. Besides, Cloud isn’t clingy or whiny… Well, he’s never whined to me anyway… and I *like* it when he’s clingy!”
Cissnei snorts. “Give it time.”
Zack harrumphs skeptically, then leans forward, speaking animatedly. “Ok, but still, how is that fair? The omegas have to stay in a tiny dorm till they go crazy? That’s probably *why* they’re so clingy and whiny! I bet if they had access to the SOLDIER areas that they’d get along with their alphas better! …Hey, what if they got access to the common areas during work hours? That way, alphas wouldn’t have to worry about their omegas being around other alphas! There could be, like, a rotation!”
“Hmm, that’s an interesting idea, but I think part of it is that Shinra doesn’t want to have to break up cat fights between omegas. If the omegas were all left unsupervised together, then there’s a high chance that they would fight. Didn’t you say that when you met Cloud, he was fighting another omega?”
“Well, yeah, but that’s because they were being mean to him! …Probably.”
“And if they were still mean to him in the common areas? Shinra can’t afford to assign Turks as baby-sitters to a bunch of omegas.”
“It wouldn’t have to be Turks, would it? Shinra makes a lot of money, can’t they make a new department for over-seeing omega issues? I know it’s not really your job to help with this sort of thing. Don’t you usually have more important stuff to do?”
Cissnei smiles to cover her discomfort. Zack is more perceptive than he appears at first glance. She’ll need to be careful not to underestimate him.
“Usually, yes, but I have a background in dealing with tricky paperwork, so my boss thought I might be helpful to you. And I think you’re underestimating your importance to the SOLDIER program. It’s not everyday that a SOLDIER First takes an interest in a Third. Usually mentorships aren’t even considered until a SOLDIER makes Second. When a SOLDIER First takes interest in something, Shinra takes notice.”
Zack pouts. “So I’m under heavier surveillance? Is that what you’re saying?”
“I wouldn’t necessarily put it that way, but the system is more likely to flag any aberrations with your behavior, so you might want to consider how your actions can affect your reputation in Shinra. Especially now that you have an omega you want to protect.”
Zack sighs and slumps down into his seat. “There’s gotta be a way to work something out. I just know I’m gonna be anxious about him all day, thinking about him all alone in that apartment.”
“I’ll talk to my boss about it, but-”
“Really?! That’s awesome! Thanks Cissnei!” Zack sits up quickly and pumps his fist excitedly in the air.
“Don’t get your hopes up! My boss only has power over certain areas. He doesn’t have the power to change Shinra policy.”
Zack sits back and rubs at his neck sheepishly. “I still appreciate it! This whole thing has been a big readjustment for me.”
Cissnei nods. “I understand. Even if I’m ‘only a beta’.”
“Ah haha… uh, sorry about that. I didn’t mean-”
“It’s alright, I’m just teasing you. Don’t worry. Like I said, I’m on your side.”
“Thanks Cissnei… I really misjudged you, I’m sorry.”
“No worries. I know you were just trying to protect Cloud.”
Zack is silent in response. He glances towards the door that Cloud had disappeared through earlier and grimaces. “Don’t you think they’ve been in there a long time? I thought you said it wasn’t gonna take that long?”
Cissnei frowns. “It has been longer than I would expect, considering the description of the procedure… I’ll go check it out. You wait here.”
Zack frowns, already halfway up from his seat. “But…”
“It’s probably nothing. No need to crowd in there. Perhaps they’re just finishing up. You’ll just intimidate them.”
Zack mutters under his breath, “Yeah, but what if I want to intimidate them.”
Cissnei hides a smile and makes sure he’s going to stay put, before slipping through the back door.
It’s quiet in the hallway between the various storage rooms and the breakroom for employees that she passes by. The testing room is apparently just a repurposed storage room at the end of the hallway, but she knows she’s found the right one by the light leaking out from under the doorway.
She stops to listen for voices, but doesn’t hear anything. Then there’s a muttered, “god’s you’re wet.”
A chill travels down her spine, and she’s pulled out her gun before she’s even processed what she’s hearing. She bursts through the door and aims her gun. “Freeze!”
The beta man who had taken Cloud back for testing freezes where he is, bent over a medical table, with his fingers up Cloud’s cunt. “What the hel-!”
He starts moving, beginning a gesture to cast something with a materia, but Cissnei moves faster, clocking him hard on the temple with her gun. He drops like a stone.
She crouches down, searching his body for weapons, and finds a materia bracer. It’s equipped with Confusion, Silence, and Thundara, Esuna, and Curaga. The sequence of events unfolding like a movie in her mind with this information.
He had used Confusion and Silence on Cloud before using Thundara to immobilize him. Then, after he had had his way with the omega, he would use Curaga and Esuna to remove all evidence and send the omega on his way none the wiser.
She feels sick, but she doesn’t have a second to lose if she’s going to deal with this discreetly. She quickly pulls out a pair of hand-cuffs, dragging the man over to a pipe that’s running from floor to ceiling and clips him onto it. Then she casts silence over him.
She looks around and finds wet wipes sitting conspicuously on a nearby shelf. She uses them to clean Cloud up quickly, before pulling his underwear up and rearranging his dress. She checks him for any serious injuries, but finds none, not even a bruise.
This man knew what he was doing. She takes a few pictures of the supplies kept on hand that have nothing to do with collar testing. To be thorough, she should have taken a picture of Cloud in his compromised state, but she’d rather not, and she knows that Tseng will believe her.
She sits Cloud up, turning him away from where the unconscious man is slumped so he won’t see him, and casts a Curaga. Cloud immediately groans and clutches at his head. She helps him to stand up and guides him out of the room, closing the door behind her and leading him down the hall to the breakroom.
Only when he’s safely seated in the semi-friendly room does she cast Esuna, clearing his Confusion.
“Cissnei?”
“That’s right. I came to find you. Are you alright?”
“Yeah? I- where am I? Where did that man go?”
“He left. I think he had some sort of emergency, but he shouldn’t have left you all alone. I’m going to have him written up.”
“Oh. Do I still need to do the test?”
“Nope. You’re all done with that. I’ll put you down for a basic Thunder materia. I’ve shocked enough monsters to be able to judge what level is needed to incapacitate someone.”
She doesn’t mention that most of the monsters she’s used Thunder on were human, just like that man back there. She might give him a taste of his own medicine with the Thundara after she gets Cloud and Zack out of her hair.
“Oh, ok. Can I go see Zack now?”
“Just a minute. Can you tell me what the man said to you before he disappeared? Anything you can remember would be helpful for my report.”
“Oh, um, he uh, didn’t say anything? He just said, “Right this way” and then… I don’t remember what happened after that…”
Cissnei frowns and checks his eyes, pulling slightly at the skin around them to help her see better. Cloud stares at her in confusion.
“Well, I can’t find any damage, but it appears that he cast Sleep on you. I’m not sure why he would do that and then abandon you, but I’ll run a full investigation on him. If he was up to something nefarious, we’ll find out about it.”
“Oh.” Cloud gives her a confused look. “Why would he do that?”
She shrugs. “I shouldn’t speculate, but maybe he got spooked when he realized that I’m a Turk.”
“What’s a Turk anyway? Zack seemed really freaked out about it…”
“We’re just Shinra employees who take care of the private messy things that other people don’t see, like that man. I think I saw a camera in the other room. Maybe he was taking risque pictures of omegas to sell. I’ll make sure to look through it, and delete any if I find them, ok?”
Cloud shudders, his scent going sour. Cissnei rubs her thumb over his knuckles comfortingly. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he doesn’t get away with it.”
“How did he get out? I thought there wasn’t another doorway? Wouldn’t Zack have seen him?”
She shrugs. “Maybe he slipped out through the ducts. If he did, he won’t have gotten far. I’ve already alerted my boss, so they’ll be on it. Why don’t you eat some of those cookies on the table? You can pick out a few for Zack too.”
She gets up and gets him a cup of water, which he drinks thirstily. He picks out a few cookies, but doesn’t eat them. She gets a paper towel and wets it before handing it to him. “Here, wipe your scent glands down so you don’t smell like distress, we don’t want to upset Zack, now do we?”
He shakes his head and takes the wet towel, wiping at his glands with it awkwardly with one hand, while the other holds onto the cookies for Zack. She smiles at him and holds out her hand to help him to his feet.
“Why don’t we go ahead and bring those cookies to Zack. Then I’ll go find the collar you guys ordered and get it fitted with a materia for you so you can get on your way. Are you sure you feel alright?”
“Um, yeah, actually, I feel really good. I was so tired when we got here, but now I feel like I could go running up a mountain!”
She smiles. “That’s probably from the Cura I ran over you, just to make sure you weren’t hurt anywhere.”
“Oh, from a materia?”
“That’s right.”
“Wow, I didn’t know they could replenish energy like that?”
She winks at him. “It’s a secret! Don’t tell anyone, or the supply of Cure materia will get depleted and prices will go up! Most people never level up their Cure materia enough to experience it, and when they do, they rarely realize where the excess energy is coming from.”
“Is it from healing something that doesn’t need to be healed?”
“That’s exactly right! Have you read up about materia?”
“No, I just thought it made sense.”
“You’re pretty smart, Cloud.”
“No I’m not. I can barely read Midgarian script, and I can only do basic math.”
“I bet that’s just because you didn’t have many opportunities to study, right?”
“Well…”
“Tell you what. Zack was asking me about the library. I can pick out some easy reading for you to practice on. I won’t tell a soul who it’s for, not even Zack.”
She winks at him again and he looks at her funny. “Are you… are you flirting with me?”
She bursts into laughter and his expression sours. “No Cloud! No, no, no…. It’s just… it’s like a friendly gesture! It means we have a secret to share. Like friends often do. Sometimes winking is flirting, but usually it’s just friendly.”
He scowls at her. “How am I supposed to know the difference?”
She wipes her eyes and composes herself. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I just thought it was clear that I’m not interested in you? I guess I shouldn’t assume that either, my bad.”
He grumbles and shifts the cookies in his hand. “I never had friends before, so I wouldn’t know.”
She feels her heart clench, but tries not to show it on her face. “Aww, are we friends already? I’d like that. Do you want to be friends?”
He gives her an uncertain look before glancing away. “Dunno. Maybe. You’re nice, I guess.”
She smiles. “That’s a start, right?”
He smiles tentatively. “Sure.”
She reaches into her breast pocket and pulls out her business card, handing it to him with a flourish. “Then please don’t hesitate to call me anytime you need anything.”
He takes it with an awkward smile, and she’s pleased that his scent is pleasant and mellow again. She offers him her arm and he places a hand on the crook of her elbow so she can lead him out. He’s clearly been well trained in etiquette at least.
There’s a clunking sound coming from the back room, and Cloud glances that way nervously, but she breezily brushes it off, saying that there must be a problem with the toilet pipes. She knows the man must have woken up, and she’s looking forward to interrogating him, but she needs to get Zack and Cloud safely sent off first.
Zack is pacing anxiously in the waiting room. As soon as they open the door, he rushes over and grabs Cloud in a hug, burying his nose in his scent gland. Cloud goes stiff for a second before relaxing, and patting Zack awkwardly on the back with the hand holding her card.
“Cloud! Are you ok? What took so long?! Did they hurt you? If they hurt you, I’ll…” he glances warily at Cissnei, “I’ll beat them up! Ok? So tell me. Did they hurt you?”
He pulls away from Cloud to hold him at arm’s length so he can inspect him.
“I’m fine, Zack. They didn’t hurt me… In fact, they didn’t even run the test. The guy ran off! Cissnei says the Turks are gonna hunt him down. She says he was probably scared when he saw a Turk. She says that she’s gonna check to make sure he didn’t take any pictures of me, and-”
“HE WHAT?!!”
Cissnei butts in quickly. “Don’t worry Zack, he left his camera behind. He probably couldn’t fit it through the vents. He’s being tracked down as we speak-”
“Did you check the camera?!”
She winces. She probably should have done that when she was looking over the evidence, but she had been in a hurry to get Cloud to a safe place so she could check on him.
“Not yet, but I will. I’m afraid this whole office will have to be searched for evidence. Margot, I’m sure you have nothing to do with this, but I’m gonna need you to come sit in the waiting room, please. I have to be thorough about this.”
Margot nods quickly, eyes wide, and Cissnei feels relatively certain that the shock on her face is real. That’s a relief, but she’ll still need to investigate thoroughly. Margot quickly gets up and passes through the hallway to get to the waiting room.
Thankfully, the banging from the back room has stopped. Zack glares down the hallway and Cissnei places herself in front of it. “I’m gonna need you to stay here while I go get Cloud’s collar sorted out. Why don’t you sit down and talk with Cloud while I get that for you?”
Zack seems reluctant. “Maybe I should check to make sure-”
“No. I need to keep the evidence clean. I haven’t had a chance to run fingerprints because I was concerned about Cloud. The suspect hit him with a Sleep, but fortunately, I had an Esuna handy.”
Zack is immediately focused on Cloud again. “Cloudy? Are you alright, Spike? Do you feel sleepy at all?”
Cloud shakes his head. “No, I feel fine. Good actually… I think I needed a nap.” He smiles hesitantly, and after a beat they both realize that he’s made a joke.
Zack hugs Cloud to him and rubs his face in his hair. Cissnei takes advantage of the moment to slip away into the hallway, closing the door behind her. She quickly makes it down to the backroom. She wishes she did have a Sleep she could have used, instead of just a Silence.
The man glares at her from where she’s got him shackled. She casts Confusion over him and his eyes wander away from her. She doesn’t have time to deal with him yet.
She quickly rummages around until she finds the collar she’s looking for, along with a tiny Thunder materia which slots into place in the front of the collar. She uses the machine sitting against the wall to fill in the back of the slot with gold to match the rest of the collar. Another machine is useful for smoothing it down, so it won’t irritate the skin.
She forces herself to take her time to do it thoroughly, for Cloud’s sake. She’s worried about Zack growing impatient, and using that as an excuse to come check on her, but thankfully she doesn’t hear anything from that direction.
She should have called Tseng as soon as she found the situation. He could have sent back-up, who could have helped to make sure that the alpha didn’t disturb the scene. But it looks like Zack has decided to cooperate with her, which is a relief. He’s probably realized that cooperating with the Turks is in his best interest.
She checks the feel of the inside of the collar with her thumb, and when she’s satisfied that it’s smooth enough, she places it back inside its box, gives the man another look-over to make sure he’s secure, and heads back out to join Cloud and Zack in the waiting room.
Zack and Cloud are sitting snuggled together, Cloud on Zack's lap. As soon as they see her, Zack jumps up, tumbling Cloud onto his feet. Cloud yelps out a “Hey!” but otherwise doesn’t protest.
“Did you find anything? Were there any pictures?”
Ah right, the camera. She smiles brightly at them. “No pictures. He must’ve left as soon as he used Sleep on Cloud. You don’t have to worry about that.”
Zack lets out an explosive breath and sits down heavily. “Gods! That’s a relief! I can’t believe there are scumbags like that who would take advantage of a poor helpless omega like that! Ouch! Cloud! What did you do that for?!”
Cissnei covers her mouth with her hand politely as Cloud glares at Zack with his claws half hidden at his side.
“I’m not helpless!” He hisses in a loud whisper.
“Oh! That’s not what I meant! I just… he Sleeped you! That’s all! Anyone would be helpless in that situation! There’s no need to dig your claws in like that!”
“Take it back.” Cloud mutters.
“Ok, ok! I take it back! You’re not helpless! You’re incredibly brave and fierce, and if you were an alpha, I’m sure you’d make a great SOLDIER!”
Cloud relaxes his stance. “You really think so? For real?”
“Yeah, Cloud. For real.” Zack smiles warmly at Cloud, who nuzzles into his chest apologetically. Zack wraps his arms around Cloud and starts purring.
Cissnei thinks Cloud must be really full of vim and vigor from the Curaga if he’s acting up this much in front of outsiders.
She shares an amused look with Margot, and clears her throat. “I’ve got your collar here. Let’s try it on to make sure it fits, and then you can go. I’ll make sure the stipend advance gets added to your account before you go shopping, alright?”
They’re cute, but she has a lot to deal with right now. The sooner she can get them out the door, the better. As soon as they’re gone, she can call Tseng. Hopefully he won’t be too mad that she didn’t call him earlier.
She sighs. Who knew baby-sitting an alpha omega pair would be so much work!
Chapter 11: On their Way
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Cloud has to fight to keep himself from touching the collar. It felt cold when it first clicked into place, the latch at the back locking automatically when it closed around his neck. But now it has warmed under the scarf he’s wearing to be closer to the temperature of his body.
Zack felt the inside of the collar thoroughly with his fingers, to make sure it was smooth before he had let Cloud try it on, and asked him repeatedly if he was sure it wasn’t too tight, feeling at the edges of it to be sure.
Cloud assured him that it was fine, but now that they are finally outside the tower, he can’t help but think that maybe it isn’t fine. The collar is very snug, and the way it rests on top of his scent glands is aggravating, but this is probably how the collar is meant to feel anyway. The last thing he wants was to go back into the tower to try another collar.
He’s never been so relieved to be outdoors in his life. Even more than when he left the school. He’s still feeling creeped out from what Cissnei told him about the man who wanted to take pictures of him naked. Shivers run up and down his spine every time he thinks about it. He can’t believe how easily he almost got taken advantage of, and only just down the hall from Zack!
He glances up at Zack to see that he looks pensive as well. His hand is warm around Cloud’s as they walk down the street together. Cloud wishes that Zack wasn’t wearing his gloves, so he could feel his skin against his own, but the gloves are part of the SOLDIER uniform. Heavy bracers fit over Zack’s wrists with slots for materia. The slots are empty now, and Cloud isn’t sure what the point of wearing the uniform is, when he doesn’t have any weapons on him.
He wonders if all materia feel like they hum when you touch them. He can’t resist reaching up to touch the Thunder materia peeking out of the front of his collar. There’s a feeling like static, like touching someone after rubbing your socks on a rug. It seems to sing to him, a single note filled with the images of rushing clouds building up into a thunderhead.
He drops his hand and touches his dress sash over the flat spot where Cissnei’s card is pinned with a couple of hair pins. The secretary graciously offered them to him when he was looking for a place to put it. His dress doesn’t have pockets, but he hadn’t wanted to put it in Zack’s pockets for fear it would get lost or damaged.
Zack offered his pockets and turned them inside out, finding an alarming amount of lint, two candies, some string, a rock, a tiny figurine made of wood, some dead batteries, and a few wrinkly gil singles. Zack sniffed the candies and then threw them out with everything else except the gil, the rock, and the figurine. Cloud asked him what it was, and Zack shrugged and said it was for good luck. Cloud wasn’t sure if he meant the rock, or the figurine, but maybe it was both. He probably just likes to collect things.
He remembers the feather collection he used to have back home. He had even asked his mom to order exotic feathers from far off places, like Cosmo canyon and Banora. He had every color of chocobo feather, and displayed them in a fan on his wall next to his Sephiroth posters.
He wonders, not for the first time, if his stuff is all still there. His mom had spent her hard earned money to buy him those feathers and the SOLDIER magazines where he got the posters. Surely she wouldn’t have thrown them away. She wasn’t like the witch at the school! A pang of sorrow shoots through him at the thought of his destroyed blankie. It had been a comfort to him since he was a pup. No other blanket will ever be able to replace it.
“Let’s stop here and have a snack!”
Cloud looks up to see they’ve stopped in front of a vending machine. There’s two vending machines next to a bench. One is full of drinks, and the other holds various snacks.
“Just choose whatever you like.” Zack says cheerily. “We’ve got 1000 gil to spend today, so we can afford to treat ourselves!”
Is Zack planning to spend the entirety of the stipend in one day?! Cloud purses his lips. That doesn’t sound like a very good idea. His mom always impressed on him the importance of keeping a portion of money aside as savings. But he doesn’t dare say anything, it’s not his place to tell his alpha how to spend his money.
He examines the offerings on display in the vending machine. He’ll just get one item to make Zack happy. There’s only a few brands that he recognizes from the general store back in Nibelheim, most of the brands here are unfamiliar to him. He waffles between Chocosticks, Stamps Champs, and Cosmo Candy before settling on a Chocostick. You can’t go wrong with chocolate.
Zack flattens out a wrinkly gil for him and shows him where to feed it into the machine. The machine doesn’t seem to want it and keeps spitting it back out, but Zack perseveres, flattening it again before carefully feeding it in. Finally it’s accepted, and Zack lets him punch the numbers for his Chocostick.
Zack gets a bag of chips and a Chocostick of his own, and they sit down together on the bench to rest while they eat their snacks. Cloud takes small nibbles off his chocolate, making it last as long as possible like he usually does, but Zack eats his chocolate in three large bites and then digs into the bag of chips. He offers Cloud a couple, but after his first bite, he refuses any more. They’re way too spicy! Even worse than that ramen they had earlier!
Zack demolishes the rest of the chips and then leans back, his arms along the back of the bench and his legs spread out comfortably. Cloud sits primly like he was taught in the school, back straight and legs leaning together at a slant.
“At least it’s not raining, amirite?”
Cloud glances up at Zack, who smiles at him before looking up at the sky and continuing.
“Too bad you still can’t see the sky very well from here. The buildings are too tall, and there’s too much smog… I bet it’ll be sunset soon. I can’t believe how quickly this day has gone by! We’ll have to do something nice to celebrate our mating day next weekend, alright? I don’t think we’ll have time today— oh shit, I almost forgot!”
Zack pulls out his PHS, flipping it open and after punching a few buttons, holds it away as far as his arm can reach. “Smile, Cloud!”
Cloud is confused, but he attempts to follow his alpha’s instructions. There’s a flash and the PHS makes a noise like a camera. Zack pulls it in to peer at it closely before pulling Cloud closer and sticking it out again. “Let’s try again! Don’t forget to smile this time!”
Cloud obediently bares his teeth at the PHS in the approximation of a smile. It flashes again, and Zack brings it back to examine it. “Aww, you look so cute with your fangs out! This one is good. I’ll send it to Kunsel.”
He punches buttons on the PHS before leaning back again and sighing happily. “Our first picture as a couple! Maybe we could even get it framed!” He smiles at Cloud, and holds the PHS up for him to see.
Cloud squints, it’s hard to get a clear view of the picture on the tiny screen, but from what he can see of it, it’s hardly worth framing. He’s a little annoyed that Zack sent it to Kunsel already without even asking him if he liked it, but he knows he doesn’t have the right to complain.
“I don’t think—”
He’s interrupted by Zack’s PHS buzzing.
“Oop! Sorry Cloud, that’s probably Kunsel, let me just see what he has to say real quick.”
Zack quickly checks his PHS and laughs, “He says he’s glad we finally made it out of the paperwork level!”
Paperwork level? What is Zack talking about? Does he mean the floor they were on? Were all those other doors outside that office also offices? He tries to do the math for how many offices that would be, but he doesn’t know the layout of the tower. At any rate, that seems like an excessive number of offices! How many people work at the tower? Is it like that one television show his mom had liked about the crazy rich woman who did office work for fun? Always running around and causing mayhem and drama with the office workers?
Zack is laughing at his PHS again. “I told him we leveled up, and we’re now on our next quest, Shopping Trip! He says he hopes we can find appropriate gear for the boss level!”
Is there an entire floor dedicated to offices just for bosses? Cloud isn’t sure why they’d ever need to go there, or what their shopping trip has to do with it. Maybe they need better outfits.
“Did Cissnei say we had to meet her boss? Why are we going to the boss level?”
Zack stares at him for a moment, and Cloud starts to wonder if he said something wrong, when Zack starts laughing again, practically falling off the bench in the process. Cloud isn’t sure what he’s laughing about, and he blushes in embarrassment.
He folds his arms and glares straight ahead, trying not to react to Zack laughing at him. There are too many people here, walking back and forth, and he can’t afford to be seen hitting or even poking his alpha. Some of them are already staring at them, slowing down as they go by, and Cloud can feel his ears heating up as he attempts to hold his temper in check.
“I don’t see what’s so funny.” He grits out. “I was just asking a question.”
“Oh, I’m sorry Cloud, I couldn’t help it! I…it’s just…haven’t you played a video game before?”
“No. What does that have to do with anything?”
“Not ever?” Zack sounds incredulous.
Cloud shrugs. “My next door neighbor got one for her birthday, and all the boys were always over at her house, begging to play with it, but I wasn’t allowed into her house…”
“Why not?”
Cloud shrugs again. “Her dad didn’t like me. It’s a long story.”
“I don’t mind long stories! I wanna hear all your stories, Cloud.”
Cloud glances at Zack out of the corner of his eye. Zack’s face is earnest and he’s leaning forward towards Cloud a little bit, PHS forgotten in his hand.
Cloud looks away, feeling a little bit awkward and still a little bit grumpy. “Maybe later.”
“If I tell you one of mine, will you tell me one of yours?”
Cloud tilts his head towards Zack a little bit so he can see him. Why is he offering a fair trade when he could just demand obedience from Cloud? “I guess, but didn’t we need to go shopping? It’s getting late.”
Zack sighs and slumps dramatically on the bench. “Gods dammit! I wish I didn’t have to work tomorrow! In my village, when someone gets married, they take a week to go stay in a secluded cabin and only spend time with each other. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could spend an entire week doing nothing but getting to know one another? I…I feel so strongly attached to you already, but really, I know nothing about you! I need to know everything about you, Cloud. And I want to tell you all my stories too! I can’t believe I have a mate now that I can talk to whenever I want!”
Zack scrubs at his hair before continuing.
“I used to get so lonely all alone in my last apartment. I was always bugging the other guys on my floor to play games with me. Haha! I’m so excited to share all my favorite games with you! I guess we won’t need to buy any new ones for a while. There’s so much for you to catch up on if you’ve never played games before! I can’t wait! Maybe we can play one tonight!”
He looks hopefully at Cloud, but Cloud can only stare at him blankly. He’s already feeling overwhelmed. Is Zack always going to talk like this? He can’t keep track of all the things he says when he says them all together like that, and did he say something about talking to Cloud whenever he wants? Of course Cloud knows that he needs to always make himself available to his alpha, but that doesn’t mean that they’re going to talk all day every day, does it?
He thinks back and remembers the quiet snuggling they’d done together earlier. He’d even taken a nap at one point. So maybe Zack doesn’t mean all the time. His body relaxes a little bit and he smiles at Zack. He doesn’t mind talking to Zack if that means he gets to snuggle with him too, and he is curious what kind of stories Zack will have about his childhood. Did Zack like to play at SOLDIER too? He must have, since he grew up to be one.
Zack looks so handsome in his SOLDIER uniform.
Cloud eyes Zack’s bare arms appreciatively. He’s so muscular! It’s so nice the way the SOLDIER uniform doesn’t have sleeves, so Cloud can ogle Zack’s arms as much as he likes.
“Cloudy? Earth to Clo~ud! Come in, Cloud!”
Cloud startles and blushes. Shit, did Zack catch him staring? He straightens his spine and puts on his most attentive face. “Yes, Zack?”
“What do you think about playing video games tonight?”
“Oh, ok. Sure.”
Zack beams back at him. “It’s a date!”
Wait, what? A date? Like in a movie? Had he missed something?
“A date?”
“Yeah, you know, a sleep-over!” Zack winks at him. “We’ll stay up late and play video games and watch movies and talk about, oh, you know! Everything! But first, we gotta get you some comfy jammies! Come on!”
Zack jumps up and holds out his hand to Cloud. Cloud takes his hand, and is immediately pulled along at a brisk pace. Zack seems to be in much more of a hurry now that he has something to look forward to. Cloud has to trot to keep up.
Cloud is surprised that a sleep-over counts as a date, but he’s a little relieved. People always get dressed up really fancy for dates in movies. Not that he’s opposed to the idea, but it also means sitting politely and remembering rules for which silverware to use.
They practiced fine dining many times at the school. It wasn’t ever any fun, but that was because they had to pretend to eat off of empty plates, and most of the time he was hungry. And his seatmates took great delight in taking turns kicking him under the table, or knocking his glass off the table to get him in trouble.
He can’t imagine Zack doing something like that. Zack has only ever been nice to him, even when Cloud head-butted him, he didn’t retaliate! He just held Cloud close and comforted him. Cloud blushes again at the memory. He still can’t believe he did that to his alpha! What was he thinking? He wasn't thinking, that was the problem, he was just panicking, but Zack didn’t hold it against him. His heart warms at the memory.
He wonders when they will have sex. Zack hasn’t mentioned it as part of the “sleep-over,” and Cloud wonders if he’s forgotten what having a mate means. Zack keeps talking like they’re just going to be best friends who live together.
He knows sex is an important part of his duty to Zack, but Zack has yet to even mention it to him. The closest he came was asking for a kiss last night… It had been too much at the time, and Cloud had freaked out, but now he can’t help but wonder what kissing Zack would be like.
Zack is so warm when they cuddle together, and his scent does things to Cloud… He felt slick sliding into his underpants several times that day, and he was extremely relieved when Zack suggested freshening up before they left. He’s going to need more underpants if he’s going to go through them at this rate. It’s a good thing they’re going shopping.
Notes:
According to my beta SonicoSenpai, the idea my brain came up with for an original TV show is already a thing, lol :') It's called Loot and it's on Apple TV, but I have no idea if it's any good. Just a fun fact. >^,^<
Just a short chapter for now because the shopping trip became way too long. The rest of it is already written, but I'll wait until the weekend to post it. I hope you enjoy this transitory bit! I personally thought it was too cute to let it get buried under the mountain that is the next part. ^^"
Chapter 12: Clothes for Cloud
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Zack and Cloud walk through a set of glass doors and immediately are greeted by a gust of warm clean air and soft music. It’s a relief to be out of the city air. The stench of mako permeates everything, settling in Cloud’s hair and over his coat. He wonders if Zack will mind if he takes another shower when they get home.
Home. Is he already thinking of that tiny apartment as home? It is certainly better than the dorm he slept in at the school, but he can’t help the pang of longing when he thinks about the trees and meadows of the Nibel mountains, the sharp bite of snow on the air, and the cozy warmth of his mother’s kitchen.
Will he ever see her again? Why couldn’t they reach her earlier? Is she ok? Was she just not able to pay her phone bill, or did something else happen?
“Hey, what’s wrong? You don’t like the store? We can go somewhere else if you like. Cissnei gave me a whole list of stores that give discounts to SOLDIERs!”
Cloud shakes his head. “No, it’s fine.”
Zack is unconvinced. “Are you sure? This is just the closest one. There’s another one just down the street.”
Cloud tries to smile at Zack. “I’m sure. It’s not the store… I was just thinking about something else.”
Zack searches his face suspiciously. Cloud sees his nostrils flaring and wonders how he can still smell Cloud through the stink of mako and motor fuel. It’s still lingering in his own nose, and he can’t smell anything else, though the stench is lessened by entering the store.
Cloud ignores Zack’s gaze and peers curiously around the store. Everywhere he looks there are nothing but racks and racks of clothes. His mouth falls open on its own. How many seamstresses must it have taken to fill an entire store with clothes like this? And the store is huge! It seems to go on forever!
He suddenly remembers his mother complaining about people in Nibelheim who ordered “cheap factory-made clothes” that they then had to keep bringing to her to get fixed. She was amused that they spent more money on repairs than they would have if they had just had her make them something durable in the first place.
He hadn’t really paid attention to her, and now he feels bad. He wonders what she would say if she saw all this. Are all these clothes factory-made?
“Well, if you’re sure you’re alright, why don’t we go look at the shoes first?”
Cloud nods numbly, and Zack pulls him gently along by the hand. Cloud isn’t sure how Zack knows where to go, but soon they’re staring at row upon row of shelves filled with shoes.
Zack hones in on one shelf like he’s on a mission, instructing Cloud to sit down on a little bench nearby and kneeling down in front of him with a weird metal device he grabbed off the shelf. He has Cloud take off his shoes and then uses it to measure Cloud’s feet. It tickles, but Cloud does his best to hold still. He can’t help but like the confident way Zack handles his feet. He hopes Zack doesn’t notice his blush or the smell of the slick that he’s leaking, though that seems unlikely considering their positions. The thought makes Cloud blush even harder, but Zack makes no mention of it.
Zack starts pulling down boxes of shoes off the shelves, and Cloud soon finds himself trying on shoe after shoe. Zack wants him to walk back and forth each time, insisting that they need to be comfortable, and testing the fit by squeezing the front of each pair to make sure they’re not squishing his toes.
Finally Zack is choosing between two shoes of the same style that are only slightly different in color. “Which do you prefer, Cloud? Pink or Grey?”
Cloud is surprised that Zack is asking his opinion, but he points to the grey ones. They’re still pink on the inside and have pink detailing, but the grey will be easier to match with different outfits.
Zack leads the way over to another shelf, and now Cloud is trying on boots. Hiking boots.
“What do I need these for?” Cloud mutters, “I’m not planning on doing any hiking!”
“It’s just in case.”
“In case of what?”
“Um, you know… rain.”
“I see rain boots down at the other end of the shelf, but these aren’t rain boots.”
“Don’t argue with me, Cloud. You need comfortable boots!”
Cloud is taken aback by Zack’s raising his voice. He hasn’t scolded him before for expressing his opinion, but maybe he’s getting impatient with Cloud. It was only a matter of time, but Cloud is disappointed all the same.
Once Zack picks out a pair of hiking boots, he has Cloud trying on rain boots. Cloud bites his lip and dutifully tries them on, until Zack settles on a pair that comes in either brown or black with fur trim. When he again asks Cloud for his opinion, Cloud chooses the black ones.
He declines to have an opinion on the color of socks, so Zack picks out two six packs; one black and one white. Cloud is relieved that they’re soft cotton without lace.
When Zack holds up packets of undies for him to choose from, Cloud blushes hard and shoves the shoe boxes into Zack’s arms, politely asking him to go look at something else while he picks some out. Zack goes to get a cart, telling Cloud to get whatever kind he wants.
Cloud sighs and stares at the shelves full of underwear. Why are there so many different kinds? He’s pretty sure that the general store back home only carried one kind for each beta gender.
He forces himself to examine the pictures on the packets and settles on ones with reasonable coverage with no lace. He’s not sure which size he should get and is still waffling between medium and small when Zack gets back.
“Classic white, eh? Get at least two packets, ok?”
Cloud sighs and chooses the medium ones to put in the cart. It’s better if they’re too big than too small. Maybe he can order more once he knows what size he is. Until then, he can make do, and he still has the packet from the school. If he runs out before laundry day, he can wash them in the bathroom sink.
“Zack?”
“Yeah, Sunshine?”
“When do you usually do laundry?”
“Oh… um, I don’t really have a regular day for laundry. I just do it when my basket is overflowing… Usually on the weekend. It’s kinda a pain cuz if I leave my laundry in the laundromat I get yelled at, so I have to sit there and be bored while I wait for it. If you could join me, we could chat, but I asked Cissnei, and she confirmed that you’re not allowed in the SOLDIER common areas.”
Cloud hums thoughtfully. “So not tonight then?”
Zack grimaces. “Ah, sorry, you must be bothered by the smell. I know I should do it more often, but it just kills me to sit alone down there. Sometimes there’s other guys to talk to, but other times it’s just a big echoey room full of whirring machines... I used to help my mom with laundry day. It was fun! I helped her stir the pot and we sang songs together…”
Cloud heart clenches. Does Zack miss his mother, too? He reaches out and tentatively pats Zack’s arm. Zack pulls him into a hug.
“Aww, it’s alright, Cloudy! Tell you what. I’ll get up early tomorrow and drop off a load. I bet no one will care if I’m hogging the machine during work hours. I can change it during lunch, and then we’ll have clean towels again! Oh! That reminds me! We should buy towels!”
He starts heading away purposefully, and Cloud scrambles to push the cart after him. He’s seen shopping carts on television, but nothing prepared him for how it refuses to move forward in a straight line, fighting with him as he struggles to follow Zack.
Thankfully, Zack stops before going very far and starts pulling coats off of racks and holding them up to Cloud, muttering to himself about the wind. Had he forgotten about the towels already? Will he be mad if Cloud reminds him? He looks around, but doesn’t see towels nearby. He’ll just have to say something if he sees them. He would really like to take that shower tonight. Between the smell of mako and the feel of his own slick, he feels disgusting.
Zack makes him try on several coats before deciding on one that feels like it was made using small pillows full of air. The material is too squishy to have feathers in it, but it reminds Cloud of a quilt. When Zack asks Cloud for a color preference, Cloud chooses black.
“It looks good on you, Spike! It feels really warm, right?”
“Um, yeah. Does it get that cold around Midgar? This seems like the sort of coat you would wear for snowy weather. I haven’t seen snow here yet.”
“Haha! It’s important to be ready for any eventuality!” Zack’s voice cracks like he’s stressed.
Cloud blinks at Zack. Why is his tone of voice so weird? What is he so stressed about? Zack is walking away and humming nonchalantly, and Cloud shrugs in confusion. He must have imagined it. At least the coat is warmer than the one he has on now.
He’s about to put the coat into the cart when he notices the price tag. 120 gil.
He stares in shock before he begins going through the items in the cart, examining each one for the price. The shoes are apparently on sale for 40, but both pairs of boots are 70 gil. Each packet of socks is 10, and the underwear are both 15.
Cloud does some quick math in his head. There’s already 350 gil worth of items in their cart and they only have 1000 gil for both clothes and food!
Zack comes back to him with a puzzled expression on his face. “What’s wrong, Cloudy?”
“Um, I don’t think I need this coat after all. Maybe there’s a less expensive one we could get?”
“This is pretty cheap actually, and any that are cheaper than that will just wear out too quickly. You have to buy quality, Cloud.”
“I know that, but… I already have a coat. I don’t really need this one. Or boots…” His heartbeat picks up at the memory of Zack raising his voice at him over the boots, and he stares at the ground.
Zack sighs. “That coat is only suitable for summer wear. You can use it then, but we’re entering winter soon, and I don’t want you to be miserable. Ok, Cloud? …I’m sorry I yelled at you.”
Cloud bites his lip to keep from crying as Zack pulls him into another hug.
“I’m sorry, baby-doll, don’t cry. I shouldn’t have lost my temper… I just… I want you to have everything you need. Ok?” Zack’s voice is slightly husky.
Cloud nods and brushes tears away from his eyes. “Maybe… maybe we can buy them next time? After you get paid again? I don’t think we can afford all this.”
“Maybe. Let’s leave them in the cart for now. If the total is too much at the checkout, we can always remove some items then, ok?”
Cloud nods and smiles tentatively at Zack, who grins back at him.
“Cheer up, Sunshine! We haven’t even gotten to the fun part yet!”
Cloud blinks. The fun part?
Zack pauses for effect and then gestures dramatically at the next section. “Tada! Jammie time!”
…
There’s a lot of different pajamas to choose from, but Cloud can’t find any that he likes. The only plain colored ones look like the long underwear he used to wear under his clothes in the winter-time back in Nibelheim, and the idea of wearing something so skin tight around Zack makes his ears burn.
Zack gets really excited when he finds some chocobo print pajamas. Cloud is less enthusiastic, and after some needling from Zack, admits that he finds them too childish, but when he sees the disappointment on Zack’s face, he caves. It’s not as if anyone else will ever see them.
Zack pumps his fist and shouts, “Alright! Matching jammies!” like they’re not in the middle of a store and Cloud scurries away from him to hide in the nightgown section in embarrassment.
It isn’t hard for Zack to find him, and he sidles up to Cloud to scent his hair and ask what’s wrong. Cloud insists that nothing’s wrong, he just really wants to have a proper night-gown as well. Zack finds a blue one with fluffy white flowers on it that he excitedly mistakes for clouds. Cloud shrugs. It’s not an ugly nightie, and at least it’s not made of anything scandalous like silk.
Cloud adds the expenses to the total in his head after checking the prices. Two pajama sets at 30 each, plus the nightgown for 20 is 80 gil. That brings the total of items in the cart to 430 gil .
Zack adds bathrobes for both of them. A blue one for Cloud and a green one for Zack. 30 each comes to 490 gil. How are they at almost 500 gil already?! There’s an anxious churning in his gut.
Zack is debating whether he should get slippers for Cloud, but Cloud is adamant that the socks they already got are perfectly adequate, and further states that he won’t wear the slippers even if Zack buys them. He’s relieved when Zack puts the chocobo slippers back on the shelf with a muttered, “Maybe next time”.
Cloud hopes they're out of stock next time.
Down another aisle, they find towels, and Cloud has to talk Zack out of piling more than one new set into the cart. Zack chooses a blue that matches Cloud’s robe. It’s 35 gil, which makes the total 525 gil.
The next aisle over they find various blankets of all sizes. Zack declares that they need “a lot!” of blankets for Cloud’s nest. Cloud begs him to keep his voice down and they proceed to have a half-whispered argument about whether he even needs a nest.
Zack is certain that he does need one, but when pressed, he reveals that everything he learned about omegas comes from romantic movies that his mother watched or snippets of conversation between his mother and her friends that he’d barely even been paying attention to. Cloud points out that he is the omega here, so really, he should be considered the expert on the subject.
Zack pouts until he spots a small blue and pink blanket and after touching it, holds it up to Cloud’s cheek, insisting that Cloud needs at least one “super soft” blanket. The blanket is indeed super soft, and Cloud only just barely holds himself back from rubbing his face on it. Zack’s face lights up, and he is incredibly smug as he adds two of them to the cart, but Cloud sneaks one back when Zack isn’t looking. They’re on sale for 30, bringing the total to 555 gil.
Zack debates whether they should get some more sheets, but Cloud points out that if they’re planning on getting a new bed, they should wait to get sheets to fit it. Zack admits that this makes sense, but insists on buying Cloud his own pillow. Cloud flushes with embarrassment as he remembers that he had stolen Zack’s pillow last night. At least It’s only 15 gil, making the total 570 gil.
Then they’re moving back into the clothing section, and Zack wants to buy Cloud more dresses. Cloud tries to insist that he already has two dresses and doesn’t need any more, but Zack puts his hands on his hips and declares that they’re not leaving the store until Cloud has a different outfit for each day of the week!
Cloud is too tired to argue with him, and nervous about doing so when Zack is so set in his mind about it. Though he wonders what he needs so many outfits for when he can’t leave the apartment without Zack. At least they’re in a section devoted to dresses, though as he looks through them, he’s increasingly frustrated that he can’t find anything that isn’t incredibly short or otherwise revealing.
If the women back in Nibelheim saw him in any of these, they would call him a whore and throw things at him for being a temptation to their men. He knows things are different in the big city, but he’s still anxious at the thought of strangers ogling his thighs.
He’s about to give up and tell Zack that he just won’t leave the apartment ever again when he finds a light blue dress with the sort of print that reminds him of something his mother would wear. It’s still on the shorter side, but it almost reaches his knees, which makes it a much more acceptable length, though he’s afraid it will ride up quite a bit when he sits down.
He shows it to Zack who makes a weird face. “Are you sure, Cloudy? Isn’t it a bit… old fashioned?”
Cloud frowns. This is still far more risque than something his mother would wear. Is Zack calling his mother’s taste old fashioned?
“Ok! Ok!” Zack is backing off with his hands raised. “No need to glare! I’m sure it will look cute on you!”
Cloud winces and works to school his face into a more pleasant shape. It’s not as if Nibelheim fashion isn’t old fashioned… Zack probably didn’t mean to insult his mother. But regardless of that, he should not be glaring at his alpha!
Zack grabs a few items off a pile of stuff that he’d apparently collected from wandering around while Cloud was looking at dresses and holds them up to Cloud’s waist to show him. “Look! Aren’t these cute? I bet you’d look good in pink, Cloud!”
Cloud eyes the short pink skirts that only come up to the half-way point on his thighs and concentrates on keeping his face pleasant. One is bright pink in a pleated style with a belt, and the other made of delicate layers of nearly see through material paired with layers of lace. Neither is something Cloud would ever choose for himself.
Zack is giving him a hopeful look that makes his eyes appear bigger, and Cloud finds himself blushing as he mumbles his agreement. Why is Zack so cute? That’s cheating!
He supposes that if he just wears them for Zack it won’t be that big a deal if his thighs are showing. He’s supposed to keep his alpha happy after all.
Before he can check the prices, Zack is holding up a soft blue sweater for his approval. Then two black tops, which both say “Nope, not today” on the front, though one is a sweat shirt and the other is a t-shirt. There’s another t-shirt in a dark blue with the words, “I’m Not Short, I’m Fun Sized” in bold letters on the front. All presented with the same puppy-dog eyes, and Cloud is too worn down to refuse him.
Cloud counts the items and adds them up. Somehow the dress is only 20 gil, but the skirts are 35 and 45 each?! How does that make sense when the dress is a whole outfit, but a skirt is only half of one? The sweater is 25 and the other three tops are 20 each. That comes to… he’s forgotten what his total was. It was at least 550 something. If he adds all these items that’s… over 750 gil. His stomach sinks and he starts to feel even more anxious. If they don’t stop soon, they’re not going to have any money left for groceries.
Zack is cheerfully rummaging through the racks in yet another section. “Cloud! They have tunics here! Most of the male omegas in my village wore this sort of thing. Look! Isn’t this one cute?”
Cloud eyes the garment critically. “It’s just a long shirt! I can’t wear something like that! It will barely cover my bum!”
“Oh! Don’t worry about that! You’re supposed to wear it with jeans or leggings!”
Cloud frowns. “The teachers at the school said that it’s inappropriate for an omega to wear jeans.”
Zack’s expression shifts from excited to angry so fast that Cloud takes a step back.
“Then we’re definitely getting you at least one pair! That’s ridiculous! Everyone wears jeans, even my mom!”
Cloud bites his lip and watches Zack storm off to a nearby section filled with jeans and other types of pants. Did Cloud accidentally insult Zack’s mother? Suddenly this shopping trip is feeling more and more like a mine-field than a fun excursion.
“Come on, Cloud! We’ll show those bitches a thing or two about fashion!”
Cloud follows obediently, leaving the cart behind. There’s hardly anyone else around so he doubts anyone will take it. Zack holds up several pairs of jeans to Cloud’s legs before telling Cloud to choose at least two.
Cloud checks the price tags and is shocked to see that they cost an average of 50 or 70 gil! Thankfully he finds a pair that’s on sale for 40 and brings it to the cart, hoping that Zack won’t notice that he only chose one pair.
Zack shows up with several pairs of white leggings and black leggings and dumps them in the cart on top of the jeans. Cloud breathes an anxious sigh as Zack goes back to perusing the tunics and checks the price on the leggings while his back is turned. Some of them are 15, but others are 20, and there’s seven of them. That’s almost 100 gil.
Cloud sneaks the 20 gil leggings out of the cart and stuffs them under a nearby pile of unfolded t-shirts. Now there’s only four left. Two of each color. That’s only 60 gil, together with the jeans makes…100, bringing the total to over 850.
Zack doesn’t appear to be slowing down, he’s pulling out tunic after tunic, and Cloud goes to examine each one before shaking his head and putting it back for being too “manly” or “ugly”. Any excuse he can think of, until Zack starts pouting and drooping dejectedly. Then he sighs and starts searching for himself until he finds two that are acceptably feminine. Both are blue and are more like really short dresses than shirts. One of them even has pockets. Zack gives them both a big thumbs up.
They’re 40 and 45 respectively, which brings the total to… something like 950. His brain is too tired to figure it out. He counts his outfits again, and realizes that he now has at least six. Added to the two dresses from the school, that makes more than seven Zack had proscribed, but he’s not sure what he can get away with getting rid of without Zack noticing.
He finds Zack examining purses nearby and looking slightly stressed.
“I never knew there were so many different kinds of purses…” he mutters more to himself than Cloud, scrubbing the back of his head.
“I don’t need a purse, Zack.”
“Yeah, you do! Most of your outfits don’t have pockets! You need something to carry your stuff!”
“Zack, the new coat you got me has really deep pockets. I think I’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, but that’s a winter coat! What about when summer comes and it’s too hot out?”
“Then you can buy me a purse in the summer, Zack! We’ve already got over 900 gil worth of stuff in the cart! We can’t afford groceries at this point!”
Zack gives him a surprised look. “What?! Really? How do you know?”
“Because I’ve been adding it up as we go. Please, Zack… food is really expensive in Midgar, right? Don’t we need to prioritize that right now? We can always come back for some of this stuff.”
“Yeah… but we might not find the same stuff…”
Cloud shrugs. “That doesn’t bother me.”
“Yeah, but then we’d have to come back and do this all over again! I mean, it was fun this time, don’t get me wrong. It was kinda like a fetch quest! I just was hoping that we could spend our weekends doing other stuff you know? Dates and video games and uh… you know.”
Cloud stares blankly at him for a moment before realizing that he’s talking about sex. His face and his whole body heats up so much that he starts to feel a headache coming on. He turns away from Zack and considers the purse display without really seeing it.
It’s not that he isn’t interested in the prospect of experiencing sex with his mate, with Zack, who smells so good, makes him feel good so easily with touch and word, and has already made so much effort to make Cloud feel safe. But taking that first step is still a scary unknown. He doesn’t want to think about that right now.
“Right. Right, well… we should start figuring out what we’re leaving behind. There’s way more stuff in here than we need.”
He hears Zack sigh before rustling around with the clothes in the cart. He turns to watch, anxious Zack will comment on the missing jeans or blanket, but Zack shows no sign of noticing. His face is morose as he pulls out item after item, only to put it back, shaking his head.
Cloud sighs and reaches in to pull out the blue robe. “I don’t need this. I can dry off in the bathroom and change into my clothes while I’m in there. I’ve never had one before, so I don’t see why I’d need one now... I’m not going to lounge around in a robe like some rich asshole from a television show anyway.”
Zack nods slowly and removes his own robe as well. It’s a start, but nowhere near enough. Cloud takes a deep breath to fortify himself and reaches in to pull out the box with the hiking boots. Zack scowls, but Cloud sets his shoulders stubbornly and hurries to speak.
“Didn’t you hear what Cissnei said? I can’t leave Midgar! When am I ever going to need hiking boots?” He tries to soften his tone, “Do you like hiking or something? Is that why it’s so important to you?”
Zack makes a face, “Naw, hiking is the worst! They make us go on hikes around Midgar for training sometimes. It’s just the same dry ugly landscape everywhere you look, but it’s full of monsters. It’s either too hot or too cold and it’s exhausting! They never let us rest or anything! Gotta keep moving, gotta stay alert, gotta be ready to fight at any moment!”
His tone of voice changes to take on a gruff tone. “This is nothing compared to the battlefield, pups! The enemy isn’t gonna care if you’re tired, pups! We’re taking it easy on you lazy louts! Better build your endurance now, or you’ll wind up dead!” He sighs and droops a little, but his tone is still angry. “They just enjoy torturing us! Thank the gods I’m a Second now and they’ll give me actual missions instead of that crap! Even running laps is better!”
Cloud is taken aback by the long rant. Zack is working himself up into a state, and Cloud freezes trying not to bring himself to the now angry alpha’s attention. Zack’s gaze turns to him sharply with a look of concern, and Cloud takes an involuntary step back.
Zack’s face softens immediately. “Oh gods! I’m sorry, Cloudy! I didn’t mean to scare you! Come here.” Zack reaches out and pulls a stiff Cloud into his arms, where he begins scenting his hair gently. “I’m sorry, I was just letting off some steam. I’m not mad at you, I promise! Ok?”
He keeps murmuring sweet nothings into Cloud’s ears as he rubs his back with his hand and scents his hair. It takes Cloud a couple minutes to relax enough to realize that they’re being watched by the few shoppers that are nearby and he closes his eyes to shut them out, pushing gently at Zack to get him to stop.
“Ok, ok, I get it. Please stop. People are staring.”
“Aww, let them stare. They’re just jealous of how good we look together!”
“I doubt it.”
“What, you don’t think I look good?”
Cloud sighs. “Are you really fishing for compliments right now? We need to deal with the cart situation, it’s probably almost dinner time already!”
“Sir, yes sir!”
Zack snaps to attention, arms at his side, staring straight ahead for a second, before his eyes betray him by sliding to the side to look at Cloud. His whole face crinkles up into a laugh and he grins at Cloud.
Cloud is struggling to keep his face stern when Zack’s expression abruptly changes to a sad one as he reaches out to touch Cloud’s collar.
“You’re right… We don’t have a use for hiking boots. We’ll leave them here.”
Cloud blinks. Why did Zack’s mood change so suddenly? And why did he touch his collar? What does that have to do with the boots? Is it because he can’t leave Midgar? But didn’t he just say he hated hiking? Cloud is confused, but when he looks at Zack his face is cheerful again as he sets the boot box down next to a rack of dresses. He smiles at Cloud and gestures towards the cart.
“Is that enough, or do we need to get rid of anything else?”
Cloud checks the price on the robes again, and adds it to the price of the boots. Only 130, it’s definitely not enough. He reaches for the jeans.
“Not the jeans, Cloud!” Zack’s voice comes out as more of a whine than a command.
Cloud hesitates for a second before stating, “I won’t wear them anyway, Zack.”
Zack sighs dejectedly and motions for Cloud to remove them, letting his whole body droop dramatically. “We’ll be back for those.” Zack mutters under his breath. Cloud isn’t sure why he’s so attached to the jeans, but at least Zack’s being reasonable for now.
Next Cloud tries to remove the tunics, but Zack stops him with a hand on his arm. “Not those! It took us so long to find ones you like! Pick something else.”
Cloud nods and after some thought, takes out the package of white socks and one packet of underwear.
“Cloud… those are basics! We can’t skimp on those!”
“Yeah, but I already have a packet of each back home. We can always come back for a quick trip to get more of those. Besides, I’m not sure if they’re the right size. I should try them on before buying a large amount.”
Zack winces. “I guess that makes sense. What’s the total now?”
Cloud shakes his head. “I’m not sure anymore, but I’m sure there must be something else we can get rid of.” He pulls out the black t-shirt and the sweatshirt. “I don’t need two shirts with the same exact design.”
Zack frowns, “Yeah, but one is for when you’re cold, and the other is for when you’re hot!”
“Your apartment is usually air-conditioned, right? It’s too cold to wear a t-shirt anyway.”
Zack shakes his head vehemently. “But what about when you exercise? I usually don’t wear a shirt to do my morning exercises, but you might feel too shy for that!”
Cloud pauses, considering. “You want me to exercise with you?”
“Uh… uh, yeah! That would be fun! I could ask Angeal to set up a routine for you! He knows all about body-weight and that kind of stuff! He would know what a good starting point would be for you!”
Cloud makes a face. Has Zack already forgotten about the argument with Angeal earlier today? He remembers Zack shouting into his PHS that he would never return Cloud to the school, and there’s a curdle of anxiety in his stomach at the thought Zack’s mentor would ask that of him, and that Zack might let himself be persuaded if his mentor doesn’t let up. Zack obviously looks up to the man a lot, and Cloud can’t help a frisson of jealousy.
He wishes that, in this case, Zack would be a little less forgiving. Cloud certainly sees no reason why he should forgive Angeal. The man hadn’t even met Cloud yet and he was already trying to turn Zack against him! What did he have against omegas, anyway??
“What’s wrong, Cloud? Why’re you mad?”
Cloud huffs. “I’m not mad.”
Zack tilts his head at him in confusion, but Cloud turns away to dig through the cart some more.
“Aww, come on, Cloud, talk to me. I promise I won’t bite…”
Cloud shrugs him off. “It’s nothing.”
“Do you not want to get up early to exercise with me? It’s ok if you don’t. I wish I could sleep in! I can still get Angeal to set up a routine for you to do later, if you want?”
“Not interested.”
“Huh? Why not? Do you already have a routine?”
“Nope.”
Zack frowns and puts his hands on his hips. “That’s no good, Cloud! You gotta do some exercise every day or it will affect your health!”
Cloud sighs. “I’ll figure something out, ok? Here, put these back.”
He hands Zack two pairs of leggings, but Zack frowns and pushes them back at him. “Uh uh, Cloud, you need those to keep you warm in the apartment while I’m gone all day. I can’t leave the AC off or the air will get too stale!”
Cloud sighs, he should have just snuck them out while Zack wasn’t looking. He pulls out the two pink skirts. “Ok, but I don’t need two of these, right?”
Zack is already pouting. “Yeah, but they’re both such different styles! I couldn't decide which one would look better on you! I’ll be forever haunted if I don’t get to see you in them both, Cloud!”
Cloud turns away from Zack to roll his eyes. Now he’s really being dramatic! He considers the options in the cart before making one last plea.
“What about these sneakers? The rain-boots can be worn in any weather, so I don’t really think I need both…”
Zack is already shaking his head. “We need to do a lot of walking to get around Midgar. It’s important to have comfortable shoes so you don’t get blisters! I want you to change into them as soon as we buy them, so you’ll be comfortable when we go grocery shopping.”
Cloud sighs. Zack has an answer ready for everything. He eyes the blue t-shirt. He’s not a fan of the message printed on it (he is not short, thank you! He is growing!) but Zack probably thinks it’s really funny and won’t want to part with it.
Two t-shirts is not enough if he’s supposed to exercise everyday anyway, but he’s not about to point that out to Zack now. He can exercise topless while Zack is at work.
They may as well head for the cashier now before Zack finds something else that will “haunt him forever” if he doesn’t buy it for Cloud. Cloud starts purposefully trying to push the cart towards the cashier, but it fights him as if it wants to keep shopping too. Thankfully, Zack comes to help him with it.
They’ve almost made it to the cashier, when Zack stops and exclaims over a display featuring hats and gloves. He picks out a set that includes a pink and grey scarf with matching hat and gloves, declaring that they definitely need it. The cashier is right there, so Cloud doesn’t dare argue while they’re within hearing distance. He quickly checks the price, and the whole set is 40 gil, which he supposes is a good deal.
Zack is happily chatting with the cashier about how they were just married yesterday, and she’s cooing about how cute they are and about how sweet Zack is to buy his omega so many cute outfits. Cloud tries to hide his blush by examining the snacks on sale by the register while Zack visibly preens at her praise.
Cloud doesn’t realize his mistake until Zack plucks two Chocosticks out of the display in front of him and adds them to the conveyor belt that quickly carries everything to the cashier, who uses a beeping wand to add everything up in a quick practiced manner. She adds everything up, and it comes to 790 gil. 10% comes off for the SOLDIER discount, making the total 711 gil.
Zack pays the 711 gil without so much as pausing with his chatter. He sets aside the shoes, the new coat, and the glove set, and then pays another 10 gil to have everything else, including Cloud’s old coat and scarf, delivered to the tower for them while they continue on to grocery shopping.
721 gil, just like that, and most of it on unnecessary stuff.
Zack directs Cloud to a nearby bench just outside the store, where Cloud slumps, suddenly too tired to sit up straight like he’s supposed to. He can’t believe how much money Zack spent on him without batting an eye. His eyes start to tear up as Zack pulls his shoes off, giving them a quick rub before slipping on the new ones.
“Hey now! What’s wrong? Do your feet already hurt? I should’ve had you change earlier, I’m sorry.” Zack is looking up at him with concern.
Cloud shakes his head. There’s no point in telling Zack that he’s stressed about the money they spent now. It’s already done. He just hopes they have enough money for food until Zack’s next paycheck, whenever that is. He hopes it isn’t too far off.
“Hey, it’s gonna be ok! I promise! If we have to skip eating out tonight, it’s fine. We’ll pick up some goodies at the supermarket, alright? Here, eat your Chocostick. You must be tired, huh?”
Zack hands him a chocolate bar and sits down next to him, ruffling Cloud’s hair before pulling him close under his arm and resting his chin on Cloud’s head. Predictably he starts rubbing his scent into Cloud’s hair again.
Cloud sighs and takes a nibble of his chocolate. Zack’s scent washes over him, and like this, it’s easier to just breathe it in and pretend that nothing else exists. He wishes that were true. Life would be a lot easier if they didn’t have to worry about gil all the time.
Maybe that’s why Zack is always in a good mood. He doesn’t seem to worry about anything!
Notes:
I've changed my mind about the direction of the next chapter, so no promises that it will be ready soon.
I have examples for some of Cloud's clothes on my Bluesky!
https://bsky.app/profile/siuolacii.bsky.social/post/3lm3wrxhtms23
Chapter 13: Puppies are not Immune to Anxiety
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Zack is worried about Cloud.
He’s clearly exhausted after all the running around they did today.
Zack had probably been too ambitious with his plans, and forgotten to account for Cloud not being enhanced. He’ll have to remember to be more aware about that in the future. Cloud had already been tired by the time they started grocery shopping, but now he’s practically drooping.
Zack keeps his pace slow so that Cloud can easily keep up. One of Cloud’s hands still grips Zack’s belt where Zack had placed it. He would prefer to hold Cloud’s hand, of course, but both his shoulders and his hands are weighed down by heavy canvas grocery bags.
“Almost there, Cloudy!” He tries to keep his voice light and encouraging.
Cloud gives an answering grunt and stoically continues to place one foot in front of the other.
They’re probably not going to be able to play video games tonight after all.
The urge to drop everything and rush his omega home to his nest is so strong that Zack has to keep reminding himself that these are the only groceries they have for the next two weeks.
He clutches the bags harder at the thought. It’s important that Cloud gets the nourishment that he needs. Zack knows that they can’t have pups yet, but nevertheless, the worry that they might not have enough food is giving him heartburn.
The grocery store had turned out to be more stressful than Zack had ever thought possible. He had loaded up the cart with what he had thought was a reasonable amount of food and snacks for two people for two weeks, only to have to take out over half of it when it became apparent that they didn’t have enough money for it all.
The store clerk had been really annoyed about it too. Zack’s face burns with embarrassment at the thought of her annoyed sighs and sarcastic comments. Her attitude certainly hadn’t helped his stress as he tried to do the math for how much food they could get rid of and still be able to eat balanced meals.
He had ended up getting rid of all of the snacks, and even worse, all of the microwavable meals that he usually eats, but after counting carefully a few times, he’s pretty sure they have enough instant oatmeal and ramen to get through the next couple of weeks. They’ll probably run out of bread and milk, and possibly cheese, but they do have about 20 gil left to buy more next week.
The most important thing is that he managed to keep the sausages, the fruit, and some veggies. As long as they have those, he won’t have to worry about Cloud getting enough nutrients, though it sucks that they won’t have much variety outside of lunch for a while.
He’s thankful that he’s already arranged to have cafeteria food delivered for Cloud’s lunch. There’s no way their remaining budget after they finished clothes shopping would have stretched far enough for lunches as well. Shinra’s free lunch is a life-saver.
They finally enter the doors to the Shinra tower and Zack sighs in relief. He gives Cloud a quick glance, but Cloud doesn’t so much as lift his head, his eyes glazed as stares at nothing. He bumps into Zack slightly when he slows down.
Zack glances over at the security detail and is relieved when one of them gives him a nod. The chip in Cloud’s collar is functioning as it should, and they’re both cleared to enter. After the hassle of dealing with all of that earlier today, it’s a relief to know that they’re good to go. He nods back to the security guard and lengthens his stride slightly to reach the elevators quickly.
He has to put down the bags in order to call the elevator, but it’s a relief not to have the heavy straps digging into his palms and shoulders. It’s certainly more bags than he usually has to carry, and not just because there’s two of them now. He doesn’t usually shop for two weeks all at once, but he was counting on the cash register to help him with the math. He didn’t want to spend too much on the first week and then not have enough for the second.
Maybe the way Angeal shops with a calculator is not so ridiculous after all.
The elevator arrives and Zack nudges Cloud to enter first before hauling the bags in after and letting them rest on the floor. Cloud leans heavily against the elevator wall and closes his eyes, groaning softly when the elevator starts to make its ascent.
“You alright there, Cloudy?” Zack can’t help the worried query despite Cloud’s face scrunching up in a way that shows he is definitely not alright.
“I’m fine.”
Zack sincerely doubts that, but before he can say anything the elevator door is opening onto their floor. The low beats of competing music immediately assault his ears and his bones, and he sees Cloud wince.
Most of the Seconds housed on their floor seem to be doing their usual routine of making the weekend evening last as long as possible by playing music loudly with their doors open while wandering from one apartment to the next with beers in hand, turning the whole floor into a discordant party.
“Hey, it’s Fair! Where you been, man! Come drink with us!”
“Hey! Got any beers in there?”
“Gaia, Fair! What’d you do, buy the whole store?”
The greetings hold the same energy as they usually do, friendly and bantering, until one of them spots Cloud as he comes out of the elevator.
“Holy shit, dude! You brought a date with you?”
“Wait, is that an omega collar?”
“You got an omega, Fair? What the fuck! You’ve only been a Second for two weeks!”
“Wow, his hair’s messier than yours! I didn’t think that was possible!”
“Hey, lemme see!”
They start crowding around, and before Zack knows what he’s doing, he’s baring his teeth and growling. The other Seconds back off immediately, stunned looks on their faces. Zack is immediately embarrassed as he realizes that his behavior is rude, but at the same time, he’s certain that if they don’t keep their distance from Cloud that he’s gonna really lose it.
“Fucking hell, Fair! You going into rut or something?”
“No…” He manages to grit out between his teeth. He’s pretty sure he’s not. At least, he hadn’t noticed any symptoms earlier, but he has to admit that right now, he is feeling unusually aggressive. He really hopes he isn’t going into rut. That’s the last thing he needs right now.
“Just… back off, ok?”
“Yeah, Shiva’s tits, man. It’s not that serious.”
Zack feels his irritation ramp up as other Seconds voice similar opinions as they clear the hallway.
Cloud’s safety is paramount. He’s never felt more serious about anything in his life. How dare they say it’s not serious? They don’t understand.
He takes a step back to grab Cloud’s arm, pulling him as quickly as he can without hurting him to their own closed doorway, while keeping his body in-between him and his neighbors. He searches frantically for his keycard before Cloud reaches into the top of his boot and pulls it out for him.
Right, he’d put it there for safe-keeping. He flashes a quick grin at Cloud, who only regards him with wide anxious eyes, and Zack grimaces as he glances at the faces watching them from nearby doorways.
Damnit, now he’s scared Cloud as well as alienated his neighbors. He’s going to have a lot of apologizing to do, but for now he’s just relieved to get Cloud home safe and the door shut behind them.
They stand in the relative quiet of the small entryway of his apartment, and Zack leans back against the door, trying to ignore the jibes he can hear coming his way from the other Seconds in the hall.
“Um…”
Cloud stops almost as soon as he begins. He takes off his coat while trying not to trip over the boxes piled in the entry that must be their purchases delivered from the clothing store.
“Hey Fair! You forgot your groceries!”
Zack shoots upright and dashes out the door immediately, but thankfully, everything is still there. One of his more friendly neighbors is standing near the bags stranded on the floor by the elevator.
“You alright, man?”
“Yeah, sorry, it’s just been a long day… I’ll buy everyone a beer on payday.” Zack replies gruffly.
…
When he gets back inside, Cloud is nowhere to be seen, but his coat and collar are hanging from one of the pegs, and Zack can hear water running in the bathroom.
Well, at least Cloud seems to have woken up some if he’s able to move that quickly. He’d like to use the toilet himself, but it’s not an emergency. He ignores the boxes on the floor for now, stepping over them as he carries the groceries into the kitchen.
Getting the cold food into the refrigerator is a priority. He separates out everything that should be immediately refrigerated and then eyes his mini-fridge speculatively.
He had tried to keep refrigerated items to a minimum after Cloud had reminded him of how small his fridge was half-way through the store. They had put a lot of things back even before getting to the cash register, but looking at his fridge now, he can’t help but think that maybe it shrank since he last saw it. He’s going to have a hard time fitting everything in there.
They’re probably going to need to get a bigger fridge. He eyes the open space near the entry hall, where one could fit next to the cupboards. At least there’s a spot for it, but if they need to get a fridge, then the purchase of a bigger bed is definitely going to have to wait.
Zack sighs, it looks like he’ll be sleeping on the couch for a while longer. He had been looking forward to cuddling with Cloud in bed, but ensuring that Cloud has enough food is more important.
He begins determinedly arranging food to try to get it to fit. He can leave most of the fruit on the counter for now. Apples, oranges, bananas, and even tomatoes can sit out for a while. And if he puts most of the sausages in the freezer… voila! Now everything fits! Turns out it was a good thing he wasn’t able to get frozen dumplings or ice-cream after all!
A slight sound grabs his attention, and he glances over just in time to see Cloud peeking at him from behind the bedroom door jam. Cloud immediately pulls back out of sight, and Zack can’t help but chuckle even as it breaks his heart a little bit to see Cloud acting scared of him again.
Cloud is just too cute!
“Hey Cloud! Come see how much stuff I got to fit in here!”
Cloud comes meekly out from hiding, slightly red faced with his hands clasped together. He glances at the fruit on the counter with a slight frown, but doesn’t comment on it.
“Don’t worry about the fruit! It’ll be fine for a few days, especially with the AC on! And there will be even more room after we eat tonight's dinner! Why don’t you get your new jammies on while I get dinner ready, alright?”
“Um…”
Zack waits expectantly for a moment, before reaching out to gently take one of Cloud’s hands, looking up at him from where he’s crouched in front of the mini-fridge.
“What’s wrong, Cloudy?”
“Are you… going into rut?”
Zack chokes out a pained laugh. “No, Cloud. I just… got a bit stressed out there with everyone crowding around. I guess my protective instincts kicked in! Ha ha! I didn’t mean to scare you… I’m sorry, ok?”
Cloud nods, and his posture relaxes. “Ok.”
Zack grins and jumps up to hug Cloud close. “I generally only get my rut once a year, and I only just had it a few months ago, so I won’t be due for a while. You don’t have to worry about it for now, ok?”
Cloud nods again and hugs Zack back. Zack smiles and rubs his chin over Cloud’s hair, sighing contentedly at their combined scents. It’s so good to be back home with Cloud. It’s like he can feel the stress from earlier leaving his body. He’d like to stay like this forever, but he can feel his stomach starting to grumble. He should really get started on dinner.
“Let’s open up the boxes and look for your jammies alright?”
“Alright.”
They find the jammies in the second box they search, along with the towels. Cloud hesitantly requests a shower. Zack is a little baffled that he’s asking permission, but glad that it reminds him to use the bathroom real quick. He also realizes that he forgot to think about bathing products. Don’t omegas prefer more flowery smells? Cloud assures him that he doesn’t mind, but Zack starts a new list on his PHS with ‘omega shampoo’ at the top.
For dinner, he made sure they’ll have something special. A whole roasted chicken! Usually Zack could eat the whole thing by himself, but he pulls all the meat off the carcass and divides it into two bowls.
He considers the bones for a second. Angeal always uses stuff like this to make soup, but Zack doesn’t have any kind of stove to stew it on. He should probably get one of those portable stoves that can sit on top of a counter. It would really open up their possible food options, but for now he’s going to have to throw the bones away.
Angeal certainly wouldn’t approve, but he doubts the bones will keep for two weeks till he can afford to get something like that. He tosses them in the trash and makes a mental note to take it out tonight so it doesn’t smell up the apartment.
He adds ‘fridge’ and ‘stove’ to his new list, and after a moment's thought, ‘rice cooker’. He’s been meaning to get one for some time, but somehow always forgot. It was easier to use the microwavable rice packets that were done in 3 minutes anyway, but being able to buy dried rice in bulk would be a lot less expensive. If he learned anything at the grocery store today, it’s that he has to be more economical.
He quickly chops up a couple cucumbers and tomatoes and lightly seasons them so they won’t be too spicy for Cloud, and adds it to the side of their bowls of chicken. It’s a shame they don’t have any rice, but he cuts up some thick bread, and spoons out some yogurt over the vegetables, adds some hot sauce to his own bowl, and dinner is ready.
He smiles thinking it turned out better than he thought it would, but when he goes to set up the table he realizes that he forgot it was too small for the both of them.
Right, well, that’s yet another thing they need to buy before the bigger bed. He wonders how much everything is going to cost. It would be nice if there was some way of knowing how much stuff was going to cost before going to the store, so they could plan ahead.
He adds ‘table’ to his list and considers his couch set-up before adding ‘folding chairs’ and ‘couch wheels’. He isn’t sure if Cloud would prefer chairs over the couch, but he can ask him when he gets out of the shower. And whether or not they need to move the couch for the table, being able to move it easily will make more room for if they do end up exercising together.
He hopes they do. Exercising with a buddy is always more fun than doing it alone. And the thought of seeing Cloud all hot and sweaty certainly has a nice appeal to it.
He hears the shower shut off, and he shakes himself out of his horny thoughts. Now is not the time for that! This is their first date, and Cloud is a proper country boy, not some jaded city girl. He needs to romance him first!
He should have bought candles! Romance is important, and nothing says romance better than a candlelit dinner!
Well, there’s nothing to be done about that now, but at least he still has the bottle of champagne. They hadn’t been able to get any beer or soda at the store, but he had stubbornly kept the champagne bottle.
It wasn’t anything expensive. Just some 20 gil champagne, but he had been determined to get it after finding those champagne candies in his pockets earlier today. He’s pretty sure they came from the headmistress at Cloud’s school, and he couldn’t help but feel offended that she thought they needed candy to celebrate when Zack is old enough to buy alcohol!
Cloud isn’t legally drinking age yet, but having a glass in his own home shouldn’t be a big deal. Zack was already going to parties at that age. No one cared if a SOLDIER Third drank alcohol brought to a party by SOLDIER Seconds.
Ok, well, Angeal could be a real killjoy about it, but it wasn’t like a Second or a Third would have the audacity to invite a First to a party. Angeal didn’t need to be such an ass about running them around the next day when they had a hangover though.
It wasn’t like the effects even lasted that long unless he’d gotten really carried away and taken too many shots on a dare. Which, of course, a lot of Seconds thought was a really funny thing to do to a Third, but Zack isn’t gonna be a jerk like that now that he is a Second.
Zack carefully arranges their bowls on the tiny folding table so that they all fit, and balances the bread slices against the bowls. He searches around for a bottle opener, and is relieved to find one.
Cloud comes out wearing his blue jammies with yellow chocobos on them, rubbing his hair with a towel and making it stand up even more than usual. Zack grabs his phone to take a picture and Cloud scowls at him.
Zack is delighted that Cloud is feeling safe enough to show his grumpy side again and gives Cloud a quick squeeze before asking him to wait while he changes into his own jammies so they can take a selfie.
When he comes out in his green jammies with yellow chocobos, Cloud is searching through the boxes. He’s found the pillow and the blanket and set them aside while he searches for something else.
Zack realizes with a start that they forgot to get a pillow case for Cloud’s pillow and adds that to his list. He’ll let Cloud use his for now.
Cloud finds the packet of socks and opens it up to put on a pair before grudgingly joining Zack for a “Jammie selfie!” Cloud’s pout is so adorable! Zack adds ‘picture frames’ to his list.
…
They watch a TV show while they’re eating, and Cloud seems fascinated by it, moving his spoon slowly between his bowl and his mouth without taking his eyes off the screen. Zack scarfs his meal down quickly and then daydreams about eating just one more slice of bread… but if he eats two slices of bread with every meal, then there won’t be enough for both of them for the rest of the week.
He grabs two oranges instead, putting one by Cloud’s bowl for his dessert, and trying to eat his own as slowly as possible, but before he knows it, it’s gone.
He sighs and tries to focus on the show, running his fingers through Cloud’s hair. Eating less in theory had seemed like a good idea, but now he wonders how he’s going to manage. At least his stomach isn’t twisting painfully anymore, but there’s a lack of satisfaction that eats at him.
He places his nose into Cloud’s clean hair and breathes deep before beginning to rub his own scent into his hair again. Cloud relaxes slightly onto his chest, and Zack begins purring. It soothes some of his own anxiety, and when Cloud puts his spoon down and begins purring as well, Zack feels like he’s in paradise.
He grabs Cloud’s orange and peels it for him, handing it to him section by section until it’s gone. It’s so cute the way Cloud takes them right out of his fingers with his mouth! He wishes Cloud’s lips would touch his fingers, but he supposes it’s best that they don’t. He doesn’t need an erection right now, although he’s half hard just at the thought of Cloud’s lips.
When Cloud’s purrs morph into snores, Zack isn’t really surprised. It’s been a long day.
So much has happened, he’s not even sure what they even did today. They did a shit ton of shopping, and before that was that whole ordeal at the office. Cissnei had seemed nice. Not what you’d expect from the stories you hear about Turks. And it had been a good thing she was there to handle that creep. It gets his blood boiling just thinking about it.
Before all that, Kunsel came over this morning, and they had that long talk that nearly convinced him to run away from dreams and honor alike. Oh, and he had an argument with Angeal before that… Zack wonders if he should call him to talk about things, now that they’ve both had a chance to calm down. But it’s dinner time, so he’s probably with Genesis right now. He shouldn’t bother him while he’s with his mate.
Zack pulls his sleeping mate closer and kisses his hair. He can still hardly believe that he’s now a married man, and this beautiful and sweet omega is his forever. It seems too good to be true, yet Cloud’s warmth rests heavily against his chest, his nose buried in the folds of Zack’s shirt, his spiky hair tickling Zack’s nose.
Zack very carefully moves him as slowly as he can, so as not to wake him, until he can pick him up. Standing up without jostling him is tricky, but Zack’s leg training pays off, and Cloud doesn’t wake as Zack gets to his feet.
He carries Cloud into the bedroom and settles him under the sheets and comforter, going back to get his pillow and his blanket.
Cloud stirs slightly, but then clutches the blanket and grumbles something under his breath. Zack can’t help but feel pleased to see his offerings accepted. He kisses Cloud’s hair and whispers, “We’ll play video games another time, ok?”
There’s no response from the sleeping Cloud, but Zack feels better for making the promise.
He’d like to stay and watch Cloud sleep, but he should probably get the mess in the kitchen cleaned up so Cloud doesn’t have to do it in the morning.
He takes a quick picture of Cloud’s sleeping face before he needs to turn out the light, but when he gives the room a quick glance, he sees the laundry basket and remembers that he had promised Cloud he would do the laundry tonight.
Well, it’s not as if it’s that late. Glancing at his PHS, he can see that it’s only 7pm. He can definitely get that done tonight.
He just hopes Cloud doesn’t wake up while he’s at the laundromat. He should have bought paper so he could leave him a note.
He adds ‘pen’ and ‘paper’ to his new list.
For now, he wants to clean up the food first and tidy the entry-way. He finds that Cloud left about half his chicken uneaten, and considers saving it for him, but decides to eat it instead, since he didn’t have much of a lunch. He’ll make sure to eat a big lunch at the cafeteria from now on, so he’s not so hungry in the evening.
Feeling a bit better, he puts the dirty dishes in the wet room sink to do tomorrow and moves the boxes from the entryway to tuck them behind the couch. He puts away all the dry groceries and only then realizes that he forgot to open the champagne.
Oh well, at least it will be fresh for when they do drink it. Tonight probably wasn’t a good night for it anyway. Cloud had been out like a light almost as soon as he had a chance to relax, so he might have had trouble staying awake long enough to finish his food if he had had any alcohol.
Zack wonders if Cloud will be less tired tomorrow night, and makes a mental note to see if anyone has any candles he can borrow. They don’t have anything special for tomorrow night though… It's nothing but ramen for the next couple of weeks, but he hopes that with enough sausages and cheese that it'll be ok.
He grimaces. It should be fine for a few days, but even a saint would get tired of eating the same thing every night. But there’s nothing he can do about it now. He really should have bought that rice-cooker back when he was single.
He sneaks back into the bedroom and observes Cloud’s deep breathing for a moment. He’s completely out of it. Zack should be fine to run down to the laundromat and start a load.
He hauls the full laundry basket out of the bedroom and takes one last look at Cloud’s cute sleeping face before he heads out of the apartment.
Notes:
Thanks a million to Noodie for stepping in as temporary beta!
Chapter 14: A Call Home
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The hallway is a lot quieter than it was just an hour ago. Muted music comes from behind most of the closed doors, but a few are still propped open, with small groups of SOLDIER Seconds standing or sitting while they chat in low voices.
Zack can feel their eyes on him as he passes by. He makes an effort to smile and greet the ones who give him eye-contact.
“Heya Gavin! How’s it hanging, Mackson?”
“Still longer than yours, Fair. What was that about earlier?”
Zack lets his heavy bag of laundry drop down to the floor. He smiles sheepishly and scrubs the back of his head.
“Sorry, sorry, I guess the protective instincts got the better of me. Newly mated and all that. I’ll throw everyone a party after payday to celebrate.”
“Oh, awesome! You’re the man, Zack!” Gavin cheers.
The others are less effusive, but most of their faces relax into smiles. And Zack feels something in his own chest relax.
“Damn, but you’re lucky. I hope I get mine soon.”
“Congrats man, wish I was an alpha!”
“I probably won’t be back by then, but have fun.”
Zack focuses in on the last speaker, who’s one of the older Seconds. “Shipping out?”
“Yeah, tomorrow. Bunch of guys heading out. Can’t really say where, but there’s only one front these days, right?”
Zack nods. “Good luck out there.”
“Yeah, we’re gonna need it.”
On that slightly somber note, the knot of young men breaks up with well wishes for the guy who will be leaving for Wutai in the morning, and each heads for their own door.
Zack picks up his laundry bag and continues on towards the end of the hall where the laundromat sits. A couple of other Seconds sit on a bench just outside, snacking on chips from the vending machine, but they’re too engaged in their own conversation to do more than nod to Zack as he passes by.
Just as he’d hoped, most of the machines are free at this hour. He quickly separates his laundry into two loads so it will fit and feeds a couple gil into the machines to get them going.
Shit, he forgot about laundry money! He knew he forgot something. He’s gonna need a couple more gil for the drying cycle, and that’s only if he’s able to get the good dryers that only need one cycle. And that’s just for this week’s laundry. He has enough to cover laundry for the next two weeks, but he had been hoping to use that money for milk and fresh bread.
He may need to borrow from Kunsel again.
He grimaces. He hates taking advantage of Kunsel’s kindness like that, especially when it’s his own bad spending habits that got him into this mess in the first place, but at least Kunsel won’t give him a hard time about it.
He just won’t mention it to Angeal this time.
He doesn’t need a lecture. He knows he should have been saving part of his money every pay cycle, but there’s only ever a small amount after his bills, so it didn’t feel like it would make much difference. And there’s always some new game he wants to buy, or a party to bring drinks to. He had meant to start saving now that he’s on a Second’s salary, but first he had needed to buy the big TV he’s always wanted, and the new gaming system…
He made a lot of friends by hosting gaming or movie watching parties. He trains hard all week, and the weekend is the only chance he has to relax and goof off with other guys his age.
Sure, he probably lets himself be pressured into hosting more often than he should, but it’s the best way to ensure that his neighbors keep a good impression of him. SOLDIERs come and go, but everyone knows who he is, and most are friendly to him.
It had been really scary when he first got to Midgar. Everything had been so strange and no one he met knew who he was. It was so different from his village in Gongaga. If he hadn’t spent every cent he had ever made on transport to Midgar, he might have given up then and run back home.
Maybe if he hadn’t run away to prove that he knew what he wanted he would have found a phone and called his parents. He had desperately wanted to after the initial anger that had prompted him to leave had worn off. But a stubborn kernel of pride had pushed him to keep heading doggedly in the direction of Shinra’s recruitment building.
He was going to be a hero. Just like Sephiroth! Then his parents would understand.
He was disappointed to learn that SOLDIER didn’t take anyone under fourteen, but he had been accepted into Public Security with hardly a blink. The training had been exhausting, and the pay practically non-existent, but it had prepared him to pass the SOLDIER entrance exam with flying colors.
He had been given a PHS when he joined SOLDIER as a Third, but he hadn’t been able to bring himself to call his parents till over a year later when Angeal had found out. He’d gotten the lecture of a life-time, but he had probably deserved it.
Angeal had sat him down and waited while he called them. It had been pretty embarrassing. He might have cried a little, but Angeal had surprisingly refrained from teasing him about it.
Speaking of which, the weekend is almost over and he has completely neglected to give them his weekly call.
He quickly checks the time. It’s late morning in Gongaga now. His parents have probably been waiting hours for him to call. He can practically see them sitting in the semi-circle living room, working on some craft or other to keep their hands busy, glancing at the clock from time to time as they wait for the old fashioned rotary phone to ring.
He cringes with guilt and after glancing at the washing machines to be sure there’s still a while to wait for it, he hurries out and heads for the stairwell. It’s just a quick flight of stairs up to the SOLDIER common area. Dark, empty classrooms line one side of the hallway. The same rooms have been converted into facilities that take up most of the other side.
There’s a “lounge” immediately after the stairs, but it’s just a room with a couple of beat up sofas, a scratched up pool table, a foos-ball table with several parts missing, and a dart board.
A quick glance inside shows a few older Seconds lounging around with beers in hand, or standing around the pool table. Zack doesn’t want to bother them, so he heads to the “gym” next door.
Inside the gym, there’s several old treadmills and a few mismatched weight machines, but most of the room is taken up by weight lifting benches with peeling cushions. Thankfully, the room is empty this time of night, so he seats himself on one of the benches and pulls out his PHS to call his parents.
He has to stop and think about what he’s going to say to them. He’s sure that they’ll like Cloud once they get the chance to know him, but he hadn’t really thought about how to explain the situation to his parents.
They probably know about the omega program, since it’s a highly advertised bonus for alphas looking to join SOLDIER, but it’s not something he’s ever discussed with them before. There were always other more relevant things to talk about, like his schedule, his classes, his friends, whether he was eating enough, and “When do you suppose Shinra will let you come back to visit us, Son?”
He sighs. Getting leave to visit home is almost unheard of, and even if he did manage to earn leave, he’s unlikely to be allowed to go home. Not that it’s really something he was all that eager for. Once he got over the initial homesickness, he’d found a sense of belonging and purpose in his daily training and the constant drive to improve himself in the eyes of everyone around him.
Life here is much busier than the sleepy village of Gongaga, but there’s a feeling of solidarity in everyone working together towards a common goal. Sometimes he misses the freedom of the open jungle, but not having to think too hard about what he’s supposed to be doing next has a certain comfort to it.
Besides, if he went home, his parents would try to talk him into leaving SOLDIER. And before today, that’s not something he would ever consider. All his dreams, his pride, and his honor are wrapped up in SOLDIER.
Thankfully his parents don’t badger him about it much anymore, but it occurs to him that they might turn up the pressure a bit now that he has a mate. They won’t know about Cloud’s travel restrictions, and telling them about it would probably shock and disturb them. He would prefer to avoid that.
He sighs again, looking at his PHS. It would be a lot easier if they weren’t expecting his call. He could conveniently “forget” about calling them until he has everything figured out, but that won’t work now since they have his PHS number. They’re going to find out eventually, and at least he has privacy right now to deal with the fall-out.
There are several mirrors lining the walls here, and he uses them to practice his smile and his most cheerful voice, hoping to make it sound genuine. “Hi Mom, guess what!” “Hi Dad, you’ll never guess what happened!” “Hey, guess what! I’ve got exciting news!”
He grimaces, maybe not a good idea to lead with that. They might immediately jump to the conclusion that he’s gotten leave to visit them and then be disappointed. He sighs again and scrubs his face. Why is this so hard? He is excited about Cloud, so why is it so hard to talk to his parents about this? They used to be so close.
He knows the distance between them is his own fault for ignoring their advice, running off, and not calling them for so long. Despite everything, he still wants their approval, even if he couldn’t live the quiet village life they’d envisioned for him. His mother probably already had a nice omega girl all picked out for him to settle down with and everything. He does vaguely remember being told he looked cute holding hands with the daughter of one of his mom’s friends.
He can only hope they’ve given up on those dreams by now, and will be happy to see him settled at all. They have been more supportive than a lot of the other guy's parents, but he can feel the disappointment in the things unsaid.
There’s no predicting how the conversation will go, so he should just get it over with. Even if they’re upset, there’s nothing they can do about it now. He became an adult at fourteen when he joined SOLDIER, and the distance between them is immense, so they have no choice but to accept that he’ll make his own decisions about his life.
He opens his PHS and quickly finds their contact before he can overthink it any further.
“Zack Attack! We were starting to worry that something had happened to you!”
Zack is relieved that it’s his dad answering the phone, but he winces at how quickly it was picked up.
“Hey Dad, yeah, I’m sorry about that. It’s been kind of a crazy weekend.”
“Oh? Did your friends drag you down to sneak into a gladiatorial arena again?”
“Heh, after the way Angeal made us all return the prize money and then grounded me to the tower for a month during off hours? Never again.”
“Ah, well, I’m just trying to think of what makes for a crazy weekend around there. Glad to hear your voice, son. Your mother was getting worried.”
Zack can hear his mom’s voice in the background. “I’m not the one who was pacing for the last hour!”
He winces again, and hurries to reassure his dad. “Everything’s fine! Don’t worry! In fact, it’s more than fine. I, uh, don’t freak out, but uh… I’m not single anymore.”
“Oh! You’re going steady? Is it that beta girl you went out with last week?”
“Oh, uh, no. I uh, well uh it all happened so fast, so I’m sorry I wasn’t able to um, I would have liked for you to be there, of course, but… uh…”
There’s a pause and then his dad’s voice comes back lowered into a half-whisper. “Is she… pregnant?”
“No dad! You don’t need to worry about that! In fact, you don’t need to worry for five years! Uh, I just, I got married, and I wish you weren’t so far away is all!”
“Married?!” The shock is clear in his dad’s voice.
Before Zack can answer, there’s a muffled sound from the other end and his mom’s voice comes on sounding breathless.
“Zachariah Walter Fair! Are you trying to prank your poor father and I?”
“No mom! I wouldn’t do that over something this serious! I swear! It’s through the Shinra omega program. I was selected to get mine this week, and I met the most amazing omega! He’s really sweet, and a country boy like me, so you don’t have to worry about me being lonely anymore!”
“Titan preserve us! The omega program? How long have you been courting him? Why didn’t you say anything to us about it?”
“Oh, uh, no, that’s not how it works. I only just met him yesterday, but we hit it off right away! I mean, I felt very strongly about him as soon as we met, and he’s a bit shy, but I could tell he liked me too!”
“Are you saying you met him and had a mating ceremony on the same weekend?! How can you be sure you’ll get along long term? You’re not a beta, Zack, you can’t get divorced if you don’t get along with your mate!”
Zack winces. He definitely can’t tell her that they signed papers within an hour of meeting, and he absolutely cannot tell her that there was no ceremony. The last thing he needs is for his mom to join Angeal in urging him to send Cloud back because it’s not a “real” mating yet.
“I know that mom, but I’m sure about my choice! He’s the best omega in the world, and I wouldn’t give him up for anything!” He puts as much conviction into his voice as possible.
“My gods, Zack! Out of all the impulsive things to do– I don’t know what to say. Do you even know his parents? I’ve heard terrible things about the omega program.”
Zack represses a sigh. He’s not sure what she’s heard, but not being able to get in contact with Cloud’s mom has brought up a consistent worry that’s been plaguing him in the back of his mind all afternoon. Something about it doesn’t feel right. Whatever the case, it’s not a can of worms he wants to open right now. Especially now that he knows their conversation might be under Shinra surveillance.
“You could start by saying congratulations?” He tries to make his voice sound light and teasing, like it’s no big deal.
His mom sighs, and he can practically see her shaking her head in fond exasperation.. “I suppose there’s no point in arguing about it now. Done is done. I just wish you would think about things a bit more before acting… Can I speak with him?”
“Oh, sorry, I wish you could, but he was exhausted after running errands most of the day, and he’s already asleep. I’ll be sure to call you earlier next week so you can talk to him.”
“Oh, I see. That’s too bad, but I imagine having to fit a ceremony and getting settled into a new home over your short weekend would have been quite an ordeal. What is his name? Where is he from? Is there any chance I would have met his parents?”
“Uh, I really doubt it. He’s from the Nibel mountains. His name is Cloud… um.”
Zack feels a moment’s panic realizing that he has no idea what Cloud’s last name is. Didn’t he hear the headmistress call him something else? What was it? He suddenly regrets not making this call while in the apartment so he could check the mating papers they signed, but he hadn’t wanted to risk waking Cloud up.
“Cloud? That sounds like the sort of whimsical name a Nibel mountain villager would come up with. I hear they’re quite a reclusive people. Very traditional from what the traders say. It seems odd that his parents would move to Midgar, but I suppose times are hard everywhere.”
Zack grimaces. His mother is like a dog with a bone sometimes. She really isn’t going to let go of the parent thing.
“They didn’t move. Uh, Cloud says it was just him and his mom. We didn’t really have time to get into the details, but I think his mom is still living there, in Nibel…heim.”
“You think? What do you mean? Shouldn’t he know where his parents live?”
“Oh, well, the number he had was disconnected, but we should be able to get a hold of her once we get the number for the town general store. Kunsel should be able to help us with that.”
“Well, I certainly hope so! The poor dear! He must’ve been so upset when he couldn’t get a hold of his mother! Is that why you didn’t call us earlier? You didn’t want to upset him?”
“Uh, something like that.”
“Well, you tell him that if he needs any motherly advice, that he can call me.”
“Thanks mom, I’ll tell him, but I wouldn’t wait around for a call. He’s kinda shy... We’ll try our best to make a joint call as soon as we can.”
Zack is relieved that his mother is coming around already about Cloud. He feels some of the tension that he didn’t know he was holding onto leave his shoulders.
“I hope you can call soon! It’s such a shame you live so far away! How are we supposed to help you fill your marriage pantry? Maybe we could send you some gil?”
Zack bites his lip thinking about how useful some more gil would be right now, but knowing his parents, they’ll want to send more than just a little.
“No, I can’t let you do that! I know how hard it is for you to pay the energy bill each month. I make more than dad does at the mushroom processing plant. We’ll be fine!”
“I still want to send something! What kind of gifts are traditional where he’s from? Do you have enough blankets?”
Zack hesitates. They definitely don’t have enough blankets or pillows for a proper nest, despite Cloud’s protests, but he isn’t sure how far away Cloud’s heat is. He’s probably going to need to go shopping again just for those. Would it be easier if he left Cloud at home?
“I have a couple of baby blankets knitted in case you had pups. I’ll go ahead and send those, and I can knit him a bigger one for his nest. Does he have a favorite color?”
“Uh…” Zack tries to remember if Cloud ever said anything about preferring one color over another. The only thing he can think of is the blue dress that Cloud had picked out for himself, and insisted he liked despite Zack’s doubts about whether it was fashionable or not.
“Blue, maybe? He has blue eyes and blond hair, so blue looks good on him.”
“Oh! You’ll have to send me a picture! Hmm, a whole blanket might take too long to knit up in time actually. I’ll see if I can get some blue felt and stitch a nice border for it. Do you think he’d like that?”
Zack remembers Cloud’s blissful expression when he rubbed his face on the soft blanket at the store, and the way it was one of the first things he grabbed out of the packages from the store once they got home.
“Yeah, I think he would.”
“Good, I’ll start on it today. I can only hope things will work out somehow and you’ll enjoy a long and blessed marriage.”
“Mom… things will work out. I know it! Trust me, ok?”
There’s sniffling on the other end of the line. “I can’t believe you’re getting married already. It seems like it was just the other day that you were a little pup, splashing around in the mud, chasing touch-me frogs, and running to me to kiss your scraped up knees.”
“Mo~om!” Zack whines. “I’m sixteen! It’s a perfectly normal age to be thinking about mates!”
“Yes, well, just you wait! You’ll find out when you have pups of your own! Time moves faster when you’re older. Oh gods, I need to make more baby things…”
“Uh, there’s actually no need to worry about that. Shinra has a policy. No pups allowed for five years, and then we have to pass a review to have the ban lifted.”
“What?! But how is that possible? They wouldn’t be so cruel as to force you to abort your pups, would they?”
“No, of course not! They have birth control that can keep the omega from getting pregnant in the first place! It’s very reliable.”
“Oh thank Titan! That’s a relief! Though, I must say I’m a bit disappointed I’ll have to wait five years for grandpups. Do you think you’ll be able to bring him to visit anytime soon?”
And there it is.
“I doubt it, mom. Maybe once I make First, we’ll have more f- we might be able to work something out.”
“Aren’t they giving you a honeymoon? You wouldn’t have to spend the whole time here. Just swing by on your way back!”
“No one takes honeymoons around here, mom. There’s a war, you know?”
His mom sighs. “Well, it doesn’t seem right. You’re so young! When we were your age, we were still running around carefree as chocobos in the jungle.”
“I know mom. But I enjoy my life here in Midgar. There’s always something to do, or people to meet. You don’t need to worry about me. I’m pursuing my dreams, and now Cloud is a part of that too. I told him today that making him happy is one of my life goals now.”
“Gods below, I wish I could hug you right now! You’re such a sweet little scamp!”
“Mo~om! I’m not little anymore!”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t hug you, mister! I’m sending you lots of hugs and kisses through the phone line, got it? Make sure you give one to Cloud for me, and tell him I wish you both all the happiness!”
Zack can feel a lump in his throat. “I will, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you too, Scamp. Here, talk to your dad before I start crying.”
There’s a brief pause before the sound of his dad clearing his throat signals that he’s back on the line.
“Well, it sounds like your mother already hashed out the details with you, but I’ll be sending some cans of the nice mushrooms for your pantry. I’m sure they’ll give me a discount when they hear what it’s for.”
“Dad, you don’t have to–”
“Nope. We’re your parents, and it’s our prerogative to support you.”
“Alright, alright. Just don’t send too many. We don’t have a proper pantry. Just a few cupboards.”
His dad chuckles. “Alright, I’ll just send one box. Are you happy, son?”
“Yeah, Dad. I’m over the moon.” Zack can feel his eyes prickling with tears.
“That’s what I wanted to hear. May the Titan’s strength be with you. I love you, Zackie.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
“Alright, alright, take care of yourself and your Cloud.”
“I will, Dad, bye.”
“Bye son.”
The tone clicks to signal the end of the call and Zack slumps over onto the bench. He needs a minute to process his feelings.
He surreptitiously wipes his eyes as he listens to be sure no one is outside in the hallway. There’s a murmur of indistinct voices from the lounge on one side, and a rhythmic thudding, interspersed with shouts from the room further down the hall. It sounds like a group of Thirds is avoiding their bedtime by playing basketball in the ball court again. Usually he would love to join them, but he’s feeling a bit anxious about being away from Cloud for so long.
The call hadn’t gone badly, but saying everything out loud to his parents somehow makes it all feel more real. He’s married now with an omega of his own to protect and provide for. He can’t wing it anymore. He’s gonna need to make a budget and stick to it. Cloud deserves the best.
Making First will help with the money issues, but even if he focuses down hard, that’s probably still several years out. He’ll need to work hard and prove himself. Angeal says that most Seconds never even make it to First, even if they don’t get killed in the line of battle. Only the best of the best get to be First.
“Right. First put the laundry in the dryer, then I’ll do some squats!”
The only step he can take is the one in front of him. That’s what Angeal says anyway.
Notes:
I made myself emotional reading through it one more time before posting, so I hope you enjoy it too!
Wow, we've finally reached the end of Cloud and Zack's first full day together. That was eleven chapters for one day?? I mean, a lot happened, but still... I really hope I can keep things to a more reasonable pacing after this. >^,^<
Chapter 15: Meanwhile, in Another Pack
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Genesis is like a fire. If handled incorrectly, fire will burn you, bringing pain and destruction. However, if handled with care and attentiveness, it brings warmth and comfort.
Sephiroth feels pretty warm right now with a lapful of excited omega.
Genesis is due to have his heat soon, and he must be already feeling it. He hadn't let Sephiroth so much as speak once he'd opened the door to Angeal's apartment, but had pulled him in and immediately started kissing him like Sephiroth was oxygen.
Sephiroth breaks away for a moment to kiss Genesis's neck, allowing himself to surreptitiously check how close he is to his heat by smelling his scent gland.
Genesis laughs, "I'm not due for a few more days, you can relax! Can't a guy miss his mates without being in heat?" There's a dangerous tone to Genesis's voice, like he's ready to be offended.
Sephiroth doesn't comment that they are not mates, he knows better than to raise Genesis's ire that way, but somehow Genesis seems to know what he's thinking. He pulls back from Sephiroth and grabs the hair hanging down on either side of his head and pulls hard. It feels nice.
"I don't want to hear it! We have these precious few hours together, so you'd better not ruin it with your pedantic nonsense! If I say you're my mate then that's that. Even Angeal agrees!"
Sephiroth snorts. Of course Angeal agrees. Angeal is even more experienced than him when it comes to dealing with Genesis. Sephiroth pushes aside thoughts of how relentlessly Angeal had worn him down into accepting the term.
Angeal is like water in a river heading for the sea, or waves crashing against the shore, tenacious and stubborn. Like Genesis, he has the ability to be destructive, but chooses to hold himself to strict guidelines like water in a canal. Like gentle rain that spreads its life to everyone it touches. The SOLDIER program would not be the success it is without him.
By simile alone these two people should not be able to coexist, let alone mate. Perhaps there is a better set of metaphors he can use.
"Sephiroth." Genesis sounds annoyed, "Am I boring you? What are you thinking about?"
His eyes are narrowed and Sephiroth can see his fangs peeking out as he pulls his lip back in irritation. Sephiroth swoops in to kiss them.
"I'm thinking about you and Angeal."
"Oh?" Genesis's tone is more pleased now, "What about us?"
Sephiroth knows that Genesis really just wants to hear about himself, he cannot resist any form of praise.
"I am thinking about how beautiful and dangerous you are."
"Flatterer."
Genesis hits Sephiroth on the shoulder and it hurts for a second before the pain almost instantly fades away with his rapid healing.
Sephiroth frowns, "I'm not lying."
Genesis preens, "Well, naturally! It is only right that you acknowledge my strength! I'm the only omega to not only make SOLDIER, but SOLDIER First!"
"You're the only one because they made the rule keeping other omegas out after they realized what you are."
Genesis hits him again even harder, "That doesn't diminish my accomplishments! The number of stupid alphas who never make it past Second is proof of that!"
"Perhaps it is just proof that they are stupid." Sephiroth knows that he shouldn't tease Genesis, but it's really too irresistible.
"So, you admit that I am smart and clever?" There is a dangerous glint in Genesis's eyes that sparks something in Sephiroth.
"Hmm, would a smart person destroy the base he was meant to seize, killing and scattering the enemies whom we needed to capture for intel? Would a clever person–"
Sephiroth grabs Genesis's wrist to stop him from throwing the fire spell that he suddenly has ready in the palm of his hand.
"Would a clever person aggravate me when I'm wearing my bracer, Sephiroth?" Genesis hisses.
"If he's fast and strong enough."
"Oh, you're really asking for it now!"
They push against each other in a show of strength, tumbling from the couch as they each seek to dominate the other using all the wrestling moves they've both been taught.
Sephiroth has an advantage in both speed and strength, but Genesis doesn't lose his focus. As Sephiroth pins him down, Genesis sets his hair on fire, forcing Sephiroth to let go in order to save his precious hair.
Genesis laughs victoriously and goes in for an attack with his claws. Sephiroth neatly rolls away and is up on his feet in an instant.
Genesis jumps up and away before Sephiroth can land a kick and they circle each other warily.
"Maybe if you asked me for my version of the events you'd know that they blew themselves up! The whole thing was a trap! I'm the one who saw it in time and got most of our troops out before it could blow! It's like they're trying to frame me!"
"Is that so? That wasn't in the report I read."
"That's because it was written by that idiot, Heidegger! He's just trying to cover his own ass because he's the one who ordered the troops to advance prematurely!"
Sephiroth lets his arms drop in a sign of truce and straightens up. "In that case–"
As expected, Genesis immediately goes on the attack and Sephiroth easily catches him, pulling him off balance and trapping his arms together. He kicks his feet out from under him and lets their body weight bring them down to their knees with himself on top.
Genesis makes a concerted effort to twist out of his hold, but Sephiroth uses his weight to crush Genesis into the carpet.
The carpet around them immediately catches fire from a spell cast by Genesis, but Sephiroth refuses to be distracted. He doesn't have any materia on him to use to put it out, but if he rolls over it, Genesis will definitely escape.
A few small flames won't hurt that much.
Genesis can only squirm futilely in his arms, cursing Sephiroth. Sephiroth feels his cock filling out and hums in pleasure, kissing Genesis's neck.
The next instant they are both drenched as the apartment's fire suppression system kicks in.
Sephiroth does not loosen his hold, enjoying the way Genesis feels against him as he continues to struggle.
Suddenly the door to the apartment is opened and Angeal's deep voice resounds through the living room, "Genesis! What have you done?"
"He started it!"
"I did not." Sephiroth responds immediately.
"As the Goddess is my witness, you did!"
"You attacked me first with your hands, and then with a spell. I was only defending myself."
Genesis sputters, "Lies! I was defending my honor! Angeal understands the importance of honor! Isn't that right darling?"
"I understand that you have a temper and a thin skin to go with it!" Angeal sounds well and truly exasperated. "How many times have I told you both to keep spells and duels out of the apartment?!"
The foamy water pouring down ceases abruptly as Angeal finds the shut-off valve. Sephiroth concentrates on maintaining his hold on a now slippery Genesis.
"If you had heard what he said–"
"Oh, I'm sure he had the exact thing to say that would rile you up the quickest! You know how much he enjoys getting a reaction out of you! Why do you always fall for it?" Angeal gripes.
Genesis sniffles and goes still. Struggling isn't gaining him anything, so now he's going to play the pity card.
"I can't believe I've chosen a mate that would scold and impugn me while I'm being physically and sexually assaulted! I should just leave–"
"You have the nerve to say that to me after you've destroyed my living room?! If any of these plants survive the chemicals that just got dumped on them it'll be a miracle!"
Sephiroth only listens to their bickering with a fraction of his attention. Another fraction tracks Angeal as he stomps into the kitchen and thumps down two grocery bags a little too hard, cursing when a jar breaks. The rest of Sephiroth’s attention never wavers from keeping Genesis from escaping, enjoying his frustration and scent.
He scrapes his teeth over Genesis's scent gland to bring up more of his heady scent and Genesis twitches.
"Ok, you've had your fun! Are you happy now? We'll be lucky if we don't spend all night cleaning this mess up and listening to Angeal lecture!"
Sephiroth snorts, "And whose fault is that?"
"Not mine! You're the one who dared to question my place in SOLDIER!"
"I did no such thing. You're jumping to conclusions again."
"Like hell I am! You–"
Angeal comes back and whacks them both with a broom. "I don't want to hear it! Either you both stop acting like children and help me clean up, or I'll kick you both out of my apartment!"
Angeal is using his serious voice, so Sephiroth releases Genesis and jumps to his feet. He doesn't quite manage to dodge the elbow from Genesis he receives to his face, but it'll heal quickly.
Genesis lies on the floor and looks pathetic. He never did know when to give up.
"But Angeal! He–"
"For the love of Gaia, Genesis! I don't know who I should be more disappointed in! I haven't seen either of you for weeks and I was really looking forward to a nice quiet evening at home. I bought the expensive wine that you like and everything! Do I have to remind you that you're older than Sephiroth? Why is he winning in the maturity department?"
Angeal isn't above playing dirty when it suits him.
Genesis pouts, "That's because he was raised by a psychopath! If he–"
"Genesis!" Angeal hisses in displeasure, his eyes darting to Sephiroth.
Genesis seems to realize that he's stepped over a line because he immediately snaps his mouth shut, but he crosses his arms and rolls his eyes in a show of nonchalance.
Sephiroth has an uncomfortable feeling in his chest, and he briefly fights the urge to leave. They’re not going to try to tell him how he should interact with Hojo again, are they? They don’t understand the fine line he walks between obedience and rebellion that allows him even as much freedom as he enjoys.
He lets a frown mar his features. It is unlikely they’ll bring it up again after he made it clear to them that he would not listen to any discussion on the subject. If they want to indulge in this delusion that they are mates, then they have to understand his stance. “Standing up for himself” is not an option for him any more than it is for them.
It is for their own protection as much as it is for his comfort in their presence.
"Genesis," Angeal has his hand to his forehead, "I'm begging you to apologize.”
Genesis purses his lips stubbornly, standing up and brushing himself off. "No one takes me seriously! I’m not the one at fault here! Why should I apologize?!" he hisses, his eyes flashing.
Genesis is angrier than Sephiroth realized. He did just have that failed mission, and needing to defend himself against Heidegger’s slander must have put him on edge. Especially with his heat on the horizon. He’s starting to think more and more that it’ll be sooner rather than later.
Sephiroth turns to Angeal, "I'm sorry Angeal, perhaps I should go."
"You're apologizing to him?! I'm the one you insulted! Apologize to me!"
Sephiroth shifts slightly from one foot to the other. He probably should apologize. He had only meant to get a rise out of Genesis. He hadn’t thought his words would upset him so much. He clearly failed to take all the factors that might be affecting Genesis’s mood into consideration before teasing him.
A major tactical error, but he had been rather distracted. Not that that’s an excuse. Being distracted on a battlefield is death. He just hadn’t realized that he was going to be in one tonight.
Angeal reaches out to cup Sephiroth's elbow. "Please don't leave. If you need space, you can take a nap in my bed while Genesis and I clean up."
The offer of some quiet to sort through his thoughts and a soft bed to sleep on does sound nice, even if Sephiroth has his own apartment and his own bed now. But if Genesis is going into heat, then Sephiroth should leave before having another alpha in his vicinity sets Angeal’s instincts off.
Genesis sputters, "Angeal! That's not fair! Why–"
Angeal gives him a look and he cuts himself off to return the glare.
Sephiroth studies Angeal's expression. His scent is roiling with frustration and anger, but none of it seems to be directed towards Sephiroth. His attention is focused on Genesis now, which makes sense, but it’s not like him to get this angry over property damage. Did something happen today to upset him as well?
He glances at Genesis, but it seems doubtful that he would know what’s going on with Angeal and he's still too caught up in his own pride to be much help right now anyway.
Well, Sephiroth sees a way to defuse the situation. He doesn’t mind losing a little face when it’s necessary.
"I'm sorry, Genesis." The words come easily to Sephiroth, and he smiles at the shocked look on Genesis's face. “I shouldn’t have teased you about your place in SOLDIER. You’ve worked hard to earn it, and I respect you.”
Genesis narrows his eyes at Sephiroth. Angeal seems caught off guard, and glances between them anxiously. Sephiroth strives to remain impassive as he waits to see what Genesis will do.
Sephiroth’s words are genuine, but it also puts Genesis into a position where he has to give ground if he doesn't want to be the odd one out. It would ruin his whole evening not to be the center of attention and it doesn’t benefit him to be at odds with both of them.
"Fine. I accept your apology, but you'll make it up to me later." Genesis sniffs.
"Gen–"
"I was getting to that Angeal!" Genesis snaps at his mate, before fluffing his hair in an attempt to appear unbothered.
"I'm very sorry, I shouldn't have brought up that man."
"Gen."
"And I'm sorry for destroying your ugly carpet and those bug infested plants, Angeal. You're welcome!"
Angeal sighs. Sephiroth can tell he wants to pursue the matter, but is holding himself back. He glances at Sephiroth to see if it’s enough for him.
Sephiroth nods to him and holds out his hand for the broom. The sooner they can move past this the better. Angeal gives a disgruntled grunt and lets him have the broom.
"Good. I'll get you a towel and you can wipe down the couches."
Angeal is speaking to Genesis, who raises an eyebrow at him haughtily.
Angeal puts his hands on his hips, "Unless you want to pay to have them replaced? I'm already going to charge you for the plants. You'd be surprised how expensive they can be."
Sephiroth is surprised Angeal doesn't bring up the carpet. He sweeps foam towards the kitchen where it can be more easily mopped up, revealing a giant hole in the carpet that shows the slightly scorched plexiwood underneath.
Perhaps Angeal is thinking of getting rid of it like Genesis has been badgering him to do.
Sephiroth has to agree with Genesis that the wood is nicer. Angeal has been stubbornly standing by his decision to carpet most of the apartment, but perhaps he's changed his mind.
He can be just as proud as Genesis sometimes.
They work quickly and efficiently once they've started. Angeal moves the planters to the guest bathroom, but otherwise stays nearby in the kitchen where he can keep an eye on them.
Sephiroth makes sure to stay out of Genesis's way and as soon as he's finished with the floor, goes to help Angeal in the kitchen.
Genesis finishes his task as well and then rummages through the grocery bags on Angeal's counter to find the promised wine. He hums in pleasure when he examines it.
"Angeal darling, you weren't kidding! This is really nice wine!"
Angeal grunts, "Told you so."
Genesis goes to kiss him on the cheek and Angeal allows it, even though it seems his hackles are still up. His scent remains angry, and he chops the vegetables with a vengeance.
Sephiroth stays carefully out of their way as he cuts precise shapes in the mushrooms just the way Angeal likes.
"Oh come on, I said I was sorry didn't I? Why are you still angry?"
Genesis puts a hand over Angeal's knife hand. A move that even Sephiroth would hesitate to initiate with a seasoned SOLDIER like Angeal, but Genesis is never hesitant with his mate.
Angeal goes still and Genesis pushes his way further into Angeal's space. "Darling? If it's about the carpet, I'll pay for that as well. I know how you've always dreamed of having carpeting, even if it's no longer in style."
Angeal sighs, "It's not about the carpet."
"The plants then? I'll buy you even better ones! I brought you a seedling back from Wutai with me too. I made them pack it up with native dirt and everything!"
Angeal puts his knife down and turns to put his back to the counter, folding his arms over his chest to keep distance between himself and Genesis.
"That's... that was very thoughtful of you."
"I know, right?" Genesis leans forward ignoring the barrier Angeal has created and kisses him slowly with sensual licks against his lips, clearly trying to pull him out of his angry state.
Sephiroth stops pretending to continue with his task. The atmosphere feels thick with tension. Genesis, ever mercurial, already seems to be over his anger, but Sephiroth can smell the anxiety coming off of him.
Angeal sighs again and closes his eyes. He doesn't drop his arms though.
"Darling, if you don't tell me what's wrong, I'll burn a hole in your hallway carpet as well."
Sephiroth detects no trace of teasing in Genesis's tone and he raises his eyebrows.
Angeal’s face scrunches in distress. "If I tell you, then you have to promise not to get mad."
Sensing victory, Genesis's voice takes on a triumphant tone. "Oh? Have you done something you need to apologize to me for?"
Sephiroth holds back a snort. Of course Genesis is already looking to even the score.
Angeal opens his eyes to glare at Genesis. "I haven't done anything. It's only your own overactive imagination that I'm worried about."
Genesis pulls back and narrows his eyes dangerously. "It's about that little puppy you have a crush on, isn't it."
"He's not little, and I don't have a crush."
Oh, this again. Sephiroth holds back a sigh.
"If you don't have a crush then why are you so invested in a singular Third?!"
"He's a Second now, and I've told you already, he has more potential than the others. He always throws himself into training with 100% of his energy and–"
"That's just because he doesn't have a thought in his head, he–"
"That's not true! He has the capacity for greatness, he just needs guidance!"
"Oh, and you have to be the one to give it to him of course!"
"I don't see anyone else stepping up to the plate!"
"Why do you always have to be so self-sacrificing! Who cares if he gets in trouble for his own mistakes? How else is a young alpha supposed to learn anything? You coddle him Angeal! And I don't like what I'm hearing other people say about you!"
"I don't care what other people say! I know what's right, and I do not coddle him!"
Sephiroth fights the urge to step between them. Considering how badly he messed up earlier with Genesis, he doesn’t trust his input would be helpful. He keeps himself very still and hopes that they don't remember his presence and bring him into it.
In his opinion, Angeal may have a crush on the boy, but it's more than that. He's not sure how to judge things like crushes, but when Genesis and Angeal had first started arguing about the SOLDIER Third, Sephiroth had looked into him.
There was something about Zack Fair that reminded Sephiroth of Angeal when he was younger, though he could never remember Angeal being quite so... hyperactive. Sephiroth thinks that Angeal probably senses those similarities and feels protective.
If he can feel protective of Sephiroth with whom he has so little in common, how much more so with someone who's similar enough to create rumors that he's Angeal's younger brother?
Other rumors are not so generous.
Sephiroth knows better than to believe Angeal would do what the rumors suggest and groom his student. People make up rumors about Sephiroth all the time that he knows are not true, so why would he believe unsavory rumors about Angeal, who has only ever held himself to a high standard of conduct?
Sephiroth personally doesn't care if Angeal has a crush on someone new, so long as he doesn't waver in his devotion to Genesis and himself. Angeal has given no indication of abandoning them, so why should he worry?
Genesis doesn't seem to be able to view it so dispassionately.
Genesis has angry tears in his eyes, "I care! I fucking care! I am your mate! If you can't put the rumors to rest then it reflects on me!"
"Genesis, no one besides a very few people even know that we're mates! No one but a very few people even know that you're an omega!"
"Those few people just happen to be our employer and their spooks! I won't have them interfering in our private life!"
Genesis is forgetting their respective doctors, but Sephiroth certainly isn't going to bring it up.
"They won't interfere if we don't give them a reason to!" Angeal glances at Sephiroth, "That's the whole reason we're keeping our relationship with Sephiroth a secret! I'm not going to add a complication to that! Why can't you trust me?"
Genesis stomps over to the cabinet where the glasses are kept, but Angeal is there in the blink of an eye to stop him.
"Gen, please talk to me before breaking any more of my glassware."
Genesis growls at him. "That was an accident!"
"Exactly. I don't want you near my dishes when you're angry! Please believe me when I tell you that nothing is going on with Zack!"
Genesis sniffs disdainfully. "If there's nothing going on then pass him off to another mentor!"
"That would be dishonorable after the promises I've made to him, and pointless to boot! He has an omega now."
Utter silence falls over the kitchen.
Sephiroth is surprised at the news, though he shouldn't be. If the boy is a Second now, then it only makes sense for him to be assigned an omega. Though, he's not sure he sees how that works as a defense to clear Angeal of suspicion. If Angeal was interested in another alpha before, an omega entering the picture hardly makes him less interesting to a queer alpha like Angeal.
Angeal is interested in Sephiroth after all, and Sephiroth is not only an alpha but a taboo among the SOLDIERs. Hojo had even made a company wide announcement about it. No one is allowed to mate his precious experiment and screw with his data, but here they are.
They had always gravitated to one another, and it had only been a matter of time till they were sleeping together. Sephiroth was surprised when the other two started insisting that they were mated despite the need to refrain from biting each other's scent glands, but if it allows him into their relationship, then he doesn’t mind playing along.
Genesis angrily stomps to the cutlery drawer, fishing out the bottle opener. He pops the cork out of the bottle and takes an undignified swig.
“If it's pointless then why has the news upset you so much that you're refusing my kisses!”
Sephiroth has to admit that Genesis has a point there. Usually Angeal is so desperate for affection after a long absence that he doesn't even try to cook. He usually has leftovers prepared in advance so they can get right down to kissing and fucking.
Angeal would have known that Genesis was scheduled to return a few days early for his heat, but apparently something has delayed Angeal so much that he’s only just arrived home with the groceries. And even stranger, he is being very standoffish with both of them.
Angeal is shaking his head like he's trying to shake off his frustration. “I'm not, I–”
“Don't lie to me!” Genesis's voice is strident.
“Gen, I'm just upset because I specifically told him not to take on an omega because–”
“And this clears your name how exactly?! If there's nothing going on then you should encourage him to get one! Not the other way around!”
Angeal grimaces, “That's because of the way Shinra works! They’re taking advantage of his good nature! I don't want him to be upset when he realizes–”
“Oh! So you don't want him to be upset? What about me?! Where's my consideration! You should only care about not upsetting me, Angeal! Remember me? Your mate?!”
Genesis gaze darts to Sephiroth, “And Sephiroth! Look at him over there! Can't you see how much you've upset him!”
It was only a matter of time before one of them dragged him into this. “I'm not upset.”
Genesis slams the bottle down. It’s a miracle it doesn’t break. Genesis must be holding himself back. Trust him to prioritize the wine even in a moment of anger.
Genesis puts his hands on his hips and glares at Sephiroth.
Sephiroth hastily clarifies his statement. “I'm not upset that Angeal has a crush.”
Genesis laughs triumphantly while Angeal gives Sephiroth an unusual expression that he's not able to parse.
“You see? It's not just me! Sephiroth sees it too! Why are you in denial?!”
Angeal sighs explosively. He tilts his head back and pinches the bridge of his nose.
Sephiroth’s mouth waters at the sight of his exposed neck and his groin twitches.
There's a heavy silence. Even Genesis is quiet as they wait for Angeal to speak.
“I… I just need Zack to focus. He can’t afford the distraction of an omega if he wants to make First.”
Sephiroth waits for Genesis to explode, but instead he stands quietly and stares at Angeal. It's unnerving.
Finally he moves. Angeal flinches back, but Genesis just grabs the bottle and walks purposefully out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him.
They watch him go in disbelief before turning to one another.
“Sephiroth, I–”
Sephiroth holds up his hand, “I think if you would just admit it, then he wouldn't be so upset.”
“There's nothing to admit.” Angeal speaks stubbornly, but without the conviction that emotion usually gives to his voice.
Sephiroth shakes his head. “You're only digging this hole deeper. Genesis has a point, your actions don’t quite make sense if you didn’t have feelings for the boy.”
Angeal sighs and turns around to bury his head in his arms on the part of the counter not covered in half prepared food.
Sephiroth reaches out to try something he's seen Angeal do many times. He pats him gently three times on the back before withdrawing again.
Angeal huffs a laugh that sounds a bit wet. Is he crying? His scent is definitely distressed.
He laughed, so Sephiroth must've done the patting thing wrong. He doesn't try again.
“Genesis probably feels insecure because you're lying to him.”
Angeal groans but doesn't try to refute him again. This is progress at least.
“When you were interested in me, Genesis didn't mind so long as we were open about it.”
“That's because he was interested in you too.”
“So you think that if he was interested in your protégé as well, that he would feel differently?”
“I'm not–”
Sephiroth waits for Angeal to finish, but it seems he doesn't have the energy to continue.
“Shall I list the signs that I've seen?”
“Please don't.”
Sephiroth nods, “Then you are aware of how things look. If you're not interested in the boy, then you should break things off with him.”
“Is that what you want?”
“I want to be able to enjoy your company without enduring constant arguing. I was really looking forward to tonight. Who knows when we'll get another chance where we're all home at the same time.”
Sephiroth can feel the crushing disappointment now that he's thinking about it. He’d been looking forward to this night for weeks. He'd imagined all sorts of positions they could try out with all three of them together.
There’s a bitter taste in his mouth. He has so few things he can look forward to. He'd been almost giddy with the excitement and hadn't been as cautious with Genesis as he should have been. Maybe this was all his fault.
If he hadn't angered Genesis, then they wouldn't have caused Angeal to lose his temper. He could have hidden that he was upset about the boy. They would've enjoyed Angeal cooking them a fresh meal, drank a lot of wine, eaten the ice cream that he can smell melting through the grocery bag, and then had lots and lots of sex.
He couldn't help but feel mournful at the loss of such a perfect evening. And it was all because he couldn't resist teasing Genesis.
Angeal touches his hand gently. “Sephiroth, I'm sorry. I'll go apologize to him. We can still…” He grimaces, “Well, he may not want to talk to me, but if you go to him, I'm sure he'd accept you.”
Sephiroth frowns. He isn’t so sure about that after the earlier argument with Genesis.
Besides, there are many times where he's spent time with just one or the other of them, but tonight they’re all in town at the same time. Sephiroth had been looking forward to all being together. To the fantasy of being family. Of being that forbidden word: pack. Even if just for a night.
He should know better than to indulge in fantasies.
He shakes his head. “I think this is something that you need to work out between yourselves. I'll just complicate matters.”
“Sephiroth no! You're not… you're not a complication! We were all looking forward to this night, and I'm sorry that I messed things up. This is my fault. I'll apologize to Genesis and… and… you can have a nice night with him–”
“No. If you don't work things out with him he'll just spend the night ranting about the whole thing to me, and I don’t see how that would solve anything. I'm tired of this topic always being a contention between you two, and I was hoping to spend at least some time tonight sleeping in a bed. You know I’m being sent out again tomorrow morning.”
He feels Angeal's fingers tighten on his hand and he pulls his hand away. Maybe he does feel a little angry.
“Goodnight, Angeal.”
“Sephiroth, please don't leave yet! You can sleep on my bed while I talk to him–”
Sephiroth snorts, “That's if he even lets you into his apartment. Are you really going to stand outside his door and discuss everything where all of Shinra can hear?”
“Of course not! I just–”
“How about this then. I'll go tell him that you're ready to apologize and agree to his terms so he'll let you in. Be ready to give in to whatever he demands, unless you want to make me a liar?”
“Sephiroth, I can’t just abandon my word to Zack! I promised–”
“I know how you are about promises Angeal, but if your promises clash then you have to choose between them. Surely your omega is more important than a student.”
Angeal is silent. He looks absolutely miserable, but Sephiroth pushes on.
“If he really is the rising star you claim him to be, then surely he can manage without your guidance. If it makes you feel better, you could think of it as a test of his drive and abilities. If he wants to be a First, then he’s going to need to be able to stand on his own feet at some point.”
Angeal’s brow furrows, but Sephiroth can see that he’s considering his words seriously.
“Even if you give Genesis everything he wants, I don't see this being a short conversation so I'll go to my own apartment tonight to sleep. I don't want to get in the middle of this anymore than I have to. I’m sorry.”
Angeal nods, too overcome with emotion to speak. Sephiroth leans down slightly to kiss him to assure him that he's not holding a grudge. He's learned that lesson the hard way. Always kiss your pseudo-mates goodnight.
“Goodnight Angeal. Don't forget to put the ice cream in the freezer.”
He turns to leave, and this time Angeal lets him go.
Notes:
I wrote most of this chapter 7 months ago, but it took me a while to edit it. I'm so happy I can finally post it!
Chapter 16: To Rut or Not to Rut - E
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Sephiroth’s knock on Genesis’s door is met with an immediate shout of, “Go away, Angeal!”
“It’s Sephiroth,” he replies without raising his voice.
There’s a moment of silence and then he hears the sound of Genesis’s slippers scraping across the floor. He must’ve already changed out of his uniform.
Sure enough, when Genesis opens the door, he’s wearing his favorite red silk robe with matching red slippers. He leans against the doorway with one arm raised in a seductive gesture.
“Well hello, handsome.”
“Hello Genesis, may I come in?”
Genesis peers around behind him as if checking to be sure he isn’t the vanguard of an invasion before opening the door as wide as it will go. “Be my guest.”
“Thank you,” Sephiroth replies politely, stepping inside just enough to allow Genesis one more look out into the hallway before he closes the door.
“Angeal will be here shortly. I promised him I’d speak to you on his behalf.”
Genesis snorts angrily. “You’re wasting your time! I’ve had it with that bullshit! If he can’t stand by his mate, then I won’t be welcoming him into my nest.”
“Not even for your heat?”
Genesis bares his teeth and tosses his head. “It won’t be the first time I’ve spent my heat alone.” His eyes drift to Sephiroth’s exposed scent glands and he places his hands against Sephiroth’s bare chest. “Unless, of course, I can convince you to stay with me?”
Sephiroth swallows the rush of saliva that floods his mouth with Genesis’s spiking scent. With his turtleneck and scent blockers removed, Genesis’s heat scent is even stronger. Sephiroth places his hands over Genesis’s wrists and gently pries his hands away.
“That’s not an option and you know it.”
Genesis pouts, but his scent is spiked with anger. “It’s not fair! How can they treat you like this? Aren’t you their big hero? You deserve to be happy and enjoy what life you can between missions! You’d think they don’t even see you as human with the way they treat you!”
Sephiroth sighs. “I’m not here to talk about any of that, Genesis.” He brings one of Genesis’s hands to his lips and kisses it gently, watching as Genesis’s pupils expand and his gaze locks onto Sephiroth’s lips. “I’d appreciate it if you let me say my piece before I have to go.”
Genesis’s brow furrows and he growls. “And I told you I’m not interested in hearing it! If Angeal thinks–”
“I’m not here to argue Angeal’s case. In fact, I think I may have convinced him to see your side. I just want you to give him the chance to make things right between you.”
Genesis raises an eyebrow appraisingly. “And how did you do that? Did you suddenly discover a skill for interpersonal diplomacy?”
Sephiroth snorts. “No, I just laid out the situation for him logically.”
Genesis narrows his eyes. “I’m not buying it. Angeal is too stubborn for that to work!”
“Perhaps, but he’s also emotionally shaken right now, and I know how much he loves to dote on you. You could use your impending heat to get what you want out of him.”
Genesis sighs angrily. “Darling, don’t you think I’ve tried that before? My mind is not at my clearest during my heat, it’s too easy for him to distract me.”
“Didn’t you just tell me that you’re prepared to spend your heat alone if you need to? From what I understand from the books I’ve read, he’ll be frantic to be near you and take care of you during that time. If you can hold out long enough, then it should be easy.”
“Easy! Hah! Shows how much you know! Once our pheromones start pinging off of each other, there’s not a chance of any kind of discussion until we’ve fucked it out. Maybe if you stayed, you could work some more of your magic and–”
Genesis has wrapped his arms around Sephiroth’s middle possessively and is rubbing his cheek against Sephiroth’s shoulder near his scent gland. He can feel the heat coming off of Genesis’s body as his scent fills his nostrils; his cock fills out with almost painful speed.
He grabs Genesis by the back of the neck, putting just enough pressure on his omega pressure points to make him go limp enough to drag him off.
“No. The consequences to you would be dire. They’ve disappeared omegas just for talking to me before, even though they had mates. I cannot imagine what they’d do to you if you bit me.”
Genesis growls. “I’ll kill them all before they can touch me, and then you, me, and Angeal can all run away together!”
“And lose everything you’ve worked so hard for? For what? To live as hunted men for the rest of our short lives? To fight off the entire army of enhanced SOLDIERs that Shinra will throw at us? Not to mention the storehouses full of SOLDIER-killing machines, and cages full of monstrosities, plus several thousand infantry armed with rapid fire guns?”
“We can take them!”
“As you and Angeal like to point out to me, we’re only human. At some point it would cost one or more of us our lives. Would you like to be left all alone after we die trying to protect you?”
Genesis purrs and tries to snuggle up to Sephiroth once more. “Aww, are you saying you would die to protect me? You’re so sweet… not that I need protecting!”
Sephiroth snorts. “Genesis–”
At that moment there’s a polite knock on the door. Genesis takes advantage of Sephiroth’s distraction to plaster himself against his chest again.
Sephiroth sighs. “Genesis, you have to let me go. If you’re going into heat, then Angeal’s rut should trigger. Do you want to see us fight?”
Genesis pulls back just enough to look at him with interest sparking in his eyes. “Two big alphas fighting over little ole me?” He licks his lips like he’s savoring something delicious, and his grin shows his fangs. “You know I love to watch when you two get into it.”
Sephiroth gives him a stern look. “I’m not staying, Genesis.”
Genesis growls his displeasure. “But you’re my mate! I want you here! You have to stay Sephiroth! I need you!” Tears form in Genesis’s eyes, and Sephiroth can see that he’s not going to be able to convince Genesis by applying logic.
Angeal knocks on the door a little more insistently.
“Just a minute!” Sephiroth answers before scruffing Genesis a little more firmly this time and walking him determinedly to his couch. He deposits him there and pulls away quickly before Genesis can recover.
Genesis blinks up at him dazedly and murmurs, “Alpha.”
Sephiroth thought that he was already hard, but his cock jumps up even further, straining uncomfortably against his pants. It’s hard to think of what exactly he came over here to discuss with Genesis, but it’s definitely time to go.
He quickly makes his way back to the door and leaves before he can do something he’ll regret. Behind him he can hear Genesis calling his name.
Outside the apartment, Angeal has a concerned look on his face and his scent is roiling with anxiety. “Sephiroth? What happened? Are you ok?”
Sephiroth stares at him for a moment before he realizes that he’s growling under his breath and makes an effort to calm himself with a breathing exercise. Angeal isn’t a threat.
“His… rut is closer than we realized.” He remembers in time that the hallway is most definitely bugged, but he knows that Angeal will understand him.
Angeal frowns anxiously towards the door, but doesn’t move to enter. “What did he say about me? Will he see me?”
Sephiroth straightens his coat slightly where Genesis’s pawing had moved it off-kilter. “He says that he would rather spend his rut alone if you’re not willing to see things his way.”
Angeal grimaces. “He can’t be serious.”
Just then, the door wrenches open and Genesis stalks out. “Seph-” He takes one look at Angeal and whirls around without a word, slamming the door behind him.
Sephiroth winces at the loud noise so near to his ears, and Angeal sighs, his shoulders drooping.
“I think he means it.” Sephiroth remarks dryly.
Angeal makes another face and squares his shoulders. “Alright. Thanks for trying to talk to him, Sephiroth. I really appreciate it. I know what I need to do.”
Sephiroth eyes him skeptically. “Do you?”
Angeal grunts in displeasure. “You’ve already convinced me, Sephiroth. It’s best for everyone if I cut things off with Zack. There’s no need to speak on it any more. Just ask him to let me in already.”
There’s a thread of irritation in Angeal’s voice and scent, and Sephiroth wonders if he’s finally starting to feel his rut coming on, or if he’s just annoyed with Sephiroth for nagging him.
“Alright.”
He lifts his hand to knock on the door, but Genesis yanks it open before he can do so. He must’ve been listening at the door, because he immediately grabs Angeal and drags him inside. He gives Sephiroth an angry look before slamming the door again, and Sephiroth feels a twinge of hurt and anxiety rise up inside his chest.
He went wrong with Genesis again. He probably didn’t appreciate being scruffed, but Sephiroth couldn’t think of any other way to extricate himself without hurting him.
He’ll get over it. Hopefully.
Sephiroth can hear Genesis and Angeal arguing easily enough with his enhanced hearing. Genesis wants Angeal to call Zack right away to break things off, but Angeal swears he will do it tomorrow, arguing that because of the contract, he needs to clear it with Lazard who is currently asleep.
He knocks on the door once to remind them to take their argument deeper into the apartment, where it can’t be overheard. He stands still for a moment more, fighting off the urge to rub his scent on the door as a deterrent to snoopers before he realizes what he’s about to do. He lowers his wrist from where he was rubbing it across his scent gland and quickly moves across the hallway to his own door and slips inside.
His raging hard-on has not abated, so he quickly removes his coat and does a perfunctory search for listening devices before hurrying to pull his boots off, leaving them in a neat pile by his already packed bags. He lays his leather pants over the arm chair Genesis bought him for his bedroom. He can wipe them down later. He has other priorities right now.
He steps into his shower and grabs a bottle of body lotion. Using a generous squirt of lotion, he takes himself in hand and begins desperately pumping. It’s such a relief to finally get some pressure on his throbbing cock after having to ignore it for so long. He breathes out a soft groan as he rubs his thumb steadily over the head, spreading pre-come and lotion.
Vague images of Angeal and Genesis flit through his mind. Genesis clinging to him as he lifts him against the wall of the shower, moaning as he plunders his hole. Or Angeal kneeling before him, swallowing eagerly as his eyes smolder up at him. The both of them touching him all over with their hands; scratching him with their claws.
His own hand wanders up his chest to pluck and twist at his nipples. His mouth falls open as pleasure zings from his nipples to his crotch. His knot is starting to form at the base of his cock, and he brings his hand down to grasp it tightly. Almost immediately his balls tighten up, and he grunts as he shoots his load against the far wall.
He stands still and keeps a firm hold on his knot for a minute, using his other hand to prop himself against the shower wall as he breathes at a slightly accelerated rate. He can no longer imagine his friends' presence in the ensuing silence, and he wonders if this is what people mean by “post-knot clarity.”.
He feels their absence as keenly as if they had really left him. He closes his eyes and breathes in through his nose. There, under the strong vanilla smell of the lotion, Genesis’s scent still clings to him. Proof that he had just left their presence himself but a few minutes ago. He already misses them.
This is probably one of the reasons Hojo doesn’t want him to take a mate. It’s not logical to feel this way about another person, but more importantly, it's not useful.
He’s first and foremost a living weapon—at least, that’s the way Shinra views him. Hojo’s views are more complicated. To him, Sephiroth is the pinnacle of his work, a source of pride and the proof of his genius: an experiment with positive results. Something raised to be obedient to him. Feelings for other people would only get in the way of that.
Sephiroth doesn’t care. He desperately craves the connection he’s found with these two. He didn’t go looking for it; in fact he tried to rebuff them at first in their efforts to befriend him, but they just wouldn’t give up. Perhaps he is weak for giving in to them, for feeling this need, for standing here with his hand around his own flesh and wondering what they’re doing right now.
Are they still fighting? If it was a normal night, he could imagine them still at it, each one as stubborn as the other. But with the arrival of Genesis’s heat, surely they were unable to keep their hands off each other. Genesis had said as much. How had he put it? Pheromones pinging off each other…
Sephiroth had felt some of that as well. The urge to press Genesis down into that couch and take him violently while he looked up at him and dazedly called him alpha…
His whole body shudders at the memory and his hand begins moving on his cock again. The only reason he had been able to leave was the thought of what would happen if he stayed and Shinra had to come looking for him in the morning. The thought of what might happen to Genesis if he bit him.
What Shinra would do, he isn’t certain, but he’s sure it would not have ended well for Genesis. Or Angeal. He feels a twinge of shame that he hadn’t even thought about him in that moment. He had needed to protect Genesis, even if it was from himself.
In fact, he had even growled threateningly at Angeal as if to protect Genesis from him.
He hopes Angeal doesn’t have the capacity to think about that right now. It’s too embarrassing. He hopes Genesis’s heat wipes the memory from his mind. Was he being territorial with Angeal? If anyone had a right to be territorial in that moment, it was Angeal who is actually mated with Genesis, but he hadn’t reacted aggressively.
Something is off, but Sephiroth can’t think what it is at the moment. His hand moves at increased speed over his cock, trying to milk the knot down. He wonders if Angeal has knotted Genesis yet, and wonders if Genesis will call Angeal alpha while he does it. A growl rumbles in his chest at the thought, and he can’t tell if he’s angry or turned on.
He squeezes his hand aggressively on his knot and it finally deflates as milky cum squirts up to paint his chest and the hair that’s hanging down around his shoulders. He gasps and grimaces from the pain of pushing his knot down too quickly, but stands still for a moment to let the sensations finish traveling through his body before reaching out to turn on the shower.
He turns his back on the water to protect his still sensitive flesh and wet his hair. He spreads shampoo on his hands and works it into his hair.
Pheromones pinging off each other… that’s a good explanation for how he behaved tonight. It’s not unusual to spend the evening kissing and touching as a prelude to fucking, and it’s not unusual to play dominance games with wrestling. But the way he had taken it another step further by possessively holding Genesis down even after he had won…
Genesis’s scent had been especially intoxicating, and he hadn’t felt like he could ever get enough of it. He had wanted to keep it for himself. To taste every permutation of it; to sink his teeth into the gland and let it flow over his tongue. To make it a part of himself.
And Genesis… had been surprisingly cooperative, only giving a token struggle all while preening under his attention and seemingly enjoying himself. His voice and scent had both carried a hint of amusement and pride at the attention he was getting. Sephiroth distinctly remembers the spike of annoyance that had wafted between them at Angeal’s arrival.
Shouldn’t he have been relieved that Angeal was there to cut the tension? Shouldn’t he have been happy to know that they could finally eat and get down to actually having sex? But no, he had felt territorial about another alpha walking in on him with “his” omega, even though they were literally in Angeal’s den and Genesis is Angeal’s mate, not his.
Sephiroth glances down with dismay at his second erection of the night, making itself known against his belly until he can no longer ignore it.
Is he going into rut?
That’s what’s supposed to happen when an alpha is exposed to heat pheromones. But it had never worked on him before. Hojo had repeatedly tried to trigger his rut “at the appropriate time” for various experiments. His erection flags at the thought. He shudders at the memory of all the failed attempts to bring him into rut in the presence of a carefully selected female omega that met Hojo’s exacting requirements.
He would almost rather have his organs sampled without anesthesia than go through that again. He knows it’s illogical to feel that way. But there’s a certain kind of horror that comes with being forced into such prolonged intimacy with a complete stranger that he cannot stand.
No matter how hard he tried in those scenarios to cooperate, to obey, he could not get over the disgust he felt, which made it impossible for him to perform as directed.
Hojo had pumped him with drugs to force his body to react appropriately, and Sephiroth had been surprised by the level of mortification he had felt. He had felt so out of control in a way that was somehow worse than the usual helplessness he was accustomed to.
He hated the induced ruts and what they made him into.
This is different. Isn’t it? No one forced this on him. No one is watching and taking notes on his “performance”. No scared or fawning omega he has no interest in was forced to submit to him.
He was with Genesis. Even Angeal was there. He was safe. They argued, sure, but underneath it had been the trust and affection that they’ve built their relationships on.
His erection is straining against his belly again. He quickly rinses his hair, turns off the shower, and squeezes water out of his hair. He would love to take care of this in the shower, but if he’s going into rut, then he needs to act quickly.
The last thing he needs is for his trip out tomorrow to be cancelled because someone notices his rut and Hojo finds out. He needs to take rut suppressants before it gets past the point of no return.
He doesn’t usually have rut suppressants in his possession, but every SOLDIER’s med kit has a packet of them. Even betas will have them in their kit so they can assist if an alpha comrade goes into an early rut. And his kit is already packed into his bags.
This is the sort of situation that would have Genesis claiming that they were being looked after by some higher being, but Sephiroth doesn’t believe in that sort of thing. It is definitely a convenient coincidence though.
He rips his bag open to root around for the med kit. He finds the suppressants in their brightly marked packaging and pops out enough pills for a double dose, which he swallows dry.
He goes to the kitchen for a glass of water, but only drinks some of it before bringing it and the package into his bedroom. If the meds don’t work, he’ll need to take another dose. The packaging warns in large letters to only take the prescribed dosage, but his body usually needs a stronger dose of anything for it to work.
He glances at his alarm clock. He’ll give it half an hour to work.
*~*
Sephiroth lies awake in his bed. It’s been a lot longer than half an hour. Despite just coming, he still feels uncomfortably horny. He’s already taken another dose of suppressants and jerked off two more times, but his body will not calm down.
It doesn’t help that he can not stop thinking about the events of the evening and Genesis in particular. The way he had smelled, and the feel of him squirming in his arms. The slightly damp spot at the crotch of Genesis’s leathers against the painful hardness in his own leathers. The way he had greeted him at the door and practically begged him to stay… the way he had looked at him when he called Sephiroth ‘alpha’.
How close he’d come to giving in to the intoxicating pull of it all and stayed.
It’s not just that either. The memories of the domineering way he’d behaved with Genesis and to some extent, Angeal, also play back in his mind. There had been an unusual tension between him and Angeal.
He had thought it was just because Angeal was upset about the rug and the plants, and then when it had come out that he was upset about his student taking a mate, it had explained a bit of why Angeal was feeling so testy. But then he had deferred to Sephiroth way more easily than Sephiroth was used to from him.
He hadn’t questioned it at the time, and he wonders if Angeal will realize what happened or if he has too much on his mind right now to think much about Sephiroth. But it reminds Sephiroth of something he read in a book he had found in an abandoned library between battles.
It had a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of packs from the old days. From what he’d understood, the writer had assumed that it was natural for packs of at least two alphas and one omega to form. When the omega went into heat, there were two alphas to take care of them, and one alpha would naturally take precedence over the other by going into rut, suppressing the other alpha’s rut through the strength of his pheromones.
Angeal had told him once before that he always started himself on rut suppressants a day or so before Genesis’s heat, so that he could keep a clear mind. He had joked that someone had to do it, and since heat suppressants were apparently not a priority among the scientists, then it had to be him.
Had Sephiroth unintentionally changed his dynamic with Angeal by not thinking to take suppressants? He had not been expecting to go into rut, but then he had never been near to Genesis so close to his heat before. But after failing to go into rut so many times at Hojo’s convenience, he had thought himself immune.
Apparently not. His cock is hard and painful against his stomach again. All of his efforts to ignore it into compliance unsuccessful. His bellybutton is filled up with dribbles of pre-come.
Sephiroth groans and rolls out of bed to take the last two pills in the packet. These had better start working. He has a helicopter to catch in a few hours. He should do a load of laundry as well. He doesn’t want to leave evidence of his rut all over his sheets. Does he have time to get off one more time?
More than that, what he really craves is something better than his hand. He feels almost certain that if he can let his knot rest comfortably in wet heat in-between coming that he’ll feel a lot better.
He briefly thinks about joining Genesis and Angeal again, but rejects the idea immediately. The rut suppressants are supposed to work after his rut has already started, but going near an omega who’s near their heat seems like it might work to cancel them out.
The temptation is strong, and he roughly takes himself in hand to jerk one out quickly like he did earlier. The grip of his hand around his knot is perhaps one of the most frustratingly inadequate experiences he has ever felt, and he suddenly remembers the gag gift Angeal had given him last Yule.
He retrieves the long cock-sleeve from where it’s hiding in a sock behind his dresser. In theory, he shouldn’t have to hide it there. He’s an adult, and has every right to keep sex toys, but he doesn’t trust Hojo’s minions not to go through his things when he’s away, and the idea of them finding it had somehow been embarrassing. He’s relieved to see that it’s been undisturbed, a layer of dust proof of its continued secrecy.
The sock protected the actual sleeve from getting dusty, but he’s unable to get his knot into it even with copious amounts of lube, so he has to work his knot down by hand after all. Once it’s down it seems that his cock is still up for another round, so this time he works it into the sleeve and pumps it vigorously, half-formed images of Genesis writhing under him filling his mind until he comes and his knot forms inside the sleeve.
A feeling of bliss comes over him. In his mind, Genesis peppers him with kisses and Angeal murmurs praise, as he is wont to do. He can almost fool himself that they are real for a moment, one on each side of him, before the lack of their scent pulls him back into the moment.
He is alone, but at least his body is not fighting him any more. Whether it will start up again once his knot goes down remains to be seen, but for now he can relax. For now he can daydream about Genesis holding him close while Angeal rubs his back soothingly, both of them purring, the purrs resonating between their bodies twined together.
He wishes it were real. He wishes that they were truly mates.
Playing mates with Genesis and Angeal is no different than playing house with his mother.
Well, there were a few differences. For one, Sephiroth was aware that while his mother was very real, they could only interact in his dreams. Genesis and Angeal were physically present. Sometimes they were physically present in the same place together. He could touch them and be touched by them in return.
It was strange really. When he had been young, he had longed for a time when people would no longer touch him. But now, he craved the touch of these two individuals in particular.
But he is not at liberty to mate whoever he pleases. Hojo has given him strict instructions to never give or allow another to give him their mating bite. If he were to do so, then the other person would be disposed of as an impediment.
His body is not his own. He belongs to Shinra, who funded Hojo’s experiments, and to Hojo, whose brilliance is the only reason he even exists. He doesn’t know how Hojo had done it, only that Hojo made sure that he knew that if it wasn’t for him, he would not exist, and that furthermore, all his successes were due to Hojo’s efforts.
He had seen no reason to doubt Hojo’s claims when Hojo and the lab was the only existence he had known. Leaving the lab for the battleground had been an incredible experience, but it had only proved Hojo’s point. He wasn’t just faster and stronger than your average lab assistant, or some loathsome monster. Even the best of the best of what humanity had to offer could not compare to him. He was unique.
The new SOLDIERs created using processes perfected on Sephiroth could not even compare to him. Angeal and Genesis came close, in that their bodies took to the enhancement far better than other SOLDIERs, but they still couldn’t compete with him. Not that it didn’t stop Genesis from trying.
He hears his PHS buzz for a moment in the other room and he freezes, fear curdling through his veins.
Did he miss a listening device? Is he being called down to the labs?
He sits up, his heart pounding. If they’ve found out that Genesis can trigger his rut…
He holds the cock-sleeve in place as he hurries out to his entrance table where he had left his PHS. His knot won’t let him remove the sleeve anyway.
He fumbles one handedly with his PHS before he gets it open. He hesitates before opening his mail. Maybe he can pretend that he didn’t hear it. He should be sleeping right now. He could pretend like he didn’t have time to check it before boarding the helicopter… but no, Hojo would never believe him to be so forgetful.
He could put it off until morning, but the anxiety is gnawing at him, he has to know.
The relief he feels when he sees it’s a message from Angeal has him sagging against the wall.
Sephiroth, sorry to bother you, but I was just thinking. If you want to drop off your laundry before you go, I’d be happy to do it for you. Then you can home to fresh sheets.
The message is so incongruous that all he can do is stare at it for a minute. Is he imagining it? How did Angeal know that he wanted to do a load of laundry? Are they communicating telepathically now? Is that really a thing?
He shakes himself and straightens up. No, he’s pretty sure that’s just science fiction. Angeal must have some other reason for offering, but try as he might, he can’t think of a single reason for him to message him in the middle of the night with an offer of laundry service of all things…
Shouldn’t he be busy with Genesis? It explains why he’s still up, but not why he’s thinking about Sephiroth’s laundry... Surely Angeal’s rut has triggered by now. He should have only one thing on his mind.
The thought reminds him of the sleeve and his own knot, which is starting to throb to signal its readiness to be released.
He hurries back to the bedroom, where he works the sleeve over his knot. Thoughts of Angeal driving into him from behind while Genesis works him from the front bring him to completion quickly.
He lies in a daze for a few minutes before he pulls the sleeve off and grimaces at the amount of come that spills out. He feels completely wrung out, and his vision darkens as sleep threatens to sweep over him.
The wet patch he’s lying on brings him back to reality before he can drift off and he gathers the sheets to throw in his hamper before it can soak into the mattress. A shower would do him good, though he really just wants to curl up on the bare mattress and sleep.
He forces himself to take his time in the shower with his hair, keeping the water just cold enough to keep him awake. He wants to give his body time to recover to be sure he doesn’t need the sleeve again, but it seems like he’s finally gotten it out of his system, allowing the suppressants to do their job.
That’s another reason why he can’t let himself sleep. If the suppressants have a drowsy component then they could cause him to oversleep and miss his ride.
He growls under his breath in irritation. He had really wanted to sleep in a bed tonight.
There’s nothing for it but to keep busy till morning. Thankfully, it's only a couple of hours away. Or rather, a time when he should legitimately be stirring is. It’s technically been morning for a few hours now.
He gives the cock-sleeve a very thorough washing, before returning it to its hiding place. Wipes down the shower and tidies the bathroom. Wipes down his leather pants with some leather cleaner and leaves them to dry, dressing himself in a clean pair. Makes his bed up with new sheets, and hauls his laundry to the entry-way.
He can’t message Angeal back yet, since it will be noted if he’s not sleeping, but it’s a relief not to have to worry about the laundry.
His grumbling stomach reminds him that he never ate dinner last night. He eats a large breakfast, making sure to eat any bread and fruit he has left in his fridge.
His hair is finally dry enough to brush, and he rubs conditioning oil into it before settling down on his living room couch to brush it. He takes his time, but there’s still an hour left to go before his usual waking time.
He sighs, and after checking his bags again to be sure everything’s in order, he pulls out some paperwork he still needs to complete from his last mission, but finds it unusually difficult to concentrate on it.
Is it just because he’s tired? His mind keeps drifting back to the other two. Are they still awake? How many times has Angeal knotted Genesis already? Are they tired yet from their activities like he is? Did they think about him at all?
Well, he knows that at least Angeal thought of him, but why his laundry? And why would he want another alpha’s stinky laundry in his den while he’s with his mate during his heat? It doesn’t make any sense. That should be the last thing he wants…
If they were truly mates, then that would be another thing. Sephiroth remembers reading that alphas who are bonded will seek each other out just as desperately as an omega during their rut. That the urge to join their scents together is just as strong.
…Is Angeal seeking out his scent? Is that why he asked for the laundry? It almost makes sense, but he’s not bonded to either of them, so that can’t be it. Can it?
He needs to look for more books about pack dynamics. Maybe there will be another library in a Wutai town that he can raid before it gets torched. There’s no guarantee of finding what he’s looking for, but there’s certainly a better chance there than any library under Shinra’s jurisdiction.
For some reason, President Shinra finds packs distasteful, to the point where even the mention of them is not allowed. Genesis had said that that was what you get when a beta sits in governance. Angeal had hushed him up, or at least tried to, but thankfully Genesis had let go of bashing their employer in favor of describing in romantic detail how much better packs were than the restrictive pairings that betas preferred.
Sephiroth had found it very interesting, though confusing, since he had been taught that it was impossible for alphas to share an omega. Alphas were supposed to be territorial in a way that Hojo called ‘disgusting’ and ‘animalistic’ with their omegas.
Angeal and Genesis had taught him differently. Even if it wasn’t wise for him to join them during Genesis’s heat, they were able to open their arms to him and include him in their relationship, despite the lack of bond bites between him and them.
He rubs at his scent gland absent-mindedly and is reminded of the way he almost rubbed his scent onto Genesis’s door.
That had certainly been a territorial response, but it’s not one that he's had before.
It’s not possible to form a bond without the bond bite, right?
He sighs, rubbing his forehead in frustration. He’s starting to get a headache. He wishes that he was being sent somewhere else besides Wutai. Sometimes the smaller towns will have interesting books in their libraries, and it’s a lot easier to find them when you’re not under orders to burn the village down.
He hates burning the Wutai libraries down and watching all that knowledge go up in smoke, but Shinra considers any books written by the enemy as dangerous.
Sephiroth always looks the other way when Genesis or another SOLDIER steals books from the towns they raid. What Genesis does with them, he has no idea, since he should have at least a couple bookshelves worth by now, but Sephiroth has never seen them in his apartment.
He checks the time. It’s now a reasonable hour to message Angeal back. He quickly finishes the last few lines of his report, grateful that nothing interesting happened so he can be perfunctory, and grabs his PHS from the entry table.
How should he respond to Angeal? He should pretend like this is a normal request so that no one gets suspicious, but he desperately wants to know if he’s on the right track, or whether he’s engaging in wishful thinking.
He considers for a moment before typing out a reply.
That is very thoughtful of you Angeal, but I wouldn’t want to bother you while you’re busy. My sheets are not that dirty, so I don’t think it’s necessary.
He isn’t sure how long it will take for Angeal to reply. He should be sleeping after all. Is Genesis currently dozing on his knot? Surely Angeal didn’t take his PHS into the bedroom with him. Are they able to separate for short periods of time?
He has a couple of hours before he has to catch his helicopter, so he has time to wait for a reply if Angeal is checking his PHS between rounds of fucking. Will Angeal be checking his PHS? What if it really was just a random thought, and he’s not actually longing for Sephiroth’s scent? Sephiroth isn’t sure what he’ll do with his laundry if Angeal doesn’t want it anymore.
The discrepancy between what he typed in his message and the actual state of his laundry will be a problem for him if it’s noted. Maybe he should wash a load himself after all. He can throw it in the dryer right before he goes if he waits to leave till the last second.
His PHS buzzes and he snatches it up.
It’s no trouble at all! I wanted to do a load anyway, but didn’t have enough to start the washer! You know how I feel about wasting water. You’d be doing me a favor, Sephiroth!
Sephiroth narrows his eyes. That’s an awful lot of exclamation points for Angeal… is he sure this is from him? He double-checks the address. Unless someone has taken over Angeal’s account and is trying to gather intel, it’s him.
Genesis sends his regards! He wishes you didn’t have to go, but offers you the blessing of the Goddess for your travels.
Sephiroth purses his lips. Is there a hidden message here? Is Angeal saying that Genesis is the one requesting his scent? Does he want the laundry for his nest?
Sephiroth had not considered the possibility, but now that he has thought of it, the stirrings of desire in his belly travel down to his crotch, and he has to do a quick breathing exercise to calm down. He’s probably just reading into the message the things he wants to hear. There’s no reason to get excited.
His PHS buzzes again.
Of course, I wish you could stay longer as well, but I wish you success and safety on your travels. Please remember to eat enough. I’m sorry I couldn’t make you something to take with you for the helicopter.
These are all perfectly normal messages. There’s no reason to get carried away, but still, the request for his laundry remains a quandary he can’t solve.
He types back.
Thank you Angeal. I’ll pick up something from the cafeteria before I go. If it’s really no trouble, I will entrust my laundry to you. I wish you both health and safety. I look forward to our next meeting.
Sephiroth checks that the AC is set to blow for the rest of the day to disperse his scent before it goes into standby mode for however long he will be gone. He gathers his bags and heads out the door.
He drops off his laundry bag at Genesis’s door, since that’s where Angeal should be, and knocks before heading slowly down the hall towards the stairs.
He’s surprised but relieved at how quickly Angeal answers the door. He’s glad that he won’t have to worry about some other party snatching the laundry before Angeal can. Angeal scans the hallway furtively while rubbing scent on the door, stopping and grimacing sheepishly when he spots Sephiroth watching him.
He gives Sephiroth a half-smile and a wave before grabbing the laundry bag and ducking back into the apartment like someone snatching contraband in a movie.
Sephiroth isn’t sure if this is confirmation of his theory or not, but he didn’t see Angeal growl like you might expect from an alpha in rut smelling the scent of another alpha, especially the scent of another alpha’s rut.
He feels his face burning slightly at the realization that they will both soon be aware of his recent predicament.
He turns and hurries towards the stairs. He needs to drop off this paperwork and grab something from the cafeteria. He’s not hungry, but he promised Angeal. He can eat it after he gets some rest in the helicopter.
There’s a lot he doesn’t understand about what’s happening between them, but one thing he’s certain of is that Angeal (and Genesis!) thought of him during a time when their biology dictated that they have thoughts only for each other.
That, at least, is something worth holding close to his heart.
Notes:
I added an E for Explicit to the chapter title because I know some people who enjoy going back for just the naughty bits, though I'm not sure how useful it will be when I've mixed it in with so much world-building and angst, lol. ^.^"
Chapter 17: A New Day
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Cloud wakes to the sound of an alarm going off. It isn’t the alarm he’s used to, but it is very loud and very close to his head.
He shoots up in bed and starts pulling aside blankets. He cannot be late for class again.
There sure are a lot of blankets. He’s starting to panic that someone has played a prank on him again. Did they staple all these blankets down or something?
The door to his room bangs open, and he flinches, cowering down as a big, shirtless, black-haired alpha comes rushing into the room. What?! How did he get into the school?!
“Sorry! Sorry! Sorry, Cloud! I forgot to move my alarm again!”
Wait. He knows that voice. He knows that hair, and that apologetic face. It’s Zack, his alpha. He’s not at the school anymore, he’s at Zack’s place. His new home.
He relaxes as he watches Zack fumble with the alarm clock a few times before he yanks the plug out of the wall to get it to shut up.
“Sorry Cloud, I’ll move it right away this time. You don’t have to get up yet, go back to sleep, ok?”
Zack scrubs at the back of his head and grins sheepishly at him, but Cloud’s heart is still going a mile a minute.
“I’m awake now. I may as well get up.”
Zack’s face lights up. “Oh, then do you want to work out with me?”
Cloud can’t stop the grimace of dismay that crosses his face before he remembers that he’s supposed to be “sweet and willing” for whatever his alpha demands.
“Of course, alpha.”
Zack’s face falls and he sighs. “Cloud… we talked about this. Please just call me Zack.”
Cloud blushes in embarrassment. Shit, Zack did make it clear he preferred not to be called alpha, though Cloud’s not sure why. The school had insisted on it as a matter of respect. They had also seemed to think that alphas liked being called that, but maybe Zack is just weird. Zack certainly isn’t what Cloud had expected him to be like. He’s kind and gentle.
Cloud looks down before peaking back up at Zack shyly. “Sorry, Zack.”
Zack turns red for some reason and clears his throat loudly. “Ahem! Anyway, you don’t have to work out with me if you don’t want to… but you’re welcome to watch if you’re interested?”
There’s a hopeful note in Zack’s voice, so Cloud nods and attempts to get up again, but the blankets just won’t budge. “Um…”
“Oh! Let me get those for you! I tucked you in last night because I thought you’d be cozier, but I guess I did it too tightly. Haha, sorry!”
Zack reaches under the mattress and then just lifts the whole thing up as if it and Cloud weigh nothing at all, then he pulls the covers out from underneath so Cloud can slide out.
Gods! He’s so strong! Cloud can’t help but feel a bit envious.
Zack is only wearing his pajama pants, and Cloud watches with interest the way Zack’s back muscles move under his skin as he leads the way into the other room.
“Do you mind if I put some music on, since you’re up?” Zack calls back over his shoulder.
“Go ahead. It’s your den.”
“It’s our den, Cloudy. Remember?”
Cloud bites his lip and tries not to let his discomfort show as he gestures towards the speakers attached to the television.
“I don’t mind.”
Zack grins and drops down into a crouch to open one of the doors in the low cabinet, and he rummages through a stack of CDs. Cloud shivers in the AC and turns back to the bedroom to root his new blanket out of the pile of bedding on the bed.
He notices two baskets of clean laundry on the floor in front of the closet and wonders if he should grab one to work on while Zack does his workout. But no, Zack had said he wanted Cloud to watch him. He can do the laundry later.
Cloud grimaces as his bare feet pick up bits of grit off the floor as he makes his way back to the couch. He should probably prioritize cleaning the apartment first, but for now he needs to keep his alpha happy.
He’s surprised but grateful when Zack hands him a glass of water. He hadn’t realized how thirsty he was until just now, and he chugs it down as a peppy tune begins playing on the stereo. Zack watches him drink with a strange look on his face, but when Cloud tries to get up to put the glass away, he jumps forward to grab the glass and refill it for Cloud from a small pitcher on the counter.
Cloud just holds the glass awkwardly, and Zack gives another shy grin before shaking himself all over and beginning to do jumping jacks.
Cloud is surprised to see him doing something considered to be a child’s game, and at first isn’t sure if it’s part of the workout or not. But then Zack begins marching around the room in a comical manner, lifting his knees high with each step, and Cloud’s almost certain he’s just being silly. He watches, bemused, as Zack then swings his arms around while bending his waist. Is this some sort of dance? Is that why he wanted music?
Zack repeats this bizarre sequence three more times before dropping into what Cloud recognizes as a series of stretches mixed with squats, grinning at Cloud every time their eyes meet. Cloud sips at his water to break eye-contact.
Zack does that for a while before grabbing a mat for the floor. He lays with his back on the mat with his elbows planted on either side before doing a move where he lifts his butt off the floor and holds it for a bit before doing it again.
Cloud blushes hard. He’s never seen anyone do such a move, but it’s so suggestive that he just cannot look. He sets his glass of water on the floor and pulls his blanket over his head.
“You ok over there, Cloudy? If you’re cold, why don’t you grab your new sweatshirt out of the box over there?”
Cloud peaks out to see Zack holding the upward position without any sign of strain except for the slightly concerned look on his face. Cloud grunts in acknowledgement before hurrying to get up and around to the back of the couch where the boxes from their shopping trip still sit.
He takes his time finding the black sweatshirt and rummaging around to find a pair of socks, and by the time he peeks over at Zack again, he’s now doing perfectly normal sit-ups. Well, comparatively normal. He keeps turning from side to side for some reason. He lets out a very slight grunt with each movement.
Cloud wishes he had stayed in bed. He’s starting to get wet.
He shuffles over to the couch again though, because his alpha wants him to watch. Is he being sexual on purpose? Is that what this is? Some sort of mating display?
Zack transitions into doing push-ups, and Cloud can’t help but notice how… plump and jiggly his ass is. Holy shit, Zack is stacked!
He knows it too, if the sly grin he keeps giving Cloud is any indicator. Cloud hides in his hood as Zack begins to do his push-ups with only one hand, then the other. What a show off.
Zack jumps up, and Cloud thinks he’s going to come over and pull his hood back, but instead he grabs a jump-rope that was coiled on the end of the couch and starts jumping rope, of all things.
Cloud peeks out to stare at him. Zack is moving almost too fast for him to track, but he can’t help but notice the way his pecs bounce with every jump. He swallows and shifts his eyes away, only to realize that he can see the shape of Zack’s dick swinging against the fabric of his pants with every movement. He must be half-hard.
Cloud can’t take it anymore. He pulls his hood forward and lies down so that he’s facing slightly away from Zack. Maybe Zack won’t mind if he pretends to sleep in after all.
Zack jumps for a while longer before putting the rope down.
“Aww, Cloudy, I’m almost done, then you can have the living room to yourself while I shower. I guess watching me exercise is too boring, eh?”
“Yup.” Cloud mouths off before he can remember he shouldn’t. He holds his breath, but Zack just chuckles and continues talking.
“That’s why I thought maybe you’d like to do it with me! It’s not really fun to just sit around is it? I was thinking of having Angeal set up a routine for you, if you’d like that? He’s really good at judging what a guy needs to work on with just one look!”
Cloud can’t hear any movement from Zack, so he peeks out again to see what he’s doing.
It’s a mistake. Zack has started to sweat. He’s started to sweat, and he’s holding his body off the ground with just his arms, allowing his toes to touch the mat occasionally. A bead of sweat rolls down one of his perfect pecs and hangs off his nipple like a dewdrop. Or a drop of milk.
Cloud groans and turns his back on Zack. That’s it! No more looking till Zack’s decently dressed again!
“Aww, why not, Spikey? I promise it’ll be fun once you get used to it! Nothing like an early morning workout to get the blood pumping!”
Cloud covers his ears. He doesn’t want to think about pumping. He doesn’t want to think about how Zack’s current position reminds him a little bit of milking the goats back home. He doesn’t want to think about taking Zack’s dick in his hand and pumping it for “milk”.
“Alright, alright, you don’t have to do it in the morning, but you should at least have some sort of workout routine to do every day! It’s not healthy to sit around all day, but there’s not really room in here for much else.”
Cloud grunts in acknowledgement. He agrees in principle, but he doesn’t really want to think about that right now. Besides, didn’t Angeal tell Zack he should return Cloud to the school? Cloud isn’t so sure he wants to meet him, let alone seek his advice about exercise.
Besides, Cloud already knows how to do sit-ups and push-ups. It’s been a while since he attempted one, since such exercises were not considered “appropriate” by the headmistress, and the other omegas at the school would tattle on him if they caught him at it. He can do some of those later after Zack leaves.
Zack is grunting again, slightly more than before, and Cloud doesn’t want to look, but just listening to him grunt is worse. It definitely sounds like he’s doing something sexual, but when he rolls over, it’s just sit-ups again. Cloud isn’t sure whether he’s relieved or disappointed.
Finally, after one last round of squats, Zack announces, “All done, Spike! I’ll let you sleep while I take a quick shower, and then I’ll make breakfast, ok?”
Cloud grunts noncommittally as Zack moves around a little bit before leaving the room.
Once the bathroom door closes, Cloud sighs.
He should have gone to the bathroom while Zack was working out. Not only are his panties soaked with slick, but his bladder has only just now decided to let him know that he needs to use the toilet.
He needs to find something to do to distract himself from his thoughts. The last thing he needs is to get hard from thinking about Zack in the shower.
He gets up and finds the packet of new underwear in the boxes and quickly swaps them with the ones he’s wearing. However, with the bathroom occupied, he’s not sure what to do with the dirty pair. And worse than that, the new underwear that they bought yesterday are too big. He should have gotten the smaller size after all.
His mother would be able to alter them for him, but she’s not here. He’s not even sure if she’s anywhere, since they weren’t able to get ahold of her yesterday. His breath catches painfully in his chest and he tries to breathe through it, dashing the sudden tears away.
She’s fine. She has to be. It’s just a disconnected phone, like Zack said. She’s fine.
He takes a deep breath and tries to focus on the present.
They did teach them embroidery at the school. Sewing a bit of cloth together can’t be that different, right? He’s seen his mother do it plenty of times. He just needs a sewing kit. Maybe he can ask Zack if he can get him one today while he’s out and about.
Holding onto the hem of his undies he remembers the pins that the secretary had used to pin Cissnei’s card to his dress. He hurries into the other room and finds the dress hanging by one sleeve off the bedpost. He retrieves the pins and the card, grateful that Zack didn’t add the dress to the load of laundry he must have done last night.
People in the city use washers to do their laundry, right? Where is Zack’s washer? Is it in that water closet he noticed that opened off the side of the apartment entrance? He only remembers a sink, but maybe he missed it. It’s not like he got a good look.
He pins his underwear to the top part of his pajama pants, careful to keep the pin away from his skin. He sets Cissnei’s card partly under the lamp by Zack’s bed so that it won’t get lost. He’s not sure what he’d need to call her for, but it feels important to keep it safe.
He heads over to the entrance and opens the door into the water closet. A broom falls out and almost hits him on the head.
He finds the ring it’s supposed to be hanging from just inside the door. Above that is a long shelf which holds various bottles and an iron. Cloud frowns at the iron being so high up. He should ask Zack to bring it down for him so he can iron his dress.
Along the other wall is a series of horizontal bars. What looks like two SOLDIER turtlenecks hang between them. A pair of SOLDIER cargo pants hang from a hanger further down the wall. Cloud touches the material and they’re all dry. He wonders how long they’ve been hanging there.
At the end of the narrow room is the large sink he remembers seeing before. The sink is full of dishes from what looks like several meals. There’s no washer.
Did Zack wash all that laundry by hand by himself before going to bed? Considering that that much laundry would have taken Cloud and his mother all day to get through with the hand-press, it’s seriously impressive that Zack can use his SOLDIER strength for something so useful and do it quickly enough for it not to take all night either!
Cloud wonders how Zack got it all to dry so quickly. Does it have to do with the air conditioning? Maybe that’s it. Maybe he cranked it up to full blast to dry the laundry. Cloud is surprised he slept through all that.
“Cloud? Cloud, where are you?!”
Cloud startles when he realizes that Zack is finished with his shower and is looking for him.
“I’m in the water closet!”
“Huh? The what?”
Zack pops his head in the room and blinks for a moment. “Oh, the wet room! Yeah, Shinra wants us to wash our uniforms by hand so they don’t shrink, but sometimes we get home covered in monster guts, so they put this little room right next to the entrance for us! Pretty handy right?”
“You washed all the laundry in here last night?”
“What? No, of course not! There’s a laundromat at the end of the hall. Some guys also call it the arcade because there’s an old arcade machine in there that only works if you hit it just right.”
Cloud mouths the word ‘laundromat’ to himself. He’s not sure what that means, but he guesses it has something to do with laundry. Maybe that’s where the washer is. He blushes at his mistake.
“Oh.”
“C’mon, ya hungry? Imma make some oatmeal.”
“Ok,” Cloud mumbles, “I’ll just use the restroom real quick.”
Still clutching his dirty undies, Cloud slips past Zack and hurries to the other room.
*~*
Cloud leaves his undies in the shower to deal with later and hurries back out to the kitchen to join Zack. He needs to see how Zack makes the oatmeal this time, so he can do it from now on.
He stands at Zack’s elbow and watches intently as Zack empties two packets into each bowl and pours hot water from the electric tea kettle over each.
“Easy, right? It doesn’t taste as good as my mom’s oatmeal, but this way I didn’t need to install a stove! If you want one though, I’m thinking of getting one of those countertop stoves and another table for counter space. Do you think you’d like a sit down table, Cloud? Or would you rather have one of those taller counter tables?”
Cloud didn’t know that there were different kinds of tables, and he’s not sure he’s qualified to give an opinion on it, so he shrugs.
“Or maybe you’d prefer a stove and oven combo? We could get an island installed if that’s what you want. You wanted apples in your oatmeal, right?”
Cloud feels a sense of whiplash at the sudden topic change. Which question should he be answering? He glances up at Zack, who is holding up an apple and a knife.
“Uh, yeah…” Isn’t it too late to put the apples in now? The oatmeal has already absorbed most of the water. Is Zack going to cook the apples separately?
Zack cuts up the apple and throws the apple pieces into one of the bowls. Oh, ok then, he’s not going to cook them. At least apples can be eaten that way.
Zack covers his own bowl with banana slices, raisins, and peanut–butter. He holds the peanut-butter over Cloud’s bowl and raises an eye-brow.
“You want some?”
“No, thank you,” Cloud answers politely.
Zack shrugs and grabs the milk from the little fridge, pouring a little into each bowl.
“It’s pretty good! You should try it with some apples! Too bad we’re almost out.” Zack sighs as he rummages around in a drawer. “Looks like we used the last of the spoons last night. Why don’t you go sit down? I’ll be right back!”
Cloud takes both the bowls over to the couch, setting them down on the end of the television cabinet on top of a pile of papers while he grabs the small table from where it’s leaning against the wall and wrestles it open.
“Let me get that!” Zack rushes over to open the table for him. “It’s kinda finicky. I need to get a new one anyway. Either we should get a small sit-down table or a slightly bigger folding table. Both our bowls hardly fit on it, see?” Zack demonstrates as he carefully arranges the bowls and the freshly washed spoons.
“But if we get a bigger table for the couch then we’ll probably don’t also need a sit down table, which is why we should consider if we should get a counter or not. What do you think, Cloud?”
Cloud is having trouble keeping all the options straight in his mind, especially since he can’t quite picture what Zack is talking about with the counters.
He shrugs. “I dunno.”
“Well, we don’t have to decide right now.” Zack starts shoving food in his mouth. “The offer fing I fas finking about waf the fidge.” Zack swallows his food and continues. “A bigger fridge would mean having room for eggs and more veggies.” He shoves more food in his mouth. “But I fink we can do wiffout for a bit if ‘e wanna get a bigger bed firf?" He swallows. “Whatcha think?”
Cloud isn’t sure whether to be annoyed or amused by Zack’s eating habits, but he is definitely starting to get overwhelmed with all the questions.
“I dunno. It’s your place. You decide.”
“Nuh uh, Cloud! We already talked about this! It’s our place!”
Cloud sighs in annoyance. “I dunno, I’ll think about it.”
“Ok, ok, better eat up while it’s warm, eh?” Zack smiles apologetically at him.
They eat in silence after that, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Zack jumps up to make a slice of toast after he’s finished with his oatmeal. He asks Cloud if he wants one, but Cloud is struggling to finish the big bowl of oatmeal, so he shakes his head.
After his toast Zack eats another banana, saying they’re gonna go bad if they don’t get eaten quickly. Cloud wonders why he looks guilty. Zack is muttering something about peanut butter and honey while staring into one of the cupboards. Cloud wonders if he’s still hungry.
Zack’s PHS buzzes and he dives for it, only to groan after reading his messages. “Damn, Kunsel couldn’t wait for me any longer and did bench presses without me, so now I’ve got no one to spot me. He wants to know if I’m still going to join him for our morning run.”
Cloud cocks his head in confusion. “Didn’t you already exercise?”
“Well, yeah, but that’s more like a warm-up? Angeal wants to make sure I’m not neglecting any muscle groups.”
Zack sighs again. “I should get going.” He drops down onto the couch next to Cloud despite his words and lays his arm around Cloud’s shoulders, rubbing his chin into his hair. “But I didn’t get to cuddle my Cloudy yet today! Maybe I’ll skip the laps. I doubt anyone will notice.”
“You won’t get in trouble?”
“Probably not? It depends on which First is in charge of roll call today. If it’s Angeal, I’m screwed.”
Cloud frowns. “You should probably go then. I don’t want him any more pissed with me than he already is.”
“Aww, Cloudy, I don’t think he’s pissed with you! He’s just mad I didn’t follow his instructions. He’ll understand once I get the chance to talk it over with him…”
Zack stares at the wall for a moment before slapping his knees aggressively and jumping to his feet. “Right! Better go!”
Cloud watches, bemused as Zack rushes into the water closet and shuts the door. He realizes he must be changing into a fresh uniform after a minute passes without Zack coming back out.
Cloud finishes his oatmeal and clears the table. He’s not sure what to do with the bowls when he realizes once more that there’s no sink in the kitchen. So that’s why the sink in there was piled with dishes…
Zack comes out just as Cloud starts toward the “wet room” with the dishes.
“Oh! Don’t worry about doing those! I’ll do them when I get back!” Zack takes the dishes from him and adds them to the pile in the sink. “I’ll do the laundry folding too, I was just too tired last night.”
Cloud shakes his head. “I can do it.”
“Naw, you’re not here to do my chores for me! Just relax and make yourself at home! Here.”
Zack rushes into the bedroom, opens one of the closet doors, and after a moment's thought, pulls all the clothes out of one of the drawers and dumps them into another.
“Tada! This drawer is for your stuff! If you need more room, feel free to use any of the closet hangers! Just… don’t open the other closet door. It might all come tumbling out. Heh.”
Cloud looks at Zack scrubbing at the back of his head and puts his hands on his hips.
“How’m I supposed to make myself at home when everything’s a mess? It won’t take me that long to fold the laundry and wash the dishes. And besides, this floor is disgusting! Do you always just walk around in here with your boots on?”
Zack looks, if possible, even more sheepish. “Oops, sorry about that. I just forget sometimes. You really don’t have to do all that. I would have done it myself if I had time.”
“Exactly. You don’t have the time, but I do. What’s the problem here? You keep saying that this is my new home, but you’re trying to treat me like a guest? Which is it? Is it my den or not?”
“Uh, it’s your den for sure! I just don’t want you slaving away all by yourself in here!”
“What else am I supposed to do while you’re gone all day?”
“Ah, sorry about that! I was hoping to show you how to use the gaming system last night… though you could probably figure it out.”
Zack rushes back into the living room. “See here? You just push this button and it turns on, then you put in the cartridge you want and hold this controller to navigate the menu...”
Cloud shakes his head. “Didn’t you say you were excited to play games with me? I can wait to do that until you get home.”
Zack purses his lips. “Yeah, I know… I just don’t want you to be bored…”
“Which is another good reason for me to take care of a few tasks around here. I’m not slaving away. I want to keep busy while you’re gone.”
Zack droops defeatedly. “Yeah, but… yeah, ok… just take lots of breaks and remember to exercise, ok?”
Cloud’s lip quirks in amusement. “Any other instructions?”
“Um, eat whatever you want? Just don’t drink all the milk? We need some for tomorrow morning.”
“Got it. Shouldn’t you get going?”
Zack sighs. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“I don’t want you to get into trouble for being late!”
Zack straightens up and does a quick salute. “Sir, yes sir!” He marches in an exaggerated manner towards the door and then looks around like he’s trying to remember something.
He looks at Cloud and Cloud can see the worry in his eyes. “If you need anything at all, be sure to call me, ok? I’ll keep my PHS close… and don’t open the door for anyone… There should be a guy here at noon with your lunch, but other than that, no one needs to come in here.”
Cloud gives him a confused look. “Who would want to come in here?”
Zack grimaces. “No, you’re right. They wouldn’t give you a choice anyway… no, we’ve been cooperative. I’m being silly. You should be fine. Just call me if you need me, alright?”
Cloud nods, not sure what to say. Who’s not giving him a choice? What does Zack mean by that? Why does Zack look so stressed? It’s starting to stress him out.
Zack walks back towards him and pulls him into a hug, aggressively rubbing more of his scent into Cloud’s hair.
“You can change the music if you like, or watch TV. There’s movies and more CDs in boxes under the bed. There’s some SOLDIER magazines under the bed too, but I doubt you’d be interested in those. Don’t work too hard, ok Cloud? We have the whole week to get through. I have a half day on Saturday, and then I’m off again Sunday.”
Cloud perks up at the thought of the SOLDIER magazines. He wonders if there will be any new pictures of Sephiroth in there, but immediately feels a frisson of guilt. He has his very own SOLDIER now who he should be loyal to, and his alpha smells anxious and distressed.
“Don’t worry about me, ok? I’ll even take a nap if that makes you feel better?”
Cloud hugs Zack back and he feels some of the tension leave his body.
“That sounds nice. I’m not a big fan of naps myself, but my parents used to always take an afternoon nap. Said it was good for mind and body. Oh! I talked to them last night, and they’re excited to meet you! My mom is sending you a blanket and my dad is sending us some canned mushrooms as mating day presents. Do you think you might be able to talk to them tonight?”
Cloud feels a moment of panic. He hadn’t considered that he would need to “meet the parents” so soon, but he should have realized when they were talking about them yesterday that it was an inevitability. He’s a part of the Fair family now.
He squares his shoulders. “Sure, no problem.”
Zack chuckles. “Then why do you smell anxious? Don’t worry, they’ll love you just like– um, well, I promise, ok?”
Zack kisses the top of Cloud’s head and squeezes him slightly. Cloud wonders what Zack didn’t say, but figures he’ll find out sooner or later.
“Zack. You’re gonna be late.”
“Ugh, I know! I can’t believe I have to go back to work already! You sure you’ll be ok, Cloud?”
“I’m sure.” Cloud puts as much conviction as he can into his voice. Being here is definitely going to be better than the school, anyway.
Zack groans and pulls away. He puts his hand on the door but looks back to Cloud one more time.
“Remember to call me for anything! Ok? Even if you’re just bored! If I can’t pick up, I’ll call you back as soon as I can, ok?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll call. Better go.”
“Ok! I’m going!”
“Have a good day, Zack.”
“You too, Cloudy!”
“Bye.”
“Bye…”
Cloud raises an eye-brow and waits for Zack to close the door.
Zack stands in the hallway and slowly closes the door while keeping Cloud in his sight.
“I’ll see you tonight, Cloud!”
“Bye Zack.” Cloud tells him firmly.
“Bye now. Remember to call me!”
Cloud sighs as Zack finally closes the door and stands there waiting to see if he’ll come back. He wouldn’t put it past him to suddenly remember he forgot something and burst back in, but it remains quiet.
He glances at the phone on the wall. Zack will probably freak out if he doesn’t call him at some point. He feels like he’s forgetting something... They never checked if the new phone works, maybe that’s it. He picks up the receiver, and listens to the tone. It sounds normal so he puts it back.
He goes to open the door slightly and peeks out to be sure Zack actually left. The hallway is quiet and empty. Everyone else must’ve headed out ages ago.
He hopes Zack doesn’t get in too much trouble for being late. He sighs and closes the door again and glances at the phone. He can call Zack at lunch time so he doesn’t worry so much.
Suddenly he has a thought. Did Zack give him his phone number?
Notes:
I was wondering why it felt like this one came so soon after the last one cuz I thought it'd been at least a couple of weeks, but I checked my calendar and it's only been a week?? Damn, I was feeling motivated last week! No promises on being able to keep that pace up, but thanks for all the lovely comments! It really helps! <3 <3 <3