Silhouette

A/N: Why hello there! Sorry once again for the long delay, alas, I was forced to pick up and move homesteads, which has prevented me from writing for a while. Not only that, but the impending/recent release of Crisis Core had me on eggshells, worried that something was going to happen that would screw up what I had planned.

... Ok, so yeah, it did a little bit, which meant me having to go over the last chapter and change shit, and redo my planned outline as well. But the next chapter is already in progress, as in the long and horribly overdue update to my other work in progress.

Thank you all who have stayed with me over this past year. I know I haven't updated as much as I should, and again, many, many, many, heartfelt apologies, but I'm hoping to start regularly updating again.

Special shout outs to I_Desire_My_Valentine, this chapter's beta. Remember kids, "That's not a word."

And of course:

Thank you very much reviewers!
I do appreciate every single one of them.

Now that I'm done with the housekeeping, onwards!

---


Angry was not a strong enough word.

Angry did not even begin to describe what how he was feeling right now. He was completely and totally enraged. Planet help any poor souls who graced his presence, because chances are they would not survive the encounter.

They said it was a freak accident, a power short shortage that was caused by an unexpected surge in the Mako that flowed beneath the Reactor. The system, back up and all, had simply been overloaded. It shorted out, an inevitably exploded.

He felt it was complete and utter bullshit. Someone had deliberately caused their system to fail. And he had made it his own personal vendetta to find the ones responsible and make them pay.

“Err... Sir?”

He didn’t move. Not even a twitch.

“Ahh... Restrictor? We... we’ve finished the system diagnoses, sir. Everything seems to be in working order again.”

Again? The system shouldn’t have failed in the first place.

“We’ve rechecked everything sir, yet we couldn’t find anything to support the idea of foul-“

What embarrassing last words, but Restrictor did not care, nor did he hesitate. Before the poor fool could even finish his sentence Restrictor had his short sword firmly shoved through his chest. Death only came a few moments later as blood literally poured out of the wound forming a sticky puddle on the floor. Removing his weapon, Restrictor walked calmly away as the body collapsed on the floor, giving a sidelong glance just to see exactly who it was. A research scientist, and a rather senior one at that. Well, pity for him.

The last three days had been nothing short of chaotic. The damage to the Deepground mainframe had caused a massive loss of valuable information and research. Dozens of experiments had escaped from their containment, while just as many died from lack of life support. The explosion had caused extensive damage on several levels. And after all was said and done, no one had been held responsible.

That very thought had Restrictor slamming his fist into a wall, in a very uncharacteristic display of anger. He usually didn’t bother venting his frustration on inanimate objects. They didn’t feel pain.

It had to be on of the Tsviets, there was no other answer. It was too perfectly executed for a normal soldier to have completed. Rosso, Weiss, and Nero lacked the resources and the freedom necessary. Tack into account the techincal knowledge needed, you could also include Azul into those who were incapable of such a feat. That left Argento, Shelke, Indigo, and Viridis.

Restrictor paused, his frown hidden beneath his black helm. It was out of character for Shelke to do something so drastic. She needed to only reach one of the terminals and connect to the World Network to find something out, and Argento would have been intelligent enough to frame someone other than herself.

Too perfectly executed... Viridis. Viridis was the perfectionist, to the point she often inhibited herself with her inability to see her own mistakes. And with Indigo, her ever loyal companion...

So, they had taken advantage of their liberty... well, they’d pay for it soon enough. But first, to find out what they were after. That part still remained a mystery.

Continuing to storm through the hallways, he noticed people leaving his proximity faster then usual, most of them not stopping to acknowledge his presence as they usually did. Right now, Restrictor didn’t care that he wasn’t being shown the respect he was used to. The smell of their fear was enough. A part of him wished that one or two had stayed behind, simply because he felt the insistent urge to gut things.

Entering one of Deepground’s numerous labs, he got a twisted sort of delight as everyone froze, faces growing pale, and some of them visible shaking. Good. They knew he was furious with the past days’ events, and was ready to punish anything and anyone who disobeyed him.

“Get Shelke and Argento down here, now. ” He snapped, meaning to put those Tsviets to good use. Shelke, with her ability to synaptic net dive would be able to do a more thorough exam of the events that had led up to this catastrophe. Argento was far more intelligent then any of this petty scientists and could possibly spot something they had missed.

And chances are, she already knew the answer.

The room was deathly quiet, save for the beeping of monitors and the other mechanical sounds as the scientists in the labs tried vainly to do their work while making no sudden moves and absolutely no noise. None of them wanted to bring undo attention to themselves, out of fear of igniting Restrictor’s already inflamed wrath. They knew that if they sneezed it could mean the end to them.

The minutes ticked away as Restrictor waited for the Tsviets to arrive, feeling his already strained patience beginning to stretch even further. He knew that Deepground was a large facility, and seeing as he’d been too busy these past couple of days to pay any attention to the Tsviets, there was no telling exactly where they were. Contained in the East Sector as they were, the sprawling tunnels of Deepground matched Midgar in length. It could take well over an hour to get from one of the four sectors to the next, and that was ignoring any checkpoints or other access ways that might require authorization to pass. He could feel the urge to hurt something grow stronger.

Luckily, those in the lab were momentarily spared from his wrath with the arrival of the two Tsviets in question. Restrictor wasted no time in putting them to good use.

“Access the World Network. If there is anything out of place, I want to know about it,” Restrictor snapped, shoving Shelke towards the nearest console. The girl retained her usual passive appearance, making no reaction towards her rough treatment.

“You,” Restrictor turned on Argento, sparing her none of his rage either, “What do you know?”

Argento didn’t bat an eyelash with her response. She knew it was coming and had long prepared herself with an answer.

“I suspect as you do sir, that the power surge was intentional, however there is no evidence to support such a claim,” Argento said calmly.

She wasn’t lying. She knew it would be pointless to lie to Restrictor; he would’ve been able to see right through it. Instead she opted to tell things as she saw them, and not how she knew them to be otherwise. She wasn’t lying, but not telling the whole truth either.

In all actuality, if it weren’t for the fact that she knew Indigo and Viridis to be behind it, there would be no other evidence. They had out done themselves with this little stunt. It made her all the more weary of them.

“And tell me Argento. Despite the lack of evidence, who do you think is behind it?” Restrictor asked, his voice losing none of its acidity. Argento frowned. It was a trick question; he already knew. He was furious that he hadn’t seen the danger sooner...

“You ask me questions that you already know the answer to?” Argento asked softly. Restrictor snarled, striking her across the face.

“Yes, Tsviet, and I expect you to answer it. Or rather, I have a better one for you; what are they after?”

Argento frowned, her eyes narrowing at the question. What were they after?

“I don’t know sir.” Argento said, stoically meeting Restrictor’s unseen gaze.

“Humor me.”

“Something normally off limits...” Argento replied, showing no reaction at the scoff Restrictor gave her as a response.

“Obviously...” he sneered, turning away from the silver Tsviet to focus on Shelke. This still wasn’t making any sense.

“To risk their freedom, for what?” Restrictor continued, more to himself then anyone else. Restrictor didn’t grant favors; Viridis and Indigo had been granted their liberty because up until know, they had been obedient, well behaved soldiers, willingly committing themselves to the Deepground project.

Oh, they would pay dearly for this.

“Finished,” A soft voice came from across the room. Both people turned to the young Tsviet who wearily disconnected herself from the machine.

“There was nothing.” Shelke said in her usual monotone, eyes staring listlessly at Restrictor. It didn’t matter now, he had his answers.

“Very well.” Restrictor finally let out, his voice sounding slightly strained. He exited the room, going elsewhere to find answers. If Viridis and Indigo left nothing behind, he’d simply have to go to them for answers. Shelke and Argento exchanged a quick glance. While neither of them had any affection towards Viridis and Indigo, they did not wish upon them the punishment that was sure to come.

--

Indigo bit his lip until the sharp metallic tang of blood filled his mouth, but he refused to cry out, even as the sound of his own arm breaking resounded through the room.

“You’ve grown stubborn Anil, and I’m not sure I like it.” Restrictor hissed, continuing to twist the already broken arm, his other hand fisted in the messy locks of purplish hair. Indigo remained kneeling in front of him, head forced back to give Restrictor the satisfaction of seeing the sweat covered face, skin pale with the exception of a bright trickle of blood which was now dripping from Indigo’s lip.

“I didn’t do shit!” Indigo spat, eyes squeezed shut trying to hide his pain. To be honest he wasn’t used to this type of treatment, and was having a rather hard time dealing with it. He feared Restrictor, and up until this moment he had done everything possible to avoid his wrath.

“Oh, I highly doubt you did. But I know that you followed Viridis like the whipped dog you are, and I bet it’d be far easier to get things out of you then her...” Restrictor hissed, shoving Indigo onto the floor of the boys small quarters.

Indigo barely stifled a cry this time, his left arm bent at an unnatural angle and nearly blinding him with the pain. Restrictor took no pity, grasping Indigo’s scalp once again, forcing the boy back to his feet. This time however, Restrictor employed the use of one of his swords, slowly digging it into the small of Indigo's back.

“What. Did. You. Do.” Restrictor asked, his voice deceptively soft. Indigo let out a jagged breath as the blade continued to dig into his flesh, slowly, painfully tearing into his skin and muscles.

“Keep this up and you’ll find yourself without the use of your legs...” Restrictor purred, feeling the blood begin to swell out of the wound. “I highly doubt the Indigo Lightening would be of any use if he couldn’t walk, let alone fight....”

Indigo winced, more at the threat the actual pain of his situation. If Restrictor was serious, and Indigo knew he was, he might as well be signing his death warrant.

“Weiss.”

Restrictor paused, actually surprised at the answer. What did Weiss have to do with this?

“We... wanted to see Weiss.” Indigo hissed out between clenched teeth. Restrictor growled, hand tightening in Indigo’s hair.

“And?”

“... shit... ahh.... Viridis just asked him questions, fuck, I wasn’t paying attention, I swear! I just wanted to pick a fight...”

Restrictor swore, shoving Indigo away from him once again. Weiss. It always came back to the errant Emperor. What was he planning...?

“I’ll finish with you later, boy.”

Indigo winced again, knowing that this hellish treatment was only the beginning. He hoped in the end it’d be worth it.

---

Nero sighed, stretching out on his narrow bed. Night could not come soon enough for him, not anymore. Every waking hour was spent waiting for the few scant hours each night he dared to sneak down to his sanctuary and be with his beloved brother.

The past few days had been especially wonderful. He wasn’t sure what happened, but suddenly everyone was too busy to pay attention to him or Weiss. It had given them ample time to be together, to love and learn about each other.

Nero actually grinned, body finally feeling content. It had taken a couple of times, but he and Weiss were finally able to quell the frenzy that overtook them the moment they saw one another. They had time to explore and learn, to see what would happen when the other was touched with hands and lips and tongue.

He now knew Weiss loved it when he raked his fingers over his elder brother’s back, leaving faint scratch marks in his wake. How Weiss would shudder when Nero used his teeth to tease the fleshy part of his ear, and descend down the taunt neck and corded muscles. Weiss loved it when Nero would arch his back and let out his soft mewls of pleasure, fingers combing through wild white locks, eyes shut and mouth panting.

And Weiss had discovered many things about Nero as well. Nero never knew how good it could feel to have a tongue lap over his body, tracing the dark markings that adorned his skin, all the way down to his erect flesh. Soft nips on the inside of his thighs, while fingers played against his entrance; all were sure-fire ways to make him moan.

Now all he had to do was wait.

The minutes ticked by and nothing happened. No one came to usher him to some training center or laboratory. No tests to run or battles to fight. Might as well rest a while, for tonight was sure to be exciting. Nero closed his eyes, the smile still on his lips.

All he had to do was wait…

He didn’t know how long he slept, mind drifting on pleasant dreams of soft touches and lust filled words, instead of the screaming darkness of before… but he awoke with sudden urgency. Something was wrong, something was off…

“Awake at last, are we?”

Nero jumped, scampering to the far corner of his bed, glaring with sudden rage and fear. He didn’t like being snuck up on, least of all by him.

Restrictor snickered, loving the almost animalistic response in the young boy.

“You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times boy, lest you be taken by surprise” Restrictor scolded, leaning casually against the doorframe. Nero sneered, eyes narrowing to near slits as he silently observed the man. To Nero, it was though death itself loomed in his doorway.

“Tsk tsk, I don’t take kindly to that kind of attitude.” Restrictor hissed, stepping closer. Still, Nero couldn’t bring himself to stop. This was the man that made his life hell, who made Weiss’s life hell. He didn’t care what Restrictor did to him; he would not come quietly.

“Well aren’t we full of fight today…” Restrictor muttered, sounding dangerously amused. Nero knew it was a warning sign to stop, or he’d end up jeopardizing his chance of seeing Weiss due to injury, but he couldn’t help it. Every instinct in his body told him to devour the man, and only his sanctity for Weiss’s life stopped him.

“Good… just what I was looking for!” Restrictor growled back. Nero saw it coming, he knew it was bound to happen, but that knowledge wasn’t enough to escape Restrictor’s wrath. He tried vainly to avoid the attack but it was no use, and before his mind could even comprehend what was going on he felt gauntlet covered hands seize him by the throat and slam him against the nearest wall.

Nero coughed and sputtered in outrage, own hands reaching up to grasp the arm that held him, vainly trying to lessen the hold. His darkness flared up around him, howling in it’s own anger, wanting nothing more then to wrap around this devil that hurt him so.

“Now you listen here boy,” Restrictor hissed, black helm looming directly in front of Nero’s face, “If you haven’t notice, things have been rather hectic these past couple days and needless to say I am just looking for an excuse to rip someone to shreds.”

Nero’s only response was a strangled growl, the only noise he could really manage in his position. The hold around his neck only tightened as a result, leaving Nero choking on his own breath. It was much more amusing when the specimens fought back...

“I’ve grown tired of you and brother’s incessant need to try my patience. My self-control will only go so far. I can do things to you and your brother that would have you both begging for mercy.” Restrictor whispered, leaning in even closer.

Nero felt an uncontrollable shiver rip through him. It wasn’t so much at the words, but at the close proximity between the two bodies. He never allowed anyone so close, with the exception of Weiss, and tied in with the near inability to breath it was sending him into a blind panic.

He could feel him, the sickening heat that wafted off Restrictor’s body, holding none of the comforting warmth he felt from Weiss. He could feel the heartbeat, the chest rise and fall with every breath, the soft whisper of air as he exhaled. Nero had to resist the urge to gag. There was something horribly wrong by having this man so close to him.

A sharp pain in his side spared him from such thoughts. Without even noticing Restrictor had turned one of his blades on Nero, using his free arm to gently drag the sharp blade across Nero’s abdomen, tearing the cloth of his uniform and the fragile skin beneath. It didn’t hurt, not really. Nero had suffered far worse. It was meant to scare Nero as the blood began to trickle out of the shallow wound, a sickening heat that dripped from his body. The tactic was working.

“How easy it is to make you bleed, little Nero…” Restrictor purred, pressing his body harder against Nero. Nero tried to toss his head to side, unable to look at the man any longer, but the grip on his throat wouldn’t allow it. He felt like he was going to vomit.

“I can shatter bones, tear muscles, and rip apart flesh…” He continued, enjoying the way Nero flinched at his words. “I know so many ways to hurt a human being it’s almost sad…” Nero squeezed his eyes shut, chest wheezing as he fought to gain some breath. He could feel his mind begin to swim, growing faint from the lack of oxygen as well as the growing fear…

“Imagine what I could do with beasts such as yourself,” Restrictor continued, watching as Nero vainly struggled beneath him, a cold sweat breaking out on the young boy. It was so sinfully delightful, to feel the sticky blood drip from his cut, to have that little body pressed beneath him, quaking in fright…

“And there is nothing you, nor your precious Weiss could do to stop me…” Restrictor gloated, sheathing his weapon and running his hand over the shallow wound. Nero flinched, but it was a slow reaction, his body beginning to lose its hold on consciousness.

“There would be no one to hear your cries…” Restrictor reached up with his free hand, brushing his fingers gently over Nero’s check. It would have been a tender gesture, if it weren’t for the streak of blood. “Or see your tears…” The same hand brushed a few strands of Nero’s messy locks away from his face, looking at the haggard breathing and the glossy eyes.

“Or to comfort you in your misery…” Nero could see the spots forming in front of his eyes, hearing and sight going fuzzy and murky, body beginning to give way beneath him. He needed air; he needed to breathe!

His lips curled back in on last defiant snarl, refusing to give into his fear, refusing to let this man win.

Restrictor stepped back, allow the boy to slump to the ground, a tangled mess of limbs and darkness. He watched a Nero lay panting on the floor, eyes heavy lidded as they tried to glare up at him with the usual hatred. Restrictor smirked behind his helm. His blood was pounding, and his own breathing deeper then it should have been. This encounter had been almost therapeutic, releasing some of his pent up tension towards Nero, and all of the Tsviets. Bitter he couldn’t hurt him more, but he knew he couldn’t risk damaging this particular “experiment”.

However, he was already beginning to feel better. It was so much more enjoyable to toy with the dark Tsviet then any of the others. He’d get his revenge on them, somehow. But until then, it was so much nicer to play with Nero, who despite his frail appearance had his brother’s will pounding through his veins. He knew that Indigo and Viridis would cave in far too easily, so he had to vent his excess rage somehow.

Smirking behind his dark helm, Restrictor left, his hidden grin growing darker as he felt Nero’s defiant glare follow him out of sight.

--

Nero watched as Restrictor turned and left, feeling the growing shame boil in his stomach at his own apparent weakness, quickly overcoming his own need for defiance. He wanted to help Weiss, help free his brother from this place but he wasn’t nearly strong enough. Even his darkness couldn’t help him in this fight, and without it he was just a frail little boy.

Weiss… he wanted Weiss. He wanted Weiss to hold him and comfort him, to keep him safely nestled in his arms. Weiss could make this all go away. He would make Nero remember that he wasn’t alone, that he was loved and cherished by his beautiful brother, and that nobody, not even Restrictor could take that away from him.

Summoning up his power, he felt for Weiss’s throne room, relinquishing himself to his darkness, feeling the comforting swirl of his shadows around him as he moved from one place to another, thinking of nothing else besides the warmth of his brother.

Weiss…

He saw his brother, his beautiful brother, smiling at him from across the room and Nero felt his strength give way, body collapsing to its earlier weakness. He never hit the floor.

Weiss was there, holding him tightly, cradling his smaller form against the broad immaculate chest, brows furrowed in worry as he saw the cut on his stomach and the blood on the face.

“Nero…?” Weiss questioned, wondering what happened to his little brother. Nero couldn’t help it, his body shaking with fear and sadness and joy, and all he could do was curl tighter against Weiss’s chest, body wracked by silent sobs, eyes still dry from tears that refused to fall.

Weiss…

He felt Weiss pick him up and carry him towards his throne, holding his trembling body snug against his chest. There were no other questions, only the comforting feel of Weiss’s strong arms around him.

He didn’t see Weiss’ brow furrow, nor the look of concern on his brother’s face. All Nero knew was the soothing feel of being pressed against the immaculate form, safe and secure from everyone.

From Restrictor.

He didn’t know how long he sat there, curled against the reassuring warmth that surrounded him, listening to Weiss murmur softly in his ear words of love and devotion and affection. His body began to slowly relax, the tightness leaving his limbs as he calmed down, the blind panic of before leaving him.

Weiss… he was with Weiss. Weiss would never leave him, ever…

Sighing softly, Nero snuggled against Weiss, burrowing his face into Weiss’s chest, feeling a soft smile tug at the corner of his lips. Everything was going to be alright.

--

Weiss continued to frown, even as Nero’s body relaxed and the trembling stopped. Something had scared his little brother, more so then anything Weiss had ever witnessed before. Nero may have appeared frail, but he kept his sadness and fear locked away deep inside him, so it could not be exploited against him.

Weiss knew, somehow, it had to Restrictor behind all this. If he only he knew what! What had he done to his Nero that had him fleeing to the safety of his arms? Not that Weiss minded too terribly, he loved it when Nero would curl up against him. But he could not forget the fear of before…

He looked down at the shallow wound that was visible against Nero’s stomach. It wasn’t deep at all, the wound fresh but already scabbing over. Had Nero gotten into a fight with Restrictor?

No… that didn’t make sense either. Restrictor barely left his opponents alive, yet alone conscious and able to move. It had been a tactical wound, like Restrictor was trying to make some sort of sadistic point. But again, what was it?

What was this new, sick and twisted game? Why Nero?

Sighing, Weiss tried to ease these thoughts from his mind, knowing the Nero would tell him when he was ready to. If ever.

Relaxing his snug hold on his brother, Weiss watched as Nero lifted his head, eyes blinking softly up at his big brother, full of love and admiration for the elder sibling. Weiss felt a smile play against his own face, forgetting his anxieties in the wake of Nero’s compassion.

Love… such a strange emotion. Weiss had understood fear, sadness, anger, even grudging respect to those who kept him trapped down here. But never love. Never compassion. The warmth that blossomed in his chest when Nero was close to him, the tightness he felt when Nero was away... The knowledge that there was somebody he’d willingly die for, and someone that would willingly die for him.

It was a selfless emotion, the act of putting someone before your self. He’d feel pain if meant keeping Nero safe, sadness if it meant making Nero happy. He didn’t care what it was; he’d willingly give it to his little brother.

“Feeling better?” Weiss murmured, knowing now wasn’t the time to remind Nero of whatever had occurred earlier. Nero shrugged, straightening his body so his head was high enough to rest on Weiss’s shoulder, on hand reaching up to play with the wild strands of Weiss’s hair.

Weiss chuckled. He knew this was Nero’s way of saying no, he wasn’t feeling better, but he was willing to ignore it to better enjoy his time with Weiss. Weiss closed his eyes, relishing in the gentle caresses of Nero, grin growing wider as he felt Nero shift again, before a hot mouth was pressed against his neck.

Weiss let out a sigh as Nero kissed him, back arching slightly as Nero’s lips played along the tendons of his neck, sucking lightly on the salted flesh. There was no rush in his actions, just Nero’s need to feel the physical closeness of Weiss’s body. Soft and gentle, a juxtapose sensation to the fierce darkness that prevailed in their daily lives. A welcome release from their dreadful realities.

Nero nuzzled his face against Weiss’s neck, inhaling deeply the warm scent of his brother, letting go at the fear that still held him. He was with Weiss now, and there was nowhere safer in all of Deepground. It was as it always had been, the two of them alone in their seclusion, free to love each other without outside interference.

Weiss’s hands dragged lightly over Nero’s hips, a soft sound of annoyance coming from the immaculate sibling when Nero stopped his advancements. It was Nero’s turn to smile. Always the eager one…

Nero brushed his lips against Weiss’s, a soft caress that quickly deepened into something more as Weiss responded, catching hold of Nero’s lips and kissing him gently in reply, sure to keep his movements slow and sensual, relishing in soft feel of Nero’s lips against his own. No fear, no worries, no need for haste…

Nero shifted his body, straddling Weiss’s body to gain a better position, arms wrapping around Weiss’s neck as they continued to kiss. His body arched forward just enough to keep his chest pressed firmly against his brothers, soft sounds of contentment escaping when their lips were forced to part, only to find each other moments later.

Weiss’s hands weren’t idle either, slowly dragging over the clothes that concealed his little brother from him. He preferred the naked feel of his brother’s skin beneath his hands, but was too preoccupied with Nero’s lips to rectify this predicament. He’d simply have to wait.

Nero pressed himself harder against Weiss, feeling his arousal beginning to grow. No matter how often he got to see Weiss, or how many nights they managed to stay together, nothing seemed to sooth the heated flames of passion he felt when his brother touched him like this. After years of being alone and forgotten, isolated from everyone and everything, he drank in the affection like he’d die without it. How could he have ever lived without knowing such sensations? It seemed impossible to think that he had spent his entire life thinking that nothing good ever came from the touch of another human being.

Breaking their kissing session at last, Nero gazed at Weiss with heavy lidded eyes, lips bruised from all the attention they had received. Weiss smirked in response, hands finally reaching to undo the many straps and fastenings of Nero’s outfit, relieving the almost ache he had felt in the desire to see his brother naked.

He had to be careful though, almost painfully aware of the injury across Nero’s abdomen. He knew it wasn’t deep, but he knew the blood had dried Nero’s uniform to his skin, and he didn’t want to reopen the wound in his haste. Nero didn’t seem too bothered by it, body automatically moving to help Weiss in the removal of his bindings, feeling the gentle release that always came when he was rid of his garments. He relished the fresh air that would wash of the skin, and had to resist the urge to stretch and arch his back as he was given freer reign over his darkness. He always felt cramped and restrained in his uniform, though he knew that was the point of it.

However, his musings were interrupted as Weiss gave a dark growl, blue and gold eyes staring with barely suppressed rage at Nero’s neck. Nero frowned, wondering what was wrong, reaching up to see if he could feel what was off. Wincing as his fingers grazed over the bruised flesh, a soft shudder wrecked through Nero’s body as he remembered the rough treatment earlier. Though he couldn’t see it, he guessed there was heavy bruising roughly in the shape of a gauntle covered hand. He knew that Weiss had no doubts in who had been responsible.

Overly conscious of his own weakness again, Nero bowed his head, hand still resting idly on the side of his own neck, wishing he had been strong enough to prevent such an attack. He could remember it so vividly, the choking grasp around his neck, the cloying breath of his greatest enemy against his face…

Nero started as Weiss leant forward, lost enough in his own thoughts that he had completely forgotten the presence of his elder brother. Blushing, he let his hand drop to the side, staring at Weiss confusedly as his brother gazed over his minor injuries.

He couldn’t resist but hiss as Weiss kissed the tender flesh, feeling a short sting of pain followed by the pleasure. He knew how much Weiss liked to mark him, and it must have annoyed his brother to no end that somebody else had left their “mark”.

For some odd reason, Nero found the thought almost funny. He even had to resist the urge to chuckle. Silly, foolish Weiss, Nero belonged only to him…

The lips traveled lower, licking and sucking on a protruding collar bone, forcing Nero to lose all rational thought and just dwell on his brother, hands reaching up to comb through Weiss’s wild mane. He loved Weiss’s hair, the pure white locks that seemed to give off their own light. How silky the strands felt despite the harsh appearance. He loved the way the light reflected off of them, and he wondered if that was how the moon looked, or perhaps the stars. Brilliant yet soft flecks of light that dazzled the eyes.

Nero groaned as Weiss continued to tease the skin that stretched over his clavicles, careful when he ventured higher, not wanting to aggravate the already abused flesh, but unable to resist the arousing effect he knew it would cause.

“What do you want me to do to you, little brother?” Weiss murmured against his lips, hands playing over the bared chest before him, tracing the dark patterns that stretched over his shoulders and down his sides. Nero let out a soft whimper, arching towards each touch.

Love me…

An unspoken plea that was clearly expressed through his body, the softest of whimpers passing across his lips. It’s all he wanted; the love and adoration of his brother. He didn’t care if meant touches, or words, or some silent agreement. He’d spend eternity trapped in this hellhole for his brother.

Weiss chuckled knowingly, using his hands to prompt Nero to arch his back further, allowing Weiss access to those pretty pert nipples that he loved to play with. He caught one with his lips, giving a not to gentle nip before licking the sensitive flesh, grinning at the shudder that ran through his brother’s body.

Nothing compared to the cool softness of Nero’s skin, flushed as it was passion. Weiss was drawn to the darkness that was his younger brother, just as much as Nero was drawn to him. A fatal attraction that could spell the doom of both of them if they weren’t careful.

Weiss smirked. A deadly challenge worthy of him, but one that would have dire outcomes if he failed. If Restrictor were to ever find out about the relationship between the two of them, Weiss knew that he would never be permitted to see his little brother again.

He would never allow such an event to occur.

But enough of those thoughts, as Weiss continued to lick and suck at his brother’s torso, leaving one hardened nub for the neglected other, relishing in the taste beneath his lips and the way Nero rubbed against him, hard and ready for Weiss.

Weiss let out a soft grunt at the contact, feeling the cloth of his pants drag along his heated member, a teasing sensation that did little to satisfy. The urge to claim Nero was almost impossible to ignore, especially with the way the smaller body was grinding against him.

Pulling back from the chest in front of him, Weiss ignored Nero’s discontent filled glare, smirking up at his brother as he began to undo the fastenings of his pants, chuckling at the dawning look on Nero’s face.

Nero decided to take this opportunity to relieve himself of the rest of his clothing as well, shedding the garments that covered the lower half of his body, his body forced to shift and move to fully discard the clothing, as well as give Weiss the room he needed to disrobe.

Nero settled on Weiss’s lap once again, letting his brother soak in the sight of his naked form. While at first he felt shy and imperfect, the sight of the love and admiration in his brother’s eyes quickly quelled these thoughts. Weiss wanted him, exactly the way he was.

It made him feel beautiful.

---

Weiss frowned in his sleep, body shifting under the soft warmth that covered him. This was unusual. He didn’t remember acquiring a living, breathing blanket.

Peeking an eye open, he glanced down at the sleeping form curled on top of him. It had been a while since he had awoken and with Nero still here, his dark brother usually vanishing before Weiss had awoken.

It was a moment he relished, seeing the calm peace on Nero’s face, even the swirling of his shadows not as aggravated. Nero felt safe and secure in his brother’s arms. Weiss smiled, closing his eyes and tightening his hold on his brother. He felt no desire to wake Nero up.

Vibrations.

.... Fuck!

Somebody was coming, and that somebody was going to walk in on Weiss and Nero in a very naked, very tangled heap on the throne room floor. Weiss swore, inadvertantly waking his little brother still nestled in his arms, sleepy eyes quizzical as he saw Weiss frantically looking around the throne room. He thought his brother would be pleased to find him still here when he awoke.

“Somebody’s coming.,” Weiss whispered, though the corner of his mouth twitched at the near comical look of shock on Nero’s face. He’d never seen the expression that said ‘oh shit’ so clearly.

Nero sprang to his feet, frankly grabbing for his clothing as Weiss did the same, trying to gather up the articles that had been discarded so hastily the night before. Nero could actually here the footsteps now, the sounds echoing off the steel structures of Deepground. They only had a few moments left.

Weiss turned to Nero, pants barely on, not even bothering with his boots, eyes filled with obvious concern.

“Go, now!” He urged Nero in a low whisper, knowing there wasn’t time to get Nero back in his restraints. Nero nodded, surging forward for a chaste kiss, cursing that he couldn’t linger longer and give his brother a proper good morning.

But there was no time, and in a swirl of darkness he was gone.

Weiss let out an audible sigh of relief, hand running through his wild white locks. He had never been so scared in his entire existence. It had been too close, far too close for his liking. Turning to look as the shadowy silhouette entered the room, Weiss felt his fear justified at the all to familiar figure of Restrictor. Planet thank that man’s arrogance, and that he had made no effort to hide his arrival. Despite the heavy black armor he always wore, that man could be as silent as he was deadly. It was completely within his skill to enter the throne room without Weiss even noticing. He had done it before.

“Restrictor, to what pleasure do I owe you this morning?” Weiss said, quickly hiding his recent apprehension behind his normal bravado.

“I have no time for your lip, Emperor,” Came Restrictors curt reply, causing one of Weiss’s eyebrows to raise elegantly. This was an unusual twist of character. If he didn’t know any better, Restrictor actually managed a fouler mood then usual. Obviously, the past few days of near abandonment wasn’t by choice. Just how much distress had Indigo and Viridis caused?

Weiss shrugged, deciding not to push the issue. He didn’t want to raise unwanted questions. Without having to be asked, Weiss finished dressing, unable to see the cold curious look Restrictor was giving him.

Weiss had been left in his throne room for days, which usually left him a raging mass of pent up energy and anger. But of course, he hadn’t been completely alone...


“Don’t think I don’t know about Viridis and Indigo’s little stunt, Emperor.” Restrictor egged, wondering what Weiss had to say on the matter. Soft laughter wasn’t exactly the response he expected, however.

“Bet you want to know what happened, eh, Restrictor?” Weiss said, gracing Restrictor with a mocking smile. “Pity it wasn’t worth the punishment you’re probably going to give them.” Weiss sneered, extracting a short laugh from Restrictor.

“Is it ever?”

Weiss smiled sardonically, knowing what Restrictor said was true. No matter how minor the digression, Restrictor’s wrath was not to be trifled with, and was usually not worth experiencing. His sympathy for the two truant Tsviet’s was limited however. Restrictor in a foul mood was bad for everyone, and remembering Nero’s injuries, chances are his little brother had also suffered as a result.

And Weiss was going to be next.

“You’ll be accessing the World Network today. Since Professor Hojo is currently unable to access Deepground due to matters on the surface, he has insisted in a thorough diagnostics of your current abilities, including you capabilities with the synaptic net dive.”

Weiss deadpanned, before grinning at the mocking tone in Restrictor’s voice. It was obvious Restrictor had grown comfortable in his seat of power, and wasn’t taking kindly to Hojo’s request. It must’ve hurt the bastard’s ego sorely to know he still wasn’t the supreme authority here. Regardless of his ranking and prowess, he was still a member of SOLDIER, which meant rich executives still had control over his existence as well.

It did little to comfort Weiss. While it wasn’t the punishment he had been anticipating, if Restrictor was just a tool of ShinRa, what did that make him?

A tense silence fell over the two soldiers, both warriors too preoccupied with their own thoughts and mistrusts to further execute the usual banter between the two. The air was thick as Restrictor motioned to Weiss to come, falling into step behind the white haired Emperor. Weiss smirked, knowing that Restrictor preferred the back seat so that he could keep Weiss in his cross-hairs at all time. It was a twisted compliment to Weiss’s own strength.

It took Weiss a moment to get used to the feeling of disconnection, removing his conscious from his body and entering the World Network. He was suddenly connected to millions of minds, thoughts and feelings, and it was difficult to keep track of his own self. This is why the ability to S.N.D was so rare. When most people removed their consciousness from their body to join the living network, they simply lost track of who they are, leaving behind their living body to rejoin the soothing flow of the Lifestream. Either that or went insane.

But where was Hojo?

“Weiss the Immaculate.”

Weiss “turned”, coming face to face with residual image of the young Tsviet he had encountered only briefly before.

“Shelke,” Weiss stated, beginning to wonder what the hell was going on. The young girl hadn’t changed at all since his last encounter, fragile looking but with a completely emotionless face.

“What....?”

“The message sent to Restrictor by Hojo was a fabrication devised by Argento and I. Due to the recent events, it has become harder for the two of us to move around freely as we once did, and this was the only means by which we could contact you.”

Weiss smirked at the ingenuity of it. Only people with the ability to S.N.D would have the ability to eavesdrop on their conversation, and Weiss felt it was safe to say that Restrictor lacked that ability. It was a dangerous risk though, especially with those “recent events” Shelke alluded to.

“We know of your intentions to overthrow the Restrictors, and wished to better inform you of the entire situation.”

That peaked Weiss’s interest.

“Restrictors?”

“Deepground is dived into four sectors; North, East, South and West. It is our belief that each section is controlled by a separate Restrictor, and that either one of these four is the leader of the unit, or there is a separate fifth Restrictor in charge.

Deepground is a sprawling complex that spreads in all directions as indicated by the sectors. Each sector is capable of total isolation from the others.” Shelke continued, causing Weiss to frown. If each sector was isolated from each other, that would mean...

“We are contained in only one of these sectors?” Weiss asked, incredulous at the idea. That he’s spent his entire life in only one forth of the entirety of Deepground.

“Correct. We are restricted to the East Sector of Deepground. Argento and I are working on ways to infiltrate these other sectors, however, it appears that only the Restrictors are capable of freely moving between them.”

Weiss frowned, realizing that things had just gotten infinitely more complex.

“So there is the possibility of at least four, maybe even more Restrictors. They, if they exist, are in sectors we can’t even access,” Weiss simplified, growing increasingly more frustrated with every word. was it all hopeless then?


“Correct.”

Weiss felt like howling in frustration. Now what?

“The easiest way of reaching the other Restrictors is through Restrictor himself,” Shelke answered Weiss’s unvoiced question. Well, wasn’t that an interesting thought.

“However, even that requires further investigation. The easiest solution would be to simply replace Restrictor, but that would mean defeating him first, and doing so without alerting the other Restrictors.”

Weiss agreed. It would have to be quick and flawless, with no room for error. If they failed, it would become nearly impossible to overthrow Restrictor, because they’d lose the element of surprise. However...

“The time release virus.”

Shelke nodded.

“Before we can act, we must discover what exactly controls the release of your virus. As of now, you are the only one who could openly challenge Restrictor, but...”

“I’m not so selfless that I’d sacrifice myself for the cause, especially if what you say is true, and there are plenty of others out there to take Restrictor’s place.” Weiss finished, making no effort to hide the bitterness in his voice.

“Correct. Argento agrees that it’s not worth you dying for. In the event that the Restrictors are overthrown, you are the only one capable of gaining control over Deepground, due to the propaganda that surrounds you. People already fear and respect you, and as a result, they will follow you.”

Weiss frowned, troubled by that idea. Lead Deepground...

“That is all the information I have for you as of now. I contact you as the plan progresses...” Shelke’s image flickered and disappeared as she disconnected herself from the S.N.D.

Weiss sighed, troubled by the encounter. It had only served to confirm his fears, and further his doubts. Was it worth it, all the fear and secrecy and risks?

Yes... Weiss thought, as he disconnected himself from the World Network.

It was worth it, because it was the only way that he and Nero would ever be free.