THE GLASS SLIPPER PART TWO
Over the next few days Zack found it impossible to get hold of Cloud. All his messages were ignored, when he tried to get into the barracks to see him he wouldn’t answer the door. All the other infantry Soldier’s insisted that Cloud was ill and hadn’t been seen since the evening of the ball, Zack found this odd and it disturbed him that Cloud had hidden himself away. He began spending as much of his free time as possible searching for Cloud and trying to get him to speak to him, even though the whole company was in turmoil due to two First Class desertions and everything else that had been going on it gave him very little time to himself.
Sephiroth sat in his room, the tiny glass slipper sat on the table before him and he watched it glint innocently in the light. He had a thoughtful frown on his face as he watched it twinkle. He had gone through most of ShinRa’s women to try and fit the slipper to them but not one of them was the right size or shape. He knew the girl had lied to him when she had said she worked in the Slum’s, her accent was definitely from somewhere in the country, her dialect something similar to Zack’s. Maybe they came from the same place? But no, Zack had never once mentioned a girl of that beauty before. Once again, his mind was filled with the image of her dancing, her dress spinning outward as she turned, her face flushed pink and that small shy smile. He knew she was Zack’s woman, he had seen the way he had looked at her, but she had seemed oblivious to the fact that Zack had been giving her the eyes all evening. With a heavy sigh he stood and lifted the glass slipper before replacing it in his pocket. There was some mystery here that he was going to solve, no matter what he would discover the truth behind the mystery girl.
Cloud had spent nearly all his time avoiding Zack. He was humiliated and embarrassed. He knew that if anyone discovered that he was the mysterious girl at the ball, not only would that jeopardize Zack but it would end his career even before it had really started. Heidegger was not a man to antagonize.
He walked through the corridors little more than a ghost of his former self, he threw himself into his training, taking on extra duties just so he could escape the confines of Company HQ. He finished up his training for the day and began making his slow way back to his apartment when suddenly a call came for him over the speaker system.
“Would Squad seven please report to Conference room 12? Thank you.” He sighed, still exhausted after such intensive training but turned back the way he had come and made his way up to the Conference room.
When he reached the room he and his squad members entered only to be confronted by Sephiroth. They snapped a smart salute and awaited instruction, Cloud’s helmet was securely over his face but he still felt nervous when his hero looked him over.
“I have a mission for you all.” Sephiroth began slowly pacing up and down the line. “I have taken it upon myself to find someone...a girl to be precise. I have searched high and low for her but no one seems to know who she was...the name she gave was Claudia, no surname. She said that she was from the Slums in sector seven but the only girls by that name have no resemblance to the girl I am looking for. I have reason to believe she is actually a ShinRa employee in disguise, why this would be so I am unsure, however, we must find her.” Slowly he reached into his pocket and revealed a tiny glass slipper. Cloud managed, somehow, to keep the shock off his face but his hands tightened into fists at his side. “This is for the safety of the company. If we cannot find a mere girl, what would happen if AVALANCHE were to infiltrate? My plan is to gather all the women and begin a stringent testing, each will try on this slipper, if it fits and her face is as I remember then she is the girl. I want you to help me. Do you understand?”
“Sir, yes sir!” They chorused.
“Good. Then we will announce it over speakers...every girl in ShinRa is to gather at three designated points, you are to come with me and keep order.”
They followed Sephiroth out of the room, Cloud began to feel marginally better about the situation as he realised no one had recognised him as a boy. Although the implications on his masculinity were unnerving, he could ignore it as the tidal wave of relief swept over him.
Zack froze when he heard the announcement. He felt a weird swooping sensation as it blared through the speakers...
“This is an urgent announcement from The Public Safety Department; could all women matching this description please report to Room C6. 5 feet 5 inches in height, blond hair, blue eyes. Thank you.” The call was repeated several times until finally going quiet. Zack felt stricken, had they discovered that Cloud was the one who kicked the Head of Public Safety in the chest? He decided to find out what was going on and he ran off, toward the meeting place.
Cloud stood by the door as women matching the vague description filed past him one by one, all talking about one thing; the girl at the ball had been a terrorist and had attempted to assassinate Heidegger. The nervous excitement in the room was tangible and he felt sweat break out across his skin as the women tried on the slipper one by one, the rejected one’s moved away talking excitedly. Even Heidegger himself was there, standing beside Sephiroth looking furious. He was becoming uncomfortably hot under his helmet and he so desperately wanted to take it off, but what if Sephiroth recognised him? He shuddered. He knew he wasn’t a terrorist! But would they believe him? He sighed heavily and lowered his head.
Zack ran into the room, ignoring the faceless Soldier standing guard at the door as his eyes landed on Sephiroth. He strode over. “Hey, what’s going on? Why are we questioning employees as if they’re criminals?” He suddenly noticed Heidegger standing with his arms folded across his massive chest and a sour frown on his face.
“Because your date tried to kill me at the ball!” The fat man snapped.
Zack glared furiously at him and opened his mouth but Sephiroth grabbed him and dragged him away by the top of his arm. “Think before you speak!” He hissed. They stood a little way away from the door. “Heidegger is convinced this was an assassination attempt and the girl was a spy! Do you understand what that means?”
Zack nodded slowly, he looked afraid. “Yeah...firing squad...” He muttered.
“Exactly, if we are to save this girls life we must find her and get her to tell us the truth! Do you know anything about her?”
“Uh...” Zack’s eyes drifted to the side. “Just what she told me...and everyone else...” He muttered. Sephiroth narrowed his eyes.
“You’re lying.” He said firmly. “Not to matter, we have reason to believe she is still inside ShinRa which makes me convinced she was not an assassin sent by AVALANCHE. Don’t worry, we will prove her innocence.”
“Thanks man, I owe you one...but I honestly don’t know where she is.” Zack said with sincerity. “I haven’t been able to get in touch with her since she ran off...”
“Well, we will find her.” Sephiroth muttered and moved away.
Zack swore softly to himself, this was all his fault! Cloud would be in more trouble if they found out he was a guy, they had no mercy policies for men. They wouldn’t even get to hear his side of the story...
“Psst...Zack!”
Zack spun around and saw the door guard beckoning him over. He frowned and it took him a second to realise who it was. “Cloud!” he muttered and walked over to the infantryman.
“Come with me!” He whispered and slid out into the hall way. Zack followed and when they stood a few feet away Cloud removed his helmet, his hair stuck to his forehead with sweat. He ran fingers through it after putting the helmet under his arm. “I am so done for!” he sighed and leaned heavily against the wall. “They’ll find out it was me...I know they will...And then I’ll be put in front of a firing squad and executed for terrorism!” He groaned and sank down the wall, his knees scrunched in to his chest and he wrapped his arms around them.
“Hey, hey...come one man! That’s not gunna happen!” Zack said and sat beside his friend.
“It will.”
“But you’re hardly a terrorist! I mean...a kick to the chest is hardly gunna kill someone!”
“Why would they care about that? Heidegger has it in for anyone like me...I turned him down, didn’t I? Then made a fool out of him. I basically signed my own execution warrant!” He buried his face in his arms unable to stifle the despair that overwhelmed him.
Zack sighed and knelt before his friend, he hated seeing that look of complete loss on his face. He gently lifted Cloud’s head up by the chin and looked into his eyes, they glittered slightly under the electric lights and he couldn’t help himself. He dipped his head and pressed his lips to Cloud’s. Time froze for him. He felt heat fill his chest and he felt Cloud stiffen under his touch. He drew away with a soft exhale of breath, the blond stared at him with wide eyes and a dumbfounded expression on his face. “Stop worrying...I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise, we’re friends right?” He said, suddenly feeling anxious.
“Z-Zack?” Cloud’s voice came in a rough whisper. “What...?”
Zack smiled and kissed him again, this time with more passion. He slipped his tongue between Cloud’s lips and shoved his fingers into those blond spikes loving the way the younger man trembled beneath him. His tongue gently explored Cloud’s mouth, their tongues entwining in an age old dance. Heat flared in Cloud’s chest and it was almost painful. He moved to his knees and automatically wrapped his arms around Zack’s neck, holding him tightly. It was dangerous, he knew it was, but the corridor was empty, or so he thought...
Sephiroth watched silently from the doorway. Zack was holding the small infantryman tightly, their kiss lasting for a rather long time. He could almost feel the tension and lust in the air and he was astounded. He had never thought Zack had those kinds of preferences, the boy had a reputation for being a womaniser! But now he was convinced he had discovered the mystery female. He had a plan to expose the truth and back up his suspicions, but it would need to be handled with care.
Zack pulled away finally, his face was flushed a dull pink and his fingers still tangled in Cloud’s hair. He was panting slightly for breath and as he looked down into those slightly clouded blue eyes he realised something; he wanted Cloud like he had never wanted a woman before. “Damn it...” He muttered softly. “What have you done to me?”
Cloud seemed speechless. He gazed up at the First with a stunned expression, his eyes slightly out of focus. It took a while for him regain his bearings and when he had he stood, slipping free of Zack’s embrace. He picked up his helmet, which he had dropped, slowly as if he were dreaming. “Zack...” he muttered without looking at him. “C-Can you...meet me later?” His voice was rough and he sounded nervous.
“Yeah...” Zack replied. “Come t my place...” He stood and put his hand on Cloud’s shoulder so he turned. He pushed something into his hand and kissed him again, a chaste peck on the lips. “Apartment number seven...be there at 2100...”
Cloud nodded slowly and watched Zack walk away. He looked down at his hand and saw the key card resting there in his palm. He smiled, it was slow starting but when it reached his eyes he was almost shining. He had denied his feelings for his friend since first meeting him on that snowy mountain pass what seemed like years ago, he remembered how he had felt so comfortable around the SOLDIER that day and how their friendship had blossomed.
**At least someone's keeping up! Well, I'm a country boy too. From where? Nibelheim...How about you? Me? Gongaga... Hey, what's so funny about that? You know Gongaga? No, but... it's such a backwater name. Ditto Nibelheim. Like you've been there. I haven't, but there's a reactor there, right? A 'Mako' reactor outside Midgar usually means... ...nothing else out there.** He remembered it all so clearly, it was as if it had only happened yesterday! He smiled as he stuffed the keycard into his back pocket. He felt happier than he had done in a long while, he knew he really cared for Zack and would do anything for him, but then he realised what this could mean for them both...and he began to worry again. He was so caught up in his own thoughts that he walked straight passed Sephiroth without seeing him.
Sephiroth followed the yellow haired infantryman, watching him smile he could understand the attraction Zack had toward the boy even if it was taboo. He followed the boy until they reached the room where the testing was coming to an end. Cloud had forgotten to put his helmet back on and he stood back at his post with his concerned frown as he stared at his boots. Sephiroth walked inside the room and saw the last girl being fitted, the slipper didn’t fit her.
“I have an idea, sir.” Sephiroth said as he stood beside Heidegger.
“What is it?” The man snapped. Sephiroth ignored his rude address, he was used to it and it didn’t really bother him.
“Maybe we would have more chance if you were absent from the proceedings? You’re presence is very intimidating and if the girl is to show herself then she would be more willing if she was sure the punishment was light.”
“Hmm. I understand that I am a very intimidating man, but really, we cannot allow the girl to get away with attacking a superior!”
Sephiroth leaned close and whispered softly. “I believe I know who the culprit is and they are...shy. Maybe she was so surprised that she was being shown interest by such a...an interesting man that you scared her off with your...subtle advances.” He spoke carefully, choosing his words so he didn’t anger the volatile man, he had Angeal to thank for this tact he had learned. At the thought of his best friend he felt pain but his face remained impassive as ever and he hid his feelings like the expert he was.
Heidegger’s face went thoughtful, his ugly scar puckered as he considered the idea. “You know...i think you may be right. Ah, poor girl...I suppose I should have considered this before I went overboard. I will leave and allow you to handle the rest then, Sephiroth? Just one thing though?”
“Anything sir.” Sephiroth muttered, his eyes moving around the emptying room.
“Send her to me when you find her...I wish to apologise and maybe give her another chance to accept my offer of a better post.” Heidegger seemed to inflate to almost twice his size as he began imagining the cute girl lying across his desk with that blush on her cheeks as her removed her clothes...He sighed wistfully. “Yes, I think I will do as you say.”
“As you wish, sir.” Sephiroth said absently and Heidegger walked off, he passed Cloud with hardly a second glance. Only Sephiroth noticed the way the boy hid his face from the Head of Public safety as he passed.
He would have to deal with this with tact, Sephiroth thought as he sat in his office, his desk had a single file open before him. The picture showed a young boy with blond hair and blue eyes, his sky blue uniform matching them perfectly. He had discovered everything he could about the boy while he had a chance, he was quite skilled with the sword but his shyness affected his social interaction and had hampered his rise within the military. He was also surprisingly intelligent and stronger than he looked, although he didn’t seem to believe it. His instructors and officers had no complaints about him and his record was impeccable, he had been on a mission with Zack to Modeoheim while looking for Genesis and Hollander. He was a country boy from somewhere called Nebeilheim which had once, a long time ago, been ShinRa’s base. Sephiroth rested his head in one hand as he once again saw the boy in his dress and pictured his smile and the way his eyes lit up when he had been introduced. He smiled and put his finger on the photograph. “So...you wished to follow in my footsteps, hmmm? Cloud Strife...”
Cloud stood before Zack’s door feeling extremely nervous. He could feel people staring at him as they passed, each one either first or second class and their looks made him want to run away. What was he thinking? He didn’t belong here! Why had he even begun this whole charade?
...Hey, why don't we make a promise?** He sighed, of course he knew. How could he have forgotten? It had been her. She made him promise. So, he drew in the last of his courage and he swiped the key card. The door hissed upward revealing a small entrance hall, it had a coat stand and he saw Zack’s massive buster sword leaning against the wall. “H-Hello?” He called and stepped through the door. It closed behind him making him jump and let out a surprised squeak as he spun on his heels. When he realised what the sound had been he sighed and began silently berating himself for being an idiot. Suddenly he felt someone behind him and arms surrounded his chest, holding him close. Soft breath made goose bumps erupt across his skin and he was so taken off guard he let slip a small moan and closed his eyes.
“Hey, it’s been a while since I saw you last...” Zack’s strong scent surrounded Cloud in a strange comforting blanket and he sighed.
“Mm.” He couldn’t bring himself to speak. His heart beat rapidly in his chest, his voice would probably come out sounding weak and womanish.
Lips pressed themselves against the small bit of bone behind Cloud’s ear and he felt himself melting into that embrace. He was surrounded by warmth and for the first time in his sixteen years he felt...wanted. “Wanna come in?” Zack whispered into his ear eliciting a satisfying shiver from the blond in his arms.
“Y-Yeah...” Cloud muttered and felt bereft when Zack released him. He opened his eyes and turned to see the dark haired SOLDIER smiling at him. His Mako enhanced eyes seemed to glow brighter than he had ever seen them, he was drawn to them in a way he never had been before.
“Come on then...unless you wanna stand here all evening?”
Cloud smiled nervously and followed Zack into his apartment. It was a nice place, with white walls and dark wood furniture, his sofa’s were black leather. A typical bachelor pad. He sat down on a sofa while Zack made them drinks, he returned a short while later and handed Cloud a glass of clear liquid with ice. When Cloud smelt it he realised it was Vodka. “A-are you trying to get me drunk?!” He asked in surprise.
“Why? Are you
that much of a lightweight?” Zack grinned in that disarming way he had.
Cloud chuckled. “Yeah, I guess that’s what you’d call it...I don’t drink a lot...”
“Well, it’s time you learnt to do it properly! Drink up!” Zack downed what was in glass and refilled it.
Cloud took a deep breath and held it while he downed the drink, it burnt and made his eyes water. He pulled a face and stuck his tongue out. “Yuck!” He exclaimed.
Zack laughed, it bright and easy laughter that made Cloud relax. “You’re funny, man!” He leaned over and refilled Cloud’s glass, they sat opposite each other and when Zack’s hair drew close Cloud could smell it. It smelt like the fresh air and what could have been apples. He inhaled deeply and smiled as Zack drew back with a knowing glint in his glowing eyes. He sipped his drink as he watched Cloud drink his own, his nose wrinkled cutely and his eyes narrowed as the strong alcohol burned his throat.
“So...uh...what did you want me over for?” Cloud asked with his eyes averted. He still felt nervous under his friends intense gaze but it made his insides squirm in a strange but not unpleasant way.
Zack chuckled. “You honestly that innocent?!” He asked.
Cloud flushed red and met Zack’s stare with his own. He had an idea of why Zack wanted him around but he hadn’t allowed himself to believe. “B-But...I’m not a girl!” he exclaimed heatedly. “It’s impossible to do it with another guy!”
Zack almost choked on his drink. He sat forward and stared at Cloud’s beetroot red face. “Y-You actually believe that...that two guy’s physically can’t?”
Cloud felt embarrassment clutch tightly at his insides and he squirmed uncomfortably on the sofa. “I Uh...well...In Nebeilheim...no one...much...and...always...lots of times.” He muttered, hardly above a whisper as he looked determinedly at his hands which were clasped in his lap.
“What? I can’t hear you.” Zack said softly.
Cloud took a determined breath and looked up. “In my village we don’t have people...like
that. No one ever speaks about it either, it’s not...something people generally ask about.” Zack saw something in Cloud’s eyes that told him something had happened. He slid off the sofa and sat beside Cloud.
“Well, my parents always told me to accept people for who they are. We don’t judge in Gongaga, never have done. In fact some of my neighbours were gay and very nice people. That kind of narrow-mindedness has no relevance in today’s society. Can I ask...what happened?” He said cautiously.
Cloud looked away. “Uh...maybe I should go...I...” He stood but Zack grabbed hold of his hand.
“Don’t leave.” He said softly, his voice enticing.
Cloud, still stood and with his eyes averted spoke in a monotone. “When I was fourteen I became...curious about a certain kid in my village.” He said softly and closed his eyes. “He was a friend of a friend, who was a girl. Everyone thought I liked Tifa...they all thought that was the reason I always watched them...but I...I liked him. He was always friendly with me at first even when everyone else avoided me...he spoke to me and was really nice until...until I told him I liked him. then he...he hit me. We...got into a fight and I hurt him pretty badly...I tried to apologise afterward but his parents refused to let me see him. From then on...I always got into fights. The other kid’s found out why we’d fought and began bullying me so defended myself and earned myself a bad reputation. My mother was always crying...she never thought I knew but I saw...” he sighed heavily, his head hanging low. “So, I left. I told Tifa and we made a promise...and then I left the village and came here...hoping that maybe I could...get rid of it.” He whispered.
Zack was silent a moment before slowly standing and drawing Cloud into the circle of his arms. “Well, it’s nothin’ to be ashamed of you know. At the end of the day, you’re still Cloud. Trust me when I say that in Midgar it’s totally different, people may not talk about it much but it’s still there. They’re much more open and accepting of these things, so cheer up. It’s all in the past...and I wanted you over so I could tell you...” He drew away and lifted Cloud’s chin so they looked into each other’s eyes. “I like you.” He said firmly and without hesitation. The honesty was obvious, not just in his voice but in his eyes.
“Zack...” Cloud muttered, his face flushed. He hesitantly reached up and pressed his lips to Zack’s. He kissed him deeply until Zack took over and dominated the kiss. He could taste the vodka on Cloud’s tongue and the sweet taste of pepper mints from the gum he usually chewed while on duty.
Zack pushed Cloud onto the sofa, he slid his hands up the blonde’s sides and heard him hiss softly as his weight bore down on his crotch. Finally they pulled away from each other to breath. Cloud’s eyes glittered slightly and he had a tiny smile on his face. “Will you...show me how two guys can do it?” he asked in a breathy whisper. Zack pulled Cloud close and pressed his hips into Cloud’s making the blond moan.
“As many times as you want...” he whispered and nipped Cloud’s ear.
**Words taken directly from Final Fantasy 7: Crisis Core
