Deadly Addiction

Chapter 3:

Dark blue eyes stared out of the frosty window, the sudden cold from the mountain having touched all the windows in Nibelheim. He stared at the mountains, remembering all the memories that came with it. Remembering how it all started in this town, in those mountains that were still as cold as he could remember. Cloud didn't think he would ever be able to forget how the life he had been trying so hard to get through would go to hell from just one simple incident.

The blonde had been like this for the past two days they had been back in Nibelheim. It had taken a total of five days to detox and clear him from the hospital. Right after that had been taken care of, the few things Cloud had along with Vincent's things were packed up and they headed straight towards the cold town. It hadn't taken them long and they easily settled into the refurbished Mansion.

One the first day, they went shopping in the small town for groceries, clothes, and other necessities needed while staying in the sleepy town. Cloud had enjoyed actually being out in fresh air though he had his slight breakdowns from the memories that overloaded his brain. After that, the blonde just rested and relaxed at the mansion doing what he was doing now.

=-=

Vincent climbed the stairs and headed to the eastern wing of the mansion. He knew that the small blonde was dealing with a lot of painful memories at the moment, but also knew that he couldn't leave Cloud to wallow in his sorrows for long. He deserved to have this time alone, but the gunman always made sure to check on and divert his attention from his thoughts and memories.

His golden claw came up and pushed a stray strand of raven silk away from his eyes as he approached Cloud's door. Knocking softly, he heard a soft 'come in' from the other side.

Quietly, he made his way to the chair where Cloud was sitting in front of the window and admired the view for a moment. "It's hard to believe that something so beautiful could be so dangerous." He said quietly. Ever since the mako reactor had been drained and destroyed, life began to slowly return to the mountain. Trees and other vegetation returned to the range along with various deer, rabbits and other birds of pray.

"Lunch is ready. Come so we can eat." He said and placed his hand on the swordsman's shoulder. "We'll figure out what to do, afterwards."

Cloud only nodded, giving a soft look to the gunman. He stared out at the mountain once more before pushing himself up from the chair. Silently he followed after Vincent out of his room and downstairs in the kitchen. The blonde plopped down into the chair and gave a faint smile at wonderful smelling, home-cooked food. "He was always a good cook..." he said just faintly. Giving a sad look to the ebony-haired man, he began eating the lunch that had been set out for him.

Vincent gave the blonde a small smile. There wasn't anything he could really say to comfort his friend; all he could do was be there to support him until he was strong enough so that he didn't fall again.

He moved to the stove and dished up two plates of stir-fried chicken, beef and vegetables over noodles before placing them on the table. Cloud's stomach had shrunken from not eating properly, but the blonde was already on the road to recovery. During his detox, he had received a high calorie supplement that had already put three additional pounds on the man's emaciated form.

To keep him eating, the doctor had recommended that the blonde have many small meals and snacks throughout the day. He knew that it wasn't easy for the small swordsman to eat this much, but he was putting forth the effort to try and follow the doctors instructions. Vincent grabbed Cloud's antibiotics and gave him one before grabbing their drinks and joining him at the table.

"If you think you are up to it, would you like to do some light sparring after we are done? We need to work on getting your muscle tone and endurance back up to normal and the doctor said that it would be okay, but we’d have to find your limit." The gunman said and took a bit of his meal.

Cloud nodded and took a bite into his own meal. "I would like to find out how much skill I still have left. It would be exhilarating to put my body back to work," he replied in a quiet tone as he continued to eat. "I have practiced over the four years so I wouldn't completely lose what skill I have left... but it has been some time since I last did that."

The blonde continued to eat his meal despite his lack of hunger. He knew he needed to get his strength up and he would force himself if need be. Vincent had taken the time and effort to get him healthy once more without the want for any repayment. Cloud had to at least try to get healthy once more despite the empty hole in his heart.

The two former members of Avalanche finished their meals and washed up the dishes. They both retreated to their rooms to change into clothes that would be suitable for sparring.

Vincent closed his bedroom door before stripping out of the black slacks and button up shirt. He moved to his dresser and removed a pair of black hakama, a white kosode and a black haori. For the years that he had lived in Wutai with his wife, this had been his sparring attire.

Yuffie had given it to him shortly after they began sparring to relieve stress from ruling the island nation. They had expanded their use of weaponry during those sparring sessions and kept their skills and bodies honed. Once he was done dressing, Vincent walked down the stairs to a room within the study. A key was removed from a nearby shelf and the room unlocked, revealing various weapons hanging from hooks and resting on shelves. Two kendo sticks were removed before he locked the door and retreated to the foyer to wait for the blond swordsman.

=-=

Cloud kneeled down on the floor and pulled open the bottom drawer of his dresser. A faint smile touched at his lips at seeing the old blue soldier uniform he had worn, a bit ragged but still in good enough condition to wear. He brushed his fingers against the material, reliving memories good and bad for a moment. The blonde was glad he had tucked it away in a safe place so he wouldn't ruin it during his drug addiction.

Shaking his head, he pulled out the blue outfit and set it down on the bed. He stripped quickly and slipped into the dark blue pants, fastening them to his too narrow hips. The shirt was then slipped over his head, being tucked into his pants and straightened. The contrast of what he once was and what he was now was easily seen by the lack of it gripping to his flesh. It still fit him but not as snuggly as it once had.

Again Cloud shook his head, reminding himself that Vincent was waiting. Combat boots were slipped on and he quickly made his way down to the foyer. A small smile was given to the ebony-haired man, catching the kendo stick that had been tossed at him.

He followed Vincent out of the mansion and into the backyard, stopping a few feet short of him. Fingers gripped the hilt, twitching and getting the feel of it before he took a few practice swings. His body was starting to become alert again along with his mind, the fighting tactics and skills that had been integrated into him running through him once more making him feel alive. "Ready when you are."

The corner of the gunman's lip unturned slightly as he looked at the man across from him. This was Cloud's element and he could see how the young man's body seemed to relax. "Prepare yourself." He said before darting forward.

Vincent sent a series swift attacks at the blonde, all of which were effectively blocked by his partner. "I'm glad to see that you're skills are still excellent." He said with a smile, preparing to go on the defense.

"It's what I live for," the blonde murmured out, giving a smirk to the gunman. Cloud kicked off the ground and sent himself straight at Vincent. The kendo sticks hit hard against another in a blurry set of movements that were quick and precise. To Cloud, this was testing how much skill he still had and how much he had to get back. Swordsmanship was his second love in life and without it, he truly would be nothing.

"This is nice for practice but how about we step it up a notch." After the last word left his mouth, he charged at Vincent once more. However just before he got to the gunman, he kicked off the ground and jumped over him. Cloud twisted in the air and brought the kendo stick down hard at Vincent while still in the air.

Vincent looked up and just in the knick of time, brought his stick up. Cloud's own weapon didn't hit Vincent’s, but hit the digits of his golden claw instead. The gunman leapt backwards and smirked, impressed that Cloud was still so agile and powerful in his emaciated state. If the blonde's kendo stick had hit his organic hand, no doubt, his fingers would be broken.

The raven-haired man continued to clash with the blonde, glad to be seeing the fire in his mako blue eyes and the determination in each swing. Vincent had gone on the offense once more, causing Cloud to backpedal in his defense as they moved across the yard.

Vincent brought his stick up for an attack, but in a blur of movement, Cloud struck, sending the stick flying across the yard before his legs were swept from beneath them. "I concede." The gunman said with a nod as he looked to the sky above the blonde.

Cloud smirked and outstretched his hand for the gunman to take. However he suddenly collapsed on his kendo stick before falling to the ground next to Vincent. Blue eyes shut tight as he fought to breathe normally, each breath ragged and burning at his lungs. It had been too much too soon for the blonde, his body just couldn't handle it.

Slowly his breathing returned to normal but he was assaulted by deep coughs. He clutched at his chest as the coughs raked through his body, each heave almost enough to cause him to believe that blood would splatter out from the force behind them. "Vince..." he managed out between the deathly coughs.

Vincent quickly made his way to his knees next to the blonde and made him sit on the ground. He grabbed both of Cloud's wrists in one hand and lifted them above his head to allow his lungs to expand. "Calm down...breathe Cloud." He said in a calming tone so that he didn't panic further.

Eventually the younger man's breathing calmed and the gunman helped Cloud to stand. The man's legs were shaking violently, but the gunman didn't want to exhaust him further. He leaned down and grabbed the second kendo stick and placed them into the blonde's arms before lifting him easily and carrying him in through the mansions' back doors.

The sticks were tossed to the hardwood floor before he took the exhausted man back up to his bedroom. He laid Cloud back on the bed gently and sat at his hip. "Cloud...are you okay now?" He asked quietly.

"Seph... We sparred like that all the time. So many of the cadets were jealous that I sparred with him but I didn't care. Didn't care at all cause all I wanted was his love. Only thing I wanted," Cloud muttered out incoherently, his thought process gone and now only jumbled thoughts being spurted out. "Seph loved me, cared for me... It was starting to really show but then it happened... It all was taken from me."

Cloud pulled at the blanket, draping part of it over himself and clinging to it. "He had that look... So insane yet so sad as if he knew... as if he tried to fight it but couldn't. I couldn't save him then... I couldn't bring him back.. Maybe.. maybe I could have saved him and he would be here... Here with me," he whimpered out continuing to cling and mumble jumbled thoughts he couldn't control. The exhaustion had effected his mind and greatly and this was the effect of it, effect of too much exertion for the blonde.

Vincent felt his heart clench painfully in his chest at the young man's pained words. He cursed the Hojo for all that he was worth for his son not being here for Cloud. Without words, the gunman moved to sit higher on the bed before pulling the small man into his lap.

Immediately, he felt Cloud's calloused hands grasp his haori as silent sobs racked his form. Words of comfort were whispered to the distraught man as he listened to the blonde speak further of his feelings for the silver haired general and regrets for having to end the life of the man he loved.

Cloud began to quiet and his body began to relax. As he moved to lie the swordsman down on the bed, he felt the grip on his haori tighten once more. "Cloud? What’s wrong?" He asked quietly. "You need to rest..."

"Please... don't leave... don't leave me again Seph," he whimpered out clutching onto Vincent. "I don't want to be alone again... I've been so very alone..." Fingers clutched further onto him, the blonde not realizing that it was Vincent he was clinging to, not Sephiroth.

He couldn't do it. After hearing the blonde's pleas, Vincent sighed sadly, wishing he could do more. "I'll stay with you...I won't leave you." Vincent replied and felt Clouds grip loosen.

The gunman stood and removed his sandals, then took off his haori, setting it on the chair that Cloud had occupied earlier that day. He then removed the swordsman's boots before climbing into the bed with him. Immediately the blonde snuggled up to his chest and Vincent rubbed his back comfortingly.

"Cloud, it will take time, but you will get better. I promise to stay with you for as long as you need me." He said quietly.

Cloud only nodded, snuggling further into the warm embrace. His body relaxed and a deep breath was let out, pure exhaustion now starting to settle within his frame. Arms were tucked between Vincent's and his chest, trying to have as much warmth as possible.

Once he felt completely warm and comfortable, he let out a tired yawn. "Night Seph," he whispered, nuzzling his head into the firm chest before drifting off to a peaceful sleep unaware of his actions and whom he was really curled up against.


Vincent held the blonde to his chest as he dozed. Cloud had been asleep for the past two hours and showed no sign of waking any time soon. Carefully, extracted himself from the blonde and covered him with the blanket. He knew that he shouldn't go far just in case he woke.

The gunman walked to his bedroom and grabbed his PHS, pressing number one on the speed dial. It rang a few times before the other end picked up. "Hello love..." He said and gave tired sigh though a smile traced his lips.

"Hey yourself," Yuffie replied softly, glad to hear from the man she loved. "How are you doing? How is Cloudy doing?"

"I'm fine. Cloud…well, he had a small breakdown." He paused for a moment. "He really misses him Yuffie. We were sparring in the back yard and he collapsed. I brought him up to his bedroom and he called me Sephiroth. He pleaded with me to stay with him, thinking I was Sephiroth. I did of course, but Leviathan, I wish there was some way to ease the pain." He said closing his crimson eyes as he ran his fingers through his hair.

Yuffie frowned and inwardly sighed. "All we can do is be here for him, Vince. I wish there was something we could do too but the only thing we can do is help him through this and make sure he doesn't fall back into the drugs again." she replied softly, laying back on their bed and staring up at the ceiling.

"Yes. Its difficult, but I think he will pull through it. Maybe in a couple weeks, you could come and visit with him for a few days? I think seeing you again would be good for him and I know you miss him." It would be easy enough for his wife to fly over with Wutai's airship. It was they way they traveled to Nibelheim in the first place. They couldn't call on Cid Highwind because they didn't want anyone other than the five people who did know, to find out about Cloud just yet.

"I would absolutely love that. I'd make sure that he wouldn't sulk while I was around," she said softly, trying to lighten up the conversation a bit. "He better not hope to steal you away either. I mean I know you are gorgeous and all but I can't share you with him. You're all mine." Yuffie was always this way when put into a serious situation. She was always out to lighten the mood. It just wasn't in her nature to sulk around like so many other did, though there were times where she did do it herself.

Vincent laughed at her words and found himself wishing that she was here so he could hold her in his arms once more. He missed her, but these calls eased the discomfort caused by being apart from his wife.

He knew that she didn't mind the fact that he may have to share a bed with their blonde friend. It was just something that Cloud needed and if he could provide it, he would.

Vincent shook himself from his thoughts and stood, removing a change of clothing from his drawers. "I'll make sure to tell him that Yuffs. I just want to keep him from falling into the same state I was once in..." He replied quietly. They had talked about his relationship with Lucrecia, and though he still cared for the scientist, it wasn't of the romantic sort.

"However," his tone changed. "I just happened to know a certain shinobi by the name of Yuffie Kisaragi Valentine that would use her shuriken in a very painful manner if I fall into my old habits again."

"Damn straight! I would kick your ass so damn bad you'd be begging me to stop," she said proudly, a bright smile beaming on her face. "I wouldn't let you do that again though. No way in hell would I let my gorgeous, loving Vinnie fall back into 'Mr. sulk-sulk-gloom-doom-sulk-sulk'." She couldn't hide her giggles at her own words, glad to have lifted the depressing mood from their conversation. Yuffie wanted to know what was happening but she didn't want her lover to fall into the same pit. She would be at the Mansion so fast if that even seemed likely to happen.

He chuckled again quietly, shaking his head at his little ninja's words. "Yes that would be quite unpleasant." He said, remember exactly why he married the beautiful Wutainese princess. "I really miss having you by my side, Yuffie." He said, his voice becoming a bit deeper.

Yuffie smiled and let her eyes close, loving it when his voice got deep like that. "I miss being by your side too. It really is torture not having you around," she murmured softly, letting one arm drape over her eyes as she laid there. Then a thought crossed her mind. "Have you thought about what we talked about before you left?"

A small smile traced Vincent's lips as he smiled. While he had been in new Midgar, he spent his night in his hotel room thinking about what they had discussed before leaving Wutai. "Yes I have, Yuffie.

"Wutai is more stable than it has been in many years under our rule. Our people are thriving and now would be the perfect time. I think it’s about time that we start our own family." He said, knowing what her reaction was going to be.

A loud squeal erupted from her lips at his words. Yuffie jumped up on the bed and started bouncing around happily, giggling insanely and not caring who heard her. "I'm so happy Vincent!" she yelled out happily, letting herself fall back on the mattress with a huge grin on her face. "It makes me so happy to hear that! Now I can get days off from this whole ruling thing and I will really have an excuse," she snickered.

On many occasions when she just didn't feel like going through all the meetings and pains of ruling a country, she would say she was sick and then sneak off with her Vinnie to spend the day doing something actually fun.

Vincent yanked the phone away from his ear at the sound of her squeal and wished he could be there to see his wife's reaction. When she spoke of have an excuse, he couldn't help but to shake his head. The gunman looked over to the clock and saw that he had been speaking with his mate for nearly an hour and he knew that he needed to go check on Cloud once more.

"Yuffie, I must be going but I will get a chance to talk to you again soon. I love you my wife..." He said quietly before giving a Reno-like smirk. "And when I return, we shall get started on our family..."

Yuffie grinned from ear to ear at his words, making the want for him to come home sooner even more. For now she held her tongue and just let her mind wander by its self. "I love you my husband and I hold you to your word Vincent Valentine," she replied softly. "Bye my wonderful Vinnie."

“Goodbye love.” The PHS was shut off once he heard her line cut off. He plugged his the device into the charger before stripping off his clothing. Clad in only his boxers, the raven-haired man retreated to the bathroom with clean clothing in hand.

After showering and dressing, the gunman grabbed a book and returned to Clouds bedroom and took a seat in the vacant chair and began to read, watching over the young swordsman as he slept.


o-o Authors Notes o-o

Well I hate to make this short, but after getting up at 3 in the am to get ready for work, I'm ready for a nap...

Ange and Ezzy would like to thank:

Rosemary
ShadowIcia
Devious Lil Devil
And last but certainly not least,
Ahd

We really appreciate the wonderful reviews and I (Ezzy) apologize for not putting this chapter up sooner, things have been extremely hectic. Meh angey is not to blame *huggles partner in crime before passing out cookies and cake to reviewers*

As far as the pairing goes, well, you'll just have to keep readin' to find out! :-D but we absolutely promise you it won't be one of those weird ass pairings we've seen as late...(when you start pairing our cute little Cloud with Chocobos, Hojo and palmer, thats just so damn wrong! lol!! and we HAVE seen those pairings before...:-P)


As a side note, we've both noticed the DRAMATIC decrease in the number of reviews left on this site as of late. You don't know how encouraging it is to see that the people that read our work take the minute or so thats needed to review. Its a great motivator for ALL writers to come to the site or open up their email and see that someone is actually giving feedback. Please, take a moment to review not only our story, but all of the works you read on fanfic sites. You don't even have to say much, even the smallest word of encouragement is very helpful to see.

We both also have our own seperate fics as well. Our individual stories are listed on our profiles both on aff and ff . net under the screennames Shadowbeaw (Angel) and Ezri-Candy (Ezzy). Please swing by and check them out! Don't forget to review though ^____^

I'm going to bed now though its only 4pm. Nighty night all and thanks for reading our story!!

Angel and Ezzy of Pyroangelez