Master Of My Heart

Meh. Chapter 2 out. Thank you to those how reviewed! Gives what little energy I have to work on this a boost. I’m hitting one of my depressed mood swings. I’ll try and get this updated like usual though.

I tend to get bummed when no one seems to really like my stuff and then I always end up dying off the story, but I’ll try and persevere.

Anyways. Stage 2! Enjoy!

Stage 2


When Cloud was done showering he stepped out and found the towel, and while drying himself he paused when laid over the closed lid of the toilet he spotted a pair of black slacks and a black T-shirt resting neatly. Going to it Cloud stared down at the neatly laid out black clothing, admiring the fact that it wasn’t stained or even slightly tattered. Cloud ran his hand down the soft, smooth material. It felt fantastic!

In excitement Cloud finished drying and pulled on the slacks and tied them before pulling on the shirt, Cloud reveled in the feeling of smooth, clean clothes. Craning his head down Cloud smelled his shoulder, surprised when he smelled the fresh newness of a clean, expensive store.

“Did Lord Sephiroth get me new clothes?” Cloud didn’t know what to think, he’d never had the privilege of wearing something so great! Cloud ran his hands down the material, feeling down the shape of his chest before wiping the condensation off the mirror. Cloud studied himself in awe as the mirror slowly fogged back up again. Cloud almost didn’t recognize himself. Clean face, clean hair, nice clothing… He had actually never seen himself like this.

When it was fogged Cloud turned toward the door Sephiroth closed, apparently he wasn’t worried about Cloud doing something like his last master, seeing as how he himself closed the door. Smiling, Cloud found a mop and a bucket set out for him, took a deep breath and began cleaning. When Cloud was done he vacated the bathroom to locate his new master and learn the ropes.

§

Cloud walked toward the kitchen and in seeing it empty; turned down the hall toward the front door. Cloud looked to his left and through a set of double glass doors he saw Sephiroth. Cloud paused as he watched Sephiroth sitting at a desk with multiple stacks of paper and manila folders. Cloud debated on whether to go in, not sure if he was allowed to or not. Although, he had to alert his master somehow.

“You may come in. My office is not off limits to you.” Cloud carefully stepped into the room when Sephiroth put his pen down and looked at the blonde. Cloud fidgeted nervously as a silent moment passed with Sephiroth’s eyes on him before Sephiroth stood from his chair and walked over toward him.

“Follow me and listen carefully.” Sephiroth said casually and Cloud nodded as he took his proper place behind the tall silver haired man.

“The stairs are off limits. There is nothing you need doing up there.” Cloud nodded when he suggested to his office with a thumb over his shoulder.

“Leave my papers on my desk as I leave them. But everything else must be kept clean and organized.” Cloud nodded and followed him down the hall to the kitchen.

“I expect dinner to be ready for me as soon as I get home at six, do not be late. Breakfast is at five; you must be up early. I dislike tardiness.” Cloud wordlessly nodded again.

“As with my office, keep everything clean and orderly. And next is my bedroom.” He led Cloud down the short hall to their left.

“You will change my sheets, do any laundry I leave out for you, and make my bed.” He closed his bedroom door before going to the bathroom.

“You will wash towels, clean the commode, and shower. I have the necessary chemicals stored under the sink.” Cloud nodded and Sephiroth led him back down the hall a ways, to a door that they both had passed. Opening the door Sephiroth flipped on a switch and a dim light awoke. Stepping down the stairs Cloud realized he was in a basement, and against a far wall was a small cot big enough for him with a pillow and blanket folded and stacked neatly.

“This will be where you rest.” Cloud nodded again. Sephiroth gazed back down at the small him and Cloud started but after a second gave a nervous smile. Turning back around quickly, his hair swaying in the air and brushing over the boy, Sephiroth spoke as he headed up the stairs.

“Come, I would like some dinner.” Turning around quickly, Cloud followed him up the steps quietly in bare feet compared to the stomp of Sephiroth’s boots.

“I have prepared a small pair of shoes for you. There may be times I need you to deliver some things to me at HQ.” Cloud’s heart fell when he said that. Did he mean he was going to make him go outside? Cloud had hardly ever been outside! Let alone by himself!

“I’ll be getting a map for you tomorrow. It isn’t difficult to find me.” Both now went into the kitchen. Cloud paused and Sephiroth noticed as he glanced back at the boy.

“Um… Permission to… Speak?” Sephiroth crossed his arms.

“You do not need to ask such a ridiculous question. Just speak.” Sephiroth said coolly and Cloud made the note.

“Wh-what if I make a mistake? If I do something bad?” Sephiroth rested his weight on one foot, effectively jutting his hip out on one side.

“Accidents are accidents. Just take care of it. And you don’t have the temperament of one who would purposely break rules, so I’m not worried.” Cloud stared up at Sephiroth and Sephiroth stared back, taking in the clear surprise on Cloud’s face. Seriously?! He couldn’t be serious! What if Cloud snuck upstairs?! Or looked at those important looking files on his desk?! Not that Cloud could read anything.

“I’ll deal with you as I see fit should you do something warranting punishment.” Cloud couldn’t believe it! He was officially the best master he’d ever had! Ignoring the fact that Cloud had served only one previously.

“Now, I trust you’ll be able to locate everything in a few moments. Call on me when you’ve finished. The food is in the refrigerator.” Sephiroth took a step and then paused as if a thought occurred to him.

“You have cooked before, haven’t you?” Knowing Cloud had only served one master might mean he never got to cook if that wasn’t his job. However, to Sephiroth’s relief, Cloud nodded.

“Yes, sir. While it wasn’t my main duty I’ve had my fair share of cooking practice, and a lot of the girls were really nice to me and taught me a lot of techniques.” Seeming satisfied with Cloud’s answer, he walked passed Cloud and back down the hall toward his study/office.

Cloud turned toward the kitchen and took a deep breath and went about the task of learning where everything was, and located the ingredients to make dinner. However, when Cloud opened the black fridge he was surprised to find a bunch of things already waiting. Apparently Sephiroth helped him out a little with his first task.

Smiling, Cloud took out the vegetables and meat and the jar of fluid a particular brown color. Cloud could see the herbs floating within the jar and smiled as he went about getting a large pot and getting the sauce to boil. While Cloud waited for that he set the table for Sephiroth and when done, he unwrapped the various vegetables, washed and cut them before pouring them into the stew. Sautéing the cut up meat he also added it in and put the lid on and waited for the meal to be finished.

Now that Cloud had finished all that and cleaned all the utensils he used, Cloud just stood in the kitchen, eyeing the various things around him while he waited for the food. There were a few paintings on the walls, all of which depicted battle scenes during war. It made Cloud wonder about his new master. Usually when someone sees stuff like the bloody massacre of the one on the far wall, they’d be worried for themselves. But Cloud knew from experience so far, and from what Zack had assured, he’d be fine.

‘I guess you can’t always judge people by this sort of stuff.’ When the stew was done Cloud took it off the burner and readied Sephiroth’s meal before quietly making his way down to the General’s office. Stepping inside Cloud was immediately caught by Sephiroth’s gaze. With a wry kind of smile the General stood and walked passed the small human. Cloud followed and stood back a few feet from him when he reached the table.

“I see…” Sephiroth muttered and Cloud’s heart skipped a beat whenever he sat down. Did he do something wrong? Everything was clean; Cloud thought he’d set everything up right. Setting the table was one of his little chores even with his old master.

“Set up a meal for another person.” Dawning on Cloud that he might be expecting company Cloud quickly went about getting the necessary things. Funny though, he could have just told him so. When Cloud was done Sephiroth looked at him, his steaming bowl untouched.

“Please sit and eat.” Cloud’s eyes widened and he sputtered. Sephiroth saw the look on Cloud’s face, his whole world had stopped. A smirk graced his dark lips as he eyed the blonde.

“I take it you ate scraps from the table whenever your last master was done?” Cloud swallowed and Sephiroth chuckled lightly and motioned for Cloud to sit. Cloud slowly stepped to the chair and cautiously sat down. Cloud had never, ever in his life had the privilege to sit at a table. Never had he eaten with his master. Never! Cloud’s stomach knotted as Sephiroth lifted the oddly pronged utensil and grabbed himself some meat and a starchy green plant.

“Eat. You slaved to make it, it’s only logical that I feed you its worth.” Cloud swallowed and grabbed the pronged utensil. Sephiroth saw how Cloud fisted the utensil and used it, obviously having not been properly taught how to handle it.

Sephiroth paused and Cloud’s over cautious eyes locked onto him and Cloud froze like a deer caught in headlights.

“Like this.” Sephiroth held out his gripped hand, showing how the fingers held the item and how it rested between his thumb and hand. And then he used it. He paused when the action was done and watched as Cloud mimicked him, though awkwardly, but at least he understood the concept.

“Practice will do. I won’t have someone who can’t use utensils properly in my house.” Cloud felt a threat in that even though Sephiroth said it with little care. Through the rest of the meal Cloud was so concentrated on using it with the same elegant poise as Sephiroth that his nervousness washed away. Cloud didn’t even notice how closely the mighty General watched him, mentally congratulating him on how quickly his was improving in just this meal.

“Store the rest of the meal for dinner tomorrow and clean up.” Sephiroth said as he picked up his empty bowl, stood, and set his dirty dishes into the sink.

“When you’re done you will be free until bed. Tomorrow you will cook me breakfast and then clean the house while I’m gone.” Cloud nodded and watched as Sephiroth disappeared back down into this office. Wow. That was so simple. He really was heaven-sent.

Cloud quickly went about cleaning everything up and packaging their dinner to eaten the next night. As Cloud worked, a hopeful, nervous smile etched his lips. Maybe Sephiroth was going to keep him? Once he put everything away Cloud looked around the kitchen, and then frowned.

What was he supposed to do now? Go to bed? But it was only six thirty. Cloud found the duster and started to dust, having nothing better to do.

§

Sephiroth glanced at the time and massaged his eyes with his thumb and index finger. It was eleven. With a tired sigh Sephiroth turned the computer off and slipped his papers into a manila folder to join the other countless files on his desk in a neat stack.

Stepping out of his office and closing the doors, Sephiroth paused in surprise at the edge of the kitchen. For sitting at the dinner table, a bottle of glass cleaner by his head and a black rag in his loose fist, was Cloud. Cloud was laid over the table on his arms. Sephiroth watched the boy, finding his eyes lingering on the innocent, almost childlike face relaxed in sleep. Sephiroth paused before the human and a curious thought struck Sephiroth. This boy obvious didn’t use gel, so how on Shin-Ra did it stay up?

Reaching down Sephiroth’s fingertips paused just a breath shy of the blonde spikes gently falling forward from Cloud’s position. And then finally, his fingers softly grazed the silky gold strands of Cloud’s hair. Sephiroth could smell the aroma of his shampoo as his fingers gently ran over the spike he held in his hand, watching with a strange sort of fascination unbefitting him as he was able to gently spread the hairs apart.

Steeling his hand back as if it had been lured by the tall, beautiful locks of hair, Sephiroth picked Cloud up by his under arms, like one would do a toddler, and compared to Sephiroth’s frame, Cloud could easily pass for that. Cloud stirred slightly when Sephiroth pulled him to his chest and cupped his bottom to hold him up. Cloud’s arms unconsciously wound around the General’s neck; Cloud’s head nudging against Sephiroth’s long, pale column as he slid the chair back into place with his foot and started for the basement door.

Once down the stairs Sephiroth set Cloud down and unfolded the covers to half-hazardly lay them over the human before going to the small clock in the room on the floor by the head of the cot and setting it. He would do this for Cloud tonight because he was new, but Cloud would have to take care of himself after this. He was, after all, Sephiroth’s slave. Going up the stairs Sephiroth turned out the light and closed the door behind him.

Sephiroth woke sometime early morning from the most grotesque of dreams. Sweat clung to the General’s skin as the image of big, startled blue eyes finally began to fade, and the small little mouth that rasped in his ear faded into a gentle ringing, the sensations of sensual, inexperienced hands growing into a reminiscent tingle. Touching his hand to his face Sephiroth heaved a deep sigh before throwing the covers back and deciding on a two o’clock in the morning cold shower to take care of the wood. Definitely not something he wanted to wake up to, especially when it was a human he was dreaming about. But how could Sephiroth deny? The blonde boy was…

Beautiful.

And it truly disturbed Sephiroth as he walked into the bathroom; not even sparing a glance at the door the little blonde lay sleeping safely behind. Completely innocent and unaware.


All done! I’d love to know what you guys think. I can’t help feeling that this chapter sucked somehow.