Twisted Around

Cloud awoke in pain. Why was that? He tried to move, his only reward renewed pain. He turned his head to see Vincent looking out of the window.

"Vincent?" Cloud whispered.

"Cloud!" Vincent turned and ran to Cloud's side. He kneeled by the bed, worry in his eyes.

"Good. You're still here." Why was he so worried? If only he could remember...

"Of course I am, Cloud." Vincent assured him.

"Wha...what happened? I ache all over."

Vincent visibly cringed. "You don't remember anything?"

Cloud shook his head. "Nothing."

He raised a hand to his aching neck, fingers falling upon a...bite mark?! Vincent placed a hand over Cloud's.

"Vince,what the hell happened to me?"

Vincent hesitantly told the story, starting with when Vincent would not let Cloud undo his own pants. The blond lowered his hand during Vincent's talk.

When he was done, Cloud said. "Would you help me to the shower, please?"

Vincent lifted him into his arms and gently carried him to the bathroom. Cloud stood somewhat unsteadily on his feet. He struggled to free himself from his shirt.

"Vince...?"

Vincent wordlessly understood, helping the blond remove the clothing. He turned the water on, waiting until it was warm to help Cloud into the shower. Cloud kept one hand on the wall. Vincent slightly closed the door on his way out of the bathroom. He sat on the bed, keeping one eye on the bathroom door.

/What fun, host./

/Chaos./ Vincent hissed.

/You must be jealous./

/Leave him alone./

/Ah! You are!/

/You hurt him last night, Chaos./

/It is a demon's natural instinct to inflict pain, or had you of all people forgotten?/

/Don't hurt him again. Please, Chaos!/

/Begging now, are you?/

Vincent looked out the window to see the Gondolas pass in the distance.

/I just want him to be safe./

/He is safe with me./

/'It is a demon's natural instinct to inflict pain' as you said./

/I never said he might not hurt, host./

/How does that make sense?/

/No one will ever hurt him./

/Oh, so you will hurt him enough for everyone, now?/

/He does not need to get hurt at all./

/What do you mean, Chaos?/

/You thought you could have him to yourself?/

Vincent heard the shower shut off.

/I'd like to talk to him./ Chaos said sincerely.

/So you can hurt him again?/

/No. Just speak./

/Through my mouth./

/Can't say I blame you./

A slightly damp and disheveled Cloud walked out of the bathroom. He collapsed beside Vincent, who began to stroke his hair.

"Chaos wants to talk to you, Cloud."

When he felt the blond stiffen at his side, he added. "Through my mouth."

"I...Okay..."

Chaos's voice coming from Vincent's mouth slightly scared Cloud. "Strife."

Cloud pushed away from him to stand. "Don't touch me."

"Last night would have been much more enjoyable had you complied."

Cloud turned away from him. "Pain drowns out what little pleasure might be obtained."

"You're safe with me."

"Safety? I was talking about comfort." Cloud turned around.

"No, but I mentioned safety to Valentine. He seemed not to believe me."

"I wonder why." Cloud barely got sarcasm into his voice.

"No one else will ever touch you, Strife."

Panic reared its ugly head. Cloud glanced towards the locked door and back at Chaos, who laughed.

He stood. "No one."

/My mouth, Chaos!/ Vincent shouted.

Chaos sat. Cloud stared and opened his mouth to speak.

Someone knocked on the door.



T.B.C.

Who is that? Who dare interrupt Cloud and Chaos in a bonding moment? Find out next time!

Please review! It keeps me going!