Tainted Love

"Talking..."

'Internal thought...'

~ (Time/Story focus shift)

~Tainted Love~
Chapter Six

Blue-green eyes were wide with wonder as the powerful notes filled the room, touching emotions that had been locked away in the eight year old.

The other man in his small bedroom, which was little more than a glorified broom closet, gave a smile, "See? This is music. Let the sound flow through you Yazoo." The rare smile made the young boy relax and he began to sway slightly with the music, "There you go. When you can afford no other outlet in life, music can express the emotions you no longer can."

Yazoo gave no indication of what he thought, his silence as absolute as it had been for the last three years. The other man always seemed to understand though, always knew what he wanted to say, "You want to hear more? Fine, just don't let Them know, alright?"

The boy gave a nod, hair falling to cover his eyes. A black-gloved hand, far larger than his own, stroked the silver strands back. He raised his gaze, meeting with eyes so like his own. Though the boy never spoke, his eyes gave everything away to the silver-haired General. 'Thank you Father.'

~

The General's eyes looked at him now with hurt and betrayal as the silver-haired swordsman was restrained beyond even his mighty abilities to escape, "Why?"

"Why, you ask?" Came a grating voice from behind Yazoo, "Come now, General, you of all people should know better than that. These three boys are the pride and joy of the organization. They are exactly what the founders of Jenova wanted in their creation. You, however," There was an annoyed sigh, "I don't know what went wrong with you but we're going to fix it."

Sephiroth never took his eyes off of the sixteen-year old Yazoo though, even as others began to lead him away. Then, surprisingly, he gave that special smile he always reserved for the three silver-haired boys, his eyes flicking to the other two before returning to Yazoo and mouthing the words 'I understand.'

The long-haired teen blinked, did he really? Did the General know why he had been forced to betray the one man he called Father? Sephiroth nodded his head in response to the unspoken question. He was still the only one that ever knew what the silent boy was thinking. Just before the doors closed behind him, he mouthed again, 'Never forget.'

Yazoo nodded and knew his brothers did the same. They would never forget who they were, no matter what happened. They were the Remnants, all that remained of the first kind person in the General's life, their mother.

~

Black feathers sliced through the air, Yazoo's heart hammering with terror as furious green eyes bore into him, "Do you have any idea what you've done? You did this to me! How could you?"

The eighteen-year old wanted to speak, to tell the General he had come to free him from this place. But he had been locked too long in his silence, the words wouldn't come. Why couldn't the swordsman understand like he always had before?

The madness burning in the green gaze made Yazoo's blood run cold. He knew without a doubt that somehow the scientists had broken the seemingly indestructable General. 'I'm so sorry!'

A long bladed katana rose menacingly, the sharp edge glinting in the light of the inferno burning around the two silver-haired men. 'Father! Please, forgive me!'

A warmth suddenly surrounded Yazoo, it's feeling comforting unlike the biting heat of the nearby flames. Slowly, everything around him faded, the knowledge returning that what he had seen was only a nightmarish memory.

A hushed voice spoke softly, soothing his frantic mind until finally he felt himself relax, shifting deeper into the secure embrace around him. A familiar chuckle came from a little further away, the sound broken by a sniffle. The long-haired man smirked without opening his eyes and mumbled as he began to drift back to sleep, "You're the only person I know that can honestly laugh and cry at the same time, Loz."

Loz rolled his eyes and smiled as his younger brother fell into a peaceful sleep, "He'll be alright now. Well, at least until he wakes up."

The redhead nodded, relieved that the long-haired man had finally calmed down. When Loz had arrived earlier at the training grounds, he had surprisingly asked for Reno to follow him to their house, his only reasoning being, "You got him to stop early. Maybe you'll be able to keep him calm.

Though he had been confused by the words at the time, now the tattooed man understood. As Yazoo had begun to toss and turn, Loz's attempts to comfort him had been met with wild kicks and punches. The redhead had done the only thing he could think of and slid in behind the slender man, his back to the headboard and an arm around the leather-clad chest. Yazoo had stilled somewhat and seemed to relax fully when he spoke soft words, telling him it was all a dream and that he was safe.

Now he had to wonder at his chances of making it to his own house tonight, "Any chance Kitten's gonna let go of me before that?" Reno asked as he glanced down at the tight hold keeping his arm around the slender man's chest.

The oldest brother shrugged, "I dunno. He's never fallen asleep with someone in the same bed like that."

"He's probably too exhausted to care."

"Maybe," But the blue-green gaze said the larger man didn't think so.

Reno shifted slightly, attempting to pull out of Yazoo's grasp without waking him but the hold only grew tighter. The redhead grimaced at the nearly bruising pressure and settled back down, sighing as the gloved hands relaxed as well, "Looks like I might be here a while."

Loz chuckled, wiping away the last of the tears from his face, "If you want, I can bring you something to eat before I head to bed. I know you're probably hungry."

As if in response, a soft gurgling noise came from the redhead's stomach. Reno frowned slightly as the short-haired man laughed and made to leave the room, "You don't gotta trouble yourself, yo. It's not like it'll kill me to skip a meal."

Loz looked back with a raised brow, "Nobody goes hungry while I have access to a kitchen."

"Fine, fine," Reno grumbled, waving the man away with his free hand. As the large fighter disappeared down the hallway, the redhead truly took the time to study his surroundings.

The first thing he realized was that the room was terribly impersonal, no extra touches or decoration, no posters or pictures; the way it was set up seemed like the occupant could leave in an instant and look like he had never been there. The only thing that seemed out of place was a worn, dark-blue box on the nightstand.

Curious, Reno stretched out to grab it, carefully making sure not to wake his partner. When he finally had it, he was surprised to find an old cassette tape inside, the casing cracked but no other distinguishing marks on it. He studied it for a moment until he heard a soft sound at the doorway. He looked up to find Kadaj watching him with sad eyes, "That was the one gift that he could give to Yazzie, the only thing that really kept him sane. We had never heard music until then."

"Who? The General guy you guys were talking about?"

The young man gave a soft nod, "Yeah. We were all hurt by what happened, but I think it was hardest on him. I'm not sure but I think he even may have had a hand in the General's escape. He never talks about it though." Silver hair swayed slightly as Kadaj shook his head at a memory, "Actually, he never talked until about a year ago. For most of my life, I didn't know what his voice was like. It's still strange hearing it sometimes."

A red eyebrow rose, "What do you mean 'never talked'? Like at all?"

The teen sat at the edge of the bed, his eyes focused on Yazoo's face as he spoke, "Our mother died when I was two so I don't remember her very well, but Yazzie was five and Loz was seven so they do. Loz has always had an easy time letting his emotions show so he heals from things like that faster. Yazoo, though, tends to hide things or lock them away. Apparently, her dying hurt enough that he completely locked himself off, not crying, laughing, or speaking at all since then. Then, a year ago, he finally broke his silence."

Reno just stared at Kadaj for a moment before he decided to ask, "What's the tattoo for?"

Blue-green eyes went wide and immediately rose to meet the redhead's aquamarine gaze, "You saw it?" When the other man simply nodded, the boy's right hand unconsciously rubbed over his own gloved, left hand, "Yazzie didn't want anyone to see that. We don't like people knowing..."

"Knowing what?" Reno pressed softly.

The younger man remained silent for a moment before he removed his left glove, revealing thin, crude writing: K4-D4-J. "These are our real names."

The redhead blinked several times, "What?! You can't be serious!" Kadaj just looked at him with that sad expression, his hair falling in front of his eyes. Reno shook his head, "This is crazy, yo. I mean, tonight I saw a guy who is almost skinnier than I am take out a tree with a single punch before trying to kill me and now I find out that your names are some crazy numbers and letters. I mean, how in the hell does someone name their kid that?"

Kadaj looked down at his hands, a soft smile on his face, "It wasn't our mom's choice. Actually, from what I've heard, she was enraged when she found out. The names we use now are the ones she gave to us, a way of giving us what little normalcy she could given the circumstances."

Suddenly, the teen turned his head to the doorway, "Sounds like Loz is almost done, I better get going."

"I didn't hear-"

A familiar smirk and energy returned to the youngest brother's face, "Strength isn't the only thing we have. Luckily though, Loz probably didn't hear me get up because of all the noise he's making in the kitchen." The boy rose quickly, pausing at the doorway as he left, "If you wouldn't mind, don't tell them I told you those things. I just thought it might make it easier for you if you knew. You're the only one that has ever made him truly smile since the General disappeared."

And with that, Kadaj disappeared down the hallway. It took everything Reno had to quickly wipe the stunned look off of his face and return the blue box to it's place on the nightstand before Loz came in with a plate. Reno's mouth watered at the smell as he saw two grilled bacon and cheese sandwiches with slices of apple. A smirk appeared on the larger man's face, "I know its not much but I figure it'll do until breakfast time."

"You kidding me, man? This is great! I live off of fast food and stuff you can throw in the microwave. I can't cook worth a damn. Hell, remind me to tell you sometime about when I melted all my mom's cookware trying to make her dinner."

Loz chuckled as he shook his head, "No wonder you look like you do. Well, you're welcome to come over here anytime for lunch, I always make plenty." He stood, giving the redhead a smile, "You may want to get some sleep while you can. He always gets up at 6:45 sharp. Well, almost always."

Reno glanced at the clock, an eyebrow raising when he saw it was just a little after 3 a.m., "Damn that's not much time. Doesn't he know how to relax and sleep in? After all, it might do him some good."

"The only time I have ever known him to sleep past seven was the first night he met you."

Reno grinned at the memory before practically attacking the sandwiches, not even noticing the eldest brother leave. As he finished, he set the plate on the nightstand, just next to the worn blue box. A sigh escaped him even as his eyes began to close. 'There's still so much I don't know about you, Kitten. Hopefully someday you'll be willing to tell me.'

~

Yazoo shifted slightly, feeling the comfortable numbness of sleep slowly leaving his body. He wanted nothing more than to curl into the warm body behind him and fall back into the dark embrace. Wait, warm body?

Blue-green eyes snapped open, immediately focusing on several red strands streaming in front of his face. Following the trail upwards, he found himself staring up at an unconscious redhead, Reno's breath coming out in the even patterns of sleep. The angle at which the tattooed man was sitting made the silver-haired man frown slightly. 'That has got to be uncomfortable. Has he been like that all night?'

A stifled laugh drew his attention away from the redhead's peaceful expression, moving to land on his younger brother in the doorway, "You two make quite an adorable picture, Yazzie."

Yazoo frowned at being called adorable but softly motioned for Kadaj to come in, careful not to wake Reno, "Did you even sleep at all, Kadji?" When the young man shook his head, he sighed. He was well aware that his littlest brother had trouble sleeping most nights and feared that the emotional stress of the night before had contributed to another night of insomnia, "Was it the nightmares again?"

Kadaj nodded, his cheeks flushing faintly with embarrassment. Yazoo simply gave him a soft smile and motioned for him to come lay with him. As the boy settled into his older brother's embrace, he smirked up at the still-sleeping redhead, "You must've really worn him out Yazzie."

Yazoo shot his brother a piercing look, "And who was it that told him where I was going? You guys should know better than that. He could have gotten seriously hurt."

"We had no choice. He's even more stubborn than Loz! He swore that he would leave you alone until you passed out like usual so it's his fault for not listening."

Yazoo smirked at his brother's heated whispers. He knew it was true, Reno was one that would never take no for an answer. Running gloved fingers through Kadaj's silvery strands, he sighed, "I suppose you are right, Kadji. Is Loz awake yet?"

There was suddenly a mischievous glint in his younger brother's eyes, one that made Yazoo more than a little wary, "Nope! Its just you, me, and Sleeping Beauty there." He raised himself a little higher, coming eye to eye with his long-haired sibling, "And you know how they say to wake Sleeping Beauty in the stories right?"

Yazoo's eyes softened slightly as he glanced up at the redhead, "You're right, but it would be rather difficult to kiss him at this angle."

"Who said anything about kissing HIM?" Came the whispered reply. "Besides, I've been good all week!" Yazoo's eyes narrowed at him, "Well, except for the skirt thing. But I know you enjoyed it, even if you won't admit it. And you know that's pretty tame considering my track record."

"Hmm, true," The older sibling conceded, barely hiding a smirk as Kadaj's eyes brightened hopefully.

"See? And it's been so long, I'm starting to think you don't love me no more," The teen pouted.

"It's 'love me anymore,' Kadji. It's also complete bullshit and you know it."

"Oh quit teasing the poor kid, Kitten."

Yazoo started slightly at the unexpected voice and Kadaj immediately took advantage of the opening. The teen’s soft mouth pressed against his brother’s, tongue playfully slipping into the small opening when Yazoo gasped, tracing the inside of a moist bottom lip. Yazoo caught the mischievous glint in glowing cat like orbs as a tongue moved to press against his and he decided that if his little brother wanted to play that game, he would play back.

A thin hand weaved into short silver locks, pulling the boy’s mouth closer as Yazoo forcefully pushed Kadaj’s tongue back into his own cavern, nipping the boy’s lips before searching the hot orifice. The boy moaned, giving into his brother’s demanding mouth willingly, twisting around the tapping muscle as an invitation.

Reno had to swallow a few times as he watched the two brothers. 'Damn, that's even hotter than I thought it would be.'

Yazoo gave a smirk as he pulled his head away slightly, "I think we've succeeded in fully waking at least one part of him up."

Kadaj laughed lightly before looking up at the redhead, "Good morning. Enjoying the show?"

"I can think of worse things to wake up to." Reno gave a small grin that quickly turned into a grimace as he felt a sharp pain in his neck and upper back, reaching up a hand to rub at the area, "Though I could definitely do without the cramping."

Yazoo raised an eyebrow, "That's what you get for falling asleep like that."

"It's not my damn fault, yo! Every time I tried to move, you put the death grip on me!"

Blue-green eyes glanced down at the redhead's arm, noting the hand-shaped bruise that had formed. Guilt flashed within the softly glowing depths but it vanished as an idea formed, one that would make the other two very happy. 'And myself as well, of course.' He turned his eyes back upward, easily catching his brother's. Kadaj quickly noticed the devilish gleam and gave an acknowledging smirk, he would follow Yazoo's lead.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

A/N: Ok, Roommate gone and I LOVE MY FIANCEEEEE!!!! WOOOT! Not only did he get us a new computer but he got a scanner/printer for me, a 32" LCD flatscreen TV, and a new PS2 and PS3.

So not only did we get rid of the smell, but we got some kicka$$ new electronics. Frizzy is a very happy camper ATM. Of course, this means that you all will now be bombarded with my insane attempts at drawing as well as my crazy stories. Hopefully they will be amusing at the very least.

Thanks to all of you for your support and patience.

SapphireDoG
1) NO I DON'T HAVE ANY LUCK WITH THE REVIEW SECTION
2) I don't know...IS there a bad crazy????? o.O


Mehhh, My luff for you has grown. Poor Yazzie D: I wanted to cry D: Reno you fool...Almost completely getting his ass handed to him.

Hummmmm My curiousity is growning. What is gun-up-his-ass-literally-Sephy have to do with our boy's (other then the obvious of course) hmmm hmmm hmm hm hm.

Oh and BTW I almost spoke Sinanese there... The force was strong with that one but I resisted!!! Barely :D

.....*snicker*....Zack the Hedgehog....*snicker*.....
Frizz: Oh goodness. Now I will have to give Zack that nickname. It fits!

Kerianya
O.O

Poor Yazzie...my poor poor little baby. This story was so beautiful and so sad. At least Yazzie has Reno to love him now. *glomps them*

*hands you a nectarine* As for the corset ballgowns...you'll find out about them later :P

Kerianya XxX
Frizz: NECTARINE!!! I love nectarines! Duuuude. And don't worry, I have good things in story for Yazzie.

BreaXStrify
awwww D;! ::sniffles:: Poor Yazoo! What happened that makes him all d;flksdj;lfj over Sephy D;!!!

And dude...I would have NEVER thought of giving him a...what's the word i'm looking for...brandmarking? not a good word? no? yes? idk....but that was...wow...XS

amazing! I think Imma have to have Y4-Z0-O as my new myspace display name XS that's too good not to show off to the world...

and if that was something that was originally in FF...well...sh1t....>XD i don't pay enough attention to the story line to really be "all knowing" of it XD!


AMAZING AND WORSHIPS STILL! ^^ and don't worry, if your ego gets too big we can always shrink it in the oven...like a shrinky dink! EVIL SHRINKY DINKS >:o! - wow O.O sorry about that. Legendary Frog owns my soul right now....again....forever...::shifty eyes:: yeah....

~loves~

GAHHH i'm still thinking of a story line for you XS can't make it TOOO kinky...yet not so sweet our teeth fall out XDDD!
Frizz: The whole branding thing just totally popped in my head in the middle of work and I rushed to write it down on a post-it so I wouldnt forget. And dont worry about being too kinky or sweet, just whatever you want to see.

Kuragari
you're probably sick of me saying this... but ... WOOOOOO LOVE IT!!! I love the numbers leading to his name... that was amazing! there's a song I would love to see if you can work in... but I'm not really sure it fits your story... well, you can listen and see 'cause you'd know better than me... it's STAY WITH ME by Danity Kain.... yeah, probably won't fit, but we'll see. lol, see you soon!
Frizz: Im never sick of hearing you say it. I might be able to work the song in but it will have to be in a later chapter.

Fyrbyrd
You made me cry again. I really love Reno deciding to follow Yazoo. Another wonderful story you are weaving here.
Frizz: Sorry to make you cry but at least that means I am still describing these scenes well.

BlackRaincloud
My favorite of all those beautiful boys is Reno, because we have the same color hair, and it's the same length. I feel like he is either my snuggle-muffin, or my twin brother in another dimension. (god help me, I hope it's s.m.!!!!!) because I seriously lust after his skinny ass at all times.

Now, YOUR Reno... Oh god, what I wouldn't give to be in that club when Red is doing his thing. So hot. *fans self*

I'd rig up a bishonen net over the stage, and capture both of those delicious morsels, and take 'em back to my bedroom. (And keep them there FOREVER)

I love this story! Please please please put some more citrusy goodness in there!
Frizz: Oh yes, I would love to be in that club too. They are all just too pretty.

Kerianya
My lovely, take your time. Your fics are always worth the wait. Take as long as you need

Kerianya XxX
Frizz: Thanks alot hun. I should have the next Taming up within the next 48 hours

Etrixan
That's disgusting. I'm suprised that it's taken you this long to toss him out. Hopefully, you don't find anything when all the clothes are moved... eeep!

See you in a couple weeks.
Frizz: Im one of those people that tries to see the best in people for as long as possible. But once you break my trust, you better get farrrr away.

Ainaloth
Aw Frizz... That really sounds bad...and he calls himself you friend? Hmph.
Well I hope things will work out for you. I really want to read the continuing of these fics, and I'd love to read my Zack/Yazoo pairing sometime. But the most important; you're so good at this and it would really be a shame if you weren't able to write anymore.
Well, I'll be waiting for your return, and you have my email if there's something I can do for you.
Keep in touch.

Cheers// Ai
Frizz: Well, I'm back! And with more story goodness! And I am still working on the Zack/Yazoo one...Should be out sometime soon, as long as my muses dont get finicky again.

Golden Kitsune
a song huh?!
*thinks intently*
any breaking benjamin song would be good.
preferably from Phobia.
XD.
i love this story.
cant wait for more.
update soon.
XP.
dont forget to update,
Taming the fates admist Chaos.
lol.
i love that story.

~Golden Kitsune~
Frizz: Thanks hun! Taming should be out soon...within the next two days hopefully.

viva_rose
Wow a delightfully epic win story! I hope you are able to keep working on it
Frizz: I love this story too much to let it go! I will definitely see it through.

Kuragari
oh damn... sounds like room mate problems are going around, though Mine aren't quiet as bad. Moving out with one of my room mates because we can't stand our third and her fucking crickets getting out everywhere in the house... and her inability to pay more money on the electric for her lizard lamps, and her inability to take care of said lizards herself... and she never cleans... and she can't seem to remember to throw out rotting food. I feel for you hon... anyway, hope you find time and space to relax and vent a little bit. heaven knows we all need that sometimes. ^^ I'll be holding out for that next chapter whenever you get settled and things are going a little easier for you. good luck!
Frizz: Yikes, well hope everything works out for you too! Thanks for all the support!