Deadly Addiction

Chapter 7:

The raven-haired man knew that neither of them were very hungry after seeing the ninja off. Vincent tossed his head in the direction of the kitchen with the blond following. He gestured to the table near the window and started heating a kettle of water for tea.

A few moments later, the gunman returned to the table and placed a cup before the blond. "It was good to see you with Yuffie again. She really did miss you and now that you're back…well, we're both glad that you're here and safe."

The blond smiled and sipped at his tea, thinking over the days events. "It was nice to be around her again. I've truly missed having the energetic ninja around. I don't think that she will ever grow out of it, even when she's an old woman," he said, his eyes smiling with him this time.

"I know that it is never truly going to disappear but I do want to get my life back in order. Being around you and Yuffie has made me realize that Sephiroth wouldn't want me dying like this. He... He would want me to live my life to the fullest until we can meet again. Heh... Both of them would want me too," he said softly, turning his gaze from Vincent and to the dark liquid in his cup.

The gunman knew exactly what Cloud was talking about when he referred to 'it' and felt a wave of anger wash through him once again at the men who had violated him and fed his addiction to Glow. He was glad, however, to hear that Cloud was ready to move forward.

"I believe that you're right, Cloud. They can not be here to live so you must do it for them." He took a sip of his tea and looked out of the kitchen window towards the mountains to the east behind the mansion. We will always be a source of support for you even when you decide that you're ready to try it on your own."

Vincent let out a slight snort of amusement. "Just one word of warning, do not allow her to hear you refer to her as old. Shake did once and was in traction for a week." He said and smiled behind the rim of his cup before taking another drink.

"I don't doubt that. Though I don't think Yuffie is old at all. Both of us are older than her," he replied, not having to state the obvious that Vincent was older than everyone in their group. "If anything, I think she's grown up beautifully and still has a lot of life in her." His smile faltered for a moment but he quickly shook his thoughts away and sipped at his tea. No more sulking for him.

"You are young as well, Cloud. Don't think that the events that have occurred so far mean the end of everything. I don't know how or when it will happen, but I know things will change for you. Both Yuffie and I believe that you will be happy and content with life once more. I know that it still seems far off, but you are progressing and I believe it will happen sooner rather than later.

Vincent stood with his empty cup and took Cloud's as well, placing his human hand on the blonde's shoulder and giving it a supportive squeeze. "What you need to do is to keep this determination to live life once again strong and stay away from the darkness that may hide in your mind. I know all too well how tempting that voice is, but you must fight it. You do have people who care for you and are fighting along side you."

"Thanks Vincent. I'll keep that in mind. I really do appreciate everything that you and Yuffie are doing for me. I don't think I could rely on anyone else but the two of you right now," he replied, looking up at the gunman with a smile.

When the hand fell away from his shoulder, he stood from his chair. Exhaustion from the day was starting to settle in his body and mind. Now all he wanted to do was sleep. "I'm gonna head to bed Vincent. Today finally caught up with me," he said with a tired smile.

"I understand Cloud. I'm quite tired myself." He said honestly. After spending time with his energetic wife and the ride to and from the falls, he was determined to turn in early as well. "I guess my exhaustion is from being a three decades older than I look." He said as he turned off the light and led the way from the kitchen.

Cloud chuckled softly and followed the gunman up the stairs. With each step he felt more exhausted. They parted ways in the hallway and he quickly made his way to his own room. The blonde stripped himself down then crawled under the cool blankets, curling up with the blankets tight around him. Glowing blue eyes slowly closed with the last fleeting thought being of his former lover.

*-*

Vincent stripped out of his clothing and made his way to the shower. By the time he was finished, his crimson eyes seemed a bit dim and his eyes were heavy lidded. Black boxers were slipped on along with a pair of dark crimson pajama bottoms. He padded out through the hallways barefooted and came to Cloud's door, just listening for a few moments. He didn't hear the usual tossing and turning that usually was prominent in the swordsman's first attempt at sleep. The breathing inside of the room was even and calm.

He was pleased at this and quietly made his way back down to his room. The former Turk climbed into bed and settled on his side. It didn't take long for him to fall into his own slumber, surrounded by the sent of his wife.

Chapter 8:

Two Months Later
=_=

"For the millionth time, I'm fine Yuffie. I haven't set the town on fire nor have I tried to jump off Mount Nibel. The mansion is still in the state that Vincent left it a week ago. I have enough money for groceries and I know that it's going to start snowing soon. Everything is stocked in case something were to happen," Cloud said in a slightly irritated voice as he locked the front door to the mansion. The coat he wore was pulled tighter around his frame in attempt to keep out the biting cold.

"Now, will you tell your husband to take the phone from you. I don't want your special night being ruined cause your motherly instincts decided to kick in. Enjoy your night, I'll be fine, and I'll talk to you tomorrow. Goodbye Yuffie." The PHS was closed, cutting off the ninja's hurried voice. It was turned to silent and shoved into a pocket.

The blond continued through the quiet city. Since the season was changing, it had gotten much colder and not many people came out after dark. However he had business to take care of.

Looking both ways first, he stepped into the alleyway and walked to the back. A tall man with bright green hair and a long coat pushed off the side of one of the buildings. "Money first."

Cloud dug into his coat and flashed him the right amount but didn't hand it over just yet. "Let me see it." The guy hesitated for a moment but slowly pulled out a tiny vial with green glowing liquid in it. Blue eyes locked onto the vial, a single word escaping his lips.

"Glow."

*-*

Vincent watched as his wife closed her phone and moved over to her, drawing her into his arms.

"He sounded a bit different from the last time we saw him." She said and placed her head against his chest.

"I know, I heard. But we only left him there a week ago and at his insistence. We'll give him a few days and check on him again." Vincent said softly and kissed down the side of her neck.

"I guess we better be going or we'll be late, right?" She asked and felt him nod against her skin.

The pair grabbed their coats and left the house, out for an early dinner and some much needed time alone together.

=-= One week later =-=

'Why do I always lock it up? It's not like anyone would ever dare steal from the mansion,' Cloud thought to himself, pulling the keys out of the lock. The set was shoved into his pocket as he wrapped the scarf around his neck. Snow had finally fallen, making the town even colder than it had been for the past week.

Cloud's boot's crunched in the snow, making his way to the front gate. He reached up with a gloved hand, pushing it open. However it stopped halfway open. The gate was pushed harder but still it wouldn't budge. Confused, he squeezed through the gates and looked for the source stopping it. Nothing could prepare him for what he saw.

Half buried in the snow was a man, dressed in only a black trench coat leaning against the fence. Long, silvery almost white hair spilled down his frame disappearing into the snow. Draped across his chest was a sword he knew all too well. Suddenly he heard a low grunt, jade eyes slowly opening and staring up at him.

"Se...Se...Sephiroth," he whispered out in complete shock. Then instincts kicked in and took over. Snow was shoved off his legs and the taller man was easily pulled up from the cold ground. One arm was slung around his neck while the other wrapped around his waist. Slowly but surely they made their way to the Mansion.

Sephiroth struggled to keep his head up but found that he just did not have the strength to do so. He allowed the smaller man to help him inside of the mansion and supported a bit more of his weight so Cloud could close the door.

Eventually they made their way up the stairs and into the bedroom where they both collapsed heavily on the bed. The silver haired man was breathing heavily from exertion as his body shook from the freezing temperatures that had chilled him to the bone.

"C-cloud…" He murmured as he lie on his stomach, trying to calm his shivering body. The blonde scrambled to his feet and unclipped his beloved blade from his back and placed it on the floor by the bed.

He tried to assist the smaller man in stripping the frozen and stiff leather from his body, but he wasn’t much help. Inwardly, he winced in disgust as dried patches of mako clung to his pale skin along with dirt and blood from the few creatures he had fought on the way down the mountain. Never before had he wanted to feel the hot water of a shower pouring down on his skin.

When the last piece clothing was removed from his body, the former general allowed a small sigh to escape his lips as the shivering increased in intensity. He felt himself being laid back on the bed, a thick blanket covering his body as the sound of foot steps took off in another direction. The sound of water running reached his ears, causing him to drift into a light, dream-like state, not asleep, yet not awake.

'Sephiroth…you must help him…' A light but desperate feminine voice danced through his mind.

'I don't understand. Tell me what you mean.'

'You must stay with him. He will die if you do not stay with him…'

'Cloud? Why…why would he die without me? He seems to be doing well on his own. Why am I here? Shouldn't I be dead or in some hell made especially for those who go against the planet?' He asked, not being able to keep a bit of bitterness from his voice.

'Sephiroth…we know what happened. Your time here in the lifestream has allowed us to see your pain and all that you have suffered. You didn't have a chance. The crazed one corrupted a child of this great planet.'

'So this is my second chance? But…why here?'

The sound of a strangely familiar yet sad laughter filled his consciousness. 'You love him, don't you?'

The silver haired man answered without hesitation. 'I do. I always did…despite everything that happened, I never stopped.'

'Then why question a chance to be with him again?'

'I…I don't know. Do I truly deserve this chance?'

'Yes…It is the will of the planet. You will protect the one that has saved this great planet as well as the one who saved you from the being not from this place.'

'What is happening to him?'

'He will die. You must be there for him to prevent this. Something is not right with the child. He needs you in his life just as you need him. Will you stand by his side?'

'I will. I won't leave him but please, tell me what is happening to him.' He asked, his voice slightly pleading.

'He is contaminating himself. He will poison himself once again if it continues. Cloud needs your support because he has been alone since the day you were taken from him, at least in his mind.' The voice became sad, the pain was obvious.

It was then that the realization hit him. 'I will. I will not allow this chance to escape me but please, tell me who you are.'

His thoughts were confirmed when a soft chuckle filled his ears. 'Sephiroth, to think that you would forget me?'

'Aeris…I'm-'

'Don't apologize Sephiroth, I forgive you. I knew from the time I met Cloud, what would happen. It was my destiny. I don't blame you.'

'Thank you…' He said softly. 'I will give my life to protect him.'

'I know you will. Live your life to the fullest, Sephiroth. You've been given a second chance.

'You have my word.'

=-=

Cloud placed the clothes he found for Sephiroth on the toilet then tested the water. It was a nice warm temperature, one that wouldn't send his body into shock from the sudden change. Wishing the water would fill the tub up faster, he headed out of the bathroom and back to the bedroom. He stood there for a second, staring at a shivering Sephiroth laying on the bed. The blond wanted nothing more than to bury himself in Sephiroth's arms to make sure this was real. But he needed to get him better first.

Shaking his head, he moved over to the bed, wound the blankets tighter around him before hefting up to the floor. They slowly made their way to the bathroom. The door was shut, hoping it would keep the warmth in. Cloud toed out of his boots and slipped out of his shirt.

"I'm going to take the blankets off then we're going to get into the tub and clean you, alright?" Seeing him nod, he let the blankets fall to the floor. They both eased into the tub, Cloud right behind Sephiroth. A cup was grabbed and water was slowly poured onto the exposed skin that didn't sink into the water.

Sephiroth hissed in discomfort as the lukewarm waters stung his freezing skin but slowly, slower than he would have liked, the needlelike sensation began to fade. His chin touched his chest as he leaned back against the warm chest behind him. His long legs were stretched before him in the large tub as he felt the cloth covered legs of the blond just on the outside of his own.

His teeth continued to chatter slightly but eventually his body became a bit warmer.

"Ready for more?" He heard the voice behind him ask and managed to gain enough strength to nod. Cloud reached over to the knob and turned on the hot water, allowing it to warm the water a bit more before it was turned off.

The former general allowed his hand to move to Cloud's knee, giving it a slight squeeze as his head tipped back against his shoulder. Jade eyes glowing intensely from his recent emergence from the mako pool deep within the Nibel mountains drifted closed as a sigh escaped his lips. He could feel the goose flesh still rising on his flesh due to his low core temperature but managed to get his body to relax.

"Thank you…"

"Don't say that..." Cloud whispered out. Slowly his arms wound around the taller man's torso, tightening but not enough to hurt his fragile lover. His head fell against a broad shoulder, loving how the skin felt against his cheek. Then before he could stop himself, tears began to spill down and sobs started to wreck through his body. Blue eyes closed as he squeezed Sephiroth as much as could while sobs got louder and louder.

"Sephiroth!" he cried out.

Had he not been experiencing the extreme exhaustion and the slight case of mako poisoning, which he found troublesome and irritating since he had been within the lifestream since the incident in the crater, he would have simply lifted the smaller man into his arms and held him tightly. Instead, Sephiroth did the only thing he could do.

The silver haired man gently grasped the arms that were wrapped around his torso, running his thumb across Cloud's wrist comfortingly. Tilting his head softly as he listened to the painful sobs of the younger man, he was able to place two soft, light kisses on his temple.

"I won't leave you again, Cloud." He said firmly. "Hojo and Jenova are gone...I can feel it. They will never come between us again."

"I won't ever let you go again... I don't care if you go crazy, I'll just go crazy with you," Cloud whimpered back. He buried his head in his lover's neck, his sobs slowing down. "I'm not living without you ever again. Never."

When the tears and sobs had dispersed, the blond placed soft kisses on the taller man's cheeks, neck, and shoulder. Then he squeezed him even tighter. "This is real right? I'm not dreaming?"

"No. You're not dreaming…I wouldn't do that to you. I was given a second chance and I am here to stay." He said, wishing he could turn and face the blond. He couldn't help the waves of pleasure from radiating through him at the kisses that were placed on his skin.

The older man took Cloud's hand in his and gave the soft skin of the back of his hand a pinch, not hard enough to injure, but enough for the blond to feel it. The slightly red spot was then brought to his lips as he kissed Cloud's hand.

"Still believe…you're dreaming?" He said, remembering how his best friend, Zack, would always tell him to pinch him when he didn't believe what he was seeing. It had something to do with some belief that you wouldn't be able to feel pain in a dream.

"No. This is real," he said mostly to convince himself of it. Another tight squeeze then he relinquished his hold. "I'll have plenty of time to cry about it later. Right now we need to get you all cleaned and to bed so you can get some decent rest." Giving the taller man the best smile he could, he grabbed the shampoo and began the task of getting him squeaky clean.

Fifteen minutes later the pair was out of the tub. Cloud stripped out of the rest of clothes, wrapping a towel around himself. Securing it, he helped Sephiroth dry off and get his hair decently dried. The clothes thankfully fit him and weren't tight. The blond grabbed a brush then headed back to the bedroom.

Sephiroth was deposited on the bed, Cloud sitting behind him. Long silvery hair was brushed out then tied back in a ponytail. The ex-General was tucked into bed with plenty of blankets. The blonde dried whatever else was wet then slipped into pj pants and a large t-shirt. Without second thought he slid under the blankets, curling up to the larger man.

"I'll make us something a little later when you have some of your strength back, alright?"

Sephiroth nodded in agreement. "I'm not very hungry at the moment, but probably will be later." He said and wrapped his arms around Cloud, pulling him to his chest, feeling his warmth, though his body continued to shake. He finally had what he had been wishing to have for what seemed to be an eternity.

There were a few things that had he had thought about and had seen in the last few moments that made him wonder. Cloud was thin, much thinner than the last time he had seen him, but at an average weight. He knew that the young man was usually one to keep himself healthy, so what had happened? His stomach was still defined, but his hips seemed much more narrow.

His hand came up to brush a blond lock out of his still boyish face. His hair had definitely grown a bit and was a but more unruly than he had remembered, but it didn't take from the appeal that was HIS Cloud. He knew that he probably would not get an answer as to what had changed in the life of his former subordinate and current love, but there was one question that he had to know.

"Cloud, how long has it been since we last saw one another?"

"Too long," he mumbled, curling up further into the warming body. "It's been four, almost five years since the Meteor incident and nine about years since the Nibelheim incident. Like I said, far too long." Fingers found there way into his silver locks, not being able to fight the urge of playing with the silk locks.

"I've really missed you and needed you..."

"Four years…" The silver haired man repeated and closed his eyes. "It felt like longer." He buried his nose in the golden locks and sighed. He wasn't use to speaking so much…so freely about how he felt, but with this new chance, he would not hide things from the man he loved.

"You released me all those years ago. Twice over. " He said, remembering the incident in the Nibelheim reactor and then again in the heart of the planet. "I thought I wouldn't see you again…but I've been given a second chance. I know you needed me….I was told.

"I never lied to you in the past when it came to us, and I will not begin to do so now. I need you as well. I do not wish to be without you again.

"Then we won't ever part again. Next time someone else can be the villian and hero," he mumbled. Cloud had forgotten how good Sephiroth smelled and how well his body just fit with the taller man's. Oh it was nice to finally have this again. After four years of utter torture, he could be happy again.

"Get some sleep, Seph. I know you need it." Tilting his head up, he placed an innocent, sweet kiss on the only lips he would ever kiss.

The general pushed back into the kiss, deepening it a bit, but not too much. His arms wrapped tighter around the smaller man, totally unwilling to let him go.

Jade eyes could no longer stay open. Slowly the silver haired man gave in to the dire need for sleep. His breathing became even and his body relaxed, but he never released his hold on the man he loved.

AN:

Hey all, Ezzie here...

Okay, so we haven't abandoned this fic. Actually, we're going to be re-working parts of it and doing some major edits, but since both Angel and I work, its hard to find time to get together and do so...but this fic is not abandoned.

I just wanted to take a few moments to address a review that we got a while back and immediately after I saw the post, I did a little work...

Part of the review read...

"Lastly, I make note of the 'glow' drug. I recall no canonical evidence of it, though I have seen it before in the fic "Chi to Ase to Namida". While I make no claims as to who originally came up with it or if it is merely a coincidental congruence, if you HAVE taken the idea of 'glow' from that fic, please give credit. Not doing so makes you rude at best, a self-serving plagiarist at worst."

In fact, I had never heard of the story and when I saw this, I immediately contacted the author of "Chi to Ase to Namida" Who, by the way, is an awesome person and I really enjoyed exchanging emails with her :).

We discussed what was going on and she read the review and the fic. She was nice enough to provide me with a statement that I could put with this fic to dispel any other questions about the whole 'Glow' situation.

Hello, readers! I'm Akuma no Tsubasa. I have several stories in the FFVII fandom, and a part of those stories is a Mako-based designer drug called 'Glow.' Sound familiar? It isn't.

The 'Glow' depicted in this story has almost no similarity to my Glow, being that it is injected and causes lethargy and a feeling of heaviness. My Glow is dissolved in the mouth and temporarily boosts physical attributes.

Ezzie has demonstrated to my satisfaction that she and Angel didn't know about my 'Glow' and intended no plagiarism of any part of my fanfiction universe. To my knowledge, I came up with Glow--on the other hand, what else would you call a Mako drug that...well...glows? It's entirely possible there are other 'Glow's running loose in fandom, and there are certainly other Mako drugs.

Anyway, the important bit of this spiel is that I know about this--Ezzie brought it to my attention quite promptly. And really, I would never have known about this if she hadn't (it's not like I have a team of lawyers at my beck and call combing through the internet for infringement on my completely unprofitable fanfiction, after all. Heh). So Ez and Angel are completely licensed to continue to use 'Glow' for purposes of their fanfiction (not least because I want to read the rest!) Everyone, please show them your support by leaving a review--good authors with the character to 'fess up to a total stranger that they may have accidentally borrowed something from their fic don't grow on trees. Actually, most authors don't.

Thanks for your attention (I'm long-winded, I know).

Both Ange and I would like to thank Akuma no Tsubasa for taking time out to do the statement above. I haven't had a chance to read all of it, but I was able to check out the first chapter and enjoyed it immensely! So go check out her work on fanfiction.net

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/482217/1/Chi_to_Ase_to_Namida

We have nothing at all against constructive criticism. We enjoy reading it because it allows us to improve upon what we've written and will write in the future.

The only part of the review in question that got to me was the part about being Rude at best and self-serving plagiarists at worst. It angered me a bit because I despise plagiarists. I've had a oneshot stolen as well as a couple OC's taken. People work HARD to create stories and characters and for someone to just rip them of, it makes me fucking angry when people do that.

Anyway, thank you all for reading and we'll be getting back to this hopefully soon.

Ezzie of Pyroangelez