Redemption

Authors Note: As per usual, it seems, sorry for the exceptionally long delay on producing an update for this story. Fortunately, I come back to the table with not one, but two chapters! The next chapter is currently in the process of being edited, and should be posted without my usual delay. To those who have read this story in past, I hope you continue to enjoy it, and please know that yes I do intend to finish it, I just seem to have the attention span of a squirrel. For those who haven't encountered this story before, I hope you enjoy it and that you won't have to wait as long as some to continue reading it!

Chapter 7 - Laboratory Monotonous

Cloud got the impression that not many people volunteered for the Laboratory Assistance Program. While the halls of Shinra's main floor were often filled with lingering cadets or SOLDIERS, there was almost nobody around the volunteer window. As he approached it, he saw the multiple posters advertising recruitment, and signup sheets scattered across the counter.

There was a young lady leaning against the countertop, her posture one of someone who had been there for far too long with no one to talk to. Cadets weren't often interested in following scientists throughout their various experiments, finding new uses for herbs in potions and working on new antidotes. They strove to become SOLDIER, they trained and they practiced, and left that to those who wished to become scientists themselves. For the students who were not interested in fighting, who would prefer the labs of Shinra to the battlefields. And apparently, there were very few people with that mind set.

However, scientists were involved in some of the most dark and classified secrets in Shinra. And while Cloud doubted that volunteering as an aide in the simple laboratories, he might run into someone who had access to far more sensitive information, and the key card to prove it. Getting such a card would be the first step to finding information on Jenova or the current status of Hojo's experiments.

It took a moment for the clerk to notice he was there, her eyes half closed and unfocused as she dozed. When he cleared his throat however, she jumped up, alert and focused on the potential volunteer, a rarity that could not be squandered. "Hello!" She exclaimed, reaching out to shake Cloud's hand. "Are you here to volunteer for the Laboratory Assistance program? By volunteering you can aid Shinra in producing potions and antidotes that will save SOLDIER's lives on the battle field! With enough volunteer hour's you are well on your way towards a successful job application into the research-branch of Shinra."

And then Cloud grinned, releasing her hand as he nodded towards the recruitment sheets. "Yes, sign me up."

It was a simple process, and the clerk assured him that it would not take long for his application to process and his volunteer hours to begin. Yet even the smallest waiting period seemed like it was too long to Cloud. Restless and agitated since the encounter with Angeal, he felt the need to act, to move forward in his task. How long would it take before Angeal's suspicions made it to the higher ups in Shinra? How long before his unexplained quirk's found him either booted from Shinra, or worse, hunted by them? He had to get what information he could from the company before the time came when he was completely unable to.

As Cloud headed towards the elevator that would take him to cadet's quarters, he winced at the pain in his side. He was sporting an angry bruise that would be lingering for several days, and while Cloud doubted any ribs were broken, they were most definitely sore. Beyond that his entire body ached with the strain of the previous duel, showing Cloud just how weak his body still was, how much training he still needed before he obtained the strength he had once had. If he would ever be able to obtain that strength again.

But on top of the concerns it brought about Zack's overprotective mentor and his view's of Cloud's secrets, it also had informed Cloud of something more worrisome, Zack's dreams. While he had claimed that his friend's dreams were probably normal, he had a sinking feeling that they were anything but. His own dreams were nothing but memories of the past that no longer existed, and he assumed that they were the Planet's way of reminding him why he could not let up and get distracted. But for someone else to have such dreams was another thing entirely, and Cloud wondered just what Zack dreamt about, if they were indeed of the life that he would hopefully never experience.

HIs curiosity was getting the better of him as he entered the elevator, so he pressed the button to SOLDIER's quarters instead of his own. He was unable to dig deeper into Shinra at the moment, and he was too sore to do much training, but finding out more about Zack and his dreams would be enough to settle his urge to act. He had the morning off before classes resumed in the afternoon, and so it would give him enough time to talk to Zack.

Thinking about Zack led him to wondering what exactly his relationship was with the other man. They were proclaimed friend's, Zack had already announced this to him. But Zack had also said that he was interested in something else, and that something else was still somewhat elusive in nature to Cloud. He knew how hormonal teenagers could be, but he had never assumed that it was anything he would have to deal with, never thinking that he would be approached in such a way by someone like Zack.

Sighing Cloud waited until the elevator stopped at Zack's floor, trailing behind the few other SOLDIER that got off the elevator as well, not wanting to draw attention to himself or his destination. When he reached Zack's door, he fumbled in his mind for how he might approach his two topics of interest, while quietly knocking. He was standing for several long moments before he knocked again, a little louder, thinking that perhaps Zack was asleep or hadn't heard his him.

When there was still no response, Cloud let out a breath. He had assumed Zack would be in his room on a half day off, sleeping in and enjoying the lazy morning that was offered. But perhaps Zack had been called away to do something or had gone out with some of his friends.

Leaving the door to walk away, Cloud nearly jumped when he heard a noise from coming from within. A moan of pain, quiet and barely audible through the thick door, but Cloud knew he had heard it. Had Zack gotten hurt? Was he very sick or suffering in some way? If he was inside and unable to open his door -- Cloud didn't want to think about that.

Wishing he had come armed, Cloud satisfied himself with drawing the small combat knife from his boot, just in case whoever had hurt Zack was still inside. Carefully touching the handle of the door he found it unlocked. He opened it as quietly as he could, and was pleased with the fact that his stealth was not ruined by a squeaky door as he slipped inside. Leaving the door open a crack behind him, Cloud quietly moved away from the door, before coming to a complete stop.

There were more sounds. Now that he was not standing on the other side of the door, they were not muffled enough to be unheard. Pants for breath, heady grunts, and wanton pleas drifted from deeper inside Zack's apartment, and Cloud's cheeks coloured quickly when he realized what he was hearing. There was nobody in pain in that room, they were very much the opposite. And very much enjoying it, by the sound of it.

Cloud wasn't sure when he began creeping forward, drawn by morbid curiosity perhaps, to the edge of the hallway, carefully peeking around the corner, praying he wouldn't be seen. He had been expecting another SOLDIER, perhaps even another cadet. Instead, he saw Angeal behind Zack. Angeal, half naked and overcome with lust, thrusting into Cloud's more than receptive friend. Zack was kneeling on the same couch Cloud had sat on a few nights before, pressed against the back of it with his back arched, while Angeal stood behind him, hands holding the brunet's hips in place while he bent over him, growling unheard words into Zack's ear while he pounded him.

Zack's expression was one of pure bliss, his head thrown back onto Angeal's shoulder, crying out with every thrust, bucking back to meet Angeal's strokes, and begging for more. One of Angeal's hands moved from Zack's hip to stroke up his front, finding his length and giving it several slow, teasing strokes, which brought noises out of Zack that made Cloud's cheeks color even more.

This was most definitely sex. Cloud seemed unable to move or process any thoughts as he watched rooted in place, his legs feeling like lead. This was most definitely sex, and this was what Zack had alluded to when he had told Cloud he'd like to be more than friends. It was a few more moments of delayed thoughts before it struck him that this was why Angeal was so protective over Zack, far more than just his mentor, far more than just a friend. Did he know what Zack had told Cloud? That he had kissed him? Was he angry at Cloud for it, or did he really just see Cloud as a threat, a danger to the SOLDIER he so intimately enjoyed?

These thoughts seemed to snap Cloud out of his shock, and he realized very quickly that he did not want to be here. Shame and embarrassment that he had been watching his friend's most intimate actions, and that he had not left as soon as he had confirmed Zack was alright coursed through him. And yet, even as he slipped out of Zack's room and returned his knife to his boot, he couldn't help his thoughts from wandering to what Zack had alluded at.

Why was he interested in Cloud? Angeal seemed far more capable then Cloud could ever imagine himself to be. Or perhaps Zack wanted something else, wanted to take Angeal's spot and put Cloud in his? His face was burning badly with embarrassment and Cloud found himself half running back to the elevator to get back to his room. He wanted to talk to Zack but this was definitely not the time. And as Cloud rushed into the elevator and pressed his back against the cool metal of its wall, thankful that there was nobody else in it, he wondered how long it would take before he would be able to wipe such graphic images from his mind.

Angeal brought a wet cloth from the bathroom, finding Zack sprawled across the couch in much the position he had left him. The dark haired boy had such a sleepily blissful expression that it brought a smile to Angeal's face. Maybe it was a boost to his ego, to know that he could so thoroughly tire out someone as energetic and ardent as Zack, but there was something satisfactory about it all the same.

Kneeling on the couch behind Zack, Angeal pressed his lips to the boy's neck in a gentle kiss, while sliding the warm cloth across first the boy's stomach, then to his thighs and rear, cleaning him of the evidence of their indecency. Zack mumbled something Angeal couldn't understand, eventually moving enough to turn and face Angeal. Sliding his arms around the larger man's neck, he found Angeal's lips with a heated kiss. He pulled back after a few moments, running a wet tongue across Angeal's lower lip in a tempting motion before leaning his forehead against Angeal's. "Thanks for coming." Zack breathed, pressing himself closer as Angeal leaned back into the couch, propping himself comfortably against the arm rest.

Zack settled against him, resting his head on the man's' shoulder and breathing warm breath into the crook of Angeal's neck. "More forceful than usual." When Angeal opened an eye to gauge Zack's expression, Zack grinned. "I like it when you're forceful. I like it when you hold me down, and --"

Angeal cut him off with a finger to his lips, quickly recognizing Zack's attempt to stir him into another round. "I think three is enough for the morning, you have classes in less than an hour." He said, running a hand through Zack's tousled hair. The boy responded with a contented sigh, resting his head back on Angeal's chest, nuzzling it softly. Much more the purring kitten after sex, than the energetic puppy.

"We'll get test results back during it too, so I guess I can't skip." Zack mumbled, watching Angeal lazily.

"How do you think you did?"

"It was easy, sword's training is my specialty, or so I've been told." There was innuendo behind that, a waggle of the eyebrows from Zack that made Angeal chuckle. "But I think the real question is, what got you in such a forceful mood? That usually only happens when you're back from a mission, or under some stress, or just really horn--"

"What made you invite Cloud to our training?"

"I..." Zack lifted his head to watch Angeal's reaction, as the man's voice seemed quite serious. "We had dinner the night before, we talked a lot and I figured he could probably use some people to train with. Why? I won't do it again if you don't think I should."

Angeal sighed, before finally pulling himself into a stronger sitting position. "What did you talk about at dinner?"

Zack leaned back, now sitting on Angeal's thighs as the other man sat at the couch. Despite their state of undress, Zack still gathered quickly that Angeal was serious. "Just casual stuff. We talked about mentors, though. He said that he was trained by a warrior who lived in Nibelheim before he died. He seemed sad, though. And I was thinking, that it would suck to lose someone that important." And as he said this, Zack leaned to press his forehead into Angeal's shoulder, to further show that it was the thought of losing Angeal that scared him. "I'm really lucky that I got you to train me, and I just thought that he might appreciate the chance to train with someone, even if you're not his old mentor?" After a pause, perhaps going over what he had just said in his mind, Zack shrugged. "I thought he seemed to enjoy it. He likes to train. But, why the interest?"

Angeal sighed at this, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. "After you left, I duelled him." He admitted, his hands going to Zack's hips and squeezing them reassuringly. "I didn't hurt him." He didn't even bother looking up or opening his eyes, just automatically assuming that it was what Zack was worried about. When the body under his hands relaxed, he was proven right. "He is very good. He surpasses everyone in his level. But still, don't you think there is something wrong? Can't you tell he's hiding something? I tried asking him but he wouldn't tell me anything." He was purposefully leaving out how upset Cloud had become when he had been pressed for answers, deciding Zack would be happier not knowing.

"I think we just need to get to know him better. Then maybe he'd open up to us? I'm sure that whatever he's not telling us, it's not sinister and it's not going to endanger us. He's got a good heart."

"What about the dreams you have about him?" Angeal asked, quiet and low toned.

"I..." Zack was taken slightly aback that Angeal would bring it up, with the clear implication that Cloud was behind it. "Well it's strange yes, but they're just dreams right? It's not like he has any control over them or is causing them. Maybe he knows something about them, maybe he'd tell us if we were nice to him."

Considering this for a minute, Angeal finally chuckled, his hands moving from Zack's hips to wrap around his body, pulling him close for a hug, before he rested his chin on Zack's head. "It's sweet that you want to be nice to him, to get close to him. But don't let your crush fog your judgement, alright? Don't be so quick to try and seduce him that you let your guard down."

Zack chuckled at this, leaning back into Angeal's grasp and brushing his lips across a stubbled chin. "I couldn't rush into seducing him, even if I wanted. When we were having dinner I left a pretty broad hint, and you should have seen his face." He laughed fondly at the memory.

"A broad hint?"

"I kissed him. I kissed him and told him that I'd like to be more than just friends. He looked at me like I had told him the sky was yellow. But he didn't say no, either. It's like for the first time since I've met him, he was just a fifteen year old kid, all innocence and youth."

Angeal considered this, before he sighed. "His eyes are world weary. Like he's a battle worn soldier, looking back at his past. Not like a child with his whole future ahead of him."

"He's lonely, Angeal." Zack whispered, and Angeal could tell easily that it was important to Zack. His kind nature did not want to see someone suffer anything if he could do something about it. "I've seen a lot of cadets that are shy, don't have many friends, and are a bit lonely when they come here. But this is different, it's...deeper. He acts like he's the only person in the world. But he gets along with us, at least me." He gave Angeal a pointed look, as if he was suspecting that Angeal's duel and interrogation didn't go as good as he was making it out to have. "Maybe all he needs is a friend, someone to help him and keep him from becoming the big threat you make him out to be?"

Angeal considered what had happened the night before. Cloud was closed off and unwilling to open up to those around him, and like Zack said, lonely because of it. With the sheer power that the blond possessed, and the knowledge that he was hiding something, it was a constant worry that something could provoke Cloud, or push him over the edge. When Angeal had pushed him, he become defensive, angry, but he hadn't turned violent. But how much would it take, before he did? How many people would get hurt if that happened?

"He just needs a friend." Zack repeated, attempting to lure Angeal out of any accusing thoughts. "I really want to be that friend."

"Why?" Angeal finally sighed, running a hand through his hair to push it from his face. "There are a lot of people within Shinra that really need friend's. But you've never been so eager to possibly put yourself in danger to help them. Why is he so special?"

And even as he asked that question, he knew that neither he nor Zack would ever know the answer to that.

"He just is." Zack said after a long while, having no other explanation for it. And Angeal decided to leave it at that.

The next morning Cloud was surprised to see a letter under his dormitory door, stating simply that he had been approved for the Laboratory Assistance Program, and that he could start that day to begin his basic training. He had known they were probably desperate for volunteer's, but he didn't think it would be this bad. Not one to question his luck, however, Cloud was more than willing to plan it into his day. A four hour break between lunch and his last class, Cloud decided that he would use that time to go to the lab. Perhaps he would be able to scout out any likely targets for his planned access card theft, or find out information about the highly acclaimed scientists within Shinra.

His focus on this wiped out most of his thoughts during the morning, his classes passing by in a haze and Cloud was glad that there was nothing important being said, as he hadn't heard a word of any of the professors. And finally, he had been able to let the thoughts of Zack, their tentative relationship, and Angeal's complications to slip to the back of his mind. There were things that were more important, things that he was happy to let occupy his thoughts, as it seemed everything else was designed simply to make him uncomfortable or embarrassed.

He ate lunch quickly and quietly in the corner of the cafeteria, trying hard not to attract the attention of those around him. For once he was hoping that Zack wouldn't show up, still uncertain of how he would manage to face his friend or what exactly he could say, concerned he might be too embarrassed when the sound of Zack's moans were so fresh on his mind.

Slipping from the cafeteria he made it to the laboratories without issue, showing his ID when asked by the clerk at the door. "Oh, wonderful, a new gofer! Things are so much easier when there's some eager hands around." She said cheerfully, opening the door and letting him in. Following her inside, he looked around to see that the laboratories were completely unremarkable. There was nothing in this lab to hint that Shinra's scientists did anything more than analyze chocobo drool for healing properties.

A bit of doubt ran through Cloud's mind when he was introduced to an aged scientist, the man dressed in a white lab coat, stooped over his cane as he moved from Petri dish to microscope, not noticing that Cloud was there with the clerk until she cleared her throat loudly and tapped him on the shoulder.

After a brief introduction, the man gave Cloud a sceptical look up and down, before he snorted out something that sounded a lot like punk and turned back to his work. "You can get me a coffee, kid. No cream, two sugars." He said gruffly before resuming his research and forgetting about Cloud.

Oh yeah, he could see why cadet's didn't volunteer for this often. Suppressing a defeated sigh, he headed back to the cafeteria, positive this was going to be a long day.


For three hours, Cloud saw nothing but coffee, boring reports detailing the chemical composition of crushed bandersnatch claws, and various stationary items that the brave scientists of Laboratory Monotonous had run out of. He did have the opportunity to snatch a key card that had been left out in the open on a countertop, but as the owner was enthusiastically studying the effects mixing behemoth snot with battery fluid produced, Cloud doubted it would yield very high clearance.

It was getting late in the day, and Cloud seemed to have hit a lull in the requests of the various laboratory staff. So bored as could be, he sat at the counter of the elderly scientist he had been assigned, which he had since discovered was named Coots. Coots was effective at ignoring all others around him, and breaking microscopic slides, which he would then demand Cloud get more of from the storage cupboard that was only a dozen footsteps away.

When a buxom young woman came through the doors of the laboratory carrying a stack of files, however, Coots stood up straight and paid attention. Cloud quickly noted the sudden change in behaviour, as it was quite noticeable when the elderly man attempted to slick his receding hair back before attempting to get the young woman's attention.

She graciously acknowledged him, sweeping across the laboratory to lean across to address the man. "Ah, Coots. How have you made out today?" She practically purred, and Cloud noticed that Coot's eyes were bulging appreciatively at the nearly indecent ride of her skirt.

"Made some more progress since I was finally assigned a damn assistant, Supervisor." Coots said with a nod in Cloud's direction, his voice decidedly less gruff when addressing her. "Should be done in a few minutes."

This seemed to have drawn the woman's attention to Cloud, because the blond instantly felt her focus settle on him with no intentions of leaving. When he looked up, he found her staring at him with a look that spelt 'sexual harassment', and tried hard not to notice the way she had leaned forward across the counter in a way that displayed her rather ample cleavage. (Something that Coots was greatly appreciating.)

"I'm so very glad to hear it, Coots. Make sure you send your lovely assistant with the report as soon as it's done." She said, voice sultry and flirtatious as she continued to watch Cloud with those predatory eyes. "I do hope you are enjoying your first day as a volunteer." She purred in Cloud's direction, but didn't wait for his response before she picked up her files and swept back to her office.

When all that remained of her was the lingering scent of her perfume, Cloud jabbed a thumb in the direction she had left. "Who was that?"

Coots expression had returned to its usual sour state when he looked at Cloud. "It's the supervisor of this lab, Amelia Scott. She's only the most beautiful scientist that Shinra has, and has friends in all the right places, if you catch my drift. Been promoted more times than you've shaved. Now get me an envelope so I can wrap up this report." He snapped, quickly turning back to his work.

A light blinked on in Cloud's mind, and he almost smiled at his luck as he went to retrieve an envelope from the storage cupboard. He had just met the scientist with the highest clearance in this entire laboratory, and she was obviously in lust with him. He wasn't quite sure how he could spin it to his advantage, but at least having a target made the dreary time spent in Lab Monotonous seem much more worthwhile.

He tried hard not to hover as Coots finished the report, signing it with a flourish obviously meant for the supervisor's delight. When it was enveloped, sealed, and handed to him, Cloud tried to plan out a course of action as he walked into her office.

All thoughts of how he would convince her to show him her access card vanished, for as he walked in he saw the card of his desire right there in plain sight, on the flat of the desk she was seated behind. The Planet must have been pulling some strings, because things were just working out too well for him.

Attempting the nervously shy look, Cloud approached the desk. His expression must have gained her approval, for she leaned forward to display cleavage once more, beckoning him closer with the curl of a well manicured finger. "Hello again, Blondie." She purred, and Cloud felt that her eyes were eating him alive.

"Hi." Cloud said, hoping his voice sounded awed and enthused enough. "Where should I put this?" He asked, holding out the report for her, but making sure it was far enough away that she didn't simply reach out and take it from him.

"Oh that," She said, apparently having already forgotten the purpose of Cloud's visit, "Just put it on that stack, there." She motioned to the stack of papers and reports on the edge of her desk, and Cloud seized the opportunity.

"Alright, thank you, I--oops!" With a nervous tremble he 'accidently' knocked his hand into the stack of files a little too hard, sending them scattering to the floor. "I'm sorry!" He exclaimed, trying to look flustered and embarrassed, and apparently scattering her desk across the floor was not a big enough turn off to stop her from appreciating his expression.

"Oh my, here let me help!" She said, quickly getting to her feet to bend to the floor, scooping up the documents. Perhaps Cloud was supposed to be enjoying the view she was so willingly presenting, but the thought was lost on him completely. As soon as he was out of her line of sight, he casually snatched the card from her desktop, stuffing it into his pocket along with the other he had snagged.

Before she noticed, he bent to the floor to help her gather up the papers he had spilt, and offered them to her as she straightened, a shy smile across his face.

"I'm sorry about that." He said quietly, before he stepped back, looking towards the door. "Coots said he needed me really soon." Now was the time to get out of there before things went south, or she noticed that her card was no longer there. "I'll see you around?"

She seemed satisfied that he was enthralled with her, for she nodded with a smile before motioning him to the door with a flourish. "See you about, Sweetie." She cooed as Cloud left the office. And as he returned to Coot's side to finish off the last hour of his time, figuring it would seem a lot less suspicious if she happened to notice her card was missing, he couldn't help but be hopeful of what he had just found.

He had borrowed a laptop from a cadet a few doors down, saying that his had just crashed and he needed to finish a report that night. The boy agreed easily, apparently Cloud had enough of a reputation throughout the other cadets that he didn't question him or demand anything in return. Figuring that using someone else's computer might help, he made his way to the Shinra library. Leaving as little of a trail as possible, he logged in there, using the access card of the stolen supervisor.

As he logged into the network, Cloud nearly snarled when a password prompt popped onto his screen. This he hadn't expected, and while it was easy enough to steal a card, Cloud was in no way trained enough on a computer to figure out how to bypass or determine a password. Instead he thought back to his adventures in Shinra so many years ago, trying some of the passwords that he and his friend's had discovered. It was a long shot, and he wasn't surprised when none of them proved valid. Leaning back in the small office chair, trying not to draw attention from the other SOLDIER and cadet's around him, he was hard pressed to hide his exasperation.

There was nothing else he could do, except try various words that seemed like they might make a simple password, hoping that it would fit the woman's profile. When he typed in 'password', and the computer accepted it, bringing him to 'Welcome, Amelia Scott. You have three unread messages.' Cloud snorted. What was even the point of having such a complex security system, when those who used it failed to utilize it?

Quickly browsing through the files that he had been looking through before, he was pleased to see that she did indeed have much higher clearance. But after a long time spent searching through each document, there was nothing related to Jenova or her location. He hadn't expected it, knowing that only people like Hojo would ever have access to that kind of information, but he had wanted something.

Going instead to Amelia Scott's personal files, he searched through letters and boring communications, most of them requests to take her to lunch or details of reports that had been sent back and forth. It wasn't until he came across a passworded folder buried in her private files, that Cloud's interest was piqued. Wondering what was inside, he plugged in 'password', and was unsurprised when it gave him access to the folder.

What he found stunned Cloud into silence. Hundreds of files, many of them detailing locations and methods of terrorists bombings throughout Shinra's less protected reactor's and bases. Maps detailing locations of weapons, ammunition, and sensitive Shinra documents. The curvaceous woman who was seducing her way through the hierarchy of Shinra's laboratories, was apparently a mole for a an anti-Shinra terrorist organization. Collecting intelligence that she was then passing on to her terrorist cell. Looking for more information, Cloud dug through the files, finding that they weren't AVALANCHE, but were sharing common goals and even some intel. Thinking hard, Cloud was sure he had heard of the organization before, but they had been shut down by Shinra before they had accomplished anything.

Judging by the way their mole protected their files, it was not hard to see why they had been caught.

One of the files caught Cloud interest, and opening it he discovered that it was a collection of information about convoys being sent in and out of Midgar, what they contained and whether they would be a useful target for hijacking. Quickly scanning the list to find convoys back and forth between Nibelheim, Cloud's heart started to beat a little faster when he found them - all marked top secret. Some the mole had marked as building materials, ammunition and weapons. But many of them she did not know what they were, simply marking them with several question marks, and stating that they were heavily guarded. There was a pattern between the dates that these unknown convoys were being set out, and Cloud decided this was the most he was going to get from this level of clearance.

By this point there weren't many other people in the library, so Cloud quickly printed off the documents he thought might be useful, the lists of convoys to and from Nibelheim being the main priority. Considering for a moment, he singled out the folder containing all of the moles terrorist-related information, and deleted it all before logging out and shutting down the borrowed laptop. She would probably be miffed, unhappy that all the information had been located. But perhaps wiping it out would mean that they wouldn't be caught and shut down as fast. Deciding that asking her for a thank you and returning her card was not going to work, he threw the card into the garbage and quickly left the library.

After returning the laptop to the cadet he had borrowed it from, graciously thanking the boy, Cloud returned to his room with documents in hand. Sitting down to read through them, he had barely started plotting a pattern to see where Jenova might be, when there was a knock on the door.

"Hey Cloud, it's me!" Zack shouted, and Cloud realized that the door wasn't locked when Zack opened it and let himself in. Cursing, Cloud stuffed the papers quickly under his mattress, before staring in horror when he realized that all the materia he owned and First Sword were scattered across his bed and floor. Gathering everything up and throwing it onto the bed, then pulling a blanket over it, he quickly exited his bedroom, nearly crashing into Zack when he turned.

"Sorry," He apologized, smiling at Zack who was holding something behind his back. "What are you doing here?" He knew it was rather late, perhaps nine or ten, not a time when most people made social calls.

Grinning, Zack whipped out a pizza box from behind his back. "Thought you could use a snack, because I didn't see you in the cafeteria for supper." Zack announced. "It's takeout, but it's better than nothing. Let's eat!"

Leading Cloud to the small table of Cloud's room, thankfully far away from his rather lumpy bed, he left no room for argument. Cloud's saving the world and stolen documents would have to wait.

A/N: If you've gotten this far, BLOODY REVIEW. Thank you. :3