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Chapter Text

          Cloud is going to drown in the rain. He's sure of it. At his new height – courtesy of the Gaia-damned universe – a puddle could probably do the job. Cloud mewls pathetically, soaked to the very bone in the breakable form of a kitten. He's certainly the most chocobo-fluff looking kitten he's ever seen. 

          He's been trying to get to the church in the hopes Aerith could help him. 

          Why does the plate have to be falling apart where he wants to walk? He's cold enough as it is and does not need the rain's help. If his sense of direction is correct, he's still miles from his goal, and his tiny body is going to fail him before he ever reaches the church. Well, it might not fail, per se, but even he gets tired. 

          Catching a glimpse of his eyes in a puddle and seeing them slitted had been a trip. Of course, being a kitten at all was something of a nightmare.  

          The apathy of the slums has not helped his journey.  

          Onlookers saw him as doomed from the start. Why save something when it'll inevitably die to other causes or grow up as another mouth to feed? Wedge would rescue him. Damn if that isn't a painful memory. He couldn't save them either. 

          "What do we have here?" 

          That voice sends a chill down Cloud's spine and he whips around with as much energy as he can muster. Sephiroth stands – dear Gaia, how is he so tall – still and quiet. Cloud's fur puffs up, but due to the rain, it only serves to make him appear more bedraggled. He hisses, hackles raised and teeth bared.  

          "Easy now, little one." 

          Ears flattened against his skull, Cloud hisses again.  

          The Silver General lowers himself to one knee, rain pattering down on his hair. He doesn't seem to mind. Is that... kindness in his eyes? The Sephiroth he knew would see death as a kindness for a creature in his predicament. He reaches out a hand, waiting. 

          "It's all right." 

          Cloud would run if that didn't mean turning his back on his (once?) enemy. He looks... healthier. As Cloud knew him, his pallor was deathly pale and his cheeks were slightly sunken. Jenova had done a number on him, but it comes when the territory when one goes apeshit. Zack wouldn't appreciate the thought. He and Sephiroth had been friends... a little. Sort of. The Sephiroth Zack knew cared about those under his charge. 

          Did he care now?  

          Cloud finds it hard to reconcile the patient and worried expression on his face with the Sephiroth who tried to murder him.  

          He wonders if anyone else would recognize the worry. After learning to read Vincent's stubborn silence, Sephiroth is a cinch in comparison. He doesn't bear a single sign of aggression as of yet.  

          "You'll freeze to death out here." 

          As if Cloud didn't know. As it is, he's just looking for an excuse not to go willingly into the jaws of a walking disaster waiting to happen. But... if he's stuck here, wouldn't it be better to keep an eye on him? 

          Damn it. 

          "I heard you crying from up on the plate, little one. Surely, you wouldn't have done so if you didn't want help," Sephiroth murmurs, making a good point even if Cloud hates to admit it. "We can come back here later if you'd like, but only after the storm." 

          That's fair.  

          Wait a minute. Did he jump down here from the plate? The only other ways down are janky elevators and the train. That's some determination over one critter. 

          Cloud peers up at the broken plate, tail lashing impatiently.  

          "I don't save lives very often," Sephiroth sighs, slitted eyes staring down at his boots. "I bring death everywhere else I go. At least in war, they chose it, but not you. You're innocent of all this."  

          Sighing internally and cursing his soft heart, Cloud steps within reach. Or, at least, he tries. What actually happens is an exhausted slump towards the ground. Sephiroth moves in a flash of silver, hands gently probing for injuries. Belatedly, Cloud thinks the touch is nice. He's so tired.  

          "Goddess, you're trembling, little one." 

          Hands he once would've feared pick him up with minimal effort. Cloud's last few sluggish thoughts center around a wonder if his own Sephiroth ever did this, and if so, was his chest also the warmest place to sleep? 

          He wakes an unknowable number of hours later, breaths labored. Something beneath Cloud's paws moves, the comforting weight on his back remaining steady. 

          "His lungs don't sound good," a voice rumbles over his head. 

          Cloud rouses a little further, a small miserable noise leaving him. A gentle thumb strokes his head. The rattling purr that leaves him is completely involuntary, but he doesn't mind. It feels nice, so he may as well let whoever's holding him know. The soft strokes continue. Cloud flicks one ear, tuning in to the other presences in the room.  

          Three heartbeats, strong and powerful, echo in his ears. The one is directly underneath his head, and he has the sneaking suspicion it belongs to the General.  

          "That's no surprise, Sephiroth. Based on your description, it was half-drowned already when you found it." Genesis's voice is blasé with feigned indifference. Cloud had forgotten he was such a prick. "It'd have been a mercy for you to end its suffering rather than draw things out like this." 

          Oh, hell no. Cloud was going to live. 

          He bristles, hissing as much as his damaged body will allow.  

          The thumb of Sephiroth's sword hand continues to brush over Cloud's ears, calming him. "You're upsetting him when he needs to rest." 

          "You'll need to take him to a vet if he doesn't get better soon." 

          Cloud doesn't recognize the voice, but he already hates the idea of doctors by default. He flexes his claws out, sure to let his caretaker know just what he thinks of the idea. Sephiroth merely continues to pet him, smoothing down his fur. Cloud manages a sick-sounding mewl in protest, but he retracts his claws. 

          "I don't think he likes the idea." 

          "That, or he doesn't like being pinned to your chest," Genesis scoffs.  

          While it's a little weird, Cloud very much likes the warmth of his old enemy's body heat. In this form, he'll gladly take it. He manages a soft purr, faltering though it may be.  

          "I'd stick with the former." 

          Sephiroth is a smart man, Cloud decides. He and Cloud could've gotten along had he not gone off the deep end. Genesis grumbles a little, slumping into his chair.  

          He can suck it up. Cloud is going to live without any doctors or scientists poking at him.  

          A rattling cough seizes Cloud, wracking his tiny body until he's plastered limply against Sephiroth's chest again. Sephiroth holds him close. Cloud almost wants to hate how nice it feels to see evidence of gentleness in a man capable of so much destruction. The hand still stroking his ears is good, too. 

          "Tell Lazard I won't be available today." 

          Cloud tilts one ear, surprise coiling through him. Genesis and the mysterious third member seem to share his sentiments. They fall silent as Cloud's light purr gets louder. It still rattles uncomfortably.  

          "I'll let him know." 

          "Thank you, Angeal." 

          Cloud mews in surprise at the name, Zack's memories stirring to the forefront of his mind. This was his best friend's mentor. This was the man who'd forced Zack to- 

          "Hush now, little one." 

          Mixed feelings swirl in Cloud's chest. He's comforted somewhat by Sephiroth's circling movement, resigning himself to remain calm until he feels a bit better.  

Chapter Text

          It takes a couple weeks for Cloud to feel decent again. 

          Cloud is torn between hating every second of being a helpless kitten and enjoying Sephiroth's company. The man is so human now, so... vulnerable in a way Cloud never saw him. Everyone always says you should never meet your heroes, and after having to kill Sephiroth once he'd gone mad, he figured everyone was right. And yet.... 

          "Good morning." 

          Cloud mews, hopping from the cat-bed on the table. 

          Sephiroth always talks to Cloud, and he treats him as though he'll understand every word. It's good to know intelligence is something he manages to convey despite being a kitten. He's the puffiest, yellowest kitten ever, but still. He's not sure whether to be grateful for the extra fluff or not. If he were still living in Nibelheim, it would be perfect.  

          "Time to face the mountain of paperwork, little one." 

          Sephiroth opens his door, Cloud pattering out ahead of him. Much to the SOLDIER's surprise, he navigates his way to the elevator, the bell on his collar jingling softly. Cloud hadn't wanted to accept the collar, but at least if he had clear identification, Hojo couldn't claim him as an escaped experiment. 

          At least, he hopes not. 

          Cloud heads directly for Sephiroth's office once out of the elevator, waiting patiently for him to unlock the door. He supposes he shouldn't have led the way, considering he's not supposed to have been here before. Sephiroth doesn't seem to mind, but he certainly noticed. Sephiroth sees everything. He can't ignore the world due to his enhancements, much like Cloud can't.  

          Being in kitten form only makes it worse. The world is big enough as is. 

          Three hours into the stacks of paperwork, Sephiroth sighs. He rests his elbows on the desk, rubbing at his temples with a pained expression. Well, to Cloud, it looks pained. To anyone else, it'd be annoyance and they would steer clear.  

          Cloud is not anyone else. He noses Sephiroth's hand with a soft mew. Sephiroth offers him a tense smile while continuing to massage his forehead.  

          Unsure how else to help, Cloud licks his cheek. Trying hard not to think about how weird this would be on a normal day, Cloud applies a purposeful amount of pressure to each rasp. Sephiroth's brow furrows, but he carefully lowers one hand to brush Cloud's tiny shoulders. Slowly but surely, the pain and frustration fade from Sephiroth's expression. 

          The man closes the door with a subtle wind spell, leaning his forehead down onto the wooden desk and relaxing under Cloud's ministrations. The tiny kitten purrs, tucking himself into the space below Sephiroth's jaw. 

          Around an hour later, Sephiroth's door opens.  

          The guest doesn't knock, so it's bound to be friend over acquaintance. Cloud butts his head against Sephiroth's throat, rousing him easily with another rasp of his tongue. The man blinks, taking in his situation in that single moment of cognition. He sits up, not knowing how to break the silence.  

          Angeal and Genesis stare at him from the doorway.  

          "I... thought you didn't like pets licking you," Genesis manages, eyeing Cloud as though he's grown a second head. 

          "I don't. You never know where their tongues have been, but...." Sephiroth brushes a tender finger over Cloud's ears. Cloud purrs. His next words are wistful, as though he's on the verge of tears. "He made my headache go away." 

          Angeal looks concerned. "Headache?" 

          "Yes. It's been a near-constant for as long as I can remember." 

          Cloud hops from the desktop onto Sephiroth's knee, tilting his head up at the Silver General. Slitted eyes meet slitted eyes, a spark of intelligence and knowing in Cloud's and curiosity in Sephiroth's.  

          Angeal takes a seat in front of Sephiroth's desk, Genesis following suit after a beat of hesitation. "Medication never worked?" 

          "My body metabolizes such things too quickly to feel their effects." 

          Genesis frowns. He'd never admit to outright worry, of course, but the idea is there. "You've been living with a headache for twenty-four years? And you still almost single-handedly won the war?" 

          "It was low-level the majority of the time." 

          Angeal makes a discontented noise. "And the rest of the time?" 

          "Migraines were common throughout my youth, both due to stress and adjusting to my mako treatments. My treatments still vary in composition from time to time, which worsens the effects." 

          Genesis huffs. "If you were anyone else, I'd suspect mako poisoning." 

          "You've certainly retained an impressive amount of functionality." Angeal observes Sephiroth with careful eyes, realizing he needs to keep closer tabs on him. He's been in a constant state of "low-level" pain since they met, and neither of them noticed. Even now, his expression is softer, the tightness around his eyes gone. 

          He had no idea the perpetual frown the man wore was due to a constant headache.  

          "I almost want to see how well you fight when you aren't half-focused on ignoring it," Genesis muses, trying to light a fire under his friend. The rebellious spark in the red-head's eyes never fades. 

          "You can't beat me when I am. What makes you think that'll change?" 

          Genesis straightens, lips curling with disdain.  

          Cloud mews, pawing at Sephiroth's stomach and chattering softly. The silver-haired SOLDIER picks him up, a pleased curve to his lips. "Thank you." 

          Genesis rolls his eyes. "If you're so grateful, maybe you should actually give the little rat a name." 

          Cloud sticks his tongue out at Genesis. 

          "Goddess above, that's the most human expression I've ever seen on a cat," Angeal chuckles. "I kind of admire him. Doesn't take any shit from you, that's for sure." 

          "Yes, he also likes water. He seems extremely predisposed to baths." 

          Genesis blinks at Sephiroth. "Even after almost drowning?" 

          "Yes." Sephiroth sets Cloud on the desk again, using hardly any strength to tip the little kitten onto his back. A smile tilts his lips when Cloud play-bites his hand, back feet kicking when Sephiroth dares to pet his tummy. "As for names, I've certainly thought of a few options, but he hasn't agreed to any of them." 

          The sound that leaves Genesis is both irritated and amused. "What do you mean, 'he hasn't agreed?'" 

          "I mean he clearly has a name already. I simply haven't guessed it." 

          Cloud gnaws at Sephiroth's index finger. 

          Angeal coos, touching a light finger to his thrashing tail. "I'm a bit of a dog person myself, but even I have to admit that's one of the most adorable kittens I've ever seen." 

          "He is." 

          Genesis brushes a hand through his hair, clearly not amused by the notion of not being the center of attention. "Well, I think I've got the perfect name for the little dust ball. Chocobo Puff is quite fitting, don't you agree?" 

          Cloud's play-biting slows to a stop and he blinks slowly at Genesis. His tail lashes once across the desk, fur fluffing and ears laying back on his skull. Sephiroth scoops him up before he can follow through on whatever threat flashes in his eyes. The ring of mako around his slitted gaze glows violently. Angeal's eyebrows shoot up to his hairline. 

          "I'm not sure I've ever seen an animal so clearly convey a desire to commit murder." 

          Even Genesis appears wary. "Indeed...." 

          "Along the same train of thought," Sephiroth muses. "Perhaps, Cloud?" 

          Cloud chirps – halleluiah! The rumbling purr that leaves his chest melts Sephiroth's normally-stony expression. Seeing him as such fills Cloud with rare elation. 

          "Cloud, it is," he murmurs. "Now we'll just see how big you grow." 

Chapter Text

          True to the ancestral breed of Nibel cats, Cloud grows. By six months old, he's as tall as Sephiroth's knee, sure to grow more given time. His neck fur resembles that of a coeurl's mane, muscles solid underneath his pelt and claws sharp as a blade.  

          Sephiroth walks toward the infantry wing, Cloud trotting along beside him. It's time for a surprise inspection, and he thinks Genesis takes just a little too much pleasure in tormenting the cadets.  

          He's almost grateful the Red Commander defected before he had a chance to experience it. 

          The Silver General is rarely seen among them anymore without Cloud at his feet, a steadfast guard despite his small size. Sephiroth doesn't need protection, but Cloud freely offered it on multiple occasions. His claws found their way into Hojo's throat in the dead of night when he'd called the silver-haired SOLDIER in for a battery of testing that just couldn't wait until morning. Hojo hadn't been pleased when Sephiroth mentioned it. 

          He'd actually dared to slap Sephiroth, and that was the last straw.  

          Cloud's fur had been bloodied, and if the glint in his eyes was just the slightest bit self-satisfied, no one was brave enough to say so. Sephiroth loved him all the more for it. Cloud couldn't stand to watch him just sit there and take it as he'd been conditioned to do. 

          If Angeal thought him capable of murder before, the question no longer stands. In fact, it's probably cowering under the carpet. 

          "Inspection!" Genesis crows, reveling in the hurried thumping and rushing of startled infantrymen. "If you all aren't out here and at attention in one minute, you'll receive demerits and have me as your drill sergeant for a day!" 

          Cloud rolls his eyes, butting his head affectionately against Sephiroth's knee and turning to leave. Ever since it became clear the Silver General's cat had a mind of his own, Reeve made sure all the doors were accessible for him. The ID chip on his collar opens them for him automatically. Cloud knew he liked that man for a reason. Many times, he's treated himself to a nice stroll around the tower, familiarizing himself with the entire layout. 

          He might need it one day. Who knows? 

          Everywhere Sephiroth can go, Cloud can go, which pretty much means he has an all-access pass to do whatever he wants. Which, if he feels like it, means he can pester the Turks.  

          For the first time since his arrival, he feels like it. Cloud has been avoiding them since they make it a point to snoop. 

          Cloud strides into the Turk offices with an air of confidence. In another life, he might've made a good Turk, but subtlety was never his strong suit. Evidently, no matter which form he took, he was fabulous at drawing attention to himself. It had to be the hair.  

          Giving exactly zero shits about whose desk he's sitting on has its perks, especially since he can read a nametag as well as anyone else, so he hopes Tseng likes cats.  

          He's taking up an obscene amount of space on top of the man's desk, after all. 

          Sure enough, within twenty minutes, a black-haired Turk stares at Cloud where he's perched. "A pleasure to finally meet you," he says smoothly, expression crinkling just a fraction. Unperturbed as ever, he lifts a personnel file from under Cloud's paw. "If you'll excuse the intrusion, I need to use my desk." 

          Cloud obediently scoots towards the front of it, tail settling close to the Turk's wrist.  

          Tseng works silently and efficiently, filling out a couple forms here and there. He pauses only for a brief moment, hand lifting as though to pet Cloud before pulling back. Cloud lets out a mrrp of amusement. He flops his tail over the poor Turk's wrist, tempting him with a distraction from his paperwork.  

          Tseng, be anything but professional? Scandalous. 

          To his credit, he moves Cloud's fluffy tail away and continues working. By Nibel cat standards, he's still in the kitten stage despite his size. He's allowed to feel playful.  

          The Turks monitored him enough in the beginning to be wary of his reach, especially after Hojo, but Cloud wouldn't mind Tseng's attention. They were friends in his last life, he thinks – as close to friends as Turks get. And he tried to protect Zack. Cloud knows he's a good man, despite being at Shinra's beck and call. 

          He has a new goal: get Tseng to break his serene professionalism. 

          Cloud teases Tseng the entire time he works, twisting half onto his back and reaching out for the Turk's moving pen. It takes fifteen minutes of general cuteness, but finally, finally, Tseng purses his lips and risks a glance around the office.  

          A questioning warble leaves the kitten. 

          Tseng wiggles the end of the pen at Cloud, eyes crinkling the barest hint when Cloud bats at it. The fluffy kitten makes a mental note to pay more attention to him. Tseng might need an emotional break at some point.  

          All too soon, the Turk returns to his paperwork. Cloud naps in his presence, tail absently swishing over the front of the desk and a comforting purr in his chest.  

          "Tseng? I had no idea you were a cat person, yo." 

          "He's not mine." 

          Reno makes a face. "Wait a minute. This ain't that Nibel cat that whacked Dr. Hojo, is it?" 

          Cloud flexes his long claws, stretching out his muscular body across the desk. He stares at Reno, mako-blue eyes glittering with smug intensity. The young Turk blinks.  

          "He's fucking proud of himself, yo. I'm not sure I like that." 

          "Noted." 

          Tseng continues working, diligent as ever. Reno risks petting Cloud a sum total of once before skittering off into the wild blue yonder. Cloud yawns. It's not like he just attacks people willy-nilly.  

          Aerith would like that word. Willy-nilly.  

          A familiar prick of hurt stings Cloud's heart. He curls into himself, head resting glumly on his paws and tail ceasing all movement.  

          Tseng takes note. He hesitates only a moment before stroking a comforting hand over Cloud's ears. The flicker of pleasure at the quick progress does little to dull the pain. Thinking about Aerith hurts, and it's not always a good hurt. She could be alive if he hadn't- 

          "There's something about you," Tseng murmurs.  

          Maybe Cloud shouldn't be surprised Tseng would know he's more than what he seems. He was always perceptive, more so than most. 

          Cloud huffs, pushing to his feet. He noses Tseng's hand and hops from the desk, disappearing out the door.  

Chapter Text

          He returns to Tseng numerous times after. By the end of the year, he manages to get from the edge of the desk to Tseng's lap, draping his oversized Nibel cat body over both the man's knees.  

          Maybe it has something to do with the mako in his system, but he's big even for his breed. He's on par with a young Nibel wolf, standing as tall as Sephiroth's hip.  

          He wears a harness now instead of a collar. His fur hides it well. The item displays his name and rank in a military fashion. A linked materia slot nestles into the fur of his chest. Sephiroth picked a fully mastered barrier and, surprisingly, a time for the slots. Cloud is an honorary SOLDIER for service in the field, not that he cares. Cloud doesn't give a shit about Shinra's praise. Sephiroth doesn't either, and he absolutely refused to allow the president to use him as propaganda.  

          "Here, kitty kitty." 

          Cloud lifts his head, keen eyes staring around the dark courtyard. Anyone who refers to him like that outside of a small child is not to be trusted. He flattens his ears in warning when he spots the pair of cadets watching him. Cloud hates new recruits with a burning passion.  

          Literally. Genesis would be proud of him. 

          "We should be careful. Looks feral," the smaller one says.  

          Cloud stands, hissing another warning before stalking into the shadow of the building and disappearing. Whispers follow his presence until orientation rolls around. 

          He strides into the auditorium at Sephiroth's side, his golden pelt brushed out and sleek. Murmurs rise from the crowd. Genesis and Angeal enter the room shortly behind them. Sephiroth addresses the new arrivals, words firm and unyielding. He outlines what exactly waits for them should they finish their classes and qualify for SOLDIER.  

          Cloud seeks out one student in particular, eyes roving the group until finding him.  

          Zack stares back at him with owlish eyes, one of the few who doesn't flinch from his gaze. Cloud winks at him, giving his pelt a shake and looking back to Sephiroth.  

          "On to the matter of Cloud." 

          The Nibel cat levels the auditorium with a glare – excluding Zack, of course.  

          "The creature beside me is a Nibel cat. Cloud is my companion and a SOLDIER, not a pet. You will treat him with the same respect you would myself." 

          It was sweet, in a way, that Sephiroth altered his orientation speech to include Cloud. He hates drawing attention to himself on a normal day, but at least this will head off any unwarranted attempts to pet him. He flicks one ear, listening to the idle whispers between the incoming cadets.  

          He snarls softly when those same voices from a week ago mutter about him being a SOLDIER.  

          Sephiroth blinks down at him, a musing grin hidden in his voice. "Already thinning out this year's candidates, Cloud? I'd have thought they'd at least make it one day." 

          Cloud huffs, smacking Sephiroth's boot with the tip of his tail. Stay focused.

          "Additionally, once the other Firsts and I have a gauge on your abilities, there is the potential for one of us to take on a protégé. The position will be decided with utmost care and will only be available to those who pass their final evaluations for the SOLDIER program." 

          Unable to resist, Cloud locks eyes with Zack a second time. Hopefully, the excited cadet understands.  

          To Cloud's great surprise, Zack crosses one arm over his chest and bows his head as though accepting a blessing. Well.... As long as Zack gets to test the bounds of Angeal's patience for the rest of his life, Cloud is fine with him thinking he was chosen.  

          He was, but that's beside the point. 

          Soon enough, orientation is over. Everything in Cloud tells him to bound to Zack's side, to revel in the fact that his friend is alive and safe, but he remains patient.  

          Zack earned SOLDIER in the last life, and Cloud would be damned if he let anyone believe he'd become Angeal's protégé out of favoritism. He wouldn't do that to his friend, whether this was the Zack of his home world or the Zack of today.  

          "Angeal, Genesis, the floor is yours." 

          Cloud follows Sephiroth from the room. For the first time in a while, the silver-haired SOLDIER has the remainder of the day off. Angeal and Genesis will get schedules and things like that sorted, and meanwhile, Cloud will be hanging out in the apartment. He waits for Sephiroth to settle into his recliner before draping himself over his chest. The Silver General's chest is still the warmest place to sleep. 

          A hand at Cloud's shoulders unclips his harness. The Nibel cat purrs steadily when it's removed, receptive to Sephiroth's gentle petting of his ears.  

          "You've gotten big. I remember the first time I held you."  

          Cloud was a runt even by cat standards then, but no longer. Under Sephiroth's care, he's grown strong. Minerva might've changed him into a cat out of spite – necessity? – but it seems to have helped. Sephiroth is stable. Now, Cloud just has to deal with Genesis and Angeal.  

          "See anyone of interest in the new pool of recruits?" 

          Purring rumbles louder from Cloud's chest, the memory of Zack's presence pleasant.  

          "Oh? I suppose we'll need to keep an eye out for them then. I don't suppose you'd tell me if I asked, but it'll be a good challenge to see if we come to the same conclusion." 

          It's incredibly entertaining that Sephiroth thinks Cloud is going to give them a choice.  

Chapter Text

          The six-month wait is nothing to Cloud.  

          Three First Class SOLDIERs, and Cloud, sit in Sephiroth's office, awaiting the final party. Cloud looks far too pleased with himself for the Silver General's liking.  

          Someone knocks on the door.  

          "Come in." 

          Zack enters, blue eyes excited. His hair has been brushed, but it hasn't made much of a difference. "Hi. What was it you wanted to talk to me about? I'd hate to think I was in trouble." 

          Sephiroth shakes his head, gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk. "Please, take a seat." 

          The cadet sits, fidgeting in place. 

          The silver-haired SOLDIER opens his file. "We've been keeping an eye on your progress, Zack. Are you aware we've been considering you for the mentee position in the SOLDIER program?" 

          "Yes." 

          Genesis huffs. "That's impossible. We only discussed the potential candidates last night." 

          Sephiroth glances at Angeal, taking in the minute head-shake. "All right then. I should ask who informed you of our interest. As much as I appreciate efficiency, I will not have people going behind my back." 

          Zack grins. "I wouldn't say anyone did." 

          "How so?" 

          "Cloud kinda told me." The black-haired cadet snickers when Sephiroth's gaze snaps to the cat. "See, in Gongaga, Nibel cats are seen as a symbol of Minerva. A lot of weird myths float around about them, but I've never known my Ma to be wrong. She said if a Nibel cat winks at you, you'll have good fortune." 

          The idea is ludicrous, but Minerva is determined to fuck with Cloud, so what else is new.  

          "I see." 

          "I mean, I still had to work for it, you know?" Zack continues. "It's more like an omen than anything else. I was gonna try anyway, but it was nice to know I'd get somewhere." 

          Sephiroth eyes Cloud, mischief in the creature's eyes. All these months, Cloud had never shown deference to one cadet or another. There were ones he'd hated and shown up for thinking he was just a cat. Angeal thought it wise to take note of them so they didn't end up earning Cloud's ire. If Cloud disliked someone, there was a reason for it.  

          It really made Sephiroth wonder about his cautious yet respectful regard for Rufus. 

          Genesis seems to be at a loss for words, something so rare, Sephiroth is tempted to take a picture of him. "What...? When did Cloud issue you this mysterious omen?" 

          "Orientation day. He looked straight at me." 

          Sephiroth would think he was lying, but Cloud is too smug for it to be coincidence. The question was if Cloud really had blessed the cadet, or if he'd just known from the beginning who they'd choose. The latter is a more disturbing thought. There were almost two hundred new cadets when training began. Could Cloud see the future? 

          "You've been holding out on me, my friend." 

          Cloud shakes himself, lifting his massive front paws to the arm of Zack's chair and licking his face.  

          "Can I pet him?" 

          Sephiroth chuckles, closing the file on his desk. "Clearly, you have his permission. I don't decide who enters his personal space. As for your mentor, we thought it'd be a good idea to have Angeal work with you. Genesis could use a lesson in patience, and I am currently preoccupied with the war. Wutai has gotten shifty, and I'm getting reports every day of sabotage attempts and looting sprees." 

          Genesis sneers at Sephiroth for his off-handed comment, garnering a warning snarl from Cloud.  

          If tensions were already growing between the two, it was only a matter of time before Genesis's genetic modifications began to fail. Cloud prays he's prepared for the day when he breaks.  

Chapter Text

          It's been almost two years now since Zack's induction into the SOLDIER program. He made rank Second in almost no time at all, a shining star as always. It was impossible not to like Zack.  

          Genesis was certainly trying, though. His attitude has only gotten worse, and more and more often, he's been challenging Sephiroth. It's not a friendly rivalry anymore, the edges of his personality sharper with every passing day. He treats Sephiroth more like an adversary than a friend. Something is wrong. 

          They'd gotten rough in the training room. 

          Cloud springs into motion when Genesis falls, nosing at his shoulder. Genesis shoves him off. "Get away from me, you overgrown hairball. It's just a scrape." 

          Masamune sings as her blade presses against Genesis's throat. "Don't treat him like that." 

          "You would kill me over a pet?" 

          "Gen-" Angeal starts.  

          Genesis growls. "Don't. I will be fine." He flicks the tip of Sephiroth's sword away. Genesis scoffs, suddenly relaxing with a shake of his head. "Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return."

          Sephiroth looks to Cloud.  

          He'd been pointedly keeping an eye on Genesis for the past few weeks, drawing both Angeal and Sephiroth's attention to him. Cloud would calm him where he could, but his outbursts have only gotten worse. It was only a matter of time before something happened, and the impending sense of doom had not been fun to work around.  

          The Nibel cat bobs his head once and follows Genesis. 

          "Go away, Cloud." 

          Cloud ignores the command, padding up to his side and walking next to him. They make their way to the infirmary, the smell of blood on the air unpleasant and inherently wrong. It smells of sickness deeper than the flesh wound itself.  

          Materia doesn't work on it.  

          The flicker of confusion in Genesis doesn't bypass him, but the man simply wraps his shoulder and continues walking. Cloud pads after him, nuzzling his free hand as much as he dares. Genesis doesn't protest, but it's clear he isn't fond of Cloud's stubborn interference after requesting him to leave. He could easily stop Cloud from chasing him with a gravity spell if he so wished. Fortunately, Genesis does have a brain in that deteriorating head of his. Not only would he gain Cloud's ire, but Sephiroth's as well.  

          When the wound doesn't close after three days, he finally seeks medical attention. 

          "Ah, Genesis. What brings you by?" 

          Cloud lifts his eyes to the lab, tail lashing uneasily as Genesis approaches Dr. Hollander.  

          "I was injured in training, and the wound would not heal by any magical means." Genesis slides himself up onto a rolling table. "I thought, perhaps, you might have an explanation as to why." 

          "Let's have a look." 

          Cloud hops up on the table next to him, ignoring the glare Genesis shoots him. He'd tried to shake Cloud, but with an all-access pass to every room in the tower, the effort was for nothing. Genesis would be lying if he said the determination to make sure he was all right wasn't the least bit endearing. 

          Hollander undoes the bandage on Genesis's shoulder, peering at the wound.  

          "Well?" 

          "I'm not seeing any signs of poison or anti-materia...." Hollander scratches his chin. Cloud isn't sure he likes the way he's looking at the wound. "This might sting a little." 

          Genesis grits his teeth when Hollander probes at the wound, gloved fingers coming back with traces of blood. Cloud presses his nose into Genesis's hair. The red-haired SOLDIER pushes his face away, but the pained almost-smile draws Cloud to insist.  

          "I'll need to take a few blood samples. How long has it been since you've eaten?" 

          "This morning." 

          Cloud glowers, but it's not like he can call Genesis a liar. He watches every move Hollander makes. The scientist doesn't aggress the SOLDIER, but he glares anyway. Genesis is already pale, but once the vials are drawn, he's outright shaky.  

          Hollander, the idiot, took Genesis at his word and didn't bother making sure he had something afterwards.  

          With a careful motion, Cloud directs Genesis's hand to the loop of his harness. Genesis is too tired to argue. Cloud walks slowly, leaning against him when they reach the elevator. 

          "You're persistent, I give you that." 

          Cloud purrs in agreement, nudging Genesis towards his apartment. They walk through the door and Cloud makes a beeline for the fridge, digging out a tupperware with some of Angeal's leftovers in it. It really would be a shame to waste his cooking, rich heir or not.  

          Once Cloud is sure Genesis has eaten, he pushes him into the bedroom.  

          "Cloud, that's enough." 

          Genesis is in no shape to argue, unfortunately for him, so Cloud's light shoves are more than enough to move him. The exhausted SOLDIER shrugs out of his coat. The material fights him, probably slick with the cold sweat that's broken out on his skin. Cloud rolls his eyes and helps tug it away, dropping the article on the floor. Without hands, all he can do is watch while Genesis fumbles with the buckles of his stomach guard. Removing his shirt is a slow process. He can't seem to dredge up the energy to get his pants and boots off. 

          "You hover worse than Angeal." 

          Cloud shoves his mass against Genesis until the stubborn man settles onto his stomach, breaths more labored than they should be. He really shouldn't have lied to Hollander about the last time he'd eaten.  

          The Nibel cat lays on his shoulders and back, containing a concerned mew at the clammy feel to his skin. As Genesis relaxes, Cloud licks at his hair. It's clear Genesis is ill since his only response is to grumble. Cloud eventually helps him into a dozing state, not quite asleep, but comfortable enough for the time being. The wound hurts, whether he'll say as much or not. Cloud noses it, the smell of blood potent even through its covering. 

          "Don't you even think about it," Genesis murmurs. 

          Considering how half-hearted the words are, Cloud assumes he's safe to ignore the young SOLDIER. He bites at the bandages, Genesis not daring to move for fear of injuring himself further.  

          "Cloud-" 

          He hisses softly, heading off the complaint before it can leave Genesis's mouth.  

          "I knew keeping you was a bad idea." 

          Cloud tosses the blood-soaked bandage aside and lays down again. His heavy body is enough to keep Genesis down in his weakened state, so, with the greatest care he can muster, he starts cleaning out the wound. Genesis protests verbally at first, and then those protests fade into whimpering gasps. Cloud eventually smells salt in the air, a tell-tale sign of tears. Genesis muffles a moan of pain into his pillows. 

          "W-what are you doing to me?" 

          Unable to answer anyway, Cloud continues cleaning. Genesis winces and whines, but he never shouts for Angeal or Sephiroth to come rescue him. It's a surprising display of trust.  

          That, or he can't take a big enough breath to shout with Cloud sitting on him. Either way works for Cloud. 

          Cloud slows when a sob leaves the red-haired SOLDIER, purring in an attempt to comfort him while he continues his work. Honestly, Cloud can't tell if what he's doing is helping at all, but it worked on Sephiroth. At least, he thinks it did. Reunion no longer bothers the silver-haired man, not that he has any idea about that. 

          "Cloud?" 

          Nuzzling Genesis's face, the Nibel cat quiets him. Another quiet sob leaves the SOLDIER. He trembles underneath Cloud, pain and exhaustion eventually overtaking him. Cloud cleans the wound for a while after that, knowing it'll only be over when it doesn't hurt anymore. It took about an hour with Sephiroth, and that was without direct access to the bloodstream.  

          Once Cloud is sure his expression isn't flashing with pain, he stops, purring in an attempt to comfort the unconscious man. Genesis groans, a faint whine in the back of his throat. Cloud licks at his hair with a familiar rasping pressure.  

          Oh. Genesis is going to be pissed.  

          A lock of pure silver hair now resides in the midst of his bangs, acting as a reminder to a bodily torment he never knew existed. Genesis is obsessive over his appearance on a good day.  

          Despite feeling rather weak himself, Cloud stays with Genesis the rest of the night. Whatever power Gaia had given him to stop Jenova's cells comes at a cost, evidently. He's heard of materia exhaustion, but is there such a thing as mana exhaustion? Cloud just hopes he's recovered on the off chance something happens to Angeal. Now that would suck. He never wants Zack to have to lose his mentor again.  

          "Cloud?" 

          Cloud rasps his tongue over Genesis's cheek before finally leaving his back. Genesis shivers at the sudden influx of cold air, fingers blindly groping for his discarded shirt. The Nibel cat noses him until he makes it into a sitting position. 

          "Infinite in mystery.... Cloud, what did you do to me?" 

          The wound on his shoulder is already scarred. It isn't pretty, but at least it healed.  

          Genesis touches it with cautious fingers, disbelieving. He rotates his shoulder, gritting his teeth as the scar pulls but otherwise not appearing to have trouble. "Cloud?" 

          Cloud drapes his chin over Genesis's other shoulder, purring again. 

          Shifting in place, Genesis rubs at his hair. "This is disgusting, Cloud. Tell me you didn't spend the entire evening mussing my hair into- WHAT IN IFRIT'S NINE HELLS IS THIS?!" 

          The auburn-haired SOLDIER rushes into his bathroom, slamming the door open and flipping on the lights. He stares at himself in the mirror. His fingers hover over the silver lock of hair as he decides whether touching it will make it real or not. Cloud thinks for a second that he might actually cry.  

          "Genesis? Is everything okay in here?" 

          Cloud blinks, nudging the bedroom door open and gesturing for Angeal to come in.  

          "No, 'Geal, everything is not okay! I have fucking gray hair!" 

          Angeal passes Cloud in a hurry, allowing the Nibel cat to slip out into the main room. Angeal spends a few minutes trying to calm Genesis, but the man, as expected, is obsessing over the change.  

          "Maybe you can dye it?" 

          "My friend, the fates are cruel. Have you felt this, Angeal? This feels like Sephiroth's hair, and you know what he said about his hair? It doesn't take dye! Gods, what am I going to do?" Genesis clatters around. "Here, cut as close to my- Fuck. It- No, this.... It did not just break a pair of scissors. Fuck!" 

          Cloud rolls on the floor, chest heaving with hissed laughter. 

          "Look, Gen, it doesn't look bad." A wince from Angeal means Genesis's glare must've been nothing short of withering. "We can still try to dye it." 

          "I'd have better luck with a permanent marker," Genesis snaps. "Damn you, Cloud." 

          Angeal is quiet before answering. "What happened?" 

          "It's.... I'm.... I'm not really sure." 

          Cloud takes that as his cue to flee. He slips out of the room and down to the Turk offices where he'll be able to hide safely for a few hours. His ears prick when they catch the sound of quiet groaning from the men's room. 

          He pokes his head inside, spotting a suit – duh, Turks – and a shock of red hair. Reno? 

          Cloud noses at the half-closed stall door, taking in the sight of the sprawled Turk with a pang of pity. Reno looks awful. His scent contains all the signs of illness, and he's sweating. 

          "You again, huh?" he swallows. 

          Reno gets nervous around Cloud, like he thinks if he looks away, Cloud will kill him. Cloud has tried to free him of the notion, but it's hard to gain the trust of a Turk and even harder to gain that of a kid from the slums. If this were sector three, Reno would probably be holding a stick or a piece of rusty metal in an attempt to defend himself.  

          Cloud steps closer, pausing at the sharp intake of breath from the Turk.  

          He empties his stomach contents again, though he's mostly dry heaving – must've been here awhile already. "Damn it," he croaks. "Food poisoning is a real bitch. Is' what I get for sharin' food with a cadet, yo." 

          In a moment of indecision, the two stare at one another. Reno wipes his mouth with a paper towel stolen from the roll near the door.  

          "What?" 

          Cloud, for the billionth time, curses his soft heart. He nuzzles Reno's chin and pointedly ignores the way the Turk bristles for the first moment. It's almost comical how small Reno is. In Cloud's world, he was always vibrant and filled a space with his attitude. He wouldn't be ignored if he wanted to be seen, that's for sure. This Reno hasn't found his confidence yet, uncomfortable in his skin. 

          Slowly but surely, Reno wraps his arms around Cloud. 

          He pauses when he finds the materia slots in Cloud's chest fur. "The hell? You've got your own materia?" Reno can't help his own curiosity, even ill as he feels. "Barrier, that's good. Means the General is taking care of you. And... time? Not what I would've gone with, but still. Where did he even find one of these? They're impossible to manufacture." 

          Reno doesn't dare remove them. If Sephiroth gave them to Cloud, he'll notice if they're missing.  

          The Turk groans, holding his stomach as a fresh wave of nausea rolls over him. Cloud gently rasps his tongue on Reno's forehead. The man – boy, probably – slumps under his own weight. He grips Cloud's harness as the cat continues to lick him. 

          "T-That feels pretty good, yo," Reno manages, words uneasy. 

          So, maybe it wasn't just for Jenova cells. What intrinsic magic had Minerva given him? 

          With one last reassuring lick, Cloud stands. He brushes affectionately against Reno before heading for the offices. Now that the young Turk feels a bit better, he should at least have someone looking after him. He finds Rude sitting outside Veld's office. It's still weird to think of someone other than Tseng in charge of the Turks. If Vincent wasn't so certain in their world that he was a good man, Cloud might've been wary of him.  

          Cloud and Rude stare each other down for about a minute, a battle of wills that Cloud clearly wins. Rude doesn't speak a whole lot, and he doesn't let people push him around. Reno and his superiors were the rare exceptions.  

          "What?" 

          The Nibel cat flicks at the man's feet with his tail and turns for the door. With a single glance at Veld's door, Rude follows. Turks don't become Turks by not following up on weird occurrences, after all.  

          Reno and Rude were partners by now, right? If not, they're about to be. 

          Rude is reasonably suspicious when Cloud leads him into the men's room, but he's heard the rumors floating around about this cat. 'A wink from the Nibel cat means good luck' or something like that. Whatever the case, this cat is mako enhanced and knows more than it should. It makes him wonder. The office was full of Turks, and he would've passed by multiple to pick Rude. He really hopes Veld will forgive him for being late.  

          So, when said Nibel cat stands in front of an open stall occupied by a sickly-looking Turk, he considers how its supposed luck works. What does it expect from him? 

          "Fuck. Shoulda known you'd come back, yo." 

          Reno isn't in good shape. He's gaunt and pale, as though he'd been here for the last few hours. Despite the unpleasant greeting, Rude can't help but kneel down next to him.  

          "Quit lookin' at me like that. M' not some piece of meat to spread around the rumor mill." 

          Rude glances at the Nibel cat. It watches him expectantly. He hesitates again. This creature brought him to Reno, specifically him, and now it seems to want Rude to look after the sick Turk. Was his good fortune meeting Reno? Rude has no idea, and he's not sure he believes the myths, but he's not about to let someone else suffer in a public restroom. 

          "Let me help you." 

          The words are soft. Reno bristles at the request with a denial ready to spring from his lips, but Cloud stares at him. He stares right at Reno and winks.  

          With that, he gives up any pretense of argument.  

          Cloud laughs to himself as he follows the pair to Reno's apartment. He's heard the myth floating around; Sephiroth had everything to do with it. Nibel cats weren't well-known species, but it's impossible to miss him walking beside the General almost everywhere. The Silver Elite were on the case, and now people are slowly catching up on him, with a few embellishments. It's the Silver Elite. What can you do? 

          Why shouldn't he take advantage of a good thing? 

          They can't really catch him at it, after all. 

          They should be grateful they weren't so nosey when he was small. Sephiroth wouldn't have been as nice about it then as he is now. Cloud, in Sephiroth's eyes, is his own being. He's too responsive not to be. 

          And to think when they met, Sephiroth could hold his whole body in one hand. He's come a long way since then.  

Chapter Text

          Gaia, it hurts to walk. 

          Cloud applies another haste to his steps, pushing towards the Shinra tower as quickly as possible. He'd been shot in the slums while taking down an infestation of doomrats. One of the residents had mistaken him for a monster. He'd been sloppy and stupid and, worse, alone. Cloud should've known better than to let his guard down in the slums. 

          He just needs to reach the emergency exit from the infantry wing. It's the closest to an elevator. 

          Blood coats his fur, scarlet pawsteps following him like a shadow. A very, very painful shadow. Cloud pants, throwing his weight against the crossbar of the exit and landing inside.  

          Goddess above, that hurt.  

          Cloud staggers back to his feet, ignoring the swatch of blood he leaves behind. The cold of air conditioning sharpens his senses somewhat, enough for him to list into the infantry wing towards the elevator. Or he would've.  

          Just ahead of him, a pair of cadets stand above a third, kicking him in the stomach and face. The victim's helmet is gone, and Cloud recognizes that spiky blond hair on instinct.  

          Nibel cats have a scream. 

          Not many people know it. Even less than that live to tell about it, or so the stories go. Cloud's Ma always said it comes with some kind of status effect, but no one is sure what it is. Well, Cloud knows now. Petrify is certainly a new one for him, but he doesn't have the presence of mind to appreciate it. The two stone cadets will have to wait. His only thought is the boy on the ground.  

          Cloud. 

          He should've remembered this was the year his younger self would be here. To be fair, since he existed in another form, Cloud hadn't been certain his counterpart was ever born. The Nibel cat curls around his younger self's head, the elevator forgotten. Pain blooms in his shoulder and back. 

          What feels like an eternity later, a door slams open at the end of the hall.  

          "Cloud!" 

          Thank the goddess. 

          "Cloud! Great goddess. What happened?" Sephiroth's gentle hands lift him away from Cloud. He's briefly startled by how well the cadet's hair blended into Cloud's pelt, but he saves the thought for later. He checks Cloud all over, stopping at the sight of the gunshot wound. "What...?" 

          More footsteps enter the hallway, but Cloud is fading.  

          Someone with very thick arms – Angeal, his mind sluggishly supplies – picks him up. The doorways all blend together and then Cloud's world grows very dark. 

          "Easy now, little one." 

          Cloud drifts. 

          "It's all right." 

          Sephiroth said both of those things to him once, right? A long time ago? Something must be very wrong. Cloud can't string together enough memories to remember what. 

          "When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end, the goddess descends from the sky, wings of light and dark spread afar. She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting."

          Fuck. Genesis is reading Loveless at his bedside. At the very least, his voice is soft and smooth, which comforts Cloud. The occasional tremor is the only thing that tells Cloud something is still amiss. It's him, of course, and he hates making people worry. Genesis still hasn't entirely forgiven Cloud for the silver streak of hair, but he is grateful to Cloud for saving his life.  

          And he had. He really had.  

          Genesis went back to Hollander to inform him 'the materia worked,' but the scientist looked harried. He told Genesis they had little time to stop his cellular degredation, if they even could. The scientist wanted to start testing possible fixes immediately. 

          He would've died. 

          Much to Hollander's dismay, Genesis told him he had healed with materia after all and left the room. There was something to the Nibel cat myths. Cloud certainly seemed determined to act as their hero of the dawn, healer of worlds.

          Genesis worries silently for Angeal. If something like this happened to him, what about his childhood friend? They were both Hollander's subjects. 

          A familiar hand strokes Cloud's ears. 

          "Cloud?" 

          After days of waking and sleeping, Cloud opens his eyes. He mewls, lifting his head slowly until he's staring up at Sephiroth. The relief on his face is only accented by the slight shake of his hands.  

          "You're going to be fine, but you have some explaining to do." 

          Cloud blinks. 

          "The other Cloud you saved is recovering as well. The two cadets you turned to stone have been cured and discharged," Sephiroth says, eyes narrowing with suspicion he chooses not to mention. "And we're going to have a talk about you going down to the slums on your own." 

          Sure, they'll talk, but nothing says Cloud has to obey.  

          Sephiroth treats him like he would a person, allowing him to go where he pleases when he pleases. It wouldn't be fair of him to take that away just because he's worried. Cloud is many things, but a house cat isn't one of them. The need to roam hasn't left him. He wants to be out in the world. 

          "You scared me."

          The admission is so quiet, Cloud almost misses it.  

          He pushes himself up, aches be damned, and presses his weight against the silver-haired SOLDIER. Up on the infirmary bed like this, he reaches the man's shoulder easily, tucking his chin over it and pulling him closer with a massive paw. Sephiroth presses his face into Cloud's fur.  

          "Don't ever do that again." 

          Sephiroth holds him tight. Cloud lets out a rumbling purr, comforting the SOLDIER as well as he knows how.  

          Eventually, he pulls back and offers Cloud his leather harness. "I brought this for you. After making a couple modifications, of course. I wasn't sure you'd be able to wear it yet considering the extensive damage to your shoulder." 

          Oh, there's a warning in there somewhere. Cloud knows that tone. 

          "You may have some residual pain." 

          He absolutely does.  

          Cloud eyes the harness. It doesn't look all that different, but there are four more materia slots in the lower portions. He spots a thunder linked to an elemental, a cure, and an MP up. His harness is starting to resemble a charm bracelet. 

          Sephiroth must've been very concerned. 

          Cloud finds himself entirely too amused by the idea. He allows the Silver General to slip his harness on. The clip settles between his shoulders, padded at the corners where it had the chance of rubbing a sore spot. Cloud leans against Sephiroth with a purr, hopping to the floor. His right shoulder is still sore, as predicted. Sephiroth's hand finds the loop on his harness and Cloud walks beside him on their way out the door.  

          Cheers and hollers go up in the hall when they step into the open. Cloud stares at the people in the waiting room. Genesis, Angeal, Zack, Kunsel, and even a few Turks were all keeping an eye on him. Cloud catches the mirthful smile that flickers across Tseng's face. 

          "Come, now," Sephiroth huffs. "Don't act so surprised." 

          "Yes, Chocobo Puff. Believe it or not, people here at Shinra value your life." 

          Cloud glares at Genesis. The only thing stopping him from pouncing on the SOLDIER is Sephiroth's grip on his harness. He has the nerve to look smug about it, too.  

          "Right this way. Someone wants to thank you." 

          A nurse points them to a nearby room. Cloud glances up at Sephiroth, giving himself a shake to let him know he needs to go alone. The silver-haired SOLDIER hesitates, but they can see the tiny blond cadet through the glass. Cloud has no plans to get into trouble.  

          Sephiroth lets him go. 

          Cloud shoots Genesis a look that promises retribution upon his return before slipping into the room with his younger self. Cloud is sitting up in the bed hands clasped in his lap. The elder announces his presence with a soft meow, lifting his front paws to the bed.  

          "So, you're Cloud. I don't remember...." 

          Cloud easily jumps up on the bed. He doesn't remember being so tiny at fourteen, but it must've been true. Laid out, he's probably the same size as his younger counterpart.  

          He wonders if it's concerning that he likely outweighs the boy in cat form.  

          "Your fur is the same color as my hair." 

          Cloud lays across his younger self's lap, letting the boy take comfort in his presence. He remembers his cadet days, and clearly, not much has changed. He's a trouble magnet, no matter which form he takes.  

          "Thank you, Cloud." 

          A rumbling purr leaves his chest. He'd grown up in Nibelheim alone and come to the cadets alone, but this boy was going to have friends. Cloud would make sure of it.  

          He eyes Sephiroth where the Firsts, and Zack, watch them through the window, a sly gleam in his slitted eyes.  

          Cloud winks.  

          Zack immediately starts shaking Angeal's arm, bouncing like an excited puppy. Cloud hears him chattering about 'adopting the little spiky.' Genesis rolls his eyes, but he's certainly intrigued. In no time at all, the Firsts and Zack are inside the room introducing themselves. Tseng and the other Turks have mysteriously disappeared – to no one's surprise.  

          It's a good day to be a Nibel cat, Cloud thinks.  

Chapter Text

          Five years – two of which Cloud has been around for – into the war with Wutai, bogged down in the middle of the forest, Cloud notices it.  

          Angeal is starting to get winded. 

          Genesis hovers closer to his friend than usual, perfect hair frizzed by the humidity. The silver streak remains stubbornly pristine. Which means he's spent the entirety of the war grumbling about Sephiroth's perfect hair as well.  

          "I'm fine. Just a bug of some kind." 

          Sephiroth's eyes narrow. "We're a few thousand yards from the front, which may as well be a short walk for us, and you expect us to let you keep fighting with a 'bug?' What if you get the rest of the army sick? Or worse, get yourself hurt or killed." 

          Zack shifts his weight uneasily, glancing between the two stubborn SOLDIERs. "'Geal, maybe you should come back to camp and rest a while. It'll keep you away from the infantry." 

          "Angeal...." 

          Cloud isn't tall enough to see the top of Angeal's head, but if he gets a chance later, he's certain he'll find the beginnings of white hair. For whatever reason, the Jenova cells seem to become unstable at twenty-five years. Cloud nearly died from geostigma around that age – he thinks – and it was not a pleasant experience.  

          He noses Angeal's hand. 

          "You're going back to camp," Genesis says firmly. "If even Cloud says you're unwell, then it's time to stop. What would your mother say about pushing your limits like this?" 

          Angeal rubs at his forehead, taking a long breath. "I suppose you're probably right." 

          It was a dirty trick. Angeal is absolutely a mama's boy and the very idea of Gillian's Disapproving Mom Glare sent all his arguments running for the hills. Genesis knows his friend inside and out, and with all his incredible tact, he knows just what to say to make him realize when he's being bull-headed.  

          Cloud snickers to himself.  

          Sephiroth leads Angeal back into the brush, Zack unusually quiet at their heels. Genesis snags Cloud's harness before he can follow.  

          "Cloud...." 

          The Nibel cat presses against Genesis's body with his own. You take care of mine, and I'll take care of yours.

          Genesis seems to understand. "I'll make sure the Chocobo comes back safe. Promise." 

          Cloud the younger is out scouting, and he's meant to be back within the hour. Genesis always keeps his promises, and he's astoundingly loyal. Cloud is his protégé, after all. It's his responsibility to look after the boy, and losing him would mean disappointing not only Sephiroth but Minerva's gift. That's how he sees Cloud. Whenever Cloud makes a decision, Genesis will stand behind him whole-heartedly. 

          Cloud arrives in the camp when Sephiroth and Zack are getting Angeal settled in the Firsts' tent. 

          "Drink this." 

          "Sephiroth, I can literally smell the SOLDIER-grade sedatives in it." 

          Sephiroth glowers, absently swiping his hair aside when he leans down to grab something. "I'm aware. You're going to drink it anyway. And you're using this." 

          Cloud watches with growing amusement as Sephiroth forces the heated blanket on his friend, hopping up next to Angeal on his cot. Suitably ruffled and fussed over, Angeal lays back with a heavy-laden sigh. He grumbles something about how they're overreacting, but when Zack pouts, he's powerless to complain any longer. Cloud adores Zack for his powers of persuasion. 

          Angeal peers at Cloud dubiously. "You aren't going to turn my hair gray, are you?" 

          Since healing Genesis, the group has had discussions at length about what happened. Their theories ranged from blessings from Minerva – accurate – to the wound just having been dirty enough not to heal.  

          None of them were naïve enough to believe the latter option.  

          Ever since, Genesis has kept one sharp eye on Angeal. He didn't want his friend to have to suffer like he did, and this has been the first time he's had inclination to believe they were doomed to the same fate. Luckily for both of them, Cloud's cure comes in the form of cat kisses. Thankfully, he's gotten used to the awkwardness of licking his friends. Mostly. 

          Thank the gods, he didn't get turned into a dog.  

          Cloud lays beside Angeal as he downs the drink Sephiroth gave him. He waits for the black-haired SOLDIER to pass out before checking him out. He'd mentioned an itchy spot on his back, but goddess forbid he ever do something like complain about it.  

          The Nibel cat tugs the blanket back, huffing when he realizes he'll need to get past the stomach guard. He meows, getting Sephiroth's attention from the other end of the tent. With his help, they get Angeal rolled onto his stomach.  

          Sephiroth winces when he sees Angeal's skin. "What is this?" 

          His flesh is torn near the shoulder blade, a long line of dying skin following the line of his spinal cord – where his wings were in Cloud's world. He must've scraped against something to get the wound.  

          "What happens if this doesn't work?" Sephiroth murmurs, low enough to keep from Zack's end of the tent.  

          Cloud stares up at him. He really doesn't want to know.  

          Much like with Genesis, this won't leave a pretty scar. It'll be gnarled near the tear; Cloud can already tell. Sephiroth watches over them while Cloud works.  

          If Angeal's groans are any indication, the process is very painful. Where did he get off calling that an itch? Sephiroth stews quietly. Angeal is getting a lecture for this; serves him right for trying to ignore pain and fatigue. But... he'd have said as much if he were truly hurting. Did the wound really just feel like a bad itch before Cloud touched it? 

          In that case, it's bound to get much worse before it gets better.  

          Sephiroth feels fortunate to have never been a victim of "degredation," as Hollander called it. Called, because he'd tried to kidnap Genesis and experiment on him to find out how he'd healed. Called, because Cloud interfered. By the time Cloud tracked Genesis down, he was strapped to a metal table with Hollander jabbing needles into his closed wound. Sephiroth clenches a fist at the memory.  

          "Goddess above, what the hell is that?" 

          Sephiroth puts a finger to his lips, motioning to Zack's sleeping form when Genesis and Cloud walk in. It had taken an hour for him to wind down in the first place. Just what they needed was a rambunctious puppy panicking over his mentor.  

          "This was what he called an itch?" 

          "I don't think he knew it was this bad," Sephiroth answers.  

          Genesis sits on the cot next to Zack, fussing over the human Cloud's hair in a way he'd never admit to. The boy says nothing. He's reserved the majority of the time, but in the last few months, he's finally warmed up to the idea of being casual with the Firsts. And he has a weird propensity for dual wielding that pleases Nibel Cloud to no end. For some reason. More and more over the last five years, Cloud reacted in surprisingly human ways. He stares at Sephiroth when he uses the training room alone, as though longing to join him for a spar. If he truly wanted it, Sephiroth would allow him. Sparring with a cat would be odd, but Cloud is capable.  

          "You're brooding again." 

          Sephiroth glances at the human Cloud, lifting a brow when his feline counterpart chuffs in agreement. They agree on a lot of things, which is even more suspicious.  

          Genesis tuts. "The arrow has left the bow of the goddess, Sephiroth. Don't scowl at him simply because he called you on it." 

          "I wasn't scowling." 

          Cloud lets out a mrrp of amusement.

          When Sephiroth tries to glare at him, the Nibel cat is turned away as he dutifully cleans out Angeal's wound. Smug bastard.

          "Oh, gods. It's spreading." 

          Sephiroth's eyes snap to Angeal's back. The horror in Genesis's tone was foreboding enough, but the sight of visible splits in his friend's upper back was outright chilling. Cloud doesn't appear concerned, the Nibel cat's tongue rasping across the wounds. They're starting to bear an unfortunate resemblance to spindly fingers wrapping around the right side of his ribcage.  

          "I...." Genesis swallows with a shake of his head. "I need some air." 

          Both Clouds look to Sephiroth. 

          "Stay here. I'll go after him." 

          Soon enough, he finds Genesis a short distance from the encampment, infantry soldiers milling about nearby. The mud announces his presence before he'd have like it to. Even so, Genesis doesn't face him, instead pressing a tender hand to his stomach as though it'll rebel with any sudden movement.  

          "Hollander's records...," the red-haired SOLDIER manages.  

          Sephiroth waits. 

          "We found out the truth when he tried to take me. That Angeal was born with the cells, similar to you. His infection runs deeper than mine. Gillian almost.... When she found out that Angeal knew...." 

          "She still raised and protected you." 

          Genesis nods, running a hand through his hair. He's had two years to adjust to the silver streak in it, and it's almost... nice, in a way. It was a reminder that no matter what Hojo and Hollander had done, he could still be saved. Someone saw him as worth rescuing. If Angeal ever knew Genesis doubted him like this, he'd be hurt and betrayed, but it wouldn't change the feeling. They've been friends since childhood. Angeal is stuck with him, but Cloud....  

          He didn't have to save Genesis. 

          "Whatever Cloud is healing within him is trying to tear him apart. You saw those marks. Like it was taking hold of him." Genesis rubs at his brow, as though trying to banish the image from his mind.  

          Sephiroth rests a hand on Genesis's shoulder. Ever since Cloud healed him, the red-haired SOLDIER has been more responsive to their friendly touches. Before, he might've seen it as patronizing or an attempt to treat him like he was weak, but not anymore. Now, he clearly sees the concern for what it is. 

          "Cloud will save him." 

          Genesis closes his eyes while he takes a steadying breath through his nose. "That doesn't mean the worry goes away." 

          Sephiroth understands. Angeal stood at Genesis's side his entire life, and even while knowing he's being treated, the idea of him being hurt irreparably or even dying makes him uneasy. What would his life be like without his steadfast friend? What would've happened to them if Cloud hadn't been there when they needed him?

          He doesn't want to think about it. 

Chapter Text

          True to Sephiroth's words, Cloud cured Angeal. It took hours to cleanse the degredation, the corrupted Jenova cells fighting their way to the surface in protest. Angeal is still getting used to the scarring. 

          And his hair.  

          The roots have gone prematurely white, the odd silvery color leeched down into his dark locks. If it spread any further, he'd look like a zebra. "I think I'm starting to understand how you felt," Angeal says, eyeing his reflection in the blade of the Buster. "I feel like an old man." 

          Genesis chuckles. "It doesn't look bad, 'Geal. Maybe we can dye it." 

          Angeal glares at him, affronted by his friend's mocking tone. It fades when he sees his friend smile, brushing a hand over Angeal's hair without worry. "It's not the end of the world." 

          Genesis would never have done something like that years ago. 

          "You look worldly," a soft voice says.  

          "Thank you, Cloud." Angeal resigns himself to his new looks, sliding the Buster over his shoulder and standing. "It seems both you and your feline counterpart don't carry much concern over appearances." 

          Cloud scuffs the toe of his boot in the dirt with a shrug. "It's not what's outside that matters." 

          Angeal adores Cloud. All the Firsts do. Ever since meeting Cloud, Zack was beyond thrilled. He had someone around his age to spar with. Despite being tiny, Cloud puts up a good fight. He's technically a low-level Second due to his mako treatments. It'd be full-fledged, but Sephiroth made sure his mako-sensitivity was taken into account and only administered small doses. 

          "Have you heard, Commanders?" 

          The Zack perks up, blinking at the helmeted Second poking his head into their tent. "Heard what, Kunsel?" 

          Kunsel steps inside, handing his PHS to Angeal. "There was an attempt on the president's life. He and his son are on lockdown in Shinra tower, and supposedly AVALANCHE was behind it." 

          Genesis huffs. "Then I suppose we Firsts can expect a summons by first light." 

          And they received one. 

          The president was irate, and he demanded the attention of all the Turks who could be spared and all three Firsts. That meant both Clouds and Zack also were forced to return. Sephiroth noted his feline companion hadn't minded in the least. Cloud didn't want to be in the war. 

          Something about the way he treated some of the Wutai soldiers was almost... regretful. 

          If Cloud were human, Sephiroth firmly believes his ritual would look a lot like praying according to Wutai's customs. He would speak in their home tongue. It was what they deserved. 

          Because of that belief in what Cloud would do, Sephiroth reads up on Wutaian customs when they return to Shirna, and finds a prayer in the palace dialect. When he tells Cloud about it, the Nibel cat practically beams at him. Cloud sits with him on the couch, half-propped on Sephiroth's stomach. He offers up a light huff every time Sephiroth butchers the pronunciation.  

          Eventually, Sephiroth pauses in his self-imposed lesson. "Cloud?" 

          The Nibel cat releases a questioning mew.  

          "I know you likely don't want me to ask this, but I feel as though I must." Sephiroth feels Cloud stiffen beneath him, so he lightly strokes his ears as he'd done when Cloud was young. "You were human once, weren't you? Nibel cats didn't get such a reputation by being ordinary, and it seems to me you embody the myths to the fullest. Perhaps it is because Nibel cats have lived before.... They've seen the turn of the world once already." 

          Cloud isn't sure how to respond to that. 

          "I don't know how you cured us, Cloud. All I know is that each time you do, your scent is that of the lifestream. A sign of Minerva, indeed." Sephiroth sighs. "You know something of this war, as well. That it is wrong. I've thought as much for the last seven years of its duration, but seeing your reaction simply confirms it." 

          Strange to think the war is almost eight years along. Six months and it will be. Cloud has been a part of Sephiroth's life for almost five years now 

          The two remain quiet for a moment while Cloud contemplates the implications of Sephiroth's knowledge. 

          "Your response to me as well now seems quite telling," Sephiroth muses. "The day we met, you turned on me as though I intended to kill you where you stood. And maybe, in a past life, I had." 

          Would he be pleased to know he had it backwards? 

          "I want to know what made you change your mind." 

          Even with friends like Zack, Angeal, and Genesis, Sephiroth is still somewhat naïve to the ways of friendship. He mastered honesty and loyalty, but what drove a person – he refused to think of Cloud as anything less – to turn their back on what memory told them? Why would Cloud trust him? Because he'd heard a kitten crying from up on the plate and went to go save it. That's why. 

          "Your human counterpart...." 

          Cloud purrs softly. The Firsts had given his younger self something to call home even far from his own. He wasn't alone this time. In time, he would reunite with a few old friends. Well, old the the elder Cloud.  

          "He is you, isn't he? A younger one?" 

          The Nibel cat manages a nod.  

          "You must've been surprised to see him. I wonder how the me you recall would react to such a change. I am largely adaptable, but it would certainly be... a shock." 

          Understatement. 

          "I want you to know I appreciate you, Cloud. We all do. You've been... a friend to me, even when it would have been easier at times not to. But I am better for it. Hojo would not approve of the way you have softened my heart." 

          Cloud purrs again. Good.

          "Would we lose this were you man instead of beast, Cloud? I cannot and would never care for you like a lover, but this closeness comforts me. Makes me feel... human." 

          Oh, this had to stop right here. Sephiroth is human. He's very, very human with two human parents who would've loved him to no end if they'd been able to stop Hojo. Cloud lifts himself, tugging Sephiroth's sleeve to get him to follow. 

          Convincing Sephiroth to steal a helicopter was surprisingly difficult.  

          Genesis had been onboard from the start once Sephiroth told him what Cloud wanted, but Genesis's endorsement isn't exactly shining. Angeal was willing to go along with it, and when Tseng caught Cloud pacing around the landing pad, he'd all but given them the keys.  

          So, now they're swiftly flying towards the Nibel mountains at Cloud's painful demand. Giving directions is a nightmare as a cat, and he's truly cursing his limited communication.  

          On the upside, the Turk helicopters have open siding, so not only is it cool inside, Cloud gets to watch Sephiroth untangle his bangs from the headset's mic every two minutes. The entertainment is almost enough to distract Cloud from his discomfort. He still doesn't like flying. If only that were something being a cat would remedy. His stomach churns.  

          He figures they'll get lodging first once reaching Nibelheim. Maybe they can stay with Cloud's Ma. 

          The human Cloud seems torn. As much as he's excited to see his Ma, he really doesn't want to see the rest of the town. They don't want to see him either. Or anyone from the outside. Someone defaced the welcome sign, if Cloud remembers correctly. 'Get lost, or get out,' he thinks it said. Maybe it was different in this world? 

          He doubts it.  

          And, when they land and reach the town, he really, really doubts it, because the welcome sign in this world is also adorned with blood and the skull of a Nibel dragon. 

          Zack blinks. "Uh, Spiky, your hometown looks... pleasant." 

          "It's not, and you don't have to be nice about it. My family is the odd duck, as usual, in that we're actually hospitable towards strangers. Everyone else here will smile to your face and hope you curl up and die while doing it." The younger Cloud shrugs. "You get used to it. Besides, the local inn sucks. We can just stay with my Ma." 

          Cloud purrs in agreement with the boy. 

          Sephiroth glances down at him, one hand on the Nibel cat's harness. "You're certain you want to go back, Cloud?" 

          "I agree. This place sounds... lovely." Genesis lifts an elegant brow. 

          Cloud shakes himself when Sephiroth seeks his opinion. Now that he knows about Cloud's real identity, he sees the potential emotional hit his friend is about to take, and he'll minimize it if he can.  

          "Let's go, then." 

          Genesis stays close to his protégé, resting a hand on his shoulder as they enter the town. This whispers at the human Cloud's return start almost immediately. By the time they reach town square, he'd bet the mayor already knows.  

          Sephiroth feels his companion stop. Zack bumps into Angeal's back when he does the same.  

          Cloud watches his younger self, shifting his feet in eager anticipation. Sensing something is about to happen, Sephiroth releases the harness. He hadn't wanted someone to mistake Cloud for a monster. Ever since the slums incident, he's been more cautious.  

          When someone throws something at his younger self, he leaps. Genesis doesn't even have the opportunity to be offended before he lands in front of them. All the gawking and whispering people quiet at the sight of the giant Nibel cat guarding the town outcast.  

          "A sign of Minerva," one murmurs, eyes wide.  

          "Don't look in its eyes."

          "Get inside, dear." 

          Sephiroth and his entourage stroll into the open, rejoining the group. Cloud presses against his younger self, circling him once and catching the mayor's eye with a sly wink. The man's scent had been nearby for a few minutes now and a commotion was sure to draw him out.  

          Cloud returns to Sephiroth's side. 

          The rumors were sure to fly. A Nibel cat showing favor to a human was unheard of, mostly because they never venture into the town. Doing so to Cloud in particular was a bit of a dirty trick. In this world, apparently, the Nibel cat myths actually have some weight behind them, so why not stir the town into a panic thinking they need to atone for ostracizing Minerva's favored? 

          His Ma will never see so many fruit baskets and gifts as she will once they've left.

          Genesis shakes himself out of his surprise long enough to scold the townspeople, an over-the-top display that has them shrinking back into their homes. "Mockers and driveling heathens if I've ever seen any," he grumbles, adjusting the front of his ruby red coat with a scowl.  

          "I'm used to it." 

          Sephiroth subtly shakes his head at Cloud. Both of them. After seeing him use this tactic on numerous people in the last few years, Cloud has taken advantage of his foresight in more ways than one. Not only did he save them, he's also helping his younger self. What must it be like to exist in the form of such a creature capable of instilling awe and fear in so many people? 

          With a jolt, he realizes he is one.  

          People around the world idolize him. Could he also influence them towards something better? Cloud has been pushing for the removal of mako reactors ever since he was old enough to pad at Sephiroth's heels. It was hard to tell at first, but during meetings, he would hiss and growl at the ideas of new mako reactors. Every mention of the promised land was met with flattened ears and puffed fur.  

          Reeve Tuesti managed to earn some support from the board in terms of alternative energy, since, to Sephiroth's great surprise, Rufus backed him. It was something of a secret, but Sephiroth knows. Rufus's endorsement meant pushing Reeve's agenda before the president could stop it. Reeve was regaining some of his pull. What he doesn't understand is why. What could Cloud have done to pull Rufus's attention away from gaining the presidency? Or had he? 

          "Here we are. Home sweet home," Cloud says, snapping Sephiroth from his thoughts. The boy opens the door. "Ma? I'm home. Hope you don't mind, I brought a few friends with me." 

          "Cloudy?" A woman emerges from the left of the entry, wiping her hands on a towel.  

          Cloud waves. "Hey, Ma." 

          His feline counterpart forces himself to take a steady breath. She always said she was getting old, but Cloud never noticed. Not in a million years would he ever notice. She's beautiful, and alive, and warm, and she still smells like cocoa and nutmeg. Cloud feels his body move without him, taking an unconscious step away. He can't do this. He can't face her, not when he couldn't- 

          "Well, come on in. Come on. It's cold out and you're letting it in here. You can hang out in the living room while I finish dinner. Cloud, let me see you." 

          "Yes, Ma." 

          Sephiroth follows his younger counterpart, the hand at Cloud's harness encouraging him to follow. His paws remain stubbornly stuck. 

          Angeal and Zack follow Cloud inside, Sephiroth kneeling next to Cloud. He rubs a comforting hand over the Nibel cat's ears, following his gaze to Cloud's Ma. Sephiroth frowns. He never understood what it was about parents that made people yearn for them so, but seeing Cloud's mother greet him warmly with a peppering of kisses and questions about what he's been doing wakes something in him – a longing he thought he'd buried and given up years ago. 

          Cloud's Ma is no fool.  

          She turns, seeing the door still open. She sees the way the Nibel cat is looking at her immediately – his eyes, that chocobo-yellow hair that only comes via genetics, and the way he's frozen just seeing her. "Come in, Cloudy. Come home." 

          Cloud creeps forward, pressing into his mother's arms when she kneels down to intercept him.  

          "It took me years to realize," Sephiroth says, closing the door behind him. "I only confirmed it this morning, but I knew long before then." He smirks when Cloud blinks back at him. "Yes, I knew. Between the many coincidences, and the way you and your human counterpart share many similarities, the pieces simply fit." 

          It's a leap, but Cloud should've known better than to think he could keep Sephiroth in the dark forever. 

          "We were discussing it before we left for Nibelheim at his request." 

          "Hmm. There must be something here he wants you to see then. He's a smart boy." Cloud's Ma stands, offering her hand to Sephiroth. "Well, I appreciate you caring for him. You can call me Skye." 

          The silver-haired SOLDIER takes it immediately. "I think it was rather the other way around." 

          "Do you prefer General, or...?" 

          "Sephiroth is quite all right, Ms. Strife." 

          She shoots him a look at the address, but formality is a difficult habit to break. She doesn't seem to care. "Skye or Ma. No in betweens, young man." She calls into the living room. "That goes for the rest of you, as well. Anyone friends with my Stormcloud can call me Ma." 

          Cloud gives a short hiss of laughter when his younger self groans. "Ma."

          "No complaining. Get out here and start peeling some potatoes. I wasn't expecting company, and it's not right to let guests starve." 

          "I'll help you," Angeal says warmly, amusement in his voice as he rejoins them in the kitchen. 

          Sephiroth leads the feline Cloud out to the living room, finding Genesis and Zack deep in discussion about the true origin of Nibel cats. Already, they have their hands on mythology books from the shelf over the fireplace. Cloud merely huffs and lays down on the rug.  

          It came as no surprise to Sephiroth that Cloud's mother had recognized him right away, but it does make him wonder if his human counterpart had known from the very beginning. 

          Apparently, until Cloud showed up, Midgar was fairly in the dark on Nibel cat lore. They were an obscure species to begin with. If they weren't protected by their status as a sign of Minerva, Sephiroth wouldn't be surprised if they were hunted for their pelt. Just the idea sends a flare of irrational protectiveness through him. Anyone idiotic enough to hunt Cloud would get what was coming to them.  

          Sephiroth settles on the old couch, finding it worn but comfortable. He leans back, inviting Cloud up with him.  

          After he'd reacted so strangely earlier, he feared Cloud might refuse, but the Nibel cat climbs up on the couch and lays himself across Sephiroth like always. He clearly wasn't concerned about casual contact. Sephiroth is certain if he asked Genesis or Angeal to do the same, they'd shy away from such a thing, but having someone's weight on his body is comforting. 

          Well, maybe Angeal might.  

          He's incredibly good about taking people's needs into account, and if Sephiroth had a non-romantic need, he might be okay with it. 

          In the field, the younger Cloud sleeps on Genesis's stomach if given the opportunity, his chin tucked into his arms. The Red Commander would certainly deny any and all accusations of brushing a caring hand across his fluffy locks. Angeal would say he was outright fatherly if he wouldn't get punched for it. 

          Or burnt. Genesis has always been partial to fireball violence. 

          Maybe it was a Cloud thing? 

          Sephiroth's lips curl into a slight smile when he considers the fact that it seems to be customary for Cloud to be adopted by SOLDIERs. He's strong, loyal, and rolls with the punches in a way some Seconds would be jealous of.  

          "So, I'm guessing you'll wait until tomorrow to show me what it was you were upset about?" 

          Cloud purrs in agreement, drifting off into a light doze until Cloud's Ma wakes them for dinner. She feeds him a hefty chunk of venison, stroking his ears the same way she does her human son's hair.  

          Once her guests and children have been fed, she sends both Clouds to their room. Genesis is put into the guestroom by himself, which can only be counted as a good thing. Angeal takes over the couch, his puppy plopping down on top of his shoulder. Zack grins when Angeal grumbles. 

          Sephiroth takes the recliner.  

Chapter Text

          He senses movement in the night, but nothing that wakes him from sleep. His only recourse come morning is to be confused when he finds a blanket tucked into the chair with him.  

          "Good morning, Sephiroth. Did you sleep well?" 

          Ms. Strife is already awake and moving. Why didn't he hear her get up? Zack and Angeal are both still asleep on the couch as well. "I did, thank you." 

          "Breakfast is ready if you feel like having a bite. My boys already ate, and I think they went out on a quick patrol." 

          Skye says it so easily – like one of her sons is a cat on a normal day and they wander outside together. He sees now where Cloud inherited his ability to move with the current. Of course, she lives in Nibelheim, which is home to many archaic species even without the Nibel cats. Dragons, wolves, and any number of other monsters probably makes themselves a general nuisance on the daily. 

          The front door opens, admitting the two Clouds. 

          "Good, you're back. Cloud, be a dear and go check on Genesis. He'll have quite the time of it wanting to crawl out of that warm bed in this kind of weather." 

          The younger Cloud patters upstairs while the elder greets Sephiroth with a friendly nuzzle. 

          "Good morning, Cloud." 

          Sephiroth stands, risking a leisurely stretch since Cloud's Ma isn't likely to see it as a sign of weakness. As soon as she's finished, a gentle hand touches his hair. 

          "I'd be in a righteous snit if my hair was that long and something went awry with it," Skye tuts, nudging him into the kitchen. "You wouldn't mind if I put a brush through it while you eat breakfast would you?"  

          On a normal day at Shinra, he might mind. As it is.... 

          This is Cloud's Ma. 

          "You may." 

          He stares at the plate of bread-looking slices for a few minutes, Skye peacefully humming while she brushes out his hair. She's even more gentle with it than he is, and he takes great pride in his hair. He may not obsess over it the way Genesis does on a press day, but as one of the few things he had control over in his life, it required a certain amount of reverent treatment. 

          "They're pancakes." The younger Cloud says, towing a yawning Genesis behind him. "Here. Put this on them, and they'll taste real good." 

          Sephiroth allows the younger Cloud to doctor the pancakes, slipping a corner to his feline counterpart the minute his back is turned. If Skye notices, she doesn't say anything, and Cloud looks more than pleased as he licks his sharp teeth. 

          "So, shall we wake our sleeping brethren?" Genesis muses.  

          "No. Let them sleep. Angeal is still recovering from our last deployment, after all, and he sleeps better knowing his pup is out of trouble." Sephiroth maintains what little dignity he can while trying to pretend he's not scarfing his pancakes. They might be his new favorite food. 

          All too soon, they're gone.  

          "Thank you, Ms.-" He winces when he feels her pointed glare on his back. "Skye." 

          Such lack of formality feels like a lack of respect in Sephiroth's eyes. She deserves all of it, and more, but if she wants to be called Skye, then he'll just have to respect her wishes instead. It is just a title, after all. 'Hero' is Sephiroth's, and he doesn't like being called that either. 

          He can see where Cloud got his spine. 

          Genesis sits at the table, accepting a plate of pancakes. "Skye, they smell wonderful. Your hospitality is rivaled only by your generous heart." 

          Skye huffs. "Don't think you're gonna sweet-talk me, Genesis." 

          "I could never." 

          "Cloudy, when you wrote, you never said you had such charming friends."  

          The younger Cloud glances between Genesis and his mom. "Don't you get any ideas." He glowers at his mentor, pinning the auburn-haired SOLDIER with the warning look. "She's too old for you. No offense, Ma." 

          "None taken, Cloudy," Skye laughs, ruffling her son's hair when he pouts. "It's sweet that you're trying to look out for me. You forget, I know my way around a sword." 

          "How could I forget, Ma?" 

          Genesis combs his fingers through his hair with a roll of his eyes. The aloofness last all of five seconds until Mamma Strife gets ahold of him, brushing through his hair with care and applying a light dose of sweet-smelling anti-static she mastered making years ago.  

          "There. Now all this dry mountain air won't make your fine hair all staticky." 

          Genesis touches it with light fingers, blue eyes surprised and genuine. "Skye, I might need to request the recipe for this." 

          "Of course." 

          Cloud chuffs, nudging Sephiroth's side before padding to the door. 

          Sephiroth stands, rising his plate in the sink and following his companion. "It appears we're being beckoned. Thank you for breakfast, Skye. If Angeal and Zack wake while we're gone, tell them I said to stay here." 

          Skye tuts once more. "You four stay safe out there." 

          "We'll be fine," Genesis assures her. "Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return."

          The group leaves the Strife house, following Nibel Cloud where his pawsteps guide them. Sephiroth stays close by his side. After twenty minutes, a stately manor comes into view over the snow.  

          "What is this place?" 

          The human Cloud kicks his boots clean on the steps, trying the door with little success. "This is Shinra Manor. A long time ago when the reactor was first established, there were some scientists living here and observing the wildlife. Ma always said they found something in the mountians, but she never said what." 

          With a discontented growl, his feline counterpart brutes the door open with his shoulder. Sephiroth and Genesis follow close behind. The Nibel cat strides forward with all the confidence of someone who's been here before.  

          "I've been in here once or twice. Some kids dared me to do it since it was infested with monsters." 

          Genesis glowers at his protégé.  

          "Don't look at me like that. Ma taught me how to use a sword, and I used to help her hunt wolves. She was real good about making sure I could get myself out of trouble." 

          "Since you get into it inevitably." 

          Cloud grins at Sephiroth. "Now you're getting it. You don't survive living in Nibelheim without learning a few things." 

          The Nibel cat padding ahead of them stops. His tail lashes slowly with agitation, ears swiveling one way and then the other. Cloud glances up at Sephiroth before lifting his heavy upper body and placing his paws on the wall. Bricks under his claws shift and grind, pulling back and swinging to the side to reveal a doorway.  

          Genesis whistles. "If ever there was a chance I doubted you'd lived twice, it's gone now." 

          Cloud descends the staircase ahead of them, disappearing into the depths with the three SOLDIERs staring after him. Sephiroth is the first to move. Cloud wanted to show him something and he's not going to get answers by waiting around. By the time he reaches the bottom of the stairs, Cloud is long gone.  

          The Nibel cat strolls the catacombs, seeking out the coffin with purple lining. Vincent could've chosen somewhere classier to take his guilt nap. Or somewhere easier to get to.  

          Cloud finds the proper coffin and shoves the lid off with his front paws. Without the mako in his system, it would've been impossible to move. Cloud hops up onto the very edge, walking neatly around it until he can lick at Vincent's face. Serves the guy right for sulking thirty years. Cloud understands all too well why he'd want to be alone after what happened. If it weren't for the demons skulking around and being all manner of disturbing, Cloud would've gone to him when he was big enough to travel alone.  

          At least Galian is somewhat sane, but Hell Masker is a fucking loony. The Gigas creature thankfully doesn't do much. Chaos can keep them in line, but that's only if he feels like it, and really only if Vincent is threatened by their antics.  

          Another rasping lick and Vincent groans. He opens tired scarlet eyes, lashes fluttering as he computes the image above him. "A Nibel cat?" 

          Vincent coughs, voice rough until he clears his throat. He sits up when Cloud crawls into the coffin with him. His bones creak under his skin from disuse. The creature circles him, purring in tandem with Chaos within Vincent's head. Whatever this cat's identity, Chaos wants them around. His sleepy murmurs sound content. 

          Does Chaos have a soft spot for animals?  

          Cloud nuzzles Vincent's face, encouraging the Turk to lean against him while he gets his bearings. In thirty years, the basement hasn't changed aside from the thick layer of dust over most everything.  

          "Cloud? Where did you go?" 

          The Nibel cat meows back a response, the sound reassuring. It brought people to find Vincent? How did it know he was down here? More importantly, how did it know there was a "down here" to begin with? Not many people knew about the catacombs below Shinra Manor. Not when Vincent was still living, anyway. 

          "Cloud. You shouldn't go running off like-…. Oh." Sephiroth stops in the doorway, Genesis grunting when he slams into the man's back. "Care to introduce us to your... friend?" 

          The Nibel cat purrs butting his head affectionately against Vincent's.  

          Vincent clears his throat, regarding the men before him and the literal child hovering around them. The boy's hair matches the Nibel cat's surprisingly well. "My name is Vincent Valentine." 

          "I am SOLDIER First Class General Sephiroth. This is Genesis and his protégé, Cloud Strife." 

          "Cloud...." Vincent frowns. The Nibel cat responded to Cloud as well.  

          Unfortunately, it's not the most pressing thing on his mind considering the man before him is Sephiroth. It's not impossible for someone else to be named such after thirty years, but Lucrecia had specifically picked it due to its unique nature.  

          Vincent looks at the Nibel cat curled around his shoulders. It nods.  

          So, it is him.  

          The ex-Turk eyes the silveret. He carries a certain resemblance to Lucrecia, for certain. The shape of his mouth, and the bridge of his nose are very similar. The tips of his ears arch into subtle points like hers. The confused crinkles at the corners of his eyes remind him very strongly of Lucrecia's Determined Breakthrough face. But his other features are foreign. Foreign, and familiar all at the same time, because he's practically staring at a version of himself – high cheeks, a narrow face, and hair that defies gravity. To be fair, he could get that last trait from either of them.  

          Hojo will suffer for this. Why would he have taken Vincent's DNA in the first place? 

          Unsure how to broach that particular topic, Vincent manages, "You look very much like your mother." 

          Sephiroth blinks.  

          "You do not know of her?" 

          "I... was told she died in childbirth," Sephiroth says, words slow as though he's ready for his truth to shift at any moment. Cloud does this a lot, it would seem. "I take it you know differently." 

          Vincent pushes himself upright, extracting himself from the coffin with achy slowness. In hindsight, maybe laying completely still for thrity years has its downfalls. "Your mother's name was Lucrecia Crescent. Hojo took you from her as an infant." 

          Genesis scowls. "Glad Cloud killed that bastard, then." 

          Vincent looks to the red-head's protégé. 

          "Oh, no, not this one," Genesis chuckles. He points a lazy finger in the Nibel cat's direction. "That's the Cloud that killed Hojo. Did a number on Hollander too before his end." 

          Cloud has it out for scientists, then? 

          "You knew my mother," Sephiroth redirects, drawing the conversation back to the important part. "And Hojo." He takes a wary step closer, green eyes searching for answers he sought after for years before giving up. "What about my father? Was Hojo truly...?" 

          "I thought as much." 

          Sephiroth waits.  

          "Until I laid eyes upon you," Vincent murmurs.  

          The words would've gone unnoticed to anyone without a SOLDIER's hearing. Sephiroth takes another step closer, Vincent moving to meet him in the middle. "And after?" 

          Emotion floods eyes as deep as red wine. They trace the lines of Sephiroth's face, and when the Nibel cat moves, they follow him too. Cloud perches on the edge of the coffin, slinking between the two and nosing both of their hands. Sephiroth strokes Cloud's ears, seeking comfort from him as he has so many times before.  

          "I've learned in my time with Cloud at my side not to doubt him." Sephiroth's speech is low and unsteady. "He brought me to you when I confessed I...." He feels Genesis's attention on his back. "I did not feel human." 

          Vincent shifts, inclining his head. "Then do not doubt." 

          Cloud purrs in agreement.  

          "For as surely as I believe my eyes, I will claim you as my own should you so wish." Vincent looks at Cloud. "For one such creature to wake me from my sleep and show me Lucrecia's son alive and grown.... I've surely been blessed with good fortune." 

          Vincent lifts his right hand, every move telegraphed for Sephiroth's benefit. His fingers just barely brush his son's cheek. The silver-haired SOLDIER leans into the touch without thinking. 

          "I am sorry." 

          Sephiroth's breath hitches in his chest. "What for?" 

          "You must have been so alone."  

          Cloud nudges Vincent forward, the scarlet-eyed Turk embracing his son. Sephiroth tenses at first, but soon enough he buries his face into the elder's shoulder. Pressure builds in Sephiroth's chest, several unknown emotions flowing together. The hand cradling his head is too gentle, almost desperate. 

          The Nibel cat joins Genesis and his human counterpart near the door.  

          "My soul, corrupted by vengeance, hath endured torment to find the end of the journey in my own salvation."

          Cloud looks to Genesis. Since being healed almost three years ago, the red-head appeared humbled by his experience. Each day, he wakes and does his hair, faced with the reminder of how close he came to death. Without the Gift of the goddess, he would've gone out of his mind. He can only imagine what he'd have taken down with him. Was there a cure without Cloud's influence? It doesn't matter now. Selfishly, he would never tell anyone about the glimpse of the goddess he received while he was at Cloud's mercy. Save, perhaps, Cloud himself should he ever find a way to ask. 

          "You grew up strong," Vincent observes, pulling back to a comfortable distance. "What I wouldn't give for Lucrecia to be able to see you." 

          Sephiroth trembles. "You loved her." 

          "I did." 

          "But you and she never...." 

          Vincent shakes his head. "That part was all Hojo's doing. He's the one who turned me into... this." He curls the fingers of his clawed left hand. "Monsters dwell within me. A by-product of his experiments with transformation." 

          "They cannot hurt you?" 

          The Turk nearly smiles knowing Sephiroth's first concern is the well-being of others. Hojo may have raised him, but he will never be that man's son. 

          "Not to my knowledge." 

          "Good." 

          Genesis and Cloud quietly agree, leading the way out of the manor. Sephiroth doesn't realize until he and the rest have exited that Nibel Cloud stayed behind. The most violent crash of Thundaraga he's ever witnessed crashes down on the building, fire sparking immediately as his companion strolls out of the flame-licked doorway.  

          The Nibel cat provides no explanation and leaves no room for argument as he walks toward the Strife home.  

          Vincent is silent as he walks shoulder to shoulder with Sephiroth. The silveret tries to tamp down on the thrill of excitement bubbling under his skin. He was tortured out of such displays of emotion as a child, and the habit sticks with him even now. Cloud was the only one who couldn't inform anyone of such weakness. 

          If he were human, would he? 

          When the group arrives back at Skye's, the woman greets them warmly. "Back already? Thought you might be awhile, but thank the gods for small favors. Who's your new friend, Cloudy?" 

          Vincent extends his hand to Skye. "My name is Vincent Valentine." 

          "He's my father." 

          Angeal looks up from the kitchen table where he seems to be nursing a headache. If the red mark on Zack's forehead is any indication, they must've smacked into one another upon waking up. Angeal was a bit too nice allowing a sprawler to sleep on him. 

          "I realize this must be strange, but I do not age." 

          Skye shoves a napkin at Zack when he drizzles syrup down his chin, too focused on their conversation to pay full attention to his food. "So, how old are you then?" 

          "Somewhere around fifty-two, I believe." 

          Angeal lifts a mug of steaming coffee in his direction. "That'll be an interesting one to explain when we get back to Shinra." 

          Vincent's lips thin somewhat. "You... still work for Shinra?" 

          "What better way to enact change than from the inside?" Sephiroth answers, sitting down next to Angeal at the table. "We've been working toward shutting down the reactors within the company. With President Shinra in office, the process is slow, but once he's been handled, it's anyone's guess as to how things will go." 

          What with Cloud somehow managing to sweet-talk Rufus without ever saying a word, maybe things will tip in their favor. 

          Cloud lays down on the floor next to Zack, a throaty purr rumbling the wooden floor beneath him. Sephiroth feels it through the legs of his chair. Genesis and Vincent eventually join them at the table as well, Skye circling around with more pancakes. True to her constant fussing with Cloud's hair, she hovers around Zack and Angeal. Cloud purrs in amusement when she gets to Vincent. The ex-Turk hardly knew his own mother, if at all, so having one dither over him is probably a novel experience. After a beat of hesitation, he allows her to remove his bandana and put a brush through his hair.  

          "I see where Sephiroth gets his silky hair."  

          The pair of them take her praise with bashful silence.  

          Cloud can't wait to see how Lucrecia handles it.  

Chapter Text

          Cloud wanders the streets of the Sector 7 slums. He knows it'll be a few years yet before Tifa would've come here, but he can't help his nostalgia. If Sephiroth never burns Nibelheim, would she ever come here? 

          He hopes so.  

          Her father is too overprotective, and she'll strike out on her own eventually. The younger Cloud's reappearance ignited a long-dimmed fire within her. Tifa never possessed his wanderlust, but what she does have is a rebellious streak. Her father always told her not to play with Cloud, but it never stopped her. He didn't want her to work at the bar, so she started bartending at twelve. He wanted her to stay home and be safe. Tifa decided it sounded like time to learn martial arts.  

          Cloud adores her spark. 

          He lays down on the porch of the building that will one day become Seventh Heaven. Cloud idly scratches the name into one of the boards with a long claw. Even if the day never comes where this place gets renamed, it'll still carry a piece of Cloud's world with it. 

          If his memories serve him, – about a 50/50 chance really – the war with Wutai will end soon. It really doesn't feel like he's been a cat for six years. On the contrary, any morning, he feels as though he could wake up human or cat and be ready for anything. He's been on the frontlines long enough to be comfortable in this form, and sparring with Sephiroth when they're stationed within Shinra is fun.  

          Cloud huffs to himself. Six years to change things, and he's made the best of them. He saved the Firsts. Vincent rejoined the Turks so he could keep an ear to the ground, and Lucrecia took over the Science Department.  

          Cloud may or may not have nudged Zack Aerith's direction. They've been spending more and more time together in between deployments. Tseng, so far, is pretending he has no idea.  

          Aerith looks at Cloud funny, both of them.  

          Cloud supposes the existence of his memories in the lifestream here might be causing her a bit of a headache. 

          Lazard and Rufus are.... Cloud wouldn't call it getting along. Lazard's ire for what his father is doing with the company is a bit much for that, but things might smooth out somewhat when Rufus gains the presidency. And boy, oh boy, had Cloud put on a show at the last reactor inspection. He'd gone with Rufus and Sephiroth, and when they were in the refinery, Cloud hadn't needed to fake dizziness from being there. Just the reminder of all that mako surrounding his was enough to make him claustrophobic.  

          Rufus was protective of Cloud for reasons Sephiroth didn't understand.  

          All it took was a wink, really. Rufus is smart, smarter than anyone gives him credit for. Whether or not he truly believes the Nibel cat myths is anyone's guess, but he's intelligent enough to spot a pattern. The Nibel cat winks at you and good things happen.  

          The Shinra heir is the patient sort. 

          With Cloud's help, he's already gaining popularity within the company. Support from various environmentalist groups has led to widespread gossip in the slums. AVALANCHE is working with a Shinra? The Shinra heir might run against his father in the next election? 

          The Silver Elite were also spreading the news like wildfire.  

          President Shinra doesn't care. He's too comfortable and confident on his throne to recognize his need for good PR. Heidegger is still a problem. Though, if the whispers from below the plate are true, Cloud may not have to worry about him much longer. Rufus has the loyalty of the Turks, and if he were to tell them to do something shady, they would.  

          Scarlet.... 

          Cloud thinks Vincent must've done something. She took a vacation to Costa del Sol or somewhere else exotic with a random check she'd found in her desk and came back with an appreciation for the planet. She cancelled the Junon mako canon project, and that of the Sister Ray, and suddenly started funneling the unused funds into rebuilding the slums with Reeve. 

          Like, what even? 

          All Cloud knows is that he had absolutely nothing to do with that one.  

          With a gusty sigh, Cloud pushes himself up. For the sake of Sephiroth's sanity, he hasn't gone wandering off on his own to find Nanaki or Barret. He'll see them again, in time.  

          Instead, he contents himself with frequenting Aerith's church. It's a lengthy walk to Sector 5, but Cloud doesn't mind. He hasn't had another incidence of being shot down here since he started doing so. People are used to him now, and Cloud is glad for it.  

          The Nibel cat nudges the door open, expecting to hear Aerith humming as she tends her flowers. She's not there. Instead, three tiny heartbeats echo towards him from the flower patch.  

          You've gotta be kidding me.

          Three tiny silver puffs of fur sit in the center, a beam of light shining down on them from the hole in the roof. They're sleeping, thank the gods, so they don't know Cloud is here yet. To make matters worse, he knows them. For some goddess-damned reason, he can tell them apart. 

          Why me? What did I do to you, Minerva.

          Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo are sleeping in the flowers. Cloud could leave them here, couldn't he? They'd never knew he came, and Aerith might take them under her wing. But what if the wandered off between now and then? 

          Fuck. Cloud already knows he won't leave them behind. 

          He digs around near the school until he finds a basket big enough to carry the three kittens. Really, they'd fit in anything, but they'll be walking for a couple hours and putting three mako-enhanced kittens in a tight space is a recipe for disaster.  

          Cloud sighs to himself and pads back into the church. From what Cloud can tell, they're purebred Nibel just like him. They won't grow as big as Cloud. Instinctually, he knows this, and it only serves to kick his protective instincts into gear. He's a sucker for children, and evidently, Minerva has determined that the Remnants are going to be his.  

          Loz mewls when Cloud picks him up, green eyes wide and fearful. 

          Cloud spares him a reassuring rasp of his tongue before moving to pick up Kadaj. The other two are wide awake now and watching Cloud. They remember what happened to them, but do they recognize Cloud as he did them? 

          Loz cries until both his siblings are in the basket with him. Kadaj, the little rascal, hooks his claws into the edge and hauls himself out again. It makes Loz unhappy, which means more mewling. 

          With care, Cloud picks Kadaj up by his scruff. He lifts the basket up and turns for the door before he can try to escape again. Kadaj settles.  

          Twenty minutes of walking and Loz is crying about being hungry.  

          Cloud puts the basket down, finding the three Nibel grays staring up at him. Yazoo looks sleepy. Even back in the church, he was quiet. Worry needles Cloud's heart. He scents the tiny kitten, relief flooding through him when Yazoo doesn't smell sick. In life, he was quiet, too.  

          Satisfied they'll be fine, Cloud picks up the basket and continues on his way. He sits at the station for fifteen minutes before the train arrives. Loz cries at the loud racket it makes. Kadaj steps on his brothers' heads to better see over the edge of the basket. Cloud nudges him down, carrying the basket onto the train and curling into the nearest corner. Despite the kittens within the basket, no one dares encroach on Cloud's space.  

          Cloud glowers at a man who looks just a bit too interested, covering the basket with his tail and offering the man a hiss of warning. It's the only one he'll get.  

          The three kittens tremble.  

          Even when Cloud was alive, he never wanted to fight them. They aggressed Cloud, and he did what was necessary in response. Without Jenova's influence, he's no longer their enemy, rather their protector. Kadaj can't help noticing he took them with him no questions asked.  

          Unable to see through his bushy tail, the three kittens wait patiently for any hints on where they're going, or for any indication they're in danger.  

          Easily bored, Kadaj bats at Cloud's fluffy tail. 

          The massive cat chuffs, lifting it and sparing them each a gentle rasp. He rumbles when the train stops in the first sector above the plate, warning them to stay close to him. If there's one thing Cloud learned early on, it's that people above the plate have a lowered sense of self-preservation. 

          Once he's reached Sector 1, Cloud hurries from the train to avoid getting run over. He takes every back alley he knows to reach Shinra tower without incident.  

          Without thinking, he takes them directly to Sephiroth's apartment. He drags out his old bed from Sephiroth's closet. He'd been surprised when the man kept it. He was usually very specific about necessities, but it was something from Cloud's first days with Sephiroth. Even he could be struck by nostalgia, it seems.  

          Cloud drops the kittens inside, warning them to stay put while he's gone.  

          Kadaj patters after him, a defiant gleam in his eyes. Loz and Yazoo both stay behind, Yazoo simply yawning and shoving his nose into Loz's fur. Loz cries pitifully, but Yazoo is there to soothe his woes for the time being.  

          Glowering at Kadaj proves fruitless, but threatening him with the tall basket is enough to get him to stay put. He pouts and curls up with Loz and Yazoo. Cloud noses Yazoo appreciatively.  

          With that, he leaves the room to find Sephiroth.  

          No doubt, he and Angeal will be surprised by the sudden influx of Nibel cats. First Cloud, and now the Remnants. What if Minerva sees fit to send others from his timeline? What if she sends Sephiroth himself, free of Jenova's influence? Like Sephiroth said; he's adaptable, but it'd still be a shock. 

          Cloud steels himself against such questions for now. Right now, his only concern should be making sure the three Remnants are taken care of. All they wanted was someone to love them, and unlike Jenova, Cloud doesn't have an "only Sephiroth" condition. She never really loved him anyway. He was a vessel, and a powerful one who could get her what she wanted. 

          Walking straight into the board meeting to collect Sephiroth is an incredibly entertaining experience. President Shinra sputters, and Heidegger waves a fist in outrage.  

          If the man ever raised a hand against Cloud, he'd kill him, but so far, the man has contained himself well.  

          He's heard the rumors about Hojo. 

          Sephiroth excuses himself from the meeting with a polite salutation and a tip of his head in Rufus's direction. Cloud purrs when he feels Sephiroth's sword hand slip around the loop in his harness. It's something like a promise. Sephiroth listens to Cloud on everything he can, no matter how big or small.  

          The trust hasn't gone unnoticed. Cloud feels the same, in all honesty, which is part of why he came to the silverette in the first place.  

          Sephiroth's door slides open and the man stares at the cat bed on the floor in his living room. He kneels beside the slumbering silver kittens, bangs falling into his face. Their coloration is unmistakable in comparison. Once with the two Clouds could've been coincidence, despite the truth, but twice? 

          "Cloud.... My other self in your world didn’t have children, did he?" 

          The Nibel cat blinks, considering. Cloud doesn't appear to know exactly what the answer to that is, which makes Sephiroth instantly suspicious. Hojo probably had everything to do with it. 

          With a smile, Sephiroth picks up one of the tiny kittens. "I remember when you were this small. Can you believe that, Cloud?" 

          The silver kitten stares at Sephiroth with wide eyes.  

          Cloud noses Yazoo.  

          "I suppose I'm back to guessing names, hmm?" Sephiroth cradles the quiet kitten while the other two mewl at their brother's absence. "I feel as though we've come full circle, Cloud. Once, a long time ago, I found you lost and alone in the streets, and now years later, you bring home small parts of me." 

          He wasn't lost in the slums that day, but Cloud purrs in agreement anyway.  

          Cloud noses Kadaj when the kitten stumbles from the bed in search of his sibling. Loz scampers after him, afraid to be alone. Sephiroth quiets the pair, the thumb of his sword hand stroking Yazoo's ears. 

          "Would you be offended if I said they're as cute as you were at this size?" 

          Kadaj puffs up in protest at being called cute, but his hissing and spitting doesn't last when Sephiroth stands with his bother still in hand. He mews, following when the tall SOLDIER sweeps into the kitchen on light feet. Cloud should've known Yazoo would've been love at first sight for Sephiroth. The sedate personality of said Remnant would only make his lively moments more precious – so like Sephiroth himself.  

          "How do you suppose my father would react if I told him he was a grandparent?" 

          A joke! Sephiroth has grown more than Cloud thought in the face of horrible social stigma. Vincent would also hate the idea of being called grandpa, which only makes it better.  

          With a brief PHS message to Angeal, Sephiroth pulls out a few packets of soft food. Cloud grew fast enough to move on to real food in a hurry, but he's still a glutton for anything shipped from Nibelheim. Skye regularly sends sealed packets of her beef stew for him. His human counterpart has been known to sneak a packet once in a while. 

          "I suppose their taste will be rather like mine, hmm?" 

          Cloud keeps Kadaj and Loz from wandering around underfoot with a sweep of his tail. Kadaj bites him, but a playful swat from Cloud's massive paw is enough of a deterrent to keep him from trying again.  

          Sephiroth places a bowl on the table, placing Yazoo down next to it. He pours the food and hides a smile when Yazoo sniffs at the contents.  

          "Ms. Strife makes these for Cloud. You have my assurance; they are not poisoned." 

          The door to Sephiroth's apartment opens. Angeal, Genesis, Zack, and Cloud wander inside, finding the man in the kitchen immediately. Genesis coos over the silver kitten.  

          "You didn't replace Cloud for getting fur on all your combat gear, did you?" Zack laughs, but he does appear slightly concerned.  

          Cloud nudges Loz and Kadaj around the island to meet the SOLDIERs. The tiny kittens gape up at them, mirrored by the group themselves. Sephiroth contents himself with petting Yazoo while the other four drag themselves out of their stunned stupor.  

          "So, you're officially a cat lady, now?"  

          Sephiroth levels a glare on the younger Cloud, the look only worsening when his feline counterpart brushes against him affectionately. Sometimes, having the human Cloud around is eerie, as though he finally has a link into Cloud's mind. At times like now, he's glad Cloud can't voice half of the sarcastic comments his younger self does.  

          Cloud himself plays innocent, a questioning mew leaving his massive body.  

          Genesis picks up Kadaj, and and Angeal scoops up Loz in a gloved hand. "I must say, they do bear a certain resemblance to their owner."  

          Zack laughs again, playing with Kadaj when the kitten rolls onto his back in Genesis's hands. The Nibel gray swats at his fingers, needle-sharp claws gripping tighter than necessary. Zack scolds him for it, shaking his injured fingers.  

          "I see Cloud had more restraint as a kitten," Genesis muses.  

          "I believe he simply knew his own strength better. Bring the other two over for some food. This one seems full, and that one was crying earlier."  

          Angeal puts Loz down next to the dish, chuckling when he makes a mess. "So, have you decided what you're going to name them, or do you suppose they already have names like Cloud? I suppose, I really should ask where you got them, too." 

          "Cloud brought them, so I have no idea." 

          "Hmm." 

          Sephiroth smiles softly at Cloud when the Nibel cat lifts his front paws to the edge of the table. "Cloud seems to know them, so I would assume the latter. They bear some relation to the Sephiroth of his world, though he didn't know what to make of it. Or, at least, it wasn't something he could explain without words." 

          The five SOLDIERs coo over the kittens while they eat, Sephiroth holding a sleepy Yazoo against his chest. 

          Two hours later, they're in Sephiroth's office with the cat bed on his desk. "Okay, so the guessing is getting us nowhere, and Cloud has refused every single name we've chosen so far. Why don't we just ask him how to spell their names? Might take a bit of time, but it's better than this." 

          Angeal and Genesis blink. "…. How did it take us two hours to come up with that?" 

          Cloud hisses out a short burst of laughter, shaking his fur and strolling into the hall to find Loz. The kitten wandered out of the office a few minutes ago, and he's been crying ever since. 

          Once he returns, the questioning begins.  

          "We'll start with... this one." 

          Cloud painstakingly helps them learn the names of each kitten. He let them struggle long enough, and he would prefer not to be here the rest of the afternoon while the blunder on. And they would, too. With Cloud and Sephiroth knowing they already have names, they'd come to a conclusion one way or another.  

          "Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo." 

          Sephiroth touches a gentle hand to each kitten's head, ignoring their warbling mews. They will be loved in this life. After all, Cloud was scared of him at first, too. With time and understanding, the three will grow.  

          Cloud taught him what is meant to cherish someone, and now, he was meant to care for these small parts of himself.