#zack cloud hall

[vengeancevixen]

Did you ever get to see the House of Memories at a Panic show? It was basically a Panic history museum of items from every Panic! era from their outfits, instruments, tour posters, memorabilia, awards, music video props, etc. The museum was hauled from show to show and set up and displayed for fans to walk through. So cool!!!! Brendon LOVED Panic, as we all know, and wanted fans to be able to experience everything Panic through the years, through every era, keeping all those memories alive.

[holdcelebritiesaccountable]

Zack Cloud Hall (Panic! at the Disco - Bodyguard)

accused of: sexual assault, getting nudes from minors, screenshotting fans nudes

a. Tweets about assault

[ajalholland]

Parent scenarios

Characters: Reno, Sephiroth, Tseng, Cloud, Zack, Vincent, Rufus, Genesis, and Angeal.

ROUGHHOUSING

You watch with a mixture of amusement and mild anxiety as your husband Sephiroth wrestles playfully on the living room floor with your three rambunctious four-year-old sons, Kadaj, Yazoo, and Loz. The boys are shrieking with laughter as they tumble over each other, trying to pin their father down.

"Careful, boys!" you call out, biting your lip. "Don't hurt Daddy!"

Sephiroth glances up at you, his silver hair falling into his eyes as he grins. "Relax, gorgeous. We're just having some fun." He easily flips Kadaj onto his back, eliciting another peal of giggles.

"No! Don't tickle me!" Kadaj squealed, as Sephiroth began to tickle the boy mercilessly.

"Hands off my brother!" Yazoo yelled as he charged at Sephiroth.

"Charge!" Loz joined in, hitting his father with a pillow.

You can't help but laugh yourself at the sight of your usually stoic husband being so carefree and silly with your kids. It's a rare treat to see this softer side of him.

"Alright, you little hellions," Sephiroth says, sitting up and pulling each boy onto his lap. "I think that's enough wrestling for now. How about we go build a fort in the backyard instead?"

The boys cheer excitedly, jumping up and down. "Fort! Fort!" they chant.

You shake your head in fond exasperation as they race towards the door, Sephiroth following behind them with a bemused smile.

"You're too good to them," you tease, walking over to join them. "They'll end up spoiled."

Sephiroth slings an arm around your waist, pulling you close. "I do it because I love them. And I love you." He leans down to capture your lips in a quick, passionate kiss.

You melt into his embrace, your heart full. "I love you too," you murmur against his mouth. "Even if you do spoil our kids rotten.

"He chuckles, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "That's my job. Now come on, let's go supervise Operation Backyard Fort."

Hand in hand, you follow your husband and your energetic sons outside, ready for another adventure together as a family.

EARLY MORNINGS

You stir awake slowly, blinking against the early morning sunlight filtering through the curtains. Reaching over, you realize the bed beside you is empty. Frowning, you sit up and glance around the room, wondering where your husband Cloud could be.

Then you hear it - the soft lullaby of a familiar voice drifting from the nursery. Curious, you pad down the hall and peek inside. There, in the rocking chair, is Cloud, cradling your one-year-old daughter Sunny in his arms as he sings to her softly.

Your heart melts at the tender scene. You lean against the doorframe, watching them for a few moments. Cloud looks so peaceful, so natural holding your little girl. Sunny is nestled against his chest, her eyes closed as she listens to his gentle voice.

After a bit, Cloud notices you and smiles, his blue eyes twinkling. "Hey, beautiful. Did I wake you?"

You shake your head. "No, I just woke up and wondered where you were. Looks like you two were having quite the bonding moment."

He chuckles. "Sunny was fussing a bit, so handled it this time. Figured you could use the extra rest."

"You're the best," you say warmly, stepping into the room. You lean down and brush a kiss across Sunny's forehead. She stirs slightly but doesn't wake. "She's lucky to have such a wonderful daddy."

Cloud's cheeks flush slightly. "I'm the lucky one. She and you are my whole world." He stands carefully, shifting Sunny as he walks over to you. "Here, why don't you hold her for a bit? I'll go make some coffee."

You take Sunny into your arms, nuzzling her soft hair. "Mmm, coffee sounds heavenly. You spoil me, you know that?"

"I try," he says with a playful wink. "Anything for my girls." He presses a quick kiss to your lips before heading out of the room.

You smile, watching him go. Life with Cloud is full of sweet little moments like this - And you wouldn't trade it for the world.

BABY GIRL

You sigh contentedly, leaning back against the hospital pillows as you watch your husband Zack cradle your newborn daughter in his strong arms. He's swaying gently, his eyes filled with adoration as he gazes down at the tiny, perfect life you two created together.

"She's even more beautiful than I imagined," Zack murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. "Look at those little fingers, those rosebud lips... she's absolutely perfect."

You smile, your heart swelling with love and pride. "She certainly is. And she got her daddy's gorgeous eyes."

Zack chuckles softly, carefully adjusting his hold on the baby. "I don't know about that.. hers are way prettier than mine." He glances up at you, his blue eyes shining with tender affection. "You did amazing today. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks to you," you say, reaching out to stroke your daughter's downy cheek. "You were my rock through it all. I couldn't have done it without you."

Zack shakes his head. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what. That's a promise." He brings the baby closer, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "And I'll always be here for you too, little one. To love you, protect you, and guide you. You'll never be alone."

Tears prick at the corners of your eyes as you watch this incredible man, your husband and the father of your child, pouring his heart out to your daughter. In this moment, you feel like the luckiest woman in the world.

"What should we name her?" you ask softly, glancing between Zack and the baby.

Zack smiles, his gaze never leaving the child in his arms. "How about Bernadette? Then I can call her Beanie."

You feel a surge of emotion at the suggestion. "Bernadette... I love it. It's perfect."

"Beanie it is then," Zack says with a playful smirk, you could only roll her eyes.

NAPTIME

You sigh in exhaustion as you try to rock your cranky toddler to sleep, your back aching from the effort. Little Lyney has been fussy all day and nothing seems to soothe him.

Suddenly, you hear a soft knock at the door and your husband Vincent pokes his head in, his face etched with concern. "Is everything alright in here?"

You shake your head, trying not to snap. "No, he just won't settle down. I've tried everything."

Vincent steps into the room, his eyes soft with sympathy. "Here, let me try." He gently takes Lyney from your arms, cradling him against his chest.

To your surprise, the toddler's cries subside almost instantly, replaced by small, hiccuping breaths as he nuzzles into Vincent's neck.

"What's your secret?" you ask, watching in awe as your normally stoic husband coos soft words to your son, his fingers stroking his back in soothing circles.

"No idea," he says with a hint of a smile.

You roll your eyes good-naturedly. "Well, I'm glad one of us got him to calm down. You're a miracle worker."

Vincent just shrugs, continuing to rock Lyney. Within minutes, his eyes are fluttering closed as he drifts off to sleep, safe and content in his father's arms.

You feel a surge of love and gratitude for this incredible man who can calm your child with just a touch and a whisper. "Thank you," you mouth silently, not wanting to disturb the peace.

Vincent meets your gaze, his red eyes warm and tender. "Anything for you and our little one," he murmurs.

You share a smile, marveling at the beautiful family you've created together. Even on the toughest days, you know you'll always have each other's love and support to get through.

PREGNANT

You walk into the living room where your husband Reno is lounging on the couch, watching TV. You plop down next to him with a smile.

"Hey babe," you say casually, "I have some news. I'm pregnant."

Reno's eyes widen and he nearly drops the remote. "Whoa whoa whoa, back up. Did you just say...you're pregnant?"

You nod, still grinning. "Yep. I took a test this morning. We're gonna be parents!"

He stares at you in shock for a moment before breaking into a huge grin. "Holy shit, really? That's amazing!" He jumps up and pulls you into a tight hug. "I love you so much!"

You laugh and hug him back. "I love you too."

"I can't believe it," Reno says, shaking his head in amazement as he pulls back to look at you. "Me, a dad. This is incredible."

"I know, right? We'll be good parents, won't we?" You ask unsure.

He kisses you deeply. "Damn straight we are. I'm gonna be the best dad ever. And you're gonna be a hot mom."

You smack his arm playfully. "Watch it, mister. I'm already hormonal."

Reno chuckles and pulls you close again. "Alright, alright, I'll behave. For now." He winks. "But seriously, this is the best news I've ever heard. I love you so damn much."

"I love you too." You lean your head on his shoulder, feeling so grateful and excited for this new chapter. "Guess we better start looking into baby names and strollers, huh?"

Reno takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself. "You're right. I'm just... wow. A baby. Our baby." He grins ear to ear. "I can't wait to meet this little guy or gal. And to see you all glowing and round with my child... it's a dream come true."

TRAINING

You watch with a mixture of pride and apprehension as your husband Genesis stands in the backyard with your ten-year-old son, Caspian, demonstrating some basic sword techniques. Both of them are wielding wooden practice swords, moving gracefully through the forms.

"Let's see that lunge again," Genesis says, his voice firm but encouraging.

Caspian nods, setting himself and launching into the move. His form is a bit awkward, but you can see the determination in his eyes as he tries to mimic his father's fluid motions.

Genesis steps in, gently correcting Caspian's stance. "There you go. Nice and steady. Keep practicing that footwork."

You smile, remembering how excited Caspian had been when Genesis first offered to teach him swordplay. Your son has always looked up to his father, admiring his strength and skill.

As the lessons continue, you wander over, leaning against a nearby tree to watch. Genesis glances up, catching your eye and giving you a warm smile. It's moments like these that make your heart swell - seeing the bond between your husband and son growing stronger every day.

"He's a natural," you comment, nodding towards Caspian as he practices on the dummy.

Genesis chuckles, proudly. "He's got good instincts. And he listens well. That's half the battle."

You step closer, wrapping your arms around Genesis's waist from behind. He relaxes against you, his wooden sword clattering to the ground as he leans into you.

"You're a great teacher," you murmur, nuzzling his neck. "He's so lucky to have you."

Genesis turns his head, pressing a quick kiss to your temple. "We're both lucky. To have each other, and this little guy." He jerks his chin towards Caspian, who is now attempting a spinning slash, much to his own amusement.

You laugh, shaking your head fondly. "He's going to be just like you, isn't he?"

Genesis chuckles, watching Caspian's dramatic spin. "Well, I hope not too much like me. I was a bit of a troublemaker in my youth."

You snort. "I don't doubt it."

Genesis grins, turning to face you fully. "But he also has your humility." He then leans in to kiss your lips softly.

You melt into the tender embrace, savoring the warmth and affection in your husband's touch. Genesis has always been a passionate lover, but it's the little moments like these - the stolen kisses, the casual touches, the shared glances full of understanding - that truly make your heart flutter.

As you pull away, you catch Caspian watching you with a disgusted look. You clear your throat, giving him a playful glare. "Eyes on the training dummy, mister!"

Caspian laughs, shaking his head. "Sorry, Mom!" He turns back to his training.

FIRST CRUSH

You watch with an amused smile as your husband Angeal paces back and forth in the kitchen, muttering under his breath. He's been in a tizzy ever since your six-year-old daughter Lily came home from school gushing about her new "boyfriend".

"I can't believe she's already crushing on boys," Angeal grumbles, running a hand through his black hair. "She's too young for that nonsense."

You stifle a laugh, setting down your coffee mug. "Oh honey, it's perfectly normal. Remember, you were her age once. I'm sure you had your fair share of little girl crushes."

Angeal scoffs, crossing his arms. "Yeah, well, I was a normal boy. I didn't care about girls, thought they all had cooties."

You raise an eyebrow at that comment. "Cooties, seriously? Don't worry, Angeal, she's six. She just thinks Timmy in her class is cute because he shares his snacks with her."

"I don't like it," Angeal insists stubbornly. "What if he breaks her heart? What if he's a bad influence? I should go have a talk with him..."

"Whoa, slow down there, tiger," you say, holding up your hands. "Let's not be crazy. Both kids will forget about it in a week."

Angeal sighs heavily, finally relenting. "Fine, fine. But I'm keeping a close eye on them. No sleepovers, no alone time, nothing."

You shake your head in exasperation, but can't help the affectionate smile tugging at your lips. "You're such an overprotective daddy," you tease, wrapping your arms around his waist. "But I love you for it."

Angeal relents, pulling you into a hug. "I just want to keep our little girl safe," he murmurs into your hair. "She's my whole world."

You smile softly, patting Angeal's chest. "Lily is lucky to have such a devoted daddy. She's only six right now, but remember, she's growing up. Soon enough she'll be a teenager with a REAL boyfriend. You can't shelter her forever."

Angeal takes a deep breath, nodding. "I know, I know. It's just hard seeing her get older. It feels like just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital."

"I remember," you say fondly, gazing up at him. "You were so nervous holding her for the first time, afraid you'd drop her or do something wrong. But the moment she looked up at you with those big blue eyes, you were hooked."

Angeal chuckles softly, his expression turning wistful. "She had me wrapped around her little finger from day one. I couldn't believe I helped create such a perfect little person."

You nod in understanding, recalling that moment yourself. "We created a miracle together. And now look at her - crushing on boys."

Angeal scowls, "No boys!"

You rolled your eyes, there was nothing you could do about that.

MEALTIME

You watch with amusement as your husband Tseng sits at the table, trying valiantly to feed your nine-month-old daughter Liling her lunch. He scoops up a spoonful of pureed carrots and holds it out to her, his expression serious and focused.

"Come on, Liling, open up," he coaxes gently, tapping the spoon against her lips.

But Liling just turns her head away, her little mouth pursed stubbornly. Tseng frowns, clearly frustrated. "What's wrong with her?" he asks, glancing over at you. "She always eats for you."

You smother a laugh, walking over to peek at Liling. "Well, maybe she just needs a little extra encouragement," you suggest.

Tseng rolls his eyes. "I'm not going to make silly faces to get her to eat," he insists stubbornly. "She needs to learn to eat properly like a big girl."

You smile, patting his shoulder. "Just do it. For her." 

Tseng sighs, clearly exasperated. But he can't deny how much Liling lights up whenever you interact with her. With a put-upon huff, he turns back to his daughter.

"Alright, alright," he grumbles. "Here goes nothing."

Liling blinks up at him curiously as Tseng contorts his face into an exaggerated grimace, sticking out his tongue and crossing his eyes. He waves the spoon of pureed carrots in front of her.

For a moment, Liling just stares at him, her brow furrowed in confusion. But then a little gurgle escapes her throat and she starts to giggle, her chubby cheeks quivering.

Tseng's stern expression melts into a grin. "Is that right? You like Daddy's silly faces, huh?"

He brings the spoon to her lips again and this time, Liling opens wide, eagerly accepting the food. Tseng beams, feeling a rush of pride and love.

"There's my good girl," he praises, continuing to feed her with exaggerated motions and goofy expressions. "You're doing so well."

You watch from the sidelines, your heart full. It warms your soul to see this softer, more playful side of your usually serious husband. Liling is a lucky little girl to have him as her father.

As Tseng finishes feeding Liling, she reaches up with her tiny hands, grabbing at his face. He laughs, nuzzling her palm.

"I love you, my little princess," he murmurs. "Daddy will always take care of you, no matter what."

You move closer, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "See, what that so hard?"

Tseng gives you a look, but leans into your touch. "Just.. don't tell anyone.."

FAMILY PHOTOS

You sigh in frustration, trying to corral your husband Rufus and your eight-year-old son Damian for the family photos. It's been an hour and the photographer is getting impatient.

"Rufus, please just stand still," you plead, adjusting your husband's tie for the umpteenth time. "And Damian, sweetie, can you at least look at the camera? We need to get this done."

Rufus rolls his eyes, looking bored. "Do we have to do this now? I have important work to get back to."

"Yes, we do," you say firmly. "It's our family photo. Now smile, dammit!"

Damian is busy trying to take his bow tie off, oblivious to your exasperation. You march over and gently pull his hand away. "Damian Shinra, I told you to leave it alone, young man."

"But Mommy," he whines, "it itches!"

You straighten his bow tie with a stern look. "I know, honey. But we have to look our best for the pictures, okay?"

Rufus clears his throat, drawing your attention. "Darling, perhaps we should reschedule. The boy is clearly not in the mood."

"No!" you snap, more forcefully than intended. "We're doing this today. Now everyone get in position before I lose my mind."

The photographer, sensing the tension, claps her hands. "Okay everyone, let's try this again. Rufus, can you put your arm around your wife? Damian, stand between your parents and give me a big smile."

Rufus and Damian groan but comply, Rufus's arm going stiffly around your waist. You plaster on the brightest smile you can manage, praying for this to be over soon.

"Say cheese!" the photographer chirps.

Click click click.

You breathe a sigh of relief as she announces they got the shots. Maybe they won't turn out too awful, despite the less than enthusiastic participants.

"That's a wrap, folks!" the photographer says cheerily. "You all looked great. I'll have the proofs ready for you in a week."

You exhale heavily, rubbing your temples. "Great.."

Rufus leans down to whisper in your ear. "I'm sorry darling. I know how much these photos mean to you." He presses a quick kiss to your cheek.

You soften, giving him a small smile. "Thank you, Rufus. I appreciate you humoring me."

Damian bounces over, his earlier tantrum forgotten. "Can we get ice cream now, Mommy? Pleeease?"

You chuckle, ruffling his hair. "Okay, fine."

[rottenpumpkin13]

we need more Tseng content

Out Of Context Things Tseng Has Seen Around The Shinra Building

• Reeve walking into a board meeting with a paintball gun, going "This is no longer a safe space."

• Sephiroth and Chadley playing darts with cutout of Professor Hojo's head as the target.

• Rufus, Cissnei, Zack and Lazard playing soccer with the decapitated head of the President Shinra statue.

• Cait Sith and Sephiroth wearing matching friendship bracelets.

• Zack Fair screaming, hanging onto Dark Star's leash, being dragged around the Skyview Hall after a failed attempt at walking them.

• Reno and Rude attempting to domesticate a raccoon that had collar with the name "Princess" on it.

• Lazard beating Heidegger with a rolled up magazine, also during a board meeting.

• Angeal, panicked, heading into the elevator holding a fully grown cannabis plant while going "shit shit shit shit shit shit shit"

• During an interdepartmental meeting in the auditorium, the turks and SOLDIERs sitting on opposite sides, trash talking each other. What shocked Tseng was Sephiroth flashing Reno the middle finger.

• Cloud Strife braiding Sephiroth's hair. Genesis approached and began teasing them for being childish. Cloud calmly finished the braid before beating Genesis with it (repeatedly).

• Lazard and Rufus carrying a coffin at either end. Fearing the worse, Tseng intercepted them and demanded that they open it. Inside he found Sephiroth (alive). When asked what he was doing, Sephiroth replied "serving as a practice dummy"

• Scarlett walking in Genesis' direction, followed by Genesis diving under a nearby table, followed by Sephiroth pointing at said table and telling her "He loves to play hide and seek."

• Sephiroth happily coming back from Reeve's office carrying a box of legos.

• Cissnei holding Zack's legs while Angeal holds Zack's arms. They're carrying him to medical while Zack squirms and and shouts: "RELEASE ME! I DON'T HAVE THE FLU! I JUST DRANK ORANGE SODA TOO FAST AND THREW UP! WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?"

• Reno standing at a corner selling brownies. Fearing the worst, he intercepted, but found out that they were just regular brownies and Reno had just recently gotten into baking as a hobby.

Zack was standing in line and was very unhappy.

Zack: Aw, man. They're just regular brownies? This is false advertising!

Reno: What about the advertising indicates that they're edibles?

Zack: The fact that you're selling them.

• Cloud dropping down from the vents, followed by Zack, followed by Angeal, followed by Genesis, followed by Sephiroth. They're all wearing glow stick necklaces. When asked what they were doing, Sephiroth replied "friendship"

• The turks and SOLDIERs were made to put on a theater performance to promote interdepartmental bonding. Tseng was made to supervise the practices. Tseng gave up after he walked into the first practice and saw:

1) Cloud suspended from the ceiling, reciting Loveless boredly while a group of people panic, trying to get him down.

2) Reno and Zack fighting (loudly) over who gets to play the role of Tree #4. This argument quickly turned physical.

3) Genesis sitting in a director chair, shouting at Sephiroth through a megaphone, instructing him to sweep the stage better. Sephiroth grew impatient and thwacked the chair legs with his broom, breaking it. Genesis fell (violently).

4) Rude wearing a wig.

[ellenhghg]

I hope its alright to request something? But hear me out!! Reader has a secret pole in her room at the ShinRa HQ (she can be a SOLDIER, Ancient or whatever) and also a honeybee costume. Well one day she finds herself stuck to the pole with handcuffs behind her and calls either Cloud or Sephiroth (you choose who you like to write for) to help her. Like what would be their reaction to the call? Btw I really love how accurate you write all of them I am soooo starved for more!!!!!! <3333

Yess keep requesting away! I wrote one for Cloud and Sephiroth since this was really fun to write. I really hope you like it! Also everything between «» are thoughts, thought that would be a cute touch. And Pre Nibelheim Thank you soo much for your love!! ♥♥

♡‧₊˚ Cloud: Cloud blinks as his PHS buzzes insistently, the ringtone he chose for you blaring tinny and shrill in the locker room. He fumbles for the device, nearly dropping it in his haste.

«The hell…? Y/N never calls me unless it's an emergency… or she's tryin' to rope me into another one of her crazy schemes.»

Dread pooling in his gut, Cloud flips open the PHS, bracing himself for the worst.

"Hello? Y/N, what's—"

"CLOUD! THANK GAIA!"

Cloud winces, yanking the PHS away from his ear as your panicked shout nearly bursts his enhanced eardrums. His brow furrows, a spike of worry lancing through him at the barely-restrained hysteria in your voice.

"Y/N? What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"NO I'M NOT OKAY!"

There's a scuffling sound, followed by a metallic clang and a string of muffled curses. Cloud's eyes widen, his mind immediately jumping to the worst case scenario.

"Are you under attack?! Where are you?! I swear to Shiva, if someone's hurt you, I'll—"

"What? NO! No no no, nothing like that!"

Your voice is strained, tinged with embarrassment and a hint of… is that laughter? Cloud blinks, confusion momentarily overriding his panic.

"…Okay, so what's with the screaming? You nearly gave me a heart attack, woman!"

"Sorry, sorry! I just… Gaia, this is so embarrassing…"

You take a deep breath, the sound crackling down the line. When you speak again, your voice is small, almost sheepish.

"I, uh… I might have gotten myself into a bit of a situation. With the, um… the pole in my room."

Cloud's brain stalls, trying to process this new information. Pole? What pole? Why would you have a—

Oh. OH.

Suddenly, the pieces click into place - the Honeybee Inn costume he'd glimpsed in your closet, the way you'd been humming those catchy burlesque tunes under your breath, the mysterious 'dance lessons' you'd been sneaking off to for weeks…

«Sweet Shiva on a stick. She's been learning to pole dance. POLE DANCE.»

Cloud's face flushes bright red, a strangled noise escaping his throat. He clears it hastily, trying to will away the sudden rush of blood to his… ahem, nether regions.

"You, uh… You got stuck? On the pole?"

He cringes at the way his voice cracks, high and thready with barely-restrained panic. Gaia, could this BE any more awkward?!

"…Maybe? I mean, definitely. Definitely stuck. Very stuck."

Your voice is a mortified whimper, muffled like you've got your face buried in your hands… or the crook of your elbow, if Cloud's mental image is accurate.

«Okay, Strife, keep it together. Y/N needs your help, not your horny teenage daydreams! Focus!»

Taking a deep, calming breath, Cloud forces himself to think past the haze of embarrassment and… other feelings he's not quite ready to examine.

"Alright, just… hang tight, okay? I'll be there in five. Don't move!"

A beat of silence, then a snort.

"…Really, Cloud? 'Don't move'? I'm literally stuck to a pole!"

"You know what I mean!"

Face burning, Cloud snaps the PHS shut, already moving towards the door. He pointedly ignores Zack's raised eyebrow and knowing grin, shouldering past his friend with a growled "Not a word, Fair. Not. A. Word."

He's out the door and halfway down the hall before Zack can even open his mouth, enhanced speed carrying him towards your room in record time.

«Hang on, Y/N. I'm comin'. Just… try not to do anything else stupid 'til I get there, alright?»

And if his mind happens to conjure up a few tantalizing images of the predicament he might find you in, well… he's only human, right? Er, SOLDIER. Whatever.

«Gaia help me, I am so screwed…»

♡‧₊˚ Sephiroth: The harsh buzzing of his PHS jolts Sephiroth out of his paperwork-induced trance. He frowns, glancing at the caller ID with a mix of annoyance and trepidation.

«Y/N? She never calls me directly unless it's an emergency…»

Suppressing a sigh, he flips open the device, bracing himself for whatever chaos you've managed to stir up this time.

"Y/N. To what do I owe the—"

"SEPH! THANK GAIA YOU PICKED UP!"

Sephiroth winces, pulling the PHS away from his ear as your panicked shout threatens to rupture his enhanced eardrums. His brow furrows, a spike of concern lancing through him at the barely-restrained hysteria in your voice.

"Y/N? What's wrong? Are you alright?"

"NO! No I'm not alright! I'm— Gaia, this is so embarrassing…"

You trail off, a muffled thump and clatter echoing down the line. Sephiroth's grip tightens on the PHS, his mind already conjuring worst-case scenarios.

"Are you in danger? Do you need backup? Give me your location and I'll—"

"What? NO! No no no, nothing like that! I just… ugh, I can't believe I'm about to say this…"

You take a deep breath, the sound crackling through the speaker. When you speak again, your voice is small, tinged with mortification.

"I'm stuck."

Sephiroth blinks, certain he must have misheard. "…Stuck."

"Yes! Stuck! As in, I physically cannot move from my current position!"

"…I see. And what, pray tell, is your current position?"

There's a long, telling silence. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper:

"…I'm handcuffed to my pole dancing pole. In my Honeybee Inn costume."

For a moment, Sephiroth's brain short-circuits, unable to process this new information. You… pole dancing… Honeybee Inn costume… handcuffs…

«…I don't get paid enough for this.»

Closing his eyes, he pinches the bridge of his nose, feeling a migraine coming on. Of all the ridiculous, irresponsible things to do…

"Let me get this straight," he says slowly, enunciating each word with careful precision. "You, in all your infinite wisdom, decided it would be a good idea to play dress-up as a Honeybee girl and practice your, ahem, 'dance moves'… and somehow managed to get yourself handcuffed to your own pole. Is that about right?"

"…Maybe?"

Sephiroth sighs, long and deep, the sound reverberating through the phone line. "…Dare I ask how you even acquired a pole dancing pole in the first place?"

"I thought it would be a fun workout!"

He can practically HEAR the pout in your voice, the unspoken plea for understanding. It takes every ounce of his SOLDIER discipline not to bang his head against the desk.

«Gaia grant me strength… and a bottle of Junon's finest whiskey.»

With a herculean effort, Sephiroth forces down the urge to lecture, keeping his voice carefully neutral as he speaks.

"I see. And the handcuffs?"

"…I thought they'd add a little extra challenge?"

«Of course you did. Why am I even surprised at this point?»

Sephiroth drags a hand down his face, silently counting backwards from ten in every language he knows. It's a technique Genesis taught him, back in their early days as SOLDIERs.

«One day, that man's questionable 'stress relief' methods might actually come in handy. Miracles do happen, I suppose.»

"Alright," he says at last, resigned to his fate as your perpetual rescuer. "I assume you called me because you need assistance extricating yourself from this… predicament?"

"Yes please! I tried calling Cloud but he's not picking up and I'm starting to lose feeling in my—"

"Y/N."

He cuts you off before you can finish that thought, a muscle ticking in his jaw. The absolute LAST mental image he needs right now is Strife ogling your half-naked form.

Shoving down the irrational surge of overprotectiveness (and the FAR more disturbing flicker of jealousy), Sephiroth forces his voice into some semblance of calm professionalism.

"I'll be there shortly. Just… try not to make the situation any worse in the meantime."

"…How could it POSSIBLY get any wor—"

"Don't. Tempt. Fate."

He snaps the PHS shut before you can respond, already rising from his desk with a bone-deep weariness. The stack of reports will have to wait. He has a certain someone to rescue… again.

«The things I do for you, I swear… You're going to be the death of me one day.»

But even as the thought crosses his mind, Sephiroth can't quite suppress the tiny, traitorous spark of warmth in his chest. Exasperating as you may be, you're still the closest thing he has to family.

«And family looks out for each other… even when one of them is an absolute disaster of a human being.»

With a rueful shake of his head, Sephiroth strides out of his office, already mentally cataloguing the fastest route to your quarters. With any luck, he can have you untangled and decent before anyone else catches wind of this latest misadventure.

But he'll weather it, like he always does. Because that's what you do for the people you love… even when they drive you absolutely insane.

For now, he has a damsel in (self-inflicted) distress to save

[salternateunreality2]

Bodyguard Beefa AU again

Sephiroth is unhappy about Zack and Tifa. That is HIS little chocobo.

He gets to him after the burn incident, because Cloud catches an infection and has to go to the hospital due to his issues with geostigma.

Aerith forces Zack to go home and rest, and Tifa steps into the hallway to take a call. Sephiroth slips in through the window and this happens:

Cloud is hallucinating from the geostigma and thinks Sephiroth is part of the hallucinations, until he feels the hug, but by that point he's too scared to make a sound.

Fortunately, Tifa's spidey senses go off.

Tifa: Vin, I gotta go, something's off...*bursts into the room* OI! *Throws the 6'7" hulking crazyroth off her boy and gets between them, slamming the alarm in the process* HELP!

Sephiroth hears the footsteps running down the hall and spits blood at her before jumping back out the window. He is SO PISSED at her now.

Tifa slams it shut and locks it as Nurse Kunsel comes in.

Kunsel: Hey, what's going on? Is that blood? Whose blood? Mr. Strife, you ok?

Cloud can't hear him, he's just trembling and muttering about swans, clutching his own arms in a vice-like grip.

Tifa: Call security and the police, his stalker got in through the window somehow. That's whose blood it is. I think Cloud's ok, but let me check, he's still hallucinating and he knows me and hates hospitals.

Kunsel nods and gets to work.

Tifa: Cloud? Cloud, hon, he's gone. Tifa kicked him out, ok? Did he hurt you? Let Teefs see...there, let's relax this hand...good. Other hand...ok, I don't see any marks. What are you seeing and hearing?

Cloud: T-t-teef...s-swans, they're still here, they're all over, don't move, they'll hurt you, be careful, Tifa, be careful

Tifa: Ok, I'll be careful. Are you hurt?

Cloud shakes his head.

Tifa: That's great Cloud, you're doing great. Did he give you anything? Shots, drinks, food, lotion?

Cloud shakes his head again.

Cloud: N-no. Tifa left *whine*...

Tifa: I'm back, I'm right here, holding your hand.

Cloud: He came through the-the window, he came in and *closes his eyes and shudders* said...stuff...I thought he wasn't real, I'm sorry, I thought he was like the swans, I didn't know, he hugged me but I didn't know, I was scared, I thought, I thought...

Tifa: It makes sense Cloud, it's ok. I don't blame you. It's ok. I thought something felt off and came right back, you're safe now.

Cloud: I thought he wasn't real but he was, but then Shiva came in and threw him out. Are...are you Shiva?

Tifa: I'm Tifa, but probably Shiva too, in this case.

Cloud: Can I...hug?

Tifa: Of course, Cloud.

He timidly buries his burning head in her neck and cries, clutching her shirt at her sides.

Tifa: Can I hug you back?

Cloud: yes!

Tifa, careful not to replicate the way Sephiroth did it, hugs him close, murmuring reassurances.

Zack is miffed and worried in the morning when he finds out nobody woke him up, but he gets it and Cloud is safe in a different, more secure room. Tifa is also staying with him except for breaks where she swaps with someone else.

The incident did NOT help Cloud's health, at all. He has dark bags under his eyes and is even more twitchy today, and the hallucinations won't leave. His fever is still high and the geostigma is still raging under all the stress.

Seeing Zack DOES help, and he's finally able to get some sleep. Zack stores that little fact firmly in his mind to gloat over in private, once this is all sorted out. He lets a hint of it slip to Aerith and she teases him mercilessly.

Tifa and Aerith when they start getting more details from the boys about the stalker. They are taking no shit and kicking all the Sephi-ass they can.

Next

[prismaticpichu]

Miscellaneous FF7 Floofcanons To Heal Me From Rebirth 💕

• Zack, unsure of how to properly use chopsticks just sticks them in his mouth and pretends to be a walrus. Angeal tells him to have some respect just before Sephiroth picks up his own chopsticks and imitates Zack

• Genesis, quietly reciting Loveless lines to Sephiroth as the man lays ill in bed. There’s a steaming bowl of soup on the nightstand that Angeal just brought in. Gradually, Sephiroth begins to fall asleep in the presence of his two treasured friends. Friends who had been gone all week on a mission, all the way across the continent, and now were back safe and sound by his side.

• Zack, bringing Aerith a handmade Cactuar plushie for her birthday and then proceeding to do the Dance™️

• Zack and Cloud, having claimed a table in the mess hall that they eat at every day together. Zack is often invited to sit with his posse of other SOLDIER buddies, but always chooses to stay right there with Cloud. The two share a bucket of french fries every Friday.

• Lazard, having access to the files, sending out a mass email to everyone in ShinRa informing people that it’s Sephiroth’s birthday; everyone chips in to throw a surprise party for their general—all orchestrated by Genesis and Angeal, who keep Sephiroth out of the base by taking him on a picnic

• Sephiroth and Zack, devising a plan where Seph secretly stitches Zack’s clothes back together every time he rips something on a mission. He always makes sure to mend the uniform before Angeal ever finds out.

• Cloud, writing anonymous appreciation letters to Sephiroth that he asks Zack to deliver; Zack delivers them personally, and Sephiroth always writes back thank you notes for Zack to deliver back

• Angeal and Genesis, getting Sephiroth a little fish to brighten up his office. Sephiroth names the animal “Yūjō”, which translates to “friendship.”

• Angeal and Genesis and Sephiroth, rotating between their apartments each Saturday for movie night. When Angeal invites Zack into the friend group, he added the tradition of bringing candy and soda.

• Angeal and Genesis, always making sure their schedule is clear on Mother’s Day so they can stay by Sephiroth’s side. The first time Genesis and Angeal used their permission to deny a mission as a First was so they could be with their friend that day.

• Angeal, always making sure to have Zack’s favorite dinner prepared for whenever he returns from missions. Genesis always makes sure the TV remote is free while Sephiroth greets Zack in the hallway. He asks for his usual “secret Zack hug”, and the two only go inside once it’s been given.

• Angeal and Sephiroth & Genesis, all tutoring Zack to give Zack the education he missed out on when he ran away from home at age 13. Genesis focuses on art and literature, Angeal focuses on history, and Sephiroth focuses on math and science.

• Tseng, delivering Zack a hefty check on his birthday with a little note that reads “SOLDIERs really should be paid equal”

• Zack, putting up a bulletin board over his bed that reads “Home”. Over his time at ShinRa, the sparse photos of his parents and childhood are gradually joined by photos from missions and his fondest memories with Genesis, Angeal, Sephiroth, Cloud, Kunsel, the Turks, and all his other treasured friends

• Zack and Sephiroth, cocooned in each other’s arms as they lie in bed together. Their heads are touching, their eyes are closed. And in that delicate moment Zack mumbles, “you and me, Seph…” To which Sephiroth softly completes with, “forever.”

This has been your friendly dose of Pichu. Hope you have a wonderful night! <3

[strayheartless]

Strifehart story idea:

I love totally functioning and loving relationship Strifehart, but I also like 'worked really hard to get to that point' strifehart. I don't think it was easy for either of them to be vulnrable with eachother; they are both increadibly closed off and somewhat cold as people. So I've been formulating this slow-ish burn fic that I want on opinion on?

So it starts with Tifa and Cloud deciding to stay in Radient Gardens after the events of KH2. Cloud's been searching for Zack, which has led him down more dark paths than is strictly healthy and he decides to stay for a while and help Tifa set up her new bar.

Along the way he somehow gets pulled into helping with the RGRC (by Aerith and Yuffie) and via this has a proper introduction with Squall. They work together on some projects and get along well enough in so much as they like the fact that they can work in the same room together in silence and not irritate each other.

One night they are up late working on the new hydroelectric power generator for the city hall. When they finally finish Leon suggests Cloud crash in his spare room instead of dragging himself all the way to seventh heaven across town. Cloud accepts and when they get in Squall offers him a drink and they sit and chat for a while.

Niether of them know what led them to kiss. It wasn't the 'mood of the moment' and they certainly weren't drunk, but they do kiss, and then in a move neither of them saw coming they end up sleeping together.

Cloud is out of the house before the sun rises the next morning, and Squall doesn't feel bothered by it. But then it keeps happening. Never at work, and always in Squalls house, never Clouds apartment. Cloud is always gone before Squall is awake, and they never ever talk about it, or even reference it in passing.

Thing's start to get complicated however, when Cloud decides that he's spent enough time 'playing house' and needs to go back out to make sure Sephiroth is still discorporated, and to search for any signs of when happened to Zack.

Squall is...

Squall is bothered by it. Not by Cloud looking for Zack, He knows thats long and complicated and not his business anyhow. He's not the Jelous type, and he's certainly not going to be jelous over a relationship he doesn't even have! But he finds himself feeling strangly hollow when he turns around and Cloud is not there in his office, or on construction sights.

He starts thinking about it more and more; agonisisng over the fact that when he's alone in bed, while he knows Cloud is on a different world, he can feel Cloud's absence next to him. It drives Squall mad.

It takes a while for him to figure out that he's falling for Cloud and when Cloud finally comes back, waking up without him there after their nights together starts to hurt. He wonders if he's letting himself be used, and the voice in the back of his head that sounds an awful lot like Rinoa tells him 'if he feels like that he needs to talk to Cloud'.

In true Squall Leonhart fashion however he doesn't and it begins to fester. Until one night when Squalls at home and can't sleep, he is pulled from his brooding over the kettle by a knock at the door.

It's two o'clock in the morning, everyone in the city is usually asleep by now, yet when he opens the door he find's Cloud, glassy eyed and frightened. He immidiatly ushers the other man in, checking him over and getting him to sit on the couch.

it doesn't take long to realise whats happened. Aerith and Tifa had warned all of them that Cloud's mental health was delicate. Squall had seen him have episodes before, but they were usually short bursts of forgetfulness; moments where Cloud would become agitated by not remembering what he'd done with a tool. This was something wholey more frightening.

Cloud didn't know why he'd come to Squall or what had caused him to feel he had to seek someone out. There were lucid moments where he'd answer to his name and others where he would look straight through Squall when the man called to him.

Squall eventually gets Cloud to lie down in the spare room, but after about an hour Cloud is up and crawling into Squalls bed and Squall doesn't know what to do to offer comfort except let Cloud sleep holding his hand; letting him hear Squalls breathing and his heart beat.

The next morning Cloud wakes to the smell of warm coffee and omlette. He tries to emotionally unvailable his way out of the door but Squall won't let him get away with it. in hind sight he could probably overpower Squall but that irritating ache thats been in his heart since he started sleeping with the man makes him stay.

Squall won't let up on the hard stares over breakfast and Cloud refuses to elaborate on what happened. Eventually they come to a stalemate and have to go to work.

but something changes between them. There's still a distinct lack of communication. Squall still feels like he's letting himself be used and its beginning to hurt more than he is willing to admit. Cloud is still fighting against every molicule in his body over how fast he's fallen for Squall. However, there is no Denying things are different.

Their eye's linger on each other now, where they hadn't before. Cloud at least lets Squall wake up before he leaves. people notice that they move differently with eachother, and Aeirth thinks thier secretly dating and she teases a very distressed Cloud over it until she realises that he looks like he wants to cry, but doesn't

Their frequent meetings don't exactly "change". They still have sex, Cloud still leaves, and they still don't adress it even inside the walls of Squalls house.

The fact that some nights they have to stop because Cloud has started crying is new though. Squall is always the one who puts a stop to it because he can see quite clearly that Cloud is incredibly vulnrable. Its scary to watch because Cloud doesn't cry. It's scary for Cloud too because he doesn't cry.

the whole thing comes to a head when Cloud turns up one night looking badly beaten. He'd picked a fight with a hearless swarm while looking for clues on Zack and ended up having to crawl through a dark corridor just to escape. He's unconcerned for his own state of being and Squalls had it with him. He drags Cloud into the bathroom and rants and raves at him while cleaning him up and casting healing spells over broken ribs.

He yells about how stupid and reckless and dumb you have to be to go up against a swarm on your own. He yells about the fact that Cloud has spent too long being allowed to get away with all this stupid behaviour and that he's going to get himself killed and...

"And how do you think I'll feel huh? when you die and I'm just here waiting for you to come back like the stupid fucking idiot that I am! when I'm sat here fucking wondering why the hell I let myself fall in love with you. God I'm so fucking stupid, this is ridiculous, I'm just convenient for you and I should be fine with that, but I'm not and its just so FUCKING STUPID!"

The door to the cabinet gets slammed so hard it comes off of a hinge, and suddely Cloud is staring at Squall who has dropped to a crouch, hands still holding on to the counter above him, as he lets out a scream of fustration that he muffles betreen his forearms.

Cloud is so dumb struck that he can only slip off of the counter, and kneel on the floor to hug Squall from behind.

After that they finally talk about what they've been doing. Its not easy; both of then have never been masters of the spoken word, but they realise that they've both been hurting eachother without realising it. Cloud by leaving Squall alone to feel used, and Squall by not seeing that Clouds tears and vulnrability was a plea to be more to him.

They discuss bounderies and ways they can communicate better. They talk about moving past just sleeping together and attempting something like a relationship. They negotiate likes and dislikes, needs and wants, hopes and fears.

In short they start the long road to being a functional and healthy couple.

[ff7-has-taken-me-over]

“I love you.”

Cloud pulled his phs away, squinting a single eye open to look at the screen. It was definitely Zack’s name on the screen and it said it was only 0200 up in the corner, far too early to be dealing with Zack and whatever drunken mistakes he was committing.

“Zack, it’s Cloud. What’re you doing?”

The pounding music in the that could be heard faintly in the back faded out a little more, as if the other man was leaving whatever club he was previously getting hammered in.

“I know it’s you silly. Jus’ wanted to let ya know…”

Cloud hummed quietly, deciding this would be one of those situations where he just nodded along and agreed, even if he didn’t really know what was going on.

“Ok. Love you too I guess.”

Zack didn’t need to know Cloud meant it in any significant way, best friends said this sort of thing to each other all the time right? He was just, returning sentiments.

“Really?! That’s great! We should do lunch! Tomorrow. After sleep.”

Cloud hummed again, already slipping back into said sleep as he answered.

“Sure. Sounds great.”

Zack said some unintelligible things after that, something about dinners and dates or something. Cloud wasn’t sure. He’d fallen asleep before he heard it all.

…..

“Cloudy!”

Said blond turned on his heel, hand slipping off the cafeteria door as he smiled at his friend. Zack was grinning like a loon, near sprinting down the hall in his efforts to catch up. Cloud waited for him to catch up, laughing softly when the older man nearly crashed into four different people on his way down.

He was going to turn to make his way through the doors once Zack had caught up, hand on the door again before he was being swept up. Zack had his arms around his waist, lifting him off the ground and spinning him once before he was being put down again.

Every protest died when Zack leant forward, sealing their lips together with a smiling kiss that was more teeth than actual lips, “Morning baby.”

Cloud could’ve sworn he’d died and gone to heaven with what was most definitely his wildest dream coming true. But when Zack grabbed his hand, his grip just the slightest bit too tight due to his excitement, he knew it was definitely reality. The only question was how it was his reality.

“Ah! I’m so glad you said you loved me back last night! I was so scared but Kunsel kept saying I should just do it and he was so right cause look! We’re dating!”

Zack held their joined hands up in example, beaming so bright that he received a few glares from half awake people around them. Cloud didn’t mind much, way too stuck on his friends (boyfriends?!) words from before.

He’d actually meant that? It wasn’t some weird drunken dare or mistake?? He’d actually meant to call Cloud and confess to him?! What the fuck?!

[a-random-pillow]

When the Heating System Breaks

Despite Shinra being a muilt billion dollar business the heating system for the SOLDER floor breaks on what just so happens that to be the coldest day of the year.

Lazard is the first person to really feel the chill since he is not enhanced. Only compounded by the fact that his office has window that isn’t making his situation any warmer. On top of that he didn’t bother to bring a coat today because he toke the completely underground and completely insulated subway.

Angeal can hear the director’s teeth chattering as he walks by and his office, enchanced hearing you know. So Angeal peaks in (Angeal is still in a sleeveless top) and sees Lazard trying to work while freezing. Angeal is a good, honourable person who would not let another go cold if he can help it. So Angeal goes back to his room and gets is warmest sweat shirt and brings it to Lazard.

Lazard knowing Angeal is a good person who probably dosen’t haven any alt tier motives, accepts.

For a few hours, everything is fine, until the SOIlDERS start feeling the chill. Zack, remembering cold winters cuddled up with his family and their dogs during in front of the fire place descides the best course of action is to drag the blankets off as many beds as he can find and then bring all those blankets to the break room. The break room has no fire place but it dose have a bunch of comfy couches(thank Lazard for those).

The first one to join Zack in the break room is Genesis who came looking for his blankets. He storms in all angery and literally sparking, Zack realizes he has found his fire place. Thanks to some combat, a lot of negotiation and a promise to let Genesis play his audio copy of Loveless: Read by the Broadway cast, Zack convinces Genesis to stick around.

When Rouche sees this paradise in the break room he decides in that moment to dedicate the next 30 minutes of his life to run around the 1-2 solider floors to get as many people safe and warm as possible. Most people who come join the break room nest bring their own blankets and pillows, soon the whole room has been consumed by soft, warm and cuddly things.

When Angeal walks in to see this, he smiles and goes to make his famous hot chocolate.

Sephiroth had a similar idea but only with Genesis, Angeal and Zack instead of everyone but he can’t find them. So he is kinda sad when he goes to round them up, pillow and a bunch of his sweaters in hand and all of them being nowhere on sight or seemingly anywhere in their floor. In fact, no one seems to be anywhere in the SOILDER floors which is worrying. But thankfully he hears the sound of chatter and Loveless like a call form a Siren and finds the break room.

When Sephiroth joins in be isn’t really comfortable being so near so many people, so he carves out a small nook for himself in the corner of the room with only Genesis, Zack and Angeal allowed in. (Sephiroth gives Gen,Angl and Zack all one of his hoodies because he read on the web that hoodies form male friends are extremely warm and cozy. Especially if they come form a tall male friend)

Zack very dramatically declares that he needs to go find Cloud and dramatically opens the door, pretends to be buffered by winds before slowly walking into the hall.

The infantry still has heating but that doesn’t stop Zack form grabbing Cloud and dragging him back to the break room with him. Cloud realizes he is stuck here and join’s Sephiroth’s quite corner.

Angeal remebers Lazard an un-enhanced person who might me dead because of the cold(there was no chance of Lazard dying). When Angeal shows up Lazard is napping and Angeal thinks he might be dead and because Lazard is the only director SOILDER universally likes he kinda panics. Angeal picks him up which wakes up Lazard.

L: What are you doing?!?

A: Saving you! Good to see you are alive

L: why won’t I be?

A: you nearly froze to death??

L: I did not

A: …

L: can you just pick up my laptop before you drag me off to where ever you are planning to take me?

Angeal comes back with Lazard who he then wraps and blankets, gives hot chocolate and places in the middle of the SOILDERs. Lazard just roles with it and continues his work.

Later Rufus comes looking for Lazard because he thinks his secret brother might enjoy working in a warm office rather then this cold hell. He looks around and is rather concerned to see no one on the Soilder floor so he calls the Turks.

It takes five minutes to find the break room, Reno manages to take a few photos before he is noticed and chased out. Ten minutes later the heat returns and they all clean up the break room before heading back to their rooms. Expect for Cloud, Genesis, Angeal and Zack who Sephiroth brings to his room to order take out.

TEMPERATURE TEST: SUCESS

It appeared that the the failure of the heating system caused the Soilders to pool their resources and make a Base of operations within the break room. They used specific skills like Commander Rhpadous’e fire materia control to heat the room. They defended the base form any attacks and even brought in non-SOILDERS for support. Genral Sephiroth even joined although he allows Fair to take the lead, clearly a form of training.

Notes:

Vice President Shinra:

Before you do this again alert me, it would have been nice to develop better relationships with Director Lazard.

Turk Reno:

Lovely to see. they were like Owls. Like to see this again.

Professor Hojo:

I will ensure Sephiroth is not in the building next time this happens. Gifting iteams of clothing is a sigh of developing relationships. Also I demand somone get me somone of Commander Hewley’s hot chocolate.

Lazard looks up form the PDA he ‘borrowed’ form President Shinra’s desk. He wonders if he could kill them all the with poisoned hot chocolate.

[dark-elf-writes]

YES YES YES HOLY SHIT YES

That made me just picture cloud wayyyy too close to heat stomping out of his room (maybe shinra just gives omegas their own?) and searching for more swords with blurry eyes because his nest just wasn’t comfortable. It feels wrong and he needs to fix it but no amount or rearranging has helped and that means he needs something new.

So cloud manages to get himself to the troopers armory and tries sorting through the weapons just for them to be dull edged and unbalanced. When he resigns himself to bringing back nothing he stumbles through the hallways and is all but hissing in frustration

Which is, of course, when he sees one of the most beautiful swords he’s ever seen strapped to the back of a very tall man.

Sephiroth watching in confusion as a little trooper, with eyes hazed with pre-heat, tries to take Masamune from his back completely unaware or uncaring that he is trying to steal from the Silver General himself in broad daylight in front of witnesses (a shell shocked Angeal and cackling Genesis). He is almost tempted to let the little trooper take it just to see what he does with it.

Then Zack comes down the hall frantic and worried to lure the little omega away with another sword

Sephiroth is more than a little in love.

[pine-needle-shuffle]

Game plan

"This sucks."

Pulling on the ShinRa issued blues, Yuffie scowled. Dawning the uniform of the enemy was the last thing she wanted to be doing. It was insulting. And just. So. Itchy. ShinRa had to have a better budget than this, right?

Hanging loose, the uniform bunched awkwardly under the plates as she tried to put them on. It was all around to big, but it'd have to work. At least for this one mission.

Taking a breath, she turned back to her bed, and grabs the helmet she set aside.

Opening the door and stepping into the hallway, Yuffie hangs her head, helmet still in hand. An infiltration mission? She should be stoked. But an air of disdain dampened the mood, she wanted nothing to do with the damn company, even if it's fake.

Down in the bridge, the others were waiting to see her off.

Making her way down, she passed Cloud in the corridor, trying her damnedest not to meet his eyes. That didn't stop her from seeing the way his wings stiffened as she walked by, or how his pace quickened. He used to see people in these uniforms all the time, what was his deal?

Filing away his reaction, Yuffie continued down the hall until she made it to the bridge doors.

They were all looking at her, expectant. They just needed to discuss the plan, that was it. Taking a seat, she straightens her back, attention on the plan.

As the briefing went on, the less she heard. Eyes shifted to her on and off, and the longer she sat, the worse the uniform felt.

Trying to wring her attention back in, she stared intently on the board set up in front, Barret and Cait motioning to it now and again. But even then, it was starting to grate on her again. That second skin made of cheap, rough cotton felt as though it was eating her alive.

Yuffie barely heard the end of the team's explanation, something about Zack being her ride out of the base.

[altocat]

Its absolutely freezing rn for me so how do AGSZC do with cold/what do they do?

Angeal: Wears five layers of protective clothing. Looks completely ridiculous waddling down the hall in twelve different jackets but he's the only one on the floor who ISN'T shivering so good for him.

Sephiroth: He's extremely durable in almost every type of temperature and weather but also REFUSES to leave his bed. He spends all his free time huddling under the sheets glaring at everyone. Attempting to drag him from his blanket fortress might result in actual murder.

Genesis: Skilled with fire magic and is perfectly capable of keeping himself warm but would honestly rather loudly complain about it the entire time because he knows it annoys them. Is comically posing and bewailing his discomfort all over the main lounge before snickering because people are practically BEGGING him to burn something. Angeal gives him PERMISSION to be destructive for once.

Zack: Goes shirtless and charges out into the rain and ice. He can BEAT the cold! He can radiate enough sunshine boy energy to conquer this impregnable foe! He gets the flu for an entire month afterwards and cries while Aerith pets him.

Cloud: His mother made him a hand-knit sweater from home, complete with his name stitched on the front because baby boy. But because he doesn't want to look uncool, he never wears it. He joins Zack on his Flu Cruise within days, partly because he didn't swallow his pride and bundle up, and partly because Zack kept hugging him.

[rottenpumpkin13]

Now I wonder what Kunsel has on everyone in Shinra. How is he able to blackmail even the Turks? (and not get a bullet to the head for attempting to?)

Kunsel's Blackmail List

• A video of Sephiroth pursuing a laser from a laser pointer, calmly but clearly intrigued.

• A photo of Zack playing online games on the computer in Lazard's office *note: he's wearing one of Lazard's suits.

• A video of Sephiroth putting sugar on his french fries in the mess hall and saying "Perhaps this will make me feel alive."

• A photo of Sephiroth and presumed-dead former Turk Vincent Valentine side by side, with a sticky note that just reads "hmm"

• A copy of Reno's special brownie recipe that he occasionally leaves in the Turks' break room. *note: it's weed.

• An audio of Genesis saying "Sometimes I feel like Loveless isn't that good."

• Evidence that Cloud Strife is a time traveler: Video of him "trying out" Angeal's Buster Sword. Cloud expertly slammed the sword onto a metal door and Angeal shrieked as if Cloud had harmed his first born child.

• A video of Zack arguing with a dog. The dog is seemingly winning the argument. One minute later Genesis also joins the argument.

• Evidence that Reeve and Cait Sith are the same person - an audio of Reeve going "Hojo can suggest turnin' injured soldiers intae guinea pigs an' the President's all for it, but if Ah were tae break Hojo's knees, Ah'd be in the wrong an' sent tae jail."

• Audio of a conversation between Sephiroth and Genesis where they discuss how to "hypothetically" fake their deaths and flee to a remote island away from civilization.

• Photos of Zack and Cloud that Angeal took. It's the classic prom pose. Zack has his arms around Cloud.

• A video of Angeal discreetly pouring alcohol into his morning coffee and going "don't worry, it's decaf"

• Security camera footage of Sephiroth taking an entire cake from the break room exactly one minute after it was placed there.

• Emails between Zack and Cloud where they're freaking out because Sephiroth still hasn't noticed that his sword is a replica, and they lost the real one.

• Evidence that Cloud Strife is a time traveler: The smoke detector went off in the lounge and Cloud immediately attacked Sephiroth.

• A receipt from Angeal where he purchased horse items: a saddle, reins, and feed. Curiously, Kunsel never found the horse.

• Security cam footage of Sephiroth walking, stopping in the middle of the hallway, shouting "FUCK!" and then proceeding as if nothing happened.

• Dashboard footage of Angeal teaching Zack how to drive, a chaotic twenty minutes of A: "YOU JUST RAN A RED LIGHT!" followed by Z: "I mean what's the difference between red and green, realistically?" and A: "PULL OVER YOU'RE COLOR BLIND"

• A video of Zack going into the men's bathroom empty-handed and then coming out with a popsicle.

• Evidence that Cloud Strife is a time traveler: video footage of Cloud showing up to Sephiroth's apartment unannounced with therapy pamphlets.

• Chat logs from the SOLDIER group chat the day they tried to hide evidence that they broke the training room from Lazard, with Sephiroth suggesting they all gaslight Lazard into believing the training room is fine and the fire has been there all along.

• Security camera footage of Zack dropping down from the vents, placing a photo of Cloud Strife on Sephiroth's office door, and then retreating back into the vents.

• A video of Zack walking into the break room, going over to the fridge, opening the door, and climbing inside. Motives unknown.

• Security camera footage of Sephiroth practicing his nunchucks maneuvers in an empty training room, accidentally hitting himself in the face, and then standing there as if he just got slapped by an invisible force.

• Evidence of a file on Angeal's computer labeled "things that make me happy." Kunsel expected pictures of his friends. Instead, there's just an image of the buster sword and a stock image of an air fryer.

• A photo of Genesis' drawer of theft™ in his office, which includes Zack's kazoo, Zack's harmonica, Zack's hand bell, Zack's rubber chicken, and Zack's autographed photo of Sephiroth.

• A selfie of Tseng with Rufus asleep at his desk in the background. Tseng is holding up a bottle of Nyquil.

• An email from Sephiroth to Hojo that he never sent. It describes in detail how he would love to use his face to sand concrete.

• A photo of Tseng and Rufus pushing Dark Star around in a baby stroller like they're parents.

• A family tree connecting the president, Lazard, Rufus, and Evan Townshend, with a sticky note that reads "introduce president Shinra to condoms"

• A poster on the back of Sephiroth's office door that's a giant picture of Angeal shirtless. When asked why he had it Sephiroth replied "I look at it whenever I need to find inner strength to continue with my day"

• A box of auburn hair dye found in Genesis' bathroom.

[lucky-ladybugs-lovelies]

When All the Paths Are Overgrown, 4/7

@week-of-silver-winds For Sephiroth Week, Day 4: Masamune

For anyone just tuning in, Sephiroth is sane, he and Cloud are friends, and some mysterious person or force has made Cloud forget Sephiroth and only Sephiroth.

Cloud frowned as he wandered the halls of the mansion. Zack and everyone had definitely been going out of their minds with worry. Some had been out looking. They were all back now, and Zack, Aerith, and Tifa had worriedly confirmed everything Sephiroth had said. Now Cloud was looking over everything, hoping he’d find something that would bring back memories for him.

He was finding things, but he didn’t like what they were making him remember.

The fireplace in the living room took him back to a horrific scene. Everything was burning. He remembered Nibelheim all too well. Just . . . he hadn’t remembered who had done it. He clutched his head as he stumbled past. Did that mean Sephiroth had done that too? Sephiroth had set fire to an entire town—Cloud’s hometown?!—and who knew how many people had died because of him?!

The sight in Sephiroth’s bedroom was worse. The long katana mounted on the wall. . . . Cloud knew that blade. He remembered fighting it. . . . He remembered it piercing Aerith’s helpless body. Sephiroth had done that! Sephiroth had killed Aerith! He still didn’t remember seeing Sephiroth there, but it had to have been him!

He stumbled back against the wall, shaking, both hands to his head. A twisted voice that sounded like an evil clown might sound laughed in his ear.

“That’s right, Cloud! Remember everything Sephiroth did to you and everyone you love! It gets worse. Remember how he manipulated you, controlled you! Remember how he almost destroyed the Planet!”

Cloud fell to his knees. He remembered being controlled . . . being little more than a puppet. And he remembered Meteor. There were still no actual memories of Sephiroth being responsible, but that in itself meant it was him, didn’t it? Those gaps in Cloud’s memories were because he had forgotten Sephiroth and Sephiroth alone.

“Cloud?”

The man’s concerned voice in the doorway brought him back to the present. Cloud got up with a jerk, eyes flashing, outrage and hatred erupting in his visage.

“You!” he snarled. “You burned Nibelheim! You killed Aerith! That sword on your wall—you did it with that and you still give it a place of honor in the house!”

Sephiroth flinched. “Cloud . . .” he tried to interrupt. Yes . . . he had tainted so much—his honor, his sword, himself. . . . He hated to think of all the evil he had wrought with that sword—his most trusted companion when he thought of it. His treasured Masamune, which he had received as a young boy in Wutai from the swordsmith himself. It had been with him through everything. Now they were here, on this new planet, and he was trying to use it for good again, as he had for so many years before he had lost his mind. But he wondered, would the innocent blood he had spilled forever taint the blade . . . and his own hands?

Cloud wouldn’t let him interrupt. “You tried to destroy an entire planet!” he boomed. “What is wrong with you?! And what’s wrong with everyone else that they’re okay with being here with you?!”

The look in Sephiroth’s eyes completely shattered. “I make no excuses for myself,” he said quietly.

“Good. You shouldn’t!” Cloud snarled. “You were nuts? That doesn’t excuse it! I don’t care what you say or what anyone else says. I can’t trust you. I won’t trust you. This whole thing—being nice to me, getting me home—it’s all an act, isn’t it?! Some new way of manipulating your precious puppet?!”

“No, Cloud,” Sephiroth said sorrowfully. “It isn’t an act.”

“Yeah, right.” Cloud stormed past and down the stairs. “This whole place is crazy. I’m out of here.”

He slammed the front door in the next instant.

Sephiroth just stared after him. They had finally had so much, but more than once now others had tried to take it from them. They had been tricked into entering that illusion in the cemetery that had nearly killed him and left Cloud thinking he had been responsible. Zack had been able to help patch things up then, but it looked like now even he was helpless in the face of this trial by fire.

Who could be doing this to them now? They still didn’t know who had tricked them into that illusion. The evil spirit responsible for creating the illusions apparently never left his grave at the cemetery, so it was unlikely he was coming after them now.

But who? Who would have such terrible power as to be able to block Cloud’s memories of a specific person? And why would they do it?

He frowned, turning the situation over in his mind. He himself certainly had the power to do such a thing. Probably. He had never attempted it, but he likely had the information for how to do it among the other things he had taken from the Lifestream. Would someone have to be as powerful as him to do it?

“Seph?”

He turned. Zack was here, looking at him in kind and worried concern.

“I heard the row with Cloud clear on the other side of the house. I came running, but . . . he’s already gone, huh?”

“Yes,” Sephiroth said, his voice filled with pain. “I don’t know what to do. . . . I doubt he’ll listen to you any more than he will me. Apparently anyone who trusts me is not to be trusted.”

“We’ll fix this, Seph,” Zack soothed. “There’s gotta be a way to break whatever spell’s on him! Maybe there’s something in your library?”

Sephiroth sighed. He had been collecting volumes about magic on Earth just in case it was information they would need someday. But was there any magic on Earth strong enough? From what he remembered reading, he didn’t think so.

“This person, whoever they are, may have come from somewhere else,” he said. “I don’t think Earth inherently holds the level of power to do something like this.”

“Maybe not,” Zack said. “But maybe it does! We can ask our new friends here too. They’ve been involved in all kinds of crazy things. If anybody would know something, they might!”

Finally Sephiroth nodded. They needed a solution and they needed it fast. Who knew what Cloud might get into roaming around in such an overwrought state? If they tried to go after him without anything that might help calm him down, they would likely only make it worse.

“Let’s do it,” he said. “I’m willing to try anything to get him back.”

Zack squeezed his arm. “Me too,” he said softly.

[sakurarisen]

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Unimplemented HCs!

Back when Sera was in her original life and known as Aria, she was taught how to use a sword by one of the knights in her temple - Particularly her head knight, who often lost track of her in her attempts to dodge her role as a leader and flee from the Frostlight Temple. Being pretty young himself, he was still learning how to wield a sword on his own, and with her frequently trying his patience, the choice was made: Everything he learned, he'd come back to the temple and teach her, too. Given Aria couldn't hide who she was in full no matter how hard she tried, he'd figured she needed a secondary way to protect herself aside from her skills with a bow, and claimed it made him 'feel better' about losing track of her whenever she vanished from the temple's frozen, crystalline halls.

Those memorized skills have followed her through each and every lifetime, and Sera herself still retains the muscle memory and ability required to use a sword, but, just as she had as Aria, she vastly prefers her bow over a blade, and tends to leave any sword usage to Zack and the others in her life who're better trained with them, like Cloud and Sephiroth, and Childe, Kaeya, and Diluc in GI verses. After gaining her bow, she even largely retired the knife she traveled with prior to that; blades feel far too personal to her for her liking, and being a close-range weapon, she very much dislikes having to see the damage they cause so up close and personal. Their weight and the fact she has to put so much more effort into using them is... Unsettling, personally, though she will never judge anyone else for their preference for a sword.

if she has to, Sera could still use one, for sure! A short sword was what she was taught to use as Aria, but a combination of not using one for actual millennia, along with memories of those techniques and skills being sealed away along with her history as Aria means that muscle memory or no, Sera's going to be incredibly clumsy with one, and probably more of an issue if handed one to use in a fight than if she were completely unarmed and hiding behind someone's back with a strong grip on the back of their shirt. Her former tutor would be ashamed. XD

A big part of why this is unimplemented is largely due to the fact it's heavily rooted in Sera's more distant backstory, and pertains to parts of her that have been sealed up for the time being. Aria is currently asleep and hiding, and Sera was never taught to use a sword, even personally disliking them for herself, so it's hard to really implement swordsmanship skills for someone who's mainly a bow and magic user, y'know? Twice as much when it's linked to a side of her she legitimately can't access and doesn't know exists. Even if she wanted to access these skills, a lot of them aren't available to her, and she'd have to learn them all over again - Which would come naturally to her, but take a lot of time, work, and overcoming that dislike of using them for herself, and they would never be as good as they were in the past, just the same as her magical abilities are now limited for the same reason.

It's not impossible of a thing to implement, just... Difficult. <3