Ok, so this is the last chapter of the current story and I'm hoping that you like it.

I have actually found this chapter to be the hardest one to write, or at least accept as being finished. I have probably spent more time editing it than I did writing the original piece and can only hope that I have not lost the orignal feel of the stories conclusion. I must also confess that I am rather nervous about posting it and I'm not sure if it's because I've been posting it in pieces, or because it's not quite like the other instalments.

I would of course like to hear what you think about it, but please be kind, and if it's not what you expected I can only apologize and hope that I will be forgiven.

New year – Part 5

Outside in the living room Zack and Sephiroth sat quietly, very quietly, their chests rising and falling slowly as they attempted to remain silent even when breathing. They had not expected Reno to last more than five seconds in the room with Cloud as angry as he was, so it had been more than a surprise when he didn't reappear straight away. After a minute with the Turk still inside and clearly not being beaten to death by the cadet they had become curious, their interest in the program completely gone as they focused their attention on the room behind them. Both listened easily with mako enhanced ears and felt their insides twist and turn as the conversation between Cloud and Reno played out, their hearts racing wildly as the unseen pair slowly opened up to each other. Neither spoke as they heard the red heads words and then the blonde's gradual responses, yet their eyes would often meet to communicate the same thoughts and emotions being felt.

As a result of paying such close attention to the conversation taking place, neither of them was surprise when they heard the sound of movement in the other room. Each held their breath as two sets of feet could be heard walking towards the door, their hearts skipping a beat as the object dividing them slowly opened to reveal both the Turk and cadet emerging from the darkened room. Forcing themselves to remain relaxed and casual both the soldier and general glanced over their shoulders and looked at the pair, their questioning eyes betraying the facade instantly.

"So you heard everything." Reno concluded with a soft sigh, as he took in the worried expressions.

"A little hard not to." Zack admitted sheepishly.

"I'm sorry." Cloud whispered, his face dipping down in shame over his actions.

"Hey, it's ok." The soldier replied quickly, his body rising from the sofa and slowly moving to stand beside the cadet.

"I ... I was angry and upset and I took it out on you." The blonde continued without pause, his good hand now moving nervously along his other arm as he drew in on himself.

"I know and it's ok." Zack reassured, as he gently pulled the cadet into his arms.

To the soldier's relief Cloud didn't pull away, in fact the trembling blonde now lent into the embrace and wound his arms around Zack's chest before holding on tightly.

"I'm sorry." The faint voice whispered again, this time the words being followed by a small sniffing sound.

It was Sephiroth's arms which encircled them both before either could speak again, his strong broad chest and well toned limbs easily containing both soldier and cadet in a firm embrace of his own.

"Any room for one more?" Reno asked in a joking tone, the look in his eyes saying it was more than that.

In the blink of an eye the general's hand reached out to grab the Turk's arm and pulled him towards them, the sudden movement instantly drawing the red head into the groups hug where he was easily caught and held tightly. Neither Cloud, Zack nor Sephiroth failed to notice how Reno drew in a sharp breath, or how his body shook a little as he tried to conceal the small sob which escaped him with a forced cough. Knowing that to ask would only ruin the moment they remained silent while they held each other, as each man drew on the love of the ones around him and shared in the comfort being both given and received.

It was Reno who moved first, his body turning from them so that he could walk away and quickly wipe at his face without being seen. Again it was something that was not missed, but Zack's attempt to ask was halted instantly by a small hand grabbing his arm and pulling on it. Violet eyes looked down to connect with worried blue and watched as a head of blonde spikes shook furiously to silently communicate that he shouldn't speak. His eyebrows barely had time to rise in a questioning expression before the red head turned round again, the avoiding gaze only giving the soldier more to think about.

"I'm going to grab a quick shower, wash this bar smell off me." The Turk informed them as he shuffled on the spot. "You think you guys can try not to kill each other while I'm gone?" He tried to joke, the strain in his voice letting them know that the question hadn't been that funny after all.

"We can try." Sephiroth replied for them, his own voice cool and calm for Reno's sake.

Instead of replying verbally the red head simply nodded in acceptance of the general's words, his body remaining undeniably tense as he turned and swiftly made his way towards the bathroom. As soon as the door closed and the faint sound of running water could be heard the others turned to look at each other, the same concerned expressions clearly visible on each of their faces. It was Cloud who shattered the awkward silence which had settled around them by speaking first, his worried voice easily drawing both the general and soldier from their own troubled thoughts about the Turk.

"I've never seen him like this." The blonde commented hesitantly, while looking at the men on either side of him.

"Neither have I." Sephiroth admitted, as he met the cadet's questioning gaze.

It was Zack's silence which drew their combined attention towards the soldier, his deep contemplative expression letting them know he had seen it before.

"Zack?" The general asked.

"I've only seen it this bad once before." He informed them sadly. "It was after one of his first missions, when things went bad and people died."

"People he cared about." Sephiroth concluded easily.

"Yea, it ... it screwed him up for a bit."

"Then it's my fault." Cloud noted evenly, the certainty in his voice making the soldier and general's hearts skip a beat.

"How ... how can you think that?" Zack stammered fearfully, as he placed his hands on the cadet's shoulders to make him look up at both them.

"I keep getting hurt Zack and it's getting to him, I know it is."

"What do you mean?" Sephiroth asked firmly, the blonde's sureness in the fact troubling him.

"That night when I helped at the infirmary I ... I heard something, when I was taking a break." Cloud told them hesitantly, his eyes flickering between theirs and away again as he continued. "I heard Tseng and Reno talking."

"Tseng?" Zack gasped softly, his expression momentarily becoming one of shock.

"Yes." The cadet breathed.

"Are you sure?" Sephiroth demanded, the strain evident in his voice as he tried to keep calm.

"I saw him and ..."

"And?" The soldier asked nervously.

"He saw me." Cloud informed them fearfully, as he took in both men's uneasy appearances.

"It's alright, you did nothing wrong." Zack quickly reassured, as he pulled the tearful blonde firmly between them again. "You were helping out so no one can question your presence there."

"He ... he looked at me Zack, he looked at me and he ... hated me." The cadet stammered against their chests, as he clung desperately to the material of the shirt in front of him.

"He doesn't even know you." The soldier argued back gently.

"He is suspicious of everyone." Sephiroth added quickly.

"But what if he does know ... about us I mean. What if Reno's making mistakes because of me and that's why he hates me?"

"What mistakes?" The general asked a second before Zack could.

"That's what they were talking about ... about Reno's performance and him being distracted."

"It could be a number of things Spiky." The soldier offered hopefully, his eyes connecting with Sephiroth's and seeing the same doubt he felt being reflected within them.

"I'm not a child Zack, I know what I heard and what I saw. I just didn't understand it properly until now." Cloud replied bluntly, his head tilting back so he could share is own look of disbelief over what should have been comforting words.

"Ok, we'll ask him about it soon but not right away."

"Why?" The cadet asked firmly.

"Because he has already said enough for now and has chosen to close himself off again." Sephiroth pointed out, as he glanced towards the bathroom. "It would be pointless and foolish to push him again so soon."

"Seph's got a point." The soldier agreed sadly. "We'll give him some time to sort himself out and then talk about it, ok?"

"Ok." The cadet sighed wearily.

With each of them agreeing to the plan the conversation slowly faded away allowing a peaceful silence to settle within the room, the tranquil moment lasting several minutes before a new subject was introduced.

"Is it just me or did this New Year, how would you say it ... suck?" The general asked, his curious and light-hearted tone making both Zack and Cloud look up at him in surprise.

"Did ... did you just say suck?" The soldier choked as he tried not to laugh, his mouth forming a face splitting grin as he spoke.

"He did." The cadet confirmed, his own soft lips now curving up into a radiant smile which lit the room and both men's hearts.

"Does the word not fit?" Sephiroth asked, in both confusion and happiness at the reaction he was receiving.

"Oh, it fits perfectly." Zack managed, as his words began to break up amongst the laughter bubbling up inside him. "I just never thought I'd live to hear you say it, at least not in that way."

"Say what in what way?" Reno's voice cut in before Sephiroth could reply.

The three men all turned to look across at the red head who now stood dripping wet in the bathroom door way, his towel covered form glistening in the soft light. All knew better than to comment on how the shower had indeed been a quick one, the Turk's unspoken worries and silent need to be near them once again becoming very obvious.

"Sephiroth just said that something sucked." Cloud reported happily, his cheerful tone thankfully betraying nothing of the concern he was now feeing.

"No way." Reno breathed, as the weary expression on his face melted away to be replaced by one of shocked amusement.

"He sure did." Zack agreed smiling brightly

"About what?" The Turk enquired, his mood now much lighter than before.

"The New Year." The soldier replied happily, the atmosphere in the room easing so that it gave him more hope for what he had planned.

"Now that I can agree with." The red head informed them, his face softening so that while the smile still held a hint of sadness it was now warmer and more relaxed.

"Look, I know it's not exactly the same but I had this idea for our own New Year celebrations and ... well maybe we could still do it." Zack began hesitantly, as he looked at the three men around him.

"I do not believe that Cloud is well enough for that." Sephiroth pointed out calmly, his mind already forming an idea of where the soldier was taking them.

"We could try." The cadet mumbled nervously before Zack could answer, the feel of their warm bodies against him making his insides flutter.

"For a start I wasn't thinking of that, thank you very much." Zack cut in firmly, glaring at both of them with equal annoyance for considering it as an option. " Besides we are not trying anything ... intimate right now, not while you're injured. Those bruised ribs would make most positions awkward for you and increased breathing painful."

"But ..."

"No." Zack reinforced determinedly. "Not unless you let us heal you first."

"That's not fair." Cloud growled back, his delicate features forming a deep scowl.

"Take it or leave it." The soldier pushed, his voice clearly showing there was no compromise.

"You know I can't let you do it." The blonde reminded them in frustration. "Too many people know and it wouldn't be right if I was suddenly fine."

"Just tell people your mentor healed you."

"That counts as special treatment Zack and I don't want that, or the trouble it brings."

"Fine, I'll stop bugging you." The soldier relented with a roll of his eyes. "Just know that there will be no mattress bouncing till your better." He warned the cadet playfully.

"Humph." Cloud replied with an amused snort. "Like you could hold out that long."

"Hey." Zack protested with a mock offended look, before caving in and grinning happily at the blonde's cheekiness.

"What about just taking a small potion?" Sephiroth proposed carefully, his expression aiming for neutral but not quite making it.

"Perhaps I'm not the only one who can't hold out that long?" The soldier teased, as he took in the flicker of hope in the general's eyes.

"Zack." Sephiroth warned calmly.

"What?" The soldier replied innocently, his impish smile being anything but.

"If I take a small potion, and I mean small, would you all feel better?" The blonde asked, his offer surprising all three men around him.

"Are you agreeing to take one?" Reno asked hesitantly.

"I've spent all day thinking about myself and not you guys." Cloud began sadly, his eyes briefly connecting with the red heads before he looked away towards the floor and spoke again. "I know you don't like to see me injured, that it hurts you as well."

Neither the Turk, soldier nor general went to argue the point, their lips remaining firmly sealed as they silently confirmed the very accurate evaluation of their feelings. Each knew what was coming next in the blonde's explanation, that if they healed him of known wounds it would only draw attention and possibly envy from some of the other cadet's. It was an argument they'd had several times now over the course of their time together, their dislike of seeing him injured or in pain always driving them to push the issue while Cloud would stubbornly refuse. The fact that he was now consenting to a potion was more than they could have hoped for, the small acceptance of their wishes being something they were not about to risk by pushing for more.

"It would indeed make us happier to see you well again." Sephiroth confirmed, his words being supported by two silently nodding heads beside him.

"I still can't let you heal me." The cadet began, as if confirming their expectations of his words. "But if it would make you feel better then I'll take something to speed up the process."

"Don't get mad at me." Zack began, his insides already twisting as he prepared himself for possibly blowing the moment. "But however much I want you to take the potion, I'm still not going back on what I said before."

"About what?" Cloud asked, his face now rising up to reveal a slightly confused look on his delicate features.

"About us ... getting physical." The soldier managed, as he took in the cute expression on the cadet's angelic face. "However much I want to, and believe me I want to, we aren't going to do anything until you are healed properly."

To the small group's relief Cloud's lips instantly curved up at the edges so that a soft smile formed, the glorious blue of his eyes becoming more dazzling as they began to shine with amusement.

"Don't worry, I'm not agreeing to this so we can fool around." The cadet began, the faint hint of repressed laughter accompanying his words.

"Ok, just checking you understood that." Zack managed, his lungs now releasing the breath he had involuntarily been holding.

To the soldier's joy Cloud's smile actually became brighter and the glow in his eyes even more intense, the sapphire like gems now sparkling in pleasure.

"I think I can control myself." The blonde teased playfully, the softly spoken words being accompanied by a delightful blush across his delicate cheeks.

"Well not that we've got that settled why don't you guys sort out a potion while I get dressed again." Reno spoke up, his body still appearing tense but now looking calmer and more under control than it did before. "Then you can tell us this brilliant plan of yours."

A few minutes later and they were all sitting comfortably in the living room, the red head now dressed in fresh clean clothes as he sat on the floor towel drying his hair. During his brief absence Zack had fetched a small potion from the bathroom and given it to Cloud, who now sat comfortably on Sephiroth's lap while curled up against the great man's well toned chest. Although the Turk hadn't actually seen the cadet drink the bitter tasting liquid, he could easily tell that Cloud was already experiencing the healing effects of it. For a start the marbling of colours along his jaw was starting to look better, the bright vivid colours looking softer and slightly faded while the split lip no longer appeared as tender. Then there was the way in which he now lent against the general's torso, a position which would not have been possible if he was still feeling the full pain of bruised ribs.

"You comfy Spiky?" Zack enquired as he sat down beside the pair, his question being one the red head had wanted to ask as well.

"Yes." Cloud replied happily, the ache in his side now nothing more than a slight discomfort.

"So what's this big idea of yours?" Reno asked casually, as he tossed the towel onto the coffee table and shuffled closer to them.

Zack waited until the Turk had made himself comfortable at their feet, his head of fiery red hair titling to the side and leaning against the blonde's extended legs as if they were a pillow.

"Well obviously the more intimate ideas are out of the question, for now." The soldier teased, as he grinned at the combined eye rolls he received before continuing. "I was also going to suggest a New Year's party of our own but seeing as how Spiky can't drink, and you've had enough to sink a ship already, I thought of something else."

"Thanks, I think." Reno grumbled, as he shifted himself so that his back now rested against the soldier's leg and his knees connected with Sephiroth's.

There was a moment of silence when cadet, soldier and general shared a look, equally worried expressions showing that they had all noticed the Turk's unspoken unease and his need for contact with them all. With Cloud unable to see Sephiroth's face he was unaware that they held the same look of concern for the red head at their feet, their gazes being directed at Zack as both silently asked what to do next. The soldier gave them a quick reassuring smile before continuing, his glowing eyes softening to give off an affectionate warmth which washed over them both.

"Then what were you suggesting?" The Turk enquired cautiously, the guarded tone of his voice drawing their combined attention back to him.

"I want us all to think about some personal things and share them with each other."

"About what?" Reno asked suspiciously.

"Well, the first is what we regret for from last year," Zack began nervously, his eyes watching the others intently as he quickly continued without giving them a chance to protest before he was finished. "Then I want us to say what we are looking forward to or hope for this year."

"Zack that's ..."

"I know it's a lot Spiky," The soldier interrupted gently, his violet spheres silently begging the cadet to give it a chance. "But we should do this."

"Why?" Reno asked bluntly, his head remaining bowed forward so that none of them could see his reluctant expression.

"Because we're still screwing up with things when it comes to talking and listening to each other." Zack pointed out anxiously, his expression now one of unease as he tried to explain the importance behind what they were doing. "I want to start this year again, without there being things between us, and this will help us to do that."

"Zack is correct." Sephiroth agreed nodding slightly. "We are more open than before but there are still things which we keep hidden."

"That's my regret." Cloud spoke up, his soft voice sounding both hesitant and guilty. "That I kept so much from you."

"And mine is for smothering you." Zack informed them, his hand instantly rising up to silence the cadet's protesting words. "It's ok Spiky, I get it now. I will never stop worrying about you, but I can't always be there and so I need to learn to let go a little."

"I still want you to watch my back." The blonde managed, before he was silenced again.

"Watch your back yes, but not hold you back." The soldier noted tenderly.

"I am not sure what I regret most." Sephiroth said, his words ending the soldier and cadet's discussion. "Perhaps it is that I still struggle with how I show my feelings for you, for all of you."

"It's ok, you're getting better at it." Cloud replied gently, his good hand finding the general's and holding it affectionately as he tilted his head back to see Sephiroth's face and offer up a warm caring smile.

For a moment a look passed between them, a silent understanding of words spoken not too long ago and of emotions felt and shared in the privacy of a quiet office. The cadet let his love for his general be shown in his eyes, the sky blue spheres communicating all that he felt as equally devoted orbs shone back. The interaction only lasted a minute between them, a matter of heart beats in their life, yet it was enough to let the soldier and Turk know that at some point the pair had shared something special.

"I take it you two got better acquainted while we were away." Zack teased playfully, his infections smile making Cloud and Sephiroth's small ones grow brighter.

"In a way." The general agreed politely, his eyes letting the soldier know it was a subject best left for another day.

"So what about you red, what's your regret?" Zack asked lightly, his attempt to keep the relaxed mood going faltering as the Turk tensed and looked away.

"Reno?" Cloud called softly, as the red head shifted restlessly on the floor and remained silent.

"I ... I can tell you what I don't regret." He managed after a minute, his head still bowed down to look at the floor so that he wouldn't have to meet their eyes.

"Alright." Sephiroth accepted on their behalf.

"I don't regret this, what we have." Reno began, his voice low and faintly strained as if he was struggling with the words. "I don't regret being in this relationship or how I feel about each of you."

If they had been concerned before the other three were now very worried, the unmistakable tones of hurt and repressed anger in the Turk's words making each one's heart beat a little faster.

"Reno is someone ...." Zack began, before he was cut off as the red head continued to speak.

"You know what, I do know what I regret, I regret having to be two different people all the time." He blurted out venomously, the sudden tension in his body very evident to all of them. "I hate having to be one person for the world and another when I'm with you."

"It is a problem which we all face." Sephiroth pointed out as gently as he could, the comment only making Reno draw his knees up tighter against his body and curl in on himself a little more.

"You want to talk about it?" The soldier sighed, his attempt to broach the subject tactfully now seeming a little pointless.

"Can't." The Turk replied bluntly.

"Work?" Zack asked directly.

"Yea." Reno replied flatly, without looking up.

"Well when you can talk, or want to, you know where we are." The soldier replied, his hand quickly rising again to silence both Cloud and Sephiroth's imminent protests.

"Thanks." The red head mumbled, before letting out a long breath and lowering his forehead onto his knees.

"So Spiky, what you looking forward to this year?" Zack continued, his eyes silently demanding that Cloud ignore what was happening and give Reno some time to gather himself.

"I guess taking part in the soldier try outs." The blonde responded slowly.

"And passing them to get into a soldier I assume." The soldier teased, his comment instantly drawing the cadet's attention back to him.

"Of course." Cloud replied defensively, his annoyance at the idea at not doing so making him glare at Zack.

It was only then that he saw the playful look in the soldier's eyes, the expression letting him know that it had been said that way on purpose to distract him from Reno. A kind smile graced the cadet's delicate features to show he understood and was not offended by the remark, the look being one which instantly made the raven haired man relax and grin happily.

"And what about you?" The blonde challenged to continue the conversation, the response he got being one which he had not expected.

"That's easy, lots of amazing sex of course." The soldier announced joyfully, his soft chuckle turning into a full blown laugh as he took in the cadet and general's shocked expressions.

The deep rich sound grew louder and filled the room as both Cloud and Sephiroth leant over to smack Zack's arm, his crude remark making the cadet blush furiously and the general roll his eyes in exasperation.

"Hey, stop beating me up." The soldier protested as he rubbed the bruised area, more specifically where Sephiroth had hit him.

"Then stop being so rude." The cadet replied before Sephiroth could speak.

"Oh come on Spiky, just think of all the stuff we haven't tried."

"Zack." The one word being a warning of sorts.

"I mean there are outfits and accessories we could use."

"Zack." The cautionary tone of Cloud's voice becoming stronger and more deadly.

"And I hear handcuffs are very in this year..."

"ZACK!"

"Yeeeeeessssss?" The soldier replied casually, as he looked up to meet the ruby red face of a blonde haired cadet.

"I thought you wanted to be serious about this." Cloud tried to point out calmly, his flushed cheeks and racing heart ruining the effect instantly.

Zack wasn't a fool and knew he was pushing his luck, could see the blue of Cloud's eyes glow with a very obvious annoyance, the cadet clearly not happy with being embarrassed in this way. But for some reason the soldier couldn't help himself, the knowledge that his words were now creating the perfect distraction which they all needed encouraging him to carry on. Telling himself it was for the best he opened his mouth to speak again, a small part of his mind actually cheering because based on past experience of these types of conversations he knew that whatever happened next it was going to be fun.

"I am being serious." Zack informed them with a dazzling smile, only pausing a second before adding the final touch to his reply. "Handcuffs are really in this year."

His face barely held the serious expression before splitting into the biggest smile possible, the small chuckle which escaped his lips only adding to the blonde's embarrassment and rapidly growing anger.

"I swear when my hand's better I'm going to strangle you with it." Cloud breathed threateningly, as he took in the soldier's overly pleased expression.

"Oh, feisty. I like that." Zack purred with a devilish grin, his own heart suddenly racing as the cadet's eyes momentarily widened in shock before narrowing to slits of enraged blue.

The general had about a second to feel the muscles within the smaller frame tense before Cloud suddenly leapt foward, the blonde making a futile attempt to tackle the soldier beside him. His movements were of course far too slow, his body barley shifting before Sephiroth's arms tightened around his waist and pulled him back down again.

"Well at least we know you're feeling better." Zack joked, as he took in the sight of the fuming blonde being gently restrained.

"Zackary, why do you insist on winding him up?" The general sighed, as he carefully positioned the cadet firmly against his chest.

"Because I like to live on the edge." The soldier replied happily, the mischievous expression on his handsome features revealing his pleasure of the current situation.

It was the small amused snort from the floor which drew the cadet's attention away from Zack, his gaze at the red head being quickly mimicked by the general and soldier as they also stared at the Turk questioningly.

"Reno" Cloud began, his mind suddenly processing that perhaps he had an ally in this after all. "Would you mind squeezing the life out of Zack please, Sephiroth won't let me."

The soldier's shocked expression only grew as the Turk at his feet started to laugh, the warm tone sounding lighter and a little more carefree as it escaped the red heads lips.

"Sure." Reno replied, as the laughter faded to a soft chuckle. "Although you still owe him a butt-kicking on my behalf from his time in the infirmary, so you might want to do that first."

"What? Why?" Zack stammered, as his eyes grew to the size of saucers.

"Oh yea." Cloud purred menacingly, as Reno's face came up and both turned to look at the soldier.

"Seph?" Zack asked uncertainly, as he took in the pair's united threat and equally intimidating expressions.

"Apparently your enjoyment of living on the edge, as you put it, is going to get you killed by those dearest to you." The general pointed out, before sighing heavily and releasing his hold on the blonde.

Violet eyes practically popped out of the soldier's skull as he watched the realisation of freedom flash through wicked blue spheres, the intent to make him suffer very clear in the cadet's fiendish expression.

"Oh shit." Zack choked, throwing himself from the chair and leaping away to safety as Cloud lunged towards him.

"Get back here." Cloud demanded, as he used the momentum to help him stand and leap over the arm of the sofa.

"No way." Zack retorted, as he made a dash for the door and flew out of his own apartment as if the hounds of hell were on his tail.

Sephiroth and Reno watched in amusement as Cloud disappeared almost a second later, the sounds of two pairs of feet running along the corridor fading as they both passed through the door leading to the stairs.

"I guess he is feeling better." The Turk noted calmly, as he rose to stand and wipe the palms of his hands against his trouser legs.

"At least until he calms down and realises he has strained his injuries." The general pointed out with another sigh.

"So we should follow?"

"Indeed, if anything they will both need their shoes once we catch up to them."

"I guess we should be glad that it's late enough that nobody will see." The red head grumbled, as he kicked his own shoes back on and then reached down for Cloud's boots.

"I would not worry too much, they couldn't have gotten far with Cloud in his current condition." Sephiroth reassured, as he gathered up Zack's boots and led them out through the still open doorway.

"Yea, soldier boy wouldn't make him run for too long." Reno agreed, while pulling the door closed behind him.

"And he'll keep it at a pace that Cloud can manage even with his injuries." The general finished, as they began to make their way along the corridor towards the staircase.

"You know you never said what you were looking forward too." Reno commented casually, as they began to descend to the lower floors while listening out for the other two.

"I believe I am looking forward to more moments like these." Sephiroth replied happily, his apartment enjoyment of one of his lovers trying to kill the other making the Turk raise an eyebrow questioningly.

"I did not mean this exactly, just times like these. They make me feel ... normal, if that makes sense."

"They certainly make things interesting don't they?" The red head proposed with a faint smile.

"Very." The general agreed as he stopped and began to open the door in front of them, the voices of their quarry now being easily identified in the quiet hallway.

"Beg for mercy." Cloud could be heard demanding, his triumphant and joyful voice making both Reno and Sephiroth smile.

"Never." Zack was heard to declare, his jubilant refusal to submit making the pair roll their eyes and chuckle softly.

"You know what." The Turk said cheerfully, as they took in the sight of the soldier lying on his stomach with the cadet happily sitting on his back and pinning him to the floor. "I'm looking forward to them as well."