A/N: So sorry about the EXTREMELY long delay. I never forgot about this story, I've just been so busy lately and it drifted to the back of my mind. I hope you can forgive me? Anyway, to make it up to you, I plan to focus on this story once again and deliver you regular update :)

Chapter 4:

Going To Town

"A-are you o-okay?" The boy's nerves were evident in his tone, his shaking voice tearing its way out his throat with little subtlety. His face itself was a picture of worry and concern, right from those eyes to that quivering lip. He didn't know what to do. Should he place a reassuring hand on the older's shoulder? Or keep his distance? Taking a step forward, he was tempted to repeat his question but, he knew what the other was like and how irritating he found repeated utterances to be. "Weiss," he whispered, staring at the teen's bare back. His eyes skimmed over the pale skin of his shoulder blades, searching for any visible wounds. He found none.

"What do you want, Nero?" The white-haired male growled, not even bothering to glance over his shoulder.

"It's them, isn't it?" Neron persisted, mustering up all of his courage. He wasn't the bravest boy and was very cautious when speaking to others, especially those he loved, in case he upset them. But, his concern for his brother's welfare exceeded his fear. "You've been with them again, haven't you?"

"Mind your own business." Came the teen's gruff, instant reply.

"Weiss, you can't seriously be considering joining the Tsviets!" Neron shouted, his small body starting to shake now. "Don't let them pressure you, I hate seeing you like this." His older brother merely lowered his head, letting out a deep, melancholic sigh. It ghosted out of his mouth and filled the room with its cold.

"Don't worry about me." He muttered. "I'll be fine."

"And that, my people, is how I saved those poor children from the terrible, evil man of evil!" The ravenette exclaimed, as though it were outstanding news, throwing his arms out. His hands almost smacked his two accompaniments as he did so, causing an irritated tut to sound from the poet of the group.

"Honestly, it sounds as though the man was a teacher and that you were the one in the wrong." Genesis said, smacking one of Zack's arms down. The other soon followed as the teen put on the cutest pout Cloud had ever seen in his entire life. Seeing his gorgeous face made Cloud melt, almost causing him to collapse on the sidewalk.

The trio had to walk into town together, seeing as none of them were able to drive. Genesis had told them that normally his sister would drive him around. He'd also said, frighteningly casual, that he hadn't seen his sister for a while and had no idea where she was- hence the lack of transport. But the others had shrugged it off. No one would dare try to comprehend the home life of the Genesis Rhapsodos. In fact, Cloud had no idea he had a sister until that little conversation.

"Screw you, Genny!" Zack said, sticking out his tongue. Cloud couldn't help but chuckle and Genesis provided his own little smirk.

Walking with one of the most famous kids around and the charismatic newcomer was pretty unnerving. They constantly had eyes on them from everyone they passed and people kept saying hello and greeting them everywhere they went. Cloud didn't feel like they had any privacy at all. He didn't understand how someone could be so famous just from being one of the most popular kids at a high school. Luckily, no one had tried to join them. They'd merely said their hellos and left- a relief to a surprisingly possessive Cloud.

Every time some slutty-dressed girl waved, smiled or spoke to Zack he felt himself screaming inside, trying to hold himself back. 'Back off, bitch! Who the hell do you think you are talking to Zack!' he'd thought a number of times. He realised he was being stupid, but he couldn't help it. He just wanted to pull Zack into another hug and never leave his arms, making sure no one else could have him. Genesis was okay, of course.

"Angeal! Sephiroth!" Cloud almost tripped as he was harshly snapped out of his thoughts by Zack's excited shouts. He hadn't realised how deeply he had fallen into contemplation until he stumbled, eyes darting from the handsome god beside him to two figures in the near distance. Sure enough, Angeal and Sephiroth stood, side-by-side, waiting for them outside the cinema. Angeal was waving with a slight smirk, whilst Sephiroth had leant himself against the brick wall of the building, arms folded.

Just like Genesis, the two other members of the godly three dressed well. Angeal was in a stylish black polo shirt, which showed off his defined muscles, and nice-fitting jeans. Sephiroth wore a smart-casual shirt with the top four buttons undone, revealing his pale and inviting chest. He also wore a pair of tasteful leather pants and a black trench coat. Boy, did Cloud feel inferior….

"Glad you could finally join us." Angeal said as they approached.

"Oh, hush up 'Geal." Genesis muttered as he playfully pushed him and went to stand beside Sephiroth. "We weren't that late. I think I made pretty good time."

"I agree." Sephiroth said. "For Genesis, this isn't too bad." He smiled slightly before turning to look at the blonde. Cloud felt himself freeze under his glare as he looked the boy up and down, taking in every inch. Poor Cloud felt like he was a freak in display at the goddam circus. "Evening, Cloud. You're looking handsome." The ten felt himself relax after hearing the compliment, and feared that it showed through his body language.

"Hey Sephiroth, and thanks." The silvernette nodded.

After initial greetings and some playful banter between Zack and Angeal, everyone was ready to go. Cloud truly felt like part of the group as they headed into the cinema, all together. But, that's when the arguments started….

"No way, Genesis!"

"You're being completely unfair, Angeal. I don't see how you can deny me this one little…"

"I agree with Angeal." Sephiroth interjected.

"I don't understand you people. Give me one reason why."

"Well, let's see…" Angeal began, exchanging looks with Sephiroth.

"We listen to you recite the play every single day." The silvernette offered.

"We've been to see several versions of the play with you," Angeal added.

"And listened to you rant on about your opinions of them afterwards," Sephiroth cut in.

"We've bought you the novel version of the play,"

"And listened to you read it to us,"

"Not to mention all the merchandise,"

"And the posters,"

"The soundtrack,"

"The autographed pictures,"

"The arguments with other LOVELESS fans over your interpretation,"

"Which escalated into a fist fight,"

"Which we got held in custody overnight for getting involved i-"

"Alright, alright, I get it." Genesis snapped, shooting a narrow-eyed glare their way. "It doesn't matter whether or not you come along, either way I am not missing this movie adaptation of LOVELESS." Cloud looked from the determined brunette to the others. Zack was grinning like an idiot, Angeal was shaking his head and Sephiroth was pinching the bridge of his nose with a deep sigh.

"You are a stubborn one, Genesis." Sephiroth muttered. "But Angeal and I have already bought tickets for our chosen film."

"You chose without us?" Zack whined, his trademark puppy pout quivering on his lips. "That's not fair!"

"We take it in turns to choose, Zack." Angeal said. "Sephiroth chose last time, this was my turn."

"You chose an action movie no doubt," Genesis huffed, folding his arms. "Full of senseless violence and a poorly crafted story." Cloud couldn't help but hold back a chuckle. He'd always thought that the popular kids wouldn't mess around and have fun like this; he thought their entertainment would come from elsewhere- their fame perhaps. But he now saw that they teased each other in the same way Kadaj and Denzel teased one another. It was comforting to see that they weren't so different- it meant that Cloud may actually be able to fit in after all.

"Alright, action!" Zack beamed. "Way to go Angeal!" The larger ravenette chuckled.

"One thing you should know. I usually always pick action films; Sephiroth here goes for thrillers,"

"Psychological thrillers are, I find, extremely intriguing." The silvernette interjected. Cloud nodded to show his agreement and could see Sephiroth watching him. Cloud hadn't really spoken much since arriving, so he was desperate to make some input.

"And Genesis goes for a variety." Angeal finished.

"Awesome." Zack said. "I love action and comedies!" The ravenette announced. "How about you, Cloudy?"

"Er, I…" Cloud stuttered at the sudden question and the use of a nickname. He felt his cheeks flare up in embarrassment as he looked into Zack's excited, gorgeous blue eyes. The man was breath-taking. "Comedies and thrillers, but I change depending on my mood."

"N'awww, you're so cute, Spikey!" Zack announced, ruffling the blonde's wild spikes. "I could just eat you up!"

….

….

It took all of Cloud's self-control not to faint. Zack Fair had just called him cute. Zack Fair had just called him cute! Not only that, but he'd said he could eat Cloud up!

'Yes please' The blonde thought to himself, a million fantasies flashing through his mind at once. He found himself blushing even more profusely at his own dirty thoughts. Cloud wasn't exactly the most sex-obsessed teenager in the world. But Zack was…he was kind and funny and goddam sexy. Cloud wanted any form of affection from him- the ruffling of his hair, the constant hugs, they were all amazing. But his teenage mind would, inevitably, lead him to more…inappropriate thoughts. And it shocked the poor teen.

"If necessary, we could always split up." Sephiroth suddenly said. "Some of us can go see the film Angeal and I chose while the others go with Genesis to see LOVELESS."

"A clever idea." Angeal agreed, nodding. Cloud also nodded, but his actions were to try and banish the dirty thoughts from his overloading brain. "But who's going where?"

"You and I have already purchased our tickets, so we'll obviously be seeing this film. At least one person must go with Genesis, leaving him alone would be unfair."

"And dangerous." Angeal added, sending a sly smile toward the brunette- earning him another narrow-eyed glare. "Well, I suppose Cloud will most likely want to stick with Zack so it makes sense for Genesis, Zack and Cloud to see LOVELESS while we go off on our own."

"I agree." Genesis announced, his unnaturally long silence now broken. "I know already that Cloud truly appreciates the work."

"Oh, come on!" Zack whined. "But I don't wanna see LOVELESS! It's just some lovey dovey junk, and not the sexy kind either!"

"As I recall, you promised Cloud's mother that you would protect him, isn't that right, Puppy?" The ravenette froze at Genesis' statement, as did Cloud. He'd forgotten about the possessiveness the tanned stud had shown earlier that evening. "Besides, I hear that this adaptation focuses a lot on the duel between the friends."

"…" Zack tilted his head to one side, the most adorable look of confusing crossing his face. Cloud melted right then. What he'd give to have those lips on his….

"The fight. It means that there will be a lot more action than in the play adaptation." Genesis said with a melodramatic sigh. But you could see his secret amusement in his shimmering eyes.

"Alright!" Zack shouted, grinning once more. "Come on, Cloudy, Genny, don't wanna miss the film do we?" He cheered, grabbing them both by the arm and dragging them toward the ticket counter.

"I suppose we'll meet you guys later then." Genesis called, briefly waving to Angeal and Sephiroth- both of whom were currently chuckling.

"Have fun!" Angeal shouted at them.

This would definitely be one loooonnnngggg night.

The darkness of the street consumed all who dared walk through it. The few street lamps there were didn't seem to be working too well, failing to give off an acceptable amount of light- therefore failing to create a sense of security. Though the darkness was nothing to fear in comparison to the looming shadows of four figures, making their way down the road in a line. It was lucky that no one else inhabited the street, otherwise they would have certainly bumped into the dominating group as they looked from one house to the next.

"You sure we got the right street?" The large man, who was built like a boulder, growled. He was a fearsome figure, with bulging muscles of frightening mass and a scowl that made him look wild and dangerous.

"If this is the wrong street, then we have Shelke to blame." The woman said, her voice thick with an overpowering accent. She was clearly foreign, but the accent only added to the coldness of her looming glare. "Let's hope, for her sake, that she hasn't messed it up."

"This is the right address, Rosso." The youngest of the group announced, no emotion leaking into her tone as she scanned the houses through aloof eyes. "Addresses of students aren't exactly difficult to obtain if you know how."

"Don't get cocky, brat!" The crimson-clad woman hissed. "It's about time you started showing respect to those of greater age than you."

"Respect? Toward you?" The girl said, briefly glancing at them. "A heartless, almost sadistic, woman with not much going for her in the looks department and a brain dead idiot who couldn't find his own hand if he slapped himself with it." She finished her assault with a scoff, looking them up and down once before turning away.

"Why you!" Rosso hissed, grinding her teeth at the girl's rudeness.

"You looking for a fight?" The man growled. "You talk to me like that again and I'll beat ya senseless!"

"That's enough." The fourth figure spoke, his voice one that demanded respect and reverence. They all fell into silence immediately, their eyes falling on him worriedly. "Rosso, Azule, Shelke- you are all members of the Tsviets. Instead of bickering like spoilt children, grow up and learn to tolerate one another."

"Screw what you say!" Azule roared, clenching his fists tightly. "I ain't gonna let that little twerp get away with that!"

….

….

The man stopped suddenly. Kicking up gravel as he did. The sounds of footsteps ceased as Rosso, Azule and Shelke all stopped just behind him, staring at his back in anticipation. As he took his final step, he slammed his booted foot into the ground, the sound echoing down the street. The tension of the following silence intensified to dizzying heights as he slowly turned his head to look over his shoulder. Those unbearably cold eyes locked with Azule's, causing the man to gulp down the sudden dread in order to hold onto his tough guy attitude.

"Are you going against me?" He said sternly, yet quietly. It came out as almost a whisper, but he clearly meant business.

"So what if I am?" Azule whelped, his voice betraying his bravado.

"Then we'll fight it out, right here." The man said, eyebrows lowering to narrow his glare; lip twitching.

Silence.

Azule didn't say a word, nor did he make a move. Despite being far larger than the other, he wasn't about to start a fight with him due to the knowledge that he would lose. He had gotten into a brawl with the man once before and it hadn't been pleasant at all. Not even Azule would make that mistake again.

"I didn't think so." He muttered; detest leaking into his voice- as though he was disgusted that the large male didn't take him up on the offer. "In that case, let's go." He turned ahead and began to walk again.

"Yes, Restrictor." They all muttered, following in his steps with a new dread hanging over them. All anger toward each other had long gone now.

"Now, Shelke," The one known as 'Restrictor' began, "where does Weiss live?"

"Not far from here, just a few doors down in fact." She said, the same emotionless tone slithering past her lips.

"Good." He muttered. "Time to pay our new friend a visit."

"I still don't understand why though." Rosso interjected. "Weiss made it clear that he had no intention of joining us. He doesn't seem like the kind to change his mind so easily."

"He's also known for holding his own in a fight and for having a short fuse- a dangerous combination." Shelke added, nodding at Rosso. "When we arrive, the situation may escalate and a fight could ensue. Having the local forces called would be far from ideal."

"Yeah, I ain't being held in a cell overnight just for that stuck-up prat!" Azule spat.

"Relax, all of you." He said, rather soothingly for such a stern man. "If Weiss wants a fight, then I'll take care of him. Perhaps a quick beating is what he needs to wake him up. Shelke and Azule shall remain outside on watch while Rosso comes in with me to keep any other occupants out of the matter."

"You're going to a lot of trouble, aren't you?" Rosso hissed.

"Weiss is a prize candidate for the Tsviets…and we shall have him."

Sweets.

Zack had bought enough sweets to feed a dozen people. As soon as the pick n mix had come into view, his glistening eyes had lit up and he had run over there like a little kid. Cloud and Genesis had exchanged a look briefly before the brunette rolled his eyes and went off to buy the tickets (all of which he insisted on paying for) leaving Cloud to deal with a, clearly, hyper Zack.

"Zack, you're gonna be extremely sick." Cloud pointed out as the ravenette came tottering over with his large bag, filled with goodies.

"Cloud, pick n mix!" He said, as though that was actually an answer at all.

"I swear, if you throw up on me…" 'It would pretty much ruin my fantasies of you…for a little while'

"Relax!" He said, flashing a grin. "Zachary Fair has a mighty strong stomach!" He laughed at his own claim, grabbing a handful of sweets to gobble down before offering Cloud the bag. The blonde took a very modest amount with a polite 'thank you' and returned the older teen's happy smile. "Besides, if I'm sick then it'll give me a reason to leave if it turns out Genny was lying about this film being action-packed." Cloud laughed and resisted the urge to blush at the ravenette's wink.

"Fine, ditch me then!" Cloud returned.

"N'awwww, it's okay, Cloudy." Zack said, patting the boy's shoulder with his free hand (unknowingly sending jolts of electricity throughout the boy's body). "I'll rescue you too."

"You better bail me out too!" They both turned at the sudden call, not immediately recognising the voice. But, they instantly recognised the owner, who was strolling alongside Genesis towards them.

"None of you shall be leaving the movie at all. Not even for toilet breaks." Genesis announced with a cold stare. "Oh, and I picked this loser up at the counter. Turns out he's been ditched this evening so he'll be joining us."

"Reno!" Zack shouted, high-fiving the red head happily. "Got stood up by some girl, did ya?"

"Nah bro, it was Weiss." Genesis' eyebrow raised slowly.

"Something you aren't telling us, Reno" The brunette asked suggestively.

"Ha ha." Reno spat, sarcasm loud and clear. "Nah, we were planning on catching a film tonight but he ain't turned up. I've called him, no answer; texted him, no answer. Couldn't get hold of Nero neither. It's like he's totally gone, yo."

"He's probably got side-tracked by something else." Genesis said. "He doesn't seem like the kind that would commit to plans."

"Yeah, I guess. But, Cid saw him hanging about with a few guys down by the bus station- some kinda gang or something. Real scary dude's in it apparently." Cloud perked up at the sound of his brother's name, having forgotten that he and Reno were friends. However, he was quickly distracted by Genesis' reaction. The teen seemed to have been drained, eyes turning rather dim and his previous smirk now nowhere to be seen. The others didn't seem to notice, but Cloud certainly did.

"Anyway, we better get into the film. Don't want to miss the start." Genesis said, putting on (what was obviously) a fake smile.

"Yeah, you're right. I'm sure Weiss is fine, don't worry about it." Zack said. "Oh, by the way, you know Cloud from the bus, right?"

"Oh, yeah. You alright there Spikey?" Reno said, patting the blonde on the back.

"Yeah, good thanks."

"Hangin' out with these bad boys, huh? You're moving up in the world, little dude. This makes you higher up on the popularity scale than your bro!" Cloud merely gave a shy and modest smile as they all began heading into the cinema. But the blonde's focus had drifted. He was now wondering why Genesis had reacted the way he had and he was wondering what had happened to Weiss. He was sure the teen was fine (after all, he certainly looked like he could handle himself) but something Reno said about that gang- if it was enough to unnerve Genesis then was it something to worry about?

Cloud shook his head and looked straight up at Zack's handsome face to remove the thoughts. He wasn't going to spend his evening fretting over stuff like that. This was his chance to get a little closer to his new crush….

The small teen opened the front door, ready to turn away whoever had come to visit. However, he stopped dead in his tracks as he caught sight of the four frightening figures now plaguing the doorstep. The one at the front, the truly scary one, gave him a surprisingly soothing smile- one you wouldn't expect he could produce just from looking at him.

"Nero, isn't it?" He said, voice no more than a gentle whisper.

"Yes, can I help you?"

"We were wondering if Weiss was home…."

A/N: Hope you guys liked this one. Some of you may be wondering what the hell is going on with Weiss and the Tsviets in this chapter. Well, this is a high school fic and a lot of the stuff in this story are based on my own personal experiences at high school. The reason I am heading into the 'gang' area is because while I was at school, one of my friends- like Weiss- got roped into a gang and went through a lot as a result. I'm happy to say that he made it out pretty well but there were some big problems. That is why I have added a gang angle involving Weiss, because it is something I feel strongly about. However, this story is all about Cloud and Zack, so even with that addition the main focus will always be getting the two together.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed and please review and let me know what you think!