Cloud gasped as he was thrown backwards, hitting the ground with surprising force. Sephiroth’s regal face loomed above him as he prepared to pick up the AVALANCHE member’s weak body.
“You really thought that you could defeat me? Me, Sephiroth, the greatest of all?” He gave a cold smirk and lifted Cloud until they were face-to-face. “You know, you’re awfully confident today. What could have instilled such a fire in you?”
“Like I would eve tell you,” the blonde man spat at Sephiroth. “I don’t need you stealing my methods.”
The silver-haired man laughed. “Stealing your methods? Why would I even need to do that? After all, I have you right where I want you.”
Cloud cried out with surprise as his back connected with the ground again. The sweet smell of grass surrounded him, but it didn’t call his attention away from the man standing above him. Sephiroth’s right hand still grasped Cloud’s shirt collar and now his fist was pressing into the blonde’s neck. “Seph-Sephiroth, I can’t breathe,” he gasped out as the other man lowered himself down.
Sephiroth grinned as he heard Cloud’s heartbeat race. The lack of air would make him somewhat delirious, a feeling he always hated. Settling himself easily, he leaned over until his aqua eyes locked with Cloud’s blue gaze. “That’s a shame, now, isn’t it?” he said with a slightly malicious undertone.
Cloud squirmed, trying to get a decent breath. “Seph…let me up…” he gasped, his vision already swirling.
“Nope, not on your life.” He did, however, remove his fist from Cloud’s throat. He smiled as the blonde coughed. He always had that reaction. Reaching up, he grasped a handful of blonde hair and pulled Cloud’s head up to look straight at him. “See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” He grinned again as he leaned down further, laying a kiss on the other man’s lips.
Cloud’s eyes grew wide and he pushed at the bigger man, desperate to get free. This wasn’t right. He had to get away. Finally Sephiroth released Cloud’s head and he was able to breathe again. “Wha-what are you doing?” he whispered fearfully.
Sephiroth rose up a bit and looked down at Cloud. So helpless, so inviting. He couldn’t keep his tongue from racing over his lips. “Tastes like peaches,” he whispered menacingly.
Cloud realized that he was no match for the older man. “Dammit, Sephiroth, let me go! I won’t let you do this!” Even shoving with all his might, he still couldn’t move the silver-haired man. He fell back, glaring at those aqua eyes. He felt ashamed that he’d even allowed the opening for Sephiroth to kiss him. How dare he!
Sephiroth smiled. “And how will you stop me, I wonder?” He lowered his upper body again, preparing to kiss those soft lips once more.
Cloud had expected the question and he rose to meet Sephiroth, whispering “Like this” as he did. Wrapping his arms around the older man’s neck, he returned Sephiroth’s kiss to him. Now they were even. He smiled, feeling Sephiroth draw back in surprise. So he hadn’t seen that coming.
Clinging even harder, Cloud moved his lips to Sephiroth’s pale neck. The silver-haired man squirmed as kisses were laid down upon his throat, caressing the ivory skin. “C-Cloud, what are you doing?” He was thoroughly taken aback by Cloud’s sudden change. He had expected the boy to fight, but not this.
Cloud replied, mumbling the answer into Sephiroth’s neck. “I’m getting my revenge. From all those times you had your fun.” He nipped gently at the delicate skin near the man’s nape.
“But, Cloud, how can it be revenge if I’m enjoying this little show too?” Sephiroth laughed softly at the blonde. He didn’t even notice one of Cloud’s hands reaching past his waist.
Cloud, his mouth still pressed against Sephiroth’s neck, smiled. “You’ll see. I’ll win this fight for sure.” He clenched his hand around the hard object he felt.
Sephiroth gasped as pain flooded through his body. Looking down, he saw Cloud’s sword Yoshiyuki thrust through his side. “C-Cloud…why?” He stared at the laughing blue eyes. Quickly losing strength, he fell forward, the blonde catching him effortlessly.
“I told you, didn’t I? I would win this fight.” He pulled back, the sword slipping out of Sephiroth’s side.
Above the two, Yuffie looked out of the two-story window of the inn. The group had come to rest in a little unknown town and was resting up here. It seemed as though she was the only one to see the scene below her. Cloud was now holding the fallen Sephiroth in his arms, placing the Yoshiyuki to their side. She had seen the entire thing and now was thoroughly confused. She shook her head and looked up at the blue sky.
Sephiroth’s silvery laugh floated through the air. “That was a good one Cloud. Didn’t expect it.” The teenage ninja looked down once again to see Sephiroth standing, brushing grass off of his leather coat. “But did you have to hit there? You actually got skin.” He pulled the coat away, revealing a long, but shallow cut. Yuffie crossed her arms and turned away.
The rest of AVALANCHE was sitting around the room, recuperating from their latest mission. Yuffie settled herself down next to Tifa. Ever since Sephiroth had joined AVALANCHE their missions had gotten a lot easier. But, something still bothered her. “Hey, guys?” she asked loudly, making sure to get everyone’s attention. “Am I the only one, or has anyone else noticed that Cloud and Sephiroth’s training sessions have gotten a little…strange?”
Cid looked up from lighting his cigarette. “Nah, we’ve noticed. It’s just that you don’t understand this screwed-up shit like we do.”
Tifa nodded. “Sorry to say it, but Cid’s right.” She sighed. “Maybe you’ll figure it out soon. Besides, even if you do, you'll probably wish you hadn't”
Yuffie looked back out of the window to the courtyard below. She doubted it. Really doubted it. ‘I mean, what does tickling have to do with training?’