Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The days were already getting longer and longer. Summer was approaching fast.

Nibelheim’s sheriff had agreed to let Cloud take the deputy’s role, at long last. Cloud knew, it was partly because it had been years since the small village had any trouble, so it was safe enough. As if he was a child and they were letting him play pretend so he wouldn’t throw a tantrum. It didn’t matter; he didn’t care why or how he was given this title. He finally had it, and he’d take his duties seriously, no matter whether the most important thing he had to do was stand around outside the bank during opening and closing time.

He wasn’t selfish – he wouldn’t complain about how peaceful things were, how little trouble they ever got. He had been old enough back then to know and to remember what trouble meant. He wished nothing like that ever came their way again.

It was sunrise. He was standing outside the bank, his hand touching the top of the gun in the holster, always on guard and ready to react. He was already wearing his hat, brim long to cover his face and neck from the sun when it’d finally come up, his leather boots’ thick soles’ protecting his feet from the hot, dry land of the village. The white, wide and long-sleeved t-shirt he wore and tucked into his jeans, ensured the sun wouldn’t burn his arms or feel too hot, the fabric letting the air circulate easily.

It was getting hotter and hotter, already.

“C- Deputy Strife! I reckon the bank owes you its gratitude, having you guarding it!”

Cloud was pulled from his thoughts suddenly, head turning to the man who addressed him, hold tightening around the gun’s handle before relaxing again.

“Mayor... you know simply Cloud is fine. I know this post is but a formality… still I’m grateful for the opportunity you and the sheriff have given me. Thank you.”

He knew Mayor Lockhart since he was a child after all. His daughter, Tifa, and he grew up together after all. She was the only one he ever managed to get along with.

“I will call you Cloud when you finally drop the titles as well, son. Don’t even mention it. No one deserves to be the deputy of this here village but you,” the man smiled widely, and clapped a hand on Cloud’s shoulder in support. Cloud nodded, lowering his head in respect and watched silently as the Mayor walked in the bank. That meant Cloud was relieved from his post outside.

The day was slow. He spent it mostly sitting with the sheriff at the jail – which of course had been empty for years. Even the occasional thief was usually a foreigner and thus was moved to another jail after a while. The sheriff took his fair share of naps, and at some point a friend of his, one of the farmers, dropped by to play cards.

“Would you like to join, deputy? It’s poker.”

Cloud shook his head with a friendly smile. “No thanks. I’ve never been too good at that myself.”

“Well you know what I always say,” the sheriff said, looking through the cards he had been dealt, “don’t trust a man who’s too good at poker. He probably practices the art of lyin’ regularly.”

It was funny to hear him say that while he was playing. But then again, the sheriff turned out to be a pretty bad player – so maybe he only had that saying as a way to make up for his losing streak. Excuse it by saying he was just too honest for this game.

When he got too bored of watching the two play cards, he decided to go around the town, see if anyone needed help.

“Cloud!”

The blond turned at the call of his name, the voice familiar.

Of course, it was Tifa. He stopped walking, waiting for her to catch up to him.

“Oh, look at that flashy badge. Deputy Strife, huh?”

She grabbed his arm between her own two and pulled it against her body in a vice grip. Cloud looked away in mild embarrassment. Tifa had been his friend since they were children. She knew everything about him – and he felt transparent in front of her. It felt like a costume, almost, wearing that ‘deputy’ badge. Like it wasn’t really for him, like he wasn’t worth it.

“I thought you were leaving today,” he said, trying to avoid the subject as they kept walking together.

“Well yeah, but later. I already prepared my things. How’s the deputy life?”

“Fine,” he sighed, exasperated. “It’s fine. You know there isn’t really anything for me to do. It’s slow. Quiet.”

“And you better keep it that way, deputy Strife,” she said teasingly, grinning. “This town better be in tact when we come back.”

“How long will you be gone?”

“Oh, a couple of days or so. Definitely less than a week. Depends on the weather I s’ppose.”

He nodded as they came to a stop and he silently looked at the horse barn in front of them. Tifa would usually go horse-riding during the afternoon, to practice.

She let go of him and stepped away to face him properly. “We leave pretty late. We’ll have a couple of drinks at the saloon before that, if you would join us.”

Cloud sighed. “You know I don’t like going to the saloon.”

“Well, I think that will change now, deputy Strife.” She winked at him, and went towards the barn for her daily horse-riding.

He fixed his hat, the sun not burning as intensely anymore. He’d do one last round and drop by the Sheriff again, before retiring for the night.

***

His mother wasn’t too thrilled about him picking up the deputy’s duties, he knew. He could tell, because she went to join the Lockharts at the saloon even though she tended to avoid that place, firmly believing it was solely for men. Tifa was an exception of course – what with being the Mayor’s daughter.

She would join the Lockharts too, on their trip; the Mayor had offered to take her along, for a change of scenery. It would do her good, he said. It wasn’t a bad idea; but the house was empty now. Lonely.

Cloud laid in bed in the dark of the night, wide awake. It was too quiet for him to sleep. He had waited years to be deputy and now… now he had made it. But had that changed anything? Around him, within him? Was his father proud?

Was there a point in it, in the end?

***

It was no surprise that he hadn’t managed to sleep a lot. It had taken him quite some time to quiet his brain and fall asleep.

The house felt empty – it was the first time his mother had left him alone in all those years, even though he was an adult now. It was strange. Had more time alone with his thoughts, too.

So he decided to just start settling into his new routine. He made himself some breakfast – scrambled eggs – and dropped by the jail, bringing coffee for the Sheriff. Then, took up his post outside the bank, a place he’d have to stay daily from dawn until the time they were fully opened.

And then he saw him. A man, boots and jeans like his own, a seemingly heavy, thick fabric over his clothes and around his body, like a blanket but with a hole around the collarbone, riding on a black horse past him, past the bank.

Cloud knew that cloth – it was called a poncho. Travelers usually wore it, for the cold of the night and the rain.

There was no rain in Nibelheim. In fact, this fabric would probably be unbearably hot 30 minutes later. Cloud had never seen that man before.

The man didn’t see him – didn’t spare him a glance, too much in a hurry, it seemed. Cloud’s blue eyes trailed up to his face, eyes brown and focused intently ahead, as if there was nothing else around him. A shiver went through him. He had never seen anyone look so much like he had a purpose in this village. His eyes followed the man until he disappeared behind a corner. Black, spiky hair were coming out from under his hat, the hat itself seemingly rolled a little at the brims on the side, probably from overuse and the weather.

It wasn’t rare for travelers to pass through Nibelheim. It was the safest passage from locals of both north and south to get to Costa Del Sol, either as a final destination or to cross to the new Gaia. More and more people moved there lately. The big city was there, after all.

The day was slow. He was stranded at the sheriff’s place, the sheriff himself away on business for the day now that he finally had a stand-in, to the town in the north. He should be back before the sunrise.

Cloud would never complain for the lack of action – he was thankful for it. But Nibelheim was getting more and more deserted; young people of his age kept leaving for something better in the big city. It was lonely. It had been lonely for years.

So no one could blame or judge him, when after the sun set, he paid a visit to the small saloon of the town. Deny it as he might, it was the only place bursting with people for the sake of entertainment. Cloud had taken the table in the corner by himself, like always, enjoying the people-watching more than he could ever enjoy gambling. He sipped on his glass of whiskey, slowly; even before being given the title of the deputy, he had sworn to himself to never be caught drunk and unable to act if something happened.

In his corner, it was easier to remain hidden from familiar faces. The last thing he wanted was to have someone try to have small talk with him.

Then, he walked in. The man from before, on the black horse, everything on him the same, minus the thick fabric. Cloud's eyes caught him the moment he stepped through the wooden door, the two lids flapping against each other behind him, his leather boots stepping loudly against the hard-wood floor. He took his hat off, revealing wild black spikes and a bright face.

Cloud shouldn’t be able to hear the steps. It was noisy, and besides Jessie was playing the piano cheerfully now. But it seemed in his mind, every one of the man’s steps were deafening.

The man grinned, a daring grin that screamed trouble. Eyes dark, sharp, scanned the room over before landing on Cloud himself. His breath caught in his throat, their eyes meeting, the man pinning him with just his gaze.

Cloud averted his eyes, aware he was admitting defeat to whatever challenge the stranger posed to him. He looked at his glass instead, taking another sip of his whiskey. It didn’t surprise him when he heard creaking across him, the raven sitting on the free stool, hat openly placed on the table.

It also didn’t surprise him that the man didn’t speak a word until he raised his own eyes again to meet with brown ones, the grin now only discreetly playing on his lips.

“Pardon my intrusion but,” the man started, not looking at all remorseful, “you look in need of some company.”

The voice wasn’t exactly what he had expected it to be – the man must have been younger than he originally thought. Maybe a little over Cloud’s own age. The tone was playful, eyes sparking with intrigue.

Cloud only raised an eyebrow in response, not accustomed to such bold advances. Especially not so openly and publicly from another man. He allowed his eyes to leave the other for a moment, looking around. The bar’s patrons were all engrossed in their alcohol or gambling. He sat back in his seat. “I’m not,” he said sternly, trying to keep some distance.

The waiter stood over their table, on his tray having a glass of whiskey and a glass of beer. He pointed at the drinks, looking at the stranger questioningly.

“Whiskey, thanks,” the man said, watching the waiter leave before downing a good amount of his whiskey. Cloud raised his brows impressed. After putting his glass back down, brown eyes were once again pinning him with their intensity. “I don’t aim to be overly bold or come across as impolite. But the moment I looked at you...” he felt the other’s eyes examine his face and he had to avert his eyes again. It felt like too much. His voice dropped a couple of octaves and it sent shivers down Cloud’s spine. “I knew I gotta have you.”

“And I don’t aim to sound downright unfriendly, but talk like that isn’t acceptable here,” Cloud narrowed his eyes, even though the words made him feel hot. It was dark enough to hope his flush wasn’t visible. “You strike me as a whole mess of trouble,” he added, eyes meeting with the brown pair again, this time starting a challenge of his own. The other kept it up for a moment, the grin widening once more in excitement before surrendering by taking a drink of his whiskey.

“You’ve got the kind of eyes that can size up a canyon. I’m willin’ to bet nothing escapes them. I’d surely loathe to be their target in a bad manner.”

Cloud watched as the man’s eyes traveled down as if taking in as much as his sitting form allowed him to see, a shiver going through him. The stranger had such unmistakable charm and a way with words that Cloud could never win against it, and his so ‘keen eyes’ would rather turn blind than keep a guard up before it.

“Excuse me for being so rude as to not have even introduced myself already,” the man said after their silent exchange. “Name’s Zack. I’m hopin’ it will be somethin’ to remember.”

Inexperienced as he may have been due to living in this small village, Cloud wasn’t stupid or naive, neither fully inexperienced, and he was fully aware where this all was going. Fully aware he should have put an end to it before it even began. But it was an important day, and a painful one all the same, and it was lonelier than usual. The man’s dark eyes and smart words were roping him in like a wild mustang, and he was going willingly.

“Well Zack,” he said, testing how the name felt falling from his lips. He found that he quite liked its sound. “My name is Cloud,” he added, his eyes watching him expectant.

“Cloud,” the man, Zack, let his name roll off his tongue and finished it with a smile. He took a moment of silence, eyes flickering playfully. “Your folks named you well. I reckon your beauty would easily cover up even this village’s scorchin' sun.”

At this, Cloud couldn’t hold back and finally burst into surprised laughter. “Ever get tired of throwing those lines around?” he asked with an amused grin.

Zack responded in kind, with a grin as playful as the spark in his eyes. “Not really. The company inspires me,” he said suggestively, and Cloud sighed and looked away. It was hard to keep up. This man was well-versed in the world of flirting, and Cloud was not.

“So Zack,” he started, turning back to eye him carefully. “What is someone like you doing in a place like this?”

“You have to be more specific. Someone like me? In a place, where, Nibelheim? The saloon?” the man piled on, and Cloud raised an eyebrow, sipping some of his whiskey. Stalling, is what he would call this.

“A man of your wits,” he said, for lack of better words. “You don’t strike me as a farmer.” He sat back against his chair, daring to raise his voice a little so it wouldn’t be drowned out by all the noise. “Wherever. Nibelheim, the saloon. What is your business?”

Zack smirked and downed a good amount of his whiskey. “I’m no farmer, no. Just passin’ through, I s'ppose.” He hummed and leaned forward where Cloud had leaned back. “Here, in the saloon? Reckon I found what I was seekin'.”

Zack’s words were spoken in a steady voice and despite the commotion around, Cloud didn’t miss them. The leftover grin from before faded completely from his face and he leaned forward abruptly, hands on the table and eyes pinning the brown pair.

“You better not be playing, stranger. I do not take kindly to that,” he said sternly. Not anymore. And Zack had been throwing too much stuff at him for it to be funny any more.

But the other didn’t flinch; instead, he leaned forward just a little further, eyes glinting with mischief. “Reckon by sunrise we’ll have seen whether I’m playin’ or not.”

Cloud scoffed, nearly indignant. “You’re very full of yourself.”

At that, the other leaned back against his chair again, grin playful as ever. “Maybe. Maybe I have a reason to be.”

“Used to getting your way?”

“Somethin’ like that,” the man said enigmatically, playing with his glass absently.

“Are you going to give me any straight answers?”

A lazy smile. “I’m more interested in askin’ than answerin’, if I’m honest.”

“Why would you believe I’m in a mood for giving answers to a stranger?”

The other tapped his glass with a finger, and then raised it to his lips, downing the rest of it with a swig. He slammed it down on the table, exhaling as if enjoying the burn of it. He feigned thoughtfulness for a moment, bringing his index finger up as if to count. “Well for one, you were sittin' alone when I walked in, watchin’. You enjoy watchin’ others. But you wouldn’t be in the loudest place in town if you wanted to be left alone.”

Cloud quirked an eyebrow as the man asked for another glass of whiskey, which was brought to him promptly. He didn’t look it, but… this man was observant. He was observant and he played it aloof. That was something to watch out for. “Maybe there’s more to me than meets the eye.”

Zack chuckled in response, the sound deep and inviting. “I’ve always appreciated hidden depths,” he said, taking another sip from his drink. “And for two,” he went on, holding a second finger up. “You haven’t taken a swing at me yet for any of my words.”

Cloud really wanted to wipe that shit eating grin off the man’s face. But his words were true.

“I say,” Zack started but paused for a tiny moment as if weighing his words, if Cloud wasn’t always so attentive he would have missed it. “I say we mosey outta here for a spell.”

It was stupid. Cloud had just met the man – he only just became deputy that day and was he already going to act reckless? If anyone in town saw him…

But Zack’s brown eyes were magnetic. Every sentence out of his mouth sounded like from a stage-play, rehearsed, and something about him was off altogether. However… he was the most exciting thing that had happened to Cloud, to this town, in years probably. And Cloud hadn’t stopped thinking about him eversince he saw him ride on that horse early in the morning. When he smiled, his charm was undeniable. If he refused now, Cloud knew he’d kick himself for it later. Maybe he’d kick himself for agreeing, too.

But what was the harm if the man was just a traveler passing through? He would probably never see him again but he’d have a good memory of that night to keep him some company in the future. Not like there were many… like-minded men his age in Nibelheim that he could choose from.

Without responding, Cloud downed the rest of his glass and reached into his pocket, slamming a few coins down to cover his bill before wordlessly getting up and turning away, towards the door. He didn’t need to check behind him and ensure Zack was following. He knew he would.

He didn’t miss the way Zack hurried behind him like an excited child who was led towards a surprise birthday party, eyes glinting.

Cloud guided him to his home, him walking in front, Zack following him a few steps behind in the dark, as if to somehow be a little more discreet. Cloud lived with his mother, but his mother was gone for the weekend, and he had never been so grateful she was away.

The moment Cloud closed the creaky, wooden door shut, Zack was on him. He grabbed him by the shoulders and span him around, nearly slamming him against the wooden wall and kissed him with passion so fierce he wouldn’t have expected it from someone he had just met, but a long-time lover he hadn’t seen in years. The loneliness and longing in Cloud were immediately triggered by the touch, and he wrapped his arms around the other’s neck and kissed him back just as fiercely, eyes tightly closed to block the reality of yesterday and tomorrow from his brain, the reality that this loneliness and longing would return, only the present, the now, remaining at the forefront of his consciousness.

They broke the kiss to breathe, and instead Zack moved to his neck, peppering kisses on it before sucking hard in a way that Cloud knew he would get a bruise. He pushed away the nagging in his brain that told him to stop that from happening, because if anyone saw it’d be trouble. It didn’t matter; he could cover it up with a bandanna or something. Zack’s lips moved up to his ear and he couldn’t stop the moan that escaped him, hand reaching up just enough to pull at short, black spiky hair in retaliation.

“Bed,” he managed to whisper, “I’m not doing any of this against the damned door.”

Zack laughed brightly, more honest than Cloud had seen him so far. “Alright, wildflower,” he responded, taking a step back so he wouldn’t be pinning him to the wall anymore. Cloud gazed at him thoughtfully at the term of endearment, trying to figure out in what way the man meant it. But Zack’s brown eyes were warm and sincere, his smile earnest. “Lead the way.”

So Cloud took his hand to guide him to his bedchamber, feeling his heartbeat quicken at the tender touch, feeling vulnerable for having initiated it. He felt like he was putting all his cards on the table, his neediness evident.

He had never been good at poker. That’s why he hated playing.

But Zack let himself be pulled along, his own hand closing around the one Cloud’s, entangling their fingers in reciprocation. It did something to calm Cloud’s sudden self-consciousness, but nothing for his quickening heartbeat.

When they entered his bedchamber, he closed the door behind them despite having the house to himself. Having the door open made him feel even more vulnerable. Then he turned to Zack, and decided he would regain some control, pushing him down against the mattress.

Zack blinked laid on the bed, for a moment too stunned to get up. He recovered quickly though, pushing himself up on his elbows.

“Hey –”

But Cloud cut him off, straddling his lap and diving into another kiss, hands holding on from the man’s elbows for dear life. His sudden assertiveness seemed to catch the other off guard, although he was quick to respond to the kiss, eyes squeezing shut and hands cupping Cloud’s cheeks.

Then he pulled away, gently, hands still gingerly touching the blond’s face.

“Hey, hey. Slow down. There’s no need to hurry,” Zack said softly, smiling.

It was Cloud who got caught off guard this time, looking into the brown eyes inches away from his own. He nodded carefully, silently, and was rewarded with a deep kiss, the tongue in his mouth making him relent, hands moving to the small of his back and pulling him closer.

“Do you have uh… anythin’?”

Cloud nodded, feeling some embarrassment as he reached to his bedside table and opened the drawer. He grabbed the small bottle of oil he had been keeping there and handed it to the other, all the while avoiding his gaze.

He couldn’t not hear the sharp inhale however.

“I’m gonna make it good for you, if you let me,” Zack sounded serious in his words, for once not teasing. So he nodded, heart nearly beating out of his chest.

Bottle of oil was placed next to the pillow carefully, and then a pair of hands was all over his body. He grunted and helped the other remove the shirt off him, quick to return the favour.

They took a moment to admire each other’s physique – Zack was well-toned, maybe a little bit more than Cloud himself. He took it all in. There were scars on the man’s arms and chest. He wondered if there were more on his back. Some of them seemed to be burns, others welts.

He ran a finger over one of them, eyes looking at the other in question.

Zack shook his head dismissively. “You know how travelin’ is. Full of fools and half-wits that wanna grab your stuff.”

Like many of the words the man spoke, this sounded like a rehearsed explanation. But at the moment, the fire burning him from inside, he didn’t care enough. And then there were hands on his hips, unbuckling his belt. So wordlessly, he did the same. His hands were shaking, which slowed him down a little, but he was throwing the belt away from them shortly after Zack did the very same.

Before he could act, the pair of hands was on him again, caressing down his bare back and slipping in his pants, groping his behind all the while pushing the clothing off him.

He felt horribly exposed, but then Zack was reaching for the oil so he screwed his eyes shut and let his forehead drop on the other’s chest. He panted against scarred skin, anticipation rising as he heard the bottle cap open, and soon enough there was a finger prodding at him.

It’s not that he had never done this before. But it had mostly been him exploring himself, shame always slamming into him after. He had never realistically expected to do this with anyone else, not while he stayed in this tiny town.

Whatever little experience he’s had – it was either with travelers like Zack, or the times he had traveled to nearby towns by himself. But he never let it go this far.

The way Zack did this – he knew what he was doing. It felt so much better than it ever had before, and when a second finger was added, he relished the burn of it. His head was pulled back gently, and lips were over his own once again. He let himself be kissed, too weak to do more than move his lips in response.

It apparently didn’t take long for Zack to get impatient, because he was withdrawing pretty quickly, and Cloud raised his body up to look at him. He wondered if he looked nearly as needy as Zack did.

“’m sorry, I can’t hold back anymore,” the man murmured, reaching for the oil again. Cloud helped him lower his trousers, face flushing just a little bit more when he saw just how hard the other had gotten. He watched, curious more than anything, as Zack lathered oil up and down his length, his own cheeks flushed with arousal.

Cloud let himself be guided down by the hips, moaning softly as he felt hot hardness press up against him. Nearly desperate, he shifted before sinking down on it, glad the house was empty.

He started riding him, clumsy and uncertain, panting with exertion. It was harder that he’d expected, and he wished he could go faster. It felt good, but he was hesitant about picking up the pace, still getting accustomed to the foreign feeling.

But Zack grunted and tightened his grip on his hips, and then he was thrusting up against him, picking up the pace. A gasp escaped Cloud, the air knocked out of him and he fell against the other’s body, muffling his moan against his skin.

Suddenly, the man pulled out and he whined at the loss. It didn’t last long, though, because he was manhandled on his stomach. He let himself be pulled up by the hips, pressing his forehead against the sheets when he felt Zack behind him, press into him once more.

In this position, he had no control over the pace and he felt the other deeper than before, every thrust forward making him exhale harshly, fighting to catch his breath. He shakily moved his hand to his front, trying to find some relief, and all it took was a few pumps before he was tightening around Zack, spilling underneath him with a muffled, keening moan.

He felt the other use his body for a few more thrusts, chasing his own pleasure, and then he was coming inside him, the hot feeling making Cloud grunt.

***

Cloud let himself relax against the side of Zack’s body, pulling the blanket over their naked forms to regain some modesty. He felt gross and sticky, and he really wanted to wash himself, but he was too content to move just yet. Zack reached out to the floor for a moment, pulling the blanket with him slightly, searching for something in his clothes before settling back in place.

Cloud watched as Zack opened a bag of tobacco and started rolling a cigarette. It was obvious he had been doing that for years – he rolled it pretty quick and his eyes seemed to be elsewhere, not really looking at the paper in his hands as he rolled the cigarette.

Then, one arm was draped around Cloud’s shoulders while another put the cigarette in the mouth Cloud got so accustomed with during that night. Still watching intently, Cloud reached over to take the lighter from the other’s hand before he had the time to light up his cigarette. Zack, cigarette in mouth, hummed questioningly, before the blond reached out with the lighter in his hand and lit up the cigarette instead. Zack inhaled deeply, brown eyes focused on blue ones, before he raised his hand to take the cigarette out of his mouth and exhale a big puff of smoke.

“Thanks,” he said simply.

Cloud watched him for another moment as he took another inhale, now holding the cigarette with the hand that wasn’t around him. “Why wildflower?”

“Huh?”

“You called me that, before,”

Zack smiled, the stiff look on his face eversince they had finished finally disappearing. “Oh, I thought it suit you. You’re beautiful, like a flower. But not one of those that need constant care or they die, like a rose. You’re like a wildflower. Like a dandelion, or a cactus. You’ll take to any soil, any weather, and keep on standin’,” he murmured, tendrils of smoke curling around him and the dimly lit room.

Cloud wanted to snort, mostly because he felt uncomfortable. Seen. But Zack didn’t seem as if he was just saying lines, like at the saloon. From the moment they had stepped into this house, he had been pretty honest. At least, Cloud believed so. Instead, he turned slightly, laying his head into the crook on Zack’s neck to get more comfortable. Closer.

“How’d you figure?”

Zack gave him a puzzling smile at that, shrugging slightly, enough for Cloud to feel it. But then the pensive look was back on his face, smile fading, eyes once again faraway.

He wasn’t sure how he felt about that. Did Zack regret what they did? Was this why he was being distant? But he wasn’t leaving – in fact, other than being lost in thought somewhere, he seemed comfortable and relaxed pressed against Cloud, smoking absently and in no way seeming as if he was in a hurry to get out of there. So Cloud let himself shag against the other again and enjoyed the moment of silence, having the time to collect his thoughts a little.

"Reckon you'd share some tales 'bout Nibelheim?"

Cloud startled at the sound of the other’s voice, and turned his head slightly to look at him. He pondered the request.

"What's on your mind?"

"Anythin’ really. How's life in this town, what keeps folks busy? Is it a perilous place, or… Seems a mite peaceful."

"Well,” he reached out and took the cigarette out of the other’s mouth, stealing an inhale of nicotine for himself. He didn’t make it a habit to smoke, but he enjoyed sharing moments like this one. “You're right 'bout the quiet. It is now anyway. Though, there's been a time that…” he reconsidered, talking about… that time. Despite Zack’s encouraging, questioning hum, he went on. “Mostly, it's farmers and the local shopkeepers who call this place home now. We got ourselves a sheriff too... and that's 'bout the extent of it, I think." He offered the cigarette back to Zack, a few inhales left in it. Zack took it back carefully, inhaling once deeply and dropping it in the cup he had been using as ashtray. “How ‘bout you? Where’s your home?”

“Here an' there,” the words seemed bitter coming out of his mouth. Dismissing the question. Avoiding the subject. “And you? What do you do ‘round these parts?”

The blond thought for a moment, letting go of how the focus was back on him, Zack not speaking about himself. He seemed like he wanted to avoid that, for whatever reason, so Cloud shrugged it off. He didn’t really want to say he was the deputy. Mostly because he just started and it felt a bit presumptuous; but also, maybe Zack would think it was weird. The deputy, going off like this with another man, a stranger, after exchanging just a couple of words.

“Nothing much just yet, just lending a hand ‘round the house and giving a bit of assistance with the farmers.”

Zack regarded him for a long moment, as if he could see right through him. But then he just nodded. “It’s nice of you to help your mom. Family’s important.”

Cloud shrugged, feeling guilty for taking advantage of his mother’s absence the way he did.

“Where’s she now?”

“Just… outta town, for a couple of days. Visiting.”

There was hesitation in the other's eyes before he went on. “An’ uh… your father?”

The blond pursed his lips, looking away. “He’s not around.”

Zack was silent again, as if processing the meaning of those words. But Cloud didn’t want either of them to dwell on it, so he changed the subject.

“Feeling any regret?” then, quickly, he clarified. “About this?” He gestured between them. He couldn’t completely discard the insecurity.

He had half expected a dismissive laugh and some sort of self-assured line. But Zack kept surprising him.

“When I stepped into that saloon,” the man started, pulling his head away just a bit so he could make eye contact, prove he was being sincere. “I felt... like a moth to a flame.” The words made Cloud’s face heat up, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. “Reckon I’d have regrets for the rest of my life had I not talked you up.”

Cloud didn’t know why, but he understood. It should seem ludicrous, that the man would say this and believe it; they just met and they had barely talked, Zack himself had barely given any information about himself. However…

“I've never met anyone like you before. It’s kinda foolish. But… you feel familiar."

The raven smiled, a smile so sweet Cloud had to look away. But his chin was turned towards the other again from a firm hold of two fingers on it. They moved closer to each other, their faces mere inches apart. Then their lips met and he was being kissed, a kiss as sweet as that smile, a soft, lingering kiss. It felt stranger, kissing like this, now. More intimate. Before, it was all about lust, all about a specific outcome. But this was almost tender. Unhurried, soft. Cloud savored it.

Zack gently ran his fingers through Cloud's hair, his voice filled with warmth. “I don’t know if you believe in destiny, but if it’s what brought me to you, I owe it my thanks.”

Cloud laughed under his breath, earning a questioning hum from the other. “It’s just – it is kinda foolish, isn’t it? Destiny,” he chuckled, amused. Cloud didn’t believe in destiny. Things just happened because of other people’s choices. Sometimes, those things were bad. A concept like destiny would never be able to explain the bad things that had happened. Then he shook his head, not wanting to offend the man. “It’s nice to believe in something bigger than us. Something positive.”

Zack hummed, pulling him closer and kissing his head, wordless affirmation that he hadn’t been offended. “Don’t you? Believe in somethin’?”

Cloud sighed, letting himself be held for once. “No. I don’t think I can believe in anything like that anymore.”

“Why?”

“You know. Bad things happen and… when you give the credit to some ‘destiny’, you let the ones that made their choice off the hook. You try to give some meaning and greater purpose to something shitty and… sometimes, shitty things happen. They don’t happen for some greater reason it’s just – some people choose to do something bad. Or sometimes, your horse will just stop listening to you and jump off a cliff with you saddled on it. I dunno,” he said dismissively, aware he had just gone off a tangent that wasn’t particularly pleasant.

Zack didn’t laugh, but he did remain silent for a few seconds, as if he was mulling those words over. "No such thing as a reckonin' then?" Cloud shook his head in response, enough for the other man to feel it against his chest. “I wouldn’t have pegged you for a pessimist.”

And Cloud decided to laugh it off, because what else was there to do? “Drinking whiskey on my own at the saloon didn’t give you a hint?”

Finally, the raven laughed, and shifted to get more comfortable. “I should go.”

“You can stay the night.” The words escaped him before he could stop them. “You can leave at dawn. Save yourself the money for a room at the inn.”

“It’s honestly not so costly.”

Cloud laughed again, enjoying the fingers now just tracing his back, touch feather-light. “That’s because it’s wretched. Bedding past its prime.” Lips were pressing tiny kisses on his head, and he turned to the side to expose his neck. Zack took the invitation, kissing his neck again and again, sucking the skin between his teeth, sure to leave a bruise. “You don’t seem to be making haste.”

Zack hummed against his neck, and his breath as he spoke made the hair on his arms raise. “What can I tell you,” he murmured, and if he kept this up Cloud would get worked up again. “You got me hooked. I’m a slave to vices.”

The words made another wave of embarrassment and arousal go through Cloud. He’d do something about it, too, if he weren’t so tired. Instead, he turned towards the other and pressed a kiss on his hair.

It seemed to be the push Zack needed, and he pulled away at last, leaving Cloud feeling cold. He sat on the bed, fixing his trousers and reaching down for his belt, buckling it back on with quick movements.

“You never told me where you’re heading.”

Zack looked back to him for a moment, but quickly averted his gaze. “Few towns over.”

“By your lonesome?”

Wordlessly, back still turned to him, the other reached down to grab his shirt. After he was sufficiently dressed, he stood up and looked at Cloud. “Not quite, I s’ppose,” he said vaguely and bent down to place one last kiss on Cloud’s lips. “Thanks for tonight, wildflower. 'Least I have something to show for my visit here.”

Just like that, he was out the door, leaving Cloud by himself, clutching the blanket against his body.

***

It didn’t make it harder to wake up, despite his exhaustion. He had just made it deputy, he wasn’t gonna blow it by sleeping in.

So he changed back into his jeans and white, long-sleeved shirt. He smiled fondly when he noticed – this wasn’t his belt. That man – Zack – must have accidentally gotten his instead. At least he had evidence he hadn’t just dreamed the whole thing.

He got his gun from his drawer and put it in its holster, his hat the last thing he grabbed before leaving the house. The jail was just a few minutes away. He had to pass by the sheriff every morning before heading to his post at the bank.

He was surprised to see him standing outside in the sun, in the company of other people.

“Ah, Cloud – I mean, deputy, here you are.”

Cloud looked up at the sheriff, but quickly had to mask his surprise as he approached and could clearly see a tall man, with long silver hair reaching down to his waist and… Zack?

“This is Mr. Fair and Sephiroth,” the sheriff went on, gesturing to the two men. “They will be staying with us for a while. They’re from the big city, you know? Midgar! They came on behalf of the bank’s headquarters, important business." There was an excitement in his voice that Cloud couldn't share.

The sheriff went on about the bank but Cloud couldn’t focus on his words, eyes continuously darting to a pair of brown ones. To his credit, if Zack was as surprised as he was, he didn’t show it at all.

“Nice to make your acquaintance, gentlemen,” he said, shaking hands with the other man, Sephiroth, before extending his hand to Zack. He hoped his face didn’t betray the turmoil going on inside him as he faced the man, even if he felt his cheeks heating up. “I’m deputy Cloud Strife.”

Zack regarded him a minuscule of a second too long, before offering his disarming smile along with his hand, grasping Cloud’s own firmly.

“You can call me Zack.”

That lying, wretched son of a bitch.

Chapter Text

They were sitting at the sheriff’s office, Cloud content to just lean against the wall instead, arms crossed against his chest. The angle gave him an advantage in watching the two strangers closely while being discreet.

Zack seemed relaxed in his chair across the sheriff, focused on the conversation at hand. It infuriated Cloud. He was really acting as if he wasn’t wearing Cloud’s belt right that moment.

“It’s just routine, really,” the silver-haired man, Sephiroth, said simply. “The Shinra Bank HQ sends out people every so often from Midgar to check on the smaller branches, the security and traffic as well as the bookkeeping. Sometimes to share new mechanisms. It’s strange that you haven’t had any checks in years.”

The sheriff hummed, skeptically. “Well, there was a scrape a few years back at the bank. After that, they cut down the hours an’ kept less coin inside, so folks stopped coming ‘round much. Only lately’s it picked up again – reckon that’s why they sent the two of you out here now.”

Zack, though silent, seemed to light up with interest. “What kinda scrape?”

Cloud’s lips were a thin line. “Bandits,” he intervened, brows furrowed. The word echoed in the room for a moment. “What else?”

Their eyes met, for the first time in that office, electrifying. Despite everything, it still seemed impossible to read the man.

The sheriff sighed. “Bad patch, that was. Hurt the town plenty.”

Cloud knew. He remembered. It hadn't been but a few years ago - it cost him his father. It cost him his trust. More and more people had started leaving, after that incident. No one wanted to stay in a town where it was possible for such things to happen so easily, because there wasn't enough security. The whole town had been caught with its pants down. Whoever had the means to leave for the big city, had already left.

Zack opened his mouth to speak, but Sephiroth cut him off, hand up.

“We might need more details on that,” he said. “For our report. But not now. We’ll be staying for a few days and we also need to visit the nearby towns. You didn't receive the telegraph from HQ about the purpose of our visit?”

The sheriff hummed thoughtfully, fiddling with his badge. "We've been having some trouble with it the past few days."

The two strangers looked at each other meaningfully for a split moment, but Cloud caught it. "If you can't get it to work by the time we leave, we'll have to send a rider to fix it for you. It's important not to lose communication with the HQ," Sephiroth spoke up.

“Course, gentlemen. Well, town’s at your disposal for as long as duty keeps you here. Deputy Cloud is responsible for the bank, starting yesterday,” the sheriff gestured. “So I reckon he’ll make sure to show you around and keep you safe at the nearby towns.”

Cloud's eyes shot towards the sheriff, concerned. “Who’s gonna be guarding the bank here?” He really would rather stay in his town. Not travel around with... 

“Reckon you’ll still find me here, Deputy. No cause for worryin’.”

He tapped his fingers on his forearm idly. He wasn’t going to argue with he sheriff his second day as Deputy. So he nodded, protests dying in his throat. He wondered why did the sheriff even think he was already prepared for such a thing - he had just been given a gun and a badge and called a title. Now he was being thrust into situations and responsibilities without further instructions. Sephiroth cleared his throat.

“We ought to ride to Rocket Town, meet the folks of the other branch for now. I believe the bank will be closed next week so best we make that our first stop.”

“You can go by train. Will only take you about 2-3 hours.”

“I’m not gettin’ on the train.”

The three of them turned to look at Zack. At their silence, he repeated his words, turning to look at Sephiroth.

“I’m not gettin’ on the train.”

There was a flash of annoyance in Sephiroth’s expression, and even though he schooled it back pretty quickly, Cloud saw it. “Yes, you are,” he said smoothly, his tone containing a sound of finality to it.

Zack’s eyes darted from Sephiroth to Cloud, as if he didn’t want to have that conversation in front of him. Then he shook his head.

“I’m not, Seph. I’ll go with Banora. Okay?”

“Don’t call me that.”

There was something dark in the man’s voice that made Cloud uneasy. So he intervened.

“Who’s Banora?”

“My horse,” Zack explained, now avoiding Sephiroth’s gaze. His eyes were downcast, his whole aura nothing like what it was the night before.

“It’ll take you half a day to go by horse, what with the terrain,” the sheriff said, voice disapproving. “And it’s not safe if you don’t know the path. ‘Specially riding alone.”

“We’ll take the train. I’m not wasting resources and time when we can go by train and you – “

“I’ll go.”

Cloud stepped in, not particularly enjoying the sight of Zack’s distressed expression as the other two piled on him. It didn't suit him. The men were staring at him, Zack’s expression one of surprise and gratitude.

“What do you mean, ‘you’ll go’?” the sheriff questioned.

Cloud shrugged, letting his arms fall from his chest. He moved closer. There really was no reason for this arguing. “I’ll ride with him. I’ll take Delta. I’ve done the trip a couple of times so I know the path and if anything happens, at least one of us can go get help.”

A silence settled, so he added, “Reckon Mister… Sephiroth, will do just fine on the train. Long as it’s no problem waiting for us in Rocket Town, we can catch up to him come sundown.”

The sheriff grunted. “You sure ’bout that, Cloud? If you get hurt, your ma’ll skin me alive.”

“Of course. Nothing will happen anyway. The skies are clear.”

***

They had to take some time to get ready, prepare their horses. Really, Cloud didn't know how he felt about being by himself with Zack for the many hours the ride would last. Having simple, idle conversation seemed awkward after... well. It was hard to keep his thoughts focused away from the way the man had touched him the night before, how he had kissed him. How familiar he had seemed, had felt. How he had filled him. His cheeks burned. He really needed to stop thinking about that.

It was a beautiful view, at the very least. The trail went around the mountain, the terrain much like Nibelheim itself offering up nothing but shrubs and dust. There really was not a single cloud in the sky, the sun rising above them big. The lack of trees didn't provide any shadow, so the ground had an elevated temperature already. As they rode, on their right side, the slope climbed sharp and gray, still far from the mountain top. The desert unfolded endlessly, it seemed, the only sounds in its infinity being the horses' gallops and a hawk cutting through it every now and then.

Cloud rode steady, gaze fixed ahead but stealing glances at the view, caught somewhere between awe and thought. There was a peace to it, even if the silence sat heavy - he always loved the sight of Mt. Nibel. It stood tall over the town since he could remember himself, even though it was so far away in reality. He lifted his head up a bit, testing to see if he could see the mountain top from this angle. He knew they were already far out of his town when he realized they were too close to the mountain to look at its entirety. 

“Much obliged, for this.”

Zack was the first to speak in the silence, still avoiding Cloud’s eyes as they rode side by side. His hat was tipped low, and the light caught the dark strands of his hair where it curled at his neck. A trail of sweat had run from his temple down to his neck, and for a fleeting moment Cloud wasn’t sure what was more distracting, the heat, the view, or him. He leaned forward to pet through Delta’s mane before looking up at the other man.

“Why didn’t you want to go by train?”

“It’s just –” Zack huffed, fixing his hat and shifting in his saddle to get more comfortable. Stalling. “I ain't fond of trains.”

Cloud could see this simple fact made the other fidgety. So he dropped it with a nod. Riding on horseback took much longer for Rocket Town specifically – they had to go around the Mountain, while the train cut through a tunnel.

“Well, sky’s clear enough so we shouldn’t have any delays. There’s a pond on the way so I reckon we take that direction, give the horses a minute to quench their thirst over there.”

Zack hummed, his own hand traveling downwards to pet at his horse.

After some time of absolute silence, other than sudden gusts of wind, Zack cleared his throat.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were the Deputy sheriff?”

Cloud raised an eyebrow and glanced at the other. “Why didn’t you tell me you were an important businessman from the big city and you’d stay awhile?” he shot back, voice dripping with sarcasm. He would have never gone with him if he knew he’d be staying. Or that he’d have to face him daily after that.

Zack shrugged. What the hell, it was impossible to get any answers out of this man.

“Figured, small town like this… you wouldn’t give in to me if I were to stay around.”

Cloud bristled at that. Because – Zack was definitely right. “So you lied to bed me.”

“Hey, some folks would take that as praise.”

“I do not take kindly to being deceived,” he murmured, squeezing his calves against the horse lightly to speed up, riding in the front now. He didn’t want to ride next to Zack for now. He was furious.

But Zack rode up next to him, not wasting time in catching up. “I reckon I won’t be apologizin’ for this. We both know you’d be kickin’ yourself had you passed that opportunity.”

Cloud rolled his eyes. “You’re extremely full of yourself.”

Zack grinned, and it seemed to still have the power to disarm him. “Now you lemme know. Do I have a reason to be?”

He refused to dignify that with a response, his face heating up. He could blame it on the sun, at least. “You lied to me all the same,” he said instead.

The other remained silent for a moment. “It ain’t been easy for me either, you know. Life. Lonely just the same. I love Seph like a brother but – all he cares for is work. It’s nice to escape sometimes, is all.”

Cloud understood, he really did, and he knew this had been the most honest Zack had been with him til that point. Maybe. But it irked him - how the man spoke like he knew him so well. He did that before too - Cloud had felt the same, for some reason. He'd been wrong. He let himself be deluded.

Truth was, he was more upset that his instincts had failed him so terribly. He was usually better at reading through bullshit. Zack passed right through his radar. It felt like a disadvantage, Cloud had shared too much of himself too quickly.

“The pond isn’t too far from here,” he changed the subject, looking ahead. “We can take a breather. Do you have any food with you?”

Zack thought for a moment and shook his head sheepishly.

“Alright. I got some bread we can split. Should we keep riding with no more pauses, we’ll get to Rocket Town before dark.”

The pond was nothing to write home about, but the horses seemed to appreciate the water. Cloud watched them, side by side, one black horse and one white. Delta had a few patches of brown on her head and legs, but the contrast between the two horses amused him anyway. Zack was dressed up like his horse, after all. Black shirt tucked inside black jeans in leather boots. Before he sat on the ground, he grabbed the bread from the saddle bags. He remained silent when Zack joined him, and wordlessly offered him half the loaf.

They stayed like that for a few moments, peacefully eating the bread, when Zack spoke. “I cannot be sorry for it,” he started, and Cloud huffed. They already talked about this, and if Zack didn’t see how he should apologize, there was nothing more to say. “’Cause I’d do it all again if it meant I got a taste of you.”

Cloud turned abruptly to look at him, eyes widening. He looked around as if the rocks could hear, or the wind would carry Zack's words back to Nibelheim. The audacity. In broad daylight, too! “You can’t just go spouting things like that.”

Zack's eyes were enigmatic and there was a teasing little smirk on his face. Cloud feels his heartbeat quicken at the sight. The man had no right to look so charming while practically playing him.

“Ain’t spoutin’ anythin’. I mean every word.”

“Whatever, Zack," he rolled his eyes, and then for good measure: "If that’s even your real name.”

Zack chuckled with humour anyway, breaking whatever tension had built. “God-given,” he assured, “Been it my whole damn life.”

“Just eat your bread.”

Zack watched him carefully nevertheless, no doubt fully aware of the effect these words had on him. It really wasn't fair. Cloud had been careful with his desires his whole life. Who was Zack to ruin that? He remained silent for a few moments, before sighing in defeat. “Listen –”

But the other’s attention was elsewhere, and he brought a finger to Cloud’s mouth, shushing him. “Wait,” he whispered, and Cloud did his best to ignore the feeling of the calloused finger on his lips in order to follow his gaze. “We got company.”

He couldn’t believe he hadn’t heard it. There were two men, riding on horses, approaching. They didn’t seem to have noticed them yet but – all the same, his hand went to the gun in his holster.

Zack shook his head. “Stay low,” his tone was calm, unnervingly so.

It didn’t matter anymore whether they were silent or not – they were spotted. And the men definitely looked like bandits. They rode up to them, and Cloud’s eyes darted to the horses. If they shot them – it’d all be over. There was no going anywhere without horses from where they were. There was nothing but dirt for miles.

“Hand over your valuables, boys! We just might feel generous enough to let you live,” the first man yelled down at them, two guns pointed at them.

The men seemed a little older than Cloud and Zack themselves, maybe – Cloud couldn’t believe they’d been caught off guard like that. That he'd been caught off guard. The road to Rocket Town was a famously safe one. There was never much traffic on it, so bandits weren’t particularly interested in it.

“You must have a death wish, strangers,” Cloud murmured, jaw tight. He was a deputy, his own job was to protect Zack at the moment, and he’d do it. Even if his hand trembled as he flexed his fingers in preparation. He'd do it.

Zack seemed to be tapping at his belt nonchalantly, eyes glinting as they often did.

Cloud considered the angle. They were at a disadvantage, but they had to keep the attention away from their horses. He hadn't really - this would be his first time pulling a gun on someone. This was the first time someone pulled a gun on him. He wondered if he'd be quick enough, if the bandits would shoot at them the moment he pulled his gun out. He wished he'd had more practice. He couldn't let Zack get hurt, his whole purpose on this trip was to make sure he traveled safe.

He swallowed. Yet – before he could draw, Zack’s pistol was out, spinning from its holster with practiced ease.

The gunshot that echoed had their horses whinny and paw at the ground, and Cloud, startled just as much, jumped to reign them in. When he looked over to Zack again, he saw it – the one that had yelled at them, his body jerked and then slumped on the ground, blood pooling around him. His horse whinnied and jumped back, running away from the pond. Zack's eyes were steel focused, and he brought his second hand on his gun as well now, steadying his aim on the second bandit without any hesitation. 

The second bandit’s eyes widened, cocking his gun even as his own horse stumped the ground panicked, visibly unprepared for this turn of events. “Who the hell –” another shot was fired, this time a warning one, right into the man’s shoulder. It would have been funny, a warning shot right after a deadly one, had Cloud’s humour been bleak.

The man cried out in pain, gripping his gun to his own shoulder.

“Back off.”

There was a finality to Zack’s words, and the bandit stared at him through his wince as he gripped his bloodied shoulder, quickly turning away, clumsily riding to where he came from.

Zack didn’t take his eyes off him until the man wasn’t visible anymore, the dead bandit’s horse gone in the same direction. Only then did he put the gun back in his holster, hidden away under his shirt. He turned to Cloud, eyes almost concerned. “You alright?”

“Zack… you –” Cloud looked at the dead body. All this blood. He rushed to it and knelt down, turning it over so he could see the man's face. His eyes were open. Cloud pressed his fingers to his neck, looking for a pulse. Nothing. His hands got blood on them. It was warm in a way that made him queasy. “You killed him.”

His own eyes were wide. There had been zero hesitation, as well.

Zack's voice was nonchalant as he tipped his hat, fixing his clothes. “Reckon I had no choice. They’d’ve taken the horses as soon as they realized we ain’t got a damn thing of value on us.”

“But…”

“Midgar is a long way. I’ve had to deal with vermin like that more than you’d imagine.”

He nodded mutely, and closed the man's eyes gently with two fingers. He got back up and caressed their horses carefully, ensuring they had calmed down. He still felt shaken. His eyes darted back to the body. Lifeless, not moving. "We can’t just leave him laying out here."

Bandit or not, he was a man. He hadn't been all that old either.

"They drew up on us, Cloud. Ain’t no shame in lettin’ the coyotes have him.”

Cloud’s jaw tightened, gaze still on the lifeless man. Those words were... harsh. Would his father have agreed? Zack had been pretty cynical since about the beginning, and Cloud had every reason to care even less about outlaws like this. Even still.

“Don’t sit right. Somebody’s son, maybe somebody’s husband, friend. Anyone deserves better than... this."

Zack gave him a long look, but in the end smiled a little, softly, his cold expression melting. "You got a soft heart, deputy. You sure you're up for that job?"

Cloud whipped his head up to look at Zack, offended. "Because I respect the dead?"

"Yeah," Zack said. "Please don't go takin' offense, wildflower. But you gotta toughen up some if you aim to keep wearin’ that badge. If trouble comes knockin’, you can’t be standin’ there second-guessin’ yourself. You put him down, or he puts you under. That’s the way of it.”

The words were biting, even if they were spoken in a kind manner. He didn't know what to answer to that. He wished he could tell himself that Zack was wrong and nothing like that would happen in quiet Nibelheim but - it would be a lie. Zack was right. His father could have testified to that, were specters real. 

"...Alright. We'll dig him a hole, I s'ppose. Just enough to cover him up. If anyone is to come lookin' for him, it'll be that buddy of his. So let him find him."

The tension left Cloud's shoulders, just a little. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me, deputy. I'm only doin' this because you cared enough to ask."

Zack reached to his saddlebag, taking out a small, pocket-size spade. There was no coldness in his face or movement anymore, no smugness or complaining. It would take up more of their time, having to do this nearly by hand. Yet Zack was quiet in a way that it made Cloud's chest ache.

The ground was soft, because of the pond's water. There were no rocks in that area, so it wasn't too hard to dig a shallow grave. It had to be enough. Cloud let his gaze linger on Zack’s back, the muscles taut under his shirt. Still, he couldn't shake the image off. Men didn't get that fast with a gun unless they’ve had reason. Unless they’ve killed before.

“We should get going.”

Zack patted himself down, dusting his clothes from the dirt. There was sweat dripping down from his forehead, and he wiped at it carelessly, catching a breath. They put a long stick in the ground next to where they buried the man, as a sign for whomever came searching to find him easily. Somehow he found it in himself to smirk. “I concur. That’s enough excitement for one day.”

They were riding again, this time in complete silence. It was starting to get dark, but Cloud knew they were close. He just wanted this to be over – he had no idea what to say, anymore. His head was loud with the image still - with the words - with feeling like he wasn't enough.

Zack seemed to read his mind. “It might not have looked like it, but I don’t actually relish killin’ anyone. Even bandits,” he murmured, riding up next to Cloud. “But if anyone tries to threaten me or someone close to me…” he trailed off, gesturing ahead, his meaning obvious.

Cloud hummed, skeptically. “It’s… it’s not that,” he confessed, well, it wasn't only that anyway. “I should have been the one protecting you – I’m the deputy. This is my job.”

“That’s alright,” the man’s smile this time was bright, one of his honest ones. Rare. “You’ll learn. You’re green, sure… but you’ll learn," there was decisiveness in his voice. "Ain’t nobody born ready for this line of work. You just gotta keep your eyes open, your hand steady. I’m used to it, what with my job. You told me Nibelheim is quiet so… you'll get there." He flashed him a crooked grin.

Cloud fidgeted with his hat, lowering his gaze. He couldn't fathom how the man could be used to it. Why he'd even hang on to a job that was so perilous as to permit him to get used to clashing with bandits, maybe killing some of them. Sephiroth had seemed much different than Zack. Had it only been the raven, Cloud wouldn't have believed for a moment that he was sent from the bank.

Nevertheless, they reached Rocket Town without any more trouble, later than estimated. It was already dark.

There was a stable that let visitors leave their horses, safe and guarded by a single worker. The boards of the porch groaned under their boots as they dismounted. Cloud tied his horse a little too tightly, fumbling with the knot before stepping back, frustrated. Zack had already looped his reins and leaned against the post, arms crossed, grin tugging at his mouth.

“You fightin’ that knot, or is it fightin’ you?” Zack teased, eyes glinting.

Cloud shot him a glare, but it didn’t carry much heat. “I’ve got it handled.”

“Sure you do.” Zack’s voice carried that easy warmth, the kind that made Cloud’s ears burn despite himself. They exchange a look, and Cloud stayed quiet. “Ah, Seph will never lemme hear the end of it.”

Cloud nodded. “He must have been here for hours. There’s only one inn so I reckon he must be waiting over there,” he rubbed his eyes, the whole day had been bizarre. The past two days, to be precise.

“The trail’s gotta got the best of you,” Zack said softly. “We oughta turn in anyway. Gotta head to the bank soon after sunrise.”

Cloud hummed in agreement and he showed the way to the inn. It was small, but cozy enough. There were some lanterns here and there, lighting up the reception and down the hall. With every step, wood creaked, the air smelling of oil. It was kind of addictive. It turned out, Sephiroth had taken a room for two, so Zack was given a spare key for it. Cloud was given the room directly across them.

Zack lingered at the doorway to his room for a moment, hand on the handle. He hesitated. "You did good out there."

The words made Cloud sigh, his own hand already pulling on the handle. He turned to face the other, but he still had his back on him. "Didn't feel like it."

"You'll get better. You just need... a push."

"What do you care?" he didn't mean for the words to be biting. Zack had been content enough to leave a dead man become food for wild animals, he couldn't explain this insistence that Cloud would figure his shit out. Would get stronger. Even if it was because they slept together - and the man didn't really seem like the type for that, especially after how he had left in the middle of the night - it was impossible to reconcile his words with his actions. He was like a walking contradiction.

"I’d hate to see you fall before you even get your boots broke in,” came the response, and Zack finally looked back to him with a soft smile. "Goodnight, Cloud."

With that, he disappeared behind a closed door.

Cloud's mind raced as he entered his own room, alone. The day had been strange. He sat on the edge of his bed, feeling restless. He stared down at his boots, a few drops of blood on them unmistakable. It wasn't too much, or even too visible, but now that he noticed it he desperately wanted to clean it.

So he got up and grabbed a cloth from his bedside table, bringing his boot over his knee so he could reach easily. He rubbed at it insistently, but to his dismay the leather had absorbed the blood. No matter how hard he tried, nothing but mud seemed to come off. Maybe he'd try getting his boots cleaned in town.

Nothing to occupy himself with anymore, his brain seemed to get back into overload. He told himself - he tried to convince himself - he was too tired to think, he just wanted to go to bed. But his mind kept circling back to Zack. His easy smile, his bright eyes. The way he danced around his own words, never giving a straight answer. His fingers, smart and quick. Pulling the trigger like he'd done it a million times.

Sephiroth... he didn't know the man. He spoke in a polite manner, but Cloud hadn't missed the way his eyes turned stormy when Zack didn't go along with what he said. How Zack didn't hesitate to aim his gun but he hesitated to say no to Sephiroth, even if he really wanted to.

Something stirred inside him at the thought of the two men alone in the room across him, sharing the room and talking in the dark and quiet. The sheriff hadn't asked him to pry, he'd seemed to trust the two men immediately, so they must have papers with them that prove their affiliation with the bank. Still, he felt unease. Any stranger with a gun hand like Zack’s and a story full of holes was worth keeping an eye on. But more importantly, Zack had a way of pulling people close without trying, and Cloud didn’t trust how easily he’d been drawn in. How badly his instincts had failed him on the first night they met.

I’d hate to see you fall before you even get your boots broke in.

The words gnawed at the back of his mind. He thought of Zack and Sephiroth alone in their room. Maybe he felt jealousy, but he'd never name it that.

He stood, quietly, boots scuffing against the floor. The hallway beyond his door was dim, the lanterns turned down low. From across the way came the faint sound of voices - muffled, too quiet to make out, but there. After making sure the door to the others’ room was closed, he carefully, with light steps, walked up to it, pressing his ear to the wooden door. He was well-aware of how little did the materials in that place do for soundproofing.

He held his breath, the dialogue on the other side of the door pretty clear.

“...Ain’t about the coin, and you know it.”

That was definitely Zack’s voice. It sounded different than what Cloud was accustomed to. Somehow lower. More weary.

“Ah, certainly. You were always a romantic like that,” this must have been Sephiroth, but his tone dripped with sarcasm. What did that mean?

“Quit treatin’ me like a kid. You gave me your word.”

“Quit acting like one, then. You put everything in jeopardy today, your childish fear of trains. You took an awful long time to get here. ”

Cloud heard glowering, the words quite obviously not well-received. “Reckon you’re the first to know I can’t do nothin’ ‘bout that," a pause. Then, quietly. “We had to make a stop. Bandits on the trail. Had no choice.”

There was a tense silence. "And the Deputy? He was with you."

"He's fine. I handled it."

"You're getting careless."

"I know what I'm doin'," Zack nearly growled. "Just focus on your end."

"Do you?" the question was met with more silence. "If you become a liability -" 

"I won't, I'm not," the words were spoken quickly, desperately. He had yet to hear Zack speak in such a way, and it gave him whiplash. "We're fine."

“You better make damn sure of that.”

Wood seemed to be creaking under footsteps, then, so Cloud immediately moved away. The air in the hallway suddenly felt thin, like the whole place was holding its breath. He silently slipped back to his own room across them, pulse hammering in his ears. 

He sat on his bed, pondering over what he’d heard. Was it worth it, that he overheard this conversation? He normally wasn’t one to do inappropriate and invasive things like that. The words that had been said, he couldn't quite decipher them, couldn't quite understand but... It could all be explained in the context of their jobs, if he tried hard enough. He should really let this feeling gnawing at him go.

Yet, they way they spoke… for some reason, that was what made him unable to shake it off. They spoke differently – at least Zack – than what he had heard them speak like. There was no normal explanation he could give for someone acting so different behind closed doors. But the sheriff had given him one simple job, to show them around where they needed to go and keep them safe. It was simple enough and Cloud should focus on doing just that.

And Sephiroth… it was clear that Zack obeyed him, to some extent. He held authority over the man. Did it have anything to do with their positions at the bank?

There was a light tap on his door, a knock. His hand went to his revolver out of reflex, but he reigned it in, trying to ease the tense from his shoulders. He stared at the door for a moment, and took a deep breath, walking up to let Zack, as expected, in.

“Hey,” the other greeted, but he seemed guarded. He stood in the dim light of the hallway, shirt loose at the collar, hair damp from a quick wash. “Can’t sleep?”

Cloud hummed in agreement, stepping aside. “You either?”

Zack took the invitation and walked in the room, standing in the middle of it. There wasn’t much space anyway. One bed, and a chair next to the window. “I…” the other seemed to weigh his words carefully. “Seph is difficult, sometimes. I just need a breather.”

Cloud watched him carefully. He hadn’t even expected to be told as much. Unless somehow the men had known he had been listening to them through the closed door. He leaned against the door, his eyes searching Zack’s expression. Whatever he searched it for, he didn’t find it.

You put him down, or he puts you under.

He wondered how many times Zack had pulled his trigger deadly. There were a lot of scars on his body. Was the living that harsh in Midgar? Was it the traveling? He wished Nibelheim remained quiet forever.

Zack was the first to break the silence. He rubbed the back of his neck. "You're still thinkin' on it."

It wasn't a question. He wondered, had Sephiroth been angry bout Zack putting them both in danger, or was it something else? Was it really so routine for him to clash with bandits he could shake it off that easily?

There was sympathy in Zack's eyes. "Don't carry that weight. It's done."

Cloud shook his head. He didn't want to talk about that. He didn't know how to, without sounding childish and inexperienced. They had guns pointed at them. Zack had had every right to react, really. Maybe traveling for the bank had a prerequisite to not hesitate in the face of danger, especially if your only mode of transport was horseback and you avoided trains like the fire. Maybe he was trying too hard to explain it, and that scared him more than Zack had said or done. Instead, he thought back to the conversation he eavesdropped between Zack and Sephiroth. Seph. It had been charged with tension, sure. The two couldn't just be colleagues. They didn't speak to each other as if that was the case. The way Zack couldn't keep his hands to himself, his words to himself.

“You and… Sephiroth,” he started, his tone questioning. “Are you…” he trailed off, uncertain how to finish. He had never been one for crude questions. The way he averted his gaze, a shade of pink dusting his cheeks, did all the talking.

Zack let out a soft laugh. “What? Rollin’ in the hay?” he sounded amused, not seeming to take offense. “Or the bedrolls, anyhow?” his eyes glinted with mischief as he stepped towards Cloud, crowding him. Cloud's breath caught in his throat. “Nah. Seph ain’t one for mixin’ business and pleasure.”

Cloud turned his head to the side, keeping some distance between the two of them. “And you?”

Calloused hand turned his head back by the chin, forcing him to face Zack, his breath catching in in his throat. To himself, at least, he couldn’t deny it. He was extremely attracted to the other.

“Been tellin’ you. I got a weakness for bad habits.”

His face was held in place as soft lips pulled at his own and he closed his eyes, savouring the feeling before they broke apart.

“Wait,” he murmured, trying to collect his thoughts. He wasn’t given respite, lips capturing his own again and again, and he felt himself be turned around and walked backwards towards the bed. He was pushed against the mattress, the kiss breaking. “Zack –” he tried again, but the man was on him in an instant, silencing him with his lips, hands not wasting a moment and roaming all over his body. He moaned against the other's lips at the feeling, a finger flicking his nipple through his shirt, quickly riling him up.

There was something urgent in Zack’s manner, something nearly forceful. It was lacking the softness of the kisses they had shared before, and it felt like the other was proving a point. Cloud’s stomach was tied in a knot, Zack grabbing his hand and pinning it against the mattress, while using his free one to sneak to his trousers, popping the buttons open.

He tried to protest, the sound muffled from the mouth on his own.

Zack pulled away just enough for the kiss to break, his hot breaths right on his lips. “Please,” he more felt him whisper than heard him. “I need this.”

Selfish. He tried to focus his eyes, searching the brown ones so close to him. The words were spoken desperately, full of desire. It fired something up inside Cloud.

“I can tell it’s been burnin’ on your mind, too. What it felt like. You can have it again,” the man pushed, and Cloud tried to hang onto his doubts, onto his distrust. Remind himself, he was on a job. He was in a shitty inn with thin walls and he'd have to face this man again in the morning. It was very hard to do that. “I can make it so good for you, wildflower.”

He knew he was losing the battle when the hand finished unzipping him, cupping where he was very quickly growing hard. He squeezed his eyes shut, his free hand reaching up to grab Zack’s hair. The action had lips descend upon his own once again and he moaned, his pinned hand twitching under the weight. His trousers were pushed down, so he tried to pull the other’s shirt up in retaliation, struggling to remove it. But it was hard, with one hand, and Zack wasn’t letting up on the kiss.

He turned his head away, breaking their contact to catch his breath. “Zack…” he exhaled, voice tight, warning and pleading all at once.

“Don’t,” Zack murmured, voice low and husky. “Don’t fight me, Cloud. Not now.” His hand brushed along Cloud’s inner thigh, lingering just enough to make him tense, to make him ache with want.

Cloud’s heart was pounding against his ribs as lips found their way to his neck, his underwear tugged gently downwards. He felt unable to stop any of this from happening – wondered if he’d be able to, even if he had chosen to try. It didn’t matter, because there was nothing he could do but give in when he was suddenly exposed so completely, the offending hand now only running up his upper body, underneath his shirt.

“I—” Cloud started, then broke off, chest heaving, Zack’s hand cold against his burning skin.

Zack leaned even closer, lips brushing just shy of Cloud’s, voice a teasing whisper. “I can feel it. Reckon you want this as bad as I do. Admit it.”

Cloud swallowed hard, eyes flicking to Zack’s. The words caught in his throat. “Maybe… I—”

“Maybe’s not gonna do,” Zack said softly, grinning. “Say it, Cloud. Don’t fight it.”

Admitting to it, out loud – he wouldn’t be able to take it back.

“You can trust me, wildflower. Say it, and you got my word. I’ll make it so good for you.”

Cloud wanted to trust him, so badly.

The bandit, on the ground with blood around him, popped in his mind.

Zack blew a soft breath against his neck, raising goosebumps on his skin.

A hand trailing from his chest back down to his inner thighs, so close to where he wanted it.

Quick fingers pulling the trigger. Eyes void of remorse.

I handled it.

He pushed the thoughts away.

“I… Zack, please,” he nearly begged, eyes watering from overstimulation.

“Please, what?”

“I want it. Please,” he whispered, defeated. He felt the hint of a smirk against his neck, and then a hand wrapping around his arousal, eliciting a gasp from him.

At long last, his hand was let go from the bed, Zack using his newly released one to pull up Cloud’s shirt, leaving him completely bare. Even through the pleasure the other was giving him, he disliked being the only one exposed. So he tried again, this time using both his hands to pull the shirt off Zack. Zack had to let him go for a moment, aiding with removing his own shirt, discarding it next to them on the floor.

Then hands and lips were back on him. His mind raced. “I – I don’t have anything on me.”

“That’s alright,” Zack murmured against his skin. “We can do without.”

Cloud’s brows furrowed, unsure what that meant, until he felt the man slowly moving down his body. The anticipation itself made him moan and his hands flew out to grab at Zack’s hair desperately, feeling lips trailing down from his neck to his chest, to his belly, down.

He had to cover his own mouth with his hand, when he felt lips around his cock. He knew, after all, how thin the walls were.

Like before, and true to his word, Zack knew what he was doing. It really didn’t take much, the feeling was foreign and new to Cloud. But he knew it couldn’t have been Zack’s first time doing this either, the way he bobbed his head, his throat relaxed enough to take Cloud in deep. Hands were stroking his inner thighs encouragingly as his own fingers tangled into Zack’s dark hair, pulling softly, trying to anchor himself.

It was too much. He had been tense all day and he just felt so... sensitive. He was glad he kept his hand over his mouth as he came, the moan that escaped him muffled. 

Lips were on his inner thighs, his abdomen, his hips, kissing all over while he caught his breath. This time he didn’t fight back when Zack moved back up his body, a kiss pressed on his lips, frowning a little as he tasted himself.

Zack rocked against his leg, and it was easy to feel his arousal through the thick fabric of his trousers. There was a question and a demand in his movements. Cloud was exhausted, but he trailed a hand down, cupping Zack through the fabric once before doing his best to remove the clothing without sitting up.

Thankfully, Zack wanted it off just as badly, so he helped him, pushing it down and kicking it off his legs without kicking Cloud in the process.

They kissed as Cloud reached down again and this time, he pumped Zack in earnest, giving a few squeezes at the base that seemed to be just right. Zack was content to just deepen the kiss and slip his tongue in Cloud’s mouth, even if it threw him off the rhythm, too foggy to keep his mind on two activities at once. The way he rubbed Zack’s shaft while they made out seem to be enough this time, and Zack, already so worked up, came quietly in his hand.

***

Cloud wasn’t sure how he let this happen twice. Yet, it probably had something to do with Zack’s disarming smile. It somehow quieted his racing thoughts almost instantly - that, and the way he kissed him. Maybe he had been more touch-starved than he'd like to admit, giving in to the man so easily, trying so hard to defend his actions in his mind. Maybe he should have been more worried.

“You have my belt.”

Zack hummed, absent-minded. “Yeah?”

No way he didn’t notice. Zack’s belt was made out of thin leather, bonded – Cloud’s belt was cowhide. He’d had it for years. It was good material.

He watched him, silently, as he reached over and seemed to be searching his pants’ pockets. It wasn’t surprising when what he pulled out was the bag of tobacco.

“Could you roll me one?” he asked, hesitantly. Dark brown eyes turned to him, piercing him. He shuddered, but didn’t feel cold.

“You don’t smoke.”

“You don’t know me that well.”

A smirk pulled on Zack’s lips, and he shrugged. “Have it then. Help yourself,” he said dismissively, handing over the cigarette he had just rolled.

Cloud took it between his fingers and brought it to his lips, Zack quick to reach over and light it up for him as he inhaled.

He coughed, immediately, hot smoke burning his throat.

Zack laughed. “I’ll spin you a bit of wisdom, no charge,” he grinned, and Cloud glared at him as he tried to catch his breath, handing the cigarette over easily. “Don’t overplay your hand if you’ ain’t one for bluffin’. You’ll tip your cards.”

He nearly rolled his eyes as Zack inhaled his smoke deeply, filling the room with the smell of it. He felt a finger trail shapes on the skin of his naked back, sending shivers down his spines. “You bluff a lot?”

Zack paused, considering the question for a moment to long. Considering his answer for longer still. “That’s a loaded question.”

“I reckon it’s pretty straightforward.”

“If I tell you no,” Zack argued, “you’ll be sittin’ there wonderin’ if that ain’t a bluff in itself. And if I tell you yes…” He let the pause hang, thumb brushing absently against Cloud’s bare back. “…then next time we sit across a poker table, I just handed you the upper hand, didn’t I?”

He didn’t know if he should find it stranger that Zack had such a complicated thought process for one question. Cloud’s mind was foggy still.

“So you’re not answering.”

Zack flushed him a grin. “Mystery’s half the fun.”

“You don’t speak like you’re from the big city.”

“Meanin’ what, exactly?”

“Well…” Cloud shifted a bit, to have a better look of Zack’s face. But his eyes didn’t seem to betray whatever he was thinking. “Sephiroth speaks differently. You… talk in a manner of your own.”

If Zack took any offense, he didn’t show it, waving his hand dismissively, cigarette waving along. “Reckon I picked up this an’ that, travelin’ from town to town.”

Somehow, the answer didn’t satisfy Cloud. But he let it go, not wanting to push too much just yet.

“You always this suspicious?” Zack reached out, tucking a few stray strands behind Cloud’s ear. His voice was soft.

The question surprised him, however. He hadn’t expected Zack to point it out, the man avoided confrontation at all costs.

“You always this forward?” he asked instead, eliciting a chuckle from the other.

“If someone grabs my eye.”

He huffed, nuzzling into Zack’s chest comfortably. The closeness felt good. Enough to make him forget things he didn't know how to handle. “Ever run outta clever words to say?”

“I’d burst if that happened.”

This in turn made Cloud smile against warm skin, eyes drifting shut.

"Your head quiet?"

He let his eyes remain shut, unwilling to move. He was on the throes of falling asleep. It was hard not to enjoy being embraced like that, fingers stroking his hair. He felt like a child again. "You make it hard to think," and it scared him how true it was.

"Good." He felt Zack inhale the smoke a few more times, but then he was shifting, gently pushing him off his body.

Cloud went easily, but opened his eyes. He couldn't hide the disappointment from his voice. “You ain’t staying?”

Zack kept his back turned on him, and this time Cloud noticed the scars – as expected, just like his front. Burns, welts. Some bruises, those looked newer. He let his hand reach out, trailing them carefully.

Zack seemed to jump at the touch, his head whipping back towards him. “Careful,” he hissed.

It sounded more threatening than he’d have expected. He sounded like he did when he shot the bandit. After a long moment of exchanging glances with one another, he pulled his hand back. “Didn’t mean to rattle you.”

He watched as Zack quickly pulled his shirt over his head, and leaned over, grabbing Cloud’s hands and pinning them to the bed above his head. “Good thing you’re such a looker,” he whispered, and Cloud felt lips pressed against his own with more force than they did earlier. It smelled like tobacco, the taste pungent.

Just like that, the weight was lifted off his body, and Zack finished dressing up. “Better get some shut-eye, wildflower. Tomorrow will be long and borin’,” he said, voice teasing. He was out of the door before Cloud could say a word, the sound of it clicking shut quiet, like a whisper.

He chanced a look at his clothes on the floor.

Zack took his belt again.

***

Cloud woke up earlier than necessary. He just really wanted to drink his coffee in peace, without having to look after the two city-slickers, or better yet, having to keep an eye on them. The inn offered a complimentary cup of coffee for its guests, so he took his cup and stood right outside, watching the sunrise.

He wondered if they’d be back in Nibelheim soon. Tifa and his mother would be returning.

He winced, shame creeping up on him. He wished his mother wouldn’t be coming back so soon. The thought of her meeting Zack was mortifying. He had always kept people he… conversed with, far, far away from his personal space.

It was weird, wearing the deputy's badge now. It felt strange, and heavy on him, and he would like nothing else than to not wear it at all, especially since he wasn't even in his ow town anymore. But... Taking it off felt wrong. It had been his father's, after all. That's all he had left of him. Clothes and trinkets. And a gun, that did nothing for him when it mattered most. Cloud wondered if it'd be the same for him. If, just like how it happened with the bandits, he'd be too slow or hesitant to use it, and leave his mother childless.

“Up with the sun, I see.”

Startled, he turned around, ripped from is thoughts. He was greeted with Zack staring at him, hat in hand, standing a few steps away from the inn’s entrance.

“Didn’t peg you for a sunrise sort, either.”

Zack laughed, the sound pleasant. “I’m not. That’s all Sephiroth.”

He put his hat on his head and walked closer, his hand brushed Cloud’s shoulder briefly before pulling away, casual, but enough to leave Cloud’s skin buzzing where the touch had been. Cloud did his best to keep his expression under control, not react to the subtle touch.

"What's got you thinkin'?" 

In truth, Cloud's head was a mess. There were too many things to focus at once, and he was afraid he was focusing on the wrong sort. He didn't want to question things he wasn't meant to question, too new to his role to be confident enough for that. He wasn't even sure if he could trust his own instincts anymore, after all.  "Just... thinking. About yesterday."

"The trail? Or me?"

Zack's grin made him avert his gaze, hoping his face wasn't too red. Both. "...The trail."

There was a playfulness in the other's brown eyes as they looked him over, knowing. "You ain't foolin' anyone. That boy scout look’ll get chewed up if you ain’t careful.”

He really wished he could shoot Zack's confidence down a notch. It was obnoxious sometimes, even if he was right. He changed the subject. 

“Where’s he at, then?" he gestured towards the road, meaning Sephiroth. "Ought we be moving?”

“Gettin’ ready. We wasted the daylight yesterday so he’s itchin’ for an early start.”

“You wasted the daylight yesterday.”

They both turned their heads as Sephiroth came out of the inn. He looked as he always did – composed. Elegant. His tone was accusatory but not angry.

Zack flashed him one of his notorious grins. As if nothing had happened the night before. As if they hadn't argued in a way that made Cloud tense. “Ain’t no trouble. Day’s wide open for makin’ our rounds.”

With a huff, Sephiroth gestured ahead, mimicking Cloud. “Well then. Show the way, Deputy Strife.”

Cloud nodded, unsure. The bank wasn’t that far from the inn – really, all the towns in this part of the map were tiny.

It was too early and there was a stillness in the air. The townsfolk we're either still getting ready for the day or were already out and heading to their cattle. The dawn painting the empty, infertile streets in a beautiful gold that always made Cloud feel warm.

When they arrived to the bank, the young teller inside didn’t seem to have expected them. It was too early for customers, so there was no problem directing his attention to the visiting men.

“Usually the city sends its men in the beginning of the month. You’re a tad early.”

Sephiroth’s gaze was still and stern. “There is a need to ensure the safety of transport to Nibelheim.”

The teller hummed thoughtfully. “I reckon. ’Tis that time o’ year. Pardon me for bein’ wary, gentlemen.”

“No need to apologize for looking after the branch.”

“Speakin' of safety,” Zack cut in, as Sephiroth looked over the books. “How do you normally send news to Midgar if somethin' urgent comes up?”

“Oh, I fear we’re a bit behind there. The nearest telegraph’s over in Correl or Nibelheim – we need to send a rider to wire Midgar for that.”

Well, that was concerning. Especially since the telegraph in Nibelheim was out of whack. Calm, Zack hummed skeptically, and Sephiroth seemed to be taking notes, the bank’s books open in front of him. “Reckon we should point that out. You ever written it down before?”

“Right. Nearly every time.”

Cloud watched the exchange, leaning against the door. Nothing seemed out of the normal. Nibelheim was indeed one of the bigger towns around that area. They had one of the bigger hospitals too, if it could even be called that. It barely had any equipment - but it had good doctors. Women usually went to it when it was time to give birth.

Zack rubbed his temple. “I’m gonna make a few rounds, make sure the safe and vaults are all proper, everythin' runnin' smooth.”

Cloud finally pushed himself off the wall, going after Zack’s step. A hand on his shoulder stilled him and he looked up to see Sephiroth nearly looming over him, lips in a thin line.

“Deputy, a word. I’m assured Mr. Fair will be fine on his own.”

Cloud’s eyes darted to the direction Zack disappeared to. He didn’t feel comfortable, leaving the man roam the bank by himself, but he didn’t know how to justify going after him without accusing him with suspicions he had zero proof of. Just a feeling, wasn't enough even by the pathetic standards they had in small towns like this. At the end of the day, accusing important men the bank had sent over could not possibly end well.

He relented, and stepped aside with Sephiroth, letting the banker put everything back in place. “What’s he on about?” he asked, referring to the banker’s words. “What time of the year?”

Sephiroth shook his hand dismissively. “I’m unsure whether I’m at liberty to explain it to you. It’s for safety. You understand, Deputy.” Cloud narrowed his eyes. That was a non-answer. But the other man moved on quickly. “I hope I may assume Zack has remained inoffensive.”

His brows furrowed. “What do you mean by that?”

“Some… persistent attentions might not always be well received. I merely want to make sure Zack has been behaving.”

Cloud shifted slightly, glancing again to Zack's direction without looking too long. “No… he’s been alright. Nothing out of place, as far as I can tell.”

That was a half-lie on his part. He wondered, what did Sephiroth know. No way he wasn't aware of Zack's... proclivities. The man couldn't keep it in his pants for a mere whole day. He wasn't even absolutely certain Zack had been truthful when he said there was nothing between him and Sephiroth. But did Sephiroth know about him and Zack? Where did Zack say he was going the night before, when he paid his visit to Cloud's room? How worried should he really be about this? If the town was to know... he didn't want to think about that possibility.

“That so,” Sephiroth watched him carefully. “Do let me know if that changes. Sometimes he can be unbearable when he takes an interest to someone.”

His cheeks flushed now. “What – what kind of interest?”

“Just, interest. We have a handle for Zack back in the HQ,” the man tapped on his chin. “You know what it is?”

Cloud shook his head, uncomfortable.

“Puppy.”

He blinked.

“Puppy?”

“If he takes an interest, he’ll follow you around. We’ll be here for a few days, deputy. It would be unfortunate if he gave you cause for complaint.”

Now that was a name Cloud wouldn't have expected, and yet it strangely fit him. The way Zack kept seeking him out, really. Smile and eyes bright like the full moon, and there was something manic about him half the time, what with the way he moved around. Before he could think of a response, bright eyes were next to them again. “Finished up. Reckon you weren’t runnin’ your mouths 'bout me, were ya?” he grinned, but his attention quickly turned back to his colleague. “I got everythin’. For uh, the report,” he added, voice strangely excited.

Sephiroth nodded. “We’re done for now, then. Let’s go.”

“Seph!” Zack called out, Sephiroth’s back already on them as he walked further away. “You didn’t answer. Were you gossipin’ 'bout me?”

“Ridiculous.”

Cloud let Sephiroth walk ahead, unwilling to jog up to him. “Was that it?”

“Of course not,” Sephiroth argued, “I’ll have to come back, watch the traffic for a while, how they conduct their business here. And then we’ll have to watch them close.”

“It’s a full day, then.”

Zack stretched his arms out as they walked side by side. “Sure. But we’ll only need to be back for the closin’, Sephiroth can do the other stuff by himself. Right, Seph?” the tone was teasing, and there was nothing else Cloud could read this as other than laziness on Zack’s part.

The other man didn’t seem to mind however. “I would rather not have your constant chatter in my ear.”

“That’s that, then! Let’s grab a bite.”

Cloud thought for a moment. “There’s a tavern a few blocks over. The food isn’t much but it won’t poison you and it’s filling. If not, there’s a saloon. It offers some cold plates as a side for your drinks.”

Zack’s eyes glimmered, visibly having a preference. But Sephiroth stopped in his tracks.

“We’re going to the tavern. When I get back to the bank you’re free to do what you will.”

Zack's eyebrows shot up.

“Within reason,” Sephiroth mended.

Chapter Text

Their lunch at the tavern was a little awkward. Thankfully, they didn’t need to speak as it was loud enough in there to cover the awkwardness between them. Or rather, the awkwardness Cloud felt. And probably Sephiroth. Zack seemed content enough to chomp on his food – steak. It didn’t come cheap, and Cloud almost felt a sense of longing. Was the money the two made that good? Maybe Cloud would start considering working for the bank as well. It wasn’t even a special occasion or anything – well. Unless the bank paid for it, since it was part of their travels.

It must have been obvious how much he’d wanted a taste of that steak, because without any words spoken, Zack cut a piece and placed it on his plate.

He’d only gotten some eggs and potatoes. The steak smelled good. He didn’t try to pretend he didn’t want it. It tasted even better.

Sephiroth left, first, heading back to the bank. Zack stood up to go and pay for their meal. Cloud watched as he leaned on the counter, lingering a bit too long to simply be paying. He kept watching, as the man spoke with the waitress, and there was an unmistakably flirty smile on his lips while at the same time his eyes seemed aloof.

He knew, because he had experienced that look first hand. It didn’t make him jealous, of course. So what if he was flirting with the local waitress? He was a man of the city and probably found the small townsfolk as charming as they found him.

When he returned, they exited the tavern together and stood outside uselessly for a few moments. The other lit up a cigarette, inhaling deep. Was he stressed about something?

“What’d you talk about with the waitress?” he asked, before he could stop himself.

“Mm, nothin’ fancy – just askin’ how things run in town. Helps to know what’s what, right?” There was a pause, and then a grin. “You watchin’ me, deputy?”

Cloud frowned. Yes, he had been. For different reasons than the man might have thought, otherwise he’d probably tease him harder.

Zack flicked him between his eyebrows.

“Hey!” he yelled, surprised. “What’d you do that for?”

“Quit that frownin’, you’ll wear lines in your face,” Zack drawled with a grin. “Sun’s up and you’re still lookin’ like you’re fixin’ to arrest someone. Ain’t seen you laugh once in daylight. You always this serious when the sun’s out?”

Was that true? Cloud couldn’t remember if he had been smiling. He mostly felt on edge half the time he was around Zack and the other half… red or pleading.

“I’m on duty. I gotta stay focused.”

Zack laughed, shaking his head. “I’m on duty too! You ever ease up, deputy? Or d’you only play it straight when I’m around?”

It wasn’t like he was the type to giggle and laugh a lot in general. But maybe he had been trying to rein himself in more than usual in the other’s company, for one reason or another.

“Wasn’t much to smile about,” he said flatly, eyes boring into Zack’s.

“Well, hell. I’ll take that as a challenge then!” Zack seemed excited as he grinned, throwing his cigarette on the ground, not even half-smoked. Cloud gasped when his hand was suddenly grabbed and he was being pulled, the other walking ahead.

“What are you doing?” he hissed under his breath, trying to pull his hand back. But the other held strong, his eyes glinting under the sun as he looked back to Cloud.

“You’re gonna have so much fun, you’ll be chokin’ on those words.”

Cloud tried again to pull back, to stop in his tracks like a stubborn horse. It was futile. The man was stronger than he seemed, and he seemed plenty strong. “You’re insane.”

Zack laughed, and he gave in. Let himself be pulled wherever Zack thought he was heading.

Somehow, he was pulled to the central square of the town. He wasn’t sure whether Zack had known about it somehow, if the waitress told him, but there was a fair going on. It was busier now that the time had passed and the sun was up for good. There was mostly children of course – not many, since the main inhabitants in that place and all others like it were old men or farmers – but Cloud finally managed to pull his hand back away from Zack’s, feeling self-conscious.

The other didn’t seem to mind, looking around like a kid himself. Like a puppy. The thought was fleeting but it nearly made Cloud smile. Nearly.

“There!” he was pulled out of his thoughts and blinked at Zack, before following his gaze. There was a shooting range – well, the child version of it. It wasn’t even shooting, really. There were bottles lined up and the player had to hit them with the bench’s slingshot, each bottle a point. Enough points, you won a prize.

A shitty one, Cloud noted. Every trinket and toy lined up at the bench seemed like garbage.

“Reckon we’ll start with somethin’ simple. Give you a fair shot at practicin’ that aim of yours.”

The tone was teasingly condescending, and Cloud recognized it. He recognized it for what it was – Zack was trying to rile him up and he was easily taking the bait.

“Go first, then.”

Zack seemed taken aback that his plan actually worked but he nodded, still grinning, and approached the booth. He put a few coins down and he was given the slingshot. He gave Cloud a sidelong glance and aimed. A couple of bottles shattered as they were hit successfully, but to the blond’s surprise, the man missed a couple more. He wondered, if he faked it. No way he had such control with the gun but missed with a slingshot.

“Damn,” Zack sighed disappointed, and Cloud was now almost certain that he was faking it. “I missed a few. No prize for me I s’ppose.” He turned to Cloud, smirk pulling at his lips. “Your turn.”

Even if Zack had missed his shots on purpose, even so, he felt competitive, so he took the slingshot wordlessly. He aimed to the first bottle – shattered. The next one too. And then the next. Not missing a single shot. It made him feel giddy.

Zack whistled, impressed. “Hell. You tryin’ to show me up in my own game?”

Cloud rolled his eyes. “You started it.”

“Well, shit! You’re clean with that slingshot, deputy. Maybe you should change arms?”

Cloud huffed, put the slingshot down. “This is stupid.”

“Now hold on! You were just ‘bout a hair away from winnin’,” Zack turned to the booth, looked at the man overseeing it. “Ain’t no harm in handin’ over a lil’ prize, is there?”

“If you want it, you can buy it,” the man said, voice rough. “But without the right points, I don’t give nothin’ away.”

Zack pursed his lips, grinning. “I got some dice on me. We could make it interestin’ –”

“I ain’t gamblin’ for my goods,” the man cut him off, shaking his head.

“Zack! What are you doing?” did he seriously just try to get the prize by gambling with the man? In front of Cloud?

“Aw, shoot. Fine,” Zack muttered in defeat. “Here’s your blasted money,” he added under his breath, slapping a few more coins on the bench. Cloud did have to try and hold back a snicker, then. Zack was a sore loser when he didn’t get what he wanted. “Can I have uh… that?” he pointed to something, and the shopkeeper reached it for him. Grumbling, Zack took it before returning to Cloud. He held his hand out, waiting, and Cloud frowned – he had expected himself to be the one given something, so he stared at Zack confused. Frustrated, the other just pulled his hand himself, holding it in his own. “C’mere.”

Cloud tensed. “Zack…” he warned, even though his voice trembled. He tried to pull his hand back. “What are you –”

“Hold still,” Zack said, voice low now, easy. He caught Cloud’s wrist before he could pull it away and looped something around it, fingers brushing over his pulse. It was a leather wristband, dark brown, like Zack’s eyes, the edges brandished. The band fit snug — just tight enough to feel. “There,” Zack said, fastening the small brass stud. It almost felt like a cuff binding him. Cloud’s heart skipped a beat. “Don’t take it off,” Zack said, thumb lingering just a second too long over the band. “Suits you. Might get you luck.”

Cloud didn’t attempt to pull his hand back again, but it was soon let go anyway, and he instantly missed the other’s touch on his skin. Somehow he knew that wasn’t the reason Zack wanted him to keep it on. He’d do it anyway.

He cleared his throat, unconsciously brushing over the leather on his wrist. “You still haven’t won,” he reminded. He didn’t know why he brought attention back to Zack’s game. Maybe even that felt less uncomfortable than the tension that grew between them.

The words seemed to remind Zack, however. Whatever had flickered on his face was gone in an instant, familiar grin masking it.

"Do I gotta yank you up again, or you comin’ of your own accord?” he asked, eyes playfully searching his.

Cloud grunted, he didn’t want to be pulled among the crowd.

“Right as rain!” Zack exclaimed, and nearly jogged. Stiff, Cloud followed him to another booth, closer to the loud music. There were clothes and costumes on it. It was very colorful. The colors along with the loud music and noise of people talking loudly gave him a headache. “Not used to so much commotion?” the question made him look up, focus on the other again.

“Not really. I don’t go to fairs often.” He didn’t care to.

“Oh!” Zack exclaimed, grin widening. “Then you need a better hat,” Zack said, and in one quick motion, snatched the hat clean off Cloud’s head.

“Zack.”

“Deputy.” Zack twirled the hat around his finger, smirking. “Maybe I’ll trade you for a smile.”

Cloud frowned. “Give it back.”

“Now that’s the opposite of what I asked for.” He reached out at the booth, grabbed a crown-hat made out of fabric and put it on Cloud’s head instant. “There you go.”

Cloud took it off immediately and put it back in its place. First his belt, now his hat? He took a step towards Zack, reaching out. “Give it –”

Zack took a step backwards in front of him and in quick motion, grabbed his own hat off his head, holding it aside as he plopped Cloud's hat on his head instead, tilted at a jaunty angle. “How do I look?”

He didn't know how much more of this he could take. He had nearly forgotten he was on duty - that he was supposed to be some sort of deputy keeping the man across him safe from whatever danger instead of playing around like kids out of their parents' eyesight. “Like an idiot.”

Zack laughed. “Progress! Nearly made a joke.” He danced just out of reach when Cloud reached for it, weaving between a family, the mother looking at them in annoyance and indignity. When Cloud finally lunged and caught him by the arm, Zack let out a theatrical groan, holding up the hat in surrender. “Fine, fine. You win, lawman. I was only tryin’ to help.”

“By stealing my hat?” Cloud grumbled, taking his hat.

Zack nodded, dramatically and solemnly. He put his own hat back on his head. “There are so many hats out there yet you only dress up as a deputy or whatever,” he sighed, and the grin was back on his face. “Made you forget about the noise, didn’t it?”

Cloud felt blood rush to his ears and a smile tug at his lips – so he turned away before Zack could see.

“Now that’s a sight!" The man jumped around to try and face him, but Cloud was stubborn. He turned away again. “I know that there was a smile. No hidin’!”

Cloud cleared his throat and schooled his expression before facing him. “No it wasn’t. Can’t prove it.”

There was no denying it anymore – he was playing along. He wasn’t sure why. Zack seemed to rub off on him in every bad way possible.

“Oh, so cheatin’s in the mix now? Fine by me.” Maybe he should just give up. The nonchalant tone sounded more dangerous than anything Cloud had faced so far. “If that’s how you wanna play, we’ll keep playin’.”

Apparently, Zack meant it literally. Because he guided them to the saloon – it was still pretty early, the sun not nearly setting, so there weren’t many people in there. Or noise, for that matter.

Cloud knew instantly what the other was after. There was a table with three people around it, playing cards already. Zack didn’t hesitate.

“Gentlemen! Care to make room for two more?”

But Cloud shook his head. “I’m not playing.” He wasn’t about to be caught playing poker in some town while still on duty. Besides – he’d make a fool of himself. He didn’t know how to play, not well anyway.

The other watched him for a moment, and shrugged. “Alright, then. One more!” he corrected. The men look at them and among themselves, scooting their chairs a bit. Zack sat in a way that he wasn’t too close to any of the others, and Cloud simply took a seat next to him, placed a bit behind the other so he’d make space on the table.

Zack was in his element, seated comfortably, sleeves rolled up, grin easy and dangerous. He motioned at the waitress for two whiskeys.

“Coffee. Coffee for me,” Cloud said hurriedly so she’d hear. He wasn’t about to go back to the bank smelling of whiskey.

The men around the table looked at their cards carefully. Zack tapped his finger against his temple once, twice – and he put two aces down. He smiled innocently while placing his bet.

The waitress brought their drinks, and Zack took a generous sip off his glass.

One of the men, a mustached man with a potbelly and a voice too loud for the room, slapped down two cards just as confidently, a King and a 10, both clubs. He called Zack’s bet and downed some of his beer. “So what brings a fella way out here, anyhow? You look too clean to be ridin’ trails.”

Zack grinned. “Clean? You should’ve seen me the day before. Dust everywhere, and we ran into trouble besides.” He leaned back in his chair, lowering his voice for effect. “Two bandits tried to hold us up on the trail from Nibelheim. Real nasty types. Figured we were easy marks.”

The men leaned in, game forgotten for now. Cloud sighed in quiet suffering.

“I told ‘em,” Zack went on, gesturing with his whiskey glass, “I said, ‘Boys, you might want to reconsider that plan. My partner here’s got a mean streak a mile wide when you rile him.’ But they didn’t listen.”

“Partner, huh?” one man asked, amused. Cloud's heart did some weird stutter. He idly wondered if anyone his age had ever died of a heart attack, whether he should be worried about the fluttering he was feeling in his chest.

“Mm-hm,” Zack said, throwing Cloud a sidelong glance. “Didn’t even blink. I swear, one of them twitched wrong and before I could say a word –” Zack snapped his fingers. “Bang. Down he went. Quickest damn draw I ever saw. And the other fella? Well, he near fell off his horse tryin’ to get away. I think he’s still ridin’.”

The men laughed, and one of them clapped Cloud on the shoulder. “That so, deputy? Didn’t take you for a gunslinger.”

Cloud’s jaw tightened. “Wasn’t like that.”

“Oh, don’t be modest now,” Zack said, grinning wider. “Man’s got ice in his veins. Cool as the mountain shade. I tell ya, if I’d blinked, I’d have missed it.”

“You’re full of it,” Cloud said, trying to keep a straight face. The raven was being – so stupid. All for a game he made up for himself. Maybe it was the atmosphere or the strong smell of whiskey but, he felt another tug on his lips. This time he didn’t notice it soon enough to stop it.

“There it is,” Zack said, pointing his glass toward Cloud. “I got him to smile. You all saw it. Witnesses.” This reminded him, and Cloud pulled his expression back into a frown quickly. The men laughed again, the atmosphere easy even as Zack oh so sweetly smiled at them and pushed all his coins towards the middle of the table. “All in.” He downed more of his whiskey.

Slowly, the laughter quieted down and the men focused back on Zack, taken aback with his sudden move in the game. They all seemed more unsure of themselves now, probably the ridiculously over-exaggerated story getting to them.

Cloud muttered a couple of curses under his breath, pushing his chair back.

“Goin’ somewhere, deputy?” Zack called after him, taking his eyes off the table for a moment, tone teasing.

“Outside,” Cloud said, trying to sound stern. “Before you start tellin’ ‘em I fought off a whole army.”

“Don’t tempt me!” Zack called, and Cloud didn’t care enough to turn and look back to him. “Don’t go too far, partner. I might need my bodyguard after this round ends!” he added, and Cloud rolled his eyes before slipping outside. If he stayed more, the blush on his face would have been visible to anyone that looked at him for more than two seconds. Most importantly, he didn’t want to be there for it when Zack either lost all his money or won and got yelled at by angry locals with wounded pride.

At last, the sun had started setting, little by little. They should be heading back to the bank soon. The one thing he didn’t want to deal with at that point, was Sephiroth’s annoyance or anger. He stood near the door, at the edge of an alley right behind the corner, arms crossed protectively over his chest and his hat tilted down just enough to hide his eyes from view. It was quiet.

The quiet didn't last. He didn’t look up when the saloon doors swung open and Zack stepped out. “Cleaned ‘em out,” Zack said, fanning the deck of cards he’d pocketed as a trophy. “Didn’t even have to show my hand. Guess luck’s ridin' for me tonight.”

Cloud raised his head just enough to glance at him from under his hat. Zack’s grin was nearly manic. “More like you talked them out of their money.”

Zack chuckled. “Hey, I told you a thing or two 'bout bluffin’. It’s half the game.” He leaned against the corner of the building, looking towards the alley. “You disappeared before I could gloat.”

Cloud looked back down, thankful to the way his eyes were hidden. “Didn’t want to get dragged into it again.”

Zack reached out to his hat, raising it just enough to uncover his eyes. Cloud held his gaze. “Aw, come on. You’re my lucky charm, wildflower. Sit near me again next time, see if my streak holds.”

Cloud was starting to get worn down. There was only so much he could keep his defenses up for. If the other kept pushing, he worried that he'd find out what he actually felt. “Zack, knock it off. We gotta go.”

“Could teach me, then,” Zack said instead, not letting up, straight-faced. “How to be serious. Maybe it’ll rub off.”

Cloud raised an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t last five minutes.”

“Try me.”

Zack squared his shoulders, trying to mimic Cloud’s stoic posture – arms crossed, jaw tight, eyes narrowed. He lasted maybe two seconds before his mouth twitched. “Damn it.”

Finally, Cloud actually laughed, short and quiet, an outburst he couldn’t hold back. It seemed to catch Zack off guard, too. After a moment of staring with wide eyes, it just made his grin wider.

“There,” Zack said softly. “Knew I could get one outta you.”

Cloud allowed a small smile to remain on his lips. It was well-deserved. “You’re relentless.” It came out softer than he meant for it to be.

“Sure, but I won.”

The words landed like a punch to his stomach. Zack’s tone had lost all teasing now, a low drawl that carried heat instead of humor. Without Cloud realizing – they had shifted more towards the alley, not as easily visible anymore to someone who wouldn’t actively look for them. The smile disappeared from Cloud’s face.

He didn’t move right away. Just watched Cloud, waiting.

Cloud held his stare, trying for steady but failing somewhere in the middle. “You’re playin’ dangerous.”

Zack took a single step forward, the distance between them collapsing like breath. He smelled like tobacco and alcohol. Like bad ideas. “Ain’t the first time.” He reached out – slow enough that Cloud could stop him had he wished for it, the urgency he had displayed last night nowhere to be seen – and set his hand against the wall beside his head. His voice lowered. “Still serious?”

Cloud didn’t answer. Couldn’t. His throat felt tight, his heartbeat louder than the noise coming from inside the saloon.

Zack’s hand hovered just long enough to test the silence. Cloud didn’t pull away, he knew he should, he should put an end to this, but he couldn’t bring himself to move. He could barely breathe. And then Zack leaned in. The kiss hit like a spark catching dry brush: sudden, hot, and impossible to contain.

Cloud drew a sharp breath against his mouth, hands gripping Zack’s vest before he could think. Zack deepened it, licking his lips wetly, but even then, he stayed careful – a ghost of a restraint that almost made it worse. His thumb brushed the line of Cloud’s jaw, urging him closer, until Cloud forgot to pretend he didn’t want it.

When he finally broke away, Zack’s forehead rested against his, their breaths mingling.

Cloud swallowed hard, his voice low. “You’re gonna get us seen.”

Zack’s grin returned, faint but real. “Then stop lookin’ like somethin’ worth riskin’ it for.”

There it was - the stutter in his heart. He watched as the man stepped back, slow and steady, like nothing had happened – except for the color still high in his cheeks. It was bizarre, to realize this affected him just the same as it did Cloud. He had been hiding it so well, too. His voice came softer when he spoke again. “C’mon, wildflower. Let’s get some air before I do somethin’ even dumber.” A distant shout from the saloon made them turn their heads towards the door in unison. Zack straightened with a mock groan, stepping back. “Reckon we better get back to the bank before Sephiroth starts wonderin’ what we’ve been up to.”

Cloud wondered if Sephiroth would notice that Zack smelled of smoke and whiskey. Wondered if he’d care, if he’d judge Cloud as well. “Right. It’s about closing time.”

Their walk back to the bank was quiet. The sun was still setting, the buildings and streets now basking in the golden light. For once, Zack seemed to be at a loss of things to say. That was until they reached their destination.

Sephiroth was waiting on the porch, tall and still, shadow falling across his angular face like carved stone. His gaze flicked to Zack first, then Cloud, sharp as a blade. Cloud couldn’t have missed it, there was meaning behind his eyes. He wondered if the raven caught it, if he knew what it meant.

“Evening,” the man said, no trace of humour in his voice. “I trust your day was quiet. You wouldn’t do anything to mar Shinra Bank’s good name?” he was deadpan, not seeming like he cared for the response.

“Just stretchin’ out our legs a bit, sir,” Zack’s grin was secretive, and Sephiroth’s blank expression morphed into a frown at what he was called. “Nothin’ to worry ‘bout.”

Cloud tried not to look at him for too long. “Hope we didn’t hold you up for too long.”

Sephiroth’s eyes lingered on him for a heartbeat longer than necessary, just enough to make Cloud shift under the weight of the scrutiny, uncomfortable. “No. Just in time,” Sephiroth said, voice crisp. “We have reports to review before the branch closes for the night. I want figures, discrepancies, anything unusual. Not just of today. The past quarter.”

“Yessir,” Zack’s voice was light, confident, even as Sephiroth narrowed his eyes at him. “We got everythin’ under control.”

Cloud quickly followed Zack, maybe to help – he was mostly there to observe, guide them around and keep them safe from any outlaws trying to get their hands on the bank’s money but, he’d been itching with curiosity as to what the men were even inspecting all day. They got to the desks as the teller – a different one than earlier, Sephiroth must have caught him up – stood silently nearby, watching but allowing them to look at anything they wished to. Cloud could feel Zack’s presence beside him, easy and bold, and every step toward the desk was a careful act of composure.

Sephiroth moved to the back where they kept a stack of paperwork, records. He was reviewing figures with the efficiency that made every clerk flinch a little. Zack’s eyes flicked toward Cloud now and then, subtle, making him hyperaware of the presence beside him.

“So,” Zack said, low enough for only Cloud to hear, leaning slightly toward him under the guise of adjusting a ledger, “You keep that serious face even when someone’s standin’ close enough to steal your breath.”

Cloud’s jaw tightened. “I’m working,” he muttered, looking through another ledger, not daring to meet his eyes fully.

Zack smirked, looked over at the ledger and write in his notebook. What, Cloud couldn’t figure out. But the way he tilted his head, caught the light in his eyes, was a quiet provocation. “Mm-hm. Workin'. Sure you’re not just countin' your blushes?”

Cloud’s hand twitched, almost knocking over a pen. He cleared his throat. “Just focus on the numbers,” he muttered.

The man took a seat to one of the desks, and Cloud caught the teller glancing towards them for a moment, confused. “Numbers, numbers,” Zack murmured, leaning back in his chair as if stretching, “borin', borin'. You should let me teach you how to really enjoy yourself sometime.”

Cloud exhaled sharply through his nose, trying not to flinch at the words. So insistent. His eyes darted towards Sephiroth, making sure they weren’t being watched. He couldn’t shake off that feeling. “Just finish up so we can go.”

Zack hummed and stood up again, hand brushing against the band adorning Cloud’s wrist before he took the ledger from his hands. “Don’t fret too much about it. I got it handled. Wait outside.”

Cloud pulled his hand away tentatively, acting as if the touch didn’t burn him. “Think I can’t make sense of a few bank ledgers?”

Zack laughed then, drawing Sephiroth’s attention who raised an eyebrow at them. “No, Cloud. You just got a knack for throwin' me off my game. I'll work faster if you wait outside,” he said simply, before winking and adding, "Let me finish up here 'fore I start readin' the numbers backwards."

That worked. Cloud’s cheeks heated up and he was gone in an instant, avoiding Sephiroth’s watchful eyes as he did.

It was his fault, he supposed. Zack kept pushing, sure – but Cloud never really put a stop to it. He let himself be tugged and dragged towards the man, kicking and screaming, sure, but he could have just stood up and left. Instead, he kept leaning into touches, into kisses, and he didn’t know how he was going to face the sheriff once they were back in Nibelheim. His mother.

He stood right outside the door, waiting. He kept his back turned on them and tried to get himself under control. He didn’t want to go too far, keeping an eye on the bank and its people inside. He didn’t move when he heard leather boots come closer to the entrance of the bank, either, the step light and quick and easily recognizable as Zack.

“I got everythin'. It’s all in the notebook. The uh – the report.”

There was something in the way he spoke. Cloud couldn’t quite put a finger on it.

There was a beat of silence, and Cloud almost turned towards them to check that everything was fine. “Good.” Sephiroth didn’t sound pleased, or like he was really praising the other man. “Enjoying yourself?” Sephiroth’s voice was calm – too calm – the kind that carried more warning than tone.

Cloud wondered whether the men had forgotten about him. Whether they thought he couldn’t hear them from where he was standing, or they just didn’t care.

When he spoke, Zack sounded more serious than Cloud had heard him all day. Like he did at night, when he was whispering with Sephiroth in their room. ”Just passin’ time. So we took a walk." His tone was defensive. "Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that.”

“Mm.” Sephiroth sounded skeptical, and Cloud could heard boots slowly step on the creaking floor. “You’ve been taking a lot of walks lately.”

“You worried I’ll get lost?” Zack’s humour fell flat.

Cloud couldn’t stir in the silence anymore, or the tension. He felt like if he got caught listening – and it wasn’t even his fault this time – he’d be in trouble. So he cleared his throat and turned around, facing the two men.

“We done here?” he asked, proud of himself for keeping his voice steady and his face nonchalant, even at the sight of Sephiroth near looming over Zack.

Sephiroth looked at him for a moment, before stepping back. “Sure. We’re waiting for the teller to return. Got the notice from HQ to hand over to him.”

Before Cloud could ask what that meant, the teller was back, and Sephiroth returned to completely ignoring Cloud’s presence. “This,” he said, “is from the HQ. Notice about the transport. Since you don’t have a working wire, the one addressed to us will have to do.”

The teller took it and read over it, eyes widening slightly and looking back up to the man, hesitant. “This… We weren’t told anything for early transport.”

Cloud's attention picked up at that, straightening up. He really liked the sheriff, he knew him since he was little, but he inwardly cursed the man for not explaining anything about the bank to him, as far as communication with the HQ went. 

“You were. The telegraph in Nibelheim seems to not be functioning the past days. The carriage is on the way, so you best be ready for transport.”

“But this…”

“You can choose to disobey directions from the HQ, but be assured you’ll lose your job. Many men out here want to take it, so replacing you won’t be a problem. Either way, we’ll be fine.”

With that, Sephiroth turned away, leaving his notice in the other man’s hands. He didn’t turn to look whether the man nodded at the end or not, didn’t seem to care to. And he didn’t have to – it was obvious the man would do as he was told.

The three of them exited. It was starting to get dark. Cloud wanted to ask what that was about - but he wasn't given a straight answer before, either. Maybe he'd wait a bit longer, gather more data in order to get an answer.

“Tomorrow,” Sephiroth said. “We’re heading for Correl. You both better get some sleep.”

Cloud felt a tinge of panic. “Weren’t – aren’t we going back to Nibelheim?”

“Homesick already, deputy?” Zack teased, smiling. “We still got to cover Correl and Kalm. We’ll be back to Nibelheim after that.”

That was… longer than Cloud had thought it’d take. Suddenly the feeling of uneasiness returned. He hadn’t been away from home for so long for – well, he’d never been away for so long. Not with men that, Cloud reminded himself, were unfamiliar, strangers. All at once he felt how unsafe he was.

Suddenly, Zack was much closer to his face than he had been moments ago. “Hmm, I can hear the gears turnin’ up there.”

Cloud jumped back, startled. “I just thought we’d go back sooner. If we gotta keep going, we keep going.”

Sephiroth nodded, his eyes watchful. Not relaxing for a single moment, it seemed. “Precisely. We should head back to our rooms for the night.”

They went to check on the horses. They’d have to ride again in the morning, so it’d be good to give them something to snack on other than hay.

They were silent for the most part, until Zack reached out and brushed Delta’s mane, eyes playfully flicking over to Cloud. That’s how he knew he was going to be groaning in annoyance soon.

And he was right. “Now you tell me, boy – that rider of yours ever crack a grin, or he just sit there starin’ at sunsets like they owe him somethin’?” Zack asked while petting the horse, then nodded continuously in understanding. “Ahh, I see how it is. Says you’re a lost cause, Cloud. Ain’t seen you smile since you was knee‑high to a grasshopper. Reckon I’m your only hope.”

Cloud watched the scene wordlessly for a moment. Somehow, it didn’t bother him as much as he’d prepared himself to be bothered. “Quit being stupid,” he huffed. “Let’s go back.”

Zack didn’t drop his grin, not taking any offense, and followed. The silence stretched until they reached the inn's hallway and he spoke, low and easy. “Didn’t mean to make things awkward, y’know.”

Cloud glanced over from his own door, catching his outline in the light. “You didn’t.” His voice betrayed him. It wasn’t steady. “You still have my belt.” He added quickly, not wanting to see Zack disappear behind that door yet.

Zack smirked, barely visible in the dark hallway. “Oh?” was all he said, index tapping on the belt. He made no move to remove it and return it, or even tried to excuse himself. Cloud guessed he wasn’t getting it back, at least not without just taking it back himself.

He watched the finger as it kept tapping on the leather belt, avoiding the other’s playful gaze. He hesitated. “What is this, Zack?” he had to ask. He wasn’t strong enough to keep it up, not the way they’d been doing this.

The flicker of surprise that crossed his face was gone as fast as it came. He hummed, hand reaching out to hold onto Cloud’s wrist. He looked intently at the band, caressing over it. “C’mon, don’t make it somethin’ it ain’t,” he said after a moment. “It’s just fun, yeah? We’re just… blowin’ off steam. Nothin’ more to it.”

And Cloud wasn’t sure – if he meant it as a way to make him agree without telling him straight up that he had to agree to these terms. His chest tightened. He tried to nod, to make it look like it didn’t sting, but something inside him cracked all the same. That’s what he got, he supposed. What else did he expect? The man was there for a few days, on business, then he’d be back to Midgar. He probably had people like Cloud back in the city – giving in easily, oh so easily, to his smiles, his eyes, his hands.

“Don’t overthink it, blondie. You’ll wear yourself out.”

Zack’s smile was easy, and Cloud’s chest ached.

He shut himself in his room. Even though he laid down, tried to force himself to sleep, he could still feel the warmth of Zack’s hands, the way he laughed, the way he kissed like he meant it.

***

He couldn’t sleep. At first it was because of his conversation with Zack – even if he had tried his best to convince himself it wasn’t. But then he was certain he was hearing voices across the hall – the soundproofing was bad, sure, but this seemed loud. Not quite yelling, but definitely heated. He wanted so badly to press his ear against the door again – but he was too afraid of the door opening suddenly and revealing him.

For a moment, he just stayed in his room. After a while, silence had settled over him and he felt like maybe he'd finally fall asleep. But the thoughts wouldn't leave him alone.

He walked down the stairs, thinking even if he found nothing, no one, the air would do him some good. But the moment he stepped outside, Zack’s frame came into view, trousers and shirt, no vest, no belt.

Zack noticed him immediately, turned to look at him. He was smoking a cigarette. His eyes were guarded, wary. Some of the tension seemed to leave his body when he saw it was Cloud.

“Still up?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” Cloud said, his voice low. It wasn’t a lie either. “You?”

Zack seemed to attempt a laugh, but it just came out as a tired huff. “Just… hell of a day.”

Cloud didn’t say anything, or moved any closer. He just watched Zack’s back as the muscles tensed again, covered by the thin material of his shirt. The man turned to fully face him, and there were dark circles under his eyes, prominent in the dimly lit street. The cigarette burned between his lips. He watched him roll it between his fingers, his hand trembling slightly. He didn’t ask why.

After a moment, Zack leaned forward, searching his face. “You alright, Cloud? You look like you seen a ghost.”

“You two fight often?”

He couldn’t pretend he hadn’t heard anything. He knew if he had just said goodnight – it’d just eat away at him all night. All day, too.

Zack blinked, taken aback. He schooled his features back into something more nonchalant but not quick enough to slip by Cloud – there it was. Guarded. “You got sharp ears there, deputy.”

It was spoken as a warning. But Zack seemed tired, wary, and it fell flat. So he pushed. “Thin walls. You were loud.”

At that, the other exhaled loudly through his mouth, letting some smoke out along with the air, giving in for once. “It’s nothin’. Seph’s wound tighter than a hangman’s rope when he’s workin’.”

But Zack like this – quiet, no smiles and no grins, eyes just… tired. He seemed smaller, somehow. Cloud couldn’t imagine what kind of argument they could have gotten into over the bank of all things, that would have ended so badly.

He was silent for a long time. He didn’t even notice – he was just… thinking. Worrying. Maybe it would be a good opportunity to get some straight answers out of the man, he seemed too tired to keep up pretenses and dance around questions.

He wasn't fast enough. Zack shifted his weight uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck. “You don’t gotta look at me like that, you know. Like I done somethin’ wrong.”

“You didn’t,” Cloud said quickly – too quickly. Echoing his own words.

Zack studied him for a moment, and Cloud cringed under his scrutiny. His eyes were brimming with disbelief. “You think too much. It’s gonna get you in trouble.” A grin pulled at his lips, but it rang hollow.

Cloud averted his gaze. He couldn't bring himself to ask the things he wanted to ask. “We should get some sleep.”

The other man sighed. “Yeah I’ll… finish this and maybe…” he trailed off and shook his bag of tobacco. Thinking of rolling another one, then. “Let it go, Cloud. Dreams don’t like to visit folks with their heads runnin’ that fast.”

Cloud wasn't sure whether that was meant as a warning. It just sounded like regret. He regarded him for another long moment. The way Zack seemed to carry himself – it was as if he was in pain. He was much too still, even if part of it was to blame on the long day.

“’Night, Zack.”

He didn’t wait to see if the other would say it back. He went to his room, a heaviness sitting in his chest.

Chapter Text

In the morning, Cloud walked down to the hall, no sight of the two men around. Maybe they were still asleep, then. He got a coffee, thankful for it. He wondered if he’d gotten about an hour worth of sleep. The thoughts just couldn’t leave him alone, in the end.

It was quiet, about as early as they’d started the day before. They’d be traveling by horse again, he guessed, and Sephiroth would probably take the train, so it was a good idea to check on the horses.

He was surprised to spot Zack already by the hitching post, checking his horse’s saddle, movements brisk and efficient. He was wearing a simple, long-sleeved white shirt, tucked in his trousers in a way that made his waist look slim, fabric thin enough to let his skin breathe. The white looked good on him, Cloud thought. The usual easy grin wasn’t there.

“You’re up early,” his voice came out as quiet as the town itself.

Zack looked up, seeming startled for a moment. There were black circles under his eyes, probably mirroring the ones Cloud was wearing. “Morning, sunshine,” Zack said, putting a hand on his hip. “You look like you wrestled a thunderstorm and lost.” He teased, still, but he sounded subdued, so unlike him.

“Didn’t get much sleep,” he said honestly, trying to gouge the other’s reaction. Zack just returned his attention to the saddle, not looking at him. “You?”

“Sure,” he said, too quickly, teasing easily dropped. “Didn’t get much of it, but I’m used to that.” He cinched the strap tight, tugged once more than he needed to. Cloud noticed – Zack never did anything carelessly, but this was different. Forced.

Cloud frowned a little, trying to read him. “You seem different today.” Last night, too, he thought.

Zack smirked but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Guess I’m just thinkin’ about the road ahead. Long ride.”

Sephiroth came out then, coat sharp, gloves already on, looking like he hadn’t missed a moment’s rest. He gave both of them a curt nod.

“Mount up. I’m taking the train so I’ll be earlier. I’ll check in with the branch manager until you catch up.”

Cloud climbed onto his horse, stealing a glance at Zack. Whatever had been light and easy between them the previous day had settled into something heavier. It made him feel uneasy as well – and he wondered if he could just blame it all on Sephiroth, if the atmosphere would lift once he was gone.

“It shouldn’t take us long, either. The trail to Correl from here is straight, no need to go around.”

“Less chances of runnin’ into bandits with a death wish?” Zack joked, eyes hinting to something more playful, but the spark had dimmed. So Cloud didn’t answer, just held his gaze for a moment. It made the man shift and fix his hat, tip it forward a little.

Sephiroth watched them for a moment, arms crossed. “Zack,” he said.

Zack looked up.

“Try not to get too distracted today.”

It was a plain sentence, but something in it made Cloud’s grip tighten on the reins.

Zack gave a lazy salute. “I’ll do my best.”

He easily mounted on his horse.

As they rode out of Rocket Town, the early sun threw long shadows across the sand, the mountains glowing faint in the distance.

Cloud wasn’t sure how to quieten the voice in his head that screamed at him to confront Zack about it all – about the argument he’d had with Sephiroth, about the way he carried himself so carefully and visibly guarded all of a sudden, about the note Sephiroth passed to the bank teller, what the bank teller had said when he saw it. About the way Zack made his heart beat unnaturally and made him feel like he’d die of a heart attack, and how he denied that it all meant anything in the end.

He breathed out trying to keep himself in check. He was spiraling and he knew it. He had to get ahead of it before he could get ahead of himself. His horse kept pace beside Zack’s, the silence deafening despite the soft galloping that the wind carried far behind them.

Then Cloud said quietly, “You know, you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. But if somethin’s wrong…”

Zack turned his head slightly, offering a smile that could pass for real, hadn’t his eyes been still so damn guarded. “Ain’t nothin’ wrong, partner. Just got a lot on my mind, is all.”

Cloud gave him a long look, making it clear that he didn’t believe a single word spoken, even as his heart twisted at the term of endearment, no matter its casual use.

“Sephiroth seemed… serious,” he tried, testing the waters. The firm way Sephiroth had spoken, full of warning and meaning when he directed his words to Zack.

“Serious?” a small grin formed on Zack’s lips. “That man could stare down a thunder god and make him apologize.”

The laugh that slipped from Cloud surprised even him. Zack caught it, the quick flash of amusement, and for a moment his grin softened into something quieter.

“There it is again,” he said. “Didn’t think you remembered how to do that.”

He supposed he had been equally as serious and careful since the night before. Nevertheless, Cloud’s cheeks warmed under the sun, and definitely not Zack’s stare. “You make it hard not to.”

Zack’s eyes lingered on him for a second too long before he looked away, guiding his horse around a bend. “Careful, deputy. Keep talkin’ like that, and I might think you’re startin’ to like me.”

Cloud’s hand twitched on the reins, and he shifted awkwardly, pretending to focus on the trail ahead. Pretending like there wasn’t a fist currently squeezing his heart. “Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

But though the tension had morphed to something more charged, to something that made Cloud squirm with something much different from unease, it was good to see the other’s shoulders relax a little, his brown eyes getting some of their spark back in them.

“’Course not. You holdin’ back on me, Cloud?” His eyes glinted, scanning Cloud like he could see every thought behind his careful facade.

Cloud’s cheeks flared red, and he focused intently on the trail, as if the desert path could absorb the heat rising from him. “You talk too damn much,” he muttered, half in frustration, half in… something else. He didn’t want to look too deep into it.

Zack laughed, warm and easy, more like what Cloud had gotten used to. So maybe his theory held up. Sephiroth was gone and they could both breathe more with less strain. “But you seemed so eager to talk few minutes ago, partner,” he grinned, drawing out the last word in a way that made Cloud think he knew very well how fast it made his heart beat.

Well, he wasn’t gonna just sit and take it – at least not this once. Something in the past day made him feel a sense of urgency, and maybe it was Zack’s foolishness rubbing off on him, but he leaned forward slightly on his saddle. “Think you can keep up with me?” He recognized the challenge in his own voice, loosening his hold on the reins little by little, watching to see if Zack caught his meaning.

And Zack did. Surprise flickered across his face for a moment. “You challengin’ me, deputy?”

“’Less you’re too chicken.”

Zack’s grin widened, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, so you got some fire in you after all. Sure you wanna risk eatin’ dirt?”

Cloud adjusted his position in preparation. “Reckon I ride more than you do, city boy.” He was certain – he often raced with Tifa since they were children. Tifa was damn good too – he’d had good practice. No matter how much Zack traveled around, he had him.

The other raised an eyebrow, easily rising to the bait. “Name your terms.”

“There’s trees down the path to Correl. Race you to the first one.”

“Ha! You’re on. Hope you brought more than talk, I don’t slow down for a pretty face.”

Cloud decided to ignore him – he wouldn’t let Zack throw him off with just a few flirtatious words, as if he hadn’t been throwing them at him since the moment they met. Instead, he kicked at Delta’s sides with his calves, putting enough pressure and loosening his grip on the reins even further, surging forward.

The sudden burst of speed kicked up a cloud of dust, and Zack’s startled laugh echoed after him. “Hey! You cheatin’ bastard!” he heard him call out, gasping in excitement, before he was kicking as well and flicking his reins, doing his best to catch up but already behind.

And he was good, he really was, but even so, his best simply wasn’t good enough. What a shame, too, Cloud nearly felt bad for him. Because he wasn’t that bad, really. Cloud was just too fast.

He leaned into his mount, lowering himself towards his horse and patting at Delta’s neck encouragingly. They’d done that a million times. Dust spiraled around them, kicked in the air by the quick galloping. The wind almost pulled his hat back and he had to bring a hand up to pull it forward, aware of the adrenaline-fueled grin that was pulling on his lips. He could hear the blood pumping in his ears, the feeling welcome after days of keeping himself as reserved as he was allowed to remain.

He held on, carefully not to pull the reins back, and he felt vindicated when he saw the first tree, looming tall by itself in the sunlight, grass growing under the rare, in that terrain, shade it offered.

The air was dry and sharp with dust and heat, and for once, he wasn’t thinking – just moving, alive. He didn’t spare a glance behind him to check on Zack, too focused to lose, and he let out a laugh when he finally passed the tree, feeling giddy.

“Guess you’re all hat and no cattle,” he smirked, breathless, eyes bright with something he’d been holding back.

Zack pulled up beside him, chest heaving, face split into a wild grin. “You got a head start, you cheat,” he said, sliding off his horse. He was laughing, his protest spoken in a way that made Cloud think maybe he heard admiration in there. Fondness.

His heart was still racing. He swung down too, boots hitting the dirt. “Wasn’t part of the rules.”

Zack gave him a scandalized look of utter indignation, fondness definitely in there, but he didn’t speak. Their quick breathing filled the quiet. Zack dropped down first, back on the ground and leaning against the tree, tilting his hat over his eyes, sweat running down the side of his neck.

Cloud watched him enjoy the shade. Maybe a small break was in order – after all, they covered a lot of ground with their silly little race. The horses deserved a break, too. So he followed, sitting close enough to feel the heat still rolling off him. He took his hat off and placed it gingerly on the ground next to him – he didn’t need it in the shade and he desperately needed his head to cool off a little. He caught himself looking at the way Zack’s chest still rose and fell, the faint sheen of sweat catching the light, the curve of his grin softening as he caught his breath. His heart kept racing.

“Didn’t think you had it in you,” Zack said finally, voice still rough from exertion, soft breaths between his words.

Cloud’s eyes darted to him before he closed them, trying to calm his racing heart. It was making stupid thoughts go with in his brain. “You ain’t half bad for a city boy yourself.”

Another breathless laugh escaped Zack, and he looked so utterly exhausted and satisfied, unguarded in a way that contrasted every single moment Cloud had known him so far and wouldn’t let him soon forget that this was what he looked like in his most relaxed. In his most honest. It all made Cloud’s chest tighten.

For a long minute they just breathed. Zack looked up at him, caught the way he had been staring.

One breath, maybe two, and then Zack’s hand brushed the side of his jaw, tentative, waiting. It was unlike him to even give him so much choice – the man usually just swept in and took what he wanted, and Cloud let him. Even like this, Cloud didn’t stop him. He leaned in, heart hammering so hard it hurt, until their lips met, clumsy, uncertain, all adrenaline, each time so different than the last.

The kiss barely lasted a moment before Zack pulled back, eyes searching his like he’d done something wrong. Cloud could only stare, trying to steady the rush of everything colliding inside him. He felt arms coil around him then, pulling him closer and he grunted, allowing himself, like he always did, to be drawn back in the kiss.

He held on Zack’s arms, enjoying the feel of strong muscle, but he didn’t miss the way the other flinched subtly into the kiss at the touch. With a muffled huff he pushed the other down, straddling him. A surprised moan that escaped the other and he swallowed it, feeling arms now moving to the small of his back and holding him close.

But this time, he kept his mind focused. Smart hands worked on Zack’s shirt, pulling it out from where it was neatly tucked in trousers, and he quickly unbuttoned it, his lips moving insistently to keep the attention in the kiss.

In the end he pulled the shirt open, and he drew back a little, looking carefully at the exposed skin.

Zack blinked, thrown off. “What, you tryin’ to get me outta my clothes now?” he teased, but it fell flat when Cloud didn’t smile.

“Zack,” he chastised, leaning forward. “Take it off.”

Zack hesitated, then sighed, shifting just enough to tug his arms out of the long sleeves, discarding the piece of clothing aside on the ground. Cloud’s jaw tightened.

“Reckon you like what you see?”

But the atmosphere wasn’t easy anymore, but tense. Zack’s voice was tight, even if he forced a smile. Cloud felt his face warm, hands balling up in weak fists. “Don’t start,” he muttered, even as his eyes roamed over marred skin.

“Ah, come on, just answer,” Zack said, voice lower. “Ain’t like I’m gonna bite.”

Cloud’s gaze met his, steady but hesitant. There was something in Zack’s eyes. Maybe even something vulnerable. He let his fingers hands trace the line of Zack’s shoulders and then down to his chest and stomach, brushing the scars with hesitant curiosity, while Zack let out a low hum, averting his gaze. For a moment, he just let himself feel the rise and fall of breath beneath his fingertips.

He couldn’t miss it. There were purple and yellow bruises scattered on the man’s skin – fresh. Couldn’t have been more than a day old. Cloud knew bruises well – he always played rough as a kid.

“You’re hurt,” he said at last, voice quiet.

Zack looked down at himself like he hadn’t noticed he had them at all, like he hadn’t noticed Cloud had been staring. “These?” He shrugged. “Nothin’ that’ll stick.” As if he didn't already have a handful of scars that would never heal.

“How’d you get them?”

“Work,” Zack said simply. He gave a crooked smile, reaching for his shirt. “Occupational hazard.”

Cloud swallowed hard, and he kept the shirt out of the other’s reach. “I’m not stupid, Zack. You don’t get bruises like that from pushin’ ledgers around.”

The smile faltered. For a heartbeat, Zack just laid there, the playfulness draining out of him.

“Probably got ’em when we ran into those bandits,” he said at last, too casual to sound real.

Cloud’s resolve didn’t break. He kept pushing. “You didn’t have them that night.” Not to mention, no bandit put his hands on the man. One was shot instantly and the other rode away without a peep.

Zack tried a teasing grin, but his voice was thick. “Think you were too busy to be lookin’ that close, wildflower.” He licked his lips and tried again, a little more desperate. “Hell, maybe they’re from that race. You ride harder than you look.”

“They ain’t that new,” Cloud shot back, his frustration at the other’s avoidance rising. If he’d just gotten them, they wouldn’t have formed just yet. “You fought with Sephiroth last night. You were off after that.” His mind flashed to the memory of Zack smoking in the dark, shifting as if in pain, tired and serious. “He did this, didn’t he?”

Zack froze and his gaze flicked up, sharp for just a second, surprised. “Ain’t like that,” he said quickly, defensive. He tried reaching for the shirt again.

Cloud kept staring, snatching the clothing further out of Zack’s reach, not letting him cover up. “Then what is it? You think I’m blind?”

Zack ran a hand through his hair, sitting up slightly even as Cloud kept straddling him, pinning his legs on the ground. His eyes darted towards the horizon, looking like a cornered animal. “Seph’s… hard on folks who make mistakes. Says it’s the only way to learn.” He paused when his words where met with silence. “He's right. I need it. I’m hard to manage,” he added, his voice barely above a whisper, flinching like he didn’t enjoy the taste of the words on his tongue. "Truth is, I got a habit of takin’ hits for things I probably deserve.”

Cloud could tell the words held some deeper meaning that he wouldn't be able to decipher. He thought of old scars on the other's back, burns that didn't match the bruises. Deserve? No one deserved this kind of thing. “So you just let him knock you around? This how you do business in the city?”

Zack exhaled hard, trying to move away but not enough to push Cloud off. “I already said too much – quit assumin’. It ain’t like that,” he repeated, eyes darting to his shirt.

“No? You didn’t even look him in the eye this morning.”

Zack stayed quiet for a beat, still avoiding Cloud’s gaze. And then he looked at him – really looked, bravado gone. “You ever think,” Zack whispered, leaning in just enough that the air between them seemed to hum, a finger slowly trailing over the leather band on Cloud's wrist, “that maybe… you could stop worryin’ about everythin’ for a second?”

He didn’t have time to form a response. Zack leaned forward, bridging the small space between them. His lips brushed Cloud’s in a quick, charged motion, teasing and urgent all at once. Cloud stiffened, then instinctively leaned in, heart hammering.

The kiss lingered longer this time, not gentle, not soft. The adrenaline from before still there, the tension from their talk adding something desperate to it.

Zack didn’t try to push him down or switch their positions, just grabbed Cloud by the hips and moved him a little higher, so he’d be straddling him directly over his own hips.

Cloud’s eyes screwed shut as he felt arousal igniting through him with the action, feeling the other’s quickly hardening erection underneath him. He tried not to read too much into it – reminded himself this was just blowing off steam for Zack, making himself forget the unpleasantness Cloud himself had brought up. Tried not to read too much in the way the other had been vulnerable just then.

Cloud’s hand lingered on Zack’s side, tracing the line of muscle and scar, while Zack’s own hands gripped his hips, hungry. The kiss broke when he felt hips rolling against his and he gasped, Zack grabbing the chance to move to his neck instead, to kiss and bite the skin like he had it out for it.

Cloud moved his hand up to black strands and pulled, Zack’s hat tipping back far enough to fall on the ground. He felt him blow hotly on his ear, sending shivers throughout his body. He rolled his own hips down to meet him, and lips capturing his own once again, muffling his whine. He kind of wanted their trousers out of the way – the fabric was thick and rough and he knew it’d feel so much better without it in the way, but the thought of stopping even for a minute seemed ludicrous.

Zack caught his chin between thumb and index and made him face him once again. He slipped his tongue in his mouth, and all Cloud could do was shut his eyes tighter, cling onto the man’s shoulders and grind down harder, trying to feel as much as he could though the layers of clothing. They kept going like this, grinding with no rhythm, the hands on Cloud tightening and pushing him down firmly until he was coming with a moan that he knew would have been keening hadn’t his mouth been covered by another.

Cloud pulled away from the kiss and breathed hard, his lungs feeling like they’d burst from the lack of oxygen. Zack didn’t let up, moved back to his neck again, definitely sucking a bruise on his skin.

He felt tired and sensitive and the friction on his softening cock was much too rough, but Zack kept going for another handful of moments before he was growling in Cloud’s ear, and he felt heat underneath him.

That would be a bitch to clean up.

***

Zack wore his shirt, buttoning it up carefully, hiding old scars and new bruises. It was wrinkled and dirty with dust, but he didn’t seem to mind. The shirt was at least long enough to cover the stain on his jeans, even though it looked messy not tucked in his trousers. It didn't seem as if he had anything more to say on the subject of Sephiroth, and the moment of Cloud pressing about it was lost. His voice came out soft when he spoke, defeated. “You’re a hard one to read, Cloud.”

Cloud got on his feet carefully, waving just a little, his legs still kind of shaky. He patted the wrinkles down from his hat before fixing it on his head, taking a step back to give Zack the space to get up as well. He looked down at the ground between them, the brim of his hat shadowing his face. “Maybe I’m trying to be.”

That earned a quiet huff of laughter as the other stood up in front of him. “Reckon I deserved that.”

He reached out, eyes unfocused, brushing a bit of dust from Cloud’s shoulder, but his fingers lingered a moment too long. The air between them drew tight again, sharp.

They mounted their horses again, closing up on their destination. The silence had returned, but something had shifted. The air hang heavy once again but this time clearer, not as uncertain as it did when they started on the trail. They both knew there were things there weren’t saying, and maybe for now, that was enough.

The town of Correl was visible in the distance, the heat of the sun making the image flicker in a funny way, more and more trees and grass in their way as Cloud knew they were approaching the river that ran through the town.

Zack straightened in his saddle, the easy grin creeping back. “Well,” he said, forcing brightness into his tone, “reckon we’d better look respectable. Wouldn’t want the fine folks at the branch thinkin’ we’ve been rollin’ in the dirt.”

Cloud looked at him and this time, he didn’t smile. But his gaze had softened, and he slowly let his eyes drift back to the horizon ahead.

***

Correl seemed busier than Rocket Town, even though it must have been just as small. It was still pretty early but plenty of folk were around, heading to work, heading to the tavern. The trees offered shade that one couldn’t get in Rocket Town or even Nibelheim, and the distant noise of the river’s rushing waters reached Cloud’s ears easily.

Zack dismounted from his horse, boots thumping on the ground. “Busy town.”

Cloud mimicked him and they guided their horses towards a post in the shade. Hay was placed there for horses, a bucket full of water for this exact purpose. “It’s the river. Gives folks a reason to get up earlier.” To go for a wash, a swim. Water their crop. Maybe just enjoy the riverside.

"Been here a lot?"

He shook his head. "Just a few times, with family. Not for a while, though."

Zack hummed thoughtfully. “We oughta stop by the telegraph post first. Make sure at least that one’s running smoothly.”

He nodded, he knew where that was. Not like it’d take long to find it anyway – buildings that weren’t just houses weren’t particularly abundant.

In fact, it was just an old, weary-looking building with peeling paint and a slanted sign that read “TELEGRAPH”.

They walked in, the place quiet and empty, save for a young man sitting in a chair, fiddling with a knife, his feet up on the counter in front of him carelessly. The dust inside was making the air harder to breath. It was dark, a lantern hanging from the ceiling unlit, all the shutters closed and keeping the sunlight outside.

The man didn’t even look up when they approached. “Don’t tell me,” Zack said, leaning against the counter in front of the man, hat tipped low, grin easy, amused. “She’s out of order too, ain’t she?”

The man groaned, putting his feet down and standing up to face them. “Damn line’s been cut between here and Midgar. Storm did it, most likely. Been waitin’ near a week for word back from Junon on parts.”

Zack let out a low whistle, tipping his hat back so his face would be more visible. “A week, huh? That’s a mighty long time to be cut off. Ain’t got no backup wire or somethin’?”

The man shrugged. “Been askin’ for one for months, in case such a thing happened. Now we have no way of communicatin’ with Nibelheim’s post or forth to Midgar.”

Cloud frowned. “What if something happens?”

“We’ll have to rely on sendin’ a rider and hopin’ it ain’t a matter of time.”

“Damn shame,” Zack murmured, running a hand through his hair, but something flashed by his eyes – calculating. It was gone in an instant and Cloud thought he imagined it. “Well, thanks for the help.”

They both nodded at the man overseeing the post and stood outside. Cloud squinted at the sudden brightness.

“Isn’t it strange? That the telegraph doesn’t work in the two towns around here it exists at all?” Concern was growing on him more and more.

Zack made a sound of idle agreement but didn’t look particularly concerned. “Well, you know what they say. When it rains it pours.”

“Shouldn’t we do something about it? It doesn’t seem safe.”

“We will,” Zack sighed, impatient, as if bored of this conversation. “When Sephiroth and I go back to Midgar. The HQ will get it all fixed up if the wirin’ company don’t. They’ve already sent for it, besides.”

That much was true. The man had said he was still waiting for the company in Junon to fix it or even send parts – maybe they were on the way.

“Come on, deputy. We gotta get to the bank. Reckon Sephiroth’s already tappin’ his boot waitin’.”

***

The bank came into view quickly – there were a couple of people waiting in line at the clerk’s booth, while Sephiroth stood a few steps away, posture straight and clothes immaculate, reading through a ledger. He must have heard their steps approaching because he looked up, closing the ledger shut.

Cloud’s stomach tightened, not missing the way Sephiroth’s gaze lingered between them, making a show out of looking Zack’s stae up and down. His shirt was a mess – rumpled, wrinkled, still untucked. Cloud was hyperaware that had the shirt been tucked, it’d probably look even worse, the slightly darker than the fabric stain adorning the trousers the man was wearing wouldn’t be doing them any favours.

Sephiroth’s eyes flicked between them for a moment, quiet, before he gave a short nod.

“Fair. Deputy Strife,” hearing his family name spoken in such a stern way made him nearly feel he was back in school. “You took your time.”

If Zack shared any of his turmoil and desire to squirm under Sephiroth’s scrutiny, he didn’t show it. His grin came quick, a touch to wide. Cloud had learned to recognize it as fake. “Stopped by the telegraph post. Busted, too.”

“I know,” Sephiroth said simply. “The manager here mentioned it. Unfortunate timing.”

He moved to the side, back to going through the ledger he was holding, and Cloud couldn’t help but think he didn’t seem concerned about that turn of events either.

Stepping into the bank, Zack’s mood seemed to instantly shift, settling back to the disarming charm that seemed to come so naturally to him. He leaned against the counter, skipping the line of people waiting, looking to the clerk with an easy smile. Cloud stood behind him, close enough to listen. “’Morning. I’m Zack Fair, Shinra Bank, Midgar HQ.” Somehow hearing the full title sounded right – made some worries in the back of Cloud’s mind settle. “I believe my colleague has explained the situation?”

The clerk blinked at him, eyes darting to the people impatiently and irritated in line behind Zack, but returned his attention to him. “Of course, sir. How may I help?”

Zack tapped a finger on the counter thoughtfully. “Well reckon my colleague got the ledgers handled,” he said, thinking out loud. “How do you folks handle your transports to Midgar? Especially with the telegraph down can’t be easy keepin’ things secure.”

Cloud’s ears strained at that. Transports to Midgar?

“Well, sir, y’know how it is. All branches load their funds in the vaults before the carriages takes ‘em to Nibelheim. Then the train takes ‘em east. It’s standard procedure.”

“Mm-hm,” Zack nodded, expression unreadable. “Safer to transport them separately to one place and then load them on the train,” he agreed. “And those vaults – solid steel, right? Double-locked?”

“Yes, sir. Code and key.”

Zack whistled softly. “Impressive.”

Something flickered in Zack’s eyes again, something calculating, and Cloud almost missed it. Almost, but he didn’t. “Same as every branch, sir.”

Zack leaned an elbow on the counter, putting more of his weight on it. “So, when the vaults get hauled outta here… you folks got your own men see ‘em through to Nibelheim, or the HQ sends guards from Midgar for the handoff?”

The teller blinked, surprised at the question. Cloud was equally taken aback – enough not to have time to disguise the look on his face. “Our own, sir. Five men accompany the wagon usually, then it’s turned over at the Nibelheim branch before the train ride east.”

“The men stay til the train is loaded?”

Sephiroth cut in, looking up from what he was reading, gaze piercing, arms folded loosely. “Fair. Don’t linger.” Fair again. Not Zack.

Zack straightened at once, grin still in place but thinner now. “Just bein’ thorough, boss. Can’t rush good work.”

“You’re drifting from the purpose of our visit.” Sephiroth replied, his voice like a knife. “Remember why we’re here.”

Zack met his eyes for half a second. There was a strained tension flashing between them like heat off steel – the air between them had been strange since the day’s start.

Sephiroth's voice dropped in volume, but it was still enough to be heard.

“And clean yourself up.  I don’t need to explain your appearance to anyone.”

The words weren't spoken in a particularly cruel tone - not even an angry one, really. Just the kind of quiet dismissal that cut deep. Zack tugged at his shirt self-consciously, patting it down. He couldn't do anything about its state at that point.

Cloud thought of fresh bruises and gritted his teeth. Zack looked away first. “Yes, sir.” The grin was gone as he spoke. He turned back to the clerk, strained smile pulling on his lips. “Appreciate your time. I’ll take a look around if that’s alright.”

The clerk nodded silently, turning his attention back to the townsfolk and resuming his own work.

Cloud stepped back as well, this time holding onto his resolve to watch what kind of inspection Zack was even doing. The branch wasn’t much bigger than the one in Rocket Town despite the slightly busier traffic – one room in the back for bookkeeping and a hall that lead to the vault, guarded by one armed man.

Zack didn’t seem to mind having Cloud follow him and he nodded to the man guarding the vault confidently, before he crouched down and started inspecting the door of it. Cloud stood, raising an eyebrow as the other knocked on the metal, whistling at the sound that echoed when he did. Zack traced the door with his finger, lingering on the hinges.

Cloud hadn’t watched an inspection before, but something in the way Zack acted felt wrong. He felt like he was stewing in the silence. “You sure like checking locks,” he said, the words coming out more shaky than he’d intended.

Zack turned to him, grin widening unnaturally as he got back to his feet. “What can I say, deputy? I’m a cautious man. Don’t want any surprises when money’s involved.”

It somehow didn’t convince him. “Right,” he muttered, not hiding the edge in his tone. "Things you ask routine too?" he mumbled under his breath, not really expecting an answer.

Zack gave him that easy grin again, though his eyes were sharp, his voice lower so it wouldn’t reach the guard. “You ever think about how much money moves through a town like this? How much a man could walk off with, if he knew when the wagons left and where they stopped?”

Cloud frowned. “You talk like you’ve thought about it.”

Zack laughed it off, the sound a little too easy. “Can’t help what crosses a man’s mind after seein’ too much of the world. Just happens. Don’t mean I’m fool enough for it.”

He glanced down at the vault again, the thick metal that could withstand bullets and the double lock that required more than force to open. He was nearly glaring at it like it was standing in the way, something wistful in his eyes. Then his voice dropped, soft enough that Cloud almost missed it. “Still. Be a hell of a haul.”

The silence that followed felt heavier than the air. Cloud looked at him, uncertain whether to take it as a joke. He shifted uncomfortably “You really oughta watch what you say.”

Zack’s intent expression melted into a soft smile, weariness bleeding through it. “Just chasin’ foolish thoughts. Don’t think too much of it.”

“You’re acting strange,” Cloud said at last, quieter, weariness matching the one he saw on Zack.

That drew out a real laugh – tired, but genuine. “Travelin’ too long will do that to a man, I s’ppose.” Zack brushed himself down a bit, in a futile attempt to straighten his clothes, and stepped closer, lowering his voice again. “Tell you what, deputy. When we’re done here, you and me – we’ll get a drink somewhere that ain’t full of ledgers and locks. Sound good?”

Cloud watched him carefully, trying to read him once again, under that easy charm that he could tell by that point wasn’t as genuine as the other pretended it was. “You trying to distract me?”

“Would it work if I was?” Zack asked, that grin returning just enough to make it his heart do another weird stutter.

Heavy footsteps were all the warning they got before Sephiroth was standing at the end of the hallway, arms crossed in front of him as his steady gaze flicked from the guard to them. “Are you done here?”

Zack stepped back away from Cloud quickly, uneasiness creeping back into his smile. “Sure are. Vault looks tight as a drum.”

“Good.” Sephiroth’s tone was calm. Icy. “Let’s not waste any more daylight.”

They nodded to the clerk as they exited the bank, and Cloud tried to remind himself what he was there for. “If we’re already done, we can start heading to Kalm – ”

He didn’t finish his sentence. “We still have to oversee the closing, deputy.” Sephiroth’s tone was firm, and it made him straight up the way Zack had. “Kalm is on tomorrow’s list. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

He had kind of expected that. Still, he’d hoped it’d be over sooner. He nodded, eyes lowering in understanding.

Sephiroth spoke up again. “Zack and I have matters to discuss. I trust you can handle yourself?”

It took him a moment to realize the man was talking to him. His eyes darted to Zack, whose expression remained blank, then back to Sephiroth. That was the most polite way the man could probably manage to tell him to leave them alone.

And he didn’t want to, really. Bruised skin and awkward silences flashed before his eyes again, but he didn’t know how to say no either. It hadn’t been a request, after all. It had nearly felt like a command.

“Yeah,” he managed, voice thick and throat feeling tight. “I’ll be at the inn, then.”

Chapter Text

Cloud hesitated outside the bank, watching the two men once again disappear inside. He wasn’t used to being told to wait somewhere and do nothing – in fact, he was supposed to stay with the two men at all times – but Sephiroth’s tone had left no room for argument.

He started down the narrow alley beside the bank, keeping to the shadows. He figured it’d give him a moment to clear his head before heading to the inn.

A soft murmur drew his attention, and he paused, ears straining. Around the corner, the bank’s side entrance was open just enough for him to see inside. Zack and Sephiroth were standing, not much further in than where he’d left them. He froze, realizing he could hear them speak, quietly, deliberately, but loud enough for him to catch.

“You’re slipping,” Sephiroth’s voice was low and cutting. “Your questions were sloppy. That deputy nearly caught on.”

Zack ran a hand through his hair, forcing a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Relax… Cloud’s just–”

“Distracting you,” Sephiroth interrupted, the precision of his tone leaving no room for argument.

Cloud’s stomach knotted. He pressed closer to the wall, hidden in shadow, listening intently.

Zack opened his mouth to counter, then closed it again, muttering quietly enough that Cloud barely caught it. “–Cautious by nature. He’ll drop it once he cools off.”

“You’re losing your focus,” Sephiroth said, and Cloud could hear the faint tension in his voice. “Do you think you can afford mistakes? ”

“I ain't - ” Zack started, then faltered. He hesitated, and his voice wavered. “I… I’m tryin'.”

Sephiroth’s gaze was invisible to Cloud, but the tone alone carried weight. “Trying isn’t enough. You’ve seen what happens when you… falter.”

Cloud didn’t breathe. His mind raced.

He stayed frozen for a moment longer, listening as Zack muttered something under his breath he couldn’t make out, then the footsteps faded down the hallway as Sephiroth’s attention shifted elsewhere. Cloud let out a slow breath, heart pounding, and backed away.

The alley guided him toward the inn, but the day’s adrenaline, the morning’s horse race, the lingering warmth of Zack’s kiss – all of it swirled into one tight knot in his chest. It was strange, being by himself after a total of two days and then some of having Zack constantly around him. It felt much longer than that.

Now it felt like his head was clearing up, little by little.

Zack’s absence was palpable – like those nights in Nibelheim when it was so quiet there was no wind, no nothing, and the silence itself was deafening. It felt the same way.

Without Zack’s presence, no constant teasing, no aggravating flirting, no touches that distracted more than they soothed, his thoughts began to settle, slow and clear. It was strange, yes, and he felt as if something was missing – but for the first time since they left Nibelheim he could think. Really think.

He ended up renting a room for himself. It was a nice day and he could surely have stayed outside and enjoyed the town, maybe even sat by the river, but he needed minimal distractions. It was time to concentrate, so the town would just have to wait.

He tossed his hat onto the narrow bed and sat, leaning his elbows on his knees, fingers running through his blond hair. Taking a deep breath, little by little he felt the tension in his shoulders ease.

His eyes landed on the bedside table. There was a small notebook and a pen, thoughtfully left for the guests of the inn. Grateful, he took them in hand, opening to a blank page and he began trying to put everything in order.

He started with the previous day. Rocket Town.

Rocket Town was small and not very populated. Cloud hadn’t watched them too carefully in the bank, but he remembered they had checked the ledgers quite thoroughly. But that was their job, right? Then Zack had taken a look around – one Cloud hadn’t been present for – and he could only assume, like with the Correl branch, he had been checking on the vault.

Was that normal? For them to check the vaults so carefully? Cloud wished he knew more about banks.

Sephiroth had remained at the bank for longer after that and Cloud cursed at himself for playing around with Zack instead of staying with Sephiroth, letting himself be distracted rather than doing his job. Even when they got back for the closing, Cloud had let himself be shooed away without protest, giving Zack space to work, whatever that meant.

But it wasn’t just what they did at each branch. Cloud thought again – on the way to Rocket Town, the way Zack had just pulled out his gun in a matter of seconds, before any of them – Cloud or the bandits – could react, shooting with deadly intent, without hesitation. When he heard him argue with Sephiroth at night.

The deputy? He was with you.

He's fine. I handled it.

You're getting careless.

At the time, Cloud hadn’t thought much of it. But now… now the words took on a different weight.

If you become a liability - 

I won't. We’re fine.

You better make damn sure of that.

Zack had paid him a visit, after. He remembered, remembered how restless, insistent, almost desperate the man had been, too. He had blamed it on the adrenaline of the day – that maybe shooting that bandit had affected him more than he let on.

The way Zack had hissed in warning, almost like a snake, when he had touched the scars on his back.

Careful.

As if the word itself was armor.

Cloud thought further back. The first night they met. All those questions about Nibelheim while Zack had evaded every question in return. Nothing had changed since, had it? Was Zack even really unaware that he was the deputy when he approached him? Or had that been a lie too?

His stomach twisted. The thought made him exhale sharply and shake his head, trying to rein it all back in. He was wandering too far, thinking himself into some wild conspiracy.

Still.

The argument, or arguments, Zack had had with Sephiroth, serious enough to get him bruised up – how could a job for the bank explain that? There had been pain in Zack’s eyes when he was confronted with it, but also a quiet unwillingness to do anything about it.

The way Zack had looked at the vault. Not curious, not dutiful, but almost hungry.

And that question he’d asked – about the guards.

He felt his skin crawl.

What was it they said - about a vault transport? Transporting the vault to Nibelheim and then to Midgar? Why was it the first time he heard of this and most importantly - why would they go through with something like this while the telegraphs weren't working?

The timing was just...

Cloud thought back to the way Zack pulled him through the fair at Rocket Town. To the way he had kissed him outside of that saloon, under the tree outside Correl, of how Zack had let him trace over the bruises with an openness that didn’t feel staged. He had been honest there – vulnerable even. Cloud had learned to recognize when Zack was pretending to be more light and cheerful than he was, and he knew, he knew those moments hadn’t been fake. They couldn’t have been.

And if he could be that honest in a moment like that, maybe he hadn’t been lying about everything else either. Was Cloud just misreading it all? Was it just what he had suspected at first – Zack and Sephiroth just had something other than working together going on, something more intimate, and that’s why their relationship was so strange? But then, why would Zack come onto him in front of Sephiroth? And yet, his insistence that the thing between them was just a way to pass the time…

He also couldn’t help but notice how Zack never called Sephiroth partner, as if they weren’t equals. He called him boss, sir. Maybe colleague. In front of other people, at least – Sephiroth had snapped at him when Zack had called him Seph in front of the sheriff in Nibelheim. He remembered as much.

That deputy nearly caught on.

To what? Cloud's head was spinning.

Every time Sephiroth seemed to tell Zack off – it had been about him, hadn’t it? At the bank in Rocket Town, after the fair. In the morning before they left, telling him not to get distracted. Even their conversation just then at the Correl branch – his stomach twisted again in the memory of his name being brought up.

And the bruises. God, the bruises. He couldn't explain that. The scars, too. That wasn't the body of a man with a clean city job.

Trying isn’t enough. You’ve seen what happens when you… falter.

The words had been uttered like a shooting gun.

He felt like he was holding the pieces to a puzzle - but they were all painted white. They were there, they fit, but he had no idea what image they were painting. Maybe he didn't want to dig too deeply, think too much about what they could mean.

He thought of Zack’s smile, easy, teasing, the way he had leaned close during the ride, their rough kiss after the horse race, the way his shirt had been disheveled, revealing bruises Cloud hadn’t yet fully questioned. He wished he hadn’t noticed the half-smile that never quite reached his eyes, the way his laughter sometimes sounded forced. Maybe it was just the job, the long hours, the constant movement from town to town. Cloud had never left Nibelheim for more than a weekend before this – he imagined being on the road for so long, for a job no less, would have worn him down too. Would have made him say things that would sound alarming, even if they were just throwaway comments.

I’m reading too much into it.

He laid back on the bed from where he was sitting, legs hanging off the mattress, his head nearly at the edge of it, unwilling to move and laid down properly. He stared at the ceiling, letting the notebook rest forgotten on his lap. He wasn’t often out of Nibelheim for more than two days at a time, especially not with people he hadn’t been around all his life – like his mother, or Tifa – so maybe he was just spiraling. Maybe he was homesick, like Zack had said. He forced himself to quiet the questions that had begun forming in his mind, and comforted himself with the thought that Tifa was probably already back in Nibelheim, waiting to hear his news.

The leather band felt tight on his wrist.

He didn’t even notice when his lids grew heavy, the rhythm of his own breathing pulling him into sleep.

***

A soft knock at the door stirred him awake, followed by a gentle creak of the hinges as it opened.

The room was dark. The sun had set – how long had he been asleep? The haze of it clung to him, thick and heavy, and he felt as quiet as the night outside.

“Cloud…”

The voice was low, hesitant, and painfully familiar as Zack. He stood there, hat in hand, his clothes now clean, black vest over a new, black shirt. His eyes looked tired, shadows deep under them, but his smile – soft and crooked – still managed to find him.

“Zack?” Cloud croaked, pushing himself upright from the bed. His hand went to the notebook still at his lap, and snapping it closed. It was too dark for the other man to see anything – but still. Leaving it open made him feel exposed, in a way.

“Didn’t mean to wake you,” Zack murmured. “You left your door unlocked.” Cloud’s eyes darted to the open door – he had? He sighed, rubbing his temple. Some deputy. Couldn’t even keep himself safe. Zack lingered by the doorway for a second longer, then stepped inside, closing it behind him. “Reckon I owe you an apology.”

Cloud frowned, still half dazed. “What for?”

Zack let the question settle for a moment, expression unreadable. But he quickly recovered. “For bailin’ on that drink I promised you,” Zack said, his tone playful, but quieter than usual – more careful. Like he was testing the air. “You looked like you could’ve used it more than me.”

He forced out a tired huff of laughter. “Maybe next time.” He wanted to ask what had the other been doing with Sephiroth, what had kept him so long – but he found he couldn’t. The day had left him drained.

Zack grinned, but the edge of it faltered. “You say that now, but I’m not lettin’ you off the hook, deputy.” He said it like a joke, but his voice was too subdued for it to really land. Maybe it was just the tiredness of the long day or the quiet of the hour, but his eyes had something muted, thoughtful behind them. He crossed the small space between them, leaning against the bedpost, hands buried in his pockets.

“You eaten?” he asked after a pause, nodding toward the small nightstand. “I could run down to the kitchen, see if they’ve got anythin’ left. Bread, somethin’.”

Cloud shook his head. “I’ll be fine.”

Zack studied him for a moment, then nodded – though he didn’t move. The silence stretched comfortably between them for a moment, filled only by the faint sound of wind against the windowpanes.

“Hope you weren’t just stewin’ all day.”

Cloud’s hand instinctively tightened on the notebook in his hand, but he didn’t have any energy left to think more of it. “Don’t worry about it.”

It felt more familiar, Zack’s presence, like he belonged there. It somehow settled his nerves from earlier, despite Zack being the very reason they existed at all. It made him want to let go of the questions still circling in his head.

“You were out cold,” Zack continued, voice softer. “Guess I shouldn’t be surprised, after the day we had.”

Yeah. It had been truly, physically, mentally, emotionally, exhaustive. He just hadn’t expected for Zack to share the sentiment.

Zack lingered a moment longer, as if unwilling to leave, watching him, the half-smile on his lips flickering like candlelight – there and gone, replaced by something harder to name. Then his gaze softened, melted into something quieter, something almost fragile. “You get some rest, yeah? Tomorrow we’ve got a long ride, and I don’t wanna see you half-asleep on me.”

Cloud wanted to ask him what was wrong, why he seemed off, to make him give an excuse that Cloud would have believed no matter how fake it sounded – but the weight of exhaustion pinned him down. Instead, he watched the man open the door again, a flicker of light from the hallway creeping in, before he was gone. The door shut closed, soft as a sigh, and the room was swallowed back into darkness.

***

The morning light cut through the thin curtains, sharp and colorless.

Cloud blinked awake, disoriented for a second. His head felt heavy, almost as if he had been drugged – he had slept through half the day, and then through the whole night. The exhaustion and lack of sleep the previous days had probably caught up to him. The sounds of the waking town reached faintly through the window: boots on the boards, the creak of wagon wheels, the clatter of buckets. Ordinary, steady things.

He sat up, rubbing his eyes. His limbs were numb but rested – the kind of tired that still clung to him like fog. He dressed quickly and ran a hand through his hair, catching sight of the closed notebook on the nightstand. He left it there. It had served its purpose in putting his thoughts in order. He didn’t want to think anymore.

Outside, the air was cool, still touched by the morning dew. He stepped down from the inn’s porch. He’d just check on the horses before checking up on the other two men, or taking his coffee.

Something cold twisted in his gut as the post they had tied the horses to came into view. Zack and Sephiroth were standing there already, Zack running a hand through his hair, stressed, while Sephiroth tapped his fingers against his own crossed arms. Dark eyes raised to look at him. Cloud froze, and then he was running.

"Delta!" The word tore out of him before he could stop it. He dropped to his knees beside the horse’s still body, his breath catching. His eyes were open, glazed, the once-glossy white coat now dull and stained by red blood.

A long, thin cut ran across his stomach, clean and deliberate. He must have bled for hours before he went still.

A touch landed on his shoulder, gentle, careful like nothing in the world. “Oh, wildflower…” Zack’s voice cracked on the word. “I’m sorry. I’m so fuckin’ sorry.”

Cloud wanted to scream at him. Tell him to shut up, ask him why was he sorry, to not call him that in front of Sephiroth, to stop touching him like that – so soft, so kind – in public. Or anywhere, not when everything inside him was breaking. But he didn’t.

He let himself be pulled into those strong arms, his face pressed into Zack’s shoulder, the scent of leather and gunpowder and faint whiskey in his nose. He felt Zack’s hand steady against his back, and he hated that it helped.

Even so, he immediately pulled away when he heard Sephiroth speak. "Must have been coyotes. Lots of wild animals attack at night, coyotes often don't even eat their victims."

He felt Zack tense up against him, but he couldn't pull his eyes away from Delta. He was gone. Just like that. “That’s not from coyotes,” Cloud said, voice hoarse. “He was sliced, not torn. Someone did this,” he said, his mind running a million miles per hour. 

“Hey now,” Zack said quickly, his hand still firm on Cloud’s shoulder. “Don’t go jumpin’ to conclusions like that. You don’t got enemies out here. Who’d do somethin’ like this to you?”

Cloud snapped his head towards him. "You think I can't tell the difference between man and beast?"

“I ain’t sayin’ that,” Zack said, holding his hands up slightly, defensively. “Maybe it was a man. Maybe just some drunk bastard – took a swipe at the first thing in his path. There’s folks like that out there. Don’t take it personal. It didn’t happen to you. It just… happened. World’s cruel like that.”

Cloud’s chest ached. The calm in Zack’s voice, the way he tried to comfort him, it felt wrong. He hadn’t sounded this sorry when he shot a man dead in front of him.

And what if, that's why this happened? Maybe the second bandit had come back, had followed them, had wanted revenge. Maybe this was his fault – for standing by.

“Whatever the reason,” Sephiroth said suddenly, cutting through his thoughts, “the animal is dead. None of this will bring it back. And you have a job to do, deputy. We have to move on.”

Cloud saw red and lurched up, his hand balling into a fist before he even knew it. “You heartless bastard –”

But Zack caught his wrist before he could swing, nearly twisting it behind his back, successfully stilling him. "Cloud. Don't." His voice dripped with warning but Cloud wasn’t sure to whose benefit, because Zack’s eyes shot towards Sephiroth cold and sharp as glass. "Sephiroth is right,” he said at last. “We gotta keep going.”

"I... I can't ride."

Sephiroth hummed absently. “Then you’ll ride the train with me. Zack can handle himself on his horse.”

Zack's eyes darted back to Sephiroth at that, stepping back away from Cloud. He remained silent.

Cloud turned toward him, the idea immediately wrong. “He can’t ride alone. The trail’s rough – if something happens – "

“I’ll be fine,” Zack said, too quickly. His voice wavered, just barely.

Cloud frowned, catching the edge of something he couldn’t name. “You’ll take the train too, then. We can come back for your horse later.”

"No," Zack said quickly, jaw clenched. "I can't. You know I can’t.”

Cloud blinked. “What do you mean you can’t?” He’d said it before too – the whole reason they started riding on horseback was because Zack had refused to take the train. Not fond of trains. But there was no other option, and Zack was being stubborn.

"Seems we're at an impasse." Sephiroth's voice was calm. He had offered his solution, but Cloud didn't like it.

Zack ignored him, eyes fixed on Cloud instead. "You know I can handle myself out there, deputy," he said with a sigh, even if his eyes were hesitant. The man was visibly not fond of this plan either, so then why did he agree to it? “Best you take the train with Sephiroth. It’s quicker. Safer. I’ll catch up in Kalm.”

The thought made Cloud’s stomach twist. The idea of riding with Sephiroth – alone – after what he’d overheard yesterday… He couldn’t do it.

“No,” Cloud said firmly. “If you’re not taking the train, I’m not taking it either.”

Zack sighed, exasperated. “Cloud, don’t start – "

“I’m serious. I’m not leaving you alone on the trail. If you’re not taking the train, I’ll ride with you. Banora can handle two.”

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow, disapproval evident in his even tone. “That’s a bad idea. You’ll be slower, less maneuverable, and more visible. If anything happens – ”

He knew that. He did, but he really didn't want to go with Sephiroth, he realized. "Two heads are better than one."

Zack hesitated. He looked torn, like he wanted to argue but didn’t quite have the strength. “Fine by me,” he said finally, forcing a half-smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Ain’t gonna be comfortable, but we’ll make do.”

Sephiroth seemed displeased nevertheless. "It's inefficient."

“This talk’s goin’ in circles,” Zack cut in, his voice sharper. "I can't leave my horse here and the deputy told the sheriff he'd be accompanying me on horseback. ‘Less you wanna pay for a new horse –if we can find one – this is our only answer. You wanna keep the schedule, let’s get on with it."

Cloud didn't think he'd heard Zack stand up to Sephiroth before. For a fleeting second, he saw it – the flicker of annoyance in Sephiroth’s eyes. But then it was gone, replaced by that same unshakable calm. “Make sure we’re not delayed, Zack. The schedule’s already tight.”

Zack's jaw flexed. Cloud couldn't miss it – there was tension between the men. "We won't be," he said simply. "Let's go, Cloud."

***

Banora’s gait was steady but slow, her hooves crunching against the dirt trail. The sound filled the silence left in Delta’s absence.

Cloud sat behind Zack, his knees brushing against Zack’s sides. The heat of the other’s back pressed against his chest, his hands resting low around Zack’s waist – not for comfort, but balance. Or so he told himself.

"You're holdin’ on too tight. You’ll wear yourself out ‘fore we’re even halfway there.”

Cloud didn't let up. His fingers only gripped at Zack harder. "He didn't deserve that."

There was a soft sigh in response. "No. He didn't."

"You saw him, Zack. Someone did this. You saw it."

"Sure, might have been a knife. Doesn't change a thing. Told you, could have been some drunk. Could have just been a mean bastard with too much whiskey in his gut. Don't try to give it meanin’. It'll eat you alive."

Cloud opened his eyes at that, watching the pebbles Banora kicked with her hooves as they kept going. "Sounds like you're speaking from experience."

Zack let out a short laugh. He sounded tired more than amused. "Maybe. All I know is that it'll bring you nothin’ but more pain. Let it go."

He shifted his gaze to Zack's back, as if he could see through it. “...You’re really calm about it.”

“Someone’s gotta be,” he said softly. “Just ‘til you get your feet under you again.”

The air was full with the smell of dust and horsehair and something faintly metallic still clinging from Delta’s blood. They were long gone from Correl, but Cloud could still taste it. Zack kept guiding Banora onto the trail, the horse’s hooves crunching over gravel and brittle grass.

The silence stretched long. Too long.

Cloud’s thoughts wouldn’t stop – the way Sephiroth had watched them, the calm in his voice when he’d said coyotes, Zack’s stubbornness when he’d mentioned the train. Every detail felt wrong in a way Cloud couldn’t name.

His thoughts ran back to his notebook. He had left it at the inn – his notes wouldn’t make sense to anyone who didn’t know the situation, so he didn’t worry too much about it. But he wondered if he’d had more things to write down, had he taken it with him. Like the way Zack had looked just so genuinely sorry about Delta. The way he was letting him cling onto his waist so tight he could’ve knocked them both off Banora. Whether Zack would ask more strange questions once they arrived in Kalm.

He tried not to look back to where Correl had disappeared in the horizon. Where Delta had been left. Tried not to think about the thin, deliberate cut across his stomach.

“You mad at me?” Zack pulled him from his thoughts, glancing over his shoulder. His tone was light, but not enough to mask the hesitation under it.

Cloud didn’t look up at him. “I’m not.”

“Yeah, you are.”

There was no real teasing in his tone, just something that sounded like he was trying to make things normal again. Cloud wanted to ask him, what would he be mad about. What was it he had to be mad at Zack about.

“No,” He said after a beat. His gaze fell to the reins, watching how Zack’s hands shifted easily with the horse’s rhythm. “Just thinkin’.”

“’bout me?” Zack asked, like he did every time, with that familiar, crooked grin – the one that usually broke tension like sunlight through clouds.

Cloud didn’t rise up to it this time. “Maybe.”

“That right? Must be heavy thoughts.”

His lips pressed thin. “You don’t make it easy to trust you.”

Zack stiffened beneath his hands, though his reply came smooth. “Guess that’s fair. I’ve been told I’m a hard man to read.”

“You’re not,” Cloud said quietly.

Zack glanced back, brow furrowing slightly, caught off guard. “No?”

Cloud shook his head, eyes tracing the horizon ahead. “You try too hard to be easy. It’s obvious when it ain’t real.” The moment he said it out loud, he knew it was true.

Zack’s easy air faltered, the words landing harder than Cloud might have meant them to. He looked forward again, the lines of his face tightening.

The weight of the words hung between them and Zack straightened his posture, the faint humor draining from his expression.

The trail widened, the air carrying a faint scent of dry grass and smoke from some far-off burn pile. The horizon shimmered under the morning heat. It smelled faintly of ash and earth. Cloud leaned further on the man in front of him, hoping it'd make the weight in his heart lighter.

After a while, he spoke again, softer now. “You ever get tired of pretending?”

Zack’s shoulders lifted and fell in a quiet laugh, not mocking, not even amused really. Just weary. “More than you think.” He nudged Banora forward. “C’mon, Let’s get this over with.”

***

Kalm was like Correl – busier, despite being equally small. There were more trees out there and the temperature felt cooler than it had on the open road. The smell of smoke and hay and people filled the air – the sound of hammers, cart wheels, a dog barking somewhere down the road. Ordinary things. Things that should’ve made it easier to breathe.

Zack swung down first, offering a hand up with that same grin that had started to feel like armor. “C’mon, wildflower. Don’t tell me I gotta carry you too.”

Cloud ignored the hand and the way this simple term of endearment had come to mess up his heartbeat every time. He climbed down himself. “I can manage,” he muttered, brushing dust off his trousers.

“Could’ve fooled me,” Zack said easily, tipping his hat back with a thumb.

They hitched Banora outside the bank. Zack’s fingers brushed Cloud’s wrist as he tied the reins – where the band was still resting snugly against his skin. He pulled his hand back reflexively, eyes catching the other’s gaze.

Zack held it. “Still wearin’ it.”

Cloud looked down at the band. “Forgot to take it off.”

Zack’s grin softened. “Yeah. Sure you did.”

“Didn’t think you’d miss it.”

“Oh, I keep track of my debts,” Zack said, amusement in his voice. “And my gifts.”

Cloud’s mouth twitched, just slightly. “Which one’s this?”

“Depends how the day goes,” Zack said with a wink.

The leather was warm from the sun, familiar now in a way that unsettled him.

***

Sephiroth was already inside, of course, talking with what seemed to be the branch manager. He didn’t bother looking at them.

“Oh, this must be your colleague then?”

Zack grinned, crossing his hands behind his head in a manner that could have easily come off as charming. “One and only,” he said, hands folding behind his head like he hadn’t a care in the world. “Zack Fair, Shinra Bank headquarters. And this here’s Deputy Cloud Strife outta Nibelheim,” he added before Cloud could open his mouth, jerking a thumb his way. “He’s makin’ sure we don’t get ourselves lost between towns.”

The man offered a polite smile. “You’re a little early for the inspection.”

“You got notice of us comin’?” Zack asked.

“Sure did, gentlemen. But we weren’t expectin’ you for another week.”

Sephiroth spoke up then, voice even as ever. “Schedule changed. Headquarters moved the deadline. Some accounts need closing sooner than expected.”

“Well, you’re welcome to look around. Ain’t too busy today. Clerks can help if you need anything.”

Sephiroth returned the nod, first to the man, then briefly to Zack. Something unspoken passed between them – that same silent exchange Cloud had started to notice more often, deliberate and coded. Then he turned on his heel and walked deeper into the building, leaving Zack to the ledgers at the front desk.

Something inside him wanted to go after Sephiroth, but he also really didn’t want to do that. So he stayed by Zack.

The air inside was dry, thick with ink and old paper. Zack leaned over the counter, focused, flipping through ledgers, jotting figures in the notebook he carried. Cloud crossed his arms, shifting his weight, trying not to stare after Sephiroth’s retreating coat.

“You always this quiet?” Zack asked after a moment, looking up at him.

“Guess I don’t have much to say.”

“That so?” Zack’s grin tilted. “You used to talk my ear off.”

Cloud’s brow furrowed. “When?”

Zack shrugged, smirking. “You didn’t. Just checkin’ if you still got some fight left in ya.”

Cloud gave him a look that he hoped passed for a glare. “You’re a fool.”

“Mm-hm.” Zack’s hand darted out, fast as a snake, snatching Cloud’s badge right off his vest.

“Zack — ”

“Don’t fret, deputy. I’ll keep it safe.” He pinned it on himself with exaggerated ease. It sat a little crooked on his vest. “Reckon it looks better on me, anyhow.”

Cloud stepped forward, ready to grab it back, but Zack leaned back just out of reach, grinning.

“You planning to wrestle me in front of the bank clerk, deputy?”

The clerk glanced up briefly from the counter before pretending to busy himself with a stack of papers.

Cloud huffed, exasperated. “You’re gonna be the death of me.”

Zack laughed under his breath – a small, almost relieved sound. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

He knew what this was. Zack was trying again and he was trying hard – trying to push through the silence that had hung over them since they left Correl. It was hard to pretend he wasn’t still thinking about Delta. And had the coyotes actually gotten to him – he’d be sad, yes, upset, but he’d get over it. He couldn’t get over what the act of his horse getting sliced up meant.

And Cloud, for all his restraint, felt it. Felt the effort, the guilt hidden under the grin, the warmth in Zack’s voice.

Zack kept it up for a moment, but looked disappointed when Cloud didn’t keep pushing. He unpinned the badge and set it back against Cloud’s chest, fingers brushing over the spot like he was straightening it. “There.” He gave the badge a small pat. “Now you look like a proper lawman again.”

The sound of boots on wood made Cloud instinctively stand straighter, fidgeting with the badge just to keep his hands busy. Sephiroth crossed the floor toward them, arms folded.

“Report.”

Zack’s hand went to the back of his neck. “Everything checked out. Ledger clean, delivery scheduled, amounts proper. No trouble.”

“Good.” Sephiroth took Zack’s notebook for a moment, flipping through it with precise fingers. “The data for the last quarter are incomplete. I expect you to correct that before we leave Kalm. And next time, try not to make a spectacle of yourself while representing the company. The bank’s reputation doesn’t need your… flair.”

The words seemed to land like a slap in the face. Sudden and harsh, but like second nature from the man. Zack nodded once, jaw tight. “Understood.”

Sephiroth gave a curt nod and returned the notebook to Zack before turning towards the door. “Finish up. I’ll be outside.”

As he stepped away, Zack blew out a breath through his nose, somewhere between a laugh and a curse. “He’s in a real fine mood today.”

Cloud finally spoke. “You really gonna let him talk to you like that?”

Zack grimaced, but then grinned, like it was funny. “I’ve heard worse.”

“That ain’t an answer.”

He gave him a sidelong glance. “You worried about me, wildflower?”

“Don’t call me that here.” Cloud’s voice was quiet but firm.

Zack held up a hand in mock surrender, smile faint but not mocking this time. “Alright, alright. Guess I had that one comin’.”

With that, Zack returned to the ledgers, making some more notes, brows furrowed in concentration. Or maybe it was the sting of Sephiroth’s words still settling.

Cloud turned away, letting his eyes trail toward the tall windows. Sunlight streamed through the glass, catching on the dust in the air, cutting bright lines across the floorboards.

Sephiroth’s words echoed in his head. He couldn’t interpret them as nothing less than a jab to Zack’s nature. It wasn’t really surprising, at that point. Zack had been testing boundaries more often lately, growing restless in public. Someone was bound to snap. Might as well have been Sephiroth. Still, the memory of bruised skin burned behind his eyes.

“Hey.” Zack’s voice pulled him back. “You alright?”

Cloud blinked, realizing he’d gone still. “Fine.”

“Yeah,” Zack said, voice dry. “You sound it.”

There was a beat. Cloud knew it would be useless to try and argue with him – ask why Zack put up with it, why he kept letting Sephiroth talk to him that way — but the question stuck in his throat. Instead, he kept looking away.

Zack didn’t let them sit in silence for much longer. “All done. C’mon.”

Sephiroth, true to his word, was waiting outside, exchanging a few words with the manager still. When he noticed them exiting the bank, he turned his attention to them.

He straightened his coat, the faint silver glint of his watch chain catching the light. “If we’re done here, I’ll be visiting the sheriff. We have to confirm security for the vault transport to Nibelheim.” He paused, turning his gaze on Cloud. “Deputy Strife, you’ll be coming with me.”

Cloud blinked, caught off guard. “Me?”

“Yes,” Sephiroth said simply, already buttoning his coat. “You’re the lawman here, aren’t you? I expect your insight will be of use.” It wasn’t a request.

Cloud’s eyes darted toward Zack, who had tucked his hands into his vest pockets, thumbs hooked loosely on the edge. For a heartbeat, Cloud thought he might say something – maybe protest, maybe make a joke. But Zack just smiled, the kind that didn’t quite meet his eyes.

“Makes sense,” he said lightly. “Cloud’s the man for the job.”

“You can take that time to fix up your notes.” Sephiroth said, as if it was already decided. The look he shot the other was meaningful in a way that eluded Cloud.

Zack’s smile didn’t falter, though there was a split second of hesitation before he nodded. “Sure thing. I’ll make myself useful.”

It had already been decided then, without anyone asking for Cloud’s input. He would be joining Sephiroth, alone, without Zack. As much as he had tried to avoid it, as much as it made him uncomfortable, he was out of excuses.

“Alright,” Cloud said finally. “Guess I’ll go.” Still pretending it was of his own volition.

Without another word, Sephiroth turned away.

Cloud reflexively shot Zack a worried look, but Zack just gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. “Go on,” he said quietly. “I’ll catch up.”

***

Sephiroth didn’t say a word at first. He walked like a man with his mind three steps ahead of his feet, every motion deliberate. Even the sway of his coat seemed measured. Cloud trailed after him, keeping pace just far enough behind to make it look like deference.

“You’ve only been with us a few days,” Sephiroth said finally, not looking back. His tone was calm, almost conversational. “How have you found the work so far?”

Cloud blinked at the question, unsure if it was small talk or something else. “Fine enough,” he said. “Can’t complain.”

The man’s tone didn’t change. “Sure you could.” There was a pause. “What happened to your horse was unfortunate.” He didn’t sound particularly sorry, and Cloud didn’t expect him to. Sephiroth didn’t seem to have sensibilities like that – to him, Delta was just an animal serving a purpose and his loss was just inconvenient. Nothing more.

So he didn’t respond. There would be no point in fighting him about this.

Sephiroth didn’t seem to mind his lack of response. “We have a job to do, deputy. It’s important. It’s my responsibility to ensure no one loses sight of their purpose.” He glanced back at Cloud enough to catch his gaze, his pace slowing. “Fair has a tendency to draw attention,” he said, voice calm, unhurried. “People remember his face. His charm.”

Cloud’s heart gave a tight, uncomfortable beat. He should’ve seen this coming. He’d just hoped they’d focus on whatever business Sephiroth had with the sheriff and not on Zack – or anything else.

He straightened a little. The calm, measured tone Sephiroth used made him feel as if he were being accused of something. “Zack’s been doin’ his part,” he said, maybe more defensive than he meant to. Even if he didn't truly believe it.

“Never said otherwise.” He hadn’t, but he had implied it. Cloud knew he couldn’t keep up with whatever mind games the man was playing. Sephiroth’s gaze stayed ahead. “He’s talented. But easily distracted.”

Cloud’s brows drew together. “You think I’m distracting him?”

“Of course not,” There was a beat of silence. “You’re a lawman. I imagine you take your duties seriously.”

The words weren’t exactly dripping with sarcasm – but the neutrality in his tone was. It was enough to make it clear to Cloud that he didn’t believe that sentiment for a single moment.

“Still. A man like Zack works best when he keeps his mind on the job. He loses focus when people get in too close. You understand.”

Sephiroth hadn’t really said a single thing that looked weird on paper. Even so, the message had landed clear as a bullet.

A quiet unease curled in his stomach.

They walked in silence after that. The air shimmered with heat, the sound of the saloon piano drifting faintly from up the street. Zack would’ve been right at home there. The thought nearly made him smile, pulling his thoughts away from his exchange with Sephiroth.

The sheriff’s office sat at the end of the road, its paint peeling, the sign out front tilted from years of wind.

Inside, the place was modest – one desk, two chairs, just like the office in Nibelheim. Behind the desk sat a man with a weathered face and a thick mustache gone mostly gray. He looked up from a ledger as they entered, squinting through the dim light.

“Afternoon,” he said, setting his pen down. “Don’t recall sendin’ for visitors.”

“Afternoon, Sheriff,” Sephiroth replied evenly, his tone polite but confident enough to suggest authority. “Sephiroth, Shinra Bank Headquarters.” He nodded to his side. “Deputy Cloud Strife, out of Nibelheim.”

The man leaned back, studying them both. “You can call me Joe.” He tipped his hat in greeting, eyes flicking to Cloud. “Nibelheim, huh? That’s a stretch away. What brings you folks to Kalm?”

Sephiroth smiled faintly. Professional, unhurried. “Routine inspection, Sheriff. The HQ moved the vault transfer up on the schedule. We’re confirming that all measures are in place for safe transport.”

Joe hummed lowly, picking his pen back up and setting it down again. “The vault transfer, huh? Heard a whisper ‘bout that. Big change this time o' a year. Suppose that means the bank’s trustin’ you folks to move quite a bit of money.”

“We’re merely ensuring everything’s proper,” Sephiroth said. “The shipment’s bound for Nibelheim, if I’m not mistaken.”

This again. Vault transfer to Nibelheim. Why was this the first he heard of it?

“There're still arrangements to be made. Was kinda last minute notice.” Joe said, gruff, maybe a little irritated at the late notice. “One wagon, four of my men ridin’ escort. They should be in Nibelheim by dusk. Reckon they’ll load the vault on the train in the mornin’.”

“We will be in Nibelheim before the wagon arrives, then.” Sephiroth said, seeming as if he was thinking to himself more than anything else.

Cloud found it in himself to speak up. “You aware the telegraph isn’t working in Nibelheim or Correl?”

He didn’t miss the way Sephiroth’s eyes shot at him for a mere moment. Just… watching.

“That damn piece of junk gets cut more than it carries. Nothing we haven’t seen before.”

Sephiroth didn’t let him continue the conversation. “And the vault itself? Still secure here?”

Cloud wasn’t sure why the man had bothered asking. He was pretty sure he had checked the vault himself.

“Locked tight under the bank’s watch,” Grady said. “Same guard rotation like always, same codes.”

“Good,” Sephiroth said. “If there are any changes – to the route, to your escort, to the schedule – you’ll inform me directly. We’ll be in Kalm until the morning.”

Joe leaned forward slightly, eyes landing on Cloud again. “So what’s your role in all this, deputy? You ridin’ along with the shipment?”

Cloud blinked, glancing briefly at Sephiroth before answering. Almost feeling like he needed permission to answer. How could Zack ever act so carefree while working with Sephiroth, he truly couldn’t understand. “Escort detail. We had to travel around quite a bit, check in on the branches.”

“Mm.” Joe smirked. “Sounds like you got the fun job.”

Sephiroth’s tone softened just enough to sound companionable. “He’s proven reliable. I'm of the belief that it's wise to keep capable men close.”

Joe chuckled. “Guess that’s as fine a compliment as a man’s likely to get from a banker.” He stood up to give them his hand. “Well, you need anythin’ else, you know where to find me.”

“Of course.” Sephiroth turned to Cloud. “Deputy, I believe that concludes our business.”

Cloud gave Joe a nod. “Appreciate your time, Sheriff.”

“Don’t mention it,” Joe said, voice carrying that easy small-town warmth. “And if you find yourself lookin’ for somethin’ to do later, we got a poker game runnin’ down at the saloon most nights. Harmless way to lose your pay before leavin’ town.”

Sephiroth’s expression didn’t change, but Cloud caught the faintest flicker of something in his eyes – disapproval. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he said evenly.

“Zack’d like that,” Cloud said before he could stop himself. “He’s – uh, he’s with us.”

At the mention of the name, Sephiroth’s glance turned sharp, brief but unmistakable. Then he smoothed it away as if it had never changed. “Yes,” he said. “I’m sure he would.”

Was that how he was going to be now? Having Zack at the back of his mind no matter what he did and where he was? Maybe Sephiroth had a point in telling them both off.

“Good day, Sheriff Joe,” Sephiroth said and finally, finally, they turned to leave.

Chapter Text

The town looked different at night.

It had seemed so busy when they had arrived – now it was quieter, the dust settled, the heat drawn back into the ground. The kind of stillness that made Cloud’s thoughts louder than he liked.

He hadn’t seen Zack all day. Not after Sephiroth had told him to stay behind. He’d looked for him – he’d never admit it, but he sought him out – at the bank, around the square, at the inn they would be staying. He’d even asked around. No one had seen him.

The only reason that someone like Zack, so loud and charming, could pass under the whole town’s radar, was that he didn’t want to be found.

By sundown, Cloud gave up.

The piano from the saloon reached him before the door did – a slow, half-tuned melody, drifting through the noise of laughter and boots against the floorboards. The sheriff had mentioned the game earlier, and he figured that maybe, if Zack was anywhere, he’d be here.

He pushed through the doors.

Warmth hit him first. Smoke, whiskey, the faint sour tang of sweat and tobacco. It wasn’t crowded, but lively enough. The place was dim, a haze thick enough to chew through. The piano, louder now that he was inside, felt like it vibrated his entire being.

And there, under the main light – Zack.

He wasn’t wearing his hat anymore – it’d look strange, inside the dark saloon – and his sleeves were rolled up, a sharp grin on his lips. He was half-lounging in his chair, cards fanned in one hand, the other cradling a glass of what Cloud was certain was whiskey. He took a swig and put it back down. A pile of coins sat in front of him, modest, for now.

He was spinning a coin across his fingers, over and over, the motion restless and sharp.

Cloud stopped in the doorway. For a second, he just watched him – the way he laughed at something one of the other players said, the way he tapped the table twice before tossing in a chip. The sight of him somehow brought relief. Somehow, he felt a longing.

He had been right. Zack looked like he belonged there.

Cloud was spotted before he could decide whether to turn around and leave.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Zack said, leaning back in his chair. “Didn’t think I’d see you here, deputy.”

“Didn’t have anywhere else to be,” Cloud said, stepping closer.

“Then grab a seat.” His tone was light, almost careless – but not the same kind of careless Cloud had grown used to. The edges were dulled. Polite, even. It didn’t sound like an invitation so much as an afterthought. “You play?”

Cloud shook his head.

Zack stopped looking at him, focusing on his cards instead. “You’ll pick it up.”

The chair scraped against the floor as he pulled it out. “Don’t have much to gamble.”

“That’s alright,” Zack said. “First round’s on me.”

“Don’t do me any favors,” Cloud muttered, but his voice lacked its usual bite.

Zack didn’t raise his eyes to meet his, or argued, but he dealt him in, fingers deft and practiced. Even as Cloud looked over his own cards, trying to remember the rules of the game and listening to Zack’s easy chatter, he could tell – there was something off, something careful in the way Zack didn’t look directly at Cloud when he spoke, something forced about the humor.

Cloud studied him quietly. He looked the same – still wearing the vest over the black shirt he must have gotten the day before, sleeves rolled to his elbows. But there was a stiffness to him that hadn’t been there before. Even his laugh seemed… measured.

“Didn’t see you all day,” Cloud said finally.

“Yeah,” Zack answered, eyes on his cards. “Had a few things to check with the sheriff.”

“You sure? I was at the office earlier.” Zack had known that. It’s the whole reason they split up in the first place.

“Guess we missed each other.” His voice was smooth, nonchalant. He didn’t look up, instead reaching for his glass.

He wasn’t lying well. He didn’t look like he was trying to lie well, either - opted for ignoring him, instead. Cloud immediately noticed – there was no warmth in his voice. No teasing. Just deflection. It was hard not to notice when Zack normally didn’t let a moment go by without teasing him.

He took a drink. “Anyway, you made it here. Sheriff’s hostin' the game. Thought I’d make a good impression.”

Cloud’s mouth twitched. “By taking his money?”

He flashed him a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Practiced. “Man’s got to have a little fun on the job.”

They played on. Cloud joined for a round, folding after the first draw – the rhythm of the table too fast, too fluid. Zack didn’t even look at his cards half the time. His fingers danced over them, flipping the corners, tapping the edge of the table with easy confidence. And he kept winning.

By the fifth round, the game looked completely one-sided.

“Your move, Mr. Fair,” the sheriff called, focused on his own cards.

The table already had three cards on it. A Jack of Clubs, a King of Clubs, and a three of Hearts. Zack was smiling, something small and innocent.

"Call."

The rest of the table did the same, a quiet, tense focus settling over it.

Another two cards were burned, and another two cards were slowly added to the center of the table. A Nine of Spades, and an Ace of Clubs.

Zack's smile turned into a grin with teeth. Dangerous. "All in."

Cloud frowned. No way he had such a good hand.

“You got no sense in you," the sheriff muttered. “This one’s a bluff. You gettin’ cocky?” he furrowed his brows, trying to read Zack’s expression.

“You can always find out,” Zack leaned forward, grinning. He added in mock sympathy, “Be a shame if you lost your watch before the night was over.”

One of the other men huffed and leaned back in his chair. “Fold.”

Zack kept grinning, and Cloud’s eyes settled back on him. Was he really just bluffing?

He supposed he’d find out. The sheriff didn’t want to quit anyway. “I’ll call. You got nothing, maybe a Flush,” he said, pushing his own coins forward. “Let’s see it then. Full House,” he said, turning his cards right side up.

Zack hummed skeptically and leaned back in his chair. “Well,” he tossed his cards down with a showman’s flourish – Queen and Ten. All Clubs. “Seems like I got this one after all.”

A Royal Flush.

The table went quiet for a beat, broken by the sheriff’s laugh of disbelief. “Well, I’ll be damned.”

"Lucky me." Zack’s grin was on his face as he looked back at the sheriff. “Want another round, Sheriff? You can get your money back,” he said lazily, his hand twitching near the edge of the table.

Cloud watched him curiously, raising an eyebrow. He wasn’t certain but – he could see a tiny bend at the corner of Zack’s card. When he saw it, he couldn’t miss it. Every single card had the bend. The deck was marked.

His jaw tightened, eyes snapping back up to Zack’s. Zack probably felt his gaze, so he returned it this time. For his part, his eyes remained calm, almost teasing. He held Cloud’s gaze as he reached out and shuffled the deck of cards easily, fingers twitching. Their eye contact was cut as Zack grabbed his glass, downing the remains of his whiskey.

There was no denying it, then. This was no matter of luck or chance - Zack Fair was a skillful liar.

“I’ll take you up on that,” the sheriff huffed, visibly upset to lose with such a good hand. “But not tonight. Gentlemen,” he got up, shaking his head, “I’m not about to lose my week’s pay and my watch in the same night. I’ll call it here.”

Zack gave a mock salute. “Pleasure playin’ with you, Sheriff.”

The others followed, laughing as they wandered off toward the bar. In a matter of minutes, the table was empty except for the two of them. The lamplight seemed dimmer now that the noise had faded.

Zack leaned back, spinning one of the sheriff’s abandoned coins across his fingers. He didn’t look at Cloud. “Winnin’ ain’t fun if everyone is just gonna call it quits.”

Now that they were alone, the air seemed to shift, tense and uneven. Cloud noticed it in the way Zack’s voice stayed lower, the way he didn’t reach out like he always did. No hand brushing his shoulder, no easy partner or teasing just for the sake of making him flustered. He didn’t even turn to look at him.

The space between them felt wrong.

His mouth moved faster than his mind. “You been avoidin’ me all day.”

The coin stilled mid-spin. Zack’s thumb held it in place, but his eyes didn’t lift. “You think that what I’ve been doin’?”

“Then?”

“Busy,” he said simply. No further explanation.

“With what?”

“Missed me, wildflower?” It should’ve sounded teasing, but it didn’t. It felt like he said it out of habit – and maybe he realized it too, but the kind of realization that was filled with regret. The grin flickered and faded. “Sorry. Shouldn’t call you that.”

The apology made him frown. He wished Zack would tell him why, what changed. Cloud had been the one to say that, earlier – when they were at the bank, in front of Sephiroth. In front of the clerks. But it was just them, and Zack still acted as if he was being watched. He didn’t push. The silence stretched thin between them again, taut and awkward.

Zack seemed uncomfortable in the silence. “You up for a game?”

“It won’t be fun for either of us if I’m just folding.”

“I’ll go easy on you.”

“Will you teach me then?” Cloud asked instead, eyes focused, gauging the other’s response. He was certain – Zack had cheated, somehow. And three people around him hadn’t even taken notice of it.

“Teach you?” Zack blinked, surprised. “Now that’s a dangerous request to ask of someone who plays as often as I do,” he said, reshuffling the cards.

Cloud wanted to see if he’d cheat again – if he’d give himself away, yes. But more than that, he wanted to see him relax. “Couldn’t hurt to learn.”

Zack’s grin softened, a faint spark of something familiar returning to his face. “Alright, deputy. Let’s start with a game. No stakes.” He shuffled again, slower this time, dealt them each two cards. Three on the table.

It seemed strange, to play with no stakes. But he guessed it was about the lesson more than the result.

They both took a moment to consider. Then, Zack glanced down at the cards and put a few coins to the front, mimicking a bet.

“Raise.”

Cloud studied him for a moment. “Call.”

Zack’s grin was back on his face as he burned a card, put another one on the table. He hummed thoughtfully and confidently pushed all the coins he had left on the table forward.

“All in.”

Easy his ass. They had barely started. “You just said –”

His protest was cut short. “Call or fold, deputy.”

Cloud’s eyes narrowed. The cards Zack had placed down were just numbers of different suits. Unless he could get a Straight or a Straight Flush… They weren’t really playing with money, anyway. “Call.”

Zack put his cards down. They were nothing. Not even a Flush.

“You bluffed.” Somehow it didn’t surprise him.

“Sure did. Would you have folded had we been playin’ with money?”

Cloud nodded.

“Yeah. You need to be confident in your cards. Even if you end up foldin’, you don’t wanna be the first to do so.”

“So just… lie?”

“Well,” Zack shrugged. “Bluff. It’s poker,” he eyed him, trying to downplay what this was. He leaned back. “Don’t matter what hand you’re dealt, long as you know how to play it just right.” His eyes flickered, almost mischievous, as if he was getting away with saying something he shouldn't. “Smile a little, like you mean it. Relax your fingers. Grippin’ them so tight, you become an easy target.”

Cloud raised an eyebrow. “For whom?”

Zack laughed, the sound familiar. “Anyone who’s been playin’ for as long as I have. Come on.”

He started reshuffling the cards, holding Cloud’s gaze. He still didn’t touch him, not even a brush of his hand when he leaned forward to deal, but at least he was looking at him again.

“The second most important thing,” Zack said, putting the cards down. “Keep your eyes on your opponents. You don’t read the cards – you read the players. A couple of friendly games and you can read them like the back of your hand. That’s when you go in for the kill.”

The words made his lips twitch. “You play your opponents?”

“Well, yeah. Not like I can see through the cards,” the man sighed, putting more cards in front of them both.

“That it?”

“Get these two things down first. Can’t have you knowin’ all my tricks. I still do enjoy winnin’.”

Cloud muttered, almost to himself, "And you never lose."

But Zack looked at him, something tugging at his lips. It didn't look exactly like a smile. “I do. Just not at cards.”

Cloud held his cards in front of him, studying Zack carefully. The tension in his shoulders had eased just a little, and his eyes didn’t look so distant anymore.

Before either could speak again, the sound of boots struck the floorboards behind them. The kind of sound that demanded attention before a word was even said.

He turned instinctively. Sephiroth was looming over the table, the lamplight catching on the silver strands of his hair and the polished edge of his coat buttons. He looked completely out of place in the haze of smoke and whiskey.

He didn’t speak at first. His eyes went from the cards on the table to the coins, then to Zack. The silence stretched.

“Busted,” Zack said with a weak smile, trying for humor. “Just a few friendly rounds, Seph. Sheriff already left.”

“I suppose this is your definition of professionalism,” he said evenly. Dangerously. “Gambling, while representing the Bank. On a business trip.”

Zack straightened, grin faltering. “It’s just a game.”

“It’s a distraction.” The word cut through the noise like a blade.

Distraction.

Cloud watched the exchange quietly, his pulse picking up. Sephiroth hadn’t so much as raised his voice, but the edge in it was unmistakable.

Zack’s shoulders tensed. “Been a long day. Figured I’d unwind a little.”

“By drawing attention to yourself?” Sephiroth’s eyes flicked briefly toward Cloud – not with anger, but in the same, clinical way that made Cloud feel as if he were being weighed and measured. “You’re supposed to be representing the company, not entertaining yourself.”

Zack’s jaw tightened. "You told me to keep things friendly. That’s what I was doin’.”

“Friendliness is not familiarity,” Sephiroth said smoothly. “And you seem to have trouble distinguishing the two.”

Cloud couldn’t stand it – seeing his grin flattening, the color draining from his voice. He spoke before he could stop himself. “I asked him –”

Both men turned toward him. Sephiroth’s gaze settled on him first, cool and steady. “This doesn’t concern you, deputy.”

Zack exhaled slowly. “Cloud, it’s fine. He’s right.” He set the deck down quietly. “We were just about done.”

“Yes, you were. We’re leaving.”

Zack gave Cloud a quick, rueful half-smile. “Guess I’ll have to teach you the rest another time.”

Cloud didn’t feel like he could move, so he sat there, watching silently as the two men exited the saloon. He’d wanted to shout and yell and argue with Sephiroth. He hated the look in Zack’s eyes. The way Sephiroth seemed to successfully snuff out any sort of fire in him – any fight, like it was nothing.

***

He was pretty sure Sephiroth and Zack hadn’t known which room was his at the inn. They couldn’t have. Their rooms had ended up on different floors – just down the hall from the reception, while theirs was up the stairs. The reason Cloud knew this, was because despite them being on different floors, the men’s room was right above his own. And he knew that, because despite the floor between them, he could hear them. Or at least, he could hear Zack.

The first sound had been faint, dull rhythm, the rise and fall of voices through the ceiling. He couldn’t make out words, of course, only tone. Sephiroth’s voice carried low and steady, too even to be shouting. Zack’s came in bursts – sharp, then quiet, as if he was forcing himself to keep his voice down.

Once or twice, Zack had raised his voice, something desperate under the sound, not angry but pleading.
Then came a thud.

Then came a thud, like something heavy was dropped, or maybe thrown. It didn’t seem to be against the floor, so Cloud could only guess it was against the wall. Thrown, then. Maybe shoved.

And then, silence.

Cloud sat up, startled, staring at the ceiling. His stomach turned.

A few more muffled words – Sephiroth’s, probably – and a door creaked open overhead. It slammed shut hard enough to rattle his lamp.

He hesitated, staring at the ceiling for a moment longer. Then he swung his legs off the bed. Might as well make sure everything was okay.

The air outside was cold, the sun and heat long gone. It was silent, the street empty. There had been no one at the reception either, the owner probably long asleep.

He was relieved, but not surprised, when he saw Zack. It’d be extremely awkward had Sephiroth been the one outside.

Zack wasn’t smiling. Like a strange mirror of their second night in Rocket Town, he was smoking quietly, leaned against the post, his eyes shadowed by the light coming from an open window above him. He was hunched over himself just a little, a hand rubbing over his forehead in what looked like an attempt to sooth himself, his other hand holding a cigarette that was already half-smoked.

“You shouldn’t smoke,” Cloud said quietly.

Zack startled slightly, turning halfway towards him. He gave a small, humorless laugh. “Yeah, I know. Bad habit.” He exhaled smoke toward the dirt, watching it curl away. “Guess I’ve got plenty of those,” he said, in an echo of what was once uttered against Cloud's lips.

He stepped closer, gravel crunching under his boots. “You alright?”

“Fine,” Zack said quickly. “Just… tired.”

The light caught his face again, and Cloud’s stomach sank. The collar of his shirt was stretched, the fabric pulled uneven, as if someone had grabbed and twisted it. And beneath that – a bruise. Dark, fresh, the kind that bloomed deep purple before it ever turned yellow. He remembered the thud against the wall and he wondered if he’d find a similar bruise, equally fresh, on the other’s back, given the chance to look.

“Sephiroth do that?” Cloud asked, throat dry, before he could stop himself.

Zack froze. His shoulders stiffened, eyes wide for a heartbeat before softening. “You don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.”

“Don’t I?”

“Cloud - ” He sighed, a hint of exasperation in his tone. He rubbed the back of his neck. “It ain’t like that.”

He had heard this one before. “Then what is it like?” Cloud pressed. He didn’t mean to sound angry, but the words came out sharper than he wanted. “He talks to you like he owns you.”

Zack laughed again, a small, brittle sound. “Maybe he does.”

That shut Cloud up. The silence that followed was heavier than what his boots felt like.

Cloud frowned, trying to meet his eyes. “Why do you let him –”

Zack cut him off, shaking his head. “You don’t understand, alright? Just drop it.” His tone was sharp, this time. Impatient. He flicked his cigarette to the ground and ground it under his boot, jaw tight.

The words stung. Cloud looked down, fingers curling against his coat. He wanted to speak up again and argue, push more this time, but he felt powerless.

There was a pause. Then, quieter, like the words hurt coming out. “Get some sleep.” Zack stepped past him, the faint smell of smoke and whiskey clinging to his coat. “Tomorrow’s gonna be a long day,” he added, his tone turning distant, almost rehearsed. “Focus on your job.”

Just like that, he was gone. He listened as Zack’s boots faded down the hall, the door to the inn falling shut behind him.

He stood there under the faint light, staring at the faint smoke trail curling toward the stars, wondering who those last words were meant for.

***

By morning, the air between them had gone still.

The sun was just crawling over Kalm’s rooftops, painting the cobblestones gold, when Cloud came out to the bank. Sephiroth was already there – immaculate as always, reins in hand, silver hair catching the light like drawn steel. Zack was checking Banora’s saddle straps.

He looked composed. Too composed.

There was no sign of bruising anymore — not from what Cloud could see. The changed shirt had probably something to do with it – it was white now, the collar of it intact. Either way, he didn’t look up when Cloud approached.

“Morning,” Cloud greeted quietly.

“Mornin',” Zack echoed, voice rough. “You all packed?”

Cloud nodded. “Just waitin’ on you.”

“You’re takin’ the train,” Zack said without preamble, his tone clipped.

Cloud stopped. “What?”

“Train to Nibelheim.” Zack tugged the strap once more, then straightened. “You’ll ride with Sephiroth. I’ll take Banora and head out ahead of y’all.”

“You’ll get there before us?” he frowned.

“That’s the idea.”

“Zack,” Cloud started, “I can’t let you go alone. The road between here and the mountains isn’t exactly safe -”

“I’ll be fine.”

“That’s not the point.” Cloud stepped closer, jaw tight. “It’s a long stretch to Nibelheim. What if something happens on the road?”

Zack gave a soft laugh, but it sounded like it did the night before, humourless. “Something’s always happenin’ on the road. You learn to handle it.”

“That’s not an answer,” Cloud shot back, his tone slipping before he could rein it in. It really wasn't as far out as it had been to go from Nibelheim to Rocket Town. But that wasn't the point. “You expect me to just - sit on a train while you -”

Zack’s hand tightened around the reins, leather creaking. When he finally looked up, his grin was there - too sharp, too bright. Ironic. “What? You fixin’ to babysit me the whole way? Come on, Strife.”

Cloud stiffened at the use of his family name, caught between anger and confusion. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Sure sounded like it.” Zack turned away, fixing Banora’s stirrup like it demanded all his attention. “Look, it ain’t a good idea, alright? You’d just slow me down if something went sideways.”

The words landed like a slap. Cloud felt his chest go tight, heat crawling up the back of his neck.

Zack must’ve realized it, because he hesitated, his shoulders drawing tight. He didn’t look back though. Didn’t take it back either.

Cloud blinked, his jaw tightening. “That’s not fair.”

Zack sighed, rubbing at the back of his neck like he wanted to take the edge off his own words. “Maybe not. But it’s the truth. You’ve got your job waitin’ back home, yeah? So stick with Sephiroth. I’ll meet you there.”

Cloud searched his face, looking for something beneath the even tone — a hint of the warmth Zack usually couldn’t hide, the crooked smile, the spark that made everything feel lighter. But there was nothing. Just that calm, professional mask that didn’t fit him at all.

Sephiroth’s voice cut through the silence, smooth and unbothered. “Everything settled?”

Zack nodded without looking his way. “Yeah. We’re good.”

“Good.” Sephiroth’s gaze flicked to Cloud, unreadable as always, then back to Zack. “We’ll see you in Nibelheim.”

Zack gave a curt nod, adjusted his hat, and swung onto Banora’s back. He didn’t look at Cloud again.

***

They hadn’t taken the train right away. Sephiroth had wanted to go by the bank again, and check in with the sheriff. They’d even stopped by the tavern to get food – not that Cloud was hungry. He ate some bread with butter anyway, just enough to keep his stomach from growling.

He wondered when would Zack arrive in Nibelheim. The trail from Kalm wasn’t that long, really. Kalm was on the other side of Rocket Town with Nibelheim in the middle – but while Mount Nibel stretched between Nibelheim and Rocket Town, the trail to Kalm was was about as narrow as the trail from Rocket Town to Correl. Considering the time the train started compared to when Zack left, by the time they arrived he should already have been there for a while.

The train cut through the plains in long, uneven breaths. Steam trailed behind it like smoke from a wound.

Cloud sat by the window, the dull rhythm of the wheels against the tracks beating steady in his skull. The view outside blurred — forests, fences, hills. The familiar landscape of the Western continent should’ve felt like comfort. It didn’t.

He hadn’t said another word after Zack left. Sephiroth hadn’t asked him to.

The older man sat across from him, posture straight even as the train swayed, hands folded loosely in his lap. His eyes were fixed on the passing fields, though Cloud doubted he was really seeing them.

Every so often, when the light shifted just right, Cloud caught the faint reflection of Sephiroth’s face in the glass, sharp, unreadable.

“You look unwell,” Sephiroth said after a while, tone too even to be concern. More like an observation.

Cloud straightened. “I’m fine.”

“Are you.”

It wasn’t a question, but Cloud answered it anyway. “Yeah.”

Sephiroth hummed – a low sound that might’ve meant disbelief or nothing at all.

Cloud turned back to the window. “Did he really need to go ahead alone?” Since Sephiroth started this conversation, he might as well get it off his chest. It had been eating away at him all morning.

A pause. “Zack is capable of taking care of himself.”

“I know that,” Cloud said quietly. He did. He did. That wasn’t his problem, was it? “Just seems like there’s no reason for him to –”

“You’re awfully concerned with him, deputy.” Sephiroth interrupted, voice even as ever. But the words were calculated. “You best remember you’re here on a job. Zack is only doing his part.”

How was riding alone part of his job? Or the way he had seemed so cold towards Cloud?

He looked down, hands curling loosely in his lap. “I think he’s angry at me.”

It was stupid of him to say that to Sephiroth, he knew. To open up even that little, to say the words that had been gnawing at him all day – that Sephiroth surely knew had been gnawing at him. But there was no one else there he could talk to.

“Anger,” Sephiroth said, “implies investment. Zack is currently only invested in his job. As it should be.” There was a small pause for the words to settle. Cloud felt them washing him away instead. “I suggest you do the same.”

***

It was a little after noon when the train arrived in Nibelheim. He felt his heart squeeze in his chest at the sight of Mount Nibel – he had missed seeing it, tall and magnificent. Rising above them, making him think that his problems might not be as big as he made them out to be.

Yet – it was strange. Everything looked the same, but after the last few days, it felt smaller somehow. Like Nibelheim had shrunk in his absence. Like he couldn’t fit the memory of Rocket Town, Correl and Kalm within Nibelheim. He couldn’t contain the memory of what he had seen, heard. Felt.

It was a bittersweet feeling. He was glad to be back to his home. He just wished his home felt more like home than it did.

Sephiroth said something about checking in at the inn or getting ready for the vaults’ arrival – something Cloud still hadn’t gotten a proper explanation for, but he thought he could probably piece it together. They’d likely meet later, he had said. They both had to report t the sheriff after all.

No mention of Zack. Whether he’d be there, what would he be doing – and Cloud didn’t want to ask, after what Sephiroth had said on the train.

He felt very aware of the fact that Zack would be in Nibelheim. It felt strange, because that was his town. His home. And knowing Zack was there, but not knowing where, while at the same time knowing every single place the man could be hiding, was making him dizzy. He really wanted to search for him, and he knew he’d probably find him easily. The easiest choice was the local bank, really – they would definitely be checking on it and Cloud’s only real job was standing outside of it.

Then again, he thought of brown eyes avoiding him and sharp words and he wasn’t sure what he’d say even if he found him.

He caught sight of a familiar figure before he even started walking towards the sheriff’s office.

“Cloud!”

Tifa waved, jogging toward him. She threw her arms around him before he could react, warm and solid and real.

“You’re back,” she said, stepping back with a relieved grin. “Finally.”

“Tifa,” he acknowledged, a small smile over his face. It felt more real, now that he saw her. He hadn’t spoken to anyone outside of Zack or Sephiroth in days. For a while, it had started to feel like that was all his world was made of. “Guess I am,” he said, a little awkwardly, shifting his bag on his shoulder.

“You didn’t write.”

“Didn’t really have time,” he said, though they both knew that wasn’t entirely true.

Tifa’s smile faltered just a little as she looked him over – the dark smudges under his eyes, the stiffness in his posture. A kind of tiredness that came from deep within him. “You look tired.”

“Long trip.”

“I heard! Three towns at once, Cloud? Here I thought I was the only one who could get you to leave your house for more than an hour at a time!”

Yeah, it had been a first for him too. And it had left him drained, in every way possible. “It was work.”

Tifa looked at him skeptically for a moment. “Are you alright?”

No. “Yeah,” he said instead. “Just gotta check in with the sheriff.” His tone softened. “How was your trip?”

Tifa blinked, as if she hadn’t expected him to ask. “Oh! It was nice. Peaceful. Your ma had fun too. You should go see her. She’s been worried.”

Cloud’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Yeah. I will.” He didn’t move to leave. A moment stretched between them before he was speaking again, almost absently. “Delta’s gone.”

Her smile vanished. “Oh… Cloud.”

She was trying to think of how to comfort him – Cloud knew he wasn’t making it easy on her. It was usually alright if it was her; but she knew he wasn’t one for hugs and embraces and displaying emotion in public.

He thought of how Zack had held him close without a second thought, let him hold onto his waist tighter than necessary, while they were riding on Banora.

Wildflower… I’m so fuckin’ sorry.

What a joke.

She reached for his hands without hesitation this time, her fingers warm and small against his. “That’s awful. I know what Delta meant to you.”

He’d had that horse since early childhood, since before things had gone wrong. His father had taught him to ride on that horse’s back. Tifa had been there for most of it.

He shook his head. “What’s done is done,” he echoed words that weren’t his, that he hadn’t believed in.

“But… why? How? He wasn’t old.”

Cloud considered his answer. “Coyotes,” he lied. He was a bad liar. Tifa had known him all his life.

But she didn’t push. “Okay,” she said, probably not wanting to fight him, to upset him more. “Still. I’m sorry.”

“Me too.” He said simply.

“Cloud, are you sure you’re alright?”

He looked at her. He couldn’t keep his mind in one place.

Still holding his hand, she added quietly, “You keep lookin’ like you’re somewhere else, you know that? Like your mind’s already gone on ahead without you.”

Maybe he was more silent than she was used to. Defeated. He didn’t trust himself to give a satisfactory response. “I’m fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He didn’t want to see if she’d believed him. He pulled his hands away and left, heading to the sheriff’s office.

***

It looked smaller too.

Maybe it always had — the low ceiling, the faint smell of paper, whiskey, and dust. Even the clock above the door ticked in the same slow, heavy rhythm he remembered from when his father used to work there.

Things he hadn’t noticed in a long time. He had only been away for a handful of days, yet everything stood out to him. Maybe he had forced himself to be so observant during those days, he’d always notice little things like that now on. He wasn’t sure that was something he wanted.

The sheriff was behind the desk, reading something under the dim lamplight. He looked up as Cloud entered, squinting over his glasses.

“Strife,” he greeted, smile wide. “Back in one piece, I see.”

Cloud tipped his hat slightly. “Sir.”

The man nodded toward the other figure in the room – Sephiroth, already there, standing near the window, half-turned toward the light. The silver of his hair caught the sun through the blinds, bright enough to sting the eyes.

Zack wasn’t there. Cloud had half expected it, but the absence still landed like a stone in his gut.

“Already checked in,” the sheriff said. “Your partner here’s been tellin’ me all about your trip.”

Cloud’s shoulders stiffened. Partner. The word shouldn’t have hit so heavy, shouldn’t have sounded wrong, but it did.

Sephiroth turned at that, voice smooth as cut glass. “Deputy Strife proved invaluable,” he said. “Knows his way around the smaller towns. His presence inspires trust.”

Cloud didn’t trust the compliment. Sephiroth’s tone wasn’t flattery — it was assessment. The man’s eyes lingered on him just long enough to make Cloud feel like he was being measured, weighed, and maybe already dismissed.

He hadn’t done much anyway. He’d mostly followed orders and watched. Kept an eye on them more than he kept it out for them. But it didn’t seem to matter. The story Sephiroth told painted everything clean – simple, official, uneventful.

The sheriff cleared his throat. “Vaults oughta be arrivin’ by tonight,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “We’re expectin’ shipments from Correl, Rocket Town, and Kalm. Men’ll guard ’em till they’re loaded on the train come mornin’.”

Cloud seized the chance. “Sheriff, what’s that about? I was never told of this process.”

Sephiroth’s brow twitched, but he said nothing.

The sheriff laughed. “Didn’t I tell you before you left?” he asked, like it was very fucking funny. Cloud didn’t see the humour in it. “Twice a year, Shinra Bank has the outlying towns send their vaults to a single town, to be transferred to Midgar. They send ’em back after, smaller, just enough to keep the coin flowin’ local.” He shot Sephiroth a grin. “Y’all didn’t catch him up?”

Sephiroth didn’t return it. “I prefer not to share internal procedures with those without clearance.”

The sheriff laughed again, unbothered. “Well, there you have it, son. Used to be Nibelheim handled the transfers – back when your pa was deputy. Made sense, what with us bein’ central and havin’ a telegraph post. But after that day…” His tone dipped, low and heavy. “They moved the mass transports to Correl instead. ‘Til, well, now. Reckon that’s why they sent their own for inspection this time, eh, Mr. Sephiroth?”

Sephiroth inclined his head, expression unreadable. “Caution is wise, Sheriff.”

Cloud’s heartbeat picked up. “That day,” he repeated quietly. “You mean the bandits?”

The sheriff nodded, seriousness taking over his face without effort. “Your father was a good man, Cloud. Died protectin’ the money of four towns. Ain’t an easy thing to do.”

Cloud swallowed hard. Somehow, he’d have preferred his father alive over four towns’ worth of coin.

The sheriff leaned back with a sigh. “Anyway. You’ve done your part. Go home, get some rest. See your ma, yeah? She’s been worried sick. We’ll have enough men on watch tonight. I’ll need you back here come mornin’.”

Cloud gave a short nod and turned to leave. He didn’t look at Sephiroth as he passed, but he could feel his eyes on him, cool, unbothered, the kind of gaze that crawled beneath your skin.

When he stepped outside, the air hit him like relief. Cold, clean, real. He stood there for a moment, letting it fill his lungs.

Bootsteps followed — quiet, deliberate. Sephiroth’s reflection cut across the window beside him.

“I’d suggest you take the sheriff’s advice,” Sephiroth said. “Go home, deputy Strife. Rest. You’ve been… most helpful.”

The pause before helpful didn’t sound like gratitude. It sounded like dismissal — or maybe a warning.

Then Sephiroth turned, his coat sweeping behind him as he stepped down the wooden stairs, heading toward the inn with the same easy composure he carried everywhere.

Cloud stayed where he was, the echo of that conversation gnawing at him.

Vaults from three different towns. All converging here.

He thought back to the morning in Kalm, to Zack’s tight expression, the way he wouldn’t meet his eyes. To his – and Sephiroth’s – behaviour all the other days, in every town, trying to remember why he’d been so suspicious of them at one point.

Cloud lingered a moment longer, trying to steady his thoughts. His eyes swept over the small square outside the sheriff’s office, taking in the familiar streets. He’d have to just… stop avoiding and go see his mother, then.

But maybe he could push it back, a little. Take a walk, clear his head. He didn't even notice when he was halfway out of town - the other side of the mountain. There was nothing but desert and a stable there - he breathed in, the smell of hay and earth emptying his mind pleasantly. Everything seemed so small and faraway from there, a quiet stillness over Nibelheim that had always grounded him. Mountain Nibel, tall over the town, as if protecting it.

That’s when he noticed it. A dark horse tied up near the stables, sleek, well-kept, and restless, pawing at the dirt.

Banora.

The realization hit him like a blow to the chest. Every instinct told him Zack was nearby, but was still keeping his distance.

And yet, seeing the horse, feeling the tangible evidence of Zack’s presence, stirred something else inside him. Frustration, sure, but also anticipation. Hope.

He wished he had taken that notebook with him.