Fic: After the World's End - Chapter 12
Title: After the World’s End
Chapter: 12/19
Author: xpaperplanex
Rating: NC-17 overall
Word Count: ~3600
Pairings: Sephiroth/Cloud
Genre: adventure, hurt/comfort, alpha/omega
Warnings: non-con
Chapter 1
Summary: Offered up as payment to an alpha for ridding the town of monsters, Cloud discovers that the outside world is vastly different than he expected, and that he could play a role in changing it.
Sephiroth never wanted to mate, preferring his independence as a SOLDIER that allows him to travel the world at his leisure. When he finds himself caring for a traumatized omega, however, his values start to shift.
***
Cloud tapped on Reno’s doorframe, catching his friend’s attention. “Can I sleep with you tonight?” he asked.
“Sure, come on in. Need a cuddle?”
He nodded and went over to the bed, where Reno shuffled over to make room for him. Normally he liked having Sephiroth stay with him the night before his heat was going to start, but this time …
Reno pulled him into his arms and held him close. “You okay?”
He nodded again but felt a tear slide down his cheek. Reno wiped it away with his thumb.
“It’s going to be okay, I promise. Sephiroth loves you. You’re going to be so happy with him.”
“I know, I just …”
“You’re not ready, I understand, and I’m so sorry. I hate those monsters for what they did to you. You should have had more time.”
“There’s just so much … I wish I could be like you.”
“A big slut?”
Cloud laughed despite his miserable mood. “Maybe.”
“Do you want to fuck me? So you can at least know what that’s like?”
“What? That’s-I couldn’t!”
“I mean, you’re perfectly capable of it, but you won’t be after tomorrow. I’m totally down for it if you’re curious. I'm sure Sephiroth won’t mind, but we could ask him if you’re worried. Alphas get jealous, but they also know that mating means that there’s no one else, ever. You’ve been legit robbed of opportunities, and he’ll understand if you want to get one last experience in before the deadline.”
He considered that for a moment. He was curious. He had seen a fair bit of porn now, and a lot featured omegas together. It seemed like it was a fairly normal thing. He just didn’t like the thought of being with someone other than Sephiroth. “No. Thanks, but I think … I think no.”
“Okay. Offer still stands if you change your mind.” Reno kissed him gently and pulled the blanket around them. “You’re going to be okay, Cloud. I promise. Now get some sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day.”
***
Sephiroth woke before dawn and spent several hours pacing, trying to convince himself to leave Cloud alone. For the first time, Cloud hadn’t wanted him there before his heat, and while he hated to admit it, it hurt. Logically, he knew that Cloud wasn’t having doubts about choosing him as a mate. He knew that he was simply anxious about mating in general and probably wanted a last bit of freedom. He knew it wasn’t unusual at all. He knew Cloud loved him. The omega purred for him, for fuck’s sake! It still hurt, though, and he wanted to go check on him.
He looked at the clock, then resumed his pacing. Another half-hour. He’d give it another half hour, then he would go make his mate breakfast.
The apartment was quiet when he let himself in, and the door to Cloud’s room was closed. He was about to go to it when Reno called out, “In here.”
Reno’s door was ajar, and the two omegas were a tangle of limbs and bedding. “Morning,” said the redhead.
Cloud rolled over and held up his arms, inviting him over. He got a kiss and a sleepy nuzzle against his scent gland when he sat down next to them.
“Good morning. It doesn’t smell like sex, but did you two have a good night?”
Reno laughed. “I offered, yo! For the first time ever, this hot bod got turned down! Can you believe it?”
“That it was the first time you’ve been turned down? I definitely don’t believe it. You didn’t want to, Cloud? I don’t mind if you do.”
“You really wouldn’t mind?”
“I’m not about to deny you something you won’t have another chance at. Reno’s no threat to me, and I’ll have you all to myself for the rest of our lives.”
Cloud gave him a small smile but shook his head. “I’m curious about what it's like the other way, but no, I’d rather not. You’re who I want to be with.”
Sephiroth paused for a moment to process the simple statement and smiled. “Okay. If you ever want to satisfy that curiosity, you can always fuck me.”
Reno had just taken a sip of water and sprayed it over all three of them. “Are you into that!?”
He raised his eyebrows suggestively. “Little bit.”
“How? When? With who?”
“You’re such a pervert, Reno. And it’s ‘with whom’. Part of your job is being conscious of your language, remember? Cloud isn’t mated yet. He’s still your responsibility.” Cloud looked curious as well, however, so he decided to answer. “First time was with Genesis. We were young and horny, and no omega would give us the time of day, so we fucked each other. Honestly, I think most alphas do at some point. Omegas, quite reasonably, never want us until we’ve matured, but we really, really want to fuck, and so we make do. Alphas, betas, both male and female, it doesn’t matter as long as everyone’s having a good time. Omegas make being on the receiving end look like so much fun, so of course I wanted to try it out too. And what do you know? It is.”
“How the hell did I not know this?”
“We grow out of the urge to stick our dicks into anyone and everyone by the time omegas start paying attention to us. I still like getting fucked, though.” He smiled at Cloud. “So don't worry about missing out, okay? You’ll still have opportunities to top if you want to.”
"O-okay."
"Damn, I ... Do you think Rude or Zack would let me do them? Or would they fuck while I watch?"
Sephiroth laughed and shook his head. "I've created a monster. You're going to have to ask them that yourself, but two alphas and one omega is rarely a good combination. They'll fight."
Reno sighed in disappointment, then brightened again. "What if there're two omegas?"
He threw a pillow at Reno’s head and stood. "I'll give you some videos if you want to see it so badly. What would you like for breakfast, Cloud?"
Cloud sat up and hugged his knees. "Are you going to be happy mated to me?" he asked quietly. The mood in the room instantly sobered, and Reno slipped out of the bed.
"I'll put some coffee on."
"Thanks, Reno. Boil some water for Cloud’s tea too, please." Sephiroth sat back down and pulled Cloud's head down to rest on his shoulder. "I love you, Cloud. I knew that I wanted to mate you since the first heat we spent together. And I suspected I did when you first smiled for me. Watching your personality begin to shine through a little bit more every day as you began to trust me … it made me so certain that you were right for me. It was so hard to not let on while we were travelling, but I wanted you to have the same opportunities to explore your preferences that I did. I'm not giving anything up by mating you."
"Everyone says you didn't want to mate until now."
"I didn't. I was waiting for the right person, and if the right person didn't come along, or if he didn't return my feelings, then I wasn't going to. There are far more alphas than omegas, so it’s not like I would have had to in order to keep someone from going without a mate. I want to be with you. Now, it’s true, I have had sex with a lot of people, and I certainly enjoyed that part of my life very much. But it’s over now, and I’m perfectly fine with that. It doesn't compare in the slightest to how I feel about you."
He sighed as he ran his fingers through Cloud's hair, combing out the spikes that were always even more wild after he slept on them. "If you hadn't chosen me, I wouldn't have mated. I would have accepted it and left you alone, but I wouldn't have wanted to put another omega through a life of knowing that he was my second choice. I wouldn’t have been able to forget about you, and he would have always known that he was second best. Cloud, I'm not doing this out of pity. I never would have courted you if it wasn't what I truly wanted."
Cloud raised his head and blinked away several tears before wrapping his arms around his neck. "I just want you to be happy."
"I am happy. Because of you. Trust me. I am so lucky that you chose me. So please let me make you some breakfast. I can tell that you're going to start a bit early, and I want you well fed going into it. I know this is going to be difficult for you, and I know you’re not ready, but we’ll get through it together. We’ll go at your pace. You have all of my love, and all of my patience."
"Okay … thank you. I love you too, I-"
“I know you do. I know. And no thanks for basic decency, remember?”
***
Sephiroth shuddered as Cloud withdrew his teeth and began to gently lick at his neck. He couldn’t begin to comprehend the connection he felt and understood why descriptions of mating had always been so vague. It was like nothing he’d ever imagined mating would be like. Cloud wasn’t his, he was simply a part of him now, and would be until the day he died. Or he was a part of Cloud. It didn’t matter. Either way, he knew that he was finally complete. The omega gave a small sigh and settled back into the blankets with his eyes closed.
He’d gotten used to moving Cloud around while he was knotted, and it was an easy task to get him up and turned around so Sephiroth could sit with him on his lap, cradled against his chest. Cloud snuggled in and pressed his nose against the bond they had just created while Sephiroth pressed the button on the nightstand.
Several minutes later, there was a soft tap at the door. "It's Tseng, not Reno. Do you need to cover Cloud?"
"Yes, just a second." He grabbed the nearest loose blanket and draped it over them, tucking it around Cloud and making sure he wasn't exposed. Cloud didn't mind Reno seeing him, but had asked that he always be covered if anyone else needed to come in while he was in heat.
“Did it go smoothly?” the Turk asked when he entered carrying a tray that he set by the bed.
Sephiroth nodded and pushed back Cloud’s hair to expose the bite mark over his scent gland.
“And he reciprocated?”
“Yes, he didn’t hesitate, but …” He gestured to the omega who was licking the bite once more. “Don’t want to make him move to show you.”
Tseng chuckled and shook his head. “I understand. It feels good, doesn’t it? Congratulations.” He held out a glass of champagne.
Oh, he had forgotten about that tradition. He took a sip and then rubbed Cloud’s head, catching his attention. Curiously, he covered Sephiroth’s scent gland with his hand when he turned his head away. “Is that normal?” he asked.
Tseng gave a shrug. “It’s kind of strange, but he could just be feeling a bit protective or shy. I’m not worried. He'll probably let me see it next time.”
Nodding his understanding, Sephiroth left Cloud’s hand where it was. “Hey, congratulations, Cloud.” He held the glass to Cloud’s lips, and he drank, expecting his usual water. He gave a little jerk of surprise and then sneezed.
“Sorry, love, that wasn’t what you wanted at all, was it? Did the bubbles go up your nose?”
Tseng laughed as Sephiroth set the glass aside and picked up the water bottle instead, taking a sip before allowing Cloud to drink slowly. “Reno and I are finishing this one. We’ll have a fresh bottle ready to open when it’s over.”
Once they were alone again, Sephiroth spent several minutes just smiling at his mate until he turned his head away from the bottle. He picked up the plate that held an apple that had been cut into bite-sized pieces, ate one, then pressed another past Cloud’s lips. He got five into him before Cloud began to refuse him.
He sighed and reached for the high calorie, nutrient-rich bottle of sludge that a dietician had come up with for him instead. “One day, I’m going to be able to get you to eat enough, I swear.”
The drink was disgusting, in Sephiroth’s opinion, despite the claims of a chocolate flavour. He paused, staring at the bottle. What the hell was he doing drinking it? Was he subconsciously prioritizing himself? Cloud nuzzled at him, searching for the bottle he had learned to expect, and Sephiroth held it to his lips. Surely that wasn’t it. There was a plate piled high with actual food for him. If he were putting himself first, he’d be eating that, not bits of apple and a condensed caloric slop.
Realization dawned on him and he smiled again. “We’re definitely going to need to work on getting you to actually eat food during your heat if I’m going to be taste-testing everything for you.” That made so much more sense. He was stronger and more aware than his mate. He’d be able to notice and react if the food was poisoned or had gone off. Cloud couldn’t pay attention to things like that right now, and so had to rely on him to try it first.
Cloud paused in his drinking and looked up at him quizzically.
“Well, I’m sorry, but it's really gross. You could be eating … look, we’ve got some lovely roast beef and fresh veggies from the greenhouse, and yet you choose to go for this. I think I have a right to think you’re a bit silly if I have to drink it too from now on.”
Cloud blinked several times and furrowed his brow, clearly trying to follow what he was saying, but not understanding. It was apparently true that mating made omegas more out of it than usual. At least it would only be for this heat. Cloud wasn’t normally the most talkative during his heat, but Sephiroth did appreciate having him able to at least understand and respond to questions when he needed to.
“Drink up, my love,” he said with a sigh. “I’ll suffer for you.”
***
Cloud’s awareness returned to the sensation of Sephiroth slipping out of him, but the urges of the heat didn’t follow. He lifted his hand to his neck, feeling the puncture wounds that would heal into the scars to mark him as Sephiroth’s.
“Does it hurt?” The purring he hadn’t realized he had been feeling broke off, and his mate’s voice was tender and full of concern.
“No, not really. So, it’s done?”
“It’s done. How do you feel?”
He considered it for a while. “Not as different as I thought I would. Just kind of … comfortable. Like something was missing before, but now it’s not. How do you feel?”
“So fucking happy. Complete.”
Cloud wasn’t quite sure if happy was the word he’d use to describe his emotions, but he wasn’t sad, either, and he did feel very, very loved. He supposed happiness would come as he got used to it.
"Feel like getting cleaned up?"
"Will you stay with me?"
"Of course. We're going to find it difficult to be separated for a little while, but that will fade as the bond matures."
"So this is normal?" He always wanted Sephiroth to spend some time with him after his heat, but this time, just the thought of going to the bathroom to piss and take a shower without him made him feel sick.
"I would rather leave a limb behind than you to go make a cup of tea the way you like it, despite knowing that you want tea and that Reno will fuck it up. If you’re feeling at all like that, then I'd say it’s probably normal."
Cloud laughed. "A limb would be a lot better, but maybe I don't need tea this time. I like your limbs being attached more than tea. Why does Reno let it steep so long?"
"Because he's terrible. Let's go take a quick shower together, and then I think we'll be getting a celebratory meal. Do you need a small snack to eat first?"
"No, I'm not that hungry. Did I eat this time?"
Sephiroth gave his head a sad shake. "Not a meaningful amount, but don't worry, we'll get there. You've grown used to the meal replacement drinks, and that's easy enough to get you to drink now. You got enough calories to get you through it, so that's what counts."
Cloud sighed heavily. "I don't know why I keep-"
"Because you've been through some shit, Cloud. It's no fault on your part. You got enough calories." Sephiroth hauled him from the bed, putting an end to the discussion. They got cleaned up together, then dressed in warm pyjamas.
Cloud gently touched the marks on his neck as Sephiroth brushed out his hair. "I really ...?"
"You certainly did. And I think that Tseng is going to want to properly make sure that you reciprocated. You wouldn't let anyone see it while you were in heat. Making sure that I was well and truly yours, I suspect."
"I wouldn't let him see?"
"No, it was pretty funny, actually. Whenever someone came in to bring food, you got quite possessive and absolutely refused to leave it uncovered."
“That’s kind of strange, isn’t it?”
Sephiroth shrugged. “Somewhat, but it made me feel good. What do you say? Ready to face the world together?”
Cloud nodded with determination. “Together.”
Reno and Tseng were waiting in the living room when they went out, and to his surprise, Sephiroth’s father was there as well.
“Congrats, baby,” Reno said as he jumped up and ran over to hug him. “How’re you doing?”
It was slightly awkward hugging Reno while being unwilling to let go of Sephiroth, but he managed it. “I’m good. It’s weird, but I’m okay.”
“That’s gonna be a sexy scar. Looks good on you. So can we see Sephiroth’s now?”
He blushed and nodded, though something stirred within him when Sephiroth tilted his head to the side and pulled his hair back. He didn’t want people looking, and as soon as they’d all had a chance to get a glimpse, he couldn’t stop himself from tugging his mate downwards. Sephiroth lifted him up and let him remain with his nose pressed against the wound without complaint.
“Sorry, Cloud,” Tseng said. “I had to confirm it for myself. It’s a rule dating back to just after the geostigma crisis. If an alpha doesn’t let his omega reciprocate, only the omega ends up mated, and the alpha can continue to have sex with whoever he wants, potentially neglecting the omega’s needs. I know that Sephiroth would have let you, but all matings have to be confirmed as mutual by a third party. The only reason I didn’t force it while you were in heat was because you were the one hiding it, not him. But I’ve seen now, so you can wrap his neck up in a scarf if you want.”
“Ugh, please don’t. I’ll die of heatstroke. I swear I won’t show it off.”
“Okay, sorry.” It was embarrassing, but there was just something about letting people see it that really bothered him.
When he was set back down, Sephiroth made sure that his hair was draped in a way that kept it completely hidden from sight.
Vincent gave him a gentle smile and bent down so they were eye to eye. “It’s uncommon, but this isn’t the first time an omega’s taken issue with people seeing his alpha’s mating bond. Sephiroth’s lucky he’s got such long hair so he can easily hide it. Congratulations, Cloud. Small though it may be, you have a family now. Welcome.”
Cloud could literally feel his mate’s happiness at his father’s acceptance, and he smiled back. A family? He had never even considered that that was what they would be.
“A gift to welcome you.” Vincent held out his hand and when Cloud reached out, he dropped a delicate ring into his palm. “That belonged to my mate. She asked me to pass it on when Sephiroth mated. You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to. It’s a woman’s ring, after all, but I know she’d be pleased if you’d be willing to keep it.”
“Thank-Thank you,” he stammered, shocked beyond words at the gesture. He immediately began trying it on his fingers and beamed when it slid comfortably onto his left index finger. It was beautiful, with a clear stone in the centre surrounded by pale blue ones in a sort of star design.
“Thank you … dad.” Sephiroth sounded even more shocked than he was.
Vincent stood up straight and hugged his son. “I’d tell you to take good care of him, but I know you will. Your mother would be proud of you. Now come on, let’s eat.”
“Finally!”
There was a loud popping noise and Cloud glanced away from his mate, who was wiping tears from his eyes, to see Reno with a champagne bottle. Beyond him, the table was piled high with their favourite foods. The sight of it made his stomach rumble.
***
Previous Chapter | Next Chapter
Chapter: 12/19
Author: xpaperplanex
Rating: NC-17 overall
Word Count: ~3600
Pairings: Sephiroth/Cloud
Genre: adventure, hurt/comfort, alpha/omega
Warnings: non-con
Chapter 1
Summary: Offered up as payment to an alpha for ridding the town of monsters, Cloud discovers that the outside world is vastly different than he expected, and that he could play a role in changing it.
Sephiroth never wanted to mate, preferring his independence as a SOLDIER that allows him to travel the world at his leisure. When he finds himself caring for a traumatized omega, however, his values start to shift.
***
Cloud tapped on Reno’s doorframe, catching his friend’s attention. “Can I sleep with you tonight?” he asked.
“Sure, come on in. Need a cuddle?”
He nodded and went over to the bed, where Reno shuffled over to make room for him. Normally he liked having Sephiroth stay with him the night before his heat was going to start, but this time …
Reno pulled him into his arms and held him close. “You okay?”
He nodded again but felt a tear slide down his cheek. Reno wiped it away with his thumb.
“It’s going to be okay, I promise. Sephiroth loves you. You’re going to be so happy with him.”
“I know, I just …”
“You’re not ready, I understand, and I’m so sorry. I hate those monsters for what they did to you. You should have had more time.”
“There’s just so much … I wish I could be like you.”
“A big slut?”
Cloud laughed despite his miserable mood. “Maybe.”
“Do you want to fuck me? So you can at least know what that’s like?”
“What? That’s-I couldn’t!”
“I mean, you’re perfectly capable of it, but you won’t be after tomorrow. I’m totally down for it if you’re curious. I'm sure Sephiroth won’t mind, but we could ask him if you’re worried. Alphas get jealous, but they also know that mating means that there’s no one else, ever. You’ve been legit robbed of opportunities, and he’ll understand if you want to get one last experience in before the deadline.”
He considered that for a moment. He was curious. He had seen a fair bit of porn now, and a lot featured omegas together. It seemed like it was a fairly normal thing. He just didn’t like the thought of being with someone other than Sephiroth. “No. Thanks, but I think … I think no.”
“Okay. Offer still stands if you change your mind.” Reno kissed him gently and pulled the blanket around them. “You’re going to be okay, Cloud. I promise. Now get some sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day.”
***
Sephiroth woke before dawn and spent several hours pacing, trying to convince himself to leave Cloud alone. For the first time, Cloud hadn’t wanted him there before his heat, and while he hated to admit it, it hurt. Logically, he knew that Cloud wasn’t having doubts about choosing him as a mate. He knew that he was simply anxious about mating in general and probably wanted a last bit of freedom. He knew it wasn’t unusual at all. He knew Cloud loved him. The omega purred for him, for fuck’s sake! It still hurt, though, and he wanted to go check on him.
He looked at the clock, then resumed his pacing. Another half-hour. He’d give it another half hour, then he would go make his mate breakfast.
The apartment was quiet when he let himself in, and the door to Cloud’s room was closed. He was about to go to it when Reno called out, “In here.”
Reno’s door was ajar, and the two omegas were a tangle of limbs and bedding. “Morning,” said the redhead.
Cloud rolled over and held up his arms, inviting him over. He got a kiss and a sleepy nuzzle against his scent gland when he sat down next to them.
“Good morning. It doesn’t smell like sex, but did you two have a good night?”
Reno laughed. “I offered, yo! For the first time ever, this hot bod got turned down! Can you believe it?”
“That it was the first time you’ve been turned down? I definitely don’t believe it. You didn’t want to, Cloud? I don’t mind if you do.”
“You really wouldn’t mind?”
“I’m not about to deny you something you won’t have another chance at. Reno’s no threat to me, and I’ll have you all to myself for the rest of our lives.”
Cloud gave him a small smile but shook his head. “I’m curious about what it's like the other way, but no, I’d rather not. You’re who I want to be with.”
Sephiroth paused for a moment to process the simple statement and smiled. “Okay. If you ever want to satisfy that curiosity, you can always fuck me.”
Reno had just taken a sip of water and sprayed it over all three of them. “Are you into that!?”
He raised his eyebrows suggestively. “Little bit.”
“How? When? With who?”
“You’re such a pervert, Reno. And it’s ‘with whom’. Part of your job is being conscious of your language, remember? Cloud isn’t mated yet. He’s still your responsibility.” Cloud looked curious as well, however, so he decided to answer. “First time was with Genesis. We were young and horny, and no omega would give us the time of day, so we fucked each other. Honestly, I think most alphas do at some point. Omegas, quite reasonably, never want us until we’ve matured, but we really, really want to fuck, and so we make do. Alphas, betas, both male and female, it doesn’t matter as long as everyone’s having a good time. Omegas make being on the receiving end look like so much fun, so of course I wanted to try it out too. And what do you know? It is.”
“How the hell did I not know this?”
“We grow out of the urge to stick our dicks into anyone and everyone by the time omegas start paying attention to us. I still like getting fucked, though.” He smiled at Cloud. “So don't worry about missing out, okay? You’ll still have opportunities to top if you want to.”
"O-okay."
"Damn, I ... Do you think Rude or Zack would let me do them? Or would they fuck while I watch?"
Sephiroth laughed and shook his head. "I've created a monster. You're going to have to ask them that yourself, but two alphas and one omega is rarely a good combination. They'll fight."
Reno sighed in disappointment, then brightened again. "What if there're two omegas?"
He threw a pillow at Reno’s head and stood. "I'll give you some videos if you want to see it so badly. What would you like for breakfast, Cloud?"
Cloud sat up and hugged his knees. "Are you going to be happy mated to me?" he asked quietly. The mood in the room instantly sobered, and Reno slipped out of the bed.
"I'll put some coffee on."
"Thanks, Reno. Boil some water for Cloud’s tea too, please." Sephiroth sat back down and pulled Cloud's head down to rest on his shoulder. "I love you, Cloud. I knew that I wanted to mate you since the first heat we spent together. And I suspected I did when you first smiled for me. Watching your personality begin to shine through a little bit more every day as you began to trust me … it made me so certain that you were right for me. It was so hard to not let on while we were travelling, but I wanted you to have the same opportunities to explore your preferences that I did. I'm not giving anything up by mating you."
"Everyone says you didn't want to mate until now."
"I didn't. I was waiting for the right person, and if the right person didn't come along, or if he didn't return my feelings, then I wasn't going to. There are far more alphas than omegas, so it’s not like I would have had to in order to keep someone from going without a mate. I want to be with you. Now, it’s true, I have had sex with a lot of people, and I certainly enjoyed that part of my life very much. But it’s over now, and I’m perfectly fine with that. It doesn't compare in the slightest to how I feel about you."
He sighed as he ran his fingers through Cloud's hair, combing out the spikes that were always even more wild after he slept on them. "If you hadn't chosen me, I wouldn't have mated. I would have accepted it and left you alone, but I wouldn't have wanted to put another omega through a life of knowing that he was my second choice. I wouldn’t have been able to forget about you, and he would have always known that he was second best. Cloud, I'm not doing this out of pity. I never would have courted you if it wasn't what I truly wanted."
Cloud raised his head and blinked away several tears before wrapping his arms around his neck. "I just want you to be happy."
"I am happy. Because of you. Trust me. I am so lucky that you chose me. So please let me make you some breakfast. I can tell that you're going to start a bit early, and I want you well fed going into it. I know this is going to be difficult for you, and I know you’re not ready, but we’ll get through it together. We’ll go at your pace. You have all of my love, and all of my patience."
"Okay … thank you. I love you too, I-"
“I know you do. I know. And no thanks for basic decency, remember?”
***
Sephiroth shuddered as Cloud withdrew his teeth and began to gently lick at his neck. He couldn’t begin to comprehend the connection he felt and understood why descriptions of mating had always been so vague. It was like nothing he’d ever imagined mating would be like. Cloud wasn’t his, he was simply a part of him now, and would be until the day he died. Or he was a part of Cloud. It didn’t matter. Either way, he knew that he was finally complete. The omega gave a small sigh and settled back into the blankets with his eyes closed.
He’d gotten used to moving Cloud around while he was knotted, and it was an easy task to get him up and turned around so Sephiroth could sit with him on his lap, cradled against his chest. Cloud snuggled in and pressed his nose against the bond they had just created while Sephiroth pressed the button on the nightstand.
Several minutes later, there was a soft tap at the door. "It's Tseng, not Reno. Do you need to cover Cloud?"
"Yes, just a second." He grabbed the nearest loose blanket and draped it over them, tucking it around Cloud and making sure he wasn't exposed. Cloud didn't mind Reno seeing him, but had asked that he always be covered if anyone else needed to come in while he was in heat.
“Did it go smoothly?” the Turk asked when he entered carrying a tray that he set by the bed.
Sephiroth nodded and pushed back Cloud’s hair to expose the bite mark over his scent gland.
“And he reciprocated?”
“Yes, he didn’t hesitate, but …” He gestured to the omega who was licking the bite once more. “Don’t want to make him move to show you.”
Tseng chuckled and shook his head. “I understand. It feels good, doesn’t it? Congratulations.” He held out a glass of champagne.
Oh, he had forgotten about that tradition. He took a sip and then rubbed Cloud’s head, catching his attention. Curiously, he covered Sephiroth’s scent gland with his hand when he turned his head away. “Is that normal?” he asked.
Tseng gave a shrug. “It’s kind of strange, but he could just be feeling a bit protective or shy. I’m not worried. He'll probably let me see it next time.”
Nodding his understanding, Sephiroth left Cloud’s hand where it was. “Hey, congratulations, Cloud.” He held the glass to Cloud’s lips, and he drank, expecting his usual water. He gave a little jerk of surprise and then sneezed.
“Sorry, love, that wasn’t what you wanted at all, was it? Did the bubbles go up your nose?”
Tseng laughed as Sephiroth set the glass aside and picked up the water bottle instead, taking a sip before allowing Cloud to drink slowly. “Reno and I are finishing this one. We’ll have a fresh bottle ready to open when it’s over.”
Once they were alone again, Sephiroth spent several minutes just smiling at his mate until he turned his head away from the bottle. He picked up the plate that held an apple that had been cut into bite-sized pieces, ate one, then pressed another past Cloud’s lips. He got five into him before Cloud began to refuse him.
He sighed and reached for the high calorie, nutrient-rich bottle of sludge that a dietician had come up with for him instead. “One day, I’m going to be able to get you to eat enough, I swear.”
The drink was disgusting, in Sephiroth’s opinion, despite the claims of a chocolate flavour. He paused, staring at the bottle. What the hell was he doing drinking it? Was he subconsciously prioritizing himself? Cloud nuzzled at him, searching for the bottle he had learned to expect, and Sephiroth held it to his lips. Surely that wasn’t it. There was a plate piled high with actual food for him. If he were putting himself first, he’d be eating that, not bits of apple and a condensed caloric slop.
Realization dawned on him and he smiled again. “We’re definitely going to need to work on getting you to actually eat food during your heat if I’m going to be taste-testing everything for you.” That made so much more sense. He was stronger and more aware than his mate. He’d be able to notice and react if the food was poisoned or had gone off. Cloud couldn’t pay attention to things like that right now, and so had to rely on him to try it first.
Cloud paused in his drinking and looked up at him quizzically.
“Well, I’m sorry, but it's really gross. You could be eating … look, we’ve got some lovely roast beef and fresh veggies from the greenhouse, and yet you choose to go for this. I think I have a right to think you’re a bit silly if I have to drink it too from now on.”
Cloud blinked several times and furrowed his brow, clearly trying to follow what he was saying, but not understanding. It was apparently true that mating made omegas more out of it than usual. At least it would only be for this heat. Cloud wasn’t normally the most talkative during his heat, but Sephiroth did appreciate having him able to at least understand and respond to questions when he needed to.
“Drink up, my love,” he said with a sigh. “I’ll suffer for you.”
***
Cloud’s awareness returned to the sensation of Sephiroth slipping out of him, but the urges of the heat didn’t follow. He lifted his hand to his neck, feeling the puncture wounds that would heal into the scars to mark him as Sephiroth’s.
“Does it hurt?” The purring he hadn’t realized he had been feeling broke off, and his mate’s voice was tender and full of concern.
“No, not really. So, it’s done?”
“It’s done. How do you feel?”
He considered it for a while. “Not as different as I thought I would. Just kind of … comfortable. Like something was missing before, but now it’s not. How do you feel?”
“So fucking happy. Complete.”
Cloud wasn’t quite sure if happy was the word he’d use to describe his emotions, but he wasn’t sad, either, and he did feel very, very loved. He supposed happiness would come as he got used to it.
"Feel like getting cleaned up?"
"Will you stay with me?"
"Of course. We're going to find it difficult to be separated for a little while, but that will fade as the bond matures."
"So this is normal?" He always wanted Sephiroth to spend some time with him after his heat, but this time, just the thought of going to the bathroom to piss and take a shower without him made him feel sick.
"I would rather leave a limb behind than you to go make a cup of tea the way you like it, despite knowing that you want tea and that Reno will fuck it up. If you’re feeling at all like that, then I'd say it’s probably normal."
Cloud laughed. "A limb would be a lot better, but maybe I don't need tea this time. I like your limbs being attached more than tea. Why does Reno let it steep so long?"
"Because he's terrible. Let's go take a quick shower together, and then I think we'll be getting a celebratory meal. Do you need a small snack to eat first?"
"No, I'm not that hungry. Did I eat this time?"
Sephiroth gave his head a sad shake. "Not a meaningful amount, but don't worry, we'll get there. You've grown used to the meal replacement drinks, and that's easy enough to get you to drink now. You got enough calories to get you through it, so that's what counts."
Cloud sighed heavily. "I don't know why I keep-"
"Because you've been through some shit, Cloud. It's no fault on your part. You got enough calories." Sephiroth hauled him from the bed, putting an end to the discussion. They got cleaned up together, then dressed in warm pyjamas.
Cloud gently touched the marks on his neck as Sephiroth brushed out his hair. "I really ...?"
"You certainly did. And I think that Tseng is going to want to properly make sure that you reciprocated. You wouldn't let anyone see it while you were in heat. Making sure that I was well and truly yours, I suspect."
"I wouldn't let him see?"
"No, it was pretty funny, actually. Whenever someone came in to bring food, you got quite possessive and absolutely refused to leave it uncovered."
“That’s kind of strange, isn’t it?”
Sephiroth shrugged. “Somewhat, but it made me feel good. What do you say? Ready to face the world together?”
Cloud nodded with determination. “Together.”
Reno and Tseng were waiting in the living room when they went out, and to his surprise, Sephiroth’s father was there as well.
“Congrats, baby,” Reno said as he jumped up and ran over to hug him. “How’re you doing?”
It was slightly awkward hugging Reno while being unwilling to let go of Sephiroth, but he managed it. “I’m good. It’s weird, but I’m okay.”
“That’s gonna be a sexy scar. Looks good on you. So can we see Sephiroth’s now?”
He blushed and nodded, though something stirred within him when Sephiroth tilted his head to the side and pulled his hair back. He didn’t want people looking, and as soon as they’d all had a chance to get a glimpse, he couldn’t stop himself from tugging his mate downwards. Sephiroth lifted him up and let him remain with his nose pressed against the wound without complaint.
“Sorry, Cloud,” Tseng said. “I had to confirm it for myself. It’s a rule dating back to just after the geostigma crisis. If an alpha doesn’t let his omega reciprocate, only the omega ends up mated, and the alpha can continue to have sex with whoever he wants, potentially neglecting the omega’s needs. I know that Sephiroth would have let you, but all matings have to be confirmed as mutual by a third party. The only reason I didn’t force it while you were in heat was because you were the one hiding it, not him. But I’ve seen now, so you can wrap his neck up in a scarf if you want.”
“Ugh, please don’t. I’ll die of heatstroke. I swear I won’t show it off.”
“Okay, sorry.” It was embarrassing, but there was just something about letting people see it that really bothered him.
When he was set back down, Sephiroth made sure that his hair was draped in a way that kept it completely hidden from sight.
Vincent gave him a gentle smile and bent down so they were eye to eye. “It’s uncommon, but this isn’t the first time an omega’s taken issue with people seeing his alpha’s mating bond. Sephiroth’s lucky he’s got such long hair so he can easily hide it. Congratulations, Cloud. Small though it may be, you have a family now. Welcome.”
Cloud could literally feel his mate’s happiness at his father’s acceptance, and he smiled back. A family? He had never even considered that that was what they would be.
“A gift to welcome you.” Vincent held out his hand and when Cloud reached out, he dropped a delicate ring into his palm. “That belonged to my mate. She asked me to pass it on when Sephiroth mated. You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to. It’s a woman’s ring, after all, but I know she’d be pleased if you’d be willing to keep it.”
“Thank-Thank you,” he stammered, shocked beyond words at the gesture. He immediately began trying it on his fingers and beamed when it slid comfortably onto his left index finger. It was beautiful, with a clear stone in the centre surrounded by pale blue ones in a sort of star design.
“Thank you … dad.” Sephiroth sounded even more shocked than he was.
Vincent stood up straight and hugged his son. “I’d tell you to take good care of him, but I know you will. Your mother would be proud of you. Now come on, let’s eat.”
“Finally!”
There was a loud popping noise and Cloud glanced away from his mate, who was wiping tears from his eyes, to see Reno with a champagne bottle. Beyond him, the table was piled high with their favourite foods. The sight of it made his stomach rumble.
***
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