Chapter Text
14:00
How in the absolute hell did Cloud Strife, SOLDIER 3rd Class, get so damn lucky with four of the hottest men in all of Shinra!? As well as being the ones he had admired for
years
?!?! Cloud was dating Sephiroth Crescent- General of Shinra’s army, First Class SOLDIER-, Angeal Hewley- second in command for Shinra’s army, First Class SOLDIER-, Genesis Rhapsodos- right hand man for Shinra’s army, First Class SOLDIER-, and Zackary Fair- SOLDIER First Class-. All three were older than Cloud but he really didn’t care. The four men made him feel safe, loved, and happy.
On the topic of ages, Cloud was the youngest of the group, then Zack, Genesis, Angeal and Sephiroth were the oldest. Cloud was twenty (having just turned twenty), Zack was twenty one, Genesis was twenty three, Angeal was twenty six, and Sephiroth was thirty. Some may see it as odd or not appropriate but Cloud didn’t care. These were his boyfriends and he wasn’t going to let it define anything, no matter what anyone said.
~~~
11:16 am
Cloud and Zack were in the VR training room, Cloud beating Zack by a milestone, though Zack was letting him get more points than he was just because he liked to see his Cloudy smile. Seeing Cloud smiling was a rare sight but worth it when he did smile. Cloud’s sword clanged against the last virtual enemy, and then the simulation flickered just before it could end. Sharing a look with Zack, the VR room doors opened with a hiss and in stepped Genesis. The man’s iconic red tailcoat billowed behind him as he stood at the doors.
“Thought I’d find you two here,” Genesis smiled, crossing his arms as Cloud greeted him with a small peck on the cheek. “Lazard wants us all in his office.”
“What for?” pipped the blonde headed male, swinging his sword onto his back where it stuck to the magnet that was on his uniform. Genesis shrugged, not even he knew. He simply came here to collect the missing two people from their group.
“Who knows. Likely more paperwork or an even longer mission than the last,” Zack complained as he pushed his hands through his black spikes, which earned a glare from Cloud.
“Let’s just get this over with,” Genesis intervened, giving his two lovers a look before leading them out of the VR room and up the director’s floor. As they walked through the halls of Shinra HQ, Zack kept his upbeat energy as always, really living up to the nickname they all gave him. He really was a puppy sometimes. Cloud managed a small smile as he watched Zack, gliding over to Genesis who slipped their hands together, squeezing softly.
“Hopefully it’s not more paperwork,” Zack complained, rocking on his heels as they now stood in the elevator. He looked at his other two partners and huffed. He wanted attention too! Genesis saw this and chuckled, tugged Zack in for a brief kiss on the cheek. Despite the fact that all of Shinra practically knew that the three generals were all dating, they didn’t know who, nor did they need to know who. So, their relationship was hidden from most people.
When the elevator doors slid open, the trio stepped out onto the executive floor and made their way down the hallway towards the director’s office. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the quiet, sterile corridors of Shinra HQ. Zack’s energy remained uncontained, bouncing from one foot to the other, contrasting against the more composed sides of his two partners.
“Think Lazard’s gonna give us more missions?” Zack asked, his voice light but tilted with curiosity, twisting around and walking backwards as his gaze looked between Genesis and Cloud. He saw that Cloud was quieter than he typically was. He gave Genesis a look, to which he was shrugged off.
Genesis placed a comforting hand on his youngest partner’s shoulder, bringing him close and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Lighten up, dear heart. If it’s Lazard you’re anxious about, don’t be. I’m eighty percent sure either Seph told him about us, or he figured it out. I highly doubt it’s a mission, Z.”
Zack shrugged, turned back around and walked the remainder of the way down the hall towards the director’s office. Cloud hummed softly as he leaned into Genesis’s arms, wanting to get this meeting done and over with, knowing that neither of the five wanted to be there anyways. As they approached the door to the director’s room, the air seemed to grow with tension. Genesis let go of Cloud, opening the door and led the three of them inside the room.
Cloud’s blue eyes instantly fell upon Sephiroth and Angeal, who were both waiting for the other three to arrive and sit down. The blonde haired man managed a small smile when Angeal gave a subtle nod towards the empty chair beside him or Sephiroth. Out of all of them, they knew Cloud was anxious around higher up people at Shinra, and hated being on the outside of their group. It was weird but they figured it out.
Genesis sat to Sephiroth’s right, squeezing his hand under the table. Zack was to Angeal’s left and Cloud was in the middle of Seph and Angeal. He had his eyes down, hands crossed in his lap, allowing for his partners to do the talking. However, when they had finally all settled, the air seemed to thicken even more than it had beforehand. The click of a pen in Lazard’s hand seemed to have echoed louder than usual. Cloud, feeling the tension, kept his gaze on his lap, a habitual coping mechanism. He knew his anxiety was visible to the others but he also knew they understood him better than anyone else ever had.
Zack, ever the enthusiastic one (puppy if you will), broke the silence with a grin. “Soo… What’s the deal? More missions? Paperwork? Or we finally gettin’ the break we need?” His voice was light, but there was a slight undercurrent of curiosity that mirrored the rest of them. He pushed a hand through his black spikes, sitting back against the chair with a soft hum.
Lazard, quiet with his usual calculating look, didn’t answer instantly. Instead, he folded his hands and looked between each of the SOLDIERs. He said nothing for a moment before quickly cutting to the chase. “The higher ups have finally decided to give some of our best SOLDIERs a break, or in other terms, paid time off. Vacation, have you. You five just happen to be lucky. Originally it was just the three- Sephiroth, Angeal, Genesis, but I managed to pull a few strings to be able to get Cloud and Zack with the three of you. You’re welcome for that.”
Zack and Genesis both blinked before exclaiming loudly, both men processing the director’s words. “Paid time off?! You’re serious?!”
“I thought you were about to assign us another long ass mission,” Genesis grumbled, earning a punch on the arm from Angeal. “I’m not complaining.” He quickly fixed his statement.
“Hmm. I was going to, but I do agree with the higher up. Besides, you five deserve it. Your time off takes effect tomorrow morning. You will take the helicopter to the docks where you will take the boat, which will take you to Costa Del Sol. Shinra has everything covered. I have sent out any other information I might have missed to all of your emails. I suggest you pack tonight and be ready to leave by eight in the morning. You have two weeks, and I advice you to use it gratefully,” Lazard said with a smile, which only increased Genesis and Zack’s enthusiasm about the whole thing.
Well. This was going to be fun.
~~~~
Shinra-8
10:30
It was not fun at all. Cloud was hating every second from the time they got onto the ship and by the time they got settled in their cabin (first class passengers, to which he silently thanked Lazard for). They’d left Shinra HQ at eight that morning, and got onto the helicopter (flown by Rude) and that had been a somewhat smooth flight… Until Zack had mentioned trying to eat something, that didn’t end very well. Thank god for Angeal being a fucking mother hen because the moment he turned green, the man passed over nausea medicine and told him to take it, telling Cloud to tell him if he felt ill later after they were on the ship.
Cloud didn’t uphold that promise.
Once they boarded the ship and settled into their first class cabin, the five of them changed into more relaxed outfits, preparing for the inevitable sun and sea air. Cloud was in a blue short sleeve button up shirt, which had playful yellow Chocobo designs on both sides of the chest, leaving three buttons undone, which revealed a black undershirt. He wore dark navy pants which had a couple straps and buckles, completed with black and grey sneakers.
Zack had gone for his usual carefree style, wearing a black tank that showed off his toned arms and broad shoulder. A bright blue stripe ran along the sides, adding a pop of colour. Paired with knee length grey cargo shorts, full of pockets that he would forget he had stuff in and simple black sandals. A pair of dark sunglasses perched on top of his spiky black hair.
Angeal opted for a more understood look. He wore a navy blue tank that clung to his muscular frame, the colour complementing his tanned skin and teal eyes. His grey drawstring shorts fell just above the knee, and his black sandals were sturdy and practical. True to his ever-prepared nature, he carried a small canvas bag over one shoulder, no doubt stocked with essentials such as water, sunscreen, medicine, and a first aid kit- because, of course, Angeal always thought ahead.
Genesis, unsurprisingly, embraced his signature colour. He wore a loose fitting, short sleeved button up shirt in a deep crimson hue, unbuttoned halfway down to his chest in a way that was both intentional and undeniably dramatic (he was the most dramatic out of the five). The fabric had a slight shimmer to it, catching the light with each movement. His white linen shorts were tailored to perfection, falling mid thigh, and a thin golden chain adorned his neck. His usual neat red hair swayed in the wind, which caused his red locks to become slightly tousled. Genesis, being Genening, and also accessorised with sleek, designer sunglasses that framed his striking features. He wore white and red sneakers to complete the look. (He had an extra pair of shoes).
Sephiroth, ever elegant, and effortlessly regal, had chosen a simple yet refined look. He wore a loose white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. The shirt was unbuttoned at the top, revealing a hint of his pale chest, while the lightweight fabric billowed slightly in the breeze. His grey-white trousers were of the same linen, adding to his pristine appearance. His long silver hair was pulled back into a neat, intricate braid that trailed behind his back, gleaming in the sunlight (courtesy of Cloud). Like Cloud and Genesis, he wore grey sneakers to top the outfit off.
~~~~
13:30
Three hours later, he was leaning over the side of the ship, face pale and a slight shade of green. He’d just puked up what he’d tried (and failed) to eat for lunch. He wasn’t sure where the rest of his boyfriends were but he knew Genesis was behind him, rubbing his back and trying to make him feel better. He accepted the redhead’s comfort, taking slow breaths as he tried to slow his breathing and not focus on the rocking of the waves.
“You okay, bird?” Genesis asked softly, brushing back Cloud’s bangs from his blue eyes. The smaller man shrugged meekly, whinging under Genesis’s touch. He felt sick. Curse his motion sickness.
“If you count-.” Nope. Bad idea. He gagged the second he opened his mouth and leaned forward again. Thank Gaia for being bent over the railing, otherwise it would be all over the deck. Genesis frowned as he rubbed circles along his youngest partner’s back, whispering soft words of comfort as the smaller man heaved again, though nothing came up.
Cloud groaned weakley, his knuckles white from gripping the railing so tightly. His golden bangs stuck to his forehead, and the faint sheen of sweat on his pale skin made Genesis’s brows furrow with worry. Cloud felt hot, and even though he wasn’t in his SOLDIER uniform, he was still pretty warm, likely due to the sun beating on his back and from heaving so much.
As Genesis continued to comfort his youngest partner, the sound of approaching footsteps signaled the rest of their boyfriend. Zack, Angeal and Sephiroth had been exploring the rest of the ship after grabbing a small lunch together, though when they returned, it was when they saw how miserable Cloud was. Zack was the first to break way and approach the blonde haired man, his face shifting from cheerful to concerned as he took in his love’s misery. He frowned as he lay a gentle hand on his back.
“That bad, Spikey…?” Zack’s voice was soft, tinged with sympathy. Cloud didn’t respond, only giving a slight nod as he rested his head on the coolness of the railing. He couldn’t see the looks that were passed between the four men, but the worry was obvious in the air. The moment Zack laid his hand on Cloud's back, Angeal stepped up, really giving into his “mother hen” nickname.
“What do you need, Cloudy?” Angeal murmured softly, his voice calm, though it carried a weight of concern. Cloud hummed softly, slowly lifting his head up to glance over at his boyfriend, leaning into the soft touches from both Genesis and Zack.
“S-Seph,” mumbled a seasick Cloud. Sephiroth perked up when his name was said. The man himself wasn’t great at comforting people nor showing emotion in general but being around his boys was different… He could be vulnerable, he could show emotion… He genuinely loved it whenever he was most wanted if one of his four boyfriends were under the weather. Seph exchanged spots with Genesis, his hand lightly rubbing circles on Cloud’s back, his free hand cupping the back of Cloud’s neck, gently playing with the softest ends of the blonde’s hair.
“Right here, darling,” Sephiroth murmured, leaning against the railing beside Cloud. The man in question hummed, putting most of his body weight against the silver haired man. Angeal frowned at seeing how pale and shaky their youngest was. He turned to Zack and Gen, quietly asking the two if they could go and see if the crew members had any ginger tea, or something that would help (the one thing he forgot to grab was literally on their kitchen counter still).
Sephiroth draped his arm loosely around Cloud’s waist, rubbing soft circles on his hip while using his free hand to brush the man’s bangs back. Just his touch alone was soothing as it was. Cloud’s breathing remained uneven, though the trembling in his body had lessened somewhat under Sephiroth’s soothing touch. The silver haired man, ever calm and collected, continued the slow circles along Cloud’s back, his hand firm but gentle. The sun glinted off his pristine silver braid, the loose silver strands swayed slightly in the ocean breeze.
“You’re doing well,” Sephiroth murmured as he and Angeal helped their youngest partner to his feet, allowing the smaller male to lean most of his weight against the two. Seph shared a worried look with Angeal who simply leaned over to squeeze Sephiroth’s hand, a silent assurance that things would be okay. Cloud leaned against Sephiroth as he and Angeal led him back to the cabin, having told him that getting some rest may help soothe his stomach, to which he reluctantly agreed to.
With Seph having his arm around his waist, and Angeal’s hand on his lower back, he felt a little more stable and not as shaky as he was beforehand. However, the swaying motion did not help at all. He ignored it as best as he could as he let Seph and Angeal walk him back to the cabin they were staying in. It was a bit of a walk, though he managed,- using his boyfriends as support beams.
When they arrived at the cabin door, Angeal stepped away to open it, and all three heard Genesis and Zack arguing no doubt about something stupid. The red head was holding something out of Zack’s view, to which the puppy was trying to grab. Angeal raised a brow, sharing a glance at Seph and Cloud, both shrugged and walked the rest of the way into the cabin. Seph lowered Cloud gently onto the bed, softly murmuring to him, rubbing his shoulders softly. Cloud rubbed his temples, starting to get a migraine and with his boyfriends yelling, it was only making it worse.
“Gen! Zack!” Cloud snapped, blue eyes narrowing at the two who had been arguing over something stupid- Genesis had been teasing Zack with a ball (really sticking to the pet name, Zack). “I love you both, but for the love of Gaia, shut up.” He lay his head against Seph’s chest, grumbling under his breath.
Genesis and Zack both looked over to their youngest partner, a sheepish grin on both of their faces as though they’d been caught red handed. Genesis twirled the ball in his hand, chuckling softly as Zack eyeballed it, ready to pounce on it. Genesis watched the puppy, grinning like an idiot as he kept it out of reach from Zack, looking over at Cloud. He strode over and pressed a lingering kiss to his golden spikes.
“Sorry, ‘bo,” Genesis murmured. Genesis was always the touchy feely out of the five of them. Cloud wasn’t complaining though. He did enjoy getting the small affections from Genesis. He hummed in reply, not opening his eyes, simply leaning into Sephiroth more as he tried to ignore the nausea that kept coming up.
Zack approached the three. Though he was wild, and much like a puppy, he knew when to calm down… sometimes. He sat beside the blonde haired man and wrapped his arm around his waist, nuzzling his nose into his golden spikes, mumbling, “sorry you feel like shit, Cloudy.”
Cloud hummed in response, eyes remaining shut as Zack’s warmth pressed close against his side. Despite the nausea staying in his stomach, the familiar comfort of his boyfriends grounded him. Seph was still tracing circles along his back and Genesis played with a strand of hair. Angeal, ever the caretaker, was in the corner of the room, rummaging through his suitcase in hopes to find a remedy.
“Gen, did you pack extra potions?” Angeal asked when he couldn’t find his extra stash in his suitcase. The redhead perked up and removed himself from the pile, going over to Angeal.
“I thought you did, Geal,” Genesis pondered as he kneeled beside the older male, searching through the suitcases. Zack stayed beside Cloud and Seph, well, that was until he remembered that he had been the one to move Angeal’s other luggage.
“I moved your bag, Geal. It’s beside mine.” Zack got up and grabbed it from the corner, handing it over to his older partner. Angeal smiled softly, standing up with Genesis. He wrapped his arm around the younger’s side, pressing a kiss to his forehead as he grabbed a remedy from the side pocket. He threw it over to Sephiroth, who caught it expertly.
“We’re taking the puppy out,” Genesis stated to Seph and Cloud. Zack rolled his eyes but he was practically bouncing with energy and the second the door was open, he ran out. Genesis chased after him, earning a laugh from Angeal and Sephiroth, a weak chuckle from Cloud.
“You’ve got him?” Angeal asked, coming up behind his partner, wrapping his arms around Sephiroth’s waist, kissing his cheek. The General nodded as he tilted his head back a little bit, returning the favour. Cloud hummed softly in reply, mumbling a soft thanks before he downed the remedy. It was bitter, as usual.
“Geal…” Cloud whined, finally lifting his head up from Sephiroth’s chest. Angeal chuckled and sat beside Cloud, fawning over him when the smaller male curled up against his chest.
“Looks like you’re stuck with him,” Seph teased, brushing a hand through Cloud’s hair gently.
“Could be worse. Stick with Zack and Gen? I don’t want them getting in trouble,” Angeal asked his partner, grabbing his wrist before he pulled away, tugging him down for a soft kiss. “Love you.”
Seph smiled as he kissed Angeal back, placing a light kiss to Cloud’s head before he left the room. Silence filled the cabin room, and soon Cloud clocked out, snuggled peacefully (though his brows were furrowed in slight pain), curled against Angeal too.
Maybe the trip wouldn’t be terrible?