Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Cloud was in a sour mood- nope. That didn’t cover it. He was simmering beneath a surface like boiling water under a lid, a walking migrain with a temper hanging on by a thread and he’d drank a single cup of lukewarm coffee (he wasn’t sure who made it) which he regretted drinking. The everlasting pounding in his skull had started this morning when woke up from the morning sun coming in from the windows of the inn that he and the rest of the Turks were staying at due to how long their mission was. That pounding feeling slowly intensified through the day, now blaring behind his eyes with every heartbeat like some twisted marching band on mako infused drums.

His reward for dragging himself through the morning like a half dead chocobo?

Babysitting Reno.

He exhaled sharply through his nose, arms crossed tightly over his chest in a protective stance, body half shadowed under the low branches of a gnarled tree. His shoulders were stiff, tense, his jaw clenched. There was a dull throb at the base of his skull, and he pinched the bridge of his nose between gloved fingers in a useless attempt to dull the pain. He was trying to ignore Reno- it was impossible. The red head’s voice grated against his nerves like nails on rusted metal.

“I’m just sayin’, this is bullshit,” Reno mumbled for the fifth- sixth?- time, kicking a loose rock off the path that he and Cloud were stationed on. “Backup team? Me? Do I look like a fuckin’ side character to you?”

Cloud didn’t answer. He didn’t trust himself too.

That morning before they had gotten on the helicopter to fly to wherever they were for the mission, Rude pulled him aside- monotone and unbothered as always- and said something vague about “ keep an on Reno today. And don’t let him blow anything up. ”

Lovely. Babysitter duty. Because apparently he was the designated adult this week. Handling Zack was better than this!

The blonde wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed- or, better, into the arms of his four boyfriends where the world would stop spinning and he could shut his eyes and he could relax. Sephiroth would do the thing where he ran cool fingers through his hair until he fell asleep. Angeal would make tea. Gen would either read poetry or Gaia knows what. Zack would, well. Zack would just be the puppy he was- warm and solid, real, buzzing with that golden retriever energy that somehow always made Cloud feel better even on bad days.

Instead of that blissful, domestic heaven?

He had Reno.

Loud, insufferable, obnoxious, chaotic Reno, whose voice was now stabbing into his head like a shuriken. Oh my Gaia , did he feel like strangling him.

Cloud shifted his weight, laying his head against the tree trunk with an inaudible sigh, closing his eyes for a brief moment, breathing in through his nose and out through his mouth. He only opened his eyes and glowered when Reno started nagging him again.

“You’re ignoring me,” Reno whined now. “You’re doing that where you get all silent and pissy and-.”

“And shut the fuck up before I shove your EMR so far up your ass that you’ll be lighting up like a fucking Christmas tree. Don’t you fucking joke either,” the blonde haired omega growled, blue eyes baring into the other’s turquoise ones. A quiet snarl escaped his throat after he snapped at the other omega.

The red head’s eyes were full of challenge, and when he opened his mouth- probably ready for another quip. “You’re in one of those moods, aren’t you? You could technically get away with, you know, leaving me. No one would blame you. I’d just say you got kidnapped or some shit- Tseng’d believe it. Probably.”

Cloud snarled , blue eyes sharper than a Masamune swing. The distant throbbing in his skull had gone from pulsing to pounding- only in minutes! Each syllable Reno uttered dragging its nails down to the inside of his brain. He could feel the migraine blooming behind his eyes now, hot and jagged, making his vision blur at the edges and his stomach churn. Every time Reno spoke, it was like nails on a chalkboard, nails hammering deeping into his temples. Of course he had the audacity to say that. The younger omega snarled again at Reno before he got a word out. “One more word out of your fucking mouth, I swear to fucking Gaia.”

The omega only a few feet away from him froze, mouth open slightly, brow arching as if daring Cloud to follow through. However, Cloud didn’t wait for him to test that theory. The blonde shoved himself off of the tree, his spikes catching in the too bright sunlight, eyes sharp and deliberate. He took a couple steps forward so now he was standing in front of the taller omega.

“I am this close to committing a felony,” Cloud hissed, thumb and forefinger held up with barely a sliver of space between them, showing just how pissed off the omega was. “Do you want to find out how deep you’ll be buried under the ground? Because I promise you, Reno, I will make it look like an accident. Do not test me.”

Reno opened his mouth again- because of course he did- and Cloud raised his hand, trembling not just with fury but the effort of keeping his muscles from locking up completely. His vision blurred, pain twisting behind his eyes like barbed wire. This headache was really going to town on him. The younger’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “Say it. Say anything. You are dead. Your mate might kill me but I genuinely don’t care.”

And for once, Reno actually hesitated.

Cloud felt it in the air- the rare moment when the weight of his presence outmatched Reno’s recklessness. Something about the tight clench of his jaw, the wild, untamed Omega scent that now reeked of pain, frustration and near-feral anger, must have finally cut through the redhead’s idiocy. Cloud snarled, stumbled back half a step, a gloved hand coming up to clutch at his forehead. His breath hitched, nausea rising up. The sun was too bright, Reno was too loud, and everything was wrong. He was in distress. Any alpha knew when an omega was in distress and he hoped Rude and Tseng would notice, hoping they would finish soon so they could get back to HQ.

Five minutes later, Cloud was still slumped against the gnarled tree stump, arm crossed over his head and eyes screwed tightly shut, praying to Gaia that his PHS would buzz. He silently pleaded it was Tseng or Rude texting that they were heading back. The air around them was too warm, too heavy. It felt like he was breathing through steam. Cloud’s uniform stuck to his pale skin, sweat starting to bead at his temples, and the intense throbbing turned into full agony. His entire body pulsed with it. The tight coil of pain being his eyes turned into the sharpness of a dagger.

He didn’t register Reno anymore, not really. The other omega had gone silent, thank Gaia. He only shifted a few times but something was unreadable in his gaze- guilt? Concern? Or pure stunned silence from having witnessed Cloud Strife- the youngest and newest Turk, the quiet one, the composed one, fall apart and snap at him.

Cloud felt a subtle vibration against his leg. He fumbled for a second before managing to grab his PHS from his back pocket, reading the message from Tseng.

| from Tseng

Heading back. ETA two minutes.

Cloud sighed a breath of relief without realising it. His shoulder slumped just slightly, as if those five words from Tseng had peeled away a layer of pressure. Cloud hadn’t even noticed how tense he was until relief trickled in. His fingers ached from how tightly he had been clenching them. His jaw too. Everything hurt. Everything felt like it was on fire.

Two minutes.

He could hold out for two minutes more right?

The rustling of Reno shifting from where he was sitting in the dirt met his ears again, but still no words. Maybe the older omega wasn’t as thick headed as he acted. Or maybe even Reno knew now wasn’t the time to crack a joke. Cloud swallowed around the dryness in his throat, letting his head loll against the tree back again. The wind had picked up slightly, rustling the leaves above, and it cooled the sweat along his neck. It didn’t do anything for the pounding in his skull or the feverish feeling he had running through his body.

His scent was sharp with distress. Too sharp. Even he could tell, and he knew the two alphas could. Elena could if she was either an omega or alpha, but she was a beta (she and Tseng made a cute couple). Cloud squeezed his eyes shut tightly. Everything in his body ached him to be home. He needed darkness, quiet. He needed the warmth of his alphas arms around him and a cold compress, and steady heartbeats beneath his cheek. Needed Zack to talk nonsense in a whisper to him. Needed Angeal’s steady hands. Genesis’ snarky affection. Sephiroth’s wordless, calm comfort.

He needed his alphas. His mates. His pack.

The faint rumble of a helicopter reached his ears just then and he straightened up- well, as much as he could without vomiting. The sound grew louder, wind whipping through the branches as the sleek black and grey Shinra chopper lowered from the sky. The moment the landing skids touched the ground, a familiar figure dropped from the open side door- Tseng, dark eyes, sleek black hair in a ponytail, and he scanned the area like a hawk.

Rude stepped out after him, then Elena in tow. Immediately the beta knew something was wrong with her omega colleague. She didn’t know what as she couldn’t pinpoint the scent but she knew. Cloud was off. Her brown knit together as she paused beside Tseng, her sharp eyes flickered from Reno- who, for once, actually looked remorseful- to Cloud slumped against the tree. Cloud wasn’t looking at them. His arms were crossed over his head, fingers twitching faintly as if every movement sent a fresh bolt of pain through him.

Rude moved first, and the omega barely lifted his head at the sound of shoes on grass. His vision was swimming, but the alpha’s shape- his scent too- was unmistakable- solid, steady, familiar. Rude didn’t say a thing, just crouched beside him and extended a hand. Cloud let out a slow, shaking breath, allowing himself to lean into the offered hand. Rude’s arm came up around his shoulder as he helped the omega stand, bracing him against his side.

No words were shared. Reno was on the other side of his mate, managing to steal a kiss from Rude before following him, Tseng and Elena back into the chopper. The alpha carefully led the distressed omega into the seat. The lights were dimmed and the low hum of the engine vibrated the walls with a rhythmic thrum that nearly lulled Cloud to sleep the second he sat down. He knew Rude hung back just in case. Reno sat beside Rude, silent as a mouse, but was there.

Cloud curled in on himself slightly, pressing his cheek against the cool wall, arms tight around his stomach. His body was screaming for rest, his head felt like it was going to explode, but his thoughts were drifting to the moment the chopper touched down on the HQ roof. To the elevator ride down to the SOLDIER 1st Class apartments. To that warm, dark space that smelled like sandalwood, leather, old books and the comfort of them.

His alphas.

He could hang on an excruciating long three hours back to Midgar.

Chapter Text

When the chopper finally touched down on the Shinra HQ rooftop, Cloud could barely see straight. His stomach was churning, sweat clinging to his skin under the layers of his black issued Turk uniform, and his headache had reached a punishing crescendo- like shards of glass behind his eyes. He stayed where he was, slumped slightly against the cabin wall, his arms around his small frame in an attempt to hold himself together. Just a little longer. Enough to make it down into the building, to the apartment and to the safety of his alphas. The cabin door slid open with a hiss, wind rushing into the warm cabin of the chopper. Rude and Tseng stepped out of the cockpit while Reno, Cloud and Elena stepped out via the side door.

Cloud walked out first, followed by Reno and Elena. The beta noticed something was off. Other than Cloud, she knew something was off . Reno was quiet. Too quiet and it was weird to see the usual obnoxious man silenced. Her voice broke through the soft silence of the five, light but teasing. “You’re awfully quiet,” she murmured, nudging Reno’s arm as they crossed onto the tarmac.

Reno gave a careless roll of his shoulder, hoping Cloud wasn’t in earshot before he spoke. “Strife’s pissy,” he drawled, a lopsided smirk on his lips. “Probably needs a knot. And a nap. Fuckin’ growled at me earlier.”

Elena went stiff. She knew- Reno did too- that Cloud had heard him and his reaction was instant. She stepped back a bit, putting distance between herself and the now angry omega.

Cloud looked up from where he was leaning against the side of the chopper, giving himself a moment to breathe properly. His eyes were glowing like mako. Baby blue eyes dangerously sharp through a curtain of blonde hair. The pure rage that ran through his body wasn’t hot, it was cold, sharp, and clean like a sword pulled from stone. He felt it in his veins, his instincts screaming at him. It didn’t matter that he was exhausted, nauseous, barely functioning- Reno’s words cut too deep. It didn’t help that he was on the verge of his heat too.

His scent changed fast- what had been sharp with distress suddenly curdled into something wild and feral, sour with agitation too. The air around the five was thich. A warning. A threat. A promise. Swiveling on his heels with a growl low in his voice that made even the two alphas freeze mid step. Neither alpha looked at the omega. Rude spared Tseng a look, something of concern, both having a feeling on what was going to happen. They didn’t dare interfere. They would if they had to.

Reno’s eyes snapped to the omega, and he took a half step back, freezing in his tracks. Okay, seeing another angry omega was never a good thing. “What the fu-.” Was all Reno got out as Cloud moved. Not fast, not reckless. But deliberate- like a predator stalking its prey. His shoes clicked on the tarmac, deadly precision, facing Reno head on. The snarl that worked its way past his lips made everyone freeze.

Cloud’s shoulders were tense, but not with fear. His hands were clenched so tightly that his knuckles were white underneath the gloves he wore. His chest rose and fell, panting hard- unsure if he couldn’t get enough air or from fury, or from his strained state. No one could tell exactly. Then he spoke- voice sharp as a sword, his words harsh but they weren’t in English.

“Ich werd’ dir die Zunge rausreißen, du jämmerlicher, rotzfrecher Bastard (I’ll rip your tongue out, you miserable, arrogant,” he hissed, teeth bared, voice thick with Nibelheim dialect, no one understood what he was saying though.

Reno blinked, eyes wide. “What the hell- was that… what language even-?”

Cloud snarled. A warning. Reno flinched. “Moch no a Kommentar, und I schick di mit’m Hubschrauber in die Hölle runter, Kopf voran, (make one more comment, and I’ll send you into hell in a chopper. Headfirst),” Cloud growled, his accent thick- Nibelheim born and bred-, eyes sharp and his hand twitched as if reaching for his blade strapped to his side. The air was heavy, crackling with tension. Tweaked with a volatile cocktail of omega pheromones- burning with distress, tinged with heat, laced with the sharp edge of a threat. It hit heavily, even Rude had to look away. Elena took another step.

Neither alpha moved to intervene.
They knew better.

Cloud was overwhelmed. His body was pushed beyond its limits- nauseous, splitting headache, and now this urge of instinct, of flight or fight reflex. It was just posturing. It was survival, not partially caring who the threat was.

Then he swayed. The fury that had been holding him wavered. His limbs felt numb, trembling, jaw tight, breath catching in his throat as his knees gave out. Tseng was there in a blink, slipping his arm around him to steady him. The alpha moved with no hesitation but with calmness. He didn’t hold the omega down, just held him up, anchoring him without triggering any more escalation.

Behind the two, Rude silently approached his red headed mate, grasping his arm and tugged him back with a firm grasp. Reno didn’t resist- his mouth shut, his eyes wide with what may have been guilt. Or shame. The omega tucked his head into the crook of the alpha’s neck, nuzzling Rude’s scent gland for comfort, seeking it after what he knew he did. Rude rubbed Reno’s back comfortingly, murmuring soft words to him in hopes to soothe his mate.

And then- ironically, perfectly timed- Genesis appeared at the edge of the runway, his iconic leather coat snapping in the breeze like wings. The sigh of him alone was enough to draw all eyes to the Commander, but it was the instant shift in him that followed that stole the breath from the space. Genesis didn’t ask what was happening. He didn’t need to.

The moment the older alpha caught a whiff of his mate’s scent- thick, spiralling out of control, distressed, overwhelmed, on the edge- his expression went dark. His jaw clenched as he moved swiftly across the pavement, zeroing in with purpose. “Cloud.” His voice was gentle but clear, rich and smooth as silk over steel. The omega looked up, eyelids heavy, but his eyes flickered to the familiar sound. Something in his posture- rigid with exhaustion- softened just slightly. Recognition. Genesis didn’t wait for permission.

He was at Cloud’s side at once, nodding in thanks to Tseng who’s steady hold on Cloud was keeping him up right. The alpha curtly nodded back and took a step back to his own mate and the other couple. Genesis pressed his hand to Cloud’s cheek, easily scooping him up in his arms. “I’ve got ya. The others are home, mon ange.”

Cloud nodded, his body giving away. His weight folded into Genesis’s hold with no resistance, hands weakly grabbing the crimson fabric, burying his face into his shoulder. Breath hitched once or twice, and then a sob cracked in his chest- silent, shattering. Genesis didn’t comment, but only held him tighter. Behind them, Rude didn’t let go of Reno, he did exhale slowly though. Elena shot a glance that was equally reprimand and sympathy. And Tseng? He watched, unreadable as always, but even he seemed to hold back more than usual.

No one dared speak. Not until Cloud and Genesis were gone from the runway. And even then, Reno said nothing. Because this time, he knew he fucked up.

Chapter Text

The long corridor to the SOLDIER floor was quiet, the soft hum of recessed lighting overhead and the faint mechanical pulse of the building’s core the only ambient noise. Genesis didn’t rush, nor did he speak. Not at first at least. He simply walked, carrying Cloud, holding him protectively against his chest. He could feel the way his mate trembled- small, near invisible shakes that spoke volumes. But more than that, he could smell it. Cloud’s scent was different. Not in a good way different.

Typically the omega’s scent was cool, smelling like fresh rain, rosemary and something sweet, but it had shifted into something sour with pain, raw with overstimulation, and distress lingered like static in the air after a lightning strike. Beneath it all, the Commander caught it. The bitter edge of a migraine. And more from what he could tell. He pressed his nose against Cloud’s scent gland, trying to soothe his omega lover as much as he could, letting out a content growl escape his lips as he scented his mate. He ran his fingers lightly along the dip of Cloud’s hips, soothing the tense omega.

Cloud’s scent shifted slightly in response, just a flicker. Still unsteady but familiar as Genesis’s cool fingertips eased some of the tension out of his body. Genesis softly spoke to his mate, pressing a kiss to his temple. “You’re too wound up, Cloudy.” His voice was soft and threaded with quiet concern. “Breathe, mon tresor.”

Cloud didn’t respond, but his grip tightened in Genesis’s leather  coat, a silent acknowledgement. He remained tucked under Genesis’s chin, the tips of his hair tickling the other’s skin ever so slightly. His breathing caught now and then, uneven. Genesis tilted his head, breathing in Cloud’s scent as he tried to figure out what else could be troubling his sweet omega. Then it clicked.

Cloud was close to his heat.

Too close for his liking. Neither alpha knew it. Sephiroth didn’t. Nor Angeal, not even Zack and Zack was good at noticing shit like that. Genesis’s jaw tightened, however, he didn’t let it show on his face. Cloud didn’t need the guilt. He needed comfort. Placing a kiss to the crown of the blonde’s head, he kept walking. Approaching the doors to the elevator that led directly to the entrance of SOLDIER 1st class hall, it opened with a soft chine, and Genesis stepped inside. As they descended towards the 1st Class residential floor, the commander shifted his hold just slightly, one arm supporting Cloud’s weight while the other slid into his coat pocket. Fingers ghosting over the screen of his PHS, hidden from Cloud’s view.

With a few swipes, he typed:


| Genesis
12:08
sos- Cloud’s near heat + severe migraine. He’s not okay. ETA three minutes

He sent the message silently to the group thread- minus one. He didn’t need to alert Cloud and stress him out further, not like this at least. He pocketed his PHS, letting his eyes drop back down his mate in his arms. Cloud was still curled in close, face tucked against his chest, his fingers tangled weakly into Genesis’s coat. The quiet sob from earlier had left a damp spot on the fabric- tiny but impossible to ignore. Genesis placed another kiss on his temple, assuring him he was okay. The elevator hummed underneath them, each passing second bringing them closer to home- and the rest of their pack. And with any luck, the comfort Cloud so desperately needed.

The second that the rest of the pack got the message from Genesis turned from calm to a little chaos ( cough cough, Zack ). It hit the trio like a grenade. Well, okay. Angeal and Sephiroth took it calmly. Zack, on the other hand, didn’t read the full message and panicked. He was the first to see it, laying upside down on the couch in their shared apartment, lazily flipping through a comic book. His PHS buzzed, along with Angeal and Sephiroth. Zack took one look at it, sitting up so fast that he nearly flipped over the back of the couch,

“WHAT?! Geal!! Did you see this?” Zack asked, already halfway across the living room, barreling into the kitchen to find the other alpha. He didn’t wait for an answer as he skidded across the hardwood floors.

Angeal, standing at the stove, pouring tea into a pair of mugs, blinked at the sudden intrusion that was the chaos on two legs. “Hm?” The older alpha looked over his shoulder, blinking when Zack pressed his PHS close, causing Angeal to go cross eyed. “Yes I saw it, Zack. Seph?”

The General stepped out from their shared bedroom, drying his longer silver hair off with a towel. “What is it?” he asked, having not seen the message from Genesis. He looked over at Angeal who jerked his head slightly over to their pup.

“Cloud’s on his way back. He’s in pain- Gen says it’s a migraine- he’s close to his heat and…” Zack rattled off, pushing his fingers through his messy black hair, definitely panicking. Sephiroth stepped forward, placing his hand on Zack’s shoulder, reading the message, brow furrowing. His mouth pulled into a tight line, the kind of concern he rarely voiced made itself known in the rigid set of his jaw.

Angeal moved over to the two with more urgency, the mugs forgotten now as he stood behind their second younger mate. He nosed Zack’s scent gland, soothing him. “He must have come straight from the mission. Gen sent a message saying Cloud didn’t tell anyone how bad it was.”

Zack let out a whimper, remaining still in Angeal’s arms, knocking his head back against the older’s chest, huffing softly. “Why didn’t he say anything? We could’ve gone to go get him… Made the apartment ready or- argh!”

Angeal held him closer, one arm wrapping around his waist, the other rubbing slow, calming circles around his chest. “You know him, pup. It’s Cloud. He’s always been like this. He doesn’t know how to ask for help. He’s been trained to survive… Not lean,” he explained simply, knowing that they all knew it. But it was nice to be reminded sometimes, especially during times like this.

“I know. But-” Zack’s voice cracked with frustration and helplessness. “He shouldn’t have to…. He knows he’s not a burden, right? He’s our omega… Our mate. He’s family… He’s…” Zack paused, chest heaving, tears welling in his eyes. “I don’t want him to hurt anymore…”

Seph and Angeal frowned at seeing the usual chaotic alpha showing vulnerability, they both hugged him, assuring things would be okay. That he didn’t have to worry alone. Seph stepped in closer, his hand firmly grounding Zack as it rested on the back of his neck, gently guiding his chin up, kissing him softly on the lips. “He isn’t a burden. And you are right. He shouldn’t have to hurt like this. That’s why we’re here. We take care of him- he knows it. Together.”

Angeal pressed a soft kiss to the crown of Zack’s head, voice low and steady. “And we will. He and Gen are on the way back. Which is what matters the most right now. Them getting back with Cloud collapsing on us. Everything else, we’ll handle one step at a time, like we always do.”

Zack nodded, sniffling as he shut his eyes, trying to compose himself. “Okay… Do you think he went nonverbal?”

“It’s likely. Or he’ll speak in Nibelhiemian,” Sephiroth answered, knowing that their young bird was likely nonverbal. His voice was calm, but laced with that rare softness only his pack ever got to see. He folded the towel that had long been forgotten in his hands with more precision than necessary.

Zack blinked, confused for a second before realisation hit. He had only heard Cloud speaking in his native tongue very rarely so he wasn’t used to it. He and Cloud dated first before Zack had asked him to be a part of the pack. “That’s his first language, right?”

Seph nodded. “Yes. When he’s overwhelmed, distressed, or too deep into sensory overload, he reverts to what feels safest. For Cloud, that would be his mother tongue, or sign language. It’s not conscious. It’s instinct,” explained the General to the younger alpha, brushing his hand along the other’s cheek gently.

Angeal hummed in agreement, his hand still rubbing soothing circles on Zack’s chest. “It’s not common for him to speak in his native tongue. I’ve only heard him speak it a few times, and it’s always when he was deeply shaken. Gen knows some words and phrases, thank Gaia. None of us know what he’s saying so we just assume eighty percent of the time.”

Zack gave a watery laugh, though it was brittle around the edges. “Yeah… I remember the first time he slipped into it. We were curled up on the couch after a mission in Modeoheim. Half asleep, feverish and mumbling things I didn’t understand… I thought he was dreaming. Now I realise he was just trying to feel safe.”

Sephiroth made a noise, eyes going soft, fingers brushing back a stray strand of Zack’s hair. “It’s safe for him. The language- his voice in it- connects him to the roots, to memories before all the trauma. Sometimes, that is all that is needed to anchor one’s self.”

“Cloud has his own name for us, each representing what we all mean to him. Gen told me once that Cloud calls him “sneachta” because Genesis calms him like snowfall. Quiet, soft but grounding,” Angeal remembered, rubbing Zack’s side softly, soothing the younger one as much as he could until their other two pack mates arrived. Zack hummed softly, mumbling something before letting Angeal continue. “He calls me “cloch” which means stone for “mine unshakable foundation”. He knows he can lean on me when everything feels like it’s falling apart.”

“What does he call Seph?” Zack asked the General, mako green eyes sparkling with curiosity.

The General paused, lowering his voice and his gaze flickered over to the doors, searching absently for Genesis and Cloud’s scent. Nothing yet. “He calls me “lann”. It means blade. Not because I’m sharp, but because I protect. I cut down the dark before it can reach him. Or any of you for that matter. I protect the pack.” Silence followed, it wasn’t awkward but it was reverent, intimate. The kind only a bonded pack could understand.

“And you,” Angeal said after a pregnant pause. “Are ‘solas.’”

“What?” Zack blinked.

“Light,” Sephiroth translated simply. “You’re the warmth after the cold, the laughter after silence. When he can’t speak, your voice guides him back.”

Zack made a noise, burying his face in Angeal’s chest again. “Oh, Gaia. I’m gonna cry again.”

“Don’t cry,” Angeal murmured, kissing his cheek softly, perking up when Sephiroth moved away towards the door. A faint scent of wildflowers, old books and something sweet wafted through the wards that had been up on their floor. It was Gen and Cloud- faint, still far but getting closer.

“They’re near. Zack, go get a change of clothes for Cloud,” Sephiroth instructed, moving to dim the lights, knowing if it was bright, it would only agitate the omega even further. Zack nodded, going off to go and do what he was told. Angeal rubbed Sephiroth’s shoulder, stealing a small kiss from his lips before going into their shared bathroom, starting the water, hoping that by the time the other two pack mates arrived, the water would be warm enough. While the two did that, Sephiroth was setting up a few throw pillows on the couch, pulling out the weighted blanket that he knew Cloud enjoyed during bad spells. The one that smelled like the entire pack. Comforting. Familiar. Soothing. A soft knock against the warded front door interrupted Sephiroth’s preparations- light, hesitant.

He heard Genesis then. “It’s us.”

Sephiroth moved over to the door and opened it with no hesitation, stepping back to make room. Genesis greeted Seph with a kiss to his cheek, still holding Cloud as he walked into their apartment, their omega securely in his arms. The omega was curled against him, face pale and drawn, golden lashes low against his flushed cheeks, his breath uneven and shallow. His fingers were still twisted in Gen’s coat, trembling slightly.

“He’s nonverbal,” Genesis answered, knowing what Sephiroth was going to ask. “And in pain. Migraine, overstimulated and probably cramping too. I didn’t want him walking. Stubborn bastard almost collapsed on me.”

Cloud stirred a little at the familiar scent of his alphas, of home. He blinked slowly, sluggish. The scent soothed him immediately and he felt a little more awake, but was still physically exhausted and had reached his mental breaking point. Baby blue eyes searched the room, landing on the three alert alphas. He saw Zack holding an oversized jersey (Angeal’s he assumed) and a pair of pj pants, as well as clean socks and boxers. Angeal had a towel draped over his shoulder- ever the mom of the group- and Sephiroth stood near him and Gen, near the door. He looked up at Genesis, tugging weakly on his coat, then signed he wanted to try and stand without collapsing. Genesis nodded in understanding, shifting his weight and set Cloud down on his feet, one hand on the small of his back, the other under his elbow, at the ready to catch the young Turk.

Sephiroth stepped forward, silent as he stood off to the side just in case he needed to catch them both- his eyes flickered over the Turk, taking in every ounce of his expression, every twitch of discomfort with clinical precision, wrapped with raw concern and worry for their omega. Angeal and Zack stood nearby too, Zack as silent as a mouse as he let the two older alphas handle their omega like fragile glass. In this state, Cloud really was as fragile as glass. One wrong move and it would end with all four alphas in the master bedroom without their omega in their arms. They needed to be careful and deliberate. Genesis had advised Cloud to go slow. Cloud nodded just barely, exhaling through his nose, gathering what strength he had to lift his weight. His black shoes touched the hardwood floor, knees bending slightly, trembling. His muscles- his whole body- screamed in protest, he hadn’t eaten much, nor had he gotten a proper sleep- and now it was catching up. He stood upright for a brief second… Then he felt it.

“Fuck….” Cloud whimpered, feeling a warm sensation trickling down his inner thighs. His body screamed in pain. He needed his alphas, their knot, their warmth, their comfort. He whined in distress, losing balance immediately, hand coming up to rub at his temples, his migraine only worsening. Why was it that his heat just had to start during the worst times? Such as now?! Genesis immediately caught him, wrapping his arms around the omega, catching him before he could fall over completely. His strength was the only thing keeping the younger from falling to the floor, but it wasn’t enough to soothe the visible distress on Cloud’s face. He tensed up, as did the other three alphas. They smelled Cloud’s scent. Their omega was in heat, and as much as they knew he wanted their knots, all three knew that Cloud needed rest first, and comfort. Once that was over, then they would cross that bridge when they got there.

“Easy, love,” Genesis murmured softly, his voice low but comforting, rubbing soothing circles along his back. “We’ve got you…”

Cloud didn’t respond, too lost in the pain that coursed through his body. The scent of his heat was heavy, clouding the air with the smell of rain, sweet honeysuckles, and old parchment. He was breathing in shallow pants, eyes shutting as he trembled in his alpha’s arms. The migraine was becoming unbearable at this point, his body too sensitive to even move properly. The four alphas shared a concerned look, unspoken words that were said between all four. Angeal lightly tugged on Zack’s sleeve, indicating to help him in the other room as the two alphas comforted their omega.

Zack, still reeling from the raw vulnerability of Cloud’s state, blinking a few times as Angeal tugged on his sleeve, his focus back into place. The older’s expression was calm and firm, guiding Zack gently towards the main room, allowing room for the others to have a moment with their omega. Angeal didn’t say anything for a moment, turning off the lights in the bathroom and instead lit a scentless candle. He and Zack prepped both the nest, bath too while the two other alphas were in the foyer comforting, soothing Cloud to stand up or letting one of them carry him into the master bedroom. While Zack helped Angeal around, out in the foyer, Genesis had been able to coax Cloud into standing, hands gentle and sure as they supported his fragile frame.

Cloud’s movements were slow, each step heavy as the last with exhaustion, but with the combined strength of his alphas, he was able to make it to the bedroom. Sephiroth, supporting Cloud’s weight when Genesis stepped away for a moment, guiding him to sit down on the edge of the bed. He frowned when the omega let out a whimper, knowing he was uncomfortable. The General pressed a soft kiss to the latter’s forehead, whispering sweet nothings.

“Who do you want to help you in the bath, mon cher?” Genesis asked gently, helping Cloud out of his turk jacket. Cloud’s baby blue eyes looked at his alpha, scanning around between all four, uncertain. His gaze was uncertain, his body too exhausted to make any sudden movements, but his mind was clouded with confusion and the weight of his heat. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust him- it was the state he was in, overwhelmed by sensations, emotions, and the throbbing in his head. He opened his mouth about to speak then the pain spiked, head falling forward with a sharp wince, making him tremble. He was fighting to stay seated, and even his thoughts felt fuzzy, slipping from his grasp.

“Should we…?” Zack started, unsure if they were going to get a clear answer, getting the response to Genesis’s question. Four taps on the mattress, then the sign name for Genesis. “Okay. He wants you Gen,” he told the red headed man, rocking impatiently on his heels. Angeal placed a hand on his shoulder, soothing him. Genesis nodded, his expression soft and calm as he helped Cloud to his feet again, letting him lean against him for support, murmuring soft words as he led him across the room, cracking the door behind them as they stepped into the bathroom. 

Chapter Text

“Zack, stop pacing,” Angeal said gently, not looking up from his book. He was laying comfortably in the nest, back resting against Sephiroth’s chest, the larger alpha’s arms wrapped loosely around his waist. A pair of slim reading glasses sat on the bridge of his nose, fingers idly flipping a page, though his attention had been off the words for the past several minutes. Zack heard his mate but he didn’t stop immediately, his footsteps continued to echo softly against the wooden floor of the master bedroom as he made yet another anxious lap. His hands were shoved deep in his hoodie pockets, brows knitted together as he mumbled under his breath. His usual bright, playful energy was covered with pure unease.

“I can’t help it…” Zack finally said, dragging a hand through his inky black hair, stopping only to glance towards the closed bathroom door again. “He looked like he was barely there. What if he passes out? What if-” Zack kept thinking about all the “what ifs”, even though he knew their mate was safe. He had Genesis with him. Zack knew that, it didn’t stop the bad thoughts climbing into his head though. The words caught in his throat, catching there like thorns. There were too many what ifs in his head to not pace and worry. Albeit he knew Cloud was safe, he couldn’t stop the fear. Couldn’t stop the helpless feeling clawing at his chest like a second heartbeat. He exhaled through his nose, shaking his head as if to physically dislodge the spiral of thoughts in his head. “I… I hate seeing him like this, Geal. Hate feeling useless and like I’m not enough to…”

Angeal stood promptly, the book now long forgotten on the bed, his glasses still perched on his nose. Sephiroth rose with him, movements just as fluid, though more precise- his sharp gaze locked onto their younger partner with the imagery of a man reading a battlefield. Both alphas had seen this before. The way that Zack’s voice would start to strain, his pacing grew tighter, how shallow his breathing would get. He was on edge. One more shove- mental or emotional- he’d tip into a full panic attack, neither wanted that.

Angeal approached first, reaching for him with little hesitation. His hands found Zack’s shoulders, firm but warm and ground. “Het,” he murmured, his voice meaning to soothe his partner. “You are enough. You always are.” He nuzzled at Zack’s scent glands, letting out a wave of his own scent in hopes it would help soothe the worried alpha. He nibbled lightly on the mark, murmuring something as he nuzzled at the gland again. Sephiroth smirked, and did the same thing, nuzzling the congruent side of the younger’s neck, wrapping his arms around both of his boyfriends. His lips ghosted over the shell of Zack’s ear, leaning closer.

“You are enough, my love. You love us too much, sometimes, and it weighs on you,” he whispered, his breath warm. “You never have to do anything on your own. Hence we are a pack .”

Zack made a choked sound, barely a breath and his body relaxed a little as he sank in between the two larger alphas. The tension in his shoulders slowly went away under their touch, under the grounding weight of their words. Angeal rubbed soft circles on his upper arms while Seph leaned against him from behind, both sealing him in completely. He sighed, not saying anything as he leaned his head against Angeal’s bicep, mumbling something incoherent. Angeal took it as “I’m okay… okay enough to move.” mumble and start moving them back towards the nest. He moved slowly, careful with every step just in case Zack might shatter from anything less than tenderness. Sephiroth followed, one hand on Zack’s waist to guide, the other on the small of Angeal’s back. The three of them moved together, the nest awaiting with soft blankets and mingled scent of all five of them- familiar and grounding.

The youngest alpha didn’t protest as he was eased down into the warm cocoon of blankets. Angeal was at his side instantly, arms open the second he was laying against the pillows, Sephiroth on his left. Zack all but folded into him, burying his face into the older man’s chest, inhaling his comforting scent, his body relaxing as he finally let his eyes droop just a little bit. Zack knew he didn’t need to worry. Cloud was safe. Gen was with him. And he had the rest of the pack too. 

Chapter Text

No more than twenty minutes later, the bathroom door creaked open, steam curling lazily into the cool bedroom air. Genesis stepped out first, wearing nothing but sleep pants, and his hair damp. His expression was unreadable, quiet, too- focused and protective. Just behind him, Cloud trailed, half limp against the red-head’s side. The omega looked barely tethered to the waking world, his movements slow and unsteady, like every step was an effort he had to think about before putting it into action. His skin was flushed, too pale under the warmth of the jersey he was wearing (no doubt it was Angeal’s). His golden hair was damp, curling around the edges too. Sephiroth was the first to notice, stirring slightly from where he was laying beside Angeal. His eyes were heavy from rest, but quickly sharpened when he saw their omega. He rose quickly, ignoring the sound of protest from his mates as he got out of bed, shivering slightly from the cold air hitting his bare chest. He approached the two, slow and cautious, smiling rarely at his youngest partner.

Cloud didn’t look as bad as he had earlier, but he was still in pain. His brows furrowed, pinched, a soft crease between his eyes, betraying the lingering migraine and every few steps, he winced ever so slightly- heat cramps still gnawing on him. The soft cotton of Angeal’s jersey hugged his small frame- frowning him in it but he didn’t care. He leaned his head against his mate’s side, fighting the urge to sleep. Sephiroth saw this and opened his arms, allowing the omega to come to him at his own pace. Blinking slowly, the omega’s glassy blue eyes locked onto Seph’s magenta eyes. His lips parted as though he wanted to say something but no words came out. Instead, his knees buckled slightly and before he fell, Genesis caught him. Sephiroth strode over and wrapped his arms around the two, stealing a kiss from the red head then he scooped Cloud into his arms, frowning at how light the other was.

“You did well, little one,” Sephiroth murmured to Cloud, pressing his lips to Cloud, stealing a soft kiss from the exhausted omega in his arms. The blonde let out a content purr. The four alphas perked up at hearing the sound- it was a good sign that Cloud was settling down. Even if it was small, it was better than nothing. Cloud tucked his nose against Sephiroth’s scent glands, inhaling the alpha’s comforting scent, barely opening his eyes as he snuggled against the oldest of the pack.

Sephiroth kissed the crown of his head, walking back towards the nest where he carefully lowered Cloud into the centre of their nest. The younger barely stirred when he was laid down, instinctively reaching out for warmth. Zack curled up the blonde, snaking his arm around his waist and nuzzled his scent gland, kissing the sensitive skin there lightly. Angeal was behind Zack, holding the younger closer to his chest. Genesis climbed in behind Angeal, tucking himself around the taller alpha, letting out a content growl. Sephiroth then draped his arms around Cloud’s waist, praising him lightly, rubbing soft circles on his abdomen where he knew it was the most painful. Pressing a kiss to the top of the blonde’s head, he held his omega close. Zack kissed Cloud on the cheek, curling up to the peacefully sleeping omega, closing his eyes, growling low in his throat possessively. Angeal made sure the two youngest were asleep- ironically enough Genesis was knocked out the same time as Zack, snoring slightly in his sleep. He pressed the back of his hand to the red head’s cheek, leaning his head back to kiss the crown of his head, murmuring “love you, dork,” smiling tiredly. He and Sephiroth were the only ones awake now. Their eyes met in the dim light from the moon coming into the bedroom from the closed curtains- a quiet understanding passing between them with no words to be spoken. Around them, the nest was together- breathing with life, love and safety. Cloud was resting. Zack and Genesis were secure. The pack was whole again, if only for the moment.

Angeal let his head fall back on the pillow, exhaling deeply, one hand still resting on Zack’s waist. Seph remained still for a moment longer, his hand on Cloud’s hip never ceasing, his expression softened in a way only his pack ever got to see. “Sleep, silver,” Angeal murmured to the General, peering an eye open at the silver haired alpha. With a tired smile, the black haired alpha leaned over the two in the middle, kissing Sephiroth on the lips lightly. “I love you.”

Sephiroth hummed, kissing Angeal before laying his head down, wrapping his arms around Cloud, holding their omega close to his chest, making sure he was safe. He knew the pack was safe. He knew that, but there was always that nagging….

Ignoring it for now, the silver haired alpha finally let himself rest, knowing his pack was safe. That their Cloud was safe.

Chapter Text

2:30 am

It was barely three in the morning when Zack started to shift in his sleep, twisting and turning like a restless puppy caught in a dream chase. Somewhere between one roll and a low, muffled snore, he ended up between Genesis and Angeal- half laying on Angeal, his other half sprawled across the redhead beside him. Angeal grunted, used to Zack moving around in his sleep, and because of this, he was desensitised to his nightly flailing. Then a sharp jab from Zack’s elbow came in contact with his ribs? The older alpha grumbled something but was otherwise unphased, letting out a deep unconscious exhale, wrapping an arm around his younger partner, steadying the younger man. The omega stirred in his sleep, shuffling closer to Sephiroth, half awake and half asleep due to hearing, feeling Zack move in his sleep, but he didn’t let it bother him- trying to get some sleep. Genesis grumbled as he shifted himself, half laying on the bed, half off the bed, not realising it…. Until Zack managed to shove him completely off the bed.

The redhead had been sleeping soundly, limbs skewed, blanket half stolen from Angeal, and was clinging to the edge of the bed like a disgruntled cat. Despite being shoved to the side of the bed during the night, Genesis had somehow managed to find a strange sort of comfort hanging half off the mattress- like a corpse laid to rest in a coffin. One arm dangling, his hair created a halo of red silk around his head. He didn’t take notice how he was laying until he was met with a sharp jab from Zack’s foot, hitting him squarely in the ribs like he’d been kicked from a chocobo on caffeine. The impact wasn’t gentle. It was forceful, enough to knock the breath out of him…. And send him toppling over the edge of the bed in a flurry of blankets and limbs. A loud, undignified, audible THUD followed through.

“ SON OF A- ZACKARY! ” Genesis’s voice echoed through the bedroom like a thunderclap. He sat up with a groan, propping himself up on his arms, rubbing the back of his head where he had collided painfully with the hardwood floor. The loud noise startled the black haired alpha, shifting a little and opened his eyes groggily. 

“Hm? Gen…?” Zack yawned as he sat up and looked at the redhead, who was staring daggers at him. “What’re you doin’ on the floor?” He was sleepy, groggy at that too, rubbing his eyes, he pushed a hand through his hair, voice thick with sleep too.

“What am I- you kicked me!” Genesis hissed, through the blankets off of him, sitting on his knees, scowling at the other alpha. “You’re such a dog in your sleep. You move-.”

While those two were arguing, Cloud was wide awake and boy was he in a pissy mood. His back was to them, still curled close to Seph who’d tucked him protectively under his chin. The sharp rise in his breathing and tension in his shoulder made it clear as day that the omega was not amused, not in the slightest. Nor was he amused by this. He had tried. Key word being tried, to ignore it. Reminding himself that Zack hadn’t meant it and Gen was dramatic as always, let alone at two in the fucking morning. However, when they started arguing- Genesis throwing a pillow at Zack too-, he felt all strings holding him down breaking. Slowly…. Then he snapped. He had enough.

Now mind you. A pissed off Cloud is never a good thing. And he was terrifying when he was pissed off, as he was now. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, wearing a scowl as baby blue eyes bore into the two, very much awake alphas. In all honesty, it was only making his headache worsen, especially when he WAS TRYING TO SLEEP. His voice, then, cut through like Seph’s sword. Sharp and cold. “It is barely three in the fucking morming and you two are acting children!”

Zack flinched at how harsh the words were, and Genesis went stiff as a board as he’d just been caught in the middle of a crime scene. The air was heavy with tension, thick and cold.

“Do I even…. No, I don’t want to know what happened,” Cloud hissed, his voice low but lethal, rubbing his temple and his jaw was tight. “Because I know whatever explanation you have is only to piss me the fuck off even more.” He glared at Zack when he saw him open his mouth. “Don’t.” Cloud growled. “Not. One. Word, Zackary.”

Zack sank back down, falling silent. Genesis was quiet for once- though he did have the nerve to look mildly offended, arms crossed as if he were the victim in this.

“I am tired. I am sore. I’ve had at least four, maybe less than four hours of sleep this whole week, and I was finally comfortable!” Cloud snarled, eyes narrowing at his partners. “And instead of acting like grown men, you two are acting like children. In the middle of the night.” He then pointed to the door. “Out. Both of you- out. Sleep in your own rooms. You can apologise to me in the morning- if I’m still speaking to you.”

The two looked like schoolboys caught by the principal, both having matching guilting expressions as they detangled from the mess of limbs and blankets. Zack hung back a moment, murmuring a soft “love you” to all three before he and Genesis quietly left the main bedroom, going into Genesis’s room instead. Cloud didn’t specify that he didn’t want them to sleep together (they all slept better if at least one of them was with them). The blonde groaned, running his hands through his spikey hair, blowing a stray piece from his eyes. He fell back onto the bed like a corpse returning to the grave. Sephiroth was behind him still, reaching out and pulling him back to his chest, humming softly.

“Remind me to cut off their dicks if they do this again? Also, how the hell is Geal not bothered by this shit?! I swear, they are worse than rooming with Reno,” Cloud whined, curling up to the two remaining alphas in the master bed.

Sephiroth laughed softly, his hand rubbing soft circles on the omega’s abdomen, soothing. “Mmm.. Angeal has a sixth sense… Or perhaps is used to the pup’s antics,” he answered, eyes still closed as he kissed the other on his collarbone, holding him close to his chest. “I’d help you with whatever you are thinking about, little one, but you need rest.”

Cloud hummed in agreement, rubbing his eyes and letting his eyes shut, curled up to both Angeal and Genesis, hoping to get some shut eye. Gaia, he loved the two, but sometimes, they could be a bit much. This being one of those times. He held onto the fact they would apologise. If they didn’t, well. We’ll see where that goes. In the meantime, the omega was in a deep sleep.

~~~~
The following morning- 8:45 am

Cloud woke to familiar voices, and the subtle feeling of his heat oncoming. Lovely. He was pretty sure it was pre-heat… He was still too tired to figure it out. The scent of something being cooked had managed to wake him up a little more than he was beforehand. His body stirred, a familiar discomfort as he slowly shifted into a half sitting position. For now he ignored it. He felt sluggish, drained from lack of sleep, and stress of the night before. The scent of whatever was being cooked- pancakes maybe?- was the only thing that managed to drag him further out of his drowsiness. Blinking blearily, he rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand before letting his head fall back against the pillows. A quiet whimper escaped his lips as a sharp cramp twisted through his lower abdomen, the kind that made his stomach flutter unpleasantly. He squeezed his thigh together instinctively, already feeling slick dribble down his inner thighs.

“Of course…” he mumbled bitterly, voice rough with sleep and irritation. Of course, his body was screaming at him to get his alphas’ knots but he knew he was physically exhausted from the rough week and lack of sleep. Not now. He would when he wasn’t so exhausted. From the kitchen, he could hear Zack’s cackle and Genesis’s exasperated drawl. Cloud gritted his teeth. He loved them, he did. But right now, he wanted to strangle both of them with the frying pan. Finally peeling himself out of bed, swinging his legs over the side of the bed, immediately getting hit with the smell of syrup and eggs, and maybe coffee?

“Gaia save me…” Cloud grumbled, stumbling to his feet and grabbed the closest hoodie and change of pants- likely one of Sephirpoth’s. He held a pair of clean socks and boxers too, deciding to get changed before he walked out. He may or may not have grabbed a little something to substitute for the absence of his alphas’ knots. Shuffling into the bathroom, laying the clean clothes on the counter as he shut the door with a soft click behind him, he leaned on the counter for a second, ignoring the pain in his lower abdomen for a moment, letting the worst of it pass before he turned the water on. Ten minutes, that’s all the blonde needed to regenerate whatever energy he had left, and face his alphas.

Ten minutes. That’s all. Maybe a little more….

After Cloud had showered, looking a little more woken up than he had been beforehand, stifling a small groan when the toy pressed against him, mimicking one of his mates thrusting into him. He’d slipped it in when he was in the shower. It wasn’t remotely close, but it was a good enough substitute until he knew he was ready for the real thing. Cloud slipped on the hoodie- Genesis’s. It smelled like roses, old books, spice and the faintest note of cherry wine- rich and dramatic, just like the man himself. The omega let out a content purr as the warm fabric rubbed against his bare skin, comforting in a way only something deeply familiar could be. The red head’s scent clung to it like a second skin, easily wrapping around him with possessive ease, grounding him. Not thinking much about anything else, the voices were growing louder from the kitchen, more animated. Cloud really didn’t want to know why he heard Zack’s offended yelp and a crash. Pulling on his socks, stepping into the soft pants, he ran a hand through his damp, blonde hair, glancing at the mirror one last time before opening the door to the bathroom.

Walking out of the master bedroom, the omega stepped into the hallway and was hit with the mixed smells of his mates and food being cooked. The hallway smelled like vanilla and cedar from Angeal, lavender and spice from Sephiroth, the sweet chaos of syrup and burnt toast, and the sweet scent of Genesis’s cologne that clung to the hoodie he was wearing. It all tugged at instincts and irritation alike. Cloud’s footsteps were slow, and his expression? Flat, undreable, save for the faintest tension in his jaw. He ignored the toy he’d slipped in, as it didn’t bring much change to his mood. When he reached the kitchen, conversation fell into a tense silence. His presence was like a cold wind through the room- unspoken but heavy. Zack, ever eager, perked up and as though nothing had happened, taking a step forward, hands half raised to give the blonde a hug, only to be yanked back from the collar of his shirt.

“Not now, puppy,” Seph advised, rubbing the other’s shoulder, seeing the look on the omega’s face, having a feeling that the man didn’t want to be bothered by either Zack or Genesis at the moment.

“But-.” Zack pouted, giving Cloud his best puppy dog eyes. Cloud didn’t even look!

“Don’t go poking the bear, babe,” Genesis chimed in from where he was leaning against the counter, watching the interaction, arms folded across his chest, jaw tight. Cloud snarled, a warning. The sharp glint in his baby blue eyes was more than enough to shut the redhead up, bitter and biting. Genesis’s expression changed- frustration and guilt dancing behind his practiced calm, but before he could get a word out, the omega’s glare cut him off. A storm was barely being contained in those pretty blue orbs. Turning away from the two, Cloud crossed the room, ignoring Zack’s kicked puppy look and Genesis’s sigh, making a beeline to Angeal whom was flipping pancakes. The older man didn’t need to turn as their omega approached, he didn’t need to- he knew.

Cloud slipped behind him, wordless, and wrapped his arms around the man’s broad waist, burying into the warmth, pressing his nose between his shoulder blades. The warmth, cedar, vanilla- Angeal- was grounding, comforting, anchoring, safe. He let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding, muscles slowly loosening as he sank into the embrace. Angeal reached back, his hand brushing over Cloud’s wrist in silent acknowledgement. No words. Just touch.

It had been quiet for a few minutes- comfortable, if a little tense. Angeal had turned off the stove, and Cloud now sat perched on the counter, a mug of coffee nestled in his hands. The smell of breakfast and cedarwood grounding him. Zack opened his mouth once, then closed it, fidgeting. Looked at Seph and Angeal. Neither said a word, just exchanged a knowing glance with Cloud before wordlessly focusing on plating food. Finally Zack spoke up, his voice was softer than usual. “Cloud? … I want to apologise for earlier this morning…” Cloud looked up, blue eyes on green. He didn’t say anything so Zack pressed on. “We were out of line. I knew you were exhausted and your head was killing you, and I still pushed it. I shouldn’t have egged things on like I did. I’m sorry, Cloud.”

There was a pause, then Cloud’s lips quirked into a faint, tired smile. “I can’t stay mad at you two forever. But maybe don’t test my patience when I’m having a rough week?” He looked between the two. “Please?”

Zack gave a quick, eager nod, relief washing over his body and without hesitation, he stepped forward, pulling Cloud into his arms. He held him in a tight hug, kissing and showering him in affection. He didn’t speak- didn’t need to. Cloud let out a low, content purr, the vibration deep in his chest, echoing through the kitchen, leaning into the younger alpha’s touch. His arms came around the other’s waist, holding him just as tightly. His eyes shut for a moment, just breathing and letting himself be surrounded by the four men he loved. Then, he opened his eyes and silently reached for the other three- his hand outstretched, silently asking them to be a part of the hug. Even though he was pissed, he didn't want distance. He wanted all of his boys.

“Love you…” Cloud murmured, purring as he was embraced in all limbs, being held tightly. He could work with this. As chaotic as they all were, he loved all four no matter what. They were his mates, and couldn't really get rid of them even if he tried. He leaned up and kissed each of them on the lips. “I love you,”he whispered to all of them again.

“Love you too, my heart,” Genesis whispered.

“I love you.” Angeal.

“Aw! I love you too, Cloudy!” Zack.

“And I you, little one. I love you.” Sephiroth.

Yeah. He loved them.