#YES THE BED CAN FIT THEM I WILL MAKE IT FIT THEM shshshshshshhz

[prismaticpichu]

This concept WON’T pay rent or leave my brain.

~

ZackSeph Nibelheim au wherein Zack and Seph are sharing a room at the inn. Zack’s brow is furrowed in distressed, tossing and turning as he lays gripped in the haunting talons of a nightmare. A prophetic nightmare where he sees Seph turning against him—turning against everyone—laughing like a maniac with an unrecognizable blaze in his eyes, with a blood-bathed Masamune in his hand as he viciously attacks him without mercy. Seph… he’s mumbling in his sleep. Please… it’s me… Please… don’t…

Suddenly, tender hands are shaking him awake, shattering the nightmare. Zack’s eyes flare open to see Sephiroth standing over him, concern etched deep on his features. The boy’s breath is erratic, panicked; it takes several beats for it to find rhythm again, remnants of the nightmare clinging to him like the glistening pearls beading his lashes. Sephiroth asks what’s wrong—why his friend was calling his name. Zack is hesitant to respond, swallowing. But he eventually gives in as Sephiroth remains by his side, patient and assuring, a comforting presence that soothes his soul like balm. He explains his nightmare, spilling his terror. His emotions. Throat nearly closing as he struggles to finish the conclusion—the bloody gleam of Masamune, the way Seph had speared her through his—

As Zack’s voice trails off, shaking, Sephiroth face softens into an empathetic ache. He reaches out to brush the tears from Zack’s eyes, catching them with tender fingers. It’s just a nightmare… he assures kindly. It’s all alright now. But Zack isn’t fully assuaged; something about it all was too real, too vivid. Already stabbed with the pain of betrayal, having to fight a friend to the death… it’s just too much to think about his last remaining rock turning against him. Seeing his distress, Sephiroth gathers the boy into a warm embrace, holding him close, sinking onto the edge of the bed as Zack burrows into his chest. Listening to his heartbeat, wrapping his arms around him in turn. Clinging.

Shhh…. It’s alright. I’m here. You’re safe.

I thought… I thought I lost you. You didn’t even recognize me.

Sephiroth only holds him tighter.

They stay like that for a long, nebulous stretch of time, until Zack’s breathing begins to steady, until his eyes begin to close. As sleep begins to claim the boy again, Sephiroth carefully tucks him back under the covers, ensuring his comfort and warmth. Pulling the sheets up to his shoulders and slowly pulling away.

As he turns around, ready to return to bed, Zack’s eyes creak open.

Seph... would you... stay with me?

There’s a beat, a moment of stillness. But one that is quickly broken. Understanding the depth of his friend’s turmoil, Sephiroth returns nothing but a slow, kind nod, sliding into the bed beside his friend and wrapping his arms protectively around him. Zack nestles deep into the embrace, finding solace in the familiar warmth and sanctuary.

It’s my job to protect you, Zack… You know that. I won’t let anything harm you.

Zack nestles closer, sinking deeper into his best friend’s arms as a dreamless slumber begins to wash over him… safe and sound with a steady heartbeat pressed against his own.

…I don’t know what I’d do without you.

Sephiroth holds him tighter, protecting his treasure.

And you will never have to find out. I promise.

~

Does he find out? Does Sephiroth go insane, or does Zack remind him of the promise he made as Jenova attempts to claim him? Does their love break her control? Does Sephiroth choose his best friend over his book, keeps his vows over learning the twisted truth?

Well… I’m me. I think the answer is obvious <3

#YES THE BED CAN FIT THEM I WILL MAKE IT FIT THEM shshshshshshhz #sephiroth #ffvii #zack fair #crisis core #ff7 #jenova #angeal hewley #nibelheim incident #floof #floofcanon #late night floof #my beans