[FF7][SC] Star Flower

The matter of Claude lingered in Angel's mind.

He lay on his back on the bed in the small hotel, his posture was quite satisfactory, and then he couldn't fall asleep for a long time.The quilt cover in the countryside is very soft, but it is also very loose. Through the thin cloth, you can feel the balls of cotton wadding rolling inside. On rainy days, there is a faint, stale sweet smell, and sometimes Angel will Smelled it on the old man, but not sure what it was coming from.He closed his eyes and opened them again, but the darkness in front of him remained unchanged. Unlike Midgar's night, there was no light in Nibelheim's rainy night.

The rain slapped on the window, seeping into the pattering tide, Angel closed his eyes again.

Then he turned up suddenly, skipped the broad sword leaning on the bed, and went straight to lift the old lattice window. The excessively abundant rain in summer rushed towards his face, making it hard to keep his eyes open, and his whole body was soaked in an instant.Angel squinted his eyes, grabbed a cold little hand against the shower, and closed the window in one go.

"Can't you knock on the door... This is the second floor!"

It took some time to dry the wet little guy.In fact, Angel should have taken him to a hot bath, but the room didn't have a private bathroom.He ordered the boy to take off the dripping clothes, took out the clean uniform from the luggage, wiped his body roughly, and finally stuffed the boy into the bed—there was still some body heat—and then went to check the thermos bottle How much hot water is left in the tank.

The lights came on.The sound of footsteps back and forth made the wooden pavilion creak, but downstairs is the lobby, which will not disturb anyone's sleep.

Claude was still a little dazed when holding the iron cup.He sniffed the hot tea, and then felt his palms were slightly hot, so he retracted his hands under the quilt, held them through a thick layer, sipped, and at the same time observed the expressions of the special forces.

The water damage by the window is irreversible, and Angel is planning to make an excuse for forgetting to close the window tomorrow, and there will be a burst of complaints.After tidying up all the messy traces, he pulled over the heavy old-fashioned high-backed chair, clasped his hands on his open knees, leaned forward slightly, but didn't know where to start.

Gossip was enough for what he wanted to know, Claude Strife, that woman's child, was like thousands of unfortunate children, but there were too many differences.Angel was not sure what to do with such a precocious and guarded child. Even if he was a reliable officer and friend, it didn't mean he could handle other difficulties as well.

Finally, Claude broke the silence.

"The wolf is gone."

"What?" Angel didn't tense all of a sudden, his serious expression cracked.

Claude hesitated for a moment—Angel could see that he hesitated this time, "There is a pack of wolves in the Moko furnace..."

"You went to the Moko Furnace again." Angel said affirmatively.This time Claude looked down, Angel didn't know whether it meant sorry, ashamed or indifferent, but it didn't matter, this matter can be discussed later. "So you climbed up to the second floor in heavy rain and danger, just to discuss a litter of wolf cubs with me? Don't do that, look at me. If you need help, you have to say it directly, I can't guess it." I felt my tone again. Not very good, he slowed down his speech, "It's not a shame to ask for help, never."

The blue eyes looked up suddenly, then quickly dimmed again, the loss was so obvious, "You're leaving tomorrow, aren't you?"

"Yes. But it can be postponed, if necessary. Is there anything I can do?"

There was the expected silence, but Angel knew he would have an answer if it really mattered.

Angel is also observing Claude.His concern is not without reason.Angel has always admired those who work hard, and this kid has everything he likes, even too much, so he can't help but want to give it a go.

"Mom needs better doctors, and I need a lot of money." Claude said.He thought carefully and prepared a full set of speeches, otherwise he would not be so smooth, "Let's make a deal."

Angel digested it for a while, the passage itself was straightforward, but that's why it seemed strange, "How old are you?"

"Six...seven years old."

Angel didn't notice the weird pause in the words. It wasn't until later when he went to register the information that he was surprised to find that this day was Claude's birthday, which was followed by helplessness and annoyance.Now he just recalls what it was like when he was seven years old, it seems like he was jumping on frogs in the field?He also remembered the foolishness of tying the little frogs around the field and hooking the bigger ones.

Precocious is not enough to describe it, but it is not unacceptable to have examples like Sephiroth.

Seeing that Angel was thinking, Claude put down his cup and lifted the quilt, dragged his "sweater dress" and jumped out of bed, and raised the thing he had been holding quietly to Angel.

Angel's expression changed.

It was a summoning magic stone.Things that should not appear in Claude's hands.

"Where did you get it?" Angel asked seriously.He pinched the exquisite red ball with three fingers, then rolled it in the palm of his hand to observe.A slight heat flowed, and he didn't dare to summon it casually, but he also understood that this was not a magic stone in the usual sense. "Do you know what this is?" He thought of another question, but it was not as important as the magic stone itself.

"Magic stone. I picked it up in the water tower."

Angel waited for a while, but did not wait for the next sentence, "That's it?"

"I'm not lying." Claude looked at Angel calmly.

"No, I'm not..." Angel hesitated, then sighed helplessly, "Well, I really don't believe it, you have to tell me the truth, otherwise I won't agree to any request." As soon as the words came out Angel felt a little regretful, he Get used to giving orders.But after thinking about it, there is no better way, so I can only wait quietly for the answer.

Is it a traveler?Or absconding thieves?

"That's the truth."

"Then find a way to convince me." Angel frowned, surprised at the child's stubbornness, "Claude, think about it, if I told you this, would you believe it?"

Claude stared at Angel, his glass-like inorganic blue eyes unblinking, making Angel feel uncomfortable - he must firmly convince himself that he did nothing wrong, otherwise there will always be an illusion of bullying a child.

"I understand." Claude said softly, without any emotion, "Give it back to me."

This is really unexpected.

Angel didn't know what to say, seeing Claude stretch out his begging hand, he had no choice but to put the magic stone back.That's not what he meant... Didn't he want to reject him, isn't his tone that bad?

"Mrs. Strife...?"

"I will trade with others." Answered almost immediately, as if he had expected such an ending early in the morning, Claude nodded, "Thank you for your help, the money cannot be returned to you for the time being, but I will remember it .”

"and many more……"

"Can I stay a little longer? Wait for the rain—"

"No." Angel interrupted him roughly.Claude shut his mouth and immediately began to undress without saying a word.Realizing that he was going to change into his own wet clothes and go back, Angel pursed his lips tightly, his tough features were extremely gloomy, and he stretched out his hand to pull the clothes back. "Go back to hell! Listen to others!" Seeing Claude standing blankly, he scratched his hair irritably, then stood up and wanted to throw the boy back on the bed.

Claude shrank away from Angel's hand.

An awkward silence spread among them, and Angel suddenly realized what he was doing just now.He was not wrong, he just couldn't believe it, and no one else could believe it.But many things are not defined by right or wrong, his purpose is to help this child, not to push him away.

"I...I'm sorry." His tone was hesitant and helpless, he withdrew his hand, if this could make the boy relax, "This topic is over. I promise you."

Claude's face was even more confused, "Why?"

"I don't want to know where you got it, it's pointless, I'm not a businessman, I don't want to get more. I'm just worried that the process will not harm you. If not, stop here. But you can't Trading is too dangerous, so I promise you."

"I don't know."

"Is there a problem?"

Claude stared blankly at Angel, or someone who looked like Angel, he looked so sad.For a moment, Angel felt that his eyes shone brightly, as if he was about to cry. The confusion and grievance made people feel distressed, but they were soon replaced by indifference. "That's not important. You agreed, and now the magic stone is yours."

Angel nodded, their conversation finally took a step forward, there is no need to get entangled in this matter.He leans back in his chair, his posture less serious and more spaced out. "And then?" He didn't think Claude would have no idea, but... social skills are really worrying, "Where can I find a doctor? How will I live after that?"

His delicate eyebrows were slightly frowned, and he didn't understand the meaning of this question, but when Angel thought he would not get an answer, the boy said, "Look for a hospital in a nearby big city." It sounded reasonable, but the next sentence Angel was caught off guard, "It's too late, I just hope she can leave safely."

After answering, Claude looked at him quietly, as if waiting for the next question.Those eyes are like glass beads, reminding Angel of the dolls displayed in the cabinet, on top of the disc, you can always see them in shops full of gems and fabrics.Angel didn't look away. Even though it made him uncomfortable, he still tried to find some traces in it—traces other than depression, loss, and indifference.He feels that what should exist is like a kindling in embers, which needs a wind and a dry stalk.

Words are untrustworthy, only actions can prove everything, and Angel is meticulous enough and stubborn enough.

"Do you know?" Angel suddenly said, "I've never seen anyone living as hard as you."

Human nature is the most vulnerable thing.There are so many misfortunes in this world, and countless people struggle with the instinct to live, but few of them can live like human beings.But this brat is so stubborn, he won't let himself or Angel feel better.The nostalgia for his mother, the insistence on responsibility, and the resistance to life keep him firmly on the edge of human beings, like sharp rushes emerging from the snow, life is so tenacious.

But also so fragile.

Life has been so unfair to him, what will happen if his mother is taken away?Angel didn't want to know at all.He only knows one thing, that is, Claude is not the kind of person who can live alone.

"You deserve a better life and a wider world. Have you ever thought about studying? You may have seen many children hate going to school or even skipping classes, but that is a very important thing." Angel is as gentle as possible , and then softly, "You also need to play, be friends with children of the same age, and have some hobbies... You may not be interested now, but it will be of great help..."

The lack of response made the conversation a lot like a soliloquy.Angel didn't feel embarrassed, he just felt that his performance was not good enough to make Claude give birth to even a little yearning for the outside world. "You don't have to worry about money either... I'm not giving you alms. Midgar has a military school, which is subsidized and provides loans. If you want, I can provide a guarantee..." After a pause, Angel carefully mentioned That sensitive topic, "The most important thing is that there is a lot of experience in the treatment of Mako poisoning."

Tears filled Claude's eyes, this time Angel was right.He fluttered his eyelashes, didn't blink, he didn't want tears to fall.Finally, unwillingly, he buried his face in Angel's sweater and wiped off the warm liquid.

God...he's so beautiful...so beautiful... Angel held his breath and looked into Claude's teary eyes.He wanted to see more, this child should have this kind of expression, cry when he wants to cry, laugh when he wants to, instead of being oppressed by suffering to hide all his emotions.If he had any doubts about making a hasty decision before, now——he didn't at all.

"I..." Claude looked away, turned back to look at Angel, and looked away again, "I don't understand."

This answer again?But Angel was very patient. He knew that he had found a breakthrough and was about to touch the soft heart of the boy.

"Then ask, and I'll answer."

"Is it worth it?" Claude lowered his head and asked softly.

"What's worth it?"

"It's not going to do you any good and cause a lot of trouble. It's not worth it. So you shouldn't be doing it."

"...It's really not worth it." Angel said sincerely.

He was surprised to find that, even if he didn't quite understand Cloud's thoughts, he could recognize certain emotions at this moment, which were too obvious and strong-shame, self-loathing, and strange relaxation.Like a stray wild dog, scarred, suspicious and terrified of any kindness, ready to lose everything.

Yet so longing that a little kindness from someone else could make him cry.

"But I want to do it."

he heard himself say.

The world has never been kind.

He had an unsatisfactory childhood, a terrible teenage years, and a "fucking" mess as an adult, as Sid described it.The world showed him its cruel side prematurely, taught him to guard against and doubt, shrink back and reject, but it also taught him the invaluability of kindness.He's always surrounded by people who are willing to reach out, and Zack, Alice, Tifa, and many others have now met Angel.He understood that some people were indeed noble and helpful, and their concern was genuine.

It's just...it's just that he can't take it.

So precious, so beautiful.

That is not something he can have, and once he tries to hold it in the palm of his hand, he will always lose it quickly.If the loss is so painful, at first

Claude looked at Angel hesitantly and even in fear.The special forces were standing in front of him, carefully examining his body for any missing wounds.His eyes are carefully focused, and "I'm worried" is written all over every blink.Finally, Angel breathed a sigh of relief, and met Claude's eyes again.

"Want to go back with me?" He didn't say anything extra, just asked with a smile.

Claude opened his mouth slightly, but couldn't say a word, as if any sound would shatter the dream in front of him.He wanted to walk over, but immediately suppressed the urge, he couldn't go any further, and should reject Angel now.

He desperately found that he couldn't control himself at all, he took a small step unconsciously, and then quickly retracted as if burning.

The smile gradually expanded, this signal was enough.Claude may not be able to walk, but Angel can.He hooked the boy's shoulders with his big hands, firmly pressed him to his chest and gave him a bear hug, lowered his head to kiss his hair, and then stroked along his back over and over again.

Got you.

He seemed to say so.

The smell of smoke, and a little sweaty smell, but it is a reassuring smell.

Claude closed his eyes, hot emotions boiling in his chest, now that there was no fear, he almost shuddered with joy.He knew he could never leave again.So he stretched out his hands, hugged Angel's neck tightly, and buried his face in the socket of his neck.The bitter and pungent taste of Moko still remained in his mouth, but this time he no longer hated this disgusting feeling, and no longer remembered the helpless days and nights in the laboratory. He only remembered that now that he had obtained the right to hug Angel, the whole world Everything has changed.

Gaia...is it really okay to be so happy...does he really have the qualifications...

"I'm sorry, Claude." A steady voice came from the top of his head, and Angel's deep voice was full of strange magic, "If you don't want to say it, don't say it, I won't ask again, just don't worry me so much, I don't want to lose You. I just want to know, can I be your family? Will you give me this chance?"

"Angel," the boy's soft voice sounded as he shook his head slightly, "please take me home."

He felt that his eyelids were getting heavier and his consciousness was getting more and more confused.The night of entanglement with Sephiroth exhausted all his physical strength, and the excessive information in Mako also consumed his spirit.But he couldn't lower his vigilance in front of Sephiroth, he couldn't expose his weakness, that person couldn't be Sephiroth.Strangely, he was only now tired...but tiredness was good...he knew he was safe, not just now, but what had been weighing on his mind all along was gone.

Fatigue is a lazy comfort that takes him deeper into chaos.The strength of hugging him, the hand on the back, the strong heartbeat, everything is so just right.He uncontrollably relaxed his body, leaned his weight on Angel, and let out a contented sigh.

"Please do this...I like it very much...I want to do this..."

Angel's arms sank, he shook slightly, and found that Claude was asleep.

He looked up, and his silver-haired friend was staring at him with folded arms, as if he was about to say something.It's all like this, isn't it?Before speaking, he stared at the subject who hesitated to speak, even the general was no exception.But Sephiroth didn't say it in the end—at least he didn't say what he wanted to say, he just shrugged indifferently, "Now he's yours, please."

"Sephiroth, it's really—"

"Don't say that word to me."

"But I still have to say, thank you. I know it was done for me, even though it might come easily to you, but I can't take it for granted." Angel tried to move Claude so he could sleep more naturally. , but he found that although he fell asleep, the hands around his neck were still tight, and there was no way to change the boy to a more comfortable position.He smiled helplessly, and hugged Claude like this. "I'll talk to you again, see you later."

Sephiroth was noncommittal, he knew that Angel was such a troublesome person in a sense.But this matter is really nothing, and it is rare for him to spend such a pleasant night, maybe he wants to thank Angel.

But at the same time he was very confused.

From his point of view, this is what happened.Angel asked Claude if he would like to go back, there was a moment of silence, a hug...then the matter suddenly ended.So what exactly happened?Sephiroth admitted that he really doesn't understand ordinary people's affairs, but he has never experienced such a deep gap, as if two aliens were standing in front of him, completing a complicated conversation in a way he didn't know.But he definitely felt something in the air change, warmer and softer and more relaxing.Although he didn't understand it, he felt this comfortable taste.

Cloud has always had the ability to complicate things.

Complexity is not necessarily a bad thing.

"Angel," he said suddenly, with a thoughtful expression, "is it always like this? It's always so...difficult to get close to someone?" The tangled relationship between Angel and Claude made him I can't help but be speechless, maybe the situation has become simpler now, but the process is still too difficult, if compared with dealing with a giant horn or a Midgar python.

Angel paused as he left, this was the first time he heard Sephiroth ask about this. "Not necessarily..." He said hesitantly, unable to think of any explanation for a while, "But Safi, in fact, Claude is not half as difficult as you."

Angel's deadpan humor is as bad as ever.

About two weeks after the terrorist attack, the aftermath gradually subsided.During this period, there was only a small round of demonstrations, but Shinra, who has always upheld a high-pressure policy, did not suppress it, perhaps because their remarks were beneficial to Shinra.Anger was poured on the Wutai people, and more weapons, supplies, and soldiers were sent to the battlefield. "The Shinra side has a firm advantage" and "the situation is very good" are official statements, but in fact, there is no specific news of victory, and the war has fallen into a stalemate to some extent.Considering Shinra's technology, manpower, and material support, the status quo is beyond everyone's expectations. The Wutai people somehow managed to overcome the harsh conditions and successfully dragged Shinra into the quagmire of the protracted war.

However, to Midgar who was separated by a continent, this was nothing more than an insignificant matter.People who can't understand the cruelty of war are immersed in the joyous atmosphere before Christmas, waiting for the peaceful and peaceful gathering on Christmas Eve.

Rufas hummed intermittently while chewing gum, strolling on the wide and clean streets, the snow had already been swept away by the workers.He was wearing a down jacket he bought casually on the road, padded jeans, and non-distinctive sneakers. He looked no different from any big boy from an ordinary family.There were not many people on the street. After all, it was working hours, and the cold wind made his face a little stiff.He kind of misses the air-conditioned sports car, not the one that crashed, of course, but the one he left a few blocks away as bait.Perhaps he had more experience than anyone else in getting rid of the Turks.

He rubbed his face, stopped in front of the church school, spit out the tasteless chewing gum, and squinted to admire the baby angel sculpture in front of the door.The middle-aged man at the door poked his head out of the window, wondering what was the matter.

"Sir, I want to go in." Rufas said suddenly.

"Who are you? Do you have an appointment?" The usual inquiry, without malice or kindness, but because I was only a teenager, I was a little curious, after all, it was also class time.

"I'm going to see my brother, Claude Xiuley, who just transferred here two weeks ago." The lie came out, and Rufas showed a worried and reluctant smile, "You know, then A terrorist attack - I told my father to let him stay at home for a while, but he disagreed, saying that boys should be strong. He should be in the second grade, can you tell him that brother Rufus is coming? Just Take a look, I'm in a boarding school, and I haven't had time to talk to him after the incident, so I sneaked out today."

"Oh——" the doorman showed a clear look, and his eyes were different when he looked at Rufas. It was a look of understanding, sympathy, and appreciation, "That's really bad, wait a minute, I'll go and talk to the teacher .”

Rufas smiled gratefully, watching the guard walking towards the teaching building.It went so well, he whistled, and couldn't be happier.

It just went over smoothly.

Rufas was taken to the reception room, where there were old but clean and soft sofas, and a beautiful large fireplace, but it was just a clean decoration. The discs were still dominated by modern buildings, and the heating was powered by electricity.He felt that his ears were a little hot after being frozen, and they were probably flushed now, and he looked shy.But there's nothing wrong with being shy, and you'll be treated kinder.

The head teacher who received the news talked to him first.She very seriously described Claude's lonely performance in the class. He didn't communicate with any classmates, and he didn't respond to the teacher's questions. Military magazines his age, but the governess just thought he was looking at pictures of airplanes and cannons.In short, with serious psychological problems, she asked Rufas to bring a message to "father". What Claude needs is not a school but a psychiatrist.

Rufas listened carefully, nodding from time to time with a worried look—although he wasn't really worried, this time he was really a little unhappy.Of course he understands that this has nothing to do with the attack, the brat has always been like this, but it also means that Claude has had serious psychological trauma before, and this kind of taciturnity has exceeded the scope of his character.He didn't quite know what happened to Claude before, but it was worse than life-threatening.Thinking of this, Rufas didn't feel very good.

very bad.

He already knew why the Xiulei special forces beat him at that time. He thought it was a car accident or something, but he didn't expect that it was the mess in the toilet that made the special soldiers have some associations.And to be honest, such associations in turn gave Rufas more room for reverie.Angel must know about Claude, why did he react like this, does it mean...?However, there may be many things, Rufas will not be trapped by this conjecture, and he does not intend to ask more questions.He didn't feel very good, but that's about it, Claude wasn't someone to him after all.

...Well, it's my brother.

The respected Mr. Balino personally explained the situation to him, and said that Claude would never be his threat, and warned him not to do it again.

that woman.

In fact, Rufas is a bit impressed.

"Talk to my brother well, if you want to go home now, you can do it, remember to tell me." The female teacher pushed the boy, nodded to Rufas, and then covered them to leave space for the brothers.

Claude sat on the sofa opposite, raised his eyebrows, and didn't learn the taste of joking, but looked childish, "Brother? I can think of such an excuse."

Doesn't he know?Rufas was surprised, and then thought about it and took it for granted.Now he was not sure whether to speak up or not.On the one hand, he doesn't want Claude to know about it, it's enough to have the surname Xiu Lei; but on the other hand, he doesn't really care how many brothers he has, anyway, there are enough.He didn't think that Claude would change due to the change of identity. After all, they chose to save him in that situation, and he was unexpectedly a good boy?

Besides—

Wouldn't it be great to see Cloud's reluctance?He just likes to see the boy unhappy, at least it's much better than the blank and indifferent face.

"I don't think so, dear brother." Rufas showed his first sincere smile today, although it looked very hateful, "Ms. Hunis's original surname is Shinra." Then he waited quietly for the boy's reaction .

It took Claude some time to understand this sentence.

The steaming mist on the hot chocolate gradually disappeared, and a thin layer of milk crust formed on the liquid surface.Claude just stared at the cup like this, blinking his eyes at a constant and slow frequency, without any obvious emotion.Rufas carefully observed every slight change, and it was very interesting because he couldn't guess it.

Blinking stopped, Claude suddenly raised his head, "That package..."

"... what package?"

Look away quickly. "It's nothing." This kind of rhetoric convinced Rufas that he must be hiding something. Although he was very interested in the new brother's little secret, he knew that direct inquiries would not be fruitful, so it was better to continue to wait for the loopholes in the other party's words . "You're telling the truth?" Cloud stared back at Rufas, looking like he was pleading "please tell me it's fake".

"What's the good of lying to you?" Rufas shrugged, "What do you think, tell me to make me happy?"

"No." Claude replied bluntly.

A well-regulated answer, very Claude's style.But Rufas soon realized that something was wrong, Claude gritted his teeth, suppressed trembling, his face was no longer white but pale.Suddenly he pressed his stomach with one hand and covered his mouth with the other, rolled up and retched.

Isn't it... so disgusting?

Looking at the boy's trembling back, Rufas felt subtly rejected.He hesitated for a moment, seeing the boy's eyes were wet and his little face wrinkled into a pitiful ball, he finally stood up and walked over. "Don't spit on me." He solemnly declared, and then sat down next to Claude on the sofa, reaching out to pat him, which is a treat that no one has.

The hand fell into the void.

Claude rushed out, "What do you want to do?" He took a deep breath, swallowing the sour taste in his mouth, "So you want to kill me?"

Rufas withdrew his hand naturally, nodded indifferently, "That's right. Didn't you already know that I funded that attack and asked them to get rid of you by the way, but they didn't do it for some reason. Of course, you The wonderful performance in PHS is still fresh in my memory."

"Lies." Claude said affirmatively, he knew Rufas even better than himself, "I don't believe a word you said. They didn't recognize me at all."

"Oh—" Rufas said in a drawn-out tone, "So? It's not bad for you, at least not life-threatening."

"You're killing people."

"Everyone is going to die, sooner or later, earlier is not a bad thing."

"Then why don't you die?"

As soon as the words came out, the small room suddenly fell silent.This sentence is too heavy and scary, at least for Claude, and Rufas stared at the boy, and suddenly smiled contemptuously, "This is the real you? It's more fun than I thought."

The boy stretched gracefully, his joints clicking as he shook his head.Then he unzipped the zipper of the tracksuit, pulled out the silver revolver from the gun belt close to his body, and suddenly turned the gun head to his temple when Claude tensed up.

"Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" the blond boy asked with a smile, his smiling blue eyes were different from Claude's, they were lighter and colder.With his left hand free, he took out another pistol from his armpit and threw it at Claude's feet. It was a black one, "Here, there is also a bullet in it. Do you want to take a gamble? I won't come back when I die. It’s a good deal for you to harm innocent people, right?”

"Did you break your brain?" Claude couldn't help asking, standing still, "Or is your brain always sick?"

"I guess it's always." Rufas pulled the hammer away, and then put his index finger directly on the trigger, "In fact, everyone is sick, maybe I'm just sicker. One round, see who wins the lottery first? "Snapped!Without further ado, he pulled the trigger, and then squinted into the black barrel in surprise, "Wow, I'm so lucky today!"

Before Rufas pulled the hammer again, Cloud quickly picked up the gun on the ground.Rufas praised his decisiveness, and then asked curiously: "Didn't you believe a word of it?"

Claude slapped open the chamber in silence. There was indeed only one bullet in it. When it was poured out, it was a live ammunition, and he refilled it step by step.None of them mentioned it—a seven-year-old boy deftly taking apart a gun—after all, it was trivial compared to the rest.Claude slapped the chamber back and turned it around a few times, following Rufas's request step by step, he knew that the extra movements were enough for this lunatic to lose his nerve.Young Rufas was not so strategically thought out, but the madness was already unearthly, and fortunately the boy had gotten a handle on him.

"I want to face the head too?"

"You will also be afraid? Yes, head to head, the game must follow the rules." The smile on Rufas's face gradually disappeared, and he explored and figured it out very seriously, trying to push Claude into a desperate situation.He wanted to know why he chose that night, and he couldn't imagine it.Firelight, steel bars, and blood flickered in his mind, and the most lingering thing was the pair of green blue eyes, and now the owner of the eyes was in front of him. "Maybe I can add some luck. If you win, I don't care about Angel."

"If you die here, Angel and I will die." Claude reminded blankly, he didn't understand the benefits of Rufas doing this.

"No contradiction, I don't care, but my father will, and I can't help it. Or should I care more? For example, how did you escape from the car—"

Claude opened the hammer and aimed at himself, feeling that he was an idiot for being led away by Rufas, "If I die, don't notify Angel." He paused, and added with a stick in his throat, "... let Sephiroth will handle it."

leave it alone