Just Love

Chapter 1: A Helping Hand

"Cloud, Focus!"

"Y...yes sir!" Cloud stuttered, fumbling with his sword as he stood up to face the creature that had knocked him down.

Its fangs bearing as it hissed at him. He was breathless but he tried not to let it show.

"Keep your form steady!" His instructor barked.

Cloud briefly looked at him through the glass that separated them. He felt like such a weakling when his instructor spoke to him like that.

The monster lunged into an attack its hooked claws heading his way. He blocked the attack but he was sent stumbling back once more. This time he managed to keep his balance. In return he rushed forward and swung his sword high to strike, but the creature fluently dodged and pounced at him, sending him flying once more. He fell to the floor with a thud, the creature on top of him, baring its fangs violently, just craving for his blood.

His instructor sighed deeply before pushing a button on a small control panel. Just as the monster was about to shred his neck, it shattered into millions of fragments, disappearing into thin air.

Cloud let out a relieving sign before relaxing on the ground.

"Too slow!" the instructor snapped impatiently.

"Alright, that's enough. Common, get your things and go"

Cloud stumbled to his feet while watching his instructor rub his forehead in frustration. He walked out of the simulator and placed his sword on the rack with the others.

Before leaving, Cloud bowed slightly to his instructor, who was busy scribbling something down on his clipboard. He didn't bother to acknowledge Cloud's respect.

Closing the door behind him, Cloud let out another sigh before wondering to the showers to loosen up.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Cloud mumbled when he realised the showers were closed at this time.

He had been late to his Combat Training class and was forced to stay behind as punishment. He never did like his instructor; he felt as if he was constantly too harsh on him, but it was something he was beginning to deal with since arriving to Midgar to train for SOLDIER.

I guess the pool will still be open. I'll go there instead...The Recruit thought, brushing a skinny hand through his blonde spikes.

When he arrived at the changing room, he found an empty locker to stuff his clothes in. He grabbed his complementary ShinRa trunks out his gym bag and slipped them on.

Looking in the mirror on the inside of the locker door, he noticed a bruise forming on his arm.

"Man, those programs can do a lot of damage..." He said to himself.

The blonde closed the locker door and headed to the entrance to the pool area. Just as he was about to round the corner, he felt himself hitting and bouncing off a hard, warm, wet surface.

"Whoa! Sorry didn't see you there!" He heard a husky voice say.

Cloud looked up to see a mass of wet raven hair sticking to a startled expression.

"I...I'm sorry!" Cloud stuttered. His blue eyes fell to the floor as he averted his eyes from the other's chiselled body that gleamed with the many droplets of water that slowly trickled their way down his abdomen.

"Hey its okay!" the raven haired youth smiled; a large grin across his face.

Cloud sheepishly nodded, still concentrating on the tiled floor, like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

"I'm Zack!" he added.

"Yes, I know...sir" Cloud replied. He felt his cheeks beginning to burn. The thought of him actually bumping into the First Class SOLDIER Zack, second to The Great Sephiroth, was embarrassing, and especially considering this situation.

"And you are?" Zack asked looking down onto the mass of blonde spikes

The blonde was lost in thought. He looked up at the SOLDIER and into his glowing azure eyes.

"What? No name?" Zack chuckled sarcastically.

Cloud snapped out of his trance and shook his head sharply, almost as if he was ridding his mind of thoughts.

"Ah...Cloud sir"

"Hmm...I was looking forward to calling you Spike!" Zack teased playfully.

"Anyway, it's nice to meet ya Cloud!" The SOLDIER brushed a hand though his black mane.

"And stop calling me sir, that doesn't sound right, makes me feel old" He added with another bright smile.

With that – Cloud's face, once again, began to feel flushed.

He cleared his throat awkwardly "Ah, anyway, I wont take up anymore of your time" Cloud stated quietly before squeezing past the SOLDIER, head down.

Zack looked back and watched the Recruit walk away. There was something about him that was appealing, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it; something that was...cute? He didn't know.

As Cloud sat in the hot tub at the side of the pool, he felt the muscles begin to relax. Zack must of thought I was such an idiot... he thought, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. No matter how hard he tried, his thoughts kept turning to Zack. Why was he being so nice to me? And his smile...it was...so warm...

Cloud quickly placed his hands to his cheeks; they were still hot. Argh! Stop thinking about it, get a hold of yourself!

"Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in!" he heard a familiar sly voice.

"Don't even bother Aki!" Cloud snapped flatly, not even opening his eyes.

"Oh, touchy aren't we?" The voice continued, this time closer than before.

"I mean it, go away!" The blonde shouted, flashing his eyes open to look at the boy walking towards him.

"Aw, don't be like that!" Aki said sarcastically. "I just wanted to say 'hi'"

Cloud sat in silence, closing his eyes again to ignore him.

"Oh! Silent Treatment!" The other Recruit pressed; his sarcastic tone becoming more evident.

Still ignoring him, Cloud pushed though the hot tub water and entered the pool. He began to swim lightly, pushing his arms forward; hoping the sound of the water would drown out Aki's voice.

Go away, go away! Cloud thought, as he drowned himself in the sound of the water.

Just when Cloud thought Aki had gone, he felt something pushing his head into the water.

"What the...?"

Cloud sprang from the water coughing, only to be confronted by Aki.

"What are you playing at?!" Cloud snapped sharply.

"Just a little game..." Aki whispered spitefully

As if that was a signal, Cloud felt someone grab him from behind, restraining his arms.

"Let go!" he shouted, trying to break free but Aki's lackey was stronger than expected.

"Now, Cloud!" Aki began. He grabbed Clouds jaw tightly, digging in his nails.

Cloud tried hard not to gasp as a sharp pain flew through him as Aki punched him in the stomach. He leaned forward gasping for the breath that had been taken from him, but was pulled up again by the one restraining his arms.

"It's time to teach you some respect!" Aki spat as he punched Cloud in the face. A ring that Aki had been wearing scraped him above the eye, causing blood to trail down his face.

Don't scream, don't scream! Cloud thought. Don't give him the satisfaction!

After a few more punches, Cloud spat blood into the water, heavily breathing. He looked into Aki's eyes with pure hatred, wanting nothing more than to take him down.

"Aki, we should go before someone sees us" The lackey said before letting go of Cloud.

The two pushed through the water and ran off leaving Cloud bleeding in the water.

If it weren't for the water around him, he would have fallen to his knees. He slowly made his way through the water, leaving a small trail of blood in his wake. As he got to the edge he grabbed it and buried his swollen face into his arms. His weak body began to shake and sobs overtook him.

"Dammit!!" he shouted; his body aching and trembling.

After finally getting himself together we made his way back to the changing rooms. A shaking hand opened the locker door only to see his battered reflexion.

Why? Why am I so weak!?

His eyes began to sting as tears fell from them. He soon wiped them away only to find that his clothes were gone.

What? Where....?

He patted the inside on the locker, the top, the sides, and the bottom as if they would magically appear.

"No!!" he shouted "Those scheming bastards!"

Clutching his bruised chest he fell to his knees, fresh tears swelling in his eyes.

"Cloud?"

The Blonde didn't move, even though he recognised the voice, he couldn't bring himself to look round.

"Cloud what happened?"

The SOLDIER knelt down beside the blonde. He saw the bruises forming on his face and chest. He felt a little sick when he saw the cut above his eye.

"Hey, Spike, what happened?" His voice was still soft but more forceful.

Cloud just weakly shook his head still looking away. As they both sat in silence, Zack stared down at Cloud, wanted so badly to wrap his arms around him and hold him close...

"I HATE IT HERE!" He finally shouted, covering his face with his hands.

Zack looked up into the locker to see it empty, then placed a hand on the blonde and pulled him around so he could look into his eyes.

"Right, you're coming with me" He stated while he put a warm arm around the blonde.

Cloud tensed underneath him and he squirmed away.

The SOLDIER immediately let go and sighed.

Poor Cloud He thought as he looked upon the recruit holding onto himself. He could see that Cloud was terribly shy and this situation wasn't helping.

"Come back to my place okay Spike? You can get some clothes there..." He added.

Cloud thought for a moment.

Zack's right, I can't stay here, but Shiva, I must look like such a fool to him.

"You sure?" Cloud asked, slightly turning his head to meet the SOLDIER's glowing eyes.

"Yeah, common I'll give you a hand" Zack encouraged, holding out a gloved hand.

Cloud nodded briefly and took his warm hand.

Walking to Zack's room was definitely the most embarrassed he had ever felt so far; countless people snickering and staring. Some whistled deliberately, and giving him strange looks.

"Here we are!" Zack finally said taking a ring of keys out his pocket.

As they walked inside, Cloud was speechless. Zack had an apartment all to himself, and a nice one at that. Well any room compared to his was a luxury.

Now I definitely want to be in SOLDIER; look at this place...

Cloud looked around in awe as he took in his surroundings.

"Right I'll find something for you to wear" Zack said while he threw his keys down on the table which made Cloud jump slightly.

The blonde nodded.

He stood motionless in the hall way, not sure what to do with himself.

"Here, the jaw-string on this will make it fit you better" He heard the SOLDIER call out as he saw him walk through a door into sight. Cloud guessed that was his room.

"Here you go; you can change in the bathroom"

Cloud received a pair of gray jogging pants and a black tank top.

Just as Cloud was about to walk into the bathroom he heard Zack say something

"I'll walk you back to your room later, but do you want to stay and eat?"

"No, it's alright; I don't want to intrude anymore than I already have..." The recruit answered.

"Aw, come on. Please? It's not everyday I get company like this" Zack smiled brightly; the grin wide across his face.

"Okay. Thanks" Cloud said. He bowed a little afterward before retreating into the bathroom.

"Whoa, what was that for? I'm not you're instructor Cloud, don't bow like that alright?"

Cloud's cheeks went red with embarrassment as he continued into the bathroom.

Now, there is definitely something about him...Zack thought as he walked through to the living room and throwing himself onto the couch. The First Class SOLDIER closed his eyes to contemplate. There was no way he could do anything, even if he truly wanted to. Cloud was sensitive; he didn't want to scare him off.

"Ha ha, there a little big on you but I guess it'll do!" Zack laughed as he watched Cloud walk into his living room; the tank top practically hanging off him.

"Now lets have a look at you" Zack began as he stood up and walked towards the recruit.

"W-What?!" Cloud snapped, taking a step back.

"Hey, I just want to look at those injuries!" Zack chuckled, his smile bright on his face.

The blonde nodded sheepishly and relaxed himself.

"I can heal that cut on your face, but it'll still bruise. There's only so much that Cure Materia can do..." The SOLDIER continued.

He reached out his arms and cupped Cloud's face in his hands. The blonde's face instantly lit up red. Zack softly touched the bruise on Cloud's cheek causing him to wince a little.

"Sorry!" He said glazing it carefully. Cloud felt himself holding his breath a little as he felt his cheeks burning. After a few short minutes, Cloud felt a tingling sensation on his face as Zack's hand began to glow. The blonde squeezed his eyes shut. But then began to tremble under the discomfort. Zack placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder but the blonde cringed at the contact.

"I know this feels weird, but I'm nearly finished..." Zack whispered keeping a small distance between the palm on his hand and the cut on Cloud's face.

The sensation faded slowly, but Cloud kept his eyes shut.

"All done!" Zack's upbeat voice caused Cloud to flash his eyes open to see the SOLDIER directly in front of him.

"So Spike, what you feel like eating? Pizza? Chinese?" He asked as he picked up his phone to order.

"Um, Pizza I think" Cloud said patting the skin when the cut was. He felt the skin was sensitive but at least the blood was gone.

"Cool!"

There were a few moments of silence as Zack called the order. Cloud sat still on the couch, starting to feel slightly out of place.

"So..." Zack started as he sat down next to Cloud.

"Who did that to you...?" His voice was so warm and soft; it made Cloud's heart beat uneven.

Cloud sat in silence, slowly looking away.

"Common I want to know" Zack pressed, trying to look at the blonde in the eye.

"I..." Cloud began but stopped suddenly as the thought better of it.

What will happen if I tell Zack and reports Aki? Would that make it worse? I can't risk that...

"I don't want to talk about it..." Cloud finished, ducking his head away from Zack's glowing stare.

The SOLDIER sighed while shaking his head. Why didn't he want to tell him? It was frustrating for Zack to left in the dark; we wanted to know what was going through Cloud's head.

"Spike..." Zack started, but was cut off mid sentence.

"What does it matter?" Cloud butted in, dropping his face in a way that a few spikes covered his bruised eye.

"It does matter" The SOLDIER argued. "Cloud whoever did this..."

"Zack...please stop" Cloud interrupted again. He turned his head to look into the SOLDIER's glowing eyes to show that he meant it.

Once again, silence enveloped them. I don't understand Zack thought. Why is it so hard for you to talk to me...?

"Okay..." Zack finally said. "But, I won't be forgetting this any time soon, alright?"

"Do what you want" The recruit added coldly, wrapping his arms around his own stomach.

Before Zack could reply to that, a knock at the door silenced him.

"That'll be the grub!" Zack stated cheerfully. Was he trying to defuse an awkward situation? Well he was certainly trying his best to.

Walking to a small table across from the couch he gestured for Cloud to join him.

"So, Cloud..." Zack began trying to talk with his mouth full of pizza. "How's the training program going?"

"It's...alright" Cloud quietly replied, nibbling on the end of his slice.

"Come on, something more than that!" The SOLDIER laughed wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Um...It's so-so, I mean, I try my best but...I just can't seem to do anything right in my instructor's point of view..."

"Aw come on Spiky, it can't be that bad!" Zack smiled.

Cloud's stomach suddenly flipped. It felt as if something was bubbling within. Zack's smile was captivating. His glowing blue eyes made it even more so. What's this I'm feeling? Cloud thought, feeling lost in the intensity of Zack's blue eyes. Why am I feeling like this? Is it wrong? I'm not sure anymore...

"Ah-oh no!" Cloud suddenly shouted, jumping to his feet, staring at his watch.

"I better get back, it's almost curfew!"

Zack stood up and walked to Cloud's side, leaning over him to see his watch.

"Well, why don't you spend the night here; you're up early right? I will be too. I can get you up in time" Zack offered.

"Whoa! I mean...What?" The blonde flustered, suddenly once again, going red in the face.

"Yeah, why not?" The SOLDIER chuckled. "At this rate you won't be able to even get back to your room. Everything will be on 'Lock down' by now"

Cloud sighed deeply, taking in the information.

"Okay, Thanks Zack" He said as he looked up at the SOLDIER with a small smile across his face.

Zack's eyes widened. It was the first time he had seen Cloud smile like that. He almost thought he never would. He liked it.

"Awesome!"

Cloud curled up on the couch, burying his head into one of the pillows.

"Here you go..." Zack's soft voice made Cloud flash his eyes open, but all he saw was darkness; the lights were off.

The SOLDIER carefully placed a sheet over the blonde which caused him to tense up.

"See you in the morning" Zack's voice whispered through the black mass of nothingness.

Cloud couldn't see him through the intensity of the dark but he suddenly felt a hot breeze across his face.

Stop it Zack! The SOLDIER shouted inside to himself. Leave Cloud alone...for now...

Cloud began breathing heavily trying hard not to show it. Next thing he knew it suddenly felt hotter. His cheeks were burning; no surprise there then.

"Why is it getting weird all of a sudden?" Cloud thought, as he felt his heart beat quicken.

He tried to say something but his throat tightened, capturing his voice with it.

"Anyway, goodnight Cloud!" He heard Zack call; his voice suddenly far away.

"Yeah...goodnight..." The blonde managed to say before gripping the sheets tightly close to him.

What was that about?

Cloud lay there unable to sleep; his thoughts surrounded by Zack. What was he doing, and...Why is my stomach feeling so woozy...?

With that thought, he placed a hand across his stomach, willing it to go away. He continued to lay there contemplating but fatigue soon caught up with him.