Zack knew he was lost on the day Cloud failed to pass the SOLDIER entrance exams. Wide blue eyes, so hurt and impossibly rounded with the effort of holding back tears, were the last thing needed to break his restraint. He wanted to put his arms around the shoulders hunched over with despair, kiss the pained frown from trembling lips, and watch the shine of tears glaze over into desire.

The easy way Cloud moved into his arms, without hesitation and with an unvoiced plea for love and comfort, that crystallized his decision.

Zack never looked back or regretted it.