A/N: This is my first FFVII story as well as yaoi. Several events will be slightly AU but for the most part things should fall into the Crisis Core timeline, if not a bit before.
I'd like to thank Ziggy Pasta, Chibipinkbunny, and Cookiecat for betaing this first chapter. Ziggy, your story was the first FFVII I ever read, amazing, and was my inspiration to write Clack at all, so thank you my fellow weirdo! Bunny, your beautiful writing and guidance has done so much for my own, and of course my Zack would not exist if it weren't for you, so many thanks my dear! And most especially, my current beta, Cookiecat, I thank, for all your hard work and dedication to a project like myself. Cookie, I would be lost without you, dearest. Seriously, you are the best :)
Disclaimer: Characters, game plots and events are the sole property of Square Enix.
Chapter 1: Surprise
/\^/\^/\
Has it ever crossed your mind
When we're hanging, spending time,
Are we just friends?
Is there more?
Is there more?
/\^/\^/\
Lyric excerpt: Crush by David Archuleta
A gathering of glistening beads streamed along their rigid muscles, edging ever closer, faster, downwards as the two bodies moved in response to each other. One pushed forward when the other pulled away, thrusting unexpectedly, coyly, even. Uncertainty lingered in the air, an unspoken desire to see the other's eyes widen and teeth grit in surprise. Their bodies remained taut for the inevitable plunge that often followed, a possible surrender for the one landing on his back.
Their thighs began to ache with the constant bend, from the indecisiveness of staying in one position for too long. Despite the subtle movements, expressions gave away everything: wide velvet eyes, narrowed blue almost closed, a quick flutter of the eyelashes, a tightening of the lips, a swallow of the throat. They moved back and forth, an awkward dance, delicate at first, sizing up what the other was capable of, how much he could take, how fast, how hard, and for how much longer …
Cloud refused to back down, despite his inferior position, not now that he actually had a chance to send his partner over the edge. The only other SOLDIER he had done this with, Zack Fair, was an experience he had grown addicted to, no matter how many times he ended up on the floor. Zack was the perfect partner, the perfect teacher. For every shove Cloud missed, Zack would patiently hold back, going as far as repositioning Cloud's hands for better steadiness, for a tighter hold, before they continued their almost intimate encounter. As they progressed with more difficult poses, Cloud suddenly found himself matching a fraction of his partner's movements with graceful fluidity—a seamless choreography that pushed the infantryman farther and farther along the path to something great.
Despite the fact that Zack never really gave it his all, for Cloud it was everything. Sweat gleamed rivers down two naked torsos and fire blazed brilliantly, determinedly in each pair of blue eyes. Breaths hitched and became terse. Long moans released from a particular quick thrust, an endless twilight era of focused energy with bittersweet cries of defeat and pleasure.
It was true that Cloud had yet to look down upon Zack's groaning figure, but nonetheless, he never left the room without feeling unbelievably exhausted, painstakingly sore, and indescribably satisfied.
The SOLDIER Third Class before him now, however … Cloud almost smiled with the progress they had made thus far, or at least on his part. Being a mere infantryman, the odds were stacked against him, and yet … he had never gotten this close to taking over with Zack.
Probably never will…
That fact wasn't exactly thrilling—
But it's ok, Zack already does too much for me. If this was happening with Zack right now…an excited tightening of his stomach reminded him to stay focused.
—regardless, the man before him was a SOLDIER, a mako-enhanced weapon with faster reflexes, super strength, the whole package, so for Cloud to be giving him a hard time …
Maybe I might have a chance, I … maybe …Cloud couldn't help but smile faintly at the thought of success. It wasn't everyday an infantryman came on top of a SOLDIER.
The SOLDIER eyed the small boy in front of him, wondering just how fulfilling it would be to finally pin him down and make him beg for mercy. Oh yes, he was going to show him, show him just what a SOLDIER was capable of.
Certainly not to be taken down by a measly grunt …
Cloud could feel the tension rising in the room as they continued their routine. He knew it was only a matter of time before one of them finally reached their limit.
Please, just this once, maybe I can…
And then it would be over, a moment of utter satisfaction—dare he think it—ecstasy, if the same could ever be achieved with Zack.
Yeah, right …
The Third gave one final thrust, a move Cloud's mind easily anticipated, but as soon as he countered—
"Oof!"
And he was, once again, on his backside, his legs spread wide apart and his back hitting hard against the padded floor. The SOLDIER held himself over Cloud's body, careful not to lie too heavily against the small teen. Cloud refrained from growling aloud.
Dammit! I was so close!
Cloud closed his eyes as the Third's hearty chuckle rang clear throughout the room. His thoughts immediately began the self-degradation speech he usually saved for these kinds of moments. Somehow, losing to the SOLDIER Third Class was not nearly as satisfying as the challenge against Zack; coming even remotely close to landing a blow on the notorious Zack Fair was a miracle in itself.
"Come on now, buddy." The other's voice interrupted Cloud's thoughts. "No need to beat yourself up over this. It's just training."
Cloud slowly looked at the man through narrowed eyes.
The SOLDIER put up his hands defensively. "Hey, hey, now," he said, a softer laugh than before, "no need to give me any of those death glares of yours. And I already know what you're thinking. Don't worry, Lieutenant Fair had good reason to cancel your session today."
This caused a reaction in Cloud. He blinked. "Wait, how did you—" he shook his head. Does it really matter anyway? I lost. Again. "Why did he cancel?"
The SOLDIER only smiled before reaching a hand out to help him up. Cloud hesitated only slightly before accepting it.
"Oh, you'll see."
As soon as Cloud stepped into the barrack room, he realized immediately what the SOLDIER Third Class had been talking about.
Everything happened in a blur. Lighthearted cries of 'Surprise!' flooded the tight living quarters and echoed off of the walls.
Mortifying. Yes, that was the right word for it.
This was so important that Zack cancelled our practice time together?
Given the circumstances, Cloud knew he should feel grateful, that most normal people would be thrilled to be the center of attention. However, such was not the case for Cloud: as a child he had never received any popular sort of attention, he had rather been the centre of humiliation. Cloud considered his chances of dashing straight back out the door; it was only a few feet away … his eyes darted erratically from one face to the next, even though it weren't that many. Most of them were infantrymen, like himself. Dane, Wendon, Hambric—is that actually Fenton?—two older girls he recognized from the front offices on the first floor, some other guys he suspected were only there for the food, and—
He swallowed very audibly as his cheeks suddenly grew uncomfortably hot. A lean, black-haired, muscular man let out a bellowing laugh in his direction and Cloud felt the urge to throw up when he noticed the SOLDIER First Class beside him.
General Sephiroth.
He looked strange amid the cheerful banter and even more colorful wardrobe of the people around him. Sephiroth himself fashioned his usual black attire with the exception of his overcoat. His long, silver hair billowed out in majestic splendor, seemingly untouched and magnificent as its bearer.
Cloud had often imagined shaking his hand for the first time. It would be a firm but soft surface, enveloping and thrilling as he, Cloud, finally became a respected member of SOLDIER.
He envied how close Zack had become to the great General. For the most part, the elite didn't mingle with lower ranks. Zack was the exception; sixteen and already a SOLDIER Second Class. The prodigal Zack Fair … Cloud still couldn't believe he even considered him a friend.
A small smile crept onto Cloud's face when Zack casually slapped Sephiroth's shoulder—though Sephiroth did seem to grimace slightly under such a friendly gesture.
And then, Cloud's thoughts and small but significant aspirations suddenly flew out the window. Zack grinned broadly while simultaneously standing up and grabbing hold of Sephiroth's arm—
Cloud tensed, his eyes widening—
The distance between Cloud and Zack and…and…Sephiroth—Cloud gulped—was beginning to thin as the black-haired SOLDIER began to make his way forward whilst dragging along an expressionless Sephiroth.
Cloud's mind began to race and his fingers began to twitch with anxiety. Words like run and hide and unworthy came to mind, phrases such as not good enough, pathetic little runt… No, no, no, this isn't happening, Zack can't do this to me—
The thought of fleeing out the entrance came to mind again. The small teen had already turned his shoulder in such a beguiling attempt when said black-haired nuisance clapped a heavy hand over his shoulder, causing Cloud to stumble slightly forward.
'Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Cloooooouuud!'
If that wasn't humiliating enough, towards the end of the song, Zack finalized the act by lifting him clear off his feet and swinging him around.
"Zack!" Cloud growled at him, swinging his legs in anticipation and blushing in response. Several of the crowd had joined in on the song, though the snickers were much more audible, plus he was still very aware of the silver-haired man standing not four feet away from them. Zack was oblivious to all this, of course.
"Happy birthday to yoooooooooooouu!" Zack finally set him down with a rustle of his hair … too fast. Standing on legs of jelly didn't deem well, and Cloud was abruptly falling forward and—
—straight into Sephiroth's suddenly outstretched arms.
As soon as the smooth leather of gloved hands touched his skin, Cloud's eyes widened in horror and realization. His entire mind shut down when bright green eyes met his calmly, mechanically, yet the only emotion Cloud could rationalize was utter terror.
This isn't happening, this isn't happening—
As if sensing his troubled friend's emotions Zack immediately took the younger man out of the General's arms and into his own, relief flooding through him when Cloud instinctively melted into Zack's more familiar embrace, clenching the material of the SOLDIERs shirt with a vice-like grip, as if his life depended on it.
It was only moments later, at the General's inquiring gaze that Cloud realized he was still holding onto Zack. Very tightly. He pulled away almost instantly, staggering only slightly and flushing a darker pink, completely ignoring Zack's offered hand for support.
Zack straightened up more slowly, never once reacting towards the added snickers and wolf-whistles that erupted from the room.
The damage, however, was done.
Zack gently placed a hand on Cloud's shoulder. "Hey, you ok—"
But Cloud quickly shook him off and stepped away, nodding vigorously in response. No need to further his swift descent into failure …
He stared at the floor angrily—angry for having humiliated himself like this in front of his fellow infantrymen, and even more so, in front of General Sephiroth himself. If only Zack hadn't made such a big deal about his birthday, no one else but his mother ever had …
But no, he couldn't blame Zack. Zack was the reason bullies finally left him alone, the reason his stance and skill had vastly improved, the reason—
"Well, now that we've broken the ice," Zack continued, "here's your first present. Cloud, meet SOLDIER First Class and General Sephiroth. Sir, meet your biggest fan, Cloud."
—the reason Cloud's brain came to an abrupt halt.
He stared in a mixture of awe and horror at the gloved hand suddenly rising towards him, his brain trying to remember how to properly move his own arm in response. He could feel the heat rush away from his face. Even though Zack always meant well, this was, by far, the worst situation he had put him through yet. Zack was smart, there was no doubt about that, so Cloud could never figure out why the SOLDIER insisted on some of the things Cloud had done with him, stupid bets included—
Like trying to sneak a Banora apple from Genesis' room … Genesis had nearly sliced his head off when the small, stuttering, infantryman actually tried to make conversation with him at his own door … then again, at least Cloud hadn't done the more dangerous part of the bet, thanks to Zack ...
"You accepted to do what? Do you have any idea how quickly Commander Rhapsodos will kill you if you get caught?"
"But Zack, I have to, if I don't the guys will think I'm—"
"Pfft! Forget them. Don't worry, I'll get the damn apple for you."
"But Zack—"
"No but's, I insist."
Cloud shook his head. After much persuading on his part, Zack grudgingly let Cloud keep watch. According to Cloud, it was the least he could do. Nevertheless, that was a memory he would rather forget, if it hadn't been for Angeal's fortunate intervention …
Sephiroth was more than likely thinking he was just as bad as all those infatuated girls—and boys—dying to simply shake the hand of the great and powerful hero. Cloud panicked and did the first thing that came to mind.
"Cloud Strife, at your order, sir!" he shouted, jumping into a salute.
Sephiroth pulled his hand back, managing to make it look graceful nonetheless whilst Cloud avoided looking directly at him, afraid of what those green mako-enhanced eyes would perceive given his obvious lack of anything interesting.
"Private Strife," he said in a resonant voice, "at ease."
Resuming what he hoped resembled 'a relaxed Cloud', and still avoiding looking directly at the General, Cloud dropped his hasty salute. Thankfully, Zack was laughing and so he turned a nervous eye onto him instead, somewhat relieved when Sephiroth did the same.
"Geez, Cloud, you need to relax!" Zack chuckled.
Cloud focused on remaining expressionless.
"He is completely in his right to be respectful, Zack," Sephiroth interrupted, eyeing his younger comrade with an aggravated expression. He turned the same wry, if not somewhat amused smile in Cloud's direction; fortunately Cloud was ready this time.
"Strife," he held out his hand for the second time, "the pleasure is mine."
Cloud stuck out his hand—the right way this time—and took the gloved hand into a firm grasp, overdoing the squeeze to prove he wasn't just some little plaything of Zack's.
"Sir," was all he said, daring to sneak a look into the glowing green eyes above him. It was all he could do to keep still from the touch, and he quickly looked away and back down. The General's thin line of a smile grew appreciative with his coherence, however, he quickly let the younger's hand go. Cloud almost sighed at having received his approval, but settled for what he hoped was a manly 'hmph'.
Sephiroth turned meaningfully towards Zack—who was still laughing—and said: "Now that the introductions are done with, I will take my leave, Zack."
Done with? Cloud's shoulders sagged slightly in disappointment.
Zack was just barely recovering. A confused look crossed his boyish features. "Leave? But the party's just getting started now that our star is here!" He went to grab Cloud again but the blond quickly and knowingly side-stepped him.
Sephiroth just looked at him doubtfully, with one eyebrow arched at the mere hint that the shy boy in front of him was the party type. Cloud couldn't agree more.
"I am sure it has," was all he said, now turning to face him directly.
Cloud immediately lost his feigned cool and almost stumbled forward under the other's penetrating gaze.
"Strife, forgive me for leaving so early, but I do have much that needs to be attended to in my own quarters." He eyed the confining space of the barrack room with a small frown on the word 'quarters' and Cloud cursed his misfortunes all over again.
"Sir, yes, sir," he managed, though Sephiroth seemed unbothered for a response and slid by him and out the door with not so much as a quick nod towards Zack. Much to Cloud's surprise, his exuberant friend offered a respectful salute with a broad smile. A fleeting touch of the long hair against his bare arms made him shiver involuntarily, and Cloud found himself feeling ridiculously exhausted—and it was not from his training session.
"Well," Zack said, causing Cloud to turn towards the highly amused and smirking face in front of him, "I think that went rather well."
Cloud looked at him with a mixed expression. He knew he should thank Zack for all the work he had done to set this whole thing up, but words just seemed too foreign at the moment. Instead, he offered a small smile—one Zack was quick to see through—and made his way past him towards his bed.
The bunk beds had been adjusted to expand the space of the room. He swiftly sought his tiny bunk in the corner, paying little attention to the muffled 'happy birthday's aimed his way as he passed the other men. Cloud could feel Zack's presence behind him, ignoring him as good and as long as he could. He wasn't mad at him, Gaia, he could never be! But …
He sighed.
Got to toughen up, Strife, Zack doesn't need any whiny grunts crying on his shoulder …
"What?" Zack suddenly asked, having taken a seat beside him on the small bed.
Cloud glanced at him—did I say that out loud?—and replied, "Nothing."
Well … that certainly didn't go as I hoped it would.
Zack watched in silence as Cloud rummaged through his things for his toiletries and a change of clothes, wondering—for what seemed like the hundredth time—what was going on beneath that spikey, blond hair of his. He could tell Cloud was upset from the silence alone, but he also knew it would make no difference trying to get it out of him.
Cloud was like stone when it came to his stubbornness.
Zack lay back in the cramped space, his head angled uncomfortably against the wall. The SOLDIER frowned at the position, recalling gratefully the queen-size bed back in his room. "Man, I don't remember these beds being this small," he said, musing, then, as if he couldn't help it, turned another teasing smile in his friend's direction. "Bet you're glad you're so small, huh?"
Cloud finally looked at him, with wide blue eyes and a slackened jaw; Zack held back a grin.
Damn, Cloud doesn't know how amusing he is sometimes …
"Zack, I—" he paused, searching for something to reply, "I—never mind. I—I'm going to take a shower."
"Hey, but—" Zack started, but Cloud was already hurrying up and out the door, practically fleeing.
Zack made to follow but changed his mind. Better let him cool down a bit first …
After his shower, Cloud was welcomed into the room with several nods and incoherent birthday wishes from a number of infantrymen. In return, he smiled timidly and made his way over to his bunk. He was still somewhat upset with the whole Sephiroth ordeal but he could not let Zack see that. Zack was probably the best thing that had happened to him since his arrival in Shinra, and he didn't want to give the prodigal SOLDIER a reason to ditch him.
Why Zack even bothered with him to begin with was something Cloud would never understand … Why me?
Truth be told, Cloud wasn't the best fighter, the friendliest person, or the most exciting individual. And yet for some unfathomable reason, he found himself blessed more and more by the black-haired SOLDIERs presence.
Speaking of which …
Cloud couldn't help the small smile that surfaced as his older friend came into view within the crowd. Zack caught his eye and directed a cautious grin his way. Probably thinks I'm still upset … Cloud walked over to his side, nodding his head towards the men that clapped him on the shoulder or mumbled 'happy birthday' as he passed. He threw his stuff hastily into his bag and turned towards Zack.
"That was a long shower, Spike. Thought you might've drowned," he joked, his signature grin already plastered on his face.
Cloud relaxed immediately and sighed in relief.
"So, how did you like part one of your birthday present?" Zack continued.
The memory resurfaced and Cloud frowned. "It was … not what I imagined."
Zack laughed. "Hey, so you stumbled a bit, no big deal. Sephiroth probably already forgot all about it."
Cloud had gone silent, his face falling from view as he looked away.
"What's up, Cloud? I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or anything." And then a thought seemed to occur to him. Zack's eyes widened and he exclaimed in realization: "Wait a minute! I think I get it now …"
Cloud looked up curiously with Zack's sudden outburst.
"You have a crush on Sephiroth!"
Me? Have a crush on Sephi—His mind seemed to stop working correctly. "No, I don't!" was his immediate reply, but Zack was already grinning like a maniac.
"Oh, no? Then why are you blushing?"
Cloud turned away and became suddenly interested in straightening his pillow. His answer was small and shaky: "I'm just intimidated by him, that's all."
Zack was not buying it though. "Sure you are. You know, no disrespect towards the General or anything, but," he brought his head closer to Cloud's and whispered, "I heard that Sephiroth actually kissed a guy once—"
Cloud interrupted instantly, looking very afraid and horrified. "Zack!"
"Ssh, ssh! Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Hey, maybe I can arrange another meeting between you two—"
Cloud shook his head vigorously and his eyes began to flicker across the room, though there was no need. They were well out of hearing range. "Zack, stop, and besides, I'm not—"
"Hey, you can trust me, Spike," Zack continued, his eyes sparkling impishly, "I understand better than you might imagine." And when he actually winked at him—
Cloud's jaw slackened. He can't be serious … "Zack?" Cloud squeaked. I wonder if he's … not that it matters, but …Zack was so affectionate and friendly one could never tell. Cloud shook his head and quickly dismissed the thought. I'm not gay anyway, so—"Zack, you have it all wrong, really, I'm not into gu—"
"Well, neither am I but if it means helping a friend, I'll do whatever it takes. Hey, you know what? The annual ball is coming up. I bet I could sneak you in. How are you with dancing?"
Cloud's eyes bulged with the mere suggestion.
Zack took the notion and laughed. "Yeah, that's what I thought, don't worry, I'm decent. We can practice in my room so no one sees us." He paused, as if actually pondering the idea. "You know, I bet it could work. You are quite pretty for a dud—hey!"
Cloud immediately pulled back the fist he had thrust into the elder's shoulder. He quickly mumbled incoherent apologies under his breath despite Zack's hearty laughter.
"Nah, I'm just messing with you, Cloud," he assured him. "Don't worry too much about Sephiroth, you'll have another chance to make a better impression."
Glad Zack had finally stopped the teasing, Cloud nodded in agreement. Yeah, maybe next time … "Probably won't even remember who I am," he muttered, his eyes shielded beneath the convenience of long, blond, spikes.
Zack lightly punched him on his chin. "Hey, buddy, none of that," he said, then added with an arched eyebrow and a sly grin, "you're too pretty to be forgotten."
Cloud scowled and turned away from Zack's wiggling eyebrows.
"Fine, fine! Not pretty." The SOLDIER sighed dramatically, but a thoughtful expression crossed his face as he seemed to analyze the scowling teen. "Definitely charming, though. Of course, not as charming as me, but—hey!"
Cloud valiantly whacked him across his middle with the wet towel, a smile across his face with his success. "Shut up, Zack." He jumped to his feet before Zack could smother him with the same towel, causing the SOLDIER to lurch comically across the bed. He got out just as quick and managed to squeeze Cloud into a headlock.
"Say it! Zack Fair is the most charming—ow!"
Zack quickly released him and rubbed the side of his thigh where Cloud's fist had come into contact. "Only because it's your birthday," he retorted with a mischievous grin. Cloud was still laughing, and Zack found himself overwhelmed with the cheerful depiction of his usually somber friend. "So much for charming," he chuckled.
Cloud's laughter was finally subsiding, a pensive half-smile taking its place. "I can be charming, I think," he said quietly, thinking over the comment.
Zack only laughed and shook his head, "Of course you can. So don't worry, even Sephiroth won't resist your charm."
"Oy! You two going to stop making out over there? Some of us are starving, you know!" another voice sounded. Several of the men agreed, encouraged by the presence of another SOLDIER Second Class.
They looked up to see Kunsel lounging against the doorway with a laugh.
Zack waved and turned to Cloud. "Alright birthday boy, come on so you can make a wish and Kunsel doesn't starve to death."
Cloud couldn't help but laugh as he followed his cheerful friend towards the cake in the center of the room. Of course, leave it Zack to get me a chocobo-shaped birthday cake …
The party hadn't been that bad after all. True, Zack hadn't been able to get the teen to drink any alcohol—he had early training the next day—but he could see Cloud had a good time nonetheless.
It was a Saturday night, so curfew wasn't for another hour or two. Zack had insisted on cleaning the mess alone but Cloud simply rolled his eyes and began walking around with a trash bag. They were about halfway done when Zack's phone rang. He glanced at the name and groaned.
He answered, hiding his lack of enthusiasm for the person on the other line with a cheery tone. "How are you this fine evening, Command—"
"Sorry to interrupt whatever I'm hoping is nothing short of a lewd activity, Fair, but all SOLDIERs First Class have been summoned to Director Lazard's office immediately," spoke a melodic voice, biting nonetheless with blatant dislike.
Zack interrupted before thinking, "But I'm not a—"
"First Class? Yes, I'm very aware of that, let me finish," the sultry voice continued impatiently. When Zack remained silent, he uttered coolly: "Angeal requested you be present."
Zack frowned, shooting a glance towards his blond friend. Cloud pretended not to be listening, but judging from the sudden stiffness of his shoulders, Zack knew that was not the case.
"Are you listening? Or do I need to talk slower for you?"
Zack answered hastily: "Are Angeal and Sephiroth going too?"
He could almost see Genesis rolling his eyes with intolerance. "Just get up here, now." And he hung up.
Zack looked around at the messy room. He hated leaving Cloud to pick up after his own party, but orders were orders.
"Hey, Cloud," he began, "that was Commander Rhapsodos. I have to—"
"Let me guess: duty calls. Yeah, yeah, I know." He said, his voice emotionless.
Zack hated when he talked like that, as if showing how upset he was in public was a crime. Well, come to think of it, here at Shinra, showing one was upset over orders was somewhat of a crime …
"I'll make it up to you, buddy," Zack began to promise, taking a couple steps toward him.
Cloud turned to nod at him assuredly. "Don't worry about it, Zack. I'll finish up in like five minutes, no big deal."
"But Clou—" he began to interrupt, but was caught off guard by a soft and easy smile aimed at his direction.
Dammit, Cloud's too selfless for his own good.
"Seriously, Zack," he said, his lips twitching upward and angling crookedly as he added: "I know that you care and stuff." Cloud looked away awkwardly, surprised with his own show of emotions, however slight. He mumbled: "No one has ever thrown me a surprise party before."
Zack stared at him, smiling in return. It made his heart swell with pride, knowing that any sign of emotion from Cloud was indeed a valiant effort on his part.
Zack's entire face lit up.
"That's what friends are for, buddy," he said, eagerly going over to give Cloud another bone-crushing hug.
Cloud saw what he was aiming for, his eyes darting as he tried avoiding him, but Zack wasn't about to let him side-step him for the second time tonight.
"Hey, Cloud," he said, "I almost forgot to tell you, your present is under your bed."
"Present?" Cloud asked, perplexed. Confusion immediately turned into suspicion, but nevertheless he set the trash bag down and went over to his small bunk, peering underneath to pull out the long package. He looked at it with wide eyes, a somewhat ashamed but staggered expression on his face. It was quite winning.
"Ah, Zack, you really shouldn't have, I—"
Zack grabbed hold of him as he turned about, feeling blond hair tickle the bottom of his nose as he pulled him face first into his broad chest.
"Zack!" Cloud protested, squirming to get out of his grasp. Zack only tightened the hug in response. Cloud's muscles worked against Zack's in an effort to be released, but the SOLDIER could tell from his muffled laughter that Cloud was enjoying the hug just as much as he was. Cloud finally slid out from under, massaging his neck in slight embarrassment over their not-so-manly hug.
"Yeah, yeah, we're buddies, you love me, I love you, I get it," he said, laughing and grinning all the while. Zack considered twisting his words, but decided against it.
There was that damn adorable smile again, and he didn't want to ruin it.
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