Akino: Yeah this kinda stuff is what I've been doing in my short hiatus of fan fiction writing. XD I have several of these that I'm slowly cleaning up. If you want the unedited version of it please visit my site because I'm very iffy about my lemons encase they're too graphic. You can find the link to it in my profile. Thanks and I hope you enjoy this.
Update: changed my mind at the last minute. XD I figured eh, if it gets to graphic some evil person will report it. No biggy. Besides, can't deny people Zack/Cloud action when its like right there, thats just mean.
House of Chanterelle: Butterfly Chronicles
"Brave"
"It is often said that a newly born vampire will always attempt kill the one closest to them first."
The night was beautiful. The moon was so round and full shining down on the meadow of the Fair Family land. The flowers were closed in sleep and the grass danced wonderfully in the gentle summer breeze. A small ranch style home sat right at the edge of this meadow near the centuries old trees where the good smell of rich food and drink wafted from the smokestack. Cloud approached it, his heavy boots not even making a sound in the soft grass as he maneuvered past the gate. He paused at the family graves and smiled in morbid amusement at what he saw there. An expertly carved tombstone was planted in the ground with a stone chocobo perched atop. Hanging out of its mouth was a necklace with a feather crafted from mythril dangling out of it. Cloud's misty blue eyes reflected the light sparkling from it and he touched it gently.
"We're friends? Right?"
That they were; which made this tombstone hilarious in its context. Here he was very much alive standing in front of a tombstone that read "Cloud Strife; Age 21; a 'Fair' friend and beloved chocobo-head!" That had to be Zack's doing considering he was the only one who knew and used that idiotic nickname. Cloud shook his head and left the grave marker for more interesting things. He peered into the warm home with curious eyes spotting the now extended Fair Family. His eyes roamed over each face with painful recognition. He never forgot them. Zack's mother, Vivian, was the spitting image of Zack with her pretty obsidian hair pulled back in a fluffy ponytail. She had been the one to care for Cloud when Zack rescued him from the burning of Nibelhiem early on in his military career. When no one claimed him, she stepped forward to foster him. Zack's uncle, Angeal had stepped forward to be Zack and Cloud's father after Zackary Fair Senior was killed in action when he stepped forward to take a bullet for someone else. Then there was handsome, hyper, free spirited Zack "the puppy" Fair, the best friend and closest thing to a brother Cloud had ever known. He had stepped up to be Cloud's everything when Cloud had lost everything. This was the Fair family's legacy, a bloodline of people who stepped up when they were needed. Cloud had never known braver people. But he wasn't brave. He had been easily picked off not by enemies but by simple townspeople who decided that his preferences would poison Zack.
Cloud's eyes moved over to Ifalna and Gast, the family that had become part of the Fair Legacy through Zacks betrothal to Aerith. She was a beautiful woman. She had been Cloud and Zacks best friend for years and had been in love with Zack for even longer. They both loved Zack more than best friends should, and the boy was none the wiser of how they felt. She was kind, graceful, and perfect! She had been brave enough to confront Zack with her feelings and comfort him when Zack had to give him up to Valkyrie. They were in love now and he had no place here anymore.
Cloud bit his lip, his still too new fangs scrapped the inside of his mouth. He was thinking too hard again. What it all boiled down to was the Cloud wasn't brave. He wasn't brave enough to save his family from that burning town so Zack had to. He wasn't brave enough to stand up for himself so Zack had to. He wasn't brave enough to defend himself against persecution so Zack had to. He wasn't brave enough to admit that he was in love so Zack had to. He wasn't brave enough to save his own life believing he deserved what he got for burdening his best friend, so Zack had to. Zack was never afraid to walk through the fire, or fight for his love like the soldier he was. Cloud had never had that nerve, that never wavering faith. Even now, he wasn't brave enough to go to these people and show Zack that they could be together. He was too scared to leave Valkyrie's House and the comforts that it had brought him. He was too scared to survive on love alone! Because of this, Zack belonged to someone else and still, he was too scared to even try and steal him away knowing that the man still loved him dearly. He knew that if he asked, Zack would come with him and they would be happy. But no, he was too scared to do so. Only a coward would do what he was about to do.
Like a stalking wolf, he waited. The Fairs had finished eating and settled around the hearth to drink and talk. Angeal was telling an old war story to an eager Zack and enthralled Aerith. They had changed in the few years he'd been gone and he could see Aerith developing the careworn lines of a wife while Zack had grown and no longer kept his hair fluffed in his face. It was brushed back and distinguished but he still held that mischievous childlike glow in his violet eyes. Cloud's eyes locked on him, the beautiful crystalline blues fading to a frosty slate.
Zack…
Zack blinked, distracted. He glanced around the room toward the window. Nothing was there that he could see and he shook his head when Aerith asked what was wrong.
Zack. Come.
"Cloud?" he whispered.
"Zack? You okay?" Aerith asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine babe." He paused looking at the hearth. The fire was too low and he needed to get some more wood. Yeah, that was it, he needed to go outside. "Hey, I'll be back. I'm gonna go get some more wood."
"Oh that's a good idea. I forgot to bring some in earlier!" said Vivian.
He nodded and got up, strolling outside in more of hurry than he realized. He shut the front door behind him and went out to the shed where they stacked the wood. It was fairly quiet in the area aside from the usual sounds, yet he felt a strange chill up his spine. He didn't even hear Cloud's footsteps. The blond slid his hands around Zack's body, his hands coming to rest on the brunet's chest. Zack froze there, a log of wood in his hand. Gently, Cloud rested his face between Zack's muscular shoulder blades reveling in the hot warmth of his body. His heartbeat thudded loud underneath his sleeveless shirt and he smelled wonderfully like the jungle he and his family came from. Beneath that was the scent of fear, anticipation, lust and confusion. Zack knew who he was.
"Cloud…?"
Cloud nodded against his back. The scent of fear dissipated. Zack reached up to touch him, his hands eclipsing Clouds smaller ones. He shivered at the feel of those calloused hands against his skin.
"Let me see you, Cloud?"
Cloud shook his head almost immediately. He'd called Zack out here so that he could…could what? The decision he'd made before coming here didn't seem so sound anymore. He didn't even fight when Zack pulled the blond's hands away from his chest and pulled him so that they faced each other. Cloud kept his eyes averted from him and continued to worry his lip with his teeth. Holding Cloud's arm, Zack used his free hand to gently ghost up Cloud's shoulder and neck. It came to rest on his cheek before forcing the blond to look up at him and practically drowning in those frosted baby blue eyes. It was unbelievable.
"You…you were dead," he whispered.
"I wasn't…you…" Cloud bit his lip again. "You brought me to her and she made me this way. You saved my life Zack"
"But you," Zack's voice was breathy with emotion. "I remember carrying you. We all remember burying you."
Cloud shook his head and lifted his hands to Zack temples. Undoing what Valkyrie had done was not a good idea and should have only been done if he was certain in his decision. Looking into Zack's violet eyes, seeing the intensity of the grief and sadness made him more than certain. He locked eyes with his beloved and began to undo the blocks around Zack's memories. A soft breath escaped the brunet's lips and Cloud knew the memories of that day were flooding his mind. He carefully released Zack and gazed at him for a long while, waiting for the torrent of thoughts to subside. To his surprise Zack blinked once and immediately pulled Cloud into an embrace and a deep kiss. Cloud was immediate in his response and wrapped his arms around Zack's neck trying to get as much contact as possible. Zack moaned into the kiss sips of air escaping through his nose so that it would last. Cloud groaned when his tongue delved into his mouth with pent up longing that the man had been hidden behind the memory locks. That small sound sparked something hot in Zack and he lowered his hand to Cloud's posterior, gripping it hard and pulling Cloud off his feet. The blond made a surprised gasp and automatically wrapped his legs around Zack's waist. It also fed his hunger for the man and he barely noticed his fangs lengthening. Zack jerked away for a moment when one of the pearly extensions pierced his lip.
"Damn," he murmured breathlessly.
Cloud smirked and run his tongue over the wound tasting the sweet tang of blood as it welled from the wound. Zack shuddered and walked Cloud back into the shed wall making an audible thump against the tin. His mouth moved from Cloud's mouth to his jaw line nibbling as he went along until his dull teeth found Cloud's speeding pulse. He bit down hard in a fit of possessiveness remembering that this was the spot that Valkyrie had used to claim his lover. Dammit to hell if he wasn't jealous of how she had caressed him.
"Zack!" Cloud gasped at the feeling of those teeth. God, how much more intense it would be if Zack had fangs! He threaded his fingers through soft spikes and tugged as his neck was sucked. There would be a beautiful hickey there come morning. Zack's quick hands unzipped his shirt as fast as he could
"God, I missed you," Zack whispered against his collar bone before sucking on the skin.
"Show me," he moaned, his nails digging into Zacks back. "Please, show me!"
"Zack!" a soft gasp made them both pause. They turned in unison to see Aerith standing there with a look of shock that quickly turned to fear when her eyes saw Cloud. His fangs were bare and his eyes were nearly white with hunger. Cloud felt Zack's hold on him loosen and the blond knew he would go to her. He growled deep in his chest, a strong jealousy taking over him when Zack put him down and moved toward Aerith.
"Aerith...it's not-"
"Zack!" Cloud growled.
Zack felt his body freeze. He wanted badly to move but couldn't and the horrified look on Aerith's face made his own fear rise. Cloud slipped his arms around Zack's waist and glared at Aerith over his broad shoulders.
"Cloud," Zack begged a tremble in his voice. "Stop...please. Let me go."
"No…" Aerith whispered shaking her head and turning to run back into the house for help.
"Sleep!" Cloud ordered with his hand outstretched. Aerith immediately dropped and Zack, scared to death for her, broke Cloud's hold on him and went to her side.
"Aerith? Aerith!"
Cloud glared down at them, his fists trembling. A cold anger he'd never known before swept over him and he stormed over to Zack lifting the bigger man to his feet. Zack stumbled, shocked at Cloud's strength. Those fiery inhuman eyes glared at him coldly as power swirled around them and prickled over his skin. Zack barely heard his family coming out to see what the commotion was.
"ZACK!" Angeal screamed coming to fight.
"Cloud…?" Vivian whispered in fright.
Cloud glared at them all and jerked Zack to him letting the swirling winds of power engulf them both and they disappeared from the Fair Ranch. They touched down far away in clearing and Cloud shoved Zack to the ground. Zack stumbled to his feet and got into a defensive stance ready to fight Cloud.
"You," Cloud began shaking his head. "I still love you and I thought…I thought you would follow me into death like you promised."
"I know what I promised, Cloud. But this," he waved his hand in gesture to Cloud. "This isn't death. This isn't life. My Cloud wouldn't dare do something like what I saw back there! He wouldn't hurt people!"
"And my Zack wouldn't suddenly forget about me over a woman he doesn't even love!"
"That's not fair!"
"NO! It's not!" Cloud shouted, his power rushing through the trees like a tempest. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself down. He fell to his knees, tears of blood running down his face. "Zack…why did you leave me behind? She offered you everything we ever wanted. She would've given us a life of our own that no one could take away from us and you left me…you even had her make you forget. You even moved on without me."
"Its been five years, Cloud," Zack whispered. He slowly went to the sobbing man and knelt down in front of him.
"You promised," he chanted over and over before Zack lifted his chin so that he could see him. His violet eyes sparkled in the moonlight with such compassion and love. Those were the eyes he fell in love with. "Zack…I'm so sor-"
"Don't," said Zack, putting his fingers to the blond's lip. "You…you can read my thoughts right?"
He nodded numbly.
"What am I thinking?"
"That I'm a fuck up."
"No, that's what you're thinking. What am I thinking?" he asked. "What am I thinking about you, right now?"
Cloud searched Zack's eyes. "You're thinking…that I'm beautiful. That you've missed me so much and that you," he swallowed the lump in his throat. "That you were coward for running away. Zack, I-"
He was silenced once again, this time by a soft kiss. Zack's strong hands embraced him and slowly laid him back in the cool grass. Cloud sensed thoughts in Zack's head racing around, all of them about him and the moment they were sharing. Zack wanted to be with him more than anything right now, and Cloud's resolve became stronger. He pulled Zack over him, their tongues dancing against each other in the rhythm of lust. Hands tangled in clothing, tugging and pulling until both were exposed to the night air and the only thing that covered them was the heat of their bodies. Zack marveled at the paleness of Cloud's skin; it almost glowed in the moonlight. He sat back to admire the subtle muscular tone Cloud had developed in their time apart.
"You're beautiful, babe. You always have been."
Cloud smiled warmly and leaned up to kiss Zack's neck. "You love me?"
"Yes," Zack moaned.
"You trust me?" Cloud breathed against his pulse.
"God, yes."
Cloud chuckled against his skin. "The let me show you what I've learned. Lay back."
Zack obediently did so and Cloud slowly crawled over him making sure every inch of his body touched his lover's skin. They moaned in unison when Cloud straddled Zack and their pelvises connected. He clawed Zack's chest leaving pretty red lines down his body. Cloud leaned over and kissed from his jaw to his chest, his mouth leaving hot electric tingles in the places that they touched. Each spot connected as he moved down to circle Zack's nipples. Mindful of his sharpened canines, he worried each of the nubs with his teeth bringing Zack to squeeze his hips. Cloud's body snaked further down using his tongue and teeth to lay marks all over his lover's body until he reached Zack's shaft. He smiled showing the brunet his fangs and full length.
"You're scared?" Cloud whispered.
Zack audibly gulped. "No."
"You're a horrible liar," Cloud hissed before engulfing Zack's erection all the way to the hilt before pulling back slowly, raking his fangs lightly over sensitive skin and moaning at the feel of the blood rushing within the organ. The currents of electricity flowed through each spot like quicksilver and pooled between Zack's legs exploding upon contact from Cloud's mouth. It felt so much like an orgasm but he never came and it left a torturous throbbing between his legs.
"Shit! The fuck was that!" Zack exclaimed, his back bowed and he panted.
"The advantages to being a vampire," Cloud whispered licking up the side of the pulsing organ. He held Zack's hips down and slid his mouth over it again, bobbing his head gently up and down. He felt Zack struggling not to buck and found it amusing. He didn't need to breath and his gag reflex was nonexistent these days; still Zack's concern was endearing. He hummed around it forcing his lover's hips to lift a little higher and pushing it further down his throat. He didn't even choke, but he swallowed a few times around it, letting his throat constrict around it and bringing delightful sounds of pleasure from Zack.
"Fuck, Cloud!"
Hands found his hair grasping the yellow strands tightly. Cloud let him guide his head as hard and fast as he needed and just as Zack began to moan loud giving away his state. Cloud jerked away from him and grabbed the base of his erection. Zack whimpered lightly, disappointment etching in his flushed features.
"Not yet," Cloud breathed hoarsely. "I want to ride you."
Zack sat up and pulled Cloud into a searing kiss his hand squeezing Cloud's romp affectionately. "Let me get you ready," he said between kisses
"Mm-mm," Cloud moved to nibble his earlobe. "No need! It'll be fine."
"I'll hurt you," Zack moaned.
"And I'll like it!" Cloud tugged at his ear with his teeth before pushing him back down. He moved over Zack despite his protest and slid himself slowly down, his nails digging into Zack's flesh and a pleasure/pain moan escaping his lips. Zack's head fell back and his eyes rolled at the sensation. God, Cloud had never been so tight before. Once Cloud was fully seated, he stayed that way for a while and enjoyed the pulsing sensations of having Zack inside of him once again. This bittersweet pleasure was the reason he'd been killed, was the reason he'd been given this life and if he had the chance to go back he wouldn't change a damn thing about it.
"D-did I hurt you?"
"No," Cloud shuddered and placed his hands firmly on Zack's abs. "I just needed to calm down. I almost came."
Zack chuckled breathlessly. "Yeah, I've always had that affect on you."
"Shut up," he teased while tightening his inner muscles.
He undulated on top of Zack silencing any snappy comebacks. Working his hips in learned movements he'd picked up from the House, his body loosened and he found the perfect angle to work at. Zack's hands clung to his hips and he pushed up into Cloud harder than he meant to. The cry that came from the blond's throat turned him on to the point of insanity and he couldn't control himself anymore. Cloud's complete control over his inner muscles amazing like nothing he'd ever felt and those hips worked him over like a true erotic monster. He growled in frustration and pulled himself up. He grabbed Cloud and switched their position so that he had Cloud pinned in the grass. Supporting himself on his knees he used Cloud's hips for leverage and began to thrust hard and fast hitting his prostate and forcing screams of pleasure that echoed in the clearing. The sounds of the night blended with the carnal moans and cries of their love making and Cloud felt the energy of it all pushing through him along with Zack. His legs tightened around him pulling him close as their skin would allow.
"Zack…I…close…" was all he could manage to say against Zack's pounding thrusts. "I need…I…need…"
"Do it...anything you want take it!" Zack gasped in his ear.
Cloud's lips found his neck and when he came he sunk his teeth into Zack's flesh drawing a strangled cry from the older man. His eyes rolled when both Zack's blood and seed filled him; the orgasm so intense that Zack was prone atop him while he drank his fill. He rolled Zack over pulling him from inside of him and drunk to his heart's content until Zack's lashes fluttered.
"Cloud…"
He pulled back slowly and looked down at the barely conscious man. "Zack? Stay with me. Be with me forever?"
"Cloud…I," he whispered shaking his head.
Cloud smiled warmly and leaned over the wound running his tongue over it. "Let me do it, Zack. You won't have to go back or live a life that you know you don't want to. I'll love you forever; I'll protect you."
Zack shivered and embraced Cloud nuzzling his cheek. Cloud mistook it for acceptance and began to sink his fangs into the open wound making sure it remained open until all was drained. Just as that point drew near he was filled with a joy he hadn't felt since his supposed death but...it was all cut short.
"Aerith…" I love you…
Cloud immediately pulled away and stared down at the now unconscious form beneath him. The skin was almost too pale but there was still enough blood for him to live. Cloud's heart beat a mile a minute from the rush of Zack's blood and the sudden anguish he felt. Even though he had no need to breath, he found himself panting out of pure instinct. It all struck him at once, what he was about to do and all that he was about to take away from Zack. Slowly, he pulled away from Zack and shook his head. No….this was so wrong. Crestfallen eyes took in his lover's body and a trembling hand brushed the hair from his face.
"I love you…you know that. We're friends right, Zack." He planted a kiss on Zack's forehead.
l
l
l
"Can't believe you had a fit of anemia! You're always so healthy, Zack!" Ifalna exclaimed
"I'm just glad I came out of the house when I did," Aerith smiled and rubbed her stomach. "Last thing we need is for you to get sick over something like that."
Zack smiled and relaxed in his hospital bed. "Yeah, I dunno where that came from. Maybe I need a break!"
Angeal shook his head. "Well some leave will do you some good, pup. Give you more time to spend with Aerith now you know you got one on the way."
"Yeah, I can't wait babe. We're gonna make a good lookin kid!" he spouted proudly. "Say? Who brought these flowers? Was that you babe?"
Aerith glanced at the yellow flowers. "Well no, I thought one of the nurses put it there."
Zack stared at the flowers for a long time, feeling like he should recognize them but couldn't quite place it. Thinking about it only made his head hurt. Like most things that were too complicated for him, he let it go and enjoyed the company of his family and soon to be mother of his child. None of them ever noticed that the mythril feather was missing from the grave.
120 years later…
Cloud walked into the House of Chanterelle smiling a bit at the clientele so that he didn't appear imposing. He walked out into the garden where Madame Valkyrie's bedchamber lay. Two large crystal red lamps were posted outside the door with ancient runes from a civilization that was long since lost. He knew that chamber well with its soft pillows and large bed. He'd spent many of his first nights in her company and she showed him all the pleasures of being one of her most favored butterflies. She'd been the one love he'd had and the only one who could console him after he'd chosen to leave Zack to his mortal life. He had to admit, he owed her everything. The beautiful Madame waited for him in a frock of all white silk and jewels decorating her hair. Her crystal eyes were aglow with excitement and she waved him over.
"Come, Cloud," she said gently. "I have gifts for you!"
"No more trinkets, my rooms are full, Val."
"Oh these trinkets will surely bring a smile to your face, Cloud!" He always loved how she said his name. "You'll love them, I swear."
He gave her a tolerant smile and waited for her to pull the curtain back from the doorway. She allowed him to walk in first and eagerly waited for his reaction. He paused at the canopy bed with enamored eyes as they stared at the two beautiful bodies that lay on the bed. Valkyrie came around to the bed and drew the canopy away urging Cloud to go closer. The two boys looked no older than teenagers and were naked beneath the satin sheets. They were clean and flushed like newborn babies and they embraced each other protectively. The blond one held the brunet with such care that made him think of Zack. This one, he understood, had been brave enough to follow the brunet into death and Cloud felt a pang of envy. But he let it go as a soft sigh escaped the brunet's lips and he dared to run his hand through his hair. The brunet tilted his head into the touch and a small sleepy smile came to his petal shaped lips.
"They're beautiful, Val. Where…?"
She sat down on the bed with them. "I found these poor souls alone, the brunet dying in the streets and the blond begging god for his life."
Cloud reached out and touched each one marveling at the suppleness of their cheeks. "Twins?"
"Yes, this one is Roxas," she touched the blond. "This one is Sora." She touched the brunet. "Since you don't want to be the heir to my Line then please accept them as my gift to you. Take my White Imperials and love them as you would me, as you would Zack? Perhaps you could be brave for them?"
FIN
Akino: yay, I don't know if this counts as cannon or not. I'll posting the next chapter of House of Chanterelle in a few days. These chronicles are going to be pretty raunchy so I'll probably just keep them on my blog just in case i ruin someone's sensibilities. woot! See ya guys.