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Unexpected – Chapter 2
Zack knew he'd screwed up royally by not being home on time, or as close to it as physically possible, and understood the severity of his mistake. He also appreciated the fact that it probably would have been a good idea to phone home at some point earlier on and let Cloud know he was running late. But, as they say, hindsight is a wonderful thing and unfortunately, by the time he thought of that, after managing to find his misplaced phone, it was already too late. The damage was well and truly done.
What really didn't help was the list of entries from Reno, or more specially Cloud, attempting to contact him earlier that afternoon, which were logged in his missed calls folder. Each one a silent warning that things had not gone according to plan that day and that his blonde haired lover had needed him, the lack of voicemail messages to accompany each unanswered call making him worry that much more. The soldier could only hope, as he hurried home, that whatever problem had occurred was now sorted out and that his precious Spiky was tucked up safely in bed getting the rest he would need before going on guard duty that night.
It was with this thought still lodged firmly in his mind that the soldier carefully opened the door to his apartment, desperately trying to be as quiet as possible so as not to wake the cadet if he was sleeping. He'd even gone so far as to take his shoes off in the corridor outside to reduce the noise and had barely lowered them to the floor, after closing the door behind him, when bare feet and sweat-pant covered legs appeared in his line of sight. Slowly nervous violet eyes travelled up the damp and dishevelled body, already sensing the repressed fury emanating from the blonde who stood in front of him, and knowing that he had a lot of explaining to do.
"I can explain..." Zack began as his apologetic lavender orbs rose up to meet Cloud's bright sapphire ones, the words dying on his lips as his gaze took in the cadet's murderous, blood-shot spheres and the sleeping infant being held by exhausted arms against the blonde's shoulder.
"What the hell?" The soldier asked in surprise, his expression becoming one of shock at the sight in front of him.
"I was thinking the same thing." Cloud seethed, his voice a harsh whisper so as to convey his anger without waking little Zack.
"Wasn't Reno supposed to collect him hours ago?" Big Zack asked, a regretful grimace instantly forming on his handsome face as the cadet's delicate features darkened even more.
"He called to say it was going be a longer shift." The blonde growled back, his harsh tone clearly emphasising the soldier's own error for not having phoned as well.
"I would have called, but I got caught up with something else and then I misplaced my phone and ..."
"I don't want to hear it and I don't care." Cloud fumed, the control at keeping his voice low barely holding up now. "I've got guard duty soon and I'm probably going to kill someone if I don't get at least some sleep before then."
Unfortunately Zack didn't actually process his next question properly before speaking it, the words barely leaving his mouth before the soldier realised what a foolish mistake he'd made. After all, it was clear from the blonde's appearance that, for whatever reason, a chance to relax had not been possible. The anger which was currently shown on a normally peaceful angelic face being accompanied by an obvious fatigue, the evidence of which lingered on Cloud's delicate face like a shadow as exhaustion swam deep within tired blue eyes
"Why didn't you get some rest while he was sleeping?"
"You don't think I've tried that already." The cadet ground out through clenched teeth, the look he gave being one that could have easily peeled paint. "The kid starts to wake up the minute you stop moving. Gaia, I swear, it's like he doesn't want to stay still even when he's unconscious."
"Give him to me." Zack offered without hesitation, as he quickly lifted the sleeping bundle from Cloud's rigid embrace.
He immediately noted the infant's weight as he settled the small body against his chest and wasn't surprised when the cadet rubbed his shoulder and sighed in relief, the blonde's other arm now hanging limply by his side as the tension finally started to ease within his tightly wound frame.
"Heavy little thing, isn't he?" The soldier commented, trying to keep his tone light.
"Yea, he is." Cloud agreed softly, some of his earlier irritation slipping away as he was finally able to work the cramping sensation out of his stiffened muscles.
"What time have you got to report for duty?" Zack asked lightly, again keeping his tone calm and soothing so as to not upset the blonde further.
"I need to leave here just after eleven, that's also around the time when someone should be arriving to pick this little guy up."
"Look, it's just gone eight now. Why don't you try and get a couple of hours sleep before you have to go."
"That would be nice." The cadet agreed thankfully, a small grateful smile forming on his pale pink lips.
"Go on." Zack coaxed gently, nodding his head towards the bedroom. "I've got this covered now."
"Ok." Cloud agreed softly, hesitating only briefly to run his hand over little Zack's back and then across the soldier's warm hand before disappearing into the bedroom.
Zack waited until the door was closed before looking back down at the infant in his arms, his eyes having stayed on the blonde until he was completely out of sight. It was only now that he saw the little chubby face pressed up against his chest, as well as the small trail of dribble slowly working its way from between tiny lips and down over his uniform top.
"I guess I deserve that." He told little Zack, a soft chuckle following his words as the infant made a face and unconsciously gurgled in agreement.
An affectionate smile began to form on the soldier's handsome face, the look of soft wonder now gracing his features being aimed at the bundle in his arms.
"You're not so bad." He whispered against the small head which rested on his shoulder. "But I think you wore mama Cloud out today, so let's try and keep it down for a little bit. Ok?"
As if on que little Zack gurgled again, the small face titling up and displaying a heart-warming smile which even in sleep seemed to communicate that he understood. Once again the soldier found himself grinning happily, his arms carefully adjusting the weight against his shoulder as he began to silently move around the apartment. He wasn't sure if the cadet had been joking about little Zack preferring to be in motion all of the time, but he wasn't about to take the chance.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
It was just coming up to half past ten when Zack decided that he would have to wake Cloud, his heart physically aching as he looked at the exhausted blonde lying amongst the sheets. With a heavy sigh and knowing he didn't have a choice the soldier reluctantly moved to kneel beside the bed, one arm remaining in place to support the infant's weight fully while the other half-heartedly reached out to give the cadet a gentle shake.
"Spiky." Zack whispered softly against the cadet's head. "It's time to get up."
Slowly the blonde began to stir from his sleep, his supple body shifting restlessly on the bed so that he rolled over a little more onto his side as delicate eyelids fluttered open once again to reveal dazed blue spheres.
"Zack?" Cloud breathed questioningly, his voice faint and still a little distant as he drifted somewhere between dreams and reality.
"Yea, it's me."
"What time is it?" The cadet murmured, a single hand now lazily moving up to rub the sleep from his eyes.
"Nearly half ten." The soldier replied, his tone remaining low so as to maintain the calm atmosphere around them.
The response he got was almost to be expected, the blonde instantly rolling back over onto his stomach and burying his face deep into the pillows as a low groan escaped his body. Smiling softly Zack moved his free hand to rub comforting circles across Cloud's back, the consoling actions quickly helping to ease some of the stress related tension which had already begun to form there.
"Why don't you get up and have a quick shower." The soldier suggested, his fingers now running through a mass of dishevelled golden spikes as he tried to comb some of it into place again.
"No, it's ok." The blonde answered. His voice sounding slightly muffled due to the current position of his head, but still being clear enough to hear. "Little Zack got me wet enough when I bathed him earlier."
"I wondered why you looked a little damp when I got in." Zack noted, his amused chuckle ending abruptly when an annoyed face suddenly snapped round to glare at him.
For a minute neither spoke as they simply stared at each other, the soldier now looking very apologetic and Cloud silently communicating that he was not impressed. Clearly the earlier mistakes of not answering his phone had neither been forgotten nor forgiven, the narrowed slits of blue which were now aimed at him being testament to that fact. With a quick silent prayer to a higher being Zack made a desperate attempt to apologise, his instincts warning him that based on the way the cadet was now behaving things good go either way for him.
"Sorry." He tried hopefully, his best pleading puppy look slipping effortlessly into place.
To the soldier's surprise, instead of getting angrier, the blonde lying in front of him actually snorted in amusement. His pissed-off Spiky's irritated expression instantly cracking like an egg shell to reveal a radiant smile and dazzling blue eyes, just before Cloud shoved his face back into the soft pillows and began to laugh almost hysterically.
The scene before him left Zack speechless as the cadet's head became buried firmly against the padded surface once more, the blonde now beside himself with joyous laughter which he was trying to keep contained, or simply forced into some sort of silence, by smothering himself. Violet eyes could only watch in confusion as the small delicate frame stretched out before them began to shake with the effort to repress the sound, the hilarity of the moment lost to the soldier as he continued to kneel silently beside the bed and look at Cloud in bewilderment. Eventually the cadet calmed enough to look up again, his soft cheeks now flushed a delightful pink hue as he panted breathlessly and his beautiful cobalt eyes glowed brightly in pleasure.
"Do I even want to know?" Zack asked cautiously, his own face displaying a cheerful if not puzzled expression as he took in the sight before him.
Instead of answering with words Cloud's slowly began to move, his arms pushing him into an upright position as his legs swung round to hang over the edge of the bed. Once he was sitting properly the cadet lent forward and captured the soldier's face between the palms of his hands, the soft fingers gently pressing against the smooth skin as he drew them closer together. The kiss was short and sweet, a teasing caress of delicate flesh as their lips touched for only a few seconds before the blonde pulled away again.
"It's in the name." Was all Cloud said, his voice like a silk caress within Zack's mind.
The next second and the cadet was standing and walking out of the room, the sound of soft laughter following him through the apartment until it was silenced by the bathroom door shutting. The soldier stayed on his knees for a few more minutes as he tried to work out what had just happened, the pleasant experience making him smile but also feel even more mystified. With only one possible explanation for the turn of events he looked down at the infant asleep in his arms, his eyebrows furrowing as he considered the possibility.
"Did you break mama Cloud?" Zack asked the little boy, his tone being light and playful as he spoke, but also completely serious, as he stood and began to leave the bedroom.
An unconscious gurgle and bright smile was the infant's only reply, the involuntary reflexes of a sleeping child instantly being taken as a silent admission of guilt by the soldier.
"Thought so." Zack sighed, as he adjusted his hold on little Zack and moved towards the kitchen knowing that, whatever else happened, Cloud was going to need some strong coffee to get him through the night ahead.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
It didn't take Cloud long to have a quick wash and then dress in his uniform, the slightly dazed and half asleep look still very much evident on his face as he peered out over the top of a steaming cup of coffee.
"You know that's your second cup." Zack warned, his amethyst eyes meeting with the cadet's to show a flicker of concern.
"I know, but I need it." The blonde replied, his words quickly being followed by a yawn which he tried, but failed, to conceal.
"You're exhausted." The soldier informed him, the worry more than hinted at now.
"I'll be fine." Cloud reassured gently, a soft smile spreading across his lips as put the cup down and moved around the breakfast bar to stand at Zack's side.
Knowing that it was pointless to argue the soldier only sighed in mock exasperation and shock his head at the cadet, his face still holding the loving smile it always did while he silently scolded the blonde for pushing himself. In response Cloud simply rolled his eyes and allowed his smile to grow brighter, then lent in against Zack's shoulder on the opposite side of little Zack and nuzzled the spot affectionately. His actions were rewarded in the way that he had wanted, the soldier's arm nearest to him instinctively moving up to wrap around his shoulder's and draw him in even closer. As if mirroring Zack's automatic reflexes the blonde also moved, his head now tipping forward to rest more comfortably on a well toned chest while his hands quickly encircled the soldier's waist to complete the embrace between them.
"Just don't push yourself, ok?" Zack said, his words being a softly spoken request against a head of golden hair.
"If it gets too much I'll call you." Cloud offered as a compromise, the quick squeeze he got in response letting him know that it had been accepted.
Smiling more to himself than anyone else the cadet drew in a deep breath, the idea being to prepare himself to pull away from the warm and comforting hold which was already making him feel relaxed and sleepy again. Instead he ended up drawing in the deep rich aroma of Zack's scent, the unexpected sensation not only easing away the tiredness but also making his body begin to feel warm and tingly all over. It had been several days since he'd been able to hold the soldier like this, their hectic schedules and overlapping duties making it impossible to meet up. The plan had been for them to spend a few hours together that evening, perhaps even a little personal time spent in bed, before the blonde had to go on patrol, to make up for the fact that they'd barely seen each other all week. But now was not the time for such things and realising what was happening Cloud quickly moved away from his intimate position beside Zack and picked up the drink once more, the strong liquid burning his throat a little as he turned to face the counter and quickly gulped it down.
"You ok?" The soldier asked carefully, the sudden separation having caught him a little by surprise.
"I'm fine." Cloud replied, as he moved to where his boots were lying and began to kick them on. "I just need to finish getting ready."
"Ok." Zack murmured, his tone saying that he was not convinced but again was not about to argue.
With his boots now on and the straps secured into place Cloud wearily looked up towards the kitchen clock, a small frown of disapproval forming on his brow as he took in the numbers displayed there. It was nearly time for him to go and yet, a large part of him didn't want to leave. The sight of his Zack now holding the small boy so tenderly in his strong muscular arms making something within the cadet stir to life, its unexpected warmth quickly spreading throughout every fibre of his being until each and every nerve-ending along his skin tingled from the sensation.
If anyone had asked him to describe the feeling they would have been disappointed by his reply, as it would have been impossible to give it a single name or specific meaning other than 'being right'. And though he couldn't see it for himself the blonde knew that the expression on his face was currently one of soft wonder. Understood without a doubt that, in that moment, the love he felt for the solder was deeper than anything words could possibly express. He also knew that Zack was aware of this, the way those breath-taking violet eyes now held his own blue ones as they shared a look which revealed all that the soldier was feeling as well. It was like looking into a living mirror and seeing your emotions laid out before you as clear as day, each of them understanding the significance of the moment and both knowing that this experience has touched them in ways neither had expected or would ever forget.
Once again the cadet found himself being drawn towards the soldier across the room from him, his intention to only place a chaste kiss on Zack's lips before leaving for the night turning into so much more. The instant their mouths met the gentle tender caress of delicate flesh changed, the unspoken feelings bringing them together to become lost in a deep passionate kiss which quietly gave a voice to the things that both of them longed to say. The love they felt for one another being whispered on the air as they became lost in the moment. Neither wanting to pull away from the other even when the need for air forced them to do so, their lips still close enough to touch lightly as they stood panting softly in the silent room.
"I need to go soon." Cloud managed, his words escaping as a warm breath to ghost over Zack's face.
"When did you say he was going to be collected?" The soldier asked, his eyes closing briefly so that he could regain some control of his body.
"Anytime now." The cadet replied, his own movements a little unfocused as he hesitated to pull away.
It was at this point that little Zack began to stir, the small face scrunching up and a protesting noise escaping his lips to let them know that they had been standing still for too long. With the threat of a slowly waking and clearly unhappy infant now trapped between them both soldier and cadet quickly snapped back to reality, their bodies instantly pulling apart so that big Zack could start moving around the apartment more freely in hopes of calming the little boy once more. Unfortunately the response had come a few seconds too late, the delay being just enough to upset little Zack who now turned his whimpers into the start of an unimpressed wail.
Cloud was beside the soldier's moving figure in seconds, his hands instantly reaching out for the squirming bundle and offering to take over the responsibility of comforting the young boy again. With a poorly concealed sigh of relief Zack carefully passed the infant over, the reaction not being missed by the blonde who chuckled happily as he took the full weight onto his chest and moved his arms to gently embrace the smaller body against his own.
"Hey, ssssshhhhh, it's ok." The cadet soothed, as he turned and began to walk around the apartment with a light bounce in his step.
Zack watched in wonder as the infant instantly calmed at the sound of Cloud's voice, his distressed cries quickly fading away to be replaced with soft even breaths once more. There was something almost magical to the moment he was witnessing, the way Cloud's very presence seemed to bring a sense of peace to little Zack as he snuggled in against the cadet's chest. Then there was the other thing which had the soldier's attention fixing on the blonde so intently, the gentle rocking motions of his supple frame causing heat to flood Zack's senses. The slow sway of Cloud's body was almost hypnotic, the rhythmic swing of his hips being almost seductive as he moved. The soldier knew it was wrong to be thinking about such things at that moment in time but he just couldn't help himself, the temptation of those sensual movements making the heat rush straight to his groin.
"That's it, you go back to sleep." The blonde whispered against the small head of hair, his attention so focused on the child in his arms he was oblivious to Zack's current state.
It was only when the infant had once again returned to the land of dreams that Cloud looked round, his wondrous blue eyes glancing up and instantly connecting with the soldier's bright violet ones across the room. That was when the cadet saw what he had missed before, the love which had shone within those glowing amethyst spheres now being accompanied by a familiar hunger and desire as they stared at him. Cloud's face instantly took on a bright red hue as a warm blush covered his delicate features, the intensity of Zack's gaze equally matching the need which still bubbled just beneath the surface of his own skin.
"You shouldn't be looking at me like that." The blonde managed, his voice soft and a little breathless now.
"Why not?" The soldier asked, his voice almost a seductive whisper as he spoke with a low tone in the quiet room.
"I'm holding a baby." Cloud pointed out, his eyes quickly flicking down to the bundle in his arms and then back up again.
"He's not the one I'm looking at." Zack purred, the husky timbre he used making the cadet's already fluttering heart rate increase its pace.
"Behave yourself." The blonde warned playfully, his sapphire orbs now burning brightly within the softly lit room
"How can I, when you move your hips like that?" The soldier continued, his confident muscular form already advancing on the pair with a mischievous grin on his face.
"Zack." Cloud gasped, his heart skipping a beat as he felt strong hands take a firm, controlling hold of his hips. "We can't."
"Can't what? Kiss?" Zack asked, his words being deliberately released as a warm breath which tickled delightfully against the young cadet's neck. "There's nothing wrong with a kiss. Besides, he's asleep. He won't even notice."
"No, we can't." The blonde managed to protest weakly, even as the glorious sensation sent a rush of excitement through his trembling frame. "I want to, you know that." He mumbled bashfully. "But not in front of him. And especially not like this."
"Fine." The soldier sighed in agreement, his arms moving round to create a more innocent embrace. "But as soon as he's gone, I want a kiss. A proper one." He mock-demanded, a playful pout on his sensual lips making Cloud's eyes twinkle mischievously.
"I think something can be arranged." The cadet whispered back seductively. His mouth moving of its own accord to slowly brush lightly along the soldier's strong jaw-line and then up to leave a not-so-innocent kiss on the heated skin of his cheek.
The contradictory words and actions were enough to instantly send Zack's head in a spin, his bright amethyst orbs eyes going wide as his brain literally had a mini melt-down over the whispered promising words and the tone they had been spoken with. It had just been on the tip of his tongue to challenge the blonde in his arms about what had just been said and done, the thought of calling his precious Spiky a playful teasing minx right there and about to be given voice, when a soft knock at the door drew their attention away from each other and towards whoever was now waiting outside.
"Please be Reno." Cloud prayed softly, as he pulled away from the warm arms which still embraced him and moved to open the door. His tired mind not registering the fact that had it been his fiery haired lover returning to collect the child, then he would have simply used his own key card to get in and not knocked as this visitor had done.
It was therefore more than just a little bit of a surprise to the cadet when he opened the door and found himself face to face with the head Turk himself, as well as a slightly older couple he didn't recognise.
"Oh, there you are my baby." The women cooed, reaching out to take the sleeping infant from the blonde's arms.
"Hey little champ." The older man greeted the unconscious boy, ruffling his hair affectionately.
"How has he been?" The women asked kindly, looking up and smiling sympathetically at Cloud's drained appearance. "He's a handful isn't he?" She added, smiling a little brighter when the cadet blushed humbly but didn't answer.
"You did a good job my boy." The older man noted happily, clearly pleased to see his son alive and well.
"I apologise for you being assigned this duty at such short notice." Tseng said, his voice sounding relaxed and pleasant even though the cadet was still able to pick up the hint of annoyance that lurked just beneath the surface. "I have spoken with my staff and explained that they should inform me of any changes to arrangements where duties are concerned."
Cloud suddenly understood what had the head Turk so wound up and smiled softly knowing at least three people who were going to be suffering in the morning. He also knew that he couldn't expose their blatant disregard for orders as it would make Tseng appear unable to control his own people, so simply nodded in silently acceptance of the words being spoken.
"You looked after him all day?" The man asked, noting the blonde's uniform questioningly.
"Yes sir, I did. I have night patrol this week, which is why I was able to care for your son during the day." Cloud replied softly, so as not to wake little Zack.
"Night patrol, then you're going to work now?" The lady asked, her voice showing her shock at this revelation.
"That's not right." The man said turning to Tseng. "This boy's been on his feet all day, can't you get him the night off?"
"I am afraid it is beyond my control. His shift is due to start soon and even if I could change it, I would be unable to do so at such short notice."
"That doesn't seem fair." The women protested, clearly frustrated by this fact.
Cloud watched in stunned silence as the older couple actually argued with the Head Turk, his shocked mind only just registering this fact as it also reminded him that if he didn't hurry he was going to be late.
"I'm very sorry to be rude sir, but I have to get ready or I am going to be late for duty." He spoke up hesitantly, his eyes first glancing up at the pair and then moving to meet with Tseng's uncertainly.
"Nonsense my boy, be as rude as you like. We're the ones who are holding you up. Come on dear, let's get our little boy back to the apartment and into bed."
A few minutes later and Cloud watched as little Zack's parents left, the mother carrying her child protectively in her arms while the father carried the various bags which accompanied the small infant. The cadet waited by the door until the lift had opened and the visitors moved inside, his eyes connecting briefly with Tseng's once more before they were gone and to his surprise saw the man actually nod a brief silent thanks before the doors lid shut.
Back inside the apartment the soldier had stayed out of the way and kept quiet, knowing that any praise being given was solely for Cloud and that the cadet deserved every bit of it. He waited until the door was closed and the blonde had moved back into the room before pouncing, his arms once again encircling the narrow waist and pulling them tightly together.
"Zack." Cloud gasped in surprise, his eyes widening slightly as he twisted round in the embrace to face the soldier.
Instead of replying verbally Zack lent forward and captured the lips he desperately wanted to taste, his tongue only hesitating at the seam of Cloud's mouth long enough to give warning of his intentions. The next second and the warm muscle had pushed past those soft lips and was teasing the cadet's tongue to life, the kiss becoming more heated as in turn the blonde began to respond to his advances. Suddenly hands were roaming everywhere over the material of their clothing, the small paler pair moving up over a toned chest and shoulders while the tanned set moved down and round narrow hips to grasp the firm cheeks or a pert backside. A gentle squeeze was all it took to have Cloud's mouth breaking away from the kiss to draw in a gasping breath, his eyes snapping open to reveal smouldering blue orbs which burned with a deep seated heat and burning lust.
"We need to stop, I ... I have to ... report … for duty." The cadet panted, his body instinctively pushing forward and contradicting the words even as they were spoken.
"I'll cover for you." The soldier reassured, his lips already moving down over the blonde's jaw line and beginning to follow the curve of his swan like throat.
"No ... I can't, you can't ... do that." Cloud managed, his voice faltering as a low moan escaped his full soft lips and pale eyelashes fluttered in rapture before delicate eyelids slid shut again.
"Sure I can." Zack purred, the vibrations travelling along the cadet's highly sensitive skin and making him shudder in response.
"Zack I ... I have to ... to go." The blonde insisted, his breathing becoming heavier as he fought the arousal which was slowly consuming him.
"Don't you mean, come?" The soldier teased, as he ground their hips together making both very much aware of the others current state.
"Zack I ... I ..." Cloud stuttered helplessly, his whole body now humming with need.
"It's ok, I know what you need." The soldier replied playfully, a confident hand already moving round to begin working on the top button of the cadet's trousers.
"Gaia, yes." The blonde gasped almost a second later, as his erection was encircled by the strong sword-calloused fingers which had pushed down below the loosened material of his uniform.
Zack's smile was almost primal as he drew Cloud's body closer to his own, the soft triumphant growl which escaped his lips only adding to the cadet's overly aroused state. With one last sigh of pleasure the blonde surrendered himself to the moment, his mind's logical reasoning losing out to the need now which coursed throughout his body like liquid fire in his veins.
Fifteen minutes later and a blonde haired cadet could be seen running through the compound as he hurried to his post, the blush on his cheeks not just a result of his fast and clearly flustered pace. Inside his body Cloud was still humming from the rush of his release, the 'quickie' he had enjoyed with Zack waking him in a way that even the strongest coffee couldn't have managed. Then there was also the excitement which still flowed through him, the soldier's promise of making it up to him tomorrow still echoing in his head, and the anticipation of what that might involve already making him smile brightly.