Warnings for this chapter: language, violence, and EXTREME sap. :)
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you
Hanging By A Moment - Lifehouse
The radiology technician on duty greeted Cloud at the door and ushered him inside. She smiled at Cloud, and had him sit in a chair while she went over some questions with him regarding his medical history. "Are you wearing any jewelry?" she asked. "You'll need to remove any jewelry before we begin."
"Oh yeah," Cloud said. "I've only got this earring." He removed it, cupping it in the palm of his hand, and quickly got up from the chair. "I'll be right back, I'll have my friend who's waiting for me hold this for me." Cloud felt his face warm pleasantly…friend. He turned the word over in his brain. Yes, Zack really did want to be his friend, he was sure of it. Even though they'd just met, Cloud didn't think there was an insincere bone in Zack's body, and Zack's offer of friendship seemed genuine to Cloud.
"I can put the earring somewhere safe for you, Cloud!" the technician called after him, but he was gone so quickly that he didn't hear her. She shook her head, laughing softly at the impulsive cadet.
Cloud raced back out into the waiting area, and for a split second, wondered if Zack really was waiting for him. What if he decided he had something better to do than to babysit a cadet? Cloud thought, frowning. He smiled with relief as he saw that Zack was still sitting there, reading a tabloid magazine with an amused expression on his face. Zack raised his head as he heard, then saw, Cloud quickly approaching.
"Don't tell me you're done already, Cloud!" Zack exclaimed, raising an eyebrow. "I've had enough CAT scans to know they're not that quick," he said with a smile. Cloud shook his head. "No, I didn't even have it yet."
"You didn't freak out over the CAT scan and bolt, did you?" Zack interrupted, concerned. He folded the magazine back up and placed it on the table next to him, frowning.
"No, I didn't!" Cloud replied, shaking his head emphatically. "I just…." Cloud suddenly felt a bit foolish and awkward. He clutched his earring tightly in his hand, which was becoming moist with nervous perspiration. Slowly, he unfolded his clenched fingers, revealing the object. "My earring, it's kind of…sentimental, I guess. Can you hold onto it for me, Zack? While I'm in there? I guess you can't wear jewelry while you're in that thing."
Zack chuckled, relieved that Cloud hadn't had a panic attack or something like that in the CAT scan machine. "Of course!" he said brightly, holding his hand out toward Cloud, palm side up. Cloud smiled shyly, and placed the carved silver earring in Zack's hand.
"It's a nice earring," Zack murmured, studying it. "It's a wolf, right?"
"Yeah," Cloud replied, his face reddening. "My mom got it for me on my last birthday. It, uh….reminds me of her when I wear it, so…I hardly ever take it off."
"You miss her, don't you?" Zack asked softly. Cloud nodded wordlessly.
"I know what you mean. I miss my parents too. Hey, you'd better get back in there, Cloud – you don't want to mess around, just in case you've got a concussion. And don't worry – I'll keep this safe until you get back." Zack folded his fingers over the earring, and smiled at Cloud, who nodded at him again. "Okay. Thank you so much, Zack," Cloud said, smiling. "For everything." With that, Cloud turned and went back into the office.
Zack sighed and stretched his long legs out in front of him. He felt himself getting restless, and fought every urge to head into the exam room to sneak a peek at how Cloud was doing. What in the hell is wrong with me? Zack wondered, perplexed. I'm like some overprotective mother hen with Cloud. Thing is, I don't think he needs protection, so much as some guidance…and a little training, maybe.
"I just hope he's okay," Zack said to himself, shuddering as he recalled what he walked in on in the locker room. Thank gods Angeal and I got there when we did…who knows what could have happened.
The technician was waiting on Cloud, and when he re-entered the exam room, she ushered him over to a chair. "You know, I could have held your personal items for you, Cloud," she said kindly, smiling at him.
"Sorry about that, ma'am," Cloud replied sheepishly. "I didn't realize that."
"Not a problem. Now, let's get you started, so we can get you in and out of here as quickly as possible!" the technician said brightly. "I'll need you to undress from the waist up – so just remove your shirt, please." Cloud nodded, and pulled his shirt over his head, folding it carefully as he placed it on the chair.
"Now, I'll need you to lie on this table over here," the technician told Cloud, leading him over to the long, tubular-shaped CAT scan machine. Cloud complied wordlessly, scooting up further when he was directed to do so.
"This strap is going to go around your head to hold it in place," the technician told him. "It's important that you stay completely still during the test."
"O-okay," Cloud replied nervously. Strapped down to the table? I'm not liking this too much…
"Ma'am?" Cloud inquired timidly. "How long will this test take?"
"Well," the woman replied, "it could take anywhere from thirty to sixty minutes."
"Sixty minutes?" Cloud exclaimed in disbelief. "Seriously?"
"Cloud, are you claustrophobic?" the technician asked, frowning.
"A little bit," Cloud admitted. "I'm sorry…I can't help it."
The woman chuckled. "It's not your fault. A lot of people are like that, especially when it comes to getting a CAT scan. Do you want Zack to wait in here with you, would that help put you at ease?"
Cloud sighed. He really didn't want Zack, the only friend he'd really made so far, to think he was so weak and needy. He probably already thinks that anyway, Cloud thought morosely. Both he and Angeal had to pull Fredo off of me, for Gaia's sake.
"No, I'll be fine," Cloud said stubbornly. "And I'll try to stay as still as I can, ma'am."
"Okay then," the woman replied. "Let's get started." She pushed a button, and the table slowly moved back into the tube. Cloud closed his eyes and slowed his breathing, trying desperately to relax his body, and ignore his rapidly beating heart. Just…focus on something pleasant, he told himself. Zack's face…or, his smile, maybe.
Cloud heard the radiology technician murmuring something to him, but he couldn't quite make it out. Soon, he heard a humming sound, completely surrounding him. That must be the machine starting, Cloud reasoned. He bristled, his entire body stiffening, despite his attempts to relax. Cloud let out a small breath, and tried to picture Zack's face once again. It was starting to help, he felt. His mind began to wander as he imagined Zack's soothing voice, murmuring words of encouragement. It wasn't long before Cloud drifted off to sleep.
When he finally came to, he woke up to the bright overhead lights of the radiology lab, and Zack's concerned face staring down at his own. "What happened in there?" Cloud heard Zack ask the technician. Zack's voice sounded odd to Cloud, as if he were speaking underwater, or in a vacuum.
"He fell asleep," the woman told Zack, smiling. Zack laughed out loud; the sound brought a smile to Cloud's face, and brought him out of his sleepy state.
"Hey, there you are!" Zack said cheerfully, as he noticed Cloud's eyes fluttering open. "You doing okay, buddy? I guess you had a nap in there," he commented, chuckling.
"Yeah," Cloud said slowly, yawning as if to confirm the fact. "I…I'm glad I was able to relax a bit," he remarked, smirking. "I…want to get up," he stammered, gripping the sides of the bed as he swung his legs over the side, swaying slightly.
"Take it easy, Cloud," Zack warned him reaching a hand out to steady him. "Oh hey – I've got your earring here," Zack said, showing Cloud the object in his hand. "Here, I'll put it on you," he offered impulsively.
Before Cloud could even protest, Zack brushed back a few feathery blond tufts of hair away from Cloud's left ear, and inserted the earring, squinting as he did so to make sure he got it in right, and fastened it with the backing. The intimacy of the act, of feeling Zack touching him jarred Cloud out of his sleepy stupor; he swallowed hard as he felt his face redden, and his pulse raced. Zack's eyes locked with Cloud's, and he suddenly seemed to realize the cadet was still shirtless, swallowing hard as his gaze drifted downward to Cloud's bared chest.
"Ah…well, there you go, Cloud," Zack murmured awkwardly. He scratched his head as he stood up, breaking eye contact with Cloud. What the hell am I thinking? Zack scolded himself. What the hell is happening? I feel like I can't help it…I'm attracted to him, for sure, but I've gotta be careful. He's been through a lot today.
"Thank you," Cloud managed to croak out, his voice suddenly giving out on him. He got up quickly and grabbed his shirt from the back of the chair, and put it on. "So, uh…do I have a concussion?" Cloud asked the technician.
"Everything looks fine, Cloud," the technician replied, smiling. "The doctor took a look at the images, and there didn't seem to be any signs of a concussion.
"Oh, good," Cloud replied, relieved. "Thank you." The technician smiled and waved at Cloud. "Good luck Cloud," she said. "If you have any strange symptoms, or any pain, make sure you report to the nurse immediately."
Cloud nodded. "I will, thank you." He turned to Zack and said, "Well, I guess I should be going to head back to my dorm now. It's been quite a day."
"I'll say," Zack agreed. They both exited the office, and stood out in the corridor, facing each other. "Damn, I'm hungry," Zack commented absently, just as his stomach audibly growled. He laughed along with Cloud.
"I guess you are," Cloud commented, grinning. "Well, I've taken up enough of your time, Zack. I can't thank you enough for everything."
"It's no problem at all, Spikey," Zack blurted, and blushed. The nickname had just slipped out so naturally. "I, uh – sorry. Just consider it a term of endearment, I guess," he said, smiling at Cloud.
Cloud blushed crimson, all the way out to his ears. If it had been anyone else calling him Spikey, Cloud probably would have wanted to lay him out flat. But when it came from Zack…it was somehow different. In a good way.
"It's…okay, I guess," Cloud replied, smiling shyly. "Besides, you have the same issues I do, with controlling your hair. I mean, uh…wow, that came out sounding way more insulting than I intended." Cloud turned an even deeper crimson as he stammered. He stared at his shoes, and scratched his head nervously, and finally glanced at Zack with a sheepish grin.
Zack laughed heartily. "You've got a point there, Cloud," he replied. "I guess we've bonded over our hair issues, huh?"
"Yeah, something like that," Cloud said, chuckling softly. "Well…I'd better go now. See you around." He turned to leave, but stopped when he felt Zack's hand on his shoulder, pulling him back.
"Hold on a second, Cloud," Zack interrupted. "I just wanted to tell you what happened. Angeal called me while you were in there. Fredo…well, he's been dealt with. You won't have to worry about him bothering you again."
"What?" Cloud said, surprised. "Wow, that was…uh, fast. Is he suspended or something?"
"No," Zack said grimly, setting his jaw. "When I said Fredo was done, I meant just that – done. He's been expelled from the academy, Cloud. I told you that what he did was a serious offense. The academy has a no tolerance policy for sexual assault, and Fredo dug his own grave with that one. Angeal and Genesis – have you met Genesis Rhapsodos yet, Cloud?"
"I have," Cloud replied, nodding. "I have him for modern literature. Why?"
"Well," Zack went on, "Angeal went right to General Sephiroth with Fredo – who was still in his bath towel, to boot," he added, rolling his eyes. Cloud smirked, picturing the ape-like Fredo being ushered into Sephiroth's office, probably still dripping wet from his shower. "Angeal told Sephiroth just what we'd walked in on, and without hesitation, he ordered Angeal and Genesis to get Fredo back to his dorm to get his belongings, and escort him off the premises. He's gone, Cloud."
"Thank Gaia," Cloud murmured. "I mean, I'm relieved, but…wow. I mean, he's done here just because of that one thing…"
"Don't you dare undermine what Fredo did, Cloud," Zack said sternly. "If Angeal and I hadn't gotten there when we did…who knows what he might have done."
"But…but…," Cloud stammered. "He told me he…didn't swing that way, or something."
"Cloud, please," Zack said patiently. "None of that matters, don't you see? No matter what Fredo said, what he did violated the rules at this academy. Even worse, he violated you."
"I guess so," Cloud muttered, staring at the floor. As relieved as Cloud was that Fredo would no longer be a student at the academy, he had a weird, unsettled feeling now, and he wasn't exactly sure why. "Well…thanks again, Zack – " Cloud was interrupted as Zack's cell phone rang.
"Hold on a sec, Cloud," Zack said as he took out his cell phone. "It's Angeal, I gotta take this. Zack here," he spoke into the phone. "Oh, so the Turks transported him out? I see. Good call by Sephiroth, that way we know for sure he's off the premises. Um…sure, that sounds good. Max's again? Just you, Ang?"
Cloud stared at the ceiling, feeling very out of place as Zack continued yammering on his phone call with Angeal. I should just take off, he thought. He's obviously very busy. Cloud caught Zack's eye and waved good-bye to him, as he turned to leave.
"I gotta go, Angeal," Zack said quickly, hanging up his phone. Frowning, he trotted after Cloud. "Hold up, Cloud," he called, as he caught up with him. "Where are you running off to now?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Cloud turned and replied. "Just going back to my barracks, to the dorms. Why?"
Zack smiled easily at Cloud. "Because, I was going to ask you if you wanted to grab some pizza. Angeal and I are going to Max's, and I guess Genesis is going to be there with a couple of students from his poetry group. It's nothing fancy, but I figured if you're hungry…" Zack tried keeping it light and casual; the last thing he wanted Cloud to think was that this was some sort of date.
You'd like that though, wouldn't you, Zack told himself, feeling a tiny bit guilty. A date with Cloud…
Cloud scratched his head, considering the offer. I guess it won't be so bad, he reflected, if Genesis has some students there with him as well. I just don't want Zack to get in trouble…hanging out with me like that.
"You won't get in trouble, will you, Zack?" Cloud asked earnestly, his big blue eyes tinged with worry.
"Get in trouble for what?" Zack scoffed. "Come on, Genesis will be there with his students…and besides, you're not even my student, Cloud. You're not in any of my classes."
"But you offered to give me lessons, remember" Cloud argued. "I just don't want…any trouble."
"There won't be any trouble," Zack insisted. "It's not like we're going on a date. And even if we were, I wouldn't worry about that, either."
Cloud froze, staring at Zack nervously. Did he just say 'if we were going on a date?' Oh my Gaia, Cloud worried. Does that mean he wants to go on a date? No way…no way could Zack have meant that. We only just met! Despite the inner debate Cloud was having with himself, he couldn't deny the attraction he felt toward Zack; but, he was certain it was one-sided; a puppy-love type of crush and nothing more.
"Okay," Cloud finally replied, relenting. "I guess it can't hurt to have a few slices of pizza."
"That's the spirit!" Zack exclaimed, as they set off. Cloud fell in step quickly with Zack, as they headed out toward Loveless Avenue. "Besides," Zack went on. "If I took you out on an actual date, I'd like to think I'd take you out for something better than pizza!" He laughed softly, and Cloud chuckled nervously.
"Uh, pizza…is perfectly fine for a first date, in my opinion," Cloud replied, glancing anxiously at Zack. Did I just say that? Oh gods…
Damn it, Zack thought, suddenly realizing how nervous Cloud had become. I'm really pushing it here, talking about first dates and everything. Gaia help me, though, I really do want to take Cloud out sometime…just the two of us. Zack decided to steer the subject away from dating, hoping to put Cloud more at ease.
"Yeah, nothing wrong with pizza, really," Zack commented. "Or a really good cheeseburger."
"Mm," Cloud murmured, his stomach churning at the mention of food. "I love cheeseburgers."
"What else do you like to eat, Cloud?" Zack asked him, trying again to change the subject, and hopefully get Cloud to relax.
"Oh, lots of things," Cloud replied, smiling over at Zack. "My mom is a really good cook…" The two continued in easy conversation like this, until they reached their destination of Max's Pizzeria, not far from the academy. Angeal, Genesis, and his two students, Zane and Dillon, were already seated in a large booth toward the back of the restaurant when they arrived. The eldest SOLDIER waved at Zack, motioning him to come over.
"Hey, Angeal," Zack called as he strode toward the booth, waving Cloud along. "Come on, Cloud, let's grab a seat. Before Angeal eats everything," he said, chuckling. Cloud smiled and took a seat next to Zack. Genesis and his two students were seated opposite Angeal.
Angeal raised an eyebrow as Zack slid into the seat next to him. "Nice, Zack," Angeal murmured, smirking. "You accuse me of eating everything, and we haven't even placed our order yet."
"Yes," Genesis interrupted, rolling his eyes, and glaring at Zack. "Seeing as we were waiting on you, Zachary."
"Okay, okay!" Zack protested, laughing. "Fine. You could have ordered my usual and it would have been just fine, but whatever. It's just pizza." Menus were passed around the table, and the waiter came by to take the beverage order.
"Cloud, is it?" Genesis said quietly to the blond, even though he knew damned well who the cadet was, having been apprised Fredo's attack on him. Cloud nodded affirmatively. "Yes, sir," he replied. "I'm in your a.m. modern lit class."
"Ah yes," Genesis murmured. "I hope you like LOVELESS – have you read it yet? We'll be starting on it next week. Anyway," Genesis continued, without waiting for Cloud to reply, "these are two of my students, Zane and Dillon…they're forming a poetry group. Perhaps you'd like to join them if you're so inclined."
Gods, what a bunch of nerds, Cloud thought dismissively, holding back a smirk. "I'll keep that in mind," he replied, nearly losing it completely as he felt Zack elbow him sneakily. Cloud glanced over at Zack, who was grinning mischievously. "Um, hi…Zane, Dillon," Cloud said quietly. "Nice to meet you both."
"Call me Dill," Dillon replied, smiling. "Everyone else does. I know what you must be thinking, Cloud. That we're dorks for starting a poetry group."
Cloud laughed uncomfortably. Did he just read my mind? "Uh, no, I wouldn't say that," Cloud said politely. A lie, but a small one, he reasoned. Cloud could feel Zack shaking holding back his laughter next to him. Zack covered his mouth with a closed fist, pretending to study the menu.
Dill grinned, his pale green eyes lighting up merrily, contrasting nicely with his strawberry-hued red hair. Zane seemed to be the quieter of the two, a raven-haired teen with golden brown eyes, who wore a serious expression. Cloud felt himself warming up to Dill already, as the boy continued chattering to Cloud.
"It might surprise you, but even though I'm into poetry - and LOVELESS, too, of course," Dill went on, with a nod to Genesis, "I'm into computahs, too." The boy spoke with an accent that Cloud couldn't quite place, but it was pleasant and familiar sounding. Kalm, maybe? I'll have to remember to ask him where he's from.
"Really?" Cloud replied, suddenly interested. "Maybe you can look at my laptop. I kind of broke it," he said sheepishly.
"Yeah, sure I can take a look," Dill offered enthusiastically. "Man, tough luck, eh? Broke it the first week of classes?"
"I don't know what happened," Cloud replied, sighing. "I have the worst luck with electronics, I don't know why!"
"See, that's why you should stick with manual weapons, Cloud," Zack interrupted, winking. "The sword. We'll go over some stuff, you and I, like we discussed." Angeal and Genesis looked at Zack inquisitively. "I'm going to be tutoring Cloud on some sword-fighting tactics," Zack explained. "He's shown great potential already, in his swordsmanship class." Zack beamed proudly at Cloud, who blushed brightly and stared at his placemat, feeling self-conscious.
"That's excellent, Cloud," Genesis replied, smiling kindly at the boy. "Fencing is really becoming a lost art, you know. Oh, and we do have a fencing club here at the academy, if you're interested..."
"Genesis and his clubs," Zack said teasingly. "He's the king of extracurricular activities."
"Are we quite ready to order yet?" Angeal interjected impatiently. "I'm really hungry."
"Ang, you're always hungry," Zack teased. "Last time we came here," he told the boys at the table, "Angeal and I ordered the extra-large deep dish, and I swear, he polished off like, three-quarters of it. I hardly got to eat any of it."
"And you ate an entire appetizer platter by yourself that time, as I recall," Angeal returned, grinning. "Let's just get a few pies and share amongst ourselves then. Sound good?"
"Fine by me," Genesis agreed. "I'd like to try the daily special though, the one with dumbapples and ham on it."
"Dumbapples on pizza?" Zane piped up, frowning. "That sounds rather odd."
Genesis cast Zane a glare, as if the boy had just insulted his mother. "Dumbapples," Genesis began, in a lecturing sort of tone, "are the most versatile fruit on Gaia. They're sweet, so they can be used in desserts; but, they are also starchy, like a potato, and can be used in savory dishes as well."
"Gods, Genesis," Angeal groaned. "Don't lecture the poor kid on dumbapples, for Gaia's sake. You're not in class right now." The elder SOLDIER signaled the waiter, indicating that they were ready to order.
Zack chuckled as he folded his menu shut. "Genesis and Angeal are both from Banora Village," he explained to Cloud and the other boys, who were looking a bit puzzled at Genesis's impassioned defense of the dumbapple. "In Mideel."
"Oh," Cloud murmured, nodding. "Dumbapples. They only grow on Mideel, right?"
"That is correct," Genesis said, beaming at Cloud. Finally, someone who gets it, he mused. He seems a bright enough boy...quiet, though. I shall be keeping my eye on him. "And Banora Village, where Angeal and I hail from, has the best dumbapples in all of Mideel."
"Four extra-large pizzas," Angeal told the server, who had come to the table with a note pad in hand, waiting to take their order. "One meat lover's, one veggie combination - "
"And a cheeseburger pizza," Zack interrupted, smiling at Cloud. "You said you like cheesburgers, right Cloud?"
Cloud nodded. "Yeah. I've never had a cheeseburger pizza, though...that sounds good."
"It is good," Zack replied. "It has bacon on it," he added, practically drooling.
"Oh, I love bacon!" Cloud exclaimed. "Gods, I'm getting hungrier now."
Zack chuckled. "Something else we have in common, then," he observed, smiling at Cloud. "A love of bacon." Cloud blushed again under Zack's stare; was Zack always this attentive to cadets who showed potential? Cloud wondered. Or...is there something else there? Wishful thinking, Cloud told himself firmly. That's all it can be...nothing more. Zack is just outgoing and has a kind heart, that's all.
"Okay," Angeal said patiently. "A cheeseburger pizza, and...the special. With the dumbapples," he told the waiter, gazing pointedly at a smirking Genesis.
"And, a pitcher of dumbapple margaritas for the table," Genesis interjected. The waiter wrote everything down and nodded, collecting menus from the table as he left.
Angeal raised an eyebrow at Genesis. "Margaritas? Really?" he teased. "You and your fruity girl drinks, Genesis. Honestly. And boys," Angeal warned Cloud, Dill and Zane. "Only one drink each. You all have drill tomorrow morning with me, don't forget." A collective groan was heard around the table.
"That's right," Cloud muttered. "Bright and early, too." The waiter came back quickly with the pitcher of drinks, and set it in the middle of the table, along with six margarita glasses. Genesis grabbed the pitcher right away and began pouring himself a drink.
Angeal nodded, smiling at Cloud. "The earlier the better, Cloud," he replied. "In fact, I'd prefer to get started at oh-five-hundred hours, but Sephiroth won't let me start instruction until oh-seven-hundred hours. Unfortunately."
"I think I'm with Sephiroth on that one, Ang," Zack remarked. "I'm not really a morning person," he told Cloud, grinning. Zack shifted slightly in his seat, unintentionally inching closer to Cloud; he could feel Cloud's thigh pressed against his own, his body heat radiating through the fabric of his pants. Get a hold of yourself, Fair, Zack scolded himself, as he felt his heart thudding in his chest, and a pleasant warmth pooling around his groin. Down, SOLDIER! He wondered if Cloud was even aware of how he was completely driving Zack to distraction just by his mere proximity.
I've really got it bad for him, don't I, Zack thought sheepishly, sneaking a sideward glance at Cloud, who was now discussing his laptop woes again with Dill. The warm interior lighting of the pizzeria brought out varying shades of darker blond, and even some red, in Cloud's hair. Zack remembered the first time he'd seen Cloud; the moment his eyes fell upon the boy, during Cloud's swordsmanship class, his hair had been backlit by the sun, as the students ran through their practice drills. The sight had struck Zack momentarily, and stayed with him; it had almost looked like Cloud had a halo around his head, as the sun reflected off of his blond spikes. It had been a beautiful sight.
"What floor are you on, Cloud?" Dill was asking the cadet. "If you want, I'll come by some time after classes tomorrow and take a look at your laptop."
"Wow, thanks," Cloud replied, smiling. Was he actually making a new friend now, in Dill? Maybe coming out for pizza wasn't such a bad idea after all, he thought. "That's really nice of you, Dill. I'm on floor two, in the west quad. Where are you?"
"East quad, floor one," Dill replied. "Zane and I are roomies," he said, nodding at the boy next to him.
"Yeah," Zane said, joining in the conversation. "East quad's pretty quiet, except for those girls on floor three. You know the ones, Dill."
"You have girls in your barracks?" Cloud asked, surprised. He knew the academy was co-ed, but there still weren't a lot of female cadets as yet. Cloud's graduating class was the first to admit female applicants; so far, there were only a few in each of Cloud's classes.
"Well, yeah," Dill replied. "Not on our floor, though. The girls are all on that one floor. There aren't many of them. And they're not all bad, Zane" he said, casting an amused glance at his roommate. "Just that one who keeps hitting on you - "
"Oh yeah, that Quinn girl," Zane replied, rolling his eyes. "Now she's annoying. I guess the others aren't as bad. Still, I feel a little bad for the girls," Zane commented, pouring himself a margarita. "They must feel out of place, you know?"
"Yeah, they probably do," Cloud agreed. I know what that's like...feeling out of place, he thought, grimacing. "Thanks," he said, taking the drink pitcher from Dill as he passed it along.
"So, who are you rooming with, Cloud?" Dill asked as he gulped his drink, puckering his mouth at the sour taste. "Wow. This is really...tart," he remarked, blinking.
Genesis sighed impatiently. "Don't guzzle it, Dillon," he cautioned him. "This is a sipping drink."
"Margaritas are not sipping drinks, Genesis," Zack rejoined, snickering. "Anything with tequila should be slammed down as quickly as possible." Zack caught Angeal's warning look, and cleared his throat. "Not that I, uh, would ever condone such a thing," he corrected himself.
Cloud snickered at Zack, then answered Dill's question. "Oh, I have my own room," Cloud replied. "I guess I had a roomie...or, I was supposed to, anyway. But he withdrew before the term even started, I guess." He shrugged his shoulders indifferently, and sipped his drink.
"Yeah...it's a shame when a student suddenly withdraws like that," Zack said, looking pointedly at Cloud. "Especially one who shows a lot of potential." Zack's eyes met Cloud's for an instant as they exchanged a glance; Cloud knew exactly what Zack was hinting at - his own threats to withdraw from the academy, as a result of the incident with Fredo.
"But," Cloud said, grinning slyly at Zack, "when a student withdraws and the result is me getting a private dorm room, I kind of don't have a problem with that." The group at the table laughed convivially as Zack gave Cloud a look; finally, he relented and laughed along with everyone else.
"The rooms are kind of drab, though," Zane commented. "Dill and I were thinking of painting ours, but we don't know if it's allowed."
Angeal shrugged his shoulders, smiling indulgently at the boys. "Generally speaking, it's fine. Nothing too crazy, though," he cautioned. "They repaint the rooms every summer anyway, so while it's not exactly encouraged for cadets to paint their rooms," Angeal said in a mock-stern voice, "it's also not strictly forbidden."
"Huh," Cloud murmured. "You know, the walls are kind of plain. I've thought about decorating just a little...maybe just posters for the walls, or something."
"I can help you, Cloud," Zack offered eagerly. "I know a good place in Wall Market that sells stuff like that, I'll take you there sometime. If...if you want to, that is." Angeal and Genesis exchanged a curious glance with one another, unbeknownst to anyone else at the table. The two had picked up on Zack's attentions toward the quiet blond cadet, and both wondered just what Zack's intentions were. I intend to find out later, Genesis thought, glancing at Zack and Cloud, who were quietly engaged in a discussion with each other, almost oblivious to everyone else at the table.
They're almost behaving as if they were on a date, Genesis pondered. Zack is so impulsive sometimes...I worry about him. I hope he's being careful. Cloud had a traumatic experience today, and I know Zack is trying to befriend the boy...
"Yeah," Zane interjected. "I was wondering where we could buy stuff like that around here, actually. Posters and stuff. Sir? What's the name of that place in Wall Market?"
The boys continued discussing the pros and cons of life in the barracks dorms, and soon the four massive pizzas arrived. They were so large that the waiter had to bring out some folding tables, which he placed at the end of the booth to hold all the pizzas. "We should just give a whole one to Angeal, really," Zack said teasingly, winking at his mentor, as he began dishing out the pizza.
"Enough, Zachary," Angeal replied, glaring at Zack, but with a glint of humor in his voice. "As much as you pick on my eating habits, you eat nearly as much as me."
"But I have a high metabolism!" Zack protested. "Like a ferret."
"And the same attention span, too," Genesis cracked, chuckling. Angeal joined in, laughing softly at Genesis's remark. "Now, Genesis," Angeal warned, ever the voice of reason. "Be nice."
"Hey!" Zack protested, sticking his bottom lip out as if he were pouting. Cloud thought it was the most adorable thing he'd ever seen, and before he could stop himself, a lovesick sounding sigh slipped out. He froze, mortified, and praying to Gaia that nobody noticed.
Nobody had - except for Zack himself. He caught Cloud staring at him, and unapologetically stared back. Such beautiful eyes he has, Cloud thought, before he nervously looked away, turning his attention back to eating his pizza. Like the open sky...
Zack sighed, and tucked into his pizza. He was starting to feel idiotic and obvious with his apparent crush on Cloud. My mom always said I wore my heart on my sleeve, he reflected, as he chewed on his pizza thoughtfully. I guess she was right.
It wasn't long before all four pizzas were demolished by six hungry young men, with nothing left to show for it but the empty pizza pans on which they'd rested. The bill came, and was paid for amongst Zack, Angeal and Genesis, despite protestations from the boys, who offered to pitch in. "Don't get used to it," Genesis warned, with a wink.
"So, Cloud, maybe we'll uh, see you around?" Dill asked as everyone stood up, readying themselves to leave. "And don't forget, I'll take a look at your laptop if you want."
"Okay," Cloud agreed. "Hey, wait a minute, Dill - give me your cell phone number, so I can get a hold of you." Cloud took out his cell phone, and opened his contacts menu, and tapped in Dill's phone number as he recited it to Cloud. "Got it," Cloud muttered, pocketing his phone once again. "Nice meeting you, Dill. Zane, you too."
"See you around," Zane called, waving good-bye to Cloud and the group. Zack waved to Angeal and Genesis as they departed, and followed Cloud out of the restaurant, where he was waiting, staring at the ground.
"Hey, Cloud," Zack said. "So, that wasn't so bad, huh? Max's always has good pizza."
"Yeah, it was really good," Cloud replied, smiling shyly at Zack. "I liked that cheeseburger pizza a lot."
"Somehow I knew you would," Zack said, grinning. "And it seems like you hit it off really well with Dill." As much as he wanted Cloud to make friends, Zack felt a tiny ping of jealousy as he said the words. I'm being ridiculous, of course, he warned himself.
"Yeah," Cloud said softly, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "But...but he's not you, Zack."
Zack was certain his heart must have stopped beating; Cloud was pretty much confessing his crush on Zack. Should I...say anything? Zack wondered, suddenly feeling confused.
"Do you mean...ah, what I think you mean, Cloud?" Zack asked. They'd been walking along, back down Loveless Avenue, but Zack stopped Cloud near the fountain, placing a hand over his shoulder as he stared him in the eyes.
"I - I mean..." Cloud murmured. "I know we've only just met, but I feel like...you're going to be one of my best friends, Zack. Oh gods, that sounds so stupid...I shouldn't have said that, should I," he muttered self-depracatingly.
"No," Zack said slowly. "I was thinking the same thing, actually...it doesn't sound stupid to me, not at all. You know, it's like...I feel this, kinship with you, Cloud." Kinship? Zack mentally slapped his forehead. Kinship, really Zack? Is that the best you could come up with? Now that was a dumb thing to say.
"What I mean is," Zack continued, recovering himself, "that even though we've just met, it feels like we've known each other already. Maybe in a past life, yeah?" he cracked, chuckling, trying to put Cloud at ease. Had he scared off the cadet already? Cloud was staring at the cobblestone paving around the fountain, not looking up, not even acknowledging what Zack had said.
I blew it, Zack fretted, as Cloud still refused to meet his gaze. I bloody well blew it. Coming on too damned strong, I knew I should have dialed it back a bit...
"Cloud? Say something, please," Zack pleaded. "I know...I come on a little strong sometimes. Angeal, he says I'm too impulsive and unrestrained...which is why he calls me his 'puppy'...gods, what an embarrassing nickname, huh?" It was as if a spigot had been turned on, the words kept tumbling out as Zack kept babbling nervously.
It took everything Cloud had within him, but the relief he felt at knowing Zack felt something toward him, made it a little bit easier. Cloud unexpectedly and impulsively wrapped his arms around Zack's waist in a gentle hug, his cheek buried in Zack's chest. "I'm glad we're friends, Zack," Cloud mumbled. His nerves began to set him on edge as he felt Zack's heart beating against his cheek.
Zack's arms slowly came around Cloud, embracing him. His nose was tickled by blond spikes, and Zack came dangerously close to impulsively kissing the top of Cloud's head, but he somehow restrained himself.
"I'm glad we're friends too, Cloud," Zack replied. "Maybe...if you wanted to, we could be..."
Cloud lifted his head and gazed up at Zack, waiting for him to finish. By Gaia, he's gorgeous, Cloud thought, as he studied Zack's chiseled, handsome face. This all has to be a dream. Soon, I'll wake up. Back home in Nibelheim, where there's no Zack.
"...more than friends," Zack finished the sentence, letting out a long breath as he did so. "Gods, I'm being too pushy, aren't I? I mean, you had a hell of a day today, and here I am hitting on you, and I probably shouldn't be, but damn it Cloud, I like you. There. I said it." Zack exhaled again, feeling a bit of relief at confessing his attraction to Cloud, but also feeling some fear and trepidation.
"Do you always talk so much when you're nervous, Zack?" Cloud asked, smiling. The blond was feeling a huge sense of relief, now that Zack had confessed his feelings first; Cloud figured he had nothing to lose by telling Zack what he felt as well.
"I like you too, Zack," Cloud murmured. "But," he continued, frowning, "I don't want you getting in trouble over me. It could get awkward, if we...well, you know." Were dating? Sleeping together? Oh Gaia... Cloud felt the blood drain from his face as he got a sudden mental image of himself and Zack - together, naked, and making love.
"Look, why don't we just meet up tomorrow after your classes are done?" Zack offered, hoping to put to rest Cloud's fears. "Then...we can go over some tactics. And, well...whatever else you want to do."
"I promise, Cloud," Zack said, lowering his voice as he cupped Cloud's chin, tipping it upward. "I won't do anything to hurt you, I – "
I'm falling for you, Cloud. I can't help myself.
" – I care about you. I don't want to fuck this up."
Cloud's breath hitched in his throat as he continued gazing up at Zack, his lips parted invitingly. He couldn't help but become short of breath, as his heart thudded, his blood roaring in his ears. I want to kiss him. I want him to kiss me.
"I – I want," Cloud began, stammering. He swallowed before continuing.
"Zack," Cloud whispered. "Will you kiss me?" Zack felt something come undone near his heart at the question; it was so sweet, so innocent – yet the hunger in Cloud's eyes was all too real.
Zack nodded wordlessly, unable to look away. He moved his face toward Cloud's, and closed his eyes as he moved in to kiss him. Soft, warm lips parted to accept Zack's – tentatively at first, then slightly more forceful, but not too forceful.
It was…just about perfect. They didn't want to stop kissing. Cloud slowly moved his arms about Zack's waist, drawing him in.
A low rumble formed in Zack's throat as a small moan of pleasure escaped. "Mm," Zack murmured. "Cloud…" He looked down at the cadet, who he just noticed was standing on tiptoe in order to reach him. Zack smiled indulgently at him, and gave Cloud another tender kiss, cupping his chin as he did so. He sighed contentedly as their lips parted.
"That was…" Zack began, seemingly lost for words. "Ah…that was…"
"Nice," Cloud purred, tucking his head in the crook of Zack's shoulder. The SOLDIER gently brought his muscled arms around Cloud again, hugging him. It's like we fit perfectly together, Zack thought, as he looked down at the cadet nuzzling into his neck. Like he was always meant to be in my arms, just like this.
"It was the most perfect kiss I've ever experienced," Zack said earnestly - and he meant it.
"Really?" Cloud said, wondering if Zack was serious. "I...thought so too. Not that I have a lot of experience to go by..." Cloud extricated himself from Zack's embrace and scratched his head in that adorable way that Zack had grown to love.
"I'll walk you back to your barracks," Zack offered quietly. "We both need to get some rest...busy day tomorrow for us both, yeah?"
Cloud nodded wordlessly. He didn't want this moment to end, but he knew Zack was right; if he stayed awake any longer, he would be useless come morning, and he had drill with Angeal first thing, followed by firearms training, then archery.
And then...my private tutoring session with Zack, Cloud thought with a grin. I definitely want to be well rested for that.
"You...sure this isn't out of your way?" Cloud asked Zack hesitantly. "I don't want to bother you..."
"Knock it off, Cloud!" Zack exclaimed, chuckling. "You could never be a bother to me. Like I told you..." Zack murmured, putting an arm around Cloud's hunched shoulders, "I like you, Cloud."
"Okay. It's...well, okay then," Cloud said, smiling sideward at Zack. "I...like you too." Almost of its own accord, Cloud's arm snaked around Zack's waist, gently pulling him in closer. Cloud blinked, shocked at his own boldness. Gods, we must look like...a couple, Cloud thought happily. Are we?
They'd reached the barracks, and Zack reluctantly withdrew his arm from around Cloud's shoulders. "Officer's quarters are just behind the west quad," Zack told him, pointing. "See? So it wasn't out of my way at all. We're...practically neighbors, I guess." He grinned at Cloud and kissed him quickly on the lips, before turning to leave.
"Until tomorrow, then," Zack murmured, as he brushed his lips against Cloud's one last time. They parted, grinning stupidly at each other for a moment; then, with a brief wave to each other, they turned and went back to their respective buildings.
Until tomorrow, Cloud thought, unable to stop smiling. He was so happy in that moment he thought his heart might burst. He trudged up the steps of the barracks, and made his way down the hall to his room, locking the door behind him, and fastened the door chain. The horrific encounter with Fredo re-entered his mind as he locked up; while he was certain Fredo was no longer a direct threat, ever since Zack confirmed that the brute had been forcibly removed and then expelled, Cloud was still wary of some of the members of Fredo's gang. Better to be safe than sorry, Cloud thought grimly. I can't wait to get some more training under my belt, so I can better defend myself in the future. He sighed happily as he kicked off his boots and lay on his bed, still smiling as he thought of Zack. Today started off so horribly, Cloud thought. But I couldn't have asked for a better way to end my day...kissing Zack. I still feel like I'm dreaming... And soon, he was, as exhaustion set in, and Cloud quickly drifted into a dead sleep, a smile on his face.
Being a SOLDIER, particularly a First Class, came with its own rewards; namely, private quarters. Having been recently promoted to First, Zack finally had his own apartment within the officer's quarters building. He entered his apartment and shut the door behind him, feeling as if he were floating on air as he walked toward his bedroom - he didn't even feel his feet touching the ground as he shuffled down the small hallway.
With a hearty sigh, Zack threw himself on his bed, folded his arms behind his head and smiled as he stretched his long legs out on the bed. He grimaced, suddenly realizing he'd forgotten to remove his boots. He sat up slowly and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, kicking off his boots, and placing them next to the nightstand. He stripped his clothing down to his boxer shorts, and was about to slip under the bedcovers, when a blinking red light caught his eye, indicating a voice mail on his telephone.
...Should I check it? Zack wondered. "Gods, if I don't get to bed soon, I will regret it in the morning," Zack muttered. "I'd better see if this is something important though, before I fall asleep." He picked up the received and punched in his password to retrieve his messages. There was only one, and it was from Sephiroth.
"Zack," came the general's voice. "I've just spoken with Angeal and Genesis, and they've informed me that they saw you escorting Cadet Strife back to his dorm. I need you to keep an eye on him; the Turks intercepted some electronic communications between former cadet Fredo, and some of his classmates. Apparently they've attempted to hatch a plan to exact revenge against Cloud...they've perceived it to be the cadet's fault that their cohort was removed from the academy. To put it plainly, Zack, there's been a bomb threat made against Cloud. Call me as soon as you get this. I tried reaching you on your cell phone, but did not get through."
Zack felt his stomach drop to the floor. He ran his hands through his hair, making it stick up even more wildly, and began dressing himself again quickly, while dialing Sephiroth. Gods, it's late...I hope he's not asleep...
After a few rings, the general finally picked up. "Yes?"
"It's Zack," he said, and rapidly began firing off questions. "What happened, Sephiroth? Did you get the kids who made this threat against Cloud? What do you want me to do, sir?"
"The intel just came in, Zack," Sephiroth said quietly. "We are stationing SOLDIERS in each quad as we speak. The bomb squad is on standby, althouth nothing suspicious has turned up as yet. All of the suspected students have been rounded up, but they are not talking. Yet," he added.
"Has anyone checked Cloud's room?" Zack interrupted. "Well? Have they?"
"Not yet," Sephiroth replied. "That will be done momentarily. As I said, I just received this intel mere minutes ago - "
"And I just dropped Cloud off at his room," Zack said, his voice rising in anger, tinged with fear. "I'm going over there right now to get Cloud. I don't believe he's safe there, sir."
"You can probably get there faster than the bomb squad," Sephiroth said brusquely. "Go. He's in Room 2B. And report back to me."
"Yes, sir," Zack said, and quickly hung up the phone. "Shit!" he yelled, tripping over his boots in his haste to re-dress himself. Fury welled up in Zack; how dare they? he thought angrily. How fucking dare they threaten Cloud!
"I hope I'm not too late," Zack muttered as he ran out of his apartment. "Gods, what if..." He couldn't even finish the thought, although his mind was visualizing the worst; arriving to Cloud's room, finding it - and him - blown to bits.
Zack ran faster than he'd ever run in his life, covering the short distance between the officer's quarters to the west quad in less than a minute. He burst through the front door to find SOLDIERS milling about, all of whom had just reported to their posts, and were quickly evacuating students from the building, most of whom had been in bed for an hour or more by this time, and were looking sleepy and confused as the SOLDIERS ushered them from their rooms.
"Sir?" Sergeant Flanard, the gunnery specialist said, approaching Zack. "Is there anything wrong?"
"Cadet Strife's room hasn't been searched yet Sergeant," Zack said hoarsely. "Bomb squad's on their way, but General Sephiroth has asked me to evacuate the cadet." Not to mention, I'm worried sick about him...
"Right behind you, sir," Flanard replied, setting his jaw. Zack nodded, and the two made their way down to Cloud's room. Zack immediately began pounding on the door. "Cloud!" Zack shouted through the door. "Cloud, open up, it's me, Zack. Sergeant Flanard and I are out here, we're evacuating..." He stopped, not wanting to upset Cloud anymore than he surely would be, once he found out some fellow cadets had made a bomb threat against him. "We're evacuating this floor." No need to tell him why, until he's safely outside, Zack reasoned.
There was no answer, despite Zack's frantic pounding on the door. "Cloud?" Still no answer. "Cadet Strife, are you in there?" Zack shouted, worried out of his mind. Maybe he's been evacuated already? Not taking any chances...
"Shoot the lock!" Zack ordered Sergeant Flanard. The Sergeant nodded, taking up his arms. "Stand back, Commander," he told Zack, as he shot the doorknob cleanly off of the door. Zack charged into the door, his shoulder bearing the brunt of the force as he knocked it down. He fell to the ground on top of the door, rolling over quickly and coming up into a sitting position. Cloud was, by now, sitting up in his bed, wide-eyed and speechless. He was still fully clothed, save for his boots.
"Zack?" Cloud finally said, bewildered. "What is going on here?"
"Cloud, you're not safe here, we have to get you out - " Zack paused as he caught sight of what looked like a digital alarm clock on Cloud's bookshelf, the red LED numbers ticking down...
"Shit!" Zack shouted. In two strides, he was at Cloud's bedside, yanking the bewildered cadet up by the shoulder, bringing him to his feet. "Now, Cloud, now!" he yelled. "We have to go now, there's a bomb in here!"
"Oh Gaia," Cloud murmured, paling. "Who- why - "
"We'll figure out why and who why later, Spikey," Zack muttered, the endearment slipping out without either of them realizing it. He grabbed Cloud by the shoulders and steered him toward the door.
"My boots - " Cloud muttered as they'd reached the doorway.
"They'll issue new ones Cloud, don't worry," Zack replied. "So long as you're safe, that's all I care about - " They were now out in the hallway, and Zack turned his head in horror as he heard a ping from the room behind him.
It's gonna blow, he realized, horror-struck as he shielded Cloud's body with his own, and threw himself on top of the cadet just as the bomb detonated. Cloud hit the floor with a thud, and felt bits of wood and plaster raining down upon him and Zack.
"...Zack..." Cloud muttered, coughing, as the dust cleared. "Zack!" He tried turning up to face Zack, whose dead weight was impeding Cloud's movements. Flanard was sitting up against the wall, dazed as he'd hit his head against a doorjam in the blast. "Ohh," he moaned, clutching his head.
"Zack!" Cloud cried, panicking, shaking Zack and trying to rouse him. "Zack, please...oh gods, please be okay!" This is all my fault. He only came here for me.
"Geez," Zack murmured, coughing up dust as he slowly came to. "That was a hell of a parade," he said, attempting a smile. Zack tried sitting up as quickly as he could, realizing he was laying on top of Cloud in what could be seen as a compromising position. Not that Flanard's exactly with it, Zack thought, glancing over at the dazed Sergeant. "Flanard!" Zack shouted. "You okay?"
The sergeant nodded and pulled out his radio. "Calling for medical," he mumbled, punching in a code.
"I'm so glad you're okay, Zack," Cloud whispered, placing a hand tentatively on his, and quickly jerked it away, fearful that someone might see them.
"Me too, Cloud," Zack replied. He brushed his hand against Cloud's cheek and gazed tenderly at him; then, frowning, he reached his hand back behind his own head, pulling a piece of broken ceiling tile out of his raven hair.
"Ow," he muttered, grimacing. "Well. Apparently these assholes paid attention during the Turks' bomb-making seminar."
"...They blew up my room," Cloud murmured, as the horror of what had happened sank in. "They blew up my fucking room!" he shouted angrily. "Who did this!"
"Asshole friends of Fredo's," Zack replied, sighing. "Don't worry, Cloud, they've been detained. And will be charged with attempted murder, now," he added somberly.
"Why does everyone hate me?" Cloud asked, his lip trembling. Really, growing up in Nibelheim and being picked on was one thing; but nobody had ever tried to blow him up before.
"They don't all hate you," Zack retorted. "Hey, you hit it off with Dill and Zane, right? Don't let this get to you, Cloud, these were just some assholes with an axe to grind playing follow the leader." Zack realized how hollow his words sounded as soon as he uttered them. 'Don't let this get to you?' Gods. They tried to fucking kill him, his own classmates! The thought of a world without Cloud suddenly gnawed at Zack, and he embraced him, not giving a damn who saw them.
"I'm sorry, Cloud," Zack whispered. "I should have gotten here sooner."
"Why are you apologizing?" Cloud asked him. "I should be apologizing to you," he said stubbornly. "You're only here because of me."
"And why should you apologize for that, Cloud?" Zack asked him, stroking his face. "Of course I'm here. The minute I heard about the bomb threat - "
"You ran right over here, didn't you," Cloud said accusingly, grimacing. He sighed. "I should be thanking you, instead of...this," he said softly. "Thank you, Zack. You - you saved my life." It suddenly occurred to Cloud, how close he'd come to dying, and he shuddered.
"Thank Gaia," Zack said, letting out a breath. "Well," Zack said, standing up slowly, as he surveyed the damage behind him. "Your room is toast, Cloud. I'm sorry you lost all of your stuff...we'll come back another time and see if anything's salvageable, okay?"
"Well, I guess I don't have to worry about decorating my walls now, do I?" Cloud said sarcastically.
Zack grinned. "Nope. Guess not."
"And I don't think Dill will be able to fix what's left of my laptop, either," Cloud remarked. "Where the hell am I going to stay now?" he wondered out loud.
"With me," Zack offered without hesitation. "Um, until they find you alternate housing, Cloud. You can stay with me. I have a futon - "
Cloud felt his pulse skyrocketing again. Staying at Zack's place? He swallowed, not even sure how to reply to the offer. Part of him said he should refuse the generous offer, and maybe try to crash with Dill and Zane. The other part of him wondered what it would be like to wake up with Zack in the morning.
"Thank you," Cloud said timidly, "but...I really shouldn't impose."
"Somehow I knew you'd say that, Cloud," Zack replied, sighing. "Which is why I'm not taking no for an answer. It'll probably be a night or two at the most, before they get you set up somewhere else," he added.
"Medics are on their way, Commander," Sergeant Flanard informed him. "Gods," he murmured, as he slowly stood and made his way over to Zack and Cloud, peering into what had once been Cloud's room. "Some of our cadets did this, am I hearing that right?"
Zack nodded, frowning. "Yeah. I'll debrief you later, Sergeant. "Ugly situation. Cloud was their target."
"We're all lucky to be alive," Flanard murmured. He reached into his pocket and withdrew a flask of whiskey; Flanard unscrewed the cap and threw some back. "Have some," he said, handing it to Zack as he wiped the back of his mouth with his hand. "We damned well need it. You too, Cloud."
Cloud nodded as the flask was passed to Zack, then to him. With trembling hands, he took hold of it, and gulped the amber liquid down, feeling it burn in his chest. He coughed slightly, but smiled as he handed the flask back to Flanard. "Thank you, sir. I needed that." Flanard nodded, and took another swig for himself before capping the flask.
"It's getting late," Zack remarked. "Listen, Cloud – I would imagine you'll be excused from your classes tomorrow, given everything that happened this evening – "
"No," Cloud interrupted, shaking his head stubbornly. He saw Flanard cast him a curious glance, and decided he should probably address Zack formally. "With all due respect, sir, I don't want that. These…idiots took away enough from me. I want to go to my classes tomorrow. All of them. Please, sir."
"Atta boy, Cloud," Zack said admiringly, clapping Cloud on the shoulder. Really, he wanted to wrap Cloud in a tight hug, but not with Flanard present. "If the medics say it's okay, then fine by me. Zack looked at his watch, frowning. "After midnight already," he remarked. "I know you're due in Angeal's class by oh-seven-hundred hours tomorrow morning. Oh, medics are here, finally," he commented, as he glanced up to see the Shinra EMT's approaching, medical kits in hand. "Let's get ourselves checked out here, Cloud. Once we're cleared, we'll head back to my quarters so you can get some rest."
"But I – " Cloud interrupted, weakly protesting.
"And no buts, Cloud," Zack said, cutting him off. "You're coming with me, and that's final." He smiled at Cloud and gave him a wink, unseen by Flanard, who was waving the EMT's over.
"Okay, then," Cloud relented, smiling. "Gods, you can be very stubborn, you know."
Zack laughed so hard he felt tears starting. "Me?" he said incredulously. "I'm the stubborn one?"
"Well," Cloud admitted. "Maybe we both are." He smiled as Zack led him over to one of the EMT's, and allowed them to examine him. How on Gaia am I going to get any sleep at all tonight? Cloud fretted as the paramedics checked him and out for any injuries. Me…and Zack…alone in his room. No way am I going to be able to relax enough to sleep!
Tomorrow was going to be a very long day, Cloud thought.
A/N: Whew. That is the longest single chapter I've ever written for ANY fic. I thought about breaking it up a bit more, but I wanted all these scenes to go together, and I think it works. Hopefully! Please review and let me know what you think! :)
I'll be fleshing out the OC's more in the next chapter, and there will be additional OC's to come. Don't worry though, Kunsel and Lazard are around too..they'll show up in the future, along with the Turks. :)
