Thank you for everyone who has read this and giving me your opinions. I've decided to keep this story short. The reason is because I'm not entirely happy with it. I have lots of other ideas that seem so much better. This is my first Fan Fiction so I hope people can understand that I don't have much confidence yet. =S
Anyway, in this chapter I should warn everyone now that is has YAOI in it. So if you don't like this sort of stuff then I suggest you stop reading now =P
I have not mentioned in the other chapters so I guess I should now....
I DONT OWN FINAL FANTASY OR THE CHARACTERS (I only own my ideas tee hee!)
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Chapter 3: The Night to Change It All
"You okay back there?" He heard the SOLDIER call back to him.
"Yeah!" Cloud shouted back through tightly shut eyes.
The wind felt strange as it blew harshly through Cloud's golden spikes. He felt like he was flying. It felt so alien to the blonde at first but he loved every minute of it. But as soon as he opened his eyes, he felt a dry stinging as dust flew into his eyes causing then to snap shut again.
Ouch! Cloud hissed to himself as he pressed his face up against Zack's back for protection.
Zack felt the contact and suddenly felt himself being distracted. Cloud's contact felt nice. It felt right to him. He certainly enjoyed this moment while it lasted. If only he knew... Zack sighed to himself as he felt Cloud's warmth against him.
"Hey, Cloud, you can let go now" Zack said warmly as he realised that Cloud was still holding on tightly, even thought the bike had now stopped.
"Oh sorry!" Cloud nervously giggled, letting his arms drop away from the SOLDIER.
As they walked away from the bike, Cloud glanced up at the building they were heading for. "Goblin's Bar" in neon blue lights was striking against the dark brick background. Inside was a sudden scene change; from the quite night air, to harsh drunk voices among the stuffy smoke filled room. Cloud noticed some ShinRa employees crowded round a small table amongst a couple of SOLDIER operatives.
"You come here often?" He asked, looking up at Zack.
"Sometimes, I mean, I've tried dragging down a Turk friend of mine but he finds this place to expensive; he loves the cheap drink!" The SOLDIER replied with a grin.
The two found only one table completely empty. Zack was pleased that it was a private booth.
"Um, Zack, will I even be able to get served here?" Cloud asked suddenly remembering he was only 16.
"Hey, if you're with ShinRa, it's an automatic pass Spike!" Zack laughed as he walked to the bar to order.
"Beer?" he asked
"Um, yeah..." Cloud nodded nervously. The truth was is that he had never had a drink before until now and was anticipating the moment.
Cloud watched as Zack leaned on the bar waiting to be served. Cloud didn't even realise he was smiling a small grin.
"Hey cutie!" A tall, blonde woman giggled flirtatiously.
"Hey!" Zack smiled looking upon the woman who addressed him.
Cloud's smile faded instantly as he saw the woman, obviously drunk and clogged in make-up.
"You come here often?" She smiled slyly, sizing up his muscular form.
She licked her lips slightly at the sight of him.
"Uh yeah, sort of" Zack replied as he signalled for the barman.
"Same here!" she giggled again. It was enough to make Cloud feel sick.
"Uh two beers please my man!" Zack ordered, ignoring the woman's last comment.
"So, you free tonight?" The woman purred into Zack's ear as she slipped a hand over his, the other stroking his raven locks.
Zack cleared his throat and pulled his hand away sharply.
"Sorry, I'm already with someone" Zack smirked as he slapped some Gil on the counter. He walked off towards Cloud; the two beers in hand.
The woman stared in horror as she saw him sit next right next to Cloud. She whipped her hair as she turned in a temper; shaking her hips as she tried her luck with the other SOLDIERs at the end on the room. Zack couldn't help but laugh at her reaction.
"...what was that about?" Cloud mumbled as he watched her walk away.
"Ah she was just saying hello!" Zack said, flashing a smile at Cloud who instantly turned red.
"You know her?" The blonde pressed on, fingering the edge on the beer glass.
"Nah, she was drunk out her face though" Zack giggled. He took a long gulp of beer before looking to Cloud to drink too.
"I think she likes you..." Cloud stated flatly as he held the drink up to smell the strong bitterness.
Zack watched him look into the beer with a blank expression. Was he angry? Maybe even...jealous?
"Hah, even if she did, I'm not interested" Zack said, piercing into Cloud with his striking, glowing, blue eyes.
"Oh?" Cloud snapped his face up to meet Zack's eyes and once again turned red.
"Hey are you going to take a drink or not?" the SOLDIER changed the subject as he noticed Cloud hadn't touched his drink yet.
"Oh, okay" Cloud nodded before taking a sharp swig of his beer. His face screwed up at the taste.
"You'll get used to it!" Zack laughed. "Its something you grow a taste for!"
Cloud carried on drinking, suddenly believing what he said. It wasn't bad at all.
"Hey waiter, bring some shots will you my man?!" Zack ordered while taking another drink.
As a bottle of Apple Sours was placed on the table, Zack poured a shot glass and passed it to Cloud.
"Try it!" He smiled as he took his own shot, squeezing his eyes closed and open at the taste.
Cloud slowly picked up his own glass and stared at the green liquid.
Well here goes nothing! Cloud shot the drink down his throat.
"Oh God!" Cloud chocked as it burned in his chest.
"Hah, way-to-go Spiky!" Zack chuckled as he downed his second.
Cloud grabbed the bottle and poured his second and was quickly down his throat.
"Whoa, take it easy there!" Zack giggled.
Cloud laughed in return, pouring a third.
Wow, Cloud is really letting go tonight! Zack thought. I'm glad he's having fun for a change.
Zack reached over and grabbed Cloud's now empty beer glass and left to order more.
Whoa...Cloud thought as he suddenly felt slightly light headed. His cheeks were burning and his fingers felt tingly.
"Here you go!" Zack exclaimed happily as he placed a fresh beer in front of the blonde who began drinking away.
Zack didn't seem affected by the drink yet. Maybe it was experience from years of drinking? Cloud wasn't sure.
Cloud began to sway slightly as he began to feel extremely dizzy. Zack noticed but then saw the three empty glasses in front of Cloud plus, the empty Apple Sour bottle. He suddenly wasn't surprised anymore
"You okay there Cloud?" He asked, looking into his glazed eyes.
"Huh? Oh, yeah I'm alright" Cloud slurred as he limply turned his head to meet Zack's gaze.
"I think its time to take you home!" The SOLDIER laughed as he brushed a hand through his raven hair.
"Right up we get!" he added. He took Cloud's arm and placed it around his neck, and supported his waist.
"Zack, why is the room spinning?" Cloud mumbled as he suddenly lost his footing, but Zack held him up.
The SOLDIER couldn't help but giggle, Cloud was different drunk; completely.
Outside, Cloud unexpectedly stumbled out of Zack's grip, and he tried to run over to the bike.
"Zack let me drive this thing, I've always wanted to!" He giggled in a slight high pitch.
"Cloud watch it!" Zack called when he saw Cloud stumble more, falling slightly. The blonde managed to grab onto the bike to stop his fall before Zack could reach him.
"Hey, are you okay?" He asked as he put a hand on Cloud's shoulder.
"Hah, yeah of course I am!" Cloud giggled again, swaying more and more.
"Here let me..." Zack began, but was cut off mid sentence as Cloud grabbed onto his shirt.
"Zack everything won't stop spinning..." Cloud said softly as he gripped tighter to steady himself.
Zack couldn't say anything. Cloud's touch was once again driving him crazy. He placed soft, warm hands on his shoulders. Cloud's face was so warm against his chest; he tried so hard to keep his composure. If only the blonde new the affect he had on Zack.
"Zack..." Cloud softly whispered, looking up with wide blue eyes; so full of innocence.
His face was beat red, as expected. His wide blue eyes were staring right into Zack's.
The SOLDIER wanted to desperately to embrace Cloud with a smouldering kiss....but...
It's not fair to take advantage of Cloud in the state he's in. It wouldn't be right...
"Z-Zack..." Cloud repeated, holding himself closer to the SOLDIER.
"Cloud?" Zack softly whispered, trying desperately to keep himself under control.
"I-I think I'm going to be sick...."
Oh shit!
Zack quickly led Cloud to the alleyway across from where they stood.
"Okay Cloud, let it out" Zack said holding some gold spikes away from the recruit's heated face.
On demand, Cloud began to gag, throwing up on the damp concrete ground.
"Its alright, spike, I got you..." Zack continued as he softly massaged Cloud's back in circular motions.
"Gross...." Cloud moaned as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
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The drive home was easier than expected. Zack placed Cloud in the front, to make sure he didn't slip off behind the bike. The blonde rested his head on Zack's arm, trying to control the sick that threatened to erupt.
"Were almost there" Zack stocked Cloud's spikes for a few seconds before needing to take the handle again.
Cloud mumbled something inaudible to Zack's ears but he could help but smile down on him. He was just way too cute.
As they arrived back at the ShinRa Building, Zack parked the bike and helped Cloud off the bike. As Zack looked at his watch, he realised that it was way past Cloud's curfew. There was no way he could go back to his dorm now; everything will be locked.
"Looks like it's my place then" Zack whispered as he helped Cloud to walk.
"Are you sure....?" Cloud replied, a slight moan as head-ache settled in.
"Yeah it's alright, Spike!" The SOLDIER giggled softly.
As the made it to the entrance, Cloud began to lose his footing as his dizziness escalated. But Zack immediately pulled Cloud up and into his arms; he was going to have to carry him the rest of the way.
"Z-Zack?!" Cloud exclaimed as he suddenly felt his feet being swept up.
"Its okay Cloud, It'll be quicker this way" Zack smiled, trying to reassure him.
Cloud wasn't heavy in the slightest. Zack could carry Cloud like this forever...
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As they reached Zack's apartment he put Cloud back down, who leaned his weight against the wall, his red face pressed up against the cold surface. Zack quickly unlocked the door and swept Cloud up again and kicked the door open. As they walked in, Zack kicked the door closed again before walking through to the living room to place Cloud down on the couch.
"Are you okay?" Zack asked softly, as he began untying Cloud's shoes and discarding them.
Cloud laid still, an arm resting over his burning face.
"Zack..." He finally said, not taking his arm away from his face.
"Hmm?" was all Zack could say. The sight of Cloud's unruly spikes sticking to his forehead like this was now driving Zack of the edge.
"I-I'm sorry..." Cloud finished, letting his hand fall to his side.
Zack looked over at him, he felt Cloud's mood shift. He didn't like that. They had such a fun night, where he saw Cloud like nobody has ever seen him. He didn't want Cloud to come back down to earth so soon.
"Hey Cloud, what brought this on all of a sudden?" He said shifting himself so he was kneeling down next to Cloud's face.
"For being like this..." The blonde slurred. "I've made such a fool of myself and I didn't mean to cause you any trouble"
"No, no Cloud!" Zack immediately said. "I had so much fun tonight! I loved every minute of it, especially because I was with you!"
Shit did I just say that out load....? Zack suddenly thought right after saying that.
"What?" Cloud asked, turning his head to look as Zack staring intensely at him. His eyes were almost brighter than before; if that was possible...
"Uh, what I mean is....um..." Zack fumbled his words as he found himself indecisive.
Should I really tell him? What if I scare him off? And, he's still a little bit drunk; I don't want to take advantage of him like this...
"Zack?"
The SOLDIER looked up to see Cloud staring at him with wide blue eyes, now full of sudden worry. They both continued to stare at each other, not sure what to say.
"Zack, can I tell you something...?" Cloud finally said, sitting up a little.
Hmm!? Zack thought suddenly. Could it be that he....? Maybe, just maybe....
Zack nodded searching Cloud's eyes.
"I'm glad I met you..." the blonde softly whispered, as he looked away slightly. "What I mean is, umm...I think I..."
Before Cloud could finish, Zack leaned forward, so that his face was very close to Cloud's. And surprisingly to Zack, Cloud made to effort to move or push him away. The Blonde's face grew redder as his heart beat quickened.
"Cloud...I" Zack tried to speak, but the words refused to be spoken completely.
Zack felt the blonde's warm shaking breath against his lips. He looked into his wide blue eyes with his own, trying to convey what he felt rather than speak them. Cloud looked back with the same expression and with the same words behind it. The SOLDIER couldn't wait any longer, it was now or never. Zack then closed the gap between them as he softly pressed his lips against Cloud's. The blonde's eyes widened with a sense of shock before slowly relaxing and gently closed them. Zack had a sudden impulse of feeling as he realised that Cloud wasn't pulling away or pushing him away. The blonde's lips were so soft against his, so warm, so real. The SOLDIER's desire for Cloud was poured into this one kiss. The blonde's body began to tremble but it wasn't because he didn't like it, he was nervous and still in shock. To show this, Cloud leaned further into the kiss. Zack took this as a good sign to continue as so attempted to deepen their kiss. His tongue slowly trailed Cloud's bottom lip. The blonde then pushed away slightly, breaking their kiss. He was breathing hard.
"I'm sorry..." Zack quickly said breathlessly, looking away slightly.
"No, no don't be" Cloud managed to say between heavy breaths.
Cloud stood up slowly and carefully, making sure not to cause another dizzy spell, he brushed a hand through his tangled spikes before letting out a long and shaky sigh.
"I'm sorry; I just had to tell you somehow...someway..." Zack whispered gently. Now standing before Cloud, trying to look into his azure eyes, but Cloud was looking away shyly.
"Cloud....?"
"I don't understand...." Cloud finally said. He turned his face to look into Zack's glowing stare. He tried to slow down his racing heart beat, but Zack's deep stare upon him just made it race even more.
"How plain to I have to make it to you?" Zack giggled. But his laugh was different from before; it was warm and comforting. It made the blonde want to just melt into his arms once more.
"No, what I mean is...." Cloud began, shaking his head slightly. "What I don't understand is; why me? I'm just some trainee recruit...and a pathetic one at that. You're SOLDIER, First Class! I just don't understand why it's me..."
Before, Cloud could say anymore, his lips succumbed to Zack's once more. This time, their kiss was much more heated. Zack wrapped a warm arm around his waist, while the other caressed his bruised eye gently. The blonde placed his hands on Zack's warm and muscular chest and gripped his shirt tightly. Once again, Zack tried to deepen their kiss; he trailed his tongue across Cloud's bottom lip, seeking entry. The blonde opened his mouth slightly, granting his access. And Zack slipped in his warm tongue, Cloud let out a small moan and gripped onto his shirt to pull him in closer. The SOLDIER was surprised then, he didn't expect this from Cloud in the slightest. Was he really enjoying this? With another impulse, Zack captured Cloud altogether as he wrapped both his arms around him; making sure there was now no space in between them.
"Zack..." Cloud breathed his shaking breath, as they broke their kiss briefly for air that lungs now so desperately needed.
The SOLDIER gently caressed the inside of Cloud's mouth as he explored. Cloud nervously tried to do the same, but quickly withdrew.
"I'm sorry; this is all so new to me..." Cloud whispered as he broke their kiss.
"It's okay, I can teach you!" Zack grinned as he suddenly pulled Cloud in for another passionate kiss.
Now this was a class that Cloud didn't mind going to. That thought brought a small smirk to his face as they kissed. Cloud moved his hands away from Zack's chest and wrapped them around his neck, tangling them in his raven hair. As Cloud did this, Zack went crazy; he pushed against the blonde, causing him to stumble backwards before he was pressed up against the wall. Cloud gasped as he tugged on Zack's mane.
As their kiss continued, Cloud began to wonder where this was going. With that thought he suddenly felt nervous.
"Cloud?" Zack whispered into his ear as he began placing kisses down his neck. He sensed Cloud tense up beneath him.
Cloud cupped Zack's face and held it up so he could look into his glowing eyes.
"Too much?" Zack guessed, as he pulled away slightly.
"Just a little!" The blonde giggled as he allowed himself this time to get lost in Zack's eyes.
"Their glowing?" Cloud suddenly blurted out as he moved his face closer to Zack's to stare deep into them.
"That's the Mako, freaky huh?" Zack smirked
"No, not at all" Cloud smiled as he softly traced the skin around one of the SOLDIER's eyes. "I like them..."
Zack couldn't help but smile a wide grin of joy. People were usually either freaked out by his eyes or pretended they weren't any different from others. But Cloud saying he liked them? That was a first for him anyways. It made him feel so warm and fuzzy inside.
"Um, Cloud?" Zack asked as he lightly took Cloud's hand. It caused the blonde to snap out of his trance.
"So is this okay? I know you're still a little drunk; I don't want any regrets..."
Cloud smiled warmly as he squeezed Zack's hand reassuringly before pressing his forehead against his.
"I may be drunk, but I know what I'm doing!" He mocked with a small giggle that made Zack smile brightly in return.
The SOLDIER couldn't describe what he felt, but it just felt so right to hold Cloud like this; feeling the contact and the warm against him. No words could describe it.
"Come on!" Zack finally said, taking hold of Cloud's wrist.
"What?" Cloud nervously asked as he felt himself being led across the room.
As Zack entered the hall he turned the switch on the wall that caused the lights to go out. Cloud quietly gasped as he grabbed the SOLDIER's arm.
"W-Where are we going?" Cloud frowned.
"To bed, what do you think? Its really late you know, and I'm up early" Zack grinned as he realised what Cloud was on about.
"Don't worry Spike; I'm not going to do anything!"
"Yeah....but..." The blonde argued slightly.
Zack stopped outside his room and turned to stare warmly at Cloud who looked incredibly worried.
"Do you trust me?"
Cloud stared up at Zack's glowing Mako eyes, seeing the same sincerity as he always did. There was no way he could argue, Zack was genuine and honest. And he did trust him...with his life...
Cloud nodded but then blushed yet again, he was glad that it was dark; he had made a fool of himself enough for one day.
"You're so cute when you blush like that you know..." Zack smiled affectionately. He leaned down to kiss him on the forehead.
"Wait-how did you-?" Cloud began but was interrupted.
"Uh, Cloud....Mako eyes? I can see you perfectly in the dark!" Zack teased playfully.
As he pushed his bedroom door open, he flicked the light on which caused Cloud to wince at the sudden brightness. His eyes adjusted to the light and were able to see his room for the first time. His room had a wooden floor and cream walls, but the floor was barely visible with the countless books and paper laying about the place. Even his large desk was cluttered, clothes spread around and on top of his closed laptop.
"I know it's a mess!" Zack pointed out the obvious. "I've just been busy!"
Cloud gave him a look that just screamed "yeah right!"
"Hey I have been busy lately!" Zack playfully argued as he moved some books and papers from his bed to dump it on top of more clutter on his hidden desk.
"So where is it you're going so early tomorrow morning?" Cloud asked at he began climbing under the covers.
"I have some paper work to do before noon and then I have to go inspect a practice military operation" Zack sighed "Oh joy!"
Cloud laughed at Zack's lack of enthusiasm. His laughing was cut short as he saw Zack begin to strip off his SOLDIER uniform. He suddenly felt uncomfortable; he didn't know if he should lie down and turn around or stay as he was.
"You okay Cloud?" Zack asked as he pulled off his shirt. He saw Cloud's face turn red.
The blonde nodded unable to speak through his suddenly tight throat.
Zack threw his top away onto the floor to add to the heap. Cloud tried to look away but he could help but stare at Zack's perfect chest. It looks so smooth and soft, the sight made his mouth dry. Then he suddenly realised that air was trapped inside his throat as he saw Zack undoing his trousers.
"Goodnight Zack!" Cloud exclaimed embarrassingly as he turned over and covered his face with the blankets.
"Uh, Cloud what's wrong?" Zack asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"Nothing just tired!" Cloud lied through the blankets that surrounded his face. Only a few stay spikes stuck out the top.
He's embarrassed...Zack thought. Poor Cloud, this is all so new to him. Zack felt a little bad. Maybe I'm doing all this too fast. Maybe sleeping in the same bed is too soon. I don't know...
"Hey I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable" Zack apologised as he switched the light off before climbing in beside Cloud.
"It's okay..." Cloud mumbled back. "It's just a little weird to me..."
"I know..." The SOLDIER hummed softly into his ear.
Zack wrapped his arms around Cloud's waist and pulled him closer. He nuzzled into Cloud's neck, placing delicate kisses where his lips met the blonde's skin. Zack felt Cloud tilt his neck to give him more room to continue his affection.
"Zack..." Cloud whispered breathlessly as he felt his stomach flip like it usually does in Zack's company.
The blonde shifted as he turned to face Zack, still in his embrace. The SOLDIER immediately pulled Cloud closer, so he was tightly pressed up against him. Cloud sighed satisfied as he pressed his face up against Zack's chest. He could feel his strong heartbeat, beating away continuously.
"I love you..." Cloud whispered.
For once Zack was caught off guard. That was the last thing he expected to hear before the night was out. He was so overjoyed, he could finally hold Cloud as close as he wanted and hear him say these things that he could only imagine a short while ago. He tightened his hold on Cloud, Squeezing him briefly a wide grin on his face.
"I love you too Cloud!"
