Angel's & Demons

Chapter Three: Tryin' Not To Love You

Rated: M (Coming Soooonnn~)

Summary: Cloud Strife and Zack Fair met under comical circumstances... But will knowing Zack bring some secrets to the surface that Noctis didn't want Cloud to know? Or is it all just a dream..?

Song: Tryin' Not To Love You - Nickelback

And this kind of pain, only time takes away
That's why it's harder to let you go
And nothing I can do, without thinking of you
That's why it's harder to let you go

~One month later~

Cloud picked up a package of ground meat, inspecting the price. With a small nod, he set it in his cart and pushed it down the aisle. It had been weeks since Zack; so long that Cloud had let the memory of the other raven-haired angel fade into the backdrops of his mind. Noctis had taken up many of his thoughts now… Cloud felt a flush color his cheeks at the reminder of that day. Noctis had been extremely rough with him, leaving several wounds and bruises. He had been apologetic and guilty for a whole week, insisting that Cloud stay in bed for several days while he catered to his every whim. Then, when the sun set, Noctis made sweet, gentle love to him and Cloud would fall asleep in his arms. But Noctis changed a little; sometimes he would rough-house with Cloud or shove him into a wall for a quick, hot kiss before leaving.

The angel sighed and reached up to the top shelf for the last bag of pasta, stretching his lean body to get it.

Zack grinned and grabbed it, handing it to the dirty blonde, almost brunette man. "Fancy meeting you here." He chuckled, leaning on the aisle leisurely. "How have you been?" The raven smiled softly, sincerely curious.

Cloud snatched the bag away from him and scowled at the comment. Ignoring him, he tossed the pasta into the cart and wheeled it away from him. Cloud searched the shelves for a can of spaghetti sauce. His body began yearning at the sight of Zack, but his mind scolded him. After grabbing the sauce, Cloud left the fallen angel behind. As Cloud went to check out, his thoughts returned to Noctis and the surprise he planned for him.

Zack followed, humming softly. "Why the silent treatment, baby?" He got close to him from behind, hands slipping around his waist slowly, hot breath warming Cloud's skin. "I missed you."

Goosebumps popped up on his skin and he shivered. He ignored him still and bagged his groceries, paling as he walked out to his car and piled them in.

But if there's a pill to help me forget,
God knows I haven't found it yet
But I'm dying to, God I'm trying to

Zack waited until he was done putting them away before he trapped him to his car, hands on the window on either side of Cloud's face. "Why are you ignoring me?"

Cloud glared up at him, "Get off me." He growled through clenched teeth. "I don't want to speak to you." He turned his head away, hiding the blush covering his cheeks.

"Not until you answer me" He kept a distance, but still close. "I want to know what I did wrong." His brows furrowed lightly. "You can't say it's because of our last meeting, because nothing happened." Zack looked into his eyes, searching.

Cloud sighed. "You're not going to make this easy, are you?" he murmured then waved the question away. "Please, just go. I'm late and Noctis will be worried." Cloud attempted to twist free, which only put his body closer to Zack's. He sucked in his breath as their hips brushed and his gaze snapped back to Zack's. "I'm not supposed to speak to you." Cloud finally blurted out, unable to resist those eyes.

Zack grinned wickedly and pressed against him. "But you will, you always will." He chuckled and kissed down his jaw slowly. "You can't help it." His breath washed over the skin as he whispered the words.

Cloud's bones shook with desire once more but he pushed himself backwards. "I can help it, thank you, and I will. Now if you'll excuse me," He turned around to reach the door handle, causing his back to press against Zack's chest. He sucked in air and froze.

"Then why can't you help yourself around me?" His breath fanned across Cloud's neck as he pressed closer. "You know that night you let Noctis' demon loose? It's because you wanted me. And you know he'll never be a substantial replacement for me." He said matter-of-factly. "You try to forget about me, but I know you think about me at night, and I'm constantly there, in the back of your mind..." He nipped his neck.

Cloud leaned his head back a fraction, baring his neck. He was right, of course. Cloud had never truly stopped thinking about him. He wanted Zack badly; like an alcoholic craved a beer or vodka. He sighed and moaned at the same time, rolling his head to the side. "Zack," He breathed out.

Zack chuckled and sucked on a spot softly before turning him around, pressing against him completely. "Think about this," He said, cupping his chin. "When you kiss me," He kissed him, a sweet emotion flavoring it, "then him," He frowned. "Whose kiss do you crave more?"

Cloud looked up at him with his blue-green eyes, pupils blown large. His gaze dropped to Zack's lips, then back to his eyes. Cloud leaned in and pressed his lips to Zack's, very gently kissing him as fingers threaded through raven hair. The sound of the keys dropping was like a splash of cold water as Cloud pulled back and opened his eyes once more. His lips trembled but his gaze was steady, "I crave you. I crave you with an intensity I've never felt." He blinked. "But," He started. "I love Noctis." Cloud's arms slithered back to his sides as he bent and picked up his keys. He stood and his lips quirked up in a sad smile. "You would tire of me, Zack."

Zack sighed and stepped back. "Cloud, I-" He cut himself off with a sigh. "Nevermind. Just be like the others then. Shove me away and assume what you wish. There are things about me you wouldn't understand. I'm not just after sex. You... I thought you were different. I suppose I was wrong." He said, looking vulnerable and almost as if he was in pain. His intense gaze challenged Cloud to disagree. "Just go back to your demon who's keeping secrets. The man is a selfish, emotionless, hollow shell! Have you ever noticed he has no heartbeat?" Zack grabbed the younger's hand, placing over his heart as the muscle beat, strong and sure. "Alive. I'm real. I can't say the same for your demon." Zack let the other's hand drop with a defeated sigh. "I'm leaving. Go have fun with your Noctis, Cloud Strife. You can tell him I'm not going to bother you anymore." He whispered.

Cloud watched him walk away with grief and heartache. He longed to run to him and fling himself into Zack's arms. The urge was so overwhelming, he reached out and grabbed Zack's arm. His mouth opened and once more, the truth spilled from his lips. "I want you, Zack." The words came forth like a waterfall and he couldn't stop them. "You were right. I wanted you, but I couldn't have you. When I think of Noctis, well, it makes me feel guilty. He says he loves me and he's breaking every rule to be with me, and he's cared for me for two years, but I find myself drawn to you, I'm horrified that I'm betraying him. Then there's this whole deal of Angels and Demons..." he trailed off and looked away, still holding his arm. "Noctis never treated me like you do." Cloud murmured. "He always touched me softly, like I was about to break. And then you and your dreams come along... I wanted that. I craved it and drove Noctis to give it to me." A light breeze ruffled his hair, turning his hair to a lighter shade without either of them noticing it. "But I wasn't satisfied..." He reluctantly let go of him, his fingertips lingering on Zack's skin. Too long it had been since he had felt another heartbeat. "I don't deserve either of you. I'm just a bumbling, selfish me..."

Zack looked at him. "But you still chose him." He whispered sadly. "Just like all the others, you chose the one who doesn't care. Just..." He sighed heavily. "Just forget about me. Stop thinking about me completely... Please just let me go." He said quietly.

Cloud backed away. "Right," his cheerful mood had dissolved to dust and the color had drained from his face. "Of course. Well," he met his gaze, eyes shuttered and closed off to the world. "It was... pleasant to meet you." He held out his hand. On the inside, his heart had stopped beating and his gaze stung with unshed tears. After shaking his hand, he climbed into his car and drove off, not knowing he wouldn't make it home.

'Cause trying not to love you, only goes so far
Trying not to need you, is tearing me apart
Can't see the silver lining, from down here on the floor
And I just keep on trying, but I don't know what for
'Cause trying not to love you
Only makes me love you more

A silent house greeted Noctis as he came in from work. An eerie silence that sent chills up spines, the kind that hinted something was wrong, greeted him instead of the blonde. The rooms were dark and still, unnervingly so, without the warmth of the small blonde. Noctis frowned and looked around. "Cloud?" He called, knowing the other wasn't there. He groaned and dug out his phone, calling Cloud. His frown deepened when the call went to voicemail. He dialed another number, the person picking up on the second ring.

"Hello?" The other male said, panting hard and grunting.

"You better not be with Cloud or I swear to any God or me, whichever you believe in, that I will-" Zack cut him off.

"Don't get your panties in a bunch, I'm not. I haven't seen him in like, an hour I think. We ran into each other at the store and we talked, then he left. Is he not at home?" He asked, concern slipping into his voice.

"No, or I wouldn't be calling you to see if he was there." Noctis rolled his eyes. "Wait, if you're not with Cloud, why does it sound like you're with someone?"

"I'm running. Calm down, fuck. Look, I'm sure Cloud will show up soon, just wait." Zack said then hung up. Noctis looked at his phone then sat on the couch with a sigh, nothing left to do but wait.

So I sit here divided, just talking to myself
Was it something that I did?
Was there somebody else?

When a voice from behind me, that was fighting back tears
Sat right down beside me, and whispered right in my ear
Tonight I'm dying to tell you

The sun was sinking below the horizon when the sound of a car reached Noctis' ears. Knocking sounded on the door.

Noctis stood and opened the door, expecting Cloud. When he saw the man on his porch, he sighed. "What do you want?" Noctis leaned against the doorway.

Vincent raised an eyebrow, long raven hair flowing in the slight breeze. "I've brought back something that might belong to you."

"What do you think is mine, why do you have it, and where did you get it?" He practically commanded, voice regal and demanding, not to be questioned or disobeyed.

Vincent smiled lightly and turned to the side. Behind him, parked in the driveway, was Cloud's car. "I found this perfectly fine car abandoned on the side of the freeway. A license inside said this was the correct address." He held out the drivers card, "'Cloud Strife' owns this? There are groceries in the back. Meat spoils after a while, if he didn't know." Vincent motioned to the car.

Noctis looked at the car and his face fell. He walked over to it and inspected all around the vehicle. "No sign of forced entry..." He mumbled to himself. "dammit all..." He groaned and leaned against the car, looking down at the card with his love's face on it, a sad look on his own.

"Is there anything I can do?" Vincent approached him and leaned his tall frame against the tree across from him. He regarded him coolly with eyes the color of the night. A red band restrained his hair from tumbling down.

"Find the bastard that took him." He snapped, his eyes flashing red. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, calming himself down. "Did you see anything around the vehicle? Like black feathers?" He asked, hope laced into his words.

"Unfortunately, no." He raised an eyebrow. "You suspect a fallen? And who is this, 'Cloud'? Another mortal fling, hmm?"

The older raven sighed. "No... I love this kid." He looked at him. "And yes, I do suspect a fallen, but just one in particular. Go talk to Zachary Fair." He looked down at the card again, fingertips running over the picture of the smiling blonde.

Vincent nodded but smiled dryly. "You and your men, Noctis, I swear." He tipped his head in Noctis' direction. "My King," He murmured and vanished.

That trying not to love you, only went so far
Trying not to need you, was tearing me apart
Now I see the silver lining, from what we're fighting for
And if we just keep on trying, we could be much more

'Cause trying not to love you
Only makes me love you more

W00t! Chappy three! :DDD So. Guess what comes in the next chapter? Yes! SEX -Hip thrust- Unce unce unce 3

Cloud&Vince- Amber

Zack&Noctis- Meeee :DD

I'll try and have the next chapter out sooner... Hehe -shot-