Disclaimer: I do not in any way at all claim ownership of the characters, plots, or settings of FF7. They are Square Enix's. I do own any and all creatures/people/places/etc that are here-with created by me. Meaning, in other words, MINE!

A.N. - Sorry took so long. tried to upload last week, but fanfic was acting up and wouldn't let me.

Review Replies:

xXTwilightAuroraXx: I promise, there will be one very soon. Not in chapter 30 though. lol. I know, Zack is celibate for over a year now! I think he may die! And yes, I can see his mom being charmed over. Merry X-mas to you too.

Nat: I wanna hit Hirro now too. XD! Good thought there with the training session. I must incorporate that now if you don't mind me using that idea. Sugar! whooot! Can't wait to read your story.

Kirallie: I've always pictured Cloud as one who depended on speed to survive in his childhood. That's why he's so fast in this and why he has so much stamina. He can just keep running and never stop. Especially when he has anger fueling him.

Kitfox: I'd love to write it, after I see the movie. I don't quite know enough about Kadaj just yet to feel comfortable portraying him in a story. Otherwise, i'm all for a cloud/kadaj.

DarkKatana: Happy Holidays to you to!

Anna Crumbly: I must say I appreciated your first review and I agree with you on Cloud's mom thing. Yes, I am sick at the moment actually. I believe I have bronchitis again and I haven't been home for much these last two weeks. No, I am not slow, I'm quite clever actually. :) Merry Christmas to you too.

Nejidragon: Kekeke. Just making you anticipate the hot, sexy lemon even more.

DanteMoon: Welcome to my story, glad you like it. Ooo, nice idea there with Reno. He is hotness squared afterall. lol

Oh Kichijitsu: Well I'm glad it meets yaoi standards of a good story. :)

Selireen: You're very good at English, you just have a few slight grammar mistakes, but its fine. I'm glad you think they're in character and I'm happy you liked Aeris. She does make the cute little mischief-maker doesn't she? No, Seph was never with Zack. Zack may have had a crush on him, but in this, Seph is straight. I have a pairing lined up for him actually.

Otaku Sakura: Oddly enough, not many people write Zack/Cloud stuff. I had to search hard for any, that's why I wrote this. Most people put him with Sephiroth or Aeris or Tifa. I think Vincent/Cloud is mroe popular even then Cloud/Zack. Also, I don't think "taking it slow" is in Zack's vocabulary. XD

Diablos: Awww, love you too!

Seiko123: Definately surprised. I've got a good idea of how she'll react due to you and everyone else's answers. Thank you!

CloudKitsune17: Lol. Welcome from DA! If you don't know yet, I'm Sheriv on there. Drop me a line sometime on there. Glad you think its wonderful and yes, yaoi is teh uberest. :)

Kin Uchiha: Wow! You're a fast reader, glad you liked it. Yes, horny Zack is...hotness.

Chapter Nine

"Cloud! No, don't you dare give him another drink, Sasuke! For the love of Ramuh!" Zack smacked himself as his fellow Soldier promptly ignored him and tossed the blonde another bottle. Cloud instantly stopped his yelling for another and drunk it happily.

Sephiroth shoved him from behind. "I never knew you to be such a mother hen, Zack. Let me help you get over it. Hey Cloud, remember that thing we talked about earlier." The blonde blinked at him, drinking deeply from the latest beverage given to him. Finally, he nodded and grinned stupidly. "Now's the time."

"Oh. Okay!" Cloud pushed off from the floor where he sat, tottering over to Zack, still grinning. He stopped right before the other man, swaying slightly back and forth.

"Spike?"

The blonde threw his arms around the taller man and leaned back, over-balancing them as he tried to yank the older man to his height. With a yelp and a crash, the two were on the ground. With a small giggle, the blonde kept the Soldier in tight against him and kissed him, much to the amusement of the others present. Zack, being Zack, ignored the whistles and comments that were being hurled around the room, opting instead to focus on the boy beneath him. Or, more importantly, what said boy's tongue was currently doing and where his hands were.

"So, its official. Zack finally bagged the recruit he's been whining and complaining and moping about. Who had it at five months?" Sasuke asked, looking around.

"I did." Sephiroth grinned, holding out one hand. "I believe the prize is mine."

The Soldiers grumbled as Sasuke went around, gathering lost bets into a small pouch and tossing it to the General. The silver-haired man leaned back, looking like a cat who'd gotten into the cream and calmly went back to taking sips out of his drink. He looked down and sighed, nudging his friend with one boot. Zack growled and glared at him.

"What?"

"For all our sakes, go find a bedroom."

"Oh. Is everyone still here?" The Soldier sat up and looked around, ignoring Cloud's attempts to yank him back down for the moment as he discovered that there was a party still going and more then one of the guests had noticed him and the blonde. He blushed slightly and waved at them. "Sorry folks! I'll keep it PG."

"No you won't."

"The day that happens is the day you die."

"We know you better then that."

Zack scrunched up his nose and frowned at them. "Thanks for the trust guys." He gasped as Cloud finally got bored enough to lean up, pushing his shirt up and licking a long, wet line up the Soldier's chest. "Dear gods, Spike! Not right now!"

Cloud frowned, pouting. "Why not?"

"Because we have an audience and I need to prove to these bastards I DO have self-control."

Many of the people present rolled their eyes and one tackled into the two on the floor, wrapping a choke-hold on Zack while grinning at Cloud. "Hey, you're Cloud right? You can call me Yuki." He jerked back on the arm around the darker-haired man's throat, still smiling pleasantly. "You seem like a good kid, but don't let this idiot boss you around. He's really a big push-over. Oh shut up, Zack. You know its true."

Blue eyes blinked at the grinning brunnette before Cloud smiled back at him, still lost in a drunken haze. "He's...what was it you said Sephiroth? He's the submissive!"

Zack choked and doubled his efforts to escape, squirming frantically as Yuki burst out in laughter. "...NOT...TRUE..." He gasped out, digging his fingers into the arm around his neck and slowly pulling it away.

"Oh-ho! You're the dominant-type then, I knew it!"

"Damn it! That isn't what I meant!"

The two rolled on the ground, each looking for an opening in the other's defenses as the grappled. Cloud watched with amusement, before humming to himself and walking on hands and knees over to where Sephiroth was leaning. The General looked down, watching as the blonde grabbed a handful of his coat and hauled himself up, using the taller man's body and jacket as leverage to gain his feet. He weaved where he stood, then tilted his head back to look the silver-haired man in the eyes. "Hello."

"...Hello?"

"Buh-bye." With a small wave, the recruit turned and walked away from Sephiroth, tripping over Zack and Yuki and joining into the fight.

Sephiroth stared after the blonde. For possibly the first time in his life, he didn't know what to say.

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Zack groaned and rolled over, or tried to at least. A heavy weight held his legs pinned to the ground and another lay over one arm. He kicked one leg out experimentally, surprised when the weight groaned and slapped his calf. "...Seph?"

The man lifted his head, green eyes glowing softly in the darkness. "What?"

"Get off me."

With an effort, the taller man dragged himself off the darker-haired Soldier and onto the couch. He rubbed the back of his head, grimacing as his fingers encountered a rather nasty lump there. "Damn you, Zack. Watch your fucking aim next time."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Zack demanded, shoving Cloud off his arm and sitting up. It was still dark outside and on closer look at the clock, it was some time till morning. Only a couple hours after midnight. He winced, feeling a couple of aches and bruises on himself as well. He had a vague recollection of a large fight and throwing something at someone. "Did we fight?"

"No. You fought that one guy...what's his name? Forgot. But he was hitting on your love bunny there and you didn't like that." He drew up one knee, resting his forehead against it. "Last thing I remember, is you throwing one of those damned glass mugs of yours at him, missing, a brief moment of pain and stars, and then I just woke up now."

Zack winced as he moved to a sitting position, shoving some of the junk on the floor near him away. "Shit, I hit you? Damn, sorry about that."

"Did you win?" Sephiroth asked, ignoring the apology.

Zack leaned back, one hand bracing him. "You know...I don't remember." He flashed a dazzling grin up at his friend. "So, forgive and forget right? Wanna help me clean up?"

"I'm going home."

"Aw, come on Seph! Be a pal!" The door clicked shut after the General, leaving Zack sitting alone in the middle of a filthy house with Cloud snoring contentedly away.

--------------------------------------------------------One Month Later-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day was clear, crisp and carrying with it the warm winds of Cosmo Canyon. It was the perfect day to spend outside, relaxing or having fun. So, naturally, Shinra ordered a double practice session for the basic troops and a triple one for the Soldiers. It was all done to, "Shake off the winter laziness." At least, that's what the officers and generals were saying.

Why the hell did I ever want to be in this fucking army! Cloud gritted his teeth as another blow slipped past his wavering defenses to strike him in the upper arm. He shook his head and slipped from an attacking stance, to a defensive one. The wooden practice swords couldn't break skin and were flexible enough that they rarely broke a bone or caused any kind of serious injury, but they still hurt when they connected. Not that I'm not used to pain.

"Strife, lean more on the back foot! Don't put all your fucking weight in the front when you're defensive, you're off balance!" He grunted as his back connected with the hard earth. "Get up and try it again. What the hell is wrong with you? You're never this bad."

The blonde slowly climbed to his feet, staring at the sword he held in disgust. "I'm not used to a normal blade, sir. Its too light, I'm used to a heavier weapon. Doesn't feel right to me."

The Weapons Master sighed, running a hand through his short hair. Every day, same thing from the little punk. Damned brat keeps insisting on using that fucking sword that's almost as big as him. Ah well, let him break his foolish neck or strain some muscles. Maybe then he'll quit whining about wanting to use that one. "Fine, go pick up your damned weapon so we can finish up here. I got twenty other students to deal with, Strife. You're no special enough to waste more time on then necessary."

Gee, thanks sir. Make me WANT to stay in the damned army why don't you. I should just fucking leave. A brief image of Zack flashed through his head and he sighed as he grasped the handle of the sword the very same man had gotten him. I can't leave. I can't leave him. A cynical smirk twisted his lips. Sentimental little bastard, aren't I? He again got into a ready stance, much more fluid and relaxed now that he held the familiar weight of Ragnarok in his hands. The Weapons Master noticed it immediately and grudgingly had to give the boy some respect, if only for being able to lift the blade off the ground.

The officer came at him with a swift charge, no longer holding back. The blonde met him blow for blow, staying on the defensive. Dear gods, its like watching him in slow-motion! Compared to the Soldiers, this guy is a joke. Recently, Zack had taken to pitting him against various other Soldiers, giving him a bit of variety in styles and techiniques. Under the guidance of all the Soldiers, he had steadily progressed until he was now the top fighter of his group. Which wasn't saying much still, but it put him just that much closer to being a Soldier, like Zack.

Steel rang against steel and Cloud went into a roll, avoiding a downward strike. Its funny. When I first came here, it was to prove to everyone I was useful. That I could be something. He slashed upward, countering another strike and pushing back against his teacher's blade, forcing the other man to scramble for his balance. And yet now, I'm doing it for him. So that I can stay close to him, forever. Its strange and funny. Won't mom be surprised to learn of Zack? She's been pressuring me to find somebody. He grunted again as he advanced on his opponent, swinging the heavy blade in a complex twist of movements. Poor mom, she'll never get grandkids now. She was expecting a girl. Gods, she's going to be so dissappointed in me.

"Pay attention!"

The blonde snapped to his senses in time to parry, but felt himself slipping back into his inner musings again. Why the hell did he have to insist on going to meet my mother? Its going to be a disaster! Hopefully Tifa won't be there. Fucking bitch. I can't see her again until I prove this 'worthless, fatherless bastard' can be something better then she could ever be. He gritted his teeth, all the fury and frustration of his childhood channeling into his fighting. It was with surprise that the Weapons Master found himself defending more then he was attacking. The blonde's eyes burned with a fierce light, his lips twisted into a snarl of defiance. With a last swing, Cloud lashed out with one boot and caught the officer high in the chest, sending him tumbling backward.

The students still left waiting for their turn gasped, unable to believe it. The officer stood up, brushing off his uniform and snapping a glare on the blonde. "STRIFE!"

He winced at the volume, fully expecting some punishment to befall him. "Yes, sir?"

"Get your scrawny ass out of here and into the cadet's class! You're done here! You're no longer a private. As for the rest of you mangy curs, fucking practice! I want all of you out of here before the next set of recruits move up to your level! Tyrke! You're next, move it!"

He stood rooted to the spot for a moment longer, before numbly walking out. I...just got promoted! Without thinking, he raised the Ragnarok over his head and twirled it, scratching a deep gauge into one wall. With a spring in his step, he walked for the exit. It wouldn't be until tomorrow that he was officially a cadet, which meant he had the rest of the day free. Flinging open the doors, he stepped into the sunlight, blinking rapidly as his eyes adjusted to the brightness. Hmmm, today is wednesday. Which means Zack's stuck in the office. He glanced at the ground, stooping to pick up a couple of thumb-sized rocks.

Whistling, the blonde headed to one of the shorter, longer buildings. He glanced at the windows, stopping at one that sported a giant stuffed chocobo. I can't believe he put that thing in the window. Shaking his head, Cloud cocked his arm back, and let fly with one of the rocks. He followed with a second and a third until the window was flung oprn.

"Who the hell is doing that!" Zack demanded.

"Someone who wants to know if Zack can play!" Cloud called back. He fingered a smaller rock, eyeing the distance between him and the Soldier.

"Cloud!" Zack turned around, looking at Sephiroth with big, puppy-dog eyes. "Can I? Huh, huh? Can I play?"

The General looked up from reading a correcting a document, staring pointedly at the large pile of papers left on Zack's desk. "You're not done yet."

"Oh pshaw! You and I both know we can just send this crap to some underling to do! Come on Seph! Pleeeease!"

"Will you shut up?" Zack nodded. "Fine, go play."

With a happy squeak, the Soldier turned back to the window. A stone smacked him right between the eyes. "Sorry, Zacky! Thought you closed the window on me!" Sephiroth could easily hear the blonde's laughter coming to them.

"You little..." The Soldier leaped up onto the window sill, balancing there a moment before hurtling himself out of it.

"There is a door, you know." Sephiroth muttered to himself, getting up to shut the window before Zack took it into his head to try and force him to join the two crazy soldiers. He paused for a second, watching as Zack tried to catch the blonde, who was dodging and evading him, tossing stones back at the Soldier.

"You're going to fucking get it, Spike! Damn it, stop running!" He unsuccessfully tried to snag the giggling blonde's shirt, stumbling as he tried to take a sharp turn. "You're not human, Spike! No human can run like that!"

Cloud back-pedalled, facing the Soldier. "When you grow up like I did, you learn to depend on your speed and stamina. Its the only way you can stay alive. What's the matter, Zacky. Tired already? Some Soldier you are, letting a cadet beat you."

"Cadet? What the hell happened to private?"

"Knocked my teacher on his ass, so he promoted me." Cloud yelped as he accidently let the other man get to close and found himself yanked forward by the front of his shirt. He smiled up at the darker-haired man.

Zack whipped the other boy around, grabbing him in a headlock and ruffling his spikes. "Hey, that's great news! We should celebrate!"

Cloud shoved against the Soldier, twisting and breaking free. "Depends on how you plan on celebrating."

"Hmmmm. I know! Pack your bags, we're gonna see your momma early! HEY SEPH!" He waved up at the closed window and bellowed the man's name again and again until the silver-haired Soldier finally opened it. "I'm going on leave early! Be back in a few weeks!"

"Where are you going?" Sephiroth asked.

"I'm going to steal the boy's virtue!" Zack called back, slinging an arm around Cloud's waist, who was currently flaring a bright red.

"Dont' ask. Just, don't ask next time." Sephiroth mumbled to himself, waving the two off.

Zack whirled the blonde around and headed for home. "This is going to be great!"

"Ummm...Zack?"

"What?"

"There's a few things you need to know first."

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A.N. - And I shall end this chapter here. And no, they aren't sleeping together yet. Call me strange, but I don't think couples should start sleeping together right away just because they're dating now. I think they need to wait awhile before that. But that's just me and I'm a strange authoress. Anywho, speeded things up a bit and all that because I wanted to get to this part, where Zack and Cloud go to Nibelheim. Its a chapter i've been wanting to write. Sorry I slowed down on my writing, my bronchitis is back and my car is getting fixed. So I had to take on extra hours so I can cover the bill and also, I've had a ton of parties to go to. As well as family stuff. But I am still writing this, so never fear. How was everyone's X-Mas? I hope you had a good one and a good New Year's.

Now then, the Daily Chapter Question:

What will Tifa do when she sees Cloud and Zack?

See you at the end of the next chapter people. Love you all so much and good tidings and luck to you all.

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