Authors Notes:
Hey guys! Too much to say, not enough space to write it all! Well, after many months of this fic not being updated, I though tit was time to just sit down and write, write, write until my hands drop off and my brain implodes. Yes. I'm exhausted, but it's done.
The time is currently 12:42 and I continued writing this since 3pm, that's roughly 9 and a bit, considering breaks and delayments, let's call it about 6 hours. My brain is out of juice now, but I don't care, it's done, and that's what matters!
A Thanks to: Two mentions I want to make. To my reviewers/commenters/ supporters, Thanks! Basically, I love all the reviews, they honestly make me smile so much! I read them at times to grab inspiration, I love them all thanks guys!
And to Destatii; who, as reluctant she may be, gave me a few idea's on Zak. I don't know him as well as she does, and she managed to help me write a few parts of him which I would have totall zoomed past and forgot about. Thanks Koi-chan!
Well - here it is! Long-awaited chapter4! O.o
Chapter 4 – Inspector Calls.
4 hours…
Only….only… 4 hours.
Well, if you included the 17 minutes, just to be precise, then 4 hours and 17 minutes.
But that'd just be silly and obsessive wouldn't it? I mean, counting in precise minutes since I last saw him.
I don't want to look obsessive, so 4 hours it is. Heh…
4 hours since I last saw those silk tresses of beautiful silver hair gently sway around the back of his neck and shoulders, 4 hours since I saw that smile which coyly never left his face as those luscious pink lips teased everyone in their presence, including me.
And 4…4... Antagonising …hours, since I saw those eyes. Those bewitching aqua eyes that swallowed you with their striking presence, those eyes that immediately drop you into a pleasant stunned state, whilst a pleasing warmth fills throughout your body.
…oh, and an ass to boot.
I groaned as I rolled over in my bed to face the ceiling. Tucking my hands behind my head I sighed and curled my toes into the sheets. Okay, so maybe I was being a little obsessive, but honestly, could you really blame me? Nothing has ever, in my innocent little life walked into the store like that.
No one in my life had looked like that. With Leon and Cloud strutting their stuff around the store too, that HAS to be putting this situation into some sort of perspective. Right..?
My eyes slid closed as I let my stomach growl openly; ignoring it the best I could, I frowned and rolled over onto my side. Honestly, this bed might as well be the floor, it was that fucking uncomfortable.
Maaaan, I could do with some nice squidgy pillows, or maybe a nice soft Riku.
Wh-What? Sora, honestly, stop thinking like that!
Right, right. I'll snap out of this little problem. Couldn't be that hard right? …Right. Soooo, this wall paint huh? Could do with another coat of paint. Coat….
Riku did have such a stunning coat didn't he!
The way the cuffs fell perfectly around his hands and … Woah woah woah! How did I get back to him?
I best sort my priorities straight now before I get the bizarre thought in my head that a scruffy bum like me could get a God to like me, like him.
Right, I Mr. Nobody, Mr. fucking low-life, the one who was left... the one who was fucking abandoned and left to sob in pathetic misery – No.
…No.
I rolled over and flicked off the light and the last thing I felt was the empty, angry tears roll cold down my cheek.
"In line, In line... you scruffy mutts."
The brown polished boots slid together at abrupt attention as they faced three other pairs of different assorted shoes. Just by looking at those shoes, you could decipher each individual character.
First off you had the smart black leather zip-ups, carelessly strewn apart from each other in a reluctant manner; yes Leon was confused and slightly pissed off.
Next to him were the black Swede shoes half hidden by neatly cut black combats, no doubtedly Cloud as he stood, elbow resting on the till counter in a haphazard way, as he stared at the floor lost in thought.
And last were the scruffy sneakers that twitched and fidgeted, much like their owner, as he nervously kept running a had through his messy chocolate brown spikes. Yep, I'm present too.
"Sora, stop yer bloody fidgeting would ya? You're making me nervous."
Cloud looked up and over at me, feeling the gaze upon me I looked up and we made eye contact. We stared blankly at each other for a moment until he smiled warmly at me, those eyes evaluating immediately that I had been crying… yet again.
I turned my gaze blankly at the floor, no pity needed thanks.
"…Sorry, Cid."
"Yeah, yeah, pipe down, pipe down. Now, by the look of loathing I am receiving from Squall, I—."
Cid glanced over at Leon who had cleared his throat and had shifted from one foot to the other, hand twitching slightly. Cid hovered his gaze and shifted slightly.
"Err, As I was saying, we need to explain to Leon exactly why he has to flirt shamelessly with this inspector, and seduce her into a puddle of mush." He glanced at Leon who was looking even more disgruntled than before.
Cloud smirked mischievously as he watched Leon out the corner of his eye. The Brunette ran a hand through his hair whilst knotting together his fine eyebrows as he glared at Cloud. Cloud just snorted and poked Leon in the ribs where the grouch shied away from his touch with a grunt.
There were silence for a while and I looked outside the window for a while. I could almost remember the sound of rain falling and splattering against the window pane in a synchronised tune. The doorbell chiming and in comes Riku, beautiful, perfect Riku….
Yum…
"….right, Sora?"
I blinked and focused my gaze upon the three sets of eyes looking at me in slight amusement. I cocked my head to the side a little, what the fuck did Cid say?
"Err. Right, …Cid. Heh." I grinned sheepishly and scratched the back of my head shrugging off the question.
Cid just coughed and gave me a funny look. Cloud chuckled and Leon had a faint line of red run across the bridge of his nose as he tried to cover up the embarrassment. Cloud just minced his was over to where I was stood and slung a casual arm over my shoulders and grinned.
"You agree? That's good to hear, but I think we would have to convince Leon a bit more by the looks of things, I'm not sure he appreciates me shoving my tongue down his throat,"
A sweeping blush channelled across my face as Cloud's hot breath was just at my earlobe, as he whispered into it.
"….yet, anyways,"
I squeaked and clamped a hand over my mouth as the half-lidded eyes of Cloud looked at me until he chuckled and backed off a little.
Cid rolled his fag to one side and scratched his whiskered chin. "By that girly squeak of yours Sora, I'd say you didn't 'ere my question, eh?"
I just shook my head and found the floor interesting.
"No worries, kid. Just wipe up that drool and stop day-dreamin', do I even dare ask what or who exactly you were thinkin' of?"
I opened my mouth to protest but Cloud's bouncy locks popped into view and he became very interested as to what I had to say.
"I- err, no. No-one, it was no-one."
Leon raised an eyebrow yet said nothing. Niiiiiice Leon, that's it, you be a good boy and don't question me.
Cloud cleared his throat loudly and smirked more.
…Shit.
I knew that look, Cloud was on 'piss Sora off' mode. I'll be damned if I didn't hate this side of Cloud. Yet he could get away with it, it comes in the privilege pack of being one hot sexy mo-fo.
Damn Cloud.
"Awww, Come on Sora-kins," He pinched one of my cheeks and ruffled my hair. "Who is it you're mind-raping? Hmmm?"
If possible my face turned even redder. I decided to turn on my 'I don't give a fuck' attitude.
"Fuck off Cloud, I'm not the pervert here, if you have forgotten, it' you." Some one punish me, that was lame.
"Is it Leon? You're not raping poor innocent Leon in that sick little twisted mind of yours are you?" Cloud mock-snarled as he lifted one finger and poked me in the forehead lightly.
Leon cleared his throat and exchanged a mature look with Cid, apparently he wasn't finding being the targeted victim amusing.
I scowled deep in my throat and hardened my gaze, with that turning into a pout I sighed dramatically and slapped Cloud's hand away.
"No…Cloud, that'd be you. Get over yourself and stop trying to screw Leon, as he is, quite clearly, Out. Of. Your. League!" I hissed.
Cloud stumbled back and looked at me in surprise, his mouth was slightly parted and his eyes were wide. Ouch. I think I dented Cloud's pride. Fuck! …Why do things always turn into MY fault? It wasn't ME who provoked myself and made me say unnecessary things!
Leon by this time was looking between me and Cloud with a thoughtful look, obviously he wasn't accustom to our daily fights yet.
…yeah, we really were like brothers. Cid being the uncle or something. Wow, dysfunctional family alright.
Fuming, Cloud childishly pulled one of my tufts of hair, making me squint and grunt in pain. Bastard, he knew how much I hated my hair being pulled. I glared and kicked him in the shin, I then sunk to the floor and slammed my head to rest on my hand, yeah, I am seriously not in the mood today.
Cid cleared his throat and held back that small smirk wanting to escape.
"So anyway, before our drama queen's started bitch fighting, Leon, we're asking you to seduce our inspector and charm her to give us a top-notch report, got it?"
From my spot on the floor, I raised my head and looked at Cid as if he had just grown two heads.
…Did he seriously expect Leon to just take that task and be okay with it? … Pfft. Did he have another thing coming.
"Eeeerr, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with this…" Leon shifted from one foot to the other.
Cid patted Leon roughly on the back in a 'manly' manner, which despite Leon's efforts, made him stumble forward slightly. Cid chuckled and pointed to me and Cloud as he tightened his grip on Leon's shoulder.
"Nah, don't worry, Squall, you got Cloud and Sora as faithful companions. They've been doing this for a while now, make a terrific team. With you, any inspector to walk through these doors will be transported back out again in a bucket of mush! You'll see lad, you'll see!"
Leon glanced over to us looking disgruntled, Cloud beamed in return and I grinned sheepishly. He didn't look too happy about all this.
Cid glanced at his watch and he widened his eyes slightly.
"Crap, I told Phil I'd meet him down at his office, he wanted me to meet the new guy who was suppose to delivery the last lot but was bloody sick, figures that."
He was going to leave us, with only mere hours until the inspector lady comes in? Has Cid gone mad?
"Catch ya guys later then, you two teach Leon to strut his stuff will ya? Ha ha haaar." He then left.
... Apparently so.
"Weeeelll….."
I glanced over at Cloud as he made me and Leon stand back and he walked to the other side of the store. I groaned as I figured what was coming.
I saw Cloud adjust his trousers so they were settled snugly around his waist revealing his creamy hip bones. He undone one of his top buttons on his crimson dress shirt and placed his apron on the side. Lazily swiping one of his soft blonde spikes away from his eyes, he gave us one of his sexy smirks and placed his hands on his hips.
"Right Leon, you heard the man, lets teach you how to. Strut. Your. Stuff."
He beckoned me over and took a look at me, I peeked over my shoulder to see Leon placing himself on the side with a smirk on his face, amused was he?
I squeaked indignantly as Cloud grabbed my khaki snug fitting trousers and tugged them lower than I was used to. My hands immediately sprung to cover the exposed flesh I wasn't used to displaying as my face brightened considerably.
Was Cloud out of his mind?
He smiled playfully and he gently pried my hands away and resumed to his task of messing my hair up into the 'sexy scruffed up look' my eye twitched involuntarily as my face was burning red.
Nobody usually saw this much of me, and it was only getting worse as Cloud pried my apron and zip-up jumper from me to leave me in my small blue t-shirt.
"Sora calm down, you look sexy… now stop being silly before I spank you." Cloud warned.
I glared the best I could and heard Leon clear his throat. Looking over my shoulder once more I saw Leon trying to roll his eyes to cover that smirk of his.
"Don't look so confident Leon, Cloud will be after you to strip down next!" I called through gritted teeth as I let Cloud twirl me around and made me thrust my hips out.
Ignoring these comments, Cloud stood back and looked me over. I assumed I was done after I saw him smile to himself.
"There! Right Sora, do you remember how to strut? Remember the way I showed you? If not I could show you agai--."
"No!" I squeaked. I remember the last time, he kept keeling over laughing as apparently I looked ridiculous trying not to fall flat on my face.
Putting a hand to his cheek, Cloud looked around whilst trying to think, obviously spotting something missing as he frowned and knotted his eyebrows together. After a few minutes of silence, I started to get bored and secretly started to pull my trousers up.
I only got so far when Cloud put his hands on mine and stopped me. "That's it! We need music, can't be strutting to a silent beat, no rhythm!"
I tried to remind Cloud that there wasn't much point in all this as we wouldn't actually be mincing it to this inspector, but he wouldn't listen as he rushed to Cid's office and brought out the radio. Turning it on, he found a reasonable song. Me and Leon soon found Cloud lost in the song wiggling his hips around and dancing about as he usually did in the clubs.
I just stood and watched him silently, damn Cloud was hot.
I heard Leon adjust himself into a more comfortable position as his gazed was fixed in interest at Cloud. Looks like Leon agreed with me.
I was brought out of my trail of thoughts as I was suddenly dragged into Clouds arms and made to be thrown about a bit. I could hardly stay on my feet as Cloud twirled me, flipped me, swung me and everything else I could think of.
After a while he detached himself from me and allowed me to move on my own. I lost a lot of the beat, becoming less confident in myself but still managed to keep going.
This was…
Well this was kind of fun.
I even found myself smiling as I watched Cloud get shoved back for pulling Leon off the counter and trying to grab Leon's bum.
"What was that for? I was only trying to loosen your stiff hips!"
"Correction, Cloud. You were trying to grab my arse." Leon grunted as he folded his arms over his chest.
"No way, I was helping you strut, no chance do you know how to already! You move like an old man!"
Leon was baffled as he glared at Cloud. "Whatever" He drawled as he stood defiantly. "C'mon Leon, get over yourself and dance, it's a great way to loosen up!"
"Not a chance."
Cloud pouted and turned to face me. "Sora, come help me get Leon to dance" I sighed as I walked over to them both. I just looked up at Leon and did nothing.
"Nothing Cloud, there was nothing I could do." Cloud raised an eyebrow at me and just sighed.
"Sora, come on. Get him to dance will ya?"
I groaned and grabbed Leon's hand as fast as I could and tugged hard. Feeling him hurtling towards me I put one hand round his shoulder and one on his waist. Heck, I wanted to die sometime right? May as well be this way.
I felt Leon coming to his senses and before giving him the option to move away, I started forcefully making him sway. If it wasn't me I got the feeling he was about to kill, I would have found this rather amusing. Leon's hands lay limply at his sides as he was looking down at me, mouth slightly open in question and eyes slightly wide.
The fact that he was letting me do this for this long was amazing me.
I finally felt him lift his arms up and I closed my eyes waiting to be shoved back and land painfully on my bum. I almost gasped a loud as I felt one hand land on my shoulder and one hand on my waist.
I opened my eyes just as I felt myself being the one to follow Leon's moves. My mouth fell open as Leon was becoming this new, confident … dance machine.
He had now got me twirling around and had somehow turned me around so that my back was pressed to his chest with my hands in his as his arms were looped over my shoulders. I hardly had time to breathe and catch up with my body, before I felt Leon whispering into my ear.
"Are you sure I'm the one that should be learning? Because by the looks of things Sora, I'd say you could still learn some new moves." He straightened up a little and looked at Cloud whilst smirking.
Cloud gazed back looking shocked as he realised what Leon was doing. It was silence for a moment until the new song came on. Lost Prophets - Shinobi vs. Dragon Ninja came blurting out and Leon just broadened his smirk as his grey eyes seemed to gleam.
Before I knew it Leon had us moving again, my gasp was flooded out by the music as Leon started grinding against me. I felt myself going weak as his hands rested on my hips and started helping me loosen up.
Then it hit me. I was no longer being the one to teach to be in control, fuck, I didn't think I ever was. Leon was teaching me, and he was doing one heck of a job of it. Cloud was just gazing at the way Leon's body moved with mine, his eyes souly fixed on those leather clad hips, a thousand customers could have barged in asking about the special offers and it would have gone unnoticed.
The song came to an end and Leon spun me out, letting his hand slip easily out of mine. I halted to a stop, my face flustered and breathe short. I felt different inside, like a tingling sensation spreading through my veins with every intake of breathe.
Where the fuck did Leon learn to do that?
"What the hell was that Leon?" Cloud nearly shouted. When it came to dancing, that was Cloud's area. He was used to spending all his nights in the clubs, always telling me how he danced them all out of breathe and still not finding anyone good enough.
…I think that may have changed. All in the space of 5 minutes too.
"What? You think that you were the only one who knew how to dance?" Leon shrugged as he let out a long breath. Cloud opened his mouth a couple of times in an attempt to say something. I would have laughed but I was still pretty worn out, Leon really knew how to wear someone out.
"Where did you learn all that? You and Cloud would make a great team in the clubs" I mumbled, looking over at Leon as I came over to join them.
Leon shrugged, "I just did, forget about it." He turned to sit at the desks but stopped as he felt Cloud's long fingers wrap around his wrist.
"You can't just forget about it when the person openly showed it to you with one of your colleagues." Cloud huffed out, studying Leon's face.
"What can I say, Sora is the perfect person to chuck about when it comes to dancing. Small, light and flexible. He was easy to manipulate the way I wanted." I blushed and studied my shoes. Fuck it, Cloud is going to rant, if it wasn't him who was being complimented, it just wouldn't do.
"Your right, but we weren't talking about him Leon, we were talking about you." Leon shrugged off Cloud's wrist.
"Were we?" He smirked a little as he saw Cloud fuming. I'm starting to think these guys get kicks out of pissing each other off. I'm glad I have my patience and that I'm calm at all times.
"Yes, and besides, Sora is too weak, you can't work off him as you can't get much of a response out of him." Cloud hissed.
Huh?
…Hey!
"Cloud, just because you're PMT-ing over this, don't fucking bring me into this bullshit!" I squawked. Cloud shrugged me off and towered over the unaffected Leon who was sitting down at the tills.
"Why are you being so mysterious huh? Was it an ex? Ex-girl taking you to ball-room dancing lessons? Huh? Or was she throwing herself all over you at the clubs? Which one is it Leon? Was it a guy? An Ex-Bo-."
"Shut up, Cloud." Leon hissed as he slammed his fist down onto the counter. He glared up into Cloud's eyes with such fury it made my knees go weak. I grabbed the nearest side and sat down onto it, Leon was fucking scary.
Cloud, who looked genuinely surprised, just narrowed his eyebrows together and after holding his gaze with Leon, he lowered his eyes to the floor and took off down the aisles without saying a word.
I glanced over at Leon, who just sat staring at his hands, he looked angry. I put my apron back on and started to sweep up, the inspector was due in soon after all.
I couldn't help wondering if Cloud had hit a sore spot. Leon certainly didn't look too impressed by Cloud's prying. I felt for Cloud though, he never did like being shouted at. I should really go and see him, would that look rude though? Leaving Leon alone?
Fuck it, this is none of my fault, why should I care?
I bit my lip as I continued to sweep at the same spot I had been doing for the last 5 minutes.
"You can go and see him if you want, I don't mind." I looked up to see Leon looking at me. He seemed to have recovered quickly. I shrugged it off.
"You sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure he's pouting and in need of comfort." Leon shrugged. I shifted a little.
"Look Leon, Cloud isn't always like this, he- he's just had it a little rough, is all." Leon sighed and ran a hand through his soft brown locks.
"I figured, I didn't mean to snap but he had no right to pry. I'll have more patience, but this time – I'm not apologizing."
I nodded and made my way to see Cloud. It was better than nothing.
"Lo Cloud." I tapped his shoe with the front of mine slightly as I stood there looking down at him from the floor, hands shoved in my pockets.
"What?" Cloud mumbled, blonde locks obscuring his brilliant blue eyes.
I crouched down and moved them out the way for him. "You okay?"
"Why is Leon such a stubborn wanker?" Cloud muttered.
"He isn't, you were being nosey, and you know it" I poked him in the rib and he shied away from my touch.
He poked me back, "I was only messing."
"Maybe you hit a sore point? You don't like it when I do it to you." I smirked, knowing Cloud was loosening up.
"Yeah, I know. I'm a prat, lock me up and throw away the key!" Cloud dramatically threw an arm over his eyes and sank to the floor smiling.
I smiled and offered my hand to help him up, Cloud could be such a kid at times. "So you back to normal, ya cry-baby?"
"Only on one condition." I sighed and rolled my eyes. There was always a catch with Cloud. "What's that then, Cloud?" He smirked and ruffled my hair.
"Who's the lucky guy?"
"Wh-what?" I almost fell over at the blunt question. What is with Cloud today? Oh well, if it made him happy… then what the hell.
It's not like I'd see him again anyways. Angels only make themselves present once right? And Riku HAD to be an Angel. Perfectness was a rarity.
"…Ri-Riku." I mumbled. This must sound stupid; I had only met the guy yesterday! He's still a stranger!
Cloud smirked and started walking down the aisle. "I thought so Sora, you should have seen the look on your face when you saw what was under that hood! It was like you went to heaven and back!"
I blushed and followed him. Before we got the front of the store, Cloud stopped me and smirked cheekily. "Besides, by the sounds of things Sora, you've got good taste, Riku? Hardly a bad choice. Bet the guys are lining around the block to shag that one, aye?" He winked and turned the corner.
Me? … I just agreed.
"Okay, got everything clear, just act normally and we'll get another pass. No sweat lads, eh?" Ah Cid, always full of the useful sentences. I just nod and look at the clock.
5 minutes to go until the same old routine was to take place. Joy.
"Sora stop rolling your eyes, you act as though you don't enjoy it!" Cid wheezed as he clapped me on the back a couple of times.
"Yeah, getting my face pinched and being called a cutie is really the highlight of my day." I groaned.
"No, but the cheap, small feast in celebration is always worth the look in, aye?" He smirked as we waited minutes before the next victim who was to be wooed off her feet arrived.
"Will it be the same one as usual Cid?" Cloud asks behind his magazine.
"Maybe, who knows, kid? Whoever it is though, do your best."
"Do our best? Who you kiddin' old man? I mean look at us! Right Sora? Right Leon?" Cloud chimed, beaming with confidence.
I glanced at Leon who just returned my gaze, grunting he returned staring at the floor.
Cid crooked his neck round to look at the clock, "She's late, shoulda been he—."
Jingle Jingle.
With the sound of that damned bell, all four of us turned our heads towards the door. A single cough resonated around the shop as all eyes fell upon the bedraggled man at the door, dripping from the rain outside.
"You uh, wouldn't happen to have a towel at all?" He grinned.
Cloud was first to speak up, turning to face no-one in particular,
"It's still not the inspector! Man, do they think we've got nothing better to do with our time than stand around waiting?"
I shuffled my feet and there was an awkward silence.
"...Whatever."
Ignoring Cloud obvious statement, I looked back to the man at the door. Poor guy, soaked. I know how that feels! He reminded me of how Riku walked in with the rain dripping of his hood too.
I walk away from the others and head towards Cid's stupidly small office, passing the man along the way, "I'll just fetch one for you."
Cloud grabbed my arm as I swooped past, "Wait Sora, we don't usually give customers beauty treatment, so why is he any different?"
I shrugged his arm off and carried on to the office "Cloud, it's pouring down, don't think the other customers will get jealous much, 'cause if you haven't noticed cloud, there aren't any."
The man took this chance to tune into the conversation "Besides, I'm not your ordinary customer, either," He grinned and wagged his eyebrows.
Leon stood up straight and folded his arms lazily, "Who are you then, exactly."
The man adjusted his black business suit and brushed a black lock of hair that was plastered to his cheek behind his ear. He turned to Leon and thrusted out a hand eagerly.
"Me? The name's Zak, and I'll be your inspector for today! At your service!" He smirked.
Cid, who had been watching quietly from the sidelines spat out his cigarette to the floor and mumbled a bunch of choice words. I came back with the towel, and by the looks on the guy's faces, I'm guessing the guys our inspector?
"What you say, Lad? Weren't we suppose to be having, I mean, I've never seen a lad doing the inspectors job?" Cid mumbled out, careful of what he was saying.
Zak grinned once more and took the towel from me, and started to dry his face and hair. "Yeah, well y'know, just between us guys, this is my first inspection. But don't expect me to go easy on you, this is what I'm paid for right?" And jeez, was he paid alright. I took note of the top-of-the-line suit, the healthy amount of stylish silver jewellery around his neck and finger, and not to mention how healthy he looked. ...I wonder what shampoo he uses...
"Right! Err…Boys, could I have a quick word?" Cid summoned us over to the corner and we started whispering about what to do. I glanced over my shoulder at Zak who was studying the bell on the door with mild interest, flicking the copper occasionally whilst humming a tuneless tune to himself.
"He's a guy Cid, a guy. What am I going to do now?" Cloud whined.
Leon rolled his eyes. "You're gay anyway Cloud, what's the difference?"
Cloud huffed and spoke in an obvious tone. "This is the wrong shirt; this is my 'woman' shirt. I only wear this to attract the women, now he'll never dig me!"
I started chuckling and then quirked an eyebrow. "Why do you even have a shirt like that, if you have no intentions to bed women?"
"Oh y'know, the whole thing of 'you can look, but you can't touch, maybe your boyfriend can though." He wagged his eyebrows at me as he smirked. I cringed.
"Oh Cloud, you're such a slut."
"I agree" Leon added in as he shoved shoulders with Cloud lightly.
Cid raised his hands to silence us again. "Whatever dudes, we just gotta fucking get this right, you hearing me? Cloud, I'm sure he'll dig you if you try, for Christ sake, Sora, turn on you're good boy charm and butter the bugger up, and Leon… uh, well. Just be you, without the sarcastic comments, got it?"
We all gave our way of saying yes; Cloud's being a 'whine and fine' and all slowly made our way back over to Zak who was now just rocking back and forth on his heals still whistling the same tune.
"You okay, guys?"
"Never better!" I chimed in, grinning from ear to ear at him. Oh how I despise this act. I placed my hand on his arm and started to lead him towards the nearest Aisle. I kept lightly patting his arm as I walked him over, I could hear the others following too.
"Here we go, Zak! Aisle number 1! Glad to help you out in anyway possible!" I grinned again and pushed one of his black locks behind his ear. I smirked and looked up at Cloud when I saw Zak beam down at me.
Cid had always told us to get the best out of our 'talents' for this, we should always try a little competition.
"Take my shift next Tuesday Cloud." I grinned innocently at him, quiet enough for Zak not to hear. It was okay though, Leon was carting him off down the Aisle commenting on useless information whilst his hand stayed on Zak's shoulder.
Cloud smirked a little "Not on your life, but you can take over my duty of scrubbing the toilet next Thursday," I grinned.
"No friggin' way!" So the stakes were placed, loud and clear.
"Deal?" He stuck out his hand and smiled.
"Deal!" I grasped it, shook it, then tugged it hard and moved out the way. Cloud went flying off somewhere behind me as I ran off to catch up with Zak and Leon. I almost giggled when I heard Cloud's muffled moan from behind me then the curse of insults that followed. I ran up to Zak and linked my arm with his, smiling at him brightly when he looked down to see.
"So this is the frozen section, all categorized and such, you know, like it should be." Leon hinted, he seemed to be pretty calm, almost business like. Man, maybe we should all just go sit down and let Leon take care of this. Zak didn't seem to mind this treatment either.
Someone tapped me on the shoulder and I looked around to face Cloud, I didn't even get a change to register what was happening before he yanked me away and took my place at Zak's arm. I stumbled back up from where I gracelessly fell onto the floor and huffed. I watched as Cloud actually snaked an arm around Zak's waist and steered him towards the dry foods section. Zak didn't even seem to mind!
I caught up with the baffled Leon and he spared me a glance. "What's up with you two?"
"Having a bet. Cloud is making it hard for me too." I huffed and kicked one of the shelves.
"A bet huh? I'll help then." Leon sniffed and then smirked down at my baffled face.
"You'll help me? H-how?" I mumbled, slightly confused.
"You know, Cloud needs a lesson taught, so I'm in. I'll just drive him away and you can do what ever to Zak. It's that simple." He started to walk off to the aisle Cloud had steered them both into.
I grinned and caught up to Leon, we both met up with Cloud and Zak half way through a conversation, I noticed that Cloud's arm was still around Zak's waist, and was now making small circles with one finger teasingly on the side of his hip. I was pretty baffled when I saw Zak slightly red-cheeked and smiling. He was nodding here and there as he listened Cloud practically whisper a load of bollocks into his ear.
…How the heck he managed to make packaged food sound so sexy was beyond me.
"…Yeah, as you can see, the cereal section is particularly neat and tidy--."
"Cloud—I need to speak to you, please." Leon walked over and gently took hold of his wrist and tugged.
Cloud was reluctant at first but he looked into Leon's eyes and immediately let Zak go, letting Leon take him further down the Aisle out of earshot.
Zak laid eyes on me and smiled fondly. "Alright, Kiddo?"
"Mmhmm! Here let me take you down the refrigerator aisle, it's lovely down there!"
…It's lovely down there? Sora! Get a fucking grip!
I took Zak to the aisle and let him wander around making notes on his notepad. I was curious to see what he had wrote but I held myself back. He checked for cleanness, the temperature of the fridges, how orderly things were kept, nearly everything! I fidgeted and walked up to him, hand trembling, I mimicked Cloud's earlier move and snaked my arm around his waist.
"How's things going?" I smiled fondly. I will not be scrubbing no filthy toilet thanks!
"Good, things seem great so far! Now kid, I know I said I was new at this, so I wanna ask you something. When the inspectors come in, are you lot always …this friendly?" He smirked and poked my hand that was clutching his side. "…Not that I mind or anything."
I blushed and stared at the floor. "Ugh, I suppose we are." I grinned sheepishly up at him.
"Well, I suppose it is a handy technique, I already find myself finding it hard to give you a bad report." He said and patted my hand that was around his waist. I looked up at him slightly confused. He saw the expression on my face and then realised what I must have been thinking.
"Oh no no no—I didn't mean I was purposely looking for a reason to give you a bad report, I'm sorry this is my 1st time, I'm getting all tongue-tied and I'm saying all the wrong things, oh and look at me go now I'm rambling." He sighed and let out a long breath.
"It's okay Zak, I understand what you mean, you'll get better, and I think you're doing wonderful!" If it wasn't for the sake of the shop, I would have laughed in his face. Yeah, I'm sure it must be terrible for him, the weight of his wallet must be slowing him down too. I rolled my eyes and pushed those thoughts to the side.
For the second time that day, some one tapped me on the shoulder, I turned to face them and saw it was Leon and Cloud. "Hey guys."
"How's things going here?" Leon asked, slightly amused to see where my hand was still resting.
"Brilliant! I'm nearly done here." Zak beamed as we made our way back up to the front of the shop. I think this is all going pretty well. Cid came into view as he sat crossed-legged on the conveyor belt. I could tell he was itching to reach into his pocket and pull out his smokes.
"Alright, Mr. Highwind. Everything is hunky-dory here, buuuuut, it says here that I'll need a customer's point of view, without it, you're pretty much low-marked." He said, checking his papers over. He looked up to see us lot looking nervously around at each other.
A customer? We might as well ask what the heck one of those meant!
Cid groaned and was tempted to bang his head off the desk
"Um, right, hold on Zak, boy's over here if you please." Cid said, sliding off the conveyor belt and grabbing Cloud and Leon to the corner, I followed behind and joined them in the huddling circle.
Cid sighed and rubbed his temples, "Alright, chaps, what the fuck are we fucking going to do about this shit?" Oh great, Cid's incapability to say more than a couple of words without a curse word inserted in there has shown it's self. He's pissed off alright.
"What about going to go fetch someone?" Leon suggested, eyebrows knotted together in concentration.
Cid frowned and he shoved his hand into his pocket before I grabbed his wrist as a warning shot. "Not until he's gone Cid." I said, he dropped his lighter back into his pocket and sighed. "Bad idea Leon, everyone around here is bums, or grumpy fuckwits."
Cloud, I had noticed had been staring at me for the last minute or so. Getting frustrated I finally snapped. "What?" I pouted as he just chuckled at me.
"Cid do you still have that blonde wig in the cupboard?" Cloud asked, eyes still roaming my form with a calculating stare.
"That cupboard is my office, and yes, unfortunately I do, why?"
Cloud grinned and his eyes sparked with an idea. "Dress Sora up as a girl and try trick numb-nuts out there." I squawked indignantly as my mouth fell open at Cloud's suggestion. No fucking way!
With a smirk gracing his lips, Leon placed a hand on my shoulder. "Sora, that'll be a sight to see."
Cid cleared his throat and appeared to be thinking about it. "Well, Sora... you know Leon does have a good point, it could trick Zak, and in the process be down right amusing to see!" He flashed me a smile and I huffed.
Jingle Jingle.
I heard the bell go, but I suspected that it was just Zak tinkering around with it again. I looked back up to them and by the looks of things they thought the same thing.
"No, I don't see why I have to be the one to dress up; Leon has the longest hair, not to mention he's sexier!" I squawked again, blushing as I just told Leon to his face that he was sexy.
Cloud and Cid gave each other knowing glances and grasped one of my shoulders each gently. "C'mon Sora, this'll mean a lot to me, we don't wanna go getting any low marks now do we?" Cid chimed, smiling innocently at me.
"Yeah, Sora, you've got the girlish figure to pull this off! Leon's muscles would bulge out of the top! No man would want a transvestite looking women giving them a point of view for the store." Cloud gave me his best guilt look that he could muster.
Fuckers. The lot of them, I am not, no matter how much they beg, dressing up as a woman! That's final!
"Sora? Whaddya say? Huh?" I screwed up my face and folded my arms, I shrugged their hands off and stomped my foot, yeah, I can show them I mean no.
"No!" I hissed.
"What?"
"NO!" I yelled and swirled around on the spot.
I almost gasped as I saw two amazing aqua eyes turn to my direction to face me in mild surprise.
I took a step back and my mouth fell open when I registered that Riku was standing opposite me, silver hair fluttering delicately around those pools of aqua as he smiled in slight amusement at my outburst. Zak was stood next to him, also smiling at me; apparently the two of them had been interrupted from their conversation by me.
Silence filled the room for what must have been mere seconds, but what felt like hours. My heart nearly stopped as Riku lifted one creamy hand, to tuck a strand of silver hair behind his ears, the smile still permanently there.
Everything seemed to slow down to slow motion when Riku was here, so that I could capture every single movement, every …single… breath.
Speaking of which, I should really breathe again.
I let go of my breath and sucked in a new one as I stopped gaping and turned my eyes to the floor, my cheeks were burning so bright I could feel the heat radiating off me.
Riku was wearing a crimson button up shirt today, with tight black trousers. A couple of buttons of his shirt was undone up the top, exposing the creamy flesh of his neck and collar bones, I squirmed as I felt my hands itching to go grab him.
When Cloud whooshed past me in a blur, things seemed to speed up again. I watched as Cloud slung an arm around Riku's perfect shoulder and beamed at him with all his efforts.
"Rikuuuu! Glad to see you buddy! Oh man, we haven't caught up in ages, eh?" He looked up at Zak and smiled sweetly to him, he then quickly whispered something into Riku's ear, who in response raised a delicate eyebrow, yet that smile never faltering from his lips.
Zak just shifted his position and cleared his throat loudly to get their attention. "Do you have a customer for me to get a reference, kid?"
Cloud scowled at the name but lightened up and squeezed Riku's shoulder slightly. "Of course! This one of our regular customers! He seems to love the place and we have to kick him out after hours at times, I don't know what it is, must be the quality of our food! Isn't that right Riku?"
I felt my heart beat an extra couple of beats every time that luscious name left someone's lips. Riku flicked his eyes to rest on me for a fleeting second before he turned his attention back to Zak. "Yes, I find the food most… delicious." I felt my knees buckle slightly.
Cloud just chuckled and gave Leon, Cid and me the thumbs-up.
Zak grinned and appeared scribble a tick somewhere onto his pad. He then focused back onto Riku, who politely waited.
"And the way things are run around here, good enough for you?" He questioned as he kept glancing from Riku to his pad. Riku remained silent for a couple of seconds, apparently thinking his answer over. Cloud seemed to drift off away from the two of them, looking as though he had lost interest. He noticed that Riku still hadn't answered and he ended up behind Zak, who was oblivious to his presence.
Riku, who had noticed that Cloud was now situated behind Zak, flicked his eyes fractionally to the left shoulder of Zak, where Cloud seemed to be leaning over him. He was signalling frantically with his arms, silently jumping up and down pleading for Riku to give a positive answer.
I hurriedly turned around behind me to look at Leon and Cid, they were both looking baffled, and I could see Leon trying to fight down his smirk. I turned back round to look at Riku, whose face hadn't given away that Cloud was behind Zak in the slightest.
I admired Riku for being so collective, if that was me, I would have pissed myself laughing, doing something manic like laughing right into Zak's face.
Zak had stopped scribbling notes down and raised his eyes to meet Riku, when Riku saw Zak was waiting for an answer, he cleared his throat and spoke gracefully again.
"There has never been one problem I have encountered whilst visiting this residence. I indeed believe that in the near future, I do not expect to come across one neither. I have full trust in this store."
I think I must be drooling…
Riku's voice drifted through my ears and sent shivers down my spine. He sounded so businessman-like, so professional! He seemed to have persuaded Zak in a matter of seconds and turned the guy into that bucket of mush Cid had promised Zak would be leaving in.
I swear he must have been making up questions for the pleasure of it now.
Zak made more notes and took a step closer to Riku. "One last question before I go Riku, what do you think of Cid and his co-workers? Just so I get a general idea of how well they behave." He smirked and scratched his chin.
Riku took this chance to gaze at each one of us. His eyes landed on Leon, to Cid, to Cloud then finally to me, a strange sound escaped my throat as his lips tugged up further into a smile. His eyes remained locked with mine.
"Wouldn't change them for the world."
TBC
Author's Notes:
Don't kill me? …Cliff-hanger. I Know! But it's finally here! Chapter 4 finally completed. 'Sighs'
Sorry for the delay guys, I was in a slump. O.O;
Yeeey, Zak was added, I tried to keep him pretty much in character from what I can remember, and I hope he pleased people.
Guh, Riku caught us by surprise I hope! Sneaky little devil that sex-muffin, ne? Aww, bless him for covering up for the guys eh! And he hardly knows them! Blatantly can pull off a lie though. 18 pages long this one. Well, I hoped you liked this one guys! Feedback would be very much appreciated.XD Taz.