Not If You Ignore Me for a Week- Chapter Seven: Saturday

Disclaimer: Me broke. Me no own wonderful Final Fantasy VII, all belong to Square Enix and their wonderful creators. And Balamb belongs to Final Fantasy VIII.

Title: Not If You Ignore Me for a Week

Pairing: Zack/Cloud

Genre: Humor/Romance

Rating: PG13

Warnings: Yaoi, maybe some language, Zack's mind, Cloud's mind

Author's Note: Here's Chapter Seven of 'Not If You Ignore Me for a Week', hope ya'll like it so far! Alright, Cloud is still confused as ever, especially since that Zack decided to make out with him in the middle of sparring. Sephiroth won't tell Cloud his secret and Zack is hopelessly in love and so damn horny.

Ah, time for the SOLDIER results.

Dedicated to my wonderful beta, OmniStrife, author of Zack/Cloud story, Collide.

Cloud woke up surprisingly late that Saturday morning. He turned over in the bed and looked at the green neon lights that were blinking 01:13 PM. He slept until the afternoon?

Wow… I guess I was more tired than I thought… though I'm surprised that Zack let me sleep that long… He rolled out of bed and wandered over to the closet that he had claimed as his, stumbling into the doors before yanking them open.

Real smart genius. Just run into the doors why don't ya? He ignored his brain for the moment and grabbed a pair of jeans and a white shirt before walking into the bathroom across the hall. He smelt something surprisingly good from the kitchen and wondered if Zack had ordered out for breakfast again. It happened once before.

He stepped into the almost scalding water and sighed as it slid down his pale and unmarred back, following pale buttocks and just slightly darker legs. His hair refused to comb down and he growled at it, wondering if it would ever just decide to droop!

He walked out and dried quickly, nose quirking up at the delicious scents that were just wafting from the kitchen. No way it's Zack. I'm positive by now. Maybe Aerith dropped by again? A spark of jealously erupted from there but he squashed it.

Zack and Aerith may have dated for five years, but she was old. Cloud was Zack's current passion and if Zack had anything to say about that, Cloud was Zack's one and only passion. Cheesy, yes, but that's the way that Zack spoke and Cloud's mind worked.

"Cloud!" Zack called from the kitchen and a moment later a clean and slightly damp blonde recruit walked out of the bathroom and gave a half-hearted smile.

Just think. Today's basically your last day of really ignoring him.

No it isn't. A week, you idiot.

You just called yourself an idiot.His mind pointed out obviously. Cloud idly wondered when he had gotten such a smart ass as a conscience. Oh, is that what I am now? I always thought I was the "thing in my head that wouldn't keep its trap shut".

Cloud blocked it out and blinked, seeing the food that was set before him. Bacon, eggs, something that resembled steak but it couldn't be, Zack didn't know what a steak looked like unless it was cooked!

He looked at Zack in amazement and the SOLDIER beamed like a three-year-old who just got his way. "I talked to Seph earlier. He gave me a few tips and started me off on the food." Cloud, looking much better now that he knew that Sephiroth had helped a bit with the making of Zack's cooking took a bite of the eggs and immediately his eyes lit up.

He begun to eat it, scarfing down large amounts to the delight of the raven-haired man. Zack grinned and sat opposite of him, wondering if he was forgiven yet. The blonde wasn't really known for grudges but he could keep them when they worked in his way.

"So, what are you going to do today until five today when the results are posted? It's only a few hours away," Zack said and chewed thoughtfully on a piece of bacon, wondering what he was going to do if Cloud didn't make First Class.

If Cloud made some other class, he would be moved into Shinra's laboratory for a month where he would receive the experiments just to see if he stayed alive. Then if he did, he would be shipped off to some other little village that needed SOLDIER protection.

But, if he DID make first class, he would stay with Zack and go in every morning to Hojo's lab up in the nineteenth floor where he would receive the Mako treatments and be sent back to work with Zack and Sephiroth. He'd stay with Zack and even start getting the mega bursts of Mako on every other Saturday morning with the raven-haired SOLDIER.

Zack sighed. He hoped as hell that the kid was good enough to have made it to first class. It was hard, he knew it, but he also knew that no one could defeat a Fenrir like that.

Cloud was thinking along the same lines, although his were a tad different. He was thinking about the motorcycle that Zack had gotten when he entered First Class. When you entered second or first class, you got a lot of privileges, one of them being a main mode of transportation. Zack was the only one who requested a bike, so he got his custom-made by Shinra's finest.

Cloud was thinking, that if he made second or, Hell, even first, he'd name his motorcycle Fenrir, just like the giant beast that he had to defeat to get this far.

He finished his food and leaned back, tapping his stomach idly. What was he going to do all day? He could spar, but that had gotten kinda weird after he started practically making out with Zack on the floor. He could walk around, but that was just so boring. His eyes darted over to Zack who was still chewing at a piece of bacon.

What could he do on a day like this?

Geeze, Cloud, I dunno. What could you possibly do with your insanely good-looking roommate? I certainly can't think of anything…

He sighed again and rubbed his face, yawning. He had to wait until at least four-thirty to even think about making his way down to the cafeteria.

Zack noticed his boredom and brightened up. "Hey, Spike, wanna head down to Midgar for a while? I promised I'd visit Aerith. Haven't seen her in a while." Cloud shrugged his shoulders but gave an internal small smile. It would be nice to visit the flower girl again. She was a bit of a fragile flower, but he put up with her just for Zack's sake. They had dated for five years for crying out loud!

Zack beamed and got to his feet. "Well then, come on! Get your shoes on Spike, let's go! And get something to eat on the way." Cloud perked up a bit. He could do with more food. Zack smiled at the interested look on Cloud's face and they both got up, walking around the apartment to search for their boots that were probably scattered around.

A day out in Midgar would actually probably turn out to be fun. Especially if Zack was there along the way.

- - - - - - -

I take back my statement. There is no way that this is fun. Cloud growled deep within his mind as he watched Zack run around the woman's lingerie department picking out odd little things that he thought would look good on the blonde MALE recruit.

"Hey, Cloud, ever think about wearing a skirt? It would look good on you. As I told you before, you have great hips," Zack said, holding up a black negligee. Cloud's cheeks flushed and he turned his head. He yelped when a hand landed on his rear and he spun around to see Zack grinning.

"I also have to say that you have a perfect grabbing butt." Cloud sighed and rubbed his face, wondering about Zack's intelligence, much as Sephiroth had. "How about a skirt and no top? That would be hot. You have a really lean body…"

Cloud turned his head and turned away from the lingerie and started to walk away from the store, hoping that Zack was too absorbed in the clothes to notice when the beautiful blonde MALE walked away.

Zack noticed almost immediately and he spun around, looking for Cloud who was nowhere to be found… in the woman's section at least. "Hey! Cloud?" He hung up the black negligee and walked away from the store, looking for the yellow chocobo hair that would be far too easy to spot out.

He walked back into the streets of Midgar and looked both ways before spotting Cloud looking into a window of a rather shady weapons shop.

Cloud peered into the window, trying to see what lay inside without having to walk into the scary-looking store. He rubbed his wrist against the window, hoping to clear some of the grit, but no luck.

"Hey, Spike. Find something of interest?" A voice piped up next to him and he turned to see Zack smiling at him, although his eyes looked a little wary, shifting towards the store. Cloud was mildly surprised that the SOLDIER had walked away from the women's lingerie that quickly. It has been known to happen that Zack could stay there all day, dreaming up fantasies that either involved a very cold General or a quiet blonde recruit.

I won't be a recruit for long. Cloud thought with a bit of longing and Zack walked over to the door to the weapons shop. Bright blue eyes blinked in confusion.

"Come on, let's see what's in here." He opened the door and walked into the dimly lit area, Cloud following meekly behind.

"Hey, anything you want, find it and pay for it," the man from the counter griped huskily, doing a crossword puzzle on the floor. Zack turned to the man, raising a brow. He then turned to his favorite blonde and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him tightly against his side.

"I don't like the look of him," he said in explanation. "I'm Sephiroth's best friend, so—" he winked. "If he tries to do anything, I'll kick his ass three ways to Balamb!" Cloud couldn't hide the snicker or giggle that escaped his throat and he turned his head before Zack could see him evidently laughing.

"So, what do you see that perks your interest?" Zack asked after a moment of looking across the store and seeing only odd…instruments made for more unpleasant things other than fighting. "This don't look like no weapons store."

Cloud looked where Zack's violet eyes were shining a dim glow in the even dimmer room and gulped, turning his face as a bright red streak appeared over his cheeks. Great. I just had to walk into an S&M store.

Well… Zack walked in with you. Think he's either of those?

How about we stick with bondage? Cloud couldn't believe he just thought that to his…mind.

My, my… Maybe Zack is rubbing off on you. But I'm sure you wouldn't mind if you got tied up, would you? I certainly wouldn't mind…

No comment. He turned back to Zack who was steering him towards the door, checking his watch. "Come on, Spike. We have just enough time to go say hi to Aerith before getting back to Shinra and checking your SOLDIER exams results." He said the last part loud enough for the dealer to hear him and the dealer dropped his paper, sweat appearing on his brow.

"SOLDIER? Where!" He looked around but the door swung shut, the annoying high-pitched bell leaving a long chime in the air.

Zack laughed as the door swung shut with the man's exclamation. Cloud sighed and rubbed his face, wondering once again, in the words of Sephiroth, "Zachary, sometimes I wonder about your intelligence."

After a moment he started pulling Cloud down into an even darker alley of slum-Midgar where Aerith lived. Cloud moved closer to the SOLDIER as a few of the homeless men and women leered at the blonde. Zack held him tightly against his side and grinned, seeing the bright flower shop up ahead, a pink-clad girl bending over a pot of red roses.

"Aerith!" Zack called loudly and waved, smiling brightly. Cloud gave a soft smile and another, less enthusiastic wave. Aerith lifted her head and spotted the two men walking towards her. A sly grin made its way over her face as she saw Zack's arm wrapped tightly and protectively around the younger male.

"Zack! Cloud! What a surprise!" She sat down the watering can and held open her arms to catch the flying SOLDIER who picked her up and spun her around, grinning. "Zack!" She squealed, laughing. "Put me down!"

When he settled her feet back upon the ground she was enveloped in a hug by Cloud who gave her a shy smile. "Hey, Aerith."

She smiled and ushered them into her small store/home that she shared with her mother. "Come on in, I'll make some tea. How's that sound?"

"Great, Aerith!" Zack chimed, smiling brightly as he sat down on the stool in front of a counter and pulled Cloud in between his legs to lean against his chest. Cloud's cheeks lit up and he crossed his arms, turning his head.

Aerith giggled to herself as she saw this display of affection and turned her head, quickly turning on the stove. "So… it seems you two have become rather cozy…"

- - - - - - -

"It was nice to see you again," Zack said, giving a hug to Aerith. "But we've got to go. Cloud's getting his SOLDIER results today!" Aerith grinned and hugged Cloud.

"I hope you do great!" She said aloud but then leaned her head, whispering into his ear, "Cloud, I know that you're mad at Zack, but just give him another chance, will you? He really does like you." Cloud looked at her and she kissed his forehead, having to get on her tiptoes to do so.

"I'll think about it." He smiled at her and jogged up to Zack, throwing the SOLDIER a small smile.

"What's got you in such a good mood suddenly?" Zack teased, nudging his friend who rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.

Give him another chance? Cloud silently asked, turning his eyes just slightly to look at Zack who was whistling an unnamed tune, hands stuffed into his pockets.

You never know, it could be a good idea. Why don't you try it? Tomorrow is supposedly the last day of your 'Ignore Zack for a Week.'

I guess I could… what harm could happen?

Exactly. Nothing worse could happen. So you might loose a few more of your sanity cells. It's not like you had many to begin with. Cloud grumbled underneath his breath about that for a moment and Zack looked at him curiously.

"You okay, Spike?" Cloud gave a sharp nod and looked at the watch on Zack's wrist subtly. Fifteen minutes to five. It would be better to arrive a little late, let the rest of the recruits scurry to the General who would be handing out the result letters.

"I worry about you lately. You've been so quiet. Did I really piss you off that much?" Zack wondered aloud and turned back down the original busy street they had started on, walking past vendors and food kiosks that wafted tempting scents towards their noses.

He took the silence as a yes. "Well… I know I've already said it… repeatedly, but Cloud, I really, truly am sorry."

See! He is sorry! You're just too thick-headed to admit that he actually might be truthful about this!

Shut up.

- - - - - - -

Cloud walked towards the General and held his hand out, chewing on his lower lip nervously. Zack was hovering nearby, ready to hear what Cloud had made on his SOLDIER exams.

"Good work, Strife," Sephiroth said, a small smirk appearing on the corners of his lips. He handed the white envelope to Cloud with his name printed neatly on the front and the blonde walked off a little ways, getting lost in the crowd of the recruits.

He opened the letter slowly and unfolded the triple-folded parchment and when he saw what he achieved, his eyes opened to wide, unimaginable sizes and he gaped at the paper.

How could I make this class!

Who knows. Talk to the big-wigs about that.

But… I didn't make this! There must be a mistake.

Shut up. At least you made SOLDIER. Some only made officer.

"So, Spike! What did you make?" Zack asked, reappearing next to the no-longer recruit. He threw an arm around Cloud's shoulders and tried to peer over to look at the parchment. Cloud folded it back up and slipped it into the envelope.

Zack pouted but went ahead and pressed his lips against Cloud's who blinked at the surprised attention. "Well, congratulations anyway. For whatever grade you did make."

He walked off and Cloud stared at his back.

You know…

I know, I know. I should have showed him.

No, you dummy. You should have said something! He wants to talk with you again!

Shut up. I'll work with it tomorrow.

The next chapter is the last and there is a surprise treat for those that wanted a lemon. I couldn't resist it.

And to my reviewers; Lena, For-Better-, Lord of The Shadows, Artemis, Syciara-Lynx, K-Gforever, Fullmetal-Alchemist10, Beatrix Ravenclaw, TheCloudSilverLining, yukiislikesnow, oh kichijitsu, Kokoro.Karazu, Dark Ark, Heir to the World, halfmetal alchemist plus 2, andNyoko Iso.