Author Note: Hope you all liked that last chapter (I'm sorry! Please don't kill me for the cliffhanger) Let's move on and see what Zack has planned for poor innocent Talin...
Marken: Oh he definitely was not clear with some of those answers but for all the best reasons. ;)
I do not own FF7 or any of its characters. Talin, Unit 28, and some other side characters are mine.
I do not own FF7 or any of its characters. Talin, Unit 28, and some other side characters are mine.
Chapter 17
"My question was in the time limit... You gonna answer?" The extra inch that Zack has on him for height puts his lips at Talin's ear causing a shiver to run down the Cadet's back.
"You ran out of time so I don't have to..." He says, trying to block out the warmth of Zack's arms against his when he moves in closer.
"Are you sure you don't want to answer anyways?" Zack is almost purring in his ear now and Talin can feel the warmth of the SOLDIER's chest along his back. His breath catches and he fights his first instinct to elbow Zack to get away. He doesn't want to hurt him but, well, he doesn't know what he wants...
Zack can feel the indecision in Talin and pulls back far enough for him to escape. Talin all but bolts out of arms reach before turning around, holding his plate. "Never," He says quickly and he flees to the rec room.
Zack is left speechless. Never? Like never-never?!
...
As Talin escapes to the relative safety of the rec room, he almost drops his food at the roar of "Happy Birthday!" There are streamers strung haphazardly around and on the center dining table is a little cake and a few wrapped gifts. Milo pulls him along and pushes him into one of the open chairs while everyone settles back in to eat.
Just as Talin is about to dig into his own food, Zack comes and claims the empty seat to his right. Nervously, he glances at the 1st but is only greeted with that same jovial smile as always.
"Better eat up while its hot, Red." They each turn back to their plates and the Cadet's anxiety lessens. The Commander seemed normal while around the other Cadets, maybe he was just teasing him earlier...
Dinner is full of the typical antics of teenage boys trying to one-up each other in front of their idol. Zack laughs, encourages the harmless fun, and, overall, acts as if their encounter in the kitchen didn't happen. Talin would believe it hadn't except for the occasional press of the SOLDIER's leg against his under the table.
Brooks and Drew were the unlucky ones to pull short straws and ran around collecting dishes. The group gathered around for cake, which was cut up after Talin's dire warning that, if they sang, he would never cook for them again.
As cake was passed out, the first gift was pushed into Talin's hands. It was a small set of cooking knives from Callian. During their adventure in the market that day, they had talked about Talin's enjoyment of cooking and apparently the other Cadet had returned to a little stall they had passed to get these.
The next two were a bit more practical. Michael had got him a new pot of shoe polish for his boots (he had run out earlier that week) and Tores had found a phone case that said 'SOLDIER in Training'. The case was one of the extra, extra durable kind that could be dropped from several dozen feet before taking even a chip.
The last gift was unexpectedly personalized for how short a time they had to get it. Lox gifted him a slim but sturdy knife with a sheath designed to rest inside one's boot. In the sheath, it looked like a regular knife, but when Talin pulled it free, he saw its hidden beauty. The blade shimmered a shade of Mako green/blue the same as Talin's arms.
"Thanks, you guys... seriously," He said quietly as he piled his gifts together. A couple more calls of 'Happy Birthday' filled the room as several ran to snag spots for the movie.
"Hey, I call the big beanbag!" Zack hollered from the kitchen door as the whole Unit now was bickering over who got what seat.
Talin had hung back a moment to swap out his phone case and looked up just as Zack made it back to his table. In his hands were two shot glasses and a bottle.
"And here's my gift! A bottle of Drunken Griffon Liquor, hope you like it."
With quick motions, the bottle was opened and the two glasses filled. Zack offered him one of the glasses and held up his own for a toast.
"To another year of Angeal and Sephiroth kicking both of our asses!" He stated. Talin laughed, knocked his glass to Zacks, and drank. It was strong and burned all the way down, but the after taste was sweet. He hadn't had any alcohol since he snuck a glass of Rald's fancy bourbon on the night of his 16th birthday. It had tasted ok but this he really liked.
Zack held up the bottle, "Want another?" he asked and Talin was about to say no, but changed his mind and nodded. Screw it. It's my birthday, so why not have a bit of fun? He thought, placing his glass down for a refill. Then he had yet another second thought. Was Zack trying to get him drunk? Hesitantly, he took the refilled glass but just looked at it with a thoughtful expression. Zack noticed.
"Everything ok?"
"Ya, I just... What happened earlier... can we... talk about it later? I just want to relax and have fun with everyone tonight." The blush on Talin's face couldn't be blamed on the liquor yet and Zack understood needing some time to think.
"Sure thing, Red. Tonight's all yours, whatever you want. And if you want to get drunk, I swear on my honor that I won't take advantage of an inebriated Cadet." Placing his hand over his heart, he made the promise quietly, for Talin's ears only.
Talin relaxed a bit at the promise and raised his glass. They kicked back the second shot together before moving over to the massive lounge beanbag. It was more than big enough for them both and they settled in to watch the movie. Talin didn't spook at the occasional press of an arm or leg against his, but his heartbeat sure stuttered every time.
…
The movie was full of over the top action, corny dialogue, and excessive amounts of explosions. The only thing Talin would remember was those explosions. Halfway through, Zack decided to make it a game to take a shot each time something blew up and by the time credits rolled, Talin was absolutely wasted. The 1st was almost as bad, but knew that within the half-hour, he would be back down to a strong buzz thanks to the Mako burning off the alcohol.
Still growling about the number of blasts, Talin tries and fails twice to get up from the beanbag. Pretty much falling on Zach the second time, the dark-haired SOLDIER wraps his arms around the Cadet and hauls him to his feet.
"Sorry about that, Commander. We'll take him back to the barracks," Callian offered as he reached for Talin's hand which had come up to grasp Zack's arms at his waist.
"Na, don't worry 'bout it." he waved off the assistance, keeping one arm tightly on the unsteady birthday boy. "He's gonna need a detox pill. I'll throw his ass on the couch for the night to sleep it off."
Several laughed and wished them goodnight as Zack half-dragged Talin out to the elevator, wobbling a bit as he went. The whole way Talin was grumbling still about their stupid game. Unable to help a chuckle at the Cadet's increasingly incoherent mumblings, Zack hit the button for the elevator and leaned him against the wall to wait.
Talin blinked his eyes open when they stopped and all he could see was a broad chest. The sweet smell of alcohol was on every breath that whispered past him and he could feel strong hands at his hips, helping him stay upright. His heart hammered and he shut his eyes again, trying to calm that erratic beating.
A soft 'ding' and those hands shifted. Now a strong arm was wrapped around him again and he was all but lifted off the ground and placed in the elevator. How fucking strong is Zack? His drunken mind asked as he was again settled against a wall, a corner this time, and those warm hands hooked into the beltloops of his pants once more.
Zack was rapidly sobering up and very much regretting making that promise earlier. Always wanted to be a Hero, but being good sucks sometimes. He had tucked the smaller teen in the corner on the long ride up to his apartment and resisted the urge to do less honorable things than just help him stand. It was so tempting to just lean down and... The quiet chime announced their arrival at Zack's floor and the SOLDIER both cursed and thanked the elevator for its speed.
Arm again locked around Talin's middle, they moved down the hall and got into the apartment where the Cadet was settled on the couch before Zack went to grab the detox meds. Eyes cracking open again, the room pitched and swayed causing Talin to groan slightly. Pill in hand, and a trash can just in case, Zack crouched down in front of him, silly grin plastered on his face at seeing Talin's eyes open.
"There you are, T. I was starting to worry you were down for the count. Here, you need to take this, it will help, and prevent the hangover." Talin took the small purple pill and, with some effort, drank it down with a bit of water.
"I'm never drinking with you again," He vowed as the room swam. He put his head into his hands and closed his eyes again. Zack laughed and went to pull a blanket and pillow out for Talin before sitting down on the couch next to him.
"Just sit back and relax, the meds will kick in soon." Talin did as he was told, leaning back into the corner of the couch and pulling his legs up to curl under himself. Zack started up a video game and Talin found watching the character run around on screen helped him not focus on his rolling stomach. Soon he was feeling a bit better but super tired. Just as he was about to close his eyes, his phone chirped with a message.
When he pulled it out, he found it was blinking with multiple messages. Cody and Kyle had flooded his inbox with photos from tonight including an entire gallery of him taking shots and, later, of him drunkenly arguing with Zack about something he hardly remembered.
When he looked at the time, he saw that it was almost midnight. What a crazy day, but it was full of great memories, some a bit more... interesting than others. Distractedly looking through the photos, he didn't notice Zack had stopped playing, or that he was moving closer, till the phone was pulled from his hands and dropped to the couch next to him.
Talin found himself in a similar position as in the kitchen, with Zack's arms on either side of him, caging him into the corner of the couch. Mind still fuzzy with alcohol, he could only press further back into the couch. Hands that had been holding his phone suddenly met a solid abdomen and chest. The SOLDIER was holding himself only a few inches above Talin and the Cadet could feel his body heat like a fire against his fingers. The blush on his face from the alcohol deepened.
"You promised," was all that came out as he looked up into Zack's glowing eyes, not sure what else to say.
"I did, and I won't break that promise, but I have another present for you. See what time it is?" Zack said quietly, glancing over at the digital clock on the wall. As Talin looked up, the time ticked over to midnight.
"It's officially your birthday now," Zack whispered in his ear and as Talin turned back, his lips were caught by the SOLDIER's. The kiss was light but Talin still found his eyes closing as Zack shifted a little closer, holding himself just against the Cadet. Warm, soft, those lips moved against his slowly for what felt like minutes but could only have been seconds.
Shifting back an inch, Zack broke the kiss and looked down into Talin's unfocused crystal green eyes.
"Happy Birthday, Talin," He said quietly before pulling back completely, getting up off the couch and disappearing into his bedroom.
…
Heart beating a mile a minute, Talin could only stare at the now closed door. What should I do? Should I go after him? Knowing what that might lead to was tempting but also seriously out of his comfort zone. Do I even want Zack that way? Sure, he was handsome, and overall great guy but... Talin's mind zipped back to the game of 20 Questions and the one question he had skipped. Zack wouldn't have asked if he hadn't wanted to know.
Head spinning, he stood, then sat back down again. No, if he wanted me to follow him, he would have left the door open... right? Too confused and still quite tipsy despite the detox pill, Talin kicked his boots off, curled up on the couch, and tried to sort out what just happened... what had been happening all night.
If the Commander hadn't been obvious before, he 100% was now. But he's in a relationship, a complicated one. He said so himself. What did he mean by complicated? What if they weren't ok with this? That thought chilled some of the heat that had burned his veins during the kiss...
"Kiss," He whispered before stopping himself, not wanting to say more within range of Zack's sensitive hearing. That was my first... His blush deepened again and his mind kept looping back to the heat of lips against his and the feel of that strong body pressing lightly against him.
Exhausted, drunk, and turned on didn't make for the best combination for sleeping, but somehow Talin managed to eventually nod off on the couch. Zack had been listening. He waited till he heard the Cadet's heartbeat and breathing slow to a steady rhythm before going out to check on him.
Lights on, blanket still on the back of the couch, it looked like Talin had passed out before he had thought to do anything other than grabbing the pillow. On silent feet, Zack dimmed the lights and then carefully pulled the blanket down and over the sleeping teen, watching and listening for any sign he might wake. Not a twitch. Sighing at his own discomfort, Zack went back to his room and flopped gracelessly onto his bed.
What am I doing? The thought had been plaguing him all day but he didn't have an answer other than, Asking for trouble. But it would be worth it if the answer was yes. A glance at the clock showed almost one in the morning. Pulling his phone from the bedside, he sent a message not really expecting an answer.
SMS Message to: Angeal
Zack: Hey 'Geal, you awake?
Angeal: Somewhat, what's up?
Zack: Oh, not much, just have a drunken Cadet in my apartment.
Angeal: That wouldn't happen to be a specific Cadet that we all know, would it?
Zack: ...Maybe...
Angeal: Care to explain Pup? NVM, let me guess, a drinking game? Is Talin alright? You're not known for going easy on your competition...
Zack: How do you always know?! Anyways, it was, he is, I did, and now... well, I don't know.
Angeal: I see. Well, do us all a favor and take it easy on him. Seph would strangle you if he was here and knew you got Talin drunk. He still might.
Zack: Na, you guys love me too much to let that happen
Angeal: Zack, just be sure about this before things go any further. We support you either way, just be sure.
Zack: I am. I also, kinda, went beyond the point of no return. So now I'm just waiting for an answer, I guess.
Angeal: You never were good at patience. Oh well, give him his time and see where things go.
Zack. I promise to be more patient this time.
Angeal: Good, anyways let me know if you need anything.
Zack: Breakfast?
Angeal: Way ahead of you. Be here at eleven and bring Talin with.
Zack: Will do! Thanks, Angeal. Night.
Angeal: Goodnight Zack.
With the night's events off his chest and that reassurance, Zack set his alarm and snuggled under the blankets. What's done is done, now we wait...
…
The rays of early morning sun streaming through the small window woke Talin from a dreamless sleep. It took him a second to figure out where he was. The couch was soft, but not as soft as Sephiroth's, and while the prominent color of the apartment was a deep charcoal, it wasn't the elegantly masculine living room of the General either. His head hurt a bit as he tried to remember what happened and the previous night came back to him slowly
Dinner, a movie, alcohol, Zack... a kiss... That fast, his heart was racing again. Chill out, novice. Who knows if the Commander wasn't just teasing. The man had been drinking just as much as I had. Firm reprimand in his head, Talin looked around the room that he hadn't been alert enough to appreciate last night.
Across from the couch was a large entertainment system with TV and the gaming console Zack had played for a bit. To the left was a hallway that lead to the apartment's entryway and along that hall were two doors. One was open, and Talin could see a simple bathroom that included a basic shower. The other door was Zack's bedroom, still closed. On his right was a small living space where a desk housed a sleek computer. An opening beyond that lead to what turned out to be a tiny kitchen and dining space. Not sure what to do, Talin rose and made his way into the kitchen for some water.
Zack had been listening again and, as the Cadet moved from the couch to the kitchen, he chooses that moment to make his appearance.
"G'morning," he greeted the startled redhead as he rounded the corner. Talin gave the same greeting and moved out of the way as Zack started making coffee. Neither knew what to really say and the silence stretched as the coffee brewed. Before long they each had a cup and were sitting at the little table. Trying to think of something, anything to say to break the awkward moment, Talin said the first thing to come to mind.
"Thanks for taking care of me last night..." Regretting the words as they left his mouth, Talin can't help his blush.
Zack smirks into his coffee mug. "Of course, figured since I was the one offering you drinks, I better be the one to make sure you were ok. Hope you enjoyed your party," That teasing look was in the SOLDIER's eyes as he spoke.
"Ya, it was great to just relax for a while. Thanks again for helping me cook and for the shots." He wanted to thank him for the other birthday gift also but couldn't bring himself to say it.
"Glad you liked it." Looking at the clock before continuing, "I'm having brunch with Angeal, want to come along?"
"As long as Angeal won't mind, I'd like that," What was better than a fresh breakfast to cure the rest of his mild hangover symptoms and, with Angeal there, maybe this tension would lessen.
"I messaged him this morning, told him I had you over. He actually made the invite," Zack took their cups to the sink and then went to get ready saying that he could use anything in the hall bathroom to get cleaned up.
Under the bathroom sink, Talin found box after box of travel-sized toiletries and some zip lock bags with different names and ranks on them. Talin wondered how many people Zack had stay over if he had this kind of stash of new personal items. Then he remembers that SOLDIERS need to stay with someone when they get their injections and Zack must be a common caretaker for those times.
Not sure he has time for a shower, he takes off his shirt and uses a washcloth to wash his face and body as best he could. Rummaging through the supplies, he used some travel-sized deodorant, brushed out his hair with a comb, and brushed his teeth. Feeling a little more awake, he isn't really sure what to do with the now used items.
Finding the box of bags and a marker, he throws them into one and writes his name and unit number on it as the others did. Even if he never needs them again, it would be a waste to just throw the stuff in the trash.
If you ever stay over again you will need them... His mind supplies the thought along with the rather vivid memory of Zack leaning over him on the couch. What if he wasn't just teasing... What happens then? Unable to answer the question on his own, Talin steps out of the bathroom.
Cleaned up and ready to go, Talin sits on the couch to get his boots on while Zack checks something on his computer. As he sits back, he closes his eyes for a moment, trying to get his head to stop repeating its questions. A whisper of sound is all the warning he gets before strong hands are running through his hair. With a startled gasp, he looks up to see Zack leaning over the couch behind him.
"Ready to go, Red?" He asks with a mischievous wink. Talin shivers at the light rubbing of fingers on his scalp and just nods, not trusting his voice just then. Zack leans down so he only a few inches above Talin, never pausing the soft massage.
"We can talk about this whenever you're ready, T. Just don't leave me hangin' too long." With that quiet statement, Zack leans back up and heads to the door.
Talin is still trying to shake the feeling of hands in his hair as he stands to follow. Strong hands with such a gentle touch... The words 'Talk about this' remind him of what he asked Zack the previous night before they started drinking.
"What happened earlier... can we... talk about it later?" Talin almost trips as he remembers. And if Zack still wanted to talk about this...
The long walk down the hall to the elevator is quiet between the two. Talin frantically trying to think of how to deal with this side of the Commander. He likes it. A lot. But is it even allowed? Zack is still his teacher till the end of the quarter and that's several weeks away yet.
So lost in his own head, Talin doesn't notice the elevator doors open for them. A sudden tug on his hand snaps him back to the present when Zack pulls in him with him. As his brain catches up again, Talin becomes aware that the hand around his hadn't let go once they got in. It is warm and only holding on lightly, giving him the option to pull away.
Not looking up, Talin gives in a little and shifts to thread their fingers together. Now palm to palm, he can feel the calluses from years working with a sword rub against his own and can't help a little smile. Their hands are like mirror images, fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle, but Zack's are definitely bigger...
Zack can't help his grin when he feels Talin's hand move to link with his. He had almost expected the shy Cadet to pull away. Giving a slight squeeze, he lets his thumb rub gently back and forth and sneaks a glance at the teen.
That little blush is cute.
Their ride is short since it was only up a few floors but Zack doesn't relinquish his hold when the doors open. Instead, he walks slowly down the main hall to Angeal's door, dragging out the time before he would have to let go.
When he knocks, Talin pulls ever so slightly and he reluctantly lets their hands slip apart with one final caress of his thumb. He wouldn't push, but no way in hell was he going to let Talin forget that he was waiting for an answer.
