Author Note: Anyone else enjoying the forward style of our dear Commander Fair? I wanted him to push Talin a bit but still be cautious enough that he wouldn't scare away the poor redhead. Well onto another chapter. Hope you all are enjoying it.
Marken: I don't think anyone but the other 1sts would ever be able to really keep up with Zack but Talin is definitely willing to try. As to Sephiroth's opinion of their possible relationship, well you'll just have to keep a sharp eye out for his reactions in the coming chapters ;)
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 18
Talin didn't want to let go of that warm hand. He had pulled back on instinct when Zack knocked, but almost hadn't expected him to let go. The slide of fingers and that last caress across the back of his knuckles distracted Talin as the door opened. Before he could think to move inside, Zack was shoving him into the entryway.
A loud POP of confetti made him flinch. "Happy Birthday," Angeal and Genesis said together, both held mini party poppers and laughingly helped Talin clear his clothes of the confetti.
"Thank you, now I wonder how you found that out..." The Cadet gave a playful glare at Zack who held up his hands, feigning innocence. As they cleaned the last of the colorful paper from Talin's hair, he realized there was something different about Angeal's apartment. Everything from the entryway looked the same, but he couldn't see beyond the screen of plants to the rest of the space.
He had paused, trying to place the difference, long enough that Zack reached out and touched his arm.
"You ok?" Talin brushed off the feeling and nodded. "C'mon then, let's eat!" As they rounded the corner, he had yet another surprise.
"You're back!" The exclamation was greeted by a warm smile from his General who sat at the dining table.
"He got back late last night," Angeal says putting a hand on Talin's shoulder as he walked past to the kitchen.
"He heard on his way home that it was your birthday today, so we figured we would surprise you," Genesis looped an arm around the Cadet's neck and pulled him along to the table.
"Thank you, seriously, you didn't have to do all this..."
"Don't thank us yet, we haven't even given you your presents," The smirk on Gen's face made Talin laugh and they all sat down to the birthday brunch Angeal had made. It was a double celebration since Sephiroth returned safely as well from an apparently dangerous mission.
Sephiroth sat across from Talin and they talked about some of the things that had happened in the General's absence like the Materia practice with Angeal. On his right, Zack's leg pressed into his from time to time making Talin nervous. What would the others say if they noticed? He tried not to react to it and just enjoyed talking with the four SOLDIERS while they finished brunch.
As Talin helped bring dishes in for Zack, who was washing again, he stopped next to him and whispered, "Can we... not while we're here, ok?" Zack met his worried gaze and gave a small chuckle.
"Don't worry about them," he said, indicating the others as they headed up to the living area, "Trust me, they don't care." Stepping back as Zack returned to the dishes with his standard grin, Talin sighed. Maybe Zack knew his friends well enough to make that call, but it still concerned him. Pondering all this, he made his way up to Angeal's living room. As he entered, he suddenly found his eyes covered by Angeal's hands, "Keep your eyes closed."
Talin laughed and nodded before he was led over and made to sit down. He could feel someone sitting on his left as his hand hit a leather-clad leg as he was pushed onto the couch.
"Open." It was Sephiroth who spoke and Talin saw it was the General sitting with him while the others were standing. Turning back towards Genesis and Angeal, he saw two items on the coffee table. One was a small metal box, the other a smaller plastic hard case.
Picking up the plastic one, he opened it and saw a simulation card for the VR room. Genesis smiled at him, "That is my favorite program for monster fighting if you ever feel so inclined again. With the safeties on, of course," The laughter in his eyes let the others in that there was a story behind the comment but they didn't ask, for now.
Angeal held out the metal box to him next and Talin nearly dropped it when he looked inside. Three new Materia orbs sat in slots and a black gauntlet with a silver thread design was resting below them in its own compartment.
Talin couldn't help himself when he stood and hugged Angeal, thanking him for the gift. When he turned to Genesis, he hesitated, not wanting to overstep with the capricious man, but was pulled into a quick hug.
"Just promise to be careful with both, but especially the Materia," Genesis said letting him go just as Zack came up the stairs.
"Since I didn't have much notice, you will have to wait for my gift," The General says as Talin resettles onto the couch with Angeal on his other side.
"Hey, so why didn't you tell us your birthday was coming up? We could have planned something for real," Zack had thrown himself down into one of the armchairs and the pout on the man's face was comical. With a sigh, Talin settles on something as close to the truth as possible.
"I dunno, I just haven't celebrated in a long time and didn't think it was worth it. Last time was when I was twelve. After that I was a full-time hunter and didn't really have time, so..." He let the explanation trail off, unaware of the look passing between Angeal and Sephiroth.
Their conversation changed to other things for a while before Angeal jumped up from the couch, a soft ding from downstairs apparently drawing his attention. Saying he would be back, he heads down and before he is out of sight, Zack steals his seat next to Talin.
Unlike the General's extra-long sectional, this one is only just big enough for three and Talin finds himself again within close proximity to the persistent SOLDIER. Nervous as he was, he is glad to note that, other than the press of their legs together, Zack wasn't doing anything more. Their conversation continues and, several minutes later, Angeal comes back up the steps holding a small cake with white frosting.
"I know you had cake yesterday with your Unit, but I couldn't help myself," Genesis laughs at the other SOLDIER.
"You always find an excuse to cook or bake 'Geal, no need to apologize." Angeal quickly cuts up the cake for them. It smells sweet and familiar to Talin but he can't place it till he takes the first bite.
Berry spiced cake. Like his mom's. Coughing from the unexpectedness, Zack offers him some water but all Talin can do is look up at Angeal.
"How did you know?" Talin asks in an almost whisper. The shattered expression on the Cadet's face makes the others look nervously between the two.
"I asked your unit mate, Callian. He remembered that you said it was your favorite, but you hadn't had it in a while. He wasn't mistaken, was he?" Talin shakes his head.
"No, it is, it's just that the last time was..." He cuts off to swallow before finishing, "The last time I had this, my Mom made it for me, for my 12th birthday." The smile on his face was tinged with sadness as he looked at the piece of cake on his plate. Zack's arm wrapped around his torso, pulling him into a side hug. The small comfort was welcome just then and Talin didn't try pulling away.
"Well then, I guess we'll just revive that tradition. We can celebrate and have spiced berry cake for your birthdays. Sound good?" The kind smile on Zack's face was impossible to fight and Talin found himself smiling and, although he was still uncomfortable with such displays of affection, he leaned further into the young SOLDIER's hug.
"I think I would like that. As long as you're ok with making them, Angeal?" The question was met with a happy nod. Genesis and Sephiroth, who had remained quiet during the exchange, shared a smile. As Gen had said, Angeal would find any excuse to cook or bake.
…
Conversations continued for a while and Talin found himself trapped snugly at Zack's side. The arm that had been looped around his middle held firm even when Talin tried to discreetly pull away. Thankfully, none of the others made any comment. Maybe Zack acts like this with other people? The thought was quickly dismissed when he remembered their kiss, of the way Zack asked him to not take too long thinking things over.
Before long Talin realized he better get moving back to his unit and was able to extract himself from Zack's grip but the other followed him out. Together they walked slowly to the elevators and Talin made a decision. Just as Zack reached to press the button, the Cadet stopped him with a hand on his arm.
"Hey, can we talk first?" Talin was nervous but he wanted to try settling this now. Zack turned and leaned against the wall with an eyebrow raised.
"About last night?" He waited for Talin's nod before continuing, "I'm not asking for anything you're not ready to give, Talin. Just wanted to put it out there," He said with a shrug, "But I'm guessing, if last night was your first kiss, you haven't had any other firsts yet. Have you?" Talin's blush was answer enough and Zack tried not to laugh.
That blush made the powerful fighter look like a cute, innocent teenager. "I thought so." Taking ahold of Talin's hand, he pulled him to lean against his bigger body, raising his other hand under the Cadet's chin to make him look up. Talin's hands came to rest on Zack's waist, bag of gifts knocking lightly against their legs.
Zack could see the nervousness in Talin's eyes and said quietly, "We can go at whatever speed you want. If you want." Talin did want, but had just one question first.
"You said you were in a relationship. They ok with this? Do they know?" Zack chuckled and slipped his other arm around Talin's waist.
"They know and they are definitely ok with this." Talin didn't give himself time to think. Leaning up that last inch, he caught Zack's lips with his.
The hand under his chin moved into his hair, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss a bit. Strong arms around him and that hand buried in his hair, it felt so damn good. Said hand closed a bit, gripping gently in the red strands, causing Talin to gasp and a tongue licked out to touch his. The kiss deepened again and Talin gave into it.
Just as he started feeling the need for air, Zack pulled back and rested his forehead against his. Talin's world was Mako blue eyes and quiet panting as they caught their breath.
Zack had never been the more experienced one in a relationship, but it was easy to see from the glazed expression in Talin's green eyes that he had done a good job introducing the novice to kissing. Dropping his hand from the cadet's hair to his waist, Zack asked, "So, are we done talking or do you still have questions?" Green eyes focused again and Talin pulled back a bit to look up at him better.
"I have a ton of questions, but they can wait for another time." Talin leaned back in to give another light kiss before pulling away from Zack's warmth and hit the call button for the elevator. The SOLDIER took hold of Talin's hand and laced their fingers as they had been on the elevator ride up.
With one last kiss, Zack steps out onto the 48th floor and Talin was alone. The ride down feels like he's exiting a dream, like when he gets back to his barracks, everything will be back to normal. But the sway of the bag of gifts and the taste of Zack and spiced berry cake is enough to prove it wasn't a dream.
…
Back in the dorms, all Talin's gifts from the previous night were piled on his bunk and he took the time to put each away. The chef knives, Materia, and VR program chip all went into the lockbox at the bottom of his storage. Not that he didn't trust his unit, but they were special, and the Materia was... hazardous for the untrained.
The knife from Lox slotted well into his right boot and stayed put even when Talin did some test kicks and spins. After testing it out, he pulled off his boots and settled on his bunk to polish them with the new polish from Michael. Most of the Unit is still out for the day and the barracks were quiet as he started working on a boot.
It was relaxing. Listening to the quiet conversations of others, the comings and goings of this group of guys that were becoming friends. It made his heart feel light and, before he knew he was doing it, Talin found himself humming quietly as he worked.
"What song is that? It sounds familiar..." Zale was on the bunk next to him and had lowered his book to look over.
Talin chuckles, "To be honest, I haven't a clue. It's a lullaby my mom knew. She learned it from my dad who learned it from his mom but none of them knew the words." Zale laughs with him.
"That's funny, a song everyone remembers but no one knows. Sounds like a riddle my uncle would have come up with." Their laughter fades and Talin keeps humming while working on his boots.
The barrack door opens and someone barks out "Cadet U28-19!" It is Talin's number and he drops to the ground from his bunk at attention. Boots and polish forgotten.
"U28-19, Cadet Graft, Sir!" Talin has a brief shock at seeing who called him but holds at attention.
"Cadet Graft. Come with me." It is a command and, even without his boots on, he has no choice but to follow the SOLDIER. Once out in the hall the man laughs and says, "At ease, Graft."
Talin laughs, relaxes his pose and happily returns the powerful hug from the man.
SOLDIER 3rd Class Varo Sinclare was the recruiting officer that had pulled every favor he had to get Talin into the program. He had a medium build, was shorter than the Cadet by a few inches, with dusty brown hair, and eyes a light shade of brown, almost the color of honey, but everyone always saw his scars first. The 3rd was covered 'from ear tip to toenail' as he always put it, and he wasn't joking. Sergeant Sinclare had never told Talin what happened, only that it was when he was a Cadet and on a mission, the teen never asked after that.
"Varo, what are you doing here? I thought you were stationed in Costa Del Sol?"
"I was, but they shift people in and out to keep things from getting stale."
Talin's glad to see him, but knows it probably isn't a chance meeting, "So, what can I do for you, Sergeant?"
"Right to the point as always. Well, I came to inform you that you were chosen as Unit Leader, Callian Ford is to be your 2nd, and to deliver a mission packet to Unit 28." Talin is left staring at Varo and the packet he is holding out. His brain had cut out after the first part.
"Me?"
"Yup, your test scores, fitness rank, and aptitude tests all categorized you as a good fit for being Unit Lead. That and the fact that we would have to answer to the General if you weren't chosen." Talin finally took the packet his friend held out and opened it, still trying to come to terms with the new responsibility.
"I'll be your Commanding Officer for the trip. It is just escort and guard duty, but it'll require your whole unit to cover the meeting place." At Talin's questioning look he continued, "Some politician is going to a lodge in the mountains southeast of here for a meeting. There's been some rebel activity around there so he requested an escort." Shaking his head, Talin closes the folder.
"Well, an easy mission is expected for our first one but it is good to have someone I know as C/O." Talin holds up a fist and Varo bumps it with his own belatedly looking at the color up the cadet's arms.
"I never did get a good look at those before. I sure am glad to hear you're doing well enough that you don't have them covered." Talin nods.
"Ya, things are pretty good right now. We'll have to catch up sometime soon."
Varo smiles, "I'd like that. Maybe after the mission." After a quick exchange of numbers, the Sergeant heads out and leaves Talin to get back to his boots.
Said boots and pot of polish had been rescued by Zale and sat atop his bunk. At the questioning look from a few, he promised to explain later when everyone was in for the night and returns to his polishing.
After dinner, when all the Cadets are back getting ready for bed, he calls them to get on bunks for 'story time'. It had become their favorite way to cover important conversations and each climbed up to their top bunk, waiting eagerly for the news. Zale had apparently whispered in a few ears about the mission packet Talin now held up.
"Some of you already know, but U28 was pulled for a mission." The excitement ramped up as Talin tried to call them back to attention. "I was also informed that they had designated a Unit Lead and 2nd in command." The room was near silent when he paused. "Callian, you're the 2nd, and... they chose me as Unit Lead." Almost muttering by the end of the statement, Talin tried to continue to the mission briefing but was halted by loud calls of congratulation. His awkwardness and mild embarrassment drew laughs and jibes from some.
"Seriously, Talin. You're surprised?" Michael asked from his bunk across from the still flustered Unit Leader. "You're the one that pulls our sorry asses out for training each night, helps us study for tests, and encourages us to keep up with your insane pace in gym. Like it or not, you're already a leader. They just made it official." It was a long speech for the normally quiet Michael and he was seconded by many.
When everyone settles back in, Talin goes over the major points of the upcoming assignment. It is a rather simple escort and guard duty task but, as their first mission, each detail feels important.
About a month back, a VIP, Mr. Kifton, had scheduled for an important business meeting to take place at a lodge in the southeastern mountains. However, after a recent string of odd activity in the region, he had asked for a protection detail to be assigned for the weekend. It was the perfect practice for a promising Unit of cadets. U28 had been chosen based on teacher reviews and assessment scores, or so the packet had stated.
"Oh c'mon, we all know it's because the General's Trainee is in our Unit," Drew chuckled from his bunk. "Let's hear it for special treatment!" Laughs and cheers again filled the barracks and it took a few minutes for everything to calm down enough for Talin to finish giving the rest of the details.
They would leave by helicopter in a week and be gone for two nights, returning on the third day. Further details needed to be worked out between Talin and Cal so they ended the evening answering what questions they could from the minimal mission briefing.
"Our C/O on the trip will be Sergeant 3rd Class Sinclare. If you don't know him, look him up so you know who to report to. He will be leading one of the three groups on rotation at the lodge, Callian and myself being in charge of the other two. Anyway, that's about all. When we know more, you'll know, now let's get some sleep."
As the group climb down to get ready for bed, the excited chatter starts to worry Talin. He has never led anyone before. Sure, he does like Michael said, getting them to practice, helping here and there, but nothing like taking lead on a mission...
Head swimming with doubts, he goes over the mission packet again and starts a list of who should be in each group. He would run it by Callian in the morning for his opinion... maybe he should ask Sephiroth about it? The General was sure to know that they were assigned so maybe he could ask for some advice.
The lights turn out as the last stragglers scramble with phone lights or blindly stumble in the dark to their beds. Talin, realizing just how tired he is, scrubs his eyes before deciding he better get some sleep too. Crawling down he is just putting the packet away in his locker when his phone chirps from the bed. With a quick jump, Talin hauls himself up into the bunk and under the blankets before checking his texts.
SMS Message from: Zack
Zack: You still awake?
Talin: Barely, why are you still up?
Zack: Thinkin' about you and that kiss. Duh.
Talin feels his face heat as the memory comes back, now he can't stop thinking about it either...
Talin: Crap now it's gonna take me forever to fall asleep.
Zack: Think you'll dream of me?
Talin: duh.
Zack: Sweet dreams Red 3
Talin: Night goofball 3
Talin was right, it took a long time to fall asleep. You can't exactly take care of that kind of problem in a room full of nineteen other guys...
…
After a night of interesting dreams, Talin and the Unit got themselves ready for another day of classes. Breakfast was a hardly contained circus.
All morning, the boys of U28 had been practically crowing about being chosen for a mission. Several came by to congratulate or try to pry out information from the excited cadets. By rule, the details of a mission were private till it was over and the team debriefed so although they were loud in their excitement, all were tight-lipped with the particulars.
Talin and Cal mostly spent the time reviewing who would be in the different groups and how to spread talents between each evenly. This led to Cody and Kyle complaining about not being in the same group.
"You both have similar abilities," Callian patiently explained again, "The two of you and Milo all have like skills so, to be balanced, it will have to be one per group." The two grumbled but knew it wasn't really worth it to argue, there would be other chances to work together if this went well.
Only as they were all heading to lecture hall for Zack's class did Talin start to get nervous. What if the SOLDIER treated him differently now? He didn't want special treatment and wasn't it against the rules? What would happen if they got caught?
Trying to slow his brain's frantic thoughts, Talin was relieved that when he entered all he got was the regular wave before Zack went back to the papers he was sorting. Finally calming down, he settled in and released the breath he had been holding.
The class went quickly like most of Zack's lessons. Today was a mix of reviewing types of guns common to the infantry of Shin-Ra and then how to breakdown and care for each of the top five. At the end of the demonstration, a short quiz was handed out to see who had been listening. It was as the test was being passed back in that the bell rang, prompting the Cadets to pack up.
"Cadet Graft, a moment before you head out," The Commander's voice was light as always but Talin's heart stuttered a bit. He hid his surprise quickly and waved the others to go on without him.
"Go ahead, probably just a schedule change or something again." As the room slowly emptied, he made his way down, heart beating faster with each step. Zack was leaning against his desk as Talin approached.
"So, what's up, Teach?" he asked as the remaining few cadets filed out. Zack's eyes were on the door till he heard the snap of it close behind the last student.
Lightning-quick he had Talin held against himself and was kissing him. It wasn't like the deep kiss they had shared before but it still felt electric. Zack pulled back enough to look the cadet in the eyes and grinned.
"Sorry, couldn't help myself," He said, not an ounce of actual apology in his voice. Talin was mildly panicked and turned his head trying to look back up at the door. It had a small window in it...
"Don't worry, everyone already left," The cocky words were spoken into red hair as Zack nuzzled softly at Talin's ear. The Cadet scoffed, but relented and leaned more into Zack, hooking his hands into the wide belt around the SOLDIER's waist. Thoroughly enjoying the attention of soft lips grazing his throat and jaw.
"So, did you just want a kiss or was there actually something you needed?" Zack groaned before pulling away from his exploration of Talin's skin. Those bright Mako eyes were heated as he looked down into jade green ones.
"There are a lot of things I need," A slight pull at his hips brought him to stand more firmly between Zack's strong legs as he leaned back against the desk, "but mostly, I wanted to invite you to have dinner at my place tonight," The words were quiet but Talin could hear the hope in them of an affirmative answer. Blushing a bit at the thought of the other things Zack needed, Talin agreed.
"Sure, I can come by after I finish my lesson with Seph." Feeling more than encouraged by Zack's advances, he took the initiative this time and leaned up for a kiss before pulling back. Zack gave him a warm smile, squeezing him a bit with his legs and the hands on his hips before letting him go.
"See you then, Red." That nickname, in that slightly husky voice, was fast becoming Talin's favorite thing to hear out of the SOLDIER's mouth. Well, maybe the groan earlier beats it but that's different...
He nods and makes his way back up the steps to the door, trying to calm down as he goes before through it. Lost in thought about tonight, Talin misses the person standing against the wall till they grab his arm. He checks the punch a hair's breadth from Callian's face as recognition hits him.
"What the hell man?! I almost decked you!" Talin's old fear of hurting people comes roaring back, all pleasant thoughts of Zack gone. That's one way to douse a fire. Hiding the anxiety, he wraps an arm around Callian's neck and pretends to strangle him.
"I just thought I would wait for you!" Cal laughs after finally being released. Together, they start heading down the empty hall before the other cadet decides to get revenge.
"Didn't expect to get a show, though," Callian smirks at his friend's dumbfounded expression before continuing. "Don't worry. I'm no snitch, but I have to say I'm surprised. Zack's a good guy but you know he is taken, right?" Laughter shifts to concern in Cal's eyes as he watches Talin for his reaction.
"Ya, I know. We talked about it and he said they were cool with it," Talin was relieved that he wouldn't have to hide this from at least one person but now that concern of 'were they really ok with it' comes wiggling back into his head.
"You don't know who he's dating, do you?" Talin stops walking to look at his friend confused. He didn't know and just shrugged. It wasn't surprising since he tended to stay away from the gossip but Callian still was a little hesitant when he spoke next. That little worry started to grow the more Cal hesitated.
"I guess I should say, you don't know the three people he is dating..." He left the statement hanging in the air and waited. Not sure if he was being cruel or not, he could almost see the gears turn in Talin's head before things snapped into place. Shock, panic, and mild fear all ricochet through those green eyes at once and Cal nodded his head.
"Bingo..."
