Author's Note: Hope everyone had a good holiday! Sorry for the lateness of this chapter today, I was up way too late on my days off and it finally caught up to me. Hope you all enjoy this next chapter with the conclusion to the cadet's mission and some good fluff and fun time with Zack.
Marken: Of course he had to get handsy with Talin before he left :P I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far and can't wait to hear your thoughts on upcoming chapters. Things start getting wild from here. :)
Chapter Warnings: Mild gore, Sexual content, Power Play
I do not own FF7 or any of its characters. Talin, Unit 28, and some other side characters are mine.
Chapter 24
Panicked screams echoed along with the screech just as Talin and Varo rounded the corner, nearly colliding with the two businessmen. At a full sprint, the Cadet threw himself forward to haul Mr. Kifton to the ground just as an exceptionally large Needle Kiss swooped in, causing it to miss its target. Varo had covered the other man as well and all were quick to regain their feet as Milo appeared to usher the older men to safety. Unfortunately, the great bird had its own reinforcements.
On instinct, Talin goes to pull his blades and, belatedly remembering his handicap, unsheathes only one of the light swords. Angry cries draw the attention of all as the mighty birds dive at their retreating prey. More cadets had arrived to provide cover, but they aren't a match for five massive monsters.
Varo jumps high and straight into the path of the largest, breaking the creature's focus long enough for the civilians to make it to cover. Taking a similar tact, Talin sprints in and draws the attention of two more. He might be wounded already, but he could at least draw them to his unit.
The smaller of the two dives, attempting to skewer him, but it is too predictable. Deflecting the long horn with his one blade, Talin counters, quickly and neatly ending the bird's life. What he couldn't defend against was the other Needle Kiss almost skimming the ground as it flew right at him. Eyes full of fury from the death of its flock mate, Talin was wide open when the bird's claws snapped shut on his shoulder. His bad shoulder.
A gasp is torn from him at the pain. The razor-sharp talons punched past cloth like paper and into his shoulder and he swears he heard, or felt, a stitch pop. They're gonna kill me...
After only a few powerful beats of immense wings, the pair is over twenty feet up. Dangling like a fish on a hook, Talin grits his teeth at the pain and, using his good arm, swings his blade up at the bird's belly. It works. One moment he was dangling, the next falling. Unfortunately, the pain of being let go was as bad as being picked up.
Able to twist enough to make a rolling landing, he realizes he's in trouble. Blood is flowing freely from the double injury and the Needle Kiss knows he is vulnerable when it turns back and dives for him again.
Just as Talin stands to fight, Callian and Dayton sprint in from both sides. the perfect pincer attack with him as the unknowing bait. Dead before it could even scream, the duo quickly round and take defensive positions around their wounded Unit Leader.
Of the five birds that had attacked, all were now dead. Hurt but unwilling to shirk his duties, Talin orders Cal and Dayton to round up the Unit, repost teams, and get any wounded inside. Seeing Varo with the VIP and their guests, Talin heads over. Bleeding through the torn uniform shirt and still holding his bloody sword, he is quite a sight to the already spooked businessmen.
"I'm very glad of your assistance, Sergeant Sinclare," Mr. Kifton hesitates when his glance shift's to Talin. "And yours as well, Cadet Graft. I can see why you're Sephiroth's trainee..." The man is distracted for a moment and blatantly watches the slow drip of monster ichor drips from Talin's blade. "I'm sure you will make a good SOLDIER someday." With that, he quickly retreated back into the lodge.
"Well, that's the highest praise you're going to get for a job well done as a Cadet," Varo chuckled. "You better get that taken care of. Don't think the General will like that you got banged up more on this trip..." The words caused Talin to stiffen. Remembering his promise, he groaned before he followed his friend's advice. Pierce was in the dining room already working on Zale who had received a minor slash to his stomach.
One of the kitchen ladies comes to help Talin out of the destroyed shirt and to clean the wounds while Pierce finishes with Zale. Upon reviewing the damage, he has three new punctures and several stitches that will need redone. Using some topical numbing gel, the unit's medic sets to work repairing the damage. Even with the gel, it sucked. Of the original thirty-eight, twelve stitches needed redone.
Near the halfway point, Cal came in to give him the full report of the attack. Obviously, Varo had killed one, Talin himself another, and Callian and Dayton a third. Zale had managed to kill the one that attacked him and, amazingly, the last had been slain by Lox. The Wutanese Cadet had been resting after a long shift and, upon hearing the commotion, threw open a window and took the bird down in a hail of daggers.
After Talin had been sent in for treatment, Callian had organized with Varo to see their guests off. They hadn't wanted to stick around, even with the protection detail. Mr. Kifton was shaken but more appreciative of the young cadets, going as far as to ask after the injured and taking note of who killed each Needle Kiss. The report gave Talin something to focus on but by the end of the session, he was pale and ready to crawl into bed. Taking some pain meds, he is just about to leave when Varo intercepts him.
"You look like shit." The normally teasing Sergeant still has a smile on his face but it is tinged with worry, "We've got the rest of this. You go lay down and get some rest." His complaint dies when the SOLDIER flicks him on the forehead, "Give your 2nd a chance to run the show. It's why you've got'em." With a mumbled agreement and a nod, Talin is released from duty for the rest of the day. Their VIP is scheduled to leave in a few short hours so they wouldn't need to be on shift long anyway.
Bed in sight, Talin hears the small chirp of his phone and grabs out before kicking off his boots and laying down. It was a message from Zack.
SMS Message from: Zack
Zack: Hey Red. I know you're probably busy but I wanted to check in on how it's going.
Talin: Hey yourself. It could've gone better. We were attacked by Needle Kiss today.
Zack: Oh shit! You ok? Anyone hurt?
He hesitated before answering with a truth, just not the whole truth.
Talin: Ya the guys are ok. Zale got a thin slice on his stomach but it didn't even need stitches.
Whatever it was that the 1st's got in their injections must make them psychic because the SOLDIER saw right through the white lie.
Zack: ...What about you? The guys are fine, but what about you Talin.
Talin sighed. Crap. He really didn't want to say that he was hurt and tried to come up with something to say. He didn't want to lie but... He didn't get to finish thinking. His phone rang.
"Talin...?"
"I'm ok Zack... I was picked up by one and its claws got me a bit but that's healing quick." It was the truth but he could tell Zack wouldn't let him off that easy.
"And your shoulder? C'mon Red, don't make me beg for every detail." Talin sighed. Zack already knew so there was no harm in admitting it.
"The stupid thing picked me up by my bad shoulder and... some of the stitches... tore." He hesitated again and then added, "...Twelve tore."
"Shit T. Are you ok? Were they able to fix them?" Talin could have laughed at the overly protective reaction and reassured him that he was fine.
"Pierce has a good amount of medical training and was able to fix it up no problem. I'll still have Angeal check them when I get back, but he did a great job."
Reassured that Talin was ok, they talked instead about the mission and the attack. About Lox's fantastic takedown, the size of the Needle Kiss, and Mr. Kifton's words of praise for his efforts. Talin feels his eyes getting harder to keep open and Zack could tell by his voice how tired the Cadet was.
"So, what do you want for dinner tomorrow night? I can get us anything you want." Glad to think about the end of this mission and spending time with Zack, Talin thinks for a moment.
"Burgers and ice cream. That sounds so good right now," He says and almost laughs when his mouth starts to water at the thought.
"Will do, Red. You get some sleep and I'll see you when ya get back."
"Yes, Sir," he said, fighting and losing to a yawn.
"Night, Red." Talin always loved Zack's voice but the soft way he said the nickname 'Red' made his heartbeat flutter. Unconsciously, his voice fell to the same soft tone.
"Night, Goofball."
…
When Talin didn't hop up with the rest of the Unit the next morning, they let him sleep in. Milo even snuck in and disabled the alarms he had on his phone to ensure the exhausted teen would rest. Their ride back to Midgar wasn't scheduled to arrive till noon so they delayed waking him as long as they could. About an hour before their flight, they decided it was time but no one wanted to be the one to wake him up. Nolton drew the short straw but opted to simply call Talin's name from the doorway, much to the chagrin of the others.
Stiff from sleeping in one position all night, Talin groggily waved at the other teen before crawling out of bed. A hot shower helped some of the stiffness but burned along his injuries but it could have been worse. Dressed and packed up, Talin caught up with Varo and Callian as they made their final rounds. Bags were packed, thanks given to the staff and owner of the lodge, Callian harassed to use the bathroom, and then they filed out to wait for the helicopter.
Talin had taken some pain meds with his quick breakfast and was starting to feel the ache dulling away. Good thing, too, because they were in for a three-hour flight back in a cramped chopper. Thankfully, the trip was full of high-spirited banter and talk about what they would do with their days off. It was distracting enough that Talin only thought of his shoulder during the occasional dip or bounce as they hit different air currents.
Time passed quickly and soon they were touching down at the tower. Before they could all run off, Varo called the Unit to attention. He told them that they would be receiving two scores for the trip, one personal score and another for the Unit as a whole. Talin also knew that he and Cal would get an additional score for leadership.
"For now, you have today and the next two days scheduled off for RnR. Any questions?" When none were asked, they were released. Most took off a lightning speed to the elevator but Talin and Cal were held back by a wave from the SOLDIER. They talked as they walked into the building, taking their time knowing the elevators would be crowded with cadets.
"I wanted to let you both know that you'll be expected to provide a score on the teams you led as well. Your input helps us determine their final scores, so be honest. Please don't give them all perfect scores," Talin couldn't help his chuckle at his friend's pleading look. He would have to ask what previous Unit Leads had done to cause such a reaction from the tolerant 3rd.
"Anyway, you all did well in my book. No mission is perfect, but your Unit did great," Varo clapped Talin on the good shoulder before also taking his leave towards the elevators.
Callian bumped Talin in the good arm and pointed down the side hall. Turning, he could just see the spikey black hair sticking out from around a corner and chuckled. Giving a careful yank, Cal grabbed Talin's bag from him. With a laugh and a wink, the blonde Cadet said he would take it down for him before disappearing into the closing doors of the elevator.
After all the commotion of the departing Unit, it was suddenly so quiet that Talin could hear his heartbeat. Taking a calming breath, he made his way down to where he had seen Zack. He knew he was in for a lecture, or two, and he was right.
"Red!" Zack almost lifted him off the floor with his welcoming hug but restrained the instinct, remembering Talin's injuries. Sure enough, Angeal, Genesis, and Sephiroth, while happy to see him back, also looked cross with him.
"You have a promise to keep, Cadet..." If the General were prone to unconscious movements, he would have been tapping his foot in annoyance but his stillness made said Cadet feel worse.
As promised, Talin gave a full account of how he was injured and why he took part in the fight. The fact that he had been one of the only cadets close enough to intervene in the Needle Kiss attack appeased them somewhat.
"At least you didn't run in without a plan," Angeal was practically over the incident by this point and simply glad the teen hadn't been hurt worse. "It is a shame you got reinjured, though. It'll take time to heal but you have several days to rest before your next real training session anyway."
Genesis, who had been hanging back while Talin was being interrogated, now moved forward and gave him a careful hug. "Well done, Little Bird. You and your Unit made it home, relatively, in one piece. That's something to be proud of. Unfortunately, 'Geal and I have a meeting to attend or we would stay and celebrate your first mission." With another hug, the Red Commander pulls Angeal after him towards the elevator before turning back, "Zack, I needed to ask you something, come wait for the elevator with us." Reluctantly, the younger 1st follows, leaving Talin alone with his mentor.
The General hadn't spoken again since he asked for an explanation. Now it looked like he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. Their eyes, so similar yet unmistakably different, met and Talin understood in an instant.
"I'm sorry I got hurt again..." is all he can manage before breaking eye contact. There had been irritation in those jade green eyes when he had first arrived, now they were a wash of emotions. The worst was the faint trace of disappointment. That alone was enough to make Talin regret his decision to take part in that fight. Small as it may be, he had let down one of the few people that he wanted to impress.
A quiet sigh was all the warning he got before he was pulled further into the alcove against a strong chest. It wasn't so much of a hug but the strong hand at the back of Talin's head and arm that lay loosely over his shoulder was a comfort the teen didn't know he needed just then. Silent as the floor had remained, all he could hear was the thudding of the powerful heart under his ear till his General finally found the right words.
"I need you to keep your promises to me, Talin..."The words are quiet as the usually eloquent man pieces together the sentences. "I let you go on the mission because I trust you, because I have faith in your ability..." Talin leaned more into the man's chest and wrapped his arm loosely round his waist. He could read between the lines.
"I'm sorry...I promise to work harder. Then, next time, you won't worry as much." He could hear the strong heart beating under his ear skip and the hand on his head tightened a fraction.
"I have a feeling I'm going to be concerned for your wellbeing till you reach 1st Class, so you better be ready for some intense training." Talin didn't need to look up to know he would see the small smile and nodded.
"I'm gonna get there so fast you'll get whiplash," He dropped his arm and pulled back. In the dark of the alcove and, unknowingly, both had the same thought. Those eyes always looked so stunning when they glowed in the dark...
The quiet moment was broken by the sound of approaching bootsteps and Talin finally turned, severing the unexpectedly intense eye contact. Zack had no doubt been listening, giving them time to talk, but now bounced over to pull the redhead into another hug.
"You guys done?" He didn't wait for a response, "Let's go, Red." Talin only had the time for a quick goodbye as his fingers were laced with Zack's and he was pulled to the elevators. As the doors closed, he found himself nudged into a corner and a kiss preventing him from complaining. Hands settled heavily on his hips and all he could taste, smell, feel, or see became Zack Fair.
"I missed you," the words were a whisper between them as they parted for a moment, foreheads pressed together.
"Same." Talin had never had something like this to come back to before. It was better than he thought. No wonder so many people ran home at the end of the day or a long trip.
"So, you're home safe, your Unit is off doing their own thing, and you don't have classes. What would you like to do with the rest of your day?" The heat in the SOLDIER's eyes told Talin what he hoped the Cadet would say, but the growl of his stomach proved that they were both hungry for different things. Neither could help their laugh.
Mood thoroughly ruined, Zack quickly changed tact. "C'mon, I have food for us for lunch or I can order something." Talin would have been happy with anything at that point and together they make it to the 1st's apartment. Instant noodles were the easiest so they ate before settling on the couch for a bit.
Snuggled up, warm, and no longer hungry, Talin finds himself nodding off and snapping back awake several times before Zack takes notice. In a movement that was too fast for his tired brain, Talin yelps in surprise as he is suddenly lifted from the couch.
"What?!" On instinct, his arms hooked around the Commander's neck, "What are you doing? Put me down!" A chuckle and a sly smile met the complaints.
"You're tired, I'm tired. Let's take a nap." The confident tone was almost a purr as he settled Talin securely in his arms.
"I can walk, you know. Now put me down, I'm heavy." The tinge of embarrassed blush colored the teen's face but Zack didn't listen and started heading for his bedroom.
"You gotta remember something, T." He toed the door open and kicked it shut again behind them before sitting on the bed, Talin still held against him. "I'm a SOLDIER, and stronger than anyone you've ever met." That same purring tone and the easy show of strength made him shiver but that caused a muscle to twitch in his shoulder and he cringed.
In an instant, Talin was flat on his back and Zack, worry clear in his eyes, was apologizing. "Shit, Red. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. Is it..." Talin's laugh cut off the string of words and he sat back up before reassuring the worried 1st.
"It's ok, it just twitched a bit. Can you help me rewrap the bandage? I think it shifted on the flight home." They pulled the wraps and gauze off to check how it looked and it was a mess. Pulling a medkit from the bathroom, Zack worked to clean up the worst of it before rewrapping everything in clean bandages.
"You know, I said I wanted to play Doctor, not actually be one, right?" The spiky-haired man joked as he came back from putting away supplies.
"Sorry, I..." A hand under his chin and a kiss again cut off what Talin was going to say.
"Don't apologize, Red. We can play for real another time" The devious look was followed by a laughing grin that Talin could help but chuckle at. "Let's lay down for a bit. I can tell you're exhausted."
Having already removed his shirt when they changed the bandages, Talin found his blush returning when he followed Zack's lead and removed his pants as well. Down to their boxers, the SOLDIER pulled his young lover against him, spooning against his back before covering them in a light blanket.
Talin tries to calm down enough for sleep but being skin to skin is making his mind race. Every inch of Zack is warm, especially the part settled tightest against his backside... A hand slips around Talin's front and takes hold of his wrist, thumb slowly sliding back and forth over his pulse point.
Zack must have been watching when Sephiroth had done the same thing the other day and, just as before, Talin finds himself breathing in time with the motion. Before he can think more about it, he's asleep.
…
The flutter of his heart woke Talin from a dreamless sleep. Warmth surrounded him and, for a moment, he couldn't place the unfamiliar surroundings. The slide of a hand up his ribs brought everything back at once.
He was still laying on his side, still pressed fully against Zack, and their legs were lightly hooked together. What wasn't the same was the arm that was under his head as a pillow now held both Talin's wrists in one hand. That realization made his heartbeat pick up speed, and it did it again when Zack's other hand ran back down his side.
"Zack?" He murmured, voice tired but mind racing as that petting hand continued its slow motion from hip to ribs and back.
"'Bout time you woke up. Was startin' to think I'd have to get a little more adventurous." The man's voice was deep as he spoke into Talin's ear before laying a soft kiss on his neck.
The attention caused the Cadet to squirm and he attempted to pull his hands free, but the SOLDIER's grip was secure. Not painful or forceful, but definitely not going anywhere. The hand at his side paused at his hip, fingertips playing with the edge of the Cadet's boxers.
"Looks like you were having some good dreams. Were they about me?" Talin couldn't bring himself to speak but the blush that crept onto his cheeks said enough. He hadn't been dreaming, but waking up held in such a position had been more than enough.
"How about I help you with this," Zack whispered into his ear again and hooked one finger into the waistband. Slowly, to give Talin time to say no, he pulled them down enough to be out of the way. With no complaint, Zack smiled and continued kissing the cadet's neck before taking gentle hold of the hot length.
Talin's hips bucked at the touch and he yanked his wrists to no avail. That effortless show of strength was a turn-on he didn't know he had, and it made him harder. Zack took his time, playing fingers over the soft skin to find what makes the redhead gasp and groan. Firm strokes followed by teasing ones then rubbing down to massage his balls before gently grasping around the base all to see what sounds he can pull from his inexperienced lover.
Soon Talin was shaking from the sensations shooting up his body. He turned his head to Zack and the kiss they shared was full of fire.
"Zack...please," He couldn't get enough air to say more. Every other breath was a gasp or exhaled as a moan as the talented hand continued to explore. His body was burning up with pleasure but he needed more. Every time he was close, Zack would change what he was doing, leaving him in a near painful state of arousal.
"Tell me what you want, Talin. I want to hear it. Tell me how to please you." The whisper was rough in his ear and the teasing hand settled its grip at the base of his length again.
"I..I need...," His words cut off. Do I really have to say it? He tried once more to pull wrists free but the grip tightened a bit.
"Tell me, Cadet, I need to hear it." The command in those words makes his heart jump and a new wave of heat floods over him. Talin knew that Zack was a great Commander, that he could take charge, but he had never been on the receiving end of that voice. The normal playful tone was replaced by a demanding one and Talin could do nothing but obey.
"I need it...hard and fast," He gasped out and then added in a whisper, "Sir."
Zack had leaned over to look Talin in the eye when he had given the command and although he could tell he was embarrassed, he could likewise tell he had been turned on by the order. Catching Talin's mouth in another passionate kiss, Zack took firm hold of the Cadet's wrists before continuing as requested.
Talin's moans turned to heated cries as he was pushed closer and closer. His hips bucked up to meet each stroke."Zz..ack, ahh...Zack!" The shout tore out of him as that strong hand continued to pump him through his orgasm. Lips were back at his neck and the hand holding his wrists had let go and was now petting him anywhere it could reach. Talin was limp in Zack's arms as he was shifted onto his back.
When he finally regained enough brainpower to think again, Talin realized that Zack was still hard as rock against his hip. Ignoring the sticky mess on his stomach, he reached over to lay a hand on Zack's hip, hooking his thumb in the boxers as was done to him. Before he could pull down, Zack stopped him.
"You do that, and you won't be leaving this bed for the rest of the night." The chuckle accompanying the words didn't lessen their impact, but he wasn't given the choice to pursue the topic. Zack rolled out of bed and tossed Talin a towel. "Go shower and I'll order that dinner you wanted." His smile was as warm as ever but no one could miss the prominent tent in the straining boxers.
While Talin is showering, Zack took the time to cool down. The willingness of his young lover was evident but he had been honest, neither would have left the bed had they kept going. I can wait. It will be worth it... He kept repeating that to himself as he pulled on pants and went out to wait for Talin.
The Cadet on the other hand was trying to determine the best course of action. Twice now, Zack had stopped him when he tried to help the 1st with his obvious arousal. In an odd way, it felt unfair. He wanted to experience everything with Zack, not just his own pleasure but Zack's too.
These thoughts started the gears turning on a plan and by the time he finished his shower, Talin only needed to work up the courage to follow through.
