Chapter 4: Needles and Pins

Cloud emerged from his bedroom a few hours later, still blushing a bit when he thought of his and Kadaj's previous encounter. And he was hungry, too. Well Kadaj better not try anything else, or he would get a face full of fist, sick or not.

Still, Cloud was rather disappointed when he found Kadaj out cold on the living-room couch. (Probably exhausted after scaring the living shit out of me.) He'd probably rather sleep in his own bed though...

He exhaled and scooped the younger man up gently. Kadaj sighed deeply and nuzzled Cloud's neck. The blonde shuddered and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up as he felt the long silver lashes brush against his skin. (Why do I feel this way?)

He deposited the younger man on his bed, pulled the sheets over him and turned to leave.

"Wait, Cloud..." There was a light pull on his wrist. Kadaj was sitting up, eyes half-lidded and dazed from recent sleep.

"Huh?"

"Stay with me. I know I haven't been very nice to you. You saved my life and...and I just pushed you away. I'm a terrible person, and you've been so kind to me and..." He faltered. "Please, it's cold."

"...I...I haven't eaten yet." Cloud floundered for an excuse.

"And that was my fault too, huh? Go eat then, as long as you promise to come back. It's cold." He waited for Cloud's tired "Okay," and let his head fall back on the pillow.

While he tried to choke down the remains of his now-cold omelet, Cloud seriously thought about the request. His and Kadaj's "breakfast" had actually been more of a late lunch. That was at four in the afternoon. Now it was nearing 7:30. The blonde didn't usually stumble off to bed until at least ten, and then didn't fall asleep for at least another two hours, and was usually tormented by nightmares and visions. And the prospect of sleeping in the same bed as a former enemy, well, before it would have disgusted him, but now...

Cloud slammed his plate down in the sink. (I do not feel that way about him.) However, the blonde was not one to break his promises, even to Kadaj.

So, much as he was loathe to do it, Cloud changed into his pajama pants and climbed into bed next to Kadaj. He expected the teen to sleep on like a log, but to his surprise Kadaj roused slightly and turned towards the older man.

"You kept your promise," he breathed and cuddled against the blonde.

"Generally, I do." Cloud replied with a gasp, not used to being so close to another person.

"Hmm..." The jade eyes fluttered shut.

Cloud held his breath until he was sure Kadaj was fully asleep once again, then exhaled it gently through his nose, blowing back the unruly silver bangs. The long platinum strands pooled like water on the dark sheets. They looked so soft. He pulled the younger man closer and stroked his hair curiously. It spilled over his hand like quicksilver, smooth as silk and soft as satin.

Cloud was very tired all of a sudden, and wanted nothing more than to fall asleep. A feeling of protectiveness stole over him as his eyelids became heavy and gradually fell shut. For the first time in more than a year, Cloud Strife slept without a single bad dream to trouble him.

- - - - -

Notes: Kwaaah, short chapter.

Sense the growing attraction? X)

More interesting things will be happening soon, I promise.

And I bet you know what I mean by 'interesting,' right?

-Dove