AN: It's a little late, but I'm glad I still managed to finish this chapter today. Dang, honestly this was really difficult for me to write.. Err. I'm still wondering why I settled on writing 5000 words per week. ;_; I hope this chapter wouldn't bore you to oblivion. It's plot. Lol. The Clack moment will come soon and not now because I feel it isn't still the right time. Pls hang on til' then. (:
You know that feeling when you see someone you're head over heels with with other people, especially with your friends and not you? This is what this chapter is about, and another perspective from another character.

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"Report?" Angeal asked the moment Zack entered his office. He just came back from his long mission, wiping out monsters every single day. To his surprise, the General was also present. He just nodded to him in acknowledgement, saying nothing else to the silver-haired man.

"The monster activity is unbelievably high, like the reports had said. They don't seem to want to stop. If you had seen them— I mean, they were getting too close to Junon already." Zack answered, looking appalled.

"I also heard about the incident with the recruit. What happened, Zack?" Angeal followed-up, face serious.

"A behemoth appeared, a freaking— large one, Angeal. That's not normal! It shouldn't even be there. The people we talked to can't even raise farm animals anymore. What's the hell is happening?" The younger male answered, uncharacteristically agitated. He heard the shuffling noise of leather, and saw Sephiroth uncrossing his arms.

"It's the same situation in Corel." Sephiroth chimed in, gesturing to Angeal.

"They were pretty rampant, and abnormally large. Reports indicated that Mako exposure was the cause. But how? Broken Mako reactors would've been reported very early on. It's the main source of energy after all." Sephiroth's tone was casual as ever, as if the matter does not affect him.

"I feel like we're just going in circles with this." Angeal admitted, as frustration set in his features.

"I feel bad about it all." Zack finally said, shaking his head a little. Everything just felt wrong about the situation. How can monsters multiply that much in a span of a few months? If they weren't there to clean up, hordes of those might already reached a nearby rural or urban area. Chaos will be inevitable.

"Is there a possibility that someone is behind this?" Zack heard himself ask, hesitantly. The two soldiers seem to be consider it, as they look at one another, exchanging a silent message. Angeal sighed.

"We cannot make assumptions early on. Right now, we just need to focus on keeping their numbers under control." Sephiroth retorted, with a tone of finality. Zack nodded. Angeal gave the silver-haired man another look that Zack cannot read.

"If that's all, I want to excuse myself now." Zack finally said, looking from Angeal to Sephiroth. He was feeling really tired and it was late in the evening already. He will think about all of this tomorrow, probably.

"Yes, that's all Zack, take much needed rest. You're dismissed until notified." Angeal replied, sending an assuring smile at him.

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Cloud smiled as he read through Aerith's letter, making himself comfortable in his cold bunk bed. This was the second letter he had received from her now. He wondered why she still didn't buy a phone instead, but soon realized that she already has, as he saw the scribbled number at the bottom of the paper. He guessed she just liked the personal touch of hand written letters. He liked them too, he'll admit. It was a little romantic if he'd think about it, though there was nothing romantic between him and Aerith. He has yet to pay them a visit that was long overdue, but he realized it was rather difficult to file a day off when their schedules were full. He needed to find the time soon enough though, because as he read through it, his mood slowly shifted, and a frown settled in his face. Even through a piece of paper, he can feel the girl's agitation.

Cloud.. I have a very bad dream the other day. I woke up in the middle of the night sweating coldly. I dreamed.. I dreamed about you dying. I was so scared Cloud. I didn't know what to do..? There was chaos all over Midgar. I can't find the kids. Zack was there, holding you. You were lying in his arms. He's got blood all over him. And then he looked at me. And he cried.

It felt so real Cloud. I wasn't able to sleep after that. I don't know what to think. I hope everything was going well with the two of you. I trust him. The first time I saw him, I know I can trust him too. I'm sorry for bringing this up, I know it's kind of ridiculous.. but take care always, okay? By the way, Denzel is missing you and Zack. Come over some time? We also made quite a discovery the other day, there were flowers blooming inside the church.. They were beautiful. They looked golden under the sunlight. It reminds me of you, somehow. We miss you.

If you ever see Reno, say hi for me?

Cloud does not know how to feel about that. Him, dying? Well, in reality he had already escaped death, twice already. Would he be that lucky the next time around? He hopes so. He does not want to throw everything away now, more than ever. Cloud sighed as he willed the sudden worry he felt to go away and focus on a much light-hearted reply.

After tucking the reply to his pocket, the blonde proceeded to the mess hall to catch some breakfast with the two. They have been a constant fixture to his side now, and he had somewhat welcomed their presence. Sitting himself at their usual table in front of them, Cloud immediately felt the sudden change in the air. He already knew what this is all about.

Of course, it had spread like wildfire. You know how a story that has been retold so many times sounds and feels like. Cloud being attacked by a behemoth. Cloud being such a pussy. Cloud being a wimp. Second Class, Zack Fair saving Cloud's ass—

Cloud didn't actually care what they think about him. They can make up any mental image about him in whatever kind of hell they wanted to and he doesn't give a fuck. He had lived for the past sixteen years of his life without them, and he can continue doing so. He saw Ramza smile apologetically at him. Cloud hoped his smile back at him looked rather pleasant.

"Don't mind them Cloud. They weren't there. I wonder what they'd do in that situation." Ramza started, shaking his head lightly.

"They'd probably pissed their pants." Delita chimed in, smirking.

"I don't mind, really. You guys ready for the assessment later?" Cloud replied, sweeping his eyes at the two.

"He's ecstatic." Delita supplied, eyeing the blonde beside him. Ramza's smile broadened.

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Though a little relieved, Cloud still felt worried, as a nagging feeling set in his guts. He couldn't fail this. His eyes drifted around the expanse of the training room, scanning the faces of his fellow recruits, and then finally settling on Ramza. Their instructors have had them paired with person with almost the same capabilities and skills as the other, making it plainly simple for everyone to see who's ultimately better. It didn't make it easier for Cloud, but at least he knows he's up for a good fight. Ramza is after all, generally wise, no bullshit, clean fighter. He would've been tempted to exchange partners with Delita if asked, him having Luciel as an opponent. He would like to wipe that smirk off of his face that badly, but he guessed Delita felt the same and there's no need for him to mentally kick his back side. His train of thoughts had been interfered as their instructor spoke to their gathered forms, for their very first assessment. It had been two months. Somehow, it has come to his attention that the Director wanted to make Soldiers out of kids within a span of six months. Everything felt like a race against time as their training intensified, every passing week. Why they need to produce soldiers in that short period of time has been gossiped and dissected by everyone else already, spreading rumors ranging from monster invasions to an all-out war with a very notorious opposing nation of the Wutaians. Soldiers were initially engineered to defend against the said nation's attacks, for their military forces were very apt with the art of combat, being trained early on their childhood. To counter them, the government asked Shinra to think of a program that can produce strong soldiers in the shortest time possible, with very limited resources, of course. The First Three were the product of that. It had never been the same, ever since. Cloud blinked as their instructor's voice distracted him once more, picking up the remains of whatever the hell he was explaining.

"You don't have to defeat your opponent. This will be about a show of skill, more than anything else. Give everything you've got. It doesn't matter if you end up a lot of times in your ass, but that won't happen most likely because we chose your partners carefully."

The call of names signaled the start of the assessment, with the first pair facing each other off in the center of the room. Everyone seemed to stop breathing as they anticipated every passing second.

"You have exactly three minutes to outdo each other."

"Begin."

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"Cloud was doing surprisingly good. The Second Classes had taken interest in him Zack, including one First Class." Angeal commented, eyes bright.

"Whoa, whoa. Wait a minute there, Angeal. As far as I'm concerned, I'm the one who recommended him right? Shouldn't I be the default choice to train him as an apprentice?" Zack replied, as if the mere idea threatened him.

"Well, you are pup. But that doesn't mean he can't make choices, right?" Angeal replied coolly, smiling at the younger male.

"Who is the first Class?" Zack asked, feeling rather disadvantaged. Well— there was technically just three of them, but he doubts it was Angeal. He does not seem to be taking interest with mentoring another recruit. Angeal is the best choice, but still. Out of all them, it was him who knows Cloud, and Cloud trusts the most, right?

"It's Genesis. Surprising, isn't it?" The First Class's smile widened. Zack frowned.

"Are you serious?" The younger male asked, incredulous. Just what made the self-absorbed Genesis Rhapsodos take interest in a prospective protege? This is something beyond his comprehension.

"I am very serious Zack." Angeal confirmed, nodding.

"Well, shall we ask him then? I mean—Cloud." Zack replied almost immediately, as he restrained from crossing his arms defensively in his chest. He felt that this matter should be dealt with as soon as possible. Angeal only looked amused more than anything else.

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Cloud's heart beat wildly in his chest as Zack looked at him expectantly. Beside him, the First Class Genesis Rhapsodos looked utterly confident, looking at Zack. He had not expected something like this. He had been turning the idea over and over in his head the moment their instructor had returned their assessments. Those extra hours he had spent everyday training himself to exhaustion had made a good impression. A few Second Classes and a First Class had shown interest in him. But he didn't imagine this kind of situation at all.

But if he wanted to be Zack's equal, fast, he needed to do this. He tried ignoring his protesting mind, and Zack's obviously dejected, and surprised face when he chose the First Class redhead. He almost had changed his mind and taken everything back at that moment, but Genesis had flashed the brunet a knowing smile, as if to tell him that there was no way for him to not be chosen. Zack looked miffed for a second at that, but then finally sighed in defeat. This was the right decision, the blonde thought, though he isn't going to admit that he isn't happy even the slightest.

Zack then turned around abruptly, and left. Angeal watched in surprise for moment before he went after him. Cloud sucked in an involuntary breath. Was he that upset? His current state of shock was cut off by Genesis, that was now facing him.

"Alright then, Cloud. Your training with me will start tomorrow at five in the afternoon. You will not drop your other subjects. I want you to learn everything. If you're late even a second, I'll drop you instead. Understood?" Genesis stated, or rather ordered, watching the blonde critically. The blonde nodded in affirmation. This man, Cloud thought, just uttered a few sentences and he already knew he'll lose his already damned patience. He looked like the insolent, pushy kind. His blonde eyebrows almost knitted in distaste, but he kept an impassive face. He could do this. He'll think about Zack later.

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Zack should have expected that answer. Hell, if he was Cloud, he'd probably do the same and chose a First Class (and he did actually end up being a First Class's protege). That is the smartest thing to do. But still, he can't help but feel— utterly disappointed somehow. Or more precisely, a little betrayed. He had not seen that one coming. He had thought about this apprenticeship since the beginning and he had not considered any other possibility. He was feeling utterly stupid. He guessed he expected too much. He just wished that Genesis will treat him nicely though, for that man can get under one's skin pretty easily.

Angeal sighed as he watched Zack's form, doing squats at a corner in his office. He had followed the brunet there immediately after he had obviously walked out of them in the training room. He's nearing the 50th mark now (he had been counting), and he doesn't seem to be stopping soon enough.

"Zack if you're that unhappy about it, why don't you just choose a cadet to train too? There were still others you can choose from." His mentor said, walking towards the younger male. Zack didn't answer, but had stopped squatting as Angeal stood close beside him.

"Or if you want, I can just recommend you for more missions instead."

Zack finally looked at him, and sighed heavily. He was acting very childish right now, he thought, over an insignificant matter. He should be proud actually, that Cloud was good enough to have captured the interest of a First Class, but here he was, walking out of his superiors and being miserable by himself instead.

"Take a look?" Angeal nudged again, smiling encouragingly at Zack. He passed him the folder that contained the other Soldier candidates, and hoped that the younger male would consider. He looked painfully defeated and it was very rare for the brunet to look and act like it.

Zack looked at the files, obviously uninterested. He wanted to train Cloud. He wants to spend more time with him. He wants to watch him grow with his own two eyes. But he isn't an option. His gut twisted in protest. Flipping to the next pages, he saw familiar faces. It was the other blonde and that brunet kid. Ramza Beoulve and Delita Heiral, huh? They were Cloud's friends. Somehow, Zack's spirit lit up a little. He can't do anything about this situation, but these two look like good kids. He saw how they interact with Cloud on their mission. Zack smiled a little despite of himself. He cannot treat Cloud like a candy to be fought over with, of all people— Genesis.

"Alright. Why not, eh? If it helps them."

Zack finally replied, returning his mentor's gaze. Angeal nodded appreciatively, relief washing over him. In all honesty, all he wanted for this student of his is to be happy. He had dealt with so much back in those days when Soldier was at its peak. Thinking about it, maybe he should have asked Genesis his reasons in the first place. What was he thinking? He likes to compete with everyone, he gets that, but to go out of his way and actually exert himself to mentor a kid? But he didn't expect Zack's reaction either. It's as if the matter is serious, and it is a very big deal to him to look after Cloud's progress.

Or was it?

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Cloud realized he was correct after all, the moment his training with the First started. To say that the man was strict was a shame. He was exerting him both physically and mentally, and it drains him fast, testing his patience. Normally, he wouldn't put up with something like this, the man only allowing him enough room to breathe, but he needs to get his act together, because he was the one who chose this painful path. He felt like he was being scrutinized very carefully, like he was waiting for him to make any sort of mistake. And when he does, he makes it a point to really make it difficult for him to learn otherwise. He was really, a pain in the ass.

But Cloud sucks it up, over and over again, not wanting to give the man the satisfaction to enjoy his stuck-up ways. Every time he falls, he stands right back up to try again. He taunts him every time but he had outgrown this kind of treatment already from where he came from, or so he thought. Because, Genesis' words were not empty. He had more than enough skills to back up every word, every taunt, every sneer. His arrogance was the most prominent of all. He sometimes thinks how such a man be looked upon by the Soldiers of Shinra? He wanted to respect him, really, but that may not come much sooner. And in those moments, that he was so tired of trying, and his body was aching all over, he does not dare and think about Zack. The thought lingers on, chewing at his mind little by little. He would not dare think about his disappointed face, directed at him. Or the frown that turned his smiling lips downward. Specially not his eyes that lit up his face when he dared to challenge him not long before. It makes him ache all the more, and not physically. He gritted his teeth at another snide commentary from the First. He knows this already, he always tried to get him to give up. But why?

"Is that it, Cloud Strife? This is an insult to Soldier, really. What were they thinking, collecting kids of your age to fight their battles for them?"

"Does it not anger you, Cloud? Don't you think, that they are just too lazy to get their stubby hands dirty?"

"Does it not sicken you that mere kids are being trained to be the perfect killing machines?"

"Why are you even here, Cloud?"

Genesis had met a great deal of people in his life as Soldier. He cannot tolerate most of them to be exact. The remaining smaller portion are the ones he liked. Cloud belonged to that tiny portion. He had become curious about him after reviewing the report from Zack's and Luxiere's missions, especially when he started observing him the moment their training started.

Cloud liked to take risks. He was resilient and stubborn. No matter how much he pushed, he never let his frustration and anger show. He only concentrated on how he will do better, even if it was obvious that it was not to please him in return. But he didn't need that. They were playing a game for two. He wondered what motivates him to no end, allowing himself to be subjected with this kind of treatment. Is this all for the title of Soldier? He does not look like those wide-eyed kids though, staring and praising the very floor they had walked on.

So, what is it, then?

Genesis watched, as Cloud picked up his discarded sword, with obvious difficulty, his bandaged fingers wrapping tightly at the hilt. He was breathing laboriously now, after he had sent him falling and flying across the expanse of the training room over and over. Yet, he still stands. He was infuriatingly, reminding him of Zack Fair, but a more silent, less energetic version that he was. Sometimes he wonders why he didn't choose the man instead. But as the blonde struggled to keep his breath and stance steady, he came to understand why, as he answered him head-on, his intense blue eyes unwavering.

"There was this man, and I wanted to be his equal.—"

"If being a killing machine is what it takes for me to stand by his side, then—"

"…so be it."

Genesis almost snorted at his reply, sounding very mature for his age. He was utterly serious. He had not expected this answer. It was getting more and more interesting, he decided, intrigue eating up his curiosity.

Wasn't this all, but a proclamation of love?

It sounded pathetic in his own inner voice, for that overused reason is the sole weakness of a man, fighting. Yet, he repressed a smile that threatened to form in his lips, as he came to view him a little differently, but that does not mean he will go softer on him. If anything, he'll continue pushing him forward until he breaks, he guessed, for the strongest of Soldiers were the broken ones.

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Cloud winced as he felt the bruises that were the newest additions to the previous ones, that were now mostly gone. His hands felt like hell, as it burned against the bandages, dried blood staining the once fresh white. He had to change it every single day. Today isn't an exception either, as he walked to the direction of the infirmary. The nurse got already accustomed to him, unsurprisingly, seeing his face almost every day for two weeks, spared the ones when the First has got much important things to do rather than train him. He stilled by the door as he heard voices from inside, making their way into his direction. They stopped also when they saw him, and he didn't want to look them in the eye.

He already knew this, when the excited faces of Ramza and Delita told him one particularly gloomy morning in the mess hall, that, Second Class Zack Fair had taken them as apprentices. It was kind of shocking for him to hear that, feeling his pulse raise to the very roof of the hall, until he was nothing but a loud thudding muscle against a ribcage. They looked so happy about it and Cloud has got no other option but to smile encouragingly, in return. Ever since then, he did everything to avoid meeting him. He just can't let him be seen like this, looking far too exhausted and pained. But then again, his luck ran out at the most crucial of times. He looked straight on as he forced himself to walk towards their direction, legs heavy, and his breathing erratic. It took a monumental amount of restraint for Cloud to not look at Zack, but he gave in. He always did. He regretted seeing the pained look in the brunet's eyes.

Zack stilled as his gaze locked on golden hair and blue eyes. He had not seen Cloud for quite some time now, but now he was here, in a place where he never wanted to see him, ever. He was escorting Ramza in the infirmary because, he was so confident that any one of them wouldn't get hurt as he tried to do his best to train them as carefully as possible, not going overboard to what they cannot take. He knows how well he can deal a lot of damage to a normal person and he keeps himself in check as it nagged at him continuously. But no matter how careful he was, accidents were inevitable. How much more if one does it purposefully? He unconsciously balled his fists as the blonde came closer, his eyes raking his body intently.

His stomach dropped.

Bandages adorned his beautiful fingers, traces of brown blood mingling with fresh ones. He's got bruises at the side of his face, marring his porcelain-like skin. He was pretty sure he's got bruises under his partially opened uniform as well, and it took a lot for him to not rush at once to his side, and inspect him. He looked strained as he moved, and he did not look at him until he came in front of them, face impassive. Zack tried to force a smile against his bubbling anger.

"Hey— spiky.. How's training with Genesis? Hope he's not.. being an ass." Zack heard himself say distantly, still focused on the blonde's injuries. He would not treat Cloud like this, ever, he thought, as his eyes settled on the bruise at his lower lip.

"It's.. fine I guess, he's pushy as hell though." The blonde replied, his unwavering voice and blue eyes settled on the brunet. Zack wondered if he was lying, and hopelessly wished he could read Cloud's mind. But he can't, and the blonde was like a concrete wall.

"You wanna come with us Cloud? We're going to eat after this. We'll wait for you." Zack tried, in a light-hearted tone. Cloud thought his voice always made things feel much better, even if his eyes were currently swirling with worry that he knew all too well. It makes his gut twist, and he just wanted to wipe it all away. He turned his head to Ramza as he spoke, and also see the concern in his face, along with Delita who was openly frowning.

"Yeah, Cloud. We're having pizza. Come with us!"

If anything, it only fueled the aching in his chest and the twisting in his gut. Cloud felt so out of place at the moment, and that is what actually hurts, he discovered. His feelings were getting so out of control and he was afraid of it, for it was like he was being consumed whole. He wasn't supposed to be here, feeling so hung up seeing Zack with his friends.

"I can't go, sorry." The blonde finally said, wanting to get away as soon as possible.

"Something important?"

Cloud knew Zack was trying to get into him again, but he does not want to so badly, right now. He nodded absently in return. He hoped that the brunet won't push it.

"Yeah. I need to go inside now."

"Okay." Zack finally said, not able to do anything. Cloud gave the other two a nod, before proceeding inside the infirmary, leaving them behind.

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There was only so much that Zack could bear. After finishing their training session and dismissing the two recruits, he stays, to blow off whatever pent up feelings he always seemed to acquire throughout the entire day or the days that had passed. It was keeping him restless for quite some time now, eating away at his focus. Genesis was not helping at all, as he displayed Cloud at times through the Soldier's floors, like some kind of new toy. He can tell that the blonde didn't like it at all, his unsmiling face kept intact, as he was greeted by other Seconds and Thirds. Maybe, he was honestly proud with how the kid was doing. He didn't dare ask though. He huffed lightly as he once again sliced through the air, swinging his massive sword around, against an imaginary enemy. Maybe the VR room was probably a much better option, he decided, as he stilled, replacing his sword.

Entering the VR room, he was greeted by sight of Genesis and Cloud, with the First, showing him how to use sword magic. Out of the First three, he was, he can say, the most versatile, utilizing magic to strengthen a weapon. After the demonstration was over, the First then regarded his presence, beckoning him to come closer.

"This is really a good timing, Zack. I was showing Cloud how to fuse magic into a sword. Would you care with a performance for my student?" Genesis asked, smiling at the brunet. It was the kind of smile that tells him that he knew something that he doesn't, and he would enjoy watching him figure it out. Genesis is bag of secrets and he'll never know what he was always up to, but he obliged. Cloud's eyes widened significantly at that, and Zack smiled at his direction automatically.

"Well, I haven't got someone to spar with lately. Why not?"

Zack replied, exhilaration coursing through his veins. Something else lingered just beneath the surface, and he extinguished it, immediately. He wouldn't most likely win against him (he never won against Angeal), but getting very angry at this moment will make him loose spectacularly. Cloud is watching and he better be a good example.

Cloud tried hard to concentrate on the mock battle in front of him, instead of his growing worry for Zack. He knew he was strong and amazing and all that, but Genesis was just— ruthless. And seeing him now, it looked like he was going all-out against a Second. It reduced him to a bundle of nerves, really, as he watched the brunet dodge and parry Genesis' attacks. The First came to him relentlessly, sword coming from all directions, not giving Zack any opening to exploit. But as he looked more carefully, he can see the strain in the red-head's arms as he deflects the other's attacks, his massive sword clashing brutally against an elegant rapier. A look of utter seriousness and focus held Zack's handsome face, and Cloud can't help but be entranced as he danced with a very difficult partner.

After all this time, he still felt far from attainable.

Cloud's body moved involuntarily as a wave after wave of sword magic was thrown against Zack and he restrained himself from doing something stupid. Genesis wouldn't probably injure Zack, right? He thought, as the brunet did his best to deflect and dodge most of it, but the First just won't back down. He had managed to break into the brunet's defensive space as he struggled from the assaults, Genesis successfully prying his sword out of Zack's hand with an upward blow. He looked taken aback by the First's utter speed, as he was sent flying across the training room, getting kneed, hard. Zack seemed to recover quickly though, righting himself up to meet another blow from the First. Without a weapon though, it was pretty hopeless. Genesis embodied versatility, attacking from afar to close proximity. Zack can only take so much, as he blocked and dodge some more, until he was met by a deadly slice of a sword. Zack clenched his jaw as he instinctively tried to block it with his arms, and was met with a swift kick in his chest instead. He was again, with his back on ground, wheezing.

"Yield?" Genesis asked, as he pointed the blade at Zack's heaving chest.

"I yield." The brunet replied through labored breaths. The First just smirked in return, turning his gaze towards Cloud. He was not surprised to see his utterly upset face, even as he made his way across the room, settling beside Zack. He just watched in silence, scrutinizing the interaction unfolding before him.

"Zack—" Cloud started, completely blocking Genesis out of his senses. Zack sat upright immediately, the moment he saw the blonde approach his side.

"Ahhh— Ha ha. I lost remarkably! Well— but that's expected already, anyway." The brunet replied, smiling despite the pain in his chest. Genesis didn't go easy on him. He tried not to frown as he remembered how Cloud actually puts up with those, and reached for him absentmindedly. His tentative fingers landed on his cheek, ever so gently. Cloud didn't seem to mind, but the worry still lingered on his face. It made his heart race more than his spar with Genesis.

"Lookit you.." Zack said softly, tracing small circles at the blonde's cheek. An undeniable blush crept on his porcelain skin, and he looked away.

"I'm fine—" Cloud replied, voice straining. Their fleeting private moment was cut short with the First's remark, that was somehow, they have completely forgotten was in the room with them.

"Gaia. You're both painful to watch. I'll excuse myself and pretend I never saw this."

"I hope you've learn something from that Strife. I won't repeat myself."

Genesis retorted, what looked like irritation setting in his features. He replaced his sword as his back, red leather swishing as he turned around abruptly to leave.

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Cloud sat at his familiar sofa, not watching the tv, but was instead inspecting his hands that were now free of bandage. Zack had healed him earlier, saving him a trip to the infirmary. He was now all cozy and warm, and clean, wearing Zack's clothes that were far larger than him. It felt such a long time since he was with him, but now he was back here again, to a place that filled his senses with nothing but Zack. His heartbeat raced as he heard him come out of the shower, walking to his direction. His hair was still dripping wet when he settled beside him, dressed loosely in a gray shirt and only his boxers. It wasn't the first time he saw him stripped to only his undergarments but it made him stare nonetheless.

"What's on?" Zack said, as took note of the show for a moment, before reaching for the remote to flip to different channels. He looked far too contented, a small smile adorning his face.

"You're dripping." Cloud commented as he reached for the brunet's hair, propping a leg and a foot on the sofa. Zack chuckled as his hair was ruffled gently, beads of water dropping at his shoulder. His arm automatically circled Cloud's slim waist, bringing him a tad closer.

"Sorry." Zack replied, looking far too happy staring at the blonde. Cloud retrieved his hand, feeling conscious as another blush betrayed him. Zack was the touchy kind and he already knew this a long time ago. But still, his feelings were getting really out of hand lately, whenever it involves Zack. The brunet let out a very delighted chuckle again, seeing his flushed face. He reached out and returned the gesture, ruffling his golden locks affectionately. He only received an incoherent grumble.

"You gonna spend the night here?" The brunet asked once more, still not letting him go.

"If you don't mind."

"Of course, I don't mind."

Zack was surprised as he watched Cloud lean into his chest, settling his cheek above his beating heart. He remained silent as stared at the tv, lithe hands loosely circling around the brunet's waist. Zack's hand was still securely wrapped around him, and he reveled at his warmth. There was no going back, Zack thought as he acknowledged the feeling that haunted him since the beginning. The feeling that he had vehemently pushed away, for his own convenience. And like a wave, it was now back at full force. He watched as Cloud's eyes drifted shut, and he brushed away the stray locks from his face.

He wanted to tell the blonde how jealous he had felt, and how angry he had felt. He wanted to tell Cloud to choose only him. He sighed deeply as he fought the strong surge of possessiveness that engulfed him. He was never this greedy.

"You wanna move to the bed?" Zack heard himself say. What a dangerous question that was. If he didn't know any better, he'll say he was obviously flirting.

"Carry me there?" Cloud answered rather playfully, to Zack's utter astonishment. He sounded so innocent that he felt so guilty in so many levels. He saw as the blonde lifted his head to look at him when he didn't answer, curiosity plastered in his beautiful face.

"Something wrong?" He asked softly, and Zack was positive he saw a mischievous glint in his eyes somewhere in there. The brunet collected his limbs in a swift motion in return, his arms snaking his way at the blonde's legs and back. Cloud gave out a yelp as the brunet stood quickly, ungracefully flailing his arms to grasp at the other's shoulder for support as he was carried with no effort at all.

Zack laughed heartily, his voice bouncing around the dimly lit apartment.

"To bed, then."

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