AN Copied from AO3. Might be subject to editing. Gaia knows I wanted to edit the last chapter so badly. ): But anyway I hope you won't dwell too much on that plate drop because it was just a tiny part of this whole.. sub-plots. Yes, these things with Shinra and the other charas are just sub-plots and the main plot is so simple stormbringer could have been a oneshot. It will be revealed in the next chapters.
Anyway are you even reading this? lol. The first time I wrote this fic I was pretty sure Cloud is the stormbringer but now, I think if you're gonna ask the charas they will have different answers.. This note is getting too long so.. I hope you enjoy this chapter and not find some scenarios cheap Especially the first one. It was all intentional, it won't do anything for our protagonist so I didn't went on the alternate route. And if you probably noticed, Seph is like 0.01% present in this fic. ): In the next chapters maybe you'd see more of him, I don't know how to write him atm. I'll shut up now.
Warning: General subplots ahead and an explicit scene by the end. Nsfw at that part! Pls review!
.
Reno let out a yelp as he was met with a very hard slap in the face the moment the door opened.
"Thank your bullet I cannot slap you any harder than that. I told you I didn't want to see your face again, didn't I?"
Tifa exclaimed angrily, eyeing the redhead critically. Reno almost flinched under her stare as he tried to collect his cool, feeling the forming welt on his cheek.
"I'm sorry Tif— baby, cmon' this is an emergency alright? I wouldn't show my face if it isn't. The plate just freaking collapsed for Gaia's sakes!"
Tifa didn't know exactly what makes her angrier, the fact that Reno was here, or his admittance that he wouldn't really consider to go see her unless it was an emergency.
"This better be worth my time then."
The brunette hissed, fist forming at her sides. Reno saw it and scrambled to the side, urging the two kids forward with him. Marlene looked utterly shocked, while Denzel held her hand protectively. Tifa immediately melted the moment she saw them.
"Hey, you alright?" She asked the girl, crouching before them. Marlene nodded.
"Where's Aerith?" She asked, glancing back at the redhead.
"I don't know yo. I told her to meet me at the church. Apparently, she freakin' went back." Marlene started sobbing at that.
"Where's big sister?" The little girl choked, as tears run down her face. Denzel's young face broke into worry, and he squeezed her hand tighter.
"I'm gonna find her, okay? Stay here with Tif for a moment, yo?" Marlene only sobbed in return. Denzel nodded his head for the both of them.
"And Cloud? What about him? Shouldn't he be there?" Tifa pursued, as Reno turned around to leave.
"Ahh, blondie joined Soldier. I forgot to tell ya. He's probably fucking busy somewhere else— who knows? Anyway, I'm going. Take a look at them for a moment, alright? I'll be back with Aerith, probably." Reno answered, unslinging the backpack he was carrying and handing it to the brunette. Tifa said nothing, and only watched him as he reluctantly turned around to leave.
"I'm sorry, alright?" Reno finally said, as he stopped once more to look at the brunette. He cannot take back what had happened and he already said those words so many times, but still, he tries. He cannot read Tifa's face.
Aerith woke up with a jolt, suddenly remembering the deadly crash of the plate above. For a moment, she thought it wasn't at all true, until she heard the series of explosions and the rumbling sound, reverberating from the skies, to the walls, and to the ground. It frightened her to her soul, but she managed to take the kids to safety before it all went crashing down. Somehow, Reno had known. She didn't actually know what exactly was happening, but they were still alive, thanks to him.
"Are you feeling alright? You injured your leg, but it's not that bad."
A voice asked, pulling the brunette out of her trance. She immediately sat up, feeling the makeshift bandage in her calf as his words sink in, her long brown hair spilling around her. Everything else started sinking in as well, like the sand in her feet, and eerie silence around them.
He eyed her cautiously, watching her small movements, and the paleness of her skin, and her long, long hair that curtained around her. Even in her disheveled state and injury, she still looked beautiful. That was the first thing he thought, really, the first time he saw her unconscious form, covered with dust, by the edge of the rubble. The dirt that enveloped her didn't do much to hide it. She must have realized his staring as she turned her green gaze to him, and he dismissed his thoughts.
"What's your name? Do you have a family?" He asked automatically, like one might do in a standard operating procedure. She was wary of him, he can tell, but she opened her mouth and he thought it sounded like church bells ringing.
"Aerith." She said tentatively, her hand going to her dusty feet, eyeing the man in black suit.
"You are?"
"Tseng."
The man said, as he approached her side, extending out a hand to her.
"Can you stand?" He asked, as he waited for her to take his hand. She did, in that tentative manner again, and Tseng cussed mentally for being in uniform for once. He looked intimidating, he knows, and that's what she might be thinking exactly right now.
"Do you have someone we can contact?" He tried again, in a much gentler tone. She nodded eagerly in return.
"Cloud. Cloud Strife."
She needed to speak to him first, for he might be worried, thinking they were trapped under that rubble. The man, who was obviously a Turk, fished a phone from his pocket and gave it to her. She was staring at him with utter caution and it was somehow making him a little uncomfortable.
"Do you know Reno?" She asked suddenly, steady gaze settling in his dark eyes. The wariness suddenly seemed to have gone, and she seemed to be an entirely different person. More alert, sharp, and collected.
"I do. Are you related to him?" Tseng asked, surprised. What a small world, it is.
"He's a friend."
She dialed Cloud's number, still looking at him. A few rings and it was answered, thankfully, as her heart banged in her chest.
"Hello? Who's this?" It was the frantic response of a voice she has become fond of, recently.
"Zack. It's Aerith."
"Aerith!? Thank Gaia! Where are you? Are you okay? How are the kids?" Aerith refrained from giggling in front of Tseng despite the grim situation. Zack's voice was so loud she was tempted to distance herself from the phone.
"I'm alright. And Cloud?" She asked, against his frantic questions.
"Ohh— actually he's passed out—"
He was muffled as some kind of commotion went about the other line, and Aerith frowned, getting worried. Tseng just watched all of it in silence, in awe, particularly, at how she was worrying about someone else in this situation. And more importantly, was she talking to Zack Fair of Soldier?
"Zack? What happened to Cloud?"
"Ahh— he's awake—" another muffled sound interfered and then the unmistakable sound of his voice went through.
"I did not definitely pass-out. Aerith?! Are you alright? How's Denzel and Marlene? Where are you? I'm coming to get you guys right now. Stay where you are!" Aerith smiled and Tseng thought everything is actually alright for a moment.
"I'm okay. I'm by the playground at Sector Six. I think Reno is with the kids. I still haven't called him yet. I'll wait for you guys, alright?"
"Definitely. We'll fly if we have to, don't worry." Aerith finally relaxed as she heard a sigh of relief on the other line.
"Alright, I have to go hang up now, this isn't my phone." The brunette replied, eyeing the Turk once more.
"Alright. We'll be quick." Cloud wanted to ask who she was with but Aerith hang up. Tseng extended his hand.
"I'll take care of it." The man said as she handed him his phone back, and he immediately dialed a number.
"Reno. Sector Six. By the playground. Ten minutes." And just like that, he ended the call swiftly, not even bothering if the other got the message.
Anyone who had seen Genesis and Sephiroth will say that they were not only both beautiful to look at, but they were also utterly deadly nonetheless. You just cannot simply mingle with them like normal people do, because they always have this edginess with them, sharp like the blades they carry on their back, reminding people to keep their distance. If that isn't enough, their sharp tongue can cut you either way. But that is also where the two of them differ, because unlike Sephiroth, Genesis can make use of his flowery mouth to his advantage. He can socialize with people. He can connect with people, even if he internally loathes them. He is more like an actor, he can say, delivering his messages into an audience with utter ease, and he captivates them, nonetheless, with his words and his wits, and his utter display of elegance. This is what exactly he is doing to him right now, Angeal thought, as he watches the redhead pace gracefully before him. They had just come back from investigating the building tension in Wutai, and he can honestly say that their presence there only made it worse. Learning the events that had happened when they were away, they rushed back, expecting bad news. But he soon realized that he was facing a much difficult dilemma with his childhood friend. He did not imagine anything remotely suggesting this situation at all.
"Angeal. Are you with me?" Genesis asked, as his blue gaze settled on Angeal.
"Genesis— why are you doing this?" Of all times, why now?
"I'm doing this for us. We don't deserve any of this. Or have you forgotten what they did to Banora? To your— mother? She wouldn't be the last one to be subjected in this kind of atrocity." The redhead retorted, a pained expression marring his face. It was very rare for him to display such emotion, and it held Angeal captive.
"What exactly are you going to accomplish with this rebellion? You have everything you ever dreamed of in here. You are a Soldier, people follow you. People believe in you. People admire you." Angeal countered, voice breaking delicately in front of his friend. Genesis was definitely angry, and he seemed to be bottling it up for quite a long time now, he slowly realized, as he looked into his blue eyes intently.
"Still it doesn't change the fact that we're still their dogs, they're lab rats even. Can't you see? This is all but a lie, Angeal. All we ever do is follow their orders."
"You do have a choice."
"No, we don't. They had taken our future into the palm of their hands ever since we were born. And even if you refuse their orders, somebody else will just do it for you." Genesis replied sternly, like it was the ultimate truth.
"Come with me, if you're still that friend of mine who lectures me about honour. Or do you really prefer their war-scheming against Wutai? Angeal, this is all just business to them. Wake up!" The First almost snorted at that, shaking his head a little in frustration.
"War scheming? We do not know that for sure, Genesis. Don't do this. You wouldn't win against them!"
Angeal knows that when Genesis makes up his mind, there is no way to convince him otherwise. Yet he still looked into his eyes, searching, pleading silently for him to tell him that this is all just a bad joke.
"That is why I need your help. You're the only one that I trust Angeal. You're the only family that I have. We can do this together. We will take over that scum of a man named Shinra. We will rebuild Soldier." Genesis said, eyes gleaming. Angeal still thought it was suicide.
"It is not that simple Genesis." Angeal finally said, as he hangs on to the last bit of rationale he thought he has.
"It is, Angeal. Just say yes." Genesis remarked, extending his hand.
Since they were kids, Genesis was always the ambitious one. He was the one who always have the grandest of dreams and ideals. And he'd be lying if he said he isn't drawn to him because of it. And so, Angeal always silently supported him, for within the arrogance, the lies, and his intolerance to almost everyone, resides a realistic person inside. And no, he isn't the realist in here, his views of honour and pride are nothing but unrealistic, it's almost poetic. Genesis is the realist.
And like him, he can see himself in Zack. A dreamer that is, fueled by the promise of glory. And yet they are utterly attracted to the biting reality of the likes of Genesis, bringing, anchoring them back down to the ground, making them think about the real things, the important things. If he chooses Genesis, this will be the end of his dreams for Soldier. If he chooses Genesis, will Zack follow as well? Will he see his friend in a different light? Will he fight alongside him for his ideals? Zack's future is secured with Shinra. How can he tell him to fight the very people who had made his dreams come true? He cannot put that kind of burden to him and ask him to join a suicidal battle. He doesn't deserve it. This is his choice alone because Genesis is important, more than Soldier, more than anything else. Zack might not understand that he cannot leave Genesis alone. If Shinra tries to take him down, they will face him. If Genesis goes down, he'll go down with him.
He wished everything is as simple as he says. His waiting hand was an invitation he can never refuse. Genesis smiled at him the way he always did, when they were still kids, dreaming. He was losing.
He finally took his hand.
"My friend, we shall be the new heroes."
.
Sector Six was slowly filling up with the police, paramedics, ambulances and slum people when they hit the stop. The sound of sirens and people crying filled the air, driving everyone over the edge. A massive gaping hole is the only thing left from above if they look down, yet for the slum people, they are now seeing the sky, albeit the darkness and the chaos of the night.
It was apparent that Cloud was utterly distressed when he arrived with Zack, a little red eyed. She stood from the edge of the sandbox and smiled brightly when they immediately approached her, the blonde bodily sandwiching himself between Aerith and the man in the black suit standing beside her. Cloud looked at him with obvious distrust, blue eyes narrowed. The man only looked back, not uttering a word. Cloud turned his attention back to the brunette, inspecting her thoroughly. His blonde brows furrowed at her apparent disarray, reaching out to wipe away the dirt that clung to her face. She smiled appreciatively at the gesture, as the thought of not seeing him ever again passed her mind, making her feel utterly afraid. She's a big girl now, she knows, but she's been with him for the last five years and he was the closest thing to family. She wanted to just breakdown and cry in front of him that exact moment, and tell him how afraid she had felt witnessing the massive plate as it came crashing down, trapping the frantic and frightened faces of the people fleeing, but she held it, carefully, because Cloud looked pained enough.
"Let's get you out of here, alright? Where's Marlene and Denzel?" Cloud asked gently, as he searched his pockets for a handkerchief and found none. A blue-colored one was handed to him fortunately, seconds later, by Zack.
"They're at Tifa's."
Cloud's head spun at Reno, who's standing next to a bald man farther away from them. His presence didn't even register to him at first for he was so focused on the girl's well-being. Zack was uncharacteristically being quiet, the blonde thought, as he felt him move next to him.
"And how did you exactly know that they'd be in danger?" Cloud asked before he can stop himself, eyeing the redhead seriously. It was quite apparent that he knew something, as he was able to take the kids to safety. And if they unfortunately, really ended up getting buried underneath, he surely wouldn't know what he'll do to him. Gaia knows he isn't much of a saint. Reno on the other hand, only stared back coolly at him.
"We have a tip. If that is what you wanted to know. I cannot tell you any more than that. You have to wait for an official statement from Shinra." The dark-haired man in suit interrupted, his voice monotone. He looked quite young, but still he oozed authority. Reno looked like he's about to fidget, but he just shoved his hands in his pockets. Cloud turned to Zack and saw his utterly serious face, directed at the Turks. He still didn't say a thing, but Cloud felt like he was like rubber band about to snap any moment. He realized Zack must be feeling the same way, and he carefully diffused his own bubbling emotions. He should have learned to control his freaking temper by now, right?
"Zack? Let's go?" Cloud nudged gently, placing a hand on his arm. Zack turned to him and nodded.
"Alright. But we won't fit on the bike though. Guess we're gonna have to walk." Cloud turned to the brunette.
"Can you walk properly? I can carry you if you can't." Cloud asked, smiling at her despite of himself. Zack's eyebrows quirked upwards. He was not able to help it as he let out a teasing smile. Cloud saw it and turned to him.
"Are you somehow, implying something about my height, Zack? I can definitely carry her." Cloud asked playfully, narrowing his eyes at the Soldier. He and Aerith are at almost the same height, with her being a year older.
"I didn't even say anything." Zack retorted, shrugging. He has gotten a little looser than a moment ago, Cloud thought, and he felt happy with his tiny victory. He was serious about carrying Aerith though. The said brunette was giggling beside them, looking at the both of them fondly.
"You surely did think about it though. I just know it." The blonde answered, smiling at Zack in return.
"I can walk, alright? You don't need to worry Cloud." Aerith chimed in, smiling. The blonde nodded at her.
"I think we should go now. Reno had told me where." Aerith said, glancing momentarily at the redhead. She then turned to Tseng and uttered a small "thank you" to the man. Cloud visibly frowned. Aerith saw it and she ushered them immediately to the right direction and promptly left.
Tseng pointedly looked at Reno the moment the three was out of sight.
"Your task was to keep the order at the upper plates, not evacuating a couple of people to safety."
Reno seemed to want to retort something back, but kept his lips tight shut. He knows he isn't supposed to be at the right time at the right moment but this is pushing it. His conscience won't be able to take it if something happened to them.
"I think you're smart enough not to disclose any information to Soldiers as well."
Reno only looked at his boss for some time, unable to answer. Tseng's hard stare does not tolerate anyone, especially him. But alas, he can't fight the words coming out of his mouth. He can't win against him, but he can try and make his way with him.
"They were just kids, yo. Just so you know."
Tseng only blinked at his direction. Rude merely coughed at Reno's side, like a gentle warning.
"You're stubborn as ever. Still, you don't seem to know how to follow orders. But I'll let you get away with this, just this one, last time. Next time, you'll be sanctioned for insubordination. Are we clear?"
"Of course, boss." Reno said as he shrugged, like he it was the most basic thing.
"Now since you're here, oversee the search and rescue."
.
Aerith! Marlene exclaimed the moment she saw her, running to clutch the girl for dear life. She hugged her back, patting her head gently to calm her.
"Aww, I'm sorry. We're you scared?"
"Why did you go back?" The little girl asked, as she tried to not bawl in front of her. It was a trait she was beginning to adopt from the brunette, and Aerith smiled at her warmly.
"I wanted to—" Aerith's smile faltered.
"Cid and Shera. I wanted to go to see them. And the other kids too.."
"What if you get squished under there?" Marlene interfered, little arms tightening against Aerith's midsection.
"But I'm okay now, aren't I?"
"Don't do it again!" She exclaimed, eyes pleading. The others only watched in silence, unable to deny the fact that thousands of people had just died, in a blink of an eye. Nobody knows who to blame. Nobody even knows what's going on. Cloud may sound utterly selfish, but what's important is his family. He does not have the capacity to handle the burden of so many people. So, he breathed, still. He'll pray to the Gods to not take any one of them away from him, so he'll still breathe. Especially not the man beside him, for the air in his lungs might go out.
"So, who might you be?" Tifa asked, tearing her gaze away from Marlene and Aerith, to the Soldier beside Cloud instead. Denzel seemed to be fond of him, surprisingly, smiling brightly when he got his hair ruffled. That kid was shy and is mostly distant against most people, except Cloud. The said blonde didn't seem to mind though, she noticed, as he placed his hand on the kid's head.
"I'm Zack Fair. I haven't seen you before, didn't I?" Zack answered, cocking his head and giving her a smile. Tifa felt suddenly conscious and swept her hair back. Now that she thinks about it, he looked vaguely familiar.
"I worked for some time at a bar called Seventh Heaven. Have you—"
"Ahh! Bartender girl! Yeah! I remember. Me and Kunsel went there a couple of times. You were wearing that cowboy hat that one time I saw you." Zack interrupted, looking genuinely surprised. Tifa brightened visibly.
"I was learning to bartend then. But I might open my own place someday. Come for drinks okay?" She retorted, excitement blooming in her face. Zack nodded enthusiastically, a little relieved for the change of mood. Everything is spiraling towards gloom, twisting his gut over. What he really wanted were answers, but instead, he smiled at her.
"Sure thing."
Cloud watched them in silence, looking from Tifa to Zack. He wanted to open his mouth and say something, but none came out.
"By the way, where's— Reno?" Tifa asked tentatively as she turned towards Cloud.
"He's occupied. I don't know, I guess he'll be on patrol or something." The blonde answered half-heartedly. The brunette's face went impassive.
"I see. Well, are you guys staying for the night?" She asked with renewed interest, looking at Zack in particular.
"Ahh. No, not really. Actually, I'm still on duty. I just came to pick up somebody."
"Who?" Tifa asked with obvious interest. She watched as the Soldier turned to his side, reaching out to ruffle Cloud's blonde head.
"Spiky." The Soldier replied fondly, smiling brightly at the blonde. It felt unreal, like nothing else even existed but that tiny moment between them. Cloud seemed to flush at the sudden attention. Tifa has gotten utterly confused.
"Can they stay here for a while though? Just until I find our own place." Cloud asked when he recovered, looking at Tifa squarely at the face.
"Of course, they can. The rooms above are for rent but they can stay here as long as they like." Cloud didn't exactly know how she can afford all of this. Does Reno earn that much?
"Does Reno pay for all of this?" Cloud asked, his curiosity eating him alive. Tifa smiled at him in return, too sweetly, and eyes bright.
"Think of it as compensation."
.
Midgar was definitely shaken by the sudden events that took place in one night, leaving the people in utter fear and confusion. The question of safety floated around the city, as an official statement was released by President Shinra himself, announcing an attack to their well-earned peace. People tuned in as reports of terrorist attacks had been broadcasted to every television, to every home, to every wide-screened banner at the town square, and to the entirety of Midgar. A couple of Wutaian spies had been caught on the scene, it said, and had pleaded guilty of bombing the reactor and ultimately, a whole district, allowing it collapse down below, killing many civilians in the process. Soldiers and Turks on duty had caught the terrorists, but was far too late to do anything about the bombs that have been set up beneath the plates.
"This crime against peace is unforgiveable. Many lives had been taken away on a single night because of this— desire. The desire of these people to settle the score once and for all. That was it, isn't it? Nothing is more important than rising once again to power, showing the world they won't bend against anything even at the cost of many lives. But even if we are hurt tremendously, we are going to stand back up. The Soldiers are here for you. They always have been there, working silently at the background, making sure that we keep our well-earned peace. And they need your help, more than ever. Now that they are threatening the safety of our very own families, we need your help greatly. We cannot just stand back and watch. We need you. We need brave Soldiers to join us and fight for peace, freedom—"
Zack turned away from the tv, revolted. A war is brewing in the horizon. He can feel it in his bones, and on the crawling goosebumps on his skin. This is really happening. A bloody, Second Wutai war is coming. He didn't expect this kind of thing. This was the last thing he had actually expected when the Soldiers were re-instated. This is not what he wanted at all. Cloud is too young. Too young to get caught up in this kind of mess. The weight in his gut makes him want to throw up so badly. It makes him want to rethink of every decision he had made back then up to now. All of them seemed to be bad. What felt worst was involving Cloud in the mess.
"Zack."
Zack jolted and turned to Angeal who was walking to his direction. The cafeteria was completely silent despite the presence of Soldiers that gathered and were all fixated at the news.
"You look pale, pup. Worried?" The First asked tentatively, standing beside the younger male.
"I'm— I don't know what to think anymore, Angeal."
"I can't just move from this. I have to fight. I'm going to fight back." He answered truthfully, shaking his head. They were all innocent people. If Cloud's family hadn't been so lucky— he'd be making a ruckus right now at Lazard's office, demanding justice. But more than anything, he cannot bring himself to confess that he utterly regrets bringing the blonde to Shinra.
"I understand. Don't push yourself too much, Zack. It still doesn't necessarily mean that there will be an actual war. Hope for the best, always. You know I'm just here." Angeal smiled at him warmly, patting him by the shoulder. Zack nodded and tried to smile in return.
His smile was painful to look at, Angeal thought. If anything, it only made him believe all the more that Genesis was frighteningly right. What are they fighting for? Who are they really fighting for? Is it really for the people, or for just a few that wanted to ensure their domination over the continents?
"This is all but a lie."
His words crept into him, lodging itself to the deepest part of his mind. Whatever side he chooses, he will still fight someone he considered important, like a coin that have the same sides, both loosing. It was a maddening thought. Yet here he was, telling Zack that things might still came out alright. It wouldn't.
.
It seemed like the message from Shinra had reached far and wide to the crevices of Gaia, to the people dreaming of making a difference. Applicants poured in, lining up like ants in the vast, luxurious lobbies of the massive Shinra building. Sympathy is a strong driving force, but fame and glory is much stronger. Cloud watched them curiously, young and adult men alike, selling their fates to Shinra. Cloud isn't naïve. Most of them probably won't make it back alive from a war, if there is going to be one. Most of them might probably not make it to Soldier even, and just be placed in the front rows to catch bullets. He grimaced internally at the thought of it.
"Do you think, they'd send us in the front lines too?" Ramza asked beside him, as they walked the stretches of the hallways, leaving the mass of people behind.
"I guess so. There's just a few months before we finished our sixth. By that time, things might be worse." Delita nodded alongside Cloud.
"The only thing missing is a declaration of war, isn't it?" Ramza retorted, frowning. They didn't need to do that, Cloud thought, for the news had probably served its purpose.
"You're technically free of that First, right? Join us with Zack. We will take them down like a storm." Delita continued, smiling despite the gloomy atmosphere.
"Of course."
It felt utterly unreal to Cloud. It felt like he was about to fight a huge, invisible enemy, and is ultimately losing. He felt like he was thrown in a middle of a battle that had started long before he even cared to look twice on an unsuspecting upper-class civilian. He felt utterly lost and misplaced.
Why are you even here, Cloud?
It was what Genesis had asked him back then, and his answer is still the same, but this is an entirely different thing. The Gods knows that he does not possess a single heroic bone in his body. Zack does. But for him— and for his family, he can actually risk everything. He looks at Ramza and Delita then, and see their encouraging faces, looking back at him.
"Don't worry about it too much, Cloud." He heard Ramza say.
Alright, and maybe even his friends. If that was enough of a reason, then he guessed it shall be.
.
His heartbeat skips as he saw him, waiting in his front door, his youthful face solemn. He seemed to brighten more in his eyes, if that was even possible, as he stared back at him, lifting himself off of the wall.
"Zack." He says, as he started towards him.
"How long have you been here? You could've just called me, you know. Cmon' let's go in." He said, as he ushers him inside.
His hand was taken as the door was locked, Cloud pulling him closer. Zack was a little startled at the sudden contact, his senses heightening with the blonde's body heat, so close to his own. Cloud didn't say anything else, and just cupped his face with both hands. His oceanic eyes bore into his, and he was lost, to endless blue of the sea. He felt so small and powerless against it, and he let himself get swept away by the waves. Cloud tiptoes because he was shorter, closing his eyes as he presses his lips onto his, gently. Zack returns it eagerly, hands settling on his waist, supporting him, urging him on, bringing him closer. Cloud moaned encouragingly as Zack leaned down, and the blonde took it as a cue to drag him to the nearest furniture without breaking contact. He held on despite their fumbling about, and they settled on the sofa, and Cloud pushes him, mounting on his lap the moment Zack was seated.
"Do you know exactly what you're doing?" Zack asked breathlessly when Cloud breaks the kiss.
"I'm bribing you, obviously. Or should I threaten you instead?" Cloud said, producing a familiar-looking switchblade, as his eyes droop dreamily. He flicks it open with a snap of his wrist, running the tip to Zack's uniformed chest. Zack's sky-blue eyes were trained on the other's face alone, watching every movement of his now, subtly glowing oceanic eyes and swollen lips. Cloud does not threaten him in any kind of way, still. If anything, he was just turning him on, completely.
"What for, exactly?" Zack asks, hands securely placed on the blonde's slim waist.
"To make sure you wouldn't dare leave me." Cloud whispered back, his breath ghosting on Zack's smirking lips.
"That is not how you threaten someone though." The brunet countered, swiftly snatching the blade away from Cloud's hand. The blonde sucked a breath as he was pushed to the sofa, Zack looming over him. His smirking face makes Cloud want to shiver, and he suppresses it hardly. Zack then removes his gloves, tossing it far behind them. He then retrieves the knife between his teeth and positioned the blade into the blonde's uniform, going under the second unopened button. He pops it open with a flick of the knife, continuing down below, until his uniform was opened and utterly button-less. Zack watches his heaving chest, as he breathed shallow breaths, definitely aroused. It had caused his toothy smirk to appear, and he positioned the knife even lower, to the tucked hem of Cloud's black shirt. He pulled it up to his chest with the blunt edge of the knife, revealing his taut torso. He raked his eyes over his exposed porcelain skin, ghosting the knife gently over it. Cloud's breath hitches as it reached his navel, and Zack swiftly drove the knife against the leather and cushion of the sofa, startling Cloud. It was merely inches from his golden head, but he didn't make any sound, his widened blue eyes and opened mouth the only indication of his shock. Zack then dips lower to his right ear, with a hot breath and a low voice, whispering.
"That is how you threaten someone, Cloud." The brunet remarked as his right hand roamed across the blonde's torso, feeling the goosebumps forming over his smooth skin. He then lowers his head on top him, tasting him with open, wet kisses. He kissed his way gently, almost apologetically, over his abdomen, going down and then back up to an exposed nipple. He sucks it gently and Cloud arches his back at the sensation, eyes shutting tight. He then turns to the other nipple and gives it the same treatment, as his bare hand caresses his arching back. Zack looks at his face and sees it was tossed back, exposing the gorgeous column of his neck. He was so tempted to just go up there and suck on every inch of it, but he restrained himself, and just gave his nipple a gentle nip with his teeth. Cloud sucks in another breath and he went down again, to his bellybutton, poking his tongue in the small crevice. Cloud shivered uncontrollably and his hands found its way into the brunet's hair, gripping. Zack smiles against it, as he continued lapping it with his tongue, straining his ears over the suppressed sounds that the blonde makes. He then makes his way lower still, down to his pelvis, where his obvious erection was covered by his offending uniform. Zack lifts himself up and unbuckles his belt, popping open the button and unzipping his fly. He hooked his fingers on the edge of his pants and gave it a tug, and it went slipping down to reveal his equally creamy legs, until its descent was halted by his boots. Zack let out a grunt of annoyance and focused on the boots then, tossing them away far behind after he managed to remove it. His pants and underwear soon joined them at the floor.
He looked once more at the blonde who was now flushed in embarrassment, left only with his disheveled shirt, his socks, and his button-less uniform. Zack gave him another triumphant, toothy smirk. Cloud merely peered into him under his blonde bangs, blushing. The brunet swept the locks away, and he leaned down once again, kissing him deeply, as he run his hands under his thighs. Zack will be a lying hypocrite if he says that he is not thinking about fucking Cloud senseless that very moment. He was already equally aroused, but he was just sixteen and is most probably, a virgin, with men.
Zack broke the kiss and held the blonde's waist securely, and watched him, as he took his hard member with his right hand and stroke it up and down slowly. Cloud gritted his teeth against the pleasure, eyes shut tight, hitched breaths making its way in and out of him. Zack can only focus on his beautiful face and nothing else, entranced with every breath he takes as he continue to stroke him, eagerly. He then placed his thumb over the slit of his head, drawing circular motions, teasing him. Blue eyes opened and looked at him, hazily. He then seemed to try and speak, but the words were stuck at the roof of his mouth, leaving his thoughts hanging between the thick air around them.
With one last look at Cloud's flushed face, Zack lowered his head and licked his shaft, from the base to its head. Cloud audibly gasped and he took his head into his mouth, and sucked him gently, running his tongue over the sensitive orifice. Cloud cried out softly, his hands back on his raven hair, now on a deadly grip. It only encouraged Zack, and he bobbed up and down, taking his full length in his mouth. He peered above him and saw the blonde lost in oblivion, head tossed back, chest heaving. It sent waves of arousal down his spine and he revels in it, fully acknowledging his desires. He held Cloud's hips in place as he buckled beneath his hand and his mouth, and he heard the unmistakable sound his name as it was breathed out helplessly. Zack closed his eyes focused on pleasuring him, entirely. Cloud came, and he took it all in, in a final thrust of his hips.
"Cloud?" Zack asked gently, as he lifted himself up, sweeping his fingers into the blonde's glistening forehead and tousled hair. He can taste him in his mouth and he tries to calm his rampaging heartbeat. Cloud opened his dreamy blue eyes tentatively, collecting himself under Zack's intense gaze.
"You're gonna need to find all those buttons, you know."
It was the only thing his mushed up brain could think about, and Zack chuckled, planting a wet kiss on Cloud's cheek.
.