A/N: Hey. It's finished. Is this fandom still alive in this site? I wonder.. See you in AO3 or some other Clack fic or another fandom in the future. I will be rewriting my other fics I think..
He stared at the night sky, feeling the soft sand beneath his feet, between his toes. Gentle waves lapped his skin ankle-deep along with the breeze that caressed his face, smelling of salt and the sea. The vast skies were filled with myriad of stars he had never seen before. He can stand there looking at it, admiring its beauty for all eternity. It felt good to not think of anything else. Not today, not tomorrow, or the next day after. He will selfishly indulge in it, like every day is his last. He felt strong arms encircle his smaller form and he automatically leaned against his warmth, heart thumping hard.
"What are you thinking?" Zack asked as he nuzzled the blonde's soft spiky hair. Cloud can almost see his smiling face through his mind's eye and he smiled to himself in return, revelling in each moment they spent together.
"Nothing." He replied, pouring his entire weight over the other man.
"Really?" He raven haired man asked, giving the blonde a kiss on cheek. Cloud realized that Zack had become touchier then ever after that night, as he made physical contact with him every chance he's got. Whether they are just talking casually, eating, or just walking by this very beach and goofing around. And he lets him, because he isn't holding back, and he liked it that way, for Zack had always been careful around him.
"Do you like it here?" He heard the brunet ask, his calm voice reverberating from his chest. He can fall asleep listening to him even if he talked complete nonsense.
"Yes.."
He let out a sudden yelp as he was then effortlessly picked up, and he struggled in his arms, clutching onto his shoulder. Zack laughed heartily as he walked towards the gentle rushing waves, staring at Cloud's flustered face.
"Don't you dare throw me in here—it's cold.." Cloud protested as he latched at the brunet tighter, giving the other a glare. Zack only grinned at him in return, giving him another peck on his forehead. Cloud helplessly blushed despite of himself and the brunet just found it fascinating how he was becoming more shy around him. He was the one who always provoked him before, but now it seemed like the more he advanced, the more Cloud became weak against him. And he adores it. He loved his boldness as well but this was just too endearing that it makes him want to keep him all to himself.
"I'm just kidding.." Zack replied as he chuckled and turned around, retreating from the waters. He let the blonde down and was tackled in the sand soon after. He let out another bout of laughter as he let Cloud have his way, only gazing at the smile on his face. He was definitely burying him under the sand this time around. His mum would get mad if she sees their dirtied clothes but its fine, he'll just help her wash it.
How nice it is to be so close to him, he thought, in a place that he calls home. When he was a lot younger, all he wanted was to get away from here to chase after something much bigger, or somewhere more exciting. He always thought that this place was rather empty but now it just felt so alive. He had never seen Cloud this carefree and happy. He can listen to his laughter all day and all night and never get tired of it. They were basically hiding but if it meant being with him like this, then he guessed it's not bad to go hiding for a long time. His mother welcomed them home with sheer delight, gushing over a rare sight that is Cloud with his fair skin, blonde hair and blue eyes. Everything felt like a dream he never wants to wake up from.
"Zack—"
"What are you thinking?" Cloud asked, sitting cross-legged on top of Zack's sand-buried body. He was staring at him all this time and it was making his gut flutter.
"Nothing." The brunet replied, smiling. The blonde scooted closer, limbs untangling to all fours, hovering above him.
"Really?" Cloud replied, leaning close over the other's face, half lidded eyes focusing on the other, and to his stretched out lips. He leaned in and closed his eyes, and kissed him softly on his mouth. He was pulled to an embrace a second later, feeling the sand against his skin as he got toppled over. He snaked his arms around Zack's shoulders as he was kissed deeply, raking his fingers in his thick raven hair. The kiss broke and they breathed each other, foreheads resting gently together. Cloud opens his eyes and Zack rolls over beside him, staring at the heavens. His larger hand made its way towards his, locking against each other perfectly. Cloud does not believe in Gods, but if there was a God watching them right now, he prays—to please always keep them together.
.
It was pretty shocking indeed when they saw the news on tv, Shinra must not have seen it coming. It provided them with a great opportunity for diversion, and who knows, they might be able to go to Midgar even. But for now, Cloud will be writing letters to his family. Zack bought a new phone and had talked to Kunsel. He sounded really happy.
"Kunsel told me that Lazard will be the acting President for now. Until his heir had come of age, that is. I wonder if it will be safe for us to visit. I wanna see them and your family." Cloud's lips stretched into a smile. His train of thought was cut off and he forgot the next word he was about to write.
"I was thinking the same thing. Did Kunsel say anything about us?"
"He just told me to stay low. Lazard can wipe us clean off the records but he doesn't seem to have complete power over Shinra's operations. There are a number of Shareholders after all."
Zack sighed and plopped heavily on his bed, lying down. He looked at the blonde's back as he scribbled his way on his small desk. He was wearing his old clothes, and he looked really adorable in it.
"But General Sephiroth has become a national threat, so I think they have more to worry about than us." Cloud replied, whipping his head to the brunet. There was a pout on his handsome face.
"I suddenly miss my bike." Zack said, giving Cloud the eyes. The blonde only cocked his head to the side in amusement.
"You just can't stay put, that's why. It's nice here in Gongaga, you know. And I really want to show them the sea." Zack's face lit up.
"Costa del Sol is where you should take them. It's far more.. prettier—I guess. It's a tourist spot."
Cloud stood from where he was seated and sat at the edge of Zack's bed. An arm was instantly wrapped around his waist, bringing him a tad closer.
"But this place feels more intimate, I think." Cloud replied, looking at Zack's sky blue eyes. He finally smiled back and his heart fluttered.
"I like the sound of that."
Zack sat up and kissed the blonde's mouth. He just can't get enough of him at this point. The more they stay closer together, the greedier he gets. Cloud doesn't seem to mind though and he hoped he feels the same way, yearns for him the same way, desires for him the same way. Warm fingers went under his shirt and traced his spine slowly. The blonde liked to do that and it always reminds him of that first night in his apartment, making his heart race. He pulled Cloud's smaller form on his lap, and started caressing his body.
"We cannot do more than this—your mom might hear us.." Cloud utters breathlessly against Zack's touch and kisses. His advances instantly turn him into a pile of mush in his hands and it actually drives him crazy thinking he can't have more than this. It didn't seem to faze the brunet as he sucked and kissed his exposed neck, and he chewed on his lower lip, as he tried to contain himself.
"I just want to touch you a little—"
Cloud slowly realized that Zack was getting more and more passionate as the days passed by, and it makes him think if he was also like this to all his previous partners. Did he love all of them equally? He felt the brunet pull away from him slightly and he opened his eyes. All seriousness has fallen to the other's face.
"You were frowning.." The brunet says, eyes boring to the other. Cloud snaps out of his thoughts at once as he felt a tad of guilt on his chest. How ridiculous he was, having these kinds of thoughts in a moment like this. His eyes fluttered downwards, voice soft.
"It's because I like you so much it's pissing me off."
The building worry on the brunet's face faded away and he smiled once again that toothy smile of his that makes Cloud's breath hitch. Zack's hands tightened around his waist as he leaned in once again, whispering in the blonde's ear. He wished he can have more control over himself like before, but times had changed and he isn't willing to let go of this one thing.
"Please, be mine only—"
Cloud shivers in response, face heating up. Whether he's hot or cold he didn't exactly know. He isn't sure either if Zack's response was a plea or a warning, but he wholeheartedly agrees nonetheless. He could only think of saying those words himself and fear for not receiving a reply. He surrenders to him completely, resting his head over the brunet's shoulder as he tried to calm himself. Fuck being discreet. He is too far gone down this rabbit hole since the beginning. It's as if he can want any other than this man. He faces Zack and looks into his faintly glowing eyes. He removes his shirt and throws it on the floor.
"Make me yours only."
He was loved really, really slowly in return, driving any lingering thoughts in his mind away until it went entirely blank—until he cannot think about anything else other than Zack, and how he claims him with every thrust in his body. It took everything for Cloud to remain quiet against the deliberate pleasure that built up inside of him, and it must have been the same for Zack, as he watched the utter concentration on his face. He shut his eyes tightly and arched his back as his hard, slow thrusts became too much for him to handle. His heart and his breath both raced and he hangs on a bit more, gripping thick raven hair. How can he possibly belong to anyone else but him?
Zack had pulled him closer and held him tighter, burying his face at the crook of his neck, breathing heavily. He heard the blonde suck in a breath as he released—and he kisses him passionately, following soon after. They're gonna have to leave this place soon enough, but for today this world belongs to them alone, and he'll take it, over and over.
.
.
"How long has it been? Three months? Man I missed you!" Kunsel declared happily as he gave Zack a man-hug. The brunet smiled brightly and laughed, patting the other in the shoulder.
"How's Soldier doing?"
"Fine I guess? We get by without you, you know?" The other replied confidently. Zack clicked his tongue in response, squinting his eyes on the Soldier.
"You're so mean just because you got promoted without me there."
"You're damned right!" Kunsel retorted happily.
"Geez, we just got here and Cloud and my apprentices already left my side. You're all being mean to me."
"You're not as relevant as you think you are then." Kunsel teased his friend, shrugging. If he doesn't know any better, he wouldn't think that Zack only referred to Cloud alone.
"You can't watch him every waking moment of his life. Let him breathe man." Kunsel followed as they sat themselves, ordering beer for the both of them. Zack visibly frowned, giving the other a kicked-puppy look.
The brunet realized that it was Tifa's bar the moment they entered, seeing her and a red head by the counter. Cloud's family was doing great it seems. He wanted to see those kids as well, but Cloud had promptly made excuses as he dumped him alone with Kunsel and left with the others as soon as possible. He guessed he was giving him some "adult" time.
"So what are you going to do from now on?" Kunsel followed up as the beers were placed on their table.
"Mercenary work. It isn't that bad." The brunet replied reaching instantly for the mug.
"Why don't the two of you just come back? I can talk to Lazard about it. I'm pretty sure he can help you especially now that Sephiroth has ditched and we have zero Firsts."
"Well yeah, they can hire us to do mercenary work outside of Shinra."
"Guess that's a no then, huh? Does Cloud agree to this?"
"I'm not going to force him in anything. If he wants to come with me for work, then we're good. If he wants to do some other thing, that's fine too." The brunet replied sincerely, his mind wandering on the blonde once more. Kunsel grinned widely.
"Man you're acting like a proper adult. What the hell."
"What's that supposed to mean, asshole?" Zack asked, giving the other a playful punch on his arm, chuckling to himself.
"Oi. Can I sit here?" The both of them stopped and looked at the bright-red head that approached their table, eyeing the Turk warily.
"Yeah." Zack replied, taking another swig on his mug.
"You almost fried me the last time we met. Glad to see you're alive and kicking, thanks to me."
"Well—thanks then?" The atmosphere had considerably tensed and Kunsel had shut his mouth, looking at the two men beside him.
"Cmon' no need to be stiff around me. You're none of my business anymore. I just want to drink right now. My partner rarely comes with me here. I want some company!" Reno said, waving a dismissive hand in front of him. Just when he thought that they would all have a good time, that blonde had escaped the premises, not even bothering to say hi to him.
Cloud sneezed uncontrollably, almost dropping the potted plant he was holding. They had been put to work instantly but he would rather be here than suffer internally in a crowded bar. He had made a promise anyways. Ramza gave him a big smile as he approached his side, carrying another pot. Delita looked too concentrated in the other hand, helping Aerith hang stuff on the walls of the store.
"You okay there, Cloud? How has it been? We were worried." Ramza asked, placing the pot on one of the racks alongside Cloud.
"It has been nice actually, if I'm going to be honest. I felt like I was free of troubles that entire time we're away. How about you?" The blonde replied, giving Ramza a smile. The both of them looked so youthful in casual clothing.
"We're okay. I guess we'll stay with Shinra for the time being. Director needs our help." Cloud cocked an eyebrow in response, still smiling.
"What is it?" Ramza asked, genuinely confused of the other's gesture.
"How are you and Delita?" Cloud finally asked, giving the other boy a glance. Ramza flushed and Cloud remembered they have that room for themselves when he left.
"Oh. We're doing fine as well."
"I thought so. Are you sure you're fine spending your weekend here?" Cloud replied, changing the topic immediately, getting embarrassed himself.
"Yes! We want to see you after all. This place looks nice by the way."
"I think so too. I'm glad I urged her to agree. This is a dream come true for her." Cloud replied, pointing at Aerith. Ramza beamed further, eyes twinkling in the afternoon light.
"It makes me think about my sister back home. I hope I can invite you to our household someday too."
"I'll look forward to it, I guess.. Well, come here often then and buy from her, okay?" The other blonde replied, giving Ramza a playful pat on his arm. The other blonde chuckled happily and nodded.
"I guess you and Zack are never coming back to Shinra?" Cloud shook his head and felt the other blonde sag a little.
"No we're not. But we might be doing some other things—."
"But we can still always see each other, yes?"
Ramza looked reassured and Cloud somewhat can't believe how these kinds of words easily rolled off from his tongue. If this was him half a year ago he wouldn't even spare time for friendships.
.
Night has fallen and Cloud had parted ways with his ex-colleagues, thanking the both of them for helping out. They strolled away to probably spend the night together somewhere else. Aerith was undoubtedly delighted to have finished everything in a short span of time, and meeting new people. Cloud on the other hand was happy knowing that she won't have to go roaming out and about just to work. Every cent he had spent for this new store and apartment felt worth it when he thinks about the three of them, living here.
"Want to go upstairs and rest Cloud? I'll check the kids if they had finished their room." Aerith asked as she finished sweeping the store.
"Yeah. Go on, I'll be there in a second." The blonde replied as he fished out his phone, sending a message to Zack who's probably getting drunk.
Not soon after he saw him coming, walking ever so manly as he waited for him in front of the store. He doesn't look tipsy even a tiny bit. A grin broke into his face the moment he saw him and it made Cloud's heartbeat skip. He got his hair ruffled the moment he was at arm's length and he fought the urge to get flustered. Until now, he still gets affected by his show of affection like they've just met yesterday.
"Sorry it kinda took long. Kunsel got too excited. You know him—he never stops talking once he opens his mouth." Zack said, his hand sliding and cupping the base of Cloud's head.
"It's okay. I know you missed each other. Plus, he took care of your stuff." Cloud replied, smiling at the brunet. The brunet scratched his head in return, grinning awkwardly.
"Let's go see the kids."
"This new place is nice by the way. Totally suits Aerith and those squirts." Zack commented nonchalantly, looking around as they entered the store and make their way to the second floor above.
"Suits you as well.."
"What do you mean by that?" Cloud asked, genuinely curious, albeit a little offended thinking about such a feminine work.
"I just thought you look good with flowers and stuff—" Zack replied with a grin, wrapping an arm on Cloud's shoulder. He nuzzled his soft blonde hair lovingly and chuckled.
He just can't help it, the brunet thought, because Cloud just keeps on getting more beautiful in his eyes. If he ends up staying here in this shop wearing an apron and arranging flowers then he isn't complaining at all. He can say it excites him even more if he's going to be honest to himself. There aren't many shops like this in the slums nor at the plates so he's sure it'll do quite well.
"It's uncle Zack!"
The sounds of excited squealing filled the air as they entered the small living room, the two kid's eyes going large as they saw the both of them. Denzel sprinted and hugged them both affectionately, getting his hair ruffled twice. Marlene has gotten more lady-like it seemed, just standing there watching with a big smile on her face.
"Miss me?" Zack asked, grinning at the children. The both of them nodded enthusiastically. Aerith then appeared from one of the rooms, eyes bright.
"Hey! Nice to see you." She said, greeting Zack in equal excitement.
"It's nice to see all of you here. This is so much better." Aerith smiled and blushed. She couldn't have done it without Cloud's help. She cannot thank him enough.
"Please stay for the night okay? The both of you." She asked, as she swept her eyes amongst the children and Cloud, happiness welling up inside her.
"Of course! Let's order take out shall we? Damn—I really wanted to see you guys." Denzel beamed further like it was his birthday. Cloud felt his chest clench in endearment.
.
.
Cloud didn't expect that things would end up like this, but he reminded himself that this is all but temporary. Nobody expected that Aerith's business will be the sort to be in demand considering all the other shops in Midgar, but he guessed the abundance of bars, restaurants and all those other common stores makes this small flower shop seem new and appealing to people, especially couples.
"Please Cloud, can help me today as well? The children just end up playing in there. Just—until I can get the hang of it myself and handle many customers at once." Aerith pleaded shyly, serving the blonde an extra special set of pancakes early in the morning. It has a lot of syrup of fruit toppings on it. The blonde sighed in reluctance and he took it, helping himself up.
"Alright."
How many days has it been now? Cloud thought, as he stuffed his mouth with breakfast. If this went on any longer, it will surely look like he took Zack's words of teasing and work at the shop permanently. He's a bit annoyed and he isn't going to let the brunet get that satisfaction. His mind automatically wandered to him, thinking about what he will be doing for the day, after looking for his own place to stay.
"Thank you! I'll be downstairs now, I need to open up early." Aerith replied happily, donning an apron. She immediately disappeared downstairs before Cloud could change his mind.
It was mid afternoon and the amount of customers had lessened considerably, allowing the both of them to relax. Aerith still looked full of energy yet Cloud felt drained at this point.
"Aside from those church lilies, were do you even get all these other flowers from?" The blonde asked curiously, looking at the amount of potted plants that were blooming with colourful flowers.
"There was this lady named Elmyra, she's got a lot of flowers in her backyard. I visit her from time to time and purchased some of her plants. I've been taking care of them since. Now here they are!" She replied proudly, blinding Cloud with her happiness.
The soft clinking of the door chime signalled another customer and Cloud whipped his head to the sight of—Zack. He looked happy as ever as he walked straight to the counter and somehow the blonde felt suddenly refreshed from dealing with people all day.
"It really does suit you." Zack blurted out as leaned on the counter, grinning at the blonde. Cloud made an annoyed face and the brunet reached out, ruffling his hair affectionately.
"Where have you been?" The blonde asked, averting his eyes from the other.
"I got a job, I think. They kinda need some help up there." Zack replied, glancing at Aerith and giving her a smile as well.
"You mean Shinra?" Aerith asked, her smile infinite.
"Yeah. Just some monster hunting though." The brunet looked back at Cloud who had become silent, face blank. Had he teased him too much?
"Wanna come with me some time?"
The blonde finally looked at him, and Zack can't help another grin that stretched over his face. He's getting pretty good at pushing his buttons, he thinks.
"Sure." Cloud replied shortly. He isn't willing to show him that he's gotten excited over this. He hasn't let him win yet.
"That's great!" Zack declared happily, eyes sparkling like a child. Alright, he had already won, Cloud thought.
"Why are you not wearing a red frilly apron like hers though?" The brunet followed, looking at the blonde's navy, plain-looking apron. He was about to touch it and his hand got swatted away. He probably is taking it too far. He can't help himself. Is Cloud blushing a tiny bit, or was it just his imagination? This flower boy image of Cloud is probably going to be the death of him. His frustrated face looked cute.
"Shut up."
.
They ended up on Zack's new apartment, and Cloud can say that it was, very much, well, Zack-like. He guessed he gotten busy hauling this things from his Soldier suite to here. His motor bike was parked below and his Buster sword was on display in his living room as well. He had chosen a place that was pretty close from Aerith's, nothing lavish as his previous ones, but still a bit spacious and clean. He already likes it there.
"Man I got tired of all this moving—" Zack started as he plopped at the sofa beside Cloud, stretching his tired limbs. The blonde just raised his eyebrows and laid his head on the brunet's thigh, making himself comfortable. Zack stared at him and just smiled, raking his fingers through his hair.
"You should've just rested then, than taking a job immediately. It's okay to take a break." Cloud replied, reaching out a hand to touch the brunet's smooth face. He really liked being alone with him like this, he realized, a long time ago.
"I'm not gonna lie, I kinda missed the action." The brunet replied, smirking at the blonde. Cloud isn't gonna lie either, for that devilish smirk of his gets his gut excited every damned time.
Zack watched as the blonde gave him an innocent smile instead, getting up to sit on his lap. This innocent-boy look is his ultimate weapon against him, and he just can't resist it, especially when Cloud takes the initiative. He is just this weak against his charms.
"I missed the action too." The blonde replied, leaning in close to the other, arms dangling loosely over his shoulders.
Cloud's ever conflicting personality just keeps on making him hungry for more, and he knows just how to use it against him. His mind just gets filled with dirty thoughts since he had ditched his self control, and a large reason for that is because of this kind of behaviour from him. It looked like Cloud just gathered his strength and has now come back stronger than ever to monopolize him once again. And he just can't help but fall for him deeper than before. He licked his lips and placed a chaste kiss on the blonde's mouth.
"Wanna take a ride?"
Cloud has been to some places ever since he had left Midgar and travelled with Zack for last couple of months. He's got to say that those places were much more beautiful, clean, and peaceful than this overly crowded mega city, but if he's going to be honest, he still liked it for what it is. He still liked watching the bright night lights especially when they are speeding through the highways with Zack's bike, feeling the chilly winds on their faces. He pulled his jacket closer to himself and tightened his grip on the brunet's hips, looking at the entirety of the city.
"Where do you want to go?" He heard Zack ask amidst the roaring motor and he leaned on his back, wrapping his arms around him fully. They can both agree that this is the second-best feeling in their own tiny world.
"Anywhere you want."
Anywhere with you is fine. Cloud closes his eyes as he let his heart soar.
.
.
He felt his senses heighten tenfold as he heard heavy footsteps echo against the silent cavern. His small haven has been found out. His last resting place is no more. He's got this strange feeling that told him who it was, even when he has not seen him yet, and he stood, ready but nervous at the same time. He can't make himself turn and face him as he drew closer, feeling his ever towering presence looming behind him. He stopped in such close proximity and he saw his unmistakeable silver long hair curtaining at his side, swaying slightly at his tiniest of movements. His heartbeat was racing at this point as he felt gloved fingers comb through his hair gently, both his hands balling tight into fists on his side.
"What are you doing here—how did you find me?" Genesis asked in a strained voice, as his mouth went dry.
"There is no other place you would go." Sephiroth replied softly, marvelling the deep-red colour of his hair. He can feel its softness even with his gloves on.
"You've been healed." The silver-haired man followed when Genesis didn't reply, his hand travelling lower, settling on his left shoulder. He stiffened beneath his touch.
"What do you want?" The red head asked, cold sweat breaking in his forehead.
"I finally know the truth.." Sephiroth's hand felt heavy on his shoulder.
"Come with me Genesis, let's meet our Mother."
"I have no mother." Genesis replied defiantly, turning around, finally facing the other. Blue eyes locked straight into green ones. Something had changed in him, and he felt extremely small beneath his intense gaze. He felt trapped.
"We have—"
Sephiroth replied calmly, eyes softening and lowering to half-lids. He raised his fingers tentatively, wanting to touch his beautiful face. Genesis's eyes widened. He doesn't want to scare him away this time around. He didn't flinch when he did so, his touch against his cheek feather-like. He wished he had done this long before.
.
"—and she'll take us to the Promised Land."
.
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