Sorry it's been a while, but I've been struggling with some things lately and it's made writing kind of hard to do. I've actually been working on this update for a while, but I've been so depressed that writing a 'cute' chapter like this actually made me feel worse. If that makes sense. Also as a result of my mood I've edited and altered this chapter with every proof read, which was quite a few times I must confess, and so I hope I haven't butchered it too much.

Anyway, I'm sorry for the delay and hopefully it will be worth it. Enjoy.

A day together

With words of love and reassurances floating around them neither Zack nor Cloud felt the need to push for more as they held each other close, as the soldier's strong arms supported a supple body in a loving embrace and the cadet's thinner still developing limbs clung to a well defined torso with all the strength they had. Both knew that there was nothing either could really say in that moment to add to what had already been said, the time slowly passing by as both allowed themselves to take pleasure in the tranquil moment and enjoy the heart-felt emotions which now flowed through them.

Of the pair it was Cloud who spoke first ending the peaceful quiet which had settled around them, his contented voice so calm and relaxed that it made Zack's insides flutter happily as he listened to the words being spoken.

"Can we stay here forever?"

"We could try." The soldier chuckled warmly, while instinctively giving the cadet's body a quick affectionate squeeze.

"It feels good here." The blonde whispered softly, as his nimble fingers began to trace invisible patterns across Zack's chest. "It feels like there's only us, like the rest of the world doesn't exist, and nothing else matters." Cloud explained distantly, his thoughts lost to his own feelings and unaware of how his innocent touch was making the soldier's nerves tingle warmly.

"I feel that way too." Zack admitted tenderly, as one of his hands automatically moved up along the blonde's back so that he could run confident fingers through the mass of soft blonde spikes beneath his chin. "But Angel would seriously kick both our butts if we didn't show up for duty on Monday."

"I guess." The cadet accepted reluctantly, the tone being used showing that he might actually be willing to take that chance if it meant staying where they were for longer.

"Hey..." The soldier breathed, as he shifted them so that he could look into Cloud's sky blue eyes and caught a glimpse of the saddened look which now resided within them. "We don't have to leave anytime soon, so try not to think about it right now. Ok?" Zack gently reassured the blonde, his kind cheerful voice instantly soothing away the slightly disappointed expression from Cloud's soft angelic features.

"Ok." The cadet agreed with a faint sigh, his delicate pink lips instantly forming a tiny smile again as the soldier's warm violet orbs brightened once more.

So that was where they spent the rest of the day together, with Cloud unsuccessfully trying to get his assignments done and Zack managing to complete some of his reports in-between having fun disrupting the blonde's efforts to work. In truth the cadet hadn't minded the numerous interruptions from his essays, even though they really did need to be finished by Monday, and was secretly enjoying the unspoken game which had developed between them. It would always begin with the soldier doing something silly, or irritating Cloud in some way, until the cadet would eventually cave in and give Zack his full attention. Then it would only be a few seconds of silence between them as bright teasing violet eyes meet equally amused twinkling blue ones, a matter of heart beats where heated looks said it all, and then the real distractions would begin with deep passion filled kisses.

As a result neither really got anything done that afternoon and what they did manage to accomplish would certainly have to be redone the following day. But strangely Cloud didn't let the lack of progress with his homework bother him, for once enjoying the feeling of just 'being' rather than constantly worrying about what he should 'be'. Today was about them and how far they had come, the small fort they were hiding in becoming a sanctuary from the rest of the world and making everything else unimportant. In this place of safety there was only Zack and himself to think about, nothing else but the hands which touched so intimately without being demanding and the deep passion-filled kisses they shared that made his heart sing. Soon they became the only things which mattered to the blonde as the hours passed by unnoticed, as the failed attempts to get his essays done meant that he was in fact experiencing something else so much better instead.

It wasn't long however before the afternoon turned to evening around them, the already darkened world becoming blacker still as the small amount of natural light which had been present began to fade completely. Of course Zack hadn't minded in the least and quickly used the approaching night to his advantage, swiftly collecting up the things which they had been working on and packing all of the items away in favour of a more relaxing activity. He had instantly hushed the blonde's weak protests with several feather-light kisses upon soft pliant lips before venturing out of their little shelter, his first task being to dispose of the things he had collected so that they were out of reach and then to shift the TV round so that they could watch it from inside the fort. The task itself however hadn't been as simple to actually do as the soldier had expected when he'd thought up the idea, his mako enhanced strength at least making the job somewhat easier as he briefly struggled to get the large screen into position.

The effort had definitely been worth it though once Zack turned around and beamed proudly at his achievement, the look he saw on Cloud's face making his own heart beat that little bit faster. Sky blue spheres were now glowing with amusement and normally pale cheeks were flushed a light pink as the cadet tried not to openly laugh, his faintly swollen kiss bruised mouth desperately attempting to not give into the huge grin which the soldier could see pulling at the edges. But Zack hadn't minded in the slightest, especially when the expression on Cloud's face had been one of pure joy and happiness as they settled down together to watch the movie which was playing.

As the fates would have it the film turned out to be a cheesy romantic one, the kind where dramatic gestures of love were made and almost comical acts of wooing would go horrible wrong yet still turn out alright in the end. And though the soldier tried to deny that he knew where the remote was the cadet had his suspicions, the sparkle in Zack's glowing amethyst eyes being far too bright for someone who was truly innocent in the devices mysterious disappearance. But secretly Cloud was glad that they wouldn't be able to change the channel, his own insides flip-flopping in embarrassing delight at being able to watch the film together as he settled himself closer against the soldier's warm body and felt strong arms wrap themselves protectively around him. However the blonde needn't have worried about his secret being revealed as Zack had already worked it out, though he knew better than to say so out loud, and quietly cheered in the knowledge that the cadet was thankfully just as sappy as himself about these things.

It was therefore with an adoring smile plastered on his face that the soldier looked down at the blonde in his arms, his warm violet orbs glowing that little bit brighter as they happily took in the sight of Cloud lying right beside him. It was also at this point that he noticed the faint trail of goose bumps along the cadet's exposed arms and realised that Cloud was shivering slightly, the smaller body now pressed up closer to his own and clearly seeking warmth as well as the comfort of his touch. So with a roll of his eyes, which the blonde thankfully couldn't see, Zack quickly reached round behind himself where the picnic blanket had been pushed earlier and pulled it up and over their bodies so that it created a warm protective cocoon around them both.

Almost instantly Cloud's head titled back to look up at him with grateful sapphire eyes, the softly glowing gems shinning brightly as he smiled in that shy thankful way he did before turning away and looking back towards the TV again. And in that moment the soldier couldn't move having found himself captivated by the sight, his amethyst eyes drinking in the adorably cute way that the cadet was snuggled up against him and making something deep within his very soul surge to life. Yet if someone were to ask Zack to describe the feelings which now coursed through his body he wouldn't have been able to, at least not with words that would make sense. The undercurrent of desire he felt for Cloud still pulling strongly at his heart, but now it was moving beneath the surface of something else which was just as powerful as it travelled through him. The intense feelings of need and desire the soldier had for the blonde somehow suppressed for the moment, as they were calmed by the steady stream of love and devotion which flowed through every fibre of his being.

Without even realising it one of Zack's hands had begun to move of its own accord again, the calloused palm gently rubbing soothing circles along Cloud's back and shoulders as they cuddled up together under the soft material. This was what life was about, this time of peace and serenity as they lay side by side enjoying each other's company in a way which was more than he could have ever hoped for. Almost as if supporting his very thoughts a soft hum of approval could be heard escaping the cadet's soft lips, as he truly relaxed under the soothing touch, the gentle sound vibrating delightfully along the soldier's chest and drawing a faint sigh of contentment from Zack's body as well. And in that moment life was more than perfect to the soldier as he allowed himself to bath in that sensation, in knowing that no matter what was to come they would both have this experience to look back on and remember fondly for all time.

As it turned out the film was actually one which the soldier had seen before and already knew quite well, even though he would never freely admit that to anyone if they asked. Yet with Cloud beside him it was as if he were only just seeing it for the first time, every part he remembered somehow becoming more than it had been before because of who he was now watching it with. Every time the cadet smiled at something he felt himself smiling too, whenever Cloud snorted in disbelief and amusement he couldn't help but chuckle as well, and when the blonde groaned each time an obvious disaster took place Zack felt his insides flutter in pure delight at the sound. Through the humorous ups and downs of the main characters failed attempts to impress the girl they had laughed together, with one particular scene actually causing delightful tears of mirth to fall from Cloud's shining sapphire eyes. And how the soldier had loved that perfect moment of freedom he'd seen in the cadet, had felt his heart swell with pleasure as he watched the crystal like beads of liquid fall gracefully over flushed cheeks in joy and not sadness for once.

In the end there had been nothing special about the film they were watching except for Cloud's reactions as the story played out, the blonde's innocent and carefree responses somehow making the terrible plot and highly predictable situations even more enjoyable than they had ever been before. And it was for this reason and this reason alone that Zack had truly enjoyed the movie, his warm violet eyes constantly drifting away from the TV in preference of watching the cadet in his arms instead of what was on the screen.

The film had ended with an overly dramatic show of affection and mushiness on the lead male's part, the declaration of love in his humiliating situation not ruing the underlying current of sentiment which arose from watching it. Neither cadet nor soldier could stop themselves from looking at the other as the words that were projected from the TV echoed similar sentiments they had also shared recently, both unable to stop themselves from blushing slightly as they saw the same look of love and devotion reflected in the other's eyes.

"That was really bad." Cloud mumbled shyly as the credits began to roll, the pink hue on his rosy cheeks darkening a little more as he tried to calm the warm fluttering sensations he was now feeling deep within his body.

"Really bad." Zack agreed almost instantly, silently surprised by the unexpected husky tone which his words had been spoken in.

"I mean the guy was just ... he was just ... uuummm." The cadet murmured uncertainly, his voice trembling away to a soft breath as he realised that the soldier had suddenly moved a little bit closer towards him.

"A fool for love." The soldier finished for him, the flicker of something recognisable and inviting in those timid pools of blue making Zack smile happily.

"Are people really like that?" Cloud whispered hesitantly, his luminous cobalt orbs once again flashing that unspoken request for the soldier to see.

"I think we all are, in our own way." Zack murmured lightly, as he moved his body even closer so that their faces were mere inches apart. "I'm not sure there are many people as bad as him, but love does make all of us do foolish things at some point." He explained softly, his warm breath now ghosting over the blonde's slightly parted lips and mingling with the equally heated air which was escaping Cloud's body in short panting breaths.

For a moment neither of them spoke and time seemed to stand still, the world around them falling away as they fell into each other's eyes and became lost to the sea of emotions which were held within softly glowing spheres of violet and blue. Voices were no longer needed as words passed between them unspoken, a perfect understanding forming in hearts and minds, so that when one of them moved forward to close the distance between them the other mirrored the action perfectly. Lips came together slowly at first as the kiss began, the soft tender flesh caressing gently and unhurriedly as silent messages of love were passed between them. It was not long however before the innocent expression of their feelings became more, the kiss gradually becoming deep and more passionate as other emotions surged forward wanting to be heard.

Once again Cloud found his body being moved up along the length of Zack's perfectly formed torso, the well defined muscles surrounding him completely as he was gently pulled into an even firmer embrace. Yet instead of feeling unsettled by the imposed confinement the cadet allowed himself to be drawn into it, submitting himself willingly to the soldier's desire and in fact leaning up into the kiss even more as he gave himself over the the moment completely.

From beneath the blonde the soldier felt his heart rate skip briefly before racing away from him, the trapped position he found himself in between the floor and the lithe body on top of his own making it impossible to think of anything but what they were doing. He moaned softly as they moved together without even realising it, his arms instinctively tightening around Cloud's smaller frame as he held the cadet in place and deepened the kiss they were sharing. A brief flicker of alarm surged through him as he realised that he was now restraining the blonde's supple figure against himself, a moment of panic causing his breath to hitch as he worried that Cloud might not like such force being used against him. But then he felt the cadet lean into his embrace and the feelings of apprehension were washed away by sweet intoxicating desire, the wondrous sensation of his need being not only accepted but also returned by the blonde making his heart sing with joy.

Cloud heard and felt all of it, the soldier's hitching breath and heated moan causing his own body to release soft sounds of pleasure as it also began to beg him for much needed air. Realising that the bright spots be could now see in front of his eyes were not just from the delirious kiss but also a lack of oxygen, the blonde snapped his head back and drew in deep gulping breaths of air. His head promptly falling back against Zack's chest as he fought to bring his body back under control and calm his racing heart once more.

"You ok?" The soldier asked breathlessly, his own chest rising and falling quite notable beneath Cloud's faintly trembling frame.

"Yes." Was all the cadet could manage, as he kept his eyes closed and focused on the strong steady sound of Zack's heart beating against his ear.

The next second however and the blissful moment was lost to another sound, the unmistakable low based growl of the soldier's stomach announcing its hunger and making the blonde giggle in return.

"Ok, now that was embarrassing." Zack mumbled self-consciously, the smile on his face not wavering for a second as he heard Cloud chuckle a little louder in response to his words.

"I think it was kind of cute." The cadet replied softly, his head titling up so that their eyes could meet again and his humour of the situation could be seen more clearly.

"Cute or not, it was still embarrassing." The soldier stated with a resigned sigh, his easy smile lifting up even more at the edges as he took in the blonde's happy and faintly flushed appearance. "Any chance you're hungry as well, or is it just me who has no control over their stomach?" He asked lightly, a hand already returning to its previous place on Cloud's head to run through golden spikes once more.

"I guess I could eat something."

"Good." Zack replied tenderly, silently pleased that the cadet was eating more regularly by choice now and actually starting to gain some healthy weight as a result of it. "So what did you feel like having?"

"A stir fry would be good, maybe with some chicken." The blonde suggested, the idea instantly appealing to the soldier and in turn making his mouth water.

"I like the sound of that, but I'm gonna need some help."

"Ok." Cloud agreed without even having to think about it, his lithe body already wriggling out of the soldier's embrace and eagerly making its way towards the only exit of the fort.

Chuckling lightly to himself Zack happily let the cadet go and twisted around to watch as the blonde made his escape, the next breath he took unexpectedly catching in his throat the moment he did so.

Perhaps if he hadn't turned around so quickly he wouldn't have seen it, or maybe if his body wasn't still a little bit stimulated after their mini make-out session he would have had more control over himself. Unfortunately neither of these things were present to help the soldier as his bright amethyst eyes settled on a very delicious view, the image of Cloud's cute pert backside shifting rather suggestively from side to side as he crawled through the doorway making the slightly aroused mass between his legs instantly spring back to life again.

"Sweet Gaia." Zack breathed softly, as he felt his heated desire for the cadet return in a rush of uncontrollable excitement.

Thankfully the sight only lasted a few seconds longer but the damage was already done, the heat inducing image now burned forever into the soldier's mind and making his trapped erection feel even more restricted beneath the material which concealed it.

"Get a grip on yourself, right now." Zack scolded himself weakly, the scene instantly flashing before his eyes once more even as he tried to calm himself again.

"Are you coming?" A curious voice called softly from just outside the fort, the edge of confusion in it making the soldier whisper another curse at himself before answering the cadet properly.

"Yea, just ... coming." He managed, visibly cringing as he heard the slight tremble in his voice and prayed that the blonde hadn't noticed it as well.

"Ok. I'll ... be in the kitchen then." Cloud replied uncertainly, his body seeming to shift hesitantly for a moment before he actually turned around and walked away.

As soon as he was sure that Cloud was out of ear shot Zack allowed a faint groan to escape his lips, the sound instantly becoming muffled as he rolled over onto his stomach and buried his face in the soft duvet spread out beneath him.

"Damn it." Zack cursed softly, as he re-acknowledged the familiar ache in his groin where his trousers had now become too tight. "This isn't helping." He scolded the swollen flesh between his legs, his body only torturing him in return by instantly flashing up images from just moments ago of Cloud bent over on his hands and knees.

The next second and the unmistakable sound of things being moved around it the kitchen let him know that he was running out of time, that somewhere out there the blonde was already getting things ready and was probably starting to wonder what was taking him so long.

"Ok, need to calm down and quick. But how?" The soldier grumbled, as his mind scrambled for ideas. "I know, think of something disgusting. That always works." He whispered to himself, a small voice in his head laughing evilly as his brain only allowed him to see Cloud's firm behind once more.

"Double damn it." The soldier hissed in frustration, before taking a deep breath and trying again. "Ok, disgusting thoughts." He breathed determinedly, his eyes screwing shut as he forced the nicer images from his head only to replace them with really horrible ones. "Athletes foot, that's pretty rank." He began confidently, unaware that he was now talking quietly to himself as each idea came to mind. "And Heidegger, that man's pretty nasty to think about." He managed to mumble before visibly shuddering at the next thought. "Eeeeewwwwww, Heidegger with athlete's foot."

"Zack, are you ok in there?" Cloud's voice suddenly spoke up from just outside the door, the slightly worried tone in his voice not being missed by the soldier even as he felt the relief of his now fading arousal.

"Yea, sure Spiky." Zack quickly reassured, as he scrambled out of the small fort. "Just got distracted for a second."

"By what?" The cadet asked naively, his head titling to one side as he looked at the soldier with a puzzled expression on his face.

"Just thinking about ... what we could put in that stir-fry." Zack replied hastily, his award winning grin quickly slipping into place as he tried to look innocent and nothing resembling the sex-mad caveman he was actually starting to feel like.

And that thought itself really didn't help with his situation, the mental image of dragging the blonde back inside their little 'cave', or fort or whatever, and ravishing him all over again only making things low down within the soldier's body twitch once more. But thankfully this time his embarrassment of having those very thoughts helped keep the still easily aroused flesh in place, a quick deliberate cough and then casual shifting of his feet giving Zack a chance to find a standing position which hid any remaining bulge that might be showing.

"Oooo ... kay." Cloud responded uncertainly as he absorbed the soldier's words and actions, his sky blue eyes clearly questioning the validity of the answer even though he didn't actually ask for a better explanation.

"Come on." Zack sighed with obvious amusement a moment later, as he looped an arm over the blonde's shoulders and began to steer them back towards the kitchen again. "We should get started if we're going to eat sometime today." He added humorously as they walked, silently enjoying and grateful for how inexperienced and apparently clueless Cloud could still be about these things.

"You know, sometimes you can be really ... weird." The cadet pointed out nervously, his hesitation being more to do with not knowing how to describe the soldier's behaviour than being worried about how Zack might take the comment.

"You have no idea." The soldier chuckled in agreement, as he led them back into the kitchen and released the blonde to start getting what he needed from the fridge.

Cloud waited a few seconds more to see if anything else would be added to the odd comment, his blonde eyebrows rising in a questioning way as he watched Zack start heating up the pan they would be using to cook dinner. After a minute though it became obvious that he wasn't going to get a better explanation and so he shrugged acceptingly, more to himself than to anyone else, before picking up where he had left off and silently continued chopping up the peppers which would be a part of the meal.

With his back to the cadet the soldier breathed a quiet sigh of relief as he heard the familiar sound of a knife on a cutting board and stole a quickly glance behind him, a small smile tugging at his lips as he watched the blonde work. There was no denying that Cloud was wonderful, that the things he was feeling weren't inappropriate or wrong given their circumstances. It was just unfortunate that sometimes his body had really bad timing when it took over like that and left him with a rather embarrassing problem.

"I won't rush you." Zack whispered, his voice so low that even a mako enhanced person might have had trouble hearing him. "However much I want to, I can promise you that." He added affectionately, before turning away from the blonde again and focusing on adding the fresh chicken strips to the warm pan.

Had he waited a moment longer then the soldier would have seen Cloud look over his shoulder at him, would have seen a soft shy smile gracing the cadet's soft pink lips, and wondered if perhaps the sparkle which now shone in Cloud's sapphire eyes was there because the blonde had somehow heard him after all.