Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of best wishes to show their support, this chapter is for you.
Enjoy.
Unexpected sunshine
Of the pair it was Zack who was the first to wake on Sunday morning, his warm violet eyes slowly blinking open as they tried to focus past the blurriness which a deep and peaceful sleep had left behind. As a result it took him nearly a minute to fully come too and take in his surroundings, the expression on his face instantly brightening and a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he realised where they had ending up falling asleep.
Instead of painted walls made of brick and stone the soldier was surrounded by a curtain of different coloured material, the absence of their soft comfortable bed quickly becoming obvious by the way his back now protested the fact that it had spent the night on a duvet covered floor. Zack however couldn't have cared less, having slept on worse in the past, and instead allowed himself to enjoy the warm feelings which were now growing stronger inside of him.
The pleasant sensation quickly spread throughout his entire body as it all came back to him, as thoughts of the day before filled his head and encouraged the smile on his handsome face to become even brighter than it had been before. Within seconds the soldier was grinning happily to himself and couldn't resist letting out a faint contented sigh as he took it all in, as he let himself get washed away in the joyous sensation of waking up in their fort and all the wonderful memories they had gained from it. It was only when he felt a slight movement against his side and heard Cloud begin to stir that Zack came back to himself again, his head instantly tilting down to fully take in the delightful sight of the cadet waking.
The vision was just as the soldier knew it would be and once again a rush of wonder spread throughout his entire being as he watched the heart-warming scene unfold. First there was a flutter of delicate eyelashes and then a faint peeking of dazed baby blue orbs, the pure azure spheres becoming even brighter as each gentle blink cleared a little more of the sleep away. But what really made Zack's heart fill with pleasure was the way Cloud's small nose would sometimes twitch like a baby bunnies as he woke, or how his pale blonde brows would furrow as the land of dreams was slowly left behind. It was something that the soldier had come to notice as they had spent more mornings waking up together and it was something that Zack knew he would never get tired of.
Warm violet eyes watched in wonder and delight as Cloud's body and mind slowly began to move somewhere between dreams and reality, the cadet in his arms silently showing that he was no longer afraid to enjoy that place which existed between being asleep and then waking fully. It was the blonde's way of saying without words that he now felt safe enough to wake slowly, rather than in a rush to get his guard up as quickly as possible, and it filled Zack's heart with joy to know how far they had come for this to be possible.
He knew that he was blessed with the chance to see such a look of innocence and vulnerability on Cloud's delicate face, was aware of how much trust this simple action showed by just being there, and understood that no one else would be allowed to see this side of the cadet. No other soul would be given a chance to see this moment of purity and potential weakness in the blonde's defences, the sudden realisation instantly causing the soldier's already overloaded heart to skip a beat as a wave of love and gratitude washed over him.
As if sensing his thoughts Cloud's soft lips suddenly curved up into a shy smile, his pale cheeks taking on a faint pink hue, as a look of self-conscious awareness began to form on his angelic features. And as Zack's amethyst eyes remained locked on the cadet's clearing sapphire gems he saw them sparkle and fill with a look of complete devotion, the expression on the blonde's face letting him know that these moments in time were indeed for him and him alone. It was this part of the whole experience which the soldier knew he would now always wait patiently for each morning, the part that would always steal his breath, and the part of the wondrous sight which would stay with him throughout the day.
A second later and Zack let his own love for Cloud be shown on his handsome features, his mouth curving up into an even more radiant smile just before his head quickly tipped forward to place a light kiss on the cadet's forehead and silently tell the blonde that he understood. A soft relieved breath against his chest was the only audible response to the soldier's actions, a notable tightness of Cloud's grip around his waist accompanying the sound and in turn being an unspoken thank you of the wordless promise Zack knew he'd just made.
Neither knew how much longer they had remained laying in a comfortable silence within each other's arms, the seconds quickly becoming minutes and the minutes gradually ticking by uncounted as they simply enjoyed just being together. Eventually though the time came for them to move, the sound of both the soldier's phone ringing and someone knocking at the front door dragging each of them back from the light slumber they had begun to slip back into.
"Ugh." Zack groaned, his arms around the cadet's waist instinctively tightening as the noise's echoed around them. "It's Sunday morning people, go away." He grumbled to the air, his words going unheard by the ones they were intended for but at least drawing a faint chuckle form the blonde beside him.
"I thought you were a morning person." Cloud whispered in amusement, the deliberate use of a quiet voice making the soldier smile as he caught on to what the cadet was trying to do.
"I am normally." He relied in an equally hushed tone, the sound of his phone ringing and another knock at the door making him choke on a burst of bubbling laughter which was trying to come out. "But it's been a long week with lots of late nights and I'm perfectly comfortable right here." He stated with a bright smile, the heart-felt and honest response instantly making the blonde blush a wonderful shade of pink.
"I like it here too." Cloud mumbled shyly, his soft happy smile no longer quite matching the slightly serious look which was now forming in his sky blue eyes. "But if someone's trying to get in touch with you this badly it must be important."
"I guess." Zack sighed wearily, his next words being instantly interrupted by a much louder knock at the door.
The insistent sound was enough to bother the cadet even more, the concerned expression showing clearly on his face as he quickly pulled out of their shared embrace and made his way towards the entrance of the fort. A second later and Cloud was gone and heading towards the front door of the apartment, the decision being easy now that the soldier's phone had stopped ringing and left him only one choice to make. Zack on the other hand took the time to allow a few choice words to slip past his lips before he left the comfort of their sanctuary, his enhanced hearing easily identifying the unexpected visitor as Kunsel now that the door was open, and deciding that it was probably a good idea to see whose call he'd missed.
"Zack?" The 3rd class soldier called, as he made his way into the living room. "We've got a problem." He stated simple, the tightness of his voice instantly letting the raven haired soldier know it was a serious one.
"Hang on a sec." Zack replied evenly, the voice message which had been left for him already playing into his ear.
A second later and the raven haired soldier's face fell and a troubled look appeared on his handsome features, the sight not being one Cloud was used to seeing and instantly making the already troubled cadet worry.
"So Reno's flying us there." Kunsel spoke up, having easily overheard the message Zack had been listening to in the now silent apartment.
"Yea." The raven haired soldier breathed in obvious frustration, a look of concern, guilt and something else now ruining the joyful expression which had been there only moments ago. "Just give me two minutes to get dress and grab my stuff." Zack stated gruffly as he began to move towards the bedroom, his normally warm violet eyes throwing Cloud a heart-felt apology before he disappeared from sight.
Normally the cadet wouldn't have asked what the problem was, his first instinct usually being to keep his head down, his lips sealed and only speak if spoken too. He'd been on a couple of small patrols with soldiers before so knew the drill, understood that he had no rank which would allow him to ask questions and certainly none to expect a response. But the look he'd just been given was not one he was about to ignore and especially when it involved his boyfriend on their day off. Zack's words of them being equals within the apartment were all the reassurance Cloud's mind needed as he opened his mouth to speak, the words already pouring from his lips as another part of his brain registered the fact that technically the two officers were now on duty and once more his superiors. But by then, it was too late.
"What's going on?"
Kunsel only hesitated for a moment before answering the blonde's question, his voice and expression both regretful for having interrupted the pair's day together and sympathetic to Cloud's concern.
"Some local wildlife is causing problems near Kalm and they need a team to go and deal with it."
It was only as the blonde let the words sink in that he took in the other soldier's appearance. The young man beside him now very much the soldier he'd trained to be and ready for some form of confrontation as he stood waiting for Zack to return.
"But why do they need Zack?" Cloud mumbled uncertainly as he took in the soldier's combat ready appearance, his poorly concealed nervous state easily letting Kunsel know that the cadet knew what he really meant by local wildlife .
"Zack's the next in line of superiority for missions like this." The 3rd class soldier explained as gently as he could, his enhanced hearing easily picking up the softly spoken curses coming from the bedroom which the blonde's normal hearing wouldn't have been able to detect. "General Sephiroth is too busy with some delicate political issues right now and Commander Hewley is trying to sort out a problem in Junon." Kunsel explained quickly, knowing that the blonde would handle the situation better if he knew what was going on. "Trust me, Angeal didn't want to send Zack either. But right now he's the best qualified officer out of all the 2nds on base for this and it needs to be sorted out quickly."
"It's alright, I understand."
"Are you sure?" Zack's voice cut in, as he emerged from the bedroom full dressed in his soldier uniform and pulling his gloves on as he spoke. "Cause I'm not exactly happy about it." He huffed in mild annoyance, before running an aggravated hand through his messy hair.
"It's your job."Cloud replied softly, his guard having already slipped back into place so that his own emotions wouldn't affect the soldier's anymore. "It's what you enjoy doing, helping people when they're in trouble."
"We'll I'm not the only one going." The soldier sighed with acceptance, his questioning look at Kunsel receiving an instant nod of confirmation.
"I'm on the team and so is Luxiere." He informed the raven haired soldier calmly. "He's getting Smith, Cowe, Brent and Jones ready and to the transport pad while I was sent to fetch you."
"Good, a small unit means it should be a quick and easy job." Zack murmured thoughtfully, his mind already slipping into soldier mode without his consent. "We'll work in two teams to do the search and then gather for clean up as necessary."
"Sounds like a good plan." Kunsel agreed, his eyes boring into the raven haired soldier's until he noticed them and followed the meaningful look of his friend to the cadet who was now standing in a very withdrawn way beside them.
"Hey Spiky, you ok?" Zack quickly asked, grateful that Kunsel had already begun to move towards the door to at least give them some sense of privacy.
"I'm fine, just ... just be careful. Please." The cadet whispered softly. His heart and mind suddenly in conflict as one told him that Zack was more than capable of dealing with this, while the other cried out in fear of losing the one person he'd finally taken a chance to love.
"I'll be fine and back before you know it." The soldier reassured instantly, a tender smile forming on his handsome face as his arms reached out and quickly dragged the blonde into a warm embrace. "Just focus on getting you work done while I'm gone and that way we'll have more time together when I get back."
"Alright." Cloud breathed against his chest, the muffled word instantly helping to ease some of the guilt forming in Zack's chest at abandoning his Spiky like this.
But in reality the soldier needn't have worried about hurting the cadet by rushing off this way, his own insides also conflicting much like the blonde's over his duty as a soldier and the undeniable desire to stay right where he was.
"You need to get going." Cloud stated reluctantly, his smaller frame already pulling away from the arms which held him close so that Zack was able to leave unhindered. "People are waiting for you to be a hero." The blonde teased gently, his sky blue eyes flashing a tenderness which once again matched the soft smile on his pale pink lips and made the soldier's heart swell with joy.
"You're amazing, you know that right." Zack breathed back huskily, his own warm violet orbs having seen the combined emotions of nervousness, concern, love and understanding on the cadet's expression.
"It's what you do and what I'm working towards." The blonde pointed out with a faint chuckle, the unspoken worry still present in his voice even as he tried to brush if off. "But if you get hurt I will kick your butt for it." He added firmly with a joking tone, a flicker of real fear showing for the briefest of moments before it was quickly shut away again.
"Got it." The soldier promised, his mouth quickly finding Cloud's for a chaste but no less meaningful kiss before he was moving away.
The cadet didn't follow Zack as he made his way towards the apartment door, his feet unwilling to carry him the short distance needed to watch the soldier leave the safety of their home. And though the blonde knew that it was just a simple monster hunt and that Zack's mako enhanced body, as well as the team he was going with, would have no problem for dealing with it, he still couldn't actually watch the two soldiers go. Instead he stayed right where he was and waited until he heard the front door open and then close again, the silence which surrounded him suddenly becoming unbearable as he shut his eyes and the image of two men in uniform with swords strapped to their backs filled his mind.
"Please be safe ... both of you." Cloud whispered to the air, his prayer not only going out to the one who held his heart but also the other who he was now daring to call ... a friend.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
The rest of the day seemed to pass in odd bursts for the cadet; his ability to keep track of the time failing miserably as minutes ticked by like hours and hours began to drag along like days. Yet still somewhere amongst that some of it also passed like seconds and before Cloud knew it Sunday was almost over, the night having snuck up on him and blanketed the world in a darkness which was slowly creeping into his chest and making it a little harder to breathe properly.
The blonde knew that it was silly to worry about Zack and Kunsel the way he was; the soldiers having trained and fought in countless situations like this long before he'd arrived on the scene. Yet still he couldn't shake the feeling that all the things he was learning to hold dear could be ripped away from him again, that all of the chances he was beginning to take were about to go wrong and end up hurting him in some way. And as much as Cloud wanted to believe that the mission had only been delayed, or that the transport was late returning, he couldn't help but feel that his insides wouldn't calm properly until he could see that they were both back safe and sound.
In his attempt not to think about their absence all day the cadet had buried himself in his studies, the aim being to finish his work as Zack had suggested and after that just keep busy until the soldier returned. As a result not only had Cloud finished his homework, but also moved even further ahead by working on assignments which he knew were coming. His thick pad now filled with over a dozen pages of useful notes regarding several subjects that were coming up on the syllabus soon, with navigational strategy at night, for his history of warfare classes, and material fusion theory taking priority above the rest.
He'd also managed to read ahead in two other subjects by at least one more chapter, without making notes about the topics covered, and knew that he was now far in advance of his peers in pretty much every class they took. This knowledge however hadn't stopped the niggling worries from entering his mind every time he'd let his thoughts wander, the troubled feelings and doubting whispers only getting strong the longer he was alone and the blacker the sky outside had become.
It was therefore nearly eight o'clock when Cloud finally gave up with his studies, his head now hurting not just from trying to ignore the constant annoying voice which chipped at his confidence in the pair but also because of reading such small print for most of the day. In fact, the more Cloud thought about it as he packed his things away, the more realised that he'd been working all day without any kind of break. At no point had he stopped to have lunch during the afternoon and he'd been too unsettled by Zack's departure to even bother with breakfast in the morning. Yet it was only now that his body began to make this fact known to him, his stomach instantly growling quite loudly in the silent apartment while also twisting almost painfully inside of him as it demanded food.
The sensation was not one Cloud had felt for a long time, his ability to forgo eating the sloop served in the canteen for extra training having gone to waste under Zack's care and everyone else's insistence that he maintain and healthy and well balanced diet. And while it was not necessarily an unpleasant discovery to make in the grand scheme of things, it did make him begin to think about how much his life had changed in the past few months. No longer was he just a grunt in the ShinRa army suffering in silence, his torments still there but now less painful to deal with, and the need to do everything alone gone almost like the changing of the season.
The self discover was more than just a shock to the blonde, his heart skipping a beat and his sky blue eyes becoming wider as he stared out of the window unseeing into the night outside. His life truly had been lived in a world filled with winter, in a cold and lonely existence where nothing grew and it took all that Cloud had to keep himself moving. But with Zack appearing in his life there had been a change, the soldier's love being like the summer sun shining down over the frozen lands and melting away the ice and snow to see the things which were trapped underneath. And no longer was Cloud living in a place of cold and harsh bitterness, his world opening up under the radiant light and it's warmth so that now it was more like spring with new hopes and dreams blooming all around him.
After that there was only one thought which went through the cadet's mind as he quickly finished packing his things away and began to take the fort apart, only one wonderful heart-warming belief that made dismantling the small structure alone easier to bear. Not so long ago he'd told Angeal that the soldier had brought a light into his life, that Zack was the light in his darkness, but really the raven haired soldier was so much more than that now. He wasn't just a faint glow in the shadows, a tiny flame burning brightly in the dark, or even a brilliant star shining in the night's sky. The soldier was nothing less than the eternal sun itself as it bathed him in its wondrous light, as each loving beam spread itself effortlessly across Cloud's heart, mind and soul so that winter would never be able to touch the young cadet ever again.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
It was late and Zack just knew there would be trouble when he got home, that Cloud would be angry, upset or even both, and that his words of reassurance to the cadet about spending the rest of the day together would be thrown back in his face.
He was supposed to have spent the morning hunting monsters while the cadet got his work done, then flown back on the air transport some time after lunch to give a quick debriefing before heading home and spending the afternoon with the blonde. The pair of them happily hiding in their fort while watching more sappy films together until evening turned to night around them and it was time for bed. It was a delightful mental image that the soldier had been playing in his head all day, one which had been firmly held onto even as it kept being edited as the hours passed by, until eventually it became obvious that none of it was going to happen.
The mission had been simple enough and it hadn't taken long to track down the monsters causing problems once they'd arrived, the teams working quickly and efficiently to deal with the small creatures easily. What they hadn't expected however was the bigger things which came at them as they were completing the final sweep, the larger beasts being strong as hell and moving with quite impressive speed considering their size. Luckily no one had been seriously injured, although Smith would be laid up in the infirmary for a couple of days while his broken leg healed properly. There was also some debate about Cowe being able to return to duty tomorrow as his wrist was still swollen, but that was more of a precaution on the doctor's part than anything else.
What had followed however was a longer debriefing than expected, as well as detailed reports being made about the new creatures including their appearance, strengths and weaknesses. And while Zack knew that these things were important for future combat situations he couldn't help but feel that it was a bit much, needing to give every piece of information he had at least twice just to make sure it was accurate. He'd also needed to write up the other two officers injuries as he was in charge of the team, then check on each at the infirmary both out of duty and concern for the men who'd fought with him.
By the time he was finished it was gone eleven at night, his tired and weary body quietly making its way back to the apartment and silently dreading the welcome he would get. He could already imagine Cloud sitting in the living room waiting for him, a cold and closed off look on the young cadet's face as he tried not to show how much the day's unfulfilled plans had hurt him. Or, considering the time, his Spiky may already be in bed and choosing to ignore him, rather than start a fight at such a late hour. Both thoughts however carried equal weight for the soldier's guilt and as he began to open the door to their home he felt the burden settle squarely over his shoulders.
Upon entering the apartment however Zack found his footsteps faltering, the only sound to fill the dimly lit living space being the soft echo of the door which had closed behind him. Already he could see where the fort had been taken apart and the room put back to normal, the realisation that the blonde had done it alone making his heart ache just a little and he swore that they would build another one again soon to make up for it. In all though the apartment was dark, save for the faint light of table lamp which had deliberately been left on for his return, and the reality of the situation quickly sunk in.
Cloud had indeed gone to bed rather than wait up for him. A fact which left the soldier feeling very uneasy, even though it made sense as he knew that the cadet had classes in the morning. But still, something about the feel of the air around Zack didn't have him on edge. The atmosphere being calm on his heightened senses and not giving off any vibes of hurt, frustration or anger which should have been present if the blonde was annoyed at him.
It was therefore with curious and cautious light steps that the soldier made his way directly to their bedroom, his body taking a deep steadying breath and holding it before letting him push the door open. His eyes instantly settled on Cloud's delicate form curled up beneath the blankets, his sweet angelic face only partially visible where it lay half buried in one of the soft pillows on their bed. From where he stood a warm pink cheek could been seen moving slightly as the blonde's pale pink lips parted to allow a small mumbling breath to escape, the faint sound instantly stirring the protective and loving emotions deep within Zack's heart to life. It was fair to say that right now Cloud looked more than lovable, he looked plain right adorable. His little button nose cutely scrunching up in annoyance as if bothered by something unpleasant and then golden brows furrowing in disapproval of the smell just before dazed blue eyes fluttered open to look around in confusion.
"Zack?" The cadet questioned, his foggy mind still unwilling to let go of that sleepy state properly.
"Yea, it's me." The soldier replied nervously. His voice desperately trying to show the joy he was feeling at seeing the blonde looking so endearing and not reveal the uncertainty which still bubbled within him just beneath the surface.
"You stink." Cloud stated in a softly grunted breath, his whole body shifting further under the covers as if trying to escape the smell. "Go shower."
Zack couldn't help himself and chuckled briefly as a brighter and more cheerful smile grew on his handsome face, his worried expression quickly melting away to be replaced by his usual relaxed and carefree appearance.
"Is that a request or an order ... sir." The soldier teased lightly, while silently hoping that he hadn't misjudged the cadet's casual behaviour and peaceful state in some way.
"Whatever get's you to do it the quickest." The blonde's mumbled reply came from beneath the covers, the slightly more alert tone now also mixed with a combination of relief and amusement as well.
"Aaawww, but Spiky. Don't you want to give me a welcome home hug?" Zack asked playfully, his feet deliberately creating distinctive walking sounds as he began to approach the bed.
"Don't even think about coming near me or our bed smelling like that." Cloud warned, the hint of laughter in his voice instantly washing away the last remaining shadows of worry in the soldier's mind.
"Not even a kiss?" Zack practically whined, his puppy pout already in place when two bright blue eyes peeked over the top of the duvet cover to look up at him.
"Not a chance." The cadet stated firmly, the blankets which were still pulled up to cover his mouth and nose not only making the kiss impossible but also making his response sound muffled and funny.
The soldier only grinned more as his warm violet orbs connected with softly-glowing sky blue, the things neither was actually saying passing between them effortlessly.
For Zack he was saying 'I'm sorry I was gone so long, do you forgive me?' And for Cloud the answer was 'of course you idiot, but I was worried'. At this the soldier's smile relaxed a little and he changed his look to reassure the cadet that he was fine, the silent question of 'are you alright?' being quickly passed back to the blonde who replied that he was 'better now'.
A minute later and Zack broke the comfortable silence around them with a light-hearted chuckle, his amethyst eyes sparkling with more emotions that either of them could identify. His whole body seeming to unwind and loosen up as he straightened himself and stood a little bit taller, the weight of his worries having been lifted clear from his shoulders.
"I'll shower and get cleaned up them." He managed, though his voice had become a little rougher as if a small lump was suddenly blocking it. "Can't have you or our bed smelling bad now can we?"
"There's also dinner in the fridge if you're hungry." Cloud quickly called out, as the soldier began to walk away towards the door. His body instinctively sitting up in the bed to see the departing figure better, even as his confidence in speaking up wavered and the voice he spoke with began to falter. "It'll need reheating ... but ... but you know ... only if ... if you're hungry ..."
Zack knew it was the look on his face which had caused the cadet's words to fall away into a bashful mumbled silence, that it was probably because of the elated expression which currently shone from every part of him as they looked at each other. Not only did the blonde forgive him for not being around today but understood the reason behind it, had accepted that these things were out of Zack's control because of who he was and what they involved. It was more than the soldier could have hoped for after some of their more recent conversations, the grin on his face now reaching from ear to ear and practically splitting his face in two.
"I might just do that." Zack replied gently, his response holding a tender note of thanks without going overboard and adding to Cloud's already self-conscious state.
"Good." The cadet whispered to show he'd acknowledge the words, his own shy smile growing a little brighter as he looked up to meet the soldier's adoring expression once more.
"I'm gonna go eat and freshen up." Zack informed the blonde softly after a moment of silence between them, his feet already moving him the last few steps towards the door. "You go back to sleep and get some rest. You've got classes tomorrow and I don't want you to be tired."
"Alright." Cloud replied, his supple body already lowering itself back onto the comfortable mattress and pulling the blankets into place around him once more. "Just don't be gone too long." He continued, as the soldier began to move through the open doorway and into the living room outside.
"I won't." Zack promised reassuringly a few seconds before he closed the door behind him, a small part of his mind already working out the quickest way to shower and eat so that it took as little time as possible.
Thirty minutes later a freshly washed and recently fed soldier slipped back into the bedroom and stealthily made his way towards the bed, his large form easily finding its place beneath the sheets and happily wrapping itself around the smaller one already lying there. Almost at once the cadet let out a soft sigh of pleasure as he was enveloped in Zack's strong protective arms, his unconscious state not stopping the blonde from instinctively settling himself back into the soldier's loving embrace and pressing their bodies even closer together. To this Zack could only smile brighter and let the feelings he had for Cloud flow through him, as his exhausted body began to give into the fatigue which plagued it, and his tired mind gladly surrendered itself to the sandman's pull.
Not more than two minutes later and twin breaths of two sleeping men filled the silent night air, as both soldier and cadet were carried away into a deep and peaceful sleep while still holding each other close. For Zack it was a dreamless sleep, his long day allowing for nothing less. But for Cloud there were images of fields filled with flowers, of an endless clear blue sky where a bright orange sun, which strangely enough also had black spiky hair, now shone down all around him and chased the shadows away.