AN: Finally I got this chapter written! It's likely short and very fluffy, I'm generally not used to writing fluff so I hope its turned out ok. Please enjoy and, as always, review! Thank you.

Chapter Nine: Secrets and One Date

"Kunsel! I need help!" Zack said and dragged his friend away from the people he had been talking to, he ignored his protests and pulled him into a nearby broom cupboard.

"Zack, what the hell? You know I don't swing that way."

"Shut up. I need help. Where's the best place to take someone on a date on the upper plates?" He asked.

"Ooh, so you've found someone you're serious about? Is it that Aerith girl? She was cute."

"Well...no...not exactly although I do owe her a date." He frowned and rubbed the back of his neck. "No. This is someone else. I need to impress them."

Kunsel watched Zack carefully before sighing. "It's that blond kid, isn't it? The one that tried to kill himself?"

"Yeah." Zack grinned.

"Be careful, Zack. I heard Heidegger's on a rampage for some reason, apparently AVALANCHE have been giving him serious problems and he's even coming down hard on the Turks."

"The Turks?! He's got to be insane to be messing with them!" Zack exclaimed, temporarily forgetting about his date with Cloud with this new information.

Kunsel closed the door of the cupboard, leaving them in darkness before whispering. "I've also heard rumours he's sent them to Junon...on the front lines."

Zack was stunned by this news. "They're gunna be massacred!" He breathed. "They're not cut out for the front, what's Heidegger thinking? The Turks are informants, everyone knows that! What's their boss doing?"

"Veld? He's gone. Heidegger replaced him."

"Shit." Zack shook his head in amazement. "Well, I wish Heidegger all the luck with that, I doubt the Turks'll take this lying down." He thought about Cissnei and shook his head. "Anyway, about that date?" He urged Kunsel who sighed.

"If you're determined to do it, then, I wish you the best of luck. But don't drag my name into it when Heidegger's arrested you for insubordination."

"On my Honour." Zack said seriously.

"Well, in that case, there's a really nice place to eat in Sector Five, i've heard all the executives go there. It was Genesis' favourite place too."

Zack grinned, slapping Kunsel on the shoulder. "Thanks man, I owe you."

"Just...don't let them see you're with an infantry soldier. Like I said you're likely to bump into Heidegger and even Scarlet up there."

Zack shivered. "Ugh...I hate Scarlet." He grimaced as he remembered the first time he had been introduced to her by Angeal, she hadn't kept her hands to herself throughout the entire interview. He felt violated just thinking about it.

XXX

"Cloud...hey? You all right?"

"Zack...I'm really not sure about this, I feel stupid."

Zack stared at the curtain that separated him from the dressing room, they were stood in a clothing shop on the upper plates and the tailor was fiddling idly with his tape measure. "You'll be fine, come on out."

"No."

"Cloud, come on! I promised you a date, right?"

"You did but I didn't expect this. I'm not coming out, nor am I going anywhere dressed like this. I look stupid."

"Come on, Cloud, it's the only way I could think of to avoid getting into trouble!" The curtain twitched and Zack smiled as Cloud finally stepped out, he was bright red and looked very upset. Zack's smile changed and his eyes widened. "Wow." He breathed. Cloud was clad in pale blue satin, the perfect match for his eyes. His wig was blond, like his original hair and cascaded down his shoulders in elaborate curls. He folded his arms across his chest and frowned at Zack.

"I look stupid." He insisted.

"You look amazing! Now, come here so I may add the finishing touches, my dear." The tailor said and pulled Cloud over to a full length mirror, Cloud kept shooting Zack glares as he was manhandled, false breasts stuffed down the bodice of his dress and a pair of pretty pearl earrings in his ears. Finally a matching necklace draped his throat and he was released. "Stunning!" The tailor announced, stepping back and bowing. "As pretty a princess as ever there was."

"Ugh." Cloud gazed at his reflection in disgust, his expression making Zack stifle a giggle behind his hand. They left the tailors, Cloud having difficulty walking in the high heels he was wearing. He clung onto Zack's arm as he was guided through the busy streets, it was evening and the rich of Midgar were out and about in abundance, some going to operas, some visiting restaurants and others going to movies and fancy dances. Cloud looked around curiously, temporarily forgetting that he was dressed as a woman.

"It's not far, come on." Zack tugged on his hand, their fingers entwining intimately. Cloud stumbled a little but managed to regain his balance again. The restaurant was as Zack had described, it was huge with an awning spread over the door. They entered a well lit room with electric chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, the crystal glittering enticingly.

They walked over to the maitre d', the man looked up and smiled at their approach. "Welcome, how may I be of service?"

"We booked a table for two." Zack said, fidgeting with his tie nervously.

"Name?"

"Er...Zack Fair?"

"I see, yes. Please, come this way." The man cast his eyes over Cloud, forcing him to blush and look down at his feet, he kept a firm grip on Zack's arm as they walked. They passed a large table hidden in the shadows and two laughs made Zack's steps falter.

"Kyahahaha!"

"Gyahahaha!"

"Oh fu-" Zack cleared his throat as the maitre d' turned to look at him, arching an eyebrow. "Er...I mean, who's table is that?"

"That table belongs to ShinRa's executives. Now, if you will follow me." He continued on, Zack and Cloud following behind. Their table was near to the executives, Zack tugged again at his tie, he hated them. They sat and were given menus. "Do you wish to see the wine list?"

"Um..."

"Yes, please." Cloud said in a low voice and smiled. He took the list and gazed at it for a moment. "What would you recommend?"

"The Canard-Duchene Brut, it is a most exquisite champagne."

"We'll have that then."

The man bowed and moved away. "As you wish."

Zack looked at Cloud curiously. "How did you know what to say?" He asked in a hushed whisper.

Cloud shrugged. "I've seen a lot of movies." He smirked and Zack laughed.

Their drinks arrived and then a little later the food, Cloud ate and drank more than he ever had before, it was good. Zack did most of the talking, his eyes lingering on Cloud as he laughed, seeming to forget what he was wearing. People glanced over at them curiously but no one commented. Finally the evening ended, Cloud finished his coffee and sighed, feeling a little tipsy and exceedingly happy. When Zack got the bill he blanched visibly. "Well, that's half my wages gone." He muttered heavily. "I can help-"

Zack smiled and shook his head. "No, you don't need to worry. This was my treat."

They paid but as they were leaving Cloud nearly bumped into a woman in a crimson dress, "Oh, I'm so sorry!" He muttered and backed off a little but the woman turned and he recognised her. He lowered his head, hiding his face and blushing furiously.

"Watch where you're going, girl!" Scarlet snapped irritably, she made to turn away but her eyes landed on Zack who was rummaging in his pockets for something. "Oh my! If it isn't Mr. Zack Fair!" Zack froze and slowly looked up, his eyes widened a moment before he forced a painful smile.

"Miss Scarlet, it's been a while." He said stiffly, moving to Cloud's side and putting a firm hand around his waist.

"Oh you're here on a date...how...adorable." Her eyes raked over Cloud as if she was trying to X-ray him. "Who is the lucky girl?"

"Er...Cl-Claudia." Zack said and winced as Cloud stood on his foot.

"What department do you work in girl?" Scarlet asked.

"I-I..."

"She doesn't work for ShinRa." Zack cut in.

"I see." Scarlet looked around, she seemed bored by the proceedings. "Well, my dear, it appears my ride is here. If you ever get bored of the innocence act then call me." She winked and grabbed Zack's arse, making him flush and stiffen.

Cloud looked the woman in the eyes, straightening his back as he moved to stand in front of Zack, shielding him from the woman's groping hands. "Oh I intend to ensure he doesn't get bored." He said irritably. Scarlet smirked deviously.

"Trust me, little girl, the innocent act gets boring very quickly." Cloud smirked at her.

"Oh, you think I'm innocent?" He asked sweetly. Scarlet gazed at him a moment before sneering and walking away without saying another word. "Bitch." Cloud hissed and felt Zack's hand slide around his waist, he was tugged to his side and he felt hot breath against his neck.

"Were you jealous?"

"A-A little...maybe...Zack, not in public!" He pushed against Zack who laughed and released him.

"Don't worry, she's like that with everyone. Even Sephiroth has difficulty in avoiding her hands." Zack laughed at Cloud's surprise before guiding him gently out the door, he paused as they waited for the road to clear so that they could cross.

"Fair!" Zack turned and cursed inwardly, he straightened and performed a sharp salute as Heidegger appeared from the restaurant. "Sir!"

"At ease, at ease." Heidegger said, grinning broadly and patting his extensive stomach. "So, you're on a date, huh? My," He exclaimed, eyeing Cloud like he was a piece of meat. "What a cutie!"

"Uh...yeah...sir, I'm sorry, I have to er...get Claudia back home."

Heidgger didn't seem to hear him. "My name is Heidgger, head of Public Safety." He held out his hand and Cloud reluctantly shook it.

"C-Claudia..." He replied weakly.

"Where did you find this beautiful creature?" Hedigger asked Zack whose hands were clenched into fists at his sides.

"She works in a-a tailors...sir..." He said.

"She must have very talented hands." Heidegger gazed at Cloud hungrily, those beady eyes making his skin crawl.

"Er...sir, we really should be-" Heidgger lifted a hand to silence Zack and got an angry glare which he missed as he once again took Cloud's hand and brought it to his fat lips. Cloud swallowed the urge to yank his hand free and kick him in his fat gut. "You are a flower in this city of metal, if you ever wish to I would always welcome the company of such a beautiful maiden."

Maiden? Zack would have laughed if jealousy hadn't been paramount. "Sir, really, your limo's waiting." Heidegger blinked and looked over to the limo where Scarlet was waiting impatiently.

"Ah yes, such a shame. I am sure we will meet again, beautiful flower." He walked away, leaving Cloud feeling like he needed a shower.

"Ugh...yuck...I fee violated!" Cloud hissed the second Heidgger was out of ear shot.

"Well, at least neither of them recognised you." Zack smirked and put his arm around Cloud's shoulder. "Come on, let's go home."

XXX

"Um...Zack?"

"Yeah?"

"When you said 'home', I didn't think you meant...this." Cloud stared through the open elevator doors at the SOLDIER floor. Zack, who had been leaning against the glass wall and looking at his PHS, looked up and smiled.

"You didn't think I was going to drop you off at the barracks looking like that, did you?" He asked, smiling and pulling Cloud to his side. "They'd eat you alive. You're gorgeous." Cloud's face flushed brilliantly and he extracted himself from Zack with difficulty.

"I look like an idiot!" He said angrily. "If anyone sees me..."

"They won't recognise you, trust me. Come on." He took Cloud's hand in his own and pulled him into the corridor, they passed through the lounge where several men were standing around talking, they looked up as Zack passed, one of them opening their mouths and staring at Cloud.

"Woah, Zack always gets the hottest Chicks!"

"How does he do it, man?"

"I'm so unlucky."

Zack smirked to himself as he waved at them, making them all glare at him as he strode confidently past. Cloud kept his head low, eyes averted as he allowed himself to be dragged down the corridor. He watched his feet so intently he didn't even notice Zack come to an abrupt halt. He walked straight into his back. "Ow, Zack, watch it-" His voice faltered as he looked up to find Sephiroth staring at him, he swallowed and looked away. He yanked his hand free of Zack's and used his arms to wrap around himself in a protective gesture.

"Zack?" Sephiroth blinked at Cloud. "Why is there an infantryman wearing women's clothes on our floor?"

"Er...well...you see...it's um...kinda...I..." Zack stuttered himself into silence and finally shrugged. "I had no choice, if someone were to find out..." He left the sentence hanging and Sephiroth nodded in understanding.

"I see. Well, do enjoy your night...even if it is a little strange." He smirked down at Cloud who was so red they could almost feel the heat coming off of him.

"I knew this was stupid." Cloud muttered as Sephiroth passed him, he looked back over his shoulder and met his eyes momentarily, he blushed again and hung his head. "He knew! He knew who I was! This is humiliating! Zack...please, just kill me now!"

Zack laughed and brought Cloud close, pulling their chests together as he stroked a hand through Cloud's hair. "He doesn't mind, he used to be friends with Genesis after all."

"What does that mean?"

Zack's smirk widened as he leaned down and kissed Cloud. "Whatever you want it to mean." He said mysteriously and moved away. "Come on, let's get back to mine." he tugged gently on Cloud's hand and began making his way back to his apartment. When they entered the apartment Cloud slipped off his high heels with a heavy sigh of relief, he leaned against Zack and buried his head in his broad chest.

"Never, ever make me do anything like that again...it was terrifying and embarrassing."

"Aw, but you look so cute." Zack said as he used a hand beneath Cloud's chin to lift his head up, their eyes met and he leaned down, capturing Cloud's lips with his own.

"I look like a girl." Cloud said uncertainly as Zack pulled away. "I'm not a girl, Zack."

"I know that."

"Then why do you seem to like seeing me in a dress so much?" Cloud replied with a soft frown.

"Because...it's different and it suits you." Zack replied, easing himself out of Cloud's clutches and moving to the living room. "Cloud?"

"What?" Cloud mumbled, he could feel Zack's eyes on him and felt suddenly awkward as he stood at the door, unsure what to do.

"Come here." Zack held out a hand and Cloud went. He stood above Zack who was now seated on the sofa, his hands rose and rested on Cloud's hips as he looked up. "You're amazing, you know that, right?"

"I...Not really." Zack laughed softly and slowly slid a hand up beneath Cloud's skirt.

"Doesn't matter...maybe if I show you how amazing you are?" He breathed as he watched Cloud's face colour again, but for an entirely different reason. Gently Zack took hold of Cloud's shoulders and pushed him to his knees, he smiled as Cloud's eyes widened as he realised what he wanted. Slowly, with hands that shook slightly, Cloud unzipped Zack's fly.

"I've...er...never done this before." Cloud muttered, feeling Zack's hand in his hair.

"It's ok." Zack smiled. Cloud nodded and took a breath before staring at Zack's cock for a moment. He leaned forward and ran his tongue over the tip, listening to Zack hiss air through his teeth. There was a strange buzzing noise, Zack tried to ignore it but it became ever more insistent. Finally he swore loudly and reached into his pocket, withdrawing his phone. "Shit!" He swore as he stared at the message written there. "I have to go." Cloud sat back on his haunches and stared as Zack stood up and ran for his bedroom.

"But...but it's so late, why are you getting a call now?" He called.

"AVALANCHE!" He hissed as he reappeared in the living room, stuffing himself into his first class uniform. "I'm sorry Cloud...I'm really sorry but I can't ignore this."

"No. I know. Go, I'll be here when you get back." Cloud stood up and smiled as Zack gazed at him, suddenly Zack stepped forward and dragged him into a tight embrace, their lips met in a languid kiss. Cloud gripped Zack's hair tightly until he drew away with a sigh, their noses touched and finally Zack stepped back. "Go be a hero." Cloud breathed and Zack laughed brightly as he grabbed his sword from where it leant against the wall and left Cloud alone. Cloud stared at the door for a long moment and, just as he turned to go to bed the door opened and he felt himself lifted bodily off the floor. He gasped and struggled but Zack turned him around and pushed him roughly into the wall, the kiss drove the breath from him and he moaned into Zack's eager mouth before once again he pulled away. He was panting a little and his eyes sparkled. "You better be here when I return."

"Of course." Cloud replied and was put back on the ground.

"Yeah...I really have to go now, I'm late." Zack ran for the door and Cloud watched it close behind him, a smile stretched his lips and he laughed softly to himself.

XXX

Zack returned to find Cloud wearing one of his shirts, he was curled up in a ball, hugging a pillow and snoring lightly. The covers had been kicked away so they were wrinkled at the bottom of the bed. The sight made Zack smile, despite his aching body and his small wounds, he set aside the buster sword and collapsed beside Cloud, unable to keep his eyes open any longer. He wrapped both arms around Cloud's small form and dragged him close, gently he pressed a kiss to the back of Cloud's neck and relaxed. "You smell of blood." Cloud mumbled, keeping his eyes firmly shut as he tightened his grip of Zack's hands at his belly.

"Yeah...sorry...I can shower..."

"Nah. Don't worry. Go to sleep."

"Mm." As Zack drifted into sleep he wondered at Cloud's statement, there was no fear in his voice, only mild concern. Perhaps being with someone who understood the rigours of war was good for him, he had put up with far too many complaints about his violent nature. Even Aerith hadn't liked it, but Cloud accepted it, he understood and that was perfect. "Hey...Cloud?"

"What?"

"Maybe i'm not quite as tired as I first thought." Zack whispered, trailing a hand down Cloud's stomach and finding his cock. Cloud stiffened against him, a tiny noise escaping his lips as Zack grinned into his neck. "Do you wanna continue where we left off?"

"I think that'd be ok." Cloud replied breathlessly, eyes closed firmly as Zack moved his hand over his rapidly hardening erection.

XXX

"Good morning!"

Cloud groaned and rolled away from that irritatingly happy voice, he frowned, keeping his eyes tightly shut as a cool hand slid over his chest beneath the over-large shirt he was wearing. "Go'way...Too early..." He mumbled and only got a soft chuckle.

"It's ten am, time to wake up, sleepy head."

"It is?" Cloud opened his eyes and turned them to Zack who was beaming down at him, his hair was damp and flat on his head, framing his handsome face. He was shirtless and Cloud smiled as he reached up and ran the flat of his palm over his hard chest. "Mornin'." He muttered sleepily and yawned before stretching both arms above his head.

"I got coffee if you want some." Zack said and pressed a light kiss to Cloud's forehead.

"Sounds good, I'll be out in a minute." Zack drew away, still grinning from ear to ear as he left Cloud to wake up properly. For a moment or two Cloud remained in the bed, staring up at the ceiling as he thought on his strange luck. Waking up in the bed of another man was strange but also very pleasant, he smiled to himself and felt heat in his cheeks. He only hoped that they could keep their relationship a secret from the head of their department, if someone were to find out they would be in a world of trouble. Slowly he climbed out of bed and made his way into the living room where the scent of fresh coffee permeated the air, his smile grew as he spotted Zack on the sofa, frowning down at his PHS.