Disclaimer: I do not own FF7 or any of the FF7 characters and don’t make any money from writing this story! Seriously. It was an extremely hot day out, the sun beaming down brightly with not even so much as a little breeze. Cloud was glad that he had decided on wearing one of his lighter yukata rather than a heavy kimono. He pushed up his sleeves briefly on the blue fabric as he made his way throughout the town. There were many people sitting on the sides of the roads in partially shaded areas as kids ran through the streets no doubt heading to the lake. He felt like he had been walking forever when in fact it was probably just minutes. His mom and he had come into town earlier, his mother wanting to do some shopping and Cloud deciding to tag along. However after going with his mom to a few places he started to become irritated from the heat. They went to the Kisaragi restaurant for lunch and after that Cloud had separated from his mom telling her he would see her back at home. She however had much more shopping she wanted to do and simply waved him off. However now that he was on his own he found himself heading towards the dojo that he was sure Zack was at now at this time. He knew that he usually went there to train but right about now he should’ve been finishing up. Finally making his way to his destination he glanced up at the building before climbing up the few steps before coming to the door. He carefully slid it open before peering inside, the sound of swords clanging together catching his attention. There in front of him he saw Zack and Angeal with swords crossed, Zack seeming to be putting forth an effort to try to push Angeal back before his mentor gave a sudden push and sent the young Samurai stumbling backwards. It was at that moment when Zack slightly turned his head in the direction of the doorway, noticing the streak of sunlight that was entering the room. “Cloud?” He asked while straightening from his stance a bit. But no sooner than that had Angeal knocked him flat on his back with his sword pointed at his throat. Cloud couldn’t help but to wince. Even though it was practice he still didn’t like the view of a blade pointed at his boyfriend’s throat. “What was the first the thing I taught you?” Angeal asked slightly out of breath while staring down at Zack. “Ah, never let your guard down,” Zack replied with a sheepish smile. “That’s right,” Angeal began while extending his hand to the other, “never. No matter what.” Having pulled Zack to his feet the Samurai scratched the back of his head. “Sorry,” Zack replied before letting his gaze trail back over to Cloud. Finally stepping inside completely Cloud gave a bow when Angeal looked over to him as well. “Forgive me for interrupting,” he apologized while biting his bottom lip a bit nervously. Angeal waved a hand before securing his sword back in its sheath. “Don’t worry about it, we were just about finished for the day anyways.” Cloud nodded as Angeal walked over and clapped a hand on Zack’s shoulder. “I’ll see you at the conference tonight,” Angeal explained as Zack nodded, still trying to catch his breath. “I’ll be there,” Zack replied as Angeal walked further into the dojo and disappeared into another room before closing the door behind him. Letting out a sigh Zack placed his hands on his hips before giving Cloud a wide grin. “I’m sorry,” Cloud quickly apologized while walking over closer to Zack, “I distracted you.” “A good distraction,” Zack replied while leaning forward and placing a chaste kiss on Cloud’s lips. “What are you doing in town now anyway?” “I came out with my mom, she wanted to shop,” Cloud explained as he watched Zack move to the other side of the room. He had just been wearing his hakama to train in, exposing his bare chest that was glistening with sweat. His chest was still rising and falling faster than usual as he tried to regain his breathing from his practice session. Cloud couldn’t help but to let his eyes linger on the muscular chest and arms of his boyfriend. It was rare that he saw him like this and got to drink in his beauty, but whenever he did his heart beat sped up a little and he felt a flush come to his face. Hopefully Zack would just think it was from the heat outside though. “So you have free time today?” Zack asked while shrugging on the upper part of his clothing, not bothering with fastening it at all and instead just leaving it open as he secured his sword back in its sheath. “Yeah,” Cloud began while blinking rapidly, tearing his gaze away from Zack’s chest to look back into his eyes that were nearing closer. “Good,” Zack started while throwing an arm around the blonds’ shoulders, “so can I be a bit stingy with you today? I kind of want to keep you to myself.” Cloud smiled as he nodded his head, “that’s fine with me.” Leaning down to kiss Cloud properly this time Zack cupped his chin with his hand before pulling back gently with a smile. “Well then let’s get out of here,” he explained while ushering Cloud out of the dojo. He made an agonizing sound as they stepped out into the bright sun and Cloud only laughed a bit. “Too hot for you?” Cloud asked as they walked down the steps. “This is insane,” Zack replied while lifting a hand to shield the sunlight from his eyes. “I’m sure it doesn’t help that you’ve been practicing for a while too,” Cloud added as they began to walk through the streets. “I know,” Zack began while looking down at himself, “I’m all sweaty. I think I need to get cleaned up first.” Looking over at Zack Cloud nodded in understanding. “You want to take a bath?” He asked the other questioningly. “I definitely need to,” Zack replied while scrunching his nose a bit, “you don’t want to hang around a smelly guy right?” Cloud only laughed as Zack bumped into his side playfully. They continued on with their casual chatter as they made their way back to Zack’s home. Once inside they removed their shoes before stepping further into the house and noting that it was rather quiet. “Where are your parents?” Cloud asked while looking towards Zack. “My dad is working, and my mom went out with my aunt earlier today,” Zack replied, seeming to be used to coming home to an empty house at this time of the day. It had been a while since Cloud had been to Zack’s home really. Ever since he had been in the castle it just had changed somehow. He made his way into Zack’s room but the Samurai disappeared into the washroom. He sat down on his bed before letting a small smile touch his lips as he looked at his surroundings. Everything still looked the same from the last time he was there and that somehow made him happy. Reaching over to a shelf he let his fingers trail over the spines of a few books. He wondered if Zack had actually read any of these. Chuckling at the thought he simply fell back onto the bed. It wasn’t exactly cool in the home either but it felt a whole lot better than the blistering heat outside. He let his eyes fall closed as he shifted on the cool linens of the bed. It was comfortable enough for him to put him at ease and he felt himself becoming really lazy. His eyes remained closed for a while as he simply relaxed on the bed, he wasn’t sure how long he stayed that way though but he finally opened them when he felt cool drops of water land on his face. Blinking his eyes open he found himself staring back into deep blue. Zack gave him a smile before leaning up slightly. “I thought you fell asleep on me,” he explained while reaching out and pushing damp blond spikes away from the boys face. “No, I was just relaxing,” Cloud replied while lifting his hands to run through Zack’s wet hair, “did you even dry this at all?” “Not much, it feels better this way with the heat,” he replied with a shake of his head. “Move!” Cloud began with a laugh and pushing at the others chest, “you’re getting water all on me.” “Sorry, sorry,” Zack laughed before collapsing on the bed beside Cloud. Propping himself up on his elbow Cloud looked at his boyfriend who looked completely refreshed now that he had taken a bath and changed into a casual black yukata. It was nice to see him in just casual clothes once in a while since more times than not he was in his Samurai attire. While Cloud did like it, he also liked to see him relaxed and just comfortable. Scooting closer to his boyfriend he lowered his head once again and let it rest against Zack’s chest. He felt the others arm wrap around his waist securely and he let out a content sigh. Days like these were meant to be lazy and called for just lounging around in each others arms. It was the simplest thing probably but to them it meant more than anything else. “Hey are you hungry?” Zack asked while turning his head a bit to glance at Cloud. “Mm no,” he replied with a shake of his head, “I ate with my mom at the Kisiragi’s earlier.” “Oh that sounds good,” Zack started with a pat of his stomach. “You must be though,” Cloud continued while lifting his head up to look at the other, “after all that practicing” “A little,” Zack answered before letting out a long dramatic sigh, “but I’m too comfortable to get up now.” Laughing a little Cloud sat up on the bed fully. “I’ll make you something,” he offered while getting ready to slide off the bed. “No!” Zack began while catching his arm, “it’s okay babe. I got it.” “I don’t mind,” Cloud assured him but Zack was having none of it. “Just relax,” Zack started while getting out of the bed, “I’ll be right back. I’m just going to get a snack.” Cloud honestly didn’t mind. He liked to do things for Zack, but as usual Zack was just…being Zack. He couldn’t help but to shake his head at that and he stretched out on the bed again, his eyes falling onto the shelf beside the others bed once more. He noticed a piece of paper sticking out from between two of the books on the stand. He didn’t notice it before and wondered what it was. Not being able to stop his curiosity he leaned forward and slipped the piece of paper from out of its confines and unfolded it gently. He furrowed his eyebrows briefly before his face took on a look of disbelief. This was…Cloud had given this drawing to Zack years ago. This badly drawn amatureish picture he gave him the summer before he left to visit family. But…he kept it all the time? “And my mom saves the day!” Zack announced upon entering the room holding a small dish in his hands, “she always sets something aside just for me.” Glancing up from the picture to Zack he noticed the other giving him a questioning look. “What’s that?” Zack asked while taking a seat back on the bed and looking at the paper in the boy’s hands. He finally realized what it was and a small smile broke across his face. “Oh,” he said in realization before taking a bit out of one of the sushi rolls. “I can’t believe you kept this,” Cloud began with a laugh. “Of course I kept it,” Zack replied, “you gave it to me.” Cloud blushed at those words as he shook his head. “Yeah but it’s…not good,” Cloud continued while looking at the picture. He couldn’t believe he used to draw this way, not that he was conceited but it was amazing how much he had progressed over the years. “What are you talking about? It’s great,” Zack shot back while stuffing another bite into his mouth. “Besides, do you remember what you told me when you gave me that? There was so much emotion behind it and you spent a lot of time drawing it for me.” Looking back down to the paper Cloud did remember staying up the whole night that evening to finish the drawing for Zack. He had just desperately wanted Zack to have something to be able to think of him by. He didn’t want Zack to feel lonely and he had thought that this picture would help him. He could’ve laughed at that now, but at the time he really thought it would help. Reaching over Zack pulled it out of his hands before giving Cloud a joking glare. “You gave it to me. It’s mine, so don’t think about tearing it up or anything.” “It’s really that important to you?” Cloud couldn’t help but to ask. “Well yeah,” Zack began while rubbing at the back of his neck briefly, “when I was in Osaka that summer I looked at this picture every night. It was nice having something familiar along with me….I still take it with me even when I go away now. I don’t know, it’s just something that stuck with me I guess.” Cloud fell silent at that. He had no idea that Zack really held the silly picture so close to his heart. But…it made him feel good that it did. And it just reinforced Zack’s love for him. The fact that he still carried this around with him whenever he went away, it made Cloud’s heart swell to know that Zack wanted to have something that reminded him of the other at all times. Zack was just preparing to stuff another piece of sushi into his mouth before his eyes fell onto Cloud and he noticed him wiping away a tear. “Cloud?” He asked while placing the food back on the plate, “what’s wrong?” Shaking his head quickly he wiped away another tear. “Nothing, I just…” He didn’t know what he really wanted to say, he had a ton of emotions running through him at the moment. But maybe it was just all waiting to spill from him. After everything that had happened recently, him missing Zack while he was away, the events with the Shogun, Aerith and her crush, Zack returning and the desire he had been feeling for him for so long considerably building up. All of that…and somehow this picture just was the icing on the cake. It didn’t seem like he could find any words really to even begin to explain it all. But at the moment he was…happy. Happy because he was with Zack, that he had Zack. And for some reason he seemed to realize just how lucky he was to have him. Zack could be with anyone…he could be with Aerith, and yet…he was with him. Without another thought he threw himself at the other, sobbing against his chest and clenching his fist in the fabric at his chest. Zack was confused more than anything, looking down to the blond who was now clutching at him tightly and crying. After getting over his initial shock he quickly pushed away his plate before wrapping his arms around his boyfriend and running a hand up and down his back soothingly. “It’s okay,” he began softly, “what’s wrong?” Shaking his head Cloud moved his arms upward before encircling them around Zack’s neck. Nothing was wrong…he was just overwhelmed for lack of a better word. “Cloud,” Zack started while tightening his hold on the other. He couldn’t help but begin to worry. Did something happen? Cloud seemed fine a moment ago…did he say something wrong? “I love you,” Cloud suddenly spoke while clinging tightly onto the Samurai, “I love you so much.” “I love you too,” Zack said softly without a moment’s hesitation, “what brought this on so suddenly?” “I just,” Cloud began while pulling away slightly and wiping at his eyes again. “Why did you show me that stupid picture!?” “What?” Zack asked with a raised brow. And then it all sort of hit him. Cloud had gotten emotional over Zack keeping the drawing all this time. He couldn’t help but to let a grin spread across his face, and he was relieved to know it was that and that something else wasn’t the matter. “Hey you were the one snooping around and found it, I didn’t show you.” Cloud looked a bit guilty at that and Zack only laughed before pulling him back into his arms again. They stayed like that for a while in each others arms while Zack placed kisses every so often on top of the blonds head. “Are you okay now?” Zack asked while rubbing Cloud’s back. “Yeah,” Cloud began before letting out a sigh, “are you going to tease me about this now?” Zack gave a bit of a chuckle before shaking his head. While he did like to tease and joke around with Cloud a lot, this wasn’t something that he thought would be funny to tease him about. Besides, he knew Cloud was sensitive, so it didn’t really surprise him that he reacted that way. In fact, he thought it was cute. Looking up at Zack Cloud placed a hand on the side of his face gently. “I don’t know what I would do without you,” Cloud softly admitted before lowering his gaze briefly, “I guess I just was thinking…how lucky I am to have you.” Zack kept his gaze on Cloud, even when the other lowered eyes not seeming to be able to look the Samurai in the face when he said that. Taking Cloud’s hand that was resting against his face he gently pressed a kissed into his palm causing Cloud to look back up at him. “I’m the lucky one Cloud,” he replied sincerely as he locked their gazes. Cloud’s eyes began to water again slightly at that and he raised his other hand up to gently brush through raven hair. “Zack,” he began quietly as a few tears ran down his face. A soft kiss was pressed against his lips a moment later and his eyes fell closed. Their lips stayed together for a moment before separating briefly only to reunite again a second later. It wasn’t deepened or anything like that, just the touching of their lips. It was sweet and loving, and it was enough to make Cloud’s stomach flap around with butterflies. When they pulled apart their eyes connected once more and Zack was wiping away the tears from Cloud’s face. The blond gave a small smile before hooking his arms around Zack’s neck then Zack was leaning in to kiss him once more. This time capturing his bottom lip and swiping his tongue at the seam of his lips. Cloud eagerly parted his lips, allowing Zack’s tongue to invade his mouth in the most delicious way. He pulled him closer as he felt Zack’s arms slip around his waist and hold him tight as his tongue continued to caress his own. Cloud moaned into the others mouth softly just as Zack leaned his body weight against his so that Cloud lay back on the bed with the Samurai above him. They stayed kissing passionately that way for a while, not seeming to be able to get enough of each other. It had only been a little over a week since Zack had gotten back, so they both were still trying to soak up as much of the other as possible. “Zack,” Cloud whimpered when he felt him begin to place kisses on his neck. It was one of his weak spots and Zack was well aware of it. He let out a shaky breath while inclining his head, giving Zack better access to his neck as he clutched at his back. It felt so good, being here together with Zack. The closeness that the both of them were sharing, this intimate moment. Cloud wanted nothing more than for it to last forever. He wanted to savor every little thing about it. But more than that…he wanted more from this moment. It was something he wanted for a while now, and while Zack had been away he only longed for him more. Ever since that time before when they had been interrupted, there hadn’t been an adequate moment. And it didn’t seem like Zack ever wanted to bring it up. Cloud only could think that it was because Zack thought that maybe Cloud really wasn’t ready, that he had been rushing ahead that last time. And Zack…gentleman that he was, would never push Cloud. But…Cloud wanted to go further more than anything. He needed Zack. But he knew that the only way that would happen was if he told Zack that for himself, to let him know without a doubt what he wanted. Otherwise he knew Zack would respect the boundaries and not attempt to go further. “Zack,” he started, however the name spilled from his lips in a moan. Shaking his head briefly to clear it of its lust momentarily he ran a hand through dark hair, tugging slightly to gain the others attention. Zack pulled away, his eyes falling onto Cloud as he gazed at him with a somewhat heated look. It was a look that Cloud had never seen in his boyfriends eyes and he felt himself blush even more so. “Sorry,” Zack softly spoke; automatically thinking that he had done something to make Cloud feel uncomfortable. “Why?” Cloud asked in confusion while reaching out and cupping Zack’s face in his hands. “Zack…you don’t have to hold yourself back. I don’t want you to.” Zack stared back into blue eyes, trying to read them in their sincerity. They looked away briefly from his in what was probably embarrassment before shifting back to meet his again. “I,” Cloud continued, “I need you Zack. I don’t want to wait anymore,” he finally admitted. His cheeks were permanently stained with a blush, but he didn’t care, he needed Zack to know. He wrapped his arms loosely around his neck again, letting out another shaky breath as he closed his eyes briefly. He opened them once more, although now they were half lidded and blazing with a fierce desire. “Make love to me Zack…please.” “Cloud,” Zack breathed while scooping the other up into his arms and clutching him to him tightly. He thought his heart was going to burst from his chest. He had wanted so much for Cloud to want this too, to want him. He wanted nothing more than to love him like he had been longing to do for so long, and lately it was becoming more difficult to try to ignore. But Zack wanted to make sure that Cloud was ready…but he had no doubt at all in his mind now that he was. And he could tell from the look in the blond’s eyes that he meant every single word he spoke. Cloud could only grip Zack tighter as he felt the tension melt away from the warrior’s body, he hadn’t even realized it was there before but he definitely could feel the difference. It almost pained him to know that Zack was feeling the same way but was trying to refrain from fear of making Cloud uneasy. Zack…always putting his feelings before his own. They got caught in a searing kiss as Zack lowered them back onto the bed. His heart was racing, but he wasn’t going to rush this. Not at all, he was going to make love to Cloud like he deserved. He was going to pour all of his love and desire for the artist in every kiss, touch and caress. “You didn’t need to say please,” Zack began softly while gently nipping at his boyfriend’s ear, “I’ll more than gladly comply.” A shiver ran through Cloud’s body, whether it was from the sensation of Zack nipping at his ear or the words he had just uttered Cloud wasn’t sure. But he didn’t have too long to think about it before he felt himself becoming lost in Zack’s touches. His hands seemed to be everywhere, touching him in the perfect ways to make his body shudder with want and crave him more. He continued to clutch and pull at the other, wanting to feel more, trying to keep them as close as possible. Zack gently slipped the yukata from off of Cloud’s shoulder, sliding it down just enough to stop at the blond’s elbow. He pressed his lips softly against the smooth, warm skin as Cloud squirmed a bit beneath him letting out a soft sigh. Trailing his hand up the other side he carefully mimicked his actions, sliding the material off the other shoulder before running his fingers over the heated skin. Just seeing this much of Cloud exposed was enough to excite Zack and he lowered his hands to the obi around the smaller ones waist and began to unfasten it. Cloud felt his breath catch in his throat as he watched Zack’s slender fingers work away the sash. In a moment he was pulling it away completely and dropping it beside them on the floor, only seeming to hesitate briefly before sliding his hand under the garment and running his fingers up the other’s flat stomach and up to his chest. Cloud closed his eyes at the feeling, it was a mixture between pleasure and nervousness and he had to remind himself to breathe. He felt a small shift on the bed as Zack’s hand trailed back down his side to rest on his bare hip, his thumb gently caressing the skin before he was bringing up his other hand to completely open and pull away the garment. There was a moment of complete stillness after that. Zack’s hands seeming to stop their touches and ministrations, and the only thing that Cloud was aware of was his heartbeat, Zack’s breathing, and the fact that he was now completely naked. He wanted to open his eyes, to look into Zack’s face and see what it was he was thinking. And at the same time he didn’t want to. Zack couldn’t help but to admire the body before him. Cloud was absolutely breathtaking. From his lithe form to his smooth skin and taut stomach, Zack couldn’t have imagined him to be any more beautiful than he was. His eyes traveled up to the blond’s face noticing the heavy blush that still remained on his cheeks and that had begun to make its way downwards, tingeing his neck and chest lightly with pink. It only seemed to add more to his appeal and Zack couldn’t resist any longer. He leaned down and captured those bruised kissed lips, eliciting a small moan from Cloud. “You’re perfect,” Zack breathed once they had pulled away. Cloud partially opened his eyes as he stared back at Zack. Perfect? His boyfriend was crazy. He was far from it. He was a runt! But…if Zack thought so then…well that was all that mattered to him. He just wanted to be more than enough for him and him only. “Don’t embarrass me,” Cloud spoke quietly while turning his head to the side. “It’s true though,” Zack replied while running his hands up the sides of the others thighs. He started to trail kisses back down his neck, scattering them across his chest before flicking his tongue out briefly over a pink nipple. Cloud tensed for a moment, but when Zack took it completely into his mouth he let out a whimper while arching up slightly against the Samurai. “Does that feel good?” Zack asked while turning lustful blue eyes upwards. Cloud could only nod as Zack did it again before making his way over to the other side. When Cloud arched up against him again Zack rolled his hips slightly against him causing Cloud’s mouth to fall open in a silent cry. That had felt too good, and he rocked his hips upwards dying to feel more of that friction again. Zack met his movements each time, pressing them harder together. “Zack,” Cloud gasped while reaching out to pull the other closer to him. Then he was pulling at his clothing. It only seemed to be getting in the way now and he was having none of that. Catching on to what Cloud was doing Zack pulled away before working at his clothing. It didn’t take long for him at all before he was shrugging off the garment, pushing it aside without a second thought before leaning back over Cloud and settling between his legs. Small, shy hands ran up the Samurai’s chest, feeling the strong muscles beneath his fingertips before circling around and running up and down his back, feeling the muscles ripple beneath his touch. He took in every inch of Zack, every scar that covered his statuesque body. Even with them they didn’t take away from his radiance. He looked back up into blue eyes that almost seemed to glow before he was pulling him down closer to him. Their bodies pressed firmly together, sending a pleasant sensation through the both of them at the skin to skin contact. Cloud wrapped his arms around Zack tightly before burying his face in the crook of his neck. It felt nice to hold him this way, so close and so intimate. It just felt…so right. It seemed as if Zack understood this as well as he let Cloud hold him close to him and he in turn melted into his embrace, pressing soft kisses against his shoulder. He lifted his eyes letting them scan over the room in hopes of finding something that he could use on his small lover as they continued on. But from looking about he didn’t see anything that would be substantial at all. He felt Cloud rock up against him again drawing a hiss from him as the other moaned softly. Snapping his attention back to the one beneath him he forgot about what he was looking for as he pressed back, moving his hips against Cloud’s and reveling in the feeling. It was too much and yet it wasn’t enough. They continued on as Zack grabbed hold of Cloud’s leg that had somehow wrapped around his waist in the process. It went from almost tortuously slow to a quicker pace and Cloud was quickly losing his edge. Gasping and moaning and calling out his lovers name. It was indescribable and he wanted nothing more than to keep going but Zack had placed his hands on his hips to still him before he himself also stopped. “Zack?” He asked his breathing heavy as he looked back up at the other with a confused, needy expression. He received a questioning look in return and it was then that he realized just what it was that his boyfriend was asking permission to do. He gave a short nod of his head before he watched Zack look around the room while a slight frown appeared on his features. “What’s the matter?” Cloud asked hesitantly, a little surprised to see that expression on his boyfriends face considering the situation. “I,” Zack began while looking back down at Cloud, “we need something…but I don’t see anything we could use” “Need something?” Cloud asked feeling a bit clueless before he quickly realized what Zack was talking about. “Oh,” he continued, “well…it’s okay. We don’t need it” “Cloud,” Zack started with a shake of his head. No matter how badly he wanted to do this, he didn’t want to hurt Cloud. “It’ll be fine,” Cloud replied softly. “I don’t want to…hurt you,” Zack explained with a small sigh, still not seeming too convinced if they should continue. “Zack,” Cloud started while gripping the Samurai’s chin so that he was looking straight at him. “It’s okay. Alright?” No, it wasn’t. Zack knew that Cloud wasn’t thinking too clearly and that he probably didn’t really understand just how difficult things would be without proper preparation. Then a thought hit him and he quickly lit up before moving from off of Cloud and making his way over to his closet. Blinking at the sudden loss of Zack in his arms Cloud looked over to where he was looking around in the closet. “Zack,” he started a bit helplessly before Zack was making his way back over and settling above him once more. A smile was back on his face and a bottle of some sort in his hand. He uncapped it and poured the clear liquid onto his fingers. A metallic like aroma filled the air and Cloud scrunched his nose slightly. “What is that?” Looking at the bottle before setting it aside he turned his focus back to Cloud. “It’s polish.” Cloud didn’t know what kind of polish it was but he decided not to worry about it, that hardly mattered. If it would make things better then he was fine with it. A kiss was pressed against his lips briefly before Zack was pulling back and lowering his oil slicked fingers to the blond’s entrance. Cloud sucked in a breath automatically as his fingers clutched at Zack’s shoulders. “It’s okay,” Zack began soothingly, “just relax.” Trying to relax a bit more Cloud sunk further into the bed and loosened his grip on Zack. He kept his eyes on the ceiling rather than on Zack and what he was doing at the moment as he tried to calm his racing heart. Keeping his eyes locked on Cloud’s face Zack gently inserted a finger into him. He saw Cloud squeeze his eyes closed and he stopped moving instantly. “Did that hurt?” Zack asked with concern. Opening his eyes slowly Cloud shook his head. No, it didn’t hurt but it just felt…strange. Taking that as a good sign Zack continued on, moving his finger inside the other carefully and cautiously. Once it seemed like Cloud was used to that enough he added a second finger before shortly after inserting a third. It was this that caused Cloud to whimper and close his eyes once more. There was a distinct discomfort and pain and he bit his lip as he tried to will it away. But after a few more strokes Zack’s fingers brushed against something inside him that made him completely forget all about the pain. He let out a cry as his eyes opened slightly and he moved his hips, trying to feel that sensation within him again. From that reaction Zack tried to move his fingers in the same way again, trying to mimic what he had just done beforehand that had made Cloud cry out in pleasure like that. And after a few more moments he found that spot again, making Cloud tremble and moan beneath him. It was such a beautiful sound to his ears and he kept up his motions, wringing as many sounds from his lover as possible. Cloud let out a gasp as he felt Zack’s fingers retreat from him. He wanted to protest but when his eyes met Zack’s again he felt his heart skip a beat as he looked at the desire lying within them. He knew what those eyes were silently asking and he gave a short nod of his head as Zack positioned himself, pressing against his entrance just barely before Cloud gasped and spoke up. “Wait,” he began while letting out a breath that he hadn’t even been aware he was holding. Zack complied instantly, stopping and looking back up into Cloud’s wide eyes. “I just,” Cloud started before turning his head to the side and letting his eyes fall shut. “Never mind.” Zack could practically feel Cloud shaking now and he leaned down pressing a kiss against his cheek briefly. “Nervous?” Turning his head to look back into Zack’s face Cloud nodded slightly. Zack gave him a warm smile before pressing a kiss to his lips. “It’s okay,” Zack began comfortingly while placing soft kisses all over his boyfriends face. “Tell me to stop and I will alright? We don’t have to keep going.” Cloud was glad that even now with how far they had come, that Zack was still more than willing to back off. Even if Cloud didn’t want him to at all. It still warmed his heart to know that Zack was thinking about his feelings. Lips were placed over his own again and he quickly melted into it, welcoming the warm tongue that had invaded his mouth. He was so caught up in it that he was only vaguely aware of a pressure down below, but when it became more forceful he felt himself tensing again. “Relax, its okay,” Zack spoke softly against his lips while taking hold of the others smaller hand in his. Cloud squeezed it tightly as he felt Zack push deeper and deeper inside. He finally cried out right before Zack was all the way in and felt the hot tears begin to roll down his face. Zack was quickly wiping them away and pressing gentle kisses on his cheeks, his eyes, forehead and lips, softly whispering words of endearment and comfort to him. They remained that way for a while, Zack giving Cloud time to adjust and trying to comfort him as best as he could. Then Cloud was reciprocating the kisses and moving a bit underneath Zack, experimentally rocking his hips forward. That was all it took for Zack to pull out and carefully push back in causing a soft moan to escape from the blond. He continued the small motions, all the while watching Cloud’s face. Watching how his mouth would open silently and his eyes would close briefly before fluttering back open. How he would bite his bottom lip or furrow his eyebrows as he tried to get used to all of the different feelings. Each small expression that would cross over his face seemed to keep Zack in a trance. All of Cloud’s feelings were on his face, in his expression and in his eyes. Looks that Zack had never seen before and for that reason he just couldn’t look away. “Zack,” Cloud moaned while letting his eyes drift upwards to meet intense blue. There was a certain passion in Zack’s gaze, a lust and a deep love. They kept their eyes locked on each other as they continued to move sensuously against each other. Moans and heavy breathing filtered into the air, as they gasped each others names, caressing and kissing passionately. They picked up their speed as they both began to near the edge, Cloud mumbling incoherencies and repeating Zack’s name like a mantra. He was close, so very close. It only took a few more strong thrust before Cloud was arching up against Zack and tossing his head back and letting a strangled moan escape from him. And it was in that moment of seeing Cloud completely vulnerable that spurred on Zack’s climax and he was following right after the other before collapsing on top of him, feeling totally and completely spent but satisfied beyond belief. After a moment Zack pushed himself up to pull out of Cloud before resting beside him and instantly pulling him into his arms while Cloud cuddled up to his side. They were more than content this way, not speaking any words but just soaking up the aftermath and enjoying being near each other. Zack glanced down to his side as he ran a hand through sweaty golden hair. Cloud’s eyes were closed and from his breathing Zack could tell that he was very close to probably falling asleep. Letting a small smile appear on his face he tightened his hold on his lover before kissing him on the top of his head. “I love you,” he mumbled while letting his eyes fall close as well. Cloud smiled gently at those words before softly replying with, “I love you too.” _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Blinking open his eyes he ran a hand over his face before turning his gaze to the window. The room was now tinted with a dark orangey glow as the sun began to set. It had started to cool off now considerably now that the sun was disappearing. A body stirring beside him caught his attention and he looked down to see a head of blond spikes resting on the pillow next to him. Smiling gently he ran a finger down Cloud’s cheek. He looked so cute when he was asleep. Reaching down he drew the blanket up over them before lying back and resting beside his boyfriend once more. “Zack?” Cloud asked with a small voice. Opening his eyes again Zack looked to Cloud who now had his sleepy blue eyes directed at him. “Sorry, did I wake you up?” Zack asked. “No,” Cloud began with a shake of his head before stretching a bit. His eyes drifted to the window and he let out a sigh. “It’s going to be night soon.” “Yeah,” Zack replied while reaching out pushing some stray spikes away from Cloud’s face. “I should probably go soon then,” Cloud continued softly. Zack didn’t like the sound of that. He didn’t want Cloud to leave; he just wanted to keep him all night there with him. “Stay,” Zack simply said before leaning in and kissing him softly. Curling his fingers into dark hair Cloud closed his eyes as Zack buried his face into the crook of his neck. “You know I want to. But I’ll get in trouble if I stay out all night,” Cloud explained. “Come home with me.” “Hmm?” Zack asked while pulling away a little to look into Cloud’s eyes. “Yeah, just come stay at the castle tonight. You can spend the night; you know my mom won’t mind. Besides I don’t have classes tomorrow,” Cloud continued while combing his fingers through silky dark hair. “I can do that,” Zack replied with a grin. Cloud was returning it before they got caught in another kiss and then Zack was pulling away with a frown. “Wait…I have to go to that dinner conference tonight. I told Angeal I’d go,” Zack explained. Cloud vaguely remembered something about a conference being mentioned when they were at the dojo earlier in the day, but he had forgotten all about it up until now. “Oh,” he started, “well, maybe afterwards then?” “I don’t know how long it’ll be, I don’t want to come by too late and disturb your parents,” Zack began but Cloud was already shaking his head. “It’s fine. I’ll be up. I’ll wait for you,” he quickly explained while giving Zack a smile. “Okay,” Zack replied before raising an eyebrow, “what’s that?” “What’s what?” Cloud asked a bit confused. “On your face,” Zack continued while raising his hand and wiping at Cloud’s cheek. “What is it?” Cloud asked while lifting his hand to try wiping whatever it was on his face away. “Oh,” Zack began in mock realization as a grin spread across his face, “it’s just you blushing.” For a moment Cloud stared back without saying anything causing Zack to laugh and then in a second Cloud was smacking his boyfriend on the arm. “Shut up!” He shouted at him, all the while a smile spreading across his face. He blushed easily, he always had. And after the events of today he was pretty sure he was going to have a permanent blush for a while. “It’s cute,” Zack started while wrapping his arms around him, “you’re cute.” “Zack,” Cloud began shyly while Zack nipped at his ear, “we need to get ready to go. Your conference right?” “Mm,” Zack replied, “I’d much rather stay here with you.” A pleasant shiver ran through Cloud’s body and he felt himself melting into Zack’s touches and kisses all over again. Even though they had just made love only hours ago, he felt his body responding already and he knew that he would gladly give himself to Zack again if they weren’t pressed for time. “Zack,” he tried again while rolling away playfully as Zack tried to reach out and grab him. But Cloud just sat upright on the bed, his hair a complete mess before sliding away further. “We need to get ready.” “Fine,” Zack sighed in defeat as Cloud smiled. They began to get ready, cleaning up and redressing and grooming their disheveled hair. Although even just that routine took a little longer than usual as their hands began to wander. Zack insisting on helping Cloud get dressed, fastening his obi and fixing his hair. And Cloud straightening Zack’s outfit, making sure he looked perfect presentable before stepping out of the house. They made their way back to the castle shortly there after walking down the quiet halls and caught up in conversation. Although they couldn’t be affectionate or anything out in public, they did seem to be standing much more closer than they ever usually would while out in the castle, but either of them didn’t seem to care at the moment. They stopped when they were nearing Cloud’s quarters seeing as how Zack had to go down a different direction to get to the conference hall. “So I’ll see you later tonight?” Zack asked while letting his eyes pierce into blue. Cloud nodded while smiling what felt like the umpteenth that day. “Yeah, I’ll be waiting.” “Okay,” Zack replied while looking around the hall and noting that it was empty before leaning in and placing a brief kiss against his boyfriend’s lips. “I’ll see you later then.” “Bye,” Cloud said softly as he watched Zack walk away. He wanted to follow after him like a puppy but he knew he was just being silly. But even so, it brought a smile to his face. He made his way into his house sliding the door closed behind him while removing his shoes. “Cloud?” His mother’s voice called from the kitchen. “Yeah, I’m home,” Cloud replied just as Tama trotted over to him. “Oh good. Dinner is almost ready. Where have you been all day?” Natsumi asked while stepping out of the kitchen and drying her hands on a dish cloth. “I was with Zack,” was all that Cloud offered as he bent down to pet his cat. But that seemed to be enough for Natsumi and she nodded her head. “Well your father had to go to a conference so he won’t be here for dinner tonight,” Natsumi explained, “I’ll let you know when it’s ready.” “Okay,” Cloud began with a nod while picking up Tama, preparing to go into his room until dinner was finished. “Oh yeah,” his mother started while walking into the living room and picking up a letter of some sort from the table. “This came for you. Elena delivered it.” Elena? Reaching out Cloud took the envelope from his mother and stared at it. The only thing on the envelope was his name and that was all. “She said to make sure you got it. Were you expecting something?” Natsumi asked with a tilt of her head. “No,” Cloud said with a shake of his head. “Hmm,” his mother began before turning to head back into the kitchen, “well dinner should be done in about ten minutes.” “Alright,” Cloud spoke quietly before walking back to his room and stepping inside. He slid the door closed behind him before placing Tama on the ground. His eyes remained fixated on the envelope and he was sort of a bit hesitant to open it. Anything from Elena meant that the Shogun was involved. She was his assistant, and he had no other reason to speak with her than because of Hojo. But he hadn’t seen or spoken to the man since that evening at the dinner, not since Angeal had come to get him. Turning the envelope around he slipped his finger under the flap and tore it open before pulling out a folded piece of paper. Unfolding it he held his breath, wondering just what it was that he would see. I need to see you. That was it. No more no less. It wasn’t signed but Cloud already knew who it was from anyways. But why? Why now? His day had been going perfect…more than perfect. And then he came back to this? Sitting down on the edge of his bed he continued to stare at the note. Was the Shogun mad? More than likely he was since Angeal had practically ruined things for the man. So what was he going to do? No, Cloud didn’t even want to think about that. He wouldn’t put anything past the Shogun at this point. After learning from Angeal that his dessert had been drugged at the dinner, he really didn’t know what to expect from this point on. He thought he could ignore it, that maybe in time maybe Hojo would just give up but…that wasn’t happening. And after their last encounter… He suddenly felt sick to his stomach and he quickly placed the note back in the envelope before walking over to his closet. He opened it and put the letter in with the package that the sketchbook had come in before closing the door. Somehow with it there he thought it would be out of sight, out of mind. Even though he knew that wouldn’t really get rid of his problems. “Zack,” he said quietly to himself. He had half the mind to go to the conference himself to drag his boyfriend away and tell him everything that had happened. Because at the moment he didn’t know how to handle this by himself. He probably should’ve told Zack from the beginning but…he didn’t want to worry him. He still didn’t want to but…he just didn’t know. Authors Notes: Here is Chapter 8! It heavily focused on Zack and Cloud and their love! I just thought it would be nice for them to finally have their moment considering all of the drama that’s been going on around them, they needed some sexual healing! (Oh yeah, and as for the polish, that’s the polish for swords and stuff…I just forgot the exact name. Got to use what’s around yeah?) Lol. But alas, in the end, Hojo still rears his ugly head. Is Cloud going to try to handle this all on his own and keep Zack out of it? Hmm. Well, until next chapter!
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