Adult-FanFiction.org : Final Fantasy

Crystal Clear	By : MystIc19 Category: Final Fantasy VII > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1058 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
Disclaimer: I do not own FF7 or any of the FF7 characters, just this story and original characters! So thanks, don�t sue >_<

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Closing his textbook Cloud let out a sigh while glancing over at the clock on his nightstand before frowning. He had managed to finish his homework pretty early, which actually wasn�t too unusual as of late. After his classes and training he would go back into his room and bury his head in the books, anything to keep his mind occupied, to keep his thoughts from wondering. And while that did in fact work for a while, he would end up with a lot of free time after and then it was just him and his brain and the deadly silence of the room. Kyo may sometimes be there to break the silence, but even so lately when his roommate tried to start up conversations they were quickly killed by Cloud�s lack of socializing. Though he really wasn�t talkative to begin with, but he and Kyo had always been able to talk, but lately he didn�t really feel up to it. Sure he could say the reason being was because of stress from his classes, but who was he kidding really? As much as he hated to admit it, the fact still remained the same that the reason why he was so out of sorts was because of Zack. The one person who he wanted to forget all about seemed to be driving him crazy even when he wasn�t around. But then again when was he not around? The blonde hadn�t really noticed it much before, but Zack seemed to be everywhere he was. Was the SOLDIER following him? Yeah, maybe. He had been trying on numerous occasions to try and get Cloud to talk with him, but the younger boy just didn�t want to hear it. That had lasted about a week, but then Zack had kind of backed off. He didn�t try to get Cloud to talk with him, but that didn�t mean he was giving up. And while he hadn�t approached him �officially� for a bit, that didn�t stop him from being around. Cloud knew when the other was close, it was like he could feel his eyes on him. But even though he knew Zack was watching him all the time he tried to act like he didn�t notice or care for that matter. Sometimes he may catch the others eye in the hall or the cafeteria but he quickly looked away. He couldn�t look at the sad and hurt look on Zack�s face, it made him feel guilty�but hell what did he have to feel guilty about!?

Leaning back on his bed the blonde covered his eyes with his arm. Why couldn�t things just go back to normal? He wished he had never run into Zack in the hall where they first met. If that had never happened, he would never have known a thing about the SOLDIER and he would�ve just continued his crappy same routine day after day. He had managed it before hand, he could handle it. He would just know Zack as �The first class SOLDIER, second to Sephiroth.� Yeah, things would be a lot better if they had just stayed that way. It was how a recruit was supposed to look at any other SOLDIER right? Just admire and respect their superiors, not try to befriend them or anything, they were in a whole other class. And while it was only class, in Shinra class meant everything. He always did wonder why Zack was so nice to him, he was just a recruit, or a cadet at the time. He should�ve known something was weird right away.

Letting out an irritated sigh he removed his arm away from his eyes and blinked up at the ceiling. He really had to stop thinking about this, stop thinking about Zack. But it was so hard to do when every little thing reminded him of the other. In Sergeant Okuda�s class, everything that they were learning Zack had pretty much already went over with with the blonde. Okuda was actually surprised at how easily and fast Cloud was picking up everything, and that made Cloud happy. He loved to put that dumbstruck expression on his instructors face, and he had Zack to thank because of that. And even out of training when he was just in regular classes he would always watch the clock just out of habit noting if Zack was in his usual meeting or just getting back to his apartment. Or if he was in the middle of his homework he was always half waiting for Zack to come over and knock on the door and whine about how they should go and do something and drag him out of the room.

He guessed he hadn�t really realized how much Zack had had an impact on just his everyday routine. But�it didn�t matter, not anymore.

�Hey!� Kyo exclaimed while walking into the room and closing the door a little loudly behind him while kicking off his shoes immediately.

�Hey,� Cloud replied while still keeping his gaze on the ceiling.

�Have you left out of here at all since the end of class?� Kyo asked while looking to the blonde. He looked like he was in the exact same position that he was in when he had left out.

�No, why would I?� Cloud asked while shifting his eyes over to his friend. Really, what was the point of leaving out of the barracks anyways? There wasn�t too much to do around the place, and he hated Kyo�s friends so he wasn�t going to hang out with him. And if Kyo wasn�t with them then he was with Lana, and while he tried to drag the blonde out with him a few times over the past couple weeks Cloud always said no. He refused to be a third wheel.

�Because,� Kyo began while shaking his head a little sadly, �you need to get out of this box. It�s not healthy to be in here all the time.�

�Thanks for the concern, but I�m fine,� Cloud said while rolling his eyes a bit.

His roommate wasn�t buying that though. He noticed the difference in his friend recently and he knew it had something to do with Zack. He knew that they had a fight, but Cloud always tried to avoid the subject. But they went from being together almost everyday to not talking at all. Kyo wasn�t stupid, he was pretty certain there was something more there than Cloud or Zack was letting on.

�Still not talking to Zack?� Kyo tried again while flopping down onto his bed.

�Kyo,� Cloud began with a tired sigh, �why do you keep asking me that? I told you everything is okay.�

�I keep asking because I know you�re lying,� his friend replied with a laugh. But apparently Cloud didn�t find it amusing and he received a glare. �Oh come on, things have been weird with you two ever since after that night he came over here looking for you. And you won�t tell me anything, anything honest anyways.�

The blonde was silent for a moment as he ran a hand through his disheveled spikes. �Honest,� he began with a slight nod, �you want honest? Okay, yeah I�m mad at him. It�s not important why though I mean people fight right? And honestly I don�t want to tell you! And honestly I�m sick of you bothering me about it alright?�

�Damn okay!� Kyo snapped back, �I was just asking. What the hell are you PMSing or something?� He asked while getting up from off of his bed and making his way towards the bathroom.

�Fuck you,� Cloud mumbled while turning onto his side. Kyo laughed a bit before walking into the bathroom. Cloud�s attitude wasn�t exactly surprising. In fact the blonde was always like that since he had met him. It was part of his personality and Kyo had learned to deal with the little guy�s temper. It would always wear off after awhile anyways.

Cloud heard the shower water start and he closed his eyes letting the sound of the water relax him. It was still pretty early but he was too conflicted at the moment to really concentrate on anything else. He figured going to sleep would be the best thing. That was always a quick and temporary fix to shut up his thoughts.

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As strange as it was Sergeant Okuda�s class was actually becoming fun for the blonde. He had taken the whole situation and flipped it. He looked forward to going and sparring with the other students. He didn�t hold back at all and not only was Okuda surprised by the boy�s skills but also the other recruits. Looks like the �little runt� was starting to show his full potential. Maybe he was fighting better because of pent up anger or something and that�s why he couldn�t wait to spar with someone. After all hitting things was a good stress reliever.

The sound of a shrill whistle in the air stopped Cloud and his opponent in their tracks as they glanced over to their instructor.

�That�s enough! We�re almost out of time for today,� Okuda began while looking at the two boys. Cloud�s opponent was out of breath where as he didn�t even seem like he had broken a sweat. Okuda said something to the other boy as he walked off of the blue mat and gave him a disappointed look before turning his gaze back to Cloud. The rest of the recruits had all pretty much stopped their own spar matches to watch before Okuda had even blown the whistle.

�Good show!�

Turning a bit Cloud gave his friend a questioning look, �what are you talking about?� He asked while putting away his practice sword and stepping off of the mat.

�Are you kidding!? You were totally kicking that kid�s ass! If Okuda didn�t blow the whistle I wonder how it would�ve ended!� Kyo explained with a huge grin on his face.

Cloud shook his head a bit with a smirk. He was glad to know that all of his hard work was paying off, and it seemed like it was showing. Picking up his gym bag he tossed the strap over his shoulder as Kyo continued.

�At this rate you�ll definitely make it into SOLDIER. And exams are coming up soon! You�re going to pass with flying colors!�

SOLDIER? Did Kyo really think he would make it? That had been his goal and his whole reason for coming to Midgar, and while it was what he was striving for it was still strange to think about.

�You think?� He couldn�t help but ask curiously.

Kyo flashed another smile but before he could respond their instructor had appeared giving a distinct �hmph!� his eyes traveling over the blonde in what could only be explained as disgust.

�It takes a lot more to get into SOLDIER than just some fancy moves and landing lucky hits. The exam is difficult, not just anybody passes and gets accepted into SOLDIER. Don�t underestimate it. Both of you,� Okuda finished, his eyes narrowed at them.

�Yes sir!� Kyo quickly replied with a nod while standing at attention. Cloud on the other hand simply glared at the Sergeant. He was at the point where he was seriously tired of hearing the other man�s threats and didn�t really listen to what he had to say anymore.

�Your Sergeant is correct,� another voice broke in causing the three of them to turn their heads in that direction.

�G, General Sephiroth sir!� Kyo stuttered as his eyes went wide and he saluted the man.

Cloud quickly stood at attention. How long had the General been there? He hadn�t seen him since the past two weeks when he had allowed him to stay at his place.

�The SOLDIER exam is difficult, and you should not take it lightly,� he continued as Sergeant Okuda gave an agreeing nod. �Strife,� he began while turning green eyes onto the boy.

�Sir yes sir!�

�Your performance is impressive from what I�ve seen so far.�

What? Blinking stupidly for a few seconds he looked up directly into jade eyes.

�Keep up at this pace, it�s exactly what you need to pass the exam.�

�I,� Cloud began before nodding quickly, �Yes sir I will! Thank you sir!�

The General simply nodded before turning to focus on their instructor. �Sergeant Okuda, I�ve been monitoring this class for a while and there are still some things that need to be worked on. I want the class up to recruit Strife�s speed. The exams are not that far away. See to it that it happens,� he explained sternly before walking out of the room.

Okuda glared at the blonde before following behind Sephiroth and exiting the place.

A few moments of silence passed between Kyo and Cloud as they both took in what the General had said.

Cloud had for sure thought that General Sephiroth only saw him as a troublemaker and as an annoyance. The last thing he was expecting was for him to compliment him on his fighting skills. Getting a compliment from The General Sephiroth, General of the Shinra Military was the best honor that any little old recruit could ask for! He saw that he had potential, something that Cloud had been trying to prove all along, and it was noticed by Sephiroth! Zack was right, it didn�t matter what Okuda thought or what he said or did, in the end it didn�t matter at all.

�Yeah,� Kyo began while turning back to the other, �I think you�re going to be fine.�

That was enough to make the recruits day. And he was in need of a pick me up. Kyo rambled on about how cool it was that General Sephiroth talked to him. He obviously didn�t know that the blonde had spoken with him a couple of times�let alone had stayed the night at his place. But no matter how many times he saw or spoke to The General he still was just as awe struck as if he were seeing him for the very first time all over again.

Later on seeing as how Cloud was finally in a better mood than usual Kyo had insisted that they go out somewhere and finally the blonde agreed. Kyo suggested they go to a bar since now he knew that Cloud wasn�t a stranger to alcohol anymore, though he did tease him a little about not getting drunk off his ass again like last time.

They headed out and took the subway, something that Cloud had never been on before. He had ventured into the city since being in Midgar, but he had only ever gotten around by riding on Zack�s motorcycle. And he was beginning to realize that he preferred the motorcycle. The Subway wasn�t really all to clean and there was some strange people on it. Frowning he looked out of the window near by before raising an eyebrow as he noticed the scenery changing. The tall buildings and the bright lights changed to older buildings and where houses and dim lights. The streets were just as crowded but there was still something different about it. Glancing up a bit his eyes widened as he saw nothing but a dark cover instead of the starlit night sky.

�Kyo where are we?� He asked while turning to look at his friend who was in the middle of texting on his cell phone.

�Huh?� He asked while glancing up and looking out the window, �Oh I don�t know, sector six I guess.�

�Sector six?� Cloud asked while looking back out the window, �you mean we�re on the bottom plate?�

�Yeah,� Kyo replied with a nod, �you�ve never been down here?�

Cloud just shook his head.

�That�s alright, I�ll show you which places are okay to go to. It�s different from the top plate.�

Cloud continued to gaze at the passing scenery. The bottom plate definitely was different from the top plate, he could tell just by looking from the window and he hadn�t even gone out into it yet.

Finally they came to a stop and they exited out of the subway and onto the dirty streets. Cloud coughed a few times as he followed Kyo. He knew Midgar was already polluted but the top plate was like a breath of fresh air compared to the thick air that was floating around down there.

�You come down here a lot?� Cloud asked while glancing around a bit uneasily.

�All the time!� Kyo beamed while turning down another street, �The best bars in the city are down here, and they�re cheaper!�

Well, there was the catch. Cheap alcohol and Kyo was for sure to be there.

They entered into a bar that resembled the one that he and Zack had gone to before except it was a little darker inside and maybe a little messier. They took a seat at the counter and Kyo quickly ordered two beers.

�I can�t believe I finally got you to come out! That calls for a celebration!� Kyo joked before taking a swig of his beer.

�You act like I never leave the room,� Cloud replied with a smile before taking a drink.

�For the past couple of weeks you haven�t,� Kyo continued while giving the other a look. But he quickly cleared his throat and changed the subject, he didn�t want Cloud to get all depressed again. They talked and laughed while Kyo continued to drink. Cloud knowing his limit this time didn�t push it and was surprised at how many drinks Kyo could consume without even getting a little tipsy. That must�ve been the mark of a true �drinker.�

�Okuda can be a real ass sometimes,� Kyo continued while starting on another beer and setting the bottle back on the table.

�Sometimes?� Cloud asked with a raised eyebrow.

Kyo laughed, �Well according to The General you keep up like this and you�ll be out of Okuda�s unit in no time! Looks like training with Zack paid off.�

Nodding Cloud looked at the counter.

�You miss him,� Kyo said while looking straight at the other.

�What?� Cloud asked while snapping his eyes back up.

�Yeah,� Kyo continued. Maybe the alcohol was making him able to say what he really wanted to tell his friend for a while. �I don�t know what it is you two are fighting about, but you really should get past it. I mean I know he misses you just as much. And you seem to be miserable without him.�

Cloud�s eyes widened. Miserable without him!? No way! Or�how did Kyo know that? �Kyo what are you talking about? I�m not miserable without him!�

�Could�ve fooled me,� the brunette replied with a shrug, �It�s only natural though when you care about someone.�

Glancing back at the counter Cloud picked up the small shot glass in front of him and downed the liquid quickly before placing it back down with a loud clink. �You�re confusing me,� he mumbled.

�Am I?� His friend asked, �Or am I making perfect sense?�

Looking into Kyo�s eyes hesitantly he held his gaze for a moment. He was right, he was making sense. Did he know about him and Zack?

Grinning, his roommate picked up his beer, �hey relationships aren�t easy,� he began, �believe me I know.�

So he does�

Glancing away for a moment Cloud let out a nervous sigh. �You knew�� he began as he felt his eyes start to sting with tears that he quickly blinked back, �all along?�

Setting down his drink Kyo tilted his head. �Well I had suspicions,� he started, �but the way you two looked at each other gave it all away,� he finished with a smile.

The blonde was silent as he went into his own thoughts but Kyo continued on.

�You know you never really seemed happy to be in Midgar, though you never flat out said it. But�when Zack came into the picture, you did. You really seemed happy. And now that he�s out of it I think you�well you aren�t as happy as you used to be. Even though you�re doing well in class and everything, it�s like it�s not enough. And maybe it�s not huh?� Kyo finished with a raised brow. Paying for the last of the drinks he pushed away from the counter and hopped off of the chair. �Let�s go, before we miss the next ride back.�

Cloud remained in his seat for a moment longer as he stared at his friend. He was right, everything he said the recruit already knew but just didn�t want to admit. Was he being stubborn? Was he really willing to lose Zack and be unhappy? Even if he did make it into SOLDIER it still wouldn�t make him happy like the way he felt when Zack was around. He couldn�t fill that void with other things that weren�t nearly as important. But Zack�it still didn�t matter right? He was with Aerith. Yeah�that�s what everything came down to in the end. And he couldn�t forget that. Still he was thankful that Kyo cared to try and help him out. He didn�t judge him or anything, he just wanted for him to be happy, like any real friend.

Nodding, he finally got out of his seat and walked over to the other and followed him out. They headed back towards the subway before something caught Kyo�s eye.

�Hey let�s stop here really fast,� he began while walking up to a small shop. The door was open and it was filled with colorful flowers all around. Stepping inside Kyo walked over to a section, �Lana loves these�or at least I think it�s this kind. What are these lilies?�

Cloud stepped over and nodded, �yeah. They�re my mom�s favorite too,� he replied before Kyo nodded and ventured a bit further into the place.

�Hello!� A cheery voice called out and the blonde instantly whipped around to see a young girl with bright green eyes and long brown hair step out from behind the counter.

�H, hi,� he stuttered as he realized that he recognized that voice. It was none other than Aerith�s. He couldn�t forget that voice, it was forever embedded in his brain now.

�Can I help you with something?� She asked politely while smiling widely.

�No,� he began with a shake of his head, �I�m just here with my friend,� he replied while glancing around for Kyo who was nowhere in sight. The store really wasn�t that big so he didn�t know where he could�ve disappeared too.

�Oh okay,� she replied before making her way back to the counter and organizing some things.

So that�s Aerith. She is really beautiful, and she seems just as happy and energetic as Zack. No wonder they click.

�So,� the girl began while looking up and walking back around from the counter. Her long ponytail swaying with every step, �I�ve never seen you in this sector before, are you from around here?�

�No,� Cloud replied before shaking his head, �Well yeah�I mean not originally but I do stay in Midgar now but on the top plate.�

�Really?� She asked in surprise, �what on earth are you doing down here then?� She continued with a chuckle, �It�s not much.�

Cloud gave a small smile, �It�s not that bad.�

�You�re just trying to be nice,� she replied with a smile.

As much as Cloud was jealous of her he couldn�t really hate her. She was too nice. Besides she was there before he was, her and Zack had way more history. He couldn�t compete with that.

�So where are you from then?� She asked while walking over to pick up a bouquet of flowers that had fallen out of their holding spot.

�Hmm?� He began with a shake of his head.

She giggled before speaking again, �you said you�re not originally from Midgar so then where are you from?�

�Oh,� he started, �Nibelheim. It�s a really small town in the mountains, nobodies really ever heard of it.�

�Small town huh? I think I would prefer a small town to the city,� she began while turning her focus back to the blonde, �it�d be way more quiet and probably be a lot better place to set up a flower shop,� she laughed a little before continuing, �my boyfriend is from a small town to but he said he prefers the city.� She closed her eyes for a minute before opening them again and smiling, �or my ex boyfriend, still a little strange to say,� she continued with a sigh but kept her smile still in tact.

Ex? When did that happen?

�Oh forgive me,� she began with a shake of her head before extending her hand, �my names Aerith.�

Glancing down at the offered hand the blonde accepted it, �Cloud.�

Just as quickly as the hand was offered the girl quickly pulled it away while visibly flinching. �What?� She asked her voice a little quieter than the tone she had been talking in before.

The recruit blinked a bit confused before repeating his name.

She took in a breath before turning back around and walking over to the counter. �I get it,� she began, �top plate. You�re with Shinra?�

�Uh,� Cloud began, �yeah.�

She turned around and stared at him for a moment before Kyo appeared again.

�Find what you wanted?� She asked with a smile, though Cloud could tell it was forced.

�Not exactly,� Kyo began but the girl began to shake her head.

�I�m sorry, you�ll have to come back then. I�m closing up shop now,� she started while glancing at the clock on the wall.

�Oh,� Kyo replied with a nod, �okay sure I�ll come back tomorrow.�

�Sounds good!� She exclaimed while basically pushing the two out of the shop, �goodnight!� She quickly closed the door and locked it before leaning against it. She took a few deep breaths before covering her face with her hands as tears began to run down her face as she thought back to a few weeks ago.

Knocking on the door she patiently waited though her heart was beating fast. It had been too long since she had seen Zack that she couldn�t help but be a little excited.

The door finally pulled open to reveal a very surprised Zack, his eyes wide and his mouth open to speak but nothing came out.

�Hey!� She exclaimed.

�Aerith? What are you doing here?� He asked once he had found his voice again.

�I saw that you had called and thought I would just come and see you after I got out of school!� She explained cheerily while stepping past him into the apartment.

�Well, you should�ve called, I mean I might not have been here,� he started while shutting the door.

�I was hoping that you would be,� she replied while wrapping her arms around his neck the moment he turned around, �besides, I wanted to talk with you in person. Not over the phone. I�ve missed you too much.�

�Aerith,� came Zack�s quiet voice as he placed his arms around her for just a second before prying her off of him, �we do need to talk but�about something else.�

�What?� She asked curiously, a little hurt that he had pulled away from her so quickly.

�You talked to someone here the other night when you called here for me,� he started seriously, his eyes looking straight into hers.

�Yeah,� she began with a nod while walking over to the couch and sitting down, �I left a message with him.�

�What all did you tell him?� Zack asked while following her to the couch.

�I,� she began with a shake of her head, �don�t remember word for word. I just told him to let you know that I called.�

He sighed while glancing away, �Try to remember.�

�I don�t know,� she continued, �look Zack the whole reason why I�ve been calling is because I think we need to work this out.�

�Work what out?� He asked while turning his focus back to Aerith.

�Us, I mean,� she began before Zack took her hands in his.

�Aerith,� he started softly, �there is no more us. You know that.�

Tears began to fill her eyes as she shook her head. �I don�t get it. Why? Is it because of my mom and the fact that she doesn�t like that I�m dating a SOLDIER?�

�No,� Zack began, �Aerith it�s not that. Your mom had a problem with me since the beginning it wouldn�t just get to me now.�

�Then what!?� She cried desperate to know the reason, �you just tell me it�s over without a reason!? Don�t I deserve a reason?�

Dropping his gaze to the floor Zack let out a sigh. He couldn�t look her in the eyes anymore, it was too painful. He really didn�t want to hurt her, and he hated to see her upset. �I told you,� he started.

�What? With that whole it�s not you it�s me speech? I�m not buying that Zack!� She practically shrieked while tearing her hands away from him.

A silence filled the room aside from Aerith�s soft crying. They sat side by side but they were so far away mentally.

�Did I lose you to someone else?� She finally asked after a while. Looking next to her she saw Zack with his gaze on nothing in particular as he stared straight ahead. �I guess I did,� she continued when she didn�t get a response.

�I didn�t mean to hurt you, that�s the last thing I wanted,� Zack started while finally turning his gaze to Aerith. �I ended things with us because I knew it wasn�t fair to you if my heart wasn�t really in it, if my heart was with someone else.�

Turning away a bit she began to wipe away her tears as she felt Zack take hold of her free hand.

�Aerith I do love you, I always will�it�s just different,� he continued sincerely, �I�m sorry I should�ve just been honest with you, but it�s just that I didn�t want to hurt you anymore than I thought I already had.�

She nodded a bit in understanding. True she wasn�t happy about the reason, but she said she wanted the truth and that�s what she got. And she didn�t doubt Zack�s sincerity, she knew him to well, she could read him easily. That�s how she had known there was some other reason for him breaking up with her to begin with. She thought that maybe they could salvage their relationship, but it didn�t look like that was possible. What could you do when the person you loved had fallen in love with someone else? She wanted Zack to be happy, and it looked like that wasn�t with her, but she still cared about him and would always love him, despite his feelings for her.

�What�s their name?� She asked while putting a small smile on her face.

�Cloud,� Zack replied after a pause, �you talked to him that night when you called.�

Blinking briefly she looked away when she realized just what she had told Cloud on the phone.

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�Why me!?�

�Because it has to be you, President Shinra won�t just let anyone be around his son,� The General explained while moving about his office.

�Yeah that�s where the Turks come in!� Zack continued, �Why don�t they take him?�

�If they were not already on assignment then they would be. You�re the only other person who President Shinra can rely on,� Sephiroth further explained.

�What about you?� Zack asked with a raised eyebrow.

He received a long sigh from the General followed by a glare, �I have things that I need to tend to. All you have to do Zackary is escort him there and back safely. It shouldn�t be all too difficult.�

Leaning back in his chair Zack crossed his arms over his chest pouting a bit. He hated that little spoiled brat, and that was the only way to describe Rufus Shinra. And now he was going to have to �baby sit� him on one of his little meeting trips.

�Fine,� he mumbled under his breath not at all thrilled about the situation. It was one thing that he was going to be stuck being babysitter for Rufus but he was also going to be away from Cloud, and that idea he didn�t like at all. True they hadn�t really talked since Cloud had left him back in the hall a few weeks back, you couldn�t call anything a conversation between the two now. At first it was Zack trying to get the blonde to listen to him in which he either received a glare from the other before he walked away or just plainly acted as if he didn�t notice him. When Cloud was upset with someone he was upset. Zack was practically walking on eggshells, he didn�t want to anger the boy anymore than he already was but he wasn�t going to give up, even if that meant he had to give him a bit of space for a while. But being away from Midgar was too much space as far as he was concerned. He couldn�t leave with things still messed up like they were, that would make being away even more stressful than he was sure it would already be.

�Am I done here?� Zack asked while standing up with a quick stretch.

�I suppose,� Sephiroth replied just as Zack headed towards the door. �Zackary?�

The SOLDIER stopped and cast a look over his shoulder.

�Are you still training Strife?�

Zack blinked, �No, I haven�t trained with him in a while.�

�Hmm,� the man began while lowering his eyes back to the desk.

�Why did you ask?�

�Just curious,� was the only response he got from the other.

Raising an eyebrow Zack exited the room. He had learned that asking Sephiroth too many questions wasn�t a good thing to do�meaning that he just wouldn�t get answers.

Glancing at his watch he walked down to the elevator. It was still early so Cloud should still be up. He was at the barracks in no time and was starting to wonder just how mad Cloud was going to be to see him. Coming to the door he knocked cautiously bracing himself for the angry small blonde. However Kyo answered and gave Zack a strange look as a sense of déjà vu hit him as he thought back to that night a couple weeks ago.

�Hey Kyo, is Cloud here?� Zack asked while looking past him and into the room.

�No I thought he was with you,� Kyo replied. Yeah, it was definitely like déjà vu.

�Me?� Zack asked. Why the hell would he think that?

�Well yeah after our conversation I thought like,� the brunette shook his head deciding to scratch that sentence. �We went out earlier and when we got back he said was going out again. I just assumed he was going to see you.�

�How long ago?�

�We just got back like half an hour ago,� Kyo continued.

Zack nodded before saying a quick thanks and then he was on his way. If Cloud was going somewhere in Midgar he was pretty sure he knew where.

Looking over the brick wall Cloud let out a sigh while leaning against it fully. The only sound was that of the waves crashing against the rocks. He stared out at the ocean as the cool night air blew his golden spikes about. He glanced up when he felt a cool drop of water land on his hand. It had just started to sprinkle but he didn�t mind, he just continued to look out at the ocean.

�I thought you would be here,� a voice spoke breaking the comforting silence that he was surrounded by.

He tensed for a moment and then relaxed when he realized he recognized the voice, though he didn�t do anything to acknowledge it, even though a part of him wanted to.

Taking a few steps forward Zack stopped when he was at what he thought was a safe distance. His eyes lingered on the boy for awhile before he took a breath and began to speak.

�I figured if I gave you some time that maybe you would be okay to talk with me,� he started, �but I don�t even think that�s going to work. So�I�m just going to talk to you, and I just want you to listen. And after that you can do whatever you want.�

Cloud didn�t respond, he just closed his eyes and shifted a bit. That sounded fair, and besides he needed to hear what he had to say. He had enough of avoiding the problem.

That was a good start, at least he hadn�t turned to walk away or anything.

�You asked me a couple weeks ago if I could honestly tell you that I�d been honest with you from the beginning�and I couldn�t say yes to that,� he began, �because there were things that I didn�t tell you. I never told you about Aerith, and I should have now that I see how things got so messed up. But we were broken up before anything ever happened between me and you.�

Opening his eyes Cloud slowly turned around to face the other. If Zack wanted to talk to him and tell him the truth, then he wanted to be able to look into his eyes. He didn�t move away from the wall or make any other movements besides just look at the other.

Pausing briefly as Zack watched the recruit he let out a sigh of relief once he realized he was still there, still listening to him.

�You asked me before about my friend who lived on the bottom plate�I told you it was just a friend because I didn�t want you to get the wrong idea. I didn�t want you to think that you were a rebound or something. Cloud�I feel like it was so hard to get you to trust me that I didn�t want anything to mess that up. I should�ve been honest with you, but I only didn�t tell you about her because I was trying to protect your feelings. I know it may sound stupid but it�s true�I guess I don�t handle these things well,� he continued while glancing at the ground briefly. �When she called it was because she thought that her and I could get back together, whatever she told you, anything about her and I still being together it wasn�t true. We haven�t been for awhile. I wouldn�t do that to you Cloud, I wouldn�t hurt you like that.�

Looking away Cloud thought back to earlier when he saw Aerith. She knew about him just like he knew about her, that�s why she had reacted that way when he introduced himself and had rushed them out of the shop. She must�ve hated him for taking Zack away from her, that is what he had kind of did wasn�t it?

�Cloud,� Zack began when he noticed the distant look on the blonde�s face.

�Why would you break up with her for me?� He asked softly, still keeping his gaze averted.

�Because I knew it wasn�t right,� Zack replied while moving closer towards the other. �I�ve never felt about anyone the way I feel about you Cloud,� he finished quietly.

The blonde looked back to Zack, his eyes staring into those glowing Mako eyes. The eyes that he could see only held sincerity and sadness. He knew Zack was telling him the truth, after his run in with Aerith it all seemed to kind of click.

�I knew then that whatever I felt for you was something real, and I didn�t want to lose that. And I still don�t,� he continued softly while reaching out and stroking the boy�s face lightly with his fingers.

Cloud leaned into the touch as his eyes began to water and he dropped his gaze back down to the ground before he felt Zack�s hand travel to the nape of his neck and stroke his hair gently before pulling him closer and resting his forehead against his.

�I love you Cloud,� Zack spoke quietly. And though his tone was quiet, the confession was loud.

What!? Looking up with wide eyes the blonde opened his mouth to speak but only a small sob came out followed by tears running down his face. Zack gently wiped away the tears before pressing his lips against Cloud�s. He instantly wrapped his arms around the SOLDIER pulling him tight against him as he reveled in the kiss. It was a sweet kiss, filled with emotion, something that spoke way more volumes than any words could ever do.

It had gone from light sprinkling to raining but neither of the two seemed to mind as they continued to kiss taking the moment for what it was. All of the sadness and frustration of the past weeks melting away.

�I�m sorry,� Cloud whispered after they broke from their kiss but still not letting go of Zack as he buried his face in his chest. He felt so bad for not just hearing Zack out from the beginning, he let his anger get to him so much that he was pushing away the one person that meant so much to him. And honestly if Kyo hadn't talked some sense into him earlier he might've not even really realized it.

�Don�t be,� Zack replied while stroking his hair and holding him close.

He closed his eyes as Zack continued to stroke his hair and place kisses so often on the top of his head that was now wet allowing gold spikes to stick to his face. He was sure that it was way past curfew, but he didn�t care. For once none of that other stuff mattered. He had all he needed right in front of him. Snapping his eyes open he pulled back a bit and looked up into equally blue eyes.

Zack looked down at him curiously before the boy spoke up.

�I love you too,� he said with a small smile. In the midst of everything he had almost forgot to say it back. And it was something that he had wanted to tell him for a while.

Zack gave his trademark grin before Cloud stood on tiptoes to kiss him again wrapping his arms around his neck as his stomach got that feeling that it always did when they kissed. He didn�t realize how much he had missed it, and he wasn�t planning on letting go of it anytime soon.

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A/N: There�s chap 13! I ended up changing this chap a bit more than what it started out as and I�m not even sure if I got it exactly how I wanted but�yeah. I�ll be on vacation for the next week so I wanted to give you all a nice fluffy ending until then! Fluffs good right? Hehe. Thanks to all my reviewers, your guys feedback means a lot and I�m glad you take the time out to review my story. You guys seriously rock! Will update soon!
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