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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
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He wasn�t sure if the rainy weather was making him feel even more miserable than he already was or if it was just in fact because he was already in a depressed mood. And he really didn�t even know why he was feeling so down. He should�ve been feeling great actually, he had been taken out of Sergeant Okuda�s unit and been placed in another that he was really enjoying, he hadn�t had to face Jin in a while and Zack�s schedule had gotten less chaotic which gave them more time to spend together. So what was bothering him? Maybe it was the fact that some of the third class SOLDIERS were away on their first assignment and it still kind of bothered him a little to know that he couldn�t be a part of that, or maybe it was because Kyo had gotten his room reassignment right before he left.

Glancing away from the window the blonde cast a look to the other side of the room where right about now if Kyo were still there would�ve been lying on his bed reading a magazine or blabbing on the phone with Lana.

Cloud sighed, he didn�t realize that not having Kyo as a roommate anymore would be such a big deal but it was. He remembered Kyo saying it wasn�t like they weren�t going to ever see each other again, that he could visit his room anytime. He had said that with a smile on his face, but they both knew that things probably wouldn�t be the same. Kyo was a SOLDIER now in intensive training. He wasn�t going to have much free time and when he did Cloud may not. Sure they would see each other around but it would still be different, Kyo had his SOLDIER buddies and still Cloud didn�t much fit into that mold.

His new roommate hadn�t arrived yet, he was going to be a new cadet just like Cloud had been when he first arrived in Midgar. The blonde wasn�t sure he liked the idea too much of rooming with a cadet, not because he thought he was better or anything but because he may come in with a stuck up attitude like a lot of the other cadets did and he honestly didn�t feel like dealing with it.

A knock at the door shook him out of his thoughts before he lazily slid off of the bed to answer it. He pulled open the door to reveal a slightly wet Zack who was still sporting his usual grin.

�Hey!� the SOLDIER exclaimed while shaking his head sending some water onto the blonde.

�Hey watch it,� the blonde replied with a smirk while moving aside to let the other in.

�Sorry,� Zack started with a chuckle before leaning in and kissing the blonde. �I was going to suggest we go out but I think it�s going to be raining all day.�

�I think so too,� the blonde replied while taking a seat on the bed.

�Well,� Zack replied with a smile before sitting next to the recruit, �I don�t mind a night indoors either,� he finished while gently biting the boys earlobe.

Cloud felt a shiver run throughout his body, whether it was from the cold outside or simply from Zack he wasn�t sure. �That�s fine,� he spoke softly before closing his eyes briefly. Zack wrapped his arms around him and pulled him back further onto the bed before lying the both of them down. It was such a comfortable feeling the point that they were at in their relationship, they seemed to be content with just the simplest things like lying in each others arms on a rainy day, simply basking in each others presence and the blissful silence that surrounded them. Zack placed a few kisses on his boyfriends ear as he listened to the steady fall of the rain outside. This was what he cherished most, having Cloud there next to him, being able to hold him without a care in the world. It had been about a week since the whole Jin incident, and that kiss that he knew the two had shared was still in his mind but not so much. Maybe the fact that Jin was away at the moment put him more at ease, but whatever reason he just knew that he was enjoying moments like this more and more and never wanted to let them go.

He began to lead a few kisses down the blonde�s neck as his hand snaked its way under his shirt.

�This bed isn�t that big,� Cloud said lazily before turning around to face Zack with a small smile.

The SOLDIER laughed, Cloud was right, his bed really wasn�t all that big to try to do in anything in, they might tumble out and hit the floor�then again that was a chance that he was willing to take if he needed to.

�I guess I never really paid attention since the two of us never really were on here together with your roommate around,� Zack explained with a grin, �having your own room has it�s advantages huh?�

�My own for now, the new cadet should be here soon though so,� Cloud began with a bit of a shrug, �If I had to have a roommate it would be Kyo. I didn�t mind him.�

�I know,� Zack spoke softly before kissing the blonde lightly. Kyo was his best friend so he knew this transition had to have been hard, he was there one day and gone the next. And seeing as how his boyfriend wasn�t much of a social butterfly he was sure that this new roommate could spell disaster. And the last thing he wanted was for someone else to give Cloud a hard time, he had endured enough of that and Zack was definitely not going to let that happen again. �Do you mind me?�

�What?� The blonde asked while looking into equally blue eyes.

�I have an idea,� Zack started with a smile before running his fingers through blonde spikes. �Why don�t you stay with me?�

At first Cloud had a confused expression on his face but then understanding hit him and he sat up a little while still keeping his eyes locked on the SOLDIER. �What?� He asked again.

�Yeah,� Zack began while sitting up along with the blonde, �I mean it�s perfect right? You won�t have to stay here in the barracks with some new guy who you may not even like and you�ll be getting out of here! I mean you always say how much better my apartment is anyways.� Leaning forward a bit he brought his hands up to the sides of Cloud�s face so that he could make sure he was looking at him, straight in his eyes. �Besides all that�I want you to. I kind of like the idea of knowing that you�ll always be there with me when I wake up.�

Move in? Of course the blonde was always over at the other�s place anyways but�moving in meant actually bringing his stuff and getting settled there. Which wasn�t really a bad thought�

�I�if you�re sure,� Cloud replied with a bit of a smile.

�Of course I�m sure! Is that a yes!?� Zack asked as his grin widened.

�Yeah,� the blonde answered before the SOLDIER had brought him in for a crushing hug. �But are you sure I can do that, without getting in trouble?� Cloud asked as he placed his arms around the other.

�Yeah don�t worry,� Zack began, �they can just put another cadet with the one who is already assigned here. But I�ll take care of that,� he finished while kissing the boys cheek.

Cloud smiled as he tightened his hold on his boyfriend, Zack was always able to change his mood no matter what, bring a smile to his face when he was feeling his worst. And he knew as long as he had him that that would never change.

�Zack?�

�Yeah?�

�Maybe this bed isn�t that small.�

************************************************************************

Pulling his arms closer towards him he let out another sneeze and gave a bit of a groan. Filling in for watch duty at five in the morning while it was pouring rain wasn�t what he had in mind. But seeing as how he was in Special Ops now he could be assigned for anything with little notice.

He zipped up his jacket all the way while hiding the bottom half of his face in his collar, only allowing his eyes to be visible seeing as how his hat was also pulled down low. He would�ve fallen asleep if it weren�t for the ice water pelting down on him, only a few people had passed through so it kind of seemed pointless to be there. But he didn�t want to complain, he was glad for the opportunity, it meant he wasn�t just some lowly recruit anymore and he was thankful for that� even if it was going to make him sick.

He let out another sneeze as he heard the sound of footsteps approaching and lifted his gaze preparing to go through standard procedure before allowing anyone access into the Shinra building.

�Barton, third class,� the person began while holding up his ID card to the blonde.

Cloud stared surprised for a moment to see the other before nodding and waving him through.

�Thanks,� the SOLDIER replied before giving a bit of a smirk, �it must suck to be out here right now.�

Cloud only nodded before sneezing again and the SOLDIER stopped his proceeding into the building before taking a step back and narrowing his eyes a bit. �Cloud?�

�Mm,� the blonde said in response with a sniffle.

�So they put you on watch huh?� Jin began while pushing a few strands of wet hair out of his face, �I hope you�re almost off.�

Glancing down at his watch Cloud gave a bit of a sigh. He didn�t really have much longer but it could feel like an eternity out in this weather. �Almost,� he replied while stepping back closer to the wall of the building, trying to shield himself from some of the rain.

�Do you want�a drink? I can grab you a hot chocolate from inside,� Jin explained.

Something hot did sound good right about now but� �No, it�s fine,� Cloud replied.

�Come on it�s not a big deal,� Jin started while stepping inside, � be right back.�

What the� So much for that. The blonde didn�t even know that the SOLDIERS were coming back today from their assignment, maybe Kyo would be passing through soon too.

A few freezing minutes later Jin reappeared handing the blonde his drink.

�Thanks,� Cloud spoke quietly while accepting the drink, even though he probably really shouldn�t have. He didn�t even really want to be talking to Jin, after all wasn�t he just trying to put him in the past? But then again, it wasn�t that big of a deal like Jin had mentioned, it was just a drink.

�Sure,� Jin replied while stuffing his hands in his pockets and glancing out into the still semi dark sky.

�How was Mideel?� Cloud asked after a moment of realizing that Jin hadn�t budged.

�For our first assignment it went smoothly,� Jin began with a shrug, �though I didn�t seem to have to much to do. I was kind of like extra�I didn�t really need to be there,� he finished while looking to the blonde.

Cloud nodded before glancing away and thinking back to their encounter in the hallway. He was still wondering if Zack had purposely put him on the mission just for the sake of him being away for a while. And according to Jin he didn�t really need to go�but then again maybe he was just elaborating.

�That�s why I�m back,� Jin added.

�You�left early?� Cloud asked while giving the other a confused look.

�Yeah,� the SOLDIER replied with a short nod, �Zack isn�t my commanding officer.�

�Can you do that?� The blonde asked genuinely curious while raising an eyebrow.

Jin gave a bit of a smirk before shrugging, �Well I�m back aren�t I?�

Not knowing exactly how to respond to that Cloud just took another sip of his drink, although he couldn�t help but wonder if Jin was going to get in trouble for deliberately disobeying orders. Then again with his dad being a Sergeant he could probably slide.

�Doesn�t mean you won�t get in trouble,� Cloud started, �that is if your dad doesn�t interfere.�

�There isn�t much my dad can do even if he wanted to, he�s totally separate from the things that go on in SOLDIER. Besides I wouldn�t want him involved, I�ve had enough of that,� Jin explained with a sigh before resting his eyes on the blonde, �are you worried?�

�No,� Cloud quickly blurted with a shake of his head. He didn�t want Jin to get the wrong idea, he could care less if he got in trouble. His main concern was that he just didn�t want him causing any problems.

�Well, I better go,� Jin continued with a smile while adjusting his bag that was slung across his shoulder, �don�t get sick out here. I�ll see you later.�

Nodding Cloud watched as the SOLDIER walked away before he let out a sigh. He didn�t like the idea of Jin leaving early from Mideel, he didn�t want any problems with Zack and he because of something that was over him�and he really hoped that Jin didn�t just do this to piss off the other SOLDIER. Honestly, could he be that stupid?

After another hour or so of standing out in the rain someone else came to relieve the boy of his shift and he quickly made his way back to the apartment, desperately wanting to be in a dry and warm area.

Stepping inside he sneezed again while pulling off his wet boots and discarding his hat on the ground carelessly while running a hand through damp spikes. Even though he was inside he found himself to still be shivering and started to peel away the wet clothes from his pale skin. He made his way into the bedroom and dropped his wet jacket onto the floor before moving to his shirt that was practically sticking to him. He never wanted to have watch duty again when it was raining so badly, he couldn�t even feel his fingers anymore and that was making it a lot more difficult to remove his clothing.

The door opened and closed followed by the sound of Zack�s keys hitting the table loudly as they always did.

�Babe?� Zack called once he spotted the pair of wet boots by the door.

�In here,� Cloud replied from the bedroom while finally pulling the soggy wet shirt over his head.

Zack entered the room a second later before giving a grin at the sight of his boyfriend stripping down. �Perfect timing,� he began while moving over to the other.

Cloud sneezed once again before glaring at the other.

�Or maybe not,� Zack continued while wrapping his arms around the boy, �you�re freezing.�

�That�s what happens when you stand outside all morning in the pouring rain,� Cloud explained bitterly while still shivering slightly. Though there in Zack�s arm he felt a lot warmer than what he did and he wrapped his arm around him in return.

�I�m sorry,� the SOLDIER said apologetically while running his hands quickly over the other, trying to warm him up.

�What are you doing back now?� The blonde asked with a sniffle.

�Meeting got cancelled,� Zack started, �which is a good thing. Now I can be here to help warm you up,� he finished with a quick peck on the others lips.

�Well, I think I�m going to take a hot shower first,� Cloud replied while pulling away from the other.

�Okay, I�ll make you something�I should be able to handle soup,� the SOLDIER explained while scratching the back of his head with a grin.

Cloud couldn�t help but laugh. It was no secret that Zack was no chef, but it was sweet none the less how he would try to make things for the other. But needless to say that for the most part they either ate out or ordered in. Yeah, Cloud wasn�t the best cook either.

After about fifteen minutes the blonde emerged from the shower feeling a lot better seeing as how he had gotten the feeling back in his body. But he was still sneezing every so often.

Zack was sitting on the bed reading over a paper when he glanced up at the other. �Better?�

�Yeah,� Cloud replied while climbing into bed next to him. It was still early and in all honesty he didn�t mind just falling asleep in the warm bed.

Setting the paper aside Zack wrapped his arms around the blonde�s waist while burying his face in the crook of his neck briefly and placing a kiss there. It seemed as if he had read the recruits mind as they both lay there in bed wrapped tight in each others arms.

�When the SOLDIERS that went on assignment get back is your schedule going to get busy again?� Cloud asked partially asleep as his eyes closed.

�Maybe,� Zack replied quietly, his warm breath caressing the skin on the others neck. �But maybe not, Seph just wanted me to help get them started out. They�ll be under someone else.�

�So,� the blonde began while cracking blue eyes open slightly, �you aren�t like their commanding officer then.�

�Commanding officer no,� the SOLDIER started, �more like�a guide I guess.�

So maybe Jin won�t get in trouble then�

�Why?� Zack asked softly while tightening his hold on the boys waist.

�I just�� Cloud began while turning slightly and looking into glowing blue eyes, �when I was on watch there was a SOLDIER who came back early.�

�From the Mideel assignment?� Zack asked, �Was he injured?�

�No�I guess there was just too many of them there so they sent some back,� he replied while closing his eyes briefly again.

�Too many?� Zack continued while propping himself up on his elbow and shaking his head, �No there shouldn�t have been, I planned that whole thing out myself.�

�Maybe they just realized it when they got there,� Cloud suggested while blinking open his eyes again. He noticed Zack had a bit of a confused look on his face and he shook his head. �Who cares, it�s only one person.�

�Exactly, one person�.their officer wouldn�t send back just one person,� Zack continued before narrowing his eyes a bit. �Which SOLDIER?�

Hesitating for a moment the recruit pushed himself up a bit, �Jin.�

�I knew it,� Zack began with a shake of his head. �That�� he started with a sigh.

�He said they didn�t need him there,� Cloud quickly added.

�No, he just didn�t want to be there. He can�t pick and choose what he wants to do. Maybe he shouldn�t have joined SOLDIER if he wasn�t prepared for that,� Zack explained while sitting up fully.

�I think he just was expecting to do something else when the other�s were on the Mideel assignment,� the blonde began with a shake of his head, �it�s not a big deal though is it?�

Zack shot the other a look before laughing a bit, �yeah it is. He didn�t listen to what he was ordered to do.�

�He said you weren�t his commanding officer though,� Cloud continued.

�It doesn�t matter,� Zack started, �I may not be the one who was actually with them on that assignment but I am the one who set it up. That�s the whole reason why Seph put me as their instructor.�

�You know what, you�re right,� Cloud began with a sigh, �but can you not make a big deal out of it?�

�Cloud,� the SOLDIER began while getting up from off the bed, �I�m in charge of the third class, I can�t just let it go. I couldn�t if it was anybody else and he doesn�t get special treatment.�

�Well if his officer let him come back it should be fine though right?� Cloud continued.

�No,� Zack began with a shake of his head, �Cloud it�s more complicated than that.�

The blonde frowned at that, how complicated could it be? He couldn�t help but think that Zack was just being stubborn and making it out to be worse than it was just so that he could get Jin in some kind of trouble.

�Why the hell did you put him on the assignment last minute anyways?� He asked a bit annoyed.

�He is a third class isn�t he? Why not put him on the assignment,� Zack answered before pausing briefly. �You didn�t want him to go?�

�It just seemed a little abrupt,� Cloud replied not seeming convinced with Zack�s response before he got up and made his way into the kitchen.

�What does that mean?� Zack pressed as he followed the blonde out of the room.

�Nothing,� the recruit muttered while glancing at the stove that had a pot of soup that he guessed Zack had started earlier when he was in the shower.

�No, please tell me what it is that you think,� Zack continued, his voice taking on a bit of a sarcastic tone.

�Zack, just drop it,� Cloud replied growing slightly irritated at the other.

�What you think I�m jealous of him?� He continued while moving more into the kitchen.

�I don�t know, I just think maybe I shouldn�t have told you what I did about him,� the blonde started deciding to leave the soup and grab a drink instead.

�What?� Zack asked in shock, �what the hell is that supposed to mean?�

�It means,� Cloud quickly jumped in, �that I shouldn�t have told you because now it seems like you�re all jealous when you don�t even have a reason to be. I told you that!�

The SOLDIER was silent for a moment as he took in what the other said. But he wasn�t satisfied with that, not at all. �So you�re saying you should�ve kept it from me then? Something like this you would keep from me when you gave me hell because I didn�t tell you about Aerith!? My ex girlfriend! That makes perfect sense, I have to tell you everything but it�s alright if you don�t,� he ranted on while narrowing his eyes more.

That didn�t make the blonde happy at all and he turned around quickly with nothing but anger evident in his eyes. �That�s completely different,� he spat. He couldn�t believe that Zack would try to compare the two. He said maybe he shouldn�t have told him, but it didn�t change the fact that he did. And it wasn�t as if he was trying to hide anything, he just didn�t want some stupid feud going on between the two SOLDIERS, it was pointless.

�No it�s not,� Zack continued, �I don�t even get why you�re so upset over this whole thing. Who cares if I put him on the assignment or not, why are you trying to defend him so much?�

�I�m not defending him!� Cloud shouted angrily before shaking his head. �Think whatever you want,� he began while starting to walk out of the kitchen.

�That�s not really answering my question,� Zack replied while moving to block the boy.

�Move,� Cloud spoke through clenched teeth while keeping his eyes downward.

�No,� Zack stated firmly, �I want you to answer that.�

�Zack move,� the blonde said again while trying to step past the other just to have his way blocked once more. That had to be the most frustrating thing ever, Zack was really making him mad at the moment and he just wanted to distance himself from him�for the first time ever really. He hated the fact that he couldn�t push him away easily because the SOLDIER was a lot bigger than he was.

Zack didn�t reply but instead just simply stood his ground. This must�ve been how Cloud always handled his arguments, he always wanted to leave or walk away and avoid the situation. He remembered back to when he didn�t talk to him for weeks because of the whole Aerith thing and he wasn�t about to let that happen again. They were going to finish this here and now.

�You�re an idiot!� The blonde suddenly shouted while shoving the SOLDIER as hard as he could, which actually made the other stumble back a little looking very surprised. �You can�t see the reason why I�m so upset is because I see what�s happening here!? You and Jin are both idiots! The two of you are in this silent feud about who can win me, and I�m not going to be caught in the middle like some stupid girl! You can�t fight over me like I�m property! I don�t belong to you or him!�

Zack�s eyes widened as he listened to his boyfriend shouting at him. He noticed the tears in the others eyes, tears of anger he was sure as he noticed his heavy breathing.

�Cloud,� he began more calmly before the other walked closer over to him before shoving him again.

�You think that I like him!? Is that why you�re getting so upset!? You�re even more of an idiot for thinking that!�

The blonde moved to push him again but Zack reacted and caught hold of his arms, but that didn�t stop the other from trying altogether.

�Cloud, babe stop,� the SOLDIER began softly while trying to calm his thrashing boyfriend. He stopped struggling after a while when he noticed that Zack�s grasp was too strong for him to break from.

�Let go,� he began slightly out of breath while looking away from the other.

�Cloud,� Zack started while moving one of his hands to the others face, trying to turn his head to meet his gaze.

�Don�t,� the blonde spoke while jerking his head away, �let go.�

Zack felt his heart drop at that. He could tell by the other�s voice that he was crying, which was the reason why he probably didn�t want to look at him. He was mad�actually beyond mad and he had every right to be. The SOLDIER wished he could take back what he said earlier and he wished he had acted differently. Cloud was right, maybe he had let his jealousy get to him and he really shouldn�t have. He trusted Cloud and even though he knew that Jin really wasn�t a threat he just�

�Babe, I�m sorry,� he began, �you�re right. I handled this all wrong,� he explained softly while lightly caressing the boys arm and drawing him towards him slowly. He was half expecting for Cloud to spring back into action and push him away, but surprisingly he didn�t and he let himself be pulled into the others arms. Zack held onto him tightly but the embrace wasn�t returned and that just made it meaningless. He had hurt Cloud, or more so insulted him by insinuating that he liked Jin and that�s why he was being defensive about things. How the hell could he backpedal out of this one?

�Cloud,� he started while letting go of the other and dropping his gaze to the floor, �I�what you said, I don�t think of you as something that I own I hope you know that. I just�maybe I was jealous, but it�s only because I love you so much that I just�the thought of losing you�scares me.�

Cloud reacted to that, thought just barely as he lifted his gaze to the other where Zack could see the tears that he had guessed were already there.

�Even though I know you love me and I know that you don�t like him,� the SOLDIER continued with a deep breath, �and just the fact that I know he likes you and now he wants to be your friend and�it just all came up so suddenly, I didn�t have a chance to really take it in.� After a short pause he lifted his eyes back to the others before shaking his head, �But that isn�t an excuse.�

They held each others gaze briefly before Zack leaned in and captured the blonde�s lips in an unexpected kiss. It wasn�t until the SOLDIER went to deepen it that Cloud pushed him away while taking a step back.

�No,� he began with a shake of his head, �a kiss doesn�t fix everything Zack. Despite what you said about being afraid to lose me and how everything came up so suddenly, it shouldn�t have mattered.�

Zack looked more confused than ever and so the blonde continued.

�It shouldn�t have mattered because you should�ve trusted me. You should�ve trusted what I said�what I�ve done!�

�I know that,� Zack replied while looking away.

�If you did you wouldn�t have even questioned this whole thing about Jin!� Cloud snapped back feeling himself become angry again.

�It�s not because I don�t trust you Cloud, it�s because I don�t trust him!� Zack finally admitted.

�Something like that goes both ways!� Cloud interjected, �And if I don�t feel that way for him then nothing could happen between us! It�s not like he�s going to put me under some spell or something to lure me away!�

Scuffing a hand through his hair the SOLDIER took a seat on the couch before burying his face in his hands. How did the day turn into this? It had a promising start with him and his boyfriend lying in bed together and now here they were at each others throats, and why? All because of Jin. Even when he wasn�t actually there he was a problem.

�What do you expect from me Zack?� Cloud asked, his voice quieter than before, �with everything that we�ve been, with what our relationship is�I mean I thought this was serious and for you to think so easily that I would�� he trailed off for a moment before shaking his head, �that�s not fair. What good is this if you can�t trust me? If my words aren�t enough, if-�

�Stop it!� Zack snapped angrily while lifting blue eyes that seemed to glow even brighter if possible. �Just stop! I�m not going to have you define our relationship around that bastard!�

�You,� the blonde began with a shake of his head before Zack arose from the couch.

�No,� Zack continued while walking back over to the recruit, �Our relationship is serious, you know that! And I didn�t easily think anything, I didn�t think you would do anything and I do trust you! And I trust what you say, so don�t act like I don�t!�

Cloud was silent as he just stared wide eyed at the other, he had never really seen him angry to this extent and it kind of caught him off guard a bit.

�I�m not going to lie, after you told me how he felt about you and when you told me he kissed you I was a little jealous,� Zack started, �but it�s more than that. I don�t trust him Cloud. I haven�t trusted him since the first time I heard about him and the things he was doing to you. And now with this? It doesn�t change anything! I still feel the same way about him as I did then, and I always was watching out for you when it came to him! And I still am watching out for you now, you might not like it and you might think I�m going overboard and that I�m too jealous but�deal with it! Because I�m not going to stop being concerned about you and making sure that you�re okay!�

The blonde blinked a few times as he took in what the other said as Zack continued on.

�Cloud,� he began more calmly, �I love you. That�s the bottom line, that�s what wraps up everything. Everything that I�m doing is because I just want to make sure you�re okay, it�s not that I don�t trust you or anything like that I just don�t want to see you hurt and if I can prevent it I will. I�m always going to be here to protect you, no matter what.�

�Zack,� Cloud began quietly while searching the others eyes. He saw nothing but pure sincerity in his gaze and he glanced away a bit shyly. He knew Zack cared about him but to still know that he cared so much was just�indescribable. Nobody ever cared so much about him that they would do whatever they could to keep him from being hurt, whether it was physically or emotionally. And nobody definitely cared for him enough to put up with his temper. But somehow, Zack did, as undeserving as he probably was to it Zack cared deeply for him. And instead of seeing it in that light, he had to go and turn it into a negative. How the hell did he manage to screw that up? He made Zack seem as if he was being a jerk when in reality it was the complete opposite, and instead of understanding it more he just had to jump to conclusions. Maybe in fact he was the one who was the idiot. He sure did feel like it at the moment and couldn�t even bring himself to look back in Zack�s eyes.

�Cloud?� Zack began curiously. He didn�t know what was running through the blonde�s head and he was trying to meet his gaze to see if he could read what was on his mind but he kept his eyes averted. Placing a hand on his shoulder hesitantly his eyes widened when the other quickly rushed in and wrapped his arms around him tightly. Zack returned the embrace running his hands soothingly over his back and holding him as close as possible.

�I don�t understand,� the blonde choked out, while trying to stifle his tears.

�What babe?� Zack asked softly still holding the boy close.

�Why�why are you with me?� He asked eagerly.

�What?� Zack asked in surprise while pulling away a bit to look at the other.

Cloud wiped away a few of his tears before continuing, �what�s so good about me?�

�Cloud,� Zack began with a shake of his head. It pained him to hear those words come from the other. As much as Cloud had progressed with his self esteem over his time in Midgar, that insecurity and doubt was probably still in the back of his mind. But Zack wasn�t going to let him recede back to that phase. Cloud was still young, barely even sixteen yet. And while he may be mature for his age and try to act tough the fact remained that he was still just a kid. Even though he tried to act otherwise more often than not it was times like this when he let his guard down that it was clear to see. He needed someone to depend on, to be there for him and help him along through things and that was exactly what Zack was. His best friend, his lover and anything and everything else that he needed. �Everything babe,� he answered quickly while placing a light kiss on his lips, �everything.�

The blonde didn�t try to hold back the tears that escaped from his eyes, they weren�t tears of sorrow anymore. Zack gently kissed away every tear that fell from those brilliant blue eyes as hands fisted into raven hair. He kissed the recruit all over his face before placing another soft kiss on his lips and another, and then another before Cloud was pulling him closer and deepening it. All of their feelings were poured into the kiss, making it the most intense and passionate that they had probably ever shared together. Their tongues twined, getting caught in an intimate caress as they both sought out more, pulling each other closer as they reveled in the taste that was each other, only stopping shortly when they needed air.

�Z,Zack,� the blonde moaned as the SOLDIER began to kiss and suck lightly on his neck while sliding a hand under his shirt and running it across his stomach and up his chest.

Cloud pulled him tighter against him as they stumbled back, realizing there was nothing to help support them before bumping into the coffee table. They exchanged a glance before the blonde wrapped his arms around Zack�s neck and he with his arms around his waist as they got tangled in another kiss while walking blindly back to the bedroom. When they made it to the door Zack lifted the other with ease and carried him over to the bed before placing him down gently, all the while keeping their kiss in tact.

Zack had the others shirt off in a second as he settled on top of him, dropping kisses from his head to his navel as his hands worked their way over his body. Cloud was squirming beneath him as he gripped onto the SOLDIERS shirt tugging him down to capture his lips in another heated kiss. Zack couldn�t help but groan into the boys mouth, the way Cloud was working his tongue against his was sending him over the edge. He felt warm hands on his abdomen as the blonde snaked his way under his shirt, letting his hands roam higher before moving to the others back.

Zack broke their kiss before leaning up briefly to toss aside his own shirt when Cloud sat up with him to resume their kiss, his arms wrapped tightly around the others neck. The way they were going at it it would appear as if they hadn�t seen each other in ages and had just been reunited. But there was a certain fire there, a passion that couldn�t be ignored and with every kiss and touch it only seemed to grow.

Cloud was pinned down on the bed a few minutes later, his hands above his head being held in place by Zack�s grasp as he continued to kiss his neck. If there was one thing that Zack found out quickly when it came to their lovemaking it was that kissing Cloud�s neck was one of the boys weak spots.

But their foreplay was cut shorter than usual as they realized that they couldn�t wait much longer. Within moments they had discarded the rest of their clothes and were melded against each other and pressed firmly into the mattress.

Zack kissed his boyfriends bruised kissed lips once more before entering him slowly which drew out a pleasant moan from the other that only fueled the SOLDIER even more.

�Zack,� he moaned again as his eyes fell shut in pleasure and his mouth parted so slightly.

Zack loved watching the expressions on the other�s face, he wondered if he was even aware how sexy he was when he did those things.

He started to move in and out, causing the blonde to respond with every stroke as he worked his hips against his. Their bodies were pressed closely together so that every move caused a pleasant feel of friction, making them want to feel it over and over again.

They fell into a rhythm as Zack drove into him harder making the blonde gasp and moan louder, which was only music to the others ears. Speeding up their movements they held onto each other tighter as they spoke their love for each other breathlessly.

�With me babe,� Zack spoke lustfully as he continued to thrust into the small blonde feeling his climax near with every stroke.

�Za- Zack,� the other moaned in reply as the SOLDIER picked up his speed, pushing deeper and harder and earning a satisfying moan from his lover.

The blonde reached his hand back, trying to grasp onto a part of the headboard but couldn�t exactly keep a firm hold on it. He felt Zack�s hand slide up his arm until it reached his hand and moved it on the bed beside them before twining their fingers together.

Everything from earlier seemed so trivial, so pointless. None of it mattered. This was what mattered. The two of them, together. As long as there was that, nothing else would ever matter. Ever. It was the simplest thing and yet it was everything and it made all the difference.

Arching his back he cried out the others name as he reached his limit, his eyes closing tightly for a moment.

With a few more thrusts Zack followed up right after the other, closing his eyes as he rode out his orgasm, his boyfriends name tumbling from his lips.

They stayed unmoving for a moment as they calmed their breathing and their fast heart beats.

Zack pulled out causing the other to gasp a bit before resting gently against him. He listened to Cloud�s heart that was racing and he gave a small smile. That heart that beat for him, was his and nobody else�s. It was safe to say that they had agreed that he did have a bit of a jealous streak in him, but he was perfectly okay with that actually. Cloud was precious to him and if protecting him and making sure he was safe called for a bit of jealousy than he was fine with that.

Cloud ran his fingers through the others hair, pulling it up and letting go and watching it fall gracefully against Zack�s pale skin. He glanced down to his other hand that was still entwined with Zack�s and he felt his stomach make that flip flop sensation that he had associated with Zack.

�This is perfect,� Zack began while moving off of the blonde and cuddling up beside him before taking him in his arms.

�Yeah,� Cloud replied while listening to the rain outside and reveling in the warmth of the other. �I could stay like this forever,� he added with a small smile.

It was quiet for a moment before Zack spoke up. �I could stay with you forever,� he said softly before placing a kiss on the boys head.

Cloud�s eyes widened briefly before he ran his fingers along the SOLDIERS arm. �Then you should,� he replied just as soft as the other.

�I will,� Zack answered quickly as he continued to caress the boys back.

�Promise?� Cloud asked as he shut his eyes briefly.

Tilting the blonde�s head up Zack kissed him gently, the kiss seeming like a way to seal the promise in more ways than words could ever do. �I�ll never leave you Cloud. I promise.�

************************************************************************

Moving down the hallway the recruit let out a yawn. He felt like he hadn�t been asleep in days. And maybe he really hadn�t. Between all of the different assignments he had been given from his colonel and the early watch shifts he felt like he had barely been given any down time.

He had just gotten off of his watch shift and finally had some free time and was planning to just head back to the apartment and go to sleep.

�Recruit Strife was it?� A voice asked down the practically empty corridor.

Turning around the blonde blinked a few times before nodding. �Yes sir,� he replied once he saw the Professor in his white lab coat.

�How are you feeling these days?� He asked while approaching the recruit and adjusting his glasses.

�Uh, fine sir why do you ask?� Cloud questioned.

�Oh I just remembered that your Mako infusion gave you a little bit of trouble,� Dr. Hojo replied.

�Oh,� the blonde began with a nod, �yeah but it was just that day. You were right I felt fine after that.�

�I�m glad to hear that,� the Professor continued while staring hard at the other. �Your eyes resemble that of a SOLDIERS.�

�What?�

�Hmm, even with just a small dosage of Mako the cells must�ve made a greater impact,� Hojo said quietly to himself.

�Sir?� Cloud asked, not really sure what the other had just said.

�Ah, it�s nothing,� the Professor continued with a shake of his head. �I am sorry however that your sensitivity to the Mako prevented you from becoming a SOLDIER. I�m certain you would�ve been a good addition.�

�Thank you sir,� the blonde replied with a bit of a nod. He got a smile in return before the man was checking his watch.

�Well, I still have many things to do so I better be on my way. I�ll see you again recruit,� he explained before continuing down the hall, his lab coat swaying behind him.

Cloud watched him continue down the hall with a bit of a confused look on his face. Something about that was just�strange. He walked over to the window in the hall and tried looking at his reflection.

�Your eyes resemble that of a SOLDIERS.�

Did they? He had thought he noticed something different before but he didn�t think too much of it. But he knew they had the glow kind of like Zack�s. But he had always told him that it took a lot of Mako to get his eyes that way, so why was his�.

Stepping away from the window the blonde turned and went down the opposite way of the hall. Suddenly he wasn�t so tired anymore. He made his way to the elevator and slid his keycard waiting for it to take him to office level. Once the doors slid open he stepped out and made his way down the hall until he reached the door to Zack�s office. Turning the doorknob he stepped inside and was met with bright jade eyes.

�Hello Cloud,� the General spoke smoothly as he placed a file away in the clutter of the SOLDIERS desk.

�General Sephiroth,� the blonde replied a little surprised before standing a bit straighter.

�I assume you are looking for Zackary. You just missed him,� he explained while stepping away from the desk.

�Oh,� Cloud began with a small nod, �do you know where he is?�

�I believe he was summoned by President Shinra,� Sephiroth explained before fixing his eyes on the other. �Was there something troubling you?�

Cloud hesitated for a moment. He could just wait until Zack came back home so that he could ask him about it. But then again maybe Zack didn�t know�maybe the general would be the best to talk to. After all he was the head of the military branch.

�Sort of,� he finally replied while dropping his gaze briefly.

The general gestured toward the chair as he made his way around to the other side of the desk. Closing the door carefully he walked across the room and took a seat. He was silent for a while until he realized that the general was probably waiting for him to tell him what was on his mind rather than question him about it.

�I ran into Professor Hojo not that long ago and he asked me if I was feeling okay since everything with my Mako infusion,� he started while looking to the General.

�And? You do feel well do you not?� He asked while keeping his green eyes on the other.

�Yes sir I�m fine. Or I feel fine,� Cloud continued, �but there was something that he said that kind of bothered me. He said that my eyes are like a SOLDIERS, and I only had a small dosage of Mako and I just�I don�t know that�s not normal.�

Sephiroth was silent for a moment as he looked into the blonde�s eyes. �I noticed that as well as Zackary. But I would guess it�s because you�re so sensitive to the Mako that it�s impact is so strong.�

�So you,� the recruit continued, �don�t think it�s a problem?�

�No,� Sephiroth replied almost instantly, �if it was the Professor would�ve told you and definitely would�ve put it in your file. I wouldn�t worry about it, and besides your health seems fine, nothing out of the ordinary since your infusion.�

�Yeah,� Cloud began with a nod while glancing down. He felt a little silly for getting so freaked out but�there was just something about how the Professor was looking at him when he said it. �Thank you sir,� he added before rising to his feet.

�Mm,� the general replied with a nod, �I�ll let Zackary know you stopped by.�

The blonde gave a smile before saying another quick thanks and then he had exited the room.

Sephiroth leaned on the desk with his elbows while watching the door that the recruit had just walked through. He couldn�t help but wonder if Cloud�s concerns weren�t in fact that far fetched after all. Professor Hojo had a tendency to sometimes get carried away with his work when it came to experiments of any sort, Sephiroth knew that all too well. But he wouldn�t be so careless as to actually do something to a young recruit would he?

When it came to the Professor however the general wouldn�t exactly expect him to use his morals. He had endured countless experiments and tests by the hands of Professor Hojo, some of which he was certain should have never been performed in the first place.

Tearing his gaze away from the door he got up from his seat. This was something that he definitely wanted to look into a little more on his own.

************************************************************************

A/N: Yes! An update! It�s a Christmas miracle! I apologize for the tardiness of this chapter but things have been really busy for me with finals and shopping for presents and getting in a tiny little fender bender, so forgive me please? I made this chapter a little longer to make up for the lateness ^^. My plan is to have this story complete by no more than 25 chapters! Depending on how long I make the chapters but no more than 25 for sure, as you can see a lot of questions throughout the story are being answered little by little so the end draws near. Anyway enough babbling, I hope everyone has an awesome Christmas! Will update soon!
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