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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
- 25
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- 27
Disclaimer: I do not own FF7 or any of the FF7 characters so�.yeah.

The walk back to the hotel consisted of a beaming Zack who was keeping a tight hold on the recruit. He kept going on and on about how nice Cloud�s mom was. It was pretty amusing really, but Cloud was glad that his mom was happy for them, and he was even more glad that Zack was so excited about that fact.

�You really should call her more,� Zack continued while they stepped into the hotel. The blonde shot him a look. His mom already made him feel guilty about not calling or writing to her, he didn�t need his boyfriend to remind him of that.

�I know I know,� he replied with a roll of his eyes which caused the SOLDIER to chuckle and pull him closer before placing a kiss on his temple.

They made their way through the quiet hotel and up to the floor that their room was on before walking in and spotting Sephiroth and Jin.

The ex SOLDIER was sitting on the bed, his back resting against the headboard and a book in his lap. His eyes snapped upwards when he heard the door open and he gave a bit of a frown.

�Finally,� Jin spoke while shutting the book he was reading and placing it on the small table beside the bed.

The General who was standing next to the window and looking out into the night turned his head a bit, just enough to acknowledge the two�s presence.

�Did you enjoy your evening?� Sephiroth asked, still keeping his green eyes focused on the window and the scenery outside of it.

�Yep!� Zack exclaimed as a smile appeared on his face, �Cloud gave me a tour of the town and then we went and visited his mom!�

�Were we�gone too long?� Cloud asked a bit nervously while looking from the General to Jin who still had a bit of an annoyed look on his face.

�Mm, it�s fine,� Sephiroth replied while finally turning around completely and letting jade eyes fall onto the recruit. Cloud�s eyes widened briefly before he looked away at nothing in particular. He didn�t know why he could never look the man directly in the eyes for too long, there was something just so�intimidating and yet alluring at the same time.

�I guess but we were waiting for you guys to get back so we could go eat,� Jin further explained, �I haven�t ate since the last stop we made before Nibelheim.�

�Oh sorry,� Cloud immediately apologized. He didn�t realize that they were waiting on them to get back, and now he felt a little bad because Zack and he had already ate.

�You two didn�t have to wait,� Zack jumped in, �Cloud and I had dinner at his house anyways. But I mean I�m up for dessert or something,� the SOLDIER finished with a grin.

Cloud looked beside him to his boyfriend. Honestly he didn�t understand how he could eat so much, let alone not gain a pound.

�Well then let�s go,� Jin started while getting up from off the bed, �what�s good around here Cloud?�

�Uh there�s a diner about a block away from here,� Cloud explained, but before he could get anything else out Jin was already heading towards the door saying that was fine.

The three of them followed behind Jin and exited out of the hotel where Cloud lead the way down to the small diner. There was only a few people besides them in the place so it was really quiet. Not that it ever really got busy anyways, after all this was Nibelheim not Midgar. And with the latest monster sightings a lot of the townspeople seemed to be staying inside as much as possible.

Cloud was the only one who didn�t have anything to eat but instead just ordered a drink.

�So that Tifa girl,� Jin began while popping a fry into his mouth, �you know her right? The one that�s going to be our guide tomorrow?�

�Uh, well yeah,� Cloud replied while stirring his drink with his straw and keeping his eyes focused on the ice inside.

�Why do we need a guide again?� Zack asked while raising a brow, �we have Cloud.�

�The mayor of Nibelheim insisted. Out of courtesy,� Sephiroth explained while taking a drink of water.

�Yeah sure, either that or they just want to keep an eye on us. But that way they can be sneaky about it,� Jin continued with a smirk.

Cloud gave a bit of a frown. Maybe Jin was right but Nibelheim was a quiet town, they didn�t like outside interference so he understood why they may not like Shinra�s presence.

�Oh well it doesn�t matter I guess,� Zack added while leaning back in his seat.

�Barton is right. She�ll be a nuisance more than anything, we�ll have to keep a close eye on her. With the monsters in this area it�s really not a good idea for her to come along,� the General explained while shifting his gaze to the recruit, �she�s your friend, you can look out for her.�

�Yes sir,� Cloud quickly replied while sitting up straighter.

�Seph don�t be so harsh,� Zack spoke up while shifting his gaze towards the General.

�What�s harsh about that? I don�t have time to be a babysitter, Cloud is capable of keeping an eye on her,� the man continued in a calm tone.

�Yeah it�s fine Zack,� Cloud added while looking to his boyfriend. He knew that the other was just trying to help him out but really it wasn�t a big deal. And he didn�t want the General to think that Zack was always going to be his saving grace, Cloud may not be a SOLDIER but he was still apart of Shinra and he wanted to prove his worth on some level.

�Alright,� Zack began with a small sigh before cracking a smile.

�I�m going to get another drink,� Jin began while pushing away from the table.

�Me too,� Cloud added while looking at the glass full of ice that was now in front of him.

They made their way to the counter where a bored looking man stood who took their orders and placed the drinks before them within a matter of seconds before retreating towards the back of the kitchen.

�It�s fucking dead in here,� Jin started while picking up his glass.

Cloud nodded before glancing at his watch, �well it�s sort of late,� he replied while picking up his drink as well preparing to head back towards the table.

�Hey just sit here and finish your drink,� Jin began while pulling out a stool and sitting at the counter. He cast a glance over his shoulder before running a hand through his hair, �those two are just going on about the assignment anyways. Stuff that we don�t really know about.�

The blonde hesitated for a moment before realizing that Jin was right. For the most part since they had arrived at the diner anyways he had pretty much just remained quiet and listened, occasionally answering a question or two. He pulled up a seat beside the other before taking a sip of his drink and placing it back on the counter before him.

�How was the visit with your mom?� Jin asked almost right away while taking a drink, though he kept his focus straight ahead rather than looking at the boy beside him.

�Nice,� Cloud replied simply with a nod.

�I imagine it would be, it�s been a while since you left from here,� Jin began a bit absentmindedly before turning his gaze towards the recruit. �And so you introduced her to Zack?�

�Of course,� Cloud replied instantly, narrowing his eyes slightly as he felt himself switching to defense mode automatically.

A small smile appeared on Jin�s face as he gave a brief nod. �Yeah I figured you would so�when you asked me earlier if I wanted to go along I stayed behind. I thought it would be better that way.�

�Oh,� Cloud started quietly as his gaze softened. Was Jin actually being�considerate? Yeah, he was, or he had been.

�Yeah,� Jin continued before clearing his throat and resting his elbows on the table.

�Thanks,� the recruit suddenly spoke up while letting his gaze fall to his glass briefly before turning back to the ex SOLDIER.

Jin only shrugged a bit before scuffing a hand through his hair. He was trying to play it off as if it wasn�t a big deal but Cloud knew better. Jin and Zack had been on bad terms since the start of this assignment, and if Jin had wanted to he could�ve went along and made that visit back home a bad experience�but he had put aside his ego for a moment and just let Cloud and Zack have that time together. And Cloud was really grateful for that, he knew it was hard for Jin to do even if he tried to act otherwise.

A part of him felt bad about the whole situation really. He hated the fact that Jin had fallen for him, only because he knew he was hurting him even though he didn�t mean to. And yet there was nothing he could do about it. If only Jin could just let go of his feelings for him and move on, but honestly he knew that it wasn�t as easy as all that. It was like telling himself to fall out of love with Zack, it wasn�t possible.

A long silence fell over the two and Cloud suddenly felt really uncomfortable. There was never any awkward silence between the two of them, Jin usually always had something to say. But now when the blonde looked at him it seemed as if the other had a lot on his mind and he couldn�t even seem to bring himself to ask him what was wrong.

Cloud downed the last of his drink quickly before hopping off of the stool, �I�m going to be outside, I�ll wait for you guys to finish,� he explained quickly while pulling out his wallet and fishing out some gil before dropping it on the counter. With that he turned and exited out of the diner.

It felt really nice outside, it wasn�t too cold or hot and there was a nice breeze in the air. It was a pleasant atmosphere but even with that he still felt a bit uneasy. Letting out a sigh he began to walk further down the sidewalk away from the diner.

He heard the sound of the door of the diner opening and closing seeing as how a little bell was attached to the top of it and it would tinkle whenever it was moved.

The recruit turned around expecting to see the three men emerge, but instead only Jin was there. He hadn�t caught sight of him though and instead just moved to lean up against the side of the diner wall.

Cloud remained where he was and kept his focus on the ex SOLDIER.

�Can I ask you at least one thing?� Jin asked while turning his gaze in the blonde�s direction.

Cloud was caught off guard for a moment before he nodded cautiously.

�Hypothetically speaking,� Jin began while taking a step away from the wall, now standing in the faint glow of one of the streetlights. �If you weren�t with Zack�if things were different. What would there be between you and I?�

The recruit didn�t really do much as far as a reaction went from that question. He just looked to the side and down at the pavement. Because in actuality, even though he should�ve probably been surprised at that question�in a way he had sort of been expecting it. It was just a matter of when really.

�Jin that�s,� he began before the other took a few more steps forward.

�I know what I said before. I was going to leave you alone, and I meant that but�I just need to know the answer to that,� he explained quietly.

�I can�t answer that,� Cloud replied while still keeping his eyes averted.

�You can�t? Or you won�t?� Jin asked while taking another step closer as Cloud finally turned his gaze back towards him. He met stormy gray eyes that seemed to be pleading to him and he couldn�t help but to feel sorry for Jin in that moment.

He could practically see his reflection in those eyes, and if Zack had come out of the diner now he would definitely be upset at the close proximity between the two.

�Which is it?� Jin pressed as he let his eyes search the deep blue in front of him. It was taking all of his effort to not lean down and kiss the recruit, but he couldn�t help but to reach out and stroke the side of his face with a gloved hand.

Cloud knew that just answering the question would probably make Jin back off, but he couldn�t just answer it so harshly. To just crush Jin�s heart like that, he couldn�t be so cold towards him. Maybe if it had been earlier, but now�

Why did Jin have to torture himself like this? What did it matter anyways, it wouldn�t change the fact that he was with Zack. Now and reality was what mattered after all.

�Jin,� Cloud began with a sigh while letting his eyes fall shut briefly, �how can you,� he began while opening his eyes only to find his sentence cut off now that Jin�s lips were against his own.

�It�s alright,� Jin began after breaking the soft kiss, �I got my answer,� he finished sadly while moving away from the recruit.

�Jin,� Cloud quickly spoke without thinking while reaching out and catching the ex SOLDIERS wrist. �I don�t hate you if that�s what you think.�

�But?� Jin added while lifting sad eyes towards the blonde.

But I don�t love you either. It was a sentence that didn�t need to be said. Both Jin and Cloud already knew what it was.

�I�m sorry,� Cloud said softly while gently letting go of Jin�s wrist.

�Me too,� Jin answered quietly while giving a sad smile.

The recruit didn�t know what to say after that and just dropped his gaze towards the ground. He felt like there was more he should do or say to Jin, but he honestly didn�t know how to fix a broken heart. Especially when he was the one who was the cause of it.

But he didn�t have to think on that long before the diner door opened once more letting Zack and Sephiroth pass through.

�I didn�t realize how late it was,� the General began while walking over towards the two, �we have an early start in the morning so we better go.�

�Yes sir,� Cloud and Jin spoke in unison. Though the tone in both of their voices was different. More drained and quiet like. And they were still standing pretty close, directly in front of each other. Zack noticed and narrowed his eyes a bit while making his way over towards the two.

�Ready?� Zack asked while looking from Jin and then to Cloud before holding his hand out to the recruit.

�Yeah,� Cloud answered while turning blue eyes towards the SOLDIER before taking his hand gently into his before Zack tightened his grip.

He wanted to ask what was going on, it wasn�t hard to tell that something had happened. But seeing as how Jin looked a little down Zack figured whatever had happened probably had upset him, so that probably meant that he and Cloud had finally put whatever it was between them to rest. And so he decided not to pry. Just as long as Jin wasn�t imposing on he and Cloud�s relationship he would respect whatever it was that had happened between the two.

xxx

�It�s simple really, we�ll just have to make our way through the Nibel Mountains. It�s a little dangerous up there though but�well I guess that�s nothing for you guys,� Tifa explained before flashing a smile.

�Yep! Not a problem!� Zack exclaimed while adjusting his gloves.

Cloud gave a bit of a yawn from inside of his helmet. It was pretty early still and they had gotten back sort of late from the diner the night before. Not to mention it wasn�t too comfortable sleeping in the small hotel bed with Zack. Just for the fact that Zack moved around a lot in his sleep and the recruit had to try to not be kicked out of the bed. He actually had to hold on tight to Zack during the night, partly to keep him from moving around so much, and if Cloud did fall out of bed he figured that way at least he would bring Zack down with him.

�Why is the reactor all the way up in the mountains anyways?� Jin asked while adjusting the sword that he had strapped to his back.

�Hmm,� Tifa began with a bit of a frown, �actually nobody in Nibelheim even knew it was up there until just recently and that�s only because Shinra said they were coming here to take a look at it. Sort of strange,� she finished while looking off into the distance.

�It�s old. Seems to have been forgotten about until now. Which would explain why nobody has ever heard of it,� the General explained while looking over to the mountains. �Anyways, that�s enough for talking, lets get on with this.�

�Right, sorry. Follow me then,� Tifa began with a wave of her hand as she took off farther into the town.

The others followed after her turning down roads and walking down streets. It didn�t take too long however until the scenery changed. Homes now turned into trees and streets now turned in grass as they got closer towards the mountains.

�Now, just so you all know it gets trickier the father into the mountains we go. And it�s slippery so watch your step,� Tifa warned while turning to look back at the rest of them.

The rest nodded while Sephiroth just simply kept his eyes scanning the area and proceeding ahead.

�I remember when I was a kid I climbed these mountains. All the others kids were afraid to so I went it alone,� Tifa began while beginning to move up a steep rocky path. �Anyways, long story short I took a nasty tumble and ended up in a coma for about a week.�

�Seriously?� Zack asked while following behind her, �have you been up here since?�

�Actually no. But I still know it like the back of my hand so don�t worry,� Tifa continued while grabbing onto a nearby rock to help hoist herself up. �And I�m older now so I�m not as clumsy. But I guess I was kind of daring to try to navigate through here as a kid�though, it wasn�t just me.� A small smile graced her face as she turned around and looked behind her to wait for the others.

Cloud pulled himself up on the ledge a moment after and glanced around. From Tifa telling her story and now being up at the beginning of the Mountain he felt all of the old memories coming back to him. The Mountain was still pretty intimidating however, even if he was older.

�Damn,� Jin mumbled once he had gotten on the ledge and was looking up at the Mountain closely.

�Well,� Tifa began once everyone was up. She pulled out a small map before looking it over once and then pointing up ahead, �the reactor should be just past the peak pretty much. There�s a path that�s blocked though because it caved in a few years back but I know another way to get there,� she finished while stuffing the map back into her skirt pocket and beginning to walk up one of the mountains trails.

Sephiroth remained at the front with Tifa while Zack trailed a little behind them. Tifa was still chatting about things which seemed to be annoying the General just a bit, but Zack was talking with her so maybe that was why Sephiroth didn�t say anything. Jin and Cloud were just a few steps behind Zack making sure to watch their steps.

�Ok,� Tifa began while coming to a halt and adjusting her hat. She turned around to face everyone before pointing at a rickety wooden bridge that was just a few feet away from her. �Remember that path that I said was blocked? Well, since we can�t take that way our only option is the bridge.�

�Are you fucking serious?� Jin asked from inside his helmet while peering over at the unstable looking bridge. �That thing doesn�t look like it can withstand the weight of five people.�

Cloud swallowed once he realized his throat had suddenly become dry. Jin was right, this thing didn�t look any more stable than it had all those years ago.

�Well,� Tifa began quietly while turning to look back at the bridge, �it�s really the only way to get over there.�

�That,� Zack began while scratching the back of his head, �sort of sucks.�

�If it�s the only way then we�ll have to do what we must,� Sephiroth began while walking towards the bridge and stepping onto it.

�Seph! Alright just�careful,� Zack began with a sigh before looking back to Cloud and Jin, �Come on it�ll be fine. Just no sudden movements okay?�

The two nodded, although a bit nervously. They waited until Tifa started her way on the bridge behind Sephiroth and then Zack and then the two followed. The bridge was already swaying just from the wind and their added weight was making it creak in the least comforting way.

�Easy,� Zack spoke while looking behind him at Cloud and Jin.

Cloud paused for a moment as the others cautiously moved across the bridge. He was taking slow steady steps so as not to crash into anyone and not to suddenly make the bridge jerk. But in his moment of standing still he made the mistake of looking down. They were so high up and just that one glance made him feel dizzy and he quickly gripped onto the side of the thin rope.

�You okay Cloud?� Jin asked quietly while glancing behind him.

�Yeah, I�m fine,� the recruit replied while taking a slow step forward, being careful to avoid any holes in the wooden steps that were the bridge.

�Come on,� Jin began while moving closer to one side of the bridge and looking back to the blonde, �get in front of me.�

�It�s fine,� Cloud began with a shake of his head.

�Cloud this bridge is already swaying because of the wind. With your motion sickness all we need is for you to feel dizzy and fall off the back. I won�t let that happen, now get in front of me,� Jin explained calmly.

The blonde carefully moved in front of Jin. He had made a good point so there really was no point to argue.

�So far so good,� Tifa spoke up when they were just a bit passed the middle. But she couldn�t have had worse timing with her comment when suddenly the bridge gave away without any warning. It snapped completely in half as the rope rails had thinned out and reached their limit. A couple of the wooden boards popped off and fell below to the huge fall that awaited them.

Tifa�s scream was what was vivid in Cloud�s mind as he quickly grabbed onto a piece of the ropes railing in front of him. He held onto it tightly as the bridge swung backwards smacking him into the stone wall. At that moment he seriously thought he was going to let go from the impact but miraculously he didn�t. His heart was beating rapidly and he finally glanced upwards to see Zack hanging onto a part of the bridge and Sephiroth hanging onto the ledge of the mountain with Tifa supported in his other arm. She had her hands over her eyes still and pulled them away while looking around in horror before reaching up for the ledge as well.

The recruit let out a sigh while gripping on tighter to the rope before reaching upwards and grabbing onto another part of the rope and making his way up. But then he halted altogether before quickly looking behind him.

Jin!!

He wasn�t behind him, in fact there wasn�t even very much of the bridge behind him, and when he looked at the opposite end of the mountain where the other half of the bridge should�ve been attached it was gone. Which only meant that the other whole half of the bridge had fallen beneath them. The part of the bridge that he would�ve been on had Jin not told him to get in front of him only seconds before it snapped.

Squeezing his eyes shut he looked back up and continued to make his way up seeing that Zack had just pulled himself up over the ledge after Tifa and Sephiroth. He had just placed his hand on the stony ledge when he felt arms reach out to him and help pull him up.

�Oh my god, is everyone okay!?� Tifa asked with a hand over her heart as she tried to regain control of her breathing.

Cloud was now sitting on the ground breathing just as heavily before looking up into Zack�s wide eyes. His boyfriends face had completely paled and his mouth was open as if he wanted to say something but it just wouldn�t come out.

It was then that Cloud realized that both he and Jin had their helmets on, so Zack really didn�t know who was there with him now.

The recruit immediately reached out and squeezed the SOLDIERS arm, �It�s me Zack,� he spoke breathlessly.

With that spoken Zack suddenly leaned forward and wrapped his arms around the blonde while mumbling what sounded like �holy shit.�

Cloud only halfway returned the embrace however, partly because he was still shaken up and also because Jin wasn�t there.

�Good,� the General began while dusting himself off, �everyone is alright.�

�Um,� Tifa began while pulling herself up on shaky legs, �General it seems like�we�re one person short,� she finished as her ruby eyes widened.

The man was silent for a moment before turning to look back up at the path that they needed to go down. �This may sound cold but we have to go on.�

What!?

Was he serious? Cloud couldn�t believe his ears. Were they not even going to look for Jin? Maybe he didn�t fall all the way, maybe he fell down a ways but had grabbed onto something and was injured but still alive. He may have needed help!

Tifa was silent as she looked back to Zack and Cloud, apparently she thought the idea was crazy as well but she wouldn�t voice it.

Pulling away from Cloud Zack gave the General a look before rising to his feet. But the look that Sephiroth gave Zack made the SOLDIER just sigh and rub at his now bruised arm before looking back to the recruit who was still on the ground.

�Come on,� Zack spoke quietly. It was easy to tell that he didn�t agree with the General either but it was just that. Sephiroth was the lead, whatever he said went. But still�

�No!� Cloud suddenly shouted while turning to look back at the giant whole that used to have a bridge between it. �We, we can�t just go and leave him behind! How do you know that he�s not hurt? You�re not even going to check!? Isn�t that breaking part of the rules, what about all that never leaving a man behind stuff!?�

There was a brief silence and Zack walked back over to the recruit and knelt down beside him while giving him a concerned look, �Cloud,� he started softly.

�Zackary you should mention to your little love interest there that I have been in this field for a long time and know how to prioritize. Nobody would survive that fall and I see no point in searching for a corpse,� Sephiroth explained while narrowing jade eyes at the blonde. �Having said that I believe he needs to learn how to control his feelings as well if he wishes to be in Shinra. And lastly recruit, address me in that way again and there will be consequences.�

Cloud couldn�t help but to shrink back at those words and he instantly regretted losing his temper like that. He couldn�t believe he had just talked to General Sephiroth that way.

�Seph!� Zack spat through clenched teeth while turning glowing blue eyes onto the General. �Ease up.�

The General held his gaze on the blonde for a bit longer before turning and walking away, �get him together Zackary and let�s go.�

Tifa kept her eye on the two while giving a bit of a sympathetic look before jogging ahead and catching up to the General.

�Cloud,� Zack began quietly while turning his focus back to the other, �don�t listen to him, he�s got a lot on his mind right now and he can get like that.�

Shaking his head Cloud tried to blink back his tears. He had just made a huge mistake. What the hell was he thinking? Was he wrong in what he said? Was the General right? Of course Sephiroth knew what to do, that�s why he was the damn General of Shinra Military. But Cloud just wanted to see if Jin was alright�was that wrong? Was it because he knew that nobody could survive that fall and he was just in denial about it? No�no still, a General should still look out for his unit right? Something about the whole situation just made a chill run through the blonde and he kept his focus on Sephiroth�s retreating form.

�I didn�t mean to,� Cloud began while biting his lip and stopping mid sentence.

Reaching forward Zack pulled the helmet off of Cloud�s head to be met with wide, confused and sad eyes. �It�s alright,� Zack began while taking his face in his hands, �just take a minute okay. Everything�s happened so fast.�

Finally tearing his eyes away from the General Cloud slowly climbed onto his feet, not daring to look back at the huge gap behind them. Zack stood up beside him while placing an arm around his shoulders and placing a quick kiss on his cheek.

�Let�s just get this over with,� he spoke softly, gaining a weak nod from the recruit. But even with that said it still took Cloud a few minutes to even start to walk.

xxx

It was now the middle of the day, but it seemed like it was the longest day ever to Cloud. He was sitting back in the hotel room on the edge of one of the beds as his eyes stayed focused on the bed beside him that just the other night Jin had slept in. Earlier in the morning on Mt. Nibel seemed to be like some sort of bad dream. But the odd thing about it was that he couldn�t place a name to the feelings he was feeling. There was no doubt about it now, Jin was gone�no matter how many times he said that over in his mind though it still didn�t seem to make sense. It felt so surreal and he wasn�t sure if he was even completely comprehending it actually. For the past few hours this was how it had been, him staring blankly at the bed that Jin had occupied before. No tears fell from his eyes, no cries escaped from his throat�he just simply stared and remembered what happened earlier. He didn�t know if that made him bad, for the fact that he couldn�t even shed a tear at Jin�s death, or maybe he was too overwhelmed at the moment for it to really hit him.

Why did he make me go in front of him?

Sighing the blonde laid back on the bed while staring up at the ceiling. He didn�t want to be alone in this room right now but the General had sent him back telling him to take Tifa back into town while he and Zack stayed behind.

He had been opposed to the idea at first but he figured he had already caused enough of a scene when the bridge collapsed earlier so he just did as he was told. Tifa had tried to engage him in conversation on the way back but he just remained silent, only to become angry when the girl had told them about an �alternate� route they could take since the bridge had broke. If she had remembered that earlier then Jin would be�

He hated this waiting, why were they taking so long? They were only supposed to be checking on the reactor right? Honestly, how long did something like that take?

Sitting up again Cloud ran his hands through his hair. He didn�t like the turn that this assignment had took and for the first time since they had left he wished he was back in Midgar.

The faint click of the door opening caught his attention and he turned blue eyes to see who it was. He thought that both the General and Zack would be walking through but instead it was only the SOLDIER that entered shutting the door quietly behind him.

�Zack,� Cloud spoke, letting out a small sigh of relief while turning on the bed to face in the others direction.

�Hey,� Zack started softly while making his way over towards the bed and sitting beside the blonde, �you and Tifa made it back without any problems?�

Cloud nodded while glancing down at the blankets on the bed before looking up again. � A few monsters along the way but nothing too bad,� he replied while reaching his hand out and placing it over Zack�s that was resting on the bed. He just wanted to feel some sort of contact, he needed some type of comfort.

�Good,� Zack continued, his voice still soft as he kept his gaze on Cloud�s hand that was covering his.

�Where�s the General?� Cloud asked curiously. The assignment was finished right? What else would he have to do? Couldn�t they just be done with this and leave already?

�I�m�I�m not sure,� Zack replied while letting his gaze trail over to the window. His voice was still quiet and Cloud could tell something was up from his body language. He knew that the day had been stressful altogether but it seemed like there was something more. �There�s�something different about him though.�

�What? What happened?� Cloud asked in concern while scooting closer to Zack.

The SOLDIER didn�t say anything for a moment while he turned his gaze back to Cloud, looking deep into his eyes. It was a look that Cloud wasn�t too familiar with. It was almost as if there was a feeling of doubt hidden behind those blue eyes, a feeling of uncertainty. Something that was completely alien to see in Zack�s eyes.

�I wish I could tell you,� Zack began while looking away, �thing is I don�t really even know myself. I just�I don�t know, I�m doubting so much. I don�t know what to believe and-�

�What?� Cloud broke in, �Zack what are you talking about? Doubting what?�

�In the reactor, we saw things that were,� Zack started before letting out a sigh and running a hand through his hair. �There were these creatures that were being produced there. We saw them ourselves. Shinra is the one who is creating them. And Seph seemed to lose it after that.�

Cloud was silent as he took in what the other had said. And yet he still felt slightly confused, he heard what Zack had said but he couldn�t exactly put together the connection. Either that or he didn�t want to.

�I don�t understand,� he said quietly.

Shaking his head Zack suddenly wrapped his arms around the recruit and pulled him closer, holding him as tight as possible. �Don�t worry about any of that. This assignment is over even if Shinra says otherwise. If Seph wants to look more into this he can himself but�we�ll go back home. Sound good?�

Wrapping his arms around his boyfriend in return Cloud held on tightly before nodding. �Yeah,� he replied quietly before Zack pulled back and looked into his eyes.

�Are you okay?� Zack asked while running a hand through blonde spikes.

Cloud gave a brief nod knowing that Zack was talking about earlier in the day at Mt. Nibel.

�I,� Zack started while dropping his gaze for a second, �when the bridge broke all I could think about is whether or not you were okay. And when I saw only one person behind me I��

Cloud�s eyes grew wide as he listened to Zack speak. The waver in his voice was clear and it somehow scared Cloud. He had never heard Zack sound so worried.

�Don�t�talk about that. I�m fine, everything�s alright,� Cloud started while reaching out for the SOLDIER, his hands instantly taking Zack�s into his.

�I�I never want to feel that again. Even if it was just for a second, I thought I had lost you and��

�Zack,� Cloud continued, his eyes beginning to well up with tears. He didn�t want Zack to dwell on that anymore, it hurt him to see Zack so upset about this.

�I meant what I said when I told you I would always look out for you,� Zack continued while looking back into Cloud�s eyes. �And earlier today I almost�but not again. I won�t let anything ever happen to you okay? Believe me when I say that, I�d die before I�d let that happen.�

�Zack!� Cloud began louder while shaking his head, �don�t talk like that!� The tears had finally escaped from his eyes and within a second Zack was kissing them away and apologizing softly for making the boy upset. Cloud was now clutching at Zack�s shirt as he squeezed his eyes closed. He just wanted to will away all of the terrible stuff that had happened in this day. Zack was here and that was all he needed, he didn�t care about anything else or about any stupid assignments. He just wanted Zack, and he wanted nothing more than for the two of them to just go.

�Don�t cry Cloud,� Zack spoke softly while gently wiping away his tears, �everything�s going to be alright. I�m here.�

Cloud barely nodded before Zack had pressed his lips softly against his and had wrapped his strong arms around the boys waist, pulling him tightly against him. The blonde�s arms found themselves wound around Zack of their own free will as he held him just as tight while leaning in further into the kiss, letting his tongue gently glide over Zack�s lips that immediately parted.

Cloud let out a soft moan as Zack�s tongue entered his mouth, caressing his before running along his bottom lip. He only followed Zack�s movements, letting him completely dominate the kiss, which is what he wanted at that moment. Pulling away for air he ran his hands through raven hair as Zack continued to place kisses on his face before trailing down to his neck. He felt a hand run up his abdomen and across his chest before he was lying back against the small bed.

Lifting his eyes upwards he found himself staring straight into Zack�s eyes. They seemed to hold a different glow, but maybe it was because the orangey light in the room because of the setting of the sun. Or maybe that had nothing to do with it at all, but he couldn�t seem to tear his eyes away in that moment. Zack gave him a soft smile that made Cloud�s heart flutter and he found himself reaching up to draw the other back down for another kiss. It was Zack this time who let out a quiet moan before letting his hand slip under his boyfriends shirt, lightly caressing the soft skin that he found there. Cloud squirmed a bit and Zack broke their kiss so that he could remove the others shirt. It was cast aside without a second thought before Zack was leaning down and placing kisses from his lovers chest down to his navel. He stopped briefly while glancing up at Cloud whose eyes had fallen closed and then a smirk appeared on his face before he dipped his tongue into the boys navel.

�Zack,� Cloud spoke softly as his eyes opened and the SOLDIER did it a few more times causing Cloud to laugh.

Zack grinned while moving back up Cloud�s body. He had just wanted to see him smile, he hadn�t seen that all day and he realized just how much he needed to.

�Off,� Cloud began quietly while tugging at Zack�s shirt as his eyes roamed over his clothed torso.

Zack listened and began to pull the garment off with Cloud assisting him all the way. Once it was over his head he tossed it aside while Cloud sat up and began pressing kisses to his chest. Zack was a bit surprised at how fast the blonde had moved but he just ran his hand through the messy spikes of his boyfriend before shifting so that he was face to face with him now. They got caught up in another sensual kiss before Zack had pinned Cloud back against the bed. The rest of their clothes were discarded within a matter of moments, the two of them both breathing heavily as a light sheen of sweat already began to accumulate on both of their bodies.

�Zack,� Cloud moaned while opening his eyes halfway and wrapping his arms around the others neck, �I need you,� he spoke lustfully and honestly into his boyfriends ear which caused a shiver to run through Zack�s body.

�I know babe,� Zack replied while pressing a kiss against the blonde�s lips, �me too,� he whispered huskily while placing a hand on the boys side while letting his other arm support him.

Cloud rocked up against him while letting his eyes fall shut again as he felt Zack push inside him. The others name fell from his lips quietly as Zack began to move in and out of him slowly. He didn�t want to rush this, they both needed this and he wanted to make it last for as long as possible even if that was hard to do.

A small gasp escaped from Cloud as he gripped at the SOLDIERS back, his other arm still wrapped around Zack�s neck. The blush on his face was spreading down his chest, tingeing his pale skin pink as his heart beat increased.

The room was silent except for the sound of their breathing and the soft moans that filtered the air. The orangey glow in the room had fainted and was now a light blue as the moon graced the sky, causing their bodies to almost glow under the moonlight.

Cloud began to squirm more under the other as he felt his climax nearing, his breathing increasing and his movements becoming more erratic. He cried out Zack�s name before squeezing his eyes tighter and letting out a choked moan.

It only took a few more strong thrusts before Zack had reached his climax, his hand gripping the blanket as he gasped Cloud�s name.

The recruit was resting back against the bed, his hand absentmindedly trailing circles on Zack�s lower back before he felt a long lingering kiss be pressed to his forehead. He opened his eyes slowly when he felt Zack move from on top of him to rest beside him, his arm automatically wrapping around his waist and holding him close to him.

Cloud turned so that he was facing Zack before looking up to see blue eyes staring down at him. Those eyes that he longed to look in and only held love whenever they were directed at him.

Cloud gave a small smile while placing his hand against Zack�s as he let his boyfriend pull him tighter towards him. There in his arms he felt completely safe and could honestly stay like this forever without any complaints. His eyes closed slowly as he felt sleep slowly begin to overtake him.

�I love you,� he heard Zack whisper into the still room.

He was already half asleep by then but he replied with a quiet, �I love you too Zack.� True it was quiet, but there was no doubt in his mind that Zack had heard it.

xxx

A/N: And, chapter 26! It took a while to post but that�s because with school starting and everything I�ve been a little distracted with trying to focus on that and work. But yeah, I still finished it! One more chapter to go! And perhaps and epilogue, that�s the only thing I�m still thinking about. Anyways so there you have it people, Jin is the guy who falls off the bridge. A lot of people sort of guessed that with how the story was going so yeah. I wanted to give him and Cloud an �official� ending of sorts. Jin realizes that Cloud will never love him and accepts that and Cloud realizes that Jin really isn�t such a bad guy�maybe he was just seeking love that he never had? I mean his dad was Okuda. The whole Jin thing can be looked at in many ways so yeah, I just wanted to give more of a story to �the guy on the bridge� from the game so yeah, there you have it, Jin Barton!
There was some similarities from the game in here as far as Mt. Nibel and Seph and everything but I changed it up a bit to fit to the story. And as for the end with Zack and Cloud I tried to keep it more �romantic� then �hott!� Lol, it just seems more believable that way, so yeah that�s why it�s not all detailed. Anyways�this is getting long. Again thanks to you reviewers and for sticking with this story, you guys are so awesome! I plan to have the last chap up pretty soon. So until then!
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