Adult-FanFiction.org : Final Fantasy

Ashen Skies	By : Cynthia Category: Final Fantasy VII > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 1380 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all characters are the property of Square Enix. I do not profit from this fanfiction, it’s for entertainment purposes only.

Chapter List
- 33
- 34
- 35
      "Ashen Skies"
Chapter 34
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Warnings: Het (both mild and moderate), Yaoi (very mild, mostly implied).
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Author's note: This will probably be the last chance for detailed romantic interactions in this story, and I feel the need to throw a small lemon or two at my favorite het couple while I have the chance. In other news, I can totally see Genesis playing the role of the Mad Hatter.
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*Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all related characters belong to Square-Enix. This fiction piece is strictly a non-profit exercise of creativity and entertainment for people (like me) who can’t get enough of this world and the characters.
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            The next morning, Tifa nearly stepped on a bouquet of beautiful lilies, tulips and orchids when she went outside to greet the dawn. She stopped and stared down at the flowers, her lips parting with sleepy wonder. Comprehension dawned like the cresting sun as the last vestiges of sleep fled. With a little smile she couldn't quite hide, the brunette knelt down to collect the bouquet. As she straightened up and admired the arrangement, the door of the home across the path opened up and a familiar head of vivid red hair peeked out. Tifa smirked at Reno as he watched her, and she opened the folded note tied to the bouquet and read it.
            "I know right now my name is Mud, but I'd rather be your Stud."

            Her brow crinkled and she sighed. She looked across the street at Reno and she nibbled her lower lip thoughtfully. He gave her an engaging smile, waiting to see what she would do. She had to admit that she missed having him in bed with her last night. She missed the way his hand always settled on her hip in his sleep, and the way he unconsciously nuzzled her hair. His affection for her had to be genuine, on some level. She knew hers was for him and with what she knew was coming, she found it difficult to bear the thought of staying angry with him.
            Besides, no man would go through as much trouble as Reno did to court a woman, if he weren't truly devoted to being with her. Awkward as his apologies were, Tifa knew they were about as genuine as they could be from a man like him. She sighed again and she inhaled the scent of the flowers in her arms as she met and held his gaze. She gave him a hesitant little smile and a nod, silently bidding him to leave Rude's house and return home to theirs. He visibly brightened and she was reminded of an excited fox when he bounded across the path to her.
            "What will I do with you?" Tifa murmured under her breath.
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            "So we're cool now, right?"
            Tifa looked up from the clay vase she had just transferred the flowers to and she frowned at him. "I didn't say that. I'm still angry with both of you for what you did and it isn't that simple, Reno. You can't fix everything by being cute with flowers and bad poetry."
            "Hey, I put a lot of thought into that poem," he protested, grinning a little sheepishly. "And I didn't actually do anything, ya know. I never took Cloud up on his little suggestion, babe."
            "You aren't in trouble for what Cloud said," she explained, used to his inability to comprehend what he did wrong. "You're in trouble because you tattled on him."
            Predictably, the Turk's handsome face took on a confused expression. "Say what? So I had to sleep on Rude's lumpy couch last night because I ratted out a guy that wanted me to knock you up?"
            Tifa nodded. "That's right. At least, that's partially right. You didn't do it for any noble reason. You did it to distract me from how uncomfortable you were over me going into battle with the strike teams. If you really did it out of concern for me, you would have told me right away. You used that information for selfish reasons. I wasn't born yesterday, you know."
            Reno's wince gave away his guilt. "Uh...okay, so maybe my intentions weren't all noble and shit, but you've gotta see it from my point of view. You forgive Cloud when he goes into protective mode on ya but you won't forgive me. You made excuses for him and ya came down on me hard. I felt cornered, yo. I guess I wanted to show you Cloud's not perfect either."
            Tifa couldn't hold onto her anger, after hearing that. "You're jealous? Is that what this was really about?"
            Reno shrugged. "Kind of. I know the guy's a flaming homo and you two are old childhood buds, but it's not fair. He doesn't even have to try for your approval and I've got to jump through hoops just to keep you from being pissed off at me. Just 'cause I'm a Turk doesn't mean I'm a bad boyfriend, doll."
            "Oh, Reno," she sighed, feeling terrible. He was actually the best boyfriend she'd ever had, and perhaps it was time for her to tell him that. She reached up to put her arms around his neck. "You aren't a bad boyfriend. You're actually a very good boyfriend. You try to respect me, even when it's hard for you. Most of the time, you're sweet and thoughtful. That's more than a lot of women get when they're with someone."
            He grinned at her and winked. "Don't forget—I'm great in the sack, too."
            Tifa tried not to smile but she failed. A soft giggle escaped her and she nodded in defeat. "Okay, you're a thorough and considerate lover. Don't let it go to your head."
            "It already is, gorgeous," he assured her, sliding his hands around her waste to pull her close. "Just not the head on my shoulders, know what I'm saying?"
            She felt the evidence of his statement pressing against her lower abdomen through the layers of their clothes. A flush warmed her face and she gazed up at him, admiring his good looks and the crescent markings on his high cheekbones. Still, she wasn't quite ready to give in just yet.
            "Are you going to take this seriously or not?" she demanded, trying hard to look stern.
            Reno sobered a little. "Ya know I mean it, baby. I don't want to screw this up. We're great together and I...dammit, I really suck at this."
            Tifa took pity on him. She rose to reward his efforts with a soft, tender kiss on the mouth. "You aren't as bad as you think. What you lack in words, you make up for in sincerity. I really do appreciate that and I think I owe you an apology."
            An intrigued, yet puzzled look crossed his face. "You? What do you have to be sorry for?"
            She smiled self-depreciatingly. "For making you try so hard to make this relationship work. I think I fought it so hard when it started, I don't even realize I'm still doing it. I'm not dating your job...I'm dating you, and I need to work on my prejudice. I'm sorry for being unfair, Reno."
            He stared at her with openly surprised, sea-green eyes. "Ya know, that's one of the things I love about you. You're so fucking honest it's almost scary. How about we both just let bygones be bygones and put it behind us, eh?"
            "I'd like that," she agreed, kissing his chin and jaw. "I missed you last night."
            He smiled and moved his hands around to the front of her robe, slowly untying it. "I missed you too, toots. How about you let me show you how much, huh?"
His mouth sought out hers and his tongue eased past her lips in a cajoling manner, teasing hers in that sensual way of his. Tifa didn't object when the material of her robe was parted and the cool morning air caressed her skin. Reno slipped his left hand into her robe through the parted opening and he splayed his hand flat over the small of her back, holding her closer. His right hand glided over her ribcage and up, fondling her naked breast. His kiss grew more demanding and Tifa moaned softly into his mouth as he brushed his thumb back and forth over her nipple, giving her tingling pleasure and making it harden. Her loins throbbed with arousal and she rubbed against him, loving the feel of his hardness pressing against her.
She broke the kiss long enough to make a demand of him. "Take me to the bedroom."
"You got it, baby," approved Reno breathlessly. He cupped her bare bottom and lifted her against him. Thankfully, their little house was one floor so he was able to carry her straight into the bedroom without pausing to climb a ladder.
"Oh, and Reno? Don't call Cloud a 'flaming homo' again."
"Got it. No more 'flaming homo'." He kissed her again as he carried her through the threshold of the bedroom.
Reno happily proceeded to demonstrate how good makeup sex could be with him.
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            One afternoon later that week, Sephiroth organized some personal training time for himself and his fellow officers. Being more enhanced than the average Soldiers, the only balanced sparring partners they had were each other. There was a clearing within the Sleeping Forest that would serve as an ideal sparring area for them, keeping their activities away from civilian areas without exposing them to possible WEAPON attention. Though Zack never sprouted a wing from the tampering done to his DNA, his enhancements ranked up there with the other officers and he could only cut loose when sparring with the other Firsts. He was of course included in the exercise and Aerith insisted on coming with to watch.
            Yuffie wasn't feeling well today, so Aerith declined asking her to babysit. Tifa was busy practicing her martial arts and Shera was doing maintenance on the Highwind. Elena was at home and she gladly agreed to babysit for Aerith. When Zack found out who would be watching their daughter while he practiced with his companions, he was less than enthusiastic.
            "You want to leave the baby with Elena?" Zack said warily. "I don't know if that's a good idea. She's a Turk, remember?"
            "I trust her," Aerith insisted stubbornly. "She loves Kirsten and she's good with children. Besides, if the President or the Turks wanted to use our daughter against me, I think they would have done it when Tseng and Yuffie had her at their home, don't you?"
            "I guess...but—"
            "And they have nothing to gain for it by trying anyway." Aerith shrugged, tucking Kirsten into the bassinet. "I've already agreed to go on the mission and I think they're smart enough to know it's better to work with me than against me. It's going to be fine and I think Elena spends too much time alone. It'll be good for her to have Kirsten's company for a while, don't you think?"
            Zack grimaced, but he couldn't fault her logic. He really didn't have anything against Elena, but he knew she couldn't exactly refuse to follow orders if she was told to bring Kirsten in for holding. Aerith did make a good point though...they already had her cooperation and doing something as stupid as kidnapping her child would only damage that. Still, he would have felt better with Tseng and Yuffie watching the baby, because he knew the latter would kick her husband's ass if he tried anything funny. The same went for Reno and Tifa, but those options were out. Barret would have been a good choice as babysitter too, but the man was a leader and he was busy doing his daily rounds and troop inspections.
            "All right," he finally agreed. "I guess I can trust her, if you do."
            Aerith smiled at him and she stepped into his space to give him a kiss. "It's going to be okay. You'll see."
            There was a knock on the door and Aerith spared her husband one last smile before going to it and letting Elena in. "Hi! Thank you so much for doing this, Elena."
            "Oh, it's no problem," assured the blonde woman.
She smiled at Zack and she must have noticed something in his expression, because she clucked her tongue and approached him. "Listen, I know things are tense between our departments and with everything that's happened lately, I don't blame you for being a little gun-shy. Rest assured though, Lieutenant; if anyone tries to lay hands on your little angel under my watch, they'll get a skull full of lead."
            Zack ogled her for a second. She looked pretty cute in her red button-up blouse and denim pants. Her brown eyes were earnest on him and he could see why Cissnei eventually ended up with her. Something about the way she looked back at him made him believe her when she said she'd shoot anyone that tried to take Kirsten.
            "Cool, you're in."
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            "Where is Angeal?" Cloud asked when he and Sephiroth joined the others in the clearing. He looked around for the big man, surprised that he would be late or decline something as important as fighting practice. "He isn't sick, is he?"
            "He'll be along," Genesis said with a glance at his wristwatch. "He's whipping some troops into shape at the moment. Not literally—more's the pity—but he should be joining us within the hour."
            "It isn't like him to run late," Sephiroth observed, lifting a brow.
            Genesis shrugged, his eyes flicking briefly to Aerith. He tempered his response for her sake. "His schedule was...compromised."
            The other men glanced at Aerith too and she shook her head at Genesis, making an "tsk" sound. "You don't need to water it down for my sake. You molested Commander Hewley. I get that."
            Zack burst into laughter and quickly excused himself, while Cloud cleared his throat and tried to hide his grin.
            "You're turning into a cheeky little pest," Genesis observed with a smirk.
            "It takes one to know one," countered the Cetra sweetly. She looked around at the men. "So, which one of you is the strongest fighter?"
            Everyone looked at Sephiroth—even Genesis.
            Aerith wasn't really surprised. "Then do you all take turns dueling him?"
            "Sometimes we even fight him in pairs," admitted Zack.
            Sephiroth neither disagreed nor bragged. If anything, he looked patiently bored as he waited for the conversation to end.
            "Really?" Aerith looked at the tall, black-clad silver-haired man. She knew Sephiroth was formidable but she'd seen Zack in action. She found it a little difficult to believe the General could withstand an assault from both him and another skilled officer.
            "I'd like to say he's exaggerating," Genesis said grudgingly, "but he's not. One day, things will change."
            Sephiroth arched a brow at the redhead. "Is that what you think?"
            "It's what I know," promised Genesis coolly. "You won't be the hero forever, Sephiroth. Some day, another will rise in your place."
            Sephiroth smirked. "How many times have I heard that before? Why don't you demonstrate your conviction, since you seem so certain?"
            "Wait," Cloud objected when Genesis began to draw his sword. "You two always end up facing off against one another."
            Genesis and Sephiroth exchanged a look. "And that's an issue because..." prompted the man in red.
            "Because we're supposed to be honing our skills," insisted Cloud. "Learning to adapt. If I'm always faced off against Zack and you and Angeal are always against Sephiroth, how are we going to learn anything new?"
            Zack nodded and stabbed his sword into the ground, resting his wrists over the hilt. "Cloudy has a pretty good point, guys. We don't mix it up enough when we train. Maybe we ought to switch and see how it goes?"
            Sephiroth considered the proposal and he nodded. "Very well. I hope you're up for the challenge, Zack."
            "Pfft...arrogant, much?" Zack pulled his blade out of the ground and he winked at his wife, who watched with amusement. "Bring it, Seph."
            "So I guess it's you and I, then," Cloud murmured to Genesis.
            The redhead reached out and ruffled Cloud's hair roughly, making him stagger a little. "I'll try not to beat you up too badly. Our falcon wouldn't appreciate damage to his canary."
            "Stop the bird metaphors," grumbled Cloud, "and don't be too sure you'll win. I've improved a lot."
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Aerith watched Zack duel his fellow SOLDIER officer and she was chagrined to feel herself getting...restless. Surprisingly enough, she wasn't overly worried about her husband getting hurt. Though she winced at a couple of close calls when Zack missed Sephiroth's formidable blade by a hair, she trusted all of them to duel without causing real harm to one another.
            The more she watched him fight, the more she wanted to...do things to him. She couldn't help it; every time she witnessed her husband training, working out or dueling, it made her stomach do peculiar little flips and caused a shortness of breath. They hadn't had a vigorous encounter since the birth of their child and for all she knew, their time left on Gaia was limited to however many days it would take to put Lazard's plan into motion. She and Zack could die during their mission into the crater. Their friends could die providing a distraction for them.
Watching him fight was mesmerizing. The loose-fitting combat pants were designed for ease of motion, without leaving too much loose material to snag on things. They hugged in just the right places to achieve this and Aerith noted—not for the first time—that Zack had a very fine tushy. The powerful muscles in his thighs bunched when he dove, roll or charged his opponent. The glisten of sweat on his brow and the serious look in his eye made him even sexier to her.
"Oh!"
Aerith blurted the exclamation before she could stop herself as Zack spun, dropped to one knee and raised his sword to block Sephiroth's masamune—just before it would have split his face in two. Knowing Sephiroth wouldn't have followed through with the cut if Zack had failed to block it didn't stop her instinctive fear for her spouse. The weapons made a slightly grating ringing sound as they clashed.
Aerith started wringing her hands, but then her husband smiled at Sephiroth. It was a crooked, confident grin that made her heart skip a beat. Zack's amethyst eye twinkled mischievously and he rolled away from Sephiroth. The General started to follow but Zack did one of those startling leaps through the air and came at him before he could gain an advantage. The brunet's weapon flashed in the sun as he struck in rapid succession, grunting slightly with his efforts. Sephiroth was put on the defensive and his grim countenance said Zack was doing well against him.
"This is a familiar sight," said a deep, masculine voice beside her.
Startled, Aerith looked up at Angeal, who had come up beside her in the clearing while her attention was occupied. "It's a little scary for us non-warriors to watch," she admitted with a nervous little smile.
The big man nodded, his eyes following his embattled companions critically. "Your husband has come a long way from the pup he once was, Aerith. He can hold his own against Sephiroth, and he's survived things that have killed most others. He'll be okay."
Aerith was comforted by his words. "I know I shouldn't worry. I know it's just a sparring exercise, but still…" she winced when Zack and Sephiroth's blades crossed again, throwing sparks. Cloud and Genesis were far across the forest clearing now and from what Aerith could hear, they were trading mock insults with each other as much as they were trading blows. Cloud really came out of his shell when he sparred with the other SOLDIER officers.
Zack recuperated and Aerith stared at him as he made a spinning move that seemed inhumanly graceful to her. In some things, Zackary Fair was clumsy and even awkward. When it came to fighting and making love, however...
Aerith's face flushed hot when she noticed Angeal watching her quietly, with a thoughtful look on his chiseled features. She had been undressing her husband with her eyes and she knew it was obvious on her face. Angel said nothing about her preoccupation—thank Gaia. His dark blue eyes were quietly understanding on her before they shifted to the spectacle of Zack and Sephiroth.
"Mind if I cut in?" Angeal asked the question in a wry, ironic tone that was reserved for old and trusted friends.
Zack and Sephiroth paused in their dueling. The former grinned and he looked as though he might protest, but his single good eye met Aerith's across the distance and something primal sparked in his gaze.
"I...uh...guess I could sit a couple out," Zack said, his gaze never straying from Aerith's.
            "Just shut up and fight! I don't care why a raven is like a writing desk, okay?"
            Cloud's blurted complaint gave everyone pause and they all regarded the blond and his redheaded sparring partner curiously. Genesis taunted Cloud a little more with poetry nonsense and then they began to carry on an argument in Nibel tongue.
            "I...didn't know Genesis spoke Cloud's village language," mused Aerith as the two distant combatants took to the air again, goading each other and parrying attacks.
            "He started teaching himself a couple of months ago," explained Angeal, "because it bothered him not to know whether Cloud was calling him a dirty name or not."
            Aerith snorted and shook her head as Zack secured his sword to his back and came to her, putting an arm around her waist. Her eyes went to Genesis and Cloud—whose blades were striking one another vigorously as they carried on in the Nibel tongue. "Paranoid."
            "Not exactly," Zack chuckled. "I've learned a couple of those words Cloud uses when he's pissed off and they aren't nice."
            Sephiroth nodded, smirking as his feline gaze followed his young lover's motions across the distance. "And he has directed several of them at Genesis, on more than one occasion. One can't say the insults weren't earned, however."
            "Genesis always earns whatever insults people hurl at him," sighed Angeal, making no excuses for his partner. "Well Sephiroth, do you need a few moments to rest?"
            The General shook his head, his silver hair swaying with the motion and catching the afternoon light filtering through the canopy. "I'm ready when you are. Shall we?"
            Zack guided Aerith away from the two men as Angeal readied his blade. He waved at them before turning around with her to head back toward the village. "See you guys later. Give him hell, Ange."
            Aerith looked over her shoulder at Zack's mentor and for a brief moment, Angeal's eyes met her. "Thank you," she mouthed, smiling bashfully.
            A quiet little smile of understanding and a nod was his response.
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            "Where are we going?" Aerith asked softly, watching her husband through lowered lashes. They had just set foot on the path leading into the village and she could see the first building coming into view.
            Zack's arm tightened around her waist and he leaned over to speak into her ear. "I don't want to assume too much, but we had a moment back there, right?"
            She shivered a little in response to his warm breath caressing her ear. She nodded. "Yes. We had a moment. A big one...at least for me."
            Zack chuckled and he brushed his lips over the shell of her ear, making goose bumps spring up all over her skin. "Me too. I thought since we both feel 'the thing', we could head home for some afternoon delight...know what I mean?"
            Yes, she knew what he meant and the thought sent a thrill through her. However...
            "Elena," sighed Aerith, remembering their babysitter. "We can't do it while she's there."
            "Why not?"
            Aerith blinked up at him. "Are you serious?"
            Zack shrugged. "I'm pretty sure she understands how things work between husbands and wives, even if she isn't into men herself. It's not a scandal for a married couple to get busy in the bedroom."
            "Still, I'd rather not," insisted Aerith, her cheeks rosy at the thought of the blonde Turk hearing their bedroom activities. "There's no door to shut off our bedroom from the downstairs and she'd be able to hear everything we do. I...really don't think I can be quiet about it, the way I'm feeling right now."
            Zack laughed softly and he stroked her hair. "Well, all right. I understand...but we've got to think of something else. You've got me all hot and bothered and I don't want to wait all day."
            Aerith didn't want to wait all day to get satisfaction, either. The more she looked at his handsome visage, the more she wanted him and she didn't care whether it was in a bed or on the floor. She supposed she could always send Elena home and stay behind with the baby when Zack returned to the clearing to finish sparring, but it was nice to have a little time all to herself, for a change. She loved her daughter more than life itself but the only time she didn't have Kirsten with her was when she was out testing her abilities in the field. This was their time. She and Zack didn't get enough one-on-one moments and Aerith intended to make the most of it while it lasted.
Her eyes settled on one of the small houses on the outskirts of town that was under construction. Nobody lived there yet. It was probably unfurnished but she didn't care. She tugged her husband's arm and pointed at the building.
            "How about there?"
            "That fixer-upper?" Zack glanced around, noting that there wasn't a lot of civilian traffic this far out on the edge of the village. "Score. Let's do it, baby."
            Aerith giggled at his choice of words and she threaded her fingers with his.
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            And of course, the moment they reached the abandoned house was precisely when people decided to walk down the street. Zack was forced to wait as some civilians passed by. It wouldn't do for them to see one of the commanding SOLDIER officers breaking into a house. He stood with Aerith and he forced a grin as a middle-aged woman greeted them in passing. He nodded at the woman and he glanced sidelong at Aerith. He resisted the urge to squirm impatiently.
It was a damned good thing his pants were loose in the crotch; otherwise people might think he was a pervert. As long as he hunched over a little, his condition wasn't obvious—unless someone paid special attention to his crotch. Baggy pants could only hide so much, after all.
"Damn...finally," he muttered when the last civilian went around the bend and out of sight. He threw his shoulder against the front door of the little house and twisted the knob. There was a popping sound and he winced as the door opened. "Uh...oops."
"You broke the knob," observed Aerith un-necessarily.
Zack grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside with him, anxious to get out of sight before another villager happened by. "I'll have it fixed." He shut the door and pinned Aerith against it, grinning down at her wolfishly. "Right now, I want my wife."
Aerith swallowed visibly, her oak-green eyes widening a little in the shadowed darkness. Realizing he could be coming on a little too strong, Zack tried to dial it down a notch. "Sorry, sweet stuff. I don't mean to get all predatory with you. It's just been a long time since we've cut loose and—"
Aerith cupped the back of his head and urged his mouth to hers demandingly, cutting off his rambling apology. Her soft, parted lips yielded to his invitingly and the tip of her tongue stroked against his, almost daintily. Zack shuddered like a craven beast and plundered her mouth, pulling her tight against him. Evidently, he'd misread her reaction to his behavior. The busy way her hands immediately began to unfasten his body armor and belt was proof of that. Her boldness was coupled with desperate little whimpers against his lips, telling him she was just as horny as him.
"Careful, baby," cautioned Zack breathlessly between kisses. "I'm kind of excitable now and I don't want to get rough with you."
            "I don't mind," she gasped. "Don't hold back."
            Sexier words had never been spoken, in Zack's opinion. He swept her up bride-style, ignoring her little yelp of surprise. There was no furniture in the house, but he'd be damned if he was going to make love to her on the wooden floor and risk giving her splinters. Zack carried her into the small kitchen and he set her on the countertop. Aerith resumed working at his pants and Zack noticed with a little shock that her hands were trembling. He laid his larger hands on top of them and he held her gaze with his own, frowning with concern he couldn't hide.
            "You okay?"
            She nodded and her eyes were almost pleading on him. "I just need you. Please, Zack...I don't want to wait." She pulled one hand out from under his and she reached up to lift his eyepatch over his head, revealing the scarred, blind eye hidden beneath it. For whatever reason, she always preferred he go without the patch when they made love. He couldn't understand it, but it did make him feel special to know she liked his entire face—scars and all.
            Zack closed the distance between their mouths and he kissed her again, releasing her hand so that he could slide her skirt up and expose her legs. He stroked her silken thighs and he groaned when she unzipped his fly and tugged his pants down to expose his swollen cock. The feel of her gifted, delicate hand curling around his shaft and stroking it almost made him forget what he was doing, for a moment. He made a low sound of pleasure in his throat and he deepened his kiss, stroking his tongue against hers suggestively. He undid the buttons of the pale pink blouse she was wearing, his breath coming faster and harder as his excitement increased.
            Zack moved his mouth away from her lips and he pressed soft, seductive kisses along her jaw and throat as he parted the material of her blouse. Thankfully, the nursing bra she wore was a front-clasp setup, so he was able to undo it without a big fuss. Despite his consuming need for her, he took care to be gentle when he freed her breasts and fondled them. Her breath caught as he teased her nipples to hardness and he found it strangely fascinating when little beads of moisture formed on them. Lactation didn't take away their appeal one bit. The dusky nipples were more sensitive to the touch now and the breasts themselves were a bit swollen, so he was careful not to squeeze or rub them abrasively.
He would have liked to strip her down completely, but Zack was getting far too impatient to bother. He stopped pleasuring her breasts long enough to pull away and hook his fingers under her panties. Aerith wriggled her hips and put her legs together, helping him get the garment off. He tossed the lacy panties away as soon as he got them off of her; too horny to care where they ended up. He urged her thighs apart again and he murmured her name when she wrapped her legs around his waist and clutched his shoulders desperately. He reached a hand between her thighs to fondle her, prepared to see to her pleasure first.
"Never mind that," Aerith demanded breathlessly. She slipped one hand between their bodies and down, grasping his rigid erection possessively. "I want you inside, Zack."
He almost objected to that, his love for her being the only thing holding him back right now. However, he felt the slippery evidence of her desire against his fingertips when he stroked the velvety folds of her labia and he knew she was ready for him. He took a deep breath to calm himself and he cupped her hips, allowing her to guide him in. He grunted a little, clenching his teeth as her moist heat enveloped his sex. His breath shivered on his lips and he shut his eyes, fighting his instincts.
"You feel so damned good," he murmured in a trembling voice.
Had it only been a couple of days since they last made love? To Zack, it felt like a lifetime ago. He admitted to himself that he would probably never get enough of her, and he hadn't felt safe to just let go and pound her since he got the news she was expecting their first child. He began to thrust...slowly at first so as not to hurt her. Aerith's fingers pushed through his thick, dark hair and her lips parted to emit soft little gasps of pleasure. Her exposed breasts bounced a little as he started picking up the pace and Zack fondled them admiringly with one hand, unable to resist. He wished he had thought to free her hair from the braid that bound it, but he was too caught up in the sex now to bother.
"Zack," Aerith cried, hugging him around the neck and clinging to him.
"That's my girl," he gasped huskily, rapidly losing control of himself. He pumped his hips harder, delving into her pliant body with passionate vigor. Her short-trimmed fingernails were digging into his back and it made his passion burn even hotter. "Aerith...oh yeah...unh..."
He couldn't remember ever being this aggressive with her before and for that matter, he couldn't remember her ever being this demanding, either. Through the haze of pleasure, he realized they were both making love as if it were the last time they'd ever do it together. Maybe it would be, too. The armies were prepared to move out any day now and all that remained was for Reeve to complete inspections of his equipment. That was why Aerith's hands were shaking, earlier. Her passion was laced with fear and he could sense it even now.
Aerith bit him on the lip—just enough to sting a little. Zack kissed her hard and he pushed her down on the surface of the counter, guiding her to lay back. He re-positioned her legs so that they rested over his shoulders and he began to snap his hips sharply, putting enough force behind it to make her cry out with each thrust. He almost stopped out of fear that he was taking it too far, but Aerith begged him to keep going. She held onto the edge of the counter with white-knuckled hands as he gave himself to her with everything he had.
The creak of wood warned him that the counter probably couldn't take much more, and Zack was sure if he put any more force behind his thrusts, he'd really hurt his wife. He drove into her eagerly, some part of him retaining enough sense not to push it over the edge of control. He found it hard to think of anything beyond her passion-glazed eyes, flushed cheeks and heaving breasts. He felt his orgasm approaching fast but he resisted it, wanting this moment to last a while longer. Aerith began to moan in a telling way and he knew she was getting close to the edge. Determined to give her the release she deserved, Zack slipped one hand between her thighs and he located her clit. He rubbed it in gentle circles, contradicting the sharp thrusts of his sex.
"I love you, Aerith," Zack panted, watching her face for that moment when she surrendered to bliss.
His endearment seemed to bring it on and he smiled through his own pleasure as that beautiful expression of ecstasy made her seem to glow. Nothing was more gratifying to him than making his wife look like that. Aerith's pink polished toes curled and she whimpered his name, her breasts straining as her back arched. Zack bent over her, slowing his thrusts as he kissed her throat and murmured encouragingly. The pulsing and quivering around his cock eventually slowed as her climax tapered off and he kissed her on the lips again, satisfied that he'd seen to her needs. He stopped stimulating her clit and he braced his hands flat on the surface of the counter as he picked up the pace again, striving for his own orgasm.
Aerith opened her eyes and she laid her palms over his panting chest, stroking it through the sleeveless, indigo sweater he wore. Her breath hitched as he rutted over her and she stared into his eyes. He stared back, caught in her gaze once more. The love he saw shining in her eyes pushed him over the edge as much as the sound of her sexy little gasps. Zack caught his breath and bowed over her, burying his face against her shoulder as his balls tightened. He caught her hands in his and held them tightly as he pushed his bucking length deep inside of her and came hard. He shook with the force of it and his expression went blank as his vision went white with pleasure. Aerith's soft lips were kissing his cheek and jaw as he grunted and groaned on top of her. He vaguely heard he whisper his name and encourage him to let go, just as he'd encouraged her to do the same earlier.
When it ended, he was trembling like a newborn and weak in the knees. He released Aerith's hands and she immediately stroked his hair, brushing his bangs out of his eyes as she kissed him lovingly. Zack tried to speak but his tongue seemed to be tied and he blurted something that sounded like "Mawgud" instead.
"What?" Aerith giggled breathlessly at him.
Zack levered himself up a little and held up a finger, indicating that he needed a moment. When he caught his breath and regained his wits enough to trust himself, he tried again. "That was supposed to be 'my god'. Aerith, baby...I'm surprised that orgasm didn't blow us off the planet. I don't think...I've ever come that hard...before."
She was still flushed with passion and her face glistened with perspiration. Her sensitive lips curved into a little smile of satisfaction and she toyed with the loosened straps of his body armor. "I may not be able to walk right for the rest of the day," she confessed bashfully.
"Sorry," he said insincerely, grinning down at her. He kissed the tip of her nose. "I'll carry you if you want."
"That would just raise more questions, I think," she declined with a grin of her own. "We should probably get presentable again and start heading back. You're still technically on duty and they may come looking for you, if we stay away much longer."
Zack thought of his fellow officers tracking him to this house and walking in to find him with his pants yanked down, pinning his half-naked wife to the counter. He cleared his throat as the mental image of what he and Aerith must look like threatened to turn him on all over again. He almost wished there were a mirror nearby so he could enjoy the sight.
"Yeah, I think you're right. If we stay like this much longer, I'm going to want another go at you."
~***************************************~

            Genesis won the duel and he and Cloud switched places with Sephiroth and Angeal. Evidently, the latter's performance when he faced off against his lover left much to be desired, and Genesis had no compunctions over saying so.
            "Stop being such a pussy."
            Angeal regarded his partner incredulously, taken off-guard by Gen's candid remark. "Pardon me?"
            The redhead sighed and lowered his sword. "You aren't putting your heart into it, Angeal. You were fighting Sephiroth like a machine earlier—you even managed to hold the higher ground for a little while. Now that you're fighting me, you're swinging like a grandpa."
            Angeal didn't even try to conceal his indignation. "So you think I'm 'grandpa' because I don't want to hurt you?"
            Genesis looked exasperated. "Allow me to remind you of the purpose of this exercise, you big ninny. We are here to test each other, to challenge one another's skills and hone our abilities. If you hurt me, it's my own fault for allowing you past my guard and vice-versa."
            Angeal sighed. "Fine, have it your way. Just don't forget what I did when I snapped, that day."
            "That was against a WEAPON and you were mad with Den Mother syndrome," insisted Genesis. "I doubt my taunts will ever drive you into a rage like that."
            "I wouldn't be too certain of that," warned Angeal dryly. He readied his Buster Sword and gave his companion a nod. "If you're so eager to fight, make your move."
            Genesis smirked at him and he pressed an attack without hesitation. This time, Angeal reacted with more than just defensive moves and the redhead grunted as the heavy blade of his partner's Buster Sword shorn against his crimson weapon. He dove to the side and Angeal refused to take the bait, keeping his guard up. He launched an attack of his own before his opponent could recover and Genesis swore as he was forced on the defensive himself. Metal rang as Angeal chopped and hacked as though Genesis were a true enemy. He hadn't sparred like this with the redhead in years and he didn't like doing it one bit.
            Genesis gave as good as he got and truth be told, he was the better swordsman. Where Angeal relied on brute strength and patience to balance his strikes, Genesis had the advantage of dexterity and a sharper eye. Genesis was also the only one of them that had ever come close to actually defeating Sephiroth in a duel.
            Knowing this, Angeal had to wonder if Genesis was holding back. For all his talk of challenging each other, his attacks seemed to be coming slower and his feints were a bit too obvious. Genesis was in fact a hypocrite, and Angeal intended to prove it to him. He purposely went along with the next feint, pretending to fall for the ruse and leave himself open.
            Conditioned to act on any advantage that presented itself, Genesis impulsively took the opening and he slashed before he could temper his attack. His eyes were wide with unfeigned horror as Angeal failed to block it in time and earned a shallow cut on his right bicep.
            "Angeal! You fucking idiot!"
            The bigger man winced in discomfort, but it was literally just a scratch to him and he shrugged it off. He gave Genesis and uncommonly playful smirk. "Now who's the 'ninny'?"
            Genesis stammered uncharacteristically, his eyes quickly scanning the clearing to be sure they didn't have an audience. He grabbed the straps of Angeal's body armor and abruptly pulled him close, laying a hard, demanding kiss on him.
            "Don't do that again," warned the redhead against his partner's lips.
            "Have I made my point?" Angeal asked, slightly dazed by the abrupt kiss.
            Genesis released him, his aqua gaze settling on the bloody cut. "All right, fine. We should have that looked at."
            "It's nothing," insisted Angeal. "I've suffered worse cuts from a can opener and I heal just as quickly as you do, remember?"
            Genesis compressed his lips. "If it gets infected, it's on you."
            "I'll clean it properly after we finish here," promised Angeal. He tried not to smile, knowing Gen would have a fit if he teased him for being nurturing. He eased back into a combat stance and raised his sword again. "Now, where were we?"
~************************************~

            "Watch your footwork, Cloud. The power of your attacks doesn't come from your upper body alone. The same can be said for defensive maneuvers." Sephiroth swung his masamune in another singing arc and this time, Cloud's deflection was better. "Good. Again."
            The blond nodded, his fair features grimly determined. That was one of the things Sephiroth admired about him. He didn't put on airs, he listened closely to instructions and he was always willing to keep trying until he improved. In fact, Cloud was probably the most promising pupil Sephiroth had ever trained, and it wasn't just personal bias that made him think so. He gave no quarter to the blond, treating him as any other swordsman looking to improve his strokes. After a few moments, Sephiroth eyed the extra swords lying in the grass near the path and he called for a break.
            "Your wristwork needs improvement," said the General as he walked over to the weapons. He bent over them and he selected one of the shorter ones. He gave Cloud and expectant look. "I'd like to see more of your dual wielding in action, Strife."
            Here was the true test. Cloud had ambidexterity that Sephiroth rarely saw equaled and he knew that with enough practice, one day he could be the very best. He lightly tossed one of the sheathed blades to Cloud, hilt-first. The blond caught it easily and he pulled it free of the sheath. His stunning blue eyes stayed level on Sephiroth as he readied himself for the taller man's next move.
            Sephiroth wasted no time. He moved like a striking snake, leaping through the air and leading with his blade as he went for Cloud. The smaller man clearly wasn't expecting such a swift attack and he surprised Sephiroth by rolling forward, rather than back or to the side. He rolled beneath Sephiroth and came up behind him. Sephiroth whirled just in time to deflect the corkscrew attack aimed at him. For a moment, he was breathless with admiration. The move was almost perfectly executed and Cloud did look very impressive, spinning those two blades like that. His feet were once again his problem—the only failure in the move.
            Sephiroth dodged nimbly aside and struck back, his sword catching between Cloud's blades as the smaller man blocked him. With a little grunt of approval, Sephiroth nodded and stepped back.
            "That whirlwind attack of yours would have been perfect, if you had just—"
            "Moved my feet," sighed Cloud in finishing.
            Sephiroth lowered his blade and nodded, gracing the blond with a faint smile. He allowed himself a moment of subtle praise, and he patted Cloud on the shoulder encouragingly. "You will get there. You were promoted for a reason and I don't waste time with hopeless causes."
            Cloud smiled shyly. "I just want to make you proud." Realizing what he'd just said aloud, he looked at Genesis and Angeal and he tried to correct himself. "Uh...Sir. I want to be a good Soldier."
            Sephiroth resisted a smile. Angeal and Genesis were too absorbed in their duel to notice Cloud's little display of affection, and he felt it was safe to offer more encouragement. "Don't strive to be merely 'good', Cloud. You are an officer of SOLDIER because you have the potential to be the best. Never forget that."
            Cloud nodded and he stabbed his swords into the earth so that he could salute Sephiroth. "Yes Sir."
            "What the hell?" Zack's voice drifted over to them from the path. "You can't even lighten up a little here and show Cloudy a little affection, Seph? It's not like we don't know you two are together, and there's nobody else around to see it."
            Sephiroth sighed and turned to regard Zack and his wife. "Welcome back, Fair. I'm glad you decided to join us again. Need I remind you that this is a drilling exercise, not a date between lovers?"
            Zack grinned and spread his hands. "I'm just saying, it wouldn't hurt you to drop formalities a little when it's just us. You can take it just as seriously without treating Cloud like an underling."
            "But...I am an underling," Cloud reminded softly.
            Sephiroth was stricken by the urge to smile again. "There, you see? At least he has a sense of propriety."
            Zack rolled his eyes. "I think you two just get off on it, or something."
            Sephiroth and Cloud looked at each other, the latter blushing hotly before lowering his sapphire gaze and kicking at the dirt. Sephiroth's mouth curved into a crooked smile before he could stop it and he parted his lips to order Zack to give him some pushups, but his satellite phone began to ring. He retrieved it from his coat and put it to his ear.
            "This is General Sephiroth." His gaze went to Angeal and Genesis and he motioned them to stop fighting. "Yes Sir, Director. All inspections are complete and my men are ready to move whenever necessary. Understood. We'll begin preparations right away."
            Genesis and Angeal approached and Zack linked hands with Aerith as Sephiroth ended the call and put the phone away. He regarded each of them with calm authority as he spoke. "That was Lazard. Tuesti is finished with his preparations and the departments have agreed it's time to set things into motion. We are to begin deployment at 0600 tomorrow, so I advise everyone to get plenty of rest and take care of any loose ends tonight."
            They all looked at each other, sharing dread, excitement, hope and fear.
            "I guess I'd better improve my footwork faster," Cloud remarked.
~******************************************~

-To be continued
- 33
- 34
- 35
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Ashen Skies