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Just One Night	By : MystIc19 Category: Final Fantasy VII > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 704 -:- 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
- 3
- 4
Note: Italics at the beginning are a reference to the past. Immediately following chapter 3.

How�uncomfortable this was. This tense, almost painful awkwardness that was lingering in the atmosphere. It definitely wasn�t the type of feeling you would expect to be present after making love. And yet, somehow, it was. Here in this situation anyways.

Something was�off. Definitely not right. And if Squall had been in denial about it before he couldn�t deny now that there was really something amidst. The look in Cloud�s eyes had gave him warning at the beginning, but as the evening continued on everything just seemed so�disconnected. Even their kisses seemed to lose the usual passion, and every touch and caress from the blonde seemed almost hesitant and doubtful. And even with all of that in mind Squall decided to just brush it off. Perhaps he was letting his thoughts get to him, letting his fears play tricks on his mind. At least at first that�s what he wanted to believe, because if he didn�t believe that, then he would have to accept the fact that there really was something wrong. Something going on with his boyfriend that he hadn�t told him.

Shifting his gaze to the left of him he saw Cloud curled up with the blankets pulled up almost to his chin. He wasn�t asleep though. In fact he was wide awake just sort of staring blankly off into the distance. He hadn�t made any attempt to be closer to Squall after they had finished making love�if you could even call it that. In fact there was a good distance between them in the bed, hell they could probably fit a whole other person in between them. And that all in itself was a strange thing because Cloud liked to cuddle. In general and especially after sex. Not even any endearing words were exchanged, no soft, gentle kisses. Everything that usually took place when they were intimate just seemed to be altogether obsolete now.

Sighing, Squall ran his hands over his face before sitting up in the bed, looking away at nothing in particular. He felt the bed move a bit as Cloud shifted around, though he still made no move to be close to him.

The blonde lifted his gaze towards Squall looking at his back mainly seeing as how he was sitting upright. He felt so�confused. So strange and uneasy. It probably went without saying that he had royally screwed up. Trying to be with Squall again after being with Zack was�difficult. Just for the fact that he didn�t feel like he could give himself wholly to the other. He was holding something back even if he had done it subconsciously. He had sort of just gone through the movements, but he couldn�t really focus like usual because in the back of his head there was this little voice screaming at him about how wrong it was. Wrong because his boyfriend didn�t know about Zack, didn�t know that he had cheated on him. And wrong because Zack was expecting for him to end things with Squall, and yet�here they were in bed together.

xxx

�Come on I�ll owe you! Do this for me!� Reno whined while pulling out another cigarette from its confines as he kept green eyes focused on his friend.

�Reno you owe me for a lot of things already,� Squall replied with a shake of his head.

�Yeah but this is different yo! Come on just take my shift on Saturday already!� The redhead continued on while lighting up his cigarette.

�Sorry not this time,� Squall replied calmly while sipping his drink.

Reno let out a long whine before exhaling a cloud of smoke in Squall�s direction on purpose. He gave a satisfied smirk when Squall sent him a glare.

�So what are you doing then you have plans with blondie?� Reno asked with a raised crimson eyebrow.

Squall remained silent briefly as he eyed the glass in front of him. �No, well not as of yet anyways. I�m not sure.�

Reno nodded as he let his eyes stray to the television that was mounted in the corner of the dim bar, currently playing the news.

The brunette let out a sigh while leaning on the counter. Just the mention of Cloud had put his mind into overdrive again and he couldn�t help but to find himself thinking negatively. In the sense that something was really going on, that there relationship wasn�t as safe and sturdy as he once thought it to be. And he couldn�t stop thinking about that one night, and the extreme awkwardness between them. Cloud eventually ended up falling asleep before him, still distant and quiet. And Squall just found himself staring at the blonde as he slept, almost as if he were trying to read his mind or something. In all honesty he probably should�ve just spoken up, voiced his fears and just got to the bottom of everything. But, something was holding him back from doing that. Perhaps the fear of making it reality. At least now, even if there was something going on, he could remain ignorant and pretend everything was ok. Though, who was he kidding, that was no way to handle this.

The next morning wasn�t so bad, but it was probably because they didn�t spend a lot of time together. It had pretty much consisted of them both getting ready to head out, Cloud having to get to school and Squall having to embark on his hour long trip back home. They talked and tried to be normal like they always were, both of them seeming to act as if the awkward night before never happened. However, there was still something strained, something was still off. And it was annoying the hell out of Squall.

�Uh, so yeah has Zack said anything else about the person he�s dating?� Squall asked while clearing his throat uneasily.

�Hmm?� Reno began while turning jade eyes back onto his friend.

�Yeah, I remembered you saying something about�him dating someone,� Squall continued casually. He was fishing for information here, though he was trying to play it off as if he wasn�t. This was so unlike him for so many different reasons. But when it came to Cloud, he couldn�t help it.

�Ah right,� Reno began with a wave of his hand, �I wasn�t sure if he was or not, I just assumed he was since he was so busy lately.�

�Oh,� Squall replied with a brief nod, �so he�s not then? Dating anyone I mean?�

�Well I think he is,� Reno answered while pulling the cigarette from his mouth, �whenever I ask he just smiles or laughs and tells me to quit being so nosy.�

�I see,� Squall mumbled while dropping his gaze to the counter. If Zack really was seeing someone why didn�t he tell Reno who? Why not give a name, why be so secretive?

�Why do you ask?� Reno questioned before ordering a beer.

�Just curious I guess,� Squall replied while narrowing his eyes in thought.

Reno kept his gaze locked on his friend before the beer was placed down in front of him. He took a sip before glancing back over at Squall, a small smirk appearing on his face. �What�s wrong yo? You thinkin� that blondie and Zack are hookin up after all?�

The brunette closed his eyes as he tried to will away those thoughts. Why the hell did Reno have to be so damn blunt? Even if he was right.

�I don�t know. Maybe,� he finally admitted while cracking gray eyes open slightly.

�So what I told you makes sense after all doesn�t it!� Reno exclaimed. An almost proud look on his face.

Squall inwardly rolled his eyes. �I didn�t even consider anything until you said what you did. Thanks a lot.� He finished sarcastically. Honestly, he wished that Reno hadn�t even put the stupid thoughts into his head. Before that everything had been fine. But then again, if it was all true he probably should thank Reno for bringing it to his attention.

�Hey I was just pointing out the obvious,� Reno began, �and since you�re blondie�s boyfriend you�d be too damn smitten with him to see it more than likely.�

�Well, now I think I do,� Squall began while gulping down the rest of his drink before setting it back on the counter with a loud clink. �There�s something different between us. I can�t explain it.�

�That�s definitely a bad sign,� the redhead replied while stubbing out his cigarette.

�I just�I don�t know though. Maybe I�m just being paranoid. I mean, he�s had a lot on his mind lately with school and everything. Maybe it�s just stress,� Squall tried to rationalize while looking back to Reno.

The other just shrugged before tapping his fingers on the counter. �Why don�t you just ask him?�

�I can�t just ask him!� Squall replied, almost appalled at Reno�s suggestion. �If I�m wrong, do you know how hurtful that�ll be to him? For me to even question him like that, he would be crushed. I can�t just accuse him like that.�

�Ask Zack?� Reno offered.

�As if he�d tell me,� Squall replied quietly. Though he found himself becoming angry just at that thought.

�He might if he wants to keep blondie all to himself,� Reno answered with a smile before shaking his head, �what is it about this kid anyways? The innocent blue eyes or something? He sure is causin� a big fuss.�

Squall simply glared at his friend before the redhead continued on.

�I mean Zack was eyeing him the whole damn night we were at the club. Like he was some freakin� angel that had fallen out of heaven or something.�

�Eyeing him?� Squall asked, as his eyes widened briefly.

�Yeah,� Reno began with a nod, �he thought he was cute. That�s the whole reason why he went over to talk to him.�

What. The. Hell.

�Are you serious?� Squall asked, completely in shock at this point.

�Yeah,� Reno replied with an odd look on his face. He was wondering why his friend seemed so shocked at this information. �You knew that they talked though, you found out when we were at the restaurant that one day.�

�Yeah I knew they talked, but I didn�t know that it was based around Zack hitting on him!�

�Oooh,� Reno began with a nod as understanding kicked in. �Well I�m not saying anything happened cause of it. I mean when Zack went to talk to him Cloud might�ve told him he had a boyfriend already so it�s not a big deal.�

�I guess,� Squall started, though he didn�t sound to satisfied with that response. �Well what happened later?�

�I don�t know yo. I left,� Reno replied casually with a shrug as he finished off the last of his beer.

�Without Zack? He was still talking to Cloud?�

�When I left he was,� Reno answered while turning green eyes back to his friend. �If I had known at the time that blondie was your boyfriend I would�ve told Zack before he went over there ya know?�

Squall was silent as he went into his own thoughts. Now that it was confirmed that Zack liked Cloud it didn�t seem to absurd to think that maybe something was going on between them. Zack had approached Cloud that night in the club. But question was, did Cloud turn him down? What all happened that night? And it didn�t help matters that Reno had left, now knowing that Zack and Cloud were left alone it only let Squall�s mind wander.

�Anyways, let�s blow outta here,� Reno began while leaving some gil on the counter and hopping off of the bar stool. Squall just silent followed after his friend as they made their way out of the bar. Reno just continued to chat away, forgetting about the topic they had been discussing before hand. But Squall couldn�t seem to forget it. It was like everything was starting to stack up against him. The answer was right in front of him in black and white wasn�t it? This couldn�t be all speculation anymore. Maybe it wasn�t enough to know for sure, but still. It was definitely enough to make him uneasy.

xxx

Staring up at the ceiling Cloud bit his lip as he pressed his cell phone to his ear waiting for the call to connect. It started to ring and he waited impatiently for the recipient to pick up. But it went to voicemail. Again. In fact it had been going to voicemail all day.

Once the recording stopped playing the beep followed after and the blonde gave a long sigh.

�Ok Zack this is the�well I don�t know how many times it is that I�ve called but I know its a lot. And I can�t reach you. And I don�t know I�m starting to get a little�worried. I mean, I thought we had plans tonight so, yeah. I don�t know if something happened or, if you�re mad at me for some reason�I don�t know. If I did something to upset you, I�m sorry. Really. Just, please call me back okay? Bye.�

Snapping his cell phone closed he tossed it on the bed before continuing to aimlessly stare up at the ceiling. He didn�t know what was going on. Why Zack wasn�t returning his calls, was he avoiding him for some reason?

Sitting up he ran a hand over his face. A part of him wanted to just go over to the others place and knock on his door non stop until he answered so that he could talk with him.

Who knew, maybe Zack was mad at him. After all he had found about that night with him and Squall. Actually Cloud had told him, he didn�t want to keep anymore secrets. Not from Zack, since they were working on this new found relationship. And needless to say he wasn�t very happy about it. In fact he was pretty pissed actually. But he had every right to be. It took a lot of explaining on Cloud�s part to try to get Zack to calm down and see where he was coming from. And while Zack probably didn�t really see his reasoning, he did at least calm down and said that he was trying to be understanding. But he just wanted ties cut with Cloud and Squall. He didn�t like the sneaking around, and Cloud didn�t either, he just lacked the courage to officially end it with Squall. Though he had promised Zack that the next time he saw Squall, he would end it for sure. And so, after that, things between Zack and he seemed fine.

But, was Zack now having second thoughts about him or something? He didn�t know. But something was up. Why else would he ignore him like this? Whenever Cloud would text him Zack would text right back. And if he called he would always answer on practically the second ring with a cheerful greeting. But today, nothing.

Cloud felt tears come to his eyes that he tried hard to hold back. Had he really messed things up? Had he asked too much of Zack that the other just finally got tired of it? Did Zack think he was being strung along, that Cloud wasn�t going to leave Squall and so he just decided to forget it?

Cloud didn�t want to hurt Squall more than he knew was inevitable, and in doing that he was hurting the one he had come to care so much about. In the end was he going to loose it all? Did he already loose it all?

Wiping furiously at his eyes he slid off of his bed. He couldn�t just hang around here. He had to do something, he needed to talk to Zack. He needed to make things right. This whole thing had been a mess and he was the one to blame, and since he had caused it he was going to fix it.

xxx

�Maybe we can catch a movie or something,� Reno suggested as they stepped into his apartment.

�Sure why not,� Squall replied with a shrug.

�There�s a paper on the table there if you want to look,� his friend started before moving down the hall into his room.

Squall took a seat on the couch before leaning forward and picking up the paper and flipping to the movie section. He scanned the contents before frowning a bit. This weeks movie�s didn�t really seem to catch his attention. Though he saw about four that he knew Reno would light up at.

�Find anything?� Reno asked while walking back into the living room.

�Not particularly,� Squall answered while folding back up the paper.

�Well what then?� Reno began before flopping on the chair across from Squall, �I refuse to stay in tonight yo and Zack already said he didn�t want to go out tonight.�

Squall�s stomach dropped from that comment as he inwardly wondered if his �so called� friend was planning on spending the night with his boyfriend. He set the paper back down on the table before his eye caught glimpse of a sleek black cell phone. Was it Reno�s? He thought his was silver but maybe he got a new one.

�You forgot your cell phone here,� Squall spoke up while pointing to the object.

�What?� Reno asked while shifting his gaze lazily towards the phone. �No, I have mine,� he began while patting his coat pocket where his phone was tucked away at.

�Oh you know what that�s Zack�s,� the redhead added once he got a better look at the phone. �He must�ve left it over here, he was here earlier today.�

Squall just turned his focus back to the phone while giving a slight nod.

�I better call him and let him know. He probably got a ton of missed calls already,� Reno explained while reaching for the phone.

A ton of missed calls�

If there really was something going on between Zack and Cloud, then they would surely call each other right? Wouldn�t their phone numbers be in each others cell phones? Maybe even some messages sent back and forth?

�Wait,� Squall quickly interjected before leaning forward and grabbing the phone before Reno could.

Reno raised an eyebrow as he watched Squall flip open their friends phone and began to navigate through it. �What are you doing?�

�Investigating,� Squall mumbled as he continued to scroll through the phone.

�Hey,� Reno began while standing to his feet, �if Zack asks I didn�t give you his phone yo. You found it and started snooping through it yourself. I don�t want to get caught in the middle of this shit,� he finished while walking into the kitchen.

Squall didn�t reply as he went into Zack�s inbox for his text messages. He didn�t have to scroll down at all to find the number he was looking for. There on the most recent message sent was Cloud�s name. The brunette found himself sucking in a breath before he opened it.

�Are you okay? Is everything alright?�

That was all that was in that message and Squall frowned slightly. That wasn�t so bad but still. Although he needed to find something else, something more that could do crucial damage. He scrolled through a few before that one, the ones that were all sent earlier in the day. They mostly consisted of �What�s wrong? Are you okay? How come you�re not answering?�

Although Squall knew now that those messages were sent apparently when Zack�s phone was here at Reno�s. But Cloud seemed to be unaware of that fact.

�Ya know, I don�t want to piss of a SOLDIER. Maybe you should just put the phone down now,� Reno called from in the kitchen where he was currently rummaging through the fridge.

Squall ignored his friend as he continued to sift through the messages. He was coming across some older ones now. One�s that weren�t as vague but instead consisted of comments like, �are you coming over tonight?� �I don�t have class tomorrow so you can stay over.�

�I�m just sayin yo�,� Reno continued on while entering back into the living room with a sandwich and a beer before falling into his seat once more. He took a bite from his sandwich before looking over to Squall and noting the dark expression that had settled on his features. �So, what�s the verdict?�

Squall shook his head as he continued to browse through the messages, anger rising within him with every message that he read.

�Are you fucking serious!?� Reno began while leaning forward in his seat, �there�s really messages back and forth between them!? What are they like those sexy ones?�

�Shut up Reno,� Squall bit out before dialing the blonde�s number and holding the phone up to his ear.

�Shit! Are you calling him yo!?� Reno asked in a hushed whisper while leaning forward more. A huge amused smile painted across his face.

Squall sent him a glare and the redhead quickly quieted himself as he anxiously looked on. The phone only rang twice before it was quickly answered with a frantic voice on the other end.

�Zack!? Baby what happened I�ve been calling you all day! Is everything alright!?�

Closing his eyes Squall shook his head. He couldn�t believe it. Even though he had been pretty sure of it for a while, even now with the text messages he read that confirmed it. There was just something about actually hearing Cloud�s voice though that made it so final. So real.

�Sorry to disappoint you Cloud. This isn�t Zack,� Squall spoke firmly while opening his eyes to narrowed slits.

He heard Cloud say a soft what before sucking in a breath and then there was a total dead silence on the phone for a good few minutes.

�Squall,� he finally breathed. His voice sounding completely alien to the brunette.

�I can�t believe you,� Squall mumbled. He was really holding in his anger more than Cloud could ever know. But he didn�t want to blow up now. Not over the phone and not in front of Reno.

�Squall, wait let me-�

Snapping the phone closed Squall forcefully tossed it across the room where it smacked into the wall with a loud crack before it fell to the floor.

�Hey!!� Reno shouted while looking to the wall that now had a small dent in it, �fuck I know you�re pissed but don�t destroy my place!�

Running his hands over his face Squall shook his head. He just, still couldn�t believe it. It all seemed so surreal to him.

Moving over to the now broken cell phone Reno picked up the pieces. �Sorry about the phone Zack. But I can�t say you didn�t deserve that one,� he said to himself before dropping the broken pieces onto the table.

�I got to go,� Squall hurriedly spoke while quickly picking himself up off the couch.

�Where?� Reno asked as he followed the brunette with his eyes as he made his way to the door. But he didn�t get a response as Squall quickly exited, slamming the door behind him.

xxx
Cloud found himself moving over to the couch in a bit of a daze as he took a seat. He had just slipped on his shoes and was about to head out the door to Zack�s when his cell phone rang. He had been so relieved when the caller ID showed Zack�s name. And all of the worrying and frustration throughout the day just got to him and he found himself blurting out words as soon as he picked up the phone. Though, he had hardly been prepared for it to have been Squall on the other line.

He knew. Now he knew about him and Zack. But how did he figure it out? Had he always had suspicions? Cloud honestly didn�t know. He thought he had done a good job at hiding it, at keeping things normal between them but�no. Then again, there was something unraveling already between them. It was becoming harder and harder for Cloud to keep up the façade, and he was sure Squall had probably started to pick up on it. Still�how did he know it was Zack? How did he get Zack�s phone?

He had too many questions buzzing around in his head and it was starting to give him a headache. This wasn�t how he wanted things to turn out. He didn�t want Squall to find out like this. No, he wanted to be able to explain things, to end things as neatly as possible. But instead, things were messy and ugly. There was no way this was a clean breakup anymore.

Pulling out his cell he flipped it open before pausing. What was he doing? He couldn�t call Zack, he obviously didn�t have his phone and somehow Squall had gotten it. But he really wanted to hear Zack�s voice, maybe that would calm him down. And he didn�t have his home number programmed into his phone. Sighing he snapped it shut before setting it down on the table. Should he still just go over to Zack�s like he had planned on doing just moments before?

A sudden knock at the door caused the blonde to jump and he quickly turned blue eyes in that direction. He hoped it wasn�t Yuffie, he couldn�t deal with her right now and all of her questioning or her �I told you so�s.� But maybe it wasn�t, maybe it was Zack. Hoping for the latter he slid off of the couch and quietly began making his way over to the door before the knock came again, this time a little louder.

He unlocked the door and pulled it open and almost toppled over when he was met with angry gray eyes that seemed to almost glow.

�Squall,� he choked out while taking a few steps back as his boyfriend entered slamming the door behind him. Cloud�s eyes widened as he suddenly felt very trapped and caged at the moment. How the hell did Squall get here so fast!? Apparently he wasn�t at home then if he had gotten over to Cloud�s within fifteen minutes. He completely hadn�t been expecting this.

�Is that it?� Squall asked angrily while taking a few more steps closer to Cloud who in turn took a few steps back until his back was against the wall. The blonde had never seen him like this before and it was a bit unnerving. He didn�t think he�d hurt him or anything but still, it scared the hell out of him to see Squall so upset.

�I�I�m sorry,� Cloud weakly spoke while looking up to Squall with sad blue eyes. He knew those words meant nothing at all but he didn�t know what else to say right now. He was the one who had clearly messed up. He had hurt Squall, he was wrong. What words could you say to redeem yourself from that? He was pretty sure the answer didn�t exist.

�Sorry?� The brunette began while looking back at Cloud with a look of disbelief on his face, �that�s what you have to say is sorry!? You cheat on me with one of my friends for god knows how long, and keep it from me and let me go around like an idiot knowing full well that you stabbed me in the back, and you�re saying sorry!!?�

Those words cut into Cloud deeper than any blade could ever do. Squall was right, and it hurt so much to acknowledge all of the damage he had really done. And looking into Squall�s pained and angry eyes made his heart ache. He didn�t want to be here, it was too much, he just wanted to disappear. He shook his head before burying his face into his hands.

�I know, I know,� he spoke softly, slightly muffled because of his hands covering his face.

�No,� Squall began before pulling the blonde�s hands away from his face, �look at me. You did this! Don�t try to hide and run away now! This is all because of you, so own up to it! I deserve that much don�t I?�

Tears had already managed to escape from Cloud�s eyes as he weakly nodded before looking into Squall�s eyes. �Yes,� he spoke quietly, �you�re right I�m sorry.�

Squall�s gaze softened as he saw the tears fall from Cloud�s eyes. He had never been able to handle the blonde�s tears, he always hated them and felt the need to do something to make them go away. And even now, for a brief moment he found himself getting swept up in that thought before allowing the anger to appear back in his eyes. He quickly let go of Cloud�s hands and moved away from the student while running his hands through his hair in frustration.

�Damn it Cloud! I trusted you!� Squall shouted before turning back to look at the other, �and this is what I get? That�s how it is? You move to another part of the city and just like that it�s see what other opportunities are out there?�

�No!� Cloud quickly replied with a shake of his head. No, that�s not what he thought at all. He loved Squall, honestly he did. He didn�t mean for this, he didn�t want to hurt him. He wasn�t moving away to try to get away from him, that was never the case. But, Zack just somehow came into his life like a whirlwind and�he couldn�t explain it. �It wasn�t like that Squall really.�

The brunette gave a scoff while shooting a glare at Cloud. �I don�t know who to be more angry at. You or Zack, my supposed friend.�

The blonde remained silent before dropping his gaze to the floor briefly. �Me,� he answered causing Squall to give him a bit of an odd look. �Because Zack didn�t know. He didn�t know about me and you. Not until�that day we all met up at the restaurant.�

�Well you�re just full of surprises,� Squall said sarcastically.

Cloud looked away while letting out a shaky breath. Yeah, he was full of surprises. He had been surprising himself ever since this whole ordeal started. Maybe it was true what they said, love made you do crazy things.

�I�really don�t know what else to say to you,� Squall began while shaking his head, �I�m pretty much disgusted with this whole thing.�

That word disgusted hit Cloud like a ton of bricks but he only nodded in understanding at it. He didn�t expect anything less really, he deserved it after all.

�Squall,� Cloud began softly, �If I could do this all over again I wouldn�t have hid things like this. I just�I didn�t know what to do really. I mean I�I didn�t want to hurt you and I guess I just tried to act like everything was fine.�

That�s what he would change? Just the fact that he wouldn�t have hid this huge lie from the other? Squall could barely believe what he was hearing. How about if he had the chance to do things over again he wouldn�t have cheated on him! That he wouldn�t have been sneaking around behind his back with his friend! That�s what he wanted to hear, that�s what the blonde should�ve said. Or did he just not give a damn about that?

�Yeah? And Zack? What about that? That you wouldn�t take back or change?� Squall asked while focusing his eyes on a random object in the room. He couldn�t look at Cloud, it was too hard to do now. It would only cause of stir of emotions to swirl within him and he couldn�t handle that.

The blonde was silent as he let those words sink in. How could he answer that? He couldn�t lie anymore, he had done enough of that and now it was time to just be completely honest and lay everything out on the table. Just like Squall said, he had to own up to this now, he owed Squall that much. And so, even though he knew the answer wasn�t going to be one that Squall would like, he gave an honest response.

�No�I wouldn�t,� he replied quietly while glancing at the ground for a moment. �And it�s not that I�� he continued while taking in a deep breath and looking back to Squall who now had turned his gaze back to the student. �It�s just now I understand that��

Damn this was hard. Cloud was trying to really just be straight forward here but it still hurt him so much do it. The look in Squall�s eyes wasn�t helping at all and he was hating himself every minute for what he was doing.

�Squall, I love you. I do but�I�m just not in love with you.�

And now there was no turning back. Those words had been spoken and put out there. Those words that Cloud never truly admitted before. But fact remained that it was how he felt. Of course, it took a while to figure out the difference between them though. Squall was Cloud�s friend before they even began dating, so maybe when it came down to it in the end, he was more afraid of losing the friendship more than anything else.

The silence that passed between them after that seemed to last an eternity and Cloud was wondering if that had been too harsh, too cruel. He only wanted to be honest, but in doing so he knew that he was going to break the others heart�even if he had inflicted enough pain already. But it seemed once this gate was open though it was hard to close.

�Is that right?� Squall started while narrowing his eyes at the other. He had gotten his answer, it was what he wanted. But he couldn�t deny that he somehow thought that when he came here, maybe things would go differently. Maybe Cloud would realize that he had been doing a stupid thing and in the end would hope that Squall could forgive him so that they could repair and salvage their relationship. But, Cloud wasn�t fighting for them at all. In fact, he was pretty much just telling the brunette that he was sorry for the way things happened but�when it came down to it, he didn�t have the intention of ending things with Zack. And that, despite everything that had been revealed to him recently, just that fact alone was enough to rip away any glimmer of hope. In all honesty, after what Cloud had done he would be a fool to try to reconcile anything between them. But he was sure, that if Cloud really regretted what happened and still wanted to be with him�that somewhere down the line he would forgive him, and try to work things out. He wished he didn�t feel that way, that he wasn�t so weak. But when it came to Cloud, he would always make a compromise. Though, he guessed he didn�t have to worry about that, because it was plain and simple that that wasn�t going to happen.

�I,� Cloud began while taking a few steps closer to Squall, �this doesn�t mean that what we had together wasn�t real. It�s not that at all. And I�m sorry because you�ve been so great to me but I�I don�t know, I just-�

Lifting up a hand the brunette shook his head before giving a bit of a sarcastic laugh. �Are you seriously trying to give me the �it�s not you it�s me speech?�

�No, it�s not a speech I�� Cloud tried again, while cautiously reaching for his now ex boyfriend�s hand.

�Save it,� Squall said sternly while pulling his hand back and shooting the blonde a glare. �There�s not much else to say here. I should go,� he finished while turning and making his way towards the door.

Cloud felt himself reaching out as he took a few steps forward. Something about this still felt wrong. He didn�t want Squall to walk away like this, what if he never talked to him again? He didn�t want to loose him forever, as a friend. Sure yeah maybe he was being selfish beyond all measure but he couldn�t help it.

Once Squall reached the door he stopped, hesitating for a moment before spinning back around and walking right up to the blonde who was staring back at him with wide blue eyes.

�I want you to know one thing,� Squall began, �No matter what you say you were feeling, or how you didn�t know how to handle this or anything of the kind. If I was put in a situation like this, I would never, ever do that to you. Even if my feelings were wavering or weren�t as strong as they used to be, I would still care enough about you to be up front about it before going behind your back like that.�

Cloud didn�t know what to do, or to say to that. Because he knew Squall was being honest, he would�ve never hurt him like he had done to him. Instead he just remained where he was and looked into the clouded gray eyes of the other, letting him speak his mind as he listened.

�And it wouldn�t even come to that because I loved you more than you�ll know. I still do!� He bit out before glancing away briefly, �and you may say that you aren�t actually in love with me and I hope you�re right and that you know what you�re doing. Because if not, you�re going to have to live with knowing that you fucked up a really good thing.�

And with those words he turned and left out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him, not giving Cloud the chance to respond even if he wanted. And still Cloud made to go after him as soon as he turned around, but instead was met with the door which he was currently leaning on. He didn�t bother to try and stop the tears that were falling from his eyes. In a way he felt like he had lost a significant piece of him. A piece that he was sure that he would never get back. Because after this, surely Squall would want nothing to do with him anymore. But, it was his choice, all his doing that brought them to this point. And while he knew he couldn�t avoid the truth forever, that someday he was going to have to end things with Squall. Even if he wished he could�ve told Squall himself instead of finding out the way he did. Though he knew it was inevitable, and he knew what was to come�he didn�t realize that it would hurt this bad.

xxx

�Still in bed?� Zack asked while entering Cloud�s room to find him still wrapped up in the blankets, exactly as he had been when Zack left to take a shower.

�Yeah,� Cloud mumbled while shifting around to face the other.

Zack gave a smile and Cloud half way returned it. He was glad that Zack was here, he had been so upset last night. For one he hadn�t been able to contact the SOLDIER, and then with all of the drama that happened with Squall, it had just been an overall�crappy night. And he was wallowing for awhile after his ex had left, but then about an hour later Zack had came by. He was on assignment for most of the day and realized he didn�t have his phone, and came by to the student�s as soon as he was finished. And there he was met with a very upset and sad Cloud who had sort of caught him up to speed on everything. He felt sort of guilty that he wasn�t around, after all, he was just as much as guilty as Cloud. Though he was sure he wasn�t out of the clear. If Squall wanted to confront him there really wasn�t much he could do about it. But, his main focus at the time was on Cloud and trying to calm him down after everything. Though the blonde seemed to be relieved at the fact that Zack wasn�t ignoring him when he found out that he had forgotten his cell phone at Reno�s, and that was how Squall ended up with it. The whole thing was a mess really. A night that they both probably cared to forget about.

Climbing onto the bed Zack pressed a soft kiss to Cloud�s lips. �Feeling better?� He asked softly.

�A little,� Cloud replied while letting his eyes fall close briefly as he took in the clean scent of the freshly showered SOLDIER.

�Well, a little is good. It�s not something that�ll go away over night I guess,� Zack explained before cuddling up the blonde�s side and wrapping his arms around him. �I know the whole thing was really difficult for you but�it�s over you know? And now you don�t have to worry about that lingering over you anymore. I don�t.�

�Yeah,� Cloud began quietly while gently running his fingers along the side of Zack�s face. �I�m sorry�for dragging you through all of this. It wasn�t fair to you.�

�Hey once I was aware I could�ve stepped back. I knew what I was getting into, but I thought you were worth the risk,� Zack spoke softly causing the other to smile.

Letting out a sigh Cloud moved closer to Zack, nuzzling his face against his chest. Even though he still felt really bad about how everything had turned out with his ex, he could honestly say that still, he knew this was right. And to just be able to lay around in Zack�s arms with no strings attached was a nice feeling. Now he felt like he was completely Zack�s and he had to admit that that made him happy.

�I wonder if my cell phone is still at Reno�s,� Zack spoke while gently running his fingers through blonde spikes.

�I�m not sure,� Cloud began while looking up at the other, �Squall might have it. I mean he did call me from it.�

�Well if he does, I guess I�m not getting it back. Not in one piece anyways,� Zack explained with a soft sigh.

Cloud nodded. With as angry as Squall had been the night before it could be pretty possible. Thinking back to the previous night made the blonde�s chest tighten. He didn�t want to dwell on it too long but he hoped that things would get better with time. And he wasn�t sure if Squall could ever stand to be around him again, but who knew, maybe in time they could at least be friends. Though, a part of him was sure that was a far stretch. He knew he had caused his ex a lot of pain, and maybe something like that could never be mended. But, he guessed he could hope for now.

�Cloud?� Zack asked while peering down at the boy curiously. He had gotten some distant look in his eyes and Zack was wondering what was running through his mind.

Blinking, the blonde offered a smile before leaning up and placing a kiss against Zack�s lips. He meant for it to be brief and chaste, but once they made contact neither of them seemed to want to break it. Though this kiss seemed more meaningful than any of their others. Perhaps now because it was real and not tainted with betrayal. True their relationship had pretty much had started out on a foundation that could�ve been a lot better, but there was never any doubts when it came to their feelings between each other. And that was the most genuine and real of all.

Breaking the kiss Zack stared into blue eyes before speaking up once more. �No regrets�right? About the night we met?�

Smiling even wider Cloud shook his head before wrapping his arms around the others neck. �No regrets,� he started, �After all, I think it took just that one night for me to�fall in love with you.�

He hadn�t admitted that to Zack yet but, after the ups and downs that they had been through in their short relationship, he could say that with ease now.

Zack�s eyes widened for a moment, and then shortly after that grin that Cloud was so accustomed to settled on his face and the blonde let out a small laugh.

�Same here,� Zack began pressing a kiss to the student�s forehead, �though it was probably more like love at first sight for me.�

Cloud felt a blush come to his face before Zack was sealing his lips in another kiss. This was what he wanted, this heart pounding, tantalizing love. And he found that in Zack and didn�t plan to let go. No matter how bad it may seem in other people�s eyes of what he had done, he didn�t care. Right now he just wanted to hold and kiss Zack and be�happy, truly happy.

He wasn�t sure if he was a firm believer in karma, but if it was true�well he would just have to brace himself for whatever was to come and take his chances.

xxx

Authors Note: Chapter 4! The final chapter to this little fic that was ordinarily supposed to be a one shot. But I had fun elaborating on it. This chapter focused mainly on Squall and Cloud and the breakup, being exposed thing. Cause well, if you find out your other half is cheating on you with your friend, it�s sort of a big deal ne? Apologies to Squall but in a triangle like this someone is going to get hurt and well�it just happened to be him. I had planned at one time to have everything crumble onto Cloud and in the end have him end up without Zack or Squall. But considering the events and how Zack was willing to still go for Cloud I figured it would believable to have him stick around. Was Cloud wrong for playing Squall? Even if his intentions were pure? Well, you can be the judge on that! But with that last sentence, Karma�s a bitch right? If you believe that, so maybe not all is good for Cloud. Who knows, that�s up to you to decide. Though, moral of the story boys and girls�DON�T cheat! Lol. Hope you all enjoyed, and thanks so much to the reviewers!
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Just One Night