Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Alliance ❯ Chapter 22

“Alliance”

Chapter 22

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(Warning: Possible spoilers for all FF7 game/movie titles)

*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.*

~***********************************************~

 

“So where is Genesis now?” Reno asked as he and Cloud helped Zack out of the chopper and started toward the Inn.

 

Reeve got out behind them and followed. “After we made our deal with him and he shared his information, he left. He hasn't been seen since.”

 

Reno frowned. “I don't like the sound of that, man. He could be playing both sides.”

 

“I don't think so,” Rude muttered, causing Reno to give him a surprised look.

 

“Sure about that, partner? The guy's history ain't exactly rosy. Hell, he killed his own parents so ya can't tell me he's got a beef with Deepground for what they're trying to do.”

 

“I think he wants to help someone he considers a partner.” The bald man shrugged and he looked at Reno meaningfully. ~I know there's not much I wouldn't do for you, Red.~

 

“Thought he was a monster,” Zack murmured, stumbling a little.

 

Cloud balanced him and kept him steered in the right direction. He didn't understand the taller fighter's words and he waved them off as rambling. He spotted Rufus in a long, white coat up ahead, standing outside the Inn and speaking with Tseng. Both of them were wearing shades to protect their eyes from the glare of the morning sun on the snow. The two of them looked at Cloud's group as they approached and both men's features relaxed slightly. Cloud doubted that he would have noticed the change of expression a year or so ago but now he'd come to know the president and Turk leader well enough to detect the more subtle changes of expression that denoted relief or pleasure.

 

“Well done,” Rufus congratulated as they drew near. “I understand the three of you had quite a night.”

 

Reno and Cloud exchanged a look. Rufus certainly wasn't wrong about that.

 

“Blondie pretty much took care of us,” admitted the redhead. “He fixed up Zack and bagged us a deer to keep us fed until you guys found us.”

 

Rufus nodded, his head turning Cloud's way. “I've no doubt of that. I was informed that Fair is suffering a bit of poisoning from gas inhalation.” He looked the black-haired fighter up and down with a frown, noting the drunken way he moved and his dilated pupils. “How severe is it?”

 

“He's suffered no physical changes, but he's reverted to a somewhat primitive state of mind,” Reeve answered, “His symptoms are fading, but we had to sedate him on the helicopter because he wasn't handling the ride well. He'll be out of the fight until he's back to himself.”

 

“A pity,” Rufus sighed. “But I suppose it can't be helped. Cloud, Reno, once you get him situated I'd like for you both to come to the house we've set up for communications and strategizing. You know which one it is, I presume?”

 

Cloud nodded and he frowned as Zack suddenly started trying to pull out of his embrace. “Zack, we need to get you inside,” he muttered to his lover as the sable-haired fighter leaned toward Rufus. ~What the hell's gotten into you? Don't tell me you're confusing Rufus with Director Lazard, now.~

 

Rufus leaned away but otherwise held his ground as Zack sniffed at him with comical interest. “Care to explain this, Strife?” he muttered, turning his head away only to have Zack follow the motion and sniff the other side of his face.

 

Cloud pulled at Zack but Reno was too amused to be of much help. “Short explanation: he thinks he's a wolf.”

 

Rufus's expression altered slightly, the patient curiosity fading into tension. “A wolf, you say?”

 

Beside him, Tseng's face also tensed. “I think we should get Fair inside now,” the Wutaian said.

 

Zack suddenly growled low in his throat and this time, Rufus stepped back. Cloud put his arms around his lover and used more force to drag him away. Now that the fighter had actually made a threatening sound at Rufus, Reno's amusement faded and he helped.

 

“No, Zack,” Cloud grunted as he and Reno struggled with the taller man, “stop it.”

 

“What's gotten into you this time, Zack?” Reno added.

 

Together, the two half-dragged Zack up the steps and through the Inn doors, while Rude held them open for them. Zack looked over his shoulder at Rufus with a fixation that was half menacing and half playful.

 

When the doors shut behind them, Rufus breathed a subtle sigh that only Tseng was close enough to notice.

 

“Maybe he didn't like your cologne or something, Sir,” suggested Reeve with bemusement.

 

“Yes,” Rufus agreed dryly, peering at the Inn doors from behind his shades. “It must be my aftershave.” He and Tseng exchanged a covert look while Reeve's back was turned.

 

~*******************************~

 

After they got Zack set up in a room, a medic gave him another lighter dose of the same sedative he'd been given on the helicopter. He assured Cloud that he wouldn't overdose him and he'd only keep him sedated as necessary to insure he didn't get into trouble while he was recovering. Guards were assigned to ensure Zack didn't try to go anywhere and Zack fell asleep on the bed. Cloud and Reno reluctantly left his side and Rude went with them to the meetinghouse.

 

Tseng greeted them and offered hot coffee, juice and bagels as they entered the main room on the bottom floor of the house. Once everyone had their refreshments, Rufus began to brief them on the situation.

 

“The rest of your friends are already on the field,” Rufus explained to Cloud as they gathered around the large table sitting in the center of the room. A map was spread over the center of it. “Testing is still in progress on the vaccine, so masks are still needed for the time being. We've got an encampment set up between Icicle and the battlefield for fighters to withdraw and refresh themselves as needed. We lost some ground overnight, but we're regaining it and the Deepground forces are thinning.”

 

Cloud and the others stared as Rufus casually stepped up on one of the chairs scattered around the table and continued to speak. “You can see on the map where our forces currently are and where the enemy is concentrated. Their leader hasn't yet made an appearance but due to our agreement with Genesis, you're to protect him and bring him into custody if at all possible, should you see him.” Rufus walked over the chairs effortlessly and reached down to pluck a folder from on top of the table. He opened it up and pulled a blown-up photo out, lightly tossing it onto the map with a deft flick of his hand.

 

“I'm sure you remember Weiss the Immaculate, Cloud.”

 

Cloud was still staring up at Rufus and so was everyone else. Tseng was motioning to the president subtly and clearing his throat. Rufus was now on top of the table, standing at the far edge of the map. He frowned at the upturned faces, wondering why they were all looking at him instead of the identification photo he'd provided.

 

“Look at the photo, not at me,” Rufus demanded.

 

Cloud forced his eyes off the weird spectacle of President Shinra balancing on the edge of a big, rickety table like it was nothing and he looked down at the picture. Reno did the same and so did Rude and the handful of other alliance fighters in the room. A man with wild silver hair, ice-blue Mako eyes and a fighter's build looked up at them from the photo.

 

“Yeah, I remember him,” Cloud sighed.

 

Rufus saw Tseng motioning to him and he became aware of what he was doing. He hastily got down off the table with a smooth hop and he hoped nobody had seen the tail he was concealing under his coat.

 

“So he's still alive?” Cloud continued, looking at Rufus with a frustrated expression. “Does that mean Hojo's still alive, too?”

 

“Genesis claims that Hojo was purged from him,” answered Rufus. “Unfortunately, he left a lasting impression on the Tsviet and Weiss was driven mad from his influence. Genesis wants us to refrain from killing him and bring him in for psychological help, instead.”

 

Cloud stared down at the picture contemplatively. “Wonder what he did to earn that kind of loyalty from him,” he murmured.

 

“He cured his deterioration,” Rude offered.

 

Reno looked at his partner thoughtfully. “Hmm, I think Genesis likes you, partner.”

 

Rude shrugged and straightened his tie, neither confirming nor denying it.

 

“He does seem to favor him,” Rufus agreed with a slight smile. “Perhaps because Rude listens to his poetry without complaint.”

 

“So, everyone knows what Weiss looks like and understands that he isn't to be killed if it can be helped,” Reeve said, putting them back on the subject.

 

“Of course, Genesis has already given us the formula so technically we aren't obligated to honor our part of the bargain,” Rufus pointed out with a shrug.

 

“Well, we're going to honor it, Sir,” Reeve said with a frown of disapproval. “He chose to put himself at a disadvantage because he believes we're honorable. I would like to prove his perceptions are right.”

 

“I was only pointing it out,” Rufus said with a smirk. “So that should one of our bullets `accidentally' find their way into his skull, there's no harm done.”

 

Cloud regarded the president thoughtfully. He seemed to be taking an odd sort of joy out of the prospect, as if the idea of toying with the constraints of the bargain entertained him. His ruthlessness had settled down over the past year but it seemed to be making an abrupt comeback. Combined with his odd acrobatic feats, something seemed a little…off…with him.

 

Cloud wasn't the only one to notice it.

 

“Boss, are you feeling all right?” Reno asked, his blue-green gaze settling on Rufus with unconcealed worry. “You're acting a little…weird. Did something happen in the fight yesterday?”

 

Rufus had a polite, pleasant expression on his face as he regarded the Turk. “I feel fine, Reno. Perhaps I've just drunk a tad too much coffee. There's no need for concern. Now, if you're ready to rejoin the fight, we've got a helicopter ready for your use, waiting just outside of town on the field.”

 

“Roger that,” Reno nodded, his expression of concern remaining stamped on his face. “Uh, are you and Tseng staying out of this one?”

 

“For now,” Rufus agreed. He didn't sound pleased and by the stern look on Tseng's face, the two of them had argued about it. It made Reno even more suspicious but he shrugged it off and decided he could investigate later. When Rufus Shinra wanted to keep something to himself, it was damned hard and time consuming to dig up the dirt. With any luck he'd just come out with it later but there was no time to poke around for information in the meantime.

 

“Watch yourselves,” Rufus said to Cloud, Reno and Rude as they began filing out of the room to get ready for joining the fight.

 

Cloud looked over his shoulder at him and nodded, his blue eyes searching the president's gray ones. “You too,” he said simply. ~I know something's going on with you.~

 

Rufus merely smiled coolly at him.

 

~********************************~

 

“You think he's hot, dontcha?” Reno asked his partner as he and Rude walked toward the helicopter assigned to them.

 

“Who?” questioned the bald man evasively.

 

“Don't play dumb, ya big teddy bear.” Reno grinned at him.

 

Rude shrugged. “He's okay.” He looked at Reno sidelong. “You don't think he's got something?”

 

Reno shrugged. “I'm not into redheads.” He winked at the larger man. “I know you are, though.”

 

“You like yourself enough,” Rude muttered.

 

Reno laughed. “Well yeah…I kind of have to. Doesn't mean I'd go for another redhead, though.” He sobered and stopped by the chopper, looking up into his partner's eyes seriously for a moment. “Just be careful. Piece of ass or not, I still don't think Genesis is playing with a full deck. I'm all for you tapping that if ya want to but I don't want to see you get hurt, man.”

 

“I'm not the reckless one, here,” Rude said with a faint smile.

 

Reno chuckled. “You got me on that.”

 

Cloud drove up on Fenrir and he stopped for a moment to regard them. “Try not to get hit this time, Reno,” he said with a stern look at the redhead. “Rude, don't let him get too reckless, okay?”

 

“I'll keep him in line,” the bald man promised.

 

“Hey,” Reno said with a scowl at both of them. “I cleared the way for the rest of the air team, you ungrateful assholes.”

 

Cloud smirked. “You don't have to do that now. Just keep it simple, this time.” With that said, the blonde fighter kicked his motorcycle into gear and drove away toward the distant encampment.

 

After admiring Strife's retreating ass for a moment, Reno grumbled and yanked open the pilot-side door to climb in. He and Rude put their masks on and buckled in while he started the engine.

 

~*******************************~

 

Yuffie spotted Cloud first as he drove up on Fenrir. The petite ninja broke away from the fighting force to run to him and throw a hug around his neck.

 

“You scared the hell out of everybody, Cloud!” She pulled her mask up and planted a little kiss on the part of his cheek that wasn't covered before she stepped back to examine him for injuries. “I knew you'd be okay, of course.”

 

Cloud smiled faintly at her and pulled the release catch on Fenrir's weapon compartment. It opened to reveal his many swords and he selected a couple of the smaller ones and slid them into the sheaths criss-crossing his back. “Of course you did,” he said.

 

He looked out over the bloody fields and did a quick body count. They'd lost a few WRO members but there were more Deepground bodies littering the frozen ground than allied forces.

 

Vincent spotted him and after firing a couple of shots at the enemy forces, he came over as well. “They're putting up an admirable fight, but we have them routed.”

 

One of the enemies broke through the combat behind Vincent and charged towards them while he was talking. The gunman saw Cloud tense and reach for his weapons and he turned and fired smoothly, putting a neat hole in the Deepground operative's head and sending him sprawling dead in the snow. Vincent turned around and continued talking as if nothing had happened.

 

“There's been no sign of Weiss yet but we're hopeful that we'll drive them back to the base of their operations and find him,” finished Vincent in his deep monotone.

 

Cloud almost smiled, finding it funny in a macabre way that his friend had executed the approaching enemy without blinking or stopping his conversation. There was an explosion to the right as an enemy grenade hit the ground mere feet away from the three friends and Yuffie cringed as a couple of alliance fighters took the brunt of it and screamed.

 

“We should get moving,” Cloud observed with a frown.

 

One of the gas capsules Deepground was using landed amongst the allied forces and broke open. A couple of people had lost their masks and they tried to run and cover their mouths and noses. The encampment between Icicle and the battle was already filled with medical tents full of unfortunates that lost their masks in the heat of combat and inhaled the corruptive vapors. Those that didn't die from it or weren't naturally immune suffered mutations or behavioral alterations.

 

Cloud shut Fenrir's weapon compartments, drew his sword and revved the engine before kicking into gear. Yuffie and Vincent followed him into battle, passing Tifa on the way. She also followed in the blonde's wake as he drove through the allied forces and into the enemy ones. While Cloud cut a bloody path through the Deepground ranks, his friends followed behind and took out more of them with gun, Shuriken and fists.

 

From the sky, the air strike force fired down on the bulk of enemy forces, occasionally firing missiles into the back ranks, far enough away from their own allies on the ground to be no danger to them. The Deepground forces tried to fire back at the airship and ShinRa choppers but most of their missiles were depleted now, so they weren't able to produce an impressive volley against them.

 

As he fought, Cloud kept glancing up at the sky, wondering if he'd spot Genesis and hoping to eventually see a familiar, black-haired fighter joining the battle. He fought on grimly, trying to keep his mind on the battle and off of his lover's condition. With any luck, Zack would make a full recovery soon. The medics at the rest encampment had told him that most of the patients afflicted with the behavioral changes from last night's battle were coming out of it now.

 

By late afternoon, Cloud and his friends withdrew from combat to get something to eat and rest a bit at the encampment. Cid had to return to Icicle to refuel and reload and so did Reno and Rude.

 

~********************************~

 

Zack groaned and sat up in the bed, shaking his head to clear it. His head ached a little and his mouth was dry, but he felt like himself again. He rubbed his eyes and looked at his surroundings, realizing he was back at Icicle in one of the Inn rooms. Reeve Tuesti was standing over him and regarding him with uncle-like concern.

 

“You're finally awake,” Reeve said with a smile. “How do you feel?”

 

“My head hurts,” Zack answered. “Mouth's a little dry. Other than that, I feel okay.” Unfortunately, he could remember every detail about the way he'd acted while under the influence of Deepground's gas and his face was hot with embarrassment.

 

Reeve walked to the small, round table in the room and poured a glass of water from the pitcher he'd put there. “I figured you'd be thirsty when you came out of it,” he explained as he brought the glass to Zack. “That medicine tends to give a fellow cottonmouth. Here.”

 

Zack took the glass from him and nodded in thanks. After swallowing a few gulps of the cool water, he looked up at the WRO leader sheepishly. “Um, I don't know how else to ask this. Did I really sniff President Shinra?”

 

“Oh yes,” Reeve confirmed with a nod and a crooked smile. “You also growled at him. It was very amusing.”

 

Zack groaned again and ducked his head. “I was hoping I just dreamed that part,” he grumbled. ~I almost hoped I dreamed the rest of it too, even though I can't complain about having my way with Reno and Cloud. Shit, that wasn't how I wanted my first time with Foxy to go!~

 

Reeve noticed how humiliated the fighter looked and he felt sorry for him. “Look, don't sweat it. You couldn't help it and it's over now. The important thing is you're back to yourself again and once a doctor has a look at you, you can join the others on the field and help us end this.”

 

“Can't I just go now?” Zack asked. He was spoiling for a fight to take his mind off of how monumentally dumb he'd acted. If Reno were a girl, he'd be buying him flowers and an apology card right about now. Cloud would get a box of chocolates for putting up with his stupidity and taking care of him.

 

~Hmm…what do you buy a guy that says “I'm sorry I acted like a freak, please forgive me”?~

 

“I'm sorry,” Reeve said, “but if I let you leave without letting a medic examine you and confirm that you're head's on straight first, Cloud will have my head.”

 

Zack smirked. “Wouldn't want the chocobo mad at you. Okay, send for the doc. I'll be a good little mutt and let him look me over.”

 

Reeve chuckled with amusement and left the room to find a medic and get Zack some aspirin for his headache.

 

~*********************************~

 

Thirty minutes later, Zack was dressed in full combat gear, armed and ready to go. He'd taken some aspirin and wolfed down a sandwich after getting looked over by the doc and now he wanted to get his ass out there to help his friends. He saw Rufus Shinra walking toward the Inn as he spread his wings and he cringed a little when the president looked at him. He waved at the man and quickly launched into the air before Rufus could approach and lecture him. The president watched him with a bemused expression but he didn't seem angry.

 

Zack pulled his mask up over his mouth and nose and he flew out over the field, his eyes narrowed against the wind as he soared to the distant battle. One of the helicopters was returning and he banked to the right to get out of its way. He spotted Reno in the window and the Turk looked surprised to see him as Zack waved at him and gave him a sheepish grin.

 

~As soon as this is over, I'm going to make it up to you, Red.~

 

Of course, if Zack could have read the Turk's mind he would have known that Reno wasn't the slightest bit disappointed with the encounters they'd had while Zack was in his wolf state of mind.

 

Zack flew lower as he drew near the main fighting. He spotted Cloud heading back into the fray and he started to holler a greeting to him, but at that moment someone in the Deepground forces lobbed a grenade and Zack saw it arching through the air below. He swooped down and caught it, twisting his body and spinning in the air. He quickly flew over the Deepground ranks and tossed it down at them.

 

“Here, you dropped this,” Zack said with a grin and a salute. He heard the alarmed shouts as he shot straight up to get out of firing range and avoid the inevitable explosion. The grenade went off and Zack grimaced as his enemies screamed. He told himself it was justice as he banked away and headed back towards his allies.

 

Back behind the alliance forces, Zack saw Cloud waving his arms and hollering at him. The expression on the blonde's face was surprised and delighted. Zack grinned and flew over to him, coming to a landing before him.

 

“Hey there, Sunshine,” Zack said as he treated himself to a brief hug.

 

“You're okay now?” Cloud asked, his breath tickling Zack's ear.

 

“Yup. I'm back to my old, pain-in-the-butt self again,” Zack assured him, smiling as he pulled away. “I kind of wanted to fly into battle with a paper bag over my head, though. I'm really sorry about the way I acted.”

 

“It wasn't your fault,” Cloud comforted. “Besides, it was kind of fun,” he admitted bashfully, grinning at the other man.

 

Zack snorted. “Yeah? I'm surprised I didn't try to lick my balls or something.” He looked out over the field and reached back to draw his weapon from its scabbard as he pulled his wings back in. “Well, no use closing the barn door after the chocobo's escaped.”

 

“Did they brief you before you left Icicle?” Asked Cloud, grinning at Zack's comment about licking his balls.

 

“Sure did,” confirmed the taller fighter. “Reeve explained everything to me while the doc was looking me over. Let's do this, buddy.”

 

Cloud nodded in agreement and motioned for Zack to get on behind him. The black-haired fighter took the invitation and together, they rode back toward the battle. Zack jumped off of Fenrir as soon as they closed in on the front line of enemies and he launched into deadly motion, diving through the ranks and carving a gory swath as he went. Cloud continued ahead, doing considerable damage himself.

 

A huge, spinning shuriken spun past Zack's face, narrowly missing it. He knew who'd thrown it and he almost asked Yuffie what the hell she was doing, but it struck a charging Deepground fighter that Zack hadn't seen coming in the chest, felling him. The fighter pulled the weapon out of the body with a grunt and handed it back to Yuffie as she hurried over to him.

 

“Thanks, kiddo,” Zack said. “Guess I wasn't paying enough attention.”

 

“You're lucky you've got me to watch your back,” Yuffie answered lightly. ~Not that I mind watching your back, when it comes with such a nice, tight butt.~

 

~********************************~

 

They were ordered to leave the field after the sun set and it became too dark to fight without special night-vision equipment. They'd once again beaten the enemy back and Zack estimated that at the rate they were going, there wouldn't be any opposition left by the end of the week. At least, he hoped so because while the allied forces seemed to have the advantage now, their ammunition wasn't unlimited and lives were being lost on their side as well. He wondered if Weiss was ever going to come out or if the Deepground leader was even in the area. So far they hadn't seen hide or hair of him, but he could be operating behind the scenes from wherever the Deepground base was located.

 

Both forces withdrew but the WRO had helicopters circling overhead to keep an eye on the enemy, watching in case they tried to get away or in case they tried to move in on the alliance during the night. Bodies were taken off of the field to be transported for burial and the weary fighters returned to Icicle to get fed, cleaned up and rested until morning. Vincent immediately retired to the room he and Reeve were staying in and the others soon did the same.

 

“Get plenty of rest guys,” Tifa said tiredly to her friends as she retired with Yuffie to the room they were sharing.

 

Reno and Rude were sharing a room and the redhead complained he was too tired to even fuck, which made Zack chuckle. Somehow, he doubted Reno was ever too tired to fuck, but the cranky mood that the redhead was in made him think better of saying it out loud.

 

“Don't keep our boy up too late, Fair,” Cid warned Zack as he patted him on the shoulder in passing. Barret followed, his heavy boots clumping with exhaustion against the stairs as he climbed them.

 

“'Night, Spiky,” the big coal miner yawned. “'Night, Zack.”

 

“See you in the morning,” Cloud called after him. The blonde turned to face Zack. “Did you want to get something to eat before we go to bed?”

 

“Do you really need to ask when there's food involved?” Zack grinned.

 

Cloud smiled. “You're right, there was no need for me to ask.”

 

~******************************************~

 

After having some dinner and showering together, they put their soiled clothing in the laundry bag sitting by the door and got into bed. Once they lay down, both fighters were surprised to realize how tired they actually were.

 

“I feel a little guilty, having our own room while the other fighters have to sleep in tents or on the floor,” Zack muttered. “Of course, getting the VIP treatment gives me the privacy to do this—” He slipped his hand down to grope Cloud's ass, making the blonde squirm and grumble.

 

“We need to get a lot of sleep,” Cloud reminded him.

 

“I know, but who says we can't enjoy a little nookie before we go to sleep?” Zack said with a wink. He kissed the blonde to silence further protest and Cloud responded to the kiss with enthusiasm that had him chuckling. They kissed and caressed for a while but neither had the energy to do much more than that and they fell asleep in each other's arms.

 

~************************************~

 

Cloud thought he was done with the nightmares. He hadn't had them since Zack came back and he thought he was finally free of them. Some time after midnight, he began to stir restlessly in his sleep, murmuring a denial as that awful day replayed in his mind.

 

Zack's blood on his face. The smell of death and gunfire all around him. Zack's eyes looking up at him as the light faded from them forever. His own ragged, agonized scream as he realized that the only real friend he had was gone. He'd never had the chance to tell him…tell him how he really felt.

 

“Cloud? Hey, Cloud, snap out of it!” Someone was shaking him and a familiar voice called to him urgently.

 

Cloud opened his eyes and stared up at Zack. He realized now that he must have screamed out loud in his sleep. In the darkness of the room, Zack's face was hard to make out. He needed to see him…needed to touch him.

 

“You went away,” Cloud gasped, his mind still half-caught in the nightmare. “You died!”

 

Zack felt his heart constrict and he reached out to click on the bedside lamp. When the soft light bathed the room, he looked into Cloud's pain-filled, wide eyes and caressed his face. “No Cloud. I'm right here, okay? I thought we were past this now. Shhh, it's okay. You just had a nightmare.”

 

Cloud was trembling and his pupils were wide. Tears were welling in his eyes and he clutched at Zack desperately, as if he was afraid he'd be torn away from him at any moment. “Your blood,” he moaned, “It's all over me! Wake up, Zack…please don't go!”

 

Zack's expression was pained as he stroked the smaller man's blonde hair and tried to calm him down. “Oh baby, don't do this,” Zack murmured. He caught one of the hands that were clutching at his shoulder and gently guided it over his bare chest, flattening it against his skin so that it rested over his heart. “Here, feel that? My heart's beating. I'm here, Cloud. I'm real.”

 

Cloud felt the comforting thump of Zack's heart under the warm, smooth skin and he looked at his hand and then into the beloved amethyst eyes of his lover. “I need to feel you,” he whispered past the ache in his throat. He was still confused and frightened, half convinced that his mind was playing tricks on him.

 

“You are feeling me, Sunshine,” Zack said gently. He bent his head and started kissing away the tears that were trailing from the corner of Cloud's eyes. “Shhh, I'm here.” He kissed the trembling mouth next and stretched out on top of him, letting him feel the length of his body against his.

 

Cloud ran his other hand over Zack's back and shoulders and he returned the kiss with needy enthusiasm. “Need you,” he whispered against the black-haired fighter's lips. “Want to feel all of you, Zack.”

 

At a loss for any other way to make the blonde feel all of him, Zack began to caress Cloud's body with one hand while propping himself up with his other arm to keep his full weight off of him. “You'll feel all of me,” he promised gently, trailing soft kisses over Cloud's jaw and neck. He stroked a nipple with his fingertips and the blonde sighed, the fingers of the hand resting over Zack's heart curling reflexively.

 

He hadn't seen Cloud this vulnerable since the escape from Hojo's lab and it brought out every protective urge Zack had. He couldn't stand the pain in his lover's voice and eyes. He wished he could kiss away the memory of his death so that it couldn't hurt Cloud anymore, but the best he could do now was show him that he was warm and alive and not going anywhere. He moved his hand down to stroke the blonde's taut abdomen, rubbing in light circles over the soft skin. He traced the navel, loving the shape and depth of it. Cloud whimpered and Zack kissed his mouth again, stroking inside with his tongue to still his cries.

 

“I'm here,” he whispered over and over again between kisses as he touched him. He slipped his hand deftly into Cloud's boxers and curled his fingers around his hardening shaft, stroking the silken length with slow, loving care. Cloud's breath caught and Zack slipped his tongue into his mouth again to caress his. He brushed his thumb over the heart-shaped tip of the blonde's sex, drawing a little shiver of pleasure from him. Cloud's hand stayed in place over his heart, while the other one explored his body with eagerness that was somehow innocent.

 

“Want to feel you inside,” Cloud murmured against Zack's mouth, his voice aching and passionate.

 

“You will,” Zack promised. He paused in his fondling to reach out for the tube they'd brought with them for just such a purpose. He fumbled blindly over the surface of the bedside table for a moment before his fingers closed over the item he was after. He set the tube aside on the mattress for the moment and he started to roll off of Cloud so that he could get them both undressed. The blonde clutched at him and shook his head and Zack smiled reassuringly down at him.

 

“It's okay, Cloudy. I've just got to get our undies off, all right? Here, keep your hand over my heart if it helps.” He placed his larger hand over Cloud's to hold it in place as he got off of him. “How's that? You okay?”

 

Cloud swallowed and nodded, his blue eyes never leaving Zack's face. The black-haired fighter pulled the covers down and slid Cloud's boxers off first before wriggling out of his own briefs. Now that they were both naked, Zack pulled the covers back up and eased onto the blonde's body again, his thighs pressing between Cloud's.

 

Zack kissed him again and slid his hand under one of the blonde's knees to lift his leg up. He set it on his shoulder and reached out for the lube. It took a bit of finesse to squeeze some onto his fingers without putting his full weight on the blonde but Zack's stubborn spirit allowed him to win the battle with gravity and get it done. He set the tube aside and slipped his hand under the covers, searching for his goal with practiced skill. Cloud's little gasp when he found it and began preparing him was muffled against Zack's mouth.

 

Zack worked his body with gentle care and when he wasn't kissing him, he held his eyes and murmured to him reassuringly. “It's okay. I'm here.”

 

That trembling, calloused hand never left his chest as he gently thrust his fingers inside of Cloud's tight heat and Zack had a feeling it would stay there the entire time he made love to him, too. The panic was fading from Cloud's eyes, at least…which was a good sign. Zack rubbed the little gland inside and he smiled when Cloud moaned and licked his lips. He lowered his mouth to his again and gave him a deep, loving kiss as he stimulated the spot until the blonde was panting softly and moving restlessly beneath him.

 

“I think you're ready for me, Sunshine,” Zack informed his lover in a husky whisper. He withdrew his fingers and reached for the lube again. “Do you want to get me ready?” he offered when Cloud's other hand curled around his erection. Cloud nodded and released him to pull his hand up. Zack squeezed some of the gel onto it and closed his eyes as Cloud's hand slipped back under the covers and started rubbing it on his cock.

 

“Feels good,” Zack sighed unnecessarily. Cloud's soft lips were pressing kisses against the hollow of his throat and Zack moved his hips, matching Cloud's strokes as the blonde slicked the length of his cock with the lube. Cloud didn't stop once the organ was coated and Zack allowed him to keep petting it for a while, kissing him softly and murmuring his name.

 

“Guide me in, Cloud,” Zack murmured after a few moments. He felt the stroking hand still and grip him firmly as he slowly rocked forward. He felt the puckered flesh against the tip of his cock and he flexed his hips and breached it carefully.

 

“Zack,” Cloud whimpered, his hand curling over his chest.

 

“Hurt?” Zack asked him.

 

Cloud shook his head. “Don't stop.”

 

Zack eased in, driving his rigid flesh in without stopping until he was completely inside. Cloud exhaled shakenly and looked up at him with parted lips. Zack held his position for a moment and lowered his mouth to the blonde's kissing him deeply.

 

“Feel me,” he murmured against the soft lips. He withdrew slowly and eased back in, tracing Cloud's gasping lips with his tongue. “Better?” Zack queried huskily.

 

“Perfect,” agreed Cloud, the last of his fears melting away as Zack's body joined with his. Distantly, he felt a little foolish for his weak, childish behavior but if the other fighter minded, he certainly didn't show it. Cloud almost pulled his hand away from Zack's chest but the steady rhythm of the heart beating beneath his palm was reassuring, so he left it resting there. Zack began to move steadily and Cloud didn't try to temper his moans of pleasure as the hard, thick length of his lover's cock massaged him inside. He allowed his free hand to explore other parts of the hard body moving over his, tracing the contours and planes with questing fingers.

 

Zack paused and rotated his hips, moving his shaft around inside of Cloud with sensual, experimental motions. The blonde groaned his name and squeezed his left buttock, tossing his head as the sensations pulsed through him.

 

“You like that?” Zack asked breathlessly, smiling down at him.

 

“Oh god,” Cloud blurted in response.

 

Zack kept doing it until Cloud's body reached a level of tension he was familiar with and then he started pumping again, gasping as his own pleasure grew to greater heights. He kissed the blonde's arching throat and murmured his name shakenly, fighting to hold his orgasm back as he realized he wasn't going to come without spending himself. He thrust a little harder but kept his rhythm slow. Cloud's ragged moan told him the blonde was very, very close and Zack lowered his mouth to his chest and took a nipple between his lips to tease it with his tongue.

 

“Unh…Zack!” Cloud's cry was loud and heartfelt as his orgasm exploded and his toes curled. His breath hissed between his teeth as he clenched his jaw and spattered Zack's stomach with his seed.

 

“That's my Sunshine,” Zack encouraged warmly as he released the bud he was teasing and nibbled Cloud's ear. He closed his eyes and groaned softly as the blonde clenched spasmodically around his pumping cock. “You feel so amazing,” Zack sighed. The spasms slowed and stopped after a moment and Cloud's contented sigh was music to Zack's ears.

 

He lasted for perhaps another five minutes before his climax took him into bliss. Zack moaned his lover's name and arched his back as he filled him. Cloud kissed his heaving chest and stroked his back with lazy pleasure as he pulsed inside of him and trembled with release. When it was finished, Zack laid his head on Cloud's shoulder and rested for a while as the blonde's fingers combed through his hair.

 

“I'm sorry I acted like that,” Cloud murmured after a few moments of basking in the afterglow with him. Zack lifted his head to look at him and Cloud felt himself blush. “I was confused and kind of caught in the nightmare. I guess it hit me so hard because I haven't had it since you've been back.”

 

Zack gave him a slow, loving kiss. “It's okay, cutie-pie. Don't feel bad about it. As long as you feel safe now, I'm happy.”

 

Cloud swallowed and nuzzled the taller man's neck. “I'm okay now.”

 

“So I can get up and get a washcloth to clean us off without you panicking?” Zack inquired seriously. He wasn't teasing him; he was honestly concerned.

 

“Yeah, I promise I won't freak out,” answered Cloud with a shy little smile.

 

Zack kissed him again. “Be right back, okay?”

 

Cloud nodded and winced a little as the black-haired fighter pulled out of his body and got out of bed. He sighed and stared up at the ceiling, wishing he hadn't acted like a scared child but satisfied with the way Zack had reassured him. His body was still tingling pleasantly and the faint soreness he felt down below wasn't so much uncomfortable as rewarding. He never would have imagined himself being so eager to have another man's cock inside of him but with Zack, it felt so right and so good.

 

The object of his thoughts returned from the little bathroom a moment later, carrying a damp, soapy washcloth in one hand. Cloud could see that he'd already cleaned off the mess on his stomach and he smiled a little as Zack got into bed and wiped him down too.

 

“Sometimes I feel a little bad for taking you away from the women,” Cloud remarked.

 

Zack glanced at him from underneath disheveled bangs. “Yeah? Why's that?”

 

“They're missing out, for starters,” Cloud admitted with an embarrassed shrug. “For another thing I'll bet you'd make a pretty good father.”

 

Zack laughed softly and put the washcloth on the bedside table closest to him before lying down beside Cloud and pulling the covers over them both. “That could really be taken the wrong way if I didn't know you so well,” he murmured as he pulled the smaller man into his embrace.

 

“Huh?” Cloud asked, tilting his head back to look at him. “What's wrong with me saying you'd make a good dad?”

 

“Because you said it after I got you cleaned up,” Zack chuckled. “Some people might think you see me as your daddy.”

 

“Oh, that's…that's gross,” Cloud grumbled, his mouth twisting. “I just meant you're really good at taking care of people, that's all!”

 

“Don't get worked up about it,” Zack said, still chuckling. “I was just running off at the mouth. Let's not spoil the mood.” He kissed him lightly and rubbed his back.

 

Cloud sighed and rested his cheek against the other man's hard-muscled chest, enjoying the feel of it against his skin. “Okay, but you brought it up. I'll try not to think of it.” Zack's hands felt good on his back and his eyes began to drift shut as the touch lulled him into a more relaxed state.

 

Zack kept rubbing his back until the blonde's breathing was deep and even with sleep. He whispered an endearment and reached out to click the lamp off before shutting his eyes and letting himself follow his lover into sleep.

 

~***********************************~

 

-To be continued