I really was hopeful that this was where things were going when cloud gave zack a ride :( that he’d either take him to his place or that zack would invite him in but I forgot for a second that it was slow burn (I’m loving it tho) I both love and hate how blind cloud can be sometimes to the obvious signs zack is trying to throw his way 😭
Also I want to kick both of these boys asses for being so self depricating and believing that they’re not worthy of being loved
What if...
--- The rain pelted down. His vision behind his visor swam. Fenrir balked. Cloud jerked and brought his bike back under control. This weather was horrible and downright dangerous to ride in. The barracks was a forty-minute ride away--his place only ten. “I’m gonna take us back to my place. It’s not safe,” he shouted and hoped Zack would hear and not think he was about to be kidnapped. Cloud steered off into a side street and headed for home with a robust rev of his engine. Zack held on tight. The feel of him was so good. It kept the chill out of Cloud. He loved how tight Zack held on to him--’Focus’ he told himself and made sure to get them back to his place in one piece. He pulled into the underground garage, found his parking spot and came to a standstill. “Where are we?” Zack said as he jittered behind Cloud. Cloud took off his helmet. “I took us back to mine. It’s not safe to ride right now. The rains too much. I’ll take you back to the barracks when the rain eases off. I hope that’s okay,” he said as he watched and felt Zack dismount from Fenrir. He reached out and steadied Zack, who looked wobbly on his feet. “Careful.” “Th-thanks, C-c-cloud.” “C’mon. You can have a hot shower at my place.” Cloud dismounted and rubbed himself to keep warm. he was used to cold weather but had to admit that the rain and wind had made even him freeze. His fingers felt like ice blocks, despite the gloves. He hated to imagine what it must be like for Zack. He led the way--”Oh... I’m... sorry. There’s no elevator. We’re gonna have to climb the stairs.” Zack chuckled. “M-maybe it’ll w-warm m-m-me u-u-up.” “I hope so.” They ascended. Slowly. Cloud could see what a struggle it was for Zack. He could see how Zack tried to play it cool. He heard the grumble and snap in the way Zack muttered about why there were so many stairs. “Sorry,” is the only thing he could really respond with. But Zack smiled. They got to Cloud’s apartment and Cloud hurried to provide Zack with a towel and... much to his chagrin, Zack’s clothes he still had in his chest of drawers. He hoped Zack wouldn’t say anything and hid them under the towel. But it wasn't to be because once he said, “Here. I’ve got some clothes for you too,” Zack, of course, looked at the clothes. “Hey, these look like mine. My favorite shirt?” “I, uh... Go have a shower.” He pushed Zack toward the bathroom--gently though, as Zack seemed unsteady still. “What about you?” “I’m okay. I’ll just get changed. My clothes are pretty weather-proof.” And so Cloud left Zack to shower while he got changed and tried to warm up with a hot cup of coffee. he also made Zack a hot chocolate. “Here,’ he said once Zack came out with rosy cheeks which were accentuated by the red shirt he wore. Zack looked so good in his clothes. That shirt hugged him nicely. Maybe it sat a little too big, but Cloud stared at Zack’s arms for maybe a little too long as Zack reached for and took the mug. “I can’t believe you had my favorite shirt!” “Your favorite shirt?” Cloud grew mortified. “Yeah. I thought I lost it. How’d you get it?” “I um... remember when there was the bad rainstorm and I got soaked?” Zack looked thoughtful. he drank the steaming hot drink. “Oh yeah.” He chuckled. “Kinds fitting to get it back now that I got all wet.” Cloud chuckled too at that and felt relieved that all his worst thoughts about having held on to the clothes for too long didn’t seem to eventuate. “Good thing I held onto them.” “Mm.” Zack looked around as they stood and drank. “Nice apartment.” “Thanks.” He looked around as well and then back at Zack--”Oh... my number’s washed off.” “Hmm?” Zack looked at Cloud and then at his hand as he held his mug. “Oh yeah. It must have happened in the rain. Lucky you brought me to your place or I’ve gotten back to mine and I wouldn’t’ve been able to call you.” A soft smile played on Zack’s lips. Cloud’s heart thundered. It was surreal to have Zack in his apartment. “Let’s it down. We can watch something while we wait for the storm to pass.” And so they did. They sat next to each other. Zack scooched closer. “Thanks for bringing me here. I kind of didn’t want the night to end.” Cloud gulped. “I’m, uh... glad I could make you warm.” “You make me so warm, Cloud.” Zack slipped his free hand onto Cloud’s knee. Cloud gulped harder. His body felt electric. Zack’s touch seared into his slacks. “You... me too.” Was Zack somehow moving closer? His nose almost touched Cloud’s. Cloud leaned back a little. But not much. Zack gave him a fleeting smile and pulled back. Cloud didn’t like that. he leaned in and followed. “Zack,” he said and laid his hand on Zack’s that still sat on his knee. “Mm?” was all that Zack said as his gaze lingered on Cloud’s lips. Cloud gulped. The damn lump wouldn’t leave his throat. Zack was so close. So hot. Cloud licked his lips. His heart thundered. Zack also licked his lips. “Cloud,” Zack husked. The sound went straight to Cloud’s groin. He leaned in a fraction closer. Their noses brushed together. To hell with being cautious. To hell with being scared of getting hurt. Cloud wanted Zack so much. The heavily lidded blue eyes that looked back at him with longing were enough. Cloud wanted to taste--he pushed and pressed his lips to Zack’s. There was no negative recourse. Zack breathed in deep, hummed, and leaned into Cloud and into the kiss. He... kissed back. Butterflies erupted inside of Cloud. His heart could have stopped. Zack swiped his tongue against Cloud’s mouth. Cloud opened and took in Zack’s sweet, chocolate taste for a moment before they pulled apart. “I love you,” Zack quietly murmured. A high-pitched ring rose in Cloud’s ears. He stared, bewildered. Had he heard right? “Y-you...” “Love you. I love you.” Zack looked back, his cheeks splashed with crimson. Cloud let out a held-in breath. He smiled through the noise in his head. “I... love you too.” The smile on Zack’s lips unfurled, spread, engulfed. Zack dove in and kissed Cloud--they pulled apart with small shouts as Zack’s drink spilled all over them. They laughed “Don’t suppose you have another set of pants lying around for me, huh?” “No.” Cloud got up to go to the kitchen and help Zack get himself and the lounge cleaned up. “You can always not wear pants while you’re here.” Zack laughed at that. “Maybe.” ---- My fingers slipped and now I have written a thing. You are welcome. Thank you for getting in touch ❤️😆
It's not only great to get a reply, but also an alternative version, a short love confession from one of your favorite fanfictions ever ♡ Thank you for your words anonymous and thank you for your reply creamypudding ♡
