Zack ∞ F A I R (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
modulatingphases) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
destinyfell2016-07-13 05:55 pm
modulatingphases) wrote in destinyfell2016-07-13 05:55 pm
» Log One | Zack and Cloud «
Two whole weeks.
It had been two whole, entire weeks since the miraculous discovery that his best friend was not only the most adorable thing in the whole, entire world, but that he could also bake.
Cloud could bake. And somehow, it had taken Zack this long to find out about it.
Store bought never quite tasted the same as home made, and those little, overly brown disk with slimy looking imitation chocolate chunks that ShinRa peddled in the dessert line definitely didn't compare.
Which was why he was now doing something he normally put off until the last possible moment - or worse, failed to do at all and ended up getting take out or eating in the cafeteria - grocery shopping. Specifically for ingredients to make this pie he had been promised.
It was made a bit more bearable by the fact that he was doing so with Cloud, and that all he really had to do was push along the basket and try to not toss extra, unneeded items inside - although a few definitely made their way in. It was nice, getting to spend time with Cloud doing something other than going on a mission, where both of them could relax and simply enjoy each other's company.
And the baked goods one of them was going to make. Couldn't forget about the baked goods.
"So," They had been standing in the same isle for the past ten minutes, and Zack was starting to wonder exactly how involved this whole pie making ordeal was going to be. "Just how many ingredients do you need for this thing?"
It had been two whole, entire weeks since the miraculous discovery that his best friend was not only the most adorable thing in the whole, entire world, but that he could also bake.
Cloud could bake. And somehow, it had taken Zack this long to find out about it.
Store bought never quite tasted the same as home made, and those little, overly brown disk with slimy looking imitation chocolate chunks that ShinRa peddled in the dessert line definitely didn't compare.
Which was why he was now doing something he normally put off until the last possible moment - or worse, failed to do at all and ended up getting take out or eating in the cafeteria - grocery shopping. Specifically for ingredients to make this pie he had been promised.
It was made a bit more bearable by the fact that he was doing so with Cloud, and that all he really had to do was push along the basket and try to not toss extra, unneeded items inside - although a few definitely made their way in. It was nice, getting to spend time with Cloud doing something other than going on a mission, where both of them could relax and simply enjoy each other's company.
And the baked goods one of them was going to make. Couldn't forget about the baked goods.
"So," They had been standing in the same isle for the past ten minutes, and Zack was starting to wonder exactly how involved this whole pie making ordeal was going to be. "Just how many ingredients do you need for this thing?"
Well excuse him, Cloud Strife
"I will on one condition."
The words come along with his signature charming smile, finger held up in front of his face, head slightly cocked, looking completely innocent. And definitely up to something.
no excuses
Unsure what sort of answer he wanted, considering Zack's expression (which made him want to smile, but he didn't, and made his heart skip a beat), and what sort of answer he should hope for.
He had some ideas, but...
You're not the boss of him :|
Cloud hadn't exactly objected when he'd referred to him as such just a few moments prior, so he highly doubted the answer was actually going to be no. Even without the added guise of it being in exchange for his help pitting endless amounts of cherries.
If he ever managed to convince Cloud to bake him another pie - which would honestly be pretty surprising, considering - they were definitely getting a filling that didn't required quite as much preparation.
Well, it's true Zack is the SOLDIER, and a 1st class, but as Zack's boyfriend... yes he is
Blinking, blue eyes wide, Cloud still hadn't expected that as... soon as this. But then, he didn't really know... anything about things like this.
"Um..." There was, of course, only one response Cloud intended to make, but that hedging response came first, a faint blush on his cheeks from Zack's softening smile - it pulled one from him as well, and he finally nodded.
"... sure. Not very hard condition to agree to," Cloud said, voice soft, but his expression was now amused. Even if there was still red colouring the tips of his ears and he was looking at the cherries, not at Zack.
That is so not what he signed up for, Cloud Strife
Maybe all of this was happening too fast. Maybe he should have gone in the opposite direction and tried to slow things down instead. Maybe he shouldn't have kissed Cloud as quickly as he had. Maybe he shouldn't be asking for a commitment already.
But they had known each other for a while, long enough for him to learn what he needed to. Enough for him to know that he didn't just like Cloud for his looks - and they did play a part, at least initially. That spiky blond hair and those sparkling blue eyes were hard to miss, especially when they were revealed as playfully as they had been. But they weren't the selling point, weren't what really cemented the fact that he wanted to be with Cloud. It was his personality, the heart that shown through it and illuminated everything around him.
It had captured Zack's attention and had never let him go.
The blush was an entirely new shade of red, one that he quickly added to his mental tally. Reaching outwards, he captured Cloud's chin between his thumb and fore finger, using the gentle hold to draw his eyes away from the task at hand and towards him.
"That was kind of the point, Spike." If it had been something that was difficult to agree to, neither of them would have won. "So, does this mean I get to kiss you when ever I want?"
What DID you sign up for, Zack?
Aside from the fact that Zack was an utter dork, the way he went about this, and maybe it was a little fast, a little soon...
Cloud didn't mind.
"... yeah, I guess it does. That's the kind of... privilege you get, right..?" Cloud said, biting his lip and almost reaching for Zack. He stopped partway though as he glanced down and caught the red-stained mess his hands were, dealing with the cherries as he had been doing.
Not that :|
Also, that cherry juice would totally wash off. Or come out of his clothes. Even if it didn't, he had multiple other's. It wouldn't be that much of a loss.
"Yeah? What other privileges do I get?" Taking a step forward, closing a small amount of the space that separated them as he spoke, but still just shy of being close enough.
Look he'll be fair about it how's that?
"Um..." licking his lips, Cloud shrugged, grinning faintly up at Zack, "back problems?"
Not that the height difference between them was extreme, but there was enough of it Zack definitely had to make an effort even when Cloud leaned up. Which he did, steadying himself with one hand on Zack's hip and the other against the counter, a little hesitant and expectant - they'd already kissed, sure, but...
It felt a bit different now.
Um. Excuse you. The only one Fair around here is him.
"Not exactly what I was looking for." A soft bubble of laughter accompany the words, another flirty tease despite already having gotten Cloud's agreement.
Shifting to close the distance between them, free hand settling upon a narrow hip as the other slipped from it's place, transitioning from holding Clouds chin to cupping his cheek.
But he didn't lean downwards, although it was difficult to tell weather it was out of stubbornness or amusement or a desire to see what Cloud would so in return.
Okay so that means he doesn't HAVE TO be fair about this? Good to know!
He was just not bending down.
A frown starting to compete with his blush, Cloud stared up at Zack, eyes narrowing. Leaning a little further up, Cloud was soon standing on his tiptoes and blushing furiously, mostly in flustered annoyance.
"Zack." Planting himself back down on the floor properly again, Cloud was sure he was pouting now. Attempting to leave wasn't anything he could do, because with his back up against the counter and Zack right in front of him, there was nowhere to go.
W O W!!! Don't you use his last name against him in that manner.
And, admittedly, it was more than a little flattering to know he was the reason for that dusting of red currently painted across Cloud's cheeks, at knowing that it was all entirely for him.
"Did you want something, Spike? Because you know, all you gotta do is ask." Who knew playing hard to get could be so entertaining? Maybe that was why people did it so often.
He'll use it however he wants and you said he wasn't Fair.
"... thought I just did," he muttered after a moment, glowering up at Zack
definitely not pouting again, and then looking away. Feeling a little flustered and awkward at the idea of asking outright verbally for a kiss. Or for Zack to bend down so he could kiss him.He could do it, he wasn't that shy, but it still made his stomach twist a little.]
WOW!!! W!!! O!!! W!!! WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT, MR STRIFE?
And then, suddenly, the cogs within his brain finally started to turn and an idea finally started to form. A good idea.
You could practically see the light bulb going off above his head.
Those fingers flexed against slender hips in way of warning, before tightening and lifting, placing Cloud firmly upon the counter. And knocking over the bowl of sugar and other various mixed ingredients in the process. But the mess is willfully ignored as he steps forward, slowly releasing his lip from the hold of his teeth, eyes that were dancing with mischief finding Cloud's.
Bright blue fluttered closed within the next heart beat, back arching as he leaned in, lips barely brushing against Cloud's before hovering, just out of reach.
"Should I tell you your privileges?"
Being your boyfriend, Mr. Fair. 0:D
"Zack---"
Too late.
Zack's hands tightened on his hips and then he was lifted up like he weighed nothing, a swooping thrill of protest and vertigo both and he clutched at Zack's shoulders just as his butt hit the counter and the bowl tipped over with a clatter. At least he didn't squish the cherries, though it was a near thing.
"Zack! Was that---" Cloud's bright blue eyes widened when Zack stepped in close, breath washing over his lips and throat and they were close enough now there was basically only a shade of tilting forward needed to kiss Zack.
Talking. Zack was...
"U-um? What..?" Cloud pretended that was an actual question in response to Zack's, instead of a very reflexive and unintelligent squeak.
UM!!! That is a gross misuse of power, sir
It wouldn't be overly difficult to get away, if Cloud chose to do so. But until that discomfort was displayed, he had every intention on moving forward.
"Well, if my privileges are kisses whenever I want them and back problems, it's only fair that you get a couple too, right?"
No, he's pretty sure that's the exact right use of the power vested in this position!
The little flutter of his heart had absolutely nothing to do with fear, though, because Cloud knew very well it wouldn't be hard to get down from the counter. If he wanted to. But really, he... didn't really want that.
"... um. I guess..." wetting his lips, Cloud nodded, if a little distractedly. One hand came up to just barely trace along Zack's bicep, then he drew it back and finally met Zack's glowing gaze, peering at him from under his eyelashes. "... so. What are they..?"
.... Look! Maybe you won this one okay BUT JUST THIS ONE!
"Date nights with yours truly. Dinner, movies, you know, the usual." It's said as if it's somehow the best thing in the entire world, as if no privilege could ever possibly be better. But there's a definite hint of teasing contained within his tone as well.
:D He's fine with winning just this once. Better luck next time Zack~
Blinking a little, just a little distracted, again, by how close Zack was, and, thus, how close his lips were... and also those glowing blue eyes. Then he laughed quietly, shaking his head.
"... dates, huh? Sounds like pretty good... privileges, actually," Cloud said softly, a tiny smile on his face and leaning forward a little. Their noses practically brushing together, now.
Don't you rub this victory in his face you only won because you CHEATED!!!
But it was becoming exceedingly difficult to focus on anything other than those lips and how close they currently were to his and how amazing they had felt earlier and how much he wanted to experience that spark again. It wasn't shyness that kept him from closing the space that remained between them, or any fear of what Cloud's reactions might be, especially given how positive they had all been so far.
"I'm glad you approve." Nose bumped against Cloud's as he spoke, eyes fluttering closed in anticipation, lips only a hairs breath away.
HOW WAS ANY OF THAT *CHEATING*?!
Which meant he almost touched Zack's lips as well, and Cloud blushed, and, gripping the counter between his legs, knuckles brushing against Zack's shirt where it covered his stomach, Cloud leaned in that last little breath of a distance and kissed Zack like he'd wanted to do earlier.
It was like the other ones, as few as they'd been; warm and soft and Cloud felt his heart skip again.
Your new boyfriend powers should be used for good, not evil, Cloud!
Every other portion had shut down completely, utterly overwhelmed by the feeling of those lips against his.
His own fingers lift, backs ghosting over the warmth of Cloud's cheek before trailing downwards, cupping the side of his neck and resting there. It's a light sort of kiss, soft and gentle but more than enough to cause his heart to skip a beat before thudding back into a racing rhythm.
He's pretty sure that was at least a neutral use of them. You just don't like losing.
It's hard to not be very, very aware of how close Zack is, standing up against the counter between Cloud's spread knees, warmth being trapped between them and... and the kiss, of course.
Shivering a little, though whether from the butterflies in his stomach or the touch on his neck, Cloud grips the counter harder.
You are biased and therefore your opinion does not count therefore Zack wins BOO-YAH!
Applying the lightest bit of pressure, deepening the kiss for another beat, and another, before finally breaking away slowly. Remaining close, eyes still shut, fingers still resting against the warmth of skin. It was incredibly tempting to dive right back in, to press his lips against Cloud's with all of the built of intensity created by months of wondering and waited.
But his normal tactic of rushing into something head first and knocking over every obstacle that stood in his way until he reached his goal wasn't exactly going to work with this. In fact, it could very likely result in the opposite and backfire spectacularly.
So he waited in practiced patience, giving Cloud the freedom to decide what happened next.
So much for accepting defeat gracefully!!
Then Zack pulled back just as the burn in his lungs demanded he really, actually, needed to breathe, and he sucked in a breath, flushed for more than one reason and lips feeling a little tingly.
It didn't seem like Zack went far, though, and Cloud blinked open his eyes, frowning a little to see Zack just... waiting, there, barely further away than they started out before he kissed him. Pressing his lips together shifting where he sat on the counter, Cloud wondered if it was okay to just do that again...
"... Zack..?"
N O P E never gonna happen
SHOW YOURSELF AS THE BIGGER MAN HERE, ZACK