» Log One | Zack and Cloud «

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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?"

Comments

WOW!!! W!!! O!!! W!!! WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT, MR STRIFE?

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Sharp, white teeth sink in the expanse of his bottom lip in an attempt to keep the bubble of laughter that threatened to rise at bay. Cloud was entirely too adorable when he pouted like that, but something told him that wasn't exactly a thought he would appreciate at the given moment.

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

[backwatertrooper]

Zack's silence made Cloud's frown deepen, and glancing back up at Zack, some tense alarm wormed itself through him. Because he knew Zack well enough by now to recognise that look.

"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

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There was something exceptionally interesting about seeing each of Cloud's reactions, how they differed from day to day, from situation to situation. This time, there was no holding back the soft sound of laughter, eyes dancing in amusement as the sound released. Hands slipped away, coming to rest firmly above the cool expanse of counter, further trapping Cloud into place in front of him.

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!

[backwatertrooper]

Zack just had to laugh at him, didn't he. It was that sound, as much as he liked it, that at least let Cloud gather himself for a breath and remember to push the bag and other bowl with the cherries further back behind him. Just in time for there to suddenly be arms on either side of him, boxing him in.

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!

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Breathe caught within his throat as those fingers brushed against his skin, tracing along muscle before falling away, somehow managing to distract him from the moment completely with the mere touch. It was almost as if there was some unspoken contest taking place between them, an attempt to see who could hold out longest, who would give in and bring their lips together first.

"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~

[backwatertrooper]

Unspoken contest, or Cloud just overcoming his shyness for a moment to touch what he definitely had thought, not a few times, about touching, if he ever got the chance. He was just a little too shy to actually commit properly, even if he sure did want to.

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!!!

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Thinking back, he could barely remember a time when anything had been more precious than those incredibly rare smiles that only he ever seemed capable of capturing. A part of him had come to live for those smiles, for knowing that he had been the reason behind it's formation.

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*?!

[backwatertrooper]

Cloud's heart skipped a beat, then another, as their noses bumped and Zack's eyes closed. His lashes dark against the smooth skin of his cheekbones, and Cloud... sort of wanted to follow that line and then down Zack's cheek, mapping out the scar and then the angle of his chin. He even raised a hand, then stopped, swallowing and unthinkingly licking his lips again.

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!

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Some part of his brain, the one that was still capable of rational thought, made the connection that Cloud had been the one to close the distance between them, and therefore he had won this little unspoken contest between them. It was the same part that felt a sudden swell of pride, knowing just how much shyness Cloud had over come in order to make the first move.

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.

[backwatertrooper]

It was a little easier since they were so close already, but he almost pulls back immediately afterwards. Cloud doesn't get a chance to do that, though, as he stills at the touch of fingertips brushing his cheek, then fingers curling around his neck, just resting there.

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!

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Counting down each heartbeat within his mind, carefully calculating how long to keep the connection between them before easing away. Already a slight burn had settled into his lungs, longing to be soothed with much needed air. Something fluttered deep within his stomach, a subtle electric pulse that didn't quite fade, even once the moment had passed.

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!!

[backwatertrooper]

If there was some way to not need to breathe for a little longer, Cloud would love to know about it and use it. He did not want to pull back, especially not when Zack pressed in, just a little, and Cloud felt a noise almost want to escape him as he tilted his head into the pressure---

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

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"Yeah?" Those bright eyes fluttered open at the sound of his name, meeting Cloud's own under the fall of dark lashes. Maybe he should have gone for it, should have just dove right back in once they had both caught their breath. But this was obviously entirely new to Cloud, and making him uncomfortable was honestly the last thing he wanted.

SHOW YOURSELF AS THE BIGGER MAN HERE, ZACK

[backwatertrooper]

Something in that look and tone... Cloud blushed and squirmed a little, then met Zack's gaze with a small smile.

"You know, you're cleaning up what you made us spill, Cloud said, his smile smile widening and a very mischievous glitter taking residence in his eyes. Still wanted to kiss Zack again, but suddenly leaning forward that little distance seemed too much, and it was easier to resort to teasing Zack.

Even if he was serious.