Well hello there! Yup, tis an update! Srsly?? No wai! XD

Hmm.. I think it's high time I put up an AU warning. As you may have guessed, this is AU, well, in terms of plot, we're still set in the ffVII world here, just to clear that up. /sweatdrop/

Thank you again to reviewers, you're a huuuuuge inspiration! Really!

And to those of you who guessed about the raven... To put it one way, no, it isn't him, sorry! XD

Anyhow, let us continue, ne?

Chapter Three: As You Want It

Living in Junnon – Cloud surmised after hearing many, many stories – was a lot easier than it was a lot easier than it was in... well, may places really. Junnon was, after all, one of the few free cities left on Gaia.

He didn't know first hand, but apparently, Edge was the worst. The reason? Well, the general consensus about cities is that if you can't get in, and anyone who tries to get out in order to tell others about it dies in the attempt, makes the city a bad place to be. That, and it was built around the ruins of the ancient ruins of Midgar.

A.K.A – Devil central.

The very thought of the place made Cloud shiver, the thought of thousands upon thousands of the vile creatures made his skin crawl. He, unlike many who lived in peaceful Junnon, had actually seen a Devil once, three years before he and his family had moved to Junnon, in their old hometown of Nibelheim. A Devil had come down from the mountains into the village, injured as it was though, it didn't stand a chance against twenty fully grown and armed men.

But that was still more than most had seen.

But Edge, compared to Nibelheim, was fifty times worse. Nibelheim had the odd incident, in Edge – he's heard – a day that went by without a death caused by Devil hands – or claws, rather – was a rare occurrence.

It was after shivering again, sitting in the back of Tsubatchi's car that was currently headed for Riku's house that Cloud wished his older brother would stop talking about it.

"Did you have Devil's in Gongaga Zack?" Tsubatchi asked.

Cloud frowned, he'd never heard of Gongaga, he guessed it was Zack's hometown, and figured it must be tiny if he'd never heared of it.

"Loads." Zack answered, then grinned at Tsubatchi's expression, who quickly returned his attention back to the road, "They mostly kept to the forests around the village though, never saw one myself." Zack let out a small laugh then, "Not that it mattered really, Grandpa told me that only Terin lived there, so we didn't have much to worry about. Not like the Dragons on Mount Nibel."

Tsubatchi nodded at that, "We never saw much of them though, Nibel Dragons, even though they're like, super strong, kept to themselves." he paused for a moment, a disturbed frown maring his features, "You could hear 'em roaring at each other at night though. Scary things Dragons."

Cloud shivered again, he remembered those nights when sleep was hard to come by because of the Dragon's chilling song most nights. Chilling, yes, more like terrifying really, but to Cloud, for some reason he didn't fully understand, utterly heartbreaking.

Zack shrugged then, "Cloud likes 'em."

Tsubatchi snorted, "Cloud's a weirdo, right bro?"

Cloud scowled at Tsubatchi's rear view mirror in just the right spot so his brother could see it, "Right, says you who's ashamed of your blonde hair."

Tsubatchi winced as Zack let out a musical peal of laughter, turning in his seat to face the blonde behind him, "Seriously? He's naturally blonde?"

Cloud nodded with a small smirk, "Mmhmm, and his hair sticks out worse then mine, he gets up at the crack of dawn so its straighted for collage."

Tsubatchi growled at him but was hardly heared due to Zack's laughter, "Wow man, I'm not forgetting this anytime soon!"

Zack continued, but Cloud didn't listen, gazing blindly out the car window as they drove along, his mind still turning over what on Gaia happened earlier. Perhaps Zack would be drunk enough later that he'd actually tell Cloud if he confronted him.

Maybe.

XXXXXX

If Cloud wasn't so polite, he would have told Tsubatchi how bored he was and that he wanted to go home. But he was polite and thus sat quietly and watched him dance with a girl who's name he was told but memory escaped him.

The blonde let out a sigh and rested his chin in his palm, elbow leaning on the small table he sat at. He had spoken to Roxas briefly, but Axel had appeared mid way through they're conversation and dragged the other boy away giggling.

Cloud sighed again, even when the chair next to his scraped against the floor.

"Why so melancholy O spiky one?"

Cloud merely shrugged, it was the first time Zack had spoken to him since the dark haired youth had fled his bedroom.

Zack smiled at him and ruffled his blonde spikes while sliding a small glass filled with bright green liquid across the table. Cloud couldn't help but eye it warily.

"What's that?"

"Good." Zack answered and filled a glass for himself before pulling the caps two bottles of beer and sitting one next to each of their shots, "Need this after though." he added with a grin.

Cloud raised a brow at the other, "What is it though?"

"Absinthe." Zack answered simply, grin still plastered on his face. He raised his glass and held it towards the blonde sitting opposite him, "Cheers."

"Hm." Cloud answered – inwardly nervous – as he tapped his glass against Zack's before tipping it back and swallowing it quickly. He choked slightly and reached for his beer, taking quick gulps. He was never a big fan of beer, but he'd drink anything to stop the burning in his throat.

"Are you trying to kill me!?"

Zack was finding the situation rather amusing, after finally swallowing his laughter he took a casual swig from his bottle and sat back, "It's not that bad doll."

Cloud shook his head and took another gulp of his beer, "How do you even drink that stuff?"

"You don't drink it Cloud, you throw it down your throat and hope it doesn't touch your tongue." his trademark grin never left his face.

"What's the point then?"

Zack ruffled the boy's hair again and smiled, "To get completely wasted. Why else?"

Cloud shook he head again, "You do know you're a complete moron, right?"

"Of course!" Zack laughed and filled his glass with the almost glowing green liquid again, then held it over Cloud's, "Another?"

Cloud considered it for a moment. The stuff was vile. Extremely vile. But then, he'd never been flat out drunk before, a little tipsy perhaps, but never drunk, and, for some reason, the idea appealed to him a little. If anything then to wash away his boredom.

"Why not?"

XXXXXX

Two shots of absinthe, a Jägermeister and many beers later, Zack decided that tonight was the best night he'd had in a long time as Cloud happily told him stories of his life. The Dark haired youth didn't say much as the boy talked at sixty miles per hour, but was content to just smile and listen. The current song ended – and Zack was actually able to hear everything the boy said clearly – but was then replaced with the unmistakable opening riff to one of Zack's favourites.

"So then, Tsubatchi-"

"Hey."

Cloud stopped and blinked at Zack owlishly, "Huh?"

"C'mon." the older youth stood and took Cloud's wrist, in the boy's drunken stupor, it wasn't difficult to lift him from his chair, "Dance with me."

"Wha-?"

Zack merely grinned ang guided Cloud to the middle of the large room which had been designated makeshift dance floor of the night. He pulled the boy close, grin never leaving his face as Cloud face turned an impossible shade of red.

"Zack... I... I can't dance..."

"Never a better time to learn!" Zack answered cheerfully as he guided Cloud's hips to move with his own, "It's real easy, just follow my lead, 'kay?"

"'Kay..." Cloud mumbled and blushed furiously. Despite the alcohol in his system, being close to Zack still caused his cheeks to redden.

Zack was singing along to the song quietly, warm breath tickling Cloud's ear as he ground his hip against the blonde's, causing him to let out a small gasp and his blush deepened impossibly.

"There is nothing you can do that I haven't already done to myself..." Zack purred the lyrics, his hands sliding over the boy's hips and waist, One slid to his lower back and Zack guided to lean over backwards, his other hand took hold of Cloud's leg and lifted it to wrap around the older youth's waist.

Cloud knew that everyone was staring, being the only male couple on the dance floor since Axel and Roxas had opted for doing Gaia-knows what upstairs. He was completely aware of his brother's protective glances in his direction, but as Zack continued to move with him and run his hands all over, Cloud was finding himself caring less and less.

"Never wanted to dance with nobody but you!" Zack sang softly, teeth nipping at his ear a little as cloud threw his arms around the other's neck. Zack pulled the boy back up, removed the arms from around his neck and spun the blonde around so his back was against the raven haired youth's stomach. His hands slid to the Cloud's hips again and guided him to move with himself.

As the song eventually came to a close, Cloud found himself spun around again and pulled into a searing kiss. It may have been the alcohol in his system, but Cloud found himself more shocked at the fact that he didn't feel any surprise on Zack's actions and allowed himself to melt in Zack's strong arms.

"Thanks." Zack whispered with a grin when he pulled away, violet eyes fixed on bright blues. One hand moved one of his hands up and stroked his thumb gently under one of the blonde's eyes before pressing a kiss there.

Cloud felt heat rise in his cheeks and nuzzled his face into Zack's shoulder, "S'okay."

Zack chuckled warmly and patted soft blonde spikes, "No need to be embarrassed doll." he reassured but realized it would most likely not help the situation, "Wanna go somewhere else? Music's getting lame."

Cloud nodded and took Zack's hand when he offered it, leading him upstairs but stopped by the kitchen to swipe a few more beers. Zack opened one door but quickly shut it again after hearing a cry of "Whoa! What the fuck!?" and another of "Zack! Knock first man!"

"Damn Axel's skinny." it wasn't really an answer to Cloud's quizzical gaze but enough for Cloud to understand what the other had walked in on.

"I heared that!" Axel cried.

Zack shrugged and carried on to the next door, knocking first then entering when there was no answer. They walked in and Zack sat on the large double bed that was the centerpiece of the room. He patted the mattress in gesture for the blonde to sit next to him, he did so as Zack opened a bottle and passed it to him before opening one fr himself. Cloud took a gulp just as Zack slipped an arm around the boy's shoulders and pulled him close.

"Why so far away Cloudie?" Zack cooed, making Cloud wince at the pet name, and nuzzled at his ear.

"Zack! That tickles!" Cloud cried, shoving the other playfully.

"Does it?" Zack asked with a wicked grin, chuckling at Cloud's look of horror.

"Don't you dare."

Zack placed his bottle on the bedside table before taking Cloud's from him and doing the same with his, "Nah, I have something better in mind." he purred, leaning close and pressing his lips against Cloud's.

It was different this time. Zack's hands dragged up his thighs and under his shirt, stroking the soft skin on his sides, causing Cloud to arch into the others touch. He let out a low groan when Zack's lips travelled to his throat.

"Zaaaack..."

"Ssh..." Zack whispered, an arm snaking under the blonde and puled him up into his lap, his hand sliding down squeezed his backside. He let out a low growl when the blonde yelped.

Cloud was wearing far too much clothing for Zack's taste.

The dark haired youth took hold of the bottom of Cloud's shirt and lifted it over his head before guiding him to lie back down and tossed it on the floor then did the same with his own. He smirked at the blonde before descending for another kiss.

Cloud's heart raced as Zack's hand ran slowly down his side. Unsure of what to do, the younger youth looped his arms around Zack's neck, his hands fisting in Zack's midnight hair when Zack's tongue prodded at his lower lip. He trembled when he allowed it entrance, letting it explore as Zack let out a low moan in his throat.

Cloud let out a muffled squeak when Zack started fumbling with his fly, eventually getting it open. He broke their kiss as he pulled the blonde's pants passed his ankles before discarding his own to the floor and pressed himself to the warm body below him, thin boxers the only barrier between them.

"Zack... I..."

"Shh..." Zack whispered, "I'm not going to hurt you..." his voice was strained, more like he was trying to reassure himself than anyone else. He gently took hold of Cloud's ankles, encouraging to wrap his legs around his waist as he leaned down to place a trembling kiss upon Cloud's temple. "I'm not... I'm..."

"Zack?" Cloud began breathlessly, "Zack are you okay?"

"Cloud... I-" his head fell to Cloud's shoulder and he tightened his arms around the boy, "I can't Cloud, I..."

Cloud sat up as Zack began to pull away, trying to slip his arms around the other again, but Zack shook his head and took the boy's wrists, placing them back by the blonde's sides.

"Zack? What's wrong?"

Zack shook his head again, sadness and what looked like fear in his dazzling violet eyes, "You wouldn't understand Cloud, I can't-"

Cloud finally managed to wrap his arms around Zack's trembling frame, "Of course I won't if you don't tell me." Cloud answered softly. It aggravated him slightly – although he would never show it – that one moment Zack would be all over him, the next he's pull away away from him as if the blonde had burned him, "Talk to me? Please?"

Zack looked down at him, a shadow behind his eyes filled with pain that made Cloud almost want to cry.

"Promise me you won't freak out? Or hate me or-"

"Zack." Cloud started as he reached for his and Zack's clothes, handing the other his before he began dressing, sitting down next to the other again once they had both finished, "I promise."

Zack took a deep breath, "Cloud, I-"

Knock knock.

"Yo Zack!" A voice called that Cloud was sure was Riku's, "Some random just shown up, says he's an old friend, wants to talk to you!"

Zack cursed under his breath, "Did he give you a name?" Zack called back.

"Yeah Mar- Oh! Here he is man!"

Cloud frowned as Zack cursed again, scowling at the door as it opened without invitation, a dark clad young man with rose petal pink hair walked into the room.

"Oh dear Zackary." he began with an obviously smug look of triumph as he eyed Cloud with some sort of amusement, "Did I interrupt something?"

"Screw off Marluxia." Zack growled and got to his feet, standing in front of Cloud protectively.

"My my Zackary, aren't we friendly this evening." the stranger purred, regarding his perfectly manicured fingernails in a bored fashion, "You know, it really is in your best interest to come back, I'm sure everyone will forgive your-"

"Shut up Marluxia!" Zack barked, "I want nothing to do with them anymore!"

"How sad." Marluxia started, eyes still filled with mirth, "He'll be most displeased. You showed so much promise too."

Zack growled and charged forward, grabbing the collar of Samaria's coat and hoisted him into the air before slamming his back against the wall.

"Stop following me." Zack warned through gritted teeth, "You, your friends, and his Gaia damned bird. Just stay the fuck away from me."

Marluxia blanched at Zack's aggressive display and tried to hide his sigh of relief as the dark haired youth let him go.

"Your funeral Fair." Marluxia warned, turning on his heel and walking out the door, "He will hear of this, that I can assure you." and he slammed the door shut as he left.

Cloud wanted to question what had happened, but the words wouldn't form, the best he could do was place a gentle hand on Zack's knee when the other sat back down next to him.

"Cloud, I-"

The door flew open again and Zack leapt to his feet, but sat down with a sigh of relief when he saw Tsubatchi charge in with a worried look on his face.

"I heard shouting, is everything okay?"

"...Yeah..." Zack answered quietly, "We're fine."

Tsubatchi's eyes softened as he approached and clasped a hand on his friend's shoulder, "You don't look it." he said, "Was that Marluxia?" Zack merely nodded his answer, "We should be going anyway, 'm tired. C'mon, you can stay with us tonight. Mom and dad are away again, but they wouldn't mind."

Zack shook his head vigorously, "No way! I can't get you involved! I'd sooner kill myself if you or Cloud got hurt!

Tsubatchi looked at him seriously, "I was involved the day I met you mon. And Cloud has the both of us to watch out for him." he looked between Zack and his younger brother who was still sitting on the bed, "Besides, I'm sure you two still have some 'unfinished business' eh?"

Zack let out a laugh, albiet, rather shakily, but a laugh all the same as Cloud's cheeks turned a colour akin to that of a radish.

Zack eventually agreed and the three made their way outside to Tsubatchi's mustang, stopping to say goodbye to Riku and a few others. (Axel merely shouted "'Kay bye!" when Tsubatchi banged on the door to the room he and Roxas were in and announced they were leaving.)

Cloud trailed behind Zack and his brother when movement caught his eye. He frowned before speeding his pace slightly and got into the back seat of the car, still utterly confused.

Unnoticed to all but the blonde, a single midnight black feather fell gracefully to the ground.

Aaaaand end scene!

Wow, sorry for the time it took for me to update, been real busy.

So yeah! The plot thickens! What could possibly going on? Hmmm...

Let's see if anyone can guess the song they were dancing to! XD

Reviews are still very luffly!