Clack for 7rainbowprompts
I BLAME THIS ONE ON...CERTAIN PEOPLE. xD I'm looking at YOOOOU, Brie and Sor-chan. MWHAHAHA.
Anyway. xD
I'm not smoking crack, I'm smoking Clack. OH YEEEEAH. *ded*
Title: Hey There, Gorgeous Surfer Dude
Author: rainbowserenity
Fandom: Final Fantasy VII
Claim: Zack/Cloud
Prompt Set: Orange
Prompt: 1 - New World
Type: Fanfic
Rating: T
Warnings/Spoilers: Boy lovin'
Disclaimer: I don't own FFVII because Squeenix owns my soul.
Summary: The beach is boring. Totally boring. Oh, wait, are those washboard abs I see? Hey, maybe this isn't so bad after all...
Cloud heaved a sigh and curled himself under his giant umbrella. He wrinkled his nose a bit at the slight smell of salt in the air as he absentmindedly dug a hand in the sand. Yep, no doubt he was at the beach - one of the most beautiful ones in the world, in fact. Not only that, but it was absolutely perfect weather - hot, but not humid, with a very slight cool breeze that gave you the sensation you were in paradise. To top that all off, it wasn’t particularly crowded, either - there were only three families and some old man with a scarred eye in the immediate vicinity.
To put it simply, Cloud was miserable.
He’d never been particularly fond of warm weather, having grown up in the mountains, so obviously beaches - even a beach as beautiful and luxurious as this - topped off his ‘Places I’d Rather Not Be’ list. In fact, he hadn’t gone to one since he was very little, so this was a totally new experience for him. How Tifa had managed to convince him to go, he’d never know.
He just sat there, sulking under the huge umbrella he and Tifa had rented, wondering if he could persuade her to leave soon even though they’d been here for about an hour. That didn’t look like it was about to happen, since she was frolicking in the ocean in her ridiculously skimpy bikini, having the time of her life.
Cloud sighed. He knew Tifa wanted him to play in the water, too. Or better yet - in her words - “Find a cute girl...or guy to hang out with!”
Ugh. It was so embarrassing that she knew he swung both ways. He had a sneaking suspicion that part of her reason for planning this trip was so he’d find someone. She couldn’t take care of him all the time, she’d said.
Hmph. Well, she’d just have to live with him being alone, because there was no one on this beach except those families (which all had young children), the old man, and...and...
The most gorgeous guy he’d ever seen.
Cloud’s eyes got ridiculously wide when he realized he was staring. He quickly looked away, hoping he hadn’t been caught, but dared to glance up when he heard the guy laughing. With a sigh of relief, Cloud realized the guy wasn’t laughing at him. He probably hadn’t even noticed the blond all huddled up under his umbrella.
With that in mind, Cloud began to stare again. Gorgeous Guy had dark hair as wild as his own and the most sculpted arms - and possibly body - Cloud had ever seen outside of model. If only he’d take off that tank top!
Normally he wouldn’t been intimidated by someone so muscular, since in addition to being shy, he was on the scrawny side, but the way this guy’s glowed as he smiled seemed to soften him, like you could tell he was total mush under that buff exterior.
Cloud blinked and quickly shook his head. He didn’t even know this guy and it was unlikely he ever would, so why the heck was he analyzing him?
“Zack! This spot’s perfect!” Cloud blinked again, turning his attention to a pretty brunette girl that was waving towards Gorgeous Guy, who seemed to be carrying their stuff. He plopped it down and the two quickly set up some towels, chairs, and a cooler. And then they began to strip.
Cloud couldn’t help it - his jaw fell open. Gorgeous Guy was as every bit buff as he’d imagined, showing himself off nicely in black swimming trunks with...sunflowers? The girl with him pulled off her button-down dress to reveal a modest pink one-piece. Gorgeous Guy gave a heart-melting grin and said something to her, which caused her to giggle and squeal, “Zack!” while pushing at his shoulder.
Zack. Cloud murmured the name to himself, liking how it sounded, although ‘Gorgeous Guy’ was still a way more accurate name for him.
Zack and the girl were sitting pretty nearby, so Cloud inconspicuously leaned into hear them better, pretending he wasn’t eavesdropping.
“So Aerith, want me to lotion you up?”
Cloud’s heart sank. Of course. Of course Gorgeous - er, Zack, had a girlfriend. It would’ve been a crime if he hadn’t. And this ‘Aerith’ seemed like a good match for him. They looked really good together, at any rate, and he really seemed to like her if the flirty tone in his question was any indication.
To his surprise, Aerith just smiled and shook her head. She was passing up a chance for Zack to touch her!? Clearly she was psycho.
“Nah, I can do it,” she replied, pulling out a bottle of sunblock. “Go rent a surfboard like you wanted.”
“Thanks!” Zack’s grin could’ve brightened to beach better than the sun. He got up and sped back up the sand, presumably to get a board.
So Zack could surf, Cloud mused. He would’ve bet anything that he was really good at it, too. He just had a feeling.
Cloud forced himself to pull his gaze away from Zack and Aerith’s setup and scanned the ocean for Tifa. She had her head tossed back, gently letting the waves carry her around, of course looking up every once in awhile to make sure she wasn’t drifting too far out. She glanced up after a few moments, waving a bit when she saw Cloud looking at her, but suddenly her eyes got wide and she covered her mouth, almost as though she were hiding a smile.
The blond would’ve run out to see if she was alright if someone hadn’t suddenly clapped him on the shoulder with a cheerful-sounding, “Hey!”
Cloud jumped about a mile, looking with wide blue eyes to see Zack mere inches from him in all of his shirtless glory. He immediately began to panic.
Don’tsayanythingstupiddon’tbeanidiotholycraphishandisonyourshoulderohmygod.
Zack either didn’t or pretended not to notice Cloud’s reaction. He just gave a lopsided grin and asked, “Do you happen to know if there’s a lifeguard on duty around here?”
“Umm...” Cloud cleared his throat a few times and tried to stop hyperventilating. “I, er, heard there wasn’t going to be one around there today, since it’s not that crowded,” he said in a slow voice.
“Oh.” Zack took his hand off of the blond’s shoulder, much to his relief and disappointment. “Eh, I should’ve figured, since it’s off-season.”
“It is?”
“Yeah.” Zack chuckled. “You’re not from around here, are you?”
“No.” Cloud frowned. Was it really that obvious?
“Heh.” Zack seemed amused for some reason. “This island has some of the biggest waves in the world - in the winter, that is. That’s usually when the tourists come out here. The waves aren’t nearly as huge now during the summer.”
“Oh.” Cloud wished he could’ve thought of better replies than the one-word lamery he kept saying, but he couldn’t help it. He brain seemed to be focusing on breathing more than anything else, with Zack so close. Any more brainpower and he might’ve exploded.
“Yeah, but I figured I’d come out here anyway and practice a bit.” Zack, for some reason, stood up and began to do some squats. “I was in the championships last year,” he explained in between squats, “but I took a nosedive on my second wave in. I want to practice and get way better!”
“Oh.” Breathing. Breathing is goooood.
Zack stopped squatting as suddenly as he started and laughing, crouching down next to Cloud. “I’m sorry, I’ve been babbling about myself and you don’t even know me. I’m Zack.” He held out his hand.
Cloud swallowed and stared at it, hoping he could handle another touch from Zack without going crazy. He finally took it after a moment, not wanting to appear rude. “Cloud.”
“Great name!” The other man grinned and shook the blond’s hand gently, either not noticing or not caring that Cloud’s palm was incredibly sweaty. “So Cloud, you here alone?”
“N-No.” Whew. Okay, Cloud. Time to reply in more than one word. “My, um, friend Tifa dragged me out here. She’s out swimming.” See, that wasn’t so hard.
“Where?”
“There.” Aaaand back to square one. Cloud pointed out towards the water, where Tifa was floating around again.
Zack gave an appreciative whistle. “She’s quite a cutie. She your girlfriend?”
Cloud frowned. Why was Zack calling Tifa cute when Aerith was in earshot? That seemed a bit odd to him. “No, she’s just a friend,” he finally replied. “Almost like a sister, really.”
“Yeah, me and Aerith are kinda like that.”
Cloud’s eyes widened again. What?
Zack was still talking. “Hey wanna come meet her and hang out with us? We’ve got plenty of room.” He gave another charming grin, and who was Cloud to resist that smile? Especially since Aerith just might be his girlfriend after all.
‘Chill’ he thought to himself as he got up and followed Zack to the other’s spot. ‘He probably doesn’t even like guys. No one that looks like him does.’
“Hey Aerith!” Zack greeted before rummaging around in the cooler. “This is Cloud, Cloud, Aerith. Either of you want anything while my face is stuck in here?”
Aerith giggled, obviously used to Zack’s antics. “Just a water.” She turned to the blond and gave him a gently smile that immediately made him feel more at ease. “Cloud, was it?” She held out her hand and he shook it, a lot more confidently than he had Zack’s. “I’m Aerith. You’ll have to forgive Zack. He has the attention span of a puppy.”
“Do not!” came a muffled voice from the cooler. Zack looked up and tossed Aerith a bottle of water, which landed in her lap. “How about it, Cloud? Anything for you?”
“Um...” A drink sounded really good - he hadn’t had anything since he and Tifa had gotten here - but he didn’t want to impose. Then again, Zack was looking at him with wide eyes as though his heart would break if the blond didn’t ask for a drink. “Sure,” he finally said. “Just a soda, thanks.”
Zack grinned and easily tossed a can to him, and once again, Cloud couldn’t help but stare. Zack’s arms and hands seemed to move so effortlessly, even with something as simple as throwing a can of Coke. His muscles positively rippled under his skin; not bulging or anything, but looking so completely natural that it would’ve been a crime to imagine him any other way.
He looked away, not wanting to be caught staring, and opened his soda, taking a long swig of the drink. This was still entirely new territory for him - he never just randomly hung out with people, never mind people he’d just met, and certainly not with someone like Zack.
Speaking of whom, Zack had gotten a soda for himself and was glugging it like there was no tomorrow. Cloud then noticed the surfboard that was sticking out of the sand behind him, and he wondered if Zack would still surf even without a lifeguard. He mustered up the courage to ask.
“So, um, are you gonna surf?”
Zack quickly finished off his soda and wiped his mouth before answering. “Yeah! That is why I came out here,” he replied. “I was asking about a lifeguard just in case, but I’m a really good swimmer, so it shouldn’t be too bad. Plus, Aerith can watch out for me.” He grinned at her.
She giggled and pushed at his shoulder like she did earlier. “Oh, you. What would you without me?”
“Probably wither away and die,” Zack answered dramatically, flopping backwards into the sand for added effect. Aerith giggled again and Cloud couldn’t help but smile. Now that he’d gotten over his initial shock of someone like Zack paying attention to him, he was quickly realizing that there was something very charming about the other man; something vibrant he hadn’t noticed during his drooling. It was...well, really nice, to say the least.
“Anyway!” Zack cried, quickly sitting up. “I think I am gonna hit the waves in a sec.” He smiled at Cloud, who tried not to melt. “What about you? Do you surf?”
“No way.” Cloud shook his head furiously. “I’m about as athletic as a rock.” And really, that much seemed obvious to him, given how scrawny he was.
“Reeeally.” Zack seemed amused at this for some reason. “Well, I bet I could teach you if you wanted. Surfing’s really hard, but I could definitely give you the basics.”
“Umm...” Cloud hesitated. He wouldn’t have minded learning - it would be something to do besides staring at Zack and listening to his brain bake - but he did not want to have some sort of klutz attack in front of Zack, and surely he would against huge waves that could easily kill him. After all, Murphy’s Law totally despised him. “Well, I’d like to see you out there first,” he finally finished, hoping he didn’t sound too hopeful.
And there was that grin again. “Sure thing!” Zack tossed his empty can back into the cooler before standing up and grabbing his board. “Gnarly, dudes,” he said before sprinting off towards the sea.
Cloud blinked. “What?”
Aerith took a sip of her water. “You know, I don’t think he even knows. He heard someone say it at this championship last year, and I’m afraid it stuck. It even comes out of his mouth when I catch him talking to plants.”
The blond chuckled, somehow tearing his gaze away from Zack’s backside. He glanced at Aerith and took a breath. Okay. Moment of truth. He had to know. “So, um, are you his girlfriend or something?”
Aerith smiled, looking amused for some reason. “No, I’m not,” she answered. “We’re very close, but it’s nothing like that. He’s just...the best friend I’ve ever had.” She smiled again, a bit wistful this time, before turning to Cloud. “Why do you ask?”
Blue eyes widened again. “No reason!” he said, hoping he sounded convincing. “I was just wondering. I didn’t mean to pry or anything.”
“You weren’t.” There was that amused smile again. “Oh look, there he goes.”
Cloud turned his gaze to the water, where he spotted Zack paddling out to sea. Nothing happened for a few moments - the waves were calm - until a few moments later when a huge one started to unfurl. Zack easily got to it and stood up, expertly riding the wave.
“WOO-HOO!”
Cloud couldn’t stop staring, even as Zack rode that one out and approached a new wave. The way he stood there so confidently, moving as though the board was truly an extension of his feet; the way the wave curled around him like he was part of the sea itself; the way his hair blew behind him as the force of the wind surrounded him...Cloud had to shake himself out the trance he was putting himself in, or he might’ve believed he was truly looking at some Greek God.
After watching him ride a few more waves (and somehow not drooling all the while), he heard Aerith sigh behind him and turned to glance at her questioningly.
She laughed gently. “Oh, it’s just such a joy to see him like this. I can’t help but smile.”
“Yeah.” Cloud smiled a bit himself. “You can tell he really enjoys it.”
“And...you do too?”
“Huh?”
“Enjoy watching him?”
Cloud tried in vain to hide a blush. May be he could blame it on the sun. “Yeah. I’ve, um, never seen anyone surf before.”
“Hmm.” Aerith looked amused again. After a moment, she giggled quietly. “Looks like he’s gaining quite the audience.”
A quick glance around proved her right - most of the families were looking at Zack and cheering him on, and even the scarred man was observing him. Tifa had also swum back to shore, standing in the shallow waves to watch Zack. He couldn’t see her face from here, but he’d bet she was as awed as he was.
Zack kept it up for the next half hour, only wiping out twice. Both time his head popped the surface instantly, and he never seemed angry or annoyed - just determined. Cloud thought that this was quite fitting.
When Zack got his board and started up the beach back to Cloud and Aerith, the blond could’ve sworn he heard collective sighs of disappointment across the beach, but he couldn’t be sure. His heart had started racing again at Zack approaching him, so of course he had to sacrifice some of his sense to keep breathing.
“Hey!” Zack greeted when he got back to them. He stuck his board in the sand and plopped down, looking a tiny bit out of breath, but otherwise no worse for wear. He just looked...completely glowing and happy, as corny as it sounded. It totally didn’t help that he smelled faintly of salt and sweat and so damn manly.
It was a wonder Cloud hadn’t passed out already, seriously.
Zack only needed a moment to catch his breath. “Did you see me out there?” he asked with a grin.
‘As if I could miss you,’ Cloud wanted to say. Instead, he swallowed his heart, which seemed to have leapt up into his throat, and nodded. “Yeah. You were great out there. It makes me wish I could learn to surf.”
Zack’s eyes lit up. “Well, you just saw me out there, right? And you said if you watched me first, you’d let me teach you, riiiight?”
Cloud couldn’t remember saying such a thing, but then again, he could barely remember what he’d had for breakfast. Aerith was nodding enthusiastically, so he supposed he had to believe it. “Erm, I guess so...”
“Great!” Zack’s expression brightened even more. “Hang on, lemme get you a board.”
“I can - ” Cloud started to protest, but Zack was already up and running. “What have I gotten myself into?” he muttered.
“A very interesting lesson.” Aerith was smiling again. “Don’t worry, he’s a great teacher.”
“I hope so,” Cloud sighed as Zack returned, board in hand. He gave it to Cloud, who tried not to explode when their hands brushed. Get a grip!
“So, umm...” he said, looking at his feet. Zack was walking right next to him, looking as happy as a clam, as they headed for the shore. “Am I going to fall a lot?”
“Oh yeah,” Zack laughed. “That’s a given, especially when you’re starting. But don’t worry, if anything happens, I know CPR.” Cloud happened to glance up when Zack winked at him, and he practically fainted trying not to blush.
The first lesson was right on the sand with the gentle waves crashing around their feet. Zack had warned him that very few people could barely stand up after one lesson, never mind catch a wave, but he seemed to have the exact opposite mindset when it came to instructing the blond. He was so determined to believe that Cloud could do it, readily voicing that opinion every time he gave a new instruction. Cloud wasn’t sure whether to be more embarrassed at that, the others on the beach that were surely staring at him, or the fact that his entire body flushed with heat hotter than the sun every time Zack adjusted his foot placement or something. Forget surfing - he could barely stand as it was!
Luckily, paddling, which came next in the lesson, didn’t require standing. It was kind of pleasant, actually - sort of like swimming on a giant water bed. The waves carried him along gently as he half-listened to Zack’s explanation on determining which waves to ride. In retrospect, he supposed he should’ve been paying more attention, but his mind was wandering. The rocking motion of the ocean was comforting, and having Zack so close by wasn’t doing much for his concentration either.
“...And that’s what you do. Got it?”
Cloud blinked, realizing Zack had been talking this whole time. “Um...yeah,” he said, hoping that was a sufficient reply.
“Great!” Zack grinned. And really, what a lovely grin it was. He gripped his board, waiting for a wave to unfurl. “Okay, I’m gonna grab this one so you can see another demonstration. If the one behind it is up to speed, try and catch it, okay?”
“Okay.” Cloud just hoped he’d be able to move.
Zack grinned again before turning his attention back to the approaching wave. “Alright, here comes the big one!” he exclaimed. He waited for the optimum moment, and like before, expertly rode it in. Cloud had to paddle furiously to keep from drifting away.
Like Zack had said, another wave began to form almost immediately after the one he was riding. Cloud had no idea if he’d be able to take it or not, but...Zack made surfing look so easy. He wanted to see if it wasn’t just looking godly, but feeling like it too. He just wanted to see if it was possible, that’s all. Maybe if he could ride a wave, Zack could see him the way he saw Zack.
He decided to go for it.
He tried to remember all of Zack’s coaching and what he’d done during his rides, and did his best to imitate it as he approached the swell of the wave, mustering up his courage to stand. He misjudged everything the way a beginner would - the size of the wave, the speed it was coming towards him, how rough it was. At the last moment, he also misplaced his foot, and with a yell, went tumbling off his board and plunged into the oceanic depths below.
He regretted he had but one life to try and impress the most gorgeous guy on the beach.
But then he felt...something warm? Well, duh. It must’ve been a million degrees out. Everything was warm.
Something lurched in his chest and traveled up his throat, leaving a burning sensation. He hoped it wasn’t his heart again. Honestly, Zack made everything about him all discombobulated.
...Speaking of which, where was Zack? Or anyone, for that matter? Tifa, Aerith? Random scarred man?
“...oud...Cloud! Wake up!”
It was an extremely weird mishmash of sensations. His eyes flew open as everything that had been going up threatened to spew out, and it increased tenfold he realized that Zack’s mouth was on his.
Luckily, Zack’s eyes were open too, so he quickly let go when he felt Cloud respond. The blond heaved out about a gallon of salt water, along with what looked like his soda from earlier and part of his breakfast.
“Ugh,” he moaned, falling backwards onto the sand and closing his eyes, taking a few deep breaths. He got a moment of silence before someone pulled him up and flung their arms around him.
“Cloud-don’t-you-ever-do-that-again-you-had-me-worried-sick-I-thought-I’d-lost-you!” Tifa said hurriedly in one breath, sounding hysteric and relieved all at once.
“Tifa, give him some space!” Zack demanded sternly, although he sounded relieved as well. Cloud blinked, the only thing running through his mind was how Zack knew Tifa. Hmm, perhaps everyone had gotten to know each other while he was unconscious.
Wait...
“I was unconscious?” he murmured, rubbing at his temple.
Zack’s eyes widened. “Yes! Are you insane!? That wave you tried was way too big, and you went under and I found you and - ” He was rambling.
“And you gave me CPR,” Cloud finished in a low voice. His thoughts were slowly starting to return. “You saved my life.”
“Yeah, well, it’s nothing I wouldn’t have done for anyone,” Zack replied. “Are you feeling okay? Does anything hurt anywhere?”
Before he could answer, Aerith suddenly appeared, snapping a cell phone closed. “Oh Cloud, you’re alright!” she cried. “Don’t worry, an ambulance is on its way!”
“An ambulance?”
“Just to make sure.” Zack was looking worried again. “Here, I’ll help you get up to the road. You can move, right?”
“I think so.”
“Good. Tifa, get his shoes, please?” Zack seemed eerily calm despite his furrowed brow. Tifa nodded, and for some reason, leaned in to whisper something to Zack before sprinting off towards her and Cloud’s towels to get his shirt and shoes.
Cloud would’ve asked what that was all about, but all thought left his mind - again - when Zack’s arm suddenly wound around his waist. “Wha - !?”
“Put your arm on my shoulder,” Zack said. “I said I’d help you up to the road.”
“Um, okay.” Cloud was still feeling really lightheaded, and having Zack not only nearby, but freaking touching him wasn’t helping one bit. He shakily put a hand on the other man’s shoulder, barely hiding a yelp as he easily lifted the blond up. Tifa came back and slipped his shoes on, and he tucked his shirt in the pocket of his trunks before nodding at Zack. They began a slow, unsteady trek up the beach while the girls gathered their respective towels and stuff.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Zack asked in a low voice when Cloud stumbled a bit.
“As long as you don’t let go,” Cloud answered before he could stop himself. He managed to turn red despite how drained he was.
He felt rather than saw Zack smile. “I won’t.” He gripped the blond’s waist tighter as if to prove it. “You know, erm, I was hoping that if I ever did get to kiss you, it would be in a much more intimate setting.”
Cloud froze. Literally. His steps had stopped and a chill ran down his spine. The only movement he made was his mouth moving quietly, saying invisible words.
Zack’s eyes widened. “Cloud?”
“...Yeah?”
“Oh man, was I completely off base?” Zack sounded - dare he think it - nervous. “Tifa said you wouldn’t mind. And I know it’s probably dumb of me to spring that on you when you’re about to go to the freaking ER, but I’ve just been stupidly trying to impress you and hoping you swung that way and - ” Zack cut off when he realized that Cloud was shaking. “Cloud? You alright?”
It was a dumb question, because Cloud burst into laughter, complete with a silly little grin and crinkly, amused eyes that seemed extremely out of place on someone who had nearly drowned less than ten minutes ago.
After a lot of prodding from Zack, Cloud finally became coherent enough for an answer. “If I hadn’t just had a near-death experience, I would’ve sworn I’d just died and gone to heaven.”
Zack paused for a moment, even though the ambulance had just arrived and no doubt EMTs would be swarming over them in a moment, and burst out into laughter, too.
Their amusement had subsided considering a few hours later, since they could only grimace at their first date cuisine of basically inedible hospital food. And yes, Zack had insisted it was indeed a date, since there had been mouth-to-mouth action involved.
“If you ever let me take you to the beach again, I swear I won’t make you surf,” Zack pleaded.
Cloud only laughed. As if he’d pass up any chance to see Zack shirtless.
---------
LIKE I WOULD, EITHER. >> xD
I mean, I could count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I've actually drooled at a guy before, but hello. Zack. Zack. I think it's justified. xD
And you know, I don't surf myself, but I have some friends who do, and they laughed in my face when I told them about this fic. xD They said that there was no way that /anyone/ would be able to ride a wave after one lesson - you "wouldn't even get close to standing up". So let's just say that there's some deity up there that blesses Cloud with not-so-magical surfing powers that lets him get close to Zack. AHAHAHA.
Oh, god. I need to lay off the Kool-Aid. *ded*
For more Clack, you should totally think about joining ffvii_clack! ♥
For more of my stuff, check this out! You know you wanna. xD
RainbowSerenity
Anyway. xD
I'm not smoking crack, I'm smoking Clack. OH YEEEEAH. *ded*
Title: Hey There, Gorgeous Surfer Dude
Author: rainbowserenity
Fandom: Final Fantasy VII
Claim: Zack/Cloud
Prompt Set: Orange
Prompt: 1 - New World
Type: Fanfic
Rating: T
Warnings/Spoilers: Boy lovin'
Disclaimer: I don't own FFVII because Squeenix owns my soul.
Summary: The beach is boring. Totally boring. Oh, wait, are those washboard abs I see? Hey, maybe this isn't so bad after all...
Cloud heaved a sigh and curled himself under his giant umbrella. He wrinkled his nose a bit at the slight smell of salt in the air as he absentmindedly dug a hand in the sand. Yep, no doubt he was at the beach - one of the most beautiful ones in the world, in fact. Not only that, but it was absolutely perfect weather - hot, but not humid, with a very slight cool breeze that gave you the sensation you were in paradise. To top that all off, it wasn’t particularly crowded, either - there were only three families and some old man with a scarred eye in the immediate vicinity.
To put it simply, Cloud was miserable.
He’d never been particularly fond of warm weather, having grown up in the mountains, so obviously beaches - even a beach as beautiful and luxurious as this - topped off his ‘Places I’d Rather Not Be’ list. In fact, he hadn’t gone to one since he was very little, so this was a totally new experience for him. How Tifa had managed to convince him to go, he’d never know.
He just sat there, sulking under the huge umbrella he and Tifa had rented, wondering if he could persuade her to leave soon even though they’d been here for about an hour. That didn’t look like it was about to happen, since she was frolicking in the ocean in her ridiculously skimpy bikini, having the time of her life.
Cloud sighed. He knew Tifa wanted him to play in the water, too. Or better yet - in her words - “Find a cute girl...or guy to hang out with!”
Ugh. It was so embarrassing that she knew he swung both ways. He had a sneaking suspicion that part of her reason for planning this trip was so he’d find someone. She couldn’t take care of him all the time, she’d said.
Hmph. Well, she’d just have to live with him being alone, because there was no one on this beach except those families (which all had young children), the old man, and...and...
The most gorgeous guy he’d ever seen.
Cloud’s eyes got ridiculously wide when he realized he was staring. He quickly looked away, hoping he hadn’t been caught, but dared to glance up when he heard the guy laughing. With a sigh of relief, Cloud realized the guy wasn’t laughing at him. He probably hadn’t even noticed the blond all huddled up under his umbrella.
With that in mind, Cloud began to stare again. Gorgeous Guy had dark hair as wild as his own and the most sculpted arms - and possibly body - Cloud had ever seen outside of model. If only he’d take off that tank top!
Normally he wouldn’t been intimidated by someone so muscular, since in addition to being shy, he was on the scrawny side, but the way this guy’s glowed as he smiled seemed to soften him, like you could tell he was total mush under that buff exterior.
Cloud blinked and quickly shook his head. He didn’t even know this guy and it was unlikely he ever would, so why the heck was he analyzing him?
“Zack! This spot’s perfect!” Cloud blinked again, turning his attention to a pretty brunette girl that was waving towards Gorgeous Guy, who seemed to be carrying their stuff. He plopped it down and the two quickly set up some towels, chairs, and a cooler. And then they began to strip.
Cloud couldn’t help it - his jaw fell open. Gorgeous Guy was as every bit buff as he’d imagined, showing himself off nicely in black swimming trunks with...sunflowers? The girl with him pulled off her button-down dress to reveal a modest pink one-piece. Gorgeous Guy gave a heart-melting grin and said something to her, which caused her to giggle and squeal, “Zack!” while pushing at his shoulder.
Zack. Cloud murmured the name to himself, liking how it sounded, although ‘Gorgeous Guy’ was still a way more accurate name for him.
Zack and the girl were sitting pretty nearby, so Cloud inconspicuously leaned into hear them better, pretending he wasn’t eavesdropping.
“So Aerith, want me to lotion you up?”
Cloud’s heart sank. Of course. Of course Gorgeous - er, Zack, had a girlfriend. It would’ve been a crime if he hadn’t. And this ‘Aerith’ seemed like a good match for him. They looked really good together, at any rate, and he really seemed to like her if the flirty tone in his question was any indication.
To his surprise, Aerith just smiled and shook her head. She was passing up a chance for Zack to touch her!? Clearly she was psycho.
“Nah, I can do it,” she replied, pulling out a bottle of sunblock. “Go rent a surfboard like you wanted.”
“Thanks!” Zack’s grin could’ve brightened to beach better than the sun. He got up and sped back up the sand, presumably to get a board.
So Zack could surf, Cloud mused. He would’ve bet anything that he was really good at it, too. He just had a feeling.
Cloud forced himself to pull his gaze away from Zack and Aerith’s setup and scanned the ocean for Tifa. She had her head tossed back, gently letting the waves carry her around, of course looking up every once in awhile to make sure she wasn’t drifting too far out. She glanced up after a few moments, waving a bit when she saw Cloud looking at her, but suddenly her eyes got wide and she covered her mouth, almost as though she were hiding a smile.
The blond would’ve run out to see if she was alright if someone hadn’t suddenly clapped him on the shoulder with a cheerful-sounding, “Hey!”
Cloud jumped about a mile, looking with wide blue eyes to see Zack mere inches from him in all of his shirtless glory. He immediately began to panic.
Don’tsayanythingstupiddon’tbeanidiotholycraphishandisonyourshoulderohmygod.
Zack either didn’t or pretended not to notice Cloud’s reaction. He just gave a lopsided grin and asked, “Do you happen to know if there’s a lifeguard on duty around here?”
“Umm...” Cloud cleared his throat a few times and tried to stop hyperventilating. “I, er, heard there wasn’t going to be one around there today, since it’s not that crowded,” he said in a slow voice.
“Oh.” Zack took his hand off of the blond’s shoulder, much to his relief and disappointment. “Eh, I should’ve figured, since it’s off-season.”
“It is?”
“Yeah.” Zack chuckled. “You’re not from around here, are you?”
“No.” Cloud frowned. Was it really that obvious?
“Heh.” Zack seemed amused for some reason. “This island has some of the biggest waves in the world - in the winter, that is. That’s usually when the tourists come out here. The waves aren’t nearly as huge now during the summer.”
“Oh.” Cloud wished he could’ve thought of better replies than the one-word lamery he kept saying, but he couldn’t help it. He brain seemed to be focusing on breathing more than anything else, with Zack so close. Any more brainpower and he might’ve exploded.
“Yeah, but I figured I’d come out here anyway and practice a bit.” Zack, for some reason, stood up and began to do some squats. “I was in the championships last year,” he explained in between squats, “but I took a nosedive on my second wave in. I want to practice and get way better!”
“Oh.” Breathing. Breathing is goooood.
Zack stopped squatting as suddenly as he started and laughing, crouching down next to Cloud. “I’m sorry, I’ve been babbling about myself and you don’t even know me. I’m Zack.” He held out his hand.
Cloud swallowed and stared at it, hoping he could handle another touch from Zack without going crazy. He finally took it after a moment, not wanting to appear rude. “Cloud.”
“Great name!” The other man grinned and shook the blond’s hand gently, either not noticing or not caring that Cloud’s palm was incredibly sweaty. “So Cloud, you here alone?”
“N-No.” Whew. Okay, Cloud. Time to reply in more than one word. “My, um, friend Tifa dragged me out here. She’s out swimming.” See, that wasn’t so hard.
“Where?”
“There.” Aaaand back to square one. Cloud pointed out towards the water, where Tifa was floating around again.
Zack gave an appreciative whistle. “She’s quite a cutie. She your girlfriend?”
Cloud frowned. Why was Zack calling Tifa cute when Aerith was in earshot? That seemed a bit odd to him. “No, she’s just a friend,” he finally replied. “Almost like a sister, really.”
“Yeah, me and Aerith are kinda like that.”
Cloud’s eyes widened again. What?
Zack was still talking. “Hey wanna come meet her and hang out with us? We’ve got plenty of room.” He gave another charming grin, and who was Cloud to resist that smile? Especially since Aerith just might be his girlfriend after all.
‘Chill’ he thought to himself as he got up and followed Zack to the other’s spot. ‘He probably doesn’t even like guys. No one that looks like him does.’
“Hey Aerith!” Zack greeted before rummaging around in the cooler. “This is Cloud, Cloud, Aerith. Either of you want anything while my face is stuck in here?”
Aerith giggled, obviously used to Zack’s antics. “Just a water.” She turned to the blond and gave him a gently smile that immediately made him feel more at ease. “Cloud, was it?” She held out her hand and he shook it, a lot more confidently than he had Zack’s. “I’m Aerith. You’ll have to forgive Zack. He has the attention span of a puppy.”
“Do not!” came a muffled voice from the cooler. Zack looked up and tossed Aerith a bottle of water, which landed in her lap. “How about it, Cloud? Anything for you?”
“Um...” A drink sounded really good - he hadn’t had anything since he and Tifa had gotten here - but he didn’t want to impose. Then again, Zack was looking at him with wide eyes as though his heart would break if the blond didn’t ask for a drink. “Sure,” he finally said. “Just a soda, thanks.”
Zack grinned and easily tossed a can to him, and once again, Cloud couldn’t help but stare. Zack’s arms and hands seemed to move so effortlessly, even with something as simple as throwing a can of Coke. His muscles positively rippled under his skin; not bulging or anything, but looking so completely natural that it would’ve been a crime to imagine him any other way.
He looked away, not wanting to be caught staring, and opened his soda, taking a long swig of the drink. This was still entirely new territory for him - he never just randomly hung out with people, never mind people he’d just met, and certainly not with someone like Zack.
Speaking of whom, Zack had gotten a soda for himself and was glugging it like there was no tomorrow. Cloud then noticed the surfboard that was sticking out of the sand behind him, and he wondered if Zack would still surf even without a lifeguard. He mustered up the courage to ask.
“So, um, are you gonna surf?”
Zack quickly finished off his soda and wiped his mouth before answering. “Yeah! That is why I came out here,” he replied. “I was asking about a lifeguard just in case, but I’m a really good swimmer, so it shouldn’t be too bad. Plus, Aerith can watch out for me.” He grinned at her.
She giggled and pushed at his shoulder like she did earlier. “Oh, you. What would you without me?”
“Probably wither away and die,” Zack answered dramatically, flopping backwards into the sand for added effect. Aerith giggled again and Cloud couldn’t help but smile. Now that he’d gotten over his initial shock of someone like Zack paying attention to him, he was quickly realizing that there was something very charming about the other man; something vibrant he hadn’t noticed during his drooling. It was...well, really nice, to say the least.
“Anyway!” Zack cried, quickly sitting up. “I think I am gonna hit the waves in a sec.” He smiled at Cloud, who tried not to melt. “What about you? Do you surf?”
“No way.” Cloud shook his head furiously. “I’m about as athletic as a rock.” And really, that much seemed obvious to him, given how scrawny he was.
“Reeeally.” Zack seemed amused at this for some reason. “Well, I bet I could teach you if you wanted. Surfing’s really hard, but I could definitely give you the basics.”
“Umm...” Cloud hesitated. He wouldn’t have minded learning - it would be something to do besides staring at Zack and listening to his brain bake - but he did not want to have some sort of klutz attack in front of Zack, and surely he would against huge waves that could easily kill him. After all, Murphy’s Law totally despised him. “Well, I’d like to see you out there first,” he finally finished, hoping he didn’t sound too hopeful.
And there was that grin again. “Sure thing!” Zack tossed his empty can back into the cooler before standing up and grabbing his board. “Gnarly, dudes,” he said before sprinting off towards the sea.
Cloud blinked. “What?”
Aerith took a sip of her water. “You know, I don’t think he even knows. He heard someone say it at this championship last year, and I’m afraid it stuck. It even comes out of his mouth when I catch him talking to plants.”
The blond chuckled, somehow tearing his gaze away from Zack’s backside. He glanced at Aerith and took a breath. Okay. Moment of truth. He had to know. “So, um, are you his girlfriend or something?”
Aerith smiled, looking amused for some reason. “No, I’m not,” she answered. “We’re very close, but it’s nothing like that. He’s just...the best friend I’ve ever had.” She smiled again, a bit wistful this time, before turning to Cloud. “Why do you ask?”
Blue eyes widened again. “No reason!” he said, hoping he sounded convincing. “I was just wondering. I didn’t mean to pry or anything.”
“You weren’t.” There was that amused smile again. “Oh look, there he goes.”
Cloud turned his gaze to the water, where he spotted Zack paddling out to sea. Nothing happened for a few moments - the waves were calm - until a few moments later when a huge one started to unfurl. Zack easily got to it and stood up, expertly riding the wave.
“WOO-HOO!”
Cloud couldn’t stop staring, even as Zack rode that one out and approached a new wave. The way he stood there so confidently, moving as though the board was truly an extension of his feet; the way the wave curled around him like he was part of the sea itself; the way his hair blew behind him as the force of the wind surrounded him...Cloud had to shake himself out the trance he was putting himself in, or he might’ve believed he was truly looking at some Greek God.
After watching him ride a few more waves (and somehow not drooling all the while), he heard Aerith sigh behind him and turned to glance at her questioningly.
She laughed gently. “Oh, it’s just such a joy to see him like this. I can’t help but smile.”
“Yeah.” Cloud smiled a bit himself. “You can tell he really enjoys it.”
“And...you do too?”
“Huh?”
“Enjoy watching him?”
Cloud tried in vain to hide a blush. May be he could blame it on the sun. “Yeah. I’ve, um, never seen anyone surf before.”
“Hmm.” Aerith looked amused again. After a moment, she giggled quietly. “Looks like he’s gaining quite the audience.”
A quick glance around proved her right - most of the families were looking at Zack and cheering him on, and even the scarred man was observing him. Tifa had also swum back to shore, standing in the shallow waves to watch Zack. He couldn’t see her face from here, but he’d bet she was as awed as he was.
Zack kept it up for the next half hour, only wiping out twice. Both time his head popped the surface instantly, and he never seemed angry or annoyed - just determined. Cloud thought that this was quite fitting.
When Zack got his board and started up the beach back to Cloud and Aerith, the blond could’ve sworn he heard collective sighs of disappointment across the beach, but he couldn’t be sure. His heart had started racing again at Zack approaching him, so of course he had to sacrifice some of his sense to keep breathing.
“Hey!” Zack greeted when he got back to them. He stuck his board in the sand and plopped down, looking a tiny bit out of breath, but otherwise no worse for wear. He just looked...completely glowing and happy, as corny as it sounded. It totally didn’t help that he smelled faintly of salt and sweat and so damn manly.
It was a wonder Cloud hadn’t passed out already, seriously.
Zack only needed a moment to catch his breath. “Did you see me out there?” he asked with a grin.
‘As if I could miss you,’ Cloud wanted to say. Instead, he swallowed his heart, which seemed to have leapt up into his throat, and nodded. “Yeah. You were great out there. It makes me wish I could learn to surf.”
Zack’s eyes lit up. “Well, you just saw me out there, right? And you said if you watched me first, you’d let me teach you, riiiight?”
Cloud couldn’t remember saying such a thing, but then again, he could barely remember what he’d had for breakfast. Aerith was nodding enthusiastically, so he supposed he had to believe it. “Erm, I guess so...”
“Great!” Zack’s expression brightened even more. “Hang on, lemme get you a board.”
“I can - ” Cloud started to protest, but Zack was already up and running. “What have I gotten myself into?” he muttered.
“A very interesting lesson.” Aerith was smiling again. “Don’t worry, he’s a great teacher.”
“I hope so,” Cloud sighed as Zack returned, board in hand. He gave it to Cloud, who tried not to explode when their hands brushed. Get a grip!
“So, umm...” he said, looking at his feet. Zack was walking right next to him, looking as happy as a clam, as they headed for the shore. “Am I going to fall a lot?”
“Oh yeah,” Zack laughed. “That’s a given, especially when you’re starting. But don’t worry, if anything happens, I know CPR.” Cloud happened to glance up when Zack winked at him, and he practically fainted trying not to blush.
The first lesson was right on the sand with the gentle waves crashing around their feet. Zack had warned him that very few people could barely stand up after one lesson, never mind catch a wave, but he seemed to have the exact opposite mindset when it came to instructing the blond. He was so determined to believe that Cloud could do it, readily voicing that opinion every time he gave a new instruction. Cloud wasn’t sure whether to be more embarrassed at that, the others on the beach that were surely staring at him, or the fact that his entire body flushed with heat hotter than the sun every time Zack adjusted his foot placement or something. Forget surfing - he could barely stand as it was!
Luckily, paddling, which came next in the lesson, didn’t require standing. It was kind of pleasant, actually - sort of like swimming on a giant water bed. The waves carried him along gently as he half-listened to Zack’s explanation on determining which waves to ride. In retrospect, he supposed he should’ve been paying more attention, but his mind was wandering. The rocking motion of the ocean was comforting, and having Zack so close by wasn’t doing much for his concentration either.
“...And that’s what you do. Got it?”
Cloud blinked, realizing Zack had been talking this whole time. “Um...yeah,” he said, hoping that was a sufficient reply.
“Great!” Zack grinned. And really, what a lovely grin it was. He gripped his board, waiting for a wave to unfurl. “Okay, I’m gonna grab this one so you can see another demonstration. If the one behind it is up to speed, try and catch it, okay?”
“Okay.” Cloud just hoped he’d be able to move.
Zack grinned again before turning his attention back to the approaching wave. “Alright, here comes the big one!” he exclaimed. He waited for the optimum moment, and like before, expertly rode it in. Cloud had to paddle furiously to keep from drifting away.
Like Zack had said, another wave began to form almost immediately after the one he was riding. Cloud had no idea if he’d be able to take it or not, but...Zack made surfing look so easy. He wanted to see if it wasn’t just looking godly, but feeling like it too. He just wanted to see if it was possible, that’s all. Maybe if he could ride a wave, Zack could see him the way he saw Zack.
He decided to go for it.
He tried to remember all of Zack’s coaching and what he’d done during his rides, and did his best to imitate it as he approached the swell of the wave, mustering up his courage to stand. He misjudged everything the way a beginner would - the size of the wave, the speed it was coming towards him, how rough it was. At the last moment, he also misplaced his foot, and with a yell, went tumbling off his board and plunged into the oceanic depths below.
He regretted he had but one life to try and impress the most gorgeous guy on the beach.
But then he felt...something warm? Well, duh. It must’ve been a million degrees out. Everything was warm.
Something lurched in his chest and traveled up his throat, leaving a burning sensation. He hoped it wasn’t his heart again. Honestly, Zack made everything about him all discombobulated.
...Speaking of which, where was Zack? Or anyone, for that matter? Tifa, Aerith? Random scarred man?
“...oud...Cloud! Wake up!”
It was an extremely weird mishmash of sensations. His eyes flew open as everything that had been going up threatened to spew out, and it increased tenfold he realized that Zack’s mouth was on his.
Luckily, Zack’s eyes were open too, so he quickly let go when he felt Cloud respond. The blond heaved out about a gallon of salt water, along with what looked like his soda from earlier and part of his breakfast.
“Ugh,” he moaned, falling backwards onto the sand and closing his eyes, taking a few deep breaths. He got a moment of silence before someone pulled him up and flung their arms around him.
“Cloud-don’t-you-ever-do-that-again-you-had-me-worried-sick-I-thought-I’d-lost-you!” Tifa said hurriedly in one breath, sounding hysteric and relieved all at once.
“Tifa, give him some space!” Zack demanded sternly, although he sounded relieved as well. Cloud blinked, the only thing running through his mind was how Zack knew Tifa. Hmm, perhaps everyone had gotten to know each other while he was unconscious.
Wait...
“I was unconscious?” he murmured, rubbing at his temple.
Zack’s eyes widened. “Yes! Are you insane!? That wave you tried was way too big, and you went under and I found you and - ” He was rambling.
“And you gave me CPR,” Cloud finished in a low voice. His thoughts were slowly starting to return. “You saved my life.”
“Yeah, well, it’s nothing I wouldn’t have done for anyone,” Zack replied. “Are you feeling okay? Does anything hurt anywhere?”
Before he could answer, Aerith suddenly appeared, snapping a cell phone closed. “Oh Cloud, you’re alright!” she cried. “Don’t worry, an ambulance is on its way!”
“An ambulance?”
“Just to make sure.” Zack was looking worried again. “Here, I’ll help you get up to the road. You can move, right?”
“I think so.”
“Good. Tifa, get his shoes, please?” Zack seemed eerily calm despite his furrowed brow. Tifa nodded, and for some reason, leaned in to whisper something to Zack before sprinting off towards her and Cloud’s towels to get his shirt and shoes.
Cloud would’ve asked what that was all about, but all thought left his mind - again - when Zack’s arm suddenly wound around his waist. “Wha - !?”
“Put your arm on my shoulder,” Zack said. “I said I’d help you up to the road.”
“Um, okay.” Cloud was still feeling really lightheaded, and having Zack not only nearby, but freaking touching him wasn’t helping one bit. He shakily put a hand on the other man’s shoulder, barely hiding a yelp as he easily lifted the blond up. Tifa came back and slipped his shoes on, and he tucked his shirt in the pocket of his trunks before nodding at Zack. They began a slow, unsteady trek up the beach while the girls gathered their respective towels and stuff.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Zack asked in a low voice when Cloud stumbled a bit.
“As long as you don’t let go,” Cloud answered before he could stop himself. He managed to turn red despite how drained he was.
He felt rather than saw Zack smile. “I won’t.” He gripped the blond’s waist tighter as if to prove it. “You know, erm, I was hoping that if I ever did get to kiss you, it would be in a much more intimate setting.”
Cloud froze. Literally. His steps had stopped and a chill ran down his spine. The only movement he made was his mouth moving quietly, saying invisible words.
Zack’s eyes widened. “Cloud?”
“...Yeah?”
“Oh man, was I completely off base?” Zack sounded - dare he think it - nervous. “Tifa said you wouldn’t mind. And I know it’s probably dumb of me to spring that on you when you’re about to go to the freaking ER, but I’ve just been stupidly trying to impress you and hoping you swung that way and - ” Zack cut off when he realized that Cloud was shaking. “Cloud? You alright?”
It was a dumb question, because Cloud burst into laughter, complete with a silly little grin and crinkly, amused eyes that seemed extremely out of place on someone who had nearly drowned less than ten minutes ago.
After a lot of prodding from Zack, Cloud finally became coherent enough for an answer. “If I hadn’t just had a near-death experience, I would’ve sworn I’d just died and gone to heaven.”
Zack paused for a moment, even though the ambulance had just arrived and no doubt EMTs would be swarming over them in a moment, and burst out into laughter, too.
Their amusement had subsided considering a few hours later, since they could only grimace at their first date cuisine of basically inedible hospital food. And yes, Zack had insisted it was indeed a date, since there had been mouth-to-mouth action involved.
“If you ever let me take you to the beach again, I swear I won’t make you surf,” Zack pleaded.
Cloud only laughed. As if he’d pass up any chance to see Zack shirtless.
---------
LIKE I WOULD, EITHER. >> xD
I mean, I could count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I've actually drooled at a guy before, but hello. Zack. Zack. I think it's justified. xD
And you know, I don't surf myself, but I have some friends who do, and they laughed in my face when I told them about this fic. xD They said that there was no way that /anyone/ would be able to ride a wave after one lesson - you "wouldn't even get close to standing up". So let's just say that there's some deity up there that blesses Cloud with not-so-magical surfing powers that lets him get close to Zack. AHAHAHA.
Oh, god. I need to lay off the Kool-Aid. *ded*
For more Clack, you should totally think about joining ffvii_clack! ♥
For more of my stuff, check this out! You know you wanna. xD
RainbowSerenity