A/N: I am so, so, so, SO, sorry for such a ridiculously late update! Life has been hectic lately, so I got distracted. Then, I'll admit, I completely forgot about this story (forgive me). But, I am back and ready to give it my all!

It won't be long until Cloud and Zack get together, but some drama is necessary first, don't you think? I'm trying not to focus too much on the Genesis angle, but he is about to play a huge part in this story. But, don't worry; the Clack pairing is my main focus at all times! Everything is building up.

The whole DeepGround thing was just for some character development, now we can get on to the good stuff! Some luscious sex scenes are on their way!

Chapter 7:

Return To Banora

"Zack!" Kunsel shouted, his hands firmly placed on his hips as his foot tapped the wooden floor impatiently- sending out a faint echo. He was stood in the doorway of the church, as he had been for the past fifteen minutes. Cloud was beside him, stretching his aching body in a futile attempt to rid himself of his discomfort. Sleeping in a pew was definitely not the best idea they'd had, and his shower had done nothing for his cramped muscles.

Kunsel had been rushing them all morning, ever since he had awoken. You could definitely tell he was a SOLDIER, the way he had barked orders at the two every few minutes- even banging on the bathroom door if he thought either of them was taking too long.

It was a bit ridiculous.

But, at this moment, the brunette had every right to be impatient. The three men had been 'ready' to leave an hour ago. Then, Aerith showed up to ruin everything. Since arriving, she had been all over Zack- smothering him in kisses and hugs, not letting the guy breathe. It made the blond feel sick to watch the display. If she would just get her greedy hands off of him, they'd be able to leave.

"There's a beaten and vulnerable man out there on his own and all he can do is make out." Kunsel remarked, jabbing his thumb in the ravenette's direction accusingly. Cloud knew that the helmet-clad man cared very little for Genesis, seeing as he had been moaning about having to go save a 'worthless piece of trash' not too long ago. But, still, he had a point.

"I'mma coming!" With a last kiss goodbye, Zack came jogging up to them- his trademark grin never fading for a second.

"Dude," Was the simple and blunt response he got from Kunsel; before the man stormed out, grabbing his backpack as he did.

"His promotion really went to his head." The tanned warrior said, throwing his own bag over his shoulders. He slapped Cloud's back playfully, chuckling a bit. "We better go, before Lord Moans-a-lot comes back." The blond nodded in response, trying not to look his friend in the eye. After the embarrassing event earlier that morning, he'd been trying to avoid Zack.

"Bye, Zack!" Aerith called, watching the spikey-haired youth depart. Cloud quickly gathered up some last minute supplies, cramming them into his bag neatly, before turning to follow the others. However, it seemed that even that was too simple! "Erm, Cloud?"

Cloud Strife was not a rude boy. His mother had always raised him to be kind, friendly and polite towards others (especially women), but it took a tremendous amount of effort to withhold his sigh at that moment.

A conversation with Aerith was the last thing he needed.

"Yeah?" He said, turning to face the girl with the most positive attitude he could muster.

"Look after Zack, won't you? I know…there's no way to stop him running off into adventure," Her hands clasped into a praying position, her eyes gazing down at the floor- shimmering brightly through the first gatherings of tears. "Zack is Zack and there's no changing that."

She's certainly right about that.

"Sometimes, I think he's just a bit too confident. I just…don't want to lose him again. Please…."

Was there no mercy?

Not long ago, Cloud despised this girl- conjuring up cruel images of urinating on her precious flowers. But now, his heart secretly wept for her. He had never once during their meeting considered her feelings or the hardships she had been through. Cloud had seen Zack 'die', had spent a night without him and it was hell. But Aerith, she hadn't even known where Zack was. One day, he just stopped answering her calls and letters. Had she wondered whether the ravenette had just lost interest in her, had found someone else?

It was times like these that Cloud hated having a conscience, times when terrible guilt consumed him like a raging inferno.

"Don't worry," Cloud murmured, placing a soothing hand on her slim shoulder. "I'll keep him out of trouble." He offered the girl a smile, hoping to put her mind at ease.

Warmth spread throughout him in an instant as he was pulled into a gentle embrace, small arms wrapping around his form tenderly. And, despite it all, the former cadet found himself returning the affection, placing his hands on the brunette's back.

"Thank you."

Maybe Aerith wasn't so bad after all….

The truck rocked from side to side, stirring the teen's insides with a vengeance. Cloud was prone to motion-sickness and, with a crazy driver like this, vomiting was imminent. He hardly acknowledged the supportive hands on either shoulder, belonging to both Zack and Kunsel.

They had caught a ride in Midgar from a man who was willing to take them to just outside Banora's boundaries. Apparently, Shinra had released reports of vicious and dangerous monsters in the area- an obvious attempt to keep people away. And, it seemed to work. The man was very determined to stay away from the actual town, so much so that three trained warriors had to give in to his demands.

So now they were on their way, heading straight back to where they had come. It seemed a bit of a waste to have come so far only to turn back after one night. Then again, Zack hadn't been able to bring Genesis with them- it was always his plan to return for the poet. Aerith had, naturally, gotten a new phone and number during the four years- making calling her impossible. So, the ravenette had no choice but to return, just to tell her the truth. Cloud actually found it rather…noble.

But, now Zack had a new pastime: sharing stories regarding caring for a comatose little blond.

It was worse than when your parents would share stories of your childhood with your friends! Just because it was Zack!

"You should have seen him, Kunsel! He was clinging to me like a baby when I tried to bathe him! I thought I'd never get him in the water!" The two burst into mad laughter- one at the memory and the other at the thought. Cloud, however, was far from amused.

"You bathed me?" He spluttered, trying not to heave and empty his stomach all over the truck.

"Oh, yeah! No offence, Cloud, but you stunk! I was not carrying you around like that, I can tell you!"

"Aw, looks like Chocobo here is a bit embarrassed." Kunsel stated coolly, gazing out across the horizon.

"Don't worry, Cloud,"

Oh thank Gaia. The teen sighed in relief, taking Zack's reassurance as confirmation that he hadn't completely undressed the boy.

"I didn't let anyone else see you."

"What! You s-saw m-me…n-naked?" The boy's cheeks flared up into a wild blush at the thought. Compared to Zack and his muscled and well-toned form, Cloud was pathetic- and now his idol knew it.

"Duh. Part of you was awake all right!" The ravenette said, casting a suggestive wink at the kid.

"No way." Kunsel chuckled, leaning against the side of the truck and letting out a relaxed sigh.

"I tried to ignore it, but when it was jabbing me in the side every time I tried to wash myself it was kinda hard. I thought you were just trying to get my attention for a minute."

Cloud felt worse, hiding his face in his gloved hands as soon as he heard the words. Zack had seen him naked and aroused and had washed next to him- which of course meant that Zack had been naked beside him!

"Hey, guys." The smiles drained from their faces, even the ever-cheerful ravenette, as they caught the deep and serious tone of Kunsel's voice. Two sets of oceanic eyes darted to the helmet-clad warrior as he gazed at the sun. Something was up, clearly.

"What's up?" Zack asked, obviously straining to avoid using an upbeat tone.

"I was just thinking…what if Shinra already got to Genesis?"

Silence….

"They would have probably taken him to Professor Hojo; he was part of Project G after all." Cloud and Zack exchanged a look of worry- embarrassment, sickness and joy fading as they considered the brunette's words. "What if Genesis is going through the same thing you guys did?"

"Then…we go and get him!" Zack shouted, punching his fist into the air. "I know you don't believe me, Kunsel, but something happened down in Banora! If you'd seen how sad Genesis looked during that battle, you'd be as determined as I am." Cloud gazed at the man's face, observing the furrowed eyebrows and concerned frown- an expression he had never seen before. Was that the same expression Zack had worn whilst looking after Cloud? "When he turned into that…monster, it was almost as if he wanted to die, as though he was hoping it would finish him off."

"Then why didn't you let it?" Kunsel questioned.

"How can you say that!" Zack snapped.

"Zack, both of his friends are dead and he was responsible. Do you really think he's going to enjoy life after that? He turned Angeal away from everything he believed in and he was the cause of Sephiroth's breakdown. Sorry, but maybe it would be best if he had died."

"Maybe you're right." The puppy-like man let out a harsh sigh, confusion obviously taking a hold of him. So this was Zack's serious side?

He was never like this before, not even on assignments. Cloud pondered, gazing at the man with morbid curiosity.

"But, we have to try. If anyone knows where to go from here, it's him. Genesis knows something we don't…I can feel it."

"That's deep man." Kunsel gazed out at the sun once again, just staring for a moment before letting out a sure nod. "I'm convinced. Let's do this!"

"Yeah!" The smile returned to the man's features as quickly as it had gone. Once again, he was the Zack Cloud knew and loved.

I mean like…I mean,….argh!

"This the place?" The beast growled, taking a step onto the cracking concrete, his eyes pinned on the large structure before him.

"Seems like it. It certainly matches the description." The woman moved to join him, her arms folded and her hips rolling as she walked- her crimson gaze lingering on the wooden doors.

"So we can have some fun, right?" A hideous smirk spread across his face as he continued to move toward the doors, clicking his knuckles into place on the way.

"Try not to overdo it, Azule. If the Restrictor finds out that we've been on the surface, we won't see sunlight for the rest of our lives." She muttered, her voice displaying her disinterest.

"Oh, I'll be subtle!" He said with a tone overflowing with cockiness. After exchanging a quick look of glee with his comrade, he released a loud roar- one mighty enough to shake the pebbles on the concrete themselves. He smashed his gigantic fist through the wood with his strength, hardly flinching as the wood splintered in several place, remains fluttering everywhere as what was left of the door was sent hurtling out of the frame and into the building itself.

"Subtle, huh?" Rosso mocked, strolling past him- taking care to step over the pieces of wood and dust that had gathered on the floor. The last thing she needed was an evening spent cleaning her boots.

"Did anything get blown up?" Azule countered, following her through the frame, pleased to find that he did not have to bend to avoid hitting his head. He loved large doorways. "Knock, knock!" He called, his grotesque grin widening as he caught sight of the girl. She gasped, dropping a basket of some sort onto the floor. The poor thing froze in fear, her eyes widening in horror, her small form trembling uncontrollably. After a quick observation of the church, the two intruders came to the conclusion that the girl was currently alone and very vulnerable…the perfect target.

"That is usually when you say 'who's there'." Rosso told her, sauntering into the church with a chuckle. The sound of her footsteps on the wood bounced off the stone walls, creating an eerie soundtrack for her approach. Pleased with the effect she had on the girl, Rosso leant in with a small smirk. "Now, where is the boy?"

"Wh-what b-b-boy?" The girl stuttered, taking a foolish step back- as though it would actually put any distance between them.

"Don't mess with us, girly." The beast growled. "Tell us where the boy is and we might play nice."

"Now, now, Azule. Never make promises you cannot keep!"

"No one else is here!" The brunette screamed at them, only extracting chuckles from the sadistic intruders.

"Oh really?" Rosso's hand glided down, her finger hooking an item of great interest. "Then, who do these belong to?" She held the male underwear up for both the girl and Azule to see, chuckling again. A black pair of boxers, obviously recently worn by the amount of creases.

"My boyfriend!"

"Boyfriend? That doesn't fit." The man remarked, glancing at his comrade.

"Of course it does, Azule. He was her boyfriend; of course she would have some of his underwear lying around." She scoffed at her partner's stupidity.

"Better get 'em checked out, just in case she's trying to double-cross us."

"Very well. We better finish up here."

The poor youth's pleading had all been in vain, his arguments cast aside by the older two. They'd dragged him along, despite his reluctance. He still believed their angel should be resting, trying to regain his strength. But, no one had listened to him, not truly. They pretended they had but Nero knew better.

"We should have enough time to retrieve your weapon, but we must not delay. We need to return to DeepGround before anyone notices we're gone." Weiss informed the other, sighing pitifully. He was resting in one of the seats of the helicopter, his boots resting upon the console casually- his twin katanas within reach- as they always were.

"Relax. We shall return before your precious Restrictor realizes anything." The brunette said, his voice calm and steady. He too was seated, both his arms and legs crossed and his head held high. The helicopter was, of course, computer controlled, requiring no one to run it manually. "Although, there was no need for you to accompany me; I am quite capable of retrieving a simple sword. I was a 1st Class SOLDIER once upon a time."

"It is not that we doubt you," Nero cut in, stopping his brother from making an unnecessary and sarcastic comment. "It's just a precaution."

"You don't want me running off."

"That's right." Weiss hissed, reaching across to ruffle the ravenette's hair tenderly, shushing him before he could make another lame excuse.

"Ha!" The brunette let out a single and simple laugh. "How pathetic."

"Whine all you want, Brother, it's for your own good." Nero mewled as Weiss ruffled his hair, an odd sight to any observers. Indeed, Genesis cocked an eyebrow at this behaviour, not that Weiss cared much.

"What with the carrying, watching me sleep and, now, the stalking- anyone would think you all have a thing for me." Genesis stated slyly, adjusting his leather gloves for good measure.

"Why yo-"

"Weiss." Before the white-haired youth could argue with the older, the sound of Rosso calling him through the computer interrupted him, gaining a sigh of relief from Nero and sigh of annoyance from Weiss. "We located the girl."

"And the kid?"

"Not here and she insists she doesn't know anyone matching his description."

"Damn!" The youth cursed, darting into an upright position and slamming his fist against the console- leaving a noticeable dent in the metal.

"Try not to destroy the helicopter." Genesis teased, a perfect smirk crossing his smooth lips- revealing flawless white teeth.

"Tell him about the underwear!"

"Quiet, Azule! I'm getting to it."

"Tell him!"

Nero moved a hand to rest on his brother's shoulder, instantly feeling how tense and stressed he was. Weiss really did have little patience, especially when it came to Rosso and Azule's arguing.

"What underwear?" The bare-chested youth snarled.

"We found a pair of male underwear in the church."

"And?"

"We couldn't locate any hairs, though we did manage to extract a semen sample. The girl tells us they belong to her deceased boyfriend."

The brunette dropped his head, eye lids half-closed as he analysed the words. Zack Fair.

Nero had already told him of the SOLDIER's death and his final stand.

Zack.

Angeal's puppy.

He was dead and it was all Genesis' fault. He could remember the boy well, his smile, his eyes, his carefree nature. But, he also remembered the side of Zack he had brought out of him- the anger, the worry and confusion, the rage. He had tainted an innocent soul, he had created another monster incarnate.

"Did SOLDIER keep semen samples on their database?" Weiss asked him, hardly noticing the warrior's despair.

"Indeed." The brunette murmured.

"Good. We'll check the sample against that of her boyfriend's on the database. If they don't match, we know she's lying."

"But…how could a semen sample have lasted so long?" Nero asked, tilting his head. "She hasn't seen him in over four years." An important fact they all seemed to have overlooked.

"Then we know she's lying, but we'll still check- just in case." Weiss snarled. "Rosso, send the sample to the labs and give them Zack Fair's details. Take the girl back to DeepGround and keep her prisoner. Make sure the Restrictor doesn't know a thing."

"Rosso-out."

"Why are you looking for the boy anyway?" Genesis asked, only vaguely remembering the blond cadet from their brief meeting before.

"He was part of Hojo's experiments. Just like we are infused with your spliced cells, he has been infused with those of Sephiroth. We need to check the results, to make sure he isn't a threat."

"Whatever.…" Genesis mumbled, turning to gaze out of the window. "Nothing but a pack of monsters…"

"At least I don't have to carry you this time." Zack said, slapping the boy on the back playfully.

"I wouldn't mind taking the sword, though Zack. You know, just in case you're still tired."

"Beat it, Kunsel!" The ravenette put his hand on the hilt protectively, shooting a glare at the other man.

The journey had been surprisingly quick and short, probably due to how insanely fast their driver was. As promised, he had stopped a few miles outside the town and wished them luck before speeding off back to Midgar. And so, the three of them were now making their way to Banora with high spirits under the blazing sun. And boy was it hot today. At least in Midgar you had plenty of pollution to block out the heat but here…nothing but pure sunlight. Kunsel had even removed his helmet due to the weather, choosing to cradle it under his arm.

Drinking tons of water didn't really help with their temperature and only resulted in constant toilet stops.

It wasn't long before Zack had rid himself of his top, holding it in his hand loosely as he strolled along like a drunk on his way back from a party.

Cloud thought he looked oddly…sexy shirtless, with his leather SOLDIER suspenders still over his shoulders , just about holding up his pants (which were hanging loosely on his hips.) Then, of course, where the leather gloves which, for some reason, Cloud found erotic

Zack himself was perfect. His skin was a lovely tanned bronze, his sweat shimmering in the sunlight. It was lovely and smooth, not a hair or freckle in sight- just like a porn star. There was the odd scar here or there received from his battles, but they only added to his masculine appearance.

His toned body was incredible- though Cloud was sure such muscles were common among SOLDIER members. He was rather lean, yet perfectly proportioned, each line and contour superb in its placement. His arms looked so buff that Cloud thought that he would be perfectly safe within them. His chest was well-defined and his abs put most men to shame. It was true; Zack Fair could have any girl he wanted. Aerith was so lucky to be under that at night. And yet, his puppy-like innocence made it all the more sweet.

"With Genesis back to normal, we're unlikely to run into any monsters out here." Kunsel promised.

"So…" The other two turned to look at Zack as he let out the single word, hoping for something serious or relevant. They should have known, "Truth or dare?"

Both Cloud and Kunsel let out an irritated sigh as the ravenette smiled innocently, holding his hands up in mocking defence.

"We don't have time, Zack." Kunsel hissed, quickening his pace.

"Puh-lease?" There it was- Kunsel's death glare. "I'll start! Kunsel, truth or dare?" The blond shook his head at his friend's persistence, awaiting Kunsel's response confidently.

"Truth."

What! Kunsel had given in to the incredibly sexy SOLDIER.

"Did you try and snog Aerith while I was gone?" Zack asked with a grin.

The brunette let out a sigh, avoiding his friend's gaze. Cloud couldn't believe it! Kunsel had actually….

"True."

Zack chuckled loudly, obviously having already been told.

"Cloud, truth or dare?" Zack turned on him with those shimmering eyes and that luscious smile. There was no way the teen was going to choose dare, not when his friend was wearing such a mischievous grin.

"T-truth." He whispered nervously, hoping the other hadn't heard him. Blasted SOLDIERs and their heightened senses!

"True or false, are you a virgin?"

Gulp.

If I say no, will Zack make fun of me? Cloud mused, his eyes widening in horror. I could lie. Then again, he'll want to know who I slept with…and I'm a terrible liar!

"True." He muttered, his cheeks flushing deeply as he kicked at the ground.

No laughter…

The boy looked up, wondering why no one was laughing. It was funny, right? Cloud was probably the only virgin amongst them, so why was no one teasing him?

Zack still had that smile, but no laughter.

All of a sudden, the ravenette had leapt in front of the younger teen, wrapping his bare arms around the smaller frame tightly. Cloud was lifted into a tight embrace, his feet loosing contact with the ground as he was spun- his clothed form rubbing against Zack's bare shirtless one.

"That's so cute!" Zack shouted, spinning the boy faster- obviously disregarding the boy's motion sickness. "Our little Cloudy hasn't popped his cherry. Aw, I love you!"

I love you too. Cloud thought as he was returned to his standing position, staring up into Zack's happy face.

"Shut up." He murmured.

"Hey, don't worry about it. I think it's sweet that you're holding out."

"Zack!" Kunsel shouted, snapping the ravenette back to reality. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare, obviously!" The teen shouted back, practically skipping up to the brunette.

"I dare you to…" Cloud caught up, hoping that Kunsel wasn't going to involve him in the dare. The last thing Cloud needed was Zack rubbing his body with the excuse 'I was dared to'. "Spend the rest of the journey in nothing but your boxers."

Kunsel's a perv… The blond decided, narrowing his gaze as he imagined the effect that sight would have on him.

"Dude, that is sick…and twisted and…totally genius!"

Oh, Zack… Cloud slapped his own forehead as he heard the ruffling of clothing, knowing exactly what was happening.

The ravenette had stripped himself of his boots, pants, suspenders and gloves, wearing nothing but a pair of tight, pink boxers.

"Aerith gave 'em to me! I've been wanting to show these babies off!" The man seemed completely at ease half-exposed, being so naturally confident and innocent.

Talk about instant hardness!

Cloud could feel his own underwear become uncomfortably tight as he stared at the God before him. Zack's legs were just as toned and sexy as the rest of him, and his ass looked tight and sexy as hell.

Then there was that…thing! That bulge in the front of his boxers, that tasty-looking treat which stirred things within Cloud he hadn't known existed. He felt like he was gonna faint due to this new sensation, just at the sight of his friend.

There was absolutely no way of denying it now…

He was totally hot for Zack…

Loved him, even.

And, boy was it gonna be awkward.

A/N:

Obviously, seeing as Genesis and Zack are going to the same place, I won't be switching between their P.O.V's when they meet. I know exactly how and when Cloud and Zack are gonna get together, it's all planned out so, just hang in there!

Of course, I want you to tell me what you think so please review with feedback and suggestions!

Till next time!