Chance Encounter

UNCHAINED MELODY
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Disclaimer: Nothing has changed....I still don't own Final Fantasy or Kingdom Hearts. If I did, the next game would have a M rating ;)
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Cloud blinked, shading his eyes from the light shining through the window. Shifting slightly, he smiled as he beheld his lover slumbering peacefully against him. The brunet was even more breathtaking than he recalled. Fascinated, his blue gaze traced each feature, lingering on the soft parted lips. Unable to resist their allure, he carefully moved, not wanting to disturb his sleeping partner. Reverently, he pressed a gentle kiss against that beckoning mouth before slipping fingers through the silken sable strands. Relaxing, he rested his head against that bare chest, fragile pale lids sliding shut as he succumbed to the sheer joy of merely being with Squall. Peace filled his conscious and subconscious as strong calloused fingers lightly stroked along his back, soothing, reaffirming the reality that the two of them were together, after so many long lonely nights apart.

Calm grey eyes peered between their lashes, observing the blond spikes resting on his chest. Of their own accord, his hands moved, touching, stroking the silken skin of his lover, delighting in the slight tremors which encouraged him to become bolder with his touches. His searching fingers moved lower, teasing touches along the firm abdomen, barely-there brushes over his lover’s sensitive arousal. A smile quirked his sensuous lips as Cloud moaned softly, his body shifting, moving so that their burgeoning erections touched, sending shockwaves of pleasure and desire racing through their bodies.

Squall rolled, trapping his willing partner underneath his toned body. Lips scattered random kisses over the blond’s chest, before caressing the beckoning ones of his lover. “I need you, Cloud,” he breathed against the sensitive lips.

Strong muscled thighs parted, legs lifted and wrapped around the brunet’s lean waist. Unable to resist his own body’s needs and his soul mate’s silent plea, he eased his throbbing length into the tightness of his lover, struggling for control as the warm passage spasmed around him. Needing more, Cloud lifted his hips slightly, silently urging his lover to move. Squall eagerly responded to that unspoken request, pulling back and aiming for that ultra sensitive bundle of nerves. He moved faster, touching the prostate with each stroke, the sensation eliciting cries of pleasure from the blond. The brunet knew that neither would last very long; indeed, he was struggling against his body’s demand for release. Stroking his hand over the velvety erection of his lover, he moved his lips to the delicate flesh of the blond’s earlobe. “Cum for me, Cloud,” he breathed, his tongue tracing over the gentle curve.

With a strangled cry, his fingers gripping tightly at the twin scapula’s of his lover’s back, the blond released, the warmth coating their abdomens and chests. The intense pressure on his aching flesh was too much for Squall’s control. Biting down harshly on Cloud’s shoulder, his intense orgasm flooded the tight passage, his hips jerking spasmodically against his panting lover.

Repleted, their bodies sated, Squall eased out of Cloud, shifting so that the blond was once more relaxing in his arms, his head resting against his heart. They lay together, comfortable in the silence, neither needing words to express the deep soul-binding love they feel.

Eventually, once their bodies cool down and their heart rates slow down to a regular rhythm, they become cognizant of the sun shining brightly outside, glaring off the fresh snow which fell overnight. Cloud roused himself, grimacing at the feel of the dried semen coating his bare torso.

“Shower?”

The lovers took advantage of the close proximity of the small cubicle; they washed each other, yet managing to rein in their mutual desire and need for each other. While they would love to stay hidden away in the apartment, both were aware of the plans that had been made the previous night.

It was nearing noon before they maneuvered their way back to the living room, sharing one final lingering kiss before settling down on the couch, waiting for Squall’s friends to return.

Cloud was nervous, his habitual shyness making its appearance for the first time since meeting Squall. The grey-eyed man noticed the unnatural behavior, the subtle withdrawal. “Relax,” he whispered, wrapping an arm around the tense shoulders, pulling the smaller man towards him, his free hand lifting, tracing lightly over the flawless features.

Lips curved upwards in a smile that did not quite reach his expressive eyes. The intense blue eyes remained worried, filled with anxious trepidation. All he could think of was slapping that young woman yesterday; she is a friend of the ones coming over. Did they know? What would they say or do? What if his relationship with Squall caused friction between them? He sighed heavily, lowering his gaze, focusing mindlessly on the wood grain pattern of the floor.

“You’re worrying for no reason. My friends will love you; even though you did slap Tifa.” A smirk quirked his mouth. “I’m grateful for your timely intervention. It kept me from having to explain, again, that I’m not interested in her or anyone else.” Strong calloused fingers tilted the blond’s lowered face, eyes locking. “You are the only one I want, the only one I will ever want.”

Whatever response would have been made was halted by the loud knocking on the front door. Brushing his lips against Cloud’s, Squall rose and opened the abused portal. He stepped aside quickly as three people forced their way into the small apartment.

Cloud stiffened under the intense scrutiny; he absolutely hated being the center of attention. For several long moments, silence reigned as stares were exchanged, assessments made. Finally, someone spoke. “So, this is what you’ve been hiding from us, Leon.” Violet-blue eyes sparkled with humor as the black-haired man dropped down on the couch beside the blond. “I’m Zack.” He gestured toward the other two strangers. “That is Irvine,” pointing at the taller man with the light auburn hair, pulled into a ponytail. “And that is Axel,” he pointed at the extremely thin red-haired man whose spikes put his to shame.

Both of his companions smiled easily, Axel claiming the recliner and Irvine sitting beside Zack. Squall sat on the floor, resting his elbow casually on his lover’s knee. Cloud relaxed under his lover’s touch; he placed his hand on Squall’s head, idly playing with those silken strands.

“I’m Cloud,” he replied. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“So, give us the details! Where did you and Leon meet? How long have you known each other? Why haven’t we met you before now? Did you really slap Tifa?” The flurry of questions was thrown at him from Axel, who was practically bouncing on the cushion.

Blue and grey locked; the blue unsure how much his partner wanted to reveal. After all, he had said nothing to his friends about him. Was he supposed to tell the truth? Or evade answering?

Squall correctly read the turmoil in those clear blue depths. He smiled slightly, nodding his head, giving permission to reveal as much as Cloud was comfortable in telling.

“Squall and I met at the beach last summer.” He smiled as the memories flashed through his mind. “The reason we never met was because I don’t live here. This is my first time visiting.” He deliberately avoided that last question. Tifa was a topic he would rather not deal with right now.

Irvine spoke, his voice low, calm, soothing. Much like Squall, Cloud ascertained. “It’s nice to meet you, Cloud. At least now I understand why Leon was so moody and ill-tempered for the past few months.” A friendly smiled was directed at the blond. “Maybe now he won’t be quite so anti-social and antagonistic toward his friends and his loyal fan-club.”

Fan club? His lover had a fan club? Amused, he smirked at the lightly blushing brunet. “You never mentioned you were so popular, Squall.”

“Oh yeah! Leon has a legion of guys and girls following him around campus. They stare at him during class; they stalk him and attempt to find out where he lives. This apartment is one of the most closely guarded secrets on campus. Only his closest friends know.” Axel was quick to volunteer that nugget of information.

Zack remained strangely quiet, his violet blue eyes narrowed as he stared intently at the smiling blonde. Feeling the chill of that gaze, Cloud sobered, his defenses rising as he sensed the enmity radiating from his lover’s friend.

“You hit Tifa.” It wasn’t a question but a statement declared in a cold voice edged with barely suppressed rage. “Just what kind of man are you?” He stood, his hands clenched tightly. “Tifa and I grew up together; she is like the sister I never had. We may not be as close as we used to be, but I’m not going to sit back and let anyone, male or female, abuse her.” He reached out and swiftly grabbed Cloud’s shirt, pulling the smaller one to his feet. With his free hand he drew back, intending to appease his anger by beating the blond mercilessly.

Before the punch could be thrown, the furious ebony-haired one found his arm gripped tightly. “Not a good idea, Zack. You know that if you harm him in any way, I will be the one who will retaliate.”

Cloud stared at his lover. He had never seen Squall like this; he had never seen him angry. Those grey eyes were frigid and menacing, silently promising swift retribution if Zack attempted to continue his physical assault. He stepped closer, placing a shaking hand on that tautly drawn back. “Squall....please, it’s okay. Let him go.”

Shifting his gaze, the brunet inhaled deeply and fought to control his anger. His lover’s concern calmed him slightly, allowing him to release his grip on Zack’s arm. Pulling Cloud to him, he embraced the blond, placing a light kiss against his cheek, before sitting on the couch, pulling the smaller one onto his lap. He closed his eyes briefly, allowing his lover’s spirit to surround him, effectively quelling his anger.

Irvine and Axel were stunned, first by Zack’s actions and then by how easily the blond managed to rein in Leon’s infamous temper. They exchanged glances; who the hell was this kid? To Irvine, Cloud’s history, his background, it was all irrelevant. What mattered was that Leon is in love with him. And it was obvious that the feeling was mutual. For Axel, his insatiable curiosity demanded to know everything. He wanted details, dammit! What was it about the blond that Leon found so irresistible? What brought them together? Before he could speak, he caught the warning look in Irvine’s eyes; don’t.

An uncomfortable silence filled the room as each man contemplated the events which had passed. Finally, Cloud spoke. “I apologize for hitting Tifa, but she was attacking my lover and I won’t allow anyone to abuse him, physically, verbally, or emotionally.” He paused, his blue eyes softening as he shifted his gaze to Squall. “I don’t have a habit of assaulting people, but I will do whatever is necessary to protect and defend the people I love.”

That intense otherworldly blue gaze focused on the black-haired man. Zack, mesmerized by those luminescent eyes and that heartfelt declaration, caved. He was well aware of Tifa’s infatuation with the brunet; he also knew that Leon had never seriously considered her anything more than a friend. Sighing, he chose to let that incident pass; he wanted to get to know this man his friend had fallen in love with. Standing, he drew everyone’s attention. “Hey, this is supposed to be a celebration, right? I mean, Leon has finally decided to reveal his secret to us. Which of us even considered that it would be a lover?” He grinned, his face lighting up as his innate vibrant loquacious personality resurfaced. “So, let’s go eat and get to know Spiky.”

The five young men left, choosing to walk down the street to a small restaurant with excellent Thai food. During the extended meal, they talked, Axel, younger than the other men, kept attempting to learn the more intimate details of Cloud and Leon’s relationship. The blond’s innate shyness and numerous blushes only encouraged the red-haired inquisitor to probe deeper. It was only with Irvine’s interference that the interrogation was ended and new friendships began forming. By mid-afternoon, as they walked slowly back to Leon’s apartment, Cloud had been fully integrated into the group, the three of them accepting him, not just as the brunet’s lover, but also as a new friend.

Alone again, the newly reunited lovers cuddled on the couch, neither one speaking; content just to be together. It had been so many days apart, they savored each moment, knowing that inevitably they would be separated once more when the winter break was over. They were determined to create enough memories to hold them until the summer.

Several days passed. Squall took Cloud to all his favorite places; the restaurants he like to eat at, the club he occasionally frequented, the heated indoor pool at the apartment complex, and the ice rink. It was there that they encountered Tifa.

The brunet spotted her gliding gracefully across the ice holding hands with…Seifer? What? He stopped, abruptly pulling his lover into a graceless stop. Confused blue eyes met his stormy grey. Silently, Squall pointed across the ice, indicating the two who were headed in their direction.

“Who’s the blond with her?” Cloud studied the taller man as they approached, eyes widening as he recognized the scar as the mirror image of Squall’s. “His scar….it’s the reverse of yours. Is he the one you told me about?”

Tight-lipped, Squall nodded. “Yes. That’s Seifer.” He tightened his grip on the smaller one’s hand. “Beware of him. He has a habit of twisting words around to suit his own purposes.” That was all the warning he could give his partner before the pair stopped in front of them.

Icy eyes appraised the diminutive blond who met that probing stare unshrinkingly. A wry smile quirked the corner of Seifer’s mouth. “Well, Leonhart. Never figured you to be someone who preferred men. But I can see why with this one.” He gestured negligently toward Cloud. “He’s certainly pretty and dainty enough to be a girl.”

Blue eyes narrowed menacingly at the disparaging comment, yet Cloud held his tongue, not wanting to start an argument in public. His mom had raised him to turn the other cheek whenever possible, a lesson he easily fell back on. He had learned years ago to ignore comments about his looks and lack of stature. It was only when his friends or lover was threatened that his protective instincts took control.

Tifa jerked on Seifer’s hand, gaining his attention. “That’s enough. I don’t want to start anything.” A timid smile formed, her deep brown eyes staring at Squall. “Actually, I wanted to apologize for my actions the other day. I hope you can both forgive me for the terrible things I said. I didn‘t really mean any of it, I was just upset because…”she paused, biting her bottom lip nervously.

Cloud spoke, not giving his lover a chance to say anything. “It’s okay, Tifa. Actually, I owe you an apology. I shouldn’t have slapped you; I hope you will forgive me.” He smiled, sensing that this girl could be a good friend. “Just so you know, Zack defended you and threatened to use me as a punching bag for hitting you.”

Soft laughter emerged from the slender young woman. “Zack. He’s so protective of me.” She glanced askance at Seifer. “Be warned, you’re going to get the third degree from him once he finds out we are dating. He takes the role of ‘big brother’ very seriously.”

She focused on Squall. “I hope we can still be friends, even though I was so nasty to you. I couldn’t understand why you weren’t interested in dating me anymore. Now I see why. It’s obvious you love him very much, and from his reaction last week, the feeling is mutual.”

Color tinted the brunet’s cheeks at Tifa’s blunt assessment of his and Cloud’s relationship. Being well-known for his stoic personality, he didn’t think that he was so obvious in revealing his heart’s emotions. Clearly, he was wrong. At least as far as his love for Cloud. Considering the situation, he discovered he didn’t mind. He loved Cloud and he doesn’t give a damn if the whole world knows it. “I’d like that. You’ve been a good friend; I’d hate to lose you over a misunderstanding.” He smirked, tilting his head towards Seifer. “Besides, it seems as if you’ve found someone who cares about you as more than a friend.”

She blushed and nodded, her eyes shifting to the blond holding her hand. “Yeah. I have you to thank for that as well.” She tugged on Seifer’s hand. “Are you ready to go? I’m ready for that hot chocolate you promised me.”

Those pale eyes warmed as they scanned the brunette’s face. “Yeah, I’m ready to go. It was good to see you again, Leonhart. Nice to meet you, Cloud.” Releasing Tifa’s hand, he slipped his arm around her shoulders, leading her off the ice.

Cloud squeezed his lover’s hand. “I’m cold,” he complained, shifting so that he brushed his chilled nose against Squall’s neck. “Can we get some hot chocolate, too?” He pouted, his blue eyes wide and pleading.

Amused, yet helpless to resist that look, Squall shook his head. “Anything you want. All you have to do is ask.” A fleeting grin crossed his face. “Provided I get a reward for that hot chocolate.”

Cloud woke early Christmas Eve morning; he leaned up on his elbow and studied his lover’s face as he slept. He looked so peaceful, so innocent, so....everything. Squall was everything that the blond had ever dreamed of, everything he could have hoped for. He rested his head against that firm chest, listening to the rhythmic beating of his heart, feeling the inhale and exhale of each breath. Strong arms encircled his slender body, gentle fingers moving through his unruly hair, brushing across his cheek.

“Good morning, Cloud,” Squall whispered, shifting the blond so that he could kiss those full lips. It was a tender kiss, effectively expressing the complex range of emotions the brunet felt for the blond. Feelings that were fervently returned from the blond to the brunet.

An impish grin flitted across Cloud’s lips. “It is now; of course, any morning I wake up beside you is a good one.”

Another gentle brush of lips followed that statement. The blue-eyed one was content to cuddle; his lover had a different agenda. He stretched and eased his body out from under the covers, mentally bracing himself for the chill of the room. Pulling Cloud from the tangle of blankets, he led his pouting partner to the kitchen, fixing coffee before tackling breakfast.

Squall, knowing that they would never leave the apartment if they shared a shower, gave Cloud the choice of showering first. The blond opted to shower last, wanting a few more minutes of peaceful solitude. Never one to deny him anything, the brunet stepped into the bathroom, adjusting the temperature to an acceptable warmth before stripping and allowing the water to flow over his slender body.

After both of them were finally dressed, they pulled on their coats and gloves before heading outside to wander aimlessly through the sunlit winter wonderland created by the recent snowstorms. Hand in hand they walked, sometimes breaking free to indulge in brief snowball fights. Eventually, the chill of the temperature combined with their snow-soaked clothing, forced the young lovers to return home.

Inside the apartment, they immediately stripped the sodden clothing from each other, wordlessly seeking the comfort of the blanket laden bed. Once under the covers, two pairs of hands moved gently, stroking, rubbing, warming the chilled skin of the other. Such actions altered into more intimate touches as their bodies responded to the feel of skin sliding against skin.

It was mid-afternoon before the brunet roused himself to move, shifting his body away from the slumbering blond. Staring down at the beloved face, he reached a decision; one he had been contemplating for several days. Allowing his partner a few more minutes of sleep, Squall hurriedly took another shower, his mind considering the repercussions of what he was planning for the evening.

Emerging from the bathroom, he found Cloud awake, those blue eyes studying him as he sat down on the edge of the bed. “You trust me, right?”

The response was automatic, instantaneous. “Implicitly.” A lengthy pause, a curious look. “Why would you ask?”

The brunet shifted nervously. “I’ve made plans for us tonight.” He ran his fingers through the soft golden spikes. “And I’m not going to give you any details; it’s a surprise, okay?” Grey eyes softened, searching the quizzical blue orbs. “Please?”

Intrigued, and completely trusting his lover, Cloud agreed, rising from the tangled blankets to take his own shower.

The sky was already darkening when the two young men emerged from the apartment; both of them dressed in slacks and button up shirts underneath their leather jackets and gloves. Cloud attempted to get Squall to reveal their mysterious destination, but the brunet was even more close-mouthed than normal. His slightly nervous behavior, the frequent side glances, did not help the blond relax. Instead, he stared out the window, watching the scenery slide by growing increasingly curious about where they were going.

It was a little over an hour before Squall turned off the highway. Pulling into a convenience store, he parked and turned to face his lover. “Cloud, this is very important. Everything will become clear, but I need to you to close your eyes and keep them closed until I tell you to open them. Please.” Those wintry eyes were pleading. Squall was practically begging.

How could he say no? He couldn’t. The blond sighed and reluctantly nodded in agreement. If it was so important to the brunet, then he would willingly do it, even though the secrecy only increased his trepidation. What exactly was his partner planning?

He felt the car moving, slower than before, which let Cloud know that they had not returned to the highway. Several turns were made before they stopped and the engine was turned off.

“Can I open my eyes now?”

A barely there kiss was placed on the blond’s pouting lips. “No. Just stay still. I’ll come around and lead you inside.” The suspense was overwhelming. Fighting his natural instincts which commanded him to attempt a glimpse, he kept his promise and waited impatiently for his lover’s permission.

Hearing the door open and feeling the gloved fingers reaching around his, he shifted his body and stepped outside the car. Holding tightly to Squall’s hand, he blindly followed the other man, trusting him implicitly. How could he not? He had fallen in love with him the moment they met. He knew that whatever the brunet had planned, it was important to him and he fully intended to comply with his wishes.

His ears detected a slight click, followed by the sound of a wooden door being pushed open. Following his soul mate, he stepped across a threshold, pausing as the other man reached around him to close the door. “Squall?”

The word was echoed from somewhere in front of him. “Squall?!!” He heard the sound of footsteps as someone raced toward him. A smaller body impacted against his; off-balance, he felt himself falling. Releasing his lover’s hand, he opened his eyes just as his back hit the carpeted floor. He blinked at the brunet teenager partially lying on top of him.

“Ooops! Sorry, I was aiming for Squall.” The teen blushed, scrambling to his feet, before reaching down offering to help the blond up.

Cloud ignored the helping hands from both brunets, choosing to regain his feet unassisted. His eyes searched the features of the young brunet whose hair rivaled his own for spikiness. Who was this kid and what was his relationship with Squall? He turned his quizzical gaze on his boyfriend. “Squall? Where exactly are we?”

Whatever response was forthcoming was delayed by the arrival of two other people. Cloud stared, speechless, as his eyes darted between his brunet and the older man standing in the hallway. Squall shifted, wrapping his arm tightly around Cloud’s slim waist. “Merry Christmas... Mom... Dad.”

Shock rippled through the blond as he realized that his lover had brought him to his parent’s home for Christmas. He stared at the brunet, his blue eyes wider than usual, questioning…why?

“Merry Christmas, Squall,” his dad responded, moving to embrace his eldest son. His mom stayed back, giving her husband a few minutes with their first child. The two of them, so alike in looks but complete opposite in personality, had managed to forge a close bond of respect and camaraderie. She and her firstborn were close, but they didn’t share the same closeness that she and Sora, the second child, had created. The younger son was far more naïve, innocent, and friendly than his brother. She understood him in a way that she didn’t Squall.

Cloud shifted nervously as he became the focus of his partner’s mother. A welcoming smile flashed brilliantly at him as she extended her hand in welcome. “Hi, I’m Quistis, Squall’s mom.”

The blond extended his own hand, nervously shaking hers. “I’m Cloud.” He glanced at his lover, uncomfortable with being the one to declare their relationship.

Quistis took pity on the blond. “It’s nice to meet you, Cloud. How long have you known my son?” She was intensely curious about this young man. This was the first time her son had deigned to bring anyone home since high school. Their relationship was obvious; Squall’s possessive hold on the blond was a declaration of intimacy; the emotion shining in the expressive blue eyes of Cloud; each revealed the depth of their commitment.

The older man released his grip on his younger clone, focusing is attention on the nervous blond. “So, you’re the reason he wasn’t going to come home for Christmas?” Those silver eyes, reminiscent of Squall, yet warmer, friendlier, stared into the sparkling depths of Cloud’s eyes. A broad smile laced with warmth and welcome creased the handsome features. “I’m Laguna. It’s nice to meet you, Cloud.” He gestured toward the younger one. “That is his younger brother, Sora.”

The excitable teen, still blushing from their initial encounter, grinned. He was happy to see his brother with someone. He had worried about Squall and his lack of social life. It was his opinion that his sibling spent too much time alone. He canted his head, contemplating. Or perhaps not. “Are you guys living together?,” Sora asked, seeing no reason not to ask the one question he knew his parents longed to ask, but were too polite to do so.

The blond coughed, his eyes darting back to Squall. The stoic brunet laced his fingers with Cloud’s, that simple touch calming him. “No, Sora. Cloud doesn’t live here; he’s visiting for Christmas.” Stepping around his family, the brunet led his lover down the hallway to the living room. Dropping down onto the comfortable leather couch, he pulled his partner so that he was seated next to him.

The rest of the evening passed quickly, Squall relaxing as his family welcomed Cloud without reservation. As was the tradition, his mom had prepared a buffet style meal; everyone fixed their own plate and returned to the family room to enjoy the food and visit. For the Leonheart family, Christmas was a time to visit, to share, to merely enjoy being together. And this year, they had a new member.

The clock chimed midnight, alerting Squall to the time. Reluctantly, he removed his arm from his blond’s shoulder and stood up. “This has been a great Christmas. Thank you mom, dad, Sora.” He pulled Cloud to his feet. “But it’s a long drive back to the apartment and we need to leave before it gets any later.”

“But you can’t! You always fix breakfast on Christmas morning!” Sora objected, whispering loudly to Cloud. “He makes the best pancakes.”

The blond nodded in agreement, having tasted Squall’s pancakes several times.

Quistis stood. “I think you and Cloud should stay here tonight. It’s already so late and I don’t like the idea of you driving that distance in the dark, considering all the snow we’ve had recently.” She smiled at them both. “Why don’t you stay? We’d all like to spend more time with you and Cloud.”

Clear grey locked onto crystal blue. “What do you think?”

A soft smile accompanied a gentle squeeze of their interlocked fingers. “I think your mom is right. It’s too dangerous to drive back tonight.” The rest was left unspoken. ‘I know you really want to stay here with your family tonight.’

As a group, the family moved upstairs, multiple good nights were exchanged, before Squall closed the wooden door to his bedroom. Intrigued, Could looked around, fingering the array of pictures scattered around the room; touching the swimming and kendo awards clustered on the top of the antique wardrobe. A stealthy hand slipping through his hair brought him back to the present.

“Thank you.”

He turned to face his soul mate. “You’re welcome.”

Both brushed their teeth, using the spare toothbrushes in Squall’s bathroom. Moving back into the comfortable bedroom, they undressed each other, touching, stroking, kissing each newly bared area of skin. They slipped underneath the heavy blankets, each shivering slightly at the coolness of the sheets. Cuddling, they shared their body warmth. Both were content; neither wanting anything more than to just be together. Squall wrapped his arms around Cloud, who used his lover’s chest as his pillow, lulled to sleep by the strong rhythmic beating of his heart.

The young lovers were woken by Sora who pounced onto the bed, demanding that Squall get up and fix the pancakes he had promised. The startled blond shifted slightly, assuring that all body parts remained adequately covered during the unexpected assault. Squall, seeing that it was still dark outside, was less than appreciative of the rude awakening. He threatened intense bodily harm if his brother didn't immediately remove himself from the room and not disturb him and Cloud until after 9:00.

Several hours later, the first born found himself in the kitchen preparing pancakes for his extremely appreciative family. While he appeared to do this 'favor' grudgingly, he actually enjoyed spending the time with them, just sharing breakfast was special, especially considering he rarely came home anymore. School and work kept him busy. That, and struggling to maintain his long-distance relationship with Cloud.

Despite his family's pleas, Squall declined to stay another night. It was Christmas, after all, and he and Cloud had made plans of their own for the evening. He placated them by promising to visit again, before the next semester started. And he would do that before Cloud left; they wanted to spend more time with the quiet blond who had managed to capture his heart.

Later that evening, lying comfortably together on the couch, watching the twinkling lights on the small Christmas tree in the corner, Cloud extricated himself from his boyfriend's loving embrace and wordlessly entered the bedroom, returning quickly with a gift wrapped package. He knelt in front of the curious brunet. "Merry Christmas, Squall."

The grey eyes sparkled, his fingers sliding around the edges of the bright paper, opening the gift slowly, carefully attempting to not tear the paper. Cloud, knowing that his partner was just drawing out the anticipation, sat back on his heels and concentrated on the brunet's face, wanting to see his expression as the present was revealed.

Squall gasped as the paper fell back revealing the painting that Cloud had given him. It was exquisite; his talented lover had captured their summer on canvas. Eyes shimmered as he carefully placed the priceless gift aside and kissed his blond lovingly. "Thank you. You have given me the perfect gift; each time I see it, it will remind me of you, whether we hundreds of miles apart, or sitting next to each other."

The blushing artist smiled, pleased that the countless revisions, the time spent working to perfectly capture the memories of their summer, was so appreciated. "You're welcome, Squall."

The brunet shifted slightly, leaning to reach around the end of the couch, retrieving the acoustic guitar from it's customary location. Nervously he glanced at his lover, before returning his focus on the instrument in his hands. "I searched everywhere looking for the perfect gift. I didn't find anything that even remotely comes close to expressing what you mean to me, how much I love you." He moved his fingers lightly over the strings, adjusting them until he was happy with their tone.

"I wrote this one night after talking to you."

Oceans apart day after day
And I slowly go insane
I hear your voice on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain

If I see you next to never
How can we say forever

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I took for granted, all the times
That I though would last somehow
I hear the laughter, I taste the tears
But I can't get near you now

Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me goin' crazy
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I wonder how we can survive
This romance
But in the end if I'm with you
I'll take the chance

Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me goin' carzy

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

Cloud fought back tears as the words washed over him; his lover's voice softly singing of love, longing.... hope. As the song ended, a lone tear escaped, slipping slowly down his face. A gently placed kiss replaced the wetness. "I love you, Cloud...forever...only you."

The dam broke, the tears flowed freely as the brunet cuddled the blond, his shirt absorbing the salty fluid, as Cloud buried his face against that firm chest. "Squall," he whispered. "Please tell me that I'm not dreaming. Tell me this is real, that all these feelings won't disappear...ever....."

"Look at me, Cloud." He waited for those iridescent blue to meet his silver grey. "This is no dream. We are here, together, celebrating our first Christmas." Standing, he pulled the lithe blond up with him. "I want to spend each night like this, talking with you, holding you, loving you."

"That's what I want, too."

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Ok...another chapter posted. Please review and let me know what you think. The next chapter will be up next week!!