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Zack sighed as he gave one last feeble tug against the chains binding his ankles before plopping back on the floor. He grunted as his back hit feeling the last bit of breath leave his lungs. How long has it been? Three or four days.... He couldn't really remember; it's not like he was paying attention to the time. Zack's mind was on other things; like 'what has that lion done in the past couple of days while he left him confined here.' He hadn't come back yet; and that worried him more than anything. The predatory look in the feline's eyes sent deadly chills up and down his spine; the way he spoke of Cloud... Zack was more than just worried; he was fucking terrified. He wanted the large cat to come back; at least than he would know that he would be away from Cloud. Zack ignored the loud whining of his empty stomach. He hadn't eaten a thing since he got here; nor did he want to. Honestly, did he really want to eat anything that psychopath left for him? For all he knew it was poisoned or worse! Zack wasn't quite sure what could be worse than poison but he wasn't going to find out either way. He jerked his leg against the shackle; another useless attempt to pull the restraints from his ankle. The aggravated gesture only made him flinch as the metal dug into his foot. Zack jumped back up into a sitting position as he heard a car approaching outside. Zack curled his fingers into fists and clenched his jaw so tight he felt his teeth scrape painfully together. He listened intently for the foot steps that soon made their way to the door as the vehicles' hum died as it was turned off. God how he wished he could brake the retrains so he could hammer this guy into the floor boards. Zack could almost laugh at the idea of kicking the lion's head as he stay helplessly pinned between the floor boards; where Zack of course nailed him into. He tensed as he heard the door knob squeal as it began to turn. Sure enough Zack watched as Squall walked through the door. Squall had a eerie smirk plastered over his face; Oh how Zack wished he owned a sword so he could do the cat a favor and help him split that smirk all the way around his head. A really big fricken sword, Zack chuckled mentally but his eyes watched Squall intently not allowing him to see any of his amusement through his eyes. Zack visibly grew more irradiated as the feline only smirked even wider starting to chuckle; his chuckle slowly turning into a manic laughter. What the fuck does this guy find so fucking funny!!?? Zack felt his claws digging into his palms but he didn't care in the slightest. He didn't care that it felt like his skin would split at any moment; didn't bother him that it stung. What bothered him was the insane laughter of the dark lion standing before him; did he get to Cloud... "What did you do to Cloud," Zack growled low and furious, his ears pinned back on his head in anger. Squall's laughter died down as he lowly chuckled focusing his eyes on Zack licking his lips, "He's delicious... more so than I ever imagined." Zack's stomach churned at the tone and words of the feline's dark voice. "....What...What did you just say," Zack demanded his anger rising in his throat. Squall only chuckled as he set down his bag speaking casually as if he was just telling a friend about what he ate the day before; no pun intended. "Our angel; My angel. He tastes...," Squall paused as he bit back a moan at the memory, " words can't even describe... and his smell.... intoxicating..." Zack's eyes widened before narrowing into small slits and he quickly tried to rush at the other male pushing himself off the floor swiftly. Squall simply evaded the raging wolf and grabbed the chain pulling it hard; which in turn sent Zack face first into the ground. Zack groaned but quickly noticing how close the other was to his foots reach sent a kick to the lion's gut. He felt it connect; or at least he thought it had; instead he looked to see Squall had caught his foot before it hit him. Squall only tisked at him as he violently twisted the ankle causing a snapping sound to echo in the near empty room. Zack ground his teeth together forcing the cry of pain to growl in his throat; his eyes tightly squeezed together, tears welling as he felt his ankle drop to the ground. Zack curled towards his ankle to cradle the snapped bone but screamed as Squall stomped on it violently before he could reach it. "Why don't we behave now..., " Squall tilted his head to the side as Zack shot a deadly glare his way, "...It appears that your sudden unannounced departure wasn't enough to convince my angel that you are out of the picture..." Zack tried to speak but was cut off quickly as Squall slowly spoke, "I think all I need is a little more... persuasion..." "W-What the fuck are you... talking about.. you sick... fuck," Zack's voice was rasp and he spoke between deep breaths, "What have you done to Cloud?!" Squall smiled wickedly, "I only did what he allowed me to do.." Zack's eyes widened, "Wha...What...." "You still seem to burden him; and that's effecting my relationship with my angel... and I need to put a stop to that..." * * *

Two days later

• * * Cloud sighed as he stretched out on his bed. His arms neatly folded above him; paws locked underneath the back of his head. He had called into work; which he noted Tifa didn't seem to mind which was rather odd. Usually he would've received a lecture; he supposed it was because of the whole situation with Zack. No one had heard from him yet and now everyone was becoming anxious. Tifa had called around and asked a few shady characters around the bar for any information; some of which were foolish enough not to oblige... right away... It didn't take Tifa very long to ‘convince them' to speak; Tifa had her ways and honestly even Cloud had to cringe at the idea of being the direct target of one of the girls punches or kicks. Cloud's eyes wandered over to the picture frame sitting on the end table next to the bed. He smiled sadly at the photo of Zack and himself. It was a photo taken a little over a year ago at Costa del Sol; it was their first real vacation and Cloud and Zack had to save every penny for almost two years just to go. It's not like they made a lot of money; enough to get by and enough to live comfortably but not nearly enough for a lavish vacation. And Costa del Sol was the most expensive vacation spot there was. By the time they managed to rent a room for three nights they only had enough money for necessities and very little for any souvenirs. Zack suggested buying a camera and taking pictures; they both agreed that that would be better than wasting their money on some old knick-knack that would gather dust on the top of the refrigerator. Cloud chuckled; for the dreaded closet that Zack claimed as his ‘treasure' closet. Cloud had tried opening it once, he only opened the door barely two inches before a large array of god only knew what flooded the room like an avalanche. Cloud's chuckle faded into a small frown as he continued staring off at the photo. Zack stood with a rather large and goofy trademark grin scratching the back of his head nervously while a very irritated Cloud had his arms crossed in front of his chest giving Zack his best glare possible; it was pretty convincing except, Cloud noted, he couldn't manage to hide the small smile that graced his lips. He could never truly stay mad at Zack; and the photo was just a reminder of that. Cloud reached a paw out from under his head to ghost over the image of Zack. "Why couldn't you just tell me...?" Cloud spoke softly to the empty room; his voice haunting in his ears. He closed his eyes; I just want to make sure you're ok... Cloud tore his gaze from the photograph and stared back up at the ceiling allowing his paw to drop over his stomach. A sudden vibration from his cell phone sitting next to him on the end table practically made him jump as he was snapped out of his thoughts. He clumsily fumbled for the object as he stared at the screen blankly as the name flashed across the screen. "....Squall?" Cloud bit his bottom lip contemplating whether or not to answer the call. After a moments hesitation he answered, "Hello?" Cloud bit down on his lip again as Squall spoke, "Yeah. Sounds good... What time?" Cloud clicked the phone shut after he received his answer; he wasn't much of a conversationalist on the phone, never had been, never will be. He wasn't even sure why he had the silly thing at all. He hardly answered it; usually he'd let it go to voice mail. Why did I bother to pick it up...? Cloud questioned himself staring at his phone slightly confused. Maybe it was just how kind Squall seemed to be; or maybe just because he felt hurt and just needed someone around. Someone that didn't know Zack; Tifa and the others were around to lend an ear but Cloud just felt that they had biased opinions. They all knew Zack and they all knew Zack and Cloud together. So little they had to say really offered any comfort; they always looked at him with sorrow filled eyes and pity written all over their faces. Or maybe it was just the attention he received from Squall; he frowned slightly; although some rather rushed or misguided, but the boy did apologize. Apologized... he practically begged.... Cloud rolled his eyes at the memory. * * * Squall sat down next to Cloud on the bed and opened his maw to speak before letting it drift shut as he noticed Cloud tense at his presence. Squall's eyes dropped from Cloud to his paws, which by now had his fingers laced together and his thumbs fidgeting against each other. Cloud was surprisingly the first to speak, "I'm sorry; it's just..." Squall stopped him by reaching up with his index finger to curl it under the other feline's boxed muzzle and turn his head to his. Cloud's eyes were a little wide as Squall's eyes; which seemed to burn with some strange emotion; stared deep into his own blue orbs. "I shouldn't have rushed you; I was being selfish... I should've been more patient. You just.. there's just something... about you..." Cloud hadn't noticed he was holding his breath; his eyes searched to identify the emotion swimming in Squall's eyes, lost for words. "I don't want you to rush any decisions; I'll give you a call sometime soon...Is that.... ok?" "...," Cloud could only nod his response and force a small smile before summoning his voice, "I'd... like that." Squall smiled as his heart skipped a beat; he almost bounced to his feet and kissed Cloud softly on his forehead before exiting the room to gather his clothes and leave; leaving a very dazed and slightly perplexed Cloud sitting alone on his bed. Cloud shook his head; soft locks of spiky blonde dancing at the movement as he smiled softly bringing his fingertips off from his forehead; which he involuntarily seemed too touched as he reminisced. Maybe it wasn't a good idea but Cloud needed the attention at the moment. After Zack left him the way he did his confidence seemed to break and he found himself deserted and alone. Squall; though somewhat questionable; gave him that confidence back. He felt needed and loved; not that Tifa or the others couldn't do that for him but this was different. At the same time Cloud didn't want to lead Squall on; he was attracted to him yes but he wasn't sure he would develop feelings beyond that. Cloud thought he was a great guy and don't get him wrong Cloud thought he was definitely a catch... But...There's just something about him I can't put my finger on... Cloud looked over to the clock; he was to meet Squall in an hour and he still hadn't gotten up to take a shower, check the mail, or eat breakfast for that matter. He didn't realize how long he spent in the room staring off into oblivion; he scoffed at himself and pushed himself off the bed. "Better late than never..." Cloud proceeded to his wake up routine; only it was afternoon time... Technicalities.... He quickly showered and got dressed. He only took a moment's pause in front of the mirror to shake his head with a small frown at the fact that the blonde spikes didn't relent even when matted with water. He then jogged into the kitchen to start some toast before running out to check his mailbox; he quickly grabbed the contents not bothering to look until he got back into the house. He made his way back into the kitchen and set down the mail as he buttered his toast and poured himself a glass of milk. He took a quick bite as he walked back over to the pile grabbing it with his free paw. Setting his toast down he took a sip of his milk as he scanned the addresses of the envelope's. "Bills... bills... ...!" The glass of milk slipped out of his other paw and crashed onto the floor. The glass shattering onto the ground and the milk running over his foot and pooling onto the floor didn't snap him out of his stupor. His heart beat quickly in his chest; it took him a moment to take a breath as he forgot to breathe. He inhaled sharply as his hand glided over the letter; the letter addressed from Zack. He paused long enough to gather enough courage to begin to open the letter; what was concealed in the envelope would either heal or further shatter his broken heart. His mind bounced between the two ideas. Maybe Zack had written him a letter explaining himself and asking forgiveness; or maybe it was his cowardly way of breaking things off. Cloud didn't know and the suspense of it all had his blood pumping loud enough to hurt his ears. Shaky fingers tore irreligiously through the paper flap. He took another pause before pulling the contents out of envelope. He blinked as he pulled out a small collection of photos; he pulled them out backwards so he had not yet seen the images. "Pictures...?" Cloud flipped the pictures over and froze. He felt his eyes sting painfully as tears began to well in his eyes. His chest felt tight; no not just tight; it felt like someone had crushed his chest. His blood that was once pumping through his ears now died into the background of the silence that seemed to overwhelm him. Everything grew silent; almost as if he had gone deaf at that very moment. His knees shook violently and his fingers viciously squeezed at the photos; crumpling some of the images before him. Reality seemed to come back to him in an abrupt blow to his wounded pride; he threw the pictures and screamed in an aggravated cry. He fell to his paws and knees onto the floor; he ignored the glass that began to bite into his paws. He ignored the blood that now seeped out from the now open cuts mixing with the split milk on the floor. The pictures fluttered in the air to fall to the ground; one of which landed to the right of Cloud's paw. His eyes caught the image and with another choked cry he punched the image lying on the floor as if it had been Zack himself. He hissed at the pain that surged through his knuckles, wrists, and newly formed cuts. He closed his eyes tightly as tears began to fall rapidly from his swollen eyes. He couldn't look at the now bloody image under his fist. He couldn't bear to see it; he wanted to burn it. He wanted to rip it into tiny pieces; flood the image in a sea of water. He wanted to get rid of them anyway he could. Cloud fell back and latched his arms around his knees pulling them close to his body. He buried his face into his knees as he further receded into himself. However much he wanted to never see the images again his eyes betrayed him as they glanced over to the image on the floor. Perhaps too try to correct what his eyes ‘thought' they saw. Maybe he was wrong; maybe he wasn't seeing straight. Maybe his eyes were playing tricks on him. When his eyes fell back to the image his heart pounded painfully against his chest and he sobbed. It was no trick. The image of Zack sleeping with another wasn't a trick. Zack was bent over in the picture; Cloud couldn't see his eyes or part of his face for that matter. What he did see was Zack's unruly raven hair; Zack's body; this alone wasn't enough to convince Cloud it was Zack. What sunk the nail into the coffin was the cross-shaped scar on the wolf's face right below his eye. The lion in the picture face was caught out of frame in the picture completely. Instead the only thing he noticed to identify the lion with was a strange silver chain with some type of symbol on it; but he couldn't make it out. Nor did he pay much attention to it; he couldn't at that point. His world had crashed down upon him the moment he realized it was Zack; his supposed lover in the picture; and that's exactly where his thoughts circulated. Cloud sat sobbing as time froze around him; it wasn't until he heard a knock on the door that he bothered to look up at the clock. Cloud swallowed hard trying to straighten out his appearance as he weakly pushed himself to his feet. His eyes were red and bloodshot; his cheeks stained with tears; and dried blood and milk matted his knuckles. He scrubbed his eyes quickly and tried to clear his voice, "Be right there." He cursed himself mentally as his voice cracked as he spoke. He hovered over the sink to wash his paws and splash water on his face before shifting himself to walk towards the door. He opened the door and smiled as best he could to a very worried Squall. Or at least Cloud had thought he was worried; in truth Squall inwardly grinned madly at Cloud's condition. It was apparent that Cloud had been crying; No doubt he had to of seen the pictures. Now there's nothing in the way of me and my angel... Never the less Squall's face didn't reflect any of his inner thoughts; he only displayed quite the opposite. He looked worried for Cloud and he spoke in a soft comforting voice, "Cloud...What's wrong?" "I'm...f-fine...," Cloud's voice cracked and he looked down with a grimace when he heard his voice betray him once again. Squall quickly grabbed Cloud's paws as soon as he noticed the small cuts and slices over his delicate paws. Squall's fake concern quickly shifted to genuine concern. He didn't want Cloud to physically get hurt! He only wanted to remove Zack from the picture, but he didn't blame himself. He only further blamed Zack. If Zack's venomous grasp didn't have such a strong blinding hold on his angel than he wouldn't have gotten hurt. "What happened? Your paws...," Squall further pointed out as he caressed the sore broken skin; Cloud only flinched when Squall's thumbs grazed over the knuckles he had slammed into the picture on the floor. They had to at least bruise the bone if not broken them altogether. Squall quickly pulled Cloud into the house and brought him into the kitchen; he grimaced at the mess of blood; milk; and glass spread across the floor; along with the incriminating photos. He watched as his love's eyes drifted in shame to the floor as Squall reached for one of the photos and exhaled in a fake sigh of disapproval. "Am... Am I...," Cloud searched for the words in his mind as his eyes floated over the tiles back and forth, "Is there something... wrong with me?" Squall dropped the photo and drew Cloud's muzzle up with his index finger as he kissed his forehead softly, "There's nothing wrong with you Cloud... There's obliviously something wrong with him; what other reason would there be for leaving you." Cloud eyes lifted to Squall's as he blinked; brows furrowed together in question, "Wrong...with him?" Cloud seemed to mull over the words but it didn't take long to dismiss them, "No... Zack was..." Squall cut him off sternly, "Cloud you are perfect." Cloud gulped as his chest rose slightly as he inhaled; Squall really thought Cloud was perfect; the idea left Cloud's head buzzing with unanswered questions. Squall affectionately ran his fingers through Cloud's hair; playing with the rounded tips of his ears in a loving gesture. "And he's blind not to realize that," Squall finished as if to set the statement in stone. Cloud felt a ghost of a smile grace his lips. Squall's words; even though he didn't completely believe them; comforted him. Cloud wasn't sure why but he found himself locked in Squall's embrace. His head dug into the nape of Squall's neck and tears fell free from his eyes. The rhythm of his breathing hadn't changed; nor did his body tense or shake. He just... cried... All the while as Squall held Cloud in his arms an evil smile of accomplishment crossed his features. He caressed his angel's back and played with his hair. He took in deep breaths taking in his love's scent and allowed the warmth of his angel's body to warm his own. He was that much closer to making his angel 'his'.