The Obvious Solution / A Little Less Anxious
Title: The Obvious Solution
Characters:  Cloud and Zack
Team: SOLDIER
Rating:  PG
Word Count: 100

Zack ruffled his hair, and for the first time in forever Cloud managed to focus. Forcing his limbs to comply, he reached out and caught his friend's forearm.  Familiar eyes filled with shock and elation as Zack's gaze met his.

“Cloud?”

Speaking was difficult.  “Zack,” he answered, “wait.”

Zack glanced away, picking out movement among the rocks.  “Can't.  Gotta make a stand, Cloud.”

Determined, Cloud tugged a bit of fluff from under his pauldron, and clumsily pushed it into the same position on his friend.

Phoenix down. Insurance. 

"Now," he said.

Grinning, Zack nodded, suddenly feeling almost invincible.  "Good thinking."



Title: A Little Less Anxious
Characters/Pairing:  Cloud/Tifa
Team: SOLDIER
Rating:  PG
Word Count: 100

Tifa nervously crossed and uncrossed her legs.  “Cloud? I..." hesitating, she let her voice trail off as she bit her lip.  Then her chin firmed with decision, and she leaned in to brush his mouth with hers.  “I really like you, Cloud,” she whispered.  When he remained silent, she blushed and pulled back in disappointment. 

A moment later he was kissing her – a real kiss, not just the faint skimming of lips she'd initiated.  “I don't think 'like' is the right word,” he murmured, once their heavy breathing filled the gondola.

Tifa nodded, before sealing her mouth to his again.