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[nimbuster]

Kink Konnection

CLOUD STRIFE | 21

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[text] | @strife

[nimbuster]

Hey. Sure, for a price. You do remember we're mercs, right? On my way. You can figure out what you can offer in trade in the meantime.

[It doesn't take too long - maybe fifteen minutes, give or take - before Leon hears the roar of a motorcycle's engine approaching the main hub. If he ventures outside or looks out a window, he'll see Cloud speeding through the ruins, weaving around obstacles with precision, and not looking like he really intends to slow down as he zooms toward the building at top velocity. Finally, at the last second, he swerves sharply into a tight, drifting turn that brings him skidding to a neat halt in a single spin a few feet from the door, looking for all the world like he just drove up and parked like a normal person.]

[tripletriadking]

[There is a very loud roar from outside and Squall has to check it out. He sees Cloud on a motorcycle which is something new. He didn't really know he could ride one though it's not unheard of. He had his license too but only for cars. This is something else and Squall finds himself gripping the windowsill as Cloud expertly shows off his driving skills.]

'Oh...that's kind of hot...'

[He watches until Cloud is parked and only then is heading downstairs to great him with a little box in his arms. It's nothing special but he found a grocery store and was able to get enough base ingredients to bake some chocolate chip cookies . It was something he did when he was stressed back in Radiant Garden during the restoration time so thay he could snack on something that wasn't Aeriths cooking. He didn't think it would be enough payment but hoped Cloud would at least think they were tasty.]

[Squall and his box rush outside and once he's within reach of the door he slows to a haul to not be too eager, making sure his hair looked okay before leaving and giving Cloud a calm and collected little wave.]

Hey, that was fast. Didn't know you had a bike.

[He walks over to Cloud, handing him the small little box]

I made some cookies...it's not much but I thought I'd share them with you since you're giving me a ride and all.

[He opened it to show them off, the smell of still fresh baked cookies wafting out of the box]

don't mind me switching formats ksjdfg

[nimbuster]

Cloud stays astride his bike as he waits, dressed in his usual riding outfit. He gives Leon a little nod of greeting. "What, your Cloud didn't have one? Me one, him zero." It's completely deadpan.

He takes the box and looks down at it, then back up with raised brows. "You bake?" Leon opens the box and Cloud picks up a cookie. "Smells good." He takes a bite, chews, swallows. "Tastes good, too. Thanks." He finishes off the cookie by...putting the entire rest of it in his mouth, as he closes the box and tucks it away in one of several bags he's attached to the bike in various places.

Then he jerks a thumb over his shoulder. "Hop on. And tell me where we're going."

Re: I don't mine at all <3

[tripletriadking]

It's hardly fair for Squall to be asked to act normal when Cloud is dressed like he is. The riding outfit is form fitting on him and while it covers most of him it's also completely Squall's aesthetic and style choice and he wonders if Cloud wore this on purpose. He knows that is wishful thinking so he tried to ignore it. But his eyes do keep lingering on Cloud's body.

"Yeah I don't make much but....I can cook too if you ever want a home cooked meal. Used to make dinner for everyone back home. You liked a few of them." He stands there looking at Cloud and the bike, mostly the bike since the more he looks at Cloud the more likely he is to blush and say something stupid. He's trying to stay as cool as possible for Cloud.

His icey eyes blink as he looked behind Cloud at the Bike. 'Right...I need to get on for him to drive me anywhere....there is no seatbelt on a bike....' Realization dawned on him how he was going to have to hold onto Cloud as they drove. He really didn't plan this out. He had called Cloud just to see him again under the fake pretense of going to the beach and hadn't thought anything past that. "R-Right...." He got onto the back of the bike, grabbing onto Cloud's shoulders as stiffly as he could which only made this more awkward. "I-is this okay?"

[nimbuster]

Maybe fortunately for Leon, Cloud doesn't tend to notice that kind of thing - people checking him out or whatever. "Mn. You should meet Angeal. He does most of the cooking for the crew we've got here from my world. Good at it, too. Maybe you can compare notes."

Cloud half-glances over his shoulder. Maybe this guy is weird about getting too close to other men?

"Sure, if you wanna go flying on the first bump in the road. You actually wanna stay on, you're gonna have to hold on down here." He gestures toward his waist. "Lot more stable." While Leon decides what to do with his hands, Cloud revs the engine and the bike growls like a wolf about to give chase.

[tripletriadking]

Well Cloud might not notice it now but he probably will once Squall moves closer to him. The rev of the engine has him doing as Cloud asked and putting his arms tightly around his waist. He shifts a bit closer to him in the seat and puts his feet up on the bars behind. It's not the first time he's been on the back of a bike but he can't help but feel a bit tense. Cloud is so close and in his arms and the vibration from the motorcycle isn't helping either. He can feel himself get hard and just hopes Cloud doesn't noticed it too with how close they are.

"Maybe some other time I can meet this Angeal. I wouldn't mind sharing some recipes but for now, how about we..er..you take me to the beach.....please." He shifts a bit in his seat so he's a little more comfortable, wanting to rest his head on Cloud's shoulder but he stops himself. That golden blonde hair is already in his face and the soft strands tickle his nose. Cloud smells good too, their is his light natural musk and the scent of gas and wood and rain that he never could place how he smelled like it but now makes more sense. It's a good scent and he closes his eyes as he takes it in. "I'm ready when you are, Cloud."

[nimbuster]

Cloud would be lying if he said he wasn't enjoying having Leon's broad chest and toned arms pressing close against him, but it doesn't occur to him until after he's already made his suggestion, because his suggestion was legit! This is, however, a pleasant side effect, if an embarrassing one. It takes him a minute to notice Leon's reaction, and once he does, well...the man wears an absurd number of belts, it could be one of those or something. He has no proof. He's sure as hell not gonna ask. He's just gonna ignore it and drive.

"You got it." He gives the engine one last rev and peels off onto the cracked, uneven road, accelerating rapidly. It's a good thing Amani doesn't have speed limits, because Cloud would be violating every single one of them. He swerves and weaves around rubble and overgrowth without blinking an eye, even performs the occasional jump when the road is uneven enough for it. The wind blows his hair around wildly, though honestly it doesn't really look any different from normal other than whipping around his face. Between that wind and the roar of the bike, conversation isn't really much of a option without yelling - though it would be easier for Leon, if he were willing to lean down and speak close to Cloud's ear.

They're about halfway to the beach when a peal of thunder rumbles from the heavily overcast sky, absolutely full of Cloud's namesake.

[tripletriadking]

He's never been one to get motion sick or anything and while Cloud's driving doesn't get him motion sick he wonders if any one else ever has. Cloud drives like a maniac and yet it somehow fits him and he wouldn't want it any other way. The bumps and jumps have him holding tighter onto Cloud, moving closer and squeezing his torso. He always knew Cloud was stocky under his clothes and he can feel it now. a jump has him moving forward and keeping them pressed firmly against each other and Squall finally rests his head on Cloud's shoulder, his breath colder then the air around. If Cloud was driving even a little slower he might feel that cold breathe on his cheek or neck or ear but at these speeds he can't. Squall does get comfortable and close his eyes as he leans into Cloud. He's still very aroused but this is nice, it's familiar to have Cloud in his arms and it's not strange to be holding him so tightly in this context so he indulges himself.

"You drive like a madman...but I kind of like it. If I get the chance maybe I can drive you somewhere sometime." His voice is low, a baritone in Cloud's ear, his lips close enough to almost touch. He does feel a rain drop on himself and his eyes open after a bit. "Hey...it might rain. Should we pull over?"

[nimbuster]

Not that Leon has any way of knowing, but funnily enough, Cloud is prone to motion sickness - just not when he himself is driving, especially not on a smaller vehicle like this where he has complete control over its movements. (It's one reason he gravitates toward motorcycles rather than cars in the first place.)

At some point, Leon starts getting more comfortable back there, and he's warm and solid at Cloud's back, but Cloud doesn't assume anything. Maybe the guy gets sick easily, like him. Maybe the speed is freaking him out and he doesn't want to watch the road. Could be all kinds of reasons for him to hold on this tight and lean on him.

...it becomes a little harder not to assume anything when Leon starts talking to him, lips so close to his ear. Still, it makes sense - Cloud wouldn't really be able to hear him otherwise. Doesn't mean anything, and Cloud needs to get his mind out of the gutter pronto. It's this place, it does things to people. Cut it out, Strife.

He shrugs at the observation. "I drive like a SOLDIER. Why, how do you drive?"

Cloud feels a drop or two of rain, too, and glances up at the sky briefly. "Nah, not unless you really don't wanna get wet. I can drive in the rain, no problem." Even if it would be easier to forget about all this pleasant closeness if they did stop. Not like it would stop once they got going again, anyway.

[tripletriadking]

He doesn't mind a bit of rain, would have even made a joke about their names if Cloud had known his real name. The thing is when his jacket gets wet it takes awhile to dry. He also hates how poofy his hair gets at times when he dries it too. He's like a Pomeranian getting a blow dry, 98% fluff at times. Of course he isn't going to tell Cloud that so he just goes along with it. Besides if they pull over that means he has to let go of him and he really doesn't want to. This is his favorite spot in all of Amani right now. If he didn't think they'd get injured from it suddenly he'd cast stop on the both of them right now just to enjoy this moment a little longer.

"I drive like a normal human being....and you do know I'm in the military too right?" He shifts a bit, his hips moving causing him to press against Cloud more. He realizes it and he's sure cloud does too. His face gets heated and he bites on his lower lip to suppress the moan that threatened to leave him. He doesn't dare apologize to not bring attention to it, maybe he's lucky and Cloud won't notice.

"S-Sounds good. Just don't kill us in the process if it gets too wet." He loosens his grip on Cloud a little.

[nimbuster]

"Nope." He didn't know Leon was in the military, how was he supposed to know that? "But I meant capital-SOLDIER. Uh, it's an elite program in our military back home. Guess if your Cloud's from your world, he wouldn't be one."

Which is weird, though, because Leon didn't seem surprised at all at his abilities when they sparred, nor has he commented on his eyes' odd glow like most people do. Huh.

Then Leon's shifting in his seat and...okay, that is almost certainly not a belt. Yup, ignoring that too.

"Pff. I'm great at driving. You'll see."

Soon enough, it does start raining in earnest, and flashes of lightning arc across the darkened thunderheads above as they speed along. Most people definitely would have pulled over to find shelter by now. Cloud doesn't even flinch. If anything, he's more confident. Storms have become a strange sort of motivator for him; they feel like journeys beginning and times to come alive and find new purpose. It's...probably all in his head, he thinks, like so many things. But it feels right.

And it feels more right the longer they spend riding through the storm. Why not show off how good he is at this? What reason does he have to hold back? None whatsoever. He punches it, speeding up even more and smirking slightly into the wind and driving rain.

Bring it, storm.

[tripletriadking]

"Remind me to tell you more about myself at another time then, Cloud." He almost chuckles at the way Cloud seems to let loose in the rain. It's cute, Cloud is adorable in his own way and Squall is happy he can watch this, it's something only he gets to see in this moment and he will cherish it.

The driving is a little scary, he isn't going to lie. He can feel them skid every so often but cloud really does have a mastery of his bike. It's thrilling in between the recklessness and he can't help but start laughing a bit, a deep joyful laugh. The rain is hitting him and he's already soaked, lightning hitting around them as thunder and the roar of Cloud's bike reverberate in his chest. He's happy, really happy for the first time he's been in this world and even if it's only a fleeting happiness he is glad to have it anyway.

"You're amazing Cloud!" He shouts as thunder tries to drown out his words. He can't keep his eyes open anymore with the rain and the wind but he does part them for one more look at Cloud, the smirk on his freckled face piercing his heart and he kisses his cheek, unable to stop himself.

[nimbuster]

Anyone with a healthy self-preservation instinct would be scared - what Cloud's doing is reckless. But even without the rain's subtle effects, Cloud wouldn't be afraid. He never is when the adrenaline is pumping and he knows what he needs to do. That was true even before Nibelheim.

His smirk becomes a small smile, hearing Leon laugh into the wind. First time he's heard anything like that out of this guy. Cloud feels it too, the thrill - he'd felt it even during all those times he drove around like this back in Midgar, but then it was tempered by necessity and the need to keep the others safe from attackers. Those were chases; this is just...a joyride, frankly.

And then...

...oh. So he was right, after all. He's put off thinking about this possibility enough that now that he's come to the bridge, he doesn't know how to cross it. But for once, it doesn't feel like an impassable gulf from here to words coming out of his mouth like it usually does when people say things like this. Do things like this, when there's no established relationship - and even then it's a tossup.

Right now, he just lets himself react. Thinking about it can come later.

"You ain't seen anything yet," he calls back, before he swerves to drive full speed up a steep hill. "Hold on tight!" And at the top of the hill, the bike sails through the air into a backflip before they land again, at which point Cloud slows just enough to drift to a screeching halt, wheels throwing up a wave of water, until they come to rest under an outcropping of rock that shields them from the worst of the rain.

Now parked, he turns to face Leon more fully, looking way too pleased with himself in his subtle way. "How's that for amazing?"

[tripletriadking]

Neither of them really have ever thought of having safe and healthy preservation tactics. Cloud even in his world was always throwing himself in danger to the point of almost really loosing himself and Squall was always right behind him throwing himself at Cloud to save him at the expense of himself. Of course they both find this thrilling and if he ever is able to go back home with Cloud he'd going to make sure Cloud gets a bike just like this one. He'd make it priority number one for the Restoration Committee. Aerith would probably tease him on it but that didn't matter.

The hill is the only time he feels a bit of dread. It's a big hill and with the mud and rain it's incredibly dangerous, they don't even have helmets on. Sora would be scolding him for doing something reckless given how often he does it himself but despite the hesitation he wants to and so he tightens his hold and keeps his eyes peeled forward as they go up that heel. His legs tighten their hold on the bike and it's a good thing that he does when they actually do a full backflip before landing.

His heart is pounding so loudly in his chest he can barely here the thunder. He's laughing again, he doesn't even know when he started to again but he is laughing and they are both so incredibly soaked. Squall is pretty sure there isn't a dry spot between the both of them and his hair is plastered to his face. He has to messily slick his hair back out of his face to see Cloud again and when he does he sees just how messed up he is too. There is mirth in those eyes he cherishes so much and Cloud has never looked more beautiful to him. There are some blonde strands covering his eyes and he reaches out to push those away, his gloved hand lingering on Cloud's face.

"That might have been the wildest thing I've ever done in my life." With the bike parked the sound of rain hitting the ground around them and the dripping of the water off their clothes is the only thing he hears and it's a fitting cacophony of noises for them. Stormy weather.

"...I lied, it's the second wildest thing I've done..." With hands caressing those lightly freckled cheeks, Squall goes in for the kiss. He's missed the feel of Cloud's lips against his and while it's a wet kiss considering how they are, there is still a burning desire there.

[nimbuster]

Leon might be surprised to find that only about half of Cloud's hair is flattened by the rain. Somehow, the other half is still defying gravity despite being dripping wet. Truly, Cloud's hair is one of the great mysteries.

The bike ride may not have gotten Cloud nervous at all, but Leon's fingers gentle on his face get his pulse quickening. He shrugs, a little too casual. "Eh. I've had wilder rides in my sleep."

There's no mistaking what Leon's about to do, and Cloud could stop it, but he doesn't. His hands remain where they are - one hand lightly holding the handlebar, the other arm resting across his knee - but he does kiss back. Leon's attractive and Cloud's blood is pumping and it's a good kiss, so why shouldn't he? He lets Leon set the pace, ready to match it but making no move to escalate or take the lead.

[tripletriadking]

It seems no matter where he is, Cloud will always be snarky but that's okay. Squall likes that about him, in fact he loves that about Cloud. It was one of the first things that attracted him to the other all those years ago. He loved how Cloud always had some witty combat back or would tease him about something he did or said. Even in the beginning though it had been shocking it had been something he always enjoyed.

The one different between this kiss and all the others is that he's the one instigating it. Cloud was always the one who started and ended it in the past. It wasn't that Squall didn't want to, it was that he didn't want to upset Cloud and expect affection when it wasn't his to take. In the back of his mind he knew this Cloud was much the same, someone who never would be his fully and yet he didn't push him away.

His heart is heavy in his chest as their lips part only for Squall to lean in so their foreheads are touching, his eyes closed as he smiles. "I missed your taste..." He sighs, a mixture of content with some sadness as he fully pulls away to look at Cloud. His hands leave his face to settle on his shoulders instead.

"I know you don't remember me and this is asking a lot...but please can I touch you? Really touch you. I just want to show you once how much you mean to me...just once"

[nimbuster]

What a weird feeling, to have someone he barely knows act like they've been lovers for years. Were it not for this rain, Cloud would probably find an excuse to leave. Even as it is, it's hard to figure out what to say. He's a little tempted to just kiss Leon again to avoid having to say anything, but before he can...

His eyes widen slightly and his brow lowers with concern. "I don't mind...doing this, with you. But you can't send a message to the Cloud you know through me. You know that, right? I'm...not the guy you care about. Don't want you to get hung up on thinking I am."

[tripletriadking]

It's a sweet gesture for Cloud to say that and he does appreciate it but Squall knows in his heart of hearts that this is his Cloud. He knew the moment he saw him even if the memories aren't there. Squall knows probably better than most here how powerful a heart can be and how strong a connection can be.

"In my heart you are the same Cloud and that's all that matters to me...as long as you are okay with that." He smiles and sits back away from Cloud. It's so strange how he is able to say this so easily, something he was trying to keep hidden but now it's like he doesn't care, he just wants to live in this moment.

"It's crazy...I feel like I can tell you anything. I want to tell you everything, about how much I've missed you since you left but instead I want to show you. I've never had the chance to properly show you." Squall's taking his gloves off then and tossing them aside. He rarely has them off but he needs to feel Cloud on his bare skin, not through the leather. A hand touches his cheeks once more and lowers to his neck. "You're as soft as I remember....so much strength hidden behind these freckles..."

[nimbuster]

It would hardly be the first time Cloud's memory has denied him recollection of someone important to him, but if that's what happened here, Cloud has no way of knowing. All he can do is go by what's in front of him. And what's in front of him is Leon saying some extremely personal and openly romantic things. Rain or not, Cloud can't help the slight flush that rises to his face or the faint stammering that's the only thing he can get out for a minute, or the way he averts his eyes. It's not a matter of inhibition - just his mind going blank.

"You - you can't even see my freckles without direct sunlight," is what he eventually manages to say. It's...not ideal, he's aware even as the words come out of his mouth. Listen, he's shit at this, he knows that.

[tripletriadking]

The way Cloud is acting is too cute, too adorable. Squall is a little worried he's made him uncomfortable however with the way he is acting but he isn't moving away or telling him no so those are both good signs.

"You're wrong, with your face flushed like this I can see your freckles perfectly." As if to prove his point he leans in and kisses Cloud's cheeks before taking his lips once more. The kiss is just as soft and gentle as the last one save for the fact that Squall is doing a lot more moving. He takes his cropped jacket off and tosses it on the ground with his gloves, his lips never leaving Cloud's.

After the jacket he's got his hands on Cloud's smaller waist, a silent plea to touch him more. He's being a little greedy in his touches but still waits for the okay to go further, to take it to a place that will forever change the relationship they have now. Cloud usually stopped things when it got too heated in the past, he hopes that's changed.

[nimbuster]

Oh, great. His face is flushed. Way to ruin whatever impression Leon may have had of him as a cool badass. Kissing his cheeks like that is not helping.

Fortunately, he doesn't need to reply because Leon's kissing him again and pulling off his soaking wet jacket. When Leon settles his hands on Cloud's waist, Cloud finally moves to touch him in return, because hell if he's going to pass up the opportunity to run his hands over those biceps and broad shoulders in a wet t-shirt.

The kiss is so soft that it almost seems disrespectful to turn up the heat, but that does seem to be what Leon wants. So after a moment, Cloud opens his mouth a little and runs his tongue lightly over Leon's lips - an invitation.

[tripletriadking]

Little did Cloud know that Squall would always think he was a badass, just sometimes a cute one.


Cloud's hands on his body and the invitation of a deeper kiss is all he needs to know this is okay. There is a long almost desperate sigh of content as he parts his own lips and deepens the kiss between them. Like all things between them even their tongues had to fight for dominance and it sent a shiver through his body as he moaned into their kiss.

He pulled Cloud flush against him from his hold on his waist. As they kissed a hand slid down Cloud's thigh, his other finding purchase in Cloud's incredibly soft hair. He gave Cloud's thigh a squeeze once before moving between his legs to palm at his clothed cock. Squall's own heartbeat quickened at the motion, really hoping Cloud didn't push him away right now.

[nimbuster]

This is a weird feeling, too - Leon's like a parched man who's suddenly found water with Cloud, and the only time this has ever happened before was with Zack. And that's because Zack is a needy puppy, and they had been sort of awkwardly and mutually pining for a while. This is...different. And although it is weird, it's also kinda nice to have someone want him this much.

So he lets Leon pull him close, and he drags his hands down the other man's broad chest as the kiss heats up. Cloud has to admit, Leon probably looks incredible without a shirt...not that the drenched one he's wearing hides much anyway. And speaking of which - it's Cloud's turn to unzip and pull off his own leather jacket without breaking away, though instead of tossing it onto the ground, he drapes it over the handlebars. Beneath it, he wears just a simple black, sleeveless shirt that clings to his body thanks to being soaked.

Cloud's a bit surprised that Leon goes straight for the main event, so to speak, but he's not complaining. That questing hand will find him somewhat hard in his leather pants as his hips push forward unhurriedly to seek more friction without conscious thought. His own hands keep roaming, dipping under Leon's shirt to feel up chiseled abs and a muscular back...damn, this guy is ripped.

[tripletriadking]

"C-Cloud..." Squall can't help how badly his body betrays him in showing off his want for Cloud. He is still taking it slow, but the need in his kisses, the tightness in his pants and the way he touches Cloud as if its the first and last time he can have this are all painfully apparent. His moans don't help much for his case either. Each touch from Cloud has him reacting, a moan here, a shiver there. He hasn't felt Cloud's touch on him in months and he hasn't sought anyone out in his place either.

He breaks their kiss reluctantly, iced blue eyes hyper focused on Cloud, never breaking eye contact as he reaches for the hem of his own wet shirt, lifting it up and off and tossing it aside. There are some lightly faded scars on his torso but the biggest is on his chest, a jagged mark on his bicep. It's something he's usually self-conscious off but right now he doesn't care. The belts are next as he makes quick work of them and soon they are discarded with his shirt and gloves. There is a pink tint to his face, he's stripping on purpose and hoping Cloud approves. The way he was touching him made him think that he looked good at least to the other and if he's right he hopes Cloud likes the view.

Stripped enough for himself he places hands on Cloud's thighs, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the lips. "Can I undress you?" His voice is low and there is that heady need in it. A hand rides up his thigh to the waist and plays with the hem of that black shirt.

[nimbuster]

It's an odd sort of power, almost, that Cloud feels like he has over this encounter with Leon this reactive to every little thing he does. He's tempted to experiment with that, but Leon pulls back and starts stripping further, and that's just fine with Cloud.

So he watches, and if the gleam of interest in his eyes is anything to go by, he does indeed like what he sees. Leon's a fighter, that's obvious even if Cloud didn't already know that, though his gaze neither lingers on those scars nor darts away from them; they're just one feature of many that he takes in all together. Droplets of water dripping down tanned skin and over firm muscles, biceps flexing, the lines of those hips drawing the eye down toward the obvious bulge in his pants...

Looking into Cloud's eyes so persistently in turn will show Leon the faint mako glow there, more prominent now than usual in the shadows of the outcropping under a dark sky.

Still, no matter how good Leon looks, Cloud can't help tilting his head and giving him a wry, quizzical look as he takes off his own gloves and drapes them on top of his jacket. "Those belts keeping your arm attached or what?"

Then Leon's stepping in close again, touching him again, and that soft, deep voice asking permission to undress him goes from Cloud's ear right down his spine, like the rumble of a motor. His usual response to that kind of thing is that he can undress himself, thanks. But here and now, Leon seems so earnest in his desire to do it for him that Cloud doesn't have the heart to refuse him. Besides, he likes feeling those big, warm hands on him.

He nods. "Go ahead." But he dislikes simply sitting back and letting someone else do everything if he doesn't have to. So while Leon's focused on taking off his clothes, Cloud leans in to breathe in the other man's scent, press his lips to his neck once, twice, more to trail kisses down to his chest.