19:56
It was a typical Thursday evening at the Fair household. The comforting hum of everyday life filled the air- the clinking of dishes as Cloud washed up from dinner, and the sound of sleepy laughter echoed from the living room. His husband, and mate, Zack, was ever the storytelling, sprawled out on the couch with their twin pups nestled on either side of him. Luca and Delilah- affectionately called De-De, and Lu- were five years old now, their soft giggles bubbling with every exaggerated voice from their father put on from the characters in the story. Zack’s dramatic flair never failed to keep them entertained, and Cloud suspected his husband enjoyed the performance even more than they did. Not that Cloud minded. Watching his husband act out grand tales with uncontainable enthusiasm was one of many things that made him fall in love with Zack in the first palace. Even now, Cloud still found it endearing.
Washing the last glass, and setting it aside on the drying rack, Cloud flipped the kitchen lights off. He dried his hands on a dish towel before making his way toward the living room.He smiled softly at his alpha, leaning against the doorframe of the kitchen to the living room, arms crossed over his chest, listening to his mate’s dramatic storytelling for their pups.
The twins were captivated, their wide eyes fixed on the books that their father had in his hands, bringing the story to life for their kids. De-De held onto her stuffed chocobo while her brother nestled further into his father’s side. Cloud’s heart swelled. Moments like these- quiet and simple, full of warmth- were the ones he loved the most. Their pups were practical images of him and Zack. De-De had her daddy’s blonde hair and green eyes. Luca had his papa’s black hair and blue eyes. Cloud couldn’t ask for anything more than the moment he was witnessing with his alpha and pups. He noticed his son’s eyes closing ever so slightly and decided to butt in.
“Okay, time for bed.” His voice echoed lightly through the living room as he walked over to the couch, scooping his son into his arms and kissing his forehead, nuzzling his nose against the crook of his neck. The little boy gave a sleepy murmur of protest but quickly melted against him, his body going limp with exhaustion. It was normal for mothers to scent their pups (in this case Cloud), marking them with their scent. A content purr escaped Cloud’s lips, a low rumble in his chest as he scent his pup again, a wash of protectiveness coming over him. “Someone’s sleepy.”
Zack laughed softly, his voice full of affection as he brushed a few loose strands of Luca’s dark hair from his forehead. “Works every time,” he murmured, his eyes twinkling as he glanced at his mate. Cloud smiled softly and settled beside Zack, stealing a soft kiss as he crooned at his young pup.
Their daughter, however, was not so easily swayed by the impending bedtime. The little girl pouted, her green eyes shining with stubborn determination. “But Daddy didn’t finish!” she protested, clutching her stuffed chocobo tighter. “I wanna know what happens next.”
Cloud chuckled, shifting Luca comfortable in his arms. “You’ll find out tomorrow, sweetheart. Right now, it’s time for bed.”
“But I’m not tired…” Delilah protested, though the way she rubbed her eyes betrayed her words. Zack grinned and swooped his daughter in his arms, nuzzling her cheek gently and scented her. It was second nature to him to make sure his pups (and mate) were scented with both his and Cloud’s scent.
“Yeah you are, kiddo,” Zack murmured, his voice warm with affection, chuckling softly when their daughter protested even though her small arms wrapped around her daddy’s neck, her small body growing heavier with exhaustion. Cloud just smiled, shifting their son, who was already fast asleep in his arms. It was safe to say who was a mama’s boy and who was a daddy’s girl.
“Let’s get you two tucked into bed,” Cloud murmured, turning on his heel to lead the way upstairs where the twins’ bedroom was. With their pups snuggled against them, Cloud led the way up the stairs, their footsteps light as they carried their babies to their shared bedroom. The room was cosy, decorated with personal touches that made it undeniably theirs- Luca’s neatly arranged books on one side, along with a few stuffed animals and trinkets. Delilah’s stuffed animals and other toys were scattered across her bed, the floor too. There were glow in the dark star stickers stuck to the ceiling. The walls were painted in hues of yellow and blue, giving it a warm summery feel to the room. It was nice, inviting and warm. The nightlight plugged into the corner was in the shape of a chocobo, illuminating a soft glow around the room.
Cloud stepped towards Luca’s bed and carefully placed his son into his bed, his touch gentle as he tucked the little boy beneath his cosy blankets. Luca stirred briefly, letting out a small, content sigh before curling up with beloved moogle plushie. Cloud brushed a hand through his son’s dark hair, a soft smile on his face as he knelt down and pressed a kiss to his son’s forehead. “Love you, Lu. Sleep well, baby,” he murmured to Luca before stepping over to where his daughter and mate were.
Zack was close behind Cloud as he had followed him upstairs, the alpha still cradling his daughter in his arms. The small girl gave a sleepy pout, clearly fighting the pull of sleep, but even her stubbornness (Zack swore she inherited it from Cloud) was no match for the comfort of her daddy’s arms. Zack kissed her forehead softly, letting out a content growling noise, a low rumble in his chest as he stepped into the twins’ room, his eyes lingering on his husband who was putting their son down to sleep. He turned back to his daughter, poking her nose. “Alright, time to sleep, baby,” he murmured and carefully set her down into her bed.
Delilah huffed as she was set down, still holding on tightly to her chocobo stuffie, the plush creature slightly worn out from the years of love. Zack tucked his pup into bed, pulling the blankets and adjusting them over her, tucking her in just the way she liked it. “Not sleepy,” she mumbled, though her droopy eyes told a different story.
“Of course not,” Zack replied playfully, smoothing down her blonde curls. “But even brave adventurers need their sleep. You wouldn’t want to fall asleep during daddy’s story later, would you?”
Delilah blinked up at him, her green eyes shining in the soft glow of the nightlight. “Promise you’ll finish it?”
“Promise. Now get some sleep, love,” Zack said, his voice gentle as he placed a kiss atop her head, switching places with Cloud, going over to Luca. Cloud hummed softly, sitting on the edge of his daughter’s bed, kissing her head softly.
“Love you, kiddo. Sweet dreams,” Cloud whispered softly, only getting up when he was certain she had fallen asleep. He stood by the door as he watched his husband bid their son goodnight, catching his soft voice in the empty room. He turned to his mate when Zack approached him, looping an arm around his waist lovingly. “Night, babies.”
Zack smiled softly, his heart full of love as he gazed back at the peacefully sleeping twins. He echoed his husband’s words, his voice laced with warmth. He let his arms linger around Cloud’s waist, pulling his omega close as they quietly stepped out of the room. Zack gently eased the door shut, leaving just enough space for the soft glow of the nightlight to seep through. Cloud sighed softly, laying his head on his husband’s shoulder as they walked downstairs together. It was just after eight, still early for them to go to bed, and they ended up staying awake until ten at the latest, sometimes eleven or later.
Once they reached the kitchen, the soft hum of the refrigerator and the distant hum of the clock filled the quiet space. The warmth of their home settled around them, and Cloud instinctively moved towards the counter. He opened the pantry, pulling out a small jar of honey and then retreated back to the kitchen island and pulled the loaf of bread out. He put two pieces of bread into the toaster to toast them. His cravings had been relentless lately- he blamed the lingering effects of his heat- and honey toast had become his go-to late night snack. Zack leaned against the counter, his arms crossed as he watched his omega with a fond smile. The sigh of his mate moving around the kitchen, comfortable and content always stirred something deep in his chest. Every little thing Cloud did- from the way he carefully drizzled honey over the toasted bread to the absentminded hum of a familiar tune- made Zack fall in love with him all over again.
“You and that honey toast,” Zack teased, his grin playful as he looked at Cloud, watching him take a bite, licking a stray drop of honey from his lips. “I swear, you could live off of that.”
Cloud shrugged, blue eyes gleaming with amusement. “What? Can you blame me? It’s good.”
Zack growled, low in his chest, smirking at the way he saw his omega react. He pushed himself off of the counter, closing the short distance between them. He didn’t say anything and before Cloud could react, Zack placed his hands on Cloud’s waist, strong and steady. He pressed his mate against the cool granite of the counter, his hands sliding up Cloud’s sleep shirt, rubbing the skin on his hip. Cloud’s breath hitched, flushing under his alpha’s gaze.
“You missed a spot,” Zack teased, his thumb brushing just beneath Cloud’s lower lip.
“Why don’t you clean it up, alpha?” Cloud purred, his voice inviting yet teasing. Zack growled again, shoving Cloud against the counter and leaned down, capturing his mate’s lips in a sweet yet passionate kiss. It was warm, unhurried, the kind that spoke volumes of the years they spent together. Zack’s hand curled around the back of Cloud’s neck, his fingers tangling in soft blonde spikes, deepening the kiss. Their tongues danced with each other, Zack winning. Cloud wrapped his arms around his mate’s shoulder, melting into the touch with a content sigh. The kiss grew more heated, Zack’s growl reverberated through his chest as he pressed Cloud even closer. The cool granite counter contrasted sharply against the warmth of his alpha’s body, and Cloud shivered, the sensation sending a spark of anticipation through him. Zack’s hands roamed possessively, fingertips tracing every delicate curve of Cloud’s waist before slipping past the waistband of his pants.
Though just before Zack could continue, he pulled away, nuzzling at his omega’s neck, scenting him. He nibbled on Cloud’s mating mark, biting roughly but just enough to get a rise out of his omega. Cloud whined, arching his neck to allow Zack to scent him again. He huffed in annoyance when Zack pulled away. “Tease.”
“I know, sunshine but… I’m saving the good stuff for tomorrow,” Zack said, winking at his husband, which reminded himself to call the girls. They needed them to babysit tomorrow night seeing as they were going on a date night. “You have your phone?”
“Yeah, why?” Cloud asked, handing it over to his mate, but he spoke with a mouthful of bread so it sounded like “-eah, ‘hy?” instead of how it should have sounded. Zack laughed softly, kissing his omega on his head, murmuring out a “thanks,” as he unlocked his husband’s phone.
“Mine’s on the charger. We need Tifa and Aerith to babysit tomorrow night since it’s date night,” Zack explained, deciding on calling the girls instead of texting them. He flipped on the lower lights in the kitchen, chuckling softly as Cloud blinked, getting used to the brightness. He pressed the call on the phone, propping it up against the windowsill, hoping they would answer the video call.
“Think they’ll answer?” Cloud asked through a mouthful of food, finishing off the last bit of breath, washing it down with a quick glass of water, wrapping his arms around Zack from behind, resting his nose between the alpha’s shoulder blades.
“Speak of the devil,” Zack murmured right as the girls answered the call. “You’re on speaker, pups are asleep,” he quickly said.
Tifa waved from the background, seeing as Aerith had answered the call. “Hey! Everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything’s great. The pups are asleep, so we figured we (“you)” shush- would check in… Also could you do a tiny favour?” Zack asked them, smiling as he laced his hand with Cloud’s kissing his cheek softly.
“What is it?” Tifa asked, coming up from behind, resting her chin on her omega’s shoulder.
“Zack’s got a date night thing planned. Can you watch the twins?” Cloud piped up, looking over Zack’s shoulder.
“Of course!!” Aerith grinned. “You two deserve a night out!”
“Thanks… Just make sure they’re in bed before eight thirty?”
“We know, Cloud. Don’t worry. You and Z go have some fun. We’ll see you tomorrow,” Tifa assured, winking before the call ended. Cloud huffed, laying his head back down on Zack’s shoulder blades, humming softly. He giggled a little when his alpha then picked him up and walked upstairs to their own bedroom. He placed his phone on the charger, then lay down beside his husband.
“Mmm… You ready for tomorrow?” Zack murmured, kissing Cloud on his cheek.
“As ready as I’ll ever be? I dunno,” Cloud said, shifting so his back was pressed against his alpha’s chest, purring contently as he relaxed into his lover’s chest. Zack smiled, kissing Cloud on his forehead, rubbing his hip gently. Soon, both men were asleep, awaiting tomorrow night.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friday- 18:45
The evening had arrived faster than expected, but not fast enough for the eager couple. Cloud and Zack had spent the day getting ready for their outing, whilst hyping the twins up, assuring them that their aunties would make the night just as fun for them as it would be for their parents. However, leaving the house was a little more on the tricker side. Cloud was hesitant even though he trusted Tifa and Aerith wouldn’t let something happen to his babies, that still didn’t stop his instincts to kick in.
Luca, however, was not wanting his parents to leave and as much as he loved his aunts, he was a total mama’s boy and wanted to be close to his papa. He clung to Cloud like a lifeline, small fingers gripping Cloud’s pant leg with stubborn determination to make his daddy and papa stay home. His tearful blue eyes looked up at his papa, lower lip trembling. “Don’t go….” he mumbled, burying his face into the fabric of Cloud’s suit pants.
Cloud felt his heart clench as he knelt down beside his son, brushing soft strands of dark curls away from his face, kissing his forehead. He then scooped him up in his arms, sensing his distress, soothing him by leaving his scent on his baby. “We won’t be long gone, cub,” Cloud murmured, being mindful of his suit while he held his little boy- insisted by Zack even though he knew it wouldn’t stay intact for long. “Besides, you love spending time with your aunties, don’t you?”
Luca sniffled, his small arms wrapping tightly around his papa’s neck as he buried his face in his papa’s shoulder. “I guess…” he mumbled, his voice muffled and shaky. The familiar, calming scent of Cloud wrapped around him but it wasn’t enough to soothe the worry clinging to his little heart.
Cloud frowned as he bounced his son on his hip, cradling the young pup close, cooing at him and rubbed circles on his back. “We’ll be back before you know it, sweetheart. Maybe Auntie Tifa will let you stay up past your bedtime.” He pressed a kiss to the crown of Luca’s head, his own reluctance to leave lingering beneath his reassuring words. No matter how much he loved and trusted Tifa and Aerith, his omega instincts still pulled at him, urging him to stay close to his pups.
Across the room, Delilah was sitting with Aerith on the floor, talking and giggling with her aunt happily. Whatever they were talking about was enough to keep her distracted, as well as chatting about what book to read tonight, or even making a fort and watching a movie. Unlike her brother, she was far more willing to let her parents leave for the evening, especially with the promise of a surprise (maybe- is what Zack had said) when they returned, depending on what time they came back home. Meanwhile, Luca remained firmly attached to Cloud, his small fingers still gripping onto his papa’s shirt as though letting go would make his parents disappear forever. His lower lip wobbled, blue eyes glassy with unshed tears as he peeked at his aunt who’d walked over and waited patiently nearby, waiting for Cloud to feel ready.
Cloud bounced him gently on his hip, pressing a kiss to the boy’s forehead. “We won’t be long gone, sweet boy,” he soothed, rubbing soft, comforting circles on his son’s back. “You might be lucky and your aunties will let you stay up until we’re back home.”
Luca sniffled, wiping his nose with his sleeve as he clung to his papa. “What if I need you?”
Cloud’s heart shattered at that, hearing his son’s small voice. He could feel his alpha’s hand on the small of his back, grounding him as his instincts fought against reason. It was a simple date night- just a few hours away from their pups. Everything was fine, but inside everything screamed at him to stay, to protect, to nurture. His grip tightened ever so slightly when Tifa stepped forward and reached out to take him, his instincts flared again, a low, protective growl rumbling in his chest. His sharp blue eyes flickered with an unspoken warning. Tifa took a step back, knowing better than to push an omega already on edge.
“And you say I’m protective,” Zack murmured teasingly as he stepped closer to press a slow, ground nuzzle against Cloud’s scent gland. The warmth of his mate’s presence helped ease the tension creeping up his spin. He then brushed a kiss to Cloud’s temple. “It’s okay, stormcloud. He’s safe.”
Cloud hummed, knowing his mate was right. He took a deep breath before he let his husband coax Luca from his arms. This time, he let go- though not without reluctance and as Zack handed their cub off into Tifa’s awaiting arms, Luca clung tightly, but the worst of his distress had eased.
“You’ll come back? Promise?” Luca whispered, looking at Cloud with tearful blue eyes.
Cloud smiled softly and gently wiped away a tear. “Always,” he murmured, kissing his forehead softly. “I love you, cub.”
“Love you too, papa,” Luca mumbled, finally snuggling into Tifa’s hold, though he still peeked at his parents through his lashes, clinging to his aunt as Cloud backed into his mate, closing his hand around with his.
“Be good for your aunts, you too, De-de. We’ll be back soon, lovelies,” Zack promised, ruffling his son’s hair gently and pressed a kiss to both his head and Deliliah’s when Aerith came over carrying their daughter in her arms.
Aerith chuckled gently as she bounced Delilah on her hip. “Now go. We’ll take care of them!” She smiled, nuzzling her nose against Tifa’s scent gland, her hand on the small of her alpha’s back. “Before your instincts take over and you decide to stay.”
Cloud hesitated for a second, before the girls practically ushered them out of the house, promising they would take care of the pups, as they always do whenever the two went out for nights like this. Zack led them to the side of the house where the bike was parked- Fenrir and Zack’s bike, Vortex. Cloud looked at his alpha, raising a brow as the other swung a leg over Vortex, straddling the seat, crossing his arms over his chest and stared at his partner who looked far too pleased with himself. “Where are we going?” he asked, standing near the bike but not getting on it just yet. “It’s not Wall Market…”
“Nope! It’s a place Vin and Cid recommended, something something, great food was all I understood about it. C’mon, Cloudy! You look divine by the way,” Zack purred, green eyes shining in the porch light. Cloud blushed as he grabbed his helmet, sliding it on over his fluffy golden hair, sighing softly before he finally got on the back seat of Vortex, placing his hands on his alpha’s hips.
“Flattery isn’t getting you anywhere, Zackary. Besides, is this why you practically begged me to wear a suit?” Cloud murmured as the other took hold of his hands, wrapping his arms around his middle, laying his hands over Cloud’s now clasped fingers on his stomach, squeezing lightly.
“Maybe. You’ll love it,” Zack reassured and leaned back to steal a kiss from his omega, letting out a small growl of possession, biting softly on his lower lip but pulled away before he had any time to react. Cloud rolled his eyes when Zack pulled away, nuzzling against his neck happily.
“Just drive, puppy,” Cloud mumbled, hooking his chin over Zack’s shoulders, smiling nonetheless. Zack just laughed softly and flipped the visor down on his helmet before twisting the throttle. The bike roared to life beneath them, the deep vibration thrumming through Cloud’s body as they sped off onto the roads. Despite his earlier grumbling, Cloud felt a flicker of excitement. It wasn’t often they got nights like these- just the two of them, no responsibilities, no interruptions, and even if his alpha was keeping it a secret, he trusted him. And, if nothing else, he knew tonight would be memorable.
~~~~
19:15
Zack drove around town for a while, purposely messing with Cloud before he had finally pulled into a parking spot in a restaurant- the very one he was recommended by Vincent and Cid-. Cloud lifted his visor when his husband finally parked the bike, eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the elegant, softly lit restaurant in front of them. It was upscale, with dark wooden accents, and golden lighting spilling from the large windows. The sign above the entrance glowed with understanding sophistication. It definitely wasn’t some random dive Zack had dragged him to before- it was something special. His blue eyes turned back on his husband. “Took you long enough.”
Zack chuckled as he pulled off his own helmet, shaking out his wild black spikes. “What? Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy our little detour?” He grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Had to make the night last longer.”
Cloud rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the amused smile tugging at his lips. “Sure. Or you just wanted to mess with me.”
Making it as dramatic as possible, the latter placed a hand over his chest. “Me? Mess with you? Never.” Zack tugged Cloud closer afterwards, smoothing down his suit, pulling him close by the dog tag he wore (they both wore one), kissing him deeply, tangling his other hand in the man’s fluffy blonde spikes. Cloud’s smile softened, eyes half lidded as his alpha pulled him close, eagerly kissing back, his hands fisting in the lapels of Zack’s suit, moaning softly into the other’s mouth. The kiss was sudden, deep and full of affection- Zack causing Cloud to melt into a puddle in his arms. Zack could feel how his love was relaxing against him, his body yielding, trusting. It wasn’t just the kiss- it was the weight of the years between them, of battles fought side by side, nights spent curled around one another, pups cradling in their arms, whispered promises under moonlit skies. The kiss held all of that.
Zack deepened it for a moment longer, sliding his tongue past Cloud’s pink lips when the blonde parted his mouth with a soft gasp, allowing him in. Their tongues danced, battling for dominance. Zack won, exploring every crack and crevice. One of his hands slid to the back of Cloud’s head, curling between those fluffy blonde spikes he loved so much, the other cupping Cloud’s ass possessively, growling. He nibbled the skin of Cloud’s lip, making sure the omega knew he was his. And only his. Zack smirked when he got a moan from his mate, trailing kisses down his jawline and neck, until he found what he was looking for- Cloud’s scent gland. He pressed his nose against it, nuzzling against his omega, scenting him, assuring himself that his mate smelled like him in case any alpha tried to hit on his sweet, precious omega.
The alpha’s instincts were in full swing, protective and possessive in equal measure. As his nose pressed against his omega’s mate bone, he inhaled deeply- home, warmth lighting in a bottle. The scent calmed the gnawing ache he hadn’t even realised had built up since they left the pups, that primal alpha part of him soothed by the reassurance that Cloud was his, safe and right here in his arms. The blonde tilted his head, letting a small whimper escape his lips as he let Zack have more room, shivering ever so slightly when the other bit down on the mark, making sure his scent stayed. “Z-Zack…” he breathed, shivering, voice shaking with need and desire. “You’re going to start something you can’t finish until later.”
Zacl chuckled, looking up at his omega to see his pretty blue eyes. Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to the tip of his nose, a teasing contrast to the heat that had just passed between them. “I fully intend to finish later, my love,” Zack growled, voice low and rich with promise. “But first, dinner.”
Cloud rolled his eyes, blushing pink as he slipped his hand into the back pocket of Zack’s jeans, sticking close to his side, letting the alpha lead them into the restaurant. He had to admit when they stepped inside, it was beautiful, definitely something up Vincent’s alley… Huh. The atmosphere inside was refined and warm, like stepping into a dream stitched together with soft golden light, quiet stings playing in the background, and the rich scent of species and wine drifting through the air. He paused for a second, taking it in. Truly, it was gorgeous.
“Pretty, just like you, Cloudy,” Zack murmured in his ear as he pressed a chaste kiss to the other’s forehead, approaching the hostess at the front, flashing a toothy grin, but his grip on Cloud tightened slightly, holding him close. He was possessive, and any alpha could tell if they looked hard enough.
“Welcome, gentlemen. Do you have a reservation?” The hostesses’ voice pulled Zack out of his thoughts, her voice was polite. She was a beta as the alpha could tell by her scent. One to understand dynamics quickly, which he silently thanked. He tugged his husband close, wrapping his arms around the smaller’s waist, making sure it was known that Cloud was his.
“Yes. Under Fair, hopefully,” Zack replied, rubbing soft circles on the man’s waist, letting out a possessive growl when he caught a lurking alpha trying to check his husband out. The hostess smiled gently, nodding as she checked her list.
“Yes. Table for two, right this way if you will.” Her voice remained calm as she led the two towards the back part of the restaurant where the lighting grew a touch softer, casting a warm golden glow across the intimate, semi secluded booths. Zack kept his mate tucked into his side, arm firmly around the blonde’s waist, thumb rubbing idle circles against Cloud’s clothed hip. Cloud didn’t complain as he was held close to his alpha, though he smirked to himself as he let his husband have his moment.
As they followed their hostess to their booth, Zack’s sharp green eyes flickered briefly between the other tables, eyeing the alpha who tried to ogle at Cloud. The man who Zack zeroed in on- a broad shouldered type seated with what looked like a few coworkers- glanced over, just for a second too long. Zack bared the faintest edge of his teeth in a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. Cloud, of course, noticed, but didn’t say anything… Yet.
Once they reached their booth, tucked away between a pair of velvet curtained alcoves, the hostess gestured for them to sit. “Your server will be with you shortly. Please enjoy the evening.” She smiled with a small bow of her head, departing quietly and quickly, a true professional.
Cloud slid into the booth first, then Zack scooted in after him, not bothering to hide how close he was sitting. Their thighs brushed, shoulder aligned, Cloud turned to him with a dry look. “You growled, Zack.”
“I did,” Zack admitted unapologetically, leaning forward to rest his arms on the table, fingers lacing together. “He looked again. I could sense what he was thinking.”
“Weird alpha senses,” Cloud grumbled, nudging his head against Zack’s shoulder, letting out a content hum.
“Eh,” Zack chuckled. “But I’ve been that guy before so I know that look. I’ll let it slide… For now considering we’re on a date and tonight, you’re all mine, Cloudy.”
Cloud’s expression softened slightly, reached for Zack’s hand, squeezing softly. “I know. I’m always yours, idiot.”
“Yeah but still!” Zack whined, smiling with his teeth like a golden retriever, his whole face lighting up with that signature boyish grin taking over- pure golden retriever energy radiating off of him in waves. Shifting closer, he nuzzled into Cloud’s fluffy hair, pressing a kiss to his head lightly. “You say stuff like that, and expect me not to go feral.” His voice was muffled against Cloud’s spiky hair. “Dangerous game, baby.”
Cloud snorted a little, the sound muffled slightly from Zack’s sleeve, leaning up to kiss him on the mouth, deepening it slightly before he pulled away. “You did growl, Zack. How much more feral can you get- don’t answer that.”
Zack laughed, leaning back and flashed him a wink, pulling his omega into his lap despite the awkward positioning they were in considering they were seated in a not so spacious booth but they didn’t care. Nor did Zack seem to care how they were sitting when their waiter approached, only the man was holding two glasses, and a bottle of deep, garnet coloured wine, setting it down on the table. “The house red- on the house. Compliments to the chef. I will be back shortly,” said their waiter, nodding before turning on his heel and walking away.
“Okay… Creepy?” Zack mumbled, blinking as he reluctantly let his husband shimmy off of his lap, sitting beside him, reaching for the wine bottle to which he proceeded to open it, and poured the liquid into each glass, handing one over to his husband.
“Vin may have called ahead,” Cloud shrugged, taking a sip of his wine, humming softly as he laced his and Zack’s hands together, enjoying the moment.
Zack rolled his eyes with a small scoff. “Sneaky vampire-.”
“He’s not a vampire, Zackary.” Cloud elbowed his husband in the ribs lightly. The nickname was a playful thing but it could be true! The man slept in a coffin for gods know how long, only coming out of his cavern or whatever, when Cloud and the rest of the gang stumbled upon it a few years ago.
“Says you,” Zack bantered lightly.
“Says science, babe.”
Zack only grinned, lifting his wine glass to his lips, sliding his hand to the omega’s waist, holding him close, growling happily when he heard that content purr erupting from his husband’s chest. “To vampire- approved date nights. And to us, my stormcloud.”
Cloud smiled as he clinked his glass against Zack’s, the corners of his lips twitching, stealing a kiss from his alpha before bringing the rim of the glass to his lips. “And to finish what you started later.”
Zack choked a little on his wine, looking at his mate with dangerous, love filled eyes, and Cloud just smiled smugly over the rim of his glass.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
23:30
The movie playing on the TV had long since faded into background noise, soothing the alpha into sleep as she rested her head in her mate’s lap. The omega’s fingers move absentmindedly through Tifa’s long black hair, soothing and slow, her attention mostly on the sleeping alpha in her arms. The two had managed to get the pups asleep by nine the latest and that was mostly because they weren’t sure when the boys would be home, considering they never got an answer from either of them. Finally the omega’s phone buzzed against the side table.
| Zack
On our way home. Maybe ten minutes out?
Aerith smiled softly as she grabbed her phone from where it was on the side table and typed out a reply, her movement as minimal as possible to keep her girlfriend from waking up.
| Aerith
Okay. Pups are asleep, and Teef
Not a moment later, a thumbs up emoji popped up as a reply. She smiled, assuming Zack had sent it while driving- a very classic thing for him to do-. She locked her phone, setting it down and went back to stroking Tifa’s hair, her eyes shutting for a moment, the comforting quiet of the living room settled around them.
No less than ten minutes later, Aerith heard the familiar rumble of the bike- Vortex- and knew the boys were home. She didn’t wake her mate though, humming softly as she stayed still. She listened when the engine cut, following with the noise of Zack’s boots on the pavement. A moment later, the front door opened with a small creak. Two voices filled the silent room.
“Think they stayed awake?” Zack’s voice came first, low and fond as he tugged off his boots by the front door.
Cloud chuckled softly, doing the same. “Maybe Aerith. The pups? Doubt it. Tifa’s probably out too.”
Aerith could hear the light thud of clothes landing in the laundry basket- likey jackets and button downs- and the soft padding of socked feet against the hardwood floor, signalling their presence as they walked further into the house. She didn’t open her eyes though, just kept running her fingers through Tifa’s hair, basking in the warmth of her alpha.
Cloud smirked as they entered the living room, his eyes falling on the peaceful pair curled on the couch. “Called it.”
Zack chuckled, grabbing a blanket and draped it over the two sleeping women. Aerith opened her doe like eyes, smiling at her friend. “Hey, Aer.”
“Hi. How was date night?” Aerith asked, chuckling softly as Cloud slumped against his husband, a prominent blush still on his cheek, bright red at that too. It was cute seeing the two men like this. “Well I take it?”
“Was great.” Zack grinned, kissing the top of Cloud’s head, shimming his fingers down the younger’s waist, gripping lightly, chuckling as he heard a soft whine from the overstimulated omega. “Someone enjoyed it too~.”
“Gross. Go to bed you two,” mumbled a half asleep Tifa, having opened her eyes not too long ago. “It’s late. Pups went down okay by the way. We’re just gonna crash here. But seriously, go shower. You two stink like sex.”
“Well…” Zack shrugged, getting a light smack upside the head from his omega. “Hey!”
“They don’t need to know about our sex life,” Cloud grumbled, turning pink before quickly making it up the stairs to his and Zack’s bedroom to go and take a shower. Tifa looked at Zack who just smiled.
“What crawled up his ass?”
“Pre-heat mood swings. Happens more frequently since the pups were born,” Zack explained, stretching his arms above his head with a small yawn, rubbing his eyes. Okay, he was tired. “Night ladies.” He smiled, dropping a kiss to their foreheads before he jogged up the stairs to join his husband in the shower before they settled in for the night.
Aerith and Tifa smiled at one another, kissing each other softly on the lips and then fell asleep themselves, tucked up on the couch under the blanket Zack had placed over them.
Once the two were nestled in bed, Zack wrapped his arms around his clingy omega from behind him, holding him to his chest and placed a kiss to his neck. “I love you.”
Cloud mumbled something. “Love you too…”
Zack smiled, holding his omega close, keeping him protected and loved. He shut his eyes and soon the man fell asleep with his husband in his arms, both sleeping peacefully in the night.
He kissed his head again, holding him in a protective state while his baby slept off whatever wore him out, rubbing his back soothingly, humming a soft lullaby to help keep him asleep. Zack ended up falling asleep himself, still holding Cloud close, even in his sleep, making sure to keep him safe and sound, and loved.