Zack learns the hard way

 

The biggest lesson Zack was taught on this trip was about the little things, and not taking them for granted. Like pillows, clean socks and especially soap. They smelled so bad, he was surprised the monsters even came near them, even he didn't want to be around himself. Cloud wasn't much better but at least he didn't know that.

Taking bathes when ever they could had become a priority to Zack, one that grew easier every time. The awkwardness had faded after the first few times and now he hardly thought anything of it. Any thoughts he did have were quickly taken care of by the chilly water, so it was kinda like they didn't even exist.

But sometimes Zack wished he could drag Cloud around naked, not because he thought Cloud was totally hot (because he didn't) but because getting Cloud dressed was a nightmare. Cloud didn't like his clothes. His boxers were fine, but he resisted any attempts of pants, his shirt or his socks. He downright hated his boots. He would tense up or go limp at all the wrong times, making the task nearly impossible. Not to mention Cloud was usually wet, making the clothing drag against the pale skin.

Boxers would go on first with no resistance. Then came the pants. He would tense his legs and bend his knee's constantly. Once they were on, he had to wiggle the shirt onto the now limp torso. It usually took four tries to get both arms in. Next, socks. Cloud would actually kick at the 'offending' hands away. It was grab, hold, wriggle, pull. One sock, then two. Then came Zack's least favorite. Boots. Cloud would moan and squirm like he was being tortured. First boot went on okay, though with much struggle. It was the second boot that caused the problems. Once Cloud realized the first boot was on, he'd use it to kick Zack away. Gaia, that kid had one hell of a kick.

It was a fierce battle that took more time then the undressing AND the bathing. It it weren't for the fact that it was getting onto the chillier side of fall, he just say "fuck it" and haul Cloud around in a pair of shorts. Blue cut-offs maybe.

Wait...what?