Can Barely Hide

"I felt everything they did to you..." Cloud swallowed a hard lump in his throat. "He told me if I didn't do these things for him that he'd hurt you and kill you and I'll feel it all."

Ducking his head Cloud nosed his lover's neck and inhaled his scent with a deep breath. "I can't lose you. I'll do anything."

"Babe...I don't understand. How could you possibly feel anything they did to me? Especially when you were going through some pretty nasty shit yourself."

Reno continued to hold his lover, trying desperately to soothe him.

"It's going to be all right now. We're both on guard now, and can both fight. I need you to listen to me, Cloud. I don't know what all they may have convinced you of, but I can't let you be used by them anymore. They don't get to use me against you anymore. I won't allow it."

Reno started a mindless rocking motion.

"I love you, Cloud, but I can't let you do this. Will you trust me?"

"I trust you, Reno, that's not the issue." Cloud wrapped his arms behind Reno's neck and one shoulder in a hug. "He said... next time he won't have the resources to torture you, he'll just kill you."

To Cloud that was too much of a risk to trust anything other than his own instincts and efficiency.

"So you're just going to be a puppet again?"

Okay, so it was a low blow, but Reno didn't see any way to convince Cloud that the whole situation was irrational. Reno untangled himself from his lover to pace and drag his hands through his hair in frustration. He pinned Cloud with a look.

"I'm calling Tseng. Shinra needs to know, and I want that bastard dead for doing this to you."

Puppet. That hit him like a physical slap. Cloud watched Reno pace in shock and tried to lower his gaze when those sharp eyes met his.

He tore his eyes away and glared at his hands. "I could have killed him. I let him go." He blinked and looked up at Reno. Standing he approached him and breathed deep. "Where haven't you healed? Show me. My ribs still hurt..."

"Your ribs hurt? Well, mine don't. Doesn't that tell you something? I'm so pissed off right now the only pain I feel is right here," Reno snapped and slapped a hand over his heart. "I'm watching the man I love being torn apart."

Reno stepped closer and ran his hands down Cloud's sides.

"Where does it hurt?"

Cloud winced and gasped when Reno touched his side where the ribs were broke and trying to mend. But Reno wasn't hurt. Why was he? He pushed Reno away and carefully held his side. He didn't remember his ribs being broke.

"Show me you're alright," Cloud pulled at Reno's robe. He didn't yet fully believe this. How could it be a lie?

Reno shrugged out of his robe and let it drop to the floor. He stood naked in front of his lover and held his arms away from his sides. The potions he had been given had accelerated the healing of all his injuries to the point where there was nothing but some thin, white scar lines and some bruises that had faded to a sickly yellow. Even the kick he had received from Cloud had been healed completely. His ribs had been spared in any case. The creatures' attentions had been confined to his arms, legs and face. Only a darkened area showed where he had struck the table with his back.

Reno turned a slow circle so Cloud could see everything then scooped his robe from the floor.

He had let that man go. He had believed those lies, though he couldn't remember how he had been fed them.

Watching Reno shrug back into his robe Cloud made a decision. He stalked into the bedroom and pulled a clean shirt and pair of pants on. Cinching his belt he then pulled his boots on and grabbed his fusion swords from the floor.

He could go another day without sleep. The anger and adrenaline that pumped through his veins now would keep him going until he and Reno were safe alone. "Are you coming?" He stomped to the door.

Reno stood there with his robe untied and his jaw hanging towards the floor. Watching Cloud make the lightning quick change from fearful and despondent to determined and angry was dizzying. He managed to get his wits together enough to rush into the bedroom and exchange his robe for a more appropriate outfit suitable for ass kicking. He jammed his feet into boots and gathered every concealable weapon he had stashed at the apartment. Still...

"Are you sure you're up for this? I know you're still hurting. A bit of rest couldn't hurt right now." Somewhere someone was laughing about Reno being the voice of reason. Fuck it, Reno hissed, it was bound to happen some day.

He held the door shut by leaning against it and curled a hand around the nape of Cloud's neck. Reno leaned close to ghost his lips over Cloud's face and bury his nose in soft spikes.

"Now or later, I'll be with you every step of the way."

Hand on the door knob; Cloud hesitated long enough to feel Reno's comforting warmth. He had been cold for so long in that chamber. Closing his eyes he dropped his hand from the door knob and rested it on Reno's hip.

"I don't even know where he's hiding," he admitted with a frustrated breath. "He doesn't meet me at the drop points. Pet does."

He lowered his head onto Reno's shoulder. "Don't call Tseng. We'll do this together at the drop date." He pressed closer and wrapped his arm around Reno. "Please."

Reno heaved a deep sigh of relief and gathered Cloud close

"All right, we'll do it your way...after you give me your word that you won't leave me behind again to try and take care of it yourself." He made Cloud look him in the eye. "I mean it, love. Don't do that to me."

They were in this together now, Cloud decided. He didn't want to face the wrath of his lover if he broke his promise.

"I promise. We'll do this together." Cloud stared into Reno's eyes. He loved this man too much to break a promise. Unless he had to protect him. For now, he didn't think he'd have to.

He knew he couldn't sleep now but he also knew his body was in desperate need of it. He propped his sword up against the wall to free his other hand. Taking Reno's hands he walked them to the bedroom.

Reno allowed himself to be led to their bedroom, lips quirking slightly in bemusement. He knew he was still starry eyed in love, and everything Cloud did was still something to be relished with a sense of wonder. So he allowed his lover to lead him, and followed quite willingly. Inside the cool dimness of the room he turned down the blankets and pulled off again his hastily donned clothes.

Once he had stripped to skin, Reno undressed Cloud, pausing every so often for a lingering kiss or a tender caress to further relax the man. He wanted to remind the blond of the love and security that could be found here with him and, above all, relax enough to actually *rest*.

"I can't tell you how grateful I am that you're back here with me," Reno murmured in the curve of Cloud's neck.

"You don't have to tell me, Reno." Cloud turned his head and nuzzled Reno's ear. "I love you. I know."

He sighed and tenderly ran his hands up from Reno's hips to his shoulders. One hand reached up to delve into soft red hair, stroking the long tail at Reno's nape.

Once undressed, he turned and pulled Reno under the blankets with him. He pressed in close against Reno and sought out his kiss with light touches to his lips.

Reno gladly gave Cloud the kisses his actions silently asked for, but he kept it light and gentle. He could feel the weariness in his lover's body. A few tugs had the blankets cocooned around them and Reno tucked Cloud's head under his chin. A wisp of memory flashed in his mind.

With a small smile, Reno stroked his hands through Cloud's hair and down his back. He took a self-conscious breath and started to hum a lullaby he remembered from his childhood.

"Don't... let go," Cloud murmured in exhaustion. Closing his eyes, Cloud let the steady sounds of Reno's heart and humming lull him into a sound slumber.

He slept peacefully until the deeper sleep began. Haunting memories began to tease him with claws and needles, tickling his flesh as they threatened to pierce him.

Cloud clutched at Reno as the dreams made his heart race and adrenaline start leaking into his blood.

Cloud's movements and small sounds pulled Reno from sleep. Instinct and training had him rapidly scanning the area for danger. He relaxed as soon as he realized they were at home alone in the bed. Reno curled his body around his lover, throwing one leg over his hips to cradle his entire body.

"Shh, love. I'm here, and it's just a dream. You're safe at home."

His whimpers turned to soft sighs and steady breathing again. Reno chased his nightmares away, as usual.

When Cloud awoke in the late morning it was with a feeling of contentment and a slow yawn. His side still ached but he ignored it in favor of a slow, easy stretch. He felt sore all over and the reason why was still very fresh in his mind.

For once, Reno didn't stir immediately when Cloud woke. He had stayed up most of the night after Cloud's nightmare, feeling the need to keep watch and protect his lover even if it was just from dreams. When Cloud moved he softly growled a wordless protest and tucked the blond more firmly against his body. Various aches and pains started to distract him from the pleasant warmth.

"Please tell me it's not morning already," Reno said with a yawn.

"We don't have to get up," Cloud curled himself back against Reno, laying his head above Reno's heart. "Please don't go in today." Cloud pushed up to look at Reno. "I'll kick your ass."

He wondered if Reno was still hurting and he gently rubbed his chest. "You need to rest."

"You'd have to stand in line to kick my ass if I tried to get into headquarters," Reno sulked. "Remember? Mandatory medical leave. Bastards. I'm not some glass princess." Still, Reno had to smile. He couldn't mind too much being shut out when he was shut *in* with Cloud. "I'm fine, just a little achy. How about you?"

Reno drew his fingertips down the curve of Cloud's cheek, the softness sending a ripple of delight through him. It was always a new and thrilling experience to touch this man, and at the same time held a comfortable familiarity that soothed his soul.

"Ribs still hurt. Little sleepy." Cloud hummed softly and closed his eyes as Reno touched him.

"No, you're not a princess. You're a prince. My prince." Cloud resettled himself, crossing his arms on Reno's chest and resting his chin on them. "And tougher than nails. And more stubborn than an ass."

"You're one to talk," Reno mockingly sniffed. "I've never met anyone as stubborn as you."

He let his fingertips trace over the dips and curves of Cloud's sleekly muscled body, running a gentle palm over his lover's ribs.

"I wish I could have prevented this. I don't want to ever see you hurt again."

"Fair is fair," Cloud pushed his bottom lip out. "You come home hurt all the time. Why can't I have any fun?" He tried to make light of the situation, but a shiver cruised up his spine.

"Let's get away," he scooted up and kissed Reno. "Like you said. After we get him and make him pay for this."

"Mmm, someplace warm," Reno answered. "That way I could have you around wearing as little as possible. Or...we could go someplace really cold. Then it would be my duty and my pleasure to keep you warm. I really don't care where we go just as long as you're with me."

Reno pulled Cloud closer, practically purring his contentment into his lover's neck. His stroking hands slowed and put a little more pressure into each caress. He wanted Cloud, always wanted him, but didn't want to hurt him any further. With a reluctant sigh, Reno stopped his attempt at arousal as soon as he recognized what he was doing and simply held Cloud close.

Cloud was enjoying the firmer touches. He could feel sore muscles responding to the touch as well as a deeper need. He needed Reno. After what they had been through together he needed him so bad.

But he felt the familiar touches stop. He lay nuzzled against Reno a moment before looking up at him. "Don't stop," he murmured. He kneaded Reno's shoulder with a soft massage. Looking into his eyes he dropped his hand to rub Reno's chest, grazing over his nipple. "Slowly?"

A sizzling burst of pleasure and need made Reno's body shudder. He was still worried, but he would be careful. He *could* do this, because how could he ever deny Cloud anything?

Reno turned Cloud gently on his back into the pillows so he could skim his lips over temple, forehead, cheek, jaw, soft kisses and little brushings of his tongue over every area of skin he could remember seeing covered in blood. He wanted to blur the memory of that horrific sight and reclaim the body that was his, given freely, not forced into terrified submission.

Reno laced the fingers of one hand with Cloud's and held on as he made his way down his lover's chest. Dusky pink nipples caught his attention and he closed his lips over one, teasing it with his tongue and a light grazing of teeth. The taste, the feel, the scent of Cloud's skin made him tremble and a low moan of possessive desire vibrated in his throat.

Cloud gripped Reno's hand like an anchor. His stomach was full of butterflies. Nervous, perhaps, but not about Reno. He trusted Reno second only to himself. He loved the man more than life itself. No, the butterflies and tension in his stomach were from anticipation.

Arching up, Cloud inhaled sharply as Reno teased his nipple. His lover's desire and moan made him shiver and sigh. He reached up and stroked his fingers through red hair, lightly drawing his nails across Reno's scalp and down his neck to his back. His other hand squeezed Reno's and brought it to his lips for light kisses along his knuckles.

Savoring every tremble and small noise from Cloud, Reno laved at the sensitive skin down his lover's side between each rib. His tongue traced intricate patterns over pale flesh, and when he reached the spot Cloud had been favoring earlier he ghosted his lips over the tender area in apologetic kisses for the hurt he couldn't prevent.

Reno uncurled the fingers in Cloud's grasp to trace soft lips. They distracted him from where he had been lightly grazing his teeth over the curve of Cloud's hip and scooted up to gaze into his lover's eyes.

"Okay?" Reno asked in a hopeful whisper.

The horrors of that cave ghosted his mind as Reno so lovingly kissed his sore side. He remembered the claws that broke in and snapped his ribs like twigs. He remembered feeling the bones grind against each other. He could still feel that when he wasn't tedious about how he moved. Or when he wasn't pleasantly distracted.

Reno's kisses helped him forget. Made him want to forget it all. Meeting Reno's gaze, he nodded. "Wonderful," he whispered. He knew the memories were painted on his face but he needed Reno to continue. He didn't want to stop.

Reaching up he cupped the back of Reno's head and pressed his lips against his lover's. His partner's. He kissed him deeply. Needily. Hungrily.

Reno pulled back and panted against Cloud's lips.

"I love you. Gods, I love you. I need you so much, need to feel that you're back with me. I was so afraid I would lose you forever, and I couldn't do a damned thing to stop it."

Reno swallowed hard against tears of relief and still fresh terror. He was trembling hard. Turning Cloud on his uninjured side, Reno spooned up close behind his lover's back and ran a hand under a muscled thigh to bend his leg. He found the lube and slicked his fingers before tossing it aside and trailing kisses over all the sweet skin he could reach. The other arm under Cloud curled around the blonde’s chest with his fingers splayed over the reassuring heartbeat.

"Do you want this, need this?"

His heart hammered with desire and need. He needed Reno now like he needed air.

Cloud pressed a hand over Reno's. "Yes," he gasped. "I need you. I want you inside me." He shivered. He ached for this. And he had to thank someone, some higher power that those monsters hadn't touched him in the way that only Reno was allowed to.

Biting his lip he bent his leg a little more and moaned at the initial push of slick fingers.

"Mmm, Cloud, you're always so hot, so smooth and tight. It makes me want to bury myself in you. No one has ever felt this good to me."

Reno ran his tongue over the edge of Cloud's ear and purred in satisfaction. He thrust and withdrew two fingers smoothly, his movements gentle and slow.

"You love this, don't you? You love to have me touch you inside and make you melt with pleasure."

He pulled out until just the tips rested inside and rubbed his thumb delicately around the edge of the tender flesh stretched around his fingers.

"I love it, too. Feels so good to have you trembling and panting against me."

Cloud's entire body tingled. "Yes," he whimpered. "You know I love it. I love having you hold me and touch me."

A delicious tremble ran up his spine from his tailbone, making Cloud gasp. "You always know exactly what I need."

"I'm so hard, Reno." His voice quavered with desire. He rolled his hips back a tad. "Always hard for you."

Reno twisted his fingers once more then withdrew to smooth his hand over Cloud's hip to his lover's hard cock.

"I can feel that. You need me, and I'll always give you what you need."

He pushed his own cock inside until just the head slid past the initial resistance. As always, the tight grasp and enormous pleasure plucked at his control. Even though the rest of him literally ached to thrust deep, Reno barely moved, rocking in and out in only fractions of movements. More than ever now, time with Cloud was to be savored. His fingertips skimmed feathery touches over Cloud's erection, drawing it out for both of them.

So beautiful, so strong and loyal, this man in his arms. Reno loved everything about Cloud. He'd rather die than let anyone hurt his lover ever again. That thought he kept to himself. He was pretty sure Cloud would be upset to know he was so willing to give up everything for him.

Reno trailed kisses over the neck bared before him and rocked his hips, never going deeper, never speeding up or slowing down. He could wait for Cloud even though he was painfully hard.

Closing his eyes, Cloud let everything Reno was doing drive him to new heights. He knew Reno was on the brink, he had to be just barely in control of his lust. That was all the more reason to enjoy this, aside from the indescribable pleasure itself.

When Reno did give in to his desires it would be intense. So intense.

"I'll always need you," Cloud breathed and shivered. He bit his lower lip with a moan. The slight rubbing in his stretched entrance made him need Reno even more. "You're my air." He gasped softly at the feather soft touches along his length.

Cloud tightened his hold on Reno's hand and kneaded the sheets with his other. "Nnn,” He squirmed, his need growing under Reno's teasing.

He had experienced life without Reno and it was his worst nightmare to go back to that. Reno brought out a side in himself he hadn't known existed: one that was learning to love and accept love in return. Life without Reno was no kind of life.

"Aaah..." Cloud trembled with his growing desires. They were becoming painful he needed it so bad.

Gently pushing Cloud's knee closer to his chest, Reno finally pushed his full length slowly inside. The beautiful feeling made him go absolutely still for a breath before he completely lost it. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut and scraped his teeth over the pulse point in Cloud's neck. When he felt he could handle it Reno moved in a slow, easy rhythm, almost all the way out then as deep as he could go with each thrust. He stroked Cloud's cock in time with himself.

"Love you, so much," Reno breathed the words against his lover's skin. He shook his hair out of his eyes and watched it drift to cover Cloud's face. "So beautiful."

This was amazing. Feeling Reno slowly enter him, slow stretch him and fill him. Then slowly withdraw to do it all over again. There was no feeling like that.

Cloud turned his upper body slightly so he could look back at Reno. "And I love you," he whispered, his voice strained and unsteady as he tried to control it. He moaned and tilted his chin, seeking Reno's mouth for a kiss.

"Give me more of those sounds, baby," Reno whispered. "I love to hear you. It lets me know I'm pleasing you."

He took the lips offered to him and thrust just a little harder. Slipping his tongue between Cloud's lips, Reno shivered with desire and pressed their mouths together in a feverish kiss. He drew Cloud's tongue into his mouth and sucked on it, releasing it only to devour again those soft lips. Reno trailed kisses back along his lover's jaw to nip at his ear.

His desire, lust, and overwhelming love made the Turk shake and moan tremulously. He sped up the strokes along Cloud's shaft, trying to communicate wordlessly his growing sense of urgency.

"Can...can you take more? I don't wanna hurt you."

"Mmn," Cloud licked his moist lips as a bit of saliva threatened to escaped. The harder thrusts and faster strokes made him pant and moan with pleasure. "Aah...!"

Reno's need was evident. He needed it hard and fast to take them both there. And Cloud needed Reno to do just that. The intensity was just waiting to get going.

"You won't hurt me," his voice was heavy with need. "Nnhg, t-take me, Reno. On my stomach." He reached back to keep Reno close as he rolled onto his stomach.

"Need," he moaned. "Hard, fast." He got onto his elbows and pushed his hips up a little higher. His side ached but not as much as his need for Reno. He looked over his shoulder and gripped tightly to a pillow. "Don't hold back. Need this."

Gasping sobs poured from Reno's throat as he pushed to his knees between his lover's spread thighs. Hands that trembled with the need to be gentle and loving gripped harshly onto pale hips. The first hard, deep thrust had Reno tossing his head so far back he thought his spine would crack under the force. He couldn't stop. The pounding rhythm helped to partially drown out the relentless chanting in his mind.

Mine. Almost lost this. Almost lost him. Mine. Almost. Almost. Lost. Lost. Lost. Forever. Gone.

"No, no, no, Cloud. You can't. I won't let you. I won't let them," Reno babbled nearly incoherently. The terrible fear of losing the most important person in his life bubbled and swelled to fill his throat. He snaked a hand under Cloud to stroke the man fast and rough, needing to bring them both to completion. "Please. Oh, please. Cloud. Cloud!"

Cloud clung tighter and tighter to the pillow beneath his shoulders. His moans became gasping cries with every driving, brutal thrust. "NNG! AAAH!" He arched back painfully, merging his cries with Reno's declarations.

"... almost th-there," he panted and pushed back on his elbows, changing the angle slightly and suddenly feeling Reno against his sweet spot... Reno's hips slamming against his ass, driving his thickness home against Cloud's sweet spot almost every time. It made Cloud scream his passion like he had never voiced before.

His hands dug into the pillow as he arched back tighter. "Gah- AAH! Reno. Reno, aaAH!" He tensed for a moment before his orgasm ripped through his body with blinding force.

Cloud's body had him gripped too tightly to move, and Reno could only moan aloud and let the rippling spasms bring him to orgasm. It rushed through his whole body to leave him trembling and spent. Some sliver of memory had the redhead easing off Cloud to lie by his side rather than on top of him. Panting for air, Reno pulled his lover close and hid his tears in Cloud's hair.

Reno basked in the warmth and scents of their lovemaking. It helped to calm him as he curled protectively around Cloud.

"Cloud," Reno whispered, voice hoarse and low, "I never want to lose you."

Cloud's body was spent and exhausted and limp aside from his pounding heart and gasps for air. It was too good to move. He wanted to stay boneless, curled up with Reno forever. He felt amazing aside from the pain in his side. Satisfied, safe, and loved.

His scalp felt wet as Reno's tears penetrated his hair. Lifting his head, he faced Reno and brought his hand up to frame the side of Reno's face. "You'll always have me," he whispered. He kissed the moisture from his lover's cheeks and pressed in closer.

"We'll always be together."

Reno let himself be soothed by Cloud's touch and closeness. Cloud loved him and wanted to be with him, he was sure of it. Now, all they had to do was make sure that no one tried to take that away from them. Although he hated lying to his lover he was still going to talk to Tseng at the first opportunity. It wasn't something he should really be keeping from the Head of Turks anyway. The mad doctor was still a threat to Shinra security.

There was also the simple fact that Reno was determined to protect his lover this time. No one would ever be allowed to hurt Cloud again. The blond deserved peace and love.

He kept his thoughts to himself and simply snuggled for a while, running loving hands over Cloud's body, giving kiss after kiss to that beautiful face and tempting mouth.

"Didn't hurt you, did I?" Reno asked softly, stroking his thumb over a pale cheek.

His lover's hands were so warm and comforting that they drew relaxed sighs from Cloud's lips. That he had gone for his entire life without this man was a wonder to him. If they had found each other earlier, how different life would be.

"No," he murmured against Reno's chin and placed a kiss there. "Still sore. But I'll be alright." Something was weird though. His ribs weren't healing like Cloud knew they should. He didn't want to think about it- his body was tired and slower than usual... they'd heal eventually.

"I'm starving," he sighed. He didn't want to move from this embrace, but the tightening in his gut was starting to border on a nauseous feeling.

"We'll eat then. I...really can't remember eating anything in the last few days besides the soup."

Reno frowned thoughtfully. He continued to run his hands over his lover's body, noticing the lost weight and the more prominent feel of sharp bones. He could feel the anger rising again at this further evidence that his love had been abused.

"Cloud, you said you don't have to meet with them again for a few days. Please, let's get out of town for a day or two. I think it would do you some good and, well, I really need to have you alone and safe with me for a while. I need some time to get my head straight about all this. Please?"

Reno buried his face in Cloud's hair to hide his renewed distress.