Can Barely Hide

Reno nodded his head. "We can do anything you want," he agreed, then clarified that. "As long as it doesn't aggravate those ribs, that is."

Reno traded Cloud a simple sandwich for the alcohol and smiled into his love's slightly glazed eyes.

"How are you feeling now? Bandages tight enough? Too tight? Need me to kiss anything to make it better?"

Taking a nimble bite, Cloud hummed his appreciation at the tasty meats and cheese. "Drinking was an excellent thought," he answered in-between bites. "I almost forgot about the bandages."

"I'm fine. Really," he found his stomach reacting favorably to the solid food and couldn't help taking faster bites.

Cloud licked the tips of his fingers clean and eased himself to the edge of his seat to get closer to Reno. He blinked slowly and leaned against the table. "You can kiss anything you want. I feel invincible when you touch me, Reno."

Cloud's softly spoken words sent a rush of love, pride and possession through Reno so strongly it nearly brought him to his knees. He didn't care what he had to do, who he had to kill or maim. No one would ever be allowed to take his greatest treasure from him. It also made him suddenly want a huge and public wedding. Reno wanted the whole world to see that Cloud belonged to and was loved and cherished by him. All of Cloud's drooling fans would either croak from heartbreak or go into spasms of flailing disbelief.

Reno moved to crouch next to Cloud's chair and let his fingertips trace the arch of a pale gold brow. The effects of the alcohol made the blue eyes watching him glow softly. He wondered how fast Cloud would put up his guard if he told the man how absolutely stunningly beautiful, how appealing he looked when he was soft and vulnerable like this.

"When this is all over I'm going to spend hours kissing, licking and touching every inch of skin on your body." Reno's voice was husky with love and desire. "I'm going to claim every bit of you but, for now,..."

Reno trailed off and let his lips wander over Cloud's face. He threaded his fingers through blond spikes to hold onto his prize and practically worshipped all that soft, soft skin, saving the best for last. A tremulous moan escaped as he finally brought their mouthes together. He could taste the alcohol, a hint of mako and the sweet and wild flavor that was uniquely Cloud. His tongue delved deeper to explore and savor the incredible heat and pliant softness. Reno pulled away before lust addled his brain even more. He allowed himself one more gentle press of lips and gathered his love into his arms to carry him. He knew Cloud was perfectly capable of walking, but it wasn't every day a man proposed.

"I promised you a long, hot soak, and you wanted to walk through the woods. I've got a better idea than the tub. How about we check out the hidden hot spring I found a while back?"

Cloud rested his head on Reno's upper shoulder and sighed. The quiet worshipping and deep kiss had worked to relax him even more, and he didn't care if Reno carried him. In fact, he loved being held by this man and he wasn't going to complain this time.

"The bandages will get wet and loose. Can you take them off before I get in?" He nuzzled Reno's chin and jaw with soft kisses and stroked a hand through his hair as they got towels to take out.

When they reached the outdoors, Cloud shifted slightly. "I don't want to hurt your back, put me down." He continued to lean against Reno even with his feet on the ground, not wanting to break contact. "It's so quiet." He could get used to this, being alone with his soon to be husband out in the woods.

Reno hummed in quiet agreement. He led Cloud over a barely perceptible path, his sharp eyes constantly scanning for danger or disturbance. Half of his vigilance was the need to protect his lover and the other half was just plain ingrained habit. A Turk who failed to be completely aware of his surroundings usually had a very short career and a very ugly death.

The hot spring was as secluded and peaceful as he remembered it to be. Old growth trees sheltered it from view and he looked forward to sharing the surprise with Cloud. He gave his lover a wide pleased smile and pulled the shirt over his head to take off the bandages. It was probably just wishful thinking on his part, but Reno hoped that the ugly bruising might look just the slightest bit better. He quickly stripped off his clothes and eased into the spring with a low groan of pleasure. Hot, faintly bubbling and with a heavy metallic mineral smell, hot springs were supposed to be good for healing, right? Reno could sense that maybe Cloud was getting a little irritated with his coddling. His lover hadn't said anything, but...

"C'mon in, gorgeous. It feels great." Reno smiled and held out a hand in invitation. "I'll bet good money it will relax you."

Taking his hand, Cloud held on tightly as he eased himself down into the hot spring. The heat enveloping his body and the soft steam he breathed made him sigh. "It does feel great," his voice was layered with alcohol and contentment.

Already the steam was clearing his head of what the alcohol had failed to. Leaning against Reno he closed his eyes and let his mind empty. Well, it wasn't totally empty. As he rubbed a hand idly over Reno's water-smoothed chest he thought about his lover.

And the heat was working wonders on the former SOLDIER and he wasn't even aware of it. He settled against his lover and laid his head on his shoulder as he became increasingly relaxed. The feel of Reno's presence and the sounds of the spring seemed all he needed. He didn't want to move ever again.

Reno was finally able to allow himself to relax a bit. The hot water, the warm weight of his lover leaning against him, Cloud's loving and soothing touches, it all combined to unknot the tension in his lean body that had been present since Cloud's abduction. He took a deep breath and settled bonelessly, utterly content.

"We definitely will have a honeymoon," Reno mumbled and kissed the top of Cloud's head. "Someplace secluded and with a spring like this." He easily maneuvered Cloud to sit between his legs and recline against his chest. "After we're married people will start to say, 'There goes Reno. He managed to win Cloud Strife's hand. Don't know how, but he's one lucky bastard.' They'll wonder why the planet's hero hooked up with a Shinra Turk."

Reno chuckled at his own musings and drew his hands in smooth strokes over Cloud's chest while he nibbled on the shoulders and neck that was just so conveniently in reach.

Cloud tilted his head slightly to give Reno more access. He smiled at Reno's musings and closed his eyes. "And they can wonder all they like. They'll never figure that their hero was in need of a hero himself... how you saved me from atop that ruin is my little secret."

This felt wonderful. Cloud sighed his appreciation at Reno's touches and kisses. Turning his head he cupped Reno's cheek and kissed his lover. "Thank you," he murmured between kisses.

Reno leaned into the kisses to make them deeper. He could spend hours just savoring the lips of his lover. He nibbled at Cloud's bottom lip, flicking his tongue over it when it grew even plumper and more inviting.

"I'll try to be a hero for you. Don't know how successful I'll be, but I'll always try."

Reno gently turned Cloud over so they were face to face. The heavy mineral water buoyed their bodies. It made Reno feel weightless even with the solid form covering him. He rested his cheek against blond spikes as the sun started to sink. Fireflies appeared one by one to dot the area with fairy lights. The constant steamy temperature of the spring kept them warm and relaxed, but Reno started to worry about Cloud getting chilled when they had to get out. As nice as the spring was they couldn't sleep in it.

Reno didn't know what else had been done to his lover besides whatever was impeding his healing ability, and he wanted him safely back in the retreat and snuggled under the blankets before it got much darker. He rubbed his hands down Cloud's back and kissed his forehead.

"Love? I think it's time to go in. I want to get you in bed, and I need to check in with Tseng."

Cloud was tempted to argue. Though the thought of a warm, snug bed right now sounded like heaven. He was tired despite it barely turning nightfall.

"It's just starting to get beautiful out here," he whispered, a pout in his voice. "But I'll go in if you promise me, when this is all over we'll sleep under the stars and with the fireflies."

He nuzzled Reno's ear with his nose and kissed him. "Promise?"

"I promise," Reno swore softly. He couldn't resist a tease. "You're adorable when you pout, you know."

Reno heaved a sigh and got them both standing. The cooling air on his warmed skin made him shiver. He threw several towels around Cloud and briskly dried them both before dressing and stomping back into his boots.

"I know I'm probably driving you nuts with my concern, babe, but I'll do anything to keep you safe and happy. I guess it's a good thing I never had a child. The poor kid would likely have ended up locked away somewhere in bubble wrap."

He wrapped Cloud in his arms and pulled him in for a lingering kiss.

"C'mon, let's get you under quilts before you lose all the good the hot water did you."

To please his lover, Reno took the more round about way back to the building. The fireflies danced around them, and the frogs sang out to each other looking for mates.

"I guess I'd do the same if it were you," Cloud mused. "And you'd be just as put out." He teasingly reached up and squeezed Reno's cheeks with one hand as they reached the warmth of indoors again.

"You know I could be taking full advantage of the situation. Cook me this, rub my feet, feed me grapes... but I'm going crazy knowing he's still out there. And he probably knows what we're up to."

"I hope he does know, and I hope he's worried," Reno said, voice gone cold and deadly. "I intend to make him pay for every mark he put on you, every moment that your were in his hands and I couldn't get to you."

Reno hurried them into the bedroom and pulled Cloud into his arms.

"The sight of you bloody, in agony and terrified on that steel table will be burned into my brain forever." He covered his lover's mouth for a demanding kiss. "Now get your stubborn ass in that bed and quit giving me gray hairs. I need to check on a few things and make some calls. Then I'll get some sleep, too."

"I knew you dyed your hair," Cloud teased and climbed under the blankets. "Don't be long..."

He watched Reno leave the room and bit his lower lip. He didn't like being alone now. The silence and emptiness of the room would creep up on him and make him start seeing and hearing things. He watched the doorway until he could hear Reno returning. When he heard him coming, Cloud relaxed and lay down on his good side, still watching the doorway.

Reno stalked around the lodge checking sensors and studying the data feeds from the early warning devices. When he was satisfied no one and nothing could approach the retreat without him knowing he took out his phone and spoke softly when Rude answered. The two Turks exchanged information and affectionately insulting jibes. Through the whole conversation Reno noticed that Rude never once mentioned or asked about Cloud. He had to wonder what his lover had done to piss off his partner.

"I *am* resting, partner. I'm at Healin, right? It's not like there's anything too strenuous or exciting to do around here," Reno fibbed. Rude probably saw through the lie anyway. They had been partners to long for Reno to hide anything. "Just keep me updated, okay?" Reno grinned to himself in the growing darkness. Time to shake Rude up. Too bad he couldn't see his face. "Oh! And, Rude. Guess what? I'm getting married."

Reno flipped his phone closed immediately, imagining Rude reduced to sputtering shock. The mental image raised his spirits a little. He did one more complete circuit of the lodge and headed for the bedroom. The quiet sound of his lover's breathing and the warm scent of him soothed some of his agitation. Quickly shedding his clothes, Reno climbed into bed and spooned behind Cloud's back. He nuzzled into soft hair and pressed a kiss to Cloud's shoulder.

Cloud purred softly, instantly soothed by Reno's presence and warm body. "I love you," he murmured. He took Reno's hand and held it to his chest with a sigh. Closing his eyes he let Reno's heartbeat and breath lull him into a deep sleep. It wasn't difficult to fall asleep- he knew that he could escape the pain there...

except it tried to haunt him anyway. His dreams were warring and mixing. Strapped back on the cold, metal and hard table his side ached and bled. But he didn't feel fear or anger. Instead he was wriggling with un-vented sexual hunger. Every time he moved and his ribs hurt, his moans changed to cries of pain. But the aching hard need was dominant and he tried begging his captors for his husband, the ring on his finger scratched against the table when he gripped the side to try and gain some leverage...

In the bed Cloud whimpered and groped his pillow with one hand while the other tried to push the blankets off his raging hard-on.

Cloud's movement woke Reno instantly. He propped himself on an elbow to see his lover's face. It was contorted with some unimaginable agony, and he was struggling with the blanket like it was a restraint. Reno molded himself to Cloud's back and tried to soothe him through the nightmare by holding him close and speaking softly in his ear.

"Shhh, babe. It's not real. I'm here with you. There's nothing here to hurt you," Reno whispered and stroked his hand down Cloud's chest.

He ran his hand further down to help push away the blanket and brushed against his lover's fully hard cock. Well, that was certainly real. Reno was confused and worried. What could have Cloud aroused and desperate to escape at the same time? Reno cursed under his breath, afraid that Cloud was having a flashback about their ill-fated attempt at submission and bondage.

"It's okay, Cloud. No one is hurting you. I won't let it happen again. Please, babe, wake up and come back here to me."

Reno ran his lips over Cloud's neck and jaw while he took the hot shaft and gave it light strokes. Maybe pleasure could bring Cloud out of the nightmare.

Somehow, his husband had made it to his side... Cloud moaned in his dream and tried to arch his spine but it hurt too much to push against the straps. The voice sounded so far away and the words didn't make sense...

With a soft gasp his eyes flew open and the here and the now all came back to flood his senses. He was safe, in bed, held by Reno... at Healin. His wounds were healed aside from the ache in his ribs. And he felt damp because... no, they had dried off after visiting the hot spring. So he must have worked up a little sweat.

He groaned at the feeling of Reno's hand and lips. "You save me again..." he croaked. A tremble ran through his limbs. He felt confused and aroused by the dream... how that could ever be considered a sexual experience, even in his subconscious, confounded him and made him feel filthy and hot at the same time.

"I'll always come for you, no matter where you are," Reno assured his lover.

He had stilled his hands and lips as soon as Cloud recognized where he was, but kept the contact. The only thing that could ever make him let go was if Cloud told him to...and meant it. Reno brushed back sweaty blond hair and cuddled close, crooning softly. It was the only way he could think of to comfort his upset husband. Reno only hoped his next question wasn't out of line or too soon.

"What was the dream about?"