Can Barely Hide

"Yeah," Cloud smiled. He had all day with Reno and damned if he was going to take a nap now. "Let's go put Fenrir between our legs."

He sat up and took Reno's hands to help him up as he stood. "How's that head?" He took his towel and laid it over red hair. "Between your job and our passion I'm worried you might end up permanently disabled soon." Though of course he was more worried about the job doing that.

Reno stopped toweling his hair to glance at Cloud. Still worrying, was he? Well, he couldn't say much. He worried himself with the memory of his nightmare making his skin crawl.

"I really am fine. Some fresh air will feel good."

Reno hung up his towel and entered the bedroom to look through his closet. Tight leather pants and leather vest grabbed his attention. Turning to see if Cloud was watching, Reno stepped into the pants and smoothed them over his legs and hips without bothering with underwear. He aimed a sultry smile at Cloud and shrugged into the vest only bothering with two of the middle buttons. Socks and some soft boots finished the outfit. Reno tied his hair back but left the gel alone so that the front part of his raggedly cut hair fell onto his face.

"Whenever you're ready, babe."

Blinking as Reno addressed him, Cloud hadn't realized he had been staring. Reno looked too good in those clothes. It was a crime. Feeling the start of some escaping saliva, Cloud closed his jaw and looked away. His heart felt like it would burst and he had to concentrate to control his breathing.

Grabbing some baggy black pants he belted them on and slipped into a dark, soft shirt. His own wardrobe didn't vary much day to day, and he was glad for the baggy pants right now.

"I'm ready," he nearly croaked. Seeing Reno like that was going to take some time getting used to. He headed outside and straddled Fenrir. Kicking his ride to roaring life he looked at Reno. He was definitely going to need a drink when they stopped to eat.

An almost smug smile of contentment tugging at his lips, Reno slipped onto the back of the black monster of a bike with all the excitement of a child. He'd always been fascinated by Fenrir. It was as enigmatic and powerful as its owner. Reno already had Cloud, and just thinking about it turned his smile into a full blown happy grin, but the chance to ride the bike was a special treat.

Being the passenger was the perfect excuse to mold himself to Cloud's back and slide his hands under the soft shirt to hold on. Okay, maybe it wasn't necessary to go under the shirt, but he didn't want his hands to get cold, did he? There was also the added bonus of having Cloud's nice, tightly muscled body lightly brushing the insides of his spread thighs.

"There's a pub with good food, better booze and even better music on the other side of Edge. Crossroads. Let's go there. I'll feed you and if I'm lucky I'll get you on the dance floor," Reno spoke into Cloud's left ear while playing his thumb across toned abdominal muscles. "Sound good?"

Reno's hand was so warm on his stomach. And feeling the heat of a strong, lithe body against his back was a welcome change from the hardness of his sword sheaths that usually hung there.

Tilting his head in a slight nod, Cloud hummed his agreement. He didn't trust his voice at the moment. Reaching up he caressed his lover's face and lightly pressed their heads together.

Deciding to take the scenic route he put Fenrir in gear and picked roads where he could show off his bike's power and his own agility. The whole time he was acutely aware of Reno's body pressed against his back and his hands on his bare stomach.

It was exhilarating, and Reno laughed in pure, carefree delight. With all the tension and scramble of the last several months it had been a while since the Turk had been able to completely relax and enjoy himself; most of the time Reno hid any stress or unhappiness behind his usual cocky facade. He didn't have to do that with Cloud. It was incredibly freeing and his faced eased into a softer expression.

The ride was great. Reno didn't have to worry about a thing with Cloud in control of the powerful machine. It left his hands free to roam and caress, not deliberately trying to arouse but instead show his appreciation and affection. Reno didn't want the trip to end. He knew that Cloud had taken a longer route, but eventually they arrived.

Reno hopped off the bike and stretched- his vest parting and riding up to show an expanse of skin. Pulling Cloud close, Reno gave him a quick kiss then steered him toward the door. Relaxed he might be but the glint in his eyes and the possessive arm he draped over Cloud's shoulders as they stepped through were meant to show the blond was with him and no one else.

"Let's have a drink. I have something to celebrate," Reno said and grinned at his lover.

A blush crept to his cheeks at that look his lover gave him. Cloud felt protected and safe in the way Reno possessively held him close.

"You order," he said softly and stood with Reno at the bar. He pressed in close and slipped a hand behind him to rest on Reno's other hip. The tight leather conformed to his lover's body and Cloud couldn't help but stroke the curve he found there.

Reno's grin widened when he felt Cloud's hand on his hip. Good. He had been a little concerned that Cloud would want to hide their relationship when out in public. If that had been the case he would have respected his lover's wish, but he was pleased that it didn't seem to be a problem. Time to have a little fun.

"Brigetta!" Reno shouted to be heard over the music and banged his fist on the polished wood to get the bartender's attention. "We'll take a coupla beers, two shots of 'Fuck Me Hard' and I also want a 'Screaming Orgasm'."

The bartender's eyes widened when she saw who was standing with Reno. Their postures and closeness said volumes. She didn't ask any questions, but she couldn't wait until she got a break to use the phone. Cloud Strife and Reno of the Turks. Holy Hell!

Two beers and two shots of brilliant red liquor drowning cherries appeared on the bar. Reno undraped himself from Cloud to pass a shot to the blond with a wicked smile.

"To you, babe, and finally getting my chance."

Taking his shot, Cloud lifted it to Reno. "And to finding a best friend," he added. The sex was mind blowing, but more so- Cloud found their growing closeness to be what he desired most. Sex was just icing on the cake. And what icing!

Throwing the shot back, Cloud coughed after swallowing. Clearing his throat he looked at Reno. "Kiss me?"

Reno's heart just melted. He tossed back his shot and brought both hands up to cup Cloud's face.

"Oh yes, I'll kiss you. Anytime, anywhere."

Reno started with just a soft brush of lips and light pressure then he stroked his thumbs over Cloud's cheeks and tilted his head to deepen the kiss. He didn't hear anything but the pounding of his own heartbeat as he slipped his tongue past Cloud's lips to delve further into the sweetness.

He felt hot and heady. Reno's talented mouth and the alcohol were going straight to his head. Moaning softly, he put his hands on Reno's vest, his fingers curling to hold on. He didn't care about the other people, for the moment he forgot all about them.

The kiss tasted of alcohol and fruit and Reno. Cloud gave himself over then, letting Reno guide him as their tongues danced. Damn, he was good at this... when they parted he looked up at Reno with moist lips and dilated pupils.

Reno kept one hand cupped around Cloud's cheek as he stared into his eyes. They were so beautiful, the shining darkness of his dilated pupils against the brightly glowing blue. Reno fancied he saw trust and love in them and it warmed him better than the potent liquor.

"Your beers!" Brigetta squeaked.

"Huh, what?" Reno tore his gaze from his lover to meet the furiously blushing face of the bartender. He raised one eyebrow in silent challenge even as he smiled at her. "Thanks, doll. We'll be heading over to the tables. Send a waitress with some menus and my drink over to them, yeah? Oh, and tell Mathieu I was bragging about his food. He'll remember me."

Reno accepted both mugs of beer in one hand so he could keep his other arm curved around Cloud and guided them over to an out of the way table. Purely out of habit he sat with his back in the corner and sat Cloud next to him.

Had that woman been blushing? Cloud idly wondered why as they walked to the booth. He was oblivious when people stared or whispered about him and today was no exception.

Sitting close to Reno, he frowned. Today was the first time he could remember being out in public without his swords. He had a few tucked safely in Fenrir but his sheaths... "I feel naked," he said flatly, pressing closer to Reno and reaching for his beer.

A snappy comeback jumped to the forefront of Reno's mind, but he held his tongue. There was a time and place for everything. This wasn't it. He could sense Cloud's uneasiness and sought to reassure his lover instead. After a sip of beer he nuzzled the soft hair at Cloud's temple and gently knocked one of his booted feet against his lover's.

"A Turk is *never* completely unarmed. I'd be dead ten times over if I followed every rule." Oops, way to remind Cloud of his near daily danger. Reno nibbled on his earlobe and tongued the earring as a distraction. "Boot sheath," he breathed quietly. "Relax. Day off, good food and drink. Fascinating company." Reno grinned through his tousled hair. "I can't keep you shut away in the apartment, although the idea does have its merits. Tifa would have my balls."

Goose bumps raced along his neck and shoulders at the feel of Reno's teeth and hot breath on his earlobe. "You can't protect me all the time," he said quietly. "But you're right. It's time to relax." He drained half his mug and sat it aside.

Swinging a leg over Reno he straddled his lover's lap. He wanted to make those tight leather pants of Reno's just a bit uncomfortable. Pressing his lips to Reno's he hummed as his lover and the alcohol made him tingle.

For a few seconds Reno was completely immobilized from shock. Cloud was straddling his lap in a pub that wasn't even close to being empty. Not that he had a problem with it, just...Reno shook his hair out of his eyes and decided to take his gift without worrying about it. He palmed Cloud's hips and slid his hands under the soft shirt to get to skin. His cock hardened instantly and he moaned under his breath, a low rumble of sound, at the way his pants suddenly felt too tight.

Reno leaned forward to nip Cloud's chin and teasingly brush his lips against the corner of the blonde’s mouth. He held tight and ground his hips upwards to get some friction.

Cloud let out a surprised squeak. He hadn't meant to do that... exactly. Though he was learning that nothing was half-way with him and Reno. Damn, he didn't want Reno to stop. "We shouldn't," he breathed. "Not here." He pushed his hips down, spreading his knees to get closer.

"Why can't I get enough of you?" He was hard, it was hopeless now.

"I could ask you the same question," Reno answered. "You're right, though. Not here. You're mine and we're not gonna give this crowd a show." He grinned wickedly and stole another kiss. "Besides, I hear there's something to be said for anticipation."

Showing some self control (My, wasn't he being responsible and mature, Reno snorted to himself) the Turk picked up a menu that had been left on the table and put it between their bodies. He peeked over the edge of the laminated cardboard.

"What do you want to eat?"

Cloud groaned. "You want me to say 'you', don't you?" he asked. Then, trying to behave, he sat back on Reno's knees. "Whatever you're having." Reaching back he retrieved his beer and drained the rest of the mug. Being out in public with this man was going to test him.

"You can have me for dessert if you want, or maybe I'll have you."

Reno laughed and drained his mug, motioning for the intimidated waitress to come take their order.

"We'll have the barbecue platters and a couple more beers." When the woman had left Reno traced a pattern on Cloud's thigh with his fingertips. "Her heart's broken, you know. Pretty much every woman had dreams of getting with the hero of the planet. I'd say at least half the men, too."

Blinking wide eyes it took a moment for Cloud to register what Reno was saying. "Don't say those things," he blushed. He couldn't imagine any other hands touching him. The very thought made him squirm in discomfort. "I'm yours. I'm not a hero."

He hadn't been bothered by the crowd before. He had learned to not see other people if he didn't have to. Now that Reno brought them up he wondered how many eyes were on them and his blush deepened and he tensed.

"But it's true," Reno said then held Cloud's chin to make him be still. "And, yes, you are mine. You gave yourself to me, and as far as I'm concerned it's for good. Do I need to say it more plainly than that?"

With that Reno pulled him into a savage kiss, claiming again, only this time in front of witnesses. When he let go of his lover his touch was gentle again. Skimming his fingertips over Cloud's swollen lips, Reno leaned their foreheads together.

"I love you."

"And I love you. For good." He looked at Reno through his thick lashes. He hated to see what would happen if someone decided to interfere with their bond.

Knowing that everyone could see them, he wanted Reno to be possessive. He wanted the world to know. "I like it when you kiss me like that," he invited. "Put your hands on me." He gripped Reno's vest.

Starting with Cloud's temples, Reno traced his fingertips down the sides of his lover's face, his throat, his shoulders, and his back, to lightly squeeze his ass. He licked the spot just below Cloud's left ear while bringing his hands up the inner thighs to span his hips again while pressing with his thumbs in the crease where hip joins pelvis. Even when his hands stilled Reno's lips wandered over every patch of skin he could reach.

Reno loved that only he was allowed to touch this man and bring him pleasure. A few whistles and cat calls could be heard, but aside from the wary tensing of his arms, he gave no indication that he heard.

Humming softly, Cloud closed his eyes and enjoyed the sweet feel of Reno touching and kissing his body. He felt Reno tense slightly at the cat calls and he rubbed Reno's chest soothingly. Let them watch. At least they were making themselves clear- they belonged to each other and wanted everyone to know.

"We're going to be watched everywhere we go," he realized out loud. He tilted his head to give more access to his neck, wondering if they could go out in disguises next time.

"I don't care about them. Let them watch. I just don't want them making *you* uncomfortable," Reno murmured between kisses along Cloud's neck. He undid the few buttons of his vest so that the sides parted. "This is our first actual date. I want there to be more in the future."

Still, Reno could feel that some of the watchers were more than just bemused. Within the undercurrents of amused lust he could feel some darker emotion emanating from somewhere around them. He kept it in the back of his mind and continued exploring the soft, fine grained skin of his lover's throat. Too fine. It needed a mark.

Reno picked one of the sensitive spots he had lovingly memorized and fastened his lips tightly to suck at the skin. He nipped and sucked, swirling his tongue over the mark he made. Crude, yeah, but the Turk never laid any claim to being refined.

Moaning, Cloud's grip on Reno's vest tightened. Oh, Reno was good at that. "I'm very comfortable right now," he breathed. So much so he didn't see or hear when their food and beers were delivered. Touching the newly exposed skin from Reno opening his vest, Cloud ran his palms over firm muscle and let his fingers explore perked nipples.

Reno moaned against Cloud's neck. How he loved to feel his lover's hands on his body. It spurred him to slide his thumbs under the waistband of the baggy pants and stroke the warm flesh just under it. Although he was determined to one day get Cloud into something form fitting and exotic, the baggy pants with their deliciously easy access had their own appeal.

Reno could have spent hours touching and tasting, but the aroma of warm, spicy barbecue announced the arrival of their food. With a groan of disappointment he lifted Cloud back into his own seat and kissed his lips one more time.

"Time to eat. I can't let you be skipping meals, especially when we need the energy."

"So how much of this barbeque are you planning on licking off my face?" Cloud asked, plucking a wing off the platter and gingerly tearing at it with bared teeth.

He eyed Reno's bared chest and reached out with a messy finger, painting the flesh he found with a rust colored line.

Reno cocked an eyebrow at his lover and reached for some meat for himself. He made a production of licking the sauce off each fingertip, sucking loudly on the last.

"You know, any mess you make I'll make you clean up."

Cloud was counting on that. He finished off his first wing and reached over again to trace a line from Reno's bare navel to his pant's button.

"Any mess?" He took another wing, eyeing Reno's bulge.

"I'd say there is a mess. No towels or napkins in sight either. What are you gonna do about it?"

Reno winked at Cloud over his beer mug. He was having fun. How many people had ever gotten to see a playful side to Cloud Strife?

Cloud couldn't remember ever having someone make him feel like this. He felt ridiculous, but he felt giddy.

Finishing his second wing he licked his fingers and lips clean and took a drink from his beer. Then he ducked his head to lap at Reno's sticky chest and abdomen. Licking them clean he took a moment to linger around Reno's navel, dipping his tongue.

"Mmm, that's much nicer than a scratchy paper napkin," Reno gasped and squirmed a bit. He thought of Cloud's mouth and tongue elsewhere and his hips rocked a little in response.

Reno massaged the nape of Cloud's neck with his free hand, kneading and lightly scratching, very much like a pleased cat.

"We need more beer. These barbeque platters are huge. If you keep doing that I doubt I'll be able to sit on Fenrir later. I may not be able to walk in these pants at all," Reno said and moaned when Cloud's tongue dipped into his navel.

Kissing Reno's navel for a few more moments, Cloud caressed Reno's thigh with a warm hand. He could smell his lover's arousal and his mouth watered. So close.

When he resurfaced he looked at Reno with raw desire. His scent was driving him nuts now. "Then before we get too far I'll have to relieve some of that pressure for you."

He picked a barbequed leg as something to keep his hands busy and took a dainty bite.

Letting Cloud stop the "cleaning" was a hard thing to do and it left Reno in a disappointing state of advanced arousal. His cock pressed tightly to the fly of his leather pants and the friction created every time he moved was maddening.

When Reno reached for his fresh beer he was slightly amused to see his hand faintly shaking. Ah, the powers of a gorgeous blond with the sweetest mouth this side of the Lifestream. Taking a large drink of the ice cold brew to try and cool his blood, Reno glanced around the pub. He still felt some faint prickles of wariness impinging on his senses. While he couldn't pinpoint it yet, there was obviously someone there who wasn't pleased at all to see the Turk, Cloud or the two of them together.

Alert but not about to let anyone ruin their fun, Reno set down his beer and stroked his hand down Cloud's thigh.

"The band's set is about to start. Think I could convince you to dance with me?" He asked, putting all the charm at his disposal into his smile.

His throat was dry. At this point Cloud would have stood on his head had Reno asked. Or hung the moon, or flown too close to the sun.

Something was bothering his lover; Cloud was too aroused and too afraid to look anywhere but at Reno so he saw the slight flickering of his eyes and dilating of his pupils. He had the look of a predator when he was like this and it both aroused and frightened Cloud. He was a skilled fighter himself, but not by choice.

He nodded and swallowed the lump in his throat. He'd never danced. Or, he couldn't remember ever having danced. "You'll have to teach me."

"I'll teach you," Reno agreed. "It's a lot like fighting. Move and countermove. You have your skills plus a natural grace. You'll do just fine."

As the band started off with a slower song as a warm up, Reno pulled his lover behind him to the small dance floor. All eyes were on the pair, most were amused, some, not quite as much. Reno put his arms around Cloud, one hand splayed against his lower back and the other curved over his hip.

"Just keep your eyes up and move with me. You don't need to watch your feet," Reno said and began to sway and move them with the music.

Cloud lifted his arms to wrap them loosely around Reno's neck. He felt hot and exposed on the dance floor. He tensed when other couples began to join them and looked at them sidelong. He told himself no one would try something with so many eyes, and not with two skilled fighters.

Looking up into Reno's eyes he felt his lover's warmth and fierce possession. This didn't feel like fighting, it felt like making love. Cloud lightly played with a strand of Reno's hair. "Why haven't you danced with me before?"

Reno chuckled from deep in his chest and enveloped Cloud in a fierce, joyful hug so he could bury his nose in soft hair. He straightened to bring a hand up and rub the pad of his thumb over his lover's bottom lip before kissing him softly.

"Probably," Reno said, pausing between every few words for another kiss, "Because every time we are together lately for more than a few minutes we end up involved in another kind of dance."

Tilting his head, Cloud sighed as his lips tingled. "I can't help how I've fallen for you." He felt like he was floating on this floor. "It's all your fault." He nibbled on Reno's lower lip with a twinkle in his eye.

Resting his head on his lover's shoulder he inhaled his scent of arousal and sweat. Lifting his chin then he blew a gentle breeze on Reno's ear lobe. "Kiss me like you caught me looking at another man," he whispered.

"You do like to live dangerously," Reno said and shivered at the warmth of Cloud's breath against his so sensitive ear.

Just the thought of his lover looking at another man made him bristle possessively. There was a hard glint in Reno's eyes when pulled back to cup the back of Cloud's head in one hand while the other hand gripped his chin.

He took Cloud's mouth forcefully, plunging his tongue in deep, teeth nipping hard enough to swell soft lips.

Cloud melted under Reno's possessive hold on him. A whimper escaped his mouth to be muffled by Reno's fierce kiss. Gripping Reno's vest in two fists he held on tightly and gave himself over to that kiss, letting Reno have whatever he wanted. The power in Reno's teeth, lips, and tongue made him tremble with want. And he knew if he resisted it would prove dangerous, as Reno had said.

Pulling on Reno's vest, Cloud pushed a little with his chin in defiance, biting back. If they were alone now he'd have to think of a safe word. He pulled back with a soft hiss, lips swollen, moist and blushing red. "If I looked at another man... would you hit me?"

Reno tightened his grip on Cloud's chin, forcing his head up at a sharp angle so that his lover had no choice but to look him in the eye.

"I'll never hit you, never hurt you," Reno promised, his soft words contrasting with the fire in his eyes. "What I *would* do is lay claim to you over and over. I'll bring you to the brink, but every time I'll deny you release until you beg me for it. Before I'm done you won't even want to think about another man."

He released his hold and brushed his lips over the livid red marks. The anger in Reno's eyes cooled to a cloudy hurt.

"Are you testing me so soon?"

"No," Cloud gasped. He hadn't realized that he had been holding his breath. The look in those blue pools had him mesmerized. Lifting a hand he touched the side of Reno's face. "How could I even think of another man when you've given me more than I dreamed possible? You make me feel things I didn't know I could feel. And no one else could make me beg." He shivered. How he loved it when Reno made him beg.

His fingers drifted down to Reno's neck and chest. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't make you worry." He had expected such a possessive response, and it was what he had wanted. It gave him a near violent thrill to have Reno's passion thrust upon him like that. Knowing what Reno would do to him though... it was almost enough to make him look at another man. Except he knew all he had to do was ask, and Reno would give him what he needed.

"Anything you want," Reno said, Cloud's light touches soothing some of his hurt and jealousy. "Just...just don't play games like that with me. I've never given anyone my heart until you."

Reno circled his arms around Cloud until he had his lover molded to his body. He nipped Cloud's jaw and trailed kisses down his neck to where he could dip his tongue in the hollow of his throat. Grinding his erection into Cloud's hip, Reno sucked hard on the pale skin until he raised a mark.

Digging his fingers into Reno's back, Cloud moaned and tilted his chin up to give Reno better access. He pulled at Reno's vest hungrily. He couldn't take this any more. He needed this man. "Please, get me out of here," he pleaded. "We can come back. But I need you so much."

Reno didn't need to hear any more. He took Cloud's hand and almost ran from the pub. He didn't even stop at their table, catching the bartender's attention and flashing some hand signs about putting it all on the tab.

Once outside Reno backed Cloud up to Fenrir and took his lips again. The kiss was hungry and hot, full of need and want.

"I hope you can still drive," Reno panted. "I know I can't like this, and I want you back at our place, in *our* bed, where you belong. I thought I was ready to share you with the world. I'm not."

Cloud was glad to hear that. "I don't think the world was ready for us," he panted, clutching at Reno and offering another passionate kiss. He broke away with a needy moan. Turning, he straddled Fenrir and bit his lip hard when he felt Reno pressed up against his back.

He put Fenrir on the road so fast the bike lurched and tires squealed before taking off out of a fish tail. He didn't take a leisurely ride this time. He barely dodged some pedestrians as he took them straight home in record time.

Stopping, Cloud turned while he dismounted- his hands and lips already seeking out Reno's warmth and comfort.