Hot. Dry. Awkward. Long.

The first day of the mission was little more than hell. The majority of the time nothing but the cracking of the ground beneath the large truck tires and under their boots graced their ears. The air was thick with tension; understandably so for everyone save for Kunsel who remained silent.

Kunsel realized something was very wrong the second they announced the teams. Zack had mentioned Cloud before so he was surprised that when he was announced with Zack and himself that the raven didn't get excited. Didn't he want to spend more time with Cloud?

Kunsel knew he was left out of the loop, but this time he wasn't so sure he would complain. The only thing that bothered him was the unnatural silence that carried on to even Zack. The raven was always smiling, friendly, and granted a bit loud but fun to be around. People gravitated to him; or at least Kunsel would think so anyway. But now... The dead silence and serious expression on his roommates usually ear to ear grinning face was unnerving.

The sun was still high in the sky and they still had a ways to go if they hoped to make good time. Cloud sighed to himself as he took in a dry breath of dusty air. He couldn't help but look over to Zack and frown every so often. Each time it was brief and he assumed it had gone unnoticed. The blonde had never seen his life long friend's jaw set so tight; save for the mention of his father when they had first met. He knew he was still really upset, and even though he knew he's friends reasons were somewhat valid he couldn't help the resentment that twisted in his gut.

It hurt that his friend wouldn't even so much as bat an eye over to him. Even though he was sure if the raven had he would turn several shades of red. Sure Zack didn't really see much of anything but still.. It was embarrassing to be caught in such an intimate moment.

What was worse was that Cloud was left to guard the left front of the vehicle while Zack was left to guard the front right. Leaving Heero and Kunsel both in the rear sections. Thus cutting Cloud from any contact from the other two other than taking glances over his shoulder. Although it did sucked that he couldn't talk to the others and Zack was still unresponsive, at least this way it couldn't get any more awkward. Or at least he hoped not. What happened as they stopped along the road was another problem. Sleeping arrangements and taking turns guarding what ever they were supposed to guard on that damned vehicle.

A mini glare was sent to the truck. They had no idea what they were 'guarding' but with no one interested in taking it for their own this mission had been little more than a endurance test.

"I doubt they have anything on the truck they just want us to drag our asses through the desert," Cloud mumbling trailed off as he realized he had spoken his thoughts aloud.

Zack had quirked an amused brow as he fought the urge to smirk. It was just like Cloud to say something like that.

Zack scowled as he watched the sun begin it's fall from the horizon. They would have to make camp here. He knew it was impossible but he was hoping beyond hope that somehow they would make it a one day trip and not have to stop.

His stomach growled angry at the thought and had he been more relaxed he would've scratched the back of his head sheepishly and groan for some food. He closed his eyes for a moment recalling when he and Cloud had stopped for camp when they began their journey to join SOLDIER. Things had been so different than.

"We'll stop here," Zack announced as the vehicle stopped and everyone began preparations. Heero and Kunsel took the tarp out from the back of the truck and draped it over the vehicle to cloak it while Cloud and Zack worked on setting up camp.

Zack watched curiously as he caught the soft spoken words of the blonde, "Giving up already?"

Zack blinked a bit stunned as he watched the blonde SOLDIER's face fall from a sad smile to a nervous frown. Zack shut his eyes for the second time as he smiled softly to himself while the blonde continued to set up camp.

After everything that had happened. At the very least. Going back to that day and reliving it. He could understand why and quite frankly that's all he wanted too. For things to return to the way they were before. When Cloud came to him and they bickered and joked. When he would act like a hyperactive child and Cloud would get that high and mighty face all just so Zack could tickle him until he burst out laughing in tears. Even though the way things were now.. he probably wouldn't get back to that again.

It wouldn't hurt just to pretend. Just this one time..

"Jesus Cloudy, we've been walking the whole day without a break. I'm starved," This time it came just a little louder than Cloud's own whisper. A small and gentle smile on the raven's face; just as sad as the blonde's before it.

"You put up the tent and I'll start the fire.. Zack," the blonde's hopeful smile softly returned as a small amount of relief made its way into his system and warmed his heart. He never expected Zack to play along

"You know how well that went last time," Zack blushed softly under Cloud's gaze as he scratched the back of his head nervously. He shouldn't be nervous; it was Cloud after all; but... maybe it was just because of everything that happened. It would most certainly explain the strange blush he was sporting.

Cloud chuckled and went to speak before he felt a hand on his shoulder. The blonde watched as Zack's face fell and he frowned before returning to set up the fire. Cloud sighed softly as he smile wavered looking up to Heero who stood over him.

Heero leaned down to speak to Cloud, "I'll take first post. After we eat I'd like you to rest."

Cloud nodded with a small smile before glancing back toward Zack. However any conversation they may have had was cut short to Heero's presence.

The night; for the most part; went on in silence. After the meal it was shortly discussed how the watches would take place. The posts were lined up with Heero first than Kunsel than Zack than Cloud.

Cloud sighed as Heero stood guard a short distance away. He couldn't sleep with his mind racing the way it was. He wasn't sure how to handle the situation or how to approach Zack. At least now he knew that he could, in the absence of Heero, get Zack to talk to him and somehow make amends. That in itself was soothing for him. He was worried Zack would hate or be disgusted with him. It was nice to know that even if things wouldn't be the same between them at least Zack would still be there.

With those thoughts in place it wasn't long until Cloud's restless mind began to relax and the fatigue from the says travel had finally lulled him into sleep.

Kunsel had ended his shift not to long ago as the still groggy raven yawned quietly to himself and rubbed the back of his head. He was still tired and his mind; in even sleep; couldn't take a break from Cloud. He had a rather disturbing... though perhaps he thought disturbing wasn't the word. He wasn't even sure he had a word for it; or even a way to describe it. He was glad in a way that Kunsel had woken him when he did. The raven wasn't quite sure he could've handled anymore stress or confusion. And that 'dream' had been accomplishing the seemingly impossible to further set the rookie SOLDIER on edge.

Sure he had been shocked, confused, even angry when he had seen Heero and Cloud together. But that compared nothing to his dream.

It was the same as that day, but it wasn't Heero who was in the room. No, instead he had walked in without any interference from Heero. He had seen the distraught blonde and sat next to him, wrapping a comforting arm around the slim form only to pull him closer into his side to embrace him. He shushed the blonde and spoke soft gentle and calming words or reassurance.

Nothing about that was strange. He always comforted the blonde whenever Cloud needed him. He had always said he would be there and without a single doubt he always would be. Even with this awkward situation between Cloud, Heero, and himself; he knew in the end that he would always be there even if he didn't approve of Cloud's lifestyle choice.

But that dream ended in more than just comfort. His heart ached as he recalled the image of him pulling Cloud's chin up so he could glance into his eyes. Aching as he remembered the surreal feeling of his lips moving to press against Cloud's own and the sensation that warmed his core as Cloud responded back.

He felt guilty and confused as his heart felt torn. He remembered in his dream actually 'enjoying' that kiss. His mind wondering if that was really how it felt to kiss his best friend in such a way. If Cloud's lips were really that soft; his cheeks really so warm as he blushed under the palm of his hand while he cupped the blondes normally pale cheek. If that was really what the blonde's body felt like pushed against his own...

Ok whoa whoa whoa now Zack; the raven mentally scolded himself. He didn't need to think about this shit. Especially not on a mission.

Even so his rebellious gaze wandered over to Cloud's sleeping form. He missed the peaceful and serene calm that settled on the blonde's face. Even breaths and slight twitching in his hand as he continued to dream; all unmissed by the SOLDIERS eyes. He missed the soft expression on the blonde. It seemed ages since he was able to witness Cloud so relaxed. Things were and still are so tense between them. So much so that he could almost regret even joining SOLDIER.

He knew they had made their dreams a reality, but he couldn't help but to wonder at what cost.

The time passed far to quickly and it didn't seem he slept even a wink before he felt himself being pulled from sleep. A soft caress that soothed the back of his arm was slowly drawing him from his dreaming. The rest not so easily forgotten as the warmth emitted from the gently rubbing comforted him into wanting to sleep that much more.

"Cloud.."

The voice was gentle, soft, and so familiar he couldn't help but grumble, "Na yet...," as he leaned closer to the heat source in front of him.

A low in volume but heart-felt chuckle was released to his ears and instantly Cloud stiffened; now wide awake. He felt the hand still and the laugh die on the others tongue; immediately he regretted the involuntary action.

However, at the same time. How was he supposed to react? This was normal before this not now... right?

Blue eyes cautiously opened and peered at the familiar tanned features of his raven friend, "Za..zack?"

Zack scoffed with a strained smile pulling his hand from the others arm to quickly scratch the back of his head unsure of what else to do with the hand, "The one and only.."

The blonde smiled softly and nodded still speaking in a whisper, "S-Sorry... I just.."

Zack was to quick to cut him off, "It's alright I.. uh... well must have surprised you is all. I should apologize."

Cloud instantly shot him a sarcastic look.

"Whaaaaaaaat? What's that for Cloudy," he whined voice still low. How anyone could manage to pull off whining in a whisper's pitch was quite impressive.

Cloud opened his mouth to comment but quickly shut it as it dawned on him. No affectionate names had been passed between them in so long. No -Y at the end of his name nor was he compared to a chocobo.

...Not that he was complaining about that last one.

Cloud smiled after the slight shock wore off and his features warmed almost as much as his heart, "My shift than huh," before Zack could answer Cloud was standing and ruffling the kneeling man's hair, "get some rest.... pup."

For once Zack didn't try to defend himself or complain against the nickname. Cloud even had to look back after a moment a bit worried that he may have offended his friend. Instead of anger or frustration or annoyance Cloud caught a glimpse of Zack's award winning smiling. The one that was so seldom used. The one that touched his lips only when something truly made him happy, and one he hadn't seen in what had seemed like a life time.

It wasn't till he turned away assuming the raven was going to rest that Cloud felt a hand grasp around his bicep with a soft 'hey Cloud..'. Nor did he realize when he turned just how close the two of them were to each other. Yet for whatever reason neither moved, even with their faces barely inches away. Not even though their bodies were so close they could feel the heat from each other nearly bath them.

Zack wasn't sure why his body felt so hot or understand what exactly was twisting in his gut. Perhaps it was just endearing to be allowed so close to his friend after so long. No he was kidding himself. He 'liked' being close to Cloud.

Cloud's heart pounded against his ribs as the raven appeared to be getting closer. Almost to the point where their lips would join. His breath caught in his throat as Zack stopped and his eyes widened slightly. A few awkward seconds that seemed to stretch on for minutes passed before Zack and Cloud in one movement stepped backward from each other.

"I should..," they bother started in unison only to have a blushing Cloud speak up, "I should stand guard now.. get some rest ok?"

Zack couldn't help but for whatever reason feel slightly disappointed. A whirl wind of emotions and thoughts pulling him towards and away from the likelihood of just what kind of relationship he and Cloud really had.. and what he wanted it to be.

Zack returned to the tent and laid down knowing full well his running thoughts would keep him from sleep.

As Cloud turned to remain guard Heero pulled the blanket tighter to his neck. His fist balled against the fabric that was supposed to provide him with warmth. No blanket could shield him from the cold shiver than passed from his heart through his body as his stomach sank knowingly. He hadn't missed the moment shared between the two. The simple exchange leaving doubt in his heart. At that moment he began to accept what he refused to recognize from the start.

No matter how well his intentions. How much he cared. How well he protected him and allowed Cloud to protect himself. He would never be a replacement to Zack. Whether or not he would clue in the two blind friends of that was a completely different story.