AN: I'm not good with details so I'm hoping you're already familiar with the environment in FFVII. If you enjoyed this chapter, pls let me know in the comment section down below. Because how would I know if you really want to read this, yeah? *cries.*
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They sat again in silence as they ate the stir-fried noodles, minutes stretching ahead infinitely. The tv has long been ignored by Zack, his attention held captive by the blonde boy beside him even if he was doing nothing. He blamed it to his cute and innocent looks which was the complete opposite of what he was. He could be a cute little brother to him, he'd say, but that statement could get him potentially stabbed. Ridiculous as it was, but Cloud's position in Zack's life had just climbed up from being a complete stranger, to a shady acquaintance, and eventually to a little brother in a span of a few meetings. But Zack isn't that naïve. He wanted to ask him so badly about the events earlier, but he cannot make himself bring up the subject matter. Thankfully, Cloud was the first to break the silence. But it didn't make it a bit easier.
"You kept staring at me. What is it?" Zack fought hard to stop the frown from forming on his forehead.
"Earlier you.." the blonde locked his gaze at him as he trailed off, face devoid of emotion.
"How many people have you killed already?"
That was it. He cannot take that back anymore. Cloud visibly stilled at the question, though his face still didn't betray any emotion if there's any.
"Not many." The blonde finally answered. He returned his gaze at the bowl of noodles.
"It's either I get killed, or I kill them first. That's just how it is in the slums. It's not like I have that many options."
Zack released the breath he was holding. He didn't know if he was supposed to be dismayed with his answer. He'd be a fool to expect that he still had clean hands, but at least his faith in the boy was not stomped and crushed to smithereens. He didn't understand why he was expecting in the first place, but he liked to believe that there's always still something good in people even though they have wronged. He always held into that, otherwise he'll go insane. Or maybe he was just being unfairly biased at the internal image he had made for the blonde at the moment. If he's going to be completely honest, he could say that what he wanted is to pluck the boy out of that place he was into. The urge is becoming so strong he cannot even comprehend why. He knows he cannot save everybody, but maybe if he could make a difference even for one person, maybe that will be enough. He was no hero after all. He gave Cloud a small smile and ruffled his hair gently.
"Satisfied?" The blonde asked, looking once again from his bowl of noodles. There was no hint of annoyance in his voice.
"Yeah."
.
Cloud left Zack's apartment with a box of possibly soggy-already pizza on his hand. The aching in his body had subsided dramatically, and he can pretty much move his right hand perfectly, or not. The night's incident had left him a little dazed, he'll admit, with him almost kissing death. Somehow, some God had given him a second chance at life, to maybe watch him fail at it miserably the second time around, or maybe to change it all completely. He kinda liked the latter honestly. And if he could be totally honest, it was all because of Zack Fair. Maybe one day, he can thank him properly, when he's become a proper man.
The trudge home was unfortunately long, after all Zack lived in the upper plates of Midgar. The pizza was now cold, but he's still pretty much happy about his small achievements for the day. He didn't get killed, he's got food, and he's got.. Zack? Someone like Cloud who's got next to nothing to lose has no problems playing risky games where their actual life is at stake. In the end, it is all about survival. No hard feelings. Like the boss usually says, you just gonna need to take it with open arms at some crappy point in your life. Just like business.
Climbing the rusty stairs to their apartment, Cloud sighed as he remembered the bloodied garments he was wearing. Aerith will be appalled. He'll make her worry again but the hopes the pizza will do the trick.
"Hey. Sorry I'm late. Here's some soggy pizza."
It was all that he said before the box of pizza was lain to the small wooden table in the living area. The kids were excited, tiny squeals escaping from their mouths. They were the first ones to approach, opening the box immediately and getting a slice of their own. Reno followed suit, smiling widely as he took two slices, taking a bite from one. He settled back to where he was seated earlier on the couch, beside Tifa, and gave her the other one.
"Thanks, Yo. Hope you do this more often but I'm afraid we won't be seeing each other for long very soon. I mean, me and Tif."
Cloud directed his gaze to the redhead after towing an old wooden chair, turning it towards himself as he sat, his arms cradled by the top rail.
"What exactly do you mean?" The blonde asked, looking between the redhead and the two brunettes.
"Yeah, the Turks said, I've got potential and they are going to hire me if I'm gonna pass the final test." Reno grinned, and Cloud knew how proud he must have felt for himself.
"Oh. What if you fail then?"
"Then I'll probably die here, being a snitch forever! Fuck no." the redhead glowered, determination flashing at his face.
"I don't know about you blondie, but I'm not passing this one up. Where's the beer anyway?"
"There's no beer. Well.. I guess good luck to you then. Less two mouths to be fed."
"Yeah, you ass. You're gonna die from jealousy of my shiny guns and my equally shiny Turk coat. By the way, you look like shit. Did you went rolling down a cliff or something?"
"Whoa. Now you love them and shit huh? That was fast. And no, I just tripped over some really pointy rocks."
"Gotta love em' when they're keeping me alive yo. Not at much as Tifa though." Reno fired back, looking at the said girl lovingly. She was blushing.
Cloud had to admit, he's got a bit of a sinking feeling on his stomach at that. He already knew that they cannot stay like this forever, because after all they all have different goals. It's just that it has been convenient to have each other at the time being, but when opportunity kicks in, they'd have to go their separate ways. He wished he would not do that to Aerith, Marlene and Denzel, but he had to move forward sooner or they'll be stuck here forever. He wanted them to at least live more decently. And then maybe someday Aerith can dream about that flower shop of hers again, the two kids helping her out to wrap orders. His stare lingered at the three of them, remembering the very slim chance of his escape earlier from demise, and his chest constricted in pain. Reno was still babbling on, showing just how excited he was. He was happy for him.
The night went on, and after almost everyone settled for sleep, Cloud knew that she'll ask. He knew Aerith tries to keep her worries to herself as long as she can because she's a patient person, but she's got a breaking point when it comes to them, or him, most likely. He watched her as she tucked Marlene and Denzel under a blanket, making them comfortable.
"What happened to your arm, Cloud? Did you have a fight?" the brunette girl asked amidst the dim light from the lamp outside, voice low to not disturb the others. They were all sleeping in the living room.
"Yeah, kinda. But it's just a scratch, nothing serious." The blonde tried to form a smile and hoped it didn't look forced. Aerith was fiddling with the hems of her dress and Cloud walked towards her, brushing the hair away from her face.
"I'm okay Aer, really. Plus, someone—a friend helped me. I didn't expect him to get involved in the fray but he did. He patched me up pretty good. That pizza is from him too, by the way."
The brunette looked a little relieved and nodded. She didn't push the subject anymore though it's evident she wanted to ask more about who he's got a fight with. She asked about this "friend" of his instead, and of course, he's gonna need to lie about that as well.
"I met him a while back, I collided with him at the train station. He dropped his wallet. I returned it in the afternoon and.. I dunno, somehow we clicked? I guess we have common interests."
"Really? Maybe you could invite him over then? You know.. to thank him for helping you out. We rarely meet people like that anyway! He's such a sweetheart, isn't he? Is he from around here too?"
"I guess so. I know where he lives now so maybe I could invite him sometime." The blonde shrugged. Pulling his hands from his pockets, he remembered something he wanted to give her earlier. Good thing it fit his pocket.
"Oh here. I thought you might like that." The blonde said, thrusting the cylindrical object at the brunette.
"Oh." Aerith said, a little surprised. It seemed to lift her spirits more as she sniffed the wax candle, smiling warmly at Cloud.
"It's lavender."
"I didn't know actually, I just picked that up. It smelled nice."
"The living room will smell great with this!" She exclaimed softly, eyes filled with excitement. Such simple things can make her happy. Aerith wasn't difficult to please at all.
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Zack had found himself faced with the blonde kid again the following week, as he had seen him lurking near his apartment. He would be able to see that blonde head from a mile away, just saying. It really pops out specially when he was wearing a sky-blue hoodie. He liked the gray one on him, but this is rather cute too. If it wasn't Cloud, he's pretty sure he'd be creeped out, honestly, but he is just really not intimidating him at all in any kind of way. He slowed his motorcycle to an eventual halt as he approached near, pulling his helmet off to greet him.
"Hey! Cloud, what's up?" He exclaimed excitedly, giving away a carefree grin. The blonde stood from where he was seated, but not going down the steps from Zack's apartment building.
"I came to visit."
"Really?"
"Yeah. My family wanted to meet you, that is."
"Oh… Ohhh! So you have mentioned me to your family?"
"Yeah, and I lied about it. So, if you could just, go along."
Zack laughed, tossing his head back.
"You never fail to amuse me."
"Your pretty easy to amuse." The blonde shrugged.
"Okay then. When?"
"Right now." Zack laughed once again.
"Eager aren't cha? Can I at least take a shower and a change of clothing?"
The brunet asked, parking his motorcycle. The blonde shrugged once again.
"Sure thing."
"Well, let's go inside for the meantime, shall we?"
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"What's this, some sort of last supper?" Reno asked, stealing a bite to taste Aerith's cooking. He was currently hovering the small kitchen, curious as to why it seemed that there is an occasion. The brunette giggled at that, flicking at his forehead gently.
"No. We invited Cloud's friend over for dinner. Is it good?" The redhead just laughed in answer.
"Eh? So, Cloud can make friends now huh? I'm pretty sure he's just milking the guy, whomever idiot that was."
"Stop it, Reno, he helped Cloud you know.."
"Yeah just like what I've said Aer, milking the cow." The redhead retorted pointedly, smirking at his own statement. The brunette rolled her eyes.
"So are you guys gonna stay to at least greet him?" Reno shrugged.
"I'm not interested in Cloud's boyfriends. But maybe I'll take a peep then we're out. Can't be late on my appointment, yeah?"
"Yup! Good luck Reno. Make us proud okay?" Aerith cheered.
"Small thing, dear."
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The apartment still looked the same as Cloud remembered a week ago, like nothing has been misplaced, used or moved even a tiny bit. It strikes him kind of odd that a person as bubbly as Zack can be so organized. Somehow, he expected him to be more of a scatterbrain in terms of his stuff, but is proving him otherwise. He waited seated in the sofa, not touching anything even if the brunet told him to turn on the tv if he felt a little bored. Cloud plopped his back ungracefully on the sofa, lying with one leg dangling at the armrest. He wondered idly if Zack keeps dirty magazines around his apartment somewhere, or if maybe he doesn't after all, because with looks like those he guessed he can pretty much bring any female to his bed. He frowned at the idea. What is it to him anyway? His train of thought was cut short as Zack came out walking half naked (with only a towel waist down) from the bathroom, his muscled body glistening from the quick shower. He had thrown Cloud a smile before he disappeared into his bedroom to maybe get dressed. He emerged minutes later in a more casual attire, a comfy-looking gray shirt and a pair of jeans. He tugged on a black jacket and a pair of sneakers last, everything done in record time. He was combing his fingers through his hair that was now mostly down to his face. All in all, he looked young and handsome.
"You bored already?" the brunet asked as he approached Cloud by the sofa. If anything, Cloud was jealous. Of what, he wasn't that sure either.
"Not really. We going now?" the blonde said as he pulled himself up, standing to join the brunet.
"Yeah. Wanna grab something to eat on the way?"
"No. Actually, there will be food back home."
"Ohhh. Dinner then?" Zack smiled widely.
"Yeah. Don't spend on anything."
Cloud followed suit as the brunet started towards the bike, giving Cloud a spare helmet.
"Can I not? It's not that far anyway. And no, I am not walking. "
"Well. I don't like to either. Alright. Hop on."
Zack started the engine as Cloud mounted behind him, lithe arms circling his abdomen. Soon after they were speeding down the road, sunset winds blowing against their faces. Zack smiled, feeling as the blonde leaned his cheek at his back, probably lazily watching as the world passed by. Cloud talked softly as he gave him directions to take, feeling rather comfortable at the current set up. Everything just felt nice at the moment. Zack was unexpectedly comfortable and warm. He smelt fresh of soap and shampoo, and somehow it makes him feel safe. That is the one thing he had not felt for the longest time, and it does make him surrender to it. He reluctantly parted from the brunet's back as they reached the slums, feeling rather conscious of his surroundings suddenly. They made it to the blonde's apartment with no problems though, and soon the two of them were climbing the two-story winding stairs.
Zack can hear giggling as they neared the apartment, bright and lively. When Cloud opened the door, surely, they were greeted by two lovely youngsters, their laughter upon chasing each other halting at the sight of both of them. Their faces immediately brightened though, as they scrambled towards the door to greet them.
"Are you Cloud's friend?" The livelier of the two asked. It was a little girl about the age of eight. Her flowery dress was twirling as she tip-toed side to side to get a better look at him.
"Yeah! I'm Zack." The brunet answered in an equally cheerful manner, dropping to a squat to meet her halfway.
"What's your name princess?"
The little girl beamed.
"I'm Marlene!" she answered excitedly, taking a hold of the other kid's hand to tug him closer.
"This is Denzel!"
The quieter boy looked curiously at him, uttering a small "Hello, Zack" back to him. The brunet found it to be unbelievably cute, and ruffled the boy's hair fondly. He smiled at the boy brightly, making the child smile in return.
"How about you call me Uncle Zack from now on, eh?" he asked the two, his laughter now filling the living room. Denzel nodded and Marlene squealed at the prospect.
"Ohh. So you are Zack?"
The brunet looked towards the direction of the voice, to a girl that seemed to be made of pink. Her long, braided hair swished as she approached them, standing beside Cloud. The pink ribbon that matches her sundress bobbed as she talked.
"It's nice to meet you Zack, I'm Aerith by the way." The brunette said politely, extending her hands to him for a handshake. Zack stood and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"The pleasure is mine." He said as he smiled back to her. He turned his gaze towards Cloud, whom he hasn't heard saying anything at all. To his utter surprise though, he was smiling. He never smiled at him even once since they've met. But looking at him now, he had not expected the soft, gentle expression he wore in his face, his mouth curling upwards in a small smile. It was like Denzel's, but fonder, and more beautiful. There was warmth in those eyes that always looked cold. He cannot tear his eyes away from him. He seemed to have noticed the staring as the blonde cocked his head to side, a single eyebrow raising, as if to ask him, "what?" in a silent manner. Zack just smiled in return and shook his head.
"Well, I'll prepare for dinner. Please make yourself comfortable, Zack." Aerith said, nodding to the sofas in the small living area, she disappeared once again to the kitchen, preparing dishes. To Zack's amazement, Cloud also followed suit.
"Well. There's just the three of us then, huh?" the brunette declared, seating himself. He looked at the children perched beside him. Denzel was now inspecting him with open wonder, large blue eyes glued to him. Marlene somewhat can't stay fixed in a single place, moving to and fro. She had acquired something from a small wall-display shelf, placing it at the wooden coffee table in front of them. It was a blue candle.
"It smells like flowers." The little girl said, turning the candle around by the table, humming to herself. Zack felt like his heart was melting.
So that's where the candle went, huh?
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Cloud watched as their weathered house went alive, laughter filling every space, crack, and crevice. Zack was animatedly telling stories about his mischievous adventures when he was still a kid, and everyone seemed to be swept away completely at the tide of his happiness. He can tell that he already won Denzel over, as the kid had latched onto him like a favourite little brother. The two girls seemed to be hooked by his handsome face alone though. The blonde also noted that despite the attempts of someone who was obviously calling him, Zack just kept on ignoring whomever it was on the other line, only once sending a reply (maybe). He seemed to be genuinely taking the invite seriously, not wanting to be bothered in the middle of a rather noisy dinner. He often catches him looking at his direction, he guessed, to catch him (in return) if he was smiling too. And when he did so, he flashes a smile directed to him only, as if to tell him, "I saw that".
Not long after dinner, Zack had to leave to retire for the day. Cloud could not keep him there any longer, plus the guy had to rest and work. He just chanced to steal him for a couple of hours so Aerith and kids could meet him.
"Are you gonna come back?"
It was Denzel who looked heartbroken. The brunet managed to reassure him quickly though, and Cloud wondered if he's really going be seeing a lot of the guy.
"Well, I gotta go now. I need to borrow Cloud here for a moment though." The brunet turned to Cloud with an expectant look on his face. The blonde almost frowned.
"Yeah. I'll be back soon Aer." Cloud replied, even if he didn't understand.
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They rode back to the upper plate in no time, and to Cloud's confusion, they stopped to an electronics store.
"What are we doing here?"
"Just stay here for a moment, I'll just buy something very quickly."
Zack disappeared into the store. Around five minutes, he was out again, a smile etched into his face. He took the blonde's hand and placed the new phone he had bought.
"That's for you. Take it, my number's there already."
"Why? I don't want to accept this." The blonde protested, the familiar feeling of guilt returning.
"What if you've got an emergency? Isn't it important to be able to contact someone?" Zack interjected, pushing the blonde's hand back.
"I don't want to, Zack."
"But I want to, Cloud. Well, if you really don't want it then just give to Aerith or maybe even Marlene or Denzel. I'll just call them instead to check on you guys from time to time." The frown on Cloud's eyebrows deepened.
"Alright. I get it. But I'll pay you someday."
"What? No! I wanted to buy you a phone. Why can't you just accept it?" the brunet whined, crossing his arms in his chest.
"Because it's not fun when I'm not stealing whatever from you." The blonde replied, placating Zack. The brunet smirked at him then, shoving his hands in his pockets. He really wanted to ruffle Cloud's hair at the moment, and restrained himself.
"I know that's kinkier but sometimes the normal way is also good, yeah?" the brunet said, climbing his bike while he tried to trap the blonde that was seated in front. The blonde broke out immediately, wiggling his way under the brunet's arm, and climbed back to position himself again at his back.
"I like this position better." The blonde said as Zack started the engine, speeding away.
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"You sure you don't want to see him before we leave?" Tifa asked as they walked the particularly empty part of the slums. Most people avoid it because the train graveyard is quite unnerving to anybody, even criminals. They do not believe in ghosts, but the haunting feeling is strong in this place. She walked closer beside Reno.
"Yeah. I don't like goodbyes and shit, babe. And it's not like we're not gonna visist em' anyways. We'll need to check on how those squirts were doing." The redhead replied, snaking his arm around Tifa's waist. They went to a halt at the designated area, and waited. Not a minute later, the redhead fished his ringing phone out of his pocket.
"Yo."
"The boss is here, be prepared."
The line went silent. Reno clicked his phone shut and shoved it in his pocket. He turned around as he heard footsteps, Tifa following suit. The redhead's hand dropped to the girl's hand, squeezing it hard. The brunette gave him a reassuring look, nodding. She was his lucky charm after all.
They both stand to attention as the intimidating presence of the Turk boss walked closer to them both, his dark eyes locking at the redhead.
"Reno Sinclair. Today is your final test. Are you ready?" The man in a crisp black suit asked, long hair slick, his voice monotone. Reno nodded, heart beating wildly in his chest.
"Give me your gun." the other Turk ordered. This bald guy was named Rude, he thinks. He obliged and gave his initial gun, the bald dude tucking it away from sight. He then opened the small briefcase he was carrying, holding it out for him to see the contents. It held two pair of guns and two pairs of rods.
"Which one?" Reno heard the Turk boss ask from the corner of his brain. He chose the metallic silver of the gun, it's smooth, shiny surface reflecting the dim light around them. He tested its weight on his hand. Just right, he thought. He grinned at the two Turks before him.
"What is the final test, boss?" He asked, eagerness slipping from his voice. The raven-haired man regarded him with intensity.
"Is she important to you?" the Turk boss suddenly asked, eyes not breaking contact with the redhead. Reno flinched. His heartbeat thudded against his chest now in protest.
"Yeah." He replied seriously, fighting the stare down.
"You need to know Reno, that if you're going to join the Turks, that there shouldn't be anything, or anyone more important than Shinra. Do you understand that? That is the most basic rule. There is another one though, and that is the first and the most important. You need to follow orders. No why's, no but's. You don't need to think when you are ordered not to. Just follow."
Reno's hand tightened around the hilt of the gun. Sleek as it was, it still provided a nice grip.
"Got is, boss."
The Turk nodded in approval.
"Now, shoot her."
He said it in that same monotone voice of his, pointing his chin at the brunette behind Reno. There was an audible gasp that escaped her lips, and Reno was suddenly too aware of her frightened state. He fought hard to not turn around in that moment to pull her in a protective embrace. Instead he froze in place, his cool composure melted by overflowing uncertainty. Everything had gone wrong.
The raven-haired man, Tseng, does not like repeating himself twice.
"What is the first rule, Reno?" He asked, seeing the redhead's hesitation. The redhead swallowed thickly. He gripped the gun. It was a wrong move to look her in the eye.
Reno followed orders.
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Cloud knows he had already decided earlier that he didn't want to intrude or take more of Zack's time, money, or anything that has got to do with the man. He knows he shouldn't be doing this, but he can't help himself either. Maybe later he'll scold himself, but for now he'll just have to conveniently shove his guilt to the back of his mind. His hands tightened around the brunet's midsection, as he tried to lean closer, trying to not sound very hopeful.
"Hey, Zack. Can we ride a bit more?" the blonde asked, voice soft.
"Hm? Do you wanna see the entire city?" the blonde nodded at that, and realized that he might not see it, adding a whispered "yeah" in answer.
"Sure thing. I still do that most the time anyways." Cloud knew he was smiling just by the tone in his voice. He tried to not close his eyes from the comfort of that sound.
"Really? Can I borrow your bike sometimes?" he asked out of nowhere, just to keep him talking. Zack chuckled, and it made a pleasant feeling in the blonde's stomach.
"No Cloud, you might get caught without a license. Plus, you might not want to return it back to me! I don't like the trains that much, you know."
"I hate trains too." The blonde replied, half-lidded eyes watching the playful city lights.
Zack was certain that something about this moment had caused a change to Cloud's behavior. He was being too damned nice, almost teetering to shyness. He had even asked him politely. No snarky remarks, no sarcastic comebacks. If he's just going to admit it to himself, he was really drawn to him being really cute and vulnerable like that. Whatever it was that is making the blonde this way, he wanted to know so badly. Deciding it might be inappropriate to pry, he shoved the matter aside and tried to not think about it.
"Yeah, it's cramped, and God forbid if someone's got body odor." The blonde chuckled behind him in that now gentle voice of his. Zack wanted the moment to stop, or to stop driving altogether and turn around to get a look of him.
"That's so gross."
Zack laughed heartily in return. He can feel Cloud shift slightly behind him, cheek no longer pressed by his shoulder. He guessed he felt his forehead instead, settling in his spine. His tinier body was pressing close to him now, and blood was rushing again through his veins. He sped up and he felt him tighten his grip.
"You still there, Cloud?" Zack tried, finding it difficult to break the spell.
"Yes. Don't stop."
Cloud uttered three words and it was enough to drive Zack half mad. He was too acutely aware of the blonde and the warmth at his back, and the arms that circled his waist, a little tight but gentle. He didn't know what to say and just continued speeding through the open highways.
It was late in the evening when they returned to the slums in Sector Seven. Cloud looked like he was about to doze off when he climbed down the motorbike. Zack chuckled and ruffled his hair gently.
"You look a little tired. Sleep it off okay? And thanks for the dinner." Cloud shook his head lightly.
"No. I mean— thank you. She wanted to thank you too for saving me. " The blonde cannot look him in the eye. Instead he looked at the side, at the ground, and past the other male before him. Cloud was inching his way again higher in Zack's life.
"I wanted to do that much. I just feel like I can't leave you behind, you know."
The blonde looked at him at that, and Zack cannot quite read the expression on his face. Normally it didn't show much, but it was easier to read him. Though right now when his emotions are at display, ironical as it was, he didn't know what that look meant. In those kinds of situations, he only does what he does best. He smiled. It seemed to have worked as Cloud's face softened to a peaceful state, a small smile threatening to show up at any moment. He wanted to coax it out.
"Would you be able to visit the kids when you have time? They would love that especially Denzel."
"Of course, and you can tell him to call me if he misses me that much." Zack replied, giving the blonde a wink. Cloud seemed to be taken aback by it, raising his eyebrows.
"Alright."
"You can call me too, you know." The brunet said pointedly as he chuckled. Cloud gave him an impish smirk.
.
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"Zack, you're being reinstated." Angeal said, smiling.
"They're bringing the soldier program back too. Not in a grand scale, but only enough numbers so they can focus on quality. Here—." Angeal said as he handed the younger male a flyer.
"I've been trying to call you last night, but it seems you're too busy with your date."
"I was going to inform you about that." The older male said, pointing to the flyer in Zack's hand.
"Wha—? Why me? Where did they even get this?" the younger male said, plopping to one of the chairs in Angeal's office. He stared at a poster of himself in a second-class Soldier uniform. He frowned.
"We need new faces to join, Zack. Sephiroth suggested you instead of himself. I guess that was a photo from your promotion two years ago?" Angeal smirked.
"Yeah, recommended my ass. For all I know, he just wanted nothing to do with it." Zack deadpanned.
"Your face is more appealing to the young ones."
"Yeah, yeah. I don't have a say about this, no?" Zack said, mustering a pained look.
"The posters had been put up earlier this morning, so yes, you cannot do anything about it." The older male smiled warmly.
"Also, I wanted to inform you that you can recommend people. If you know someone who's got potential, you can refer them. If they pass the screening process, you'll get an incentive for that, or if you're kind enough, you can transfer it to that person as well or split it in half."
Angeal has got his full attention now.
"Hey, Angeal. What is soldier focusing on right now? Why bring us back? Is there—" Zack stopped mid-sentence. He didn't want to think about it.
"No Zack. As far as I know there isn't. But there has been high monster activity for the last couple of months. Sephiroth had dealt with that himself personally though. If I knew better, I'll say he's just excited to get out of here."
"No soldier wants to get cooped up in here. So, if they are reinstating everyone else, that means that those.. monsters are a potential threat to humanity?"
"Yes, you could say that. But don't worry too much this early on, pup. Nothing the great Sephiroth can't handle, yes?"
Zack smirked.
"Yeah, yeah. Just wait and see, I'm gonna go back to training really quick and kick his ass in no time."
"Goodluck to that. Your message will be delivered. Don't fret."
"Hey— you being serious right now?"
"Of course."
Angeal stood from behind his desk and patted the younger male's head.
"Hey!"
.
Cloud stopped walking and looked on, to the many posters that have been plastered everywhere he went in Midgar. He tried ignoring it at first, and just focus on the day ahead, fetching materials for Cid in his auto repair (or rather repair-everything) shop. But seeing Zack's face in billboards and infomercials is pretty difficult to just pass by. He darted towards a poster that was freshly pasted in Sector seven's pillar and scrutinized it. It was really Zack, in what seemed to be the official soldier's uniform. He did say he was in the military after all. But he did not expect to see him like this. He was much younger he can tell, standing tall, face uncharacteristically serious, a huge sword strapped in his back. The said sword almost reached the ground. It was that large. How can he even wield something like that? The blonde mused, frowning. His heart thudded hastily in his chest. He cannot deny his sudden interest in this soldier program. Maybe he'd asked him the next time they met, that is if they would though. The thought had kind of dampened his mood and he decided to just return to the shop instead. That blonde demon will curse him to oblivion if he'll just loiter around anyway.
That night he decided to give him a call after all. It just rang and rang and after what seemed like a lifetime, Zack picked up. His voice sounded strained.
"Hey, what's up Cloud?"
"What took you so long? You busy?" the blonde asked, suddenly tuning at the sound from the other line. Somehow, he can hear shuffling noises and what it seemed like a woman's voice. He froze on the spot.
"No, not really. Is there a problem Cloud?"
His heart was banging wildly in his chest and heat flushed in his face. He felt so conscious to be intruding at the moment, or whatever he thought that Zack was doing, with a woman, of course. Anyone that has got brains will surely pick up on that though, him included.
"It's nothing important, really. I guess I'll just call another time after all. I forgot something I needed to do."
"Hey Cloud, wait a—"
It was the last thing he heard when the blonde ended the call. He felt utterly stupid.
.
Zack can't help but stare dumbly on the phone in his hand. He felt so detached from the current situation that he almost forgot that he was with someone else. He looked back at her when he felt her reaching for the phone in his hand. She's got long blonde hair and kind brown eyes. She was studying him curiously at her naked state, a small smile adorning her face.
"Are you gonna go back to bed?" she asked, eyes sparkling. Zack wanted to hit himself hard at the head.
"Sorry, something important came up. I need to go now."
Her face fell in utter disbelief. Zack climbed down the bed quickly and pick up his shirt, putting it on. He chanced another glance at the girl and saw her doing the same. She stared at him in return.
"Call me?" she asked shyly.
Zack nodded in answer and knew that he wouldn't.
.