AN: This chapter is just a sorry excuse for some cuddles. Little plot development. You have been warned. Pls review if you enjoyed this chapter!
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Later that morning, Zack had decided to call Cloud. He had spent the rest of the night thinking, actually, to whether or not he wanted to subject the kid to Shinra endeavors, and had ultimately decided that, he cannot make decisions for him after all. Who is he anyway to Cloud? He had enough of Cloud telling him once that he's got maternal instincts. If the blonde wants to try Soldier, then he has got every right to do so. And he can help him, plus the shiny incentive can help the kid greatly too.
Pick up.
Pick up.
Cloud stared at the ringing phone in his hand. It was Zack, calling him early in the morning. He didn't know why he suddenly felt awkward, and he let it ring a few more times before he decided to answer. Well, maybe it was because Cid was giving him angry looks.
"Hey, Cloudy buddy! I thought you're not gonna answer after all."
"Zack."
"I've got something important for you. You might be interested. Wanna hear it?"
Cloud's heartbeat thudded forcefully at that. If his instinct is correct, he might be thinking about the same thing as the brunet.
"Yeah me too. I wanted to ask you something." There was a pause in the other line, and it felt like somehow, the brunet was hesitating on what he's about to tell him.
"Hey Cloud, have you seen my awesome posters outside?"
That's it. The blonde snorted and shook his head. He should have known.
"Yeah. And?"
"Do you want to give it a try? I mean, Soldier."
It was Cloud's turn to pause. He clutched his pants tightly into a fist, and chewed his lower lip.
"I actually want to ask you about that. Do you think—I have a chance?" The blonde inquired, feeling utterly incompetent.
Zack felt his uncertainty from the other line and he guessed his brotherly instincts kicked in. Cloud was acting cute again.
"Of course you do! I was fifteen when I actually went for the screening, Cloud. And I must say, I didn't have the fighting capabilities when I was in that age like you did. It was hell'a hard for me. And I've seen your potential, so I cannot deny you this chance, you know."
Cloud unconsciously smiled. If felt nice to be trusted by this man. He was not ready to admit it to the brunet, but he felt indebted him, but not in a bad way, of course. He was actually very thankful. And if Zack asks him to follow him at the end of the world in return, he guessed he actually would. But he might need to think twice or more times, though.
"When can I do this?"
"As soon as possible. And I am recommending you, so if ever you passed the screening process, you can have the incentive."
"Incentive?"
"Yeah. That's a quite some Gil Cloud, but of course, expect the screening to be tough. We need to meet before that day so I could tell you what to expect. This is important if you want to get through. These are limited slots for advanced classes we're talking about. They won't be as lenient."
"Alright. I understand."
"Good! I will give you another call then, be ready, okay?"
"Yeah. Hey Zack—"
"Hmm? You got another question?"
"No.. I— nevermind. I'll wait for your call then."
"Okay."
Cloud hang up. I can't say it after all. He thought, and sighed.
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Two days later, Cloud had found himself in the company of Zack. They decided to meet up in Zack's place, the brunet briefing him on what to expect regarding the tests that will be performed. To his surprise, the brunet was sporting his complete Soldier uniform, and learned soon after, that he was infuriatingly, a Second Class, meaning, next to the best. He looked even more like a kid next to him, wearing his green six-pockets and comfy, black, cotton long sleeves. He also immediately noticed that Zack's apartment was being cleaned up, evident from the boxes that was piled up in his living room.
"You're packing up?" the blonde finally asked.
"Yeah. I need to haul my ass back in the headquarters. I actually have realized I liked it here better, but it's such a pain to go back and forth in short notices, especially now that Soldiers were reinstated."
"I see." The blonde said, scanning the now seemingly empty apartment. He couldn't help the sinking feeling in pit of his stomach. Zack will no longer be here.
Zack also needed to collect whatever personal documents Cloud still have in possession, and of course a routine background check. He wasn't supposed to do that part, honestly, but he finds himself compelled to accommodate the blonde himself. He wanted to see him through this whole ordeal. Angeal had somewhat expressed his concerns regarding Cloud, finding about his not-so-honorable ways, but Zack had vehemently insisted to give him the chance. Angeal was surprised about Zack's reaction, but all in all he felt proud for the younger one for taking up responsibility.
After the small preparations had been done, Zack had accompanied the blonde directly to Shinra's massive building in the midst of Midgar. Entering the first floor, they have passed a long line of similarly aged males, Cloud noted, waiting patiently to be registered (he assumed). Everybody where turning their head towards them, or more probably to Zack. But instead of lining up, Zack escorted him to an entirely different waiting room of some sort, with fewer people seated along with their companions. He gestured for the blonde to take a seat.
"Well, as much as I wanted to stay here with you until the end of this screening, I'm not allowed to, spiky." The brunet said, ruffling the blonde locks. Cloud noted another pet name that has been tossed at him and frowned, but he guessed it looked more like a pout because Zack just chuckled.
"Alright." The blonde said, and nodded. The brunet nodded in return before he turned his back to the automatic doors. Cloud felt himself stiffen as he called to him out loud, his face heating up at his own sudden outburst. He tried to not feel foolish.
"Zack—"
"Yes?" the brunet replied, turning around and cocking his head to the side. He was amused.
"I won't fail." Cloud said as he tried to look the other in the eye.
I couldn't fail.
"Of course, you won't." Zack replied confidently, throwing the blonde a bright smile. Cloud's nerves dissolved immediately, and somehow, he managed a smile.
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"Zack. Stop pacing about my office." Genesis remarked pointedly, a thin strand of irritation seeping through his voice. He looked at the brunet from behind his desk, stopping momentarily from reading the documents in his hand.
"I just can't keep still, you know? I'm worried!" the brunet almost whined, causing the redhead First Class to frown.
"Where is Angeal anyway? Why don't you just pester him instead?"
"He was overlooking the screening process actually, for the referrals." Zack answered, still pacing.
"Then just go there instead, or go to your office, you're too distracting."
"Alright, alright." The brunet answered, lifting his hands in a gesture of defeat. One cannot simply push their luck with this particular First Class. He was quite the temperamental kind.
"If the kid is really good enough, he'll pass the tests with no problems. The Mako test is a different story though. That is where your worries should lie." Genesis said, looking the brunet in the eyes when he turned around from the door.
"Yeah, thanks Gen."
He actually didn't think about that, Zack realized. He himself has got no problems with the Mako tests, his body receiving and adapting the foreign chemical with ease. But nonetheless, he had heard about the horror stories about people that were poisoned, and or allergic to it, causing different problems mainly on bodily functions and mental health. The most severe ones were said to have ended up in a coma, or went crazy, or just straight up died. He shivered uncontrollably at the thought.
He ended up in the viewing room nonetheless, and made his way through the other Soldiers present, watching intently over the people they have recommended. He stood behind the one-way glass, looking below for the familiar sight of a blonde head. Only an hour had passed but he was nowhere in there. Alarmed, Zack left the room and looked for Angeal. He found him easily by the adjacent viewing room, scanning what seemed like the test results in his hands.
"Hey Angeal. I can't find Cloud."
"Zack." The First Class acknowledged, lifting his gaze from the folder in his hand."Ahh, the blonde kid? He's actually the first to be tested. Probably seeing your name as referrer, they prioritized him."
"And? How did it went?" Zack asked eagerly. He'll say he might be twice as excited and nervous compared to the blonde.
"Pretty good. I was actually quite impressed." Zack breathed a sigh of relief and grinned.
"I told you so, he just needed a chance to prove himself."
"He's got fast reflexes and his concentration is high too. He's also quick enough for his stature which is good. Right now he is being brought to the laboratories for Mako testing."
"Wait— Mako testing? That fast? Isn't passing the physical exams enough to put him in training first?" Zack questioned, feeling rather surprised.
"We need capable people as soon as possible, Zack. I'm afraid he wouldn't have the leisure of time. If he'll pass the Mako testing, he'll go straight to military training. If he does exceptionally well in there, a soldier can pick him up for apprenticeship and he can skip most of the classes." Angeal said, stressing the points he was making. Everything is just going too fast for his own liking.
Zack nodded, but he cannot stop the worry in his gut. He just has to wait and see.
.
It was afternoon already when he learned that the Mako testing had ended. Zack then stormed to the laboratories, looking for Cloud. An assistant had greeted him at once, and he immediately asked for the blonde's status. The girl in the white lab coat frowned.
"Oh. The blonde kid? He's currently in the recovery area. It didn't go so well with the Mako testing but he's quite resilient. Professor Hojo was a little disappointed, but he said maybe he'll do well in time." Zack's stomach sank.
"In time? What will happen to him now?"
"Like I said, he's in the recovery area, Professor Hojo is planning to give him appropriate dosages of Mako once per week to get him acclimated, or else he'll end up.. damaged. From bodily shock that is, Mako is a very foreign substance after all. That'll be a waste of potential, wouldn't it?"
The word rang harshly in Zack's ears. Damaged. They talk about him like he was some kind of— thing. He suppressed the sudden irritation he was feeling at the moment and thanked the lab assistant and excused himself.
Cloud opened his eyes to a white blank ceiling, and the smell of chemicals. He guessed he had passed out after that.. Mako testing. His vision spun as he tried to sit up, a wave of nausea accompanying it not long after. Great, he thought. He actually didn't expect this part of the screening. Zack had not informed him that he will be exposed to some kind of toxic chemical. But that means he had endured this same thing, right? Cloud's thoughts swam lazily in his head as he tried to quell his increasing urge to retch his guts out. He wanted to call Zack but that is proving to be quite the ordeal at the moment. He doesn't want to look like a wimp either. So he just sat there, and waited until the feeling passed. After what felt like hours, he had finally calmed down but was nonetheless very surprised to his brains as someone had stormed to the room none too gently, heavy footsteps dragging its way to where he was. He sighed internally in relief and the anxiety in his face faded when he saw him.
"Where'd you've been?" Cloud demanded in the shitty state he was in.
"Hey! You okay? Stupid nurse doesn't want me to go in." Zack replied, making his way to the bed and seating himself.
"I swear those creepy doctors are freaking me out, Zack."
"Hojo and his glasses, yeah?" the brunet scrunched up his face to that, imagining the doctor's face. Cloud nodded in agreement.
"Hey, Cloud. I can get you out of here if you want to." The blonde looked up to him, a bit pale. He looked like he was very strained.
"Really? Where are we gonna go?"
Zack had been thinking about this before he entered the room. Was he right to push Cloud to this kind of situation? He had been thinking twice since he heard of the Mako testing early on.
"I mean, Cloud, I can get you out of this." Zack answered gently, worry etched upon his face. The blonde looked confused at his answer for a moment, until realization hit him and what looked like anger suddenly marred his features.
"What are you talking about? No! Why would you do that?" The blonde exclaimed angrily, blonde brows furrowing, his voice echoing in the small room. Zack was taken aback by his sudden outburst and was not able to say anything.
"I wanted to do this, Zack. This is the only chance I've got." The blonde said softly but firmly afterwards, feeling ridiculous with the sudden surge of his emotions. He wasn't like that. He was never the one to lose his temper over such things. He always kept them under check but somehow this matter right here is getting to his nerves. He felt like a child again, and he hates it. The brunet nodded silently, reaching out to ruffle his hair.
He should have never had said that. Zack thought. This is what Cloud wanted, and he should respect it.
"Yeah. Sorry about that spiky. I just got worried, you know?"
"Thanks mom." The blonde replied sarcastically, smiling a little. It made the brunet chuckle.
"I'm sorry too." Cloud finally said softly, as he turned his gaze away from the other male.
"Sorry accepted. So, you feel like eating at all? We can go to the cafeteria or to the plates when you're feeling better." Cloud visibly brightened up.
"Yeah. But only if you're paying."
"Sure thing."
"And I want ice cream."
.
Both Zack and Cloud had concluded that eating was not the best idea after all, when the said blonde ended up puking everything he ate to the last cent. He was now lying his head limply at Zack's lap, not showing any signs of wanting to move even an inch. Zack had managed to calm down his rebelling stomach somehow, as he gently soothed the curve of his back, tracing his palm over and over his spine, as he heaved his insides at a public restroom. Even now when they (or rather Zack only) were seated in a bench by the plaza, he continued to soothe him, his hands never leaving his back. He also occasionally brushes away the hair that falls into the boy's face, for he doesn't like the way it obscures his eyes. He then talked about nonsensical things to Cloud, and watched him curl and uncurl his fingers at the fabric of his cargo pants. Zack stared at him. He looked so young, childish, and vulnerable at the moment. It kind of pains him to know that, that was the last thing the blonde kid wanted to look like in front of everybody else. He hadn't known him for so long, but he felt that Cloud had already established the self-image he only allowed him to see. The other parts of him, like this one, looking so gentle and innocent, was so carefully hidden, if felt like a sin to even take a peek. He knows he doesn't want to, but nonetheless he had let him see. Hopefully it meant that he trusts him, truthfully, even just a little. Zack isn't a greedy person at all, but he felt that he wanted these moments to only be shared between them.
They decided to return to the headquarters to receive the official Screening results when Cloud felt a little better, albeit hungry and exhausted. And as Angeal had already insinuated, Cloud passed, though barely because of his resistance to Mako. Professor Hojo, was not the one to be brought down by such obstacles though, and had already created a suitable program for the blonde. Zack felt uneasy all about it, but what's important is that Cloud passed, right? After all the formalities have been done, Cloud was finally excused, and was given a week for preparation (more likely recovery from Mako). He will be moving in to Shinra's barracks, and start training immediately. Zack was positive the blonde was very determined. Whatever guilt, hesitation, or reluctance he had felt before has been washed off by the look of sheer determination in his sapphire eyes.
Maybe this was good, after all.
Zack was able to persuade the blonde easily to stay for the night, his earlier predicament not yet fully passing. And no, he isn't spoiling him, it was concern, Zack keeps trying to remind himself. Cloud remarkably did not utter any type of protest, but instead had proceeded to claim his bed the moment they walked in to his standard issued suite.
"You okay there Cloudy?" Zack asked as he stood by the door to his room. The blonde just groaned in return, buried deep in Zack's blankets.
"I'll ask the nurses what I can feed you then, hmm? I'll be back shortly don't worry. If somebody knocks, don't answer!" the brunet managed before he left.
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Cloud woke up again, but now to the feeling of a hand brushing against his hair, gentle and soothing. He opened his eyes just a crack, very carefully, to not disturb the other person, or the moment. He was situated beside Zack's sprawled form, curled into a fetal position. He realized he had somewhat managed to get a grip of the hem of his turtleneck while he slept, and slowly released it. He can't see what else the brunet was doing, but he is sitting there lazily still, while he absentmindedly strokes his hair away from his face. He wanted to just fall back to sleep that moment, and exploit his embarrassingly weak situation. He didn't like feeling this way but Zack was making it difficult for him to trust himself.
He shouldn't be exploiting this man in any other way he could. He shouldn't really be doing this. He was too generous, openly giving what someone might ask and needed off of him. Why can't he be more reserved? How can someone differentiate themselves from all the others when he is like that?
What is it like to be important to Zack Fair?
Cloud wasn't aware of the small sound of frustration that left his throat at that, alerting Zack. The hand suddenly stopped and left his head.
"You awake now, spike? Would you like something to eat? That nurse was reaaallyyy angry at me though, for taking you outside. She stood there, lecturing me for about ten minutes. Ahh— the horror."
Cloud just shook his head.
"Hmm? You wanna sleep more? That's okay too, you can stay here until you feel a little better. But you still haven't eaten anything." Zack hummed as he ruffled the blonde locks again, looking at the younger one fondly. He needed to remind himself again that he wasn't fragile. He was just probably letting this happen because he was feeling like shit at the moment. He then just decided to make the blonde talk instead, no matter how comfortable his silence was.
"Hey Cloud, where's your real family?" He heard himself ask. The blonde didn't seem like he wanted to respond. Yet he did, after a short lifetime in his mind.
"They're gone. My mom, she died when I was ten. She's got some kind of sickness, and we're broke. My father was a cold-hearted bastard apparently, and disappeared, doing nothing to help."
Well done, Zack. He told himself sarcastically, and apologized.
"Sorry."
The blonde shook his head again.
"It's okay. I found a new family not soon after. Wasn't that bad, really. "
The hand was back on his locks. Somehow, it felt like a silent nudge from the brunet, and he continued.
"I was placed on an orphanage. It was there where I met Aerith. After two years of being caged in there, we decided to sneak out and leave that place. I don't want to be adopted, and she felt the same. We were stragglers in the slums when we met Reno and Tifa. They were, you can say, partners in crime. I got involved with a lot of things. Gangs, gigs, a lot of part times, and nasties. Aerith did part time by being a helper at someone's shop. It kept us fed and we managed to get a place we can call home. Another two years had passed and that shopkeeper introduced Marlene to Aerith. She was someone else's daughter, they said his father was working far away from here, and they ask her to babysit the child in exchange of money, of course. She would've done it for free if I didn't insist. They both needed to eat, obviously. And then there was Denzel. We found him by the church in the slums. He was left alone when his parents died of an accident. He was traumatized to say, the least. But he was coming out slowly, learning how to be a kid again."
"I'm really not that unfortunate when it comes to family, I guess. I kinda have plenty."
Zack was driven to silence. At such a young age, Cloud had to fend off not only for himself, but for other people he considered his family. He had a lot of guts, considering he was only twelve by then, roaming the slums with Aerith. He can't even imagine how he managed to survive. That alone deserves some respect. He chewed his lip at the urge of spoiling the kid even more. Surely, there was already someone else that has been taking care of that. And he isn't trying to compete either. But Cloud is now diving into a completely different world though, and he wanted to be there for him at least. He had decided to see him through until he conquers yet another stage of his life, which he believes, confidently, that he would. Lost in thought, Zack hadn't noticed that Cloud was finished talking. He found that the blonde was studying him curiously, peering behind his pillows and golden locks. He gave him a smile.
"I was just thinking, it might have been great if I was there right? We could've conquered everything." His gentle smile turned into a boyish grin.
"Well, you're here now. I am now here too." The blonde replied.
Zack felt like Cloud wanted to say something more but restrained himself from doing so.
"Yeah. So, let's conquer the world, spiky!" The brunet exclaimed happily, ruffling the blonde head vigorously once more. Cloud looked irritated as hell, but he didn't swat his hand away.
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After the light meal that he had thankfully managed to not throw up, Zack had explained to him, the more serious matters regarding the Mako testing and infusions. He learned that Mako, though being a very natural source of energy, is not a substance that can be handled by many people. It causes harsh body and mental reactions, leaving that person either dead, crazed or a vegetable. Just imagine ingesting a fuel that can power up the entirety of Midgar. No wonder it can break people. To the more lucky bastards though, it strengthens them and gives them enhanced physical and mental abilities, allowing them to exert themselves far beyond what a normal human can do.
So that's what that waiver was for. Cloud thought gravely. He was having a hard time falling asleep thinking about some chemical. Blinking the haze from his eyes, Cloud shifted to his side on the bed, facing the now sleeping Zack. He had learned something new about him today. He actually slept quietly and still, not tossing or turning, or murmuring unintelligible things. Or was it because of his training that had left him disciplined? He can only guess. He looked peaceful as he breathed silently, and he wondered if he would stir and wake up if he merely touched him.
He reached out tentatively, his fingers ghosting over the brunet's exposed cheek. His fingers grazed his smooth skin gently, travelling lower to the line of his angular jaw. He got a scar. It was a mark like a small 'x', or maybe a cross, to whomever or whatever gave it to him. It was the only imperfection in his otherwise faultless face. The pads of his fingers circled over it, tracing the mark. It was smooth already. Cloud fought the overwhelming urge to touch his mouth. Those lips that were always stretched into a smile, a smirk or a playful grin. He tried, but it was impossible to not give in. So he did, the tips of his fingers brushing over his full lips nervously. Every detail of his feature had registered in him intensely, like the racing heartbeat in his chest. His dark long lashes, his arching dark brows, his perfectly straight, proud nose, his mouth the curled at the corners into a default minuscule smile, his shiny, soft black hair, even the lone, silver stud in his ear. It was just too much for him to handle all at once. Too much to take in. Too beautiful.
Touching felt like a sin.
He felt like his hand burned and moved it away. It wasn't supposed to be like this. He was just supposed to test him that day when he pressed his knife at his throat. There was nothing to it. He merely wanted to know how far can push him. But Zack didn't budge. He had pressed back instead, and he wanted to give in. He was wanting, and Zack was the one who had left him wanting. But for what? He guessed this will drive him insane more than any amount of Mako that they would probably pump into him.
He wanted to manipulate him, exploit his kindness and possess him. He feels it to his bones and it was a frightening thought.
He needed to clear his mess of a mind.
Zack was awoken when Cloud scooted close against him, his fluffy blonde head pressing to his chest. He was shivering. He immediately lifted his hand to his forehead and found him burning. The nurse had advised him of these kinds of symptoms, as his body tries to fight and flush the Mako out of his body. He just needs to watch out for convulsions though, for that was a bad sign. His fever will most likely just last for the night, and hopefully he will be fine by the morning. For now, Zack decided to just press a little closer against the blonde, pulling the blanket up to his buried nose. He draped one of his arms around the boy, hopefully driving his shivers away. Cloud will hate it, but he'll just wake up early so he can return his space back. He gave his hair one final stroke, and slept.
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Morning had inevitably come, and Cloud needs to head back to the slums. Somehow, he could still feel a lingering feeling of warmth, probably because of him clinging to Zack for the rest of the night or maybe he was just still feverish. He tried to forget what he had done. It makes him want to bite his nails in frustration with his sudden attachment to the man. He blamed the Mako that had probably reached his brain. So when Zack insisted that he wanted to come with him to the slums so he can visit his family, he flat out declined. Zack's response was to display a dejected frown and whine.
"But whhhyyyyy?"
"Don't you have work to do, Zack? You're a Second Class, I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to be wandering in the slums at this hour." the blonde stressed, getting irritated from what seemed like a blooming Mako hung over. His temples were thudding rhythmically.
"But it won't take that long! I'll just take a little peek at how the kids were doing.. Come on, spiiiikyyyy. What if.. Denzel misses me so badly?"
Cloud clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"He doesn't. He forgot about you the moment you turn your back to leave." The blonde replied flatly, squinting his eyes at the brunet.
"Awww. Now you're just being mean." Zack almost pouted as he sipped his morning coffee. Cloud just looked on, arms folded in front of him. The brunet stared in return.
"You can borrow my bike."
Not a second had passed.
"He likes doughnuts." Cloud replied, his face returning to an impassive state.
.
"Donuts for Denzel!" Zack exclaimed the moment they threw open the door to the blonde's home. The said kid's eyes widened in surprise, shyly sprinting to the brunet.
"Uncle Zack! You're here." The boy said in a tiny voice, peering at the brunet beneath his bangs. Zack immediately crouched, ruffling the boy's hair.
"Yup! I brought some doughnuts. Cloud said you like them." He grinned at the boy happily, handing the box of still warm treats. Denzel lit up internally like a light bulb. His eyes sparkled as he looked at Zack. Marlene was giggling beside him, and wasn't even spared a glance even if the said girl was tugging the boy's shirt. Aerith soon followed behind, beaming to see them.
"Wow. Say thanks to Uncle Zack, Denzel." Aerith happily cooed, clapping her hands together.
"Thank you." Denzel finally said, after his attempts to hide his blushing face.
"Awww. You're too adorable for your own good. Right, Marlene?" Zack replied, looking at the kid fondly.
"Uh-hmm." Marlene nodded and hummed.
He then stood up and gave Aerith a smile.
"Sorry if I stole Cloud for a day." She giggled in response and he felt a bit relieved.
"Work, right?"
"Uhh— yeah." Zack hesitated.
"Hey Aerith, sorry to ask you suddenly but I think Cloud did already tell you about.. Soldier?" Zack asked tentatively, his eyes drifting from the brunette to the blonde. Somehow, this matter makes him feel like a trespasser.
The brunette smiled sadly.
"Well.. I always knew this day would come. I mean, he can't stay here forever, right?"
Zack nodded and smiled back gently.
"Yeah. But he is doing this for you guys though."
There was that feeling again, creeping at the pit of his stomach. He looks at her and he feels.. guilty? She looked like she was about to cry. Zack panicked inside. That was when Cloud stepped between them, placing a gentle palm in the girl's shoulder. Her gaze immediately travelled to the blonde and she once again tried to smile.
"Hey." The blonde called softly, a smile in his own face. He then brushed his fingers through her bangs, tucking it behind her ear.
"Don't worry too much okay? I will visit as much as I could, unlike those two, of course."
Aerith finally smiled a true one and nodded silently. Zack can only stare at how gentle Cloud treated her. Like some kind of a secret unraveling, he realized this isn't like the Cloud he knew at all. This was an entirely different side of him. Totally the opposite from the vulnerable blonde he saw yesterday. Definitely apart from his sly ways. It was nothing but only truth and silent, reassuring confidence he plainly displayed in her presence.
Is that what he really is like? Zack pondered as he tried to understand the puzzle that Cloud was becoming. Is he smart tongued, cunning and impulsive? Or is he vulnerable but dependable, caring and honest? It's beginning to confuse him, a lot. The brunet was lost in his own thoughts until he was brought back by the blonde's voice.
"Zack. Are you alright? You looked.. gone just now."
He was frowning. Is that concern in his face just now? Zack returned the blonde's stare, blinking the thoughts away.
"Yeah.. I was just thinking how good you look together." Zack blurted out, gesturing his hand from Cloud to Aerith. The brunette definitely blushed but the blonde looked shocked. Zack grinned awkwardly and scratched the back of his head.
"I—sorry, I think I have to go now, actually. My superiors will skin me alive if they found out I ditched work, yeah? I just really wanted to check on you guys." Aerith nodded and thanked him. Cloud still looked kind of petrified.
"So.. I'll just.. call you then?" The brunet stated, motioning for Cloud.
"Yeah, you do that." The blonde replied stiffly.
Zack then turned to Denzel, pulling the tiny hand clutching at his pants to turn him around.
"Hey. Be a good boy always huh? We'll play a game the next time I visit! Okay?" the boy smiled widely and nodded, obviously excited.
"Awww. How about me?" Marlene asked pleadingly. She was giving him the eyes. Zack gave in.
"Of course, princess, we will protect you! Me and Denzel right here. Or even Cloud. But I am still your knight in shining armor, okay?"
She beamed and all is right, Zack thought, except the twisting feeling in his gut.
.