AN: I planned this meeting much, much later in the story.. but I guess I changed my mind, cuz why not.. XD. This story actually had strayed quite far from what I thought it would be in the first place, so.. it might continue to change accordingly to the characters reactions. This chapter does not came out the way I wanted to, but I tried, and I've set a schedule for myself. I hope you'll still enjoy it though. If you do, please leave a review!
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"Why do I have to pilot for those soldiers, yo?" Reno protested, as he tipped his chair with his foot on the table.
"Their pilot was a no-show, and you're vacant as of the moment. Fill them in."
The redhead clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Tsk. Can't you just send me into another mission? Cmon', Tseng."
"No. Rude's report indicated instances of negligence of duty. Until that little problem of yours is fixed, you will get no assignments."
"Whaaatttt? You serious, yo?" Reno pouted, trying to give the stoic man the eyes.
"Yes. Meet them at the pad. Don't be late and get your feet off of my table." Reno still looked on pleadingly. Tseng didn't even bat an eyelash.
"Get lost."
Reno rolled his eyes and finally gave up, collecting his limbs and darting towards the door, mumbling to himself.
"What tight ass."
.
Reno lit a cigarette as he paced by the helicopter, waiting for the Soldiers to arrive. To more of his annoyance though, what he saw coming were a group of recruits, being escorted by a single Soldier. He isn't supposed to be doing this kind of shit. He was about to call Rude and fume about it, until he saw a familiar-looking face.
"What the hell?" The redhead muttered, his cigar dropping from his mouth. He stood upright as they came closer, a grin plastered on his face. He knew he saw him too, for— well, his hair was like a red marker after all.
"I never thought this moment would come, yo. Holy hell, what were you thinking?"
Reno asked, but there was no answer. The group only stared back at him, then amongst themselves as if to confirm who he was talking to.
"Oi. Cloud. I'm talking to you, you ass."
"You know him, Cloud?" It was Ramza who spoke, looking curiously between Reno and Cloud. The other blonde then just shrugged nonchalantly, looking the redhead in the eye.
"Not really."
Reno stomped his cigarette out.
"Why you little—!" He was cut off as someone cleared his throat purposefully loud. The Soldier looked at him impatiently, crossing his arms before his chest.
"Can we go now?" The Soldier asked. Reno collected his cool, returning the chilly gaze of the man.
"Yeah, yeah. Didn't know you were coming, yo. Get your asses inside before I change my mind, eh?" The redhead replied, narrowing his eyes.
Reno watched as the Soldier recruits clambered to the aircraft, a particular blonde giving him impish smirk as he passed him by. He gave him an unimpressed look in return, rolling his eyes in annoyance. Well, this may not be as bad as I thought. Reno mused, climbing to the pilot seat beside the Soldier.
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The minutes felt like a lifetime as it dragged on and on, stirring Cloud's gut over and over. He had closed his eyes shut now, willing for the tide in his stomach to die down, as he sweat coldly beside Ramza and Delita.
"Cloud, are you okay?" He heard Ramza ask distantly. Cloud nodded, and somewhat replied through his watering mouth.
"Yeah.."
The other blonde frowned lightly, smiling albeit the concern from his face. He turned his gaze to the brunet beside him, cocking his head lightly and pouting. Delita just shrugged in return, shaking his head from side to side.
"Probably motion sickness. It will pass eventually, I hope so."
"You don't have any medicine?" Ramza asked softly, absently reaching for Cloud's back to soothe him.
"Never needed one."
Cloud felt detached from reality, as he managed to listen to the idle conversations of the people around him. He tuned most of them out, and just paid attention to Ramza and Delita. The other blonde was being really nice just now, he thought fuzzily, his brain conjuring images of a certain raven-haired guy. He remembered his hand on his back, and his head on his lap. He tried to shove the images back and just focus on something else. The two's conversations seeped once again to his consciousness, and he latched on to it.
"Your hair is getting too long."
"Hmm? Yeah.. Well I didn't have the time to for it to be cut. I don't mind it."
"Tsk. You look like—"
"What Do I look like?"
"…Effeminate."
"I'm Not effeminate."
"You are with that hair of yours. Chop it off."
"What's with you suddenly? You never bothered with my hair."
"It bothers me now. You want me to do it?"
"No.. Isn't your hair pretty long too?"
"Don't change the topic."
"Delita. Don't pull on my hair tie—"
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What's with Ramza's long hair? Cloud thought amidst his dizzy brain and churning guts. There were ruffling sounds beside him, and a groan that resembled utter exasperation.
"See? It's past your shoulders now."
"Give it back, Delita."
"Cut it."
There was a click of a tongue.
"No."
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Cloud guessed an hour had passed and somehow some good soul had finally pitied him and produced some medicine. His guts were finally done protesting, and Cloud felt utterly exhausted. This isn't how he expected it to be. This was his first time to leave Midgar after all. He internally groaned at himself. If Reno was here, he will tease him to death. He'll never let that happen.
They finally landed on a vast grassland area that he soon learned to be near Junon, wherever that was. They were already briefed by their instructors before they aboard, their only task was to observe from a distance the ongoing mission by the Soldiers. They were to not interfere at all costs, and let the Soldiers do all the work, unless they allowed them to participate, which is not so likely.
"This is your first training mission. I haven't introduced myself yet, haven't I? I'm Luxiere by the way." The soldier started, his auburn hair swaying against the wind. He stood before them in the vast green field, as the helicopter's rotor blade slowed to a stop from afar. He turned around and began to walk towards the protruding columns of boulders ahead, gesturing for them to follow.
"And you, kittens, are here to observe what it is like to be Soldier. So, lo and behold, one of our own, and one of the best Second Class out there. There he is, Shinra's poster boy, Zack Fair."
They all stood behind the safety of distance and a cover, but still enough to witness what was happening not too far away.
"What the hell are those abominations?!"
Someone has immediately voiced what Cloud was thinking. It was something he had never seen before, huge, ugly, slithery, muti-eyed and big-mouthed freak with tentacles for feet. It was the stuff nightmares were made of.
"Those, are called Malboros. Aside from their humongous mouth and icky set of teeth, they can poison you to death." Luxiere explained enthusiastically.
"That is a plant type monster. Anyone here who can guess the best way to deal with it?" He asked, looking at the recruits expectantly.
"Fire Materia."
It was Ramza.
"Correct! Plant types are generally susceptible against fire. But of course—" The soldier trailed off, returning his gaze towards the Soldiers in front.
"There's also that way."
Cloud didn't know what it meant to be a Soldier Third, Second, or ultimately First. But seeing him now, this man who sliced and charged his way through the throng of monstrosities, is like a dream. It was like a switch had been turned on and the Zack Fair that only showed him gentleness and laughter was now butchering his enemies like the monsters that they were, with an ominous-looking, gigantic sword gleaming in the sunlight. He wields it gracefully, effortlessly swinging the blade like it was a part of him, like a fist, a leg, or his very soul. It was rather a sight, deadly and frightening to be specific. Limbs flew and fell as the Soldier spun amidst the horde, the abominations being pushed outward and gutted by his unforgiving sword. Cloud shivered as he heard the ungodly cries of the creatures, as they tried to devour the man before them, in a fruitless attempt to stop him.
Zack isn't meant to be a Soldier, he was born to be a Soldier. Cloud thought, eyes wide.
Sparring with him felt like he was just scratching the tip of an ice berg. Cloud didn't know how to register this part of him, really. Would he be able to laugh it off, and not feel very small compared to him? He realized then and there, that the gap between them stretched miles and miles away. If he wanted to stand beside this man in front of him, he must be that good.
Cloud watched as the recruits stared in awe and admiration at Zack. Ramza was beside him, eyes sparkling in the afternoon light. Delita seemed more focused in scrutinizing the blonde beside him though, only sparing glances to the Soldiers. It bewildered him lightly but he paid no mind to it. Luxiere's voice sounded a little far away when he spoke, his eyes only trained on Zack.
"I know you kittens are so amazed seeing Zack Fair now, but wait until to see the General fight. Now that is a different level altogether." The soldier exclaimed, eyes vibrant and glowing. It was obvious he idolized them. He never expected this level of respect that Soldiers have within their ranks, but it shows just how hard it was for them to probably earn it. You cannot just make someone worship you like the God that you are, you have to make them believe yourself.
.
Zack finally stilled as the last of the Malboros had been diced to death. He whipped his sword forcefully to the side to swipe away the sickly goo that clung to it. He replaced it immediately at his back, clapping the other Soldier that sprinted to his side. Luxiere wasted no time and called out to him.
"Zaaaaaccckkkk! Good job man!" The soldier hollered, waving at the brunet.
Cloud turned around and promptly left. Ramza turned his head to his direction, but did not stop him.
"Cloud?"
"I forgot something at the helicopter." Cloud said quietly, retreating to the distantly parked helicopter.
Zack thought he caught a glimpse of Cloud as he jogged his way to Luxiere. Is the blonde really there though, or is it just his imagination?
"Hey thanks, man! Didn't know you'd be here." Zack greeted, giving him a smile.
"Surprised? We're here for the show. I'm escorting these squirts for their first mission." Luxiere replied, gesturing over the recruits. Zack eyed them quickly, before he nodded and gave them his brightest smile. Their faces lit up.
9 points for Zack.
"That's practically cheating. You shouldn't be allowed to smile."
It was Kunsel who spoke, approaching beside Zack, grinning as well to the recruits.
"Did you know, this guy right here has got the most number of fanclub members amongst the infantry and outside of Shinra? Unbelievable, yeah? I'll make a petition and ban you from smiling at the female staff." Kunsel said, sounding incredulous. Luxiere laughed heartily and Zack tried not to pout.
"That is not fair at all."
Zack turned his gaze back to the recruits. Well, the first batches of the recruits that go on missions were usually the stand-outs. The brunet's heart sank a bit, not seeing Cloud. It's not that he's disappointed, but it's been weeks since he last saw him. Alright, maybe he was a little disappointed. Surprisingly though, there was another blonde in the group. He looked the same age as Cloud, and was also quite on the effeminate side. His eyes naturally gravitated towards him as he scrutinized his features. Their eyes met and Zack smiled wider. The boy's cheeks flushed a little and looked away. If that was Cloud, they'll probably have a stare down instead. The brunet beside blondie looked at the two and frowned irritably. Zack noticed, and internally smirked.
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Cloud approached the helicopter's cockpit, eyeing the sprawled form of Reno at the pilot's seat. He seemed to be contemplating seriously about his nails as he talked over the phone loudly.
"Yeah, yeah. I told you already, didn't I? Cmon' man, just tell boss I wouldn't do it again, yo. I'm soooo fucking bored." Reno lifted his head then, seeing Cloud by the door.
"Hey, cmon' pal, I'll introduce you to that receptionist, yo. Alright? Yeah? Yeah— gotta go now though, someone's here."
He clicked his phone shut and rolled his eyes over Cloud.
"Finaaallyyyyyyy!" The redhead exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air.
"I'm dying in here if you haven't noticed."
Cloud shrugged.
"Not my problem. So, how's Tifa?" The blonde asked immediately. Reno visibly stiffened. Cloud raised a single eyebrow.
"So she finally dumped you?"
Reno frowned, sliding off the pilot seat. The mood around him changed suddenly, and he immediately reached for his coat pocket and lit a cigarette.
"Yeah. In your dreams, yo. She's doin' fine." The redhead replied, before inhaling deeply.
"What the hell are you doing here anyway?"
"To earn money, of course. Is there something else?" Cloud replied, sending a chilly gaze back at Reno.
"Ahhh. For once there I thought you wanted to be a part of that heroic bullshit."
"Do I look like one?" The blonde asked sarcastically, as he tried to not bite his tongue in the sudden irritation that washed over him.
"Ehhhh. Well, how is Aer—"
Reno was cut off harshly as something crashed behind them with such force, sending both of them tumbling down. They collected themselves quickly, as the aircraft was continued to be mauled by something big and definitely angry.
"What the fuck—"
Reno exclaimed, backing away at a safe distance. He immediately produced a rod, cursing at the monstrosity before them. Cloud unsheathed his sword not a second later, sweating coldly.
"Just— what in burning hell is that now?" Cloud asked as he stared at the creature towering before them.
"It's a fucking behemoth. Tseng will decapitate me if that thing destroys the helicopter!" Reno replied frantically, giving Cloud a pointed look.
"Now don't just stand there and help me, yo?!" The redhead said, sprinting his way to the side of the aircraft. He turned on his EMR and produced a materia with his left hand. He'll get mauled and gored to death with his current weapon but the materia might have a chance.
He felt his rod vibrate as electricity travelled from the sky to the ground, dancing around the beast. It hit the behemoth dead on, it's skin fizzing upon contact. If anything, it only made it angrier, ramming the aircraft in full force. It skidded across the grass, like a scrunched-up tin can. Without any distraction, it then went for Reno.
Cloud has got no materia, and only a sword. He's pretty sure that, that thing can trample him dead, but still. It may take him a minute or two to run like mad towards the soldiers. It may take only five seconds for the monster crush Reno. There was really no choice to be made as he ran and lunged his sword to its side, while it tried to attack the evading redhead. He encountered a very tough skin instead, like thick leather piled on top of one other. But he pushed with everything he's got, until if finally pierced it's flesh, his sword oddly sticking from its rib. It didn't even seem to be bothered by it.
"What are you doing—?!"
"Get away from it dumbass! Get your Soldier pals instead!" He heard Reno scream from the top of his lungs. He watched as he frantically tries to dodge the fuming behemoth, summoning another lightning bolt. It zeroed once again, the current travelling directly from the protruding metal of his sword. It shrieked a hideous, guttural sound of pain, stomping the ground all over.
"Give me a materia!" Cloud screamed over the commotion. Reno rummaged through his pockets as he tried to keep his footing and his distance, throwing a random materia to the blonde's direction. Cloud felt a little relieved as he caught it, but not until they were suddenly swept from the ground, the beast's tail sending them tumbling meters away. Reno doubled over as he tried to stand back up quickly, clutching his midsection. Cloud tried hard not to vomit as he was sprawled to the ground, spots of red forming in his uniform. He focused instead desperately to the orb in his hand, willing for the materia to submit to his command. It looks like the Gods were still in favor of him as he felt the cold pulses of the orb within his hand. Cloud almost limped as the magic sucked his energy dry.
The ground shook as the behemoth charged towards their direction, unrelenting. Reno's eyes widen as sharp, thick icicles burst from the ground, skewering the beast multiple times from its underbelly. Though even in its skewered state, it still managed to run albeit with difficulty to its targets, breaking the rows of ice. If he didn't get away now, not only his ribs will get broken. Cloud thought darkly, frantically trying to stand once again as his ribs screamed in protest. He wheezed as he desperately tried to catch his breath, legs shaking from pain and sudden exhaustion.
He felt a strong wave of dejavu as a dark blur whipped in front him, and the next thing he heard was the last agonizing shriek of the beast being cut swiftly by the head. If flew across the grassland, it's decapitated body collapsing unceremoniously to the ground. He was covered in blood as the beast's body spasmed from the sheer force of his blade, spraying gore everywhere. Cloud's legs gave out and he dropped to his feet.
Zack Fair was furious. Nothing else emanated from him other than pure rage, Cloud felt, as he turned around to face him. He was frightening to look at— as his hair, his face, his chest, even his shoulder plates were splattered with blood. His eyes were glowing ominously green but Cloud cannot seem to look away. His blood ran cold as he felt his palpable killing intent.
Who was this man— just now? This isn't Zack—
Cloud was petrified on the spot, unblinking, heart racing a thousand miles. The threat that the behemoth presented earlier does not even compare to him. That was until the brunet closed his eyes, and breathed in and out deeply, slowly.
His sky-blue eyes then fluttered open, and he replaced the sword at his back. He then crouched in front of him, the corners of his lips tugging into a gentle smile.
"You did well, spiky." Zack said unbelievably calm, as he reached out tentatively to ruffle his golden hair, his usual happy-go-lucky aura returning. It was like another switch had been turned on, and the old Zack was back.
Unwittingly, Cloud relaxed to his hand, his thudding heart skipping a beat. He sucked in much needed air.
It's Zack.
This was Zack.
His Zack.
"Well. Don't get our puppy angry." Kunsel commented, as he approached them along with the others calmly. They all look concerned except for the other two Soldiers.
"Where does it hurt?" The brunet asked, his hands gently roaming Cloud's torso. The blonde's breath hitched as his fingers grazed his lower rib. The worry in Zack's face was overflowing.
"Kunsel, pass me a cure, will you?"
The soldier obliged, removing a green orb from his gauntlet and tossing it to Zack. He could've done it himself, but the look on the brunet's face says "he's on it", and he does not want to interrupt a serious Zack. He just decided to approach to the decapitated beast, inspecting the sword that impaled it. Not a second later and a warm green light enveloped Cloud, and he felt a ton better. He felt his own rib and it didn't hurt as much, but at least the stabs he received from the Behemoth's thorny tail was healed.
"A little better?" The brunet asked softly.
Cloud nodded and Zack stood up, stretching his hand towards the blonde. Reno watched them curiously from the sidelines, brows knitting together. He whipped his head away from the two as the other Soldier approached his side.
"You did well for a Turk, huh? Is this yours?" Luxiere asked, beaming in front of the redhead. He squatted in front of him like Zack did earlier, handing him the EMR.
"Small thing, yo. Well— can you at least fucking cure me too?" Reno replied, voice strained from pain.
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Reno immediately stuck a cigarette into his mouth the moment he could stand up properly.
"Boss will fucking kill me." He commented coolly, staring at the disaster that was the helicopter.
"Where are your shiny guns anyway?" Cloud asked in a strained fashion, turning to Reno. The other just stared at him in return stiffly.
"I don't have one. I hate em', really." Cloud's eyebrows raised in confusion.
"Well I told you to fetch soldierboy here earlier, eh?" Reno replied, pointing his thumb to Zack, giving the said male a once over.
"You could've died in an instant the moment I turned my back." Cloud answered flatly.
"So, you know each other Cloud?" Zack asked curiously. Just who is this redhead? Why is Cloud concerned about him?
"Yeah. He's Reno."
Zack had heard that name before.
"Ohh."
The redhead looked confused for a moment before flashing Cloud a knowing smirk. The blonde narrowed his eyes at him in return.
"Anyway. You could at least help me explain to my boss what happened, yeah? I wanna live."
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After an unexpected monster predicament and a trashed aircraft later, Cloud and the other recruits found themselves in the cramped crew compartment of the Soldier's exclusive helicopter, with the boys huddling closer together to make extra space. Reno has gone into the co-pilot seat in front. Cloud was somehow sandwiched between Kunsel and Zack, feeling utterly conscious and a little pained. There was still a dull throb in his chest as he breathed. Everybody seemed to be scrutinizing them too. To his relief though, the Kunsel guy broke the silence.
"So, you're Cloud, huh? Zack told me about his referral. He said he was good. I see that now, but honestly, I just never expected you to be— quite on the cute side." He was smiling at him but he cannot fully see his face, because this Kunsel guy just refuses to take his helm off. It was becoming unnerving.
"Damn! Is having good looks becoming a Soldier requirement now? This is so not okay for me at all." Kunsel continued to babble on. Cloud heard Zack chuckle beside him.
"Well maybe if you remove your helmet, people would start paying attention to you."
"But I like being mysterious! What do you think Cloud? Does the mysterious aspect help?" The blonde just groaned in reply as he limped beside Zack, his weight slowly pouring over the brunet.
"Cloud?" Zack asked curiously.
"…dizzy."
"Don't worry, it's not that far from where we're stationed. I'll get you fixed up, yeah?"
Cloud nodded weakly. Zack smiled despite of himself as he peered at the blonde beside him. He would've gone full-mother hen on him if it were just the two of them but they had a very curious audience. He wanted him to just rest in his lap if that was possible, but they were lacking space and privacy. He just rather hoped that Cloud won't throw up more than anything, on him. He's got monster blood and guts on his uniform after all. Topping it all off with Cloud's puke isn't a very exciting idea. He ruffled his golden locks affectionately, as if to try and soothe him. The blonde seemed to sink further into him at the gesture. All the other males only looked on, watching the two in wonder. Kunsel seemed to want to comment on something so badly, but decided against it the last minute. Ramza's eyes were like dinner saucers beside the ever-present Delita. Luxiere only grinned. The group ultimately fell into silence and went to busy themselves with something else.
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Though their mission were cut short due to equipment failure, the Soldiers agreed to allow the recruits some monster hunting before they flew back to Midgar. It will be such a shame if they would return to the barracks empty handed. They were escorted in the afternoon at a particularly "benign" (by soldier standards) part of the vast grasslands, with monsters ranging from Fangs to Sahagins, to prickly Cactuars, and other mutated who-knows-what. Nothing too devastating like the Behemoth and the Malboros before. It has been enjoyable for the recruits more than anything, and Luxiere was very enthusiastic to supervise them.
They were informed that another helicopter will be sent their way to fetch the recruits and the Turk. Zack never let Cloud out of his sight as the blonde tried to practice with a materia he somewhat acquired from that— Reno. He never gave it back he assumed. The other blonde kid and the brunet were close beside him, and the trio conquered the grasslands with swords and ice. Somehow, it vaguely reminded him of Soldier's unholy trinity and he smirked. Angeal's level-headedness and practicality, Genesis' temper and pushiness, Sephiroth's utter indifference and impassiveness. Who knows what they would do when left alone? But put the three of them together, and you have perfection in the battlefield.
"Here." Cloud said as he passed the materia to Ramza. The blonde smiled widely at him, eyes sparkling.
"This is the real thing." The blonde said in open wonder, peeking inside the orb as he raised it against the sunlight.
"I think we should practice with that as much as we can, I mean— they wouldn't issue us one until we finished the classes." Cloud said, shrugging. Delita nodded in agreement.
"Where did you get this, though?" Ramza asked through his smiling face.
"Borrowed it from a friend. I'll probably return it later." Cloud replied, lying through his teeth. He never returned Reno's stuff.
"So, he's the one who referred you to Soldier? Second Class, Zack Fair? The two of you seemed— close." The brunet then asked, staring expectantly at Cloud.
"Yeah. I met him a while back." Cloud replied carefully, feeling uncomfortable.
"He's amazing, isn't he? You think he'll take you as an apprentice soon?" Ramza cut in enthusiastically.
"They can do that?" Cloud asked curiously. Well, Zack said after all that First Class Angeal Hewley was his mentor.
"Yes, if they think you're good enough to be trained exclusively by a Soldier. Me and Delita were actually aiming for that but our referrer isn't interested with accommodating us any further."
"He's just after the Gil, what a joke, really. There's two of us after all, and that's quite a lot for doing nothing." Delita retorted, his pleasant face turning into a grimace. Cloud didn't want to tell them that Zack gave all the referral bonus to him. He was not able to suppress the light blush that crept slowly at his cheeks. Delita's frowning face dissolved into surprise. Ramza beamed further.
"You look adorable when you do that!" Ramza exclaimed, stepping closer. Cloud turned his face the other way.
"I just remembered something embarrassing." Cloud replied defensively, avoiding their stares. The other blonde laughed light heartedly. To his horror, Delita patted him on the head. He isn't that short compared to him.
"Come on, Cloud. I want to practice with this materia." Ramza chimed, reaching for the blonde's arm to drag him along. He turned to Delita who got one of his eyebrows raised. He reached for his hand then, and also dragged him along. The brunet smiled and squeezed Ramza's hand.
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Cloud slipped from the group to the soldier's temporary lodging whilst they wait for the helicopter to arrive. They were in an isolated farm of some sort, but no animals can be found there grazing or being kept in a pen. He walked past the empty enclosures and found Zack crouched in one of the stables. His back was empty of his sword. He approached his side tentatively and he looked up, hearing his footsteps.
"Cloud? What are you doing here?" The brunet asked, surprised.
"The helicopter is taking a bit long to arrive. I was just checking out the area." Zack grinned brightly and motioned for him to come closer.
"Come here, take a look." The brunet said, and Cloud walked towards him. He stopped at his side, and was looking at— well, a pretty large, yellow, baby(?) bird. Even he knows what a chocobo is when he sees one.
"It's cute, isn't it? The owner of this farm breeds them." Zack commented enthusiastically, ruffling the bird's feathers. It looked contented as it released a tiny "kweh" in return.
"So, the empty pens are for those?" Cloud asked, eyeing the bird. It looked at him in return, as it flapped its small wings lightly.
"Yeah, but he said before he has ordinary livestock but the monsters kept eating them, so he settled for these guys." The brunet replied, scratching the bird under its wing. Cloud stared, trying to calm his nerves.
"Hey, Zack—" Cloud started, and stopped. The brunet whipped his head to the side and stood as the blonde trailed off, watching his expression.
"Hmm? Something wrong? Does your rib still hurt?" He took a step closer to the blonde, unconsciously reaching out to him. Cloud shook his head. He does not look him in the eye.
"No. But.. thank you. I mean, earlier—" Zack smiled gently at him.
"You don't need to thank me every time. We're—"
We're friends?
Zack stopped short and think as images flashed into his mind. What are they to each other, really? What is he to Cloud? Are they really friends? Or is he a family, like that Turk, Reno …like Aerith? Does he see him as a big brother? Why can't he point his finger on it now? He was so sure before. But something definitely changed earlier, when he saw Cloud in danger. He had never felt so angry, frightened, and desperate all at the same time. All he knew was that he just needed to be there, and save him, protect him.
"We are—?" Cloud asked intently.
In reality, he was itching for an answer. He wanted to know more than just these vague feelings. Anything, just anything to quell the nagging feelings in the pit of his stomach, and in the back of his mind. But Zack didn't answer, instead he was pulled in a gentle hug, one of the brunet's hand in his back, one keeping his head buried in his chest. He cannot see him as he spoke, and just felt his comforting voice reverberating from his chest.
"Does it really matter?" The brunet replied, as if those words contained everything, and all the answers to their questions. It was so obvious that Cloud was getting confused. But he was too, and for the first time in his life, he does not know how to deal with it. He was only good in fighting, after all.
It matters, Cloud thought, frustration setting in his shoulders. It matters what Zack thinks about him so he can get his shit together. But should he really be expecting and pushing Zack for an answer? Does he have any rights to do so? Can he just be indifferent about all of this and just accept whatever there is, however vague it was? Clearly, he can't. But In the end, though, he just gave in to Zack's warmth, and circled his arms loosely around his waist, listening in the dull thud of his heart, that was somehow, beating fast. It felt like a lifetime in his arms, but reluctantly he let go, giving Zack a gentle push.
"I think I really need to go now." The blonde said, still not looking at the other. He promptly turned, and walked away.
"See you when I get back, okay?" The brunet managed weakly. Cloud never looked back. Zack can only watch at his retreating form, looking at his now empty hands.
Why does it suddenly feel like they were growing farther apart? He thought, feeling hollow. Zack hoped that things wouldn't get any more complicated than this. He thought they were doing just fine, but now he wasn't so sure anymore.
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