But Zack never got to discussing the topic of Cloud Strife with Sephiroth. The next day was grueling and distracting for both Cloud and Zack.
Heck, the whole week was.
The soldiers were shuttled around Midgar and made to fight monster-infested areas, often traversing miles of dangerous land on Chocobo-back.
"Pest control but deadlier!" Zack had enthused when he'd first informed them all of their assignment.
Cloud would have found it grueling, except he found himself excelling.
Enough so that he'd been placed in charge of a small group of soldiers, five in all.
Between fighting monsters and making sure his group was okay, Cloud had little time to dwell in self-deprecation. His position required confidence; he delivered.
The soldiers made camp at the areas as well, so Cloud hardly saw the barracks or endless halls of the training facilities. Though he loved seeing greenery and familiar countryside again, he couldn't help but think to a certain silver-haired general.
Zack made it easier to forget Sephiroth. Often, he and Zack would head the marches; living in backwater villages that required stamina to get anywhere had its perks. Being friendly with Zack had its perks too; the long hikes went by quickly as they talked, connecting on their hometowns, living in Shinra, and just about anything that came to mind.
Even chocobos.
"Anyone ever tell you that your hair looks like a chocobo?" Zack had asked as Cloud had emerged from his tent after wake-up, hair a mess.
He'd glared groggily. "Anyone ever tell you that you're like a golden retriever in a grown man's body?"
Zack had grinned. "That's a new one on me."
The schedule had continued, cheerful banter and all.
To be honest, Cloud was thankful for the distraction. Though the days occupied his mind and body so much that he had little time to overthink things or be consumed by anxiety, his nights were…. difficult.
His anxieties forced their way into his unconscious mind, cursing his dreams with vague nightmares that he never seemed to consciously remember when he woke up. His body certainly kept the memory alive, rapid heartrate and restlessness preventing him from finding restful sleep again.
When a fleet of helicopters arrived, Cloud nearly sighed in relief, eager to depart from the grueling labor and his dreams.
He walked up to Zack. "Hey Zack, where should I go?"
Zack eyed the fleet and pointed to a copter to the rightmost of the line.
There shouldn't be anyone else in there except the pilot. It is the weapons vehicle after all. Then I can hop in and spend some more time with Cloudy! Zack mused.
Cloud nodded and walked over, boarding quickly.
Once inside, Cloud slumped backward on the hard helicopter bench in relief.
So much relief, in fact, that his body decided that this was the perfect time to make use of the safe environment.
Unconsciousness took over, and as darkness flooded his vision, he felt his body slump to the person to his right.
"Sorry…" He murmured sleepily.
"It's quite alright." An unfamiliar and deep voice floated back to him.
Zack walked into the helicopter and glared.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
A dark-haired Turk smirked back up at him.
"Doing research to see what the General's rebound was. I see the appeal."
"You came, you saw, but you sure as hell aren't gonna conquer. Go accompany your boyfriend in the cockpit or something." Zack growled. "Besides, why are the Turks concerning themselves with SOLDIER business? Isn't this beyond your realm?"
The Turk got up slowly, Cloud slumping into the unoccupied space.
"Go make sure he doesn't fall over first. And usually yes, that would be the case. However, Shin-ra wanted the Turks to train too, in order to increase skill and camaraderie. What, did you not see us running around?"
Zack took the Turk's place, Cloud's head resting safely on his shoulder. "No. You must've been at the back of the pack."
"On the contrary, we were quite aways ahead. Perhaps you were too engaged with a certain cadet to notice."
Zack reddened. "Whatever. Boyfriend's waiting."
The Turk smiled pleasantly at him. "I'm going to pretend I didn't just hear that. You have fun with your Cloudy." He turned and walked gracefully to the cockpit, despite the uneven movement of the helicopter.
"Screw you." Zack muttered.
"Already done!" the Turk called back, before closing the cockpit door.
When the copter touched down and the pilot made the announcement that all SOLDIERs were safe to depart, Cloud didn't get up.
He was stuck in a dreamless sleep, still slumped on Zack's shoulder.
The cockpit opened, admitting the dark-haired Turk into the cabin.
"Exactly how hard did you work them?"
Zack looked up at him, defensive. "Not that hard. Actually, Cloud was doing pretty well."
The Turk narrowed his eyes. "Did you consider how hard he was pushing himself in order to do well?"
Zack looked away. "I…. guess not. But you have to consider that it wasn't me who put him in a high-ranking position. The higher ups did."
The Turk didn't break his gaze. "But aren't you supposed to look out for him? To ensure he was taking care of himself?"
Zack glared back. "I tried. Honestly. He seemed fine when I was talking with him every day. I don't exactly want to stalk him as he goes about everyday life."
The Turk shook his head. "But you're allowed to ask him about his well-being. I know you want to respect his boundaries, but Cloud sometimes has a tendency to neglect himself and hide it."
Zack rolled his eyes. "Since when were you the expert on Cloud Strife?"
The Turk smirked self-assuredly. "Since I went through the exact same thing with you. And the General."
Zack sighed, defeated. "Well, that's all fine and dandy anyway. Sephiroth already called claims on him. It's not like he'll be my buddy forever. Once they undoubtedly fall in love and start dating, Sephy will take perfect care of him." Zack's tone was angered yet subdued. Still quiet in order not to wake the sleeping cadet.
The Turk quirked an eyebrow. "You, Zack Fair, giving up?"
Zack narrowed his eyes. "There's a difference between giving up and foolish pursuit. I'd rather be on Sephiroth's good side anyway."
The Turk approached the door, which opened. "Maybe Sephiroth needs to learn that he can't always get what he wants. Who said an older war hero who has seen too many hardships is best for a young cadet?"
And with that he left, long hair blowing out behind him as cold wind entered the cabin.
Zack sighed. If only it were that easy. But what if it was? Of course, a Turk would somehow figure out his innermost secrets and send his world reeling.
He turned to Cloud, whose chocobo-like locks brushed gently across Zack's face.
What if it was.
He got up and took Cloud in his arms, heading to the open door. Cloud merely slumped into him, as a child would a parent's embrace. Unconsciously trusting the one carrying them to take care of their physical body while vulnerable.
Zack smiled and warmed a little on the inside.
What if.