shadowofalegend-blog

[shadowofalegend-blog]

          Despite his begrudging attitude, he really did for the most part enjoy Yuffies company. He was always a better listener than he was at talking, so he found he got along best with people that were very exuberant and more vivacious than he. Raising his hand, he continued to shift through blonde spikes with his finger tips, like his hair needed to be fixed or something but there was no taming that monster. So with a yawn he just waited for his coffee.

          “Mmmm.” Was all he said in response at being missed, though he missed her too. Having her around brought some sort of normality, despite how odd it was to keep having someone break into your house. It was... comforting. Normal was comforting and made him feel less on alert with someone around to the point where it was obvious that he visibly relaxed more with company. 

           The topic of Zack was always one that made his eyes get this sort of glossed look, like he was as much into the conversation as he was thinking about something else. It was such a strange feeling that he would never really admit to having. “Yeah. He left yesterday some time.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone and read through his messages and let out a sigh, “He’s doing okay. Back to his puppy self.”  There was some silence for a moment as his mind wandered before he heard the timer of the coffee pot go off and he started to move around Yuffie to gather various items for his coffee.

           He still seemed a bit far off as he spoke, “What brings ya here?”

Break In

[shadowofalegend-blog]

             Disclosing information like this to a young girl was probably a terrible idea. But at the moment it was his only real option. Fighting her was out of the question and he could run... But that was an equally terrible idea with guards being on high alert in search. The expression on her face changing and flame dissipating, he relaxed only slightly. Features changed to expose his confusion and how very perplexed he was with this girl as she walked in and out of the room.

              Reaching out for the towel she offered him, he blinked in confusion at the kindness he was being shown, even at the small gesture. “Thank you...” He spoke quietly, putting the towel against the open wound with a sharp inhale at the small rush of pain. As the room got silent again, he couldn’t place why but he felt very... comfortable with the girl who’s home he had invaded. The atmosphere was still awkward and kept him from completely relaxing, but he didn’t feel like she would lash at him. He wasn’t all that intuitive of a person, but he could gather that she was at least smart for her age at her curiosity in things most teens wouldn’t care about.

              Not even having the opportunity to go over them in full himself, it was a bit... dangerous to show her. And what would she do with that information? To a degree, he believed everyone had the right to know what sort of disgusting things they were doing... But there was this overwhelming feeling of dread and against his better judgement he shrugged his shoulder to allow the bag that was there to slip down to the ground and he gestured towards it.

               “S’all in there.” There was also the chance that she’d run with t, though he didn’t think she would.. he still sat up straighter and narrowed his eyes quizzically and concerned. Cloud couldn’t help but look at her... Fifteen? Sixteen? He didn’t know how old she was but for whatever reason, from what he could remember.. in her eyes he could see a bit of himself and that terrified him. There was this sort of fear that the world would corrupt her too and he might have been the one to expose how twisted things could be.

                                                       Couldn’t really go back now.

( & Scars )

[shadowofalegend-blog]

           Despite whatever sort of lecturing he was going to endure, he’d up just doing whatever it is he wanted anyways because he was far too stubborn. Lying was in fact not in his repertoire of skills but he just kept looking away from Zack until he felt the pull on his arm, eyes shifting back to look at him. The exhaustion was written all over his face with dark circles around his eyes and dryer lips. Instead of replying in protest, he narrowed his eyes at the rude comment and gave a scoffed at the other.

            However, his gaze quickly softened with an exasperated sigh at the other. “Yah, fine.” There was something about seeing Zack in such a state that made him want to reach out and hold him in some way. His wrist, his hand... something to continue to convince himself that he was really okay. Whenever Cloud had tried to actually sleep, his mind was plagued with the images of the blood that covered Zacks body. What it was like to watch the life leave his friends eyes, his only real friend....

                                        It was because he was weak. If he were stronger....

             There was a distant look in bright eyes that gave away how deep in thought he was. Now that he wasn’t in that horrible state, he was stronger now... He could protect Zack this time... or if Zack wanted it, he’d leave and protect himself. Clouds biggest worry was ever being a burden again, to not have the strength to protect the people he cared about. Once more, Zacks voice brought him back to his senses and he blinked a couple times in rapid session at his words kind of.... shocked that Zack would want to stay with him, but there was a relief that washed over him. The idea of going it alone was... daunting.

             “We can stay.. together.” Who he was now felt like a nearly completely different person to who he was when he first met Zack and.. he really kind of was. But the idea of being able to stay with Zack made the light in eyes return for just a moment, like they were smiling when his mouth refused. He raised an eyebrow at Zack questioningly, “Knowing you it’ll be both genius and crazy. But mostly crazy.” It was a bit of a sarcastic tone, but he continued, “Whatcha thinking?”

Angel in My Eyes

A week and a half. Well, it wasn’t dying, so he figured he couldn’t complain. It explained why his throat felt so dry even after the glass of water Cloud had given him, and why he was only just barely more bandage than person. Of course, he still felt like he’d been run over by a train or two, which was only fair considering he’d been shot several times—once in the head—apparently a week and a half prior.

“You’re a shit liar,” Zack challenged, pushing his features into a grim smile. He tugged at Cloud’s arm since he couldn’t reach to turn Cloud’s face back towards him. “You need to eat. And, by the smell of things, shower.” His smile dissolved, the strain in his eyes belying the worry beneath the jab. “Whenever I get some grub in me, you’ll eat with me, yeah?”

As much as he wanted Cloud healthy, Zack wasn’t quite ready for him to go just yet. There was something about being so weak, so vulnerable… It made him want to stay close to the one he loved. To the one he’d become like this to protect, and that he’d go through so much worse for without a whisper of a complaint. But a promise to eat would be good enough; surely someone had been bringing Cloud at least enough to keep him going, whoever had been changing these suspiciously clean bandages for him. And whoever’s house they were in.

“Don’t make it sound like it’s all up to me now; wherever we go, we decide together, unless you want to ‘mosey out’ now that I’m up and at 'em.” He didn’t really want to admit this last bit, but honesty was probably the safest way to go here, and after what he’d already done to ensure his safety, he didn’t want to put Cloud at risk again. “Besides, I’m… feeling kinda fuzzy. Probably best if you work with me on whatever plans we put together. Because I don’t know if what I’ve got is genius or damn crazy.”

[shadowofalegend-blog]

     He didn’t even like working with his roommate as a partner; he thought having another person there would just hinder progress because of the emotions and obligations that were added when you were with someone else. Even though he didn’t really know this girl and she was obviously capable on her own to be in such a line of work, he still felt some sort of duty to make sure she was okay. It wasn’t the kind of thought process that a mercenary should have but... It wasn’t like he could particularly help it.

      Not getting much information on his partner, he could only infer as to why she hadn’t spoken to him yet and chose not to ask any personal questions -- not that you ever should to begin with. “Sorry ‘bout being late.” He finally apologized for his tardiness as he looked over the map. This probably wouldn’t be so bad. It wasn’t even that difficult of a mission and it would require minimal verbal communication. If they both were as good as the man who hired them both seemed to think they were, it should be a piece of cake.

       Doing his best to memorize all important information on the map, but took special attention and care into remembering where the guards would be stationed so they can avoid them or be prepared. Watching her movements, as soon as she had chosen a path he studied a bit closer at the other entrances they wouldn’t be using in case they needed to make abrupt escapes as quickly and quietly as possible. But things never went according to plan, so he knew better than to think about it too much.

        Nodding at her in agreement to her plan, he rolled up the map and gave it back to her, finding it best she hold onto it. Raising a hand, he gestured, wanting to know if she wanted to lead the way or if he would. He didn’t particularly mind either way. The last thing he wanted was to step on her toes and cause for some unneeded bad tension.

( & Temporary Team )

[shadowofalegend-blog]

       There was a part of him that was incredibly surprised that she even went along with his crazy stunt. To be fair, his job was to steal one of the purses back for the woman that hired him, not all of them.. But you know he may as well. It was the easiest and lowest risk job that he’d taken in the past couple months, so he figured why not help out a bit -- not that he cared or anything. It just wouldn’t be worth the trouble to ever have to go back. Still, at first glance he probably looked pretty bad himself.

        Call it luck or something else, he was grateful that she went a long with him and even more grateful to the faulty wiring and whatever caused it to shatter. Coming to a halt, he dropped the bags in his arms so that he could lean up against a wall, raising his arm up to wipe away the sweat that at gathered against his forehead. He knew better than to assume that things just happened be coincidence, so he narrowed his eyes at her in speculation for a moment, wanting to press some sort of question but being cut off by her voice before he could really even work up courage to ask.

        “Stealing back from thieves.” His lack of a plan was starting to show as he needed to deliver all but one of the bags to the police station... somewhere he probably shouldn’t be, considering he was supposed to be a dead man. He looked at them with a sigh, no particularly wanting to ask this girl for more help, because that would either require explanation or for him to come up with someone on the spot... and the latter was something impossible.

       “-- I was plannin’ on bringing ‘em to the police station. Or something.” Turning his head back to her, fluorescent eyes studied her for a moment before looking away again. “Sorry ‘bout the inconvenience.” The last thing he ever wanted to do was ask for help from someone, to burden someone even the slightest. At least he apparently chose the fight kind of person.

( & Not a Criminal )

[shadowofalegend-blog]

     Yuffies existence in his little home was something that he had grown used to, somewhat. But he was never really prepared at the way she entered unannounced. In this particular moment, he had found himself able to pass out on the couch, seeing that he had just gotten home from a mission and had finally had the time to even sit down. His steady breaths was the only sound in the place until Yuffie had entered, causing him to jolt away and rub his eyes with a groan.

       For a second, he stayed still, wondering if maybe he could fall back asleep but that was probably something that he’d have to leave behind. With an even louder groan, making sure that Yuffie heard him, he sat up and ruffled his hair, fixing it if that was a possible thing. Stretching his arms up with a yawn, he pulled one arm over his chest and shifted his back around, various bones cracking as muscles tensed and eased with a sigh. Standing up and turning to look at the girl, his face was far from friendly.

        In fact he probably looked near murderous. Or as much as he could be with still being overall secretly happy to see her.

        “I would say ‘nice ta see ya.’ but ‘m notta liar.” Country accent think with the tiredness in his voice and lack of care of formality. It was sarcastic and rude, but he was mostly joking in his dry-deadpanned sort of humor way. Walking over to the kitchen, he busied himself next to Yuffie by starting to get coffee going, making a full pot because while the girl really didn’t need it, it’d be there if she wanted some. And then of course enough for him to have multiple cups.

        Leaning against the counter, he crossed his arms and looked at her, his voice sounding a bit more lively as time goes on. “Zack is out right now so just enough for us.”

Break In

@shadowofalegend

She’s done this before. It was almost too easy for the girl to scale up the building. Living in Aelluria, there was not that much to do but climb trees. The girl was practically a master of this by now. Now here was the hard part, getting in. Perched awkwardly between ledges, Yuffie had to keep balance while sliding the window open. Frostias was an icy cold place and Yuffie learned that the hard way. She kept slipping whenever the opportunity presented itself.

“Tch, silly Cloud!” the girl grinned to herself as she lifted her body into the room, “Nothing can stop the amazing Yuffie from breaking into—I mean entering into a home! I’m so good at this, I can do this in my sleep!” 

Her mission was complete: she had infiltrated the home. 

After shutting the window, the girl headed towards the living area. Her intentions were to spend the night seeing how she didn’t have enough money on her to rent out a room. The place was small but it was the perfect size for two people living together and the occasional couch crasher. This was Yuffie’s second home, aside from the dojo, she knew that she was welcomed, even if Cloud had an annoyed expression majority of the time.

“Hm…what to do…what to do…”

Well, there really wasn’t much for her to do except watch a movie and make something to eat. And she did just that, besides Cloud shouldn’t mind if she made some grilled cheese…on second thought, maybe it would be best if she makes enough for everyone.

[shadowofalegend-blog]

     Finishing a mission in Solias early, he found himself with an extra evening of time before he was scheduled to catch a train back to Frostias. He couldn’t remember the last time he had gone to a beach and just... relaxed. Well, maybe he could, but it was a very faint and distant memory that blurred just like everything else; so he didn’t dwell on it too much. Not really in the mood to deal with crowds or people in general, he walked along the shore line until all of the people had been left behind.

       His mind often became a whirlwind in the silence, but instead he just looked out to the lowering sun, letting the sound of gentle waves and the smell of the salt fill his mind instead. Removing his shoes, he rolled up his pants to stand in the water, just admiring everything and losing himself a bit at natural beauty and something so pure. Until a voice shattered his dream like state, causing him to flinch a bit at the unexpected noise.

       He turned his head to look at the stranger, eyes narrowing a bit in defense before realizing he meant no harm and instantly relaxing, nodding as he did so. “I haven’t been to Solias before now... Figured I’d watch.”

@shadowofalegend​

Without a doubt, Riku’s favourite place to hang out were the beaches of Solias. Even on the most troubling days, a trip to the beach where the sound of the waves crashing against the shore were enough to put him at ease. It was also the place where he’d often hang out with Kairi. In fact, they had their own particular spot they would always go to, a downed tree they would usually sit on and end up talking for hours. Rarely did he see anyone else in the spot, so it was always a little odd to see someone else there.

And this time when Riku arrived at his usual spot, there was someone else there. Because a lot of people typically didn’t come to this part of the island, he felt inclined to go and talk to the guy. From what he could see, the man wasn’t the tallest of people, however, his blonde, spiky hair seemed to help him a little bit in the height department. After looking analyzing the other male for a few seconds, he slowly waked up beside the blonde and looked out to the red sun setting over the water.

“Nice place, isn’t it? Sunsets don’t get any better than this.”

[shadowofalegend-blog]

       His options were kind of all awful at this point. There was the option to turn and run -- But he was still too close to the facility and there was sure to be a hefty amount of guards looking for him. Another option was to fight the girl, but that was one he could barely consider an option because it wasn’t his policy or in his morals to fight a child or someone innocent of this mess. Honestly was the best course of action here, hoping that this girl would be willing to talk to an intruder. Waiting for her response, his head quirked to the side slightly in confusion and curiosity as he saw the fire form in her palms.

        The mercenaries mind started to wander. In the files that he was able to read thus far, he did recall them experimenting on children, which made him sick to his stomach to remember. “I wouldn’t really do it if there was a choice.” After he spoke again, he slowly moved his hand to his injured arm, pressing hard against the open wound as to not get blood on this poor girls carpet. That sure would be a story to explain to her parents.

         Not knowing if there was exactly a way to look “innocent” at this point he tried to think of... some sort of conversation starter. But talking was not in his already short list of skills. So instead of anything, he just kind of kept looking at her and wondering if she was one of the kids that have been harmed in this. If so, was she aware that she was being used? There was an odd sort of desire to protect her from whatever it was even though he had no responsibility. Maybe he just wanted better for the afflicted kids then he was given. He needed to get her name and he needed to search through the files in his bag, having only the chance to skim prior.

        His face bore a look of concern and exhaustion more than anything threatening. He took a deep breath, honesty.. that was a thing he could try. “That military facility is doing human experiments and I broke in to steal the files about it.” This sure was the most awkward situation he’s found himself in, putting faith in the morality of a teenager. And while he generally held an ‘I don’t care’ attitude, this was something... personal. “And it should stop.”

( & Scars )

[shadowofalegend-blog]

     Once the heat that had rose to his cheeks died down, his bangs shifted over bright eyes as he turned his head back to Zack, flinching ever slightly at the touch that was placed again his arm before relaxing again. Well, relaxing as much as his body would allow him without falling asleep entirely. He couldn’t help but stare at the man that narrowly escaped death, it felt incredibly unreal. He had all but witnessed the life leave Zacks eyes, the blood that had stained their clothes that was too much of the ravens. Every time he closed his eyes it was like he saw Zack being shot all over again...

      Never again. He was stronger now. He didn’t need protecting, he wouldn’t be a burden to Zack any more... Instead he’d protect him too. If it even happened again, he swore next time it would be him. Zack deserved life more than he did.

      He looked away, tilting his head upwards like he was looking to the ceiling for answers to Zacks questions. “Mmm... ‘bout a week and a half.” It may have been closer to two weeks, but his only memory was a bit scattered. He found out it hard to differentiate reality from hallucinations or nightmares. Things of the distant past were blurring together, fading as he thought about them less. To answer the next question, to push some worry away, he lied. But of course, he was a bit of a bad liar, his words awkwardly placed. “Gee, thanks,” He spoke sarcastically in a snarky remark at the comment, “No. I got up for... water and... food.” There was a tone of question in his voice, like ‘is this a plausible story.’

       There was this aching in his heart that he couldn’t place. Well... He could, but it was one he never wanted to admit. It was a selfish thought for more of Zack than he was allowed to have. But currently, there was far more pressing matters than his unwarranted, presumed one-sided affections. He swallowed hard, trying to force down the nervous ball in his throat. “We... You have to figure out where you want to go when you’re out.” He would understand if Zack chose to not stay with him after everything. He didn’t want to be a constant reminder of something so... negative .

Angel in My Eyes

[shadowofalegend-blog]

Not interested.

@dingle-bells asked: Final Fantasy VII + Most Attractive

[shadowofalegend-blog]

      Now, he had been in his fair share of awkward situations to get the job done, but dressing up as a woman was probably not something he would ever be for -- The idea in and of itself made him feel uncomfortable for more personal reasons, but there was an odd sense of what felt like nostalgia. Needless to say, with the discomfort he felt, he chose to opt out of this and allow the two of them to handle things. But, that didn’t change the fact that this was all happening where he lived and he had to watch Zack Fair in a dress. The thought was almost enough to make him giggle, almost.

      He opened the door for Yuffie and allowed her to walk in, narrowing his eyes at the plethora of objects she was carrying with a heavy sigh. His quaint little home was going to turn into a dress up game and he was really not mentally prepared for all of that. It’s not like he told anyone that he had met beyond his home town, and he had planned to keep it that way... but just the idea of wearing a dress was enough to make him sick and if Zack wasn’t so gung-ho about this he would have found something to occupy himself for the night. Instead, he moved to sit on the couch, pretty much as far as you could get away from Yuffie while still remaining on the same couch.

       Looking over to Zack, he rolled his eyes just a bit, hiding his unease with a caustic attitude. “Ya really think you can hide those arms?” Though he was talking about Zack, he was looking at Yuffie and addressing her, almost as if the other wasn’t even in the room. His hands were on his knees, kind of hunching over a bit, finger tips nervously tapping against clothed skin. “And if you got him heels you’re both done for.” He really did mean for it to be a joke but it sounded rude none the less.

        He kept fidgeting where he sat, adjusting the way he sat every so often. This sure was going to be some sort of interesting time.

Dress Code

Yuffie was excited. It was clear to see that. There was a bounce to her step and enthusiasm dripped with every word spoken. She was running, long bags of plastic were cradled in her arms. She couldn’t wait to get to their home. She couldn’t wait to pull out the multiple dresses and show them off to the boys. All the make up, all the accessories, all the shoes. This was truly a jokecoming true. Zack Fair. First Class Soldier. In a dress.

Yuffie shrieked in excitement at just the thought. This encouraged her to pick up the pace. Skidding to a stop at their door, she knocked feverishly, her feet bouncing from side to side. 

“Clouuuuuud!” she whined, her forehead landed on the door with a thud, “open up! I know you’re in there and I don’t want to break in! I might ruin the dresses.” Yuffie waited a whole five seconds before giving an exasperated sigh, “Stop taking so long!” She banged on the door once more before it flew open. “Oh!”

There at the doorway was Zack, just the person she wanted to see. Her lips curled into a grin, her eyes gleamed mischievously. She could already imagine the situation that was about to come and she just couldn’t wait to see one of her closest friends in a dress. 

“Zack~” she sang as she invited herself in. It was a habit to head straight to the couch. That was her spot in the entire vicinity. “You don’t even know how excited I am!” she laid the bags of clothing down and twirled back to face the other. “We’re going to make you so beautiful that all  the guys will fall for you. Even the bouncer will be so shocked he would have to let us in.” Her hands were on her hips, a confident pose that radiated energy, “And since I’m helping, you know it will go amazing. Only one girl is needed for the job and that’s me! The amazing Yuffie. No need to hold your applause…” 

Next in thread: @meanttobeamartyr >> @shadowofalegend

[shadowofalegend-blog]

[shadowofalegend-blog]

( & Scars )

@iontidings

       Since regained freedom, his focus has been on creating a new life. However, it was in particular ways he wasn’t fond of. Being a mercenary meant taking whatever job paid the highest and currently, that job had been in Solias. This particular one was a bit odd -- It was to steal research. It was stealing military information in order to allow a rebel faction a fighting chance and tat was something he could get behind without the money in it, but that wasn’t the case or what he would let on.

       Military labs always had high security protocols and while he managed to escape with a drive of information in hand, it wasn’t unscathed. His foot steps were heavy, and his hand wrapped around his bicep to stop a wound from bleeding and giving away where he was. He had to get inside somewhere so that they would track him.... And as if right on queue or a miracle, there was an open window in a house. There wasn’t a car in the driveway and he was still close to the facility so he thought that there wouldn’t be any children inside.

                          Of course, he thought a bit incorrectly.

       Climbing through the window, careful not to break anything or brush his most open wound against anything, he groaned as his feet met carpet and the soldier rolled his shoulders back to stretch them out. Fluttering his eyes open, the last thing he expected to see was a person standing before him... But there she was, short black hair and looked to be in her early to mid teens. He froze for a second and blinked in confusion before clearing his throat.

        “-- You should really keep your window closed.” He rose his hands up in defense, showing that he meant no harm.

[shadowofalegend-blog]

Originally a member of SOLDIER, he is now a mercenary who will take any job…

[shadowofalegend-blog]

( & Not a Criminal )

@wayfoundwarrior

      Without context, the image him running through the streets with bags in his arms probably makes him look a bit bad, especially when there were people chasing him. The reality was that he was stealing previously stolen bags to return to their owners, but from a first glance it really.... didn’t look like that. He was pretty quick himself, but the five and a half foot sword strapped too his back and the immobility of his limbs made him a bit more sluggish. This was probably one of the least dangerous jobs he’s had but it sure was some kind of experience.

        Turning a sharp corner he nearly lost one of the bags, reach down quickly to pick it up as the action caused him to slow for a moment and become a bit jumbled. It was a bit less crowded where he had turned, but still he was darting through who was there, until he nearly dropped some of the bags again. With a groan and continuous movement forward. He spotted a girl with blue hair that he didn’t mean, but met eyes with for a moment. An idea sparked in him, a bad one, but it was an idea.

        Shifting the bundle of bags in his arms, he came to a halt for a moment and shoved some of them in the strangers arms before tugging on her arm. “They stole these.” He felt it necessary to say something or else the woman (that really didn’t deserve any of this) would just assume that he was the thief in this case. Why he chose her? Who really knows, she seemed fit enough for his momentary judgement.

         “Follow me.” HE didn’t really have much of a gauge on where he was going, the police station... probably.

[shadowofalegend-blog]

( & Temporary Team )

@batgirlblackbat

       He didn’t particularly enjoy being a mercenary. The constant fighting that he was never able to escape plagued him -- The random jobs that were picked up made him feel a bit purposeless. After so long, he was painfully aware that he had a very specific skill set and this line of work was all that he could excel at. The majority of the time it wasn’t too terrible, he took a lot of solo jobs so that he could get distance from the rest of the world and responsibilities he held.

        However, this particular job that caused him to travel to Alleuria in order to meet with a contact was apparently not going to be one of those solo times. The girl he was meeting up with wasn’t just there to give him more information, but was going to be his teammate for this assignment. He didn’t know the area like he knew Frostias, so he was thankful but he didn’t know this girl. What if she dragged him down or something bad happened? He instinctively felt a bit responsible for her but let it slip from his mind quickly and returned to his melancholic state.

        The night air was chiller as they met in secret at the location he was given, he was a bit late due to his lack of knowledge in Alleuria. It was far too easy to get lost when not given an exact specific, but the girl he was looking at seemed to fit the description he was given and he came to a halt in front of her, only making eye contact for a brief moment. Looking to the side, he rose a hand in a dismissive gesture to further iterate his seemingly uncaring attitude.

        “Got lost, my bad.”

[shadowofalegend-blog]

     Basic needs in order for a human body to properly function, such as sleep or food, were a thing of the past. His life, for however long it had been, had become sitting in this chair and await for Zack to wake up. They didn’t know how long, but he would have never forgiven himself if he were not here when his friend, who nearly lost his life for him, woke up. Even so, he would doze off and sleep in very small, light intervals. If he slept too long, there would be nightmares... If he didn’t sleep at all, reality tormented him instead. Slumber dare pull him into his grip, he was upright with his eyes shut, breath steadying as he fell asleep softly.

      His assumption was that it was nurse, it usually was. As a hand brushed against his wrist he made a small ‘Mmmm’ noise as he woke up from his light sleep. Bright optics fluttering open slowly to look at the hand against his wrist before blinking a couple times in shock. The feeling of tiredness quickly left him as his eyes had shot open, darting from his wrist to Zacks grinning face in hasty repetition. There was a sigh of relief in his voice and it felt like a hundred pounds had been lifted from his shoulder, but the light feeling left at Zacks words, causing him to jolt up and face to feel a bit hot against his will.

      That sure was Zack all right and he at least was the same. Unaware of the blush that tainted his all too pale cheeks. An angel was something he wasn’t even in the slightest, but maybe with light seeping in from the window behind him illuminating his frame, maybe he did. Not responding to the embarrassing comment, he grabbed the water that was on the side table and put it in Zacks hand quickly. “Drink something first.”

     He was overwhelmed. That was all he could think of. He didn’t know what to say or what to do, let alone how to feel. Relief, honest happiness... but guilt and pain every time he looked upon Zacks face. It was a miracle, and those were things he had long since learned not to believe in. In thought, curious as to if all of this was one of his terrible dreams playing a life joke on him, he reached out and rested a shaky hand against Zacks shoulder, nearly gasping at how very real he felt.

     Pausing, he swallowed hard, attempting to smother the lump that was forming in his throat. Clouds own voice in return sounded shaky in return, “Welcome back..”

Angel in My Eyes

Zack felt as though he’d been underwater for a long time. There was a painful weight in his lungs, a certain stillness in his perception, and a fog in his mind that he couldn’t quite shake. His eyelids felt heavier than lead, and as he struggled to open them, he realized how much everything hurt. Had he been run over by a train? It certainly felt like it. Every inch of his limbs, his chest, his head… He couldn’t remember… He finally opened his eyes, feeling the light piercing his retinas, and saw Cloud dozing upright in a chair next to the bed he was apparently in.

Oh. He did remember, and even though just breathing hurt, he couldn’t help but let a small smile grace his features as he forced the hand closest to Cloud to reach out, just barely managed to brush the other’s wrist with the tips of his fingers. He was real. He was alive. And so was Zack, it seemed. He hadn’t meant to wake the other up, but Cloud began stirring at Zack’s touch, apparently not sleeping very deeply. At the sight of bleary blue eyes blinking down at his hand on Cloud’s wrist, Zack’s smile turned into a mischevious grin.

“Now I know I’m in heaven, because I’m looking at an angel.���

It probably wasn’t the worst thing he’d said to Cloud, or to anyone, for that matter. And his voice sounded horrible, like it hadn’t been used in weeks—maybe it hadn’t, how long had he been out—but hopefully that would help to lighten the mood at least a little bit.