#phantasiiae | zack

[solbound]

@phantasiiae ( count )

Soleil hummed softly in response as he put away his tools. Now satisfied with his work. He hadn't played with makeup in a long while. It was nice to know that he wasn't as rusty as he thought. He'd given Zack a subtle glamorous look. With blush, dark lashes, and a dusty brown to make Zack's beautiful skyblue pop. Along with a small smattering of shimmery glitter. And a little bit of gloss to soften his lips.

"I spent an entire year living in Wall Market. I stumbled my way into the drag queen community there and they taught me how to do makeup and hair." Said said with fondness in his tone. Sometimes he really missed his friends and wondered how they were. "I then just kinda always dressed up and immersed myself in the style of dress. It helped hide who I was, since I really didn't want to be found at the time."

Soleil reached out then, taking hold of both of Zack's hands to pull him up, then dragged him towards the bathroom with a wide grin on his face.

"Come look. You look absolutely devastating. Next we'll have to find you something nice to wear to match."

[sentmail]

continuing from... | @phantasiiae — zack

Battle over, Zack's flops down to the ground and Kunsel can't help but chuckle, aware that Zack needs to reign back the energy currently flowing through him, or else he'd risk staying wired the rest of the mission - and the last thing they needed was one of them becoming antsy during a mission that was going… less than ideal.

Nothing that they couldn't handle, but not exactly a walk in the park. It was it's own fun, really, it was good to have a challenge once in a while.

So while Zack's busy staring at the cave ceiling, Kunsel just takes a deep breath and sighs, moving his arm up to snap his sword to the magnet on his back only to hiss sharply and nearly drop his sword when the movement felt like it was tearing something - ai.

His opposite hand moves immediately to press against his side, feeling the tackiness of blood and fabric torn even through his glove, and then comes the slight shock to his system, adrenaline gone and body now running in maintenance mode, his nerves suddenly hyper-aware of the wound that was nothing just seconds ago in the middle of the battle, cells working to stitch together and repair the damage.

Falling to one knee, Kunsel grits his teeth and waves his hand at Zack, trying to literally wave his worry away - there went Zack's attempts at cooling off, seems like they'd be antsy for the rest of the mission after all.

"It's just a flesh wound, I think." With Zack lacking elemental defense, Kunsel had to step his game up - and ended up covering for a hit that would've done way worse damage if he weren't buffed with his elemental defense. It's one thing to be stabbed, it's another to be stabbed and then electrocuted with their claws still in your guts - and he wasn't looking forward to dragging Zack back to the pick up point with the mission deemed a failure if he let that happen. "Nothing a cure can't patch up while we finish the job."

Because Zack had it - right? Kunsel told him he got all other magic buffs covered, so Zack would've grabbed the cure materia.

[setirophx]

[ 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐊 ] ― sender and receiver fall into bed together on silk sheets from zack!

five senses | @phantasiiae ( zack )

Sephiroth was humble about a lot of things. Living a rather simple life for someone so famous. But there was one thing he was an unapologetic snob about, and that was the quality of his bedsheets. It was a silly thing to concern himself with, but sleep was one of those rare things that he valued more than anything. Especially when his sleep wasn't plagued by nightmares.

He laughed lightly as he fell back onto the bed. Hair fanning out like a halo against the black silk sheets. The duvet had been turned down, as it always was every day. He could be rather anal about that too, but not in this moment. Not with Zack's comfortable weight pressing against him. He'd gladly rumple the sheets with him.

Seph brushed his hand through Zack's hair then gently fisted in the dark locks. A mischievous gleam entered his eyes as he tugged Zack closer. So close that their lips almost touched. Seph murmured warmly against Zack's lips. His other hand smoothed along Zack's back, along his spine.

"Why don't we play a little hookie today? We don't have any active missions... They won't miss us for a day."

[mezzomorendo]

[ @phantasiiae from here ]

Zack's hands rise to Cloud's face, a gentle smile on his lips. His sweet, kind Cloud. His absolute darling and love, so haunted still by the things that weren't his fault.

His thumbs brush over Cloud's cheeks as he pulls him in for a kiss. "Breathe, my love," Zack murmurs, soft as the sheets pushed to the side. "You don't have to. Just that if you wanna, I wouldn't mind--" he catches himself with a deep flush. "I, uh, mean, that's... I want it. Kinda-- Well, a lot."

Zack's heart rams against his chest as he fights the blush slowly overtaking his face and chest. He sucked at admitted what he wanted, but with his partners' help, he was getting better. "I like feeling your strength." He pulls one of Cloud's hands to his chest, where he mimics Cloud dragging his nails over scarred skin. "It's really fucking hot. Like. Insanely hot. So hot. I-think-about-you-using-me-rough-and-biting-me-when-I'm-alone kinda hot."

Now that the words started, he couldn't stop them. Curse his rambling habit. "But! You don't gotta if you don't wanna. I don't wanna pressure you, Spike. I'm not asking ya to make ya uncomfortable. Just that if you wanna, I really wanna. And if it helps, we can set up some kinda safe word? Like-- it'll stop everything if one of us says it. Or, if you're worried about going too far, I'm no pushover. I'll stop you myself."

With a deep, deep rumbly noise in his chest, Zack bites his tongue to stop talking. He had to hear Cloud's thoughts first before continuing his ideas.

[amcryllis]

"Humm...." She's staring at a headband in a little shop; it has a lovely bow on top, and matches the pink in her dress perfectly — alas, her wallet was as empty as it usually was! "I want it..." | @phantasiiae / starters.

[holyguardian]

SPRAIN : for one muse to carry the other after spraining their ankle. from zack!

Comprehensive list of scenarios.

The expression on her face was almost childish, a sulking pout that suggested she hadn't gotten her own way — which would be a fair assumption. Her wedge sandals had finally betrayed her. Turned out that walking around on what were essentially platforms without a heel strap wasn't the smartest idea in the rougher terrain of the slums.

One wrong step on some slippery scrap, her foot twisted awkwardly, her shoe folded sideways to make the awkward slip worse and goodbye flower girl.

"You barely get free time." Aerith complained from her curled-over heap on the ground, and for a moment it sounded like she was accusing him. "Now I've ruined our daaate!" Also, ouch. Like, fucking shit, ouch.

To his credit Zack had attempted to intervene. What was a twisted ankle probably would have been scraped elbows and a bruised up backside without his quick reflexes. He already had her practically in his arms. So... an adjustment of his grip, and a far too easy transition from crouched down to fully standing, and bam.

"Zack!" That one was an accusation. "Wait, my dumb shoe... just... bend over backwards like a slinky or something and I'll pick it up." There it was. The sulking had finally started to ease.

[solbound]

[ 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃 ] ― sender reaches out to hold receiver’s hand from zack!

five senses | @phantasiiae ( zack )

Soleil is startled when a warm hand takes his own. That really showed how deep in his own thoughts that he was. He also realized Zack wasn't wearing gloves, so Soleil could feel both the soft and calloused skin of his hand. It's comforting and grounding. Then he'd press the back of Zack's hand to his cheek.

"Thank you." Soleil said softly, eyelids fluttering closed as he savored the contact. "For always being there for me."

There were a lot of things he wanted to thank Zack for, but that was the best way he could sum it up all up in a few words. But there other actions that could convey how he felt for the other man. Gently, he pulled Zack closer until he'd be forced to straddle his lap.

Soleil had been sitting on the couch, making this all the easier to accomplish. Smirking a little, he used his free hand to sink his fingers into Zack's hair, cupping the back of his head to pull him in closer. Soleil pressed a kiss to his forehead, then his eyelid, cheek, then finally his lips.

"I'll find a way to repay you, one day. Or however long it takes."

[tredispade]

🎁 7 zack & cloud!

Send 🎁 to receive a starter based off a random song from my Spotify Wrapped YT Recap || @phantasiiae ( zack )

good luck, babe! - chapell roan

Cloud practically stalked his way down the Shinra halls towards the barracks. Internally fuming over something so incredibly stupid. Or rather, someone in particular that's been getting under his skin lately.

However... he loathed to admit that it wasn't a bad feeling. Rather he felt a strange giddiness any time he was around that person. And that was what annoyed him. But not nearly as much as that quirky little smirk that person directed at him every time they were around each other.

When Cloud almost reached the door that would lead into the main lounge area, he stopped. Hands fisted at his sides.

"Stupid." He'd mutter under his breath. But his anger wasn't really there anymore. He couldn't help the odd happy feeling that settled in his chest after his return from Modeoheim.

"This is stupid."

Unable to help himself, he pulled out a folded piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it. Across it was a messy scratch of a message. Short and concise.

' call me some time after the mission! us backwater experts should stick together! '

It was signed with Zack's name and a phone number.

Zack seemed so determined to befriend Cloud. It was infuriating and annoying, and just... so off-putting. Zack was so bright and energetic. So unlike Cloud who was entirely too much of a downer. Why Zack chose him, he wouldn't understand.

Yet, he found himself flipping his phone open and putting in Zack's number and starting a new message. And with a surge of confidence he didn't know where he gathered from, he sent his short text message.

' Hey, it's Cloud. I'm free tomorrow if you really wanted to hang out. '

[makoenergie-archive]

@phantasiiae•*⁀➷ ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS | AVAILABLE

╰┈➤ ❝ [  flower, sender gives receiver a flower. aerith to zack! ]

"you should sell all of them. maybe we could... make more fields. we could also rebuild the church a little." it was looking pretty demolished in his opinion. that was partly his fault for flying through the roof and landing on top of her flowers, but he never meant to destroy anything. he only wanted to protect the city---or the part he knew of the city. who knew there was so much bright life down here despite a metal plate blocking them from ever seeing the sky.

"we could even buy your mother something nice. you really shouldn't just gift one to me." yet he did accept it, not even knowing where to put it. he had a room up there, but he wouldn't call it his 'home' and he owned about nothing in the space, meaning he only used it to sleep.

"i have nowhere to put this, aerith. that doesn't sit well with me."

[setirophx]

( count )

Now Zack had heard the rumors that Hojo might've been Sephiroth's dad, but he never actually believed it. One, the thought of Hojo doing…any of the things needed to make kids was laughable, and, well, Sephiroth didn't look much like him. Or act like him. Or even really acknowledge him. So Zack furrows his brow, a small frown appearing on his face. Regardless of Sephiroth's parentage, he still cares about him, and now he just feels sad for him. “…Oh. Okay. I'm sorry, Seph.” He doesn't really know exactly what he's apologizing for. He's always had an issue with taking responsibility for things that aren't really his fault. Zack scoots closer to him, hesitating for a second before reaching over and resting his hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “It's natural to be jealous, you know? Especially with all that…if you want to go back to Midgard, I understand.” Though the idea of leaving does sound more and more appealing to Zack with each passing second. While he loves his parents and wishes he could see them all the time, he has a very stark feeling that he doesn't belong here. Most people who leave Gongaga don't ever come back for a reason. Now he's starting to learn that reason. “I mean, hell, I know we were gonna stay for a few days, but we can go tomorrow or the next day. I don't--I'm kinda starting to remember why I left.” He laughs nervously, shaking his head. “It's a lot. I dunno. Maybe this was a bad idea.”

The warm hand on his shoulder is a lot more comforting than it should have been. And Seph was rather glad that he ddin't wear his usual massive pauldrons. He hesitantly lifted his own hand to lay it over Zack's. Giving him a returning squeeze. Then he'd just... leave his hand there.

He'd smile a little. "We can stay the night at least. I'd rather you give your parents a proper farewell. Not running off in the middle of the night. And... so I can make up for running off in the middle of dinner."

It was the right thing to do, at at least. He didn't want to be rude to Zack's parents out of his own jealousy.

After a moment Seph stood up from his seat, holding out his hand for Zack to take, even if he likely didn't need it.

"Plus, its too late to hail anyone to come get us. But there will be scouts around tomorrow with a helicopter. We can catch a ride back to the city with them."

A sly smirk appeared on his lips then. A teasing gleam lightened his eyes.

"You also haven't had the chance to show me your childhood room. I'm curious just what kind of kid you were."

Admittedly, he was deeply curious about Zack and his home. What he was like as a kid. If he was popular or a troublemaker. Seph didn't have a whole lot of friends and he certainly never grew up with any. This would be a first for him.

[tredispade]

Soleil smiled bashfully at Zack's compliment. He really didn't feel like he was going well. But then Zack was the mentor, not him. If he was doing well, then he'd trust Zack on his judgement.

Soleil had a verity of things in his bag. A sandwich cut in smaller triangles, a thermos of soup, a small salad... but the real gem were the macarons. Small delicate looking sandwich cookies in a soft maroon color. He'd take those out and offered them to Zack.

"Here, you can have these for the chocolate cookie. I made those myself."

His smile faltered a little at Zack's suggestion of taking it easy. He wasn't so sure he knew how to take it easy. Every part of his life was a hard grind that never seemed to stop. His father wouldn't have any of it.

"Got it. I don't really feel like training anymore today anyway." He'd say with an amused tone. No, he really would like to have some sort of down time. Maybe they could go for a walk after this. Just to get out of the building for fresh. He was starting to feel stifled inside the Shinra building.

"Though should my father ever hear that, he'd probably have an aneurysm. The man doesn't like any sort of downtime."

@tredispade from x

Zack has to admit that Soleil is pretty impressive. His form is good, he fights well enough, he just tends to push himself too hard, be too hard on himself. Hell, Zack didn't think he was even good enough to have a mentee anyways, so he guesses he can't really talk. He remembers being in Soleil's position, trying to prove himself to Angeal.

Angeal...

Zack blinks, then grins, clapping Soleil on the back with a laugh. "Lunch it is! You're doing really well, you know. Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm impressed!"

He sits down next to him, pulling his own lunch out of his bag. He probably packed more than he needed, but honestly, his own appetite surprised even him sometimes. "You don't gotta share. I have plenty...but we can trade, if you want! Uhhh, I got some chips orrrr a chocolate cookie."

Zack grins, sitting down next to Soleil with a sigh. "It's real hot out today, so we best take it easy. I don't want you falling out on me or anything, got it?"

[meteorshcts]

i don't like the look of that weather. i think we should head back. from aerith!

"You're just saying that because you're scared," Zack chided gently, patting Aerith's hand that was looped in with his arm. "I promise you, the sky isn't scary at all, once you see it! It's really pretty, actually. Come on, you're gonna love it."

He pulled her forward another few steps before a peal of thunder cracked somewhere far above them. Zack slowed to an embarrassed stop as rain began to splatter on the upper plate, making a racket down below.

"Well, uh, maybe you're right, actually," he admitted with a guilty smile.

@phantasiiae

[mezzomorendo]

❛ despite everything, i believe that people are really good at heart. ❜ from aerith 🥺

[ quotes that broke me starter ]

It wasn't uncommon for them to have deeper talks. They were too young when they first met to talk philosophy or ethics, or have any deeper meaning to their flirting. These days, battered and bruised and coming out stronger for it, they could have more in depth talks.

Zack leaned back on one hand, a cup of half-drunk coffee in the other. Long had they been talking to the point that his coffee was starting to get cold.

He took another sip anyway.

"I think so too." Despite his rather exhausting list of people who proved that statement otherwise, he stubbornly held onto his beliefs. "I wanna believe that people are good and kind. I wanna think that the world hurts them to the point they wanna hurt others. I don't wanna live in a world where people can just... start evil."

Silver hair flashed in his memory as he continued drinking. "Yeah... Even the most evil monster one started tryin' to do good until they were broken."

[soulsfractured]

@phantasiiae liked for a starter

The one thing that he had agreed upon with Vincent before the other had left to travel with Cloud, was that he would stay out of sight. Sephiroth knew a little of what had happened before he'd jumped into the lifestream- fighting with Zack, the pain of being stabbed was also fresh. He didn't remember Cloud completely, besides the fact he was infantry.

But then, the blonde had glowing mako eyes that signalled he was past that, and Sephiroth wondered if his memory was wrong. Could it be? That didn't make sense. He didn't take a defensive position or even more, cursing siently as his outward apperance stayed calm.

"I'm not here to start any kind of fight." He said slowly, his hands raising at the same speed as his words in a sign of surrender. Vincent would lose his mind, he thought wryly, the moment he saw that Cloud had seen him.

[holyguardian]

Which subtle way of saying "I love you" are you?

"I'll wait for you." You're a restless person, always moving from one place to another, perpetually occupied with something or other. People call you impatient. Hell, you might even call yourself impatient! And that's fine, that's just who you are. But you'll wait for some people. You'd sit down and wait for them if they needed you to, and the first time you do, the first time you show them you'll stretch your limited patience to something limitless for them if they need it, it feels almost like a confession. You might not be very patient with the world, but there are exceptions you're more than willing to make. You're so good at making people feel like they're not a burden.

Tagged by: @stingslikeabee 💕💕

Tagging: @boyinvisible @cyberpawn @kunselxsoldier @phantasiiae (Zack? 👀) @poeticphoenix @proxnotxaxfool @soldier-lodbrok and anyone else who wishes to!

[tredispade]

🎁 33 zack & soleil!

Send 🎁 to receive a starter based off a random song from my Spotify Wrapped YT Rewind || @phantasiiae ( zack )

far away - nickelback

Soleil truly had no idea how close he'd come to be with Zack when they met. Soleil had lived a single minded existence. To get close to a man he had loved since they both were children. Only to be faced with the truth that the love he felt was one-sided and that man had moved on from him.

Soleil almost wanted to give up then. And when he met Zack, he tried so hard to not give into the charms of a man so full of life and love. But no matter how tall he tried to build his walls, Zack smashed right through them. Honestly, Soleil was a goner since day one.

Soleil lay in bed, tangled in sheets and the limbs of another. He lay on his side, being the only thing that blocked the morning sunlight from streaming through and waking his sleeping companion. He reached a hand out to gently brush back loose locks of dark hair from Zack's face.

"If you sleep any longer, you're going to end up missing breakfast." Soleil murmured as he leaned in to nuzzle his lips against the top of Zack's hair. "I was planning to make your favorite. But you'll have to let me up to make it."