[Closed]

[animusangelus]

Who: Cloud Strife & Zack Fair
Where: The 8th floor.
When: Right after Cloud's arrival.
Rating: PG?
Summary: Two friends need to play catch-up and make sure they're on the same page.
The Story:

A bundle of nerves took hold of Cloud's insides as he climbed the steps and entered the eighth floor hallway. He had a feeling Zack would be upset with him; maybe even disappointed in him, but there were some reactions he couldn't help. Being defensive had been engrained in him for far too long where Sephiroth was concerned. To play nice and forget the past for the time being was a lot to ask of him.

Yet this was Zack. Cloud didn't want to fight with him. He didn't want to waste what little time they spent in anger or frustration. Thus, as he walked down the hallway, he scratched the back of his neck and tried to properly word an apology. The words weren't coming easily, but who said being a friend had to be easy? Zack was worth the struggle and Cloud would make it up to him somehow...

While silently watching his friend's back. One couldn't be too careful.

Comments

[colorofthesky]

Better watch yourself there, Cloud. Wax poetical too much, and you'll turn into Kunsel.

Zack grinned at the flustered look on his friend's face.

"Just look out for her, huh." He knew something special when he saw it. Cloud couldn't fool him. "And how do you expect any other dashing rogues to sweep her off her feet when she's chasing after you?"

/late

[animusangelus]

This wasn't getting any easier. Cloud couldn't possibly tell him that his crush on Tifa had been apart of his life since he was a kid. She was one of the reasons he had wanted to become a hero.

That had gone well. It was really a wonder why he hadn't revealed his feelings to her yet.

"I'd have to make sure they're worthy of her." even if the very idea of someone else pursuing Tifa hurts, "...do you think...?"

Would she wait for him?

<3

[colorofthesky]

Zack flashed an amused look at Cloud. Was he really trying to ask what he thought he was?

"You really think she'll find someone better?"

A compliment. Zack knew the struggles his friend had gone through -- even though he couldn't be there and encourage him the way he might have wanted, Zack had still watched.

There wasn't much of a point in living if you didn't make the best of what you had -- or at least, he always thought so.

<333

[animusangelus]

Cloud's eyes fell closed and he smiled, silently appreciating Zack's words. He had missed having this support. Of course Tifa and the rest did their best, but no one could replace Zack.

"If she met you, I might worry." he smirked, opening his eyes and lightly punching Zack in the arm, "Promise me you won't be too charming if she shows up here?"

<33333

[colorofthesky]

Zack raised his hands -- a sigh of surrender.

"Hey, now! There isn't much I can do about the face."

He was a good-looking guy, after all! (You know it's true, Cloud.)

Zack grinned.

"If all else fails, I'll just have to teach you, won't I?"

<3x a billion

[animusangelus]

"Oh there's plenty we can do about your face." Cloud lifted a fist, clearly being a smart ass, "Teach me what? How to flirt with a flower girl? I think I already did that."

Because he thought he was Zack and -

Hello, awkward.

<3x a trillion!

[colorofthesky]

Cloud, you bratty BFF, you.

He raised a fist in turn, eyes alight with laughter.

"I'd like to see you try, shorty."

The teasing -- it was all in good fun, of course.

"I don't see Tifa pushing around flower carts, do you?"

Brushing by that awkward, yep.

:D Does bazillion exist?

[animusangelus]

Yep, he was still a brat; he probably always would be. And to think, he has kids.

"It might be good practice." he smirked, knowing deep down that he could never hit Zack. That would be like hitting a puppy. What kind of person are you?!

"..." his smile faded a bit, "I did think I was you if that makes it better."

....Infinity!!!!

[colorofthesky]

If they all took after Cloud, he was going to be in trouble when they hit the teenage years.

"Yeah? I can take you, anytime, anywhere!"

He could too, in all seriousness. A SOLDIER First Class was nothing to sneeze at.

Zack just shook his head a little and smiled. "You're you now." The past was the past -- he knew about it, but he wasn't going to dwell on it. "Girls will still be girls."