herobydefault | [Voice]

...But I've been such a good puppy.

[Cloud snorts, then just...quiets down again, elbows on his knees and head hung.]

[And Zack isn't sure where to go from there - he's never been very good at this - so he shifts a bit awkwardly and puts his hand on Cloud's back, close to his shoulders. Hopefully a platonic enough gesture that won't make him start fussing about relationships.]

[Fussing about Zack putting a hand on his back is probably the furthest thing from Cloud's mind.

In fact...maybe he just. Leans a little bit closer.

A little bit.]

[Which is a relief, because he didn't want to start a fight. There's nothing romantic about comforting a friend. C'mere, you dummy, stop being so antsy.]

[Sigh. Cloud runs a hand through his hair.]

...just seems kind of...I don't know. Ironic? Deserved?

[Sidelong glance. Buh?]

What do you mean?

I'm always the one running off on her.

It's not like she chose to leave, Spike.

That's not what I'm trying to say. [Cloud waves a hand, then...lets it drop.]

...never mind.

Sorry. [Sigh.]

...You don't deserve this, though. I know that much.

I'll see her when we all go back. I feel worse for the friends she has here from other worlds.

It's weird... I kinda wonder if they'll even remember her when they go back. Or if she'll remember them.

[Cloud wants to say "probably not," but...doesn't.] ...I don't know either.

...It's kinda scary. [Zack tries to laugh. Why'd he have to go and say that?]

[Cloud glances at Zack.

Then he...touches his forehead to Zack's cheek.]

[Blink. That was unexpected- enough to derail whatever worrisome thoughts were trying to wriggle into his thoughts. He closes his eyes, the laugh fading. There's no reason to fake it now.]

[Cloud lets himself rest for just a moment, glad that the forced chuckle died before it got very far. Then he pushes back and stands, and ruffles Zack's hair.]

I think I'm all right to go get a drink now, if you want to still.

[Zack fixes his hair with an odd expression; just who was comforting whom, here? He looks up and stands as Cloud does, nodding with a smile.]

Sure. I can play bartender for you- I've learned a few mixes, myself.

We'll switch off. [Cloud's not looking forward to breaking into Seventh Heaven, but he's not too keen to head into Good Spirits and deal with that particular grudge just yet, either.]

Sounds like a plan to me. [He shrugs, gesturing to the door. Your choice of destination, fearless leader!]

[Fearless leader picks Seventh Heaven. C'mon, puppy, heel.]

[/HEELS. And he's surprised, though it would be nice to see a little taste of Tifa's still in Luceti, considering all her stuff is already gone.]

[Cloud seems to know where the spare key is, and opens the place up the not-felon way, closing the door after them and locking it for good measure. He doesn't really want any other company right now.]

[No complaints here. Zack beelines for the bar counter, lifting up the divider and taking up the spot by the drinks and glasses, trying to look as casual as possible.]

What can I get you?

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