wingenvy | (no subject)

[Well, she's looking quite a bit more troubled now that she's seeing Cloud's reaction to her being here. She's not even sure if she should say anything; she's a stranger to him after all. And...in how he's probably interpreting the situation...not just a stranger, but an intruder.]

So, should I...

[Never quite finishes that question.]

...No. It's okay. You're just stopping by to walk with me, right? [Zack steps past Cloud, patting Aerith's shoulder.] This is Aerith, the one I'm going to look after. Nothing serious, right?

[He'd picked her.

Walked right past Cloud. To her. Touched her shoulder, told her it was all right. Comforted her. Had the gall to look at Cloud and lie through his teeth. "Nothing serious," bullshit. Zack was a flirt. Zack was a ladies' man. And apparently...Zack had decided to move on. He was done with Cloud.

Cloud had experienced heartbreak...but never like this. Looks like he didn't want you after all.

Cloud's hands were shaking -everything was shaking- and he turns jerkily, forcing out a quick, choked phrase-] Forget it. [-before making straight for the door.]

[The funny thing is, he probably will. He's probably going to forget all about this in ten minutes because it involves her and any memories of her are just like so many dandelion seeds, whisked away by the wind.

But if he does remember any of this--]

I asked him to be my bodyguard. It's only until I get settled in.

[She hopes he'll remember that Zack isn't leaving, that this is just temporary.]

[Sigh. He knew that was coming, so before Cloud can brush past him and escape, Zack grabs ahold of Cloud's arm, pulling him back and tugging him close. Not too close, not yet - Cloud's all too often inclined to yank and fight, and Zack wants a solid grip to keep him from running off.]

I didn't tell you because I knew you'd get jealous for no reason.

[Take that, you paranoid bastard.]

Let me go.

[Aerith doesn't say anything, holding her breath for a few seconds.]

[Easy answer.] No. You're not listening.

How stupid do you think I am? [Cloud yanks at his arm in Zack's grip.] You didn't tell me because you thought I'd be jealous? How hard is it to say "I'm gonna go look after Aerith, a friend of mine, I'll be back in a few."

You kept her a secret. You tell me why you thought I'd be jealous. [And then Cloud, in a fit of sheer fury, asked the question he hadn't wanted to.] You look me in the eyes and tell me she's just a friend.

You're not stupid. And no, she's not just a friend. [She's.... god, what the hell does he say she is.] ...She's someone from home.

She's what. [Cloud tells himself that if Zack dodges an answer one more time, he's leaving the room and not coming back. ...of course, depending on the answer he might just do that anyway.]

[Well. Let's try being honest.... a little...]

She was my girlfriend. Will you hear me out?

[Nope. He's leaving.]

[Asshole.]

...You really don't trust me. After all this, you don't...

[SLAM.]

[Oh for the love of-]

Be right back, Aerith.

[Following that dumb chocobo head now D|]

Cloud, hold on already!

Edited 2009-07-08 09:35 (UTC)

[Not holding on. Cloud wants to just storm right out of the house, but...kids. So he settles for his room, locking the door behind himself. Go away, Zack.]

[That's fine, he'll just stand outside your door and talk. You can't run away in there.]

I'm not cheating on you, Spike. Not bailing, either.

[Cloud can't help but listen, but he doesn't stop moving around. Just...moving things. Picking up in his room for once. Anything to distract him from what Zack's saying.]

Aren't you even going to tell me why you're doing this? I was honest with you! You can get pissed off, yell at me, tell me I'm being a jerk. Say something!

[He can't. Because underneath the hurt and the anger...he doesn't blame Zack.

I wouldn't want to be with me either.

Cloud rests his back against the door, sinking down. Now he just feels tired.]

[Zack hears that, lips pursing, then crouches down, trying to be closer to ear level.]

...I'm still with you. I'm not leaving you for her.

[Cloud pulls in tighter. Yes he was.]

[No he's not.]

Talk to me. Please.

[Cloud grits his teeth.

He chokes very quietly.]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]