wingenvy | [Ahaha belated post is belated.]

Current Mood: chipper

[Ahaha belated post is belated.]

Nice to see the sun again. Man, I thought I missed the mako before, but not being able to see a thing in the dark sucked. Good thing Seph could see or we'd have bumped into each other all week.

Hey Spike, how're you and the kids holding up? Do they miss me yet? ^_~ If you need me over there as a buffer or just some company, let me know. I'll probably come around to visit soon anyway. It's cool to hang out with Seph and all but he's not exactly good for conversation.

[Private to Cloud - unhackable]

How's the Geostigma? Were you able to find some help for it?

[/Private]

So from what I've heard, people are branching out a bit and planning some fun events. I think that's awesome! May as well kick back and tell the Malnosso to stuff it now and then. Anything less would be like cooperating, right?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[...right. Well, he could humor Zack at least, and does just that, reaching up to grip Zack's wrist and scoff.]

Fair, you are going to regret this.

[Zack gave Cloud a mock-serious look, tone taking a similar mood.]

Strife, I regret nothing.

[That's Cloud's cue to grab Zack's arm and flip him over his shoulder, wrenching his head free and smirking triumphantly at him, upside-down.]

What about now?

[Hey, that was just unfair. Zack blinks, suddenly on his back, Cloud hovering above him and smirking away like he'd just won a war singlehandedly. How the hell had he done that?]

...You cheated. And I'm still not sorry.

[Cloud raised a brow, sitting back on his heels.]

How exactly was that-

[Suddenly Cloud gives a little lurch, clutching at his left arm with a sharp hiss.]

[Shit. Zack hurriedly sits up, moving closer so he could do the hovering instead, worried for his friend, but not touching him to avoid causing him more pain.]

Spike, you okay?!

[Cloud couldn't answer for a bit; that high-pitched shriek was echoing in his ears and through his head, dredging up memories (some he recalled and some he didn't) to flash before his eyes before a dark haze took over his vision and he lashed out to catch himself before his face met the carpet.

There was a brief moment where he wasn't aware of anything before he managed to gasp out a response.]

-alright- ...I-I'm alright-

[Geez. That geostigma was really messing him up. Zack takes a chance and gently grasps Cloud around the shoulders, helping him up and tugging him to the couch to sit him down before he falls over. He plops down beside his friend once more, still supporting him.]

Don't lie to me, man. Does it still hurt?

[There's some more breath-catching and Cloud reaches up to cover his eyes. His arm ached.]

...no, I'm...it's just kind of a rush. I'm fine now.

Alright, I trust you.

[Zack purses his lips, giving Cloud's back an encouraging rub. Maybe wrestling around hadn't been the best idea.]

Just settle down and relax for a while, I guess.

[Cloud shook his head a bit, but didn't move his hand. Headache, ugh. He'd go get some medicine in a sec.]

It wasn't because of you, y'know. It's random.

[Zack doesn't even blink, concealing his worry and relief with the skill of one who had done it time and time again.]

Oh, I know. But I'm still worried about you.

Don't be. I can handle it.

[Cloud rubbed his eyes before dropping his hand and staring up at the ceiling. Not long now, probably; in a way, he was almost relieved. He would come back, and without the Geostigma.]

[Zack hesitates for a moment, then, as if reading Cloud's mind, asks what he's been wondering for some time.]

How long do you have?

[Cloud turned to regard Zack quietly before glancing down at his lap, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.]

...I'm not sure. From what I remember about it back home...a few weeks. I think the Mako slows it down a little bit.

[A few weeks of that? Zack didn't envy Cloud any. Though at least he'd be back again, good as new.]

Alright, I'll be ready, then. I can come stay here while I'm looking after the kids, and you'll be back in no time to take over.

[Cloud smiled, sending Zack what he hoped was a reassuring smile and reaching out to pat his shoulder tentatively.]

Right. I won't be gone long; I promise.

[Zack is quiet for a moment, then nods, returning the smile.]

I'll hold you to that. Mako or no, I'm not going to let you lie around forever - I'd find a way to bring you home, just like before.

[Cloud ducks his head, nodding a bit.]

...I know. I trust you.

[Zack's smile turns into a grin, giving his arm - the one without the Geostigma, of course - a light cuff.]

You better! I'd be scarred for life if you didn't.

[Cloud gives Zack a little shove in return.]

I doubt that, but I'll come back anyways. There's too much here for me not to.

[Not to mention he promised...well, okay. So Zack was alive and it wasn't really necessary to live for them both at this point, but a promise is a promise.]

As long as you keep remembering that. Me, Simon, Denzel, all the others who care about you - they'll be waiting for you to come back safe.

I know.

[Cloud leans back to stare up at the ceiling again, seeming to wilt a little bit.]

...I haven't told anybody yet. Do you think I should, before it gets too obvious...?

[Zack frowns at him, watching him carefully.]

I think a lot of people would be hurt that you didn't say anything. On the other hand, some would probably understand why. I don't think you should surprise the kids with it, though.

[Cloud scrubs his face with his palms, groaning a bit.]

I'd have no idea how to tell them...but if they see me just keel over it'll scare the hell out of them. What should I do...?

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