bakerstreet | ( nursed back to health shipping meme. )

( ooc: I'm going to bed shortly but just poking this all the same. I'm good with bros or otherwise if you'd be up for it. Do you have a preference on who would be injured/sick? )

(ooc: ngl i just squealed so happily when I saw this appear in my inbox! I'm honestly good with anything as far as bros or more. And maybe go with Zack being the injured one for a change? BD)

( ooc: |D;; Good to know it was worth overcoming the stare down then. But okay, cool! I tend to play it pretty ambiguous anyway and let things slide wherever they want to go. And I'm totally cool with Zack being the injured one, too. Let's be real. He'd likely do something stupid to protect him. ~~Wouldn't be the first time.~~ )

[ Not good's an understatement.

His vision's still swimming from that almost skull-cracking hit to the head, he can't move his arm, he's tasting blood, and he's pretty damn sure from the difficulty of each breath he takes that he's either bruised or broken his ribs. That's not also including the multiple puncture wounds front to back. It has been a day.

Still worth it, some blurry part of him had thought between all the blood loss and dizziness. He would do it all over again. No matter the cost to himself, it's what kept his companion alive. And that had made it all worth it.

Doesn't make bed rest any easier though. Especially when he first wakes up and Cloud's not there.

Yeah, he might be in the process of trying to ditch out of it to find him. Never mind the way the room spins from just sitting up. That certainly doesn't stop him from trying his luck- and nearly falling flat on his face in the process of. Luckily, he manages to catch himself on the furniture. Not so luckily, everything flares up in protest and he's left gritting his teeth, a sharp hiss escaping from him.

He's an idiot. ]

(ooc: Letting things happen as they happen is the best way to go, imo! BD)

[The only reason Cloud wasn't there was because he was trying to find some more supplies to keep Zack's dumb self from falling apart. They had limited supplies as it was and leave it to Zack to attempt to use them all in one go.

Typical, really.

He had hoped the other would stay asleep while he was gone, planning to be quick about his excursion but he walked in on exactly the opposite. The bag of supplies was tossed onto one of the chairs as he quickly made his way over to his friend, catching him as gently as he could around the waist.

You probably can't see it, Zack, but that's definitely a frown marring his expression.]

What are you doing up?

[ He can't see it at all. Still a bit busy seeing stars at the moment. But he can definitely feel at arm taking on his weight, definitely hear him. And it's enough to ebb some of the tension out of his body, even as he struggles to speak. ]

Looking- for you. Looks like- I didn't have to look-too-far-shit- really shouldn't'a done that.

[ He leans heavily on his friend, breathing labored. Slowly, using the new leverage, he starts to sink back to the bed. Damn, would he go for a mastered cure or restore or whatever they're calling them now. But he gets it. Gets why they use them so sparingly anymore.

Still smarts like hell right then. Cloud can likely see the red patches where bandages saturate with blood from reopened wounds. ]

Edited 2016-04-16 01:31 (UTC)

No, you shouldn't have.

[There's an underlying note of exasperation to his voice but the majority of what's shining through is pure worry. He's already eyeing those soaked bandages, even before Zack starts to sink to the bed and he guides the other to lay down once before.

Once he's sure Zack's comfortable, the blonde moves across the room to snag the supplies he came back with.]

I'm going to have to rewrap them.

[Cloud pauses beside the bed, fighting to keep himself from mother-henning too much...and failing. A little bit.]

Do you want anything before I start?

[ It's that very concern that gets that guilty feeling creeping up inside him. Just enough for him not to meet Cloud's eyes immediately at first. But in the end, Cloud's alright. He's alive. And the former First, himself, apparently managed to get through it, too. Win-win situation, right?

...Okay, he could go without all the broken bones, but he wouldn't have been much of a SOLDIER if he couldn't handle a little pain. Just a little.

The eyeful he gets of his own bandages when Cloud's comment prompts him to look might have him reevaluating that as he settles on the bed, slightly propped up on pillows. He closes his eyes momentarily, trying to steady his breathing further and stop aggravating his wounds. Never mind he's going to be sore again in a moment there anyway.

The question though? Gets him finally looking his friend's way again with a thoughtful hum. ] I guess a drink of water would be nice.

[Cloud gave a slight nod, setting down the bag of supplies.]

Alright.

[His eyes narrow slightly as he stares down at his injured company.]

Stay put.

[That's not a request, Zack. That's an order. And while Cloud is well aware that his friend can be terrible at following orders, he won't hesitate to tie the other to the bed if it comes to it. Anything to keep him from moving around more and causing anymore damage than what's already there.

Because at this point, he's already starting to think this may be more than he can handle alone.

After his light threat, the blonde disappears to go fetch the older solider a glass of water, taking an extra minute to compose himself more before returning.

He settles on the edge of the bed, offering Zack the glass.]

I'll try to be careful while I do this but it's probably going to hurt no matter what. [There's an apologetic note to his voice as he starts rummaging through the supplies he'd gotten ahold of, pulling out some new bandages.] I'll save your chest and abdomen for last. Give you a little bit of rest before then.

[ Stay put, he said.

In some ways, it's much easier said than done. In others though... well, he did just aggravate the hell out of all of his injuries. Enough that between that and the worry in Cloud's brow... he sticks to the bed. Realistically, he knows he's gonna be bored and restless in no time, but. Hopefully, SOLDIER healing will make his stay not so long lasting. He'd rather not end up tied to the bed, thanks.

At least he's not alone for long. And at least Cloud seems.. calmer when he returns? Man, he must'a really worried him. Now, Zack really feels like a heel. But... not enough to take the glass with his hand free of the sling when said glass is offered. He takes careful gulps as opposed to his usual shameless inhalation, breathing easy between the sips.

A brow raises at that explanation though. The moment he's freed his good hand of that glass, he's gonna be reaching out to touch his friend's arm. To give it a gentle but firm squeeze where he can reach. ] Spike, I'll be alright. I've been through worse and you know it.

[Worse case scenario, he could always just knock you out, Zack. Then you wouldn't be bored nor would you try to get out of bed. Win win situation in his opinion.

He's glad to see the other actually show some restraint in drinking, not really keen on the idea of adding choking to the list of Zack's current ailments. (He's seen the other eat before and it's like watching a starving animal. No offense, Zack.)

The touch to his arm has him looking away from the bandages he'd been digging out, concern flickering across his expression as Zack attempts to calm his worries.]

That doesn't mean I have to personally make it worse for you. [Because he could attempt to make his friend comfortable, at the very least.] Plus, for all I know you could just be saying that and not really telling me how bad you're hurting now that you've reopened some of your wounds again. [His eyes narrow as he says that because honestly? He wouldn't be surprised if Zack tried something like that.]

[ Harsh, man! Why would you ever wanna do that!?

Probably a good thing Zack remains completely oblivious to those considerations though. And opinions for that matter. It's the furthest thing, regardless, when Cloud's regarding him with a look like that. It causes his own to fragment and divide into something between sheepish and apologetic... especially at that latter expectant gaze. It gets a smile breaking across the surface of his face, the kind that's like that kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar. ]

Since when would I ever do that? [ It still doesn't hurt to try to keep things lighthearted, does it? ]

[Because you're you, Zack. That's why.

Cloud manages to hold up his slight glare for a moment more before he let's out a long suffering sigh.]

When would you not? [Even with the sigh it's easy to see that his posture has relaxed a bit and the worry that had been lingering in his gaze has started to mix with a fondness that only shows itself around Zack these days.

As much as the other can be a headache at times with how rash he is, Cloud wouldn't have him any other way.]

[ That is known as cruel and unusual punishment, buddy.

...But he sees the way Cloud softens up, even as he shoots that question back at him. And it's enough to get Zack, himself, to start to relax, too. He chimes back swiftly: ] Like you're any better.

[ If you're going to take a swipe at him, expect an attitude back, Spike. Well, for as much attitude as that playful voice projects. He reaches over to take one more swift mouthful of water before he sets down that glass once more. Then he nods calmly, giving him the floor with the way he leans back on the headboard. Up and ready to tolerate that redressing. ] Ready when you are.

[But it's necessary when it comes to you, Zack. It really is.

Cloud can't help but let out an amused snort at the other's quip, shaking his head in a sort of exasperated--yet fond--manner.]

I at least take care of myself when I'm hurt.

[Unlike some people.

He watches the other take another sip of water and there's an approving look on his face, glad to see his friend willingly doing what needs to be done. And then the show is his again and Cloud gives a nod as he shifts closer and starts to unwrap some of Zack's bandages.]

If it starts to hurt too much, tell me.

[ IS IT. IS IT REALLY?

But ouch. Harsh. That was harsh, man. Enough to get a soft snort of his own, but... yeah, Zack can't really argue against that. Gaia knows what hell he's put himself through before. Cloud's been his personal witness to the worst of it.

And then some apparently. Zack simply nods at that admission, already bracing himself. The start of the bandages really isn't bad. Most of it's layers at that point and he starts to relax minutely... maybe trying to settle himself in the calm before the storm.

-Too soon of a storm judging by the way he tenses when Cloud finally reaches the beginning of the dried blood. For now, it's all tension though. Not a hint of audible complaint, even as Zack's eyes squint shut.

Hold his tongue. Get it over with. ]

[YES. YES IT IS. That or a leash. YOU PICK, YOU DAMN PUPPY.

There's a bit of a satisfied tinge to Cloud's expression when the other just seems to concede the point. He may not have known Zack that long but he'd like to think he was good at reading people. And Zack was an open book, let's be honest.

He takes care as he starts to unwrap the bandages, frowning a bit more with each pass around. Even with all the care he's taking, though, the other still winces and Cloud pauses as his eyes snap up to Zack's face.

Of course the other is going to play it strong though.

There's a moment more of hesitation before he nods--more to himself than Zack--and starts to peel the bandages away from the wound. He tries not to go too slow but, at the same time, he doesn't want to hurt the other and by the time he finally gets done he realizes he's holding his breath. It comes out in a quick exhale, worry seeping into Cloud's eyes as he looks over the wound.]

It looks better than it did.

[ DON'T YOU START WITH THE PUPPY NONSENSE CHOCOBO BUTT.

Unraveling the start of the bandages had been one thing. But the very clear peeling that started... and the way it doesn't stop? That's enough to finally garner a choked hiss out of him, one that escalates the further things continue. He knows Cloud's being careful as he can be. He knows it has to be done.

Still hurts like hell.

He's had worse though. That's the mantra he seems dead set on following here.

-That last tug still earns an audible curse as he hunches forward, eyes pinched shut and not opening any time soon as he takes heavy breaths. Despite that, he grunts out: ] Go-Good to kn-know.

[HEY, IT'S JUST THE TRUTH. EVERYONE KNOWS YOU'RE A GIANT PUPPY DOG.

The bandages are dropped to the floor as Cloud reaches out to gently steady the other, his hand ending up curled against the back of Zack's neck.]

Easy...slow, deep breaths okay?

[Despite his attempts to keep his tone calm, there is worry laced through it, concern for the other and how much pain he's still in. Cloud lingers like that for a long moment, his thumb absently stroking the back of Zack's neck now in an attempt to just soothe him a bit.

Anything to help him get his mind off the pain.]

Heh... Easy- for you to say... [ Despite the jab, Zack does his best to do just that, fighting to regain his scattered control. Discipline deep rooted in pain tolerance at least if nothing else, he works on evening out his breathing.

The touch helps, those fingers and the rub of his thumb getting him to relax marginally. Getting him leaning forward whether consciously or not, until his forehead's rested lightly against Cloud's shoulder. He takes in a deep, shaky breath... Lets it out carefully. A soft hint of a chuckle escapes him. ] That's one... huh.

[Cloud didn't bother to reply to that comment, shaking his head a bit. He knew that he was mostly just talking out his ass at this point, saying what he was apparently suppose to say in a situation like this because it was the same sort of thing everyone did. But there were some things, some of those 'everyone does them' things, that were helpful.

Like controlling your breathing.

A soft frown touches his lips as the other's forehead connects with his shoulder. He really wished there was a doctor he could take the other to; someone they could trust with this but right now they didn't have a lot of options. Cloud just wasn't sure if he was going to be able to do enough.]

Yeah...only a few more to go.

[A few is kind of an understatement but he's trying to lighten the mood.]

[ A doctor would be wonderful right about now.

You know. One of the nice ones that preferably didn't stick you with needles and dissect you with scalpels. Those docs he'd be good with.

But... not much of an option, no. He's going to have to trust in Cloud here. Thing is? That's a definite at least. He trusted him with Sephiroth. He's not about to lose his faith in him now. So, he nods against Cloud's shoulder with another touch of quiet laughter, hand coming up to finally rest on the shoulder of the man before him. ] Let's keep going.

[ Knowing they both know the truth of the script doesn't stop Zack from using it any less. ]

Edited 2016-05-03 21:23 (UTC)

[Like he would let anyone but an actually decent doctor touch you, Zack, after everything that's happened.

He's hesitant to continue, if only because that first unwrapping had caused his friend so much pain but..they don't have a lot of choices. So Zack's nod prompts a nod from the blonde in return as he starts to work at another wrapping--this one around Zack's chest.

It's not as easy as the first one had been and there aren't near as many layers to it, meaning after only a few passes he's peeling it away again. Cloud fights the urge to stop as the wound blossoms red when the bandages are pulled away, monitoring Zack's breathing as best he can.]

[ Probably for the best... though kneejerk fist throwing might happen anyway.

But not with Cloud. Even as he starts to unwrap that next wound, Zack sticks firm to his belief in him. Even when it really starts to tug and pull at the wound beneath just like it had before- only its definitely worse this time and it's not about to get any better, the more Cloud progresses with it. For all of what Zack's endured in his life and all of which he'll stubbornly continue to endure in the future, pain of this degree simply isn't something anyone gets used to. Pain of this degree breaks up his breathing pattern again.

Enough pain to garner a pathetic hint of a whimper through clenched teeth, even as he does his best to bite it back. Endure, endure, endure. He lets out a sharp breath, pushing Cloud despite his worries with a ] Do-Don't stop.

[Try as you might, Zack, there's no helping the way his hands falter as he catches that faint whimper, his gaze snapping up to focus on the other's face. He starts to say something but Zack gets there first and Cloud immediately wants to protest. They can take their time with this. There's no need to rush it.

But he knows if he was in Zack's position he'd be demanding the same thing.

His hands are still for a moment longer as he stares at his friend, tries to reassuring himself that this is okay and that continuing is the best option. Finally the bandages are moved again and Cloud starts to ease them around for another pass, his jaw clenched as he attempts to get this done as quickly as he can--

Without making the other bleed more than he has to.]

[ It doesn't surprise him when he falters. Not really. If there roles were reversed, he would have done the same. There's no doubt in his mind of that. But waffling around it will get them nowhere. He knows it... and Cloud does, too. Zack can see it in his eyes if not barely through his own squinting ones.

He wants to reassure him. He usually does. But in the pain, it's hard to crack a smile that doesn't look rueful. And it's a bare bones of one at that when already Cloud's starting to peel at them again. He sucks in another breath, tensing without meaning to as another layer's slowly but painfully unwound. He knows Cloud's trying to get it over quick. He knows he's not the only one hurting in this. It might not be physically, but he can see the emotions crossing Cloud's face, even if-

Zack has to duck in again against Cloud's shoulder to muffle a howl through clenched teeth as the last of that bandage. It's difficult to see the condition of the wound when blood's already swelled up out of the openings and has begun trickling down his side, but it's definitely nothing good. Zack's breathing's momentarily erratic, even as he fights for that self-control he had just moments before. ] Go-Good- I'm-

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And then work ate me @@;;

Oh trust me, I know how this goes <3

IT'S A PARTY, RIGHT?

BEST PARTY EVAR no it's really not sobs

Not really at all. BUT WE CAN PRETEND IT IS.

LEMME GET THE NOISEMAKERS

DO THE THING. DO IT. LET ME GET THE LEIS

AWYEAH NOW IT'S A PARTY

NO WAIT GOTTA GET OUT THE GLOWSTICKS TOO

TURNING UP THE MUSIC NOW KTHNX

AW YEAH I'M READY FOR THIS

RAVE TIME WITH PUPPY AND CHOCOBO

THE SYSYEM IS DOWN THE SYSTEM IS DOWN UNCE UNCE UNCE UNCE

TAKING OVER - DANCE. REVOLUTION.

DROP THE BOMB https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBLnOlzowYY