bakerstreet | ( nursed back to health shipping meme. )

[Those quickened steps have him shutting off everything else so he can focus, giving a quick nod to Zack before he's picking his own pace up. He's mindful of Zack still, his companion apart of this honed focus that he's forcing on himself at the moment but there's always going to be lapses. Always going to be something.

Something like garbage which is everywhere in Midgar these days.

When Zack stumbles Cloud goes with him, his arm tightening around the other to keep him upright despite the mess of stuff they're practically wading through. He can hear their followers re-gaining that lost ground and it takes everything he has not to turn to face them. Instead he just hauls Zack closer, hauls him upright a bit more and gets them moving again.

He leaves the listening to Zack and focuses on maneuvering them through the rest of the alleyway, blocking out the sounds of those footsteps, blocking out everything as he gets Zack over some overturned garbage bins and then there's open street before them. Cloud wastes no time in practically pushing Zack into the crowd, shouldering past a few people to get them as deep into the throng as he can.]

[ It's probably for the best that Cloud shuts off and focuses like he does. He's the one with the coordination at the moment, the one that's not going to be hurting if he takes the fall versus Zack, himself. -That's especially emphasized as much when he catches Zack's fall there and then and pulls him along and forward.

Past the trash and the cans and then suddenly into the swarm of the busy street. People going every which way all of a sudden feels almost dizzying, but Zack fights to keep focus- he can't lose it right then and there or they're good as dead. His body's already screaming full tilt, but still he keeps on going, senses drowning in the chorus of shouts and jeers and whispers of the crowd around them. In his state, it's easy for him to lose track of those footsteps, so now he has to look back.

But with how deep they've gone, he can't make out their follower.

He can only hope they lost them in the wave after wave of people. But for now, he keeps moving, keeps looking here and there to make sure they really aren't being followed. Even as his breathing starts to go uneven again. Even as sweat starts to procure on his brow from their pace. He'll go where you lead him though, Cloud. He trusts you. Never mind the mess they're in. ]

[Crowds weren't Cloud's favorite thing in the world but they served their purpose. Both of them stood out, sure, but the more people, the more of a scene it would be if someone tried to do something to them. What they had to watch for was anyone trying to grab them and pull them off course--or separate them. Every person that brushed against him had Cloud tensing as he kept moving, weaving through the crowd and trying not to cause Zack too much discomfort--

Well. Okay. He was trying not to cause the other's wounds to open at this point. They had done a good job healing thus far but it would be just their luck that one of them would reopen out here.

It's the uneven breathing that really gets to him and he casts a quick glance at the other before making a quick decision. They veer with the flow of the crowd and instead of doubling back Cloud heads in the complete opposite direction of their place. It was a risk, a big one, but they didn't have many options at the moment. His arm slips around Zack's waist once more and this time draws him closer, carrying more of his friend's weight as they make their way towards the one place Cloud knows they have friends:

7th Heaven.]

[ So far, so good. Not that the crowd doesn't look at them twice over. They get plenty of side glances. But that doesn't lessen Zack's pace and neither does it for Cloud. It doesn't mean they don't have a few close calls though- a few almost separations. Especially at that sudden change of direction. It gets him staggering against by the abruptness. But then Cloud draws him in and that negates that issue right then and there.

He's there. He's got him.

And Zack's reminded again why he's always trusted him to have his back.

With his weight more sustained, he breathes a bit more easily.. although something in him sinks at the realization of where they're headed. ] You know it may not end well if we get them involved. [ He knows how dependable they've been.

He also knows Barret has a temper and there's a little girl there, too. This might get worse before it gets better.

Judging from the familiar shadow of a person he catches off to the right though, that might be their only option. They're quicker than he thought. Smarter, too. And Cloud's unarmed. Zack bites his lip and pushes his pace. ]

[The people they pass by don't matter to Cloud. Not unless they are about to actively try and do something to them. They're just hazards that they have to navigate around and he does so with ease.]

I know. But we don't have a lot of options. [It was two of them--him without a weapon and Zack injured--against however many people were on their tail. He trusted his friends to be able to handle anything that came their way and he knew if they caught wind of the fact that they had been in trouble and hadn't come for help? He'd never hear the end of it.

He catches sight of the same person that Zack does and grits his teeth, steering his friend into a thicker throng of people.] We're almost there. Once it's in view I want you to go ahead. [Because Cloud could fight them off if it came down to it, weapon or not. Zack? Well, the other would try but his injuries were going to hold him up.

And Cloud wasn't about to let him fight if he could help it.

Something brushed his arm and he jerked away from the touch of fingers, starting to lose his grip on Zack in the process. The man that had made the grab was shouldered backwards before Cloud was attempting to get up against his friend's side again, his heart in his throat as much as he tried to hide it.

Lucky for them a familiar building was visible just ahead.]

[ Go on ahead, he says.

By all logic, he knows he should follow. But it can be hard as hell to follow logic when first instinct's to defend and fight back against whoever or whatever's out there. It's that same instinct that had almost left him for dead in the wastes. Sheer dumb luck had been their only saving grace, had been the only thing that saved them probably in the end with that.

Sheer dumb luck isn't always on their side though and he knows that- especially as he's about to protest- ] I'm not gonna- [ But he's cut off then and there, caught off balance and suddenly having to hold his own weight which isn't easy when he doesn't expect it. Just as he's finding his footing, Cloud's back and he's automatically got his arm around him again, even as he mutters uneasily: ] Yeah, okay, you might have a point.

[ If he stays there, Cloud's gonna have his attention split between defending him and taking on whoever's been trailing them. At least if he's out of the way, Spike won't have to do double time. It still doesn't sit well to move like this- feels like he's abandoning him. But he knows Cloud's grown in their time between when they escaped as research samples and the end of Sephiroth. He's gotta trust him. So, he squeezes his shoulder one last time-

and then he pushes off if not with a: ] I damn well better see you come through that door soon, you hear? [ He's gonna give you hell otherwise, man. Past the rough edge, there's a lingering concern.. but Zack's already on the move if not touching his stomach just a bit. He keeps his eyes peeled though, knowing they aren't out of the woods just yet. ]

[Cloud just gives a quick nod in response, his arm falling away from Zack as the other sets off for the bar. His gaze lingers for only a moment more--he only allows himself to have that moment--before he's turning to intercept another one of their followers. The man ends up meeting a brick wall with his face as Cloud slams him up against it, gloved fingers tangled in his hair as he yanks him back and slams the man against it again.

Not hard enough to kill. This time at least.

He let's go of the man and doesn't spare him a second glance as the body slumps to the ground, eyes already scanning the crowd for the next--

Though what he doesn't see is the one on Zack's trail, the one shoving some people out of the way in an attempt to snag the injured man's arm to draw him back. He's far too busy beelining for another man that's already trying to make a break for it, intent on actually trying to get a few answers out of this one.

If he can.]

[ It's hard not to look back. It's hard not to want to backtrack. Instinct yells at him to do so, to go back and help, that he should be helping. But logic tells him that's a surefire way to get killed at this point. He's handled a hell of a lot in his life. He wasn't promoted to First Class for nothing.

But even the strongest can fall. Especially when as weakened as they are. As weakened as he is.

Doesn't stop him from hearing those footsteps keen to follow him in his tracks. He feels the grip on his arm and that's enough for his to twist and jar out, ripping away from the man by curling just right against his thumb. It gets him out of hand- but it doesn't stop the pursuit in the least as the other hand comes up and this time in the form of a fist. Zack's fast- always has been. But with the episode from before, his reflexes come a fraction too late and before he knows it, he's backpedaling into a post. He lets out a hiss of breath at the flare of wounds, but then he's ducking a second later when another fist comes- pushing forward them to try and barrel his weight into his opponent and shove him down to the ground.

The momentum works- but it sends Zack sprawling down with him when he overshoots the force. ]

[Cloud's in the process of pining another of their attackers down, the man's arm wretched behind his back while the blonde presses his knee into the man's spine, when he hears the commotion from down the street. It comes in the form of some people crying out in surprise as Zack barrels into his own attacker and Cloud looks over just as both forms hit the ground.

A quick blow to the back of his own captive's neck knocks him out as well, questions forgot as Cloud gets to his feet and takes off towards where Zack is. He can hear another pair of people approaching from one of the side streets as he reaches his companion and he grabs Zack around the chest so he can haul him up. The man Zack had tackled isn't giving up that easy but a quick kick to the abdomen knocks him back again as Cloud struggles to keep his--an a certain wounded soldier's--balance, practically dragging Zack to his feet as he stumbles towards the bar.

He knows his friend has to be hurting bad at this point but he can't afford to waste time with being careful at the moment and as soon as he can Cloud shoves the other at the stairs.]

Go!

[Then he's turning to block a punch, grabbing the man's wrist to jerk him around and swing him into the other attacker.]

[ He doesn't need to be told twice- well, not unless you get technical.

Either way, despite the pain, he's on the move again as soon as he feels that rough shove. At first, he's a hot mess of footfalls, but he eventually finds his footing somehow along the way up the stairs and he wastes not time springing open the door.

Inside, his eyes immediately dart to the young woman on the other side of the counter who's already got her fists up in defense but quickly lowers them at a: ] Tifa! [ It's all he gets out as he juts a quick thumb over his shoulder and she nods in acknowledgement. Then she's hopping the bar and racing out to intersect whoever's going after them. Fists fly and crack the jaw of the first person she comes across. Another's flipped off the porch and the last gets flipped onto their back with a loud snap against the grain of the old wood.

They had expected company from Cloud. They hadn't expected her. ]

[Oh and Cloud is so thankful that they hadn't been.

Tifa intervening helps more than he can express and once he's able to breath he kneels down to check the pockets of two of the individuals. There's nothing that would indicate who they are or why they were there, though Cloud had his suspicions and he scoffs lightly. Figures. He doesn't bother to move the men, leaving them where they lay because honestly he'd rather focus on other things right now and he wastes no more time heading inside--after a quick nod of thanks to Tifa, of course. (What would he do without her around?)

Beelining for Zack once he's inside, Cloud's hands catch the other's shoulders so he can get a good look at him. Worry is splashed all over his face no matter how hard he tries to hide it, worried that wounds that shouldn't have reopened because of how far along in the healing process they were had.]

Are you alright? [Don't lie to him, Zack.]

[ The nod still earns a sidelong glance from Tifa in the end. Because seriously, what kind of trouble did those two get themselves into now? But realistically, she knows they need to get inside and out of sight of patrons. That means locking the front door right after Cloud's in and then heading over to a hidden lever because all the cool kids have strange hiding places in their bars, okay. She only pauses to wave them over when she sees Cloud still busy at the moment.

Busy with Zack leaning at the bar counter, his body feeling like it's on fire. He only seems to refocus when Cloud's hands land on his shoulders and he jolts way too suddenly. A smile touches his lips in spite of the worried brow, old habits dying hard. Never mind that oddly paler touch to his face. Never mind the sweat on his brow or the way his breathing's heavy. He still touches a hand to Cloud's shoulder, still reassures. ] I'll be okay, Spike. Heh... Just our luck as usual, huh..?

[Cloud gives Tifa a slight nod of acknowledgement but he doesn't move Zack just yet, eyeing the other because that smile. Stop it with the smiles, especially when you're that pale, Zack.

Then again, he wouldn't be Zack if he didn't smile 24/7 now would he?]

Luckiest people on the planet. [It comes out softly, an attempt at humor that falls flat as he let's go of the other's shoulders in favor of pressing against his side so he can get an arm around him.] Come on. [The sooner they get somewhere out of sight and mind, the sooner he could get Zack resting.]

[ Better to smile and worry him than to be in too much pain to smile at all, right?

The joke, however flat it falls, still garners something more genuine out of the former First Class SOLDIER though. He falls into step then with the other, not resisting help when he knows he needs it. His own arm ropes around his friend and he leans his weight into him as he walks. It's another slow plod that seems to take forever before they're through the door and down the steps, Tifa promising to check on them later and that they ought to be covered as far as supplies go.

She also might be giving them a look that warns of a later lecture, but whatcha gonna do? Zack's not complaining if it means they at least get some peace for a bit there. Even if peace will have to come after taking to the stairs. They're steep and uneven which is tricky when he's also trying not to aggravate wounds on top of that. ] You'd think she'd get an elevator.. [ Another stupid joke. Work with him though. ]

[...Fair point.

Cloud is well aware that a lecture is in their future. He's been on the receiving end of it many a times in the past and he's just started to expect them no matter what it is he does. He's grateful to Tifa, though, and he'll happily allow her to rant at them if it means that she'll always have their backs. Just like he'll always have hers.

A soft snort escapes the blonde at Zack's comment and he makes the other pause for a moment, allowing him to get a couple steps down. He guides Zack's hands to his own shoulders so the other man can use him for balance.]

Maybe we'll have to help her invest in one. Especially if this is going to be a common thing for us. [Honestly, it's not a bad idea. One day he's just going to buy her an entirely new bar though. A thank you for everything.] One step at a time, alright?

[He'll be right there to guide you down, Zack.]

[ There's admittedly a bit of almost comical confusion crossing his face as Cloud bids him to stop and just keeps going, himself. Well, at least until the other turns around and sticks his hands on his shoulders. Zack blinks at first because this is definitely... definitely new, yep. He clears his throat maybe a bit too suddenly, even as he nods carefully with a soft hum of acknowledgement. Kinda funny that despite Cloud looking even shorter than before, in that moment, he suddenly seems so much taller.

Maybe it's the blood loss.

Belatedly, he realizes he should probably get a move on. One step at a time, right, Spike? He.. takes to that advice with a bit of caution, even as he finds his smile again if not slightly finicky. ] We probably should... Shiva knows how many times we've already crashed in on her and caused her trouble. [ The words, however teasing, sound distant as his thoughts spin a bit. ]

Edited 2016-05-14 03:00 (UTC)

[He doesn't comment on that throat clearing, tries not to dwell on it right now because they need to focus on getting Zack down the stairs in one piece. But, in the back of his mind, he's definitely rolling that reaction over and over.

One day, they're going to have to address this aren't they?]

She expects it anymore. They all do, I think. [And Cloud felt bad about it, considering he was--in general--bad about visiting his friends. Especially since he spent most of his time taking care of Zack. But they all took it in stride and he couldn't have been more thankful for how often they were always there to offer what help they could.

He takes one step for each couple that Zack does, moving slowly so he doesn't jar the other until they finally reach the bottom. Once they're both on even ground Cloud is right back against his friend's side with an arm around his waist so he can lead him over to the cots that have been set up against one of the walls. He's not going to hear any arguments, Zack, so you better stay when he helps you sit down on the edge of one of them.]

Alright?

[ One day, they will maybe. Today may not be that day. Or maybe it will be? Who's to say?

But for now- ] -huh? [ Right- focus on the conversation on hand. Another nod, this time a bit firmer and this time with an actual smile that meets his eyes. He knows they do, really. But if anything, that just tells him the kind of friends they really are. Good, solid people that can be trusted. He can definitely respect that. And frankly, he's glad to know they have their backs and glad they understand the situation, too. It hadn't been easy to befriend someone who'd once been so far under the thumb of ShinRa, he's sure. Even if it worked out in the end.

Because if it hadn't, well. He wouldn't be finding himself at the end of those steps, hesitating before finally removing his hands and replacing the one arm back around Cloud. Nor would he be finding himself a seat where he does. Which he at least does take without protest. Perhaps only because he knows by now that Cloud will never let him hear the end of it otherwise, too, and he'll more or less be dragged to sitting down anyway. He takes a breather, even as he nods again, letting his head hang briefly. ] So, what do you think that was about back there? 'cause I get the feeling.. either they followed us or someone didn't like us in that place.

[Let's be real. It's going to take someone telling them for them to realize it.

Cloud hesitates for a moment before he kneels down in front of Zack, shrugging slightly.]

I'm not sure. I have my guesses but none of them are pleasant. [ShinRa. Turks. Hired hitmen. It could be any of the above. There were a lot of people that would love to get their hands on a former SOLDIER and a former science experiment. There were questions that had gone unanswered for a long time and he had no doubts that ShinRa wanted nothing more than to reel them in and lock them away forever. Especially after everything Cloud and the others had done in particular.

But like hell he was going to let that happen. If nothing else, he would do whatever it took to keep Zack safe from them. His friend had already been through far too much because of that damn corporation. The whole world had, honestly.]

..We probably aren't going to be able to go back to our place. I'll try and go back tonight to at least grab some of our stuff but they most likely know about it. [Which..sucked. A lot.]

[ True, they're kinda dumb.

But it's hard to sort that out when they have other things on their plate. Namely- Zack nods again with a brief 'Yeah, I kinda figured' to those unpleasantries. But then how could those guesses be anything but unpleasant, really? Whoever they were, they were out for their heads- or worse. Likely much worse. Not a train of thought he was about to walk down the path of though. Like hell he's going to let that ever happen again. Not if he can help it anyway.

And he knows Cloud wouldn't have it any other way either.

At the mention of their place being compromised though, he can't hide the way he deflates a little. Hey, it hadn't been much maybe, but... he'd been starting to get the feeling it had been home. Tifa was great and all- and as loud as Barret could be, he was a really good man in the end, too. Marlene? A sweet kid. But that bar just wasn't where they belonged. Not with the loose ends of loyalists still tailing them. It felt better not getting the others so involved... yet there they were.

Sucking it up, he reaches up to touch Cloud's shoulder again as he finally prods: ] If you're gonna head back there, I'd do it by daylight. It might sound crazy, but there's enough people around there.. and they don't like making scenes. It gives them a bad rep.

[ And considering it's a good possibility it's ShinRa loyalists trying to reestablish their role and trust with the rest of the world... well. It's still questionable if what he's saying is true, but he has a feeling it'll be swarmed in the nightfall. ]

[It's hard to miss the way the other deflates. Honestly, it's taking everything Cloud has not to feel the same way because that...it had been theirs. Their place. Their home and a home was something that Cloud hadn't really had in a long time. The idea of losing it hurt more than he'd like to admit but, then again, home is where the heart is, right?]

True. [Asking someone to go with him might be a good idea as well. Barrett was an intimidating presence and great back up. Even Vincent might be a good option, all things considered. He might be a good person to ask to look into their attackers as well..] I'll wait until morning then. But you're staying here.

[He doesn't know if Zack would have tried to go but he's going to put his foot down before it even comes up in conversation. There's no way in hell he's letting the other get caught up in another mess like that.]

[ He knows Cloud's looking out for him in the end. He also knows that by all logic? He should stay there. That he'll only get in the way if he follows.

Doesn't sit well with him, regardless. He can't hide the grimace on his face- but he also knows that tone. That finality. And in the end... he can't be foolhardy on this. They're lucky enough they both made it in one piece back to Tifa's bar. It could have gone worse- much worse. ]

Fine. [ It doesn't change the way his tone betrays him a bit there, but... ] Take someone with you at least. You know if you asked, they'd go. [ You're a lot tougher than the cadet he once knew, Spike, but he has no idea what's out there and in store for you... and no back up means if you end up knocked out... The idea of Cloud becoming a guinea pig yet again sends an unconscious shiver down his spine, making him grip a little tighter to his shoulder. ]

[When the hand on his shoulder grips tighter Cloud reaches up to rest one of his hands over it. He can only imagine what's going through Zack's head; hell, it's probably similar to his own thought process. The last thing he wants is for either of them to be caught, for either of them to be turned into some pet project for whoever they have working in the labs now.

In the end, though, knocking Cloud out would be the only way they'd get him because he'd fight tooth and nail to get back to Zack.]

Already planned on it. [Vincent would probably be his best bet the more he thought about it. Less questions. Less lectures. The other probably already knew everything that was going on anyway because he was strangely knowing like that.] ..I'll be alright, I promise. [In and out. That's all it was going to be and then he'd be back at the bar before anyone could even miss him.

Another squeeze is given to Zack's hand before Cloud tilts his head, his expression softening some.] You should rest.

[ The touch of that hand on top of his at least seems to soften his expression somewhat. It doesn't entirely erase the concern that's slowly set in his features, but he knows sometimes you gotta put faith in others to do what you can't do yourself. And that alone might be the whole reason why he nods in the end if not without a- ] I'm gonna hold you to that, you know.

[ In and out better be the real deal or he's running out there after you come hell or high water. He's never going to let you go through something like that again. Over his dead body. But for right now...

Right. Sleep. He... probably should. He already jarred himself enough as is. His body needs that rest to restore and heal what he managed to maul in the aftermath of his fighting and their run. Zack.. sighs quietly to himself. ] Alright, alright... Man.. Can't a guy can't a break?

[ Just when it sounds like he's about to lay back down and get some rest though, instead? Instead his hand is sliding up Cloud's shoulder, other arm following along the other side until he's embracing his friend. ] I trust you, man, but seriously.. you keep yourself in one piece.

I know. [He has no doubts about that. He also is well aware that if he takes too long or if something does happen that Zack will rush out to be the hero. All the more reason that he's going to be careful and get in and out as quickly as possible. The idea of Zack ending up in more pain is apparently a great motivator for him to be careful.

Cloud snorts softly at the break comment. No. Breaks weren't allowed anymore. Even if they were at the beach they'd probably have issues.

Those thoughts are brushed aside rather quickly though, even before he can comment, because he's suddenly being pulled into an embrace. Any tension that was left in the blonde seeps away as his arms slowly wind around Zack in return, a soft sigh escaping him as he nods against his companion's shoulder.]

I will. I'll be back here before you even have time to think about me being gone too long. [Maybe it wouldn't go quite that fast but he's going to do his best, Zack. He hates the idea of being out there just as much as you do. Especially since he's as worried about you as he is.]

DRAGGING YOU INTO SONIC HELL WITH ME

NOPE GOODBYE NEVER AGAIN.

You're going to hear the music in your dreams

I FUCKING HOPE NOT.

SWEET DREAMS

YOU SAY AS I WIGGLE AROUND ON COFFEE.

GURL IT'S ALMOST MIDNIGHT WHAT ARE YOU DOING

BEING INSANE. THAT'S WHAT.

NO STOP BAD NO MORE COFFEE

ALL THE COFFEE ALL OF IT

TEA IS BETTER. DRINK SOME FUCKING TEA.

BOTH ARE GOOD OKAY. GOD.

:| DON'T YOU 'GOD.' ME, MISSY.

I JUST FUCKING DID. WHATCHA GONNA DO ABOUT IT? Also, so glad I'm off tomorrow ;;

DON'T MAKE ME LICK YOUR FACE. Sleep is glorious. Rest all day <3

DON'T YOU LICK MY FACE I WILL FIGHT YOU. And I just might, man. I JUST MIGHT.

I AIN'T AFEARED OF YOU. Yes good. \o/

I'M SURE YOU AREN'T. UH HUH.

HUFFS

8D

XP

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject