bakerstreet | ( nursed back to health shipping meme. )

[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.]

[ That makes the two of them... and that might also be why it might seem to take forever for Zack to let go. It's hard... but it has to be done. Doesn't stop him from holding him briefly tighter though. Nor does it stop him from murmuring in his ear. ] You better be, damn it.

[ Then, reluctantly, he's peeling himself away... if not now using Cloud to balance himself a bit as he gingerly tucks his legs up onto the cot. It already feels foreign and different just laying there. It's not cushy like the one he had back at their loft. After all the places he's slept, you'd think it would be easy for him to settle in. But... after what all they've been through, sleep's never been an easy thing for him. And now he's sleeping without-

Yeah, he's probably not going to sleep much.

But he's going to try. For right then though? He's watching him a moment more... and this time, he cracks a smile. ] You should go.. while you still have some light.

[Cloud's eyes close on their own accord as Zack hangs on for that extra moment and his fingers may just curl against the other's shirt to cling a bit.] I will. [Even with the doubts that are constantly nipping at the back of his mind, he sounds sure of what he's saying. He's got enough experience to know how to get himself out of a tough situation. Once upon a time, he may have been clumsy and even a little terrible at avoiding trouble but now? After years of experience? He knows how to play the game.

He allows Zack to use him for balance when he finally pulls away, helping the other ease himself down onto the cot. Cloud can't help the way his hands linger, one of them trailing down Zack's arm to catch his hand and give it a gentle squeeze.]

Right. [A quick call to Vincent and he could be on his way. He just has to move. It's hard to pull himself away but he finally manages it, straightening up and allowing his hand to slip away from Zack's. He hesitates, words caught in his throat before he manages a weak sort of smile.] Rest, alright? [He wants to say more, he always does but he can never seem to find his voice when the moment is right. So the blonde just forces himself to turn away, heading back towards the stairs.

The sooner he does this, the sooner he can get back.]

[ There's something in the linger of that hand in his, something in the quiet of his voice more than in the words, themselves... It makes him almost try to reach out, try to grab at Cloud's hand again. To anchor him back there. But in the end, he knows he has to let him go. He has to do this and he's gonna let him.

So, why does it feel that there's something more to say?

He opens his mouth one moment- then closes it the next when Cloud turns his back, feeling like he missed that window to say that something. Next time, he reasons. Next time, he'll sort things out. But for now, he can't keep Spike, even if it aches to see him going. But even in that underlying fear for him, there still remains a trust in him.

And it's in that trust that he can watch him walk away... even if his eyes trail after him until he disappears back up to the floor above. He doesn't close his eyes until he can hear his footsteps trail away... and then that swing of the door. ]

[It'd be another two hours before Zack heard anymore noise from upstairs. Cloud had managed to get a hold of Vincent and the pair had set off to retrieve what they could from the apartment. Cloud had been right in assuming their place had been staked out already but Vincent had made quick work of that. Several of the look outs were taken out with ease, giving Cloud an in to get into the apartment. Once inside he had taken a quick inventory of what they had before making choices. The case of materia he'd been collecting was hauled out, his sword once more finding it's place on his back and then there were the more personal things. A few mementos that he had collected, some stuff that he knew Zack would want. He tried to keep the haul light, though Vincent didn't seem to mind playing pack mule. (If only because he knew how important this was to Cloud.)

When they finally left they had found themselves confronted by a group of Turks this time and then..then it had gotten fun. They managed to shake them after a nice little chase and by the time Cloud stepped back into the bar he felt exhausted. Mentally and physically.

He motioned for Vincent to follow him as he reassured Tifa that they were alright, taking everything downstairs to the room where Zack was. Once everything was settled Vincent took his leave rather quickly but Tifa lingered and they spoke in quiet voices. It would be another ten minutes before she, too, took her leave and once she was gone Cloud deflated, reaching up to rub at the back of his neck.

Was this all ever going to end? ]

[ Two hours seems like ages when you're laid up on a cot and not resting well in the least, wondering if the other's going to make it back. For the guy that usually tries to appear carefree, he's restlessly listening in. Admittedly, with what harm he put himself through in escaping their pursuers, he does eventually find rest, but it's uncomfortable and uneven.

Which means it also doesn't take much for him to awaken again. The hush and thud of bags being deposited on the floor and whisper of voices from not far off gets his eyes twitching although he doesn't open them as he lets them talk. With the SOLDIER hearing he has, he could easily make out the conversation if he wanted, but he tries his best to ignore it. He's not about to eavesdrop on them if it's something meant for just their ears only.

It's only when he hears the clomp of sneakers hitting the steps and fading off that he finally cracks an eye, pausing as he catches that worried stance he'd taken on. Then breaking into a small smile. He's already worried as it is. No sense in adding to that. ] Hey, Spike. Took you long enough.

[ It's a dumb joke, but it helps keep the mood light, doesn't it? Though he was sleeping, huh. ]

[Don't worry, Zack. They aren't keeping secrets. It's just general of talk of what they're going to do now. And some worrying on Tifa's part in regards to Cloud himself. The usual.

His hand falls away from his neck at the sound of Zack's voice and there's something akin to relief in the blonde's gaze though it's easily lost in the exhaustion that's visible there as well.]

Sorry. Had to shake some Turks. [Moving over towards the cot, Cloud takes care as he sits down on the edge of it, every muscle in his body protesting and welcoming the action all at once.] How're you feeling?

Turks, huh. [ Even when he seems to have enough room on the cot, that doesn't stop Zack from scooching over to give him just a little more. Never mind it gets him feeling sore again. He can deal and it shows in the way he tilts his head as he studies his friend. ] Probably better than you.

[ He hasn't missed how stiff you're moving, Spike. Not in the least and that's where he usually would be reaching out to pat him on the shoulder. Usually. It's hard to when he's laying down and Cloud's sitting just out of range. His nose scrunches slightly with the grimace that follows. ] You look like hell.

Yeah. Turks. A lot of them. [Which is why it had taken so long to throw them off. The Turks were good, really good, for as stupid as some of them may seem. And even with a former Turk helping him it had still been a game of cat and mouse.

He frowns a bit as the other shifts over like that but he is grateful for the extra space, if only because it allows him to recline back on one hand. The other states the obvious and Cloud almost rolls his eyes, opting to give his friend a rather dry look instead.

Dry and tired, mind you.]

Thanks. I hadn't heard that enough from Tifa already. [He doesn't mean to be grumpy, Zack. Really. He's just had a very long day and his emotions are so out of whack that they aren't helping anything. He's worried and stressed out. Irritated that they've lost their place. Sad for the same reason. It's just a jumbled mess that he doesn't know what to do with.]

I'll rest in a little while.

[ He gets it at least. He knows he sure as hell wouldn't be feeling it if he had been out there facing those Turks, himself. It doesn't stop him from wincing a bit before casting a sheepish smile his way. But in the end, even that smile fades... He's not a mind reader, no, but he can take a guess what he's so frustrated about and it's not just Tifa's lecture. Tifa lectures are expected. Losing home? Well... also known to be a possibility, but...

He knows he was certainly hoping it wouldn't happen so soon. ]

Cloud.. Hey. [ It's enough reason for him to reach out and touch that hand now within his reach. In the end, he just catches it with his fingertips, but... still something, right? ] We're both still in one piece, right?

[The touch is welcome and Cloud doesn't hesitate to scoot just a fraction of an inch along the edge of the cot so his hand can get more contact with Zack's. It's grounding for him and helps him focus on the now rather than what had happened.

Because what's done is done, right?]

Yeah. I...we are. [It almost sounds like he's relieved when he says it, the realization setting in completely because even now, in a much clearer state of mind than he had been in the past few years, things can still feel like a fever dream. Sometimes they feel like a hallucination and it terrifies him. Because what if something happens and he doesn't realize it until it's too late.

His fingers curl around Zack's hand, his body starting to betray him as his shoulders sag and his eyelids droop just the tiniest bit.] We're safe. That's what's important.

[ There's a pause when he feels Cloud reach closer- but it's brief and for a moment, he's looking down at that. But then he's got his eyes back on his friend and he's nodding. He's not going anywhere. This isn't some feverish mess where they're lost among the mako and the sedatives and everything else that had been injected unwillingly into their bodies those four long years and dreaming a false hope.

They're- Yes, they're safe, Spike. And you're not the only one that's going to try his damnest to keep it that way. Feeling those fingers curl around his hand only further holds to that reminder and he's soon lacing his own fingers with Cloud's in turn. There's a gentle squeeze before his eyes narrow a little at the sight of his friend's state starting to crumble a bit. ] That's important, yeah. So's making sure you keep it that way. [ He knows what "little while" means, man. He uses that excuse all the time. ]

[He instinctively squeezes Zack's hand after their fingers are laced together, gripping a bit tighter than is probably necessary but he just needs this right now. Needs that touch; that feel of another hand in his.]

Like I would do anything to put us in anymore danger than we're already in. [That's your job, Zack.

Okay, so, maybe he's just trying to deflect a bit. Get away from the subject because he sees the way the other's eyes have narrowed and he knows that Zack is catching on to just how exhausted he is. Just how much he's struggling to keep it together.] ...Shouldn't you be sleeping? [He's going to counter your concern with his own, Zack.]

[ He feels that difference all too well. It's grounding just as well as a red flag for how much this is getting to him. Just how much that took out of him. Does he really think Spike would want to put them in anymore danger or intend it? No. But he knows what lack of sleep despite exhaustion does to the body.

And he's about to say as much, opening his mouth- only to pause at that question. But this time? This time, it's brief. This time, he's pushing onward. ] I'm fine. I've been laying here the past how many hours. You're the one that's been running around like a wild chocobo.

[ Nope, not dropping this subject. Not yet. ]

I'm--don't start with that. [The chocobo thing, that is. Don't you dare, Zack. He gets enough of that from other people you don't need to help.

There's a hint of a frown--no, almost a pout touching his lips but he knows the other man is right. He knows that if he pushes himself too much he's going to crash. Hard. And then what use is he going to be to anyone? If he's going to keep Zack, keep all of them safe, then he's going to need to be well rested. The internal debate wages for a few more minutes before Cloud sighs, free hand lifting to scrub at his face then slid back through his hair.]

A few hours. That's it. [There was too much to do.] Alright?

[ Okay, that? That gets a grin out of him split from ear to ear. Sure, Cloud gets it from a lot of other people. But that just makes it all the more tempting to help keep it up as a running gag. At least he behaves afterward, letting it go... for the moment.

It probably helps that his friend finally gives in. Finally, Spike. There's something of elation that fills him to hear those words and he nods in agreement. A few is better than nothing- which he knows was what Cloud had originally had been aiming for, hadn't he. ] I'm gonna hold you to that, you know.

[ Though it's not like he'll have to just go on taking his word when he'll be sleeping down there in that room anyway, huh. Already, his eyes wander, trying to find a space to nudge him to. There's... just one problem. Apparently, in all the years of disuse, the space has really started to stack up more as a storage area. He's lucky he has the room on his own cot when there's boxes everywhere.. ] ..Are there anymore cots down here?

[ his guess might be good as Spike's where another one might be located if there is one. ]

[Of course it would. He wouldn't expect anything less from Zack and it's a strange sort of comfort. The teasing, that is. The smile that accompanies it? Definitely a comfort; there's no question there at all.]

I know. [He was well aware. And deep down he knew that a 'few' hours would most likely turn into more, as much as he didn't want it to. Cloud was pretty sure he could lay down on the floor at the moment and pass out for the next twelve hours if he was given the chance to.

Which, speaking of the floor..]

There use to be. I can make do with the floor, though. [A little shrug tags along with the statement as he starts to untangle his hand from Zack's and glances around the room.] There's most likely some old blankets somewhere in this mess. [Though he'd take even resting his head on the bare floor at this point. He's not really going to be picky about this.]

Edited 2016-05-15 03:31 (UTC)

[ Sleep all you want, Cloud. Gaia knows you need it. Or so he would continue to encourage.

It's the mention of the floor that gets Zack gripping at Cloud's hand again where he was loosening his hold just seconds ago because on the floor? No way, Spike. ] You sleep like that and you're gonna feel worse instead of better, man. Believe me. I'd know.

[ Wanna know all the weird and uncomfortable places he slept while they were originally on the run? Yeeeeah. ] It's hardwood floor. Your back is gonna be sore as hell.

[Zack if you let him sleep twelve hours he might punch you.

In the shoulder. Gently. Since you're injured.]

I've slept in worse places. [But Cloud doesn't try to pull away, hesitating on the edge of the cot as Zack grips his hand.] There aren't exactly a lot of choices, Zack. I'll be fine.

[He's attempting to sound reassuring but he knows that he just sounds tired. At least he's not slurring his words or mixing words up!...yet.]

You need the cot more than I do.

HUFFS

8D

XP

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aw yeah phone tag ffff

xD