bakerstreet | ( nursed back to health shipping meme. )

[ He's about to keep going, to make as much distance as possible between those unconscious Turks and themselves with Cloud at his back. But then he gets a bad feeling, a flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye almost looking like-

'Z-Zack!'

It's that warning, as much as a plea, that gets his full attention. That gets him looking back again and his blood runs cold fast. ] Cloud! [ Instantly, he's backtracking, playful smirk from before wiped clean off his face as he dashes back where he came from. Another neat leap followed by some quick footwork takes him to his friend's side where he's between crashing into him and purposefully grounding him as he hooks an arm around his shoulders briefly.

Keeping that kneel with him, hand still wrapped around his shoulder, he searches his face, brow furrowed in concern. ] That was close- Hey, don't move. I'm gonna check that hit they got on your earlier, okay?

[ Keep talking. Keep him aware and lucid if he can help it. Something's definitely wrong. ]

[Cloud's eyes are closed by the time Zack gets to him, the blonde trying his best not to get sick. He leans heavily into the other man as that arm goes around his shoulders and he sucks in a quick breath. How many hits had he taken over the years? How much crap had he dealt with? And yet something as simple as this was making his life extremely difficult at the moment--something...yeah his mind kept relating it to Mako poisoning and that was just unsettling.

Which is why he latches onto te words that Zack's saying and he only processes some of it but it's enough to get the gist. He nods, not trusting himself to try and speak right now as his stomach continues to twist itself into tighter knots.

The wound across his lower back is angry and red, blood dried over parts of it while the other areas blossom anew where Cloud's shirt has irritated it, seeming to have gotten worse when the cloth was moved to give Zack a better look. There's a hint of a greenish-brown ooze mixed into the blood and it seems to be making the wound fester. Lovely isn't it?]

[ Lovely isn't even close to how he'd actually describe it. Grotesque and worrisome sounds more accurate. It makes his heart rate kick up a few notches and he swears under his breath. Retracting his hand, he quickly slides off his pack now. ]

Keep your weight on me and stay awake, Spike. I'm gonna see what I've got. [ Even as he's talking, he's already digging, digging, digging as thoroughly as he can through his bag, trying to find something to help him out. Some kind of antidote- he's pretty sure he picked a few-

Fuck.

No, he didn't.

He'd planned to, but then Tifa'd said they were fresh out and he had told her they would be fine until the next town and- ]

Damn it- [ He pulls out the next best thing, yanking out some gauze and setting to work on a quick clean and treat, speaking reassuring nonsense to try and keep Cloud engaged as he tapes a wad of gauze down over it as a quick fix for now. It's bad though- really bad. And he knows it's going to be far worse if he lets it sit. That means they have to move and fast and it gets a grim look running across his face.

But even packed light as they are, carrying Cloud, his pack, and his own sword on top of what he's carrying- that's just not possible. Especially if- Zack's gaze rises at the not so distant humming of a vehicle, probably just a few streets down. ]

So much for subtle. Spike, hang tight. I'm gonna get us a ride. [ He gives him just enough help to lay him down before he's gunning it. He can only hope this'll work out. ]

Edited 2016-05-20 03:29 (UTC)

[Even with his head now ducked and his eyes closed, Cloud manages to nod, at least letting Zack know that he's listening. Everything's starting to get a bit fuzzy now and sounds are muted to his ears as the poison courses through him but no big deal. This is fine.

Except then it's not.

Because something's wrong and he briefly cracks his eyes open to look at Zack. The other looks worried and if the gauze is any indication, Cloud's in for a bit of a poison induced joyride. A sharp hiss escapes him and then his eyes are closed again as his companion starts to clean and cover the wound, his body trembling as he fights not to slump forward because fuck that hurts. Even clean the wound still burns and Cloud feels the urge to get sick twisting at his stomach all over again.]

Careful. Pl..ease. [Not with him. You be careful, Zack, because he doesn't need to be completely lucid to get that Zack is about to do something that could end badly for them. Cloud goes down onto his side with the other's help and then is left alone, allowing him a moment to gasp out a breath--having been forcing his breathing to stay steady before--one hand tangled in his hair as he tries to distract himself from the burning sensation in his veins.]

Edited (I can html) 2016-05-20 09:56 (UTC)

[ Seconds feel like hours in the time it takes him to clear the distance from building to street to the vehicle, itself, but he covers it and he covers it fast. It's the convincing that'll be the hard part. He's SOLDIER, former or not. Some people are still scared of them, some people still hate them, and some would shoot first and ask questions later. But like hell's he's just going to stand by and let things happen as they do.

Just as time seems to stretch too far, there's a loud thunk- then a pound of boots hitting rooftop from the other side, getting closer, signaling that Cloud's not alone anymore. Only a moment later, Zack's in his field of vision again, now without sword and pack, collecting Cloud's things instead. Then, he's gently if not still briskly collecting Cloud, too. He's careful not to touch and further aggravate that wound, cautiously coordinating his grip around it as he loops his arms under back and legs. ] We're in luck, buddy. They said they'll take us as far as Kalm, but we gotta book it now.

[ He's not about to mention how much he may have bribed them with as he starts off at a dash back the way he first left in the first place. ] You're gonna be okay, man. I'm gonna get you to town. Stay awake, okay?

[ Calm as he keeps his voice, he can't hide the touch of fear in his eyes. Keep talking to him. Keep him aware.

It's going to be a long ride like this, but hell if he's gonna let him- ]

[It honestly wouldn't matter how much time Zack actually took because attempting to process time is not something Cloud can really do at the moment. Everything's just kind of hazy and seconds feel like hours but then sometimes they feel like minutes. His head swims and his body just feels heavier and heavier with each passing moment and falling asleep sounds like the best idea on the face of the planet right now--

Or it would had he not been startled out of his lull by the thunk signaling Zack's return. It doesn't click in his head, even with his eyes open, that it's Zack at first because of how out of it he is but the tension that initial builds seeps away as the other comes closer and thus into view. Relief is evident on Cloud's face as he puts up no fight to being pick up, head lolling to a rest against Zack's shoulder.

He vaguely hears something about "Kalm" and then "stay awake" and he huffs lightly, managing to nod a bit.]

..'kay.

[That's all the verbal response you're going to get out of him, Zack, but hey! At least he's awake! His eyes are open and everything--even if they are a bit hazy. It's better than the alternative though and he does his best to stay alert. So much so that when a gunshot cracks through the air and the shot hits a mark a few feet in front of them, he startles in Zack's arms.

A Turk stands several feet ahead of them, gun lifting so her mark is now Zack's head as the roar of a helicopter draws closer.]

[ Some verbal response is better than no verbal response at all. And it's a hella lot more response than he ever got from him back when he'd been heavily poisoned by mako at that, so he'll take it! Doesn't really erase his worries in the least, but focusing on that isn't going to help Cloud, so he'll just concentrate on movi- ]

Shit!

[ He hops back at the sound of that shot, almost losing his hold on Cloud in the process when he startles in his arms. Zack's eyes are wide one moment and narrowed the next. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Of course, it wouldn't be that easy. Of course, they'd still be on their tail. They're Turks, for Gaia's sake. He's lucky they didn't haul off Cloud when he'd ran off earlier though it wasn't like there was much else he could do.

But with the sound of that chopper not far off, he doesn't seem to have much of a choice in this instance either and he makes that choice fast. He balances Cloud on his arms as he shows his hands being empty and weaponless, surrendered...

...and then the next second he's apologizing under his breath as he swings sideways, ducking as he lets Cloud's legs drop. The arm once underneath them slips behind his back instead to unhitch the short blade and throw it at the Turk as hard as he can. ]

[Cloud heard the shot so he's got an idea of what's going on even if he can't see their attacker. It's not hard to put two and two together even in his state and he knows this isn't good. He's slowing them down like this and making things harder.

But lucky for him, Zack's..well. Zack.

His feet hit the ground and while there is pain he manages not to crumble to the ground, bracing himself as best he can while his companion--his savior, at this point--unlatches his blade and tosses it at the Turk. One of his hands finds the ground as he stares to fall away from Zack, keeping himself upright as he hears the dull sound of something hitting the ground after a pair of gunshots.

Turks are good, but against a SOLIDER even they're going to have issues and add in a sword like the buster sword? The woman had tried to dodge it and take the shot she had lined up for but underestimated the strength and speed of the throw. Her gun went off as her finger pulled on instinct, the shots aimed far too high now as she hits the ground, gun clattering away.]

Edited 2016-05-20 22:03 (UTC)

[ Zack had already been reaching for Cloud's larger blade, fully intent on charging in to finish the job if that didn't work. The only thing that stops him is when he sees it connect point blank with her and that's when he's switching up plans. He regathers Cloud in his arms with a hanging: ] Still with me?

[ Even as he questions him though, he's already jogging over to the body to collect the blade. That only takes a second and then he's off and running again, clearing one alley... Then another. By the third one, he's hopping down instead of across though, hitting a fire escape first, then a dumpster the next before he's slipping down and onto the ground once more. Ahead, there's a truck with a covered bed. And there might also be the sight of a familiar sword thrust into the ground right behind where it's parked far too close to a building. He smiles thinly as he quips: ] Had to put in for insurance, but we should still be good. Hope you don't get sick anymore on long rides.

Edited (all the dumb typos ever) 2016-05-20 23:16 (UTC)

Yeah.

[Mostly. Okay so he's very in and out right now but it's better than passing out completely, right?

Cloud just slumps int the other's arms when Zack gathers him back up, any strength he had left gone with his attempt to brace himself when the other attacked. The jostling movements of Zack moving then jumping has him closing his eyes and trying not to let it get to him, stomach twisting into knots all over again. He wasn't going to get sick though. This was nothing, he could handle this even if the poison was making it very difficult--

His eyes crack open once they're on solid ground and the first thing he sees is Zack's sword. He manages to focus on it a bit as they move towards it and a soft huff of laughter escapes him.]

Shouldn't. Not Yuffie.. [He could handle just about everything...usually.]

I'm gonna hold you to that. [ Mainly because he doesn't have any kind of substitute for a barf bag or something. Nor does he really have the option to go out of the way for one at this point. He can already feel that his body's far hotter than it ought to be. It's not burning to the touch yet, but he has a feeling that'll be the next step far too soon for his liking. Rather than going for the back, he's beelining for the passenger seat of the old truck.

On the downside? It seems like whoever he bribed decided to turn tail and run if not first without digging through his bags from the scattered mess he can already see through the window of the canopy. On the bright side? They must have seen him coming and left in a hurry what with the driver's side left wide open. And the keys had been forgotten in the ignition.

He'll count however many small blessings he'll get here as he tucks Cloud inside, buckling him in if not without touching a hand to his forehead in the process. Hell, he's definitely getting worse. Closing the door to that side, he wastes no time now hauling Spike's equipment and bag in the back before easily sliding the buster out of the ground and adding it to the hurried collection. Then, he's slamming the tailgate and peeling around to the front fast. He hops in and has to remind himself to take it easy as he starts it. But after the engine purrs to life, his attention's adjusted to a quick look at the layout of the vehicle. Moments later, he's backing them up and starting down the road as quickly as he can manage. At least the streets are far from crowded, making the drive far easier than it ever would have been during the day.

One hand might be kept on that steering wheel at all times, but he's got his other always on Cloud's knee, trying to keep him anchored. ] Well, this isn't exactly how I was planning on making our exit, but I guess at least we won't have to worry about finding something cheap to drive us to town anymore.

[ You know. Unless it breaks down on them. Who's to say? He's... trying not to think about that possibility. ] We should be clear from the city after a few more streets. Then, I'm punching it until we're at Kalm. You gotta stay awake until then, okay? I'm gonna keep talking to you. Just like old times, eh?

[Once he's inside the cab, nothing else really matters to Cloud--outside of Zack getting everything done and getting back inside the truck alright. His head rests against the window, the chill of the glass feeling particularly wonderful against his heated flesh and his eyes slip shut without much prompting. He manages not to drift off though, startling a bit when the tailgate slams and then again when the engine roars to life.

It's not until they're actually driving that he manages to shift so he's facing forward, the side of his head resting against the glass now as glazed blue eyes watch the blurry scenery.]

Nothing ever goes as planned.. [It comes out as a murmur but there's an attempt at humor there, his lips pulling into a ghost of a smile as he glances over at Zack.] S'okay though.

[Gaia he must sound like he's drunk or something. Cloud's nose scrunches as he mulls that thought over, glancing down at the hand on his leg and managing to land his on top of it despite his vision swimming. He's drawn out of that muddled musing by Zack telling him he has to stay awake and the blonde huffs out an agreement, fingers curling slightly to give the other's hand a squeeze for good measure.]

Okay.

[ He's expecting that slurring, really. Expecting the bare minimum of words. He knows his thoughts are probably swimming and sliding around from the poison, but that he's even talking is good. Focus on that. Focus on-

He doesn't expect the hand on his own right then never mind that squeeze and he might have almost made the truck hit a dumpster for that alone. Instead, he swerves out of the way at the last minute, breathing out a sigh at the close call before chuckling to himself. Bet that woke him up. ] Nothing at all. Guess it's a good thing we adapt well. Backwater experts and all.

[ His hand squeezes Cloud's knee in emphasis of that lighthearted note as he clears the final street and crosses through the gate. At least on the upside since everything that transpired, restricted access is mostly a thing of the past and that includes the fact that gates are no longer on lockdown like they used to be.

Once they're clear through, he gives Cloud another squeeze as a reminder as he warns: ] Okay, I'm gonna really hit the gas here, Spike. Don't lose your lunch on me now!

[Swerving--they were swerving and it prompted Cloud to tense as much as he could, pressing himself back into the seat in preparation for a crash if it was going to happen. That, of course, resulted in a sharp burning pain to radiate through his back, his breath hitching because of it as he closed his eyes tightly. His entire body trembled in the wake of that moment of pain, pain that had already been there but now was screaming for attention.

At least they hadn't hit the dumpster though, right?

The blonde's hand is tight around Zack's without meaning to be and he forces himself to ease up on it as he get his breathing under control. He hears something about hitting the gas, his ears ringing as his head pounds, and he gives a slight nod.]

Won't. [He'll try not to, at least. No promises though.

As the truck speeds up Cloud manages to find a semi-comfortable position, leaning slightly forward and against the window to give his back some relief from the pressure of being against the seat. Time becomes a blur after that and while he does respond to Zack when the other asks him things or tells stories in general, it's just going to be one or two word answers and muffled sounds for the most part. He fights sleep with everything he has and by the time they reach a town? Cloud's barely hanging onto consciousness, body in a state of constant trembling now.]

[ Retrospect hurts. Retrospect makes him wish he hadn't laughed when he did, especially when he caught the way that hit him worse than he'd thought, especially when he'd felt that grip on him so tight it had almost been painful. But that moment's there and gone in a blur and then the rest of time's lost to talking. Small, stupid talk has always been one of the things he's been best at in situations like this. The best way to cope, really. The best way to try and forget the fact that his life is in his hands and that if he isn't fast enough or doesn't do things right, that that life could be snuffed out so very easily.

But there's only so many stories you can tell until you start running out of material. And only so much he can concentrate on while he can slowly feel Cloud slipping further and further away. It's when that trembling just won't stop when he finally pulls into town that his heart starts beating like a kick drum again. He wastes no time springing out from the truck with keys hastily stuffed into his pocket. Rather than going around, he vaults over to the other side and yanks the side door open.

He's not so gentle this time when he unbuckles him from the seat and takes him into his arms. ] Cloud, we're here- Hold on just a little longer!

[ Even as he says that, he's already on the move up the nearby stairs and into the first shop he spots with his friend in tow. At this point, he couldn't give any less of a fuck for the spectacle he makes as he charges right in and up to the counter. ] Antidotes -tell me you have some. It's Malboro poison!

Edited 2016-05-21 01:33 (UTC)

[Later, once Cloud is feeling better and not on the verge of dying because of poison, he's going to thank Zack for all that small talk; all that chatter. It helped him to keep focus on the real world and not give it to sleep and honestly? He probably would have died pretty quickly if Zack hadn't been so adamant about keeping him engaged.

Right now, though, he's very grateful to not be in a moving vehicle. Getting have drug along and up stairs to boot isn't pleasant but it's better than pot holes and swerving and--

Cloud chokes on the bile rising in his throat, though there's a distinct coppery taste to it as well. That's not good. That's not good at all. He can't outright express how bad it is but the shop keeper only has to take one look at the blonde to realize just how desperate the situation is. (He had almost been prepared to throw them out because of how crazed Zack looked in his worry.) The shop keeper tells Zack to follow him and aids the SOLDIER in getting Cloud into one of the back rooms. A makeshift bed is made on the floor for the blonde to rest on while the shopkeep goes to find the proper antidote, returning a few minutes after disappearing with a small bottle of the stuff.

Drinking it down is one of the worst things Cloud has ever experienced and he wants to spill the contents of his stomach even more once the bottle is empty. He coughs, almost choking, thanks to the combination of flavors in his mouth but he feels it starting to take effect. He feels the way the heat starts to cool down, the way his body slowly starts to stop aching. The trembling goes away little by little and by the time the antidote has taken it's full course, his eyes are open and he's staring up the ceiling with a clear but very tired look.]

...I hate Turks.

[ There was a moment before the shop keeper acted- just a moment where Zack thought they were screwed, that he went to the wrong town, that there was not going to be an antidote and Cloud was gonna-

But then the moment was over and dismissed as soon as he had been waved further in. By the time his friend had settled on the bed, the numbness that had begun to wash over him receded and he was left to hover over him with a hand stroking sweat-soaked hair out of his face while the shopkeep found what they needed.

As soon as they returned, he had wasted no time in helping Cloud to down that, murmuring something between encouragement and apology, knowing how much he was likely fighting to keep it down at that point. But as he watches now, he can see color returning to him slightly where he was so pale, tension falling away where he was taunt as a drawn bow before. When Cloud finally opens his eyes, the ceiling's not the only thing in sight. Because there's Zack right above. At some point, he had apparently pulled him up to lean against his body- likely to prevent him from choking on said antidote. Now, he's stroking his hair in comfort between pauses to check his temperature with the back of his hand. He watches Cloud with deep concern up until he sees that lucid look to his eyes and hears that grunted complaint.

Only then does the tension fall slightly from his brow, even as he continues to comb fingers through blonde strands. A ghost of a smile touches his lips. ]

Heh- they're not exactly in my good books either. [ He can't say he hates all of them. That's a flat lie. He's known a good Turk or two. Hell, once upon a time, he'd even entrusted Tseng to take care of Aerith. The only one he could trust. But just as well, a lot can change in seven years. Lots of new blood who knows him only by the book. He's definitely not too keen on the ones who followed them today.

But he's not worrying about them right now. No, right then... He hesitates before gently touching chin to the top of Cloud's head, pulling him a little closer. ] You should get some rest now..

Edited (typos) 2016-05-21 17:10 (UTC)

[There's something very comforting about the fact that Zack is right there, in his sight and right behind him as Cloud reclines against him. It helps any of the lingering tension that had been keeping the blonde's shoulders tense and his stomach twisted ease. Not that he had ever thought Zack was going to leave him behind in any way but his mind had been a little addled and he'd been thinking a lot of things that probably weren't true.

But Zack was there and a soft sigh escaped Cloud as his eyes close at the touch of his friend's hand in his hair.]

True. [He knows that Zack has had some good relations with Turks and hell, even Cloud himself has in..odd ways. Because while he has been on the run from them a lot he does owe some of them for their help. In general, though, the Turks are just obnoxious.

The weight of Zack's chin on his head has Cloud's eyes cracking open slightly, the blonde shifting in his friend's embrace to settle a bit more comfortably against his chest. The body heat seeping off Zack was a welcome comfort now that he was actually feeling things properly and while he normally would have protested sleep..it was very tempting now.]

..We should keep moving, though. [Lingering could be problematic if the Turks were already attempting to track them down.] I can sleep in the truck? [Though it doesn't sound like he really wants to. He's pretty content like this, thank you very much.]

[ There's a comfort in the way Cloud moves around, in the way he resettles himself comfortably rather than just slumping against him before. Before, he had been shaking and out of control of his body, but now? Well, it seems like he's doing pretty good. Whatever that shopkeep gave him, it must have been some pretty strong stuff. Zack's betting anything he'll be paying up with the rest of his gil, but if that's what it took to save Cloud's life, it was more than well worth it.

It's a thought that's dashed quickly though as he listens to Cloud's input on the matter. And... really, he knows they ought to get moving. That they were likely spotted on their way out, even if the Turks weren't necessarily able to follow them. Sure, the truck had a canopy and all, but there's not many people that leave the city at that early hour, so they probably stuck out like a sore thumb. Zack... sighs to himself. ] I'm not too crazy about the idea, but... I guess we don't have much of a choice, huh.

[ He would rather stay the night and make sure he's stable for certain. That's what he'd typically do. But they can't risk it. Not with the Turks on high alert at this point. But rather than move immediately away, he reaches back to tuck out a potion from his belt. Popping the top, he offers it out for Cloud to take as he removes his other from his friend's hair, touching it to his forehead one last time. Double checking. ]

You're gonna have to take it easy. Malboro poison's nothing to joke about, and antidotes don't erase whatever damage the poison's already done to your body.

[It has a lot to do with Cloud just being far too stubborn to actually take the time to let himself heal properly. Just been poisoned? He's totally fine to move around. Just been stabbed? He can keep moving. It's all good. Nothing bad could come out of this.]

Not really. [And they won't have a lot of choices for awhile. Not until they're in the middle of nowhere and as off the radar as they can possibly get. Until then, they just have to keep pushing forward.

Injuries or not.

Cloud frowns slightly as there's suddenly a potion in front of him and his hand lifts after a moment to take it. The idea of downing something else is not really something he's fond of but he knows it's for the best. So without further ado he downs it, eyes closed with a bit of a wince at the weird combination of flavors in his mouth right now.]

I know. It's going to take awhile before I'm 100%. [But he's going to be stubborn about it, Zack. Be prepared for that.] I'll be alright though, Zack. I promise. [That last bit is said in a softer tone than what he had been speaking in, the blonde pressing back into his friend's embrace a bit more again. A gentle reassurance that he was okay and would get through this. It was just a minor setback but hey, it wasn't the worst thing either of them had ever experienced.]

[ Minor setback, huh? You borrowing his excuses now, Spike?

..Yeah, he really can't give him shit for this though in the end. He knows he's just as stubborn. ..Doesn't mean he's not going to keep a good eye out for him though. At least the fact that he takes that potion's promising. It means the nausea's definitely gone away. His motor skills still leave a bit to be desired, but he's still better coordinated than Zack thought, able to both hold the bottle and bring it up to his mouth.

Zack takes that bottle once he's done with it, storing it back on his belt, figuring he'll refill it later. He only pauses in the midst of movement at that promise... but in the end, that just earns Cloud a soft hum while Zack seems to get lost in his own train of thought. It's only broken by the way he feels the weight of his friend shift more onto him and he takes that moment- just a brief moment wrap both arms around him carefully. Letting him know he's there, too. That they'll both get through this...

He won't let it go any other way.

Just one more minute like this... ]

[How long as he known you? You were bound to influence him at some point, Zack.

Just wait until he tries to walk. That's when the real damage is going to make itself apparent because his legs aren't going to want to cooperate.

He's content to just stay where he is, though, the comfortable weight of Zack's arms around him luring him closer to the sleep state he had objected to initially. They need to get moving, they need to get back on the road but he just can't find the desire to actually want to move from this spot right now. There's something soothing about the soft thrum of Zack's heartbeat that he can just sort of hear over the faint ringing still in his own ears. Something that helps him ground himself in the present.

They were both okay.

The moment is, unfortunately, broken as the shopkeep comes back to check on them, clearing their throat from the door way before asking if they had plans to stay. There was an inn a few buildings down, after all. Cloud shifts slightly, glancing over at the man then up slightly in an attempt to look at Zack. That..was most likely their cue to get moving, huh?]

[ ...Okay, true.

And he'll be seeing that soon enough. Maybe not right then though. Spike, you're getting a ride for now.

At least when they get to that point. Cloud's not the only one who's feeling cozy as they are. It's one thing to make a plan. It's another to follow through with it, especially when he can feel the rise and fall of his friend's chest easing into something more gradual. Something deeper.

-and then the shopkeep busts in ~~like the Koolaid Man.~~

So much for calm and peaceful. Okay, it wasn't that bad, but he can still take a hint. He makes small talk with them, thanking them for letting him know about the inn and then almost abruptly releasing his arms from around Cloud, helping him to lay down as he moves to stand. ] I'll be right back, Spike.

[ It's the only warning Cloud gets before he leaves the room with the shopkeep to discuss a few more things. When he returns though, he wastes no time in bending down to help Spike sit up again. This time, he's giving his back a check over. ] I should probably wrap this before we head out. It's gonna get infected otherwise. [ Apparently, it's deeper than he first thought or that potion would have done the trick.

...Cloud might also notice the dried blood on the side of his friend's arm by this point. ]

[The loss of Zack's arms around him almost pulled a noise of protest out of Cloud. Almost. He managed to hold it in and only winced a little bit as he was helped to lay back down. It was a lot colder all of a sudden without the warmth of Zack against his back and his eyes followed the other's movements as he stood.

A nod was all that the other would get from Cloud, the blonde staying silent otherwise as he watched Zack leave then let out a quiet sigh. Having moved around now more than just lifting his arms and the like, his body ached though it was nowhere near as bad as it had been before. It was just uncomfortable, more than anything, and his lower back especially was still almost burning in a way. A dull throb of pain that wasn't going to go away anytime soon considering that had, essentially, been ground zero.

He's actually almost asleep when Zack returns and the room momentarily spins as he's helped upright again. This time there's an audible hiss from the blonde as his back aches and Cloud tries to find a comfortable way to settle to give Zack the best view of it.]

It's probably going to anyway. [Unfortunately.] Is everything alright with the owner? [There's the slightest drawl to his words but it's mostly from exhaustion at this point. But he's not tired enough to miss that dried blood and he frowns faintly, hesitating a moment before he manages to lift a hand to touch the spot.]

Zack?

[ He can't hide the way he winces when he hears that hiss. He hates making Cloud feel worse than he already does, but he has to move him if he's going to be able to reach and do anything about that wound. Despite his friend's personal diagnosis, Zack shakes his head stubbornly. Not if he cleans it well enough. That might be why there's a bowl and cloth not far from him. Some bandages can be seen tucked under one of his arms, too.

He nods once at the mention of the owner and is about to say more with that, but then he sees that frown... feels the touch of those fingertips against his bare skin. A sigh of his own escapes him before he shakes his head. ] I got clipped once. It's nothing. Now, hold still.

[ Yep, totally brushing that off and instead going pull Cloud over to lean his side up against him before untucking that top again. He peels it up enough so that it'll stay in place before he gingerly gets to work, removing the old and now heavily bloodied gauze to start the cleaning process again. This time, he's much gentler. Much more careful. ] It's looking better.

[ Give or take, that's not really a hard thing to do considering how gruesome it had appeared when the poison was still running its course yet. ]

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