“Zack?” The young recruit had noticed the raven haired man’s silence. He wasn’t as… energetic. So, the blond hoped that bringing his attention back to reality was a start to figuring out Zack’s strange behavior.
“A mess? But Zack we’re–” the boy caught himself mid-sentence. No, this wasn’t about the organization of the how the various training sessions were going or the head count not being completed, there must have been something more going on. Something that was beyond his understanding.
Still, Cloud shifted uncomfortably, unused to such situations. Especially seeing his friend in such a frazzled state. It brought about an immediate concern that he was unprepared for.
“…You okay?” Cloud finally decided to say despite himself.
AN all familiar voice snaked a path through the cracks of the young man’s focus. Gaze became the first thing that greeted his fellow friend Cloud, who seemed to be perplexed by the state matters were presented. Naturally, he would. Hand that rested on the back of his head with intentions to ease the turbulence fell loosely by his side, half of the blade to the weapon he bore still deathly gripped by his other, the hilt endangered to brinks of extinction by the power of his strength similarly to the faith of the blade. “I made a mess of the trainin’ room pal.” He served half filled truths, undecided as it stood if indulgence shall be granted to Cloud. Or perhaps he had taken the role of the fool too seriously. Why even he can not lie to himself. Truth be told, conclusion was properly met at the front door the moment Cloud exposed his presence, not a peep from Zack. Though sinful he meant no ill to his beloved ones. “I’m just talkin’ about the trainin’ room. Nothin’... nothin’ else.” For who were his lies and hesitance meant to convince? He or the former? His own words snakes that dragged against dry lands aimlessly on a path undecided by even the animal who took it. His thoughts were none more than a ferris wheel doomed to circulate at a repetitive pace with no signs of change. Zack’s back was the only visible face of the card, conflict reigned his entire persona, and the mere sound of concern directed to him visibly tensed him to the core.
SO, for now, allowance shalt not be granted to the tale to tell itself and instead of using the thing that made a home in his head, he’ll use the thing in his chest. “I’m fine, just these SOLDIER tasks got me all raddled up a bit y’know what I mean? Lots and lots to do, got to let out some steam somehow m’right?” Zack dragged the antics across the grounds with him. A deep breath exhaled into the outside world, strong and firm chest heavy with conflict, but at last he turned to face the much younger man. “Don’t ya’ go tellin’ on me, I’m goin’ to pick up promise.” He swore with a smile so bright that even the sun would envy.
A certain expression, granted with meaning to deceive, bestowed upon his handsome face when he respected Cloud with eye contact. “Ya’ doing alright? Do you want to fit ‘n some trainin’ as well pal?”