. . . [ CONTINUED ] :
& cloud's awkward nature is obvious as daylight , but zack can't help but be endeared . he sees the young aspiring boy of his past looking himself in the eyes , & when the infantryman's helmet is cast from his fingertips , the SOLDIER would lift it from the dirt & dust atop the ground , passing it back to its owner with a smile so sincere . he is proud of him . always . he knows how brutal SOLDIER can be , & the dedication one must have to continue to hope when the weight of this job , & the world , & the past , & the future , presses heavy on their chests . he thinks of how much he , himself , has yearned to hear those words . . . & he only hopes they resonate . though , he's almost sure they do , what with his friend's reaction to it all .
❛ i'm serious , man . this stuff isn't easy . if ya ever need anything , i'm a call away . ❜ he gives him a bold smile , ❛ and mayybe keep the helmet on . harder to drop it that way . ❜
. . . [ TO : @bravers ] .
