A falling star fell from your heart and landed in my eyes.

[general_affairs]

The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out. You've left me in the dark. And in the dark, I can hear your heartbeat. I tried to find the sound, but then it stopped.

I took the stars from my eyes and then I made a map, and knew that somehow I could find my way back. Then I heard your heart beating, you were in the darkness too. So I stayed in the darkness with you.

Comments

All of my stumbling phrases never amounted to anything worth this feeling

[general_affairs]

[ He could still feel it, electric and warm under his skin. Hands under his coat, solid muscle that was instead pliable and soft under his own hands. The easy fit of two bodies, the flutter of hungry breaths, and kisses that had almost opened floodgates. It kept his heartbeat fast and his thoughts racing with almosts, what-ifs, shouldn'ts, and buts.

He stared at his conversation with Rude on the matter, tapping his thumb idly on the phone's case as he turned all of his thoughts over and over in his head.

He checked the time and pursed his lips, chewing over his options with knitted brows as, for once, uncertainty hung over his head like a sword. But still, he stood and snapped his phone shut after a final message shot to Rude, and left the Turks' floor to head down for the garages.

The elevator's doors opened to a busy scene: Infantry loading a spare vehicle with supplies and tools, and final checks being made for the party's leave. Reno lingered a moment with his hands in his pockets, chewing on the popsicle stick hanging from his lips. But, he'd slide right out between the closing doors and weave through the hum-drum of preparations, coming up to the small party assigned for departure.

He shot a glance to Sephiroth going over a list with a few infantrymen, snorting with irritation as he stopped by Zack. ]

About time Lazard kicked him out on the field.

[ As angered as Reno was by how Lazard handled Modeoheim, he wouldn't linger on the subject. Instead, he bit off some of what little was left of his popsicle and continued, expression lightening to something relaxed and easier: ]

Have fun camping out in the boonies for a week with those party animals. Shouldn't be too bad though. Maybe clear your head out there. Besides, you're from a reactor town too, right?

[fairtide]

[Zack had just left Aerith, feeling torn between his sense of duty and care toward her and his intense feelings for a certain redhead. It wasn't unusual for him to feel an inkling toward men but it was something he never acted on. Everytime he even thought about it, his father popped up in his head and looking stern and no nonsense. You'll marry a good girl, Zakkusu.

Whatever that meant. He was feeling hungry, he hoped the ride to Nibelheim included a stop or two along the way to a restaurant. He was happy though, because Cloud was coming along with them. He would get to see his bestfriend's hometown, and find out more about his past. Zack was nothing, if not nosey. He wanted to know everything there was about someone, down to the grit underneath their nails.

He leaned against the truck, waiting for Cloud to show up. Just one time, the little guy was late. Let him catch you calling him little guy... a voice whispered with a chuckle.

His stomach suddenly swooped and rolled, feeling it deep in his gut. He turned toward the sound of the rolling voice, the smooth grussing alto that resonated within.]

Yeah, he was getting antsy. Usually means he starts sparring against those that avoid him out of sheer fear.

[He paused, his breath uneven. When he really liked someone? He got nervous. Yes, he liked Aerith, even loved her but it wasn't as intense as these feelings. He ran a hand over his spikey hair and nodded.] It'll be fun, sure. No television probably, or ethernet. Real fun but it's a mission and I want to get to know more about my buddy, Cloud.

[He nods, crossing his arms.] I grew up in Gongaga if you remember. You're right, it is a reactor town to a point. It wasn't too hot out there. Boring as all hell, man but I grew to love history and science a little bit because of having nothing to do but study.

[That was what he usually did. He aced his schooling clear up until he left the place.]

[general_affairs]

That explains it. Not that his fanclub was complaining about some the the action shots I uploaded for 'em, though.

[ Someone had to keep the fans fed, and far be it from Reno to miss an opportunity. He never crossed lines, though, mischievous as he could be. He snorted with a laugh at the lack of net access, though. ]

Nibelheim's not too bad. Not as pretty though. Gongaga's got the forest going for it, and I nabbed one of the frogs once from there to bring back. Tried to turn Rod into a frog.

I knew it. I thought I smelled a nerd when I looked at you. It was those bangs you had, yo.

[ He couldn't stop himself from cracking smiles around Zack. From standing near him and nudging his side with an elbow, teasing him over dumb things. Just sinking into easy play and banter that meandered.

Plus, it was easier to keep chattering and distracting his thoughts from pushing further again. He wanted for the warmth of a kiss before letting Zack depart, but it wasn't his to take. Not yet, or maybe not ever. That wasn't his call to make, and wasn't something he would push with how uncertain Zack had been previously. Reno had hoped this mission would be a good departure from the pressure of decisions for Zack. ]

Cloud's assigned too? I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a transfer to SOLDIER..I told you about what he did to AVALANCHE, right?

[fairtide]

I forgot we have fanclubs. [Zack confesses, feeling a bit dumb. He didn't want a fanclub but he doesn't mind them either. It amused him greatly at first, but he doesn't really tag in to talking about soldier stuff with fans. Why does he have fans again?]

Wait. How would you turn Rod into a frog? [It's a question he has to ask, and is he talking about his stun rod? It takes mini to do that doesn't it?]

Pfft. I smell the stank of sixth street market whores on you, pal. [He teases, though means none of it.] At least I'm getting an edumacation. I'm joking about the whores by the way, I know you try to keep your nose clean, dude.

[Once the jokes had been made, he felt more at ease. He almost forgot he kissed him until his eyes landed on Reno's luscious and generous mouth. He looked away, mouth going dry and kept smiling, joking around.]

Yeah, he deserves it. He'll move up in the ranks yet, man. [Zack crosses his arms, one hand up to tap at his chin.] I hope he gets to move to SOLDIER soon. What did he do to Avalanche?

[general_affairs]

No idea how they do it. They just sing a little froggy tune, and next thing you know, you're hoping someone brought a Maiden's Kiss.

[ He shrugged about it, following it up with a quick snort of a laugh at the accusations. Of course it was all play and banter, and at no point did he look bothered by the teasing. Still, the earnesty was cute, and he rolled his eyes at the way it warmed his chest--as if to cover it up with that and a lopsided, toothy grin.

He wouldn't press the matter right now--Nibelheim would provide would be much-needed time away from both Reno and Aerith to get his thoughts sorted out, so it could wait. ]

I'm gonna tell the girls you called 'em nasty. You better watch your back or you're gonna get mugged by a bunch of girls in bee suits, smartass.

[ He gave a light shove, then folded his arms over his chest, watching the others load up the cargo as they chattered. ]

He decided he wasn't gonna let a scientist die, and stood up to a pack of Avalanche's goons. Almost got Shotgun killed. Avalanche got away with the SOLDIER research, buuuut Shotgun and the scientist made it out alright.

He's gonna need some work if he wants a shot.

[fairtide]

I'd buy you some maiden's kiss, don't you worry none, Ren. [He chuckles, clearly amused by the proceedings. Sephiroth turns away from the infantry men and starts heading away from them.] Wonder where he's going...

Pfft, I ain't worried about them. They are nasty, they probably carry diseases and all kinds of shit, dude.

[He shoved back just as playfully, smiling to himself.] Damn, go Cloud. I'm proud of my little buddy, he has heart, that's for sure.

He can do it. He's getting there anyway.

[He catches sight of Reno's lips and feels his cheeks go a little hot. They are some pretty lips...] About... the other night...

[He doesn't know where it's coming from, but he wants to get it off his chest. He wants to kiss him again but then he thinks of Aerith and his heart skips beat after beat. One for Reno, one for Aerith. He's not sure what he wants to do.]

[general_affairs]

[ He huffed, lips curling into a thoughtful grin as he tipped his head away as if that could hide the satisfaction and brush of soft pink on his cheeks. ]

Just a Maiden's huh?

[ He huffed with a laugh at the thought, letting it turn into a bark of laughter as he got a shove back out of Zack. Reno swayed with it, satisfied with the reaction. ]

Yeah, kid's got guts, that's for sure. He needs work on thinking things through, but hey--he softened Veld up with that stunt.

[ His brows raised, eyes rounding and softening with something curious and boyish. Hesitance settled over him and he held his breath a moment, remaining quiet as Infantry departed. He glanced away for a moment, lips pursed as his thoughts jumped through a hundred different scenarios at once, then back to Zack.

A better man wouldn't be so selfish--to care, truly, was to be selfless, Reno reasoned, and it should've been his duty to push Zack towards Aerith.

But Reno was a selfish man, and as far as he was aware, there was no commitment made anywhere to anyone, and he had a right to chase that chance. He reasoned that, at least, he was noble enough to not put pressure on Zack on the matter, regardless of how he chomped at the bit. ]

'You alright? What's on your mind, slick?

[fairtide]

[Zack blushed a little.] Could also get you a gentleman's blowjob?

[He smirked, proud of himself for that comeback. He wanted to kiss Reno one more time before they left, just one more time and then confess to Aerith and figure out things from there. Truth was, he had a bad feeling about this mission. He didn't like the feel or vibe of it at all.

It was seeping into his brain as something he should step away from but he couldn't. He was ordered to do this mission and he would follow his SOLDIER's promise. He turned to Reno, reaching out to brush a knuckle across Reno's cheek bone. Dude was too pretty not to fall in love with, he'd probably prefer handsome though.] Just... this [He looks around stealthily and then saw no one was watching, so he leaned forward and gave Reno a gentle kiss that turned more intense. He then pulled back after slipping in some tongue and sighed.]

If I don't make it back. Know... there was a chance for us, just I have a girlfriend and I'm not sure where we stand besides our first date.

[general_affairs]

[ His lips curled into a vulpine grin, and something smugly delighted melted into his features. He rolled his jaw as his brows perked with intrigue at the thought, watching a few infantry hands scatter now that the caravan was packed. ]

Yeah, I could get a little hoppy for that.

[ Reno was just satisfied to see one of the other Firsts finally getting off of their ass and attending a mission. So far as Reno was concerned, the trio had given up, and sloughed all of their troubles onto Zack. He'd watch them leave this one man to try and solve all of their problems and hold a crumbling department together.

There were details Reno knew even the Turks weren't privy too, things that they were too busy to investigate that might put the situation into context for an outsider looking into the department, but that didn't matter to him. Not after the state Zack had been in after coming back from Modeoheim.

If Zack finally had help on the field, he wouldn't complain.

But the rough hand along his cheek, that brief moment hung suspended in the air as bright green eyes flickered to sky blues through dark lashes. His breath caught, and the softness of the moment threw him off guard. His brows raised and his lips pursed at first, as if that would hide the flush of red blooming on his face.

His neck craned as he shifting to pull Zack moreso into the kiss, and an impish parting nip at one of his lips for the stolen intimacy. He made a little show of licking across his lips after to lap up the lingering taste of Zack's lips on his with a thoughtful hum. ]

What d'you mean, don't-make-it-back? There's two Firsts on duty and you're just pulling Turk work. Maybe clearing out some beasts.

[ A corner of his lips pulled into a pout. ]

Yeah, she's been making eyes at you alright, but I wouldn't be bothering if I wasn't serious. I didn't wanna just stand by and let you be the one that got away, yo.

[ He looked forward at the trucks, brows knitted as he spoke through his pout. ]

There's fuck all to do out in Nibelheim, just take some time for yourself and figure out what you want. Y'know--get some of that fresh middle-of-nowhere air to clear your head.

[fairtide]

[He laughed, his joke seemed to get up to Reno's statement. He smiled soft and warm, as Sephiroth disappeared around the corner. He'd be back, he had no choice but to go if he wanted to earn his keep. Zack hated the sound of that but that's usually what the higher ups said. Do it or no pay. Whatever, he could handle going without being paid if they ever tried to send him on a mission he didn't agree with.

Zack would never admit it was too much to handle, he found himself enjoying the long hours of work. He was just grateful to get this mission, because it meant hanging with his little buddy and Seph. They would have a begonia of fun in a little bit. It was just going to be a long boring drive there.

Zack watched as Reno's licked his lips and he seemed happy with the kiss. Zack was happy he didn't overstep his boundaries or else he'd feel like an ass for kissing the redhead.]

I know, just...got a feeling it's not a routine mission. I'm usually right about such things when I get the feeling in my gut. Sometimes I'm wrong though, ocassionally.

[Zack grinned, looking at his kissed bruised lips. He did that. Fuck Yeah. He wanted to reach over and run his thumb over Reno's lips but decided against it. He would do it later, at another point in time.]

I know. I do love her, but... [he shrugs, trailing off.] She's a light in my life when shit goes wrong but hey, so are you.

[Zack turned his head following Reno's line of sight, he saw Sephiroth coming back now with two infantrymen in tow. Something told him they might need more than that but they'll be fine. He was probably worrying for nothing.]

I will. I'll bother Cloud the whole time, make him give me a tour of town. God knows my little buddy will be a good tour guide.

I would give all this and heaven, too

[general_affairs]

[ Tseng's voice was in his ear, smooth and solid and certain as it guided him through the corridors and down into the hidden layers underneath. He could hear it over the rush of blood through his ears, and through the angry snap of lightning as bone cracked and collapsed.

He didn't need Tseng to guide him along the right path, and both of them knew it. He knew the way nearly by heart for how long he poured over all of the details--all of the possibilities and uncertainties of possible security codes and all the contingencies ShinRa was capable of. All of the safety protocols and lab reports. Every second had been accounted for, but even so, Tseng's voice coming from the headpiece was a good anchor point to keep his wrath efficient and focused. It couldn't spare the lives of the scientists that crossed his path, but it did at least promise them a swift death by his hands. A snapped neck, a shattered temple, a muffled bullet through the head.

Something in the back of his head warned that he should leave them alive if he could, but they could've left Zack and Cloud alone, too.

Rude rounded a corner with supplies in his arms, confirming the path to the exit had been swept and cleared, and the two slid into the laboratory after Reno breezed through the door's security. There was a second of seeing the two tanks and suspended bodies in them that he froze, staring wide-eyed. He gripped the handle of his magrod until his knuckles turned white and electricity arced across the conductive shaft, and any notion of concern for those he killed here today was wiped from his mind. They chose the wrong person to experiment on, and Reno had made sure there was hell to pay for their choices.

There wasn't time to mourn or celebrate, though. There was brief chatter between the two Turks, and Tseng in the earpiece. They were just confirmations that everything was in place and all parties were prepared while Reno hurried through protocols and commands on the console that monitored and controlled the tubes that held Zack and Cloud. Tseng rattled off passcodes, counted down a timer in time with Reno.

The redhead was glued to the screen with tense shoulders and a clenched jaw, but he steadied his breathing. He focused on the task, and kept an attentive eye on the security footage as it flickered through different channels on a second nearby monitor. Rude hovered instead nearer to Cloud, calling out to Reno once the draining sequence and extraction sequences began.

Reno slipped a USB stick into a slot at the console, and turned on a heel with a sharp inhale. There was a small gasp as the acrylic walls lowered. Besides him, Rude easily caught Cloud's weight and eased the unconscious blond down to start drying him off.

Rude should have been the one to handle Zack. That is to say, he was the stronger of the two Turks, so handling the bulk of a SOLDIER would've been easier for him than for Reno.

Reno, who knew how to efficiently lift and carry people heavier than himself, still let both of them slowly collapse under their weight and sink (carefully, and with control) onto the floor. He'd wrap this man up in his arms, still wet and a little sticky from Mako, never minding the mess it made of his suit. He ran a hand along the back of Zack's head and a long his hair with a soft, shaken breath, and looked up at the ceiling to keep anything from falling down his cheeks in relief. His head tipped and, shutting his eyes tight, he pressed his cheek in relief to Zack's temple.

It was only a brief moment, the way he looked up as if thanking whatever deities for their answer to all of his bargaining. There just wasn't time to linger, and while Cloud was breathing just fine on his own, he still wasn't waking up. ]

Hey, hey--you're alright. I got ya, big guy. It's just me and Rude. We're getting you two outta here.

Re: I would give all this and heaven, too

[fairtide]

[How long had he been in here? Days? Weeks? Months? Try Years. his inner voice told him as he lay in the tube. His muscles were achey and he had barely moved a muscle, he wished he could move his muscles even a little. What he would give for a gym work out right about now but this was his life, watching the scientist known as Hojo walk through these halls over and over again from this tube.

He slipped his eyes open through the mako haze, and saw what looked like two people. One had red... oh. he wanted to laugh hysterically. They were either their rescuers or they were about to be executed. He and Reno went way back but at the same time, it was also possible he would shoot him where he stood.

His eyes slipped shut again and he could hear the depressors of the tube being dropped. He was so tired, could barely keep his eyes open. His muscles were so damn weak, he waited as the mako water drained and then he was taken from the tube. His eyes were heavy, he couldn't open them, but he could feel warm skin pressed against his, against his cheek. He felt a zing down his spine but otherwise, he was just trying to survive.

Zack groaned, Cloud was making small noises too.] Hey...Ren...long time no see. [He knew that voice, even though he wasn't cracking open his eyes. He already saw him too but that was besides the point.]

[general_affairs]

[ He could feel the slow rise and fall of his chest, warmth glowing from underneath a cool mixture of mako that dripped slowly off of him. The smell was sharp in his nose, but he paid it no mind, and for a moment, he was still human, and brushed aside the mess to press his nose against slick black hair. ]

Yeah it has--

[ He pursed his lips and for a moment, shut his eyes tight as something cold and sharp squeezed his ribs tight, and stopped his breath in his throat. A thousand different things clawed to pour out of him all at once, but he had no right to any of them.

Rude gave his partner a moment, pretending to be oblivious to the things he knew was tearing the redhead apart as he shifted his hold on Cloud. He had instead gently tapped on the blond's cheek, trying to wake him with little success. ]

Looks like you partied a little too hard with the nerds down here. How's the hangover?

[ But it wasn't a party and this wasn't a hangover. But that wasn't the point. A little banter, a little something normal and dumb while Zack got his senses back, acting like this whole situation wasn't a big deal, just for now. ]

[fairtide]

[Zack could feel Reno's warmth and weight against him, anchoring him to the Earth, he could breathe for the first time in a long time and it felt fanfuckingtastic. He took a deep breath, then started coughing up mako juice out of his lungs. His eyes opened and he groaned again.] Damn, been breathing in that stuff for too long.

[Cloud didn't move, just mumbled.]

[Zack tried sitting up but his muscles kinda ached. He would have no choice soon though.] Feel like I drank twelve six packs just to plastered. Almost died from the alcohol poisoning and then god came down and lifted me up just to get me even drunker.

[general_affairs]

[ It was hard not to bury his face into black hair. He didn't care about the mako, or mess that it might make, just that nothing else could lay a hand on this man in his arms. That nothing ever should have--but now wasn't the time. Zack started to slough the mako from his lungs, and Reno made space, tipping Zack to give him space to cough it up and letting his head loll to one side to keep an eye on his status. One wayward glance was shot to Rude and Cloud, but he dare not look away for too long, for fear that Zack might disappear again somehow.

His lips curled into a grin and he just gave the other a quick, harsh pat on the back to help with getting the Mako up. He was nice enough to smooth over any possible sting or ache by rubbing his hand up and down along his back after, though. ]

Leave it to a SOLDIER to get sloppy-drunk and make a Turk show him how it's done, yo. Need some help gettin' back onto your feet? We gotta get outta here fast.

[fairtide]

[Zack kept coughing up the green liquid, he now liked to refer to ghetto sludge. He didn't understand why Shinra made it other than it made you super strong, and you got materia from it. At least that's what he always learned.

He coughed a few more times, before sitting up and sneezing.] Ah fuck... I can't stand this shit. Cloud got the worst of it, if you can't tell.

[He laughed suddenly, his voice deeper after years of being away, if you could believe it.] I should be able to stand and walk. You ain't showing me nothing I don't know, you know.

[Zack strained his muscles but he was on his feet within a few seconds. He yawned, not understanding how he could still be tired after three years of sleep. He turned to Cloud and Rude, wondering how they were going to get him out of here.] We'll probably have to take turns carrying, Cloud. You guys okay with that?

[Then he realized he was naked, he covered his junk quickly with both hands.] Uh...Anyone got pants?