[after Modeoheim and Icicle Inn and the failure that was his leave in Costa Del Sol, Zack knows he's being kept busy. Angeal dead, Genesis supposedly dead, two other SOLDIERs dead and Lazard gone - Zack isn't stupid. At first, he naively thought maybe it was because they knew that taking a break for someone who doesn't take breaks is a bad idea. That maybe they knew he'd rather jump into other missions, rather than sit and mourn. But it doesn't feel that way at all, now that he's in the swing of things again, and it feels off.
For all that being SOLDIER was his dream, to be a hero, he's not so blinded by it that he doesn't see the faults, either. There's a price that comes with it all; he's already seen it paid with Angeal, with Essai and Sebastian. He can't tell if he's paying it too, watching it all happen. Or maybe he's paying it by not being able to do a damn thing to stop it.
The only reason Sephiroth catches Zack still and not a bundle of nerves and energy pacing all over is that he's stopped to look at his phone and check his messages and missions. There's a frown of concentration on his face, uncharacteristic for someone who always seems to eager. He's muttering to himself, too low to really hear what he's saying, but judging from the pointed way he hits the buttons on his PHS . . . well.
So caught up in it he is that when Sephiroth speaks up, Zack yelps and drops his phone as he whirls around, completely caught off-guard]
Sephiroth! [he puts a hand to his chest and breathes] Geez, you'll give a guy a heart attack sneaking up on him like that . . . [wait] What about my mission?
[Sephiroth's expression is usually very guarded, which is why he comes off as more stoic than he intends. But there are a few -- very few -- times when it slips, and this is one of those times. The corner of his lips twists up ever so slightly at Zack's startled reaction.
He almost laughs as the phone falls. His previous thoughts fading slightly. Not so much at Zack's distress, though it is funny, but at the energy always radiating from him. Like a startled bundle of sunshine.
It's good to see that he seems to be in the same spirits as usual. He really hopes that's true. ... Though he knows Zack has also lost a lot after everything that's happened. He should talk to him more about Angeal, but he honestly doesn't know how. Or if it's the right thing to do. Would it just rip open barely healed wounds?]
My apologies.
[He dips his head just a little for emphasis.]
But a SOLDIER should always be aware of their surroundings. What if a monster were to sneak up on you instead? Your PHS won't provide much help in a combat situation. Though I suppose you could use it as an projectile.
[Despite that sounding like a lecture it's really said in jest. He's just picking on Zack a little while he can before the two of them are ultimately sent on separate assignments again. And while he could answer Zack's question, he doesn't.
[he's definitely being picked on. It's a little - new, coming from Sephiroth, but he has a sixth sense for it, thanks to that darn nickname and Angeal's own teasing. The grumble is halfhearted as he turns to scoop up his phone, snapping it shut]
A monster would've been louder. [he huffs, and it's s weak as his grumbling] Besides, I'm plenty aware. I just got caught up for a second.
[Sephiroth is still this strange territory, where on one hand there's still some of Zack's hero worship left and a ton of respect, and on the other . . . he's gotten so used to it that Sephiroth has become something of a friend without him really realizing it. Not until later, when he can yell at himself for being a moron, anyway.
He puts his hands on his hips, now that he isn't all startled] But a PHS could probably be a good projectile - they're sturdier than you think.
[He watches as Zack grumbles, huffs, and makes excuses. Sephiroth is sure Zack could handle himself in a real situation. He's made it this far after all. And Angeal always believed in him. That's good enough for Sephiroth, at least now that he's gotten to know him better.]
I wouldn't know, I've yet to drop mine. I won't ask how you know of it's durability.
[He gestures lightly with a hand, breaking his gaze away from him for a moment before looking at him again. Sephiroth is known for being very good at what he does, but the one place he is lacking in is regular social conversations. Though right now he is kind of trying.]
I've seen the reports from your missions. They've kept you on the move.
It's survived the last two years. [a faint grin] I'm convinced it can't break.
[famous last words, as they say, but despite the abuse his PHS goes through, he at least takes care of it; too many things saved on it that he'd be annoyed about losing. He almost, almost cracks a joke about not having the grace certain war heroes have, but he changes his mind at what the man says next. What good humor he had fizzles out, though he tries to keep it up for appearances.
Still, it's a little obvious in his voice. And the careful way he answers]
The vacation they forced me on didn't go so well, so I guess keeping me busy is the alternative. [which - for all that he's suspicious of it, is fine with him. Sitting around doing nothing never goes well] Are they keeping you busy too?
[He hears it Zack's voice. Maybe he shouldn't have brought this up, but it is the reality of both of their situations. Everyday it seems to grow grayer by the minute. Like some sort of storm is approaching them all.
And Sephiroth has no idea how to stop it.
He looks away again, but mostly to consider his next words. He does trust Zack but it seems the both of them are being careful of how they word their answers.]
Multiple monster sightings. So I've been sent to investigate all the reports.
[Which is yes, busy.
He pauses for a moment, slightly unsure of where to take this next but ...]
[they're sending Sephiroth to deal with monsters? Geez, they really are trying to keep them busy. He doesn't bother hiding the face he makes]
Guess we really are understaffed if they're sending you out to do those kinds of missions.
[of course the 1sts were understaffed, two of them were dead and Genesis and Angeal . . .
He considers Sephiroth for a moment before he inclines his head towards the elevators] I got some time before they send me out again but I definitely don't want to spend it pacing around here. Wanna come with?
I'm sure that's the only reason we are being sent.
[That's a slight dig at the company, without really saying much at all. The sarcasm is very light almost negligible. They both have an idea of what's really going on here. These kinds of missions are below both of their skill sets.
When Zack speaks again he glances towards the elevators and then back at him.]
I imagine that means you intend to pace elsewhere?
[Without giving much room for response, he moves to head towards them leaving Zack to follow. Which he's pretty certain he will. And this is kind of a Sephiroth way of saying yes, he'll come with.]
[he doesn't say anything, but the expression he makes sure says enough instead. It wasn't as though they were short on people in the other classes, either; Kunsel had mentioned as much to him, the last time he actually saw his friend, but it had been one of those rare times that Zack had already figured out what's going on before the 2nd could tell him.
(the e-mail he'd received later had been funny, though)
Stretching his arms over his head and then folding them behind it, Zack shrugs as he follows Sephiroth to the elevators]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
~yolo~
For all that being SOLDIER was his dream, to be a hero, he's not so blinded by it that he doesn't see the faults, either. There's a price that comes with it all; he's already seen it paid with Angeal, with Essai and Sebastian. He can't tell if he's paying it too, watching it all happen. Or maybe he's paying it by not being able to do a damn thing to stop it.
The only reason Sephiroth catches Zack still and not a bundle of nerves and energy pacing all over is that he's stopped to look at his phone and check his messages and missions. There's a frown of concentration on his face, uncharacteristic for someone who always seems to eager. He's muttering to himself, too low to really hear what he's saying, but judging from the pointed way he hits the buttons on his PHS . . . well.
So caught up in it he is that when Sephiroth speaks up, Zack yelps and drops his phone as he whirls around, completely caught off-guard]
Sephiroth! [he puts a hand to his chest and breathes] Geez, you'll give a guy a heart attack sneaking up on him like that . . . [wait] What about my mission?
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He almost laughs as the phone falls. His previous thoughts fading slightly. Not so much at Zack's distress, though it is funny, but at the energy always radiating from him. Like a startled bundle of sunshine.
It's good to see that he seems to be in the same spirits as usual. He really hopes that's true. ... Though he knows Zack has also lost a lot after everything that's happened. He should talk to him more about Angeal, but he honestly doesn't know how. Or if it's the right thing to do. Would it just rip open barely healed wounds?]
My apologies.
[He dips his head just a little for emphasis.]
But a SOLDIER should always be aware of their surroundings. What if a monster were to sneak up on you instead? Your PHS won't provide much help in a combat situation. Though I suppose you could use it as an projectile.
[Despite that sounding like a lecture it's really said in jest. He's just picking on Zack a little while he can before the two of them are ultimately sent on separate assignments again. And while he could answer Zack's question, he doesn't.
Also as a way of picking on him.]
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A monster would've been louder. [he huffs, and it's s weak as his grumbling] Besides, I'm plenty aware. I just got caught up for a second.
[Sephiroth is still this strange territory, where on one hand there's still some of Zack's hero worship left and a ton of respect, and on the other . . . he's gotten so used to it that Sephiroth has become something of a friend without him really realizing it. Not until later, when he can yell at himself for being a moron, anyway.
He puts his hands on his hips, now that he isn't all startled] But a PHS could probably be a good projectile - they're sturdier than you think.
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I wouldn't know, I've yet to drop mine. I won't ask how you know of it's durability.
[He gestures lightly with a hand, breaking his gaze away from him for a moment before looking at him again. Sephiroth is known for being very good at what he does, but the one place he is lacking in is regular social conversations. Though right now he is kind of trying.]
I've seen the reports from your missions. They've kept you on the move.
[Both of them really.]
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[famous last words, as they say, but despite the abuse his PHS goes through, he at least takes care of it; too many things saved on it that he'd be annoyed about losing. He almost, almost cracks a joke about not having the grace certain war heroes have, but he changes his mind at what the man says next. What good humor he had fizzles out, though he tries to keep it up for appearances.
Still, it's a little obvious in his voice. And the careful way he answers]
The vacation they forced me on didn't go so well, so I guess keeping me busy is the alternative. [which - for all that he's suspicious of it, is fine with him. Sitting around doing nothing never goes well] Are they keeping you busy too?
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And Sephiroth has no idea how to stop it.
He looks away again, but mostly to consider his next words. He does trust Zack but it seems the both of them are being careful of how they word their answers.]
Multiple monster sightings. So I've been sent to investigate all the reports.
[Which is yes, busy.
He pauses for a moment, slightly unsure of where to take this next but ...]
I heard you were here so I decided to stop by.
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Guess we really are understaffed if they're sending you out to do those kinds of missions.
[of course the 1sts were understaffed, two of them were dead and Genesis and Angeal . . .
He considers Sephiroth for a moment before he inclines his head towards the elevators] I got some time before they send me out again but I definitely don't want to spend it pacing around here. Wanna come with?
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[That's a slight dig at the company, without really saying much at all. The sarcasm is very light almost negligible. They both have an idea of what's really going on here. These kinds of missions are below both of their skill sets.
When Zack speaks again he glances towards the elevators and then back at him.]
I imagine that means you intend to pace elsewhere?
[Without giving much room for response, he moves to head towards them leaving Zack to follow. Which he's pretty certain he will. And this is kind of a Sephiroth way of saying yes, he'll come with.]
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(the e-mail he'd received later had been funny, though)
Stretching his arms over his head and then folding them behind it, Zack shrugs as he follows Sephiroth to the elevators]
I might stand still long enough to talk.