008 || tea for two?

[lottato_prima]

Zack's strength of mind hasn't been at its peak lately, which may explain his absence from the consciousness of others.

As it was, the former SOLDIER was secluded in a web of emerald wisps and crystals, cocooned in the center by an even thicker web and two white wings surrounding his form. His eyes were closed, head bowed, the rest of his body also concealed by the maze of webs. So he... hasn't been able to meld himself entirely cohesive yet, but he's getting there. There's no telling what the rest of his body looks like, trapped in that mess.

If you dare to approach, he'll glance up briefly, quietly. He's studying you, wanting to know the reasons why you would come deep into the Lifestream like this, to talk to a forgotten, deceased SOLDIER.

And he'll welcome the company.

Comments

always!

[findmyownreason]

He knows it's goodbye. He hears what Zack says but he doesn't have that kind of faith. It's not a lack of faith in Zack, it's a lack of faith in the way life goes and the Planet handles things in particular. He knows Zack says it's not the end for them but - it still feels like it. Like he's losing him all over again.

He'll do better at it this time though. He won't break and he won't hide. And - he won't be selfish and try to make Zack stay when his friend is obviously ready to go.

this time... he's ready to go this time. It's - different this time

It doesn't mean he doesn't have to fight the desire to grab on the Zack and cling like a little kid though. Instead, he inhales. Exhales. Nods, just once. It's what Zack wants.

He doesn't miss the words though and he's finally at a place in his life where he can actually hear them. The blue eyes go stricken again but this time it's because - it's all he's wanted. Just - just to make Zack proud of him. Just to know - that he hasn't been a failure that way. That - at least this once - maybe, just maybe, he managed to do something right.

It's going to take some time for it to sink in, for him to really believe it, but it's a start and he can manage the single step back after that last embrace that he actually returned for the first time, hands forming fists in the black mane for a second before letting go.

"I know." Zack will always be there for him. Even when he's not really. "I - " but words fail him still and all he can manage is a choked: "Thanks, Zack. For - everything."