^.^

12. the one where soulmates can heal each other’s injuries.

Zack finished his report. Lazard for his part took the sudden news well. Angeal and Genesis simply nodded. Sephiroth looked quite surprised. 

“Anything to add Corporal Strife?” Lazard asked. 

“Just my apologies,” Cloud said. Zack had learned it as soon as he was medically cleared, “I didn’t intend to…cause such a ruckus. I just tried to help if I could.”

“No need to apologize,” Lazard assured him, “No one could have known it would happen…it just makes mission make-up a little more…complicated.”

Cloud and Zack shared a look. 

“It’s…more convenient to make sure you two are always sent out together,” Angeal translated. 

“I mean…we were fine before we knew,” Zack said. 

“You don’t have to,” Cloud said, “I know how hard it is to coordinate with Infantry.”

“When are you scheduled to retake the SOLDIER examinations,” Sephiroth asked. 

“I…um…I decided not to retake,” Cloud said, “I failed three times.” Genesis began tapping on his PHS, no doubt looking up results. 

“And…it looks bad to promote me more because I happen to be Zack’s soulmate…and can heal him by touching him,” Cloud said. 

“Hey I can do that to you too,” Zack said. He touched Cloud’s hand and both of them inhaled at the touch. It was weird, not unpleasant…just new. Their connection looked to heal any pain and when it didn’t find any…it kinda tingled. 

“I understand wanting to pass on your own merit,” Angeal started. 

“Excuse me,” Genesis said, “you got what score on Materia training?” 

“Oh…that was the only bit I did any good on,” Cloud said. Genesis showed his PHS screen to Sephiroth, who raised his eyebrows. 

“You have the highest recorded score in Materia…ever,” Genesis said, “How high was your MP anyway?” 

“Oh…I don’t know,” Cloud said, “Over a hundred.”

“Over a hundred without mako showers?” Angeal said. Lazard was already typing away. 

“Is that good?” Cloud asked. 

“I was barely over 75 without mako,” Zack said, “What level of Materia could you cast with?”

“Three?” Cloud said. 

“Okay that’s kinda big,” Zack said. 

“Hiedegger appears to have signed off on your final results,” Lazard said, “he was always more concerned with strength…your materia score alone…I’m not sure you can improve it it’s so high…but with proper training…and your um…partnership…”

“I’ll train him,” Genesis and Sephiroth said simultaneously. Then glared at each other. 

“I think you made it to SOLDIER on your own merit Strife,” Angeal said. 

“So…can Cloud and I…y’know…get burgers? celebrate? …figure out stuff?” Zack asked. Genesis and Sephiroth were already starting to bicker. 

“Run,” Angeal said, before the argument completely exploded. Zack grabbed Cloud’s hand, smiling at the tingle now. 

“I never really got to say thank you,” Zack said, “you kinda saved my bacon.”

I’ve officially read everything listed and man, I missed a lot of good stuff while I was gone! You’re all amazing, thanks for the recs & thanks to the authors for writing.