Large fingers delicately rub against the roots of raven hair, a sigh gently parting plush lips. How long has it been since Midgar's destruction? He hardly keeps track of the way time passes, a jumbled and hazy mess as it tends to be for someone such as Zack. Handling the idle work within edge had kept him busy, busy enough anyways not to worry too terribly at the passage of time nor the grief that always lingers in the back of his mind or even the dull ache of muscles that didn't take too kindly to being used.
It's bothersome to a degree, not being able to function the way he used to so long ago with little hesitation, having to be cautious of his own limits and ensure that the citizens of Edge wouldn't catch the flicker of a grimace whenever asked to haul heavier loads. There's a gratitude that comes with the fact he doesn't need to worry much about the average civilian paying him too much attention, still a stigma against those who worked for ShinRa lingering, and he'd had the permanent marking of a position known for ruthless brutality. Former 1st class SOLDIER, one of four elites left and he can't even take pride in that fact.
It's laughable to think about, especially as he lazily plops onto a nearby crate and rests his back against the wall, not quite feeling up to wearing himself out with the usual means of passing his time before he ends up retiring for the night. Admittedly Zack is tired, much too exhausted to enjoy the repetition and burn of exercising but not enough to rest or nap.
“ You gonna say something or keep looking at me like I'm a kicked puppy? ” He'd heard her steps before she'd even managed to the room he'd holed himself up in, @kisaragisecret finally attracting his amused gaze. “ You know, for a ninja you're not very good at sneaking up on me. What's up? ”
