Melodies of Life 

Who: Cloud and OPEN
Where: Aqures Ixen, Chocobo Ranch area
When: February 7-14
Summary: Cloud returns from the Chocobo Forest adventure to learn some unhappy news. And some UFO stakeouting.
Warnings: Probable Feels

Aqures Markets - February 7th

Cloud smiled as he watched Zack walk alongside him, beak high and chest puffed out as he showed off his new plumage. Not only was his companion back in good health and spirits but his feathers had turned a rich blue after that mysterious chest. Cloud had been worried for his bird at first but he knew that if something was wrong that Zack wouldn’t keep it secret. No, it looked like he was back and better than ever.

The Old Man had been happy to see Zack as well, but then he quickly laid into the blonde Hero about the time he took away and the resources he used. He was a bit heavy handed about it but Cloud didn’t mind spending his own gil to help restock some of the supplies that they had borrowed from the farm. After all, they had done so much for Zack while he was sick. The chocobo continued to preen, showing off to the different merchants who knew the pair while Cloud made his purchases, soaking up all the compliments and admiration he could.

Hospital - February 7th

Cloud was kicking himself. After returning triumphant from the quest he’d gone looking for all of his friends, everyone who was worried about Zack to show them that he was okay. It wasn’t long before people told him the news of what had happened while he was away. He hadn’t heard from her even after he sent out his letter following the vision but he knew she was still around.

So of course she had turned to crystal while he was away. As sure he was that the adventure he’d gone off on was the right thing to do he still couldn’t help but feel guilty about being gone when maybe, just maybe, she had needed him too.

He sat in front of the statues of Zack and Tifa, quietly talking to them both and filling them in on what had happened. “So Zack...he’s fine now. And he’s turned blue. I think he can swim now but we haven’t had a chance to check it.” He wasn’t crying, but his throat was tightening up and his voice trembled with a wall about to break.

Around the Chocobo Ranch - Evening February 14th

Valentione’s Day. Mako had encouraged him to go out and take part in the festivities but Cloud had quietly pushed those suggestions aside. Even if there had been a wall between himself and Tifa he couldn’t help but pine for her and now, scant days after she turned to crystal, he was in no mood to take part in the festivities.

Instead he took the opportunity to go out riding with Zack around the region of the Chocobo Farm. He’d been asked to keep an eye out for those UFO’s and since they had gone after the birds last time it seemed like a good idea to keep watch in this area. He was pretty easy to spot on the open plains should anyone decide to join him and keep him company.