(no subject)

[explaining]

Who: Zack Fair & Guy Cecil
What: Friends with benefits. A lot of benefits.
Universe/CR: AU FF7/TotA Mashup



[It's a slow night. It's not usually a slow night; despite the improvements to the quality of life, living in Edge is still difficult and Guy's bar is on the opposite end of town as Tifa's Seventh Heaven. He doesn't have any delusions, either; he's handsome and he's always smiling. He can't cook like Tifa and he doesn't have the experience putting together a drink like she does, but with this many thirsty people he's not sure they really have to compete, anyway. Besides, he's met her. She's a lovely person, and the children she looks after are darling.

Still, Guy has his own regular clientele, and the night's not really complete until he's seen all of them. When the last regular trickles in and calls out a greeting from the door Guy finally settles with a warm grin and gives out a round for free (of the cheap stuff, he's not a saint). It's a small crowd, he can afford it and generosity will buy a lot of repeat business. Besides, he has his eye on a piece of fontech that just came out of Junon that he would kill to get the blueprints for, but he'll settle for his own appliance to take apart as he wishes.

It's getting late and Guy is cleaning up, only a couple stragglers hanging out near one of the pool tables, and he's taking inventory and writing a supply order list in his head when the bell chimes over the door.]

Have a seat, I'll be right with you!

Comments

[wingenvy]

[This is the last time, Zack tells himself, steps heavy as he climbs the stairs and pushes his way into the bar. The last time I take a job with Malboros. His SOLDIER enhancements and the ribbon Aerith had lent him, like, forever ago had kept the myriad of poisons they like to barf all over their victims from affecting him, but there was something about those tentacles and that horrifying grin that could haunt you for weeks. He could die happy if he didn't have to see it one more time.

Still, job done, and both his reputation and his wallet were better off for it, which meant he could treat himself today and send a bit of change Tifa's way tomorrow. Looking after all those kids was Cloud's thing more than his, sure, but he liked to help out here and there. They were good kids. And Marlene was great with Aerith's flowers, so... yeah.

Speaking of, he owed them a visit, too.

All of that could wait, however. Tonight he wanted a drink, and a bit of friendly company if it could be spared. Worst case scenario, at least he'd burn the smell of plant goop out of his nose.

He sits down at one of the bar stools and waits for Guy's attention, dragging his sword off and leaning it against the counter. Phew, it's nice to sit down.]

[explaining]

[Big, heavy boots. A little sluggish; tired from work maybe, clearing away rubble or working construction? But no, that thunk is definitely the sound of a weapon being rested nearby and Guy absently rests a hand on the katana at his hip. Just in case. He usually keeps a no-weapons policy, but he'll waive it for certain people.

Guy glances over his shoulder.]

...Zack. [Maybe the smile on his face is a touch warmer, a hint more sincere, and he turns away from the bottles lining the mirrors behind him to lean against the counter. He lets out a low whistle, wincing.] Man, you look rough. What happened? What'd you let chew on you this time?

[wingenvy]

Oh god, does it show that much? I was hoping it was just, y'know, internal or something.

[He can't help groaning. He's pretty sure he washed up well enough in the river he passed on his way back to Midgar's city limits, but what if he's got Malboro guts in his hair? Gross. He's not even especially fussy, but he draws the line at monster fluids.]

But for the record, I didn't let any chewing happen. Totally not consensual. But you should see the other guy, right?

[An old one, but still good, in his opinion. Especially since it's true.]

[explaining]

[Guy blows out a breath that's almost a laugh and he steps away to close out the tab of the man who approached the bar during Zack's explanation.] Yeah, no thanks. I'm okay never seeing the other guy.

[Guy tried mercenary work for a while. It was okay, but he didn't have the same knack for it Zack did. They'd actually met that way, on a job they worked together with a couple other hired hands but the whole deal had gone south. Patron had played down the threat so he could skimp on the number of warriors to hire, and they'd ended up taking a severe beating. Guy had gone into the man's house and come back out with proper payment for all of them, but he quit mercenary work the next day and took his earnings with him to Edge to find the cheapest building with running water that he could manage to buy outright.]

Yeah. Take care, Node. [Guy waves as the last two customers stagger out the door before he turns his attention to Zack.] Well. You're back alive, despite that other guy doing his best to get in the way of that. Drinks and food are on the house. What can I get you?

[wingenvy]

Aw, don't do that. I know everybody's having a hard time paying the bills with the city like this.

[It's not that he'd begrudge a free meal - he bums around Cloud's place plenty and enjoys the occasional free dinners that come along with it - but he's not exactly in need of charity. Plenty of merc jobs to keep his belly full, and plenty of other people more deserving (or in need) of hand-outs.]

I'll take the usual, though- I definitely need a drink.

[explaining]

[Guy shrugs a shoulder; Zack has his pride too, he knows.

He mixes together a drink that glows faintly in the darkened light of the bar before ducking back into the kitchen to throw together something quick; toasted sandwich should do. When he brings it back out on a plate (with a garnish and everything) he hops the counter and heads over to lock the door.] Ahhh. Is there a party or something happening down the block? I didn't really get too many people in tonight, it was kind of unusual.

[wingenvy]

Hahh...

[Zack smiles wryly at the question, delaying his answer just long enough to get a swig of his drink - ahh, there's really nothing like it - before spinning idly around on his stool to face Guy while he's at the door.]

That might have something to do with me, sorry. Or the job, anyway. Some idiot decided it would be a great idea to breed monsters in what's left of the slums. For "security", I hear. Definitely kept the bums off the guy's property, but surprise! Turns out you can't actually train Malboros not to eat people. They cleared out half the neighbourhood tonight.

[explaining]

Ah geez, seriously? Nobody was really hurt, right? [The slums are still pretty far from here; he must be just outside the evacuation line. But most of his clientele come from the poor side of town, so it makes sense that they'd all be gone. Hopefully they all made it out okay and can return to their homes soon.] Look, maybe you should chug a Panacea, I should have a few in storage. Just to be safe. [Guy ducks beneath the counter to rummage through the tonics in his locked cabinet.]

[wingenvy]

Oh, nah, I'm find, trust me. See? I'm well equipped.

[Zack grins and nudges his shoulder armor aside just enough to reveal a cute pink ribbon tied neatly around his bicep.]

No poison, no paralysis, nadda. I'm just thirsty- but thanks. And yeah, there were some injuries, but as far as I know the problem was handled before anyone died. I may have given the guy that started it all a heart attack when I yelled at him for causing all the mess, though!

[explaining]

[Guy peers up over the counter at the ribbon and snorts with a smile.]

Okay, okay. Hope you gave him hell.

But tell me if you feel sick. [He taps the edge of the plate.] And eat.

[But as Guy starts collecting glasses and wiping down tables, listening to Zack recount his last few jobs as he crunches through that sandwich, he's still concerned.

Zack sounds subdued. And Guy knows that Zack had something of a rough life before they met; the too-strong glow of mako in his eyes and the scars all over his body make that obvious. Maybe something happened.

Guy snaps his cleaning cloth and rests a fist on his hip, canting his weight to the side.] Well with all the evacuations, you're gonna have a hard time finding somewhere to sleep. Want to use the guest room upstairs?

[wingenvy]

[Zack responds with a cheeky grin from around a big bite of his sandwich, practically swallowing the mouthful whole. Now that the food's right in front of him, he's actually feeling pretty hungry.]

I won't say no to that, if you don't mind.

[Free board is a different sort of charity, one he has no qualms accepting; beds are different than food. You don't have to replace 'em once they've been used by somebody who needs it, unless they're the unfortunate sort of guest who'll tear them apart for one reason or another. He's done that once or twice, true enough, but these days it's more due to a really good bout of sex than nightmares. And he's handy with a hammer, so it's not that big of a deal in the end.]

[explaining]

[zack you are already justifying fixing guy's guest bed post furious sex-fest]

Sure don't. I'll go get those fat chocobo sheets you like so much. [Guy winks before heading up the stairs, taking two at a time over to the linen closet. He's glad, honestly; he and Zack don't get to see much of each other but he's always, always liked him. Zack has a good head on his shoulders and more than that, he genuinely cares about people. He cares so much that sometimes Guy wonders if it's too much, and- okay, so that's the other reason why he's glad Zack stopped by.

He doesn't really look after himself. Guy's had a tumultuous life of his own, but how he copes now is by making a place of safety and comfort for other people. Hospitality is not only something he's good at, but something he likes. Just...sometimes it goes further than a warm meal and a drink for someone like Zack.

Guy bounds back downstairs after making the bed, jerking his thumb at the doorway.] Go wash up. You remember where the towels are? I think I still have your pajamas here too, I'll leave them outside the bathroom.

[wingenvy]

[By the time Guy returns, Zack has finished both drink and sandwich; there's a bit more colour in his cheeks thanks to the mako-infused alcohol, and he seems better off thanks to both. Smiling gratefully, he hops off the bar stool and tugs his massive broadsword back over his shoulder, heading for the stairs.]

Thanks, man. I owe you another one after this.

[God, does he ever need a shower, even after dunking himself in the river. And it'll feel good to get out of these sweaty travel clothes, too.]

[explaining]

You keep saying you owe me, [Guy calls after his retreating back, then leans to shout up the stairs after him,] but you realize I'm never going to collect!

[Whatever, Fair. You're doing him just as big a favor letting him look after you. With Luke gone-

With Luke...missing, sometimes Guy feels like a mother bird with an empty nest. Just having someone to look after for the night is enough. It's just enough to be needed every once in a while.

Guy finishes cleaning up the bar, ducks upstairs to dig out Zack's sleeping clothes and sets them on a stool outside the bathroom door, then returns downstairs to finish taking inventory and put out all the lights. He hesitates, then grabs a couple bottles of liquor (scotch for him, mako for Zack) and heads over to his room to read and listen for Zack.]

[wingenvy]

[Zack laughs and waves him off, whether Guy can see him or not. They can sass the night away and never get tired of it, he's certain of that. For now, though, the shower awaits.

He leans his sword against the wall as he passes the guest room - it's heavy enough that he's never really had a fear of someone stealing it, and he'd prefer it be more in reach at the bedroom than anywhere else - and disappears into the bathroom for a while, stripping off his clothes and hanging them up by the door. Within seconds he's under the water, eyes closed, indulging in the warm, wet heat. Yeah, definitely much better than the river. The pressure in Edge has always been crap, and he knows he can't waste too much time or he'll be rinsing off with cold, but sometimes you just can't not do this. Moments of calm in a life like his are few and far between.

Cloud would understand, he thinks. Guy probably would, too, since he's like that, but that's not something they talk about. He figures they both prefer it- everyone needs a friend who doesn't know any of your secrets, right? Who hasn't heard about your dirty laundry? Who gets it, but doesn't... you know, know.

No overthinking it. Overthinking gets you into trouble, remember?

Ten minutes later he's wandering back down the hall, one towel tied around his waist, another smaller one around his neck to catch the water trickling from damp hair. He has the clothes Guy left out tucked under his arm, and as he passes Guy's room, he raps on the door with his knuckles.]

All done, if you wanna claim the bathroom.

[explaining]

Thanks, [Guy calls from inside. He's out of his room before the door to the guest room closes and he catches a glimpse of shiny wet black hair and a long, lean back before he looks away and ducks into the bathroom himself. A quick scrubdown -his showers have gotten pretty military-quick since he moved here- and he's out as well, throwing on the first loose-fitting set of clothes he has and toweling his own hair dry. He snags a pack of cards, the bottles and heads over the guest room to knock on the door with his foot.]

Hey, let me in before I drop these.

[wingenvy]

[Zack opens the door a moment later in his PJs, though the towel around his neck is still there, since it takes a while to dry that much hair. His gaze drops immediately to the handful of treats Guy is carrying and immediately offers a bright smile, reaching out to take something out of Guy's too-full hands.]

This is gonna be one hell of an IOU if you keep treating me like this, man.

[explaining]

[Get the liquor so Guy can start shuffling the cards.] Just bring me some fontech next time you swing by. [He hooks an ankle around the desk chair and pulls it out over next to the bed, flipping the cards easily through his fingers.] So what first? Heart's Hand? Junon Hold 'Em? Strike? -Actually no, I don't want to play Strike with you, you always win. [Damn reflexes-dependent game.]

[wingenvy]

Aww, you know that means that I'll want to play Strike, right?

[SOLDIERs. They have this thing about victory. It's probably the mako or something.]

But since you're being so generous, I guess I'll let you choose.

[explaining]

Why not good old fashioned poker? [Guy starts passing out the hands.] We'll bet a drink. Loser takes a shot.

[wingenvy]

Hah, alright. You're on.

[Zack sets the bottles down on the table and settles himself down in front of it, cracking his knuckles.]

But I can't promise you that I'll be in any condition to carry you to your room later when you lose!

[explaining]

Good thing we're in your room then. I won't have to move you far. [CHEEKY GRIN RIGHT BACK ATCHA

Five hands later and Guy's winning, but only by three majority.] I guess you forgot how good I am at bluffing.

[wingenvy]

Shaddup.

[Zack, five shots and a full cocktail into a bottle of the only alcohol mix that can actually get him tipsy, is not the most graceful loser. He also apparently forgot that he's kind of terrible at poker.]

It's not my fault I have such an honest face.

[explaining]

I guess not, but you should probably work on that if you're gonna stick with the mercenary biz much longer. You're lucky you're so hardy. [Guy reaches over and pounds Zack on the chest a couple times, smirking.] You wanna switch games?

[wingenvy]

I don't know, a few more shots and I'll be drunk enough to invent a good poker face. Comeback King, yeah?

[Although that might make him drunk enough that he can't remember how to play. It's a bit of a gamble, really.]