Zack and Cloud were running on borrowed time with Shinra hot on their trail like hunting dogs. Coming to your house on the outskirts of Midgar had been Cloud’s last-ditch idea to save himself and Zack, but he knew you wouldn’t turn him away. And Zack, although he didn’t know you, was thankful for the help and took the leap of faith anyway.

“Really appreciate you letting us camp out here,” Zack says, giving you a pleasant smile. “Means a lot.” Things have been so strange lately. Cloud isn’t the same Cloud that he remembers; he’s brusque, quiet, and, honestly, a little grumpy. Zack remembers Cloud as someone who was eager to please and always trailing behind him. He’s incredibly resourceful now, and he goes around calling himself a mercenary. Zack doesn’t understand. He’s tempted to ask if things seem strange to you too, but then the side door opens.

“I checked the perimeter,” Cloud says curtly as he re-enters the room, leaning his sword against the wall of your kitchen. “Should be fine for now.” His body is aching with the multitude of injuries derived from escaping Shinra, and Zack’s just as bad. “Got any healing materia?”