Zack's arm was slung around Cloud's shoulders as they sat back on the couch. Zack's voice was low, quiet, almost soothing; yet somehow still without lacking his usual infectious enthusiasm. Cloud's eyes were downcast, staring at his hands in his lap as he listened with a small smile. Occasionally he nodded or spoke with a glance up to him, causing Zack's eyes to flash happily as he built upon Cloud's interjections. As he listened, Cloud allowed his head to fall slowly backwards until his ear came to rest against Zack's shoulder. He gave a small sigh, his eyes level with Zack's collarbone. There was something indescribably comforting about his mentor's presence. After all this time, Cloud still thought of him as a mentor; not because he was intimidated by him or placing him on any sort of pedestal—besides, their combat skills were nearly equal now, after all they'd been through together. He thought of Zack as a mentor because he knew he would always be there to look after him. Of course, Cloud would give anything for Zack in turn, but the title reminded him of his younger days and brought him a strange sense of nostalgia.

He could feel the vibration of Zack's warm voice on his upper arm, which was by now pressed to the side of the other's chest. Suddenly, Cloud spoke, briefly interrupting Zack's train of thought.
"You have a twig in your hair."
"Huh? Where?" Zack turned his head, and his hair moved with him. He raised the hand not currently resting on Cloud's back to bring some of his mane over his shoulders. Cloud chuckled quietly at the slightly cross-eyed look Zack gave as he attempted to comb through the hair so close to his face.

Wordlessly, Cloud plucked the leaf and held it up for him to see.

"Thanks, buddy. I guess we should shower at some point today, huh, after cashing that bounty. I don't stink, do I?"
Cloud laughed. "I can't tell. Not any worse than me, anyway. Do I have anything weird in my hair?"

Unnecessarily, Zack took Cloud's face in his hands and tilted his head down, making him sputter. "Hmm... not that I can see. Wait, hold on," he grinned, and with no further warning ruffled Cloud's hair viciously. "Nope, you're good,"

"Hey!" Cloud laughed, only then attempting to bat Zack's hands away. "Now I really need a brush..."

"Aw, you look as handsome as ever," Zack laughed. Cloud's hair was sticking in all directions as he attempted to flatten it. With a resigned huff he let his head fall back against Zack's arm, which had taken its place again along the top of the couch. "Anyway, as I was saying, I saw this weird materia at the specialty shop the other day..."
Cloud crossed his arms over his chest comfortably, settling back into his seat. He was secretly glad that they'd never grown out of the touchiness they'd developed when he'd been recovering from mako poisoning for the first time. Of course, Zack had always been more physically affectionate than most, but to Cloud it felt special. Even if it was a little embarrassing at times, like in a room full of people; but when it was just the two of them, he felt so safe...

"Any other girlfriend would be jealous, you know," a sweet voice teased from the doorway.

"Aeris!" Zack greeted her warmly, waving his free hand, but he didn't rise. "How were sales today? We just got back a little while ago," he spoke with an arm still around Cloud, who blushed slightly and went back to looking at his hands. At one point, Zack had asked, understanding as ever, if Cloud had feelings for her. A fair question, based upon how somehow even more shy Cloud became in her presence, and the soft, searching looks he gave her on the occasions he did manage to make eye contact. He even blushed when she teased him, something that did not hold true for, say, Yuffie's attempts at jokes. Predictably, Cloud had blushed at the question, but proceeded to assure Zack that "it's nothing like that."
 

"Are you sure? I wouldn't be mad. I couldn't blame you, she's gorgeous. But you gotta be honest with me here, Cloud. I don't want anything to come between us,"