Chapter Text
Zack had told as much of his story as he could until it was late. Late enough that Marlene was huffing and wagging her finger, “Daddy, it’s your bedtime!”.
And everyone laughed.
Aside from Aerith and Zack, they all returned to the inn in Sector 7, Marlene happy to go with her father, and to visit Seventh Heaven with Tifa for the first time in so long.
“I’ll leave you two be,” said Elmyra after cleaning up the dishes, “You have a lot to catch up on. If you need anything, just give a holler.”
“Thank you, mom,” replied Aerith kindly, and led Zack upstairs.
“Zack?” asked Aerith, her voice wavering a little.
“Yeah?”
“I…I don’t know how to say this…” Aerith stammered, averting her gaze.
Zack’s heart sank a little. Was she uncomfortable around him? Did she want him to stay somewhere else, at least for a while? It had been five years…maybe he just needed to wait until Aerith was ready to-
“-You…you stink, Zack,” said Aerith, trying to stifle a laugh, “Like…really, really stink.”
Zack let out a laugh of relief, “That’s it? That’s what was so hard to tell me? That I’m smelly?”
“I just…you know, didn’t want to make you feel bad…”
“Aerith,” laughed Zack, “I am well aware I probably reek. I can’t remember the last time I washed… anything!”
Aerith chuckled, taking Zack by the hand to the bathroom, “We need to scrub you until your skin falls off. You’re so stinky!”
“I am,” laughed Zack, “I’m a stinky boy. I’ve told you that before. You can totally call me out on it.”
“There’s…you know…” said Aerith awkwardly, rubbing her arm nervously, “Towels and…well, you probably remember where everything is…”
“I do,” replied Zack, “I…just don’t have anything to wear…these clothes are probably beyond salvageable…”
“Oh!” smiled Aerith, snapping her fingers, “Don’t worry! You…still have clothes here. And so many other things!”
“You really have them?” asked Zack with surprise.
“They’re exactly where you left them,” replied Aerith shyly, “It…it helped having them around.”
“I understand,” replied Zack, “I’m grateful. I’m glad I could at least be here in some way.”
“I…umm…” said Aerith shyly, moving her hair behind her ear, “I…should probably leave you…you know, alone, since you’ll want privacy…”
“Wait,” said Zack nervously, “Aerith…if…if you want to…you know, join me…I would love that. But you don’t have to. I understand it’s been…five years…”
“I know,” sighed Aerith, “I just didn’t want to make it… weird or anything.”
“It’s alright, Aerith,” replied Zack with a kind smile, “Whatever you want to do is fine with me.”
“Okay,” said Aerith, backing out of the room, “I’ll just…leave you be for now.”
“Okay,” Zack replied, his heart sinking a little bit, having to remind himself that five years was a long time, and he would have to be patient for things to feel comfortable again.
Aerith shut the bathroom door behind her, and Zack began to undress, removing his grimy shirt and placing it carefully to the side. He was really filthy and sweaty. The last time he remembered bathing was in a river with Misha, and that was…well, long enough ago.
Zack was removing his pants when all of a sudden, he heard the bathroom door fly open, and Aerith was in his arms, sobbing hard.
Zack wrapped his arms around her without hesitation, rubbing her back and squeezing her against him.
“I missed you, Zack…” cried Aerith, “I missed you so much…”
“I missed you, too…” cried Zack, trying to comfort Aerith with his gentle words, and touches.
“I don’t care if it’s crazy…” wept Aerith, “I know we’re supposed to acclimate, or wait, or whatever …but I can’t. I can’t do it, Zack. You’re right here, and I can’t keep away from you another second.”
“Aerith…” sighed Zack, a tear falling down his face, “If you’re crazy, then I must be crazy too. I just didn’t want to make it awkward.”
“It’s not,” said Aerith, “At first a little maybe…but…when I’m with you, it feels like we haven’t been apart at all.”
“Me either,” replied Zack, caressing Aerith’s cheek, “It’s just…you’re hugging a really icky, smelly boy,” he laughed, “You’re probably covered in gross boy stuff now.”
“I don’t care,” Aerith both laughed and cried, “It’s where I want to be. My brain tells me to wait and take my time, but my heart just wants to be in your arms after longing for it for five years. So that’s what I’m going to do.”
“Well,” laughed Zack, “Your heart is worth following. Mine is too. But I need to follow it into the shower because if I can smell myself, that’s pretty bad...”
“It is,” laughed Aerith, Zack wiping away a tear from her face, “You smell so bad, Zack.”
“I do,” replied Zack proudly, “I’m proud of it. It got me home to you.”
“Still,” smiled Aerith, “You look and smell like a swamp. How about we fix that?”
Zack nodded, and allowed Aerith to help him finish undressing. He was still pretty weak, and didn’t mind the help.
“Oh Zack, ” Aerith gasped, covering her mouth in shock, seeing the bullet scars on Zack’s body - his chest, his legs, his back. Seeing how much weight he’d lost, and how the clothes he wore practically slid off, “Zack…what did they do to you…” Aerith began to cry.
“Hey,” replied Zack, touching Aerith’s face, “It’s okay. I just need rest and good food. And lots of snuggles. I’ll look and feel so much better, especially with a pretty girl helping me.”
“I just…I can’t believe someone would do this to you…” sniffled Aerith, touching Zack’s scars, “They…they tried to kill you, didn’t they?”
“But I’m me,” Zack replied, gazing into Aerith’s eyes, “I promised I’d make it back to you, and I did. No matter how hard they tried to stop me. I really am okay. Please don’t cry, Aerith.”
“Okay,” Aerith sniffled, “It’s just…a lot, that’s all.”
“I know,” sighed Zack, “But I’m home now. And with you and your mom cooking for me, I’ll get fatter than a Chocobo in a week!”
“Sure,” smiled Aerith, and Zack was relieved to see her feel a little better, “We’ll make sure you’re all better.”
“Here,” said Zack, pulling down the jacket of Aerith’s dress, “I can help you too…I mean, if you want.”
“O-okay,” replied Aerith.
“Is…is that okay?” asked Zack nervously.
“Yes,” replied Aerith, “It’s just…I might not look the same either…”
It was true. Despite his weakened state, Zack had noticed Aerith’s appearance was different from five years ago.
And he desperately wanted to see more.
“It’s okay,” replied Zack, “You’re beautiful to me Aerith. And you always will be.”
Aerith nodded and let Zack take off her jacket. She pulled down her pink dress and bra, stepping out of them, shyly averting her eyes and covering herself up with her arms, as Zack took in the beauty before him.
“I have…a few scars too…” Aerith said, her voice wavering, “And…I’ve filled out a bit, so I’m not nearly in as good shape as someone like Tifa…”
“Aerith…” stammered Zack, gazing at Aerith’s form before him, “Aerith, you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever fucking seen. Don’t cover yourself up...”
Zack moved Aerith’s arms away, taking in the most gorgeous body he’d ever seen. She had filled out in the last five years, and Zack didn’t think she could have possibly gotten more beautiful…but she most certainly had. Her breasts were rounder, her hips wider, her curves filled out much more than before, a patch of thick, lush hair curling at the apex of her thighs. She looked like…well, a woman.
A lush, naked Cetra woman in front of him, and Zack finally understood the meaning of the word goddess.
From her lush, full breasts, to her hips and thick, beautiful thighs…and the lush hair between her legs…Aerith had become a woman.
A Cetra woman.
And Zack couldn’t help but… react to such a sight.
“I uhh…” Zack blushed, coughing nervously, “I think it’s obvious that I like very much what I see…”
“I…am actually glad,” replied Aerith, relief palpable in her voice, chuckling a bit at Zack’s body… reacting to her. “I was just…worried I wouldn’t be… attractive or anything...”
“Aerith,” laughed Zack, “Trust me. If I wasn’t smelly and gross I’d ravish you right now.”
Aerith blushed, and Zack reached out a hand to touch a scar on the side of her abdomen.
“I got hurt in a fight,” Aerith explained, “A few times. I’m not the best in combat or anything…mostly I can use magic. But sometimes I get hit anyway even if I block it.”
“I’m sorry…” said Zack, “I’m sorry you had to fight, Aerith. I never wanted that for you.”
“It’s okay,” replied Aerith, “We both made out alright. I just need to feed you. I’ll make so many hot dogs and baked beans you won’t know what to do with yourself!”
“I’d never say no to that!” smiled Zack, as he turned on the steamy shower, “So, care to hose me down, my love?”
“Oh, you know I would,” laughed Aerith, “I’m going to scrub you until you’re a different color!”
“Please do,” replied Zack, “I’ve probably got like… layers or something…”
Aerith actually helped Zack into the shower. Although he’d been energetic seeing her again, the adrenaline had worn off, and he was noticeably weak, much to his own embarrassment.
“I’m sorry,” replied Zack, “If anyone should be embarrassed, it’s me. I should have hit the gym before finding you.”
“It’s okay Zack,” replied Aerith kindly, “You went through a lot. You just need care. I love you just the way you are and want to help you feel better.”
Zack nodded, and Aerith stepped into the shower with him, shaking out her hair from its braid, and Zack gasped a little at how beautiful she was.
“Here,” said Aerith, taking down the showerhead and helping hose down Zack a little, “I’ll just rinse you first and get off what I can. Then I’ll put all the soap in this bathroom on you.”
“Gotcha boss,” laughed Zack, and allowed Aerith to hose him down. But it felt so good…the water was warm and pulsating, and soothed his soreness.
Once he was rinsed, Aerith hung the showerhead back up and lathered his hair with shampoo. Zack smiled - it was the same girly stuff Aerith always used. He’d recognize that scent anywhere.
“Okay, stinky! Arms up!” instructed Aerith, a soapy loofah in hand as she assaulted Zack’s armpits.
“Hey!” Zack laughed, “That tickles!”
“Too bad!” teased Aerith, “You’re stinky ! Keep em’ up!”
Zack fidgeted quite a bit as Aerith scrubbed his armpits to hell and back, and they both laughed. Gods, it felt so good to hear Aerith laugh again, and to laugh with her.
Aerith lathered herself up as well, and let out a yelp when a soapy washcloth touched her.
“Sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you!” laughed Zack, “I just…wanted to help. You’ve been hugging a stinky boy and all.”
“Sure,” smiled Aerith, and allowed Zack to gently wash her. Zack was incredibly gentle - something that Aerith knew would never change. He tenderly caressed each breast with the cloth, and Aerith sighed with delight.
“ Like that, huh?” smirked Zack, “Gods, I haven’t seen boobs in nearly five years…”
“Zack!” Aerith exclaimed.
“Well, in my head. Not in person, anyway,”
“Zack Fair!” laughed Aerith quite hard, “Here I was, feeling bad for you!”
“Whoops,” laughed Zack, as he continued to wash Aerith, “Now you! Arms up!”
Aerith rolled her eyes, but did as Zack asked, and he scrubbed her.
“Hey, how come you aren’t squirming around?” huffed Zack.
“Because I’m not nearly as sensitive as you, puppy,” snickered Aerith, “So…is it okay if…I get the rest of you? I…I don’t want to make you uncomfortable…”
“Oh no! A beautiful woman wants to wash me below the waist! Woe is me!” teased Zack, “Like that wouldn’t be alright, angel!”
Aerith laughed, and nodded as she soaped up the loofah. Zack helped Aerith wash him, his arousal very evident and Aerith couldn’t help but giggle.
“What?” laughed Zack, “A beautiful angel is touching me! I can’t help it!”
“Aww, poor baby!” teased Aerith, trying to be as gentle as possible - Zack was still pretty weak, after all, “Is that alright? I don’t want to make you sore.”
“Aerith, trust me, I’m a happy son of a bitch right now,” laughed Zack, his face flush, “Don’t you worry about a thing.”
Aerith finished up carefully cleaning Zack, and made him yelp when she reached between his butt cheeks with the loofah.
“Sorry puppy, gotta get there too!” Aerith snickered, as Zack gave her a playful scowl.
“There, I’m clean now,” laughed Zack, grabbing the soapy washcloth again, “Do…do you need a hand there, beautiful?”
“As long as you feel up to it,” Aerith replied shyly, “I know you’re…not feeling your best.”
“Trust me,” smirked Zack, “I have energy for this.”
Zack moved the washcloth between Aerith’s legs, a place he had definitely not forgotten. It was covered in lush, thick hair, and absolutely beautiful, more than he ever remembered…and he couldn’t help but hunger at the sight. He gently spread her petals apart as he washed, and Aerith gasped, much to Zack’s amusement.
“You like when I touch there, hmm?” teased Zack, and Aerith ruffled his hair. “It’s beautiful, Aerith. Even more beautiful than the last time I saw it.”
“As were you,” Aerith replied with a rushed breath.
Zack carefully finished cleaning Aerith, and then, before she could protest, wiped between her butt cheeks as she let out a yelp.
“Hey!” Aerith yelped playfully.
“Sorry ma’am, had to get there too.”
“You sneak!” laughed Aerith, “You did that on purpose!”
“Yes angel, I did,” smirked Zack, “Now we’re even!”
Aerith helped finish washing Zack’s thighs and down his legs, scrubbing with the loofah to exfoliate so much of the grit and grime, and to Zack’s surprise, it felt really good. She got each of his feet too, and man, were they sore! Then again, walking miles and miles would do that.
Aerith quickly washed her own legs, not wanting Zack to bend or exert himself too much. She rinsed her hair and applied some conditioner, and wrapped her arms around Zack while it set, and he did the same.
They stood under the warm water, held in a tight embrace as the warmth soothed them. It felt so good to hold Aerith in his arms again. The sheer joy and love was indescribable. He kept expecting to wake up from such a wonderful dream, but knew it wasn’t a dream when Aerith pinched his butt a little bit.
“See? Not a dream,” Aerith teased, and Zack pulled her into a passionate kiss, which Aerith gladly reciprocated.
Aerith rinsed herself off, and took the showerhead down again to help do the same for Zack. His skin was much brighter now, and free of the grit and grime. Aerith helped him wipe down, and he thanked her.
Aerith led Zack into her room, and to his glee, it was exactly the same as he’d left it. His clothes were still in the same spots. His birthday presents on the shelf. The pictures framed on the wall. It was so comforting to see such a familiar sight.
Aerith slathered Zack with deodorant before digging through some clothes, pulling them out of the bin.
“Here,” smiled Aerith, handing Zack a pair of his underwear, “I have your favorite…”
Aerith unraveled a pretty blue flannel nightgown, covered in moogles, Chocobos, and little moons and stars.
“My nightie!” squealed Zack, touching the fabric in disbelief, making Aerith chuckle, “Oh, Aerith! You kept it!”
“Of course I did!” Aerith smiled, “It’s yours!”
Zack was so excited to put on the gown, and damn, was it comfy. He couldn’t remember the last time he wore something this cozy. To his joy, Aerith put on hers, and she looked so beautiful in it, filling it out even more than before, and it was absolutely gorgeous.
“We match again!” Aerith giggled, brushing out her hair, “Isn’t it nice?”
“It’s the best,” chuckled Zack, sitting on the side of the bed. He was losing steam pretty quick, but he was more than happy to watch Aerith get ready for bed like he’d done so many times in the past.
Aerith quickly ran the brush through Zack’s spiked hair, which felt really nice. She then helped move his legs onto the bed, and slid in next to him under the fluffy blankets. Zack hadn’t been so comfortable and content in the last five years.
“You can sleep wherever you want,” blushed Aerith, “You know…if you’d rather be alone…”
“Aerith,” sighed Zack, “I’d rather be right here than anywhere else in the world.”
“Okay,” replied Aerith, pillowing herself against Zack’s chest - a place that, despite how long it had been, felt so familiar and comforting, “That doesn’t hurt you, does it?”
“Never,” replied Zack, kissing the top of Aerith’s head, “It feels so wonderful to have you curled up against me again. I love you, Aerith.”
“I love you too, Zack,” smiled Aerith, nuzzling his chest, “Thank you for coming home to me….”
“Thank you for never giving up on me,” Zack replied with a sweet kiss, “I was so worried about you. That you’d…think I found someone else. But there’s only one you, Aerith. And you’re the only one I want.”
“And you are by far irreplaceable,” replied Aerith, “So many people said cruel things about you skipping out on me…”
“I’m so sorry, Aerith,” whispered Zack as he held her tightly, “I never would have done that. I’m sorry people were so thoughtless.”
“But I wouldn’t believe it. Even when the letter from Shinra came saying you’d been killed, Tseng left me a strong hint that it wasn’t true.”
“Tseng,” sighed Zack, “He’s still here, then?”
“That’s what gave me hope you were alive,” replied Aerith, “I gave him my letters for you. And even though he couldn’t tell me much, he made sure I knew that Shinra was covering up the truth. He risked a lot to do that for me.”
“I’ll have to thank him,” replied Zack, sighing as he breathed in Aerith’s wonderful scent.
“I thought that it would feel so awkward, trying to get close to you after all this time,” said Aerith softly, “And I wanted to hold back. But I just couldn’t do it. And it feels so right, doesn’t it? Like the time that passed hardly mattered.”
“Having you in my arms again is the only thing that’s felt right in the last five years,” whispered Zack, “I could never feel uncomfortable around you, Aerith. I love you, and nothing can ever change that.”
“I love you, Zack,” Aerith replied, “I thought of you all the time. Up until Cloud fell through the roof, my life was pretty quiet, and even though I was sad, I did my best to live every day.”
“I’m glad to know that,” replied Zack, “I can’t imagine how hard it must have been. But I’m glad you eventually found friends. And you should really put a net over that roof…you’ve had two people fall from the plate!”
“Tifa said the same thing,” laughed Aerith, “She’s kinda got a point.”
“She seems really great,” smiled Zack, “Cloud always talked about her, and…I kinda always hoped one day you’d be friends.”
“Well, you don’t have to hope, because we are!” chuckled Aerith, “Bestest best friends forever!”
“I still can’t believe you were with mine this whole time and didn’t know it!” mused Zack.
“I swear! I thought his name was Clud!” laughed Aerith, “When you wrote it on the cake!”
“Poor Clud!” Zack laughed hard, “But I’m glad he wasn’t all alone. I never knew what happened to him.”
“We take good care of him,” laughed Aerith, “He’s kind of a butthead sometimes, but we soften him up.”
Aerith told Zack about so much of her journey once she had joined Cloud and the others. About Wall Market, and saving Tifa from Don Corneo (and everything that entailed…).
“No way!” cackled Zack, “Cloud dressed up as a woman to save Tifa?”
“Yeah!” replied Aerith, “And he was super pretty!”
“He kept his promise!” replied Zack somewhat tearfully, much to Aerith’s confusion.
“Anyway,” laughed Aerith, “We all got dressed up to sneak in there. It was actually kind of a fun adventure.”
“I gotta see Cloud in that dress,” replied Zack.
“Are…are you sure you wanna?” replied Aerith, stifling a laugh.
“I don’t wanna. I gotta. ” replied Zack.
“Well…” smirked Aerith, “Cloud doesn’t know this…but we took pictures…”
“Ohohoho! Now that’s some dumb bestest best friend adventure right there!” replied Zack, pumping his fist, “Cloud, between this and me reminding you about wiping your butt, you’ll never stop being annoyed!”
“You’re a good friend,” laughed Aerith, “Even if you might not think so.”
Aerith continued telling Zack as much as she could about her journey. About the parade in Junon, how she and Tifa had disguised themselves as infantry with Cloud.
“You were in a parade?” laughed Zack, “A big dumb parade?”
“Oh yes!” giggled Aerith, “A big dumb parade! I bet we can find a recording of it!”
“We gotta,” exclaimed Zack, “I absolutely gotta see it.”
“It’s probably available at the library with all the Shinra recordings,” replied Aerith, “We’ll look for it and you can see us in action!”
“Cloud back in his infantry duds with a couple pretty girls…not bad, bud!” snickered Zack and Aerith playfully stuck out her tongue at him.
Aerith told Zack about all the places they went. About Costa Del Sol, and the ocean. How it looked just like Zack had described, even all of the chairs.
“The ocean was so big,” said Aerith, “It really was just like you said!”
“See?” replied Zack, “Told ya! It was big, and it was blue!”
“I rode a wheelie,” smiled Aerith, “It was fun!”
“You did!” laughed Zack, “Well dip me in mustard and call me a hot dog! We gotta race those sometime!”
“Oh, that would cause so much trouble,” snickered Aerith, “I think we should!”
Aerith told Zack about crossing the vast wastelands of Corel, riding on the dune buggy through the land. Of visiting the Gold Saucer and exploring all of the attractions.
“I bet you’d be a great Chocobo jockey,” smiled Aerith, “And beat all the games!”
“Oh, if you think that’s good, you wait until I show you the Gongaga Fair!”
“What’s the fair?” asked Aerith, tilting her head.
“The fair is the best!” exclaimed Zack boisterously, “It’s like the Gold Saucer for country folk! You can play games, win prizes, and eat hot dogs on a stick!”
“You can put a hot dog on a stick whenever you want,” teased Aerith.
“It tastes better, because it's the fair!” laughed Zack, “You’ll love it! They have food, rides, animals and contests! I was the champion of the hot dog eating contest!”
“I’d love to go,” smiled Aerith, “And watch you work your magic!”
“Oh, I’m pretty sure my record is still unsurpassed,” winked Zack, “They have a demolition derby too!”
“I actually saw Gongaga,” said Aerith somewhat sadly, “It was as beautiful as you said. I…I even saw your parents.”
“You…you did?” stammered Zack, unable to hide the bit of fear behind his voice, “Were…were they okay?”
“They weren’t sure what happened to you,” said Aerith, “I actually saw them, and recognized them…you look just like them. I thought maybe they would know where you were…”
“I’m sorry, angel,” replied Zack, caressing Aerith’s face, “I’m sorry you hit so many dead ends looking for me. But…I’m glad my parents were okay.”
“They missed you,” replied Aerith, “They didn’t know who I was, of course, but they were worried about you.”
“We’ll go see them,” replied Zack a little nervously, “I was worried about it, but the last five years have made me realize so many things I should have done before.”
“And I’ll be with you,” replied Aerith touching Zack’s cheek, “So you won’t be alone.”
“I hope you liked Gongaga,” said Zack, “When we go, I can show you all of the things you probably didn’t even notice, like the swimmin’ hole with the rope swing!”
“I’d love to see your Gongaga,” smiled Aerith, “It was really amazing just riding the Chocobos. But seeing the Gongaga you know would be like going to a whole new place!”
“Then it’s a date,” winked Zack, “Once I can wipe my butt again, we’ll go!”
“Sure,” laughed Aerith, “After that, we will!”
Aerith told Zack all about going to Cosmo Canyon. About the buggy race that secured them a brand new alternator, and left a few punks in the cactus pile.
“I drove just like you taught me,” said Aerith, “I drove along the wall, through the dirt, even in reverse, right over the chasm! I thought the guy was gonna pee his pants!”
“I’m so proud of you!” beamed Zack, “You learned from the best!”
“I sure did,” beamed Aerith, “And when I came to that 90 degree turn? I nailed it no problem!”
“Aww yeah!” Zack replied, pumping his fist, pressing a kiss to Aerith’s forehead, “That’s my girl! You showed em’ good!”
“Yes I did! They never saw it coming!”
“I knew you could do it,” said Zack, “You had it in you all along.”
“I thought about you,” said Aerith, “Thinking about you, Zack? I knew for sure I could do it. I was able to race…because I never thought that I couldn’t.”
“I’m so proud,” said Zack, positively beaming, “Gods, I would have given anything to see that.”
“I really kicked ass,” giggled Aerith, “Everyone was in shock for sure!”
Zack was silent for a moment, sighing deeply as he met Aerith’s gaze, his eyes glazed with sadness.
“I wish I had been with you,” said Zack sadly, “Through all of that journey. I’m sorry I wasn’t, Aerith. I’m sorry I let you down.”
“But you were with me,” replied Aerith, touching Zack’s cheek, “You were with me the whole time.”
Zack looked confused at Aerith’s comment, but gave a nod.
“You were right next to me the whole time,” said Aerith, “In the trees, the sky, the sun shining down. The animals, the water, the wind. We’re all connected in the Lifestream, Zack. No matter where we are, it links us all. You were with me, Zack, and you never let me down.”
Zack shed tears of joy as Aerith spoke, realizing that Aerith had been with him this whole time, too.
“Aerith…” said Zack, as his tears fell, “Back when I almost made it to Midgar with Cloud, we were surrounded by infantry. Maybe over a hundred. I thought we were going to die out there. A bullet was coming right for me…but at the last second…there was a glow, and it moved, just grazing my face.”
Aerith stared at Zack in shock, touching the thin scar that was on his cheek.
“But…that’s impossible…” stammered Aerith, remembering the horrible nightmares, and how the final time she’d stopped the bullet from killing Zack.
“The wind…” said Zack, gazing into Aerith’s eyes, “That was you, wasn’t it? I know it was, Aerith…I know it in my heart.”
“I…I had a nightmare,” replied Aerith, deep in thought, “A nightmare of you being killed…”
“It’s okay, Aerith…” replied Zack gently, squeezing her hand, “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
“No…it’s okay,” replied Aerith, “I kept having that nightmare. Over and over. Until the last time, I prayed with all my willpower, begging for the bullet to miss…and then something glowed, and it moved. Just the way you said.”
“It did,” replied Zack, wiping a tear away from Aerith’s eye, “In that moment, I felt you. I didn’t realize it at the time…but it was you, Aerith.”
“It wasn’t a dream…I saved you…” cried Aerith, clinging to Zack’s nightgown, “Oh, Zack…”
“It’s okay now,” replied Zack, “I don’t know how it happened, but you saved me. It took me longer to get home, but because of you, I actually had a chance in the first place.”
Zack held Aerith close, stroking her hair, caressing the woman in his arms he loved so much.
“Thank you Aerith, for saving my life,” Zack whispered, “I’d be lost without you.”
“I just…don’t know how…” sniffled Aerith, “It must be because I’m an Ancient. There’s just so much I don’t know. But it helped me save you, and for now, that’s enough.”
“I know it had to be why,” replied Zack tenderly, “You have something special, Aerith. It saved me, and not just from that bullet. It’s a part of you, and it’s why I love you so much. You see things in a way so many people can’t.”
“I always saw it as a flaw,” replied Aerith tearfully, “It made me so lonely to be different.”
“It made a difference to me,” said Zack, “And I promise, I’ll help you as much as I can to find out more about the Ancients. To get answers about everything. There’s gotta be something out there. Until we find it, I’ll keep looking, okay?”
“You’d do that for me?” Aerith replied, her eyes still glistening with tears.
“Aerith, I love you,” smiled Zack, “You’ve given me hope and happiness, even when I felt as if life was no longer bearable. You saved my life when I was certainly facing death. I want to help you find out how.”
“That would mean so much to me,” replied Aerith, touching the scar on Zack’s cheek where the bullet had grazed him, “I would have done anything to save you, Zack. I couldn’t watch you die.”
“And I couldn’t imagine a life with you,” replied Zack with a soft kiss, “I knew there was a chance perhaps you had moved on, but I just needed to know that you were happy, and that you were safe. Even if it wasn’t with me.”
“I am happy and safe,” replied Aerith, snuggling into Zack’s chest, “And it’s because you’re here again.”
“Thank you, Aerith…for never giving up on me…” said Zack gently, “I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you know how much that meant.”
“And thank you, Zack, for never stopping, for trying to get back to me no matter how hard it was,” said Aerith, “For coming home.”
“To you, Aerith,” smiled Zack, “I came home to you.”
Aerith and Zack laid in the dark, their bodies entwined as they gently kissed and touched, savoring the warmth and presence of one another, together in their nightgowns, as if they had never been apart at all.
And in the ambience of the night, Zack began to sing.
You’re the song that the trees sing
When the wind blows
You’re a flower, you’re a river,
You’re a rainbow
I loved you,
The first time I saw you,
And I always will love you,
Aerith
Aerith rested against him, relaxed and content. Her breathing even, her soft body entwined with his, her touch relieving so much of the pain from the last five years.
Zack continued to stroke her hair, pressing soft kisses there as Aerith peacefully slept. Gazing at the woman he loved, finally safe in his arms again. A sight he thought would never come again. In that moment, Zack’s strength and spirits were back. Just for a moment, his troubles were over, and he was at home. And for the first time in so very long, he fell into a peaceful sleep.
The next morning, Zack awoke not to a strange place on the ground, but in Aerith’s warm bed, her soft body pillowed against him.
It was the best feeling in the entire world.
“Good morning, beautiful,” Zack whispered as Aerith’s eyes fluttered open, emerald and sparkling, the way he remembered them. For a moment, the pain and sadness gone from them.
“Zack,” sighed Aerith, nuzzling his chest, “You’re here…”
“Of course I am,” replied Zack, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, “It wasn’t a dream.”
“It pretty much is one,” smiled Aerith, “I’ve wanted this for so long...”
“Well now you have me,” beamed Zack, “And I’m not going anywhere.”
“Well, of course you are,” giggled Aerith, “You have to go down and get breakfast! We have to get you well again!”
“Oh,” laughed Zack, “Well, yes, I suppose I can go for that then.”
“Come on,” Aerith said, helping move Zack’s legs out of bed, and helping him stand, “You okay?”
“I made it all the way here,” Zack replied, “I think now that the adrenaline is gone, I’m just gonna have to take it easy.”
“That’s okay,” replied Aerith, “We’ll take care of you.”
Zack was able to stand up, and walked with Aerith, downstairs, where Elmyra had made them a large breakfast.
“Morning, you two,” smiled Elmyra, “I made all the fixings. Zack looks like he needs it.”
“She cook so well,” came another voice from the table, “I smell before I even get in house!”
“Misha!” beamed Zack upon seeing his friend, “Glad to see you back!”
“What can I say? I was made good offer,” Misha smiled, glancing over at Elmyra, “I cannot say no to such a kind invite.”
“Nice,” winked Zack, sitting down and casually elbowing Misha, who rolled his eyes.
“Did you have a good night?” asked Zack, shoving an entire pancake into his mouth.
“Yes,” replied Misha, “Your friends let me stay in Sector 7, until I find feet. They say they really need teacher around here, and I think I will apply.”
“Misha, that’s great!” exclaimed Zack, getting ready to shove another whole pancake in his mouth, “You’ll be so awesome! Hey, Aerith?” Zack said, patting Misha on the back, “Misha here? He was a professor of literature years ago!”
“Oh, that would be so great!” smiled Aerith, taking Zack’s hand, “It’s so important to have teachers here. It would be an honor to have you.”
“I look forward to making it better place,” smiled Misha, “And seeing you recover too, Zack.”
“Misha fed me whenever he could. It’s probably why I’m not in worse shape than I am,” said Zack, pouring milk into his mouth.
“I don’t have a hard time believing that,” laughed Elmyra, “Zack here is a bottomless pit.”
“Yes, so I have seen!” laughed Misha.
“Oh, that reminds me!” exclaimed Zack, taking another pancake, “We have to get your RV back. I have the spot marked on the map. I can get the parts and go fix it.”
“Do not worry about that now,” said Misha kindly, “You get stronger, better. That what matter now.”
“You still have so much to tell us,” smiled Aerith, “I mean, it’s such a long story!”
“Indeed,” smiled Misha, “We talked for many nights.”
“We can go see Cloud and the others if you’re up for it,” said Aerith, “But if you just want to rest, that’s okay.”
“I think it would be good to see everyone,” said Zack, having finished his 6th piece of bacon, “Plus, it sounds like I need to get filled in on some more things too.”
“Okay,” replied Aerith, “We can head out once you get dressed. The train goes right there.”
Aerith and Zack headed upstairs to get dressed after breakfast, and Zack rubbed his stomach in satisfaction.
“Man, it feels good to eat good again,” sighed Zack.
“See? We’ll get you in top shape again in no time!” laughed Aerith.
Aerith helped Zack get dressed, in a plain black t-shirt and some sweatpants, and put her usual pink dress on, with her favorite bow.
“I’m glad to see you had it all this time,” smiled Zack, carefully touching the bow, “It still looks so adorable.”
“It was special to me,” winked Aerith, “From a special person.”
“Oh,” smirked Zack, holding Aerith close and giving her a long kiss, “Who is this guy? Is he taller than me?”
“Oh, maybe,” chuckled Aerith, “But a real sweetie.”
“Aww,” chuckled Zack, “Well, give him my thanks.”
“We can pick up some new things for you,” said Aerith, “Just some regular clothes since we don’t have a ton for you.”
“You put me in whatever you like,” smiled Zack, “I’ve never been too good at that stuff anyway.”
“Okay,” smiled Aerith, grabbing Zack’s boots and helping him put them on, “But I put Cloud in a dress, so be careful what you wish for!”
“I’d love it if you did!” said Zack proudly, “I wanna be pretty too!”
“Well, maybe,” laughed Aerith, “We’ll see if that can be arranged.”
Aerith and Zack walked hand in hand to the train station, boarding for Sector 7, where Cloud and the others would be waiting. Aerith had bought a cell phone for Zack from the vending machine at the station, and helped him set it up on the ride.
“Now,” mused Aerith, “How shall we put my contact name in this?”
“Well duh,” cackled Zack, “I think we both know.”
“Okay,” said Aerith, typing ‘AERETH’ under her phone number, and ‘CLUD’ under Cloud’s.
“There,” smiled Zack, giving Aerith a kiss, “Now it’s perfect!”
The train arrived in Sector 7, and they exited onto the platform. It was a short walk to Seventh Heaven, and the group was up having breakfast, unsurprisingly.
“Hey!” waved Tifa upon seeing the couple enter, “How are you feeling, Zack?”
“A lot better,” replied Zack, rubbing his stomach, “Had a good breakfast!”
“He sure did,” chuckled Aerith, “I think he ate about a dozen pancakes and a pound of bacon!”
“We actually had some quiche,” said Tifa, “There’s plenty left if you’d like some.”
“Aww yeah!” Zack pumped his fist, “You bet I do!”
Zack began munching on half of a quiche, while Aerith and the others continued to explain what was happening, and why they had returned to Midgar.
“So it sounds like Professor Hojo is still experimenting with JENOVA cells…” mused Zack, “That’s what he did to me and Cloud. And those hooded people you’ve been seeing.”
“They must have found their way out of the lab, or maybe just dumped and left to die,” mused Barret, “Wouldn’t put it past Shinra to sweep shit under the rug.”
“Cloud and I were a liability,” explained Zack, “That’s why they didn’t want us getting out. We had a lot more capacity to end up talking about what happened.”
While Zack talked to the others, he couldn’t help but notice that Cloud remained silent, staring at the floor.
“So…you guys were talking about the Temple of the Ancients,” said Zack, “Maybe if we go back, we can find some more answers.”
“We can’t,” replied Tifa, her expression pained.
“What…what’s wrong?” Zack asked, looking around at the somber expressions of the group, “Aerith…I don’t understand.”
“Sephiroth,” replied Cloud bluntly.
“But…” stammered Zack, quite confused, “I thought…I thought we took care of him in Nibelheim. He must have somehow survived.”
Cloud simply stared at the floor in silence at Zack’s comment.
“Alive or dead, Sephiroth is out to rule the planet, as he sees it,” said Nanaki, “He is mad with desire for power, thinking he is some sort of god.”
“But…we know what he’s trying to do. Maybe we can stop him!” exclaimed Zack, “I thought that’s what you were all trying to do.”
“It…it’s not just that,” replied Aerith, her voice wavering, “Sephiroth…he doesn’t just want to rule the planet…he wanted to make sure that there was no one left who could possibly stop him.”
“Aerith is the last Ancient,” said Nanaki, “The only one who can summon Holy, to protect the planet from Sephiroth’s wrath.”
“What…what are you saying?” exclaimed Zack, his face wide in terror, not wanting to believe what was undeniable.
“He…he tried to kill me, Zack…” sobbed Aerith, as Zack wrapped his arm around her, holding her close, “When I was in the Temple Of The Ancients…trying to pray and summon Holy. Cloud saved me. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be dead.”
Zack couldn’t believe what he was hearing. It was painful enough remembering what had happened in Nibelheim. How Sephiroth had slaughtered all of those innocent people, burning the town to the ground. How he had nearly killed Cloud and himself.
But knowing he had tried to kill Aerith? It cemented what Sephiroth had done as truly unforgivable. Betrayed by the man he had considered a loyal and true ally. Zack shuddered at the thought of him attacking Aerith, how he intended to slaughter her just as he had slaughtered so many others.
“Cloud…” gulped Zack, gazing up at his friend, “You…you saved her…”
“Of course I did…” replied Cloud softly, “Aerith is our friend. I couldn’t just watch her be killed.”
Cloud let out a yelp as muscled arms wrapped around him, nearly squeezing the life out of his chest.
“Thank you Cloud,” Zack cried, his tears running onto Cloud’s shirt and saturating the fabric, “Thank you for saving her. I don’t know what I would have done if I found out she was killed.”
“It’s okay, Zack,” Cloud replied, trying his best to sound reassuring, “But…you’re squeezing me so hard…I can’t breathe…”
Fortunately, Zack was not at his full strength, so Cloud wasn’t entirely crushed by Zack’s cuddle monster hug.
“Sorry!” exclaimed Zack, loosening his grip. “Cloud…you’re a true friend. I’m glad you found Aerith. I’m glad she had someone to protect her from Shinra, from Sephiroth. From everyone who wanted to hurt her. All of you,” Zack said, facing the rest of the group, “I was so worried that…that Aerith was all alone. That she was lonely, and in danger. I can never thank any of you enough.”
“We adore Aerith,” replied Tifa with a smile, glancing at Aerith, “She’s a true friend, and has helped us so much. We wouldn’t be a group without her.”
“For now, I think it’s best to lay low,” said Barret, “We’re all pretty beat up ourselves, and need to form a plan of what to do. And we can’t do that unless we’re all at 100%.”
“You do look pretty old,” snarked Yuffie, ignoring the glaring stare from Barret.
“Well, no matter what, I want to help,” said Zack, “Sephiroth is the reason I was lost for so many years. And Cloud too. Now he’s tried to kill Aerith. Whatever we have to do to stop him, I’m going to help.”
“Sure, just what we need, another ex-SOLDIER up our butts,” laughed Barret, and Zack stared utterly confused.
“Another ex-SOLDIER?” asked Zack, quite confused.
“Well, ya know. Cloud was first class like you were.” replied Barret.
Zack didn’t know what to say. He hadn’t quite gotten into the full story of the incident at Nibelheim yet, and was somewhat glad he hadn’t. Because things…were not adding up. Aerith sensed Zack’s unease, and did her best to change the subject.
“Hey, we’re going to go get some air, we’ll catch you guys in a bit,” said Aerith, taking Zack’s hand and leading him out, making sure they were far enough away so no one could hear them.
“Aerith…” said Zack, his eyes wide in confusion, “Something…something is wrong with Cloud. I didn’t notice at first, but…the more we talk, the more things don’t make sense.”
“I started to think the same,” replied Aerith, “You see, Cloud told us the story about what happened in Nibelheim, back when we were in Kalm after leaving Midgar. But…”
“Aerith, what’s wrong?”
“When he first told the us story, Zack…” sighed Aerith, “You weren’t in it.”
“But that doesn’t make sense,” exclaimed Zack, “I went to Nibelheim with Cloud. I saw everything he saw. And that’s another thing…Cloud was never a SOLIDER. He was an infantryman the entire time we were at Shinra.”
“Now that I know he’s Clud, it’s starting to make sense what really happened,” said Aerith, “Cloud was with you in Nibelheim, but Tifa doesn’t remember that. If he was an infantryman, he would have had armor on, right?”
“He did,” replied Zack, rubbing his chin, “He didn’t want Tifa to see him. Was upset for her to see him because he never made SOLDIER. I kept having to bug him to say hi to her, and he promised after the mission he would. Obviously things changed. Can you tell me the story the way Cloud explained it?”
Aerith nodded, and did her best to recall the events of Nibelheim as Cloud had stated them. Zack simply nodded in thought as Aerith relayed as much as she could remember.
“Well, for one thing, Cloud was right about the horrific things that happened. For the most part, his story is accurate,” replied Zack, and Aerith touched his arm.
“I’m sorry you went through that, Zack. It sounds so awful.”
“It was,” sighed Zack, “I haven’t had a chance to tell you about it yet, but it sounds like you know a lot already. Sephiroth did lose his mind when he found out about his origins. After that, he burned down the town. Cloud and I went to the reactor because Tifa had gone there to try and stop her father, but when we got there, it was too late.”
“Tifa was injured really badly,” replied Aerith, “She still has the scar.”
“I tried attacking Sephiroth, but he threw me down. Cloud was the only one left standing,” explained Zack, and told Aerith how it was actually Cloud who flung Sephiroth into void at the reactor.
“So…Sephiroth is supposed to be dead?” asked Aerith.
“I don’t know,” replied Zack with an unsure shrug, “Maybe he did survive. Although I can’t see how. He was a SOLDIER, but even he couldn’t survive something quite like that.”
“But we’ve seen him,” mused Aerith, “Or what appears to be him anyway.”
“Cloud and I were picked up by Professor Hojo, and he experimented on us,” Zack said, and Aerith squeezed his hand, “It was really fuzzy and hard to remember…but I think they injected us with JENOVA cells. I remember Hojo saying he wanted to replicate his greatest creation.”
“Do you think that he was talking about Sephiroth?” asked Aerith, “It sounds so much like what Sephiroth found out about his own origins.”
“I have no way to know for sure,” replied Zack, “But Cloud and I were in that place for so long…they did such terrible things to us, Aerith…”
Zack’s body was starting to shake, and he gulped nervously. He felt small arms around him as Aerith hugged him tight, and he wrapped his arms around her.
“I’m so sorry, Zack,” whispered Aerith, “You don’t have to talk about that right now. I know it’s painful.”
“Okay,” said Zack, gulping nervously, glad that Aerith had noticed how uneasy he was becoming when he himself did not.
“When you’re ready, you can talk to me about it if you want. I’ll be here for you.”
“I know,” replied Zack, kissing Aerith’s head, “I can tell you anything, and I know you’ll listen.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” replied Aerith, hugging Zack tightly, “I’ll always listen no matter what it is.”
“I know, and I appreciate it,” replied Zack, “But we still have the matter at hand. Cloud, and everyone else it seems, thinks that he was a SOLDIER first class like me. But we both know now that he wasn’t.”
“He doesn’t seem to remember anything when you’re talking about it,” replied Aerith, “His story matches your events, but he puts himself in your place. But then Tifa told me that Cloud said he remembered you at Nibelheim, and that just makes things more confusing.”
“Tifa was there,” said Zack, snapping his fingers, “She knows what really happened.”
“She confided in me, actually…not long after Cloud told us the story,” explained Aerith, “She was pretty unsettled because she didn’t remember Cloud being in Nibelheim, but she remembered you. But her memory was also really foggy because of…how terrible it was…”
“I can easily see why. Tifa suffered as much as any of us…” sighed Zack, and Aerith squeezed him.
“When you’re ready, you can tell me more about what happened, and maybe we can try to figure out what’s going on,” said Aerith kindly, “For now, let’s just avoid the topic until we know more.”
“Okay,” replied Zack with a heavy sigh, “There’s a lot to unpack here. But we all need to rest, don’t we? So for now, that’s okay with me.”
“Would you like to go to the church and help me with the flowers?” asked Aerith gently.
“Aerith,” smiled Zack, “I’d absolutely love that.”
It was a small sense of peace in the midst of what was looming ahead. But for now, Zack and Aerith would take joy where they could, and savor the good moments as long as they presented themselves.