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This might be a complete mistake to post this haha. I tend to put things on hiatas frequently, but I've got enough of this written that I think it be fine to start with it. This is one of those plot bunnies that just bugs the crap out of you until you give in and just start writing it already. I can't promise you too terribly prompt updates.

This is more or less a life story as well as being a vague romance. I don't have many scenes where Zack and Aerith are together and what few I do have planned out are flashbacks. Mostly to be told from Aerith's perspective, although I do have some ideas where other characters will be implemented eventually. It's a One Little Change fic, though it could be considered cannon if you accept it to be so.

As with anything else I've ever written, I have a balancing act going on. There will be some action scenes, some funny, some romance, some drama, some angst, and some tragedy. You already know what eventually happens to this rather cute couple and I'm going to say right now that her having a child does not keep her or Zack from dying. Also note I have three main OCs planned. Depending on your reactions to them, I might even write a little from their perspective.

In this chapter: Aerith makes some friends.

Don't own, don't sue, thank you.

1~~~1

Dear Zack,

I don't know how to start this letter off, so I'm just going to say it. Last night was the most incredible night of my life. And I think…I think I'm in love with you.

Aerith criticized the statements with a small frown. She chewed absently on the tip of her pen, wondering what to say next. Was she loading too much in three sentences? It all sounded so corny on paper, even if that was how she really did feel. Her heart was thumping louder than ever now, so excited to see him again she felt she might burst. He said his mission was going to be a couple days. Some weird town in the country…Nemblim? Whatever, it didn't matter. He would be finished soon and back with her. Where he belonged.

She scrapped the paper, rolling it into a ball to join about ten others, which lay in or in proximity of the wastebasket. She sighed and tried again.

Dear Zack,

How are you? I hope your mission is going well. Well, I guess you've only been there a day and I guess you've spent most of it actually getting there. Although, who knows? Postal is unpredictable. Maybe by the time you get this you'll be on your way back here. Please, Zack, don't do anything too reckless, okay? I want you to come home in one piece…for me.

I ran into Dunsten today. You know, that boy who took your wallet? He bought a couple flowers from me and then we talked for a little while. His mother's doing much better, thanks to you. He told me to say hey for him. He also wanted me to tell you that he wants to be just like you when he gets older.

I also wanted to say that last night was amazing, Zack. I've barely been able to stop thinking about you since then. Mom says it's unhealthy, but I don't think so. The only thing unhealthy for me is being apart from you. I need to be with you, Zack.

~Aerith

She read it and reread it, nervously playing with the corner. She was afraid of chasing him away. Guys tended to leave her because of that. Zack was the first to actually be a boyfriend, but she was a pretty girl. Plenty of guys had flirted with her, but they lacked her intensity, which killed the relationship before they even started.

But how could he after last night, when he'd deflowered her, in the middle of the church? The irony.

Of course, her mother didn't know. She didn't know if she should try and tell her about it. Would she understand or would it be nonstop lectures? She didn't know. Aerith didn't have many friends. No friends that are that close anyways. She hadn't gone to school, but rather had been home schooled by her mother. It was supposed to keep her away from the Turks, but sometimes Aerith just wanted to be with people her own age.

She'd seen them in the streets. Shopping, gossiping, smiling and laughing. Holding hands with guys and going out for lunch. Zack had brought the latter two to her life, but he wasn't a girl. He wasn't someone she could go to for girl problems.

She sighed and got up from her bed. She'd go mail the letter now and wait on a reply with baited breath. On her way to the post office, it was the same smiles and quiet hellos from neighbors. She walked in and passed the letter off to the postman along with the 2 gil fee for delivering.

On the way out, she made an unplanned turn into one of the many icee shops currently open. Giving the scorching status outside, the shops made great business. She ordered a strawberry and sat down at a lone table to eat her treat in peace.

Half way through the door burst open again, letting a blast of heat into the freezing room. Two girls walked in. Pretty, thin, and with massive grins on their laughing faces. Aerith fantasized for a moment that she was with them, laughing about something stupid.

But then that moment passed and she continued her frigid dessert. The two girls ordered, one of them with plenty of flirting to the man behind the counter. Aerith didn't get it personally. The girls were way prettier than he was. What with his pimply, teenage face and pressed in features. Unless, Aerith thought semi disgustedly, they were toying with him.

It seemed to work too. The guy spilt all over himself. And when he went for a rag to clean it up, he realized too late that the one he picked up was covered in ketchup. The two girls high-fived and near doubled over with gales of laughter as the poor guy tried to clean up the mess.

Aerith had seen enough. She got to her feet and tried not to storm over there in furry. "Excuse me?" She poked one of the howling girls in the back. She quickly halted and turned to face Aerith. "Could you please leave him alone?"

The girl rolled her eyes at Aerith, giving her friend a coy smile. "You want us to leave your booooyfriend alone?" She put annoying stress on boyfriend.

Aerith couldn't keep from blushing. "No, I just don't want to have to deal with you being nasty while I'm trying to eat."

"Listen, Prissy Pink Princess. I don't take orders from anyone. Especially not goody goods like you. So why don't you just go back to Daddy so he can buy you another rainbow unicorn." The other girl laughed at this.

"Hey, that's catchy. PPP. What a great nickname!" Aerith frowned.

"Yeah, if you're three." Neither girl took too kindly to that remark. Aerith almost wished she had just kept her mouth shut…well, maybe not. She hated people like these two girls, who had everything yet insisted on tormenting those who had nothing. The other girl got in her face and for the first time, Aerith realized just how much taller she was. She didn't want to fight if she didn't have to, but if she backed down now, she'd look like a wimp.

The door suddenly opened and another blast of hot air hit Aerith's face. "Oye! Lesley! Amber! Leave her alone." A third girl called.

"Brigid, go shove it." The tall girl answered, not even bothering to turn toward her. She obscured Aerith's vision of the newcomer.

"Amber, you never do make friends very easily." The other girl came around to Aerith's side, pushing Amber back a bit. "Back. Off."

"Aw, come on, Amb. She's not worth it." Said Lesley, turning to leave. It wasn't so much fun to pick on Aerith now that things were a bit more even.

Amber lingered and for a moment Aerith didn't know if she would leave. But at last she turned and followed after her friend. "Today's your lucky day, Pinkie."

"Keep walking Amber." Brigid replied. Amber stiffened but did as she was told. When the girls were both gone, Brigid turned to Aerith. "You okay?"

Aerith nodded, taking a moment to look at Brigid. She was another pretty girl. Dark black curls framed a petite face. She had eyebrow-length bangs and dark green eyes. She wore a turquoise halter top with a black skirt that cut diagonally across her legs, almost touching the floor on one side while the other hit mid-thigh. She had a set of bracers on her wrists.

"Thank you." Another voice spoke up from the side. Aerith glanced at teenager behind the counter. He gave her a friendly smile. "Not often someone sticks up for me…"

"Why?" Aerith asked. "You do anything to deserve it?"

The guy shrugged. "I guess I just don't fit in."

"That's not fair! What's their problem?" Aerith asked.

"Them?" Brigid answered. She let out a small, sarcastic laugh. "They just think they rule the world. Conceded snobs from the upper plate." She crinkled her noise in disgust. "Hang on, never properly introduced myself. I'm Brigid Kale."

"Aerith Gainsborough." Aerith shook Brigid's hand with a smile.

"And I'm Lester Quealth." Aerith shook his hand too, smiling at him broadly. He smiled back sheepishly and Aerith found that she rather liked his smile.

"Pleasure to meet you both." She said.

"Same here. Hey Aerith? What sector do you live in?" Brigid asked.

"Sector Five."

Brigid's smile, if possible, broadened. "Me too! I love living there. Someone has this beautiful garden right outside their house. It's the only place in the whole city that doesn't reek."

Aerith blushed. "That was me."

"Really?" Lester interjected. "I've seen it too. Live in Sector Four, so I pass by there every day to get to work. They're really pretty."

Aerith smiled sheepishly. "Didn't know everyone liked them so much. I sell them."

"That's cool. Spreading the beauty huh?" Brigid said.

Aerith laughed. "Something like that."

After that, Aerith stayed out late talking to both of them. She got past how Lester looked and found he was an extremely nice person. And Brigid? It felt like they'd known each other forever by the time Aerith realized, embarrassed, how late it was. She was just that easy to talk to for Aerith. They all exchanged numbers and promised to see one another soon.

By the time Aerith had eaten and dressed for bed, she found herself excited for tomorrow. All because of a little text message.

Hey, so Lester and me are going to Loveless tomorrow and wanted to see if you wanted to tag along. ~Brig

Sounds perfect.

Great, be ready to go at 11:00 tomorrow

1~~~1

Dear Zack,

I'm having the most wonderful time. The flowers are looking great and I've made 3,000 gil so far. I wish you could be here to see it.

I had planned to write you sooner, but the other day, I met this girl, Brigid, and this guy, Lester. I've been hanging out with them all week and I love being around them. Don't worry about Lester, though. I don't think about him that way and I never will.

Anyways, we went and saw Loveless. It wasn't nearly as bad as you said it was. Actually it was quite good. The actors were so into their work it was amazing.

Brigid is coming over tonight and she's going to sleep over. Mom's glad to see me out making friends my own age, though I don't know why she complains. I have you. But it is nice to have them too.

~Aerith

The next week proved to be one good thing after another. Aerith spent nearly every day with Lester or Brigid or both. She didn't see any more of Amber or Lesley. And she finally had someone she felt like she could talk to.

And then tonight, Brigid was going to stay over. Aerith was somewhat nervous. Could she trust Brigid with her secret? She thought she could. Brigid seemed sincere and fun. She had a different outlook on life and made Aerith see things a completely different way.

The doorbell rang downstairs and Aerith sprung to her feet. She tugged at her bow a little, centering it. Then she raced downstairs. Elmyra was halfway to the door when she suddenly felt a light gust as Aerith shot past her. She opened the door and eagerly hugged Brigid when she saw the other girl.

"I'm so glad you came." She said, beaming.

Brigid smiled back at her. "Of course. I wouldn't leave you hanging, girl."

She held out her hand and Aerith clasped it. They both kissed each other's thumb and then pulled back. It had been Brigid's idea, a sort of secret handshake for them both. They quickly raced up the stairs into Aerith's room, where she already had snacks and movies and drinks set out.

While shoving their faces, they both chatted. About Midgar and Shinra. About TV programs, what few there were at least. About Amber and Lesley. Brigid had some real dirt on them. She malevolently suggested they pull a prank on them and Aerith laughed. Truth be told, she couldn't do anything like that. Not to anyone. She'd feel horrible afterwards.

Then came the conversation Aerith was both anticipating and dreading. "So…any guys catch your fancy?"

Aerith blushed. "Just one."

"Really now? Who is this mystery man?" Brigid asked, leaning in.

Aerith quickly told the story of how she met Zack and everything that had happened since. Well, not everything. She was saving what happened last week for last.

"Mmmm, sounds dreamy." Brigid commented, her eyes misty. "A SOLDIER First Class. Man oh man would Amber and Lesley be jealous if they knew."

"Really?" Aerith asked.

"Yes. They've been trying for years to snare a couple for them. Sephiroth for Amber and Lesley's gone back and forth between this guy Angeal and Genesis. None of them gave either the time of day." Brigid chortled. "So? First base, second, third, or home?"

Aerith blinked. "What?"

"Haven't you ever had girl talk before? You know, have you kissed him…have you made out…have you gotten…physical?"

Aerith reddened even more. She was starting to worry she'd be mistaken for a tomateo.

Brigid scrutinized her for a moment then burst out laughing. "Oh my god, you did it didn't you? All the way home?" She made a batting motion with her hands.

Aerith scratched the back of her neck. "You can tell?" This made Brigid laugh louder.

"Man, considering you're not an innocent any more, you sure do still act like it." Brigid smiled, just to make sure Aerith knew it was okay.

"Are you still?" Aerith asked.

"Me? No, I lost my virginity in an alleyway with a knife at my throat, five years ago." She said it so nonchalant. Aerith's jaw dropped.

"Seriously? I'm so sorry Brig. How horrible!"

Brigid held out her hand. "Stop, stop. I don't need any of that sympathy stuff. I came to terms with it a long time ago. And I'm fine now. Still breathing, aren't I?"

"I guess…" Aerith didn't know much about this kind of thing, but she could sense something in Brigid. She wasn't being entirely truthful…but it was only a flicker for a moment then face returned to a very Brigid-like grin. She didn't like that grin. And she was right not to.

"Seriously though, how was it? I heard SOLDIERS are super strong, so did it hurt?"

Again, Aerith reddened, but she still answered. "No, it was the best night of my life."

"Man, I wish I could get me a man like that. I think I've seen him in the papers before. Black, spikey hair, bright blue eyes?"

"Yep, that's Zack." Aerith answered.

"Yowza!" Brigid spotted a small picture Aerith kept in the room of them both. She picked it up and examined it studiously. "Damn girl. Hang on to this one."

Aerith smiled. "I'll try my best."

After that, they went off on several more strings of conversation. Aerith laughed until she cried as Brigid made impressions of different people, including stoic Sephiroth. Brigid laughed in turn when Aerith told her about the time she convinced Zack to wear eyeliner and lip gloss for a day. It must have been 3 am before Mrs. Gainsborough dropped in on her room, demanding that the two girls get to sleep. Even then, Aerith still didn't fall asleep. She couldn't. Brigid kept poke her, a big, almost dopy grin spread across her face.

It was a very good night.

1~~~1

So there you have it. I added Lester and Brigid this chapter. Please tell me what you think of both.

Aerith just seemed like she should have actually had some friends before Cloud and co. Close friends. She strikes me as the type that would make a couple friend and bond with them strongly.

~Crisi