A/N: Wooh, new story just like I promised. First chapter is pretty short, I'll work on that.

Summary: What if Zack had made it in the end. How would things have changed. Sequel to Zack learns the hard way.

Warnings" Right now, just some language

He didn't know what happened. One minute everything was fine. Quiet. Wonderful and the next, he was standing in front of what felt like the whole of ShinRa's army. Everything got blurry from there. Thinking back, all he could really recall was red and loud and wet.

Looking up at the blackened sky his body felt heavy. Oh Gaia, the pain. It hurt everywhere. Sharp, jagged pain that got worse and worse as he lay there.

Was he dying? He hoped he was, just so it could stop. Everything needed to stop because -it hurt-

"Z-Zack?"

Cloud? Oh Gaia, Cloud. No! He couldn't be dying. Not yet, he had to get up because Cloud needed him. Not just Cloud but Aerith and everything and Cloud.

"Zack?" He could see him now, those eyes still unfocused, but more there then he'd seen in years. He was dying. He was dying and leaving Cloud all alone in a world that wanted him dead. He couldn't leave it this way, he wouldn't but his mind was still skipping over memories and he was so tired. He needed to do something, say something. What would Angeal do? What did he do? He needed something-

"On my behalf-" The words were thick in his mouth, like molasses or peanut butter and Cloud was giving him the most adorable confused look.

"Your behalf?"

"That's right. You will-" What was he saying again? Blue eyes unfocused. Gaia Cloud, don't go away but that small mouth was opening and the unsteady voice poured out. "You will."

Swallowing thickly, he knows what he needs to say. "Continue living. You are proof that I existed. My dreams and pride, I give it all to you."

"I am proof that you existed." Cloud nodded, almost like confirming something to himself and Zack knew he couldn't leave yet. The blond was so broken, but his eyes didn't want to stay open anymore. Reaching out, he pulled Cloud to him.

"Love you." It was what he'd wanted to tell Cloud for so long, never getting a chance and now it was too late. But he heard him, somewhere in that shattered mind, he knew Cloud heard him. Knew because he swore he heard Cloud whisper it back as he let him up.

He hefts the to heavy sword up and his arm almost gives out before those slender hands grab hold of it. He thinks he hears something but it's muffled against the roaring in his ears. He lets himself drift off for the moment. Just for a little. He needs just a little rest and then they can get back on track.

Everything will be better in the morning.

It was bright, too bright. But it was also warm and he just wanted to go back to sleep. Except...

Aren't I dead?

He was, right? Um... Yeah, the bleeding and all. It had to have killed him, cause that was a lot blood and why was it so bright. If this was the promised land, they'd better have sun glasses or something because, ow.

"Zack?"

Eh, Cloud?

Wait... Oh Gaia, Cloud was dead. Cloud was dead and it was all his fault.

"Zack?" It was a lighter voice, but incredibly familiar. Aerith?

Oh no, Aerith was dead too. This was some kinda nightmare. Everyone he loved was dying. Who next, his mom? Uh, no. Please no, he couldn't do anything if his mom was here. It was worse then having Aerith's mother around.

"He making faces." Cloud sounded better, that was good. Wait, faces? Who was making faces?

"You're making faces Zack, open your eyes."

Were they closed? Huh, okay that might explain a few things. Open.

Brown and gold blobs swam around in his vision, slowly forming into familiar faces. Cloud was watching him, bright blue eyes filled with worry and relief. He was wearing the same black SOLDIER uniform he'd been dressed in so many months ago. It was worse then ever though, streaked with dirt and something that may have been blood judging by the copper-brown flakes that showed on Cloud's pale skin. Aerith on the other hand just watched him in mild amusement. Something was different about her though, but his mind wouldn't let him focus on that right now.

Glancing around, he was surprised to see familiar pews and even more familiar flowers decorating his vision.

The church.

He made to sit up but pain racked his body forcing him back down.

Okay, not the promised land. That was good though. Not being dead was very good. It meant that no one else was dead and that filled him with more relief then anything.

"C- loud-" His throat was to dry to get anything else out, but the Aerith was back (when had she gone?) and held a cup to his lips while Cloud held his head up. The cool liquid washed down the ache leaving a bitter taste coating the back of his mouth. A potion then. It was a blessed relief and he was finally able to sit up without pain.

It suddenly dawned on him; they made it. Grabbing Cloud, he enveloped the blond in a tight hug. They made it. They were alive and back with Aerith and Cloud was awake and everything was perfect. Delicate fingers were wiping away tears he hadn't realized he'd shed and he grabbed the hand, pulling Aerith into his arms. Nothing else mattered, not anymore. He felt warmth against his shoulders, both of them, and he knew he wasn't alone in his thoughts. And that was just fine, because everything was going to be okay.

He was home.