The young blonde woman sitting at the booth in the corner was far from ladylike. She sat, legs spread apart, with a cigarette pursed between her lips. Her attire certainly didn't abide to the restaurants implied formal dress code. Her tight baby blue top, two sizes too small, was accompanied by a pair of fake leather knee highs, fish net tights and a wet look mini skirt, leaving little to the imagination.

For a moment Cloud thought this was the woman Zack wanted him to meet, the girl he was crazy about. However in the booth behind the promiscuously dressed woman Cloud noticed the spiky hair of a familiar friend. Relieved Cloud walked towards a group of three in a small booth. A brunette woman was seated next to his friend, no fish nets in sight. When Zack caught sight of him he smiled widely.

'Always late but never a flashy entrance.' Zack stood to embrace his friend. The two women who were seated with Zack also stood. The first brunette Cloud hadn't recognised. Her cheeks were either naturally a vivd hue of scarlet or due to excessive alcohol consumption. The four empty martini glasses before her suggested the latter. Her smile seemed forced; the natural wrinkles that would form around the eyes of a genuine smile were absent. Instead her lip quivered slightly but noticeably and her eyes watered. The other two guests seemed oblivious to the young womans demeanor. Cloud, sensing he was looking too much into a simple situation ignored the bold details.

'You're not impressed by the suit?'

'I won't lie, I've seen better.' Zack put his arm around the young woman. Her name was Katla or Edda. Something beginning with the letter F maybe? Cloud sometimes tuned Zack out when he talked about women. It had become clear throughout the past four years that they had been friends that Zack wasn't a long term kinda man. There was always a new girl and she was always 'different', sometimes she was 'the one'. Cloud doubted that this woman was any different from the others.

'Cloud this is Mara, Mara this is that guy I've been telling you about. My buddy Cloud Strife.' Zack motioned for him to sit next to the girl.

'Nice to meet you Cloud though I feel like I already know you. Zack is always talking about your army days together and the adventures of the porky pine heads.'

'Porky pines could only dream about having such gorgoeus spikes.' Mara flashed another fake smile. 'Oh and you already know Tifa. I was telling her about the place and turns out she likes Mediterranean food. What a coincidence eh?'

'Yeah. What a coincidence Zack.'

'How've you been Cloud? I haven't seen you months.' If memory served, pink wasn't normally a color found in the wardrobe of Tifa Lockheart but it didn't look half bad on her. The color suggested the softer side of Tifa that only close friends or family often got to see. Other than a possible wardrobe change, she hadn't physically changed much in the eight months Cloud saw her last. Her hair might have been shorter. She may have lost some weight. Cloud couldn't honestly tell. However he could tell sense that emotionally she hadn't changed much either. He could sense her brown eyes demanding his attention however Cloud felt it best to leave the past where it lie.

'I've been busy. Work gets like that sometimes. So what's good here?' Zack, Mara and Cloud picked up their menus to order. Tifa sighed then retrieved a menu.

'What isn't? It all sounds so good I might buy some to bring home. They do doggy bags in a place like this right? I mean if you're gonna have to take out a loan just to dine here you might as well be able to keep whatever you can't finish.'

'Stop complaining and just order.' Mara drained the last drop from her glass then beaconed a waiter. Zack threw her a disapproving glance. Avoiding his judgmental gaze Mara shifted in seat. Her hands played with the unfolded napkin in her lap until the waiter approached the table serving Mara her fifth glass. She eagerly accepted releasing a sigh of relief as she took the first gulp. Cloud raised his eyebrows giving Zack a questioning which was avioided. Another waiter approached the table producing a tablet. The waiter took their orders and cleared the table of the spare menus and empty martini glasses.

An uncomfortable silence surrounded the group but was interrupted by laughter from a table opposite. The light atmosphere spread from their neighbouring table to their own. Zack recalled a hilarious incident during target practice involving a certain blonde spiky haired newbie. The conversation went from army days to ambitions then to old romances as Mara excused herself to go to the ladies room.

'Thinking back to us now Cloud I regret not giving us a further chance, I know it's only been a few months but we're such different people compared to who we were. If we had the chance now, I think, you and I-' Boisterous laughter from the nearby table startled the surrounding couples. Both Zack and Cloud were relieved by the interruption.

'Hey Cloud did you want a drink? Let's go up to the bar I'll order you one. I'll get you another Tifa.' Quickly the boys fled from the table.

'Sorry about this. It wasn't my idea to bring her. Mara invited her. They used to work together at the bar.'

'I don't mind. I just think she should let go of the idea of us being together. We don't suit each other and she knows it.' Cloud leant against the bar scanning the other tables in the restaurant while Zack ordered three beers. Zack joined him in people watching when he noticed a familiar face looking back at them.

'Don't look now but that girl on the table, seven o'clock, is seriously checking you out.' Unintentionally Cloud ignored his friend's instructions. A pair of emerald eyes dragged his gaze towards the table, unwilling to release them. A furious pink colour rushed to Cloud cheeks. He quickly looked away from the table.

'Wait a minute. Isn't that Aerith? I think I know her.'

'You know her?' Cloud sounded surprised.

'Yeah we met up once or twice. Let me introduce you to her.' Cloud weakly insisted against it but eventually, like a timid lamb, Cloud followed Zack towards the booth.

'Hi. Aerith...how are you? It's Zack remember?' She looked different from the last time they had seen each other. Aerith wore her hair longer about an inch away from her elbow. It was curly now too. A coat of mascara dressed her eyelashes intentionally drawing attention to what was arguably one of her best features. Cloud hovered slightly behind Zack with his head down avoiding contact with those peircing emerald eyes.

'Oh hi Zack. I'm okay, you?' Aerith's gaze and smile were directed towards Cloud.

'Grab a seat kiddies we're playing a round of 'How Much of a Jackass Are You?' Replied the raven haired woman sat beside Aerith. Everything about this woman screamed straight talker and rebel, from her short cut bob to her studded boots. Pursed between her decorated deep red lips she grasped a freshly lit cigarette. The section they were seated in held a sign that boldly read NO SMOKING. She offered the boys a cig each. Both refused. 'So far Baral here is winning by an astounding 50 points, followed by Calcelmo with a close second of 45 then both Deeja and Perth with a mere 10 points. So Zack was it? I'm Safia and how much of a jackass are you?' She gave him a sly wink.

'So you told her about us.' Zack said in hushed tones.

'No actually, but that says a lot about how highly you regard yourself. Who's your firend?' Aerith posed the question to Zack but looked straight through him to his blonde companion. Though Cloud struggled, he kept Aerith's gaze. Sensing himself becoming the third wheel, Zack pulled up a chair for Cloud and eagerly departed.

'Cloud this is Aerith. Aerith, Cloud. I've got to go check on something I'll be back in minute. Why not stay here and hang out?' Zack swiftly existed with no intention of returning. He instead caught the attention of one of the waiters informing them that one of his party had moved another table.

'So Cloud tell me a little about yourself.'Aerith smiled at Cloud who now blushed even deeper. Safia leaned over and whispered something in her ear.

'Hey you do realize your moving in on someone else's marked territory?' She pointed towards Tifa who curiously observed their table. 'And your always telling me you can't take me anywhere. At least I never manhandle.' Playfully Aerith rolled her eyes then converted her focus back to Cloud.

'I think someone is looking for you. Your girlfriend perhaps?' Aerith subtly pointed her head towards Tifa. Cloud shook his head.

'No we're.. old friends.'

'In that dress? I bet.' Safia murmured with a chuckle under her breath. The pair began their own secluded conversation. They didn't discuss the past. Aerith was more interested in the present and the future. She found it best to leave the past where it lay.

'Did Cloud just laugh? I forgot he does that.' From their seats Zack and company watched the couple. Tifa looked up from her meal to throw a cool look to Zack. A waiter arrived at Cloud's new table with his meal. Aerith ordered more drinks for them both.

'Cloud, what is it you do?' Aerith twirled a few strands of her hair around her finger.

'Different things, deliveries, maintenance, mechanics. Whatever needs doing.'

'Hmm, a jack of all trades I see. Well what do you like to do?'

'What do you mean for fun?' Cloud started rubbing his chin. He took a few bites of his meal and pondered.

'Yeah fun. You have fun right? When you're not being Hermes delivering packages or restoring buildings what do you like to do?' Cloud shrugged his shoulders.

'I guess building motorcycles, finding parts, stuff like that. What about you?'

'Hey Cloud, could I have a quick word?' Zack stood behind Cloud motioning to the bar. Tifa and a tipsy Mara made their way out of the restaurant. Cloud excused himself then followed his friend. Closely looking at him now Zack's appearance had become haggard. His eyes appeared dull and bags were forming under them. His back slouched not in its usual militant manner. The bright energy Cloud noticed when Zack greeted him had faded within the space of an hour or two.

'We're going to leave now. Mara's had too much to drink. Nothing's changed I guess.' Zack's voice faltered as he took out his wallet to pay the waitress. 'Tifa is coming with us. I thought a long walk in some fresh might help her sober up. I'll call you tomorrow. Not too early of course.' Winking he patted his friend on the back then departed.

Safia lit up a fresh cigarette from her already half empty pack. The patch attatched to her arm wasn't working. Aerith waved the cloud of cigarette smoke away from her as her friend leaned in. 'That man over in that corner's been staring at you all night. Personally I don't like the way he's been looking at you.' The man in the corner winked and smiled at Aerith. Both women shifted their gazes. A moment later a waiter approached the table offering Aerith a glass of champagne.

'Miss, this is for you from the gentleman in the booth.' The man dressed in well tailored grey suit and dark shades raised his glass to Aerith. Aerith refused the drink.

'Tell him thank you for the kind gesture but I wouldn't like to accept it.' The waiter headed back towards the man's table with the returned gift. Whispering to the stranger the man responded with a nod. Aerith and Safia shared an uneasy look. Cloud returned to the table.

'So jack of all trades have you ever been a body guard?' Her faraway tone concerned him.

'No why?'

'Curiosity I suppose.' Cloud finished his dinner and bought them another round. The pair conversed easily. Aerith had a wicked sense of humor. She also had the ability to relax him. It was an ease he had never known to form so quickly with someone.

'Hey did you want to get out of here? Go for a walk somewhere?'

'Sure.' Cloud nodded.

Whilst Aerith said her goodbyes to her friends the grey suited man in dark shades approached the bar located near the exit. He waited there until the couple approached.

'Women don't ever refuse my gifts. Maybe I misread you, would you like something a bit stronger? I have a bar at my apartment.' His skin was wore a sun-kissed glow that complemented his chiselled features.

'No. Thank you.' Aerith waited for the waitress to give her the change. Cloud had already paid for his meal and drinks. Though he didn't look at the man stood beside Aerith all his focus was on him. His hands became tight fists.

'I'm finishing up here and I have a driver. I'll tell him to bring the car. I'll give you a real view of the city, seated in the finest leather and drinking from the shiniest crystal you've ever seen. Then I will bring you back to my apartment. I can show you that bar I was been talking about or any other room in my home.'

Aerith shook her head, 'Again thank you but-'

'Hey, she's not interested.' Cloud protectively stepped out in front of Aerith. Cloud stood a few inches taller than the man who had approached them. The angle at which he stood forced the stranger to look up towards Cloud. 'Why don't you go back to your table and finish your drink?' Grey Suit sniggered eerily.

'Alright you wanna play games?' He cocked his head towards Aerith and smiled. 'I like games. Alright.' The man backed away from them. 'Enjoy your evening kids.' The couple headed for the exit. As soon as the two were out of sight Grey Suit shuffled through his pockets. He found his sleek cell phone then punched in a couple numbers.

'Come round the front. There's someone I want you all to meet.'

The pair walked in silence. Aerith nervously kept evaluating her surrounds. The night sky was barely lit. The absence of street lights assisted in adding to her paranoia. She tensed up as they walked over the bridge. Sensing her discomfort Cloud spoke in an effort to distract her.

'So did you grow up here in Midgar?'

'I think someone's following us.' Cloud motioned for Aerith to stop. He stood quietly listened to his surrounds. The faint sounds of footsteps appeared to be approaching them.

'I never usually give a man a chance,' a voice in the near distance called out. 'But here's my offer get down on your knees and beg me to not to knock out every tooth in your spiky haired little head or I'll have them beat you senseless. Not your typical win-win situation but it's got some perks.' From the shadows a group of men surrounded Grey Suit.

'I think I'll pass.' The man shrugged then shook his head.

'Your choice. A bad one but a choice all the same.' Grey Suit backed away allowing his men to surround the couple. Three men in front of Cloud ran at him. The man in the middle threw a punch at him. Cloud grabbed his fist and twisted his arm forcing it to attack the man on his left. Cloud moved out of the way of the man on the right but stuck out his foot. The man fell to his knees. Four others ran at Cloud from other directions. The first jumped in the air attempting to kick Cloud's head in mid air. Cloud ducked and rolled over. The man in mid air instead ended up kicking the man running the opposite him. The other two men attempted attacking Cloud, while the final three went after Aerith. Two of the men attempted to pick Aerith up but were struggling. The third man tried to assist but instead was met with a kick to the crotch. The two and even Aerith shuddered at his reaction. While the men were momentarilty distracted Aerith bit the arm of the man who had his arm around her neck. He let out a scream. Aerith grabbed both men by their hair then banged their heads together.

One of the men pulled out a gun from his jacket. As the man pulled the trigger Cloud ran up the body of the other man. The bullets missed Cloud instead penetrating into the chest passed through the man. Cloud's landing failed. The impact of the fall caused injury to his shoulder. Aerith ran at the man with the gun and shoved him onto the ground. He struggled with him to get his gun. Aerith head butted the man and took the gun from him. The man on the floor helplessly looked up at Aerith. Grey Suit had disappeared. The men that had attacked the couple were in no condition to assault them any further.

'Cloud are you okay?' Aerith removed threw the gun over the bridge.

'Wow.' Cloud stood up massaging his shoulder.

'Hmm?'

'I've just never seen a girl attack a guy with a gun like that.'

'I hope you weren't expecting your typical damsel in distress. You'll be extremely disappointed.'

Mara stumbled around the bedroom. Her clumsy feet repeated smacked into objects. She removed her clothes leaving them scattered on the bedroom floor. Desperately she searched the closet from her bed clothing but was unsuccessful. Instead she grabbed an unwashed linen from the hamper and wrapped in around herself. Unaware that the sheet was dragging on the floor behind her, Mara tripped out smacking her face into the cold metal object. The thud sound brought a concerned Zack spiralling into the room.

'What's gotten into you?' Zack picked up the sword and placed it back into the closet.

'You think I don't about you two don't you but I know. I know. You can't hide it. I know. ' She tried in a drunken state to pick herself up from the floor. Zack attempted to assist but Mara rebuffed him. She managed after several minutes of struggling with the linen, to remove herself from the floor and onto the bed. Zack searched through the closet to find the drunken girl some pyjama's. He handed her a set which she ungratefully snatched from him. She again struggled for several minutes to figure out the head opening from the arm and how to put on her pyjama bottoms.

'Do you still love her Zack?' Mara reached under the bed grabbing a bottle of booze.