A/N: Just a quick little oneshot that I did because I was depressed after finishing Crisis Core :c I ordered Final Fantasy VII, though, and received it today. So I've been playing it all afternoon. And now I came up with this! So, I hope this brings you a teensy bit of the joy Zack and Aerith have brought me.

Eight Turns

Zack/Aerith

"Aerith."

The voice rang through her ears like a thousand bells chiming a heavenly melody in her ear, yet at the same time it was like a thousand knives stabbing her in the back. Questions ran through her head as she ever so slowly turned to face him.

It took her 8 different phases in her turn to face him.

1/8. 'Where have you been all this time?' Her eyes widened as her turn began.

2/8. 'Did you know that the flowers are selling well?' She dropped the flower she was holding - something she never does. Ever.

3/8. 'Did you get the letters I sent you?' Almost halfway there.

4/8. 'How have you been all this time?' The halfway point. She could see him in her peripheral vision now. ... And someone else.

5/8. 'Who is that boy with you?' The boy seemed to have blonde hair and bright blue eyes, much like his. The mako infused eyes.

6/8. 'Have you been hurt?' They looked as if they had been distressed for days.

7/8. 'Did you know it's been four years since I last saw you?' One more turn. One more turn and she was there. One more and she would see him.

However, before she could complete the final turn, warm and protective arms were around her. They felt safe. Safer than anything in years. She loved them. These arms that were so familiar yet so distant to her. They were his arms. Zack's arms. The love of her life whom she knew would live. She knew he wouldn't be knocked down by anything. No, she loved him too much. He wouldn't do that to her.

... Right?

She slowly but surely wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him close. She could barely breathe because of how tight he was holding her, but she didn't care. She was being loved. By him. The one and only man she would ever love.

The young blonde haired boy stood behind them, looking away. He could read the air. How honorable to aquire such a trait; Zack taught him well.

The embrace seemed as if it would never end. Even if it really did never end, it alone would not make up for the time she and Zack spent apart. And now, even if he had a mission that meant the difference between the end of the world or not, she would stay beside him. She would fight alongside him. She would not be away from him ever again. Never again would he have to bear the burden of truth that destroyed him. No, she would protect him. It was her turn now.

8/8. "Do you know that I love you more than anyone or anything?"

A smile. "Ditto."