My third ZackAerith story. Hehe. I just love those two, and it breaks my heart that Zack died before he reached Midgar...and the image of Aerith praying for him...and...

Zack: She's delirious. Come on... I died as a hero! Never mind. My dear fans, read on.

"BANG!" A scream full of pain and anguish followed the chilling sound of gunshot. A pair of sapphire eyes which moments ago were full of vivacity began to dim. Zack Fair winced in agony and shut his eyes as another ripple of pain seized his body.

"Zack… Zack… Hell-ooo?"

"Aerith?" Zack squinted. His vision was blurry, but he could make out a certain brown-haired girl from the church in the slums that he loves, the girl who said that the sky looked scary.

His eyes watered and his throat closed up as he realized he was never going to come back to her. He made her wait for four freaking long years. He made her worry, and now, he was never going to see her again. He would never see her smile again, or make her laugh. He was never going to hear her voice again, or feel the softness of her hair, or hold her in his arms. She's going to be all alone.

"Aerith…I'm sorry," he choked out. Tears leaked out and streamed down his bloody face. Sobs wracked his body, overpowering the pain coursing through his veins.

"I'm sorry I made you worry. I'm sorry I made you wait so long. I'm sorry I won't be able to bring you to see the sky. I'm sorry I won't be able to fill Midgar with flowers with you. Aerith…I've always wanted to tell you how much I love you. You make life seem so easy…so merry. I've always been happy when I'm with you. I've always looked forward to spending time with you. Seeing you smiling always made my day… Aerith… I miss you…so much."

Zack's eyes widened as the image of Aerith Gainsborough began to fade. He reached out a hand, not wanting to let her go.

"Please…don't go… I've got so much to say… Aerith, forgive me. I love you with all of my heart…forever. I'll always be there if you need me. Just…think of me…and I'll appear. I'm sorry that you're going to be alone again. I tried…believe me… I tried my best to return, but… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry!"

"Zack…it's okay…"

"I wanted so much to stay with you… I want to hold you… I want to let you know how much I love you… Aerith… I'm sorry…"

Aerith Gainsborough disappeared and Zack felt himself return to reality. Raindrops pelted his face. It felt…cool and refreshing. He couldn't have picked a better feeling as his last few minutes ticked away. Zack opened his eyes to the dark clouds. The silence around him – amidst the sound of rain – was peaceful.

The sound of someone heaving himself to Zack caught his attention. Minutes later, the face of Cloud Strife appeared, worry and concern etched in his young features.

"Zack…?"

A/N: In case you don't understand, the Aerith he was talking to is a figment of his imagination, a hallucination, whatever you want to call it, during his unconscious state, okay?
There's a nagging feeling at the back of my mind that this isn't enough, but I can't reach it. Oh well, what do you think? Review, okay? Or you will be sent to the lifestream. Credits to Momo-chan for this plot bunny! I love you!