Disclaimer: Man, must I repeat myself? Don't own Final Fantasy…wish I did, but I don't. Although, Akira, Kisuke, Sasuke, etc. are my creations…in a way…

A/N: To make up for the small chapter last time, this one's about 8 pages on my document program. This one's sort of a filler about Akira's days without Zack, so sorry if I ramble. I don't want to start the stuff in the next chapter yet so I added all the stuff in the middle. Hope it's okay!

Chapter Seven: Five Days

"Akira? Hello? Shouldn't you be studying?" questioned Kisuke, waving a hand in front of her face.

"What?" started Akira, looking up to see Kisuke in a bath towel and drying his hair with another.

"You were spacing out. You've been staring at the same page since I got in the shower."

"Oh…" she mumbled, looking back to the book.

"That's right. It's been four days hasn't it?"

Akira didn't answer and continued to flip through the pages of her textbook.

"Don't worry about it. I thought you said he couldn't possibly like a cadet like you. Maybe he's already on another mission," explained Kisuke as reassuringly as he could.

"Right, thanks for trying to help. But I think I'm gonna go and get some fresh air. Cloud's usually at the cliff-side by now," Akira said as she closed her book.

Kisuke sadly watched Akira walk out the door and got back to drying his hair.

Sure enough, Cloud was sitting by the bench looking out toward the Shinra mansion.

"Hey!" Akira exclaimed as she drew nearer.

Cloud turned quickly, still on defensive mode, go figure.

"I figured you might want some company," Akira added.

"Thanks," Cloud replied as she walked over to sit next to him.

"What were you staring at? The mansion?"

"No, that."

Cloud pointed to a watch tower that was just barely close enough to see its details.

"The tower?" Akira asked with a raised brow.

"No, the person on the tower."

Akira strained to see a girl standing by the railing. She had a Shinra outfit on and had red hair, but that was all Akira could see. She had to be the infamous Kia Kisuke had told her about.

"Ah, a girl. You like her?" Akira said with a smile.

"How should I know? Haven't met her yet," Cloud replied.

"You should go talk to her when she comes to campus."

"No way. I'd just screw everything up."

A sergeant from one of their class passed by with his usual angry scowl.

"It's almost ten. You two should get inside," he ordered as he walked by.

"I guess he's right," Akira mumbled.

She stood up and stretched before waving to Cloud as he left.

"See you tomorrow."

Cloud didn't answer but Akira figured he heard and turned the other way.

xxx

"Akira! Wake up! You're gonna make me late! Again!" Kisuke hollered.

"Go away!" she groaned.

Kisuke growled angrily and ripped off her blankets.

"I'm not gonna let you sulk around all day and get kicked out of Shinra."

He grabbed Akira's arm and pulled her up with a harsh tug.

"I'm leaving because I for one, don't want to be late," finished Kisuke as he left.

Akira waited until his footsteps disappeared down the hallway before she got up. She got dressed a grabbed her small pile of textbooks. She began to walk to where she'd meet Cloud in the morning when a familiar voice rang in her ear. Hearing it caused an instant smile to spread across her face.

"Akira, wait up!" Zack hollered, running over.

He stopped directly in front of her with his trademark grin.

"Like a told you. Already back on my feet!" he exclaimed.

"It's been five days…" corrected Akira.

"Okay, so I was a few days off," Zack started. "So, do you wanna…"

Akira interrupted with a giggle and raised an eyebrow.

"Oh right, school…I should get to that paperwork anyway. Seph's probably getting tired of doing it for me. How about you meet me at my place afterwards?"

"I don't think I should."

"Come on. Please!" Zack begged.

Zack began to pout like a child and Akira could refuse.

"Fine…"

"Perfect!"

Akira put on a fake smile and let her gaze drifted downward. Zack noticed instantly and put his hand on her shoulders. Akira tensed up but slowly looked up into bright blue eyes that almost mirrored her own.

"I promise, this one will turn out a whole lot better," he finished.

Akira nodded. Zack ruffled her hair, leaned forward, and gently kissed her check. Akira quickly stepped back and felt the ever annoying blush tinge her cheeks pink.

"Right, see you later," Akira said as she walked off to find Cloud.

Zack groaned and hit himself in the head.

"Damn! Too fast. I should've just hugged her or something…"

Zack groaned again and left in the other direction.

xxx

How was she going to deal with this? That was all Akira could think about. She knew she was like her father, hated being touched and usually pretty quiet. And Zack was a big ball of energy. They were complete opposites and Akira didn't know if she could take it. If he messed with her hair one more time, Akira was sure she'd snap. She figured it was his way of teasing her and never thought to retaliate.

"Cadet Rayne!" their teacher hollered.

Akira popped out of her trance abruptly.

"What!?"

"I suggest you pay attention."

He tapped her text book with a scowl.

"Page 39, Rayne…"

"Yes sir," Akira mumbled.

Akira leaned her cheek in her hand and flipped to page 39. Yuck, war…who needs history anyway? She pretty much dazed for the rest of the time, until Cloud stopped at her desk.

"You're never gonna pass," Cloud exclaimed.

"School's not what counts. It's your strength they look for, right?" Akira replied.

"Not even close," laughed Kisuke as he walked in.

He set down his books and joined the conversation.

"You need brains too. They'd pick a good strategist before an awesome fighter," he finished.

Akira growled and picked up her things.

"I guess I'll see you later then!" Kisuke explained as she and Cloud left.

Akira turned around put a hand behind her head. She chuckled faintly with a grin.

"Actually…" she mumbled.

"Zack?" Kisuke finished.

"Yeah…sort of…"

"Alright, just don't forget your key."

Akira waved and turned quickly to catch up with Cloud.

"So, I'll see you tomorrow," Cloud said turning to his dorm building.

"Hey, wait up!" Akira called after him.

She ran after Cloud before he left her sight.

"Zack doesn't leave his office for a couple more hours…" she started. "How about we hang out?"

Cloud figured he'd rather go to his room and study. Going out really wasn't his thing, but he guessed it was better than going back to the room where Sasuke would be waiting.

"Sure…" he replied with a small smile.

The two decided to just walk around and enjoy the fresh air. It had actually become a routine for the two in the past week. Cloud was always there to talk to when Zack was gone.

"So did you talk to Kia yet?" Akira asked stuffing her hands in her pockets.

"No…" Cloud replies watching the ground.

" Come on. She's never going to notice you if you don't talk to her."

"That's easy for you to say. Zack just stumbled into you. You never had to say anything."

"True," Akira replied with a grin.

"You know, you're a lot different outside of class. A lot…louder," Cloud exclaimed. "Why is that?"

"Cause you are easy to talk to. You and Kisuke remind me of the people back home. I guess that's why."

Cloud grinned again and turned in another direction.

"Since there's no basic training today, I figured I'd go train on my own. I'll bet everyone is eating so I am going to go while it is empty," he explained.

Cloud waved and Akira did the same. She slowly made her way to Zack's place. The close she got, the slower her pace became. After all, last time she had been in his house she laid down bleeding on his couch. Now that she had thought about it, she never apologized for being such a burden. Before she knew it she was knocking on Zack's door. While she waited, she wondered if she should just turn and leave. If anyone caught her, a lowly cadet at a first class SOLDIER's home, she'd surely be in for a beating. She didn't have time to decide before the door opened. Zack, of course, was on the other side. He was out of his usual military attire, wearing loose fit jeans and no shirt. Scars from the earlier incident were clearly visible.

"Akira! You're here early!" he exclaimed somewhat happily.

"Yeah, basic training was canceled today," Akira replied.

"That's right, a lot of the Sergeants were called off to Wutai weren't they?"

Akira tried to listen intently, but her mind wandered elsewhere.

"Shit, where are my manners? Come inside!" Zack said.

When Akira walked inside, Zack quickly shut the door and disappeared down the hallway. He came back in a flash, blindly slipping on a Shinra T-shirt.

"You like it?" Zack questioned, noticing Akira looking around.

Akira nodded, it was a lot bigger than the room she shared with Kisuke.

"Come to think of it, you were a bit out of it last time you came here, weren't you?" Zack said, as he disappeared once again, but this time into the kitchen.

"I'm really sorry about your couch…" Akira mumbled, staring at the dark red stains.

"No problem. That couch was getting old anyway," he replied, coming back with two cans.

He tossed the pop to Akira and kept a beer for himself. Akira fumbled to catch the can but didn't drop it.

"So, I wanna know what I missed with you recruits. How's school?" Zack asked.

"Why did he care?" Akira thought to herself. "Alright I guess…"

"And Sasuke?"

"I think you scared him off for a while."

"Really? Man, am I good."

The phone rang, cutting their conversation short. Zack groaned in annoyance and got up to answer it. Akira sat uncomfortably on the couch, sipping from her can until he returned.

"Looks like Seph needs me, must've forgot something," Zack explained, putting on his boots.

"I guess I'll head back then," Akira said, standing up.

"No, just come along. It should only take a minute. In fact, this couldn't have worked out better. I wanted to take you somewhere."

Zack threw her, her jacket and Akira followed. The two headed to the big building behind the basic training gym, where Sephiroth greeted them at the door. He eyed Akira strangely, making her shrink behind Zack. As usual, he said nothing to her and continued with his duty.

"You've got another mission tomorrow," Sephiroth said as they headed inside.

Akira stayed behind the two, closing the door behind her.

"Man, really?" Zack complained.

Akira remained in the back, trying to ignore their conversation.

"Zackary, I'm not going to try and stop your relationship with the recruit. But I will say I disapprove."

"Come on Seph. Lighten up. She won't get in the way, I promise," Zack whispered back.

Sephiroth said nothing and turned into a room on their left. Upon entering, Akira saw a blonde man with a mustache standing in front of a desk. He turned around, hearing the door close.

"Rufus! No…This guy's way too old…" Akira thought to herself as she hid behind Zack and Sephiroth."

"Zack, Sephiroth…just who I wanted to see," the man exclaimed.

He peered behind the two, noticing Akira's presence.

"And who's this?" he asked, inspecting her attire. "A cadet? First year?"

"Akira Rayne, President Shinra," Zack replied.

"And she's in my office because…?"

"Oops…didn't really think about it…" Zack thought, scratching the back of his head.

"Actually, I thought she'd be of some help on the mission…" Zack said quickly.

Akira grew wide-eyed as Sephiroth glared at Zack angrily.

"What?" Shinra questioned, as if he hadn't heard him right.

"I know it's only been a week or so. But she's really talented," Zack explained. "I'd also like to recommend our most productive first-year if that's alright."

"You're talking about Strife?"

"Yes. I think it'll be a great opportunity for them both."

"General?"

"I see no problem with it," Sephiroth all but choked out.

Shinra stood more dignified and put his hands in the pockets of his trousers.

"Alright, you head to Wutai at 6 am," he ordered.

"Wutai? I thought everything was under control," questioned Zack.

"It's just an infiltration mission. In and out. Just make reports of what they're up to and get the SOLDIERs stationed there some new provisions."

Sephiroth nodded slightly and pulled Zack out of the room. Akira followed.

"What the hell was that?" Sephiroth growled as calmly as possible.

"What was I supposed to say Seph? I would've been fired!" Zack replied.

Akira just wanted to disappear. She had caused Zack enough trouble already. Now, she just made it worse. She hung her head low as Sephiroth scolded the younger SOLDIER.

"That was way too risky," Sephiroth continued.

"At least he didn't catch on," Zack grumbled.

"I'll ignore this as a favor to you. But only this once, you got that?"

"Of course! Thanks Seph!" Zack exclaimed.

As the three closed in on the outside door, Zack grabbed Akira's hand. He grinned in accomplishment when she didn't tense up or pull away.

"Come on Akira," he said as they headed back to Zack's.

Sephiroth grinned ever so slightly and went the other way. As much as he disapproved, he couldn't ruin this for the captain. He was happier than ever, and it kept his mind off the war.

xxx

"Are you sure it's okay? Me going to Wutai with you and the general?" Akira questioned, still in Zack's grip.

"Too late to go back now. Besides, it won't just be us. Other SOLDIERs will be their too…plus Cloud," Zack replied reassuringly.

The two stopped outside of the house where Zack hopped onto his motorcycle.

"Come on…I want to show you something," he started.

Akira got on the motorcycle as well and loosely wrapped her arms around Zack's waist. Zack sped through the city and to a rocky place Akira didn't recognize.

"Where are we?" she asked.

"Just outside Midgar. Just wait…you're gonna love it here," Zack exclaimed.

He stopping by a small opening in the rocks, barely noticeable to the naked eye. Zack led her inside, turning quickly in the maze-like corridors, as if he'd been there a million times. A dim light was seen ahead, signaling the end. The cave widened and the top was gone, revealing the blue, clear sky. Water gently fell from the opening into a lake inside the cave. Grass and trees were growing inside from the sun, making it a beautiful sight to see compared to the city sights of Midgar.

"It's amazing!" Akira hollered over the waterfall.

"I knew you'd like it," Zack replied.

"Like it! I love it!"

"It's beautiful huh?"

"For sure…"

Zack led Akira to a spot where they could sit under a tree and peacefully view the scenery.

"There's nothing like this back home," Akira added.

"Really? I thought you lived in a rural town. You don't heave waterfalls out there?" Zack wondered.

"…Uhh…yeah, just…not like this one," Akira stuttered.

Zack eyed Akira strangely as she gazed into the water.

"She's lying to me…Why doesn't she trust me? What could she be hiding?" Zack thought, as he stood up by the tree. "You always seem so cautious. Is that normal?"

"Not everyone's like you ya know…" Akira said with a chuckle.

"I know…I just…Well, do you trust me? Like, do you think I'm a bad guy or something?"

"No! Of course not! I never saw you as a bad guy!" Akira exclaimed.

"That's a relief…"

"Why do you ask?"

"Curious I guess…Something just seems strange about you…"

Zack's serious face quickly turned to a wide grin.

"He knows?! He knows I'm lying!" Akira cried to herself.

"You okay? You look like you've just seen a ghost," Zack asked, laughing quietly.

"Alright, how'd you figure it out?" Akira sighed.

"See these eyes?" Zack asked, gesturing to the bright blue orbs. "They see more then you think."

Akira sighed again and looked down to the hands that held her knees.

"Do I get the truth now? Or do you still not trust me?" Zack questioned.

"…"

"That's okay. I can wait. I don't plan on going anywhere soon."

Akira looked up to Zack who was smiling brightly. She smiled back and stood up with Zack. Zack pulled her closer and snaked his arms around Akira's waist. Akira flinched but didn't push him away.

"It's weird, I've never been with a guy before...I thought they were all assholes," Akira started. "I might've been wrong."

"You've never been with a guy?" Zack asked as if he were astonished.

Akira shook her head.

"You ever kissed one?"

Akira shook her head again.

"Do you trust me enough to be the first?"

End of Chapter Seven

A/N: Ooh! Nice cliffy there huh? Will she kiss him or not? Next chapter we'll have the romantic finish of this chapter and Akira's first mission…