Hi! I know it's been long, but college has been killing me. Thanks to lovelymokotan27, Miss Layla, oodball167 and Zackfairfan for those awesome reviews! I'm glad there's people reading my story, and liking it! And please feel free to point out any mistakes and/or events you think could've been better. Anyways, on with chapter 9!!

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"Okay, thanks," the brunette hung up her phone and let out a sigh. "Where did I leave my purse?" she asked herself, trying to remember her every move the day before. She was hoping someone would find it and return it to her; who am I kidding? No one does that anymore, she thought disappointed. Aeris looked at the clock on her store; ten more minutes to open. She looked around the store, making sure everything was in order. The door bell rang, and she frowned; the store was still closed. She walked towards the entrance and spotted a black spiky head outside. Zack?

It was him indeed, and she unconsciously smoothed her pink v-neck top and white floral skirt. She opened up the glass door and smiled brightly.

"Hi Zack!" He glanced at her and smiled sheepishly.

"Hi Aeris, can I come in?" he asked.

"Maybe," she teased. She led him inside and he followed her, holding the brown purse in his hand. He noticed she wasn't wearing a ribbon, only a pink hair tie. Aeris turned around and placed her hands on her hips.

"Zack, you're doing it again," she tried hard not to giggle.

"Actually, I was staring at your braid," she tilted her head to the side.

"Why?"

"You're not wearing a ribbon today," he pointed out.

"Oh that; I don't have a pink ribbon," Aeris said simply.

"Why not?" He watched her sit behind the counter.

"It's not the best time to go shopping for ribbons. Besides, the money I've been saving is for the wedding," she replied with a sad smile. He nodded.

"Your eye looks better; your lip too." He brought his hand to his lip.

"Yeah, it still stings a little though."

"How's your neck?"

"Better, but I can't work out for a few days or it'll never heal"

"That's a shame," she said, winking at him. He felt his cheeks burn again.

"So, what brings you here so early? The shop won't open until 9:00"

"Really? I didn't know that," his cheeks turned pinker from embarrassment and she laughed.

"I came to give you this," he brought the purse to the counter and her jade eyes widened with joy. Her lips formed a small 'o' and she took it in her hands, hugging it to her chest.

"I thought I'd lost it forever! Thank you Zack, where did you find it?" she asked.

"You left it at my place," he chuckled when she smacked her forehead.

"I even called the cafeteria to know if they had found it," she started browsing inside, "here they are!" she showed him her apartment keys.

"Huh? How did you get in?"

"I had a spare; and this is here too!" she referred to her wallet. "I can get another brown purse, but not another wallet with all of my IDs," she said, "well, I could but I'd have to wait a long time," she added. She walked around the counter and wrapped her arms around him.

"You're truly a life saver," she whispered. His heart beat quickened and he knew his hands were trembling. He slowly hugged her back with his strong arms. She pulled back and leaned against the desk. They stood there in silence, just looking at each other. Her smile started fading slowly when she noticed he was staring at her again.

God, what is this? I want to say something to her but I can't! It's like she's charmed me or something. He started looking around her shop, and didn't see her arch a brow. He tried talking, and found himself stuttering. Urgh! What's wrong with me? He thought with shame. But her laughter made him feel better; it always did.

"Thanks Aeris," Zack said with a genuine smile gracing his lips.

"Why?" He shook his head, "never mind." She eyed him suspiciously, and looked at her watch; it was time to open her shop.

"Zack could you do me a favor?" He looked up at her and nodded; he looks like a puppy! She thought, hiding a smile.

"Go and change the closed sign please," she signaled the sign hanging at the door, which read open to the inside. He did as he was told, and a customer came in almost immediately. It was a blonde girl, about Yuffie's age.

"Hi, do you work here?" she asked Zack.

"Uh, no, no," he turned to Aeris, "she does."

"Alright thanks," said the girl as she walked over to Aeris. He watched them engage on a conversation. What am I still doing here? I can't stop looking at her. He heard the door bell ring once more and saw Rinoa come in.

"Hey Zack," she greeted him with a smile. He smiled back.

"What are you doing here so early?" she asked curiously.

"She left her purse at my place last night," Rinoa arched a brow.

"Did Cloud beat you up?" she asked as she noticed his injuries.

"No, and it's not what you're thinking," he said with a stern look on his face.

"Rinoa, stop bothering him!" yelled Aeris from behind. She hurried to their side.

"You left your purse at his place last night," implied Rinoa suggestively.

"Because I was there visiting him, is all," answered a rather annoyed brunette. Does Rinoa actually think we could… oh God, I'm not feeling well, thought Zack looking to the sides frenetically. Both girls looked at him confused.

"Zack, are you alright?" the green-eyed girl asked, her voice full of concern.

"What? Yeah, of course!" he answered a little too soon. She took a step towards him, but he unconsciously took one back.

"Gah, I… I have to go," stuttered Zack, opening the door. "I'll call Cloud and let you know!" he said as he ran out of the shop.

"What's wrong with him?"Rinoa asked.

"I don't know, he's been acting really weird today," Aeris mused, going back to the counter. Rinoa thought for a moment, her brown eyes locked deep in thought.

"Problems with his girlfriend?" she suggested.

"I doubt it, Cissnei's a sweetheart," Aeris replied.

"He's cute, but weird" Rinoa said.

"Yeah, but not like this. I'm worried about him."

"Aww," Rinoa drew out, smirking. Aeris looked up at her.

"What?"

"You care about him," Rinoa shrugged, still smiling.

"Of course, he's Cloud's best friend, and more than that, he's become my friend."

"Yeah, he just happens to be a good friend of your boyfriend and yours. A cute, handsome, smart friend who you're going out with and spending time with, even at work." Aeris raised a thin eyebrow as Rinoa sat back and looked around the shop.

"I know what you're implying," Aeris said, narrowing her eyes. "We're just friends. Besides, I'm engaged, and he has a girlfriend."

"Uh-huh. I know the signs of a guy drooling over a girl," said Rinoa with a mock face. The blonde girl from before came over with carnations.

"Like what?" Aeris asked, smiling at her customer and taking her order.

"Gets nervous around her, stutters, stares off into space, goes everywhere to see her," Rinoa listed. "Any of those ring a bell?" Aeris thought for a moment. Then, she shook her head.

"You're crazy."

"No, he's crazy. For you," she added grinning mischievously.

"Thank you and come again!" Aeris exclaimed to the girl as she exited the store. She then stared at her black haired friend as if she had grown a third eye.

"What are you smiling about?"

"I think he's cuter than Cloud; he even looks good with a black eye," she teased.

"Rinoa!"

"What? Speaking of that, what happened to him?"

"I don't know," Aeris gazed to the floor.

"But you visited him last night," Rinoa insisted.

"So?" her tone had a hint of anger.

"He had to tell you"

"No he didn't, now stop." Rinoa pouted, "Fine. We'll talk later. And don't forget we're going out on Friday." Aeris nodded at her friend.

"See you!" exclaimed Rinoa, going out the door. Aeris sat down and sighed.

"What's wrong Zack?"

***

Zack walked desperately around the campus, trying to spot Yuffie. She'd told him she was a Midgar College student, so she had to be around there somewhere. Luck was on his side, and he saw her walking across the grass a few meters away from him. She wore some khakis and a green t-shirt.

"Yuffie!" he called out as he tried to catch up with her. He saw her come to a stop and turn her head around; she was surprised to say the least.

"What the hell are you doing here Zack? Are you stalking me?" she placed her hands on her hips. He chose to ignore her comment.

"Okay, Yuffie, we're friends right?"

"We are?"

"That's what you said last time."

"Mm, okay!" she gave him a big smile. She started walking again.

"So if I asked you to help me, you'd do it, right?" Zack said as they crossed the grass outside.

"You know I'm good for everything," she said proudly. Zack took a breath.

"Well, okay…the thing is, I think I'm falling for someone."

"Oh I'm sorry Zack, but this is too sudden for me."

"Uh, no Yuffie, I don't mean you," he explained.

"Are you sure? Don't be shy…" she elbowed his gut, "we're buddies."

"I know; that's why I need your opinion."

"Okay, I'm listening," Zack hesitated for a few seconds, looking to his sides while running a hand through his dark locks.

"Well what's going on, just say it!" Yuffie said, getting desperate.

"Okay, this girl... she confuses me, a lot. She's gorgeous, and I can't stop thinking about her. I hate having to be near her because I always act like such an idiot around her, but even so I always want to see her. And it's like I don't have a choice. I'm always worried I'll do something stupid around her and I usually do, but she smiles and laughs at me and it's okay. It's just…she confuses me like hell, but she always makes things so clear, and…" Zack stopped as he realized Yuffie was no longer behind him. He turned to see the college girl grinning ear to ear at him.

"What?"

"I know exactly what's wrong with you," she said, her grin growing wider. "You're in love."

"WHAT?!?" Zack shrieked, his eyes bulging. "I can't be in love with Aeris!" Yuffie's grin vanished, and Zack cried out and slapped a hand over his mouth.

"Aeris, like, cute Cloud's fiancé, that Aeris?"

"Uh-huh," Zack groaned, nodding.

"Oh, no wonder you're like this," Yuffie lifted her eyebrows and began walking again. "Does she know you feel like this for her?"

"Are you crazy?"

"Alright, does Cloud know?" They came to a stop in front of a class room. Zack gave her a stern look.

"Yeah, I thought so. Well, I still stand by what I said before; you're in love. Think about it; you worry about how you act around her, you think about her all the time, she makes you feel better about yourself, and you find her attractive"

"No..." Zack whispered as he stood at the door while Yuffie set her books at one of the front seats.

"Trust me; I spend my day stalked by horny college boys. You're in love with her."

"So…this isn't just going to go away?" Zack muttered, his shoulders slumping. Yuffie shrugged, "who cares? She's getting married. I'd worry about that. Now excuse me, I'm going to be late for my class."

Zack felt like pulling his hair off his head. Me? In love with Aeris? I've known her for only a few weeks!

"This can't be happening to me…"

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Well, I'd like to know what you thought about this chapter. I thought it was finally time for Zack to realize his feelings for Aeris. Thanks for reading!