A.N: Hi everyone, it's been a while *hides from the annoyed glares* I admit I was a little lazy and literally took a month off after exams to just wind down and not do anything requiring effort, including writing fanfiction (blasphemy, I know). I've actually had this chapter ready for over four months *ducks as a tomato is pelted my way*- so I hope you enjoy the finale of A Flower in the Slums! :D

Chapter Ten: Hello, Goodbye

At first glance, most thought that Tifa Lockheart was the type of woman who could get any man she desired with only one coy look from her enticing wine coloured eyes. Aerith had very much thought the same as she travelled alongside who she had thought to be a young woman full of worldly knowledge.

Funnily enough, in her death, Aerith had found out the truth about her seemingly 'perfect' friend who had accompanied and supported her throughout their journey to the City of the Ancients wasn't as perfect as she had perceived her to be.

When Aerith had openly responded to Cloud's advances, she had come to the conclusion that Tifa wasn't one of those girls who would do anything to get the man who she desired. That was what made her sacrifice all the more meaningful.

She'd selfishly taken Tifa's love from her… but in the end, she was sure she had sacrificed more than enough in the name of love and friendship.

Aerith was brought out of her reverie by a satisfied sigh that sounded from right beside her. Zack stood beside her, looking upon their friends who had defeated the last of Sephiroth's surviving hatred of the world from the doors of Aerith's old church.

"Tifa's one hell of a woman. She never stopped loving Cloud," Zack shot a meaningful look in Aerith's direction and crossed his arms in front of his chest as he watched the rag-tag group who called themselves AVALANCHE celebrate the cure of the deadly Geostigma virus.

Aerith smiled wanly and nodded in agreement.

"She's always been firm about what she wants. Still, she was a little bit introverted when it came to matters of the heart. I'm happy she'd happy." Aerith concluded as she caught Tifa and Cloud exchange sweet smiles as the cured children splashed around their hero, their infectious laughter bringing smiles to all the adults' faces.

Aerith's eyes travelled towards two small children who sat huddled together, away from the celebrations. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of a young girl who looked much like herself when she was younger. Beside her sat a slightly older boy, with blond spikes messily falling over his intelligent eyes.

They looked like child versions of herself and Cloud. But somehow, the boy reminded her a lot of Zack's mild temperament and hidden intelligence. Aerith noticed Zack's surprised presence beside her, and turned to face him.

With a look of resigned sadness, Aerith spoke quietly.

"I hope they love each other as much as we were supposed to love each other, don't you?" Zack blinked at Aerith and frowned.

"Who said it's all over for us?" Zack questioned. Aerith blinked and shrugged as she stepped towards the young couple who sat side by side. As they saw her approaching, the two ceased their conversation and smile up at her.

"You're Miss Aerith, aren't you?" the little girl piped up with a soft-spoken voice. Aerith couldn't help but smile at the sweet girl at her feet. Kneeling down in front of the pair, Aerith nodded.

"That's right. What's your name?" the girl grinned and pointed to herself.

"I'm Cinque!" she turned to the mischievous raven boy beside her and poked him in the wide, inciting a small frown from the boy. "And this is Trey!" the little girl frowned slightly as she reached out for Trey's grimy hand. "We're orphans. We were sick but then Mr. Strife brought us the cure! Trey still hasn't talked yet, but I'm sure he will very soon!" Cinque poked Trey once again, though he merely smiled and waved up at Aerith.

Placing a hand on the nape of Trey's fragile neck, Aerith closed her eyes and uttered a prayer before opening them up again and smiling encouragingly.

"Are you okay now?" Trey nodded silently, a small sound of affirmation emanating from his throat. Startled, Trey gasped loudly.

"I… can make sounds again!" the young boy exclaimed rather loudly before throwing his arms around a giggling Cinque.

Aerith almost couldn't suppress the tears that surfaced as Cinque quietly mouthed a grateful 'thank you' to her and Zack as she hugged her friend tightly. Nodding, Aerith stood up and stepped away from the two kids.

On an impulse, Aerith shot one last look at Cloud's general vicinity, only to find him staring right at her with wide, innocent blue eyes.

Funny, how his innocence still remained intact after such a long battle with the products of the Planet's tortured soul.

Aerith smiled and nodded at Cloud, feeling the pull of Zack's warm presence behind her.

Zack was right.

Even though she had previously fallen out of love with him, it didn't mean that their story had to end.

After all, they had all of eternity to get right back on track.

Aerith's smile grew bigger as she raised a hand and waved at Cloud.

"See, I told you. Everything's… alright." Aerith couldn't stop herself from tilting her head innocently, in such a familiar yet long lost gesture, as she regarded Cloud for a long moment before turning towards the man who had given her his very existence.

Aerith found herself falling for the raven SOLDIER all over again, very quickly, as his playfully friendly salute towards Cloud reminded her exactly why she'd loved Zack in the first place.

He was so… simple.

So… paradoxically gentle.

He was kind, yet troublesome. Strong, yet extremely vulnerable.

He was arrogant, yet so very humble.

He was aloof, but all the more endearing because of it.

He was Zack.

Aerith took a deep breath and looked into Zack's sky blue eyes with tenderness, after such a long time of reserving that look for a man who was never hers.

Zack smiled and waited for Aerith to lead him back to the Lifestream, before he stepped into place behind her and walked into a bright light.

Aerith and Zack… truly reunited for eternity.

Just how it should have been.

Note: This is my first finished story on this website since I started to write fanfiction again. Thanks for reading this short story- it may be a little disjointed, but please do let me know what you think of it! :D

Turk 4 Life (Moosh)