A/N – Okay, please forgive me for such a short chapter. I couldn't fit it in with the previous or next one. It didn't feel right so you get two updates today as compensation. Fair? I hope so. I like to keep you people happy. Much love (hugs)
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After parking his bike, Zack decided now was as good of a time as any to call Sephiroth. Procrastination was practically his second name. He wasn't afraid of the 'mad scientist', he was just weirded out by him.
"Good afternoon, Zack." the General's voice sounded over the phone. "How are you feeling today?"
"I'm good as new. This is me checking in with you." Zack said glancing up at the building that held Hojo's many scientific secrets. A deep chill ran through his body.
"You know how it is in SOLDIER. They just need to make sure." the General said monotonously.
"Yeah, I know." Zack sighed, thinking about getting back to Cloud. Another thought occurred to him causing him to shuffle his feet a little uncomfortably. "I suppose after this it'd be the right thing to do to pay a quick visit to Aeris, huh?"
Sephiroth was silent for a moment before he spoke. "I guess it depends on your intentions with Cloud and your feelings for her."
Zack nodded. "I know. But after this whole thing, I mean, in Junon, it really sets your priorities straight. I can't go back to Aeris after discovering what I feel for Cloud." Zack smiled at the thought of the blonde. "I really think I've fallen in love here, Seph. Me, of all people…"
"It was bound to happen eventually, I'm sure, Zachary." the General replied, a hint of revenge in his voice from being called 'Seph'.
Zack laughed. "I really don't want to see Hojo today. Cloud and I had such a good morning." The pout in his voice didn't go unnoticed by Sephiroth.
"Just get it over with so you have the rest of the day with him." He paused briefly. "I think it's best you do see Aeris before you see Cloud again… Just in case." Sephiroth felt a little weird giving his take on Zack's relationship situation.
Zack laughed again. "Look at you, Mr. Great General, giving love advice! So unlike you."
"Good bye, Zachary." He hung up the phone.
Zack chuckled to himself and closed his own phone before making his way into the building.
Everything looked so sterile. This was the type of place he felt most uncomfortable in. When he wasn't in battle mode, he was a klutz and he knew if he wasn't on his best behaviour he'd end up breaking something. He mused to himself of how much his mind sounded like his mother.
"Hello Lieutenant." the girl behind the desk said with a giggle as Zack made his way over. She had been one of his many encounters in the past; her name he could not readily recall. "What brings you to my part of campus?"
Zack threw on his easy-going smile and casually leaned on the desk in front of her. "Hojo's expecting me, actually. How have you been though, darlin'?" He only realized after asking that he really didn't care. He was on autopilot and somehow flirting with… err… Tina, Tess, Trina, Rena, Rachel, Michelle, no, Mary? Damn… it just came natural.
Her face exploded in a smile. "I'm okay, though I could be better if you're free tonight."
Zack smiled. "Sorry, I have plans. I'm actually seeing someone right now."
Her smile turned decidedly wicked. "It's never stopped you before."
Zack rubbed the back of his head and shifted his stance. Never again, not with Cloud… "Yeah, I know that. But I've fallen pretty hard for this one."
The girl sat back into her chair and crossed her arms. "Zachary Fair with an old ball-n-chain. This is new…"
A flare of annoyance weaved through him momentarily. Cloud was not a ball-n-chain. He dismissed this. Why did it matter to him? I've slept with you and don't even know your name. "Would you let the Professor know I'm here?"
The girl smiled and reached for the phone. "Give me a call when you're done with this little girlie who has you so tightly wound around her little finger." She punched an extension and waited for Hojo's receptionist to pick up.
Zack smirked. "His finger, actually." He surprised himself with the easy admittance that he struggled to accept himself before Cloud kissed him. So what, I'm in a gay relationship. As long as it's with Cloud. "I'm in love with a guy."
The girl's smile widened as she leaned forward. "You'll have to come up with a better story than that if you want to deter me. It kind of makes me want you more." Her attention snapped back to the phone. "Lieutenant Zack Fair is here to see the Professor." she spoke into the phone.
She hung up. Zack looked back at her slightly confused. "First, it's not a story, it's actually true. I fell for him before my accident. Second – What. The. Fuck."
She giggled. "I don't know, the thought of guy on guy is actually quite hot. You're hot, so he must be, at minimum, good looking, and to be with two hot guys-" Zack cut her off.
"Wait, what?" Zack's annoyance was getting a little stronger. "No, you don't understand. I love this guy. I'm not about to share him with random people."
The Professor's assistant came out and asked Zack to follow him. The girl smiled. "I know you, Zack. You're not the type to settle down. Just let me know when you want to 'share'."
Zack looked back at her in disbelief. "You know me?" He laughed and turned to walk away with the assistant. "I've slept with you once and I don't even remember your name." He didn't need to look back to know that her smile was wiped off her face. Just keep walking away…
-.-.-.-
Hours and a few injections later, Zack was released from the lab. One down, one to go, then I can get back to Blondie.
He hopped on his bike and made his way down the all too familiar streets of Sector 5 slums. He wanted to make this short and sweet. Well, maybe not sweet, but as sweet as a situation like this can be. He weighed the options of being truthful and telling her that he ended up with Cloud or just avoid an explanation all together. Before he could make up his mind he was in front of her place.
Aeris flew out of the house at the sound of the motorcycle and straddled him on the bike, planting kisses on his face. Zack took a deep breath and gently pulled away.
"Where have you been? It's been so long since I've seen you!" Aeris gushed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I thought you forgot about me or something."
"Aeris…" Zack got up off the bike with the girl hanging onto his shoulders so she wouldn't have to let go. "Please." He unhooked the girl from himself and took a step back. "I needed to tell you something."
Aeris' smile disappeared and was replaced with fear. "What is it?"
"I-" Zack wasn't sure how to tell her. Just out with it, Zack. Her happiness is not your concern. "I fell in love with someone while I was away. Do you remember me talking about Cloud? My protégé?"
Aeris' eye filled with tears. "You're leaving me?" Her voice was quiet and weak.
"I just wanted to tell you as soon as I could, Aeris. I wanted to be honest to you and to Cloud."
A single tear slipped down her cheek. "Was it something I did?"
Zack smiled softly and gently wiped the tear from her cheek. "No, Aeris. It wasn't you at all. I just, well, I just fell in love."
"Does he feel the same?" Aeris asked, her voice so full of hurt. It would have made Zack feel back had he not been so sure about Cloud.
He didn't feel bad at all. "I don't know if he loves me, but he definitely shares the same feelings for the relationship. Aeris, look," he pulled her into a hug. "You're so sweet and I really hate to be the one to hurt you. Truly, I am. Please understand that I hadn't expected this to happen. I tried to deny it when I first started feeling things towards Cloud."
"Love prevailed." Aeris said with a soft chuckle. "I know, Zack."
Zack wondered to himself if he should tell her about all of the other women he had been sleeping with when they supposedly were together, but he decided against it since it looked like she was accepting the thought of him and Cloud. Truth was good enough. No need to bring in the whole truth.
He kissed the top of her head and pulled back. "Thanks, Aeris."
She nodded and hugged herself. "Maybe some day I can meet Cloud?"
Zack got on his bike and smiled. "I don't see why not." Yeah, I don't know about that one…
She smiled and nodded. "Take care of yourself, Zack." Somehow she felt that this would be the last time she'd see the man she loved.
"You too." he replied awkwardly. The awkwardness was replaced with excitement as he raced back to Cloud's apartment.
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Only two chapters left, kiddies!