Chapter 10: Confessions and Preparation

--

His phone vibrated, the screen lighting up in his pocket. Zack dug into his pocket and pulled his phone out, flipping it open casually. As he read his e-mail, his face gradually lost its cheerful demeanor and darkened, his frown growing bigger every second.

Zack,

President Shinra has been killed...his son, the Vice President, Rufus Shinra is the new President now. The worst part, though, is that they're placing the blame on you. Luxiere and I know you didn't do it, but we had to warn you...they're sending out as many available SOLDIER's to apprehend you. We're supposed to help the army find and dispose of you.

Lux and I are being sent out, obviously. Don't worry though, we're on your side. We'll help you with the battle, no matter what. Shinra is full of lies – we're ready to face the consequences of our actions. We're deploying as soon as possible; probably within the next couple of days. We'll try and stay in contact.

- Kunsel

Zack snapped his phone shut loudly, cursing under his breath. Unable to control himself, he hit the wall hard with his fist, drawing blood from his knuckles.

"Damn you, Shinra..." he closed his eyes, taking deep breaths, trying to ignore the throbbing in his fist. They were sending SOLDIERS. It wasn't himself he was worried about thought – it was Tifa and Barret. He couldn't ask them to come along, not now. The SOLDIERs would slaughter them, and Zack couldn't look out for them; he would be far too busy watching his own back.

Fine...I'll do it alone. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. They weren't going to be happy about this – but it wasn't like it was going to be a picnic for him either. Even more concerning than the news of SOLDIERS was the news that someone from Shinra had been killed again, and Zack was being blamed. He knew he didn't kill them, but if wasn't him, then who?

--

"What? Now we can't come?" Tifa asked, hands on her hips angrily.

"You weren't even sure you wanted to before," he said, looking confused at her anger.

True...but still! Tifa scowled, crossing her arms over her chest. "You don't think that I can handle myself?" she demanded, giving a sideways glance to Barret. Had he put Zack up to this? Barret was always trying to protect her, but she wasn't a child anymore!

"I don't know if you can handle yourself," Zack informed them honestly, shrugging. "I've never fought with either of you before. I'm sure you can both fight, but...they're sending SOLDIER now. And more than just one. I couldn't ask you guys to go...okay?" he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, a worried expression on his face.

A movement of pink caught Tifa's eye, and suddenly Aerith was next to Zack, one hand rising to take his own subtly. She watched as Aerith's thumb made soothing, circular motions on Zack's hand, and the two shared an almost secret smile, had Tifa not been watching. She felt a twinge of envy watching them both.

How long has it been since I've had someone like that to comfort me? She frowned for a moment, but shoved the thoughts away roughly – there were more important matters at hand, and she never liked to stand around and pity herself. Better to stay busy and productive than mope around all day.

"I don't want to put you guys in danger," Zack said, tearing his eyes away from Aerith. "So...please. Stay out of it. It's my fight anyway, okay? I shouldn't have asked in the first place."

Barret was watching Zack oddly; he shifted and then coughed, clearing his throat.

"Look, kid." Barret began, scratching the back of his head in a characteristic nervous way. "You...ya aren't so bad, y'know? As far as I can tell, anyways." He paused, his brow scrunched in concentration. Tifa knew that Barret had a difficult time showing his more sympathetic side. "So, I figure, we can help you outta this jam."

"But-!" Zack began to protest, but Barret interrupted.

"Jeez, kid. Do you think I'd miss a chance like this to take down some Shinra scum?" Barret asked gruffly, reverting back to his more abrasive manner, lest they think he was getting to be too soft or something.

Zack sighed. "Look, I'm telling you, I can't keep an eye out for you guys while I fight off other SOLDIERs...I have to do this alone."

"Zack..." Aerith finally spoke up, her voice soft and pleading, and Tifa could see that Zack's resolve was weakening already. "You don't have to do everything alone." Zack smiled weakly at her as she brushed his cheek softly. Suddenly, Tifa felt like someone was watching her; she twisted her head around, glancing over her shoulder. Cloud had appeared without a sound, and his gaze was flitting between her and Zack and Aerith.

He looks so serious...I wonder what he's thinking...? Tifa mused to herself, also a bit perplexed as to how he had snuck up behind her so quietly. Barret coughed loudly beside her, startling her. He was clearly uncomfortable with the current situation. Tifa's eyes tore away from Cloud as her head whipped quickly back around, watching as Zack and Aerith parted reluctantly. Clearly, they had been in their own little world.

"Sorry," Zack muttered, shrugging sheepishly. He did a little throat clearing of his own, then looked firmly between Barret and herself. "Alright, you guys can help me fight. Just...be careful, okay? You guys'll have to watch each other's backs."

Barret grinned, crowing in triumph. "Awright! When do we start?"

"Soon," was all Zack said, a strange look flitting across his face. He seemed so weary. Tifa watched as Aerith tugged gently on Zack's hand, leading him away from the group. Barret was muttering to himself – probably planning on how to 'take down some Shinra bastards' – as he, too, walked away. Tifa was suddenly very aware that it was just her and Cloud again. She didn't know if this was fortunate for her or not.

She turned to face him, and he was staring at the ground pointedly. "So...are you going to fight, too?"

"No..." a frown flickered, then faded. "Zack needs me to stay and protect Aerith." Tifa gave him a small smile, though on the inside, she felt a strange spark of jealousy. It was stupid, but she almost wanted to be a damsel in distress so that Cloud could protect her.

"Will you be okay out there?" he asked, a small amount of concern creeping in his voice. His eyes pulled away from whatever was so interesting on the floor and met hers, sending a swift shudder down her spine.

"Yeah," she breathed, shrugging. "I can take care of myself."

"Good...most girls can't." Cloud smiled a little, chuckling to himself. She realized he was teasing her; her previous thoughts of wanting to be a damsel faded though. Cloud thought it was better for girls to be able to take care of themselves. It made her feel better.

"Do you think Zack could have taken them on alone?" She asked, knowing that Cloud had seen him in battle before.

"I don't know. Zack's really good, and everything...I mean, really, really good. He fought Sephiroth and survived."

So did you. Tifa's mind protested, but she kept her mouth shut. Cloud didn't know that she knew he had never made it into SOLDIER.

"Anyway...I mean, even with that, its still a lot of people to take on...the army and SOLDIERs? It's a lot for one guy."

"He fought the army before," she pointed out, eager to keep him talking. It seemed like he didn't talk very much lately, and it was nice to hear his voice. Then again, he never talked that much when they were little either.

Maybe because I was always with my other 'friends'.

"Yeah...but apparently he died." Cloud gave her a look, as though he didn't quite believe it himself.

"He died?" Tifa asked, reeling with shock. Zack hadn't told them that. They weren't that great of friends, though.

"Oh...uh, he didn't tell you?" Cloud looked sheepish, and he scratched the back of his head. "Well, he says he did. I don't know if it really happened. Can people just die and come back? Maybe he just thought he died, y'know?" he explained hurriedly, trying to make up for his blunder.

"Hmm...maybe." Tifa didn't really know, either. She supposed it wasn't really her business though.

"What about you Cloud?"

"What do you mean?"

"Have you remembered anything from when you were sick?"

A frown crossed his face again and he shook his head, falling quiet again, and Tifa realized that she had asked the wrong thing.

"I'm sorry," she said quickly, stepping forward uncertainly. He flinched away from her, shaking his head again.

"Don't worry...I..." he trailed off, looking distressed.

"Cloud," Tifa sighed, frustration building up as he pulled away from her once again. "We're friends, right?"

"What? Of course, Tifa." he muttered, looking hurt that she would suggest otherwise.

"So you don't have to keep on...running away. You can talk to me about whatever is bothering you."

"Who said anything was bothering me?" he asked warily.

Tifa gave him a look. "Cloud, I can tell."

"Its nothing." he insisted. "Don't worry," he repeated.

"Fine...but if you ever need someone to talk to, I'll be around, kay?" she said softly, then leaned up and kissed him on the cheek before she could stop herself. Embarrassed, she quickly walked past him, heading downstairs to the bar.

What is with me? Why can't I control myself around him?

Cloud stood there, a hand on his cheek, looking thoroughly befuddled.

--

"You seem really worried..." Aerith said, squeezing Zack's hand gently. He nodded, a serious look on his.

"I don't want anyone to get hurt."

"They won't..." she said, although she had no idea if that could be true. She wanted it to be true, of course. She didn't want anyone getting hurt, either. "You'll be there to protect them."

"But I don't know if I can," he said, sounding more solemn than she had ever heard him before. "I don't know if I can bring myself to fight SOLDIERs...they're my comrades. Or at least, they were." Aerith gazed at him sadly, at a loss for words. Everything was always so difficult for him, and she wished that she could make it easier. She watched as he sighed heavily, shoulders sagging despondently. He shifted so that he was facing her, brilliant eyes looking haunted.

"I know I can't do this alone...but -" he broke off, shaking his head. "I guess I really have no choice. They're coming regardless."

"You have me, too." she reminded him shyly, reaching up with her free hand and stroking his cheek softly. The sad look on his face morphed into a bright grin, eyes full of adoration.

"I know, Aerith." he whispered, leaning toward her, resting his forehead against her own. She flushed, feeling all too warm, as he stared into her eyes. She wanted to pull away, but at the same time she was mesmerized.

"You have really pretty eyes, you know?" he told her softly, completely serious.

She gave a small shake of her head, laughing. "Not as pretty as yours." His only answer was a small chuckle as he started to lean forward, lips growing nearer. He stopped suddenly, his eyes half closed; they opened fully, and a guilty look appeared in his eyes, and he pulled away slowly, shaking his head.

Disappointed, Aerith frowned and asked, "What's wrong Zack?" Maybe he doesn't like me anymore. The wicked thought crossed her mind, and she immediately felt worse for thinking it.

"I...I'm sorry Aerith," Zack mumbled, releasing her hands and taking a step back. "I can't kiss you."

"Why?" she whispered, dreading the answer. Am I not pretty enough? Am I repulsive to him? Does he not find me attractive? Maybe he only wanted to be friends and was lying all this time... Terrible thoughts bombarded her mind, and she grew closer and closer to tears with each one. It didn't matter that they didn't make any real sense.

"I ha-have a confession actually..." he choked, as though the words were stuck in his throat.

"Its okay," she whispered, blinking back tears furiously. "You don't have to be my b-boyfriend. We can just go back to being friends..." Each word was painful, like shards of glass in her throat. It made her heart hurt, too.

"What?" he spluttered, a look of bewilderment on his face. She tried to hide her face as a tear leaked down her cheek, but he saw. Suddenly, his strong arms were around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "No, no..." he whispered. "It's not like that at all...of course I want to be your boyfriend."

Then what's the problem? She wondered, listening to his heartbeat through his chest. It seemed erratic, like he was very nervous. Despite his words, she didn't feel any better. He drew a shaky breath, pulling away and holding her at arm's length.

"It's nothing like that..." he repeated, shaking his head for her to see. "I...I can't kiss you because I feel so guilty."

Guilty? For what? She thought, a confused expression taking place on her features. She couldn't ask him the words, though – her throat still felt stuck as warm tears continued to trickle down her cheeks.

"The other night, with Cissnei..." he started, and Aerith found it was suddenly very hard to hear him. Her heart was thudding with dread, and the roar of blood filled her ears. Cissnei. What happened with Cissnei?

Betrayed. Deceitful lips.The planet's voice came so suddenly in her ears that she shook, startled. Unable to stop herself, she gave a small gasp, then covered her mouth with her hand.

"You kissed her?" Aerith whispered, more tears leaking out of her ears. It was stupid to cry, she knew. But he had said they were only friends...she found that she wasn't angry. Just very sad.

Zack made an odd noise in his throat, a completely crestfallen look on his face. "Not exactly," he told her, his voice strangled. "She kissed me. I just...I was so shocked, I didn't even try to stop it."

"...Did you like it?"

"Aerith!" he cried, shaking his head. "She's my friend, I told you that before. I...I may have led her on before, but it was before I met you! When she kissed me...I was surprised. But I realized that I didn't want to kiss her. I only wanted to kiss you." he finished with a sigh, looking upset.

Aerith realized that she had stopped crying, but her heart hadn't stopped pounding; blood was still rushing in her ears, and she couldn't get the image of Cissnei kissing Zack – her Zack – under the stars, so much like the night that she had kissed him. It hurt...and she was jealous.

"Aerith?" Zack's voice came, soft and wary. "Please, say something. Anything."

"...So she kissed you, and not the other way around?"

"Yes!" he nodded vigorously, a pleading look in his eyes.

"I- I forgive you then." Aerith said, unable to stay upset with him. How weak I am with him. But his eyes tell the truth. I can trust him. He told me the truth...he didn't hide it, when he could have, and I would have been none the wiser. She realized, with a rush of appreciation, how lucky she was to find a guy who would do that.

"R-really?" he asked weakly, looking so unsure and bewildered that she would have laughed, had it been a lighter situation. Aerith nodded, trying to give him a small smile.

"It wasn't your fault." Suddenly he was hugging her again, pulling her so tightly against him she almost couldn't breathe. He was shaking lightly, and she wondered why. She felt sorry for him, despite what had happened – it wasn't his fault, really. What girl wouldn't want to kiss him? A feeling of possessiveness washed over her, and she wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her head in his chest.

"Your lips are supposed to be mine," she told him, trying to sound joking and lighthearted, but it came out much firmer than she had meant. She felt embarrassed again at how bold she had been, but he merely made a content humming noise in his throat that vibrated deeply through his chest. Then he gave a weak chuckle, pulling away reluctantly.

"You're unlike any girl I've ever met, you know that?" he asked her, a small grin on his face.

"...That's why you like me, right?" she asked, smiling back uncertainly.

"Of course," he assured her.

How did I just go from crying, to upset, to happy again that quickly? Zack Fair certainly had a way with her.

--

Cloud and Zack had a few more training sessions, usually early in the morning or late at night, under the cover of darkness. Cloud could hardly believe how much better he was doing already; mako was an incredible thing. It heightened his senses – smell, sight, hearing. When he sparred with Zack, it was like every swing of the blade was in slow motion, giving Cloud time to react, block, and counter. It became easier to predict what Zack was going to do – but of course, Zack was injected with mako as well, and he had all the same abilities, but with years of practice behind them.

But those training sessions were halted all too abruptly. A couple of days after Zack got his first e-mail from Kunsel, he received another one from Cissnei saying that everyone was being mobilized. Apparently they had some vague knowledge that they were hiding in Sector 7, so Zack reasoned that he had to lead them away, out into the wastelands beyond Midgar.

Cloud wanted to go with Zack so badly, it was stupid. But he knew that he had promised to protect Aerith for him. Still, he wanted to help his friend! It wasn't going to be an easy battle. Not to mention, he found himself growing increasingly more worried about Tifa going out to fight too. The army and SOLDIERs? The thought of Tifa lying dead out on the battlefield was enough to make his heart quail painfully and dread fill his insides.

So, it was with a heavy heart that Cloud watched as Zack, Tifa, and Barret all ready themselves for battle. He wanted to strap on his sword and follow them, but as he glanced at the flower girl beside him, he knew that was impossible.

"Bye guys," he muttered numbly, his throat thick with disappointment and apprehension.

"We'll be back soon, Cloud." Zack said, strapping his own sword onto his back and patting Cloud on the shoulder in a somewhat comforting way.

"Yeah...I know."

"Take care of Aerith, alright?" Zack told Cloud, but his gaze was directed to Aerith, who looked as worried as Cloud felt.

"Be careful," Aerith told Zack unnecessarily, and he nodded, then leaned down, kissing the top of her head. Cloud averted his eyes, falling instead on Tifa. He wished that he were going out into battle instead of her; that she was wishing him good luck, telling him to be careful, looking at him in such an adoring way. Instead, she was leaving and he was staying behind. She caught his gaze, and he blushed, looking away quickly.

Why does she always have to catch me staring? He realized that she was walking over to him, so he rose his head again, willing his blush to fade. She stopped a few feet in front of him, kicking the floor absently with her boots.

"Good luck out there, Tifa." he muttered, not knowing what else to say. "Be careful, okay?" Because I couldn't bear it if you got hurt.

"Thanks, Cloud. I'll be okay."

I should be out there to protect her. His head shouted at him in protest. What about my promise to her? How can I be her own personal hero if she's going off to fight and I'm stuck here? Without meaning to, he scowled. Wasn't Zack always telling him to have dreams and honor? To be a hero?

"Are you alright, Cloud?" Tifa interrupted his thoughts, her eyes filled with concern. His eyes locked with hers, and his brain froze. God, those eyes. They were hypnotizing.

"Let's go!" Zack crowed, jerking both Cloud and Tifa out of their stare.

"Bye, Cloud." Tifa mumbled, giving him a small way before she skipped away lightly on her feet, following Barret and Zack who were well on their way out, grim looks of determination on their faces. Cloud waved back, then stopped when he realized it was too late. They were gone. He heard the roar of a truck engine as it was turned on and revved. Cloud vaguely wondered how Zack had convinced the man to let him borrow his truck.

Beside him, Aerith gave a low sigh. He turned to her uncomfortably – he and Aerith hadn't talked much.

"Soo..." he scratched his head nervously. Again, he damned his teenage mind. It made him a blundering fool around pretty girls – Aerith, and especially Tifa. Yes, he had to admit, Aerith was quite pretty, and he could see why Zack liked her. She was so different from everything that Zack was used to.

Opposites attract. Cloud thought wryly. And opposites they were. Zack was outgoing and optimistic, despite all the hardships he'd faced. Aerith seemed so much more quiet and shy, though Cloud realized that she was cheerful too – just in a much quieter way. Where Zack was rough and calloused, she was soft and delicate.

"You're staring." Aerith said, and he was jerked roughly out of his thoughts and back to reality.

"Oh!" he blushed, feeling ridiculous. "Sorry."

"We're not really going to stay here, are we?" she asked him, giving him a quizzical look.

"What do you mean?"

"We should go help him."

"Zack? He told me to keep you here and protect you!" Cloud protested, shaking his head.

"I'm not as defenseless as Zack thinks!" she retorted, an uncharacteristic glare on her face. "He needs help, Cloud. You're his best friend – you can't tell me that you want to stay here and wait for him to get hurt, do you?"

"But..." Cloud spluttered, rather alarmed. Zack hadn't warned Cloud about this.

"Fine. I'm going, with or without you!" she huffed, and suddenly took off out the door. It took Cloud a good ten seconds to realize what was happening.

"WAIT! Aerith! I'm coming!" he shouted, racing after the flower girl, grabbing his sword as went. He caught up with her easily, grabbing her arm.

"Don't try and stop me!" she yelled, yanking her arm away. What had happened to the soft, quiet flower girl he'd just been standing next to?

"I wasn't gonna!" he said, holding his hands up in the air warily. "I just don't want you getting hurt. We can go to help him, but I still have to protect you."

"...Alright." she nodded, then gave him a small grin.

"What?"

"Oh...nothing." she said innocently and began to walk forward. He followed, confused.

"What do you mean nothing? Why are you grinning?"

She suddenly giggled, which was strange, given the situation. "It's just...I bet you'd rather be protecting Tifa than me."

Cloud blushed furiously. Was he that obvious? "What makes you say that?"

"I see how you look at her. It's how Zack looks at me." she explained, a grin still on her face. Cloud groaned inwardly. He needed to stop staring all the time.

"Well..." he paused, fumbling for the words. "Maybe that's true." he admitted, then realized how bad that sounded – like he would just abandon Aerith for Tifa in a second! "What I mean is," he started hastily, grimacing at his poor choice of words. "I would still protect you of course. Zack would never forgive me if you got hurt. I just...I made this promise to Tifa that I'd protect her if she was in a jam." he admitted, shrugging his shoulders sheepishly.

"That's really sweet." Aerith gushed, looking positively thrilled at his confession.

"It was a long time ago," Cloud mumbled, feeling embarrassed. This only seemed to further fuel her girlish delight.

"And you still want to keep your promise. Even sweeter." Cloud shut his mouth, unable to bear any more embarrassment – although, he was a little pleased, too. Someone thought he was sweet, even if it was his best friend's girlfriend.

"You remind me of Zack, in a way." Aerith said, stepping lightly over some rubble and twisted metal.

"Really?" Cloud asked, shoving the same rubble over with his foot.

"Yes. Especially with the spiky hair," she teased, laughing.

"Ah..." Cloud tried to flatten his hair, unsuccessfully. "Is that the only reason?"

"No. You're both very brave. And you're eyes..." she paused, turning to look at him. "They both remind me of the sky. Two different skies."

He was about to ask her to elaborate – what did she mean by 'two different skies'? - when suddenly the sound of distant gunfire and the blades of a helicopter spinning met his heightened ears. His head whipped in the direction of the wastelands, his eyes wide.

"It's started." was all he said, and Aerith suddenly took off again, running toward the noises. Cloud followed, heart hammering in his chest.

We're coming, Zack.

--

Okay, sorry that this chapter is much shorter than the others. I've decided I probably won't make them all as long, because it takes me forever to write, and then I'm drained of ideas for a while. I already have ideas for the next chapter, so hopefully I can update much quicker. (;

I tried to expand Aerith's personality in this chapter, as well as introduce the blossoming friendship between her and Cloud. Poor Cloud and his 16 year old mind! Lol.

Also, I think that Aerith would be a very forgiving person, which explains the scene with her and Zack. I don't imagine that she could hold a grudge against him, especially when it wasn't his fault (and because he's so darned cute. xD)

The battle is about to begin, dun dun dun!! Please read and REVIEW! :D

- Danielle