Disclaimer: I'm getting tired copy-pasting this part, which I did, cause I had to....sigh...if I owned FF7, I will make Zack loved Cloud!

Summary: Zack was dead, but Cloud did something to revive Zack. Story set after Crisis Core.

WARNING!! THIS STORY CONTAINS YAOI, SHOUNEN-AI, BXB RELATIONSHIP, WHATEVER YOU CALL IT! IF YOU FEEL OFFENDED, PLEASE PUSH THE BACK BUTTON OF YOUR INTERNET BROWSER. IF YOU DO NOT MIND (hopefully) PLEASE CONTINUE TO READ!

Pairing: CloudxZack, ZackxAerith, TifaxCloud (Tifa one-sided. Oh yeah, Tifa always had crush on Cloud)

A/N:

1. This chapter is dedicated to my friend El-xo(formerly) or now Tsukiri. I wasn't aware that user name can be changed...

2. Thanks to all my faithful readers: DarkBombayAngel, Seirei Nightlord05, Dragi, Yuffie's Ninja Insanity, and Santora.

3. Also thanks to all reviewers I forget to mention, I didn't forget you, it's just I'm too lazy to check, but I still greatly appreciate your reviews.

4. Seirei NightLord05: yes, your nii-sama is here!!! Although short, but for now, just bear with it cause more will come!

Edit: This is edited version! Thank a million to my beta, TsumeLover666 for correcting it~

Thousands and millions of thanks for all who reviewed, add this story to their story/fav alert.

As I promised, this one is a very long chapter (compared to previous one). And, I don't know when my beta will come back so I uploaded this unbeta-ed version. So, again, please bear with my crappy English.

Story 20: Another Meeting

Zack's pov

It was morning and I was resting my back on a chair, silently gazing at the sleeping boy. I still couldn't believe my eyes. I was afraid if I fell asleep, the boy would disappear, and so here I was, sitting through the entire night, making sure he wouldn't vanish suddenly. Outside, the sun had begun to rose, illuminating the dark sky, replacing the moon. Another day had just passed. Remembering the past, I realized how much time had passed and so much had happened. The meeting with Cloud, our mission together as SOLDIER and the cadet, Sephiroth's sudden change and betrayal, being caught and experimented on by Hojo, running away from our pursuer, until the time I was shot and almost died, those memories seemed like a fragment of a distant past that could make me laugh.

Putting my hand on the sleeping boy's gold strands, I absent mindedly caressed his hair while my mind was rolling the video of the past. The first thing that appeared was Sephiroth. I wondered what really happened to him. He changed all of a sudden, betrayed us, and burnt down Cloud's village. Sephiroth was not one who acted like that without plausible reasons. He called Jenova his 'mother' because he had her cells in him. But then, wasn't that applied to us, Cloud and I, as well? We, SOLDIERs, are given Jenova's cells to improve our physical and mental abilities. But why, Sephiroth? Why not me? Why not Cloud?

I was too absorbed in my thinking that I had forgotten that my hand was still ruffling Cloud's hair. I even didn't realize the sleeping boy's eyes had fluttered open, revealing a pair of sky blue orbs. The boy didn't even bother to speak or notify me of his awakening. He simply fixed his eyes on me while enjoying the touch, lips involuntarily forming a small smile. When I decided to stop my thoughts, I finally realized the boy had awoken.

"Why didn't you call me?" I took my hand from his head and grinned sheepishly. The smile that adorned his face never wavered, instead it grew bigger.

"Because you looked so deep in thought," he answered, still smiling.

I was unaware he was trying to sit until I saw the frown on his face and heard a soft hiss escape his lips. I rushed immediately to the side of the bed and helped him sit. "You okay?" I asked worriedly. Seeing how much bandages needed to warp his body made me really anxious. For people like us who had high regeneration ability, wounds were nothing. Except if the wounds were vital. However, the cut in the blonde's body was far from being healed. It was like the healing ability was degrading, making him the same as a normal human.

"Zack?" the sudden call brought me back to reality. The boy tilted his head, slightly confused. "Did you hear what I said just now?"

"Huh? Oh sorry, what was it?"

"I said I'm fine. Where are the others?"

"You want to meet them?"

"Sure. It has been quite long. I missed talking to them."

"Yeah, sure you do. It was your fault for leaving us." I said playfully and the boy pouted responsively. "C'mon, I'll help you." Extending my hand for him, I waited for his slender hand to grab mine. But when none came, I frowned. "Didn't you say you want to meet them?"

"Yeah, I did, but I can walk by myself, Zack."

"No, you can't!" I said, rejecting his idea.

"Yes, I can!" he exclaimed stubbornly. He was one tough guy, but I could be tougher and he just never saw that part of me.

"No is a NO! Either I carry you there, or they come here. Choose," I said, folding my hands commandingly. For a moment, the boy obstinately glared at me which I replied with a glare of the same degree of stubbornness.

"Humph! Fine, you carry me," pouting slightly, the boy turned his head away. I noticed a small amount of pink graced his cheeks and couldn't help myself from grinning. It was always fun to tease the boy. Why was that? Any one should notice by now, every time someone teased him, he would turn red immediately. His involuntary reaction was terribly innocent and naïve. It was so cute that I would willingly lose my self control and throw myself at him.

"Why don't you choose the latter?" I asked while he put his hand behind my neck and carried him bridal-style. "If you don't want to walk, you could always ask them to come."

There was silence. I thought he was thinking so I let him and made my way to the door. I stopped just before I kicked the door open.

"I'll open it. Don't kick," he boy suddenly said, understanding the situation and concluding I would use my feet instead of by bounded hand. Using his free hand, he turned the knob and pulled the door.

"Thanks."

"I…" he started and I stopped again, throwing my gaze to his face. His head was resting on my chest. When he looked up, I noticed the closeness of our faces. I swear I could feel my face heat up. I turned my head on reflex and failed to notice a hint of guiltiness that crossed his face. "I am grateful."

To his words, I couldn't help but look back to him. This time I could see pure happiness. "And why is that?"

"…well, I have been nothing but a bother," I frowned, disagreeing, but before I could interrupt, he continued. "But you guys came to find me. I am grateful for that, and that's why I don't want to act all high and mighty and ask them to come."

"You're not a bother." Kicking the door, I closed the door again, and then stepped back and put the boy down to the floor. Kneeling so our heights were level, I stared at him hard.

"Zack, I know myself better than anyone. You don't have to…" he showed a smile, but it felt fake, sad and in despair, as if he was saying that only to convince himself that he was loved although inside he felt he was not, but since he was strong, he could bear with it. After all I had said to him, I though he understood that we, I cared for him, and now this? This boy was unbelievable!

"No, you don't!" I was furious. I was angry at him, but especially at myself. Why, how could he think like that? Like he was unwanted, unloved, ignored by the world. Why didn't he understand that all of us loved him, cared for him? I blamed myself for that. I didn't convey my feelings properly. I snapped each time he was down, making him even more depressed and reserved, even more than he previously was.

His eyes innocently inspected my eyes, trying to find answers. I was drowning in his sinless gaze. I was so confused. I didn't know how I should convey my feelings. How so he would understand that I care for him. Emptying my head, I decided to follow my heart. I pulled him closer, burying his head in my chest, protected by my arms. The love I held for him effused from the hug. The boy said nothing and the room was filled with understanding silence.

We stayed like that, unmoving, and hoping that time would stop for us. There was nothing but feelings of joy and affection shared by the hug. When I released him, his eyes shone and filled with happiness and hope, a tiny hope that his words were wrong, that he was loved. After that, everything was moving so fast and blurry. I wasn't aware I had lifted his face. I wasn't even aware I had placed my lips on his. My mind was hazy, blinded by this act of affection. The kiss continued as we exchanged our feelings through the contact, slowly and tenderly. Until finally we broke free from each other's lips, in need of air.

"Z…Zack…why…?" the question was raised in the middle of our slight panting.

"Why did I kiss you?" the younger boy nodded shyly. His face was bright red and he had to turn away to hide the blush which made me snicker. "Then, why didn't you reject me when I kissed you?"

The blush on his face deepened, reaching his ears. His answer was stammering and almost inaudible, but I could still make out his words. "That…that's because…I love you…"

Smiling fondly at the blonde boy, I placed a chaste kiss to his slightly trembling lips, earning another blush from him.

"Cloud, you love me?" Nod.

"Are you sure?" Another nod.

"Good then, cause I love you too." No more nods. Lifting his head, he stared bewilderedly, jaw dropping slightly.

"But…but Aerith…"

"I broke up with her."

"But…I thought you…"

"Loved her? Yes, I did, but it was more like a family love now. You are the only one for me, Cloud. Is it wrong to think like this?"

"No…but…"

"If no, then stop saying but. I love you, you love me back, and that's all I really need."

"Zack…"

"No more complaining."

"No, not complaining. I was just thinking of saying it properly…"

"Say what?"

"I love you…"

"…. I love you too…"

Aerith's pov

"Ya think Chocobo 'ead's awake?" A sudden question brought by Barret startled all of us. We stopped doing our own activities and silence followed after. It has been a day since Zack told us about him and Elder Kant was very kind to lend us his house. He said because he was the Chief and owner of the largest building in the village. So, we were more than grateful to take the offer as we found no place or inn to stay at. The inn was destroyed by monsters before we came.

"Should we check on him?" Yuffie answered, apparently bored.

"No, we should wait for Zack to inform us," I said. Zack told me, personally and secretly, that he wanted to be the first he saw when he woke up. So far, I was the only one who knew about his feelings for the younger boy. It was apparent that Tifa was in love with Cloud, so it would be better if Zack or Cloud told her themselves. While the other two were never suspicious, so until Zack was ready to tell them, I decided to stay quite.

"Why wait for Zack? That was his house, yes, I know. His parents were the ones who found Cloud, yes, we all know, but why should we wait for him just to visit our own friend?" The brunette asked, slightly shouting.

"Tifa, calm down," I said understandingly. Ever since Zack found Cloud in his house, the girl had been so eager to meet him, but her wish was denied as Cloud's condition was so bad. She offered to treat him, but Zack insisted. As the house was his, Tifa found no reason to deny his request. Besides, when he told us not to visit Cloud until he said so, his tone was pleading. We took that as a serious request from Zack, and quite an important one. He promised he would allow us to visit Cloud today and since it was still morning, I found no reason to be agitated. "Zack needs to finish what he has started. Give him more time, please?"

At that, Tifa sat down and sighed. I understood that she was worried. We all were. But, one thing that was clear, Tifa's interest toward Cloud was not friendship, not brother-sister relationship, but Love. I was feeling unsettled and I could only pray that our friendships would never waver after they knew about Zack's feelings.

Zack's pov

"Cloud…?" I called the boy who rested his body against me. After our reconciliation, I lifted him up again in my arms.

"Yes?" the response was a soft whisper, but both of us knew, whispers were more than enough.

"I'm sorry for snapping at you back at Fort Condor…" I said apologetically. If I hadn't done that, Cloud would never have left. Both of us wouldn't have been hurt, and neither would have everybody else. I wished I had more self-control. Mom always reminded me to think before acting, but I always failed. I had lost my mentor and friend. And now I almost lost him, the one I loved.

"No, it wasn't your fault."

"Don't. It was my fault, and don't blame yourself for my mistake."

Taking his silence as a 'yes', I walked through the front door and brought him to Elder Kant's house that was located just in front of my house. It was where our friends stayed and were most probably waiting for us. I let the boy a few soft but audible knocks on the door. I could hear the sound of hurrying footsteps and, not long after, the door was opened. Yuffie stood in front of us and aghast after seeing Cloud. Paler and thinner, and not to mention the number of bandages wrapping him, even I would be shocked.

"Earth to Yuffie," I called, jolting her back from the trance. "Move from the door so we can enter." The short haired Ninja did as I asked, albeit still slightly in shock. I thought when I told them the story yesterday, they would be prepared, but it seemed that the situation was so much worse than they would ever think.

Entering the house, I noted that some things had changed since the last time I came. The old cupboard was no more, replaced by a new, larger cupboard. The chairs stayed the same, but the number increased. On those chairs, our friends sat. When they noticed me, carrying Cloud in my arms, they only stared. Aerith was the first to overcome the shock and walked closer to us.

Placing her hand on Cloud's face, she smiled tenderly and said, "Welcome back, Cloud."

The kind words were replied with another smile from Cloud. "It's good to be back. I'm sorry for making you worry, Aerith."

Following Aerith's step, the rest of them rose from their seats and in just a second, they swarmed around us like ants to sugar. There were endless questions thrown at the boy, making him frown in confusion. He was confounded as to which one should he answered first. But, I took note of the smile spread across his face. Now he knew, everybody loved him.

The rest of the evening was spent in Elder Kant's house. The dark mood that clung around the group these past few weeks dispersed just with the blonde's existence. It was so obvious that we needed him, but the related boy didn't seem to take notice. I just didn't know how to describe this boy. He was naïve, oblivious and somehow stupid, but I guess that was why I fell for him.

The room was noisy with different sounds of laughter. They were talking, joking, laughing so happily and I decided to sit on the side, watching and listening with joy in my heart. It was like before, all of us were happy. I silently prayed that this would never change.

"Say, where's Elder Kant?" Cloud asked suddenly, earning a curious and questioning look from me. Now that he mentioned it, I didn't see my parents.

I decided to speak my mind. I asked, "Yeah. My parents are not in the house."

"Elder Kant, together with a few villagers went to check outside of the village." Tifa said flatly. Her eyes were fixed on me and for some reason, it sounded like she was angry. She was putting on a cold face, but failed miserably because I noticed the twitch and frown of anger.

I decided to ignore the angry brunette and asked again. "Why? They didn't say anything to me."

"Checkin' monster activity or some sort," Barret answered shortly. His big arms were crossed in front of the chest.

"Since the village had been attacked once, the Elder said we should be cautious," Yuffie said, continuing Barret's half-hearted answer. I flashed the girl a grin gratefully.

"Monsters?" I looked to the source of the voice and found Cloud confused. We forgot to tell him about the monsters. Well, monster encounters weren't all that rare. Maybe that was why they didn't tell him about that.

"Yeah, lately, there have been a raise in monster activities. We encountered some weird monsters too," Yuffie said.

When she said that, all of us went into deep silence and some frowned in displeasure. Strange monsters appeared out of the blue, attacked us and the village, and strong ones too. Well, strong may be an understatement. Those monsters are obviously different as in: extremely strong and fast.

"Weird monsters…what kind?" the blonde asked curiously. His expression was a mixture of interest and curiosity, albeit obvious worry too.

"Weird snake, grasshopper, troll." Barret said, deadpan. All of us just sweat dropped at his short and silly sounding answer.

"He means a snake with hands, a large mantis, and a titan," Tifa clarified, chuckling at the tanned man's answer. It seemed like the man's simplicity had made her forget to put on her angry façade. I secretly thanked the guy mentally.

"They were extremely strong and fast too," Yuffie said, continuing the explanation. "If Zack wasn't there, we'd all be dead meat!"

"The snake," Cloud said suddenly. All of us went dead silent, eyes fixed on him, curiously waiting for the next words to roll from his mouth. "Did it have red eyes, an axe-shaped tail, long claws, and red fangs?"

Barret and Aerith nodded. They were the ones to fight that monster, so they knew what it looked like. I fought it too, but decided to remain silent and wait for the boy to continue sharing whatever thoughts he had. But none came as the boy's head shot down, hand on his chin, eyebrows making a frown, seemingly deep in thought. All of us decided to wait although still giving him curious looks.

"I've seen it before," he answered finally, breaking the short silence.

"Where?" I asked, unable to hide my curiosity.

"Hojo's lab. They were kept inside Mako tubes. I guess that's why my blood is important," the last sentences were almost inaudible because when he said that, he was whispering, more to himself than us. But unfortunately, I could hear it clearly, and so did Tifa and Yuffie who sat right beside him.

"What was that about your blood?" Tifa and Yuffie asked synchronously. Again, I said nothing, but my eyes narrowed suspiciously. It seemed like the boy still held some secrets he refused to tell me.

"Oh…well…it's…" but before he finished his answer, a loud ear-piercing shriek made us jump from our seats. Without saying any more words, all of us ran to the front door. Before I did so, though, I told the wounded boy to stay still. Without making sure the boy agreed, I ran outside, and was greeted by five big monsters.

"Oh darn now they multiplied to five?!" Barret cried, desperate. I understood how he felt. In the last engagement, he couldn't finish one monster without combining their efforts together, put aside my part, and now it was five monsters, looking at us angry and hungry. Each one of us went to fight one monster while the last, smallest monster was fighting a group of villagers. I doubt they would last so I made my way to them before stopping abruptly because of the all too familiar voice.

"It's you, Fair," said a low husky voice. From where the monsters were, a man appeared. Wearing his trademark pure white coat, glasses and haughty expression, Hojo slowly walked closer to me. "…I know the boy's here. Give him back to me!" he said with a commanding voice.

"Why do you think I would give him to you, professor?" I asked with an arrogant tone while my head was tilted slightly and one hand put on my waist. I was not the type to act like I was all great or royal, but in front of this man, I couldn't help but put up the façade. His always arrogant face and tone just irked me and therefore the act. At least it was working because the man's face twisted angrily.

"Fair…you…"

"Well, well, I am surprised," another familiar voice reached my ear. Both of us, Hojo and I, turned our head up to a tree not too far beside us. On one of its branches a man was standing. His long silver hair was riding the wind. With Masamune, his prized katana in hand, he jumped down to the ground gracefully. None of us moved, perplexed. "And here I thought why our genius professor wanted to see me. Are you expecting a tearful reunion from me and Fair?" his voice sounded amused.

"Of course not, you are just a heartless fiend. I won't send you the invitation if it has nothing to do with my own research." The professor said calmly although I captured the waver in his voice.

Chuckling at the professor's word, Sephiroth walked closer, now clearly amused. "Why do you think I was going to help you with your…research?" the silver haired man asked. His voice was full of malice that sent shivers down my spine. I just couldn't comprehend how could he become such a cold, heartless man?

"What if I said it will help you revive Jenova?"

Eyebrow raised curiously, the ex-general laughed. "Without your help, I can and will revive mother."

Without waiting for a response from the professor, the silver-haired general dashed forward and thrust his katana at the professor. The long, sharp metal pierced the white-coated man in his stomach. Red liquid immediately poured down from the hole when the ex-general pulled out his katana. The stabbed man fell miserably to his knees and then to the ground. Blood gushed out endlessly from his stomach and mouth. His breath was short and erratic as he clutched his stomach and his face twisted in pain.

"Why did you come if you have no intention of taking his invitation?" I asked without looking at the silver-haired man. My eyes were still fixed on the professor. For a known reason, I didn't feel sorry for him at all.

"Heh," the older man chuckled again. "I detest that man and always wanted to kill him, given the chance. And since now he invited the chance, I gladly took it. That's all."

I said nothing to his answer. I simply stared at his back as he walked to leave.

"You….will…regret this…Sephiroth…" the ex-general stopped, head slightly turned to see the dying professor, but immediately after, he turned back and walked away, slicing two monsters in his way. The two monsters dropped to the ground, leaving only three monsters. I decided not to pursue the man since taking care of the monsters took the highest priority. Besides, I doubted I could win if I fought him, not when the others were busy, and not when Cloud was still injured.

Turning my attention back to the remaining monsters, I dashed from one place to another, trying to help them. In about ten minutes, all of the monsters dropped dead. They were strong, indeed, but after my previous fight with those three monsters, I took notice of their attack patterns and abilities. They were still using the patterns of their original form, albeit stronger, quicker, more intelligent and lethal. But those were nothing if I had adapted to the situation, which I already had.

I walked back to the dying professor. His face had turned pale, lips slightly blue and body trembling heavily. I crouched down, looking at his desperate effort to survive. All emotions were gone from my eyes as I watched the man's effort to grab my right ankle. Just when he almost reached it, I stood up, kicking the man in his face and pulled out my buster sword. The older man writhed in pain, but I didn't care. His eyes showed fear and he started begging. "Please…don't…" blood continued to gush down from the mouth. My eyes were staring at him coldly and emotionless.

"Be thankful I will end your suffering," my voice was laced with deep hatred. I took another look at his pained face before raising my sword and stabbing him in the heart.

Yeah, Sepiroth. Yeah, short, I know. There's a reason for his coming, not only because of Hojo. Maybe I will write about it, but even if I don't, I will explain it later.

Anyway...review? I will give cookies to those who press the green button below~