A/N: Welcome to chapter 38 of Fractured Love!

Welp, I think there won't be many surprises in this chapter, but I think it does have some interesting titbits in it. Anyway it'll set the stage for a very important event that will be one of the final turning points in this story. The end is finally getting in sight. Get ready for the last stretch of this story.

Without any further ado, I'll let you get to reading. Remember, I do not own FF7 or any of its characters, Zack and Cloud rock, and Sephiroth is the best antagonist ever created.

Enjoy!

0o0o0

Chapter 38

"Here you go Cloud." Tifa said as she handed the blonde a glass of water.

"Thanks Tifa." He replied as he took the glass from her.

He didn't notice how the girl's other hand, which she had placed on his shoulder as she bend over to hand him the beverage, lingered longer than was necessary. It was the same way how he didn't notice the look in her eyes as she watched him take a thirsty gulp before putting the glass aside so he could continue with what he was doing.

Tifa briefly bit her bottom lip as she retracted her hand and clasped it together with the other in front of her. Cloud was working on fixing the tab. It still worked fine as long as the container was full, but after pouring a few beers it would start to sputter. It was a job that required the blonde to really search for the problem and then try fixing it. No wonder he was too focussed to notice the small affectionate touch she had given him.

But what made her look at him with a slightly hurt expression wasn't born from him not noticing this particular touch. Over the past few weeks she had been given him more hints that should make him notice her feelings towards him. She would touch him whenever she could. They were mostly innocent touches, like a hand on his back, a squeeze in his shoulder or she would deliberately touch his hand if she handed him something. She would also shoot him plenty of smiles, particularly when he was looking at her.

Yet despite all that, he didn't seem to respond to them for one bit. Though he would now often smile back, it just wasn't in the same way. He wouldn't react to any form of touch, or initiate his own. It was almost like he was oblivious to what Tifa was trying to do, and it made her worry. Was he truly simply dense in that sense and did she need to make it more obvious, or was he simply not interested in her in that way?

It was very difficult for her to judge which of the two answers was right. Though Cloud had been doing very well these past few weeks he still seemed to be emotionally distant. It wasn't just towards her, but towards everything. It was like he sometimes didn't know how to respond to something. As if he instinctively wanted to respond one way, but wound up respond in a completely different way. Perhaps he was simply confused about his emotions, and that made him choose to actively ignore the gestures, because he didn't know how wanted to interpret them.

All of these options didn't make it one bit easier for Tifa. If the blonde was simply oblivious, the she needed to be more obvious. But if he was confused about how he felt, being more obvious might only serve to scare him away. If he simply didn't feel that for her then it would just be awkward. Either way it would mean their current relationship would change. The fact that they lived and worked together in the same place would only serve to make it even more difficult for them. Though Cloud was functioning well enough now, Tifa felt that he wouldn't be able to be on his own.

And so she chose to nothing other than what she'd been doing for now. Though it was difficult for her it was all she could do for now. At least he didn't reject her advances, so she had that much to keep her hopes up.

0o0o0

There was less of a buzz in the Shinra barracks than usual. By now all of the cadets had returned safely back from their exam. The experience had served to dampen a lot of the mood though. Zack found he wasn't the only one affected by the harsh situation they had been put in and the violence they had been exposed to. The fact that about a third of all the cadets were currently in the infirmary recovering from the various wounds they'd suffered didn't really serve to lighten the mood. Not even the fact that they would be getting the overall results any moment now could raise their spirits.

Zack too was quiet. He had been ever since their escape and return to base. The last two days had been spent coping with his memories and the doubts he was feeling. Thanks to Kunsel they had lessened somewhat, but they still remained. He feared that it would be a while before he could fully put it behind himself.

Everyone's pensive moods was interrupted by Shuryou stepping into the room. As had become customary for the cadets they all stopped what they were doing and snapped at attention. The CO took a brief moment to look around the room with a approving expression on his face.

"The results of your exam are in. I'm proud to inform you that you've all passed." He paused as he allowed the words to sink in. He noticed that a few of the cadets were unable to resist cracking a small smile, but didn't comment on it this time, "The board has deemed the qualities and results of not one but two cadets to be of SOLDIER standards. Both cadets belong to this barrack." Another pause as he surveyed the room to spot the two cadets, "Cadets Fair and Shiru. Though your individual talents lie in different field, you have both performed well in the regular exams. But the fact that your team was the only one that managed to escape, avoid getting captured again and make it back to base was received in high spirits by not only me but the entirety of the board. We all feel that you will make fine SOLDIERS."

"Sir, thank you sir!" Zack and Kunsel replied at the same time.

"I expect to see the two of you in my office at 18 hundred hours for some special briefing. As for the rest of you the official graduation will be tonight at 19 hundred hours in the auditorium. After that you will all be free during the weekend to visit your family and friends before starting at your new stations on Monday. These will be my final orders to you all. Next time we meet it'll be in the field. Dismissed!"

With those words he turned around and left the room again. Now that they were free to talk again, the buzz was actually increasing. The cadets congratulated each other and made plans to go partying during the weekend. Zack and Kunsel in particular received many pats on the shoulder and congratulations. Both young men were slightly stunned. Even Zack, who had been expected to promote directly into SOLDIER since midterms could hardly believe it. He felt like he had screwed up so much, and yet he was given this exclusive opportunity anyway. Kunsel on the other hand had fully expected to join the militia first, but now he got the same opportunity.

0o0o0

At exactly 18 hundred hours Kunsel knocked on the door to Shuryou's office. They were allowed admittance immediately and found the room to be occupied not only by their CO, but no one other than Commander Angeal as well. The latter was smiling at the two new recruits, putting them both at ease.

"Have a seat gentlemen." Shuryou invited, gesturing to the two vacant seats in front of his desk. The two did as they were told before the CO continued, "As you know you have been chosen to be given the rare opportunity to promote directly into the SOLDIER ranks. This is an exclusive opportunity that many would die for. It means that you have shown enough skill to function among Shinra's elite."

"Joining our ranks is a great honour." Angeal added, "But it also comes with many responsibilities. As such you will be privy to some confidential information. Information that should not be shared unless with other SOLDIERs or high ranking Shinra personnel."

"Choosing to join SOLDIER is also a choice you make for life. Once you'll decide to join our ranks the only way to leave is either through death while serving the company, or from old age in some office chair."

"As you can hear, this is not a choice to make lightly." Angeal briefly looked at both young men to make sure their words were understood and taken seriously, "Though joining SOLDIER will make sure you'll be set up for life, and you'll have all the benefits that goes with the station, you must be absolutely sure you really want this before signing up for real."

"This is why you have been called to my office before graduation. You both have a choice right now." Shuryou said as he pushed two small stacks of paper towards the two, "You can either choose to stay here and sign this contract, or you can walk out that door and leave this opportunity behind. You can choose to join the other cadets at graduation and Shinra militia instead, or leave the company altogether. You will forever lose this opportunity though."

Zack was eager to pick up a nearby pen and sign the contract. This was the moment he had been waiting for all his life. Of course he was going to take the damn chance now that he had it. He'd sacrificed enough.

Before he could pick up the pen thou, Kunsel stopped him by speaking up, "What are these benefits?"

"You're doubting about joining Kunsel?" Zack asked bewildered.

"Actually, cadet Shiru asks a very good question." Angeal said with approval, "Though joining SOLDIER is a dream for many who come here, only a few understand what it really means to be one. There's only so much we can teach you during the programme, since many of the reasons why SOLDIER is so exclusive is sensitive information. As such it's a good thing to want to find out as much as you can before signing that paper."

"The Commander is right." Shuryou added with a small smile, something rarely seen on the man's face, "I also fully expected you to ask Shiru. Your ability to gather and remember important information is priceless. Though at first we feared that your physical condition wasn't going to be good enough, you've made some massive improvements since midterm. Plus, your abilities were vital in getting out of the caves successfully during the exam. This is the reason why you're here next to Fair.

"To answer your question though," Shuryou continued, "The benefits include that Shinra will provide for anything you'll need. You will be assigned personal quarters right here in the Shinra building, and the SOLDIER cafeteria is always open should you require something to eat. We also have excellent medical, training and relaxation facilities. You will be given free time which you can spend as you like - even if it's outside of headquarters – provided you do not do anything to incriminate SOLDIER's or Shinra's reputation. This includes having weekends and holidays."

"When will we be sent on missions?" Zack was suddenly eager to know.

"A good question as well." Angeal praised, "After joining you'll first be going to an adjustment phase. During this time you will be assigned a mentor to help you out with any questions you have and to get you set up on a personal training schedule so you can continue to hone your abilities. If everything goes well you'll be going on your first missions after about two weeks."

"What kind of missions will we be sent on?" Kunsel asked this time.

Angeal answered this question too, "They will be small missions at first. For example, you might be assigned to aid the militia in regular patrol duty in the city, or are tasked with disposing of some low level monsters in the area. Anything to get your experience up without throwing you for the wolves. As you continue to perform well though, you'll be assigned to increasingly tougher and more challenging missions. Continue to grow and you'll eventually even be promoted to Second Class."

"How long does it take to promote?" Zack wondered.

"It differs greatly per individual, and largely has to do with what you want to specialize in." Shuryou explained, "For example, I personally have the skill and experience to promote to Second Class, and the promotion has been offered to me a few times already. However, I enjoy training new cadets more than I do leading other SOLDIERs on missions. I wouldn't be able to do what I like if I took the promotion, so I chose to remain a Third Class for now."

"So the different classes aren't just a reflection of skill level?" Kunsel wondered this time.

"Indeed." Angeal nodded, "Though it is an indication of how skilled someone is, it is largely also to divide different responsibilities. SOLDIER is basically a small organisation within Shinra, and we have to make sure everything runs smoothly."

"So, how are these responsibilities divided then?" Kunsel continued to ask.

Angeal continued to answer, "Third Classes are basically the closest link between SOLDIER and the common people. They are responsible for training new cadets and are most likely seen working together with the militia, though they also do get sent on more important missions. Second Classes form the core of the organisation itself. They man the Comm and keep track of all the missions, providing aid from within the base. They are also the ones who are dispatched on the majority of missions, even lead a small group of other SOLDIERs. The First Classes are only few in number. We take care of the majority of the necessary administration. This means we review reports of completed missions and issue out new ones. Naturally we are responsible for taking on the really challenging or strictly confidential missions."

Zack face fell a bit, "Woah, I never knew I'd wind up sitting behind a desk more often than being out in the field."

"You'd be surprised at how valuable these extra tasks are Fair." Shuryou disagreed, "Not only will they keep you occupied while not being on a mission, but they are also an important part of your training. You can always simply train to become stronger or more skilled at fighting, but training young cadets or manning the Comm will teach you more about leadership than knowing the SMC by heart ever could. I personally find it more rewarding to have cadets exceed their own expectations and become trustworthy SOLDIERs than to go out there and kill some strong monster."

The room fell silent after that. The two young men had run out of questions or comments. Both were now mulling over what had been revealed to them. Kunsel had been aware of some of the information provided to them, since everything that had been told here wasn't confidential. Still, it was nice to have everything confirmed like this.

For Zack on the other hand most of it was new. Naturally he was aware that SOLDIERs were housed at the Shinra Building. He had been using a SOLDIER apartment during the first few days after his arrival in Midgar after all. Yet he hadn't been aware of the additional duties a SOLDIER would have. All he'd ever thought about was becoming a hero, and he was pretty sure that happened in the field, and not behind a desk. He did understand what Shuryou was saying though. He only had to compare himself to Kunsel to see how they would both be suited for different jobs. As long as they would both be allowed to work towards their aspirations, everything would be fine.

"If there are no more questions gentlemen, then I ask you to make your decision right now." Shuryou said while gesturing towards the unsigned contracts still lying on his desk, "Either sign that and join us, or walk away. Just rest assured you wouldn't be the first one taking the second option."

Zack didn't hesitate any longer and grabbed a nearby pen to sign his copy. After all, this was all he'd dreamed of ever since he was a child. He wouldn't know what else to do if he weren't to sign. He could go back to Tifa and Cloud and work at Seventh Heaven, but he was sure that he simply couldn't do that for the rest of his life. If life as a shopkeeper had taught him one thing, then it was that he wasn't suited for sitting behind a counter or a desk. He needed to be out there, and SOLDIER would offer that for him.

After signing it he looked to his left, seeing Kunsel sign his own copy. The two looked at each other and smiled. They were going to stay in this together it seemed.

0o0o0

Tifa woke up with worry on her mind that morning. It had kept her up for most of the night. Even in her sleep her worries plagued her and made her restless.

This sudden contrast of her mood compared to the past few weeks was due to a letter they'd received a few days earlier. It stated that Zack had successfully graduated the SOLDIER programme. Not only that, he was even directly promoted into SOLDIER. This was happy news at first, until Tifa showed the letter to Cloud.

Cloud had started reading the letter with a neutral expression on his face, "Did they deliver this wrong?" He wondered after he was done.

Tifa had looked at him confused, "Why do you say that?"

"There's no Zack Fair living here."

At that point Tifa knew that something was seriously wrong. Though she had questioned Cloud's recollection of his past for a while now, this came as rather unexpected. It also hadn't been the first time he had trouble remembering who Zack was, but back then he at least realised it was someone he was supposed to know, and hearing his name would usually jog his memory. This time however there was none of that going on. Cloud was completely blank.

The genuine look of no recognition and confusion was heartbreaking to see. Still Tifa had to quickly decide whether to keep him out of the loop or make the blonde remember his best friend. As she debated this the moments in which Cloud had struggled with conflicting memories flashed before her eyes. Though he tried to hide them, she knew he would get terrible headaches and bouts of confusion that made him draw into himself. She really hated seeing him like this, even though he wasn't aware of her watching him. So in the end she decided to go with the former option. All she needed to do was agree with Cloud's assessment. He didn't question it further and let it slide. This was so much easier than face the confrontation.

But ever since that day Tifa had been worried. The letter had also said that the former cadets were allowed a whole weekend away from base to visit family and friends before they would start at their new stations. She had no doubt Zack would be coming to visit them. The question was, how was Cloud going to respond to seeing him?

For a long while she'd thought about what she could do. She'd considered telling Cloud about Zack after all, but she hadn't been able to gather the guts for it. She also thought about whether there was a way to avoid having the two meet. With their friend coming over for an entire weekend that was going to be impossible though. She even thought about running away. She had been able to save up some money with running the bar. They could spend that on a brief holiday. But even that idea, as solid as it sounded to her at some point, was shoved aside. They would be running away from the inevitable. She knew Zack would be given more opportunities to visit them from now on, and they couldn't run and hide forever. Simply packing up and leave for good also wasn't an option. For one she'd grown to love Seventh Heaven and the people of the slums. But the other reason was that she simply couldn't abandon a friend just like that. Besides, the bar was on his name, so he technically owned everything they had.

That left no other choice than to just let whatever was going to happen happen. It brought a lot of worries and fears with it, but she would have to be strong and endure.

0o0o0

That same morning was no different to Cloud than all the others. He wasn't aware that something was afoot, although he had noticed that Tifa had been acting a bit weird lately. He hadn't bothered to ask though. He felt that the girl would come to him if she really wanted to talk. He wasn't really good at initiating that sort of thing.

Besides, his mind had also been occupied with other thoughts lately. Ever since they had received that strange letter he had felt that he was missing something. For as far as he knew they both knew no one named Zack, and yet the letter had been addressed specifically to them. It wasn't just the address, which could have been an honest mistake, but rather the way the letter had started with 'Dear Ms Lockheart and Mr Strife'. It was just too specific, but why would Shinra address a letter to them?

For a moment he had entertained the idea that some patron of theirs had decided to join this programme, and had used Seventh Heaven and its owners as a false address and contact information. He quickly disregarded the idea though. All of their regulars were still here, and he didn't think anyone even knew their surnames. That would mean that someone they knew well had just become a SOLDIER. But if that was the case, then why didn't he remember them?

Secretly Cloud had been doing some snooping around. He tried finding out more about this SOLDIER programme while Tifa wasn't around. He found out what SOLDIER was, and that there was a special training programme that would select individuals suited for this group. He calculated back to when the current programme had started, and concluded that it fell within a time period that was rather foggy in his mind. He did have trouble remembering much about anything from before the past few weeks, though strangely other memories from his childhood seemed as clear as if they'd just happened.

But his quick research also suggested that Tifa might have been keeping information from him. Though she had shown him the letter, she hadn't gone against his suggestion that the letter was delivered to the wrong address. She also didn't address the matter any more after that. Cloud trusted her to be honest with him, but the evidence was slowly piling up against her.

He had been meaning to challenge his friend about this Zack person. Yet he hadn't up to this day. He felt that it might lead to an argument, and that was something Cloud really didn't want to happen. He knew that he owed a lot to Tifa. For what he wasn't really sure, but perhaps that was entirely the point. With his memory in a bit of a confusing mess, there was no telling what had happened to him. In any case he did know that Tifa was there to take care of him, even though he hid a lot of his troubles from her.

0o0o0

It felt strange to be standing in front of the doors to Seventh Heaven. Though it hadn't been twelve weeks since Zack'd been here - which was the case for his fellow graduates who were going home for the weekend – it still felt as if he'd been gone that long. He knew he had changed a lot in the past weeks he hadn't been home. Most notably the final exam had made a major impact on him. That alone made him nervous to step through those doors. The fact that he also had no clue about what he was going to find there didn't help at all with his nerves.

Zack let out a deep sigh as he hoisted his bag on his shoulder. There was no time like the present. So instead of shifting nervously any longer, he took his keys from his pocket and opened the door.

0o0o0

A/N: Yep…that definitely a cliff hanger there. Sorry guys and girls, but the confrontation will have to wait until the next chapter. What'll happen to Cloud once he sees Zack again? Perhaps Tifa might even be able to prevent it. In any case it's going to be the biggest and most important turning point in this story. It'll be one of two catalysts that will push this plot towards its inevitable end. Cue ominous music.

Until next time! Leave a review on your way out please!