Hey guys! here is part two of the ball, as promised! :) Sorry it took so long. Right after my uncle suddenly passed away we learned we were moving. So it was literally three straight weeks of crazy packing and cleaning. But we are finally all moved in! Yay!

Just a forewarning, this is probably the longest chapter I've ever written (like...almost 20 pages on Microsoft Word). So I'm sorry if it drags a little - I did have someone proof read it and they said it was fine. I mostly just wanted to throw all of you guys in the fluff box and enjoy yourselves. Seriously, there is SO. MUCH. FLUFF. IN THIS CHAPTER. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, so I hope you guys enjoy it! Please feel free to leave comments and constructive criticism! 3

Disclaimer: I don't own FFVII.

The night air was pleasantly warm, and a gentle breeze ruffled her hair. After making sure the door was shut firmly behind her, Aerith turned around. Her mouth fell open.

Flowers of all kinds were before her very eyes. There were bushes of roses and daffodils, shrubs of forget-me-nots, and rows of lilies stretching nearly as far as she could see. The moon shone high in the sky, the lack of clouds bathing everything in a blue light. Stars twinkled brightly above, as if they were smiling down on her. In the center of the large garden was a three-tiered fountain, water gurgling happily from the top spout. Here and there, stone benches were set in the soft grass.

For what seemed like the millionth time that evening, Aerith wondered if she was dreaming. The scene before her looked so much like a painting from a storybook that it didn't seem real. The thick smell of the flowers perfumed the air, and Aerith felt herself taking a few steps forward. She bent down next to a rose bush and inhaled deeply. The rich smell of a newly budded rose filled her nostrils.

"Like it?"

Aerith jumped, straightening up immediately. Prince Zack stood a little ways behind her, a soft smile on his face.

"It's wonderful," Aerith admitted. "more than wonderful – it's glorious!"

The Prince nodded. "I thought you would like it. The Royal Gardens are something that I never get tired of seeing."

Mentioning the word "royal" again made Aerith's heart feel tight. "So...you're the Prince." she said. She meant to sound accusatory, but her voice came out soft.

Prince Zack rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "Yeah, about that..."

"Well, I hope you can explain yourself." Aerith said, crossing her arms.

"I was planning on telling you eventually," Prince Zack pleaded, taking some steps towards her. "Really, I was. I just...didn't know how."

Aerith held back a chuckle. "I mean, you could've just said it."

"True," Prince Zack admitted. "But like I said, I didn't know how. It's not like I go around telling people I'm the Prince of Midgar."

"True," Aerith echoed the Prince's previous words. "But why the fake name?"

"I thought you would know who I was right away," he explained. "So I made up one."

Aerith pondered this, then asked: "Why didn't you want me to know you were the Prince?"

Prince Zack was silent for a few moments. He then let out a long, deep sigh. "Because...when you're the Crown Prince, people only tend to see you that way." The sadness in his voice made Aerith's heart ache.

"That must be really hard," she finally said. "I'm sorry."

Prince Zack gave her a halfhearted shrug. "You get used to it after a while." He quickly put on a smile and extended a hand to her. "Would you like to see the rest of the Gardens? We can talk along the way, and I can explain everything."

For the second time that evening, Aerith stared at his outstretched hand. How could he treat this so nonchalantly? In a way, he had lied to her. The shock and frustration that rose to her throat upon hearing he was the Royal Prince came flooding back. The idea that all of the time Aerith spent with a Prince was another psychic blow – how on earth did she not know?

She clenched her fists in an attempt to ignore the itching feeling of her fingers wanting to be entwined in his own. Now's not the time to focus on that.

In spite of her own emotions, however, the pleading look in the Prince's eyes only roused her curiosity and sympathy. And he did say he would explain everything…

She gestured to the path in front of them. "Lead the way."

Zack's hand fell to his side in a slightly dramatic flop. Still, he gave her a smile as he walked to her side. "With pleasure."

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For the first few minutes the two walked side by side in silence. Prince Zack kept running a hand through his hair, his brow furrowed. A strand of hair kept falling into his eyes, and Aerith had the strange urge to reach up and brush it away. Instead she squeezed her hands together, looking at the ground.

"Sorry," Zack broke the silence. "I'm not quite sure where to start."

"How about at the beginning?" Aerith teased lightly. "that's usually a good place."

Zack let out a small laugh. "Fair point." After a few more steps, he spoke again. "I guess...I'm just worried." He ran a hand through his dark hair again.

"About what?" Aerith asked, puzzled.

The Prince let out a nervous laugh. "About...what you might think."

Aerith stopped in her tracks. "You mean, what I might think of you?" At his silence, she gently pressed on. "Kaz – I mean, Zack – uh, Your Highness -"

"Call me Zack, please." He gave her a sharp grin. "It's just you and me right now."

"Right. Er, Zack," Aerith continued, feeling her face heat up, "what makes you believe I will think any less of you?"

Zack let out a sigh. "Being a Prince – being Royalty – has its own image. I've only met a few people outside of the royal setting, and it's like they already have this picture of what I'm supposed to be like. And once I don't fit that image, I get...cast aside. People are still polite, but its like I can feel what they're thinking: that I'm not what they need, or what they want." He carefully plucked a white rose from a hedge they were passing by. "I guess I…don't want the same thing to happen with you." The tips of his ears were red, and his voice was quiet.

"I'm sorry that has happened to you," Aerith replied after a moment, not knowing what else to say. She paused, trying to find way to put her feelings into words. "But...even though I don't know you that well, I feel like I know you well enough to not cast you aside." She fiddled with her fingers, the nervous energy pounding in her veins.

Zack stared at her. "How do you know?"

Aerith shrugged one shoulder. "Call it intuition, I suppose." Zack still looked hesitant. In a strange burst of courage, she reached out and took his hand. "We're friends. You can talk to me. I won't judge you, Zack."

Zack glanced at their hands. His own practically dwarfed hers. Her skin was soft and smooth to the touch, but he could feel the hidden callouses on her fingers. Zack looked into her face. Her eyes shone with sincerity. In the moonlight her normally ethereal, bright green eyes looked more like jade. The gentle intensity with which she was looking at him made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

Zack somehow managed to pull his voice out of his throat. "You're a good friend, Aerith. I'm glad to have you." He gave her hand a small squeeze, holding it gently as they continued to walk through the garden.

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The Royal Gardens had a winding cobblestone path, with plenty of room on either side for one to veer off and admire the flowers and trees. The palace itself was far enough away from the various factories and steel monoliths of the Kingdom; enough so that when Aerith looked up at the sky she could see even the faintest stars. Small lanterns lit the pathway beneath her feet, creating a peaceful aura.

Walking along this path, with Zack's hand in hers (she felt her face burn everytime she thought of it), and a glorious scene around them...it had to be unreal. It was just too good to be true. It only strengthened Aerith's resolve to savor each second, since it would never happen again.

Zack's voice broke through her thoughts. "The day we met, I woke up in a weird mood. I usually enjoy doing things like studying and training and other things, but I didn't want to do any of it. I was so tired of doing the same things everyday. I felt like a prisoner in my own home."

Believe me, Aerith thought to herself silently, I know all about that. "So what did you do?" she asked.

Zack let out a short laugh. "I snuck out."

Aerith felt her jaw drop. "You did not!"

"I did!" Zack nodded, laughing slightly. "best idea I've ever had. I put on my cloak and was on my way. I took an old palace truck and drove off." His eyes glazed over with sweet remembrance. "Man...I can't tell you how good it felt just to drive. To be by myself. To not have anyone tell me what to do or how to look, or that I was doing something wrong. I never wanted to get out of that car."

"It must have felt so liberating," Aerith said, her voice slightly breathy. She could practically feel the happiness and freedom radiating off of Zack.

Zack nodded. "So I drove, not really caring where I was going. I remember turning right, and just savoring everything in front of me. I had the windows rolled down and I was in heaven. A few people honked at me, but I didn't care."

His voice shrank a little at his next words. "But then I found out why they were honking. I turned onto a ramp that was still undergoing construction. I didn't notice till it was almost too late."

"How fast were you going?" Aerith asked, with baited breath.

Zack grinned sheepishly. "Um. Enough to make the tires squeal when I slammed the brakes? And leave possible skid marks?" Upon seeing Aerith's look of complete shock, he quickly added, "But don't worry, the truck stopped in time and - "

"Hold on a moment," Aerith interrupted, holding up her free hand as she tried to process his words. "If the truck stopped, how did you fall through the roof of the church?"

"…..Gravity." Zack said simply.

Aerith felt her already widened eyes grow larger. "The truck fell? How did you manage to get out?!"

Zack shrugged. "I really don't know. Everything happened so fast. All I knew was that I had to get out of there. I must have unbuckled the seat belt somehow, because the next thing I knew I was falling. I closed my eyes and just waited for the impact to kill me." He smirked slightly. "After that, the next thing I knew was that your head was on my chest."

"I was trying to see if you were alive!" Aerith argued, laughing. "You know, it's funny. A friend of mine was talking about how he finally got a truck, and he said it just fell from the sky. I didn't believe him, but now I know it actually happened."

Zack threw his head back and let out a laugh. His eyes crinkled at the corners, and Aerith noticed a small dimple in his cheek. His laugh was a loud, carefree booming sound that had no restraint. It brought to Aerith's mind a picture of a small child laughing at something silly. She closed her eyes, relishing every decibel of sound.

"So that's how I met you," Zack concluded, once he caught his breath. "I neglected my duties and ditched."

"….So?" was all Aerith could say.

Zack looked at her with a blank stare. "I'm a Prince. I'm not exactly supposed to do that." He looked at the cobblestone path below them and let out a sigh. "I'm supposed to learn and study and train to take the throne one day. I shouldn't be wasting time doing things I want."

Aerith stopped in her tracks. Zack's usual cheery tone of voice had gone flat. "Who told you that?" she asked, trying to make her voice sound gentle.

"Lots of people. But I mostly hear it from my teacher."

"Why would they say something like that?" Aerith asked incredulously.

Zack paused, biting his lip before continuing. Aerith could tell he was trying to word this as carefully as possible. "When you're a Royal, people – especially fellow royals and nobles – tend to forget that you're human. Some see you as a way to the throne. Some see you as an escape route for their daughters so they won't starve to death. There's even some that see you as breeding stock, just to keep the family line going." He let out another sigh, running a hand through his hair. "When people see me, they see a Prince with no worries, concerns or any sort of problems. They don't see Zack; they see His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince." His voice was hard and bitter.

The ground seemed to sway beneath Aerith's feet. Her mind was still trying to process everything Zack just told her. An escape route? Breeding stock? The terms made Zack sound more like a last resort option, or some kind of animal. Not a living, breathing, human being, and surely not a Prince. A red hot flash of anger rose in her chest – how dare they! How dare anyone see him as some kind of farm animal, and not for the kind, funny, protective, genuine, dutiful…

...honorable, wonderful man that he was.

Removing her hand from his own, Aerith gently placed it on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry that…they don't see you like I do." Zack opened his mouth to talk, but she quickly pressed on. "They see you as someone to continue the family line, or as a way to get close to your father. It's wrong, cruel and dismissive. Just because you're the Crown Prince doesn't mean you can't feel." She was scarcely aware of her voice increasing in intensity. "Zack, you are so much more than that. You are compassionate and kind, and so genuine. I can already tell that you are going to make a fine ruler, maybe one of the best. And if the people around you can't see that, then...that's their problem."

Zack stared at her. Aerith felt taken aback by her own mouth; it was as if her thoughts and tongue were not connected. Where in the world did that come from?!

For one second she was convinced that she had somehow scared him – it was quite a lot to say, after all. But then she saw a small but true smile curving his mouth.

"You're right. Most people around me don't. And that does bother me." His gaze softened as he took her hand in his again. "But you do. You're the first person I've met in forever that treats me like a real person, aside from my Father and Duke Tuesti. And somehow...that makes all the difference."

For a moment there was only the distant gurgling of the fountain to keep them company. Aerith thought of a million different things she could say, but only one felt right. "I'm glad."

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Zack wasn't sure how much time had passed since they started walking, but it didn't feel like long enough. He also wasn't sure how many times they had walked around the path, but it didn't matter. Time slowed down whenever she was around.

The two of them talked about anything and everything, from favorite colors to rules in the Kingdom to deep, philosophical wonderings. He took every opportunity to make her laugh; it was a lovely, melodious sound that he had not heard enough of. She seemed to take every opportunity to lightly tease him. Every so often Aerith would stop to smell a flower, and Zack would watch her with interest.

The two of them had danced before, but a different type was being held now. Whereas the previous had footwork and music, this one had soft words and shy glances. Every so often there was a crescendo of laughter, a silent rhythm of two hearts beating fast, a swell of heat dusting cheeks. The dance was a cautious one, but the more they talked the more Zack wanted there to be a finale.

It was...beautiful. In every sense of the word.

Which is why he felt a bit confused when Aerith began to withdraw into herself.

At first he assumed she was getting tired. But her eyes were still bright, and she kept up with his pace. It was easy to see that she, too, was feeling everything he was. And yet, her smile had faded slightly. Her voice was quieter than earlier. She seemed to be lost in her own mind.

Did I push too hard? He wanted to ask. Did I cross the line? I'm so sorry if I did…

Instead, he gestured to a nearby stone bench. "Do you want to sit for a moment? We've been walking for a while."

Aerith smiled at him. It didn't quite reach her eyes. "That would be nice. Thank you."

She gently sat herself down, smoothing out the folds of her dress. She rubbed some of the fabric between her fingers, biting her lip slightly.

"Are you alright?" Zack asked, making sure his voice sounded soft. "Are you tired?"

Aerith shook her head. "No, that's not it..."

"What is it?" he asked gently. "What's wrong?"

She took a deep breath. "Zack...we need to talk about this."

"About what?"

"You know," Aerith gestured vaguely to the air around them. "this. The elephant in the room."

"You mean the ball?" Zack asked, his brow furrowed.

"Not just that," Aerith said. "but why the ball is being held in the first place." She paused. "Wasn't the whole point of the ball to...find you a wife?" Her voice had nearly faded away at the last few words she spoke.

Oh. OH. Yeah…that.

"….Yeah, it is." Zack admitted. "I wasn't supposed to marry for another few years. But things have changed."

"How so?" Aerith asked, tilting her head slightly.

Zack hesitated. Was it right to tell her? The news of his father's oncoming death was supposed to be a secret. None outside the palace knew. In the wrong hands, the information could quickly be passed around, or sold for money or blackmail…

But she's not like that, Zack argued with himself. And besides, she's the one I'm choosing. She has a right to know.

Figuring that he couldn't argue with such sound logic, Zack took a deep breath and began to speak. "My father...isn't expected to live very much longer." He heard Aerith take in a sharp breath. "He's got a few months, at best. It was so sudden; he just started aging very rapidly. The Court Physician said it was something about his cells deteriorating."

"How terrible," Aerith whispered.

"I'm next in line for the throne," Zack said heavily, "I just...wasn't expecting it to come so soon. The law states that in the sudden death of the King, the Crown Prince must be wed before taking the throne. Since we don't know when Father is going to die, it makes sense that they're rushing it."

"So...your father – the King – he could just...pass away at any time?" Aerith asked quietly. Zack nodded. "Aren't you upset that they're rushing something like this so soon?"

"I was at first," Zack admitted. "but I was more angry. I don't know what my father has, but its taking him away from me much faster than I want it to." Zack was taken aback by a tightness in his throat. "I already lost my mother. I can't lose him, too. But it's unfair to blame the whole situation on him. It's not like Father had any control over it. It's time for me to step up and take responsibility."

"So that's why you're trying to find a wife so soon," Aerith said, in slight awe.

"Well," Zack shrugged. "it wasn't my idea. The ball was my father's. I mean, if I still had a choice in the matter, I'd meet someone the old fashioned way, date for a while, then marry them. It feels more natural that way."

Aerith was silent for a few minutes. Then she asked, in a near whisper, "What would you want your wife to be like?"

Zack could feel his heart pounding in his eardrums. "Well..." he started slowly, "I'd want her to be kind. Compassionate. Genuine." He slowly took her hand and held it. "I'd want her to be gentle, but not so much so that she is considered weak. I'd want her to love her country, and her people. I'd want her to labor with her own hands, not do nothing because she is a Queen. I want a true friend. As for looks, well, in the long run they don't matter as much. She'd be beautiful to me anyways." Aerith was looking directly at him now. There was a sweet sadness in her eyes. "Most of all..." Zack continued, his voice low and sincere, "I'd want her to love me for Zack. Not for a future King."

His heart was beating so fast. His lungs felt like they were squeezed of all air, although Zack knew he was taking deep breaths. The night air felt still, absolutely still. Though there was no one around them, Zack felt as if he were being watched. The apprehension of what he was about to say felt like a black pit beneath his feet, swallowing him whole.

Shoving aside how vulnerable, how ridiculously vulnerable and exposed he felt, Zack looked into Aerith's face. "Which is why I want her to be you."

She instantly stiffened. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. Zack fought the instinct to take back the words, to say he was sorry. Because he wasn't sorry; not in the least. And those words...every ounce of sincerity he could muster had been poured into them.

Aerith finally spoke after what felt like minutes. "…...What?" The question came out more like a breath of air. She had turned a bit pale. Her eyes were large pools of bright green.

"I want that person to be you," Zack repeated, softer this time. "Not just because it's what I want, but because it's who you are." He rubbed his thumb across her knuckles in a soothing motion, hoping it would bring her some comfort. "Aerith...you are so kind, you go the extra mile for everyone. Your days are busy but you always find time to help those who are in need. Your heart is pure, more pure than mine will ever be. I've only known you a short time, but you've taught me so much. You've taught me things that no tutor, professor, or trainer could. Like how, in spite of your hardships, there is always beauty and love to be found. Or how genuine charity can change the course of the future. To see the world in all of its imperfection, and still find reasons to live." He swallowed hard, choosing his next words very carefully. "If you don't feel the same as I do, I understand. If you do, then...I hope you will at least consider. We don't have to get married right away; I am willing to wait. If you just want to be friends for a while before starting to date, I am willing to be your friend. If you don't want any of this, I will leave you alone. You...you mean so much to me...and I know that we don't know each other well...but it is the deepest wish of my soul that you would accept."

For the space of many minutes – which felt like hours in Zack's mind – there was silence. He never broke his gaze from hers, hoping that she could feel the truth in his words.

A single teardrop fell on their entwined hands.

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This can't be real.

The soothing motion of his thumb tracing her knuckles told her otherwise. So did the lump in her throat.

Still, the thought persisted: This can't be real. He must be joking.

But in the deepest parts of her soul, Aerith knew better. The solemnity with which he professed his feelings showed her as much. His eyes – those striking, bright blue eyes that would be the death of her – shone with nothing but complete sincerity. Zack's voice was so soft as he spoke. So kind. It was obvious to her that he was nervous; he paused and stuttered multiple times. But it only made the whole situation all the more endearing. Warmth was spreading from her heart in tiny rivers, filling her entire body and nourishing her very soul.

No one had ever spoken to her with such gentleness before. Nor with such sincerity.

He doesn't know the real you.

The vicious thought came so suddenly that Aerith almost yelped. The night air, so blissfully warm, felt as cold and chilling as winter's harshest winds. Her heart picked up speed, for a completely different reason now than before. The palms of her hands, still holding Zack's, felt slippery and clammy.

He called you good. Pure. Kind. What does he know? He's only known you for three days.

The tender sweetness of the moment seconds before had been tainted. It was now charged with fear and distrust. Aerith took a deep breath in an attempt to gain control over her thoughts. So? She argued within herself. Maybe I am all of those things, and more. I trust him. If he sees it, it must be true somehow.

Aerith also reflected on Zack's statement about not knowing one another for very long. It was true; three days was hardly enough time to know someone enough to marry them. And yet...she just knew. It was as if, upon meeting him, a key had fit into a lock in her mind and heart. As if something had been missing her entire life, and had only just reappeared. How was it possible that someone could feel this way? How can it be that, for the first time in her life, she felt so sure of something?

Aerith had been so caught up in her own mind, trying to fight these inner demons, that she suddenly realized she had been silent for minutes. Zack was still waiting for an answer. She opened her mouth to speak.

It could never happen. Scarlet would ruin everything.

There was no counter-argument for that. Her stepmother was sneaky, cruel and had already taken everything away from her. If Aerith and Zack were to get married – or even date – surely the Kingdom would announce it. Scarlet would find out either then or before hand somehow, and quickly put an end to it. There was a tiny bit of hope that, since Scarlet was a member of the Royal Court, she had no power to oppose the King.

….but Aerith's life taught her that Scarlet always found a way. No matter what.

She blinked, and a tear fell onto their entwined hands. Aerith quickly wiped at her eyes. Tell him the truth. Tell him why it can't happen.

"Zack..." Aerith sniffed, swallowing her tears. "Zack, I...I don't know what to say." She paused, trying to get her racing thoughts put in order. "You mean so much to me, too. You're one of the first real friends I've ever had. I'm so glad you fell through the roof of the church that day." She squeezed his hand, hoping it would convey what her words could not. "I love your company, and I love being with you. I feel like I've known you for years. I'm...glad that I could teach you so much. Hearing you say that means a lot to me. You've shown me friendship and acceptance, and to savor the little things. You never fail to make me laugh. You'rereal; in every sense of the word. You don't try to be someone you're not. It's one of the things I...really like about you." Her face burned and she wanted to stop talking, but Aerith forced herself to go on. "I feel...I feel the same as you do. Being your wife would be...wonderful."

Pure elation lit up Zack's face. Aerith wanted to sob at the thought of having to crush it. She forced her gaze away from his.

"But this...this cannot be." Her voice cracked as new tears rose in her eyes. "No matter what we feel, this couldn't happen." Saying the words out loud only made the reality of the situation that much clearer. There was no way Scarlet would ever permit it to happen.

Zack's stunned silence only made the guilt already coiled in her stomach rise. It rose up like a giant snake, bearing its fangs of harsh criticism. Its forked tongue whispered words she was ever so familiar with: It's hopeless. Useless. There's nothing you can do.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered, feeling the tears fall down her cheeks.

There was a slight rustle of clothing, and through her tears Aerith saw something being handed to her. It was a handkerchief. She took it gratefully, wiping at her eyes.

"….Can I ask why?" Zack asked, very quietly.

Aerith raised her shoulders in a hopeless shrug. "It just can't, Zack. It's impossible."

"Is it because you're not a noble?" Zack pressed.

"No, nothing like that," Aerith replied with a sigh.

Zack was quiet for a moment. Then he asked, in a small voice, "...is it because you don't want it?"

Aerith shook her head, hard. "No! Not at all! I wasn't lying to you when I said that I...would love to be by your side." She looked at him through her tears. He was a blurry mass of white clothing and black hair, but it still made her heart flutter slightly. "It's not that I don't want to, Zack. Nothing could be further from the truth. It just...can't."

He deserves more of an explanation than that, she argued within herself. If it were the reverse situation, you'd be demanding to know why. The least you can do is give him a small explanation.

...but could she? Her home life was a subject she stayed far away from when she was with others. The only person she had given some detail to was Ms. Forsyth. And even then, the details were minimal: she had a hard time at home, and that was all she left it at. But this was so different – this was potential marriage. Zack not only had a right to know, but she also wanted him to know.

To tell someone everything that was going on in her life would be so...liberating.

"I wish I could tell you," she whispered, mostly to herself rather than to Zack. "but...I don't know what you'll think." It was possible that, if she did explain everything, Zack would see her for who she really was: a maid in her own house. A wretched, weak, servant.

"Hey." Zack's voice interrupted her thoughts. He was looking at her more seriously than when he had told her of his feelings. "We're friends, Aerith. You can talk to me." He squeezed her hand again. "Remember how you said you wouldn't judge me when I told you about skipping my duties? Well, I won't judge you either. I promise."

Looking into his eyes, Aerith felt that same gentle warmth from earlier. It spread from her heart to her veins, to her entire being. It filled her up like a warm drink on a cold day. It was a tiny little flame inside of her soul, one that had been lit after being put out for too long.

"I know you won't," she replied. And she meant it. Zack was not one to judge. "It's just hard to talk about."

"Then take all of the time you need," Zack said simply.

Aerith had a strange feeling of being on top of a mountain, looking down below. The height was dizzying; her stomach clenched, as if she were about to puke. The thought of going down was beyond scary: it was horrifying. Unknown. What awaited her at the bottom? Was there a safety net to catch her, or was it a bottomless canyon that would swallow her whole?

She took one step. "I told you about how I lost both of my parents, right?"

"Yes."

"They died when I was five. I don't know what happened. All I know is that my dad died before my mom, and my mom passed not too long after." She wiped at her eyes with Zack's handkerchief again. "It's sad to say, but I can barely remember their faces now. I never really knew them, but I wish I did. I wish I remembered something."

Zack nodded, his eyes sympathetic. "My mom died when I was six. I know the feeling of wanting to remember, and not being able to remember anything. It's scary."

"Yeah," Aerith agreed. "Shortly after they died, I was put into my stepmother's care. She's not my actual stepmother; I just call her that," she clarified, seeing the slight confusion on Zack's face. "She and my stepsisters are the only family I've ever known."

"….do they treat you well?"

The shock of Zack's question only made Aerith more hesitant to step off of the mountain. Here was the moment of truth. What would he say? What would he think? Would he see her as a victim, or as a survivor, or neither? If she were to tell the truth about Scarlet's actions, would Scarlet somehow know?

In this midst of opinions and turmoil of thoughts, one small shred of clarity came to Aerith: she could either stay chained to this mountain forever and be buried by silent snow…or hurl herself down and find safety.

I will not be silent.

"No. They don't."

With those three words, Aerith hurled herself down the mountain. The ice and snow stung her face and eyes, the cold ripping through her skin. Down, down, down she fell, flying towards the unseen ground.

"Do they...hurt you?" Zack asked, in a near whisper.

Aerith didn't trust herself to speak. So she nodded instead.

Zack let out a very shaky breath. It was a full minute before he spoke. "That day you showed up and you had those cuts on your face...you were acting so scared. Like someone was watching you. And the day we first met, when you realized you were late going home..."

Aerith nodded again. "It was bad."

"How could they?" Zack asked, horror coating his voice. "Why would they?"

"I've been asking myself that for fifteen years," Aerith replied softly. "I've yet to find an answer."

Silence. Then, "I...don't know what to say."

"My stepmother," Aerith continued, looking at her lap, "is...horrible. Cruel. And her daughters are, too. Everyday with them is a battle, constantly walking on eggshells. And if one eggshell cracks, I take the fall for it." Aerith took a deep breath, shuddering at her own bravery to tell someone what she had hidden inside for so long. "Everything about them is wrong. They take everything good about people and make it the opposite. Before I came here tonight, I had some friends surprise me with a dress they had sewn themselves. I hid the dress in my room, hoping no one would find it. I was so excited."

The lump in Aerith's throat grew, making it hard to breathe, but she pushed past it. "I...I helped my stepsisters get ready, then I went to my room to get the dress. But when I got there, the dress was gone." She heard Zack take a sharp breath. "I was called into the living room, and...my stepmother was there holding my dress. I was called a fraud, a cheat, a thief. I was accused of stealing money from her to buy the dress. I tried to explain, but they wouldn't let me."

"What happened?" Zack whispered.

Aerith closed her eyes. The memory of flames eating the fabric of the green dress was still so fresh in her mind. "She burned it. Then she threw me in the Chocobo stable, and they left for the ball."

"Aerith..." was all she heard from Zack.

Hot, fresh tears fell down Aerith's face. "Why would they do something so mean? Why would they ruin my one chance at being away from them? Why...why do they do what they do?" She swallowed hard, gasping for breath. "Why can't they just leave me alone? Why don't they want me around? Am I really that bad of a person? I don't know what to do, Zack. I'm...stuck."

She buried her face in Zack's handkerchief and let herself cry. Normally, Aerith would have felt a little embarrassed at crying so hard in front of a friend, but she didn't care. Explaining some of Scarlet's atrocious acts was enough to make her want to shrink into nothingness. Sobs rose from her throat, and she did her best to muffle them.

Aerith thought finally talking about all of this would make her feel at least a little better. But while it did, it also made the reality of her horrible situation so much clearer.

She was scarcely aware of arms wrapping around her, pulling her close. Her head rested on something solid and warm. A heartbeat was pressed to her ear, steady and reassuring. Aerith clung onto that sound for dear life, and held on through the pain.

She wasn't sure how long Zack had been holding her, or how long she had been crying. But when she could manage to speak again, she said: "My stepmother would do anything to ruin me, and any potential happiness. If word got out that I was to be married, she would make it stop." She lifted her head from Zack's chest, wiping her eyes. "And I can't just leave, since I'm underage according to the law. I'd have to wait another year before being with you. And even so," she said miserably, "She would do everything in her power to either stop it or ruin it before it happens."

"...I don't know what to say," Zack said again. "I can see where you're coming from, now. This would be tricky. And if she is as sneaky as you say she is, it's possible it couldn't work." He put a hand on her shoulder and looked into her face. "Aerith...what you've described is horrible. Inhumane. Nobody should have to go through something like that, least of all one as kind and charitable as you." He paused. "I want to say I'm sorry, but I feel like that's not enough."

Aerith managed a small smile. "I know you mean well by saying it, though. Those aren't empty words to me." She let out a sigh, her smile dropping. "Like I said, I don't know what to do. Scarlet is wrapped in every part of my life."

"Scarlet?" Zack said sharply. "Does she go to the Palace often?"

"Yes?" Aerith said, a bit nervous in his change of voice.

"If we're talking about the same woman – and I'm pretty sure we are – your stepmother is a member of the Royal Court! If this sort of news were to come out about her, she would lose all of her power. I realize its not that simple," he added at the look on Aerith's face, "but it might change some things."

"But we have no proof," Aerith argued. "There's no evidence at all. I know I just told you, but if I were to tell others, would they believe me? Or would they think I was lying?"

"I can't speak for other people," Zack said, "but I believe you. You wouldn't have reacted the way you just did if you were lying. Plus, you're my friend. I trust you." He took both of her hands in his and looked at her intently. "Its not necessarily your word against hers. It's truth versus lies. Plus, I've heard some things about Scarlet through the grapevine that don't make her look like the Saintly person she pretends to be."

"Like what?" Aerith asked, not daring to believe her ears.

Zack shrugged. "Things like excess spending, how she treats others, her own political views. But Aerith," he continued, still looking into her eyes, "I know that if I mention this to my Father, or to Duke Tuesti, they will take action. My father may be King, and Reeve may be the Duke, but I know they're not exactly fans of her." He wiped some remaining tears off of her face with his thumbs. "Plus, coming from me as the Prince, they'll take it seriously. And once they do, you and I can find a way to make this work."

"….it almost sounds too good to be true," Aerith breathed. "It almost sounds impossible."

Zack's signature sharp grin came across his face. "Yeah. But don't you dream impossible things?"

Aerith nearly laughed; the line was a bit cheesey, but sweet all the same.

"Once they do, you and I can find a way to make this work." his words rang in her ears.

"After all I've told you," She began slowly. "you still...want to be with me?"

Zack let out a short laugh, as if he couldn't believe what she said. "Of course I do." His tone of voice grew serious as he spoke. "What has happened to you is not fair. It is cruel, horrible and wrong. But those things...they don't define who you are as a person. It doesn't change your worth, or who you are, or how much you mean to me. In fact..." Aerith was surprised to see his cheeks turn slightly red, "After all you've told me, it only makes me want to be with you more. I want to help you through this."

Aerith sniffed, wiping at her eyes again. "Oh, do you want this back?" she asked, holding out his handkerchief.

"Nah," Zack replied, waving a hand, "I've got tons. Keep it."

Aerith kept it clutched in her hand. "Zack...thank you," she said softly. "Not just for the handkerchief, but for hearing me out. And for believing me. You're the first person I've ever told about all of this. I was so scared you would think I was a liar. Hearing that you want to help me through this is...incredible. You are a true friend. And..." she felt her face heat up at her next words. "for the record…I still want to be with you, too."

Zack smiled, brushing a flyaway hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ear. His hand rested on her cheek. He was looking at her so intently that Aerith felt a strong urge to run or hide. Her stomach was screaming with anxiety and her heart pounded against her chest. And yet, she couldn't look away. She didn't want to look away.

"If I ask you something, will you promise to answer me honestly?" Zack asked, his voice low.

"O-Of course." Aerith answered, cursing at herself for stuttering.

Zack swallowed hard. "Can I...kiss you?"

If Aerith's heart wasn't beating so fast, she would be sure that it stopped. It took her a moment to digest what exactly Zack had asked of her. Her mind was firing thoughts so fast: a kiss? I don't know how to kiss! What if I mess it up? I don't want to ruin this moment…

The familiar warmth she had felt throughout the evening returned to her as she looked into Zack's face. The thoughts racing through her mind gradually faded into nothing. In that moment, Aerith knew that what she felt wasn't fear. Not was it naivete or inexperience.

It was love. Something she was so unfamiliar with, yet knew completely.

"You may," she whispered.

"Are you sure?" Zack asked, his brow furrowed. "I don't want to force you to -"

"You're not," Aerith assured, her heart warming at his concern. "I promise." She looked into his face, hoping that her eyes could say what her mouth could not.

Zack seemed to understand. There was a recognition in his eyes that wasn't there before. As he leaned forward, Aerith felt her eyes flutter shut.

A clock began to chime. Aerith immediately stiffened.

"What's wrong?" Zack asked, sensing her sudden discomfort.

"What time is it?" Aerith whispered.

"Almost midnight, I think," Zack replied, confused. "Why?"

The Materia.

Aerith stood up. "I have to go."

"Wait, what?! Why?" Zack exclaimed.

BONG.

"There's no time to explain, Zack!" Aerith said, scooping up the train of her dress in her arms. "I promise, I'll tell you everything later."

Seeing the utter bewilderment on Zack's face, Aerith attempted to clarify. "If I don't make it home now, I'm going to be in more trouble than you know."

BONG.

"I know it doesn't make any sense," she hurried on, "and I know you need more of an explanation. But I can't give it to you now. I promise I will explain everything later. But if I don't get home by midnight, the Materia will wear off and everyone will recognize me - "

"Materia?" Zack asked, visibly confused.

"Long story," Aerith said impatiently. "please, Zack. I have to get out of here as fast as I can." Her gaze softened as she looked at him. "I'm sorry I have to leave so soon. Thank you for tonight. It was...absolutely wonderful. More than anything I could've wished for."

She wasn't sure if it was the urgency of the situation, her pleading tone of voice or some otherwordly force influencing Zack, but he somehow seemed to understand.

"Well, I can't say I understand why you have to leave so soon," Zack said slowly, standing up. "but I guess we'll just have to meet up again so you can tell me, huh?"

BONG.

"Cut through the palace, it's faster. I'll distract everyone!"

Aerith's heart swelled. "Thank you so much, Zack. For everything. I promise I'll tell you everything later."

In the swiftest of motions, Zack pressed his lips to her cheek. "Be careful."

If she weren't in such a rush, and if the situation were different, Aerith would have let herself savor the sensation. Resisting the strong urge to stay, she turned on her heel and ran. She heard Zack's footsteps behind her.

BONG.

The two of them reached the door leading inside the Castle. Zack pulled it open, and immediately there was a chorus of. "Prince Zack!" Aerith waited a few precious seconds, then walked in behind him.

Thankfully, most of the crowd was around Zack. She quickly cut her way across the floor.

What she wasn't expecting was a few people making their way towards her.

BONG.

"You are so lucky!" one of the girls gushed.

"Tell us all about it!" another demanded.

"You two were gone for quite a while," a third said, wiggling her eyebrows. "What happened out there?"

"I'm sorry, I – I really -"

One of the girls yelped suddenly, pushing down the front of her dress. Moments later, the same happened to the second and third. In their clear discomfort, Aerith saw something grey and white streaking out from underneath the last girl's dress.

It was a cat.

BONG.

The cat suddenly stood up on its hind legs and gestured for her to move forward. "Come on! We gotta get you out of here!"

Aerith stared. Did that cat just…?

The cat put its hands on its hips and gave her a look. "I'd really rather not do that again, so can we get goin'?"

"You're talking," Aerith said dumbly.

"Yeah, surprisin', isn't it?" The cat said. "Now lets go! That Materia won't last much longer!"

BONG.

"That's the sixth chime now! We need to go, now!"

And without another word, the cat turned on all fours and scampered away. With the full realization of what the cat said hitting her, Aerith picked up her dress and began to run.

The cat darted between people's legs. Aerith pushed people aside with as much gentle force as she could muster. The door to the hallway was just a few yards away…

"She's getting away!"

Hearing the call behind her, Aerith picked up her pace. Every so often the cat stopped in its tracks and looked behind, to make sure she was following.

It all became a flash of images: the door being pulled open by a butler, the cat darting outside, Aerith wrenching the door open wider, running across the red carpet of the hallway.

"Your coachman is right out front," the cat said over its shoulder. "just get inside and go."

"How did you know who my coachman was?" Aerith asked, panting slightly.

BONG.

"No time for explainin', Aerith," the cat said cryptically as they approached the double doors leading outside. "Just hurry as fast as you can."

"...how do you know my name?"

BONG.

The cat followed Aerith down the steps. The Chocobo coach was right out front, as promised. "I've been watchin' over you for a while now. Call me your guardian angel." The cat gave her a wink. "Now get inside."

Aerith stared. The whole situation was just too strange. Still...the cat did save her skin. "How can I ever thank -?"

BONG.

"Go, now!" the cat screeched.

Aerith yanked open the door to the carriage and scrambled inside. "Johnny, go! As fast as you can!"

"Don't have to tell me twice!" Johnny shouted, giving the reins a flick.

Aerith watched behind her as they drove away. The cat sat there, watching them for a moment. Then it turned around and scampered away.

BONG.

Quickly pulling the curtains shut, Aerith reached for the bag containing her street clothes. The bumps in the road made it a bit difficult to change, but by some miracle she managed to do so. As she carefully put the dress, shoes and jewelry into the bag, the final chime sounded.

BONG.

Aerith leaned back in her seat, letting out a deep breath. If it wasn't for Zack's understanding and for that cat, she never would have made it. She ran a finger through her loose curls, letting out a sigh.

….wait.

Why would her hair be loose when it was tied up in a ribbon?

Horrified, Aerith ran her hands through her hair. All she felt was the soft, conditioned strands. There was no ribbon. It must have become undone during all that running...which meant…

Where is the Materia?!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"You say she got away?" King Angeal asked as he looked out over the ballroom. The guests were finally beginning to disperse and leave, since it was shortly after midnight.

"Yes, Your Grace," Duke Tuesti said. "I'm sorry she got away before you had a chance to meet her. She seemed lovely."

"Sire!"

King Angeal turned to see one of the many butlers standing before him. After taking a quick bow, the butler held out something in his hand. "Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but I found this on the floor after I bumped into her."

In the butler's hand was a large, blush colored Materia, glinting in the light.