Some Call it Puppy Love

Summary

It's Minerva's Night-The Night of Lovers. And Zack has convinced Aerith to make some Gil by trying out his third attempt at making a flower cart for her. But in reality, he wants to spend more time with her and make her smile. Minerva's Night is a night that Tseng seldom pays any attention to. But as He and Rufus wait for Dark Nation to finish hunting. Tseng gets shocked but the chance encounter he and Rufus have with his charge Aerith and her SOLDIER boyfriend Zack Fare! As she seems to perceive more between the pair, she hands them each a yellow Lily. And with love and magic in the air, Aerith rewards her boyfriend with a tiny kiss.

Zack had arrived at the Gainsborough's house promptly at Five P.M. to pick Aerith up for their 'It's not a Date'! Knocking on the door, Zack waited for a reply. A few moments passed, and Aerith's mother, Elmira, opened the door.

"Goodevening, Mame. Is Aerith ready?" Zack inquired politely.

Elmira nodded, "She'll be down in a moment!" Then, glancing at the new flower cart, she shakes her head and huffs in exasperation but motions for the young man to step inside and wait.

Elmira, never wanting to cause her daughter to be sad, remained cordial with Zack, but she still didn't trust the young SOLDIER and would frown insistently the whole time Zack was in her presence. These exchanges always made Zack nervous, and he was inclined to do squats but refrained from them tonight as he anxiously waited for Aerith to come to the door. But his nervousness still showed as he fidgeted.

Moments later, Aerith breezed down the stairs, flower baskets in hand. Grinning from ear to ear when she spied Zack. "And Goodevening kind Sir." She curtsied.

Zack, becoming bashful, threaded his fingers through his spiked hair. "Goodevening, Fair Lady! You look very pretty tonight." Which caused Aerith to giggle and softly blush at the compliment.

Elmira, in the kitchenette, could be heard sighing as she washed the dishes, making Aerith laugh. Then, going over and kissing her cheek, "We'll be back no later than Eleven. I promise!"

Elmira turned to face her daughter, a proud smile on her face. And with a sweeping gesture of the drying towel. "Shoo!"

"Ok, Ok!" Aerith replied. Laughing at her mother's antics as she saddled up to Zack and handed him a basket. "Let's get some flowers to sell to all the Love Birds!" And the pair exited the house-Zack holding the door open and gallantly gesturing for Aerith to proceed ahead of him.

Elmira sadly sighed as she watched the pair out in the garden. Zack appeared to be a well-mannered and well-adjusted young man who did make Aerith happy. But he was SOLDIER, and that meant Shinra! But when Elmira had brought up the subject, Aerith had repeatedly assured her that Zack was different. And having no idea of her lineage made it all the safer for her to be around. But Elmira prayed nightly for Aerith's safety.

Zack and Aerith spent the next half hour acting playfully as they waded carefully through the gardens surrounding her house, picking flowers and adding them to her cart to sell to masses of couples entering Sector Six for the night's festivities.

Zack was always amazed by the sheer beauty of Aerith's gardens cultivated in her and her mother's tiny Cul-Du-Sac. Nothing besides weeds ever grew in Midgar or the surrounding area, for that matter. But here in the Slums was a little piece of paradise. And one Zack loved coming to as its peaceful and tranquil setting calmed him as nothing else could. But nothing compared to the sweet, innocent beauty of the young woman who had captured his heart.

When they had the cart and hand baskets filled, it was time to start the evening by working their way from Sector five, stopping first at the Leaf house, towards the entrance of Sector Six. Where Zack had already arranged with Chocobo Sam To set up and sell their flowers to incoming clients, the Chocobo station was the safest and busiest place that Zack could think of. And his hunch had paid off with a nice size sack of Gil as patrons were not only pleased to pay the slightly inflated price but many left tips in appreciation.

Their night was spent in enjoyable laughter and conversation as people flowed in and out of the Sector, eager to celebrate the night of Romance! And Zack puffed up proudly as he watched Aerith shine in this new spotlight. Everyone loved her, and with the additional security, there were no monster or bandit issues. But as the night wore on and their bellies full of treats. Zack decided it was best to head home as the seedier side of Sector Six clientele was beginning to emerge. And not the Aerith was completely innocent-she had grown up in the Slums. But Zack wanted to avoid exposing her to these shady aspects of life.

So They tidy up the cart and begin the short walk back to Sector Five. They were about halfway home when Zack-due to his Mako enhancements, noticed a pair of men standing on the verge of the road. The first was a tall man dressed head to toe in Black and had very long black hair. Who seemed to be invested in watching the surrounding area. The second was another man roughly the same height as the first but had short blonde hair and was very focused on something out in the ruined section of the Sector. As they got closer, Zack suspected who the first was even though the man wasn't in uniform.

"Aerith, is that Tseng up ahead?"

Aerith peered at the figure in the fading light of dusk. Even with the Lamps shining, it was difficult to see that far ahead as they were cycled to dim as the night progressed, becoming like stars shining in the night sky, or so it was said, as many Midgardians never got the chance to see any stars let alone the sky. They were living under the influence of the gigantic plate that supported the Metroplice of Midgar.

"I'm not sure, Zack! But let's not be rude by skulking past them!" Aerith firmly stated. She could see the strands of the lifestream that joined the pair and an even stronger connection from the other man to what felt like a soul bond. And this piqued Aerith's curiosity. There were times when her abilities as the last living Cetra blindsided her with information, and it seemed this was going to be one of them, but she was unsure why.

As she and Zack neared the couple, a knowing smile crossed Aerith's face, "Tseng? What brings you to slums at this time of night?" Causing the two men to turn.

Seeing who it is, Tseng bows. "Aerith! What a pleasant surprise. I am currently on a mission! But what are you doing walking the roads by yourself at this time of night? You know it isn't safe," He replies sedately. But internally, Tseng was groaning. He would have to see Aerith home before talking Rufus back to the Tower. There was no way he would allow Aerith to wander about unescorted.

"Don't worry, Director! She isn't alone! She is with me!" A young masculine voice enthusiastically replied as a SOLDIER came up behind her.

Tseng wailed internally, 'No, not the Puppy!' "Fair! And I'm not the Director!" Tseng replied in a no-nonsense fashion.

Zack goodnaturedly laughed. "Not yet, Tseng, but it is coming? We all know Veld is setting up to retire."

Tseng rolled his eyes. "May that day be a long timing in-coming!" He replied firmly.

Rufus was having a hard time swallowing, and he started breathing heavily. The girl standing before them, innocent in appearance with a sweet smile, was the girl from his nightmare. He started shaking with reaction, and a cold sweat broke over his skin. Then, his vision began to narrow, and their voices became muted.

Dark looked up at the surge of primal energy she received from her bonded. 'Soul Sib? Scared! I come!' And loped gracefully over the piles of debris towards Rufus.

When he saw Rufus's state, Tseng turned to Rufus to introduce the newcomers. "Rufus?"

And just before Rufus passed out, he felt a cold nose press into his hand as Dark whimpered and projected strength into him, steadying him and bringing Rufus back to reality. He lays a calming hand on top of her head.

And in about three seconds, things were going to get real messy as Zack pulled out his sword and stood in front of Aerith, causing Rufus to pull out his gun and aim it at the SOLDIER's head.

Aerith sighed and turned slightly, placing a calming hand on his arm, "Zack, put that away! They're friends!"

Tseng stepped in front of Rufus placing a hand on his shoulder and catching his eye. "Put the gun away, Rufus!"

Zack yelped. "Rufus? Like as in Rufus Shinra? Shit!"

Rufus put his arm down and smirked at the younger man. "Yes, Rufus, as in Rufus Shinra!" He stated calmly. His voice adopted a more normal tone, and his eyes darkened back to their actual colour.

"My apologies, Sir! I didn't realize the hound was yours!" Zack muttered in embarrassment.

Rufus nodded his acceptance as he asked Tseng, "And who are these people?"

Tseng sighs gratefully now that the situation has been diffused. "Rufus, this is SOLDIER second class Zack Fair and his girlfriend, Aerith Gainsborough. Zack, Aerith, let me introduce you to Vice-President Rufus; and this girl is Dark Nation. They are my current assignment. So I'd appreciate you not discussing this meeting with others!" He replied, absently laying a hand on her muzzle and rubbing her nose. Rufus smirked.

Zack and Aerith were both good kids, but if you didn't, tell Zack straight out not to say something. The whole Tower would know about it by the following day. But once told to keep quiet, Zack's lips would be sealed. One of the benefits of being mentored by Angeal Hewly. Honour! And holding someone's secrets was the honourable thing to do. "So what has you too out this late at night?" Tseng questions the pair.

"Oh, come on, Tseng! You sound like my Grandfather!" Zack replied flippantly as Aerith giggled. "It's only nine-thirty, and we are on our way home!"

Tseng rolled his eyes. Zack could be so insufferable at times. How he got to be a second was a mystery to Tseng. The lad was too optimistic by half.

Aerith, a knowing look in her eyes, smiled at Tseng. "It's Minerva's night! The night of lovers! And Zack and I are selling flowers! " She held up a massive purse as proof. Knowing she was out of view of Zack and Rufus. Aerith subtly points to the flower cart as she double nods at Rufus and then tilts her head at Tseng in question. Light and laughter danced in her eyes.

Tseng sighs and shakes his head negatively. Their years of acquaintance had allowed Aerith to wheedle many private aspects about Tseng out of him skillfully. So she knew Tseng was Gay and that Rufus fit his wheelhouse of preferred lovers.

Aerith just giggled in reply and took two lovely yellow Lillies from her cart. The first, she took to Rufus and slipped it into the buttonhole of his coat. "There, a splash of colour." But as she touches Rufus, a spark of electricity arced between the two, and she gazes intently into his eyes, "This time, do what is right!" She whispers and turns to Tseng placing the flower in the decorative belt's buckle on his jacket. "There! Well, I got to go. Mom's going to start to worry!" She chirped and threaded her arm through Zack's, who just shrugged in confusion. She waved goodbye to the pair and pulled Zack along the path to take them to the top of Sector Five and her home.

Tseng smirked at the young women's enthusiasm. And his mission aside, in regards to her, Tseng was very protective of the young Lady. And woe anyone who deliberately tried to hurt her and Tseng found out about it. That person or persons would quickly find themselves in a very unfortunate accident! He watched the young couple walk away before turning to Rufus. "Well, we should also be heading home!" Only to witness Rufus standing there, a pole-axed expression on his face as he gingerly held the flower.

"They say Lovers would give each other these flowers when reunited!" Rufus softly stated. He looked to Tseng; confusion etched into his face. "Why would she give us these flowers?"

Tseng, a soft smile was lifting the corners of his lips. "Aerith is a unique woman! Sometimes she sees things in people that others can't or doesn't want to see in themselves. And acts on those feelings."

"Who is she?" Rufus asked, almost afraid of the answer.

Tseng nodded for Rufus to proceed with him, and the pair walked off towards the Sector Five train station.

"Well, I put my foot in it." Zack laminated as they took the road that led to Aerith's house.

Aerith squeezed his arm in sympathy. "You didn't know!"

Sighing, "But that sure was an odd meeting! I didn't know Turks owned any other clothing besides their suits.." Zack muttered in frustration.

Aerith refrained from laughing at Zack's discomfort. "They do when they are off duty, which isn't often or when they are on clandestine missions."

Zack looked at her oddly. "You sure do know an awful lot about them, don't you?"

Aerith quickly shook her head. "No, not really, but when you live in the slums, you listen and learn." She replied cryptically if somewhat evasively.

Zack just sighed and shook his head. They had reached her house. So Zack put the flower cart into the small gardening shed, locked it tight, and walked Aerith to her porch.

Seeing how dejected Zack had become, Aerith placed her hand over his heart with a mischievous smirk, "Well, my Knight, it is time for this princess to ascend to her tower and for you to return to your castle" Her eyes danced with laughter she quickly places a soft kiss on his cheek. She then swishes into her house, firmly closing the door.

Aerith leaned her back against the door-a silly grin on her face. She wasn't usually prone to such foolishness, but the night seemed to hold sway over her causing her to act impulsively. A moment later, she heard Zack's cry of joy and his dramatic exit from her porch. Elmira sat in her rocking chair by the fire, shaking her head. Thinking to herself, 'Young Love!'

Zack stood there for a few moments, completely pole-axed. His hand lingered on the spot she had placed the kiss. And then, when realization dawned on him, he whooped with joy, fist punched the air and jumped off the porch, clearing the steps completely as he began to trot down the path that led back to the Sector.

Moments later, his cell chirped, "Hello?"

"Zack, where are you?" Angeal's long-suffering voice inquired.

"Almost at the station! I see the train now. And guess what?" Zack stated and inquired, all in the same breath.

A soft chuckle, "What?" Came Angeal's reply.

"SHE KISSED ME!" Zack's voice raised in excitement, causing those on the platform to stare at him.

Chuckling, "I see! So you had a good time?" Angeal asked good-naturedly.

"YOU BET!" Zack answered with a grin from ear to ear! Then, he hung up the phone and boarded the train. He completely forgets his encounter with Tseng and the Vice-President.