"Life After Death" by idura-chan
A Final Fantasy VII Fanfiction
Author's notes: After disappearing for about 3-4 years, I'm back with this story. I'm not expecting any reviews, but would appreciate if there are any. I just want to finish what I've started. :) Thanks, readers.
Disclaimer: Characters and other names from Final Fantasy VII all belong to Squaresoft and whoever else whom owns them. I'm merely borrowing them for this story. No infringement intended, so please don't sue me!
Chapter 5: The Promise"What the hell is wrong with me?" Aeris kept asking herself many times. She was sitting in the middle of the meadows, right beside the small river. She looked at the colorful fishes swimming happily without a care in the world. "I bet you guys never have to deal with problems like mine, right?" She asked them. The fishes ignored her. Aeris sighed. When she met Cloud at the church, she was amazed at how similar he was to Zack. His blue Mako eyes, his cockiness, and even the way he walked and talked were so similar. It was as though she could see Zack through Cloud. But that was where the similarities ended. She realized now that Cloud had a painful past that he would like to forget. That explained why he was cool and aloof at times. He seldom smiled either. Zack, on the other hand, was more easygoing. He didn't mind showing his affection in public whenever they're dating. It was his roguish looks and cockiness that first captured her heart. Elmyra approved of their relationship even though she disliked SOLDIER to the core. She actually saw that Zack was sincere in his intentions towards Aeris.
After dating him for a few months, Aeris fell in love for the first time. She knew they were quite young, she was 17 and he was 19. But she was so certain of her feelings for him that age didn't matter anymore. She also knew that he felt the same because he grew more attentive each time they meet and instead of short and chaste kisses, they became more intimate and passionate. But the magic ended when he left for Nibelheim. The letters stopped coming and day after day her heart cracked slowly until it completely shattered after five years of waiting. Then Cloud came into her life. She went on an adventure with him and his comrades and immediately got attached to him. She eventually fell in love with him. They even shared a kiss during the gondola ride at the Gold Saucer. But the magic ended again when Sephiroth murdered her. "What a way to die," she thought sarcastically. She laid down flat on her stomach, rested her chin in the crook of her left elbow, and sighed loudly. She dipped her right hand in the river and swirled the water lazily. "Was I destined not to have love?" She asked aloud.
"No, Aeris. You do have love. You've always had it, only you didn't know it." Zack's voice startled her. She didn't see his shadow hovering over her. She turned around and got up to face him.
"If I've always had it, why wasn't I happy? I waited for you for five damned years, Zack! And then I met Cloud and fell in love all over again. But that love was taken away again." Her voice shook. "I know I should be happy now that we're together again, Zack. The kiss just now was just like old times, if not better. But you cannot expect me to just fall in love with you again after what I've been through. I don't even know what to feel right now. Please understand." She looked down, holding back the tears.
"Aeris, look at me." Zack said softly. She remained looking down. He gently lifted her chin. She avoided his gaze. "Please, look at me." He pleaded softly. After a few seconds, she slowly looked up at him. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears. Zack took both of her hands in his. "Aeris, I just wanted to kiss you, that's all. I wasn't expecting anything because I know that you went through a lot while I was gone. You've grown into an adult and experienced many things that made you into what you are now. I'm not surprised if you even fell in love with someone else. But that doesn't matter to me because I still love you, Aeris. I've always loved you. Nothing will change that, not even death." He pulled her hands and put them on his chest, over his heart. "That's why I said that you've always had love. It's my love that you've always had and will always have, if you let me give it to you. And if you're not ready for that, then I'll wait for you, Aeris. I'll wait for you until you're ready. Just don't give up on us." He squeezed her hands. He didn't want to lose her again. He would do anything to win back her love.
Aeris was speechless. No one has said anything like that to her. It was so heartfelt and sincere, she felt like crying. "Stop being a crybaby, Aeris. You've cried enough this morning as it is," she thought. She held back her tears, trying to control her wavering voice. "Zack, I...I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything, Aeris. Just give me a chance to win you back."
Having no words at the moment, she just nodded.
Happy and relieved, Zack hugged her. "Thank you, Aeris. You won't regret it. I promise." He grinned.
End of Chapter 5