Zack XV: Unforgettable night
After his discussion with Lazard, Zack took a helicopter shuttle back to the SOLDIER quarters. As he sat down, he pulled out his phone and texted Aerith:
"Hey, you free tonight?"
"Sure, what's on your mind?"
"I have to leave for a longer mission tomorrow. How about dinner?"
"Oh… well, I can ask mom to cook something."
"No, I mean: Let's go out and have dinner! Is there any place you want to go?"
"I don't have anything to wear…"
"Just wear whatever you have. Don't worry about something like that. I'm on the heli right now. I'll call you after I land"
"OK!"
He put his phone back in his pocket as the helicopter landed and got off. On the way back to his room, he stretched out a little as the new sword on his back was getting really heavy. It would take him some time to get used to this heavy piece of metal. But he had no doubt that it would pay off to do it. It was a really good sword, and seeing as he was finally a 1st, he was finally allowed to use equipment of his own choice, so perhaps it was time to graduate from his stock sword.
When he got back to his room, he leaned the sword against the wall. He should probably get a sword stand, just like the one Sephiroth had. He flopped down on his bed and tossed his shoes. He had also wanted to check up on Sephiroth, but he was hesitant to actually visit him and knock on his door. He had opened up a little, but that did not mean he could just get into Sephiroth's personal space whenever he wanted to. And he was probably resting. Instead, Zack decided to shoot him a text and see if he needed anything. "I'm back in the quarters. I hope you're better. I need to leave early tomorrow morning. Let me know if you want to talk."
Sephiroth did not reply immediately, so he called Aerith as promised. She picked up as quickly as usual and greeted him in her usual cheerful manner. "Hey, what're you up to?" She responded: "Nothing much. I was collecting things to sell, but I could take a break." Aerith had a part-time job in a small clinic in the slums, but the job did not pay enough to support her and her mother, so she frequently went scavenging in the piles of rubble at the edge of Sector 5 that were thrown off the plate. "How's the treasure hunt going?" She thought for a second. "I found a couple of things, but nothing amazing so far today."
Life in the slums was tough, and although Aerith and her mother were struggling, they never asked for anything. Still, Zack wanted to do something for them. "How about I come over and help you look? Maybe we can find something cool together. Or at least I can help you carry the stuff you found to the junk shop?" She giggled. "Thanks, but I was about to call it a day anyway. Though you would be most welcome to help me carry it to Sector 6 later."
"Great! And while we're already at Sector e6, let's go have and dinner", Zack suggested, and Aerith finally agreed: "Sure!" Zack pumped his fist. "Really? OK, perfect! I'll just pack my things for the mission and pick you up in two hours. Is there a place you really want to go to?" She giggled. "Maybe!" Zack's heart was beating faster as he closed: "See you later then! I love you!" and she responded enthusiastically: "I love you, too!"
Zack should have been spooked by the revelation that Tseng had been correct earlier, as Aerith had pretty much confirmed. But he had not expected anything other than the Turk's information to be accurate. He felt a little bad for Tseng, but he would have to understand that Aerith was with Zack now and that Aerith had no interest in him whatsoever. Judging from Tseng's demeanor this morning, Zack was right on the mark with his suspicion and Aerith was not at fault whatsoever.