Okay…sorry for the delay

Okay…sorry for the delay. Hope I've still got everyone's attention. I know there hasn't been a lot of Zack/Aeris lately. Sorry. Been trying to get through some of the storyline or it'll never end! Don't worry, I got some things up my sleeve. Hee hee! Anyways, I'll just start writing already. Does anyone even read these silly author's notes!? –Annubis

Disclaimer: I do not own final fantasy VII, Squaresoft does. (Or should I be putting SquareEnix?)

Chapter 22

Cid pushed against a thick button on the submarine panel with a gloved finger. He growled eagerly as he watched the missiles from the enemy subs near. The sub shook and groaned as a loud 'thump' sounded and two missiles launched from underneath the cabin.

"Damn Cid, you're lucky!" Barret chuckled and put an arm around Cid's shoulder. The new missiles collided with the enemy's and exploded in between them.

"Yeah, yeah…let's try moving this thing outta the way before the enemy decides to let more of them things loose on us!" Cid pulled a cigarette from behind his ear.

"Gotcha!" Barret nodded and pulled on the levers next to him. The sub rocked back and forth and rolled to the right. From the cloud and bubbles of the explosion three new missiles approached. The submarine pulled upwards, groaning from the harsh movement. The enemy missiles glided by, barely missing the sub's belly.

"Woo baby! That was a close one!" Cid bit down on his cigarette.

"A little too close…" Barret let out his breath in one big puff. The two men continued their maneuvering while the rest of the group tried to remain on their feet. Tifa stood in the back by one of the small circular windows. She watched for more incoming missiles. She could tell that there were more enemy subs slowly surrounding them.

"This isn't good you guys. I can see more enemy subs closing in on us. I think they're trying to surround us." Tifa turned her head to meet Zack's gaze.

"Damn…" Zack sighed and looked out the small window behind him. Aeris was across from Tifa. Her eyes went wide. Tifa tried to decipher what it was she was looking at.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Tifa asked Aeris. Suddenly, she realized Aeris wasn't looking at her but behind her. Tifa turned towards the small window and yelped. A giant eye covered the entire surface of the window. It had a bright, interested look. Tifa stumbled backwards, landing hard on her backside. She stared into the giant pupil. The thin scales and whiskers flowed as the eye's owner glided a few feet away from the submarine.

"That…That! That is…." Tifa stuttered as she scooted away from the side of the submarine.

"…WEAPON." Aeris said quietly. She ran towards the window Tifa was escaping. Aeris pressed her hands against the thick glass, her brown bangs pressed against her forehead as she leaned in. Her breath fogged the window. Aeris began to whisper. Her voice was foreign to the room. Zack held his breath. He could hear her words echo throughout the cabin, it was eerie.

"Ses kula terediere mutryie Gdun Gdun fudgeir aterlaej." Aeris' scratchy words continued.

"What's she doing?" Yuffie asked. Vincent stared at the Ancient.

"She's talking to it…" Zack muttered and took a step in Aeris' direction.

"She can do that!?" Yuffie was in awe.

"I suppose an Ancient could talk to an Ancient beast." Vincent said softly.

"Aeris…" Zack continued and walked towards the Ancient. A low moan sounded and large vibrations shook the submarine.

"What's happening?" Tifa was standing as far away as possible from Aeris and the small window.

"Is it not beautiful anymore, Tifa?" Vincent asked.

"I…you're right. From afar it is but up close, it's frightening." Tifa took in a staggered breath.

"Aeris, what did you do?" Cloud's voice entered the cabin. As if his words were a trigger, Aeris fell backwards, hitting the metallic floor with a pang.

"Hey! Aeris!" Zack fell to his knees and lifted the girl's head. She seemed unconscious. Zack shook her gently.

"Oh! Aeris!" Tifa covered her mouth. "What happened?"

"I don't know." Zack shook his head. He leaned in close to her lips, listening. "She's breathing…and her pulse is alright."

"Hm?" a soft sound came from Aeris lips. Zack sighed with relief.

"Are you alright?" He asked Aeris. She opened her large green eyes slowly.

"What?" She sat up slowly. Everyone stared at the woman, with the exception of Cid and Barret. They were too concerned with the enemy subs.

"Hey, hey! What the hell is that thing!?" Cid shouted. Vincent turned his head and walked towards the front by the panel. He took one metallic claw and pointed towards the giant sea monster that Aeris had seemed to talk to.

"WEAPON." Vincent said coolly.

"WEAPON?" Aeris looked up at the red caped man. "WEAPON!" She stood up quickly and ran towards the front window.

"What's going on, Aeris?" Zack asked as he followed in her direction.

"WEAPON…I talked to it." Aeris said softly. She watched the beautiful, yet frightening creature as it wrapped an emerald tentacle around one of the enemy ships. It rippled once and the entire ship caved in on itself.

"WHOA!! Did you guys see that shit!?" Barret pointed out the window.

"I asked it to help us." Aeris smiled. "It was very well obliged to help us out."

"You tellin' me you talked to that #&!? & Damn!" Cid scratched his head. "You sure are helpful!" He chuckled and slapped Aeris on the back.

"I am?" She asked. A low growl sounded, sending vibrations through the water again. "He's upset." Aeris watched the emerald monster flow through the water.

"Upset?" Yuffie gulped.

"He can sense the Huge Materia I suppose." Aeris shrugged. She closed her eyes. "He says, he wants it." She giggled. An explosion sounded behind their submarine. WEAPON had crushed another enemy sub.

"Here he comes!" Yuffie hopped up and down, watching the beast as it clamped itself around another submarine and squeezed it until it compressed. Its large fins flowed slowly as it carried the monster's body through the thick water around it. WEAPON spun, spiraling through the water like a drill. Its tail swayed, hitting another submarine. The sub spun to the side making impact with another. The two subs wrecked into each other and sunk to the ocean floor. Another groan came from the giant creature.

"He's having fun now." Aeris grinned.

"What about the Huge Materia?" Cloud asked as WEAPON lurched towards the main enemy ship carrying the cargo.

"..I told him that if he helped us." Aeris bit her lower lip. "That he could have the Huge Materia."

"What!?" Cloud ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

"Well, it's better than letting Shinra have it." Tifa shrugged her shoulders.

"I suppose we wouldn't need it, but I bet grandpa would have loved to get a chunk for himself." Red XIII stood on his back paws and leaned against the side of the ship to get a look outside.

"Hey, check it out." Barret pressed his face against the glass. "That thing's tearing up the main submarine!" Everyone shoved against each other to get a good look. The Emerald WEAPON wrapped its entire body around the last submarine. With one clawed hand it reached through the cargo hold and pulled out the many boxes loaded with the Huge Materia. The sub sank quickly and compressed on itself, crushing everything else inside of it. WEAPON spiraled away from the sub, carrying the Huge Materia with it. It swam by AVALANCHE, sending small rippling vibrations throughout the ship as it screeched and moaned.

"Heute Gnej." Aeris whispered. Another sound came from WEAPON and in the next second he was away from sight. All was quiet. There was no sound in the dark abyss. The battle was over.

"Well…at least we're still alive." Cid said after a minute of silence. Aeris still watched through the window, staring in the direction the sea creature had gone. She smiled slightly as she thought of the creature sleeping in the dark underwater caves guarding his new treasure.

"…Attention…Preparations for lift off have commenced. Takeoff in the Shinra with Huge Materia will commence in 10 Minutes. Please prepare to dock in Junon Harbor and proceed to Junon Airport. Repeat…" The radio on the panel broadcasted the news about the newly acquired Huge Materia.

"They're taking the left over Huge Materia!" Cait Sith flipped his phone open. "How the heck did they find so much!?" The cat hissed.

"Where are they heading!? Cid, dock this thing!" Cloud stomped over to the cat.

"I, I dunno! I'm calling headquarters right now." Cait Sith pounded on a few buttons.

"Okay…Barret…how do we land this thing?" Cid looked over the panel.

"You mean dock it?" Barret looked at the man sideways.

"&! Whatever! You know what I mean!" Cid grabbed a lever and lifted the submarine quickly. A few of the passengers hit the side walls.

"You're the pilot!" Barret shook his hands in the air.

"& damn it…that's right!" Cid chuckled. "Lemme handle this…amateur." Cid spat.

"Say what!?" Barret leaned in. "You couldn't land this thing without my help…" The large man hit the panel.

"This is gonna take a while…" Zack and Yuffie shook their heads from side to side.

After five minutes of trying to surface the sub AVALANCHE was finally able to dock in the Junon Harbor. The group ran towards the lift that would take them to the upper level of Junon and to the airport.

"We gotta hurry! It's taking off!" Cait Sith hopped towards the airport.

"How much time do we got!?" Cloud yelled over his shoulder to the cat that was quickly falling behind.

"Um…I dunno." Cait Sith shrugged his shoulders. "I'm a cat. You think I can tell time?" He meowed with humor. He grabbed his phone.

"Stupid cat…" Cloud rolled his eyes. A loud hum sounded as the group ran out onto the platform.

"We're too late!" Yuffie fell onto her knees, huffing and puffing.

"& Damn it, Shinra!" Cid threw his cigarette butt at the giant aircraft as it roared and the giant propellers lifted from the ground. Cait Sith turned quickly and headed for the opposite direction.

"Where the hell are you going?" Barret followed after him.

"This way!" the cat waved his arms in the air.

"What?" The rest of the group turned and followed.

"The Highwind! We gotta get to the Highwind! They're heading for Rocket Town!" Cait Sith wobbled.

"Rocket Town!?" Cid ran faster. "Why are they heading to Rocket Town!?"

"They plan on sending the rocket into space with the Huge Materia." Cait Sith hopped onto the lift. "They're going to try and destroy meteor with it."

"They say we can pick up Elena tomorrow afternoon. That's the earliest we can get her." Tseng hung up the receiver of the phone in the kitchen.

"At least they agreed to let her out that early. We'll just have to watch over her all day tomorrow until they release her." Reno pulled on the tab of his beer can. "Want one?" he asked Tseng.

"No…" Tseng shook his head. He stared at the can for a second and then looked up at Reno's cobalt eyes. "Actually, maybe one wouldn't hurt."

"Thatta boy!" Reno grinned and pulled out another beer from his fridge. The long walk home from the hospital was tiring. Reno made it a point to get his car filled with gas so they could use it to pick up Elena.

'Should clean it out too…' Reno sighed and sat down on his sofa.

"Wonder how Rude is doing?" Reno stared at the clock. "He should be there by now. I hope he doesn't run into any trouble."

"Rude will be fine. He could always take care of himself. I just hope no one questions him about today and last night's incidents." Tseng kicked off his shoes. "So…what do you usually do at this time?" The ex-Turk yawned.

"Delivery…" Reno picked up his phone stuffed under the cushions. "And Pay per View, of course."

"Are the preparations ready?" Rude asked the soldier next to him.

"Yes sir! The rocket will be ready for lift off in a few minutes and all of the Materia is loaded!" The soldier saluted.

"Good. Continue what you were doing." Rude stretched slightly. It had been a long day and he was ready to get this mission over with. The president was not happy with Rude and Reno skipping the meeting, but he let it slide by just this once. Luckily, Scarlet had entered his office before the lecture was over, leading to an early dismissal.

"And what the hell is goin' on here!?" A scraggly voice sounded from behind Rude.

"…Cid Highwind." Rude turned around slowly. "I was told to keep an eye out for you." The bald man took in a deep breath when he noticed Cloud and Zack on either side of the man.

"Yeah Damn right you'd hafta watch out for me! I'm gonna kick yer ass! What are you doing with my rocket!?" Cid spun his spear around quickly and held it out in front of him.

"Sorry, orders from the President himself." Rude took a careful stance. "I really can't let you interfere." His voice was dull and lacking enthusiasm. He really did not feel like fighting right now.

"So you gonna get your ass kicked instead of lettin' us through!?" Cid stuck out his lower lip sideways.

"I suppose." Rude threw his arms down. Cloud and Zack looked over at each other.

"Huh?" Cid gawked at the Turk. "Well you don't seem too enthused about our battle. Afraid I'll beat you too badly!?" Cid continued trying to provoke the man.

"I guess so." Rude turned his back on the men. Cid was seething.

"You take me for a fool!?" Cid growled and prepared to hit the man.

"Wait…" Zack held his arm out in front of Cid. Rude turned and looked back. "Why aren't you carrying out your orders?" Zack questioned.

"…I'm just too tired today." Rude began to walk away.

"Too tired?" Cloud raised an eyebrow. Rude stopped.

"Why do you hate Shinra?" Rude asked quietly.

"Cause they ruin everything and destroy everyone's lives!" Cid spat. Rude nodded.

"I'm not sure if it is only Shinra I hate. I would have to say it is because many of them, like Hojo, abuse their power." Zack folded his arms.

"Bingo…" Rude lowered his head. "That is why…I'm tired of fighting." The Turk continued walking.

"Something happened." Cloud murmured.

"With the Turks and Hojo." Zack shook his head.

"& Damn it!! Where'd my fight go!?" Cid threw his spear into the ground. "&! &!" Cid continued his cursing and stomped up the stairs to the entrance of the rocket.

"We should follow him, before he hurts himself." Cloud started after Cid.

'Shinra…what is going on?' Zack groaned and followed his partners into the rocket.

"What the hell are you knuckleheads doin'!?" Cid shouted. The crew of the Rocket all stopped and stared at the captain.

"Captain Cid!" one of the crew members hollered.

"Yeah it's me! What are you doing helping Shinra out?" Cid made his way to the front of the ship.

"They forced us sir, 'cause we're the only ones who know how to work this thing and repair it." One tried to explain.

"Well they forgot one important thing!" Cid pulled on his jacket. "I am the only one who knows how to pilot this thing!" He shoved some men out of the way.

"Here we go…" Cloud rolled his eyes.

"So, we're lifting off in a few minutes." Cid looked at the trajectory course. Indeed Cid's rocket was heading straight for the meteor. He put on a smile and turned towards the crew. "Everything ready?"

"Sir…" the crew looked at each other. "You can't pilot this thing. It's heading straight for the meteor."

"You think I'm stupid!" Cid hit the side of the cabin.

"No sir!" One saluted and ran out of the rocket.

"But…you'll die." One managed to say.

"Is the escape pod secured and ready?" Cid clenched his fist.

"Um….I don't know." The crewmen looked behind him towards the escape pod.

"Well!?" Cid was loosing his patience.

"We'll check it sir and make sure everything is in order and ready for departure!" the remaining two crewmen darted down the corridor to check the rest of the ship. "Shera's down below making the final checks!" They added.

'Shera…she'll take a hundred years!' Cid growled in frustration.

"Finally!" Cid turned back towards the trajectory screen.

"Cid, are you sure this is a good idea?" Zack asked the captain.

"Of course! This is my rocket and I'm goin' down with it!" He folded his arms.

"…Going down with it?" Cloud looked towards the exit as the final crewmen departed and the hatch closed.

"Well…sorta." Cid smirked and rubbed the back of his head. "We're gonna fly up there and see if we can't try to save this thing…if not, we got the escape pod." The rocket shook suddenly and an alarm sounded.

"What!?" Cid turned towards the panel and looked at the screen. "We're taking off!?"

"Taking off!?" Zack ran towards the door to the exit. "It's locked."

"Shit! I wasn't ready yet!" The rocket shook violently and roared loudly. "I, I can't get it offa Auto Pilot!" Cid looked back at the two other men. He gulped and took a deep breath.

"Hey hey!" A familiar voice sounded over the PA.

"Palmer!? What the hell did you do!?" Cid wanted to rip out the speaker from the wall.

"They said they finished repairing the Auto-Pilot. So, I launched it!" Palmer's voice scratched into the cabin.

"Goddamn Shera! Why the hell did she pick today to get fast!?" Cid ran a hand through his hair.

"Hey-hey-hey! Almost lift off time!" Palmer added.

"Lift off!? No countdown!?" Cid lowered his head and clenched his fists. "It just isn't the same without a countdown…" He said quietly.

"BLAST OFF!!" Palmer's voice sounded.

"Well…here we go!" The captain chuckled nervously as the rocket launched towards meteor.

"How long do we have?" Zack took a deep breath. He never imagined he would be in space. He never thought about, not since he was a child.

"Heh…ten to fifteen # damn minutes." Cid shoved a cigarette in his mouth. "Why don't you boys try to get that Huge Materia." He pointed behind him towards a ladder in the corner.

"Okay." Cloud headed quickly down the ladder with Zack close behind. They made their way to the core of the rocket. There was lock requiring a code to allow the Huge Materia to be released. "It's locked in the core!" Cloud shouted.

"Hmm…Why don't you try randomly hitting some of those buttons." Cid suggested over the PA system.

"Yeah sure…easy for you to say." Cloud began pressing all the buttons.

"We'll never figure it out." Zack tried to help. Cid called back over the PA trying to help as well. His suggestions proved successful as the last code finally entered correctly.

"Damn, you are lucky, Cid." Zack wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead.

"Yup…my good advice saved the day." Cid chuckled. Cloud slowly lifted the materia from the safe. A minute later Cid was sliding down the ladder.

"What's up?" Cloud asked.

"Problem detected in the lower level. I think it's the oxygen tanks." Cid slid down the second ladder to the lower floor. Cloud and Zack followed. There was a loud crackling sound as Cid walked by the main tank. It sparked.

"Oh, shit…" Cid sputtered as the tank exploded next to him. The debris flew against his body and landed hard on his legs. Cloud and Zack ducked and flew to the floor, covering their heads.

"GaRHH!" Cid's cigarette fell from his lips. "Damn! My leg's stuck in the debris!" Cid pulled slightly and cursed again as he saw blood gush from a deep cut on his thigh.

"Cid!" Cloud shouted and got to his feet.

"Get the hell outta here, before you're both dead!" Cid pulled again. Large flames sparked from the wiring and pipes connected to the wall.

"No way! I'm going to do whatever I can to get you outta here!" Cloud covered his face as the flames shot out further. He looked back at Zack. There was a large gash across his forehead and blood pooled onto the floor. "Damn it…" Cloud swallowed a breath of air.

"Jes' get the # outta here, stop worrying about other people! There's no time!" Cid wiped at his face with his glove. The smoke was covering the room.

"No way!" Cloud shouted.

"You're stupid….really #& stupid." Cid leaned on his arm. He was trying to fight back the tears. He looked up at the faulty tank that exploded. "Tank number eight blew up. The bastard really was malfunctioning." The captain leaned back and looked up at the ceiling.

"Shera…you were right." Cid covered his face and growled in frustration. "But…this is the end for me." Cloud tried to find a way through the vast flames. The sound of a door sliding open on the other side of the room interrupted Cid's babbling.

"Don't say that, Cid." A female voice called gently. Cid looked up, his face holding a stupid expression.

"Shera…!?" He said dumbly. She smiled and nodded her head. A groan sounded behind Cloud.

"Zack?" Cloud helped the dark haired man up from the floor.

"Ugh…I have a headache." He groaned and held his head. Zack looked towards the flames and saw Cid under the tank.

"I tagged along. I came to help you." Shera leaned over and tugged on the piece of metal covering Cid. It was to no avail however. She was too weak.

"Come on! We gotta help!" Zack grabbed Cloud by the arm and pulled him through the flames. Together Zack, Cloud and Shera pulled the debris off of Cid's body.

"You stupid #&!!" Cid shouted at Shera. She smiled weakly and helped him to his feet. Cid stood uncomfortably and cleared his throat. "…sorry."

"Come, this way. The escape pod is through this door." Shera led the men into the hall. "Hurry, I'll detach the escape pod." She pushed a few buttons on the small panel by the door.

"Hey Shera…" Cid looked at the brunette as she pushed on the frame of her glasses. "Does this thing really fly?"

"It'll be okay. I've been checking it until now." She giggled lightly. "I didn't trust leaving the job up to those other crewmen."

"…Then I'm relieved." Cid rubbed his chin. His face was turning red. Shera stared at him and smiled. She lowered her head shyly.

"Thanks." She entered the pod and the door closed. There was a soft click and a low thump as the spherical pod ejected from the side of the rocket. The sphere lowered quickly towards the planet. The blue waters below became more visible along with the curve of the planet.

"So…this is outer space. This is the real thing." Cid stared out the small window looking at the planets and stars. "I'm really out here!" He began to drool slightly as they drifted through space. He looked upwards towards the rocket ship.

"So long, Shinra No. 26…" Cid sighed as bright red flames engulfed the outside of the escape pod. They were entering the planet's atmosphere. Cid's dream was over almost as soon as he entered space.

The rocket ship flew into the side of meteor. The bright light from the collision lit up space momentarily. The enormous rock exploded into a few chunks and floated away from the primary target. As if healing its wounds the meteor reached out for itself. Bright lights of electricity and current flowed around the separating chunks. All the pieces fit back together like a puzzle. Meteor was back in one piece and was preparing for the rest of its flight to the planet below.

People flooded into the streets, waiting for the end of all this fear and chaos. However, Shinra's plan had no effect at all. Meteor was still on its way. The humans below began to doubt. Many hid in their homes waiting for their deaths. The children cried as the giant glowing rock in the sky descended quickly. They ran from their playgrounds and hid under their covers. Their only comfort was the stuffed animals that also hid. Above all the tears and cries of anger, pain, and hate there was a never ending laughter. The dark, menacing taunt that hurt the planet sounded from the evil that created the pain and fear, Sephiroth. He hid in his Northern Crater waiting the day he would ride the final chunks of the planet to the Promised Land.

"We…gotta do something." Cid lowered his head. His clothes were still wet from when the escape pod landed in the ocean. "This planet is so small and…vulnerable. Seeing it from outer space made me realize that. That's why I say this planet's still a kid. It's just a scared child in this deep dark universe…it needs to be protected and kept safe from monsters, like Sephiroth!" Cid started up the Highwind.

"Cid…That's beautiful." Tifa smiled.

"Yeah but how the hell are we gonna protect it?" Barret folded his arms.

"…I'm still workin' on that." Cid stammered.

"Grandpa…" Red XIII ran over to Cid. "We gotta go see Grandpa. I bet he could help us!" Red panted. The setting sun made his entire body look as if it were on fire.

"Cosmo Canyon, eh?" Cid scratched an eyebrow. "Nibelheim is on the way, why don't we all get some rest and head there in the morning?"

"That sounds like a great idea!" Yuffie yawned. Cid looked back at everyone else.

"I suppose it would be best." Aeris nodded. "We all could use the rest. It's been a long day." Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Alrighty, Nibelheim it is then." Cid roared the engine and took off towards their next destination.

'Shera…I'll come back to you, I promise.' Cid thought in his head. The thought made him chuckle as he pulled out a new cigarette.

"So…is everything okay with you?" Cloud leaned against the well in the center of the town.

"Yeah I'm fine." Aeris said casually as she looked up into the sky. It looked as if the planet had two moons because of the glowing red meteor.

"Today…you fainted." Cloud looked down at the young woman.

"Oh that. I forgot about that." Aeris smiled lightly. "I'm fine, really." She nodded.

"You sure?" Cloud stepped even closer to her. She looked from side to side.

"Yup…I'm fine." She laughed nervously.

"And tonight? You'll be fine, right?" Cloud asked.

"Tonight?" Aeris had tried not to think about the possibility of Sephiroth intruding on her again. "I think so. I'm sure I'll be fine. I'll be prepared." She smiled and flexed her arms.

"Alright." He smiled at her. "You sure you don't need a bodyguard?" Aeris looked at her feet. She knew she had to fight these feelings.

"Thank you Cloud, but I think I'll be fine." She giggled and circled around him. He followed her with his eyes.

"…Alright." He said simply. He seemed a little disappointed. "But if anything seems at all unusual, I'm checking up on you."

"Okay. If you think there's anything wrong you can check up on me." Aeris smiled softly. Her green eyes reflected in the soft light from the stars and the glow of the moon and meteor. She heard Cloud sigh. He reached out for her with one arm. Aeris mindlessly walked into his reach.

'Oh, Aeris…watch yourself.' Aeris thought to herself.

"I'll kill him if he ever touches you again." Cloud whispered. Aeris looked up into his shining blue eyes. She was drawn into his gaze. She was a fool for those eyes.

"I won't let him." Aeris whispered.

"I promise." Cloud continued. "I…" He stared down at the young woman. Her soft pink lips were beckoning him to kiss her. Her long eyelashes were light and fluttered slightly as she looked into his eyes. He pulled her closer. He felt her shiver under her touch. He wondered if it was because he was near her and that she wanted the same as him or if it was because of something else. Her jacket slid off of one shoulder, exposing her soft skin underneath. He looked down at her shoulder. She was thin and fragile. He liked it. He liked the feeling he got when he held onto her, like nothing in this world could take her away from his arms. He traced a finger from her shoulder across her collarbone.

"That tickles…" She said softly. Her eyes were glowing softly. Was she about to cry? Was she scared? Cloud leaned his head down; his blonde bangs tickled her forehead. "Cloud…" Aeris started. He pulled her chin upwards greeting her with a soft kiss.

"Aeris…" He answered and pulled her into his again. This time the kiss was longer and more passionate. Aeris pulled her arms from his chest and wrapped her small fingers around is wrists. He stopped and looked at her.

"Aeris…" He searched in her green orbs. "I…think…I'm in love with you." He gave a sideways grin.

"Cloud…" Aeris sighed.

"I do…" He pulled her up to him again. "I love you."

"Cloud…" Aeris started as her lips caressed his lightly. "I Love…"

Tifa turned away quickly. She didn't want to hear it. She could not allow herself that much pain. She had ventured outside looking for Cloud and accidentally ran into his and Aeris' conversation. She hid around the corner of the building afraid she would have been seen and would ruin the moment.

'Why? Why did I stay to listen to that?' Tifa choked. She always thought she could handle the fact that Cloud liked someone else. It was not until she heard him said that he loved Aeris that she realized she never had been able to live with it. Tifa stumbled into the inn and made her way to the small sofa in the lobby. All the lights were off in the building since the innkeeper went to bed for the night. She turned the corner preparing to sit down when she ran into someone.

"Oh!" She yelped and backed away quickly.

"Sorry. You alright?" A soft voice sounded. "Damn, where are the lights in this place?" The voice chuckled.

"Oh, Zack. Yeah…I'm fine." Tifa sniffed, wiping the tears from her face.

"No you're not." She felt his hands tug on her arms gently as he helped her to the sofa. He could see the tears as the moonlight shown on her face. "What happened, Tifa?" He asked her gently.

'Oh gosh! Where to begin.' Tifa forced a small laugh.

"It's nothing really." She turned away from him.

"You can tell me." Zack put an arm around her shoulder. If anyone knew how to help people relax, it was him. "I won't tell anyone else, I promise." He smirked.

"…" She remained silent for a minute. "I can't." She whispered.

"None of my business? Okay. I'll leave you alone then." Zack began to stand.

"No!" Tifa tugged on his arm. If anything, she did not want to be alone. It would be the worst feeling in the world at the moment.

"Okay." Zack said slowly.

"It's just…" She took a deep breath. "I can't tell you…"

"You can't tell me? Why not?" He chuckled. This seemed a little ridiculous.

"I don't want to hurt you." Tifa said quietly. Now this comment got his mind reeling. What could Tifa possibly say that would hurt him?

"Okay…I'm ready." Zack said.

"What?"

"I'm ready. Whatever you're going to say, I promise I will not get angry with you or upset in any way." Zack smiled at her.

"You promise?" Tifa scooted closer to him.

"Yup."

"Alright…" Tifa took another deep breath. "I went outside looking for Cloud. I stopped and went to the side of the building because I heard him talking." She remained silent.

"And?" Zack raised an eyebrow. 'Who was he talking to?' Zack was starting to get worried.

"He…was talking to someone. And it was a conversation I didn't want to hear. I thought I would have been more prepared and would have thought nothing of it, but I set myself up for getting hurt." A few tears slid down her cheeks.

"Who was he talking to?" Zack shifted his weight.

"I…I should have stayed inside. I shouldn't have been so careless. You see…" Tifa wanted to run. She wanted to get away as quickly as possible.

"Who was he talking to?" Zack asked again. He was now worrying.

"I set you and me up to get hurt." Tifa lowered her head, pressing her face into her hands. She began to cry. "I'm sorry."

"Who was he talking to!?" Zack grabbed her shoulders.

"…Aeris…" Tifa said finally. Zack felt like he had been stabbed in the heart. Not because of Aeris talking to Cloud but because of why Tifa would be so upset that they were talking. "They…kissed, Zack. They kissed each other and…said…they…"

"No…" Zack whispered. "I don't want to hear it."

"Loved each other…" Tifa held onto the back of her legs as she brought her head over her knees. She cried as Zack remained silent. She could feel his pain wash all over her. This was all her fault and she knew he would hate her forever. "I'm so sorry…" She whispered in the darkness. She repeated those words over and over again.

"…" Zack remained silent. Tifa couldn't handle his silence. She preferred him to say something, anything.

"Zack?" Tifa dared to look up. She felt more tears stream down her face as she saw Zack, the strongest man she ever met, the happiest man she ever met, holding the sides of his head leaning forward on his knees. He looked vulnerable as tears slid carelessly down his cheeks and he shut his brilliant blue eyes in pain. Tifa could not handle it. He was supposed to be the strong one; the one to hold her while she cried.

"Zack!" She gasped and slung onto him. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, holding him. He reached upwards and slung his hands around her arms. She could feel his hands wet from all his tears. "Please forgive me." Tifa whispered. Her dark hair flowed over their shoulders.

"…It's not your fault, Tifa. Why are you apologizing?" Zack pulled her off of him and cradled her in his arms.

"I…I thought that you would be angry with me…" Tifa looked into his sad eyes.

"No…never. I would never be angry with you for telling me the truth. I needed to hear it." Zack sighed. His eyes were low. He looked down at Tifa. How she wished that stare was coming from Cloud. She could pretend. She could pretend it was Cloud holding her, comforting her. Zack looked into Tifa's glowing eyes. Her earrings also reflected the moonlight. She, in a short word, was amazing. She had the most beautiful gaze. Her touch was gentle and soft. "Tifa…" Zack whispered. He wanted the same thing she did; to pretend.

"Zack?" She whispered. She felt herself in his tight hold. She was now in his lap looking into his beautiful eyes. They could feel each other's breath against the other's lips. "Don't let me go." She leaned in. Their lips touched softly. Tifa wanted this. She wanted the feeling that Aeris had when she was in a man's arms that loved her. She wanted to know what it was like to be caught in those Mako eyes.

Their kisses continued full of passion. Tifa wrapped her arms around his neck. Zack leaned forward, he could feel Tifa's chest pressed against his. It was mind numbing. He wondered how Cloud could resist this. How could he resist Tifa? Resist the beautiful, young, generous, and kind woman. He could smell her. The fragrance was also soothing. He wanted more, but knew it was impossible. There would be so much trouble after that. Vincent would be hurt.

'Vincent…' Zack thought. He pulled away from Tifa slowly. He looked at her with his soft eyes.

"I'm sorry…" He whispered to Tifa. He could see more tears forming in her eyes. "Please…don't cry. I already feel like piece of shit. I don't want to feel worse." He whispered again.

"No…" Tifa shook her head and quickly slid from his lap. "Thank you. I'm the one who is sorry. I shouldn't have told you." She whispered quickly and ran up the stairs.

"Tifa…" He stood up and reached for her. Zack froze. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. 'Shit…' His thoughts were blank after that. He turned around quickly to find Aeris behind him. There were fresh tears in her eyes. Her lower lip quivered as she brought a hand across his face.

"You love me?" She asked with incredulity.

"Aeris…I…" he reached for her as she shoved past him and went up the staircase to her room. A second later there were footsteps entering the inn. Zack recognized the sound. Cloud walked up to him. He looked pathetic, like his world just caved in.

"Hey…she's yours." Cloud whispered. Zack couldn't see his eyes.

"What?"

"Aeris…she loves you. You should go see her. She came in here to find you." Cloud walked past him and followed the trail towards the upstairs rooms.

'Oh my….' Zack felt like shooting himself. "#." He punched a hole through the wall next to him.

There was a soft knock at Vincent's door. Vincent turned slowly. His cape was removed along with his metallic boot covers. He was clad in only his boots and black clothing. He was busy cleaning his weapons.

"Yes?" He asked the door.

"It's me, Yuffie. Can I come in for a second?" Yuffie's voice seemed serious. Vincent opened the door slowly.

"What's the matter?" He asked her. Yuffie allowed herself in and walked to the other side of the room. Vincent shut the door behind her.

"You know…" Yuffie fiddled with her bangs. She too had taken off her armor and battle wear and was now adorned in only her shorts and shirt and her white socks. "You remembered that time…in the forest?"

"Yes." Vincent did not meet the girl's eyes but continued cleaning his guns.

"Well…You said I could use a hug, and it worked. You were a good friend, Vincent." Yuffie leaned against the wall.

"…" He glanced in her direction.

"Anyways…I think that there is someone that could use a hug." Yuffie smiled.

"So…why don't you give them a hug?" Vincent said coldly.

"You're being a jerk again, Vincent." Yuffie stuck out her tongue.

"Am I?" He stopped cleaning. "Sorry. So what's going on?" He asked Yuffie.

"You need to be a friend for someone." Yuffie walked slowly in circles.

"Who?" Vincent said slowly.

"Damn…you're thick." Yuffie tilted her forehead. "I'll give you a hint. I'm sharing a room with her right now."

"…" Vincent looked up and stared at Yuffie.

"Yup, you know who I'm talking about. She came in crying and all upset over something and she wouldn't tell me what had happened." Yuffie shifted her feet.

"Tifa…" Vincent whispered.

"Go to her, Vincent. She really needs you." Yuffie soundly like a grown woman, it surprised the quiet man.

"Yuffie…" Vincent turned to her. She waved a hand in her face.

"Don't worry about me! You're too old for me!" She laughed. Vincent understood but he could see the tears ready to form in Yuffie's eyes. She knew Vincent was not interested in her and, though it hurt, Yuffie knew she could easily move on. She appreciated the fact that Vincent would always be a friend, no matter how cold he got. Vincent nodded and made his way to the ninja girl.

"Thank you, Yuffie." He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek, and quickly walked out the door. He looked back once.

"Jes' get outta here!" Yuffie waved at him, her face bright red. Vincent smiled and closed the door behind him.

'Oh gosh! Tifa…you owe me!' Yuffie thought. She giggled lightly and sat on Vincent's bed. She figured she'd be sleeping here for the night.

"Aeris. Please…I can explain." Zack hit his head against Aeris' door. She still didn't respond. Zack felt the frustration and guilt inside of him grow by the minute. There were footsteps coming down the hall. Zack turned to see Vincent.

"Vincent?" Zack held his breath.

"Having troubles?" Vincent smirked.

"You, you could say that." Zack wanted to punch himself. He saw Vincent turn towards the door across the hall. "You're room?" Zack asked.

"Nope." Vincent smiled and turned the knob. The door clicked open slowly and the dark man entered. He looked back momentarily. "Good luck." He nodded to Zack and closed the door behind him.

"Yeah…" Zack whispered. "In a minute you'll be trying to kill me." Zack thought about the situation and all the trouble he caused.

"Aeris! Let me in!" Zack pounded on the door. It swung open quickly as he hit it so hard he broke the lock. He fell in quickly, kicking the door shut behind him. There was a cry of surprise.

"Zack!" Aeris yelled. He looked up at Aeris from the floor, his face was flushed. She was sitting in her bed, Kleenexes surrounded her. She had the blanket wrapped around her and was hugging her pillow. The familiar glow from the lamp was the only lighting. She looked at him for a second and then busted into tears, wailing loudly.

"No…shh! Stop!" Zack picked himself up from the floor and made his way to Aeris on the mattress.

"Why…I don't want to." Aeris sobbed.

"Please…let me explain." He said. A pillow slammed into his face.

"Yeah…I'd like to hear an explanation you jerk!" Aeris tugged the pillow back into her arms. "Why your hands were all over Tifa…my friend!" The words hit him harder than he thought they would.

"Just listen. Tifa came in from the outside all upset about something. She was crying and all alone." Zack started.

"Outside?" Aeris gasped.

"Yeah." Zack said rather cold. "I asked her what was wrong, and no matter what I kept trying to get her to tell me. I didn't think it was going to be as bad as it actually was."

"She saw…me and Cloud?" Aeris asked. She felt herself turn red in the face.

"She said she saw you talking, kissing, and then over heard you both say that you loved each other." Zack finished.

"No…No!" Aeris pounded her fists into the pillow. "He said he loved me…and yes…we did kiss, but then I told him that I loved you! I explained to him that I would always care for him but I loved you, beyond all reason!" Aeris poked Zack in the chest.

"You did?" Zack sighed. "He came in and said that you said something like that. That's when I realized I #& up." The dark haired man lowered his head.

"Why…did you kiss her?" Aeris asked in the silence of the room.

"Because…" Zack looked away from Aeris. He did not want to see her hateful gaze. "Now remember, I thought that you told Cloud you loved him…and I thought it was all over with me."

"That's no reason. You shouldn't have done that just to spite me." Aeris scolded.

'Oh shut up Aeris…look how many times you hurt Zack.' Aeris mentally hit herself. She was as stubborn as ever.

"I didn't do it to spite you. She was lonely, we both were. We felt alone in this world and that everything we did was in vain." Zack shivered slightly. "She looked so lonely…and my feelings got the best of me. I thought about you and everything about you I loved. I imagined it was you, I know it's awful. I couldn't stop looking at her and the next thing I knew, she leaned in and kissed me. I couldn't help myself." Zack bit his lower lip.

"Wait…she kissed you first?" Aeris asked.

"Umm…yeah." Zack covered his face. 'Shit…not good.'

"She…kissed you? Does she have feelings for you?" Aeris asked.

"No! She has feelings for Cloud. And…maybe Vincent, I'm not sure." Zack shook his head. He needed to change the subject. "Aeris! I'm sorry! Please I'm so sorry! I would never in my life do something to hurt you like that!"

"…" Aeris stared at the bracelets around her wrists.

"&! I came back from the dead for you!" Zack pulled on his hair. Aeris giggled. "What?" She giggled some more. He stared at her in amazement.

"You're funny when you're flustered." She giggled.

"What!?" Zack could not believe it.

"You're hair is all messed up." She giggled some more as fresh tears trickled down her cheeks.

"&, Aeris!" Zack stood up from the bed. He was loosing it and he could see she was too. He was ready to leave the room.

"No!" A soft cry that sounded like a child's came from the bed. Zack turned his head to see Aeris, blanket and her underwear only chase after him. She collided with his back and wrapped her arms around him. He turned around slowly and looked down at her.

"Aeris?" Zack stared at her, his eyes were pained. He lifted her up and carried her to the bed. He sat down first and sat her on his lap. He grabbed a Kleenex and wiped her tears. She stared at him and leaned against him softly. She was so light. He held onto her tightly, never wanting to let go.

"No…don't leave…I love you too much." Aeris whispered. Zack looked down at her; his dark hair touched her cheeks.

"I'm not leaving." He whispered as he brought his lips against hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close to her. Her blanket fell to the floor. Zack looked down at it quickly but was stopped when Aeris pulled his head to look at her.

"Leave it." She whispered and repositioned herself to straddle his legs. Zack smiled.

"Alright." He pressed against her. Their kisses were slow and heated. "Aeris…I would never hurt you." Zack whispered.

"I know." Aeris looked into his eyes. "I'm sorry I did so many times." She felt more tears welling up. Zack stood and lifted the girl with him. He turned around and placed her gently on the mattress. He crawled over her, kissing her softly along the way. He made a trail from her stomach to her lips again. She hissed slightly as he did so. She brought her lips to his jaw line. It was strong and chiseled. She kissed him lightly the kisses tickled slightly but was most arousing for the man. She trailed the kisses to his small scar on the left side of his jaw. He moaned slightly at her touch.

"Zack." She whispered his name.

"I love you." He said against her lips.

Aeris pressed against him as he kissed her deeply. Her arms trailed from his shoulders down to the bottom of his shirt. She lifted it and pulled it upwards. He helped momentarily and was back against her, running his fingers through her hair and pressing his lips against hers. Her hands slid down his muscular form. He was bigger than Cloud, in height and size. He was more muscular because of SOLDIER and the Jenova cells. Her hands trailed over the top of his pants. She wondered if there were other things she did not know about that was bigger. The thought made her giggle out loud. She always laughed when she had mischievous thoughts. Zack pulled away for a second, breathing hard, he raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing…nothing!" She said in between breaths and giggles. "Don't stop." She said seriously and pulled him against her, crushing his lips to hers. His eyes opened wide for a second and then he smiled. He continued with a new passion. She liked the way his deep kisses tasted.

Okay! Gotta stop here! I debated on leaving that for the next chapter but thought it best to add it here. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. More to come soon. Please read and review! Thanks a lot! -Annubis