Sorry about the wait
Sorry about the wait! Had family over for the weekend and then the site was down. Hope I didn't take too long. Thanks for all of the support and reviews! I appreciate it! I hope I can continue to entertain you all! Thanks for reading, enjoy this next chapter! Oh and this contains some fluff! –Annubis
Disclaimer: I do not own final fantasy VII, Squaresoft does.
Chapter 28
"Are you sure this is the place?" Elena grumbled as she stumbled over a few loose rocks.
"Yes, this is the exact place he mentioned." Tseng reassured her.
"But, how can anyone live here? I didn't even know this place was here." Elena slipped in the mud. A hand reached forward and snatched her wrist.
"Elena, you talk too much…" Reno smirked as he pulled her to her feet.
"I just don't understand." She straightened her jacket. She frowned at the sight of her shoes covered with mud.
"It is an odd place to live, but because no one knows about this place, it would be a good spot to live in solitude." Tseng stared into the blue depths below.
"And what if he lied?" Elena pouted. She stared at the waterfall up ahead.
"Then, we'll have to find her on our own." Tseng stared off into the distance. "There, that cave." He pointed.
"What!? It's really there!?" Elena galloped towards the opening in the side of the mountain hidden behind the great waterfall.
"I hope she's as reliable as he said." Rude followed slowly behind.
"She's gotta be if she worked for that psycho." Reno shuddered.
The Turks made their way through the entrance of the magnificent cave; colorful crystals and jewels shown brightly in the darkness. Elena's eyes lit up with amazement at the sight.
"It's so beautiful!" She gawked.
"Quiet." Tseng whispered. He stared at the corner of the room. A woman in a white lab coat was sitting on the floor leaning against a giant crystal.
"Lucrecia?" Tseng asked in a low tone.
"Vincent?" She turned her head to the man. "Oh…" She stood up slowly.
"We have a job for you." Tseng approached her.
"How did you find me?" Lucrecia took a few steps back, running into the stone wall behind her.
"Your old Professor sent us." Reno looked over Tseng's shoulder at the woman.
"Pr, Professor Hojo!?" Lucrecia gasped. "W, what does he want?" She looked to the side.
"President Rufus Shinra has been killed." Tseng informed the woman.
"And what am I to do about it?" Lucrecia glared.
"Hojo said that you would be able to perform the procedures and bring him back to us."
"The…procedures…" Lucrecia covered her face. The images of Vincent lying on the cold table in the basement of the Shinra Mansion flashed through her brain. "Oh, what have I done?"
"I don't know what you're personal conflicts are, but we are in a hurry and are in much need of your help." Tseng placed a hand on her shoulder. "Think of it as a way to atone for your sins."
"My…sins…" Lucrecia sniffed. She looked up at Tseng, meeting his gaze. "I owe the President…for all the trouble I've caused."
"So is that a 'yes'?" Reno grinned.
"Yes, I'll do it, but what do I get in return, besides atonement?" Lucrecia headed for the opening of the cave.
"What would you like?" Tseng folded his arms.
"A weapon." Lucrecia said quickly. It was an unexpected request.
"What kind of weapon?" Tseng raised an eyebrow. Lucrecia turned to him.
"A gun. One of Shinra's best. The most powerful you've got." Her gaze never faltered. She meant business.
"All right." Tseng reached inside of his jacket and pulled out a large handgun. "This is the best weapon Shinra's created. It's the only model and is actually still under production and hasn't been released. This is a one of a kind." Tseng set it on top of the stone slab next to Lucrecia.
"It's powerful?" She picked up the heavy gun. It was considerably larger than any handgun she's seen before.
"Most definitely. I even have trouble handling that weapon." Tseng set an extra magazine next to the weapon.
"Good…" Lucrecia smiled. "Just wait a moment, I won't be long." She hurried towards the back of the cave, digging through a small bag.
"That wasn't a very hard trade." Reno stretched and yawned.
"I'm glad she cooperated so easily." Rude headed for the exit. "I'll get the sub ready."
"I wonder what she needs that gun for." Elena tilted her head.
"If it saves the president's life, I don't care." Tseng stared at the scientist as she wrote on a piece of paper.
"So she isn't in Midgar?" Zack questioned.
"Nope. She's supposed to be in Kalm, away from Midgar." Aeris informed.
"She isn't gonna yell at me, is she?" Zack groaned and laid his head against Aeris' back.
"Why would she!?" She giggled and leaned forward, pressing her cheek against the chocobo's golden feathers.
"Well…you know. Me being gone so long…" The dark haired man sighed. Aeris looked back at the young man and smiled.
"Don't worry. It shouldn't be too bad." She patted him on the head.
"Too bad!? Oohhh. She's gonna kill me!" Zack whimpered and pulled his head onto her shoulder. "Do we have to go?"
"Yes!" Aeris sighed. "You're not getting out of it either." She pet Hector on the head.
"Hector, slow down!" Zack ordered.
"Why!?" Aeris' shoulders slumped. "He was going so fast, we'll be there in no time!"
"That's why I want him to slow down…" Zack whined.
"Oh, stop it!" Aeris slapped the reigns, making the bird run faster. It cooed and sprinted.
"You're torturing me, Aeris." Zack closed his eyes and sobbed.
"You're sucha baby." Aeris rolled her eyes. "We'll be there in about fifteen minutes." She chimed.
Vincent's feet squished as he walked through the thick mud. Rain slowly pelted on him as the dark clouds hovered overhead. It seemed it had been raining off and on all day in the area. It felt ironic since he was feeling so low, as if the clouds were following him everywhere he went. He stared at the ground in front of him.
'Someone's been here.' Vincent frowned. He stared at the footprints leading to the cave behind the waterfall. He trotted the rest of his way, thunder rolling loudly behind him.
"Lucrecia?" Vincent asked as he entered the empty cave. It was stale and cold in the room; the only sound was the waterfall and the approaching thunder.
Vincent's footsteps echoed in the dark cave. Water dripped from his long hair and pelted to the ground below. A flash of lightning lit up the room.
"Lucrecia…" Vincent sighed. He wondered why she had left. There was nothing in the world that would get her to leave.
"Tseng…" Vincent closed his eyes. He had blocked that memory from ever occurring again. He had turned into that monster he always hid from. During that time he was unaware of what was going on in the world around him. He knew the demon had spoken to Tseng.
"Did he come for her?" Vincent looked around at the stones and gems lining the walls. "…For Rufus?" He walked along the side of the cave, running his hands over the surface. He stopped when he came near a stone slab.
"…" He stared at the metal object on the table as lightning lit up the cave. He could hear the rain pouring outside.
Vincent reached down and lifted the heavy item. It was a gun, one he had never seen before. Next to it laid a small piece of paper. He picked it up and read the scratching words across the page.
"Vincent,
I had the feeling you would come back here. I'm sorry about all that's happened. Take this and use it for your journeys. The Turk said it was the best in Shinra technology. Seeing him, reminded me of you in those early years. You always liked guns. I hope it is of some use to you.
-Lucrecia"
"Tseng was here." Vincent folded the piece of paper and began to place it in his pocket. He halted though and placed the paper on the stone slab.
'Tifa…' Vincent closed his eyes. He held the new weapon tightly, running a hand across the barrel. There were two words printed across the cool metal.
"Death Penalty." Vincent smirked. He already liked the weapon. He would indeed use the weapon and he would use it on Lucrecia's son, Sephiroth.
"Forgive me, Lucrecia, but I cannot let him destroy this planet." Vincent turned quickly and strode out of the cave into the rain.
Things had not gone the way he planned. He smiled when he reflected on the time he was awoken by Tifa and Cloud. The first face he saw was hers.
'Tifa…' Vincent smiled softly. She was so young and innocent, and he was so old and evil.
Shera stared at her cup of hot water, twisting and turning the tea bag in circles. She bobbed it slowly and stared absently out the kitchen window. In the past few months she had only seen Cid once and that was while they were in space. She was beginning to get worried. The soft sound of thunder roared nearby. She shuddered slightly. The weather had been getting cold and dreary over the past few days. She assumed it had something to do with meteor.
"Ho hum…" She sighed. She had run out of work to do and had cleaned the house numerous times, trying to get her mind off of things.
A high siren chimed on the TV and she turned her attention to it. The news was on and the weather radar was showing severe weather not only in Rocket Town's area but all around the world.
"Strange." She tilted her head and plopped onto the couch. Loud thunder announced the storm's arrival. She jumped slightly and turned her head towards the window. All the trees were blowing fiercely, leaves tumbling to the ground.
"Oh, my. I hope nothing serious happens." She stood up slowly and slid her feet into her squashy slippers. She grabbed the soft blanket from the couch and hung it around her shoulders as she shivered.
The wind howled violently and rain slammed against the window pane. She ran into the kitchen glancing out the small window above the sink. She could hear the tree branches thudding and slamming against the walls and roof of the house. A moment later the door by the kitchen flew open, wind and rain whooshed into the small house.
"Oh no!" She ran towards the door and stopped suddenly.
"# damn rain…# &#! ! All wet! &# wind!" A barrage of curse words and sputters burst into the room. Shera gaped at the man in front of her.
"Cid!" She shouted and tugged him into the house. She kicked the door shut as she turned around to look at him.
His blonde hair was wet, his bangs hanging over his eyes. A wet, limp cigarette hung between his frowning lips. He held his arms away from his side and he stood with his legs apart, water dripping quickly from his drenched clothes. They looked too big for him, his blue coat hanging from the weight. He looked down at himself and then brought his grey blue eyes to Shera's.
"#." He muttered and smirked, shivering slightly from the cold.
Shera giggled and leaped forward, wrapping her arms around the man. Cid stumbled back a few steps, shocked at her gesture.
"CID!!" She shouted with glee. "You're home! I can't believe you're home!" #"n at himself and then brought his grey blue eyes to Shera'apart, water dripping quickly from his drenched clothes. He looke
"Yeah…But only for a little bit." Cid mumbled.
"Only a little bit?" She asked with curiosity.
"Afraid so." He wrapped his arms around her lightly. He could see her blush, and for the first time he was not embarrassed by contact with her. She looked away from him and giggled nervously. She felt him shiver again.
"Cid! I bet you're freezing!" She let go of him, an excuse to get away and end her embarrassment. She ran out of the kitchen quickly and down the hall towards the bathroom.
"…Yeah…" He whispered and stared at his boots. He suddenly felt very uncomfortable. "# rain…" Cid felt his teeth chatter. He slid to the floor and tossed the cigarette.
'I'm home…' Cid sighed; taking off his gloves and began untying his boots. He did not understand the feeling he had. He usually felt bitter and frustrated, but now he felt low.
"I'm turning into a #& sissy." Cid sighed and took off his jacket. The cool air on his wet skin gave him chills. He rubbed his arms a moment, his white t-shirt stuck to his skin. A soft cloth wrapped around his shoulders. He looked up to find Shera wrapping a towel around him.
"And I just mopped the floor this morning…" She said softly.
"Sorry…" Cid muttered. His head hung slightly.
"I was kidding, Cid." Shera crouched next to him. "You okay? You're not acting like your normal self."
"…Yeah I'm fine." He rubbed his face. He felt the warmth of her hands on his shoulders. She massaged him softly, trying to make him feel better. She had never seen him like this before.
'Is he actually depressed?' Shera smiled softly. The lights flickered quickly and a low hum sounded as the electricity zapped off.
"Oh!" Shera stood quickly. She rushed over to the cabinets and pulled out a small candle and looked in all the drawers. "No matches…"
"Here…" Cid muttered and pulled a wet pack from the pocket in his coat. "#." He threw it towards her. She flipped through the package, looking for a dry match to light.
"There's only one dry enough…" She flicked the small match, a dull light lit up the kitchen. She lit the small candle and set it on the table. She heard Cid moving behind her. He cursed quietly.
"What are you doing?" She looked back at him and blushed again. He had removed his shirt and wrapped the towel around his shoulders. She could see him shivering across the room. She trotted to him.
"It's so damn cold!" Cid grumbled. Shera grabbed his goggles rested above his forehead. She slid it gently off his head and laid it on the floor. They stared into each others eyes as she did so. She could feel her heart pounding.
'Why isn't he leaving? Why isn't he running to his room to get away?' Shera felt a million thoughts running through her head.
"I'll get you some dry clothes…" Shera began to stand but Cid grabbed her hand. Everything was surreal, Cid's reactions, the storm outside, and the flickering light from the single candle.
Shera reached for the towel and brought it over his head, drying his hair. She removed the towel; his hair was spiked in all directions and messy. He watched her quietly. He seemed like a completely different person.
"I was worried that you weren't coming back." Shera said quietly.
"…Me?" He spoke for the first time in minutes. "You didn't think I'd die did you?" He scoffed.
"No…of course not. You're smarter than that." Shera smiled. "But…you'll be leaving again."
"I have less than a week." Cid muttered. "After that I go off to save the planet."
"You saving the planet. Who would've imagined." Shera shook her head. She placed the towel around his shoulders again.
"Yeah no kiddin'. Next I'll be livin' in outer space!" He chuckled.
"Out in space…just you an those stars." Shera stood slowly.
"No." Cid shook hid head. He stood up suddenly. Shera brought her gaze back to his, meeting his soft eyes. She had never seen that look before on his face, at least not when talking to her. Any time he looked like that he was admiring the stars.
"No?" Shera walked nervously towards the stove. She felt the pot and smiled softly when she felt the warmth from the previously heated water. She rummaged through the cabinets for a cup to make tea. She stood on her tiptoes, reaching for Cid's favorite mug and felt something cold behind her.
"I'll get it." Cid's voice called as he reached up behind her. Shera turned quickly, inches away from him. She was cornered. He looked down at her and made his way to the stove. Shera let out her breath. She walked out of the kitchen and towards Cid's room. She was gone a minute and then returned.
"Cid?" She called for him. She could not see him in the dark house. The candle softly lit the kitchen. "Cid. I have your clothes." Shera said softly. She squint her eyes, there were strange shadows created by the candle.
"You didn't hafta get me clothes." Cid muttered from the corner of the room. Shera jumped and bumped into the refrigerator behind her. He walked out of the shadows, laughing.
"Did I scare you?" He chuckled and set his tea on the table.
"I'm fine." Shera took deep, slow breathes as Cid approached her. The light lit up his features. He's demeanor was almost too young for him. He inched in front of her and stared at her eyes. He smiled when he saw her blush once again.
"Your clothes." Shera looked down at her arms. She held his clothes tightly to her body.
"Thanks." Cid whispered and got closer. He brought his hands to her arms and hesitated.
'Damn. I've been hanging out with those romantics too long.' Cid shook the thought out of his head and reached for the dry clothes. He began to turn away.
"Cid…" Shera said quickly.
"Yeah?" He muttered, not looking at her.
"Are you sure you're all right?" She squeaked.
"No…" He said after a minute.
"No?" Shera fidgeted.
"I wouldn't live in the stars alone." He continued the earlier conversation.
"What?"
"I'd take ya with me." He said quickly and ran a hand through his hair. The towel slipped from his shoulders as he did so. He turned quickly and ran into Shera. She had leaned forward to catch the towel for him. They were face to face, their noses touching. Shera stumbled to the floor, loosing her balance.
"Sorry, I'm a klutz." She whispered.
"No you're not." Cid kneeled down next to her. "You're perfectly fine." He added. Shera pulled off her glasses and cleaned them with her shirt. She was avoiding eye contact with him. She glanced up to find Cid sitting in front of her, covering his face.
'I'm such an idiot…' Cid took a deep breath. 'What the hell's wrong with me?'
"Cid?" Shera's voice called.
"…" He didn't say anything. Everything was awkward and he hated it.
"Cid." Shera laid her glasses on the floor and she scooted closer to him.
"Sorry. I'm sorry, Shera." Cid looked up and for the first time he noticed what color her eyes were. 'Green. With a hint of blue in the middle…'
"For what?" Shera questioned.
"For being sucha idiot…" Cid lowered his gaze.
"You're not an idiot!" Shera said in an angry tone.
"…For being an ass to you all the time." He turned his head and stared at the candle.
"I deserve it." Shera twisted her hair around a finger.
"You don't deserve it. You never did." Cid whispered.
"But I ruined everything."
"You didn't ruin a damn thing! I did!" Cid covered his face again. Shera felt tears sting her eyes. She was sad to see Cid like this. He never acted like this.
"Like what?" She asked. The room was silent.
"…you…" He said finally.
"Me?" Shera looked at her hands.
"And…me…" He said almost in an inaudible tone. Shera looked up quickly, meeting his gaze.
"Us?" She said, her voice rising in pitch. Cid turned red in the face and cleared his throat.
"Yeah."
"Cid, you…" Shera smiled.
"Why are you crying!? You didn't wanna hear that!?" Cid stood up quickly. "Shit…" He ran a hand through his hair again. He was really nervous. Shera wiped her eyes, she didn't even realize.
"No…" Shera giggled. "I mean, I did." She stood up and approached him slowly. Cid's dull eyes looked upon her. They reminded her of the ocean.
"Shera…" Cid turned to her.
Shera wrapped her arms around him, her warmth spread through his body. Cid was speechless. He wrapped his arms around her waist slowly and pulled her closer to him. He looked down at her long brown hair. The candle made her look like an image from a dream. He stared into her eyes. He backed a couple of steps and bumped into the table. The light from the candle flickered violently. He leaned forward touching his forehead against hers.
"…You're clothes…" Shera tried to escape again.
"Shera, shut up." Cid whispered.
"Okay." She said quickly before Cid pressed his lips softly to hers.
"Mom?" Aeris slowly opened the door to the small apartment. She took a step inside and took a look around. "Get in here!" Aeris pulled on Zack's arm, flinging him into the main living room. Quick footsteps came from around the corner.
"It's the flower lady!" A child's voice called out.
"Marlene!" Aeris smiled and ran to the little girl, giving her a hug.
"Daddy! The flower lady is here!" She shouted.
"Is your daddy here?" Aeris asked. Marlene smiled and nodded her head. A second later there were more footsteps.
"Aeris!" A gasp was heard. Aeris stood up quickly and ran to the voice.
"Mom!" She hugged the woman quickly and tightly.
"Oh, I've missed you so much!" Elmyra held onto her daughter.
"I've missed you too!"
"I was afraid that you'd be hurt!" Elmyra was on the verge of tears.
"Oh no, mom. I've got a bodyguard remember?" Aeris ended the hug and looked back at Zack. Elmyra quickly looked behind Aeris.
"Oh is Cloud here too?" She stopped and stared at the man, who wasn't Cloud.
"Hello, Ms. Gainsborough." Zack shuffled his feet and rubbed one arm.
"…" She stared blankly at Zack a moment, and then gasped loudly. "Zachary!"
Zack cringed a little. Only his mother and Mrs. Gainsborough called him Zachary and that was usually when he was in trouble.
"Yes, ma'am." Zack lowered his gaze to the floor.
"My, my! What a surprise!" Elmyra walked to the man and stared into his eyes. "And where have you been all this time?"
"Well…it's kind of a long story." Zack held his breath. He looked over at Aeris she was biting her lower lip, smiling at him.
'I'm gonna get her for this.' Zack pouted.
"Well, we have all day. Why don't you tell me and Marlene all about what you've been doing these past five years?" Elmyra turned around and headed for the kitchen.
"Cookies!?" Marlene grinned.
"Of course!" Elmyra held her hand and led the little girl into the other room. Barret watched.
"How are things, Barret?" Aeris asked.
"Perfect." He smiled. "You're mother has taken great care of my Marlene. I'm almost too afraid to take her away from her."
"Oh don't worry about it. Mom has always had an attachment to little girls. She always wanted one of her own. When she adopted me, I wasn't quite as young as her." Aeris slowly made her way to the kitchen. "Are you coming?" Aeris asked.
"No. I already had my fill of cookies for one week." Barret chuckled. "I'm actually heading out to see Mt. Corel. I'll be back though, to check up on Marlene one more time before we leave."
"So you are going to continue to fight?" Aeris smiled.
"Of course. I got to protect my girl." Barret folded his arms.
"I'm glad." Aeris faced the kitchen. Marlene rushed out and hugged her daddy.
"Marlene!" He hugged her tightly.
"You'll come back for me when you're done, right?" Marlene looked up at the man with large brown eyes.
"Of course I will sweetie. You stay here and behave yourself. You be good for Ms. Gainsborough." Barret poked her on the nose.
"I will." Marlene grinned and waved.
"Okay I guess I'm leaving now." Barret opened the door slowly.
"You be careful, Mr. Wallace." Mrs. Gainsborough waved at the man.
"I'll be back. An that's a promise." Barret nodded and waved good bye to everyone, leaving for Mt. Corel.
"Now, shall we get some cookies?" Elmyra asked.
"Chocolate chip?" Aeris asked like a child.
"You bet." Elmyra smiled. She looked back at Zack and snagged his arm. "Come on boy, I want to hear everything."
"Y, yes Ms. Gainsborough." Zack stumbled for words. It was going to be a long day and a lot of explaining.
"I'm so glad you're home!" Elmyra grinned at Aeris.
"Okay. I have all equipment ready. In a few minutes I should be ready to begin the procedure." Lucrecia stuck a needle into the President's arm.
"Ewww…" Reno turned away from the sight. "Do I have to stay for this?"
"Yes." Tseng ordered.
"Damn…I hate this stuff." Reno sat on a box in the corner of the room.
"And what about when I was in the hospital?" Elena sat next to him.
"Elena…Sorry but I didn't stay in the room." Reno did not look at the operating table. He saw her frown. "I stayed in the waiting room though! Was there every second!"
"Really?" She grinned.
"Yeah, of course. I was…we were all worried about you, Elena." Reno cleared his throat.
"Thanks, Reno." Elena smiled. "You guys really helped me out."
"You're part of the team! And our friend, it woulda been inhumane not to help you." Reno chuckled. He watched as Elena stared at Tseng. Reno's grin faded quickly.
"It's a big surprise, isn't it?" He added.
"Huh?" Elena looked at him.
"Tseng. Him being alive an everything." Reno sighed.
"Yeah, it's unbelievable." Elena turned her attention back to the dark haired Turk.
"I'm going to get some coffee…" Rude muttered and turned to leave the basement lab in the Shinra mansion. "You all want some?" Everyone nodded.
"So I guess you get your big date, huh?" Reno asked casually, leaning back against the stone wall.
"Date?" Elena turned red in the face. "Oh, I suppose." She giggled softly.
"So where ya goin'?"
"I, I have no idea." Elena smiled.
"You should go to Marrick's Blue." Reno suggested.
"Isn't that an expensive place?"
"Ah, not too bad. Really snazzy. Get all dressed up and look nice. It'll be fun, Elena." Reno told her about the atmosphere and the food of the restaurant.
"Doesn't sound like your type of place. I mean, usually you get pizza or go to the bar." Elena poked fun at him.
"I'm not that bad of a guy. Besides if it was a nice girl like you, I'd take ya there." Reno did not look at her. "Too bad, I can't get a real girl like you to take there."
"Reno?" Elena tilted her head, her blonde hair bobbed.
"I'll suggest it to him. Make sure he takes ya to a real nice place." Reno winked at her.
"…Okay." Elena looked back at Tseng and then back at Reno. "Sounds like fun, Reno."
"You'll have a blast." Reno finalized.
'Who am I kiddin'? She thinks of me as nothing but a drunk loser. I bet she wonders how I even keep a job…I'm not good enough for her. Tseng won't drag her down…' Reno hit himself mentally. 'Doesn't matter. I'll make sure Tseng treats her right.' He felt his confidence lower. 'Man…I just kicked my own ass…'
"Okay preparations are complete! Are you ready?" Lucrecia asked.
"Fun…" Reno sighed and stood up quickly and made his way to the table.
'Reno…' Elena followed behind slowly. 'What was that all about?'
"I'm going with my friends, daddy and there's nothing you can do about it!" Yuffie stomped her feet.
"You're the next to help with this country and you plan on abandoning it!?" Yuffie's father slammed his fist into the nearby wall.
"That's right, cause they're my friends!" Yuffie folded her arms.
"And what is it you plan on doing for our country?"
"Hey! I'm not only helping our country by leaving, but I am also helping the rest of the world." Yuffie turned away from her father.
"What are you talking about?"
"The meteor, dad! I'm goin to stop that meteor!" She pointed to the dark sky.
"Are you insane!?" He laughed.
"No. I will defeat Sephiroth with my friends and we'll figure out a way to stop meteor!" Yuffie lifted her heavy bag full of materia.
"You're crazy, and abandoning your country! You don't deserve to be my daughter!" He cursed at her.
"What!?" Yuffie looked back with tears in her eyes. "No! You're the coward, not doing anything to help! You only care about this small island! There's so much more out there that needs our help! You're wrong! I'm going to help my country and the rest of the world! And there's nothing you can do about it." Yuffie turned on her heels and marched away from the giant pagodas.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"Away from you!" She stuck her tongue out. He watched her stomp away from sight. The dark storm clouds surrounded the area.
'She's one tough cookie. Just like her mother.' He chuckled. 'She's grown up to be a fine lady. She'll be the best successor ever to grace this country.' He walked back into the pagoda, ready to give prayer and blessing to his daughter before she left on her dangerous journey.
"She'll return. And I'll be here to give her a lecture." The man laughed and began lighting incense.
"Shhh, you'll wake up mom." Aeris hid behind her door.
"Do I really gotta sleep on the couch?" Zack whined.
"Yes! Mom would kill me if she found you in my bed!" Aeris hissed.
"…No she'd kill me!" Zack whined. He leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips. "Fine I'll sleep on the couch, but…you owe me."
"Owe you?" Aeris asked in disbelief.
"Yeah that's right." Zack winked at her and hurried towards the living room.
"Zack…you are always causing trouble." Aeris said quietly to herself. She closed the door softly behind her and plopped onto her bed. She could still feel the tingle on her lips from Zack's kiss. She pulled the covers over her and turned off the small lamp.
'Sleep, Aeris…' She warned herself. She closed her eyes tightly.
After a few minutes of tossing and turning she pulled the covers off of her body and growled in frustration. Her mind had a million thoughts rolling through it and it was driving her insane. She stood up slowly and made her way to the door of her bedroom. She opened it slowly, it creaked a little. A flash of lightning lit up the room and scared her. She almost expected Sephiroth to be standing outside her door. Aeris held her breath and darted down the hall towards the living room. Loud thunder rolled as she leapt over the side of the couch and landed on top of a quilt covered body.
"Omph!" A muffled sound came from under the blanket. "What the…?" Zack slid his head out from under the blanket.
"Aeris?" He asked in a quiet voice. "What are you doing?"
"Can't sleep." She whispered, looking up at his chin. She lay straight out on top of him.
"So you came to wake me up?" He laughed.
"Did I wake you up?" She asked with concern.
"No, not really. I couldn't stop thinking about stuff." He yawned.
"Me neither." Aeris slowly got off of him and sat on the floor next to the couch.
"It's raining." Zack mumbled.
"Yeah. Kinda scared me." Aeris whispered.
"You thought of Sephiroth?" Zack sat up. He wasn't wearing a shirt.
"Yeah. Lightning flashed when I opened the door and I almost expected him to be standing outside." Aeris sighed.
"Well, what can I do to help the lady in distress?" Zack played with her hair.
"Come to bed with me." She looked up at him.
"Huh?" Zack sputtered.
"I can't sleep." She said.
"Okay." Zack stood up quickly. She could see he wasn't wearing pants either. He was only adorned with some boxer briefs. She blushed slightly. Thunder and lightning flashed. Aeris trembled. The sight upset Zack.
'She's thinking of him.' He pulled her off of the floor and led her to her room.
"Zack…Why am I so scared?" She mumbled.
"There's nothing to be scared of." Zack assured her and closed the door behind them. "You hop into that bed and I'll help you get to sleep." Aeris jumped into the bed and slid the covers over her. Zack slid in after her and wrapped his arms around her.
"You sure I'm not gonna get into trouble?" Zack asked nervously as he began petting her hair softly.
"I don't care what mom thinks." Aeris rolled over and faced Zack. He smiled at her.
"And why is that?" He asked her.
"Because…" Her green eyes stared at his lips. "I love you." She whispered.
"You love me?" He asked. His nose nudged hers.
"Uh huh." She said as she kissed him.
"I like that." He whispered.
"I already feel better." She kissed his cheek.
"I'm glad." He leaned his forehead against hers. "I love you Aeris." Zack smiled. He thought of the item that was hidden with the pile of his clothes. He felt her slide against him, absorbing his heat.
"You're so warm." She smiled and nuzzled his collarbone. Zack felt the effects of her contact with him.
'Damn it…' He bit his lip. She was getting too close and it was driving him crazy. He felt her leg slide in between his.
"Aeris…" Zack whispered.
"Hrm?" She asked.
"I want you to stay here with your mom." He whispered.
"Huh?" She lifted her head.
"I don't want you to go with us to fight Sephiroth." Zack looked down at her.
"But, why?" She felt tears sting her eyes. She was so frustrated.
"Because, it's too dangerous for you to go. Sephiroth…I fear he might…" Zack stared at the ceiling.
"Don't worry about him. We can get him." Aeris leaned forward lying halfway on top of the man.
"I can get him. That's why I want you to stay here." Zack explained.
"No. I'm going with you!" She sat up.
"Aeris I don't want you to die!" Zack blurted.
"You think I'm really that helpless?" She felt her heart sink.
"No it's not that. It's just that I don't want anything to happen to you." Zack sat up and rested his head on his knees. "Please. Please…" He repeated.
"Zack…" Aeris wrapped her arms around him. "What's wrong?" She felt him shudder under her.
"I can't handle it. The thought…I couldn't live with myself." Zack said in a shaky voice. "I can't sleep at night, Aeris."
"…Why?" She asked him.
"I have nightmares." Zack shook again. "Ever since I woke up in Shinra, I've had nightmares about you."
"What kind of nightmares?" Aeris sat back.
"You…dieing…" Zack whispered. "Sephiroth taking you away from us…"
"Zack, they're only dreams." Aeris assured him. "You're just paranoid and it bothers you so much that you dream about it." Aeris knew that was a lie. It didn't always work that way. Dreams held very important messages.
"I hope you're right." Zack sniffed and looked at the girl.
"Where do they take place?"
"Um…Anywhere. Mostly your church." Zack tried to make sense of it.
"Well then it's settled! We won't go to the church!" Aeris patted him on the back.
"You won't stay here?" Zack asked.
"No. Even if you leave without me, I'll make it there." She grinned mischievously.
"Ugh…you're gonna be the death of me, Aeris." Zack laid his head on his knees again.
"Oh that's not nice!" Aeris lifted his head. He met her eyes. She could see small tears in his eyes.
"If you come, you never leave my side." Zack whispered. Aeris leaned forward, their lips were grazing.
"I'll never leave you're side. Never." She whispered. They kissed each other.
'He's so emotional sometimes.' Aeris giggled.
"I'll never leave you either." He whispered against her lips. He turned his body to face hers. He crawled over her almost. Half of her was under him. He kissed her passionately.
He led a hand to her face, cupping it. Aeris stared into his brilliant blue eyes, his dark strands of hair hung over his face. It was like a dream as the lightning flashed and thunder rolled in the distance. Zack's hands traveled to the bottom of Aeris' night shirt. He lifted it slowly, wanting more and more with each second.
"Don't leave me." Aeris whispered.
"I'll never leave you…" He whispered in her ear as he pulled the shirt from over her head.
"Zack." She whispered his name. It sent chills up his spine. His blue eyes scanned her body. The one thing in the way was her white panties. She wrung her arms over his body feeling his warmth once again. They kissed again, never wanting to part.
"Hm?" He raised his eyebrows.
"…Don't stop…" She whispered. He looked at her with wide eyes.
"Don't…stop?" He asked. She answered by kissing him passionately, sending more desire through his body. He pushed into her, her body laying in the mattress and his completely above hers. He pulled the covers over their bodies and leaned down to kiss her once again.
Aeris hands slid over his body, trailing over his muscles and the top of his underwear. She was breathing heavily. She looked into his eyes as her hands lowered. He looked down and sighed. Aeris wanted to continue and he wasn't about to stop.
"More?" He asked her. She answered with a small nod as she lowered his remaining clothing. He growled in her ear as he reached for her waistband.
The storm grew louder as it neared the town of Kalm. Thunder rolled loudly and the lightning flashed violently in the city. Meteor grew larger in size by the minute as it neared the planet. The night sky no longer glowed with only a white light but now was also occupied with the blood red light from the meteor. Neither Zack nor Aeris worried about the storm or the nearing destruction. Right now, they only cared about each other.
Okay gonna end it there. Man I am so running out of romantic scenes for those two! Got another one in mind for following chapters. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I actually had a lot of fun with the Cid and Shera section. Hee hee. Cid needs lovin too. Thanks for reading and reviewing! -Annubis