AN: Hi everyone! I'm so sorry this chapter took so long (another year again). Had a lot going on this past year, and I'm so glad there are still those of you who are looking forward to my updates. Please enjoy! I hope I could release another update sooner :) Btw, anyone excited about the upcoming FFVII Remake? I can't wait!

Burning Close

Chapter 8

He felt good. Good as in, extremely, marvelously, perfectly, good. Brilliant. Summer-sun brilliant.

Warm water drizzled over Zack's scarred, muscular body. Running his hands through his long, wet spikes, Zack Fair's heart was thumping a happy rhythm. He had slept well. Superbly well. Just like that previous night when he had fallen asleep in his own bed, arms wrapped tightly around Tifa, nose nuzzling her silky hair, breathing in her sweet scent. That was his first dreamless sleep. And yesterday night marked his second dreamless sleep. He was calm, relaxed, blissful, warm, fuzzy, everything a little boy would feel when hugging his favorite teddy bear to sleep.

For as long as he could remember ever since waking up from his coma, he had never had a good, calm sleep without the terrors of nightmares involving and not limited to burning red flames and suffocating green fogs; screams of anguish and cries of pain; fright of the unknown with the occasional faint pink of ribbons buried in darkness like blood. Some nights were better. Some nights were worst. Still, every night, dark images haunted him. He had a feeling these weren't actually dreams, but actual memories from his past. Truthfully, he was afraid of these memories. None of them appealed to him. And he wasn't about to dug deep into these layers of turmoil when he so clearly had forgotten about them.

His past…was unwelcoming.

Scrubbing bubbles over his chest, he glanced down at his scars. Some were marked by swords, while others were marked by bullets, and even more were marked by unknown sources. There were too many to count, too many to question, so why should he?

He was content with the life he had now. He was content with where he was now. In Tifa's room, in Tifa's presence, in Tifa's warmth. She made his heart flutter and dance. She made his smiles wider and brighter than ever before. She brought calm and peace to him in welcoming arms. She was the light. She was his light.

Unable to contain his smile, he quickly turned off the water and dried himself. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he opened the bathroom door, wishing to see the woman's serene smile as soon as he could.

A grin was plastered on his handsome face when he saw Tifa awake already, sitting on the edge of the bed with mobile phone in her hands. Dressed in an oversized teeshirt with one shoulder drooping to one side, she looked absolutely adorable even with her slight bed hair.

"Morning, Tifa," Zack beamed by the doorway. Surely, the moment the woman saw him shirtless with just a towel around his waist would bring a huge blush to her pretty cheeks.

Instead, pale face and wide eyes met his. "Morning." Her voice was low and cracked.

His heart nearly broke. Immediately, Zack strode the short steps and sat beside her, one arm wrapping around her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

Shaking her head, Tifa's crimson eyes avoided the blue hues. "Nothing." She gave a soft nod, quickly putting aside her phone. "Right. I gotta prepare for work. You better get going too."

"But something's bothering you," Zack insisted, slightly shaking her. "I can't leave with you like this."

"What are you talking about? I'm okay," Tifa managed to muster her trademark smile. "Just a little tired, that's all." When her eyes met his, they quickly casted down.

And Zack took great notice of this, though he avoided pushing her. Just when he thought the woman had put down her walls, they came right back up again.

"Tired from yesterday night?" he joked, though his grin did not reach his eyes. His fingers tightened on her shoulder.

Laughing softly, Tifa got up from the bed and straightened her shirt, leaving Zack's hands out of reach.

"Oh, I just remember! The old man from yesterday told me there's a meteor shower coming up this Friday," Zack grinned. "Wanna go see it together?"

Tifa's eyes perked up. "A meteor shower?"

"Yeah, he says it only comes every 50 years. He's seen it once when he got married, and now he's lucky to see it a second time."

Something sparkled behind her garnet eyes, but she remained quiet.

"Whatcha think? Let's go after you close the bar?" Zack asked.

"…We'll see." Tifa started toward the bathroom. "Come on, you gotta go. I'm going to shower and go check on Mona and Teddy. Be sure to close the door when you leave, okay?"

With that, the bathroom door shut tight, with Zack staring after her, wondering what in the Gaia was wrong. He glanced at the mobile phone on her bedside table. Something must have happened.

No point in questioning her when her walls are up. Zack quickly get dressed. Cautiously, he knocked on the bathroom door. The shower was running so he wasn't sure if Tifa could hear him.

"Tifa?" he called out, knocking the door again. "You sure you don't wanna grab breakfast together?"

No response from her. He placed his hand on the doorknob and turned, fully expecting it to be locked. But it wasn't. Opening the door slightly ajar, he glanced sheepishly inside and saw Tifa's silhouette through the shower curtain. A delicious scent of lavender filled the air. Slender arms moved over beautiful curves, over ample breasts, down to flat tummy, down to rounded bottoms, down to slender legs. His eyes were about to bulge out, and he had to bite his tongue from letting his mind wander.

Zack swallowed, feeling his face flushed. "Tifa?"

The motions stopped.

"Sorry for intruding…" he murmured, eyes staring at his toes, "you…you wanna grab breakfast together?"

"…No."

"Oh. Okay." He paused, chewing his cheek. "I…I'll see you later then. Bye, Tifa."

Slowly, he closed the door, and dimly heard Tifa's whisper, "bye, Zack."

The next two days passed by in a daze, with Zack busy traveling back and forth from the old couple's farm and Fort Condor. The youngsters he asked for help the previous day ditched him to hang out with the girls (he rolled his eyes, watching the lads scurry away). Zack ended up staying overnight at the farm to save traveling time. Every morning and every night (and whenever he had free time in between), he would text Tifa.

"Sorry I can't stop by the bar these few days. Mr. Gibs managed to clean up a spare room for me to stay. Bed hard as rock. I miss you."

"Morning :) Mr. Gibs is such a huge snorer…I could hear him all the way down the hall. Wish I was sleeping next to you instead. Wink wink."

"Are you off work yet? I miss you."

"My back is killing me! I need a special massage when I'm back…."

"Can't wait to watch the meteor shower with you on Friday! 3"

Oddly, Tifa never replied.

It wasn't until late Friday afternoon did Zack finally finished clearing up the old farm.

"Thank you for your hard work, Jack," Mrs. Gibs smiled kindly (Zack didn't bother correcting his name after being mistakenly called Jack for the umpteenth time). Gray eyes settled on Zack's cracked hands. "I'm sorry we couldn't offer you anything more. Here," she handed him a small leather pouch, the size of her palm. "Handmade by me, from chocobo hide."

Zack turned the bag in his hand, admiring the delicate sewing details. "This is beautiful, thanks!" He grinned. "You should make a business out of this." At least they could making some earnings for their sylkis greens through this.

"Nah, old lady here made this years ago when her eyes were still good!" Mr. Gibs eyed the pouch sheepishly. "Last one 'ere."

At that, the ex-SOLDIER shook his head and handed it back to the old woman. "I can't take this."

"No, no, take it, please…" Mrs. Gibs held his hands in hers. Her hands were small and soft, like a grandmother's. It was comforting. "This is the only thing we have of value, please take it."

"And that's exactly why I can't take this from you. Keep it, save it for future needs." Zack smiled. "I already told myself I'm doing this for free."

"Yeh, yeh, just keep it old lady—" Mr. Gibs shushed and quickly stuffed the pouch back into his wife's hands, brows furrowed. "Well then," he cleared his throat, "in this case, ya mind delivering this sack of hay on your way out to Midgar? We usually ask another lad to help us, but since you're here, might as well ask ya. There's this barn a few miles away, not too far, just on the way, ya know? That Billy man—"

Zack liked Mrs. Gibs. But the old man was really stepping on his tail…

"No problem, gramps. Leave it to me."

Despite driving as fast as he could with a huge sack of hay in the sidecar and quickly dropping by Chocobo Billy's stables, night had fallen several hours already when Zack finally approached Wall Market. He parked his bike nearby Johnny's Heaven, hastily glancing down at his watch: 8:50PM.

Just another hour before the meteor shower start. Zack peered overhead, toward the dark skies. Bright, shimmering stars winked down at him. "Beautiful night. Tifa's gonna love this."

He pushed through the bar doors and immediately, found the barmaid behind the counter, wiping a glass. The sight of the woman made his heart flutter and pounce. In the middle of the bar, two patrons sat at a table, chatting and drinking lazily.

"Hey," Zack grinned, settling on a bar stool. "I'm back."

"Hi." Tifa focused on a new tray of wet glasses.

"I miss you. Did you miss me?"

A corner of her lips perked up, but the barmaid remained silent.

'The skies are super clear tonight!" Zack was excited, clearly ignoring the odd coldness emitting from the woman. "I just saw a million stars out there. The meteor shower's gonna—"

"I don't think I'm going."

"Oh." His heart dropped. For a moment, Zack was unsure of what to say. "Just for an hour maybe?"

"No, I'm really tired."

"Aw c'mon, Tifa, I'll help you clean up. This meteor shower only occurs every 50 years! I really want you to go."

Tifa pursed her lips. "I said no, Zack. I'm drained. I could really use some sleep. Go enjoy it yourself."

She walked out from behind the counter and toward the remaining table of customers, informing the two men that the bar was closing. Bidding them goodbyes, she gathered the empty beer bottles in her hands.

"Here, let me help you—" Zack reached for the bottles, but Tifa refused.

"Please, Zack, I got this handled. Good night." Her eyes glanced toward the doors, signaling for him to leave.

Zack blinked, slightly confused. "Is something wrong, Tifa?" he asked. Something was definitely bothering the woman the last time they said goodbyes. Plus, two days of complete silence from her end was definitely weird.

"Nothing," Tifa murmured. "I've just had a long day. Really tired."

"Okay then…" he scratched his head. "Um have a good rest then. Call me if you ever change your mind… Good night."

"Good night."

The doors closed behind his back, bringing him to complete blackness. This was not what he had anticipated.

Zack rarely got any sleep that night, watching the black skies splatter with flashes of light. The meteor shower was mesmerizing, but his heart was empty and cold. Saturday morning greeted him with gray clouds and strong winds.

"The seasonal windstorm suddenly passing through the eastern continent will affect all of today and most of Sunday," the radio broadcasted. "We advise the public to wear enough outerwear, especially at night time. Remember to bring an umbrella—"

The ex-SOLDIER glanced out his windows. Dull streets. Dull buildings. Dull all around. His heart ached at the dullness devouring his soul. Tifa was upset about something, and today, he was going to break apart that locked heart no matter what.

Hours went by slowly as Zack played different scenarios in his head. Maybe it was that time of the month for Tifa? Maybe Johnny and Mona argued and Tifa was bothered by that? Maybe something happened to her friends back home? Maybe an annoying customer was pestering her? Maybe a mouse ate her favorite cookie? Maybe Tifa no longer wanted him—

Every time his head went there, Zack had to stop himself and bite his tongue as if the sudden sharp pain could stop the possible inevitable. He didn't want to lose her. He could lose everything in his life right now, including his Hardy-Daytona, anything; hell, he had nothing to lose. Except her. Anything, but her.

The silence emitting from the bar indicated a slow night as Zack neared the steps of Johnny's Heaven later that evening. He stood outside for a short moment as the wind whipped against his face. He wasn't cold. Not because of the wind anyway. He was cold from nervousness, which didn't make sense since he was Zack Fair.

"C'mon Fair," he huffed, "go get her."

He pushed open the bar doors, and immediately felt his nostrils flare.

"Why aren't you wearing more?" Zack asked, striding toward the bar. He scanned the barmaid's outfit: short jeans (way too short) and a short-sleeved top (way too thin). The attire might be suitable for a typical spring night, but definitely not for tonight with the windstorm. He pulled his own denim jacket off and swung it over Tifa's shoulders. "Here, take this—"

"It's okay, I'm fine." Tifa quickly shuffled to the side, evading the jacket and Zack's reach. "I'm not cold."

He perked an eyebrow, irritation growing. "Tifa, there's a windstorm outside—"

"Zack," crimson eyes were determined not to meet the violet ones, "I'm kind of busy right now—"

The man glanced around the empty bar, irritation growing. "Did something happen?"

"No."

"Then why have you been avoiding me?" the man demanded. He couldn't stifle the anger in his voice.

"I'm not," Tifa murmured.

"Yes you are and you know it."

"Why would I avoid you?" she snapped. "You're just a nobody."

The words came as a sting and Zack flinched, surprised by the harshness. "Just…a nobody?"

"Yes." Tifa continued avoiding his stare. Her voice quivered ever so slightly. "We're not dating so stop acting as if we are."

"I…" Zack was speechless. Never would he have imagined such hurtful words coming out of the woman's lips.

Silence stretched between them. He gave a soft, awkward laugh, hand scratching his head. "I…never knew that's how you feel. I'm sorry for pushing you into this whole thing. I shouldn't…have rushed you."

Tifa swallowed, but remained silent.

"I guess…we should have stated clearly what it is between us. Only thing is, I thought…you knew." He took a deep breath. "I just…want to be the man for you. The man to protect you or whatever it is that you need from a man. Like a hero?" He gave another cold laugh. "I don't know if you need a hero or not, but, that's who I want to be. And I guess…you don't need that?" Zack shrugged, hoping the woman would give him some clues. "If you could just…tell me what you want, I could be whatever you want, Tifa…"

She pursed her lips. "I don't need…a man…nor a hero."

"You don't need any man nor any hero? Or you just don't want me to be your man, your hero?"

Tifa blanched.

"I just—" he ran his hands through his spikes, frustration growing, "I don't—I don't know how to say this. I'm blabbering and I'm sorry. I'm flustered, crazy—in a good way—because of you. I…You were like my light, my guardian angel or whatever entity there is—you made everything okay. You made everything better. You made me sleep well and my bad dreams go away. You are—" my everything— "I…" Ruby eyes avoided indigo ones. "Tifa…I think I…" I think I've fallen in love with you. "…I'm sorry." He shook his head, sighing. A sad smile tugged on his face. "I guess…I relied on you for my happiness and that's not…good."

"…Zack…"

"It's okay." He flashed a grin that did not reach his eyes. "I'm okay. I'm supposed to act all cool and all about break-ups, right? That's what womanizers like me do, right?" Except my heart is bleeding like hell right now. "To be honest…I've never been broken up with before—" Is this what we're doing right now? Breaking up? "So now's the time for me to say, 'see you around', right?" Zack chuckled, shaking his head again. He was blabbering and was trying hard, so, so hard, to be a man about this, but, how could he put on a brave face when his heart was crumbling into a million pieces, so painful that he could hardly breathe? Just stay cool, stay calm, you got this…

Hiding her face with her bangs, Tifa shook her head softly. "I…I'm sorry…"

"Naw, don't apologize, not your fault. It's no one's fault…"

The woman reached for her pocket and pulled something out. Motioning for Zack's hand, her fist hovered over his. Just the slightest touch sent sparks flying through his veins. He wondered if she felt the same. His eyes glanced at hers, but they wouldn't meet his. Fist opening, Tifa dropped the familiar glass necklace onto his hand.

"Please take this back," she said.

At once, Zack shook his head and grabbed Tifa's hand, stuffing the necklace back to her. "No. It's yours."

"I—"

"Please." The man closed his eyes, brows furrowed. He wasn't going to take the necklace back. Not at all. He could not bear the sight of it being returned to him. "Keep it. Please." Reluctantly, he let go of her hand. The smooth, softness.

Tifa opened her mouth to protest, but decided against it, seeing Zack's expression. "…Okay…"

The ex-SOLDIER ran a hand through his hair. "I guess this is it…I'll see you around then, Tifa. I won't…be a bother anymore." He smiled softly.

"You were never—"

"Shh," he waved her off. "Maybe if I bump into you, you'll let me treat you to lunch or something?" he asked hopefully.

Cautiously, ruby eyes met indigo ones. Ruby eyes that were filled with sadness and guilt, but also warmth and passion that only the man could see…I'm going to regret doing this. Zack tore his eyes away and grimaced slightly.

"Goodbye, Tifa." He turned to leave and stepped toward the exit. How much he wished those warm fingers would curl around his arm, stop him, and tug him back. But they never did. The warmth was gone.

It wasn't until he had stepped into the cold night air that he heard Tifa's soft breath. "Goodbye, Zack."

Blood rushed to his head as he clambered down the stairs. With so much emotions running through his mind, Zack was barely seeing the road in front of him when he stumbled into a hunched figure.

"Oof—" Zack and the figure were caught off guard. Swiftly, he pulled the other person up by the shoulders. "Sorry about tha—Johnny?"

"Hey," the red-head muttered sheepishly in the dark. He was shivering.

"What are you doing out here in the cold?"

"Didn't wanna intrude."

"Oh." Zack's face heated up.

The two men avoided eye contact.

Johnny spoke up. "You sure about this?"

"What?" Zack perked an eyebrow.

"You and Teef. I mean…" Johnny scratched his head and shrugged. "Not gonna stay with her?"

Zack pursed his lips. "Maybe I'm not the key to her heart."

He turned to leave and was stopped by Johnny's words.

"But you made her happy."

"I know," Zack turned around and gave a bittersweet smile. "But she doesn't want to be happy."

Walking in the dark never bothered Zack. Except tonight, when everything seemed darker, quieter, lonelier. A droplet of coldness hit his face. He reached up and stared at the raindrop on his finger. Another droplet hit his forehead. And another. And another. Within seconds, harsh, cold rain splattered down his face like stinging bullets. Closing his eyes, a bitter chuckle rolled out of his throat and into the night.

"What are you playing at?" He snarled up at the black sky that was now pouring pellets on him. It may be cold, but his body was burning fire. "You take away my past, my family, my friends, my hometown, my aspirations, my identity, my memories, everything! Just when I was getting my life back on track, you gifted me someone I could lean on…someone I could have a future with… I thought to myself, 'life is great, fucking awesome in fact!' But then you decided I didn't deserve her. Nothing…I deserve absolutely nothing…" His voice cracked. Something was stinging his eyes, but he pushed it back. "Everything…everything's too good to be true, huh? So tell me, what are you playing at, you fucker?"

The skies roared with thunder like explosions to his ears.

"Is this my payback? Is this…my punishment?" His face, his fingers, his blood were all piercing cold, but he didn't feel them. Numb. That was all he felt. "What have I done in the past to deserve this?" Tears mixed with rain trickled down his face. "Whatever I've done must have been so fucked up. So…why didn't I just…die?"