Author's Note : I apologize immensely for how long it took me to update this. To be honest, I've had something explode into my fandoms and take over, so I need to get back into stride. I plan to rewatch a bunch of Crisis Core cutscenes later this week :)

So yeah, this is really roughly edited because I'm sort of in a rush at the moment, so I'll come back and check it over again for any mistakes. Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed since last update (GoldenShinyWireofHope, Flameingphoneix, little-pocketmouse, Warrayfinson, chipmouskin, passer-by, darkangel8694, Xechi, and Wings of Fidelity). They really mean so much to me, so once again, please do review. The amount I got this time is blowing my mind right now!!

Cruel

Aerith couldn't help the smile that danced across her face when she knelt in her secret garden. The buds nuzzled her hands while the petals licked her fingers, loyal to her like a dog is to a shepherd. The baby's breath sighed softly, and she joined in, her own sad sounds adding to the mournful chorus.

"I know" Aerith whispered to her silent confidants. "I miss him, too."

The sun peeked tentatively through the hole in the roof, hoping to add sparkle and cheer to what had become a dismal scene. The warmth caused the blossoms to throw back their heads in ecstasy, but the rays burned Aerith's eyes and caused them to water.

"Wow," a sudden voice said, the teasing tone causing her heart to skip a precious beat. "I hoped you'd be happy to see me, but I didn't think I'd make you cry."

Unable to stand the anticipation as her heart doubled its pounding to catch up the one it had lost, Aerith scrubbed at her eyes rapidly, uncaring if they would redden or swell. A black, jagged blur met her vision, but upon seeing two crystal fuzzy orbs, she gave up all traces of composure.

Her legs were moving before she could think it through, somehow managing to sprint above daises, buttercups, and carnations without destroying a single petal. She could barely see, but Aerith knew the tears now slipping down her face weren't from the sun.

"Zack!"

She couldn't stop it; the cry came unbidden from her lips, glossed in hysterical relief. He held out his arms, and when they slid around her back they were as comforting as she remembered. Pressing her head into his broad chest, her lips brightened in another grin that caused her pale face to glow while she focused on quelling her tears.

"It's been a while, Aerith," he admitted slowly, his hands stroking her hair, at home but almost afraid. "I'm sorry I took so long."

Gathering the resolve that had fled, Aerith backed out of his grip, turning around and giving him a glimpse of the braid that had grown longer.

"That's right. You've been gone a very long time!" she reiterated, knowing that the joking in her voice ruined the nonchalant charade. Spinning back around, she jabbed a finger towards his chest.

"Where have you been?" Aerith demanded, her accusatory words clashing with the joy in her eyes while she planted her hands on her hips.

"Man, Aerith," Zack groaned, stretching lazily as if he had all the time in the world. "I have so much to tell you."

Grinning brightly, he tucked two fingers in his pocket and snapped out a white piece of paper. He passed it over to her, dropping it into Aerith's hands with a few deliberate movements.

"But there's a promise I need to keep first," Zack stated, his blue eyes watching when she opened the square with curiosity. The edges were torn a little, crinkled from travel, and the folds were so thin she was surprised the paper was still in one piece.

"Spend time with..." she read and then stopped, glancing from the words she had written years ago to the man who had protected them for just as long.

"You understand," Zack laughed lightly, "right?"

Aerith couldn't remove herself from his embrace this time after she whispered, "Yes, Zack. I understand."

The day rushed by so quickly, grinning faces and welcomes all blurring into a single overwhelming reality. They had gone out to sell flowers together, Zack's familiar uniform for once bringing joy instead of grief. Zack had insisted they stop by the park, and the swings and slides belonged to them that day.

"Don't you ever do that again!" one child they passed had ordered, staring up at Zack with determined eyes. "Aerith was very sad."

Zack then wrapped his hands around her waist, fingering the pink ribbon while whispering, "Don't worry. I'm here to stay."

Now here they were, back in the church with the tips of their toes under floral assault. Aerith couldn't shake the placid contentment that permeated the air in Zack's presence, nor could she ignore the tingling brought on by the feeling of his hand in hers.

"I missed you, Zack," she spoke, her tones hushed and delicate. Zack turned towards her, easy smile gone from his tan face.

"I'm sorry, Aerith."

He moved to say more, but Aerith couldn't stop herself from interrupting.

"Promise you won't leave again," she murmured, fighting the urge to duck her head, "please."

Zack inched closer, seeming unsure but taking her face in his hands, which were trembling.

"I promise," he vowed solemnly. "SOLDIER's honor."

She shifted closer then, ready for something to take the loss away forever, for something to bury it far and deep underneath joy and newfound memories. Zack must've felt the same, for he pressed his lips to hers in a gesture Aerith found more perfect than she remembered.

Pulling away, Zack's smile glowed.

"I love you."

Aerith's eyes snapped open, green staring unseeingly into the darkness. Glancing downwards, she saw and felt the sheets grasped painfully in her fists. Breathing deeply, she took a quick sweep of the room.

She was alone, and the scent of ink in the air told her the day.

Turning over and pressing her face into the pillow, Aerith decided to blame her tears on the moonshine.