Broken Wings - Chapter Forty Six
Zack returned when a nurse gave him word that Aralyn was awake. She was propped up against three or four pillows, her eyes only half open as she drifted between dreams and reality. She gave him a weak smile when she saw him. "Hello," she said in a voice quiet and hoarse from disuse.
"Nice to see you awake," Zack said, grinning at her. "You nearly gave Sephiroth a heart attack…maybe more literally than you know. He hasn't left your side until now, but don't worry, he'll be back soon."
Aralyn's smile widened slightly and a little color seeped back into her pale cheeks. "He's not…mad at me?"
"He's infuriated with himself. He's convinced that this is all his fault and this and that and…well, suffice to say he's quite distraught."
Aralyn sighed softly, moving her hand so it lay across her stomach. "When will he be back?"
"Not long. He's not the type to take extended shopping sprees."
"Shopping?"
Zack took a seat beside her bed and ruffled her hair. "Don't ask me."
"Aralyn," a familiar voice breathed quietly.
Zack turned to find Sephiroth in the doorway, looking at Aralyn fervently. He walked forward, and then kneeled at her bedside. He opened his mouth to say something. But Aralyn pressed her finger to his lips. "No apologies."
He closed his eyes for a moment before he leaned closer, gently stroking her cheek. "I won't speak them, but that doesn't mean they are not there."
Zack backed away, feeling like an intruder on this reunion. He moved behind Sephiroth and looked where a small box was held in his hand, carefully concealed from Aralyn's view.
The box was lined on the outside with dark blue silk, and looked very expensive. It was also small, fitting snugly in his palm with room to spare. Zack pondered on this, curious as to what had inspired Sephiroth impromptu trip to town.
Zack nearly fainted from surprise as he realized what it was. Sephiroth had said that it would prevent another catastrophe like this one, and yet it had to be something tiny but very valuable…
Something very much like an engagement ring.
A/N: Cickets chirp
Well? You knew it was coming!