Hope y'all are having a wonderful day!
~
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
Hey, this is Angeal Hewley. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Just leave a message after the voicemail, and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.
Zack's smile was blinding as the device let out a beep.
"Hey Commander Hewley—I mean, uh, Hewley, Sir! It's Third Class Zack here. I just wanted to thank you again for helping me out the other day. I still can't get over the fact that a real First Class came to my rescue! Those bullies—I mean, erm—stupid Seconds were really scared out of their minds, heh?! Never seen someone give such a hardcore lecture before. Seriously, man, you got some talent. Anyways… like I said, just wanted to say Thanks Again. And thanks for giving me your number, too! I haven't really made a good friend yet, so this means a lot. Hopefully that doesn't sound too weird or anything! I mean—we only met a few days ago, but, y'know… I think it'd be cool if we could be friends? Only if you want to, of course. Anywho—thanks a million, Sir. I'll see you around."
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
Hey, this is Angeal Hewley. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Just leave a message after the voicemail, and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.
Zack did a quick squat before the device let out a beep.
"Heya, Commander Hewley! It's Zack—er, Fair! I'm waiting by the training room like ya said. Just wanted to let you know in case you find me dozed off or something; it is just a tadddd earlier than I'm used to getting up. But y'know what? This is SO worth it if it means training with a First! I even thought of a new exercise routine to get my blood pumping before these sessions! Get this, okay… You ready? It's SQUATS! Already done about thirty so far. They're really fun! Makes me feel like a little Touch-Me hehehe… Actually—erm, please don't tell anyone I said that. Anywho, looking forward to the training sesh! I'm totally wide awake. OH! Can you also pick me up a coffee if that's all good? Thanks, Sir! See ya in a bit."
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
Hey, this is Angeal Hewley. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Just leave a message after the voicemail, and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.
Zack's eyes were electric as the device let out a beep.
"Angeal! Angeal! I did it! I made Second!! FOR REAL!!! The commander said I totally crushed the exam! Used all the moves you taught me—even that really tricky rush assault thingy! REALLY! Erm—sorry for shouting—I'm just really, really, really pumped, man…! One step closer to becoming a true hero, heh?! Soon we'll be in the same Class, fighting together and everything! Maybe I'll even get to meet…..… Sorry for the awkward pause there—head just kinda hurts from the Mako shots. But I'm fine! Anyways, man, I just wanted to say I couldn't have done it without you. Really……. By the way, think you can swing by the science department? My legs kinda feel like jelly. And, erm… maybe you can make some of that really awesome Chocobo noodle soup of yours? Thanks again, old pal. For everything."
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
Hey, this is Angeal Hewley. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Just leave a message after the voicemail, and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.
Zack could hardly contain himself as the device let out a beep.
"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Angeeaaaaal. Happy birthday to you! WOOOO! Happy birthday, old pal!! Oops—sorry! That was a stupid way to start, wasn't it? You ain't old or anything—promise! You don't even have a single gray hair on your head. ANYWAYS! Hope you have a totally superific day, Angeal. You deserve it. And wooo boy—do I got an awesome present for you later! But it's a surprise, hehe! ….. Anywho, pal. I just wanted to say thank you for an amazing year. I really don't know what I'd do without you—prolly still be some stupid Third getting picked on all the time, that's what. But the thing is that I'm not that, and I owe it all to you. Seriously… thanks for taking me in. Thanks for being so kind to me. Thanks for taking care of me…… Thanks for being my best friend. SOLDIER really is a whole lot less scary when you're around."
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
Hey, this is Angeal Hewley. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Just leave a message after the voicemail, and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.
Zack bit his lip as the device let out a beep.
"Hey, 'Geal, it's Zack. I'm back at ShinRa right now. I'm sure you've heard, but the war's over and everything. No recognition for taking down those fort monsters, though; press didn't seem to catch that little detail. Anyway, I'm just calling to ask… when are you coming home? I know you had a good reason for disappearing that night—I promise I'm not mad. I swear. And I don't give a damn about what Sephiroth says; I know you would never, ever abandon us. Never. But, I dunno… I'd just kinda like to hear from you, y'know? Just to know you're okay. I miss you, old pal. I'll see you soon."
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
Hey, this is Angeal Hewley. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Just leave a message after the voicemail, and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.
Zack swallowed thickly as the device let out a beep.
"Hey, 'Geal. It's Zack again. I wanted to let you know that I did it: I made First Class. Woohoo ……. Yeah, I honestly thought I'd be a lot happier about it, too. It feels really weird that I'm not. Like… wrong. But then again, I kinda pictured… well, that you'd be here with me when I reached it. Sephiroth was the one who actually called me and told me to go to Lazard. Guess that's better than nothing… right? ….. Um, what else… My head was hurting so I heated up some soup. Not as good as yours, though. Obviously. Anyway… when are you coming back? I really miss you, man. Things have just been kinda glum lately. I really just want things to go back to the way they were. I think Sephiroth does, too—not that he said anything about it… whatever. Just please come home soon. I really need you."
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
Hey, this is Angeal Hewley. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Just leave a message after the voicemail, and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.
Zack's breath rattled as the device let out a beep.
"Angeal… what the hell is happening? Where are you?! What happened to you?! Just… tell me. Please. I'll find a way to make it better—a cure, a solution… just… answer me. What are these damn monsters that have your face on them? They keep coming up, attacking us. The base. It's like a whole new war waged on us. I can't take it… I can't keep digging my blade through something that looks like you. It hurts…. Just… come back to us. Please. I know you don't want to hurt anyone. Hurt me… I don't know what's happening—if the disease is twisting you up and making you do this stuff, if it's Genesis… I don't know. I just want it to stop. I want my friend back. I don't care if you have wings—you're not a monster. You will never be a monster. Just… stop, okay? Come home. We can make this better. Plea… —shit, SHIT. There's another one. Sephiroth! SEPHIROTH—"
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
Hey, this is Angeal Hewley. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Just leave a message after the voicemail, and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.
Zack's voice broke as the device let out a beep.
"...Why…? Why did you make me do it? Why the HELL did you make me do it…? I… I trusted you with my life. Do you know that? You were my best friend. I looked up to you with everything I had. You were... you were my hero. Where the hell did that Angeal go? What happened to him? What happened to training, and stories, and movies, and… and little hair ruffles? … Changed my hair, by the way. Prolly not as fun to ruffle without… without 'puppy bangs'... I… I'm just so… I don't know. I don't know anymore. You said you would always look out for me… remember? Made me feel safe… And I had to take that all anyway. I had to kill that… with my own two hands. I… I killed you. Oh, goddammit I killed you… I'm sorry… I'm sorry, 'Geal. I never wanted to. I… I just… Shit. Shit, it's just so messed up. I'm sorry… I'm sorry… I'm so… Shit… I can't do this. I can't. I can't…"
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
Hey, this is Angeal Hewley. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Just leave a message after the voicemail, and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.
Zack's cheek glistened as the device let out a beep.
"Hey, 'Geal… it's me. Zack. I just came back from the service. I dunno if you would have liked it… It was pretty showy ….. Some of the SOLDIERs you mentored gave eulogies. I didn't. I'm.. I'm sorry. I didn't know what to say. Guess that's why I'm calling you now… to tell you that I miss you. And that you're still my best friend… and you always will be. Anyway… after the service… me and Sephiroth kinda got into a fight. I snapped at him. Completely blew up. Shoved him against the wall and demanded to know why he didn't come to Modeoheim that day… And then he… he got mad back. He told me it was my fault. That I killed you. That I took his friend away from him… Selfish bastard. I never want to see him again …… Anyway… I'm always thinking about you, old pal. And… and I hope you're at peace now."
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
Hey, this is Angeal Hewley. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Just leave a message after the voicemail, and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.
Zack closed his eyes as the device let out a beep.
"...Hey, 'Geal. It's Zack. I just… kinda wanted to hear your voice again. It's been a while… and things have been, I guess, relatively stable. A few clones here and there—we think Genesis is still out there somewhere… But beyond that, not much action has been going on. I've gotten closer to my buddy Cloud—showed him some of the moves you taught me… Been in charge of a couple lately, actually. And that's been… fine, I guess …. You prolly want to hear about Sephiroth, too. Yeah… I felt really bad about what happened. I apologized to him, and so did he. I think we're somewhat friends now… I mean—I prolly would have burned alive had he not saved me from Ifrit in the first place. He said he was glad that he was there that night, and I said the same. So at least that's smoothed over…… Anyway, I've been getting good with the Buster Sword. I know you never liked the wear and tear and stuff, so… I'm real sorry about that. I promise though—I clean it really well after every mission ……. So, yeah. That's what's been happening. I miss you, man. But… I can still hear your voice, right? ….. I'll never stop fighting for what I think is right. I'll never… give up my dreams… even if I'm not really sure what they are right now. Anyway… I love you, 'Geal. I… I hope you're proud."
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
We're sorry, you have reached a number that has been disconnected or is no longer in service. If you feel you have reached this recording in error, please check the number and try your call again.
The phone rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
Heya, you've reached Zack! You know what to do.
Sephiroth waited patiently as the device let out a beep.
"…It's been a while, Zack. It's Sephiroth. I hope you're keeping well. I have been looking for you… I thought perhaps you'd like to spar. But I have not seen you all day… and nor have your companions, when I asked them where you were. I'm going to stop by your quarters if that is alright. I'll see you soon."
When Sephiroth opened the door to the sight of Zack crying, he wasn't exactly sure what to do.
Slow, choked, and unrhythmic sobs—breath that shuddered and spiked and quavered in his throat. He found the boy sitting heartbroken against the side of the couch with both legs tucked inwards and his head buried within them, shoulders rising like cracked bread as the shattered dirge rang wetly from his lips and echoed faintly in the gloom and his shoulders flattened again.
Sephiroth delicately slipped inside, closing the door behind him.
"...Zack?"
The boy's head snapped up at the sound of his name, damp eyes cleaving through the lampless darkness and projecting against the wall in floating ghosts of Mako-blue. Something of embarrassment flickered across his face.
"Sephiroth..." He was trying his best to rein in his breath. "What are you... what are you doing here?"
Sephiroth thought for a moment before answering.
"I... apologize for intruding. You didn't answer the knocks, that's all. Nor my calls. I just wanted to check-in. Make sure you were..." He paused for a beat, something pricked in his chest. "Alright."
Zack ran an arm across his eyes, sniffling, biting his lip as if to keep it from quivering.
"...Yeah. Yeah. I'm fine... Thanks."
Sephiroth studied the broken SOLDIER on the floor, a silent grapple in his mind as he debated and wrestled with what to say. With what would be right. Whether to leave it at that—at his facade, at his excuse, at his message to be alone...
Or—
"You don't seem alright," Sephiroth said quietly, hoping his voice didn't sound too unkind. Narrowed his eyes in tender suspicion as he crouched before his fellow First.
Zack swallowed thickly.
"I'm... I'm fin—"
And his voice was seized by a choke, betraying him, his shoulders rising and falling once more in a strained, failed resistance as another sob tore through his lips and racked the depths of his throat.
"Zack..." Sephiroth frowned, his voice still and unwavering. "What's wrong?"
It was clear that the masquerade was futile, pointless. Sephiroth wasn't going to fall for it; he wasn't going to leave him alone to cry in the dark. He wanted to help him, to support, to make him feel better… even after all the tumult that had happened between them.
He wanted to be a friend.
A gulp, a hiccup, and Zack again shuddered on his breath, thorns of acid spearing into his hazy eyes as he slowly reached into his pocket, searched for a beat, and withdrew a small device for Sephiroth to see.
"...An.. Angeal…" Zack finally forced the words out, wading through his own voice. Opened up his contacts and held the extinct name before the warrior's eyes. "His number…"
Sephiroth forced his heart to remain untwisted, fought back the blade that came with his old friend's name. There was no time to be lanced by it—not now.
"What about his number…?"
Blinking rapidly, Zack pressed the contact. Turned away as the robotic voice usurped his best friend's and cemented the brutal, cold fact that he had lost the only connection he had to him left.
That it was severed.
That he would never hear his voice again.
Never…
Never…
Nev…
The PHS clattered to the floor as Zack curled into himself, strained his eyes, and cried.
"...Zack…"
"I'll… I'll never be able to speak to him again. Never, ever, ever. I didn't even g—get to say goodbye… Not once. Not once. Not when he left Wutai, not at Modeoheim… And now… Now—now I'll never be able to… To…"
Zack shook his head furiously, despairingly.
"...I'll never hear his voice again…"
And the word rang in his head, over and over again.
Never…
It rang.
Never…
And rang.
Nev…
And rang.
And rang.
And rang.
And ra—
Zack stiffened as a firm, steadying hand was placed on his shoulder.
"That's not necessarily true."
Sephiroth's voice was kind, gentle… honest. A tone Zack had never heard from the man before, a softness and ease that belied everything in his personality and yet felt so raw and delicate and so very undeniably real.
Slowly, Zack lifted his chin from his chest. Sniffled and choked as a thick, shimmering teardrop crawled down his cheek like a tendril of acid rain. He didn't speak.
And he watched as Sephiroth pulled out his own PHS, opened it up, and silently scrolled down to a voicemail from years prior.
He clicked it.
Hey, Sephiroth. It's Angeal. I got caught on the train again—don't think I'll be back in time to meet my usual training with Zack. Do you mind checking in with him? I know, I know: you probably don't want to. But please believe me when I say he's really, really something special. It would mean a lot to me. Oh, and… if you do decide to spare some time for the pup, tell him I'm proud of him… alright? Please. He really doesn't hear it a lot. Oh, the train is leaving now. Thanks, friend. I'll see you later.
The voicemail ended.
"I… admittedly didn't want to check-in that day…" Sephiroth said gently, his voice hardly above a fragile whisper as he kept his gaze locked on his friend. "So, please… let me tell you what I should have said then."
There was a beat, and Sephiroth dipped his chin, a slight rumble in his throat as if to clear it from something uninvited. Kept his hand on his friend's shoulder as he lifted it again and took a deep breath.
"Every day—every day at dinner or while we were all training he would brag about you. He would say how lucky he was to have you, or how much you improved, or how much potential you had. He loved you so, so much… and I don't think he ever truly meant to abandon you. I think it hurt him more than we'll ever know. But I do know that he was proud of you, Zack. So incredibly proud. More than words will ever be able to express."
He gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze, a fleeting flicker of something shiny and wet in his eyes.
"...And so am I."
It was too much. Too much at once. Everything—all of it. It was too much. Too overpowering, too stifling, like a vise that gripped his throat but its jaws were made of numbing, teary cotton instead of bitter metal.
And something inside of him broke.
He was wrapping his arms around the warrior before either SOLDIER could process it, burying his face into his shoulder, swamping the leather coat in pure, shimmering tears like cleansing rain that purified the acid in his eyes. Hooking his fingers into his collar, gripping, and listening. Listening to the song. The familiarity. The heartbeat against his own—alive, beating, safe, here…
He felt the man stiffen beneath his touch, bristling… And then he felt him relax again. Felt a pair of strong, warm arms wrap awkwardly around him in turn. Gripping him back. It was clear that it was his first time ever embracing someone before, or at least one of the first… but it was enough. It was warm. It was comforting.
It was all he needed.
"…Thank you…" Zack whispered, and he meant it with everything he had.
Sephiroth rested his chin on his shoulder. "Just come to me whenever you want to listen to it… alright?"
Zack nodded, snuffling, a swell of gratitude in his heart that he had never felt before.
"Can we… listen to it again?"
He felt Sephiroth smile.
And for the first time in a long while, Zack felt what it was like to smile again, too.
"Of course."