Chapter Text
Zack’s mouth hangs open a little wider. He doesn’t mean to be weird but, seriously, this guy is one good-looking dude.
The man who stands in the middle of the room is of average height with a lean build. He wears a fitted black turtleneck with one sleeve cut off, showing off his admittedly damn good muscles. His face is filled with very light freckles, his eyes are bright blue and his blonde eyebrows are furrowed. His jawline is sharp and his lips are full, Zack thinks he has a very slight feminine look to his face. His hair is blonde and spiky which frames his face well, Zack’s first thought is whether or not the look is natural or styled.
He wears black jeans and shoes, sporting an all black look other than the buckle of his belt being a bright silver. He looks uncomfortable and uncertain, even as Aerith hangs on his arm with a bright smile. Zack stands up to introduce himself and the guy’s eyes dart to him quickly, his eyebrows only furrowing further. Aerith notices and looks at Zack as well and she looks like she just remembered something. She lets go of his arm and instead walks forward to grab Zack’s hand with one arm and gestures to the guy with her other.
“Zack, this is Cloud! He was the one on the phone that you heard.” She introduces him. It clicks for Zack then, that the man Aerith has been so secretive of is also Jessie’s buddy. Zack grins and puts out his hand for Cloud to shake. “Nice to meet the man himself! I heard about you from Jessie the other night, didn’t realize you were also Aerith’s mystery man!” He laughs. Cloud just looks at him. He doesn’t respond and he doesn’t make a move to grasp the hand either.
Zack isn’t too concerned at first, considering it seems to be normal for him to have awkward first meetings as of late. It always turns out fine, though. He thinks, remembering how it started with Jessie and Marle. He slowly brings his hand back to his side, but doesn’t stop his friendly smile. Aerith looks between them and lets go of Zack’s hand to go back to Cloud, she takes hold of Cloud’s arm again. Cloud still doesn’t make any sort of move.
“So, Zack..” She starts. “The reason why I wanted to wait was so I could introduce you properly!” Aerith gives this as an explanation for her previous odd and secretive behavior. “Properly?” Zack asks, waiting for her to continue.
“Zack, this is my boyfriend! We got together a month ago, and I’ve been waiting to introduce him to you!” Aerith finishes and Zack immediately gasps.
“Aerith! Congrats!” He cheers, running over and hugging the both of them. Aerith laughs and wraps one arm around Zack while he squeezes them. “Oh my god, this is so exciting!” Zack cries. The celebration doesn’t last long though, as Cloud pushes Zack off roughly. Aerith’s giggles die down and Zack stumbles. “Aerith, who is this guy?” Cloud finally speaks, his voice low. Not exactly sounding very friendly, to Zack’s disappointment. “Uh, sorry, really sorry.” Zack apologizes without a beat, “Should’ve asked first before jumping you like that.”
Cloud only glares at him in response. Aerith smacks his arm lightly, “Be nice!” She whispers at him. Zack feels really out of place, now. “I’m Zack, Aerith’s friend.” He says, trying to fix his mistake. Cloud’s eyes squint at him, “Don’t care.” Is all he says. Zack feels dumbstruck. Now he’s not sure if this is a result of his own actions, or if this guy is just a dick. Cloud moves to look back at Aerith, who is no longer smiling. “I just came to make sure you were fine. I’m leaving.” With that, he untangles his arm from her grip and starts walking towards the door. “Wait, Cloud!” Aerith yells after him. “Come on, where do you think you’re going?” She pouts.
Cloud sighs and glances at Zack. “Why do I have to meet this guy?” He deadpans. Doesn’t even bother to whisper or anything. Zack feels just a little offended. “Because he’s my best friend! I want you guys to get along.” Aerith tells him with her arms crossed. Cloud huffs to himself and looks back at Zack.
“Listen, dude, I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have hugged you without asking. It won’t happen again!” Zack apologizes again, feeling horrible. This is Aerith’s boyfriend and he feels obligated to be on his best behavior to make a good impression. Cloud’s quiet for a second, looking at Zack with a blank face. “I don’t care.” Is again all he says. Zack’s not sure if he means he doesn’t give a shit for Zack’s apology, or if he means he isn’t mad at him. Aerith sighs. “Don’t worry about it Zack, he’s not upset about that.”
‘Then what is he upset about?’ Zack thinks to himself. He presses his lips together and nods tightly. “Um, so..” Zack starts, “Why don’t we chill in the break room? Not many customers today.” He suggests, trying to clear the awkward air. Aerith nods, “Sounds good to me!” She looks at Cloud, “Yeah?”
He sighs in response and begins walking towards the back. Zack catches up to him and walks by his side. “I was at your work the other day. Those designs of yours are just straight up awesome, man!” He compliments, hoping this is a good way to break the wall between them. “Why were you at my job?” Cloud grumbles, not bothering to make eye contact. Zack really just wants to ask this guy what his problem is, but the last thing he wants to do is start a fight, so instead he bites his tongue and moves on. “I heard about it being a great place, so I wanted to check it out, y’know?”
“Whatever.” Cloud says, then picks up his pace and walks in the room first. Zack groans and Aerith rubs his shoulder with, looking sorry. “He’s not great with meeting new people, he’s like this with everyone. Don’t take it personal, ok?” She whispers and then follows Cloud in. “Alright..” Zack mumbles. He’s just got to break through Cloud’s shell over time.
Zack walks in last, Aerith sits at the table and Cloud is standing against the wall, not looking at either of them. “Cloud, you can take the second chair.” Zack offers, wanting to be as polite as possible. “No.” Cloud responds, Zack’s learning blunt and monotone is going to be a constant. “You sure? I’m good with standing, man.” He tries again and only gets the same response. A solid “No”.
“Okay… If you feel like it, it’s all yours.” Zack says, hesitantly taking the seat. “So stubborn!” Aerith tuts. Zack leans back in his chair and angles his body to face Cloud’s direction. “How long have you been working on bikes for?” Zack tries again. He waits for a response for at least two minutes before Cloud responds with, “Stop.” He still doesn’t even look in his direction, or Aerith’s. “Um? Excuse me?” Zack’s patience is beginning to thin.
“Just… Stop.”
Aerith stands up from her chair, “Cloud.”
Zack chooses to stay seated. He’s annoyed, but he doesn’t want things to escalate so he keeps an even tone. “What do you want me to stop?” He asks, phrasing it in the least provocative way possible. Cloud’s eyebrow twitches but he doesn’t respond, nor does he look actually angry or even annoyed. He simply looks like he just doesn’t want to be there. Aerith looks between them, Zack can see that she’s disappointed at how this is unraveling. The air is tense and Zack is just at a complete loss. His own eyebrow furrows in frustration and confusion.
“Aerith, I’ll see you later.” Cloud finally says, he brushes past her shoulder without another word. This time, Aerith doesn’t bother running after him and Zack knows if he were to try, it might end up in him getting socked in the face. Aerith and Zack don’t move or say anything until they hear the chime of Cloud opening and closing the front door.
Aerith looks dejected and Zack feels so sad for her, it was clear that she was excited for them to meet. He gets up and takes her by the shoulders. “Sorry that didn’t go well.” He comforts gently. Aerith shakes her head, “It’s fine.” She sighs.
“No I don’t think it is.” Zack argues. He pulls her in for a quick hug and then braces himself for what he feels he has to admit, “I’m sorry but, that guy’s an asshole. I don’t like him at all.” Aerith doesn’t seem too affected by his admission, “Yeah, I don’t blame you. But I promise he’s not actually bad.”
‘Definitely not believing that. Not until I see it, at least.’ Zack knows it’s not the best to say that right now, though. Instead, he nods and decides to shift the conversation to something brighter. “What did you two end up meeting?” Zack asks, quirking up a smile. It seems to do the trick because Aerith’s face lightens up again. “Let’s sit back down while I tell the tale!”
The two sit back down at the table. “Alright, tell me all about it!” Zack encourages. “Around a year ago,” She begins.
Aerith was strolling the streets of Midgar, flower basket in hand. She had just come back from the small park hidden behind the many houses, one of the only places in Midgar where flowers naturally grow.
The streets were extra busy that day, due to rumors spreading that President Shinra may be planning to declare war on Wutai (Which got disproved three days later). It was difficult navigating, as people were running around in deep stress trying to get home. Some even already had their bags packed and ready to leave.
Aerith was being pushed and shoved left and right. Constantly losing her balance and therefore knocking into other people, who would shove her right back. No surprise, inevitably she fell on her bottom and dropped her basket. She reached for it to the best of her ability through the herds of legs. Her hand ended up getting stepped on and someone’s knee knocked into the back of her skull. She yelped in pain, but she had no space to move.
She put her head in her hands, trying to protect herself the best she could. She was stuck there for 10, 15, maybe even 20 minutes. But then all of the chaos around her stopped when she heard someone yell, “Out of the way!” and then “Oh my gosh, are you ok?!” A woman’s voice yelled out to her, Aerith heard the rustle of the woman dropping to her knees next to her. An arm was wrapped around her and it gave Aerith the courage to look up.
But when she did, she didn’t see the woman whose voice she heard and whose arm she felt, rather she saw the baggy pant legs of a man. She looked up frightened, and that’s when she saw a blonde, spiky haired man holding her basket. The few flowers that were salvageable were picked up and sat inside of it. He leaned down on one knee and held the basket out to her.
Aerith was stunned for a minute. She then remembered the woman next to her and slowly turned her head towards her. She was face to face with big red doe eyes, who studied her with immense concern. “Hey, you alright?” The woman asks, her eyes searching all over Aerith’s face. Aerith nodded dumbly in response. The woman then took her forearm with her free hand and helped Aerith stand up.
“Thank you..” Aerith said, still in shock. “Let’s get out of here.” The man speaks up. The woman’s eyes flicker to his then back to Aerith, “You ok to move?” She asks, still speaking as gently as ever with one arm still wrapped around Aerith’s shoulders and the other still holding her forearm. Aerith has to focus in order to close her own mouth and nod. The three of them start moving, the woman keeping Aerith supported and the man holding Aerith’s basket while pushing people out the way.
Aerith feels safe, protected. Her heartbeat starts to go back to normal and she feels herself coming out of her state of shock. She doesn’t even know where they’re bringing her to, but she feels like she doesn’t have to stress. ‘These are good people’ her subconscious provides, and she trusts that feeling.
Slowly, they make their way out of the crowds and in front of 2 big wooden doors. She doesn’t recognize it immediately, but once she’s lead inside she figures out it’s the popular bar, Seventh Heaven. The woman guides Aerith into sitting down at one of the tables and the man places the flower basket next to her, then backs up. Aerith lets out a breath she didn’t realize she was still holding. “Thank you two, so much.” She says, sounding tired. “It’s no problem, don’t ever mention it. My name’s Tifa.” The woman, Tifa, responds.
Aerith looks up at her and smiles, Tifa smiles back warmly. “Well thank you, O’Tifa!” Aerith thanks again, regaining herself just enough to joke a little bit. “O’Tifa, huh?” Tifa repeats, sounding very amused. Aerith then turns her attention to the very silent blonde man, she stares at him and tilts her head, waiting. He stares back for quite the few minutes before getting the hint. “Cloud.” Is all he gives for an introduction.
“Cloud..” She repeats his name like she’s considering it carefully. “Thank you.” Her tone is warm and gratitude weighs heavy on every syllable. It clearly takes Cloud back a bit, his eyes widening ever so slightly. Aerith stands up from her seat and grasps both of Tifa’s hands, she looks between the both of them while she speaks, “I really mean it. Thank you two.” Aerith feels like she can’t express it enough. Tifa shakes her head and Cloud remains silent. “It’s fine, don’t you worry about it.” She reassures.
Aerith is about to respond when Cloud interrupts her. “Your name.” Aerith takes a second and then realizes she forgot to introduce herself. She lets go of Tifa and salutes, “Aerith! Aerith at your service, good ma’am and sir!” She winks. Tifa laughs and Cloud rolls his eyes. “Now, how can I repay the both of you..” She thinks aloud, a finger on her chin. Tifa waves her hands in protest, “Really—“
“I got it!” Aerith claims suddenly. “1 date! 1 date oughta do it!” She offers as she sticks one finger up, looking at the both of them. “Oh!” Tifa yelps in surprise, her cheeks flushing. Cloud on the other hand, has no reaction. “No thanks.” Is his immediate response, no hesitation whatsoever. “Aww come on! Doesn’t anyone want to hang out with an awesome girl like me?” Aerith teases, swaying in place.
“In the end, they both rejected me that day.” Aerith laughs to herself as she wraps up the story. Zack is in shock, not expecting such an intense first meeting. But before he addresses that, “Hey! You used my line on them!” He points out. “Well, it worked for you that day, didn’t it?” She reasons. Zack chuckles, “Hell yeah it did! But not so much for you I’m hearing?”
“No, not one bit!” Aerith confirms and Zack only laughs harder. The laughing only lasts for a short period before it dies down and Zack feels the need to address the seriousness of the situation. “But, wow.. I’m really glad they were there. That must’ve been terrifying.” He sympathizes. Aerith nods, “Yeah, I was really scared that day. I’m lucky they found me.”
“That was just a really hectic time here in Midgar. The rumors turned out false and all but.. that didn’t mean people weren’t still paranoid.” Aerith continues solemnly. “I bet, it’s not easy to recover from a scare like that. That was big, too. I remember when word reached Gongaga.” Zack remembers exactly where he was too, he had been helping an older man who lived on the same strip as him clean out his house.
The man’s wife had died two years prior and he was finally ready to downsize his home, he explained to Zack that in the large house without his wife he had simply felt unbelievably lonely. Zack remembers rubbing the man’s back and telling him he doesn’t have to be alone, that there’s people who are more than happy to spend their time with him. The man laughed sadly, “You’d be surprised. Most people get tired of an old man’s rambling quite easily.” He placed a palm on Zack’s face and patted. “You’re one of the very few ones who don’t.”
Zack at the time frowned at that, and wondered if there would be anyone willing to listen to him when he’s older. He didn’t get much time to delve deeper on that thought though, because Cissnei came bursting through the door, looking worried. It was then that she delivered the news about President Shinra and Wutai. The old man, who had grandchildren in Wutai, was distraught.
Zack remembers like it happened yesterday, the way he spent the rest of that day sitting on the kitchen floor with the man trying to comfort him to the best of his ability. When he got home that night, he called everyone from Midgar that he had the number of. Which at the time was Aerith and a guy he met during school, Kunsel.
“You called me around 3 in the morning. I was surprised you even knew, I didn’t expect news to spread so quickly.” Aerith commented, looking deep in thought. “You were the only person to check up on me, you know, other than Tifa and Cloud.”
“Speaking of which.. I’ve heard the name of this Tifa girl a few times now, she’s the owner of Seventh Heaven, right?”
Aerith nods, “Yup! She took over it a few years ago. That reminds me, you went to Seventh Heaven this morning. Seems like you didn’t meet her?”
Zack leans back in his chair, his right arm over the back of it. He shakes his head, “No, she wasn’t there. This woman named Marle was.”
“Ooh, you met Marle? How did that go?” Aerith leans forward, looking like she’s expecting a crazy story.
“She was a little off-putting at first.. she stared me down for a hot second. She was nice afterwards, though!” Zack tells her, “Her being … strange, it’s the usual I take it?” He infers.
Aerith giggles, “Yup. But it sounds like you got lucky, she liked you right away. She still hates Cloud.”
Zack wants to say it’s because Cloud isn’t exactly the most pleasant person, but just like he’s done every other time, fights against it. “She must’ve been attracted to my natural charm!” Zack goes to joke instead.
“That is definitely the case!” Aerith agrees sarcastically. Zack pouts. “Hey! I do too have a natural charm!” Aerith just hums and nods dismissively. “Meanie..” Zack mumbles.
“But, Zack.. by the way.” Aerith’s voice is low again, she puts her hand on top of Zack’s, seemingly to put him at ease. “We met on way different circumstances.. but, Cloud wasn’t the most open to me either when we first met. I promise that’s just how he is with new people, he’ll lighten up to you soon.”
Zack grimaces, having a hard time really believing that. This doesn’t slip past Aerith, “I heard he was the exact same when he met Wedge, one of Jessie’s friends.” She tries to comfort again, “Wedge tried bonding with him and all he would say was ‘not interested’” Aerith puffs out her cheeks and furrows her eyebrows as she attempts to mimic Cloud. Zack can’t help but smile at her silly attempt.
Aerith drops the Cloud act to say, “They’re great friends now.”
“Alright, alright, I get your point.” Zack concedes, giving into Aerith’s points. ‘Just maybe, she’s right.’
Aerith jumps up to her feet, “Next time you see him, don’t let his meanness get in your way, ok? Just playfully push back at him. It’s what I did!” She says, pumping one arm to encourage him. Zack gets up next, “I got this, Aerith! Don’t worry!”
He wasn’t really sure if he believed what he was saying, but he could try. Aerith wouldn’t date a bad person, Zack knows that.
The rest of the day went by uneventfully. They planted some seeds with some of the neighborhood children and had playful banter with their parents, which in turn got them a few new customers. It was a fun day but over all pretty calm.
Zack had just left, he was only two feet away now from the doors. He had checked his phone and it was only 7 p.m.
A breeze came through and brushed Zack’s hair back, the sun had set not too long ago. It was a comfortable night out, the type of weather where people could be fine in just a t-shirt and jeans. Not humid or hot by any means, but still warm enough that the wind passing through was welcome. Zack appreciated the glow of the street lamps as he worried his bottom lip between his teeth.
Too early for him to go home, he’d just be bored.
What Zack really wants to do is go back to the motorcycle shop, but if Cloud happens to be there, then he’s definitely not welcomed. Zack’s not sure if he wants to tackle dealing with Cloud on his own, not today anyway. And if Jessie happens to be there, he has a feeling she would be an instigator.
Zack sighs, his hands in his pockets. He can’t stand around here wondering forever.
‘Seventh Heaven? Maybe?’
He’d love to actually meet Tifa, rather than just seeing her from afar. She looked incredibly sweet, and she sounds like she is too by Aerith’s story. And if Tifa isn’t there again, he wouldn’t mind chatting with Marle.
Zack makes up his mind, and his legs start carrying him there, he’s been through this area only once before but for some reason it feels like he’s following a life long routine. He chuckles to himself, “I’m feeling real homey already here, aren’t I.”
When he walks in, excited to feel that atmosphere, he’s taken by surprise as something hits his legs. Zack finds that the small force is the same little girl with the over-filled cup of apple juice. He goes to bend down to help her up, when a pair of hands already has grabbed her and lifted her into the air.
Zack straightens his posture,
“Oh my god.”
Cloud, who was checking the girl for injuries, snaps his neck towards Zack. His own mouth falling agape. Cloud’s eyes narrow at him and his mouth opens and closes, not sure what to say.
“Hey, didn’t expect to run into you here.” Zack greets, he extends his hand with his best smile. As expected, Cloud doesn’t bother to shake his hand—or properly greet him back. “What are you doing here.” The phrasing would be considered a question, but the tone of his voice confirms that what he really means is, ‘I don’t want you here,’ or maybe even, ‘How dare you be here.’
The little girl studies the both of them, like she’s trying to solve a puzzle. Zack feels bad, so he waves at her. The girl curls in closer to Cloud. “Daddy says not to trust anyone Cloud or Tifa don’t trust.”
Zack has no idea what to say to that. If she’s living by who Cloud trusts, then there must be absolutely no one she trusts. With the exception of Aerith, probably. Zack puts both his hands in his pockets, not sure how he can come off as least harmful as possible. Usually smiles and kindness works, but that’s got no shot here with Cloud. “Just thought I’d come meet Tifa. Aerith told me about her.”
He redirects his attention back to the girl, “My name’s Zack, I’m new around here so I’m trying to make friends.” He explains, hoping she understands that better than Cloud does. “You know Aerith?” She asks, with a look of wonder in her eyes. Zack nods, “I sure do! Aerith’s my best friend!”
She smiles brightly and it’s adorable. She has the cutest chubby cheeks and she’s missing a front tooth. Zack confidently smiles back, this time.
“Tough luck, Tifa’s not here.” Cloud’s voice cuts through.
“That’s fine with me, I’d still like to hang around.” Zack argues against the point he knows Cloud is trying to make. “Besides, you never really did tell me much about yourself.” Zack says, moving to walk further inside. He can see Cloud trying to think of a counterpoint in that mind of his. Zack decides it’s best not to wait for Cloud to come up with one and sits himself down at the bar, hoping Cloud will follow.
He doesn’t.
Zack groans and knocks his forehead on the table.
Cloud sits on the opposite of the room in on one of the benches with the little girl. Zack watches them, for a bit. The girl has a coloring book and colored pencils, she babbles about something and Cloud sits there in silence with his arms crossed against his chest.
’Fuck it.’
Zack gets up and sits directly next to Cloud, but doesn’t acknowledge him. “Hey there, what are you coloring? Mind if I join?” He asks, waving to the girl. She looks up in excitement and claps, “You can color the puppy!” She tells him, doing a poor job of ripping the page out of the book. It’s fine, Zack doesn’t mind if the entire left corner of his picture is gone. “Awesome, thanks!” He tucks his fingers in for a fist bump and reaches across Cloud, who looks disturbed. “I told you my name, what’s yours?” He asks, ignoring Cloud. “My name is Marlene!” She cheers.
Marlene passes it over and puts the pencils in the middle. Zack then finally turns to Cloud, who is looking at him with pure disbelief. “What’s your favorite color?” Zack asks, choosing to ignore Cloud’s issue. He reaches a hand towards the box of pencils but doesn’t take one yet, he waits for Cloud to respond.
The blonde grits his teeth, visibly irritated.
Zack sighs, exhausted already. “Dude, what’s your problem?” He lets himself ask. He’s held off for all morning but seriously this is ridiculous. “Why are you bothering me.” Cloud practically growls. “Why can’t we just chill, man? Can’t I just want to be your friend?” Zack tries to explain to Cloud.
“Why would I want to be ‘chill’ with my girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend.”
Zack almost flies out of his seat in shock with that one. “What?” He says exasperated, sounding like he just got punched in the gut. “Wait, how do you even know that?? You don’t know me!”
Cloud looks away. “Aerith mentioned you before.”
Zack’s eyes dart to Marlene before continuing any further. She’s blissfully in her own world coloring, thankfully. “Dude, so what if I dated her? That was literally four years ago.” Zack stresses how long ago it was. Cloud doesn’t move to make another comment.
“I can’t believe this is what your issue is..” Zack pinches the bridge of his nose. “I promise I don’t have feelings for her anymore.”
Cloud’s lips press together, like he’s holding himself back from saying something. Zack searches his face for anything else, any sort of answer or change of mind.
Nothing.
Zack gives up and grabs the light blue coloring pencil, getting to work on his puppy that Marlene so kindly gave him. His mind races.
‘Why is he so upset about this?? Who cares that I dated Aerith—Years ago!!! Literal years ago!? Is he one of those possessive guys or something!? Does he just not trust me to not flirt with her?
Zack only stresses himself out more and more as he thinks, so he starts making conversation with Marlene. Such as their favorite colors, fruits, games, etcetera.
“Why are you still here?” Cloud mutters. Zack doesn’t look at him, he stays focused on coloring in the lines. “I’m playing with Marlene. Something you’ve been failing to do.” Zack snaps. Logically, he knows he’s should be controlling himself better right now. This is still Aerith’s boyfriend, and Zack has respect for Aerith.
But, god—does he make it so hard.
Cloud spends the next half an hour in silence, looking off into the distance. Marlene and Zack finish their pictures while talking about anything. Scary stinging jellyfish, honey eating bears, ‘Daddy’s best cooking, the many different shapes, favorite bedtime stories, what it means to be brave, and so on.
Marlene presents to Zack her finished product. A cute kitty cat with yellow eyes, purple fur with what Zack thinks is supposed to be blue polka dots, red nails and the words ‘I Love Daddy’ messily written and squished on the top of the paper. Zack then shows Marlene his own work, a puppy dog with blue eyes and fur that is an ombré from yellow to red, resembling fire. “This is my awesome fire fighter dog, do you like him Marlene?”
“Shouldn’t you be leaving by now.”
Zack feels a headache start to form. “I don’t get your problem, seriously.”
“Didn’t I just tell you?” Cloud retorts back with upmost sass.
“Aerith is my best friend, you’re not getting rid of me.” Zack states blandly, picking up the scattered colored pencils and putting them neatly inside their container. “Aerith isn’t here right now, though. So why are you?” Cloud grumbles. His voice is low and barely above a whisper when he speaks, his eyebrows are furrowed, per usual, and he hasn’t looked Zack’s direction once.
“What? Would you rather me be with your girlfriend right now?” Zack retaliates, looking straight at Cloud.
Apparently that strikes a nerve, Cloud practically growls out “Leave.” His tone is as firm as steel and Zack really thinks if he stays he might get into a fist fight. Zack scoffs and stands up. He leans over to pat Marlene’s head and bid her a proper goodbye. “There’s no reason for this, man.” He says to Cloud and waits a minute for something back. He doesn’t get anything after three minutes and promptly frowns. Disappointed, he leaves.
Zack debates calling Aerith on the walk home. He feels bad, especially because she was so clearly upset this morning. It might be the wrong thing to tell her it’s not going any better.
And he feels a little bad, because technically he provoked Cloud with that comment of his.
Everything was so great and fun yesterday, and now Zack is stressed out his mind. Everyone seems to be friends with this guy too, so Zack’s the minority here. Which, Zack would genuinely love to be Cloud’s friend too, the thing is Cloud just won’t let him. He really did try. He’d love to excuse all of this on Cloud having a really bad day, but he went and brought up Zack and Aerith’s dating history. That sort of thing can’t really be a ‘accidentally being mean because you’ve had a rough day’ accident. Sound’s to Zack like Cloud’s actually thought about this.
This also definitely doesn’t seem like a general attitude type thing like Aerith initially said—with the story of ‘Wedge’ and all. This feels really personal. Zack is two seconds away from banging his head against a lamp post.
The next day when Zack comes into work, Aerith is actually standing by the door waiting for him, with a guilty look on her face. Her hands are clasped in front of her body and her shoulders are slumped.
“Hey Aerith,” Zack says slowly, concerned as he walks in. “What’s the matter?”
Her eyes flicker up to him in a flash, “Hey Zack.” She begins, sheepishly walking closer. “I just wanted to apologize for yesterday, and—also apologize for tonight..” She says, the first half sounding sincere and the second sounding hesitant. Zack frowns, “Don’t worry about yesterday. And what do you mean tonight?”
Aerith’s mouth opens and strains in a slight frown, her clenched teeth showcased. Her eyebrows are drawn up in the inner corners, a clear look of nervousness. “So.. tonight, I was going to go to an event that raises money for the orphanage with Biggs but something came up and he couldn’t make it anymore,” She pauses, letting the information sink in.
Zack nods, listening intently.
“The problem is, Biggs already bought a ticket and he doesn’t want it to go to waste.” She says, the implied question hanging in the air. “Are you asking me to go? Of course that’s not a problem, I’d be happy to help support that kind of cause!” Zack says, crossing his arms. An easy smile making his way into his face, “That’s not a problem at all.”
Aerith shakes her head, “No, that’s not what the problem is…”
Zack drops his arms, one coming to land on his hip. “Then… what’s the issue?”
Aerith eyes trail away, no longer making eye contact. She start’s fiddling with her dress. “Aerith? What exactly are you getting at?” Zack questions, starting to be worried for himself. Aerith sighs and slowly looks back at Zack. Her head is lowered like she’s ashamed, but her eyes look up at him. “Cloud is coming too. So it’ll just be us three..” and rushed she adds, “It’ll go better than last time!”
Zack wants to just collapse and fall face first into the floor. He already feels exhausted. Aerith notices and places her hands on his shoulders, “It’ll be fine! We’ll all have fun, promise!”
‘No. It definitely won’t be.’ Zack complains in his head. ‘If last night is anything to go by.. which, she doesn’t even know that happened.’
Zack sighs dramatically, his own shoulders slumping and he hunches over like he’s already been beaten down and defeated. “Okay..” Is all he manages to get out, already mourning and dreading the night ahead of him.