Figaro! (Log)
Arriving in Figaro, Aerith has doubts about Sephiroth. Zack prepares to confront him with the truth..
The last few rays of sunlight are just starting to sink into the horizon as the Figaro ferry makes it way to the nearby docks. Aboard the ferry, a very excited looking Aerith stands on the docks, peering over the edge, pointing out this and that to her companion as they plow through the blue, crystalline waters. Clearly she is very excited about this trip. Clearly, she has not travelled much. By boat at least. "Wow, Zack, that was such a great trip! I cant wait to get on land so we can do some shopping..Like you promised!!" she smiles and winks at Zack as she twirls around happily. Might as well make the most of a potentially scary situation, right?
Zack's laugh is diminished, his smile is lacking substance and every few minutes his eyes go to the horizon. He's been like this since getting on the ferry, obviously worried but trying to marshal through it any way. No matter what he does, he can't get his mind off the more doomey possibilities waiting for them.
Her twirl draws his eyes from the lights of the approaching city. "Yea. Shop, buy a royal title, eat foreign food till you get sick. What ever you want, babes."
"Wow, even from here it's beautiful, Zack...So very nostalgic.." she sighs wistfully, "Hmm, I wonder if we'll meet any princesses or anything, that'd be..Hey Zack, you okay?" she pauses in her musings, peering back at him with some concern. Perhaps she had caught something in the tone of his voice, which seems to lack a bit of his usual exhuberance for life. She smiles softly, reaching out to rest her hands on his shoulders, "Hey, we're finally here so, you dont have to worry about your friend right?" all around them, passengers are starting to disembark as soon as the ferry hits the docks. Time to go! Though Aerith doesnt move from her spot, waits patiently to make sure everything is well in the world of Zack.
Zack just gives her a pitiful sort of half smile and hoists the pack onto his back. "I wish." The hard part was coming up. He had to lure Seph out of civilization, give him the great steaming truth and hope he didn't loose his freaking mind. But, he reminded himself for the bazillionth time, he couldn't let that affect the time he had with her now. There was a very real possibility he might never see her again, best enjoy it ne?
He reaches for her hand and gives another attempt at a smile, it's a lot more convincing this time. "Come on, lets go get a room and see what this place's got for a night life!"
Poor, poor Zack. He must have so much on his mind, so many problems to deal with at once. She cant help but empathize with him, though even now, there's only so much she can do other than be there with him..At least he doesnt have to walk this long lonely journey completely on his own. She continues to smile warmly, trying to be strong for him as she massages his shoulders a little, trying to relax him some before her hand slides down his arm, interlocking with his own. "Right, let's go find an inn before it gets too dark! I'm so tired after that long trip!" though there is only so much she can do to stifle a yawn as she shoulders her pack and staff once again, ready for the next big adventure, "Okay! Have you been to this town before? Where is the nearest inn?" she glances around as she heads for the docks, getting used to the solid land once more.
A flicker of Zack's usual savoir faire returns when she takes his hand. With her at his side, was there really anything he couldn't take down? This problem would end, and well. He just knew it. Denial is more than a river in Egypt!
"I'm not used to traveling with normal people." He rubs the back of his neck with his free hand, looking sheepish. "All this rest and eating and stuff. Weird!" He chuckles then points. "Yup, thatta way! We're looking for the Scorpian or the Sandray or some kinda desert critter."
Aerith cant help but giggle at the mention of 'normal' people, "Oh? So what sorts of people do you usually hang out with? You're not used to resting and eating and stuff?" She smirks, "Oh, I guess SOLDIERs are kinda superhuman right? You dont need that sort of stuff right?" she's not being fascisious, she's just curious, innocently curious, "Well I guess I can understand that. I wish I could be stronger, like them.." she glances up at the first twinkling stars in the skies thoughtfully, yes, it would be nice if she didnt always slow Zack down all the time. Shaking her head, she shrugs it off, smiling still as she peers around the streets, "Hmm, which way? Wow, it's so busy tonight. I guess it's a popular city, huh. I suppose it's too late to do any exploring or window shopping tonight though, right?"
The smile drains from his face and he grabs her by the shoulders, a little too roughly. "Don't say that!" There's a note of panic in is voice, along with disapproval. Loosening his grip and with a strained calmness he continues, "You're perfect just the way you are." He smiles, reaching out to catch her chin between his thumb and forefinger. "If you start thinking otherwise, well then you'll do crazy things. Like letting people radiate alien DNA into your body so you can go for days with out food, water or sleep." The approaching darkness highlights his point nicely, the warm violet glow of his eyes.
She blinks slowly, a little tensed, a little surprised by his reaction. She caught the tone in his voice and it makes her wonder once more, what else doesnt she know about him? What other secrets is he keeping from her? Though he must tell her in his own time, if he chooses to reveal those secrets at all. She squeezes her eyes shut for a moment, clenching her fists and sighs, "I'm sorry Zack..I guess sometimes, I just worry that I'm slowing you down.." she opens her eyes again, gazing into those beautiful, violet eyes. Though for a second there, there is a definite fear reflecting in her soft, non-Mako eyes. Sephiroth was also a SOLDIER. Will Zack go mad like he did, because of the experiments? No, dont even think that!! What a terrible thing to think!! Still, she seems tense, even as her gaze relaxes some, even as she tries to quickly put such thoughts out of her mind..
If only Aerith knew the real reason he hadn't been sleeping. Not because he didn't have to, the lack of it was starting to wear at him, it was because the nightmares woke him up any way. Horrible, bloody things where just what she imagined had come true along with a whole library of other horrors. Some one said it before, and it's as true now as it was then, poor Zack!
The nearness of her, the sweetness of her expression. He finds himself drawn into her eyes. His heart shudders with her fear and all he wants to do is draw her close and keep her safe for ever and always. He can do it for a little and for now at least, and he does. Hugging her close. "No, never. You're…." The young man pauses, desperately searching for the words. "You're my strength, you keep me going when everything else falls away." It's true. SOLDIER was gone, ShinRa was gone. And for a long time he thought she was too, yet with all he'd done even the stuff she knew about, the woman still chose him above all others.
Why was she thinking such things? How could she possibly doubt him like that? It was true, even Cloud was a mere puppet of Sephiroth at one time, unable to control his own body, unable to save her...But this was different, Zack was different! His mind, his willpower was perhaps stronger than Cloud's could ever be, it took so much more for his mind to snap, she just knew it! And..And he loved her, as much as she loved him.
She smiles softly, feeling her fears practically melt away as he holds her in his embrace, closing her eyes briefly, forgetting once more where they are and where they might be headed. Right now was all that counted, spending time with Zack. "Zack..Thank you..Sorry for saying something so silly. I guess I'm just happy to be human." well half-human anyway. She opens her eyes again, able to gaze lovingly into those intense violet pools without flinching this time. Even if he's a SOLDIER, he's still human too.
Stronger than Cloud? Maybe at one time, the boy they both knew certainly. The man he'd met and worked with here? Zack had his doubts. Of course, his brief foray into unhinged-land hadn't helped matters much. Thankfully, all of that was out of his system and the only person who knew about it had disappeared into the crowd some time ago. Thinking about Vaan his eye kind of twitches, man I hope he's okay!
Aerith's expression draws a weak little smile from him. Absently he brushes her bangs from her face, tucking them behind her ears. "It's okay. Being here is kinda hard to get used to, you'll probably catch yourself thinking weird things as time goes on." Gods knew he had!
"Hmm? What's so special about this place? Do you find it kind of Nostalgic, you mean?" she's not longer trembling at least, now, as she rests her hands on his shoulders, gazing up at him happily with little hearts in her eyes for a few minutes longer. The only thing that interrupts her thoughts is when the ferry they were on honks its massive horn as its about to disembark again, a sound that nearly causes her to jump in surprise, shaken suddenly out of her reverie and she giggles a bit, "Oh, I guess we should hurry, it's getting late, right? Hey, I guess it's this way.." she grabs his hand, still maintaining contact as she heads towards where he pointed out earlier.
Zack chuckles as she jumps, his own response cut off by the blaring. Once the ringing in his ears stops he tries again. "I meant here in general, err, the Converged world." He gestures at the surrounding area. "Things are a whole lotta different some times. Ack!" He laughs and lets her lead him along. "Yea, that way. Only one really decent in here for some reason. You still feeling tired?"
She nods slowly, thoughtfully, "Yeah..It's all so different, like so many different worlds coming together.." she has to stifle a yawn as she talks, but seems to excited and curious at the new sights and sounds to stop now, "But different is good, it's like a whole new adventure! Look at this place, it's amazing!" she glances around this way and that, slowing her pace some as she peers into one store or another. At this time of night, most stores are starting to close, though there are of course those that are open all night long, like the pubs and off course the inns. She laughs a bit, feeling the sand beneath her boots, seeing the sky up above, smelling the fresh, cool air of the great outdoors, "Tired? A little, I suppose we should at least get ourselves a room first, leave the exploring til tomorrow."
Finally, she comes to a stop at the crossroads, glancing around curiously, then looking back to Zack. Obviously he's been here before, "Which way now?" as she waits, a strong gust of wind rises up from somewhere, blowing a newspaper into her face, momentarily obscuring her view, "Ack!" she flails, trying to pull it away..
Zack just tags along, watching her with thinly veiled delight. It didn't matter that she was painting big red bull's-eyes on them. Too cute! Any would-be thieves would find more than they could handle in the protective ire of the SOLDIER any way. Big stupid puppies could easily change into feral snapping beasts, all dogs have teeth.
"It's straight ahead to the…" Then she's being menaced by litter! Zack reaches over and quickly snaps the offending paper from her face. "See, you're irresistible!"
Aerith relaxes some as the litter is removed, laughing a bitat the comment. Aah, she can breathe again! "Thanks, Zack! Silly litterbugs.." Though before she can throw the paper away, she glances at the headline, a newspaper that's only a couple days old though the words ring out bright and clear in her mind as she glances through it quickly: 'Geostigma' and 'ShinRa' particularly, come to mind. "Hmmm, what's this?" she reads through it a second time, more carefully, biting her lip, "Seems our dear friend Rufus didnt tell us quite everything there was to know.." though whatever Hojo's involvement in this phony 'cure' might prove helpful in finding a true cure for the virus. For the first time since arriving, she seems a little unsure. If the great ShinRa was unable to cure these people, will she be able to do anything?
Zack scowls at the paper. Looks like Seph was right, never trust ShinRa! "Man, I shoulda made that guy a kabob when I had the chance." It's more joking than serious, though the desire is there. Her reaction is something of a mystery to him. What's going on in the pretty head of hers? "You know, Rufus said the disease was caused by the planet overacting to Jenova. Maybe…You could ask it to stop?"
Aerith hmms and nods, seeming to gain a little more confidence at that thought. No doubt, Hojo had used some unconventional, extreme methods to 'cure' the virus, which only did more harm than good. If she were to apply the principles of Great Gospel to those infected, draw upon the Planet's knowledge of Jenova and the Ancients' past encounters with this alien lifeform, perhaps she could integrate this knowledge into the human race. "Y-yeah, I'm sure Hojo just went about it in the wrong way, maybe there's still hope for those people. I just hope he hasnt caused enough damage to the ones he has already treated.." she pauses, pondering, "Zack, what about Sephiroth? He..He didnt receive treatment from Hojo too, did he? How severe is his case?"
Zack takes point, heading towards the Inn again as they talk. Her comment about Hojo elicits a bitter laugh from the man. "Anything that guy's involved in is "the wrong way". I wouldn't be surprised if he /made/ it to do this." Learning about Jenova had been an uncomfortable and rapid education on the man. Hojo was the first and so far the only person on Zack's "Kill First Don't' Ask Questions" list. And a real challenge to his new set of beliefs about this world.
Her question yanks him from the cycle of loathing he's set into. "Seph? Uh no. He wouldn't even borrow sugar from Hojo, much less put something the nuto created into his body." The second question sobers him. "How bad? Well, for a SOLDIER /really/ bad. Compared to regular people he's okay."
Okay. Shopping will have to wait til later, taking care of this illness is more important right now, especially if Hojo is going around making it even worse. "Right, we'd better hurry!" she starts to head towards said inn, but falters a few steps before heading in. Is she doing the right thing in helping Sephiroth of all people? Is he really a changed person? Maybe she's just blinded by love..She bites her lip, seeming a little hesitant to go on. She's getting cold feet it seems..
Zack nearly runs into her as she comes to screeching halt. Waugh! The various implements hanging from his pack clatter together as his strength and balance fight inertia and gravity. Disaster avoided, the man peeks around the little woman's shoulder. "Hey, what the hold up?" Then he sees the look on her face and frowns. "Tell you what. I gotta talk to Seph about all this Jenova stuff. How bout I do that first, then we worry about curing Geostigma?" What she does know is a part of Zack doesn't think he'll live through that conversation, that either of the men will. The source of his sleeplessness and nightmares, the thing that put the worry lines around his eyes, guilt and fear over being the possible instrument of death to his only true friend.
Being reminded of this is only a flicker of worry in his eyes, a brief deepening of the lines around his eyes, then he's all smiles and reassuring hugs.
"I'm sorry.." Aerith turns around, smiling apologetically, bending down to pick up the items that have fallen to the ground, returning them to his pack. "Yeah, it'll be okay, I'm sure.." she nods, as if trying to reassure herself as much as him, she reaches for the door handle, pushing on it lightly but pauses once more before going in all the way. "Hey Zack, let me come with you, when you tell him.." if things dont go well, she at least wants to be able to protect Zack from Sephiroth, if she can. She couldnt stand if Zack were do die a second time on her.
Zack lets her get a head start again, certain that wasn't the last of her stop-in-tracks-sudden thoughts. Low and behold, he's right! The question does to Zack what pavement does to a baby grand after a three-story flight. CRASH! He stares at her for a few long moments. Panic obvious in his expression. Come on man, recover!
"I-I d-don't think that would be a good idea." He manages finally. "Seph's always been really insanely crazy private about his past. I wanna talk with him so he's comfortable; having a stranger around'll only put him on edge." This was not a lie! Which was good, cause we all know how wonderful he is at those.
Oh dear..That could be difficult. She sighs, looking away, towards the inn. "Zack? Are you sure you'll be okay? Are you sure he wont...." she swallows. She cant even think that! "Um..I've been thinking, does he really have to know everything that happened? If he knew the truth, that his mother was human, that he loved him..Maybe that would be enough? He doesnt need to know the lies he was told, what he did in Nibelheim.."
Zack comes up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist, resting his chin on top of her head. He doesn't respond to the first question, unwilling to lie to her. Even if he could lie well he wouldn't be able too. "It won't be, I know. He all ready knows something happened and it was horrible. If I lie to him, just like every one else…" He trails off, the thought so utterly repulsive it drowns everything out for a minute. "He needs to know the truth of who and what he is. Me not telling him will let some one else do it. Who ever that is might not care what it does to him, might even try to mess him up. We can't risk that." No, a controlled setting with some one who knew what to say was the only way.
"I know..You're probably right, it's just.." Aerith sighs, leaning against him, clasping her hands over his and closes her eyes, taking in his familiar scent, his deep voice, the touch of his skin against hers. Will this be the last time? Will things work out alright? And for all the strength and courage she had worked up before, that little shimmer of doubt, of fear raises its ugly head again as she tries so hard to push it away, to quash it. No. She mustnt think that. She must have faith! She must believe in him, and in herself. Sephiroth is his best friend. He couldnt possibly hurt him, could he? She nods slowly to her own internal monologue, "Zack? You'll come back to me, wont you?"
The SOLDIER's thoughts are much the same as the woman in his arms. He too bats away the fear, grinding it down with his stubborn will and the love he has for the man. Things would be all right! They had to be, they had earned as much in the lives they left behind!
He shifts behind her and nuzzles her cheek. "Yea. I'll come back to you." One way or another. If he died, another him from a different time would show up eventually. Technically telling the truth. "Now lets go get a room before they start chargin us for standin in the door." He laughs, releasing her and holding the door open.
Aerith lets out a deep breath, though she is far from relieved. As she turns to face him, for a moment, she just looks really really sad. If he DID die, who's to guarantee that he wouldnt simply be erased from this timeline, or if he did come back, that he no longer loved her? Still, she swallows her tears, nodding as she follows him in, trying to say something uplifting, encouraging, though nothing comes to mind.
It's one of the hardest things Zack's had to do to date, ignoring that look in her eyes and breezing past her. All he wants to do is pull her close and kiss her until that look goes away. If he does, if he acknowledges that she knows, then it's all over. He'll loose the resolve to tell Seph, start fearing for himself more than the man or the world and it'll just snow ball.
Instead he happily thumps the book on the desk and calls for some service. "Oye! Any body home back there?" A woman calls from the back, saying she'll be there shortly. He turns to her, the desire to spare them both this pain fueling his usual light heartedness. "Question, Miss Gainsborough. One room or two?" Ahh yes, classic traveling dilemma.
The question is always at the back of her mind, the hardest thing she has to do is give him up, trust him to...To The One Who Killed her. Usually it'd be easy, she'd just put on her bright, optimistic attitude, hope for the best. This was different. Sephiroth was different. Still, she has to trust Zack. She's lost in her thoughts again, caught unawares as he asks about the room.
"Huh?" blinking a couple times as she's brought out of her reverie, Aerith glances at Zack questioningly, then looks towards the innkeeper, a bit confused at first, "Oh! Umm sorry. I guess..One room. Two beds." At least she can keep an eye on him that way.
Zack winks at her and smirks, counting out the appropriate gil from his dwindling supply. Man, he had to find gig soon! Especially with some one else to take care of. Not that she couldn't take care of herself, just that what was acceptable for just him simply wasn't with company. He'd of pitched a tent out in the desert for example, rather than getting a room. Roughing it never really bothered the hearty young man.
"You wanna order from the kitchen or have me go grab something?" He asks, taking the keys from the attendant with a nod.
Aerith notes the sparse change too, with a bit of a frown. Fortunately she'd brought along some pretty little flowers to sell in Figaro! Let's see how the desert people take to a cute little flowergirl! Maybe she'll be able to earn some extra gil while she's here. "You know what?" she forces a smile, glancing sidelong at Zack, "I'll go buy dinner, why dont you unpack the stuff then I'll meet you on the rooftop in a few minutes? It's a nice, clear night, might as well eat outside, right?"
Zack freezes, a million horrible scenarios playing out in his head at once. What if she got mugged while out? Or worse! Met Sephiroth with out a proper medium? A frown twitches at the corner of his mouth. Not only that, but he was the man dang it! He was supposed to protect and care for her, which meant footing the bill too!
He closes his eyes and tilts his head upward, expression growing placid for a moment. Well, that wasn't a concern. Seph was right above them. As for the mugging, maybe in Midgar but Figaro wasn't that kind of place. He sighs then scours up his own mischievous grin. Blow to the ego it is! "All right." He reaches out to take her pack. "Seein as you trust me with your unmentionables." Eyebrow wiggle of doooom!
Aerith smiles and nods, passing her pack over to Zack..She'd trust him with her life, what's a few 'secrets' or two stashed in her pack? Like she has much to hide, other than her diary..And other things. Oh well. She pulls out a pen and paper, getting ready to jot down whatever he wants to eat. She's got some money, she'd feel really bad about letting him waste all his cash on her, "Okay! What do you want to eat? I'll try and find it."
Awe! It's not fun unless you act all flustered! Ah well, he was amused any way. Even if he never would succumb to such a temptation. The thing with undies is, they only tended to look good /on/. COUGH! Yes, focus young Zack focus! Did she say food? At 18, why he's still a growing boy! Meals couldn't come soon enough. "Err…anything with meat and veggies." And he generally wasn't picky.
Aerith seems a bit preoccupied still to pay much attention to Zack's...Thoughts. She just nods and hurries off, counting the change in her purse, making sure she has enough to buy something decent. Of course at this rate, she probably wont be bringing back any gourmet dinners! Oh well.."I'll see you later then." hopefully she wont run into to certain other people while she's out on her own..
Zack had laid a blanket out for them on the roof, given the warmth of the evening it really was a brilliant idea. And he'd told her as much. The gas lamps in the streets didn't have nearly the wattage of the electric lights in Midgar. The stars shown in a glittering blanket across a midnight sky. The SOLDIER is on his back with his hands folded behind his head, eyes lost in those stars.
She creeps up silently behind him, barely making a sound other than the soft rustle of her long dress against the paved rooftop. It was a beautiful night, the deep navy sky lit up with a miriad of twinkling stars like a giant light show in the sky. At this time of night, there was no one else on the rooftop, just the two of them. Which was fine by her.
"Hi.." she says softly, giving herself away. She's carrying a tray full of freshly baked falafel donairs and apple cider, the rich smell of both mingling in the air. Oh and shish-kebabs too, cant forget those. These she sets down on the blanket between the two of them before settling in the warmth of the thick fleece herself. It was a cool night. Other than her thin jacket, she didnt have much to keep her warm. She's silent a few minutes, just staring up at the sky, not even touching her dinner as she's lost in thought.
"Hi Aerith." He responds, hardly even blinking. Surprise a SOLDIER? Only if you're one of them! "All right, falafel!" Being Zack, he sits up and digs in right away. It's hard to eat "politely" with your fingers, but he gives it a good college try!
After a while it dawns on him, hmmm non-eating pensive girlfriend. I wonder if something's wrong? "Gil for your thoughts?"
"Hmmm...." Aerith smiles, though a sad smile, sipping on her cider, "Nothing much, I guess, just tired I suppose.." she replies, dodging the real issue as she lays down on her back, gazing up at the stars. "I forgot how beautiful they are, Zack, can we stay here for a while? It's such a nice, peaceful city.." she closes her eyes, feeling the cool breeze tingling her skin. Maybe for a while she can forget everything that's been nagging her these past few weeks, just live in the now.
Zack eyes her skeptically. Riiiiight. And I'm a pink marmoset. "I was planning on it. Figaro's on good terms with ShinRa…and just about everybody else. It's a great place for marks and gathering info. Guards keep the crime down but aren't pushy like in Baron." Some one likes Figaro! "So, you going to tell me what's bothering you?"
"Haha, dont worry about it....Really, it's nothing!" Well it wasnt nothing and it does concern herbut..She laughs some, emerald eyes seeming to sparkle with a bit more life than earlier. "Anyways, you have enough to worry about." At least she's more relaxed now it seems, had some time to think through her thoughts while she was gone to buy dinner. "Here.." she leans over towards him, dabbing at his face with a napkin, "You have food all over your face, silly. There, that's better." She starts humming a soft tune to herself as she cleans his face, seeming to enjoy herself.
Zack's expression screws up in exasperation, but he allows the grooming with out further complaint. He was trying to be serious here and she was being all lovey-cute! "Not too much that I can't listen to you." He says, ambling over their dinner to plunk down behind her.
She giggles a bit, once she's got the food off his face. flopping down next to him to dig into her own donair, "Hmmm, are you sure? You've been pretty stressed lately.." she is of course, being as delicate and ladylike with her dinner (which is difficult, but miraculously achievable if you are Aerith) as she can. After a moment though, she settles the half-eaten food on the plate, staring up at the beautiful sparkling sky with a soft sigh, "I guess..I was just thinking about my parents. You remember what Rufus said? About my dad working with Hojo to experiment on Jenova? I always thought, that he was a good person but.."
Zack mentally facepalms. What did you think she was worrying about you idiot?! He looks back to the sky, actually taking the time to gather his thoughts before speaking. "I think he was, in a way. Didn't it say he left when they started in on live people?" Of course your definition of "good" had to be a little loose here. While he didn't take part in the experiments he still knew they were happening and didn't do anything to stop them. But then, what could he have done really?
Aerith nods slowly, smiling weakly at the thought. She's not all that convinced though, it seems as she moves over to the edge of the rooftop, swinging her legs over the side as she sips slowly on her apple cider, "Yeah, I guess. He wouldnt have betrayed the woman he loved, right? He wouldnt have traded her in for the name of science, would he?" though it sounds eerily familiar to how things ended with Sephiroth's parents. Maybe she has more in common with him then she thought. This causes her to laugh bitterly, "Wow, I cant believe after all this time, Jenova and Shinra are still causing so much damage."
Zack doesn't respond to her first questions. It didn't look like he did, but how much of ShinRa's info did they want to take at face value? He didn't know how to help her make the decision either way and so stays out of it.
"I know, weird eh? At least this time round there's people who know what the hell is goin on. You guys aren't finding this stuff out has you go along and trying to react. Best defense is a good offense, right?" Proactive solutions! The man's newest motto for staying sane.
Those questions would likely always nag at her. Her mother didnt tell her much about her father. Not even the files could answer all her questions. In fact most people who knew her father were dead. All except one person, but did she have the guts to face him again? "Oh...Hehehe.." she chuckles at her own private thoughts, though the idea doesnt go away. Hojo would be able to tell her everything. Maybe he'd even be able to give her some information on this Geostigma virus and what he had done to those people. But then, this was Hojo afterall. Bad, bad idea...Or was it? She clears her throat, best not mention any of it to Zack, though it's obvious she is thinking real hard about something.
"Somewhere up there, there's the Promised Land, somewhere far far away..Or is it really so far away? I wonder if I'll find others up there. I wonder if I'll find it some day too?" she peers up at the sky, gazing at one particularly intense blue star that shines brighter than the rest. No wonder Cid wanted to fly into space so badly.
Dang right better not tell Zack! He'd have a fit and fall in it! Letting Rufus near her was bad enough, but Hojo? Ohnonononono! Over his cold dead body! Thankfully, he doesn't have this to get worked up about, so all he can do is watch her and wonder what she's thinking.
As she starts talking her regards her with even more curiosity. It's English, I know it is! Scratching the back of his head he chimes, "Hate to interrupt you esoteric line of thought but…What's the Promised Land?"
"Hmmm? I never told you?" she smiles apologetically to Zack, beckoning him over, "Come here, it's breathtaking.." seeing the ground so far below your feet, the sky thousands of miles above. It's kind of exhilirating, "I'm sorry.." she giggles, "I guess there's still so much you dont know about me. I suppose I'm still discovering a lot for myself. The Cetra, my ancestors I suppose, they're an alien race of magical creatures. They travel through space, kinda like intergalactic nomads." what a strange thought. How'd they do that anyway? With spaceships? Maybe they were the result of all those UFO sightings. Haha.
She continues, "Well, supposedly they were searching for something called the promised land, a kind of paradise I guess, a beautiful, peaceful world where war, famine and strife didnt exist. They stopped on this planet to rest in their journey, and some of them refused to go on but chose to stay here, they later became the human race.." she smiles at the memories, of the fairytales her mom used to tell her. Or were they really fairytales? "Though sometimes I wonder if this promised land isnt closer than we all think?"
Zack does as she asks, dropping down next to her and looking skyward. Not quite as exhilarating when you knew you could land with out breaking anything but fun none the less. As she speaks, the man remains stoic, though occasionally the corners of his lips twitch up into a smile. Somewhere along the way he goes from listening intently to biting his lip and looking strained. As she finishes he gives in and bursts into a mini-fit of laughter.
"Oh! I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't laugh! Especially with Jenova, but it all sounds so…science fiction!" He chuckles again and mops his hand across his face. Sober up cadet or she's liable to push you off the roof!
Damn right she will! Inase you hadnt noticed yet, surprise! You're dating an alien! She looks rather upset at his response, not quite what she expected, and she shoves him hard in the ribs, "Hey! That's not funny! I'm being serious!" next time, she'll likely toss him off the roof! Or she would if she wasnt so gentle. Instead she rises to her feet, folding her arms as she begins to walk away. Stupid Zack, cant he be serious for a moment?
Zack oofs and rubs the spot where she contacted. "Ow! Jeez!" He's still laughing, until she stands up and walks off. "Come on Aerith, I didn't mean anything by it!" He scrambles to his feet and follows. "Cut me some slack, huh? My best friend /and/ girlfriend are both half-aliens! It's just so…wow." There is something that he saves for just such occasions, when he is in trouble and needs a get-out-of-jail-free card. They are called, the eyes. "I'm sorry." Zack pouts a little, looking at her soulfully.
Aerith cant help but smile a little at the irony herself. If she werent an 'alien' herself, then it might have been funny. Still, she's gotta let Zack suffer a bit for it. "Hummmm...Depends..Do you believe me?" she still hasnt turned around to face him, her arms folded as she stares up at the sky, gazes upon that one, beautiful bright star. She catches the pouty puppy dog look in his eyes and refuses to look. She wont give in so easily!
With his Ultimate Weapon defeated, you'd think our hero would be at a loss. Thankfully, this is not so! Just because you have an RPG doesn't mean a good ol stick a TNT won't do, amirite? What's better then The Eyes, might you ask? Total honesty. "Never said I didn't." He says, suddenly very interested in the toes of his boots. "I know you wouldn't lie to me. It's just so different. One day I'm walking along ~La La~ having a normal life, the next this…" A gloved have gestures expansively at the city. "And everything I thought was normal isn't and…I gotta laugh or I'll cry."
"Heh. Get used to it, SOLDIER. Nothing is what it seems. Guess that's just life." she sighs, yeah, what a complicated life. "Some day I'll find my promised land and you wont be laughing..But you wont cry either." she is appeased a little bit though as she finally gives in, turning around to face him with a soft smile, "But does it change anything? I'm still Aerith. Still the same old me."
Zack almost succumbs to the urge to stick his tongue out at her. Get used to it! Hn! There wasn't anything in life you couldn't laugh at eventually, even in this backassward world. "Awe, you know me better than that." Of course he'd be laughing! "I wasn't laughing /at/ you, just the situation. Put yourself in my shoes…." He stops when she turns to look at him, struck dumb by the sweetness of her expression. Yup, same old Aerith!
"Sooorry Zack!!" she replies in that sweet, angelic voice of hers, tinged in a kind of teasing, sing-song fashion, "No more surprises, I promise!" though as she says that, she reaches over suddenly to muss up his hair, smiling and winking playfully. Cant let him get away scott free! "Yeah, I know you better than that!"
Is that a little bit of drool coming out of the corner of his mouth? Could be, he's definitely got the idiotic expression for it. Purdy gurl, hee. It lasts all of five seconds, cause now she's messing with his hair. "Augh! Not the hair!" He laughs, gently grabbing her wrists and pulling her against him so she can't reach up. Given what it looks like normally, it actually looks better now that she's mussed it.
"I don't think you can promise something like that." He says softly, staring down at her with the faintest of smiles. "Appreciate the sentiment though."
Aerith giggles, eyes sparkling mischievously still, "Aww Zack, what happened to your long hair? It was so cute! It was fun tying it up in ribbons!" okay, so she only did that once, and Zack was rather freaked out but..She smiles though, nodding, "That's okay, you always look perfect to me.." She gazes up at him for a moment in silence, just smiling. Silly Zack. Oh well, she at least managed to forget her worries for a day. That's all that matters right now.
Zack turns a shade of green at the mention of the ribbons, he lets her go and looks around nervously. "I let you do that once and you said you'd never tell any one!" The mischievous glint in his eye tells her he's being over dramatic on purpose. "Is some one I knew heard, I'd be finding ribbons tied to everything I own!" Ignoring the fact that he'd probably deserve it for some prank he'd pulled.
He's about to ask her what's wrong with his hair when she's reassuring him. "Yea, I miss the spikes too. I had to cut it though. I was a decoy for a friend of mine and his hair was short. You should have seen it blond!"
Aerith smiles and winks, "Dont worry, your secret is safe with me.." for now, anyway. Dont worry, she probably has other 'surprises' up her sleeve! "Hmmm, you're always getting yourself into trouble arent you, but I think I can imagine you with blonde hair..." again she gets that far away look, thinking of Cloud again. He probably looked even more like Cloud, back then, "Oh yeah..I wonder where he is?"
Zack adopts an expression of mock-horror. "Moi? Trouble? Perish the thought! I'm a saint I tell you!" And then she's off wandering the back roads of her mind again. Well poo! He sprawls out on the blanket and picks at one of the kebabs. "Where who is?" He asks absently.
Aerith hadnt even touched the kebabs, especially the one with pink blocks of pork skewered along with red cherries..Kinda reminded her of something. She shrugs, leaning against the wall next to the stairs leading down. "You know..Cloud.." no longer hesitant to talk about him now, she's sorted out her feelings about Cloud by now, at least she's sure she has, "I guess..I just wanted to apologize to him, you know..For everything. I owe him that at least."
Oblivious, Zack happily chows down. Meat= gooood. Cloud's name makes him choke a little. Oh yea, /that's/ what he was forgetting! Sotr-out-stuff-with-Cloud, see it was on the list! Right under, Save-Sephiroth and Oil-Chocobo-Tack! Though it didn't matter nearly as much now that he knew where she stood, and even less so since it was at his side. "I know where Cloud is. Well, sorta. I imagine he's stompin his way back from MIMIR, pissed as all hell." The dark-haired man smirks broadly, obviously enjoying the thought. Then she says something strange. "Apologize? For what?" He stops in mid-motion of bringing the stick to his mouth and cranes his head backwards so he can look at her upside down. From the way he'd heard him tell it, he wanted to apologize to her! The heck?!
"MIMIR? Where's that?" hmm, another place she has to check out, another person she has to speak with, after Sephiroth and Hojo. If she survives them. She swallows, idly kicking at the dirt on the ground, "Oh I dont know, I kind of led him on, got in between him and Tifa, played with his feelings.." ironically, she might have ended up with Cloud if Zack hadnt come back but.Oh yes, and for helping his sworn enemy! How would Cloud feel about that? "I guess what happened between the three of us was...." complicated. "Oh yeah, I wonder where Tifa is?"
"MIMIR's a place that studies the Convergence phenomenon." The kebab has seen it's last days! The now empty bamboo clatters against the plate. "It's up north, can't tell you where exactly cause Ten'll throw a tantrum and sick her dragon on me or something." Not that he was worried about fighting it. More like he got the distinct impression the thing was the only friend she had, and he couldn't bring himself to take that from any one. Even some one as obnoxious as Ten. The remaining entrées are made safe by Aerith's next words.
Zack stares at her, obviously shocked. If it hadn't come out of her mouth he would never have believed it! "Really? Wow." Is all he can say, cause he's dumb like that. After a moment he adds, "Well, I'm sure you had your reasons." Right, cause that helped!
"Wow, that sounds kind of interesting, I'd like to learn more about the convergence, too." She shrugs, settling down next to Zack, "Not intentionally of course, just...Well I guess I liked him, I suppose I saw him as a replacement for you. It's not like he and Tifa were even dating or anything, so he was..." up for grabs. Which sounds bad all the same, "Heh, I guess it played out like some cheesy soap, but it's over now." Yeah, Cloud's gonna have to move on without her. Which kind of makes her feel guilty.
Zack makes a face and sits up, folding his legs under him Indian style and resting the palms of his hands on his boot laces. "He said something like that. That you never talked about me cause you didn't want him to think he /was/ a replacement for me. It's gotta be one or the other, right?"
Aerith nods slowly, "Yeah, you're right. I made my decision.." she sighs, hugging her knees to her chest, "It'll be difficult though." she shrugs, "Well, no point in worrying about it now, right?" she smiles, "So did you enjoy the dinner?" of course she's rather poor now, lots of flower selling for tomorrow! But she'll keep that part to herself. Dont want to worry zack.
The man's frown deepens but he lets her change the subject. It was a good evening, there was no sense in spoiling what could be he last few hours with this complicated mess. At the drop of a hat he goes from deeply troubled to beaming brightly. "Well yea! Good stuff there, really hit the spot. Thanks! You gunna finish yours, or save it for later?"
Aerith smiles to herself. What's she thinking, telling Zack about her and Cloud? Silly! Anyway, Cloud had Tifa, and as much as he didnt appreciate her, he wasnt exactly alone. Definitely time for a subject change! She nods as she reaches for the rest of the donair, she's not really into the shish-kebabs, "Well I'm glad, it would be cheaper to cook, but I guess if you're planning on travelling a lot, it's easier just to eat out." Well except for the money thing, she's used to budgeting a lot, living in the slums, "Knowing you, you probably cant stay in one place f or too long, but I have stuff I want to see in this world too." she pauses, pondering. What'll happen after this? Will they go their separate ways? "Hey Zack? Are you okay with me travelling with you?"
Zack nods. "I usually just spice up an MRE with what ever monster I kill that happens to be edible." He'd eaten some strange things in the name of oh-gods-not-cold-beans-again! "Don't expect you to rough it though. If you wanna go buy some stuff, here." He pulls his wallet out of his back pocket and tosses it to her. "Have at it, we'll be here a while any way." Home cooking = win. Not having to eat his own cooking = life saver! "Am I okay with it?" He seems surprised. "Well yea! Why wouldn't I be?" It was nice to have some one else to talk too, and the chocobo's didn't seem as intent on killing him when she was around!
"Oh...Really? So like, what kind of stuff do you eat in the wilderness?" she cant help but giggle at the thought, some of the monsters she's fought in the past were pretty icky! "Hehe, of course I wouldnt mind trying something new! I guess living with my mom, even in the slums was kind of sheltered. I think it's fun, exciting to be out in the great wilderness!" well, most of the time anyway. Sometimes it was just plain scary. She yawns tiredly, leaning her head against his shoulder, it was getting late, though she didnt mind really. She could go on talking to him like this forever and not get bored.
"Oh yeah, maybe I should go look at chocobos then, it's more efficient than walking right?" It was kinda fun too, she always had a knack with plants AND animals. Though as he offers his wallet, she bites her lip, peering up at him curiously, "Are you okay with me just taking this? What if I use it to buy something extravagant?" which she did once or twice in the past. And it makes her smile at the happy memories. Though.."Hmm I dunno, I guess I half expected you to say something like, 'Ohh, it's too dangerous for a girl like you! You should go home where it's safe!' Though I'm glad, I think my life'd be pretty dull without you around to kick up a storm."
Zack screws up the corner of his mouth and look thoughtful. "Hmm…Dragon steak is good, rabbits, snakes, all kindsa fruit'n crud….Err, what ever won't kill me pretty much." Her grins down at her and shakes his head. "We're good here, it sounds fun and I guess it is for a little bit. But after a while you really start to miss mattresses…and running water." To her worry about the money he shrugs. "You know what I'm like with money, it'll get spent whether it's you or me. Are you kidding? I've seen you fight! Between that razor staff and the magic…hell if I weren't a SOLDIER you'd give me a run for my money! Sides, "safe"'s kinda a relative term these days. Are you getting sleepy?"
Aerith shakes her head, yawning a bit again as she snuggles up to him. Yeah, she's sleepy but she refuses to give in! If she does, maybe Zack'll sneak off to see Sephiroth, and she'll never see him again, "No way! Just..Yeah, I'm okay now!" she fights to keep her eyes open, "Hehe, I think I'll be okay, travelling as a nomad for a bit. My ancestors did it so I can do it too, right?" she makes a face though, "I dont think I'd like the taste of dragon meat though, that must be pretty tough!" and bunnies? Well they're just too cute to cook!
Zack rolls his eyes. "You're tired! Lets pack up and get some rest. We've gotta be bushy tailed for that shopping I promised you!" And if she shopped anything like Yuna did, a good stiff drink too! The things we do for love… "Eh, you just gotta know how to cook it." Which is, not letting him do it!
Aerith blink-blinks, straightenning up, "But Zack!" she blinks, rubbing her eyes but not wanting to budge, "So, when are we going shopping? Can we go tomorrow?" she winks mischevously, "It'll be a pretty long day so.." Better get some sleep, right? She yawns again, fighting to keep her eyes open. Great, she's probably going to start dreaming about dragon meat - Zack style now!
Zack grins at her, it was like having a fussy toddler! If you're tired, sleep! Even though he didn't need a lot of it, you'd never catch Zachariah passing up a chance to doze off. It's an All-Gongagan past time that! "Tomorrow seems like a good deal. I can look around for some work while we're at it." And a certain silver-haired man…
Yay! She got the answer she wanted..Which didnt include silver-haired men! At least she's got a little more time with him before then. "Okay..." she smiles through half-closed eyelids, now at least she can sleep peacefully. Hopefully they wont run into HIM while they're at it! Though in the back of her mind she knows it cant be put off indefinitely, today, it'll do just fine! "Okay then, I'll just.....Just......Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz." too late, she's already fallen asleep! Well at least there's not much to clean up now that most of the food is gone.
Ever chivalrous, Zack sweeps up the fair damsel and takes her to their room, tucking her in before returning to clean up. Everything was in place now, sure he'd had to sorta lie to get it done. But there were worse things that could have happened. When she awakes in the mornin she'll find his bed unslept in. There's a note on the table in Zack's scribbley cursive.
My Dearest Aerith, I lied and I'm sorry, I don't know if I'll come back to you. If I personally don't, then another me surely will. And he'll love you as much as I do. There can't be a me with out loving you, I don't think it's possible. If you hear an explosion northeast of the city, you'll know that I'm gone. I pray to god I'll see you before the sunsets and you'll be so pissed at me and everything will be just fine. If it isn't, move on this time; find some one who can manage to stick around. If I don't make it know that, I loved you all along. My wonderful beautiful angel.
Zack
The last few rays of sunlight are just starting to sink into the horizon as the Figaro ferry makes it way to the nearby docks. Aboard the ferry, a very excited looking Aerith stands on the docks, peering over the edge, pointing out this and that to her companion as they plow through the blue, crystalline waters. Clearly she is very excited about this trip. Clearly, she has not travelled much. By boat at least. "Wow, Zack, that was such a great trip! I cant wait to get on land so we can do some shopping..Like you promised!!" she smiles and winks at Zack as she twirls around happily. Might as well make the most of a potentially scary situation, right?
Zack's laugh is diminished, his smile is lacking substance and every few minutes his eyes go to the horizon. He's been like this since getting on the ferry, obviously worried but trying to marshal through it any way. No matter what he does, he can't get his mind off the more doomey possibilities waiting for them.
Her twirl draws his eyes from the lights of the approaching city. "Yea. Shop, buy a royal title, eat foreign food till you get sick. What ever you want, babes."
"Wow, even from here it's beautiful, Zack...So very nostalgic.." she sighs wistfully, "Hmm, I wonder if we'll meet any princesses or anything, that'd be..Hey Zack, you okay?" she pauses in her musings, peering back at him with some concern. Perhaps she had caught something in the tone of his voice, which seems to lack a bit of his usual exhuberance for life. She smiles softly, reaching out to rest her hands on his shoulders, "Hey, we're finally here so, you dont have to worry about your friend right?" all around them, passengers are starting to disembark as soon as the ferry hits the docks. Time to go! Though Aerith doesnt move from her spot, waits patiently to make sure everything is well in the world of Zack.
Zack just gives her a pitiful sort of half smile and hoists the pack onto his back. "I wish." The hard part was coming up. He had to lure Seph out of civilization, give him the great steaming truth and hope he didn't loose his freaking mind. But, he reminded himself for the bazillionth time, he couldn't let that affect the time he had with her now. There was a very real possibility he might never see her again, best enjoy it ne?
He reaches for her hand and gives another attempt at a smile, it's a lot more convincing this time. "Come on, lets go get a room and see what this place's got for a night life!"
Poor, poor Zack. He must have so much on his mind, so many problems to deal with at once. She cant help but empathize with him, though even now, there's only so much she can do other than be there with him..At least he doesnt have to walk this long lonely journey completely on his own. She continues to smile warmly, trying to be strong for him as she massages his shoulders a little, trying to relax him some before her hand slides down his arm, interlocking with his own. "Right, let's go find an inn before it gets too dark! I'm so tired after that long trip!" though there is only so much she can do to stifle a yawn as she shoulders her pack and staff once again, ready for the next big adventure, "Okay! Have you been to this town before? Where is the nearest inn?" she glances around as she heads for the docks, getting used to the solid land once more.
A flicker of Zack's usual savoir faire returns when she takes his hand. With her at his side, was there really anything he couldn't take down? This problem would end, and well. He just knew it. Denial is more than a river in Egypt!
"I'm not used to traveling with normal people." He rubs the back of his neck with his free hand, looking sheepish. "All this rest and eating and stuff. Weird!" He chuckles then points. "Yup, thatta way! We're looking for the Scorpian or the Sandray or some kinda desert critter."
Aerith cant help but giggle at the mention of 'normal' people, "Oh? So what sorts of people do you usually hang out with? You're not used to resting and eating and stuff?" She smirks, "Oh, I guess SOLDIERs are kinda superhuman right? You dont need that sort of stuff right?" she's not being fascisious, she's just curious, innocently curious, "Well I guess I can understand that. I wish I could be stronger, like them.." she glances up at the first twinkling stars in the skies thoughtfully, yes, it would be nice if she didnt always slow Zack down all the time. Shaking her head, she shrugs it off, smiling still as she peers around the streets, "Hmm, which way? Wow, it's so busy tonight. I guess it's a popular city, huh. I suppose it's too late to do any exploring or window shopping tonight though, right?"
The smile drains from his face and he grabs her by the shoulders, a little too roughly. "Don't say that!" There's a note of panic in is voice, along with disapproval. Loosening his grip and with a strained calmness he continues, "You're perfect just the way you are." He smiles, reaching out to catch her chin between his thumb and forefinger. "If you start thinking otherwise, well then you'll do crazy things. Like letting people radiate alien DNA into your body so you can go for days with out food, water or sleep." The approaching darkness highlights his point nicely, the warm violet glow of his eyes.
She blinks slowly, a little tensed, a little surprised by his reaction. She caught the tone in his voice and it makes her wonder once more, what else doesnt she know about him? What other secrets is he keeping from her? Though he must tell her in his own time, if he chooses to reveal those secrets at all. She squeezes her eyes shut for a moment, clenching her fists and sighs, "I'm sorry Zack..I guess sometimes, I just worry that I'm slowing you down.." she opens her eyes again, gazing into those beautiful, violet eyes. Though for a second there, there is a definite fear reflecting in her soft, non-Mako eyes. Sephiroth was also a SOLDIER. Will Zack go mad like he did, because of the experiments? No, dont even think that!! What a terrible thing to think!! Still, she seems tense, even as her gaze relaxes some, even as she tries to quickly put such thoughts out of her mind..
If only Aerith knew the real reason he hadn't been sleeping. Not because he didn't have to, the lack of it was starting to wear at him, it was because the nightmares woke him up any way. Horrible, bloody things where just what she imagined had come true along with a whole library of other horrors. Some one said it before, and it's as true now as it was then, poor Zack!
The nearness of her, the sweetness of her expression. He finds himself drawn into her eyes. His heart shudders with her fear and all he wants to do is draw her close and keep her safe for ever and always. He can do it for a little and for now at least, and he does. Hugging her close. "No, never. You're…." The young man pauses, desperately searching for the words. "You're my strength, you keep me going when everything else falls away." It's true. SOLDIER was gone, ShinRa was gone. And for a long time he thought she was too, yet with all he'd done even the stuff she knew about, the woman still chose him above all others.
Why was she thinking such things? How could she possibly doubt him like that? It was true, even Cloud was a mere puppet of Sephiroth at one time, unable to control his own body, unable to save her...But this was different, Zack was different! His mind, his willpower was perhaps stronger than Cloud's could ever be, it took so much more for his mind to snap, she just knew it! And..And he loved her, as much as she loved him.
She smiles softly, feeling her fears practically melt away as he holds her in his embrace, closing her eyes briefly, forgetting once more where they are and where they might be headed. Right now was all that counted, spending time with Zack. "Zack..Thank you..Sorry for saying something so silly. I guess I'm just happy to be human." well half-human anyway. She opens her eyes again, able to gaze lovingly into those intense violet pools without flinching this time. Even if he's a SOLDIER, he's still human too.
Stronger than Cloud? Maybe at one time, the boy they both knew certainly. The man he'd met and worked with here? Zack had his doubts. Of course, his brief foray into unhinged-land hadn't helped matters much. Thankfully, all of that was out of his system and the only person who knew about it had disappeared into the crowd some time ago. Thinking about Vaan his eye kind of twitches, man I hope he's okay!
Aerith's expression draws a weak little smile from him. Absently he brushes her bangs from her face, tucking them behind her ears. "It's okay. Being here is kinda hard to get used to, you'll probably catch yourself thinking weird things as time goes on." Gods knew he had!
"Hmm? What's so special about this place? Do you find it kind of Nostalgic, you mean?" she's not longer trembling at least, now, as she rests her hands on his shoulders, gazing up at him happily with little hearts in her eyes for a few minutes longer. The only thing that interrupts her thoughts is when the ferry they were on honks its massive horn as its about to disembark again, a sound that nearly causes her to jump in surprise, shaken suddenly out of her reverie and she giggles a bit, "Oh, I guess we should hurry, it's getting late, right? Hey, I guess it's this way.." she grabs his hand, still maintaining contact as she heads towards where he pointed out earlier.
Zack chuckles as she jumps, his own response cut off by the blaring. Once the ringing in his ears stops he tries again. "I meant here in general, err, the Converged world." He gestures at the surrounding area. "Things are a whole lotta different some times. Ack!" He laughs and lets her lead him along. "Yea, that way. Only one really decent in here for some reason. You still feeling tired?"
She nods slowly, thoughtfully, "Yeah..It's all so different, like so many different worlds coming together.." she has to stifle a yawn as she talks, but seems to excited and curious at the new sights and sounds to stop now, "But different is good, it's like a whole new adventure! Look at this place, it's amazing!" she glances around this way and that, slowing her pace some as she peers into one store or another. At this time of night, most stores are starting to close, though there are of course those that are open all night long, like the pubs and off course the inns. She laughs a bit, feeling the sand beneath her boots, seeing the sky up above, smelling the fresh, cool air of the great outdoors, "Tired? A little, I suppose we should at least get ourselves a room first, leave the exploring til tomorrow."
Finally, she comes to a stop at the crossroads, glancing around curiously, then looking back to Zack. Obviously he's been here before, "Which way now?" as she waits, a strong gust of wind rises up from somewhere, blowing a newspaper into her face, momentarily obscuring her view, "Ack!" she flails, trying to pull it away..
Zack just tags along, watching her with thinly veiled delight. It didn't matter that she was painting big red bull's-eyes on them. Too cute! Any would-be thieves would find more than they could handle in the protective ire of the SOLDIER any way. Big stupid puppies could easily change into feral snapping beasts, all dogs have teeth.
"It's straight ahead to the…" Then she's being menaced by litter! Zack reaches over and quickly snaps the offending paper from her face. "See, you're irresistible!"
Aerith relaxes some as the litter is removed, laughing a bitat the comment. Aah, she can breathe again! "Thanks, Zack! Silly litterbugs.." Though before she can throw the paper away, she glances at the headline, a newspaper that's only a couple days old though the words ring out bright and clear in her mind as she glances through it quickly: 'Geostigma' and 'ShinRa' particularly, come to mind. "Hmmm, what's this?" she reads through it a second time, more carefully, biting her lip, "Seems our dear friend Rufus didnt tell us quite everything there was to know.." though whatever Hojo's involvement in this phony 'cure' might prove helpful in finding a true cure for the virus. For the first time since arriving, she seems a little unsure. If the great ShinRa was unable to cure these people, will she be able to do anything?
Zack scowls at the paper. Looks like Seph was right, never trust ShinRa! "Man, I shoulda made that guy a kabob when I had the chance." It's more joking than serious, though the desire is there. Her reaction is something of a mystery to him. What's going on in the pretty head of hers? "You know, Rufus said the disease was caused by the planet overacting to Jenova. Maybe…You could ask it to stop?"
Aerith hmms and nods, seeming to gain a little more confidence at that thought. No doubt, Hojo had used some unconventional, extreme methods to 'cure' the virus, which only did more harm than good. If she were to apply the principles of Great Gospel to those infected, draw upon the Planet's knowledge of Jenova and the Ancients' past encounters with this alien lifeform, perhaps she could integrate this knowledge into the human race. "Y-yeah, I'm sure Hojo just went about it in the wrong way, maybe there's still hope for those people. I just hope he hasnt caused enough damage to the ones he has already treated.." she pauses, pondering, "Zack, what about Sephiroth? He..He didnt receive treatment from Hojo too, did he? How severe is his case?"
Zack takes point, heading towards the Inn again as they talk. Her comment about Hojo elicits a bitter laugh from the man. "Anything that guy's involved in is "the wrong way". I wouldn't be surprised if he /made/ it to do this." Learning about Jenova had been an uncomfortable and rapid education on the man. Hojo was the first and so far the only person on Zack's "Kill First Don't' Ask Questions" list. And a real challenge to his new set of beliefs about this world.
Her question yanks him from the cycle of loathing he's set into. "Seph? Uh no. He wouldn't even borrow sugar from Hojo, much less put something the nuto created into his body." The second question sobers him. "How bad? Well, for a SOLDIER /really/ bad. Compared to regular people he's okay."
Okay. Shopping will have to wait til later, taking care of this illness is more important right now, especially if Hojo is going around making it even worse. "Right, we'd better hurry!" she starts to head towards said inn, but falters a few steps before heading in. Is she doing the right thing in helping Sephiroth of all people? Is he really a changed person? Maybe she's just blinded by love..She bites her lip, seeming a little hesitant to go on. She's getting cold feet it seems..
Zack nearly runs into her as she comes to screeching halt. Waugh! The various implements hanging from his pack clatter together as his strength and balance fight inertia and gravity. Disaster avoided, the man peeks around the little woman's shoulder. "Hey, what the hold up?" Then he sees the look on her face and frowns. "Tell you what. I gotta talk to Seph about all this Jenova stuff. How bout I do that first, then we worry about curing Geostigma?" What she does know is a part of Zack doesn't think he'll live through that conversation, that either of the men will. The source of his sleeplessness and nightmares, the thing that put the worry lines around his eyes, guilt and fear over being the possible instrument of death to his only true friend.
Being reminded of this is only a flicker of worry in his eyes, a brief deepening of the lines around his eyes, then he's all smiles and reassuring hugs.
"I'm sorry.." Aerith turns around, smiling apologetically, bending down to pick up the items that have fallen to the ground, returning them to his pack. "Yeah, it'll be okay, I'm sure.." she nods, as if trying to reassure herself as much as him, she reaches for the door handle, pushing on it lightly but pauses once more before going in all the way. "Hey Zack, let me come with you, when you tell him.." if things dont go well, she at least wants to be able to protect Zack from Sephiroth, if she can. She couldnt stand if Zack were do die a second time on her.
Zack lets her get a head start again, certain that wasn't the last of her stop-in-tracks-sudden thoughts. Low and behold, he's right! The question does to Zack what pavement does to a baby grand after a three-story flight. CRASH! He stares at her for a few long moments. Panic obvious in his expression. Come on man, recover!
"I-I d-don't think that would be a good idea." He manages finally. "Seph's always been really insanely crazy private about his past. I wanna talk with him so he's comfortable; having a stranger around'll only put him on edge." This was not a lie! Which was good, cause we all know how wonderful he is at those.
Oh dear..That could be difficult. She sighs, looking away, towards the inn. "Zack? Are you sure you'll be okay? Are you sure he wont...." she swallows. She cant even think that! "Um..I've been thinking, does he really have to know everything that happened? If he knew the truth, that his mother was human, that he loved him..Maybe that would be enough? He doesnt need to know the lies he was told, what he did in Nibelheim.."
Zack comes up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist, resting his chin on top of her head. He doesn't respond to the first question, unwilling to lie to her. Even if he could lie well he wouldn't be able too. "It won't be, I know. He all ready knows something happened and it was horrible. If I lie to him, just like every one else…" He trails off, the thought so utterly repulsive it drowns everything out for a minute. "He needs to know the truth of who and what he is. Me not telling him will let some one else do it. Who ever that is might not care what it does to him, might even try to mess him up. We can't risk that." No, a controlled setting with some one who knew what to say was the only way.
"I know..You're probably right, it's just.." Aerith sighs, leaning against him, clasping her hands over his and closes her eyes, taking in his familiar scent, his deep voice, the touch of his skin against hers. Will this be the last time? Will things work out alright? And for all the strength and courage she had worked up before, that little shimmer of doubt, of fear raises its ugly head again as she tries so hard to push it away, to quash it. No. She mustnt think that. She must have faith! She must believe in him, and in herself. Sephiroth is his best friend. He couldnt possibly hurt him, could he? She nods slowly to her own internal monologue, "Zack? You'll come back to me, wont you?"
The SOLDIER's thoughts are much the same as the woman in his arms. He too bats away the fear, grinding it down with his stubborn will and the love he has for the man. Things would be all right! They had to be, they had earned as much in the lives they left behind!
He shifts behind her and nuzzles her cheek. "Yea. I'll come back to you." One way or another. If he died, another him from a different time would show up eventually. Technically telling the truth. "Now lets go get a room before they start chargin us for standin in the door." He laughs, releasing her and holding the door open.
Aerith lets out a deep breath, though she is far from relieved. As she turns to face him, for a moment, she just looks really really sad. If he DID die, who's to guarantee that he wouldnt simply be erased from this timeline, or if he did come back, that he no longer loved her? Still, she swallows her tears, nodding as she follows him in, trying to say something uplifting, encouraging, though nothing comes to mind.
It's one of the hardest things Zack's had to do to date, ignoring that look in her eyes and breezing past her. All he wants to do is pull her close and kiss her until that look goes away. If he does, if he acknowledges that she knows, then it's all over. He'll loose the resolve to tell Seph, start fearing for himself more than the man or the world and it'll just snow ball.
Instead he happily thumps the book on the desk and calls for some service. "Oye! Any body home back there?" A woman calls from the back, saying she'll be there shortly. He turns to her, the desire to spare them both this pain fueling his usual light heartedness. "Question, Miss Gainsborough. One room or two?" Ahh yes, classic traveling dilemma.
The question is always at the back of her mind, the hardest thing she has to do is give him up, trust him to...To The One Who Killed her. Usually it'd be easy, she'd just put on her bright, optimistic attitude, hope for the best. This was different. Sephiroth was different. Still, she has to trust Zack. She's lost in her thoughts again, caught unawares as he asks about the room.
"Huh?" blinking a couple times as she's brought out of her reverie, Aerith glances at Zack questioningly, then looks towards the innkeeper, a bit confused at first, "Oh! Umm sorry. I guess..One room. Two beds." At least she can keep an eye on him that way.
Zack winks at her and smirks, counting out the appropriate gil from his dwindling supply. Man, he had to find gig soon! Especially with some one else to take care of. Not that she couldn't take care of herself, just that what was acceptable for just him simply wasn't with company. He'd of pitched a tent out in the desert for example, rather than getting a room. Roughing it never really bothered the hearty young man.
"You wanna order from the kitchen or have me go grab something?" He asks, taking the keys from the attendant with a nod.
Aerith notes the sparse change too, with a bit of a frown. Fortunately she'd brought along some pretty little flowers to sell in Figaro! Let's see how the desert people take to a cute little flowergirl! Maybe she'll be able to earn some extra gil while she's here. "You know what?" she forces a smile, glancing sidelong at Zack, "I'll go buy dinner, why dont you unpack the stuff then I'll meet you on the rooftop in a few minutes? It's a nice, clear night, might as well eat outside, right?"
Zack freezes, a million horrible scenarios playing out in his head at once. What if she got mugged while out? Or worse! Met Sephiroth with out a proper medium? A frown twitches at the corner of his mouth. Not only that, but he was the man dang it! He was supposed to protect and care for her, which meant footing the bill too!
He closes his eyes and tilts his head upward, expression growing placid for a moment. Well, that wasn't a concern. Seph was right above them. As for the mugging, maybe in Midgar but Figaro wasn't that kind of place. He sighs then scours up his own mischievous grin. Blow to the ego it is! "All right." He reaches out to take her pack. "Seein as you trust me with your unmentionables." Eyebrow wiggle of doooom!
Aerith smiles and nods, passing her pack over to Zack..She'd trust him with her life, what's a few 'secrets' or two stashed in her pack? Like she has much to hide, other than her diary..And other things. Oh well. She pulls out a pen and paper, getting ready to jot down whatever he wants to eat. She's got some money, she'd feel really bad about letting him waste all his cash on her, "Okay! What do you want to eat? I'll try and find it."
Awe! It's not fun unless you act all flustered! Ah well, he was amused any way. Even if he never would succumb to such a temptation. The thing with undies is, they only tended to look good /on/. COUGH! Yes, focus young Zack focus! Did she say food? At 18, why he's still a growing boy! Meals couldn't come soon enough. "Err…anything with meat and veggies." And he generally wasn't picky.
Aerith seems a bit preoccupied still to pay much attention to Zack's...Thoughts. She just nods and hurries off, counting the change in her purse, making sure she has enough to buy something decent. Of course at this rate, she probably wont be bringing back any gourmet dinners! Oh well.."I'll see you later then." hopefully she wont run into to certain other people while she's out on her own..
Zack had laid a blanket out for them on the roof, given the warmth of the evening it really was a brilliant idea. And he'd told her as much. The gas lamps in the streets didn't have nearly the wattage of the electric lights in Midgar. The stars shown in a glittering blanket across a midnight sky. The SOLDIER is on his back with his hands folded behind his head, eyes lost in those stars.
She creeps up silently behind him, barely making a sound other than the soft rustle of her long dress against the paved rooftop. It was a beautiful night, the deep navy sky lit up with a miriad of twinkling stars like a giant light show in the sky. At this time of night, there was no one else on the rooftop, just the two of them. Which was fine by her.
"Hi.." she says softly, giving herself away. She's carrying a tray full of freshly baked falafel donairs and apple cider, the rich smell of both mingling in the air. Oh and shish-kebabs too, cant forget those. These she sets down on the blanket between the two of them before settling in the warmth of the thick fleece herself. It was a cool night. Other than her thin jacket, she didnt have much to keep her warm. She's silent a few minutes, just staring up at the sky, not even touching her dinner as she's lost in thought.
"Hi Aerith." He responds, hardly even blinking. Surprise a SOLDIER? Only if you're one of them! "All right, falafel!" Being Zack, he sits up and digs in right away. It's hard to eat "politely" with your fingers, but he gives it a good college try!
After a while it dawns on him, hmmm non-eating pensive girlfriend. I wonder if something's wrong? "Gil for your thoughts?"
"Hmmm...." Aerith smiles, though a sad smile, sipping on her cider, "Nothing much, I guess, just tired I suppose.." she replies, dodging the real issue as she lays down on her back, gazing up at the stars. "I forgot how beautiful they are, Zack, can we stay here for a while? It's such a nice, peaceful city.." she closes her eyes, feeling the cool breeze tingling her skin. Maybe for a while she can forget everything that's been nagging her these past few weeks, just live in the now.
Zack eyes her skeptically. Riiiiight. And I'm a pink marmoset. "I was planning on it. Figaro's on good terms with ShinRa…and just about everybody else. It's a great place for marks and gathering info. Guards keep the crime down but aren't pushy like in Baron." Some one likes Figaro! "So, you going to tell me what's bothering you?"
"Haha, dont worry about it....Really, it's nothing!" Well it wasnt nothing and it does concern herbut..She laughs some, emerald eyes seeming to sparkle with a bit more life than earlier. "Anyways, you have enough to worry about." At least she's more relaxed now it seems, had some time to think through her thoughts while she was gone to buy dinner. "Here.." she leans over towards him, dabbing at his face with a napkin, "You have food all over your face, silly. There, that's better." She starts humming a soft tune to herself as she cleans his face, seeming to enjoy herself.
Zack's expression screws up in exasperation, but he allows the grooming with out further complaint. He was trying to be serious here and she was being all lovey-cute! "Not too much that I can't listen to you." He says, ambling over their dinner to plunk down behind her.
She giggles a bit, once she's got the food off his face. flopping down next to him to dig into her own donair, "Hmmm, are you sure? You've been pretty stressed lately.." she is of course, being as delicate and ladylike with her dinner (which is difficult, but miraculously achievable if you are Aerith) as she can. After a moment though, she settles the half-eaten food on the plate, staring up at the beautiful sparkling sky with a soft sigh, "I guess..I was just thinking about my parents. You remember what Rufus said? About my dad working with Hojo to experiment on Jenova? I always thought, that he was a good person but.."
Zack mentally facepalms. What did you think she was worrying about you idiot?! He looks back to the sky, actually taking the time to gather his thoughts before speaking. "I think he was, in a way. Didn't it say he left when they started in on live people?" Of course your definition of "good" had to be a little loose here. While he didn't take part in the experiments he still knew they were happening and didn't do anything to stop them. But then, what could he have done really?
Aerith nods slowly, smiling weakly at the thought. She's not all that convinced though, it seems as she moves over to the edge of the rooftop, swinging her legs over the side as she sips slowly on her apple cider, "Yeah, I guess. He wouldnt have betrayed the woman he loved, right? He wouldnt have traded her in for the name of science, would he?" though it sounds eerily familiar to how things ended with Sephiroth's parents. Maybe she has more in common with him then she thought. This causes her to laugh bitterly, "Wow, I cant believe after all this time, Jenova and Shinra are still causing so much damage."
Zack doesn't respond to her first questions. It didn't look like he did, but how much of ShinRa's info did they want to take at face value? He didn't know how to help her make the decision either way and so stays out of it.
"I know, weird eh? At least this time round there's people who know what the hell is goin on. You guys aren't finding this stuff out has you go along and trying to react. Best defense is a good offense, right?" Proactive solutions! The man's newest motto for staying sane.
Those questions would likely always nag at her. Her mother didnt tell her much about her father. Not even the files could answer all her questions. In fact most people who knew her father were dead. All except one person, but did she have the guts to face him again? "Oh...Hehehe.." she chuckles at her own private thoughts, though the idea doesnt go away. Hojo would be able to tell her everything. Maybe he'd even be able to give her some information on this Geostigma virus and what he had done to those people. But then, this was Hojo afterall. Bad, bad idea...Or was it? She clears her throat, best not mention any of it to Zack, though it's obvious she is thinking real hard about something.
"Somewhere up there, there's the Promised Land, somewhere far far away..Or is it really so far away? I wonder if I'll find others up there. I wonder if I'll find it some day too?" she peers up at the sky, gazing at one particularly intense blue star that shines brighter than the rest. No wonder Cid wanted to fly into space so badly.
Dang right better not tell Zack! He'd have a fit and fall in it! Letting Rufus near her was bad enough, but Hojo? Ohnonononono! Over his cold dead body! Thankfully, he doesn't have this to get worked up about, so all he can do is watch her and wonder what she's thinking.
As she starts talking her regards her with even more curiosity. It's English, I know it is! Scratching the back of his head he chimes, "Hate to interrupt you esoteric line of thought but…What's the Promised Land?"
"Hmmm? I never told you?" she smiles apologetically to Zack, beckoning him over, "Come here, it's breathtaking.." seeing the ground so far below your feet, the sky thousands of miles above. It's kind of exhilirating, "I'm sorry.." she giggles, "I guess there's still so much you dont know about me. I suppose I'm still discovering a lot for myself. The Cetra, my ancestors I suppose, they're an alien race of magical creatures. They travel through space, kinda like intergalactic nomads." what a strange thought. How'd they do that anyway? With spaceships? Maybe they were the result of all those UFO sightings. Haha.
She continues, "Well, supposedly they were searching for something called the promised land, a kind of paradise I guess, a beautiful, peaceful world where war, famine and strife didnt exist. They stopped on this planet to rest in their journey, and some of them refused to go on but chose to stay here, they later became the human race.." she smiles at the memories, of the fairytales her mom used to tell her. Or were they really fairytales? "Though sometimes I wonder if this promised land isnt closer than we all think?"
Zack does as she asks, dropping down next to her and looking skyward. Not quite as exhilarating when you knew you could land with out breaking anything but fun none the less. As she speaks, the man remains stoic, though occasionally the corners of his lips twitch up into a smile. Somewhere along the way he goes from listening intently to biting his lip and looking strained. As she finishes he gives in and bursts into a mini-fit of laughter.
"Oh! I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't laugh! Especially with Jenova, but it all sounds so…science fiction!" He chuckles again and mops his hand across his face. Sober up cadet or she's liable to push you off the roof!
Damn right she will! Inase you hadnt noticed yet, surprise! You're dating an alien! She looks rather upset at his response, not quite what she expected, and she shoves him hard in the ribs, "Hey! That's not funny! I'm being serious!" next time, she'll likely toss him off the roof! Or she would if she wasnt so gentle. Instead she rises to her feet, folding her arms as she begins to walk away. Stupid Zack, cant he be serious for a moment?
Zack oofs and rubs the spot where she contacted. "Ow! Jeez!" He's still laughing, until she stands up and walks off. "Come on Aerith, I didn't mean anything by it!" He scrambles to his feet and follows. "Cut me some slack, huh? My best friend /and/ girlfriend are both half-aliens! It's just so…wow." There is something that he saves for just such occasions, when he is in trouble and needs a get-out-of-jail-free card. They are called, the eyes. "I'm sorry." Zack pouts a little, looking at her soulfully.
Aerith cant help but smile a little at the irony herself. If she werent an 'alien' herself, then it might have been funny. Still, she's gotta let Zack suffer a bit for it. "Hummmm...Depends..Do you believe me?" she still hasnt turned around to face him, her arms folded as she stares up at the sky, gazes upon that one, beautiful bright star. She catches the pouty puppy dog look in his eyes and refuses to look. She wont give in so easily!
With his Ultimate Weapon defeated, you'd think our hero would be at a loss. Thankfully, this is not so! Just because you have an RPG doesn't mean a good ol stick a TNT won't do, amirite? What's better then The Eyes, might you ask? Total honesty. "Never said I didn't." He says, suddenly very interested in the toes of his boots. "I know you wouldn't lie to me. It's just so different. One day I'm walking along ~La La~ having a normal life, the next this…" A gloved have gestures expansively at the city. "And everything I thought was normal isn't and…I gotta laugh or I'll cry."
"Heh. Get used to it, SOLDIER. Nothing is what it seems. Guess that's just life." she sighs, yeah, what a complicated life. "Some day I'll find my promised land and you wont be laughing..But you wont cry either." she is appeased a little bit though as she finally gives in, turning around to face him with a soft smile, "But does it change anything? I'm still Aerith. Still the same old me."
Zack almost succumbs to the urge to stick his tongue out at her. Get used to it! Hn! There wasn't anything in life you couldn't laugh at eventually, even in this backassward world. "Awe, you know me better than that." Of course he'd be laughing! "I wasn't laughing /at/ you, just the situation. Put yourself in my shoes…." He stops when she turns to look at him, struck dumb by the sweetness of her expression. Yup, same old Aerith!
"Sooorry Zack!!" she replies in that sweet, angelic voice of hers, tinged in a kind of teasing, sing-song fashion, "No more surprises, I promise!" though as she says that, she reaches over suddenly to muss up his hair, smiling and winking playfully. Cant let him get away scott free! "Yeah, I know you better than that!"
Is that a little bit of drool coming out of the corner of his mouth? Could be, he's definitely got the idiotic expression for it. Purdy gurl, hee. It lasts all of five seconds, cause now she's messing with his hair. "Augh! Not the hair!" He laughs, gently grabbing her wrists and pulling her against him so she can't reach up. Given what it looks like normally, it actually looks better now that she's mussed it.
"I don't think you can promise something like that." He says softly, staring down at her with the faintest of smiles. "Appreciate the sentiment though."
Aerith giggles, eyes sparkling mischievously still, "Aww Zack, what happened to your long hair? It was so cute! It was fun tying it up in ribbons!" okay, so she only did that once, and Zack was rather freaked out but..She smiles though, nodding, "That's okay, you always look perfect to me.." She gazes up at him for a moment in silence, just smiling. Silly Zack. Oh well, she at least managed to forget her worries for a day. That's all that matters right now.
Zack turns a shade of green at the mention of the ribbons, he lets her go and looks around nervously. "I let you do that once and you said you'd never tell any one!" The mischievous glint in his eye tells her he's being over dramatic on purpose. "Is some one I knew heard, I'd be finding ribbons tied to everything I own!" Ignoring the fact that he'd probably deserve it for some prank he'd pulled.
He's about to ask her what's wrong with his hair when she's reassuring him. "Yea, I miss the spikes too. I had to cut it though. I was a decoy for a friend of mine and his hair was short. You should have seen it blond!"
Aerith smiles and winks, "Dont worry, your secret is safe with me.." for now, anyway. Dont worry, she probably has other 'surprises' up her sleeve! "Hmmm, you're always getting yourself into trouble arent you, but I think I can imagine you with blonde hair..." again she gets that far away look, thinking of Cloud again. He probably looked even more like Cloud, back then, "Oh yeah..I wonder where he is?"
Zack adopts an expression of mock-horror. "Moi? Trouble? Perish the thought! I'm a saint I tell you!" And then she's off wandering the back roads of her mind again. Well poo! He sprawls out on the blanket and picks at one of the kebabs. "Where who is?" He asks absently.
Aerith hadnt even touched the kebabs, especially the one with pink blocks of pork skewered along with red cherries..Kinda reminded her of something. She shrugs, leaning against the wall next to the stairs leading down. "You know..Cloud.." no longer hesitant to talk about him now, she's sorted out her feelings about Cloud by now, at least she's sure she has, "I guess..I just wanted to apologize to him, you know..For everything. I owe him that at least."
Oblivious, Zack happily chows down. Meat= gooood. Cloud's name makes him choke a little. Oh yea, /that's/ what he was forgetting! Sotr-out-stuff-with-Cloud, see it was on the list! Right under, Save-Sephiroth and Oil-Chocobo-Tack! Though it didn't matter nearly as much now that he knew where she stood, and even less so since it was at his side. "I know where Cloud is. Well, sorta. I imagine he's stompin his way back from MIMIR, pissed as all hell." The dark-haired man smirks broadly, obviously enjoying the thought. Then she says something strange. "Apologize? For what?" He stops in mid-motion of bringing the stick to his mouth and cranes his head backwards so he can look at her upside down. From the way he'd heard him tell it, he wanted to apologize to her! The heck?!
"MIMIR? Where's that?" hmm, another place she has to check out, another person she has to speak with, after Sephiroth and Hojo. If she survives them. She swallows, idly kicking at the dirt on the ground, "Oh I dont know, I kind of led him on, got in between him and Tifa, played with his feelings.." ironically, she might have ended up with Cloud if Zack hadnt come back but.Oh yes, and for helping his sworn enemy! How would Cloud feel about that? "I guess what happened between the three of us was...." complicated. "Oh yeah, I wonder where Tifa is?"
"MIMIR's a place that studies the Convergence phenomenon." The kebab has seen it's last days! The now empty bamboo clatters against the plate. "It's up north, can't tell you where exactly cause Ten'll throw a tantrum and sick her dragon on me or something." Not that he was worried about fighting it. More like he got the distinct impression the thing was the only friend she had, and he couldn't bring himself to take that from any one. Even some one as obnoxious as Ten. The remaining entrées are made safe by Aerith's next words.
Zack stares at her, obviously shocked. If it hadn't come out of her mouth he would never have believed it! "Really? Wow." Is all he can say, cause he's dumb like that. After a moment he adds, "Well, I'm sure you had your reasons." Right, cause that helped!
"Wow, that sounds kind of interesting, I'd like to learn more about the convergence, too." She shrugs, settling down next to Zack, "Not intentionally of course, just...Well I guess I liked him, I suppose I saw him as a replacement for you. It's not like he and Tifa were even dating or anything, so he was..." up for grabs. Which sounds bad all the same, "Heh, I guess it played out like some cheesy soap, but it's over now." Yeah, Cloud's gonna have to move on without her. Which kind of makes her feel guilty.
Zack makes a face and sits up, folding his legs under him Indian style and resting the palms of his hands on his boot laces. "He said something like that. That you never talked about me cause you didn't want him to think he /was/ a replacement for me. It's gotta be one or the other, right?"
Aerith nods slowly, "Yeah, you're right. I made my decision.." she sighs, hugging her knees to her chest, "It'll be difficult though." she shrugs, "Well, no point in worrying about it now, right?" she smiles, "So did you enjoy the dinner?" of course she's rather poor now, lots of flower selling for tomorrow! But she'll keep that part to herself. Dont want to worry zack.
The man's frown deepens but he lets her change the subject. It was a good evening, there was no sense in spoiling what could be he last few hours with this complicated mess. At the drop of a hat he goes from deeply troubled to beaming brightly. "Well yea! Good stuff there, really hit the spot. Thanks! You gunna finish yours, or save it for later?"
Aerith smiles to herself. What's she thinking, telling Zack about her and Cloud? Silly! Anyway, Cloud had Tifa, and as much as he didnt appreciate her, he wasnt exactly alone. Definitely time for a subject change! She nods as she reaches for the rest of the donair, she's not really into the shish-kebabs, "Well I'm glad, it would be cheaper to cook, but I guess if you're planning on travelling a lot, it's easier just to eat out." Well except for the money thing, she's used to budgeting a lot, living in the slums, "Knowing you, you probably cant stay in one place f or too long, but I have stuff I want to see in this world too." she pauses, pondering. What'll happen after this? Will they go their separate ways? "Hey Zack? Are you okay with me travelling with you?"
Zack nods. "I usually just spice up an MRE with what ever monster I kill that happens to be edible." He'd eaten some strange things in the name of oh-gods-not-cold-beans-again! "Don't expect you to rough it though. If you wanna go buy some stuff, here." He pulls his wallet out of his back pocket and tosses it to her. "Have at it, we'll be here a while any way." Home cooking = win. Not having to eat his own cooking = life saver! "Am I okay with it?" He seems surprised. "Well yea! Why wouldn't I be?" It was nice to have some one else to talk too, and the chocobo's didn't seem as intent on killing him when she was around!
"Oh...Really? So like, what kind of stuff do you eat in the wilderness?" she cant help but giggle at the thought, some of the monsters she's fought in the past were pretty icky! "Hehe, of course I wouldnt mind trying something new! I guess living with my mom, even in the slums was kind of sheltered. I think it's fun, exciting to be out in the great wilderness!" well, most of the time anyway. Sometimes it was just plain scary. She yawns tiredly, leaning her head against his shoulder, it was getting late, though she didnt mind really. She could go on talking to him like this forever and not get bored.
"Oh yeah, maybe I should go look at chocobos then, it's more efficient than walking right?" It was kinda fun too, she always had a knack with plants AND animals. Though as he offers his wallet, she bites her lip, peering up at him curiously, "Are you okay with me just taking this? What if I use it to buy something extravagant?" which she did once or twice in the past. And it makes her smile at the happy memories. Though.."Hmm I dunno, I guess I half expected you to say something like, 'Ohh, it's too dangerous for a girl like you! You should go home where it's safe!' Though I'm glad, I think my life'd be pretty dull without you around to kick up a storm."
Zack screws up the corner of his mouth and look thoughtful. "Hmm…Dragon steak is good, rabbits, snakes, all kindsa fruit'n crud….Err, what ever won't kill me pretty much." Her grins down at her and shakes his head. "We're good here, it sounds fun and I guess it is for a little bit. But after a while you really start to miss mattresses…and running water." To her worry about the money he shrugs. "You know what I'm like with money, it'll get spent whether it's you or me. Are you kidding? I've seen you fight! Between that razor staff and the magic…hell if I weren't a SOLDIER you'd give me a run for my money! Sides, "safe"'s kinda a relative term these days. Are you getting sleepy?"
Aerith shakes her head, yawning a bit again as she snuggles up to him. Yeah, she's sleepy but she refuses to give in! If she does, maybe Zack'll sneak off to see Sephiroth, and she'll never see him again, "No way! Just..Yeah, I'm okay now!" she fights to keep her eyes open, "Hehe, I think I'll be okay, travelling as a nomad for a bit. My ancestors did it so I can do it too, right?" she makes a face though, "I dont think I'd like the taste of dragon meat though, that must be pretty tough!" and bunnies? Well they're just too cute to cook!
Zack rolls his eyes. "You're tired! Lets pack up and get some rest. We've gotta be bushy tailed for that shopping I promised you!" And if she shopped anything like Yuna did, a good stiff drink too! The things we do for love… "Eh, you just gotta know how to cook it." Which is, not letting him do it!
Aerith blink-blinks, straightenning up, "But Zack!" she blinks, rubbing her eyes but not wanting to budge, "So, when are we going shopping? Can we go tomorrow?" she winks mischevously, "It'll be a pretty long day so.." Better get some sleep, right? She yawns again, fighting to keep her eyes open. Great, she's probably going to start dreaming about dragon meat - Zack style now!
Zack grins at her, it was like having a fussy toddler! If you're tired, sleep! Even though he didn't need a lot of it, you'd never catch Zachariah passing up a chance to doze off. It's an All-Gongagan past time that! "Tomorrow seems like a good deal. I can look around for some work while we're at it." And a certain silver-haired man…
Yay! She got the answer she wanted..Which didnt include silver-haired men! At least she's got a little more time with him before then. "Okay..." she smiles through half-closed eyelids, now at least she can sleep peacefully. Hopefully they wont run into HIM while they're at it! Though in the back of her mind she knows it cant be put off indefinitely, today, it'll do just fine! "Okay then, I'll just.....Just......Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz." too late, she's already fallen asleep! Well at least there's not much to clean up now that most of the food is gone.
Ever chivalrous, Zack sweeps up the fair damsel and takes her to their room, tucking her in before returning to clean up. Everything was in place now, sure he'd had to sorta lie to get it done. But there were worse things that could have happened. When she awakes in the mornin she'll find his bed unslept in. There's a note on the table in Zack's scribbley cursive.
My Dearest Aerith, I lied and I'm sorry, I don't know if I'll come back to you. If I personally don't, then another me surely will. And he'll love you as much as I do. There can't be a me with out loving you, I don't think it's possible. If you hear an explosion northeast of the city, you'll know that I'm gone. I pray to god I'll see you before the sunsets and you'll be so pissed at me and everything will be just fine. If it isn't, move on this time; find some one who can manage to stick around. If I don't make it know that, I loved you all along. My wonderful beautiful angel.
Zack