[Log] it's better when you're here

[astutesoldier]

[Who] Zack, Aeris.
[What] Hugs. Meeting and some well-needed conversation.
[When] After this thread, and after Zack takes care of Arietta/directs Sheena to a restaurant.
[Where] Cafe...somewhere.
[Rating] PG. ♥

Comments

[holyflowergirl]

Finally snapping her device shut, Aeris dropped it into her basket, brushing her hair from her eyes. It'd been a long night - after talking things over with Cain, reassuring Arietta...it was starting to take its toll.

But at least she was finally given a chance to meet up with Zack. It'd been quite some time since she'd seen him.

Pushing the cafe door open, Aeris glanced around, a smile crossing her lips when she spotted him. "Zack!"

[astutesoldier]

"...Aeris!"

As soon as he heard her voice, he instantly rose out of his seat and turned to her with a smile. This was definitely it. Her smile did make him feel lighter, happier. And, damn it, did he need that now. Sighing, he stepped forward and pulled her into a hug, as promised.

"It's good to see you."

[holyflowergirl]

"It's great to see you too," she replied, returning the hug. It'd been much too long.

Pulling back slightly, Aeris looked up at Zack, hoping the tiredness and worry in her eyes was masked by her smile. "So...shall we sit down and catch up on things?" she asked. "I think we both need it."

[astutesoldier]

"Definitely," Zack agreed heartily. Offering her a crooked smile, he pulled back fully before pulling out a chair for her. While he did so, he vaguely wondered where to start. He couldn't even remember the last timehe had seen Aeris face to face. This meeting was definitely needed.

"When was the last time we saw each other anyway?" he wondered aloud, staring up at the ceiling.

[holyflowergirl]

Aeris laughed softly, nodding in thanks to Zack as she sat down, smoothing out the white dress she'd decided to wear for the day. She glanced up upon hearing his inquiry, and shrugged, brushing a strand of brunette hair behind an ear.

"It's been a long time," she murmured. "I'd almost say it's been years...but at least we're here now, right?" She smiled again, trying to keep their mood upbeat at least a bit longer. The serious discussions could come in a few minutes. Right now, she and Zack just needed to smile and relax.

[astutesoldier]

Once the girl was seated, Zack grinned at her and edged around the table to sit across from her. "Too long," he agreed with a nod, still directing a smile at her. For a dramatic effect, he added on, "And I never seem to get tired of seeing you."

Aeris' smile was easy on his eyes. It was something like a healing effect on his troubles. Now if only he could convince Cloud to stop avoiding him. He let out a soft laugh at the thought before looking back up at Aeris with a calm smile. "How've you been, Aeris?"

[holyflowergirl]

"Always a charmer," she teased, laughing. "Same as I remember."

She quieted a bit at the question, giving a light shrug. "I've...I've been all right, I suppose," Aeris replied. "There's a lot going on though, wouldn't you say? It seems that just when one thing ends, another's right on its tail, and it's just..." Pausing, she sighed, shaking her head. "But I can handle it. We can handle it, right?"

[astutesoldier]

At that, Zack reached across the table and gave her hand a light squeeze of reassurance. In it, he poured his sentiments, and a promise he would be there for her. He smiled. "Definitely."

Putting aside his worries for now, he questioned, "So what's been bothering you?"

[holyflowergirl]

That had felt nice. Almost as reassuring as their hug, but Aeris smiled, returning the gesture, then lowered her eyes for a moment, trying to recollect her words.

"It's...," she sighed, laughing quietly. "There's just so much going on, hmm? I mean," Aeris began ticking things off on her fingers, "Reno's surprise announcement, Arietta's suddenly sounding down again, Cain's upset about said announcement, Dark Link is a child who remembers nothing...but the slight upside is that I've managed to meet a nice young girl who's moved in next door - and Kadaj hasn't bothered me lately."

Another laugh; a hand ran through her hair as she looked back up at Zack. "I'm sorry...you have enough on your mind as it is, too."

[astutesoldier]

Zack smiled at that. He suddenly felt much calmer, soothed, and filled with something that reminded him of sunlight. For a bit, his heart weighed a little less with the sound of her laugh. It was the touch of an angel, really

[holyflowergirl]

[[I fail at responding on time. Forgive meh?]]

"Kelskat," she said, musing. "As tough as it will be, he does deserve a second chance; perhaps that's why he was reborn as a child. To give him a new start." Aeris' head jerked up as she covered her mouth, a tiny giggle still escaping her. "Kadaj? A girlfriend? That's adorable!"

The mood turned solemn again, and Aeris turned away at the mention of Arietta, a hand cupping her chin as she sighed, thoughtful. "Arietta...tends to become very attached to people," she started, absently tapping her lip with her pinky. Aeris hated to break a promise, but...she glanced at Zack, sighing again. "I...promised Arietta...but I think it's important that you know this. Please don't tell her that I told you though."

[astutesoldier]

[[ooc: Instantly, love. ♥ x3]]

Throughout the beginning part of Aeris' reply, Zack nodded along heartily, agreeing with all her comments and secretly admiring the way she giggled. Then, at the mention of Arietta, his smile slowly slid off his face and was replaced by a mild expression of distress. On occasion while speaking to her, he imagined that he had encountered a second Cloud--only more stubborn, if that was even possible.

"Of course," he replied, bringing his eyes up to meet hers. "What is it?"