(Untitled)

[ebbingvigilence]

Characters: Aerith Gainsborough, Zack Fair
Status: Complete
Location: Costa del Sol
Date/Time: 29th July 2498, early'ish morning, probably around 8am.
Summary: After a good workout in the morning, Zack heads back to the inn to meet up with Aerith.
Warnings: N/A

Comments

[ebbingvigilence]

To say that he was proud of her was an understatement, and as Aerith closed her eyes to take in everything, Zack's expression softened. He remained silently at her side as she took in her surrounding. This was something Aerith had to discover without his interference, but he did remain watching over her as the sounds of the beach surrounded them both. He knew she just needed to realise that the water wasn't something to be afraid of. It was dangerous, yes, but if it was respected it could be one of the most relaxing places on Gaea

[ebbingvigilence]

There were a few short moments where Aerith had to regain her rhythm, but Zack did nothing but keep his hand firmly supporting her midsection. He held no doubt that she'd be able to do this, and when she began to relax and moved far more smoothly, Zack found himself smiling in return.

"In the swamps around Gongaga," Zack said while he kept his pace moving along where Aerith was swimming, "Most of the kids there learnt how to swim just for the sole reason for getting out to the bigger trees in the middle of the swamp."

He had done it for that and the thrill of putting yourself into that sort of situation. Zack supposed it was for that same 'thrill' that he had originally wanted to join SOLDIER, well, one of two reasons.

[sealevil]

Aerith simply listened to Zack talk as her gaze returned to the water and her body began working in unison. She wasn't exactly graceful, but was still proud of herself for keeping her head above water without flailing about. His hold on her bodice definitely helped that from becoming an issue.

"I remember you talking about the swamp," she murmured absently, her body bobbing up as she made a slow stroke into the water then glanced at him warmly. "I bet you were a natural, huh~?"

[ebbingvigilence]

He had been nothing but a kid with too much energy and nowhere to focus it on back in those times. There were some quiet moments when he idly wondered how his parents had even been able to survive. It was a miracle that they'd had any shred of sanity left by the time he'd run off to join SOLDIER

[sealevil]

At the mention of stubborness, Aerith smiled to herself as she continued to casually make strokes into the water. She was no natural, but it was starting to get easier and easier to do now. Who knew how she'd fair without Zack holding onto her.

"I bet there were a lot of kids to play with too," she murmured, knowing he was a social being by nature. He probably wooed girls at an early age too, for all she knew. Her gaze lifted to him at his inquiry, and the smile widened. That would never change. "Of course. It's where I feel comfortable, and... it has a lot of good memories." And some not so good, but they didn't compare. She looked forward again as she added, "And I knew you would always be able to find me there if you needed to. That made it all the more special."

[ebbingvigilence]

Aerith was getting better with each stroke that she took. Just seeing her so boldly stepping out of her comfort zone and furthering herself was enough to bring a smile to his face, but to be there while she was doing it meant all the more to him

[sealevil]

"Really?" Aerith laughed. She knew how that felt, not having anything to do. Living in the Slums after all either meant you got in trouble or found alternate ways to occupy yourself. Thankfully Elmyra had raised her to know better, and it was probably fate that the church had been abandoned for her usage. Otherwise, she would have never met Zack in such a peculiar way, or Cloud. The old rickety place really did have a special attachment beyond her flowers

[ebbingvigilence]

"You bet'cha!" The lack of anything to do was a large part of the reason why he'd left in the first place. It was just that Gongaga was no Midgar for those wanting adventure. Yet despite that thought, he had had fun while he was growing up, "There were often these stupid little competition that we'd make between us all." He reminisced with a fond smile

[sealevil]

Aerith followed Zack's guiding and shifted so her feet lightly landed on the ground again underwater. Though she forced back old habits, emotions were still running rampant inside. They were friends, she told herself firmly, though didn't deny Zack had still left a wound. But it was wrong to show it, altogether selfish to show him affection when she had denied him her heart. These conversations of the past--rather, his present, were just far too difficult to retain indifference on.

"But...?" her head cocked to the side as she peered up at him. A smile curled onto her lips, and she reached a hand up to lightly poke his cheek. "You're not trying to hide from me, are you~~?"

[ebbingvigilence]

"But~ I've got both you and Cloud, and that's all that matters to me," Zack said after she'd poked him against the chest. So he'd diverted his answer into something else, but he figured it was better that way for Aerith.

He'd let the moment get to him too much, and said some things he knew he should have just kept within. It wasn't fair on Aerith, and regardless of what he felt, he just wanted her to be happy. He simply had to live within the memories.

"So, wanna try swimming again?"

[sealevil]

Aerith smiled wide to Zack's response but said nothing. If it was that simple, he would have just gone right out and said it.

Her eyes dimmed down to the water a moment as she considered confronting him right then and there. She wasn't sure if cowardice or simple fear of a repeat performance compelled her otherwise, but when she looked back up to Zack, the smile had returned to her lips.

"We can swim all day," she said, grasping onto his arm with both her hands. "Let's go get those smoothies!"

[ebbingvigilence]

There was a smile, but Zack doubted that she really believed his answer. What he'd said was true, to some degree, but it hadn't been what he had originally been intending to say.

He waited to be called out on it, but it appeared that Aerith thought otherwise as that smile returned.

"Sounds good to me," Zack murmured. He didn't mind the hold at all, and instead began guiding Aerith towards the shore while he walked backwards, "Then we'll get to find out who thought up of the best smoothie combination."

[sealevil]

Aerith's hands lowered to grasp onto one of his, one of hers letting go so he could walk normally instead of backwards. She didn't want him to trip and hit his head, although it probably wouldn't hurt so much on the sand.

"Yup!" She grinned wide, and playfully nudged him with her hip. "But we both know I'm gonna win, right~?" Even though the serious talk loomed over her, she was presently content to swallowing it away until the time was right.

[ebbingvigilence]

Moving back and around as one hand was freed, Zack chuckled at Aerith's enthusiasm as he began walking alongside her. He didn't hesitate in nudging her playfully right back either.

"Nothing's set in stone yet, Miss Gainsborough," They both knew that she was going to win their little competition. He wouldn't have it any other way, "I'm sure it will come down to a photo finish... or at least a long and hard series of taste-tests."

[sealevil]

"Maaaybe," Aerith countered with doubt in her tone. She actually had no idea if her combination would even taste good, it was just fun to bug Zack.

"You'll just let me win either way," she laughed. That was how it always turned out. The one thing she could recall genuinely beat him in was probably a round of cards or the time they raced to the train station since she knew quite a few shortcuts. Who knew, maybe he was letting her win then as well.

Her expression faltered a moment; suddenly hating how those small memories could sweep over her. Was it this difficult for him too?

[ebbingvigilence]

Zack couldn't help but grin at her drawn out counter. It didn't really matter to him whose smoothie tasted better. Simply being able to banter like this was more than enough for him.

"I'd never do such things," The SOLDIER said with a playful gasp. It was true, but he just couldn't find it within himself to have it any other way.

He saw the momentarily lapse in her expression, and while he wasn't certain exactly what had caused it, Zack could take a wild stab in the dark at the topic. Squeezing her hand affectionately, he began to wonder if he was being too selfish in what he wanted. No... he already knew the answer to that.

Slowing his walk, Zack turned his attention to the beach stretching out around them as he quietly asked, "Would it be easier if I wasn't around?"