@roseusuitta said: ❛ Well? Most people would say something sweet right about now. ❜
|| Not accepting ||
IT WAS YEARS. They'd been floating in mako tubes for four years, on the run for almost a full one so summed up, five years have transpired since last stepping foot in Midgar. Nothing really seemed to change on first glance when the helicopter Cissnei brought him and Cloud in, descended into the great city. For just a fleeting moment, it gave him the ILLUSION that truly nothing has changed but oh, how it has—HE is different. Tseng insisted that they were best staying hidden because people who knew Zack were still around, and it would be smart to not assume they wouldn't run around spilling the beans on how he's back. Maybe in the past, the former SOLDIER would've done just that but it’s one of the differences that came from the experience of the CHAOS they survived.
The one thing that did not change at all, is his stubbornness, and that's all he needs to do the exact opposite of what Tseng so kindly ordered suggested. Wearing civilian clothes along with a cap, and sunglasses to hide the DISTINCTIVE glow of his mako infused eyes, the man is convinced that he'll fit in just fine. Leaving his sword behind which forces him to rely on the materia ( in case of a fight ) in the concealed belt under the long sleeved shirt he was wearing, the man heads off without alerting anyone. Despite of the years, his memory still recalls how to make his way through the slums and more specifically, to the church. It's only when reaching the large double doors that he takes off the dark shades before stepping inside the structure. Inside, he follows along with taking off his cap and slipping it into the back pocket of the worn out jeans.
There was no certainty as to whether she'd be there—The stoic Turk leader refused to tell him anything after he handed over all eighty eight letters addressed to him that he'd never received. Reading them is what compelled the ex-SOLDIER to do this, regardless of how he will piss anyone for it. Zack just HAS to see Aerith. With an anxious flutter in his stomach and an eager, quick pace of his heart, sky hued eyes lift and focus on the flower bed to the center of the church's interior... And there she is. Legs move on their own accord, bringing him slowly closer but his eyes did not once move away, not even when she stands to face him. Lips parted about to say something but no words slipped out, wishing to say so many things while simultaneously just needing to silently bask in this moment. Five years... It's been FIVE YEARS.
Finally, Aerith's words are what coax out a chuckle which turns into laughter, carefree and wholehearted, even though it doesn't push away that tightness in his chest. It's probably responsible for the tiny beads of unshed tears gathering in the corner of his eyes. Shaking his head, one of his arms lifts and a hand rubs the back of his neck almost sheepishly, a broad smile lingering on his features.
❝ ...Sorry for being late? ❞ Zack offers, and his chest constricts even more. He doesn't say anything else—He can't—All the man proceeds to do is suddenly close the distance and wrap his arms around this woman, for who he walked through hell and back to see again.
