What If We Had A Chance…

Chapter 24

…To Grow up

The snow softly landed on the two teenagers who sat on the park benches. They sat rather close to each other with the fingers just barely touching. For the both of them it was close enough where they felt connected and at the same time the distance between their fingers seemed like miles away. It was an odd feeling to be this close. The beginning of the school year they barely spoke to each other and now they are constantly seeing each other and often together alone now. What they were to each other was still a mystery however they both felt strong connections with each other and decided that feeling alone is worth it.

"I can't believe you found it at a pawn shop." Tifa put her small fingers on her mother's pendant.

"I can't believe it either. You really should thank Nanaki though, it was his nose that led me to it." Speaking of which Cloud and Tifa both watched as Nanaki was playing with his new toy, Cait Sith.

The little puppy kept throwing the poor stuffed cat into the air and Nanaki would jump to catch him. It was a rather cute situation if the toy wasn't alive.

"Help! I say Help!" Cait Sith would cry each time he was launched in the air.

"Hey, no speaking! We're in public so you act like a normal toy, if Nanaki can't speak neither can you." Cloud shouted to them.

Thankfully the park was empty; no kid wants to play in a cold park. Way more fun to find a hill or just stay at home with his Christmas gifts. The poor stuffed toy cried and Nanaki continued to play with his newfound buddy.

"So…he's a new member I assume." Tifa joked.

"I guess so…" Cloud sighed a bit. "I don't get how I get stuck with the crazies."

"Do you think Aerith knew he was alive?"

"Doubt it, Aerith isn't good at keeping things away from us."

"I haven't heard from her all this winter vacation, and school starts tomorrow. You think she's all right?"

"Why wouldn't she be?" Cloud didn't seem that concerned not because he didn't care he just didn't have a reason to over think on things like that.

"Well, I'm just so used to hearing how amazing her gifts are or what Zack did for her."

"Now that you mention it…I haven't heard from Zack."

"Oh so you worry about Zack but not Aerith?" Tifa smirked.

"Aerith is one of the good ones, I don't expect her to get into trouble. Zack on the other hand…"

Tifa grabbed Cloud's right arm and laid her head on his shoulder. Cloud instantly grew warm and his face red. He didn't say a word and just looked everywhere except at Tifa.

"It's really cold." Tifa shivered.

"Y-yeah." Cloud kept watching the poor cat and happy puppy. "Nanaki go easy on him okay?"

The pup looked back and then began walking with the toy in his mouth towards the two and cuddled in a ball on Tifa's lap. It was a frigid day and most of the town was either covered in snow or ice. Everything was still and dead in the town however homes of course became warmer and more filled with loved ones. Tifa slowly let go on Cloud's arm, she began to wonder if that was too uncomfortable for the both of them and slowly moved away. Cloud finally took his first breath since she hugged onto him. It became another awkward moment for them and they spent the day barely talking.

However it is not all bad, they both dearly enjoyed each other's company and given the weather even their spirits felt still and quiet. It was a calming and almost therapeutic moment for the both of them.

"Does your father know that we meet up like this?"

"I think he has an idea…lately he hasn't been that angry about you though."

"That's surprising." Cloud grunted a bit

"I don't know why he hates you maybe that's how he is with any guy."

"Mhm…" Cloud knew the reason why but just shrugged off his thoughts.

"I have to get going." Tifa got up and was gathering her things. "I still have last minute homework to do before tomorrow. And we get a new English teacher tomorrow."

"Meaning more work."

"Hope this is a fun teacher at least. Well I'll see you later Cloud." She waved goodbye and went on her way with Nanaki happily following her.

Cloud began to lay out on the bench and sighed looking up to the grey sky.

"Why didn't you walk her home?" Cait Sith stood on Cloud's body, being a stuffed doll he weighed nothing to the teenager.

"I just didn't bring it up. And hey I told you to stay quiet."

"No one's here so there is no need for you to worry."

Cloud paid no attention to the cat and he just kept to his mind and thoughts. He and Tifa have been getting closer and it's not obvious for them to bring up the whole boyfriend and girlfriend thing. It just felt awkward however to give them a title and honestly Cloud wasn't sure if Tifa felt the same. How could she not though? Especially when she felt comfortable enough to hug him like that. His mind was confused and it tired him a bit.

"You got it easy."

"Shut it." Cloud moaned.

"Your biggest problem is you can't tell a measly girl how you feel. Try having some real issues in life like trying to survive."

"That doesn't mean my feelings don't matter." Cloud sat up and picked up cat so he would not fall off. "You don't need to tell me other kids have it hard." Cloud began messing with his cell phone.

"Whatca doing?"

"None of your business." Cloud was contacting Zack, it was getting rather late and school started tomorrow. Usually it was Cloud that had to remind Zack of this but they were together during the vacation anyway. Cloud worried only a bit, even though Zack could be an idiot he was a good talker and was strong enough to get out of most situations.

…..

It was late at night and Zack walked through the city. Lights still decorated the town even though Christmas has long passed. It brought Zack's spirits up as he was a sucker for the holidays. He loved the happiness in it, all the over the top decorations and songs. While it was a holiday for the family and he couldn't necessarily say he enjoyed his family on the holidays he did enjoy the image of a nice family. Usually he would stay at Aerith's home but she hasn't been around lately.

He worried about her and hasn't had the chance to give her his present. It was a scrapbook he put together. Truly his scrapbook was nothing to brag about as he had the art abilities of a 1st grader. However he worked hard on it and gathered each photo they had together. It was pretty shocking how long they have known each other. He had pictures of them dating back to them being just little kids. Her giving him innocent kisses on the cheek and him just hugging her down to the floor. It was at the end of the book that scared him though. All the lies and cheating he has done to Aerith. It really has hit Zack hard even if he's tried to hide it from the world. However enough was enough, the last page of the book had a card saying "I'll tell you everything".

The lies have stopped and he plans to set things right with Aerith. They are getting older and life is setting in. While Zack is unsure for his own future he knows one thing, he needs Aerith and he needs to be honest with her. Hopefully though Aerith will still want him, God he hoped she would still want him.

"Yo Zack." Tseng had bumped into Zack.

"Oh..hey Tseng." Zack knew it had to be because of his debt and he kept a strong gaze at Tseng.

"Hey what's with that stare down? I'm here to have a friendly chat." He pats Zack on the back and starts to walk with him towards a darker part of the city.

"So what's this friendly chat about?"

"I have looked into your debt and see that you have accumulated…a lot of gil."

"I'm listening."

"I must ask you what have you been buying my man?"

"Eh…it's your business you should know what you sell."

On the side, while the Turks had power in their schools, they also ran an underground club. These were no ordinary kids as each of their parents owned an important part of the ShinRa company. This gave these kids unimaginable power. However they had to keep this power under wraps. Their parents still had an image and each member of the Turks knew if they wanted a future at ShinRa they would have to express that power with no damage to their parents or the company. Their club was nothing more than a hang out spot for teenagers. They could get drinks, smokes, girls or guys for the right price. However Zack being a frequent buyer at this club began to acquire too much debt. He had been pretty cool with Tseng so sometimes Tseng would let Zack's spending slide. It got too much though and Tseng knew he had to get something out of Zack.

"I see I see. Well how do you suppose you'll be paying us back?"

"Can't say, I'm on the bit of the broke side."

"That's not a good answer Zack." Tseng sighed. "Look if…you're interested. I know of a way to get rid of your debt."

"Keep going…" Zack paid close attention.

"My parent's business wants to try this new drug. Have you ever heard of Mako?"

"I can't say that I have…enlighten me a bit." Zack has heard of it here and there in history and hear it on the news that Mako is coming back to the world of energy. However he'd rather hear what Tseng has to say about it.

"Well it's an amazing source of energy. For one all the homes of a single town can easily be powered by Mako for much less then what electricity is worth. But what my parents are looking into is…how it can benefit human life. You see a bunch of these scientists figured out there was a way to harness this energy and inject it to humans. And said humans will get super strength and resistance."

"So you're looking for a lab rat so that ShinRa can start making a super army?"

"My my…guess you aren't as dumb as they say. Yes you can say that…however due to many fights against environmentalists and many other countless groups it has been impossible to see the side effects this drug or even the use of Mako can be to us. That is why under closed doors we are using human test subjects to…see the risks. And if everything comes out good it'll show the world how safe Mako is for the home and for people."

"And if not?"

"Well…it is undercover. No one will know the negatives."

"So if I do this test for you my debt is wiped clean."

"Precisely. You do this huge favor for us you can not only expect your debt gone but to have a very good connection to ShinRa. Perhaps even a future job there."

"I'm not into working at a desk." Zack shrugged.

"Did you forget what the drug can give you? Zack if this thing works out I promise you to have a very respectful position in the ShinRa army."

"SOLDIER?..." Zack pondered. This is just the break he needs. He'll come clean for Aerith get rid of his debt and forget about his past life and on top of that he could have a job. "What is the worst case scenario for this drug?"

"So far…those who are not mentally and physically strong enough are not able to handle the drug. They undergo an odd…zombie like state. They go into this coma and are unable to communicate. Others become highly addictive and are unable to live without constant injections."

"Please tell me you have better results than that."

"So far we have been gathering strong individuals and they have been promising so far. One man has gone a month through this process and he is exhibiting favored results. His strength has grown and his senses are very on point. So far nothing is wrong with this exceptional being. However I must add we do have to test your mind and body to even see if you should accept the drug. If you pass though you will start Mako injections and you must email me each week. See it as…a journal of sorts. At times I'll call you in to do more in depth studies and test but those are small details we can talk about after you agree. So what do you say?" Tseng extended his hand.

This was all a blessing to Zack. This was the break he needed and he could ensure his future. He has lived long enough not caring about the future and doing what he pleased. Now though he needs to become a man, do something with his life and this is an opportunity he cannot refuse. For his future and Aerith he firmly shook Tseng's hand.

"You got yourself a test subject." Zack grinned.

"I'm glad to hear that." Tseng patted Zack's back. "I'll pick you up tomorrow after school."

"Aw shit…school…forgot about that." Zack sighed.

Tseng reached for his phone and called for ride.

"No worries from this moment on you are cool with the Turks and all of ShinRa. This is temporary though as we are not sure if you are able to accept the drug. But just know that the school will know of your affiliation to us…or those who matter will know including the teachers. You won't have to worry about work as long as you do the bare minimal and stay out of trouble. If it isn't your fault we can easily get you out of it or as long as it's something small we should get you out of it. Zack understand you have an image with us. And if you do anything to bring down our image…I can't make you any promise to your wellbeing or your loved ones."

"You don't have to tell me twice." Zack smiled in delight, all he can think of is that his dreams of doing something with his life are really happening.

"Good to hear Zack. I truly hope you pass this test." A limo pulled up. Inside the limo there was a teenage girl with short blonde hair.

"Oh uh…I don't wish to go down that life style again." Zack chuckled.

"I'm not here to get you laid." The girl snapped back.

"This here is Elena. She will be assigned to you. She will be enrolled in all your classes and watch you. More or less…say hello to your new buddy. She'll brief you on what you need to do, overall though she'll stay out of your hair on most days and other days she'll be your twin. Do you understand?"

Zack nodded.

"Very good now off you go this limo will drop you off in your home and if you wish Elena will provide to you a contacts if you ever need something. Enjoy your night." Tseng drifted into the crowd in the city and left Zack. Zack happily jumped in the limo.

"Your first time in a limo?" Elena said in an annoyed tone.

"Nope! But I'm just happy I have a calling!" Zack grinned.

"You're rather…odd….Listen I hope you know how to be professional about this. And here is a list on how to reach me and everyone else as well as your own company cell phone."

"Wait…this seems all too prepared." Zack accepted the phone and list.

"Let's just say that Tseng has a good eye when it comes to picking out people." Elena smiled.

They shortly arrived at Zack's home and he was dropped off.

"Well hope to see more of you. No! I mean!" Zack caught himself saying something odd.

"I'll…trust you keep this professional." She sighed again. "And as a reminder you should avoid having sex while on the drug. We have no clue how it will affect your partner...or partners."

"No need to worry about that. I'm a new man from here on out."

"Sure you are…well you can call us tomorrow for a ride or go your own way. We don't care as long as you're safe and out of trouble."

"Got it! Have a good night Elena."

"Have a good night Zack…and enjoy your new English teacher tomorrow." She closed the limo door and it drifted away.

As Zack turned to his home he encountered a familiar face. However it is not a welcoming face and it makes him feel like he's been caught even though he has done nothing wrong.

"Aerith…? Baby."

"Zack…please I don't need to hear your excuses. I'm tired."

"Oh god..no Aerith. Baby listen to me it isn't what you think."

"Then you tell me what's going on."

He can tell something is wrong and not just this situation. Her eyes are blood shot as if she has been crying all this time. Zack slowly approaches her.

"Baby…I want you to listen to me."

Aerith shakes her head and finds herself in his arm holding him tightly. They were cursed to love each other. She couldn't shake him off even though she has convinced herself many times that he was no good. Yet she knew he was a great a guy and kept falling for him each time he gave her a smile. Zack held her tightly as her body shook in his.

"I need to come clean about a few things okay? A…lot of things. Before that though I want to show you something." he held her hand softly and led her to his room. His parents have been out partying with their friends and have left Zack alone for a long time. Zack was used to this since this was the norm for him for the holidays.

His room stunk a bit. A very man's room with clothes tossed and some work out equipment tossed around. His bed was very messing, however on his walls where he kept pictures of the two of them were gone and bare. She sat on his cold bed and waited for Zack as he moved things off of his dresser and came with a rather messy looking scrapbook. Aerith bursted out with a mix of crying and laughing. Zack shyly smiled at her and gave her the book.

"I…made this for you."

As Aerith took the scrapbook and went through the pages he made. He started with pictures of their childhood and put his funny sayings throughout the pictures like, Even as kids we were meant to be or, I was still good looking even back then. Zack hugged her from behind and held her tightly as she kept going through the book. His heart beat faster as she got closer to the end and when she did Aerith sat there very still and Zack hugged her even more tighter and his eyes grew glossy and his voice was warm.

"Aerith…there are a lot of things you need to know. About my past..and now…about my future…and hopefully our future."