Second Chance

Morning Coffee

Morning, 7th Heaven Bar, Bar level...

As usual, the bar wasn't open yet, so Tifa was up early, perparing breakfast for the family. Cloud was drinking his coffee on the countertop with Marlene and Denzel eating their meals. Barret was still asleep in the kid's room. Neither adult dared to wake him. The last time they did, they ended up fixing a bullet-hole-filled ceiling. As for Zack and Aerith, she and Cloud suspected that the two had a busy night. So they left them alone, for now.

Tifa served Cloud his meal while he was busy looking through some paperwork. She felt a bit of mischief when he was very focused on work. However, she had to keep it minimal because the kids were around. She snuck a quick peak on his forehead, slightly getting him out of work mode. "Eat it before it gets cold."

"Ok." He replied, trying not to act like a shy teenager with his little blushing cheeks.

Marlene sat straight after finishing her breakfast, surveying the area for the missing couple. Just by looking at the little girl, Tifa could tell that she wanted to hang out with her friend, the flower girl. "Tifa, aren't we gonna wake Zack and Aerith yet?"

"In a bit, they worked hard last night with the cleanup, so let them sleep in a bit more."

"But Zack would be late finding a job if he slept more." Marlene voiced her concern.

"Well I guess you could go wake them-" She hadn't even finished the sentence before Marlene raced up the stairs.

"She's very excited," Cloud commented. "Let's hope she knocks first."

Tifa nodded, picking up the finished plates and taking them to the kitchen to clean. Denzel helped carry the dishes with her and offered to assist with the cleaning.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

The morning sun's rays came through the bedroom window, lighting up the messy space. Clothes covered the floor from the night's activity. The couple was still sound asleep, cuddling under the warm sheets. Zack's arms wrapped around Aerith's petite frame as she had her back to his chest. His head rested on hers, nesting in her long brown hair, taking in the sweet smell mixed in with the odd scent of Mako.

The sound of the door opening startled Zack awake. Drowsy still, he forced himself to sit up with a big yawn. His arm reached up over his head as he stretched his stiff muscles. He finally looked over at the doorway to see who was standing there.

"Morning Zack, everyone's already downstairs." Marlene chirped cheerfully.

"Alright, we'll be down in a minute."

Marlene smiled at that reply and closed the door soon after, leaving the couple to get ready in private. Alone again, Zack lowered his face to his girlfriend's, kissing her forehead. "Morning Angel, time to get up."

She didn't make any indication of waking up, but he could hear her giggling, although he couldn't see her face. He grinned devilishly, kissing her repeatedly, teasing her relentlessly, and moving his hand around her sides to add to the teasing. Finally, the petite, beautifully pale body started to shake uncontrollably, and her giggling soon turned into laughter.

"P-please stop Zack! That tickles!"

"I don't know, you still look asleep to me."

"I'm awake! I swear!" Aerith continued to laugh as Zack didn't stop till he was satisfied. Then, finally, he ended the torture with a quick kiss on her lush lips.

"Catch your breath, I'll get your clothes."

"Thanks Zack."

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

The couple soon joined the rest of the group as soon as they got fully dressed. Zack carried her to the countertop stool, ensuring she was well-supported before he sat beside Cloud. Marlene immediately ran to Aerith, taking the vacant seat to her left. The questions she asked the woman ranged from where she was before to gardening tips. Denzel was still in the kitchen, helping Tifa with the dishes, but he heard the discussion, curious about who Aerith was since it was his first time meeting both her and Zack.

Speaking of Zack, the tall man looked over Cloud's papers, mostly reading through the list of locations with interest. The blond was feeling the pressure from his curious friend. "Umm, Zack... you're a bit too close for comfort."

"Sorry, I'm just surprised on how many places you get to visit on a daily basis."

"This isn't a lot, just the bare minimum."

"Wow, just wow."

"So, looking for a job today?"

"That's the plan. Maybe I'll pass by Reeve first, I have a feeling that it's a good place to start."

"good plan, you should call ahead to avoid any misunderstandings."

"Yeah..." pulling out his phone, Zack realized it wasn't functional anymore. "I'll need to borrow the Bar's phone."

"Got it. you should replace your old phone though."

"Will do."

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

After Marlene had her fill with Aerith and Denzel had finished all the plates, the two kids went outside to play with their friends. Aerith sighed in relief, she was exhausted from the long talk, but she was happy to hear some exciting stories from the little girl. Tifa soon appeared in her peripheral vision, smiling as her eyes gestured to the men chatting.

"They look like brothers don't you think?"

"I agree, who would be the oldest though?"

"Not sure yet. By the way, how was last night? The bed wasn't hard was it?"

"It was a very good night, never been better." a pink blush appeared on her cheeks, recalling the events of last night.

"In any case, what are you planning to do today?"

'Good question.' Aerith thought for a moment; she couldn't move because of her condition. But she wanted to give back to Tifa and Cloud for letting her and Zack stay. She could make coffee and cook behind the counter, and she didn't need to move in that case. "I was hoping to help you out today if possible."

"Well, you could help in the kitchen while I take the orders."

'Yes!' Aerith mentally cheered; that was precisely what she wanted to do.

A loud thud suddenly startled her to the point she almost fell off the stool. To her relief, both Zack and Cloud were able to catch her before then. "Wh-what happened? What was that?"

"Don't worry Aerith, It was Barret." Tifa assured her.

Cloud helped her back on the stool with Zack, then returned to his seat. "He probably fell off the bed again."