Hello there everyone! Here's my first post of 2018 :) I've been sitting on this one for a while, had some trouble finishing it off. It's nothing special, just an idea that I got but I hope it's still enjoyable to read!
In the beginning it had been difficult getting used to the beds provided by Shinra but as the weeks went on Zack had grown accustomed to them. Maybe it was the fact that he was always so exhausted by the time he finally got to lay down that the quality of the mattress no longer mattered to him.
He slowly rolled onto his back from his position on his side, trying to avoid making too much noise. But the unexpected creak of the bed frame abruptly stopped his movements and he cursed under his breath. Pausing he listened to Kunsel's quiet snores which continued undisturbed from his bunk above him. Zack let out a sigh of relief as he stretched out his arms and legs.
Slowly he interlocked his fingers, placing his hands behind his head. Any other day he would've been out the moment his head touched his pillow, but tonight sleep just wasn't coming. Closing his eyes he tried to focus on Kunsel's soft snores, it was unusual but they usually helped lull him to sleep. After what felt like much too long he opened his eyes, letting out a frustrated sigh. Tonight just wasn't going as planned.
He knew why, of course. Most days as a 2nd class SOLDIER were extremely busy that he didn't have the chance to think about much of anything else besides training, missions, paperwork, and eventually reaching 1st class. But any free chance he got, you were always on his mind. Things had been easy when you lived in Midgar but now that you'd gone back to Gongaga it was a bit harder. You both talked every chance you could but sometimes it was hard to coordinate your schedules. He just really missed you. Homesickness was something he'd gotten through pretty easily when he first left home, but now that any thought of you brought back memories of Gongaga, he couldn't help but feel it.
A small smile graced his lips as he reached out to grab his phone from where it was charging next to his bed. The screen illuminated to reveal a picture of the two of you, the two of you had been slow dancing at your cousin's wedding and the photographer caught the perfect moment. Zack unlocked his phone, going to the photos app. He scrolled down to the album titled THE LOVE OF MY LIFE to be greeted by pictures of you and pictures of the both of you.
He scrolled through the pictures and feelings of warmth and happiness seemed to spread through him. As he went on his smile continued to widen and his eye lids started to grow heavy. Before he knew it he'd fallen into a content slumber, his lips still curled into a smile with you still on his mind.
**
The cool water soothed your dry mouth and chapped lips as you chugged it out of the glass. Wiping your mouth with the back of your hand, you set the glass back in your sink deciding to wash it in the morning.
It was late and you should've already been in bed by now but the cold weather and your thirst had made it difficult to sleep. You'd pulled on as many layers as you could, making sure to cover your head and slowly made your way to the kitchen.
You loved Gongaga, it was where you grew up and you didn't care how backwater it was. The only thing you truly liked about living in Midgar was being able to spend time with Zack. Everything else about that place was just dismal and gloomy. Your grandma had needed you to come back to help with her pharmacy, her health was starting to slow her down. You'd been extremely happy to return but even more sad to be so far from Zack again. Nights like these only served as harsh reminders that he wasn't here. Otherwise you'd already be asleep, curled up against him in his arms.
Your apartment always seemed so much more empty during the night that it did in the day. It wasn't anything lavish, just a one bedroom one bathroom with a small kitchen and living room area. Your grandma had insisted you just live with her but you wanted to make sure to maintain your independence as much as you could. You spent most of your time working with her and really only came to sleep here. But it was a nice and cozy little place that you loved living in. On the occasions that Zack was able to visit it felt even more like home than it usually did.
Sighing you made your way to your bedroom, quickly getting under the covers and wrapping them around you. Grabbing your phone to check the time and double check that your alarm was set you were greeted by Zack's smiling face.
Your lock screen was a picture of him that you'd taken when the two of you had gone to the Gongaga Fair, when Zack had came to visit a few months ago. He'd made sure to pose for it and everything.
"Curse you and your gorgeous face," you whispered, a shy smile adorning your lips.
You missed him, terribly. Biting your lip you looked at the time again and without giving it too much thought you went to your contacts and pressed Zack's name. You hoped he would pick up but you also felt guilty knowing how late it was. You just needed to hear his voice again.
**
After dozing off Zack had expected to be woken up by Kunsel making his way down from the top bunk. But instead he was greeted by a buzzing and bright light. He jolted awake, realizing it was a phone call and after seeing your face on the screen he quickly got out of bed. He was out in the hallway in a flash and made sure to close the door softly behind him.
"Hey," Zack's voice greeted your ears, "it's pretty early in the morning, everything alright?"
His excitement for talking to you was followed by concern, seeing as it was the middle of the night.
"No, everything's alright," you replied, smiling to yourself, "Sorry for waking you up... I just wanted to hear your voice."
"Miss me that much, huh?" You could hear the teasing tone of his voice.
"Of course," you replied, feeling a bit embarrassed, "Every day since I've been back."
"I miss you too," Zack replied sighing, "I actually couldn't sleep and was looking at pictures of us not too long ago."
"Really?" You asked, he could hear the smile in your voice.
"Yes, really," Zack laughed, the sound instantly making you feel better, "How are things going back home?"
"Things are good, the pharmacy has been a little hectic lately but nothing too crazy. Grandma's always asking about you though," you couldn't help but giggle, "Honestly sometimes I think she talks about you more than I do."
"What can I say, I guess I just have that effect on people."
"That you do," you replied, "I also saw your parents this past weekend."
"Oh, you did? How are they doing? Dad's not causing mom too much trouble is he?"
"They're doing great," you said smiling, "No, well... maybe a little but he claims that she nags him too much."
"Oh man, I'm getting homesick now," Zack sighed, "I miss Gongaga and my parents and I miss you, so much."
"I really do miss you a lot, especially now that the nights are so much colder here," you said, "But enough of that, how are things there? How's Angeal?"
"Things are as hectic as usual here, always lots and lots of paperwork and missions. Tomorrow's my day off—"
"Which you'll spend training," you interrupted him.
"Which I'll be spending training," Zack chuckled, "It's like you can read my mind! Angeal's doing great too, he was asking about you the other day. Oh! Actually I made a new friend recently..."
Zack trailed off telling you about someone named Cloud from Nibelheim.
"He sounds gr—" you yawned, "he sounds great Zack."
"I guess I should probably let you go, it is pretty late. Don't miss me too much, yeah?"
"I'll try," you replied, "I love you."
"I love you too, (Y/N). Good night."
"Good night."
With that you both hung up. You set your phone on the side table and rolled over, cuddling into the blankets. Sleep quickly overtook you, your dreams filled with Zack.
Zack slowly made his way back to bed and quickly fell into a deep slumber, his dreams featuring you as well.