Zack shuddered, clinging to Aeris with a desperation he honestly couldn't voice. Five years... five years of experimentation had been endured for this moment. He'd always managed to stay strong for Cloud's sake, with the hope that he'd see her again, hold her like this, if he just kept fighting. But five years was a long time to endure that level of separation, especially with Jenova's legacy whispering in his ear.

But it was over now. He had her again, and she - against all odds - wanted him back. Really, it shouldn't have surprised him... that was just her way.

So he held her close and cried with her, because there was no hiding anything from his Aeris.