Crisis Core: Blades of Destiny

Chapter 7: A Night Out

The end of the day had arrived, and with it came a nervous excitement that settled in the pit of Cindy's stomach. She knew that this would be her first time experiencing a social gathering, and it was among her fellow SOLDIERs. The prospect was exhilarating, but it also carried a hint of apprehension.

Before they embarked on their evening hangout, Cindy found herself engaged in a quiet contemplation. The conversation with Angeal had triggered a significant realization in her. It had subtly unveiled the depth of trust she had developed in Zack, something she hadn't anticipated or fully acknowledged before.

With this trust came a connection that was forging the path to friendship and bonding, two things Cindy had craved deeply but kept at arm's length for so long. It had always been easier to stay guarded, to maintain the walls she had built around herself, especially in the harsh environment of the slums. But as she thought about Zack, his unwavering support, his genuine laughter, and the way he had broken through her walls, she felt a stirring of excitement.

Tonight was the night she had chosen to let go, to peel away the layers of her guarded self and expose the person she had kept hidden. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, but the prospect of forming deeper connections and embracing the camaraderie she had found in SOLDIER compelled her forward.

As Cindy and Zack entered the elevator, the anticipation of the evening's plans loomed large. Zack's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and he couldn't help but admit, "Hey, about what Kunsel said earlier... I don't really talk about you all the time. He was just messing around."

Cindy's reaction, however, caught them both off guard. Instead of feeling guarded or distant, she laughed softly. It was a gentle, melodious sound that rang through the elevator, the first genuine laughter Zack had heard from her.

The sincerity of her laugh didn't go unnoticed by Zack. For the first time, he witnessed a side of Cindy he hadn't seen before.

Without thinking, Zack blurted out, "You have a cute laugh," a warm smile gracing his face as he met her gaze. He found himself staring into her eyes, and Cindy, instead of looking away, held his gaze. Her cheeks flushed, and she murmured her thanks.

A silence settled between them, yet it was a comfortable one. Cindy looked into Zack's eyes, her curiosity and slight warmth shining through. Her next words left him slightly taken aback. "I never noticed how green your eyes are."

Zack's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with pride. "It's a SOLDIER staple," he teased. "You'll have them too someday."

Cindy responded with a rare, genuine smile that made Zack's heart skip a beat. Her laughter, her sudden vulnerability, her unguarded expression of emotion, all of it had an unexpected impact on him. He couldn't pinpoint the cause of these newfound emotions, but they were undeniably strong.

The elevator's doors slid open, interrupting their unexpected moment of connection. Zack and Cindy made their way to the entrance, where Kunsel was waiting for them. He couldn't help but feel a newfound closeness to Cindy, a connection that was steadily growing stronger as they navigated the unfamiliar terrain of friendship.

Kunsel, ever the sociable one, greeted Zack and Cindy with a warm smile as they joined him. "Hey, you two! Ready for a fun evening?"

Zack nodded enthusiastically. "You bet. I know just the place."

Cindy's eyes were wide as they ventured through the bustling streets of Midgar. The sights and sounds of the city continued to awe her. The towering buildings and neon lights were a stark contrast to the dim and gloomy slums she had known her whole life. She couldn't help but feel like a small-town girl in the big city.