Crisis Core: Blades of Destiny

Chapter 33: Just Like Old Times

It had been a few days since their mission in Junon, yet the weight of failure still hung heavy on Cindy's shoulders. Alone in the locker room, she sat with her head in her hands, consumed by a tumult of guilt and frustration. How had she let Hollander slip away? The question gnawed at her conscience, casting a shadow over her thoughts.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Zack entered the locker room, his brow furrowed in concern. "You okay?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine worry as he took in Cindy's dejected posture.

Cindy sighed heavily, her eyes glued to the floor as if searching for answers in the worn tiles beneath her feet. "I don't know, Zack," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, laden with the weight of her self-doubt and remorse.

Without hesitation, Zack approached her, taking a seat next to her on the bench. "It's not your fault," he reassured her, his tone gentle yet firm as he sought to offer comfort in the face of her distress.

Cindy shifted uncomfortably, her fingers fidgeting with the fabric of her gloves as she wrestled with conflicting emotions. She knew Zack was right; logically, she understood that mistakes happened, that not every mission ended in success. Yet, despite his words of reassurance, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling of inadequacy that plagued her thoughts.

He takes her hand in his, squeezing it gently, "Let's grab a drink, like old times," Zack suggested, his voice warm with familiarity and a hint of reassurance.

She couldn't help but smile at his gesture, feeling the tension in her body begin to ease at his touch. "Okay," Cindy agreed, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips as she allowed herself to relax, if only for a moment.

After changing out of their uniforms, they exited the locker room, stepping out into the bustling corridors of the SOLDIER headquarters. Immediately greeted by Kunsel, who practically bounced with excitement at the sight of them.

"Hey! You guys are talking again?!" Kunsel exclaimed, his grin wide and infectious as he looked between Zack and Cindy.

Zack responded with a nonchalant shrug, but the subtle gesture of putting his arm around Cindy's shoulder spoke volumes, a silent affirmation of their renewed bond that resonated more deeply than words ever could.

"You wanna grab a drink with us?" Zack extended the invitation, his tone casual yet inviting as he included Kunsel in their plans.

Kunsel's excitement was palpable, his grin widening even further. "YES! The trio is back together! I'll go change, please don't leave without me," he exclaimed eagerly before darting off to prepare for their impromptu reunion.

Cindy couldn't help but laugh at Kunsel's enthusiasm. "He's such an idiot," she remarked with a fond smile, shaking her head at her friend's antics.

Zack chuckled in response, relieved to see Cindy's laughter and playful banter, a welcome return to her usual self. "When did you get so mean?" he joked, pulling her closer and planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. The warmth of their embrace enveloped them both, a comforting reminder of the bond they shared amidst the chaos of their lives.

After some time, Kunsel returned to join Zack and Cindy.

"Okay, okay! Don't make me third wheel," Kunsel joked as he rejoined them, his grin widening at the prospect of their outing.

Cindy playfully rolled her eyes at Kunsel's remark as they walked towards the elevator.

Once inside, Kunsel was beaming with excitement. "Where are we going tonight?"

Zack pondered for a moment before suggesting, "How about the first bar we went to, the three of us?"

With everyone in agreement, they exited the building, their laughter echoing through the streets as they roamed in search of their destination.