{ Friends To Lovers } - Zack Fair x Reader (Modern! AU)

Part four - in which you become Aerith's new OTP

Time seemed to have stopped as you talked with Tifa, waiting for the clock hand to fast-forward to nine o'clock. It felt as if all seconds had flocked together so they could laugh at you while watching your reactions out of a safe distance.

It wasn't just because you didn't want to go through every detail with Tifa anymore. No, truth is, you were sick of just talking about Zack and longed to see him in the flesh. Unfortunately that didn't remain unaware to the brunette.

"[Name], time won't pass any faster by scowling at the clock."

Without saying anything, you lowered your gaze and rubbed your finger along the rim of your glass, a habit of yours when you were flustered or nervous. Your best friend chuckled.

"Cute."

"Shut up, Tifa", you growled. Once again you could feel your cheeks heating up, which you tried to hide behind your hair.

Another laugh escaped your friend's mouth, "sorry, but it's really cute. See, if I had told you yesterday, you'd feel this way about him you'd have thought I was nuts. Guess it's true what they say: it only takes one fifth of a second to fall for someone."

"Wasn't that about love at first sight? Pretty late for that, don't you think?"

"Maybe. But then again, maybe you weren't paying attention when he asked you out and that fifth took their opportunity. Who knows?"

"Aren't you jumping to conclusions? I never said I... you know... like him that way", the last part you almost choked on because you couldn't bear it enunciated.

A ringing noise interrupted you, announcing the arrival of a guest. Just before the bartender turned towards them, she sighed in your direction. "Give it some time. Hey Reno, the usual?"

The redhead's all too familiar laugh rang in your ear. You cracked a smile and rolled your eyes. Reno had to be the laziest person you knew, most of the time being late or unavailable and still he was always the first one to pop up at the bar after work.

"Sure, yo! [Name], already here?"

You lifted your glass, which was filled with your favourite non alcoholic beverage, so he could see its content and shot him a grin over your shoulder, "of course, yo. Have to drown the stress of today's work, after all."

"Hey, are ya mocking me?"

"I don't know, am I?"

You continued your scoffing at each other, while at the same time Barret, Cid and Yuffie joined eventually drawing your attention. For a little while you listened to what they were speaking of, until Aerith sat down beside you.
She told you and Tifa, who wasn't busy at the moment, about her most recent task at work - the decorations of a fairytale themed wedding.

"I tell you, the church is magical! There's ivy almost everywhere, at the walls and pillars and somebody even planted lilies at the altar right beneath a huge leak of the roof! Next time I'm there, I'll take pictures, promise!"

Tifa and you exchanged glances and began to laugh. Every time the florist talked about her job, she flourished like one of the flowers she had in her shop, her green eyes glistening like a swaying meadow. And every time she would cross her arms and pout when she saw the two of you laughing.

"Oh hush, in reality you're just jealous because my job is so wonderful!"

The bartender shook her head, "it's not about what but how you say it, Aerith! You'd think you were the one to get married in that church!"

"Perhaps one day, I will!", Aerith answered, laughing. Then she addressed herself to you with a wink, "you know, [Name], it's one thing if Tifa's not romantic - I mean look at Cloud - but at least you could be on my side. We're singles! There's still hope for us to find our Prince Charming!"