Meanwhile at the Church
Fenrir rumbled to a stop in front of the dilapidated church. Cloud cut the engine, giving a soft grin as he felt the arms around his waist loosen slowly. He may have been driving a bit fast, but Denzel enjoyed it as much as he did.
With a little grunt of effort, Denzel slid off the seat to the ground, looking up at Cloud with a happy grin, his hair even more tousled than normal. Cloud couldn't help himself from ruffling it further, laughing at the loud protest and flailing arms of his charge. It was nice, to be able to be with Denzel again. To feel he deserved the admiration and happiness that came with spending time together.
That was why he'd brought Denzel here, to share with him the memory of the one who meant as much to Cloud, as Cloud did to Denzel.
"Ready?" he asked, sliding off Fenrir himself. Denzel nodded, and the two of them went up the stairs into the church's interior. Inside, Cloud felt the familiar catch of breath, the weight of memories and emotions of the missing flower girl whose presence was so poignant in this place, and the new addition of quiet pride for the friend who'd sacrificed so much for Cloud.
At the same time, he felt the familiar pressure of something other nearby, and he rolled his eyes good naturedly.
"Stop admiring your memorial, Zack," he murmured, shaking his head at Denzel when he looked up. It was strange, sometimes, but by now Denzel, Tifa, and Marlene were used to him talking to the restless spirit of his dead best friend.













