Resurrection | FFVII

~ Chapter XVII ~ Night Terrors

*****Trigger Warning!!!***** 

This chapter contains graphic depictions of torture and rape!!! If you are uncomfortable with anything of the sort, I would skip this chapter. Don't worry, the events will be revisited in the future and depicted in a much less graphic way! 

Enjoy the rest of the story!

The door let out a gentle creak as Elaina pushed it open, revealing Zack under the covers and deep in slumber. Before entering, she craned her neck toward Cloud and Tifa's room to find the lights were off. She wiped her tears, each tiptoe she made as she crossed the carpeted floor bringing her closer to his peaceful face. She pulled his blanket down and took a closer look at his blood stained bandages. His poor condition sent her into a silent bout of tears. Gingerly, she crawled into his bed, her tears dripping onto his damaged skin. His eyes opened as he felt her arms wrap around him. He grimaced as he turned around, whispering, "Hey..." He reached out to touch her cheek. "What's wrong?"

"It won't stop..." She whispered woefully, shaking her head.

"What won't stop?" He spoke in a hushed tone as he wiped her tears, his eyebrows curled against each other.

Elaina's voice trembled as she attempted to make words through her tears. "Her body... I keep seeing it. Over and over. Every time I close my eyes, I see her."

Zack couldn't tell her it would be alright. He couldn't tell her what to do or what not to do. He couldn't be a hero for her, not now. "Lainey, you just have to let it pass." He brought her head into his chest. He let out a deep sigh with his hand resting on her hair, intertwining the locks in between his fingers. "I know it hurts a lot right now. But in time... It'll get better. I promise you." She shook against him, her nails gently scratching his back as she clenched her hand into a fist.

"Stay with me, Zack..." She whispered. "Stay with me, please."

"Yeah, of course..." He stroked her hair, smiling down at her. "I'll be here."

Elaina looked up, staring into his eyes as they shone in the dark. Zack rested his thumb underneath her chin, pulling her in for a kiss. He released for a moment, placing his eyes on hers before she leaned back into him, swinging a leg over onto the other side of his body. He closed his eyes tightly, letting out a gasp before reopening them. Elaina pushed back, leaning away from his stomach. "Are you...?" she started, only to be interrupted by a quick head shake from Zack. Carefully, he used the top of his headboard to pull himself up into a seated position, using his other hand to hold his stomach.

"I'm good," he replied curtly. A smirk crept along his lips as he lowered his hands onto her hips, playing with the hem of her shirt. He stopped himself, his head angled downward. "...Laine?" She looked at him expectantly. "Is this okay?"

"Yes." She nodded, lowering herself for another kiss. Zack smiled once more and grabbed her wrist, pulling her down beneath the covers with him. She giggled loudly, the duvet shielding them from the world as they sought comfort in each others' touch. The moon's effervescent glow shone in through the bedroom windows as the night continued, their sighs and laughter drowning out the stress that once filled the room.

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Morning came quickly. The room was completely dark, only illuminated by the glow of the Mako tanks. The cold water splashed onto Rory's face sent a shockwave throughout his body, forcing him to arise from his uncomfortable slumber. His body shivered as he shook himself awake, trying to make sense of the slender figure looming over him. "Wake up kids!" Reno shouted, splashing another bucket over Holly, then onto Clarity. "Good news! Your tests are done! We found what we were looking for." Reno nodded to Rude, who entered Rory and Holiday's cell.