Warm and Real and Bright

Chapter 1: Warm and Real and Bright

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!! Was totally listening to the Tangled soundtrack! <3

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She couldn't believe her eyes. She had always been so afraid of the sky, yet somehow on this night, it seemed different. Dusted with stars the moonless night seemed to protect her, not try to suck her in. She looked around then down seeing the stars reflected in the water, it was as if she was floating in space, surrounded by the tiny lights. The water lapped against the long wooden rowboat until it began to cruise to a stop; Zack had stopped paddling and placed his oar inside the vessel.
She gazed at him, he looked so at home as he stared up at the midnight blue sky. He smiled, causing her to blush. His cerulean eyes glittered and his raven hair shone; how could someone look so perfect? He took notice of her lingering stare and smiled, "everything okay?"
Aerith snapped out of her trance, her blush deepening. "Of course! So, what is this big surprise Zack?"
He grinned, "You’ll see soon. For now, just enjoy the view."
She happily did as he was told, gazing out over the calm water. It was Zack's turn to stare. Under the pale starlight Aerith's skin looked almost white, and so soft. He took notice of her emerald eyes, bright and wildly dancing as she looked all around like a child. She turned around, her back facing him as she looked back to the docks. Zack blushed, noticing that Aerith was still wearing the ribbon he had bought for her on the day they met.
"So the sky really isn't bothering you tonight?" He asked cautiously. "I was amazed you agreed to come out here with me."
Aerith turned around and beamed, "it's so beautiful Zack... I'm glad you talked me into it."

Just then, Zack noticed her eyes skim past his and over his shoulder, her head tilting as she squinted.
He turned around to see what had caught her attention and immediately chuckled. "It's time!" he said and he used his oar to turn the boat slightly.
Aerith glanced at him in confusion, then back to the tiny light in the distance that had caught her attention. However she no longer saw one tiny light, but an eruption of little lights, softly glowing and rising into the sky. Her mouth gaped as she let out a gentle gasp, "Oh Zack..."
He smiled warmly at her reaction.
The lights grew brighter as they came closer to the stationary boat. Within moments the couple was surrounded by a sea of lights.
"Lanterns... they're so beautiful." Aerith gawked, wide eyed, all around them as the pink and golden lanterns lazily floated over the water. The fuzzy warm light reflected on the mirror like lake, illuminating the two in their little boat. Aerith couldn’t stop looking in all directions with a sense of awe. Zack chuckled at the sight of her, she looks so cute he thought to himself. She finally settled her bright green eyes back onto him, “Oh Zack, this is the most incredible surprise I could have ever dreamed of!” Aerith’s eyes began to wander again toward a few lanterns that had floated particularly close to the boat.
He blushed and swallowed hard, his temperature rising as he melted from her smile. Okay Zack, buddy, be brave man, it’s now or never! he coached himself in his head, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. He gulped and finally leaned forward, gently taking the girl’s dainty hands into his own rugged ones. The contact sent a jolt through Aerith and she looked back into the SOLDIER’s endless eyes. He was smiling at her so sincerely. Her heart fluttered in her chest and she squeezed his hands and smiled sweetly at him.

The two simply looked at each other, neither speaking nor feeling the need to. Aerith felt that, with Zack, no silence was ever uncomfortable; it just felt right for him to be there. As the evening dwindled on and the lanterns had almost all gently landed in the water, Zack let out a sigh and looked up at the sky which was once again midnight blue, “Ready to head back?”
Aerith nodded, smiling at the boy who had now given her one of the most beautiful nights of her life.
He pulled out the oar and rowed the boat back to the docks. Zack leapt out of the boat, causing it to rock a little. He then held out a hand for Aerith who took it gladly and gracefully climbed onto the dock with Zack. They stood for a moment, Aerith’s hand still in Zack’s. He began to loosen his hold when he found she tightened hers. “Zack… This has been the best night of my life. Thank you so much for doing this for me.” She got on her tiptoes and pecked him on the cheek. He tingled from the feeling of her soft lips against his skin. “For you Aerith, anything” he finally managed to get out. Together they looked up at the stars for the last time before Zack pulled out his cell phone and hit a few keys. The world around them dissolved until the two stood in a large metallic room brimmed with blue lights. "Simulation Over" Chimed a robotic voice.
“C’mon Aerith, I’ll take you home.”

End Chapter 2

Woo!!!! Finally updated! Happy Valentine's day!!! My gosh it's been MONTHS since I did a picture like this, with 100% effort, digital line art, proper colouring, and a background painted on photoshop from scratch!!!
Obviously inspired by the lantern scene and the song "I see the Light" from Disney's Tangled

FUN FACT in Kingdom hearts 1 Aerith was voiced by Mandy Moore, who also voiced Rapunzel in Tangled. AND the male singing in the song is named Zachary Levi, see? ZACK!!! ZOMG XD
Hope you enjoyed it, please comment!

Tools Used: Mechanical HB Pencil, adobe photoshop CS4
Time Taken: 12 Hours