Aerith still looked unsure, so he hadn't removed his hand from her yet, simply moving it down to her back so he was leading her further into the room so they could look around with Lyta.

The second clatter was heard from outside, though, his hand gripped her shoulder again, already knowing what she was about to do.

"Hold it," he said. Damn, damn, damn. Normally he'd have been just fine and dandy away from the danger. Maybe he'd been traveling with Lloyd for too long. Maybe he was a sucker for Aerith. But he knew what he was probably going to have to do now.

Dammit.

"You stay here," he told Aerith. "I'll take a peek. But you stay here." He nodded at Yuffie, letting the younger girl know to keep a hold of her friend. Lyta wouldn't be too happy, but it was either this or let Aerith dash off into certain danger.

Moving towards the door, he walked out just enough to see Zack running towards them. He stepped back just enough so that Zack could make it in and he could quickly shut the door when he did.

"He's headed this way," Zelos said. He didn't mention Zack was now wounded.