Cookie Monster

Aerith hummed cheerfully as she made her way to the kitchen, the smell of freshly baked cookies in the air. Entering the room, she grabbed her oven gloves from the hook by the door and made her way to the oven. She lifted the tray out and placed it on the cooling stand.

"That smells good," someone commented from the doorway. She looked up and smiled at her son Sora, who was staring longingly at the cookies.

"You're not getting any yet," she replied. "I have to sort some out for my friends first."

He pouted slightly before he left the room, complaining that he was an unloved and starved child. Aerith shook her head and took her oven gloves off, hanging them on the hook by the door before making her way through to the living room where Cloud was watching the television.

"Hey," she greeted making her way over to him and kissing his cheek. He smiled up at her and pecked her lips lovingly in response.

"Actually I don't want cookies anymore, I think that image would make me throw them right back up," Sora commented as he passed the room on his way to the stairs. Cloud shifted on the couch and patted the seat next to him but Aerith shook her head.

"I think I'll change and take the cookies around to the others," she said. Cloud leaned back in the chair, his eyes fixed on the screen as his football match started. Aerith sighed. She wouldn't have been surprised if Cloud hadn't listened to her last comment. She left the room silently and made her way to their bedroom.

Five minutes later, she emerged from the bedroom and made her way back through to the kitchen. She frowned. She was sure she had placed nearly forty cookies in the oven and yet, there were at least ten missing. She stared for a moment before slowly walking out and entering the living room.

"Who ate the cookies?" she asked.

"Sora," Cloud replied instantly without looking up. She sighed.

"Sora!" she called, folding her arms and tapping her foot impatiently. A moment later, his thundering footsteps echoed around them and he appeared before them with his usual cheerful expression. However, it faltered when it caught sight of the look on Aerith's face.

"What have I…?" he began before she interrupted.

"I told you not to eat the cookies Sora," she said gently. Sora blinked before he frowned once he realised what she had said.

"I didn't touch them!" he yelled.

"I hate liars Sora," she replied, still with her gentle tone.

"How could I have eaten them when I was in my room?" he answered, crossing his arms over his chest in a huff. Cloud shifted slightly, causing Sora to glance towards him. For a moment he stared before looking to his mother. "And if I stole the cookies, how come Dad's got crumbs on his chin?" he asked with a triumphant smirk. Aerith blinked and turned to the blonde who was quickly wiping his face. Her eyes narrowed.

"You accused your own son," she tutted. Cloud gulped as he took in her expression. She studied him long and hard for a second before she smiled and turned to Sora.

"Honey, load the cookies up and get Fenrir's keys please," she said. Sora's eyes lit up.

"Can I ride it too?" he asked joyfully. Aerith nodded and Cloud's jaw dropped.

"But…but…" he stammered. He couldn't let his precious bike be driven by Aerith and Sora! It would come back in pieces. Aerith seemed to notice his expression and she smiled, pecking him lightly on the cheek.

"Should have thought about that," she teased as Sora ran back into the room, his helmet already in place. "Let's go Sora."

Cloud sat, stunned as they walked out of the room, half-believing that they wouldn't actually dare to go through with it. However, the roaring of the engine caused his had to spin around and face the window. Sora hopped on the seat behind Aerith as she started driving off. Cloud blinked.

"But…my bike!" he cried.