Drabble #68: Acceptance
Summary: Cloud and Aeris accept a few things
Disclaimer: I do not own anything. Characters and places belong to SquareEnix
"So?" she asked softly, folding her hands neatly on her stomach. "Why did you come this time? Surely you have forgiven yourself now."
The blonde behind her shifted his feet slightly as a gloved hand moved to run through his locks. For a moment he was silent.
"Yes," he replied eventually. "But I never thanked you."
The woman tilted her head to the side, her long braid swishing slightly from the movement. "For what?"
"For everything," he answered, staring at the flowers that he was standing between. His breath came out in a small shudder as he felt her place her hand on his shoulder. It was a simple act, unique only to her that she used to comfort him. And it worked.
"I'm glad you've accepted what has happened Cloud," she whispered gently. "I know it's hard. I miss my life too."
"I'm sorry it took so long," he sighed.
"Apology accepted," she teased lightly, giggling a little. Cloud smiled, knowing that somehow, she was aware of what he was doing.
"Aerith?" he asked suddenly. She made a small sound in reply. "Do you think we could have been together if you hadn't died?"
She was silent for a moment before she took a deep breath. "I don't know. It depends really, whether we ever got around to accepting how we felt about each other."
"I always knew," he interrupted suddenly, turning his head a little so he could catch her from the corner of his eye. "I always knew how I felt about you."
"Me too," she answered after a moment. "But we've got to accept it couldn't be. At least, not in this lifetime. Maybe, when we're together again in the lifestream."
"I'll hold you to that," he teased, smirking a little. She laughed, shaking her head lightly.
"You won't have too," she replied.