Drabble #78: Ocean

Summary: It had always been so calming

Disclaimer: I do not own anything but the plot. Characters and places belong to SquareEnix


When Cloud had left his room that night, he had intended to go for a walk alone. He just needed some time to think through a plan for his comrades. The latest meeting with Sephiroth on the cargo ship had shaken them all a little.

He crossed the sandy roads and headed down the steps and onto the beach. He stopped almost instantly when he saw a figure in the darkness, sitting by the shore as the ocean lapped gently at their feet. His fingers grasped his materia instictively as he edged closer, trying to figure out who they were.

They turned their head, emerald eyes shining in the darkness for a second before the moon emerged from behind the mist, painting the figure in an eerie light. Cloud instantly let his hand drop from his side, his other burying itself in his hair sheepishly.

"Evening Cloud," the person greeted cheerfully, turning back towards the ocean. Cloud took a slight step forward and then stopped. He shouldn't invade on Aeris' private time. Besides, he had wanted to be alone anyway, why the sudden want for attention.

It's because it's her! said a voice in his head but he immediately pushed it out of the way.

"You can join me if you want," she continued in the same gentle tone. Cloud blushed despite himself as he moved to sit beside her, keeping a reasonable distance between them. For a moment, the only sound was the ocean tides caressing the sandy shore before retreating again. Cloud watched, finding the sight strangely beautiful.

"It's relaxing, isn't it?" Aeris sighed contentedly. "I've always loved the ocean, though in Midgar I never saw it, I still wanted to be near it. I felt..." She paused, trying to find the right words. "Complete. Like I belong by the water."

"It is relaxing," he agreed. "Helps clear your mind." She nodded at him and smiled.

"I want to be buried in the water," she said suddenly, taking him by surprise. She caught his look and giggled. "I just love it so much I want my body to be part of it."

"Okay," he said nervously, looking away from her.

"If we still know each other, will you make sure I'm buried in the water? It doesn't matter if it's the sea, ocean or a lake."

"Aeris, you're not going to die for a long time," he said gently slightly disturbed by the conversation. He didn't even want to think about Aeris dying, the very thought sent chills down his spine and caused his heart to clench painfully.

"You don't know that," she sighed, looking down at her feet. "Any of us could die anytime. That's why I need you to promise me. Do you promise Cloud?"

He was silent for a moment, staring at her. Slowly, he turned his eyes back towards the water, watching the waves in their rhythmic dance. She was staring intently at him, awaiting his answer so he looked back at her and nodded.

"I promise."