Originally written sometime in May 2010.
A short look at Cloud's relationship with Aerith - from the 'love interest' point of view.
He'd swore to himself he'd tell her. Soon. But confessing feelings to someone who makes you shy and brave at the same time is no easy feat. Sure, he had liked other girls before but those feelings had gone mostly unrequited.
As much as he treasured their growing friendship, he just couldn't bear to not let her know how much she meant to him - but it was difficult to articulate into words. He'd tell her, soon.
Opportunities had cropped up and he had let them slip through his fingers. Other times he had second-guessed and figured the timing was wrong.
It didn't help she made him feel weak in the knees, with that soft gaze of hers and her gentle attentiveness, or how cute she got whenever she was flustered or irritated. He could go on and on, thinking about all the little things about her that made him adore her.
They had spent long evenings before, after the rest of the party had gone to sleep, simply sitting in the commons of whatever inn they visited. They would talk about nothing in particular, frivolous things such as items in the group inventory, or how the weather of the region was interesting or not as such. Other times they would just sit in silence, side by side, and take in a moment of peace an quiet. Such moments were becoming more rare each day they continued the quest to stop Sephiroth and ultimately save the planet.
He cherished those quiet moments more than anything. True, he had a special appreciation for everyone in the group but she was the easiest to relax around, and admittedly, was the best friend he had in years. If only he could tell her.
After the bonfire in Cosmo Canyon he wanted to tell her but ended up making a hasty cover-up.
At the Golden Saucer on their 'date', she had told him she wanted to meet the real Cloud. He had no idea what she meant and had reconsidered telling her then.
At the Temple of the Ancients when Cait Sith told their lucky fortunes, he said nothing to affirm his approval.
When she left by herself to find the Ancient Capital, he just couldn't find the words to stop her from going alone - and without knowing how much she meant to both he and their friends.
And now… it was too late.
Love her? If he truly had, he wouldn't of just let her die.
Even though she lingered in the Promised Land, somehow still helping him along, he couldn't forgive himself. He saw her everywhere in his mind afterwards, sometimes wondering if he was going crazy. But he kept it quiet.
Two years passed, during another world-affecting crisis, she visited him subconsciously. He still couldn't tell her, nor could he ask for forgiveness outright. But then, she had asked who he was seeking it from. She had been gone for so long, yet her words still brought both an inner shyness and an outer strength.
And on her final goodbye at the end of the geostigma crisis, he still couldn't even think of saying those words anymore.
"You're okay now, right?"
Returning her smile he then realised he didn't have to. She already knew.
