Drabble #54: Blankets

Summary: Would he ever get his blanket back?

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

Aeris let out a surprised shriek as the animal's claws dug into her backpack, ripping it from her body. She quickly spun around to avoid another surprise attack, her staff held ready. The creature leapt again and Aeris lifted her weapon to block when Cloud appeared in front of her, slashing the creature with little effort. A part of her was grateful for his rescue of her but she was also angry that he had not let her protect herself. She couldn't remember the last fiend she had killed by herself.

Cloud glanced around, giving a nod once he was satisfied all the enemies had been dealt with before he settled his gaze on Aeris.

"Are you okay?" he asked and Aeris nodded slowly before making her way to her torn backpack. With a sigh, she picked up a random bit of cloth that had been ripped. "They ruined everything!" she wailed, grabbing her stuff from inside and shaking her head at the mess.

"What am I supposed to sleep in now? They ruined my blankets and my clothes!"

Cloud rubbed the back of his neck as he replied. "We could always buy you new ones."

"No," she sighed with a shake of her head. "No, the group don't have much money left anyway. I'll manage."

Without even thinking twice, Cloud removed his bag from his shoulders and looked out his blanket, handing it to Aeris who looked at him in surprise. He blushed at the small smile that tugged at her lips but he quickly tried to avoid anyone being suspicious of his feelings.

"You won't be any use to us half frozen to death," he insisted but he saw the raised eyebrow she directed his way as he turned to face the rest of the group.

"Let's go."

He glanced at Aeris once more to see her walking towards him. Before he could do anything, she leaned up and placed a kiss on his cheek, giggling at the blush that spread across his pale cheeks. She pulled back, flashing her trademark smile.

"Thank you Cloud," she whispered, moving away. Cloud opened his mouth to speak but his throat suddenly felt dry. All he could do was watch Aeris walk away. And somehow, he faintly wondered if he would ever get his blanket back.