Drabble #24: Night
Summary: Night was both the best and worst time for Cloud…
Disclaimer: I do not own anything but the plot. Characters and places belong to SquareEnix
The heat of the flames was unbearable but he had no choice as he kicked at the door wildly, trying desperately to reach the woman who was screaming for help inside the burning house.
He was too late though. His mother was trapped beneath a burning pillar, her body still with death, and her eyes showing how fearful she was in her last moments.
Cloud awoke with a start, his breathing coming in hard, fast pants and his body covered in cold sweat. The same dream kept on haunting him every night after he had seen his hometown burned to the ground. It was the reason he tried to stay up as much as possible, too scared to close his eyes.
"Cloud?"
He turned to the woman who was lying next to him, her eyes narrowed against the light that she had just switched on. She sat up, rubbing her eyes as she looked at him.
"What's wrong?" she asked. He didn't answer as he wiped the sweat from his face with the back of his sleeve and lay back down. He did not need to burden her with his troubles.
"It was that dream again, wasn't it," she said, as if reading his mind. He sighed softly and it was enough confirmation for her. She gave a sympathetic look as she let her hand glide over his cheek, comforting him as she leaned down and kissed his temple lovingly.
"It's okay Cloud," she whispered soothingly. "Your mother is in the lifestream and she's happy. I can hear her voice."
He smiled in thanks to her for her comfort and leaned up to press his lips against hers softly before lying back down. He felt her move his arm to rest her head on his chest and he wrapped his arms around her protectively. He hated nights because of the nightmares that lurked in his mind, ready to be freed. But he loved them too since Aeris was always by his side, ready to comfort him when he needed it.
Nights, were both the worst and best time for Cloud.