A/N: I know it's been a long time since I've put anything up here and even tho this isn't exactly "new", it could be for some of u since I am pulling apart the My Soundtrack series to make the chapters into one shots cuz let's face it, not everyone has the patience to read a random string of stories in one series. Please write and review to let me know what u think, it's been a while since I've heard from anyone.
"If You Could Only See"
by MakoRain
He could see it now. How he had missed it before amazed him.
It was seen in the sway of her hips, the swish of her hair, the shine of her presence was all there. And love, the love she held for him was evident, almost palpable in the air around her.
How could I have been so blind?
Of course, Cloud had been too caught up in Aerith to ever realize what he had right in front of him, but they knew, they all knew. It would take a miracle for the hero himself to recognize his humanity and to move on from the past that he could not control. Fortunately for them both, that hope beyond hope came to pass when Sephiroth had returned. There's irony for you.
The tap of his gloved finger on his arm was the only sign visible that he was losing his patience, watching it all from his corner of Seventh Heaven. Why had he come here again? The shadow had been there every night this week, watching, waiting for some sign that told him he could move on.
Cloud watched her from his place at the bar, her smile dazzling him time and time again and that should have been enough for the man in the corner to get the picture but no, there he still stood, red eyes glowing.
It was when Tifa turned around that the message hit home. The look in her eyes, the sparkle only for him, was enough to take his breath away. He fought to not stumble in his corner, to leave with some dignity before he witnessed something he had long hoped for not to pass.
He really should leave. But it didn't matter; it was too late to spare his heart the crushing blow. In such a simple touch it was evident. All she did was slide her fingers over Cloud's hand and yet it was enough, it was all he needed to realize his time had passed and now it was Strife's turn once again. Tifa's smiled paired with her hand on his closed Vincent's eyes, heart and the door behind him as he exited Seventh Heaven, never to darken her doorstep again.
The door closed behind them and Tifa looked over, trying to see whom it was she was unable to wish goodnight. She looked over the regular crowd, searching for the missing irregularity and Cloud smiled, squeezing her fingers tight in his hand. With him gone, he was free to give his love to her as she had been giving to him for years.
He lifted her hand to his lips and blessed it with a gentle kiss.
"I love you."
He was lost in how brown her eyes could be when she said she loved him and it was then that they knew they could take on anything. No more reasons, lies, manipulations. Cloud could give his heart after seeing the road less traveled, leaving that happiness unraveled in his memories where it belonged.
If you could only see the way she loves me
Then maybe you would understand
Why I feel this way about our love
And what I must do
If you could only see how blue her eyes can be when she says
When she says she loves me
As it was meant to be.
The End