She placed a comforting hand on his knee.

"If you ever need someone to listen, you know where I am." Aerith stood up and dusted her rose pink dress off, as if to remove invisible dirt. His eyes followed her petite figure as she wondered around her delicate flower garden, the place she loved most. It was quite amazing - She had turned an old crumbling church into an extravagant array of colours, breathed life into every nook and cranny. It truly was the essence of beauty - the fact that she was there too made it twice as beautiful. He felt a small smile tugging at his usually ridged lips, a smirk, almost. Cloud watched her as she knelt down, her porcelain hands tending to her flowers like a mother caressing a young child. He sighed to himself, It was not long before he had to leave again, say his farewells to his friends, not being able to promise that he would someday return to them. He couldn't not fight Sephiroth, If he did, Lives would be at stake, Her life would be at stake. His brows furrowed, his mind cleared of all other thoughts be siding the flower girl and the man who had taken everything from him. He winced, Painful memories flooding his head, his mother screaming before the sword drove into her fragile build. Aerith heard cloud murmur something under his breath. She turned to face him, getting up from her spot. Cloud looked up as she sat casually down beside him, her arm returning to his knee. It was somewhat comforting to him.

"you okay?" she spoke softly, a concerned yet comforting look on her face. Aerith always knew what to say at the right time.

"yeah . . . I'm fine." He stated as his gaze moved to the floor. He half closed his eyes, as if he was squinting to see something in the far distance. Suddenly he shifted when he heard the woman beside him sigh heavily.

"Do you really have to go . . . ?" She asked in sorrow. "Its dangerous out there and-" She was cut off suddenly by one of Cloud's gloved fingers being placed on her soft coral lips, a stern look in his eyes.

"I'll be fine. You needn't worry for me." He stood up and sighed deeply into the crisp morning air.

"I need to get things settled." Aerith sprung up suddenly after him and clutched his left arm.

"Cloud . . . I love you." She wrapped her arms around his well toned chest, closing her eyes, not wanting to ever let go.

Cloud, looked down at her, shocked. Never before had he thought that Aerith would be the one to confess their feelings for each other. Of course, he had always loved her. She was just so perfect in everyway. Aerith opened her eyes, sighing one final time before releasing her grip from the blonde.

"goodbye, Cloud…"

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Well, I know its short . . . but it was my first ever fanfiction, so reveiws would be greatly appreciated :)