A/N: Just a little something I threw together briefly in a class. Nothing too fantastic, but I hope you enjoy nonetheless!

Disclaimer: Don't own FFVII (Duh).


After Hours

Another late night.

Another long, hard day of deliveries in the icy, merciless wind.

Another dark, silent room to greet him on his return home.

.

He shuddered as he stepped inside, closing the door tightly behind him, and promptly peeling off his now soaking boots.

It had been a difficult delivery tonight.

They usually were.

The long hours, harsh conditions on the road, the relentless weather.

It was a nightmare.

.

Another house of full of sleeping occupants, completely unaware that he was even there.

Another empty kitchen, completely devoid of the typical life, excitement and chatter it was home to during the day.

Another re-heated meal.

.

He loved riding, and he loved his delivery service.

He loved the peace of the open roads and the oppurtunity it to give him to just relax, to just be.

Normally that was motivation enough for the man to continue unphased.

However, there were of course, set backs to such a job.

.

He did not enjoy the late hours he had to work, or the time he spent away from his family.

He did not enjoy missing out on the afternoons or dinners that he could be spending with them.

And he certainly did not like having to eat alone in the middle of a silent, darkened room, its usual light and laughter absent.

.

Another far-off light, from her room at the of the hall.

She'd waited up for him again.

She always did.

.

Another light step, sneaking cautiously down the hallway.

Another hand turning the doorknob and carefully easing the door open.

Another long, lingering gaze upon the woman he so deeply admired.

.

He loved seeing her like this.

Her body, so lithe and agile, a powerful weapon when she was awake, was motionless.

Perfectly still.

Calm, and completely at peace.

.

He was too nervous and aprehensive to

It was moments like these, that the identity of a deadly martial artist, an ex-member of the terrorist group Avalanche, just didn't seem to suit her.

Those notions just seemed so harsh, so violent...

But right now she just seemed so calm and tranquil.

.

Her dark hair fanned gently out around her face, carried by the cool night breeze, and spilled over the creamy expanse of her bare shoulder blades.

Cloud smiled softly and moved the covers away, before slowly slipping in beside her warm, slender body and pulling it into his arms.

His lips found the curve of her neck, caressing it lightly, as he inhaled the floral scent of her hair.

.

He knew he could make it through each long, agonising day.

.

He knew he could endure them, so long as it meant returning home to her.


A/N: I haven't really had much activity as of late, due to me spending a lot of time working on my major folio for my Creative Writing course at University. So, I've only really had the time to write small pieces, like this one.

But anyway, what did you think? Please R&R, and let me know! Thanks a lot. :D