Drabble #30: Missed

Summary: Everyone missed Aeris but not nearly as much as Cloud did

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


The Church was silent and empty, much as he expected it to be. People seldom visited the holy sanctuary despite it being a memorial to the one who had saved the Planet, the woman they owed their lives to.

Cloud Strife would have been lying if he had said he wasn't angry by their ignorance and lack of gratitude but he took comfort in the fact that those who mattered to the fallen woman visited her Church to speak to her. It was comfort enough to know that he wasn't the only one who missed her.

His large black boots came to a stop just before the large patch of flowers, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched sunlight flutter onto them thanks to a hole in the roof that was caused by a certain soldier. He gave a long sigh, moving slowly to sit down in front of the rainbow petals. He could tell that Tifa had brought Marlene here recently because the flowers had no weeds in between them and they all looked refreshed.

He lifted his head, letting his face be bathed in the sunlight that drifted through and gave a long sigh.

"Well, I just wanted to come and see you," he muttered, feeling a little stupid for speaking aloud to himself. "I…miss you…a lot," he admitted, lowering his face, the action causing some of his golden bangs to fall in front of his eyes. After a moment of thinking, he lifted his head back up again, a small, sad, smile clinging to his lips.

"I guess that's why I felt so bad after your death. I was so used to you being there all the time, I couldn't even imagine what it would be like without you," he explained, rubbing his palms over his trousers in an act of nervousness as he continued. "I know you haven't left me really and are still here in spirit but I still miss you. I miss your laugh, your smile, the way you used to flirt with me about that date and being your bodyguard. I miss how you used to walk beside me, completely in step with me and the way that you used to clasp your hands behind your back in that cute manner of yours…I just miss you,"

There was a moment of silence as Cloud bowed his head again, willing away the dull ache that had formed in his chest, and ignoring the fact that his eyes were starting to burn. A soft drop of water landed in his hair, causing him to jerk out of his thoughts and look up in shock.

I miss you too

The voice carried echoed softly around the old walls of the church, causing Cloud to experience a warm, fuzzy feeling flowing through his veins. He checked his watch, raising his eyebrows at the time as he got to his feet.

"I've got to go but I'll come visit you soon okay?" he asked. Another drop of water was his answer but that was good enough for him. He turned and headed back towards the door, turning his head to look at the small stone that Avalanche had made for the Cetra:

Aerith Gainsborough,

Loyal friend and Heaven's Fallen Angel

Forever Missed and Loved,

Avalanche

He sighed softly as he pulled the door handle.

"Yeah, everyone misses you Aeris, but not nearly as much as I do," he admitted softly before he closed the door, unaware of the transparent figure who appeared by the flowers.

"I know Cloud," she whispered softly. "I know,"