Drabble #70: Hug

Summary: Because a friendly hug can become so much more.

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

Aeris folded her arms and glared at the back of the blonde's head. He appeared not to feel her eyes however, as he continued to ignore her and stare moodily into space. She sighed and moved around to sit on the sofa next to him but still he didn't even bother to look at her. She sat in silence for a moment, her eyes boring into the side of his head until, eventually, she grew annoyed.

"What's wrong Cloud?" she asked softly.

"Nothing."

She narrowed her eyes. "I know you're lying," she said, shrugging her shoulders and tilting her head to the side. "Don't you trust me?"

He suddenly turned to face her and shook his head. "I trust you, it's just I don't want to burden you."

She blinked, surprised by his answer. She remained silent for a moment, staring ahead at the busy Hotel lobby before she turned back to him.

"You can't be a burden to me Cloud," she whispered softly, a small smile evident on her lips. "I want to know what's wrong, so I can help. It's what friends do."

He glanced at her for a moment and when their eyes met, he quickly looked away again with his cheeks a light tinge of pink. Aeris ignored it, deciding it wasn't going to help his mood if she teased him. Instead, she scooted closer and wrapped her arms over his shoulders, linking her hands against his chest and squeezing gently.

"Just remember I'm here Cloud," she whispered gently as she finished the hug. Cloud froze beneath her for a moment but when he felt her move away, he reached for her hand.

"Don't go," he said softly, looking up at her once more.

She stared at him for a moment before slowly sinking back into her chair. He was silent for a few seconds before, to her surprise, he opened up his arms in a silent request for another hug. She blinked, searching his face for any teasing but it didn't take her long to realise he really meant it. She smiled warmly and wrapped her arms back around him, letting this hug last a lot longer.

"I'll always be there for you too Aeris," he mumbled into her shoulder. Aeris smiled as she pulled back and stared into his eyes.

"I know," she replied. His lips twitched up in a return smile before he let his head rest on her shoulder. It wasn't long until Aeris heard his slow even breathing indicating that he was asleep. She smiled gently before settling down herself, her arms still wrapped protectively around him.