Drabble #30: Fear

Summary: He feared that she would be used against him.

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

The night was home to a harsh, north wind and it wasn't surprising that most of the Avalanche group had proceeded to find shelter from the cold in their tents, snuggling underneath their blankets. Cloud, Aeris and Vincent were the only members still awake, staring at the dancing flames of the campfire, that was slowly dying.

All three had a distance between them, as if one of hatred. But for those in the gang knew that Vincent and Cloud didn't like people being in their personal space unless they actually said it outloud, which wasn't often.

Aeris gave a soft sigh, wrapping her arms tighter around herself as Vincent stood up, excusing himself before making his way to his tent. Aeris smiled kindly, though he had his back to her. Cloud made no movement at all. Aeris remained silent for a moment, waiting for him to say something. Normally, when they were alone they would huddle together and have small, stolen moments while the other group members slept, unaware of their relationship.

"Aeris," he sighed softly, causing her to glance up with her trademark smile. However, it faultered slightly as she saw he was not looking at her, his eyes cast to the side.

"Cloud, are you alright?"

"Aeris, I think we should stop this," he said, completely ignoring her question and staring at the floor. "I don't think it's going to work."

Aeris sat still, stunned into silence as she watched his face for any sign of a lie but there wasn't one. He was really saying the words that every lover feared. She fought back her tears as she looked at the fire and then back at him, searching for something to say.

"Why?" was the only response she could think of.

"It's not you," he replied quickly. "It's me."

Aeris frowned at the age-old line. How many times was this used at the end of breakups?

"Will you not at least tell me why?" she asked, her voice rising slightly. He glanced into her eyes for a second before looking away. She took a breath before asking the question that she feared the answer for.

"Is there someone else?"

Cloud quickly shook his head, meeting her eyes again. "No, I'd never do that to you."

"Then why?"

"You wouldn't understand," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't want him to know about us."

"Who?" she demanded, rubbing her eyes harshly.

"Sephiroth." Cloud answered softly. "I fear that he'll do something to you in order to get to me."

Aeris' gaze softened as she watched him, realisation sinking in. She should have known it was something simple like that thought which was troubling the blonde. The Avalanche leader had virtually no experiance in the relationship department and had no idea how to handle things sensibly. He reminded the flower girl of a lost little boy.

"Is that all this was about?" she questioned, giggling slightly. Cloud gave a look of puzzlement before nodding. She let her giggle turn into a short laugh and gave a small shake of her head. "Oh Cloud, you can be so silly at times."

"What?"

"Cloud, are you going to let your fear for that thought spoil what we have? Do you want that?"

"No, I don't want it but..."

"Then don't do it," she whispered, gently taking his hand in hers, lacing their fingers together. "I love you Cloud. I always will, no matter what happens."

He blushed slightly but slowly squeezed her hand before resting his forehead against hers.

"I love you too."