Drabble #42: Reflection

Summary: His reflection had always disgusted him since that day. Maybe now, he could look at himself again.

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

He couldn't even bring himself to blink as he stared into the deep, crystal waters of the lake outside the Forgotten City. He could see the guilt and pain reflected in his eyes and his whole face looked worn down with the troubles of his mind. Yet, despite the fact that his reflection disgusted him, he could not bring himself to look away.

Down below in the depths of the water lay Aeris Gainsborough's body, dead because of him. She hadn't deserved it and she certainly should never have trusted him to protect her. He couldn't protect anyone. Not his friends. Not his family. No one.

But Cloud Strife did not turn away in embarrassment as his baby blue eyes blinked up at him. No, he would stare his reflection down if he had to. He would face up to his sins and ask forgiveness for them. Then, he may be able to move on, so long as she would forgive him.

He was so wrapped up with staring into his eyes that it took a second to notice another reflection appearing beside his. One of a brunette woman with sparkling emerald eyes and a flirty smile. Once he did notcice it, he blinked and shook his head, turning away for he was convinced that he was just dreaming of her again. However, when he opened his eyes and saw that her image was still there, he knew he wasn't dreaming this time.

"Aeris?" he asked, turning to her and quickly jumping to his feet. She smiled a little wider and clasped her hand behind her back.

"Hello Cloud," she whispered, shifting her foot ever so slightly.

For a moment, they just stood, staring at each other until Cloud suddenly threw himself against her, giving her just a minute to wrap her arms around him for support. She gave a soft sigh as she rested her head on his shoulders in contentment.

"You're really here?" he said, pulling back to admire her. Her smile faltered a little when she caught the questioning tone in his voice. He wanted to know if her stay was permanent.

"Yes," she replied softly but almost immdiately added, "but I can't stay. I came to tell you that you don't need to be forgiven. There is nothing to forgive, you didn't have anything to do with my death!"

"I could have saved you," he argued, frowning down at the floor. "But I'm so weak, I couldn't..." he started but was silenced as she pressed a finger to his lips.

"I never blamed you, not once. You came for me, that's all that matters."

Cloud was silent as he took in her words, still not convinced that she had forgiven him. Sensing his doubt, she used her last resort and gently used her palm to raise his chin and get him to look at her. He barely had time to give her a questioning glance when she moved forward, gently pressing her lips against his, in a soft, chaste kiss.

"I forgive you," she whispered as she pulled back, her hand trailing down his cheek. She gave a small smile as her body began to glow, a sign that she was returning to the Planet. Coud recognised it immediately and grabbed hold of her hand.

"Don't leave me again," he begged softly, his grip tightening a little.

"I never did," she answered as she faded away completetly, leaving Cloud alone beside the lake. Her words echoed in his mind and for the first time in many years, Cloud felt a small smile tug at his lips. He turned around, looking at his reflection again.

And it didn't disgust him anymore.