Drabble #11: Shop

Summary: "I love you too," she whispered. "But there's these really nice shoes I want you to see! Come on!" she cried grabbing his hand and leading him once more within the stacks of clothing.

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

When Aeris suggested that they should spend the afternoon shopping, he was immediately reminded of the last time they went "shopping." He was reminded of the silk purple dress he was made to wear, the glittering tiara on his head, which was covered by a blonde wig and he remembered how expensive perfume was sprayed all over him. Yes, Cloud Strife hated shopping and for good reason.

However, this time it was not so bad. He was not made to buy dresses and skirts or fancy jewellery. Instead, he just accompanied Aeris as she walked around the racks, being selective and fussy with the styles and colours. The joys of being a couple, he mused. Cloud could not see why she was so choosy about things that she wanted. She would always say that something made her look fat or it jutted her chest out too much. Nothing seemed perfect and after sitting for almost half an hour as she tried on her clothes, Cloud began to lose his patience.

Aeris emerged once more and stood in front of the mirror in a short, red summer dress held by spaghetti straps. It was a nice dress but she just didn't think the shade suited her. She gave a sigh and shook her head softly, her gaze travelling to Cloud.

"What do you think Cloud?" she asked, tilting her head to the side. Cloud stood up and stared in the mirror with her.

"I think you don't need to go shopping," he muttered.

"But I…"

"Aeris," he whispered slowly, "You're perfect the way you are and no amount of shopping will change that. I love you for you not the clothes you wear," he admitted kissing her cheek. She smiled bashfully as her cheeks turned scarlet.

"I love you too," she whispered. "But there's these really nice shoes I want you to see! Come on!" she cried grabbing his hand and leading him once more within the stacks of clothing.