Drabble #32: Menu

Summary: Cloud and Aeris Valentine date

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

"Can I take your order?" the waitress asked, forcing on a fake smile. Aeris glanced up from her menu, meeting Cloud's eyes for a moment before he turned to the waitress, noting that she was wearing far too much make up.

"We'll just have a bottle of wine just now thanks," he said. She nodded and jotted it down on her notepad before walking off. Cloud took a breath and fixed his tie before he went to pick up his menu again. Aeris smoothed down her red dress before she looked up again, giving him a small, reassuring smile.

"It's okay Cloud," she whispered, reaching over and taking the hand that was resting on the table, stroking the back of it with her thumb. He blushed, lowering his head in order to hide it as he moved his hand to put down his menu.

However, he accidently knocked over the salt, watching in horror as the white substance spread across the red cloth. His cheeks darkened further and he expected Aeris to laugh at him before leaving him to his shame. So he was surprised when she reached over and slowly began cupping the salt into her hand before disposing it in the unused ashtray.

"Don't worry about it Cloud," she whispered, giving him a reassuring smile. "It happens all the time. On my first date, I spilit my water all over his trousers. At least you don't look like you've wet yourself."

Cloud chuckled despite himself, meeting her eyes. Somehow, he knew that she had made it up. Aeris was always careful and tidy, especially at the table but he was thankful that she was trying to comfort him.

"Thanks," he muttered, taking her hand in his again. "I can't believe that I'm spending Valentine's Day with you."

She smiled, her cheeks turning a little pink. "Well, I've enjoyed every moment," she assured him, smiling as she watched him blush as she picked up her menu again. Cloud managed a small smile back as he gazed lovingly at her and wondered how he could ever have been so lucky as to find a woman like Aeris.