Cheers erupted from the recently gathered crowd in the abandoned church as Denzel swiftly turned around to face them, smiling ear-to-ear, obviously glad to be healed of his geostigma.

Cloud, also healed of his geostigma, observed the group of cured children jumping gleefully in the newly formed pool of water in the flower patch that Aerith so carefully and compassionately tended to.

He seemed happy himself, he understood what they went through and admired their strength to overcome that horrible plague, and so surprisingly acted somewhat friendly towards them.

He finally caught my gaze and I couldn't help but smile, a real smile. I actually felt truly and honestly happy, I wasn't exactly sure why. A mixture of things, I guess.

I knew he was happy to see me happy and I knew he knew it was real. Knowing he was happy made me even happier. His gaze left mine, a slight smirk appearing on his face as he returned to the children surrounding him.

He was like a hero to them.

No…

He was a hero...

To everyone…

But my blissful heart suddenly plummeted.

Cloud's gaze was fixed towards the church doors. He seemed detached, distant.

I knew that look.

I could see what he could see just by observing the expression on his face, even though in reality, I couldn't see anything.

I knew that in his eyes, when she was there, I wasn't.

I didn't turn around to follow his gaze to where I knew she was.

I wouldn't let him know.

I wouldn't let her know.

I wouldn't let anyone know, especially her.

I wouldn't see anything anyway but I did notice a vague green aura out of the corner of my eye.

My smile quickly faded, she could annihilate even my most genuine smile and I don't know why.

I loved her.

She was like a little sister to me, even though she was older than me.

I was always looking out for her.

She was so helpless and vulnerable…

But in the end, I was the helpless one…

I couldn't save her…

And so, she now wanders the life stream, slipping in and out of reality.

She doesn't need me anymore.

She's invincible now.

Cloud cared more about her now than when she was alive. Ironic, isn't it, once you realise just how much a person means to you, it's too late. Just goes to show, you don't miss something till it's gone.

I wonder would Cloud miss me if I left……

Probably…

But not as much as Aerith.

The ever observant Yuffie (or maybe just the only person present who was brave enough to say something) noticed my out of place expression but before she could say anything, I plastered a convincing grin on my face and the easily satisfied Yuffie continued with her celebrations.

I always smiled, just to disguise my contempt with life.

I didn't want anyone to know my true feelings.

Especially not Aerith.