Happy Birthday to You

He rubbed the back of his neck, his hand travelling into his hair as he stared at the door before him, his heart thumping against his chest. His hand rested above the wooden surface, ready to knock whenever he mastered the courage.

He frowned slightly as negative thoughts built up in his mind; what if she didn't like...what if...? As quickly as they had entered, he shook his head to rid them and before they could return, he knocked on the door.

It only took a second before he heard her boots approaching the door and when it opened he could only stare at her wide smile, her expression showing slight surprise.

"Cloud? What's wrong?" she asked, glancing up and down the corridor for any sign of trouble before her gaze fell on him. He rubbed the back of his neck again, feeling his cheeks heat up.

"I...uh...uh..."

She smiled a little, making sure that he wouldn't see it in case it should embarass him more as she waited patiently for him to continue what he was trying to say. Although, she had to admit that a stuttering Cloud was pretty cute.

He took another breath before he straightened up and continued. "Could you come downstairs for a minute?" he asked, his cheeks burning a darker shade of red. "I...uh...I want to show you something."

She frowned, slightly curious and give him a small nod. "Okay," she replied. "Just give me a moment."

She left the door open for him to enter after her as she went to slip on her boots but Cloud remained outside, staring down at the ground. He jumped when she appeared in front of him, too engrossed in his thoughts to notice that she had approached him.

"So, are we going?" she asked, a teasing smile tugging at her lips at his embarrassed expression. The blonde cleared his throat and attempted to look at least half dignified.

"Yeah, come on," he muttered. He remained still for a moment before he shyly took her hand in his, the blush returning. Aeris raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he led her down the stairs towards the lounge area.

From what the flower girl could see, it was dark and she couldn't understand why Cloud had brought her here.

"Um, Aeris. I know we've been together for a while now but I...I've never really done anything for you so..." he trailed off, still holding her hand and leading her towards the darkened room. His spare hand switched on the light and almost instantly, the flower girl gasped.

A table was sitting in the middle of the room with two chairs, a candle unlit in the middle of the white-clothed surface, a silver vase with roses on each side. Cloud was blushing again as her eyes fell on him once more, which meant she couldn't see her smile.

"It's amazing Cloud," she whispered, giving him a soft kiss. Cloud smiled, looking at her shyly.

"Happy Birthday Aerith," he whispered, kissing her again as he led her to the table and lit the candle while she took her seat.

"This is definately the best birthday I've had," she sighed dreamily, gazing lovingly at him as he sat opposite her. Cloud blushed again, lowering his eyes for a moment. She reached over and took his hand, lacing their fingers together. "Thanks, Cloud."

"No problem," he replied, kissing the top of her hand and taking delight in the fact that this time, it was her who blushed.


This was meant to be submitted on 7th February for Aerith's birthday but my interent went. Oh well it's here now and that's what counts. At least it's in the same month right?