Drabble #38: Beach
Summary:
Disclaimer: I do not own anything but the plot. Characters and places belong to SquareEnix.
Cloud blinked up at the white tiled ceiling of his hotel room. Barret was still in the bathroom, struggling to take off the sailor suit he had stolen in Junon. Cloud couldn't help the slight smirk that tugged at his lips at the sight of the big man but it soon disappeared when he remembered how bored he was. He sighed and looked out of the window, hearing cries of children playing happily in the sun. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to go for a walk outside for a few minutes.
He slipped on his boots and shouted to Barret that he was going out. A load of curses was his reply. The blonde stepped out, immediately groaning at the hot air. After much debating in his mind, he decided to take his shirt off and drop it back in his room before walking back out again.
He spotted Yuffie harassing one of the shopkeepers, asking if she could help out. Nanaki was lying in the shadows of the building while children played beside him. The leader sighed softly. He didn't want to disturb the firewolf and he didn't want to annoy Yuffie. He also didn't fancy going to the pub so he decided the beach was the last place he could go.
He soon regretted his decision when he stepped onto the sand and saw Aeris in a bikini. He quickly averted his eyes but he still felt his cheeks heat up. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Aeris turn her gaze towards him.
'Crap!' he thought, determined to keep looking in another direction.
"Hey Cloud!" she cried excitedly, moving over and patting the towel she was sitting on in an invitation for him to join her. Her smile soon faded as she took in the colour of his cheeks. She frowned. "Cloud, did you put sunlotion on before coming outside?" she asked. Cloud shook his head, finally turning in her direction. She tutted softly and reached for the bottle beside her. Cloud barely had enough time to catch it when she threw it at him.
Aeris giggled as she watched him squeeze some of the substance onto his hand, her eyes travelling down his well muscled chest. She quickly moved her eyes, clearing her throat loudly. Cloud didn't seem to notice that she had been admiring his body as he applied the suncream.
"Thanks," he muttered, tossing it back to her. She smiled in reply and lay down on the towel.
"I think I should get a tan, what do you think Cloud?" she asked, sitting up again.
"I like your complexion just fine," he answered without thinking, immediately blushing when he realised what he had said.
"Really?" she said, her own cheeks colouring. "Thanks Cloud."
Cloud rubbed his neck embarrassingly. "Uh...your welcome."
Maybe coming to the beach wasn't all bad after all.