Summary: If you could live life over, would you?
Cloud had just reached home from yet another visit to the flower field. Immediately, he spotted Tifa trying to get the last customer out. From what he could see, it seemed like an old man, wizened with age. A hood covered most of the man's face, but Cloud could tell that this man was different. He wasn't like the rest of them.
As soon as the man saw Cloud enter, he turned to face the spiky-haired man. A smile spread across his face.
"Such sorrow," he breathed.
Cloud was confused.
"What?"
"Your eyes give everything away, my boy. I feel your loss. It was a girl, no?"
Tifa shifted uncomfortably.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't lie to me, boy. I can tell."
Cloud suddenly felt a burst of anger within him. Years have passed since her… demise, but Cloud was still in the process of getting over it and he certainly did not want some stranger acting as his shrink.
"Fine! The woman I love died! See, I didn't lie. Happy now?"
The old man gave another coy smile.
"If you could live life over, would you?"
Tifa gave a small inaudible gasp.
Cloud blinked.
"Can you… really?"
The old man shook his head.
"You're not answering my question. Would you?"
Memories overwhelmed Cloud.
There was Aerith, kneeling at the altar.
There was him, holding his sword above her head, all too ready to crush her skull.
Then there was Sephiroth, with his blade through Aerith's gut.
Finally there was the memory of how cold Aerith's body had been when he picked her up. How her last smile was etched forever on her face.
How broken he felt.
"I… I…"
Aerith smiled, their hands brushing as she handed him a small delicate flower.
Waking up to find Aerith's worried face just inches from his face.
Blushing when he realized it was the same girl from the other day.
The times they spent together.
Basking in the light of her halo.
"No. I wouldn't."
The old man didn't flinch. Almost as if he had expected the very same answer.
"And why wouldn't you?"
Cloud closed his eyes and smiled.
"I think we both know that you know."
The old man returned the smile.
"Quite right, my boy. Quite right you are."
The memories he shared with Aerith – the good and the bad.
He wanted to erase the bad memories, prevent her death.
And yet he wanted to keep the good memories.
He didn't want to live through each experience, knowing exactly what was going to happen.
He didn't want to live, knowing that Aerith was going to die.
Die.
Die.
Die.
"Hey Teef, I'm tired. I'll see you in the morning."
Without waiting for a response, Cloud made his way up the steps. His rare smile once again graced his lips.
Somehow, he didn't think Aerith would appreciate him living his life over.