Cloud and Aerith returned from the caverns beneath Cosmo canyon, both deep in thought about what they had witnessed. Cloud helped her up the ladder, and motioned for her to go ahead of him. She hesitated, looking back at him. "Maybe we should have stayed. Do you think Red- I mean Nanaki will be okay?"
Cloud nodded. "I think he just needs some time to himself. Bugenhagen said he'll wait for him below. We should head for bed ourselves. It's only a few hours till dawn." The pair headed out of the myriad of caves that made up a large part of the canyon and into the cool night air. The dark sky looked like a jewel encrusted blanket. "I love the sky, especially at night." Aerith said, stopping to gaze up wistfully. "You never see it in Midgar, under the plates."
Cloud stopped and turned to look at her. "Is that why you wanted to ride the airship? Be among the clouds and stars yourself?" He asked curiously.
"Well as close as I can, anyway." Aerith answered, stepping closer and leaning slightly to peer up into his eyes, like she does, hands clasped behind her back. "I'm holding you to your promise to take me someday." She smiles, her green eyes sparkling. Cloud puts his hand behind his head and reddens slightly. She's so close he can smell flowers, even though she isn't carrying any.
"I keep my promises." He says gruffly, trying to sound cool and calm and not as awkward as he feels. She's so close. "Good." She beams delightedly causing his blush to deepen. "I'm glad you're happier." He blurts out suddenly.
"Hmm?" She straightens and moves back slightly and he wishes she hadn't even though it makes it easier for him to regain his cool facade.
"Ah I mean you seemed a bit down before or whatever." He replies casually. "When we were all around the bonfire chatting, before we went to help Nanaki."
"I guess I am." Aerith gently takes one of his gloved hands into both her own. "It helps knowing even if I don't have my people anymore, I still have you… and our friends of course." Her knowing eyes are locked on his and he knows now she heard and acknowledged his slip up for what it was. "Uh well…" Cloud wonders if he could rival tomatoes in how red he is right now.
"I know we're headed for Nibelheim next and I wanted you to know, whatever we may find…" She moves closer, so close, her lovely face is inches from his and he thinks that if it is humanly possible for someone to literally catch fire, he would at this moment.
"I'm here for you too. Whatever may come." Aerith promises and smiles. Her smile is kind and gentle and Cloud stares at her mouth, at the soft curve of her lips, wishing he had the courage to kiss her.
But then she kisses him, just once and so quickly and feather light he almost thinks he imagined it except for the blush that rises in her cheeks. "Goodnight Cloud. Sleep well." She says, releasing his hand and turning to leave. He watches her leave, his fingers brushing his lips absently. "You too." He whispers, a small smile on his face.