Drabble #66: Gift
Summary: A gift from the heart is always the best
Disclaimer: I do not own anything. Characters and places belong to SquareEnix
Cloud jerked suddenly as he felt somebody tap him on the shoulder. He turned around, a hand ready to unsheathe his weapon if it should be any enemy. However, it was only Aeris, who was standing with her hands clasped behind her back in that innocent manner of hers. She smiled before taking a step closer, her breath tickling his cheek.
"Come with me," she whispered before pulling back and walking a few steps from him. She turned again to see him still rooted to the spot and couldn't help but giggle. When he didn't move straight away, she folded her arms in mock anger. That seemed to spur him into moving as he came jogging up beside her, glancing curiously from the corner of his eye.
She led him a small distance from the rest of the group, who she was aware, were giving the disappearing couple interested and amused looks. Cloud followed, never once asking where she was taking him but she knew he wanted to.
"Here we are," she said, leading him into a little, secluded clearing in the surrounding forest. Cloud looked around, clearly looking for some indication as to why she had brought him here. Aeris smiled at his antics before dropping to her knees beside a flowerbed and gently pulling one out. She turned back to face the blonde, who had been watching her closely.
She stepped up to him slowly before outstretching her hand towards him, presenting the flower. He frowned, not understanding what she wanted him to do. She giggled a little, unable to stop it.
"It's for you," she whispered. "It's a gift. Happy Birthday."
He took the flower, inspecting it between his fingers. She clasped her hands behind her back again, watching his expression closely. He looked up at her and she could have sworn she saw his lips twitch a little into a half smile.
"Thank you," he said, holding the plant gently in his grasp. She smiled.
"I know you'd prefer a motorbike or something," she replied. He opened his mouth to say something but she continued her speech before he could interrupt. "But that's a special flower. It's a symbol of love, spirit and life. I thought...it would remind you of me," she said softly, lowering her face as she felt her cheeks burning. Cloud frowned, reaching his spare hand forward to lift her chin up so she was looking directly into his eyes.
"How could I ever forget you?" he asked. They stared at each other for what seemed like forever until he suddenly leaned forward, pressing his lips against hers. She sighed softly, letting herself kiss him back. The Planet was asking so much of her, surely she should be allowed this one moment of joy with Cloud.
Even if it was one moment.
They broke apart but Cloud still held her gently in her arms, brushing stray strands of hair from her face. "I'll keep the flower Aeris," he whispered suddenly. She smiled up at him, nodding gently.
"It's a gift from the heart," she answered before pulling him in for one more kiss before they would return to the others.