Disclaimer- I do not own Final Fantasy

The Promise Rings

Chapter 1- This I Promise

"So you're leaving then?" Aerith asked.

The question was obvious and even pointless to ask. Of course, he was leaving. He was packing his suitcase as she spoke. Sixteen-year-old Aerith Gainsborough watched as her boyfriend, Cloud Strife busily packed his belongings. She crossed her arms, looking down at the floor in the process. Cloud looked up at Aerith and sighed. He hated the sight of her being depressed.

He stopped his packing, which was less than neat. He rounded his bed and came up to the girl. Despite the fact, Aerith was older than Cloud he towered over his shorter, petite girlfriend. He grasped her shoulders but she could not bring her eyes to him. He took her chin gently with his fingers. He tilted her chin up but her eyes remained averted.

"Look at me," he pleaded.

She concurred. Emerald orbs looked dismally at him. His fingers stroked her cheek in a loving manner, making them flush in the process. A smile tugged at her lips, one she could never hide when he was gentle with her.

"I'm going to start my training tomorrow." He said. "I'm going to become strong for me, for you."

"You're strong enough," she resisted, moving away. "You won't be back for months, maybe even a whole year."

She flopped down on his twin bed, pushing his suitcase away from her. She wanted to tear his clothing from inside the suitcase and place them back in his drawers or closet. He was leaving to become a SOLDIER in some sort of military thing that Aerith did not quite understand nor did she want to. Then again, who would want their significant other leaving them for a long period?

Her fists claimed his bedding, clutching them tightly. She glared at the floor not wanting to cry and wanting to wish him well. It was so unlike her to get upset like this but after being with Cloud for three years; she thought they were serious. Of course being thirteen when they started dating, seemed more like puppy love for her but it grew.

At first, Cloud was not even talkative to her. He was very quiet and shy. Gradually he came out of his shell and the two began to date. Their relationship was slow pace. They did not even have their first kiss until several months after they started dating. Of course, Aerith was a modest young woman and Cloud well he was Cloud. It was how they were and it worked.

Cloud found a seat next to her, and stared at her pink summer dress. Cloud had seen Aerith dawn many different color clothing but he had to admit he loved her pink. He liked how beautiful she looked because she wore hardly any make up at all. Yet, most of all he loved her gentle, caring spirit.

"I'll miss you," she admitted sadly. "You won't even be here for my birthday, will you?"

"I'm sorry… I don't even have a gift for you." He frowned. "I didn't want to borrow any money from mom either. She has enough trouble as is."

"I don't want a gift! I want you!"

Cloud sighed and pulled his girlfriend into his arms. He placed a kiss on her forehead before she buried her face in his neck. It was the worst feeling he had in a long time. He felt horrible by doing this to his girlfriend.

"I'll write to you when I can and call too." He insisted, hoping it would cheer her up.

Aerith lifted her head. "Will you write me everyday and call every night?"

"Uh… how about every month?" he asked trying to sound more reasonable.

"How about you write every week and call me every other day?"

"I'll try I don't know how busy it will be."

He looked at her sincerely. She smiled sadly, leaning her head against him. She placed a kiss on the corner of his mouth. The corner of Cloud's mouth twitched up. He was grateful she understood even if it greatly upset her. He brought his lips to hers and the two briefly kissed. When they broke, Aerith grinned at him and got up. She tugged at his hands, getting him up to his feet.

"Cloud," she began. "Spend the day with me then."

"I have to pack…"

"Pack later; I want to spend your last day with me, please"

Her emerald green eyes beseeched him. Cloud sighed, unable to say no to her. He could never say no to her. She had a way with him that made him succumb to her. He got up, pleasing Aerith. She tugged at his hand jogging out of his room with him in tow. Aerith skipped out the door of Cloud's house, greeted by a warm summer sun, warmth that was ending.

It was the beginning of summer, when Cloud explained to Aerith that he would not be attending school in the fall. At that time, Aerith did not take Cloud seriously. He insisted that he would join the military, like most people she thought Cloud would change his mind. To her chagrin, he did not. She believed the reason he left was because of his poor living condition. No one in their small neighborhood was rich or had money to burn. His mother tried hard to support both of them and he believed if he was not around, she would be able to support herself.

Aerith tried hard to be supportive but it was not easy. She was losing someone she greatly cared for. She held onto his hand tightly as they walked along the dirt road from his house to the town.

Cloud hated the silence between them but he could tell how Aerith felt. He felt the same way. He cared for her beyond any words he could express. He wanted to break the awkward silence and apologize for his rash decision.

"Aerith…" he called her name hesitantly.

"Hey Cloud let's get ice cream!" Aerith interrupted.

She pointed to an old ice cream shop not to far for them. She let go of Cloud's hand and rushed to the shop. Cloud frowned slightly. He would apologize after ice cream.

He caught up to Aerith who already ordered for the two of them. The two had many small dates throughout the summer here, eating ice cream and chatting. However, Aerith did most of the chatting. She turned around after she finished paying to hold out a stick of ice cream that was a pasty blue color. She knew his favorite flavor by heart. He never got anything different. Aerith on the other hand liked changes and always got a different one. Yet, today she was holding the same flavor ice cream that was Cloud's favorite. She handed one to Cloud, a smile on her face.

"My treat," She insisted.

The two ate ice cream in silence. When they finished they disposed of the sticks in a trash can and walked away. Aerith took her boyfriend's hand again as they walked down the familiar road. Their town was small; it would only take twenty minutes to walk from one side to another.

Cloud sucked in a sharp breath. Aerith was observing everything around her like a child. As Aerith marveled, Cloud decided now he would apologize. For some reason he felt if he did not, he thought of Aerith crying in her room and cursing him.

"Aerith…" he said.

"Oh Cloud let's go to the market!" Aerith exclaimed. "There are end of summer sales and I was thinking about looking for a new dress for school."

"Er… sure." He said, unsure.

The two came to market in the middle of their tiny town. It was small and most of the shops were small as well. During the summer, most of the stores had stalls outside. Aerith dragged Cloud reluctantly around. He never liked shopping. Yet, he went because he liked Aerith. He assumed whenever she went to his sparring matches with his friends, Aerith watched because she liked him too. She was always supporting him and doing things he liked. He wanted to support and be with her too, even if it was with something lame as shopping.

The two looked around at the clothing. All the summer clothes were now cheap to make room for the upcoming seasons. Aerith browsed through many stalls, Cloud only followed because Aerith was dragging him. Just then, Aerith saw a small stall in front of a toyshop with a man ringing a bell. Children were gathered around, all waiting in line to get to the front.

"I wonder what's going on," Aerith said curiously.

Cloud was staring off into space.

She dragged him along and stood over the crowd to see the shopkeeper letting kids pick out objects from a box. The objects were all egged shaped and opened to reveal a prize inside. Most of the prizes were plastic jewelry, bouncy balls, toy figures, or something along those lines.

As the kids dispersed, the shopkeeper smiled at Aerith. Everyone in the tiny town knew everyone. Aerith moved forward with Cloud in tow.

"It's nice of you to give out free gifts."

"Leftovers," the shopkeeper insisted. "I have to get rid of them somehow. It's nothing Aerith, really."

"I still think it is very nice."

"How about you and Cloud take one, Aerith? I still have plenty."

Aerith smiled. "Sound like fun, right Cloud?"

Upon hearing his name, Cloud woke up from his daze. He looked between Aerith and the shopkeeper. Seeing his confusion, Aerith giggled. He then noticed Aerith holding a yellow egg in her hand.

"Come on Cloud, take one!"

Cloud stared at her. "Aerith… we're too old."

His face was red with embarrassment. If one of his friends walked by and saw him holding a child's toy, he would NEVER hear the end of it. Well, he would when he left for the military.

"Oh come on it's only for fun, please?"

Cloud could not say no when she said please. The way she said it make it hard to refuse. Relenting, he reached into the box and pulled out a green egg. He was thankful it was not a bright pink one. Aerith thanked the shopkeeper and the two walked away. Cloud lowered his eyes, hoping no one some him do something so childish because of his girlfriend's whims.

Now that they left the marketplace, Cloud really wanted to tell her how he felt. They were alone too, which is what he wanted.

"Aerith I…" he began again.

"Oh! Cloud let's go to the park!" Aerith interrupted yet again.

She pointed to the small park where many of the town's festivals were held. She let go of his hand and jogged ahead of him. It was another place where they went on dates. The strolls through the park were quiet and romantic. Yet, despite that, Cloud began to wonder if she was avoiding him.

"Aerith… I'm sorry," Cloud muttered.

Cloud ran after her as she headed down one of the paths that led to the small pond in the woods. He stared after her figure, which was still a good distance away. Cloud frowned. It was late. He needed to return home and pack and he really wanted to apologize to her.

"Aerith, I have to get home!" he called out to her.

She did not respond. Cloud wondered if she even heard him. Letting out a sigh, he began to jog after her. Aerith peered over her shoulder, seeing him pick up the pace. Instead of waiting for him to catch up, she hurried her own pace, zigzagging between the trees.

Cloud watched her move quickly through the woods. He called out to her several times but she never slowed her pace or acknowledged him. The boyfriend began to worry, his suspicions confirmed. She was avoiding him, or at least avoiding the problem between them, which was unlike her. Whenever the two argued or had a fight, he was the one who avoided Aerith, unsure how she would take it. Now it was as if their roles reversed.

His girlfriend dodged behind a tree, heading off in an entirely different direction than Cloud initially anticipated. Now Cloud knew what she was doing was on purpose. She knew he had to go home and pack. He should have known she would have done anything to get him to stay, even something childish as this. He was not upset with her, how could he? She loved him and she would not be seeing him everyday and have little to no contact.

Cloud veered off his path, needing to cut her off. He knew chasing her like this he would never catch her. He was fast, faster than her but Aerith was being tricky. She kept changing paths, ducking behind trees, making him backtrack and even lose her shortly. It was not hard to spot when she began to run again, pink stood out well in a green and brown surrounding.

Aerith sucked in a deep breath as she turned around to see where Cloud was. Yet, she discovered that now he was no longer chasing her. Aerith stopped, looking to her sides. Cloud's dark clothes camouflaged him well, not to mention he was always good at not being found when he did not want to be. The young girl felt like prey to an animal. Without thinking, she ran through the trees, knowing very well that Cloud was going to get close to her before she would see him again. She did not want to be caught.

She ran until she skidded to a halt, nearly running down a very steep hill. She looked down and saw the pond where she at first wanted to go. Now, she wanted to go anywhere that was not obvious place Cloud would look. She turned around realizing going down that hill would not be safe. Yet, when she turned, she collided into something. It felt hard like a wall. Looking up she saw her boyfriend with a slight look of annoyance on his face.

"Stop running from me." He breathed, trying to catch his breath.

Aerith took a step back, forgetting completely that her flat ground was gone. With no footing to support her, Aerith screamed finding her body falling back. Cloud's eyes widened as her body fell backwards. Without thinking, Cloud leapt after her, catching her into his arms but he too went tumbling down the hill. He clutched his girlfriend to him, holding the back of her head to him as they rolled down the hill.

The grassy knoll was surprisingly slick, sending the two toward the pond. Aerith cried but Cloud used one of his hands, dragging it along the ground slowing their decent. When they finally stopped, Cloud opened his eyes wider to see that his feet were hovering over the pond. He was thankful he did not go for a swim. He looked down at his girlfriend, who was clutching him tightly, his hand still protecting her head.

"We stopped," Cloud muttered.

Aerith opened her eyes. "You saved me."

"I… would never let anything happen to you." He admitted.

She sat up and Cloud pushed himself up into a sitting position. The two looked at each other and Aerith suddenly began laughing. Cloud looked confusingly at her when she pulled off a tuff of grass from his hair. She tried to stop from laughing but her contagious laugh made Cloud laugh. When they calmed down, Cloud felt finally that he could say he was sorry.

"Aerith…"

"Cloud let's go for a swim." Aerith interrupted yet again.

Cloud sighed. She timed this so well. "Aerith we don't have swimsuits and I really need to tell you something."

"We can swim in our clothes!" she said frantically.

Aerith jumped up, ready to dive into the pond when Cloud grabbed her wrist. He pulled her back down to him. Aerith pushed him away.

"NO! I want to go swimming now!"

"Stop avoiding me."

"I'm not avoiding you!"

Cloud pulled her into his arms, holding her to him. Aerith began frantically trying to break free from his gentle vice like grip.

"Yes you are."

"No… No I'm not I'm just so hot and it is nice to…"

"Aerith, I'm sorry!"

Aerith stopped. She let her arms drop to her sides. Cloud laid his head on her shoulder.

"I'm so sorry…" he whispered.

Aerith lowered her eyes. "I don't want you to go."

Cloud let go. Aerith turned around to look at him. The two stared at each other. Cloud saw the sadness in her eyes, which brought him such pain. He never EVER wanted to hurt his girlfriend like this. Aerith looked away, sitting down next to him. She fiddled with her dress when she felt something in her pocket. She pulled out the yellow egg that she got at the vendor.

Cloud looked at it and then pulled his that buried deep in his pocket. The two looked at each other and then their egg. Perhaps it was time to lighten to the mood.

"Let's open them at the same time?" She asked.

Cloud nodded and together the two popped the plastic eggs open. The two held up the items that were inside the eggs toward one another. Aerith and Cloud looked at each other's item, surprisingly each of them were now holding a plastic ring. Cloud held a silver colored ring with a flower on the top and a pink jewel in the center. Aerith's ring was in the shape of an animal, a wolf.

The two looked at each other and laughed again. Aerith's ring was a boys ring while Cloud's was a girl's ring. Without thinking, Cloud stood up, pulling Aerith up at the same time. The young girl looked surprised but then Cloud got down on one knee. He took her left hand into his hand, looking into her eyes.

"Aerith, will you marry me?" he asked.

Aerith burst out into giggles. She spread her fingers out so Cloud could put the ring on her finger.

"Yes, I accept!"

Cloud slipped the ring on her finger easily. He stood up again. Aerith admired the ring as if it was an actual engagement ring. Aerith then took Cloud's left hand and got down on one knee.

"Cloud will you marry me?"

"Do I have to wear that ring?" he questioned.

Aerith got up with a scowl on her face. She playfully slapped him but Cloud simply smiled, took the ring, and after some force, slid the ring on his finger. Aerith sat back down on the grass looking at her ring. Cloud joined her. He was grateful no one would see him wearing something so gaudy and childish.

"Cloud," Aerith asked softly. "Do you think… we could get married for real?"

Cloud gulped causing Aerith to grimace.

"Aerith we're not going to elope I'm too young to be a husband. I can't even afford an actual ring."

"I like this ring just fine."

"Aerith, I can't marry you."

Aerith glared at him, "Oh so you don't want to marry me?"

"NO! That's not it at all," Cloud groaned. "Aerith if you're doing this because I'm leaving it's not making it any easier. I want to stay but my mom can hardly support both of us."

"I'm sorry… I know it is selfish but I don't want you to go. It's not fair. I don't even know if I'll get to hear your voice or see you for months or years. It's just not fair."

Cloud sighed, staring at the ground. "Aerith… if you find someone else… I'll understand… I'm not a good boyfriend. I'm sure someone else would take care of you better than I could."

Cloud received a sharp slap to his shoulder, causing him to wince. He looked up to see his girlfriend glaring at him fiercely.

"Don't you dare belittle yourself! I do not want another boyfriend. The only person I want is you even if I have to wait a hundred years for you to come back to me!"

Cloud smiled. He lifted her left hand. "How about we make this a promise ring instead of an engagement ring? I promise to marry you when I can afford a real ring."

Aerith let out a gasp, her cheeks becoming pink. Quickly nodding, she then pointed to his ring. "Then that ring will be a promise ring too. It's a promise that I'll wait for you until you come back to me."

Cloud agreed. The two smiled but it only lasted for a brief moment. The sky was becoming dark and the look in Cloud's eyes made his girlfriend know that they would have to part. He needed to finish packing as soon as he got home.

Reluctantly, tears flowed from her eyes. She wanted to forget that he was leaving. Aerith stared at the setting sun and knew the next time she would see it, she would cry again. She wished, tomorrow would never come.

"I love you." Aerith whispered.

"I love you, too," he whispered back.

Cloud touched her hand and held it tightly. He had said it before to her and she said it to him. Yet, now it seemed so much more. It meant more and that was why it was so heartbreaking. He pulled Aerith to him, easily lifting her onto his lap. He held her tightly and she bent her head to cry on his shoulder.

When she looked up at him a few moments later the two kissed. They kissed many times before. Yet, something was different about this kiss. When the two broke apart, Aerith felt her cheeks burning and wanted to turn away from her boyfriend. Normally, it was Cloud who was always turning away from her, but now she found herself lowering eyes.

Cloud's hand traveled up her arm to her neck. His fingers massaged the side while thumb moved under her chin. He pushed her head up slightly, returning her gaze to him. Aerith's cheeks were blushing red. Aerith looked at Cloud and saw the same red on his own cheeks.

"W-why are you so nervous?" she muttered.

"Why are you?" he asked more calm than her.

Maybe it was the anguish of their departure that made their kiss send flames along their skin. Whatever it was it meant more than all the other kisses they had shared. It was hot and passionate. It made electricity between them. Aerith felt a tingle go down her back resting at the base of her spine. Cloud brought his hand to her braid and slowly began to undo the strands.

"Wha- Cloud what are you doing?"

"I always said you looked pretty with your hair down." He whispered.

With her hair free of its constraints, Cloud found his girlfriend looking beautiful. His hand ran through her hair, crushing the silk tresses in his hand. The boyfriend leaned forward kissing her forehead, brushing his lips over her temples. His hand tangled in her mass of brown locks. Aerith shivered under his kisses, feeling electricity flow through her like a wave. Cloud's other hand was skimming over her hip. It brushed along her soft curves, until it slid along her arm. Cloud placed her arms around him, wanting to be in her embrace. It returned her hip, holding her to him.

Aerith gasped softly as his lips found her neck, gently grazing his teeth over her smooth soft skin. She shifted in Cloud's lap, becoming hot all too fast for her liking. She tried to move but Cloud pulled her closer to him. Aerith stumbled, landing against him hard. Cloud grunted softly and kissed her lips enjoying her sweet honey taste.

"Cloud," she moaned against his kiss.

The boyfriend fell back on the ground, bringing her with him. She showered her lover with kisses, knowing each one could be the last one for such a long time. The girlfriend brought her hands up, resting them on his chest, clinging to his shirt tightly. Aerith never wanted to let him go.

She rolled to the side of him. One of her legs laid strait against the ground while the other was bent and resting against his. The hand that had been on her hip traveled down to the smooth satin skin of her creamy thighs. The feel of his feather like touch on her was enough to send her up in flames.

Never in all the times they had been dating had they ever come to such a position. Aerith never even considered it. Yet now it was agonizing, burning her to the core. Her body was doing things that she never imagined. Her mind was in a daze, not even telling her to stop and consider that this was not a proper thing to do. Any thought of what was morally wrong flew out the window with all her beliefs of what a proper girl should do. All she wanted was this feeling with her boyfriend. She wanted his touch, only his, on her skin. She wanted to feel his kisses shower her skin.

Cloud felt the heat between them. Never had he touched his girlfriend in such a way. He had always been so shy. Yet, everything he was doing to her he only wanted to do with her. Her skin was like satin but tasted so sweet that he could drink from her forever, becoming drunk on his love for her. When she rolled to her side and her leg fell against his he mentally groaned at the action. He wanted it to be an invitation and not a tease. When she moaned his name, it made his core burn. He wanted to hear her call his name again in that provocative manner.

He kissed her again on the lips wanting to taste the inside of her mouth. Yet, he was shy still wanting her to invite him. She opened her mouth against his, another one of those seductive sounds escaped and Cloud took advantage. His tongue slipped inside and then quickly retreated, almost embarrassed.

Aerith looked up at him, blushing madly. Cloud tried to avert his eyes from her eyes. His eyes were hungry for her. Yet looking away only proved more tantalizing as he saw her heaving chest, a clear view of cleavage. Her milky legs exposed nicely for him. Aerith brought her hands to his face, gaining his attention. Cloud closed his eyes as Aerith's hand touched his face. She traced his cheekbones, brushed her fingertips around his eyes, and then slid her fingers to his lips. Feeling the fingertips on his lips, he kissed each one with a gentle peck.

Then Aerith kissed him, allowing him his entry to her sweet mouth. Cloud explored it more thorough enjoying each corner of her luscious mouth. She was like a flower and between the tulips was a hidden sweet nectar that he hungered for.

Aerith found her hands sliding up into his spiky blonde locks. She breathed heavily, clinging at his hair. Her body was reacting to every single touch. Cloud pulled away and looked at her. She looked back at him but no words passed them. He laid her on her back and carefully positioned himself so he could support himself over her. He kissed her lips, leaving a trail down her neck to her chest. Aerith body moved up against him, almost as if possessed by her desire, their desire.

"Cloud…" she moaned his name.

Cloud looked up, seeing her breathing becoming rapid. Cloud's hand slid up her thigh touching the material of her dress. He released her momentarily, pulling off his coat and laying it under head gently. She wrapped her arms around him from under his arms, holding onto his back.

He moved his head back down, kissing her shoulder. She pulled him closer, one of her legs sliding up against his. Cloud felt his body pulsate. His clothes seemed tight and his body was burning hotter. Yet, guilt was also there.

"Aerith," he breathed his voice huskier. "I don't want to hurt you."

"I trust you," she whispered definitely. She did not know if he meant emotionally or physically. Yet, she trusted him either way.

Cloud looked down at his girlfriend, his hand sliding over to the buttons on her dress, undoing them one by one.

Aerith awoke in her bed, the morning sun shining through her window beside her bed. She sat up, staring out the window feeling empty and alone. She looked down at the plastic ring on her finger, still in perfect condition since the day she received it, less than two months ago.

She stumbled out of her bed, feeling warmer than usual. Her feet slid across the wooden floors to the bathroom adjacent from her closet door on the opposite side of the room. She walked past her desk covered in her schoolbooks and homework, all in neat piles. A wastepaper basket rested next to it, filled to the brim with crumbled up pieces of papers.

The young girl entered her bathroom, swaying slightly. She felt dizzy and yet she was still incredibly tired as well. She knelt down, closing her eyes. If she fell over, she wanted to be closer to the floor if she fell. After a few minutes, she felt a bit better. Standing at the sink, she splashed some cool water on her face. Feeling better, she returned to her bed hoping to get a bit more sleep.

Yet, as she lay there preparing for more rest, she saw a note pad on her nightstand and a pen lying on top of that. It seemed like a long time since she spoke to Cloud, forever even. She wrote him a letter several weeks ago after her first day of school. She never received a letter back. He was probably too busy anyways. Yet, it seemed like a good time as any to write another letter.

She took the items to her, biting the top of the pen. The paper on the pad was a pastel pink with flowers decorating the bottom right corner. She began thinking, debating what to write. First, she wrote his name neatly, trying her best not to cry. The pen returned to her mouth, as she nervously debated on what to write next. After several minutes she wrote a message on the paper.

Cloud,

How is everything going? I haven't received a letter or a phone call in almost two months. I guess you're busy. I understand but promise that you'll send me a letter as soon as you can. I miss you so much. I already aced my first exam in math. It was pretty tough. Also, my lab partners in chemistry are nice. I think you would like them. They invited me to go out for a night. I said I would think about it. Oh. Mom misses you too! She says I'm a lot quieter since you left, isn't she silly? The other day I saw a wild Chocobo. This one had golden yellow feathers. Don't take this the wrong way but it reminded me of you. Your hair is so spiky and their feathers stick up like yours. Hey, Cloud when you come back lets ride Chocobos together. I think it would be fun. Anyways, I miss you a lot. I can't wait to see you again. Take care of yourself.

Love always,

Aerith

Aerith stared at the letter. She felt her stomach lurch making her feel sick. She closed her eyes, willing the pain away. Once it was gone, she reread her letter again. Her face fell. Tearing the paper out of the note pad, she crumbled up the letter and threw it along with the other similar papers in the wastebasket. Tears flooded her eyes as she started writing on the next sheet of paper.

Dear Cloud,

I'm pregnant.

X, X, X,

Author Note- I know, I have stories I need to finish but I really like this idea. It was a spur the moment thing and I hope you enjoyed it.