A/N: Hey guys. Okay, so no crater yet, didn't realize what I intended to write before it would be so much. I really hope you guys liked what I wrote. Enjoy.
Disclaimer- I don't own Final Fantasy 7
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"Barret?" Tifa called out the avalanche leader. He was distracted, too busy to pay attention to the world outside him. He marveled in awe at what he held in his two hands. It was perfection, it was art, and it was his pinnacle of happiness.
It was a sandwich.
Barret took another bite of his piece of glory, taking his time to chew, savoring the overwhelming taste.
"Barret!?" Tifa shouted a little louder. It was not enough, Barret took another bite, his smile grew wider.
"BARRET!" Tifa shouted again with all her might. Barret stopped chewing and turned to Tifa.
"Finally." Tifa sighed. "I am going to go look for Cloud, they haven't been back yet." All of the party stayed in the inn except for Cloud and Aerith, who missed dinner.
Barret swallowed his food. "They'll be fine. Just relax." He pointed at the extra sandwiches. "Eat up. Who knows what will happen tomorrow, eat now while you can."
"Is there anything else we can do besides stuffing ourselves with food!?" Yuffie was bored and the taste of the sandwiches was lost on her. She sat on a chair with her legs crossed on the table, her hands on the back of her head.
"I got a deck of cards, anybody know how to play Poker?" Cid took out the deck from his pocket and put them on the table. Yuffie moved her legs off the table and moved her chair closer.
"I'm in."
xxxxx
Aerith was fixated on Cloud. The Cetra couldn't explain it. Maybe it was the way the sunset shone over him. Maybe it was his blue eyes that always got her attention. Maybe it was just this moment that has been in the making since they met, she couldn't tell for sure. All she knew was that she loved him and wanted to let him know.
Aerith felt this way for a long time but was content on waiting to tell Cloud. She was prepared to sacrifice herself at the forgotten capital before telling him her feelings. It wasn't until she saw the tape of her parents that she thought of letting Cloud know. The tragic ending did not hide their love for each other and they looked happy to Aerith. She knew something could happen to her or her bodyguard but she didn't want any regrets. She wanted Cloud to know how much she loved him.
The brunette wanted to tell him right there about everything. She opened her mouth but the words didn't come out. Aerith asked herself why she couldn't say it. She didn't feel it was rushed, they have been through so much, it's not just a flame. She didn't feel the timing was wrong; they are alone together, possibly the last time before they confront Sephiroth. She was able to shove Cloud out of his hotel room to go on a date with her, why couldn't she tell him three simple words?
It was fear.
She was afraid of Cloud rejecting her. She knew he had feelings for her too. They have dated, they have kissed, but a small but real doubt in her heart was that Cloud may reject her love because he may be afraid of hurting her, or he himself wasn't ready. Aerith wasn't someone to be caught up in the fear of failure but she never felt this strong about anything before, and losing it would devastate her.
The gears in her mind were brought to a halt when Cloud called out to her.
"Aerith, what are you thinking about?" Cloud asked, oblivious that it was about him.
"It's nothing." Aerith lied, shaking her head. The ex-soldier looked around, noticing whatever sunlight was left is now gone. The only people outside were them, the only light outside came from the windows in nearby houses.
Cloud intended to pry further but he felt something wet on his nose. He brushed it off and looked up again. The sky had scattered clouds, it was snowing flurries. The snow distracted Aerith.
"I've never seen it snow before." Aerith smiled, holding out her hand to reach for the snow to see what it felt like.
"Me neither." Cloud agreed. He watched Aerith grab the snow and he mimicked her. Snow fell on Cloud's hair; it accumulated so much it looked like Cloud had a napkin on his head.
"Your hair will droop down if you let it stay." Aerith laughed, wiping the snow off for him. Cloud ran a head through his hair to straighten it out. The snow didn't look like it was going to go away, he thought about going back.
The guys are waiting for us to come back The blond remembered that he told everyone that he was looking for Aerith.
"It's starting to get late, you want to head back?" Cloud pointed at the inn. Even though he started to feel tired, he didn't want to go back but he thought about everyone else and how they know he is looking for Aerith. They were worried about her too.
Aerith bit her lip and tilted her head down; she was reminded of her thoughts about Cloud. She was still undecided on telling him. Her mind went back and forth like a pendulum; the thoughts came faster as if it would help her find the answer she wanted. Cloud furrowed his brow, puzzled at Aerith's expression on her face.
"Aerith?"
The Cetra's mind cleared and her head moved up as if someone flipped a switch. She spoke out of impulse. "Cloud, I want to stay out a little more, let's take a walk." She grabbed his hand and walked away, not giving him a chance to say no. They moved in a direction that is completely opposite of the inn. Cloud hoped this is what she would say. He thought about his friends and wondered if they would worry.
It's only for a little bit...
xxxxx
Tifa, Barret, Cid, and Yuffie played poker, a stack of chips with different colors were on the middle of the table. Red XIII watched while Vincent sat in a chair from another table in the room. Cait Sith stood around the lobby giving fortunes to random people. They were almost finished playing, Barret and Tifa were almost out of chips. Yuffie had more than they had but Cid had a large stack near him.
"Cloud has been away for a while." Red XIII said. "Should we go look for him and Aerith and see if they are ok?"
"They'll be awright." Barret replied, putting down two cards. "They're adults, they can take care of themselves. You guys worry too much." Tifa wasn't convinced but she stayed silent.
"Yeah, they'll be just fine." Cid said with a lit cigarette in his mouth. They put down their cards, Tifa had a two pair but Cid won with a full house. The engineer put out his cigarette and stood up from his chair.
"Haha! Cid shouted. He embraced the chips and pulled them towards him. "Another game, another win!" He gloated, striking a nerve in Yuffie.
"Alright old man, one more game!" Yuffie pointed to Cid with purpose. Cid wasn't going to reject her challenge, especially with the luck he was having today.
"Alright kid, one more. You're on!" Cid let out another laugh, he was in complete faith in himself.
Tifa took the cards and began to shuffle them. She thought about Cloud and Aerith and brought the topic back up.
"Are you sure they are ok?" Tifa said, dealing out the cards. "What if Cloud gets controlled again and does something to Aerith?"
"The last time that happened, Cloud almost shredded Sephiroth." Yuffie pointed out while looking at her cards.
"Yeah, so they're ok." Barret looked at his hand with disgust. He slammed his cards on the table. "I'm out."
"Yeah I will fold too." Tifa said. Cid looked at them triumphantly then turned to Yuffie.
"I ain't foldin' kid." Cid snickered. Yuffie responded with a smirk, matching his confidence. The tension built up in the room, other patrons approached the table to see the result. They whispered among themselves.
Cid revealed his cards; it was another full house, just like the last game.
"Just my day I guess." Cid said with fake humility.
Yuffie had three Aces, not enough to beat the engineer. It was one thing to lose, but it was another to lose and hear about it for the next few hours. She took one shot to try and steal the game from Cid.
"Cloud, Aerith, you're back!" Yuffie tried the oldest trick in the book. The ninja looked towards the front door to help "sell it" Much to her surprise, everyone turned to the front door to see for themselves, even the spectators. The Ninja facepalmed, she was almost as embarrassed for them as she was excited.
GAWD, they are so gullible and with a swift motion, she reached in her pocket for a card she needed, the fourth ace. The ninja replaced it with another card before anyone noticed.
"Yuffie, I see nothin'." Barret stated the obvious.
Yuffie shrugged. "Must be tired I guess."
"Alright, put em' down." Cid grew impatient.
Yuffie placed the cards nonchalantly on the table to emphasize her control of the situation. Her four Aces beat Cid's full house.
"WHAT!?" Cid shouted with a fiery roar, a vain popped on his head. Vincent dozed off but woke up from Cid's scream.
"Sorry old man, better to be lucky than good." Yuffie stuck her tongue out at him and brought all the chips on the table to her. The patrons left the table to do their own business.
"All the materia I can buy with this!" Yuffie beamed, adding insult to injury.
"Alright, I'm done." Barret got up from his chair and patted Cid on the back. Cid sat there, frozen in sadness.
"Cid, wake the &^#$# up, it's over." Barret hit him slightly harder to try and get him out of his trance.
"Alright...I'm fine, I'm fine." Cid got up. " #$^# this, I'm going to bed."
"Good idea tomorrow will be a really big day." Red XIII concurred.
"Should we tell Cloud?" Tifa asked.
"You guys go to bed, I'll go get them." Barret said and began to walk out of the inn. He was tired but he knew it was the right thing to do.
"Perhaps all of us should go." Red XIII suggested.
Barret stopped and turned back to everyone. "We're in the middle of #$^& nowhere, I can handle it."
"Alright, but get us if you can't find them." Tifa said. Barret walked away from the party, giving a wave with his back turned to them.
xxxxx
Cloud and Aerith continued to walk around icicle inn, the snow still coming down. They didn't say much. Cloud thought it was odd Aerith was so quiet but he didn't mind the silence. Ever since they were alone at the park in Midgar, Cloud was happy just by having Aerith near him.
The brunette also enjoyed Cloud's company, but rather than enjoying herself she was still caught up on confessing her feelings to Cloud.
I may not get another chance...but what if he says no!? She thought. Her silence reached the point where Cloud became concerned. He stopped walking, cupped her chin with his hand and moved her face up so her eyes met his.
"Aerith you sure you're ok? You haven't said anything for a while now." Aerith noticed the sincere tone in Cloud's voice. She almost told him right there.
"I'm fine, you don't have to worry Cloud." Aerith offered a smile, hoping to convince the blond. He didn't buy it.
"If there is something you have to say, you know you can tell me right?" Cloud smiled "I'll always be here for you."
It made Aerith happy to hear those words, but figured Cloud assumed she was thinking about something like the Ancients or Shinra.
I wish it was that easy to tell you Cloud.
"When did you become the worrying type?" Aerith tried to joke back to Cloud. To her credit she got a chuckle from him. "I am ok, but thanks for caring."
"Perhaps we should get back? The snow may get worse." Cloud wondered. He thought it was possible Aerith wanted to go back but stayed for his benefit. The blond extended his hand for Aerith to take. The Cetra took it and walked back with him, the battle in Aerith's mind went another round. After countless decision changes, she stopped her mind instantly and went with one thought as if it was a roulette.
"Cloud, wait a minute. I have to tell you something." Aerith said, her nervousness evident on her face.
I have to tell him. I have to trust us.
"Ok. What's wrong?" Cloud furrowed his brow. He couldn't recall a time where Aerith seemed this way.
Aerith looked down for a moment, trying to find the best way for the words to come out. She had so much she wanted to tell him and she didn't know where to start. The Cetra thought about changing her mind and wait for another day.
But there was no better time than now.
Aerith lifted her head and made eye contact with her bodyguard.
"Cloud, a lot has happened the last few days." Aerith started. "We had the date at the gold saucer, Sephiroth...you know, and I learned about my parents. I don't know what's going to happen next. I know you will always be there for me Cloud, but I just want to tell you this before something else happens." Aerith took a breath and hesitated before continuing.
"...I love you Cloud. You had me when you fell through the roof at the church. Everyday after that I fell in love with you more and more. I know in the future I will love you more than I do now."
"My heart is yours."
Aerith was worried what he would say but she felt so much better letting it out, so much that she didn't realize Cloud's breathless reaction. Her words reached his heart. He never had someone love him the way Aerith does. The ex-soldier didn't talk but looked at her, over and over.
I don't deserve you. Cloud thought. How did someone so beautiful, so selfless, and so pure fall in love with him? The same thought echoed in the mind.
Aerith...I don't deserve you. Cloud thought about the times when Sephiroth controlled him. His biggest fear was for something to happen to Aerith because of him. He wanted to tell her he loved her more than anything, but he didn't want to risk it, he didn't want to hurt her. He had 1000 reasons to tell her no versus one reason to say yes.
But that one reason was the greatest of them all.
Cloud turned his brain off like a light and decided to let his heart do the talking. He decided to say what he truly felt in his heart and soul. The blond gave the Cetra a smile and closed the gap between them. He peered into her eyes, those emerald green eyes he adored since he met her.
"I love you too Aerith." He wrapped his arms around her and lowered his head onto her neck. Aerith's eyes widened, her body couldn't respond to Cloud's embrace.
"I don't know when I fell in love with you," Cloud continued. "But when I did, it felt like I was in love with you the whole time, it just felt right. When you left us I was worried that something would happen to you and I would never see you smile, hear you laugh, hear you say my name again. You mean everything to me."
Cloud moved his head back to look back at her "Now that you are in my life, I don't know what to do if you aren't in it anymore." Cloud paused before finishing.
"You are my world Aerith. My heart is also yours."
Aerith was overcome by jubilation. It brought her to a high she didn't see herself coming down anytime soon. It was almost too good to be true.
"Oh Cloud, I'm so happy!" Aerith was able to move again and wrapped Cloud in her arms. She tightened her grip on the blond, her head rested over his shoulder. Cloud's head draped over her neck. He smelled her hair, he was intoxicated by it's natural scent of flowers.
The snow started to pick up. The couple looked at each other and smiled. The snow was so strong they couldn't see anything else but each other. The couple looked into each others' eyes once more, drawn into each other like a whirlpool. Their contract had everything except their signature.
And with what felt like fireworks, they closed their eyes and pressed their lips onto each other. Their heads were spinning, hearts were racing; the heat emanating from them could melt even the most frozen of ice. They kissed before, but this one is different, it's their first kiss as lovers, it was their initiation as one, to be bound to each other always.
Cloud forgot about going back to the inn, all he could think about was how soft Aerith's lips were. Aerith moaned before intensifying the kiss. Her tongue slowly explored inside Cloud, looking for its resident. Cloud placed his hand behind Aerith's head and met her tongue with his, engaging in a moist exchange between the two halves.
Nothing else mattered, they almost forgot where they were. They parted their lips, eyes opening again. Cloud looked at the brunette, as happy as can be.
"We waited too long for this." He said to his angel. Aerith was speechless, she could only respond with a nod.
They were unaware that Barret saw the whole thing. He thought about scolding them for not letting anyone know that they were alright, especially with Sephiroth around, but he didn't have the heart to stop them. He remembered a time where Cloud didn't care about anything or anyone, he smirked at the thought of how much the Cetra changed him. In a way, he was proud of the spiky blond.
Let them be happy. Barret thought and walked back to the inn. He looked up and noticed the blizzard and looked at his snow covered vest, it sparked in him one final thought, I need to get the hell out of this weather.
xxxxx
The couple stayed outside for a few more hours, talking about each other and about their future. The blizzard was still coming down but the air felt warm. Even if it was cold, they were too happy to care.
"You know, I don't think your mother would be happy about this." Cloud half joked. He remembered how Elmyra wanted him to leave Aerith back home when they met.
"You're being silly." Aerith rejected his claim. "I'm sure after we tell her all the things you did for me, she will like you."
"I hope so." Cloud rubbed the back of his head, hoping Aerith was right. Cloud was about to continue with another topic, but out of nowhere, he finally remembered that they were supposed to go back.
"Aerith, we have to go back." Cloud said somberly.
"Why, what's wrong?" Aerith tilted her head.
"I told everyone I was looking for you, when it was still daylight." Cloud was a little embarrassed that he forgot.
"Why didn't you tell me this before? You bad boy." Aerith jokingly reprimanded him, waving her index finger.
Cloud got on one knee, took Aerith's hand and kissed it. "I'm sorry my dear." He responded Aerith's playful talk with his own. He rose up from the ground.
"I'm happy you did. If you didn't forget then we wouldn't be here now." Aerith smiled. "But you are right, we should probably head back."
Cloud put his arm around Aerith and they began their walk back to the inn. Aerith looked at the snow falling down confused.
"Has it been snowing this hard all this time?" Aerith asked. She was too focused on Cloud to notice the blizzard.
"I think so. To be honest, I dunno either." They both laughed at their awareness.
"Should we sneak into our rooms like last night?" Aerith wondered, hoping that they didn't have to.
"We probably should." Cloud admitted.
The couple made their way to the inn. They dusted off their boots and walked inside. Cloud was prepared to say good night to Aerith but heard someone call out to him.
"Excuse me, is your name Cloud?" It was a worker at the inn, who stood behind the check-in desk. Cloud walked up to him and nodded, Aerith was behind him.
"A man bought you a room for the night." The clerk put down a key and a piece paper, "He also left a note for you. Enjoy your stay tonight."
Cloud grabbed the paper and examined it.
Cloud, it's too late and everyone went to bed. Your stupid ass forgot to get enough beds for everyone, The blond rolled his eyes at the last sentence and continued to read. So I got you another room.
Cloud saw Barret's signature at the end of the letter and below it saw some more writing. P.S I didn't tell anyone, I'll leave that up to you guys.
"Barret got us another room. I think he saw us." Cloud's cheeks reddened at the thought. Aerith laughed inwardly, relishing Cloud's awkward reaction to being seen.
She snatched the key from the Cloud. "Let's go see the room!" The Cetra said, dragging Cloud in excitement.
They walked up the stairs to the second floor. With each step Cloud's heart beat faster and faster. When he left earlier today to go see Aerith, this was not what he expected to happen! His feelings were a mix of excitement and nervousness. The thought of being in a room alone with Aerith made him excited. The ex-soldier's imagination entertained him with some lustful scenes with him and his lover. Cloud's cheeks heated, he never had those thoughts about Aerith before. At the same time he noted to himself he had never been with a woman in that way before, he was worried about his inexperience.
Unlike Cloud, Aerith took the events more in stride. Now that she has him, she intended to accept whatever happens between them tonight. All she wanted was Cloud to be with her. The night has been perfect for her but she didn't mind it getting better.
Their room was down the hallway, they had to walk past the rooms where their friends were sleeping. They didn't trust the walls so they walked very slowly, making sure to not say a word to each other until they reached their room. Cloud, still very nervous, almost tripped but regained his footing, earning a muffled laugh from the brunette.
Aerith unlocked the door and opened it. The room was no different than the other rooms in inns that they have been in before. There was a shower, windows, a desk, a king size bed-
"There's only one bed here." Aerith told Cloud, the reddish hue returning to the ex-soldiers face. Barret assumed a lot Aerith thought, her cheeks also sporting a shade of red.
"You can have the bed, I'll sleep on the floor." Cloud said, attempting to take the chivalrous route.
"There is enough space for both of us, you don't have to do that." Aerith shot him down. "Do you want to go to the bathroom and change clothes?"
"I didn't bring any other clothes with me." The ex-soldier replied.
Aerith stayed resilient. "Well, you can still get more comfortable. Here, let me help." The Cetra pulled off his lone pauldron and tossed it aside. She then reached the bottom of his shirt. "Lift your arms up."
"Wh-wh-what are you doing?" Cloud stammered, but listened to her and did as she asked.
"Just trying to make you feel more comfortable is all." Aerith said politely, pulling Cloud's shirt off, revealing his entire upper body.
Aerith froze, this was the most she has seen of Cloud. She assumed he would be on the skinnier side but she misjudged his physique. Cloud had well toned abs and his upper body had no blemishes. He looked like a sculpture to her. I guess it makes sense, he was in SOLDIER... Aerith trailed off and stayed fixated on Cloud's chest, causing the blond to call her.
"Aerith?"
Aerith's trance was broken and she met Cloud's eyes with her own. She tried to get back on topic.
"Right- so do you feel more comfortable now?" It was the Cetra's turn to blush, making whatever nervousness Cloud had go away.
"I'm fine. How about you, are you 'comfortable'" He smirked.
"Of course!" Aerith chimed, walking to the bathroom, averting Cloud's gaze until she opened the door. "I'm going to freshen up. Make yourself more comfortable." She almost closed the door before opening it again. "Remember, no peeking!" Aerith giggled and closed to door.
Cloud sat on the bed, his head resting on his hand. The entire night had been an array of firsts for Cloud, with one more about to come. He looked at his boots and decided to take them off, and then his socks. He noticed his gloves were still on and pulled them off.
The blond listened to Aerith and decided to lie down onto the bed. This is nice. He thought. The last few days Cloud had trouble sleeping and the beds didn't help him. He thought of the last time he felt a bed this comfortable. Probably the bed at Aerith's house. Cloud stayed under the blanket waiting for her.
The Cetra changed into a pink nightgown that went down to below her knees. She considered unbraiding her hair but decided to leave it as it is.
Aerith came out of the room and looked at Cloud. He appeared less nervous than earlier, his arms outstretched to cover the bed from side to side. "Cloud, I'm ready." She said with glee, but noticed her bodyguard didn't react to her.
The brunette looked at Cloud further and saw his eyes were closed. How long was I in there? Aerith counted the minutes on her fingers to see how long she was in the bathroom. I couldn't have been there that long, could I?
She tilted her head and studied his face further. It has been a rough couple of days. He is probably tired. She smiled to herself. I guess it will have to be next time then.
The Cetra went under the covers. She rolled herself where the side of her face was on Cloud's shoulder. She then wrapped Cloud's arm around her and she held him. She kissed his cheek and closed her eyes.
Good night, my love.
XXXXX
A/N: I want to say thank you to everyone who has been reading this. It is truly appreciated and it means a lot to me that you would take the time to read it. Until next time, have a good one.