She watched as reflection of herself showed in the golden sand under her. Aeris slowly backed away, as the young woman who seemed a lot like herself, flashed a weary smile, something that gave her a tingly feeling inside. She quickly stood up, when she realized a tall dark figure, looming over her.
Aeris let out a gasp, as she then began to run. She hadn't at all turned back, for she was too afraid. Tripping over something not near visible, Aeris fell to the ground with a loud thump, as the ashes quickly surrounded her. For the man's voice laid murmuring, calling her every movement. She closed her emerald eyes, as she felt herself being taken in.
Cloud quickly ran into the room, nearly knocking the door down, as he heard Aeris' voice at the top of her lungs. As he entered, he stood feet away from the bed, as he stared hard at the girl, who clasped tightly onto her chest, breathing heavily. He looked at her, as if she were somewhat mentally ill. But slowly stepped up, when she turned her gaze onto him.
"....Cloud...," the young woman uttered, her face matted with sweat and tears. He walked up to the bed, now looming above her, his blue eyes questioning and confused. Aeris looked down, her brown hair quickly falling over her face as she let out some more soft whimpering.
Cloud stared at her, as she then looked up. Suddenly, reaching over for his hand, as she took it into her own.
"I'm scared," she uttered, as she wiped at her tears. Cloud slowly sat on the bed, as he let her head fall onto his shoulder, "...he....I..."
He gently placed a hand soothingly on her back, "It's only a dream...you'll forget about it." Aeris quickly pulled away, hitting her hair back with one quick brush.
"You don't understand," she murmured, her eyes filled with hurt, "I keep having that same dream. Cloud stared at her for what seemed to be so long, as he then stood up, staring down at her.
"Just get some sleep," he replied, simply. As he then headed towards the door, holding onto the knob. Aeris slowly brought the blanket below her chin, as she felt tears swelling up again. Cloud gave her a reassuring smile, her first time ever seeing that.
"Don't worry. If it makes you feel any better, I'll be on the lookout, just in case anyone breaks in tonight," he replied, sarcastically. Aeris smiled, behind her tears, as she broke out into a soft laughter.
"...Thank you," she uttered, "Thanks again." Cloud wiped the smile off his face, although it still showed a bit, as he slowly pulled the door shut.
Aeris smiled, as she sat in a cafe that afternoon. She slowly stood up, as she started towards the exit. When a tall man suddenly knocked her down, making her drop a book she held tightly in her hands. Aeris slowly scrambled on the ground, as she tried to reach over for it. But the man's hands quickly reached for it, as they both stood up.
Aeris quickly dusted herself off, as she then turned her gaze onto him. His deep colored eyes seemed to be the first thing she had noticed. He had the exact same glow in his eyes...just like him. He had long black hair that spiked up, somewhat familiar to her, with dark blue denim clothes and a big sword strapped onto his back.
"....Cloud...," she uttered, staring hard at the tall man. He just looked down at her, with a smile.
"Are you all right, Miss?" he questioned, with a sly smiled, kinda crooked. He reminded her so much of Cloud, or perhaps someone from her past. Aeris quickly shook the thoughts away, as she flashed him a quick smile.
"Thank you...," she replied, quickly turning into the other direction. He suddenly followed her.
"I'm Zack, and you are?" he called out, startling her. Aeris quickly swung around, surprised at the name he had mention. All seemed so familiar, yet she hadn't any clue as to where she had heard this name before.
"...Aeris," she uttered. Zack smiled at her, as he soon turned into the other direction.
"I guess...if I'm lucky we'll meet again," he muttered, his eyes showing a bit of oddness. Aeris stood still, as the cool air whipped through her long brown hair. She looked away, as she then continued into the other direction, back towards the apartment.