Lest Auld Acquaintance be Forgot.
Hello all. I am so, so, SO sorry about not updating earlier. Lets just say it's been a few busy weeks. And I have a sick computer to boot. It needs reinstalling, but I have finally managed to get online for a short time and deliver the latest installment to my fans! (Hey, let me have an egotistical moment!) Not only have I had a sick computer, I have also started a new job where I work and to boot, I have an interview for another in three days! Eek! Wish me luck! Maybe then, I can BUY a new computer! But anyway, here's some more for you all!
Disclaimer: are we STILL following this route? I turned off several turnings back. You know the drill by now! I not… shakes head in despair.
Chapter 8: Save Me the Last Dance.
"She's been gone a long time."
Initially, this made no sense to Leon. Nor did the fact that his knees were in his line of vision. His head felt funny when he lifted it and saw Yuffie standing in front of him. She too, had opted for casual attire, losing the skimpy shorts and the barely there top. Jog trousers and a tight fighting zip-top protected her from the chilly night.
"I said; she's been gone a long time." Leon's face must have been a picture of confusion. Yuffie tutted and placed her hands on her hips. "Aeris," she stated with a dead fast expression.
Leon leapt from the armrest where he had fallen asleep. Aeris left at about midnight and the clock now read five in the morning. More than twelve hours since Cloud had been taken from them. Snatching up his jacket, he struggled to find the armholes in his drowsiness. Aeris never was one for foolish antics, but his memory sped back to the months after they had arrived in Traverse Town. Her late night excursions became increasingly frequent, worrying the brunette. She could end up at any location. Her favourite often was the secret waterway. The place where they had shared that forbidden encounter.
Shaking the storming thoughts from his head he focused on the present. Aeris could be anywhere and the state she was in when they got her home didn't bear thinking about. Looking up at Yuffie banished the rose beauty from his mind. Stood before him was a shaken teenager that struggled with her grief. She spent all her energy trying not to shed the tears that welled behind violet gems. Leon thought that this wasn't the time to admire her beauty, but he couldn't suppress his instincts. She may have been nine years his junior yet age was but a number.
"Hey," he soothed, advancing on the ninja. Her step away from him disturbed him to the core. Thinking she rejected his advance, he felt crestfallen. His mood rose considerably when her turned back shuddered as the tears fell once more. She always had refused to allow others to see her emotions. Even as a child, it was rare that they saw her cry.
Leon pulled her to face him. Still, her hands remained clamped over her delicate expression. Leon had a game to prise her fingers away from streaming eyes. Taking her head in both his hands, he encouraged her to look at him. Her saddened eyes frowned in question at his intentions.
"Don't cry," he pleaded, pulling her to his chest. As he wrapped his arms about her trembling shoulders, she did not flinch nor pull away from his embrace. It took several moments for her to calm, but even then he did not let her go. With her head nestled under his chin, the scent of her hair invaded his nostrils. His breaths became deeper as he savoured the sensation. He could feel her twisting handfuls of his vest top as she also enjoyed his closeness.
"We better find her," he finally sighed, gaining a nod in reply off Yuffie.
She solemnly padded to the coat rack and plucked her jacket from its respective place. Standing with one hand on the doorknob, she awaited Leon's approach. Ushering her out of the building before him, Leon flicked the light switch and stepped out into an equal darkness.
………………
"I think your friend is still suffering the effects of the Afterlife," a mage whispered through cascading locks.
Aeris looked round only to see the cloaken figure walk away into the shadows. Turning her attention back to Cloud, she witnessed him gazing up at the neon banners, absorbed by their flickering nature. Stepping into the never-closing café, he followed suit and walked after her, examining everything that he passed.
The café was empty, save a waitress and three identical figures that huddled around the table they had chose. Whilst Aeris collected their beverages, Cloud studied the head in front of him. Frowning, he extended his arm and jabbed a stern finger into the back of the skull that captivated him.
The individual in question fell form his seat in a flurry of feathers. His two identical companions then held him back from attempting to cause the blonde harm.
"It talks," Cloud commented amidst the deafening profanities.
Aeris shook her head as she sat opposite him, amused with the child-like nature that he approached everything with. "Are you okay?" she asked tentatively once the commotion had calmed.
"Why shouldn't I be?"
Aeris frowned and shook her head, watching him question his way to the restroom, snickering at a crudely added alteration to the sign.
"It will pass," the mage from before suddenly appeared by her shoulder, having collected a Styrofoam mug of steaming froth. "No one can expect to be perfectly healthy once returned from the other side. A few days and he will be fine. Perchance not so amusing."
Before she had chance to thank him for his advice, he had vanished from the premises, his folds of cloth billowing in his wake. Her bemused expression soon faded upon witnessing the scowls on the triplets' faces when they left. Should their uncle, the duck that paraded around with Sora, get wind of this, there could be serious repercussions. Luckily enough, Cloud soon returned. He appeared more subdued than before, especially with his hair slicked back to his head. Clearly he had dunked his head under the cold tap rather than splash the water over his face. Sitting, he merely observed her from across the table.
It didn't feel right to converse at the present time. Cloud now stared at the tabletop, his thumbs twitching nervously. Summoning the courage within, he reached across the short space between them and took her loosely folded hand in his. Still unable to meet her gaze, he grasped her hand tighter. His insides settled as she returned the gesture. Raising the mug to his lips, he smiled around the rim. Once he had downed the last mouthful, he tipped his head forwards with the spikes on his head springing back into life.
Finishing her own drink, Aeris mumbled, "We should better head off soon. It should be coming up to dawn now." Her companion nodded his head, slowly returning to his previous mannerisms. He frowned when her face lit up. "Oh!" she threw her hands up in the air, "Leon and Yuffie. They won't know. Let's go find them."
Cloud initially displayed apprehension at the prospect of meeting them again. At least now his former appearance wouldn't come into the equation. All the same, Aeris tugged him from his seat by the wrist, pulling him out of the café, laughing and joking with plans for that day.
………………
The pair had not walked a couple of metres into the Alleyway before Leon stopped leaving Yuffie to slam into his back. Taking advantage of the situation, Yuffie slipped her fingers into the loose palm by his hips. She was mildly surprised when he did not pull his and away like he normally did. Instead, he amazed her further by curling his fingers about hers and gently squeezing them. His face was turned away from her, hiding his expression.
His cheeks flushed gently, a lump rising in his throat. "I don't think she went to the waterway," he voiced his opinion, turning his now cooled visage to a flushed ninja.
"Are you sure?"
Leon nodded. "I think she went that way," he raised his occupied hand and pointed to the cut through. He held a straight face as he observed the deepening blush in Yuffie's cheeks. He teasingly glanced at their entwined palms before recapturing her gaze. Grinning for the first time in ages, he used the situation to pull her closer to him before slipping an arm about her shoulders. "Let's see who we can find this way."
Yuffie nodded, a half-step behind the brunette, savouring the warmth radiating from him. "So, sometimes good things can come from bad, huh?"
He simply glanced downwards at her, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards, agreeing with her point. "Maybe so," he confirmed, walking up to a crate. Pausing, he tested the atmosphere. "She was here," he stated with a hint of uncertainty. The alleyway was dark but the little light on offer revealed it to be empty.
"You can tell that just from the air?"
Yuffie sounded so full of awe that he felt terrible at shattering her illusion. "No," he admitted with a coy smile, "she left this behind," he plucked a tiny hair clip from the crate's surface. It could have been easily missed except for the tiniest glint of light picking it out in the darkness.
"Oh," Yuffie bumbled, glancing towards Cid's shop.
Leon too, had set his eyes on the same building. He still felt guilty at leaving his closest friend alone. He battled the internal desire to march in there but Yuffie suddenly let go of his hand and shuffled wearily to the small drop where Cloud had previously fallen.
"Wow," she gasped, the light from the pavement above tickling the top of her head. "There's a lot of feathers here."
Leon disguised his run as a quick walk. Indeed, she was right. The floor was littered with numerous, large black feathers. He looked up from the floor when Yuffie leapt up, pulling herself to the landing above.
"Give me a boost," she grumbled when her knee slipped and almost booted Leon in the face. She squealed when he seized the opportunity to aid her by means of his hands under her buttocks, pushing her over the lip whilst gently squeezing. As he heaved his own weight up from the Alleyway, there was an unusual look of mischief in his eyes. Yuffie scowled and suddenly altered her expression upon witnessing the open door to the earlier tomb of their fallen comrade.
"It's open," Leon voiced what Yuffie thought. She was still too stunned to vocalise an objection of any kind. Her hand held his arm, holding him back as he made to enter the second floor of the Accessory Shop. "I have to make sure," he explained, pushing the door open.
Inside the shop the air was stained with the smell of extinguished candles and furniture polish. Outlines were hazy with the reduced light on offer. Leon squinted and raised a hand to shield his eyes when Yuffie flicked on the illuminations upon entering. Her initial wince escalated into a gasp.
"He's not here," she almost wept as Leon lowered his hand and witnessed the truth for himself. Indeed, the stretcher from earlier was vacant. Dashing to the table, he peered beneath and around for signs of anything. Finding none, he looked up to the raven-haired youngster that now stood opposite him.
His expression creased into a frown as he made his way around the counter and into Cid's storeroom. "Looks like there may have been a fight of some kind," he spoke upon witnessing the contents of the room strewn across the floor. His company did not speak. Instead she wrapped her arms about his and rested her head against his shoulder.
"Do you think Aeris had something to do with this?" her pale eyes sought explanation from him.
Leon frowned. "No. I don't think she even came back here. Let's see if we can find her," he added with newfound urgency, descending down the ladder to the first floor. Below nothing had been disturbed. Whoever it was that had been on the second floor had remained there. As they reached the door that led out into the First District plaza, they headed towards the cut through once more.
"We've just been this way," Yuffie wailed, dragging her feet behind the brunette.
"I just want to make sure we didn't miss anything," he replied before he was swallowed by the shadows.
Yuffie grumbled and leant up the wall to the Accessory Shop, refusing to follow. A movement to her left soon caught her attention. Their search was over; Aeris had just pelted out of the café. Yuffie was about to yell to Leon and storm towards the flower girl but the person that followed her out of the café caused her to stumble over her own shadow. She could only flail her arms to steady herself.
Yuffie could not believe her eyes. It couldn't be. It simply wasn't possible. And what was he wearing? Her frown must have been hilarious.
"Leon," she hissed. "LEON!"
"What?" he objected, heading back towards her. His footsteps stopped just beyond the light. From his sudden inhalation; he couldn't believe it either.
"He's alive!" Yuffie squealed excitedly. "OH MY GAUD!" In an instant she had cart-wheeled over the railings into the open district and charged towards the pair. She careered into a naked abdomen, wrapping her arms and legs about his confused frame. Gold eyebrows furrowed above cerulean, peering down at violets. "Hi beasty," she grinned demonically.
His look of apprehension melted into a nervous smile. "Yuffie," he stated.
"So this is where you got to. What did you do? What spells did you perform? It didn't work before. What did you do?" she gabbled merrily to Aeris before turning back to Cloud. "Wow. You don't look so scary now. Are you here to stay? Please say yes. Don't go away again. This is so cool. Say," she drawled, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "are you two going out now? Huh?" she pushed, watching the pair blush.
"Now Yuffie," Aeris attempted to calm and scold the ninja. "He's only just come home to us. There's no need to get over excited."
Yuffie sported a look of mock scoffing. "No need? NO NEED? Aeris, there's every need. Oh, Leon's here too," she spun about, looking for him. Aeris wore a look of nervousness on her still tear stained expression. Cloud took an anxious step backwards. "Where is he? He was here a minute ago. LEON! COME HERE!"
Silence was her reply from the alley. Assuming he hadn't heard her deafening cries, she bawled his name once more.
"LEON!"
Cloud, with his Makou vision, placed a hand on Yuffie's shoulder to cease her catcalls. To the untrained eye the alley offered only shadows, but the enhanced vision could see deeper. Standing in the depths of the alley, Cloud could see Leon rooted to the spot. Whether from fear, apprehension, or sheer disbelief, he did not know. The only certainty was he didn't wish to be seen. Cloud watched him extend an arm to steady him, using the wall for support.
"Hang on a second," the blonde halted the impatient teenager on the spot. "Let me go." As he walked away, a hand clamped about his wrist. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead, his chest sinking. He dreaded to turn and face the one who held him for fear of reliving that day. Swallowing nervously, he turned to see Aeris smiling at him. His nerves eased somewhat.
"I'll wait here for you," the smile never faltered. Cloud nodded once in reply and scaled the steps to his right, hoping the brunette would linger still.
As the darkness swallowed the barely clad blonde from view, the girls sighed nervously. Feeling increasingly elated, Cloud had Leon in his sights. With each step he feared that the brunette would run; an action he never performed. Nonetheless, he remained perfectly still until he was close enough to make out his features in the dim surroundings. The silence between them was deafening as they observed each other for what felt like an eternity. Slowly, Cloud offered an open palm.
"Thank you."
The brunette frowned momentarily, flitting his gaze from Cloud's hand back to glimmering cerulean gems. "Why?"
"Because I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you, Leon."
"I didn't do anything special."
"You believed in me."
Sapphires faltered as he watched the blonde smile. He looked back to the hand that Cloud refused to put away. "You were like a brother to me," he whispered. "Nine years of absence does a lot."
"I apologise," the hand remained outstretched.
Painfully, Leon lifted his open hand to shake Cloud's. The cold touch he expected was warm with veins throbbing under his touch, strength encompassing his own vice grip. Pulled forward off his feet, he returned Cloud's gesture of greeting, pounding his fist on flesh as he felt an open palm slapping down on his leathered back. The still handshake had not been broken. Instead, it remained steadfast, solid between two muscular torsos. Eventually, they pulled back from their reunion to observe the other in a new light.
Cloud frowned at Leon's expression that howled with mirth. Looking at his feet, he understood why.
"Nice outfit," Leon chortled between his taunts. "I really like the trousers. And that belt? Must get me one. Where did you get them? Cid's?"
"As a matter of fact, I did." His statement wiped the smirk from Leon's face. Shortly, a faint smile returned.
"Didn't even bother with the granny slippers?"
Cloud sneered at Leon's remark, refusing to retaliate. "What's got you smiling?" he questioned, his head tilted to the side.
Leon's face once again morphed emotionless. In the faint light, Cloud was sure that he caught Leon's cheeks darkening. Leon? Blushing? Surely not. Following his gaze out into the First District, he caught sight of the ninja cart-wheeling and somersaulting about Aeris.
"You got your hands full with that one," he jibed, looking back to the brunette who faltered mildly.
"Some sleuth you'd make," Leon mocked.
"Hey," Cloud shrugged. "You blushed. Not me. She's a handful. But I know you like a challenge."
Leon's mouth twitched into a smirk of mischief. "Aeris," he spoke quickly. This time it was Cloud's turn to blush fiercely. "No guesses how long until you pair up together." Cloud's eyes dropped to his feet. "Already?" Leon scoffed. "You've only been around… what…?"
"Two hours."
"Man, you don't waste time."
"Nor do you. I've learnt from my mistakes," Cloud admitted, a hint of remorse in his voice. "Say," he yawned making no attempt to conceal it, "got a bed?"
"Excuse me?" Leon teased. "No doubles. Hotel will do for that."
Cloud snapped his head to the brunette, who laughed at his shocked expression. "No," he spluttered, "I'm tired."
"Figures. We all are." Walking towards the now snickering pair of girls, Leon looked over his shoulder. "It's been a long day and we've all been thought a lot."
Cloud smirked sheepishly. "Ah," he sighed.
"And if Yuffie is anything to go by, she'll already have started planning a celebration for your return. We'll need plenty of sleep before that."
"Showing your age?" Cloud taunted, offering himself once more to cajoling from those who hadn't seen him for the longest time. Indeed, Leon was right and Yuffie bombarded them with her plans for the festivities.
………………
Over the course of the following two weeks, life proved to be hectic. Yuffie spent the majority of her time running around and organising a ball with help from others. Many people came to see if the rumours were true; that a fallen angel had come to Traverse Town. Struggling to disguise his solitary wing, Cloud was the brunt of much attention. Several would talk in hushed voices whenever he passed, the remainder falling silent and following him with their stares. He wished they could mock him for adopting Leon's wardrobe while one was modeled for his own physique. Yuffie and Aeris had tormented him to the ends of the Earth about his inability to fasten the jeans he borrowed. Thank heavens for the belt.
Aeris had noticed a considerable change in the blonde as the effect of the gods wore off. He slowly slipped back to his quiet ways, still only just coming to terms with constant company. Aeris became marginally more moody as she felt the novelty had worn off between them. The fact that Cloud spent increasing amounts of time with the brunette didn't help, and then Yuffie wanted her tuppence worth, encouraging him to spar with her. He often agreed, grumbling heartily. As the day of festivities approached, Aeris had seen neither hide nor hair of the blonde for three days.
The man of the hour stood before the full-length mirror at Leon's, grateful for the absence of female company. He knew for sure that they would have teased him whilst he added the final touches to his evening outfit. Well, Yuffie would. Aeris? She'd been rather odd with him of late. Shaking the offending thoughts from his mind, he turned his attention to the wing on his back.
Sleeping had been uncomfortable over the previous weeks, something that added to his quiet mannerisms. Somehow the shadows under his eyes had lessened. Even so, they could never be as black as his wing. Semi-extended, it rose up from his naked left shoulder blade to a point above his head before trailing down to well below his waist. The fleur-de-lis that topped the joint in his wing always intrigued him as to its meaning. Shrugging his shoulders, he concentrated on testing out his novel appendage.
Pulling a number of faces appeared to be easier than simply extending his wing. Finally finding the muscle in question, he began by stretching his limb and ruffling the downy feathers that shimmered in the light. As his confidence grew, he attempted a lopsided flight. His human form weighed less than his previous bestial one, causing an impairment of judgement. His feet left the floor before he realised it. In his state of surprise, Cloud ceased beating his only wing and tumbled to the floor in an unceremonious heap. Leon chose the exact same moment to return home.
"Very fetching," he mocked upon seeing the blonde lying in only his suit trousers and his wing wrapped about him. "You aren't going like that tonight, are you?"
Initially Cloud groaned in reply. "No. I… I just… slipped."
"Sure," Leon jibed, stepping over him en-route to his room.
Cloud stood and dusted himself off before picking up his shirt and fastening it whilst leaning up the doorframe to Leon's room. Despite crashing on his friend's sofa in this room, it was classified Leon's. "Has your date calmed yet?"
"She's not my date," Leon rolled his eyes. "I invited her to accompany me. That's all."
"Oh," Cloud simply mumbled in reply, glancing to the floor.
"You haven't seen much of your date recently," Leon probed. "Still going with her this evening?"
Cloud folded his arms across his chest and responded by means of a guttural grunt. "Don't know. I think her affections are waning. She always seems annoyed with me."
Pausing in the midst of changing, Leon chanced a glance at the blonde who merely gazed at the far wall. "If it's any consolation," he began, causing frowning cerulean to be cast in his direction, "I think her affections are growing stronger. Just give her time. You've been here for only two weeks. Miracles can take longer. Don't push it. Dammit," he cursed, battling with his bow tie. Cloud simply chuckled and left him alone to finish his own preparations.
By time the pair arrived for the festivities, they were already well underway. Volumes of people mingled in the huge room, some turning out only for the party, not to celebrate the blonde's return. Kitted out to the nines in formal wear, both were almost unrecognisable. Blonde spikes had been left untamed, contrasting his impeccable appearance in a deep grey tuxedo with a dark purple cloak fixed about his shoulders in an attempt to shield his unusual appendage from the masses. Even brunette locks looked like they had been introduced to the luxury that was better known as a comb. His black tuxedo resembled his usual dark wardrobe, yet this time the only ounce of leather was in his belt and boots. The pair were a picture, especially when a flash exploded before them.
"Cheese!"
The call was long overdue, but delivered with unbelievable cheerfulness.
"Have you been at the punch?" Cloud grimaced, sinking balled fists into his eye sockets.
"No," Yuffie chirruped whilst lowering the camera. As Leon lowered his hand that had been seconds too late to shield his eyes; his jaw almost hit the floor.
Never before had he seen her in this light. As she slipped the offending item of technology into a gold purse, he could only absorb the image before him. Standing inches taller in heeled shoes, she wore a gold silk kimono style ball gown that fell to her ankles, with slits on either side of her skirt that rose to her mid thigh. Wrapped around her middle was a deep burgundy sash and a golden headband offered a break through her raven locks that shimmered with glitter in the dancing lights.
"Are you coming down to the buffet?" she badgered the stunned pair before her. "Hey Cloud, nice get up. Leon," Yuffie grabbed hold of his hand, "Aeris wants to talk to you," she explained whilst dragging him down the stairs to the vast hall. Cloud blinked repeatedly and followed out of curiosity.
As they neared the buffet table, Yuffie barged past a pair of chattering ladies to reveal Aeris waiting patiently for her return with a champagne flute. Leon continued to stumble forwards in her direction, amazed by her appearance whilst Cloud halted beyond the now grumbling pair, awestruck by her beauty. As she turned to face the charging ninja, Cloud's world suddenly became devoid of sound.
The champagne flute gently rested on her bottom lip as she took a delicate sip. Ringlets of russet framed her made-up visage, the colours enhancing her emerald eyes. Tiny crimson straps graced her pale shoulders, supporting a flowing dress of the same colour. Her trusted sandals had been swapped for a strappy pair with a moderate heel. The priceless tiara adorning her hair with gems of aquamarine only served to make her look taller and more stunning.
Yuffie shoved a gawking Leon to the table before bolting the way she had come. Before Aeris had a chance to frown, Yuffie had vanished between the pair of ladies, now scowling at her retreating back. Aeris turned back to Leon failing to notice the ninja yank a stunned blonde off towards the dance floor.
"Now where'd she go? Aeris grumbled into her drink. Leon simply opened and closed his mouth, blinking back his amazement. "What's up with you?"
"Nothing," he finally squeaked. "You look… good."
"Thanks," she replied coyly.
"Say," Leon glanced towards a head he recognised, "where'd Cloud get to?" When Aeris's snort startled his attention back to her, he questioned her reply. "What's that supposed to mean?"
A mild expression of annoyance was tipped in his direction. "Like I care," she spat; turning to face the table and picking up a carrot stick that she contemplated eating.
"I bet you do," Leon observed her sideways. "He thinks your affection is waning."
"Really?" she whipped her head to face the brunette, sending her hair swinging in all directions. "I mean," she disguised her eagerness, "it's him who's not interested."
Leon almost spluttered into the champagne that he had only accepted moments before. "Ridiculous," he griped. "He's besotted with you. Always has been."
Aeris blinked back a tear, gazing aimlessly at the wall. "Is that so?" she whispered inaudibly. "Leon…" she began softly.
"Yes?"
"Don't… don't tell Cloud about what happened."
"About us?"
Aeris tipped her gaze to the floor. "He doesn't need to know."
"Your secret's safe with me," he smiled before downing his drink.
"Preparing for Yuffie?"
Leon sounded his agreement in the back of his throat as Aeris looked over towards the approaching youngster. She had somehow managed to lose the blonde in the fray.
"Leon," she beamed, "come dance with me."
"I don't do dance," he quickly plucked a second flute from a passing tray.
"So?" she continued with her mithering. "I can teach you."
"No thanks," he grumbled. "Where's Cloud?"
"Oh," she erred, "he's about. Come dance with me and let Aeris find him. He's over by the fountain," she concluded, snatching the flute from Leon, downing it in one and leading him away to the vast dance floor. Aeris could only watch on as his horrified expression sank into a sea of dancing colours.
Aeris stood on tiptoes to locate the blonde in question. Indeed, his spikes stuck out above the crowd over where the fountain lay. Deciding against seeking him out, she remained by the table, adamant that he could find her. In her wait, she diverted her attention to watching the comical situation that unfurled before her.
Yuffie did her best to engage Leon in a dance without letting go of his hands whilst he desperately tried to escape the dance floor. Slowly, he gave in and chose to amuse his younger companion. Even then, it was clear to all that watched that he was uncomfortable in the midst of others. Dancing did appear to be something he didn't do. Nonetheless, Yuffie persevered him almost trampling her underfoot. Slowly, yet surely, he began to master the steps until he matched the crowds pace. Aeris continued to watch until a gentle tapping on her right shoulder diverted her attention.
Turning her frown toward her disturber revealed only half an expression in return. Questioning cerulean peeked out from underneath a fringe of gold that contrasted the purple cloak that hid half of his face. He spoke no words yet held his hand out all the same in offering.
Aeris simply glanced down to his open palm and returned her gaze to meet his. By now, the fingers had begun to curl and his expression began to frown. Before he could retract his hand, she stepped forward and raised her hands to his chin. She paused whilst he faltered only fractionally, watching her hands. Gently taking the lip of his cloak between her fingers, she teased the collar downwards until it sat comfortably around the base of his neck. For the first time of the evening, his smile could not be disguised. Smiling sheepishly, she took hold of his hand and pulled Cloud out onto the dance floor.
Leon and Yuffie sported identical expressions when Aeris took up a spot close to them. The look of fear on Cloud's face sent them into fits of hysterics. However, Leon's face soon morphed into one of disgust when Aeris initiated a dance and Cloud followed in step, never stumbling once. Now it was his turn to grin.
Before long, the predictable slow song resounded throughout the hall, instilling fear into many male chests. Cloud watched as Leon somehow managed to escape Yuffie's clutches and make a beeline for the drinks. He then looked down at the top of Aeris's head that now rested on his shoulder.
'Still,' he thought, 'this isn't half bad.'
The smile on his face still lingered towards the end of the song when Aeris lifted her head to face him. Without realising, he shyly turned his head away at the last minute, leaving her only his cheek to kiss. He maintained his head in this position as she righted himself. The smile flickered with mild confusion, serving only to disgruntle her more. For the remaining bars of the song, she maintained her eyes at a point on his chest.
By time the song had ended, she took leave from the dance floor and approached Yuffie. Shuffling behind her, Cloud stopped with Leon conveniently positioned between them.
"Now what?" Leon hissed sideways. Cloud merely shook his head and sighed. "Go talk to her, you idiot."
Cloud frowned at Leon's agitated outburst. Perhaps Yuffie had rubbed off on him. Downing the drink he had only just accepted, he quietly padded behind the girls. Yuffie looked about upon hearing his cough yet Aeris did not. Yuffie nodded and stepped aside, refusing to miss the expected exchange.
"Aeris…"
"What?"
"I'm… sorry about before."
Should he have been in a different situation, he would have laughed at her raised eyebrow and attempt at an annoyed expression when she turned to face him. But he didn't. Rather he swallowed nervously and answered her silent imploring.
"Look. You know I'm not very good with words."
"Damned right," she scoffed. "Talk about king of the understatements." He sheepishly tightened his lips in reply. "So?"
"I was always much better with my actions," he answered with a hint of intent.
Before Aeris could reply, he had cupped her chin in his hand and eliminated the distance between their lips. Even Yuffie squealing in his ear failed to deter him. Soon enough, he was aware of the brunette dragging a now whooping ninja away into the throng of dancing people. Shortly, he felt a flowery touch lead him away from prying eyes, only parting from him for a moment. Fortunately, the brunette wasn't present to witness his broad grin as they opted for a quieter venue.
………………
"Oi," he felt a stern tapping on his shoulder. Turning, cerulean looked up to sapphires, emeralds giggling beneath an obscured vision.
Leon studied the blushing pair before him, choosing to ignore the hands that appeared from undisclosed locations. "This party's thrown for you and you ain't there. Cid's started his speech and you aren't present."
"Oops?" he replied nonchalantly, sending his flushed partner-in-crime into fits of tittering. Leon rolled his eyes, sighed, and headed back to the now silent hall.
"HERE HE IS!" Cid's voice boomed over their heads as Cloud walked in, feeling every eye in the place on him. Aeris darted aside and began talking in hushed whispered to Yuffie whilst Leon led the blonde to the stage. "The man of the hour," Cid continued, straining against his filthier vocabulary.
Following Leon all the way to the podium, he faltered at the bottom step, looking up at the brunette who had paused, sensing his halt. Before he had any chance to object, Leon grabbed hold of his arm and pulled him into every one's view.
"Cloud," Cid beamed a goofy grin, "glad you could join us. We thought you might have left early when we couldn't find you." The crowd snickered, serving only to deepen his blush. "But let's not go there. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present you Cloud, our newest member of the Traverse Town clan." A resounding cheer echoed up to the rafters. "But there is something extra special about him; he is one of very few survivors from Hollow Bastion." This time the crowd fell silent with select pockets of murmuring. "Take a moment to look and smile at your neighbour," he continued with a more solemn tone. "We never know when the next disaster will occur and we may need these memories, lest auld acquaintance be forgot." Replacing the microphone, he lifted his hands to tumultuous applause.
"Lest… what?" Cloud hissed.
"Should we forget our old friends," Leon cast him an unusually genuine smile. "That's what he meant."
Cloud smiled in return as he left the stage and returned to his awaiting date. Before he could greet them in a lover's fashion, Leon halted him.
"You can save that 'til later." Aeris blushed the same colour as her dress at this. "May I borrow him?" he looked to Aeris. Taking a moment to acknowledge Leon's meaning, she nodded slowly.
"What?" Cloud looked from one to the other.
"When Cid said 'Lest auld acquaintance be forgot,' he didn't only mean our friends. It also meant our families."
Upon hearing this, cerulean fell to gaze at his feet. "But," he looked up; "I would never forget her."
"We didn't meant that," Aeris quickly explained.
"What did you…" he faltered, looking back and forth between the two. Even Yuffie no longer sported a grin. "You know where she is?" he asked in earnest.
"Yes," Leon bowed his head, brunette locks obscuring his visage
"Take me to her," he pleaded, squeezing the gentle touch that he had unconsciously sought for.
"Travel between worlds is forbidden," Yuffie added quietly.
Cloud whipped his left hand into the air and faltered upon seeing it. In all the time he had walked about in his original form, he had failed to acknowledge it. He had lost his arm from below the elbow and wore the glove as an alternative since leaving Hollow Bastion. Blinking at his clenched fist, he realised that travel was no longer an option.
"I've done my best to fix it," Cid explained, walking up with a metal glove, almost identical to the one Cloud once wore. "And I've added a few minor modifications. Put it on," he urged, handing it over to the blonde. "It works like a glove."
"We'll be here when you get back," the crimson clad beauty by his side smiled at him with a mischievous look in her eyes. Yuffie complimented her with a grin.
Nodding in understanding and slipping the glove on his left hand, he raised it above his head and took hold of the brunette by his side.
"Where to?"
"Hollow Bastion."
"Let's hope this works," Cid muttered as Cloud brought his hand thundering downward.
……
tuppence… It's a British thing. Its kinda like "two cents worth" you know... getting your thoughts in! ;)
Anyway, I'm sorry once again. I still have a little more to add to this, but I will get that up within the next week. I just want to wrap it all up, and I can't post it until I have typed it! I swear... I'm slacking! After that… I'm currently working on one fic from a couple years back, but I can't post that here… It will have to go under original fiction. If I get it sorted…and I get enough interest, I might. But I hope to have a sequel to this one. For progress on that, watch this space! ;) Hope you all enjoyed up to here! And I shall try and fulfil the requests I've had! ;) Cheers all!