Chapter 4
The three days dragged. Most of them for Cloud were filled with helping Tifa and Marle, or bickering with Barret once he returned with Marlene for the day.
Internally he was thankful for the work, it gave him time to think over the news Red gave. Some sort of plan to get to that winding river. Tifa and Barret were distracted with Sector 7, not seeming interested in talking about their trip. Maybe they needed time? It didn't matter to Cloud. He couldn't get it out of his head.
Back when the gang went to save Aerith and sneak into Shinra, there was a virtual tour that was visually striking.
There were many pieces of it that stuck with Cloud, but in particular… the deep blue green landscape filled with every colour you could imagine splashed across. The contrasts were unlike anything he had ever seen. The video imagery was short, but there were times he wanted to see it again. Sneak into Shinra again, to make sure he didn't imagine it.
Since the news Red gave, it seemed entirely possible that place was real - and Cloud was engulfed in everything that meant. Endless questions and curiosity soaking his mind, and most importantly that Aerith may not need to be hunted anymore.
….However there was a bigger part of him that feared that wouldn't be the case. If this place existed, if Shinra knew… they'd make Aerith take them there. They'd torture her for it. It was a painful thought Cloud buried as best he could. He remained optimistic, coming this far already. Changing fate and destroying the whispers when he could. Sephiroth lingering in the shadows of every decision, It was just too late to think like that. Almost everything he loved being ripped away from him. Watching his friends attempt to rebuild something so far from recovery was difficult. Every corner of life seemed to have tragedy.
This finding was more than a silver lining. It was every colour, saturated and alive in a sea of grey.
With that determination he set off for the flower girls house.
Woodstove and floral scents filled Clouds nose as he walked up the stone pathway to Aeriths door. His ivory skin cast with shadows of floral bouquets above him.
Two knocks, light and friendly. Careful not to mimic the turks who previously barged in. He didn't want to perpetuate fear.
His eyes fluttered as he anticipated an angry Elmyra. Unsure if she'd be angry at just Aerith or both of them. She was oddly one person Cloud understood.
Guarded, careful, to the point.
They were similar in a lot of ways really. She was meticulous with what information she gave away, scared of losing what she held most dear. He imagined that time only deepened those exteriors.
The door opened with a swift movement, Elmyras warmth surprising Cloud.
"Thankyou." She whispered, immediately. More than a thank you was hidden in those words. Her hand ushering him in. She was wearing a soft green apron, hair in its usual bun.
"She's upstairs, balcony I think." Elmyras tone going back to her stoic, absolute demeanour. She was fixing something up in the kitchen now, not seeming bothered by the bodyguards presence as he stood by the door for a few moments. If it were your standard cheery human, they'd mistake this silence as something wrong, but it felt comfortable.
Only they could understand the shared protective lion inside of them, for the little lamb.
The kitchens vegetable scents wafted through the air, a melody of smells Cloud had never experienced. His mouth almost watering at the idea of how they'd taste.
"Staying for dinner?" She asked, still cutting up potatoes. It was interesting how little eye contact she made. Cloud felt himself suddenly understanding an outside perspective of himself. Eye contact had always felt, intimate to him. Something you saved for important moments. Or that's what he told himself to deal with the reality that his eyes were stained with mako.
"Uh, it does smell good." Clouds non answer causing Elmyra to pause and look towards him.
"Well, I insist. There's enough for at least five." A small smirk tugging at her lips.
"Guess I can't say no then." He said, surrendering and starting his walk up the wooden curved staircase.
"Cloud, I'm sorry about your home in Sector 7." She spoke just loud enough for him to hear before he was on the next floor.
He paused for a moment, eyes staring down at the dark umber wood beneath him. I guess they hadn't seen one another for a while. For a second, he thought he'd say something back, but the words just weren't there. "Home" ringing in his mind.
Sector 7 hardly felt like that to him, he barely had time to spend there besides helping Tifa with the odd mercenary job. There wasn't a place he could remember truly feeling that way about.
He continued up the stairs. Elmyra understanding his response, or lack-of. A quiet sigh coming from her, before turning back to dinner.
The balcony door was a crack open, and soft pink caught his eye. Slowly easing the door open, he cleared his throat.
"Er, Aerith?"
Aerith jumped, just a little. Clearly in a daze. She was brushing her hair and sitting on a few stacked boxes with an assortment of plants alongside the balcony railing. Looking towards the waterfall. Her long hair seemed… wild, wavy from the constant pull of being in a tight braid. Her combing the bristles of a brush through it seemed to give it even more volume. Soft milk chocolate strands splaying and spiralling across her shoulders and down her back.
Clouds eyes widened, breath hitching at what was in front of him. Just like when he first saw her in that red dress on the bridge. Then, her hair had been in a more loose braid, but he had never seen it like this, completely free and ribbon-less.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." He was turning away now, taking a step towards the door. Feeling he had invaded a personal moment.
"Hmmm? I'm only brushing my hair silly." Her arm pausing mid brush, stretched out to match the length of the strand.
"Never seen a girl do some self care?" Her tone was playful, as usual. She continued brushing waiting for Cloud to come join her.
The sun setting before them casted a purple and orange hue over every surface, this place felt so out of Midgar. Cloud exhaled, letting go of the doorknob he had been gripping a little too hard, and sat on the opposite side of her. Another stack of boxes perfectly placed to mimic chairs.
"Cloud?" Big green eyes stared towards him. Hair falling and cascading around her as she leaned forward.
Clouds eyes looked everywhere but her face. First down at her boots, to the side of her, avoiding her gaze. Aerith drew back. "Did Elmyra say something to you? I'll go tell her you're staying for dinner!" She shot up, fire in her voice. Misreading Clouds body language.
"No! No it's not that. She… asked me to stay." His voice low and calm.
"It's just." A long pause as Cloud finally looked up at her, still standing. She was patiently waiting, always.
"You look, different." Was all he could manage, immediately regretting the word choice. His face flushed.
However Aeriths reaction wasn't what he expected. Instead she burst out in a flurry of giggles, holding her hand to cover her mouth as they escaped her. Cloud scowled and stood up, staring at the waterfall in front of them. "Sorry sorry!" She said in-between a few more giggles.
"You say a lot by only saying a little, you know that right?"
Cloud was still facing away from her, clearly flustered.
"Can you help me with the ribbon?" She was holding it in-between her teeth as her fingers pulled her hair up in the braid he was so used to seeing. Quickly her fingers tumbled down with the remaining pieces, carefully and effortlessly twisting around the strands to form this hairstyle. Cloud just turning his head enough to watch. It was quite mesmerizing, how easy it seemed.
"You can tie it in a bow, right?" She grinned wide, craning her neck out to imply he needed to take the ribbon.
His hands, slow and hesitant reached to grab it. Aerith quickly turned to face away from him, holding her hand at a weird angle so he could loop the ribbon underneath.
When she didn't feel his hands she turned back, pouting.
"It's not gunna look good." He sighed, annoyed. However his hands carefully looped underneath the thick piece of hair. While Aeriths hands slowly returned to her sides. Happy she had convinced stoic, icy Cloud to tie a pink ribbon in her hair.
Just like the day they picked flowers. Cloud was impressionable, easy to persuade. She loved that about him, even if he was complaining throughout the task, he'd still follow through.
He tied a bow, but was slow to extend the ribbons outward. Scared to hurt her by any aggressive movement.
"Tighter! You've seen how much hair I have, it's gotta hold." She made a motion he could see where she placed her index fingers and thumbs, and quickly pulled outward. Pulling the invisible bow tight.
He mimicked her action, frowning.
Aerith whipped around quickly, braid slapping his arm as it followed. "Perfect, you're a natural Cloud Strife!" She patted the bow approvingly. Cloud stepped back instinctively at her face leaning in to him, it always caught him off guard.
"Hey listen, I've got a plan… I think we're gunna have to just go with Red. Tifa and Barret have enough going on with everything."
Aeriths expression practically mimicking a small Childs on Christmas, she nodded quickly. As if Cloud were giving her the most vital instructions. Her hands balled into fists.
So mature, and yet so childish… Clouds thoughts were interrupted by Elmyras "Dinner!" call.
"After dinner, kay?" Aerith swiftly grabbed Clouds hand and pulled him down the staircase. He tried to tell her to wait and get her attention but she was stronger than Cloud thought. Tunnel vision to the kitchen. Cloud wanted to tell her the plan before sitting down with Elmyra, but that just wasn't in the cards.
The table was nicely set with Aeriths signature flowers as a centrepiece. The vase sparkling from the lights above it, bouncing it's reflection. Cloud sat down, slightly nervous at how he was going to deliver his plan. Elmyra placed a plate in front of him, balancing hers in her other hand. Aerith grabbed her own.
Cloud couldn't help but notice this seemed like a big dinner for just a regular night, and then it occurred to him that Aerith may have told Elmyra he was coming. It was a soothing thought to know she just knew he'd show up, without them having communicated anything concrete.
The plate in front of him was filled with roasted potatoes, veggies, and some sort of meat he didn't recognize. Some sort of orange sauce lightly poured over top. Spices and colours he wasn't used to eating, but he was certain it would taste good. Elmyra poured everyone a glass of crimson red wine.
He noticed Aeriths eyes watching him, waiting for him to take a bite as if it were her food he was trying.
"Thankyou." Cloud finally said, and then took his first bite.
Elmyra and Aerith were silent as they watched his expression waver between disbelief and pleasure.
"Wow." Was all he said, taking another bite and not looking at either of them.
The girls exchanging a look of achievement. Smiling at one another.
"Great job mom, I don't I've ever seen Cloud look like that while eating."
Elmyras chin had been resting on her hands as the watched the two of them for a moment, studying them as they ate. She was truly warmed any time there had been company. Lonely since her husbands passing, and riddled by fear of losing Aerith. Any company was appreciated. Even Clouds. She felt herself beginning to really respect Cloud. Maybe "once" a SOLDIER after all.
She took a few bites when she noticed Cloud had drank his entire glass of wine already.
"More?" She reached to grab the bottle but Clouds hand raised in protest.
"Elmyra, I want to ask your permission for something."
Aeriths eyes widened, mouth open. Confused by whatever was about to come next.
"Oh? What's that." Elmyras tone changing to something darker. Clearly expecting and ready to say "no."
"Barret and Tifa want to travel to Sector 8 for supplies. You know, since Sector 8 isn't like any of the slums. Aerith has sold flowers there before and she knows her way around. We could really use her help when we go there. We were planning to stay there for about a week. Since the train between Sector 7 and 8 is down it's quite a journey. We figured we could make a trip out of it."
Cloud exhaled after his rehearsed speech and ate his last few bites. Avoiding eye contact entirely.
Elmyra blinked, turning her gaze to Aerith.
Aerith was quick and clever. Picking up on Clouds story, even though it wasn't the greatest lie. She could see where he was going with it.
"Yeah mom, I told you about how down Tifa is. We wanted to do something for her, and she wanted to go there anyways! I really think they have the best galleries. I'm sure she would love it." Aeriths hands clasped around her face, daydreaming.
"Cloud will keep me safe, promise." Reassurance worked on Elmyra, usually.
"I will." He confirmed. Cheeks slightly tinted from the wine. Liquid courage was real, he thought to himself. There was a pause between the three of them as they sat around the table, empty plates and full bellies.
"Well, it's late. You should stay the night Cloud. I'll think it over… and give an answer in the morning." Elmyra stood up and collected their plates.
"Food was so good mom." Aerith charmingly called after her.
"Yeah, thanks again."
Aeriths leg kicked Clouds lightly under the table. She mouthed "nice" to him, and then had a big sip of her wine.
"Where will you be staying?" She asked from the kitchen sink, dish washing making pleasant little sounds while the water ran over them. Mako eyes searched the table, he hadn't thought that far.
"Oh Tifa has a cool friend that lives there, he owns one of the inns. He's giving us a great deal on rooms for the week. Like, stupid cheap!"
Aerith was pretty good on the spot, and at lying. Cloud giving her a quizzical look. Not sure if he should be weary or amazed.
He figured it was due to the times she'd been locked up at Shinra. Telling Elmyra they treated her like a guest, when he saw for himself that they didnt. A part of him wanting to reach out and grab her hand, remembering the giant tube she was found in. His brow furrowing at the memory.
"I see. Well we had a pretty late dinner. The guest room is already fixed up for Cloud."
The two sat for a second, watching Elmyra cleanup. Her entire demeanour had changed over the past few days once Aerith returned. She did seem like she had warmed up to Cloud. Aerith remembering when she had overheard her asking Cloud to never talk to her again. It seemed like a different person.
Aerith led up the stairs quickly, Cloud following before Elmyra could give a hard "no."
Cloud paused outside of Aeriths door. She was standing in the doorframe, making a "come here" motion with her hands. She hurried him inside and closed the door behind him quietly. The room was dark, but had moonlight shining on every surface through the window. The two could hear one another breathing. Just barely able to see each others faces.
Aeriths voice was a whisper, but you could hear her smile.
"That was a pretty great plan." She was beaming.
Cloud scoffed, "You're a pretty great liar." He fired back, but his tone was playful.
"You scared me, when you asked for permission." She suddenly seemed nervous, and Cloud wasn't sure if it was the wine making his imagination wild but he thought he saw her fiddle with her braid. The equivalent to nail biting for Aerith.
"Huh? scared?" Cloud was stumped, thinking his speech was to the point and efficient.
"Well when a guy asks your parents for permission, it usually means…" she trailed off. Her voice small.
Cloud stepped back, making a noise of discomfort and embarrassment as he realized what Aerith had thought. He was thankful for the dark because his cheeks felt like they were on fire.
"Silly silly goose." She pressed her hands to his back and lightly pushed him towards the door. He fumbled with the handle and gently opened it, making sure not to make eye contact again.
"Go on get some sleep, we have a big trip coming up!" She teased, making a shhhh noise as the wood beneath him creaked.
Cloud was in a whirlwind as he slowly walked over to his designated room, heart pounding. He flopped onto the bed and stared at the ceiling.
Marriage echoed in his brain the same way home had earlier. Maybe not the best speech, he thought to himself. Hands rubbing his face once again. There was a warmth in his stomach he didn't recognize. He chalked it up to the food, not wanting to admit how long he let the word and everything it meant bounce around in his brain.
I hope you liked it! Thankyou so so much for the follows and favs and the most recent review. It made me so excited to write this one out. I wanted to focus on the subtle... playful moments. Also I totally stole the "lion and lamb" from twilight. I am hopeless truly. _
Playing the long game here!
3 claire
ps: I know I should like, twice over these to find mistakes but i just can't be bothered. I write and I hit send. Period. /)_(\