Sorry for the long update guys I've been ill :( but at least the new chapter is here now as well as my new fic "The Price of Love"

With or Without You

Chapter 4

The fifteen-year old boy stared at his reflection sadly. He sighed as the morning air filled his nostrils.

"Cloud!" Her angelic voice travelled across the grassy fields. He looked up from his reflection in the river and smiled softly at her. She ran to him, skidding to a halt, and giggling as she kneeled next to him.

"I've been looking everywhere for you." She said, playfully punching his arm. Cloud caught her hand as she moved to hit him again and rolled them over. Aerith let out a loud shriek that turned into a giggle as he lay on her.

For a moment, they just stared at each other until Cloud felt his cheeks go red. He looked away slowly until he felt her hand on his cheek, gently making him face her.

"Cloud…" She whispered before leaning up and pressing her lips against his. Cloud's eyes widened at the feeling. He had always had a special bond with Aerith and for the last couple of years, he had only dreamed of kissing her.

She moaned softly as she opened her mouth to him, her hands finding their way into his hair. He responded immediately and caressed her tongue with his. They stayed that way for a minute before breaking apart for air.

Cloud stared at her, completely in a daze. His first kiss had been with Aerith! He couldn't quite get to grips around it. He knew that one of his best friends from High School, Zack had always liked Aerith and it was known that other boys had their eyes on her too. She cocked an eyebrow at his expression.

"What's the matter?" She asked, stroking his hair. He turned his gaze back to her and smiled slightly.

"Nothing…it's just…I never thought I'd ever be kissing you." Her eyes sparkled at the comment as she lazily hid them beneath their lids.

"I've wanted nothing more for a long time." She admitted, her cheeks burning at the fact she was releasing her deepest feelings. Cloud shifted slightly and she opened her eyes only to have them close again as he lay butterfly kisses down her exposed neck.

"I've always loved you." He replied softly. "I just didn't know how or when to say it." She smiled softly, her eyes still closed in tranquillity.

"You and me together we'll be…" She sang softly, her smile growing. Cloud laughed as he kissed her cheek.

"Forever you'll see." He whispered back at her. She opened her eyes slowly and stared at him with kindness and love.

"See, there was no reason for you to be afraid of me." She giggled.

"I'll love you always."

"This is the final stop at Costa De Sol station. All passengers are to depart the train." The intercom's announcement awoke Aerith from her slumber and she looked around with lazy eyes.

Quickly, she grabbed her things and got off the train. Now all she needed was a taxi to the shipping dock and then she could get the ship to Junon. She would take a train to Midgar and there, hopefully she would find Cloud.

"Just a little longer Cloud." She whispered softly, a small smile on her face.

Cloud was wide-awake, staring at the white ceiling in disinterest. Beside him, Tifa's gentle breathing alerted him that she was still blissfully asleep. The dream had been so real this time, it almost felt as if he were kissing Aerith all over again.

'Maybe I'm not over her after all.' He wondered faintly before he glanced at his fiancée.

Her soft skin was glowing in the pale sunlight and her rosy lips were curved ever so slightly in a small smile. Cloud grinned to himself at the sight of her, all thoughts of Aerith suddenly disappearing. Slowly crimson eyes opened, staring sleepily up at him.

"Good morning," She yawned.

"Morning." He replied, nuzzling her neck lovingly. She giggled a little at his touch.

"Since it's your day off," She began as she turned over onto her side and successfully stopping his ministrations.

"I thought we could go over decisions for the wedding." She suggested, watching him for any reaction. He shrugged and smiled.

"Sounds good." He replied, kissing her cheek before giving her a peck on the lips.

"Do you want a long engagement or a short one?" She asked. H laughed slightly at the question.

"Uh a short one I think. I don't think I can wait too long." He admitted. He wasn't a very patient man when it came to what he wanted. She smiled up at him.

"How about a month or two? Sound okay?"

"Sounds fine." He answered with a yawn. She nodded and stepped out of the bed.

Cloud groaned at the movement and sent a mock glare in her direction. Tifa ignored it and left for the bathroom. After a moment, Cloud too left the bed. He wasn't really paying attention to where he was going and didn't notice the box in his way until he had tripped over it. He growled slightly in annoyance but it immediately stopped as that haunting song filled his ears.

"You and me together we'll be."

He stared at the wooden item lying on the floor. Of all the boxes, he had to knock over the one that had that music box in it. He went and picked it up, checking if it was damaged or not. He stopped and sighed a little, placing it back where it belonged. He pushed his hair back from his eyes and rubbed his forehead as he remembered just how he had taken the news that she was leaving:

She was sitting by the river, just as she always did. Her hair was glowing in the soft sunlight and as he approached, he couldn't wait until she turned to him with her radiant smile. However, when she did face him, her cheeks were wet with a river of tears.

"Cloud," She choked out immediately collapsing into him. He held her in his arms as she continued to sob, her whole body shaking uncontrollably.

"Aerith, what's the matter?" He asked, holding her closer. She sniffed slightly and pulled away, her eyes red with tears.

"Dad got a new job." She managed to whine. "We're moving a week on Saturday!" As soon as she finished the sentence, she flung herself into his chest, crying all over again. Cloud's eyes widened in horror. She was leaving! No! How could she?

"But…" He began before he realised he had nothing to follow it up with.

"Where?" He tried instead.

"We're travelling for a while. Dad has to travel for his studies but mum needs to go too because he'll be gone for a while and she doesn't want him travelling alone so we're all going."

"No." Cloud moaned. "You can't."

"I don't want to go." She sobbed. "I don't want to leave you."

"It's okay." He whispered soothingly, even if he didn't believe it himself. "It'll be okay."

"How can it be?" She cried.

"It will be." He repeated, holding her tighter. "I swear it'll be alright."

He snorted slightly at the memory. He shook his head clearing his mind of his past. He only wanted to think about one thing and that was his future with Tifa.