Aerith snapped out of her trance and hurried as Cloud reached the front door. She stood by the wall and watched him.

"Don't go," she pleaded.

Cloud stopped walking and looked at her.

It hurt him. Just to see her green eyes, thinking all this time he could read them, thinking he could feel when she was truthful… just by looking into her eyes…

Cloud quickly dropped his gaze and snapped out of it.

"I can't even look at you at the moment," he muttered. "How can you expect me to stay?" Aerith shook her head.

"But you can't go," she said breathlessly. "Please…" She went over and pulled his arm gently, but he refused to look at her. "Cloud, don't do this. We…" She tried to be positive. "We can work this out. We can, I know we can." Cloud pulled his arm out of her grip and moved away.

"You don't get it!" he exclaimed. "I can't be here! I can't look at you!" He slammed his fist into the wall, making Aerith jump.

Cloud felt the first sparks of the violent anger he had so rarely shown, ignited. His heart was throbbing, with rage and disorientation, and she sensed it. Aerith took a step away and cautiously held up her hands.

"Okay," she said in a calming voice. "Okay." Cloud heaved a sigh, tilting his head towards her, but kept his eyes down.

"I can't do it," he confessed. His voice was strained, tired and rough. He was overwhelmed with emotion, just as she was. He was in just as much pain as she was. He wasn't pretending that he was that cold, heartless man who didn't care about love. He did, and he cared about the woman he loved most of all. But… he just couldn't make himself love her at the moment.

"Cloud…" Aerith said. She tilted down to try and get his eye contact, in vain. He brushed past her to another room and sat down. He stared at the floor in front of him. Aerith watched him. "Cloud, I know what I've done. I know, but please… don't leave it like this."

Cloud again said nothing. Aerith began to feel desperate.

"Look," she whispered. "We just… we just need a little time apart."

Still no reaction.

"I… I'll go stay with Cid and Yuffie for a little while. But then we can talk after… okay?"

Cloud didn't even move at what she said. Aerith felt her eyes sting with tears at his coldness.

"Cloud," she said again, her voice breaking. "Please say something…"

She needed to hear his voice. She needed to know if he was still there. But he wouldn't talk. He wouldn't look at her.

"Say something, Cloud. Anything…"

Cloud turned his head to her, looking at her even though it hurt him to.

"I think we do need time apart," he muttered softly. Aerith nodded, just glad that he was talking. Cloud stood up. "But you should stay here."

Aerith shook her head.

"No," she said. "I'll go. I just… you shouldn't have to be the one to leave. You didn't do anything wrong." She carefully approached him again, cupping his jaw. She tried to look into his eyes, but he wouldn't let her. "Cloud, I want you to stay here." He abruptly pushed her hand off and turned away. His coldness made Aerith want to cry, but she didn't. She turned and headed to their bedroom as Cloud sat back down onto the sofa.

There was so much tension in the air, so much that Cloud couldn't even breathe. What had become of them? To the point when Cloud couldn't even let Aerith touch him or look at him? He felt a hole in his heart that had wasted away as the betrayal throbbed inside him, thrashing away at the parts that had loved her. Shredded by the anger and hurt.

He felt horrible making her leave. He knew there wasn't any reason she had to leave anymore than he did, but something dark and jealous inside his body just didn't want to argue for her staying. She wouldn't be far or in any danger, she was staying with her family. But what would happen once she went out that door? Would she really ever come back, would he ever let her? Everything Aerith said seemed straight forward, but the reality wasn't so.

They didn't know if they could ever forget something like this. They didn't know if they truly had the courage to confront it later, or maybe ever. The scars ran deep, Cloud could still feel his, threatening to be ripped open again if he was to look at her now.

"Cloud?" Aerith's voice said from behind him. Cloud came out from his thoughts and managed to look over at her. He expected that horrible rush of hate to run through him again, but seeing her stand in the doorway with her bag and wrapped in a jacket, the hatred never came. She smiled tearfully at him, causing his heart to break. He stood up again.

"Aerith," he said, shaking his head. "You don't have to—"

"Yes, I do," Aerith shot back with a firm voice. She pulled her bag over her shoulder, then wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry about everything. You know that, right?" Cloud looked away again. He heard Aerith utter a soft sob, her shadow still lingering on the wall he was facing. He watched it take a step closer, but then relented. The head tilted up as it turned away.

"I love you," Aerith muttered.

The shadow on the wall ceased back into the light until it was gone completely and Cloud heard the front door close with a snap. As soon as she was gone, all the feelings of anguish he had for her suddenly evaporated, to be replaced by regret and self-loathing.

Cloud collapsed into a chair and held his head in his hand, replaying what just happened in his mind. He suddenly felt so angry. He grabbed the lamp on the table beside him and threw it violently onto the wall, smashing it completely. He suddenly felt a sharp pain in his hand; the glass had cut his hand. It didn't matter.

"I still can't believe what happened… just happened…"

Cid and Yuffie were back home, but they weren't over what just happened. Cid was sitting at the dining table while Yuffie leaned against the wall, her arms crossed.

"How could Aerith do something like that?" Yuffie said, shaking her head. She was angry. "Why would she do that? I told her the lying was bad enough, but no! She had to go kiss her ex!" Yuffie stomped her fist hard into the wall behind her. "No way is she going to be forgiven for that!" Cid let out a weary sigh and took the piece of straw out of her mouth.

"She's probably going through a lot," he remarked. "You shouldn't be too hard—"

"Too hard?!" Yuffie repeated, looking at him with shock. "She kissed Leon right in front of Cloud! I wouldn't blame him if he dumped her!" She turned away and rubbed the invisible tears from her eyes. Cid watched her.

"You don't mean that," he muttered softly. "You can't hate her that much." Yuffie crossed her arms and said nothing.

There was a knock at the door. Cid stood up from his chair and went over. He glanced back over at Yuffie. She ignored him. Cid sighed and opened the door. He got quite a surprise.

"Aerith?"

Yuffie snapped out of it and rushed over. Aerith was outside, holding a big bag. She looked exhausted.

"Hi," she said. She seemed uneasy when Yuffie's stony stare hit her. "Uh… could I stay with you for a little while?" Yuffie pushed Cid out of the way and she glared at her best friend.

"You need a place to stay," she said sarcastically. She kicked the welcome mat to the side and glared coldly at her best friend. "Well, find somewhere else. You're not welcome here."

Aerith blinked at Yuffie's coldness.

"Yuffie," she started. "I—"

"You kissed him, Aerith!" Yuffie shouted. Cid tried to butt in, but she held up her hand to him. "If you think you can do that to Cloud and come to us for sympathy, then you're wrong!"

"Yuffie!" Cid exclaimed, stunned. He turned to Aerith. "You can stay with us, sweetheart."

"No, she can't!" Yuffie snapped. She looked back at Aerith. "You've hurt both Cloud and Leon because of your stupid lie! I told you over and over again to tell Cloud the truth, but you were too selfish to do it! You never, ever listen to me! You're a selfish, arrogant bitch, and I don't want to talk to you ever again!" At that, she pushed Cid back in and slammed the door in Aerith's face. She stormed towards her room. Cid was clearly shocked at her behavior. He grabbed her by the arm to stop her.

"What the hell are you trying to do?!"

Yuffie pulled out of his grip, angry tears in her eyes.

"I don't want her here!" she yelled. "I hate her! I hate Aerith! If you let her in, I'm going to leave! I don't want to stay in the same house as her! I hate her! I HATE HER!" She ran into her room and locked the door. Cid let out a deep sigh and went back outside.

Aerith's gaze was on the ground, and she was crying silently, Yuffie's words tearing through her. Cid cast a sympathetic look and reached into his pocket as he walked over to her.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," he said gently. Aerith looked up at him and plastered a smile.

"No, I'm the one who's sorry," she said shakily. "I'm the one who messed up." Cid said nothing, but his worried look didn't change. "But, seriously. I'll be fine. I'm a grown woman, aren't I?"

Cid smiled softly. He took out a few notes and held it out to her.

"Here, you can spend the night at one of the hotels. They're not much, but I hear they're pretty homey." Aerith laughed softly. "It's the next best thing."

Aerith shook her head.

"No, I've got my own munny, thanks," she said with a soft smile. Cid put his munny back into his pocket. "Don't worry about me, Uncle Cid. I'll be fine." She wrapped her free arm around him and he embraced her tightly. She smiled gently as she pulled away. Cid slowly walked back into the house. He didn't take his eyes off her, but closed the door.

As soon as she knew for certain that he was gone, Aerith's smile disappeared immediately. She pulled her bag further up onto her shoulder she tried to look for a place to stay.

Hollow Bastion was still in ruins. The houses were still in medieval conditions, and even though everyone had made an effort to make them livable, it was a wasteland infested with the local variety of Heartless.

Hotels… What hotels? They were merely finished structures that were just on the brink of livable, and they were costly, since old residents of Hollow Bastion 9 years ago were returning to help. Aerith felt alone as she dragged her aching feet down the long dusty road.

She needed to talk to someone, someone who would listen. The light of the moon above her reflected off Aerith's tired soul, and she forced herself to stop and rest.

It was really dark and cold as the midnight breeze fluttered through the ruins of Hollow Bastion. Aerith took refuse of a nearby stone wall, protecting her from the stinging howls of the night. She sat down on a rock, emitting a weary sigh. She leaned back and rested her head on the wall, though it was pointy and hard, she was too tired to just keep it up by itself.

She coughed, rubbing her hands together. Everything just seemed so big at the moment, she felt scared and alone, not knowing where to go.

Suddenly, an empty can rolled near her foot. Aerith frowned at it and picked it up.

"Oh, sorry about that," a voice nearby said. A young man ran over from in front, his arms piled with empty cans. Aerith handed it to him, seeing his face. The young man's face turned to surprise when he realized who it was.

"Miss Gainsborough?" he began. Aerith narrowed her eyes a little, trying to remember if she knew him.

"Alex?" It was the bartender back in Traverse Town. The young man smiled.

"It's good to see you again, Miss Gainsborough," he said brightly. He looked around to the wall she was leaning on. "Nice place you got here." Aerith managed a laugh, patting the wall affectionately.

"My pride and joy," she told him. Alex smirked. He set down the cans and sat down next to her on another rock.

"Why are you out here all by yourself?" he asked, pulling out a small bottle from his pocket. "It's not a good idea for anybody to be out this time of night."

Aerith grinned.

"Well, you are," she countered. Alex unscrewed the bottle and took half a sip, cringed and made a face. He shivered a little as he felt the rush of the drink.

"Phew," he exhaled, looking at the bottle fondly. He let out a laugh. "I'm used to it." He shrugged. "I thought it was a good idea to come here after everyone else from Traverse Town did, but I forgot you had to start from the bottom all over again." He sipped the bottle again, then held it out to Aerith. "Want some?"

Aerith stared at it with slight uncertainty.

"Uh… no thanks," she said politely. "I don't drink."

Alex shrugged and took another half-sip.

"So what are you up to now?" she asked, watching him wistfully.

"I'm trying to rebuild a bar over there," he said, jerking his thumb at a half-finished building. "I'm hoping it'll be done in a few months."

Aerith coughed, rubbing her chest. She smiled at him.

"Good for you," she said. A cold wind passed. Aerith wrapped her arms around herself and shivered. Alex watched her concernedly.

"So why are you out here, Miss Gainsborough?" he asked. "Last time I heard, you were getting married."

Aerith cringed as he spoke the last word. She laughed painfully.

"Trust me," she said, shaking her head. "You don't want to know."

Alex knew whenever a woman said that, they meant it. He nodded and stood up, extending his hand to Aerith.

"If you need a place to stay," he said. "You can stay with me and my girlfriend for a little while."

Aerith took his hand and he pulled her to her feet, but she then shook her head.

The kid was sweet, but Aerith had a feeling if she was going to accept his offer, he'll be pulled into this situation. She didn't want that at all. She couldn't risk his life like that.

"I don't want to be a bother," she said softly. She lowered her eyes with sadness and sighed. "I've been too much of a bother already." She picked up her bag.

"Is there anything I can do?" Alex asked, genuinely wanting to help. Aerith turned away for a moment, but then glanced back and smiled.

"Can I still have that drink?" she asked. Alex grinned and held it out to her. Aerith looked at the bottle for a long moment, still unsure, but then unscrewed the cap and held it to her lips. She sipped the tangy, spicy liquid that sent a surge of red-hot warmth straight to her head. She coughed and spluttered at the taste, almost stumbling as the instant effect made her a little dizzy. She wiped her mouth as the effects ceased after a few seconds, giggling a little to herself. She handed it back to Alex.

"I really needed that," she chuckled. Alex pocketed it and picked up the empty cans again. Aerith gave him a last soft smile. "Thanks."

"Take care," Alex told her. Aerith nodded. She pulled her bag up and began to walk away.

The drink helped clear her head a little, and gave her that tiny ounce of warmth she needed. Her fingers felt icy, but deep inside she was still able to feel warm. But she wasn't sure for how long when another gust rushed through her chestnut locks.

The wind seemed to carry the darkness with it, streams of big dust gathering around her like a sea of leaves on an autumn's day. There were barely any lights that were bright enough to allow her to see clearly the streets of Hollow Bastion, or to make her feel that she was indeed in her hometown. The eeriness of the dark shadows and the silence pierced by a strange howling sound caused the hairs at the back of Aerith's neck to stand up.

She shivered uncontrollably, coughing as she inhaled the cold futile air.

Wandering the streets at night in a world full of Heartless, an emotional wretch so smothered with guilt that she didn't even care where she was heading to. Aerith clutched her bag tightly and rubbed her hands together desperately. It was getting too windy.

Suddenly, a couple of Heartless appeared in front of her. Almost a dozen of them, all of which stared directly at her, and their presence caused everything around them to turn into ice.

Usually, Aerith would have no problem defeating them, but since she was so drained and exhausted, and so unprepared with no potions or ethers to support herself, she was petrified.

They started coming closer towards her, sensing her fear and weakness. Aerith began to back away.

"Stay back," she said breathlessly. The Heartless didn't hear her at all, they slithered closer until the chill of their dark presence crawled under Aerith's skin. She took several deep breaths and started to run.

She wasn't fast; she knew she wasn't because she could feel them right behind her. The path ahead was blurry from the tears in her eyes, the sting of the wind in her face; she had no idea where she was going.

She had to get away. She just had to get away.

She felt them begin to swoop in on her, and in a twist of fate, she hit her foot against something and tripped, stumbling onto the gravel and dust. Aerith quickly scrambled around to face them, backing away until she realized she was cornered. She was hyperventilating, helpless as they drew closer and closer. She clutched her head and squeezed her eyes shut as one leapt at her.

SWISH!!

The Heartless never had a chance to touch her. It dissolved into dust as a blade was sliced right through it. At this, the other Heartless immediately stopped and instead launched themselves at their new opponent. Aerith heard slashes and heavy fighting. She opened her eyes and peered up.

There was one man fighting the Heartless.

They attacked him, but every time he killed them one by one with a swing of his blade until they were all gone. When they were gone, the darkness cleared, and Aerith saw her savior.

It was Leon.

Leon took a few deep breaths and turned to help the girl he just saved, but once he recognized Aerith, he froze for a second, then immediately backed away and ran. Aerith jumped to her feet and chased after him.

"Leon!" she shouted. "Wait!"

Leon ran down the street to his house. He ran inside and shut the door, leaning against it, his eyes squeezed shut. Aerith ran over and stopped at the door, out of breath. She clutched her stomach, breathing hard. She slowly approached the house.

"Leon," she called out again. There was no answer. Aerith bit into her lip and placed her hand on the wooden door. Leon stood absolutely still, almost too scared to breathe.

"Leon…"

The girl in pink sadly pressed herself against the door, hoping to feel that he was behind it. She blinked back a few tears, knocking gently.

"Are you there?" she asked.

Still no answer. Aerith pushed herself off the door, only her hands still resting against it. Her eyes lowered sadly onto the ground, feeling movement through the wood. She tried to smile, turning to face the door.

"I know you're there," she said softly. "I can feel you move." She sighed plaintively, but chuckled. "Thank you for saving me."

Again, no reply.

"I know you don't want to see me," Aerith said. "But I just wanted to say something. You don't even have to listen if you don't want to." She leaned onto the door, running her hand down the wood. She smiled sadly.

"I just want you to know… that I'm sorry," she said. "I'm sorry for everything I ever did that hurt you." Her gaze drifted onto some of the rocks in front of her feet. "I never wanted to make you feel this way. I never wanted you to get hurt because of my lies." She chuckled again, a tear rolling down her cheek. She quickly wiped it. "I know you'll probably never forgive me for this, but I get it, and I don't blame you. I wouldn't even blame you if you hate me… because I sure do." She looked back at the door, leaning onto it, hoping to feel another movement.

Leon gently turned around and placed both hands against the door. He felt Aerith slowly slid down from the other side, onto her knees on the pavement. She stifled a sob with another soft laugh.

"You know, I wonder to myself sometimes," she muttered. "Of things like what might have happened if I never said this and never said that." Aerith dropped her tired arms and pressed her back against the door. She stared at her feet, wiping away her tears hastily. "I wonder sometimes… why it only takes one mistake in this lifetime to make you lose someone's trust for good." She rubbed her hands together. "And why you only really regret losing it when it's gone."

Leon leaned against the door frame, just listening in silence. He could hear the strain of emotional exhaustion in her voice, and he could hear the tears and the brave smile as well.

A cold wind brushed through Aerith's chestnut hair, making her shiver. She sighed, hugging herself.

"I'm sorry I took you for granted," she said softly. "I didn't mean to. I think… maybe I was making myself believe that if I didn't think about it, it might go away." She paused. "I didn't know I was trying to pretend you didn't matter."

Leon lowered his head down, closing his eyes as guilt gushed through his veins. He had only realized the kind of emotions Aerith felt the moment he kissed her. Everything she had wanted to move on from… all falling back at her. She didn't deserve it, she had ended it with him properly when she gave him back her ring. Even though she had lied so many times for so long, it could've ended a more sensible and less brutal way. Leon felt that his outburst was the core reason that caused her to be this fragile right now.

Aerith coughed a little, and shifted to her side again. She placed a hand on the door again. She looked up and smiled faintly.

"Are you still there?"

But again, Leon didn't say anything.

Aerith waited for a moment or two, just in case she would feel something move, but nothing did. She forced herself not to feel heartbroken, and stood up. She shivered a little again and put her hands in her pockets. She kept her eyes up, at the night sky as she began walking away.

"Aerith, wait…" Leon's voice called out. Aerith stopped and glanced over her shoulder to see that Leon had opened the door, and was watching her.

His face was still slightly bruised from his encounter with Cloud, but other than that, he looked fine. Those cobalt eyes softened from their usual coldness.

Aerith let out a soft gasp, genuinely relieved that he was there after all.

Leon removed his hand from the door handle and stepped outside, his eyes never leaving Aerith. They just stared at each other for a long time, not knowing or daring to do anything else. Aerith cautiously took a step closer, and another, and another until she realized she was running to him. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him, just so relieved he was there. Leon felt her shaky breath at his ear, and wrapped his arms around her cold, frail body.

She was so cold.

Leon pulled away and took off his jacket, wrapping it around Aerith. He smiled a small smile and touched her cheek. It was also very cold. Aerith just continued to stare at him as he made his cross-examination of her features. She rested her head on his shoulder as he helped her get inside, shielding her from another bitter gust of wind.

Aerith sat down at a chair as Leon closed the door. Everything was silent, and neither of them said anything. Aerith just continued to stare around in a childlike manner, the whirlwind of her emotions glowing from the greens of her eyes. She hugged herself tightly, still shivering under Leon's jacket.

Leon stood by the door and just watched for a moment, wondering to himself what she must be going through, the hell she had to endure because of her betrayal. He couldn't stand seeing her like this. He took out a spell from his pocket and threw it into the fireplace in front of Aerith, instantly creating a fiery blaze. She let out a grateful laugh and rubbed her hands together at the dancing flames. She felt Leon place a blanket over her from behind and looked over to see him sit down next to her. She smiled, awkwardly, and resumed her gaze at the fire.

No one said anything for a long time. What was there to say? Aerith reflected on what had just happened a few minutes ago, about Cloud, Yuffie, Cid and Leon, the fact that they had all become miserable simply because she had refused to consider them. All of them.

The flames sparked dangerously, like it was alive and threatened to pull her in. Into Hell for her sins. And it scared her.

Aerith folded her hands together in prayer and lowered her head, imagining the miracle of all the pain to go away. She shut her eyes and clutched her hands very tight, suddenly trembling. Leon looked on concernedly.

"Aerith," he whispered. Aerith began to cry very softly. Leon clapped her hands in his. They were still shaking. "Aerith, please stop…"

She broke away from her prayer and dissolved into tears. She covered her face with both hands so Leon wouldn't see her cry.

"I've ruined everything, haven't I?" she sobbed.

She didn't have the courage to move on from here. She couldn't go back home. She was too scared to look at Cloud. At the hurt and betrayal in his eyes.

"No…" Leon muttered. He placed a hand on her back. "Please don't cry, Aerith…" He couldn't stand to see her cry. He cupped her face in his hand. Aerith didn't pull away or flinch, but she didn't seem to feel him at all. Her eyes remaining fixed on the fire.

It flashed again, just as dangerously as before, causing Aerith to let out another shaken gasp. She gripped onto Leon tightly. Leon finally realized what was scaring her so much, and immediately got up and put the fire out. He turned back around to see Aerith still trembling, still staring at the now empty fireplace.

"Aerith…" he said again. Another tear rolled from her eye and that was all Leon could take. He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her head onto his chest. His hands hugged her shoulders firmly, his body arching forward to fit around her. Aerith snapped out of her trance at his warm touch. Her eyes drifted up to him, seeing that he was in much anguish as she was, trying hard to control the situation that she couldn't.

She had hurt him so much.

Aerith raised her hands around his waist and buried herself in his embrace, holding him so tight.

Needing the emptiness that was scratching its way out to stop. To just stop.