A/N: Thanks for reviewing the first ficlet! Pink cookies for all of you. Hope you enjoy this one.
Cosmo Candle
They're sitting around the bonfire, and there's a chill in the air. Not just because it's a clear night in late summer, but also because she's not herself right now.
She was excited to hear what Cosmo Canyon's Elders had to say, listening intently to every word, every scrap of knowledge on the Cetra that they had to share with her, but when a dusty old scholar told her that the Promised Land probably didn't exist, she was indignant and ready to argue, because her mother told her she'd find her Promised Land and who was he to smile patronisingly at her and tell her that what she was looking for was nothing but a folktale? Then, just as the words formed on her tongue, they melted away again because what would she say?
When Cloud sits by her, she can't even gather her scattered thoughts for long enough to listen to him. She thinks she hears him ask if he can help, and all she can do is shake her head, not trusting her voice. The crackling of the bonfire and the hum of villagers' conversation far away in the background is a constant, but there's silence among them. Usually she'd be the one keeping the conversation going, and without her chatter things are subdued and slightly awkward. Eventually there's just Tifa and Cloud and her, and she stares into the flames with her knees pulled up to her chest as Tifa stands and murmurs a goodnight.
"It's late."
She turns slightly, bathed in the golden glow of the fire, and Cloud wishes he could make things alright.
"You should get some sleep."
"I knew I was the only one left." she says. "I thought they might know more, though."
She looks away, up into the sky, and he follows her gaze.
"Do you think there's a reason for it? Is there something I'm supposed to do?"
"Hmm?"
Cloud moves closer to the bonfire, closer to its warmth and light so he can see her expression.
"What do you think, Cloud? Tell me."
And he can see it glimmering in her eyes and on her face, unease and doubt and things that can't be hidden behind a smile, at least not tonight, when the glow of the bonfire shows them up for what they are.
"I don't think there has to be a reason for everything."
"Why's that?"
"Some things just happen."
Aerith looks straight at him.
"So it's okay?"
He doesn't understand, but he nods in reply.
"It's okay."
She moves forward, and he opens his mouth slightly, perhaps to say something else, but her lips are on his before he can speak, and he's too surprised to react at first. He can feel her hand on his shoulder, and now he's aware of nothing but the scent of flowers and the warmth of her kiss. Then she's all smiles and self-assured and herself again as she stands up, and he asks her why.
"Some things just happen." she says.
