-Aerith-

No, no, NO! Is that the only word he knows?

I looked back at the city of lights, Golden Saucer, and sighed heavily. Now that I've gone out for an adventure of a lifetime, he stops me. I understand him, though. I know he has a mission to finish but can't he waste a little time to have fun?

I mean, look at him! The wounds that he got during the fight with the Stone Lizard had not even fully closed yet. Drops of blood still escape through the gauze that I wrapped around his injuries. I never got the chance to heal it completely because of physical and mental exhaustion. Everything happened so fast! Right now, he looked so beaten up.

Despite his physical appearance, something in Cloud's eyes became apparent; something like a long lost spark. And being myself, I just have to take advantage of the situation.

I went to Golden Saucer by myself! That'll get him going~

He must be frantic by now, I thought, giggling as I stared outside the window of the lift. Below us was a vast desert, as far as the eye can see. It was such a desolate place, but where I'm going next isn't as deserted as the land that surrounded it.

When I reached the 'arrivals' platform, I quickly jumped out and marvelled at all the lights that surrounded me. As expected of the golden city!

I approached the entrance excitedly and was given a free ticket from a strange man dressed from head to foot in black. He also had this queer expression. Maybe the security was just strict. This is Golden Saucer, after all. From what I've heard from guests who stayed at my inn, this man-made city was for the outrageously rich and powerful.

Everything was new, everything was strange! People wore unique, colourful and wholly imaginative costumes, like they all came out of a wonderful dream.

"Come one, come all! Take a sample of our new merchandise: Zinggerz with a surprise!" Two little redheaded boys shouted from the centre of the station square.

I gazed at them and admired their passion. They're so young yet they are already making a living out of their own strength and creativity. I beamed at them when they looked my way. If only people were a little more like them, the world might become a better place.

"Hey sis, wanna try one?" The blue-eyed twin offered, enthusiastically. The other twin—who had green eyes—nodded and continued, "It's free!"

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice that they had already approached me and were tugging at my skirt! Oh, just look at their beautiful big eyes staring at me, wide-eyed and full of wonder. I couldn't say no! I nodded at them and picked out a candy that was enclosed in a sparkling blue wrapper. The colour reminded me of Cloud. While thinking about him, I absentmindedly popped the sweet into my mouth.

"Umm, how was it, sis?" The twins asked eagerly, in the same breath.

"It tasted very delicious, you little buggers." I was still smiling; but when what I have said finally registered in my mind, I covered my mouth in horror. I was going to say 'angels'!

They winked each other and grinned. "It worked!"

"What the fuck is happening to me? Holy shit!"

"It's Badmouth Burberry," they announced as they held the wrapper in front of my eyes to see. True enough, the name of the candy was scribbled across the shiny plastic covering. "We're experimenting different kinds of treats! This special candy, as you have noticed, makes you speak bad words. Don't worry, sis, the effect will wear off in about 30 minutes… or not at all!"

My eyes widened at the last words that they said. This will not disappear… at all? That can't be true. This is not happening to me! When I was about to ask them for an antidote, they had ran off with their goods.

"Thank you for your cooperation, and good luck!"

Mother in heaven… what should I do?

Suddenly, the crowd began to grow thick. I was walking with them for they were moving in one direction.

Its okay, I assured myself. As long as I shut my mouth, everything will be all right.

"Aerith!"

No… That voice. Could it be? I turned around and I quickly spotted Cloud in the midst of the huge crowd. He was staring directly at me, worry furrowing his brow. No! I couldn't face him like this… I couldn't! I gathered the hem of my pink dress and started to hasten away from him.

5 minutes… give me 5 more minutes, Cloud.

"Aerith! What are you doing?" His voice began to grow more loudly, more demanding. I couldn't ignore him forever…

I breathed hard and turned to the side with my eyes closed. I couldn't bear to look at him with what I'm about to say. "Jerk off!"

After I said that, I ran. I didn't care where I'd end up, I didn't care who I'd hit as I ran. I don't know what his face looked like when I said those words, but I knew it wasn't something pleasant. I did something wrong. I never badmouthed anybody in my life, nor will I ever… People do not deserve that kind of treatment, especially not him.

Cloud… I want to say nice things about him, because he deserves it. He might seem awkward and cold, but he's so kind to me that I don't care. If only I could tell him those words. If I could have the courage to tell him that… he would be—

My thoughts were interrupted when a sound of a firework went soaring up into the vast blue sky then erupting into a rainbow of colours that appeared to rain down on us. It's like a blessing, a promise…

Seconds after, I felt his warm and steady hand enclosing my frail fingers. I knew it was him… because only he could make me feel this way with a mere touch of the hand.

"I won't let you go."

I nodded, and smiling, I faced him.

"Hey Cloud, let's go on a date!"