Title: We Can't Go Back
Characters: Aerith, Leon, Yuffie, hints of Rinoa Heartily and Vincent Valentine
Prompt: LeonYuffie Request for WishingDreamer5
Word Count: 407
Author's Notes: So sorry that this is late, but I don't really ship Leon and Yuffie together, so it took me a long time to try to think of something for them. Hope you like it!
Disclaimer: Fandom isn't mine
-X-
He's older, now.
They're all older, actually, older and wiser and stronger and no longer stumbling around Traverse Town reeling from the loss of their world and trying to learn how to survive together. The ache of loss is still there, but they've all learned to live with it, and it's easier now that they've returned to their home.
Aerith can see the way Leon – no longer Squall and she sometimes wonders if he'll ever go back – has matured, growing into the lanky stature and broad shoulders that could finally hold the weight of the burden he took upon himself to carry. He's all strong hands and thin, sturdy build, longer hair framing a soft face not so angled by shadows, anymore.
She can see why Yuffie is falling in love with him.
The dark, brooding nature is familiar to her as well, oozing into every part of his being but still kept at bay by the underlying sense of make things better and keep those close to him safe. Leon held himself so tightly, refusing to show any of his pain so openly for them to see, so he could soldier on through the days.
He reminds Yuffie of her first love.
Aerith sees it in the way Yuffie reaches up higher than she needs to when pulling him down for a kiss, as if she's used to reaching for someone far taller than either of them are. It's in the way Yuffie's fingers hover along his arm, as if wanting to tangle her fingers in long hair that isn't there.
And Leon kisses back, because Yuffie reminds him of someone lost as well, with her bright personality and dark hair and moments of insecurity.
The two of them are reaching for something that isn't there, holding onto each other to try and forget the past and embrace each other for the future.
But they are older now, and Aerith sees the doubt in their eyes. They are no longer growing up, have already reached the point where Leon has sprouted into a young man and Yuffie has blossomed into a young woman. Neither of them can grow into what the other wants anymore; can no longer imagine that the other will change if enough time passes.
Aerith worries about them, worries about the letter with the butterfly in Leon's hand and the red cloak hidden under Yuffie's bed, and wonders what will become of them.