After closing the door to Elmyra's house Cloud strolled over to the flowerbeds that Elmyra had kept pristine. Smiling faintly until he reached the top of the hill in the centre of the garden. The hill where she told him he couldn't fall in love with her. The hill he vowed to come for her. The hill that steeled his resolution to see her safe. To see her once more. The sun was beating down onto the plate above and still managed to find gaps to beam down to the slums. He stood there for a while with his face turned to the heavens, eyes closed listening to the waterfall at the edge of the garden. He chuckled at the memory of his banter with Aerith about talking flowers but he meant what he said deep down; "learn to talk to her." Ironic, considering he himself never got the chance to tell her how he truly felt. No, he was lying to himself again. He had every chance. Every evening at the campfire, every momentary stop for supplies and refreshments. No, he was a coward. A coward scared of feelings of all things and as punishment for his cowardice, here he was. Three years after her departure, a departure he could've, should've, prevented no less, reminiscing and strolling further down the path of hopelessness. He finally glanced down at the bouquets he was holding and smiled wistfully. He hadn't decided what to do yet but whatever it was, he would decide at home. He turned and looked at the house once more before leaving the premises and heading to "their place".
His place. The church.
As Cloud walked up the church he noticed a figure taking a particular interest in Fenrir, his motorcycle. He narrowed his eyes and reached for his Fusion sword before he realised who it was. Oates. One of the orphans from the leaf house and one who saw Aerith as a motherly figure. Unbeknownst to Cloud at the time, this boy in particular came to view Cloud as a father even if it was rare he saw him.
"You're lucky. Anyone else and I'd have pulled my sword on them." Cloud said in a firm but soft manner as he approached the young teen.
Oates yelped as he swung round clearly not paying attention to his surroundings at all. His eyes went wide as Clouds sword was half unsheathed, eyes narrowed disapprovingly.
" hey Cloud, I was.. um... errrrm..."
"what?" Cloud didn't have patience for anyone anymore and what little he reserved for anyone who Aerith was connected to was beginning to be tested. He didn't like snooping, he didn't like thieves and he detested liars. Oates was a good kid but his body language was off.. Way off. "start talking Oates. I'm in no mood-"
Oates noticed the flowers Cloud held in his offhand and immediately looked ashamed. He sighed as he lifted his eyes back up defeatedly.
"Yuffie. Yuffie asked me if I could get inside the church for-"
"for materia." Cloud interjected. "you're looking for the keys right?" He smirked knowing full well the ninja, as skillful as she was, couldn't scale a stone building nor could break open the doors to the church. Cloud would've killed her for such an affront and she knew it.
"I am sorry Cloud..." is all Oates could offer as Cloud sheathed is sword with a satisfying click signifying it was secure.
"you're off the hook. This time. But if I catch you doing anything like this again..." he turned to Oates as he walked up to Fenrir and looked the kid in the eyes.
"I won't be so forgiving." he finished folding his arms looking at the boy with icicles in his eyes. All the boy could do was gulp and nod furiously. "wait here."
He laid the bouquets on top of Fenrir seat and walked towards the doors, with ease he lifted them ever so slightly taking the weight off their tired hinges and pulled them open. With a groan the solid mahogany doors opened at the church greeted Cloud with a breeze. She was here. Of course she was. It's why he moved in, leaving Tifa behind once and for all.
"Oates" Cloud's voice lacked the power he had moments ago but was loud enough to reach the boys ears. "Come on. What does she want?"
Cloud marched down the aisle, slight annoyance that he wasn't alone with her but Oates knew Aerith so he wasn't to upset. Oates looked around in wonder, be folk his gaze finally landed on the sleeping bag next to the flowerbed, the wooden box that doubled as a nightstand and the lamp that sat atop it. Cloud gently placed the lamp on the floor and undid the heavy padlock allowing it to drop on the ancient floorboards with an echoed thud. He lifted the heavy lid while turning to Oates for an answer.
"a comet materia." was the answer he received.
"comet materia? What the hell does she need that for?" Cloud snapped at Oates at the ridiculous notion that Yuffie believe a teenager could infiltrate a secure building and steal such a powerful materia so easily.
Cloud turned to Oates finally and noticed another figure skipping down the aisle. Cloud dropped the lid of the box unceremoniusly and it slammed shut with such force every floorboard shook underfoot. "get behind the altar Oates." Cloud ordered the boy who began running past Cloud. "and stay off the flowers" Oates ground to a halt at the base of the flowerbed and ran around them instead.
"ah-hah! Knew this would be where you lurking!" Yuffie as usual, completely unable to read a room.
Cloud shook his head once and placed his right foot behind him unsheathing his sword and letting the tip hit the floor with a boom. Yuffie eyes went wide at the idea of Cloud gutting her like a fish in an instant and her skipping stopped abruptly.
"wh- what are you doing?" she started backing away as Cloud began stalking her slowly. His eyes narrowed on her. His gait was even. If she attacked, he'd parry. If he attacked, she'd be screwed. Yuffie maybe the best in Wutai but compared to Cloud she was hopelessly out matched, even a Cloud as malnourished as this one.
Cloud stopped halfway down the aisles continuing to stare her down. "one chance. I'm giving you one. What the hell do you need comet for? And why did you get Oates to try and break in and get it for you?" Yuffie knew not to joke with Cloud when he was like this. He was almost as unhinged as at the temple of the ancients under Sephiroths control. Albeit a totally different but just as terrifying unhinged.
"its for me. My father still doesn't think I'm loyal to Wutai. Every time I bring a stronger materia back he waves it away. But a maxxed out Comet materia? No way he'll refuse that!"
Cloud glanced at the Guard Stick that was propped up behind the altar. "you know that's slotted into her staff." Cloud growled. "You wanted to take it out of her staff?" After her burial he picked up her staff along with her ribbon and tied it around his arm. The mako flared in his eyes A telltale sign his he'd reached his limit. "and the second question?"
"oh right... Well if I asked, you would have just said no." Yuffie whinced at the poor reason and knew Cloud may well dice her up any moment now. She offered a weak smile and a light chuckle at the swordsman. After a long moment Cloud sighed and sheathed his sword.
"Get out." was all he had to offer.
Oates raced out of the church as Yuffie watched the defeated swordsman stand in the aisle with his face cast downward, shoulders slumped, eyes closed. The sorrow practically eminated from him and her heart broke at the sight. What kind of friend was she to pull this crap? She started to move towards him as he stepped back. "Don't. Just... Go."
The normally noisy, outspoken teen was silenced and she glanced at Cloud one last time as she turned to leave and a loud squeak filled the hall as her eyes locked on to a young woman who appeared next to the altar. Sporting a flowy pink dress, brown locks and emerald eyes. Cloud's head shot up at the squeal seeing Yuffie's eyes wide and her hand covering her mouth, he pivoted to see what made Yuffie react like that.
Aerith.
Clouds jaw dropped as his eyes drank her in. She really was perfect. The cetra offered a small smile to her Wutaian friend before slowly closing the gap to Cloud fixing her gaze on his. She never said a word as her arms circled the mercenary and placed her head over his heart, smiling.
"it's been a while Cloud. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I haven't reached out to you. I've wanted to, gods, I've wanted to. But whenever I did, the pain. The pain I saw in you. It was too much." her voice soft, warm. He missed it so much. He missed her so much.
" I thought you left with Zack. Joined the lifestream? " Cloud asked bemusedly.
"Zack? Oh no! I saw him off to the lifestream but no. I came back. I thought I told you on the skywheel that I wanted to be with you, silly. So I am. I'm here Cloud." her voice was like music to him. A melody he loved so deeply but I hadn't heard for so long. A voice so soft, velvety and warm.
Yuffie had decided to noiselessly vacate the church by now and left the two of them to their embrace.
" I can... Feel you.. You're- you're warm." he muttered in disbelief before throwing his arms around her pulling her closer. Burying his face in her hair, kissing her cheek through the mass of locks.
She giggled at the sensation. "it takes a lot of strength for me to keep this up I'm afraid." Cloud recoiled at this admission.
"I'm sorry..." he shook his head but she latched back onto him like she'd been flapping away his complaints to her advances her whole life.
"Just hold me, silly. I'm always with you. You know that. I know you can feel my presence mister." she playfully leaned back and poked him in his bicep before frowning. Hard.
"Cloud, where's the rest of you? You're all muscle. Like, all of you. You're not eating. Why?" she scolded. Not playfully either.
"I'm tired Aerith." was all Cloud could muster as he looked away ashamed. It was all she needed to hear. She understood exactly what he meant.
She finally let him go and turned away from him, wiping a tear away. She continued "Oh Cloud. I've been waiting for you to visit. Come to me, I'm much stronger there. We can talk in length." she faced him once more with a knowing, solemn smile. "please?" she pleaded, cupping his jaw and cheek. Making his eyes meet hers as he nestled into her palm.
"okay..." he whispered before pulling her in and kissing her softly, effortlessly, naturally. Their eyes closed as they melted into each other before they finally parted and their foreheads met. They'd never kissed before yet it felt so... normal. Cloud didn't even register what he'd done until they parted and if Aerith noticed she only responded with a smile.
"I'll see you soon then, don't worry about getting there. I'll call a favor from Cid" the brunette grinned up at Cloud, her tone totally changed, he eyes were vivid emerald. Clear. Happy.
She had noticed.
"huh.." was all Cloud could offer at her idea. Of course, the Highwind. "would he even want to. He's always busy"
"like he's going to refuse me, silly" Aerith giggles echoed through the church and Cloud laughed with her. Nobody could refuse her and she knew it. "oh looky! Someone remembers how to laugh!" now she was positively beaming at him.
After finally calming down to a smile Cloud looked at her once more "only you could ever give me that joy. I don't think I've laughed since... Since I... lost you." his smile was faded and replaced with a somber look.
Aerith screamed internally for the almightiest of fuck ups but her strength was fading fast. She needed to return to the lifestream soon and a crushing sadness welled up in her.
She closed the gap one last time and planted her lips on his without hesitation. Parting for the last time she took a step back, "sorry Cloud. I have to go, my strength is fading. I need to rest. Cid will call you in the morning, be up and ready soldier!" she tried saving the situation and this time Cloud noticed. The two wasted no time it seemed in returning to their favored way of communication; unspoken gestures and mutual understanding.
"I'm not a soldier remember? Never was. Just a fraud." he stated bluntly but Aerith was always quick with a comeback.
"pfft like I care. You're MY SOLDIER. Always was, always will be. That won't ever change." she placed her hands behind her back and rocked on her heels kicking a leg out absentmindedly while looking at his feet.
"You really believe that?" Cloud watched her reaction like a hawk. Drinking in her beauty, her elegance, her emotions. Green lifestream particles started swirling around her. She was about to start fading any moment so she took his hands in hers and locked their fingers.
"I do. And I'm tired of you pretending you're not the man I just described. You are a survivor Cloud. Despite everything you've been through, despite the visions of my death, despite the fact I'm half Cetra, despite the fact I stupidly told you not to, you found the strength to love me. You came for me and took on what felt like the full weight of Shinra, storming their HQ no less. You broke free of Jenova control and caught me at the temple. I saw you disarm Sephiroth for me in the capital. I never cared about your rank or whatever you thought you was, I only cared about the real Cloud. You always protected me. You were always a SOLDIER to ME. My bodyguard, my best friend, my SOLDIER... My love. That will never change." her speech was defiant, yet warm, thoughtful and from the heart and for the first time Cloud felt like he wasn't losing himself but gaining something. Today he gained the knowledge she still walked by his side. He felt her lips for the first time, he held her for the first time in what felt like forever and now he heard who he was in her eyes and he felt lighter, he felt the beginnings of joy in his heart but it was coming to an end.
He could no longer feel her fingers in his, the lifestream was claiming her once more.
They gazed into each other's eyes has she faded, "ill see you soon... won't I Cloud?" brows knitted in concern, head cocked to one side, her voice laced with nerves.
"you will Aerith. I-... I love you." he finally mustered and her jaw went slack as her eyes started to fill up. Emotions two lifetimes in the making spilled down her cheeks as she beamed and the last vestiges of her visage faded until only her voice echoed through the church for the final time.
"Go to my mom's, eat Cloud and get some rest... and thankyou, I love you too."
and with that, Cloud was alone once more. Though not entirely, as her spirit stayed by his side, as always.
Cloud decided to take Aerith up on her offer and returned to the cottage knocking on the door. Elmyra opened it quickly and smiled with surprise at Cloud.
"oh, you're back!"
"hi, I've just had a visitor." his eyes met hers but for the first time in years Elmyra saw peace in him. It may not last but it's there for now and that could only mean one person came to him.
She swung the door open and offered him to come in. "I've just made a beef stew with dumplings. Aerith's favorite! Would you like some?"
Cloud couldn't help but smile at the older lady. Not a half hearted grin but a proper smile. One that Elmyra instantly knew Aerith gave him. She wondered once more what great power her little girl had over this young man but it was great indeed. It was love obviously. Three years after the fact and Cloud was as devoted as the day she returned to the planet. In a way, it was sad how he hadn't moved on one bit but his devotion to her never failed to leave Elmyra dumbstruck.
"i'd like that Elmyra, thankyou."
He sat at the table as Elmyra plated the food giving a more generous serving to Cloud. He couldn't help but comment on the smell of it as it wafted through the air. "it smells amazing!"
Elmyra chuckled at the young man before placing a glass of water in front of him and seating herself. "thankyou, Aerith would say the same thing each time I made it."
Clouds smile didn't fade but for a moment he felt a gentle, dainty hand grip his shoulder reassuringly and he tried not to lean his head or place his hand on top of hers in front of Elmyra and a whisper graced his ear, "thankyou". It wasn't a thankyou for her but a thankyou for him. That he heeded her words to look after himself better, to eat well and sleep in a comfortable bed for once.
"Elmyra... Would it... Would it be possible if I stayed here tonight?" Cloud looked away as he asked. Feeling like he would be out staying his welcome. Fortunately Elmyra came to think of Cloud like a son she never had. Sure, Barrett would visit with Marlene but there was something about Cloud. Maybe his connection to Aerith? Maybe the feel of protection he provides when he's near? She can't quite place it but the question he asked was a big step in the right direction for her and she knew exactly what to do.
With a big smile Elmyra chuckled to herself, "would it be possible? Of course my boy! I'd love it if you stayed. Honestly, I'm lonely. So company would be all the payment I'd ask for. Just an hour or two to chat, if you're up for it. After dinner I'll get her bed made for you." Cloud almost choked on his first mouthful at what he thought he heard her just say but after nearly dying to a coughing fit he regained his composure.
"her... bed? "
Elmyra sat back and folded her arms finally swallowing the mouthful she just had. "yes Cloud. You'll be staying in Aerith's room. Her bed is by far comfier than the guest one. Besides, it's what she'd want. It is what she wants. She told me if you came and needed a room that hers is yours. She also told me to let you snoop, to let you learn all about the Aerith you may not have had time to see during your travels. Aerith the bookworm for example." she chuckles quoting her little girl so nonchalantly.
Cloud goes absentminded for a moment before returning to himself with a faint smile. "thankyou. Both of you."