DISCLAIMER: I do not own Final Fantasy VII. Although I wish I did!
This takes place after the events of Advent Children - just so you know.
FLOWER GIRL'S DIARY
Cloud opened his glowing blue green eyes to a field of gold and pearl colored flowers. He glanced around at the surreal surroundings. The scenery was utterly breathtaking. It seemed like an endless dimension of pure beauty and the air was perfectly crisp and clear. Cloud's dreary, dark attire clashed with the serene and natural landscape. He ran a rough hand through his spiky blond hair in confusion. Although he felt so foreign and out of place there, he sensed this place was familiar in a way.
'I've been here before...' he pondered to himself.
"Cloud–" Before he could have another thought, an angelic voice whispered his name from behind. Cloud could see out of the corner of his eye that a bright pink bow protruded from behind. It appeared to be holding cascades of long brunette hair that was laced in a simple braid.
'Her voice. This is her...' he thought again. He remembered when he was there before. He wanted to look at her - feel her - once again, but at that time he had been unsure and afraid. Now he knew he wasn't alone. He was ready as ever to face her.
"Aerith." He turned around slowly, nervous yet yearning to be with her again. She turned with him. They were now face to face - her looking up, him looking down. She was a slender and delicate looking girl. Her vivid eyes that showed a strong caring looked deeply into him. Aerith looked at him quizzically with a bright, innocent smile on her lips. Her bangles clanked softly together as she moved her gentle hands onto his face.
"So, you've come again? Hmm? Why this time?" she asked in a playful tone as she raisedhis head.
Cloud missed her touch. She was so warm here. It felt so strange to him. Nonetheless, he looked into her glowing emerald eyes and felt the same happiness he felt before the hardships - when he was with her.
"I..." he started, "I...wanted to see you again." he said weakly.
Aerith searched his expression. He had that look in his eyes - the look of guilt. She could tell more than anyone that he hadn't let go of any of it.
"Cloud, why do you still hide it?" Aerith asked in wonder.
Cloud turned his gaze back to the ground. He knew exactly what she was talking about. She had told him to do the forgiving, but how could he? He was supposed to be her bodyguard. He was supposed to protect her at all costs. He failed crucially.
"Maybe it's because I haven't had the courage to face myself..." he answered truthfully. Something like that coming from Cloud was shocking to hear. Cloud never seemed phased by anything. But now he seemed impacted by everything. Aerith grabbed Cloud's hands into hers. She moved closer toward him as he stood there frozen at her actions.
Aerith smiled lightly. "Is that so?" she asked, perplexed. She put his hands together, still embraced by hers. "Then you are not the Cloud I know..." she said teasingly.
Cloud couldn't help but stare wide-eyed at her. They had been apart for so long, he had missed experiencing how optimistic and comforting she truly was.Knowing this made him feel...happier.
"I have a question," she asked him, baffled, "Why do you think you feel this way?"
Cloud looked up at her again. It felt so dreamlike, being with heragain. He knew precisely what was driving him to be that way. He couldn't hide it any longer. He loved Aerith dearly. He had not had the chance to express it before, but it was now that he did or literally never again.
He took his hands from hers and pulled her into a sudden embrace. Her pastel pink dress fluttered as she fell gracefully into his arms. Aerith looked up at him, leaning slightly against his tall, stable frame with her eyes fully open in surprise.
"Cloud?" she asked softly. Cloud lowered his head down to her face, just inches away.
"It's because I love you." he replied. His eyes grew soft as Aerith smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I never blamed you, Cloud. Stop blaming yourself." she assured him genuinely.
Cloud smiled, something he had not done in the longest time. He closed his eyes as he leaned in more, closing the gap between their faces. Although Aerith saw this coming she didn't stop him - she didn't want to. At that moment he enveloped her into a blissful, timeless kiss. After several moments, Cloud pulled away from the sweet kiss as Aerith hugged him closely.
"I wish I could be with you." Cloud spoke earnestly.
Aerith gave him a heartfelt look and gave him a sincere smile before speaking"But Cloud, you can–– " she said devoutly before all of her words were cut off.
Cloud's eyes shot open as morning light shined through the windows of the church.
". . . ." Cloud was speechless about what hadjust happened. Was it all a dream? How could it be when he was standing right there next to her? Cloud was dumbfounded as his mind roamed. He swore he still tasted her on his lips. Then it hit Cloud – she didn't finish what she was going to say! What did she mean he could? There was more she was going to say...but what? Just then, Cloud's cell phone started to ring.
-For all of those who read this chapter already and are thinking that it looks different - do not worry, your eyes do not fool you!
I am doing quite a bit of revisions to previous and future chapters with the help of Alekos Vahen. I thank him tons for it!