Title: Distinction

Summary: Cloud addresses the two people who mean the most to him.

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy belongs to Square Enix yada yada yada don't sue me : )

I promised you I'd be your bodyguard, protect you from harm.

I promised you I'd be your hero, come save you when you where in a bind.

Still I couldn't save you from him. I can still see it now, the blade slicing through you, swiftly, cleanly, in the blink of an eye.

But then he came. I can picture it vividly, his blade swinging across, striking you across your stomach, before I even knew what was going on.

You were smiling up at me, and then, you died in my arms; on that platform I cradled you, your face still smiling, like always.

On that platform, you lay in my arms. You were alive, but I was so scared you wouldn't make it. Then, when you saw it was me, despite everything, you smiled.

I remember holding you in that damned pool of water. It was so cold, but it didn't numb the pain. I think I was still in shock.

I remember later - another time. Holding you amongst those flowers in the church. So scared that once again I failed you. But you murmured, and I was so glad that you were okay.

I felt you there in the water, and you gave me strength to fight against the darkness.

I felt you there inside me, and you were my light, protecting me from the darkness.

For so long I thought I'd failed you. I couldn't bring myself to face it. I let you die.

I thought I wasn't fit to save you, because I couldn't save her. But I was wrong.

Aeris Gainsborough, will you forgive me?

Tifa Lockhart, will you marry me?