Chapter Text
After taking a pit-stop at a gas station for a bathroom break and some sweets and snacks to fill their tummies, the group headed back into their respective vehicles. Vincent and Yuffie rode in an old red truck (although Vincent preferred motorcycles). Never far ahead, in a blue van, Barret and Tifa were always in the front seats, taking turns every few hours to get some rest from driving for long hours, and bonding over the music on the radio. Meanwhile, Cloud, Aerith, and Red always sat together in the back. However, Red quickly noted that Cloud always left much more space beside him than he did between himself and Aerith.
Aerith was looking out the window, watching the leaves fall from the trees and whirl with the wind, licking on a refreshing popsicle, coming down to the last bite. She turned to Cloud eyeing her. “Do you want the rest?” It was a simple question with a simple answer but all he could think about was that her lips and tongue were on that same popsicle she was offering him. “Uh, no, I’m fine.” “Suit yourself”, she replied.
“How much time until the next stop?” Aerith asked Tifa, as she swallowed the last bite of her popsicle. “Not much time left! Just a few more hours, I think”, responded Tifa, reaching her hand into a bag of veggie chips. “So strap in and enjoy the view, the food, and the music”, she finished, turning up the radio. “Hmm, can I pick the music this time?” “Sure, just tell me when to stop!” Tifa shuffled through several music stations until Aerith excitedly gestured at her to stop. “This sounds nice! Let it play!” “Okay… although it sounds kind of depressing.” “I don’t know. I think it sounds pretty.” “Well, I agree, it’s just not the type of music to listen to when you’re worn out on the road…” Aerith gave her a pouty look and Tifa, incapable of letting her down, increased the volume of the dreamy love song perfect fit for the current beginning-of-Fall weather. “I guess it’s only fair you get to pick the music sometimes.” She said in defeat, watching the smile on Aerith’s face light up again.
A sudden thought popped into her head and Aerith quickly turned to Cloud. “Cloud, what kind of music do you like?” “I’m not sure. Never really listen to music.” “Me neither. I didn’t really get the chance to listen to music while I was locked up in Shinra…” Aerith noticed the expressions on everyone’s faces turn sour. “Sorry, didn’t mean to bring that up and spoil the mood.”
“You don’t have to apologize”, Cloud interjected, sounding offended for some reason. “You can talk about it with us. That’s what we’re here for.” “Yeah,” Tifa continued, “You never have to worry about ‘spoiling the mood’. You had a really hard life, we all did, and it’s okay to talk about it with us. That’s what friends are for.” Barret nodded aggressively in agreement. “I know, it’s just… Not exactly a subject I’m fond of.” Aerith mumbled.
Before Cloud could take her hand, she jumped up in her seat, clapped her hands together, and slapped on her usual cheery smile. “Anyway, what about we play a game? What kind of games can we play on the road? Hmm, let me see…”, Cloud audibly sighed. “You don’t have to do that either.” “Do what?” “Act like everything’s okay.” “Cloud, I appreciate your concern, but I’m perfectly fine.” “Are you? We barely broke you out of Shinra a few weeks ago. How can you be fine?” Aerith animatedly rolled her eyes. “You worry too much! That’s in the past now.” She slapped his arm, trying to make the act more believable, and Cloud dramatically threw his head back onto the seat in frustration, crossing his arms.
Tifa and Barret exchanged a look and silently agreed that silence was the best option to deal with the situation. Aerith wanted to add something else to liven up the atmosphere but instead she quietly hummed to the music, next to a grumpy Cloud, who clearly had more on his mind, and words left unsaid.
-
A part of Cloud regretted not continuing the conversation but there were some things he wasn’t brave enough to say out loud in front of Tifa and Barret or the rest of Avalanche. He started to catch on that whenever he was alone with Aerith, a different side of him would appear; one that caused him to let loose and confess his deepest, hidden thoughts, not without fear or hesitation, but he confessed them nonetheless. He doesn’t know what he would’ve said to her next but he knows he wouldn’t have let her continue to put on a facade. He would have done everything to break her out of it, even if it was just for a moment. More than anything, he cherished her smile, the sound of her laugh, but it would upset him when she used it as a mask, as a way to hide her true feelings and thoughts. The longer he thought about it, he became more aware it drew resemblance to his own behavior. Except his mask wasn’t a giddy smile but more like...No, that’s just who I am, another voice said in his head.
As he tossed those thoughts away, he noticed Aerith was dozing off, her mouth slightly parted, and her head was falling closer and closer to his shoulder. Warily, he placed his fingers gently on the side of her neck, and used his other hand to guide her forehead towards his shoulder blade. He steadily adjusted himself until she looked like she was in a comfortable position and put an arm around her shoulder to share his warmth, bringing her nearer, and sinking his nose into her hair to breathe in the flowery scent he grew more and more fond of as time passed.
Cloud, lost in the world he built for himself and Aerith, suddenly remembered the two of them weren’t alone. He nervously looked up to see Tifa and Barret staring at him from the corner of their eyes, while they were stopped at a red light. Barret had an annoying amused look on his face, with a cartoony raised eyebrow that he could spot over his sunglasses, while Tifa had more of a blank expression. Cloud, still holding onto Aerith, squirmed in his seat, trying to find his next words. “I–she was falling asleep. And she looked cold.”
Barret, without question, wanted to burst out in laughter and poke fun at him but he contained it, careful of not disturbing Aerith’s rest. “Mhmm, sure, Soldier boy. I’m sure you’re just being a good friend.” Tifa lightly chuckled at that. “Oh, this is nothing. You should’ve seen when I walked in on them yesterday morn–”, Cloud, in panic, grabbed onto the leather of the back of Tifa’s seat with his free hand, startling her. “Nothing happened! We just… accidentally fell asleep…”
Barret became very intrigued, but the red light turned green, and he put his foot back on the gas. Tifa, on the other hand, refused to let it go. “Nothing, huh? So you just accidentally fell asleep together in the same bed?” “I, uh… it’s…” Aerith began to rustle beside him, slowly lifting up her neck, and he carefully looked back down to face her, putting an end to his train of thought. “Mmm, Cloud?” She looked up at him, still groggy from her nap, his eyes and mouth were wide-open. At that moment, she realized her head was resting on his shoulder and she was snugly tucked beside him; the others were intently staring at them.
“Um, did I miss something?” Tifa began to move her lips, getting ready to fill Aerith in on the juicy conversation they were just having, but after Cloud anxiously shouted in protest, she shrugged and turned around in her seat, facing the road ahead of her again, not letting the outburst bother her. Aerith cocked an eyebrow at him. “Are you… sure?” “Yeah, it’s nothing. Did you get some sleep?” “Not really. I think I need more shut-eye time. See you on the other side.” She shifted away and rested her head against the window and hugged her arms, attempting to lull herself back to sleep, and fight the cold. Cloud was visibly disappointed, and even a little surprised, she didn’t use his arm as a pillow again but he didn’t dare to offer it to her, despite how much he wished to hold her close and keep her warm beside him.
-
“Hey, we’re here.” Cloud softly squeezed her shoulder, trying his best not to startle her. “Oh, we are? How long was I asleep?” “Not long. Just a little over an hour.” Aerith sat up straight and yawned, stretching her arms. Regardless of the short time of her nap, she felt well-rested and ready to tackle the rest of the day. She reached for the door handle when Cloud’s hand clumsily landed on top of hers. She giggled over the familiar situation they found themselves in. “Cloud, you know I can open doors by myself.” “Yeah, sorry”, he pulled away, meekly. “My timing isn’t the best.” “I’m just messing with you. I like it when you try to be thoughtful.” Cloud smiled shyly at her, partly feeling relieved she didn’t find his latest habits as frustrating as he did.
She stepped out of the car and Cloud followed behind her, waiting for Red to hop out and land on his paws, before he closed the door shut and looked ahead at the large, clear body of water before his eyes. Immediately, he noticed the soft texture underneath his feet. The sand felt cozy even through his chunky boots. “A beach, huh? I’ve only ever seen them on tv. This is… nice. No, way better than nice.” “You like it?” Cloud asked, taking interest in the glimmer in her eyes. “Yeah, I’m excited to get a closer look but first we need to check in.” “Well, at least this time we’re in a populated place, I’m sure there’ll be someone at the counter… and better food.” Tifa added. “True but I think having that place to ourselves was pretty great.” “Can’t say I disagree.” Cloud said, pondering over the private, intimate moments he shared with Aerith, that belonged to them and them alone. Catching himself mid-smile, he forcibly cleared his throat, and began heading towards the tropical themed hotels and shops in the distance.
Not far behind, Aerith noticed Tifa walking alone, after Barret went to chat with Vincent and Yuffie, and grabbed her arm. “Hey, remember that “date” we planned when we were lost in the sewers? I think this would be the perfect place for that! Look at all these shops!” “Yeah, you’re right! I see a lot of restaurants and bars ahead too. Would be fun to just let loose for once.” Aerith beamed at her response. “Agreed, let’s go! The faster we check in, the faster we can have some fun!” The girls ran ahead of Cloud, arm-in-arm, and sprinted towards the nearest hotel. Cloud watched them zoom past the crowds of people and felt content seeing the girls in a good mood. Though, there was a silly part of him that felt a tinge of jealousy over someone else being in Aerith’s company, wrapped in her arms, being the cause of her giddy laugh. They’re just friends, nothing more, he assured himself.
Abruptly, Cloud heard someone run up behind him and felt a hard slap on his shoulder. “Hey, whatcha thinkin’ about?“ Yuffie asked, lightheartedly. “Do you actually care?” “Hm, not really. Just making conversation.” Cloud snorted. “Well, you can go make conversation with someone else. Aerith and Tifa just headed inside that hotel over there, with the big pineapple sign. You can’t miss it.” “Thanks for letting me know! I’ll go catch up to them, see ya!” She ran directly in front of him and mockingly sent him a salute with a scrunched up nose, then headed off. Cloud shook his head, the beginning of a smile forming on his face over her goofiness. She reminded him a lot of Aerith, at times. He wondered whether that’s how she behaved when she was around Yuffie’s age but Cloud quickly threw away that thought, as if it was offensive to Aerith. Nah, I’m sure she was way less bratty, he thought.
Yuffie caught up to Tifa and Aerith inside the hotel, decorated with coconut shaped lights and faux palm trees at every corner. They were chatting with the receptionist, picking out their room, when she interrupted. “Hey, picking out a room without me?” “Oh, Yuffie, hey! Did you wanna share a room again?” “Of course! Actually that reminds me, where did you even sleep last time?” Aerith and Tifa exchanged a look. “Oh, uh, I just fell asleep on the couch downstairs!” Aerith exclaimed, nervously. “Hmm, really? Because I remember hearing you and Cloud together that night…just the two of you…” Aerith’s eyes widened, desperately wanting to put an end to this conversation, she cleared her throat and turned around, to face the receptionist. “Sorry about that! We’ll take any room available for three, please.” “No problem. Do two queen beds work?” “Yup! Perfect!” “Here are your keycards. Enjoy your stay.” After giving her most polite “thank you”, Aerith walked ahead of the girls and gestured for them to follow her. “Come on, let’s drop off our things and go exploring!” Yuffie and Tifa interchanged a quick look, both agreeing they had to bring up this topic again later, and silently followed Aerith into the elevator.
After Aerith, Tifa, and Yuffie dropped off their bags and admired the gorgeous view of the ocean from their suite, and changed into shoes more suitable for the beach, they raced back down to the elevator, ready to explore everything Costa del Sol had to offer them. As they descended back to the lobby and jogged towards the exit, hand-in-hand, like animated school girls, they stopped in place when they saw Cloud walking through the door. “Oh, uh, hey,” He said awkwardly, his attention clearly focused on Aerith. “Hey, Cloud”, she replied, noticing him carrying a pink bag in his hand similar to one she owned. “Um, is that mine?” She pointed out. “Oh, yea, I noticed you didn’t get all of your bags out of the car, so I went back and got it for you.” “Oh, I didn’t even notice. Thanks, Cloud.” “No problem.” He dubiously handed her the small messenger-looking bag, lightly brushing her fingers during the exchange.
Yuffie and Tifa slowly backed away from them as they realized they were enveloped in their own world again. Cloud massaged the back of his neck, hoping it would give him time to come up with something else to say to keep her from leaving. “So are you just checking in?” Aerith asked. “Yea. Barret and the others stopped for food so I’m getting our rooms.” “Aw, why didn’t you stay with them for awhile?” “Well, I guess, I just, I wanted to see you.” Aerith smirked at him and Cloud felt his chest collapse, registering the words he just said aloud. “I mean… because I had to give you your bag. And plus, someone has to check us in while there’s still rooms available.” “Hmm, right.” The joy in Aerith’s smile suddenly shifted to disappointment and Cloud immediately regretted rambling on.
“Well, we’re gonna check out some shops and restaurants. Do you wanna join?” “No, you guys have fun. I’ll just be in my room.” “Cloud, you shouldn’t be alone. Not in a place like this.” “It’s fine. I didn’t get any rest in the car so I’m just going to take a short nap.” “Okay, but, promise me you’ll join us later? Maybe get some drinks with us? I’m sure they’ll have some non-alcoholic drinks on the menu for Yuffie.” “Uh, yeah, sure. I’d like that.” Aerith smiled and squeezed his shoulder, before running along, and catching up with Yuffie and Tifa waiting outside. “Don’t sleep too long!” She shouted half-way out the door and then she disappeared into the busy crowd.
-
Cloud threw his keycard onto the table near the door and placed his Hardedge sword against the wall; his belt, gloves and shoulder pad hitting the floor after another, before he threw himself onto the bed, without acknowledging the view of the beach in front of him. There was a build-up of frustration inside him that he was finding impossible to contain…and she was the cause of it in almost every shape and form. The dreams, the visions, the headaches, the nightmares, the moments they shared, alone, in front of friends, the pulling, the pushing, the half-truths, the back-and-forth. Yesterday, she flirted with him endlessly, teased him until he was red in the face, and today she’s treating him more like a friend; including him in her world but at the same time keeping him at a distance.
He wanted to tell her he wanted to get drinks with her alone, go on a proper date, just the two of them with no one to interrupt, or get in between them, but as always, he lacked the courage she possessed. He concluded spending time with her, and just being in her presence, was better than being here alone, thinking about her, overanalyzing all her words and her little actions, replaying every interaction in his mind on loop. If he wasn’t thinking about her, then he was dreaming of her, worrying about her, wanting to be near her. She consumed his every waking thought. As much as he tried to focus on the mission ahead, he couldn’t get her out of his head.
Her green impressive eyes, her kind smile, her lips, the fragrance of her hair, the softness of her skin and the spark of her mere touch. She was like a sweet poison or drug. Deadly, intoxicating, but addicting. He couldn’t get enough of her; the desire consumed his lungs, stung his veins, turned his stomach, and made the most sensitive parts of his body quiver. Cloud curled his fists in frustration and leaped himself off the bed, heading for the bathroom; taking off his shirt and unzipping his pants along the way before stepping into the shower in exasperation. He needed the water to cool him down, wash away all his thoughts and temptations. He pressed his palms into the shower tile and rested his head against it, letting the water drip over his hair and back, taking deep breaths, fighting the throbbing sensation between his legs. I need to see her, he thought.
-
In a narrow street, opposite of the hotel, Tifa and Aerith were walking hand-in-hand while they snacked on corn dogs, tried samples of iced coffee, milk tea, and sweets in the most crowded parts of the food street. Yuffie was always running ahead of them, looking at the merchandise and screeching any time she saw a Moogle plushie. “You know, it kind of feels like we’re babysitting right now.” “I know right? It feels like a date but with a big kid.” Aerith giggled. “Well, since someone here is extremely eager, I think it’s time to go shopping.” “Yes! And then we can go try on swim-suits?” “Of course, I can’t wait to see what you pick out”, Aerith winked.
Tifa picked out a ruffled black two-piece swimsuit that complimented her figure while Yuffie went with a simple green one-piece suit. After paying for their suits, Aerith finally came out of the dressing room. “Whoa! You look amazing.” Tifa exclaimed. “Yeah, you think?” Aerith asked, turning around, letting them get a good look at her, as the skirt spun around her waist. “Mhmm. I bet Cloud is gonna love it.” Yuffie nodded at Tifa’s comment. “Guys, come on, we’re just friends.” “Sure, maybe for now, but there’s clearly something more going on between you two.” “Or maybe, we’re just really close…friends.” “Yeah, you’re not fooling anyone.”
Aerith sighed. She knew she wasn’t convincing anyone, she knew she wanted something more with Cloud but would it really be okay, when her best friend, someone who has shown nothing but kindness to her since they met, harbored the same feelings for him? Would it really be okay knowing her time with Cloud is running out? There was a part of her that wanted to make the best of the time they had left together but there was another part of her, deeper beneath the surface, that wanted to protect him from what is to come. No, the future isn't set in stone. Aerith swallowed the lump in her throat and released the air trapped in her chest, shifting the focus back to the original subject. “Anyway, so do you guys think I should go with this one?” “Definitely,” Tifa and Yuffie said in unison.
In their newly purchased swimsuits, they continued to browse the shops until they found the best shoes and accessories to pair with their swimsuits. “Well, I think it’s time to get those drinks with Cloud. We’ve left him alone for too long. Let’s see if he’s still in his hotel room.” Tifa and Yuffie stared at Aerith with an up-to-no-good expression on their faces. “Uh, what?” “Well, actually we were thinking of just heading to bed and hitting the beach in the morning when the sun is out. But I think you and Cloud should go get drinks together.” “What? No! We agreed to go together. All of us!” “What’s the issue? You’ve been alone with him before.” “I know but…it’s different now. If I’m alone with him now, then…” “Then…what?” “It’s nothing, the point is, you guys have to come.” “Sorry, we already decided! We’ll see you back at the hotel, bye!” Yuffie took Tifa by the arm and hauled her outside before Aerith could protest any further.
Refusing to let them get away, Aerith followed them out the door, trying to catch up to them, but they were already on the other side of the street, running through the crowds and passing by one oblivious spiky blonde haired boy that kept turning his head in search of someone. The sight of him pulled her closer, like a force outside of her control, and she stared at him from afar, waiting for him to turn around and meet her eyes. Finally, his eyes locked onto hers and he gazed at her, open-mouthed, and tongue-tied, as he took another step forward, closing the space between them. She was wearing a long pink skirt over her two-piece swimsuit and his eyes wandered back and forth between the cleavage of her breasts, her bare stomach, and the slit of her skirt that revealed the skin of her thighs.
“Aerith, you look…” “I look…?” “Great. You look great.” Aerith smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear; a habit of hers whenever she feels an uncontainable glee. She could get used to Cloud finishing his compliments. “I– I was looking for you and then I saw you in the crowd. It’s almost like… something always guides me to you.” Aerith stared at him in awe; an overwhelming feeling of endearment swirling in her stomach. “I get that feeling too sometimes.” He returned her smile in full and all the feelings she’s been suppressing tonight came fluttering back.
“You ready to get that drink?” She asked. “Yeah, but where’s Tifa and Yuffie? I thought we were all hanging out together.” “Oh yeah, about that, they headed back to the hotel, said they were feeling tired.” “Really? At 9pm?” “I know right. I guess I tired them out.” She said, guiltily. “So it’s just the two of us tonight. Is that okay?” “Yeah! Yeah, it’s more than okay.” He responded, a little too cheerfully, which didn’t get past Aerith.
“Come on, the bar I picked out is on the beach. Perfect for a date.” She winked, wrapping her arm around his, and resting her head on his shoulder as they walked side by side, listening to his heartbeat thumping at an alarming rate. She knew she was being selfish, she knew she should pull away, keep him at a distance (for his own good), but how could she, when she had everything she wanted in her fingertips?
-
“This is the spot! Nice, huh?” After letting go of his arm, she started spinning, waving her arms in the sky, showing off the night-time view of the ocean. But Cloud had more interest in another view in front of him. He silently admired the way Aerith’s smile looked underneath the orange lantern lights and how her skirt elegantly spun around her waist, fully expecting petals to start falling from the sky and whirl around her. She ran towards the booth; eager to order her drink. “Can I get a strawberry margarita?” Aerith asked the bartender, leaning over the bar; further exposing her breasts. Aerith tilted her head towards Cloud with a suggestive grin, and he questioned whether she was doing it on purpose. He was resting his elbow on the countertop and staring fixedly at her crevice; catching himself slightly, involuntarily open-mouthed.
Cloud cleared his throat and snapped his head in the opposite direction. “Cloud, what are you having?” Aerith asked. “Umm. I’ll have… a brandy.” He said without glancing back at her. “Coming right up”, said the bartender.
She seated herself next to him on an empty wooden stool and crossed her legs, letting the slit of her skirt slip; and unveiling her long smooth legs, and the brown sandals on her feet. Her hair was unbraided again, half-loose, and draping down her back–he noticed he liked it best this way. It took everything in him to not stare in wonder.
The bartender slipped their drinks in front of them but they were too absorbed in each other’s presence to take notice. “You know, I’m glad you’re here, Cloud. I was actually on my way to look for you but you found me instead.” “Yeah, I tend to do that.” He half-smiled in satisfaction, getting a giggle out of Aerith. “I’m glad I’m here too”, he continued. “And that it’s just the two of us.” “Mmm. Me too. Were you able to sleep earlier, at the hotel? You didn’t… have that dream again, did you?” Cloud awkwardly shifted in this seat. “No, I didn’t really try to sleep. I just relaxed, showered, ordered some room-service, and now I’m here.” “Room service? But I wanted to get dinner with you!” “Oh, well, don’t worry, I left enough room.” “You better have”, she said, wagging an eyebrow at him.
“You know, I felt bad leaving you alone earlier today.” “Nah, it’s fine. I’m used to being alone.” Aerith slapped his shoulder and showed him a pout. “Cloud, don’t say that! Now I can never leave your side again, after hearing that.” Cloud chuckled at that. “Is that a threat?” “Oh, you meanie!” Aerith rested her elbow on the counter and started tapping her chin with her finger. “Hmm, what was it you said that night, by the lake? That you like having me around more than anyone else? Was that it?” Cloud squirmed in his seat and took the first sip of his drink. “Uh, did I? Don’t remember.” Aerith gave him a piercing look. “Sure you don’t”, she said. Cloud took another sip, attempting to hide the smile peeking through the alcohol glass.
The pair grew silent and Aerith began playing with the straw in her drink while Cloud attentively observed her, trying to find the most natural way to bring up the question that’s been looming in his head. “Aerith?” “Hm?” She snapped up her head and looked straight at him, waiting for him to continue, but his momentary-found courage slipped away the moment their eyes met again. “Nevermind.” “What is it?” “I just…I was wondering…” Before he could continue, a shirtless brunette haired man with impressive muscles sat in the empty seat next to Aerith, taking her attention away from Cloud. “Hey, you’re a pretty girl. Can I buy you a drink?” Cloud clenched his cheeks and felt an unexplainable fury arise in him. “Um, actually I’m with someone else right now but thanks.” “Is he your boyfriend?” “Well, no, he’s just a friend.” Cloud pouted at that, feeling a lump form in this throat. He didn’t understand why her response upset him. It was the truth. They were just friends… nothing more, right?
“Well then, no reason I can’t buy you a drink?” “Sorry, I’m not interested.” “Well you haven’t given me a chance yet? How can you be sure?” Aerith looked extremely uncomfortable and Cloud’s disdain for the stranger grew thicker the longer he was in her presence. “Hey, she said she isn’t interested. Leave her alone.” “Cloud, it’s fine. We can just go somewhere else.” She took one last sip of her drink, got up from her seat, and Cloud closely followed behind her. “Cunt. All I wanted was a drink.” Cloud turned around with a scowl. “What the hell did you call her?” “What’s it to you? You always get this defensive over your ‘friends’?” “Maybe I just don’t like guys that can’t take “no” for an answer.”
Cloud’s patience ran out and he began to furiously charge at the stranger but Aerith grabbed his upper arm before he could catch up to him. “Cloud, stop! He’s not worth it.” Cloud, who was seconds away from exploding with rage, became hypnotized by her touch. She clutched his shoulder in both hands until he slowly lowered it. “Man, I’m out of here.” The man walked away and Cloud sourly squinted at him until he was out of sight. He turned around and focused on Aerith. “Sorry about that. That guy was an asshole.” “I can fight my own battles, you know.” “I know that. But still… you should’ve let me get in at least one hit.” “Cloud, if you punched him, he would’ve ended up in the morgue and you would’ve had another reason to be on the run. Trust me, I was saving you, not him.”
Cloud felt weirdly grateful. “Even when I think I’m the one protecting you, you’re always looking out for me.” “Yup. That’s how this works”, Aerith said, matter of factly, pointing a finger at him. “Come on, the night’s not over yet. Wanna sit by the ocean? Feel the sand on our feet?” “Oh, uh… if that’s what you want.” She tugged at his arm and led him away from the boardwalk, towards the fringes of the wet-sand and sat down; dragging him down with her. Cloud eyed her as she took off the sandals from her feet and sunk her toes into the sand as the waves from the ocean splashed on her skin. She stretched her arms behind her, dug her fingers into the sand, and threw her head back, gazing up at the stars. “This is nice”, she whispered, with a dreamy look of content on her face.
Cloud would have given her a response but he was too busy admiring her side-profile, the way her hair fluttered in the wind, how she was laid out in the sand—how her skirt was hugging only the top of her waist and the bottom of her bikini and her legs were completely uncovered. She looked wildly gorgeous and it filled him with a burning desire. Aerith felt his gaze on her and turned to face him. “See something you like?” Cloud quickly turned his head upwards. “Uh, yeah, the stars are nice.” “Mmm. Well if they’re so nice, why don’t you lay down with me? Get a better look at them?” Cloud was stunned at her request. “Come on. Don’t be shy.”
She patted the sand and motioned him to sit closer to her and he realized just how hard it is for him to ever say no to her. He scooted closer to her, stretched out his legs, and rested his head underneath his hands. “Not bad. The view.” “Mmm. It’s even better with good company.” Cloud smirked at that, and Aerith, unable to pass up the opportunity, shifted closer to him, and turned onto her side–changing his attention to her breasts being squeezed together. She poked at his shirt and started making circles on his chest with her finger. Turning wide-eyed, Cloud gasped at her touch and lifted himself up with his elbows.
“You know, Cloud. Usually, at a beach, men don’t wear shirts.” She giggled, the seductiveness of her voice making him shiver. “Is this your way of telling me you want to see me shirtless?” Aerith bit her lip. “Maybe. Would that be so bad?” “Sorry, you’ll have to buy me dinner first.” “Hmm, no fair. Not even a peek?” Cloud felt aroused and exasperated all at once. He hoisted himself up and hugged his knees. “Aerith, what are we doing?” “What do you mean?” “I mean… are we really just friends? Is that really all we are?” Aerith sat up with a guilty look on her face, unable to face him. “You say we’re just friends but then you tease me, flirt with me, and yesterday…I swear we almost kissed… I’m getting pretty mixed signals.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I won’t do it anymore.” He turned to her then, with a wounded look in his expression. “What? No, that’s not what I want you to say. I want you to say that you want something more than this… I want you to say that you see me as more than a friend.” “Cloud, I–can’t give you what you want.” “Then what have we been doing this whole time? Have you just been toying with me? Leading me on?” “No! It’s not like that.” “Then explain it to me.” An unendurable silence filled the air and Aerith stood on her feet and slipped on her sandals, hugging her arms, beginning to notice the cold breeze. “I’m sorry. This was a mistake. It’s late. We should head inside.” Set on making her escape, she turned on her heels but before she could get any further, Cloud was in front of her, towering over her, and clinging onto her wrist. His grip was harder, firmer than usual.
“Aerith… please… There’s something you’re not telling me. I can feel it.” She stared at his hand tightly wrapped around her skin; too guilt-ridden to meet his eyes. “If you knew the truth… you’d break.” “Give me more credit. I think I’m stronger than that.” She shook her head and used her free hand to remove his grip around her wrist. “Just trust me. It’s better if you don’t know. It’s better for the both of us if we just…remain friends.” Cloud felt his stomach sink and the confusion and sadness in his eyes suddenly turned into a cold piercing look. A part of him wanted to say something hurtful, so she’d feel the same anger and resentment he felt at the moment, but instead he walked past her, without a word, and didn’t turn back. Aerith was left standing alone in the cold; watching him slip away.