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Cloud was walking down the stairs of Seventh heaven and it was night. He looks up to the sky and of course, just another mako lamp with the plates blocking out the sun. He sighs as he sits down on the steps of Seventh heaven. Tifa, Aerith and Barret were inside talking about whatever inside. He didn't pay attention much as he was easily able to slip out. As per usual, he's left out. Even in simple conversation, he's left out. But it's not the first or last time he's left out. Tifa has always left him behind back in their childhood. He leans back as he reminisces the thoughts of what Tifa and him did when they were children. Of course they had their chit-chat on the water tower but when it came to truly hanging out? He was left behind by her so that she could hang out with other friends. It wouldn't have bothered him but she never bothered to think about inviting him. He sighs as he shakes his head about it as he looks to the side of him. When he did however, something caught his eye. He looks down at the step and there it was. A black feather. He sighs as he grabs it, leaning forward in his seat.
"Hello Sephiroth."
"Strife. What are you doing here?"
"I could be asking the same about you."
"I'm here for a person. Shouldn't you be inside?"
"I thought you were dead."
"It's honestly really easy to fake your death when you have to."
"...Noted."
Aerith was giggling as she steps out. Cloud looks behind him as he sees Aerith, who was closing the door. Cloud had..a soft smile. She may never know it but she makes it all worth the while of living for him. Between the smiles, the emerald eyes, her stubbornness, he's not quite sure himself but it captures him. Aerith looks at Sephiroth as she gasps with a smile.
"Sephiroth?! Where have you been?!"
"Hiding. But you should know that by now."
Aerith laughs as she runs to him hugging him tightly. Sephiroth grunts a bit but he sighs hugging her in return. Cloud looks at them hugging having a whole confused look on his face. Aerith and Sephiroth look at him and then back at each other.
"Should you explain? Or I should?"
"Eh, I'll explain."
Aerith lets go of Sephiroth, but kept on holding his hand as she smiles at Cloud.
"So, meet my brother! Sephiroth!"
"...Brother? Since when?"
"Since..forever? I know, I haven't told a soul but it was for safety reasons. I trust you however! So that's why I told you!"
"And also hug me in front of him."
"That too!"
Cloud chuckles a bit as he nods his head, leaning back in his seat, sighing. Aerith tilts her head a bit as she lets go of Sephiroth's hand, walking over to Cloud as she sits down next to him. She looks at him with a curious and concerned look.
"What's wrong Cloud?"
"..Nothing.."
"Cloud, don't lie to me. I know it's not nothing. You wouldn't be looking away from me."
Cloud sighs as he looks at her in her eyes. Aerith looks at him as she grabs his hand, still keeping the eye contact.
"What's happening in the world of Cloud?"
"...Do you find boring?"
"Well that surely came out of left field. No, why do you ask?"
"...No reason. Nevermind."
Aerith glances at Sephiroth, giving him the look of Go inside, private moment time. Sephiroth was quickly walking inside as he got that look from Aerith. Aerith looks back at Cloud as she drops her voice to a whisper for only him to hear.
"What's going on in the world of Cloud for you to ask me that question?"
"...I..don't want to be inside. It feels like..when I was a child."
"What happened when you were a child?"
"I was left behind in short..Never invited out anywhere. Never talked with other kids..that kind of stuff and...seeing you guys have fun and I'm not included it just.."
Aerith hugs him tightly. Cloud's eyes widen as then it quickly dimmed, slowly hugging Aerith in return. Aerith keeping that same tone of voice.
"...I would never forget you. After all..you're my body guard, my friend, my first friend ever since you fell through that church ceiling. I would never forget you or not include you..Okay Sunflower?"
Cloud was tearing up at this point, not sure of what to say as he nods his head, holding onto her a bit tighter as he buries his face into her chest. Aerith hums softly, accepting it all as Cloud was silent. Aerith stopped humming for a moment as she kisses the top of his head. Cloud pulls back for a moment and looks at Aerith. He had silent tears running down his cheeks. Aerith kisses his forehead gently. Whispering to him,
"We'll stay out here until you feel better. Okay? I won't go anywhere."
Cloud nods his head as he was silent as he buries his face back into her chest, so nobody else sees his current state.
"It's okay Sunflower..It's all okay.."
Cloud could only manage to whisper back to her without his voice breaking,
"Thank you..Aerith.."
"Hey..Don't mention it. Okay?"
"I..I know but..I have..a question for you Aerith.."
Cloud pulls back as he looks at her. Aerith tilts her head as she looks at him.
"What is it Cloud?"
"...Remember the date offer you gave me before?"
"That? Yeah? What about it?"
"..Can we have another one?"
"...W..What are you saying Cloud?"
"Not..quite sure.. but..I don't want you to leave my side. That I know..Sorry if I'm bad at words.."
Aerith looks at him as she had a soft smile on her face. She nods her head as she kisses his forehead once more.
"I think I get it. I promise I won't leave your side."
Cloud looks at her and he held onto her tighter as he had a soft smile on his face. He nods his head. Aerith ruffles his hair as she giggles.
"Look at you, my little Sunflower..Hello Sunflower!"
Cloud looks at her as he chuckles softly.
"Hello Flower girl.."
"I love you, my little Sunflower!"
Cloud looks at her as he had a genuine smile for once.
"I...love you too Flower Girl.."