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"Come on Cloud, do you want to be late?" the brunette shouted from their spacious bedroom in the penthouse suite of the Gold Saucer. Kicking her feet off the edge of the bed impatiently.
Truly a home away from home the suite was incredible. Boasting the comfiest of super king size beds anyone could ask for, an ensuite kitchen-dinner and a marble bathroom. Complete with 360° views of the returning life that encroached on the desert surround the complex. After the Jenova crisis had been diverted, Sephiroth slain and the Mako reactors disabled, the lifestream returned in full force to the parched earth that dotted the continents.
The couple were shocked when Dio threw the keys at Aerith with a wink at Cloud telling them to keep them as thanks for saving the world and to "try the bed, it's incredibly comfy" . Aerith naturally went beet red and looked at everything around her except for the blond who could only mutter "kill me" as the gang broke into laughter at them.
That said, as opulent and resplendent as it was, it was a home... And a private home at that. After all, not many could boast that their first home was a multi million gil penthouse in the Gold Saucer. Alas, the pair began to fall in love with the gift more and more as Cloud found it incredibly secure and both found their happiest memories to be a few steps out of the doorway. In the following weeks since they all went their seperate ways Cloud and Aerith became undeniably inseparable. If you wanted to find one, look for the other. Aerith had found herself singing her signature song a few times, selling out in record times while Cloud naturally worked as her security detail but in reality they didn't have jobs. They would figure that out in the future.
With a frustrated huff Aerith marched to the bathroom and swung the door open only to find Cloud in a low hung bathrobe with a comb in his mouth, gel in his hair and a blank expression staring back at her as his body was turned to the mirror.
"You have got to be kidding me?" the Cetra burst out laughing as Cloud nonchalantly spat his comb into the sink.
"Nope, you know how long this takes me." Cloud turned back to the mirror as he applied the finishing touches to his immaculately styled hair.
Meanwhile Aerith hadn't noticed she was staring at his lower abs with her bottom lip firmly bitten.
"If you bite any harder you'll bleed." Cloud rolled his eyes as he grabbed his favorite pair of dark grey surf shorts and a pale blue cotton shirt. "Are you seriously gonna watch?" Cloud froze as Aerith's mouth curved in to a mischievous grin.
"Can I?" Aerith bounced on the balls of her feet, clasping her hands in joy before Cloud shut the idea down.
"Hell no." the bathroom door shut firmly in her face. All she could do was laugh at how easy it was to make Cloud flap. Sure they were intimate now but they still hadn't gone the whole way. Cloud always held back but he had explained a few times it was because he was still learning to be Cloud. The real Cloud. The one Aerith yearned for. The Cloud that lived in Nibelheim as a teenager. The Cloud who didn't expect danger around every corner. The Cloud who wasn't on bodyguard duty. The Cloud who could relax and enjoy Aerith's company in its entirety and he vowed he wouldn't go beyond cuddles and kisses until she had met the real Cloud, he felt it would be doing her a great disservice to touch her before he truly felt himself. To love her and become one before he had felt he was complete himself,but he was close. More and more did he learn to relax, trade banter and smile.
This was his idea after all. A holiday in Costa Del Sol. An escape from the craziness of life over the past month. An escape from their friends constant phone calls and Elmyra's permanent worry. Though the latter did make Cloud feel guilty, however, Elmyra entrusted Aerith to Cloud after finding out how seriously Cloud took his duties and his feelings for the young Cetra during their travels. Elmyra even apologised for her first words to him and thanked Cloud for being a man of his word.
Cloud emerged from the bathroom in black sandals, grey shorts and his cotton shirt with a rather large smile on his face at the sight of Aerith in her white knee length dress with red frills and straw hat. Aerith could only tilt her head in perplexion at his smile but he scooped her up with one hand by the waist and kissed her lightly. "Ready?"
"Y-yeah." Aerith stammered out as her cheeks lit up and Cloud held the front door open for her as he turned the last lights off and they departed for Costa Del Sol.
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The waves lapped gently as the couple walked on the edge of the water. The breeze gently caressing their arms as the cool water kissed their calves. It had been a few days and Cloud had finally began to let his guard down beyond his actions. Aerith had noticed little things like he'd relax in a chair and slouch backwards, he'd order alcohol for them or her personal favorite, he'd allow himself to be engrossed in shopping just long enough for Aerith to try and slip away. Her little game of hide and seek never lasted long though as Cloud seemed to have a sixth sense and could always seek her out like a homing missile.
Today however, Cloud was armed with a plan. As the couple lazily made their way to the end of the beach Cloud took her hand as they made their way up the steps to the main road. It was still early but that didn't deter the young blonde.
"So, have you ever ridden a motorcycle?" Cloud asked his companion who stopped dead in her tracks, wide eyed, strawberry smoothie halting it's progress up the straw.
"No... The thought kind of scar-... why you looking at me like that?"
Cloud's mischievous grin was apparant for everyone to see has he pulled her along. "You'll see."
"Oh no mister. I'm not moving until you tell me your plans!" Aerith stamped her foot as she continued sucking on her straw with furrowed brows.
In one move Cloud slid behind her and picked her up in a bridal carry with a loud yelp.
"Cloud! Put me down!" the Cetra giggled as Cloud began to laugh with her.
"Nope! We're here now anyway." after a few metres Cloud gently placed Aerith back on solid ground outside a dirt bike shop of all places.
"Oh hell no." Aerith's eyes nearly popped out of her head in fear but Cloud couldn't help but smile.
It became obvious rather quickly that Cloud booked a dirt bike in advance and Aerith's jaw began to hang in realization.
"Cloud strife making plans? Are you okay? You're not running a fever are you?" Aerith mocked as she began to rest the back of her hand on his forehead. "hmm, i think you are, we better get you back to the hotel!" Aerith tried her best to turn on her heels and race off but the mako enhanced super soldier was always going to be faster.
Gently grabbing her wrist, Cloud twirled her into his embrace. "Come on, you'll love it. Besides we've got a busy day." Cloud smirked as Aerith replied with wide eyes and a large gulp.
After grabbing the keys and checking the bike over himself Cloud hopped on and Aerith climbed on behind him, arms wrapped in a deathly grip around his waist.
" Trust me that much huh?" Cloud quipped.
"It's not that. I guess it's the fact there's no safety with a bike. You fall off and..." Aerith motioned with her hand in a cutthroat gesture.
"Then don't fall." Cloud retorted and quickly started the engine.
Before Aerith could protest Cloud was gunning it out of Costa Del Sol and along the sandy beach.
As Cloud reached intoxicating speeds Aerith began to wear a huge smile and Cloud could feel the joy pouring from behind him. He knew it was thanks to the adrenaline but he could tell when Aerith was faking joy and this wasn't one of those times. He decided to race off a few sand dunes and grab some air and Aerith couldn't help but scream the first time before slapping Cloud rather hard on his shoulder after landing but they both laughed it off.
After arriving at Costa Falls Cloud stopped the bike and looked back to a very flustered Aerith.
"Do you always ride like an idiot?" Aerith chided after finally catching her breath.
"I thought that was smooth." Cloud smirked.
"You sent us flying off a sand dune. Three times!" Aerith clapped back.
"Next time I'll send you into the sea." Cloud laughed.
Aerith didn't have a response to this new banter she had found with Cloud but she loved it almost as much as she loved him. Almost.
"I just thought it would be fun for you since you always got to watch me ride a motorcycle yet never got to try it yourself." Cloud admitted frankly.
"As much as I appreciate the sentiment, you were flying out of the Shinra building and fighting a tank. I'll pass thankyou very much." Aerith giggled.
"So no road trips then?" Aerith's face lit up when she realised Clouds plan to tour Gaia with her by his side and she threw her arms around his neck.
"Okay you win! When do we start!?" the Cetra exclaimed.
"When your mom allows it and when I have enough gil saved to buy the bike I want. It needs to be right for us." Cloud explained. "There is one I saw in Wutai that is just right but it's custom so... It'll be a while."
"Cloud... How much?" Aerith reeled her neck back to look Cloud in the eyes.
"Well... A few jobs-"
"How... Much?" Aerith's eyes narrowed.
"120,000gil..." Cloud avoided looking into her eyes.
"Sheesh, guess we're both doing overtime then." Aerith huffed at the figure but couldn't help but giggle as Clouds face lit up with joy.
"You're not mad?" Cloud was beaming at this point.
"How can I be? I'm alive, I'm with you. Here, making every moment matter, and with that motorcycle, the world is ours to explore. Think of all the memories Cloud. No, I'm not mad. I'm excited and thankful to have you." Aerith leaned forward and pressed her lips to his as they embraced each other with joy.
After a couple of hours had passed Cloud returned the dirt bike and the pair made their way over to the stables.
"Oh well hello lovebirds! I'm so happy to see you both again. Closer than ever it seems! " Yorda jumped with joy.
"Yorda, was it? How did the fashion showcase go?" Aerith asked eagerly.
"You two were amazing and thanks to you, the showcase was our best ever! I can't thankyou enough."
Suddenly a Chocobo in the first stable immediately got excited at the sight of Cloud and jumped around to get his attention.
Cloud and Aerith couldn't help but laugh at the commotion the poor bird made as a stable hand tried feeding her greens.
"I guess I have a rival to watch out for." Aerith threw her hands in the air shaking her head.
Leaning in Cloud simply said "Kweh" in the deepest, sultriest, huskiest voice he could muster in her ear and Aerith doubled over laughing.
"we'd like to take Kyma out for a few hours." Cloud finally answered Yorda who was to enthralled with watching Kyma excitedly run past her stable hand and up to Cloud, affectionately rubbing the side of her face to Clouds.
"You two are clearly acquainted better than just a walk on the beach. Come on, spill. What's your history?" the young girl was enamoured with the affection Cloud was getting. Sure, Kyma was a lovely girl to everyone but this was unprecedented for the tourist Chocobo to be attached to a customer. Even if he resembled a chocobo himself.
" Well... Cloud here is the current reigning world champion at the gold saucer and Kyma spent a lot of time on the track with him. Next to Piko, I think she has one less race under her belt." Aerith wasn't beyond showing Cloud and his achievements off to everyone and anyone who'd listen. Just as Cloud was beyond proud of Aerith, Aerith was just as prideful of him.
After bidding Yorda goodbye Cloud lifted Aerith onto Kyma before jumping on behind her.
"Cloud?" Aerith beamed at Cloud for keeping his word and even allowing Aerith to be upfront and steering. Cloud slipped his hands around Aerith's waist before kissing the top of her shoulder.
As the couple reached Clamshell beach they dismounted Kyma and strolled onto the platform towards the balcony.
Cloud stopped just short of the balcony before leaning forward, both arms stretched, hands on the rail with his head bowed. Clearly deep in thought.
"The air is so cool and crisp here and listen to all the tropical birds!" Aerith placed both hands on the railing and turned her face to the sun inhaling big breaths with closed eyes.
"I'd rather listen to you 'cawing' again." Cloud quipped as he pulled a flask of cold water out of his pack, handing it to Aerith.
"Hey I thought you liked my caw." Aerith pouted as she began to take a gulp.
"You got me." Cloud quietly walked behind her and snaked his arms around her tummy as he rested his head on hers. "Honestly? I'd rather listen to you talk all day." Cloud began quietly as his Cetra relaxed at his touch, melting into him with a long "hmmmm"
"Aerith I... When we were seperated, I was lost. For so long we travelled side by side, fought for each other and then... You were gone. I had the gang telling me... I buried you and I had Sephiroth telling me I let you die but.... But I had you visiting me every night, telling me you were real. I was so broken." Clouds voice was so low it vibrated through her back and sent tingles right up to her brain.
" Cloud... " the brunette soothed. He kissed her neck gently, lingering.
" It's okay. I know who I am now. You're here, you're alive, you're real. The thing is, I fell for you instantly. Your smile, your eyes, your personality. I've never met anyone like you. If I had lost you... I wouldn't have wanted to meet anyone else. I was always scared. Scared if I was crossing a line, scared if I was over thinking things. Scared if I misjudged your feelings... Scared of rejection. " Clouds voice became so soft Aerith might've fallen asleep if he wasn't so vulnerable.
Aerith turned in his arms and gasped as tears rolled down his face, his eyes closed trying his best to staunch the flood.
" While I was so caught up in being scared I never embraced the moment. Yes, I treasured every word we shared but I never embraced, you... And then the capital happened." Aerith listened intently as Cloud's feelings rushed forward like a torrent.
" I've always loved you Aerith. Once you were gone it hit me. We've lived another life and I couldn't save you then... I'm right aren't I?" the mercenary choked out. Aerith's own tears threatening to fall as she began to nod.
After a moment, Cloud collected himself as he looked beyond Aerith to the calm waves lapping on the shore.
" But this time I did. This time I saved you. "Cloud's voice became slightly firmer. Like a realization had hit him.
Glancing down he pulled her in for a tight cuddle kissing the top of her head and inhaling the strawberry scent of her shampoo.
"I understand now. For weeks there's been a big part of me I felt was missing. Something I couldn't figure out. Standing here with you, right now? I get it. I think I finally get it. The promised land isn't a place you can go to. It's a place in your heart. A place for someone elses soul to live. A part of them you take wherever you go and in turn it becomes a place in your head. A state of mind. A place you can go to and always find them there. Them, and all the joy that they bring." Cloud looked down and smiled. A genuine smile that lacked fear or pain. It was a full, loving, content smile. A peaceful smile.
" What are you saying? "Aerith popped her head up inquisitively and saw him for the first time. The real Cloud. The Cloud he's struggled for so long to become, for her. The Cloud who is emotionally naked, shedding every last piece of armor around his heart, the Cloud who let his feelings wash over her like a soft blanket, the Cloud who finally learned to let go aswell as embrace. The Cloud she had longed to meet for two lifetimes.
He was here and he was hers.
"Im saying I've found my promised land Aerith. I've found you."