This is from the ending credits in the Hollow Bastion Library, so it should be inferred that this is a Cloud and Aeris fic. Although, to me, it seems as if it's mostly from Cid's POV so far. If you're reading this, I take it you are familiar with the game. And as such, I've taken liberties to not bore you with needless reiterances of place names and weapons. You all know what they're called. =)

All readers feel free to review. This is my first fanfic, but I'm not asking for any special favors.

Revision: I have just beaten KH again and it has given me some inspiration. Yes, Squall is present in the library scene. However, he is still not from the FFVII world. =P But I have rewritten this to include him in it. This will actually add a delicious flavor of tension to the story. BWAHAHHAAHHAHHAHAHA!

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*** = Shift in PoV

' ' = Thoughts

[ ] = Cloud's Thoughts

" " = Dialogue

::: = Flashback

[ ] = Suggested Soundtrack

( ) = Disc – Track Number

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[Wandering Flame – Final Fantasy X OST (4-07)]

They were walking down the long and ornately decorated hallway, seemingly relaxed. Well, one of them. The taut muscles in the jaw of the shorter one betrayed his tension. Now that the Heartless had been removed from Hollow Bastion, Cid could leisurely look about. And he did, taking in the sights and reminiscing on the strange nostalgic feeling this place surfaced. But the silence was beginning to get to him. He knew Cloud had never been a talkative person, but he was the only other one outside of the library. And so Cid alleviated his nervousness by turning to Cloud.

At first, he spoke of what he had been up to during Cloud's absence. The excitement of having his own shop, building ships. How he was grateful he had a legitimate purpose here and how he loved the little Gummi. But they were no replacement for his pride and joy, Highwind, and he couldn't wait to get back and start her up again! Next he moved onto how he met the others and how they had banded together. And now he had progressed to how glad he was, how they ALL were, that Cloud was healthy and safe, and back with them.

'Walking with Cid towards the library is undoubtedly the most nerve-wracking thing that I've ever had to go through,' Cloud thought frantically, in another world altogether. 'What will I say!? Will I even be able to speak? More importantly, how can I face her? I'm so embarrassed and she's not even in front of me yet!' He hadn't really heard what Cid was saying, nor did he notice the abrupt ceasing of it. Cloud continued his worried speculating, unseeing eyes on the floor as they walked. He swore he could smell her from the moment he entered Hollow Bastion.

Cid had stopped his knowingly one-sided conversation and looked across at Cloud, taking in the boy's appearance and presence. 'Heh,' Cid laughed to himself. 'He's hardly a boy. Hell, he's a man in more ways than I am… Poor kid's been through so much. I can't honestly say I could've gone through what he did and come out as…well, any less fucked up than he is. But I can't help thinking otherwise. Shit, they're all kids to me.'

His appearance had not greatly changed. Still had that distinguishable wildly spiked blonde hair, but the arm…that was different. And he could not discern why it was adorned with that claw that so resembled Vincent's. Cid winced, pained by the remembrances of the others. Besides those found in Traverse Town, and the newly acquired Cloud, the fates of the others were unknown. Everyone knew the probable state, but that subject was taboo. Forcing his mind off the unwelcomed thoughts, he resumed his undressing of Cloud. The cape was mysterious as well, but more so than the claw. When questioned about either, he remained quiet and only a stern look was granted by way of an answer. The cape seemed more than show, however. It was the way Cloud acted when questioned about that in particular. His sudden defensiveness and unwillingness to divulge information on it made Cid suspect he was hiding something.

'But what could be so terrible that he would refuse me? Is it hiding something?' Knowing this line of pondering was useless, Cid gave it up. 'It will reveal itself in time, I suppose. But I never was a patient man,' he grinned.

They were drawing ever nearer to the end of the hall that led to the commons of the library. Unperturbed, Cid continued to study Cloud. The man was obviously stressed. The clenched fists, tight jaw, and narrowed eyes illustrated that plainly enough. But Cid knew the reason for the young man's predicament,

her. The mere mention of her name had always been more than enough to rouse Cloud from any frame of mind and cause him to focus with an insane intensity.

He had told him, of course. How could he not have? Everyone had known that she was special to Cloud, but her importance to him had been left to speculation. Most of the group had been rather certain he had loved her. But they could never say for sure, for Cloud never talked about his feelings, even to Tifa. Cid paused in his thinking to announce to Cloud, and noticed that he had momentarily snapped from his thoughts as well. "We're almost there, Cloud. Just up those stairs and through that door." 'Heh, I knew that would get him.' With a fading smile, Cid thought back to when they were reunited.

And unbeknownst to Cid, Cloud, too, thought back to what had brought this meeting to reality.

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[Where is This? – Kingdom Hearts OST (1-15)]

He had just arrived on this world, journeying here because it was rumored that Traverse Town was 'where people go to be found'. He had quickly moved off to the side so as to keep himself from being trampled by all the loading and unloading of passengers, scowling as he dodged many a wayward kid and occasional toy intent on tripping him on his way. As he stood by the large wooden doors in the shadows, he took in the scenery, trying to get a feel for this world's environment. There were people running, walking, and moving every which way. Carrying boxes, pulling carts and, in his opinion not enough children, and supplies with them.

He was trying to gather information on where he should go now that he was here. 'Who to talk to?' he thought.

As his surveillance of the town square came to focus on the huddling mass in the center, the occupying thought in his head was, 'What the hell are those!?' His scrutinizing of the unfamiliar beings twisted his face with a childish, confused expression. 'They almost look like bears. Little white bears. Only with a Carob nut on their head,' Cloud thought, not knowing what to make of them. 'They sure are animated.' An eyebrow arched at that. 'Who knew something so small could contain so much energy.' And that observance finished with Cloud's mood darkening. 'But then, Yuffie was always like that. Damnit! This place is my only good lead. I was told I would most assuredly find at least one person from my world here. If no one's here, I-…I don't know what I'll do.' With a subdued countenance in light of his reality, Cloud proceeded to the large group, in the hopes they could help him. And if not, perhaps direct him to where that help could be obtained.

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They were all so happy to have been reunited again! There was so much hugging and kuppo'ing going on that none of them were aware of the stranger's approach until a few of the young ones gave off several alarmed kuppo. And most of the blissful group remained ignorant until their loved ones were incased by darkness. Only then did they terminate their rejoicing and focus on what had disturbed the happy occasion.

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He was becoming quite desperate for information and wished to talk to the little 'bears' as soon as possible. Only when his shadow had eclipsed the bunch, and in startled silence had they turned to him, did he feel the slightest bit of guilt. He could see the young ones cowering behind any adult they could find. 'I must look horrifying.' He didn't want to intimidate them, they may hold back on whatever they could tell him. And he would take anything, now.

'This should help things,' Cloud mused as he started to squat before the gathering. Before he could reach a comfortable level with them, he was jolted slightly. Frowning, he reached over his right shoulder to grasp the hilt, and heard the deafening inhaling of bated breath. To put them more at ease, he looked away from them to the tip of his sword, adjusting it so it wouldn't keep him from going any lower. When finished, he returned his gaze to them and placed both hands in front of him and was pleased when they visibly relaxed.

He had all of the group's attention. 'Now would be a good time to ask, Cloud, before they get nervous again,' he berated himself.

"Excuse me," he cautiously addressed them. "I'm looking for someone. I was told this was the place to come. That this is where 'those who wished to be found go'. Is this true?" And try as he might, he could not keep the hope out of his voice.

Looking back at his collective brethren, Mog debated whether or not this fellow was dangerous. 'He seems genuine.' Nodding, Mog proceeded. "I suppose it's true in a way. Many people are gathering here to return to their worlds. Traverse Town has become a sort of docking station, kuppo."

Cloud hung his head in thought. 'Then it's very possible at least some of my comrades have gathered here. Perchance her as well…' Looking up to the creature that was acting as spokesperson, he asked, "Then is there somewhere I can go to find out who has arrived or departed, something like a registry, perhaps?"

Cloud sat there, waiting as patiently as he could for the little critter to answer his question, his eyes intently focused on the childish face before him.

With his head resting on his fist, Mog thought about whom could possible know such information. "Kuppo!" he exclaimed, throwing his stubby arms up. "Go to the Gummi shop! The man there knows much about the travels to and from here. He is helping move the immigrants around." Turning, he pointed behind him, Cloud's eyes following his movement. "Right up these steps, and to your left, and up the set of steps after the turn, is where you'll find him, kuppo!" And Mog nodded his head to encourage the man along.

Still looking to where the being had directed him, Cloud reminded himself to thank him. "Thank you," he said simply, and stood to be on his way.

The little moogle nodded by way of acknowledgement. Watching the stranger with his too-big sword. The little ones had long since come out to stare at him, and the braver ones followed him a few steps. A few came quickly wheeling back after the man had paused in his steps at the base of the stairs. Fearing that the man had misunderstood him, Mog uttered a reassurance. "It's just up those two sets of stairs. I'm sure what you seek can be answered there, kuppo!" Mog watched on as the man turned his head only as far as his shoulder and nodded. Mog cocked his head as the stranger did not advance right away. But soon enough, he was on the move again. Satisfied that he had helped, Mog turned back to his brood and clan members, everyone once again celebrating.

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[Friends in My Heart – Kingdom Hearts OST (2-06)]

As he left the happy crowd behind, Cloud could hear them resume their displays of affection. He focussed his attention to his current path. Turning the next corner, he ascended the second set of stairs. As he approached the top of them, the shop came into view. Really, it was nothing more than an alley's corner with makeshift counters. He watched the figure bent over across from him. All he could see of the man was a bit of blonde hair sticking up from behind the wooden…shelves? It was unclear what the man was doing, partly because he was facing away from him and partly because the containers shielded him. But the half-muffled curse that floated to his ears made Cloud's eyes grow wide and his feet stumble on the last step. Recovering from the bout of surprise, he advanced towards the visual barriers slowly, afraid to squander his hope. Peeking over the counter, Cloud inhaled sharply, shocked speechless.

'It's him. It's really him!' That thought filled his head and he closed his eyes, unable to bring himself to interrupt the over joyous reverie. 'Finally.' His selfish moment passing, Cloud decided to make his presence known. "I shoulda known a place like this is where you'd be found," he smirked.

Startled by the voice and the fact that he hadn't heard anyone approach and the familiar tenor sound, Cid lurched to see who it could be. But his first attempt to view him was abruptly ended when the top of his head connected with the bin he had been previously cleaning out. "Motherfucking--goddamn--short cases built for shitheaded little dwarves!@*&^!" he voiced as he rubbed his head free of the pain as he looked up. The grass he had been chewing immediately drifting to the ground. Cid reached over and grabbed the kid into a bear hug.

"Holy chocobo shit! How the hell did you get here!?!? I mean, you're here!" Cid had started to swing the kid back and forth, ecstatic to see him again.

Bracing himself with one hand on the counter, Cloud returned Cid's hug with one arm. "It's good to see you, too," he voiced, smiling slightly. He was amused to feel the tensing of Cid's shoulders when he returned the embrace. Cid was obviously shocked to see something like this from him. But the truth was, he had been alone for so long. He had missed his comrades' company so much, and he hadn't realized to what extent until coming face to face with Cid.

Pulling away from him, Cid held him at arms' length. "Damn, boy, it's good to see you. We were all worried about you. But we never stopped believing you were ok."

Puzzled, Cloud asked, "We? You've found the others?" Maybe Cid knew where everyone else was. Maybe he had been the only one missing. "Everyone?"

Noticing the look in Cloud's eye, he let him down as gently as he could. "Nah, not everyone." Frowning, Cid continued. "I've found as many that found their way here. Beyond that, who knows 'bout the others."

Dropping his arms, Cid turned back to his box. "Y'know, you got here just in time."

With his back to him, Cid didn't see the quirking of Cloud's suspicious eyebrow. "And just what do you mean by that? Do you have work for me to do, or something?" Cloud had made the group aware of his abilities long ago, and thought Cid needed him to carry something.

"What!? Make the savior of our world do menial labor? Never." All Cid got in response to his sarcasm was a snort. "I meant if you had been about fifteen minutes later, you would've missed me." This time Cloud's other eyebrow joined the previous one in a curious expression. "I was just packing up the last of my stuff. Made my final run about two hours ago, and now I'm off to join up with the others." Cid quickly glanced over his shoulder at Cloud. 'Hmpf, looking the other way. What's he thinking?'

Cloud spoke up. "So exactly how many are there if not all? Most of them?"

"Well, counting you and myself, four." Cid could hear the disbelief in the shocked puff of air Cloud let out.

"That's it!? That's only half the original group!" Cloud shouted, his mouth open and his eyes wide in anger. "…All the others were killed?" The sadness in his voice was clear.

He couldn't explain why, but for some reason Cloud's outburst had angered him slightly. "No! I told you that only those that found their way here are with me," he huffed. 'Maybe it's the thought of the others not existing anymore is what bothers me. And to have him say it so openly…hurts,' Cid reflected.

"Then not many have," Cloud sighed.

Finishing up his box, Cid turned 'round to Cloud again, taking in his downcast face. 'Shit. I wanted it to be a surprise, but it can't wait. I gotta tell 'im.' Cid shook his head a little, "Nah, it's not many and we haven't given up. But…" Cid looked to Cloud one more time, his face easing into a gentle expression and watching Cloud like a Zolom. "She's there."

Cloud's reaction was immediate. The stunned but painfully hopeful eyes bored into Cid. "She's---she's alive!" came the whispered exclamation. Cloud turned to the side in surprise, his fingers coming up to his mouth in thought. Facing Cid again, he asked, "Where? Where is 'there'?" Cloud's eyes were too pleading, he could feel it. But he didn't care. He just had to find out where she was. If she was close.

"It'll be alright, kid. I was on my way there. Just let me finish loading up and we can get going." Cid bent back down to get the last box and handed it to Cloud. "Here, take this to my ship. The faster I get everything loaded up, the sooner we can be on our way," he smiled at him.

Cloud nodded eagerly and started back the way he had come. Cid watched him go with a mischievous smirk until he paused at the bottom of the steps and turned back around.

"Um…. How do I know which ship is yours?" The expression on his face was both adorable and hilarious. He was so anxious to get going, but puzzled about how to go about the task.

Cid laughed to himself and shook his head. "I was wondering when you were gonna ask," and started to laugh louder as Cloud's embarrassment flushed across his features. "Just head back to the gate, you'll know which one's mine. And it's open. Just put the box next to the cockpit entrance and I'll place it where I want it later, 'k?" Smiling, he watched Cloud nod and hurry on his way. 'Sure, he may be 20-something, but he acts like such a kid at times.'

As soon as Cid was sure Cloud was well on his way, he ran around the counter and into the synthesizing shop. "Hey, guys, I need to use your phone-thingy!" And without waiting for a response, Cid quickly contacted his comrades. "Yuffie? You'll never guess who I just found!!!" And as he proceeded to tell her, he had to pull the phone away from his ear as Yuffie's squeal deafened all in range. He quickly told her they'd be there soon and left her to explain to the others who were present.

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[Beyond the Door – Kingdom Hearts OST (2-28)]

They had just climbed the stairs in the hall and now stood outside the entrance to the library. Cid stilled his hand on the doors' handles and asked of Cloud in a soft voice, "This is it. Are you ready?" Looking over at Cloud, he saw his nervous nod and heard his reply.

"As ready as I'll ever be. I've been waiting for this moment since she left," he said as he closed his eyes. "I've had plenty of time to prepare…" he sighed, opened his eyes and turned his head to peer at Cid. "I'm ready," he said in a voice that left no doubt.

Cid gave him a nod then turned the handle, and together they walked in.

[Need me]

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[Always on My Mind – Kingdom Hearts OST (2-29)]

[Need me, Aeris.]

The door had opened and both Aeris and Yuffie had ceased their talking, anxious to see Cloud after so long. Squall had contented himself with just watching them. While Yuffie was literally bouncing, Aeris looked like she was holding back from doing so as well, and Squall was intrigued to see whom this 'Cloud' was.

Cloud had been looking at Cid as they came through the door, as if Cid had been saying something to him. But what it was, Aeris couldn't tell. She had placed her hands behind her in her nervousness. She was smiling, elated to see him again, but she could feel her face trying to split when he suddenly looked up and made eye contact with her. Her blood rushing so quickly and her heart booming so loudly that she was sure everyone in the room could hear it.

[For while I have always wanted you…]

Cid had stopped a little ways into the room as Cloud had continued on to stand before Aeris. Everyone had become puzzled when he'd just stood there with his head bowed. That had not been the reaction they'd been expecting. But then again, they didn't really know what to expect from Cloud. He was always so reserved.

'You!!!' was Squall's overruling thought. 'This is Cloud? The one I fought alongside with at the Coliseum? I'm so sorry, Aeris. If I had known this was the man you two were always talking about, I would have brought him to you.'

[…it wasn't until I lost you that I realized…]

Aeris had playfully gone and ducked her head so she could see his face. But the smile slipped from her face when after a few moments Cloud remained that way, head bowed, eyes tightly shut, and hands clenched at his sides. Cid and Yuffie looked at each other, becoming worried by his actions. Squall merely watched on, puzzled as well. For this was not the frightening warrior who had bedeviled the ring.

[…I needed you.]

Cid mouthed to Yuffie, 'Is he crying?'

[So, please, Aeris, need me.]

Yuffie shook her head no and shrugged.

[Need me as I need you to.]

Aeris looked up at them quickly, her puzzlement mirrored on the others' faces. When they indicated they had no idea what Cloud was doing, she again ducked her head to see his face. When it remained unchanged, she placed her hand on the side of his face, "Cloud?" He had been acting strange since he'd come in.

As soon as she had touched him, his body had gone completely slack. His hand came up to hold hers on him as he moved his head against and into her hand. Cid's and Yuffie's shocked gasps joined Aeris's quiet one, as Squall's fights and chest tightened. He didn't like the feeling he was getting. And Cloud knew what they all thought. This was, after all, very out of character for him. But losing and being without her for so long had decimated every shred of pride he would've held for a situation such as this.

'Now's the time,' he urged himself. 'Witnesses be damned.' But soon it was just he and Aeris. And he proceeded to show her his feelings, much to everyone's amazement. He stopped his nuzzling of her hand and opened his eyes to look at her.

Aeris didn't know what to think. This was Cloud, but it wasn't. 'Cloud is never so…so…open.' As she continued to examine his face, she saw the oh-so-brief flash of vulnerability. 'Whatever he's about to say or do, he's very unsure of it.' But as he started to move, her thoughts died and she could only watch the scene unfold.

He positioned the hand holding hers so that he held it from the outside, his fingers curling around to have the tips resting in her palm. He moved his free one up to cup her cheek and smiled gently, not tainted by bitterness as his had always been, when her eyes widened slightly. 'She's surprised, but not alarmed…

Yoshi.' He stepped in close to her, moving confidently, and lowered his head to meet her lips, both their eyes closing when he did so.

Cid had long since moved to stand by Yuffie. She had a better vantage shot of what was going on, after all. This was totally unexpected and both their mouths fell open, eyes wider than materia orbs. They looked at each other and started high-fiving each other, sharing the same thought. 'Bought damned time!' No matter how important this was for Cloud and Aeris, they wouldn't miss this for anything. So they continued to watch the two's armorous display.

The moment their lips met was when the tightening of his chest became too much. Its pressure crushed the fragile heart inside as his fingernails bit into his palms and the hot, burning tears leaked from his eyes. 'No,' Squall mentally cried. 'NO! Not like this! I didn't know that's how it was… Just when I finally allow someone in again… It figures!' he finished, as his head jerked down to the right in pain.

Cloud mentally sighed in exquisite delight. 'Just like the petals of those flowers she loves so much.'

Cloud had been becoming more and more unsure of this course of action as Aeris just stood there. She had squeezed his hand, but somehow, he wanted more. The kiss was a little too…chaste for him. So to satisfy his own craving, and see if she felt the same about him, he moved his mouth on hers. Slowly, at first, to see if she would respond. And when she did, he moved constantly and rhythmically against her, squeezing his hands just slightly harder. In response, Aeris unconsciously moved closer to him, stopping when her breasts brushed against Cloud. His reaction to her touch had been an involuntary exhalation, and knowing she had caused that, Aeris blushed. But her embarrassment ended as Cloud's hand moved to just behind her head and pulled at her until they were flush.

Squall couldn't take it anymore. This was just twisting the blade in the flesh. He quickly left the sight of them. Hurrying up the steps, he collapsed in the chair at the desk above. Leaning his elbows on its top, he attempted to calm himself, wiping the few tears that had escaped. But the more he wiped away, the more that came. And before he could fight it, he's head had buried itself into his arms which had folded upon the desktop, and his racking sobs soon overtook any pretense of blocking it out as he became lost within his grief.

Cid himself was starting to get very abashed about this entire thing and quickly grabbed Yuffie and covered her eyes until he could drag her out of sight. Thankfully, she kept fairly quiet. 'Good. The brat doesn't wanna disturb 'em, either.' And while he toted her along behind a bookshelf, he whispered, "You're too young to see that crap."

'Damn,' Cid thought. 'He's definitely no boy if he knows how to kiss like that.'

Yuffie, to her credit, protested as loudly as she dared. "What are you talking about!? I'm not a kid! I'm sixteen, for crying out loud! I know kids younger than me that have done more than that!" she huffed.

"Besides, it wasn't like it was lewd or anything!"

"What!?!?" Cid exclaimed. "Lewd? You think that's nothing lewd? They were practically having sex standing up!!!"

Yuffie gave him a 'how can you say that' look. "Oh, shut up. You were enjoying it, too."

As Cid reddened up to his ears, Yuffie knew she had him. And who was she to pass up an opportunity to tease him? "Why you dirty old man. You were getting off on that weren't you?" With that said, she ran up to him and started poking him, teasing him with other similar comments until Cid had stopped uttering protests and stilled her hands.

He had become awfully subdued as he told her what he was thinking. "Nah, that's not it at all. It's just…I'm glad to see them finally together, y'know?" he said as he looked back the way they had come.

"It's like… Ah, shit, I dunno how I can put this without it sounding so corny, but it's true. They just belong together. I can't say why." Cid had let go of Yuffie and had started to pace. "I mean, I've tried to picture him with someone else, anybody else, but it just doesn't feel right. I'm not being very clear." Turning to Yuffie, he asked, "Get what I'm saying?"

The pleading in his eyes was all wrong for Cid, and it threw Yuffie off. 'He really means what he's saying.' Yuffie gave Cid a soft, understanding smile. "Yeah, you old fart, I know what you mean. He's never more relaxed than he is when he's with her." Her brief moment of maturity fled, and in its wake her mischeiviousness returned. "Now, whatta ya say we go check on 'em again?" Not waiting for his response, Yuffie scrambled over to the bookshelf edge. Moments later, Cid was peering around from above her head. Both had wondered briefly where Squall had gone to, but passed it off just as quickly as him wanting to give them privacy, as well.

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Cloud eased his lips from hers. If he was this out of breath, Aeris must be on the verge of fainting. His hand moved to the top and back of her head as she leaned against him and he his head against hers. Her hand came to up to rest on his chest as her right arm went under his shoulder to half hug him. For a few minutes, they just listened to the other trying to catch their breath. With his enhanced stamina, Cloud caught his first. 'That was better than I ever could have imagined.' He turned his head into her a little more, inhaling the perfume of her hair and spoke softly into her ear. "Stay with me, Aeris."

Aeris's soft eyes opened half way, and she kept her head in its place. The hand put upon his chest clutched lightly at his shirt as she listened to his words with hope's wings bruising the walls of her heart.

"Stay with me, and never leave again," he continued in that silent murmur colored with desperation.

Unsure of how to go about replying to him, Aeris settled for a teasing comment on which she wished to be true with every second more she thought on it. But she didn't know if things were that deep yet… "Why, Cloud Strife," she answered, her whispery voice quavering and her hand tightening even more around the cloth, "are you proposing?" She had started with a smile, but that had completely disappeared as she barely managed to finish the question. What had started out as a joke, had become a genuine question for her.

Cloud brushed his head against her again, and meaning every word of it, said to her, "If that's what it takes."

Her eyes widened and she looked up at Cloud. With his head support now gone, he let his hand fall to rest on her shoulder blade and returned her gaze. Aeris examined his face, trying to determine his seriousness. And like a little schoolgirl, she buried her head into his chest and nodded against him. Cloud bowed his head, cheek lying on the top of her head.

"Then will you marry me?" 'Strange,' Cloud thought, 'I had not planned for this situation. And I always thought I'd be more nervous when it came time for me to ask anyone this.' Then it struck him. He didn't know for sure what Aeris's reply would be. That guy was here, the one from the tournament. He had only swept his eyes across him briefly, for he was not a major concern. But he did notice that his attention was on Aeris. 'Perhaps I need to look out for him, or maybe it's too late? Please say there's nothing there.' And why was he here in the first place? He wasn't from their world. Pushing himself away from those thoughts, Cloud focused on Aeris's response. 'Ah, there's the nervousness I was expecting,' he swallowed to himself.

Grinning, Aeris lifted her head up, keeping her cheek against Cloud's as his head righted itself, and whispered into his ear. "As if you had to ask," she giggled, closing her eyes once more and sliding her cheek along his, coming around to kiss him. And she was delighted when Cloud met her and pressed closer.

"C'mon," he said, after pulling away. The relief he had felt at her statement was indescribable. He was now confident that nothing had transpired between those two in his absence. Wrapping his arm around her shoulder as they walked, he offered, "Let's find Cid and go back to someplace where I know what the hell is going on."

Aeris could only nod, lost in her newfound bliss. She was anxious to get back home, too. Home and not Traverse Town's sector three. They'd all be going back to their world and she and Cloud would have the same place to call 'home'. That thought made her almost deliriously happy and she giggled and rubbed her face against his chest.

Looking down because of her movement, Cloud laughed, "What are you doing?"

Still smiling, she said, "Nothing. I'm just happy."

"Good," he said simply. 'I'm glad I was finally able to do something right.' Cloud hugged her against him a little tighter. 'And for the first time in my life, I'm truly happy.' And together they went to locate Cid and Yuffie, both smiling…and wondering just when those two had left. Although it was cold of him and he knew it, he couldn't bring himself to care where the other man had gone. He didn't like the feeling he got when he thought of him…

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Notes*

I wrote this because I was tired of the lack of really well written stories out there. And also because there aren't nearly enough Cloud/Aeris ones. =\ I know in KH her name is Aerith, and while I find that one prettier, I kept the Aeris spelling because FFVII fans are familiar with that form.

I'm pretty happy with the way this turned out. Adding Squall (Leon) in is adding so much tension. I think it will actually better the story.

Those who have beaten the game know just when this carries on from the end movie. It's a subtle continuation, but one I felt appropriate.

Thanks for reading!