Silent Night

Aerith’s eyes fluttered open, a small frown creasing her brow as her sleep-fogged mind as she tried to figure out exactly what had awoken her. The answer came within seconds. She turned and glared at her blonde lover as he lay beside her, face mashed against the pillow and snoring.

Se puffed out an annoyed breath and lay still for a moment. It wasn’t the first time Cloud had woken her up. He snored quite a lot and it drove her mad, especially when she had to get up early for work in the morning. As if to spite her thoughts, his snoring got a little louder.

“That’s it,” she muttered as she moved her leg and delivered a swift kick to his shin. He grunted and sat up instantly, his eyes staring around in a half-dazed state. They fell on Aerith, who was lying perfectly still as she pretended to be asleep. It took all her willpower not to snigger.

Cloud scowled for a moment, annoyed that he had been disturbed from his pleasant sleep. Eventually, he sighed and settled back down on the pillow. “I wish you’d stop kicking in your sleep,” he muttered.

“Only if you stop snoring dear,” she replied, snuggling against her pillow as she felt sleep take her again. Cloud didn’t answer. At first she thought he was sulking but after a moment the slow steady rhythm of his snores filled the room again. Aerith’s eyes snapped open.

“For the love of Gaia!” she cried, waking Cloud from his sleep again. He blinked as he turned his head in time to see her getting up and grabbing her dressing gown.

“Where are you going?” he asked, raising himself up a little. Aerith pushed her feet into her slippers and glared at him.

“The couch,” she replied. “At least there I won’t feel like I’m sleeping next to your motorbike.” Cloud blinked again at the words but his brain was too tired to think about the meaning and he just collapsed on the bed again.

And in the morning, he wondered why Yuffie was there. To which, Aerith responded with a smile.

“See how you like it darling.”

Thanks Catie-Cat for the idea! So, this one’s number five. Six will be up soon. I’m aiming for 10. I may do more but 10 is the number just now. It’s nice and even.