One Minute After Midnight

Oneshot

Disclaimer - I own absolutely nothing from Final Fantasy 7. Technically I do kinda own the twins in the story, but that’s it.

Authoress’ Note: I woke up at exactly 12:01 with this idea, therefore that became the official title and everything. This was VERY random, but I love it anyways! It’s a short drabble. One of those things that looked a lot longer on paper than in the word document. Hope ya like it!

He had barely glanced at his well-worn watch as he treaded up the steps to see the one he cared for most. The time had been exactly 12:01 A.M. by it’s reckoning. He often wondered if that one minute could have made all the difference in the world; if he would still be looking in her bright green eyes had they only arrived at midnight.

He had watched helplessly and miserably as the sword of his sworn enemy had plunged through her heart, staining her trademark pink dress with her precious lifeblood. It was a weight he had carried in his own chest for many years.

Now, ten years later, his looked at his same watch. He held tightly to the hands of his twin son and daughter, standing in the same spot in that fallen city as he had on that faithful day. It was nostalgic, really, when he thought about it.

The little blond haired girl with eyes somewhat akin to rubies and a smile like an angel spoke to him as her mother lay flowers on the ground, “Papa, what time is it?”

Cloud Strife looks at Tifa with a sad smile before kneeling down to address the tired 3-year-old. “It’s exactly one minute after midnight, Aerith.”