Something New

By: Riyuji

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy 7 or the game itself. It is owned by Squaresoft and some other parties that I am not aware of. I am not making any money out of this (though I wish I was ^_^); I'm only doing this for the fun of it and for the entertainment of others. Hope you enjoy it.

Author's Notes: I just wanted to write a story of what would happen if the cast studied together in some American school. So Cloud, Tifa, Aeris, Zack, Sephiroth, Reno, Yuffie, Elena are in the tenth grade. while Vincent, Barret (?), Reeve, Hojo, Jenova, Shera and Cid are teachers. I got bored so I placed three others and myself in the story! Riyuji Raptor Raicho, Kenji Kurashi, Kenaouru Katsu Kashiwa and Chase Levie!!! PLEASE REVIEW!

=-*-= Chapter 1: The New Kid =-*-=

A young man slowly walked on the sidewalk, shadowed by the branches and leaves of the trees. Sliding a hand through his spiky blonde hair, he looked up and faced his new school.

Cloud Strife was a new student to this school and being the new kid he thought he would have a hard time adjusting. He walked to the front of the school and slowly opened the door. As he was on his way in, a young girl with medium length, golden brown hair ran past him, nearly knocking him down. She turned back at him and shouted, "Sorry about that!" He stared at her as she ran to the back of the campus.

As Cloud opened the door he saw a boy leaning on the lockers, panting heavily. The boy slowly approached him. "Have you seen a girl run past? She was in a light blue blouse and was wearing baggy jeans?" Cloud nodded. The boy was about to ask another question but he just walked past him. "Thanks for nothing!" He heard the boy shout.

Cloud slid a hand to his pocket and took out a crumpled piece of paper. What was written on the paper his new daily school schedule. He glanced at the first class he had to attend. "English." he muttered as he shoved the paper into his pocket. He started to look for the room, going down the busy hallway, trying to avoid bumping anyone. He soon found himself lost, exactly two minutes after the bell rang. He had found no one else but himself in the long hall.

"I can't believe I'm gonna be late for the first day of class," A voice said from the other end of the hall. Not being aware of Cloud, she ran straight into him. The girl fell on her behind after the force of the crash. "Ouch! I'm sorry about that. I wasn't really looking where I was going.

"It's okay." Cloud bent down to help her gather her things. He handed her books back and asked, "Where's English class being held?" The girl stared into his ice blue eyes and opened her mouth to respond.

"You're in English too? That's also my first class. You seem new here. Why don't we just walk together? I'm Tifa Lockheart. Pleased to meet you." She extended her free hand to Cloud, smiling brightly at him.

He took her hand and gave it a firm shake. "Cloud Strife."

They walked together to English class, not minding if they were a little late. "Here we are," said Tifa as they reached the door. Cloud opened it for her and went inside after her.

"Miss Tifa Lockheart. I would usually expect a student to be early on the first day of class," said the low, cold voice of Professor Vincent Valentine. He had stood up from his table and stared at the girl.

"I'm so sorry, sir! I had to help a new student to the class." She moved slightly to reveal Cloud, who was a few steps behind her.

"I see. Cloud Strife, isn't it?" Vincent had his hands folded across his chest as he asked the question.

Cloud could feel himself perspiring, due to the many people who were staring at him at the moment. "Yes, sir," he replied, looking Vincent, eye- to-eye. His blue ones pierced his professor's crimson colored eyes.

"You and Miss Lockheart are excused but only for today. You may both take your seats." He turned his back to them and started writing notes on the black board.

Tifa saw her friend wave to her. She saw two vacant seats beside him. She grabbed Cloud's arm and whispered something into his ear. "You see those two vacant seats? Why don't we just sit there?" Cloud nodded and went along with Tifa to the chairs on the second row.

"Wow," muttered the boy. "I can't believe little Ms. Punctual is late for once, on the first day of classes too. I'm going to have such a field day," he said sarcastically as he threw his hand behind his chair, which he leaned on pushing it backward, trying to balance it on its two legs. He had a black cap that was placed on backwards, a few of his chocolate coloured bangs sticking out. His loose blue shirt had a black vest over it, which had edges that were ripped. His hands had black gloves covering it entirely. He had baggy cargo pants and a pair of sneakers on.

Tifa turned to face him. "I always thought you were the trouble-maker. It's a first time to see you prompt yourself. I'm surprised that you hadn't slept in again today. Could this really be a new change?" She had a smirk on her face and was giggling softly.

"Shut up!" He bent forward and leaned on the table, turning to Cloud. " So he's the new guy in town? What's your name again?" he asked.

Cloud wasn't sure he would answer him but Tifa reassured him with a smile. "It's Cloud. Cloud Strife."

"Catchy name, isn't it?" He eyed Cloud from head to toe. "By the looks of it, I think he'll be a hit with the ladies. I mean you did bump into Tifa. Tiffany Lockheart, the most desired female by any guy in school. She's really popular with the other guys." Tifa blushed after his statement. She had never been so flattered. He glanced at her and let out a soft laugh.

She turned to him, blushing furiously. She wasn't sure if she should punch him or thank him. "Why are you laughing all of a sudden?"

He was having fits of laughter but answered her, in between his moments of laughter. " I just love the look on your face after someone really flatters you." He stopped as he grabbed his handkerchief and placed it over his mouth. He stuffed it back into his pocket before saying, "I'm Riyuji 'Raptor' Raicho by the way. Nice to meetcha, Cloud. I hope we'll be close friend someday."

Cloud found Riyuji's middle name quite unusual. "Raptor? What's that for?" He asked almost silently trying not to upset Professor Valentine, yet again.

Riyuji was about to answer but Tifa placed her hand over his mouth and said, "That's what people call him when his on the field, playing baseball. Cloud, do you know how to play?" she asked out of curiosity.

Cloud nodded slightly. "I've had a few games before? Why do you ask?" As he looked at her, he felt warm and blissful inside. She never seemed to get tired of smiling. "I could stare at her forever," he thought.

"I'm just asking because I'm a big baseball fan."

"Will you guys quiet down." A boy with light brown hair stared at the three that were seated on his left. His lavender eyes penetrating those of the three. He turned to face front, and listened to the lecture.

"Yeah, sure Kenji. Whatever you say," said Riyuji as he laid the back of his head on his hands. He turned to Cloud and softly whispered to him. "Let me just say Kenji is the very intellectual type when it comes to classes."

Vincent had heard Riyuji whispering. He called his attention without turning to look at him. "Mister Raicho." Riyuji was startled as his professor called for him. "I advise you not to talking in the middle of my lecture." Vincent slowly turned to face Riyuji. "I would also like to ask you to take your cap off. You should obey the school rules." He turned back to face the blackboard.

Riyuji pulled his cap off and mocked Professor Valentine. "Man, you sure remind me of Alan Rickman in that HP movie," he grumbled. He folded his arms across his chest and did a mock Snape imitation, Vincent Valentine style. "I can teach you to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses," he said in a low voice. Tifa started chuckling as she heard him. "I will teach you how to brew fame, bottle glory and even put a stopper to death." He made a few hand gestures before making a face at Professor Valentine. Tifa tried to stifle her laughter after Riyuji finished.

"Head to the Principal's office, Mister Raicho," voiced the low utterance of Vincent. He had always had a good sense of hearing.

"What?" shouted Riyuji, standing swiftly, causing the chair to fall. He took a glance at his watch and back at the raven-haired professor. "I can't I'm already being sent. I mean like, it's only nine fifteen!"

"Leave the vicinity of the classroom now, Mister Raicho."

Riyuji kicked the chair before shoving his hands into the pockets of his pants. "I can't believe this. This must be a new record for me," he murmured, slowly walking out of the classroom. Tifa and Cloud couldn't help but feel slightly sorry for him.

The remaining minutes of English went smoothly until Riyuji walked in and trudged back to his seat. He didn't talk to anyone until the end of class, which worried Tifa a tad bit because he had never acted like this in the past.

As English class ended everyone went to their next class. Cloud took another glimpse at his schedule. Physical Education was next on the list. He walked to Tifa, who was gathering her belongings, and tapped her lightly on the shoulder. "Hey Tifa. Where's the field? Physical Education is my next class."

"I have Math next. After you reach the door turn left, turn right after you see the second drinking fountain. I'll see you later!" She grabbed her backpack and walked out of the classroom. Cloud eyed her until she left the room. Cloud felt someone nudge his side. When he turned he found Riyuji staring at him with a lopsided grin on his face.

"You like her doncha?" he suddenly blurted out. His grin grew wider as he saw the expression on Cloud's face.

Cloud's cheeks flushed a light shade of pink after Riyuji got to the topic. "W-w-wh-what are you talking about?" He started. "I mean, like, I've just only met her!!!" The exaggerated look on his face made Riyuji chuckle.

"I'm talking about love at first sight. By the way you're talking I have to say you're quite guilty. I have to add that look on your face tells me everything I need to know," Riyuji said with a mischievous sound in his voice. "I don't blame you either way. Tifa has gotten a lot of admirers ever since she started studying here."

Cloud's expression changed into a smile. "Let me guess. You also have a crush on her, right?"

"Me? Have a crush on her? Nah. Yeah, sure! I have to say that I like her but only as a friend." He smiled and flashed a peace sign to Cloud. He saw his friends, Chase and Kenaouru, standing outside the door, waiting for him. "See ya later Cloud!" He gave Cloud a pat on the back and ran to the door.

Cloud stood there for a while, deep in thought. "Do I like her?" he asked himself. He shook his head, as if waking him self up from a nightmare. "Yeah, right! That day will be the day!" He grabbed his knapsack and headed out onto the field.