Journey Through Life
"Ladies and gentlemen, with only five seconds left in the final preseason game, the Shinra Soldiers only have time for one last play. With twenty yards to go, what will they do. That answer is obvious, what coach wouldn't pass the ball when they have the dynamic duo of Zack Fair and Cloud strife."
"LISTEN UP!" Barrett yelled. "We only have time for one play, we cannot fuck this up ya hear. Four verticals ya hear. We are changing things up this time. Cloud, you aren't in slot anymore, I want you solo on the left side, Zack you are gonna scramble outta the pocket and I want you to fake a lob pass to the other side. DO IT TWICE! Once the defense is thrown off, hit Cloud, we ain't goin out this game like some fucking pansies. If Cloud is double teamed, hand it off to Biggs." He stopped talking for a moment, the atmosphere was sharp enough to cut through trees. "Remember its only preseason, don't do something stupid in front of the scouts. Soldiers on me, Soldiers on three. ONE. TWO. THREE. SOLDIERS"
And with that said, the offense started heading to the field and got into positions. Before Cloud could get to his spot on the offense, Zack stopped him.
"Yo, man. We fucking got this. The scouts are looking out for us. We gotta show that we ain't second place to no one. If we win this preseason game, we can beat anyone. Keep your head up, your moms looking out for you." Cloud didn't say anything, but he gave him one of his rare smirks.
With everyone lined up and the play time ticking down, silence filled the stadium. The cornerback guarding Cloud played up on him, staring Cloud right in the eyes trying to intimidate him, but Cloud was ready for this. This was his senior year, and he will take both the football and basketball championships.
"Blue thirty-two, blue thirty-two. Omaha. Omaha. HUT HUT HIKE."
As soon as Cloud heard the hike, he sped off, attempting to shove his way passed the defender, but defender retaliated. The initial contact slowed Cloud for a second, but he gathered his speed right back. He ran with all his might, but the cornerback still was within arm's reach with him. Cloud threw his hand up to call for the ball, but unfortunately for him, the free safety ran to get a double coverage on Cloud.
Immediately, when Zack hiked the ball he took three steps back and scanned the field to see if anyone was open. The three receivers on his right side ran off, but they were effectively being guarded. On his left, he saw Cloud was double teamed, but he still scrambled out of the pocket towards him. Defenders left and right were diving to tackle him, however that meant little to him. He and Cloud, no, the whole team had practiced too much to lose to the team that was meant to be number one. The first defender that met Zack was stiff armed straight into another defender. Another tried to tackle him, but Biggs the team's running back ran and picked him up, blocking him from hitting Zack. With Cloud nearing the endzone, Zack said a prayer and lobbed a hail Mary pass towards Cloud. The ball was sent into a perfect spiral, floating like a butterfly to the target. As soon as Cloud saw that he reached the endzone, he turned to look for the ball, not caring about the two defenders practically glued to him. His eyes locked on to the ball and it was advancing to him with impeccable accuracy. Years of training prepared Cloud for this. He was ready for this. Once the ball was within his reach, he leaped in the air, rapidly lunging for the ball.
"STRIFE IS LEAPING FOR THE STARS WITH TWO DEFENDERS DIRECTLY ON HIM." The whole stadium went silent, not even a breath could be heard." ANDDDDDD, DID HE GET IT? THERE IS A PILE FOR THE BALL. WAIT A SECOND... HE DID IT! HE CAUGHT THE BALL. TOUCHDOWNNNNNNN SOLDIERS. THE SHINRA SOLDIERS HAS JUST WON THE GAME! LEAVING THE SCORE 20-14. WHAT A WAY TO END OFF THE PRESEASON WITH A PERFECT RECORD. THE SCOUTS ARE SURELY IMPRESSED WITH THIS PERFORMANCE FROM THE TEAM."
All Cloud could hear was the roaring of the stadium. He himself didn't even realize he caught the ball. While coming down, the two defenders hit him and caused him to smash into the ground. Cloud was still slightly dazed, and stayed down. He could hear cleats stomping towards him from the sidelines. Sitting up, he saw his team running at him.
"HOLY SHIT STRIFE YOU DID IT," screamed coach Barrett "YOU FUCKING DID IT BOY"
He singlehandedly lifted Cloud up to his feet, much to Cloud's disliking. He was actually quite comfortable on the ground. Praise was raining down on Cloud for his performance. 173 yards and 10 catches was not a simple feat for anyone and for Cloud to do this as a high schooler was amazing. The team remained hyped and cheering for a while, until a reporter broke them up and walked towards the coach.
"First off, congratulations on fought victory. Now Coach Barrett, I gotta ask you, since you beat reigning champions from last year, do you think this is a sure sign that you will be able to take the championship this year?"
"Wha' kinda fucking question is that? OF COURSE, WE WILL. My boys have worked too fucking hard this whole summer to not win, we deserve it and we will get it." Satisfied with the response, the interviewer ran off to the star of the day.
"Cloud my man, John here from the Midgar News. What an extraordinary job out there on the field. Now, how hard was it to carry your team? The running game was obviously not working out for the team today, and the defense was lacking. Is there particular reason why?" Cloud took a moment to respond.
Cloud with his usual stoic demeanor replied calmly, "First off this is a team sport, don't you ever count me in on something and not include my team. Without them, none of this would be possible. Man screw this interview, yall trippin, I'm out." Cloud didn't bother saying anything else and made his way to the locker room alongside his teammates.
Inside the locker room, the environment was ecstatic. Everyone was excited about their win, and couldn't wait to win in the actual season. Preparing for the team meal that always occurred after a win, everyone started changing out of their gear.
Zack changed quickly and made his way to Cloud." Good fucking shit out there man. I can't believe you really caught that. I just tossed that shit out there and hoped for the best haha." Cloud proudly smirked at Zack.
"You gotta stop putting me in these situations, I wanna keep the game slightly close," laughed Cloud. "So where are we eating this time?"
"BRO SCREW THAT. I just got a text from Aerith and guess what." Zack pulled out his phone and showed Cloud the text. "Aerith made friends with the new girl that transferred last week. She's fucking smoking hot man. If I wasn't with Aerith I would so get at her." Cloud finished changing out of his football gear.
"Why would I give a fuck about a random new girl. Plus what makes you think she would even like me?"
"Cloudy my man, you gotta get to the macking bro." Zack put his arm around Cloud's shoulder and pulled him into a one arm embrace. "Ya never know man, she's new. She probably doesn't know that you are fucking boring yet."
"I'm fine Zack, I don't need your help to get a girlfriend, nor do I even want one." Zack frowned.
"Cloud, it's your senior year man. You can't be single and alone for the rest of your life," whined Zack. "All these girls would kill to be with you. Top ten football and basketball prospect in highschool. Seeshhh, thats prime boyfriend material. You can't keep ducking and dodging life man."
"We'll see, anyways am I driving you all?"
"Hell yeah man, I got a ride here from Biggs. Aerith and miss cutie are waiting at your car already." Zack got up from his seat next to Cloud and pulled him with his arm. " Let's go bro, I'M FUCKING HUNGRY!"
While heading to Cloud's car, Zack received a text from Barrett about where they were eating. The team were heading for the usual restaurant, 7th Heaven, a sports bar that was the highlight of town. The establishment deservedly bragged about serving the best food in town, live showings of major showings and amazing food.
Just as Zack had said, Aerith and the new girl were waiting at Cloud's car. Zack slowly approached them unnoticed, and Zack being the immature child he is, crouched down low and snuck up on them. The instant Zack was within arm's reach of Aerith, he jumped up like a tiger to its prey and screamed as loud as possible to scare the two girls.
"GOSHDANGITZACKARYFAIR!" squealed Aerith as she pelted Zack with her tiny arms, gaining the attention of people passing them on their way home." Why must you always be a fudging childish man-child." Waving a hand towards her companion. "Anyways, I guess I'll introd-." She turned and looked for her blond friend. "Where's Cloud?"
The other girl next to Aerith saw Zack coming, but didn't bother letting her know. Oh ho ho, this is going to be funny. And it definitely was.
Zack turned around and didn't see Cloud." Huh, that's interesting. He was right next to me a minute ago when I started to sneak up on you guys. I'll call him real quick." He pulled out his phone, but was interrupted.
"Who are you calling?" asked Cloud, looking over Zack's shoulder and lurking at his phone.
"Where the hell did you come from? I was just about to call you."
"I'm an adult Zack, I can take care of myself." He made walked next to his friends, studying the mysterious new girl as he came towards them. "Nevertheless, that's beside the point. Chris pulled me over to tell me about some girl he saw in the stands. Something about love in first sight and some more dumb shit I didn't bother listen- "
Aerith cut Cloud short of his sentence." Alright cool story Cloud, so like I was saying before I got sidetracked about you." She once again raised her hand and pointed towards her friend beside her. "This is Tifa. She just transferred from some school in the country side." She pulled the slowly creeping away Tifa closer to them. "Don't worry they don't bite… Well at least Cloud doesn't, I can't speak for Zack, but look, they are nice."
Tifa didn't at all look shy or nervous about them. In fact, you could say she was looking bored. She smiled and introduced herself." I'm Tifa, nice to meet ya!" She inspected the males in front of her. She was uninterested with Zack. He looked like another typically stupid jock that only care about girls and sports, and she was not farfetched with her assumption. Cloud on the other hand sparked an interest in her. Most guys would immediately try to use any cheesy pick lines they could on her at first sight, or they would kiss ass to try and get in her pants. Cloud on the other hand looked his he couldn't care less about her. This was something new for her, and it was surely intriguing.
"Zack Fair at your service!" Zack extended a hand to Tifa and she accepted it gracefully.
"Cloud," Cloud effortlessly mumbled. He strolled to the driver's side of the car and opened his door. Before getting in his car, he called out," You guys just gonna stand in the cold or are yall coming to eat?" and with that said he in the car and revved it up.
Now finished with introductions, everyone tunneled into the car. Fortunately and unfortunately for Cloud, Zack and Aerith forced Tifa into sitting in the front passenger seat next to him. He knew that Zack obviously told Aerith about his so-called plan of getting Tifa and Cloud together and that they were deviously working on it. The drive to 7th Heaven was swift and smooth for Cloud. He didn't engage in any of the conversations the other three were having, and they didn't try to get him too. Cloud was perfectly fine with just listening to them converse, paying slightly more attention to Tifa.
They arrived a little later than their teammates and saw that they were already all wanting to leave Aerith and Tifa unattended, Zack asked the host for a table near them. They got their table and started ordering their food. Cloud and Zack instantly knew what they wanted, while Aerith and Tifa took forever to decide what he wants.
"Yo Cloud and Zack. What the hell are you two doing over there. Get the hell over here and celebrate with us for a little." Said Barrett in a commanding voice. He pulled the two away from the girls and sat them in the middle of the group. " Lemme borrow these two for little." He yelled over his shoulder to the girls. They shrugged in response.
"So Tifa. I see you checking out Cloud. Ya know I have never seen him interested in a girl," joked Aerith while adding a wink at the end.
Tifa went along with the joke," Ah, it's always the pretty boy that's gay. Whatta shame."
"Girlll, I'm kidding. Cloud isn't gay… at least I don't think he is. Anyhow, you should get at him, you two would look so good with each other if I do say so myself," cried Aerith while still trying to stifle her laughter.
"I must admit, he does seem very interesting, but I'm not really looking for someone right now. It's not anything personal, I just had a bad experience with my last boyfriend."
"What happened?" ask Aerith with a caring tone.
"Nothing serious, really. We didn't even kiss or anything, he was my first boyfriend. I guess he thought I would be an easy lay, but when I didn't give out he cheated on me." Aerith gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.
"What a dang animal, beast, Monster," Aerith tried to say more insults but was failing completely. "Ugh, sometimes I hate men so much. They can be such assholes."
"Relax Aerith, like I said. It was nothing serious. I could hardly say he was even my boyfriend. I guess it was more like a title since we didn't even do anything romantic." Tifa raised her right hand and cuffed her chin while making a thinking face. "However, Cloud is cute, butttt I don't know. He's like a superstar here and most people usually end up being a jerk with that much fame."
"Tifa, you couldn't be anymore wrong. Cloud is literally the nicest guy you could ever meet. He may not seem like it, but he is really a big softy at heart. He just doesn't show it much anymore since his mother passed away. Although he has always been super serious, Cloud wouldn't be Cloud if he wasn't acting like he was a careless cold bastard. Between me and you... Cloud was my first crush. When I found out more about he interested me so much, there was so much to him that almost no one know, like he has a whole other side to him. Don't get me wrong, I love Zack, and I wouldn't ask for anyone else, but I will always have a soft spot for Cloud.
"Is that so huh. Those two are completely opposites, and yet you like them both. If I do say so myself, you and Zack are so cute together. " Tifa chuckled lightly and gathered her thoughts. "Cloud does seem really interesting. I have a few classes with him, but he is always quiet and just keeps to himself. He's so mysterious its very intriguing."
The friends continued conversing about things from school to just common interests. Meanwhile the boys were being bombarded with compliments.
"Who saw my block, cmon I fucking laid that guy out." Zack chuckled at the memory of little Biggs picking up a block on someone twice his weight and size.
"I for sure did, mad fucking respect bro. You saved that play man," answered Zack while giving Biggs a highfive.
"Guys, that was nice and all, but Cloud's fucking catch was sooo lit. How the fuck did he even fucking get that ball. He had to literally fly for it." Cloud calmly replied.
"I guess it's because I'm the damn best at what I do."
"Damn right Cloud, today's dinner goes out to Cloud and Zack. These two-fucking stepped their shit up so much today.I may look like I'm favoring, but don't for get you all fucking did great today also. I'm fucking excited for regular season. Yall just might be my best team ever," Announced Barrett, everyone agreeing with him." Anyways I think we kept these two away long enough from their dates." Barrett got up from his seat. "I'm outta here, yall have a good night, I already paid the tab off, everything on me."
With Barrett leaving, Cloud and Zack also left to their table. The waiter has just arrived with their food. Cloud and Zack devoured their food swiftly, like they have never ate a meal in their life. Tifa and Aerith on the other hand were a lot more graceful with how they ate. Cutting up each piece of meat. Never talking with a full mouth. They held small conversations with each other while eatting. Well actually it was more like Cloud and Tifa just listening to Zack and Aerith go on and on about their week. Occasionally Cloud would have to slap Zack's thieving hands and he tried to steal a piece of food from Cloud's plate, but after relentless pleading and annoying pleas,Cloud finally gave into Zack and gave him some of his food.
As the night came down upon them, the restaurant started getting emptier and emptier. With everyone done with their food, they prepared to leave. Aerith and Tifa left to use the restroom while Cloud and Zack remained at the table. The waitress came and gave them the tab for their meals today. Zack was going to pay for anyone, but Cloud stopped him and paid for himself and Tifa. Zack didn't argue with that, more money for him, but he did notice that Cloud paid for Tifa too. With their bills paid for, Zack went to wait for the girls at the restroom while Cloud warmed up the car. It was late at night, and Cloud still had to drop everyone off at their respective house. He dropped off Aerith first because she was the closest to where they were.
"Hey, tonight was pretty fun, thanks for the ride Cloud! Great work out there to you both by the way." Before Aerith left, she leaned over to Tifa and whispered something to her. It must have been something embarrassing because she instantaneously turned red from one cheek to another.
The next one to get dropped off was Zack; he only lived a few blocks away from Aerith. Zack thanked Cloud for the ride and gave his farewells to his two friends before proceeding to his house to get some well deserved sleep.
"Hey where do you live?" asked Cloud, but Tifa didn't hear him." Teef?" Turning to his side, he saw that she had fallen asleep. He gently shook her until she woke up, and he asked her again.
"Huh, I guess I'm pretty tired sorry." She told him her address. Now awake Tifa decided to start a conversation.
"So Cloud, I have to ask you. How can you stand Zack, he seems so different from you."
"He's just always been there with me I guess. He has his times where he's fucking irritating, but he means well." Tifa smiled at the thought of Cloud and Zack secretly being boyfriends. They do say opposites attract.
"Honestly, you seem so different from everyone else. I must admit, I thought you were a complete asshole who has his head stuck up his ass, but I know now that's far from it."
"Thanks...I guess. If it means anything you also seem different from who I thought you were." Tifa was into this conversation now.
"And what was it that you thought of me huh mister chocobo head." Cloud smiled and gave Tifa a little chuckle.
"Well first off, I never would have thought that you are actually pretty intelligent. I mean I seen how fast you finished your work in class. You totally seem like the type to just be an airhead, I mean what kinda girl is cute and smart, that just never happens." As soon as Cloud finished his sentence, he noticed what he said at the end, but couldn't defend himself in time.
"OH SO YOU THINK I'M CUTE HUH?" Cloud blushed deeply." I just teasing you Cloud."
"And I thought you were cute..."
"Hey, what was that mister, don't go taking back what you said now."
"Huh what I couldn't hear you." He shifted his car to park." This your house Teef?"
Tifa was so captivated by Cloud that she didn't even notice that they were already at her house. " Yep, this is the place." She got out of the car and walked over to Cloud rolled down window with her phone in hand." Wait, before you go. What's your number?" Cloud started dying of laughter and Tifa started dying of embarrassment. "IT'S NOT LIKE THAT CLOUD, I JUST WANNA MAKE SURE YOU GET HOME SAFE!"
Cloud sobered up and took her phone from her." I'm kidding relax, Teef." After typing up his number he handed her back her phone." Alrighty, you happy? It's late you should get your rest. Tonight was fun, it was nice meeting you."
"Yes it was Cloud, thanks for the ride. Ill see you in class on monday." Cloud pulled out of the driveway and drove home. With Cloud out of sight Tifa walked into her house and ran to her room. After changing, she laid down and went on her phone and straight to find Cloud's contact, and as soon as she saw it she turned tomato red.
Phone: Cloudy3
Heyoo, I'm back with a remake on Journey Through life. I wasn't liking how I wrote the first version and after years and years of writer's block, I finally produced a chapter. I wrote a chapter for another story, but every time I finished the product wasn't to my liking, I don't know. Since school just started again I wanted to give this another try. As usual, any reviews that can help critique my writing so I can improve would be appreciated. Once again, My Disjointed Life by Pendrum was my inspiration on somehow making this story. The comedy and just overall theme of the story was pretty cool and interesting, but AUs' that make Cloud unpopular/just an outcast are plentiful on here, so I wanted to make one Cloud seem super cool for once. Thank you all that reviewed and read my last story, I will try my best to only improve from that and here on out.