My Soul Sings When I See You

Note: Square stuff belongs to Square and the rest to me

A/N I thought I would do a fic about some bits and pieces of her life during and after the Original game. This will be an Aerti so be warned. Please let me know what you think.

I guess time is like the Lifestream, constantly moving and flowing. I am often socked by how much time has gone by. It's been about ten years already since you were taken from us. I often wonder if you have started a new life or if you are still traveling the lifestream. I still think about you all the time, the others think I haven't moved on but I prefer to think of it as I gave a certain part of myself to you. I am satisfied with my life; I just know that you still have my heart. I'm not sad over that or bitter, I miss you terribly though. I think our friend finally figured us out, I still chuckle to myself when I think of how they never noticed.

Back then, 10 or so years ago...

"Tifa you're hurt!" I jumped as you appeared behind me. I turned and gave you a weak grin as I hid my arm behind me.

"It's nothing. Anyway I've just about finished bandaging it" I stepped back as you approached me. You snatched my arm from me with surprising speed.

"Tifa, you are a terrible liar." You shot a very dramatic glare at me. "One of the monsters earlier bit you didn't it?" I sighed and relented as I sat on my bed in the inn at Kalm and allowed you to do as you pleased.

"Alright! I give. I just didn't want to trouble you" It was only partially true, you overwhelmed me, I was afraid to be alone and close to you. You cracked a smile and drew upon your innate talents to mend my arm. We sat in silence for about twenty minutes as you went about your work. Eventually my panic eased and I relaxed and enjoyed the warmth of the magic.

"Tifa, do you hate me?" I started as your question seemed to have come from nowhere. Your eyes met mine and I saw fear in yours.

"Of course not. Why would you think that?" If you could see through me you'd know hate was the last thing I would associate with you. You sat on the bed next to me and looked at your hands in your lap.

"Well, you don't really talk to me and you don't let me heal you." When you looked up at me again my heart tore to see the sorrow on your face.

"I'm sorry. I don't like to admit I'm hurt, I don't like to be vulnerable like that." I took one of your hands and gave it a squeeze. "Plus with everything that seems to be going on around us it's hard to think of something to say to you. "

"Thanks Tifa, I was worried you didn't like me. I really want to be your friend." You smiled at me all the hurt forgotten.

"Don't worry you already are." I felt so calm at that moment.

Present day...

Do you ever wonder what I am up to? I wish you could hear me tell you. I have my own Dojo in Wutai now. I started it about six years ago. I only spend about half the year there now. I have some great students who run it when I am not there. I was feeling restless a couple years ago and I began to wander. I was thinking about what you said about the Cetra wandering and their closeness to the planet. I can't stop now, I spend a few days in a location then I am compelled to move. I try to see everything that the planet has to offer and even try to listen to it, I can't really but enjoying the planet makes me feel close to you. I also keep pushing my fighting abilities as I fight the remnants of the monsters created by Shinra.

The others are worried about me, I can't blame them. I have been distant and I think they see my fighting as risking my life. Honestly I am just trying to avoid boredom. I am content with my life, it's not perfect but it is happy. I can see where they are coming from I stay in contact about as much as Vincent does. I wish they could understand. I wonder would you still remember that small town we stayed in just outside of Junon, I should have asked you when I had the chance.

Back then...

The rain is very hard tonight probably a storm coming. I pulled the covers up tighter around me; these are pretty nice accommodations for a smaller town. I am also happy I am not sharing a room with or newest friend, Yuffie, a nice kid but she does have a bit much energy. I look over at Aeris, who was sharing the room with me this evening. I feel my exhaustion tugging at my eyelids as I steal another glimpse of you sleeping so soundly. Are my feelings proper? Will you reject me for them? I chase away the negative thoughts as I enjoy the moment. I finally drift off to sleep.

My eyes snap open, I think I heard something. There is a shuffling sound in the room; I wait to move as I don't want to lose the element of surprise. I see a flash of light and hear the roar of thunder nearby, maybe just the storm. I hear the sound again on the other side of my bed. I turn as carefully as I can without making a sound.

"Aeris?" My voice still filled with sleep. She is standing at the side of my bed.

"I'm sorry Tifa; I was just a bit frightened. Umm..." I know what you are hesitating over and I pull the blankets down and invite you into my bed. You slide in trying not to disturb me. After a few moments of shifting and settling we both seem to be comfortable. I close my eyes and try to get back to sleep my fatigue taking most of the pleasure of this moment.

I wake again sometime later the rain gently patting against the window. It takes me a moment to realize you have your arms around me. I immediately get butterflies in my stomach as soon as I realize. I feel you warm breath against the back of my neck, this is what I want. You sigh and pull yourself closer to me, I hug your arms against me as I drift back off. Why does this night have to end?

A/N Hey all, hope you liked this fic, I am planning on continuing throughout the adventure. Please review and let me know what you think.