Hello, FFVII readers of mine! That is, if you're still with me. I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted for this fandom, and I'm utterly ashamed. I'll apologize right now for how short this chapter is, but I'm afraid that will be nature of this fic. Just some nice Tifa-fluff, since she's my favorite lady here. A bit of romance, to taste. I'm still working on the plot content and general direction of the storyline, but hopefully you'll bear with me and enjoy yourselves along the way.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own FFVII or anything related to it. Just this little fic.

Tifa watched as wave upon wave of clear blue ocean broke over the golden sand of the beach. It was late afternoon on a Tuesday, which meant the area was fairly devoid of people. She was glad of it.

One year to the day that she and Cloud had ended their so-called relationship, and this was the best she had felt since then. She was relaxed in the salty air, halfway into her book and soaking up the hot rays of the sun. There was something to be said for living in a coastal town.

Allison, one of her co-workers, had forced her to take the day off. Though at the time Tifa had been irritated, now she was grateful for the redhead's insistence. A few hours of solitude by the ocean had done her several worlds of good. When had she ever felt so refreshed? Or content? She supposed she hadn't; not since Cloud, anyway.

She was surprised to find that thinking of him didn't bring on the negative emotions she had grown accustomed to. It was both a relief and a discomfort; on the one hand, she didn't have to worry about him bringing her down. On the other, she was so used to being depressed that she wasn't quite sure what to do with her spare time. What did that say about her, exactly?

She sighed and returned to her book, resolving to sort out these new thoughts and feelings when she wasn't so sluggish with sea spray and sunshine. When the sun was inches from dipping below the horizon and the air carried a light chill to it, Tifa decided to pack her things and call it a day. On her way back into town, she wondered what she could do with her evening hours.

Costa del Sol had an excellent night life scene and there were more than enough activities to keep her busy. If nothing else, she could stroll the boardwalk and enjoy the little amusement park at its end. She rather liked the Ferris wheel. When she reached her little villa – right on the beach, really – she tossed her bag in a chair and went in for a shower.

By the time she emerged, scrubbed free of the brine and smelling like orchids, she had decided to simply meander around the boardwalk and see what was there. While she eyed the contents of her closet, she plaited her dark hair into a fishtail that hung over her shoulder, almost to her waist. She quickly settled on a long-sleeved minidress of soft cotton. It was white with thin black stripes and had always done well for her figure.

Checking herself once in the mirror, Tifa was satisfied. She cut off all the lights and locked the front door behind her, mildly eager to see what the night held in store.

So, thoughts? You all know how I love reviews ;)

~Anna