Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts or its characters.

A/N: This is a fanfiction I decided to write out of curiosity about this relationship and... for fun! I was thinking about the FF7 love triangle, and then I began thinking of all the hardships that Tifa goes through. If someone causes pain, there is surely another who can heal it.

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Ch. 01
No One Could

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Tifa never smiled. At least, not from her heart. It was always a sad smile, one that made my heart ache each time I saw it. Ever since we were kids, there was one person she always seemed to have an eye on- Cloud. Aerith also seemed to have an interest in him too, but just never said anything about it. Unlike Tifa though, Aerith always smiled. Tifa probably would've been a bright and vibrant woman too. But when her mother died, everything changed.

During the years we grew up together, I honestly never talked to Tifa much. Though we occasionally had some small talks here and there, that was all we ever did. She was never really the talkative type. I've always talked to Aerith more since she was around more often, as well as Cid and Yuffie. I hardly ever talked to Cloud, but I still trusted him. But once he disappeared, probably to another world. When Tifa heard of this, she immediately left in search of him. I almost felt sorry for her as I watched her go.

When Sora, the keyblade wielder, helped us reclaim Hollow Bastion, Cloud and Tifa came back. I never asked Cloud what happened or where he went, but he was different. Tifa was even more worried about Cloud than ever. Watching her act like that always made me feel strange… like why would she worry about someone like him if all he does is cause her pain and anxiety?

She deserves better. Were my thoughts as I watched her.

It's been an entire year since we began living in Hollow Bastion again.

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I was on my way to the bailey when I heard Tifa calling. Turning around, I saw her running towards me, her silky dark hair trailing behind her. Just recently, she's begun talking to me more often. Though she hasn't confided any of her personal feelings to me, I'm glad that she's comfortable enough around me to talk.

"Where are you off to today?" she asked, her breathing calm and cool even after having to run to catch up to me.

"I'm just on my way to the bailey." I replied. Because it's been a whole year, Tifa's been able to adjust to the new life she's living. Though she had to take things slow at first, it seems she enjoys it here. At rare occasions, I even caught her smiling. It was a smile that I knew was true because words often got caught in my throat before I could speak.

"Mind if I join you?" a small smile crept up her lips.

"Not at all." I felt myself smile a little too. It wasn't unusual for her to just stand by me and watch the scenery as I trained. Sometimes she'd train with me and we'd talk, but that was all. It didn't seem like she took any personal interest in me. Not that it mattered.

Though the bailey was nearby, the sun was going down so it was almost dark once we reached it. Fortunately, I wasn't training today, so I lay my gunblade against the wall next to me and leaned on the ledge. The cool breeze felt nice from here. Tifa sat down on the ledge on the opposite end, clearly enjoying the breeze as well. The moon's light gleamed down on her, making Tifa appear pale but beautiful. I felt my breath stop for a moment.

"Hmm? What is it?" she looked at me, her eyes wide with wonder.

I shook my head and looked away. "It's nothing." Silence followed, but it was never awkward to be silent with her. She didn't seem to mind either.

"Hey, Leon."

"Yeah?"

She leaned on her hand, her elbow supported on her knee. Her eyes again reflected worry and sadness. I wondered what was wrong. "I have this feeling… that Cloud is going to leave again."

"How?"

"I don't really know myself either. But…" she sighed sadly. "I don't want him to go away... not again." She pulled her legs up and hugged them. For a second, I was afraid she was about to fall off the ledge but remembered she was already aware of and ready for that.

"Have you told him yet?" I asked.

She buried her face in her thighs and shook her head.

"I see." Tifa didn't cry, but I knew she wanted to cry more than anything. It took all she had to keep herself from exposing her weaker self. Not once have I ever seen her cry. But to be honest, I wouldn't mind if she did. I'd make sure to be there when she cries. To let her know it's alright… and that's there's nothing to be ashamed of.

"…Tifa."

She turned her face towards, me. "Yes?"

I spoke as clearly as I could, trying not to let any words catch in my throat. "If you ever need anyone to talk to… or even cry to, I'll be here."

She lifted her head, looking at me with curiosity. Then smiled. I could even hear the smile in her voice as she said, "I'll remember that."

We walked out of the bailey together after that, then she continued on by herself. As I watched her disappear into the darkness, I only knew too well that she was going out looking for Cloud. Her anxiety must've built up, causing her to make sure he was still here. Although she seems happy to continue on with her life, Cloud is always the one thing that gives her second thoughts. But her love for him was admirable.

No one could ever make her do the same thing for them.

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A/N: End of first chapter. Surprised it was so short? Of course… I wrote it for fun, remember? The story should only be about 5 chapters long, I could be wrong though. This is just an experimentation that I will greatly enjoy writing. If you all enjoyed reading it, that is.