Disclaimer: Square Enix owns all. (sobs)

About Seventh Heaven: It's basically a series of Cloud/Tifa one-shots. x) The summary you see on the story describes the latest one-shot posted. These aren't really related to each other .. I mean, they can if you want them to be, but to abstain from any future confusion let's just say they're not! xP

Lil Note: Hiii all! (waves) This is my first FF7 fic ever .. and it was fun to write. Hehe. The last time I played the game I was about eight-years-old and I never got past disc one (Aerith died? NOO!) which is probably good since it might have forever traumatised me. xD Anywho, the info might be a lil inaccurate, which I apologise for in advance. Inspired by the dance scene in FF8, of course! (So I disclaim that also - don't say I didn't warn you!) x) Enjoy!

Seventh Heaven

This Dance

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After the triumph over Geostigma, Cloud finds himself stuck in a ballroom, surrounded by waltzing couples and having to endure watching several men ask Tifa to dance.

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There was absolutely no questioning Cloud Strife's ability to move. He could jump, dodge and run with as much skill and agility as a fox.

Dancing, he assured himself, was completely irrelevant to the skills of movement and could by no means be connected or compared to the jumping, hoisting and overall gravity-defying abilities he possessed.

Especially ballroom dancing.

Cloud was still unsure how exactly he ended up here, in this brightly-lit hall, where the ex-members of AVALANCHE and other citizens of Midgar were celebrating their earlier triumph over Geostigma.

It was all Yuffie's fault. She had been the one to come up with the forsaken idea.

It just had to be his luck that Tifa, Barret and Cid supported this idea with flourish, the former thinking it to be an excellent opportunity to properly celebrate the reunion of the old AVALANCHE members, brought together with the unwelcome arrival of city-wrecking monsters, and the other two agreeing to this, coupled with the additional need of a good time. Even Vincent gave his half-nod of approval, and the tall, dark-haired man was now looking discreetly content as he stood present in the ballroom.

They were all here, together, not fighting alongside with one another for once, but instead, enjoying each other's company in a friendly, peaceful, relaxed way. Cloud had to admit that he was glad to see them all again, happy and safe and still the same as he had met them.

That content, satisfied feeling of seeing his comrades - friends - enjoying themselves, along with all the other cured people of Midgar as they waltzed and danced the evening away to a series of classical ballads, had almost overrode his reluctance to be here at all. Now, however, he was beginning to feel bored. Yuffie had ordered him to get up and dance, and Cait Sith had teased him about being a wallflower - but an icy, Mako-blue-piercing look from Cloud had silenced them both and no one had said a word to him since.

So there Cloud found himself now, sitting at the refreshment table, drinking punch from a delicate wine glass, and wearing an indifferent expression on his face.

Blergh. He was so bored.

The blonde-haired warrior set down his glass and critically surveyed his surroundings. Women in colourful dresses and men in tuxedos were moving all over the dance floor in a graceful, sweeping, blithe fashion as the cheerful and orchestral music played. Across the room he spotted Yuffie, tonight a figure of as much elegance as she could ever delegate, attempting to pull a relentless Vincent to join the waltzing couples.

A smirk crossed Cloud's face as Vincent uncomfortably let himself be dragged to the dance floor, and was exceedingly thankful that Yuffie termed him as too much of a "royal pain in the arse" to bug and nag for too long. Over at the other refreshment table, Cid and Barret appeared to be bullying Cait Sith over their "adult" drinks.

There was someone missing and Cloud's stomach jolted very slightly as it did every time he wondered where she was. He had been in this cheerful atmosphere for almost forty minutes now, and to Cloud it did not make sense that this room could keep up with its jubilant music and aura if the one girl who was always the optimist was not present.

Tifa...

Cloud shifted in his seat, now feeling uncomfortable and delicate. Shrouded by the guilt he had carried since Zack's and especially Aerith's death, he had never been able to push past this despair to bring into the light other inner, deep-rooted feelings he had always held for a certain raven-haired girl.

But he had been harshly brought to this realisation earlier that day, when he had discovered her lying deadly still in the flowers of Aerith's old church.

Cloud involuntary winced, his face tautening as icy shards seemingly pierced his veins. That was the horrifying, shuddering feeling that had taken over his senses when he found her there. He knew Tifa Lockheart. He knew she was strong, probably stronger than he was, and that she could take care of herself. So he could not imagine what might have happened that would leave her lying in the grass, defeated. In one terrifying, heart-stopping moment, he thought she was dead, and the pain and guilt that came rushing and howling into his head was unbearable.

He'd broken his promise. He came too late. She'd had to fight by herself, and now she was gone.

Cloud wasn't sure he could ever forgive himself for this.

Fortunately, Tifa was stronger than he gave her credit for. And for some reason, this heightened his guilt and sense of unworthiness. She didn't need him or that stupid promise. If anything, it was she who always saved him, not the other way around. And no matter how hard he tried, no matter how desperate he was to protect her and keep her safe from the horrors of the world, he could never rescue her.

That was about the time he realised he needed her. He had only ever left her and the children behind because he knew she would always be there, calling him and leaving messages on his phone. But if she was to disappear from him forever...

Cloud didn't think he could bear it.

Yuffie had forced him to help out with the setting up of the dance, not that he had anything else he desired to do, so Tifa and the kids had gone home to get ready while he had to put up with Cid's constant cussing whenever a table was dropped onto his foot. He hadn't even had time to shower, which was alright since he'd been soaked by the purifying waters of Aerith's church.

Cloud shut his eyes for a second before opening them again, once again wondering where Tifa was. It had almost been three quarters of an hour since the dance started. What if something had happened?

Almost as if on cue, two short figures suddenly bounced across the room towards where Barret and the others were, followed by a taller person that made Cloud's breath catch in his throat. Barret let out a delighted shout as Marlene flew into his open arms, and clapped a bashful Denzel, intimidated by Marlene's rather large foster father, on the shoulder. Cloud smiled at this affectionate scene, knowing that they had been a very slight niche away from having many families torn apart by Geostigma, and he thanked his lucky stars (or more accurately, his two guardians) that the deadly virus was gone.

A giggle suddenly reached his ear and Cloud immediately looked up, startled to see two teenage girls standing in front of him.

"Excuse me, we were just wondering if you'd like to dance with one of us," one of them giggled, fighting back a blush. The other let out a shrill, girlish laugh that she attempted to cover with her hand.

Cloud was so taken-back that he blurted out, "No," in a rather rude and abrupt manner, judging by the offended looks on their faces as they went off quickly, whispering piercingly to each other.

He felt a little bit stunned. It was one thing for Yuffie to ask, but total strangers? Cloud looked down at himself. Did he not look unfriendly and taciturn, dressed like this with such a brooding expression?

I really am a wallflower.

Picking up his drink, he looked across the room again, where Tifa was dancing with Denzel and Barret was swinging a laughing Marlene around in circles, the other proper dancers jumping out of their way. To his amusement, Vincent was now dancing smoothly with an inexperienced Yuffie, a rather unusual sight.

Tifa and Barret exchanged partners and the two girls began their choppy, out-of-time waltz around the room. A smile played across Cloud's lips as he watched, remembering how he used to always do this as a child, just crouch by himself at the sidelines and watch the other children have fun. It was how he'd always admired Tifa from afar.

Things were different now, of course. He was a part of AVALANCHE, they were his friends, but some old habits died hard.

Cid caught his eye and flicked his head up as if to say, "What are you doing over there? Come over here with us," but Cloud shook his head slightly, averting his gaze back to his drink. He was enjoying surveying the party scene too much. He would join them later.

As Cloud continued to watch pensively, his eye lingering for a little longer on a certain brunette, he noticed several of the younger men approach her, intent written all over their faces. Cloud narrowed his eyes.

Tifa was still holding onto Marlene, smiling politely and talking sincerely to the fifth man that had approached her that night. Cloud glared at what he saw before him, now feeling slightly resentful that Tifa was always so friendly and cheerful to people. It was like a flame drawing in moths.

Cloud gulped down his glass of punch, setting it on the table harder than originally intended. His Mako-blue eyes followed the man as he walked off jauntily, feeling grimly satisfied. Tifa had a way with turning down people so their feelings still wouldn't be hurt. Or maybe she'd told him she would dance with him later.

The monster in Cloud's stomach growled at that thought.

"Hiiii, wallflower," Yuffie's voice broke into his ugly thinking as she and Vincent went past him, "Enjoying yourself?"

Cloud merely lifted his head to acknowledge her, and he distinctly heard her say vehemently to Vincent as they danced away, "Such a jerk sometimes, no idea how Tifa puts up with him..."

He felt faintly amused at this comment; that is, until he saw another young man swagger up to Tifa and very suavely introduce himself.

Would these people not leave her alone?

Cloud endured another five stony minutes, glaring across the room as two more came to ask her to dance. She was really very patient, always wearing that warm smile on her face when she apologetically turned them down. When the final man walked away, she turned slightly and noticed Cloud sitting there by himself. Her face lit up and she beamed at him when she caught his eye. Cloud felt his stomach leap into his throat as she started to walk towards him.

"Hey," she said gently, stopping a little bit in front of him, "I was wondering where you'd gotten to. What are you doing here?"

Cloud half-shrugged, not meeting her eyes, "Just... watching."

Tifa studied him for a moment, trying to figure out how he was feeling at the moment. Tired, of course, and battle-worn. After pondering for a few seconds, she reached out to his hand and requested chirpily, "Dance with me!"

"What?" Cloud's head snapped up into attention upon hearing that dreaded word. "Dance?" he repeated slowly, "Tifa, you know I don't..."

"Just because you've never tried," Tifa said indulgently, shaking her head, "Come on, you have to. I need you to help me stop all those men asking me to dance with them," she added seriously.

"Who asked you?" Cloud wanted to know, scanning the room beadily for any familiar faces and making a mental note to kill them later.

Tifa tugged at his hand, "It doesn't matter." She smiled victoriously as he reluctantly got to his feet.

"Why would this stop them?" he asked as she pulled him towards the dance floor. He felt extremely apprehensive, surrounded by all these excellent dancers and their smooth moves.

"Because you're so frightening," Tifa said seriously, directing his hand to her waist and then holding the other one out to the side, "They wouldn't dare approach me after they've seen you."

Cloud almost smiled, "Are you sure?" he asked mockingly.

His blue eyes met her deep, brown ones, and he felt emotion rise up in his chest. She gazed at him, looking almost confused, for a second, before looking away and saying quietly, "I hope so..."

She began to lead him in time with the upbeat melody that was playing. Cloud stumbled a little and almost crushed her toes.

"Ah - Tifa - "

"Oh, sorry, I forgot you were new at this," Tifa apologised, smiling deviously. He wasn't sure he liked the look on her face, but was too busy making sure he wasn't holding onto her waist too tight. One of her warm hands were clasped into his and the other she had placed on his shoulder. Cloud began to feel rather light-headed as he held onto her delicately, as though she were made of china.

"Okay, just follow my lead," she was instructing, looking down at their feet, "Now we're going to go right - " She moved swiftly to the right, pulling him with her. He followed sloppily.

Tifa gave him an encouraging smile, "See? You're doing fine."

"Right," the blonde mumbled unfaithfully, attempting to imitate her steps. It didn't help steady his nerves that she looked radiantly beautiful tonight, wearing a short pale blue dress and blue heels that made a gentle clicking noise on the marble floor. She smelt so fragrant and fresh that Cloud found himself breathing deeply.

"Isn't this fun?" Tifa said brightly, looking up into his bashful gaze, and without warning suddenly pulled him to the side to follow a high note in the music.

"Whoa - !" Cloud went flying to the side with much more force than needed, so that they both crashed into another couple.

"Hey, watch it!" Yuffie's voice said angrily as she untangled herself from them.

"Cloud?" Vincent said in disbelief, looking a little surprised.

"Hi, guys!" Tifa greeted happily, "I didn't know you danced, Vincent."

Cloud and Vincent both looked a little shame-faced. As the dark-haired couple danced away again, Tifa looked apologetically at Cloud.

"Can we stop now?" he said pleadingly as the music resumed its normal pace again. He looked up around the room, sure that everybody must be staring at them, and saw several of those earlier men doing so. For some reason, Cloud felt enlightened at this. Standing up straighter, he decided to put more effort into his movements.

Tifa grinned, "You're enjoying yourself."

Cloud didn't say anything. Perhaps he was enjoying himself. He was getting the hang of this dancing procedure and found that it wasn't so hard after all. And he liked holding onto her... protectively... possessively...

Hey, why don't we make a promise?

He looked down at the brunette in surprise, sure that she had just spoken those words. But she was not looking at him; instead, holding a peaceful look on her face as they continued to dance together.

Umm, if you get really famous and I'm ever in a bind...

Cloud could hear her so clearly, as if he was back there so many years ago. He gazed at the raven-haired beauty in front of him, emotion filling his heart.

You come save me, all right?

"Hey, Cloud? I'm going to do a twirl now, so get ready to catch me!"

Cloud blinked, "What?"

Tifa shot out of his hold gracefully, one hand still holding onto his, and he was flung back at her sudden departure. A second later, she came twirling back and he, caught unawares, bumped into her.

"Ouch!"

"Cloud, I told you to get ready - " she said, half-laughing.

"Excuse me, but may I have this dance?"

A smooth voice interrupted their bicker, and both of them looked up to see who had spoken. There was something oddly foreboding about the voice that made Cloud tighten his grip on Tifa's hand.

She looked apprehensive, "Oh, um..."

Cloud studied the man silently, his cool exterior back on. The newcomer had a slight smirk on his face as their eyes met coldly. Cloud immediately decided that he did not like the look of him.

"Cloud?" Tifa asked timidly, her hand loosening slightly in his. Surprised at this, Cloud suddenly dropped her hand, not looking at her as he nodded stonily. The man's smirk widened.

The blonde warrior watched in silence as the dark-haired man walked off with Tifa, holding onto her hand. She looked back at him, worry and disappointment reflecting in her wine-tinted eyes. Cloud felt haunted by that look.

You come save me, all right?

Cloud Strife was sitting by himself at the refreshment table, drinking punch from a delicate wine glass. His blue eyes were narrowed in dislike as he looked around the room.

He swore some of these dancers had been on the dance floor the whole night. Didn't they get tired?

"Cloud!"

Marlene and Denzel, hand-in-hand, came running up to him.

"Cloud, why are you lettin' Tifa dance with that guy?" Denzel wanted to know, sounding deeply resentful and disappointed. Cloud coughed violently and Marlene patted him on the back.

"What - what are you talking about?" Cloud asked, hiccoughing. How on earth had Denzel known?

"That man over there!" Marlene replied, pointing at the smirking man that was still dancing with Tifa, "We don't like him. He ate all the taiyaki from the table," she said poutingly.

Denzel nodded indignantly, "And now he's dancing with Tifa!"

"Cloud, you gotta get her back!"

Poor Cloud was slightly bewildered. His mind still on Marlene's mention on taiyaki, he looked at the two children seriously and said confidentially, "He really ate all of it?"

"Yeah!"

"Cloud, you shouldn't let him take her away from you," Denzel said earnestly. Cloud was once again stunned. He vowed never to underestimate children again.

They had a point, after all. He'd cared deeply about Tifa since he was a kid, she'd always been there for him, and now he had just turned her away to some smirking ponce who'd eaten all the dessert Marlene loved.

Coupled together with all the times he'd left her alone. To join SOLDIER, to wallow in self-pity when he had Geostigma... He glanced over at his childhood friend again. She looked uncomfortable and had even lost that sincere smile she usually held.

"Go, Cloud," urged Denzel in a whisper.

You come save me, all right?

I promise...

Cloud got to his feet with sudden snap and determination, and the kids both cheered. Striding carefully across the dance floor, he saw her eyes widen slightly at the sight of him before he tapped the guy's shoulder.

"Sorry, but can I have this dance?" Cloud said coldly, his eyes wide and deadly. They flickered towards Tifa, who looked both surprised and hopeful, before piercing the man again.

Whenever I'm in trouble my hero will come and rescue me...

The blonde hero looked so imposing and dangerous that the man paled a little, but stood his ground, "And what if I say no?"

Cloud suddenly looked even deadlier than before, his eyebrows in a direct diagonal line. The man took a step back at this frightening glare. He hadn't been this intimidating before.

"He's an ex-SOLDIER, you know," Tifa spoke up seriously, looking at her dance partner.

That did the trick. In a trice the young man was halfway across the dance floor, quickly walking out of the ballroom. Smiling blithely, Tifa turned to look at Cloud, who was still glaring after him.

"I told you you look scary."

Cloud's gaze focused on her again, and he found himself feeling embarrassed all of a sudden. Scratching the back of his head, he said sheepishly, "I didn't mean to..."

Tifa grinned, "I was wondering when someone would rescue me."

I want to at least experience that once.

They were both standing in the middle of the marble floor, while a slow ballad began playing. Tifa looked wistfully around at the other couples as they put their arms around each other and moved slowly in time with the song.

"You want to go sit?" she asked half-heartily, gesturing at the table from which all the old members of AVALANCHE plus Marlene and Denzel were watching the couple intently. Cloud blinked in confusion as they all waved at him.

He looked at Tifa, his heart beating quicker when her eyes met his.

"No," he said shortly, taking her by surprise. Cloud took a step closer and put one hand on her waist, the other lacing his fingers around her one. Timidly, he reminded her, "I asked if I could have this dance."

Tifa blushed but nodded, looking pleased. Cloud hoped the sparkle in her eyes would never be extinguished, and though he felt both awkward and embarrassed, he was relieved with the contentment at having done something right.

"I told you it's fun," she said mischievously.

They danced about a foot apart for awhile, moving a little stiffly and awkwardly. Cloud noticed some men not too far away, looking as though they were quite interested in Tifa.

He suddenly closed the gap between them, pressing his body gently against hers, and bringing his arms around her in a warm embrace.

"Uh, Cloud?" Tifa questioned bashfully, unsurely putting her arms around his waist.

"No one will ask you to dance, after this," was his haste answer, desperately fighting the blush that was threatening to stain his cheeks. He realised how perfectly she fit in his arms and was satisfied with the thought that he was encircling her with protection.

Tifa smiled to herself as she placed her head in his chest, breathing in his familiar scent.

"I wouldn't want them to," she whispered quietly, her eyes fluttering shut.

And so the two of them moved together peacefully, wrapped up in each other's loving, caring and protective embrace. Maybe one day soon they'll pluck up the courage to admit how they feel. But for the time being, they held onto each other, sharing a shy, tender moment where their feelings for one another dance true, simply unspoken, in the air around them.

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A/N: THIS WAS FUN TO WRITE! xD I watched Advent Children the other day, and it was so .. cool. xD It made me reminisce the times I used to sit in front of the TV and make Cloud run around in a dress. That's about all I remember from that game, hehe. Hope you liked the fic! Cloud/Tifa are just the sweetest thing since taiyaki! Feedback is always adored. xD - msq.