I Want to Know
By Kris
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII.
Note: Made the tone of this story more conversational.
Comments and critiques are welcome; favorites are much appreciated.
He stood where he was, staring at her while his heart was all a-flutter. He wished the moment would last forever because she was so breathtakingly beautiful standing there in the rain. How could he have not noticed it before? Perhaps it was because of the predicament of saving the world from Meteor - or, as a second thought, he couldn't seem to move on from the past. But now that he was forgiven. . .
She turned her head to the side to glance at him, curious about his silence. He blushed softly, running a hand through his wet blonde hair.
"The night is beautiful!" she exclaimed with genuine pleasure. Was this an attempt at conversation? Why was he so out of touch with situations like this?
"Yeah," was his muffled response. Gods, he was pathetic.
She let out a small laugh which rang in Cloud's ear as if an angel were doing the same.
"If we stay out here much longer, we'll catch cold."
Tifa was always so motherly, always so concerned for those around her. Cloud momentarily wondered if she ever took time to care for herself, but was pulled out of this thought by her hand on his arm. When did she move?
"Cloud, is something bothering you?" Her eyes reflected her feelings, even if he couldn't quite grasp it. She loved him, but he was deemed unapproachable by himself when he started living in the church. Thus, she never told him out of fear of losing their current friendship. "I'm always here to talk."
Cloud nodded; a stupid gesture. Why was it impossible to tell her?
"T-Tifa, I. . ."
"Hm? What is it, Cloud?"
It was now or never. Cloud mustered all the courage he had in his body as his hand shakily went to his pant pocket. After a few moments hesitation, he pulled out a small box and held it in front of him. Tifa was watching him, her expression one of . . . Shock?
Was this the right thing to do?
Almost mechanically, Cloud knelt down on one knee and took her hand with his free one.
"Tifa, I want to know. . ." His voice was shaking. No amount of his prior rehearsing could have prepared him for the real thing. ". . . If you'll marry me?"
The brunette stood where she was, staring at him with her visage reflecting several emotions at once. Cloud wanted to curl up into a corner and die. He closed his eyes, waiting for her rejection.
"Cloud. . .I don't know what to say. . .This-This is. . .Well, surprising to say the least and I-I. . ."
His heart was racing so fast that he felt as if it was going to stop. "Tifa, I'm sor-"
"Yes."
Cloud's eyes snapped open at her response. Had he heard right? Did she just say yes?
Almost as if she knew what was on his mind, she answered with: "Cloud, I'll marry you."
He stood up and wrapped her in his arms, in his loving embrace. Cloud was ecstatic. He pulled her away from him, took up her left hand, and then slipped the small engagement ring on her ring finger. Letting out a deep breath, Cloud faced her.
"Tifa, I love you," the words that he couldn't say before poured from his lips easily.
She smiled, wiping her tears away. "I know, Cloud. I know."
Tilting up her chin, his lips met hers in a gentle kiss, the rain sliding over both of them.
"I love you," he muttered again.