*Author's Note

Hey thanks for checking out my story! It's a bit of a love story tied in with some stupid humour that molds into a dark and twisty dramatic epic.. little bit of everything and I have huge plans for this story (including a possible sequel) so if you stick around for a few chapters it might end up being totally different than what you except. And as for the Final Fantasy 7 universe it takes place 3 years after Meteor with NO Advent Children stuff occurring... it's pretty much Canon to the original game. Love or hate please review! It makes me feel warm and cozy inside. Enjoy!

Ps. The formatting here drives me nuts. It won't let me put any extra spacing to separate sections of the story so I apologize for any annoying format issues.

The Northern Continent was a place that housed many horrors of a not so distant time for a few people. To others, everything above the town of Icicle Inn (the northernmost populated area) was a wasteland of snowy plains, sharp mountainous ranges and a massive crater that was at least 1000 years old. Nobody adventured up there because as far as everybody was concerned, there was nothing up there. If anybody were to find themselves up there they would discover an absolute silence that would create a feeling of suffocation that only a forest in winter can bring. Naturally blizzards would come and go that would stir up such a storm that even the fiercest of creatures would take shelter for days on end waiting for it to pass, but the stillness would always return. It was the type of quiet that was broken only by the odd breaking of a twig by a creature or a loud BANG of a tree exploding from the cold. Today however, an alien sound filled the air as a helicopter tore through the silence.

The pilot was a brash young man in his mid-twenties while his co-pilot was older and much more composed. In the back a young woman with blonde hair sat typing away on a laptop that rested on her legs. Her only other movement was a quick rolling of the eyes every once in a while at the antics of the pilot. She was about to berate him for the latest inappropriate joke he had just finished telling when all the noise in the copter died away without warning. For a brief second the same stillness outside had infiltrated the inside of the cockpit.

"What the fuck!" Was all the woman heard before she felt the copter suddenly lurch sideways throwing her against the side. She felt her head smash against the window, blood immediately rushing into her eyes. Shakily she was able to wipe enough of the red liquid out of her eyes just in time to see the swirling snow rush past the now-bloody window as the helicopter spun wildly out of control before darkness overtook her.

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A lone figure stood by the edge of a pool clutching his head in pain. Voices swirled around him as he tried desperately to sift through them searching for the one he knew, the one he would never forget, the one he refused to forget. He knew she was here somewhere; he could feel it in his heart that she wouldn't be anywhere else but he had no idea it would be so hard. There were so many voices that were all telling him different things that confused him and slowly wore him down. All he knew was that he just needed her. If he could find her then it wouldn't matter how confused or tired he was because she would make it all better. She would make it okay again.

This was the only truth he knew for sure, and so he would continue to sit here, through the pain, until she was found. One couldn't live without their heart, and so it would be futile for him to leave because he had lost his heart a long time ago and he knew it was somewhere here. And so he would wait.

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Icicle Inn was a small cozy village within the Northern Mountains. Its inhabitants were kind to all who passed through their town, and were always helpful and considerate to one another. It's mountainous location and snowy peaks all year long made it a popular vacation spot. Because it didn't have a tourist "season" (due to its continuous snowfall), it was never overcrowded with skiers and snowboarders; instead there was a steady influx of visitors which kept the town from going under despite its remote location. It was the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. For Tifa Lockhart, it was the perfect place to start a new life.

She had taken over ownership of the local bar and renamed it after the bar she had operated in Sector 7: "Seventh Heaven". Since moving here she had been taken in by the people of the village as one of their own, sensing that she needed a place to call home where she felt comfort and love especially since it had been a long time since Tifa had called anywhere "home". Three years had passed since the world she had known and loved had been balancing tediously on the brink of destruction, three years since her and her group of misfit friends had saved the world from its extinction, three years since she had seen the man she loved, and three years since she failed to save him from himself.

Nanaki, a furry red catlike beast, had said that his grief and burdens were not her responsibility. Barret Wallace, the man who had always watched over her like a father, had said he was an asshole for abandoning Tifa like he did. The dark and mysterious Vincent Valentine had said that he had lost himself and it was his choice, and no one else's, to find himself again if he desired to. Reeve, who controlled the toy-like stuffed animal Cait Sith, had said she had to let him go because waiting for a man who was chasing ghosts would only lead to heartbreak. Cid Highwind, surprisingly, had said she needed to stop watching the ground awaiting his footsteps and instead look to the sky because that's where the freedom from her past would be found. She had never known the crass pilot to speak so poetically before, but he understood the cost of waiting on a dream. They all did.

Yuffie Kisaragi, on the other hand, had her own brand of healing. Unfortunately for Tifa, she usually suffered from it the morning after.

"Come on Teef, it's only one more shot!"

"Yuf, you know I don't do tequila."

"But it's the spice of life!"

"..."

"At least pour yourself another draft."

"Yuffie, I really shouldn't..."

"Teef. We've been over this. One of the perks of owning a bar is drinking for free. And a perk of being your friend is also drinking for free. So let's drink. Together. For free. Look, Cole has got you covered for the night, and if you drink that shot, maybe have another, and pour that draft that's calling your name maybe, just maybe you'll actually pursue his advances for once which'll make both of you happy. Lord knows you need to get laid."

"YUFFIE!"

"Just sayin'."

"Yeah well I still don't think it's right for me to get shit-faced in front of my customers..." Yuffie grabbed her by the shoulders and looked her square in the eye.

"Tifa. You need to loosen up and stop putting everyone else's needs before your own. You really think these old farts will care? You live in the most laid back town around, more so than Costa de Sole and that's saying something. You know that banana hammocks are actually encouraged there? Ugh. Anyways. If anything you'll show the people of this town that you're finally letting go. And they'll love that, they worry about you, you know? Ever since-"

"Okay okay," Tifa sighed, "hand over that shot." With one fluid motion she downed the shot with the grace of one who knew her way around alcoholic drinks. Grimacing she shot a glance at Yuffie and growled, "And I'm waking up in my own bed tonight right? Alone?" Yuffie snickered.

"Aww, but he's so cute and corruptible..."

"Yuffie..."

"And innocent and pure..."

"Yuffie..."

"Fine, fine." Yuffie sighed. She raised her glass and toasted, "To Tifa, who has the largest breasts on Shiva's green planet, but never uses them."

"YUFFIE!"

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Tifa woke the next morning to a pounding headache and an angry stomach. "Wonderful..." she moaned. She lay still for a moment in an attempt to relax her head, but as she did she became acutely aware of another's heavy breathing nearby.

"Ahhhhh!" She yelped as she lunged out of bed.

"Good morning," Cole said cheerfully as though nothing was out of the ordinary as he lay on her bed.

"Cole? What are you doing here? In my bed? In the morning... I ... oh no..." Tifa sputtered turning bright red. Cole stared at her for a few more seconds then burst out laughing. Tifa narrowed her eyes. "Oh shut up! Obviously you're enjoying this, but I don't even remember... I... "She trailed off as Cole started to get a hold of himself.

"Relax, relax. It's a joke. Yuffie said she's pay me 200 gil if I crawled into your bed this morning to make it seem like... well... you know..." a small blush started to spread across his cheeks. Tifa just stared at him. "She's already gone you know, Yuffie. Had some Wutaian business to take care of." She snorted.

"Yeah right. She just didn't want to be anywhere within my reach after I woke up. Now, if you'll excuse me, my hangover is reaching the point of puke or sleep, and I'd really like to go back to sleep right now. Alone, thanks." Cole smiled.

"No problem Tifa. And it was only a joke; you know I'd never do anything to hurt you."

"I know. But at this moment martial-arting your ass out of my bed is quite tempting, so I'd take my leave if I were you."

"Haha, okay." Cole slid out of her bed, left the room and shut her door leaving her to her peace.

As Tifa crawled back under the covers her thoughts drifted to the short hyper girl that she had really begun to grow fond of. When Yuffie had first joined Avalanche she seemed to be nothing more than a thieving, spoiled brat whose motives for fighting against Sephiroth were unclear, especially since she appeared to just be along for the ride. Well, that and attempting to steal the groups materia whenever she got the chance. But something had changed after she had witnessed Aeries' death. Overnight she seemed to mature and focus on the gigantic task at hand. Yuffie had then proved herself beyond her capabilities and won a soft spot in everyone's hearts, even Barret's though he would never admit that he'd taken a liking to the girl.

She knew that the young ninja had grown very affectionate towards her. Tifa guessed that Yuffie's lack of family in her life had caused her to view her as a sister of sorts, which Tifa didn't mind at all. To be honest though, she was surprised that the ninja had spent so much time with her after the final battle. Tifa figured that she would have gone off on some wild adventures on her own but every other week or so she could expect Yuffie to show up at her door and stay anywhere from three days to a full week. She knew that the young ninja worried about her, just like everyone else did, so Tifa graciously accepted the company; even if it led to mornings like this once in a while. It was worth it.

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It was about five o'clock by the time Tifa crawled out of bed again. She was relieved to discover her hangover was practically gone, especially since she had to work that evening. Tifa loved her job and the familiar atmosphere of a tavern had allowed her to settle in to her new town quicker than she thought she would. After a shower and a small dinner she headed down the now familiar street to the bar.

"Hey Teef, feelin' better now?" Cole asked when Tifa walked in. She grinned sheepishly.

"Yeah, thanks. Has it been busy today?"

"Oh, just a few tourists, but you know the regulars will be in soon."

"Of course," she replied. "You can head home now, enjoy your evening Cole."

"Thanks Teef, you too."

By midnight the bar had cleared out, even though Tifa always stayed open until at least one. This was her favourite time of the night. The empty chairs and quiet room always gave her a sense of peace and comfort. As she wiped the tables down her thoughts drifted to the last alone time her and Cloud had experienced together.

They were at the Northern Crater. Everyone else had gone home to be with their loved ones and as far as Cloud and Tifa knew they might never return. With the silence of the wasteland ahead of them engulfing them, he spoke.

"What are you going to do Tifa?" Tifa had looked at him with a confused and hurt look on her face.

"Did you forget? I'm... all alone. I don't have anywhere to go." She paused. "Everyone is gone."

"Yeah, we don't have anyone or anywhere to go home to."But I'm right here,Tifa had thought to herself. Instead, out loud she said,

"You're right. But I'm sure someday they'll come back. Don't you think?"

"Hmmm... I wonder...? Everyone has an irreplaceable thing they're holding on to, but this time our opponent..." he trailed off. Tifa, however, didn't hear the end of what he'd said.Irreplaceable thing, she thought,that's you...Tifa decided this was it; this was her moment to tell Cloud he was her irreplaceable thing. There was such a slim chance they would survive what lay ahead that she had nothing to lose anyways. Her hands trembled as she spoke.

"But... but that's ok, even if no one comes back," she took a deep breath. "As long as I'm with you... as long as you're by my side... I won't give up, even if I'm scared." She didn't dare turn around to look at him.

"Tifa..." She waited with baited breath, but he said nothing more. She looked down.

"No matter how close we are... we were far apart... before this." Tifa was referring to when Aeries was with them and how their relationship used to be. "But when we were in the Lifestream surrounded by all those screams of anguish... I... thought I heard your voice." The time the two had spent in the Lifestream was the most intensely personal trial they had faced. Through Tifa's guidance Cloud had managed to crack through the phony memories he had lived and breathed since the reactor incident at Nibelheim. He had finally accepted the real version of himself with Tifa's help. She had hoped that with his new confidence and reality check he would realize that it had been Tifa all along who had been there every step of the way supporting him and loving him. But his attitude towards her hadn't changed and it crushed her.

Tifa could feel the tears welling up. She was glad her back was to him because she never cried. She continued.

"You probably don't remember this, but deep in my heart I heard you calling my name... or... at least, I though t I did." She still didn't turn around. A few seconds passed then Cloud spoke quietly.

"Yeah, at that time I thought I heard you calling me. You were calling me back from the stream of consciousness in the Lifestream. After all, I promised that if anything were to happen to you, I would come to help." Tifa was silent, a thousand thoughts raced through her head. She wanted to try to express her love for him again, but she already had her moment and he had said nothing. A person's heart could only crack so many times. So instead she spoke quietly.

"Cloud? Do you think they stars can hear us? Do you think they see how hard we're fighting for them?" He seemed taken aback by the conversation change.

"I dunno, but... whether they are or not we still have to do what we can, and believe in ourselves, and someday we'll find the answer, right Tifa? That's what I learned from you in the Lifestream."But what if it's not the answer you're hoping for...she thought. Tifa sighed,

"Yeah, that's right." Silence.

"Hey... Tifa?" The change in the tone of his voice made her turn around. Slowly he walked towards her. "I... there's a lot of things I wanted to talk to you about. But now that we're together like this..." Cloud reached up and brushed a few strands of hair out of her eyes. Her skin burned at the touch of his hand sending shivers down her spine. She could feel her heart yearn for him as he slowly closed the gap of space between them. Her legs trembled as she gazed into his glowing eyes and suddenly she felt naked beneath his stare as though her very soul was being revealed to him. "I don't know what I really wanted to say..." He paused and cupped her cheek, his eyes burning with desire as though a light switch had turned on. His eyes roamed over her lean frame, her long strong legs as though he was seeing her for the first time. "I guess..." Cloud's voice turned low and he murmured, "nothing's changed at all... kind of makes you want to laugh..."

"Cloud..." Tifa breathed. She had imagined this moment so many times. She had imagined running her hands through that spiky head of hair, feeling his muscular body beneath her hands... "Words... aren't the only thing that tells people what they're thinking." With that Cloud leaned in and captured her lips in his, and her world drifted away.

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"It's almost dawn." Tifa awoke with a start.

"H... huh?"

"Sorry did I wake you? It's almost dawn Tifa," Cloud said quietly, his mind somewhere else.

"Oh... umm... g, good morning... Cloud," Tifa stammered, blushing at the realization of her predicament as memories of last night came rushing back to her. She sighed. "Give me a little longer, just a little longer... this day will never come again, so let me have this moment." Cloud looked down at her and nodded almost guiltily.

"Yeah okay, this is probably the last time we'll have together." She didn't hear him as she had already drifted off to sleep again.

Looking back, Tifa had believed at the time that neither of them would survive the final battle and so there was no need for discussion about what had transpired the night before and what it might have meant in the future. She had gone into the fight feeling happy despite the impending doom because Cloud really did love her, his actions the night before had shown that. She also had believed that in the slim chance they did come out alive that they would be together, finally, for good.

The final battle had come and gone and all of them survived it. But when the dust settled and everyone went off in their respected ways, Cloud had disappeared. Tifa had searched for him from town to town to no avail. She found herself at Icicle Inn when she finally gave up. There was only one other place she hadn't gone to, but because it was where Aeries had died she couldn't bring herself to go. She refused to believe that he'd be there, mourning over the loss of her because he loved Tifa didn't he? Yuffie had tried to drill it into her head that Cloud only used her that night to "get some", but she refused to listen. As the years went by with no sign from him, she lost more and more of the spark of life she used to have. Yuffie had tried to help her, but even nights like last night Tifa participated in only for the sake of Yuffie. She knew Yuffie was trying so hard, so she did her best at faking being happy. She knew Yuffie could see right through Tifa's facade, but they both pretended that Tifa was really okay. She would never give up on that spiky haired boy. She believed that one day he would show up at her door and all would be well again. Tifa knew it was pathetic but he was her drug. Even when he wasn't there he still continued to take from her.

The sound of the bar door opening startled her out of her thoughts. That's weird, she thought, no one ever comes in for a drink this late. She walked out of the kitchen and into the sitting area where she saw a man dress from head to toe in travelling gear. He was completely covered except for a pair of goggles on his face. She couldn't help it.

"Cloud?" She blurted out. The man's head shot up and locked eyes with her. His icy blue dots burned through hers before his knees buckled and he collapsed in a heap on the floor.