((Author's Note: If you haven't read 'Another Chance' then you'd better go do so before reading this one, which takes place IMMEDIATELY afterwards. This is the CloTi sequel. I'll be working on the CloRis version next. Actually, this story changes the end of the last one SLIGHTLY. It starts a bit before the end of the last one.))
Cloud froze in place seeing Tifa there with the rose and dagger clutched in her hands. Her deep brown hair waved freely in the wind, and her crimson eyes sparkled, as they always seemed to, with a certain light that pulled Cloud in.
He quickly grabbed her wrists, causing her to drop both blade and bloom. He stared at her with his fierce blue eyes holding a worried wideness, the likes of which Tifa had untill then to see on Cloud's face. Her brow furrowed slightly.
"Shouldn't you be with Aeris?" She asked, in the same sweet voice Cloud had become accustomed to -maybe even dependant on- hearing each day since before Sephiroth resurfaced. Cloud shook his head quickly.
"No way, Tif...I want to be with you. And besides...if I were with Aeris right now...what would've become of you?" Cloud asked, looking down at the dagger which was covered by the rose she was holding. Cloud swooped down and gently picked up the blood red flower.
"Why are you here?" Tifa asked, as if she'd just realized that Cloud stood before her, and thought that maybe he shouldn't. Cloud smiled, and lifted to her forehead, then gently let it glide down her porcelin-like face.
"Because I want to be with you." Cloud said lightly, in a kind voice. Tifa looked over at him, slightly caught of gaurd. She wasn't used to Cloud acting like this. He wasn't as harsh or cold as she was accustomed to, and seemed a bit more caring and emotional. She looked into his eyes, and they held a shimmer other than the glow of mako.
"Cloud, is...something wrong?" Tears. Tifa hadn't placed the shine at first, but it was definately watery. Cloud smiled slightly, and stepped forward.
"I'm glad I got here when I did." He smiled, letting the rose drop to the ground. Tifa smiled, still trying not to accept the fact that Cloud was crying, and because he was afraid she was going to kill herself, no less.
"I'm glad you did too..." Tifa whispered, smiling slightly. Cloud moved his hand gently to her face, stroking it lightly. He placed his other hand on her face as well.
"You're freezing cold..." Tifa stared into his glowing blue eyes. His breath felt warm on her cold face. She smiled slightly, glad to be there with him. Glad that he had come and found her. She hadn't expected him to even notice that she was gone...much less for him to come find her.
"How long have you been out here?" Cloud asked, looking down at her. Tifa looked at the ground and shrugged.
"Since Aeris ran off I guess..." She said quietly. Cloud brushed some hair from her face, and kissed her on the forehead. Tifa smiled, not expecting it. He kissed her again, this time on the lips. Tifa returned the kiss gladly, and they remained there kissing untill the need for air made itself apparent.
"We should get back to the Highwind." Cloud whispered. He didn't speak loudly, afraid to break the quiet tranquility of the night. Tifa said nothing, just nodding, and begining to walk in the direction of the airship. She stopped after a step or two, noticing Cloud remaining behind.
She turned to see him swooping down to pick up the rose again. He grabbed the delicate bloom, and made his way back to her.
"here..." He tucked the rose behind her ear, stem pushed slightly into her hair to make it seem to be off her ear, and in her hair.
Tifa smiled, and wrapped her arms around him, giving him a quick kiss before turning back to going towards the Highwind. Cloud walked with her, wrapping his hand around hers as they walked. The stars were shining overhead, even though the early morning sun would soon be shining.
Cloud turned their path a little away from the Highwind as the ship became closer. He stopped at the ocean shore a little ways off. The first rays of light had just begun to peak over the distant watery horizon. Cloud sat down near the edge of the water on the rocky beach, Tifa next to him.
The top of the golden-orange sun was just barely visible over the aqua waves. Light reflected off the water creating awesome, beautiful hues of gold, blue, and shining silvery waves as the sun rose a bit higher in the sky.
The couple sat there watching the light show, Tifa resting her head on Cloud's shoulder. They watched as the sun made its full ascent to the morning sky. It was still early...hours before they'd usually wake.
"Let's get back to the Highwind now...get some sleep before everyone else wakes up." Cloud suggested, pulling Tifa lightly to her feet.
"What about Aeris?" Tifa asked quietly, as they made their way back to the airship. Cloud smiled and planted a kiss on Tifa's head.
"She'll be home by the morning." He replied, leading her onto the Highwind.
((A/N: Blech...that wasn't as good as I hoped. not very long either. Oh well...please review all the same.))