August 19, 2013

20:03PM

Reeve and Cait Sith arrived at around 7PM. Everything has already been prepared. The cake is decorated, a 3 tier cake. Tifa decided to stick with the usual birthday cake, since the kids were eating too. Marlene was really excited about decorating the cake. Tifa made a feast, too much for just their whole gang actually, but a get together like this (with all of them) doesn't happen too often. Tifa finished cooking the food at around 6PM, and she got ready afterwards. Yuffie was able to talk Tifa into wearing a dress. A freaking dress, as what Cid would say. Yuffie bought a dress specifically for Tifa, specifically for this night. It was a knee length sundress, patterned with small flowers over a skin colored background. The color perfectly matched her white skin. Tifa was annoyed with another feature of the dress, it has a cut starting from the sides of her waist to her back. She couldn't really complain, as Yuffie would backfire with her AVALANCHE days clothing. She also got Marlene a sundress, a pink one. It was unfair, considering she went with her usual clothes, only she bought a pair in yellow to make it 'livelier', or so she says.

Everything was good to go, and the only thing (or rather people) missing were Cloud and Vincent. Yuffie told Vincent to get Cloud home at exactly 8PM, but they were already a few minutes later.

5 minutes later, we heard the roaring sound of the Fenrir getting closer. That was the signal. Yuffie flickered the lights offs the bar, and everyone hid under the tables. Shera hid behind the curtain, as it'll be too hard for her to crouch down. Vincent made sure Cloud doesn't have his weapons, or else someone might seriously get hurt if he really does end up getting surprised.

Everyone heard the door open, and Cloud questioning why the lights were off. They all listened to Cloud's footsteps, and when he flickered the lights back on, everyone jumped out of their hiding place and yelled "Surprise! Happy Birthday Cloud!".

Everyone cheered, but it was obvious with Cloud's expression that he was shocked. He was dumbfounded for a second, not registering what's going on, until Tifa took the cake out and place it on the table in front of him.

"It's my ... birthday?" Cloud asked, still couldn't believe that he forgot such a detail about himself.

"Yep! 27 years, Chocobo head! We know you're getting too old that you'd probably forget!" Yuffie teased. She was cheerful this morning, but she's definitely extra cheerful now.

"Tifa made the cake, and I decorated it!" said Marlene.

Cloud was greeted by everyone, and he received massive hugs from Marlene, Denzel and Yuffie. They all prompt him to stand up in front of his cake, where everyone began singing him a happy birthday. Cloud's confusion later turned into a smile. He actually smiled! He was smiling, as everyone sang to him. It was the most cheerful Tifa has seen him, and it made all her troubles for preparing worth it. Even though she could also see the awkwardness in his smile, she knew it was due to genuine happiness.

"Blow the candles and make a wish, Cloud!" Marlene excitingly demanded.

Cloud did as he was told hesitantly, and everyone cheered for him.

"What did you wish for, Cloud?" Denzel asked.

Cloud patted the boy's head and smiled at him.

"If I told you, it wouldn't come true."

"Oh right ..."

"I bet he wished for some tastier greens! Chocobos love that!" Yuffie teased again. Good thing Cloud's gotten used to Yuffie teasing, unlike Cid who still gets irritated whenever he hears her shriek.

It was basically Yuffie and the kids who had a call on what out activities for tonight were. They proceeded to the present giving quickly, and everyone was forced to (by Yuffie) to describe why they got Cloud the present they got. It was normal fun when Yuffie and the kids were giving their gifts. Yuffie got Cloud a shirt with a Chocobo print on it, and made Cloud swear she'd she him wear it for a day at least once. Marlene made Cloud a birthday card with macaronis, glitters and all sorts of other decorations attached to it. In the card was a drawing with the whole gang in it, even Aerith, Wedge, Biggs, Jessie and Zack, though she never saw Zack, she knew he was guiding us too. He smiled and messed up Marlene's hair. Denzel got a little buster sword like charm for Cloud's phone. Nanaki's message was very brief, just saying he thought Cloud would need it daily, and he did. It was a new pair of googles. He'd definitely use it.

The next dedications were awkwardly funny. Though Cloud was embarrassed with all the attention at first, he looked like he was looking forward to hear what everyone else was gonna say a while later. He expected a bit too much though. Barret basically threw him his gift, and was practically blushing as he said his message. It was a helmet, and he said that though he knows Cloud doesn't wear a helmet, 'his chocobo hair ain't the only thing he gonna be messin' up if he gets in an accident'. Everyone laughed at how incredibly awkward it was between them, but for Barret to worry about Cloud's safety showed that he cared in his own way. Cid and Shera got some upgrade parts for Fenrir. Cid complained about how he spent hours at night making it. Shera, however, said Cid looked happy making it. It blew Cid's cover, and he was blushing just as much as Barret by then. Vincent only said Happy Birthday after handing his present, and he also got Cloud a shirt. Actually, it was two. One plain white, and another plain black. Everyone was suspicious, saying it looked like he bought it exactly where Yuffie bought her gift, which Yuffie later confessed that she forced Vincent to go shopping with her. Reeve got Cloud a custom made sword that could fit in the compartments of his fusion sword, which he stashed inside of Cait Sith. He knew Cloud would like it, but he also hoped Cloud wouldn't have a dire need to use it. Tifa and everyone else wished for the same.

Tifa began to worry. Compared to everyone else's gifts, hers wasn't as special. She wished she could've gone first instead. She didn't have time to shop for a nice gift, as she was busy planning for the part the past 2 weeks. Everyone was waiting though, and the kids pushed her towards Cloud. He was looking at her with full hesitation. Tifa handed a small box to Cloud. She's never felt so nervous before.

"H-happy Birthday Cloud" she said, avoiding his gaze.

There was a long eerie silence. Everyone waited for Cloud to open the present. Cloud slowly started opening the box, but before he could pull out what was inside, Yuffie stopped him.

"Hang on! Tifa, you have to tell us WHY you got him the present!" she said, winking at Tifa.

Tifa glared at Yuffie, which made Yuffie laugh nervously, but insisted anyway. Tifa could only sigh.

"I just thought he'd like it ..." was her simple answer.

Cloud pulled out the present from the box. It was a pendant, a silver chain with a wolf pattern that resembles the wolf on Tifa's ring, and attached to it is a blue crystal. The crystal was as blue and glowing as Cloud's eyes. What she didn't tell him was it was actually a piece of a support materia she found, though she never really knew what its effects were. It was unlike the other materias, because it still shone despite being broken into pieces. Most materias would stop glowing once they shatter, but this shattered piece was special and beautiful. She wanted to tell him that it meant she would always be there to support him until the end, even though she might not fully understand what he's going through, and being broken doesn't mean he can't shine and live a beautiful life anymore. But of course, she wouldn't tell him that with everyone else watching them. Cloud stared at it for a while, and Tifa stared at him. His eyes do shine as bright as the crystal. He looked back at Tifa.

"Thanks Teef. I really liked it." he smiled at her. All her nerves went away, and she instantly felt happy seeing the smile he gave her. He was smiling because of her, that was enough to make Tifa happy. Anything else that happened after didn't matter.

The gang sang for Cloud yet again, before helping themselves with the feast Tifa prepared. It made her happy, seeing everyone enjoy her meal. Tifa couldn't describe her happiness, seeing her friends together having a great time, though she was also disturbed. She couldn't help but feel like she wouldn't be able to see this in long after tonight.

They were having a great time because she did all this for Cloud. If she didn't do it for Cloud, would they even be this happy together tonight? It was always Yuffie who thought they should get together when they do, Tifa would of course prepare, but she never actually initiated a get together herself. It was either Yuffie or Cid or Reeve who would. This made her think even more. Everything she does involves Cloud somehow, it was always about Cloud. Even during their AVALANCHE days, everything she did was for him, she was even willing to give up her own life to solely devote it to him during his coma. She did all these things, even after Meteor, she always did what she thought Cloud needed or wanted. It's as if her life revolved around him, and she never questioned it until tonight. Tifa doesn't know why these questions are popping in her head. Her thoughts were put on halt when Cloud tapped her shoulder, seeing she was alone by the bar counter.

"You okay?" he asked, worried about her sudden change of behavior.

"Yeah. Everyone just looks so happy, I just forget what being with everyone feels like from time to time. I wish we could always be this happy ..." She said, looking back at everyone again longingly.

"I'm sure everyone would say yes in an instant when you give them an opportunity to just relax like this." Cloud replied.

There was again another stroke of silence, as Tifa continued looking at everyone, while Cloud looked at her with worry. A little later, Cloud cleared his throat and broke the silence.

"Uhh ... by the way. Thanks for the party, Teef. Yuffie told me you prepared all this."

Tifa looked back at Cloud and gave him a smile. She saw that he was wearing the necklace she gave, and it made her even happier. She was so happy, she didn't even realize that as she was staring at him, a tear drop escaped her eye. Cloud was startled, and that was what made Tifa realize what happened. She quickly wiped her tears away.

"What's wrong Teef?"

"N-nothing. Something got in my eye." she lied, but even she didn't know why she cried.

"Are you sure?" he was still worried.

"Yeah. I'm just happy that you're happy. I hope you're always this happy." she smiled at him again.

She wanted to hug him, but she was worried of what he might think. Yuffie was right. She loves him. She knows she's crazy in love with him, but her feelings would never be reciprocated. He's still recovering from all the guilt he feels inside, she didn't want to make it even more complicated for him. Telling your best friend you're not in love with them, after they confess their feelings to you, is the last thing anyone would want. She knows her world will always revolve around him, everything she did somehow connects to him, and she hated it. But she loves Cloud, and if it made him happy, even if it hurt her, it was enough. Instead of hugging, she patted Cloud's shoulder, to reassure him.

Their little moment was interrupted when a 'starting-to-get-drunk' Cid called over the two of them.

"Oi oi! Don't think you two 'er gettin' away! Let's drink! Come on Spike, Tifa!" Cid yelled, with matching hand gestures telling them to get over there.

"Looks like we're in for a long night." Tifa chuckled.

Tifa was about to walk back to them, when Cloud grabbed her arm.

"You should sit this one out Teef, you're tired." he said, looking worried again.

"I'm okay. Cid wouldn't take any of that. I'll go help Shera and put the kids to bed first." She assured him, and went over to Shera and the kids.

It was nice, she thought, having him worry about her every now and then.

August 20, 2013

3:15AM

It was already 3 in the morning. They've been drinking for about 5 hours since Shera and the kids went to bed. Nanaki and his cubs went back to the Shera about 2 hours ago, and Reeve and Cait left about the same time. He was still the leader of WRO after all. He can't afford a hangover the next morning. Cid and Barret were totally wasted, you can't even understand what they're blabbering about hours ago. They confidently started a drinking contest, and they're both sprawled all over the tables and bar floor. Same goes for Yuffie, but she was already asleep about an hour ago. The two just stopped talking now.

Tifa, Cloud and Vincent were the only ones who were still sober, or at least that's what Tifa thinks, though she is buzzed herself. Vincent carried Yuffie to Marlene's room. He left afterwards. Tifa decided to just leave Cid and Barret where they were, and gave them blankets.

It was only her and Cloud left. Cloud was a little more buzzed than her, though he looked like he was still aware of his surroundings. Tifa helped him stand up by putting his arm over her shoulders. He could still walk, but he needed the support, or else he'd fall over. Tifa took him all the way back to his room. The walk to the stairs totally wore her out. By the time they got close to Cloud's room, she was completely tired herself. She continued to hold Cloud, and guided him to his bed. Cloud lost his balance, as Tifa gets him closer to his bed, causing them both to fall onto Cloud's bed.

Tifa's back got hurt from the crash, and started rubbing it, oblivious to the fact that Cloud was now on top of him. When she looked up, she flushed realizing the position she's in, and Cloud's face was just mere inches away from her. However, she couldn't help but stare at his mako blue eyes. They were even more beautiful, if you look at it from this close, is what Tifa thought. She was hypnotized by his eyes, she wanted to keep looking at them like this, but she knew this wasn't right. She turned away from his gaze, and pushed him off, trying to stand up, but he pushed her back down and trapped her between his own body and the bed once again.

Tifa couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind, and why he was doing this. She tried to push him off again, but he resisted.

"Cloud, what are you doing?" she asked, sounding like she demanded an answer.

"You're just ... so beautiful." he said, keeping his gaze at her.

Tifa's eyes widened in surprise. Maybe Cloud was drunk, she realized that he did drink a lot. He would never say that if he was sober. What Tifa thought next made her feel like she was stabbed in the heart. Maybe he thinks she's Aerith. She always knew he was infatuated with Aerith, and she also knew Aerith felt the same, and to her that's why he could never forgive himself for what happened to her. When he lost her, he lost more than just a friend. Just thinking of that made Tifa want to cry, just to let the tears burst out. She knows Cloud would never love her because of Aerith. She didn't want him thinking she was her, so she tried to push him off again, but he just kept resisting. She's had enough.

"Let me go, Cloud! You're drunk, i'm not Aerith!" she said to him harshly. She needed him to get back to his senses, and to realize she's not Aerith, but this only made Cloud's resistance stronger.

"What about Aerith? I'm looking at you, Tifa. Why can't you understand?"

"No. You're the one who doesn't understand! I'll never be better than her, I'll never be her, Cloud! I won't be Aerith. I'll be anything you want me to be, but I can never be Aerith." she confessed. She couldn't stand what was happening anymore.

"I don't want you to be Aerith. I just want you to be you. Can't you see? No matter what I try to do, I just can't. I just can't ... stop looking at you. You're beautiful. You've always been ... so beautiful ... even when we were young, up to now. I know i'll never be the right one for you, but I can't stop thinking about how much I need you. Why can't I get you off my mind, Teef?" he said, still not keeping his gaze off of her.

Tifa began to question herself. Was she really awake? Maybe this was all a dream, because Cloud would never say all those unless she was dreaming. Maybe she was dreaming.

'It had to be a dream, otherwise this wouldn't be happening right now. He doesn't know what he's saying. He doesn't know he's saying it.' she thought.

"Don't you love me, Tifa?" Cloud asked, giving her a pleading look. She was at loss for words. She was still convincing herself that this was all a dream, but if Cloud really did ask her that, then she'd only have one answer.

"Yes. I love you, more than anything … Even if you don't feel the same way, even if you choose to leave us again, I'll still love you. But you don't have to force yourself to-" Tifa answered, staring back at his eyes.

Cloud was surprised with her answer. Tifa was surprised at herself as well. She never thought she'd tell Cloud that. Before she could even finish what she was about to say, Cloud closed the gap between their faces and kissed Tifa aggressively.

'If this was a dream, why does it feel so real?' she asked herself.

He pressed his body on hers, as he kissed her aggressively. Tifa was at loss, she didn't know what to do. In the end, she couldn't resist him any further and returned the kiss. She kissed back just as aggressively as he was kissing her, it's as if all the years they wasted were now being poured out in the kiss. They kissed until the both ran out of breath, which made the pull apart from each other. Cloud stared at Tifa one again, before grabbing her face again and gently giving her a second kiss. This time, it was much more gentle and loving, but still full of passion.

"I love you, Tifa" Cloud muttered between the kiss.

'This is definitely a dream. I'm drunk for sure. He would never say that, but I love him so much … If this was a dream, I hope I never wake up' was all she thought of.

He would never say that, and she convinced herself that she was dreaming. Everything else after that started becoming hazy from there, the alcohol was finally kicking in. She slowly lost consciousness of what she was doing. She couldn't resist anymore, and she didn't want to resist him. She knew that she has always wanted to be with him. Even if (in her mind) she knew this was all a dream she'd wake up from soon, she didn't bother with the urge to resist anymore. She wanted to be as close to him as possible, even though she knew he would never want the same in reality, and her mind just went along with the moment as she lost consciousness of what she was doing.

As the night deepens, without any other words besides muttering each other's name, the two of them told each other how they felt.

Author's Note:

Back with the 2nd Chapter!
I wanted to write it so that it can help fix the summary's vague-ishness.

I think I failed. Haha!
I hope everyone enjoys this chapter!

I'm not very good with smut stuff, so I'm sorry I couldn't write it better. It's my weakest point.
Since I made Chapter 2 really long, I still have to write a lot for Chapter 3.
I'll try to finish a lot as soon as I can, once I finish whatever school stuff I have left to do.

If there's anything I need to improve, please tell me!

Thanks for reading!