Thanks to Cloud and Zack's clutch play to win the game last Friday, Barrett decided to give them Monday and Tuesday's practice off. This was the first time since summer that the football team didn't have practice on a weekday, and Cloud was going to make the most of it.

All he had to do was make it through the day.

First period went by well enough. He had class with Zack and that kept him going.

Monday.

Everyone hated Mondays, and Cloud Strife was not an exception. The first few periods of the day have gone by smoothly. Like any other day, people approached Cloud about the game, how he did, and about other random things. The 'Bro, how do you always do that shit.' Or 'Hey Cloud let's go on a date after school etc.' Cloud always tried to be humble with his replies, but it's honestly hard when people want you to be confident about yourself. As for the date question, Cloud always turned them down. It wasn't that he didn't like girls, it's just that he didn't care for none of that stuff. Girls never truly got to know Cloud, they literally only had interest in him because he was good in sports and he could not stand that.

Third period had just ended and Cloud grabbed his English book from his locker and walked towards his next class with a little excitement because of his new-found friend. Ever since he dropped Tifa off on Friday, they had been talking to each other. He found out that Tifa had with him and that she sat right behind him, which is probably why he hadn't noticed her. He was nearing the classroom door when he spotted a certain raven-haired person looking like she was waiting for someone. He silently approached her and tapped her shoulder.

"You looking for someone?"

Tifa automatically knew who it was. How could she forget such an alluring voice?

"I guess you could say that," she said with a smile as she turned to face her target. "Although I think he found me. Well Mister Cloudy with a heart. How about we go sit down huh?" The two went to their seats, not noticing everyone looking at them. As soon as Cloud sat down, Tifa continued off from their conversation. "Ugh, I wish I could be a guy sometimes. It's not even lunch yet and I have already been asked out on a date five times. Five times. I don't understand how you deal with all the attention."

Cloud wasn't surprised that Tifa had a lot of admires. In fact, he could say that he was one of them. Looking in her eyes, he replied.

"I mean. I guess it's easier for me since I'm in sports, I just say that I don't have time or that I'm busy. Some shit like that gets them off me for a while." Tifa was about to add on, but Cid walked in.

"Alright, today we are going to start a week long project. pair up quickly. We ain't got all fucking day." In seconds Cloud and Tifa were swarmed, girls went to Cloud, guys to Tifa.

"Oh Cloud, let's be partners." or "I call Cloud, he's mine. Back off."

Tifa on the other hand had less friendly comments.

"Ayy, Tifa, we could be partners and get to know each other if you get what I'm saying.

"Tifa, bring that fine ass over here girl."

Throughout all chaos, Cid finally got the class to quiet down.

"APPARENTLY YOU DUMBASSES CAN'T FUCKING DO A SIMPLE TASK. Since you guys are too fucking simpleminded to do that, I guess I'll help. Let's start out with Cloud. Who are you going to be working with."

Without any doubt in his mind Cloud choose Tifa.

"Tifa and I will work together." After all heartbroken classmates gathered themselves again and paired them up, Cid told them their instructions.

"Alright, for this project, you are going to make a power point and speech about literally anything you want, surprise me. You will have all week in class, but if I were yall, I would some work done outta class. Shit is due next Monday, so have at it. This grade will account for 25% of your first semester's grades. Don't get too fucking loud, or else I'm going to make you all write an essay also."

The class went to sit with their partners and started discussing their options. Instead of moving seats, Cloud just turned around.

Tifa sighed with an anguished face." Gaia, guys are fucking assholes, you saved me Cloud."

"No problem Teef, I wouldn't let you be stuck with some asshole like them," smiled Cloud. "So, what do you want to do our project on. I'll do whatever you want.

Tifa thought about it for a moment. What do I want to do it on? Let's see, I like food. I like shopping… Oh, I know.

" I got it Cloud!" Tifa cheerfully yelled, boasting a grin that could make even the saltiest old man feel jolly." Let's write about high school Cloud!"

Tifa was brimming with excitement. Cloud could clearly tell how Tifa felt about this subject, so he mentally prepared himself to try his hardest for her.

"Sure. Whatever you want. So how are we going to do this? I don't have practice today, are you free today? We can get lunch after school and go to either of our houses to work."

Take me out to lunch huh, I'm so teasing Cloud about that. If there was one thing that Tifa could say about Cloud was that he was easy to tease. Cloud may seem outgoing, but Tifa found out that he was actually shy and innocent. "Wow Cloud, already taking me on a date and inviting me over to your house. I know you're a superstar athlete, but I think we are moving too fast." Shortly after Cloud comprehended what Tifa meant, Cloud's face became flushed with redness. "Awww. Cloud are you blushing? You look so cute when you are embarrassed. Well, I was going to hang out with Jessie after school, but I'll just tell her I have school work. Who do you have 7th period? Or do you want to just meet up somewhere afterschool?"

Although Cloud liked his privacy at home, Tifa would be an exception." Hmm, well do you know where we hang out at lunch?

Tifa nodded side to side. "I barely met Aerith on Friday, so I haven't happened to notice where you guys are at lunch. I've been spending my time in the library by myself."

Cloud scowled at that remark. "Would you like to come sit with us during lunch? There's a few of us, but we are all nice."

Cloud didn't know how much those words affected her.

"Sure Cloud. I would love to join you guys at lunch."

Cloud and Tifa returned to discussing ideas as to how they would go about their projects. A few things flew around them, but nothing was good. The bell rung dismissing their class for lunch and as Cloud was leaving with Tifa Cid asked him to remain there for a moment so they can talk. Cloud asked Tifa to wait outside of class for him and she nodded.

Cloud walked up to 's desk, and asked, " You call coach?"

Cid's face went from his usual disgruntled demeanor to a smug expression. "So, you and that new girl Lockhart huh. I have to say Cloud, I didn't think you had it in ya you dog you."

"It's not like that sir, I just met her on Friday, and we are only friends," Cloud replied with a smirk.

"She's stunning and smart Strife. Don't fuck it up boy, it's your senior year. Have some fun, if there is one thing I can tell you about senior year, it's that you should make the most out of it because once you're in the real world you never know what's going to happen."

Cloud took Cid's words into great consideration. Cid always wanted the best for Cloud and Cloud knew that Cid would only tell him things that would make him a better person in life. "Of course, sir. Thank you for your advice, I'll think about it.

"You better boy, because when basketball season comes. Having a girl with your jersey on cheering for you is the best feeling, trust me. If the girl is the one for you, she will only let you improve, never degrade."

"Yeah, for sure sir. If we are done here, I'm going to go get lunch now." Cid nodding.

"Sounds good with me boy… By the way, don't get injured during football, we are going to be stacked this year with talent for basketball, and you're our leading point guard." Cloud nodded in agreement and walked out to see Tifa waiting idlily on her phone.

The door's opening caught Tifa's attention and she looked at Cloud. "All done?" she smiled with an angelic voice.

Cloud couldn't help but return a smile back to her." Yeah, let's get going." Cloud led Tifa to the cafeteria to grab some lunch. "Did I make you wait long?"

"No actually, I was just texting father. He lives in Nibelheim, so he tries to constantly text and call me every day… Gaia sometimes it can get so annoying, it's like. I'm eighteen, I'm not a baby anymore. I can take care of myself," Tifa sighed after saying.

Cloud looked slightly surprised. "Who do you live with then? Your mom?"

Tifa replied, "Actually alone, my dad bought this house when he lived here with my mom. He got a job a few years before I was born in Nibelheim and moved there with my mom." Tifa paused for a moment and continued," My mom passed away when I was seven."

Cloud understood how she felt. His father died when he was still a baby, his mom passed away two years ago from cancer. He got along life fairly well without his father, but losing him mom greatly impacted him. Cloud was always a momma's boy, even as a teenager, his mom was everything. Even though she didn't know anything about being a boy, she did her best to raise one. She singlehandedly put Cloud through football and basketball team's and juggle a job on the side while bringing Cloud up, and Cloud was forever grateful for it. He knew that it hurts losing a parent.

The two-remained silent while waiting in the lunch line for their meals. Tifa was in front of Cloud and choose to get a salad for lunch, Cloud however wanted a cheeseburger. After getting their food, Cloud once again led Tifa. They walked to the to one of cafeteria's corner tables and saw their target with a few of faces that Tifa did not notice.

Waving his hand to the table Cloud introduced them. "This is Vincent, Biggs, Wedge, Jessie, Yuffie and Kakashi. Biggs is the team's starting running back and Wedge is our star linemen." The two waved to Tifa, Wedge with slightly more enthusiasm. Cloud pointed to Vincent. "Vincent now is a basketball player. He doesn't look like it, but he's a monster on the court. Yuffie and Jessie used to play volleyball but they aren't going to play this season for some reason." Now Cloud pointed towards Tifa. "This is Tifa, she's new so be nice. Especially you Yuffie. No stealing. "Cloud took a seat next to Zack with Tifa to his side.

Everyone at the table welcomed Tifa with open arms. Jessie already knew Tifa and their were friends, but Yuffie on the other hand bombarded Tifa with questions. The girls were doing their own thing, talking about clothes and shopping while Zack, Biggs, and Wedge were arguing about who was manlier.

"Look, I'm telling you guys. I'm getting two thousand yards this season minimum. Mark my words, I'm not throwing more than 10 interceptions, and if I do, will run ten miles at the last team practice," bragged Zack while every disagreed, but Vincent who just observed them.

"Not happening. Now me running two thousand yards will though. Bet. If I don't get 2k yards I will fucking ask out anyone of your guy's choice to the last dance of the year," Biggs said while smirking at them.

"C'mon Cloud, you gotta make a bet too for this season," the boys chorused.

Cloud shook his head with closed eyes.

"Only bet I'm making is that we're going to take the trophy home this year and if we don't, I'll pay for the whole team's dinner." They instantly jaw dropped. They didn't think the great stingy Cloud would ever put money on the line. "I'm 110% confident we got this. We are going to lead this school to fucking greatness."

"Hell yeah we are bro."

"Yup, you got that fucking right."

"With Cloud like this, we can't lose."

The football player's discussion about their season lingered on until the end of Lunch. Cloud, Tifa, Aerith and Zack had the next class together, so advanced to the class with one another. The group spent the class period trying to communicate with one another… Completely failing every time. The same went with the rest of the day. Cloud did his work and finished more work in class while those around would waste their time in class talking about things. When the last period ended, Cloud remembered that he was supposed to meet Tifa at their table so they can leave together. He was walking there with a friend when he noticed that Tifa, Aerith, Jessie, and Yuffie were already there talking to each other. Cloud's friend had to go to something, leaving Cloud to walk into the wolf den by himself. As he got close to the table everyone turned to face Cloud with a peculiar facial expression shared among them all except Tifa.

Cloud sat down at the table in silence for a few moments until Jessie decided to break it.

"So Cloud… You're the reason why Tifa couldn't come shopping with us at the mall huh? What was it Tifa? You and Cloud are going to get dinner and then study at his house? Is that right Cloud?" Jessie teased. Cloud must have had an allergic reaction or something because he broke out in a rash all over his cheeks as red invaded him.

"Wel… I… Um…It's actull-"Cloud stammered, trying to defend himself from the ruthless onslaught of questions.

"Jessie stop. Don't worry Cloud, she's just messing with you. Tifa told us that you two have a big project from Mr. Highwind and that you two are partners." Aerith rescued Cloud from Jessie, but not from Yuffie.

"WHAA? Chocobo head is doing something with a girl. Holy shit I can't believe he isn't gay. Who woulda thought." Added Yuffie to Jessie's comments. Everyone slowly turned to stare at Yuffie. "What? C'mon we all thought Cloud was gay at one point… Right? Oh I guess it was only me…. Anyways where are you guys going to eat?"

Cloud finally regained his composure, he hadn't thought about asking Tifa where she wanted to eat. "Tifa's choice. I don't mind anywhere." He turned to Tifa and asked, "Where are we eating?"

Tifa thought about it for a moment and found her answer. "Well there was this place I saw. Ugh I forgot its name, but I know how to get there. Anyways it's a café and we can talk about it when we are done." Tifa rose from her seat and grabbed Cloud's hand pulling him away. Before getting out of sight she turned and said," Gotta work on our project, see ya later!" Tifa lead Cloud to the front of the school before realizing that she doesn't know where Cloud parked. Embarrassed, she let Cloud take lead from there to his car. Back at the table, the remained girls made sure to talk about Cloud and Tifa holding hands the entire time leaving.

"Cloud and Tifa a thing yet Aerith?" the two girls asked.

"Wouldn't we all like to know. I give a month before they get together, Tifa is a wonderful person and Cloud needs someone super outgoing to contrast his boringness."

"OH WE SHOULD MAKE SHIPPING NAMES FOR THEM!" Yuffie excitedly yelled.

"Girl, I rather go to the mall than do that," Jessie irritated said while fumbling her keys in her hands. " Plus they aren't even official or anything. I'm just saying, I doubt Cloud even likes her, all he likes is sports and his privacy."

Yuffie looked at Jessie with a poker-faced before bursting out in laughter.

"Jessie are you jealous because Cloud wouldn't ever go anywhere with you in two years, but is already taking Tifa out on a date?" Jessie blushed up at that comment.

"YUFFIE! I told you I never had a crush on Cloud gosh… So um do you guys still want to go shopping?" Yuffie happily nodded, Aerith on the other hand was staring into space. "Aeris you here? Earth to Aerithhh."

Aerith snapped back to reality. "Oh huh? Sorry I was just thinking?"

"What were you thinking about?"

Aerith was back into her zone trying to think, ignoring Yuffie's question. She remained in this state until she came to her realization.

"GUYS I GOT IT! I GOT IT"

Yuffie and Jessie jumped from Aerith's sudden announcement. They both simultaneously asked "Jeez. What was it?"

Aerith turned to the two and looked at them both. Before crying out like a little school girl.

"GUYS IT'S CLOTI. THEIR SHIP NAME SHOULD BE CLOTI"

This chapter was on the weaker side for me. I feel as if I just cannot write girl's conversations right. Whelp, with AP Us. History working my butt off at school, I have been so busy. All my classes have so much homework, while I have to learn and practice piano songs for my piano class. Anyways enough about me right, this chapter I wanted to portray Cloud's relationships slightly and introduce his friends and such. As always PM or review this story with any tips or ideas about it. I have a very basic outline with how I want to do things, and it is going along. Expect a chapter at least once every two weeks give or take. This upcoming one will probably arrive sooner however.