Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own anything Final Fantasy VII related.

Chapter 3

He couldn't do it. It was physically impossible for him. All he could do was stare. Stare at a piece of paper with 10 numbers written on it. That was easy but actually dialing them? That was beyond impossible but the thing is he really wanted this.

Cloud reached for the phone but withdrew quickly. What would he say? 'Hey it's Cloud. I'm just calling to let you know that I'm obsessed with you and you're all I can ever think about.' Hell no! He'd sound like a stalker!

He shook his head and reached again. This time he actually picked the phone up. Achievement unlocked. The next step was to dial the thing. Oh god. His fingers slowly pressed the small buttons on the keyboard and soon the whole number was on the screen.

"Here goes nothing." He pressed call and put the phone up to his ear.

"Hello?" Just the sound of her voice was arousing.

"Hey Tifa."

"...Cloud?"

"Oh yeah, it's uhh Cloud." Damn he sounded like an idiot.

"Yeah, I figured."

"Uhh, haha." His laugh sounded so stupid. Stop screwing around Cloud! "Anyways... I was wondering if you were uhh... busy tonight? I mean like um, maybe you wanted to go out or something?"

Silence.

"Are you asking me on a date Cloud?"

"Oh, uhh I don't... umm... well... yeah." He couldn't even talk straight.

More silence.

"Sure. Pick me up at 8."

Cloud slowly dropped his arm. Holy. Cow. Did she just say 'sure'? Was he actually going on a date with Tifa Lockheart? He felt lightheaded and lost his balance, practically falling over.

But there was no time to screw around. Cloud bolted to the steps and was up them in a matter of seconds.

-About an hour later-

Standing in front of her house felt like a dream and when Cloud raised his hand to knock on the door he once again felt lightheaded.

Three knocks and he dropped his hand. He heard the click-clack of high heels and then the door flew open. Cloud lifted his eyes from his feet to the beauty in front of him. His mouth dropped open.

There stood Tifa, looking more breath-taking than ever. She wore a strapless red dress that hugged her shape quite nicely. Chocolate hair cascaded down her back, a few strands on her shoulders. Her face was as beautiful as ever but it held a special glow tonight. Pink cheeks and ruby eyes glowing, it was difficult to pull your eyes away. And her lips, oh god her lips were so big and red Cloud struggled to keep himself from grabbing her and kissing her senseless.

"You look... gorgeous." His mouth was dry, making it difficult to speak.

"Thanks. You look very handsome tonight too." She stepped out of the warm house and shut the door. Standing in front of him, Cloud found her to be almost as tall as him. Puzzled by her height, he looked down only to find heels on her feet.

Tifa laughed. "Yeah, that's why I'm so tall." Cloud rubbed the back of his neck and laughed lightly, embarrassed by his own stupidity.

"Shall we go?" He turned and motioned to his car.

"Shall? You're quite a gentleman tonight." Tifa gave him a small wink and headed for the car.

"God I'm such an idiot," Cloud muttered before striding after the brunette.

-Later-

When they arrived at the restaurant, Cloud got out of the car and walked around to the other side. As he helped Tifa out of the car he glanced around and noticed how everyone's eyes were fixed on the beauty in red.

She pretended to be oblivious to the stares as she took Cloud's arm and walked into the restaurant.

Cloud walked up to the front desk and immediately got the woman's attention.

"Table for two please." The woman just sat and gazed at him for a moment. After all, Cloud was attractive and tonight he looked especially handsome. The black tuxedo fit him like a dream and the small bow tie around his neck accompanied it perfectly.

"Two huh?" The woman leaned in and gave him a flirty smile. "Who's the other?" Cloud stepped back and revealed Tifa, glowing in her red dress. The woman's flirty attitude instantly dropped and she straightened up, clearing her throat. "Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes, it should be under Strife."

The woman dragged her finger down the list and stopped when she found his name. "Right this way." She grabbed two menus and led the two to their table. Placing the menus on the table, the woman turned around and walked away without saying another word.

Pulling a chair out, Cloud motioned to it. Tifa raised an eyebrow before sitting down. Cloud laughed lightly and took a seat across from her.

After a few moments of looking at their menus, Tifa suddenly dropped hers.

"This is nice and all but don't you think it's a bit boring?" Cloud lowered his menu and looked at Tifa.

"Uhh... Well I guess we could go somewhere more exciting after dinner."

"How about we go now?" There was a slight grin on Tifa's face and her eyes were hard to read. "What do you say we get out of here?" Her hand brushed Cloud's arm, sending a shiver down his spine.

"And go where?" Cloud didn't really like the sound of this.

"You'll see. But first we gotta get out of these clothes." Tifa smirked and stood up, taking Cloud with her. She dragged him to the bathroom and stopped outside the door. "Wait here. I'll get you fixed up once I'm done." She smiled and walked into the bathroom, leaving Cloud to wonder what exactly was happening.

A few minutes later, the bathroom door swung open and Tifa walked out. Cloud's jaw dropped when he took in her new outfit.

The leather pants she wore were skin-tight and hung low on her hips. Accompanying the pants was a short leather vest, zipped up just enough to cover her huge breasts. Her once pink lips were now dark red, giving her a more dangerous look.

"You're turn." Tifa stepped forward and grabbed Cloud's black tux, pulling it off his shoulders. She then untied the bow tie and pulled it off his neck, leaving him in only a white button up shirt and black slacks.

Tifa stepped back and admired her work. "One more thing." Her fingers made quick work and soon the top two buttons on Cloud's shirt were undone, exposing a good portion of his muscular chest. "Perfect. You ready?"

Cloud nodded. "You look... hot."

Tifa chuckled. "Thanks. Now let's go." She grabbed his wrist and led him out of the restaurant. When they got to the car, Cloud started to get in but was stopped by Tifa. "Mind if I drive? I actually know where we're going." Her voice was sarcastic but Cloud nodded anyways.

They both got in and then were off, Cloud still unaware of where they were headed.

-Later-

"Seventh Heaven?" Cloud eyed the building suspiciously. "I thought this was a bar."

"It's a club now too." He raised an eyebrow. "Oh come on. Trust me, it's fine." Tifa's smirk didn't make him feel any better though.

He followed her to the door where a huge black man stood guard. As they approached, a wide grin spread across the man's face when he spotted Tifa.

"Hey Teef!" Teef? Cloud wondered if he'd ever be able to call Tifa that.

"Barret!" Tifa waved to the man.

"Who's da guy you're with?" Barret looked Cloud up and down.

"Oh, this is Cloud. He's a sweetheart." Cloud's heart jumped. Sweetheart? Guess it's better than nothing huh?

"Ha-ha! Well this ain't a place for sweethearts, but go right ahead." Barret winked at Cloud and opened the door to the club. Tifa walked inside, not even looking back.

"What are ya waitin' for boy? Did ya even look at 'er? Damn, if I were you, I'd be right on 'er heels, never lettin 'er outta my sight! Get in there boy!" Barret shoved Cloud inside before he could protest.

Cloud stumbled into the club, instantly noticing the change in atmosphere. Lights flashing, music blaring, it was like nothing he had ever experienced before.

Looking around, he noted everyone to be quite good looking. Handsome men and gorgeous women surrounded him, and to be honest, he didn't feel like he fit in.

"Cloud!" He turned around and saw Tifa waving him over. She was sitting at the bar, men already all over her. She pretended to be oblivious to them, just like the stares.

Cloud fixed his hair and made is way over to her. As he approached not one man moved away, nor even acknowledged him. This irritated Cloud and out of anger he leaned down and locked lips with Tifa. He could feel the surprise on her lips and slowly moved to her neck, sucking on her warm skin.

"Cloud!" He could tell she was enjoying it but she gently pushed him away. "What was that for?" Tifa searched his face, looking for an answer to his unusual actions.

"I don't know." Cloud glanced around and noticed how all of the men had backed away. They were shooting daggers at Cloud, obviously envious of him. He smirked and leaned down to kiss Tifa again but this time she pushed him away a little harder.

"What's gotten into you?" There was confusion in her ruby eyes.

Cloud suddenly felt stupid. "I don't really know... Sorry Tifa." He looked down trying to avoid her beautiful eyes.

"Maybe you just need a drink." With that Tifa turned to the man behind the bar and ordered two drinks.

"I don't really dri-" But Tifa was already shoving a glass into his hand.

"Cheers!" She smirked and raised her glass. Cloud hesitantly raised his own, clinking it with Tifa's. He put it to his lips and sipped it. His eyes widened and his face scrunched up as he tried to force the harsh liquid down his throat.

Tifa examined his face and laughed. "You like it don't you?"

Cloud squeezed his eyes shut and rubbed his head. "Love it."

Tifa laughed once again before getting up, drink still in hand. "Wanna dance?"

Cloud rubbed the back of his neck. "Nah, I'm not really a dancer."

"Not a drinker, not a dancer. What are you then?"

"Ha-ha I don't really know. But I must have some good qualities. You seem to enjoy me." His eyes lifted to her face, a small grin on his mouth.

"Well isn't someone a little cocky?" Her grin matched his. "Sure you don't wanna dance... with me?"

"I'm good. Just one more thing though." Cloud snatched the drink out of Tifa's hand. "I don't need you getting drunk, especially not in a place like this." He gestured to the men standing nearby who were still giving Tifa lustful glances.

"Well I'm glad you're concerned for me but I think I can take care of myself. I'm a big girl you know." She placed a gentle kiss on Cloud's cheek and walked away. He watched as she disappeared into the sea of dancing people.

Cloud took one last look at the drink in his hand before putting it down and sitting at the bar. The blaring music was making it hard for him to think but for some reason Barret's words kept popping back into his head.

"Did ya even look at 'er? Damn, if I were you, I'd be right on 'er heels, never lettin 'er outta my sight!" Dammit, he was right. Cloud was still confused at how Tifa even said yes to this date in the first place and now she was out there in the middle of a ton of people, wearing skin-tight leather, dancing all by herself. Alone. Surrounded by a ton of men.

"Oh shit." With Tifa's body she could get any man of any age, any size. "Oh. Shit." Cloud leaped out of his seat and rushed into the sea of people, frantically searching for a brunette in tight, black leather.

"Tifa?" When he didn't see her anywhere his shouts became more frantic. "Tifa!?" But then he saw her standing in a corner, a red-haired man leaning over her, practically groping her.

Cloud broke into a run, knocking a few people over as he made his way to Tifa.

"TIFA!" She turned her head just in time to see Cloud practically run her over. He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward him. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." She slowly brought her eyes to his worried face.

"You sure?" Cloud searched her face.

"She said she's fine yo." Cloud turned and found the red-haired man glaring at him, an angry look on his face. That's when he recognized him. It was Reno, the shadiest guy in the whole school.

"And what makes you say that?" Cloud sneered, taking a step closer to Reno.

"Oh I don't know, maybe by the way she was moaning and groaning, practically begging for more."

"I was not Reno!" Tifa cut in, glaring at the man.

"Oh c'mon baby, don't act like you didn't like it." Reno grabbed her chin, bringing it closer to him. Tifa struggled but his grip was too strong.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Cloud was now only inches from Reno's face.

"Well from what I can tell, you two aren't dating so I can do whatever I want with her." His hand shot to one of Tifa's breasts, making her cry out.

"That's it." Cloud's whisper was a growl. His hands were balled into tight fists and soon enough one of them was flying right at Reno's face.

But the ginger dodged out of the way just in time. "Nice try Spikey." Reno smirked and before Cloud could even think, the red-haired man's fist was flying full speed at his face. The last thing he heard was Tifa's scream before everything went black.

-Later-

"Uhhh..." Cloud's eyelids felt heavy and his face was throbbing like hell. He groggily opened his eyes and saw Tifa leaning over him. The first thing he noticed was her cleavage, hanging right in front of his face. She looked down and rolled her eyes.

"Well at least you're still yourself."

Cloud laughed weakly. "Where are we?" Looking around he noticed he was in a house, one that he didn't recognize either.

"I brought you to my house. Thank god nobody's home either." Tifa was still wearing the leather she had on previously and damn did she still look amazing.

"Nobody's home? So that means that we're alone huh?" He started to sit up but instantly fell back when he felt a sharp pain shooting throughout his body.

"Whoa there big boy, might not wanna do that. Reno socked you pretty hard. Right in the nose too."

"Then why does my whole body ache?" Cloud let his body go limp, trying to ease the pain.

"Well after you fell unconscious, Reno kinda kicked you in the ribs. A couple of times actually." Cloud looked down and found himself to be shirtless. His ribs were already starting to turn black and blue.

Tifa gently placed her hand on the bruise, slowly brushing over it. "You should get some rest. You can sleep here tonight if you want."

"With you?" His eyes eagerly shot to her face, waiting for an answer.

"On the couch." She leaned down and gently kissed his lips. Oh god how he really wanted to rip open that leather vest and kiss her senseless but his body told him that wasn't such a good idea. He let her go as she broke the kiss and stood up. She headed to the steps and started up them.

"I guess I'll see you in the morning then... Teef." Oh god, where had that come from? Cloud's face flushed in embarrassment but Tifa turned her head just enough for him to see the small grin on her lips.

"Guess she liked it," Cloud whispered after she was out of sight. Gently placing his hands behind his head, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Author's note: Told you a plot would actually start developing in this chapter! Anyways, sorry there wasn't any "adult material" in this chapter. I felt I needed a chapter where Cloud and Tifa just sort of got closer, but not in that way (; Thanks for reading! I really appreciate all of the reviews!