Disclaimer: I do not own FF7 nor the cover pic.

Chapter 7: Getaway

"Did you pack your stuff yet?"

Tifa cradled her cell phone between her ear and shoulder as she rummaged through her large walk-in closet. She was randomly pulling out sweaters and returning them into its place.

"I am starting to pack now Yuf, we don't leave until tomorrow anyways! We have plenty of time to pack. Besides it's only for the weekend…"

Yuffie has asked Tifa to go to her parent's cabin for the weekend with her and Vincent. Tifa of course said no, but Yuffie begged and cried for her to go since her parents did not feel comfortable with just her and Vincent.

"Well I just want to make sure you are not going to be late tomorrow. You sure Sephiroth can't come?"

Tifa sighed as she thought of Sephiroth, her boyfriend. They have been going out since that night with Cloud, when Sephiroth confessed to her.

"He has to finish grading all his final exams and prepare for the next semester since he does not want to do it during the holidays but I agreed to spend time with him on Christmas Eve."

Tifa could hear an uncomfortable shifting on the other end of the line. "Oh I see…Uh Teef, I also invited Aeris to my parent's cabin…"

Tifa hesitated a little. She could sense that Yuffie was a little awkward mentioning this to her. It's not like Aeris and her were not close friends. Tifa just kept a small distance when Aeris kept trying to do double dates when she found out Tifa was now dating Sephiroth. Trying to set up a date between them and her boyfriend Cloud. "Yuf, come on. It's okay. I am totally fine with Aeris. It will be nice to have a weekend to catch up… " Tifa said as cheerful as she can be. "She is not bringing…"

"I have to go. So be over at my place by 8 am. Aeris will be arriving around that time as well okay Teef?"

Tifa noticed that Yuffie still sounded strange over the phone, "Okay Yuf, bye love!"

Tifa pressed 'end' on her cell and flopped back onto her large bed. She stared up at the ceiling as she turned to grab her big bear to cuddle. Her mind felt cluttered with random thoughts and feelings. Tifa closed her eyes to try and reorganized her thoughts.

"Babe, you know how much I missed you?"

Tifa felt strong arms circled her from behind as the smell of nice cologne drifted to her nostrils. She slid her arms over his defined arms, intertwining her fingers with his.

"I miss you too. Where have you been?" Tifa closed her eyes as she felt him nuzzle against the side of her face and ear.

"I have always been here, waiting for you baby."

Tifa felt his soft lips nibbled her lower ear which sent a wave of pleasure throughout her body. His hand left hers, and a warm finger grazed against her skin as her hair was pulled back exposing her bare neck to him.

"You are so beautiful Tifa…" the voice whispered as he gently lowered his lips to her neck. Tifa let out a soft moan as she felt him gently planting sweet kisses down the side of her neck. Her free hand lifted to his head and her fingers started to grasp onto the soft locks from the ecstasy filling her body.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Tifa awoke from her phone vibrating next to her side. She blindly tried to feel for her phone in the darkness. Oh no, did I fall asleep?

'Good Morning Beautiful, just want you to know I hope you have a great weekend with your friends. Sorry I cannot go, it would be nice to meet your friend's boyfriend'

Good Morning? Tifa glanced back at her phone anxiously and noticed it was 7 am. SHIVA, I haven't even packed yet; did I really just fall asleep like that? Tifa briefly got up but only to lie back done from the blood rushing to her head. She rubbed her eyes and groaned as she knew Yuffie was going to be pissed at her. Tifa eyes amplified as she remembered the vivid dream she just had. She brought her hands to her face embarrassed of dreaming something so inappropriate. She has not even kissed Sephiroth yet but to have a dream like that... A dream that felt so real to her. A dream that made her heart felt so alive and wanted more. A dream with... She pressed her face into her stuffed bear wanting to scream her lungs out.

'Knock Knock'

"T?" Her dad slowly opened the door, "T? Are you awake? Please don't kick me..."

Tifa glanced up and saw her dad shielding his face form any potential pain. "Papa!" Tifa began, "I am awake. Ugh I can't believe I fell asleep! You didn't even wake me for dinner." Her dad turned on her bedroom lights blinding her.

"Sorry T, I was going to wake you but you were snoring so loud. I thought you must be very tired from your finals," her dad apologized. "Uh T, can I talk to you for a moment before you go off for the weekend with Yuf."

"Oh right, I have to pack!" Tifa shouted forgotten she was supposed to meet Yuffie as she got up to go to her closet and picked out random outfits. "What did you need to talk to me about?"

"Well, I just- uh- I am not good at this. But I know you have a boyfriend now and… (cough) about him going, if he is going... Well…" Her dad's ruby eye stared cautiously at her as he watched her go back and forth from the closet. "So (cough), there is something about the birds and –"

"PAPA! Oh my Shiva, are you serious? I am twenty-two, I am well aware of the birds and bees… Mama told me when I was younger. You don't have to worry anyways, Sephiroth isn't going. Vincent is the only boy going so you should have the talk with Yuf." Tifa giggled as she saw her dad once redden face relaxed with relief.

"Oh, that's good then. I am so relieved! Are you serious about this Sephiroth guy T? You don't look so happy as usual," Mr. Lockhart asked worryingly. It took a while for her father to accept that Sephiroth was dating her daughter. He actually didn't mind the fact he was her professor when Tifa let him now Sephiroth was only twenty-five.

Tifa hesitated and stared in her small jewelry chest at the moogle necklace dangling from one of the hooks. "Papa, it was finals that were stressing me out. I am completely fine now honestly. I have to shower real quickly and get to Yuf's on time before she strangles me to death."

"Oh alright, just wanted to make sure since it was the first time you dropped out of a class," her father gave her a small smile and kissed her on the forehead as he walked out of the bedroom leaving her alone.

Tifa sunk back onto her bed with the moogle dangling down from her hand. After the kiss with Cloud, she decided to drop out of her cooking class so she didn't have to see him. She hadn't seen him since the rest of the semester but all she knew; he was now dating Aeris.

"Teef! You are late!" a rather perky Yuffie said with a frown on her face as she rested her hands on her hips.

Tifa got her luggage from her trunk of her small SUV and trudge slowly to Yuffie, "Ah sorry Yuf…"

"You forgot to pack didn't you," Yuffie assumed right with a grin.

"I fell asleep right after we talked last night and didn't wake up until a little over an hour ago!" Tifa sighed as she tossed her bag into the back of Yuffie's large SUV.

"Tifa!" a flowery voice screamed out to her.

Tifa looked up and was immediately smothered in a hug by Aeris. "Oh Tifa, I haven't seen you for weeks! Where have you been?"

Tifa hugged her back, "Sorry, when it comes close to finals I disappear." Aeris gently pushed back from Tifa, her large emerald eyes radiated at her, "We are going to have so much fun this weekend. I heard there is a jacuzzi so I hope you brought your swim suit!"

Tifa laughed, "Of course! Even though there is a bunch of snow, I wouldn't mind relaxing in the hot water and let out some stress."

"Ladies, let's go! It's a five hour drive to the cabin!" Yuffie exclaimed as she got into the driver's seat.

Tifa looked around as she got into the passenger side, "Wait, where is Vincent?" She glanced over at Yuffie and saw her knuckles turn white as she grasped the steering wheel.

Yuffie gave Tifa a nervous smile, "Ah well… he will be driving up later. You know Vincent, he likes to sleep in."

Tifa gave her a scowl, "You couldn't let me sleep in but Vincent gets too?" Tifa studied Yuffie, is she hiding something from me?

The first hour of the drive was filled with the girls catching up and about how their finals went. Tifa glanced out the window and watched the snowy scenery. We definitely are not at the beach anymore. The trees were so beautiful from the thick soft snow flakes gently cascading from the sky covering their leaves. Tifa shivered a little as she tightened the thick scarf around her neck and snuggled into its soft fabric. She heard Yuffie and Aeris laugh as she drifted off into a deep sleep for the rest of the ride to the mountains.

...

"Teef, we are here!"

Tifa awoke by Yuffie nudging her side softly which caused Tifa to groan awake. She got out of the passenger side to stretch her aching back and arms out from being in the car for so long. Her eyes glowed in awe when she registered where they were. This place is absolutely breathtaking! The cabin was made out of beautiful wooden logs with 2 snow ATVs parked on the side of the long driveway. She looked around and saw that they were in a secluded part but close enough to other homes in the area. The air was so fresh and crisp but had a chill as she inhaled. Aeris came trudging over in the thick snow to Tifa, her nose was pink with thick snowflakes kissing her eye lashes from the sky.

"Isn't it beautiful up here?" Aeris happily yelled with a big smile plastered on her face as she looked up to the sky closing her eyes. "Come on, let's go in and get warmed up!"

They entered the large dark home through the front porch; Yuffie felt the walls for the light switch and switched on the lights. Tifa and Aeris gasped in awe as the light shined through the cabin. The inside of the cabin was very open with large windows. The ceilings were vaulted and the overall atmosphere was very comfortable and homey. Yuffie went over to open the blinds to let the sun shine through.

Yuffie brought up her hands and started rubbing her arms fast over the thick sweater she was wearing, "Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr it is so cold! I am going to find out where to turn on the heater." She turned to Tifa and motioned to the back of the cabin, "Can you start a fire Teef? Logs should be under the tarp on the balcony through those French doors."

Tifa nodded as she went over to the fireplace to work on starting the fire. She grabbed her snow boots and stepped out into the back balcony where the logs should be. The wooden deck was large with a fire pit in the center; small log seats surrounded the fire pit. On the left of the deck is an outdoor bar and on the right side is a nice stoned BBQ grill. That will be nice to grill up something delicious! The stairs attached from the center of the deck led down to a private area. Curious, Tifa went down the snowy steps and followed the gorgeous path lined by snowy trees to the private location of the jacuzzi. She glanced back and could not even see the house from where she was at, oh gosh… reminding myself to not come over here if Yuffie and Vincent are alone in the hot tub.

Tifa giggled at the thought and headed back to the house to grab some dry logs. Tifa went back inside to start the fire with Aeris help. The girls spend the next hour unloading and cleaning the dust from the un-used cabin.

"Alright! So there are 5 bedrooms. Master bedroom is to the side over here on the main floor which mwah has taken. There are two bedrooms upstairs and two bedrooms downstairs, you girls can take your pick, the rooms are very roomy!"

The ladies agreed to take the upstairs rooms and Tifa settled into a room overlooking the back of the house. Aeris room was down the hall on the other side overlooking the front of the house. Wow Yuf is so right, the rooms are so huge! Is she sure it's not the masters? Tifa placed her clothes into the closet and changed out of her sweats she arrived in. She put on a pair of black leggings with thick leg warmers and an oversized white sweater. She threw her hair up into a bun and went downstairs to the main level to find Yuffie dressed comfortably as well.

"Yuf, this place is incredible and huge!" Tifa said as she glanced at the cute decorations around in the home. The decorations were modern and had the homey feel to it. "You must had loved being here as a child. I am so envious of this place!"

"If you love this place, wait until you see the kitchen. You will be our chef for the three days we are here by the way!" Yuffie giggled then grabbed Tifa's hand and lead the way to the immaculate kitchen.

Tifa's jaw hit the floor once they entered through the wooden swing doors. The kitchen looked like it was out of a catalog. The counters were made out of marble; the center island was very large for four of her to work on with pots and pans overhanging. The appliances were all stainless steel like her class, but there were double stack ovens and the French door fridge was hidden within the cabinets. The sinks were doubled as well and rather deep.

"My mom fell in love with this place because of the kitchen. She said she loves it because we can't bother her when she is cooking since it's secluded. The dining room is out those doors," Yuffie pointed over to the other wooden swing door.

"I love this kitchen too Yuf! I am so excited to be cooking with such large space! Is Vincent bringing all the food?" Tifa asked as she looked through the fridge, noting ingredients they might need. She then ran her along the soft marble thinking about her cooking class she had with Cloud. He would sure be in awe over this kitchen too…

Yuffie blushed thinking of her Vincent, "He said he will bring so much food to feed his queen and the whole village." She pointed through the front window at the ATVs, "If we need anything else we can just take those to the local market. It's only a mile away." Yuffie's eyes lit up as she continued to stare out the window, "Vincent is here!" Yuffie raced out of the kitchen with a smirking Tifa following close behind her.

"AHHH you decided to come too!"

Tifa was confused as she watched Aeris raced out of the front door with Yuffie. Tifa's heart started to beat harder, no…it can't possibly. Tifa slowly crept to the front doors to peek out. The way her heart felt confirmed, Aeris was hugging the handsome blonde. She watched him slowly raise his arms around her, hugging her back. Zack got out from the back seat of the large red truck and stared annoyed at the two but immediately smiled when Aeris hugged him as well. Yuffie was all over Vincent as if she had not seen him for years.

Cloud put up his black hood over his head to prevent the snowflakes from falling onto his neck, which would make him colder than what he already was. He blew out a puff of air that evaporated like smoke, slid his hands in his front pocket to warm them, and made way to the front door leaving the others behind. He froze halfway when he looked up to see those beautiful ruby eyes staring over at him.

"Tifa…" Cloud breathed out her name. He watched her as she fidgeted with the bottom of her large sweater as she stared back at him. She was leaning against the door frame looking absolutely stunning. His heart felt so heavy, he had much to say to her that he could not prior. He waited during their next class to only find out she had dropped the class, she completely disappeared from him. His azure eyes were burning into hers as he took steps forwards to her. She looks so damn beautiful…

"Cloud, do you want to go to Yuffie's cabin with us? Zack said he would go if you do."

"Man, I don't want to go…don't you want some alone time with your girlfriend anyways?"

"Yeah I actually do... however I do not think her parents will be comfortable with just me going. Aeris is planning on going by the way."

"I know, I told her I won't go…I am not much into the snow."

"…Tifa is going to be there."

Tifa watched Cloud walk towards her. It's only been a couple months since she has seen him but those eyes, his lips… She hated that even though it's only been a couple months he still could make her weak in the knees for him.

"Cloud! You guys brought a bunch of beer?" Aeris ran over stopping him from proceeding to Tifa, "Oh my, I feel we will be in for a crazy weekend!"

She tugged on Cloud to lead him back to the truck to help him unload the rest of the stuff with the others. Tifa retreated to the kitchen to catch her breath for a moment as she leaned back against the center island. The way they gazed at each other seems like they were exchanging all their feelings that they could not in the weeks apart. Yuffie came barging in with Zack and Vincent behind carrying bags of groceries.

"Hey Tifa!" Zack said with a warm smile, "Long time no see babe!"

Tifa rolled her eyes but couldn't help to grin at him. "Yep, it's been a while. I hope you didn't bring any volley balls." Zack winced as if he got hit in the gut. "Hi Vincent, I see it wasn't just you coming here when it was supposed to be…"

Yuffie ran over to hug Tifa and started to whine into her shoulder, "I am so sorry Teef! My mom didn't want just us two here and Vincent didn't want to be the only guy here with a group of girls."

Tifa hugged Yuffie tight as she smiled to a winking Vincent, "Shhhhhhh it's okay Yuf. I understand how much you wanted to be here, it will be a fun weekend! Let's put the food away before it gets spoiled. You guys bought so much food! You were right, Yuf, it is enough for his queen and village." Tifa winked at a blushing Yuffie.

Cloud found his way to the kitchen lugging two 36-packs of beer. Aeris was close behind carrying one 36-pack.

"Holy Shiva guys! Are you trying to get the girls drunk or what?!" Yuffie exclaimed as her eyes widen at the beer. She had to do a double take on the cases they had brought in.

"Ha uhhh, there are two more cases out in Vincent's truck," Zack gave a small boyish grin as he counted the cases. Vincent immediately dragged Zack and Cloud out of there quickly by the shoulder before Yuffie could go off on them.

"Hey, it's okay Yuf! Aren't you the one that always likes to get drunk anyways?" Tifa teased as Yuffie cheeks turned a hint of pink.

Yuffie gave a small sigh. "But Vincent doesn't drink much so he doesn't know that…" she admitted. "But I do miss beer a lot; they even got our favorite ones!"

"I really like beer too except I prefer the sex on the beach," Aeris winked at Tifa. The three girls laughed as they put the beer in the fridge along with all of the groceries. When they finished the girls went back to the living room to sit by the warm fire sipping on hot chocolate with marshmallows from large mugs. The boys returned to them with their small bags of personal belongings.

"Oooo hot chocolate?" Zack asked as he bent over and took a sip from Tifa's mug.

"Hey Zack!" Tifa yelled in shock as she watched him look back up at her and licked the chocolate of his lips with a smirk. He stood back up and winked at an unhappy Cloud.

"Where are the rooms Yuffie?" Vincent asked her, ignoring the fiasco Zack was making.

"Well, there are two empty bedrooms downstairs since the girls took the upstairs room," Yuffie reddened when she turned to look at Vincent. "Vin, you can share the master bedroom with me and Zack and Cloud can have the downstairs rooms."

Vincent smiled at Yuffie, "Okay." Yuffie cheered at his response and went to grab his hand.

"Wait Cloud, do you want to share a room with me?" Aeris asked giggling which blushed cheeks. She looked up at Cloud with a hopeful look in her emerald eyes.

"Nope," Cloud immediately said and went away behind the others to their rooms.

Aeris frowned to herself, her eyes now filled with hurt, "You know I was really happy when he started to hang out with me more, like a boyfriend…" Her emerald eyes watered as she looked over at Tifa, "But it always seems he is not totally happy or completely there. His mind seems to always be on something. We haven't even kissed yet!"

Tifa eyes widened at Aeris in surprise, "Uh you haven't?"

Aeris shook her head, "No, he just lets me kiss him on the cheeks but we haven't on the lips…He never made a move on me. Honestly, I don't even know if we are truly boyfriend or girlfriend… he never really asked me, I just assume we are."

"Really? I thought he was the one who asked you out…"

Before they could continue on the conversation the others came back to the room and lounged on the couch with them. Cloud sat on the floor in front of the fire with Zack.

"I am hungry, let's eat something," Zack said as he rubbed his stomach.

Yuffie nudge Tifa, "Hey chef, you feel like cooking something delicious tonight?"

Tifa nodded immediately, wanting to use the beautiful kitchen, "I will make some appetizer and start on dinner. I see the guys had brought some steak so maybe some vegetable kebabs to go along with it?"

"Sounds so yummy Teef!" everyone agreed with Yuffie as she turned to Cloud, "Ohhhhhh Cloud, maybe you can help Tifa since I heard you took a cooking course together!" She smiled sweetly and batted her eyelashes at him.

Aeris straightened up from the couch, "You did Cloud? I didn't know you were into cooking?"

Cloud ran his hand through his hair casually, "Well I guess I could help… Would you like some help Tif?" His eyes sparkled at her.

"Uh- yes, you could help," Tifa stammered off guard from Yuffie deliberate plan. It had been awhile since Cloud has talked to her let alone used a nickname. She snuck a peek at Yuffie to see her grin deviously at her.

"Okay that is settled! Let's go outside in the hot tub with some beers! Come on Aeris!" Yuffie dragged Aeris away from them as she turned with a sad smile, obviously wanting to be with Cloud.

"Cook something delicious for me," Zack winked at them as he went to go change.

Vincent eyes Cloud curiously as he left the kitchen behind Zack.

Tifa groaned with jealousy to Cloud, "UGH why do we have to cook when they get to go in the hot tub out in the snow… I wouldn't have agreed to it if I knew we would be left out!" She walked off to the kitchen with Cloud close behind her. She went right to the fridge to pull out six T-bone steaks along with some vegetables. "Cloud, can you get some salt and ground pepper from the spice rack over there?" Tifa asked as she laid all the items onto the center island. Tifa lay the steaks out on a large plate and the vegetable on the large wooden cutting board that was resting already on the island.

"This kitchen is so beautiful; it has everything that I need…" Tifa stared in awed at the fine knives that were resting in an elegant wooden block.

"This kitchen is pretty nice actually. Nicer than our cooking class… What should I do anyways?" Cloud asked as he approach right beside her with the salt and pepper grinder. Her favorite cologne wafted to her nose, the scent she missed so much.

Tifa blushed while looking down at the vegetables, "You don't remember from our cooking class? Maybe you were too busy with the girls flirting with you in class. Trim the fat and sprinkle both sides with kosher salt and grind the pepper onto them." Tifa hastily went to the kitchen sink to rinse the vegetables. Ugh, I really hope he doesn't bring up the last time we saw each other… I don't want this to be any more awkward.

Cloud surveyed her back as she was clearly in deep thought letting the water run over the vegetables as she scrubbed them clean. He wanted to go over to her, and wrap his arms around her but he stopped himself from doing so.

'I am going to try with Sephiroth. So please do not talk to me outside of class. I don't want anything to do with you anymore.'

He listened to Tifa because it hurts to know she was dating Sephiroth now. He didn't know how but he just ended up going with Aeris to the places she asked him to go to since his mind was to wrapped up in Tifa and Sephiroth. It opened the door Aeris has been waiting for.

"Don't be shy on the spices Cloud, the more the better."

Cloud looked up to see Tifa back across the island at the cutting board with the vegetables. She was smoothly chopping thick slices of onion, red and green peppers, and mushrooms. One by one she will poke the large vegetable pieces on the skewer.

I shouldn't be worried about Cloud being here. I am with Sephiroth and he is very kind to me… but why does my heart beat so much with Cloud…? Sephiroth makes my heart beat as well…but it's not even the same when I am with Cloud.

"Ouch!" Tifa cried out in pain and she dropped the last skewer onto the cutting board. Cloud rushed over by her side as she tried to pull her bleeding finger away from him. "Cloud it's no big deal, I wasn't paying attention and poked my finger with the skewer. It's a lot sharper than I thought…"

Cloud aggressively grabbed her hand to examine her finger to only see small amount of blood streaming down her finger which continued to thicken. "It looks pretty deep," Cloud discovered while examining the wound and went to grab a napkin to put over the small cut. He applied pressure in hopes to clot the wound so it would not bleed as much and pulled Tifa from the kitchen to find a small half bathroom nearby, through the dining room.

The bathroom was very tight especially if they were both standing in it together; Tifa waited outside the bathroom while Cloud was busily searching the cabinet behind the mirror above the sink. He found the band aid he was searching for and carefully applied the band aid to Tifa's wounded finger. Tifa felt uncomfortable as they have not been in intimate setting for a long period of time.

"Cloud? Tifa?" Aeris voice called out from the kitchen, looking for them.

Cloud quickly pulled Tifa into the bathroom and closed the door silently as he locked the handle. Tifa hands went up to his chest to keep her from falling back and crashing onto the door from the force of her being drawn into the bathroom. She tried to not breathe so loud from her heart exploding out of her chest from the close proximity of Cloud. Cloud used one hand to lean against the door blocking it in case the lock didn't work and the other around her waist clinging her to him for support. Cloud looked down at the chocolate hair beauty and watched her play with his sweater nervously as if she didn't realize it was his sweater while biting her lip.

I missed her so fucking much… He lowered his face to the side of her neck, nuzzling her as he inhaled her missed scent. Tifa body tensed, her hand gripped harder on his sweater as she felt Cloud breath on the side of her open neck.

A soft knock sounded from the door which made Tifa jumped causing her neck to touch Cloud's lips accidently. Tifa's face reddened at what had just happened and started to panic on not being able to move or leave the bathroom.

Cloud whispered in softly her ear, "I missed you." He nuzzled and softly kissed her neck which caused Tifa to lose control of herself and moved her head to the side, opening her neck more to him. I can't control myself…

'Knock Knock'

"Is someone in there?" Aeris asked again as she softly knocks on the door and jiggling the locked handle.

"Uh- I am in here Aeris," Tifa called out to her, trying her best to stabilize her voice as she felt Cloud nibbled on her neck.

"Tifa?" Aeris called out to her with a hint of sadness depicting it was clearly Cloud that she was looking for. "Have you seen Cloud?"

Tifa was lost in ecstasy as she pulled Cloud closer to her neck; her hands went up to his hair feeling the softness like in her dream. Cloud raised his head to stare deeply into her eyes, leaning forward to touch her lips with his. Tifa remembered how sweet his kisses were that night but for some reason it was sweeter that day as if they really missed each other.

'KNOCK KNOCK'

"Tifa? Are you okay?" a more powerful knock sounded as the door handle rattled which brought Tifa back to reality.

Tifa pulled as far as she could away from Cloud without hitting the door with her head. Her breathing was hard as she looked up at him. "No Aeris, I haven't seen Cloud. I think he went to his room but can you give me a moment of privacy. I am trying to uh- go number two." Tifa grew embarrassed as that was the only excuse she can come up with Cloud smirking at her.

"Ah okay, sorry! If you see Cloud, tell him I will be at the hot tub with the others okay?"

Tifa heard Aeris leave then waited several moments before she turned to let herself out. Tifa rushed to the kitchen to finish preparing the meal trying to avoid Cloud's eye. I can't believe that happened…I am such a horrible girlfriend and friend. Tifa eyes started to drip with tears as she finished the last kebob.

"Hey…" Cloud said softly to her, "I am sorry… I just couldn't help myself… I didn't mean to put you in any awkward position."

Tifa glanced up at his handsome face. She hasn't felt that alive since she has been with Sephiroth. Tifa fabricated a smile and wiped her tears, "I don't want to talk about it, let's just cook."

...

"Wow, this is so good!" Zack exclaimed as he finished his last bite of the steak grilled steak. His face was already flushed red from the hot tub and beers they took out with them. "Tifa, will you cook for me soon again? I can reward you later privately." Zack winked at Tifa causing her to look down at her plate embarrassed.

"You are such a skeez!" Aeris laughed drunkenly.

"Yeeeeeessssssssss this place is the best! You like it my Vinnie poo?" Yuffie asked the sober Vincent as a piece of mushroom flung off her fork onto him. Vincent laughed at a terrified Yuffie. He pat her heard softly whispering to her that she should stop drinking.

Tifa glanced back up and saw a drunken Aeris holding onto Cloud, "Cloud come to my room tonight okay?" Cloud brushed her off of him, frowning at her actions. Aeris pouted while taking another swig of her beer. "Cloud, I will reward you tonight for cooking for me too!"

"Don't you know you get drunk faster in a hot tub?" Tifa interrupted Aeris to Vincent who was holding a now passed out Yuffie leaning onto his shoulder. Vincent shrugged and smiled back at her.

"I told them but they just could not help themselves," Vincent calmly said as they all looked over to Zack snoring in his seat and Aeris passed out on Cloud's shoulder. "I guess it's bed time already…" Vincent said as he checked his watch.

Tifa sulked, "I was hoping we all get to go out to the hot tub! It must be pretty with the stars overhead." Tifa groaned as she got up and started to clear the dished to the kitchen.

Vincent observed Cloud as he watched Tifa exited the room. "So… what are you doing?"

Cloud looked over at him confused, "What do you mean?"

Vincent gave him a smirk, "I know where you heart is…I say keep fighting. I am going to put Yuffie and Zack to bed. You get Aeris. Just…whatever happen Cloud, don't worry. I have your back." Vincent winked as he carried Yuffie to their room. Cloud stared at him confused as he slowly got up and carried Aeris to her room.

...

Tifa lay in her bed wide awake frowning at the dark ceiling. She glanced at her cell, it was only 9pm and everyone in the house was passed out. Ugh, I really thought we would be up late tonight in the hot tub at least or playing drinking games… Tifa closed her eyes and tried to force herself to sleep.

'Knock Knock'

A small knock sounded from her door. Who would be knocking right now when everyone is drunk and passed out? She slowly opened the door to see Cloud in his swimming shorts with two large towels and a couple of cans of beer in a bag.

"Cloud?" Tifa eyes widened with surprise as she opened the door all the way. She remembered those shorts from the beach when they first met.

He gave her a small coy smile, "I couldn't sleep…was wondering if you like to go to the hot tub with me… I know you wanted to see the stars."

Tifa looked down the hall nervously at Aeris's door, she was about to shake her head until Cloud held her chin in his hand while he steadily gazed at her.

"For whatever reason, I just wanted you to know I am sorry for what feelings I may have caused you. I know you said you wanted to try with Sephiroth and I am sorry for putting you in this awkward position… but please... just tonight, be mine."

Tifa stared back into those beautiful blue eyes which she couldn't resist, "Okay Cloud."

To be continued…

What a chapter! This chapter was pretty hard to write but I like how it turned out.

You can tell they are definitely fighting a hard battle and will continue...

Thank you to everyone who consistently leave me reviews every chapter.

It really helps me be motivated to continue to write. I appreciate the love and input, harsh or not.

Thank you friends!

xoxoxo- iheartkiwi