Declaimer: "Okay I do not own Cloudy and Tiffy. Plus I do not own anything relating to FF7 or any of its series. I do own this story though so HAH!"

Kiome-Yasha: "Yes I am updating in a later time than last time because I am always late on updating my chapters. This one is a bit long. It's a bit weird and funny in this chapter. FYI this story is more then romance/suspense it also contains drama, humor, and violence, and plus sexual tension so this story might change to rated M MIGHT! I'm not sure yet. Oh well enjoy the story. Plus some sexual tension is going to appear in this chapter so control your hormones lol just kidding."

Tifa: "Now to your feature fanfiction."

Chapter 8 Dueling

Cloud's POV

I woke up with an early start. I turned to my bedside to see Aeris still fast asleep. There was no rise of passion, or lust for each other last night, which is strange for me. She's been gone for a week and there hasn't been any feelings occurring in our relationship. Things don't feel right between her and me anymore.

Right on cue of my thoughts, her emerald eyes that I once adored and held light opened in a dull, lazy matter that I turned away and preferred to see the light haze of early morning.

Aeris's POV

Cloud turned away so suddenly. I sat up a bit touching his shoulder lightly. He seems so tense. I'm guessing it's because of Zack. I put both my hands on his shoulders to turn him towards me. He looked at me with that gloom gaze of his stoic expression.

I spoke to cut the tension of silence, "Cloud what's wrong?" He turned his eyes away from me, "Nothing. I was just going to go train a bit more at the training area." I asked surprise, "At this hour? Its barely even considered morning!"

He got off the bed starting to put on his training light gear, "Aeris you read the letter from Zack. We can't take this lightly. I have to train myself to be prepared to defend our Kingdom and fight against whatever other Kingdom's army attacks us." I lifted myself up a bit from the bed, "Well can you at least kiss me before you leave?"

Cloud's POV

A kiss, it's only a kiss. Why am I feeling so uncomfortable? Aeris is my fiancé after all.

I leaned forward just to give her a peck kiss. As I touched her lips lightly against my own I lifted myself back up, but she felt disappointed and laced her arms around my neck and pulled me back down crushing my lips against hers.

Trying to pry myself away lightly she forced her dry tongue into my mouth. She then started leaning me down back on the bed. She mounted on top of me her tongue massaging my own, and her hips straddling my own. Seeing where this was going I shoved her lightly off of me. She stood confused.

I sat up from the bed, "Aeris not now. I'm not in the mood." She wrapped the covers around her skinny body feeling a bit embarrassed. I got up and started to leave. I shut the door behind me as I started to make my way to the training hall feeling disgusted of myself.

Tifa's POV

It was early morning, so early that the birds weren't even up yet singing in their harmonic tweeting. I got up feeling unsure and terrified. I just heard from the letter of Cloud's older brother Zack about the war. Things were getting out of hand. I felt so useless.

I got up putting on a light skirt and shirt of my pajamas and a robe. I put on some heavy shoes and started to make my way out of my room. I started my way down the hall as I made my way to the training room.

Cloud's POV

I kept up with my slump look as I continued through the wide narrow halls. I still felt the pressure of Aeris's lips on my own. I shivered a bit from the coldness, no not from the coldness. This cold feeling was that of Aeris, her lips held no warmth that I use to crave, to taste. For some reason I believed Tifa's lips would be much more desirable and warm then what Aeris previously had in life.

I continued my way down the hall. The mention of Tifa made her get fixed on my mind… again. I sighed in aggravation of the hold this young maiden had on me. What's with me anyway? I mean sure Tifa's gorgeous, sweet and has a smile that is so brilliant that the God's would be jealous, but she was just….I don't know... unique and one of a kind; and it's that thought that scares the hell out me.

I make another turn detour in the hall to bump right into my thoughts…Tifa.

Tifa's POV

I was prepared to train myself. I was thinking on going to the training area to practice my martial arts that I so happen to learn from Sephiroth.

Though my intentions were clear, my sight wasn't. As I made my way to the intersection within the long halls I bumped into the last person on wanted to see, but I would be lying to myself.

I fell flat hard on my back while Cloud just lost his balance. He looked down at me and blushed. I blushed as well as I realized that when I fell my dress and robe lifted up, showing my undergarments.

I quickly flipped myself up and put my dress down. Cloud just stood there stunned until he babbled, "Tifa! What are you doing up at this hour?" I flinched back a little shocked to see him even awake as well.

I straightened up, "I was planning on going to the training room sire." Cloud asked nervously, "Training? Um…Tifa I know your intentions are good, but…" I cut him off a little insulted, "Pardon me! I'm strong enough to defend myself when the time comes. Plus I could easily defeat you any time." He stood appalled, "Well then I guess we will have to see for ourselves your Highness." Now it was my turn to stand appalled.

I asked, "What do you mean your majesty?" He answered in a sly way, "Why don't you and I have a spurring your highness." I said in shock, "How DARE you? Do you think I would go that low and fight you?" He gave me a smirk, "Well it seems you didn't mind just a second ago to have a morning practice of your so called skills your highness." I scolded, "Do not call me 'Your highness.' I do not like to be called in such a matter your majesty." He cringed, "As long as you do not call me 'Your majesty' I think will be just fine. Besides I thought we cleared all this when we first met."

He's right we did. Cloud then pulled his arm out, "And I believe I escorted you as well on that day." I gave a faint smile as I took his arm.

He then led me down the hall to the training room and said in a cocky voice, "Prepare yourself Tifa. You are about to be beaten by the future King of this Kingdom."

Cloud's POV

She was simply amazing. She was stubborn, a side of her I didn't know and glad to see. She loosened her grip on my arm. I felt disappointed hoping for her to hold on longer. We made our way in the outside steps pathway to the training room.

We entered the room quietly. Tifa let go of my arm as she made her way to the middle of the room. I just stood admiring her form, but shook it off quickly. Tifa turned around swiftly in my direction causing me to blush madly from her cute slender form. At this point I don't think I will be able to fight her with my eyes so attached to her body.

She smiled that same smile that drove me crazy, "So are you ready to start?" I asked quizzically, "Um…shouldn't you go change to more proper clothing for training? I think that's a little unsuitable for this kind of activity." She looked down at her pajamas and lifted her skirt up a bit showing a bit more of her smooth legs.

She looked up at me with a questionable look, "So were do I change and get extra clothes?" I pointed my finger to the left of the changing room, "There should be a line of satisfying clothing for women training gear in there." She nodded as she proceeded in the direction I pointed out. I gave a sigh as I picked up my rather large sword feeling no weight of it bringing me down and waited to see another wardrobe fail on making Tifa hideous.

Tifa's POV

I picked out a nice brown pair of shorts to match up with my top white rugged shirt. I found a good pair of leather gloves for my hands as well. I needed it to give me more speed and power in my attacks. I kept my heavy pair of boots on, seeing it packs more of a punch then the boots inside the changing gear room. I finished and proceeded my way out the door.

I stood in shock and amazement with a little hint of envy as I saw Cloud pick up his sword at ease. Strong as I am. I couldn't pick up the sword yesterday, but seeing that Cloud had to burden himself to carry such an enormous sword I had the better advantage in speed.

I walked slowly up to him tapping his shoulder. He turned around, "Hey you done?" I could have sworn I saw him blush, but I replied, "Yes are you ready?" He pointed to his sword, "Ready." I nodded as I walked to the left side of the room feeling myself blush.

Cloud's POV

She made her way to the other side of the room. I walked down to the right feeling confident a bit, but so did she. Maybe I won't win this battle after all.

She positioned herself in an attack stance. I pulled my sword over my shoulder to the front. She looked so relax, and deep concentration. She closed her eyes with her long, black eyelashes. I felt a sweat go down my cheek.

Before I knew it she attacked in full force with tremendous speed. I quickly dodged it as I docked her punch in the air. My eyes and mind was in shock. I didn't expect this from Tifa at all. She looked like a small, fragile girl! Now she turned into this warrior princess.

She landed on the ground trying to give me a low kick. I dodged again from her fast punches and kicks as I jumped to the air. She followed quickly after though. She took a swing and directly punched my in the jaw. I cringed from the intensity of her gloved punch hand. She wasn't going to go easy on me.

She landed on her feet gracefully, as I crouched down on my knee with my sword striking at the floor. She gave a confident smile, "Having trouble defeating me your majesty." I glared at her as my pride was at stake, "Just you wait your Highness. I will get my chance." I felt the wind pull me up as I prepared to give Tifa one of my special sword skills 'Braver.'

Tifa's POV

He had something planned. I could feel it as my body tensed from the coldness of the wind picking up in the room. I looked back at Cloud as he got up and picked his sword up. He defiantly had something planned for me.

As I put my arms in defense that's when it happened. He ran towards me in full speed. Unprepared that I was, I panicked a bit. I heard him yell in advice, "Don't let your guard down Tifa!" I grinned at him as he came closing in and took a leap above me, "Don't be foolish. It was just an expression to throw you off." I giggled as I dashed to the other way, his sword making a strong impact collision to the brick floor making it shatter.

I let out a surprising gasp. If that would have hit me I would have most likely had lost this fight. Cloud lifted himself up from the small crater, "I'm glad that you're skilled enough to have dodged that. You would make a good ally in the war. Too bad I wouldn't allow it." I turned at him to oppose, but he shut me out, "Tifa I won't let you fight in this war. I don't want to worry in the battlefield on protecting you."

I was stunned at his words. Protecting me? I asked still a bit shock, "Cloud why must you protect me? As you can see I'm strong enough as it is." He quickly turned towards me with a scowl look, "Tifa I'm not saying you aren't strong, but I would not let the daughter of the Lockheart kingdom die in a ridiculous war when there are many people who want her to live. And I have to say that I am one of them." I was blushing madly as he still gave me that intense blazing look his words echoing in my head.

I squeezed my hands as I said in a monotone voice, "Can I give you an offer?" He asked in a low whisper enough for me to hear, "What is it?" I lifted my head opening my eyes that were in a brink of tears, "If I win in this dueling match. Promise me that you'll let me fight." Cloud answered, "I would, but I doubt the others will." He stopped and look down at the ground, "Tifa I understand your strong heart, but you have to understand." I nodded, "I do." I position in my battle stance, "Are you ready for another round?"

Cloud's POV

Tifa got in her battle crouch position asking, "Are you ready for another round?" I looked at her with sympathy. After awhile I steadied my sword up with my hands and prepared myself with another round with Tifa.

She was the first to make an attack she was so vulnerable right now that I could read her movements. In that second I put my sword in one hand and let it dangle, my other hand catching Tifa's punch. She wasn't surprise that I caught it. She just stared at me with tears flowing down like clear liquid. We stood frozen for a while until she finally collapsed on me. Stunned of the sudden embrace I dropped my sword, the chattering of metal echoing through the room.

Tifa squeezed on to me tightly. She felt so broken that I feared to embrace her thinking that she might shatter. Tifa spoke in a sweet, shallow whisper, "I just want to help. I feel like I can't accomplish anything. I want to help the Kingdom in the war. No more killing, no more sacrifices, no more useless fighting, just no more." I stiffened. She started crying on my robes letting them soak. I didn't hesitate though. I placed an arm around her, "Tifa I'm sorry for bringing the whole subject up." She pushed away a little, eyes still sparkling beautifully yet mournful with tears, "No, I'm the one who wanted to prove that I could fight in the battle as well."

I looked at her feature. God she was beautiful and strong. I started to lift my other arm to embrace her, but she pushed away before I had a chance to engulf her in a true comforting embrace.

Tifa stepped back a few steps, "I'm sorry I threw myself at you like that." I blushed, "No it's okay. I understand how you feel. Why don't we call the fight a draw?" She smiled sweetly, "Yes that sounds agreeable." I smiled as I picked up my Buster sword in hand again and put it to the side of its sheath on the wall; turning around to see Tifa getting undress.

Tifa's POV

As Cloud approached the wall to put his sword up I decided to get undress a little. No not nude, just the armor light vest I had on.

As I continued to take the vest off I heard Cloud mutter in embarrassment, "Oh I'm sorry!" He took a breather before asking, "Shouldn't you get dress in the weaponry?" I turned around a bit, "I'm not getting myself nude. I have garments under me. I just felt so hot, and sweaty that I couldn't take the disgust of it anymore."

I made my way to the outside porch of the room. Cloud followed also taking off his vest armor. I put my hands on the rocky railing feeling the breeze swoop over me and relaxing my muscles. Cloud folded his hands as he placed his elbows beside me on the railing.

He looked out to the distance of the sunrise, "I was wrong. You could fight well… for a woman." I only sniggered, "Well Sir I must say you fight well for a man." He looked up at me, the sunrise made his handsome features glow. He gave a faint smile.

I asked concern, "Are you nervous, or worried about the war?" He looked back at the sunrise, "I have a lot of thoughts racing through my mind about this bloody war." I shivered from his tone. His voice held so much determination and will.

I bowed my head down respectfully, "Will you be fighting in the front line soon sire?" Cloud took a glance at me before turning back to the burning sun that continued to rise slowly, "I will have to assist my Kingdom to protect it." I had a concern, worried look on my face as I folded my hands, "Wouldn't Aeris worry?"

I looked up to see a questioning look appear on his angelic face his blonde spike bands covering his eyes a bit.

Cloud's POV

That question stunned me a bit that even I had to ask myself. I bother not to think about it. I didn't want to think that my own fiancé didn't hold any feelings of concern for me, but mentioning about my safety got my skeptical.

I looked at Tifa having a amuse look on my face, "Are you concern about my safety your Highness?" I saw a shade of pink cover her rosy cheeks. She gave a cough from embarrassment before replying, "I will have to say no your majesty. I know that you're highly capable enough to take care of yourself. I bid you farewell."

Tifa bowed down again formally. I just didn't get her. Why should she bow when she is royalty herself?

Before Tifa could leave I grabbed her wrist pulling her towards me. As she came around she fell down on my chest into an embrace. I must admit it was an awkward moment. I felt myself shrink in horror of her body against mine. It was kind of like before by the fountain and a minute ago during the battle, but this one was different for some reason. I had my hands on her shoulders keeping them firm in place.

Tifa had her small slender hands against my chest. I felt her breathing becoming hard. Before I knew what the hell I was doing I pulled my hands away from her shoulders and embraced her tightly, putting my arms around her small body almost practically consuming her. My eyes closed lightly as I took in her sweet scent. I felt Tifa's breathing become faster, panicky.

Tifa's POV

No please. Oh God no! Please don't tell me he's holding me. I had the urge to embrace him back taking in his husky aroma. But I stopped myself. My breathing became heavy as he crushed me between his arms and well built chest.

I started to panic. In a quick swift reflex motion I pushed Cloud back with my arms, shoving him against the rail of the balcony. I stared down to the marble floor as I felt my face heat up from the tension. I slowly looked up at Cloud who also had an embarrassed, confused face.

He stammered out in an apologetic gesture with his hand scratching the back of his blonde locks, "I'm terribly sorry. I don't know what came over me." I continued to blush a crimson glow, "I forgive you." That's all I seem to say as I felt myself slowly stepping back.

I can't be near this man anymore. His actions and words were enchanting. He was drawing me in like a moth to a flame, burning me to ashes.

Cloud's POV

She seemed uneasy. I felt my eyes focus on her feet as they stepped back. I wanted to stop her in anyway and talk more, but I knew I already crossed the line when I pressed my body against her own.

Tifa bowed down in a curtsey way that it made her look like a glass doll, "I must be leaving now. I already took much of your time and should be heading back to get myself prepared for today's daily schedule. Good day Cloud." And that was it.

She turned around a walked away with her head held high. I stood there the sun's heat burning on my back as its sunshine spread across the Kingdom and the day begins. Though now I feel like my daily routines won't be the same anymore… not with Tifa around.

Kiome-Yasha: "Omg! I finally updated! Sorry everyone! I really hope you don't hate me right now. I've been having a lot of problems with skool, and a virus being on my computer and all…life's a mess. But I finally manage to update this and I hope you enjoy it. Plz don't stop reviewing! I'll try as best I can to update the next chapter which is called Chapter 9 A day to avoid you"