A/N: Finally, chapter 10! I went on vacation for a week so I wanted to get it out before then, but it didn't happen :( So I made this one extra long XD 5 pages in Word. So yeah, enjoy this! I'll work on getting more regular on updating, but I doubt it'll happen lol. I hafta go my own pace and not set a deadline or I'll be screwed totally! Mmk, as promised, reviewer thanks are next!

To My Reviewers:

Each one of you is so awesome omg... 81 is such a great thing to see:) Here are individuals.

Kiome-Yasha: Haha yeah u.u Bad Tifa! Ah come on 'tis only human to think that way tho ;) Cloud can be quite kawaii when he really really wants to!

Yukijorou88: LoL! Yep ;) Hey now, if suddenly... -thinks- Captain Hero walked in wearing swim trunks and flipflops you'dbe shocked too! Teehee ;)

Eggnog: Hmm, yep he still has that one phone call to Shera to make... hehe. ;) I'm planning something devious with that... just you wait!

Jackie-O: Haha I'm glad everyone enjoyed how he was hopeless at tying the tie:D

Yuri-desu: Aww -blush- Thanks so much! I am glad you're enjoying it sooo much -)))

atOmicsquid: Ooo gotta love the khakis on men ;) I think all characters in video games and like shows and stuff should have more than just one outfit. It's so weird and unrealistic unless they're dirt poor and its the only outfit they own. But these characters earn like thousands of gil from KILLING A BIRD! So yeah... new clothes yay! And your Italian-ness is great '-

emir: Wow, that's soo awesome to hear! Thanks, I truly enjoy writing and putting myself there to try to make the reactions and situations more realistic. I am glad to show you a different side to Cloud, and that you are getting the most out of my story )

Rend: Eh yeah I noticed that a little too late... don't worry though, I'll have Tifa use a nick for her friend and Denzel's crush will just be Eili to help make it easier.

Yuri-desu: I'm happy you're enjoying it so much, and I know how you feel! I find a good fic and I just sit there reading it all the way through and if its not finished I'm like NOOO :'( Tear! But I will def try to keep it going for all of you guys!

Yeah, I thought about Marlene and Denzel, but I decided that their relationship should be one to bud and blossom if it does when they're older. )

selena: Of course ;) I'm a sucker for happy endings.

Pacman2000: It's my first story to be published like this, but definitely not my first ever written. I start on them and never finish so I thought putting it online would help keep me motivated to finish it.

rem: Hehe well I'm just glad I could pull you so much into the fic that you would be chanting for them to just go for it:)

Alucards-Lover-Sexy-Vampire...: Hi, welcome! I am happy to hear that you are enjoying the story, and will definitely try to keep delivering the same quality as it goes on )

Dark-luver-forever, Syneiam, Mystic Dragon Eyes, Toons,emily, Suma Susaki, tifacloudlover, astig342, celestafairy89, Skribblez: THANKS SO MUCH! I love you allL! Muah, keep reading, I hope it will only get better!

Once Denzel was off to school again the next day, Tifa and Cloud found themselves nervously sitting across from each other at the kitchen table. They kept their gazes averted, trying to find the courage to speak, but failing miserably. Finally Tifa just sighed and got tired of the quiet.

"Cloud… so, what are you going to do today?" she asked, trying to make normal conversation even though she just wanted to know what yesterday had been about. He looked at her then, and put on a half smile.

"Oh, the usual I suppose. I need to contact Reeve about the job and get that going, but other than that I'm free all day," he responded. "Why, did you have something in mind?" he added curiously.

"Umm… well I kind of wanted to go down to the beach and go swimming… I hoped maybe you would accompany me?" she queried hopefully. Cloud's smile became full then.

"Sure. I need some sun on my white chest," he replied, making her giggle. "What? It's true! It hasn't seen the sun's harsh rays in years," the blonde added after hearing her amusement. She only giggled harder.

"I was just imagining the 'big tough warrior' getting defeated by a biting sunburn… that evil sun!" she responded, saying 'big tough warrior' with a manly imitation voice. Cloud stared at her for a second then started laughing as well.

"I suppose so…" he responded, before standing up from the table. "Want to go right now?" he asked curiously. She nodded. "Alright, let me go get ready." Then he turned and walked out of the kitchen. Tifa followed soon after, going to her room to don her red bikini. She had purchased it when she first moved to Costa del Sol, and absolutely loved the outfit. It hugged her body nicely and was the perfect fit… she always felt confident wearing it, for her body was trim from so much fighting and training. When she had applied a layer of sunscreen, she grabbed her towel, slid on some flip flops, and headed out to meet Cloud. He was already waiting for her and seemed to enjoy the sight of her for his eyes roamed up and down her body appreciatively.

"Nice bikini," he commented in a low voice. Tifa blushed, though she had been taking in his chiseled chest and muscular legs as well.

"You may be pale but you've got a nice figure," she told him, then blushed even brighter. She hadn't meant to say that; it just ran through her head uncontrollably and out of her mouth. He grinned at her embarrassed expression.

"Thanks, yours is very nice too," he replied, stressing the 'very'. Tifa thanked him hurriedly before rushing out the door, trying to evade any more blushing. She felt as if she'd already gotten too much sun, and she hadn't even been outdoors. Cloud followed her leisurely, and by the time he reached the beach, she had already put her stuff down beneath an umbrella and was looking towards the water. Sensing his approach, she turned to him.

"Ready to go in?" she asked, looking very much ready herself. Cloud nodded, putting his towel down and sliding out of his shoes. Tifa followed suit with her shoes, and together they headed for the water. The heat was pretty intense already, but the beach was mostly empty since many people were working or at school. The first few steps were a bit chilly, but then the feel of the heat on their backs kept the two going until they were completely submerged to their necks. Leaning her head back, Tifa sighed. "Ahh… it feels so good to swim… I've missed it," she commented, enjoying the feel of the water on the back of her head.

"Yeah… I can't really say when the last time I swam was," Cloud responded, looking a bit uncomfortable with that fact. Tifa laughed teasingly at him.

"You mean you might drown or something?" she queried, floating almost unnaturally in the water. Cloud got a devious glint to his blue eyes.

"I might… you would have to rescue me and do CPR," he informed her. "What do you say to that?" Tifa smiled, coming nearer to him.

"Gladly, is what I would say," was her response before she suddenly bolted through the water away from him. Cloud tried following her but was a bit rusty; however he soon was remembering the basics of swimming. Then they started drifting out to deeper water, and suddenly Cloud went under with a loud splash. Tifa waited for him to emerge, but he didn't, and worriedly, she wondered if he hadn't been right about drowning. Taking in a huge gulp of air, she dove down to find him. He was floating lifelessly a few feet down, so she hurried to grip him and pull him above water. Dragging him to the beach, she slapped his face gently. "Cloud, wake up!"

He looked quite pale and didn't look to be breathing, so she bent down, prepared to give him CPR. However he chose that moment to open his eyes and breathe in, laughing softly at her surprise. "Tricked you," was his only response. Tifa's eyes began glittering dangerously, but Cloud reached up and kissed her again. It was only a small brush of lips but still took her breath away. Finally, she decided to ask him the question that had been nagging at her.

"Cloud… why?" she asked emotionally. She had to know. "Why, all of a sudden, are you flirting with me… teasing me… and kissing me?" She stared at him patiently.

"Well if it bothers you that much I'll stop," he responded, raising an eyebrow. Tifa blushed.

"No… that isn't what I'm saying. I mean… all this time we've been only friends, nothing else, then all of a sudden… well I'm just curious as to your intentions, I suppose," she told him honestly. Cloud got serious then, and took her hands gently.

"Okay, then I'll tell you. All my life you were there for me, even when I was gone, and held such high hopes and expectations for me that no one else did. You tried keeping me going on the right path, and just have been the greatest friend I have ever had. Honestly, I do not know how you kept it up. I was so self-centered almost my entire life… stuck in my own world, in my own mind… you stuck by me though, and it wasn't until you almost died that I realized what a great person you are. Then I realized how stupid I was… how little I knew of the real you. If I had been paying attention, I would have known, but of course I didn't pay the least bit… so I decided I wanted to know all of you that I could. Will you let me do that, Tifa?" he finished, asking her quite seriously and hopefully. She could only stare at him speechless for a long moment until she finally regained her senses.

"Cloud… wow. I never thought I would hear those words from you… ever. I've been seeing so many new sides to you that I do not know what to think except one thing: I really don't know you like I thought I did. So if you getting to know me helps me learn more about you, then I am very willing to let you," she responded, offering a small smile. They gazed at each other silently then before Cloud pulled her into a tight hug. When he released her, he was beaming.

"Want to go lounge in the chairs for an hour or so? I could use some sun," he said, looking down at his pale midsection. Tifa giggled at the look.

"Of course… let's go. My umbrella has two chairs beneath it, so it's perfect for us," she told him, hopping up and dusting sand off of herself before leading the way to the umbrella she had deposited her towel and lotion beneath earlier. The two settled themselves beneath it, and relaxed, chatting lazily for the next hour and a half. Once they had decided a late lunch was in order, they gathered up their things and headed back to Tifa's. Once they had changed, they fixed a light lunch and finished just before Denzel got home from school. The look on his face was sullen and his coloring was a bit splotchy, as if he were angry. He handed Tifa a note and sat down at the table with a huff.

"What's this? Parent-teacher conference! Denzel…" she said, raising one eyebrow. "What did you do?" she asked in a demanding tone of voice. He took a few deep breaths before answering.

"Some punk kid kept insulting Eili, even when she asked him to stop TWICE, so I told him myself, and he still was being mean. So I just drew my fist and clobbered him. He made her cry!" was Denzel's heated response. Tifa's eyes were wide as she stared at her son, and she had to struggle not to smile or laugh.

"Oh… I see… well I think you took care of it. He stopped, didn't he?" she queried curiously. He smirked.

"Yeah… the blood was rushing outta his nose so fast he couldn't talk anyways," Denzel told her proudly. Cloud and Tifa exchanged a glance before Tifa went to pat Denzel on the shoulder.

"Don't worry… I will make sure you don't get in trouble. Little boys shouldn't be mean to little girls like that, no matter what," she told him with a frown. Denzel turned an awed gaze to her.

"Really? You're not mad at me too like the teacher was?" She shook her head, and he pounced on her to give her a hug. "You're the greatest mom in the world!" he exclaimed, and Tifa just smiled as she hugged him back. Cloud watched the scene silently, enjoying the moment. Soon Tifa was making Denzel get his homework done, and then they spent a quiet evening just relaxing and watching some television. Tifa and Cloud both slept peacefully, and the next morning Tifa dressed carefully, making sure to cover up most of her body so as not to shock the teachers. She was going to have the conference first thing, before the first bell, to get things straightened out.

"Bye Cloud, see you in an hour or less," she said as she pulled a sleepy Denzel out the door and down the street. Soon they arrived at the school, and Denzel led his mother to the principal's office. There a strictly dressed woman was sitting behind a large wooden desk, scribbling away at something. Tifa cleared her throat, and the woman looked up, her eyes very hawkish.

"Yes… can I help you young lady?" she asked in a cold and commanding voice. Tifa smiled pleasantly.

"I hope so. I am Denzel's mother, and he brought home a letter yesterday about a conference between his teacher and me?" she said, pretending to be a little clueless. The woman nodded, eyeing Denzel warily.

"That is correct. Since his teacher is not here yet, how about you and I talk instead? I will see if the other boy Denzel fought with is here," the principal directed, motioning for a chair in front of her desk. Tifa took it and Denzel stood next to her as the principal paged for the boy on a speaker. They sat there silently for a moment before someone knocked and in came a young boy with a bandaged nose. "I am Miss Beezle, and you are?" the principal asked Tifa curiously, seeming to just realize she didn't know Tifa's name.

"Tifa Lockheart, pleased to meet you," was the automatic response along with the offered hand, which Miss Beezle took hesitantly and shook once before releasing it.

"Yes, I thought it was you… anyhow, this is Jekor, the boy your son hit. I believe he even broke that nose, isn't that correct Jekor?" she said, looking at the boy who nodded. He seemed hesitant to talk. Denzel interrupted then.

"I didn't mean to break his nose! I barely even swung hard!" he protested. Tifa put a hand on his arm to quiet him, though she was impressed. Looking to the principal, Tifa got serious.

"I am sorry, but I think Jekor deserved what he got. Denzel tells me he was being very mean to Eiliana, calling her names and the like. She asked him to stop twice, and then Denzel asked him as well, but he persisted in his torturing. Eiliana even started crying, so Denzel defended her and made him stop," was Tifa's explanation. The principal looked shocked, her eyebrows raising almost up to her hairline, and she turned a curious eye on Jekor.

"Is this true, Jekor? Speak the truth, or else you'll be in detention for the rest of the year and become my assistant!" she warned evilly. The boy's eyes widened as big as his head and he nodded.

"I-it's true, Miss Beezle," he said in a timid voice. The woman looked ready to tear something up, but calmed herself a little with effort.

"I apologize for having this conference, Miss Lockheart. It appears your boy was helping that poor young lady, so he is free to go back to classes today. As for you, Jekor… stay here after they leave," the principal said, her voice deadly calm. Tifa rose, smiling at the woman.

"Good, I am glad you see what I see. Just don't blame me when Denzel pummels the next kid to tease Eili…" she commented, then leaned conspiratorially towards the principal and whispered to her. "He has a crush." The principal's face showed complete understanding then, and she smiled at them.

"Well, have a good day Miss Lockheart, Denzel. Thanks for coming," she told them, waving them out. Once they had shut the door behind them, Denzel hugged Tifa tightly again.

"You're so awesome!" he told her. "I gotta go see if Eili needs help carrying her books to class… see ya after school! Love you mom!" he added before pecking her on the cheek and dashing off down the hall. Tifa watched him in a daze; love even affected children in funny ways. Smiling softly, she made her way out of the school and back to her house, where Cloud had a delicious breakfast of pancakes fixed for her. They made quick work of the food, and talked a little about this and that. Then Tifa told him what was on her mind.

"Denzel has an amazing arm… he broke that kid's nose and said he barely even threw his arm at him. I think… well I am thinking about introducing him to my techniques… teach him what I was taught. Pass on my knowledge and skills to another who could make use of it. But only if he wants to do it," she said, very serious and thoughtful. Cloud looked surprised, then grinned.

"That's great, Tif. I'm sure he'll jump at the chance to learn to be like you… he adores you, rightly so," he said, making her look at him and winking at her. She grinned in response, and shrugged.

"I'll have to see when he gets home… meanwhile I want to do some exercises after I help you clean up this mess. What are you going to do?" she asked, taking her dishes to the sink and then fetching his. Cloud allowed her since she seemed to be healing very well, and started dumping out the small amount of uneaten food.

"I think I am going to check out some of the other shops around this village, see if they have anything new or interesting. It will be a day of leisure," he responded. "But I'm a phone call away if you need anything," he added, sounding no-nonsense about it. She smiled and nodded at him.

"Of course… there, just a quick wash and… okay, finished," she said, finishing her dishes. Cloud did his own then, and the two parted for the time being to accomplish his or her own tasks. Tifa set out jogging around town, planning to make two trips all the way around the outskirts. Cloud wandered amongst different shops, finding a few things here and there, then went to check out the bar. The morning and afternoon passed by quickly, and by the time Denzel was to be home, both Tifa and Cloud were enjoying a refreshing glass of raspberry lemonade in front of the television.

"It's the weekend finally!" Denzel exclaimed as soon as he threw the door open. The two adults looked up in surprise, and realized that though it had been a long week, it was finally over. People would be crowding up the beach as they came to get away from the stressful lives and wind down, and the town would be a whirlwind of activity. Denzel moved to sit next to his mother and talk to her about his day, and Cloud's phone went off so he left to talk in another room.

"Denzel…" Tifa started, smiling lovingly at him and stroking his red hair gently. "What would you say to me teaching you my technique… how to fight like I do?" she queried curiously, keeping her tone neutral. He stared at her in shock before jumping up and down.

"I'd say of course! It would be awesome to be able to kick monster butt like you do!" was the overly excited response. Chuckling at his hyperness, Tifa hugged him to her.

"Okay, then will you let me teach you?" she asked him formally. He grinned at her.

"Mom… of course," he said, and the two hugged happily. Just then Cloud returned, smiling at them.

"I guess he said yes?" he asked, resuming his seat from earlier comfortably. Tifa nodded.

"Yes, just like you said he would. Did Mr. Vincenzi call you?" she questioned in return, curious as to the phone call. Cloud smiled again.

"Yep. He's almost got the first delivery ready, so I need to call Reeve. Do you mind me asking him to come here so I can give him some things and he can stay the night before heading out with his team to pick it up?" he asked her. Tifa shook her head.

"You know I don't mind. Go ahead… tell him we'll cook him a gourmet meal, fit for a king," she said with humor. Cloud nodded.

"Great… thanks! Will do." He then picked up his phone and dialed a number, then waited with it to his ear. When Reeve answered, they talked briefly, before it was settled. Half-grinning, he turned to the other two.

"Bingo. He's coming tomorrow."