Just so we're all clear, Evan Townshend is NOT my character, he has his own book that's been partially translated already. Kyrie and Vits are the same.

"So..." Cloud began, laying on his back with his hands behind his head. The day after his night rampage had been surprisingly good, despite the city bustling with rumors about his work. He'd gotten some new clothing and boots, and the family had gone out for ice cream afterwards, despite his lack of desire for sweets anymore. They were far too sweet ever since he became a werewolf, though he found ice cream in small amounts wasn't bad at all. He figured the cold and dairy may have something to do with it.

"Hm?" Tifa looked over at him, laying a little closer to Cloud than in past nights.

"...Do you think I'll give you nightmares tonight?" He had a half smile on his face, putting Tifa on the spot before bed like this was a naughty pleasure. He heard her sigh as she sat up in the bed, streetlights illuminating her back and dark hair softly. Tifa sat like that for a moment, playing with her fingers.

"...I don't think so, Cloud. I think I'll be alright. I...I think with you, I'll be okay." She felt his calloused hand rubbing her back a little, trying to coax her to lay back down with him. Tifa looked back at him; Cloud was on his side facing her now, his eyes glowing in the dark, looking at her...She laid back down, propping her upper body up with her elbow while facing Cloud. With her free hand she stroked his hair, running her fingers through his soft spikes; he closed his eyes with a peaceful smile on his face, obviously enjoying the attention. She giggled. "This helps, I think...You're not so scary when all you want is for me to pet you..." Cloud gave her a small chuckle.

"I could get used to it..." He said in a low voice, raising his brows momentarily. The sensation of her fingers running through his hair and dancing on his scalp immediately calmed him, the same sensation from last night helping him block out the city's noises and smells. He gave her a content smile, his eyes opening a little to look at Tifa. He cupped her cheek in his hand as she continued to pet his head. "I don't know what I'd do with out you sometimes, Teef."

Tifa smiled back at him, rubbing behind his ear. Her fears after last night felt as if they were somewhat tamed, though she knew if she met any other werewolf besides him it would probably send the terrors backs into her heart. But, she could handle Cloud, that she was sure of after her encounter with him the night before. "Cloud..."

He reached over and kissed her, his hand running through her hair now. She returned it happily, her lover cradling her in his arms. When their lips finally parted, he rested his head above hers on the pillows, gently rubbing her ear. She kept her hand on the side of his chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breath with her head close to his neck. They laid there happily, drifting off to sleep.

Cloud awoke slowly, the morning sun flooding the bedroom with his back warming from the light. He yawned, stretching his limbs and back as he shook off the dreamless night, gradually shuffling off the bed. The scent of Tifa's cooking caught in his nose, and he instinctively licked his lips at the smell of meat and eggs; he was certain that his eyes glinted with a feral light as his wolfish instincts demanded he investigate the smell, and he was happy to comply for once.

Tifa had been cooking steak and eggs, something she would occasionally treat the family to if steak was on sale. The children had already gone to school, the woman preparing meals for herself, Yuffie and Cloud now. The werewolf sauntered down the stairs, greeting both women as he fixed up his coffee. Yuffie was reading a newspaper she had purchased from a passing paper boy, snickering at the front page. Sitting next to her, Cloud frowned.

"What's so funny, Yuffie?" His eyes were narrow as he spoke.

She looked back at him, giving him a lopsided smile. "Your rescue is first page in the Edge Times! Bravo, Spike!"

Cloud cringed, looking down into his full cup. "Damn it...What does it say?" His voice was anxious.

Yuffie blew air out of her mouth, a little bit of her bangs floating upward. "Let's see here..." Her fingers danced over the paper, the black letters under a detective's drawing of the monster responsible. "At least five dead in unprecedented monster attack in Edge. Saturday night, a monster cornered and left five bodies on Fira street, then escaped off into the night. The picture above is a composite sketch from various witnesses of the creature; please be mindful of dark areas in the city and keep children inside after dark. Authorities will be searching for the monster and hope to terminate the threat quickly." Yuffie looked back up to Cloud, the blonde sipping his drink.

"Searching, huh? They'll have to wait about a month, if I can help it." He sipped his coffee again, rolling his eyes.

Yuffie chuckled. "Oh, man. Always up to trouble..." She looked back at the paper, squinting distastefully. "Looks like they still haven't released the names of the dead. Oh, Evan Townshend is one of the detectives hired for the search. Wasn't he someone you're acquainted with, Cloud?"

Cloud nodded, clearly annoyed that the private detective was going to be on his case despite the generally friendly relations they had. "Damn. Well, I was out of town that night, right?" The two women nodded. Tifa came forward with two plates, placing one by Cloud and another for Yuffie. Tifa went to collect her own plate, then sat next to Cloud, who was already cutting into his steak. To his delight, it was rare, and he looked up towards Tifa, giving her a thankful smile as she winked at him.

"Hopefully it all just blows over soon, after all it was just a bunch of cronies looking to kidnap an innocent princess!" The ninja said between bites of steak and eggs.

Cloud grunted, looking up from his meal. "...And the person in charge of intelligence gathering for the WRO." He ate some scrambled egg, looking back at Yuffie.

"Oh yeah, that too. Hm." Yuffie put her fork to her lips, thinking. "I kinda owe you, so I'll try and disrupt the investigation with some bad info. As for the jerks that attacked me, I'll try and see if I can get their identities and the name of their boss. Maybe you can wreck him next." She sliced into her meat, finished with her thoughts.

Cloud swallowed a chunk of meat, the bloody flesh putting him in a better mood after the bad news. "Only if they insist on it, really. I don't want to make waves if I can help it."

Yuffie shrugged, Tifa casually listening to the two go back and forth. "I'd hang low for a bit if I were you, stay around the bar in case anyone comes around that...smells like those schmucks."

"I'd be risking tearing them up in the bar if they happened to look at Tifa the wrong way. Why do you think I was out in the Wastes that night your car broke down?"

Yuffie tapped her plate with her fork, a smirk forming. "Oh, yeah. That possessive streak of yours is something else. I remember that one time you knocked some guy out because he drunkenly slapped Tifa's ass..." A giggle came from Tifa. It was true, he was possessive of Tifa around strange men. Bar regulars seemed to respect her so he never minded them, but there was always that one guy that needed to learn his place. His recent werewolf conversion had ramped it up to an eleven, the spiky haired man having to leave the bar during particularly busy nights lest he massacre every possible threat. "Still, I'm gonna need you to sniff'em out if they show up. Just contact me, okay? We'll teach them a lesson together."

Cloud grunted. "I'll keep you posted. Thanks, Yuffie."

Cloud's troubles seem to have paused for the moment, he was hoping that the attempts to locate him would be unsuccessful and the authorities would give up. Mid-morning Yuffie left, running off in a WRO vehicle that was part of the search and exterminate mission looking for Cloud's less cuddly form, the ninja hugging them goodbye and thanking them for letting her stay for so long. They watched as the truck disappeared down the road, hoping their friend could find out something of interest. The couple looked at each other, suddenly alone on the front steps of the bar.

Tifa blushed. "Guess it's just us, until the kids get back from school..."

Cloud looked down, kicking dust. He sniffed the air...Hm. "Tifa..."

"...Hm?" Tifa's blush reddened, Cloud's brows rising.

"You got over your fear pretty quick." He snatched her waist, bringing her close to him, and she let out a small, happy squeak. "Are you sure you want a troublemaker of a wolf for a lover?" He was giving her a half lidded gaze and a naughty grin. He could smell it, she was ready for him again and he wouldn't say no to the opportunity if she would allow him, all she had to do was say so. Being a werewolf certainly compounded the situation, and he realized neither of them had had any kind of release since she put it on hiatus about a month ago.

Tifa laughed, resting her head on his chest. "Cloud...I'm very sure."

He sniffed her hair, her scent holding that heavy smell like that one night, before he told her...He took her hand, taking them into the bar and locking the door. Tifa let out a little giggle, and he gave a small laugh as they made their way up the stairs and into the bedroom.

Tifa bounced onto the bed and pulled off her blouse, her face red and her hair wild over her shoulders from their quick retreat into the bedroom. Cloud looked at her as he unzipped his shirt, soaking in the sight of her as she watched him undress his torso, her cheeks flush and legs shyly crossed. She mewled his name and he came forward, crawling over her and giving her a kiss; she opened her mouth, both letting their tongues entwine as they probed each other's mouths. Cloud slowly grabbed a breast, her bra fabric covering aroused nipples that he rubbed a thumb over.

Tifa moaned as they kissed and he grinded. She parted their lips, Cloud using his arms to push his chest up and allowing Tifa room to take off her bra; he fumbled with the bra's front latches with one hand as she maneuvered the other side, finally removing it. He brought himself down again for another kiss. When he finally raised himself up again from her, he was inches from her face, a hand wrapped in her long, chocolate brown hair.

She noticed his cerulean eyes had that feral glint that came when his wolfish instincts were aroused, his eyes half open as he looked at her with panting breaths. She kissed his neck, the sensation of his partner's mouth on his vulnerable throat a massive turn on. His breath hitched and his Adam's apple bobbed, distracted by gentle nibbles...And then Tifa had her legs wrapped around his hips, using her martial arts training to deftly flip him on the bed; his head pointed towards the door now, Tifa looking at him mischievously. He snorted, amused by the little move she used. 'Tifa is always filled with surprises...'

"On top this time?" Cloud said playfully, a smile forming on his face as he pushed his hips against her core, making her gasp. He gave Tifa a throaty, needy growl, dragging her gently back to his mouth. She happily complied.

A man approached the bar, looking about his environment. He was familiar with this place, the owner being instrumental in his search for his mother. Now, he needed her and her live in boyfriend for some possible information on the slaughter of some men. Men that the WRO were having trouble identifying; there were no IDs on them. He had been on the scene since early in the morning, taking pictures and jotting down notes of things he found important.

He paused a moment, craning his neck. He thought he heard two noisy people within the bar, or perhaps in a neighbor's building. Attempting to open the door, he noticed the door was locked; strange considering it was about lunch time. He knocked on the door lightly, waiting a few moments before knocking harder. A moment later, the noisy people stopped whatever they were doing; he blushed as he thought of what he could have possibly interrupted. Perhaps it would have been a better idea to come in the evening, he thought. He heard the yell of a woman on the other side to give her five minutes, the man leaning against the wall next to the door patiently, playing with his black hat brim.

A few minutes later the door unlocked, and Tifa Lockhart came into view, a slight blush to her face, her hair slightly disheveled. She immediately recognized him, greeting him by name and ushering him into the bar, putting her "Closed" sign on the knob before shutting the door. Fixing him some hot tea, she stood at the counter. "Evan! It's been a while. How have you been?"

Cloud cleaned himself up in the bathroom, making himself as presentable as possible for the detective who decided to interrupt Tifa and his hours long love making session. He supposed he wasn't too terribly upset; he was staying home the next week and that would give for plenty of opportunities for the two to enjoy each other's company; perhaps Tifa needed a break today, anyway. Still, no matter how clean he felt he couldn't get rid of the smell of sex. Perhaps it was just his senses, the smell clinging to the air.

He checked his face for any signs of change; Cloud had noticed that as the session went on his fangs had grown out slightly as he pleasured Tifa, her scent driving him into a frenzy. Pulling back his lip, the offending teeth had retreated back to their now normal lengths, and his ears seemed to be normal. Focusing on his chest, he checked for any hot sensations; his heartbeat was still a little fast but there was no burning sensation. Satisfied, he left the bathroom and headed downstairs.

"Hm. Well, you're the one I wanted to talk to most." Evan motioned towards Cloud as he came into view, remembering the delivery boy from almost two years ago when he had inquired about fuel underhandedly. Giving a nod to the private investigator, he didn't take his eyes off Evan as he went to lean on the counter in front of him. "I'm sure you're already familiar with the recent slayings in the city?"

Cloud nodded. "I was out of town that night..."

Evan took a sip of his tea. "Is that so?"

Cloud's face stayed expressionless. "Yeah. I have a business making deliveries, you know."

"Ah. Yes. I remember". Evan seemed to be looking over the clothing Cloud wore, the latter looking about, uncertain what the detective was up to. "You know, Cloud...Your clothing is familiar."

Cloud gave a frown. Tifa stood in the corner of the bar, looking between them, her cheeks pink.

Evan took out his note book, and pulled something out of his pocket, hiding it in his hand. "See, there was torn clothing everywhere in the alleyway." He dropped whatever was in his hand, a few scraps of fabric that matched Cloud's usual outfit of a high collar sleeveless indigo shirt, his black pants, and some rubber from a boot fell to the counter. Cloud picked up some of the material, rubbing it between his fingers.

Cloud shrugged. "So, someone else fancied my clothing tastes, and now they're dead, right? What does it have to do with me?"

Evan shrugged. "Just thought you might be a witness...Or knew who the owner of the clothing was."

"Sorry that I can't help."

Tifa coughed, getting both men's attention. She held a serious expression on her face, one Evan remembered from the time he asked her how to get to Nibelheim. "Are there any names yet? For the victims, I mean..."

Evan shook his head, but seemed to consider the woman who helped him two years ago as he pocketed the material again. He cracked open his notebook, looking at the official pictures; one was of a severed head, the face intact, and the other was a man with a snapped neck. "Now, I hope you're quiet about this," He looked up at Tifa and then seemed to stare into Cloud's eyes longer than necessary, then back at the notebook, "We have two intact faces; one looked like it belonged to someone I came into contact with in the slums before...A Guz Lodeen."

Cloud looked up, eyes closed. "Guz Lodeen..." He looked back slowly at Evan. The detective blinked his icy blue eyes behind black dyed hair, his face unreadable.

Evan seemed to jot something down in his notebook. "Yes. Anyway, I might come by again later, if anything turns up or you hear anything, I'd be willing to swap information." He dug through his pockets again, this time leaving some gil for the tea. "Thank you for your time." He got up from his seat and gave a refined nod to the couple, then went towards the door, disappearing beyond.

Cloud let out a sigh. "Good thing I didn't have my wallet on me that night, would have complicated things a bit." Tifa gave his hand a pat, smiling. He looked back at her, scratching the back of his head. "Guess you have to open the bar now..." He thought a moment. "And I guess I'll clean the sheets, before the kids get back home."

Evan walked back into the bright light of day, something else in his hand as he walked down the road. He looked at the card, a WRO access card for Cloud Strife, his stoic face staring back at him in the sunlight. The detective had found it in a ruined pocket of the strewn fabric, pocketing it before the scene workers would notice.

He frowned, still unsure what connection Cloud would have to the slayings. It was clearly done by a monster, except for the fifth body; his neck had been broken by blunt force, a dirty foot print on his neck. Would Cloud kill like that, and what about the monster? There were sightings of the beast that night but not since.

Evan admitted he didn't know Cloud particularly well, but he was always unassuming...except for the fact he knew Don Corneo and somehow acquired free gas from him. That was suspicious, but there was no possible connection between this and that; did Cloud see something he wished he could have forgotten? Did he kill the man with the broken neck, and was somehow ambushed by the monster? What about his clothing everywhere?

There were more questions now, but he must prevail, if just for his employers.