Chapter Ten – Old Acquaintances

Zack grunted as his challenger tapped him on his protective suit right on the abdomen. It wasn't his day today since he had lost two games already. Breaking into a new stance, he didn't allow himself to be defeated as he lunged forward to fence again. Meticulously dodging, the determined opponent back stepped swiftly, and in one fluid motion, he attempted to tap Zack on his unguarded area, only to come into contact with the ebony haired figure's sabre. As the two clashed it out, another form had entered the gym.

Tifa Lockheart was at the gym again as she lugged her bag over to where she had reserved a boxing bag for the day. Passing by the various wrestlers, she bypassed the transparent walls in which she could perceive two fencers combating intensely. Their foot work was proficient and prompt, but as she continued to discreetly watch, she could have sworn that one of the fencers had been staring at her. Shaking her head at the nonsensical thought, she continued her trek to her usual training area. He has a mask on; the only way I would be able to tell if he was looking at me is if I had x-ray vision. The brunette stated to herself as she chuckled at the absurd idea.

Approaching the reserved punching bag, Tifa dropped her bag to a side, starting her workout with some warm up drills. During the twenty minutes of her workout, it became more apparent that the fencer was staring at her since he or she had been hit three times within ten minutes. Attempting to ignore the attention as best she could, Tifa finished the rest of her stretches before grabbing her gloves. Pulling the velcro straps in place, she commenced her combat training with various punches before using her strong legs to kick. It had been a while since she'd first started the hobby, but she was thankful for picking up the sport, for it had been a release from her first failed relationship.

As an hour lapsed, Tifa had taken a break, her body all hot and sweaty as she grabbed a seat on the nearby chairs that faced the transparent wall. Drinking deeply from her bottle, her chest heaved as she breathed. The fight had come to a halt. Watching as one of the challengers shed his head gear, a familiar streak of blonde flashed into view. Immobile, Tifa sustained to observe as an earring was revealed followed by a pair of ocean blue orbs that was now locked onto her.

Cloud Strife gazed directly into those chocolate brown eyes in which he'd become accustomed to. A soft grin overtook his suave features at the surprised expression on her face. He'd been studying her from afar ever since she'd arrived, and had relished in the various expressions that danced across her face with every hit she inflicted to the sand bag. Halting his thoughts, a soft nudge to his right brought him back to reality as he turned to face the presence.

"Eyes on me Spikey boy," Zack stated femininely, as he battered his lashes at his mate. He'd been examining the staring competition between Tifa and Cloud in amusement, but now it was his turn to have some fun. Puckering his lips, he spoke again, this time his tone was set in a whinier manner. "I can be sexy too," He teased as he bent over a little to emphasize his backside before making a run for the door.

Cloud stood motionless, it had been a very disconcerting scene to witness, but somehow he was grinning at the ebony haired figure's frolics as he followed after Zack through the door.

Varying from comedian to gentlemen, Zack greeted Tifa enthusiastically as he took a seat beside her.

"Hello Tifa dear," he addressed.

Wide eyed, the brunette gazed at Zack and immediately smiled in recognition as she offered him a drink from her bottle. He took it graciously, sitting casually in his chair as Cloud stepped in.

"I'd hate to be that boxing bag," the blue eyed figure greeted, a nonchalant smile spread across his smug features as he stood before the brunette's gaze.

Beaming back, Tifa sat forward. "I thought someone was watching me as I beat the crap out of that thing." She informed.

The boys could only laugh at her remark.

"Remind me never to come on Saturdays, around this time in the morning. The two of you seem to decrease my ability to train with 100"

"C'mon, it wasn't that bad. If Cloud and I weren't here, you'd be bored to death right now." Zack informed and changed the subject. "So what are you up to? Wanna join us for lunch?"

Smiling softly, brown orbs locked onto blue ones.

"I'm sorry, but I made plans with Yuffie already." She answered.

"Dinner sound good to you?" Cloud persisted.

Tifa could only nod as she got to her feet.

"You can give me the details via phone tonight." She called back, waving back at Zack, and a flabbergasted Cloud.

"D-did she just hint for you to give her a call?" Zack queried, only to receive a grunt from his mate.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The soft buzzing from Tifa's vibrating phone brought the conversation to a halt as the brunette reached for her mobile that was resting on the cafeteria table. Falling back into her chair, the petite figure of Yuffie gave an exaggerated sigh; blowing her fringe away from her eye as she waited for her friend to finish typing her message. Observing as Tifa brought her mobile to her ear; Yuffie couldn't help but roll her eyes as she took a sip from her coffee.

Smiling at the sound of Cloud's voice, Tifa bid her goodbye before hanging up. She had spotted the way Yuffie had rolled her eyes and couldn't help but to refrain from laughing aloud.

"Blondie again?" Yuffie inquired, already knowing the answer. She released a small sigh. "Geez, I can't even have a cup of coffee with you without Spiky interrupting." She remarked and continued. "I sense that it's going to be a Cloudy day today." She commented in an exaggerated tone.

Tifa laughed at Yuffie's silliness, but the smile was wiped off her features as Yuffie leaned over, revealing her discovery.

"He's back," the petite form whispered, her short hair falling forward.

With a quizzical expression, the brunette shared the enthusiasm as she leaned forward too. "Who?" She shot back, a brow cocked up to add effect.

"Him." The lean figure stressed, her eyes rolling but continued at the blank expression on the brunette's face. "Blast from the past," Yuffie finished, leaning back in her chair.

Tifa was confused for a moment, and then the words slowly began to sink in. Finally able to decipher the meaning, she found herself falling into her chair, her mouth agape. Blinking, her mouth opened and closed like a fish, before words finally escaped.

"When?" Was all she could let out.

"A week ago I believe." Yuffie conversed. "He came to the bar on one of my shifts," she breathed. "Still looks the same too," She added. "But his hair has changed, not as long as I remember, and boy has he grown. You're no longer the tall one now,"

Sighing, Tifa tried her best to shrug it off.

"Well he's got nothing to do with me anymore right? and three years is a long time. I'm sure we've both moved on, nothing happened in the past anyway." She informed.

Nodding her head in agreement, their drinks arrived. Enjoying the remainder of the afternoon, the two females sustained to chat, never bringing up the subject 'blast from the past' again.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Let's order some alcohol," Aeris suggested, grabbing the wine list.

"No, I do-"

"Not a good idea,"

The brunette and blonde gazed at one another with wide eyes. Although Tifa hadn't finished her sentence, Cloud had said the exact thought that was running through her head. At the sight of each other's expression, the two both laughed audibly.

"Getting along just fine I see," Zack remarked as Aeris and he shared a look of utter amusement.

The four of them had decided to go to a nice restaurant a little further away from home. Now that they were all seated, and had made their orders, a comfortable silent atmosphere surrounded them as Tifa sipped from her beverage. Placing her glass back onto the table, her hand slipped, causing some of her drink to tip over the brim of the cup, wetting the sleeve of her top. Getting to her feet, she excused herself, making her way to the restrooms. As she trekked to the toilets, a familiar glint of red hair caught her attention just before she entered the restroom.

Stepping out of the female restrooms, Tifa Lockheart commenced making her way back to the table when her shoulder came in contact with another body. She had hit the person with such force that it had caused her to take a step back. Disorientated, she gazed up to apologise only the words never escaped her mouth.

Staring right back at her with light blue eyes, topped fiery red locks was Tifa's old friend whom she'd hadn't seen for three years. His eyes remained on hers intently as a small smile played on his lips. It had been a while indeed, and he had never thought he'd see her again ever since his departure. Breaking the eye contact for just a split second, he finally spoke.

"Well I'll be damned," he whispered gruffly.

A/N: Well after being a inactive, I simply couldn't help but update. It's not a very long chapter, but hopefully it's enough to let your mind run wild for a short while. :D I'm sure you all know who this 'blast from the past' is by now, but it's simply the matter of why he's here. Just when you thought things were going great for CloTi (I can't help but to be a little evil and throw in more obstacles).

So what did you think? Do give me advice. I hope you all had a great Christmas, and Happy New Year Guys! Stay safe and have a nice one!

JM