A/N: Extra long chapter, because I didn't want to stop writing! This one has a bit of everything in it - plus something you've all been waiting for! I expect LOTS of reviews, telling me what you guys thought! (Just kidding!) But I would like feedback :] Tell me what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong; it all helps! I really hope all of you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it, because I had a lot of fun working it out!
Disclaimer: I, in no way, own any part of Final Fantasy VII or its characters.
I sat back, holding a handful of my hair in one hand and watching the yellow flame dance upon the oil-soaked wick inside the lamp. My mind was spinning like a top – a thousand thoughts and questions pushed around within the confines of my mind. I wondered what his connection to the mysterious, mentioned "he" was, and I wondered what he could've possibly meant by darkness.
"Tifa, what are you doing?" Chamberlain's voice came, startling me. I jumped to my feet, spinning around and gasping.
"Chamberlain!" My face flooded with warmth; embarrassment at getting caught and shame for being in a place I obviously wasn't supposed to be in. Chamberlain's face was a mixture of amusement and something close to anger.
"Are you snooping?" He asked, crossing his arms and striding into the room. "You are not allowed in the Master's chambers without an invitation," Chamberlain grabbed Cloud's journal from off the desk and closed it, sliding it back into the drawer without further hesitation. The drawer clicked shut, the lock setting back in place and leaving no evidence of my ever having read it.
"Chamberlain, I'm really sorry," I apologized profusely, face reddening in shame. Chamberlain simply shook his head and grabbed up the oil lamp, placing one hand upon my shoulder and guiding me towards the door.
"Come. Master Cloud is expected back tonight, and you and I both do not want him to find you here," Chamberlain closed the door behind him and escorted me down the hallway, placing the lamp back where I had picked it up. I followed Chamberlain in silence, mulling over the things I'd learned and feeling ashamed for having learned them. I had disobeyed an unspoken rule and of course I felt guilty, but was this disgrace and embarrassment completely necessary?
Chamberlain led me back to my room as if he didn't trust me to find the way myself. He opened the door and stood aside for me to pass through.
"Your clothes for dinner have been laid out on the bed, but feel free to exchange the dress for another if it is unsatisfactory." Chamberlain turned and made to leave before I spoke.
"Wait, Chamberlain," My voice accurately displayed the chagrin I felt. He turned and looked to me with an expectant expression.
"Don't worry, Tifa, I won't tell Cloud of your invasion of his privacy," he explained, sounding superior. A huge weight left my shoulders, then. "I trust you to do the right thing," he added with a tiny smile. That weight came crashing down again.
"You mean I've got to tell him what I did?" My heart sank. Chamberlain fixed me with another superior look and smiled broadly.
"If you feel it is right," he replied. "I expect Master Cloud home before night falls, so time yourself accordingly so that you look nice. I expect tonight to be the best you've had," Chamberlain's all-knowing look made me want to smack him, and he turned and walked back the way we'd come without another word or hint.
I closed the door and leaned against it heavily, my heart thudding uncertainly. I wasn't sure if it was because of the night I had ahead of me, or if it was because of the confession I knew I had to make to Cloud. Whether or not it was going to be that night was yet to be decided, but I knew I had to tell him I'd read parts of his journal and been in his room without permission. But I would sugar-coat it and make it seem a lesser offense.
I ventured to my bed to see the outfit Chamberlain had apparently picked out for me. My jaw nearly hit the floor when I saw the dress he had laid on my bed – if you could even call it that. This creation was blood-red and quite possibly the smallest thing I'd ever seen. The dress went all the way down to my calves and had a gigantic slit in the side that would drift back up nearly to my hip. The front displayed my chest very prominently, but it wasn't too bad. There were silver sandals with a small heel to pair with the dress.
It was apparent that I was supposed to attract Cloud in this getup. I wondered if Aerith, or the mysterious Yuffie, had ever gone through this. The two thoughts sent nerves down my spine, which I was growing tired of. I was tired of always feeling these butterflies, and even though I knew they meant I had feelings for Cloud, I didn't like them. They left me feeling vulnerable and sensitive, and the one thing I had taken most pride in back home was staying strong and keeping my weak, vulnerable points hidden away.
To try and calm my nerves, I moved into the bathing room and drew myself a bath. I shook in a sizeable amount of bath crystals and even dunked in a bath bead for extra scent, stripped off my clothes and sank into the warm water. The bath had exactly the effect I was hoping it would. The scent of lavender soothed my frayed nerves and the scent of vanilla both empowered me and filled me with peace. When my bath was finished I felt like I could take on the world.
By the time my body and hair were dry, the sky had darkened. I lined my eyes lightly with a black kohl pencil in a similar fashion to the way I would back home. Back home, the women usually only dressed up when there was a wedding or some sort of ceremony to be held. Remembering that pushed a longing feeling through my core. I longed to return home, to see my mother's face once more and to laugh with Merie.
Yet part of me was content here. Obviously I was well taken care of and in no immediate danger, but all of that could change soon. The trip through the trapdoor loomed ahead, both soon and some time away, but it didn't stop the nerves from jangling my core. I knew Cloud wanted only the best, but how long would it last?
I pulled a sheer slip over my head, hoping it was tight enough to go with the dress.
Chamberlain came to fetch me but an hour later. Even he looked nicer than usual; his thinning hair was combed neatly and his tunic freshly washed and pressed. I had slipped into the dress, marveling at the feeling of silk on my skin for I had not known it before arriving to Cloud's castle. I left my hair down but braided two pieces and pulled them back into a sort of crown at the back of my head, pinning them together with a sparkling diamond clip. My kohl-lined eyes were the dominant feature; bringing out the red inside the brown. I could only imagine how Cloud must look tonight – seeing as this dinner was our sort of reconciliation dinner upon his return.
"Tifa, you look breathtaking," Chamberlain complimented, blushing red.
I held up my hands to keep him from saying anything more.
"Thank you, Chamberlain, you look well yourself," I replied easily, my heart twittering nervously at the prospect of seeing Cloud, finally, after these days apart.
"Shall I escort you down?" he offered me his arm and I accepted, wondering what all the formality was about. "Tonight is a special night, Tifa," he began, as though he could read my thoughts.
"How so?" I queried as we began our walk through the halls. Chamberlain smiled and pressed his lips together, keeping quiet with a shake of his head. Annoyed, I scoffed and looked away, ignoring Chamberlain's amused laugh.
"All in good time, my dear Tifa, all in good time."
He released my arm once we reached the top of the staircase. I could see Cloud waiting below, his back to me, and just the sight of that blonde head sent the butterflies moving. Chamberlain cleared his throat to get his attention and quickly ducked inside a doorway when he began to turn, ensuring that he was out of sight.
Cloud's mako-infused eyes seemed to glow brighter than they ever had, and I realized that my memory hadn't done him justice while he'd been away. His flawless skin seemed to glow under the light of the chandelier as he smiled warmly upon seeing me. His eyes raked over my form, taking in the dress, my hair and the way I grasped the banister so tightly as I descended down the stairs. Cloud watched my progress with hungry eyes. My face flamed when he took my hands and kissed my palms, his brilliant eyes consuming mine.
"There are no words to describe how absolutely beautiful you look tonight," Cloud murmured, pulling me close. His fingers touched my jaw. I grinned and threw my arms around his neck, not realizing how much I really missed him while he was gone.
"I missed you," he spoke into my ear, an ounce of humor in his voice. Cloud's hands circle my waist and press against the small of my back, holding me against his firm body. A blush heated my face but Cloud didn't see it, nor did he know how my heart swelled at his words. He'd missed me! I grinned and looked up into his eyes, brushing the hair from my face. Cloud's answering smile was just as brilliant, and when he took my face in his hands and kissed my lips with such tender softness I couldn't help but swoon.
"So, when's dinn-" A voice came from around the corner, belonging to Aerith. Startled I broke away from Cloud, eyes wide and looked to her immediately, uncertainly. Cloud let me go, wrapping one arm loosely around my waist. Aerith had her eyes on us, dressed in a light pink dress that clung to her small frame lightly. She wore her usual brown boots and her hair was pulled back into a French braid and tied with a pink ribbon. The amount of hurt she wore on her face was exponential, but I knew I had no reason to feel any guilt.
"Feel free to seat yourself," Cloud gestured with his free arm in the direction of the dining hall, watching her carefully. Aerith blinked, her luminous eyes watering. She didn't say anything; instead, she turned and almost ran from the entrance hall, away from us.
"That was . . ." my voice drifted off, at a sudden loss for words.
"Awkward?" Cloud supplied. "Yes, very," he agreed, smiling suddenly. "So now that that's over, are you ready for dinner and even more guaranteed awkward situations?" His grin had me smiling as I slipped my hand into his, remembering Aerith's words with a pang of guilt. The feel of his hand in mine was electrifying and I swear my heart skipped a beat when he squeezed ever so slightly.
Cloud escorted me to the dining hall with the confidence of someone looking forward to the almost certain uncomfortable moments awaiting us. Aerith was seated at the far end of the table, staring down at her plate in silence. She didn't look up when we walked in – not that I expected her to – nor did she speak. Chamberlain whistled merrily, straightening the countless plates of food set out before us. My stomach roared suddenly, mouth watering. I clenched my stomach muscles to try and attempt to silence the sound but Cloud smirked anyway. I couldn't be sure if he was smirking over the noise or the obvious difference between Chamberlain's and Aerith's attitudes.
"Evening, everyone," Cloud announced grandly, voice carrying through the high-ceilinged room. The chandelier shone brightly above our heads, reflecting off the brilliantly polished wood of the table and floor. Aerith looked up momentarily, emotions softening her face as her emerald eyes zeroed in on our entwined hands. My face blushed when she glanced away, looking as though she were about to cry.
"Master Cloud, evening!" Chamberlain straightened up and pressed his arm across his middle in a customary greeting, bowing two times in quick succession. "Miss Tifa, you look stunning, as always," he added with a genteel smile, bowing once to me. "Shall I seat you?" he offered, sweeping out an arm to the table before us. Cloud held up his free hand, declining politely.
"I must refuse. Please, Chamberlain, seat yourself," Cloud instructed. His butler bowed again and took a seat across from Aerith, watching her face thoroughly. She had paled and was now completely immersed with a frayed edge in the golden tablecloth. I knew that if I paid her too much attention she would ruin my night with striking guilt straight to my core.
Cloud tugged my hand gently, sparking a blush to my cheeks and led me to my seat. He pulled out the high-backed chair and waited for me to take my seat. I couldn't help admire how expertly the mahogany wood was carved. The back depicted the head of a lion and the armrests were its outstretched arms, ending in slightly curved claws. I had a feeling that this char was Cloud's, as it was at the head of the table and the only one of its sort.
"Thank you," I smiled, my eyes meeting his. It seemed as though the cerulean depths of Cloud's eyes swirled and deepened as his smile crinkled their corners.
"Of course," Cloud took a seat around the corner of the table, next to me. He looked over the table as for servants appeared – the only four I had ever seen in the castle – and began filling our plates with food. Unsurprisingly Aerith's plate filled with greens; bright red cherry tomatoes and golden corn vied for space with juicy orange slices and two bananas, cut in half. She pulled a small bowl of salad towards her, topped in a dressing of vinaigrette and sprinkled with square croutons. Aerith picked up her fork and stabbed the salad violently, her mind clearly elsewhere.
Chamberlain's plate was nearly similar to Cloud's – a thick piece of bacon-wrapped steak dominated the plate, next to fluffy cream-colored mashed potatoes and corn. My plate held a little of everything; a helping of pot roast, a bowl of salad, a spoonful of mashed potatoes drizzled in brown gravy and a sizeable amount of fruit. Four identical goblets of red wine made the meal, poured from generous green bottles.
Aerith grabbed her goblet and downed her wine as though she hadn't a drink in her life. Her cheeks took on a pink tinge and she met my eyes uneasily. I smiled to her, trying to show her that I meant no hard feelings.
"Master Cloud, I hope your trip went well?" Chamberlain finally broke the terribly awkward silence, taking a bite of potatoes and fixing his small eyes on Cloud.
Cloud smiled and returned his gaze easily.
"As always, Chamberlain. I expect in a few months Tifa and I will be nearly ready."
Aerith choked on her food, hand rushing to her throat. I stood quickly, alarmed, intending to help her before she refused me, holding up her hand.
"No, no, I'm fine," she insisted, swallowing several times and taking a few quick gulps of water from a glass next to her wine. I sat, uneasily, waiting for another reaction. Chamberlain was doing nearly the same, watching carefully with uncertainty.
"You say… you say you're nearly ready?" Aerith's voice shook pityingly as she fixed her luminous eyes on mine.
"In a few months, yes, I expect so," Cloud kept his eyes off her; acting as though speaking to her was a tiresome chore. I heard Aerith's gulp from across the table.
"Oh," she said. "I see," Aerith turned her fork around in her hand, seeming to sink inside herself. I knew Cloud's words meant that in a few months, he would love me and I would love him – and it would be time to enter under the trapdoor. My heart gave a squeeze for her. I felt bad, I really did… but Aerith had had her chance, and Cloud couldn't love her. It was like he'd written himself in his journal: "Aerith is too much my opposite." So did that mean that because I was similar to Cloud in my likes and dislikes he could love me?
"Master Cloud," Aerith said suddenly, clenching her fists. The sudden formality in her words surprised everyone at the table; we all turned to look at her. Her small frame was shaking and she hid her fists in her lap. Aerith looked up and fixed her luminous eyes determinedly on Cloud. "May I be excused?" She asked, sarcasm dripping into her usually polite tone.
"O-of course," Even Cloud seemed taken aback, watching her stand and stride brusquely from the room.
"Oh, my," Chamberlain muttered, filling his mouth with corn before he could say anything else.
"Something seemed to be bothering her," Cloud mused. "I don't think I should expect her to join us for dinner any time soon," I stared.
"You kidding? You shouldn't have made her come in the first place!" I exclaimed. Cloud paled.
"Is something the matter, Miss Tifa?" Chamberlain interrupted, forcing my gaze from Cloud's astonished eyes. My anger bubbled under the surface, threatening to boil over.
"Are you kidding!" I emphasized, dropping my silverware. "What's wrong with you, Cloud? She's in love with you and you made her come to dinner?" Cloud stared at me, stunned. His mako-infused eyes were pale blue.
"Tifa, I – I didn't think it'd be that big of a deal," he admitted, setting down his silverware gently and watching me carefully. I stood up roughly, fixing him with a dark glare.
"Do you ever think?" I chided, striding from the room.
"Tifa, wait!" Cloud called after me. I ignored his voice; blocked out the hurt and the confusion and kept walking. The fact that perhaps I had overreacted hadn't completely hit me yet, and it didn't until Cloud's hands grabbed my shoulders and spun me around.
"Tifa, what was that?" he asked, astounded. The amazement in his brilliant azure eyes took me by surprise, but I pushed it, and him, away.
"You stomped all over Aerith's feelings," I accused of him. "Do you know how badly you must've hurt her?" I could feel the irrational tears coming on; partly because I myself was confused of exactly how I felt. I wanted Aerith to find happiness, but that obviously wasn't happening with me here. I'd stolen Cloud from her, and for that I felt bad.
"I know, Tifa, and I'm sorry," he apologized, placing his hands on either side of my neck and ignoring the way I gripped his wrists and tried to pry them off me. His cerulean eyes glowed with a forlorn light. The pounding of my heart against my chest took my mind off of Aerith, reminding me that Cloud was here, for me. "Will you go for a walk with me?" he asked, letting his hands slide to mine and taking them in his hold.
"Of course," I agreed almost immediately. Even though I was angry with Cloud, I would never deny him any request. Cloud's smile was grateful as he led me toward the huge doors and through them, into the crisp night.
It was dark, the only illuminating light coming from the tall lamps standing along the path that stretched before us. I wove my fingers through Cloud's and led him to the fountain, lit from the inside by an unknown light. The many-colored crystals inside shone brilliantly, each stone cut with hundreds of facets, reflecting their light back tenfold. I leaned against the side, pulling my hand from Cloud's and trailing it through the water, barely disturbing the rippling water.
Cloud joined me at the fountain edge, resting one hand on my hip and reaching into the water with the other, retrieving a handful of crystals.
"They're diamonds, you know," he told me, holding the diamonds up to the light and watching them sparkle.
"Why?" I asked suddenly, watching the light fleck off each gem. "Why go to all of this trouble?"
Cloud laughed, closing his hand into a fist and letting the diamonds fall back into the water, one by one.
"The fountain was for me," he explained with a smile. "I saw something similar to it once. It's my favorite part of the castle."
I studied his face for a few moments, trying to figure something. He met my gaze evenly, eyes shining.
"But why change everything? Chamberlain told me you remodeled. Why?" I persisted, trying to ignore the feeling of Cloud's fingers drumming against my hip. He didn't answer at first.
"Well," he began at last, looking back into the water, "I suppose it was to get you to like me." Cloud admitted with a sheepish grin and a shrug. I felt my heart skip a beat but didn't let that stop me. I was on a quest for answers.
"Yeah, but why is it so important that I like you?" I demanded brusquely. Cloud laughed with amusement.
"So many questions tonight!" he grinned, his blonde hair looking radiant in the light from the fountain. The bubbling water filled the silence, allowing him time to muse over my words. "I told you before, Tifa. Because you're my light," he reaffirmed, smiling with the side of his mouth. Exasperated, I looked down into the water and plucked a single, red diamond from its depths and turned it over in my hand. The other reached for Cloud's hand on my hip and I laced my fingers with his, meeting his curious eyes once more.
"How do you know?" I asked pointedly. Cloud looked away and into the night sky, letting his gaze wander over the stars.
"Would you believe me if I told you it came to me in a dream? You did, I mean."
"Yes," I answered immediately, without hesitation, remembering Cloud's written words in his journal. His gaze was burning when it returned to me.
"I had a dream about you," he resumed. "You were standing right here, right where we are now, and you were wearing this beautiful white dress. I remember because I was in white, just like you, and we almost matched. I came closer and you just looked at me with those gorgeous, brown eyes and smiled," Cloud elaborated fondly as I listened, breathless, waiting for him to continue.
"The breeze was blowing your hair around your face and I kept thinking how beautiful you looked, but I didn't know your name. Suddenly, this bright, pure light flared up around you and you whispered your name to me, so quietly, and then you were gone." The mako in Cloud's eyes danced, flaring at the memory. "I knew I had to find you."
I smiled, touched at the fact that he'd shared something like that with me. His words struck a memory of my own, and I instantly recalled something I'd read in his journal. Guilt flared suddenly through my veins and I knew I had to tell him. Cloud was still waiting for me to say something; I could tell.
"Cloud, I think that's incredible," I breathed, unable to think of something else to say. I wrapped my arms around his neck and buried his face against his chest, stalling for time before I admitted my own secret. I heard Cloud's sudden intake of breath before his arms wrapped tightly around me. Goosebumps prickled my arms, yet Cloud was warm.
"Oh?" Amusement colored his voice. I looked up and into his eyes, realizing just how close his glorious face was to mine. I blushed, embarrassment creeping into my cheeks and struggled in his arms to free myself. Cloud laughed richly and took my face in his hands, face alight.
"Don't be embarrassed!" he smirked. I reached down and tugged on my dress nervously, trying to avoid his gaze.
"I'm not embarrassed," I try to insist, but I wasn't fooling anyone until I sighed. Cloud made me nervous – it didn't take a fool to see that. He tilted my face up and stepped closer until his body pushed mine against the fountain and pressed into me, bringing his face close.
"I think you are," he murmured against my lips, kissing me with intensity then.
I couldn't enjoy it. I couldn't enjoy his touch – because my unspoken confession was weighing heavy on my heart.
I pushed him away.
"Cloud, I have to tell you something," I tried to disregard the confused, hurt look on his face.
"Is something the matter?" he asked, studying my expression. I nodded, stepping away and drifting toward the hedges, reaching out and plucking a shiny, dark green leaf from the branch.
"When you were gone, I snuck into your room and read your journal," I admitted in a rush, holding my breath for his anger.
What I didn't expect was his reply.
"I know," he said. I spun around, staring in disbelief.
"You know? How do you know?" Cloud approached me, wearing a smile on his face and reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Because I'm perceptive," he explained. "That, and the lock on the drawer was all but destroyed when I came home," I blushed, looking away. Cloud's face was hidden by the shadows, but I heard his chuckle.
"Are you mad?" I asked hesitantly, sure his anger was late to come.
"No, I just wished you would've asked first," he told me, slipping his hand in mine and leading me away, through a hidden passage in the hedge. "I don't mind; I want you to know whatever you want about me. Honesty will be the key, remember," he pointed out. I let go of his hand and hugged his arm, following him blindly for I could not see. He seemed to know where he was going, however, so I trusted him. I needed to.
"I remember," I said, feeling immensely better after my confession. Just the fact that he hadn't been mad took a huge load off my mind, but I was still waiting for something from him. The silence consumed our speech; the only sound in the air was our feet crunching over the gravel of the hidden, dark path. Cloud made a sharp turn, steadying me when I stumbled forward with a strong arm and an amused noise.
We broke through an arch and into a sort of enclosed circle; high shrubs protected us from the view of any curious onlookers and in the very center was a magnificent lion statue, poised in mid-walk. Tall lamps surrounded us, lending their light, so I released Cloud's arm and stepped closer to the statue, reaching out to touch it and trailing my fingertips along the cold bronze. Cloud crossed his arms and watched me with intrigue. The lion stood in a shallow pool of rippling water, perched on a stand of even more diamonds; these ones traditional and white.
"Why're there so many lions around this place?" I asked aloud, my fingers tracing the outline of the lion's mouth, frozen in a forever roar. I looked back to Cloud to see him studying the ring on his first finger, brushing his thumb over the band.
"I like them," he explained at last. "They're a symbol of power and strength. When I was in SOLDIER, we were told to imagine ourselves a predator and try to embody them, try to fuse our hearts with theirs to stay brave and stay strong. I chose the lion, if it isn't obvious," Cloud joined me and placed his hand on the top of the lion's cold head, looking down at me.
"You were in SOLDIER?" I asked, suddenly excited. "Do you think you've met my brother?" Cloud grinned and shrugged, knocking on the lion's head with his knuckles.
"Possibly," he said. "What's his name?"
"Zack," I replied. Cloud's sudden intake of breath surprised me. He looked as though someone had punched him in the gut, eyes wide and haunted. "Cloud? Are you okay?" I reached out to take his hand, but he snatched them away and stuffed them in his pockets, turning away from me.
"What's wrong?" I asked, feeling the hurt of his abrupt refusal. Cloud shook his head, shoulders straightening and shaking his head.
"Nothing," he said at last, facing me. He smiled apologetically, but the gesture didn't reach his eyes. They glowed brightly, sparking with an emotion I didn't recognize. I scrutinized his face, taking in the way those eyes seemed downcast. Something I'd said had caused this reaction; I just didn't know what.
"Can I ask you something?" I said suddenly, remembering an entry I'd read in his journal. Cloud pulled me to a wooden bench and sat me down next to him, watching my face. His was partially illuminated by a light under the bench, throwing shadows over his eyes, but despite that, the mako in them glowed.
"Of course," he allowed, pulling me closer and brushing the hair back from my shoulders. His touch sent shivers down my spine, and his fingers lingered along my collarbone. I knew that if I let it, his touch would distract me completely from my path.
"Why did you send for me? Why didn't you come yourself, like you did with Aerith?" I wanted to know. This question burned at me from the inside – if I was so special and so much different than Aerith, why didn't he come for me himself? Cloud looked down at my hands folded in my lap and thought for a moment.
"Do you know about Yuffie, too?" his voice was downtrodden and he didn't meet my eyes. I sensed this was a touchy subject, so I approached it gently.
"I know that she – died…" I hesitated to say the word, fearing what sort of reaction I'd get this time. Cloud visibly flinched at that word and nodded.
"Yeah," he breathed. "She died down in Hell. Her spirit didn't stay down there, thankfully, but she died." Cloud scratched the back of his neck uneasily. "I wanted to do things differently with you," he began to explain. "Chamberlain and I went to get both Aerith and Yuffie, and look how things turned out. Yuffie died and I couldn't love Aerith. I thought that maybe if I did things differently this time, everything would work out." His honesty was so very touching that I felt tears prick my eyes. The amount of emotion in his voice was overwhelming, as though he was on the verge of breaking down himself.
I reached out and touched his face, placing my palm on his cheek and brushing beside his eye. He closed his eyes and seemed to lean into my touch.
"Is it working?" I asked quietly, almost a whisper. Cloud's eyes opened and met mine; burning with an intensity I'd never seen before.
"You tell me," he murmured, closing the distance between us and pressing his lips to mine, ever so gently. My arm hooked around his neck, securing me to him and the other took a fistful of his shirt, pulling him closer. Cloud's arms circled my waist, pulling me against him and cupped my face. The only sound to be heard was the whisper of our lips moving in synchronization.
A sudden gust of wind brought the smell of sulfur to my nose. Something in my memory clicked and I recalled suddenly the hound that had visited me while Cloud was away. We pulled back at the same moment, waiting with alert expressions.
"Do you smell that?" he asked tensely, looking around. He stood quickly and grasped something in his pocket, holding it tightly.
"Cloud, while you were gone, I smelled this exact thing and a ghostly dog visited me," I admitted quickly. Cloud whirled around, eyes blazing.
"What? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Anger colored his tone. I raised my eyebrows.
"I'm sorry," Confused, I watched his reaction. "I didn't realize." Cloud sighed angrily and turned back around, eyes on the mouth of the path. Something was coming, even I could tell.
"Here," Cloud gathered my attention, pulling two daggers from his pocket and tossing one to me. "I know you can protect yourself well enough, but I'll do my best to keep you safe," he explained, his expression suddenly steely and tough. I could see how formidable of an opponent Cloud could be if it came down to it.
"What if it's the same kind of dog that came to me? These won't be able to hurt it," I recalled how the dog had been made of smoke and brimstone. Cloud chuckled, keeping his eyes on the path.
"Yes," he spoke, "they will."
"You're looking well, Cloud," A surprisingly emotionless voice, sounding a lot like Cloud's, came from near the lion statue. Cloud and I both spun around, clutching the hilts of our daggers.
"Sephiroth!"
A/N: OOH, CLIFFHANGER! Haha, so anyway, I wanted to bring Zack in to the story one way or another, so I made him Tifa's brother. Don't worry - everything will be explained in later chapters. As for now, I hope you've enjoyed the little bit of lovin' I included here :] Review, review, review! GO GO GO! :]