AUTHOR'S NOTES: Wow! I am on a roll. Two updates in two days! It just shows when you really want something bad enough, you get it done no matter what! My only regret it that this is being released way too early. But then, I didn't wanna make y'all wait until Christmas for my next update! On a side note, me and my folks don't celebrate Christmas, but I just love the vibe and atmosphere of the festive season! So anyway enjoy this little chapter and don't forget to review!
XXX
Cloud sat on his bed, watching the snow fall through the window. Strangely, the snow made him feel at peace. He vaguely recalled a day, years ago, when he had sat like this, watching the other kids play in the snow, building snowmen, throwing snowballs at each other and just having fun. He had only looked on, secretly burning to join them, but he didn't want to see those kids, convincing himself that he had more important things to do. What those things were he never knew, but he supposed it was his own defence mechanism, he wasn't wanted there, so why put himself through it. He remembered lying to his mother about having a cold when she asked why he didn't want to go outside to enjoy the snow.
To his surprise a familiar red sports car pulled up at the next door house. He watched as Tifa got out of the car, her long, dark hair blowing in the wind as stray flakes of snow got caught in it. Even with the white flakes caught in her hair and the pink flush from the cold, she was still a vision of perfection. Her lips glowed even more red in the biting wind and her wine-red eyes were bright.
Cloud watched as Mayor Kramer walked out of his house to greet his son and granddaughter. Mr Lockheart looked a bit uncomfortable and stiffly shook hands with his father as if they were old high school buddies that hadn't seen each other since graduation.
Tifa, on the other hand, showed no such reservations. Cloud heard her cry "Dada !" loudly and leapt into Cid's waiting arms, hugging him as if afraid he would disappear if she let go. When they broke apart, Cloud was surprised to see tears running freely down her cheeks. She pulled her grandfather into another hug before the three of them returned inside the house.
"Cloud!" His mother called.
Cloud hurriedly jumped off his bed and walked towards the sound of her voice.
XXX
A sharp knock sounded on the door.
"Who could that be now?" Cloud heard Mrs Strife mutter to herself as she went to answer the door. Cloud was sitting in his room at the time, absently reading a novel.
"Hello? How may I help you?" He heard his mother say.
"Uhm hi ma'am. Is Cloud here?" A familiar voice spoke.
"Uhm of course. I'll call him," Mrs Strife sounded extremely confused. "Cloud! There's someone here to see you!"
She needn't have bothered, for the second Cloud recognised the voice he had hurried to the front door.
His eyes immediately fell on Tifa who was being ushered into the house by his mother, fussing about the cold. As soon as she caught sight of him, Tifa's face split into a smile, that could melt the snow.
"Cloud! Good to see you! I thought for a second you were just kidding about coming to Nibelheim to mess with me!" Tifa said brightly.
Mrs Strife looked interestedly at the new arrival.
"Well? Aren't you going to introduce us Cloud?" She demanded.
Tifa gave a chuckle at that. "Don't worry Mrs Strife! He was like this when I first met him too, I thought he'd be used to me by now though!"
"Oh forgive my son's manners!" Mrs Strife said quickly. "My name's Sylvia Strife," she said holding out her hand. "You must be Jessie!"
Tifa laughed again, but she took the offered hand. "No, I'm Tifa. Cloud and I are good friends. I take it he hasn't gotten around to introducing you to Jessie as yet."
Mrs Strife laughed along at her own blunder. "Yes, I can't imagine why though!"
"Yeah! But then again, I've come to realise when it comes to your son, ma'am ,few things ever make sense!" Tifa replied.
Mrs Strife laughed at the apt observation. "Oh where I manners? How would you like a cup of cocoa?"
"Thank you ma'am, please," Tifa said politely, then turned to smile at Cloud as Mrs Strife hurried to the kitchen. "So, nice to see you again!"
"You too, Tifa," Cloud said walking towards her. "How're you doing?"
"I'm doing great!" Tifa said as she hugged him. "Its good to see Dada again!"
"I'm sure! When was the last time you saw him?"
"About two years now," Tifa said with a shrug. "When did you guys arrive?"
"Three days ago," Cloud replied. "How was the trip?"
"Uneventful," Tifa said, flicking some stray hair out of her eyes.
"Kids! The cocoa's ready!" Mrs Strife called.
Tifa gave Cloud another dazzling smile before she walked towards the kitchen, with Cloud right behind her.
XXX
"So how did you two meet?" Mrs Strife asked as she sipped her cocoa.
"Friend of a friend," Tifa replied with a smile. "We met by chance a few times afterward and before we knew it, we spending a lot of time together!"
"I see. Are you also studying engineering?"
"Nope. Psychology," Tifa replied. "So how's it feel to be back in Nibelheim?"
Cloud had to admit, he was relieved. He had some doubts about how well Tifa would go down with his mother, but Tifa's natural charisma and charm had won the older woman over and she was happily chatting to her, while Cloud looked on with a smile.
"Oh, it feels great! I've missed Nibelheim!" Mrs Strife replied.
"Home is where the heart is!" Tifa agreed. "I kinda miss being around here as well!"
"Tell that to Cloud!" Mrs Strife said. "He practically begged me to stay in Costa De Sol!"
"Shame on you Cloud!" Tifa teased.
"What? It had good scenery!" Cloud protested.
"The beach or the women Cloud?" Mrs Strife cut-in with a raised eyebrow as Cloud sputtered and Tifa guffawed.
"Ma! You didn't have to say it like that!"
Mrs Strife giggled in response.
"So what plans do you guys have for tomorrow?" Tifa asked.
Cloud looked at his mother uncertainly. "Well, we were just gonna stay at home I guess," he answered.
"Brilliant!" Tifa said enthusiatically. "Why don't you spend Christmas with us?"
"I don't know about that Tifa," Cloud said slowly.
"I wouldn't want to impose. Christmas is family time, I'm sure you and you're family would want to be alone," Mrs Strife said uncertainly.
"You won't be imposing at all ma'am. Its just me, my dad and grandfather. Its just the two of you and the three of us. My grandad is actually the one who suggested it!" Tifa said earnestly.
Cloud wondered why the old man wanted them there. Last he checked, Cid wanted him to stay away from Tifa.
Mrs Strife looked a little uncertain, but then her face warmed into a glowing smile. "Well then, why not? Christmas has always been so lonely with just the two of us! It'll be nice to finally celebrate with other people! But you must let me cook something for you! At the very least do the Christmas pudding!"
"I'm sure my granddad wouldn't have it any other way!" Tifa smiled. "Thank you so much!"
"No my dear! Thank you!" Mrs Strife said, standing up to give the younger woman a hug. "I really do appreciate it!"
"Its my pleasure ma'am," Tifa replied, hugging the older woman back.
"Well then! What are you two still doing in the house? Why don't you go have a stroll around town!" Mrs Strife said.
"Why not?" Tifa replied. "Come on Cloud!"
"Yeah- sure!" Cloud said, standing up.
"Thank you so much for the cocoa Mrs Strife, it was delicious!" Tifa said.
"Only a pleasure dear!" Mrs Strife replied as Cloud went to fetch his jacket.
"Bye! See you tomorrow!" Tifa said as they left the house.
XXX
"Whew! Your mom's right Cloud! It does feel good to be home!" Tifa gushed as the two of them walked into the streets.
Children were running and playing around in the snow, while the adults watched them while placing decorations on to their houses and bells were ringing joyfully.
"Just a second," Tifa said slipping into the alleyway and pulling out a cigarette. Cloud joined her and soon had his own lit. "Your mom knows you smoke?" Tifa inquired.
"I don't think so? But she found my lighter a few days ago," Cloud answered.
Tifa giggled. "And? What'd she say!"
Cloud couldn't help but laugh. "She basically said as long as I support my own habit and don't try to sweet talk her into buying me cigarettes, she doesn't mind. Although, she did say it was my own funeral and that if I burnt the carpet she'd soak me in gas and set me alight!"
Tifa laughed. "I like your mom Cloud!"
"I do too!" Cloud replied with a smile.
"Well then, let's get going!" Tifa said, absently tossing her burn-out cigarette.
"Where are we going? Just by the way," Cloud asked as the exitted the alleyway.
"Who knows? Just to have a look at the town," Tifa answered as they two of them walked into the white streets.
"You know," Cloud began, after a while. "I've never really felt the whole Christmas vibe before."
"What? You're kidding right?" Tifa asked in surprise.
Cloud shook his head. "Well, maybe because it was just the two of us, we always had a tree and stuff, but it was always just- normal, nothing special. We never really sang carols or went to church and stuff like that."
"Well, then its my job to change that this year. No carols, that's for sure, but at least we can have a good time this year!" Tifa replied with a smile.
"Thank you, Tifa," Cloud replied. Words could not explain the amount of warmth and happiness flooding him at this moment.
They had reached a small park for kids, after a few minutes. It was completely covered in snow. A couple of kids scurried past giggling. Catching sight of them, a sly smirk found its way onto Tifa's face.
"Hey Cloud!" She called.
"Yeah," Cloud said turning to face her, only to be met with a large ball of snow. "Hey!" He protested. "What's the big idea?!"
Tifa just laughed at threw him with another one, this time catching him full in the face.
"Now I'm mad! I'm gonna get you!" Cloud said, bending over to grab some snow. Tifa giggled and threw another, but this time Cloud was ready. He threw one back and Tifa squealed as it hit her arm.
She tried to retaliate but Cloud threw another one. They continued to play like this for a while, Cloud soon gaining the upper hand. Seeing herself in danger, Tifa turned and ran away, with Cloud in hot pursuit. Both of them laughed uproariously.
"Where do you think you're going?" Cloud shouted as he chased after her.
"Gotcha!" He said ,grabbing her around the waist, but he slipped and tumbled, dragging Tifa down with him.
They both fell into the snow, laughing. Tifa laid back, resting on the mound of snow, while Cloud did the same, both breathing heavily. After a minute or two, he felt Tifa's eyes on his and felt his cheeks burn. Before he knew it, she had sidled up to him and placed her head on his chest, which was rising and falling slowly.
"You know," he began, slowly.
"Yeah?" Tifa asked, turning her head so she could look at his face and lean on him at the same time.
"I've never...been this close to anybody before," he said, shifting so he could prop himself up on his elbows and allow her to stay there.
"Well, you are now," Tifa responded. "None of that matters anymore Cloud. You have me NOW and that's all that matters."
"Yeah," Cloud said. "So how about we finish that walk of ours?"
"Just a little longer," Tifa replied.
They sat like that for a while, neither saying anything, until the ground got a little too cold to stay on, at which point they got up and walked towards the shops.
They heard a familiar jingle playing as they past a small toy shop.
"I love this song!" Tifa said happily.
"What? I thought you were into rap?!" Cloud asked in surprise.
"Of course! But I mean, who doesn't know this one? Its a classic! Sing a long with me!"
"No way Tifa!" Cloud said in shock. "You're kidding!"
"Not this time Spikey!" Tifa replied with a smile. "Now sing a long!" She commanded.
"Huh uh, Tifa! I can't sing!"
"Well neither can I! And besides that's not the point!" Tifa said. "Fine! Then I guess I'm doing this number solo!"
Before Cloud could stop her Tifa jumped swiftly out of his reach and gave him a teasing smile and bursting into song.
"I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
And I
Don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking, there up on the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy with a toy on Christmas day!"
People were starting to look at the pair in wonder, Cloud was sure his face was as red as Rudolf's nose right now. Oh fuck it, he thought to himself, before joining in.
"I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Oh baby, all I want for Chrismas
Is you!"
Tifa gave him a glowing look, before stepping forward to join him in the final chorus.
"All the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children laughing fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh-bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need
Won't you please bring my to me
Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just wanna see my baby
Standing right outside my door
Oh I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Oh baby all I want for Christmas
Iiiiiiiiiiis
YOOOOOOOOOOOUUUU!"
Tifa broke into a fit of laughter as Cloud tried and failed to hit that final high note and ended up collapsing in his arms, because she was laughing so hard.
"What a sweet young couple," Cloud heard a woman whisper to her husband, before he went crimson again. Tifa simply giggled at the comment
They turned to walk away, as they did so, Cloud felt Tifa's head come to rest on his shoulder. He cursed his shortness and her height, for a moment, before deciding to sieze the opportunity. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close as she leaned in to him. Her body felt so warm despite the cold.
After a minute or two, Cloud realised that this kind of closeness was not erotic or sexy or possessive. This was the kind of companionship, of equality. He felt nothing perverse about holding her, just warmth.
They walked until they found a neat coffee shop and decided to stroll in.
"Two coffees please," Tifa ordered.
The waitress smiled and went to get their coffee.
Tifa turned towards Cloud with an expectant smile.
"So, how's things between you and Vincent?" Cloud asked, unable to think of better ice-breaker.
"That son of a bitch?" Tifa said lightly. "We're not together anymore."
Cloud looked visibly shocked at the news. "Wh-what? Why?"
"He told me I was 'irritating'!" Tifa replied. "He broke up with me because he said I called him too often and I was always around him! But like, why the fuck would he want to date me if he didn't want me around him?!"
"Yeah! Like really!" Cloud agreed. He could never think of Tifa as 'irritating', wasn't the point of dating someone to be with them as much as possible?
"Damn all he wanted was to have his way with me and once he got that, he figured he didn't need me anymore!" Tifa didn't sound upset or even sad, she just sounded angry. Hell hath no fury, Cloud figured.
Tifa let out angry sigh. "And what about you and Jessie?"
"We're still together, I haven't really spoken to her since I left," Cloud answered.
"Has she made any effort to call you?" Tifa asked.
"I don't know, the signal is pretty bad around here," Cloud lied, he had ignored Jessie's calls as soon as he arrived.
Tifa wasn't fooled. "Call her Cloud," she advised softly. "You've been together for two months already, you might as well try to make it work!"
"What if I don't want it to work?" Cloud snapped angrily.
"Don't lose your cool with me," Tifa replied calmly. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm on your side and believe it or not, I do have your best interests at heart. All I'm saying is, if you and your girlfriend are having problems, you owe it to both of you to at least TRY to fix them."
Cloud calmed himself down. "You're right, I'll give her a call later."
"That's the spirit," Tifa encouraged as their coffee arrived.
XXX
His cellphone was glowing almost mockingly at him. It was vibrating and flashing.
"Answer it!" Cloud muttered to himself. "Come on, pick it up!" Unfortunately his body didn't seem to want to obey him.
"Fuck it!" He cursed, grabbing the phone and hitting 'answer'. "Hello?"
"Cloud! Hey baby, how you doing? I must've called you fifty times but you never answered!" Jessie's voice sound a little reproachful.
"Yeah, signal here's terrible," Cloud answered.
"Oh well! It doesn't matter now that I've got hold of you!" Jessie said happily. "How's Christmas going for you down in the sticks?"
"Its going good," Cloud replied, perhaps realising the fact for the first time. "Yeah, I'm having a great time here at home. And what about you?"
"Oh, its going okay. Its just me, the 'rents and my brother at home. We've gone shopping a few times and started decorating and stuff. I only wish you could be here with me, though," she said suggestively.
"Yeah, me too Jessie," Cloud replied. "So what else have you gotten up to in the last couple of days?"
"Nothing much. Just been around, everyone's either with their families or spending Christmas elsewhere this year, so I haven't really seen anyone."
"Yeah, I think my mom's calling. So I'll speak to you later, kay?"
"Sure thing Cloud. Mwah, miss you baby!"
"Miss you too, Jessie."
He heard something else on the other line as he cut it off. He lay down on the bed, haunted by those words.
Jessie had said, "I love you."
XXX
AUTHOR'S NOTE: And now the romance REALLY kicks in. I was so tempted to get Cloud and Tifa together in this chapter, but then I figured they need more time and I still have plans for them BEFORE they eventually get together. It feels so weird to write a chapter with only a handfull of swear words and no drugs lol. I've only experience snow once in my, that is a few weeks ago (I live in South Africa our winter is in July!) And interestingly me and my guy friends were all talking about how romantic it was, but none of us got any (they were still single and I had just recently broke up with the girl that, interestingly, is the basis for Tifa in this fic) but anyway I'm drifting I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter and please don't forget to review!