Disclaimer: I do not own anything except for the plot. Everything especially the characters belong to Square Enix.

Author's note: Well hello there! After a long while I thought about discontinuing this story but then I told myself that I do not want to be those kind of writers that leave the kids hanging. Part 3 of Chapter 20 is on its way and hopefully before the month ends, Chapter 21 finishes off the story once and for all. I am still debating whether to make the sequel or not. If you guys are interested, I am gonna start working on a Martin Mystery fanfic. I'll be shipping the heck out of Martin and Diana that's for sure (don't judge me). Without further adieu, here's the long awaited chapter!

POPULARITY FEUD

Chapter 20

(Part 2)

Things went smoothly during the retreat and the supervisor, Professor Hojo was glad that things started to take a turn for the better. The Avalanche and The Turks refrained from causing too much ruckus in the duration of their stay. The Turks isolated themselves for the most part but mingled with everyone nonetheless. Cloud became less irritable and anti-social when it came to The Populars. He started to converse with Genesis and Angeal, although he wasn't ready to talk to Sephiroth. Even though bits and pieces of his hatred started to dissipate for the silver haired teen, he couldn't bring himself to mutter a simple hello.

Tifa and the others, went their merry ways and mingles with everyone. She was beginning to like the idea of peace, no matter how ephemeral it could be. That never stopped her from hoping, and this retreat gave her a tinge of what could become. This retreat felt like a trance to her, once it ends, they would be swallowed back to reality. It pains her to know that reality was just lurking in the corner. She began to question herself and her fellow classmates. Are they willing to live in a different light, or will they remain the way that they did before? Looking around and seeing everyone interact as though they were all friends made her melancholic. Being so preoccupied with her thoughts, she wasn't able to notice the presence behind her until a hand rested on her shoulder.

"Are you alright?" Tifa turned around and saw Yazoo. The silver haired teen gave her a small smile. She couldn't help but return the smile, ever since she started dating Sephiroth secretly, she has formed a friendship with Yazoo.

"I'm fine, just... wondering about things," she replied. Yazoo dropped his hand to his side and nodded.

"Ah, careful there Tifa, you might be not be able to stop. Overthinking does that, you know." He chuckled as he swirled the contents of his drink.

"I'm afraid about that," she laughed. "I was just thinking about our future, is all." She replied, looking down at the white sand beneath her toes.

"Our future?" Yazoo inquired, tilting his head to the side. His silver hair shimmering underneath the blazing sun.

"Yeah, our future..." She looked around, observing everyone. Yazoo followed her gaze and understood what she was referring to. "What happens after all this..."

"Oh..." Yazoo looked at the liquid inside his glass, his reflection staring back at him. Gnawing at his conscience, telling him to tell the truth or at least to her. However, he was unable to because he couldn't ruin the happiness that she was feeling now. Maybe in the future, before things get a bit too rowdy. After all, who knows what Genesis is conjuring in his head. He emptied his glass and gave her a small reassuring smile.

"Don't worry Tifa, no harm will come to everyone."

"I sure hope so," she smiled back. There was a gathering in the center of the beach, some of the workers in the estate started to put a net up. Groups were being formed and Tifa couldn't help but squeal in glee. They were about to play beach volleyball! She turned around to her friend, her energy suddenly kicked in at full force. "Let's go play volleyball!"

"I don't really play sports," He admitted as Tifa took his hand and dragged him towards the upcoming tournament.

"It'll be alright Yazoo! We'll be on the same team!"

"But I-"

"We would like to join!" Tifa exclaimed and the players turned around. They received quizzical looks from their schoolmates but welcomed them either way. Tifa was pumped for the game, although Yazoo was the opposite.

"Alright, but the opposing teams are Populars and Avalanche," Sephiroth explained and Tifa gave an exasperated sigh. Of course, it would be them, but she was having none of it. She took Yazoo to the Avalanche's side with a smug grin.

"Sorry Sephy, but Yazoo is playing with us," Tifa replied as she put her hands on her hips.

"Tifa..." Yazoo tried to reason with her, he could feel the burning glares of Genesis and Kadaj. Sephiroth pinched the bridge of his nose, he knew exactly what she was trying to do and even though it was pretty clever, he wasn't sure that his teammates would agree with it.

"Sorry sweet thang but Yazoo is a Popular," Genesis walked over and was about to grab Yazoo's wrist but Tifa blocked him from doing so. He fumed at the woman in front of him and Tifa gave him a stone cold glare.

"Sorry Gen, but I promised him that we're gonna be on the same team. Besides, aren't we all friends?" She smirked as she stood in front of Yazoo. Genesis gave the silver haired teen a look before walking back with a scowl on his face.

"We need one more person on our side to make this even," Zack pointed out. Despite of the little spat that was happening, there was still a game that is about to be played. The Populars looked at Yazoo, persuading him to join their side. He was about to take a step forward until someone stopped him in his tracks.

No one could believe what was happening. All eyes were focused on a certain blond teen as he walked over towards The Populars. His eyes were set with determination and he couldn't believe what he was doing. His legs continued walking and he decided that it could be a step forward to becoming better and ending this once and for all. He stood next to their captain, leader, and president.

Mako green eyes met cerulean.

"Strife,"

"Hojo,"

"Glad you could join us at the expense of your team," he smirked as he spun the ball in his hands. Cloud tried his best to prevent himself from socking Sephiroth square in the face. Instead, he smirked back.

"Don't put too much though into it. This way I'll be able to know firsthand whether you guys are as good as you claim yourselves to be," he replied as he stretches.

"Suit yourself," The silver haired captain threw the ball towards Zack. "Time to show your team who's the best... oh, and do try to keep up."

Zack nodded his head and served.

Everyone watched at the edge of their seats, or should I say, beach towels. The Populars seems to own the game but The Avalanche kept on fighting back. Yazoo and Tifa manned the front while Cid, Barret, and Vincent tried to prevent the ball from landing. Sephiroth, Genesis, Angeal, Zack, and Cloud worked together seamlessly. No one could deny that Cloud and Sephiroth were being civil towards each other as the game progresses. Not one fight occurred at all even when a ball slipped through them. Could Hojo's retreat be working? Is it creating miracles? Could this be the end of their prejudiced ways?

Hojo watched with pride knowing that his efforts weren't wasted and the school would no longer have to tolerate their wars against each other. He had a small smile on his face throughout the game.

The game ended with The Populars as the winners. Cloud bumped fists with Sephiroth, an odd thing for the two of them to do. Even though he hated the guy, the blond couldn't help but misjudged him from the past few years. Tifa ran towards them with Yazoo in tow. She gave Cloud a big hug and punched him on his arm as a form of congratulation. Yazoo congratulated his brother on the win and had an awkward semi hug with Cloud. Even though he rarely talks to him, it felt good, it was as if they were always friends. Cloud rubbed the back of his neck after the hug and apologized.

Tifa on the other hand hugged Sephiroth which he returned accompanied by a smile, this went unnoticed by Cloud who still felt awkward. Tifa watched the both of them with a smile, it was good seeing her best friend slowly going back to his old self.

"Good job, Chocobo-head," Sephiroth joked which caused Tifa to punch him playfully.

"Haha, you know I could go back to hating you anytime right?" He replied which made Yazoo chuckle. Sephiroth laughed at his remark and left the both of them alone with Tifa beside him. The lovers slipped away from their sight and continued to walk along the beach. Just having some much needed alone time together.

Cloud began to talk to Yazoo after brushing off the awkwardness that seeped in earlier. Who knew that being able to put things aside could make him feel better? He was able to play a civil game with Sephiroth and his teammates and he enjoyed it. He enjoyed having the feeling of being able to be friends with people that he thought were bad.

"Forgive my brother, he can be annoying to others," the silver haired teen joked, heaven forbid that Sephiroth actually heard him. Cloud laughed and shook his head.

"Seems like I was wrong about your brother after all,"

"Maybe, I guess it is true when they say don't judge a book by it's cover,"

"Speaking of covers... you were pretty good out there,"

"I can be athletic if I choose to be," Yazoo chuckled. "I just chose brains over brawns, after all, knowledge is power."

"Who knows what you're brewing up in that brain of yours," Cloud replied with chuckle. Yazoo smiled at his remark, it was such an innocent thing of him to say. If only everyone knew that Cloud isn't a jerk that they usually say. Maybe he was just creating a persona to please people and to make himself frightening.

"ATTENTION EVERYONE. TO COMMEMORATE OUR LAST NIGHT HERE, THERE WILL BE A BONFIRE HELD LATER ON THIS EVENING. PLEASE DRESS COMFORTABLY AND PREPARE A SPEECH YOU'D LIKE TO SAY IN FRONT OF EVERYONE."

"Well it was nice talking to you Cloud," Yazoo waved his hand and walked towards his room. Cloud watched him leave before walking towards his own shared room. Unbeknown to both of them, a certain redhead was watching their exchange with hatred burning in his eyes.

Yazoo opened the door to his room and saw the other occupant half naked. Averting his eyes, he settled down on his bed and pulled a book from his night stand. Vincent turned around to see Yazoo with his nose buried in his book. He chuckled at the sight.

"Good game by the way," He remarked as he rummaged through his closet for clothes.

"Thank you, although we wouldn't have scored it if wasn't for you guys," he replied and continued reading.

"It was surprising to see someone play so actively while his hobbies include reading..." He peered over. "The Death of a Salesman," Yazoo shut his book and with a heavy sigh, he replied.

"One's hobbies does not define that person," he stated. He wa sick of people underestimating him because he loves books. He wasn't some frail human that needed protecting. No. Yazoo believed that he could defend himself physically when the time comes. "I thought you of all people would understand where I'm coming from."

"I do, I was just teasing you. I guess it backfired." He replied as he sat on the edge of his bed and looked at the silver haired teen in front of him. There was something that intrigued him whenever he looked at Yazoo. He was a mysterious person, and Vincent wants to uncover the secrets that lay within. He always believed that was a spy for The Populars, but now that he thinks about it, there could be another third party that they are unaware of.

"Well, I'm not amused," Yazoo replied giving him a stern look before opening his book. He glanced at him again and found him deep in his thoughts, he coughed in order to wake from his reverie. "If you're gonna use the shower first, let me know when you're done."

Vincent nodded and took his towel from the rack and walked towards the bathroom. He glanced at him once more before stepping inside.

"So Tifa, are you guys going to announce your relationship tonight?" Elena inquired. The announcement made her wonder what kind of speeches are in store for tonight.

"We didn't have the chance to talk about it," Tifa sighed as she plopped down on her bed. She closed her eyes to think, her thoughts ran frantically through her mind. There was so much to think about, so many outcomes that could happen especially when Cloud finds out. The brunette opened her eyes to find the girls hovering above her, waiting expectantly for her plan.

"Do you think Cloud is gonna mind?" Yuffie asked as she combed her fingers through Tifa's hair.

Cloud.

Why is it so difficult to tell him the truth?

"I don't think he'll mind, he was kind of friendly with Sephiroth," Aerith reassured the brunette's troubled mind.

"But what if he does? What then?" Elena countered.

What then? Tifa is afraid to lose her best friend. The person that has been there through thick and thin. The person who she-

"Do you still love him?" Yuffie asked in a hushed tone. The room fell silent and Tifa closed her eyes.

Do I still love him? Memories flooded through her. Her past with Cloud and how they grew up together. They did everything together, went everywhere together. When her parents weren't home, he would keep her company. They were inseparable. Tifa didn't know the answer to that question. She opened her eyes and said;

"I don't know."

A/N: I decided to give Cloud some justice and trashed the idea of having alternate endings since I am still unsure if I wanna continue the feud. Leave some feedback, they are definitely welcomed. Thanks and stay tuned in two weeks!