Promise
Final Fantasy VII

By: Bahamuts AngelVII

A/N: Italicized Thinking. I am SO SORRY!!! I haven't updated in so long! I feel terrible! I guess I just lost track. Anyway, here is the last chapter! It's pretty long, so I hope you don't get bored. Please enjoy!! AND REVIEW!

Chapter 21

Tifa was running out of energy. She didn't care. Tifa ran and ran, her clothes ripped from the rocks and trees she ran through. Tifa was wearing a short white dress. It was a sort of casual dress that was worn all the time. Her white dress was dirtied up, and although it was more expensive than not, she didn't mind at all. In fact, she didn't even think of her dress as she ran towards the ocean at top speed.

The tears clouded her vision. She didn't stop running as she hit the sand, which shifted and formed to her feet. Tifa threw herself into the ocean and swam as hard and as fast as she could. She didn't stop until she desperately needed air. She threw her head back, and her chocolate brown hair whipped behind her. Then her hair swirled around in the ocean. The stars, which had seemed so warm, now seemed to tease her. Tifa's angry tears mixed with the salt water. She took no note of the stinging of the salt. She gasped and gulped for air, as the waves were growing rougher. She was not alarmed, as she was an excellent swimmer. Tifa threw her head back and screamed as loud as she could, letting out all of her anguish and depression.

Tifa cried for many reasons. First she cried for herself, then for Cloud, Aeris, then Vincent, and then herself some more. It felt so long ago that Cloud and Aeris had been reunited. It felt so long ago that Vincent left. But it was actually a day ago. The hardest part was forgetting and then having to remember. Tifa loved Vincent so much. She missed him. She missed Cloud.

"Why…?" She murmured quietly, questioning all of the problems that had occurred. She heard her name being called.

"Tifa!" Someone called. She turned and saw a boy swimming behind her. He had blonde hair and blue eyes. He looked at her in that innocent way of his. "Tifa, are you okay?"

"No."

"He'll come around."

"Do you think so?"

"He loves you still."

"But…"

"Tifa… I know that he loves you… He will always protect you. Give him a chance… He's still trying to figure it out."

"How do you know all of this?"

"… I'm just a kid."

The boy disappeared.

Tifa smiled. She floated on her back and closed her eyes. Her mouth twitched before turning into a frown. Tifa wondered to herself, why it was so easy for her to be hurt. She asked herself why things did not ever turn out the way she wanted. Then Tifa stopped asking herself these questions, because she knew that however things ended up, she would always do her best.

Meanwhile

"She what?!" Yuffie screeched. Cloud immediately put his hand over her mouth and dragged her farther away from the mansion. He saw a few curious faces peak out of their windows, before returning to their late night endeavors. Then he let go when he was sure she wouldn't scream anymore.

"Shush, Yuffie. Don't yell."

"Sorry… It's just that… I can't believe this! Tifa did it! Wow! Yay! This is such a surprise!" Yuffie's face glowed, but quickly it turned as dark and shady as the street they were standing on. "But what did you say? Where is she now?"

"I told her I loved her. She left." He couldn't say anymore.

"What the hell?" Yuffie screamed again. Cloud shushed her quickly. She apologized. "What the hell… Where is she? What happened when you told her you loved her?"

"She ran away. She said she was confused." He looked at Yuffie and he could tell she wanted more. "She… She said she couldn't take it. She needed to get out… of here." Cloud finished with a note of finality. Yuffie looked apologetic.

"… Go find her. You know what you have to do."

"… What do I have to do?"

"… You know, Cloud. Will you do it?"

"… I can't."

"Okay."

Later

"Tifa!"

"… Cloud?!"

"Tifa, I need to talk to you."

"What do you want?"

Tifa sat, drenched, on the sandy beach. The ocean became smooth as a crystal and sparkled in the moonlight. The once rough waves had ceased moments before Cloud arrived.

"Tifa… I'm so, so sorry." Cloud said slowly.

Tifa turned and looked at Cloud, her eyes full of emotion. She looked as hard as she could into his eyes, and she could tell he meant what he said. This made her want to cry.

"Tifa… I know… You don't have to ever forgive me. But I need to tell you this. … Tifa?" Cloud knelt down in front of Tifa, who was staring at her knees. He pushed her chin up so she could look at him.

"What, Cloud?" She choked out.

"Tifa… I'm sorry I waited so long to explain. I love you. I always have. I always will… Tifa… I thought… I thought that you didn't love me, because you were never like that towards me. I loved you, Tifa… I thought you knew. I thought you knew and didn't want anything to do with it… And when Aeris came, I found someone who loved me… For me. God, Tifa… I never stopped loving you, although I convinced myself that I didn't really love you. When I lost Aeris, I was so afraid… Because I was afraid of being alone. Tifa I know you have always been here… But I thought all you felt for me was friendship and sympathy." Cloud stared hard into Tifa's eyes. He wanted her to know everything.

"Tifa… Tifa hearing those words from you… There is nothing wrong with you, you are so perfect. I wish you could see what I see… And Tifa… I know you've been here… But when I found Aeris could come back, I was so excited. I could see her again… I thought I loved her so much… And that night, when I found you and Vincent cuddling and holding hands… I felt so jealous. I didn't understand why. I had someone I loved… I had someone that I could hold, that I could cuddle with. Tifa… I didn't understand myself. I needed someone to help me, but I couldn't ask that of you. Not after all of the things you've done for me. And on our wedding day, oh, Tifa…" Cloud wiped away one of Tifa's tears as he shed a few of his own. "On our wedding day, I didn't understand. I was not as excited as I thought. Sharing that bed with you the night before… I felt so safe. Like that was exactly where I belonged. Tifa, didn't you know? And then when I came up to you the night after the wedding. You said you were leaving.

But where were you going? Tifa… I never wanted you to go. I'm sorry I've been so selfish… And now I know, I don't deserve you one bit. Tifa, I couldn't even save you. After everything you have done for me, I couldn't save you when you tripped off of the mountain. But Tifa… I have something to show you." Cloud paused. Tifa glanced up at him. "… Here."

Cloud placed a few old papers into Tifa's hands. She looked down through her tears and opened the first letter. It was from Cloud, long ago. Her hands trembled as she read it. Cloud sat patiently.

Dear Tifa,

So, how are you? I got your last letter. I'm doing great, Tifa. This place is amazing. It's so different from the small town of Nibelheim. Everything is on a schedule now, you know? It's so crazy. There are so many different people here. I love all of the people I've met. But the person I love the most is you. Tifa, I miss you so much. I want you to come visit me sometime, alright? I know you can't right now, but as soon as you can, please come. I miss you. How is everyone? Is everything the same as when I had left?

Love,

Cloud

Tifa shuddered. She got chills from these old memories. She unfolded the next letter.

Dear Tifa,

I'm glad you and everyone are doing well. The schedule is tough, but rewarding. It's fun here. It isn't quite as peaceful as home, but I can make do. I keep a photo of you and me on my nightstand. It's the only thing that reminds me of home right now. I'm afraid I can't write much right now, because I have to go train soon. Did I tell you how some girls asked me out the other night? It was wicked. I said yes. I'm going out with them tonight. I hope it's fun. I miss you, Tifa. Did I tell you about Zack yet? He's this guy who's been pretty cool. He's teaching me about a lot of stuff. He says he has a girl living in Sector 5. I hope I get to meet her, and maybe you can come and visit and the four of us can go somewhere. Don't forget about me, ya hear? Write back.

Love,

Cloud

Tifa looked at Cloud. He nodded in understanding. They both knew who they were thinking about. She unfolded the final letter.

Dear Tifa,

That sounds so nice, Tifa. I want to come home. I want to see you. Tifa, I miss you. I'm getting a little tired of all this. I haven't seen your face or heard your voice in months. I miss home. I understand that you can't visit… But I miss you. Anyway… I'm going out with Zack tonight. The date with those girls? They don't compare to this one girl that I know. She's amazing. You're kind of like her, Tifa. But anyway, I have to go again. They're shutting off the mail system for six months. I'm going to be shipped out anyway… So Tifa… Take care, I'll see you when I see you.

- Cloud

"Oh, Cloud!" Tifa threw the letters to her side and hugged him.

"Tifa, there's something else."

"What?"

"Here." Cloud handed Tifa a letter that looked less worn.

"When is this from?"

"I was going to send you this… But I couldn't."

"What's in it?"

"Read it."

Dear Tifa,

I don't know why… But I feel like I really need to get this out. Tifa… Tifa I miss you. I love you, Tifa. I've loved you since we were kids. I wish I could tell you face to face, but I'm so ashamed. Tifa… I couldn't save you. I know you don't love me back, but… This is all I can say. Tifa, as a small boy I always thought you were beautiful and amazing and so nice. I always wanted to tell you, Tifa. But I couldn't. And now I'm being a coward and telling you in a letter. Tifa… I know you'll never love me… But I just want you to know, I love you. I always have, and I always will, Tifa. And if you ever decide maybe I'm worth it… I'll be waiting, I promise.

- Cloud

"… Cloud?" Tifa was unsure of what this letter meant. She looked at Cloud. "What about Aeris?" She couldn't help herself. She felt so guilty, as if she had gone behind her best friend's back and stolen her boy. Cloud looked at Tifa, surprised.

"Aeris…?" He asked, as if the name weren't entirely relevant. "You know, I think it's okay."

"How do you know?"

"… I think she's forgiven me."

"Really?"

"She asked me if I was okay now."

"Are you?"

"Yeah. I think I'm okay."

"Good."

"Tifa. My promise still stands."

"Does it really?"

"Yeah."

"…"

"Tifa…"

"Cloud… I don't know… If I can…"

"Tifa, I said that I would wait, didn't I?"

Tifa nodded.

"I'm glad you know."

"Yeah…"

Tifa and Cloud sat on the beach staring out into the ocean for a long while. She stared at the ocean, not knowing what to do, or think. I can't believe it… Can he really love me? Finally she turned to look at him, her heart pounding.

"Cloud, I—" But before Tifa could even get her words out, she was interrupted.

Cloud kissed Tifa hard on the lips. She was surprised and had her eyes open for a moment. He then opened his mako eyes and looked back at her. She smiled and then they both closed their eyes, and continued to kiss. This first kiss for Tifa exploded with passion. Every heart-wrenching first kiss she had in her dreams were nothing compared to everything she felt at that moment.

And to Cloud, this felt right. Kissing Aeris was nothing compared to the feeling he had at that moment. When they finally separated, Cloud looked at Tifa. His eyes held a question. She nodded. He didn't even have to ask.

"I love you, Cloud." She said a little shakily.

"I love you, too." He said strongly.

Cloud continued to kiss her. She didn't pull away. This was all that she had been waiting for. He let go of her for a moment. She wished that he didn't. But what he said next made up for everything.

"And Tifa?" He questioned. She nodded back. "You've always, always, been enough."

Tifa smiled, because she knew that everything he had been saying was true.

"Tifa, I promise that I'll never hurt you again!" He said, a little desperately. He wanted her to know this.

"Cloud… Don't you know anything?"

"No… I guess I don't."

"You don't have to promise."

"I don't?"

"Nah, you've already got the other promise to fulfill." Tifa said playfully.

"How am I doing with that?" He replied, half kidding.

"Well… You weren't doing so hot earlier."

"How can I make up for it?" He asked, having a feeling he knew what was coming next.

Tifa laughed and tackled Cloud onto the beach. He smiled and then pinned her down onto the sand. She struggled for a bit before realizing Cloud was no longer laughing. She stopped smiling and looked earnestly up into his eyes. He slowly lowered himself and kissed her again, and again, and again. Finally she stopped him.

"So?" He asked.

"So… You're doing well."

"I aim to please."

"Hey, I have a promise."

"Yeah?"

"Promise me… You'll never leave… Like when you left Nibelheim for Midgar. Promise me it'll never happen again."

"Tifa… I promise."

"Good. I love you." She couldn't get enough of saying it.

"I love you too."

"Now back to business." Tifa laughed. Cloud laughed as well and they continued to roll around in each other's arms on the beach.

Later

Tifa and Cloud lay cuddled on the sandy beach, their legs and arms intertwined. Cloud held onto Tifa's hand, feeling her delicate fingers against his. He rubbed her head slowly and listened to her breathing. Tifa listened to Cloud's heartbeat. She felt warm and safe.

"Hey, Tifa?" Cloud asked, with an air of simplicity and intensity.

"What?" She asked back, her voice soft and lazy.

"You know, if I could go back in time to the beginning, last night I would've went for it. I would've wished desperately for everything to be different." Cloud paused.

"Do you still wish that?" Tifa asked breathily.

"No. Never. This is even better."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Cloud reached out for the stars while still holding Tifa's hand. He examined her face in the pale moonlight. "This could've ended up in a million different ways. So many things could have been different… But you know… This is perfect. I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Me too."

"I think everything is fine now."

"Yeah, it is."

"So we… We can be together." Cloud mumbled. Tifa hummed a small sigh. He looked back at her. "It's okay… right?"

"Always."

As the two lay still together, they felt the cool ocean breeze float down over them. A few birds chirped now and then in the distance. Crickets made themselves evident often. Tifa cuddled into Cloud. Her throat ached, her eyes full. No matter how many times she re-wound and played this in her head, it wasn't as good as the real thing.

She had been waiting all her life. And as pathetic as it sounded, Tifa knew it was worth it. She knew at that time she should've been careful. What if Cloud changed his mind? Tifa looked up into his eyes. He looked at her questioningly. She smiled and shook her head, before tucking her head under his chin. He kissed her forehead gently. She knew she was okay. It was safe. She could go back into the memories, to the promises, and to all the disappointments.

Because when she came out of it, she knew that things would be okay. She could live, she could get through it all. She had him. And he had her. This love was not defined by promises or memories. There was no price.

But the promises she held meant the world to her.

And that would always, always, be enough.

Fin.

A/N: Please review! I would so appreciate it. I would appreciate any comments on the story. If you wanna see anything written (Final Fantasy VII and on, wise), or have any suggestions, please review and tell me! Oh, and I'm thinking of writing an epilogue, but I'm not sure yet. Review and tell me if you think I should or not.

Thank you so much for reading! You guys are way awesome for reviewing and reading my work. I'm so thankful:D