Blonde Ambition
By Amaranthos

Chapter 50: Lost in you


Cloud sighed once more, not sure why he had agreed to any of this nonsense. Why was he here when Tifa was home? He breathlessly let out another tired sigh, his eyes glazing over the people at Suki's party. The more he looked at their happy faces the more he got annoyed.

Gosh, there was no right way to approach women was there? Every time he tried to reach out to Tifa it seem like he was hitting a stonewall. He couldn't win, could he? He was just no match for the silver-haired Sephiroth.

Cloud watched as Suki and Maske danced playfully with each other, their hands flailing in the air as they moved to some type of jitterbug dance. They laughed and were almost perfect for each other. Maske was happy and Cloud knew it.

Tired eyes rose to the heaven's and Cloud wondered for a moment when his life would turn around for the better. Why was it nothing made sense anymore and the more he tried to be the good guy, he felt more like the bad one?

"Cloud" the voice of a child interrupted his somewhat depressed thought.

"What's up little man?" he turned to the child.

"Can I have some punch?" he asked.

"Sure thing.."

Cloud found his way to the banquet table that served all types of great kid-friendly drinks. All the harder stuff was at the bar which required licenses. Cloud handed the child the drink who happily took it and was off. Why was it little kids could be so content with so little when big people were so fricking complicated?

As he thought about that, his eyes trailed over the party, then he double-took that face. Tifa…he registered.

He stood frozen in his place, as she stood there staring back at him. Her hair was long and black, almost like the night and her eyes as red as dark wine. She wore a floral-printed yellow dress with some brown wedges that really had her looking radiant.

"Voila…" she whispered.

He couldn't help looking at her.

"…How do you like it?" she questioned, nervously biting back her lips.

"—I love it!" Cloud found himself spurting out, "absolutely amazing!"

Her cheeks gently flushed and her eyes shone something gentle and absolutely sweet. Gently her lips pulled into a gentle smile, one that he couldn't resist.

"I know its sudden but… I wanted to change this." She explained.

"Shh!" his finger came to her lips, "tonight, you don't have to explain anything. Dance with me Tifa" he extended his hand.

She blushed and nodded.

Her fingers interlaced with his as he took her to the dance floor, letting the soft romantic guitars lull them whatever way. For a minute he could hear her breathe against his ear, the thump of her heart against his chest as they danced under stars and cosmic lights.

They danced and danced, in circles and twirls making everyone standby in marvel. It was only the two of them, as they laughed, as they touched…as they became one. She let her hands interlock behind his neck as his combed her on the dance floor. Penetrating blue eyes fastened its hold on her and when she thought there was nothing new he could inspire, Goosebumps, a racing heart and the burn of accidental touches stimulated her…

It seem the more the music played, the more she seem entranced by his blue eyes and the presence of his very entity before her. When the music had stopped, Cloud leaned forward and said softly, "you were amazing…"

Cloud, she blushed.

For the rest of the night they stayed in each other's company talking about school, life, careers and the future. In all her conversations she had never noticed how well-educated Cloud truly was. He spoke like an intelligent young man who had a good grasp on life. She leaned into her arm, listening to him talk about something he did a few years back. Strange how her eyes would every now and then drift to his lips. She blushed and wondered fractionally what her fascination with his mouth was?

"It's getting late, maybe we should head back" Tifa looked at the blond.

He blinked and shifted the band of his watch, grimacing at the time.

"Holy shit is that the time?" he sat up and looked about for the old man.

As it was, Maske was fast away sleeping on one of the sisal chairs.

"Looks like Maske-sempai had himself a very good time!" Cloud stood up and very softly woke him. The elder man started with a quizzical look on his face.

"You fell asleep. Lets go home" Cloud said..

The man nodded.

The journey back home was quiet with Maske half-asleep and Tifa at his side. It was times like these she wanted to live forever, just watching the moon against the dark satin ocean. She felt the wind between her fingers and heard the snoozes of an old man. Her eyes glanced the blond in the driver's seat, a strange smile coming to her face as she reflected how he had made her night something special.

After Maske was put to bed, Cloud decided then and there the adventures would continue. Tonight…he thought, she would see the world anew. His world.

Taking her hands, he pulled her through the front door and down the steps.

"C-Cloud?" she started, a bit confused.

He shifted the keys and turned back to her, "let me have this one okay?"

She narrowed her brows in confusion. "I don't' understand"

"Then let me show you…" he pleaded.

Was it the look on her face, the sound of his voice? Whatever it was, it had her following him to the fenrir parked on the front lawn. Hurriedly she got on the back of the fenrir, positioning herself just right behind him, ready for the taste of something new and possibly, exciting… please be exciting…


She had never danced under the moon and stars which for a second, it felt as if she had a private little audience. A pinkness touched her cheeks as Cloud softly spun her around, landing her back into his arms. Blue eyes glistened like artic jewels staring deeply into the darkest depths of her soul commanding her to come forth. Blue eyes she had seen a thousand times, somehow looked different under the moon. What was it about his eyes that glowed differently? His blond hair looked almost icy and white. His skin pale and his lips…parted…she flushed.

He pushed into her and she gasped when his head touched hers. Cloud, her heart trembled. Everything was moving so fast, yet dreadfully… slow. She could feel his fingers on her waist, the soft feathered touches of his hair across her cheek. The wild things in his eyes….

It was becoming harder she thought…. to ignore this, to not for a second entertain him. The fear and excitement all choked up, Tifa felt like she was being ripped into two. At one side she was ready to move on and indulge herself in the multiple possibilities life had to offer. It was scary how real it would all seem if…..she gave herself the chance to let go.

Still…

There was Sephiroth. A memory of Sephiroth she kept. One she had genuinely fallen in love with, and everything she kept for him was still the same way – so preserved, yet how could she love someone who was so selfish to her? It never crossed her mind that she was only occupying his time, but he made it so emphatic she was just some moment in his life…and not an experience, not something worth cherishing. Broken…was what he left her feeling and the fact that she still wanted him, makes no sense at all, her conscience added.

Her rebirthed black hair was a sign she was moving on; she had to do this…she had to let go. No more Sephiroth….

Tightening her hold around Cloud's neck she leaned forward and bit her lips softly. The twinkle in her eyes were so outstanding, no doubt she was enjoying something, spinning around and around with him.

"Catch me…" she stuck out her tongue, running across the sand. Her wild black hair went flying in the black of night, her heart racing wildly, feelings of exhilaration consuming her. The touch of strong earth beneath her feet, echoing through her body had her feeling oddly powerful, something she promised she would never forget.

The salt in the air, the twinkling stars, the icy nip in the wind…were all so incredible. This incredibly little moment in a series of a million spoke to her the most and was probably the most important. It was her restart.

Cloud caught her in his arms, a loud squeal releasing from her lips. He laughed as he spun them around, everything becoming black and white, everything becoming one. She closed her eyes and listened to her racing heart. Pushing herself towards him, tip-toeing with her most innocent stare, she sealed her lips over his.

He was everything Sephiroth should have been, and more. It frightened her that her heart never did stop skipping a beat when he stood next to her.

Cloud on the other hand, stood there frozen unsure of what was happening only aware of the warmth and softness against his lips. Her eyes closed and Cloud brought his hand to her cheek, taking more of her lips against his. This felt so right he thought, it was perfect.

Deepening what innocent kiss they shared, she stifled a small whimper against his lips. His eyes closed and he savoured her beauty, her clarity, her everything. Locking her arms around his neck, she kissed him fiercer this time unsure of what she was trying to convince. With fire in his lungs, Cloud realized he had never craved her like this before. Pulling back, he looked into her hazy eyes and slowly returned soft kisses to her lips, to her jaw, to her ear…

The mournful gasps, drove him insane.

He smiled against her cheeks when he felt her fingers creeping up and down his shirt. The pressure of her fingers down his chest stirred something. Biting her lips she unbuttoned a few buttons and placing her bare hands against his chest he marveled how she seem to glow at her actions.

Planting her hand over his heart he spoke:

"This is where you'll always be…"

She stiffened and in the fragility of the moment she cradled herself into his warm body feeling his arms covering her from all the world. Closing her eyes she whispered, she was safe…


It would seem time on the old side of the island had taught me so many valuable lessons. Everything from letting go of painful hurts, to accepting new truths and most importantly, the opportunity for second chances. I found myself lingering on the days Cloud and I had spent together – on the beach, at the market, at the house just holding each other and kissing. It all seemed so fast, and honestly I can't really pinpoint the exact moment I wanted all of this, and when it felt so incredible to give up things that didn't matter. Cloud, with his bright blue eyes and smiling face showed me I was safe, I am me.

It was odd to say the least, but I had always read stories and poems of love and romantics and I would always think 'damn, that's so cheesy', but what I suppose I failed to see, and what a lot of people don't understand is that it's easy to screw over the word love and misconstrue it in all sorts of bad circumstances and yet somehow legitimately define it as love?! I tend to believe love is a singular state of perfection – when two people love each other that you can't help but stumble on just one word: beautiful.

From the beginning of this trip I thought about my feelings for Sephiroth. What exactly did I miss about my first real boyfriend? I think it stemmed from my lack of self-esteem, where I was the nerdy-type of girl who lacked the confidence and strength for herself that by Sephiroth actually liking me, I acquired self-worth and acceptance. I should have been stronger, I should have known myself and realized it all sooner, but the experience was nothing short of a lesson for me to learn about who the real me was. I'm sorta proud to say 'I made it!' and 'I'm happy' and 'I know the real me'.

Sometimes yes I get a little sad thinking about Sephiroth, maybe its only because I imagined we could have been so much more, but I firmly believe seeing how we weren't meant to be…. I'm not going to become daunted and insecure and let that moment ruin every other amazing moment. Besides, I had something much better…

Cloud… the crazy blond-headed man, the one with the blue eyes and the patient heart.

My Cloud Strife…

Now as the days we coming to an end and I was convinced I was in love with Cloud and of course the old world, I sorta wondered what was next for us – for the future? I didn't want to ruin it all with overthinking which I had become infamous for doing, but I did want to look forward to something.

Tonight Cloud was taking me to somewhere very special. He mentioned something about coming with an empty stomach and extra clothes. The idea had me concerned – I mean I'm not gonna say I wasn't siked, but lets put it like this, I'm hesitant. Real hesitant.

With all my clothes packed and my stomach getting to a near-empty state, my mind was wired. I envisioned all the beautiful adventure, mischief, fun and amazing yonder he could show me.

Every time I leaned into his shoulder, and I saw the places he took me it made my heart leap and bloom. The shivers that ran down my spine, the butterflies in my stomach, my fingers deeply fisted in his shirt. I was always exhilarated and terrified and somehow I could not rip myself away, I always wanted more and more. With Cloud I'm intrigued to live, I'm intrigued to find a world beyond the one I know to be flat, I wanted to know everything and believe in one thing – us…

As the sun went fading into the dark bosom of the ocean, I smiled slowly. Tonight whatever happened, wherever I went, I was going to be ready and just let myself go….


"Cloud?" she questioned.

"Just a sec, Tif…" he whispered softly against her cheek.

Tifa leaned against the fenrir suddenly unsure of what Cloud had in mind when he parked them some distance from a house. As it was, this strange adventure went on with him blind-folding her. At this point in time, she felt …more confused than excited. It didn't much for it to get weirder.

Feeling her legs go limp and the brush of the wind beneath her calves, her heart dropped and body tensed. He was lifting her!

A few deep footsteps later, he planted her safely to the floor and removed the dark blind-fold.

"Voila… " he whispered.

Tifa stood back insignificantly to what seem to be an incomplete white beach condo. Though it was incomplete, there was such incredible character – large boulders, white walls, amazing curb appeal and just a very grand feel.

She turned back to him and said anew, "this is..?" she was searching for the words, or maybe she didn't know what to say.

"My house.." he finished.

Her eyes grew large, "we'll I'll be…" she paused.

"Like it?" he asked.

"Like it? Pheesh, I love it. It's absolutely amazing. Sorry to sound like a prude but how did you know – afford such a…you know – goliath house?" she blushed, not wanting to sound rude.

"Funny story. I always wanted to live on this side of the island, I guess it's no secret – but I knew I didn't have the money, so one day I saw a For Sale sign on the house which for the longest time was being built. I spoke to the bank and liquidating what few of my assets I had, they gave the gave me the chance to own my first home!" he smiled, "I'll never forget the day the woman from the bank handed me my keys…" there was a genuine happiness on his face and Tifa softly kissed his cheek.

"I'm real happy for you Cloud" she genuinely said.

"Thanks Tif" he planted a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Come on, let me give you the grand tour.." he took her hand and lead her through his amazing home.

The more Tifa became exposed to white venetian walls and fine tile work, ocean breeze and the sick view of the ocean, the more she felt happy. As it was their tour was short and sweet, as everything was still a work-in-progress. He explained the house was a project and with his current finances paying off the loan and school, he didn't have sufficient money to invest in everything he wanted. He kept repeating he wouldn't suffice for the bare minimum and would spend the time saving up, getting his finances in order to splurge on the house.

He lead her up the spiral staircase to the final destination…

She held his hand as he lead her down a long wooden hallway with deep mahogany floors and long white washed walls and curtains. Very romantic, thought Tifa.

The closer they got to the bedroom, she felt something inside of her twist and pull over and over. Cloud pulled at the knob pushing back the door to a room of fantastic proportion. White walls, white curtains, large queen size bed with white linen sheets and the driftwood headboard that graphically gave visual interest and appeal. There was a small night table with a few white shells in a glass vase and a bureau for books. Another corner homed a full-length body mirror and then there was that…

Open French doors with lush white curtains fanning in the wind to a grand unspoiled and pure vision of the ocean. Breathless was the only word that came to mind. The largeness and blueness of the sea never looked so magnificent. Gravitating towards it she held back a breath.

"You like it?" his hands came around her waist softly.

"I do… I really do…" she closed her eyes feeling the softness of his kiss on her neck.

Everything was just so perfect with Cloud, this place, this view… everything.


The spaghetti was getting to the point of delicious as Cloud cooked the mince chicken while Tifa casually chopped some parsley and tomatoes for the marinara sauce. She sipped her wine, the smooth crispness absolutely delicious and peachy-flavoured.

Light music played, as some song called Sea of Cloud by a band known as Nujabes echoed softly in the background. It was now seven at night and the ocean's constant humming was heard just below the heights of the music.

"Babe…" Cloud started.

She looked up from her chopping at the blond.

"I'm feeling to dance. Dance with me" he didn't wait for a reply as he planted down his spoon and grabbed her to his body.

The soft lulls of the song, made the otherwise collected shy and careful Cloud Strife a different man, as he danced with her in circles and twirls, having her empty her lungs with laughter and happiness.

Cloud started as a good dancer but then somewhere between trying to be smooth and cool, he decided to become more 'fun' by dancing in a sorta jitterbug way. Tifa giggled, trying to keep up with her playful boyfriend. He snapped his fingers and waddled a bit, shook around and then grabbed her to him, dancing as crazy as he could. When they heard sizzling, Cloud shouted out "fire" and returned to his somewhat burnt minced chicken.

Tifa giggled harder noticing his pout.

After the food was prepared and they ate it under Cloud's very good attempt of a candle-light dinner, Cloud decided to surprise Tifa with some delicious dessert. A carefully chosen and extra fruity sorbet he picked up from the Golden Cabana. According to Cloud they made all sorts of fresh and delicious yummies, no doubt this one was no exception.

When the cold dessert entered her mouth, her eyes fluttered close with a breathless soft moan releasing from her lips.

"Delicious.." she whispered.

"I'm glad you like it…" he smiled


Tonight was the first night he had agreed to share his house with a woman – urh your girlfriend, his mind corrected. Tonight he noticed, everything felt different.

The world had always appeared one of the same: darkly painted blue canvas, icy cold stars but tonight they were shining… with a warmth and softness. A hazy moon, perches itself over the dark ocean of waves and whispers. The wind was cold but with his arms blanketing her, no enemy would prevail.

Softly his fingers caressed the sweet arch of her shoulders and down her arms. She looked up, eyes all glued in astonishment by the fine man before her. The soft brush of lips against hers is deafening and almost painful. Candlelight and starlight, does not compare to the twinkles in his eye, for heaven sakes they're rich, luring and seductive, inviting all her senses to indulge. One smooth kiss with another leans the night into more passionate play.

Breathless whispers and soft moans, leads the setting for his fingers to find the curve of her waist – that oh-so-tiny waist. There's this tiny grunt at the back of his throat when she buries her teeth against his flesh and the sore lustful cry was desirable, leaving her trembling and wanting more.

Patiently he found her eyes in a slow blink and with not a second to register the tint of pink on her cheeks or the glow in her eyes, he crushed his lips to hers in a firm lock. Passionate, rough and maybe feral…just a picking of words to fantasize they incredulous man before her…

Cloud…


We had returned to the city after days of sun, sea and sky, a true mini-getaway. Nothing beats the life of sand, sea and sun. It's strange to realize that when the heart bleeds, we only have to allow ourselves a tiny flicker of sunlight, a blue sky and a blue ocean to compel us to what was natural and pure.

I sighed happily. Those days live on, but how I dote them.

"I think I wanna eat some sushi tonight" Yuffie interjected my thoughts.

"Good for you!" Shera sarcastically said, returning to her text.

"You're mean"

"You'll live" Shera pointed out.

I pushed between the pair, "be nice you two.."

The girls plopped down on one of school's benches, impatiently waiting for Shera to dish out her infamous bean curd sweets.

"So how do you feel?" Shera asked, "being back and stuff? Any different now that, you're "cough" dating, Cloud Strife…" she giggled, "way the go you!"

I blushed, "so far, so good. Loving the whole independence thing but hey having Cloud around is a major perk!" she cheekily smiled.

"You guys gonna get serious?" Yuffie inquired.

I bit down on my candy, "Yuf, Cloud and I being in a relationship past my insecurities is as real as it gets. I mean it frightens me I even like him this much.."

"There's a word for that hun. It's called love" Yuffie said.

"Hmm…" I paused, "I guess you're right."

"So a little birdie told me you're moving out your apartment. This comes after what, three days in the city?" Shera asked.

"By little birdie do you mean Cloud?" I wondered knowing fully well. "Yeah, I didn't think I'd succumb to ocean, sky and sun so easily but you have no idea how miserable it's been, besides Cloud proposed it so it really isn't my fault, well… maybe, but just a little" I smiled.

"So?"

"Sooo he proposed I give up the hectic city-life in trade for an awesome white beach condo. If you ask me that's pretty awesome!" "I tell I can't keep denying myself the things I love…not even him … "I love him" I fiercely said.

"And I love you too…" came a voice behind her…

Tifa sat up stiff…

"Cloud?"

The blond leaned forward and softly pressed his lips to her neck.

To be continued…


AN: I thought about writing a lemon but I decided against it the last minute. To me, everyone could sorta imagine now that Cloud and Tifa's love, or relationship has reached to this serious, but irrevocable point where they're ready to love each other in every animated and intimate way.

The next chapter is my last for BA! My last chapter! AGH! Here comes my water works.

Please review..