Universe: FFVII
Timeline: Post-Dissidia
Status: Established Relationship

"And that was it for the day. I headed home after that," Cloud explained. His tired self was situated on one of the bar stools as he relayed the day's activities to Tidus and Tifa, who were tidying up the counter on the other side. A delivery here, a delivery there; it was all the same, really, but somehow, Cloud's family still took a strong interest in whatever he was doing, and Cloud had to say he did appreciate it.

"Well, sounds busy, at least," Tifa commented as she stuffed a couple of mugs into one of the already packed cupboard.

"Yeah, lots of business. You gotta like that, right?" Tidus smiled, finishing up his cleaning of the countertop, and turning to face Cloud. He planted his elbows down on the counter, and leaned against them, making that spot into the perfect place to stare at Cloud.

"Yep, can't complain about that," Cloud agreed.

He took a sip from the beer bottle that Tifa had presented him with upon arrival. Usually, he didn't bother with drinks, but tonight, he actually took her up on her offer, feeling the need to relax after an especially long day on the road. Tidus watched him carefully as he sat there, far too attuned to Cloud's expressions to let this one go unnoticed.

"You look beat," Tidus said, tilting his head to the side slightly, nothing but utmost care and concern in his voice. Cloud raised a brow, playfully pretending to take the comment as that of condescension.

"Uh, I mean, you look good, though! A little tired, but charming as always," Tidus innocently grinned. Tifa laughed in the background.

"Good save," Cloud mumbled, smirking. "Actually, Tidus, would you mind giving Fenrir a quick cleaning? Just around the wheels is fine so the mud doesn't build up too much. I was going to do it when I got home, but... I'll admit, I'm about ready to drop. Would you mind?"

Tidus couldn't believe that look of uncertainty on Cloud's face, like he felt ashamed for asking even this small favour; Cloud should never have had a reason to worry.

"'Course I don't mind. I'll have 'er back in tip-top shape before you know it," Tidus promised, his chipper voice and smile sincere, as to let Cloud know he didn't have to be afraid to request anything of him.

Tidus pushed back from the counter, and started for the door, but Cloud grabbed his hand. Tidus looked back, watching the other man curiously. Cloud merely smiled softly, and brought Tidus' hand to his lips, kissing the backs of his fingers gently.

"Thank you," he whispered, eyes meeting Tidus' in a meaningful look. Tidus leaned forward and stole a kiss from Cloud's lips instead, hoping Cloud would be brave enough to do the same next time. He grinned as he pulled away.

"Be back in a jiffy."

With that, he headed outside to tend to the request, and Cloud's gaze followed him out, then lingered on the closed bar door. Tifa turned to watch Cloud now, fondly watching his satisfied—or possibly even happy—expression.

"Oh, Cloud. You're awfully lucky to have someone who's so into you." She smiled as she spoke, catching Cloud's attention, and bringing his gaze back toward her. Cloud reddened a little, but managed a timid smile.

"He is, isn't he?"

"Completely," Tifa agreed. "He'd do anything for you, you know?"

The comment was meant to increase the grin on Cloud's face, but instead, it made it fade, and Cloud reached for his drink again. This time, he took a much longer swig. When he placed the bottle back down, his fingertips tapped nervously against it.

"That's what worries me sometimes."

"What? Why?" Tifa asked, but it didn't take her long to clue in. The look on Cloud's face... She knew that look.

"Because of Zack," she stated, not needing to ask. "You're afraid Tidus would sacrifice himself for you like Zack did, if a situation like that ever arose again."

"You got it," Cloud nodded, monotonously. There may not have been emotion in his voice, but inside, he was suddenly a bundle of nerves. He took another drink to try and settle them.

"Did you ever talk to him about it?"

"No."

"You should," Tifa said, voice gentle, but serious.

"I know I should, but I don't know how he'd react. I mean, I know what it's like to be the one left behind when someone gives their life for you. I would never want to put him through that, but if we were in a dire situation, then, yeah, it's likely I would take a bullet for him. But how is that fair if I won't let him do the same for me?" Cloud's voice was so low, so solemn, and his tired face gazed up at his best friend for answers.

Tifa pondered for a moment, then let out a sigh. She leaned forward on her elbows where Tidus had been, and met Cloud's eyes as she spoke.

"Cloud, let's hope neither of you ever ends up in a situation like that. But if the possibility does bother you that much, then I think you do need to talk with him about it."

"Yeah, I was afraid of that," Cloud mumbled, eyes travelling down to his beer bottle instead.

"Remember what I said? He'd do anything for you, even respecting your wishes on things like this," Tifa told him, flashing a smile that Cloud glanced up just in time to see.

As she returned to her tidying, Cloud's gaze returned to the closed door, and in time, his frown eased back into a small smile. Maybe it wouldn't be an easy discussion, but Tidus would understand. He always did.