It took the better part of a few days to get full mobility back but before he knew it Cloud was back to his old self. Thanks to all the food around the house Cloud was able to eat much more and gain the weight he lost pretty quickly. His mother couldn't be happier that she could provide for her son properly. Cloud couldn't be happier that his mother was working a proper job again. She looked so much happier. The only thing that bothered her now was the wolf that howled every so often outside the house at night. When his mother told him about that he couldn't help but smile a little. It seemed Fenrir missed him. Hopefully he would be able to catch him one of these days. Cloud couldn't help but feel like everything was going better now. Like maybe the accident was a blessing in disguise.

Cloud's day to day for the last little while had been totally different too. Since his mother needed to be next door, which was the Lockhart residence and the mayor's office, Cloud was pretty much left alone at home. He didn't mind this however, he prefered to be alone most of the time. Cloud was given exercises to do in order to reach full mobility which he took to quickly. He liked the exercises, he considered it training.

Cloud was surprised to see many get well soon cards from people in his class. Most of them were from random people he barely knew, but he got a few from some familiar faces. Jenna had sent multiple cards to him. The first few were apology cards, for everything that went down with Rye and Gin. The others were simple get well cards. Cloud didn't know why but Jenna's cards made him slightly uncomfortable.

Rye gave him a card too. It was only one but he had wrote a surprising amount on it. Rye said that he was sorry for how he acted towards him. That he was immature and wanted to look cool in front of Tifa. Which was no suprise for Cloud. Rye said that when he felt better he hoped to start over and maybe become friends for real. Cloud didn't like Rye, but he wasn't one to hold a grudge so he figured he would give him one more chance. Gin was another story however. Gin just sent a card saying "hope you don't die". Cloud didn't even consider giving him another chance.

And then there was Tifa. He had received a few cards from her but she mostly just came over to talk to him. Even when he was still in his coma, Tifa would come over and just talk about her day. Which hasn't changed since Cloud woke up. Tifa would come over every day and just talk. Most of the time it was what school was like that day or how some of the girls were beginning to obsess over the boys. Cloud didn't understand most of that but he just liked being in Tifa's company.

Now it was Friday. His mother was working and wouldn't be home for another few hours and Tifa was rushing over to hang out. With his mother working at the Lockhart's, Mr Lockhart allowed Tifa to come over to Cloud's house as much as she felt like it. Considering they were just next door, it wasn't a big deal. Tifa came just after school. She was always polite and knocked on the door.

Knock Knock

Cloud was in his room doing some of his exercises when he heard Tifa at the door. He was doing some stair climbing. Stepping on and off a chair repeatedly. He had been going for a little bit so he needed a break. Cloud walked over to the door and opened it to see Tifa.

" Heya! Exercising again?" Tifa greeted.

" Hey. And yes I was. How was school?" Cloud asked as he allowed her to come inside. Tifa walked in and walked over to the dining room table and pulled her backpack off.

" Well it could have been better..." Tifa said as she opened up her bag and pulled out a single paper and showed it to Cloud. He briefly examined the paper and saw it was a test for science class. It was about Mako energy. She didn't pass.

" You got an F" Cloud asked, not so much about the grade but rather how TIFA got an F. She was usually a strait A student. What happened.

" I know... It's bad. This whole last month I was so worried about you that I barely focused in class." Tifa explained. It was a reasonable explanation but Cloud couldn't help but feel a little bad. She was worrying about him after all.

" Sorry." Cloud apologised. Tifa put her failed test down and pushed Cloud playfully.

" Hey!"

" You don't get to be all mopey about that. If I can't blame myself for you getting hurt then you can't for this. This one's on me." Tifa said with a smile.

" Your right. You definately messed up." Cloud said bluntly.

" Jeez, you could say something more supportive, like you'll get it next time or something." Tifa complained.

" Maybe next time." Cloud joked. Tifa once again pushed Cloud. Cloud just laughed. Yeah his life was definately better now.

Cloud and Tifa then prepares some food for themselves. Tifa wasnt a great cook or anything yet but she knew how to make some macaroni and cheese. Which Cloud was totally fine with. While Tifa was doing the poking Cloud was grabbing the plates and cutlery they would be eating with. Cloud thought it was a little funny how they were preparing meals together and setting a table. It was like they were living together. Cloud shook the thought out of his mind as quickly as it came.

" So Jenna keeps asking about you, you know." Tifa said playfully. Cloud inwardly groaned at the mention of Tifa's friend.

" Oh does she..." Cloud mumbled as he was setting the table.

" Yeah, she's wondering when your coming back to school." Tifa said.

" Did you tell her?" Cloud asked. Tifa giggled slightly. Cloud was planning on going back to school next week. He asked Tifa not to tell anyone. Tifa didn't make too much of a fuss about it. He just didn't want anyone to make a big deal of it.

" No. I think it will be more fun to suprise her. You know I think she might like you." Tifa said with a smile.

" Yay." Cloud said sarcastically. He really hoped Tifa was wrong about that. He couldn't deal with Jenna being clingy.

" What? Would that be so bad?" Tifa asked.

" Are you kidding? Shes probably never going to leave me alone. She might try to grab my arm or hold hands or...I don't know." Cloud complained. Tifa laughed. She found it amusing how Cloud got so nervous when talking about girls, more specifically Jenna. She wondered if maybe Cloud l liked her too. Maybe that was why he was so nervous.

" You do love your personal space." Tifa said.

" Damn right I do." Cloud said. Tifa left the noodles in the pot to absorb the water and turned to Cloud. Cloud looked over to Tifa and saw she had a mischievous look on her face.

" So would it bother you if...I held you hand like this? " Tifa said as she quickly grabbed onto Cloud's hand. Cloud sighed. He really didn't mind if it was if it was Tifa. She could hold his hand all day, he wouldn't mind. But anyone else he would probably have an issue with.

" No..." Cloud mumbled as he blushed. Tifa noticed the blush in his face and decided to see how far she could take it.

" Or what if I hugged your arm like this?" Tifa said as she wrapped her arms around Cloud's arm. Cloud seemed to mentally freeze for a moment. He didn't really want to have her let go but he was also becoming increasingly uncomfortable. What was she doing? Cloud lightly pushed Tifa off of him before answering.

" I don't mind if its you...but not Jenna." Cloud said

" Why? Jenna's sweet. I think you would like her if you have her a chance." Tifa said hoping to play match maker. Cloud scoffed at the idea.

" Not interested." Cloud said. Tifa then returned to the noodles and began to apply the cheese. Cloud sat down at the table and just looked at her for a moment. Cloud knew the reason he didn't like Jenna. It was because the girl he does like is already here with him. He knew for as long as he could remember. Now he just needed to somehow get Tifa to see him the same way.

After another 10 or so minutes the macaroni was ready to be served. Cloud and Tifa ate there food while chatting about school or some people around town. The conversation then turned to Cloud himself. Tifa noticed how he was beginning to look bigger, his muscles were even beginning to show more. She couldn't help but imagine how he would look when they were older. She figured he would look quite handsome. Tifa shook her head, trying to get those thoughts out of her head. Unfortunately Cloud noticed.

" What's up?" Cloud asked. He saw Tifa just staring at him. What was she thinking about?

" Oh it's nothing... just umm..." Tifa stumbled trying to find a topic to distract Cloud from her little slip up.

" Do you ever wonder what you'll do when your older?" Tifa asked. Cloud took a moment to consider her question. What would he do? He had once thought being a SOLDIER. It would work for him. SOLDIER's were the strongest there was. If he could join them, he could become crazy strong. Strong enough to protect everyone he cares for.

" I think maybe I'll join SOLDIER in a few years." Cloud said.

" SOLDIER? Why that?" Tifa asked.

" Well... I want to be stronger." Cloud said.

" Stronger? Why?" Tifa asked.

" I don't know. I just feel like I need to be. To protect you, my mom. It sounds stupid I know." Cloud said dismissing the whole thought.

" No it's not. I think it's sweet that you want to protect the people you care about." Tifa said.

" What about you? You ever think about what your gonna do?" Cloud asks. Tifa took a moment to think about it before answering.

" I...don't really know. I never really thought about it." Tifa said as she went into thought. What did she want to do?

" Do you want to stay in Niblehigm?" Cloud asked.

" I don't know... I mean it's home, where else would I go?" Tifa asked.

" I don't know. Maybe Midgar? It's apparently a place of limitless opportunity." Cloud said.

" Really? Tifa asked.

" That's what all the papers say at least." Cloud said. Tifa wondered for a moment about Midgar. SOLDIER's are all based there, wouldn't that mean Cloud would leave?

" If you go to join SOLDIER, wouldn't that mean you would have to leave town?" Tifa asked.

" Yeah. Since SOLDIER is a branch of Shinra's military, I would have to go to Midgar for training." Cloud explained. Tifa didn't like the idea of Cloud leaving home. What if he never came back? Or what if he got hurt out there? No. She couldn't think like that. She didn't want to think about that so decided to change the subject.

" Well let's not think too far ahead. Were still young after all. Why don't we play some board games?" Tifa said almost too quickly. Cloud definately noticed the sudden shift in conversation but decided not to discuss it. Tifa pulled out a game from Cloud's collection of board games. To Cloud's suprise she pulled out chess.

" Chess?'' Cloud asked.

" Yeah. I wanna see how strategic you are." Tifa said as she pulled the game out and began to set the pieces up. Cloud sighed lightly and readied himself to play.

The two friends played a few games. Cloud managed to win three times, much to Tifa's dismay. He had played Chess quite a bit over the years. He got pretty good at it. He would play with his mother from time to time and he would actually beat her many times. His mother would comment on how Cloud had a very sharp mind for winning against her repeatedly. Unfortunately Tifa didn't see it that way.

" How are you winning so easy?" Tifa complained. She began to feel a little frustrated from loosing. Which Cloud understood. The first few times he played with his mother she would always win. It was only when she began taking it easier that Cloud managed to begin winning. Soon after Cloud got better and better and began winning for real.

" You need to keep in mind you openings. You leave your king open too much." Cloud pointed out as he reset the game.

" Well how do I keep him safe when you break through so easy?" Tifa asked.

" Well you need to find a way to distract me from what your intentions are." Cloud said. The board was set once again and they began playing again.

They were half way through the game. Cloud had sacrificed most of his pawns already and Tifa's pieces were scattered across the board. Cloud sees many ways he can win the game but decided to give Tifa a chance. Tifa looked to be deep in thought as she stared at her pieces. Cloud couldn't help but think she looked really cute like that. Tifa picked up her rook and began moving it toward Cloud's knight.

'OHHOOOOOO'

Tifa jumped in fright as she heard a loud howl coming from outside. Cloud froze for a quick second. He immediately thought of his furry friend Fenrir. Could he be outside right now? Cloud jumped to his feet and rushed over to the window. Cloud hoped that it was Fenrir calling out to him. He wanted to see him again for a little bit now.

" What was that?" Tifa asked. Cloud didn't respond. He continued to look out the window for any sign of his furry friend.

" Cloud?" Tifa called out. This time Cloud had to respond but he didn't really know how to say it. He never brought up Fenrir to Tifa before.

OHHHHOOOOOOOOOOO

The howling happened again. Tifa began to look a little worried. Cloud had to say something now.

" Umm, I think I know whats making that noise. It's a friendly wolf I met a little while ago." Cloud said even though he knew how unbelievable it sounded.

" A friendly wolf? What do you mean wolf? What do you mean friendly?" Tifa asked. Cloud figured that in this case it may be easier to show and not tell.

" Come with me." Cloud said as he rushed out the door of his bedroom. Tifa followed close behind. The two went out the back door and walked to the treeline for the forest. The sun was beginning to go down, visibility out into the forest was beginning to get lower but Cloud still tried to see into the brush.

" Cloud, are you saying you actually made friends with a wolf? How? When?" Tifa asked but Cloud just put a finger to his lips telling her to quiet down a little. Which she complied. Cloud looked out toward the woods but didn't see much of anything. Instead of looking Cloud decided to call out. Cloud took a deep breath and cupped his hands to his mouth.

" FENRIR! ARE YOU OUT THERE?" Cloud yelled out hoping for some sort of answer. Tifa looked out toward the woods as well but didn't see anything.

" You named the wolf?" Tifa asked.

" Well yeah." Cloud said as if it was a normal thing to do. Tifa just shook her head thinking Cloud may have gone a little crazy. Cloud waited a few moments longer before he called out again.

" FENRIIIIIIR. WHERE ARE YOU BOY!" Cloud called out. Cloud and Tifa grew quiet to listen for whatever may come out of the woods. They listened and listened but it seemed like nothing was coming. Cloud sighed in defeat and turned around to go back inside.

" Oh well. Maybe I'll see him another time." Cloud said.

" Cloud when did you befriend a wolf?" Tifa asked as she began to follow him back inside. Cloud was about to answer when the two heard something behind them in the trees.

shuffle...shuffle, rustle rustle.

Cloud turned back around and got excited once again. Was it him? Was it Fenrir. Tifa however began to get worried. What if this was a different wolf? Or something else entirely. Suddenly before ether child knew what was happening a large creature jumped from the bushes and jumped on top of Cloud.

" CLOUD!" Tifa cried out as she saw her friend being pinned to the ground by a large wolf. To Tifa it looked viscous and it was ready to rip Cloud apart but to Cloud it was another story.

" Okay, okay I get it, you missed me!" Cloud said as he struggled to get the beast to stop licking his face. Tifa looked in absolute shock at what she was seeing.

" What is happening right now?" Tifa mumbled to herself as Cloud slowly sat up and began to scratch the wolfs neck.

" Good boy. Fenrir. Sorry I haven't been around lately. I was in a coma for a little while." Cloud explained is if the Wolf could understand him. To Tifa's suprise however it seemed like it did. Fenrir gave a small bark acknowledging Cloud's explanation.

" Umm...Cloud?" Tifa called out bringing attention to her. Fenrir immediately grew defensive as it tried to get between Cloud and her. Cloud seeing that Fenrir was on edge began to pet it gently trying to calm him down.

" It's okay boy. She's my friend. She's not gonna hurt you." Cloud said. With that Fenrir calms down slightly and walked over to Tifa. Tifa was freaking out internally even though she tried to stay calm. Fenrir walked around her a few times, trying to get a good read on her. Cloud saw how tense Tifa was. Her hands were shaking and she had her eyes locked with the wolf. Cloud reached over to her and grabbed her hand in his.

" It's okay. He won't hurt you." Cloud said. Cloud then guided her hand over to Fenrir who looked a little confused. Tifa still scared of Fenrir closed her eyes. Cloud held Tifa's hand out for Fenrir to smell and grow familiar to. And before they both knew it, Fenrir was licking Tifa's hand now.

" Hehehe, that tickles." Tifa giggled a little as the Wolf licked her.

" See. he's not scary. He's a friend." Cloud said as he scratched behind Fenrir's ear. Which the wolf loved so much it looked like it had a goofy look on its face. Tifa even joined in scratching the wolf. Cloud looked over at Tifa who was now quite taken with the wolf. He saw the smile she had as she scratch the friendly beast. And even how much Fenrir liked her. Cloud couldn't help but just stare. Tifa noticed a moment later.

"What?" Tifa asked. Cloud just gave her a smile.

" Just glad you and Fenrir like each other." Cloud said.

" Yeah...He's just a big softy at heart. Aren't you Fenrir?" Tifa said as she scratched at the wolfs ear. Cloud didn't want this moment to end. His best friend Tifa was here with the wolf he befriended. It seemed like everything was perfect.

" So how did you meet him?" Tifa asked.

" Well, remember the when we all hung out on the woods?" Cloud said.

" Wait, Fenrir is the same wolf? Tifa asked in shock.

" Yeah, I guess he took. a shine to me. I don't know why though." Cloud said. Tifa gave Cloud a smile.

" I know why." Tifa said. Cloud gave her a confused look before she continued.

" It's because you saved him. He wants to show his appreciation. Don't you Fenrir?" Tifa said as she scratched the wolfs chin. Fenrir gave a pleased howl in response. Cloud then began scratching the wolf behind the ears.

" Well maybe one day you'll return the favor." Cloud said. Fenrir barked seemingly in agreement.

" Cloud! Tifa! Where are you guys?" Cloud's mother had called out from inside the house. Cloud looked back toward the house in suprise. He had forgotten his mother would be home right away. Tifa looked at Cloud slightly worried. Cloud then turned to Fenrir.

" Okay boy. You gotta get out of here but I promise we will visit you soon." Cloud said as he tried to shoo Fenrir away. The wolf seemed a little reluctant to go but turned to go back to the woods.

" Yeah we'll have lots of fun next time boy." Tifa said. Fenrir gave a small little bark as if to say okay and he ran off into the woods leaving Cloud and Tifa alone in the yard. Luckily Fenrir left when he did because Claudia walked outside a moment later.

" There you two are. What are you guys doing outside? The suns almost down." Claudia asked.

" Sorry mom, We felt like coming outside for some fresh air." Cloud quickly saved.

" Yeah. I kept loosing in chess so I needed some air." Tifa said. Claudia chuckled.

" Oh your playing chess now? Cloud has gotten really good, how about I give you some pointers next time you over okay?" Claudia offered.

" Really? Okay!" Tifa said.

" Okay. Well Tifa though I love having you over, your father wants you home now. You can come back tomorrow." Claudia informed Tifa.

" Okay. I'll see you later Cloud!" Tifa said as she ran back into the house to fetch her things.

" Bye, Tifa." Cloud said. Tifa waved goodbye as she left to go home. Claudia looked over her son who was still looking at the last place he saw Tifa. She couldn't help but think how cute the two of them were, and how obvious her son was being about his feelings for the girl.

" So when's the wedding?" Claudia joked. Cloud was taken a back by his mother's seemingly random question.

" I-what-I- She- huh?" Cloud struggled to come up with a single thought to refute his mother. Claudia couldn't help but laugh at her son.

" Hahahaha. Oh my sweet boy, we really should have a talk about girls soon. Especially if Tifa is going to be around more." Claudia said as she wrapped her arms around her son and began walking them both back inside.

" Mom..." Cloud groaned. He wasn't looking forward to that conversation.

A/N: So full disclosure...I forgot to post this chapter lol. I had been working on the next chapter for a little bit and was about to post that when I saw that this chapter isn't up yet. My bad guys. Oh well. Hopefully I update more regularly. I get moods and right now I'm back into the FFVII kick so I will probably make some more chapters. Until the next one guys. Which I guess will come out right after this. Take care.