You already have.
The words fill Tifa like a waterfall. Her thread snaps against their pressure. As his hands cradle her back, she grips the sides of his face and smashes her lips into his with as much force as she's able. She can hardly breathe in between kisses. His words repeat over and over in her head. They begin to hang against her chest—like a weighted blanket, like a hug. Something heavy—something crushing. It is almost too much. It is almost like all the air has been sucked out of her, surrounding her in a vacuum and daring her to live in it.
His hands fall to her shorts, and he peels them down her thighs. Gasping, she lifts up her hips and helps push them to her ankles, pausing to kick them off to the side before she continues kissing him. It's an onslaught. It is as if she needs to fight his lips with her own, tugging and pulling and biting.
He groans as she rolls against his arousal. They are both slick and warm, and the deep tightness coils up in her belly. His hands roam and caress, landing on her bottom and squeezing. The touches are gentle, somehow, despite how hard they're kissing each other.
"I love that you don't wear underwear on the weekends," Cloud mumbles against her lips.
She sighs, smiling. "I love that you're in my bedroom."
"I love…" he grunts, interrupting himself as she rolls over him again. She feels him buck up, his arousal grinding against her own. "Oh, Tifa."
There is suddenly a blaze. It ignites against the pressure in her chest. Her name on his lips is heavy and snatched away into the air.
She kisses him before saying, "Make love to me."
His hands stop roaming, and she opens her eyes to catch his stare before kissing him again, amending quickly, "Only if you want to."
His hesitation lasts for a brief second before he turns them over, hovering above her.
"I want to," he says.
She wraps her thighs around his waist in a welcome. She wants to smile, but her desire is burying her too deeply, and she can only stare at him. Her fingers drift into his hair, wrapping behind his skull. He taps his forehead against hers, catching her gaze before closing his eyes. His nose bumps hers, and he enters her gently. She hisses at the sensation, wrapping around him tighter.
"Gaia, Cloud," she whispers. He pushes further, sliding in and out at a tragically slow pace. She follows his motion, breathing out as he fills her and clenching when he's so close, so close.
"Tifa," he whispers back, and it is so sharp and desperate against her lips. There is that something behind her name as he says it. Her fingers tangle deeper into his hair.
"Just like that," she hears herself say. She is delirious with the sensation—the blaze and the weight and her name. "Oh, Cloud, just like that."
He listens to her, continuing on with the bristling, resonant pace, too slow and not slow enough. In and out and in and out, and Tifa's breath is short and quick. Cloud moves to cut her neck with his teeth, sucking on the column of her throat.
She moans against him, her legs falling off his waist and to her sides, opening up. He reaches down to her hips and grabs her leg, bringing one up to rest on his shoulder. They continue the pace, and Tifa's stomach twists at the unexpected change. Different skin touches and glides, and she keens, pressing her head further into the comforter.
"Okay?" he asks.
"Yes," she moans, her voice a whistle. "Yes."
She grasps his neck and shoulders. The front of him pushes her deeper into the cavern of the mattress with each thrust. He's filling her up like the feeling in her throat, humming across her limbs. As slow and controlled and constant as they move together, Tifa feels it all. It is a bright burn between her legs. It darts into her spine like sparks from frayed wires. It is a shimmer and a hunger, insatiable and all-encompassing and perfect. And if I can die like this, she thinks, what a way to go.
"Don't stop," she pleads.
"I'm not," he answers, and the pace becomes faster, just a little, just enough. It builds and builds until each hit from him is a swallow of bliss. Tifa squeezes him everywhere she can find—using her hands, her legs, her mouth—until she closes her eyes and snaps, her body crumbling from the pleasure. Unable to take it any longer, she squirms and pushes into him, and he holds onto her, finding his own release. He is warm and whole and alive, all wrapped up with her arms and legs, her face in his neck and his name in her mouth.
They are damp and sticky with sweat. Tifa's hair has loosened from its bun, its tendrils pressed into her cheek and temples. Cloud's eyes are roughly dilated, and he's catching his breath. His chest pushes against hers, but he holds himself above her in an attempt not to crush her with his weight. Tifa pulls him down, uncaring, and he eventually eases on top. She hums when he relaxes against her, and he smiles a little.
"Tifa…I'm too heavy."
"Only a minute or two," she breathes, tipping up to kiss him. He kisses her back, curling his arms underneath her. "This is nice."
"Yeah," he says. "It is."
In a moment, Cloud rolls them so they are on their sides, still tangled together, and Tifa mildly protests.
"But Cloud—"
He kisses her to stop her from talking. She pushes her palms against his chest gently, breaking them apart.
"I like your weight."
"I'd rather you continue breathing."
She laughs lightly. "Fine, Strife."
He stares at her smile, and they bask in each other's glow in the moments after. He leans forward to kiss her again. It is a tender, wet press of their lips, and Tifa feels it like that shadow across her room, dark gray and warm and secret. Their motions feel like a whisper, only heard by the ones who know to listen.
"Let's stay here," he says.
"My apartment?" she asks.
"Your bed."
She laughs into his mouth.
It's a strange thing, she thinks, as they blend together, skin on skin, weaving and pulling. It is sweaty and sticky and messy. It's almost a wonder why it's so glorious with its pressure and release, the energy two people can make with one another. Even if they don't love each other.
Even if they do.
Cloud stays the night. He only leaves when she does the next morning, after she tells him she has an imperative brunch date that is exclusively girls only. He quirks his face at her in amusement.
"You gonna talk about me?" he asks.
"What else would I talk about?" she answers, kissing his cheek. He blushes at that, shaking his head.
"Uh, do you talk about…" he trails, running a hand through his hair. "Sex?"
She grins. "There aren't any other topics that are as fun or exciting to talk about, Cloud."
The blush remains on his face. "Right..."
"Don't worry," she says. "They only know everything."
At his sudden glare, she laughs, pushing him out of the door and locking it behind them.
"Maybe you'll meet them, someday," she teases. "Then they can ask you all their questions."
"I don't think I'll be ready for that," he grouses.
"You mean, Cloud Strife-CEO of SOLDIER CORP, monster-hunter and dragon-slayer extraordinaire-can ride a motorcycle without a helmet, but can't handle a few personal questions from three girls?"
"Definitely not."
As he opens his car door, she kisses him and smiles.
"You sure you don't want me to drive you?" he asks.
"I'm sure," she says. "I like walking."
"I know." He sits and glances up at her. "See you soon?"
"Of course," she says. He closes his door and drives out of the parking lot, and Tifa sighs, finding the sidewalk and smiling as she turns onto the block toward Seventh Heaven.
"Spill it, Kisaragi."
It's the first thing Jessie says when she arrives. Aerith points at Tifa.
"You too, Lockhart."
Tifa grins. Yuffie crosses her arms and looks at Tifa.
"Alright. Five gil. I'm open to your guess, Teef."
Tifa clears her throat, unable to stop grinning.
"Drumroll, please," she says, and Jessie answers immediately, tapping her fingers against the table. "My answer is…Vincent Valentine."
Jessie stops her drumming. Aerith coughs on her drink.
"Vincent?" Aerith nearly shrieks. She wildly stares at Yuffie, who is maintaining the most apathetic, stoic face Tifa's ever seen her hold. "As in, Vincent, I-have-no-soul-except-when-I-reap-yours, Vincent? That Vincent?"
"The one and only," Tifa answers.
Jessie begins to laugh. "Wait…isn't he, like, forty years old?"
Yuffie harrumphs. "Ugh, of course I owe you five gil," she mutters, opening up her purse and throwing the bill onto the table. "And no, he isn't forty. He's thirty-eight."
"Because being twelve years older is so much better than fourteen," Jessie says, still laughing. "Wait, how did you know his exact age, anyway?"
Aerith gasps. "Have you two been talking? Did you swap numbers?" She clasps her hands around her face.
Yuffie rolls her eyes. "And you guys know I literally creep on everybody online."
"Yuffie does perform pretty good background checks on her own," Tifa says, nodding knowingly. "Remember that one time she found a small town newspaper clipping of Zack when he was younger, because his parents thought he ran away?"
Aerith snickers. "Wow, I forgot all about that."
Yuffie grins. "What can I say? I'm good at what I do."
Jessie has taken out her phone, squinting at it and blinking. "Um, holy fuck? He's hot?"
She turns the phone over to the girls so everyone can look. Vincent's face is magnified on the screen. His eyes are nearly the color of a seeping wound; a dark, deep red. His hair is jet black and a stark contrast against his olive skin. His expression is bored, as if everyone around him is inferior with nothing interesting to say.
Tifa tilts her head. "You know, I've never thought about it before, but now that you say that…"
Aerith gasps, plucking the phone from Jessie's grasp. "Does SOLDIER only employ good-looking people? Because I'm beginning to think so."
"At first, I was thinking, could I be attracted to someone with my same exact hairstyle?" Yuffie says, waving a hand. "But you know what? I think I could."
"Pfft, with a face like that? He could have hair as long as Tifa and make it hot," Jessie says.
Tifa takes the phone from Aerith once she's done ogling, and Tifa frowns in thought. Vincent's bangs hang across his forehead, deliberately coiffed and straightened. No hair is out of place. He wears a dark, charcoal suit and matching tie, with a pressed, white shirt underneath. Typical, straight edged Vincent Valentine, as different from Yuffie's chaos as one could ever be.
"Well, age is just a number," Tifa says, eying Yuffie and her strangely apathetic reactions. "And he can't be any worse than Reno."
At that, Yuffie blanches. "Okay, one," she starts, holding up a finger. "No one can be worse than Reno, and two…" she groans. "How dare you bring him up at this brunch, Tifa. I expected more from you."
Tifa rolls her eyes, laughing. Aerith shakes her head. "She has a point, Yuffie."
"We all know Reno sucked ass, but he did make you feel a lot of things," Jessie says. "And that's the only reason I liked him."
"Me, too," Tifa says. "But I do think you need someone more mature and grounded, Yuffie. Especially after Reno."
Yuffie shrugs. "I'm not looking for anything. I just want to have some fun."
"Hm…" Aerith says, leaning forward into Yuffie's space. "Am I hearing you say this is your rebound, Yuffie?"
Yuffie's face pinches. "Rebound? Rebound? Please. Reno isn't good enough for me to have to rebound," she answers, shaking her head. "Besides, there's more to the story where Vincent's concerned. It makes him the perfect victim."
All the girls glance around at each other, raising their brows. Jessie grins devilishly. Tifa smiles. Aerith claps her hands.
"Please, tell us," Tifa says.
"I'm ready," Aerith answers.
"I knew there was something else," Jessie cackles.
Yuffie clears her throat, refilling her glass with mimosa. "Settle in, ladies. Wet your pretty beaks, because Vincent Valentine is a sucker."
Tifa laughs at that, doing as she's told. Aerith places her chin in her hand, and Jessie slurps up her bloody mary.
"So," Yuffie starts. "Vincent has been dating Lucrecia Crescent on and off for the span of five years."
Jessie chokes. "Five?" Then she immediately pulls out her phone. "I'm looking her up."
Tifa furrows her brows. "Why is that name so familiar?"
"Because…" Yuffie trails dramatically. "She works for Shinra Inc."
"Ooooooh," Aerith keens. "This is already good."
"God dammit," Jessie exclaims suddenly, turning her phone over. "She's also hot. What universe have we fallen into with all these beautiful people?"
Aerith stares at her, her mouth falling open. "No wonder they can't break up with each other."
Lucrecia Crescent is certainly a sight to behold. Thick, luscious brown flowing hair falling across her shoulders. She wears dark-rimmed glasses, and there's a shine to her lips that hints at either plain chapstick or clear gloss. Her mouth is turned up in a small smile, and there is something cunning behind it.
"Apparently, she is crazy smart. She has her PhD. She works in the R and D department at Shinra, and get this," Yuffie says, her emphasis loud. "Vincent's dad was her professor in school. She defended her thesis in front of him. Nuts, right?"
Tifa shakes her head. "Wow. That is a history."
"This is a soap opera," Aerith sighs. "Definitely up your alley, Yuff."
Jessie rubs her hands together. "Okay, so to make this even better… Do you know if she banged his dad to get the PhD? Because then it would be a true soap."
Tifa laughs loudly. Aerith snorts. Yuffie grins, but she shakes her head, placing her hand on her forehead.
"Alas, I could find no such dirt about her seducing both. Just Vincent."
"Missed opportunity," Jessie says. "But, most importantly…how do we know if they're off right now?"
Yuffie simply shrugs. "We don't, but since this merger is happening, and he seems like a very by the book kind of guy…"
Tifa nods emphatically. "By the book is an understatement."
Yuffie grins, showing off every tooth. "Good. That means they have to be off."
Aerith hums, eyes narrowing in thought. "Tifa, didn't you say there's going to be a merger ceremony? Everyone gets to dress up all fancy, drink champagne, and mingle?"
Tifa perks up, suddenly connecting everything together. "I did. The week after next."
Jessie places both of her palms on the table. "Yuffie, this better be part of your plan."
"How could you think any less of me, Jessie?" Yuffie asks, flicking her bangs out of her eyes. "I'm one-hundred percent planning on being at that ceremony. I will look super hot, Vincent can have a date to make Lucrecia jealous, and as for me…"
At Yuffie's pointed look at the girls, Tifa slowly shakes her head. "Reno will be there, making eyes at you and wishing he wasn't such an asshat."
Yuffie's expression is as wicked as Tifa's ever seen. "Bingo."
Jessie grabs Yuffie's arm and shakes it. "Brava, woman. I love you."
"Now, all that's left is to convince Vincent that he needs me. I'm sure I can…" Yuffie pauses, clearing her throat and deepening the octave of her voice, "validate the necessity of my wares by highlighting how essential they are for the weaponry market space." Her voice goes back to normal. "Or some shit like that. Then I'll only agree to selling with him if he takes me as a date."
Aerith giggles profusely. Tifa grins and pats her head. Yuffie preens.
"You are marvelous, Yuffie," Tifa laughs. "What would we do without you?"
"Flounder and fail, that's what," Jessie guffaws.
"And we can get ready for the ceremony together," Tifa says. "That's probably the most important thing about this."
"Oh, that's the only thing that matters," Yuffie answers, nodding sagely.
"You also better get some sex out of this deal, because it's too perfect not to be rewarded," Aerith winks.
Jessie points. "That's facts."
"And you better tell us when you meet up with Vincent, Yuffie," Tifa says. "We'll hound you until you do."
"Yeah, yeah, of course," Yuffie says, waving her off. "I've just got to text him the time and place."
Jessie almost spits out her drink. "So you did swap numbers! How long did you two talk?"
Yuffie shrugs innocently. "I dunno, maybe only an hour or so."
"An hour?" Tifa asks, flabbergasted. "I didn't even know Vincent could talk for longer than five minutes."
"I guess when you're as cute as I am…" Yuffie says, laughing.
"Yuffie, already giving life to the lifeless Vincent Valentine?" Aerith nearly exclaims. "I…can't…even! I am now convinced he was hot and bothered by your shruiken talk, Yuffie."
Yuffie smirks. "Maybe."
"You little fiend," Jessie says, shaking her head and saluting her with her drink.
Tifa imagines the ever stoic, unimpressed, annoyed-with-every-lifeform Vincent, looking at Yuffie with the slightest flicker of interest.
She's hooked him, Tifa thinks, smiling into her drink. Who would have thought?
They continue on for another hour—Jessie talking about her bedroom conquests with Biggs, Aerith adamantly refusing their guesses of where Zack is hiding the engagement ring, and Tifa blushing through her recounts of her and Cloud's sex acts throughout the week.
By the time Tifa gets home, it's almost 3:00 pm. Dazed and slightly day drunk, she tipsily falls onto her bed. She smells Cloud on her sheets—the smell of adventure and summer heat and a road to unknown places—and she takes out her phone. Deliriously, she stares at his name and types out,
Hey, I think I love you.
She stares at it before laughing, shaking her head and deleting it. Instead, she types out something much less serious.
Tifa: Hey, so the girls were very jealous about the couch in your bathroom.
Cloud: Were they?
Tifa: Very, too mcuh
Tifa: Oops, too much*
Cloud: I have more respect for interior decorators for that decision.
Tifa: yes, and I told them about how good you are with your mouth
Tifa: and fingers
Tifa: what are you doing? I should probably take a shower but I keep thinking about you
Tifa: and I might end up touching myself because I'm thinking about you
Cloud: Tifa, are you okay?
Tifa stares at the text before she bursts out into giggles, knowing she shouldn't be laughing because this isn't funny. But she keeps smelling him surrounding her, and she wants him there—and she's warm from the walk outside, and she's flushing from the alcohol, and she feels herself tightening up from just thinking about being in the shower.
Tifa: I'm fine perfectly.
Tifa: I'm tipsy.
Tifa: I want you
Cloud: I can be there in twenty?
Tifa: is that a question because you don't know or because you'r easking me
Cloud: No, I can be there.
Tifa: Good. I'll leave my door unlocked
Tifa: I'll be in the shower
Tifa: Wet and waiting
Tifa begins laughing as soon as she types out the words, dropping her phone on her bed and standing. She's startled when the phone begins ringing, Cloud's name emblazoned across the screen. She bites her lip and grabs it, pausing briefly before answering.
"Hi," she says.
"Don't leave your door unlocked. That's dangerous."
The growl of his voice invades her ears, and she nearly moans at it.
"It's only dangerous if I don't know who's coming." At the word coming, she giggles. She stands and goes to her front door, going against his orders and unlocking it. She giggles again, putting a hand on her face. "Oh, gosh, I'm sorry. I guess I'm more tipsy than I thought." She can hear herself slurring. She sighs. "I'm not usually this bad. Maybe I should drink water."
"Don't," he says. "Don't drink water. It's okay."
She blinks before smiling. "Why not? You want me to be drunk when you get here?"
"…I, uh…not that I want you to be drunk, but now that you are…I…"
She smiles wider. "I have more in the fridge. I can make sure I am definitely tipsy before you get here."
"You don't have to do that, Tifa."
"Mm…okay," she says, walking back to her room and lying on her bed. She stares up at the ceiling. "Have I ever told you that I love your voice?" She presses her face into her comforters, breathing deeply. "It's so gravely and warm…"
"I…didn't realize it was."
"I told the girls that. I told them your voice is rough and when your fingers touch me, it's like…" she trails, allowing her fingers to pass the band of her shorts. She taps the speaker phone button, gasping slightly as her insides tighten. "Mm, it's like my fingers, because you know exactly where to touch me to make me…oh."
"Tifa…are you…"
"To make me forget where I am," she breathes, beginning to feel herself. She's wet and waiting, and she laughs a little. It's husky to her own ears, and she feels free and wild and infinite. It's such a sexy thing with Cloud present across the span of space between her mouthpiece and his phone.
"Oh, Cloud," she moans. "Keep talking to me. Tell me what you'll do when you get here."
"Break down your door," he says, his voice miles and miles gruffer than usual. Tifa smiles and bites her lip, imagining the stare he gives her when she arches her back. "Grab your fingers and put them in my mouth."
"Your mouth?" She bucks into her hand, hissing and smiling in pleasure. "Like dessert?"
"Always like dessert," he says. He sighs sharply. "Shit, Tifa."
"Oh, what else?" she asks. "Will you…mm…will you grab my hips?"
"Yes," he says. "I'll…take off your clothes. I'll spread your legs wide to see how wet you are, knowing you're wet just for me."
"Oh, yes, I am…oh, yes."
"I'll taste you first—put my mouth on you and suck on you until you say my name."
"Cloud," she gasps. "Like that?"
"Goddamn it. Just like that."
"…and then what?" she asks, her legs spreading.
"I'll slip my fingers inside you. I'll eat you like you're my last meal on Gaia."
Tifa thinks about his tongue, pushing her own fingers into herself. She thinks of Cloud's teeth, skimming across her skin. She moans.
"Oh, Shiva," she breathes. "Okay. You're eating me. Oh, please, what's next?"
"Then I'll stroke you. I'll curl my fingers inside you—"
Tifa does as he says, keening. "Mm, yes, okay."
"I'll grab your breast with my other hand, rub my thumb over your nipple."
She does it, smiling at the word nipple, and she breathes out a laugh. "Yes. That feels so good."
"Then you'll grab my head and push me further into you."
She whines. "I can't do that yet."
"Push your fingers deeper, Tifa."
She does, and she cries. "Okay. Oh, okay."
"You're close," he mumbles, his words slathered in a deep timbre. "You're almost there, and you want it so badly."
She closes her eyes, her head extending back. It's coming up on her just as his words say, and she does want it. She wants it more than anything else.
"I do," she whispers. "But I—I—"
"You can't let yourself. Not yet. Not until I get there."
She whimpers. "Cloud, oh, I can't wait. I don't think I can—"
"You can, Tifa. Hang onto it. Stay right there."
She pinches her eyes, concentrating on the feel, pushing the release down, down, as far as she can.
"I'm…trying…oh, fuck."
"Good girl, Tifa," he says, and there's a strange echo. She thinks she hears him say it twice. "Oh, you're beautiful."
She does hear it twice. She opens her eyes and gasps, because Cloud is suddenly standing right in front of her, witnessing her fingers deeply embedded in herself, her other hand fondling her breast.
He's already unzipped his pants, and he's so gorgeous as he frees his erection. He grabs her hand and pulls it away, leaning over and doing just what he said he would. He places her fingers in his mouth and sucks on them. Tifa moans and nearly loses it right then, her insides clenching from the display.
"You're here," she says, watching him, astonished, her face electric with her heartbeat.
"You unlocked the door. What I told you not to do," he growls, and she leans back at his words as he lets go of her hand, kneeling in front of her.
"Mm, what'll you do about it, then?" she says, smiling. "Punish me?"
"Never," he says. "You waited."
"Oh, I did," she cries, and when his tongue hits her clit, she's bashed with ecstasy. "Oh, this is so much better. " Her thighs clench around his head when he enters her with his fingers. "Oh, how do you do that?"
"Do what?" he breathes.
"This," she huffs. "Oh, Cloud, I'm going to—"
"Not yet," he tells her, still sucking on her clit. She tries not to let it happen. She tries and tries, and the seconds feel like years.
"Cloud, I'm sorry, I—"
He stands, freeing her from his onslaught, and she whimpers before he immediately thrusts inside of her.
Her back arches and she loses her breath. "Oh, oh, mm."
"Tifa," he whispers, his voice breaking. "Do you want to come, now?"
She pinches her eyes shut. "Please. Yes."
"You don't have to wait. Let go."
"But…but you…"
He reaches down to thumb her clit. He grabs her hips and thrusts harder.
"Don't hold off," he tells her. "Let go."
She cries, and she unravels as she listens to him. She rises off the mattress. It's as if a bulldozer is breaking her up into a million little pieces.
The best bulldozer, she thinks, rolling off the high. "The best," she breathes aloud.
Cloud's chest is rising and falling at a thunderous pace, and she realizes he has broken, too. He smiles down at her, still holding her hips. Her legs remain spread out to the sides.
"You still tipsy?" he asks.
"It feels like it," she answers. "But I don't know if it's from you or the alcohol."
He laughs briefly, coming forward and crawling atop her. He kisses her, and she kisses him back.
"Shit, you're sexy. Touching yourself while on the phone?"
"Only because I was drunk," she says. "I'd never have done it otherwise."
"I don't mind it," he says. "You can do that whenever you want."
She curls her body around him, rocking to the side.
"Okay. Maybe I will." Pausing between a kiss, she asks, "How fast did you get here?"
"Too fast," he says. "It's a miracle I didn't get pulled over."
"Cloud! And you say keeping my door unlocked is dangerous."
"We both survived somehow, didn't we?"
She laughs. "Just barely."
The next day begins the first of several meetings. Monday entails of meetings for each separate department, going over the change of procedures and projects that will begin implementation after the merger ceremony the following Sunday evening.
"They expect us to begin work on a Monday after they get us all drunk?" Barret grumbles under his breath. "These motherfuckers are dumber than I thought."
Tifa laughs lightly. "No one will do anything if we're all hungover, anyway."
"Damn straight, we won't."
The meeting drags. They go over details and descriptions of project changes, assigning employees and hammering out the basics and intradepartmental leadership.
In other words, very, very boring information.
During an intermission, Tifa texts Cloud.
Tifa: Can you save me from this meeting?
It takes him two minutes to respond.
Cloud: If you can save me from mine.
She quells a smile.
Tifa: I would if I could.
Five minutes pass, and they're about to start up again before Cloud texts back.
Cloud: I could meet you in a bathroom.
Cloud: Or a supply closet. Your pick.
Tifa almost laughs.
Tifa: Always sex on the brain with you, isn't it, Strife?
Cloud: When thinking about you? Who wouldn't?
Tifa glances up and notices that everyone is beginning to reconvene. She sighs.
Tifa: Missed our window. We're going to start again. Next intermission in an hour?
Cloud: Yes. Meet me in the side hallway on your floor. There's a closet no one uses.
Tifa blushes at the absurdity, quirking her brow at the information.
Tifa: How do you know it exists?
Cloud: After the elevator, I had to be ready for alternatives.
At that, Tifa does laugh. She covers it with a cough as she takes her seat.
Tifa: I'm impressed. You think we can make it under three mins?
Cloud: Of course we can. Just think about what I'll do to you during this next hour.
Tifa: You're terrible. You better be thinking about it, too.
Cloud: I've been thinking about it all day. After yesterday, I haven't stopped thinking about it.
Tifa feels an internal heat permeates her chest.
Tifa: I won't be able to make it through this meeting.
Cloud: You can hide it, though. Boners are pretty obvious.
Tifa coughs again, clearing her throat when Barret looks at her.
"You alright, Teef?"
"Yeah, yeah, I just have an itch in my throat, that's all," she says, taking a drink from her water bottle.
Tifa: Cloud, stop making me laugh! Barret is looking at me funny. He's getting suspicious.
Cloud: At least he won't think you're getting turned on by a powerpoint.
Tifa has to nearly sever her tongue with her teeth to keep from laughing.
Cloud: I have to keep shifting.
Tifa: Think of something else.
Cloud: No.
Tifa: Then stop complaining about your boner.
Cloud: No, because it's your fault.
Tifa: Think of Rufus naked.
Cloud: I can't believe you'd do that to me.
Tifa: Did it help?
Cloud: Terribly.
Tifa: Oh, good. I was afraid it'd make you worse.
Tifa: Since he makes you so riled up.
Cloud: Haha very funny.
Ten minutes later, Cloud sends another text.
Cloud: I tried. I really did. But it's back.
Tifa curls her lips under her teeth. She side glances to Barret, who seems to be having trouble staying awake.
Tifa: Think about Barret shouting and punching you really hard on your boner.
Cloud: Great. Thanks.
Tifa: Anytime.
When the meeting finally comes to a break, Tifa stands up immediately. Barret wakes with an abrupt snort, running a hand over his face.
"I swear to all that is holy, I'm going to kick Reeve's ass for holding such a goddamn useless meeting," he grumbles.
"I agree with you," Tifa says, stretching. "I'm going to the bathroom. I'll be right back."
She tries to keep from sprinting, turning right to the side hallway and glancing over her shoulder. It's abundantly clear and free of any stragglers. How had Cloud known? She wonders again. Did he stake out this area in his free time? And when would that free time have been?
She sees a few different, skinnier doors. One says Authorized Personnel Only, and Tifa takes a chance and goes to open it. She squeaks in surprise when the door opens on its own.
"Good, you made it," Cloud says, grabbing her arm and pulling her inside. "I just got here."
She can barely make out a faint glow of blue from his eyes, only lit from the stream of light passing under the door. His body is outlined in shadow. "I have a lot of questions I'll ask later," she says, going to hike up her skirt.
"And I'll answer all of them. Later," he says back, and she hears his pants unzip. He expels a tight breath. "As many times as I thought about Barret smashing my balls…"
Tifa laughs quietly, feeling for him with her hands. "I've been ready since your first text."
He brings her closer, finding the lines he's memorized.
"Try not to make noise," he says. "Not that I think it matters."
He thrusts into her, and she clamps her teeth shut. She digs her nails into his neck.
"Three minutes?" she whispers, voice high.
"Yeah," he grunts. "Three minutes."
Much to Tifa's unending amazement, she gets back to the room in two and a half.
The meeting suddenly isn't so bad.
On Tuesday, the meeting is company wide. Cloud is present and in the seat he normally assumes, his words from before seemingly accurate. No one sits by me.
The seat to his left is vacant. She catches his eye as she enters the room, holding her purse at her side and her tablet to her chest. She glances away from him, hiding her smile. As she makes her way to the seat, she's cut off by Elena.
"Hey, Tifa! It's good to see you," she says, giving her a warm smile. "Would you like to sit by me?"
Of all the scenarios Tifa had thought about coming into this meeting, including playing footsie with Cloud under the table, subtly brushing her hand against his thigh, attempting to pay attention and failing spectacularly, not sitting by him never entered her mind.
"Oh, I—" she says, her eyes flicking to Cloud for a brief moment before looking at Elena. "Sure... I was going to sit near the front."
"Perfect. There are a couple over there we can take."
The ones she mentions are directly across from Cloud. As Tifa takes a seat, she catches Cloud's stare and smiles a little, trying to give him a subtle shake of her head. She glances over at Elena, who is taking her seat. She beams at Tifa.
"So, how've you been? Excited about next week?"
"Busy, but I've been very well," Tifa answers. "I am excited. The ceremony should be a fun time, and I'm looking forward to what the merger brings."
"Me, too," Elena says. "I'm curious about Rufus Shinra. I've never met him, but he's supposed to speak at our meeting, today."
Tifa nods, well aware of Rufus' future appearance. Her eyes dart up to Cloud again, but he's looking elsewhere.
"I'm interested in seeing how he'll lead. It'll be…different, that's for sure," Tifa says.
Elena lowers her voice, and Tifa doesn't miss the way Elena's eyes flicker up to Cloud. "I wonder if Mr. Strife is going to miss being the CEO. He was certainly good at it."
"Yeah…" Tifa trails. "He is. Was. I wonder, too." Biting her lip, Tifa asks, "Have you heard any rumors about what he'll do?"
Elena frowns, shaking her head. "No, actually. I haven't heard anything. Not even Scarlet has talked about it, and that's really weird."
Tifa roves her eyes around the room at the mention of Scarlet, finding her blood red drop of a dress in the middle of the room. She's sitting beside one of the underlings that works in the IT department, and he's blushing so hard, Tifa can almost hear his heart racing from where she sits.
"That is weird..." Tifa says.
"Sorry she's given you so much trouble," Elena says, following her stare. "She's such a bitch."
"It's okay," Tifa says, smiling. "Nothing I can't handle."
"She's weathered the merger, somehow," Elena sighs. "Sharks like her always do."
Tifa hums. "You think she'll be Rufus' secretary? Or something else?"
"Honestly? I bet she's already met him out of office to secure her place." Elena shakes her head. "Or slipped him a drink, drugged him, and did all her voodoo." She makes a face. "Sorry, that's mean."
Tifa laughs. "Hardly mean when it comes to Scarlet."
The meeting starts not a minute later, and Tifa situates herself by opening up her notes in her tablet. Her phone buzzes in her pocket, and she slips it out, reading it on the opposite side of where Elena sits so she can't see.
Cloud: I should have remembered how likable you were. I forgot other people would want to sit by you, too.
Tifa bites her lip, smiling briefly and keeping herself from looking up.
Tifa: I didn't even think about that at all. But at least I'm still close to you.
Cloud: Yeah. I'll try not to stare.
Tifa: You can stare.
Cloud: I'd make it too obvious. Everyone would know.
Tifa: Maybe it's a good thing we aren't sitting by each other, then. I wouldn't be able to stop touching you underneath the desk.
Cloud: Then I'd get another boner and we'd really be in trouble.
Tifa chuckles, shaking her head and putting her phone back into her pocket as Vincent takes his place at the front of the room. She catches Cloud's eye for a moment, seeing him sending her a small smile.
He's funny, she thinks, turning her head toward the presentation. It's something she's known before but never acknowledged until the past few days. He makes her laugh so easily.
By the time intermission comes around, there is a hushed shift in the atmosphere. Tifa glances up to Cloud, who doesn't seem as affected as everyone else. She glances behind her to see what's going on, and Elena whispers, "Look, Rufus and his cohorts are here."
Tifa sees Rufus immediately at the entrance of the room, surrounded by three other men. One has long black hair, an angular face, and slanted eyes. Another is bald with a goatee and sunglasses. Inside the office building? Tifa questions, frowning and amused. The last one is red haired, forgoing a tie with the top three or four buttons unbuttoned on his shirt, seeming for all the world uncaring about his appearance, and yet it is too thoughtfully rumpled to be considered genuine.
Reno, Tifa thinks. Of course, he's now within Rufus Shinra's close circle. He's made a promotion since she last knew of him through Yuffie. Tifa glances over to Vincent, who is sitting stiffly in his chair, distanced from the other employees. He seems even more disinterested than Cloud, which is… typical.
Rufus himself looks exactly like his pictures. He is swathed in white—white suit jacket, white waistcoat, white shoes, white belt—the only thing not white is his tie, which is a deep onyx. It glares like a pupil underneath the fluorescent lights overhead.
His blonde hair is lighter than Cloud's, slicked on the slides with gel. It should make his entire presence slimy, but something about his face forbids it. His lips are pouty, his cheekbones high, and his eyes a cool, icy blue. They remind her of icebergs up near the Northern Continent, and as his eyes rove over the employees in the room, they give her goosebumps when they land on her. His eyes linger for a second too long before he smirks, looking away and catching Cloud's stare. Tifa glances over to Cloud, who's jaw muscle bulges momentarily and his eyes narrow in a glare. When Tifa looks back to Rufus, his smirk has widened. He tilts his head toward the long-haired man at his side, who nods and gestures to Reno and the bald man, and they take the first empty seats they can find around the table. Rufus stands at the front of the room and motions for Cloud. His chest rises in a sigh and he stands, walking up to speak with Rufus.
"Who is that?" Elena whispers, her eyes finding the long-haired man. They sit caddy-corner from them, across the table. Tifa follows her gaze.
"I don't know. I've never seen him before," Tifa says. "Why?"
Elena blushes. "No reason. He's just…"
Tifa watches her, a small smile growing on her face. "Elena? Do you think he's cute?"
"N-no. Well…I guess a little. He's very…" Elena trails. When the man glances up, he catches her eye. She looks away quickly. "Fine. I think he's cute in that severe, no-nonsense kind of way."
Tifa grins. "Isn't anything wrong with that. Just tell HR. I'm sure they'll let you have some kind of pass."
Elena looks over her. "There's no way they would. Would they? I highly doubt Shinra would allow it…"
At Tifa's continued smile, Elena narrows her eyes in thought. "Have you tried with Mr. Strife?"
At the question and her tone, Tifa blushes almost instantaneously. "W-what do you mean?"
"Tried? You know, asked him about HR and relationships?" She leans forward, smiling knowingly. "You're dating someone, aren't you? I saw you texting throughout the meeting. Does he work in the company?"
As much as Tifa likes Elena, she is certainly nosy and straightforward. Like my girlfriends, Tifa thinks, amused at the thought. "I—um—no. Well…kind of. It's…a long story," she finishes lamely. Shaking her head, she tries to will the blush away. "I haven't notified HR, but the merger is happening soon, anyway. I didn't think it mattered."
Elena's eyes widen and sparkle. "Wow, Teef, I'm impressed. I didn't think you'd go against company policy."
Tifa expels a breath, her eyes unconsciously finding Cloud's figure. He's still standing beside Rufus, a hand in his pocket, listening to something Rufus is explaining. His face is in his CEO mask, his back ramrod straight, his eyes clear and sharp like knives.
"I didn't think I would, either," Tifa mutters. Then she shrugs, giving Elena a small smile. "But life is short. There are some risks worth taking."
Elena's eyes slowly make their way back to the man across from them. He's talking to his colleagues, his mouth turning down into a frown at something Reno says.
"Can't argue with that," Elena says before her smile turns sly. "So? Who is it? I promise I won't tell."
"Elena…" Tifa tries. "You know I can't say."
She shakes her head. "Fine, fine, I get it." Her eyes sparkle again. "He's in this meeting, isn't he?" She glances around. "What a mystery. This is kinda fun. I'll be on the lookout for the male who can't keep his eyes off you."
Tifa's blush deepens. "Elena! Don't!"
She begins laughing. "I can't help myself. You know I love office gossip way too much."
Tifa is saved by further embarrassment when Rufus clears his throat, beginning the second half of the meeting.
"Good afternoon, everyone," Rufus begins, clasping his hands behind his back. One blonde bang spills across his forehead, and Tifa thinks it looks like a purposeful thing. How long did it take him to perfect it?
"Before the merger next week, I wanted to take it upon myself to greet all of my employees and to answer any and all questions you may still have. It is my hope that this transition will be a smooth endeavor, that we may dispel fears and anxieties going forward, and that anticipation and excitement for the future will be at the forefront. I have a lot of expectations, and I have a lot of dreams. I believe this progression is the next step in obtaining what we all want—this company becoming larger in scope, helping the world, and equipping the people of Gaia with what they cherish the most: strength for their loved ones, hope for the future, and the potential to keep dreaming."
Rufus smiles, and Tifa is stricken by his words. He says them like a salesman—they are too good to be genuine, but the gleam of his teeth make you want to believe otherwise. They hold a promise in them—richer and deeper than Tifa ever held for SOLDIER as a company, and her heart spikes for a moment, wondering what else there could be. She thinks about Cloud's words of his nondisclosure agreement. Nothing bad. I wouldn't have allowed the merger had that been the case.
Rufus' eyes find Cloud's. "I am lucky to have found another individual who shares my views—though I'll admit, we've had our differences." He briefly laughs and so do a few other employees.
Tifa hears Reno mutter loudly, "Ain't that the truth, yo."
"But I believe Mr. Strife and I want the same things for this company and, if I can be so bold to say, this world. Would you agree, Mr. Strife?"
Cloud hesitates for the briefest of moments. His throat bobs in a quiet swallow, and he nods, his eyes roaming over the employees in the boardroom. "I do."
He doesn't catch Tifa's eye, and a coil of anxiety grips her stomach. She stares at him long enough that she's certain he'll feel her gaze burning a hole into his forehead, but he resolutely stares at the tabletop in front of him. She sighs, pulling out her phone.
"Now, I'm happy to open the floor to answer any questions you may have. Yes? You, in the back?"
Tifa: Hey. You okay?
It takes Cloud a moment before he glances at his phone, only opening it after the first question is answered. He frowns down at the screen.
Cloud: Fine. Just thinking, that's all.
Tifa bites her lip, her fingers hovering over the keys.
Tifa: Are you regretting the merger?
His reply is much quicker.
Cloud: No. I'm more certain than ever.
Tifa scrutinizes his words, quickly glancing up at him before looking away. She believes him. There's just something that doesn't let her go. It's a finger on her spine, like a zipper straining against her skin.
She puts her phone back into her pocket and is distracted throughout the rest of the meeting, only paying half-attention to the questions and answers. Only one sticks out to her.
It's from Barret.
"I know you been working more and more with materia, but hardly any one of us knows exactly what's goin' on. Can you expand on that?"
Tifa almost smiles. It's the cleanest and most refined she's ever heard Barret speak. She mentally fills in where the expletives would go.
Rufus clears his throat. "I'm glad you mentioned that, Mister…"
"Wallace. Barret Wallace," he answers gruffly, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Mr. Wallace. There is a substantial amount going on behind the scenes with materia and the like. It is still all experimental, but I assure you that I will disclose to the company and its employees about everything the night of the merger ceremony. I apologize for the political answer," Rufus says, smirking. "But the repercussions would be too high if I told everyone before the initial merger date."
Tifa's phone buzzes in her pocket. She takes it out and smiles at Cloud's name decorating the text.
Cloud: What he isn't saying is that he loves being dramatic.
Tifa chuckles under her breath.
Tifa: So if he disclosed the information today, the repercussions wouldn't be as high as he says?
Cloud: Well…maybe still high. But he's all about the presentation.
Tifa: I'm intrigued.
And frightened, she thinks, but she wills it back down. She trusts Cloud.
She catches his eye across the table. He gives her a small smile. She smiles back.
Luckily for them, Elena is too preoccupied with glancing at the long-haired man to notice.
Once the meeting ends, Cloud steps up to Rufus as everyone disperses. Tifa is too curious to head back to her office, and she bids farewell to Elena while she stalls on her tablet, feigning typing out a note. She can't make out what they say amidst the shuffling of bodies and chairs as employees leave or stay to chat with one another.
Tifa allows herself to glance up, attempting to read Cloud's lips before his eyes catch onto her. Rufus follows his gaze and smirks at Tifa before gesturing for her to join them.
Her heart immediately stampedes. She stands up from her chair, careful not to trip over her feet. She then readjusts the strap of her purse and closes the distance between them.
"Mr. Shinra," she says, holding out her hand. He smirks again, taking it. His grip is as smooth as his voice and as powerful as his title. He squeezes her palm once before letting go, and Tifa pushes the tablet harder into her chest. Her eyes dart to Cloud for a moment, but he is at his most stoic. The stone cold professionalism shades the planes of his face. There is nothing in his eyes that denote he's taken her to his condo. It helps ease Tifa's anxiety.
"Ms. Lockhart," Rufus greets, his eyes combing over her. He allows his gaze to linger, and Tifa feels just uncomfortable enough to frown. "A pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard great things."
Tifa blushes at the compliment, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear.
"Oh. Thank you. It's good to finally meet you, as well. I'm looking forward to the merger ceremony."
Rufus smiles at that, flicking his eyes to Cloud. "I get it, now. If you look like this in business professional clothing, I'm looking forward to seeing you in formal dinner attire. I'm sure Mr. Strife would agree."
Tifa blinks at Rufus and his blatantly flirtatious—albeit scandalous—choice of words. Her cheeks redden, and she has to force herself from taking a step backward.
"I…um…" she flounders. She glances to Cloud, who is glaring daggers at Rufus. Rufus is smiling before he chuckles, low and brazen.
"Forgive me," he continues, shaking his head and placing a hand in his pocket. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I've seen the projects you managed, and I'm a fan of your graphic design. It isn't easy to please me. Is it, Strife?"
Cloud's jaw buckles under the pressure of his teeth. He narrows his eyes and shifts his weight. "You're a bit childish with requirements, but other than that you're hardly demanding."
Rufus chuckles, and Cloud's cheekbones tint with light pink. Tifa's never seen Cloud this way—so easily lit from the inside. She stares at the cords in his neck, strung like tight guitar strings. He's shorter than Rufus, but what he lacks in height is dwarfed by the deadly ardor in his eyes.
"Childish, arrogant, playing with his daddy's empire…" Rufus trails, flicking his fingers up with each listing. "Yes, yes, it's tired and tragic and no one seems to care about getting to know me any better." He shakes his head and looks at Tifa again, his smile cavalier and so reckless that Tifa wobbles on her heels.
"Who knows? Maybe you'll be the one to get to know me better, Ms. Lockhart. I wouldn't mind it."
Cloud bristles. Tifa can nearly feel the wave of his anger hit her like a billow of steam.
"I think Ms. Lockhart respects herself too much to give an ounce of care for your sorry ass, Shinra."
Tifa nearly chokes at how Cloud doesn't even attempt to hide his hostility. Rufus, for his part, merely laughs.
"And your anger is petulant and unbecoming, Strife. I'm sure Ms. Lockhart is appalled," he says, glancing at her. "Well? Are you?"
Tifa gapes for a second before shaking her head, coming back to herself. She grabs the strap of her purse to steady herself under the stares of both Rufus Shinra and Cloud. Her eyes linger on Cloud's for a moment, and she sees his features soften.
"I think…both of you need a lesson in maturity." In a flash of boldness, she winks at them. Cloud smirks a little, glancing away. Rufus dips his head in a small bow.
"Ah, very wise, Ms. Lockhart. I'll take your words into consideration." At that, Rufus reaches out to take her hand. Startled, Tifa lets him, watching as his lips graze her knuckles. He then smiles up at her and says, "I'll see you at the ceremony."
With that, he turns and gestures to the bald man, Reno, and the long-haired, straight-edged suit who Elena had been eyeballing so seriously before. They all congregate around Rufus like a posse and leave as swiftly as they had arrived.
Tifa can still feel Rufus' lips linger on her hand, and she shakes it out, flexing her fingers to dispel the sensation. When she looks up at Cloud, she's surprised to find the anger has surfaced again, stewing behind his eyes.
He glances around the room, rubbing his hand along his jaw. Under his breath, he mutters, "He's such a dick."
Tifa tilts her head at him, amused. "A very smooth talking dick."
His eyes narrow further, his gaze falling to her palm. "I can't believe he kissed your hand. Well, no," he pauses. "I can believe he did that."
Tifa glances behind her, seeing no one she knows well. Barret and Reeve are gone. Vincent is nowhere to be seen. Other members from her department have trickled out of the room.
She turns back to Cloud. "Is that why you're so angry? Because he kissed my hand?"
"It's…petulant and unbecoming," Cloud says, his ears flushing and rolling his eyes. "But yeah. That's why I'm angry. I'm angry because he was flirting with you right in front of me, because he knows he can."
Tifa begins grinning before she blinks. "Wait…he said…I get it, now. What did that mean?" Her eyes widen. "Does he…know?"
Cloud shifts his weight, and she can tell he's uncomfortable. His stoicism is disintegrating, evolving into the boyish charm underneath.
"Uh…do you…do you trust me?" he asks her, instead, and Tifa swallows. His inquiry mirrors what she had concluded minutes before.
"Yes," she says.
He nods slowly, the vestiges of a smile beginning to form on his face. "Good. I…had to discuss some things with Shinra. He doesn't know the extent of what we've done. I'm sure he's imagined what we…actually do," he says, scowling. He shakes his head. "He only knows my end. I've told him nothing about…you."
Tifa furrows her brows, tightening her hands around her tablet. "He only knows your end? What do you mean, Cloud?"
He reddens, shifting again. "He knows my interest in you. He doesn't know if you have an interest in me."
Tifa raises her chin in acknowledgement, unsure how she feels about the realization. "I…I see," she says softly.
"It won't hinder your career in any way," he continues. "I made sure of that."
Tifa's mouth parts. "Thank you, Cloud."
"And because he knows about my interest in you, he…" Cloud scoffs, glancing at the floor. "He likes to taunt me."
Tifa begins to smile a little. "Don't worry. He's a bit too…" Tifa wrinkles her nose. "Slimy for me. Too much hair gel. Unlike yours," she says.
One side of his mouth turns up in a smirk. His eyes fall to her lips before he looks away again, taking a step back.
"If you'd like to discuss anything else, Ms. Lockhart, my office is open this next hour."
"Hm," she hums, allowing her eyes to rove over his form, admiring his business suit and how he's still unable to relax from his encounter with Rufus. His lines are severe, and his shoulders are rolled forward in a stiff curl of discontent. "I did have a few questions I never got to ask Mr. Shinra before he left. Maybe you could answer them for me?"
"I'll do my best, Ms. Lockhart. If you'd follow me," he says, his eyes glinting. He keeps his hands in his pockets and she keeps hers clasped over her tablet.
After the past weekend and today's discoveries, Tifa isn't sure she can trust herself from wrapping her body around him as soon as they walk out the door.
They make it to Tifa's office, instead.
It's closer. There are no windows. There's no reason for anyone to bother her, today, and her office is close enough to the elevators for Cloud to slip through the hallway without many of the department employees noticing.
The only good thing to come out of Rufus visiting the company—everyone is more distracted than usual.
As soon as Tifa locks the door behind her, Cloud handles her like he's made for nothing else. His hands are on her hips, pushing down her skirt, gripping her ass.
No, she thinks. There were two good things to come out of Rufus visiting the company.
Office distraction, yes. But Cloud's anger is the only thing Tifa cares about.
As he spins her around, he stares at her heavy-lidded, pushing her against the door and dipping his mouth to her neck. He sucks on her harder than he has before, and she wonders in a mad, uncaring rush if he'll leave a bruise.
A mark. A hickey.
Jealousy, her mind corrects. Not anger. Jealousy.
She breathes out, curling her fingers into his feathery hair. She moans into the empty room, and Cloud chuckles against her skin.
"Are you thinking about how Rufus kissed my hand?" she asks.
He pushes his thumbs into her thighs, spreading them apart and pressing his groin into her underwear.
"No. No, I'm thinking about how I'll make you forget it."
His voice is dark and deep and unending, like a cavern in the sea.
"Oh," she purrs. "You're so handsome when you're jealous."
"Am I?"
"Not that you're…not handsome any other time…" she breathes, closing her eyes and focusing on the points of his mouth. His teeth scrape against her collarbone. His fingers rise to curl underneath the band of her underwear, the color of their favorite day, pulling them down her legs.
"That's good to know," he huffs against her, gently settling her feet back onto the floor—when had he raised her up?—and goes to kneel in front of her. "I can't ever stop looking at you."
He trails his tongue up her inner thigh. Her exhale trembles as it pulls out of her lungs.
"You didn't look at me today," she says, though she's mostly teasing him.
"I wanted to. I wanted you to sit by me, and I wanted to finger you under the desk."
Tifa gasps. "Cloud."
"Can you be quiet again, Tifa? There are more people outside," he whispers against her, his breath hitting her clit. She nearly moans at the feeling.
"I don't know," she admits. "Not if you do this to me. Not if you—"
He licks her from her base up to her clit, and she presses her head back into the door. It rattles.
He brings up his thumbs and spreads her wider. He sucks on her, tapping her clit with his tongue.
She exhales loudly, biting back a whimper. She squirms against his hands, her hips bucking up into his tongue in rhythmic, gentle thrusts.
"Oh, Cloud," she whispers.
"I wanted…to kiss you…in front of Shinra," he says, pausing to skim his teeth against her folds. One of his fingers press underneath, slipping into her body. She gasps again, one hand splayed against the door, the other finding the back of his head. She thinks about what he told her over the phone that Sunday.
Grab my head and push me further into you.
She does just that, and his moans reverberate against her like a drum beat.
"Fuck…Cloud…Shiva," she hisses, finding his tempo. One of her legs rises off the floor, needing something—anything—to do. "Do it next time," she cries softly. "Kiss me at the ceremony."
"We'll see," he pauses, circling his mouth over her. When he brushes his teeth against her clit, again and again, she comes immediately. She tries to contain her moan into a quiet hum, her stomach clenching into a delicate spasm.
He moves away from her slowly, and when he stands, Tifa stares at the shine of his mouth and chin, the shimmery gloss of his eyes. She steps forward and brings his head down into a kiss, hard and needy and clawing.
She paws at his erection, and he groans. "Tifa—"
"I want you to know you never have to be jealous," she says, her voice brimming with emotion, overzealous with the high from the orgasm.
"But I will be," he says as she unzips his pants. She pushes them down, roughly pushing his briefs out of the way, next. He sighs when he's released, and she squeezes him with her fist. His words pause and his eyes pinch close before he opens them again, saying, "I see how men look at you."
"But you know what?" she asks, somehow blushing at his words and the scrutiny of his stare. She places a hand on his chest and pushes him forward. He is corralled until his bottom hits the edge of her desk. She mimics him from before, going to kneel in front of him. She kisses the tip of his erection, and he growls, his palms pressing into the desk, his fingers whitening and his knuckles taut.
"The only thing that matters is how you look at me, Cloud."
With that, she takes him into her mouth.
And there is nothing like the way he looks at her then.