Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII with the characters, items, places, etc. are the property of Square Enix, Inc. No infringement is intended.

Author's Note: Prompt for Endless Summer 2019 for the CloTi-Zerith Week on Tumblr. I picked "Starry Nights" and the quote "More beautiful than I expected" for the June 27th prompts.

My first AU story and I've gotten so much feedback the first day I posted! Shoutout to Denebola Leo, a great friend, and author, for betaing this story and taking the time to read again for a review. So many favorites and follows, and a huge thank you to Alicantis and Skyraisin for their reviews. I've got the intro plot solidified but I do have plans for the Cloud and Tifa's past for this new story. I'm overwhelmed with the positivity on one just chapter alone, but I'm open to suggestions for this story as I'm freeflow writing this piece. Most of my stories have an outline and I don't have much for this one! I'm afraid after Chapter 3 I'll need to take time to brew up more for this piece. Thanks again and please review!

The title of the story was inspired by Utada Hikaru's song "Final Distance".

-. Final Distance .-

Chapter II: Under the Stars

Zack swayed with his girlfriend on the dance floor, her arms encircled around his neck as she gave him a few tender kisses along his jawline. It was almost an hour until closing, and Aerith was teasing him every chance she got tonight.

"I need to go to the ladies' room quick," she said into his ear. "I'll be right back."

"I need to check on our boy anyway," he smirked back. "He's been with her all night and he could've left hours ago."

Aerith playfully pushed his shoulder back, and tapped her finger into him with each word. "Leave him alone."

Grabbing her hand gently, he lifted it to press his mouth on the inside of her wrist. He could see green eyes narrow at him as he kissed her soft skin, and grinned when he saw the corner of her mouth turn up. "I'm just going to let him know I won't be home tonight. That's all."

"I'm sure it will only be that," lifting a golden brown eyebrow at him. Aerith always knew better, but he pretended his innocence anyway. He released his grasp on her arm, bringing his hands to her waist to pull her in for a chaste kiss. "Be nice, Zack."

His eyes followed her as she left the dance floor, then landed on the man he needed to talk to. Cloud was leaning against the wall, drinking solo at the moment. Now would be the perfect time with both of their ladies preoccupied.

"Drink number five? I thought you would've left after the first," Zack casually commented while approaching his silent friend. "I'm just wondering...what exactly is keeping you here tonight."

Cloud grunted before he took another sip.

"Or should I say...who?" Zack continued to pry. "She's that girl, isn't she? Tifa?"

"Yes...she is," Cloud mumbled before throwing his drink back down his throat. He twirled the glass in his hand, lost in his thoughts for a moment. "She's in Midgar now, and I…" He shook his head vehemently while sighing.

"Oh, Cloud, what issues could I be possibly be sensing?" he crossed his arms while teasing and preparing for the onslaught of self doubt. Instead, he was met with an icy stare from frigid blue eyes. Teasing wasn't welcomed tonight, or the amount he had dished out at least. Zack faltered but was interrupted before asking his friend what exactly was up.

"I'm back," the lady in red announced as she came up to the two men. "Are you a friend of Cloud's?"

The raven haired man stuck out his hand. "The name's Zack. And you must be Tifa."

He could feel Cloud's eyes on them as Tifa shook his hand in return. Zack ignored it, but was confused by the tension radiating from him. Was he not allowed to introduce himself?

"Yes. It's a pleasure to meet you. How do you two know each other?" Tifa asked him while flashing a smile.

"Cloud and I are—"

"Work. I met him...at work," Cloud promptly interrupted, staring hard at Zack.

Even more confused, he titled his head at the blond, releasing the pretty girl's hand. Work? Why is he only saying 'work'?

"Oh! So you're a business apprentice too?" Tifa spoke up again, earning his attention back.

Hearing her answer, Zack tsked to himself but played along. He nodded back to Tifa. "Yup. Business."

"We got carried away earlier, but what is the business anyway?"

"Inventory," Cloud inserted while slapping his glass on a nearby table. "We help manage...a delivery service...for other businesses."

Why is he lying to her? That was his side job as a cadet. He couldn't be that ashamed. He was in Soldier after all, he pondered to himself. Zack decided to just find out later instead, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah. I hate to cut this short, but Aerith and I are heading out soon. I'll be over at her place tonight."

"Is Aerith another friend of Cloud's?" the brunette curiously asked.

"Yeah. And my girlfriend," Zack clarified for his best friend's girl, a hint of relief was seen in her flammeous eyes. She really had it bad for him. "It was a pleasure to met you, and I hope to see more of you in the future, Tifa."

Her cheeks colored at his words, which she tried to cover up with a smile she couldn't help. Tifa was obviously infatuated with his friend already, and she didn't even know the truth. Zack didn't want to blow his cover, but he had a feeling he knew why his friend wasn't telling his dream girl about his employment.

Cloud narrowed his stare a bit, looking irritated at what was being implied. Even through his innocent exterior, the comments of the place being free and other dropped hints were not kindly reciprocated. "Goodnight Zack."

"Oh, but I wanted to meet Aerith?" she turned to Cloud, as if she was asking for permission.

Sensing his friend wanted to be alone with the final hour left, Zack fibbed. "Maybe next time. Right now she's pretty feisty and is trying to score a cab."

"Oh...umm okay. Next time then," Tifa bid farewell with a simper. The 'courier' standing behind her just rolled his eyes at the excuse he gave. But really, what else was he supposed to say? Aerith is too drunk and he left her alone? His lie wasn't going to imply that he himself was a bad boyfriend. He fabricated enough for his friend tonight.

"See ya," Zack waved off, stepping back quickly into the crowd. Maneuvering around strangers he found his girlfriend just as she left the restroom, stunned to see him there. Pulling her close he placed his arm around her shoulder and headed towards the exit.

"Is everything alright?" Aerith asked, before playfully continuing, "I mean, I don't mind leaving so soon, Zack."

"Cloud's probably gonna make a move and he wanted us to back off," Zack related as he pushed the door open to the summer night air. The street was noisy with other patrons taking leave. The club was approaching the time for last call. He whistled loudly to signal a cab over. "He's pretty serious about her..."

"I heard her talk about him in line to her friend," his girlfriend added. A breeze swept by chilling her visibly, prompting Zack into removing his blazer to place on her shoulders. Aerith pulled on the lapels of the jacket to snug it closer, giving him a small smile for his kind gesture. "She's a smitten kitten, so he'll be fine."

"I hope so…it's just..." Zack said dejectedly with a sigh, rubbing her arms softly.

"Did something else happen?" Aerith tilted her head to meet his indigo eyes. The vehicle pulled up in front of them before he had a chance to answer her. She reached out for him tentatively, her palm flat against his firm chest. "Zack?"

Opening the door he motioned his head for her to enter. "I'll explain on the way back."

Tifa stepped closer to where he was leaning against the wall, her hip merely touching his own with her proximity. He swallowed hard with how near she was to him without a second thought. Cloud fisted his hand that was closest to her to resist reaching out. Having a few drinks tonight made him a little bolder around her. Words were fine when spoken, but he had touched her tenderly without realizing it. A holding hand, a gentle sweep against her back, even brushing the hair out of her eyes. His body was acting on its own, and she was letting him. It had been awhile that he spent time alone with the opposite sex, but her enjoyment of his small advances was undeniable.

"Where did Yuffie go?" Cloud inquired the other girl's whereabouts. Tifa had returned from the restroom alone when she was escorted earlier by her. He wondered if the grey-eyed girl disappeared again as she often did that evening. And he knew exactly why, too.

"Vincent finally showed up," she explained close to him while still looking around, then pointing to her friend. Out on the dance floor Yuffie was moving to the beat, hips moving against, he assumed, her own stoic boyfriend. The dark haired man was dressed in a navy business suit and black tie, looking uncomfortable in the social setting. Tifa's charming giggle tickled his ear. "Seems Yuffie needs him all to herself right now. I'll have to meet him later."

"So you're stuck with me?" he teased while glancing at the peculiar couple. From his peripheral view he found his words earned a blush from her again, which stroked his ego just right.

"No, I wouldn't say that," she retorted sheepishly, tucking a few strands of her luscious hair behind her ear. He took note earlier she would do this while she was nervous around him.

He arched his head to face her, his eyes meeting hers instantly. "Then what would you say?"

"Hmmm," she joyfully hummed back, leaning her forearm against the wall. He watched as her teeth dragged across her red lips before she answered. "I would say...I was lucky."

Ruby still locked on his sapphire eyes, he relaxed his hand and hesitantly reached out for hers that rested next to his. Each time he experimented any affection she was a willing participant for him. Her fingers laced with his with a familiarity, and she smiled back just as she squeezed his hand.

"Follow me," he said with confidence as he tugged at her hand gently. She glided behind him through the crowd. Closing time was near and the bar area was getting too boisterous for any privacy, and Cloud knew just the place to take her for that.

Ascending the stairs they dodged passersby who were going down. Seeing her quizzical look he decided to pause and explain. "I haven't been up here for awhile," then continued leading her. "Me, Zack and Aerith would go up to the back deck to kinda sober up. It gets pretty empty with last call."

As he opened the doors, Tifa let his hand go to walk past him and take in the sight out on the wide balcony. Even though they were in a city, the night sky in Edge was much more clearer than Midgar. "Oh wow," was all she could say.

She was admiring the blazing stars that illuminated the dark sky above them. The midnight canvas went on forever as it met the calm ocean passed the blanched beachfront, reflecting the same stars. A gentle breeze swept by, jostling the ends of her smooth tresses cascading down her back. Cloud moved to join her as she propped her arms onto the railing, his eyes focused on her with each stepped forward.

Tifa turned to smile at him, her fair skin glowing under the moonlight. "It's more beautiful than I expected." Her lips were a cherry red, sweet and tempting to taste.

"Yeah, it sure is," he replied, his fingers pushing her loose strands behind her earlobe. The wind was picking up, carrying a hint of salt from the sea. She shivered, perhaps from his touch or the cool air, but the answer to his wanders was evident when she leaned into his palm.

Cloud wasn't sure how, but tonight he found it surprisingly easy to flirt with Tifa. Maybe it was the booze that made him bolder. In Nibelheim, he was the nobody that lived next door to her, lucky enough to be her friend growing up. Her father surely didn't like it but her mother had a soft spot for him, so no rule was set against him. But now he wasn't stuck in that mountain town, but here as a man in the seaside city, with a girl he always wanted to be his. A girl probably willing to be with him.

But he was also a man who lied about his success to her. Maybe that's what really made it so easy to flirt with her. Pretending to be someone he wasn't. Before he left his backwater hometown he told everyone he was going to be First Class and strive to the top fast. He was almost there, but it wasn't quick enough.

"This reminds me of our last night together back home," she stated in a whisper, both eager and nervous. His hand still cupping her cheek, he stroked his thumb lightly on her soft skin. He remembered that night, too.

Under the same stars, he recalled her eyes widening when he told her of his future plans at the water tower. He asked her out there the night before his graduation, as he wanted her to be the first to hear he was moving to Midgar. His best friend gave him the brightest smile and kissed him on the cheek for good luck.

"Cloud…" Tifa said his name dreamily, or perhaps it came off that way with the warm liquid swirling inside him. The effects from his drinking were starting to make him feel fuzzy and unbalanced. This always happened with Matra Magic Iced Tea, goes down smooth and starts to hit you hard when it's too late. His vision of her wavered a bit but he was able to steady himself when he focused on her deep maroon eyes, filled with longing passion.

He wanted to resist, he really did, but when Tifa laved the bottom of her lip with her tongue he lost control. Her pert muscle darted out of her mouth for a brief moment, causing him to cave into his drunken desire. His hand had anchored the back of her neck to press his lips against hers. Upon contact, he exhaled while she moaned against his fervent mouth. His tongue dove inside as she parted her lips more, stroking and coaxing hers to play back.

For a second he wondered if she wanted this, but then her hands were pressed on his chest, firm and steady. She was kissing him back, her mouth both hot and willing, tasting of citrus and rum. Kissing Tifa was indeed intoxicating, the little noises she made were ultimately addicting.

Gripping his shoulders she pressed herself into him as he suckled onto her bottom lip, another pleasurable moan emanating from her. Cloud had doubts about making a move, but they were all gone now. She wanted this, but it still felt so right just as much as it felt so wrong. They were drunk and he was getting carried away with the heat of the moment.

Breaking the kiss, he breathed against her mouth. "Tifa..."

She kissed the corner of his mouth, giggling as she did so. The effects of the alcohol must be catching up to her as well, he assumed. He pulled back but still loomed over her, holding her half lidded gaze with his own. Tifa's eyes were glazed over and her soft cheeks a bright pink, the common signs of being tipsy. He licked his lips nervously, holding Tifa close to him to keep her steady. Inhaling her scent made him want to keep kissing, but they had to get going.

Cloud groaned as she began to nuzzle his neck, trying to fight against the pleasure. The nightclub was closing, but he wanted to continue cradling the woman of his dreams in his arms. She swayed against him, still letting out little laughs over nothing. He would need to get her to Yuffie so she could get home safe. Brushing her hair out of her eyes he gave her a chaste kiss on the lips quick. "Come on, let's get you home."

She had no idea how Cloud had managed to get her down the stairs of the nightclub, but with one step at a time they made it. Passing the bar he snatched her a bottle of ice cold water as he panned the room for Yuffie. She was still leaning on him for support, but the cool liquid she was drinking was sobering her up. Even though the room wasn't spinning as much she still felt loopy.

"Let's go outside and wait for her," he suggested, holding her close to his side as he escorted them out. Tifa could only nod in return as she held the rim of the bottle to her lips, which were swollen from his earlier affections.

Cloud had kissed her tonight. It was nothing compared to that little peck she gave him years ago, but this was the kind of kiss she wanted from him as a teenager. Even with the amount of flirting between them, Tifa was both stunned and elated he sealed the deal. Her lips still tingled and throbbed from the contact, and she wished he didn't stopped. If only they had more time...

Clutching her water bottle to her chest, she continued forward in his protective embrace as they searched for her friend. He stopped near a lamp post, hugging her closer to him. His arm draped over her shoulders while she tucked hers around his back, her body slightly pressed against his. Her cheeks darkened at how possessive he seemed and was thankful she could blame her blushing on the alcohol tonight.

She swallowed hard before speaking his name. "Cloud?"

He only grunted, still searching for Yuffie. Her eyes were focused on the crew neck of his black shirt as she chewed the inside of her cheek. They had a moment earlier, so why not just ask about it? "You kissed me tonight." She ducked her head down a little for being so bold, feeling the heat rise in her face again. Tifa meant a question, not a statement!

"I did...but I shouldn't have," he confirmed as his voice wavered.

What? Why? She quickly darted her face up and bumped her nose into his, startling her to inch back. Tifa hadn't realized he had looked down to answer her, and now was staring into his perfect ultramarine eyes. Seeing the worry on her face, he spoke to ease her mind. "Tifa...you're drunk."

"So are you."

He closed his eyes, resting his forehead on hers. "Tifa...I like you, but you've been drinking and I––"

That was all he needed to say. Tifa was the one that closed the distance with a kiss this time. Her lips brushed against his shyly, tongue slipping inside his open mouth. His fingers curled tighter around her shoulder, pulling her closer to kiss her back. Showing him she was fine with his affections seemed to be the best way to get her point across.

"WOOHOO!" She didn't have to turn around to see who it was. Yuffie had found them instead. "Way to go, Tifa!"

Reluctantly pulling back from the kiss, she turned to the other drunk girl while still in Cloud's arms. Vincent was on the curb trying to wave over a cab. Hesitantly she looked back at his blue eyes, not wanting to leave. The night was over, and she had to return home now that her roommate was here. Facing her friend again, she asked "are you ready to get going?"

"Actually…I'm going back to his place," Yuffie saucily explained while pointing behind her, giving the two a wink. "But Spiky can take care of you tonight, right?" She was nudging his ribs again.

"Uhh…" Cloud faltered as the faintest blush appeared, a sight Tifa thought she wouldn't ever see. It didn't matter as she was still blushing herself, even more so with her friend's suggestion.

"Yuffie––" Tifa tried to reason, but was interrupted.

"Oh come on, I give you my blessing...or whatever!" She waved her arms up in a drunken manner, making her wobble a bit. Getting her balance back, Yuffie leaned forward, whispering loudly to the blond. "The condoms are in the medicine cabinet."

Tifa couldn't be more mortified. They barely even kissed, and her friend was pushing a one night stand onto her, again.

"Yuffie, our cab is here," Vincent stated, holding the door open. He seemed to be ignoring his girlfriend's antics.

The Wutaian girl giggled before bouncing away. "Have fun!"

"I'll just...make sure you get home safe," Cloud said waving their own transportation down. This whole time they have been holding each other. Tifa tucked her face in the crook of his neck as she waited for their ride to arrive.

"I'm sorry," she whispered against his skin. He smelled nice with his spicy cologne. "She's a good friend, she's just pushy."

"Don't worry about it," he mumbled into her ear, playing with her hair. "Can't say I don't have one just like that."

Tifa laughed. "Let me guess, is it Zack?"

"Yeah," Cloud confirmed, and she didn't have to look to see he was rolling his eyes. She was content where she was in his arms. "Tifa, our cab is here."

Her let her slide into the cushioned back seat first, never releasing his touch from her back. After they both gave their addresses to the driver, the vehicle turned into the street to had back to Midgar. Tifa nestled onto his shoulder, closing her eyes as she snuggled against him peacefully.

"Would it feel like I'm picking you up if I asked for your number?" he propositioned into her ear, chuckling a bit. His breath fanned her skin, bringing a smile to her face. She still felt nervous being with him, even looking at him after everything that night.

Grabbing her cellphone she handed it to him, nuzzling his neck. "Yeah," she hummed back before continue to suck on his earlobe. "But it's totally okay by me."

He sucked in a breath, making her giggle as she teased him while he fumbled with her device. She heard the ding of what she assumed was his phone just as Cloud pulled her face to his demanding lips. The shy boy from her mountain town certainly knew how to use his mouth. And she most certainly didn't want him to stop.

His kisses were ravenous as he traced his tongue along her lips, beckoning her to open her mouth. Her cheeks were still cupped in his hands, the kiss going deeper than she expected. Gliding her hands across his torso, she mewled in between his assault, and she could feel the smirk against her mouth as he continued to take over. His scent and taste were too invigorating, too heady. More powerful than any drink she had that evening, and she was still too tipsy. Something that feels this good shouldn't end, she mused.

The car jerked to a stop, bringing their kissing to a grinding halt. "We're here," the driver announced. Had she really just made out with him in the back of the cab this whole time? Cloud's chest was raising and falling from his labored breathing, his heart pounding fast beneath her hands. They had really gotten carried away.

Tifa glanced out the window and noticed she had the first stop. She reached for her cellphone that had fallen on the seat, leaning over Cloud a little. As she came back down against the leather she gave him a quick kiss between her own heavy panting. "Call me?"

"Yeah," he breathed, his cobalt eyes so pure. "I will."

"Goodnight Cloud," she smiled as she held his gaze, her hand gripping the door handle.

"Goodnight Tifa."

She turned and pushed open the door, one foot on the pavement and she paused. Why was she getting out of the car when her heart and body were screaming to stay? She was halfway out the door and contemplating what it would mean to her, to them, if she didn't go home tonight.

It would mean everything.

Tucking her foot back inside she closed the door. "Drive," she told the driver.

One arm hooked around his neck, she climbed onto his lap. The skirt in her dress hiked up a little, but she paid it no mind. Part of her couldn't believe what she was doing, the other blamed the booze that night. She was going to be bold and brave in what she wanted.

Cloud's eyes wandered her face as she settled against him, pressing her body flushed against his in the back of the car. His hands readily kneaded her thighs that straddled him, but his voice was hesitant. "Tifa?"

"Take me home, Cloud," she commanded before pushing her mouth against his. Her body had been aching for his all evening, and this wasn't going to be a one night stand between them. This was the beginning.

Author's Note Continued: Oh. My.

I forgot to add this the last chapter, but Matra Magic Iced Tea is a Long Island Iced Tea. Drink goes down smooth, so I picked that for Cloud's poison. Chapter 3 will be posted tomorrow.