Chapter 3
"What's this? Zack asked taking the papers from the woman.
"Registration Papers…I want to join this rag-tag force. The woman said sitting on a chair crossing her legs.
(Hmm) Tifa Lockheart….Zack said reading the papers aloud.
Well? Tifa asked annoyed
"So you're from Nibelihem huh? Zack asked
"Yeah. what's point? Tifa asked slouching in her chair
Strife's from there…
Strife? Tifa asked sitting up from her slouched position
"Cloud Strife he just transferred here today. Zack said sitting back in his chair.
"Cloud…Tifa said holding her head with one hand
"What? Do you know him? Zack asked
"Huh? No! never heard of him in my life. Tifa said snapping back to normal
"Your face tells differently. Zack said looking her with doubt in his eyes.
"Yeah well…Tifa stopped
"I'll have to consider this offer Ms. Lockheart but I won't promise you anything. Zack said putting Tifa's papers in a filling cabinet.
"Alright sure, sure. Tifa said getting ready to leave the office
"Have a nice day…Zack said going back to work.
"You too, Tifa said leaving the office.
After Tifa left the office room was dead silent.
"Aeris…Zack whispered to himself.
Zack gathered his things, turned off the light and headed out the door…
Meanwhile
*********
Aeris and Cloud had been talking all afternoon the moon shone brightly through the window.
"Yeah that's my life boring and full of well strife. Aeris said finishing up the conversation.
"So you were adopted huh? Cloud said looking at Aeris's face.
"Yep, but how about you how was your life? Aeris looking Cloud in the face.
"Me? Oh my life is exactly like my last name. Cloud said sitting up
"Strife oh not you…Aeris said jokingly
"Always got into fights, my dad died when I was still young. Cloud started
"Well what about your mom? Aeris asked Cloud with concern.
"My mom was a vibrant woman but when I was sixteen she died but I'm pretty sure she died happy.
"Oh I'm sorry to hear that, m-maybe we shouldn't-
"No it's alright I don't mind, but there was one girl I'll never forget. Cloud said with a smile
"And she would be…Aeris asked
"Tifa Lockheart pretty spunky gal, had her own little fan club of boys of course.
"Were you guys ever serious? Aeris asked looking at the ceiling.
Cloud looked at her with a "are you crazy kind of look".
"I must admit I had a crush on her but after it's all said and done I don't think me Tifa would progress more than just being friends. Besides it's not like I'm going to see her again Cloud.
finished.
(Hmm) interesting. Aeris mumbled to herself..
The room was silent as the two thought of what to say next.
"You know Cloud?
"What?
….."You're very fun to be around you know that? Aeris said cocking her head to the side.
"You to Aeris….Cloud said looking at her.
"And you know even though we've just met it feels like I've known you my whole life….Aeris looking back at Cloud.
The two stared at each other long and hard, Cloud being hypnotized by Aeris's lovely emerald eyes and Aeris being mesmerized by Cloud's sapphire eyes. Aeris totally forgot she was engaged and closed her eyes gently, Cloud did the same, but before their lips could meet, an unlocking sound could be heard from the door Aeris pulled away.
"Aeris-Zack said shocked by Cloud's presence
"Zack! Oh hi. Aeris said trying to play the moment off
"What's up comish? Cloud said greeting Zack
"Strife, hello…what's going on here.
"Oh well you see uh….Aeris paused looking for a word.
"Aeris called and told me she thought someone was in the house so being the loyal partner I am I came over to see what was up. Cloud covered up
"See I told you he's experienced, Good work Strife but I think you work here is done I'll take over now. Zack said taking his coat off.
"Oh…uh ok See ya later Aeris…Comish. Cloud said getting his coat and leaving the condo.
That Strife is a good Cadet I must admit. Zack said making sure Cloud left
"Yeah…Aeris sighed
"So anyway this is about what happened at the office. Zack said placing a hand on Aeris's shoulder.
"You're not mad?
"I'm not mad it was certainly new. Zack said with a smile
"Thanks
They both shared a kiss…
Meanwhile
********
Cloud walked up to his apartment door and searched through his many keys until found the house key. He sped walked to his couch threw his work bag on the ground and landed on the couch with a thud he thought about Aeris and how cheerful and perky she was until her heard something in the bathroom. He grabbed his gun and proceeded to the bathroom cautiously. The figure walked out.
FREEZE! Cloud yelled at the screaming shadow
Ah! CLOUD! What's your problem! Tifa yelled while on the floor.
T-Tifa? Cloud said a little blushed out
"Uh yeah who else? Tifa said standing up holding the towel that was wrapped around her body.
"Oh boy, Cloud sighed……….
Tune in to Chapter Four!
Zack decides to make the wedding sooner!
Tifa tries to seduce Cloud!
Aeris gives Cloud a friendly kiss of gratitude but it turns into more……