Final Fantasy 7's: Intertwined Destinies

Ch 1: Love of my life

The sound fighting filled the hot summer air and tension rose higher and higher. There were wails of anger and sick joy as the two figures fought it out. Punch after punch, kick after kick, the two warriors exchanged blows.

"DIE!! You will be defeated!"

"There is no frikin way I'm going to loose! Prepare to F%$^#@$ die!"

"LIMIT BREAK!!!!"

"Grrr... Ack!"

And finally, at long last, it was over. A long and depressing 'KO' sounded throughout the house and field.

"Kuso! I can't believe the little brat beat me!"

It was true. There Yuffie was, standing over Cid triumphant...again.

"Ha ha, in yo face! You're too old! I'm Queen of the world!"

"Meh..."

As the triumphant Yuffie pranced around the room Cloud and Vincent had chose to come into the house now. Both men knew what kind of mayhem went on when Cid and Yuffie would spar. And believe them, it wasn't pretty. Cloud made his way to the couch where a very brave Aeris sat.

"So, how did it end this time?"

"Weeeell. Yuffie did a very dirty trick to win this time."

"I AM GOOD!! WOO! Vincent Valentine! Are you eyeballin me boy?"

Vincent rolled his eyes.

"What did she do?"

"She took Cid's cigarettes and told him she would throw them away."

"That was really dirty Yuffie."

"Ouch."

"So? Want a piece of me?"

"Cloud, I swear, we have got to keep that game away from her, especially when she plays with Cid!"

"Hmmmm, why not? Bring it on brat!"

Cloud looked over at the two.

".... Oh crap.... she's got Vincent, its the end of the world...."

"Ha. Sometimes I wish those rich people didn't make a video game about us. If they did why in this world would they pit us against each other? Think of the name! 'Avalanche Battle Royal' where you can fight against Shinra, Sephiroth and fellow teammates!"

"Yeah, but I mean its not their fault that Yuffie and Cid think that they are the favorites. Everyone knows that I, Cloud Strife, am the ultimate favorite."

"Suure."

"Take THAT Vinny!"

"You act like that hurt."

The couple looked over at the two gamers with a laugh. This was going to be a very long night.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was about nine when the servants had cleared the dinner table. Vincent had gotten addicted to the game and was now fighting Cait Sith, who was becoming interested. Cid was cheering on Vincent, while Yuffie was cheering on Cait. Meanwhile, Cloud had just finished his shower and was proceeding to get a drink. Too bad for him, he had to go into the uncharted domain of the gamers.

"To put as Yuffie would 'you suck, I win'"

"Whatever, hey Yuf, take my place young one, carry on my tradition of ass beatin."

Cait acted as an old master dying. He was giving his 'student' his last wishes.

"Yes SIR!! I'll make you proud! You an me Vinny, one on one, bitch!"

"Sure sweetie, hey cloud, do you wish to play?"

Cloud blinked. Then he smiled.

"Naw cupcakes, I'm very flattered you've finally asked me though."

"No prob sweetie. So Yuffie, are you ready to have a go?"

Cid's eyes bulged out of his head as Yuffie laughed mischievously. Cait Sith had gotten out of his master Yoda face and had started to make little cat-calls (excuse the pun).

"Why Vincent...Id love one. But I think it would be more fun with two guys and a girl. Cloud dear, would you please?"

She batted her eyelashes making Cloud laugh. He loved it when they all played like that. After all, he lived in Niebelum with Aeris, and Vincent. Vincent lived in the mansion and was rarely alone because Yuffie was always there. He chuckled to himself. He was about to answer yes until he saw Aeris outside.

I wonder why she's outside?

"Sure, but I have a lovely lady waiting for me outside. Sorry shnookums."

Yuffie smiled. Vincent chuckled to himself, Cait Sith was grinning and Cid...well Cid was still recovering.

"Too bad Yuf. 'Cause we ALL know he ain't talkin bout you!"

"Hey Cait, do you mean the lady or the lovely part?"

"Both!"

Yuffie threw a pillow at them.

"Grrr. Shut-up Cait! Shut up Vincent!"

Cid just blinked.

"Ha ha!"

With his drink in hand, Cloud left the little scene. He slid open the door. He winced a little at the cool wind; after all it was very hot in the house. He made his way to Aeris. Aeris, his love, his companion, his life. He was still smiling as he sat down beside her. But it instantly left his face when he saw her eyes. They looked so sad.

"You know, I thought she would have showed up by now."

Aeris' voice trailed off as she sighed.

Why didn't you come back? What could be so important?

A tear slid down Aeris' face. It didn't seem right.

Cloud watched her with curiosity. Why hadn't she come back?

Is it because of what I did Tiff?

No. He shook his head. Tifa was stronger than that. Besides, he knew the truth. She was in love with Zach. He had known for a long time. He found out when he fought against Sephiroth the final time by himself. Sephiroth knew he was going to die so he threw something in his face to hurt him.

Cloud looked over at Aeris. She was silently crying. He put his arm over her shoulder and pulled her close to him. He couldn't tell Aeris about Tifa and Zach. It would destroy her. It wasn't that she cared; it was just, he had left her, abandoned her for someone else. And right now, it seemed Cloud was doing the same thing. And the worst part was, it was the same girl, the girl she had come to call her best friend. Tifa. Cloud didn't love her anymore. His feelings for Tifa left when Aeris died. His mind was made up then, so was his heart. His eyes bulged out as he thought of this.

"Aeris, I love you, and no matter how I act or what I do, always remember that. Okay?"

She looked up at him.

Oh, Cloud, if you only knew...

"Okay. I've always known. I know that now you are concerned for her safety, that's all."

Aeris smiled at him. This was her man, her lover, and her soon to be husband. She couldn't be anymore happier.

"Good, lets hit the sack. I'm tired."

Aeris giggled.

"You're ALWAYS tired!"

"Yeah, I know, whatever."

"Ugh, stupid male."

The pair exchanged glances and laughed. They made their way to the house. Two eyes watched them leave. They didn't see them because they were hidden by a shadow.

"You know something Aeris, don't you? What are you hiding?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sorry it took me so long. I kept retyping and it STILL didn't sound right. Darn, still doesn't. Well, please review! Any ideas about what's going on? Drop me a line. Got any of those beautiful flames? Drop me a line. I accept them all. Thanks, and review!