[A/N: Well, here it is people. The last chapter :D A little side note, if any of you are offended by strong sexual situations, turn back now XD Well, at least after the Epilogue. After this, I'm probably going to write a Vincent/Tifa fic... I'd love to write a Sephy/Tifa, but right now there are so many people writing them, so I'd like to stick to doing something a little different. Anyways, for all of you who have reviewed, thank you sooo much, and even to all of you who read but not review. Thanks for giving my story the attention!! I hope you guys liked this, and I hope the ending appeals to you, as well. Well, until my next story, See ya! Please do me a little favor, review and tell me what ya thought ^.^ ]
..x.x.x.x.x..
Finally feeling thoroughly warm for the first time in what seemed like ages, Tifa looked around the comfortable settings of the simple cavern she was in.
"I'm sorry again, miss. I didn't mean to scare you like that back there." A strong, older man said. He introduced himself as Mike, a worker on the dig site they were in.
"It's alright. I've just.. had a rough week, that's all." Tifa smiled comfortingly at him. When she had realized her new company was a normal person, and not some bizarre creature returned from the dead, she had relaxed and accepted Mike's offer to stay in their cavern; a temporary home for the workers.
After handing Tifa a glass of soda, (which Tifa received all too graciously) Mike sat next to her on one of the wooden stools around a table in the back of the room. "So, what brings you here? Here lately, we've been noticing a lot of kids coming to these woods. It started back when the Meteor was hangin' in the sky, and ever since.." He trailed off, taking a swallow of his own beverage.
Tifa smiled to herself, knowing exactly who these "kids" were. "Well, it's a long story... I guess to put it shortly, my boyfriend and I lost a very close friend here some time ago."
Mike nodded in understanding. "Lot's of people get lost in those woods. Despite our warning, people seem to go filin' in there, anyway. There's supposed to be some kinda city back there, that used to flourish with the prodigious Ancients." He smiled politely. "I wouldn't doubt you've heard of it by now."
Tifa smiled in return and then turned her crimson gaze down into her glass. She willingly went along with his statements, acting like an innocent bystander. She didn't want to get into a long, complex conversation about her past.
Mike swirled his glass and continued, softly. "Here lately we've been seeing a girl back in there. She wears the same thing everyday, a pink dress.. Some of the workers here have gone far enough to say she's a ghost of some kind. We're starting to think that maybe the kids have been going back there for her." Realization struck him and he looked up at Tifa. "Say.. She wouldn't be that friend of yours, is she?"
As he looked upon the young lady, her head was held low and her eyes were closed. She was smiling softly, and answered back. "Yeah. That would be her. Her name is.. Aeris."
Mike's eyes went wide with surprise. "Aeris? You mean the last living Ancient? That helped saved the planet?"
Tifa merely nodded her head. Understanding fulfilled Mike as he realized who the girl sitting before her was, and who the man that was with her was as well. He didn't say anymore, not wanting to upset Tifa any further or continue to bombard her with a million questions like she probably already had.
After a moment of silence, though, Mike finally looked up at her, smiling gently, and said in a soft voice, "Thank you."
.x.x.x.
Cloud laid back against one of many living, green trees. He grasped at his head, his heart heavy and sodden. /No.. It can't be too late../ He had searched in vain for hours, stumbling blindly around the dense forest. When he was here before, Aeris appeared to him nearly right away, but this time she was no where to be found.
Cloud's legs were aching and his lungs stung with every breathe, his body finally giving in to the stress and fatigue. As much as he wanted, no, -needed- to push on, his body just wouldn't do it. He closed his eyelids slowly, fighting them to stay open, fighting the urge to rest his weary limbs.
Just as his eyelids clasped shut, he clenched his fists and with all his might, pushed himself up from his resting spot and to his feet. Staggering with every step, he pushed on, forcing his will to carry him forward.
.x.x.x.
Another hour of fruitless searching passed, and the body of the debilitated Cloud could take it no longer. With a groan and a forceful step, Cloud teetered wearily to the floor. He felt the ground rush up at him, expecting the feel the harsh impact of the cold, barren ground when suddenly his whole body felt lighter than air. His being was no longer falling.. he was -floating-, slowly down. And it wasn't the bleak ground he felt softly supporting where he should have fallen, instead, he felt the gentle warmth of another person catch him.
He opened his mind's eye to look at the soft features of Aeris. He reached up to touch her face, feeling his mind waver in and out of consciousness. She smiled down at him warmly and placed a petite hand on his chest, whispering softly an ancient spell from her people, which instantly revitalized Cloud.
Blinking, he sat up and hugged her. She said nothing, only hugging him back tightly. After a moment, she pulled away and looked into his refreshed blue eyes.
"I'm sorry for taking so long, Cloud.. when you first arrived here, I stayed behind to watch Tifa. She was thinking about me.. Wishing that I didn't have to be alone." She closed her eyes for a moment, smiling sadly for her friend's concern. "She seemed cold, so I silently led one of the workers to her to take care of her."
Cloud smiled thankfully up at Aeris, and hugged her again, tightly to his body. "Thank you, Aeris."
"She.. She thought about Zack." Aeris continued, almost sadly. "His soul is in the Life Stream. I was thinking, that maybe if I had time I'd find him.." A tear slid down her smooth, soft cheek. "He's... he's no replacement for you, but-"
Cloud took her hand in his and pressed it softly to his lips. "But at least you won't be lonely." Cloud's eyes reflected her sadness, only translating it from the depths of emerald to the shallowest of blue. "Aeris, I wasn't lying when I said I love you. You'll always be in my heart."
She smiled in return, taking his face in her small, feminine hands and placed a delicate pink kiss on Cloud's forehead. "We all have to move on, though, right Cloud?"
He looked into her eyes and smiled. He reached up to caress her cheek, yet was caught entirely off guard when his hand slipped right through her skin. He sat up in surprise, feeling the warmth of her lap fade away. "Aeris.."
She closed her eyes and bowed her head. She spoke without moving her lips, her voice filling his mind and the beautiful green void around him. "It's time, Cloud."
He tried one last time to reach out and touch her, yet to no avail. She in turn reached out to touch his cheek gently, yet all he felt was a warm, soft breath on his skin. She started to slowly drift into the air, and Cloud stood quickly to keep up with her.
"Take care of yourself, Cloud." Aeris' voice said, filling the air.
"You too, Aeris. Say hi to Zack for me, if you see him! I wish you luck, Aeris.."
She continued to drift higher, and Cloud found himself reaching up for her as she became out of reach. Just before she disappeared completely from sight, he heard her voice resonate from every corner of his mind.
"I love you, Cloud.. live well."
.x.x.x.
Hours had passed, and Tifa was sitting on the same stool as when she had first entered the warm little cavern. Mike had urged her to get some needed rest, yet she refused politely every time. She was worried for Cloud, worried about him being lost, getting hurt or running into trouble.
Mike was clearly concerned for her condition, seeing how extremely exhausted she was. He had offered her some food, and she gladly accepted, along with some potions. None of them, however, could help her heart.
The hours ticked away, well into the morning. Darkness still hung in the moist morning air, and Mike had left to start work with his friends and coworkers. It amazed Tifa how early those people got to work. And digging, of all things. /I bet they find lots of valuables from the Cetra that were left behind.. Living in a place with this much history, I would be out there, too, searching for the clues to the past../
Tifa yawned lazily and laid her head down on the table before her. Her back by now was sore from the ungodly position she was in, but didn't have the motivation to move from her bodily fatigue. Her eyelids drooped heavily, begging to close for just a moment... /No! Stay awake Tifa.. Just a little longer../
But she could no longer fight it. The quiet, dim stillness of the warm air was driving all her senses to rest. Her will gave in, and her eyelids fluttered closed.
.x.x.x.
She was clearly fighting to stay awake in her seemingly uncomfortable position in the back of the small cavern. Cloud smiled to himself, and quietly entered the place just when she laid her head down, closing her beautifully lashed eyes. He quietly neared her, listening to her soft breathing filling the still, silent air.
Cloud quietly stepped up behind her and leaned down, softly pressing himself against her back, slipping his strong arms around her petite stomach. He leaned his face right next to hers and studied her sweet, feminine features. The shape of her closed eye and long, raven eyelashes, the curved of her delicious lips, the glide of her cheek and how her chocolate hair fell in neat tendrils around her face.
He closed his eyes and breathed her in, feeling his heartbeat steady at the sweet smell of her. Her hair was like wild freesia, her skin like sweet peach. He then delved into her inner being, swimming past her beauty, and brushed against her mind. He saw how sweet and caring she was, how bright and touching she could be, her compassionate and desire and dedication, and most of all, her love.
She was an angel to him, sent to take care of him despite the problems he often faced. He thought back on all the times he was in times of need, how she was almost always there for him, dedicating herself to him. She even abandoned all the others in such a desperate time, and all for what?
What had he given to her in return after all that? /Because of her, I'm the real Cloud from Nibelheim, not some crazed experiment with the wrong memory./ He tightened his embrace around her and watched as her full eyelashes fluttered like the delicate wings of an ebony butterfly. Her eyes instantly trailed over to the face of Cloud, so close their noses touched as she turned her weary head.
When realization sunk in, she sat up completely as her eyes lit up like the brilliance of the stars. She threw her arms around Cloud in a gasp of joy, holding him tightly to her body as he quickly slipped his arms around her in return.
"Cloud! I was so worried, I-"
He cut her off curtly with a deep, tender kiss, searching her warm mouth eagerly with his tongue. Tifa's eyes widened in sudden surprise, then responded just as quickly by sliding her diminutive hands around his neck, pulling him closer, beckoning him to stay with her like this for much longer. Electricity slowly spread through their entwined bodies, generating goose bumps of excitement over the surface of their skin.
They held each other so tightly for so long that when they finally pulled their moist lips apart, they were both gasping slightly for breath. Cloud stared into her gorgeous eyes of the deepest wine, intoxicated by her beauty, her love, by -her-.
Tifa lifted herself slightly on her toes and reached for Cloud's mouth again, delivering a series of slow, passionate yet shallow kisses on his soft lips. Just the feeling of her soft touch sent shivers down his spine. He longed for more of her, but he knew that now was not the time, and this was most definitely not the place.
In a sweeping motion, he picked Tifa off of her feet, carrying her like a groom would carry his bride. Laying one last tender kiss upon her lips, he carried her towards the door.
"Let's go home, Tifa."
..x.x.x.x.x..
.x. Epilogue .x.
They were all together again in the home built bar in the Nibelheim mansion. Merely two weeks had passed since the interlude with Tadrith. None of them wished to return to the place so soon, though Tifa had told them of what she had found in the library of Hojo's mansion. They decided to wait to return to the nightmarish hell that Shin-Ra had left behind, it was too soon to bring to light the other monstrous secrets they had left hidden.
The room was full of laughter as they all sat around the large, round oak table that centered the large bar room, playing at a game of poker. The truth was, neither of them were really good at it, so they took turns poking fun at each other for their horrible losses. Of all of them, though, Red had the hardest time playing, since it was he who could barely manage the cards in his large, feline paws.
Tifa's own home cooked meal was settling in all their bellies as they each occasionally sipped at their favorite choice of beverage, (which by now, Tifa had learned by heart.) It turned out after a while that Vincent was a really good player, he'd just been holding it back.
"You would be surprised at what you learn to do in your spare time as a Turk. The Shin-Ra, mostly the Turks, were relentless for their... lack of duty." Was his only reply to any questions to his skill.
Once they got tired of the shuffling and dealing of cards, some of them moved on to a game of pool, which was equally amusing; with Vincent's metal claw, Red's infamous paws, CaitSith's stuffed body, and Barret's gun arm. The laughter never seemed to stop, that evening.
It occurred to them that the laughter and light spirit around them was not from their humorous trials at random games, or even then possible overdose of beverages. (None of them were really heavy drinkers, so that hardly ever occurred.) It was just that they were happy. They were free, able to do normal, everyday human activities, and to laugh and smile without the weight of the world on their shoulders. It was enlightening, they all felt so -alive-.
As time passed, they all eventually settled in the comfortable living room, just to talk. About anything, everything.. It didn't matter how embarrassing or simply stupid, they talked about it all. Friends.. That's what they were, that's what they would always be.
When 3:30 in the morning finally rolled around, Tifa excused herself from the group, wishing for a breath of fresh, night air. They others nodded in accordance, Tifa usually did this late at night. She adored the stars, and loved staring up at them from the comfort of -her- well.
After she left, Cloud looked around rather nervously. Barret nudged him on the arm comfortingly, knowing the circumstances filling the young man's head. They others gave their own words of comfort, or advice, and after taking a deep breath, Cloud stood and walked to the front door. He took one last glance over his shoulder to see the brightly grinning faces of his closest companions. /Too bright, for this time in the morning../
He smiled nervously back, then walked out the front door, feeling the cool night air surround his body. He stepped forward a bit and looked at his reflection in one of the windows, straightening his shirt, fixing his belt and running a hand deftly through his blonde spikes.
Trying to keep his cool, he turned and walked to the well, still placed in the center of town, where it had originally stood since they were kids. /But our old one was burned down with the rest of the town.. The memory of our promise died away with it. Time to give her a new memory, for the new well../
His steps were quick and eager, his fingers tingling with nervous tension. He gazed at the well as it drew nearer, and saw the lovely figure of Tifa sitting daintily upon it, hugging her knees to herself as she gazed longingly at the stars. He didn't allow himself to stop, didn't want his anxiety to settle in.
Tifa heard the metallic sound of footsteps up the metal ladder echo off of the nearby town houses, and looked over her shoulder to see none other than Cloud slowly rise to the platform. She flashed him her dazzling smile, along with a quick playful wink.
Cloud, however, remained with an expression of serious matter, and walked around the stone well to sit next to her on it's wall. He immediately slipped his strong arm around her and pulled her closer to him, never taking his eyes off of hers.
Tifa eagerly leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his body surround her in waves of pleasant delight. He tenderly took her face in his hands before she could tell him anything at all, and placed a soft kiss on her skin.
"Tifa, I need to talk to you about something." He told her, with that serious look reflecting in his eyes.
She leaned her head to the side in curiosity and urged him silently to go on, that she was listening intently. Cloud swung one leg over the side of the well so that one leg was on either side of it's stone walls. He smiled at her and beckoned her closer with his eyes. She smiled in return and slid close to him, so that her back was laying against his chest. He proceeded to wrap his arms tightly and protectively around his love, promising silently to keep her close forever.
"This town has many memories to it, for the both of us." Cloud said softly. The smell of Tifa so close to him was so enticing.. But he pressed on. "Though it's been authentically built over again after it was burned down. Including this well, which holds some of the most important memories for us."
Tifa nodded, and he could feel her smile. "It's in the same spot under the stars, though." Tifa looked up, laying her head on Cloud's broad shoulder. "These very stars, right here, remember everything."
Cloud tenderly kissed the crown of her head, inhaling the wonderful smell of her soft, dark hair. "Yeah, but I'd like to make a new promise." He squeezed her a little tighter, a little closer. "So that a new memory can be embedded in the walls of this town, of our well."
Cloud gently removed himself from behind Tifa and knelt down before her on one knee, tenderly taking one of her soft hands in his. Her eyes widened in astonishment and instantly moistened. She gasped quietly, her breath captivating Cloud, encompassing him to go further.
"Tifa, to you alone I promise my love, for the rest of my life, til my last dying breath. You have brought to life a part of me that I thought never existed, and you've shown me a life I never thought I could have. My heart burns to love you, and my arms long to hold you every day and night. Just like I had nearly 8 years ago, I promise again to protect you from any harm. In any time of need, I will be there for you, As you always have for me."
He paused and reached down, picking up a tiny, black velvet box. He never took his eye's away from hers, watching as crystalline tears slid tenderly down her porcelain cheeks. He opened the box to reveal a silver ring, intricately inlaid with a heart shaped gem that shamed even the most perfect diamond; it reflected the brilliance of the heavenly stars above them.
Cloud delicately slid the ring onto Tifa's left ring finger, and she let free a whole new set of tears, gasping again while placing her free hand to her lips.
"Tifa Lockheart, my friend, my love, my life.. Will you marry me?" The words flowed not from Cloud's lips, but from his heart. When he said them, they sounded so -right-, so perfect, as if it were meant to be.
Tifa hardly hesitated. "Yes, Cloud, with all my heart.. I will."
Cloud gently pulled her hand, pulling her down on top of him. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders while kissing him passionately through her tears. Cloud laid back on the platform of the well, pressing Tifa firmly against him, desperate for her touch, her warmth.
They laid there for several minutes, kissing each other and holding one another as the heated passion heightened. They were both so completely caught up in each other that they hardly noticed where they were, and scarcely did they care.
Cloud slid his calm hands down Tifa's back while exploring her mouth with his, carefully wrapping her long, beautiful legs around him as Tifa reached forward, pulling his shirt off over his head, admiring and touching his muscular chest.
Cloud couldn't stand the distance that put between them and tenderly pulled her body against his again, just wanting so much to -feel- her body there with his. He wanted to touch her heart, her soul.. And after tonight, he would.
He rubbed his warm hands up along Tifa's smooth skin on her back, and unsnapped her bra underneath her shirt with a deftness and skill he didn't know he had. Both of their hearts were racing like wild horses, yet neither of them could stop themselves. It was like throwing themselves before a speeding freight train of passion and emotion, and each of them only craved fore more.
Tifa shivered as Cloud pulled her shirt away, but felt the warmth of his body so close that it didn't matter how cold it was. Cloud gently rolled himself over closer to the well and away from the dangerous dropping ledge of the platform, putting himself on top of his beloved. He hovered over her with so much tenderness and care..
They gazed into one another's eyes and felt the electricity between them strike their very souls. Tifa reached her hands up lovingly and pulled Cloud's lips to hers, showing that it was alright, that she wasn't scared, that she trusted him.
Before too long, they were both completely nude, only wearing the lover's fashion as they stared long and true at each other. There was no turning back, passion and love had seized them, and they longed to feel each other as they never had before. Cloud gently stroked Tifa's hair as she kissed him tenderly.
With smooth, tender and careful motions, Cloud finally entered her, for the first time in a lover's embrace, staining the well with the new memories of the first time they made love to each other.
And as they had for all eternity, the stars watched from above, twinkling with their ages of wisdom, sealing forever the love that was conceived below, remembering it for all of time.
..x.X.x. The End .x.X.x..
..x.x.x.x.x..
Finally feeling thoroughly warm for the first time in what seemed like ages, Tifa looked around the comfortable settings of the simple cavern she was in.
"I'm sorry again, miss. I didn't mean to scare you like that back there." A strong, older man said. He introduced himself as Mike, a worker on the dig site they were in.
"It's alright. I've just.. had a rough week, that's all." Tifa smiled comfortingly at him. When she had realized her new company was a normal person, and not some bizarre creature returned from the dead, she had relaxed and accepted Mike's offer to stay in their cavern; a temporary home for the workers.
After handing Tifa a glass of soda, (which Tifa received all too graciously) Mike sat next to her on one of the wooden stools around a table in the back of the room. "So, what brings you here? Here lately, we've been noticing a lot of kids coming to these woods. It started back when the Meteor was hangin' in the sky, and ever since.." He trailed off, taking a swallow of his own beverage.
Tifa smiled to herself, knowing exactly who these "kids" were. "Well, it's a long story... I guess to put it shortly, my boyfriend and I lost a very close friend here some time ago."
Mike nodded in understanding. "Lot's of people get lost in those woods. Despite our warning, people seem to go filin' in there, anyway. There's supposed to be some kinda city back there, that used to flourish with the prodigious Ancients." He smiled politely. "I wouldn't doubt you've heard of it by now."
Tifa smiled in return and then turned her crimson gaze down into her glass. She willingly went along with his statements, acting like an innocent bystander. She didn't want to get into a long, complex conversation about her past.
Mike swirled his glass and continued, softly. "Here lately we've been seeing a girl back in there. She wears the same thing everyday, a pink dress.. Some of the workers here have gone far enough to say she's a ghost of some kind. We're starting to think that maybe the kids have been going back there for her." Realization struck him and he looked up at Tifa. "Say.. She wouldn't be that friend of yours, is she?"
As he looked upon the young lady, her head was held low and her eyes were closed. She was smiling softly, and answered back. "Yeah. That would be her. Her name is.. Aeris."
Mike's eyes went wide with surprise. "Aeris? You mean the last living Ancient? That helped saved the planet?"
Tifa merely nodded her head. Understanding fulfilled Mike as he realized who the girl sitting before her was, and who the man that was with her was as well. He didn't say anymore, not wanting to upset Tifa any further or continue to bombard her with a million questions like she probably already had.
After a moment of silence, though, Mike finally looked up at her, smiling gently, and said in a soft voice, "Thank you."
.x.x.x.
Cloud laid back against one of many living, green trees. He grasped at his head, his heart heavy and sodden. /No.. It can't be too late../ He had searched in vain for hours, stumbling blindly around the dense forest. When he was here before, Aeris appeared to him nearly right away, but this time she was no where to be found.
Cloud's legs were aching and his lungs stung with every breathe, his body finally giving in to the stress and fatigue. As much as he wanted, no, -needed- to push on, his body just wouldn't do it. He closed his eyelids slowly, fighting them to stay open, fighting the urge to rest his weary limbs.
Just as his eyelids clasped shut, he clenched his fists and with all his might, pushed himself up from his resting spot and to his feet. Staggering with every step, he pushed on, forcing his will to carry him forward.
.x.x.x.
Another hour of fruitless searching passed, and the body of the debilitated Cloud could take it no longer. With a groan and a forceful step, Cloud teetered wearily to the floor. He felt the ground rush up at him, expecting the feel the harsh impact of the cold, barren ground when suddenly his whole body felt lighter than air. His being was no longer falling.. he was -floating-, slowly down. And it wasn't the bleak ground he felt softly supporting where he should have fallen, instead, he felt the gentle warmth of another person catch him.
He opened his mind's eye to look at the soft features of Aeris. He reached up to touch her face, feeling his mind waver in and out of consciousness. She smiled down at him warmly and placed a petite hand on his chest, whispering softly an ancient spell from her people, which instantly revitalized Cloud.
Blinking, he sat up and hugged her. She said nothing, only hugging him back tightly. After a moment, she pulled away and looked into his refreshed blue eyes.
"I'm sorry for taking so long, Cloud.. when you first arrived here, I stayed behind to watch Tifa. She was thinking about me.. Wishing that I didn't have to be alone." She closed her eyes for a moment, smiling sadly for her friend's concern. "She seemed cold, so I silently led one of the workers to her to take care of her."
Cloud smiled thankfully up at Aeris, and hugged her again, tightly to his body. "Thank you, Aeris."
"She.. She thought about Zack." Aeris continued, almost sadly. "His soul is in the Life Stream. I was thinking, that maybe if I had time I'd find him.." A tear slid down her smooth, soft cheek. "He's... he's no replacement for you, but-"
Cloud took her hand in his and pressed it softly to his lips. "But at least you won't be lonely." Cloud's eyes reflected her sadness, only translating it from the depths of emerald to the shallowest of blue. "Aeris, I wasn't lying when I said I love you. You'll always be in my heart."
She smiled in return, taking his face in her small, feminine hands and placed a delicate pink kiss on Cloud's forehead. "We all have to move on, though, right Cloud?"
He looked into her eyes and smiled. He reached up to caress her cheek, yet was caught entirely off guard when his hand slipped right through her skin. He sat up in surprise, feeling the warmth of her lap fade away. "Aeris.."
She closed her eyes and bowed her head. She spoke without moving her lips, her voice filling his mind and the beautiful green void around him. "It's time, Cloud."
He tried one last time to reach out and touch her, yet to no avail. She in turn reached out to touch his cheek gently, yet all he felt was a warm, soft breath on his skin. She started to slowly drift into the air, and Cloud stood quickly to keep up with her.
"Take care of yourself, Cloud." Aeris' voice said, filling the air.
"You too, Aeris. Say hi to Zack for me, if you see him! I wish you luck, Aeris.."
She continued to drift higher, and Cloud found himself reaching up for her as she became out of reach. Just before she disappeared completely from sight, he heard her voice resonate from every corner of his mind.
"I love you, Cloud.. live well."
.x.x.x.
Hours had passed, and Tifa was sitting on the same stool as when she had first entered the warm little cavern. Mike had urged her to get some needed rest, yet she refused politely every time. She was worried for Cloud, worried about him being lost, getting hurt or running into trouble.
Mike was clearly concerned for her condition, seeing how extremely exhausted she was. He had offered her some food, and she gladly accepted, along with some potions. None of them, however, could help her heart.
The hours ticked away, well into the morning. Darkness still hung in the moist morning air, and Mike had left to start work with his friends and coworkers. It amazed Tifa how early those people got to work. And digging, of all things. /I bet they find lots of valuables from the Cetra that were left behind.. Living in a place with this much history, I would be out there, too, searching for the clues to the past../
Tifa yawned lazily and laid her head down on the table before her. Her back by now was sore from the ungodly position she was in, but didn't have the motivation to move from her bodily fatigue. Her eyelids drooped heavily, begging to close for just a moment... /No! Stay awake Tifa.. Just a little longer../
But she could no longer fight it. The quiet, dim stillness of the warm air was driving all her senses to rest. Her will gave in, and her eyelids fluttered closed.
.x.x.x.
She was clearly fighting to stay awake in her seemingly uncomfortable position in the back of the small cavern. Cloud smiled to himself, and quietly entered the place just when she laid her head down, closing her beautifully lashed eyes. He quietly neared her, listening to her soft breathing filling the still, silent air.
Cloud quietly stepped up behind her and leaned down, softly pressing himself against her back, slipping his strong arms around her petite stomach. He leaned his face right next to hers and studied her sweet, feminine features. The shape of her closed eye and long, raven eyelashes, the curved of her delicious lips, the glide of her cheek and how her chocolate hair fell in neat tendrils around her face.
He closed his eyes and breathed her in, feeling his heartbeat steady at the sweet smell of her. Her hair was like wild freesia, her skin like sweet peach. He then delved into her inner being, swimming past her beauty, and brushed against her mind. He saw how sweet and caring she was, how bright and touching she could be, her compassionate and desire and dedication, and most of all, her love.
She was an angel to him, sent to take care of him despite the problems he often faced. He thought back on all the times he was in times of need, how she was almost always there for him, dedicating herself to him. She even abandoned all the others in such a desperate time, and all for what?
What had he given to her in return after all that? /Because of her, I'm the real Cloud from Nibelheim, not some crazed experiment with the wrong memory./ He tightened his embrace around her and watched as her full eyelashes fluttered like the delicate wings of an ebony butterfly. Her eyes instantly trailed over to the face of Cloud, so close their noses touched as she turned her weary head.
When realization sunk in, she sat up completely as her eyes lit up like the brilliance of the stars. She threw her arms around Cloud in a gasp of joy, holding him tightly to her body as he quickly slipped his arms around her in return.
"Cloud! I was so worried, I-"
He cut her off curtly with a deep, tender kiss, searching her warm mouth eagerly with his tongue. Tifa's eyes widened in sudden surprise, then responded just as quickly by sliding her diminutive hands around his neck, pulling him closer, beckoning him to stay with her like this for much longer. Electricity slowly spread through their entwined bodies, generating goose bumps of excitement over the surface of their skin.
They held each other so tightly for so long that when they finally pulled their moist lips apart, they were both gasping slightly for breath. Cloud stared into her gorgeous eyes of the deepest wine, intoxicated by her beauty, her love, by -her-.
Tifa lifted herself slightly on her toes and reached for Cloud's mouth again, delivering a series of slow, passionate yet shallow kisses on his soft lips. Just the feeling of her soft touch sent shivers down his spine. He longed for more of her, but he knew that now was not the time, and this was most definitely not the place.
In a sweeping motion, he picked Tifa off of her feet, carrying her like a groom would carry his bride. Laying one last tender kiss upon her lips, he carried her towards the door.
"Let's go home, Tifa."
..x.x.x.x.x..
.x. Epilogue .x.
They were all together again in the home built bar in the Nibelheim mansion. Merely two weeks had passed since the interlude with Tadrith. None of them wished to return to the place so soon, though Tifa had told them of what she had found in the library of Hojo's mansion. They decided to wait to return to the nightmarish hell that Shin-Ra had left behind, it was too soon to bring to light the other monstrous secrets they had left hidden.
The room was full of laughter as they all sat around the large, round oak table that centered the large bar room, playing at a game of poker. The truth was, neither of them were really good at it, so they took turns poking fun at each other for their horrible losses. Of all of them, though, Red had the hardest time playing, since it was he who could barely manage the cards in his large, feline paws.
Tifa's own home cooked meal was settling in all their bellies as they each occasionally sipped at their favorite choice of beverage, (which by now, Tifa had learned by heart.) It turned out after a while that Vincent was a really good player, he'd just been holding it back.
"You would be surprised at what you learn to do in your spare time as a Turk. The Shin-Ra, mostly the Turks, were relentless for their... lack of duty." Was his only reply to any questions to his skill.
Once they got tired of the shuffling and dealing of cards, some of them moved on to a game of pool, which was equally amusing; with Vincent's metal claw, Red's infamous paws, CaitSith's stuffed body, and Barret's gun arm. The laughter never seemed to stop, that evening.
It occurred to them that the laughter and light spirit around them was not from their humorous trials at random games, or even then possible overdose of beverages. (None of them were really heavy drinkers, so that hardly ever occurred.) It was just that they were happy. They were free, able to do normal, everyday human activities, and to laugh and smile without the weight of the world on their shoulders. It was enlightening, they all felt so -alive-.
As time passed, they all eventually settled in the comfortable living room, just to talk. About anything, everything.. It didn't matter how embarrassing or simply stupid, they talked about it all. Friends.. That's what they were, that's what they would always be.
When 3:30 in the morning finally rolled around, Tifa excused herself from the group, wishing for a breath of fresh, night air. They others nodded in accordance, Tifa usually did this late at night. She adored the stars, and loved staring up at them from the comfort of -her- well.
After she left, Cloud looked around rather nervously. Barret nudged him on the arm comfortingly, knowing the circumstances filling the young man's head. They others gave their own words of comfort, or advice, and after taking a deep breath, Cloud stood and walked to the front door. He took one last glance over his shoulder to see the brightly grinning faces of his closest companions. /Too bright, for this time in the morning../
He smiled nervously back, then walked out the front door, feeling the cool night air surround his body. He stepped forward a bit and looked at his reflection in one of the windows, straightening his shirt, fixing his belt and running a hand deftly through his blonde spikes.
Trying to keep his cool, he turned and walked to the well, still placed in the center of town, where it had originally stood since they were kids. /But our old one was burned down with the rest of the town.. The memory of our promise died away with it. Time to give her a new memory, for the new well../
His steps were quick and eager, his fingers tingling with nervous tension. He gazed at the well as it drew nearer, and saw the lovely figure of Tifa sitting daintily upon it, hugging her knees to herself as she gazed longingly at the stars. He didn't allow himself to stop, didn't want his anxiety to settle in.
Tifa heard the metallic sound of footsteps up the metal ladder echo off of the nearby town houses, and looked over her shoulder to see none other than Cloud slowly rise to the platform. She flashed him her dazzling smile, along with a quick playful wink.
Cloud, however, remained with an expression of serious matter, and walked around the stone well to sit next to her on it's wall. He immediately slipped his strong arm around her and pulled her closer to him, never taking his eyes off of hers.
Tifa eagerly leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his body surround her in waves of pleasant delight. He tenderly took her face in his hands before she could tell him anything at all, and placed a soft kiss on her skin.
"Tifa, I need to talk to you about something." He told her, with that serious look reflecting in his eyes.
She leaned her head to the side in curiosity and urged him silently to go on, that she was listening intently. Cloud swung one leg over the side of the well so that one leg was on either side of it's stone walls. He smiled at her and beckoned her closer with his eyes. She smiled in return and slid close to him, so that her back was laying against his chest. He proceeded to wrap his arms tightly and protectively around his love, promising silently to keep her close forever.
"This town has many memories to it, for the both of us." Cloud said softly. The smell of Tifa so close to him was so enticing.. But he pressed on. "Though it's been authentically built over again after it was burned down. Including this well, which holds some of the most important memories for us."
Tifa nodded, and he could feel her smile. "It's in the same spot under the stars, though." Tifa looked up, laying her head on Cloud's broad shoulder. "These very stars, right here, remember everything."
Cloud tenderly kissed the crown of her head, inhaling the wonderful smell of her soft, dark hair. "Yeah, but I'd like to make a new promise." He squeezed her a little tighter, a little closer. "So that a new memory can be embedded in the walls of this town, of our well."
Cloud gently removed himself from behind Tifa and knelt down before her on one knee, tenderly taking one of her soft hands in his. Her eyes widened in astonishment and instantly moistened. She gasped quietly, her breath captivating Cloud, encompassing him to go further.
"Tifa, to you alone I promise my love, for the rest of my life, til my last dying breath. You have brought to life a part of me that I thought never existed, and you've shown me a life I never thought I could have. My heart burns to love you, and my arms long to hold you every day and night. Just like I had nearly 8 years ago, I promise again to protect you from any harm. In any time of need, I will be there for you, As you always have for me."
He paused and reached down, picking up a tiny, black velvet box. He never took his eye's away from hers, watching as crystalline tears slid tenderly down her porcelain cheeks. He opened the box to reveal a silver ring, intricately inlaid with a heart shaped gem that shamed even the most perfect diamond; it reflected the brilliance of the heavenly stars above them.
Cloud delicately slid the ring onto Tifa's left ring finger, and she let free a whole new set of tears, gasping again while placing her free hand to her lips.
"Tifa Lockheart, my friend, my love, my life.. Will you marry me?" The words flowed not from Cloud's lips, but from his heart. When he said them, they sounded so -right-, so perfect, as if it were meant to be.
Tifa hardly hesitated. "Yes, Cloud, with all my heart.. I will."
Cloud gently pulled her hand, pulling her down on top of him. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders while kissing him passionately through her tears. Cloud laid back on the platform of the well, pressing Tifa firmly against him, desperate for her touch, her warmth.
They laid there for several minutes, kissing each other and holding one another as the heated passion heightened. They were both so completely caught up in each other that they hardly noticed where they were, and scarcely did they care.
Cloud slid his calm hands down Tifa's back while exploring her mouth with his, carefully wrapping her long, beautiful legs around him as Tifa reached forward, pulling his shirt off over his head, admiring and touching his muscular chest.
Cloud couldn't stand the distance that put between them and tenderly pulled her body against his again, just wanting so much to -feel- her body there with his. He wanted to touch her heart, her soul.. And after tonight, he would.
He rubbed his warm hands up along Tifa's smooth skin on her back, and unsnapped her bra underneath her shirt with a deftness and skill he didn't know he had. Both of their hearts were racing like wild horses, yet neither of them could stop themselves. It was like throwing themselves before a speeding freight train of passion and emotion, and each of them only craved fore more.
Tifa shivered as Cloud pulled her shirt away, but felt the warmth of his body so close that it didn't matter how cold it was. Cloud gently rolled himself over closer to the well and away from the dangerous dropping ledge of the platform, putting himself on top of his beloved. He hovered over her with so much tenderness and care..
They gazed into one another's eyes and felt the electricity between them strike their very souls. Tifa reached her hands up lovingly and pulled Cloud's lips to hers, showing that it was alright, that she wasn't scared, that she trusted him.
Before too long, they were both completely nude, only wearing the lover's fashion as they stared long and true at each other. There was no turning back, passion and love had seized them, and they longed to feel each other as they never had before. Cloud gently stroked Tifa's hair as she kissed him tenderly.
With smooth, tender and careful motions, Cloud finally entered her, for the first time in a lover's embrace, staining the well with the new memories of the first time they made love to each other.
And as they had for all eternity, the stars watched from above, twinkling with their ages of wisdom, sealing forever the love that was conceived below, remembering it for all of time.
..x.X.x. The End .x.X.x..