Regaining A Lost Love

Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy VII.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews, and I hope that those of you who didn't review liked it too. Well, here's another chapter.

**

Everyone had arrived, and by now were all sitting at the dining table laughing, joking, and 'updating' everyone on their current situations. Tifa had noticed Cloud becoming eager and fidgety, and was trying to figure out his problem.

Cloud cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "I have something to tell you all. I've been thinking about this for a while, and I've decided; I'm going to find Aeris."

Every one was loud again as they gave him ideas and consoled his decision, while the news hit Tifa like a slap in the face.

'He, he's leaving me.to find her.' She nearly burst out crying, but instead smiled and sat still. She remained quiet for the rest of the night, every once in a while faking a laugh and nodding.

Night came quickly, and the AVALANCHE members were soon off to resume their lives, leaving Cloud and Tifa standing at the doorway of their small residence.

"Tif." Cloud turned to her and started into her eyes, making her heart beat faster. "I really want you to come with me, it would mean a lot to me." Her heart quickly sank back down to her feet upon hearing the rest of his request.

"I-I," she tried to refuse, but couldn't, "of course. Well, good night." She slowly trudged up to her room and plopped onto her bed. 'I should have told him no. Who am I kidding? I couldn't have refused him if I tried." She lay in bed, thinking about her upcoming quest, and finally fell asleep.

**

Tifa woke to rays of sunshine on her face and the smell of eggs and bacon in the air. She heard a pan drop and some profanity yelled, no doubt from Cloud. She pulled her body out of bed and walked down the stairs to the sight of Cloud cleaning up egg on the floor and a spot of food and grease on his pant leg.

"Ah, dropped the pan on yourself. I think you should leave cooking to the experts," Tifa said with a smirk on her face and her hands on her hips.

He looked up, a little startled when she spoke; he hadn't heard her come in. "I was trying to surprise you before we leave."

"Before we leave.?" The events of the night before suddenly flooded back to her.

"To find Aeris!"

"Oh yeah.I'm just tired, sorry I forgot." She reached up and rubbed her temples; she was getting a headache from all these confusing emotions. 'He's so happy thinking about her. Why can't I make him happy like that?'

She bent down and helped him clean up the rest of the mess, then began to finish cooking breakfast.

"Give me your pants," she blurted out as she turned around and looked at him.

He had a confused, yet amused look on his face. "What? My pants?"

She realized what she had said and began to blush. "Oops! I meant change them, and then give me your pants. They're stained, I can clean them, and, and."

"Oh, ok," he said with a slight smile. "I'll be right back." He left the room to change, leaving Tifa to cook breakfast.

She yelled up to him, "Just leave them in my room!"

Tifa finished cleaning Cloud's mess and resumed cooking breakfast. After ten minutes he still wasn't back, and she was wondering what had happened. As she walked up the stairs she heard a soft, soothing song.

'That song, I know it. I haven't heard it since I got my Premium Heart.'

As she stepped into her room, she saw Cloud playing the tune on her piano. He abruptly stopped as she came in.

"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have stayed in here."

"You don't have to stop, I like that song," she said as she smiled. She felt her face get hot. 'The love of my life is sitting in my room, talking to me.' She tried to convince herself that this was nothing, that he was in love with someone else, but she couldn't help it. Her heart kept beating faster and faster.

"Um, breakfast is ready."

They got up and walked downstairs and Tifa noticed Cloud's face light up as he saw the food set on the table. As they ate they made small talk, then finished and went to their rooms to pack.

**

Cloud walked into his room and grabbed his bag and his ultimate weapon, which were ready for him. 'I've been planning this for a while and now the time has finally come.'

He walked to Tifa's doorway and saw her throwing things out of her dresser drawers, just before he was hit in the face with one of her shirts.

"Looking for something?" He cocked his eyebrow as she looked at him.

"My Premium Heart. I thought I left them in here." She reached into her last drawer and pulled them out. "Never mind then. Now I just have to get a few more things."

"I'll be out with the chocobo. Meet me there when you're done." She nodded as he left.

"I can't believe I'm doing this. How are we supposed to bring her back?" Tifa finished packing her duffel bag and headed to the stables. Cloud was waiting for her by their gold chocobo.

'I forgot that we only have one gold chocobo.' She stood paralyzed as he turned around and waited for her. He put out his hand and she finally moved toward him, climbing up behind him. She didn't know where to put her hands, so she left them at her sides, even as the chocobo moved forward.

"Aren't you going to hold on?" He turned his head slightly to glance at her.

She blushed again and slowly wrapped her arms around his torso, reveling in his warmth. Tifa was amazed at how comfortable she felt like this and wished she could do it more often.

'Too bad it won't last much longer.' She hated the reality of the situation, but had to bear with it. She rested her head on his back, surprising Cloud a bit, and quickly fell asleep. 'At least I can spend now with you.'

**

I hope you liked this chapter! It's not as angsty as the last one, but I guess that's alright. Please review and tell me what you thought! Oh, and no flames. ^_^