The Nibel reactor slowly came into view behind the dark mist. It towered above the rest of the ruins and rubbles that surrounded it. The long trail of stairs silently beckoned the AVALANCHE leader to step forward.

Tifa watched as Cloud's hands slowly curled into a fist. She gently touched his arm and felt his whole body tense up. She closed her eyes and bowed her head. She could almost feel the intense pain rushing through him.

This...this is where it all began. This is where all the madness started and then...countless number of innocent people died that night.

I know Cloud...I know. She leaned her head against his chest as he pulled her into a light embrace. On that night, almost the whole town was burned to the ground. She had lost so many friends, neighbors, but more importantly, she had lost her family. From that day on, her life changed forever. No longer did she have the pleasure of being a regular carefree teen who barely had any responsibilities. After that incident, only the rough days welcomed her.

You're really...amazing Tifa...



I mean, how old were you back then? Fifteen? Sixteen maybe? After the incident, you quickly pulled yourself together and created a new life for you. It's so unbelievable that you managed to create a bar with no help from anyone and eventually worked your way to support yourself. I don't think I would have been as strong as you...I would have probably wasted my life and just drift aimlessly.

Tifa quickly turned around. She was met by Mako eyes watching her carefully. Cloud, don't say that! I'm sure you would have been able to pull it together also! Besides, I didn't have a choice. I had to live on...because I wanted to see you again. I had no idea what happened to you...I had no idea whether you were alive or dead but if there was the slightest chance that you lived, I just had to...live on for you. Gazing into his sapphire orbs, she slowly saw the icy barrier break away.

Shaking his head, he brought his hands up to her shoulders and then cupped her face. Tifa, I'm such a fool. I can't believe I never saw that. All my life, you were my pillar. You were always there for me, always so supportive of me and yet...I never returned the favor.

Yes you did Cloud...just knowing you didn't die no matter how close you came to, is all I need.

He pulled her closer to him as his arms trailed down to her waist. Tifa sighed as she draped her hands on his shoulders. A huge overwhelming sense of peace washed over her. It was something she hasn't felt in a long time. Cloud leaned his chin on her head as he gently caressed her raven hair. He inhaled deeply, taking in her sweet natural scent. It was the same scent of wild berries that he loved when he was younger and it was the last beautiful aroma he breathed in when he picked her up after Sephiroth wounded her before the air around him tainted with the odor of blood.

Damn you Sephiroth...

Because of his rival, he became a guinea pig for ShinRa, lost Zack, lost Tifa for seven years, lost Aeris, and he was nearly robbed of his life as well as everyone else on the Planet. Still, he knew that Sephiroth wasn't completely to be blamed for the tragedy. He knew that ShinRa and Jenova's influence played a major part as well. What happened to the Sephiroth that he knew? The one that was his friend, his comrade. All that vanished in one night during their journey to the reactor.

Let's head inside, he said at last.

Tifa nodded and reluctantly broke away from his embrace. The pair slowly walked to the railings of the reactor. All was quiet except for the low rumblings from the few machines and engines inside. Tifa was just about to make her first step on the stairs when Cloud skipped in front of her and pushed her back. He crossed his arms and shook his head, not allowing her to enter.

Tifa placed her hands on her hips and pretended to pout even though she failed terribly with a grin on her face. What!? You're still not gonna let me pass through!?

I'm afraid it's too dangerous in there Miss! Cloud joked.

Hmmm...I think I'll be all right if I go in with my big, strong escort! Tifa laughed as she played along with his silliness.

Ha, well in that case...I'll make an exception... he uttered under his breath and extended his hand in which she immediately accepted. She followed as he guided her up .

The brunette's bright smile slowly waned into a bittersweet one. You know, I still can't believe that Soldier who blocked me was actually you. I was crushed when I didn't see you return to Nibelheim but during all that time, you were right beside me.

Cloud's grin faded too. He gave her hand a light squeeze and said, And I always will be Tifa. I'll never leave your side again, I promise. You had no idea how much I wanted to jump out of my Soldier uniform and just be able to confront you but...I was too ashamed that I had let you down because I never made it to first class. I was just some rookie escort...

Hmph...so much for being an escort now huh? You're the leader of AVALANCHE, the one who stopped Sephiroth and saved the Planet. But, no matter who you are, in my eyes, you will always be a hero...my hero. Tifa had no idea where these words came from. She couldn't even stop herself from talking. It was not long ago that she was the one who had difficulties admitting her feelings but now, she was here standing next to the one man she had ever loved, pouring her whole heart out to him.

Tifa, you gotta stop talking like this or you're going to scare him away!

To her surprise, he replied firmly, And you, Miss. Lockeart, will always be my heroine. I guess...I just never told you that. I really wanted to but...I didn't know how you would react to it.

I didn't know how you would react either Cloud, but now that we're each taking turns revealing our feelings, I feel as if I can't stop, Tifa said with both excitement and anxiety in her voice.

Cloud chuckled softly. I know exactly how you feel Teef...exactly... And there's one more big revelation that I hope I will get to make soon...

Their thoughts were interrupted as they came face to face with the door into the reactor. Taking a deep breath, Cloud reached for the handle and pulled it open, allowing Tifa to head into the chamber first. Her head spun from left to right, back and forward. The leader sealed the door behind him and joined up with her as her eyes roamed about the reactor. Nothing changed at all. Everything was the way she had expected it to be and it was no surprise either since she doubts anyone would want to come to a place like this.

Let's head down...

She nodded and followed him down the long chain line, being careful not to trip over the links. Finally, she reached the bottom and found herself being surrounded by numerous tubes. Tubes that held the sick experiments of tortured ordinary people. She gasped, horrified at the sight of innocent people being turned into monstrous looking demons. She stood on her toes and peered into one of the cells. A pair of hollow dead eyes stared back at her.

Are...they alive? she asked quietly.

I don't know. If they are, they probably can't do much. In fact, I don't even think they can hear or see us. He saw the sadness wash over his childhood friend's face and quickly continued. But it's most likely that they are dead. It's no surprise Sephiroth went insane when he thought he was one of them.

Anyone would...but Cloud, you don't look at all disturbed by them.

I guess I'm pretty used to seeing them, you know, being held captive in ShinRa all those years but you have no idea how scared I was when I first entered this room to save you. However, I barely paid any attention. All I could think about was getting you out and praying that you were alive.

She watched him walked to the corner where he had placed her after Sephiroth brutally injured her. It was funny that he was standing in the exact place where she had nearly died and just staring at the empty space beneath him.

I had never been so scared in my life Tifa. To tell you the truth, no matter how hard I tried to reassure myself that you were going to be fine, I really thought you weren't going to make it. Your face was so pale and you could barely open your eyes. Your hands...they were ice cold and your pulse was so weak. Worst of all, there was so much blood.

I didn't think I was going to make it as well. The pain was unreal but I had to be strong. She gently traced the scar over her chest and sighed. I had to had faith that we were all going to be OK and then Zangan came. I really do owe my life to him...

I know. We all did actually make it out fine. Zack helped me escape from my stasis cell and we were on our way to Midgar. He said he wanted to become a mercenary. I didn't really care. All I wanted at that time was some food and a place to rest. I never knew...that was the last day I was ever going to see him again. We were so damn close to Midgar and then the ShinRa troops shot him. He clenched his fist and rammed it into a nearby wall. He helped me so much and I couldn't......do a damn thing for him.

Cloud, please don't blame yourself. There wasn't anything you could have done. If the Soldiers saw that you were trying to interfere...they would have killed you too. She slipped her fingers between his, breaking the deadly fist. We were all victims. In fact, everyone in AVALANCHE were victims. I guess, what I'm trying to say is that we should all be grateful that we're all alive today. I don't think Zack would have wanted you to lament over his death but rather, he wanted you to put an end to ShinRa and that is exactly what we did. So in a way, we did avenge Zack......and Aeris.



Her heart pounded nervously at the sound of her name. To this day, she still did not know whether or not Cloud had any feelings for her. Aeris was her best friend, but yet, also her rival when it came towards their leader. She held her breath, waiting anxiously for Cloud's next words.

She had done so much for the whole group and for the whole Planet. I really miss her and wished I could have prevented her death but maybe, she is finally reunited with Zack in the Lifestream and I hope so too. I know she really loves him and I want nothing more than for her to be happy.

Tifa sighed and agreed. Me too Cloud, me too. She grinned and looked around one last time. So, do you think it's safe to put this reactor incident behind us now?

I think it's very safe. Come on, let's get out of here. I wanna head to...one more place.

And where's that?

You'll see.

~*~

A nice refreshing breeze greeted Tifa as she turned at a corner, heading back to the town. It wasn't the frigid kind from the Nibel moutains but a calming, serene one. She wondered where the last place Cloud wanted to take her was. Before she could have a chance to narrow down all the possible locations in Nibelheim, Cloud stopped. Her eyes slowly trailed up the wooden well.

Cloud! It's the well! She jumped and clapped her hands like a little child. Cloud couldn't help but laugh at her innocence. Now THIS is one memory that I would never want to forget! Come on! She tugged at his arms before climbing her way up to the platform.

She sat down and allowed her feet to dangle loosely. Cloud appeared behind her and draped his cloak around her. He took a seat right beside her and stared up at the sky. Millions of stars glistened like diamonds on velvet, lighting up the entire dark town. He had never seen so many stars in his entire life, not even the time when they had made their promise.

I have never seen anything more beautiful than this... Tifa whispered as she watched the stars twinkle simultaneously. Her eyes traveled from one to the next, trying to take in the sight of all of them. Where did it all come from? I don't remember that there were THIS much stars when we left. She shifted her gaze from the heavens to the man next to her. You know, ever since you left after that night we made our promise, I have been dreaming for seven years that I will get the chance to be up here with you again.

I'm sorry you suffered so much because of me. How about if I make it up to you by making you another promise?

Hmm...and what will that be?

I promise you Tifa, I will never leave you again. We will never depart for seven years ever and go through hell. We have no one and no families to go back to. All we have is each other now.

she looked down at her hands, blushing furiously.

And there's something else I want to confess. Something I have been wanting to tell you for a long time...

Tifa's head shot up. Her heart pounded rapidly as she tried her best to maintain calm to a certain degree. She wanted to confess that she loves him so much and the timing cannot get better than this. She can't help but wonder if his next words will prevent her from ever telling him how she feels. After all that has happened, she really didn't know whether or not she would be able to accept rejection.

Tifa Lockheart...I... he said with great difficulty.

You what Cloud? Please...

I...love you...

Did he just say what I think he said...

She stood petrified, unable to think or move.

I love you Tifa, he repeated again. This time, she heard every single word.

Cloud gently asked. He nervously fidgeted and mustered enough courage to look into her eyes. Her huge ruby orbs sparkled and one crystal teardrop slid down from the corner, trailing down her rosy cheeks. Cloud brought his thumb up and softly wiped it away. She blinked and more tears splashed against her eyes and escaped.

Cloud...I've waited so long to hear those words. She brought her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his shoulder. Looking up, she let one hand to travel up his face and brushed back the loose strands of hair. She stared into his eyes, into his soul. Now she could clearly see his Mako pools filled with emotion and love. I love you too Cloud...you have no idea how much...

That was all he needed to hear.

He slipped one hand behind her back and the other behind her head, drawing it closer to him as he leaned forward. Their faces were so close now that she could feel his warm breath on her. She slowly relaxed and shut her eyes, allowing him to pull her closer to his body. She tilted her neck and felt the gentlest sensation roaming throughout her lips. Cloud continued to steadily press forward, until Tifa laid on the wooden panels. He towered over her, being careful not to compress himself on her delicate body and her raven hair that was sprawled all around her. He deepened the kiss, savoring the sweet honey taste of her lips. His tongue hungrily explored her mouth as he felt her returning the kiss with an equal amount of passion.

Cloud mentally cursed as he was forced to break away to give himself and Tifa air. He watched her breathe heavily and stared at her long dark lashes until her eyes fluttered opened. She pointed to the sky and Cloud looked up just in time to witness a streak of silver shoot through the heavens leaving behind a glittering trail.

He looked back down at her and smiled. He brushed away her long locks of chocolate brown hair and whispered into her ear. See? I told you this walk was going to make us both feel a whole lot better...

Tifa simply blushed as her lips met Cloud's again.

I couldn't agree more...


~*~

-Fin

Author's Notes: I hope you all enjoyed this little piece. I had so much fun writing it considering that I am a major fan of Cloud and Tifa. I want to thank all those who took their time to read this and reviewed. This was all dedicated to you guys!