Thank you for reading Torn Apart. We now present the conclusion to our feature presentation.

Chapter 7:

Losing strength and blood quickly, Strife collapsed to the ground, attempting to gain support of his sword. But even after that, he collapsed completely. Tifa, as she started to walk, quickly tripped on her shorts that Mendoza had pulled down. The Materia tumbled out. It bounced across the hard rocky ground and found a place to stop itself in Strife's buster sword… Or was it Strife's buster sword?

Tifa pulled up and buttoned her shorts, starting to rush to Storm Strife's aid. But as he approached, a glowing light encircled him. Strife's hair started to regain its color, and the fine cut turned spiked. His unshaven chin turned smoother and narrower. His brawny body became slightly scrawnier. The only thing that didn't change were his fresh wounds.

Cloud Strife, upon regaining his senses, immediately noticed Tifa kneeling so close to him. Ashamed, he forced himself off the ground and grabbed his sword. He started to run away, but collapsed once more after several feet. Tifa got up and walked over to him. Struggling to find a way to flee, he pushed her away.

"No, Tifa," he said, tears dripping from his eyes. "Don't come to me. I'll only cause you more pain. Stay away. Stay away!"

Tifa shook her head, her eyes not leaving his for even a moment. She grinned faintly. "No, Cloud. You will cause me pain only if you leave my side."

"Tifa…"

Cloud stopped struggling, resting himself against the dome slide. He was breathing hard, trying to keep himself together. Tifa knelt down and slid close to him, tears swelling from her eyes also.

"I would never survive without you," she whispered.

"And neither would I," he whispered weakly. Then, remembering something, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny bag. "Happy birthday, Tifa."

She opened it, and there was the last charm to her bracelet. She looked at her childhood friend again, and she felt like a child once more. She blushed a deep red, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Aw, Cloud…"

They both studied each other intently, their faces gradually coming closer together. Both closed their eyes and their lips touched. They held each other in a full embrace. They held on to each other, never to let go…

…ever again.

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Pike: Aww... That's sooooo sweet! ::cry:: Anyway, R&R if you can, people! It's kinda sad... I finished this fic, yet I have less than even 5 reviews... Ah, well.

Disclaimer: Pike Anderson does not own Final Fantasy 7