By The Light of Love
Disclaimer: Okay, same as before. I don't own anything. Nada. It all belongs Squaresoft. Good, onto the fic.
Prologue
The group rushed to Cosmo Canyon, hoping to find a cure for Cloud's poison. Sephiroth, now free from Jenova's power, left without a trace. Endless nights Tifa haunted the library, searching desperately for anything that would save Cloud. For her, the fact that Cloud was harmed while saving her is anything but easy to take. Meanwhile, Rufus's plans for Neo-Midgar are nearing completion, and he has managed to recruit people who are still loyal to Shinra. After Avalanche's escape, Rufus vowed to get them back, by any means necessary. Even though one threat to the Planet was destroyed, another remains, and it must be stopped at all costs.
Chapter One
Pain
Somewhere in the wasteland
I see you smiling at me
A vision out of my dreams
Will everything change?
Take the pain away
Lead me with your light
-Spirit Dreams Inside- Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
The group sat around a small table in one of the huts in Cosmo Canyon. They ate in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Tifa poked half heartedly at a piece of fruit, glancing at Cloud out of the corner of her eye. The waves of pain still came occasionally, but it was generally just an overwhelming weariness. She could sense what he felt, the weakness and pain, even fear at what might happen. A reassuring squeeze to her hand brought her back to reality. Cloud caught her eyes, concern written on his features.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
She nodded, returning her attention to her food. After the first onslaught of pain on the mountain, they'd rushed to Junon to catch a boat to the western continent. Cloud spent the day on the boat locked in a semiconscious state, drifting in and out of reality. Tifa had stayed by his side the whole time, gently wiping the sweat from his face and holding tightly onto his hand. That night she had fallen asleep at his bedside, her head resting on the edge of the bed. When they finally made it to Cosmo Canyon, the Elders immediately began a search of the books for a cure. Tifa helped them often at night, since she wasn't able to sleep well. Thankfully, Cloud didn't know about that. He didn't need to worry about her on top of what he was going through.
"Hey, I'm getting bored just sitting around here." Yuffie complained, breaking the silence. "There's nothing to do."
"That's because we're not here to entertain you. We have to cure Cloud." Cid replied.
Yuffie jumped up and went to the window, "I know that. Hey, Cid, you think you can take me to the Chocobo Stables tomorrow? I wanna get Tahiri and go race at the Gold Saucer." Tahiri was Yuffie's chocobo; she'd been trying to raise it up to S Class, but so far had only gotten to B.
"Yeah, whatever. I'm getting damn tired of sitting around here too."
Tifa got up and took her plate to the small kitchen. She quietly slipped out the back, walking out onto a cliff and staring at the sunset. The beautiful sight was little comfort to her. Soft footsteps caught her attention, and she turned, only to find Vincent walking over to her. He stared at the horizon, his usual cold look unwavering. Tifa counted him lucky; he never let his emotions get in the way.
"Seeking answers?" he asked, not turning to face her.
Tifa sighed, "I guess. But it just seems that I keep looking in the wrong places. I can't find anything, and I can't help him. I don't know what to do anymore."
"It isn't like you to give up that easily. We've only been here for a week. The Elders may yet find something." he replied.
Tifa stared at her feet, "Yeah..."
"Tif?" a voice called.
She turned, "Over here, Cloud." Returning her gaze to the horizon, she noticed that Vincent had disappeared. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her tightly. She could feel Cloud's heartbeat on her back as he pulled her against his chest.
"What are you doing out here? You just kinda...disappeared." he whispered, his breath gently stirring her hair.
"Cloud...they're right. We've been here for a week. The Elders aren't gonna find anything. I...I'm sorry." she said.
Cloud stared down at her bowed head for a moment. Feeling a warm droplet land on his arm, he turned her to face him, "Tif, why are you apologizing?"
She looked down, unable to meet his eyes, "Because you came to save me. If you hadn't...If you'd just left me there, this never would've happened. You'd be okay. It's..."
"Don't say it." Cloud said firmly, "It's not your fault, not in any way. Do you think I was going to leave you with Jenova? No way, Tif. I was ready to die for you; I don't have any regrets."
"But you shouldn't have to die for me. It's not fair!" She started trembling, trying to resist the onslaught of tears. It wouldn't do any good to turn into a sobbing mess in his arms.
"Tifa." He gently tilted her face up to his, "I'm not leaving you."
Her eyes narrowed, "How can you know that!? If we can't find a cure, you will die! So stop saying that!" She stopped, hanging her head again, "I'm sorry, Cloud. I'm just...so...scared. I don't want to watch you suffer helplessly again. It almost killed me when you were Mako poisoned. I couldn't do anything but sit by your side."
"That's all I want you to do. I want you beside me. Cure or not, I won't make it without you being there."
"Cloud..." she whispered, leaning her head against his chest.
He smiled down at her, then leaned down and gently kissed her hair. He rested his head against hers and stared off at the distant horizon. The first stars were beginning to appear in the darkening sky, the sun completing its descent, casting cool shadows over the land. Tifa stirred a little, a yawn escaping her lips.
"You tired already?"
"Not really."
Shifting a little to look at the stars, Tifa allowed a faint smile to cross her lips. "This...it reminds me so much of Nibelheim. I used to watch the stars all the time as a kid. I'd just sit in my window and stare up at them. They're peaceful...comforting somehow."
"Yeah."
Tifa pressed her face gently into his chest, "I still miss them...Mom, Dad...my friends...your Mom."
Cloud looked down at her in shock, "My mom?"
"Yeah. She was nice. She gave me candy when I was little. And I remember one time when I was about six and I fell and cut my knee. I was crying, and she came over and helped me get home. After you left...she kept telling me not to worry about you, that you'd come back one day because you always kept your promises."
"I...didn't know that. Everyone else in the village looked down on her, on me, because Dad was gone."
"Do you remember your dad?"
Cloud shrugged, "A little. He died when I was about four, maybe a little older. I remember playing games with him and Mom. And I remember...the funeral."
"Oh, Cloud, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
He squeezed her tightly, "It's alright." They stood in silence for a long moment, when Tifa suddenly spoke, "We should go back in. It's getting kinda cold."
Taking Tifa's hand, Cloud led her back to the house. The rest of the group was getting ready for bed; Yuffie and Reeve had already left for their rooms. Tifa sat down on the small couch, feeling weariness begin to overtake her. As of late, she'd only gotten about two hours of sleep a night. She'd just wake up, and no matter how hard she tried, never be able to get back to sleep. She was running off pure will power, nothing else. Even when she tried to take a nap during the day, sleep just wouldn't come. Cloud sat down next to her, sliding an arm around her shoulders. Tifa leaned against him gratefully, laying her head on his shoulder and letting her eyes fall closed. She felt Cloud's presence brush hers, leaving a sense of his warmth on her soul. Cloud quickly joined in on the conversation Cid and Reeve were having about chocobo racing. Feeling Tifa's arms wrap around him, he looked down at her. She sighed contentedly and snuggled closer to him.
"Tif?"
She didn't respond. Cloud smiled down at her for a moment. She's asleep...
"Right, Cloud?" Cid asked.
He looked up, "Huh?"
Cid chuckled, shaking his head, "The short track. It's better for raising lower class chocobos."
"Yeah." Cloud answered.
Cid looked over at Tifa sleeping on Cloud's shoulder, his smile broadening.
Cloud nudged Tifa, "Wake up, Tif."
She stirred, whimpering in her sleep. A moment later, her eyes fluttered open, "What is it?"
"Go to bed, Tif. It's late."
Yawning, she started to pull from his embrace. He leaned forward, gently kissing her. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Cloud, guys." she said, walking to her room.
Cid stood up, stretching, "Yeah, I guess we should all get some sleep."
The remaining members of the group left for their rooms. Cloud quietly slipped into his room, trying not to wake Tifa who was asleep in the next room. He collapsed on his bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment. He'd sensed something strange about Tifa, a barely concealed weariness. Letting out a sigh, he turned over to his side. I guess she's been stressed out lately. I just hope she's okay. Closing his brilliant eyes to the outside world, he slipped into a deep sleep.
Tifa suddenly woke up only hours after she had gone to sleep. Not again...please. I'm so tired. She lay in bed for a long moment, tossing around, trying to fall asleep again. After twenty minutes, she heaved a disgusted sigh and slipped out of her room. She crept by Cloud's door, and out of the group's house, heading toward the library under the light of the moon.
Alex looked up at her as she entered. He was only twenty-three, but well respected in the village. "Hey, Tifa."
She smiled tiredly at him, "Hey, Alex."
"Can't sleep again?"
She nodded, turning to the stack of books she'd been searching for the past week.
"Insomnia is usually a sign of a problem." he stated.
"Alex, we've been through this. I don't have insomnia." she said shortly.
He walked over to her, "You only sleep two hours a night, and that not very well. It is insomnia. What's wrong? Are you worried about Cloud?"
She shrugged, "Of course I'm worried about him, but...how can that cause this?"
"Easily. You're worrying too much. Have you told Cloud?"
"No. He doesn't need to know. He's got enough to worry about." she replied, flipping through a book.
Alex suddenly took the book from her hands, "Tifa, this is a serious problem. If you don't want to tell him, that's not my business, but you do need to try to relax a little. You can't keep going on like this. You will get hurt."
"Alex-"
"Go back to bed. Try not to worry, and get some sleep."
Tifa shook her head, "But, Cloud needs that cure. I have to find it-"
He lay a hand on her shoulder, "You can't help him like this. Searching does no good if you're too exhausted to know what you're reading. Please, Tifa."
She sighed reluctantly, "Fine. I'll go." She turned, heading back to the house.
Cloud stared blankly at the glass of water sitting on the kitchen table. The same nightmare he'd been having for a week had returned. The house was dark and quiet, everyone else was asleep. The opening of the front door caught his attention, and he turned. Tifa slipped in, quietly shutting the door behind her. He stood up, walking into the living room.
"Tif, what are you doing up?" he whispered.
She froze, knowing she'd been caught now. Thinking quickly, she formulated a response, "Nothing. I was just looking at the stars."
He studied her face for a moment, seeing something in her eyes, "Tif, that's not it. Something's wrong." He stood in front of her, close enough to hear her quiet breathing.
She stared into his eyes for a long moment, "Don't worry about it. It's not a big deal." She slid her arms around him in a warm embrace, and gently kissed him, "Goodnight, Cloud." As she started to pull away, Cloud tightened his grip on her.
"Wait."
"What is it?"
"Tell me what's wrong."
She shook her head, "I told you, it's not a big deal."
He stared into her eyes, his gaze seeming to penetrate her soul, "Tifa."
She sighed, "I haven't been able to sleep for the past few days. I'm just a little tired, and I...went to the library to help Alex with the books. He thinks I've got insomnia."
Cloud's eyes widened a little, "Insomnia? Tif, you...are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah. Alex said I'm just too worried about you, if I relax I'll be okay. But I can't. I can't stop worrying about you. If they don't find the cure, you'll....and I-I don't wanna lose you, Cloud. I..." she stopped, a tear slipping from her eyes.
Cloud gently wiped it away, pulling her closer, "Tif, I told you. I'm not leaving you."
"I can't sleep, Cloud, and I'm so tired. I try to sleep, but I can't. I...keep having nightmares, and if it's not that, it's just something that won't let me sleep. I don't know...I guess I'm afraid that you're just gonna slip away one night." she whispered, pressing her face into his chest. He gently rubbed her back, "Tif...It'll be okay." He led her over to the kitchen table and she slowly sank into the chair. He handed her his glass of water, and she took it, taking a small sip.
"You want to sleep in my room tonight?" he asked.
She shook her head, "No, Cloud. I'll be alright." She looked up at him, seeing the deep concern in his sapphire eyes. After a moment, she stood up, heading for her room without a word.
Cloud sat in silence for a moment, staring at the chair where Tifa had been sitting. He walked slowly back to his room, pausing for a moment to glance at her closed door, then returning to his bed. Just as he was starting to drift off again, a wave of anguish hit him, buffeting him into full consciousness. "Tifa!" he cried involuntarily. He ran to her room, hearing a quiet, heart wrenching sobbing coming from within. As he opened her door, she sat up, quickly wiping the tears from her face.
"Cloud, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice shaky.
He went to her bed, sitting on the edge, "Tif, what's wrong?"
"N-nothing."
"Then why were you crying?"
As she stared back at him, her eyes began to waver, filling with tears. She suddenly threw herself into his arms, sobbing desperately. "Cloud, it won't go away. I can't sleep."
He held her tight, slowly rocking her back and forth, "Tif..."
"Wi-will you stay with me tonight? Please, Cloud..." she pleaded.
"Of course I will."
Taking a deep, shaky breath, she snuggled deeper into his arms, her tears ceasing. Cloud lay his head against hers, closing his eyes. "Go to sleep. I'm right here; I won't leave you, I promise." He sat there holding her for a long time, listening to her breathing as it slowly fell into the regular rhythm of sleep. Laying her gently on the bed, he lay down beside her, pulling the blankets over them both before sliding his arms around her again. He felt her press her face into his chest, needing to be close to him, to feel his warmth. He gently kissed her hair, comforted by the feeling of her body against his. They were close enough for him to feel the gentle rising and falling of her chest as she breathed. His own nightmare replayed in his mind. He was floating in an infinite darkness all alone. Faintly he could hear a voice; it was coming from a weak point of light impossibly far away from him. He strained toward the light, without knowing fully why he did. Suddenly he could distinguish the voice. It was Tifa calling to him desperately, begging him to come back to her. Her cries were punctuated by heartrending sobs that tore at his very soul. He tried to call out to her, to reach the point of light that he knew was Tifa, but she only seemed to move further away.
Tifa's whimper pulled him from his thoughts, and he squeezed her tighter. She stirred a little, then fell quiet again. Letting his eyes fall closed, Cloud sank into a deep sleep.
Author's Note: Okay, I know this doesn't answer many questions, but here it is anyway. Hope you all enjoy. Please Akiyhrah, don't kill me yet. I'm already working on Ch. 2.
Disclaimer: Okay, same as before. I don't own anything. Nada. It all belongs Squaresoft. Good, onto the fic.
Prologue
The group rushed to Cosmo Canyon, hoping to find a cure for Cloud's poison. Sephiroth, now free from Jenova's power, left without a trace. Endless nights Tifa haunted the library, searching desperately for anything that would save Cloud. For her, the fact that Cloud was harmed while saving her is anything but easy to take. Meanwhile, Rufus's plans for Neo-Midgar are nearing completion, and he has managed to recruit people who are still loyal to Shinra. After Avalanche's escape, Rufus vowed to get them back, by any means necessary. Even though one threat to the Planet was destroyed, another remains, and it must be stopped at all costs.
Chapter One
Pain
Somewhere in the wasteland
I see you smiling at me
A vision out of my dreams
Will everything change?
Take the pain away
Lead me with your light
-Spirit Dreams Inside- Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
The group sat around a small table in one of the huts in Cosmo Canyon. They ate in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Tifa poked half heartedly at a piece of fruit, glancing at Cloud out of the corner of her eye. The waves of pain still came occasionally, but it was generally just an overwhelming weariness. She could sense what he felt, the weakness and pain, even fear at what might happen. A reassuring squeeze to her hand brought her back to reality. Cloud caught her eyes, concern written on his features.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
She nodded, returning her attention to her food. After the first onslaught of pain on the mountain, they'd rushed to Junon to catch a boat to the western continent. Cloud spent the day on the boat locked in a semiconscious state, drifting in and out of reality. Tifa had stayed by his side the whole time, gently wiping the sweat from his face and holding tightly onto his hand. That night she had fallen asleep at his bedside, her head resting on the edge of the bed. When they finally made it to Cosmo Canyon, the Elders immediately began a search of the books for a cure. Tifa helped them often at night, since she wasn't able to sleep well. Thankfully, Cloud didn't know about that. He didn't need to worry about her on top of what he was going through.
"Hey, I'm getting bored just sitting around here." Yuffie complained, breaking the silence. "There's nothing to do."
"That's because we're not here to entertain you. We have to cure Cloud." Cid replied.
Yuffie jumped up and went to the window, "I know that. Hey, Cid, you think you can take me to the Chocobo Stables tomorrow? I wanna get Tahiri and go race at the Gold Saucer." Tahiri was Yuffie's chocobo; she'd been trying to raise it up to S Class, but so far had only gotten to B.
"Yeah, whatever. I'm getting damn tired of sitting around here too."
Tifa got up and took her plate to the small kitchen. She quietly slipped out the back, walking out onto a cliff and staring at the sunset. The beautiful sight was little comfort to her. Soft footsteps caught her attention, and she turned, only to find Vincent walking over to her. He stared at the horizon, his usual cold look unwavering. Tifa counted him lucky; he never let his emotions get in the way.
"Seeking answers?" he asked, not turning to face her.
Tifa sighed, "I guess. But it just seems that I keep looking in the wrong places. I can't find anything, and I can't help him. I don't know what to do anymore."
"It isn't like you to give up that easily. We've only been here for a week. The Elders may yet find something." he replied.
Tifa stared at her feet, "Yeah..."
"Tif?" a voice called.
She turned, "Over here, Cloud." Returning her gaze to the horizon, she noticed that Vincent had disappeared. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her tightly. She could feel Cloud's heartbeat on her back as he pulled her against his chest.
"What are you doing out here? You just kinda...disappeared." he whispered, his breath gently stirring her hair.
"Cloud...they're right. We've been here for a week. The Elders aren't gonna find anything. I...I'm sorry." she said.
Cloud stared down at her bowed head for a moment. Feeling a warm droplet land on his arm, he turned her to face him, "Tif, why are you apologizing?"
She looked down, unable to meet his eyes, "Because you came to save me. If you hadn't...If you'd just left me there, this never would've happened. You'd be okay. It's..."
"Don't say it." Cloud said firmly, "It's not your fault, not in any way. Do you think I was going to leave you with Jenova? No way, Tif. I was ready to die for you; I don't have any regrets."
"But you shouldn't have to die for me. It's not fair!" She started trembling, trying to resist the onslaught of tears. It wouldn't do any good to turn into a sobbing mess in his arms.
"Tifa." He gently tilted her face up to his, "I'm not leaving you."
Her eyes narrowed, "How can you know that!? If we can't find a cure, you will die! So stop saying that!" She stopped, hanging her head again, "I'm sorry, Cloud. I'm just...so...scared. I don't want to watch you suffer helplessly again. It almost killed me when you were Mako poisoned. I couldn't do anything but sit by your side."
"That's all I want you to do. I want you beside me. Cure or not, I won't make it without you being there."
"Cloud..." she whispered, leaning her head against his chest.
He smiled down at her, then leaned down and gently kissed her hair. He rested his head against hers and stared off at the distant horizon. The first stars were beginning to appear in the darkening sky, the sun completing its descent, casting cool shadows over the land. Tifa stirred a little, a yawn escaping her lips.
"You tired already?"
"Not really."
Shifting a little to look at the stars, Tifa allowed a faint smile to cross her lips. "This...it reminds me so much of Nibelheim. I used to watch the stars all the time as a kid. I'd just sit in my window and stare up at them. They're peaceful...comforting somehow."
"Yeah."
Tifa pressed her face gently into his chest, "I still miss them...Mom, Dad...my friends...your Mom."
Cloud looked down at her in shock, "My mom?"
"Yeah. She was nice. She gave me candy when I was little. And I remember one time when I was about six and I fell and cut my knee. I was crying, and she came over and helped me get home. After you left...she kept telling me not to worry about you, that you'd come back one day because you always kept your promises."
"I...didn't know that. Everyone else in the village looked down on her, on me, because Dad was gone."
"Do you remember your dad?"
Cloud shrugged, "A little. He died when I was about four, maybe a little older. I remember playing games with him and Mom. And I remember...the funeral."
"Oh, Cloud, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
He squeezed her tightly, "It's alright." They stood in silence for a long moment, when Tifa suddenly spoke, "We should go back in. It's getting kinda cold."
Taking Tifa's hand, Cloud led her back to the house. The rest of the group was getting ready for bed; Yuffie and Reeve had already left for their rooms. Tifa sat down on the small couch, feeling weariness begin to overtake her. As of late, she'd only gotten about two hours of sleep a night. She'd just wake up, and no matter how hard she tried, never be able to get back to sleep. She was running off pure will power, nothing else. Even when she tried to take a nap during the day, sleep just wouldn't come. Cloud sat down next to her, sliding an arm around her shoulders. Tifa leaned against him gratefully, laying her head on his shoulder and letting her eyes fall closed. She felt Cloud's presence brush hers, leaving a sense of his warmth on her soul. Cloud quickly joined in on the conversation Cid and Reeve were having about chocobo racing. Feeling Tifa's arms wrap around him, he looked down at her. She sighed contentedly and snuggled closer to him.
"Tif?"
She didn't respond. Cloud smiled down at her for a moment. She's asleep...
"Right, Cloud?" Cid asked.
He looked up, "Huh?"
Cid chuckled, shaking his head, "The short track. It's better for raising lower class chocobos."
"Yeah." Cloud answered.
Cid looked over at Tifa sleeping on Cloud's shoulder, his smile broadening.
Cloud nudged Tifa, "Wake up, Tif."
She stirred, whimpering in her sleep. A moment later, her eyes fluttered open, "What is it?"
"Go to bed, Tif. It's late."
Yawning, she started to pull from his embrace. He leaned forward, gently kissing her. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Cloud, guys." she said, walking to her room.
Cid stood up, stretching, "Yeah, I guess we should all get some sleep."
The remaining members of the group left for their rooms. Cloud quietly slipped into his room, trying not to wake Tifa who was asleep in the next room. He collapsed on his bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment. He'd sensed something strange about Tifa, a barely concealed weariness. Letting out a sigh, he turned over to his side. I guess she's been stressed out lately. I just hope she's okay. Closing his brilliant eyes to the outside world, he slipped into a deep sleep.
Tifa suddenly woke up only hours after she had gone to sleep. Not again...please. I'm so tired. She lay in bed for a long moment, tossing around, trying to fall asleep again. After twenty minutes, she heaved a disgusted sigh and slipped out of her room. She crept by Cloud's door, and out of the group's house, heading toward the library under the light of the moon.
Alex looked up at her as she entered. He was only twenty-three, but well respected in the village. "Hey, Tifa."
She smiled tiredly at him, "Hey, Alex."
"Can't sleep again?"
She nodded, turning to the stack of books she'd been searching for the past week.
"Insomnia is usually a sign of a problem." he stated.
"Alex, we've been through this. I don't have insomnia." she said shortly.
He walked over to her, "You only sleep two hours a night, and that not very well. It is insomnia. What's wrong? Are you worried about Cloud?"
She shrugged, "Of course I'm worried about him, but...how can that cause this?"
"Easily. You're worrying too much. Have you told Cloud?"
"No. He doesn't need to know. He's got enough to worry about." she replied, flipping through a book.
Alex suddenly took the book from her hands, "Tifa, this is a serious problem. If you don't want to tell him, that's not my business, but you do need to try to relax a little. You can't keep going on like this. You will get hurt."
"Alex-"
"Go back to bed. Try not to worry, and get some sleep."
Tifa shook her head, "But, Cloud needs that cure. I have to find it-"
He lay a hand on her shoulder, "You can't help him like this. Searching does no good if you're too exhausted to know what you're reading. Please, Tifa."
She sighed reluctantly, "Fine. I'll go." She turned, heading back to the house.
Cloud stared blankly at the glass of water sitting on the kitchen table. The same nightmare he'd been having for a week had returned. The house was dark and quiet, everyone else was asleep. The opening of the front door caught his attention, and he turned. Tifa slipped in, quietly shutting the door behind her. He stood up, walking into the living room.
"Tif, what are you doing up?" he whispered.
She froze, knowing she'd been caught now. Thinking quickly, she formulated a response, "Nothing. I was just looking at the stars."
He studied her face for a moment, seeing something in her eyes, "Tif, that's not it. Something's wrong." He stood in front of her, close enough to hear her quiet breathing.
She stared into his eyes for a long moment, "Don't worry about it. It's not a big deal." She slid her arms around him in a warm embrace, and gently kissed him, "Goodnight, Cloud." As she started to pull away, Cloud tightened his grip on her.
"Wait."
"What is it?"
"Tell me what's wrong."
She shook her head, "I told you, it's not a big deal."
He stared into her eyes, his gaze seeming to penetrate her soul, "Tifa."
She sighed, "I haven't been able to sleep for the past few days. I'm just a little tired, and I...went to the library to help Alex with the books. He thinks I've got insomnia."
Cloud's eyes widened a little, "Insomnia? Tif, you...are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah. Alex said I'm just too worried about you, if I relax I'll be okay. But I can't. I can't stop worrying about you. If they don't find the cure, you'll....and I-I don't wanna lose you, Cloud. I..." she stopped, a tear slipping from her eyes.
Cloud gently wiped it away, pulling her closer, "Tif, I told you. I'm not leaving you."
"I can't sleep, Cloud, and I'm so tired. I try to sleep, but I can't. I...keep having nightmares, and if it's not that, it's just something that won't let me sleep. I don't know...I guess I'm afraid that you're just gonna slip away one night." she whispered, pressing her face into his chest. He gently rubbed her back, "Tif...It'll be okay." He led her over to the kitchen table and she slowly sank into the chair. He handed her his glass of water, and she took it, taking a small sip.
"You want to sleep in my room tonight?" he asked.
She shook her head, "No, Cloud. I'll be alright." She looked up at him, seeing the deep concern in his sapphire eyes. After a moment, she stood up, heading for her room without a word.
Cloud sat in silence for a moment, staring at the chair where Tifa had been sitting. He walked slowly back to his room, pausing for a moment to glance at her closed door, then returning to his bed. Just as he was starting to drift off again, a wave of anguish hit him, buffeting him into full consciousness. "Tifa!" he cried involuntarily. He ran to her room, hearing a quiet, heart wrenching sobbing coming from within. As he opened her door, she sat up, quickly wiping the tears from her face.
"Cloud, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice shaky.
He went to her bed, sitting on the edge, "Tif, what's wrong?"
"N-nothing."
"Then why were you crying?"
As she stared back at him, her eyes began to waver, filling with tears. She suddenly threw herself into his arms, sobbing desperately. "Cloud, it won't go away. I can't sleep."
He held her tight, slowly rocking her back and forth, "Tif..."
"Wi-will you stay with me tonight? Please, Cloud..." she pleaded.
"Of course I will."
Taking a deep, shaky breath, she snuggled deeper into his arms, her tears ceasing. Cloud lay his head against hers, closing his eyes. "Go to sleep. I'm right here; I won't leave you, I promise." He sat there holding her for a long time, listening to her breathing as it slowly fell into the regular rhythm of sleep. Laying her gently on the bed, he lay down beside her, pulling the blankets over them both before sliding his arms around her again. He felt her press her face into his chest, needing to be close to him, to feel his warmth. He gently kissed her hair, comforted by the feeling of her body against his. They were close enough for him to feel the gentle rising and falling of her chest as she breathed. His own nightmare replayed in his mind. He was floating in an infinite darkness all alone. Faintly he could hear a voice; it was coming from a weak point of light impossibly far away from him. He strained toward the light, without knowing fully why he did. Suddenly he could distinguish the voice. It was Tifa calling to him desperately, begging him to come back to her. Her cries were punctuated by heartrending sobs that tore at his very soul. He tried to call out to her, to reach the point of light that he knew was Tifa, but she only seemed to move further away.
Tifa's whimper pulled him from his thoughts, and he squeezed her tighter. She stirred a little, then fell quiet again. Letting his eyes fall closed, Cloud sank into a deep sleep.
Author's Note: Okay, I know this doesn't answer many questions, but here it is anyway. Hope you all enjoy. Please Akiyhrah, don't kill me yet. I'm already working on Ch. 2.