Author's Notes: Okay updating sooner than you though, eh? Anyway, some thank yous are in order, I think!
Dark Shedevil – I'm glad my story is inspiring. I really wasn't crossing the line between the relationship of Cid and Yuffie but if you like then, that's great!
eveeee90 – I've noticed you have commented quite a number of times. Thanks for your comments. I feel you have supported me in a way of this fic.
craZy18gurl – And also, thank you for your comments. I think the threat of hunting me down motivated me to update.
And all of you who have reviewed my fanfiction. Many thanks!
Fear and Courage Chapter 22
The silhouette of a woman was cast on the wall of the dark hall, her shadow projected on the other side of the room. A huge dark figure appeared behind her. She traced her fingers across the wall, her fingers trembling. The figure moves in closer, almost touching her. She sensed him behind her. Is that... a monster? She thought. He raised his hand and then let it down on her shoulder. The woman screamed an ear-piercing scream and found what she was in search of.
She found and hit the light switch and turned to see that the 'monster' was actually... "Barret! I'm gonna kill you!" the teenager yelled. But he was too busy laughing at her to notice her hand coming into contact with his face. She landed a punch in his jaw, which caused him to curse out loud. "You know I hate the dark, you idiot!"
"Yeah, that's' why I did it, kid!" He laughed. She glared at him. It was just as she said before. Kid. "Leave her, Barret," the pilot defended her, somewhat angered. "Jeez Cid, a'right!" The dark-skinned gunman raised an eyebrow at Cid.
The others followed them into the living room of Tifa's house. They all took the time to observe in wonder the beauty of the room, the comfortable three-piece suite, the photographs of everyone there and her parents also.
"There's only my room, the spare bedroom and downstairs. Is there going to be enough room for all of us?" Tifa asked.
"Ah don't worry we'll fit in somehow." Cait Sith answered. "I'll fit anywhere, so that's taken care of."
"I'll sleep on the floor in any room, so that's another taken care of." Nanaki stated. "Well, Tifa you can sleep in your own bed, don't make any other arrangements, it's not fair." Yuffie added. "I'll take the couch."
"If there is no room, I can stay at the hotel." Vincent suggested.
"We'll find somewhere for ya." Cid reassured him. "I'll take the bath tub." Everyone laughed at the idea and Tifa just shook her head.
"Alright, since you an' me both snore Cid, we'll take the spare room." Barret chuckled. "Okay, feel free to use the shower or bath or anything else you need," said Tifa.
Cloud, stood at the doorway, wasn't even thinking about the sleeping arrangements for that night. However he was thinking about how he would sleep when she's not here. Whenever he woke up, she used to be next to him to comfort him. That wouldn't last. He thought of how she made breakfast all the time for everyone, being the only one who could cook. God, he couldn't take this. The humans used the shower to clean away the day's impurities, and then Tifa helped wash Cait Sith and Nanaki in the bath.
Everyone shared 'goodnights' with each other and Tifa retired to her room, as did Barret and Cid. Cait Sith made himself comfortable on the mahogany coffee table, Nanaki slept besides the sofa that Yuffie was dreaming on. Vincent, too tired to bother with finding a more comfortable place to rest, fell asleep on the living room floor.
Cloud came away from the door and closed it to quietly. He stood there for a number of minutes until he looked up sharply to find a shadow of his childhood friend at the top of the stairs. She slowly and silently walked down to meet him at the bottom. Before she gave herself time to think it over, it was too late. She took his hand and led him upstairs to her bedroom, closing the door behind him. He was confused and somewhat excited.
"Cloud, you didn't say where you were going to sleep. So I thought, maybe, you could sleep in here with me tonight." The blue-eyed beauty stared at her in awe at how gorgeous she was. Wearing a black and red silk nightgown, her hair loose, she looked like heaven on earth. He looked at her in confusion. In the same bed, did she mean? As if she read his thoughts, she whispered. "Yes, in the same bed." She smiled a seductive smile and she climbed into one side of the bed. He could only nod, and then took off his shirt, his back to her. The muscles on his back and arms. Perfect. She almost gasped when he took his pants off and swung his legs under the sheets. Making himself comfortable, he turned and smiled at her. "Goodnight Cloud," Tifa sighed and leaned over and kissed his cheek like she always did. In return, he kissed her forehead and whispered goodnight. They both turned out their lamps and lay in silence. Minutes later, Cloud couldn't bear the thought of her leaving him again, and snaked his arms around her and held her like it was the last time he would hold her. A crystal tear slid down his grave face, not knowing that Tifa was doing the same. They both drifted into darkness, not waking until the next morning.