Note: Well, these are just too fun to write...so I decided to let all my romanticness out again. This is NOT Vincent and Tifa, it's another couple. Guess?
Remember: I have two bigger fics in the works...Obsession's Other Brother and Dunpeal Crossing...it would make me happy if you read them...
"Thank you," the man said, fidgeting nervously, "I couldn't have done it without you."
"No problem," she said smiling, "what are friends for?"
"Yes," he replied, not bothering to suppress his grin, "Friends."
"Don't you ever," she began, her feet swinging in the air as she sat next to him, "dream of what if?"
"Of course," he answered searching her posture for an answer, "Who doesn't?"
"Well, what if this was the end of the world?" she said, a childlike curiosity playing upon her face.
"We've done that once already," he said, sitting up with a show of manly prowess, "I suppose we would have to re-evaluate what's important."
"So what IS important?" she said slyly. He grinned.
"Interaction," he said, watching the puzzle on her face, "To know we aren't alone."
"You look tired," he said, concerned at the way she dragged her feet, "Maybe you should rest."
"I can't rest," she said stubbornly, "He's out there. What if he's hurt?"
"Then I will have to carry both of you," he said, matter-of-factly. She grinned, a tired but grateful gesture.
"Some things never change..." she said, pushing herself just a little harder.
"Why?" he asked breathlessly, watching for her face for the answer, and finding none.
"You just don't see it," she said, the frustration clinging to every syllable, "do you?"
"What?" he asked, hoping for a sign from her.
"Goodbye," she said, storming out the door.
"Hi," she said shyly, peering in through the open door.
His head shot up, attached to the sound, "You're back."
"Of course I am," she said with a hushed voice, "You have that effect."
"Good," he said walking over to her, "A year is such a long time to waste."
"I like your hair that way," he said, hoping to catch her blush, "Makes you look...sophisticated."
"T-thank you," she said, giving him the amusement he sought; her cheeks flushed heatedly.
"You've changed," he said, giving her a good look over.
"Life will do that to you..." she trailed off.
"Do you think everyone is happy?" she asked, resting her head comfortably on his shoulder.
"Of course," he said, gently wrapping his arm around her, "They all have something important...families, purpose, maybe even love."
She straightened up suddenly, "Even Vincent?" He smiled.
"I saw him yesterday," he said, watching the surprise in her face, "He told me to keep it secret. He's doing fine."
"Why the secrecy," she pouted, her eyes sparkling, "He knows he can talk to me."
"Oh, you'll see..." he said, whistling softly to himself.
"Cloud!" she shrieked at him, "You're impossible!"
"Before we go in there," he said, his face suddenly serious, "I have to tell you something."
"You're not keeping this from me any longer..." she said, trying to peer over his shoulder.
"No," he said grabbing her shoulders firmly, "Just hold on."
"Fine," she said rolling her eyes, "What is it?"
He took a deep breath, "I love you, Tifa."
A tear rolled down her cheek, "Oh, you have no idea how long I've loved you..."
Here's a Cloti for you, Cresent-Wish-Forever...thanks for the inspiration.