Square stuff belongs to Square the rest to me

The snow crunched softly beneath Tifa's feet as she shifted her stance, waiting for the Bulky dragon to make a move on the perilous trails of Mount Nibel. Steam rolled out of its cavernous jaws gently caressing the chilly mountain air. Tifa waited her pulse racing with adrenaline and anticipation, she love the exhilaration of fighting with her fists. Each swing was a greater risk and far more gratifying than any weapon. She knew her true power was in her flesh, something she could truly put her trust in. Trust, she thought, she had once trusted Cloud with her life against such beasts. What a fool she had been. Abruptly the dragon lunged she cursed her lack of concentration as its monumental jaws caught her in the right shoulder, ripping the muscle and cracking some of her collar bone. She had managed to twist adequately enough that it could not clamp down on her shoulder. The dragon's momentum carried it past her; she whirled to face it as it completed a rearing turn towards her. It opened its maw to expel a fount of flames; it was too slow Tifa was under the dragon's jaw and unleashed a devastating left uppercut. She felt victory as its bones were demolished in a wet crunched. The dragon rose in a vain attempt at a last action, only succeeding in throwing itself from the trail down into the gorge below. Tifa's adrenaline ran out at moments later as the agonizing pain in her body crashed into her like a tsunami. She felt a moment of fear before she remembered her cure material. She gave herself a brutal mental kicking as the warm green tendrils knitted her flesh and bones back to normal. How could she have let her concentration go like that, it was an irrational novice error?

It was early evening when the mansion came into sight Tifa was delighted to finally be home. It was home now wasn't it? It was so funny how things changed; she had always thought home would be her married to Cloud, somewhere anywhere, but here. Instead she lived in the old Shinra mansion with a dark man who she had barley known who had perhaps spoken a thousand words in his life. Tifa chuckled as she carelessly swung the gate open.

"What's so funny?" a serene voice queried from behind.

Tifa started before recognizing the voice. "I should be used to that now shouldn't I ?" Tifa smiled as she turned to face Vincent.

"Used to what?"

"You sneaking up behind me like that." Tifa said her pulsed racing ever so slightly as Vincent stepped closer.

"I did not mean to startle you. My apologies." Vincent stepped past Tifa striding towards the door.

"I was thinking about you." Tifa divulged, curious as to Vincent's reaction. Heaused turned slightly to face her with an eyebrow raised in curiosity.

"What about me?"

"I never thought that you would become such a close friend to me." She shifted her feet nervously. For some reason she had always had trouble telling Vincent her views on him. He paused to consider her words.

"I thank you; I am pleased that you are a close companion as well." He continued into the mansion. Tifa was overjoyed by those words she halt briefly as her chest filled with a nervous, excited sensation. How long had it been since she felt so thrilled with acceptance.

Vincent gave Tifa that small smile he so rarely showed as he leaned in and kissed Tifa. His lips were soft yet determined, she hissed him back hungry for more. He brushed her hair out of her face with his hand, his claw resting on the small of her back holding her firmly against him. She was enraptured by him wanting more, her hands rand down his well toned chest and stomach. He pulled back and she felt his hot breath on her neck before he buried his lips in it. She moaned as goose bumps rise on her arms and she closed her eyes taking pleasure in every moment. She felt his clawed hand slide up her inner thigh; she opened her eyes to his blond spikes. Tifa sat bolt upright in her bed disoriented, confused, angry, and aroused. She threw her legs over the side of her bed and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, her heart was racing, she wasn't sure if it was from fear or excitement. Tifa hastily put warm clothes on and fled into the cold night.

She sat on the water tower gazing at her favourite constellation. She felt like she had betrayed Cloud, dreaming of Vincent, like that! She admitted Vincent was incredible looking, but she loved Cloud. Didn't she? Then again what reason did she have to love him, he betrayed her she had forfeited everything in her life for him and he failed her time and again. Tifa sighed loudly and rubbed her face. Why shouldn't she move on, she was a grown woman with a mind of her own, anyway she wasn't actually ever together with Cloud. How could she betray him? Because he had her heart. Tifa was filled with an overwhelming rage, she cried out as she punched the water tower. A loud metal ring resounded through the streets, Tifa pulled her had away from the large dent.

"I guess I shouldn't ask if everything is alright." Tifa looked down at Vincent he looked up at her with mild concern in his expression.

"I'm fine." Tifa said abruptly.

"It's Cloud isn't it?" Tifa nodded, Vincent didn't need to be perceptive to see through that.

"I understand. I will leave you then, I just wanted to make sure you were not running off to do something drastic."

"What do you mean?" Tifa was honestly surprised with Vincent's response.

"You'd be surprised at how often I watch you, I understand how you feel and how overwhelming it can be. I just want to keep you safe until you can get past this."

"Thank you." Tifa was shocked she had never know Vincent to be so concerned over anyone other than Lucretia.

"I will leave you to your thoughts now." Vincent turned and disappeared into the darkness. Tifa had never felt so lost, so uncertain. What was with him, why would he want to protect her, she had never asked him to. Tifa eventually slipped off to bed contemplating Vincent's words as she drifted off. When she was sound asleep Vincent crept into her room to check up on her. Her breathing was soft and relaxed; he pulled the covers up higher around her, and gently brushed her bangs from her face. He smiled as he watched her, a few brief moments passed and he left satisfied with her safe in bed once again.

Hope you liked this chapter. I love reviews especially the detailed once, I find it easier to write after reading them so review lots and I will update lots. Sweet dreams Falkon "You saved my soul in the dark of the night-".