Author: Hey-di-hi-di-ho! It's the ninth chapter! Yayness! Sorry everyone for the extremely long wait for the update. Forgive me. ::bows down at the readers feet:: If you forgive me and love me still then I will give you this next chapter. I just had finals and what-not so I didn't have any spare time to be typing or doing anything besides studying. But anyway, here's the next chapter so I hope you enjoy it!

Sephiroth: ::smiles happily:: I got married!

Author: ::rolls her eyes:: Oh really. To whom?

Sephiroth: Um....you, you moron. Remember? In the songfic for Ashnat Productions.

Author: ::narrows her eyes:: I AM NOT A MORON.

Sephiroth: ::cowers:: I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Author: Anyway, ignoring the loser over here, I thought I give you some feedback on your feedback. lol. Here's what I have to say about your lovely wonderful reviews. (Most of you anyway :P)

Mr. Flames: Oh so now you think that girls suck huh? If you love my stories so much then why do you keep insulting everything about them? How am I not descriptive enough? Be more specific please. Just because you think you're my friend does not give you the right to say nasty things about me, my sexuality and my stories. ::steals your coffee:: The puppy is cute though and I am currently training her to maul a certain guy I know. ;) Anyway, no huggles for you since you seem to like making me feel bad in your reviews. At least now I get to go and read all the nice reviews from my other loving reviewers. See you next chapter!

Refrigerate After Opening: I'm glad you're glad that I was glad that you reviewed. lol. Yayness! Puppies! Don't worry, the puppy will be killing and mauling Cloud and another annoying guy I know very soon. Cloud was very sweet at one point, but for some reason he became a prick later on in life after being in Soldier. I guess having all that free time and power went to his head. Just like every guy on this planet. ::rolls her eyes:: As for not using protection..............well ::ahem:: with actions come consequences. Wait, read and see. ;) Thanks for the awesome review. ::huggles:: Glad to see you're sticking with me after all this time. Hope that flu and/or cold is gone by now. Feel better. :D

Ezri-Candy: You scared me there for a minute. I thought you were disappointed in me for a minute. Yayness! You love me! ::huggles Ezri and blushes:: I'm a little disturbed as to what you did with Sephiroth when I gave him to you, but that's your own business. I won't even ask. lol. Some guys are just pricks I guess, and Brad and Cloud happened to be two of them.

Sephiroth: ::grins:: I like her! She lets me do things you always say no to! I'm leaving you author. ::runs over to Ezri and sweeps her up into his arms:: To the bed room my love! I'll worry about punishing other people later you naughty girl.

Um.......yah.....I hope you enjoyed your free Sephiroth. ;) Shared dreams are cool though, aren't they? Just a little foreshadowing on my part. ::cough:: Yes, anyway I hope to see lots of reading and reviewing from you in the future.

Ninja Girl Emi: I forgive you and your laziness. ::huggles:: As long as I know that you are enjoying my chapters and liking what happening then I'm happy. Of course, your reviews let me know whether or not you were happy with specific things, but if you don't feel like reviewing then I promise not to hunt you down with my pack of rabid monkeys and gouge your eyes out with sharpened, poison-tipped sticks............::eyes shift back and forth:: Yes.......::ahem:: Thanks for the awesome review! :D

Tifa Valentine: ::blushes:: Awww you're such a flatterer. Your review made me blush and get all happy and glowy inside. Thank you soooooo much for all the kind words and comments you made. It was simply delightful and I loved reading it. ::huggles:: Do you really think I'm amazing? Awww. ::hands you chocolate:: Here! Chocolate and other such lavish gifts just for you! Many thanks and I hope to hear more from you in the future. :D

Emri: ::huggles you tightly:: It's okay. I forgive you. I have lots of lazy reviewers and I have a hard time updating super fast so it works. :P I really appreciate your review. At least I know that my story had to be pretty good if you stuck with it up until now. I hope to see lots of reviewingness in the future or I'll be forced to get Sephiroth to come and punish you. Believe me, it's not pretty. You never know about those 'seeing the future moments' until something happens that proves that it actually was the future. You'll just have to wait and see, now won't you? Thanks for the review and I'll see you next chapter. :D

Starlight-Angel: Yay! My dream scape thingy idea was kick ass! That's right ASS! Mwahahahahaha! ::mutters:: Now I'm gonna have to up the rating to 'R' for swearing in my author's notes. :P Anyway, thanks for the wonderful review and I guess you're seeing more story junk from me soon since I just updated this chapter. Yah.......I hope you read and enjoy and review again! ::huggles:: See you soon! :D

Author: ::whew:: Okay, I'm back now. Not that you people really care or anything cause you're probably thinking, 'god when will she shut up and get on with it already? We've waited bloody long enough for her to update and now we have to listen to her babble on and on and on and on about how sorry she is for taking so long to bloody well update.' Oo Anyway, this chapter is super mondoe long (however the hell you spell "modoe") and I hope you all live long enough to read it and review! Yayness!

Evil garden gnomes: (Or as Patrick calls them "Knomes" :P) ::go over to Sephiroth in their little mini mob outfits and pull out silencer guns:: Hey are youse that Sephiroth guy?

Sephiroth: Um.....no. That would be her. ::points at Author::

Evil gnome leader: What? Youse a thinking we be stupid or somethin? Sephiroth ain't no dame. ::aims gun at the silver-haired man's head:: There's been a hit put out on youse, so youse better kiss ur butt goodbye and call a good mortician.

Sephiroth: ::cackles evilly:: What the hell do you little ceramic punks think you can do to me? I am a god!

Evil gnome leader: We'sa gonna shoot youse til youse don't move no more.

Sephiroth: Yipe! ::runs and hides behind author::

Author: ::rolls her eyes:: You know what? I was going to have you killed and take Adam out for dinner and a snogging, but he just pissed me off so I'm changing the hit.

Sephiroth: ? You mean YOU put the hit out on me?! But.......I thought we were in love......I thought.......you were going to bear my children and we were going to take over the world together!

Author: God, you sound like Miroku. And no. I don't love you anymore. You forced me to marry you against my will and tried to do nasty things to me while I was sleeping. Anyway, you're lucky that Adam upset me cause now he's going to die in your place.

Adam: What?! Geez woman! Stop trying to kill me! I'll have to add a point to my rally!

Author: Rally?

Adam: I'M A FREAKIN IDIOT! LEAVE ME ALONE! TALLY, RALLY, IT'S ALL THE SAME BLOODY THING!

Author: Actually, websters defines "rally" as 'to bring together or get in order again; pull together; revive; to come together in a body for a common purpose or action'. While on the other hand, websters defines "tally" as 'anything on which a score or account is kept; to count up; to keep score of for purpose of sports or other such designated things'.

Sephiroth: ?

Author: So ha! I was right and you were wrong. Get 'im boys!

Evil garden gnomes: ::all pump Adam full of lead::

Adam: Ugh.........::dies in a gruesome barrage of bullets::

Author: There we go. All better! Anyway, I'm going to start the chapter now so read and enjoy! See you at the end!

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Tifa let out a sigh of relief as Ashlei's stride slowed and they entered Rocket Town. She dismounted quickly and led the nervous chocobo towards Cid's house. Kaite poked her head outside of the bag Tifa had strapped over her chest and her little eyes widened as she ducked back in. The streets were fairly deserted and a few people glanced at her with mild interest. After tying Ashlei's reigns to a fence post, she knocked gently on the wooden front door.

"Shera!" a loud voice yelled from inside, "someone's at the fricking door!" Footsteps came towards her and the door opened to reveal an attractive light-haired woman with a gentle smile.

"Tifa!" she cried excitedly, hugging the other woman, "it's been so long since you came for a visit!" Tifa was practically dragged inside and she took a seat in the chair Shera offered her. Kaite peeked out of the bag again and Tifa smiled and pulled the puppy from her hiding spot inside the shoulder bag.

"You wouldn't happen to know who this belongs to, would you?" Tifa asked hopefully.

"No," Shera said, glancing up from where she was pouring two cups of tea, "where did you find her?"

"Near Nibelheim, in the woods." Shera raised an eyebrow as she slowly came over to the table and placed a cup of tea in front of Tifa.

"Nibelheim?" Shera questioned as she sat down with her tea as well.

"I was visiting Vincent." A blush rose in Tifa's cheeks and she hoped that Shera wouldn't notice. Just saying that name was enough to make her remember recent........'goings on'.

Shera nodded and still seemed a little suspicious. "I see." Cid came strolling into the kitchen, interrupting their talk.

"Tifa," he grinned, coming over to her, "it's about damn time you came back for a visit." He dropped down into a chair between the ladies and leaned back in it with a sigh. "And where's my damn tea, Shera?" he demanded. She sighed smiled slightly.

"I'll get it." Tifa noticed she had a little bit of trouble standing up again and she had her hand on her stomach.

"You okay Shera?" Tifa asked with concern, realizing for the first time that Shera's stomach had gained a noticeable bulge. She nodded, but winced slightly.

"Ah crap. I'm sorry honey! I totally forgot again," Cid said, hitting his forehead with his palm. He jumped up and made his shy wife sit down again. "Damn woman! You shoulda told me to get it my damn self."

Shera shrugged and took a sip of her tea. "I'm supposed to take of you Cid," her soft voice countered. Tifa's head shifted back and forth between the two and a look of confusion graced her features.

"What exactly is going on here?" Tifa asked.

"I got Shera pregnant," Cid said with a cough, turning slightly red. Shera smiled happily and leaned over to kiss Cid's cheek.

"We're due in a couple months," Shera explained, "we just didn't say anything the last time you were here because it had only been a few weeks and we weren't positive yet."

Tifa squealed excitedly and hugged Shera. "That's so great!"

"We're hoping for a boy," Cid smiled proudly, taking Shera's hand in his.

She rolled her eyes. "You mean, you're hoping." He shrugged and glanced at the clock.

"It's getting kinda late. We should probably get the guest room ready for Tifa." Tifa quickly drank the remainder of her tea and jumped up from her seat, stretching out her arms.

"It's okay you guys. I'll handle it." Kaite peeked out from under the table and whimpered slightly. "Come on puppy," Tifa called cheerfully. Cid glanced at Shera questioningly as their friend disappeared up the stairs, dog in tow.

"She was visiting Vincent," Shera explained, a twinkle in her eye, "apparently she found the dog there and brought it here to find the owner."

"Hmmm," Cid grunted thoughtfully, "wonder how the fuck that guy's doing?"

Shera kissed Cid gently and yawned. "Remember. Watch the language darling. I'm heading for bed now. Are you coming?" A mischievous smile spread across Cid's face and he stood, gently lifting Shera into his arms. Tea forgotten, he headed for the stairs, nuzzling her neck.

"Let's go."

Vincent stared at the document he was reading and growled in frustration. He had been reading the same bloody sentence over and over again for the past twenty minutes. Not only was there a nagging, throbbing feeling in his neck and back, he found that he was actually missing Tifa. He wanted to see her so badly that he could barely focus on his work all day. His hardened Turk demeanour had softened from spending so much time with her. The occasional visit didn't affect him too terribly much, though he did find himself smiling more around her, but practically living with her had driven away his normally painful memories and nightmares and Chaos had barely stirred within him.

Flinging the book before him to the side angrily, Vincent pulled out Death Penalty from its sheath and pressed it against his temple. He hadn't felt this pain in such a long time and that made it even harder to handle now. He knew he was fighting a losing battle and he just wanted it all to end now. His finger played over the trigger of the gun, but an image of Tifa flickered across his mind and he couldn't bring himself to do it. Now he knew.

Vincent Valentine feared death.

A wing split through the flesh on his back and he felt his mind being violently taken over, all rational thought gone. Chaos broke free as dark purple scales emerged and clawed hands ripped at everything in their path. A strangled scream burst forth from his mouth and his eyes dimmed to a darker red. The now free monster smashed the desk before it into splinters and tore at the books, causing a violent flurry of paper to shower down upon him.

A good three hours later, the basement was pretty much destroyed and a bloodied, beaten looking Vincent used the last of his strength before Chaos left him completely to drag himself inside his old coffin. His eye fluttered closed against the pain and streams of blood running down his face. There was a sticky wetness on his back and chest that he could feel as well. Taking a ragged breath, Vincent wished that Tifa were here. He needed her. A sudden jolt of realization passed through him and he remembered that he had to go to Rocket Town to get her tomorrow. Heaven knows he wasn't going to have the strength or want to get out of this damned wooden casket. He hoped she could understand......

Tifa woke up the next morning to a small wet nose nuzzling her cheek and a course tongue licking her. "Kaite," she giggled, "stop it! That's gross!" The puppy barked softly and nudged her arm until Tifa pet her. "We're gonna try and find your owner today, puppy." Kaite cocked her head cutely and watched Tifa climb out of bed and get dressed. Buttoning her jeans, Tifa inspected herself in the mirror and brushed the wrinkles out of her white tank top.

A small smile came to her face as she thought of Vincent's gentle arms around her. It would be awkward later, she knew, but that had been an incredible night. People had always told her it was painful the first time and you're supposed to bleed or something. Her cheeks blushed slightly. It had been nothing but sheer bliss.

Kaite jumped up on her hind legs to paw at Tifa's jeans, bringing her out of her thoughts. "All right, all right. Let's go get some breakfast." Tifa and Kaite both came bounding down the stairs, into the kitchen and Cid looked up from the table. "Morning," Tifa smiled cheerfully. Cid took a long drag on his cigarette and blew a small ring in the air, nodding at her in acknowledgement.

Shera made her way down the stairs sleepily and Cid quickly put out the cigarette. "You're awake late," Cid teased, standing to help her into a chair, "I'll make you and Tifa some breakfast." Shera kissed his cheek gratefully and accepted the cup of tea Tifa poured for her.

"Thank you," she smiled, stirring in milk and honey, "did you sleep well last night, Tifa?"

"I had a great sleep," she replied with fervour, "I haven't had a good nights sleep in a while." Shera gave Cid a look and he shook his head in amusement. Soft sunlight filled the kitchen through the open window and Tifa wondered when Vincent was planning on getting her. Did he miss her as much as she missed him?

"Eat up ladies," Cid grunted, putting the plates of food on the table. Both women thanked him and Cid dropped down into the un-used chair, filling a plate for himself as well. For a few minutes the only sound that could be heard was the clinking of silverware and munching of food. Tifa studied Cid's face carefully. He still looked like the same un-shaven, swearing, gruff person he always did, but there was a certain gentleness to him now. It was especially noticeable whenever he looked at Shera. She couldn't help but smile when she noticed he was sneaking bits of his breakfast to Kaite. He may act tough, but she could see right through that mask of his.

Tifa was almost finished her meal when a light knock at the door made her jump. "I'll get it!" she offered, jumping out of her seat. Shera nodded and put a hand on Cid's arm.

"I hope it's not that jerky salesman again," she whispered as Tifa made her way to the front door. Pulling open the mahogany structure, Tifa's face lit up at the sight of her old friend.

"JOSEF!" she cried, leaping onto hi. The dark-haired man was barely able to keep his balance as she hugged him tightly.

"Tifa?" he grinned, unbelievingly, "I haven't seen you in months!" Tifa released him from her bear hug and punched his shoulder lightly.

"How've you been Josef? Still restoring crap into slightly better looking crap?" Josef made a face at her and grabbed her chin gently, inspecting her critically.

"You haven't changed a bit Tif," he smiled, "still hot and still no wedding ring, lucky for me." She rolled her eyes and looked him over as well. His hair was still styled the same in dark black spikes and his deep blue eyes shone with amusement. Apparently, he had being doing heavy labour or something of the sort over the past few months because he had filled out quite nicely.

"Outa the way shortie," Josef laughed, growing a little nervous of her staring, "I'm here to see Cid, not some runt of a girl." She stepped aside with a smile and pinched his sides as he went past her. The yelp that came from him made both Shera and Cid look over with a frown. Cid got up from is spot at the table and went over to Josef, clapping him on the back in a friendly gesture.

"About time you dragged your sorry ass over here. We've got lots of work to do on my baby. Sometimes I think the only reason you help me is the hope of seeing a certain young lady come to visit." Josef winked at Tifa as Cid started to drag him out back.

"I'll catch ya later Tif! Maybe for dinner?"

"It's a deal," she grinned, trying not to laugh at the expression on Josef's face when Cid pulled on his arm again. Shera shook her head and began clearing the table.

"Once those boys get working on a project, they could be out there for days," Shera laughed. Tifa took the dishes away from her and headed over to the sink.

"You need to take it easy Shera. You don't want to strain the baby or yourself." Sitting herself back at the table, Shera smiled.

"I know, I know. Cid's always getting all paranoid and upset about one thing or another. He promised not to smoke or swear much around me so it won't affect the baby."

"You guys are so cute," Tifa sighed with a smile. Shera watched her carefully.

"Do you have any special men in your life?" she asked with interest. Choosing her words carefully, Tifa filled the sink with soap and hot water to delay having to reply.

"I guess there's always hope that things could happen........"

"With whom?" Shera asked eagerly, leaning towards her.

"No one...."

"Come on. Tell me. Please....?"

Tifa knew there was no winning with this woman and sighed. "Vincent."

"Seriously?!" Shera gasped with widening eyes, "as in Mr. I'm-not-a-vampire- but-I-don't-go-out-in-sunlight?" Tifa giggled and nodded.

"Yah. He's really loosened up lately. He actually saved me and my bar the other night." Shera smiled at the dreamy look on Tifa's face. She had it bad.

"You seem more then 'hopeful'," Shera noted, "so when you say loosened up, how so?" Tifa blushed bright red and cleared her throat.

"Well......um.......I.........you see........" She cleared her throat again nervously, "well.......um..........he just......talks more.......and stuff........" A small giggle escaped Shera's lips and Tifa stuck out her tongue at her. "Speaking of Vincent, he's supposed to come and get me in a day or two."

"I'm looking forward to it," Shera grinned mischievously. The girls fell silent when Cid re-entered the room and paused to grab two beers from the fridge.

"We'll be out there until around noon, okay hun?" Cid mentioned to his wife, "I'll make us something to eat, if you're hungry, when we're done with the Tiny Bronco."

"We're fine in here anyway, sweety," Shera smiled, "me and Tifa are just catching up on stuff." Shaking his head slightly, Cid carried the beers outside where Josef was waiting, not wanting to know why both women had those grins on their faces. Tifa turned back to the sink and sighed happily. Things finally seemed to be going good for once in her life.

Shera watched her happy friend's face with a smile. After everything Tifa had been through she deserved some love and happiness. After Tifa finished up the dishes, the ladies continued to chat until Cid and Josef came back inside, covered in grease and who knows what else.

Tifa shrieked when Josef wrapped his arms around her waist and left black gunk all over her clean clothes. He laughed and dodged the spray of water she sent his way after grabbing the nozzle from the sink.

"You jerk!" she laughed, grabbing a bowl full of water and chasing him outside with it. Josef tackled her down, spilling water all over both of them in the process. Kaite heard the commotion and came running outside, joyously barking and bounding around the two as they wrestled.

Cid shook his head and went to get cleaned up, after kissing Shera gently. "Don't worry," Cid grinned, "I'll save the dirty stuff for later." Shera rolled her eyes and watched, through the open door, as the two continued play fighting in the dirt. Josef managed to get the upper hand and pinned Tifa's arms to the ground, smiling evilly. Kaite bounded over and licked inside Josef's ear.

"Ahh! What the?! Who's this little cutie? Your attack dog?" Josef questioned Tifa, still holding her down.

"No. I found her and I'm trying to find her owner," Tifa explained, yet again. On sudden impulse Tifa looked over at the puppy and grinned. "Kaite, attack!" The small dog sat there and looked at her, seemingly not understanding what she had just commanded.

"So much for attack dog," Tifa muttered.

"Give up?" Josef grinned, leaning his face closer to hers.

"Never!" Tifa laughed and lifted her head up, biting his shoulder.

"Hey!" Josef yelled in surprise, releasing her arms, "you vicious little twit. I'm gonna kick your butt!" Tifa jumped up and pushed him away, running back for the house. Shera looked up sharply from her newspaper when Tifa burst through the front doorway, panting and out of breath.

"Hide me, Shera," she begged, collapsing by her friend.

"Upstairs bathroom," Shera smiled, "I won't let him know where you are." Coming through the door shortly after Tifa had disappeared up the stairs, Josef looked around suspiciously. Kaite came strolling in, covered in mud, and whimpered at Josef's feet. Josef reached down and picked up the puppy, holding her against him in a light hug. Kaite struggled slightly and Josef let her go, watching the small dog leave small dirty footprints as she bounded up the stairs.

"All right, where is she?" he questioned Shera, trying to seem innocent. She simply shrugged and smiled back sweetly.

"Sorry, haven't seen her." Josef glanced around quickly and seemed to make a decision. The young man sat at the table beside her and Shera frowned at his mud covered attire, also noticing the smile on his face wavering.

"Shera.........," he paused, then sighed, leaning his forehead on his hands.

"Hmm? You okay Joe?" Shera peered up into his distressed face with concern and confusion. "What's wrong?"

"I-I need you to answer something honestly for me........and I kinda need to get something off my chest." Without his confident grin, Shera realized how young Josef actually was. The expression on his face made him look more like a scared little boy then a grown man.

"I'll try my best," she answered truthfully, patting his arm. He let out of soft sigh and smiled at Shera, almost nervously.

"Do you..............do you think I'd ever have a chance with Tifa? I mean.........you know........I'm confused because I haven't known her for a really long time and I don't really know how she feels about me or anything. She's just such a great friend and a great girl and-"

"Whoa there," Shera interrupted, "slow down. What do you mean by 'a chance'?" Josef made a face and shook his head.

"No, not like that. I don't know. I think I might be falling in love with her," he stated, his cheeks turning red, "......but, you know what? Let's just forget I said anything, okay?" Shera's eyes widened and she stared, mouth hanging open, at his blushing face.

"Well........um........wow. That's......that's quite the thought. ..............Are you positive about all this?" Tifa walked into the kitchen in a fresh pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt, carrying a now clean puppy and smiling brightly at the two. Josef's face blushed severely and he stood from the table, almost knocking over his chair in the process.

"Well, I'm gonna head home now, Tif. I need to clean up and stuff.......so I'll come grab you later for dinner, okay?"

Tifa nodded slowly, not really sure what to make of his nervous attitude, "yah. I'll see you then." She was honestly surprised he wasn't continuing their "war". It just wasn't like him to give up that easily. He must be plotting something for later. She'd have to keep her guard up.

Josef's eyes shifted back over to where Shera was sitting. "Oh, and Shera," he said in a warning tone, "not a word." Shera grinned and watched the embarrassed young man exit out the front door and shut it behind him.

"What was that all about?" Tifa questioned, frowning and cleaning some mud off her chair before she sat in it.

"Oh, nothing," Shera smiled, "he was just babbling on about something or other." Tifa seemed to accept her answer and pet Kaite, who had just jumped up into her lap, gently. A short silence passed before the puppy barked and Tifa stood, causing Kaite to jump down to the floor again.

"I need to go find Kaite's owner," Tifa said like she had just remembered, "wanna come?" Shera thought for a moment.

"No. I think I'll stay here," she sighed with a shake of her head, "it's a little too warm out there for me."

"Your loss," Tifa shrugged. She went around the room, making sure anything Shera might possibly need while she was gone, was within reach.

"You're worse then Cid, you know that?" the tired-looking women remarked with a slight smile.

"I know," Tifa grinned, "and I'm glad that you have people who love you enough to take annoyingly good care of you." Shera shook her head and switched seats to her overstuffed armchair, pulling out a cross-stitch she had been working on. "I'll see you later, Shera. I'm not sure if I'll be back before or after dinner."

"Just go have fun," Shera said, waving her hand at Tifa.

Tifa's eyes sparkled mischievously. "I plan to."

Kaite danced excitedly around Tifa's feet as they walked along the path through Rocket Town. Tifa knelt down to scratch behind Kaite's ears and inspect the tag she wore again. "According to this, your home should be right near the outside of town," Tifa told the happy puppy, "come on now Kaite, we're gonna find your mommy and daddy." Tifa felt a slight pang of guiltiness when she thought of just keeping Kaite for herself. It would be cruel to keep someone's pet from them. They probably missed her dearly.

Tifa and Kaite made their way to the address that was on the puppy's collar and finally arrived at a beautiful house that looked almost brand new. Walking over to the front door, Tifa knocked lightly and rocked on her feet as she waited for an answer. A haughty looking woman came to the front door and looked down her nose at Tifa.

"Whatever you're selling, we don't want it, girl."

"Wait!" Tifa said quickly, placing her hand on the door to stop the woman from closing it in her face.

"How dare you-"

"Just listen," Tifa cut in, "I found this puppy wearing a collar with this address on it." She reached down to pick up Kaite, who whimpered and cowered away from the woman's mean stare. "Is she yours?" Tifa asked hesitantly.

The woman snorted in contempt and shook her head. "What use would we have for some mutt? Only purebreds are allowed in this home. She probably belonged to that old couple who died a few weeks ago. We bought the property and built a proper house after tearing down the old one."

"Oh.........," Tifa trailed off, not really sure what to say, "then I guess........I'm sorry for bothering you...."

"You should be. Good day to you." The woman closed the door with a quick slam, leaving Tifa standing out on the porch with a whimpering ball of fur and no idea what to do now.

"Don't worry puppy," she whispered, hugging Kaite, "I'll take care of you, even if we can't find your owner." Kaite seemed to relax at the sound of her voice and licked her cheek. "I guess we should head back," Tifa sighed. They made the trek back to Cid and Shera's and Tifa hoped it wasn't too late for dinner now. How long had she been gone?

Kaite suddenly ran off, leaving Tifa behind on the path, only a few feet from Cid's house. "Kaite!" Tifa called, chasing after her. Kaite stopped abruptly and Tifa wondered why until she herself ran directly into someone who was by Kaite and fell backwards onto the ground. "I'm so sorry," she apologized, blushing and starting to get up.

"Geez, you little troublemaker," a familiar voice teased. She looked up in relief to find that it was only Josef.

"Oh good. I thought I might've hit someone who mattered." Josef shot her a glare and helped her up.

"Yah, thanks," he smiled, "glad to know I mean so much to you." Kaite jumped up and began pawing on Josef's leg until he picked her up. "Your dog is very demanding. She must get it from you." His voice went all soft and babyish as he spoke to the puppy. "Isn't that right little Kaitie? Huh? What's that puppy? You want a snuggle? Awww what a cutie." He nuzzled the top of her head and Tifa giggled, surprised he could act like that and not be embarrassed.

"You ready for dinner?" Josef asked, putting the dog down.

"Let's go," Tifa nodded with a smile, wondering why Josef had a basket dangling from one arm. He grinned evilly and handed her a handkerchief.

"You have to wear this blindfold until we get to where we're eating, okay?" Tifa inspected him carefully. Did she dare trust him?

"All right......," she replied slowly, unsure still. Josef took the handkerchief back from her and stood behind her, tying it securely over her eyes.

"Ready to go?" Her hands groped the air in front of her, trying to get her bearings, and she felt very vulnerable.

"How am I supposed to know where I'm going?" she asked nervously.

"I'll guide you," a warm voice spoke into her ear. She felt him take her hand in his and intertwine their fingers as he began to walk and pull her with him. A couple times she stumbled, but he always caught her and made sure she was all right. She could still hear Kaite bounding along with them and smiled slightly. Pretty soon she was going to have to start referring to Kaite as her dog and she didn't really mind. That puppy was one of the cutest she had ever known.

They stopped suddenly and she felt Josef release her from his gentle hold. "Josef?" she called softly, "hey Joey? Where the hell do you think you're going?" A rustle of cloth sounded beside her and she turned in that direction, annoyed he wasn't answering her. "Joey? Hello? Can I look now?"

"No. Just a minute. And stop calling me that!" the hasty reply came. Tifa grinned. He hated that nickname which is exactly why she had used it. "Okay," Josef's voice spoke, suddenly right beside her, "you can look now." He gently helped her get the blindfold off and she blinked carefully, looking around. She gasped, seeing the blanket set up with softly glowing candles and their dinner awaiting them.

Josef handed her a white rose and led her over to the blanket. "Come on Tif. Don't just stand there. There's a lot of food to be eaten." She sat, at his prompting, and gazed at everything around her. Josef took a seat next to her and let Kaite sit in his lap.

"Did you make all this yourself?" Tifa asked with wonder, fingering the flower in her hand.

"Mmmhmm," Josef grinned, pleased with her reaction.

"In that case, I have to question whether or not it's edible," Tifa smiled, laughing at his indignant expression.

"Try it and find out," Josef challenged.

"You first."

Josef watched the candle light dance in Tifa's eyes and found that he had no retort for her. His words were simply...........gone. Trying not to seem like he had just been staring at her, he opened the container of tortellini with garlic pesto sauce and put some on one of the plates he had brought. Tifa followed suit, placing the rose out of the way, and grabbed a chunk of bread from the soft loaf that sat in the basket Josef brought. Josef ate slowly, distracted by Tifa as she savoured her food, a look a sheer delight on her face.

"Mmmm. This is really good, Josef," she spoke through a mouthful of food. He smiled at her and his cheeks blushed slightly red.

"Thank you. I wasn't sure what you really liked so I just made a little bit of a few different things."

"There's more?" she asked excitedly. Josef nodded and passed her the dish of chicken caeser salad and another with homemade quesadillas. Tifa helped herself to a bit of each thing and leaned on Josef's shoulder comfortably. "Thank you for this. It's nice to have a treat. I don't remember the last time I had a dinner this wonderful." Josef shook slightly under her touch and she looked up at his face, which was bright red.

"T-thank you," Josef grinned, trying to hide his nervousness at being so close to Tifa when they were completely alone. "I'm glad you like it. It was made with love just for you. I even kicked my mom out of the kitchen so she'd stop telling me over my shoulder the proper way to make everything." Kaite shifted in his lap and he fed her some of his dinner, unable to resist the cute look she gave him. He glanced back at Tifa after a moment.

Tifa laughed softly and shook her head. "That mother of yours certainly likes things done her way."

"She's been like that ever since dad died," Josef explained quietly, "I think she wants me to learn everything I can before she dies too. She always talks about how things will be 'once she's gone'. I don't really like it, but losing a loved one can do things like that to a person." Tifa squeezed his arm lightly and gazed sadly at her food. She knew what it was like to lose your dad. Sephiroth had made sure of that. She could still clearly remember the day she had challenged the general with his own sword in a blind rage, after seeing he had killed her father.

Josef cleared his throat and went back to eating, leaving them both in an awkward silence. Tifa finished everything on her plate and pushed it to the side, lying back on the blanket to gaze at the stars. Josef wondered if it was a good time to talk about everything that was on his mind. He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't get out any words. She just looked so peaceful and happy. Why ruin it? He dug around in the basket and pulled out a chocolate cake with thick chocolate fudge icing.

"Cake?" he asked her, slicing into it with a knife.

"Hand me half and I'll be happy," she remarked, sitting up and smiling at him. He cut her a big piece, knowing she was joking, and handed it to her with a clean fork.

"Thanks!" she grinned, digging in. "You do realize that now I'm gonna have to top this, don't you?" she commented, through bites of cake.

"Good luck with that," Josef said with a shake of his head. He ate his cake as well, trying to explain to the puppy that dogs couldn't have chocolate, and put all the leftovers back in the wicker basket, setting it on the edge of the blanket. Tifa looked over at him and began giggling. "What?" he asked, curious to what the source of her mirth was.

"You have icing on your face," she laughed, pointing at the chocolate mark across his cheek.

"Huh? Where?" he asked, going slightly red. Tifa licked her finger, like a mother would do, and rubbed it over the smudge.

"There," she smiled, hand still lingering on his cheek, "all clean." Josef's heart beat a little faster as he lifted his hand to hers and turned his face to kiss her palm.

"T-thanks," he whispered.

Tifa watched, slightly confused, as he held her hand against his cheek, eyes closed and shaking slightly. His sky blue eyes blinked open again and he gazed at her carefully, like he was considering something. His face moved forward and he brushed a light kiss tenderly across her lips. Tifa eyes widened and she watched his gaze travel over her face, unsure of how to respond. Josef moved in again and kissed her with more force, running a gentle hand down her cheek. Tifa felt the love in his kiss and her heart did a flip flop. Did he.............love her? Her lips began moving against his and he pried her mouth open gently with his, deepening their kiss. Kaite barked suddenly and the two jerked apart, both going slightly red.

"Um...........I-I........sorry.....," Josef stuttered. Tifa touched her fingers to her lips, still staring wordlessly at her friend. Josef turned away from her, mentally kicking himself, and began gathering up everything they brought with them. Tifa picked up her forgotten rose and spun it in her fingers, trying to think of what to say to make him understand. Josef blew out the candles and realized too late that they were left in darkness. That only caused his cheeks to burn even redder with embarrassment.

"Josef," Tifa spoke softly, touching his back. He spun to face her, nothing but the moonlight illuminating them, and hoped to god this wasn't the part where she smacked him and told him to go to hell. "Why didn't you tell me?" Tifa asked, sounding sad and happy at the same time.

"Tell you?" he asked, confused at her response.

"If I had known.........," she trailed off with a sigh, "it's too late now Josef." She pulled him into a fierce hug and buried her face in his neck. How could she hurt him when he'd never been anything but a wonderful friend and perfect gentleman to her? His arms wrapped around her and he sensed that he wasn't going to like what she said next.

"I..........I already have someone Joe." Tifa wondered at her own words. Would Vincent ever be serious enough to make their commitment permanent? Maybe by rejecting Josef she was really condemning herself to a life of wishing she could be with Vincent and never really getting there. She felt like she was cheating on Vincent by even thinking about Josef as anything more then a friend. The relationship between her and Vincent was too complicated to call it dating....

She realized Josef had been silent for quite a while now. "Josef?" she said quietly.

"Who?" he asked, sounding on the verge of tears and tightening his grip on her.

"Vincent." He pulled back suddenly and shook his head.

"You mean that unfeeling, emotionless guy who never gives anyone a second glance?" he spoke bitterly. Tifa frowned and lay back onto the blanket.

"It's different, okay? He's changed somehow. It's hard to explain. He's coming to get me any day now and then you can see for yourself."

"Oh goody," Josef muttered. They both stayed silent after that, each with their own thoughts. Kaite whimpered quietly, sensing that something was wrong and snuggled up against Tifa's body.

"We should probably get back into town soon," Josef noted, "it's kind of late." Tifa sat up and Kaite hopped up excitedly, eager to get walking. "That dog has endless energy," Josef smiled. Tifa knew he was trying to come to terms with what had just happened and tried her best to smile as well.

"She sure is cute though." Josef looked over at her and nodded wordlessly. The both stood and Josef folded the blanket, tucking it into the basket and looking back at Tifa, unable to keep his eyes off her. Knowing she was taken just made him want to win her for himself even more. Life wasn't fair.

They began the walk back to Cid's and Tifa gently took Josef's free hand into hers, like he had on the way to their dinner spot. She squeezed lightly and Josef felt a faint hope stir up in his heart. "I want you to know Tifa," he said softly, "if ever things don't work out between you and Vincent then I'll be here for you." She looked over at his heartbroken face and sighed. "Not that I don't want you to be happy with him or anything...," he hastily added, not wanting to seem like a heartless bastard.

"Thank you." Her reply was shy and quiet, filled with sadness and confusion. She seemed to be struggling with this more then he was. They arrived at Cid's doorstep sooner then he would've liked. Kaite cocked her head at him as if to say 'well, what are you waiting for?' and he quickly pulled Tifa into a hug and breathed in her scent, realizing this could be the last time he was allowed to hold her anymore. Now that they were technically 'more then friends' he wouldn't be allowed to freely hug her without suspicious.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he sighed, gazing down at her.

"Thank you for dinner," Tifa smiled, pulling him down a little to plant a kiss on his cheek, "we'll have to do it again sometime." He released Tifa from his hug reluctantly and nodded.

"Yah, I'd like that." He watched as Tifa gave a little wave and went inside the house. With a sad sigh he headed back for his house where his mom was awaiting eagerly to hear how the night had gone. He wasn't looking forward to all the questions he knew were coming.

Max wiped down the last table and cleared away a few dishes that Gary had missed. "Gary!" she yelled into the back, "come grab these! You forgot to wash a few dishes!" Grumbling and swearing could be heard from the kitchen area and a tired looking Gary came out to the front of the bar.

"I don't like this taking turns thing. Why can't you just always do kitchen and I'll always do the bar?"

"Because," Max smiled, "I'm the boss."

Gary shook his head and placed a light kiss on her forehead. "Whatever you say, Max."

Since the power outage three nights ago, Max had been a lot friendlier and warm with him. It was a pleasant change from her usual 'stay the hell away from me' attitude and he hadn't even tried to take advantage of it. Carrying the last few dishes into the back, he sighed and loaded them into the dishwasher. Tifa and Vincent better get back soon. He didn't know how much longer he could be alone in a bar with Max and not try anything.

After putting away the clean dishes, Gary headed back out into the bar and found Max waiting impatiently by the front door. "Hurry up, slow poke, or I won't take you out for a drink," she smiled teasingly. Gary grabbed his jacket and hurried towards her, a grin spreading across his face.

"Coming darling," he winked, wrapping a casual arm around her shoulder and leading her out of the bar.

"Hey! Let me at least lock the damn door," Max laughed and quickly locked it, the two of them then continuing on their way to Gary's car. Neither even mentioned anything about the fact that they were going out for a drink when they had just worked in a bar all night. Max slid into the passenger side of the car and Gary closed her door for her before going around to his side, a triumphant smile upon his lips. Getting in as well, he started up the car and looked over at Max.

"Where to?"

Max considered for a moment and her eyes lit up suddenly. "Go to that dancing cowboy pub, or whatever it's called. You know, the one with the tacky sign."

"Your wish is my command me lady," Gary winked.

"Oh really?" Max asked with a mischievous smile, "then kiss me." Gary watched her incredulously for a moment and decided to use his better judgement for once.

"Save the teasing for later," he smiled, pulling out of his parking spot and onto the main rode. Max placed a gentle hand on his leg as they drove, as though to let him know she was still there. He kept glancing sideways at her, wondering it this was just some cleaver ruse and she was suddenly going to laugh at him for being gullible enough to believe she wanted to go out somewhere with him.

They arrived at the pub of Max's choice and she boldly strutted through the front door, leaving Gary behind to lock up the car and hurry after her. "Damn woman," he muttered under his breath. When he entered, he was surprised to find it jam-packed full of people. Most were drunk, but some had enough intelligence left to yell incoherent things at Max as she went by them. One dared to slap her ass and she turned to give him a butt whooping. Seconds later the guy was on the ground, begging for mercy, and Gary had his arm twisted roughly behind his back.

"Don't touch the lady you filthy jerk," he growled, then released the drunken stranger. Max laughed as they headed over to the bar.

"My hero. I'll have to bring you to bars more often. Then I don't have to lose my ladylike qualities when I open a can of whoopass." The bartender behind the counter eyed them wearily, sensing that they could be trouble.

"What'll it be?" he asked, looking at the couple with a smile plastered on his face.

"Just give us two beers," Max yelled over the noise inside the bar. This place was certainly a lot less classy then Tifa's bar. The bartender obliged, handing them their beers, and Max took a swig of hers. "Nice place," she smirked, leaning her face closer to Gary's so he could hear her. Gary shrugged and downed his beer in a single gulp.

Max shook her head and sat on one of the bar stools. "Show-off." It didn't take them long to realize that they weren't going to be able to chat very easily in this place, so Max quickly dropped a twenty on the counter and pulled Gary by his hand, back through the crowd the way they had come in. After exiting the building, Max threw her beer bottle at Gary and laughed when he fumbled to catch, managing in the end.

"You're very happy tonight," he noted suspiciously.

"Sure am," she smiled, wandering around the parking lot.

Gary didn't know what to make of it. Max was never this freaking happy so there must be some major reason why she was acting this way.

"Why?"

Max looked over at his confused face and shrugged. "I just want to be so I am. Got a problem with that?" Gary quickly shook his head and sat down on the curb. It was going to be a long night.

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Author: So, what did you think? Good? Bad? Horribly horrendously awful? Dance around in your underwear great? Anyway...........please review and tell me what you thought of this chapter. I was originally going to keep typing and go back to Vincent, but I'll worry about that next chapter. I just realized how freaking long this one was. :P You guys deserved it though. Waiting for me to update for such a long time. My Inuyasha story and my FFVII story should be updated by the end of this week as well. (My FF X-2 story on my other account should be but I don't know if I'll have time) Hope you enjoyed my typingness and you plan on reading all my newly written chapters that are coming.

Adam: I'm dead!

Sephiroth: Heeheehee! You had to die and I got to live! Now you can't stop me when I try to do naughty things to her! ::sneaks up behind author while she's putting on her pyjamas::

Adam ghost thingy: No! Stop! Hey! Listen to me you stupid one-winged loser!

Sephiroth: ::pauses midstep and turns back to Adam:: What did you just say? ::speaks in a dangerous dark tone::

Adam ghost thingy: That's right, you heard me!

Sephiroth: ::a glowing green aura surrounds him as he proceeds to beat the shit out of the Adam ghost thingy and send it into the fiery depths of hell::

Author: ::turns in time to see Adam behind her, but Sephiroth manages to teleport out of the room:: AHHHHHHHH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! WERE YOU WATCHING ME CHANGE, YOU SICKO?!

Adam: Wha? Huh? Argh! NO! I WASN'T!

Sephiroth: ::walks into room with his eyes closed:: Don't worry love. I'm not looking, I'm just disposing of the sick perverted freak.

Author: ::forgets she's still in her undergarments and hugs Sephiroth gratefully:: Thank you. Yes. Dispose of him somewhere painful and torturous.

Sephiroth: ::grins:: Will do!

Author: ::blushes and pulls on her nighty:: Sorry about that everyone. It's my bedtime now (well it is, but it won't be when I'm posting this so meh) and I'm going to sleep. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and I'll see you soon! I promise that this time it actually will be soon. Bye byes! :D

::tortured screams fade out in the background::

P.S. - No people were actually in there undergarments during the typing of this chapter. Please do not be disturbed gentle readers and huggles for all! :D