Chapter Nine – Answers

The two figures in the bedroom were both engulfed into an awkward silence. Tifa had a look of confusion on her face, whilst Cloud appeared to be deep in thought. So it finally happened… Tifa finally remembered, and now it was up to Cloud to make the next move. He was unsure of what to say, too scared to make a move, for he was afraid that if he attempted to grab her hand, or move anymore closer to her, he would jeopardise his chance in gaining her back.

"Just tell me the truth Cloud; it's all I want to hear right now." Came her voice. "I don't need to hear how you feel or who else is involved, just give me a reason why you're here when you were the one that wanted me to mind my own business." Tifa breathed; there wasn't a slightest hint of anger in her voice.

Cloud glanced at her with serious mako blue eyes, all those words he wanted to say to her were pent up inside of him, making his chest hurt. At long last, he finally got a chance to spill his heart out for her, but the words didn't seem like it was about to come out. Communication skills were always something he lacked, but at this very moment, he couldn't afford to walk away from her without providing a tiny explanation.

Opening his mouth, Cloud took in a deep breath, never once losing eye contact with her. "I- I need…" The words were stuck in his throat as he tried again. "I need you Tifa." He managed to say in a choked voice.

When those words were finally released from his throat, for the very first time in years, he felt as though he could breathe again. Maybe it was because he had held those words inside for such a long period of time, or simply because he missed her, either way, it felt good to be able to reveal what he was going through.

A feeling of peace rushed through Tifa for just a split second. Those words, those simple words were all she'd been after, and to finally hear them made the invisible wounds inflicted on her slowly mend together again. Her senses were gone for a few seconds, but as it gradually returned to her, she discovered those words sounded so... wrong. It didn't feel right to hear that explanation coming from Cloud because it felt like he was lying to her.Although she wanted to believe those words, she couldn't because of their past. Opening her mouth, she realized she needed something else. She needed to be sure of something…

Cocking an eyebrow up at him she kept a serious expression. "Need me? Don't you think that's a little too late?" She shot at him.

Cloud broke off the eye contact at her very words. He hadn't expected her to respond this way; he had hoped she would take him back in the warm fashion she usually used. With his eyes averted on the bed lining, he didn't know what to say anymore.

"I don't understand you. I thought you needed freedom, I thought you needed to be away from me." She explained, as she observed him then continued. "But here you are, telling me you need me. Is this some kind of joke? Is it because you've gotten sick of being by yourself, so you're here to torture me some more?" She continued, pressuring him, wishing he would react to show her that his intentions were good and true. Although she was seeking a legitimate reason from him, she knew deep down inside that she could always trust him because she had high hopes for him.

As Tifa observed him, he wasn't able to look her in the eye and it angered her a little. Why won't he stand up for himself? Am I saying things that are too hard to give an explanation to? She thought.

"You don't even have the courage to look me in the eyes and speak to me." She stated bluntly. "I'm giving you the chance to explain yourself, to make me believe you but-" She was interrupted.

"I don't have to make you believe me Tifa," Cloud cut in, surprising her. "You already know whether if you want to trust me or not." He informed, finally able to look her directly in the eyes.

Tifa backed down. "You've confused me," she breathed in reply.

Cloud shook his head at her, "No, you're just unsure of my explanation I gave you of why I'm here."

She gawked at him, and took in a deep breath, unable to hold her curiosity back. "Then why are you here Cloud?" She queried, tilting her head to a side. "Give me another reason why..."

Cloud racked his head for an answer he could provide, and then he finally found one. "I still have a promise to keep, and I can't keep that promise if you're not always around." He whispered.

Promise? Tifa wanted to ask at first, but then it dawned on her. Their childhood oath was what he was referring to, and if it was possible, warmness spilt inside her. Even after all the things she shouted at him, he still wanted to protect her.

A couple of inches separated the two as Tifa seized the moment and flung her arms around his neck, holding him for the first time in years. Feeling his protective hand move up to her head, Tifa closed her eyes, and savoured the moment. She finally remembered it all… The smell of him, his blonde spiky hair, the paleness of his skin, his broad shoulders, and the muscles he trained and worked so hard for. More importantly, she remembered those two blue eyes that he possessed. Those eyes were the one and only thing she got lost in every time she saw him. And it was those eyes, and all the experiences they shared that brought him back to her.

"You've changed," She pointed.

She felt him shake his head. "No Tifa, I've merely found myself again."

There was a short silence for a moment, as the two of them managed to digest what was actually happening.

Tifa was surprised, for some reason, after this long journey of being seperated and then finding one another again, it appeared to bring them closer than before. "I've missed you Cloud," She whispered with her eyes closed, her face falling into the hollow of his neck as tears stung her eyes.

Cloud breathed in the lovely scent of her hair, "Me too Tifa. Me too."

A/N: Feel the CloTiness yet? I honestly do hope so... Well, here you have it, Cloud and Tifa reunited again! Be ready for my next chapter, and it's the second last chapter too... Meaning this story is coming to an end, but rest assured, I already have another commencing... So keep your eyes peeled :D

Oh, I blabbed on too much! Please review dear readers, you've got no idea how much it means to me... Cheerio