A/N: Wow.. 65 reviews for only 7 chapters. This has gotta be a record of mine. Thanks for the great reviews though, they keep me writing :)

He reached forward with his other hand and slipped it onto her smooth cheek. Her eyes flashed with so many colours at his touch and he couldn't help but feel his heart returning to him. After so long, there was always emptiness in his chest. But now, there was more, hope, and longing. Forgiveness, from one person alone. A girl who he made a promise too a long time ago, and who he fell in love with ever since.

"Tifa," he watched as she opened her eyes. But even before she could fully open them, his face was already an inch away from hers.

Her eyes widen at the sudden closeness though she didn't object, but continue being silent. His touch radiated around her neck, it was warm and smooth. She had never felt like this before, not ever. It was new to her, the warmth of that a man could provide so easily. All he needed to do was to touch her and she would feel like she was contented. He needn't say anything, nor whisper any words. Only a touch from him could erase everything.

He touched his lips against hers. It was sweet tasting, almost like a candy she'd forever love. His eyes never closed when they kissed. It was their very first kiss. A one that would seal up everything, and lead them onto their next step in life. Together. It was hard to imagine that he could be this gentle, after watching him participate in so many battles. He had a way with his sword but with her, his touch was like a feather landing on spikes.

It wasn't long before he began to close his eyes and continue kissing her. He felt her arm slipping its way behind his neck and pulling him closer, just like he was doing around her waist. They were lost in this emotion that for once, they didn't care who or what would be watching. They had each others love returned to them and that was all they wanted. To be together.

He snapped to his senses and forgot just how long they had been kissing. It felt like he had been doing this for more than just an hour, maybe for even a decade. He didn't know anymore and didn't care either. Reluctantly he pulled back and pressed a finishing kiss to her forehead and then settling back in front of her.

She smiled warmly as she felt his kiss on her forehead. It assured her, and closed up the doors of pain and rejection in her heart.

His finger traced over her eye as he wiped away the water that was almost dry on her face. "I didn't mean to make you cry," he said softly. "I'm-"

He felt her finger at his lips now, and looked nervously at her. When she caught his eyes she said softly, "I love you, Cloud."

She saw his eyes softening as he suddenly took her into a bone crushing embrace. Just as she opened her mouth to protest she closed it again and began to stroke his back gently. She felt his tears on her neck, his warm hot tears that were finally being released from his heart. It was every single piece of memory that was now pouring out. He had kept all this in for so long, it was time he let go.

Tifa smiled contentedly. He loved her, just as she loved him and he was letting his past go. She closed her eyes and felt his tears still running. It was up to her to console him now. To take care of him and place his heart back where it belonged.

She shifted her head in the embrace and pressed a kiss to his neck as if soothing away his guilt. Instantly his tears stopped none the less and he turned to her. Just between them, their hair hiding away their surroundings, they stared at each other.

Watching

Listening

Feeling

She saw the breaking smile on his lips and couldn't help but to replicate his smile. It was a small smile, one that didn't split the face, but held it together. There was only silence around the room as they stared. Only the quiet sound of Michi breathing was all that could be heard. Even the touch of the tip of a pin to the floor would be loud.

His eyes were wet and teary. For once he wasn't afraid of letting it all go in front of someone. He wasn't afraid of letting them think that he was weak or that he couldn't handle himself. It was because it was her who watched.

The child that slept awoke with a stretch that ended up hitting Cloud softly. The adult looked down as if startled, but soon relaxed when he saw who it was.

Michi glanced wearily from one adult to another before letting a small smile appear on his lips. His small eyes noticed his guardian embracing her, which meant she was trusted right?

"Don't cry mister," he reached forward and touched Cloud's hand. "Miss will look after you right?" he cast his hazel eyes to Tifa who smiled and nodded.