Chapter Three

Part I: Capturing the Moment

Tifa was tangled in Cloud the next morning, his arms wrapped around her and their legs intwined. She lay there entranced with his body, his scent, the sunlight coming in from the window at a perfect angle to highlight his serene sleeping face and unruly bed head. It was almost impossible to leave his side but the urge to capture this moment overcame that as she maneuvered carefully around his limbs, trying to disturb him as little as possible. This turned out to be harder than it seemed with Cloud not cooperating, hugging her tightly against his chest. It was a very bare and beautiful chest but that just fueled her on even more to get up and get the shot before he moved anymore.

Miraculously, Tifa unwrapped herself from Cloud, glancing back to see he had not moved all that much and happily retrieved a small book from her night stand. She walked quickly to the chair near the window and arranged it so she was facing the bed, Cloud in perfect light from the sun. Opening the sketch book to a new page, Tifa looks from Cloud to the blank white paper and back again before placing her pencil to the clean surface, sketching in a few lines. Soon there are creases, angles and many other lines making up the form of Cloud sleeping, the sheets below him rustled from where she had been and also from the previous night's activities.

Tifa blushed at the thought, recalling his body above her, inside her, completing her. His hands, legs, sprawled around her and on her, his hair tickling her body as he moved down, down, down…the mental image was so strong that she had to open her eyes and focus once again on the image in front of her. The sudden movement of springs on the bed alerted her and soon she was faced with a very awake and very naked Cloud.

With images of him like this still fresh in her mind, she flushed and busied herself once again with her sketching, moving her pencil frantically across the page. All that is visible is Cloud's feet above the book, and Tifa's eyes started to drift once again, only to find a happy smiling Cloud towering above her, still in all his naked glory. He graciously put on a robe to cover himself before fully looking at the page, to which Tifa was adding contrast and shadows. She was now humming, ignoring his presence to focus on and finish this drawing before she lost the last thoughts of him sleeping in her mind. His form lost among the sheets, covering one leg with the foot sticking out visibly, casting shadows onto the sheets below at about that angle…

"How do you do that?"

Cloud's voice carried above her head, and she fought the urge to turn towards him lest she lose the picture in her mind's eye. "Do what?"

His hand cast a shadow with the rising sun, splashing darkness across the page. "Draw like that? With no model…nothing to work with? Isn't it hard?"

"Says the man who has saved the planet…twice." She looked up pointedly at him to see his smile before returning to her sketch. He sat on the windowsill to her left, blocking her light slightly, to which she glanced over her shoulder and he just looked back at her.

"Oh, sorry…" he muttered as he shuffled quite adorably from the window to stand awkwardly once again, moving back and forth from foot to foot before heading for the foot of the bed. His eyes asked for permission which Tifa nodded before he sat, once again in her picture space but it was alright, all she had left now were the tiny details. A shadow here, blending that shading there, add a few more defining lines around the bed…and voila, her drawing was complete.

Tifa stood and stretched after sitting for a good hour in her chair before heading over to where Cloud was lounging on the bed, his hands behind him like he was getting a tan from the early sun shining through the window. She held her sketch book in hand, offering it to Cloud tentatively and preferring to stand as he looked at the sketch she had drawn of him. His eyes took in the page, widening slightly and Tifa held her breath, not realizing how much his opinion on this mattered until just now.

"Wow" he finally breathed, breaking the silence with such a simple word. And that was all. No explanation whatsoever to what that wow meant.

"Meaning…" she waved her hand, urging him to continue. "Good wow or bad wow?"

"Meaning…" he pulled her closer to him, setting the sketch down to hold her. "Great wow."

He looked up at her from his spot on the bed, his face reaching her stomach. "Really?"

"Very much so." That was all he said before pulling at her robe ties, opening it slightly to reveal the alabaster skin underneath of her midriff. She felt his tongue on the sensitive skin around her naval, and couldn't suppress the gasp that came from her throat at the feel of his wet tongue against her dry skin. Her hands went to his hair, fingers sliding through and playing with the strands until Cloud sighed. Fingers found the small of her back as she found the back of his neck, lightly scratching the small patch of skin while feeling his fingers trace circles lightly on her back.

Soon she was sitting on his lap, legs spread and his head making its way up her stomach to her chest. The feeling of his tongue on her in such a way aroused her to no end and she arched her back, lost in the feeling…until there was a knock at the door.

Cloud's face fell against her; an annoyed sigh emitting while she rest her chin in his mass of hair, letting it tickle her face before admitting the moment was lost.

"I should answer that."

"Mmhmm." His hands were still locked around her waist, making moving impossible. Tifa moved her hands along his arms, making her way to his hands clasped behind her back. She worked at the fingers until they loostened and he finally released her.

"As much as it hurts to be away from you, I must answer the door."

Cloud just lay back on the bed dejectedly, covering his eyes so as to not see her walk away from him while she tightened her robe around her shoulders. Cracking the door open revealed Marlene, looking quite bleary eyed and cute clutching her stuffed chocobo in hand.

"Marlene, honey, what are you doing up so early?"

"I'm thirsty, Tifa. Can I get a glass of water?"

"Of course." Tifa turned to Cloud, giving him a 'one minute' signal while she took Marlene's hand and went to get her a glass of water. Once Marlene was hydrated and tucked back into bed, Tifa was once again free to return to an impatiently waiting Cloud, no doubt. There he was, right where she left him at the foot of the bed, lightly dozing…

What, he's sleeping? Up close, he did appear to be sleeping…until he opened his eyes and pulled her down on top of him. With a startled "Eep", Tifa landed on top of Cloud, gazing into his blue depths with her widened hazel orbs. Her breath came in pants seeing that he scared her just then, catching her off guard like that. He always did, ever since they were kids. He was the best at hide and seek, usually finding her right away no matter where she hid. She didn't mind, she wanted him to find her always. But now, with him right there, so close…she could taste him and so she did.

Tifa closed the gap, letting her hunger be known as she slid her tongue into his mouth, simultaneously letting her hands wander over his now exposed chest after sliding down his robe. His hands were on her instantly, trailing along her neck down her back, going under her butt to lift her in a more favorable position and then to her legs, spreading them. She knelt, placing one leg on each side of his hips, their lips never leaving while Cloud found a rhythm. They rocked back and forth, and she felt him sliding on the sheets below her. So this is what it was like for him last night?

She couldn't get enough of him, his taste, scent, the feel of his body under hers, holding him close felt so good, so right, that she never wanted it to stop. Skin pressed against him tight, soft breath turning to panting and finally release, both riding it together until she collapsed on his chest, happily exhausted.

Part II: Past Memories

A wetness reached her lips, the scent of….melted pennies before the taste of copper flooded her taste buds, so strong she had to force down the rising bile in her throat. Lifting her head off of his chest, Tifa took in Cloud's pale face, flushed cheeks…and bleeding wound now uncovered and exposed to the atmosphere. Tifa raised her fingers to her lips, coming away…bright red with his blood.

"I…I didn't…I mean"

"It was an accident. My bandage came off in all the movement. It's not your fault, Teef."

He weakly attempted to hold her, but she was off of him in a flash, pulling her robe around her tightly before helping him to his feet and into the bathroom. She had to focus…get Cloud cleaned up, toss the now bloody sheets…wash off this stench of blood, of death, that always seemed to follow her around, now more than ever. Tifa moved numbly, doing each task mechanically while Cloud obeyed her and took a shower.

Once he was done, Tifa walked blindly past him, managing to hold it all together until the last possible moment; the sting of water hitting her face pushed her over the edge. After all the crying she did before, it was a wonder she still had anything left in her. Maybe since it was in the shower, she wouldn't dehydrate and dry up. Whatever the case, Tifa leaned against the slick wall of the shower, letting the water pound her body until she could no longer blissfully feel it.

Images raced through her mind, the blood always seemed to do that…so much blood. Hearing Cloud retell that tale brought back more than she thought possible. The feelings of that day reverberated through her chest, tightening until she was able to release it all now among the shower's falling spray. The blood, it always made her painfully aware that everyone she cared about, every one around her was human, not immune to pain and certain death. But it wasn't supposed to come this soon. Her mother was taken from her, snatched away so suddenly that she did not have time to do anything before she was just…gone.

Her father, taken by Sephiroth's sword before her hometown was also taken by fire. And then Cloud, taken from her when he joined SOLDIER…then in the Lifestream…and almost just a few days by Yazoo'z bullet. It was all too much. How could she keep fighting against this…this never ending cycle of death?

But wait, Cloud is still alive. Tifa clung to this last thought as if it were her life boat among this sinking ship known as her life. She had the kids to live for as well; Marlene and later Denzel had been her life for as long as she could remember. Now was the time to become a family once again. Her, Marlene, Denzel, and Cloud…a rather unconventional bunch but never the less, a family; all they had were each other. With a new sense of clarity, Tifa turned off the water and was assaulted by the cool air once the curtain was pulled back. This time, when she wiped the mirror of its fog, she saw something she hadn't seen in a long time. The image still held the same long dark fair framing a pale face, but instead of confusion and loss in those hazel orbs, she saw something closely resembling understanding, and lips graced with a smile in place of her frown.

Part III: New Beginnings

Tifa emerged from the bathroom a new woman, or at least that's how she saw it. In place of her black garments, she went for a light blue summer dress instead, even though she didn't plan on going out anywhere. Cloud took one look at her and approved very much so; she could see it in his eyes, the way his smile curved slyly and his gaze swept over her from head to toe. She tried her best to ignore it, especially since he was now dressed in one of his old SOLDIER's uniforms which fit him just so, leaving his arms bare to touch. Tifa refrained from doing so, instead busying herself at her bureau's mirror and focusing intently on finding a piece of jewelry…Cloud's hands around her waist moments later did not help aid her in her search.

"Cloud…" she trailed off, feeling her skin heat up under his lips working expertly along her neck. His hands were at the hem of her dress, and she could feel them move along that line coyly, threatening to cross it unless she did something to stop it. She had to, otherwise they would never leave this room today.

"I think we've had enough…excitement for today…" she said, finally able to remove herself from his grasp, which he did not appreciate but there was nothing he could do about it. Tifa continued to rummage among the trinkets in her jewelry box, searching for something that was very dear to her.

"What are you looking for?" Cloud's curiosity got the best of him. Also, if he had to stand there and watch her without being able to touch her, it was just too much…he had to keep himself busy. Tifa could see his will power and admired it, smiling into the mirror at his reflection.

"Do you remember that locket I used to wear when I was a little girl? The heart one?"

He nodded and so she went on searching by his side, since now he knew what he was looking for.

"I haven't seen that in years…are you sure you still have it?" he moved on to the dresser drawers, somehow thinking that it would be in there, she didn't know why but whatever he needed to do.

"It was my mother's…I better still have it." Tifa hadn't worn the necklace in years. She took it off after Cloud left for some reason…and then it just didn't make sense to put it back on, not with all the hand to hand combat she did with AVALANCHE. No, it had to be here somewhere…

Suddenly, Cloud held her from behind, moving her with him to stand in front of the mirror. She let him and was graced with her mother's necklace placed around her neck, the chain just the right length so the charm hung in the center of her chest. She placed her hand upon it, feeling it's solid form under her fingers, tracing the delicate carvings she found there along the metal's designs.

"Perfect," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear.

"There's no such thing as perfect…it's just an illusion."

"Well, then, you are as close to perfect that anyone on the planet can get." Tifa felt her cheeks blush at his praise while his hand turned her around, tracing her lip with his thumb before placing on them a simple, chaste kiss.

"Time to go out into the world," Tifa said against his lips, and Cloud backed away, making a show of opening the door and with a wave of his hand, motioned her out.

"After you."

The day went on smoothly after that morning's…excitement. The children were happy coloring at a table while the rain continued to pour, keeping them inbound for the time being. Tifa busied herself with random cleaning, since most of the chores regarding the bar she took care of days ago. Every thing was in order as far as stock went, and she was busy rearranging the bottles behind the counter when Barret came in.

Cloud looked up from his spot on the sofa, his book in his lap with a finger holding his place as Barret gave a hearty "Nice to see you still breathing, Spikey!"

Cloud smiled at the man's tactless greeting, looking at Tifa before getting the nod to be allowed to move, seeing as how she had made him sit the entire time she had been moving around. Cloud shrank away from a bear hug offered by the big man, instead herding the children toward the giant teddy bear. Barret lifted both kids into the air, swinging them around before placing them dizzily back onto solid ground.

He wasn't done. Eyeing Tifa, he went over and picked her up from her place now in front of the bar's counter and swallowed her in his arms, lifting her clear off the floor but not spinning at her request. When he put her back down, Barret noticed something was different about the barmaid. "You're wearing…a dress."

"Yes, Barret, how very observant of you." Tifa laughed, watching the big man's face light up with a smile.

"I know what it is…you're truly happy for once." He crossed his arms, happy with his answer and was reluctant to her pleas.

"Now wait a minute, I was happy before with-"

"Not as happy as you are now. You seem…complete."

Tifa smiled shyly and couldn't help letting her eyes wander to Cloud, who hadn't took his eyes off her all day. Barret, living up to Tifa's comment, was very observant indeed.

"Oh, I see…so you two…" he trailed off and headed for Cloud, catching him in an inescapable headlock and messing up his hair.

"Well good for you Spikey." All serious now, Barret continued. "If you ever do anything to hurt her, I will hunt you down and kick your ass, understand?"

He said this in hushed tones for the innocent ears in the room not to hear but Cloud heard him loud and clear. "Of course Barret. If that ever happened, I would want you to find me."

The big man let him go, smiling down at Cloud with pride in his eyes. "Aight, that's a good man there, Teef. I'm happy for you. For you both."

Silence passed between the friends, Cloud and Tifa making love struck eyes at each other and Barret trying to ignore it. When it got to the point of sickeningly cute, he finally spoke up.

"Hey, why don't you two lovebirds go on out and have a good time…maybe a romantic dinner or something. Besides, you shouldn't let that dress go to waste, Tifa."

Tifa smiled at him warmly before turning to Cloud, who took her hand to lead the way.

"You sure you don't mind, Barret?"

" 'Course not. The kids and I'll have fun. Ain't that right, ya little squirts?" This was met with pouncing and Barret was left on the floor as Cloud and Tifa took this chance to escape.

The rain had stopped and so it was quite a nice summer's eve to take a ride to somewhere special. First was a nice dinner in a small restaurant, where they played footsy under the table like children. The food was delicious and Tifa let Cloud be in charge of everything, which he was very good at. The candlelight, soft music playing and Cloud's hand in hers made it an evening to remember.

But it wasn't over yet. Cloud took this sudden sense of freedom and second chance of life to bring Tifa to a place he had found when coming back to Midgar. It was a hill that was so high up it overlooked the city, bathing the landscape below in a twinkling sea of lights. Cloud produced a blanket for them to sit on underneath a tree as they watched the sunset, this day coming to a fairy tale end.

"Is this how it's always going to be, Cloud?"

The sky seemed to open in answer to Tifa's question as raindrops started to lightly fall once again. She loved the rain and made no move but to huddle closer to Cloud, getting lost in his arms. The rain played with their eyes with the city lights, giving bands of the rainbow form for their viewing pleasure. Both of his hands encircled her left hand, holding it lovingly while Cloud fished around in his pocket for something. Tifa held her breath, curious as to what it could be until Cloud found it and put the simple ring on her finger. A stone so blue it almost matched his eyes filled her vision, winking at her in the lights cast from the city. There, under that tree in the rain of a wonderful evening, Cloud asked her the ultimate question.

"Always, Tifa…if you'll have me."

All of the love, joy, happiness she had ever felt in her life could not express the bliss of that moment…the feeling of completion that came with her kiss on his lips, sinking into him more and more.

"Yes, Cloud, of course I'll marry you. I love you so much."

His lips found hers once again, and that eternal flame she had always had for this man and this man alone burned brighter than ever, threatening to envelope her body. Yes, she would take Cloud Strife to be her husband, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death would part them. Even in death, they would be together, for that was their fate. She had done it all before, and she would do it again for the man she loved, now here with her to stay. He held her close, and they sat together, watching the rain, reveling in the first day of their new life together.

A/N: Sorry this chapter turned out so long, but I felt this was a good way to end the story. As always, read and review to let me know if it was good, bad, dull, entertaining, if u want more/less of my writing or whatever. I am to please while staying on my own style of writing path.