"How did you ever convince me to do this?" Cloud muttered.
"Because even after saving the world and gaining the freedom to do whatever you want. You're still sometimes too afraid to push your boundaries Cloud" said Tifa matter of factly.
"What about the time you said it would be safe to jump off from my roof and I ended up breaking my leg?" Cloud retorted.
Tifa fired back confidently and said, "We were just kids back then. We didn't know better. But we're adults now, and I know you're a little nervous but you look cute Cloud and if anyone gives you any lip they will have to deal with me.".
Cloud looked down at his outfit. A pair of black booties with a slight heel, with dark gray tights that ran under a pair of denim shorts. A black tee with a gold saucer logo on it. Which cut off just slightly above his waist giving a hint of his midriff and his toned abs. Finished with a denim jacket and a necklace that displayed a green materia like orb. While he couldn't see them he felt the subtle makeup Tifa applied to his face that helped to soften his features. He additionally felt the weight of the high ponytail tied into his hair. It reminded him of Jessie's but with a spiked part to compliment his normal hairstyle. Lastly, the padded lingerie he had on gave him a slight bust and some hips. All of this helped give the illusion that he was just another lady frequenting the shopping district of Sector 6. He pulled out a pair of sunglasses from the jacket and put them on just in case they would help further hide the fact that he is who he is. He looked over at Tifa. She wore a light green tank-top with a denim camisole. With a white flowing skirt that cut off at her knees and a pair of wedge heel sandals. Which helped show off her legs, something she always took pride in showing off. Which Cloud always admired but would never publicly admit. He did have some lingering feelings for his teammate but his time in SOLDIER and the pressing matter of saving the world made him put his feelings on the back burner. Cloud took a deep breath and took a second to go over how he found himself in such a situation.
It all probably started on another trip he made to Sector 6. Back when he and Aerith believed they needed to save Tifa from the clutches of Don Corneo. Forced to don a dress to enter Corneo's mansion, Cloud saw dressing up as an unfortunate part of his mission. But he encountered a man who would challenge his view on gender and himself, Andrea Rhodea, owner of the Honey Bee Inn. Who seemed to take a special interest in him and went out of his way to assist Cloud with his mission. After performing his makeover of Cloud, he would tell him something that would stick with him. "True beauty is an expression of the heart. A thing without shame to which notions of gender don't apply. Don't ever be afraid, Cloud".
This quote would stick in the back of Cloud's head as they continued their quest. Sure he never really was a showoff but he knew that he was considered good-looking. Given some of the reactions his "performance" garnered he was good-looking even in women's clothing. He even knocked the usually focused Chadley head over heels, which was a bit gratifying. He also recognized that if he wanted to he could rock plenty of similar outfits. But did he want to? He would have to shift focus back to his adventure before he could give that lingering question some thought. But a bit of downtime at base camp would create the perfect chance to answer that question. He and Aerith were guarding camp while the other went out for supplies. While relaxing, Aerith revealed that she kept the dresses they wore from that mission. She even made a, at the time, weird offer to help him dress him up if he needed to take a break from the stress of having to save the world. Cloud would've normally refused outright and taken the offer as a bit of teasing from Aerith. But going back to that question he started considering the offer. He knew from his time in service that it was necessary to deal with stress and the pressure from having to save the world couldn't be less stressful.
So maybe taking Aerith up on this offer would help. Spend a few hours indulging himself in being pretty. Take a second and be a girl who doesn't have to worry about the fate of the world. This thought shocked Cloud. As he just considered in his own words being a girl. Even for just the briefest of moments. As Cloud retraced his thought process he must have shown a bit of stress. Something Aerith easily picked up on.
Aerith calmly explained "I know it sounds weird but sometimes we need a break from ourselves. I know you're under a lot of stress and I don't want to cause you anymore. But I think this could work. You could just pretend to be a girl hanging out with one of her gal pals and just get away for a bit. I can't say whether this will awaken something in you but even if it does you're still Cloud and I'll support you no matter what. Plus I'm sure all our friends would as well. So don't stress the details, let's have a little fun and deal with it later, and don't worry Cloud I'll always be looking out for you.".
So Cloud took Aerith up on her offer. They only stayed in camp but it was liberating for Cloud to get away from his troubles. They would have a few other trips out as gal pals, and sometimes even ventured into nearby towns to buy Cloud some more casual outfits. For Cloud, the whole affair was weird. Some days the whole idea was crazy and he had no clue why he ever did it. Some days he would have a craving to escape to this world where he was a girl and just dress up and hang out with Aerith. No pattern to these cravings or even how long they would last ever formed. Aerith on one trip after hearing about these cravings told Cloud that maybe they were genderfluid. Cloud would once again remember what Andrea told them and would consider this fact. As they didn't necessarily need to be just one. Sometimes they wanted to be pretty and other times they didn't. But he decided to give it more thought before adopting this identity. But unfortunately, Aerith would have to return to the lifestream after she helped the crew rid it of Sephiroth's influence. But without a gal pal to dress with Cloud let this question of identity linger. As he focused on doing jobs in Sector 7 and Midgar as they rebuilt. With the occasional dress-up session in private to stop the craving from affecting his work. This cycle continued until Tifa asked if he would spend the day shopping with her. Cloud grumbled that Yuffie, Jessie, or one of her other gal pals would make better partners to go out shopping with.
But Tifa countered "No way Cloud, it gotta be you. I want to go out with you as I want to see that other side of you." Cloud was taken aback. But Tifa continued "I know you would've probably liked to have decided when and if you told me about it. But I promised Aerith that I would make sure you had someone to help release that stress with, and I keep my promises. But even without her, you're important to me, Cloud and this is something I know you need. So please humor me?".
Cloud knew he could probably weasel out of this if he wanted to. But part of him or maybe part of her or them. Or whatever they were, wanted to return to this. It's not like he didn't have hobbies as a guy as he would shoot darts or work out. But even with his occasional dress-up session, The cravings weren't going away and he needed the release so he agreed. That's how he found himself with Tifa in the boutique in sector 6 checking out the various garments.
"So I know blue is a great color on you already. But I think we should check out some different colors. That work for you?" Tifa excitedly said as she went through the section of tops.
"I guess that should be fine," Cloud said begrudgingly as he looked around to see if anyone had clocked him.
But no one seemed to. They were all too busy looking for new clothes for themselves. So Cloud decided to give the dress section a gloss over while Tifa ransacked the other section for new outfits for them. 2 dresses stood out. One was a light blue sundress with teal lace trimming that looked super comfortable. The second was a pinkish purple party dress that cut off slightly above the knee. Cloud would grab both to take a closer look at.
"Those look super cute, I'm sure you'd be beautiful in them," Tifa would say, holding quite a few different outfits. "I think I have a few here as well. So if you don't mind giving me a show Cloud. I'd very much like to see how they would look on you."
The two would then relocate to the changing booth where Cloud would slowly start to go through the mountain of outfits that Tifa picked out. From flowing skirts and lacy blouses. To dangerously short short-shorts and midriff flaring tees. With matching shoes of course. After a few outfits, Cloud started to get into it and began laughing and showing off. Making jokes about how one outfit made him look fat, or that this color didn't scream them, or that this combo made her a fashion disaster waiting to happen. Tifa joined in and the two would laugh and have a wonderful time. As they wound down Cloud was left with the two dresses they picked out.
"Save the best for last right?" Cloud chuckled
"I'll be right back going to grab something off the racks," Tifa responded happily.
While Tifa was away Cloud took off their outfit and took a deep breath. "This is just like any of the outfits from before" Cloud thought. But to them these dresses were different. They chose these. Sure they liked some of the outfits Tifa chose. But trying these on would be that next step. Admitting to themselves they wanted to wear these clothes. So with a nervous movement, they stepped into the Sundress. As they stepped out of the booth Tifa met them with a pair of light blue flats. She said nothing as she handed them to Cloud and as they slipped them on they turned to the mirror and took in their reflection. The girl in the reflection was cute. The color complimented her and she looked very comfy in the dress. With her subtle makeup and high ponytail giving that flare of femininity. Cloud was this girl, she was part of him. So with a smile, Cloud knew what to do next. She accepted this part of herself and decided she was going to rock it just like she would rock any other part of herself. With a new air of confidence, she twirled in place and met Tifa's eyes.
"I have to ask Tifa just how cute am I?" said Cloud happily. Bending slightly like she saw Tifa do plenty of times.
Tifa absentmindedly says "Cute? You're hot.".
Both realized what Tifa just said and both of them blushed.
Tifa was the first to respond. "I mean you absolutely rock it, it's a super cute dress and you totally should get it."
Cloud recognized the small advantage she had. Deciding to mess with Tifa a bit. " You really mean it? Well, thanks." Cloud says before hugging Tifa causing both their blushes to deepen.
"It's no problem, I have some heels I think would really go well with the next dress if you want to take those in with," Tifa says flustered
"Thanks and thanks Tifa you were right to do this," says Cloud before she took the heels and returned to the changing room.
Cloud stepped out of her sundress and switched into the party dress and put on the heels Tifa chose for her. She confidently stepped out and took a look at her reflection. It was a new thing for her to see the amount of skin she was showing. But she kind of liked the change of pace. She felt sexy especially with how her heels accentuated her legs. Maybe this feeling is why Tifa is always showing hers off. Speaking of Tifa she is definitely gazing and why she may have seen her take a sly good look at her before. She was definitely not being shy now. Honestly, it thrilled her to know she had some sex appeal already.
"I think I should get these 2 outfits, don't you think Tifa?" asked Cloud
There was a brief pause while Tifa came back to her senses. She responded "100%, you should definitely get those 2," saying it more excitedly than Cloud expected.
"Alright, you mind gathering the few outfits I mentioned liking and meeting me at the checkout counter while I get changed into the outfit I want to walk out in?" said Cloud
As Tifa gathered their purchases Cloud decided to switch into the sundress and flats and after paying for their new clothes they exited to the streets of sector 6. Tifa offered to pay for their lunch if Cloud was up for it and she agreed to it. But before they made it to the restaurant Cloud would meet her next challenge. The challenge of interacting with people she already knew, as they stumbled upon Wedge and Jessie who just wrapped up a mission. The duo recognizes Tifa immediately before turning their attention to the new blonde girl accompanying her.
"I thought you were on a mission with Cloud, Tifa," asked Wedge. Jessie was silent as she took in Cloud's new visage.
Tifa was about to respond before Cloud cut in first "She is". She can handle this. She saved the world and they were bound to find out eventually so might as well do this on her own terms.
The duo is surprised and takes a second to gather their thoughts. Jessie is the first to respond.
"Wow, I thought you were a looker already. Seems I was underestimating your potential." Jessie said as she took in the sights and very much enjoyed it.
"Ah cool, Jessie and I are heading back to 7. Do you want us to take those bags back for you? You also look good Sir, or Ma'am, or uh sorry " said Wedge obviously trying to handle this professionally as he was the acting leader of Avalanche now.
Cloud chuckled "You're fine Wedge, and thanks we would like that". Cloud was happy that the two accepted her. She handed her bags to Wedge while Tifa handed hers to Jessie. While also whispering something into her ear that Cloud barely made out.
"Remember you can look but you can't touch" whispered Tifa.
The two head off leaving Cloud a bit confused about what Tifa meant. But the two continued their way to one of the restaurants in sector 6. The two entered a diner and took a pair of seats at the counter and placed their orders. As they ate their food Tifa asked Cloud a few questions.
"So Cloud, I know I pressured you into this but you seem to be enjoying yourself and you have that rare smile that I do so love. So how do you feel?" asked Tifa.
Cloud looked in on themself and said. "You're right I did enjoy shopping with you. It's all so weird. Sometimes I want to show off how masculine I am. Be it one-uping the guys in darts or how many squats I can do. Other times I want to be this feminine girl and which one I want to be will switch on the fly. Aerith once told me a word that explained this feeling".
"And what was it?" asked Tifa.
"Genderfluid, I'm pretty sure I'm genderfluid. I don't know if you remember Andrea from the Honey Bee Inn. But he once told me that beauty knows no gender. So I think it's ok for me to not have a set gender. I can just be whichever I want. I hope that is ok with you".
Tifa chuckled "It's absolutely fine with me. What is most important is that it's fine with you. Because at the end of the day Cloud you're still the person I'm in love with, and if you don't mind me being so bold". As soon as she finished Tifa kissed Cloud. Cloud was surprised but soon reciprocated.
As the two separated to catch their breath. "Are you sure?" said Cloud, amazed.
"As sure as I am that you're the prettiest person in the room," stated Tifa matter of factly.
Cloud blushed, took a deep breath, and said "Well would you mind escorting your girlfriend for some drinks?"
Tifa smiled and linked her arm with Cloud's and happily said "It would be my pleasure, I know the perfect place."
The two would then head to the newly rebuilt Seven Heaven where they would spend a few hours going over old times and memories. If Barrett or any of the other regulars at the bar were surprised by Cloud's new look they didn't show it. They just smiled and congratulated the two on hooking up. The only comment was Barrett joking that he would have to retire some of his quips about how the Merc fought. When Tifa jokingly told Barrett to give her girlfriend a break. Cloud simply smiled knowing that no matter whether she was a she or a he that Avalanche would be their family.
After their drinks, Cloud offered to escort her slightly tipsy girlfriend home. Tifa laughed "Oh Cloud. You can't hide it, you're just as tipsy as me.".
"Then I guess we'll just have to escort each other back now won't we?" Cloud chuckled. The two laced their arms together and walked back to their apartments giggling here and there.
They passed Marle as they headed up the steps and she pulled Cloud to the side. "Don't worry I'll make sure you two aren't disturbed, now go have fun and don't go breaking her heart kid. I don't go easy on girls."
Cloud chuckled. It's still a bit weird for her to hear others call her a girl. But she will get used to it. She beat Sephiroth, saved the world, and has the world's greatest girlfriend. No matter what her pronouns are, or what challenges he will have to overcome, at the end of the day they are Cloud Strife.