IMPORTANT: A joint project between me and Ash Ai has been released under her name. It is a Final Fantasy 7 cloti fiction named 'Tifa's Clouded Heart Locked In Strife' (i came up with the title. Do you like the play on thier names?) Me and Ash Ai, who is definatly favorite CloTi writer, will take turns writing each chapter. I wrote the first chapter, and she is in charge of the second. Please take the time to read and review it if you enjoy my or her workings.

Also, if people enjoy FF8 stories with a more unusual and different storylines, check out Carie Valentine. Her work is well written and tends to deviate from more standard plots.

Finally, i have noticed finally that one can make forum topics, so i have done just this. Check them out and respond. I would love to hear what you guys think!

Now that i have put all these announcements, on with the story!


It was amazing just how much of an affect this girl was having upon Squall in just a few short days. In all honesty it didn't make sense. He was trained to eliminate all things in his environment that caused him confusion and turmoil. It brought simplicity to his life, a sick sense of balance where the living created the dead where there was none.

And yet she was the liveliest creature he had ever come across. Though to be fair his interaction with all other living things had been limited, short, and rather brutal. Yet unlike everything and everyone else, her touch seemed to do something different to him.

It made him…feel. It was a strange new part of himself that he vaguely remembered, as if he was lost an amnesiac fugue only to rediscover bits and pieces about himself from long ago.

He managed to learn yet another new word, like. The best part about his new found ability to like, was the fact that he liked he could like. Consider it a play on words where one is limited by their own vocabulary, but he liked to like. At the same time, he found that disliking was something he didn't take to naturally. Liking something was far more pleasant to do.

For the past few days he lived a life that was nothing short of paradise to him as he was able to spend all his time completely unhindered with Rinoa. He had been following her around like a faithful lovesick puppy for two days as his entrance into civilized life was quickly becoming affirmed.

In fact to the amazement of all but one person, there was only one 'incident' that caused any sort or calamity in public.

There was always a chance that Squall was still faking his way through the rebellion in order to gain trust. There he had the potential to act as a spy who filtered out information before he made his final move and eliminated them. With each passing day the scenario become all the more unlikely, which is what made it all the more possible.

Squall had taken one of his first steps through the city and walked hand in hand through the streets while they were taking in the sights at midday. His clueless nature on how to act in the world mixed with his complete and utter dependence on Rinoa actually played into his 'role' rather well.

To the average passerby, he appeared to be nothing more than a newly married man never desiring for any degree of physical separation from his wife. It was cute how he desired to walk with her while holding each others hands.

Even Cloud had to be amazed at the progress Squall was supposedly making. He had read up on the files regarding the program the scarred warrior was in. His addiction to the emotion suppressing drug should have been absolute, yet it seems he has been able to trade of one addiction for another. He seemed addicted to Tifa's cousin.

Squall was even able to hold her hand without the leather glove he had been seen always wearing. And while he did have the sunglasses on, it seemed to serve a more practical function given the time of day.

All this taken into account, there was still need for a test. It was never enough to suspect the presence of a spy, but to eliminate it outright. Cloud watched from above on rooftops and followed the two through the city, waiting until the timing was perfect. There needed to be a safe distance between them and other civilians since the potential for destruction was high.

Then, when the couple were alone on their side of the street, the timing was just right. They had reached a crosswalk that instructed them to wait just a few more precious moments before it deemed it safe for them to cross. Perfect.

Cloud quickly rolled up one sleeve and checked the ribbon tied around his arm. It was his own private little reminder about the curse he was force to live with. It was also the only thing that continued to assure him he wouldn't lose control.

What was so special about this particular ribbon? Not much really. It appeared to be a simple red ribbon, the kind a girl may use to tie up her hair or the kind used to wrap up a present because that's precisely what it was.

However whenever he wore it and felt it wrapped around his arm, Cloud knew he would not lose control and fall prey to his own destructive force. Why is that? Because right now in a bar that was serving a lunchtime rush, a dark haired woman who loved this man had the very same ribbon tied around her arm as well.

When Cloud first returned from the world of the living dead, Tifa had long flowing hair that was tied at the very end with a nice red bow. Meeting her again and being saved from such hellish torture is what first led Cloud to have doubts about his ability to control himself.

Though no matter how defective he felt, Tifa would never dare leave his side. And in an effort to provide him with continuing comfort when she was forced to leave, she brashly took a knife and cut her hair shorter and released the ribbon. Then, splitting it in two, she tied one around his arm, and one around hers.

It was a symbol that she would always be there for him, protecting him. Not poison, blindness, death or any other ailment could dare harm him whenever he wore this. Because while it was really nothing more than part of a hair ribbon tied around his arm, it was also a symbol of love.

With his symbol now fully in check, Cloud grasped his sword with both hands and lunged off the top off the building and aimed straight for Rinoa, unafraid to release the full extent of his abilities.

It wasn't that he had some unknown grudge against Rinoa but because he had well placed faith in her and her ability to bring Squall back.

If Squall passed his test he would be able to block Cloud's assault and quickly become ready to fight off the attacker. It wouldn't be easy to calm down this overprotective killing machine, but with Rinoa's aid it should be possible.

If Squall failed Cloud's test, he would have succeeded in dismantling the rebellion for him.

The time it took to go from a tall building and reach the ground was miniscule at best. However here is where the difference between those who were captured and altered and the rest of society were most notable.

Squall's hold on Rinoa's hand was absolute. He heard a slight noise coming from up and behind him. No matter. Birds swooped down from buildings all the time apparently. Here was the problem. It appeared to be slicing the air, approaching them faster and faster with an almost undeniable aura of intent to kill.

Yet, his own instincts weren't blaring and letting him know that his own life was perhaps in danger. If the attack didn't continue, by all means he would be safe and able to launch a reasonable counterattack upon whatever it was that was headed his way.

The problem was, it was headed right for…

Immediately Squall's instincts were cast aside as his body spun Rinoa out and away from the doom that was to hit just moments later. His body recalled all the training that had been drilled into his head for ten years as his hand found a grip upon the attacker before it hit the ground, and used it as leverage to thrust it down further at a crooked angle.

The magnitude of Cloud's collision with the earth was so great that his body was momentarily flung back up, but his back quickly met with Squall's elbow. The resulting landing shot up dusk from everywhere around them leaving Rinoa coughing while momentarily blinded by it.

Squall immediately moved to continue his assault though he was weaponless at the moment, however when he looked upon the floor all he found was a note where a shattered carcass should remain. On it read a simple message.

'You passed.'

Most organizations have a far less intricate hazing process when initiating new members. Usually there was heavy public humiliation mixed in with physically demanding tasks while regarding existing members as some sort of overlord or master.

This one merely required you to respond in an appropriate matter when the thing you hold most dear is suddenly threatened with termination.

While Rinoa continued to ask just what happened back there, Squall would never tell. It was a simple understanding between men who had been through similar calamities and is not something that could have been easily explained to one who could have been a needless tragedy.

The rest of the day came and went without any other problems as Squall learned new words throughout the day like restaurant and lunch. These were two concepts he was not overly familiar with. The prospect of eating food throughout the actual day and not just as it started or ended seemed like a waste of supplies and a logistical error on the commander of this establishment.

However Rinoa seemed to be enjoying herself here and she was the one who was most assimilated into this role. At the table, Squall's eyes couldn't help but wander around and take in all the information this place had to offer. It seemed that Rinoa was well known at this particular restaurant.

There were couples as well as singles who constantly glanced in their direction while whispering to their dining partners. His hazel brown eyes quickly read the lips of over a dozen people while his mind registered this plethora of information.

"So that's her husband. She wasn't kidding when she said he was handsome." Mental note. Inquire why some of his hands was worthy of discussing.

"Wow, do you think he would like to date?" Mental Note: Date, fruit. My role clearly states I am a married man. Reaffirm sexuality.

Rinoa's face grew an attractive slight blush when she saw Squall reach across the counter and take hold of hers. It was one of the first few attempts of affection he ever made on his own.

"Wow, that's so adorable!" Mental Note: the capabilities of a door seem to be appropriate topic for discussion

"Man, Rinoa looks so hot in that blue duster today. I would love to see her without-" Mental note. This man must die.

"Yeah, it really accentuates her…" Mental Notes: His companions will observe their commander's torment and sacrifice a thumb as payment. Two pinkies also acceptable.

"Maybe we should invite them to dinner. Her husband must be new here." Mental Note: allies acknowledged. Do not kill……yet.

"Wow, that scar is so sexy, I'd love to…" Mission accomplished. Sexuality reestablished. Role reassumed.

Squall had spent much time practicing this new move over the past two days. It was supposed to be a rather easy thing to do, but his normally stoic face was otherwise cracking as he attempted it. Nonetheless, Squall was a man determined to succeed in any mission as he forced out a subtle half-grin.

That along with his roguish dark brown hair and sunglasses which he forgot to take off made him quite appealing. He heard a spoon fall down to the carpeting below, a noise few had the training to hear.

An attractive redhead having spotted his grin proclaimed "Oh my, I'm feeling hot." Mental Note: Menopause can start young. Situation unstable. Caution. Avoid.

Their waiter had also noticed Squall's unique style and undeniable looks as a man, and thus allowed a few buttons upon her shirt to…accidently…slip open.

Unfortunately and much to Rinoa's enjoyment, he failed to notice. Or more correctly he noticed but failed to place any value there. Funny, Rinoa constantly found him staring at her just below the neckline.

"Squall, baby, lets go." Rinoa purred as she left the bill but also…accidently…forgot to tip. She stood up brimming with a smile as she headed out the building.

Mental Note: Rinoa can purr. I very much like purring. Reward for successful mission is appropriate.

With an even wider smile upon his face, Squall followed her out, and was very quick to grab hold of her hand. He was fond of the feeling of her hand. It was unlike the feel of anything else he had come across in his time in the real world. Her hands were soft, yet warm and soothing. One could only wonder what the rest of her felt like. Well, he did have a little idea.

In that same restaurant, a certain redhead proclaimed. "That is so precious." With a heavy sigh she said aloud to herself. "Where can I get a man like that?"

While she heard the response, she never saw the blond man who said it, hidden behind a menu "Lady, you don't want to know."

Squall and Rinoa returned to their overly cute yet very touching scene of walking away into the background with their hands interlaced. She did have one more little surprise for him today before they returned home.

He was always eager to make his way back to the apartment they shared together. Since his abduction from the facility, the constant home he had for a solid ten years, he had been shifted around from residence to residence every few days.

The only constant source of familiarity he had been aquatinted with the entire time was Rinoa, but even she seemed to hold an air of hesitation about her. He could sense when someone was withholding a secret.

While he had various methods of extracting that information, there was something about his being that wouldn't let him even comprehend doing that to her.

Rinoa was a strong and powerful woman who could hold her own in a fight against several worthy opponents, however here she would have been facing an opponent that was in a completely different class.

He was trained to have every advantage against any possible foe, and that included fighting off temptations from a seductress who may attempt to lower his guard so that she may land a fatal blow.

Though from Rinoa, he had nothing of the sort to fear. He had already been placed in several 'training' positions that left him in such a situation, only to pass flawlessly each time. Squall had gained insight as to determining someone's intentions in just the way they held themselves.

From Rinoa he had nothing to fear, unless it was compassion that was his Achilles heel. But there was something more that he was feeling from her. Something that she was afraid to reveal to him yet was slowly building up the courage to do so. It was here he discovered a new word. Curiosity.

They finally arrived at their destination, which Squall determined was actually only a block away from where they were living together. That seemed really strange since they had spent the entire day walking and 'exploring' the city only to end up a block from where they started?

Perhaps there was some form of hidden joy in there that he did not quite understand yet. There must be for Rinoa to have that almost dopey but goddess like smile plastered across her face. She had enjoyed herself today. That meant the day, no matter how inefficient, was well worth it.

They stood standing in front of a store with just a simple sign saying 'General Store' above it. Inside the lights were off, yet all the shelves were fully stocked. It seemed ready for business except for one sign saying 'Closed. Away on Honeymoon.'

Even Squall could not dismiss the obvious references that were being made. "I see. It seems to be an equipment shed for high ranking officers who are away on a mission. The defenses seem light. We shall infiltrate in the evening." He didn't add that he had minor discomfort attempting a break-in so close to their residence, however with his skills no one would be able to track them.

"No silly. You're using the wrong definition of General!" She stomped her foot in mild annoyance but couldn't help but smile at his silliness.

"Oh" Mental Note: I am always using the wrong definition. Assume the opposite.

"It's our store. I was running it earlier as part of my cover. The people in the area seem to know me pretty well, so they were pretty happy when I said I was going away on my honeymoon. They are looking forward to meeting you tomorrow." She was a little nervous at his meeting so many different civilians in a short amount of time. It would be the ultimate test.

"It is like a mission?" Treating life like a series of missions was how he was being trained to become more…human.

"Yes Squall, it is exactly like a mission. The objective is to maintain our cover and generate a steady income for our organization."

"So it has a mission reward?" So far all of his rewards were…acceptable.

"Mm Hmm. How about a little advance for your reward tonight? You never fail anyways. This reward is a new word."

He rather enjoyed learning new words and extending his vocabulary. Each one was like a weapon which destroyed the barriers of the world he knew. "What word?"

Rinoa blushed again as she used her hold on Squall to pull him towards her. That would have worked except she forgot his inherent strength and mass were working against her. Instead she ended up being pulled up against him, with the top of her head being slightly tucked underneath Squall's chin while his arms wrapped around her.

"Cuddling."

A tired warrior had made his way into a bar where he quietly sat down to rest his weary body. The bartender noticed his entrance but did little to acknowledge it as she continued to clean a glass with a single white towel.

"What'll it be?" She put the glass down and reached under the counter to pull out the same thing he had every time he waltzed into her establishment. It was a special concoction that was off the menu and reserved just for Cloud.

"Something hard."

She pulled out the mix and poured it slowly into a clean glass before sliding it Cloud's way. The only other customer at the bar at this hour exited the establishment, leaving it relatively safe to talk.

Tifa slowly strolled up to him with a little sway in her hips and a smile upon her face. She knew what he set out to do today, and given his current battered position, she could guess the results.

"Poor baby. You're all hurt and bruised." Tifa got around the bar counter and made her way to Cloud, and put her hands upon his shoulders to give it a soothing rub.

"Can I kiss it and make it better?" Cloud hadn't had any of his drink yet. There was no way he could be drunk. She really was saying this. If Hyne really existed, there wouldn't be a catch attached to any it.

"Please do." He was already making a mental checklist of all the places he was injured.

"First you will tell me how your little trap went." Damn. Screwed again.

"I used a simple straight-forward attack. It was strong enough that he would have taken it seriously, but basic enough that he would have been able to counter if he wanted to. It went smoothly save for my—"

He shuddered softly when he felt her pursed lips against a black and blue mark on his shoulder.

No, he was a battle-hardened tough warrior, he wouldn't let a simple –

She did it again, this time searching for the nape of his neck even though there was no bruise there. Screw it, there was no way he would be able to resist her charms. At least if she continued. Tifa suddenly pulled back and tucked her hair behind her ears before asking the all important question.

"So, where your suspicions confirmed?"

"Yes, they were." Cloud smiled as he realized his predictions were true. He remembered his own test and how he passed it.

"So that means." Tifa clasped her hands together as the happiness of the situation began to overwhelm her.

"Yep. Squall is absolutely and undoubtedly completely in love with Rinoa."


Leave me a review with your thoughts, comments, questions, or general review. I would love to hear what you guys have to say about this chapter and this fiction in general. Also, don't forget to check out the joint project between me and Ash Ai. I think it will probably be one of the better stories i have ever helped release, so don't miss out!

Thanks for everything guys, so remember to review, check out the story, and until next time, Take care:-)