Sephiroth's Bane
Chapter 2: Worries
Disclaimer: I don't own FF7
A/N: Bold- Sephiroth
Italics-character thoughts
Tifa had been trying to go to sleep for what seemed like years, but were in fact in hours. The reason being that one thought kept creeping back to the surface of her mind, so much so that all her senses were completely immersed in the thought. Then again, thought is the wrong word, seeing as how it was not an idea that Tifa was concerned, it was in a fact a person. Yet still, it does not describe what was occupying her entire body and soul; the person who at present time was at the focus of Tifa Lockheart's attention was the light in her life, her beloved, her reason for being. A young man, whose name was Cloud Strife.
Oh Cloud. Why can't I stop thinking about you? Tifa was laying down on her bed, with her knees brought up to her chest as she pondered this question in her head. In her heart she had long ago accepted the fact that Cloud was, and quite possible, still is in love with Aeris. Aeris, the flower girl, who had captured Cloud's heart in both life and death, had been an ever-hanging shadow in Cloud's heart. Even though the rest of AVALANCHE had tried to tell Cloud that it was not his fault that she died, he still thought this, and poor Tifa could not help but see this as well. I really can't blame Aeris for having Cloud's love. I was just never forward enough to let him know how I feel. All I wish now is that I wouldn't think about him 24/7.
The fact that his room was located next to hers, did not help the fact that she couldn't stop thinking about. Also, the others matters concerning her were directly tied with Cloud; she lived with him in the same house, she slept under the same roof as Cloud, she worked together with Cloud, so on, and so forth. This did not bother her in the beginning, in fact she was quite glad to look in the cerulean eyes of her beloved, but as time wore on and she realized that she could never have his love, this joy slowly became a source of pain for her.
Sounds were heard coming through the wall that adjoined Cloud's room to Tifa's. It sounds like he's having trouble sleeping. Hmm. That makes two of us. A cry was heard from Cloud's room. It was short and discreet, but this came from Cloud Strife, the man that let no pain cry from his body. Concerned, Tifa stepped out of her room and went over to Cloud's. She stood in front of Cloud's door and she slowly twisted the door knob. What she saw was a sight that would forever be etched onto her heart.
"Cloud? Is everything okay in here? I thought I heard…" There he was, the love of her life, her steady rock in this world; Tifa had only but look at him in times of crisis and see that steady gaze that he held as he surveyed what is and what is to come and she would instantly perk up. There he was, head in his hands placed upon his knees, huddled up to his chest, with a slight shiver racing through his body. He looks so…so…sad. What could have done this to him? What could have caused him to lose his conviction?
His head rose up at the sound of her voice. He didn't need to ask if it was her, he could pick out her voice among a throng of a thousand screaming voices; he would only have to hear her whisper and it would be enough for him to find her.
Tifa, I'm sorry. I'm gonna have to you leave you again.
"Yeah everything's fine." Cloud's voice gave no hint of the emotions racking through his body.
"Are you sure? I thought I heard some noises coming from here." Is that…no…it is.
A lone tear rolled down the face of Cloud Strife and landed on his bed sheets. Tifa's heart cried out to her, telling her to rush over to Cloud's side and dispel all his fears, sorrows, or whatever else that ailed him; however, her mind kept her rooted to the door. Tifa did not want to ask Cloud what's wrong; no, she wanted Cloud to come to her with his problems, she wanted Cloud to see that she is there for him at any time.
"Cloud?"
Cloud looks at her eyes, those lovingly chocolate eyes, which he had grown to love in his time spent with her.
"If you ever need me, I'll be right here. 'Kay, Cloud? I'll always be there for you no matter what."
Cloud continued to stare at her, neither nodding his head nor shaking it. He simply gazed at her.
"Good night, Cloud." I guess he won't let me help him. As she began to go through the door, she heard him speak.
"Thanks."
His words, which to most people might seem cold, melted her heart. She smiled inwardly as she realized that Cloud accepted her offer of help. She was one step closer towards opening Cloud's heart for her, something that was only achieved in her wildest dreams.
With that, Tifa closed the door and left Cloud to himself.
"Remember, Cloud. I will take her life in front of your very eyes."
I'm sorry Tifa. I really am gonna have to leave. I just can't let anything happen to you,
Sephiroth's laughter echoed once again in Cloud's head, causing him to shudder with fear once more.