Clash of the Titans
For: Meilinoa
Prompt: Training
Summary: Cloud, you're so dense it isn't even funny.

Cloud Strife had done many stupid things in his life, many. One could characterize Cloud as dense, and a little slow when it came to personal things. Though, it must be said one usually considered Cloud as a formidable opponent, and a worthy and strategic one at that. Sadly Cloud sometimes let his dense side get the best of him.

As Cloud passed through the glass doors of the gym, he caught sight of the martial arts class in the far corner. He sighed, his gym bag thrown across his shoulder, before moving slowly to watch them.

Cloud had never been one to understand the appeal in hand-to-hand combat, (nor could he ever fully grasp it, but that's beside the point) so he found it to be a bore, especially when all the combatants did was punch and block the air. He really couldn't see any of the martial arts trainees as any type of challenging opponent. When it came to fencing, or any type of sword fighting at least blades met, at least people actually fought instead of just standing around in rows kicking air.

Of course, Cloud never was present for the entirety of a martial arts lesson, so he wouldn't know that the trainees in fact actually exchange blows from time to time. Of course, that is also beside the point.

Cloud glanced at the clock on the wall; they were running over their scheduled time slot again.

He sighed, heading into the locker room to unlock the cabinet that held his swords. He pulled one out, strapping the sheath to his back before heading out to the floor.

They were still out there. Cloud felt his jaw tightened as he headed over towards the young teens learning how to punch air.

The martial arts instructor was standing at the front with her back to the mirror, and she put her hands on her hips when she saw him.

Dammit... he thought; he turned to a whimpering pile of mush whenever he tried to combat with her.

Words, that is, he could totally take her in a one on one battle.

As if she was reading his mind, she raised an eyebrow as if daring him to say a single word. None of his students had arrived yet, so he grudgingly crossed his arms over his chest.

She smirked, her red eyes fiery, before speaking, "Alright, that's enough. Start your warm down stretches, and clear the floor."

As the students began to stretch Tifa sauntered over towards where Cloud was.

She smirked at him again, "Strife."

Cloud felt his eye twitch, "Lockhart. You were running a bit late."

She lifted a shoulder, "So? Look, you're students are barely starting to trickle in. We'll be off the floor in time, as always."

Cloud grunted something, and Tifa glanced over her shoulder, "See? They're already done. You worry too much, Strife."

"Hardly," he growled, following her towards the mirror.

He kept his eyes averted as she bent over to pack up her bag on the floor; he'd been caught once staring and he wasn't about to get caught again.

When she stood he met her eyes, and she grinned.

He scowled, "What?"

"Let's go."

"What?"

"Let's end this; I know how you feel about me and my students. We've got time, might as well prove once and for all my art is more useful than yours."

"What?"

She sighed heavily, "I swear Strife, you're slower than a car in park."

"Hey."

"Come on," she moved out onto the mats, "Let see if that sword of yours actually can do anything."

"No," he said firmly, "This blade is sharp."

She grinned playfully, "It won't even get a chance to touch me."

Cloud narrowed his eyes, "What?"

"You heard me...are you afraid, Strife? Backing down?"

"No," he said quickly, and he saw her eyes flash in surprise at how quickly he drew his blade.

"Look, it's dangerous–

She smirked, "Don't go easy on me."

"What?" he asked again, but he blinked and she was moving.

What the?! Cloud flinched, bringing his sword up, Tifa's foot connecting with the flat of the blade. She grinned, nodding her head, before pushing off the blade with her foot and flipping backwards.

"...uh..." Cloud said, and she dove forward again.

She's crazy!

Cloud brought his sword around, taking a light, weak slash towards her, one he could stop if needed. Tifa ducked it easily bringing her elbow into his rib cage, grabbing his forearm, and butting his face with the back of her head in one movement.

Cloud stumbled back, holding his nose.

Tifa had already moved away from him, "Come on, Strife...don't go easy on me."

Cloud narrowed his eyes, diving forward, taking the offensive.

He brought his blade up, and Tifa moved to the side easily. Cloud changed the blade's course, bringing it around towards her. She ducked, kicking her feet out towards Cloud's. Cloud jumped, rolling backwards, and brought the flat of his blade up to meet with her fist. He winced when her fist collided with the blade, sending vibrations down to his hands. She didn't even flinch, instead brought her right foot up in a round house kick, and connected solidly with his jaw.

Cloud flew backwards, losing his grip on his sword and landed on his backside. He winced, sitting up slowly, expecting her to be there taunting him or preparing to kick him or something. He opened his eyes, instead finding her hand outstretched towards him.

He stared at warily and she rolled his eyes, "I'm not going to flip you, I promise."

He slowly took her hand, surprised at how gentle it was compared to the show of strength moments before. She pulled him up easily, leaning in close. He bent backwards, and she grinned.

Tifa brought a hand up to her mouth, shielding it, "Figured you didn't want to get embarrassed in front of your students."

Cloud looked up, catching sight of several of his students standing there watching them with awe.

Crap...

Tifa rolled back on her feet, stretching her arms above her head, "Listen, if you want lessons on how to defend yourself against a combatant like me, I'd be glad to help."

His eyes smoldered as he glared at her, and her face fell a bit.

"Just get done early tomorrow..." she blinked, surprised when he spoke "I could teach you a couple things; you left yourself open."

She smiled, her eyes softening, "Then why didn't you go for the blow?"

"Because my blade was sharp..."

She leaned in, grinning, "And...?"

He rolled his eyes, "And you caught me off guard."

"That's right," she grinned, picking up her bag, "I'll see you tomorrow, then!"

Tifa walked towards the locker rooms, and Cloud barely noticed one of his students coming to stand beside of him. He watched as she flipped her hair free, and glanced over her shoulder one last time, blushing and grinning.

"So," Denzel asked, leaning on his practice sword, "When you gonna ask her out?"

Cloud didn't even take his eyes off of Tifa as he wacked the back of Denzel's head.