A/N: Prepare for the ultimate epic drabble..COUGH COUGH...yeah, drabble, that's what it is. I KEPT WRITING AND I COULDNT STOP. Heh, forgive me if there is any mistakes with legal systems and what not. The only murder show I watch is Matlock. XD Anyways, I could've easily made this into a longer multi-chap. Consider this the abridged version, heh. Enjoy!

PS You could consider the chapter T for death, kissing, and a curse word. IM NOT CHANGING IT FOR THAT. You have your warning. GOOD DAY XP

Strife
For: src83
Prompt: Cloud&Tifa solve mystery (detectives)
Summary: They didn't exactly see eye to eye, but detectives always had a thing against P.I.'s. Still, he never thought something like this would happen.

By the time Detective Cloud Strife arrived on the scene, the man's body temperature had cooled slightly. Forensics were dancing around the body, and the room surrounding. Cloud stepped over broken glass, surveying the room before him. It had been a glass table that the body of Rufus had shattered. The cause of death was obviously the deep wound in the middle of his chest. There was a bottle of champagne cooling in an ice bucket, and a broken vase of red roses strewn across the floor. It was obvious whatever Rufus was expecting that night it was certainly not his brutal murder.

Cloud sighed, stooping to look down at the lifeless eyes that gazed upwards.

"When did we find him?"

Zack glanced at Cloud, "About two hours ago. Maid came up after she heard the table break."

Cloud nodded his head shortly, and stood slowly, "The dinner?"

Zack gave Cloud a mischievous grin, "His lady of the night. According to the maid she didn't show."

"Find her. Any other visitors?"

"None we know of, but if you'll take a look over there," Zack gestured towards the far wall, "The balcony doors are open. We're dusting it for fingerprints, and the whole shebang. I don't think he stood up and opened the door for some fresh air. The AC is on. Course he could just be an inconsiderate bastard, he does have enough money to afford to be one."

"I'm assuming his life insurance pays a hefty check."

"Yup," Zack said, "Doesn't make any sense for his woman to kill him, though. She probably lives off of his tabs."

"Still, find her."

"Ya know, I'm your superior. Shut your face and listen for once."

Cloud glared at Zack.

Zack grinned, unperturbed, "He's got a half brother...a real screw up, too. Hidden from the public eye and everything. He could use the money, but he's supposedly located over at Golden Saucer gambling away the last check Rufus gave him."

"Anyone else?" Cloud raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe," Zack put his hand to his chin, "Maybe it's some dramatic suicide thing."

"Who else?"

"Vice President of Rufus' company. Sephiroth, or something weird like that. He's next in line for the company, and I'm sure he won't mind the salary boost."

Cloud grunted in agreement.

"He's also got a wife, but apparently they're separated. I don't think she could get more than she already has out of him."

"Bring in his mistress, his wife, his second in command and his disgraceful half brother."

"Too bad they all have alibis."

Cloud wheeled on Zack, "This is the reason why I hate being called late."

"And interrupt you from the stunning date I hooked you up with?"

"Zack."

"Fine, I'm kidding. Anyways, Sephiroth is in Kalm. The mistress, well, we haven't found her yet... his wife is in Costa del Sol, and his brother, well, you already know where he is."

"Bring them in regardless."

"Well, duh."

Cloud glanced at Zack, "I'm going back to the station."

Cloud was walking down the sidewalk towards the rather shabby home Rufus' half brother Reno resided in.

Conversations kept playing through his head, mostly those between him and Zack. Apparently Rufus' mistress had been there that night; a witness had seen the blonde woman entering the building. That didn't mean it was the mistress Elena though; it could've been any blonde woman and undoubtedly the prosecution would pin her up to the murder though.

It didn't make sense, though, not to Cloud. The mistress had no motive; the prosecution may be able to pull off that she was tired of being the 'lady of the night' and wanted a promotion to girlfriend or something like that.

What made more sense was the belligerent half brother, or possibly Rufus' second in command. Both had alibis, but with the money Sephiroth had Cloud wouldn't put it past him to hire a hitman.

Cloud sighed; it wouldn't do him good to get caught out here. He needed to move quick, never mind the fact that he didn't have a search warrant. The state didn't even want to press Sephiroth, they were going after the mistress; this was something Cloud would have to do on his own, to at least clear his conscious.

If Elena was lucky, the evidence would be mostly circumstantial, but her fingerprints were all over that apartment, and if the witness identified Elena as the woman entering the exclusive building, then she could be convicted.

Cloud came to stand before the ratty home staring at it in a disgusted manner.

He glanced down the sidewalk, not spotting anyone, before taking a slow steps to push through the chain link gate.

"He isn't home," a voice sounded from his left.

Cloud flinched, his gaze resting on the figure leaning up against the house. She was wearing a short, leather jacket and jeans; her burgundy tank top matched the color of her eyes, and her long hair was framing her face.

His eyes narrowed, "Lockhart...what are you doing here?"

She gave a playful grin, "You aren't happy to see me?"

"I didn't know you had been hired for this case."

Tifa pushed off the wall, "I'm sorry I'm not a lap dog for your chief."

"Just a free lancer."

Tifa raised an eyebrow, "I make more money than you, but that's besides the fact. Tseng hired me; he's defending the woman, Elena."

"Of course he did," Cloud muttered.

Tseng, the lawyer representing Elena, had a knack for hiring the most annoying yet surprisingly affective P.I. in existence: Tifa Lockhart. Well, in reality she wasn't that annoying except when on the job, but he'd never admit that. They had an unannounced rivalry that transcended others.

"He isn't home," she nodded to the door, "But there's a window around back that I'm going through. Care to join me?" she teased.

Cloud didn't reply for a moment, "I don't have a warrant."

"Because you're not supposed to be here. They think they have enough evidence on the girl, huh? She could never murder anyone...she's too much of a quivering girl to even hold a blade, let alone wield one. I doubt she could even cut a steak," Tifa said.

"I don't have a warrant," Cloud repeated, because nothing else would come to mind.

Tifa rolled her eyes, "Come on, Cloud. Where's your adventurous side? I know you aren't here just to pass on condolences to the 'grieving' brother."

Tifa waited a moment, but Cloud made no move. She sighed, before turning and heading back around the house. Cloud hesitated a moment, before finally deciding to follow her.

Around back, the weeds were near knee high, and Tifa was dodging through the mass with delicate steps.

"Speed up."

Tifa nearly jumped out of her skin, and sent Cloud a withering glare over shoulder.

"If you're in such a hurry, make yourself useful," Tifa gestured towards a window.

Cloud grunted, moving towards the window and forcing the window open. Tifa stepped up beside of him quickly before sticking her head in and glancing around the apparent bedroom.

"Ew," she said softly.

Cloud glanced at her, "Let me help you–

Tifa scoffed, putting her hand on the sill and levering herself up and easily swung through the open window.

"Come on Strife; we've got work to do," she smirked at him.

He narrowed his eyes before slowly pulling himself through the window. She grabbed his hand to keep him from falling as he tripped inside, only serving to embarrass him more.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone," she said, already eyeing the disgusting bedroom.

"Do you smell that?"

Tifa's face contorted into a grimace, "Unfortunately, yes I do."

Cloud gave a tiny smirk, following the P.I. as she dodged piles of clothing. Tifa reached the door, tugging on it slightly when it stuck. The door creaked loudly, and Tifa slowly poked her head out of the door.

"I thought you said he wasn't home," Cloud whispered.

"Well, he didn't answer the door," Tifa replied tartly, "Maybe he's passed out on the couch."

Tifa didn't wait for Cloud to reply, and began slowly making her way up the hall. There was a kitchen on the left, and a closed door on the right. Up ahead Cloud could see the living room. Tifa inched her way carefully into the living room, wary of the windows that ran along the front of the house.

Once they saw that the room was empty, and the curtains were pulled closed mostly, Tifa dove into the wreckage that Reno called home. There was a coffee table swathed in papers, trash, magazines, and ash trays. Tifa picked up a pencil, poking at things on the coffee table.

"You know he could've chewed on that."

Tifa dropped the pencil quickly not even glancing at Cloud.

"Are you just going to stand there and watch me work?"

"I'm not even supposed to be here, remember?"

Tifa sighed softly, crouching down beside the coffee table and picking through some folded up papers.

"Hey, look at this," she said softly, picking up a small piece of paper.

"What is it?" Cloud knelt beside of her.

Tifa held the paper out for him to see, "These numbers...it's phone numbers, but that isn't his hand writing. Look at that crossword...this is way too neat to be his."

"What if it's a girl's?"

Tifa flat out glared at Cloud, "Are you even serious? Have you looked at this place? Do not insult my fellow women with that kind of statement."

Cloud's eyebrows rose, "Sorry."

"You should be," Tifa grumbled, but then cleared her throat, "We need to copy these numbers down."

"Right," Cloud replied, digging through his pockets for some paper.

Tifa whipped out a notepad from her jacket, and picked up the pencil she had dropped earlier. She copied the numbers carefully before putting the paper and pencil back exactly as she found it.

"That doesn't prove anything..."

"No," Tifa admitted, "But I'll check out these numbers. If they're any interesting, I'll give you a heads up and you can check his phone records."

"There's a possibility he could've called on a pay phone."

"True, but I doubt he'll throw this away; you can get a search warrant if you need to. I mean, look around...he's a pack rat."

Cloud stood slowly, "Let's check his room."

Tifa opened her mouth to reply, but cut off quickly; there were voices coming through the front door.

Cloud's eyes widened slightly before reacting instinctively. He latched onto Tifa's arm, and drug her back towards Reno's bedroom. Tifa watched stunned, as the door knob jiggled a few times. They quickly and silently made their way back, Tifa praising their luck as the front door got jammed. Cloud quickly pulled Tifa into the bedroom, and slowly closed the door.

Cloud leaned against the door, listening as a loud roar of laughter came down the hall.

"Rude! Shut up, man, you knew I'd forget something."

"No excuse, Reno."

"Whatever," the footsteps were coming towards them, "It's in the back; just hold up for a minute, will ya?"

Tifa's eyes widened as Reno's voice sounded dangerously close. She grabbed onto the front of Cloud's shirt and tugged him towards the closet. They stumbled inside the tiny room, Tifa pulling the door closed quickly.

Cloud braced himself against the back wall with one hand, and grabbed Tifa's waist who was having to lean against him to prevent from spilling out into the bedroom.

The bedroom door opened, and they both held their breath. Through the slats over the closet doors, Cloud could see the red-headed half brother stumble over towards his night stand. Reno stood by it a minute, before putting something in his pocket.

Cloud felt a surge of relief as Reno began to head for the door. Dread crept through him though as Reno paused, glancing over his shoulder towards the open window. Cloud's grip on Tifa tightened and she sensed his distress. Her fists tightened over the fabric of his shirt and she fought from swallowing.

Reno sauntered over to the open window before cursing lightly, and slamming it closed, "Stupid kids."

And then he was gone.

Tifa waited until she was sure Reno was out of the house before letting out a sigh of relief. Cloud swallowed, the silence of the house making their breathing seem much louder. They stood like that for a moment more to give Reno and his guest time to get down the street.

Tifa sighed deeply, and Cloud cleared his throat. Tifa flinched, blushing crimson as she released him, and opened the rickety closet door. She stumbled out into the bedroom, Cloud catching her arm to keep her from falling.

"Thanks," she mumbled, pulling her arm free, and moving towards the window.

"You aren't sticking around?" he asked, slightly disappointed.

Tifa's eyes widened and she gave a nervous laugh, "Are you kidding? It sounds like people come in through that window all the time. I'm leaving; it might be best if you do the same."

Cloud nodded his head slowly, "Right."

Cloud was sitting at his desk when a scrawny girl burst through the door. Cloud's eyes darted up in shock recognizing Tseng's wild, younger sister, Yuffie.

"...Yuffie?"

"Oh good, you remember me," Yuffie slammed the door shut behind her, making Cloud flinch slightly.

Cloud glanced at his watch; it read 10:42 PM.

He turned his gaze on Yuffie, "It's a little late–

"I'm glad you're still here. Listen, I need a big favor from you."

Cloud frowned; this could not bode well.

"What?"

"Okay, so, Tifa sent me here to tell you that one of the numbers was a direct connection to Sephiroth's private number at his office. I don't know what that means, but that's what she said."

Cloud's eyes widened, "Really? What about the other number?"

Yuffie shook her head, "That's why I'm here...she doesn't know I'm here but she doesn't know I know where she is."

"And where is that?" Cloud's mind was wheeling with the possibilities; Reno had a direct connection to Sephiroth.

"At this really, really shady club...apparently the number was to some guy; Tifa's heading out to a club to meet him. He doesn't know she's investigating the case but she's going to this club to meet him and that's bad cos I just figured out who he was."

"Who is he?" Cloud's mind suddenly on the task at hand.

"She's in danger, Cloud! Apparently this is like Sephiroth's estranged cousin or some bull like that. Apparently he and his brothers are shunned from the family. He's got a bad history with the law, too...I think she may get in over her head."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because you're a cop! And she's a friggin P.I., okay? Not to mention the fact I was going to tell you about the number anyways and obviously you two know something the rest of us don't."

Cloud sat for a moment in silence, Yuffie observing him anxiously.

He finally looked up her with a determined gaze in his eyes, "Where is this club?"

Tifa Lockhart had never really been one for clubs; the crowd was too much, and the music usually gave her a steady headache. She sighed, weaving between the pulsing bodies, each moving in time with the beat. Tifa didn't make this any special occasion, meeting with Sephiroth's relative. She wore her usual attire, the jacket making the atmosphere of the club nearly unbearable. Tifa elbowed another scantily clad girl before continuing up towards the bar.

When she had dialed the first number, she had certainly not expected the renowned business man Sephiroth to answer the phone.

His voice had been bitter, "This is the vice president."

"Yes," Tifa had hesitated, "Sephiroth, can I call you that?"

"I suppose," he had grunted.

"I'm Jesse Williams, a reporter with the Midgar Times. I was hoping I could schedule an interview with you sometime."

There had been a pause, "How did you get this number? It's private."

Tifa had grinned to herself, "I have my resources."

Sephiroth had given his low chuckle, "I'm sure you do. I don't normally do this, but since you've somehow managed to get a hold of me and not my secretary, I suppose an interview won't kill me. You intrigue me, Ms. Williams. I'd like to know this leak you speak of."

"I protect my contacts, sir."

Tifa was thrown back into the present as a man with short, silver hair leered at her. Oh yes, this was definitely Loz. His hair was slicked back, and he had a large build. His eyes were a sick looking greenish blue, and his pale skin looked unhealthy. It wouldn't surprise her if this man was a drug addict.

Loz stood slowly, making his way over towards Tifa.

"Jesse, I presume?" Loz grinned.

Tifa mentally scolded herself; it probably hadn't been a good idea to use the same name, but at the time she hadn't been thinking.

"Yes, Loz?"

Loz chuckled, "Yeah, I remember you..."

Tifa couldn't tell if he was telling the truth or not; Loz was one of the owners of the club, and he probably 'met' a lot of women each night. If one called him back, of course he'd say he remembered her. The first time Tifa had called his number, she had gotten his voicemail, revealing his name and occupation. It'd been easy for her to form a plan from there.

Tifa smiled in what she hoped was a seductive manner; Loz knew, as well as she, that any girl trooping after him was looking for money or something like that.

She had no intentions of carrying this past what she needed to; all she really needed was some information out of him, preferably about his family and his relationship with Sephiroth.

"Good, I was hoping you would," Tifa said, raising an eyebrow.

Loz chuckled, and smirked, "Of course I would...how could I forget a face like this?"

Loz's fingertips trailed up her cheek slightly, and he took Tifa's shiver of disgust as that of pleasure.

Tifa forced another smile, "So, you're the big shot around here, huh?"

Loz laughed again, "Yes. This is my club."

Tifa didn't bring up his brothers.

"You look familiar...like someone famous..." Tifa supplied.

"Aren't I already famous?"

Tifa pushed on his arm lightly, "You know what I mean..."

He chuckled, "Yeah, you're right...my cousin, Sephiroth. He's a business man...you've probably seen him a lot on the news lately...his boss was murdered," Loz grinned maliciously.

Tifa swallowed, nodding her head, "Yes, that's it. I didn't mean to sound rude."

"No, no...I understand. You weren't rude at all...you wouldn't believe some of the people I have to deal with on day to day basis."

"Oh?" Tifa leaned on the bar, "Do tell."

Loz touched her elbow, and she fought from flinching, "Say, Jesse, this isn't a good place to talk...how bout we head outside?"

It was a dangerous offer, but Tifa ached to be from the club; plus, he had only said let's go outside, not back to my place.

"Sure," Tifa nodded her head.

Loz smirked triumphantly before leading Tifa towards the entrance. Tifa followed him, Loz receiving a warm greeting from the bouncer outside the club. He threw Tifa a glance and a knowing smile, and Tifa nearly recoiled with horror. Still, she followed Loz down the sidewalk, shoving her hands inside of her pockets. Loz glanced at her with a strange grin, one she couldn't quite read.

"So, you're cousin's boss was killed?"

"Yeah, my famous cousin, which makes it that much more...what's the word?"

"Fishy?"

Loz shrugged, "That's one word."

"Do you talk to him much?"

Loz frowned, "Na, how could a man like him be bothered by one like me? I'd ruin his reputation like Reno ruined Rufus'."

Tifa frowned; so Loz knew of Reno, as well as Rufus.

Tifa glanced around, her breath freezing in the cold air; they were in a really bad part of the city...they weren't exactly known for their friendly hospitality in sector seven.

"Is it safe?" Tifa blurted out.

"Huh?" Loz looked up, then caught her expression, "Oh yeah...no one will mess with me."

Because you're their supplier, Tifa thought ruefully. She'd lost count of the illegal substances she had seen in the club.

Tifa swallowed as they got further and further from the club, nearing streets she didn't know filled with wrecked, abandoned buildings. Tifa turned back around, feeling panic build in her chest; sector seven was not the place to be at night, despite Loz's popularity amongst its inhabitants. Who said they wouldn't take her and spare Loz?

"I think I should head back," Tifa said suddenly.

Loz glanced at her almost as if she knew she'd say that; he shrugged, unperturbed and headed down the dark street.

Tifa hesitated; so she hadn't found out much, but it was enough. This had gotten out of hand.

Tifa stopped, "You can keep going that way if you want, but I'm not."

Loz chuckled, slowing to face her, breathing out slowly, "Your name isn't Jesse I bet, and even if it was, I certainly don't remember you."

Tifa swallowed, fear bubbling in the pit of her stomach, "Excuse me?"

"I remember every girl I meet, much less the ones I hand out my private number to. I don't hand out my number that often."

"You were drunk," Tifa breathed.

"Nice try," Loz said.

Tifa took two steps backwards, before turning and fleeing down the street. She took time to glance over her shoulder, and gratefully so. She dived into the doorway of a decrepit building as two gun shots rang out in the night, the bullets hitting the concrete wall. Tifa panted heavily, before throwing her shoulder up against the rickety door. The door gave way, and Tifa spilled into the stinking house, before slamming it shut.

Tifa's wild eyes took in the tattered furnishings before darting towards a swinging door. It led into a kitchen, and Tifa swallowed heavily, her eyes darting around the room. There was a backdoor, and Tifa fled to it, yanking it open.

He was standing there, grinning, and sprung through the open doorway easily.

Tifa didn't think twice, her arm springing out reflexively to knock the gun from his hand. It slid across the floor, Loz stunned for a moment. Tifa didn't give him time to think as she brought up her heeled boot, and kicked him across the jaw.

Loz stumbled slightly, recovering far quicker than she expected, and brought a solid fist to the side of her face. Tifa stumbled back, wincing as Loz grinned.

He was more interested in a fight than a quick kill anyways; those were always more fun.

Tifa charged forward, bringing the heel of her palm down across his face. She blocked another punch, and twisted her leg up for another kick to his side. Loz stumbled, but reached out and grasped her throat. Tifa choked, her nails cutting into his fingers as she scrabbled against his hold. Loz smirked, tossing her up against the door she'd come through. Tifa slammed through it, sliding across the floor as she landed.

She grasped her throat, coughing hoarsely as she scrambled across the floor, her legs too weak to stand.

Tifa kept scrambling across the floor even when she heard him step through the door behind her. She drug herself towards the couch and chair, trying to make it to the gap between them. Loz caught her foot, though, before leaning down and picking her up by the back of her jacket. He pressed against her as her stomach pressed into the back of the couch. He supported her weight with one arm, the other hand holding the gun to her cheek.

"Are you already tired of playing?"

Tifa tried to fight against him, but Loz wrapped a strong arm around her arms, holding her close to his chest. Tifa shuddered, and writhed against his hold as he trailed the gun's barrel down her neck and to her chest.

The gun felt too cold, and wreaked of death.

"That's a shame," he said, his breath hot on her ear, "I'm not tired yet."

"N-no," Tifa tried to speak, but her throat was still raw.

"Sh," Loz shushed her, "It'll be okay...it'll be over soon."

"No!" Tifa tried more strongly, but only came out as a whimper.

Loz smirked, "Don't worry, they'll find you in the morning."

Tifa swallowed, prepared for the gunshot.

It was different from the shots she'd heard before, and she didn't feel any pain. Loz twisted, exposing his chest as he turned with his gun raised.

Tifa glanced over her shoulder, catching sight of a figure in the doorway; that had been the noise, the door being flung open.

Two shots, and Loz's grip loosened on her. He fell back over the back of the couch and rolled onto the floor. Tifa watched in horror, her hands clutched before her face, shaking violently.

A gun came into her vision, pointing at Loz's unmoving body. Tifa turned her face to its wielder as a strong arm came around her shoulders, turning her away from the body.

Tifa glanced up at Cloud, his eyes shining with hate and anger in the night.

Cloud finally faced Tifa, standing between her and the couch. Tifa stared up at him, bewildered.

"How did–?"

"Are you okay?" Cloud asked, a little forcibly.

"I-I, you killed him–

"Tifa," he said softer; he had never called her by her first name before, "Are you okay?"

"Yes," she stammered, "I think...just...bruised."

Cloud put a soft finger to her tender temple, and she winced as pain flared.

Then anger entered his voice, "Just what the hell did you think you were doing?"

"I-I found...him, and I was just..trying to see..."

"What? Trying to see what?" Cloud's hands were clenched into fists, "Trying to see if you would get killed? Why did you come out here? And alone? I almost thought my next case would be yours."

"No, no Cloud," she said, "I...I... how?"

Cloud glanced off to the side, "Yuffie."

"Oh."

Cloud stared at the floor, and Tifa stared at him, trying to make sure both shots had come from his gun, and not from Loz's.

"We need to get out of here. I'll call Zack–

"Get down!" Tifa screamed, sweeping Cloud's legs out from beneath him with her own.

She fell to the floor with him as a gunshot went off. Cloud swore, landing on his back, Tifa landing on top of him. She hit his chest, catching sight of the ragged Loz on the floor through the gap between the couch and chair. He was moving to point his gun at them.

Tifa didn't think as Cloud fought to regain his breath; she grasped Cloud's hand, pulling it so that the gun faced towards Loz. Her hand squeezed around Cloud's tightly and Cloud instinctively pulled the trigger.

There was a thump as Loz collapsed limp onto the ground, the gun sliding across the floor away from his body.

Tifa's breath was heavy, and Cloud turned his head to see what had happened.

It took him a moment to notice Tifa was shaking more than she had if that was even possible. Her eyes were wide, and she trembled on top of him. He moved slow as to not startle her, keeping his eye on Loz. He swivelled Tifa beneath him as he sat up on his knees, Tifa finally releasing the gun and clinging to his chest.

Cloud remained still for a moment, pointing his gun at Loz, making sure he was dead.

He finally stood, Tifa having to stand with him. Cloud walked slowly towards Loz, nudging the body with his toe, tipping Loz's head so that Cloud could see the lifeless eyes. Regardless, Cloud kicked the gun a little ways further from the body.

Already Cloud could hear the sirens in the distance, and Tifa had still not spoken a word.

"You were right," Zack mumbled, closing the case file.

Cloud nodded his head, but it didn't make him feel any better.

Zack glanced up from his desk, "Listen...I know we haven't pinned Sephiroth down yet, but we've got Reno. We've got the murder weapon at Loz's place, it won't be long till we prove that Reno conspired with Sephiroth for the murder...that's how Loz ended up being the one that killed Rufus, anyways."

Cloud nodded his head again.

Zack sighed, dropping the file on his desk, and standing slowly, "Cloud..."

Cloud blinked, meeting Zack's eyes, "Have..." Zack swallowed, "You need a vacation, Cloud."

Cloud glanced to the side, "There's that new case–

"I'll take it. You need a vacation."

Cloud shrugged.

Zack sighed again, "Listen, Cloud...have you...talked to her yet?"

"Who?"

Zack felt like smacking him, "You know who. Lockhart."

"Why?"

Instead of punching him, Zack put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "Because women are like that. They need closure. She just witnessed a death...and almost her own death at that. You were there...reassure her or something like that."

"I don't know if I'll help..."

"Just do it, trust me. You'll regret it if you won't."

It was like weaving through a maze; Cloud was disappointed he had never seen Tifa's apartment in order. The boxes were piled up, and Cloud peered around the living room cautiously. He could hear Tifa in the kitchen, and he made his way slowly towards it.

Her back was facing him as she stood at the counter. A red cat made an impatient mewing noise as Tifa fiddled with the can opener.

"Hush, Red...I knew I shouldn't have packed the electric can opener."

"I can do it."

Tifa screamed, wheeling around, and brandishing the can opener threateningly.

"Don't move!" she yelled, before realizing who it was; she flushed crimson when she saw Cloud.

Cloud eyed it skeptically, "You can't even open a can with that thing."

Tifa narrowed her eyes, tossing the can opener onto the counter, scaring Red.

He hissed at Cloud, and jumped onto Tifa's shoulder.

"How did you get in here?"

"Door was open...your landlord let me in."

Tifa sighed, "Guess he recognized you from the papers."

Cloud shrugged.

"Well, what do you want?"

"What's with the boxes?"

"I'm moving," she replied simply, "I'm going back to my hometown to open a Dojo. Should've stuck with that in the first place."

"Why?"

Tifa's eyes softened, "Because...I killed a man."

Cloud blinked, "Is that it?"

Tifa sighed, slapping her thighs; Red jumped to the floor indignantly.

"You've killed someone before! That's your job, cop! Not me! I just research the aftermath...I don't actually kill people. I don't see people die!" she yelled, breathing heavily.

"You didn't kill him, I did."

"I aimed the gun," she whispered.

"But I pulled the trigger...and if I hadn't, we'd probably be dead."

She averted her eyes, "It was my fault he died."

"You feel guilty for him?"

Tifa looked up, smirking, "Sure...he was slime, but, that was someone's life."

"It was out of protection. Kill or be killed...that's how life is sometimes."

"Not mine," she said defiantly, "I'm going home...I'll stay there and be safe."

"Crime is everywhere."

"And Midgar is safer than a small town?"

Cloud swallowed, "I won't let anything happen to you. I'll protect you, I promise."

"What about you?" she asked heatedly, "Who will protect you? Who will? When you're in a situation like that again and you don't check to make sure the guy is dead! I won't be there to tell you to get down!"

"I would've...but I was more worried about you."

Tifa flushed crimson, "Still...it's dangerous."

Cloud shrugged, his gaze turning to the floor.

"Stay here..." he mumbled, "Open a dojo here."

She shook her head softly, "I'm moving," she whispered, and turned back around.

That was supposed to be it, she thought...that was the end of this conversation and of...them. He was supposed to leave, and move on with his life.

Tifa froze when he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

He pulled her against him close, "Stay here..." he whispered, "With me."

She turned in his hold, staring into his heavy lidded gaze before tipping up and kissing him softly.

He pressed her against the counter, her body melding to his as he eased her lips open. She griped his shirt tight, breaking the passionate kiss only just.

"Okay," she whispered against his lips before kissing him again.

They had him, it had taken a couple months, but they had Sephiroth at last. He sat up on the witness stand, the evidence laid before them. Zack studied him from the back of the courtroom; something was off.

Then as the proof was laid out, and Sephiroth's confident smirk failed, the unthinkable happened.

The door to the courtroom opened, and Zack watched as the short man made his way in. Silver hair, a relative of Sephiroth no doubt.

It clicked in Zack then.

He made a sudden lurch forward to shout a warning, but it was too late. The new arrival was already pulling two guns from beneath his jacket, one sailing through the air. Sephiroth reached out with a deft hand, catching it. Sephiroth brought the gun down, and fired, a glancing blow to the side of the lawyer's face. The bailiff was wrestling with his gun as the lawyer collapsed, and people screamed, fleeing the courtroom. Zack pushed up against them, drawing his gun and aiming at Sephiroth.

It took two shots to take down each of them, and Zack made his way up towards the silver-haired bodies. Before he reached them, though, he knew that Sephiroth wasn't one of the bodies laying on the floor.

Tifa sighed, darkness falling over the city. She turned her gaze across the floor; she hated sweeping the Dojo, but it was something that must be done. Until it got going, she'd have to do the grunt work herself...not that she minded, though. This was her own work, her sweat built this place.

Cloud was proud of her, and at the thought, she blushed.

The ring was heavy, but it made her feel right, and full.

Tifa swept on, humming to herself softly. She heard the door open, and the heavy clomp of feet through the entry way.

"Cloud," Tifa called out teasingly, "You better take off your shoes before you come in here!"

Not only because it was rules, but also if he tracked dirt in here one more time she was going to go crazy.

Tifa's head raised sharply as the footfalls entered the room.

"Cloud, I told you to–

Tifa cut off short, the broom clattering to the floor.

"S-Sephiroth...I thought, your...court...day...trial..."

The tall man chuckled slightly, and Tifa noticed the long sheath clutched in his hand; there were Katanas on the wall, but she had to reach them first.

Sephiroth took another step forward, "You know, I must say I was highly disappointed when Ms. Jesse Williams didn't show for our interview. You wouldn't happen to know the reason why?"

"You're...supposed to be–

"That's the beauty of having such a loving family willing to do anything for you. You could say it's revenge for killing my brother–

"Brother? Loz was your cousin!"

"Not quite..." Sephiroth shrugged, "Lies...are you really that surprised Ms. Lockhart?"

"I..." Tifa kept backing away, towards the far wall.

Sephiroth smirked, "Go ahead...grab a blade. It will make no difference."

"Cloud!"

Cloud winced away from his phone, "Zack...what is it?"

"Where are you?"

"On my way home."

"Cloud! It's gone wrong! Where the hell is Tifa?"

"At the Dojo. Why?"

"I think she's in trouble, Cloud...Sephiroth wasn't Sephiroth–

"What?"

Zack sighed through the phone, "It was his brothers. Loz was his brother...he has two other brothers, and one of them looks like him! He posed as Sephiroth! Sephiroth is on the lose, Cloud! Cloud? Cloud!"

Zack listened in vain, Cloud's phone laying on the sidewalk in the pouring rain.

The blade was flying out of her hand, skittering across the floor towards the door. Tifa scrambled after it, but Sephiroth caught her wrists, holding her up. She squirmed in his hold, recoiling away from him.

"So this is what my brother experienced. I must say, Ms. Lockhart, you do put up a fight."

That was all the warning she got as his long blade sliced hot across her chest. Blood was flowing freely, pouring from her wounds as he tossed her effortlessly away. She landed on her side, away from him.

"And now we wait," Sephiroth said softly.

"I'll protect you; I promise."

"Cloud..."

It was dark and silent in the Dojo, his gun held before him. He moved carefully towards the open door, an object laying before it. Cloud slid the door open further, his eyes widening in shock as he dropped the gun. He had failed her; he had promised her he would protect her.

"Tifa!" he touched her shoulder softly, "Tifa!"

Her fingers twitched, but he missed it.

A silver flash, and Cloud dodged back, a thin cut on the back of his hand.

"Sephiroth," he growled, spotting the katana on the floor.

He picked it up, recognizing it as his own; the familiar weight felt sturdy in his hand, more sturdy than the gun on the floor.

"Shall we?" Sephiroth asked.

They were a blur, then, darting across the Dojo's floor, Tifa laying in her own blood.

Cloud raised his blade, parring Sephiroth's blow. He slid backwards from the force, raising his blade just in time once again. Cloud pushed back against Sephiroth's blade, forcing Sephiroth backwards. The blades slipped, and Cloud stumbled forward slightly, Sephiroth darting backwards.

Cloud charged after him, Sephiroth dodging easily, but Cloud did not relent, coming on strong. Their blades locked again, sparks flying from the contact. Sephiroth chuckled, and that sent Cloud over the edge. Cloud brushed Sephiroth's blade off easily, twisting low, exposing his back for a half second, but even that was not enough for Sephiroth. Cloud came in low, his blade twisted behind him, and he stepped backwards, into Sephiroth. The blade pierced Sephiroth in the chest, and they both froze. Sephiroth wheezed, his arms going limp, and leaned into the blade.

Cloud forced his blade free, stumbling away from Sephiroth's dead weight as sweat poured off his face. He spotted Tifa's limp form, and fear bubbled in his chest.

He took two steps, and a sudden pain pulled in his chest. Cloud looked down, and in the dim light spotted the gleaming tip of Sephiroth's blade.

Sephiroth jerked his blade free with his final strength, falling limp as Cloud's breath hitched. Cloud put a hand to his chest, falling forward onto his knees as the blood seeped through his fingers.

He drug himself slowly across the Dojo, staring at Tifa's back. The world was starting to swim, his eyes losing focus, the floor and walls blending together, blurred.

His hand came from his chest, reaching out shakily towards her body.

So close...

"Tifa," he whispered, before falling forward onto the floor, his fingers only inches from her back.

"Who will protect you? Who will? When you're in a situation like that again and you don't check to make sure the guy is dead! I won't be there to tell you to get down!"

"I would've...but I was more worried about you."

Beep...Beep...Beep

The first thing Cloud was aware of was the steady beep to his left. The second thing he was aware of was the stiffness in his arms as he tried to lift them. His eyes slowly opened, the world slightly blurred.

There was a dark shape beside his bed, and blue eyes connected with blue eyes.

"You're awake!" Zack shouted delightedly, and Cloud winced against his loud voice.

Something was itching Cloud's mind; he couldn't rightly remember what happened.

Another blur was entering the room, with long, brown hair.

A flash–

He moved carefully towards the open door, an object laying before it. Cloud slid the door open further, his eyes widening in shock as he dropped the gun. He had failed her; he had promised her he would protect her.

Cloud felt panic seize his lungs and the new blur leaned over him, green eyes studying him.

"Cloud, can you hear me?"

Zack interrupted the woman, "Of course he can! He's awake!"

"Captain!" the woman spat sharply, "Another outburst and I will personally kick you out of my hospital!"

The picture was coming into focus, a beautiful woman leaning over him. She was dressed in pink, and wore a doctor's jacket.

"...is...she..." Cloud struggled with words.

"Oh my, he's speaking," the woman said, "That's a good sign."

"Well, duh," Zack replied.

The woman sent him a withering glare, before giving Cloud a tender gaze, "Cloud, how are you feeling?"

"...she...okay?"

"Oh, oh my. I think I know what he's talking about..." the woman muttered, "Captain? Can you stay responsible for five minutes?"

Zack grinned, "I'll try."

The woman rolled her eyes, moving towards the door. Zack leaned over his bed.

"You gave us a scare there, Spike. I thought we'd lost you for sure."

Cloud's breath was short, and he tried again, "...is she...okay...Tifa..." he whispered.

But his gaze fell, and his eyes closed before he heard Zack's reply.

Cloud woke again, not feeling good, but better than before. The world came into focus much easier this time; the world was dark, and there was a figure sitting beside of his bed, but it wasn't Zack.

"...Tifa?" he breathed.

The dark head darted up, and she smiled at him, "Hey..." she whispered.

Cloud studied her appearance; she didn't look much better than him, sitting in a wheelchair and a hospital gown.

"How you feel?" she asked softly.

"I love you..."

Tifa blushed, giggling, "That's nice...I love you too," she reached out, touching his forearm, "How do you feel, Cloud?"

"Like shit."

She laughed, coughing slightly, "I missed you."

"I thought you were dead," he whispered.

She gripped his hand tightly, "I was for a minute...but Aeris brought me back."

Cloud's eyes widened in shock, and Tifa took it as confusion.

"She's our doctor. She and Zack have been fighting all week long. They're already in love, they just don't know it yet."

Cloud closed his eyes in pain, and he felt Tifa squeeze his hand again.

"Cloud," her voice was pained, "What is it?"

"I failed you," he whispered.

"What?" she asked softly.

He opened his eyes and found her gaze, "You were in trouble, and I wasn't there."

"Cloud, you came, though, and you did save me. I'm alive because of you."

"You're alive because of Aeris."

She sighed, frowning, "I thought you were dead. I thought you were going to die; I woke up, and you didn't. I thought you were going to leave me."

He shook his head, "I couldn't do that."

"I know that, but I was scared...it was my fault you got hurt. I didn't tell you he was still alive. I told you to check."

Cloud felt a hint of a smile, a ring of the past, "I would have, but I was too worried about you."

Tifa smiled, tears coming to her eyes; she struggled to stand, and Cloud scolded her, "Don't reopen your wounds–

"I'm fine," she bickered, leaning against the bed as she stood.

She smiled down at him, leaning down and hovering over his lips, "You did save me, you know."

He kissed her, and she smiled against his lips.