A/N: You may have noticed something new. I changed my penname from x-cry to aziantearz. I wanted to update and use the same username all across my art/fanfic accounts. I previously promised to return to writing after I finished the CloTi/Zerith Endless Summer 2020 event, but honestly, I fell into a writer's block. I have been drawing a lot more during my free time. Please check out my twitter when you have a chance! Just search for aziantearz

I appreciate those who have been with me on this silly 100 theme challenge since the beginning, and waiting patiently for the next one.

This one is a bit short and unfortunately updates will be sporadic. I will try my best to get the next one out soon! Thanks everyone!

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy, characters and everything associated with the Final Fantasy world belong to Square Enix.

Warnings: Please note that some of the stories will contain spoilers or reference to the original game, Advent Children, Crisis Core, Dirge of Cerberus and Remake.

Genre:Family, fluff

~Vacation~

The Icicle Lodge inn and the cold heavy snow wasn't exactly what Tifa had in mind for a vacation. She preferred the warm climate and clear blue waters of Costa Del.

But Tifa couldn't complain though. It was a thoughtful surprise from Barret, who pulled a lot of effort to put together this family vacation, getting the "Package deal of the century" and something about the owner owing him a favor. They all needed this, especially Marlene and Denzel. Cloud also hinted at wanting to take a break from deliveries and Edge as well.

The moment they settled in to their Lodge suite, Marlene and Denzel dashed off for the new Moogle-Chocobo café shop in the center of town, dragging Barret along. They hoped to get a taste of the marshmallow hot chocolate with cute foam art before the shop closed.

Tifa and Cloud decided to roam the gift shop, scavenging for some trinkets to bring back home.

Despite finally being inside someplace warmer, away from icy wind blowing the snow into her face, Tifa's body still trembled from the coldness. It took her a bit longer than normal to adjust to the changing temperature.

She tried to keep active, bending her knees up and down and rubbing her arms with her periwinkle cotton mittens.

"Tifa, you alright over there?" Cloud placed a gentle hand on Tifa's back.

With her teeth chattering obnoxiously loud, she managed a nod,

"I'll be fine as soon as I get a sip of that hot chocolate."

Cloud glanced back at the café shop and noticed a long line of people wrapping around the corner. In the distance, the Wallace family plus Denzel were near the end of the line. The trio waved back to them excitedly.

Barret, with a cheeky smile, held tightly onto Marlene who was sitting on top of his shoulders. Denzel was hanging off of Barret's right arm like a monkey, something he loved to do whenever Barret visited.

"Looks like it's going to be a while."

It could be another fifteen or twenty so minutes before any type of hot drink would arrive in her hands. Tifa She could endure it. She had gone through worse.

She tugged her faux hooded parka tighter and tucked her hands underneath her armpits. She'd seen Cloud and Denzel do this all the time, so maybe it would help. Maybe.

"I can wait."

She cracked a half re-assuring smile up at Cloud and turned back toward the aisle of miniature snow globes. One caught her eye, which it reminded her of her hometown Nibelheim.

She expected the spiky blond to shrug off her answer as usual and continue moseying about, but instead, she felt his strong arms warp around her from behind. He then brought her almost frost-bitten hands to his lips, blowing warm kisses to her fingers.

It was a sweet gesture, but Cloud of all people was not the type to show such affection.

"C-Cloud?"

Without another word, he pulled half of his long green wool scarf—hand knitted by Tifa and Marlene — off from his neck and gently wrapped it around Tifa, pulling her closer to his body.

Cloud mumbled into her hair,"Always trying to act all tough. You know you don't have to around me. If you're cold, just let me know."

Tifa could finally feel the warmth returning to her body, even able to finally bend her fingers and squeeze his arms, "Thank you Cloud."

It was quite comforting actually, being able to feel his soft warn breath tickling her shoulder. She was glad he decided to finally wear the home knitted scarf from last Christmas as it was much warmer than the parka she wore.

He really didn't have the right occasion to wear it until now.

Thankfully he didn't forget it as she recalled it was shoved in the back of the closet. It was quite surprising when she first saw him with it this morning with that goofy grin he often had as a teenager.

Marlene was ecstatic to see it on Cloud as well, and being the silly little girl she was, rubbed her face against the soft material, "It's so fluffy!"

Tifa did not realize how long they stood there. It was just Cloud and her, and the cheesy lounge music playing in the background, along with the ringing of the cash register from the front entrance.

They broke apart the minute they heard the scampering feet of the kids and Barret's thundering voice, "Yo Tifa! Spikey! Come get your hot chocolate!"

Next time, Tifa will definitely remember to let Cloud know next time. It felt nice to have his arms around her again.

~owari