A/N: I have a new series I'm working on right now that I'd like a few opinions on. I'm not sure the story line will work. Is there anyone willing to just read over what I have and give me their thoughts? Not to beta, just to read. If there is anyone interested, please email me. And would you stick 'Want to read' as the title of the email, so if my irritating yahoo account sticks it into the spam folder I can find it? (Just take the spaces out of the address before you use it.) ivy _ tante yahoo . com
Summary: Learning to communicate thoughts and feeling can be difficult, but with a little effort it can be very rewarding. Set a couple of weeks after Jealousy, Take 10.
Jealousy, Take 11
By Ivy Elise Tanté
Little else can screw up a time-table quite like a monster attack. This thought was foremost as Cloud Strife, snarling louder than the roaring bike he commanded, slashed to the right at the Custom Sweeper just before it countered with Matra Magic. Fortunately the hit was strong enough this time to shatter the frame and send metal fragments flying in all directions, taking out one of the Prowlers hanging on the edge of the battle hoping for some spoils. Turning Fenrir around in a skidding slide, he jabbed the Fusion Sword viciously into the unprotected flank of the Hell Rider trying to side-swipe him. Even as the monster keeled over, Cloud was engaging the kickstand on the bike. He leaped off and charged at the last remaining Prowler, slicing him into several pieces with a great deal of satisfaction.
Panting in the ferocious heat, Cloud strained his enhanced hearing trying to detect any more ambushing enemies. But the only sounds were the idling of the bike and the eerie wail of the wind whistling through the sandy canyons outside the ruins of Midgar. Scowling, he stalked back to Fenrir and yanked out a bottle of water from one of the side compartments. Instead of drinking it, however, he merely poured the cool liquid over his head.
Though Cloud didn't relish the thought, he knew he would have to speak to Reeve Tuesti about the situation. Attacks of this nature were an annoyance to him, but to a traveler bound for Kalm it could be fatal. Surely there was a regiment or two of infantry men that needed some training at monster hunting. Cloud winced; he knew the Director of the World Regenesis Organization would smile, nod in understand, and assign the troopers to him personally. This meant he would have to make the arrangements to transport them to this god-forsaken wasteland and teach them the difference between combat training and taking on the real thing. Shiva but he hated accepting responsibility for a fighting force of green recruits. One or two of them would typically not pay attention to any of his warnings and end up hurt.
He scowled at the empty water bottle in his hand and wondered when in the world he'd stopped being a loner that preferred his own company to that of others.
The answer was quick in coming. All it took was the ring of his phone to have him diving into a pocket, yanking out the PHS to flip it open with practiced ease. "Strife Delivery Service," he said in a somewhat breathless tone from all the fighting. A drop of water trickled its way down his nose and dripped onto the leather seat.
"Cloud, are you okay?" came the concerned voice of Tifa Lockhart.
"Monster attack in the canyons," he said succinctly, swiping at his face with a leather-gloved hand. "I'm fine," he added, not wanting her to worry. Communication was important in a relationship, and he was trying hard to learn how to open up about his feelings and thoughts. It didn't come easy, though. "I'm going to be a little late. I have to check in with Reeve."
"I've heard that the surrounding area is getting bad," she said.
Cloud shivered at the longing that filled him at the sound of her sweet voice. "I… don't like that this… keeps me from getting home early." Even though she couldn't see him, he still blushed at speaking so frankly. He had rushed all his deliveries today because the kids were spending the next two days with Barret and Elmyra, and he and Tifa had the place to themselves.
It hadn't taken much coaxing to get Tifa to close the bar for today for some private time together.
"I know. I feel the same,"Tifa admitted. "I've been waiting…"
Smiling, he leaned against the bike and commented lightly, "This isn't easy for you either, is it?"
A soft sigh had him closing his eyes and swallowing nervously. "No, Cloud, it isn't. I feel so silly sometimes, trying to put my feelings into words. But then I think of the distance between us only months ago and I know I have to try harder."
"We both do," he assured her. Covering his face with his free hand, he then muttered, "Will you… take a shower with me when I get home?" The blush on his face was hot enough to sting his cheeks, but a grin was starting to creep over his face when he heard her shocked intake of breath.
"CLOUD!" The tone was incredulous that he would ask for such a thing so bluntly.
"Will you?" he repeated, even though his tone was faltering. Taking out another bottle of water, he took a sip to ease his parched throat as much to bolster his courage.
The silence lasted long enough that he held the phone away from him to check that they were still connected. When he saw they were, he brought it back to his ear and waited, still sipping water. There was a part of him that wanted to push for an answer, to speed up her response. But he knew by now it was better to be patient and let her work her way through until she made up her mind.
"I… guess so," Tifa finally said, her voice hesitant.
Something mischievous crept into him as he promised in a dark tone, "I'll make it worth your while." As soon as the words were out of his mouth he cringed, but the startled squeal from the other end of the line had him grinning like a loon.
"CLOUD!" The volume was considerably louder this time and he could almost picture her standing behind the counter in the bar, bottle in one hand, phone held to her ear, mouth dropped open at the teasing comment from a man that usually rationed words like they were precious gil. "I can't believe you... Did you really just say that?!"
Neither could he, but miracles did occur. There was something to be said about breaking out of his comfort zone. "Well? I'm hot, sweaty and filthy from that monster fight." Cloud wanted to say more, so much more. About how much he wanted to peel off their clothes and relish the feel of hot water sluicing over his skin as he cuddled close against her, her wet hair clinging to his arms when his hands slid into those dark, silky strands. The image his mind produced was enough to make him clear his throat nervously and take a large gulp of water.
"I… Goddess, Cloud!" There was another long silence, then finally she whispered, "I would… like that."
Her admittance had heat spiraling through his body that had nothing to do with the scorching temperature of the dusty canyons surrounding him. "I'll call Reeve and tell him the situation, then I'll be home." Pausing to take a deep breath, he continued, "I've been… dreaming of you all day, Tifa. Of what I want… to do to you." Another sharp intake of breath made him grin again. Then she asked something he didn't expect.
"Will you tell me about those dreams?"
It was a very good thing Tifa couldn't see the almost feral smile that crossed his face at that point. "No," he drawled out, putting up the water bottle and swinging a leg over the bike.
Tifa's voice was a bit angry as she snapped out, "Why not?"
"Because I'd rather show you. Get some rest, I'll be home soon." The last sentence was almost a challenge as he hung up and dialed Reeve.
When he answered, Cloud gave his report then informed him, "Now I'm going home, and don't call me about this until tomorrow. I won't be available."
Shoving the phone back in his pocket, he revved Fenrir and took off at break-neck speed…