Holding On
Chapter III

Cloud and I spend almost every day of the next few months together, usually going up to the spot on the hill to lie in the grass all day, and his presence soon becomes a natural part of my life. He's still not very talkative, though he has opened up to me a lot more, and I think I've begun to be able to understand what he's thinking just by watching his expressions and the look in his eyes; like I hoped I would be able to that day that he walked me home in the rain.

I always had a lot of friends growing up, but most of them have moved away from town now, so before I started hanging out with Cloud I usually spent my time alone. I didn't mind much, but I do prefer Cloud's company. I've never known anyone quite like him; someone that seems to genuinely understand me, and wants to be with me so often even if we're just doing nothing. We've gotten a lot closer since we've been spending time together, and although I'm not sure if he feels the same way, I've started considering him to be my best friend, and maybe even more.

My father was wary of me spending so much time with a boy at first, but I bring Cloud back to my house fairly often in the evenings when it's too dark for us to be outside, and my father seems to be gradually getting used to him being there. He and Cloud talk sometimes, though my father usually asks him so many questions that it almost comes off as an interrogation, but to my surprise Cloud doesn't seem to be the least bit uncomfortable about answering them.

I've been to Cloud's house quite a few times too, and have therefore gotten to know his mother much better. I've never actually talked to her despite how long we've lived next door to each other, though I'm pretty sure that she used to know my mother quite well. She's a cheerful woman, with fair hair and a slight figure, whom I liked instantly the first time I met her. She smiles brightly at me every time Cloud brings me over, seeming to be happy that her son has someone to spend time with.

It's early May now, the time of year with the nicest weather in Nibelheim, and today just so happens to be the day of my sixteenth birthday. I've told Cloud when my birthday was before, but we've been together for the whole day and he hasn't said a word about it, so I guess he must have forgotten. I don't really mind though, because I'm happy just to be here with him; lying in the grass under the shade of the tree on the hill; our hill now.

"Oh," Cloud says suddenly, sitting up next to me.

His voice startles me from my daydreaming, and I sit up too, studying him closely. "What's wrong?" I ask him, concerned by his outburst.

Cloud reaches into his back pocket, pulling out a small box rather than explaining with words. "Happy birthday," he says simply, extending his arm and offering it to me.

I smile widely at him, taking the box from his hand. "I thought you forgot," I say, looking down at the little bow on top of the package.

He shakes his head in reassurance, watching me as I don't hesitate to untie the little ribbon and slide the lid off of the box. Inside is the most beautiful silver locket that I have ever seen; one made in the shape of a tiny heart that is suspended from an elegant chain, and has intricate designs engraved on the front of it. I stare at it for a long moment, stricken speechless, because I never imagined that he'd get me such a thoughtful gift.

Cloud clears his throat nervously when I don't say anything. "Do you like it?" he asks warily.

I realize that he must think my silence means that I don't like his gift, so I quickly reassure him. "I love it, Cloud. Thank you," I say honestly.

He grins at me in response; one of his small, characteristic smiles that I've learned means he's really happy, because it lights up his eyes.

Reaching into the box hesitantly, I pick the locket up and cradle it gently between my fingers, admiring it. I notice a latch on one side of it, so I touch it tentatively, causing it to pop open. There is another engraving on the inside, though this time it's not a design, but letters that are written in cursive: 'Happy birthday, Tifa' written on one side, and 'Love, Cloud' on the opposite side.

This robs me of speech once again, at least until Cloud leans over and takes the locket from my hands. I look up at him, realizing what he wants by the look on his face, and I pull my hair back so he can help me put it on. He looks almost embarrassed, as there's a slight blush creeping up on his cheeks, but he reaches behind me anyway; his fingers brushing across the skin on my neck as he tries to fasten it.

It takes him a moment to get the clasp to cooperate, but when it finally does he leans away from me, and the locket settles into place against my chest. Another smile graces his face, and I return it easily, but I resist the urge to throw my arms around him in thanks. He's a shy person, I've known that much since I met him, and he's never actually reached out to touch me before, so I'm not sure if he'd be comfortable with me hugging him.

A moment of almost awkward silence passes between us after that, but both of us eventually end up settling back into our places in the grass, staring up between the branches of the tree at the vast, blue sky. I leave my arms spread out at my sides, my palms facing upwards toward the sun, enjoying its warmth. My eyes are closed, so I nearly jump when I feel Cloud's hand cover mine, curling around my fingers gently.

I'm surprised by the gesture, to say the least, but the contact is comforting. When I look over at him he grins at me sheepishly, and I can't help but smile back at him, even though I can feel my cheeks beginning to heat up with embarrassment. I've never been with anyone like this, but I realize that with Cloud, this somehow feels natural, despite the fact that it's new for me.

I relax into it after a moment, averting my gaze back up at the sky and giving his fingers a gentle squeeze to let him know that I don't mind him holding my hand. Between the warmth of his hand and the heat that the sun is casting on me, my eyes soon begin closing in contentment. I think Cloud begins getting sleepy as well, because his breathing slows down and becomes very even; a sound that eventually lulls me to sleep.

To be continued…

(A/N) I apologize for this chapter being so short, but I promise the next chapter will make up for it. ;) Oh, and I've got a new word to describe my stories: not "fluff", because I tend to see that as being cheesy and out of character romance, so how about "sugar"? Sweet, clean, and (in my opinion) in character; my stories have "sugar". Maybe? O.o

Anyway…thanks for all the reviews everybody! I'm glad that you guys like this, and I promise to keep sending updates your way. :D

-punkiemonkie