A/N: Ok. Here's the next chapter!!!

Chapter 3

Tifa went back to the inn and found, to her surprise, a private dinner setting placed at a table for two. Two tall candles were just being lit as she entered. Everything looked elegant, including Cloud. He looked good, real good, in his black pants and navy colored buttoned up shirt. Dark blue had a way of setting off his light blue Mako enhanced eyes.

"Oh my gosh! This is—more than I expected. Oh Cloud!" She ran up to him and threw her arms around his neck.

He kissed her lightly before replying, "Go get changed. Dinner's almost ready." But he didn't let her go. He kept his arms around her.

"But… I have nothing to wear. All I brought were beach clothes." Tifa was at a loss.

"You have that pale blue sundress. That'll be fine." He gave her another kiss, but this one was a bit longer than before. The innkeeper came out with their food.

"Give me two minutes!" she yelled as she ran. Tifa's heart soared. Ripping off her bikini, she rapidly changed into her dress and sandals back in their room. Breathe! She commanded herself. He's really outdone himself this time. I thought we'd have a quiet dinner somewhere, but this is… She couldn't finish her thought because she felt overwhelmed with emotion. Cloud was full of surprises lately, and she decided to enjoy them instead of question it. Rejoining Cloud, Tifa flashed him a dazzling smile.

"That's my girl." Cloud escorted her to a chair and helped her sit down.

That's my girl… The thought echoed in her head, and she suddenly remembered someone else who had said that to her recently. A slow blush colored Tifa's face as Reno's face appeared in her mind. Stop it! She scolded herself.

"How was your afternoon? You spent a lot of time with Elena in the bar." He laughed quietly. "I was wondering if I was going to have to go in and drag you out of there." He poured some wine for her.

Tifa was glad he didn't show up. She could only imagine his reaction if he had walked in and found her there in her bikini with the Turks. She wasn't blind. She saw some of the looks she had gotten in the bar from the patrons. Lots of carnage…she thought, but she outwardly replied, "It was fun. I like hanging out with Elena." And Reno…Ok. That's enough! What's wrong with you? She decided to change the subject. "What do you want to do tomorrow?" Tifa reached for Cloud's hand.

"Let's not think of tomorrow." A slight frown appeared on his face, but then disappeared. He fell silent for a bit. "You looked amazing in that bikini today. Cheryl help you pick that out?" He knew the answer of course. Tifa would never be that daring when she went shopping. Tifa merely nodded her response and the both of them started eating.

"I still can't believe we're here. Just the two of us." She said between bites. She looked again into Cloud's bright blue orbs and tried to imagine what the rest of their vacation would bring. This is what I've always wanted… life with Cloud-- together.

Cloud took her hand in his, and with his thumb, traced small circles around the back of her hand. "You deserve happiness. You've always been there for me… even when I wasn't always there for you. I'm just trying to make up for it." He blushed, embarrassed by the admission. Smiling, he picked up her hand and lightly kissed the back of it.

It was moments like this that made Tifa glad she never gave up on Cloud. "You have nothing to "make up" for. That's all in the past. Let's look toward the future now."

Cloud always admired Tifa's optimistic attitude; it's what drew him to her when they were young children growing up in Nibelheim. She constantly tried to find the positive in everything, and for that, he relied on her to keep him going when things looked bad. "I'm not so sure about that. The past is never too far behind…" Cloud's thoughts became distant as an image of Aeris emerged in his head.

Not again… Tifa felt Cloud's attention shift elsewhere. "Earth to Cloud. Hello?"

"Sorry Tifa." His smile was a little sad. "I'm really trying."

Putting her utensils down, Tifa suggested, "Let's go for a walk on the beach. It's a clear night. The stars should be brilliant." She pulled on his hand and roused him up from his chair. "Come on." She flashed him an inviting smile.

The night air was still cooling from the heat of the day, but there was a slight breeze coming off the water, which made the atmosphere pleasant. Cloud remained silent, but Tifa didn't mind. She walked a few steps behind him, searching the night sky for constellations. There were a few other couples walking along the water's edge too, and a couple of bonfires, yet the beach wasn't crowded at all. Cloud and Tifa had plenty of privacy.

"Tifa? Are you enjoying tonight?" Cloud asked tentatively.

"Yes. Why?" Tifa quit searching the sky and looked at Cloud carefully. "Aren't you?"

Cloud hesitated before he answered. "… Of course I am. I just wanted tonight to be memorable for you. You're always putting my needs or the kids' needs first."

"How like Tifa." A strange but familiar voice broke into their conversation. "This is certainly a surprise, or would have been if I hadn't already been notified of your arrival." Rufus Shinra was standing in front of the couple. He was accompanied by a pretty lady and two Turk bodyguards, Tseng and Rude, who nodded in acknowledgment to them.

"Shouldn't you be running a company?" Cloud shot back at the blond haired handsome man. He never trusted the president of the Shinra company, after all, every tragedy originated with them— the creation of Sephiroth, Aeris' death, the destruction of his hometown, Zack's death. Everything Cloud held dear, Shinra had a hand in destroying.

Rufus merely laughed at Cloud's reaction, "Even presidents get some relaxation. I expect a hero of your status could attest to that. You can't always be off saving the world."

"…" Cloud was silent. Tifa decided it was time to step in.

"You're right. Well, I think we'll let you get back to your… evening." She smiled at Rufus and then Tseng and Rude. Tseng returned the smile, and Tifa tugged on Cloud to continue their stroll.

"Have a pleasant evening Tifa, Cloud." Rufus called after them.

The couple could hear his laughter fade behind them. "You alright Cloud?" Tifa searched his face for a clue as to what he was feeling, but as usual, could find nothing behind the mask.

"…Let's just walk." He started off again, and Tifa found Cloud was leading them back to the inn. "I'm a little tired. I think I'll go to bed." He walked quickly and left Tifa standing slightly in shock in front of the inn steps. This night had quickly turned from remarkable to awful.

Tifa decided to go for a walk by herself, so she made her way to the beach front again. Taking off her sandals, she walked barefoot through the water that washed up on the sand. I don't get him sometimes. Dinner was wonderful. How can one thing set him off like that? Seeing Rufus wasn't that bad. It's not like Rufus is the same person he was when we first fought Shinra. The Shinra Company now worked hand-in-hand with the WRO: the World Regenesis Organization. The WRO was in charge of rebuilding the planet after Meteor arrived to destroy the planet. She sighed and sat down on a chair. This was not what she wanted. She just wanted to be happy, yet happiness wasn't something easily attainable with Cloud. But it's what I've always wanted… Sleep. That's what she needed. She rose out of the chair and headed back to the inn.

"Cloud?" She called for him softly. He wasn't in bed, so she tapped on the bathroom door. "Cloud?" She called again, but received no reply. Maybe he went out…It was then that she noticed the note on his pillow. Picking it up, she opened it and started reading.

Tifa,

I'm sorry. I can't do this anymore. It's not fair to you. You deserve happiness. I can't seem to shake the past, no matter how much I try to move on… Please don't be mad. I need to leave for awhile. I don't know if I'll be back.

Cloud

Tifa stared at the note. What? What is this? She read the note again. Despair flooded her senses. "No!" Tears were streaming down her face. "I don't get it!" She cried aloud. She crumpled to the floor. This isn't happening! Lies! Everything he said was a lie!

Reno sat alone in the Bar del Sol. He had been chatting with a cute red head, but he was distracted by thoughts of a beautiful brunette in a bikini. Damn her! As far as Reno was concerned, she was starting to cramp his style. He sent the red head on her way and ordered another drink. He just needed to clear his head, that's all. He scanned the room. Tseng and Elena were at a table, laughing and talking in low voices. A few women were scattered around the room, and some local body builders were there as well. Boring! Not enough game. He thought, but if he were being honest with himself, he didn't mind it so much.

Rude arrived at his table and sat down. "Hi."

"Yo. Rufus having fun?" Reno smiled at Rude's nod. "Let me get your drink." He signaled the waitress over and ordered his best friend a drink.

"What's going on?" Rude inquired. "You seem… different." He smiled.

"Don't know what you mean man." Reno avoided the question. "Just sitting here drinking."

"Alone? Not like you." He wasn't sure if he should continue, but he had a clue as to what was bothering his friend. "Is it "her"?" Rude closely examined his friend's face. He had his answer before Reno could give it.

"…How do you know?... Wait. Dumb question, I know. You know me too well." He finished that last statement bitterly. "A guy can't have any secrets…" Reno sighed. "Yes. I don't know why I feel like I do, but for some reason that girl gets to me." He looked at Rude's face. "And I don't really want to examine why I feel like I do, ok? She's with somebody else… I just need to stay away from her for awhile. That's it!" Reno sounded more confident now. "I'm going to stay away from Tifa!" This last statement was a little louder than Reno had anticipated; Tseng and Elena looked over at his table with questioning looks. Reno groaned. This was going to take some explaining to get himself out of this mess.

"Look." Rude motioned to the door. It was as if God was playing with Reno. There was Tifa, looking as beautiful as ever. She paused in the doorway and made her way to the bar.

"God's a woman. She hates me. I swear I'm trying to be good…." He lowered his head to the table. "Is she trying to torment me on purpose?" He raised his head and looked over at the bar. Something was a bit off… But he was going to keep his oath… He was…

Tifa didn't even notice who was in the bar. She searched for an open seat at the counter and plopped down. "I'd like a beer bartender." She ordered. I need a drink to calm my nerves. What am I going to do? What's wrong with me that he can toss me aside so easily? She downed her first drink rather quickly, so she ordered another.

Reno kept a close eye on Tifa. "Rude, she's had five drinks. Something's wrong. Where's Strife? I thought they had plans tonight."

Tifa was tired of this. Why should I be sad? Don't I deserve to be happy? Isn't that what Cloud said? "Liar!" she shouted out loud to no one in particular. Ok. Maybe I've had too much to drink. But Tifa didn't care by this point. "Bartender, I'd like a bottle of the best wine you have." He looked at her skeptically. "I'm taking it back to my room. Where I'll be drinking. Alone…"

"Are you sure? You seem like you've had enough."

"Don't worry. I'll make sure she gets back to her room." One of the body builders got up and looked at Tifa hungrily. The bartender gave Tifa her bottle, and the stranger grabbed Tifa around her waist. "Come on sweetheart. I'll make sure you get home."

"Whatever." Tifa replied despondently.

The guy grinned and gave a thumb's up sign to his buddies at the bar. "Let's say we have some fu-" He was interrupted when Reno's fist crashed into his jaw.

"Get your hands off her you creep." Reno didn't wait for the stranger to respond to his order. With a speedy roundhouse kick to the head, the guy dropped to the ground unconscious. Reno grabbed Tifa by the shoulders and looked defiantly around the room. Rude stood up and made his way over to back up his partner. The duo looked menacing; nobody moved. Tseng was frowning and whispered something to Elena.

"Go." Rude urged Reno.

Reno didn't need to be told twice. He gently escorted Tifa out the door and towards the inn. So much for staying away…

"No! I don't want to go back there!" Tifa struggled against his powerful grip.

"Ok. Ok. Calm down. Where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere but there. I don't care. I don't care anymore." Tears were beginning to trickle down her cheeks.

"Alright. I know a place." Reno guided Tifa up the stairs to the villa Rufus had rented, but instead of continuing inside, he steered them over the walkway and onto the deserted port of Costa del Sol. He found some crates located by the metal wall that had "Port del Sol" scripted across it. They sat on the crates, side by side, as Tifa recounted her night with Cloud. Reno listened patiently, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze when she faltered. After she unloaded her burden, they sat in silence for a bit, holding hands with their fingers intertwined.

"I'm sorry Reno. I didn't mean to dump on you or be a burden." Tifa started to feel a bit more sober and more than a little guilty. Her hand that Reno didn't have clutched in his put down the unopened bottle of wine. "I really didn't mean to drink that much either." She was embarrassed now and blushing. "I'm sorry if I caused you any problems."

"Don't sweat it Lockhart. And quit apologizing. You have nothing to be sorry about. What are friends for anyway? Hell, you should see what I put Rude through when I get wasted." Outside, Reno tried to be nonchalant, but he was seething on the inside. That stupid jerk did it again! A small smile caressed Tifa's lips. That's what I love to see…Reno sighed and let his head fall back against the wall.

"I feel like a fool." Tifa continued. "And the funny thing," she gave a bitter laugh, "was that I could almost feel it happening. What is wrong with me?" She shook her head as if to clear it out of all thought.

"There's nothing wrong with you." He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. Wait! My oath… I'd better be careful… No… She's not with Cloud now… What does this mean? His mind raced for answers he was afraid to find. He slowly turned her face so that she was looking at him. "You are beautiful, intelligent, funny, sexy… What you are is too good for him." Reno's stomach was feeling queasy now.

"You think so?" She whispered to him, her eyes half closed.

Reno felt for the second time today that he was in some kind of danger. He just wasn't sure what that danger was. Whoa! Is she leaning in towards me? Alarm bells were ringing in his head. He felt himself lean in closer against his will. Her warm breath smelled sweet from the drinks she had earlier, and he suddenly wanted to find out just what she had to drink the fun way.

"Reno!" Tseng's sharp voice cut through the air, bringing Reno back to reality. Tseng watched as Tifa and Reno sprang apart and hop off the crates they were sitting on. Tifa swayed a little, but Reno grabbed her arm to steady her. "Elena, take Tifa back to her room. Reno, follow me."

"I'm alright Tseng." Tifa interjected. "I can find my own way back."

Tseng looked at Tifa, assessing her sobriety. "Ok." He turned to Reno. As Tifa was slowly walking away, she could hear the reprimand from Tseng. "You've caused some trouble back there. You know we need to keep a low profile. It looks bad on the company…" His voice trailed away. What Tifa didn't see was Tseng nod to Elena to follow her.

Tifa felt ashamed of her behavior. I got drunk. How stupid… and I got Reno in trouble… Reno… Oh my God! "I almost kissed Reno!" The spoken thought shocked her system. She clutched the wine bottle tightly that she carried with her, stopping dead in her tracks. She wasn't sure what astonished her more, the fact that she almost kissed him or the dawning realization that she was disappointed that it didn't happen. I really am a basket case. Cloud leaves me and a few hours later I'm trying to kiss someone else. Tifa walked back to the inn. Hesitating at the door, she took a deep breath and let herself inside.

Elena made sure Tifa was safely inside before heading back to Tseng. Rude was still trying to smooth things over with the bartender. We need to do damage control before Rufus finds out. Rufus paid the Turks to take care of problems, not cause them. It was just before midnight. Hopefully Tseng has Reno under control. She almost laughed out loud at the thought. As if Reno is controllable... He may be a Turk, but he certainly does things his way. Elena saw Rude leave the bar and called to him. "Everything ok?"

"Yes." He searched her face. "Reno?"

"Tseng's with him now. Look. There they are." Elena and Rude watched the duo walk over to the villa door. Neither looked happy. Elena had a feeling her assignment wasn't going to get any easier.

Tifa awoke mid-morning. The sun was shining in through the window. She was faced with some rather big decisions today. This is what happens when you avoid your problems. Why didn't I pay attention to the warning signs?... Should I even continue to stay here or just head home? What will I tell the kids? Tifa wasn't sure what she should do, but what she did know was that she wasn't going to stay in bed and mope all day. That wasn't her style. She dressed in her workout clothes and opted to take a jog along the beach. Running helped her to clear her head.

After running, she changed into a white tank top and short green shorts. Taking a stroll along the beach, she stopped to stare at the incoming waves. I feel so peaceful. Tifa's body felt lighter as if a heavy weight had been lifted off her. You know what? I'm gonna stay and enjoy my time here. Cloud was right. I do deserve happiness.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this installment. Please review and let me know what you think!

Dantir: I got your msg. I think you and I are thinking along the same lines... :-) Just wait and see...