Cloud was having trouble sleeping again. He was awake and it wasn't even light out.

It must be like four in the morning.

He checked the alarm clock and confirmed his suspicions. He knew why he was having trouble sleeping. He was worried about Aerith. Why was her body dying? Could they continually transfer it to a new body again and again? Would her soul survive the transfer? Too many questions were in his head. He was starting to get a head ache.

Cloud stretched and then stood up. Well at least he could get something done. He decided to work out. With the Mako infusion he gained and kept muscle with ease. In fact even if he was to be imprisoned or the such he would still have the strength of ten men after six months. ShinRa took no chances.

Cloud looked over and saw his reflection in a mirror. His eyes were a constant reminder of the Mako within him. He had struggled a long time over the fact that inside of him were the souls of many dead people. He didn't like that at all. What if Aerith had been used as Mako? What would they have done then?

He shook his head and relaxed the lines in his brow. He wouldn't think about it anymore. Time to work out and forget.

Tifa awoke to the sound of pounding.

What is that? Is Cloud up already?

She quickly recognized the sound as her own punching bag. Cloud must be having trouble sleeping again, she thought. She checked the clock and it was five in the morning. She knew she wouldn't be able to go back to sleep so she got up, left on her chocobo pajamas and went downstairs.

Tifa paused at the top of the stairs. Cloud looked distressed. Of course that made sense. Tifa was too. But she knew he was blaming himself for it like always.

"Cloud? Trouble sleeping again?"

"Yeah." He answered.

She didn't know what to say. She hated seeing him like this. It was going to break her if not him. She walked down the stairs slowly. She was a little embarrassed to be seen in her pajamas, but it was only Cloud. She had known him since childhood after all.

"Cloud. It's not your fault."

"But it is Tifa. I brought her back. And now I am killing her again."

"Cloud, you have never killed Aerith. Sephiroth did. And this time it's not your fault either."

"I almost killed her last time and this time it is my fault, Tif."

Tifa didn't know what to do. It was no use arguing with him. Maybe if she would talk to Aerith. Tell her to forgive Cloud. She knew that Aerith would. Aerith never blamed Cloud. For now she did the only thing she could. She walked up behind Cloud and wrapped her arms tightly around his torso. He tensed, but then relaxed into her embrace.

Why is she always there for me every time? No matter what?

Cloud was glad to have a friend like Tifa. Someone who understood him. Someone he was close with. Although he had traveled the world in order to save it with several different people he felt the closest to Tifa. He had known her the longest and felt a bond with her that he didn't feel with anyone else, even Aerith.

"Tifa, thank you."

"For what?" Tifa asked with a smile.

"Just for being there."

Tifa's smile widened and she tightened her grip on Cloud. She felt so comfortable being here with him. The smell of his hair was almost overwhelming. It smelled like… clean. She didn't know how else to describe it. She mad a rash decision and decided to place a kiss on the delicate skin right between Cloud's ear and the back of his neck. It was a light kiss, just a peck.

Cloud blushed when Tifa kissed his neck. It woke up something deep inside of him. Something he suppressed because Tifa and him were just friends and it had to be that way. Sure, he loved Tifa, but only as a friend. They couldn't be more, right?

Cloud wasn't so sure anymore.

"Tifa?"

"What?" Tifa answered. She must be beet red by now. She didn't want Cloud to turn around so she squeezed him tighter.

"I can't breathe."

"Oh." Tifa said as she released Cloud. She was holding him tighter than she had noticed.

Cloud turned around and faced her. He eyes were glowing beautifully. She couldn't help but stare into them. Cloud gazed into Tifa's wine colored eyes as well. They were close enough to feel each other's breath. The hair on the back of Tifa's neck was sticking up. The same was true for Cloud. They were both frozen, unwilling to move closer or farther away. They could stay like that forever. Two new lovers frozen in time. But time was the problem. It was running out. For Aerith, anyways.

Cloud moved quickly and kissed Tifa's cheek before he turned and headed up the stairs, listening for Tifa's footsteps. Tifa froze for a moment.

Did he just? She thought as she brought her hand up to her right cheek.

So quickly broke her daze and turned to head up the stairs as well. There was plenty of work to be done. And Aerith's health was the number one priority. She couldn't let her feelings for Cloud take over now. They would have to wait. Time to make breakfast.

END OF CHAPTER X

A/N: Can I get some reviews please? See! It is Cloti!