Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy 7 any of it's characters, and/or references.

1st let me apologize, seems I'm long overdue for a new chapter, but this chapter was kinda a pain to write also and secondly, thank you to everyone who reviewed, it's means alot, I hope you're all still here with me, and hopefully now, updates will become more frequent:

Chapter 11: Confession

Cloud returned to the sanctuary within the walls of Seventh Heaven after his conversation with Nanaki earlier. The red-furred animal remained outside basking in the morning's frigidity, when he left the bar and went to the kitchen behind he was surprised to see both Tifa and Denzel already wide awake. Denzel was sitting behind a table and Tifa was fixing him something behind the stove. The was a cup of hot tea on the table before him and he sipped it at regular intervals; being careful so as not to get burnt from it's heat and also blowing steam of the surface of the liquid so as to try to make it less hot.

Cloud stood in the doorway a ghost, unnoticed by the two inhabitants of the room, moving as stealthily as a cat he moved over to where Tifa stood. Denzel still had his head lowered, looking at the black liquid in the cup on the table, waiting patiently for it to cool slightly, Tifa was facing the counter away from Cloud. She did not even know he stood less than a foot behind her but when his hand touched her shoulder; it was then she became aware of the third presence within the room.

As Cloud's fingertips touched against Tifa's bare skin she suddenly jolted up, like a bolt of lightening traveling through her body, but still she didn't turn around, his grip on her shoulder tightened. Cloud followed up by placing his other hand on her other shoulder and held her firmly, his head bent forwards into her neck. Tifa could feel it, Cloud's powerful desire traveling through his fingertips and into her, sending a primal craving from within him, she had almost completely forgotten the half-filled coffee mug in her hands.

"Tifa," Cloud's voice was odd, not like the calm voice he usually used.

"Cloud," Tifa replied, her voice filled with compassion yet craving. Tifa couldn't explain it, she couldn't understand this power Cloud held over her, and it was driving her mad. She needed him, she needed him badly. She closed her eyes and arched backward, teasing his hands to move forward.

"Tifaa," A child's voice called out.

At the sound of the pleading innocent voice both adults split apart. They both turned to Denzel who was looking at Tifa pleadingly.

"Tifa, it's still hot, I blow on it a lot, but it's still hot," The child pleaded.

As if forgetting her earlier actions, Tifa smiled at her adopted son and walked over to him, leaving a disappointed Cloud behind. However the blond swordsman eyes never left the crimson-eyed female's form as she went over to the table where the youth sat.

"Here," Tifa said as she knelt down as blew at the top of the cup so that the steam that rose almost vanished, "You're not supposed to drink all at once Denzel; you're supposed to sip it slowly." She explained.

The boy's was clearly frustrated, "But that takes too long," He muttered.

Cloud walked over to Denzel and Tifa.

"Cloud!" The sleepy-eyed boy finally noticed the older male.

His eyes opened wide as he looked up to his hero, "Are you going out to make deliveries today?" Denzel asked.

Cloud turned his head to look at Tifa, her eyes were fixed on him as well also expecting an answer from the question, however when he turned to face her, she looked away lowering her gaze to the floor, however Cloud could make out a trace of sadness in her eyes.

The cerulean-eyed warrior turned back to the young boy looking up at him with eager eyes, Cloud shook his head, "No, I figure there's too much to do around here, I'll start back next week."

Denzel looked a little disappointed, however Tifa's gaze snapped towards Cloud in surprise. As he finished answering the small child, Cloud instantly turned to the beautiful female at his side, she was looking at him and she was stunned by his remark, Cloud smiled awkwardly.

"Does this mean you're not going out on Fenrir today?" Denzel asked disappointed turning back to his cup of hot chocolate.

A smirk formed on Cloud's lips, he understood what Denzel wanted, the child was never allowed on Fenrir before because of the Geostigma, and with the curiosity and admiration of youth he found the motorbike alluring. Now that his Geostigma had been cured he not only wanted to spend more time with Cloud but get a chance to ride on the motorbike.

"How about I take you out for a ride later?" Cloud asked the body.

Denzel looked at Cloud, the boy's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, "Really?" He asked.

Cloud nodded a 'yes'. Denzel took a sip of the chocolate in front of him.

"Why don't you go upstairs and get changed, when you reach back down the chocolate shouldn't be so hot, and after you eat breakfast, we can go to the outskirts of Midgar," Cloud told him.

No other words were needed, the boy dashed forward, leaving his seat and the adults without any further word, he disappeared from the kitchen in a matter of minutes, leaving only his two guardians.

"Cloud do you mean it?" Tifa asked.

Cloud turned to her puzzled by her question, "Mean what Tifa?"

"You'll be home whole week?" She asked in disbelief.

Cloud shook his head; his way of saying yes, the raven-haired female couldn't help but smile at him. But her action triggered a response from Cloud, seeing her beautiful face smile the young male moved forward slowly; his eyes become predatorial. Tifa shifted uncomfortably, something was wrong, a familiar but unwanted sensation, she looked up into his eyes, and it was just like before, the predatorial gaze that made her fear him. Slowly she began moving backward.

Pent up emotions, unfulfilled desires, that was what Cloud was venting, everything Tifa did intoxicated him, he had never noticed it before but now, it was different her ever action stirred within him, he moved closer and closer, he briefly noted that she had begun to take small steps back. Smirking, he took one longer step towards her, Tifa tried to follow suite to keep the distance between them at even space.

"Cloud?" She tried calling out to him, she felt strange, she wanted him, wanted him badly, but at the same time 'this' Cloud instilled fear into her.

She took her final step back, her waist hit against the counter behind her, she turned her face briefly to look at the counter, and then looked at Cloud who was now less than a foot away from her, and he still held his predatorial gaze on her, Tifa shivered a bit.

"Cloud?" She asked softly when he was a few inches away from her.

Then with one powerful burst he grabbed her legs and pushed her up onto the counter, Tifa yelped in surprise at his assertiveness. His hands held onto her arms as she now sat on top the counter, he was standing between her legs, the raven-haired female couldn't make sense of her emotions, on one side, she was craving him madly, his assertive actions turned her on greatly, but the other half was trembling in fear. It wasn't a passive fear either; it was greater like when she was fighting for her life.

Cloud once again lowered his face onto her flawless skin and exhaled once again, as soon as he did however his breath condensed like it had done before, it had little ways to travel before it contacted her ivory skin making the pores on her skin rise.

"Cloud, stop!" She suddenly blurted out, but it wasn't loud but more a whisper, a soft plead for him.

His hands traveled down her arms onto her hands, his fingernails grazing along her skin, leaving noticeable trails, Tifa tried to fight off the feeling but as hard as she tried to fight it off, it only returned stronger than before. Clouds lips moved down onto her neck, where he gently nipped the skin. His slow actions were torture to the female; he trailed his way to up her right earlobe, where he gently nipped at it.

Tifa's legs had found themselves wrapped around Cloud's waist, his hands now held her at her waist as his lips moved over to her mouth, both pairs of lips met together in a storm of passion and lust, both pouring their desire and lust into the kiss. Cloud's hands found themselves at the back as he embraced her tightly pressing both their bodies together. The fire from their passion had begun to cause their body heat to rise significantly so that the pores on their skin began to secrete the first traces of sweat, they weren't sweat-laden like they were during their long hours of love-making but their skin had become much more moist that it originally was. Cloud's lips left Tifa's and using his tongue traced it's way down her moist neck.

Tifa moaned submissively arching her neck, her previous fear being replaced with carnal lust. However as they had just begun their actions, Nanaki's words entered into Cloud's mind. What Cloud was doing was unfair to Tifa.

A loud crashing sound was heard seconds after Tifa felt Cloud violently break away from her. She opened her eyes to see Cloud on the ground, he had fallen over a chair that was behind him. Tifa looked at him curiously.

"Cloud?" Her voice was soft, "Is something wrong?"

Cloud nodded his head. He rose from his position and stood before her, his expression was unreadable, but he looked as if he was in pain, like he had done something terrible.

"Tifa, I'm sorry," Cloud quickly apologized, he moved closer to her and took hold one of her hands, "I never meant to go out of control or frighten you."

Tifa saw the look of sincerity and remorse on face, she moved closer to him until their bodies were closely intertwined, he looked down at her solemnly, "It's okay Cloud," she replied embracing him, "Remember I'm yours, without reserve," she said resting her head on his chest and interlacing their fingers together. Tifa relaxed onto him.

Cloud smiled weakly, her actions and words pierced his heart. He should have told her truth earlier it wouldn't have lead to him feeling awkward when he should be comforting her.

"Tifa," Cloud's voice was solemn.

"Hmmm," The female replied, her eyes closed as she gently hummed to the sound of his heart beating.

"Cloud!" Denzel exclaimed before jumping downstairs and into the kitchen.

Cloud looked up to see the boy already dressed and waiting for him, "Are we gonna go now?" He asked excitedly.

The blond-haired swordsman responded by nodding his head. Tifa relinquished her hold on him, their fingers breaking their lock, she felt slightly sad when she did.

"I'll be back soon," He told her and with one final kiss on her temple both Cloud and Denzel moved to the exit.

"Be careful you two," Tifa said look at them both, "And Cloud drive slowly, remember you have a passenger now."

He waved at her one final time and walked out the door closing it behind him. Tifa listened, about half a minute later she heard Fenrir's engine start and soon its echo began to fade, Tifa stood in the kitchen holding her hands in front her chest, "be safe" she silently whispered to herself as if making a wish.

However shortly after the sound of yet another pair of tiny feet were heard. Tifa turned to the staircase too see Marlene still in her pajamas; it was like Denzel's except unlike his, her's were a light pink.

"Tifa!" the young girl exclaimed still wiping the sleep from her eyes, "Where's Denzel? He wasn't there when I woke up and when I went to look for Cloud, he's gone too," the young girl wined.

Tifa smiled at the young girl.

"Tifa?" Marlene asked.

"Its okay, Marlene, Cloud has just taken Denzel out for a drive on Fenrir," The raven-haired beauty replied.

Marlene's eyes went wide with shock. "I don't believe it!" she exclaimed.

The crimson-eyed beauty was taken back by Marlene's remark.

"How could you let them go without me!?" The brown-haired youth protested, "Its not fair Denzel gets to ride on Fenrir before me!"

Annoyed Marlene marched back up the stairs. Tifa couldn't help but smile; they were really a family now.

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It was about two hours later Tifa heard the hum of Fenrir's engine returning. She sat in the living room her feet beneath her legs, her face buried in magazine. Marlene was also there as was Barret, Barret being forced into playing with Marlene and her nearly unlimited supply of dolls.

The sound of the mechanical wolf immediately tore Tifa's attention away from the magazine and had the same effect on Marlene, immediately dropping her dolls she ran to the front door. Tifa on the other hand placed the magazine on the couch and stood up, walking into the corridor she saw Marlene unlock the door. Denzel was the first to walk inside, his face beaming with joy…however it instantly turned into terror when he saw an angry Marlene glaring at him, then entered the older individual. As Tifa saw Cloud enter through the door, she couldn't help but smile, it was plastered to her lips, everything was complete now, Cloud would be walking through that door everyday now the same way he was now.

The first thing that caught Cloud's eye as he entered was not the angry Marlene glaring at him but his beautiful raven-haired maiden with a smile on her lips that can melt even the coldest heart. Both pairs of eyes locked with each other's then Tifa broke it off moving back into the living room, as if entranced by her eyes he moved to follow the siren; however an angry Marlene was blocking his way.

"Marlene?" Cloud asked confused.

"I'm angry at you Cloud! I'm not talking to you!" Marlene exclaimed and marched up the stairs to the second floor, leaving a bewildered Cloud behind.

Shrugging it off Cloud followed Tifa into the living room, only to find she was no longer there, he looked around the room only to find Barret sitting by the table that stood at the center of the room. In his hands were two of Marlene dolls. Upon closer inspection he found that Barret was playing with the dolls.

"Barret, first fishnets and now this," Cloud spoke sarcastically.

Barret shot up so fast, he could make a cheetah look like a tortoise, though how someone so large could move so fast was beyond Cloud.

"What! I was just playing with Marlene!?" Barret retorted a bit louder than Cloud would have liked.

"Well Marlene's not here, she's gone up to her room, she seemed upset," Cloud reported.

Barret sighed heavily, "I hope she doesn't want any more dolls," Barret complained.

Cloud watched his fellow Crisis Avalanche companion left the living room, feeling slightly relieved he commenced his mission 'Find Tifa'.

Which apparently wasn't hard at all her found her in the kitchen preparing lunch, the kitchen, memories from their earlier encounter here still fresh in his mind, he couldn't help but smile sadly, the poor girl. Yes what he was doing was unfair, especially when she had opened her heart to let him in.

Tifa somehow was able to sense Cloud's presence the moment his boots stepped into the doorway leading to the kitchen, it somehow made her skin grow warmer, her heart rate suddenly became lighter and she couldn't help but smile as a warm, fluttering feeling overcame her. She immediately turned around only to be greeted by absence and silence. It was the same as staring into a long-abandoned town for the first time; Tifa saw no-one and was left with both an empty and sad feeling.

As the day passed it was difficult for Tifa to find Cloud occasionally he would be with one of the children, but whenever she approached him, he would suddenly remember something he needed to do and disappear. Barret had left at the turn of dusk, this was when Cloud came out of his solitude, they bid their friend farewell and retreated inside, Marlene who was sad to see her father leave exiled herself to her room. She sat on her bed looking out at the sky, Denzel sat on his bed, his bed was closer to the door but he kept his eyes on the sorrowful female whose mind was lost in the clouds.

Tifa however wanted the company of a certain blond-haired swordsman but was having a hard time finding him, it seems he has secluded himself once again, but as time passed she had to put Marlene and Denzel to bed. She tucked in the two children and kissed them on their heads but as she turned to the door way she saw Cloud standing there.

"We have to talk," He said in monotone.

It felt strange to Tifa how one simple phrase could empty her troubled thoughts and bring a feeling of fear and foreboding upon her. She silently nodded her head and followed him outside the room pausing for a brief moment to close the door to the children's room.

Tifa followed him to his room, once there she stood by his bed as he went towards his window and opened it, as she looked around the room, she noticed it was different from when he left and no longer as messy, it was still messy but somewhat clean also, his spare tire that he kept in his room was also gone.

"Cloud?" She asked with anxiety.

"Heh," Cloud replied, then turned to face her, "You're probably wondering why I acted so awkward earlier."

"That's one of my questions, yes," She replied.

Cloud smirked, he walked over to the foot of the bed and sat down, Tifa moved to stand in front of him.

"Cloud is something wrong?" Tifa asked with fear and concern, her heart beating at such a rate it would make a humming bird jealous. She knew something was wrong she was just holding onto the thread of belief that she was wrong.

Cloud lowered his gaze to the floor, no longer able to look into her crimson orbs and an expression of sorrow and remorse filling his face, "Yes, you've been honest but I haven't been."

This caught Tifa of guard, something he was dishonest about? She thought that it couldn't be too serious, and knowing Cloud he was just overreacting.

"Do you remember last night…when we?" He began.

"Of course I do!" Tifa nearly shouted, now she was beginning to become confused, "I could never forget," She added a bit more softly.

"Well I don't Tifa," Cloud replied.

Tifa was slightly taken back, "Cloud, what are you saying?"

"I can't explain it, but I blacked out, I don't remember what happened, but I have a pretty good idea of what happened, it happened once before," Cloud explained.

"Cloud?" Tifa could feel the fear building up in her stomach and climbing up to her chest.

"I don't know what happens or why, but whenever I'm in such a position, in the heat of passion…with someone I care for deeply, I lose control," Cloud went on to explain, "This is the second time it happened."

Tifa held her breath, her brain slowly processing his words.

"Cloud, it was the first time that happened with me, right?" she asked.

"Aerith," Cloud answered.

That was the last thing she wanted to hear, tears formed on the corners of her eyes, however before they could stream down her cheek she felt herself being supported and a pair of strong arms wrapped around her, her chin was leaning on his shoulder.

"Why?" Tifa whispered, "Cloud you cared for her deeply?"

"It's in the past Tifa, you're the one I care for most," Cloud answered.

"Cloud, you 'cared for her deeply'" Tifa countered quoting his own words, Cloud also noted that.

Tifa forcefully separated herself from Cloud, "Were you thinking of me?" She asked.

Cloud lowered his head to the floor once more, "Tifa…it's in the past," Cloud tried to come up with an excuse.

"Did you love her?" Tifa asked silently but firmly.

"It's in the past," Cloud repeated emptily somehow not even believing his own excuse.

"Is that all you can say Cloud?" Tifa asked yet another question, "When you said you were always thinking about me…even when you were with her…Cloud?" Tifa asked softly as a single tear traced her cheek.

"Yes," Cloud answered, "I was in love with her, but only for a brief moment, and that's when I didn't know who I was, and that's nothing how I feel for you!" Cloud responded quickly, trying desperately to convince her.

However his apology was ignored as Tifa turned to exit the room, however Cloud caught her by her wrist before she could exit.

"Tifa please, I didn't mean for this to happen, I still love you, more than you can possibly imagine," The blue-eyed swordsman was pleading with her.

"Tell me Cloud, would we even be together if she was still alive?" Tifa asked. The crimson-eyed maiden couldn't help herself one part of her was still craving him desperately wanting her to turn around and throw herself into his arms but another side the logical side was being fueled by anger and jealousy and was slowly gaining strength, but Tifa knew it wouldn't last, she could feel the ache for his comfort.

The question left him dumbstruck, "Tifa," was the only word he could mutter.

"I won't be your second-prize," Tifa replied firmly, she wrenched her grip from him and ran out the room, before her traitorous heart could force her back into his arms.

To Be Continued...


Again thanks to all my reviewers, you guys inspired me, well the story is finally picking up, well many of you are wondering when Tifa will start dominating Cloud...patience it will be here shortly. I've noticed the length of my chapters increasing, I don't know if that's a good thing but the next chapter should be up more quickly...hopefully.

Till next time...