AN: Valentine's day, Axel/Tifa. Prompt number 80 - "words".

She knows what I feel for her, and I know she feels the same about me. We don't need to keep telling each other constantly, like some couples do. People like that make me sick, because it's totally unnecessary. But on one day every year, the whole world goes mad and everybody is expected to publicly declare their love for their partner. Oversentimental nonsense, as far as I'm concerned, and Tifa isn't bothered either. However, last year I didn't send her a card or present for Valentine's Day, and almost got lynched by her workmates at Strife's Delivery Service.

"If I were Tifa. you'd have been dumped for this." A brunette named Aerith, whom I'd always considered a rather gentle individual, surprised me with her declaration.

"Publicly humiliated, I'd say." Kairi, best friend of Sora and Riku, feisty but not vindictive is how I'd have described her, normally.

"Is that all?" Yuffie scared me slightly. I'd seen her demonstrate her ninja skills once, and I knew she'd be good in a fight. "I'd do something much more drastic... once I'd thought of a suitable punishment."

Somehow, I'd emerged unscathed from the ordeal, and vowed not to let it happen again. They're usually such lovely women.

I looked up Valentine's Day, and traditionally it was a day for sending declarations of love anonymously. Committed couples were not expected to participate. I shuddered to think what St Valentine would make of the celebration now.

Still, I'd learned my lesson. I selected an appropriate card, bought champagne, chocolates and flowers. That was the easy part. Figuring out what to write on the card was more difficult. I've never been good with words. To be specific, it was three simple words I particularly struggled with. I'm sure you can guess what they are. I've never told Tifa I love her, never needed to. I prefer to show her, either with surprise presents or in the bedroom. I'm much better at that, and Tifa accepts me the way I am. I've tried, believe me, but the words "I love you" just get stuck in my throat and I can't get them out.

Eventually, I open the card, pick up a pen and write a simple message.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Tifa. Love Axel."
I hope it's sufficient for those friends of hers. I attach the card to the flowers (I know roses are traditional, but she much prefers freesias. These ones are red, my one concession to tradition) and walk into the offices of Strife's Delivery Service. Aerith, at the front desk, looks more than a little surprised, but waves me through. I knock on Tifa's door, she calls "Come in". Her eyes widen when she sees me, and what I'm carrying.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Tifa."

"Same to you, Axel." She opens the card and stands it on her desk, places the flowers in water and practically throws herself at me. "You didn't have to do this, I know you hate it."

I kiss her, holding her close. She tastes of something I can't describe, something that's uniquely Tifa. I groan as she presses herself against me, sliding her hands under my shirt and running her nails up my back. It's so tempting to pick her up and walk out, or simply ravish her here, in her office, but I can't. She's at work, and I know she's busy. I can wait until tonight, surprise her with the champagne and chocolates when she gets home.

It isn't until I hear a wolf whistle from the open doorway that I tear myself away from her. Yuffie is standing there, smiling with approval.

"Much better than last year, Axel." She walks away, leaving us alone agian. I lower my head to murmur in Tifa's ear.

"Next year, let's just go away somewhere for Valentine's Day."