CHAPTER 5

"Come on, we have another interview today!" Yuffie was practically screaming her head off. AVALANCHE was invited to another interview. They were getting more and more promotions. Most of them are interviews and photo shoot.

"You don't have to scream. We're still not deaf you know," Cid said irritated as he blew another puff of his cigarette smoke.

"Then, get moving!" Yuffie said enthusiastically as she led the way to the car park. Yuffie just smiled as she thought of the surprise the show had in store for them. Especially the ever stoic Cloud.

XXX

That night when Cloud returned, Tifa was almost going to bed. "Marlene asleep, don't make too much noise," Tifa said without turning her head towards the door.

"Yeah sure," Cloud replied as he sounded tired. Tifa turned to him at the tone of his voice. "You wanna something to eat?" Tifa asked him.

Cloud just shook his head as he placed something that looked like a book on the table. "What's this?" Tifa asked as she took the book. "Aerith Gainsborough?" Tifa gasped in disbelief. "No way!" she said in disbelief.

"What?" Cloud asked as he sat on the couch, leaning his head against it in relief, 'It's good to be home.' Tifa quickly went next to him still not letting the book go. "It's that Aerith? The supermodel?" Tifa asked him again.

Tifa searched his face just in case he wanted to play a prank on her. There's no way Cloud could get the limited edition of Aerith's personal photos. All of the photos included in it had never been published anywhere before.

"So?" Cloud asked, not interested. Tifa looked at him sharply, "So? This is a limited edition version! And it's autographed! Where'd you get it?" Tifa asked him again. Cloud just sighed. "We had an interview just now and she was invited too on the show," Cloud just explained shortly.

"When's the interview will be on air? I wanna watch it!" Tifa exclaimed in a girly manner. "I'm not sure. I think this Friday night on Shinra's Entertainment," Cloud replied again. Why is she acting like this?

"I'm gonna set a reminder!" Tifa said as she took out her cell phone and punched a few buttons before closing back her phone. She was smiling to herself and Cloud thought it was weird.

"I didn't know you were so interested in her," Cloud commented and it made Tifa beamed in excitement. "You don't know what she has gone through. She was devastated heartbroken once during her uprising years. It was the biggest obstacle for her. But, she managed to pull herself together and now you see her as she is," Tifa recalled her reason for being Aerith's admirer.

"It's sounded so ordinary," Cloud said and it made Tifa frown at him. "She is my kind and we are very warm and fragile. And she was left heartbroken by your cold-hearted kind. Not every female can survive that without strong will. I told you, I looked up to her," Tifa crossed her hands cockily and it made Cloud smirked.

"I know you don't like such a thing, so can I have it? Please?" Tifa sounded so nice out of the blue. Cloud thought for a moment. Well, he didn't really need that thing anyway. He might lose it later. He just nodded and Tifa found herself grinning hugely. Cloud just shook his head in dismissal. "Thanks Cloud. You're the best!"

Tifa get up to go back to her room and she swore that she was actually jumping in joy. She kissed the book in her hand and clutched it against her chest tightly.

"Now I know why you never get involved with a guy throughout your life," Cloud said and it made Tifa head snapped, giving him the death glare. 'How dare he?' Cloud held back a small smile. "Well, if your cold-hearted kind can be a little nicer maybe someday I would," Tifa replied in annoyance.

Tifa bit her lower lip in an angry manner and she turned her head cockily. Cloud saw a chance to tease her again. "How about give me a shot?" Cloud asked abruptly and it made Tifa almost dropped the book she was holding.

Tifa didn't turned but she just said casually, "Not in a million years Cloud." And she heard the evil laugh coming from him. "I'm sure you haven't kissed anyone since the race back in Nibelheim," Cloud added more fire to the already irritated female.

Tifa felt her face suddenly felt so hot and embarrassed. "Well, I bet you haven't done it either!" she said before she quickly entered her room, feeling a sudden wave of relief once she closed the door.

Cloud smiled at her reaction and leaned back on the couch. 'Maybe I'm still saving it for you.'

XXX

Tifa was already in front of the TV, watching the show as they started off with AVALANCHE performing. She didn't know that Aerith was invited to the Shinra Entertainment show. Shinra only specialized in producing male artists and they rarely almost never invited any females to their show.

Reeve, the host was interviewing Cloud right then. "So Cloud, I notice you didn't speak a lot during your shows," he said. Cloud just raised his face and looked at him while giving a small smile. "I didn't have a lot to say," Cloud replied.

Then, Reeve turned to the camera and said, "As you can see everyone, Cloud is a shy person." The crowd laughed and Cloud just looked away. Tifa saw Zack was poking his ribs to get him to laugh but it didn't work.

"And to make thing interesting, one beautiful young super model was quoted to say that Cloud is her dream guy in an interview. Is there anyone out there who think Cloud qualify to be certified as girl magnet?" Reeve turned to the crowd. He is sure know how to make things heat up.

The crowd responded with a cheer. "Woah, you're even popular than me. And you're only a few months in the industry," Reeve joked once again and Cloud looked at him apologetically. "3 months already," Cloud corrected him as Cloud turned a little to Vincent for confirmation. Vincent nodded.

Tifa laughed at this.

"3 months and a model had already had her eyes on you. You're one lucky guy," Reeve commented. "As for today, we have a special surprise for Cloud," Reeve said as he adjusted his seat and looked at the blonde.

Cloud looked at him in confusion. "We have a special VTR for you," Reeve announced. "Bring in the VTR!" Reeve said and from the back door, there was a figure entering the place.

The crowd shouted in happiness as they saw the figure became clearer. Cloud decided to turn to the source of the hysterical screams and saw it was a lady rather than a VTR. "Give a big hand for Aerith Gainsborough!"

"Good evening everyone!" Aerith greeted as she arrived and Reeve gave her a seat next to Cloud. Cloud looked perplexed. He saw Yuffie smiling from the back stage. She knew about this.

"Okay, this is the surprise guest for tonight! The super model, Aerith! And the title for tonight in-prompt show is 'Love, Love Attack!' Let's go everyone," Reeve gave a signal to the rest of AVALANCHE member to leave them alone on stage.

Cloud realized that everything was planned and almost everyone knew about it except him. "Hello, nice to meet you," Aerith interrupted his thought. "Nice to meet you too," Cloud nodded his head in greeting.

"Suddenly I lost words," Aerith said looking shy and smiling. "I saw you on the show the other day. You were great," Aerith started the conversation.

Tifa looked at Cloud's reaction and found herself laughing. He's too pre-occupied with his thoughts.

"Thanks, I was a little nervous that time," Cloud replied. After that, there was an awkward silence and Cloud wasn't sure what to say. Then, he heard Zack's voice whispering from the back, "Ask for her number!"

"Heh?!" Cloud's head turned to Zack's direction spontaneously. "Her number!" Zack repeated. Aerith was already laughing at the situation. "Telephone number?" Cloud repeated and Zack nodded.

"Oh gosh! This is so funny!" Tifa laughed again. Cloud is too spaced out to realize that Zack was giving him a hint to make a move on Aerith.

"I have something for you," Aerith's soft voice break the awkward moment and everyone was quiet for a while. She took out her limited edition photograph book and handed it over to Cloud.

"Oh, thanks a lot," Cloud took it and studied it. "Limited edition, it even has your signature on it," Cloud said and Aerith nodded with a smile.

"But, I don't have anything to give you in return," Cloud looked around to give her something. That was when Vincent came on stage and gave Cloud their performance ticket that will be held in a week's time.

"Here's something for you," Cloud gave Aerith the ticket. "Wow, a ticket to your performance. And it's the front row," she exclaimed in a low voice. "Thank you so much," Aerith said with a bright smile.

The crowed clapped their hands while some whistling sound could be heard. Cloud just nodded in return and looked at his group members as if waiting to be saved from the awkwardness.

Then, he met Aerith's gaze and they just nodded with a smile. 'What else to say?' Cloud wondered. If it was Zack in his situation, thing would've went smooth.

"Help me," Cloud mouthed to his band mates. Zack gave him the hint to ask for her number but Cloud ignored him. This is just a temporary meeting anyway.

Reeve decided it was time to go back on stage and he came running to them. "Cloud is a shy person. Are you sure he's your dream guy Aerith?" Reeve teased the girl who turned pink immediately. She didn't reply but she just smiled in return.

The band member of AVALANCHE took their respective seat and Cloud could hear Cid whispering, "I didn't know you were that horrible with women." Cloud just ignored the statement and continued with the show.

XXX

Once the show was over, Tifa found herself laughing like she hadn't for years. It was nothing she had ever seen on TV. And Cid for once was talking instead of swearing and Zack was the sweet talker. He went on talking about everything came across his mind and some part of it was random.

"That was interesting. I better check on Marlene," Tifa said as she went into the room Marlene was sleeping in. Tifa opened the door as silent as she could and she poked her head into the room. Marlene was sound asleep and Tifa could hear the serene rhythm of her breath.

Tifa let out a small smile and closed the door. She entered her own room and saw the photograph book of Aerith. She hasn't go through it thoroughly and she figured this might be a good chance. She flipped open the pink cover and saw the first picture of Aerith.

"She's pretty," Tifa didn't realize she was talking to herself as she went through the whole photo book. "Whoever dumped her must be a weird guy."

Tifa flipped the last page and noticed something written there. It was hand written.

I'd like to know you more. Maybe we can get together sometimes.

-Aerith-

"Heh?!" Tifa gasped in shocked. "Aerith is interested in Cloud?" Tifa couldn't believe her eyes and she read the note again. She wasn't mistaken.

"Oh, I can't believe this. Someone actually making a move on Cloud," Tifa found herself talking to no one. "I can't wait to see what will happen if I tell Cloud about this."

Tifa quickly flipped open her cell phone and dialled Cloud's number. She waited for a few moments but she could only reached his mailbox. "As always," Tifa said in irritation and thought maybe she could tell him some other time.

"Marlene, are you ready yet? They're gonna be here any minute," Tifa called as she checked the table setting. 'Perfect!'

"Almost! Help me with my hair!" Marlene came out from her room with a pink ribbon in her hand as she motioned Tifa to help her tied her hair. Tifa just took the ribbon and in swift motion, Marlene's hair was in a neat braid. "Thanks Tifa."

Tonight was weekend and Tifa suggested that they should have a gathering for all of their friends. It had been a while since they hung out. And Tifa asked Cloud to invite Vincent, Cid, Zack and Yuffie along. Even Barret is coming as he managed to get some time-out from his work.

Cloud refused but Marlene, being the big boss of the house managed to change Cloud's decision. "Do I look okay?" Marlene asked Tifa as she adjusted her dress. "You look fine Marlene," Tifa commented before retreating to the kitchen to take a jug of juice.

"Tifa, are you just going to wear that? Don't you wanna change?" Marlene asked the brunette. "Are you saying I look weird in my normal clothing?" Tifa asked her back.

"No! That's not what I mean! Yuffie already said that she's going to bring a special guest tonight," Marlene quickly replied, afraid that she might make Tifa mad.

"You can do me the honour of escorting the special guest right?" Tifa winked to the smaller figure. Marlene nodded in enthusiasm. "You can count on me!"

Suddenly, the front door bell rang. "They're here," Tifa said as she went to the door, followed by Marlene.

Tifa opened the door and saw Cloud's face greeted her. "Welcome home," she greeted with a smile as she opened the door wider to see faces of all of their friends. "I'm back," Cloud's voice was just a small sound compared to the sound of Yuffie's voice, "Ah! It feels so good after all of the tiring work this whole week!"

Vincent entered the house without much fuss and followed by Cid. "Ah Cid!" Tifa called him as she pointed to the cigarette on his lips. Cid just smirked before he tossed the bud into a bin just outside the house. "As expected of the mother of the house."

"What's this place?" a female voice suddenly interrupted the noisy environment. Tifa looked over Zack's shoulders to see the owner of the voice was none other than Aerith. "This is where Cloud kept his women," Zack replied that made Aerith's eyes widen.

"Mind your manners Zack or you'll get kicked out of the house," Yuffie warned the dark-haired bassist who just gave out a naughty smile in return.

As Tifa looked at Aerith who looked at her in return, it was as if the world stopped moving. There was something unusual in the air and if not because Marlene tugged her shirt, Tifa might not move at all.

"Sorry, I was being rude. I'm Tifa. Please come in," Tifa quickly said as she made some way for Aerith to enter. Aerith just gave the 'model' smile and nodded. "I'm Aerith."

"Barret's not here yet?" Cloud asked as Tifa closed the door behind her. "He'll be late. We'll start first," Tifa replied. "Go and tend the special guest already," Tifa signalled to Marlene.

Marlene gave her a bright smile before running to the living room, which was already packed with the adults. As Tifa saw Marlene talking to Aerith who just smiled in return, Tifa felt that it was safe to leave them like that.

"I'll go get some wine first. Dinner's ready," Tifa said to Cloud. Cloud nodded, "Do you need help with that?" Tifa shook her head. "You have a special guest to attend to right?" Tifa gave him a fishy smile and left him before he could respond.

Cloud scratched his head a little before joining Vincent who was sitting on the couch, watching the TV as Yuffie kept on changing the channels. 'How'd he get used to that?'

"Yuffie, stop flipping the channels. I'm getting headaches," Zack said as he went through the movie collection and pulled out a horror DVD. "Put this on," he threw the DVD to Yuffie who caught it just as it was about to hit her head.

"Is Marlene okay with that?" Vincent asked and turned to the little girl. Marlene looked up to Cloud. "Ask your mother," he simply said. He usually gave okay for an answer but Tifa didn't like the idea of giving Marlene a scare before letting her go to bed.

Marlene went to the kitchen for a few moments, leaving behind a very confused Aerith. "Mother? Tifa's a mother?" Aerith couldn't believe her ears.

"That's how Tifa introduced Marlene to everyone. Though they're not biologically connected," Cid said. "And he's the father of the house though he doesn't seem like it," Zack added as he pointed to Cloud.

"But don't mention it in front of little Marlene though, she doesn't like it. And aside from Tifa, she's the last person you want to see getting mad," Yuffie interrupted and she was supported by Zack.

"I don't wanna sleep with you tonight then," Tifa's voice was heard mocking Marlene as she entered the living room with a tray of wine. She began passing it around. "Fine then. Papa will come home tonight anyway. You're the one who will be sleeping alone tonight," Marlene gave out her mischievous smile to Tifa.

Tifa made a face and Cloud just smiled slightly. It was so good to be home in his little apartment compared to the luxurious apartment where the AVALANCHE lived.

The door bell rang again. "Barret's here. I'll get it!" Zack said as he went to open the door. Barret's rough voice echoed through the corridor. "Where's my little princess?"

"Papa!" Marlene rushed to door and jumped up to Barret who just simply caught her and carried her inside. "Now everyone's here, let's eat dinner," Tifa announced and everyone took their seats around the table.

XXX

It was almost midnight when everyone had settled down and they were talking in low voices. Tifa caught a glance of Aerith talking to Zack in the balcony. Their faces looked serious for a moment but after a while, their expression softened.

"What are they talking about?" Yuffie's voice came from her back. Tifa just shook her head. "I'm not sure either." It looked like they've known each other before this. The girls quickly retreated when they saw Aerith and Zack turned to enter the house.

"I feel so much better," Aerith said as they entered the house. "Don't worry. It's all in the past. We must move on right?" Zack assured her with his trademark smile. Aerith nodded, "Thanks a lot."

Tifa made her way to the kitchen, unable to stop wondering about the two. But she knew it would be so much better to drop the subject. It's not her business anyway.

"I have to go now everyone. My manager's already waiting downstairs," Aerith said as she reached the living room as she took her purse. "Oh, so soon?" Yuffie asked though she was yawning a few times already.

"I got a photo shoot tomorrow. I really have to go. It was fun to meet everyone," Aerith said as she looked at Marlene and Tifa. "It was fun having you here too. We'll meet again right?" Tifa asked as she followed Aerith to the door. "Of course, we didn't get a chance to talk a lot tonight," Aerith replied.

Tifa signalled at Cloud to come to her when Aerith wasn't looking. "Hurry up!" she mouthed. Cloud got up from his seat and followed the girls.

"I really envy you and your family. I wish I have one like it," Aerith said in a low voice but Tifa managed to hear her. "It's just a matter of cherishing everyone around you. Since I lost mine a long way back," Tifa said and there was a hint of sadness in her voice.

Once at the door, Tifa made way for Cloud. "Walk her to the car will you. It's dangerous down there especially for a super model to wonder around," Tifa said and before Cloud could say anything, Tifa slipped herself into the house and waved at Aerith.

When she saw them disappear at the stairs, she made her way to the window which she could see the manager's car. Yuffie followed her with Zack forcing himself between the girls. Marlene just looked at the three of them with tired eyes and yawned.

"Come on, I need some sleep too," Barret said as he carried Marlene with him into Marlene's room.

"What do you think he'll do?" Yuffie asked to no one in particular. "I don't know. He's unpredictable," Tifa replied. "You said so. It might be her who will make the first move," Zack added and they waited in silence.

When the two figures could be seen, they stopped half way a little further from the car. Cloud looked uncomfortable for a while but he nodded his head. Tifa could see Aerith smiled and as she was about to come closer to Cloud, she tripped and fell on him.

Somehow, Cloud managed to catch her without losing his balance and he pulled his head back a little as their faces were too close. He looked away, with a disturbed look on his face before adjusting himself to stand properly.

Aerith had a disappointed look on her face as she apologized repeatedly. Cloud just shook his head in dismissal. "Oh, she missed it!" Zack snapped his fingers. "Heh? She's trying to do what?" Yuffie asked. "Attempted kiss," Zack replied with a small smile on his face.

"Really? Oh," Yuffie whined and grunted. 'Damn blondie,' she thought. He was too blunt to see that one coming. Yuffie suddenly remembered about the setup interview where Aerith was invited as the guest.

As soon as the camera stopped recording, Cloud looked at Yuffie and then to the director of the show. "Do you mind next time not to do this again?" Cloud's voice attracted some attention. While the crowd was busy being conducted out of the set, Cloud made his way to the director.

"He's really shy, it's just a show," the director said. "It doesn't matter. I just don't want AVALANCHE to be known by using this kind of method. We want to make music and we want people to know us because of the music we made. Not by using our personal issues to gain attention. Especially if it involves other people like Aerith. It's cheap," Cloud replied and it made those who listened to him felt ashamed.

"Come on man. It's not that bad!" the director rose from his seat and went to Cloud. "Right guys?" he turned to the rest of AVALANCHE and Yuffie as their manager. Yuffie wasn't sure what to say. "I'm sorry but we don't like to sell our personal info and we have people that we want to protect," Cloud said in a determined voice. Zack agreed with him silently.

"We will accept the show if you want us to perform or do an interview about our music but not like this. I'm really sorry," Vincent added.

"Fine then. This will be the first and last," the director said. "But this one will definitely go on air. I've made a deal already," the director said. Cloud just nodded, "I understand."

It made Yuffie really opened her eyes towards the guy she managed. He really wanted to be known for their music not for some cheap popularity. Even when he was asked about his birthplace or any personal background information, he refused to speak.

Yuffie was about to turn when she caught a glimpse of Tifa's face.

"Attempted kiss?" her voice was low and she had a really weird look on her face. 'Oh my.'

A/N – the interview that the AVALANCHE had where Aerith was invited was adaptation from the interview Laruku had in Utaban. That's when Hyde met Megumi. I just think it's sweet so I put it here.