I don't own Final Fantasy 7! Next chap will be about the other members of Avalanche, and them trying to get to the party... And some Yuffentine for my fans! R&R


The Dinner

Tifa blew her bangs out of her eyes, a bit annoyed that she had so many bags. The market was just across the street, but it still wasn't easy. She saw Fenrir parked outside the bar and she smiled despite herself. It was nearly dusk, and it always made her happy when he wasn't too late. Sure, sometimes his deliveries took him pretty far away… but he did always come back. She went up the stairs and noticed a sign that was now taped to the inside of the window, and written in Cloud's neat scrip was "We are currently closed for an Important Family Event… will reopen on the 4 of May." She smiled a bit; she'd begun to wonder if he'd forgotten.

The bartender stepped through the door and blinked, the smell of spices and meat filled the air, and her stomach rumbled. All the tables were pushed back, so there was one table in the middle of the bar, a tablecloth was draped over it, and two taper candles were burning in the center. The places were neatly laid out, even though the placement of the silverware wasn't right, she could tell it was done with all the care possible. Besides, men weren't usually taught the proper placement of silverware. "Cloud?" She called, walking into the kitchen to put the bags down. She looked over to the pots on the stove, lifting the top to the skillet and inhaling. "Wow… Cloud can cook?" She smiled at the dinner, and that familiar warm feeling settled around her heart.

"Tifa?" She heard Cloud call, and she heard him walking down the stairs. She went out into the doorway, looking up as he came down. She blinked, seeing he was dressed in white dress slacks and a blue shirt that was nearly the color of his eyes, the long sleeves rolled up a bit to accommodate the freedom of movement he needed in an emergency. The shirt was partially open, the buttons only fastened to right under his chest. He was barefoot, and his hands were tucked in the pockets of his pants. He gave her a small smile, walking up and bringing one finger to push her chin up, closing her open mouth. "The sales girl said black was too depressing for a birthday."

Tifa was speechless as she watched Cloud walk over to the stove and check on the food. He nodded, obviously the spaghetti was almost ready, and then he took the groceries and put them away. Once he was finished, he turned and smiled at her again, offering his arm to properly escort her to dinner. The speechless Tifa finally found that she could move, and she took his arm gently, placing her hand on his bare forearm. She looked up at him and searched his mako washed eyes. "Why… all this is for me?"

Cloud gave her a soft look, putting his hand over her, lightly patting it, "Yes, it's about time you had someone do something for you, since you are always doing for others. I'm sorry it's taken so long… but I want to make it up to you." He looked forward and started to walk, and Tifa smiled a bit, a silent acknowledgement that he was taking another step toward healing… and happiness. When they made it to the table, Cloud pulled out a chair and had her sit down, then scooted her in. He went back into the kitchen, and a few moment's later, the swordsman turned chef came back out with two plates of spaghetti. He sat the plates down, and went back in to get a basket of garlic bread and a bottle of chilled champagne. He'd spent almost 200 gil for the perfect champagne, or at least that was what the shopkeeper had told him. He wasn't going to skimp on anything.

Cloud poured them some of the wine, and then sat down, raising his glass to hers. "Happy Birthday Tifa…" They clinked glasses and each took a sip. He smiled a bit at the taste. That bottle was well worth 198 gil… actually it seems a deal to me. They ate for awhile, in and easy silence, then Tifa looked up from the wonderful food, a bit of a blush to her cheeks. "You've never done anything like this for my birthday before, why the sudden change?"

Cloud looked up, gazing right into her eyes. "I felt like it was time to let you know my true feelings, and it seemed as good a time as any. Tifa, honestly… I can't see myself with any other woman, and if you feel the same, I'd…" he blushed a bit this time and looked away, trying to find the right words. When they wouldn't come, he decided to just get up and show her instead. He lifted himself up out of his seat and walked over to her side of the table, placing his hand on her cheek to lift her face up. His thumb gently caressed her soft skin and he leaned down, gently kissing her lips.

Tifa's mind was caught in a whirl, the sensations threatening to overcome her. She'd honestly never thought that he'd say those sorts of things to her, and when he came over to her, and touched her so tenderly, the blood rushed to her cheeks, making them a soft crimson color. The kiss only deepened her flush, and she slowly stood, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him back, just as softy. After they had both ran out of breath, they parted a bit, though their arms were still tightly wrapped around each other, and Cloud whispered softly in her ear, "I love you Tifa."

The fighter let a wide, beautiful smile split her face, and moved enough to look up into his eyes. "I love you too Cloud, why'd you have to wait do damn long to tell me?"

He smiled a bit and reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear, "I'm sorry about that, but I promise, I'll make up for lost time." His lips captured hers again, though this kiss was much more passionate, as he gently parted her lips with his tongue, wanting nothing more then to taste her. He crushed her against his chest and completely forgot about their half eaten dinner. Tifa let out a soft moan in his mouth, moving her tongue to caress his, the heated kiss was doing things to her body she hadn't experienced for quite a while. When they finally parted, she knew what Cloud had on his mind, and there was quite an advantage to being pressed against him like that. She smiled and leaned over enough to blow the candles out, and then he scooped her up bridal style and headed toward her room. Tifa smiled as he did, wanting nothing more then to loose herself in the warmth of his body and breath. This was turning out to be quite the birthday, and the big day hadn't even gotten there yet.