Upon entering "Seventh Heaven" on that evening, the first thing that caught Cloud's attention was the sharp line of her shoulders, as her blades were drawn back despite setting out the glasses and bottles for the evening. The slight worry he felt ever since Aerith shared with him the "most amazing news!"now peaked, as Tifa threw them just one look from under the darkness of her fringe, claret eyes dark and dead. He held the door for the Cetra, as she fumbled with the ribbons of her rain-drenched cap before entering, thoughts racing in his head like crazy. The bar was still empty, the sign on the door still not turned, they still could talk about whatever happened…
"Zack's not around?" Aerith's light voice sliced through the tension in the air, as the girl straightened her back finally and wiped the remains of rain off of her dress.
"Yes and no" the enigmatic reply came too quickly, too harsh, as Tifa prepared their drinks, knowing their preferences by heart already.
Two sets of brows wandered up, before Cloud led the flower girl to one of the tables, pulling out the chair before she took a seat. Both remained quiet until the barmaid came up with their drinks. As she placed a square shaped glass in front of him, the swordsman reached out, fingers touching her elbow lightly.
"Tifa…"
"Yes?" her eyes were tired, red rimmed and dull as she looked at him, her reply being just a heavy sigh and not the usual vibrant tone they were used to.
Before the blond could ask any question at all, a loud crash came from upstairs and the sound of little feet was heard. A second later the door swung open and a teary eyed Marlene ran to her guardian, tugging at the black apron with all her might.
"Uncle Zack's leaving!!" she exclamaited , as wrapped her little arms around Tifa's legs.
The brunette's mouth fell slightly at the evident hurt in the girl's voice, her heart tightening at the glazed eyes that were looking up at her, full of hope that she'll make things right… She placed the tray on the table, and kneeled down, placing her own hands of the small roundness of Marlene's shoulders.
"Marlene…"
"Why's he leaving, Tifa?" the girl snuggled closer, burying her face in the soft fabric of Tifa's top "He said he'll stay and we made plans, he promised take us to Gongaga in Summer, and …and… " she hiccupped, talking too fast to breath properly.
"Yes, why indeed…" Aerith rested her chin on one lean palm, fingers brushing over the apple of her cheek.
"Oh honey… Zack will take you to Gongaga, don't you worry. He just has… something to do" pale fingers brushed soft tufts of hair out of the child's face.
"He doesn't seem happy as well" Marlene sniffled a bit "He's angry…and just throws stuff…and then…"
Aerith then nudged Cloud in the ribs, breaking through his silence and surprise, and the blonde shook his head. He slipped out of his chair and kneeled next to the two, gently unwrapping Marlene's arms from Tifa's neck, turning the girl to face him. His hands seemed enormous as he held her face, thumbs brushing away small, hot tears.
"Cloud…do something…" her voice was small, pleading, .
"Come on…" Cloud picked her up gently, throwing a longer look at Tifa's already retreating back "Let's get you washed up, your Papa's going to be here soon…"
"But…but…"
"I'll talk to … Uncle Zack, and see what I can do"
It was quiet afterwards, only the soft clinking sound of glasses hitting one another disturbed the uncomfortable silence. Finally Aerith cleared her throat, causing Tifa to look up.
"So… Zack has something to take care of" she said casually, yet her green eyes flashed with caution.
"As you heard"
"Tifa…"
"What is it with you dead people…" the brunette hissed suddenly as one of the glasses crushed in her hand "Why do you have to… have to…"
"He did the same, you know.. break glass I mean" the Cetra was already behind the counter, taking the injured hand into her own "Let me"
"I'm sorry" Tifa sighed, relishing in the feel of warmth that spread from her palm, and then further up her arm, and to the rest of her body with her blood system.
She shouldn't snap at the flower girl just because she was too damn weak to get a hold over her emotions.
Aerith's fingers were warm and soft, their tips a feathery brush against the inside of her hand. Calming her senses for a brief while, for a moment that ended as soon as the last cut closed up and not a trace was left.
"Tifa…" the Cetra still held her friend's hand gently "You and Zack…"
"He's leaving, Aerith."
"I figured that much, but there's…."
"Well that's all there is. Would you like another tea?"
"I haven't even touched the first one" Aerith sighed heavily, making her way towards her seat, seeing clearly that any further attempts of pushing the subject were futile "You're really ok with this?"
"Of course" a small smile stretched Tifa's lips, not once reaching her eyes "I'm going to be just fine"
The Cetra kept her eyes on the younger girl's frame for a longer moment, taking in the stiff way she'd move and the too quick breaths she took. Fine wasn't the word Aerith would use right now, because the barmaid looked everything but fine.
She was tense like a twig seconds before breaking, every muscle coiled tight. Her moves were different, and her smiles were too fake and eyes were filled with too much pain.
The door squeaked lightly, as Cloud came down, with his hands deep in his pockets and a frown on his face. Made his way straight towards the table, the whisky melting away the ice in his glass.
"He said it's what you wanted" he spoke only after a while, stretching casually on his chair.
On her way towards the door, Tifa shrugged lightly, desperately trying to act unphased and ignore the shuffling sounds coming from upstairs. Her fingers traced the cut out "OPEN" word on the wooden surface of the welcoming sign.
"Yes, that is exactly what I wanted" she said slowly after a while, flipping the sign, stating clearly that the bar was now opened and the discussion was over.
Cloud shook his head, and the whisky in his glass sloshed lightly.
"Barret called while I was up there" at this Aerith's eyes widened slightly and her cheeks to pale lightly "Yeah… he wasn't happy at all, hearing his little girl crying over Zack…"
"Oh my…"
"He wasn't too far from here. After the call, I bet he's going to squeeze everything out of that old truck of his" Cloud rubbed the back of his head with one hand, throwing one look towards the ceiling "I never saw him like that"
"Barret?"
"No. Zack. He's so… so… beaten"
"Did he say anything more?" green eyes flickered Tifa, as the barmaid welcomed her first customer this evening.
"No"
Except 'I'm sorry', Cloud added to himself in his thoughts, recalling the flat line of the exSOLDIER's lips and the dark fire in his eyes.
"You said you love her"
"I'm sorry Cloud… I can't do it."
"Zack..."
"You… of all people, should understand why" the older man pulled the worn turtleneck over his head.
"I can't imagine … how it will be with no Zack around" Aerith picked lightly on her lower lip, her voice sad and low "Was there anything we could have done?"
The blonde only shook his head again, raising one hand in a welcoming manner, as one of the regulars greeted him on the way to the bar. The door would open very often tonight, just like Tifa thought it would. The heavy downpour outside brought more and more customers, and it was maybe only few minutes after Tifa opened the bar, the welcome sign happily swinging next to the glass of the doors, when the all the tables were already occupied, blue ribbons of cigarette smoke rising slowly here and there.
The pretty barmaid had a small smile and a kind word for every one of the men that entered and brought the fresh smell of rain with them, as they left muddy footprints on the wooden planks. Drinks and beers were being served constantly, some lighter, some heavier, all prepared quickly, chilling the tips of Tifa's fingers.
But despite everything she hoped for, the constant exchange of alcohol and money didn't bring any peace for her mind. She still heard Zack's words, still felt his hands cupping her face, saw his eyes honest and clear and loving.
She still felt that flash of pain ripping her into half when she told him to leave.
"Teef, I asked for a Bloody ShinRa" one of the regulars pointed to the glass she just handed him, the tall one filled with crushed ice and a transparent liquid, a deep green leaf adorning the drink.
"Oh…I'm sorry Leto" she smiled apologetically, inwardly scolding herself for such a novice like mistake, feeling two sets of eyes never leaving her frame "Just a second longer then"
The man laughed then, deep and warm his chuckle was, as he waited for is right order, and it was then that Barret came in, all drenched from the rain, but with a fire blazing in his eyes and a dark scowl on his face. It deepened as the bartender threw him an unemotional look and gestured to the table were their two other friends were already sitting, a cup of herbal tea in front of the girl and an almost empty glass of whiskey on ice in front of the quiet man.
"Teef…" came a low growl, but that didn't faze her at all "What the fuck…"
"Sit down Barret, I'll have your drink in a second" Tifa only said flatly as she collected her pay from Leto, one hand already pulling out a bottle his favorite alcohol, tall glass all ready and waiting on the counter.
"Not now" she dismissed him, as the bulky man only managed to open his mouth when she came over. "Just… not now" some of his drink spilled onto the table, the glass being placed down with little too much force.
She still had to cope with seeing Zack leave…
The doors would open often on this night, a regular downpour outside and the break of Winter, different men coming in to find a temporary solace from everyday's worries in a shot glass. The bar buzzing with small talks, with voiced that soon became slurred and jubilant.
Tifa watched out of the corner of one eye, as the dark-skinned man leaned closer to Cloud, listening to what the swordsman was saying, his scowl deepening and his grasp on the glass tightened. She would still catch Cloud looking at her from time to time, as she made drink after drink, handing away glasses and bottles, and inside she would shake and shiver violently, like a naked tree in a heavy storm. As if he could see, as if he understood… everything. And he probably did.
The door leading upstairs opened with a slight creak of protest, and Zack entered the bar area, a duffel bag thrown over his shoulder, his Buster Sword steady at his back. Blue eyes stormy and restless as he took a quick look around, a crease forming on his forehead as he noticed her…his… their friends sitting in one corner. The air around him so thick he immediately caught their attention and he saw a sudden, pained light in the Cetra's emerald eyes, as the fingers of her hands folded at her chest. Oh, it was too late for any prayers now, he thought bitterly. Too late indeed…
He heard Barret stand up, but this time he would not pay attention to the bigger man.
"Now listen here, ya' Spiky motherfu …"
"Barret!" the sharp note in Tifa's voice combined with the sound of her open palm hitting the counter was like the sound of whip cutting the air, making everyone fall quiet, every glazed pair of eyes turning to her.
"Tifa…" dark eyes widened, surprise wrapping around the large man like a tight ribbon as he looked at her.
"Leave him alone" she said, her voice back to normal as she turned her attention to the bits of oranges and the sharp knife in front of her.
Zack took a few slow steps, feeling the daggers Barret sent his way, and he made his way behind the counter, his eyes taking in the way she prepared the drinks. Slender fingers were trembling as they danced on tall glasses, as she poured alcohol and dropped ice, fixing up a small chance of forgetting for someone. Only then she threw him a look from under the long fringe, and her eyes were wide and shining, pain washing over the enchanting depths, making his insides twist and turn. He put that look in those eyes, and he could see all the cracks that appeared in her usually strong spirit.
"So…. you're leaving" the words burned their way through the tight throat, losing all signs of softness and sounding like belonging to a complete stranger.
"Just as you want me to"
Even if they both knew she didn't want it at all.
Zack knew their friends were watching them intently, Aerith probably praying, Cloud quietly watching out and Barret obviously very keen on hurting the exSOLDIER. The only thing however that he could wonder about was if they could see her eyes just like he did, and could they pinpoint every desperate emotion that swirled in them like he did.
Could they see her struggling to compose herself…?
Tifa picked up the tray from under the counter and made an attempt to move pas him, but their arms brushed, naked skin burning, and she froze, and they stood next to each other for what seemed forever. His face towards the great window, where he could see the skies weep violently. And she was facing the wall, her eyes not registering that the pictures there were crocked and one fell down earlier on.
Not paying attention that the buzz in the bar toned down, everyone looking in their direction every now and then.
"I would fight anyone for you" Zack finally said, quiet, strong words meant for her ears only "Believe me, I wouldn't give a damn who it would be… Be it friend of foe, monster or human. I would do that for you… But you..? I can't fight you, Tifa" his hands curled into fists at his sides and he bit the inside of his cheek to refrain himself from losing his cool again.
Her fingers tightened on the tray she was holding, knuckles turning white, the synthetic slightly bending under the pressure.
"I promised that I would protect you" Zack continued after a while, his voice unsteady and raspy "I wanted to do that, gods only know how much I do… But… If it means breaking you, I guess… that's the one thing I can't do"
He felt her shake next to him. He felt her swallow hard as she tilted her head to the ceiling. He felt how the hot tears burned her eyes as she for yet another time, yet again, like all those previous times before this, she didn't allow herself to shed even one. Not in front of her friends, her customers. Not in front of him. Not while she still could see her own reflection out of the corner of one eye.
"Goodbye Zack" she said finally, looking at him "You… you will be always welcomed here"
"Goodbye Tifa"
And only then they moved, with the barmaid turning again to the counter, and the man walking away from it.
Tifa forced a smile to appear on her lips as another customer walked up to the bar, all the time seeing him out of one corner of a red eye. The noise was building up again, and it was all returning to normal. And she took another deep breath, another order, another desperate shot at drowning out the pain inside that flared. Ignoring the dark looks her friends gave her and trying to numb out the emptiness that started to spread further and further over her heart. Convincing herself that she didn't fall into pieces over and over again, with every step Zack took, before he finally walked out through the door.
Out of "Seventh Heaven". Out of her bar, her home…
The door closed, the bell chiming happily, laughing at her straight in the face.
Tifa shoved the tray onto the counter, the plastic breaking as it smashed into the solid back-wall, her shoulders shaking violently as she made her hurried way to the kitchen, leaving a half-made drink and a surprised customer behind her.
In the dark of the room, she told herself, that this was for the best.
But then, why did she feel like screaming…?
One hand curled into a fist, even teeth biting into flesh, as Tifa wrapped the other arm around her waist, holding herself, trying to stop her body from shivering, every muscle trembling as if in a fever.
She WAS doing the right thing… right? Right?
She had so many things to take off, so many that relied on her, that still needed her strength and support…
Soft, yet heavy footsteps reached her ears, and her teeth sunk deeper into her hand, eyes squeezed shut. Familiar warm arms wrapped around her trembling form, strong hands maneuvered her to turn. Blonde spikes tickled her cheeks gently, before he tucked her head beneath his chin, as one shaking hand clutched desperately at the front of his shirt, holding on like for dear life.
Was this how it felt to drown?
"Tifa…" a soft whisper brushing against the tip of her ear "I think it's time to go…"
"I can't, Cloud…" she shook violently, her voice tight and strained "Not with this… not like this…"
She meant everything in those small words, how well did he know that? Because it was all about her, being scarred and imperfect and unable to let go, her makeshift family, her burned down world and crushed hopes, false dreams and an everlasting mourning for something long lost. Cloud tightened his hold, as she was breaking right in front of him, breaking to the point beyond mending… And he couldn't do anything to help her. He could only hold her now, as he saw blood trickle down the strong hand.
Was this how she felt all those years, when they all leaned on her, believing her smiles and gentle eyes…? Was this her price to pay for every single damned day she offered her arms to any of them, open and welcoming and they never thought twice about accepting her comfort? For every moment when she would lock everything in, lending her shoulders to others, so they could lay their worries on her…?
His lips pressed hard to the tip of her head, hair soft and smooth under the sensitive flesh. The smaller body again trembled, as she still tried to block everything out. One last, desperate in its nature, attempt at denial.
Once, not that long ago, she threw away everything to help him, guide him, save him. Tonight, he would… no, he could do the same.
Cloud looked down at her, as her hands that fell to her sides lifelessly, her dark eyes shimmering with unshed tears kept in far too long… And he gave her a sad smile, grazing his knuckles gently against her jaw, making her look up and meet his gaze.
"Never give up" his whisper washed over her, getting through the pain and anger and the empty void that formed inside her heart.
And Cloud suddenly felt like he was looking into her eyes for the very first time. Clear and unguarded and burning so heavily, but there were those lovely golden specks dancing in the fiery depths. His hold lessened on her frame, her quick breath coming out in short gasps. Tifa was looking up at him silently, bruised lips parted. Eyes searching his, asking, begging for answers someone else had.
His eyes were blue and brilliant, with the same poison of green, and softly looking down at her. Calming her down, giving her the much needed air to breath. And as his hands left her frame, her jaw tightened, as she wiped the unshed tears away from her eyes.
But they were in a slightly different shade, his hands felt not exactly like they should, and his voice wasn't all that low.
She never should have given up in the first place.
And then Tifa took one deep breath, a dazzling glint of affirmation surfacing in her eyes, and she turned around, the soft tips of her hair brushing against his face. And she was out of the kitchen, her footsteps quick and sure, and only the faint fragrance of dried up lilacs was left lingering in the air as Cloud smiled to himself, slowly making his way back to the bar.
The bell was still ringing.
The rain outside was harsh, cutting into her skin like thousands of small knives. Cold and harsh. There were puddles of mud forming on the empty streets, the downpour heavy and the angered skies took on a steely hue. Her clothes absorbed the water in a matter of seconds as she raised her face towards the sky, rain splashing onto the heated skin, washing away the few remaining drops of blood on her hand.
And for a moment she felt utterly alone, standing there in the rain, in front of her own bar. It felt like it was just her, with the angered song of rain in her ears…
Only her.
She didn't want to be alone anymore.
The rain kept washing away all of the doubts and fears her heart harbored.
Heavy lids opened, and she saw a lone figure, barely visible among the construction of steel and wood, behind the torrent of grey. Even from afar, she could see how the usually proud shoulders now slumped…
With her heart hammering against her chest, her feet were moving on their own. One step, two… quicker, so much quicker now.
"Zack!!"
Hearing the raspy voice calling his name, the same voice he heard just minutes ago broken and flat, Zack turned, his clothes heavy with water, hair sticking to his face, trusty old pants soiled with mud up to his knees. The bag slipped of his slick shoulder, falling with a soft splash into one of the puddles that pooled around his feet.
And suddenly his hands were full of a soaked through shirt, as a soft mouth pressed desperately against his. The heat radiating from the lean frame warmed him up, inside and out. Everything just stopped then and there, with one long exhale, and Zack felt all his senses focus on the shivering girl in his arms, as the taste of copper and rich spices poured into his mouth. His fingers tightened, pulling her closer, so close he could feel her heart beat against his chest.
A small spark of wonder , what was she doing here?, and then her mouth opened eagerly.
Slim fingers sinking in the thick mass of black hair, slender frame pressing up to his. Rain drops mingling with salty tears that finally broke, lips meshing and merging passionately, hidden hunger surfacing as they kissed, his sturdy fingers sliding over the slick skin of her waist. Her half-lidded eyes cleared with every second, they dried up and darkened, and something burned deep down inside of him.
This was all it really mattered, it was Tifa's trembling form in his arms, maybe broken and imperfect but so, so needed and dreamt of, fitting just all too well against his frame. And the feeling was so much better than he ever imagined, and gods how often he did that…. His eyes fluttered closed as she pushed herself further up, her fingers slipping down to trace his wet cheeks, and a voiceless moan rumbled through them both. It was in his soft sighs that surfaced moments later, it was her greedy kisses. It was the flutter of lashes against his cheek and the warm air hitting his skin.
They broke apart as suddenly as she appeared, faces flushed, skin burning despite the assault of rain. Her fingertips were still holding his face, as their foreheads touched, lips red and swollen.
"Tifa…" Zack finally breathed out, feeling how his lips stretched in a smile.
"Shut up…" she whispered, her eyes set ablaze, shaky fingers tracing the red outline of his lips "Just… shut up…" her voice cracked.
And when she pulled him down for another desperate kiss, it was everything. It was pain and pleasure, it was broken dreams, unfulfilled hopes, it was a need, a strangled cry, it was everything and nothing in the same time, hundreds of promises and careless whispers.
With her breath and the heavy torrent of rain in his ears, nothing seemed more perfect.
Zack hummed happily in the back of his throat, looking down at her when they parted again, seeing his own reflection in her eyes.
"If I knew it was all it took, I would have left long ago" his fingers brushing away wet hair from a pale forehead as she sagged against him, breathing deeply, her hands clutching the damp thick wool of the purple turtleneck "You're ok….?"
"My legs are shaking…" she breathed out with a half-laugh, feeling like her knees would give up under her small weight any minute now.
"I knew I was good!"
"Wise ass…" came a muffled reply as she shivered, the cold from the rain finally getting through the emotion rush, chilling her down to the bone.
Only then she noticed the disastrous state of the bag next to them, as the fabric drunk up the muddy water from the puddle it rested in. She grunted in the back of her throat, brow knitting lightly and forced herself to stand straight, fighting down the weak feeling that overcame her just seconds earlier. Zack sighed heavily, rubbed the back of his neck with on hand as his eyes followed hers.
"Yeah so about that…" he grinned lightly "You ARE taking me back with you, right?"
There was a twinkle in his eyes and Tifa suddenly felt that previously annoying bubble rise inside of her and she couldn't help but laugh, as the exSOLDIER picked up the dirty bag.
"I don't really have a choice, do I?"
"No… not really" with his free hand Zack held her chin lightly.
His hold was strong and sure, and she could feel the warmth despite the leather and the rain, her lips stretching in a comfortable smile.
"This doesn't clear up everything…does it?" the tip of his thumb traced the soft outline of a full lower lip.
"No. But I…" Tifa took a deeper breath "I want to try"
Zack smiled that wide, cheeky grin before leaning in, capturing her lips once again. It was soft and mellow this time, not as desperate and not as forceful, but it still made her head swim. Tifa smiled into the gentle kiss, as his fingers kept stroking her cheek.
She almost missed this…
"We should go" she finally murmured against his lips.
With reluctance Zack pulled away, his free hand already looking for her smaller one. With a deep breath Tifa took the first step, suddenly very aware how much exactly her drenched clothes clung to her body and feeling strangely naked as brilliant blue eyes roamed over every one of her curves.
And the slightly darker glint in those eyes told her, she better get used to it.
They were in desperate need of a change, she mused on the way back, and in her mind she skimmed through the closets, thinking of any dry clothes that might fit on Zack's frame… did Cloud leave anything behind…? Then of course she'd have to go and tell Marlene that everything was ok now, that Zack…. That Zack was going to stay.
It got colder with every step, and she was shivering, but it didn't matter because that bubble inside made her feel warm and so did the hand that still was holding hers.
The soft clicking sound caught her attention and she looked up, brows furrowed at the unexpected disturbance.
What on earth…?
The light from the bar made the man in front of them look even bigger than he really was, the soft glow not hiding the sharp lines of the muscles and enhancing the metal that adorned one arm.
Zack suddenly swallowed loudly, letting go of her hand like it burned him.
"Tifa" his voice was too low, to ruff for anyone's liking.
"Barret" Tifa took a deep breath.
She completely forgot about the older man, and if there was someone that deserved an explanation it was him. The brunette took a deep breath. She could do it. Now she felt like she could do just anything…
"Barret, I… we… I mean…"
"Get inside" he growled a command, not once taking his eyes of the suddenly fidgeting man "Got a word with Mister Hedgehog 'ere"
"B-but.."
"No buts lass!!"
Well, maybe she couldn't. With a long sigh and a long look at Zack, Tifa walked straight to the bar, throwing one glance over the shoulder, biting her lower lip slightly.
The two men remained silent until the door closed behind her back and Zack's fingers itched to curl around the familiar hilt of the sword.
"Now what did I tell yer' spiky ass about makin' my girls cryin'….?"
"Oh for the love of god…" Zack's hands raised and fisted his hair "Don't you think we had enough drama for one night?"
"Shut yer mouth boy, and listen good…"
Inside, Tifa stared at the empty tables, half filled glasses and one lone cigarette still lit and burning on one of the ashtrays.
"How long exactly I was outside anyway?" she asked after a while, seeing as Aerith had an empty cup in front of her and Cloud helped himself for another serving, if the bottle on the table was anything to go by.
"I'd say… one kiss to many judging by that healthy blush" the flower girl winked at her, making the barmaid flush bright pink "But he is a good kisser, isn't he?"
Cloud threw here a small glare above the rim of his glass, causing her to smile sweetly.
"I don't want to hear it from you, or from you" he then said to his childhood friend "And it's been around ten to fifteen minutes."
"Oh…and where's everyone?"
"Apparently, Barret's loud mouth and uncontrollable gun reloading is enough the scare the whole bar way. It's so sweet he still looks after you like that! Even Cloud wasn't able to calm him down"
"Even?" one fair brow raised.
"Oh hush boy… so what now?"
Tifa sighed heavily, feeling how her body trembled from the chill, trying to catch any noises from the outside. The constant, low rumble was a sure sign that Barret was giving Zack one hell of a lecture. Hopefully.
"I'm going to change" she wringed her hair out finally, adding more water to the already dirty and muddy floor "And pray to whoever I can that those two won't kill themselves…"
"Alright" Cloud nodded as he downed the rest of his drink "We'll be leaving you then"
Tifa smiled tiredly as they collected their coats, Aerith once again fumbling gracefully with the ribbons of the cap. The swordsman threw her a longer look before coming up, taking one cool hand into his.
"You're going to be ok" he said quietly, fingers tracing the ever present ring on her finger.
"I know" one short nod "I got you to thank"
Cloud's lips twitched lightly, as she said the same words he said to her not that long ago, on a windy day under the grey heavens.
"You got yourself to thank" he whispered as Tifa rested her wet head on his shoulder for the briefest moment, one shivering arm sneaking around his waist in a quick hug.
The door opened with a loud bang.
"That's it! We're moving out to Costa. We got to separate you two!"
Tifa laughed at the desperate look on Zack's face, feeling her heart swell as Cloud only shook his head and hearing Aerith's giggle lightly. She saw Barret's clenched jaw as the man stepped in behind the exSOLDIER and saw the quick nod he gave her.
That light, strangely happy bubble inside her was back.
She was going to be alright.
Author's Note:
It's been what, 4-5 months already since the very first chapter?I had so much fun with this story, and even when the characters went rather rampant it was still a pleasure to write. I got to know few very awsome poeple thanks to it, and much love to you guys!
I can't believe it's already over.
Thank you everyone who took their time to read, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Thank you so much! ^.^