Cloudy Tifa

-Chapter 8-

"Boys night Out"

It was good to finally have some down time, Cloud really needed it. Climbing up the stairs to his room, he dropped his school bag and blazer onto the carpeted flooring and flopped lazily onto his mattress. Where he sighed in relief, and stretched his arms out. Reaching into his pant pocket, Cloud took out his cell phone and checked it for missed calls, he did not have any.

Cloud quirked the side of his lip slightly and placed his cell phone onto a nearby lamp table. Yawning, Cloud closed his eyes and welcomed the sand man to put him to sleep for a short nap.

About two hours had passed before Cloud awoke to the sound of rumbling loud motorcycles. Fenrir models, five of them. Series XP-900 by the sound of the engines. Cloud groaned and smacked the top of his head realizing who those Fenrir's belonged too. Climbing up from his bed to look out the window Cloud saw his friends, the owners of the magnificent bikes. Zack was leading the pack of course. Biggs, and Wedge were riding alongside him while being closely tailed by Johnny, and Billy-both fellow sophomore members of the motor club, and close friends of Cloud and Zack's.

Cloud knew why the gang was coming over. It was guy's night, how could he have forgotten? Guy's night was a monthly event that Zack had started to keep the five of them close. So Zack declared Friday's as their official hang out day to catch up and talk about bikes and races; which led their sessions to last at least until the early hours of the following Saturday morning.

Cloud liked these nights. In fact he looked forward to them. Just not this month. Cloud had every intention of going home and relaxing for the rest of the day after dropping Tifa off at her street. He'd skipped the club meeting as well to jump get home sooner, well that and he didn't plan on going to the coming racing tournament. Thankfully his first day off coincided with the weekend. Cloud had to report too Cid's shop again on Sunday though. With 'Sunday being the busiest day of the week for the shop' quote boss Cid Highwind. Working for Cid so early in the morning took a lot out of him.

The five to ten pound individual boxes, that Cloud had to carry and deliver every day added to his exhaustion. Then there was Tifa's condition, school, and homework. To sum it all up; Cloud was stressed out beyond belief and just wanted to stay home and lay down on his bed until his body was no longer sore, or until his mind was clear of confusion.

Knowing the ever famous Zack Fair-Cloud knew that he was royally screwed.

"Hey Cloud! How's it going?" Biggs was the first one through the door. The rest of the brood were behind Biggs, pushing him forward aggressively to get through the door. Well, it was actually Wedge who was doing most of the shoving.

"How are ya buddy?" Wedge chirped "How's Tifa?" Wedge added shyly, Cloud forced a smile. He liked Wedge, honestly he did! Cloud just hated it when Wedge would "casually" bring up Tifa. Cloud knew that Wedge had a massive crush on her (his pregnant girlfriend!) He also knew that Wedge had liked her since freshman year.

In fact, Wedge had been the first guy to snap his fingers in defeat when Cloud began dating Tifa! Wedge was not the type of guy to come between two people. But, being Tifa's boyfriend, Cloud felt threatened in a way. Thankfully. As quickly as these feelings of jealousy would arise, they would also vanish in an equal amount of time. Besides, maybe Wedge was just trying to be polite, Cloud would often reason.

"I'm fine guys" Cloud responded "Just a little tired" that was an extreme understatement.

"Well, liven up buddy. Were here!" Johnny stated, Cloud was about to say something when he felt Zack put a hand on his shoulder.

"Come on Cloud, it's just not the same with only five guys" Zack spoke calmly "Besides, you've looked really out of it this week, you didn't even go to our club meeting after school." Zack let go of Clouds shoulder and strode over towards the guys so that he stood in front of them, the guys all huddled in closely to hear what Zack was about to say.

"A night out with us is what you need Cloud. You need to get out of that rut your in." Zack was being sincere, it was hard to argue with that, even though Cloud wanted to back out and go back upstairs and rest. He just couldn't let his friends down. Besides Zack truly was a good friend, Cloud could not through dirt his face now, Not when Zack had put his masculinity at stake. Cloud took a deep breath and exhaled. he knew he was going to need to buy a few energy drinks tomorrow.

"Fine. Let me get my wallet" Cloud sighed. The room was soon engulfed with loud cheers.

"Glad you changed your mind" Zack was glad to see that his best friend was going to join them, then Wedge spoke up and ruined the moment.

"Now you two, Kiss and exchange rings" Wedge said seriously, Zack and Cloud both scoffed, Johnny and Biggs smacked the chubby Wedge on the back.

"Get a girlfriend Wedge!" muttered Billy.

"Working on it" Wedge sang as he ran out the front door merrily.

Ten minutes later. Cloud was on the road-cruising the streets of Edge alongside his pals. He and Zack had stopped at crossing and eyed one another competitively. Zack revved his engine. Cloud shook his head in amusement,smile creeping onto his lips. he knew what Zack was up to. Cloud than began to mimic Zack's action, only he made his fenrir roar louder, by cranking it to full power.

Billy, Biggs, Wedge, and Johnny; All took notice and groaned in unison. Knowing well what was about to happen, they just hoped they could keep up and that there were no cops or heavy traffic on the road tonight.

"Where's the finish line?" Cloud yelled out at the top of his lungs, he had too since the Fenrir's were so loud now.

"That diner where Jesse works, Keep up if you can" Zack was confident that he would win this round.

All Cloud could hear from Zack was. "Diner, Jesse, Works" that was all he needed to know and cranked it. They had all eaten at the diner before, Cloud knew the route by heart, and by no means was he willing to drop a sure victory. He was after all- Cloud Strife: The Crazy Wolf of the GSSR league.

Cloud shot through the streets like a bullet straight out of a loaded gun. Zack gritted his teeth, not in annoyance but it excitement!. Zack soon charged out of the lane and tailed Cloud, nearly touching the back wheel of the Fenrir with his own front wheel. Cloud knew that Zack was trying to knock him out of the way, so he screeched his tires into stopping. Zack saw this and grinned, Cloud was up to something alright. This would be fun.

Zack quickly dodged Cloud's ride, the wheels spun with such ferocity, a smoky gust caught up the gravel that the bikes had collected, making it hard for bystanders to breath in. Bowing his head apologetically, Cloud sped toward Zack and crashed into the side of his friends Fenrir. Surprising Zack greatly, so Cloud was craving a real race?!

Here? Now? In the middle of the streets? With no refs? No Tracks? With all these cops around to arrest them?.

"well than." thought Zack "You want a race, well by god I'll give you a race" Snickered Zack and charged at Cloud, his fenrir wheeling fast and screeching.

The blond and the dark haired motor club president, would crash into one another purposely, it was part of the game they played. So far Zack had let go of the handles once, a record! Zack usually had his yanked off by the blunt force his fenrir received from Cloud's bike. At least oh...three or four times in a race. Dangerous-but it was the danger that made it fun. Still he rode on, Unwilling to let his best friend beat him to the diner.

Cloud noticed Zack's ambition and sped up. Leaving him in the dust every chance he got. Zack quickly regained his composure, recharged his black fenrir model and darted in Cloud's direction. Wedge from several feet away behind them called to Zack.

Billy ,Johnny, Biggs and Wedge. Were all riding as fast as their bikes allowed them too, although the guys had the same models as Cloud and Zack's; the Fenrirs these boys drove were not updated or enhanced like Cloud and Zack's.

"ZACK! DON'T LOSE! I DON'T HAVE A LOT OF GIL ON ME!" cried Wedge, Zack laughed, Wedge must have bet on him again.

Cloud skidded on the road, barely avoiding a large truck, the driver honked at him and Zack who was speeding up through the driver a thumbs up. Cloud regained control, and continued to thunder on down the routes, Zack was getting faster. Cloud quirked an eyebrow, had Zack upgraded his engine? It seemed to have more juice in it this time.

Cloud growled, no way was he going to be defeated, what would the Crazy Wolf be then?

Zack zoomed past the pedestrians that walked the city, all gasped and awed at how ridiculously fast the two boys were going, someone shook their fist and labeled them delinquents, Cloud hated that word. But went on.

Biggs was cheering Cloud on in the background, as was Billy.

Wedge and Johnny both rooted for Zack, who was starting to lag behind.

The diner was not far now, Zack had to hurry. So once again, Zack sped up, dodging through the free space between cars in traffic, so that he was neck and neck with Cloud. The two locked eyes then, through his goggles Zack noticed that Cloud was smirking,...at what?. Looking up, Zack saw none other than Jesse Merrywhether.

Her hands were on her hips, feet wide apart and in a menacing stance. Zack went for the breaks, and the bike screeched to a halt right in front of Jesse, all while popping a front wheelie too. Biggs, Wedge, Billy, and Johnny stopped their bikes right next to Zack, who was getting stared down by Jesse. All six noticed Cloud's bike glide slowly towards a parking space.

"NOOOO!" cried both Wedge and Johnny.

"Alright!" Billy and Biggs cheered. They'd won the bet.

"Well Jes, is there a reason you got in my way?" Zack grumbled "I was this close to beating Cloud and you had to get in the way again didn't you?" The last time Jesse had gotten in the way was at a rally several months ago, she had stood too close to the finish line. In order to avoid her Zack had had to swerve his bike to the right, unfortunately, Zack had been too sharp with his turn and had fallen off of his bike, injuring his shoulder that had taken ages to recover from.

Zack had gotten lucky during that race, it was a miracle that he had not broken his neck instead that day. So you can bet that Zack was not pleased. Zack cared for Jesse as a friend, but not when she endangered his safety.

"Like you could even beat the Crazy wolf?" Jesse said calmly. Jesse looked over at Cloud, slyly through the corners of her eye. How cute he looked when he took of his gear, his rear wasn't too bad looking on that bike of his either. She giggled, which confused Zack.

"Get your tires looked at Fair, they didn't sound too good when you stopped" Jesse stated as she headed over to where Cloud was parking. Leaving behind her a very shocked Zack Fair, and his crew scrambling about over the tires.

"There goes this week's winnings" Zack groaned and buried his face in his hands, slumping against his newly upgraded Fenrir "Aerith is going to kill me! I promised to take her out for dinner tomorrow!" he confessed, garnering sympathetic looks from the rest of the guys.

Cloud was shaking his head, as he squat down to check on his own bike. Yup. Still good. He knew that his Fenrir was up to date, an upgrade was due, but as long as he had his bike working, an upgrade could wait. He had to spend the money he earned at Cid's wisely, someone was depending on him. Cloud was sure that the hospital bill would not be cheap once the time came. He wanted Tifa to have the best medical care in the city. Hopefully a nice,safe apartment to live in near school if it came to them moving in together.

"Cloud!" Cloud jerked, Jesse had run over to him, she encircled her arms around his waist. This made Cloud very uncomfortable. He knew that Jesse was friendly, he also realized exactly how friendly she was with him, which made him very uneasy. He had always known about her crush on him, it wasn't subtle at all, all he could do was kindly remind her that he had a girlfriend and that he was happy with Tifa. Cloud turned around and gently pulled Jesse's arms off of him.

"My girlfriend wouldn't like you grabbing at me." Cloud said quietly "I know how girls are" in all honesty, he knew very little about girls, but he did know that this would have hurt Tifa's feelings.

Jesse only nodded. She went inside the Diner, her shift was up. Cloud did not take her stalking off as an offense. Scratching the back of his head with his right hand, Cloud did wonder though. Had he offended her? He believed he had. Girls were very sensitive, and here he was- Mr. Insensitive at his finest.

He felt pretty bad all of a sudden. Cloud pondered about following Jesse, to tell her he was sorry about the coldness of his remark, Ultimately, he decided not to. Cloud had a habit of making a bad situation worse, it would just be wise to just let her be.

Unfortunately, Jesse was also one of the few Motor Club girls who still believed all those nasty things about Tifa, and that annoyed him. Because Tifa was nothing like what those girls believed her to be, she was the exact opposite, but nothing he said would change their minds. All he could do was stay close to his girlfriend and support her the best he could.

He remembered the remark Jesse made when he announced to the motor club that he was dating Tifa, the group had cheered for him. For he had gotten with one of the 'hottest chicks at Nomura High' according to Wedge.

She had snorted "She's so trashy, you know that? You know what she did to Rufus right? She used him for his money!" the guys booed Jesse when she said that. Zack, Cloud and the a good amount of the club knew that what had happened between Tifa and Rufus had been greatly exaggerated by a bunch of jealous girls, and Rufus Shinra himself.

Cloud knew his girl's history, and it was not as bad as it was made out to be by the jealous admirers.

Jesse who had been enamored with Cloud since day one, felt hurt-rejected. Cloud was flattered, but he had never felt that connection with her. He had told Jesse many times that he saw her as a friend; even before he began dating Tifa he had told Jesse that she was only a good friend to him.

Her crush on him was like Wedge's crush on Tifa, but unlike Wedge, Jesse fully intended to act on her feelings. Much to Cloud's dismay.

Jesse had that hope though that all people hold on too, that little strand of hope that someone has when they want something so badly. He understood that, he just did not feel the same way about her and it was hard to get that through her head.

Cloud and the guys stood around for awhile, checking out Zack's bike.

"Well lets go in guys. I'm hungry" Billy yawned while stretching his arms high up in the air. Billy was walking towards the entrance, Johnny, Biggs, and Wedge on the other hand, were still attending to Zack; who was cursing into the night sky while shaking his fist towards it angrily.

Eventually, the rest of the guys went inside. Jesse had and seated them. She was going to be their waitress for tonight. And since she was their friend, they would get a discount on the meal. Jesse liked it when the guys came in on her shifts, it gave her a chance to look at Cloud.

To talk to him as well, Jesse's crush on Cloud was almost a year old now. many motor club members suggested that she just give it up, that there were plenty of good looking guys in the club and school to go out with. Cloud was happy with Tifa, they were the club's mascot couple.

But Jesse did not believe that they were a happy couple, not lately anyway. The way Tifa was behaving lately made Jesse awfully suspicious. Why was Cloud flipping out at every guy who went near Tifa? And most importantly; Why was Cloud at Tifa's beck and call? Waiting for her after class, and bringing her an extra lunch every day.

Sure, maybe Cloud was just trying to be a good boyfriend. But why go the through all that extra trouble? He had not been that way with Tifa before, It was just so unlike him.

Jesse had heard the newest rumor about Tifa, her best friend Nicki had told her about it. That Tifa had cheated on Cloud with some guy from a different school and that that was why Cloud was acting so strange, so possessive with her. Poor Cloud, poor poor Cloud. He was probably just trying to keep her interested in him. That just had to be it! It had to be!.

Despite the rage she felt inside. Jesse decided to just keep a cheery appearance, smiling at the guys, joking with them when she took their orders; all while bringing them endless glasses of water and potion spray. When their orders were done, Jesse watched from the counter as the guys chowed down.

Ugh...it was a vulgar scene, the way the guys ate.

.

"Hey, how 'bout we go riding in the desert. We need to practice for the next Rally, it's only a couple of weeks away" Johnny said with food stuffed into his mouth, Billy threw a napkin at him and Johnny threw it back, the guys laughed.

"I don't know, I don't want to add any more damage to my bike." Although Zack was having a good time, he wasn't feeling to confident about his ride.

"Aw man, I forgot about that" Johnny apologized to Zack, Johnny was very forgetful, so no one held it against him.

"Speaking of practice, Cloud when are you going to go to sign up for Gold Saucer this year?" Billy asked Cloud excitedly. The very subject Cloud had hoped to avoid, he had memorized the date since he had competed for three years in a row, having started out in the junior division. He had been moved to the adult races after turning sixteen, and had managed to defend his title successfully last February, now at seventeen he was expected to show up and accept challengers for his title and participate in the main event.

The Crazy Wolf title he had won at fifteen, the youngest winner to date, because of this he knew all eyes would be on him, the Club expected Cloud to compete. Hell! the entire racing world expected him at the tracks this year, rumor had it that there would be pro racing scouts at GSSR hoping to scout him, though those were rumors, he'd heard them last year as well but no one approached him for sponsorship. It was not required of him to go, but if he did not attend everyone would think that he was just copping out to keep his title.

Real "Crazies",Went to the tournament and took on any challenger who dared to strip them of their prized name. Being called a chicken was the least of his concerns, getting to the gold saucer was costly, with room and airship transfer, his bike being cargo, plus the entry fee. It would drain his savings greatly, the only reason he had been able to go in the first place because of help from his mother, who had intended it to be a one time thing. Being a natural at racing Cloud had managed to keep going thanks to the winnings. He had done the math this year, and if he kept up his winning streak, he would only end up breaking even, a big if. There was always someone knew, a hungrier racer wanting to make it big.

It wasn't worth the gamble, this time.

Also, the Gold Saucer Tournament would be in six months, Tifa would be seven months pregnant going into her third trimester. He doubted she would even be allowed on an airship to go with him at that point, if she were even allowed too, if things went well.

Cloud frowned. Tifa would be showing a lot by then, he would have to confront her dad...their parents. Cloud felt an icy chill throughout his body. Telling their parents about the baby, that thought frightened him.

"Woah Cloud your turning white" Zack commented "Well, paler than you usually are anyway" Zack joked, the guys laughed.

"You're not afraid about competing are you" asked Billy.

"No, not at all" Cloud mumbled "I'm just cold".

"Whatever you say Crazy Wolf" Wedge shrugged.

"You are going right?I'm sure someone will sign yo to their company this year" said Zack, Cloud didn't want to bring the night down. he had to sqaush this now.

"I need to figure things out at work first, hopefully I will." Cloud lied, but this was enough for his friends and the guys let it go then, they went back to finishing their plates. Zack, Wedge, Billy, Biggs, and Johnny-contemplated about where they would go after this, the night was young, so were they. There had to be something they could do besides race, since Zack's ride was slightly out of order.

Cloud was ready to go by the time his phone rang. He figured it was his mom calling to check on him, to his surprise the caller I.D flashed "Tifa" in bold black letters. Cloud jumped out of his seat, Tifa rarely called him after nine, unless if it was important.

He began to worry, was she okay? Was she in trouble?. Oh no!, did someone find out about their baby?.

"I got to take this, its Tifa" Cloud whispered to Zack, Zack nodded and moved out of the way so that Cloud could slide out of the booth. Cloud strode over to the door and went outside, it was freezing, but no one was around to listen in on his conversation.

"Tifa? Are you okay?" Cloud worriedly answered his cell phone.

"I'm fine Cloud, I was just thinking about you...And well I just wanted to call and see what you were up too" Cloud smiled, he had nothing to worry about.

"Actually I'm with Zack and the guys "Cloud replied.

"Oh! Is it guys night? Am I interrupting?" she asked him.

"No, we just finished eating. We were talking about where we were going to go next. But we can't really do much since Zack messed up his bike" Cloud chuckled, although he did feel bad about Zack needed to upgrade.

"That Zack" Tifa held back a laugh, she felt her stomach rumble from out of nowhere "Ow" Tifa reflexed.

"What's wrong?" Cloud's voiced dropped, he was worried.

"Nothing, I'm just hungry" Tifa confessed sheepishly.

"You're hungry? Is it cravings?" Cloud had no idea why, but he was really hell bent on making sure Tifa was well fed. She was eating for two after all, and she needed the nutrition to get around.

"Well, Sort off, but it's no big deal I'll go downstairs and eat." Tifa added quickly, realizing that she had set off Cloud's alarm.

"Does your fridge have what you want to eat?" Cloud asked her.

"I...i don't think so, but I'll make do. Noa made dinner tonight i'll just eat left overs" Tifa re-assured Cloud, but it was clear that he was not going to have it.

"Just tell me what you want to eat, I'll go buy it and bring it over" Cloud had out done himself this time, he had always been afraid of going to her house, because of her dad. She needed him though, her dad just had to back off if he saw him. well, he hoped Tifa's dad would at least if it came to that.

Tifa was against this, she did not want Cloud running around getting her food. He had already done enough for her. Cloud continued to pry the name of the products she wanted until he had a whole list memorized. He then told Tifa that he loved her, and that he would be there soon. Tifa continued to protest, but Cloud had made up his mind.

"Gotta go guys" Cloud announced to the guys, as he rushed back in "There's something I have to do. It's very important"

Zack ,Billy, Biggs, Wedge and Johnny asked him if something was wrong. Cloud only replied that Tifa needed him. He left without another word.

"Wow, he's really devoted to her" Billy commented.

"I'll say" Johnny chimed in.

"I would be if Tifa was my girlfriend" Wedge added dreamily.

"Wedge, one of these days Cloud is going to hear you and he's going to punch you in the face, and you won't look so pretty after that" Zack murmured.

"It'd be worth it" Wedge grinned.

Zack and the guys left a few minutes later. Leaving Jesse, who was still working, behind. Jesse was not happy about the way Cloud had left. All she heard was that Tifa needed him, and that was all she needed to hear. Cloud was too good for Tifa, it was not fair that she was making him leave his friends like that. Not cool at all.

Hi everybody! The I'm back from my hiatus and chapter nine should up hopefully real soon, I've already started writing it. And for you Jesse fans, I'm dreadfully sorry I made her so mean, I needed someone to be the jealous wannabe girlfriend; and lets face it, Jesse is greatly overlooked. I thought it would be fun to have her as a bit of an antagonist. I also think Jesse's jealousy toward Tifa makes this new arc that much juicer. Heheheheh.

Also, if you thought the whole race with the fenrirs was boring. I'm sorry, Its an essential part of the storyline, i'll let you in on a spoiler. Cloud will get in trouble because of the fenrir, and it will also effect Tifa greatly. I also wanted to focus a little on Cloud and how he interacts with his male friends, as i've been focusing a lot on Tifa and hers.

Special thanks to everyone who has been patient with me, your amusement with this story is very important to me. And I'm very sorry for the long wait, Also I apologize for not responding to your reviews this chapter. I hear from many reviewers that it is against the guidelines to respond to your reviews in a chapter. (awe)

I'll do my best to use the respond system from now on, I don't want to make you lovely reviewers feel like you are not important to me. (because you are!)

Love always,

-your Rina.

p.s. Please let me know if my grammar and storytelling has improved, i'm taking a creative writing class and I've realized how messy my writing is.