Chapter 12
"It Rained Then Too"
Before everyone knew it, it was October 8th. Time was flying very fast, it was hard to believe that it was October already. All six periods had ended for the day, so it was time for the Motor Club to commence and begin decorating the school gym.
The club spruced up the place with; gold streamers, Gold tables (which were really just cafeteria tables covered with gold table cloths) and bright lights that were being brought in to install in the rafters of the stage, their gym had a built in stage for plays, presentations and various school functions. There was also a basketball court for home games. The bleachers were no problem to move at all. With just a push of a button the bleachers would retract back into the wall until they were needed again. Today they were, So as to reach the back wall and decorate it with posters that would look at home in the Gold Saucer.
If it were not for a bored Wedge, who kept playing with the button. No one was hurt thankfully,almost everyone was busying themselves with the area closer to the stage. It did however annoy the hell out of Zack, because he was in charge and wanted the high walls decorated with zero casualties. Zack at one point chased Wedge across the basketball court, threatening him with physical harm as the chubby brown haired Wedge ran for his life, screaming for Cloud and Biggs to save him. Everyone in the gym thought it was hysterical and laughed so hard that it left a strong echo inside the building.
"Well, at least were having fun, right Cloud?" Billy partnered up with Cloud to hang up some streamers around the frame of the entrance. The door was roughly 7 feet tall, and four feet wide. So they needed a ladder. Billy was tall and skinny at 6'2, Cloud was short at 5'7 but muscular. So it was Cloud who held the ladder.
"Don't let go Cloud! I'll break if I land on my ass" Billy joked, Cloud snickered, it was a long running joke of theirs, Cloud used to make fun of how small Billy's frame was, and how if he ever fell of a bike he'd break in half, like a twig. The inside joke carried over to many other things, Zack and the motor club had endless insults for Billy the skinny Grandson of a famous chocobo breeder.
It was in good humor though.
"Okay, doors are done" Billy climbed back down, to the safety of the gym floor. He and Cloud folded up the ladder and moved it elsewhere. Biggs and Johnny asked them for permission to borrow the ladder to hang up a poster, so Cloud and Billy let them have it.
Zack instructed Cloud and Billy to go out to the courtyard and get some more boxes. They were full of decorations that were rather heavy, so Cloud took it upon himself to be the one to carry those boxes in, he was Cid Highwind's #1 delivery boy after all, and the insanely heavy boxes Cloud had to deliver during the week had made him gain one inch in his biceps. Billy was grateful for that, because he could hardly pick up a ten pound weight.
"Don't worry about it Billy, Tell Zack I'll bring in the rest." Cloud told Billy, who nodded and ran off to tell Zack.
It was raining outside, making the day long and dreary, and not to mention, insanely chilly. Cloud played it off though, he was used to the cold now. He still got up at the butt crack of dawn to work for Cid, that had not changed in the past few weeks. On the other hand, the work load had gotten bigger. Just this morning, Cid had introduced him to another employee. One who had been on vacation. He was a huge, scary looking hulk of a delivery man by the name of Barret Wallace.
Barret had dark skin, sported a crew cut, and had many (MANY) scars. Barret was a tough looking character, with a mean scowl permanently etched on his face. Cloud was relieved to see upon shaking the man's hand that he was friendly. Barret was working at Cid's to support his adopted six-year-old daughter whose name was Marlene.
"Yeah, she was my friend Dyne's daughter...he passed away a few years ago. He'd made it clear in his will-that if something were to happen to him he wanted Marlene to come live with me. So here I am, a single dad working in delivery." Barret had said to him, Barret had then asked Cloud why he was working at Cid's. Seeing that Cloud was still a junior in high school, and had class to attend after his shift was over.
"It was supposed to be a punishment, I damaged school property." Cloud had cofessed
"What'd ya do?"
"Wrote I'm sorry to my girlfriend Tifa in chalk." Cloud responded quietly, which made Barret howl in amusement.
"Nice going there kid." Barret chided, Cloud remembered how embarrassed he felt when Barret said that. Barret just called him a spiky assed idiot and asked him why he was still working as a delivery boy, when he could, and should have been at home sleeping and resting up for school.
"...I want to take care of her" Cloud responded, Barret's eyebrows arched, unsure of what Cloud meant "I can't go into detail...but I need this job...I need it so I can take care of my girlfriend Tifa...she needs me." Cloud knew that he had said too much. Fortunately Barret only shrugged. Cat was still in the bag.
"I don't get you kids these days, damn serious about things like it's the end of the world. What are you seventeen? You got a long life ahead of ya, unless you're planning to marry that girl when she's of age I don't think ya should be here, you should go out and have fun!" Barret replied.
"Your right…I'm not sure about marriage…but I need to take care of her." Cloud ended the conversation with that.
Still, Cloud wondered if Barret suspected him of something. it was entirely possible, but nothing had ever come up at work for him to think otherwise.
Back to the job at hand. Cloud knew that he was going to be busy for a while, luckily for him, Tifa was the kind of girlfriend who was supportive, who came to cheer him on at rallies and such. Today he saw her sitting with Aerith, and Ellie near the stage. Tifa was not cheering but she was silently encouraging him with soft glances, which was enough for him.
He noticed one other thing, it was that Ellie Juno again and Ellie was staring at Johnny, Cloud rolled his eyes.
"Not again" Cloud mumbled, and yet he was slightly amused. Ellie still got her weekly crushes, Johnny must have been her "True love" of the week.. Cloud just hoped that Ellie would not try and say 'yoo hoo' to catch his attention, Johnny was on the ladder. If distracted Johnny could fall off, he knew his friend and he was easily surprised- which was probably why Johnny never competed in races.
"Hey Cloud!" Zack called him over "I'm gonna need you to carry in the big boxes, think you can do that buddy?" Zack patted him on the back. Cloud nodded and ran back outside, he had to head out to the junior building, that's where they had stored the big boxes. Those boxes had elaborate, yet miniature, steam punk racing models in them, decorations ordered by the dance committee do to the Motor Clubs insistence, so that it would add to the Gold saucer theme.
Cloud dashed out of the gym. He didn't have to look towards the stage to notice that she was looking at him, he knew that she would be watching him.
.
Tifa sighed happily, she was glad that things were going smoothly for everyone. Although she initially had felt immense guilt for the club having to decorate the dance, she like the club members had gotten over it. It was no big deal now. It seemed that everyone was having a blast here today, the dance might just end up being a huge hit.
"I would give anything to see Zack chase Wedge across the room again" Ellie giggled. Tifa laughed too, Aerith once again, gave Ellie one of her cutesy whatever smiles. Aerith loved Zack, and would never laugh about him unless he was there making fun of himself. It was kind of cute, Tifa noticed how mature Aerith and Zack were, despite the fact that they had child-like spirits.
Tifa was amazed by that. Tifa's eyes brightened as she thought of them one day being more than just high school sweethearts? Tifa thought it was entirely possible, Aerith and Zack had been together for a long time now. Maybe one day. When they were in their twenties. The pair would get married and have kids. Tifa sustained a girlish giggle. She was pregnant with her first child already, if one day Aerith and Zack should have children, then it would be Cloud Jr. bossing Zack Jr. around.
It was a cute thought, childish yes, but she hoped it would happen one day.
"Hey girls, i'm thirsty, let's go get something to drink from the vending machines" Suggested Ellie, Aerith considered it, and then looked over at Tifa.
"A Potion spray does sound good right about now." Aerith tilted her head to the left, her shoulder supporting her head. Tifa thought about it, she was kind of hungry, she could buy some snacks to settle her stomach cravings for a little while.
Baby was craving octopus, yummy...fried octopus. Liver too, and Roasted tomatoes with a side of carrots. Tifa's stomach rumbled silently, her baby wanted food now.
"Don't worry baby, I'll get you real food when we leave, I hope snacks will be okay..." Tifa thought while placing her hand on her stomach "Yeah, let's go guys".
A motor club member whistled as Aerith, Tifa and Ellie, began to exit the gymnasium. Ellie stuck her tongue out at whoever it was that did that, yelling about how rude it was to treat a woman like some sort of object. Ellie then promptly proceeded to turn in Johnny's direction to holler "Yoo hoo! Johnny boy!".
"Huh?" said a bewildered Johnny before the ladder shook, and the teenage boy went falling backwards, right into Biggs's arms. A loud thud later, Biggs was sprawled out on the floor cursing like a sailor who had stubbed his toe. While Johnny (who was blushing furiously) scrambled to get back up. Ellie coward in her place, she covered her face and grabbed Aerith's arm, pulling her out of the gymnasium as fast as her feet would allow her too.
"Johnny are you okay?" Tifa cried out from across the room. She had stayed behind to check on Johnny. He was still red in the face, but he gave her a thumbs up, meaning he was fine.
"Thank goodness" Ellie sighed in relief once they were outside, Ellie dramatically fell to the floor and wrapped her arms around Aerith's legs and began mock crying noises "I'm such a goof! I could have seriously injured him!." Ellie whined. Aerith laughed softly, supporting Ellie and encouraging her to get back onto her feet.
"Which is probably you why you shouldn't scream out yoo' hoo to the guys you like!" Tifa chuckled "Remember the last time you did that? Miller went flying into the school pool." Aerith and Ellie both laughed at that, Miller was a boy who had graduated last year, he was one of Ellie's former crushes.
"It's so cold out here..."Aerith shivered, her school blazer barely kept her warm, it didn't help that the stupid uniform was a skirt. Ellie agreed with Aerith.
"I want the rain to stop already, It's so annoying." Ellie mumbled. Tifa disagreed. The rain carried special memories for her. It was getting darker, looking up at the sky she saw that it was going to rain even harder. Tifa liked the rain though. The rain reminded her of that day, that certain one from a few months ago.
.
It was July 30th, summer was going to be over in two weeks. Anxiety that had not been there prior had arisen over night in many of those going back to school. Tifa was not one of those kids. She was happy about going back to Nomura high as a sophomore, she would be an OA again. But what made her look forward to all the homework,the screaming teachers, and even louder students; was the fact that she was going to see Cloud on a regular basis again.
The summer break had not been an eventful one for the brunette. Her father wanted her to attend a cram school to study for the next year during the summer break, it sucked that her break would be spent working with very little payoff. her father wanted her to be at her academic best, so that she could reclaim the top spot on the honor roll. Studying during summer break. That just screams fun, right?.
Tifa wanted to relax her cranium for just a little while, with Ellie on vacation, and Aerith living in Junon-her two best gal pals gone-Tifa had no one to hang out with. Except her loving boyfriend Cloud of course, but even going out with him was something she could not do unless they were super creative about sneaking around on certain days. Tifa's poppa drove her to and from cram school, and was forced to stay home to babysit her then fourteen year old step-sister. Tifa's poppa found it necessary for someone to keep on eye on Yuffie, whom had gotten in tons of trouble during the past year shoplifting at stores and even stealing from school, which basically killed Tifa's free time watching over the little thief.
Cloud and Tifa had maintained their relationship through cell phone chats. Keeping the other informed on what was going on in the others life. It was the only thing they could do to continue the relationship under the watchful eye of Tifa's poppa.
Until the night her parents announced their plans to visit Mideel, Where Poppa's sister lived. Tifa's aunt was to host a wedding for a child hood friend of Tifa's father.
Finally! A break from studying!
"You girls stay home and don't get into trouble okay? We'll call the house every day at 2 o clock or your cell phones if you don't pick up the house phone. So you girls take care, and we'll be back before you know it." Tifa's father kissed his daughter Yuffie on the cheek, who gagged. He did not forget to kiss Tifa as well.
"You are in charge of course" poppa had said to Tifa "don't let your sister get into my office" He looked over his shoulder at Yuffie who was getting reprimanded by her mother Noa. "I have several important documents about what school she is going too this year, If she finds out it's not your school she'll get very upset." Tifa nodded and her father patted the top of her head affectionately, like he used to do when she was a little tomboy.
Yuffie had the option of going to Nomura High school, like Tifa. But Yuffie had gotten quite rebellious in the past year; feeling the need to skip school to hang out with trouble makers, to loiter around the metro nine square. It was clear that Yuffie had no respect for authority. This was the reason why Tifa's father and step-mother began the process to sign her up for Tetra reform school for girls.
Tifa felt a pang of guilt, she was looking forward to going to high school with Yuffie. She had hoped to help her make better friends at Nomura, Yuffie was not a bad person. She just didn't handle authority very well, at least their parents strictness. Sometimes Tifa wished she was as ballsy as her sister, to just say to hell with this! i'm doing what I want, I dont need to study every damn minute of my life! But alas, Tifa was not her sister. Maybe that's why she covered for her so often, she in a way wanted to live a little like Yuffie. Maybe if she hadn't of covered for her so often she would have been going to Nomura instead of Tetra.
After her parents had left Tifa raced upstairs and called Cloud. He was happy to hear that she would be able to go out with him that evening; because there was going to be a race out in the plains. Tifa was more than eager to go. She herself was not a racing buff, she could not tell the difference between a Fenrir-XP 900 from a Skoll-800MP, but she loved to watch the guys compete in the races which were always fun and exciting! she loved rooting for Cloud who won a good amount of the races he entered.
When he came to pick her up, the loud roar of his fenrir could be heard all the way upstairs in her room, it was one of the few times that he had ever been able to pick her up in front of her house.
How he smiled then, closed mouthed as always. Cloud's closed mouth smiles were the best, the cutest in Tifa's opinion. Cloud was always so serious looking, with wistful blue eyes that seemed to look off into space, his eyes were always so heavy with some sort of concern. This same deep gaze he held in his eyes would often make Tifa stop on stare at him longingly, for his eyes penetrated her very soul. To the point where it made her stop and wonder what he was thinking about. Oh how she would have loved to be able to read his mind, to just see what thoughts raced around in his head.
"Where are you going?" Yuffie came running after her. Their footsteps making loud thundering noises as they descended the stairs. Once at the door, Yuffie took a good look at her older sister. Yuffie studied what Tifa was wearing. A pair of Black skinny jeans, and a blue v neck sweater, that fit Tifa's figure so perfectly.
"Are you going to a party?" Yuffie tilted her head and puckered up her lips "I wanna go!"
"You can't, Cloud only has enough room on his bike for me." Tifa explained, which made Yuffie look outside through the peephole on the door.
"It's not fair! I wanna go too! It's not fair that you leave me here all by myself!" Yuffie complained "What am I gonna do alone huh? It's too damn late for me to go anywhere alone, its dangerous this late!" Yuffie smacked the door angrily with the palm of her hand, folding her arms under breasts dramatically to show her disdain.
"Yuffie..." Tifa said her sisters name in a breathy voice. A wave of guilt overwhelmed her, she had not meant to offend the young Wu Tai girl.
"Just go, I don't care what you do!" Yuffie cried, and began to stomp towards the stairs.
"Wait Yuffie!" Tifa stopped the smaller girl, who looked up at her with fierce defiant eyes. Yes, she was a big misfit and probably deserved to stay home alone but she felt for her, Yuffie was lonely. "I'll make it up to you! I promise...you know if you want, you can invite a few of your friends over to spend the night." immediately Yuffie's eyes softened.
"Really?" That seemed to satisfy Yuffie.
"Yes but only girls!, I don't want to see boys when I come home okay?" Tifa added firmly. That was okay with Yuffie, because it meant she would be hosting a slumber party. Tifa and Yuffie's parents were just so strict, inviting more than one girl to spend the night in their presence was strictly forbidden. Yuffie had a lot of girl-friends, so it was a real treat to have all of them over for the night "You can even order a few pizza's,use the family card i'll tell dad I ordered them, but don't use the card on anything else! I wont cover for you on any other purchases."
Yuffie perked up, her eyes lighting up and the thought of a slumber party and as much pizza she could eat.
"Okay!I'll see you later then." Yuffie hugged Tifa, and they parted ways. Tifa let the door close on its own, it slammed loudly as she ran up to the gate which screeched loudly when she opened it to reach the sidewalk. Upon exiting her yard Tifa flung her arms around Cloud's shoulders, pulling him towards her tightly, she heard him laugh nervously as his own arms wrapped around her middle.
"Ready?" he asked her.
"Ready!" Tifa nodded her head excitedly. Cloud then gave her a second pair of goggles, after putting on his own goggles, Tifa made sure her arms were securely, around Cloud's waist. The Fenrir roared loudly as Cloud made a swift u-turn and sped off into the direction of the nearest freeway entrance.
One hour later. They were at the spot where the rally was to be held. Already there were dozens of spectators lined up by the starting point. Many with their own bikes marking the fifteen foot checkpoint line. Zack was there, Biggs, Wedge, Billy and Johnny too. A few other members of the motor club where in attendance. But no one else from school.
Tifa secretly hoped to see Aerith there. Even though she knew that her best friend had moved to Junon with her father, she had hoped that maybe she had come back to visit her mother during the rally. But Aerith was still in Junon, that was for certain. Zack looked pretty lonely even though he was surrounded by tons of friends, he still wore a proud and welcoming smile on his face, joking around and partying like nothing was wrong, even though it was clear that something was indeed eating away at him.
Johnny was doing his best to cheer up Zack but to no avail. Cloud tried too, again, no results. Zack was just so hurt by the absence of his girl, it was clear than that no matter what they did, that they would not be able to cheer him up. At least not on that day. Zack would later say to Cloud and Tifa that this night would be the night that he realized he had loved Aerith, that he had truly fallen in love and that she was the only girl for him, because he had dated girls who had moved out of town before-with those ending in break ups and him moving on. But losing Aerith was different, Zack still had Aerith's number, Tifa was sure that he was going to call Aerith as soon as the race ended.
"Ten minutes!" Shouted a short dumpy boy. All the racers competing quickly mounted their bikes and took their positions in the starting line. Tifa saw that Cloud and Zack were all the way in the back; they were the last two in the final row. Tifa looked on worriedly, she began to doubt their chance at making it into at least the top ten.
It was then that she noticed Cloud's eyes on her, he was smiling at her. Her faith in him was instantly restored, she knew that he would do it, that he would take first place and claim the prize money. He was the Crazy Wolf after all.
The count-down began.
10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1…
"Go!" A tall scantily clad girl shouted. The bikes then went zooming passed the girl. Off the riders went into the horizon, their lights fading slowly as a dust trail was left in their wake. The spectators cheered, although gone from sight. There were people monitoring out on the hills and Mountains, recording the competitors as they passed the check points. Tifa watched the action take place from Johnny's cell phone, someone was sending him the video live.
Both Johnny and Tifa gasped as they witnessed Zack crash into another biker, number forty six, Zack regained balance and sped past forty six. Tifa sighed in relief, luckily Zack was a great rider and had a firm grip on his bars and had not fallen off of the bike. The video stream than changed to a different human monitor, Tifa saw Cloud now. He was in the middle, the video quality was poor and taken too far away, but she knew that it was her boyfriend, he was the only one with spiky blond hair.
Tifa cried out when she saw three bikers come at him, each crashing into Cloud from his sides, just like with what had happened with Zack and number forty six. Tifa could only imagine the glare that Cloud probably wore on his face. She knew Cloud too well, he would be gritting his teeth, and would probably be scrunching up his nose, and he would gun it despite being boxed in. That was how Cloud rode, always at top speed and without mercy or fear.
How he managed to control his Fenrir at the outrageous speed he raced at was a mystery to her. Tifa gripped her knuckles tightly whispering the words "Come on Cloud" as Johnny began to sweat nervously, he was rooting for his pals, as were Biggs and Billy, Wedge had to back away from the phones he had grown too jittery.
"Come on Zack!" Chanted Billy, he was watching from his own phone now, Biggs cursed loudly, announcing that someone tried an unfair maneuver on Zack. This momentarily distracted Tifa and Johnny, both pissed at the fact that someone was trying to cheat and possibly injure Zack. Biggs assured them that Zack had zoomed past the cheater and the cheater had been knocked of course.
"Cloud's in the lead!" Biggs yelled suddenly, he saw it on Billy's phone. Tifa lit up inside, happy to hear that her man was leading the boys.
"They're coming back! Any minute now!" Billy shut his phone as did Johnny, the four than raced over to the sidelines, the seconds passed slowly as the four of them chanted for their pals. Out of the blue, the dirt went flying up towards the sky, and forty nine bikes came racing towards the finish line. The crowd cheered loudly.
Tifa ran towards the lines, she smiled when she saw the ringleader holding up Cloud's arm.
"Winner! First place Crazy wolf!" the Ringleader yelled out to the crowd which erupted with thunderous cheers. Zack came in second, but it was alright with him. Zack and Cloud exchanged congratulatory hand-shakes and hugged. In that masculine way that boys hug, with hands patting their backs proudly.
Tifa ran up and threw herself into Cloud's embrace, she was so happy for him!. Zack and the guys hooted teasingly
"We got us a free show!" Johnny added crudely. Which made Tifa and Cloud separate quickly; both blushing brightly. The race was over, but the partying was not. As always there was still a large group left behind, radios were blasting loudly, drinks were brought out and couples were dancing together, hugging tightly, a few couples were making out.
Since it was out in an open field outside of the city jurisdiction, there would be no cops arriving anytime soon to break up the festivities. Usually these parties went on until the wee hours of the morning, but neither Cloud or Tifa would stick around until then. After three hours, the two were ready to go.
Cloud and Tifa said goodbye to Zack and the gang, and began to head back into town.
It began to pour as they neared the city limits, Cloud slowed down so that he would not crash, he had never been in an accident on his bike, and he was not about to take any chances with his girl riding with him. Tifa's house was forty five miles away from the city border, his was only twenty nine miles away.
Cloud grimaced, the rain was getting heavier, He knew the roads would not be safe, they'd be extremely slippery, He hoped that Zack and the guys would get home safely. Cloud could not help but worry about Tifa's safety as well, this is why he was prompted to ask when they were at a stop light.
"My place isn't that far from here, You can stay with me until the rain clears...if it's okay with you?" Cloud asked her, his eyes innocent and not deceitful in any way. Tifa had never been asked that question, she had never been to a boys house before. Not on her own anyway. Back then, she had not thought of what could happen, what might occur if alone with her boyfriend whom she had been away from the whole summer.
Back then, it was just a simple innocent stop at his house to avoid an accident. If she had known what would happen between them after that night, maybe she would have said no.
Maybe.
Cloud had a garage door opener, his mother had just had one installed. Both carried a switch on them for their own convenience. Cloud pushed the button, guiding his roaring fenrir into the safety of the garage. Turning off the engine. The couple bolted from their seats on the bike.
"This way." Instructed Cloud grabbing Tifa's hand in the process. She had never been to his house before, It was interesting to see where Cloud lived. His place was smaller than her house, it was two stories, but not very roomy. he had only one living room in his house, two bathrooms, and there were only two bedrooms in the house. Tifa's house had three large living spaces, one a family room another a diner room for parties, and the last and game room for family game nights, with five bedrooms and four and half baths. Pretty upscale compared to Clouds, but she liked Cloud's house much more, it was cozy and warm, very friendly. She felt that upon entering the kitchen, Tifa felt her energy begin to drain suddenly. Shivering. Tifa brought her arms up to her chest; in a vain effort to warm herself up, she noticed Cloud do the same thing, except he probably felt a slighter draft as he had worn a sleeveless blue shirt.
"We should get out of these clothes." Tifa spoke up. Cloud turned in her direction sharply, shock clear in his eyes. Tifa brought the tip of her fingers to her pale shivering lips, her icy cold cheeks warming up slightly with a rosy pink blush.
"I didn't mean it like that!" she added quickly. Tifa had not meant for her suggestion to come off as dirty in any way. "I just meant...that we should change clothes, we could catch a cold." Tifa looked downwards.
She noticed one other detail.
The rain had matted their clothes so close to their bodies that the fabric now clung like a second skin, looking up Tifa noticed Cloud staring. She was wearing a blue sweater, and nothing else underneath except her bra, its outline visible now thanks to the rain. Tifa gasped and quickly covered herself, she berated herself in her head for not wearing that white spaghetti strap like she had originally planned on wearing, but it seemed alright at the time when she had dressed herself for the race, how was she to know that there would be a storm tonight?.
"I don't have any girl clothes...I think my mom's clothes would be a bad idea to take out of her room, she would notice. You want to wear some of mine? I have a pair of shorts that you can tie around the middle with the strings?" mumbled Cloud, averting his eyes away from Tifa's now form fitting clothing. From the tone in his voice she could tell that he was nervous.
"That sounds great." Tifa smiled at him, hoping that it would ease the tension somehow. Thankfully it did, Cloud relaxed his arms and facial expression.
"I'll just run up and grab them for you, wait here okay?" Cloud strode across the kitchen and into the living room. Tifa watched him ascend the stairs from the kitchen table. Tifa felt her heart speed up at the sight of him climbing that staircase in those wet clothes. He was a young man, with a wonderful body, Cloud was only sixteen soon to be seventeen, but his body was already maturing to that of a man, strong muscular arms. A well sculpted stomach, one that you could just stare at for hours and wonder if it was photo shopped or not.
He was just...for lack of a better term, and although somewhat shallow, He was just hot.
Tifa took in a few deep breaths, maybe it was the setting, The fact that they were alone did not help ease her mind. Upstairs. Cloud was scouring his closet and dresser drawers in search of the shirt and shorts he had promised Tifa. The shorts he had not worn in years, which is why he was so set on getting them for her. His mind was racing faster than his bike.
He had stared at Tifa's chest, really stared. Not that he had not before, it was hard not to notice how well developed his girlfriend was, but he had never seen her like that. He knew that she had noticed his eyes on her, and that made him nervous. Would she think less of him now? Cloud hoped that he had not offended her in any way-course she had a right to be angry if he had. Girls don't appreciate it when boys stare at their breasts. Well, most girls didn't.
Changing out of his own damp clothing. The blond raced back to Tifa as fast as his feet would carry him. The beautiful smile that glossed Tifa's lips warmed him up on the inside, she appeared grateful, so it made him happy. After she had changed, the two settled on the living room sofa. The rain had not yet died down, it seemed to be getting worse by the sound of the wind whistling outside. Their clothes were upstairs in the dryer. So all there was left to do was sit down and wait out the storm and the dryer.
After making a quick call to Yuffie. Tifa began to lighten up, Yuffie had her hoard of girls over already, so she was not alone at home. Yuffie assured her that there were no boys and that there were none heading over later on in the night, Tifa was relieved to hear that. She knew that Yuffie was telling the truth, for if there had been any boys over there or going over now-Yuffie would have been giggling on the line.
The two watched TV for a while after that. There wasn't a whole lot on cable that night, a lot of boring drama's and informercials. so they settled on a crime show that looked promising. It was not as good as either had hoped. Cloud ended up turning off the television.
Annoyed, Cloud slammed the remote down on a nearby table, and brought his left hand up to his head, he heard Tifa laugh, provoking him to sit up straight.
"Your so cute when you do that" by the dumb founded look that Cloud threw at her, Tifa knew that she had to explain. "When your frustrated, you run your hand across your hair like that. It's cute." Tifa said again, her lips curving into a big smile.
"Is that the only thing you find endearing about me? Do I not have any other qualities?"
"You have many." Tifa laughed softly.
Cloud shrugged, he smiled. He looked at her nervously his eyes focusing on her. He studied her, Tifa was comfortably resting her head on the sofa, her posture was relaxed with her knees curled up to her chest,her slim legs very visable to him because of the shorts, she looked really cute. Even with the oversized t-shirt that she had borrowed from him and the baggy shorts,she was still amazingly beautiful in his eyes.
Tifa was studying Cloud as well, she had never seen him outside of his street or school clothes, Cloud had changed into lounge pants and a black t shirt, with sleeves that hugged his well sculpted biceps. She had never seen him like this, so at ease…so comfortable.
"You-you look really pretty tonight Tifa" Cloud said suddenly, he pursed his lips together "I don't know why…but seeing you like this…it's just so nice."
"Cloud..." Tifa could not find a proper response "I'm so glad I'm here with you tonight" her eyes glosses dreamingly. What could she say to him? Maybe it was because of how out of the blue his comment seemed to be.
"Wish it hadn't of rained" Cloud tried to steer the conversation elsewhere, suddenly finding himself nervous once more, biting down on his lip to regain composure.
"I'm kind of glad it did rain, because now were here...together." Tifa said sweetly, Cloud touched her hand gently upon hearing her say this. His heart started racing.
"Y-yeah...we never really get to be alone, not like this." Cloud scooted closer to Tifa, who took in a deep breath as she moved closer to him as well. The two cuddled for a few minutes, his arm around her shoulder with her head resting on the crook of his neck her soft breathing tickling him slightly., her free hand she had on his chest, Tifa swallowed hard. They had cuddled before, but this time, it was very different.
Tifa always wished she was more assertive, maybe this is why tonight she initiated the first kiss. She moved her head up from his neck and kissed him on the cheek, not the most forward thing to do, but it had sparked something in Cloud. He put his hands up to Tifa's shoulders suddenly, backing away slighty so that their eyes were locked onto each other, their faces only a few inches apart. there was something different about the way Cloud looked at her this time, his eyes a totally different expression than usual, they were still soft, still kind, but needing.
Their was desire in them.
He kissed her, innocently at first. A second kiss followed,the third one Cloud touched her nose with his, the two breathing slowly. As if the two were catching their breath, neither fully realizing what this was turning into, before they knew it they were in one another's embrace, Their lips pressed together lustfully, kissing with such vigor and need that they fell back onto the sofa, the cushions softening their fall. Tifa's leg sensuously wrapped around Cloud's leg, pulling his body closer towards her own. Although this was all new to her, she had only seen this in the movies, She felt Cloud's shaking hands wander underneath her shirt as he trailed his kisses from her lips, to her chin, down to her shoulders. Tifa's eyes shot open in surprise, amazed that Cloud would be so bold as to go for second base, but she did not stop him, that tiny voice in her head did not seem to want to come in to play, to advise her by telling her that this was wrong, that they were too young.
Cloud's conscience didn't seem to want to come in to play either. Maybe that is why, they went as far as they did.
"Tifa..." Cloud sighed breathlessly from the heavy make out session, pulling away from her frame suddenly which disappointed her, Tifa's body missing his warmth already "I don't want to do this here..." he held her hand, Tifa knew what he meant. She could have said no, he could have too. But neither stopped to think of what would happen, instead they shyly walked upstairs together, hand in hand.
To where Cloud's room awaited them.
Closing the door behind them, The two stood still for a few minutes. Tifa stepped forward in front of Cloud, her eyes staring at Cloud's bed, her chest rose up and down from her quickened breathing. It was one thing to see it in the movies, but to actually live it was incredibly intimidating. She heard Cloud move toward her, Tifa felt his hand touch her shoulder. She turned to face him.
Tifa heard Cloud gulp loudly, he too was at a loss for words as she was. Shyly, Cloud reached for the hem of his shirt, his eyes looking down to the floor before pulling off his shirt, his hair ruffling from the action. Tifa gasped upon seeing him stand before her shirtless, his body being everything that she had pictured in her head. Cloud dropped his shirt to the floor.
Finding courage at last, Tifa reached for her own shirt and pulled it off over her head. she heard Cloud gulp once more, but Tifa was no longer afraid. She removed her undergarment as well, her upper body bare and exposed to someone other than herself. Cloud's eyes widened, never believing he would ever see her like this, and with this invitation he moved forward and took her into his arms, kissing her on the lips once more.
A sweet kiss, A loving kiss, clumsy explorations culminating to the most unforgettable experience in their relationship, one that neither had ever expected to happen.
It had been her first time and much to Tifa's surprise it had been Cloud's too. He had never told her that he had been a virgin too. It was awkward just laying there side by side. Neither had an expression on their face, perhaps they had both been stunned at how they had actually gone through with it. That they had actually done it, that it had happened.
Tifa half expected Cloud to send her out of his room, and out of his life forever. Cloud only looked at her, a tiny smile formed on his lips, she had smiled back at him as well.
"I love you." Cloud said quietly, as he held Tifa in his arms with his blankets covering them. Tifa's half closed eyes began to water, it had been the first time he had said those three little words to her.
"I love you too." She said happily.
They did not leave that bed until morning; long after the rain had stopped.
. .
A sharp nudge from Ellie is what ripped the brunette out from the past and back to the present. Tifa gave her a look that said: what's the big idea?. A forced Sixty degree turn answered this, and her stomach churned.
Tifa saw Cloud walking across the courtyard, the rain was beating on him but it did not seem to phase him in the slightest. The box he was carrying was covered by a thick white towel, as to avoid damage. Her boyfriend walking in the rain was not what urked her though. It was the girl running along side him.
Touching his arm...
it's done! -falls to a heap on the floor- between writing this, and going to work i'm exhausted, but i love my job, i get money tee hee!. I'm not quite sure how i did on this chapter, i kind of rushed it, grrr, me and my self harshness. I need to get started on chapter thirteen, though i have many wicked things written down alread for the next three chapters.
Loaf- you can email me now, I m so dumb, i forgot that i had blocked my email. Lol. It's um now, i 'd love to hear from you!.
Shade of the Raven- am that predictable? Teehee!. Stay tuned there is more suspense to come, mwhahaha! - cough- hahah! -smiles-
Dynasty Warriors- I don't think anyone likes Nikki or Jesse right now, but don't worry there gonna get whats coming to them. -evil grin-
XfamousXLastXWordsX- your very welcome! -smiles- I hope you enjoyed this chapter too, please review again, would love to hear what you have to say about the next few chapter i have planned.
XxKoeyxX-glad you love it! I didn't think anyone would find it funny as I did, but then i read your review! Your awesome!.
Ch0knat- -hugs you- your the greatest! Papayas rock too!. If you feel sorry for rufus, wait till you read the part I wrote about him at the dance, oh its awful! -grins evily-. Cloud and Tifa are going to face huge obstacles, as for them seperating... it could happen, but not in the way you think. I'm so ebil! I'm going to go read your story now! It's been so long!.
Lady of the night99- thank you so much Lady O!. I have a lot of plans for Cloud and Tifa, just hope I get to write it all down. Time is not on my side. -noooo!-
Kait- there is so much more I have planned for this story, lets just say, that if you hate Nikki and Jesse. Your going to want to beat up a certain person a little later on hahaha! Thank you for reading, i hope you enjoyed this chapter!.
Bookworm0492- heheh. It could be Yuffie (suspect n.1!) or Rufus (n.2) or quite possibly...Aerith! That person will be revealed at the end of the next chapter, and that person will be the only one who knows aside from one other person who just suspects something is wrong. Woo! The turks will be i ps thanks for pointing that out with Elena, better correct that!.
Spacegal9- finally back! I hope the chapter made up for lost time. It's awesome to see how into the you are, makes me want to keep this story going for a hundred chapters O . O . Jesse and Niki are getting whats coming to them, and Rufus...well just three chapters left till we get to that part. yay!
Rend- REEEEEND! -glomps you- where have you been? I've missed you!. I'm glad to see you back on FF . Net, and I thank you for your kind words they mean a lot to me. Please don't leave again, the site feels empty without you updating!.
Yanane-ShinRa- you just made me realize something...cloud is seventeen and a sophomore -dramatic music plays- how could i have missed that all this time? Aaaahhh!. I guess i'll have to go back and rewrite him as a junior and Zack and Aerith as seniors...-sigh-. Thanks for helping me realize that, I hope you enjoy the story and thank you so much for adding me to your favorites!.
By the way everyone! I'm on myspace! The link to is on my profile where it says homepage, it's set to private so you'll have to add me to see the actual page, and if you add me you'll be able to harrass me into posting new chapters with ease! Yay!
have a nice day everyone!
Love
Rina