A/N yay! Chapter 4 is finally up! This chapter was written almost entirely by the co-author of this story and I think she did a wonderful job. I will be working on chapter 5 and hopefully will have it up in a couple of days! Reviews are always appreciated! Enjoy!
Tifa could hear Zack talking on the phone to someone so she stayed in the tent, she sat with her legs crossed bored with nothing to do, 'I can't go out looking like this' she thought looking around at clouds things. After a while she stood up and began peeking through some of Clouds bags, he didn't have much belongings in his possessions he was very basic and old school. From looking for clothes her mind became preoccupied hoping to find a diary of some sort or any information on Cloud but she found nothing.
"What are you looking for?" Cloud's deep voice called out from the entrance of the tent. Tifa shrieked in surprise and dived into the tent bed, hiding her face under the blanket.
"I'm sorry to be so rude I was looking for some clothes to wear" She mumbled under the covers ashamed of her actions.
Cloud just watcher bewildered and smiled a bit then walked over "I got you a change of clothes, I wasn't sure what you like to wear so.. just have a look" he said simply. Tifa came out from the covers and just caught a glimpse of Cloud left the tent.
'what he hell! He just left?' Tifa raised a brow, tilting her head to a side . She hopped out of bed and noticed two tops, navy skinny jeans and converses. She heart Zack drive off, after peeking over to see no one was looking stripped down to her panties and bra and put on a light white summer top that came to her thighs, 'hmm this is short' she grabbed the jeans and was trying to put her left foot in but stumbled, she tried to hop and grab for anything for support but there was nothing in reach "AAHH!" she screamed and landed on the hard floor dropping some bags making a ruckus in the process.
Cloud burst into the tent searching the room only to find Tifa on the floor half dressed, he stopped in his tracks "Oh I'm sorry" he apologized and his cheeks flushed bright pink, "are you okay?" he asked scratching the back of his head, and she nodded. He stared at the mess sprawled everywhere, at Tifa and the ground not sure where to look then turned quickly to exit.
"Wait!" Tifa called standing up and tossing the jeans to the side, "why wont you talk to me? You brought me to a place that's completely alien to me, you want to kill my father not to mention my people.. Cloud you said I can trust you, why are do you ignore me so?" She asked with a mixture of confusion sadness in her voice.
"Look Tifa I'm not sure what will happen now.. I failed to complete a task" he began looking at the floor trying not to look at her when she notices a red mark on Clouds right cheek, she frowned and walked over to cloud. "So my father wasn't too-" he stopped what he was saying when Tifa stroked his throbbing right cheek, her cool light feather like touch calmed the throbbing. He couldn't help but look at her stand in front of him only in that top and her hair out resting on her chest, her bangs framing her heart shaped face. He eased his eyes as he looked down into her. but quickly snapped out remembering what his father said.
"Did your father do this?"
Cloud nodded, "this is nothing compared to what he could of done" He looked away from Tifa, letting her hand slip off him. "When I was young I was taught the hard way. There was one mission I will never forget, I was 18 and we were in a battle field, I was careless then and my men were slaughtered, we were out numbered and I didn't follow the commander, you see I wanted to be the commander, I guess I was jealous. I was made to cut my leg and stitch it up.. He was very light on me this time, my first mess up since that event" Cloud looked at Tifa's pale, shocked face.
"My father tolled me the Delian's are not human, that's why he trained me so I can watch my own back" she leaned back and raised her brow, "But my training was not as extreme as that!"
"You father is right.." Cloud mumbled. Tifa noticed Cloud tone was dry and motionless, she looked up at him with a mischievous grin. He met with her expression, "Why are you looking at me like that?" Cloud stepped back a little.
"Come with me!" Tifa grabbed his hand and ran out of the tent and towards the lake.
"Tifa! What are you doing?" He yelled trying to pull out of her grip but she was running so fast, she glimpsed back, her hair bouncing and freely flowing in the wind. She stuck out her tongue letting go of his hand.
"Catch me if you can" she said in a flirty tone and dived into the lake.
Clouds lips curved a smile, he threw off his boots along with his vest and ran in after Tifa, "Your gonna wish you never said that!" Cloud swam to the center of the lake at such a speed and looked around for Tifa but she was no where to be seen. "Tifa!" he called out wiping his hair back wards out of his face. Tifa jumped on Cloud from behind pushing him into the water, they both went under, Cloud turned around and tickled Tifa, her hair and clothes gracefully floated around her. Tifa could see how happy and free Cloud was already, no sound around them only the water. Cloud Touched a sensitive spot causing her to laughed so hard letting out too much air she grabbed her mouth, Cloud swam up to the surface with her both took a deep gasp of Air "That's what you get for teasing me" Cloud chuckled watching Tifa couch and laugh all soaked with water dripping from her bangs and her white top almost see through.
"Oh really?" she splashed water at Cloud and dove backwards, Cloud didn't wait around and swam after her, he dove deeper, pushing through the depth to slip under Tifa, he glided against her body stopping her in her swim. 'playing hard to get are we?' she thought as she watched Cloud swim in the deep water, "I'll show you hard to get!"
Cloud took out all his negative energy on swimming getting it all out so he could just relax and come up with a good plan. He swam to the surface again breathing hard and searching for Tifa, he saw movement form the cliff he turned to see Tifa under the waterfall, the water washing down on her, "Tifa..?" Cloud whispered with his eyes glued to her. Her clothes were stuck on her almost see through, she didn't take notice of Cloud gawking at her but she knew he was looking. 'keep looking boy' she giggled tilting her head back and massaging her hair, like she was in the shower. Cloud was now drooling, just watching her so memorized by her appeal. Tifa glanced over her shoulder at Cloud, catching his gaze and bit her bottom lip seductively. Every fiber in his being made attempts to repress the feelings that took over him in that moment, a feeling he simply couldn't describe. What was it about this girl that sparked his interest? Was he attracted to her simply because she was beautiful as well as his enemy? What ever it was, he could feel himself losing control over his composure. Something about Tifa made him feel at ease. Without a second thought, he swam to the waterfall and approached Tifa from behind and slipped a glove hand over her waist, the feeling of his hot breath on her neck sent a shock of sensation down her spine. Tifa found herself leaning into him, feeling his hard chest as the water continued to rush down onto them. Tifa's eyes fluttered closed and she let out a soft sigh as she felt Cloud's lips on her neck, Cloud relished the feeling over her skin against his lips and could taste her warm skin, feeling her pulse against his lips.
"Cloud" Tifa let out a pleasurable moan, Cloud ceased his kissing and held Tifa's waist firmly, his quick movements snapped Tifa out of the mood, "Cloud?" She asked turning to face him, "what is it-" She asked till Cloud placed his index finger on her lips.
"we're not alone" he took her hand in his and bolted out of the water, tugging Tifa along. Pushing her down with him they crouched behind a bolder. 'Has my father sent someone?' Cloud thought and he instantly hated himself for even going in the water after Tifa 'I should of known I'll have trouble controlling myself, I'm a fool around her as it is, what was I thinking!'
"I don't hear anything" Tifa whispered in Clouds ear, sending a small shiver causing him to tilt his head to the right.
"Tifa shh.. wait, who's that?"
"hmm" Tifa peeked over the bolder and Tifa's gaze was met with a familiar pair of emerald green eyes and auburn hair.
"AERITH!" Tifa jumped up and waived, Aerith's face lit up to see her friend safe.
"Tifa!" Cloud pulled her down behind the bolder, "What are you doing? No one can know you're here" He said firmly holding her shoulders.
"Cloud it's okay, Aerith's my best friend, I would lay my life down for her and she would do the same" the two locked in a gaze, "Cloud trust me.." she took his hand and revealed themselves from behind the bolder and walked over to the Tent where Aerith was waiting.
"TIFA!" Aerith ran over to Tifa and hugged her tight, "where the heck have you been! I was so worried!" She pulled away and observed Tifa and scanned her body to see if she's hurt, "Okay I'm confused, your feet is bandaged yet your half dressed, not to mention drenched" she looked over Tifa's shoulder to see a a dripping wet blond walk towards them. "Tifa?" Aeriths voice was shaky.
"Hey.." Cloud nodded at Aerith as he picked his boots and vest up.
"Aerith this is Cloud.. Cloud this is Aerith" Tifa introduced the two, they sat around the fire drying off, Cloud and Tifa explained the situation to Aerith.
"So what do we do now?" Aerith sighed trying to take in all the information.
"It's important we get those scrolls Aerith, please will you help us?" Cloud pleaded.
"And what of Tifa? Why does she have to tag along?" Aerith argued.
"Hang on.. Cloud what did your father say this morning, when you went to see him?" Tifa frowned a little looking directly at Cloud.
"He just wants the scrolls" Cloud lied, then looked at Aerith "Tifa is precious to us, we wont hurt her.. I wont hurt her" He looked back at Tifa, looking vulnerable sitting by the fire, he felt that same feeling as before rush over him and the urge to wrap her in his embrace came to his vision, but the thought of his father filled his mind and he shifted his gaze from Tifa to the burning fire. "After I get the scrolls I'll leave you Tifa and you can go back to your father" Cloud lied.
"Cloud?" Tifa tilted her head slightly looking at Cloud, "are you sure?" She asked, she was shocked, she did want to go home, but something in her shuddered at the thought of not being at Cloud's side but he didn't seem to react. 'who am I kidding he's a Delian, I guess I was wrong about him,. I gave in so easily!' She cursed herself. Tifa looked away and took a deep breath finding inner strength to move on, "Aerith we'll need your help to get into my house.. Father mustn't see us" Cloud stayed facing down but looked at Tifa, he could see she's holding in her tears and playing tough.
"I'll do my best Teef!" Aerith smiled positively, "I'll ride back in my moped and the two of you can travel on Cloud's bike but stay well behind so I can check where Master Zangan is and distract him" She suggested.
"Yeah good plan" Tifa smiled standing up and heading to the tent, Cloud watched her and felt things weren't right. He followed her to the tent but heard clothes shuffling and assumed she was changing so he began preparing to leave.
"Wow Teef you look great!" Aerith stood up and ran over to Tifa.
"Gee thanks hun" Tifa blushed, she and Aerith walked over to Cloud who was sitting on his bike just doing a few checks, he turned to see Tifa dressed in the clothes he got her earlier. Her hair was out as usual, her left shoulder exposed from the shoulder drop gray top that came just on her navel but she wore her vest underneath with dark blue skinny jeans and black leather boots that were knee height with a three inch heel. "All ready?" She asked Cloud smiling putting aside all that's happened.
"Uh yeah" he said nervously scratching the back of his spiky head. Before he could react Tifa jumped on behind Cloud, "I guess we should get going" She said wrapping her arms around his waist. With that Cloud turned on the engine. Aerith led the way to Tifa's house. Cloud felt Tifa's warmth on him, it made him feel at ease, knowing she's safe and with him, clips of the lake with Tifa played in his mind 'why does she make me feel like this? I over analyze everything..' he remembers how he just let go and for once in his life he had fun, did something without a plan and something about it felt good. Cloud sped up a little and Tifa tightened her grip on Cloud, he could feel she was scared. It made him feel a little at ease.
'I've never been so confused in my life!' Tifa shouted silently to herself and buried her face into Cloud's back breathing in his scent and taking in the last few moments she had with Cloud before they parted forever. Tifa was scared for the safety of her father, lost of not knowing what will happen next, confused and sad because as much as she wanted to go home safely to her father she didn't want to leave Cloud.
Finally they reached Lydia, Cloud and Tifa waited in the woods looking out for Aerith's all clear command.
"What if we don't find it?" Tifa asked in a low whisper.
"It should be there.. we'll go straight to areas he keeps private from you" he held Tifa's hand and ran towards the house as Aerith walked out the door and through the village with Master Zangan. "Come on we have to be quick" the two climbed up the tree and onto Tifa's balcony, Cloud grabbed Tifa's waist and helped her over the wall of the balcony.
"Thanks" she fixed her self and both ran into the house, Tifa's room was all tidy and her bed was made, Cloud pictured that moment on the bed they shared just the other night but snapped out of it when Tifa turned the knob of her door. Though Master Zangan wasn't home they were still careful, both ran to Zangan 's room and searched high and low.
"Cloud, I knew it there's no scrolls, I grew up with him, he doesn't hide anything from me.. I played in here when I was a child, I think I would remember scrolls." She said in frustration looking through her fathers possessions.
"Stay focused Tifa, think. Are there any hidden rooms you can recall from childhood, something you may have been to young to recall?"
"what... no Cloud, that's silly.." Tifa's thoughts trailed off as she failed to complete her sentence. "Wait.." she ran back to her room with Cloud running behind her.
"Teef?" Cloud asked when they came to Tifa's bed side.
"Cloud help me push this" the two pushed Tifa's bed and after it was moved, they came across a small handle.
"No way.." Cloud smiled, finally some result. Tifa crouched down to pull the handle but to no avail; it was locked.
"No it's locked!" she looked up desperately at Cloud.
"Come on Teef think" he sat next to her and cupped her face, "where could the key be? did your father give you any necklace maybe?" Tifa was given many keys but wasn't sure which key it could be.
"I don't know" she sighed and dropped on her bed "ouch" she landed on something hard under her pillow, turning on her elbow she revealed her diary. "of course" she said brightly and a key dropped out form the middle of the book.
"Yes!" Cloud kissed Tifa's cheek in excitement and practically ripped the key from her grasp. The small door creaked opene to reveal a small room, it hadn't been used for years, it was set up like an old little girls tea party room with small plastic cutlery and old stuffed toys. "Whoa this was your play room?" Cloud asked peering through and Tifa leaned on Clouds shoulder looking in with a soft smile remembering back to her old memories in this lost room. Cloud and Tifa both went in looking around, they had to crawl as they were too tall to walk in there.
"I don't know Clou-" they heard a door close downstairs
"SHIT! Come on Teef hurry!" Cloud stared at Tifa with a look of anxiety.
"I don't know where it is!" Tifa searched all around her, in boxes and she shuffled through the dust covered toys. She could sense Cloud's growing impatience.
"Forget it, lets go.. they're not here" Cloud was about to crawl out when he noticed Tifa still searching, "Teef! come on, were gonna get caught!" he grabbed her arm, yanking it in his direction.
"No Cloud we're so close" she gave into him and turned around to crawl out when she dropped the teddy bear, it made a heavy thud. "dammit!" she let out in gritted teeth.
"Who's there?" Master Zangan called from downstairs.
"Ahh Cloud lets go!" Tifa hurried Cloud trying to push him out, he was reaching for the bear as he grabbed it Tifa landing on top of him. Tifa leaned to a side with little space between them and Cloud ripped the head off the teddy revealing four golden scrolls.
"finally!" Cloud said excited, exhaling a sigh of relief.
"Who's there!" Master Zangan called out again, his voice becoming louder and more clear as he crept closer to Cloud and Tifa's location.