Um...Surprise?

I lightly wonder if she had any idea where we were going. She doesn't show a surprised look, or really any type of emotion as we enter the church. I know she use to come here some, to visit Aerith...just like I did sometimes. I figure we can do this together...granted, I won't be speaking aloud like I sometimes do...I mean, some of the things are about...

Well, ...I...hmm, I just needed some womanly advice...okay...that's all.

Tifa kneels by the pool and drapes her fingers in, and the ripples spread out. There's a few flower pedals floating on the top of the water, and flowers around the edge of the pool.

"I was wondering what we were going to do..." Tifa starts softly, "I'm glad this is it...it's been a while, too long..."

She doesn't say anything else, and I don't respond. We each need to speak...it's not that I wouldn't share anything with Tifa, I mean, that's why she's here. It's just the silence of the church is to peaceful to be broken.

So...how've you been? Listen, before you scold, I know it's been awhile...I've just been really busy...and I brought Tifa...

...awkward silence...

Yeah, I know, I know...stop making excuses...

'You're really something, Cloud Strife.' A voice responds, and I smirk.

Always trying my best.

I don't know how long we spent there, speaking with her. I remember glancing at Tifa once, though, and seeing a shy smile and blush on her face as she stared at a flower.

Can you tell me what she's saying?

'If you're so curious, you should ask her yourself...now what was it that Yuffie called you again? Tiger?' She giggles.

Oh ha ha, very funny. Listen, we need to get going soon, make another stop...well, before, ya' know.

'I do, go...he'll be happy to see you...and don't forget my delivery.'

Yes ma'am.

I can practically feel the air in the church smile, and Tifa stands, a big grin on her face. She looks at me, still smiling, and my knees go to mush. She walks towards the edge of the pool and pulls a small pocket knife from her pocket. Kneeling down, she clips off a few flowers and we leave.

We stop half way there and eat the small lunch she's made for us. We don't feel the need to speak, it's nice just to enjoy each other's presence. After all the time I was missing a year ago, I don't mind just sitting with people. I enjoy people being there.

...Well, not all people...but you get the idea.

When we reach his sword, I see it's sort of careened to the left a bit. I straighten it, pulling it from the earth, and then stabbing it back in again. Tifa walks up, the flowers she protected on the ride over in her hand. She reaches up to her arm, though, and unties the pink ribbon. I watch, curious, as she kneels, laying the flowers on the ground, and ties the yellow and white lilies together with the pink strand. She looks up and smiles, and my heart warms. She stands and walks over to the sword, placing the small bouquet up against the blade.

"Something else..." I whisper quietly.

Tifa watches as I walk up to the sword, untying my own ribbon, Tifa will make some more for us when we get back to the bar. I tie it to the top of the hilt in a bow...not a shabby bow either, looks pretty nice for a swordsman, I must say.

'Oh quit bragging you egotistical moron, it's not that great.'

That was quite the welcome. Here we are delivering you a present from your love, and you call me names...how rude.

'I'll have you know I've tied much better bows than that load of crap.'

I think someone sounds a little bitter.

'Ah, bite me...so how things going?'

I roll my eyes, just like Zack to insult and act like nothing has happened.

'Today's the big day, huh?'

Yeah, she doesn't even have a clue...she doesn't, does she? I mean, she's not saying anything suspicious or suspecting, right?

'Calm down, Tiger.'

Crap.

'She's not saying anything that should result in paranoia on your half, worry wart.'

Good...you don't talk to Tifa like this, do you?

'Of course not! What do you take me for? You? She's a lady...you, you're just...well...I haven't figured that out yet...how bout we settle for freak of nature?'

I roll my eyes.

Really letting it fly today? Gee, thanks.

'Sorry man, gotta make up for lost time, shortie.'

...I know you did not just say that.

'Do you prefer that or cross-dresser?'

I am so glad Tifa is kneeling right now, and can't see the blush on my face.

'Heh, yeah, Aerith told me all about that one! And Tifa's reiterating on her behalf right at this moment!'

I glance over at Tifa, and sure enough, she's got that smile on her face...that smile that only means one thing: picturing me in a dress.

'Well, it's not like she had to leave it up to the imagination. She's already seen it, I on the other hand have to completely imagine you in a -

Okay, enough of that, just stop.

'Whatever...Anyways, listen, you two have fun tonight, and good luck. I'll be with you all the way, and so will Aerith'

Thanks Zack.

'Hey, Cloud...you do know I'm just picking on you, right? I don't mean it, really.'

Hey, you said it yourself before...we're friends, right?

'Right...yeah, um, you might want to check the time.'

The time? Huh?

...Oh...oh no...I'm dead...Why didn't you tell me earlier?!

'Sorry! We were having a moment!'

A moment? You were making fun of me!

'Now, Cloud...'

Oh, shut up. I'm not talking to you.

'Technically you weren't talking to me earlier, and me being the bad ass I am, read your mind.'

Get out of my head.

'Yeah, I'll shut up now.'

"Tifa...We need to go."

"Hmm? Okay." Tifa stands.

"Bye Zack." She gives a small wave to the sword.

Yeah, bye you son of a-

'Think happy thoughts.'

I don't even remember getting on Fenrir. All I know is that I'm dead. D-E-A-D dead. That might as well be my name. They're going to kill me! Not only are we late, but they had to move that beast. Damn...they'll kill me! What do I do? Maybe I can hide behind Tifa. They won't hurt her...but me...

Yep, I'm dead.

"Cloud? Cloud!"

"Hmm?"

"Think you're going fast enough?" Tifa giggles into my ear.

No, we can't go fast enough to keep them from killing me.

"Yeah, I guess..." But I'm not going to slow down!

Tifa just giggles again, but doesn't say anything about the speed again. As we pull up to the bar, I get off stiffly. Tifa giggles.

"What's wrong with you? You really seem uptight." She squeezes my arm. "You okay?"

"Yeah." Damn squeaky voice.

"Did your voice-

"Yes, it did. Let's go." I place my hand on the small of her back and lead her in.

That's when it hits me as she turns and kisses me on the lips, opening the door knob.

There's a shout of surprise, and Tifa looks up, caught off guard. She's should be smiling, but she's just blushing furiously, because the gang's all here.

I don't know who is more surprised:

Tifa for her surprise birthday party...

Or the gang for finding out that Tifa and I are a couple...

Yeah, they didn't know...so you guys just figure that out on your own.

'Actually, I already know...and they're just surprised that they didn't have a hand in it...except for Yuffie of course.'

Zack?

'Yep?'

For the last time, get out of my head.

'Does it help any at all to know that this will delay killing you? I mean, they do want answers.'

I hate you.

A/N: that was quite the compliment Rend...thank you...did you guess correctly? Okay, before any of you tell me that there was no flowers left at the end of the movie, it was just a freaking big pool...bite me...just go with it, kay? Good, thanks...and I know Aerith and Zack random talking in head probably doesn't seem very healthy in the real world...good thing it's not! And before you ask, why didn't they speak sooner? We'll just save it as special occasions...yep, that's it...yeah, just go with alot this chapter...heh, author liberty...that's what we'll call it...that's all...thanks for reviews and love! Expect other story updates sunday/monday...kay? later loves