Is This A Bad Time?
It's strange, really, how some things work out. How one minute you think you're the world's bitch, and the next you realize...hey, maybe world doesn't hate me so much. Hey, maybe, every now and then, after 'world' gets its laugh, they lift that plexiglass wall up and let me have a bite of that cheese.
...That...
That or I take my mighty freaking sword and chop that freaking plexiglass wall down with my bad ass mouse self.
Take that world...take that.
Whose the bitch, now?
And maybe, I shouldn't be thinking thoughts like this after the woman I love just confessed her love for me...
Well, she didn't.
No, wait...I mean, she did...she just didn't do it though.
...You know, I've realized something else. Even though everything that happened before Geostigma was serious, and awful...have you realized how much I've been through after Geostigma?
Well, boys and girls, it all started with a date.
Somehow, we've made it this far...
Here's a little recap:
I nearly busted my head open changing a light bulb, I compared Tifa to maps, I accidentally pulled the shower curtain on Tifa; I swear, it was an accident. I somehow managed to keep a secret from Yuffie, I managed a successful Valentine's Day, complete with kiss, I succumbed to nightmares, survived mini-Yuffies, read bedtime stories, had my girlfriend's underwear slung-shot across a full bar...with all best intentions, granted. I had cake batter thrown in my face, chased away scary customers, got related to the Turks' finest (That was a joke), got in a fight with Tifa, kissed Tifa in public, threw a surprise birthday party with two unexpected guests, an exploding banana, and a kamikaze cake.
I've spent the night in Tifa's bed, woken up to play a deadly game of hide and seek with Barret, hung out of my bedroom window in blue boxers (now ashes), got lectured by Cid Highwind, got embarrassed by Cid Highwind, got conned into proposing to Tifa by Cid Highwind, and Yuffie(not that I mind), squashed by Cid Highwind and Yuffie, managed to miss out on one of the best eavesdropping opportunities, witnessed the death of a penguin and Vincent getting attacked by Marlene, got conned into telling Tifa I love her (again, not that I mind), called Vincent Valentine a morbid clown, and threw up all over the place.
I unconventionally told Tifa I loved her, found the ring I bought so many odd years ago, lived through another Meteor anniversary, witnessed Tifa cry, asked Yuffie for help, and possibly ruined the biggest surprise of anyone's life, discovered I was the world's bitch, discovered Barret's taking things into his own hands, and discovered that Tifa, does in fact love me.
Now...I don't know, but I think that is a lot of bullshit to go through to get the love of your life to confess their feelings for you...
And she didn't even say it to my face.
She abandoned me not even a half a second after she said it.
She didn't even check on me when I dropped the crate, because, as I said earlier, it's strange how things work out.
It was very strange when, about a second after Tifa told me she loved me, the power went out.
Then the crate dropped, and the glass shattered...but then, there was an excuse as to why, other than the fact that Tifa had in fact just confessed her feelings to me.
It's amazing the little things you fail to notice when agitated.
Marlene screamed, whether from the glass breaking, or the thunder, I don't know.
"Cloud?! Are you okay?!" Marlene yelled from somewhere.
"Yeah, I'm fine," how did that come out without a squeak?
I sigh, the glass crunching beneath my feet as I turn. I've never been so grateful for steel-toed boots...else I might've been missing a few toes.
I glance up, hearing someone stumble back into the storage room.
It's Marlene, and its dark because there's no windows in the storage room, and the lights are out.
"Marlene, stay where you are," I say, eyeing her bare feet, "There's glass on the floor."
I see her jump slightly, and shiver, "So you're okay?"
"Yes, Marlene. I'm fine. Where's Tifa?"
"I dunno, I saw her come out of the storage room, but lost track of her when the lights went out. Clllooouuuddd, what's happening?" she whines.
Marlene is not a big fan of thunder storms.
To prove this point she squeals when lightening flashes from the bar.
"It's okay, Marlene...it's just a storm," I move quickly across the floor.
Mako, does wonders for your night vision.
"Come on."
She jumps slightly when I put a hand on her shoulder. It's amazing how dark it got so quickly. I swallow, it almost remind me of...
"Cloud..." she whines, clinging to my hand.
"It's alright, Marlene...let's go find Denz and Teef, okay?"
"Okay," she whispers, tightening her grip.
It's lighter outside of the store room, but still a darkness hangs in the air. Denzel's still sitting at the table, unperturbed, eating his lunch. I lead Marlene over, deposit her in her seat, and pat her head.
"You're okay now," I state, rummaging around for some candles.
"But Cloud! It's a storm!"
Honestly, I don't understand the child. Elmyra told me once that she just watched Meteor in pure fascination, not fear or anything...yet here she stands, frightened of a thunder storm...I don't get it.
I light the candles for the two, "Don't touch them. If you need more light, get me or Tifa..."
I glance around, "Denzel, did you see where Tifa went?"
Denzel glanced up at me, "I think upstairs...or outside...I don't know, she moved so quick out of that store room, I couldn't tell where she went when the lights went off."
"Stay here. I'm going to find her."
"It's not like she could've went that far, Cloud," Denzel states.
"Yeah, but, it's not like her to go running off because of a storm, Denz-el. Duh," Marlene snaps back.
Well, we all know why she ran off.
"Just stay here, please."
"Okay, Cloud."
I sigh, walking away. I'll check upstairs first. Sure, she isn't afraid of storms, but honestly, why would she run outside?
"Teef? You up here?" I'm surprised I'm acting as calm as I am.
I mean, the woman did just confess her love to me. Shouldn't I be elated or something? Shouldn't we be like, intertwined in hot passion or something? I mean, isn't that how it normally goes? Aren't you suppose to confess your love in like some romantic scene complete with bubble bath and scented candles? I mean, we've got candles, but they're for light...and as for bubble bath? Come on people...bath plus lightening equals bad news.
Oh sure, something will be hot, but it won't be passion intertwining.
'...I really...came back...at the wrong time...didn't I?'
...no...just your imagination Cloud. Ignore it. It will go away.
'Uh, no 'it' will not, and I'll have you know, I'm not an 'it', I'm a man...a big strong man!'
Oh my God...he's back.
'Yessire! I am! And what was all this about hot passion intertwining?'
No...oh no...please, someone save me!
'Zack, what are you doing?'
God it's both of them!
'Cloud, you okay?'
Guys, please...why are you here?
'Aw, Aerith, listen to him! He sounds so pathetic...course, judging by his earlier thoughts I can't blame him. Something that was suppose to involve hot intertwining passion did not happen.'
'...is this a bad time?'
Yes! No! I mean...dammit Zack, why couldn't you just keep your mouth shut!
I sigh.
Listen, I'm looking for Tifa. I have something to talk to her about–
'Hot intertwining passion?'
'Zack, shut up. I want to hear this.'
I need to find Tifa...can you tell me where she is?
'Sure. She's outside.'
Outside?! In this weather?
'Cloud, what did you do?'
Nothing Aerith! For once, it wasn't me, I swear.
'She did something?'
Yes! But not bad!
'How can it not be bad...you didn't get your hot intertwining passion.'
Oh make it stop!
'Zack...' Aerith reprimanded him, 'We'll come back later. Obviously you two have something to talk about.'
'But I wanna watch!'
'Zack!'
There was a sufficient Whack! And they both were gone. I was little shocked at how smoothly they came in. I didn't even realize it.
Course, I am a bit preoccupied right now.
So, down the steps, check the children, there they are, Tifa's patting Marlene's head, head outside, Tifa's patting Marlene's head...
Damn she is moving fast today.
She glances up at me, blushes looks back down, "Power's out all over the block."
So is that your excuse for going outside? Don't think you'll get away with this that easily, woman.
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. Don't know when it'll be back on," she's mumbling.
"Hey, can we take some candles upstairs to our room to play?" Denzel asks.
"But the storm will be closer!"
I don't get Marlene, really.
"Why don't you two bring some games down here, okay?"
Denzel nods his head, "Okay. Come on Marlene."
Marlene stands quickly, and Tifa hands her a flashlight I didn't even know she had. Denzel glances up at me as he rushes by, Marlene hot on his heels.
They both disappear upstairs, and I wait until I hear their door close.
And so we are left in one helluva awkward silence.
I mean it. Is. BIG.
But, surprisingly, I'm not quivering in my steel-toe boots here...I'm actually a little mad. And Tifa won't even look up at me, she's too busy cleaning up from lunch...a lunch neither of us have had.
I'm not very hungry now.
"Tifa?"
"Yeah?" her hands are shaking as she carries the plates over.
I'm there in three steps. I take the plates from her hands roughly, and set them in the sink, and turn back around in about two seconds.
I'm surprised she didn't run, course, she's probably surprised I'm reacting this way...or that I even heard at all.
My voice is firm, "You can't just say that and walk away."
She blushes even worse, "What are you talking about?"
She gives a nervous smile before turning to go collect more dishes, but not this time. I reach out and grab her wrist, not roughly...I don't want to hurt her, well, I mean, I probably couldn't hurt her physically by grabbing her wrist...if anything, it'd probably backfire and I'd end up with an assortment of bruises.
I mean like, emotionally, or mentally. Women, they're unstable creatures. You don't know what the hell is going to happen until it happens.
But I'm a brave man, and I'm grabbing her wrist dammit, and I'm not taking no for an answer.
"You know what I'm talking about."
"Cloud, stop being cryptic," she narrows her eyes, before jerking her wrist away.
Oh, oh no. Get your butt back here, woman.
"Now just hang on a second, Tifa."
"What?" she asks irritably.
...What if she didn't say it? What if it was just my imagination? What...oh my God. What if I just thought it up, and in the moment...what if?
She's marching away, up the steps. Hey! She didn't hang on!
"T–...Tifa!" I move quickly after her, blowing past the kids' bedroom.
She's disappeared into her bedroom, and I open the door quickly after her without knocking.
She whirls on me, a dangerous glint in her eye. Honestly, I'm fearing here people. Fear. Why is she so pissed off at me? Why does...why does she look so angry?
What do I do? She looks like she's about to jump at my throat and rip it out. What do I do?! What did I do?!
Honestly, why do my eyes have to glow in the dark? She can't see anything else, I know she can't. It's too dark for her, and I know she was just moving by memory. So all she's got to focus on here or my freaking neon-eyes here.
I swallow. Her glare really is unnerving.
Then she breaks the gaze and sighs, looking away. She starts to walk towards her bathroom, and she leaves me standing there.
I hear the shower turn on, a thunder clap, and the shower turns back off again. Even from here, I can hear her pacing in the bathroom.
I wait about fifteen minutes before she finally comes back out, now in her robe and slippers. She still can't see me, I can see her though.
Of course, at this point and time, it doesn't even register that she can't see me.
"Tifa."
She screams and flings a slipper in my general direction. Whoops. I don't think she was expecting me to still be here. The slipper hits harmlessly against the wall behind my head, and I cross the distance between us in a couple steps. I know she knows where I am now, but she still can't see me. This is dangerous waters I'm treading in.
"Tifa," it's almost a whisper.
I reach out, delicately touching her arm to let her know I'm there, and she doesn't even flinch. Lightening plays across the room, and she looks up at me, straight into my eyes.
"I love you," and it isn't me who says it.
"Yeah, I know," I reply before leaning down to kiss her.
It's a gentle kiss, and it's a new one, knowing now that she loves me. It's different, and it's the same, but it's better.
"I love you too."
A/N: Cue dramatic music! ...that was fun. Okay, so like, it's what chapter 38?!!?!?!! That's crazy you guys! It's great, but it's crazy! And as I'm writing this...467 REVIEWS! AHHH! I must be like, the luckiest cloti author ever. I LOVE YOU ALL! Okay, down to business now. Actually, my favorite line in this entire chapter was Aerith saying '...is this a bad time?' I dunno, I just loved it. Here comes the awesomeness!
Sabith: I was kind of worried if the awkwardness would be too overplayed, and thanks for reviewing so much!
Niktastic: dude! You've got to love the spiffy dog collar!
Calistar! You still don't know if Tifa heard! bwhaha...and I'm sure you're fighting the ultimate urge of squeeing once again. I was too earlier. Haruki can handle a good squee every now and then. Does the body good.
saegae: bwha! I'm surprised no one's realized it before.
Vin! Yes! You should've known! But I'll forgive you.
kikyo-hime: What do you mean how could I?! Cliffhangers are like, what I do. That's how I roll, don't cha know:P
Lavvy: Eh, I get that. Enjoy your cookies!
Janetelle: Dude, every now and then, like, I remember how sexy Cloud is...then I'm like...wow, Cloud IS sexy.
anime girlie! Yeah, I was like...that might be a bit much for a chapter title. still, glad you liked it!
onewingedangel! and so he does. Tifa had to run away first, but its all good.
Andalite: Dude, I'm going to love writing Barret's demise!
tri17: Oh yay! i'm glad you're letting me know what you think...just so I can prove everyone wrong in the end! Bwhaha.
Ghostly: I don't know...I guess it would be a bit startling to find one in your boyfriend's drawers...or it might not of been. But I couldn't resist.
numbertwo! OMAGAWD! CC TRAILER equals AWESOME. oh, I hadn't thought of that angle. Original! Nice job!
Iskra Revoir! ah, I have to make you wait until you can hear THE question! Where's the fun in that?! And you got another appearance of Mouse-Cloud. i want a mouse-cloud. OH! And for CC! Just go to and search for it. If you can't find it, I'll send you a link, no prob:P
zaz9-zaa0: I honestly can't see how cleri's want to seperate zack and aerith. They're TOO cute. And if you see the CC trailer, you totally understand that. Totally.
lisilgirl! oh don't hurt your computer! OMG, yes, I did want to know that. That is classic right there. I've seen those adds too.
kurokumo14: yay! Glad you love it, and Tifa was the first one...that's teh shocking part.
Sparx! hey! Tis alright if you don't review every chapter. I hope your school-soul theft problem is resolved soon, and I should be posting some new stuff this weekend. I still want to see the death of Pen-Pen...and maybe a mouse-cloud
Toons: okay, okay, I'll let it slide. I know, the poor wine...what a waste. Thanks!
elebelly! calm down! hee, it's okay! thanks!
lelapa17: I'm sorry I couldn't udate at that moment...but I tried to get it out ASAP
chierian9el: You STILL don't know!
Teef Lockhart: oh, I feel honored by your compliment! Thanks!
Rend! Well, did I succeed in getting better? Now I have an awesome excuse to go out and buy a PSP.
Zenbon! yes, it is a condom. I told you! XP