Sandy Thoughts

I've been thinking…yeah, I know, shocker.

But I have been thinking, about a lot of things these past couple of hours. I don't know if it's the sound of the waves crashing on the beach, or the skin-numbing sun beating down, or the fact that Bikini Tifa is no longer in my line of vision, but at least one of these things has triggered the inevitable flow of thoughts.

Damn you stupid sun, putting me in a contemplative mood. How is it that I can never really relax? I mean, I know Tifa is; she fell asleep about twenty minutes ago. But I can't…instead I have to think.

I've done a lot of thinking for a man my age…I mean, I've been through a lot. Sometimes, it's easy to forget the things I've done, and have had done to me. Sometimes…it isn't. Sometimes they hit me out of the blue, a random object triggering an onslaught of memories. Lately though, they've been better memories, things that have happened as of the recently. Sure, some of them are kind of sucky (kilts) but, they're better than other memories.

I remember when I was a kid, my mom would talk about saving up to go on a vacation to Costa del Sol. She never made it, as far as my knowledge goes. I don't know if she ever went to Costa del Sol in her life, and it was one of her dreams. I sometimes think part of my reasons for leaving her, was to make our dreams come true…that…that somehow through SOLDIER I could get her to Costa del Sol, that I could make her happy, and take her from a town that forsook her. I wonder sometimes, if my mother really actually did anything to get the treatment that she did… I know that parents aren't saints that we make them out to be as a child. I know that now, because I'm faced today with being a parent (or something like that) and I know I'm not perfect, nor am I sinless.

I almost smirk, because it's thoughts like this that a year ago that would've driven me to Aeris' church. I know Tifa thought I spent my time there just because it was Aeris' place, but it wasn't just that. I mean, it was part of that, but it was also the fact that the church is just so out of place in Migar's ruins as it was when Midgar was still standing. It kind of felt right to be the outcast man in the outcast building…the building already damaged when I first arrived there…the building with flowers…the building that actually gave peace in a city full of hate and sin.

Still, I can't help but think how I possibly left what I had going for me sometimes. I understand the reasons behind it, and I don't…I think my brain and my heart like to fight.

'Someone's being sentimental today,' she says in a sing song voice.

Hey, I'm really just a big softy on the inside. You just have to get past the iron clad walls.

But that's a toughie. Grr.

'Please. You know, I've heard the phrase Bikini Tifa today more times than I care to count…really friend, I know she's…well…I know she's…well...she's...well...'

Zack…you might want to watch what you say.

'Oh, Aeris just knows I'm flattering your girlfriend.'

'Fiancé, and I think he wasn't talking about me. I think he was talking about himself.'

Bikini Tifa…joy.

I can't help but glance over, spotting the darkened image of Tifa stretched out on her towel from beneath my sunglasses.

'I hope you get raccoon lines.'

What?

'You know, tan lines of your sunglasses. You'll get this crazy ass white line across your eyes…it'll be freaking hilarious. I mean, since you aren't bald anymore, the wedding pictures have to be embarrassing someway.'

I'm wearing a freaking kilt. How much more embarrassed are we talking here?

'Oh, but that's just the price to pay.'

Pay what?

'Why, the meeting of Bikini Tifa of course.'

My eyes travel back over to Tifa…dammit he's right.

I take off my sunglasses, and sit up slowly, careful not to disturb Tifa.

'What are you doing?'

That reminds me…

I reach over, digging through my pants I wore out to the beach. I rummage through my pockets a bit before finally finding what I'm looking for. I pull out my cell phone, and flip it open, scrolling through my options.

'What is he doing?'

'Hmm…he's a genius, that's what he's doing.'

'What? Wait, did he make a song out of Bikini Tifa? Is he singing a Bikini Tifa song? Man, I'm glad she can't read his mind.'

Ah, here we are. Okay, let me line her up.

Oh wow, perfect. She's got her head lolled off to the side a bit, lounging luxuriously in her white bikini.

Sweet!

I press the button on my phone, and I now have a new wallpaper. Forever shall I have Bikini Tifa with me. It is a glorious day indeed.

'I told you…genius. He's having dirty thoughts…sandy thoughts.'

'You two are such pigs.'

We're men…it's how we function on a day to day basis.

'You know…marriage is more than bikinis.'

'How would you know? You've never been married.'

Aeris sighs, 'It's just something for you to think about.'

I know…okay…I know marriage is a big responsibility, but I think we can handle it. I mean, granted life hasn't been that serious lately…or at least, the level of serious I think we've become accustomed to. I mean, think about it…we have been living a rather easy life. Sure, we work hard, but…it's almost normal. It's strange, weird, but it's a normal life. If we've done all the things we've done together, I think we'll be okay with marriage. I think we can handle it…definitely.

'You just destroyed your man moment.'

You know what? I don't give a damn, porcupine ass—

"Cloud?"

I start, glancing down at Tifa.

Yes, Tifa…she isn't Bikini Tifa…she isn't my fiancé…she isn't my love; she isn't the woman I live with and adore.

She's all of those…and it's…normal. It's strange, but it's normal for a man to love a woman.

'Now that was a man moment," Aeris says proudly.

"Cloud, what's wrong?" Tifa sits up, leaning close to my face.

"Er…"

She tilts her head, smiling in confusion, "You're just staring…why'd you take off your sunglasses?"

"Er…Raccoon lines."

She giggles, "Right," then her eyes widen, "Oh! I've got a surprise for you."

I raise an eyebrow, watching with interest as she scrambles to dig into her bag she brought out with us.

She rummages around, "Close your eyes."

I begin to ask why but she cuts me off, "Just do it! It's a surprise!"

I sigh, and comply, listening to her rustle around some more. It's another few seconds and she giggles and says, "Okay…open them."

Good lord, it's better than Bikini Tifa.

It's Tifa in a blue dress; one that hugs her hips, and flares out around her knees…Tifa with a big, white sunhat, and no shoes, standing in the sand on Costa del Sol.

God, it's Tifa in a blue dress.

Before I realize it, I reach out, grabbing her hip and pull her down. She lands on top of me in the soft sand, and her big, floppy hat blocks out the world as I kiss her.

She giggles, muffled up against my lips, "Geez…if I'd known I'd get this reaction, I'd have gotten this sooner."

I smile against her lips, feeling her hands reach around to find mine. Her fingers close over my phone softly (crap) and she pulls back, lifting up my phone.

"Why'd you have your phone out?"

"Uh…" I reach out to stop her, but she flips it open.

I watch as her jaw drops, and she turns red. Crap! I turn my head away, averting my eyes, waiting for the scolding.

Instead, she falls up against my chest, knocking me back into the sand. Her dress is soft, smooth, and my hands slide across it easily.

"Ya know," she says, pillowing her head on my chest and running her hand through my restored hair, "I think you need a trim, chocobo butt."

A/N: Good times. I'm glad everyone aproved of Cecil XD. This was a quick update, a little short, but I think it's such a cute chappie. I want to thank you ALL so much for reading this story. We've passed teh 900 mark, and I'm so happy everyone enjoys reading this as much as I enjoy writing it. It was a rough night (I fear a friend will be in deep trouble for lying) but I managed to squeeze this out...and yes, Cloud's hair saga is over. Short, but oh so sweet. I love you all! I hope everyone who's ever read this sticks around to the end...it'll be a while though, so I hope you're all in for the long haul.

I love you!

Teh Horkster