A/N: Hello everyone! ^_^

I decided to take a couple weeks break and really think my story here though, and figure out all the plot and stuff. So that's where I've been, if anyone was wondering. lol It helped a lot. So hopefully I won't dread the coming chapters as much. :D

As always, thanks for the favorites, alerts, and reviews. You're all the best. ^_^

Enjoy...

Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy VII or any of its characters.

Chapter Fourteen

Loz sat in the dark, watching the sky through the open window. It was peaceful out, nothing but a soft breeze stirring the night. The stars hung over Edge, the moon shone brightly beyond. The streets were quiet this late. Those who had been out earlier, who had caused a commotion, who has accused him, who had sent him running-they would all be gone now, tucked into their own beds, unable to harm him. Unable to hurt him...

He was angry. He had been angry all night, ever since that incident. He had done something good. What right did those people have to destroy his moment? He had been trying so hard since awaking again. He helped keep his neighbors in Nibelheim safe by fighting off the creatures around the town, he hadn't caused Vincent any trouble, and even now he was obeying him. He ignored the impulses in the back of his mind, and that ever-present voice that sought to control him. After doing so much, why did people have to treat him like he was a danger?

He felt a tear run down his cheek and quickly wiped it away. He could almost hear Yazoo scolding him, teasing him for his display of emotion. He hated the way that made him feel.

The lights in the room came on, making him turn to the open door. He faced Tifa, the woman's eyes wide with surprise as she beheld him in her room, tears on his face.

She didn't say anything, and he offered no explanation as he wiped the tears from his eyes, trying his best to look stable.

It was very late, but he was counting on the fact that she wouldn't turn him away. He was hoping she would realize that he needed her now, in one way or another. She would quiet his mind, and take away his pain, if only for a little while.

She left the door to stand before him, her hand on his arm despite how awkward she looked. She kept her gaze from his, but he could still see the sympathy in her eyes.

She did understand.

"It was a nice thing you did, helping that man," she assured.

"Does it matter?" he asked, his voice hardened over his lingering anger.

"It mattered to him."

Her words softened his emotions, let him think clearly enough to realize how beautiful she was in that moment. She was obviously tired, but looked as radiant as ever. The breeze touched her hair, causing it to dance softly. He reached out, letting the dark strands slide against his fingers.

Tifa took his hand, but not in the manner he wanted her to. She pulled it away from her face.

"Are you angry at me?" he asked.

She met his eyes for the first time, confused by his sudden question.

"About before? When we fought, and I took Marlene."

She thought for a moment, unsure how to answer him. He dreaded what she would say, but he needed to know. "I'm not angry, but it's hard to forget the painful things."

He grinned, softly and boyishly. "It's easier when you remember the better things, the happier things."

"I suppose so," she agreed, smiling lightly.

"I wouldn't ever hurt you, not any more. You know that, right?"

She nodded, the first glimpse of real joy in her eyes. "I know. You don't have to convince me you've changed."

She turned away from him, removing her hands from his arm as she approached her bed. There was pile of folded laundry there, and she began sifting through it, separating the clothes and towels into smaller piles. Loz took a seat on the other bed-Cloud's bed-and watched her. She didn't seem bothered that he stayed there, his eyes drinking her in. The silence was peaceful, her presence comforting.

"I want you, Tifa," he announced.

The words caused her to stop, the folded shirt held midair in her hands. She glanced his direction, but again, wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Even though I know I can't have you," he continued. "I know you love our brother, but it seems unfair. Didn't...Didn't Aeris want us to find each other? Otherwise, why would she bring us together, knowing it would make me feel this way?"

For the longest time, she didn't answer him. She didn't even know what to say. "Maybe she didn't know," she said, resuming her work.

"But she's our mother, she knows everything."

Tifa shrugged. "Maybe she knew we needed each other, just differently. After all, we'd both be dead if we hadn't found each other."

"But what's the point of living if you don't have a purpose?"

She turned to him, sympathy and pity in her eyes. "You have a purpose, Loz."

"Then what is it? I thought you were my purpose."

She made her way back to him, her hands on his head. He enjoyed her touch, as she softly stroked his silver locks. He lifted his sunken head, meeting the hope she was trying to convey through her eyes. "Don't worry. You'll find it."

He rose back to his feet, towering over her. He placed his hands softly on her arms, looking deep into her eyes and trying so hard to find what he wanted. He wanted to see his own feelings reflected back at him, even though he wasn't sure what those feelings were. He had never felt them before. He knew what it was to care for someone, but this...

This was different.

He stooped to her and stole a kiss, knowing she was likely to push him away. She might hit him, scold him, then send him from her room. He knew doing this might ruin the friendship they were building. But he needed this. He needed to feel her kiss one last time, even if she hated him for it.

But she did none of those things. She did nothing at all.

He slowly drew back from her, unsure of what he would see when he looked in her eyes. He expected to see anger, but there was none. He saw pity, and perhaps something else. Whatever it was, he could at least pretend it was the same feeling as his.

She didn't try to pull away from him, even as he loosened his hold on her. She remained looking into his eyes, until her gaze dropped to his lips.

He took her by the waist this time, daring to make another move. His lips were on hers again. He kissed her deeply, pulling her warm body against his, taking advantage of everything she was willing to tolerate. He was surprised when he felt her return the kiss. Her hands were on his strong arms again, returning his hold as she shivered in his arms.

She was afraid of this, ashamed of this. But he would make it alright. And even though he didn't know what his feelings were, he would show them to her.

Loz felt her withdrawing, and broke the kiss. He opened his closed eyes, the both of them taking in deep breaths as they remained in each other's arms. He could tell she was confused, but it didn't matter to him. He would make her understand, soon enough.

She turned from him and looked to the door, gasping and jumping in his arms. Loz followed her gaze, his expression going sour when he spotted Yuffie in the door.

The ninja's arms were crossed, and she was clearly displeased.

A/N: Oi. That chapter was difficult. I hope I don't regret it, and all the inevitable drama that will ensue. -_-

Please review. :)