AUHTOR'S NOTES: hi again, after uploading the last chapter I realised just how damn short it was. So I decided to upload this chapter to make up for it. I think the action really kicks in here and i'm extremely proud of this one one. Again reviews are welcome.
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Night had just fallen when Cloud finally came out of the shower. He hurried to his closet and began rummaging through it, looking for something decent to wear.
"Cloud, what ARE you doing?" His mother asked from the doorway.
"MOM!" Cloud thundered. Grabbing the door and using it to cover himself, he cowered at his mothers smile. "Haven't you heard of knocking?" He demanded.
Mrs Strife tittered. "Cloud, I changed your diapers, potty-trained you and taught you to bath yourself! Believe you me, there isn't anything under there that I haven't seen yet!"
"Yeah, but that was- I dunno- ten years ago?" Cloud yelled. "A lot has changed since then, Ma!"
"Oh I believe you," Mrs Strife said, as if they were discussing the weather. "You still haven't told me where you're going," she said reproachfully.
"I told you, I'm going to a friend's house to hang out!" Cloud said in exasperation.
"Have I met this friend?" Mrs Strife asked.
"No."
"Will this friend's parents be home?" She pressed on.
"I really don't know, Ma. What's with all the questions?" Cloud shot back.
Mrs Strife just gave him another look. "Cloud, I understand that you are no longer a child. And I realise that I can't force you not to go, but I just want you to remember that I care and worry about you. You're an adult and I trust you to be responsible and not get up to any mischief," with that she turned and left a very confused Cloud in his room.
What was that all about, he wondered. He shrugged, women were crazy, they had moods. This was probably just his mom having menopause or midlife crisis, or whatever those weird women's magazines called it.
Finally, Cloud looked at himself in the mirror. He was sort of pleased at himself. Yellow hoodie and blue jeans with white sneakers. Not bad, although it did clash a little badly with his hair, but it was the nicest thing he managed to find in his closet. As for his hair, it was hopeless. As hard as he tried, he just couldn't get it to lie flat. Win some, lose some, he figured.
He was about to sit down when he felt his phone vibrate.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Cloud. It's me! I'm outside your house right now. You ready?"
"Aha, I'll be right down. Just gimme a second."
"Okay!" Tifa said before hanging up.
"Mom, I'm going! My ride's here!" He called as he hurried down the stairs.
"Okay, Cloud," his mother replied from the sofa. "Try not to be home too late," she said standing up to give him a kiss.
"I will," he promised, pecking her on the cheek. Cloud may have tried fitting in, but he loved his mother and wasn't ashamed to show it.
An impatient hoot sounded from outside.
"You better get going," Mrs Strife said with a smile. "Your ride's waiting."
"Yeah, see you Ma!" Cloud said.
Cloud hurried out the door towards a crimson sports car that had pulled up next to his house.
"Hey, Cloud watsup?" Tifa asked from the driver's seat.
"Hey, nothing much and you? Wow this your car?" Cloud asked in awe.
Tifa giggled. "Yeah, it's my dad's latest toy! He got it to play around with, but said I could use it for the night."
"Wow," Cloud said again as Tifa pulled off. He had expected her to be the type to really push the pedal to the metal, but instead she drove easily, keeping to the speed limit.
"So, you live alone with your mom, no dad?" Tifa asked, as she weaved through the crowded Midgar streets.
"Uh yeah, how'd you guess?" Cloud asked.
"You obviously love her very much, generally kids without a dad only love their mothers that much," she answered.
"Oh," Cloud said. "Your parents still together?"
"Nope, my mom died when I was eight," Tifa answered in a matter-of-fact tone as she took a turn into a new neighbourhood.
Cloud couldn't believe it. They had known each other for a few weeks now, but had never spoken about this ever.
Evidently Tifa was thinking along the same lines. "Weird, huh? That we never knew that about each other? And we've known each other for a while now."
"Yeah," Cloud replied. "Just what does Cissnei's folks do?" He asked in wonder, looking at the really posh neighbourhood Tifa had pulled into.
Tifa giggled. "No one's really sure. A few rumours say that they worked as assassin's for Shinra!"
"What? Seriously?"
"Yep, it's probably not true though. They're probably just wise investors or something. Cissnei hasn't really told anyone."
Cloud looked doubtfully at Tifa, unsure if she was joking or not.
"I was gonna invite Zack here too, but I figured that wouldn't be the best idea," Tifa told him as they got out of the car and walked towards the front door. The front yard was massive, and sculpted hedges lined the driveway.
"Why didn't you?" Cloud asked as they faced the door. It was made of ornate wood, and the house itself was immense, and painted a cool cream colour.
"Well, back when they were in school, Zack hit on Cissnei. She wasn't too happy 'bout it. It wasn't pretty," she said with a shrug, before ringing the doorbell. Cloud could hear the noise of a party well underway from over the walls.
No one answered, Tifa calmly rang the doorbell again. "Bitch, answer your fucking front door," she muttered, giving it a third ring.
Finally the door opened and a harried looking Cissnei appeared. She was wearing a lime green and pink bikini with a glass of scotch in her hand.
"Hey Tifa, Cloud," Cissnei said. She was already swaying slightly and looked tipsy, even though it was only half past seven at night.
"Why the fuck don't you answer the door?" Tifa demanded.
"What?" Cissnei slurred.
"Oh forget it," Tifa said rolling her eyes. "Come on Cloud, she said striding past Cissnei.
Cloud was even more in awe of the house's interior. It was intricately designed with white walls and matching furniture. Although right now it was amass with a truckload of young people, all of them drinking, smoking, making out with each other and dancing across every inch of the floor.
Tifa didn't seem perturbed by this as she wove through the crowd determinedly.
"Tifa!" Someone from the crowd greeted.
Tifa turned with a smile and wave.
"How's about a drink?" The tall black guy asked her.
"Why not? Two please," she replied.
The guy handed her two bottles of beer, she passed one to Cloud. "Who's your friend? New lover?" The guy asked impassively.
"No, this is my brother man," Tifa said with a smile. Cloud felt his stomach clench a little bit at that.
"Well then, enjoy the night," the man walked off without a word.
"What's his deal?" Cloud asked watching him stalk off.
"Who? Rude?" Tifa asked, opening her beer and taking a sip. "That's just how the guy is, he's harmless. A little abrupt maybe but other than that he's nice."
Cloud nodded and looked at his beer with an unsure glance. He popped it open and took a gulp, aware of Tifa's eyes on him. It burned down his throat but he managed to hide it well.
"Wow, I'm impressed," Tifa said, gazing at him.
"Why? You think I couldn't handle a beer?" Cloud said with a laugh, taking another sip of his beer.
"No," Tifa said. Cloud looked up from his beer in surprised. "You look good tonight."
Around them bodies danced and grinded, moving to the rhythm of the almost deafening music. But to Cloud, it seemed as if the music had slowed down. He gazed at Tifa, his blue eyes shining. "You look pretty good too, Tifa."
She gazed back at him with a radiant smile. Cloud looked away, "Tifa, I-"
"Well look who it is!" Came a loud voice, interupting him. Both of them turned, Cloud, intially angry, found himself smiling.
"Barret!" Tifa gasped, giving the large man a hug.
"How's my sexy little fox and cute little Spike-head doin'?" Barret boomed happily.
"Great man, howsit going?" Cloud asked. He had become a lot closer to Barret and no longer felt nervous around him.
"Just great! I'm tellin' ya, there's a lot more happening in that outdoor jacuzzi then in here."
"Then, what say we go and get in Cloud?" Tifa asked him with a smile.
"Sure, why not?" Cloud said with a wide smile. He had already finished his beer and the alcohol made him braver then he usually was.
"Awright!" Barret yelled, himself quite drunk already. "You two go on ahead, I'll meet ya in a few!"
As Barret lumbered off into the crowd, Tifa took Cloud's hand and led him through the mass of bodies towards the glass door to the backyard.
Cloud managed to snag another two beers for them as they went outside.
"Here you go!" He said, happily handing one to Tifa.
"Thanks!" She shouted back over the din.
They immediately popped it open and took a drink.
"Cheers!" Tifa said.
They got near to the jaccuzi which was already full of jostling students. These were smoking and drinking as well. Cloud recognised Biggs, Wedge and Jessie in the tub, as well as Reno and Elena.
"Yo Tifa," Reno called. "Whatsup sexy? Want a joint?"
"Sure thing Reno!" Tifa called as they reached the tub. Taking the joint from him, she took a deep drag, then offered it to Cloud, who was only too happy to oblige.
"You're not getting in?" Jessie asked, her question seemed to be aimed at Cloud. The pretty brunette was wearing a green bikini.
"Not sure," Cloud answered, uncertainly.
"What about you Tifa?" Reno asked, almost hungrily.
Tifa, although drunk was no fool. "If he comes too near to me, rip his balls off," she whispered to Cloud, who grinned evilly. He might not look it, but Cloud was exceptionally good in a fight.
"Will do," he replied.
"Alright we'll jump in then," Tifa announced to the people in the tub. Everyone, with the exception of Jessie, who blushed in anger, cheered loudly, as Tifa climbed up the steps and pulled off her tank top and mini, to reveal a daring black and red two-piece.
"Come on, Cloud," She called to the blonde man, who was hanging back a little nervously.
"Uhm..." He said. Tifa scurried back down the stairs to him.
"What's the matter?" She asked him.
"I...kinda didn't bring a swimming trunks, I didn't know bout the tub," he said in embarassment. He expected her to laugh at him.
Tifa didn't laugh, she just looked at him. "Did you forget underwear too?" She asked.
"Uhh, nope," he said, quirking an eyebrow.
"Boxers of briefs?"
"Boxers?" He said, not really catching on.
"Are they white?"
"No."
"Good, you can relax in your boxers," Tifa said. "Now take it off!" She shouted this part, setting off another round of cheering from the tub and surrounding students.
Cloud felt his cheeks burn and knew his face was crimson. He looked at his beer and took another swig. He instantly felt better. He looked around at the crowd with a sheepish smirk. With a smile of resignation, he pulled off his yellow hoodie.
The crowd whooped, as he tossed it aside, and stood in a tight black muscle-top.
"All right, now off with it!" Tifa yelled.
Cloud gave another shy smile, and pulled it off.
"Wow, so that's what you've been hiding under there, not bad Cloud. Not bad at all," Tifa said staring at his abs, with her hands on her hips.
"Wow, dude where'd you get those abs?" Wedge asked staring at Cloud as if hed never seen him before.
Cloud laughed. "A lot of hard work, I promise you," he said, pleased at the reaction. Honestly, just because he was average in height, didn't mean he was weak. He had a layer of lean muscle on him, and ripped abs. He worked hard in the gym in his free time, and was pleased at the surprised looks on everyone's face; Jessie looked about to swoon.
"So let's get in, then," Tifa said, walking back up the stairs and sliding into the tub, seductively.
Jessie's flush turned angry, she knew she was easy to overlook while Tifa was in the vicinity. At that moment, all eyes were on the beautiful brunette girl.
Cloud hastily unbuckled his belt and pushed off his jeans before hastily jumping into the tub with the others.
"Give us another round of drinks!" Reno called, as he attempted to saddle up next to Tifa.
"Awright! Make room for the big guy!" Barret yelled as he jumped into the tub.
The occupants yelped and shrieked in shock as the big guy nearly catapulted all the water out of the jaccuzi. The tub was now quite cramped. Cloud found himself squeezed between Jessie, who looked pretty pleased at the latest developement and Tifa, who was trying to scare Reno off by giving him dirty looks.
Within no time, Barret had given each of them a joint to smoke to themselves. The smell of weed and alcohol was soon thick in the air.
"Ohh, baby...what's say you and me go somewhere private," Reno said breathily into Tifa's ear.
"No thanks Reno, I think I'll pass," Tifa replied with a look of disgust.
"Oh, and your thighs feel so soft," Reno breathed. Obviously drunk and horny was not a combination. "Wait a minute it feels hard, more like muscle! What the FUCK!" He screeched.
"That would be my leg Reno," Cloud snarled. "Jeez I never knew you swung that way you filthy son of a bitch! Get your fucking hands off me!"
That was all it took, a very pissed off Tifa and an even more pissed off Cloud sent him tripping out of the tub in humiliation.
"Dumbass," Tifa said without regret,
"Tifa, I got the shit, should we get going?" Barret asked.
Tifa nodded. "Cloud, wanna go?"
Cloud by this time had found himself nearly entangled by Jessie. "Uhm, sure!"
Jessie looked offended, but unwrapped herself as Cloud, Barret and Tifa left the tub.
"Okay, here's it here," Barret said as they stopped in a secluded corner of the garden.
"Authentic?" Tifa asked him, as she redressed herself.
"Yup, highest quality mushrooms you'll find anywhere?" Barret answered, handing her what looked like cheap sweets.
Tifa took them from him and offered a few to Cloud. "Ever had some of these before?" She whispered, her low voice sounding seductive to Cloud's stoned and drunk brain.
"No," he whispered back.
"Well then," she said, taking his hand in hers and giving him a few. "You're in for the time of your life now."
Taking them, he watched as Barret took the pills and placed it on his tongue, letting it melt into his saliva. He copied him, as did Tifa. He immediately felt a tingling on his tongue, as if he had touched a battery with it.
When it was finished, Cloud already felt in a different world. His mind was already foggy from all the alcohol and canabis in his system. Although now, instead of feeling sluggish, it was as if each sense had become heightened. He heard the leaves rustling in the trees, and every beat of the music, thrombed against his ears. Colours jumped and flashed before his eyes. He had never felt so aware. This high was completely different, but amazing.
"How you feeling?" Tifa asked him. Or was it Tifa, she seemed to be sliding across his vision. Growing larger, then smaller. As if he was staring at water.
"I'm okay. No, more than okay," he said. His voice sounded so far away. As if it wasn't him that was speaking.
"Alright then," Tifa answered him. "Let's get back to the others," she said turning and walking away.
Cloud glanced down at his shirt in his hands, he had replaced his jeans, but stood shirtless, with only a watch on his wrist. He shrugged and tossed it aside and followed Tifa.
The walls of the building were spinning, but far from panicking, Cloud felt more alive then ever, the overwhelming dizziness comforting him in a strange way.
They went back inside, people were still dancing to the thumping beat of the music. Cloud clutched his forehead suddenly, as if in pain.
"Cloud, are you okay. You wanna go somewhere else till you calm down?" A concerned voice asked. Was it Tifa? The figure had a blurry face that was twisting and contorting in front of his face.
"No, I'm fine." He told the face, who made to turn away, but he caught her hand. "Dance with me."
"Are you sure?" Tifa asked. Her own head must have been feeling awful, but she had experience, which Cloud didn't.
"More than anything," he replied huskily, pulling her close.
She stiffened at first, but relaxed as she began moving in time with the music. Cloud felt himself moving, despite feeling as if he had made no concious descision to do so. He placed his hands on Tifa's hips as she swayed from side to side.
He had totally lost himself in the music, until a strong hand clamped on his shoulder. Whirling around, and staggering slightly, he caught sight of what looked like a young man, with fiery red hair. He narrowed his eyes, Reno? No the hair was longer, unlike Reno's comical, sharp features, this man had very refined, almost feminine features.
"Am I interupting anything?" The man asked, his voice miles away from Cloud.
"No," Cloud answered.
The man's lips twitched into a demeaning sneer. "Well then would you mind if I borrowed Tifa for a minute?"
This creep knew Tifa? Unlikely! He was probably just trying to get cosy with her, Cloud wasn't about to let that happen. "And who the fuck are you?" He demanded.
"Cloud, no!" Tifa said. She stepped forward towards the man. "What do you want?"
"A chat," the man said, taking her hand and leading her away.
Tifa gave Cloud a worried glance, before she allowed herself to be led away.
Cloud stood alone on the dancefloor, confused and hurt. Why had Tifa just gone with that guy? Who was he anyway? Why did Cloud even care?
"That was Genesis, Tifa's ex," a voice came from behind him. Cloud turned and focused on a splash of bright green. Jessie! "Supposedly, he's the one that got her pregnant," Jessie said, glancing after the two.
"Why'd she go with him, then?" Cloud asked, he sounded like a small child being left behind by his parent.
Jessie shrugged. "Maybe she still has feelings for him or something."
"Oh," Cloud said.
"Cloud."
He looked at her, she was staring at him strangely. "Come with me," she said taking his hand.
Unable to resist, Cloud felt her pull him away from the dancefloor and up the stairs to a nearby bedroom. Cloud could only stare blankly at the bed, while Jessie locked the door behind her.
"Cloud, look at me," she said, her voice different. Cloud obeyed, staring into her eyes. She pulled him close, and pressed their lips together. Before Cloud knew it, her tongue was in his mouth. Her eyes closed and she let loose a low moan, as her hands trailed down his naked torso.
"This your first time?" She whispered into his neck as she kissed it.
Cloud, unable to deny the pleasurable sensations, moaned and nodded in response.
"Don't worry, I've done the before," Jessie said, whipping her bra off and resumed attempting to tongue-wrestle him. Cloud help out for a moment, then in his mind's eye, he caught a glimpse of the red-headed stranger. Genesis, Jessie had called him, leading Tifa away, as she made no effort to remain with him.
He glanced down at Jessie, then closed his eyes and allowed his body to take over...
XXX
Well there ya have it. I tried to be as vague as I could with the sex scene as it was drug induced, but I needed to expan don Cloud's frame of mind at that time, so I got a little ahead of myself, I don't think I've violated the T restriction, but i definitely pushed it. anyway so Cloud's no longer a virgin, wonder how Tifa will react, till next update Cheers!
