AUTHOR'S NOTE: Two updates in one day! Okay weird, I don't even think this ever happens anymore! But the last chapter was admittedly short, so I had to make it up to y'all! The purpose of this chapter is just to lighten up the atmosphere a little. I noticed that even though this fic is relatively light-hearted in comparison to fics with similar material, the last few have been a bit of a downer, so I decided to put this in. Bear in mind that's its quite silly. Like really OTT! Its also short, but fear not, the story moves on in the next chapter.
XXX
Well, Mom was out. He was alone at home. She wasn't coming back anytime soon and it was the middle of the night. Most teenagers would probably have gone wild and thrown a huge party. But not this young man.
Cloud sighed to himself. Even if he had the balls to throw a gigantic party (which he didn't) he really wasn't in the mood. He liked to think it was because he was a decent (relatively), considerate (that might be stretching the truth a smidge) and he had a conscience (this one he had down). While all of these were true (to some extent), he also felt that given the types of houses these parties usually occured at, his house would be inappropriate. He hated the shallowness of that thought, but it was true as well.
All humour aside, Cloud knew that in this case, risk far outweighed the outcome. Sure he'd have a shitload of fun, but at the same time, if his mother ever caught wind of it, the consequences would be dire. But Cloud is no coward and would certainly not quail under her fiery wrath. He was also old enough to know that the disappointment and silent treatment would have little effect. The one thing his mother would do that he was utterly TERRIFIED of was...the NAGGING. While reasonably mature and well-meaning, Cloud, like most teenagers, has an aversion to incessant nagging.
And, most unfortunately for him, Mrs Sylvia Strife was a master of nagging.
Cloud shuddered at the very thought of this, nah it certainly was not worth it. Besides, given recent events, he wasn't really in a mood for partying. Resigning himself, he hopped onto his bed and pulled out his I-pod and turned it on.
I know you've been hurt
By someone else
I can tell by the way
You carry yourself
If you let me
Here's what I'll do
I'll take care of you
I've loved and I've lost
I've asked about you
And they've told me things
But my mind didn't change
And I still feel the same
What's a life with no fun? please don't be so ashamed
I've had mine, you've had yours we both know
We know, they don't get you like I will
My only wish is I die real
Cause that truth hurts, and those lies heal
And you can't sleep thinking that he lies still
So you cry still, tears all in the pillow case
Big girls all get a little taste
Pushing me away so I give her space
Dealing with a heart that I didn't break
I'll be there for you, I will care for you
I keep thinking you just don't know
Trying to run from that, say you're done with that
On your face girl, it just don't show
When you're ready, just say you're ready
When all the baggage just ain't as heavy
And the party's over, just don't forget me
We'll change the pace and we'll just go slow
You won't ever have to worry,
You won't ever have to hide
You've seen all my mistakes
So look me in my eyes
Cause if you let me, here's what I'll do
I'll take care of you
I've loved and I've lost
Cloud hurriedly shut off his I-pod and pulled the earphones out. He hated how much the lyrics reminded him of his own relationship with Tifa. It was over between them! The girl herself had said it. He was still angry at what she did to Jessie and he sure as hell was not going to apologise.
He sighed again, he needed some therapy. His eyes fell on his PS2. He shrugged. Why not? It had been a while.
He turned it on and began playing. He had just got into it when he heard a knock on the door. Cursing, he pressed pause and got up to check the door. His mother wouldn't be home till the next day, whichever dumbass salesman was there was about to be on the receiving end of a severely pissed off Cloud.
"I'm not interested in any-" he broke off when he realised who was at the door.
"Hello Cloud," she said softly. Standing in the doorway was none other than Tifa Lockheart.
"H-hi," Cloud answered uncertainly.
"Can I come in?"
"Sure, make yourself at home," Cloud replied, stepping aside to let her pass.
"Thanks," she murmured in response. Her eyes fell on the flashing TV screen. "Playing a video game?" She asked.
Cloud ran a hand through his messy blonde hair. "Uhm, yeah."
"Cool," Tifa said, walking over. "How's it work," she asked, sitting down.
Slightly bemused, Cloud went and sat next to her. "Its sort of like a strategy game. Every character gets a turn, and you decide what action they take," he said resuming the game.
"Sounds simple enough," Tifa replied.
"Not really, cause the bad guys get turns as well, see?" Cloud said as the blue-haired enemy struck lightning at the robed samurai.
"Can I have a go?" Tifa asked.
"Sure, why not?" Cloud said, handing her the controller.
After a few minutes, Tifa looked a bit lost. "He knocked my guy out! The fuck!"
"Don't panic," Cloud said. "Here, you can just bring him back," he said, wrapping his arms around her and showing her how.
Tifa giggled and Cloud became aware of how close they were. And of the fact that they were still fighting. Tifa cleared her throat to cover the moment. "So, what's this game about? I'm sure there's some story to it."
"Well, you see. Blondie over there is this full of it athlete, that's always lived in his fathers shadow," Cloud began. "While he's in a match, this gigantic monster named Sin attacks and he's sent to a new world!"
Tifa smiled as Cloud rambled on about the games story, and simply gazed at him with a warm smile.
Somewhere along the line, Cloud realised he was babbling and broke off, catching sight of Tifa's coy smile and blushed.
"Tifa, about ealier-"
"Don't say anything Cloud," she replied softly. "Just stay close to me."
Cloud did as he was told snuggling against her.
He didn't know when he had moved closer and embraced her. He didn't know when their lips met and he didn't know how long it took for all their clothes to lay forgotten in a small pile, while they got into the bed.
XXX
An hour later, Cloud looked at the beautiful brunette in his arms, with a tender smile. "So what made you decide to come here?" He asked eventually.
Tifa shifted in the bed, but not out of discomfort. "Well, something happened today that made me realise some things."
Their lips met again. "What was that?" Cloud asked.
"I had a run-in with my ex, Genesis."
"Oh?" Cloud's eyes narrowed. "What did he do?"
"He tried to kiss me," Tifa said shortly.
"The bastard!" Cloud snarled, making to get out of the bed.
"Cloud, get back in here! Its freezing!" Tifa said.
Cloud looked at her dubiously, his underwear in his hands. Tifa nodded at him, and he pulled himself back. "I don't know why you won't let me go and whoop his ass right now!"
"Because, if anything, we owe him!"
Cloud's fury gave way to confusion. "Owe him? Why on earth?"
Tifa smiled. "Because when he kissed me, something happened. You see, a few months ago, I would never have refused him. But because I met you, I was able to. And as soon as he did it, I realised that I pushed him away because I thought of you. I guess I realised that...I love you too Cloud!"
She was looking at him with the same shy smile he had seen on New Year's Eve. Cloud thought that, in that very moment, the stars were dim in comparison to the shine in her eyes.
XXX
"Hey, Cloud!" Aerith said smiling at him.
"Hey, Aerith! Whatsup?" Cloud answered, he couldn't help but notice worry behind her smile.
"Oh I'm fine! I'm just feeling happy," she said, although her voice seemed rather high-pitched and almost anxious.
Cloud sighed, it really was senseless to beat around the bush. "What is it?"
"What is what?" Aerith asked, playing dumb.
"Its obvious your itching to have a go at me for something, so you might as well say it!"
"What would give you that idea?" Aerith asked, with an overly girly laugh. Cloud gave her a look. "Okay, okay! I heard you and Tifa aren't dating anymore! I wanna know if its true!"
"I sure hope the break-up sex was worth it Cloud!" Zack said, strolling up, looking decidedly miserable. "Because, I haven't been getting any because all she can think about is you and your bloody sex-life!"
"Zack, you shit-head!" Aerith snapped. "Its that time of the month!"
"Bullshit! That was your excuse last week!"
"Its lasting a bit longer this time!"
Cloud could hardly believe his ears. "Guys! Can you honestly be having this discussion right now?"
The two idiots turned to look at Cloud in wonder. "You're right, Spikey. Sorry man, but you don't know what it feels like!" Zack looked almost tearful. "Its been so dry!"
Aerith's face was contorted. Clearly she was debating with herself whether to argue with Zack for publically discussing their sex-life, console Cloud or whack Zack over the head.
Two out of three must have sounded the best to her, as she whacked Zack over the head and began consoling Cloud. "Listen, if there's anything you need, anything at all, you let me know okay."
"All I need is a damn good-"
Aerith pretended not to hear Zack's comment. "If you ever need to talk, we're here for you okay?"
Cloud's right eye twitched as Zack's whining and Aerith's nagging continued. "If both of you dumbasses would be kind enough to shut up long enough for me to talk, maybe that would be a start!"
Both of them stared dumbfounded at each other, then at Cloud.
"Look, Tifa and me had a bit of a tiff, but we sorted things out and we're still together okay?" Cloud said. "Would you like me to say it slowly? Just to be sure."
Both of them just shook their heads silently.
XXX
AUTHOR'S NOTE: see what I mean? This chapter is so silly and OTT I scratched my head in wonder, but hopefully it will serve its function and lighten the mood and break the build up of tension. Sorry if you were expecting a lemon, but I just don't do that sort of thing. Anyway Aerith and Zack are really the goofy best-friends huh? Please don't feel shy to review!
