29:

It's been four months since the grand launch of her clothing line, since they first came together, Tifa thought as she poured herself a bowl of cereal that morning. She hadn't noticed how much time had passed since then, to be honest. The television was on, just to fill the silence in her home. She ate her breakfast silently, not really focusing on what was in the TV.

What was she going to do today, she wondered. Mornings this quiet were extremely rare for her especially since she'd returned in the glitzy world of showbiz. There were engagements, interviews and parties to attend everywhere. She had redeemed her 'it girl' status again and this time, she was enjoying it more. Cloud too, has been getting endorsement offers and had landed a leading role in a movie.

Her bowl was empty. Tifa stood up and took her sweet time washing the bowl and spoon.

"And today, rockstar Genesis Rhapsodos returned to Midgar last night, upon the end of his second world wide tour, LOVELESS II ." a talk show host suddenly announced, causing Tifa to pause. "We have an official footage of his arrival and a short interview…"

"Hey Genesis, welcome back," the camera man said lazily, his camera aimed directly at Genesis, who was walking towards his waiting sports car.

"Yeah, yeah, thanks." Genesis replied, obviously not interested in having a conversation. Most famous people were not interested with anything especially when they'd gotten off a long flight.

"So uh, how was your concert?" the camera man asked again, trying to lengthen the air time. There were no fans screaming out Genesis's name—that was the specialty of his staff.

"It was great, I had tons of fun with my fans." Genesis answered, and Tifa rolled her eyes. "The energy was definitely stronger than the last time." He had already reached the sedan, and his body guard was already holding the door open for him. "Well… see you."

"Yeah, thanks man." said the camera man.

"Well… that was a waste of time," Tifa muttered and turned the TV off. So Genesis was back. Her heart thudded with the dread of running into him someday in some soiree. She wasn't ready to meet the first man who had broken her heart, let alone be in the same room with him. No. It was impossible.

Her phone's familiar rings reverberated, snapping her out of her reverie. Rufus was calling. "Good morning. What is it?" she said calmly, not letting her panic show.

"Tifa, did you watch Celebrity Plus?"

"Uh yeah, I did so you don't have to tell me he's back." Tifa deadpanned. "He's still very rude as ever."

"Ha, yes, indeed. Anyway, I called for a different reason, darling."

"Really?"

"Yes. Hasn't your boyfriend told you yet?"

"No. He hasn't told me anything. What is it?" Tifa asked, growing a little impatient. What was Cloud's big news, and why hasn't he said anything to her yet?

Rufus only chuckled. "I'll let Cloud tell you. I wouldn't want to spoil his surprise. Okay, bye."

Cloud held the script in his hands, stared at the cover page and felt the paper's texture. He savored the moment for while. Rufus had called him out and given him the script last night, telling him to read it and call him up if he wanted to take the role. So far, he had already read half of it. It was pretty cool. He looked up and wondered if she already knew.

A loud bang outside pulled him out of his reverie and into an involuntary jump. "What the heck?" Cloud muttered as he rushed out to check out the cause of the noise. It would have been normal to hear rackets in his old neighborhood, but now that he was in a more… luxurious…environment, it was odd. He looked out of the window and saw a broken flower pot. A cat must have tipped it over. With a shrug, Cloud hurried to call his lady love.

"Hey," Tifa said. "I was wondering when you would call."

"Did Rufus tell you something?"

"He called earlier and asked me if you had told me already. What are you supposed to tell me?"

Cloud smiled and said, "Rufus gave me a script. Can you believe it?"

"Congratulations Cloud!" she gasped. "Wow! That's great! Am I allowed to know the plot of your project yet?" she laughed softly.

"You know I'll never keep anything from you." Cloud replied, chuckling. "Say… I'll tell you over dinner?"

"My place?" Tifa asked.

"No, tonight's going to be special. How does the Vinotecca sound?"

"Alright, I'll see you later."

"Uh-huh."

The couple arrived in the restaurant to find its entrance crowded with paparazzi. Vinotecca was opened ninety years ago, and is popular with celebrities and high ranking members of the society. To get in the restaurant, one would have to make an advance reservation.

Upon hearing the roar of the Fenrir, the thick throngs of paparazzi parted to let them pass. Furious clicking and flashing of lights ensued the moment they zipped in. When the Fenrir eased its roar to a soft purr, Cloud escorted Tifa down and handed the key to the valet. They smiled for them for a moment to avoid being called rude and headed in. Tifa wore black shirt and acid washed jeans, paired with high heeled black boots and the earrings he'd given her.

Inside the restaurant, they were led to the back, near the window. When the waiter left, Tifa asked him. "So what's the story?"

"I'm bad at summarizing stuff." Cloud groaned. "But anyway, I'll tell you. The movie's called Stay Awake. A strange virus suddenly spreads in the whole world, that causes people to lose their humanity and emotions. The virus can be transmitted through the transfer of fluids—like kissing or sex, through injection. My character is one of the two people who are immune. In the movie, I have a sister. I don't know who she is yet. We have to find the cure to save the world. Pretty cool plot, isn't it?"

Tifa grinned. "Not pretty cool. It's so cool! Congratulations Cloud!"

He nodded and reached for her hand. "I know, this is my first movie. I'm so nervous. Do you know where they want to shoot this?"

"No. Where?"

"I don't know yet, but it sounds like they're going to shut down cities a lot."

"Sounds like a big movie, I'm so proud of you."

The waiter came back to ask for their orders. They ordered for well-done steak and red wine, then two vanilla sundaes to follow. Gasps suddenly emanated from the other diners. Tifa and Cloud turned their heads to see who caused the sudden hush. Her eyes widened.

Carefully tousled hair, red leather coat…

"…Genesis!"

She looked at Cloud and closed her eyes. Of all the places that guy could dine in… why did he choose Vinetocca? Tifa thought angrily. Genesis walked towards the table next to theirs. He was with his manager.

"Oh look who's here too!" Genesis said with a million gil smile. "Tifa!"

Tifa looked up at Genesis with difficulty and nodded. "Hello," she said quietly. Her hand was still clasped in Cloud's. She looked away from the auburn haired man and smiled at Cloud instead. She could feel her face growing hot. Tonight was beyond awkward.

When their orders arrived, the couple ate quietly, while Genesis talked loudly. Tifa tried to block her ex's annoying voice out, but his voice was too loud. She placed her fork and steak knife down and took a sip of wine.

Cloud looked at her. "Tifa? Do you want to go home?"

She nodded. "Yeah."

"Okay, don't worry." Cloud said, raised his hand and asked the waiter for the bill. Genesis glanced at Tifa and held the gaze for a moment. "I think I need to go to the comfort room for a little while. Excuse me." Tifa told him.

In the ladies', Tifa washed her hands and stared at her reflection. Her cheeks harbored the slightest shade of pink. She frowned—being around Genesis made her feel awkward and conscious still. She shouldn't be feeling like this. And the way his eyes wandered to her didn't help calm her jangling nerves. With a sigh, she dried her hands and left the ladies' comfort room.

"Oh, sorry." Tifa said when she hit somebody as she walked back. "I wasn't looking…"

A familiar voice chuckled. "Oh really now, Tifa?"

She looked up. Ba-thump.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?" Genesis said, his eyes studying her from head to toe. "You look great."

Tifa stared at him and murmured 'excuse me' then continued walking away. He grabbed her elbow and pulled her back in front of him. "You're still angry with me?"

"My boyfriend is waiting for me. Let me go, Gen." she told him.

Genesis laughed. "You're serious with him? I thought you only hooked up with him to bother me." His eyes held hers. "Nothing really happened with me and Cissnei."

"Get over it, Genesis. We're finished. I'm happy with Cloud." Tifa told him. "Please let me go Gen. He's waiting for me."

He stepped aside. "I'll be waiting for the day you realize he's immature and come back to me."

"Believe me, that day won't happen." Tifa snapped.

Cloud looked up when she arrived and stood up. "Shall we?" he said with a smile. Tifa nodded and took his hand. Walking side by side with him calmed her down. Should she tell him that Genesis had cornered her?

"Okay, let's go." He said when he revved the motorcycle. Tifa wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face on the crook of his shoulder. His motorcycle has also become an issue with other people. They said that it wasn't stylish and cheap, but others commented that it made him look cool and bad ass. Cloud shrugged at the issue, saying that he wasn't interested in getting a car yet.

"I love you," she whispered, tightening her embrace on his waist.

"I love you too." he replied and sped up.

Author's Note: Hey! Thanks for reading again, and for being patient. I finally got my tan, aha. Oh…and here's another awkward scene I am positive I didn't write so well. Sigh. Why do I lack self-confidence so much? If you review, my self-confidence just might increase, aha.

Ciao!

Victoria