"Cloud."

Cloud turned his attention to Raine with a raised brow. She usually wasn't one to initiate a conversation so this was new.

"Yes?"

"What do you think of me?"

Cloud nearly choked on his drink and he cleared his throat. He grabbed a napkin and wiped his mouth, his eyes darting to the girl; Raine was staring at him.

"I...I think you're a nice girl."

"Hm. That's all?"

"Yes."

Cloud noticed how Raine's cheeks flushed slightly and her eyes were stern; it seemed like she was deciding what to do next. She motioned for him to follow her towards the stairs. He did, his curiosity prompting him forward. He was taken by surprise when Raine pushed him up against the wall.

"Tell me, Cloud; what's the reward for eighteen kisses?"

Cloud paled; did she figure out what he and Reno were up to? But for some reason, she didn't look angry or upset.

Raine was confused by Cloud's confused look. She pulled away slightly and looked down at her shoes.

"I, um, I heard you and Reno the other day."

A pang of guilt washed over Cloud as Raine looked up at him with eyes filled with pity.

"Raine-"

"In the short amount of time I've known you, I don't think you're the type of person to play with someone's emotions. It must be important if you have a reason to kiss me."

Raine stepped back and Cloud sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck. He wasn't sure how to respond to Raine's confrontation. Should he tell her the truth? Cloud shook his head; it would be better to let things go their natural course rather than hurting her. He took her hand and pulled her towards him. Raine was blushing.

"Will you help me, then?"

Raine's breath caught in her lungs as Cloud's arms came to wrap around her waist. She awkwardly placed her arms on his biceps and she could feel her body temperature rising several degrees as Cloud leaned in, his eyes slowly closing. She bit back a soft whine when she felt his hot breath against her lips.

"Well?"

Raine swallowed her pride,

"Yes."

Raine gasped into the kiss when Cloud's lips finally touched hers; his kiss was soft and gentle and and he held her gently. Raine didn't realize she had tensed up until Cloud's hand ran up her back and down her spine. Somewhere along the way, Raine's arms found their way around Cloud's neck and with a soft groan, Cloud tilted his head and deepened the kiss.

Raine's nerves were on end and her body was tingling with sensations she'd never felt before. This wasn't her first kiss but something felt...right. Cloud's kisses became rougher as he turned and backed Raine into the wall while pulling her flush against him. His fingers slipped under the hem of her shirt and tickled the skin of her waist. Raine gasped softly as Cloud's lips trailed down to her neck, sending spikes of pleasure down her spine. She gripped the collar of his shirt, pulling him closer to her, and she giggled when Cloud's tongue brushed against hers. The sound of Raine's voice only encouraged Cloud to continue.

Raine immediately pulled away from Cloud at the sound of the door chimes tinkling.

"I'm back!"

"Looks like there's no one here, yo."

Raine cleared her throat and took a deep breath before she stepped out from the stairway.

"Oh, you're back, Tifa. What's for dinner?"

"Shepherd's Pie. Are you alright, Raine? You look like you're running a fever or something. Your face is flushed."

"Do I?" Raine placed her hand on her cheek; her skin was still burning, "I woke up from a nap. It must've been hot while I was sleeping."

Tifa shrugged but Reno gave her a knowing look.

"Where's Cloud?"

"I don't know. Haven't seen him."

Reno was impressed by her quick answer and he winked at her as he made his way to the stairs.

Reno found Cloud in his room on his bed. Reno closed the door and leaned against it and Cloud made eye contact.

"I didn't think you had the balls to make out with her. That's cheating, yo."

"You said it didn't matter how I got her kisses. I believe I got more than twenty kisses."

Reno chuckled and ruffled his own hair; he'd been soundly beat.

"Fine. I'll bring it to the party tomorrow."

"I'll be waiting."

Reno nodded and left the room. Cloud flopped onto his back on the bed and sighed as he brought his fingers to his lips. He didn't expect to get so carried away and he certainly had no intention of enjoying the kiss.

But...

Kissing Raine was amazing. He could still vividly recall the feel of her body pressed against his and the softness of her skin. He could remember her glazed eyes and beautifully flushed cheeks. Cloud reached out to the air and imagined himself tracing Raine's jawline and him being rewarded with a sweet smile.

Cloud brought his arm over his eyes and he sighed again.

"Damn."