I've learned so much about cows, horses, and pastureland while writing this chapter, like you have no idea. Also, writing is hard! But there are only so many times I can rewrite the entire chapter before I go crazy lol

Enjoy :)


The summer months were rapidly collapsing into autumn. Yet the hotter season clung to the land with a stubborn persistence; by midday, the dawn's chill air had given way to a stifling, suffocating heat that had Cloud dripping as he worked the field. The only relief came from the occasional breeze, a stale thing that whispered through the grass and rustled the large oak that grew beside the house, and the cool water that he could draw up from the well. Though the water tasted faintly of salt, Cloud had drunk greedily. He had also poured some on his head, his eyes closed in absolute contentment as water dripped through his hair, soaked into his shirt, and cooled his sore, aching muscles. Tifa had chiding him for wasting water when she had noticed how much was pooling at his boots… only to immediately forgive him as he flashed her a boyish grin and blew her a kiss, which had her blushing.

By mid afternoon, most of the chores had been taken care of. The grain had been tended to, the chickens had been fed, and Rain's stable had been cleaned and mucked. As for the horse herself, Cloud had taken special care to brush out her rich caramel coat and clean out her hooves – tasks he had performed the night before, but now repeated as he had some daylight to work with. She had nickered in thanks when he had finished.

"You're very welcome," he said, smiling fondly as he reached up and scratched her behind the ears – just the way she liked, before he reached down to grab his tin bucket and tools. Every muscle groaned at the faint movement, and he had half in mind to go find a shady spot and take a nap when Tifa's voice echoed through the stable.

"Cloud!"

Rain's ears flicked forward in alertness, and Cloud – shooting the horse a worried look – glanced towards the stable door. "Here!" he called back.

Soon his wife's boots crunched against the loose dirt and gravel as she popped her head into the stable – smiling, a small fact that relieved him. "There you are," she said as she strode up to him, a basket of clean laundry balanced on her hip and her linen blouse rolled up to the elbows. The fashion showed off her well-defined arms, and there was just no helping the smile on his face as she continued, "So, I was thinking."

"Thinkin'?"

"Thinkin' that it's been a while since we've seen the Fairs." She shifted her weight to her other foot, and her linen skirt flowed with the gentle movement. "It's been what, a month now? And maybe we should stop by for a quick visit. You've been meanin' to talk to them anyway, and besides, then you can help Zack out with his cattle." She smoothed out her blouse with her free hand. "It's only him out in the pasture now, since Aerith has been… well, predisposed."

Pregnant, she meant.

"And besides," Tifa continued, reaching forward to a warm hand against Rain's head, who then blinked in contentment. "Maybe Rain would like to see Spirit again."

Rain's ears swiveled forward, eyes brightening at the word Spirit. Cloud only scowled. It was no secret that Rain had a special fondness for Zack's horse, a handsome, black-coated stallion with a silver streak on his forehead. But Cloud couldn't help but feel like he and Rain were ill-suited for each other. Sprit was incredibly… well, spirited. And besides, the last thing he needed were ponies frolicking in their dry field – a field that they didn't have enough money to even fence in.

"Well," Cloud said, pushing that thought firmly out of his mind, "I'm just about finished here." He wiped his hands against his worn trousers, and Rain nickered behind him. "When did you want to leave?"

Tifa grinned at him. "Now?"


While Rain had initially been unenthusiastic about being asked to leave her cool, cozy stable, she quickly perked up once she realized where exactly they were going. Then there was just no stopping her. She impatiently pawed the ground as Cloud slipped the bridle over her head, and continued to flick her tail in annoyance as he tightened it, loudly declaring that he was being too slow, that she wanted to leave now, that they were burning sunlight and, really, why couldn't he move faster?

"Calm yourself," Cloud muttered to the complaining Rain while Tifa stood beside him, grinning at the mare's enthusiasm. "Almost done." He grabbed an old blanket off of a wall, one that was simple and plain, and slung it over her back… only for Rain to shake her entire body, sending it off-kilter.

Cloud loudly huffed in annoyance before reaching to readjusted it. "The more you do that," he muttered, "the longer this is gonna take."

"You do know she only does that to get a rise outta you," Tifa teased, reaching up to place a hand against Rain's muzzle.

"And it works." Satisfied with the blanket, he shot Rain a long stare meaning behave before he gently led the mare out of the stable and to the picket fence. He used its wooden rungs to push himself up onto her back, and once he was settled into place, Rain twisted her head back to him and shot him another long, dry look.

He met her stare with a long, dry look of his own. "Yes?"

Tifa chuckled at their antics, and continued to laugh to herself as Cloud held a hand down to her to help her up. Her hands were soft compared to his callouses, and the moment she was in place, he shifted her so that she could sit more comfortably in his lap. She had to sit side-saddle due to her long skirt, and his strong arms wrapped around her to hold the reins.

"Hang on," he murmured into her ear, and was immensely pleased at how her cheeks flushed with color.

But then Rain loudly nickered, reminding him that they had an audience.

Cloud scowled and did his best to push thoughts out of his mind, muttering instead, "Alright, alright," before clicking his spurless boots against Rain's strong side. "Gentle now," he ordered when she began to move forward.

Tifa hummed, and he could feel the vibration against his chest as she leaned back into him. "But isn't Rain always gentle?"

"No," Cloud scoffed. "You should have seen her when I gave her half my apple the day before. Nearly but my fingers off." His scowl deepened. "Feral beast."

Tifa only laughed and ran her hand along Rain's strong neck, the small hairs coarse against her palm. "Did you hear that, Rain?" she cooed, like she was talking to a kitten and not a powerful, half-ton mare. "He called you a feral beast."

Rain flicked her ears as if saying, Yes, she did hear what Cloud had said. And judging by how she flicked her tail, she was very much displeased with the entire exchange.

"But don't worry, Rain. I know better," Tifa added as she continued to rub Rain's strong neck. "You're just an absolute sweetheart, aren't you?"

"Don't compliment her too much," Cloud drawled. "It'll go straight to her head, and then she'll give me a hard time about it."

He held the reins loosely as they trotted forward, as Rain already knew the way. She led them confidently through the main gate, and the main gate wasn't much; just little more than two planks of wood hammered into the ground, and a small sign painted with the word Strife resting on top. But he felt a tinge of pride when he saw their hand-painted sign. He remembered when they had dug it into the ground, how they had both held the hammer when they drove in the final nail and could finally call this stretch of wild land home.

Tifa leaned back into him, unaware of his nostalgic musing. "Aw, please. Rain wouldn't give you a hard time. All she needs is love and attention. And lullabies," she added, shooting Cloud a knowing grin. "You spoil her."

Cloud frowned as they began heading down the thin trail, and dust clouded the air with Rain's ever footfall. He didn't protest Tifa's comment, and only said, "She's a good horse."

Tifa's smile widened. "You spoil her rotten."

"Like I said." Cloud reached down to pat Rain's side, and she snorted in response. "She's a good horse."


The Fairs' property was a short three miles from the Strife land, and was relatively easy to find. Rain had long since memorized the way – that was where Spirit was stabled, after all – and confidently plowed forward through the grasslands, the oak trees dotting the land, the snaking crevasse that cut through the hills that divided their two properties. Soon enough, the tan gabled roof of their home could be seen standing tall above the lush grass that marked their cattle's pastureland.

A familiar brown-haired woman was hanging up the laundry to dry, and the white bedsheet flapped in the breeze as Aerith reached up and pinched them onto a wire running between two of the oaks that spotted their land. The stretch showed off her sizable baby bump.

"She's going to burst any day," Cloud murmured as they approached, his voice low.

"Actually," Tifa corrected, her voice equally soft, "she probably has at least another three months before she's due."

His eyes widened a fraction. Aerith was a petite woman, and the layers of linen she wore only seemed to emphasize that fact. But for her to have that size of baby bump…

"Three more months?" he echoed, leaning back with a mix of horror and awe. "Damn. She gonna have twins?"

"Language, Strife," Tifa chided. "And no, she's a healthy size for a single baby."

He just about winced at the mental image of that baby somehow coming out of such a tiny woman, only to eject that thought so firmly out of his mind that he nearly gave himself whiplash. "Will she..." Heat rose up his neck, and he pushed his hat a little lower on his face to hide that fact. "Well she be… okay?"

Tifa laughed at his obvious discomfort. "Of course! Don't be so squeamish, cowboy. Us ladies are tough. We're kind of made for that sort of thing."

He fidgeted uncomfortably on Rain's back. "If you say so," he said, and was spared from having to say more when Aerith noticed them. Her green eyes lit up in pleasant surprise, and then she was waving one arm high in the air as she watched them approach, her laundry forgotten.

"Tifa!"

Tifa's expression shifted into one of joy. "Aerith!" she called, and briefly allowed Cloud to help her off the horse before she ran up and enveloped the other woman in a warm hug, a tangle of earth-toned fabrics and laughter. Cloud watched it happen from Rain, a small smile curving his lips.

"It's been so long!" Aerith cried, her green eyes nearly silver in the sunlight. She wore a wide-brimmed hat to shade her freckled skin, and she rested her hands on her bump as she continued, "Where have you been?"

"We've been so busy with the fields," Tifa easily replied. "And Cloud has been lookin' for sellers in town. We just haven't had the chance to stop by until now."

"Well, save some of that grain for us," Aerith grinned before turned to Cloud, her expression warm. "Hello, Cloud."

"Ma'am," Cloud greeted, tipping his hat.

Aerith seemed delighted by the formality. "Zack is out in the pasture," she told him, already knowing who he wanted to see. "He's down by the lake. And he'd appreciate some help with the her… we just have so many cattle." She sighed dramatically and clasped her hands beneath her bump, a seemingly unconscious gesture. "All of the calves are growing up so strong, and they've really been givin' him a run for his money. It's a good problem to have," she quickly added, "but a problem nonetheless."

"Cloud might have actually found a solution for that," Tifa told the other woman.

Aerith turned to her, wide-eyed, before she then glanced at Cloud. "Truly?" And at Cloud's inclined head, she exhaled her surprise. "After all of the trouble out east, I figured that we'd just be swimmin' in cattle until next season… Where at?" she asked.

"Corel," was Cloud's reply, which had Aerith's eyebrow lifting in question. "The people there have had some trouble with monsters, and have lost quite a bit of their herd. They're willin' to pay quite a bit for replacements."

"Monsters?" Aerith's lips pursed. "We do need to sell some of the herd, but oh, I don't want to sell them to a town full of monsters..."

"Cloud and Zack could deal with those," Tifa said, saving him from replying. "Problem solved."

Aerith contemplated it for a moment. "Well, that's all good and well… What sort as we talkin' about?"

"Nothing that Zack or myself haven't dealt with before," Cloud promised.

Aerith hummed as she thought about it, but then after a pause, nodded her approval. Cloud's shoulders dipped in relief. "Well, why don't you talk to Zack about it?" she said. "I'm sure that he would be thrilled. Besides," she added with a laugh, "he's been goin' stir-crazy out here, tryin' to take care of the cattle while thinkin' about our own little one. He needs to travel for a bit… take some time for himself, you know?"

A hawk cried out in the distance. "I do," Cloud murmured. He knew all too well how the open road could calm a person, and tipped his hat towards her. "I'll go speak to him."

"Tell him that supper will be ready soon," Aerith called as he turned Rain towards the pasture. "You're welcome to join us."

Supper. Cloud's mouth just about watered, and he inclined his hat again before turning Rain towards the Fairs' pastureland. He clicked his heels against her side, but she needed no extra prompting – not when she could scent Spirit on the wind, and happily trotted towards the stallion like she was a compass and he was the northern star.


The Fairs' pastureland might as well have been a painting. The rolling hills were lush and green, the lake sparkled and rippled with every dry breeze, and the oak trees that speckled the property grew tall and proud. The wind rustled through their sprawling branches and tugged at its leaves, and Cloud could make out most of the herd resting in the shade they provided.

But the herd, about forty heads by Cloud's estimate, were far too many for the ten acres that the Fairs' pasture stood on. Though the lake provided a constant source of fresh water, it couldn't prevent the changing of seasons. The lush grass was already drying, fading to a molted brown, and coupled with the several calves nestling against their mothers...

Cloud's lips pitched into a frown. They really do need to sell some, he thought as Rain briskly trotted forward, her head swiveling as she looked for her favorite stallion. Or else they may not have enough food to feed them through the winter. It was a sobering thought, but one that he had a potential solution for, and he redoubled his efforts to find Zack somewhere along the herd.

As it turned out, Zack wasn't difficult at all to find. He and his dark stallion, Spirit, stood guard on top of one of their hills. They were as still as statues. Zack's black hair was windblown beneath his wide-brimmed hat, and his cheeks were flushed from the heat; but his expression was kind, and his gray eyes brightened when he noticed Cloud riding towards him. He grinned wildly when Spirit whinnied his greeting to Rain, Rain happily snorted in response.

"Howdy," Zack said, extending his hand when Cloud was close enough. Their gripped forearms in greeting as their horses pressed into one another, both nickering happily as they were reunited at last. "'Bout time you showed your ugly mug around here," he joked.

Cloud pretended not to hear as his blue eyes scanned the herd. "You have quite a few little ones," he commented.

Zack only sighed. "Don't I know it," he said as he squinted down to the resting cattle. His eyes were shadowed by the wide brim of his hat as he continued, "Babies are the only thing I can think of recently. Seem to be dominating my life, in fact."

Cloud didn't doubt it, which reminded him… "Aerith is looking well," he managed.

Zack laughed at his awkward phrasing. "So you've seen her," he grinned. "The baby is gonna be a big one, huh? He takes after his father."

Cloud arched an eyebrow. "He?"

"Call it a hunch." Spirit shifted beneath Zack, and he swayed in the saddle for a moment before regaining his balance. "But can you imagine?" he continued. "Me, a father. Settled down on a plot of land. Owning the land, and the cattle, and the house." He huffed a breath, his flushed cheeks blowing out with the motion. "Seems unbelievable."

Cloud turned his attention back to the herd. To the few stragglers as they stood ankle-deep in the muddy lake, content to simply stand there without a care in the world, happy to chew on their cud. "It's pretty unbelievable," he admitted, shifting his weight on Rain's back. "Frankly, I can't believe that we've survived so long."

Zack barked a laugh. "That is true," he said and followed his gaze, his bright eyes shadowed by his hat. "And now look." He vaguely gestured at the herd grazing beneath them, and continued, "I have more cattle than I know what to do with, and can't find a buyer for th' life of me. Too close to the winter months, some have said. Others have claimed that they don't have the space. All of 'em, lyin' like rugs," he cursed. "Think I don't know better."

Cloud couldn't help but grin. "Shame, that."

"More than a shame, if you ask me." Zack sighed as his gaze rested on one of the calves. "I'm gonna have to find a buyer soon, and quick. Before the winter."

"And what if I told you that I found a buyer for some of your herd?" Cloud said. And at Zack's incredulous look, he grinned and continued, "And that it doesn't matter if you give 'em cows, or heifers, or even your grumpy bull."

"You found a buyer?" Zack narrowed his eyes, frowning. "Where?"

"Corel," Cloud replied. A dry breeze rustled through the pasture, and the grass hummed beneath it. "The town has been suffering from monster attacks."

Zack shot him a look. "And how, exactly, would you know this?"

Cloud knew that look, and resisted the urge to duck into his saddle. "I... might have been there a few weeks ago."

"'Course you were," Zack muttered before adding, a little louder now, "When are you going to settle down, Cloud? Actually settle, instead of… whatever you're doing now," he added with a wave of his hands.

"One day," Cloud replied offhandedly. "But moving on, one of their fields had been razed, and now their cattle have been disappearing. Only a matter of time before Corel doesn't have any left."

The corner of Zack's lips twitched upward. "Now ain't that unfortunate."

"Very," Cloud deadpanned. Brushing some stray hair out of his eyes, he continued, "And so, after hearin' all of that, I struck a deal with Corel's mayor."

"The mayor?" Zack glanced at him in surprise. "Must have been difficult to meet with him."

"Not all that difficult, once I proved that I was, ah, more than capable of defending myself."

Zack shot him another dry look, one that was almost as dry as the grain. "You didn't pull a pistol on them... did you?"

Cloud smirked. "I might have," he admitted. "But only 'cause they drew a pistol first. But don't tell Tifa," he quickly added, glancing back to Zack. "She thinks that we negotiated proper-like, using… you know. Words."

Zack huffed a laugh. "Does she now?"

"Think so."

"You're askin' for trouble, Cloud," Zack told him. Cloud only shrugged – he didn't need the reminding. Asking for trouble is something that he did often, regardless of whether or not it was intentional. "So, lemme guess what this deal of yours was," Zack continued, shifting his weight in the saddle. "We gotta drive some of my herd to Corel, kill the monsters once we get there, and then return home and deliver your grain when it's ready for harvest since all of their fields are burned."

"That's the gist of it," Cloud replied. One of the cattle began trudging up the hill towards one of the oak trees, and his eyes tracked it as his mind wandered. Truth be told, he wasn't looking forward to another ride to Corel. Even just thinking about another week-long venture on horseback – perhaps even longer since he and Zack would be driving the cattle the entire way – made his already saddle-bruised ass hurt even more. But it'll be worth it, he reminded himself. Tifa and I will finally have some money.With that he turned back to Zack and grinned. "Think you're up for somethin' like that?"

Zack huffed a breath. "Why not?" he said. "'Course, gonna have to discuss it with the wife, but..." He turned to Cloud, his smile soft. "Thanks for findin' us a buyer, truly. Aerith has been worried about it for weeks."

"Of course," Cloud easily replied. Rain shifted her weight beneath him, causing him to sway on her back as he continued, "Least I could do for everything you've done for me."

Zack went quiet at that. "We had quite a bit of fun, being Rangers," he said after a lengthy pause, and looked out to the distance. "Didn't we?"

Cloud followed his gaze. "We did," he eventually replied.

"Do you miss it?"

"Sometimes," he admitted.

Zack glanced at him. "And before that?" His tone was almost delicate now. "Before you became a Ranger?"

Cloud continued to watch the distant horizon, and his eyes traced mountain's jagged peaks, how each tip carved a wedge out of the sky, lowering his gaze to the river snaking along the dry, brown earth. There was something sad in his expression. Something a little bitter, and he replied:

"No."


After the cattle were settled in the pasture for the night, Cloud and Zack headed back to the ranch house for an early dinner, which consisted of fresh bread, salted pork, and herbed potatoes from Aerith's garden. Aerith had a special ability to make anything grow, and her small garden was filled with vegetables and fruits – including the kind that weren't even in season. Dinner had passed quickly, and it had ended with the four of them having a whiskey toast to good fortune on the trails. But Cloud hadn't partaken. He had only pressed the glass to his lips when he had been expected to, and then had snuck the rest to Tifa when he had thought that no one was looking.

After dinner was the task of separating Rain from Spirit. Rain complained the entire time Cloud bridled her, and Spirit sounded just as dejected. "We'll be back soon," Cloud had promised the mare as he placed the blanket back over her back. "You'll see."

But Rain had no way of knowing of their mission tomorrow, and Cloud had no way to make her understand. It was finally the promise of one of Aerith's carrots, plucked straight out of the ground not two minutes prior, that eventually convinced Rain to trudge out of the Fair homestead and back onto the trail leading home. Yet even with the carrot, she would continuously throw her head over her shoulder and look for Spirit's stable – even after they were a mile down the road, and they had stopped being able to see it long ago.

But she obediently continued her walk until they had reached their small house nestled within the tall, golden stalks of grain. "I'll head inside and start a bath," Tifa said the moment they had arrived, and had slid off of Rain's back with hardly any assistance. Cloud made a soft sound of agreement as he guided Rain to her stable, and she walked with her head down, ears lying dejected against her head.

"Sorry, girl," Cloud murmured as he slipped off the bridle and removed the blanket off her back. Hanging them both, he continued, "You'll see him tomorrow soon, I promise."

Rain pawed the ground, just about as sad as sad could be, but allowed Cloud to handle her. He checked to see if the bridle chaffed her anywhere, which it did not, before making sure that she was standing comfortably on all four legs and nothing seemed to be hurting, which nothing seemed to be. Satisfied that Rain was in good health, he then went to the well and pulled up a bucket full of water. He made quick work of filling her trough, which she then drank from as he double checked all of her hooves – taking care that no stones worked its way inside, and was happy with what he saw.

The last task on his to-do list was to fill and hang the slow-feeder in Rain's stall. The slow-feeder was little more than a rope net filled with a generous helping of hay, which assured that she would have food to forage all night long and she, having finished her water, nickered her thanks and butted him with her head.

He scratched the back of her ears, bone-tired but managing a smile just the same. "You're welcome," he told her. "And you'll see Spirit tomorrow, I promise."

She loudly snorted, clearly not believing him even when he pressed a kiss onto her nose.

"Good night," he told her, and was on his way out the stable when Rain once again nickered and reached forward to butted her nose against him. It was clear what she wanted; she wanted company, as she was feeling lonely without Spirit, and Cloud only sighed as he placed a hand on her neck. Truth be told, he had wanted to clean up before bed, get some sleep… but there was just no helping it.

Without another word, Cloud reached into one of his riding bags and pulled out a small guitar. It was clearly well-used, and it was obviously too small for him… yet he wouldn't trade it for the world. The old guitar and him had a history together. He had bought it back when he had been a child; back when his hands had been far smaller, the world had been far larger, and people hadn't been nearly as kind.

Now the guitar was as necessary to him as his tinderbox or his pistol. With it, he could say everything that he couldn't put into words. That he didn't want to put into words. That he couldn't even bring himself to remember – things that were too terrible to even recollect.

So he carried it gently as he eased himself down against one of the stable walls. Tuned it carefully, mindful of its old strings, as Rain nickered softly and stood closer to him, to the point where the top of his hat brushed against her warm belly.

Then with a faint inhale, he began to play.

He gently plucked the strings, one at a time, letting the notes echo and overlap within the stable walls before strumming in earnest. It was a heartbreaking melody, one that was broken and beautiful and wrenchingly sad; and the notes clawed their way skyward, each building on each other before collapsing, fracturing, falling downward like birds struck from a pale sky. But the moment the notes fell to the ground he plucked another, dragging the song out of the dust, forcing it heavenward once again.

He closed his eyes as his low voice joined their ascent.

And he sang of nothing at all, and everything.

The melody and his voice wove together; the notes descended when he did, soared as he tilted his head back, and though he was a bit rusty and sometimes the notes wandered, Rain stepped a little bit closer to him and huffed. It almost sounded as if she was trying to join him; a nicker here, a small huff there, and when the last note faded and he blinked open his eyes, she was right there to nuzzle his head with her nose.

"Better?" he murmured. The song had dragged something out of him, something that was better left forgotten, and his eyes were watery when Rain's muzzle bumped against his forehead.

Rain snorted and pushed a little harder against him; yes, she was doing better, and Cloud softly smiled as he forced his sore, aching limbs to stand. He needed to rest if he was to be ready for tomorrow, and quietly wished Rain and the chickens goodnight – even the damned rooster – as he headed into the house, wishing for a hot bath but knowing better to expect to actually get one. He had been out too late; the water had definitely gone cold.

Yet he was pleasantly surprised when he kicked off his boots and took off his hat, hanging it by the door, as Tifa hugged him from behind. He could feel the warmth of her body seep into his night-chilled skin as she sighed into him, her hands looping around his stomach.

"That was a sweet song," she murmured, the noise a faint vibration against his skin. "Sad, but sweet."

Heat tinged Cloud's cheeks. "You heard that?"

"I did." She lifted her head out from his shoulder and blinked at him, her scarlet eyes nearly black in the dark. "Doin' okay?"

Cloud placed his hands over hers. "Yeah," he quietly replied, and lifting her hands to brush his lips against them. "Just… remembering."

Tifa hummed into the crook of his neck. "Want to talk about it?"

But he only shook his head. "It's not worth talkin' about," he said before turning to face her completely, and then it was him who was pulling her in close. Him who was burying his head into her neck. Him who was deeply inhaled her scent, and he smelled warm vanilla and fresh soap…

… Soap…

That snapped him out of his daze. He let her go, an apologetic smile on his lips. "Sorry," he murmured. "Let me go get cleaned up."

"Water's still warm," Tifa told him as he made his way to their small bathing area. The wooden floor cold against his bare feet. "I reboiled some water."

Cloud just about groaned when he stuck his fingertips into the tub; sure enough, the water was warm, warm enough that steam was still curling in the air and the window was foggy with condensation. He had no idea when she had done that, but at that point, he no longer cared. "I love you," he told her as he turned to her, his gaze soft. "Have I told you that today?"

He was rewarded with a gentle smile. "I love you too," she said. "Andyou might have… but," she added, her tone now teasing, "I could do with a few more."

"Hm..." Cloud peeled off his shirt and dumped it unceremoniously to the side. The moonlight – just now peaking out through the clouds – ran a pale, slender finger across the ridges of his abs, the swell of his pectorals, and he made quick work of undoing his belt buckle and kicking off his pants before easing into the tub.

Tifa made a sound of appreciation at seeing him bare before her, and then moved to kneel beside him as he settled fully into the tub. It took all of his willpower not to moan at the water's delicious heat enveloping him – or the hungry look that Tifa was now giving him as the water sloshed and rolled against his body.

"Let me help you." Tifa's voice was a low murmur as she reached for the soap, still damp with foam from her previous soak, and dipped it in the water before running it along his shoulders. He leaned forward to oblige her; to let himself be cared for, which Tifa was happy to do. She ran the soap against his back, and goosebumps peppered his skin at her light touches. At the feeling of her fingernails grazing his skin. At the slippery soap running across his body, against every bruise and ridged scar; at the water's heat soaking into him, and a shiver flickered down his spine as he closed his eyes, dully realizing that he could very well just fall asleep right here.

He had no idea how much time had passed until Tifa had set aside the soap, and then it was her hands that she ran along his sore muscles. Her fingers pushing against his tight knots and working out their tightness, and he just about groaned beneath her as water sloshed against the tub's sides.

"You sure you want to go tomorrow?" she murmured as she dragged her hands upward, until her palms were flush against his shoulders. Her hands were hot against his skin, and her lips pursed with worry. "You seem a little… well, a little sore." Her fingers pressed into him again, kneading his stiff muscles, and Cloud clenched his jaw as she worked out the tight knots. "It would make me feel better if you'd take a week off."

"I'm fine," he managed, though the reassurance was little more than a breathless shudder. "Can't wait another week." The feeling of her hands pressing down against him had sparks flickering across his skin, and he was content just with that. But then, all of a sudden, she was she was leaning against his back. Her skin was hot and soft against him, her full breasts were flush against his shoulder blades, her arms reached forward to drape across his chest…

He thickly swallowed as warmth began to poll deep in his sternum, and it wasn't long before there was a familiar ache between his legs – one that was hidden by the cloudy, soapy water. He shifted in the water, trying to ignore what his body wanted. It was late enough as it was. He should be getting ready to rest.

But he had a hard time convincing himself of that as Tifa's fingertips grazed the water's surface, sending ripples dancing across the milky, sudsy water. "I'll miss you," she murmured against warm skin. "Again."

"I'll miss you too," he admitted with a slow, shaky exhale. He'd miss her more than she probably realized, and he reached up to loop his fingers with hers. "I'll be back before you know it," he promised, leaning back so that the back of his head rested on her shoulder. His eyes fluttered shut even as he smiled at her. "Swear it."

She returned his smile, and unlike his quiet, shy grin, her smile was all moonlight and sunshine and sweet summer clouds. "I doubt that," she told him, "but I appreciate the sentiment all the same."

There was something different in her tone now, a heated promise that hadn't been there before, and his eyelashes fluttered open just as she leaned down and pressed her lips against his. The kiss was hard, almost desperate, and all thoughts of resting faded away as Cloud further parted his lips and their tongues flicked against each other. Her tongue explored his mouth. Skimmed the ridges of his teeth, and heat blossomed and sparked within him until the warm bath seemed cold by comparison.

God, he hadn't even left yet and he was already missing her.

His hands crested the water and he reached upward, blindly pushing Tifa's hair out of her eyes even while he tilted his chin higher, hungry for the taste of her. Tifa's fingers skimmed her hairline before tangling in his hair, and he just about groaned as he clamped his legs together against the hard ache that was steadily, slowly building deep inside him. The faint movement had the lightest friction against his cock, and it sent another flurry of heated sparks scattering across his skin as his breathing went ragged. He suddenly had the wild notion to drag Tifa into the bath with him. He needed to have her body heavy against his, needed to be as close to her as possible, needed to be inside of her -

But then Tifa pulled away.

His eyes fluttered open in question as her forehead tapped against his. She breathed hard, her chest rising and falling as she blinked open her eyes. "We… We should rest," she managed, echoing his earlier thoughts – thoughts that he had given up on. "You'll be havin' a hard day tomorrow."

Cloud's mind was presently occupied by other hard things, but…

"That's true," he managed, his tone equally rough and a more than a little strained. It took more self control than he was willing to admit to let his hands fall. To accept the towel she offered and dry himself, and then join her in their bed – he'd deal with the leftover bathwater tomorrow.

He laid down carefully on his back, his skin still flushed and warm as he stretched himself out against the sheets, trying to ignore the ache between his legs. Sleep was a long off now, and the notion only further solidified as Tifa curled into his side, her bare skin hot against his.

But when he looked to her to wish her good night, he noticed that she was already looking up at him through her thick lashes, her carmine eyes bright and hazy with lust.

He licked his lips. "Come 'ere," he murmured into the twilight.

And they continued where they had left off.

Their lips crashed hungrily into each other, desperately even, because they both knew that by this time tomorrow there would be dozens of miles between them – if not more, depending on how quickly he and Zack could drive the cattle east. Her hands snaked into his hair, determined to take the night slow. But he was more impatient that she was. His hands trailed lower, following the dips and curves of her spine before cupping the swell of her ass, and his biceps tensed as he pulled her hard against his throbbing shaft.

He faintly groaned at the subtle friction that had sparks showering his skin, but he tried to ignore it. Tried to put it from mind, because he didn't want to focus on his pleasure tonight. Not right now, because not only did he need to make up for lost time, but he was also about to be gone for another week or so. He had a lot to make up for. And he wanted to make Tifa feel good; to have her remember why she put up with him leaving so often, and why she loved him enough to stay.

So he held her gently, careful not to be too rough as he worked his fingers to apex of her legs – to the sticky heat that was pooling there. Tifa moaned into his mouth when his fingertips found her slick folds, and she ground against his hand as he slowly slipped inside.

"Cloud," she gasped as his thumb brushed against the tight bundle of nerves situated there, and tried to say his name again – but it only came out as a drawn-out moan as he moved his thumb in a gentle circle on that specific spot, and then pushed his index and middle finger inside of her. She bit her lip, her breath harsh and body twitching, and it wasn't long before her warm slick was gathering against his fingers and running down his knuckles.

He tried to stand it. Tried to calm down, but his cock was throbbing and dripping and aching against his stomach. Ached almost painfully, and his breathing was rough and uneven as his hips grinding upward in tiny, frantic movements, desperately seeking any sort of relief against the flat planes of their bodies. Yet though his body demanded friction, demanded that he make his way inside of her and thrust into her folds, he focussed all of his attention on her. No matter how hard he became or how hard he throbbed, she had his complete attention. He just wished that he could give her more.

And when she did come, she came with his name on her lips. Her hips bucked into him, and he could feel her wet walls pulsate and gyrate around his fingers. The sensation sent a throb of heat so strongly through him that his hips reacted, thrusting upward hard enough to lift them both off the bed for a moment before they both sank back down into the groaning mattress. His control was rapidly slipping. His pants became ragged as he held her tight against him as she rode off her high, his hips shifting against her, his throbbing member seeking any sort of release.

But when Tifa snaked a hand down and her fingers wrapped around his painfully hard length, he just about whimpered at her touch… only to practically whine as she guided his leaking tip to her entrance. It was a noise that he was too ashamed to admit had come from his own mouth, but he stopping caring as he entered her warm entrance with a firm thrust.

But when she groaned as she was filled, Cloud froze, his heart nearly stopping dead in his chest. "Hurt… you?" he managed, his voice strained as he struggled to remain somewhat composed. "T – Too hard?"

His eyes were squeezed shut and he felt, not so much as saw, Tifa lean down until their noses brushed together.

"Push harder," she ordered.

Cloud sucked in breath and obeyed, pushing into her again. Again and again and again, that mattress squeaking beneath them and his rhythm already lost and stuttering as he unraveled. But when when she ducked her head and sucked at his neck

He whimpered and, unable to stand the hard ache building inside of him any longer, thrust hard into her. Pushed and ground and rocked his hips against hers until the fire that had been skimming his nerves consumed him, burned him alive, danced behind his closed eyes and swallowed him whole -

- and with a muffled curse, the fire exploded inside of him and he spilled into her, uncontrollable, helpless; licks of flame dripped out of his length as he emptied, each spurt leaving him twitching and shuddering and exhausted and relieved.

Tifa held him tight against her as he rode out his high, grounding him within the heat of her flushed body until he fully, completely empty. It was only then did he blink open his eyes. Only then did his breathing slowly even, and a faint smile curved his lips as he looked up at her, the love plain in his eyes. She looked up at him and smiled.

"Come with me," he told her, his voice hoarse. "To Corel."

Tifa huffed a faint laugh. "Rain can't carry us both for that long," she murmured, her arms still wrapped around his neck. "You know that."

"Sure she can." He closed his eyes with a faint exhale, his body boneless against the mattress. "Please?"

"Are you begging, cowboy?"

Cloud's grin broadened at her teasing tone. "Maybe."

He could feel Tifa's laugh rumble through him, and he missed her warmth when she rolled off of him and curled into his side. She used his arm as a pillow, and her fingertips gently traced the scars spiderwebbing his chest. "Next time," she told him. "And until then, I'll hold down the fort."

Disappointment rippled through him, and he planted a small kiss on her forehead. "I'll miss you," he murmured.

"And I'll miss you too." His eyelashes fluttered when her lips brushed the tip of his nose. "More than you know."

He thickly swallowed. Pulled her a little tighter against him. "I love you."

He felt her lips pull into a smile against his, and it warmed something within him. "I love you too," she said, murmuring her reply. "Now get some rest, Cloud." A coyote howled outside; an owl cried out to the moon. "You'll need it."


We're starting to get into the main storyline now, so expect more plot and less, well, plot in the next few chapters lol. But hopefully no one minds?

Until next chapter, stay well, stay safe, and I wish you all the best :)

PS - I'm Rand0mSmil3z on Twitter; feel free to follow if you'd like to see story previews, links to my ko-fi and other stories I publish, and general positivity :)