The Date

by Tiffa Caelum

They didn't know who or what kind of person the other was. They didn't even tell each other their names. It was better that way. She referred to him as the "stranger" and he called her "beautiful". From the beginning, they both knew that no matter what happened, it would stay in one night, in one city. They were both okay with that. Or so... they thought at first.

*Clarifications:

-This shot is inspired by my own GMV of Noctifa, Señorita, which is already posted on my YouTube channel.

-It's been a long time since I've written so I'm pretty rusty, sorry about that.

-English is not my mother tongue. I had to translate the text online and I will gradually go over it to correct any grammatical or syntactical errors that may have been generated. My apologies for all those mistakes.

-With nothing more to say, I hope you like this loooong shot.

The Date

They didn't know who or what kind of person the other was. They didn't even tell each other their names. It was better that way.

She referred to him as the "stranger" and he called her "beautiful".

From the beginning, they both knew that no matter what happened, it would stay in one night, in one city. On a hot July day in Midgar.

They were both okay with that.

Or so... they thought at first.

Noctis had left Insomnia, needing a break from his duties as prince. The news that he would be forced to marry Princess Lunafreya had left him fractured. He held the princess of Tenebrae in high regard. After all, he had met her when he was only eight years old. He had fond memories of her and was sorry that she had been captured by the Empire for so long. But whatever he felt for her was nowhere near love. Not at all. He had not seen her for twelve long years and, even if he maintained a thin line of communication with her, it was impossible for him to feel anything more than some sympathy for her. She was a lost distant friend. Nothing more. And having to marry her was the last thing Noctis would have wanted. That was why he had left the capital of Lucis without telling anyone. Not even his best friends. Not even his father. He needed time for himself, away from everything and everyone.

Tifa, on the other hand, was going through a very bad time. She had been left alone again. Or rather, he had left her alone again. That blond-haired boy with beautiful, but mako-tainted, blue eyes had left again without her. Telling her only that he would be back in a few weeks. Just like that. As if she were nothing more than a piece of furniture that could be left at the bar.

He had hurt her. A lot. But... She was getting used to it. As bad as it sounded, she couldn't stop thinking about Cloud. He was her childhood friend and... Her first love. She couldn't get over him. She couldnt even if she tried. So there she was, alone and languid, running the rag over the gleaming wooden bar for the umpteenth time. Trying to focus on the soft melody coming from the radio instead of the voices screaming in her head.

Fortunately, Noctis and Tifa found what they needed right then and there. In that very spot.
He walked into the bar, thirsty from the long drive and she smiled at him like the professional she was, ignoring the pain that was still lingering on her heart.

The first thing Noctis drank, however, was Tifa's sweet and delicate beauty.
Tifa's first real smile in several days was directed at Noctis when she realized how handsome he was.

—Good morning, what can I get you, sir? —She asked him in a light voice as he sat on the other side of the bar without removing a half smile from his lips.

Noctis didn't usually notice girls. Not because he didn't like them but because first, he was afraid that they didn't want him but his money/social position and second, because he was royalty and was expected to marry a princess. He was not to set his sights on commoners. It could never be.
But that girl was too beautiful. Her beautiful ruby red eyes attracted Noctis' sapphire blue ones like a magnet. Literally. He couldn't take his eyes off those huge, expressive irises.

—Something... soft and sweet, please —he couldn't help but say—.And don't call me sir. I'm too young for that.

Tifa wrinkled her nose a little, amused by his comment.

—I'm sorry, it's professional trait —she apologized as she began to prepare the house special drink for him.

Noctis brushed it off with his hand.

—I understand —he said, losing himself in her nimble movements. She was more graceful than a butterfly—.I've seen movement in the street and yet there's no one here —he commented.

In any other situation he would have said nothing, but he wanted to keep listening to the girl's voice.

—The customers usually come LATER — she answered, looking at him with a raised eyebrow, almost amused—. It's too early to drink.

Noctis looked away, a little embarrassed.

—I don't usually do that — he excused himself—. I've been on a long trip and I needed something to take my mind off things.

Tifa felt guilty for making him think he had to explain himself.

—I understand —she nodded, pouring the red liquid into a crystal clear glass—. I need to clear my head early once in a while too — she placed the drink in front of him—.I hope you like it, it's the house specialty—she paused when Noctis looked at her. That boy was tremendously attractive. Tifa stammered a little—... t-the c-c-cosmo canyon—. she felt like an idiot, but he gave her a shy, half-smile.

Nothing had ever struck Noctis as more tender than that babble. He took the glass and raised it in the air, placing it at her eye level. The drink was as red as her eyes...

—Beautiful — he blurted out what he was thinking.

There was only her there. He could be himself without worrying about anything. Tifa blushed and turned her face away from him as she bit her lower lip.

"Did he just flirt with me?" she asked herself, her cheeks taking on a strong reddish hue.

It wasn't uncommon for men to flirt with her. Whether they were sober or drunk, they always had compliments to spare for her so she was used to it. But for some reason that boy had managed to make her red as a tomato.

"Why?" she asked herself again, trying to find something to do so she wouldn't have to look at the boy again.

Noctis smiled, proud of himself. He had seen the beginning of her reaction. And he had been delighted to know that he had made her blush. Maybe he wasn't so bad with women after all.

His phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and let out a sigh as he saw Ignis' name on the screen. He could hang up but he knew that would worry the other man more than anything else. It was better to answer and tell him that everything was fine. And so he did.

—Hello, Ignis — he greeted him, taking the first sip of the cosmo canyon.

The sweet taste exploded on his palate. It was the richest drink he had ever tasted. He couldn't help but glance at the waitress. He also couldn't help but pin his eyes on her long, toned legs. His head spun.

—Noct, where are you? Everyone is looking for you —Ignis' worried voice snapped him out of his reverie.

—I'm fine — Noctis replied, forcing a carefree, jovial look—. A day's vacation is good for anyone... It's about time I got to know this city. It's bigger than I thought. I'd probably need a guide to get around.

Tifa tried not to listen to what he was saying but she couldn't help but do so. He was a stranger to Midgar. He wanted to get to know Midgar. And she knew every corner of Midgar.

An idea blossomed in her head. It was stupid and crazy but it didn't go away.

—What are you talking about, Noctis? —Ignis sighed—. You have to come back now. There are things you need to talk to your father about and...

—Yes, yes —Noctis cut him off, trying not to sound harsh—. I'll be back tomorrow morning. Don't worry about it.

—What? —Ignis shrieked—. Noct, you can't...!

Noctis hung up the call and turned off the phone. He had already reassured his nanny. Now he wanted to be alone. Away from his life. He put the phone in his black pants pocket and drank the rest of the alcohol.

Delicious.

—So... —his blue eyes flew to the waitress, who had now leaned against the bar. Her long, clean brown hair flowed down her back like a waterfall of chocolate—. Are you a stranger in Midgar?

Noctis gave her a smile.

—Yes, I am— he said—. I've never been here before.

Tifa nodded, not quite knowing how to tell him what had occurred to her.

—There are... Several nice places to visit— she mumbled—. Not many, but they're nice— she had to clear her throat.

She felt stupid and clumsy.

Of course she did. She'd never wanted to make plans with a complete stranger. It was crazy.
Noctis watched her, spellbound.

—Do you have a map or something? If you tell me where they are... I'll visit them.

Tifa nodded, giving up.

She was no good at that sort of things. She would simply mark the points of interest on a map and watch him go. She would be alone again.

Alone.

From under the cupboard she pulled out a thin piece of paper and a pen. She spread the sheet in front of Noctis and began to circle with the pen everything worth seeing.
He did not take his eyes off her. He watched her tuck a brown lock behind her ear and by all the gods he wished he had been the one to do that himself. He was sure that a simple brush with her would take him to heaven.

—We're here —Tifa snapped him out of his fantasies as she pointed to the place on the map—. If you follow the directions everything will be fine — she looked up, meeting his gaze.

The two looked at each other, their faces gaining color with every second. But neither looked away. They were mesmerized by each other.

—Thank you —he finally spoke.

Tifa blinked and suddenly said the first thing that came to her mind.

—Tonight there's a festival —she blurted out almost in a rush—. There's going to be dancing and fireworks and stuff... Those things — embarrassment finally made her lower his head.

Noctis jerked as if a spell had just been broken.
He had to clear his throat to speak.

—Really? What a coincidence... —he muttered. He didn't want it to end like this. With a "thank you and goodbye". He wanted more from her. Then he took a big breath and tried his luck —Are you going to that festival?

Tifa raised her head quickly, both excited and surprised by the question.

—Perhaps —she somehow managed to make her voice sound flirtatious—. Why do you ask? —she asked trying to sound innocent.

Noctis felt something stir inside him.

"You're fucking beautiful" he thought, unable to help but stare at her full lips. What would they taste like? How soft would they be? Would they already have an owner?

As gorgeous as she was, it would be crazy to think she was single. But for the sake of his sanity, Noctis decided to make up that she didn't have a boyfriend.

—Dances, fireworks... —he spoke, making a great effort not to get tongue-tied. It was harder to talk in front of her than in front of a whole chamber full of ministers. Probably because she was more beautiful and interesting than all those old men—... These are not activities for one. They are meant to be enjoyed as a couple — he blurted out rather lightly.

By all the gods of Lucis.

Noctis was super proud to have managed to say that so fluently.

Tifa smiled stupidly, as if she was a schoolgirl. That made the prince of Insomnia melt.

—Are you inviting me to join you? —she asked, this time unable to hide the red in her cheeks.

Noctis felt a cold sweat on his hands.

—Yes —he nodded—. I'd like you to.

The two were silent for a moment. Then Tifa laughed. Heavenly music to him.

—Okay, I'll go with you...
—she paused, inviting him to tell her his name.

Noctis didn't want to. As soon as he told her, she would come to the conclusion that he was the prince. No. He did not want that.

—Stranger in Midgar — he said without thinking. Tifa raised both eyebrows in confusion. Noctis bit his tongue. Everything had been going so well... And now she was screwing it up—. I'd rather stay the outsider in Midgar— he added, praying she didn't think he was a nutcase.

The girl blinked in confusion.

—Are you some sort of a criminal and that's why you won't tell me your name? —she asked in a hesitant tone of voice. Still a little playful.

Noctis denied.

—Not at all —he pursed his lips for a moment—.It's just that... It's better if you don't know.

Tifa frowned. That was very suspicious. Someone afraid to give his name couldn't be trusted. But judging by the car he'd parked outside, the clothes he was wearing and the way he spoke and moved... He didn't fit the profile of a madman or murderer. He seemed quite normal. Upper class. Nothing about him indicated that he was dangerous or untrustworthy and of that Tifa understood a lot.

She hadn't felt uncomfortable or self-conscious since he had entered the bar. Quite the opposite.
She weighed her options.

Tell him no.
Or tell him yes.

She was going to tell him no. That it had been nice meeting him but that she couldn't go out with someone she didn't know and who was reluctant to give her his name. But then Noctis' blue eyes looked straight at her. That blue... It wasn't tainted.

It was a clean, bright, clear blue. They were a calm ocean, very different from the raging sea she used to see in Cloud's eyes. Just as Noctis had become intoxicated by the wine red of her eyes, Tifa drowned in that blue color. It was irresistible. Like an ocean current. Like a whirlwind.

Then she did something she rarely used to do. She let herself go.

—All right, Stranger — she spoke at last— I'll go out with you —she felt warm as she saw a beautiful smile take shape on the boy's lips—.But I won't give you my name either —she added, raising a finger in the air, as if to frame the sentence.

Noctis felt disappointment.

—It's only fair — he said, however, —I'll be a stranger to you and you... —He would have liked to keep looking at her as he said the following, but he could not. He had to look away and say it to the air—... You will be the beautiful girl. Beautiful — he repeated in a lower tone of voice.

Tifa was thankful he hadn't been looking at her because she blushed fiercely. Much more than she had in her entire life. She felt as if two volcanoes had suddenly erupted under the skin of her cheeks. Her skin went goose bumps and she trembled like a little leaf in autumn.

Her head spun and she had to lean against the bar. Noctis continued without looking at her, lost in his own shame.

The two were silent for a long time, not knowing what to say. The situation was starting to become uncomfortable when the door opened, letting a customer in.

Noctis and Tifa sighed at the same time and that made them laugh like a couple of fools.

—What time shall I pick you up? —he asked her, getting up from his seat.

Tifa denied, her face still red as a tomato.

—Wait for me at ten o'clock at the Stone Gates — she told him. I'll meet you there.

Noctis nodded, somewhat disappointed. He would have liked to pick her up with the car. It would have meant more time together.

Tifa hadn't wanted that for one simple reason. She didn't want to tell him an exact time to pick her up because she didn't know when the bar would close. It could be eight o'clock. Eight fifteen. Half past eight... It depended on the clientele she had. And she would hate to keep waiting... The stranger.

—Okay, I'll be there — he looked at her one last time— Beautiful —he turned before she could see how much he was blushing too.

My goodness. Between the two of them they could make a ketchup sauce with so much blushing here and so much blushing there. But it was hopeless. They were young twentysomethings who had never flirted so deliberately with anyone. Noctis had never hit on a girl and Tifa had never been so interested in a boy other than... Cloud.

Her reactions were genuine. Natural.

Tifa watched him disappear after crossing the door frame. A needle pricked her heart. She hadn't liked watching him go. He had a perfect, beautiful ass, but she liked it better when he wiggled it at her.

She sighed, trying to cheer herself up. She would see him again in the evening.

She vibrated and smiled at that simple thought.

—Good morning, Tifa, sweetheart! —The customer who had entered greeted her.

—Good morning, Carl— she greeted him back, unaffected by that "sweetheart" in the slightest.

Noctis adjusted the sides of his elegant black jacket for the umpteenth time. He was nervous. He had arrived ahead of time because he would hate to keep that girl waiting. No. He had to be the one to wait for her.

He also hoped he wasn't too formal. While touring the city and the tourist spots Tifa had pointed out to him he had found out about the festival. There would be a gala and ballroom dancing, then fireworks and later parties in the historic part of town. The last two activities seemed of a more popular and casual nature. However the word "gala" had made him put on his black and perfectly folded tuxedo. One that, by chance, had been found in one of the suitcases in the trunk of the Regalia. Ignis, probably, was responsible for that as he would never consent to Noctis not attending certain events in formal attire.

"Wardrobe and appearance are of vital importance, Noctis. You should always be dressed correctly according to the occasion" he used to tell him.

He was the advisor his father, the king of Insomnia, had assigned to him for a reason. He was always on the lookout for everything.

Noctis sighed, trying to think of something else because if he didn't, he would be thinking about his future again. And he hadn't left Insomnia for that. It didn't take him too long to abandon those musings either.

His blue eyes, which had been drifting lazily from place to place, caught sight of a female figure hurrying towards him. He was speechless.

It was that girl. That beautiful girl.

She was wearing a dress of a pretty gold color, a delicate white shawl over her shoulders, and little heeled shoes to match. The dress was simple but looked amazing on her. It cinched her small waist and emphasized her voluptuous breasts. It ended above her knees with a simple but effective cut.
She also wore halfmoon-like shaped earrings and a beautiful necklace.

She looked beautiful.

Well, she was beautiful. What she wore simply accentuated her beauty even more. And that dress made her glow in the middle of the street.

Noctis had seen many women in ball gowns but he had never felt so trapped. High heels had never turned him on as much as they did at that moment. He felt his whole body shudder.

This girl was going to finish him off.

—Hi! — she greeted him, letting out a little gasp— Sorry I'm late, did I keep you waiting?

Noctis shook his head vigorously.

—No, not at all — he gave her a shy smile—.You're early— he informed her, putting his hands in his pockets as he noticed they were shaking—.It's just that I'm early.

—Oh... —Tifa was relieved. She would have hated to keep him waiting— You look... very... —she let out a slight but somewhat hysterical smile— You look very handsome.

The clothes he'd worn in the morning had appealed to her. Lots of leather and lots of black. Just what she liked. But he also looked extremely good in a suit. He didn't look very used to wearing it but it wasn't his first time either. It showed.

He had combed his tousled black hair a bit, but not too much either. She liked it that way. Rebellious.

Noctis smiled half-sideways, pleased to hear her say that.

—Thank you — he paused, looking her up and down a bit cheekily. Until that moment he had never wondered what he liked more in women: breasts or ass— You look beautiful — he could get used to call her that anytime, anywhere.

Tifa blushed but decided to be a little more open. After all, he was being honest and cheerfull too.

—Just like this morning? —she teased him.

Noctis laughed a little.

—Just the same. Only more elegant. For the... Occasion? —he felt stupid to end the sentence with a question.

Idiot.

Tifa, however, gave him a chuckle.

He had just told her that she always looked beautiful. It didn't matter what she wore. She might look more elegant, exotic or formal depending on how she dressed. But she would always look beautiful. She was touched by that.
She looked up at him with a pair of stars shining in her ruby eyes. Noctis cleared his throat and offered her his arm as he had often seen other gentlemen do.

—Shall we go in?

Tifa nodded and shyly curled her arm around his'. She liked the boy's firm but gentle grip. It was tight but not hard. He was guiding her but not dragging her. It was... Perfect.

Tifa bit her lower lip as they walked towards the building from which pleasant waltz music was coming out. There were a lot of people. She relaxed when she saw that her dress didn't stand out. She had chosen well. Neither too casual nor too stunning. Just in line. That made her happy. She didn't usually go to such events so she had had a hard time choosing. Also because she had wanted to choose something that would please her companion. One she didn't know at all. She didn't know what he would like or not. But it seemed that she had got it right twice. She was happy.

Unconsciously, she pressed herself against Noctis.

He felt her breasts press against his arm. That made him feel like a boy and a man at the same time. His little if any experience with women made him very innocent in many ways. But he was old enough to think lasciviously. And feeling that beauty's breasts pressed against his arm pleased him more than he could ever have imagined.

He thought about lowering his gaze to try to see her cleavage, but he was afraid he'd trip while doing so. So he kept his gaze straight ahead, never taking his mind off those round, soft breasts.

It looked like it was team breasts.

When they entered the building, they found themselves surrounded by high ceilings, golden lights and long, thick red curtains. There was an orchestra of musicians on one side of the dance floor, where many couples were already dancing to the music. There were also several tables filled with plates of food and drink. People were talking without raising their voices, so it was a relaxed atmosphere. The wildness would probably come later.

—What do you feel like doing? —Noctis asked, stopping so he could look her in the eyes—. Do you want to dance?

Tifa's eyelids parted slightly.

—Do you dance? —she questioned, impressed.

Cloud never danced. Not even when she asked him to.

"I don't dance. Tifa. I'm a soldier. Soldiers do not dance" he used to tell her.

—I've had dancing lessons since I was a Child — Noctis nodded, feeling a bit nostalgic as he remembered his dance instructor.

A lovely elderly woman who used to forgive him when he stepped on her toes.

A soft shade of red flooded Tifa's cheeks.

—I'd love to dance with you, Stranger —she smiled at him.

Something in her made her feel guilty. Why are you going on a date with a stranger? Why did you worry so much about the dress you'd wear? Why do you want to dance with him? Why do you... find him so attractive?

The questions bombarded her with cruelty. To all of them there was a single, solid answer. One that Tifa knew very well even if she refused to think about it because... Because it hurt her.

"Because Cloud and I aren't together"

It was that clear. Every time she tried to name their relationship or stabilize it, he ran away from her. The most confusing thing was that he would then come back to pick up right where they were before. It was a tug of war. Never a breakthrough.
Cloud seemed to be fine with and without her at the same time. He couldn't take her but he couldn't leave her either.

And she... She wanted something more.
Security, stability, trust... Love.

She let Noctis drag her down the runway. There she managed to bury her thoughts when she felt his hands take hers.

—Are you all right? —he asked him with her eyebrows slightly furrowed.

—Y-yes —Tifa answered quickly, not wanting to ruin the moment for her inner demons. She smiled shyly at him, interlacing her fingers with his—. It's just that I haven't danced in a long time... I might step on your toes.

Noctis pulled her to his body, perhaps a little closer than necessary. Tifa had to raise her head to look at him. He was slightly taller than Cloud. He would pull her maybe nine or ten inches apart. That proximity made her nervous... But she also liked it.

She liked the feel of a man's body against hers. A solid, strong chest against which her own breasts pressed lightly. Bigger hands enveloping her own. A manly cologne flooding her nostrils. A man. With her. For her.

She breathed in shakily.

"By the gods of Lucis, am I so needy?" she wondered though the answer was obvious "Yes."

Noctis shook his head, placing his left hand on her back. He would have liked to lower it further but it would have been unseemly. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable either.

—Don't worry, I don't mind — he assured her—. Let me guide you.

Tifa clung to his hand and his shoulder, still nodding with that smile on her lips.

Then they began to move.

And it was wonderful.

Noctis was an excellent dancer. He moved with ease and lightness. Spinning and twisting loosely, as if he was more than used to it. And not only that. He was also a good at leading. He started with smooth, slow movements so that she could get used to him. Then he increased the speed while still rocking her gently.

Tifa floated above the room.

He made her float.

She giggled like a little girl. Dancing reminded her of her mother. To her childhood. To golden, happy times.

Seeing her more confident, Noctis began to make her twirl and pirouette. She laughed louder. He began to laugh too.

Since when was waltzing so much fun?

Since he had that girl in his arms as a partner. Of course.
The music reached its climax and so did they. Tifa ended up completely embraced by Noctis, who felt safe enough to seek her gaze. He found her. Sapphire eyes against ruby eyes.
Magnets. Tifa parted her lips to let out a trickle of air.

He was... Much more handsome up close than from afar. He had a small mole near his lips. She felt like kissing it.

She blushed violently. Noctis, seeing her, did too.

Tifa would have moved away from him, nervous. But Noctis did something that she liked much more.

He pulled her closer, causing her cheek to press against his chest. There she could hide from his blue gaze without leaving the warmth of his body. That made her tremble. Her eyes crystallized a little. That reaction was what she had always wanted. Not to be taken away from him or let away from him. That he would hold her even harder.

Tifa's snowy and trembling hands clung to Noctis's jacket, hanging onto him. He liked that a lot. He had been afraid that he would be wrong to press her against him. He was about to pull away from her to give her space. But his heart screamed at him not to. To keep that girl close to him. And that's what he did. He positioned her as close as he could to his heart.

Tifa heard it beat fast and strong. Cloud's heart used to be strong. But much slower. That frenzy in the stranger's heart she liked.

Maybe it was beating that fast from the dance. Or maybe, just maybe, for her.

Both of them would have stayed like that for longer if it hadn't been for the fact that new couples entered the room.

Without taking her too far from him, Noctis led her off the track. Tifa looked at their clasped hands and was afraid to start crying.

"You're more broken than you thought" the voice inside her told her.

She gasped, trying to compose herself. He couldn't see her like that. He would think she was crazy or traumatized.

Crazy maybe.

Traumatized of course.

But that was something she didn't want him to know.

With a great effort, she blinked the water from her eyes before Noctis turned to her with a wide smile.

—Did you like it? —They stopped near the tables with food.

Tifa smiled back.

—I loved it — she confessed—. Are you a professional dancer?

That made him laugh in astonishment.

—Not at all.

—Well... you could be. You move very well — She shrugged.

Noctis scratched the back of his neck with his free hand. He wasn't used to being complimented by a fucking goddess.

—You've been great. You haven't stepped on me once.

Tifa laughed in disbelief.

—Yes, I have. Severak times — she admitted.

Noctis cocked his head, playing crazy.

—I haven't even noticed... Are you hungry? —He changed the topic of conversation, pointing to the delicacies spread out before them.

—Yes — she agreed to his slight invitation and they both began to try a little of each dish.

Noctis didn't let go.

Tifa didn't let go of him either.

Her hands remained intertwined as they walked through all the tables. She noticed that he avoided certain types of foods.

—Don't you like vegetables?— she asked, picking up a skewer containing bell pepper, tomato, and onion.

He shook his head, a little embarrassed.

"She'll think I'm a kid, like Ignis" he thought.

—They are good for health.

—Bad for the palate.

They both laughed, reaching for the drinks part.

They both drank red wine.

Noctis pursed his lips. He wasn't much of a fan of wine. He preferred sweeter things. Tifa, on the other hand, was used to stronger flavors.

—I prefer your cosmo canon —he confessed.

—Me too —Tifa agreed with him, feeling flattered and proud.

They put down their glasses and headed for the exit. The fireworks would start soon.

—It's rare to see Midgar so lively — the girl chatted—. Normally there are not many people at this time.

Noctis nodded a little, remembering his lessons about the cities belonging to the kingdom of Lucis.

—Midgar is a mercantile and commercial city. The population moves more during the mornings and afternoons. The night is a space reserved for restinga — he recited before getting a little embarrassed.

Tifa looked at him between amused and surprised.

—Yes, exactly —she agreed—. I heard that Insomnia is quite the opposite — Noctis tensed a bit—. That it is a city where people go out to have fun at night. They say it's gorgeus but I've never seen it... Have you ever been there? —she asked him curiously.

—Yeah... Shall we go to that bridge? There aren't many people —he quickly changed the topic of conversation as he led her to that area.

Tifa let herself be drawn, noticing how he had dodged her question. She supposed that he didn't want to tell her too much about him. It made sense considering he didn't even let her know his name.

"Who are you?"

Noctis settled on the wood of the railing and made Tifa stick to him from the right.

Their hands were still intertwined.

Noctis had never held hands with a girl. Not at least his age. He could vaguely remember his instructors leading him around by the hand when he was a kid. But never a young, beautiful woman. He liked it even though he worried that she would dislike the sweat that trickled down his palms.

Quite the opposite. Tifa knew that it was very human to sweat through rhe hands. She was doing it too and it didn't arouse any negative feelings in her. She liked, in fact, to feel the fingers of the stranger of hers caressing hers. Skin against skin. No gloves like she used to be with Cloud.

Tifa sighed, starting to get tired of constantly thinking about the blonde. She wasn't doing it on purpose. Her mind betrayed her. But she was already starting to get annoyed with herself. She wasn't doing anything wrong. She was just... having a good time for a change. Enjoying a new company.

She looked at Noctis. He was looking at the sky so he had a perfect view of her neck, chin, jaw... He was very attractive.

He had white skin, though not as white as hers. It was a couple of shades darker. His physique would be enviable for any man. Athletic and strong, proportionate and toned. He wasn't too tall but she liked that. She had noticed, in the same way, that his back was not completely straight. It was as if he had had spinal trauma. One that hadn't quite disappeared. He didn't have perfect teeth either. His teeth were pearly white but the bottom rows were slightly crooked. She had noticed it in one of his smiles. She didn't care. Those "imperfections" made him look more human. More perfect. More... Reachable. And of course, his hair, his eyes and his face drove her completely crazy.

She thought about how it would feel to sink her hands into that unruly ebony hair. Sure he would have it very smooth...

Tifa swallowed as she observed the line of his chin. So sexy...she looked away from him as Noctis turned to look at her.

She trembled thinking that he would have noticed her scrutiny.

It was not the case. Noctis had been looking up at the night sky like he used to. He had felt comfortable sharing a moment of silence with her. He only hoped that she had felt the same and that she hadn't thought he had grown tired of her.

He frowned as he felt her tremble.

—Are you cold? —He asked her softly.

—N-no — she denied —. It's s-just...— she couldn't finish.

Noctis released her hand.

For a moment she thought he would offer her his jacket, but instead he did something much better. And more risky.

He placed her in front of him slowly and carefully, still looking at her as if he was asking for her permission. Tifa let herself be done. She knew she could punch him to the ground if she put her mind to it. She could always feel safe because she knew how to defend herself. She didn't need anyone to save her from that kind of situation.

Noctis gently pushed her against the wooden railing so she was leaning against it and then wrapped his arms around her back, pressing his body against hers.

Tifa shook inside. It was too much contact for her but somehow she found herself comfortable in that embrace. Noctis did not touch her with lust or desire. All of his touches were soft, tender and respectful. Of course it had been a very risky and hasty move, considering that they didn't know each other at all. But somehow she felt good. Natural. Fluent. Tifa's small body fit into Noctis's largest one as if they were two pieces of a puzzle. His chin reached just above the crown of her head. Tifa's ass fit perfectly against the boy's pelvis.

Noctis had never felt happier. He had just caged that beauty in his own body and she didn't seem to have any intention of getting him off her back. Quite the opposite. She sighed delicately and snuggled into that small gap that Noctis had left between him and the bridge. In that hole he had created for her.

Tifa opened her mouth. She was going to stutter that she liked it just as the first fireworks shot up into the night sky.

The two watched spellbound as they exploded in the night. First there were a few, then many more and finally dozens of them. They laughed and enjoyed the show as if they were kids. People who were also watching the show were yelling and clapping.

Tifa had never seen so many fireworks. That year they had outdone themselves. It really was a nice show. She was glad that she had been there to see it. She was also glad she wasnt alone. She hated being alone. It made her feel like she did when she lost everything and everyone.

At the end, the girl turned inside Noctis's arms, who snapped back to reality when his eyes met hers.

Tifa was nervous.

—What do you want to do now?—she asked, not knowing what to do with her hands.

She couldn't leave them limp on both sides of her hips because they trembled and she didn't feel the confidence to hug that stranger either. Therefore, she began to twist them at the height of her stomach.

Noctis noticed that and immediately wanted to make her feel better.

—Whatever you want —he murmured, placing his own hands over hers, giving her warmth and a calmed feeling— What do you want us to do?

Tifa laughed, a bit hysterical at how overwhelmed she felt. Still, Noctis's hands relaxed her enough.

—The party continues in the historic center of Midgar. There are pubs and discos and bars but...— She shyly looked away—. If you don't feel like partying, we can go to a park that is further away. There will be no one or almost no one. I don't know... It's just an idea... I...

—I like that idea —he interrupted before she could get any more nervous —. I rather be alone with you — he added after leaning over her to whisper in her ear.

Tifa's heart gave a strong blow against her chest. He wanted to be alone with her as much as she wanted to be alone with him. She needed to put her thoughts in order and she didn't think she could do it in the middle of a pub or disco surrounded by people and music. Besides...

She glanced at him, meeting with a shy but confident half smile.

That made her smile too.

Yes. She wanted to be alone with him.

They interlocked their fingers again. This time it was her who directed him. They didn't talk about anything. They just walked in silence, getting away from the people and the sound, letting the calm of the already sleeping city surround them. After the loud waltz music and the deafening spectacle of fireworks, the absence of sound did them good. It was a rest for their ears. And they appreciated it.

In the end they came to a park.

—A friend of mine showed me this place long time ago —Tifa smiled thinking of Aerith. Her best friend had shown her a lot of beautiful and lonely places where she could be at peace. Tifa felt grateful for it. She really needed to be somewhere quieter after all the hustle and bustle —Do you like it? — She turned to face Noctis.

He watched her, beginning to feel very strange. It was as if he was on the hints of a drunkenness only not from the scant amount of alcohol he had drunk. By Tifa. He felt, somehow, intoxicated by her. By the smell of her. Because of her curves.

All the way he had had a perfect view of her ass. And he didn't think there was a more beautiful and perfect ass than that.

Maybe, in the end, he was team butts.

He had also seen her waist, hips, and legs move for him. It had been too much. He had allowed himself to be won over by those ways, those walks, that vanilla perfume. For her.

—Yes, I like it —He felt an incredible urge to say that he also liked her, but he bit his tongue. He didn't want to overdo it.

Tifa smiled weakly and then released his hand. That made Noctis straighten up.

"Why has she released me?"

He saw her walk towards a round structure and then begin to climb it using a row of stone handles. Tifa stopped in the middle of the steps to look at him and laugh. The disappointment on his face was more than evident.

—There are good views up here —she encouraged. Come on up —she said before going up herself.

Noctis smiled and followed her.

At the top of that construction you could see all that clearing. There was no one. Only some elusive cats that slipped silently between the swings and other attractions.

Tifa took a seat on the cold ground, adjusting the shawl around her shoulders and then patting the stone next to her. Noctis did not hesitate for a moment to sit next to her.

They had already overcome the barrier of closeness. He saw her smile shyly and he couldn't help but raise his left arm. He wanted to put it around her shoulders, the way it used to be done in the movies. He hesitated, but then she leaned into his shoulder.

Noctis had it clear.

He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to him.

Neither said anything for several minutes. As before, an awkward atmosphere was not created. Quite the opposite. The two were able to calm down and put their thoughts in order.

Tifa wanted to forget about Cloud.

She wanted to stop comparing him to the stranger. He wasn't there with her, but that black-haired, sapphire-eyed boy was. And she liked him. A lot. There was no point in denying it. Never had a man made her feel like this with just one look. A caress. A word. Not even Cloud. He was someone special. Someone who had found her when she needed him most.

Cloud and she weren't together. There was nothing to build on. No base. So nothing prevented her from enjoying the stranger's company. Nothing.

Noctis, for his part, was increasingly clear that he did not want that night to end. He didn't want tomorrow to come because he would have to come back. Because he would have to leave her. His heart sank just thinking about it. In all his life he had never felt the way he felt with her. And she was addictive. So addictive that she had become a vice in just a few hours. He didn't imagine not seeing her again. Touch her. Smell her. Feel her.

Tifa turned and raised her head to look at him. Noctis connected his eyes with hers. They looked at each other in silence until they laughed, incredulous.

Were they both in a dream? In a fairy tale?

Noctis feared that Carbuncle had created that refuge for him and that this girl was not flesh and blood.

Tifa was afraid that she was actually sleeping in her apartment. Dreaming of what she had always longed for.

He coughed, clearing his throat.

—Have you lived in Midgar all your life?— He asked her casually.

Tifa shook her head a little.

—No... I was born and spent my childhood in Nibelheim — she murmured.

Noctis remembered his geography and history lessons. Then his eyes widened.

—Nibelheim? — he repeated, looking at her with intense concern. She nodded, hugging herself —. I'm sorry... I didn't mean...

—It doesn't matter — she stopped him, not wanting to talk about things that would make her bleed inside—. It was a long time ago and... And I'm already building my life again.

She was building it, yes. It's just that it always fell apart. She never made it through. Always placing and replacing the same bricks that strove to never fit together. Her life was a ruined building.

Noctis moved a little closer to her, taking her with both arms.

Nibelheim had been a town adjacent to the territories of Niflheim. In fact, it had once been part of the Empire until Lucis extended the perimeter of its territory. So when Niflheim rearmed and turned against Lucis, it destroyed and burned to the ground all the towns and cities that the Lucians had taken from them. As revenge for the betrayal, even if its citizens had not been at fault for anything.

He felt terribly guilty.

It was very different to learn history lessons than to have to face a victim of those same events. All his life Noctis had lived in Insomnia. He had rarely left the city and every time he had, it had been to go to very close areas. He had never strayed as far as that time. Therefore he had never met someone who had suffered the consequences of war.

He didn't hold back and ended up hugging her. Tifa, overwhelmed, only knew how to snuggle against him. That hug of him pleased her a lot. Too much. It felt so good to have a man comforting her, give her shelter. She had received many hugs from her friends, like Aerith or Jessie but it wasn't the same. Absolutely. The fact that he was a boy and also attractive made it totally different.

He comforted her and... Somehow... he made her feel more wanted than when Cloud held her. That stranger was warmer. Tender. Closer. It had no logic. Tifa had known Cloud since they were children and yet she had never felt as connected to him as she now felt with that stranger. It was like he was made for her.

Tifa raised her head. Noctis looked at her affectionately, and before he could even react, he felt her warm lips kiss his'. Soft, fleeting, and barely perceptible. He parted his eyelids as far as they could go. She blushed brightly and tried to pull away from him, embarrassed by her foolishness.

She didn't know him at all. She didn't even know if he had a girlfriend. How could she have gotten carried away like that?

But she couldn't move. Noctis held her against him. Tifa looked at him again, surprised.

He had never kissed or been kissed. That had been his first kiss. That was why she had left him so disarmed. But he was not going to allow his lack of experience to prevent him from touching the lips of that beauty again.

He trembled a little, placing his hand on her flushed, hot cheek. Tifa swallowed hard.

"Gods of Lucis"

Noctis tilted his head and leaned over Tifa, closing his eyes at the same time she did. His lips caught hers cautiously but gently. Carefully but eagerly. Before he hadn't had time to feel how full her lips were. Not to savor them. They were sweet with a hint of bitterness, probably from the wine they had drunk earlier. It was the best flavor he had ever tasted.

The hand that had been on Tifa's cheek slid to the nape of her neck. There he gently pushed her against him. Tifa moaned a little, dazed by the fresh and electric taste of Noctis's lips.

Her delicate hands clung to his jacket, drawing him to her. She wanted more.

She had more experience. He could break the barrier of shyness more easily because of his princely education.

Tifa taught him and he followed her until he was the one who guided the movements of their mouths, which fitted perfectly.

How much he liked her had overturned all of Noctis's reticence. The doubts in herself made the ones in him evaporate. He took control of the kiss like it wasn't his first time and dragged it out for several minutes. They would take brief pauses to breathe but then they would kiss again. Neither wanted to stop kissing the other. It felt too good. And besides, they couldn't think of anything other than their mouths. While they were kissing, neither guilt, nor nervousness, nor anguish would reach them. They were protected by each other. Absorbed by the other. Hypnotized by the other.

They ended up embracing each other completely, wrapping their arms and legs around each other. Noctis caressed Tifa's back gently and she did what she had wanted to do from the first moment she saw him: she inserted her hands into his thick black mane.

It surprised her to sense that his hair was not as soft as she expected. The strands of his hair were thicker and tougher than they looked. Still, she liked the way her fingers ran through his unruly locks. That it wasn't a velvet hair made her want to hold on to him more tightly. Noctis moaned with pleasure at her caresses and decided to insert his hands into her mane as well. Soft, delicate and straight. Tifa's locks twisted like vines around his fingers without ever getting tangled. No knots were generated. Hair fibers trickled like water between Noctis's digits. He had never thought that a woman's hair could provide such pleasure when caressed.

Noctis deepened the kiss, feeling more and more sure of himself. She had responded to each and every one of his movements so he was confident he was doing it right.

—Oh! —Tifa suddenly screamed at the same time Noctis jumped like a spring.

The two looked towards the din that had ended their intimate moment.

Beyond, some cats had just accidentally knocked over some cardboard boxes full of empty glass bottles. These, when crashing against the ground, had broken into hundreds of little pieces, generating a shrill sound. One that had made both teens freak out.

Upon understanding what that had been, they both sighed with relief and annoyance at the same time. Relief because they were just cats doing their thing. Annoyed because their moment had been ruined.

Tifa separated a little, looking at him all embarrassed from under her long and thick eyelashes. Her red eyes had darkened somewhat. They were crimson in color. Noctis's blues, instead of getting darker, had also turned redder. That surprised Tifa, whose curiosity won over her shyness.

—Y-your eyes —she murmured.

Noctis blinked and could feel that, indeed, his irises had begun to change color. It used to happen to him when he experienced strong emotions like anger or rage. But he never thought that he would be affected by being with a girl. For the excitement and arousement.

—Yes... Ah... —He also moved a few inches away from her —. Don't worry, it usually happens to me —he realized that he had said something stupid as soon as he saw her slightly hurted expression —. I-I mean that it's normal for them to change its color —he hastened to clarify—, not that they change when... When I kiss a girl... I... You —he was beginning to lose all the confidence he had won—... Y-you're the first girl I've... kissed and well... I... —he trailed off when Tifa put a finger on his lips.

—You don't have to apologize — she smiled shyly. —Dont worry.

Yet...

She had been his first kiss. How could such a tremendously handsome boy have reached that age without being kissed? Had he lived underground or above the clouds?

She didn't know or understand it but felt very happy and special. Being the first kiss from a boy like that... He would always remember her for being the first to kiss him. It was amazing.

"I wish he had been my first kiss too" a small voice whispered in her head, making her shudder.

Noctis laughed a little, nervous and still a bit embarrassed.

Tifa cringed on herself as a cold gust of wind blew.

—I think we should go before you catch a cold — Noctis said as he removed his jacket to put it over her shoulders.

—It aint necessary... You'll be the one catching a cold — she replied, but he brushed it off with his hand.

—I'm fine.

It was not true. Not because of the cold. He was so hot inside that he felt his skin burn on the outside. Enough to fry an egg on his biceps. No, if it wasn't right it was because they were at the end of their... date.

He didn't want her to catch a cold and the stone wasn't comfortable enough to stay there any longer. But he hated to be away from her. He didn't quite know how he was going to be able to walk in a direction opposite to that girl's.

Tifa sighed and got up.

She didnt want it to end either. If she could have, she would have frozen time at that moment. No worries, no fears, no doubts... Just her and that stranger who had kissed her like Cloud had never done.

The blond's kisses used to be colder. More acid and bitter. Faster. His hands rarely played with her hair. He, too, was not so agile in his movements. Everything about him was stiffer, somehow. Tifa didn't feel that she fit as well against his body as she had fit into the black haired boy's.

It had been just... Perfect.

The two came down from the structure loaded with resignation and anguish.

Their hearts and legs were heavy. They felt lazy. The complete opposite of how they had felt when dancing, when seeing the fireworks... When kissing.

Tifa's heart clenched when she saw the boy's darker than normal blue eyes. His face was also saddened.

She wasn't ready to part with him.

—H-hey... —she spoke shyly. Noctis looked at her intensily. Tifa took a deep breath—Would you like to... have a drink in m-my apartment before you... Go? —she couldn't meet his gaze.

She lowered her pretty ruby eyes to the ground.

Noctis's heart skipped a beat. His lips stretched into a smile that reached his eyes. Everything in him vibrated with excitement.

He killed the distance that had been separating him from Tifa and took her chin to make her look at his face.

—I want to —he whispered—. Of course — he accentuated.

Tifa exhaled in relief.

—W-well then... It's this way —she began to walk towards their destination.

Noctis wasted no time in standing beside her and gently taking her hand.

They looked at each other and then away, blushing and chuckling.

Tifa tightened her grip a little more and Noctis ended up sealing it completely. His fingers were entwined again.

—Can I ask you a personal question? —she questioned.

—Sure — he nodded, afraid she wanted to know something about who he was or where he came from.

—How is it possible that you've never been kissed?

Noct wasn't expecting that question.

He scratched the back of his neck with his free hand.

—I've never been attracted to anybody... until I saw you — he was completely sincere.

Tifa blushed at the same time that she frowned.

—How is that possible?

Noctis shrugged.

—I don't know — he smiled to himself—.But I'm glad it was like that —Tifa felt flattered —... And what about you? — then he asked her—. You have had a partner.

That was not a question.

Noctis had noticed that he wasn't the first boy to kiss her. He would have liked to be, but it was asking too much. Such a beautiful girl couldn't be single that long.

Tifa sighed.

—It's... Complicarte — she finished by saying. She wanted to be completely honest—. There's only one guy in my life but he's not... It couldn't be said that he's my partner — She looked at Noctis uneasily —If he was I wouldn't...—she bit her lower lip uncomfortably—. There is nothing solid between us. Never had been.

Saying that out loud made something in her break and something else snap free. What broke was possibly a little piece of her heart. What was released... All of her.

Cloud did not belong to her. Neither did she. She didn't know where he went or what he did or if he saw anyone when he was gone for so many days. He never told her anything about his trips. And then there was that immovable rock. Cloud never wanted to compromise. He dodged anything that might anchor him to her for good. He had taken Tifa's body and let her take his but only on the physical plane. Sex had always felt like just that. Sex. Tifa had never felt love or romance coming from him when they had sex. It was something more carnal than anything else. When she was with him she felt complete. Full. But as soon as he was separated from her, she felt alone again. Abandoned.

Cloud was with her only when he was with her. It was just an empty box for Tifa. And that feeling never seemed to go away. And it was tearing her apart. She wanted to give everything to a man that wasn't willing to give too much neither to take top much. And even though it hurt... she knew she couldn't take it forever.

Noctis knew nothing about relationships, but he could see the hurt, the hopelessness, and the despair in her eyes.

—That guy must be a complete jerk — he said with a hint of contempt in his tone—. If I were in his situation, I would never let you alone.

Tifa stopped. Noctis too.

He feared he had overstepped, but she seemed more surprised than irritated.

—You don't know me —she told him without anger—.How can you know that?

Noct squeezed her hand and gave her a smile so warm and sincere that he completely disarmed the girl.

—I just know it.

It could be seen as an ambiguous and even elusive answer, but it wasn't at all. Noctis indeed knew that he could never get tired of her. In just a few hours she had made him feel like no one before and he didn't even know her. He was convinced that the more he knew about her, the more he would like her. It could not be otherwise.

—I'm not perfect at all, stranger. I'm sure there's a lot of things you'd dislike about me —she began pacing again, trying to calm her wild beating heart.

—As which? —He asked, raising an eyebrow.

Tifa thought for a couple of seconds.

—I like vegetables.

The two were silent for a moment before laughing like children.

—That might be a BIG problem — he teased.

Somehow, they had managed to lighten the heavy topic of conversation that had reached them. They both wanted to continue it but not at that moment. Not on that night. Not when they had limited time to spend together.

The last thing Tifa wanted was to end up venting to that perfect stranger. The last thing Noctis wanted was to see her sad and hurt.

No, not that night.

They arrived at Tifa's apartment.

She unlocked the door with the keys she'd left under the rug and let Noctis in first.

He blushed a little. He had never been in a girl's room.

He had been in Princess Lunafreya's room, yes, but when they were both children. Tifa was a woman. It was different.

—I dont have too many things because I dont spend much time here either —She worried that he'd found the room too boring.

Not at all.

It was simple but pretty and welcoming. Soft creamy white walls, warm light, small brown furniture, a mini vanity, tiny bathroom and the bed. The fact everything was so small in size shocked him. He was used to spacious rooms, huge furniture, double beds, colder lights... However, he liked it. You could tell that a person lived there because it was very personalized to her liking.

On a cork there were many photos of (Noctis thought) friends of Tifa's. Also a couple of cats and landscapes and places. A gray border with dolphin prints decorated the wall. He liked that a lot. There were also a couple of stuffed chocobos on the bed, red slippers with pompoms at the foot of the bed, some terribly adorable cute mushroom-shaped lamps, notebooks, paintings, boxing gloves and music records scattered near a table... Those were details that said a lot about the girl who lived there.

Noctis liked every one of them.

Except...

When approaching to see the photos he saw a blond boy with blue eyes. There was only one photo of him but it was the biggest and the one closest to the pillow. He didn't need more information to know that this was the jerk who underestimated the girl.

He winced.

"I'm much more handsome" he said to himself, haughty.

Tifa... would have agreed. She had thought all his life that Cloud was the most attractive boy she had ever met. But this stranger was changing her mind. She never thought that she would have a soft spot for someone with such thick black hair. By sapphire blue eyes that turned red at his will.

He was really weird. And she liked that even more. To know nothing of him, to have no barriers to stand in their way, to have no shared past to block the future.

She shook her head. No. She couldn't think of any future with him. He was leaving the next day. He was passing through. He would only be with her for a few more hours and then... Then he would be gone. She had known it from the beginning, but now it afflicted her more than it should.

—Its pretty —his voice pulled her out of her musings.

—Huh? —She blinked.

—The room — Noctis smiled —. I like it.

Tifa smiled back.

—Thank you, I do my best to make it cozy.

—It is — Noctis paused, then walked over to her.

Tifa raised her head to look at him, beginning to feel earthquakes inside her. The fresh scent of him invaded her nostrils.

Both of them could still taste each other's taste on their palates. But the memory was not enough.

Noctis leaned over the girl, leaving his lips just inches from hers. The two closed their eyes for a moment, enjoying each other's closeness while trying to calm their pounding hearts.

Tifa raised her hands and clung to Noctis's black shirt. He took that as an invitation. He cradled Tifa's face in his hands and brought their mouths together.

Somehow, Noctis's lips tasted even better than before, when she had tasted them in the park. The taste of him was as electric as it was addictive. Tifa hugged him wrapping her arms around his neck. He wrapped himself around her, encircling her waist. His head spun as he felt her voluptuous breasts press against his own pecs. It was a very nice feeling. He deepened the kiss, trailing one of his hands to the nape of her neck to gently pull her against him. Tifa moaned and also intensified the movements of her lips. This stranger was going to end her sanity.

Her hands slid over his shoulders and across his chest, searching for the buttons of his shirt.

Noctis pulled away from her a bit to let her do it. The fact she wanted to undress him turned him on and made him nervous at the same time. It was true that he had received quite a detailed and extensive education on sexual relations. As the prince of Insomnia, it was to be expected that he would be able to fulfill the wishes of his future fiancée properly. He was supposed to arrive a virgin but with great knowledge.

"Fuck it" he told himself when he saw the crimson eyes of that beautiful girl.

He was willing to give her anything she wanted. Anything.

Tifa undid the entire line of buttons and opened his shirt, revealing a solid chest and toned abs. He wasn't as wiry and thin as Cloud. He also had many more moles decorating his smooth skin. They looked like constellations. Bewildered for the moment, Tifa stuck her lips to Noctis's skin, kissing and caressing him softly and with desire.

He closed his eyes and let out a long breath of pleasure as he held the girl close to his body.

—Gods of Lucis —he murmured, still unable to believe that this girl was real.

Tifa climbed up his chest until she buried her face in Noctis's neck, where she deposited a great and long string of soft and light kisses.

When it came to physical contact, she was terribly affectionate and clingy. She liked to cling to her partner and to be squeezed. Give many signs of love and receive them. Love. And to be loved.

She always did that for Cloud. But he didn't return it her the way she wanted. There was no reciprocity. He was too cold and distant.

Noctis... He was the opposite.

He growled and pulled her away from his neck to kiss her passionately. Those kisses and caresses had transported him to heaven and he wanted her to feel the same way. Tifa was surprised by that fiery response but she soon closed her eyes and let herself be done.

Noctis's hands grabbed the girl's jacket and shawl and flung them to the ground. Then he hugged her tight and possessively, drawing several moans of pleasure from her.

At the end of the kiss, a trickle of saliva remained between their swollen lips. Tifa blushed fiercely when she saw Noctis's red gaze. They had reached a deeper color than before.

She gently pushed him back, making him fall to end up sitting on the bed. Noctis, without taking his eyes off her, made her stand between his spread legs.

They looked at each other as the night looks at the firmament.

Tifa bit her lower lip nervously.

—I-I want you to know that I never...— she began, her hands shaking on either side of her hips—...I've never done something l-like this. I... —She pursed her lips—. It's not l-like I...

Noctis took her small hands in his own, enveloping them in a warm, firm embrace that made them stop trembling.

—You don't have to explain yourself— he denied—. I'm glad to be able to... — he couldn't help but outline a haughty half-smile— .. make you feel this way.

Tifa's gaze melted and softened at the same time. That boy was...the ideal type of her.

—You're special - she told him in a whisper—. You. And this —She waved her hands a little inside his'.

Noctis now grinned broadly, feeling proud and happy like never before.

Tifa watched him and made a decision.

In her entire life she had only wanted and been with one boy. And maybe holding on to it so tightly had done her a disservice. Maybe what she needed was... A change.

She took her hands out of the embrace of Noctis's fingers and brought them to her back, where the closure of the golden dress was. She unzipped it and slowly began to let the garment slide down.

Noctis stared at her entranced, not blinking or breathing. Beneath her dress she wore a black lace bra that contrasted with the snowy skin of her breasts. She had a perfect waist, belly, and hips. The dress fell to the ground with a soft sound. He looked down at the dainty panties, which matched his bra. He too had to focus his gaze on those toned thighs. His throat went dry as he felt his manhood begin to harden under his pants.

Maybe he was team thighs after all.

Tifa blushed at the avid gaze of the stranger. He wasn't looking at her leeringly or obscenely. He was in awe of her perfect, sexy figure. His eyes were full of admiration and desire.

She moved closer to him again, taking his shirt in her hands. Noctis blinked a few times, struggling to snap out of her reverie and removed his shirt. Tifa then leaned on his shoulders and straddled his lap.

Noctis gasped.

They both noticed how his erection dug into her crotch.

Tifa let out a sharp moan of pleasure when she felt that pressure at her entrance. It was big. Very big. And it was throbbing.

She threaded her fingers into Noctis's black hair and kissed him in need. Immediately, he reciprocated, hugging her and holding her against him.

Tifa couldn't help but move against him. His hard penis rubbing against her already wet entrance felt too good. They both moaned into the kiss. Tifa shyly touched his tongue with hers and Noctis did not hesitate to reciprocate. They both began a wet dance in which they exchanged gasps, moans and saliva.

Noctis tasted better than anything else. Despite not having been kissed before, he had a gift for doing so. He was driving Tifa crazy with his movements and caresses. So much that she ended up pushing him so that he fell backwards on the mattress.

Noctis blinked in astonishment. That girl had a lot of strength. More than he could have imagined.

That made him even hornier.

He growled, taking her hips as she undid her bra.

—Fuck... — Noctis couldn't help but say.

Her breasts were even more perfect and beautiful when naked. Round. Firm. Big but not huge. Nipples of a beautiful pink color, hard and erect as two buttons, reigned over equally pretty areolas.

Noctis's vision blurred.

The red of her eyes turned even darker.

He had seen women's breasts in magazines and movies, but he had never been aroused by them like this. They had never seemed so worthy of being admired.

He let out another growl without realizing it.

Tifa looked at him lustfully. Feeling his hands on her hips, his cock against her vagina, his eyes on her breasts, his body under hers... Seeing his attractive face, his alluring eyes, his irresistible lips...

She let out a moan before she pounced on his mouth. Noctis was surprised by her sudden and abrupt movement but he immediately responded to her, hugging her and kissing her with need.

It seemed that Tifa had put aside her shyness, embarrassment and doubt. Now she was moved by desire, passion and need.

That drove Noctis crazy.

He had liked her reticence and innocence when they had been out on the street. But here, in her room, on her bed, he preferred the wilder and naughtiest version of her.

That she was that way also helped him to have more confidence in himself. Having no experience, he needed her to set the pace for him. She would tell him how and when.

Tifa kissed him passionately as she rubbed against him. She liked to feel her breasts pressed against the hard pectorals of that stranger. It felt too good. Noctis also thought the same. He was crazy to be noticing those beautiful tits rubbing against his bare chest. She made him feel like he was touching the sky. The rubbing of her crotch against his member, already hard as stone, was also sending him to heaven.

Tifa released Noctis's lips. She wanted to take out the box of condoms that she kept in her nightstand drawer because she didn't want to wait any longer. She wanted to feel him inside her. She would take the virginity from such a handsome boy... However she couldn't move when he caught her halfway. She looked at him and saw his red irises set on her breasts. She trembled a little, understanding what he wanted.

She lay down on him again, letting her breasts be at the level of the boy's mouth, who immediately began to suck, bite and hug them with his lips.

Noctis had never done that but he felt it as the most natural thing in the world. With that color they looked like jelly beans. They had to be savored. There was no other option.

Tifa closed her eyes and screamed with pleasure at the boy's actions.

Gods.

Cloud had never done that with her tits. He had touched and pressed them several times, but he had never sucked or bitten them. And it was something that was making her whimper like a real animal. She had always had very sensitive breasts, so every touch he gave her sent hundreds of electric shocks all over her body. And when his lips wrapped around her nipples... When his teeth bit into them with just the right force...

She laid her forehead on the pillow, closing her eyes and moaning like she had never done before.

Noctis took his time. He played with her nipples and breasts until they were red and as hard as his manhood. Until he noticed how wet she was. Until she felt it was time to move on.

Tifa gasped, overwhelmed by that session on her tits. She didn't resist when Noctis rolled her across the bed, landing her on her back beneath him.

Her blurry eyes saw how he caressed and kissed her cheeks tenderly. She moaned once more, feeling fire between her legs.

Noctis kissed her on the lips one last time before reaching out his hand to the drawer that Tifa had tried to reach earlier. He opened it and indeed found a box of condoms. He pulled one out and broke the protective plastic with his teeth. He heard a high, plaintive moan. He looked at Tifa, who was watching him with the purest desire in her crimson irises. Her breathing was rough and irregular, making her breasts move up and down in such a way that Noctis had to stop himself from lunging at them again.

He left the condom on Tifa's stomach so he could take off his pants, boxers, socks and shoes. He wasn't ashamed to show himself to her. It felt very natural. As it should be.

Tifa couldn't help noticing his virile organ. Yes it was big. She gasped in need, bringing her hands to her panties.

Noctis stopped her.

—I'll take them from you — he said in a demanding tone of voice, as if it were an order... Or a warning.

That made her shudder. She had liked him the way he had told her that. Self-confident. No room to discuss it.

He wanted to be the one to take off her panties. He wanted to be the one to slide them down those long, toned legs of hers. He wanted to remember forever what it felt like to pull down a woman's panties.

He took the garment in his fingers. Tifa lifted her hips to make it easier for him. He smiled at her and slowly pulled the cloth away from her. Tifa watched his reaction. How his eyes darkened completely, how his tongue wet his lips, how his hands trembled. She would never forget the image of that boy seeing her privacy for the first time.

Noctis slid the panties slowly, without losing sight of the mount of Venus of that goddess. She was perfectly shaved, without a single hair. He couldn't help but let out a harsh growl. God. He didn't know how he was going to be able to stay sane after that. He finished removing the piece of cloth and then he removed her shoes as well.

She had beautiful feet.

—Is there something about you that isn't pretty?— he murmured, unable to resist.

Tifa blushed when she heard him say that. It was one of the nicest things she had ever heard.

Noctis looked at her with genuine confusion on his face. All of him loved her.

He positioned himself over her; Knees tucked into the bed on either side of her hips and his forearms on either side of her head, careful not to crush her pretty long brown hair.

That moment seemed to Noctis one of the most important and beautiful of his life. To see that beautiful girl, flushed for him and ready for him. He wouldn't have chosen another to be the first to kiss him. In deflowering him. It had all happened so naturally that he couldn't feel the least bit of guilt. He could never have resisted her. She was... Made for him. The gods of Lucis had put her in his path. Of that he was convinced.

Tifa raised a hand to caress his cheek gently. She was grateful for having come across him. For agreeing to have that date. Everything she had made in her life had led up to that moment. And she, for the first time, didn't feel sorry for it. When she looked at Cloud she saw a traumatic past, grief, anguish and pain. When she looked at that stranger she saw... A shelter. An escape. An exit.

She rose effortlessly to kiss him relishingly. Noctis responded immediately. It started out as a wet and intense kiss. It ended up being a slow kiss full of affection.

Tifa dropped down, panting, trying to get her oxygen back. Noctis cleared his throat, trying not to be mesmerized as her breasts bounced from her fall.

He took the condom, placed it on the tip of his member as they had explained to him in his sex lessons, and slid it on carefully. Tifa watched him do it with her eyes almost black with lust. Instead, he gave her a look full of purity. Her eyes were still red, but they sparkled like a pair of rubies.

—Are you sure? —he asked.

Of all he could have questioned her, that was the least thing she would have imagined.

"He is so thoughtfull..."

Tifa smiled back and nodded.

—I am —she whispered.

The gleam in Noctis's eyes flickered.

He lay down on top of her, careful not to crush her, sliding his hand between their bodies to take his manhood and guide it towards her entrance.

It was at that moment that Noctis got a little nervous. Tifa had separated her legs for him, leaving him enough space. However, he did not finish daring to penetrate her. She sensed his doubt and felt her heart warm.

—Let 'me help you.

Before Noctis could react, Tifa made him roll on the bed, exchanging positions. The stuffed chocobos fell to the ground without a sound.

Noctis watched her, transfixed, as if she was the prettiest thing he had ever seen. And that's what she was.

Tifa smiled at him and kissed him slowly and passionately while she taking his cock with her warm and fine fingers. Noctis moaned into the kiss from that contact and had to separate from Tifa's mouth when he finally made his way inside her.

He went rigid, his eyes squeezed shut and his mouth opened to release low, ragged sighs. He had never felt anything like it. His entire body vibrated with pleasure. Masturbation had nothing to do with sex.

Nothing. To. Do.

The heat and humidity of her vagina, the touch of her body, the tickling that her hair generated when touching his skin, the warm breath of hers hitting his face, the intoxicating scent of her enveloping his nostrils...

His head spun.

Tifa rested her forehead on his' and finished sitting on his member. She wanted it all inside of her. All. She felt her walls open and close around him. Like all of her sex, she rejoiced at the entrance of that new virility. One that she felt bigger. One that just fit better.

She gave Noctis a few seconds to get used to the sensation, then began to move.

His hands immediately took her hips. Not to stop her but to feel the movement of her muscles.

Tifa closed her eyes and moaned with pleasure, kissing that mole under Noctis's lips, fulfilling what she had wanted to do just a few hours before. He was hot as the sun and his arms encircled her like firm walls. His entire body responded to the movement she was making.

Tifa couldn't help but smile. She was pleased at his reaction. He made her happy to be reciprocated in that way. And much more knowing, finally, the first woman to kiss him and deflower him. Both in one night. He would always belong to her in that regard. She would always own the first time of his. Always. And he could never be able to forget her.

Noctis let out a louder growl as she intensified the pace of her movements. Every time he thought he couldnt feel better, she did something that made him feel even better. His blood raged through his veins, pulsing to the rhythm she was setting.

Tifa gasped and lay down on him little by little, literally wanting to drag her entire body over her partner's. The friction when making love had always pleased her. The closer and more rubbing, the better.

It was something Cloud didn't like too much. He preferred more distant positions, without so much contact.

Noctis quickly held her against him, stroking the length of her back with his hands, pressing her skin with the tips of his rough fingers.

Tifa buried her face in his neck to kiss him repeatedly, leaving traces of saliva. She could feel her clit scraping against the stranger's body. He was driving her crazy. She dug her nails into Noctis's shoulders unconsciously. He liked to feel that slight pain. She made him feel even more alive.

All his emotions were on the surface and any stimulus caused his entire being to shake in the purest joy.

However, he wanted more. To give her more.

Feeling more confident and comfortable than before, he rolled the two of them once more on the bed. There was a moment of panic when they almost fell off. He was so used to huge beds that he had forgotten that he was in an individual, tiny one.

He caught Tifa tightly before she could fall and pulled her towards him. Then deposited her, safely and carefully, on top of the mattress and under his body.

He blushed seeing her laugh like a child. The truth was that it had been funny. He smiled too, but immediately turned her laughter back into moans of pleasure and sighs of passion.

Tifa hugged him using her arms and her legs. They looked into each other's eyes and then slowly kissed, also using their tongues, nibbling a little at the flesh of each other's lips. Noctis certainly had a talent for kissing. And for making love, too.

Tifa broke the kiss to let out a high-pitched moan of pleasure when Noctis began to move in circles. He looked at her, surprised and entranced. She was really liking those moves. That made him want to give her more. He intensified his movements and the speed with which he made them. She bit her lower lip and clung to the nape of his neck, her fingers brushing through Noctis's thick hair.

He gave her a kiss on her cheek and then let himself be carried away by her. His movements, which had been slow and smooth, became faster and harder. Tifa's breaths became increasingly short and irregular.

She had an immense desire to scream his name, but she didn't know it. So she squeezed her eyes shut and screamed like she had never done before.

Noctis leaned forward, making her stay protected under his chest. His cock entered completely in the hot crotch of her. It also slid without any problem. She was so wet that there was no resistance.

He then looked at the photo of the blonde, who was watching them with eyes of a strange blue-green color. Far from bothering him, Noctis rammed into her harder, bringing out loud cries of pleasure that inflamed his chest with pride.

"Yes, look at me, blondie" he thought cynically.

What kind of guy would be able to abandon a girl like that? Surely one that didn't deserve her in the first place.

Noctis felt angry and happy at the same time.

Angry that he had seen the pain and frustration in her eyes.

Happy because thanks to that she was now under him, begging him for more.

Noctis could never deny her that.

He charged into her with his entire body, making them both scream like animals.

Tifa could feel that the volcano of her sex was about to explode. And she had never wanted to have an orgasm so badly. To moan and whimper for the man who was procuring it for her.

—Gods...— she cried, clawing at Noctis's back with her nails.

He gasped, turning from looking at the blonde's photo to focus all of his attention on the girl.

The bed creaked and trembled like custard under their bodies.

Noctis looked down to meet Tifa's eyes. And then she exploded.

Her lips parted and she let out a cry of pleasure. All of her was paralyzed during the instant in which that volcano erupted. The tongues of fire licked inside her while hundreds of electric shocks made her gloat with pleasure.

Noctis only needed to see her cum to do it himself. It was such a beautiful and hot image that he couldn't help but have his own orgasm.

He too opened his mouth and let out a wolf-like growl. Tifa watched him as his dark red eyes flashed for a moment brighter than any other light she had ever seen.

Who the hell was he?

Noctis gasped, finding himself overcome by the wave of pleasure that was going through him.

Tifa stopped digging her nails into hia back to take his face and kiss him at the corners of his lips. Then she made him lie down slowly on top of her, not urging him to remove his member from her body. In fact, she felt so good with having it inside that she was in no rush to get him out of her.

She urged him through her actions to fully lean against her. He crushed her, but she didn't care. She liked to feel the weight of him on top of her. Feeling trapped between him and the bed. To feel that he was there with her.

When finished, Cloud always hurried away, cleaned up, and dresses up. Something she hated.

Noctis, on the other hand, remained motionless over her, gasping from the effort, overwhelmed by the pleasure that had engulfed his entire organism. He had never felt that way. And he suspected that he would never do it again with any other woman. That time... That girl... She was special. They where special, as she had said before.

He squeezed his eyes shut, a trickle of saliva running over his parted lips. God, he was exhausted. He didn't think that making love could be so exhausting. But it felt better than any other exercise, that's for sure.

Tifa smiled tenderly when she felt how Noctis hugged her. Just perfect.

The two remained still and silent for a long time, panting and sighing, reorganizing their thoughts, calming their hearts, recovering from the encounter.

At last, he slid out of her, drawing a soft moan from her. He looked at her, entranced, and she smiled at him again with that shyness that he liked so much.

—Are you ok? —he asked her—. Have I hurted you? — he worried, aware that at one point he had rammed into her quite hard.

Tifa shook her head.

—It was perfect —she told him sincerely.

He was already red from the effort, but he felt himself flush at that confession.

—I feel the same —he replied before kissing her longingly.

Tifa reciprocated, sweet.

Once the lust disappeared, the affection remained, the softness, the sweetness... The tenderness. It was a contrast that Noctis liked. A lot.

He smiled in the middle of the kiss without being able to help it. Tifa felt his smile and matched it. The two looked at each other calmly, losing themselves in each other until she gently pushed him onto his back.

—I have to take this off you.

Noctis watched her remove the condom from his manhood. He let out a moan of pleasure when he felt and saw her snowy fingers on it. She gave him an amused sidelong glance but made no comment. She withdrew it and got up from the bed to throw it in the trash can. She also took the opportunity to wash her hands in the sink.

Noctis followed all the movements of her lying down from the bed. He loved watching that perfect round ass move. Those perfect breasts swaying with every step she took. Those legs glide gracefully across the room. That hair waving down her smooth back like a waterfall of chocolate.

He wasn't team ass, breasts, or thighs.

He was team that girl.

At that moment he was very sure about it.

Tifa approached to the small refrigerator she had.

—Do you want to eat or drink something? —she asked him.

Noctis denied.

—Just water, please.

She took out a bottle and picked up two glasses before going back to bed.

Noctis got up and took the glass she offered him with a smile on his face.

—Thank you.

She smiled back at him, delighted to see him so... happy. Because it was him who had made her feel that way.

They drank the liquid to replenish the fluid they had lost, and then found themselves in a situation not awkward, but indecisive.

Tifa wanted to pounce and snuggle against him but she was afraid that he didn't want so much physical contact. Noctis wanted to storm her and hug her but he was afraid she wouldn't want any more rubbing after the sex either.

Then he thought of the blonde.

Surely that guy wouldn't touch her after fucking her.

That made him make a decision.

Tifa saw him lean towards her, extending one of his hands in her direction.

—Come here.

Once again that demanding tone of voice that she had liked so much accentuated the boy's words. Her heart beat hard and fast against her chest. She smiled, feeling water behind her eyes... And she took his hand.

Noctis immediately hugged her. She immediately snuggled into him. The two lay down, entwined and looked at each other without saying anything. Everything they had to know they could read in each other's eyes and expression.

Noctis was exhausted from the trip, from the date, and from the sex. For this reason, because of his nature and because of Tifa's soft massages on his hair, he soon fell asleep. She suppressed a laugh, letting a smile decorate her still swollen lips.

Asleep he was still impossibly handsome. With those bushy but fine black eyebrows, those long eyelashes, that face of his... She just wanted to kiss him on the lips and cheeks. But she held back, not wanting to wake him up when he looked so peacefully. He had to rest. The next day or rather in a few hours he would have to return to the place from which he had come. That thought threatened to tore Tifa's mind.

It would be inevitable that she would. But not right now, she told herself. She was still with him. And she had to enjoy that as far as she could.

She snuggled into him, pushing away any harmful thoughts. Just him and her. Nothing and no one else. That moment. Here and now.

Tifa closed her eyes, breathing in Noctis's scent. It had mixed with the smell of sweat, but managed to intoxicate her just the same. She buried her face in his chest and let her sleep overtake her.

They both slept better than in a long time.

The sound of an alarm woke Tifa up. It was her alarm.

She groaned, feeling heavy. It wasn't her. It was Noctis' body, who had ended up lying on top of her.

Far from making her uncomfortable, it made her smile. That boy hadn't separated from her more than a few inches since they met.

She hugged him, breathing in the shampoo from his hair. Could it be fragrance of the ocean? She wasn't quite sure, but it could be.

Noctis groaned, annoyed by the constant noise of the alarm.

—Five more minutes — he murmured, still asleep.

Tifa laughed.

—That was what we told ourselfs before going to school, stranger. We're too old for that.

Noctis just let out something similar to a snore, making her laugh even more.

—I don't want to leave her—then she heard him say—...I love her.

Her laughter faded.

He was still asleep. He hadn't woken up to tell her that. It was something he had said in his unconsciousness.

Her hands, lips, and heart trembled.

On that occasion... She was not able to hold back the tears.

I love her.

Something she had never heard from anyone. Not even from Cloud. And that boy had just said it from the depths and sincereness of his heart. In dreams. When all that is said is what is truly thought.

Tears ran down her face, cold and crystalline. She stopped hearing the alarm. She only felt Noctis's heart beating against her own chest. She only heard his easy, heavy breaths.

I love her.

Tifa hugged him, wanting to freeze the moment. Wishing the hands of time would stop ticking. That life ceased to happen.

—Please...— she whispered in a broken voice.

She didn't want him to leave her. She didn't want to go back to her life before him. She didn't want to feel alone again. She didn't want to... Keep thinking about Cloud.

She wanted him to stay with her. Tell him her name and explain who she was. Let him make love to her every night for the rest of her life. For him to take her on dates, to hold her close, to make her laugh, to call her beautiful every day.

To be just... His'.

She closed her eyes, more tears falling down her cheeks. Her heart, weak from all her problems with Cloud, finished cracking. She shivered with cold. From a cold that came from inside her. Of one that she herself could not put out.

She felt a lump in her throat and in her stomach. She suddenly felt that Noctis was lighter. No. She didn't want that. She wanted to feel him like an anchor on her. She hugged him tighter, seeking his warmth. The scent of his.

She sobbed weakly, unable to stop the storm that was clouding her being.

But then Noctis moved.

As quickly as she had started to break down, Tifa put a wellness mask on her face. She was already used to doing it. Since she was a child she had had to. That mask with which she hid from everyone how devastated she felt. All because she didn't give herself enough value. Because she looked down on her problems. Because she hated looking weak in front of others. Because she put everyone else ahead of her. Because she was always looking to help but not for help. Because she'd rather see others smile as she broke than drag them down with her.

She stopped crying and wiped the tears away with the back of her hand, holding Noctis down with the other so he couldn't see her state.

The prince, still half asleep, didn't realize anything. He raised his head and saw her there, her eyes sparkling and a big, beautiful smile on her lips.

He smiled at her, his eyes half-closed.

God, he would give anything to see that beauty each time he opened his eyes.

—Good morning, beautiful —he greeted her.

She made a strange sound. A mix between a laugh and a sob. That made Noctis shake his head.

—... Something happens?

—Wh-what?" —Tifa fought not to betray herself again—. No... Nothing — she lied, although seeing his shiny blue eyes she couldn't help but feel much better—.You are so handsome.

He smiled haughtily.

—If you like my morning hedgehog hair, I guess so.

They both laughed.

—I like it — she confessed, combing her fingers through it, not knowing that Noctis wouldn't let anyone do that.

His hair was sacred. But for her... For her there would be nothing sacred enough. He would let her touch any part of his body. He licked his lips so they weren't dry and kissed her tenderly.

Tifa closed her eyes and responded with need.

I love her.

His voice kept ringing in her brain.

Noctis felt her tremble so he hugged her tighter.

He would have spent the whole morning kissing and holding her, but the shrieking of that alarm was already starting to irritate him.

He pulled away from her a bit.

—I hate alarmas — he grumbled.

She laughed.

—We all do.

Noctis felt her move away from him to turn off the alarm and then get up from bed. If things had been different, he would have dragged her back to the bed. He would have forbidden her to leave that nest of heat that they had created between the two of them. But he knew that he had to go. He promised Ignis that he would return in a day and besides, no matter how far he had drifted from there, he was still the prince of Lucis. He couldn't ignore his responsibilities and duties. Not when many lives depended on him fulfilling his mission. Lives... Like that girl's.

He watched her dress up in silence.

A nice navy blue underwear, a black skirt with skulls as embellishments, a dark tank top and then black stockings. He loved that outfit. It was very casual but pretty. In his style. Black, skulls, leather...

That girl was made for him.

Only him, being a prince, seemed not be made for her.

That thought plunged into his chest like a sword. As soon as he left her, he would leave her alone, at the hands of that blond prick. He would let someone else flirt with her, make her laugh, hug her, kiss her... make love to her.

It was painful and unfair. Like everything in his damn life. If he had only been born a normal citizen. If only he could have had normal life. If only...

He squeezed his eyelids shut. This was not the time for self-pity. That girl was looking at him with a pure and tender ruby gaze. He couldn't look insecure and broken in front of her. It wasn't right.

He sat up, keeping all of his frustration under a shell of comfort, and smiled down at her.

—Could I take a quick shower? — he asked shyly—.I don't think I can last many hours in the car smelling like this.

Tifa agreed.

—Sure, no problem —she immediately went to the bathroom to get a clean towel and the shower gel.

Noctis collected his clothes, which had been lying on the floor all night along with Tifa's.

She pointed to the clothes.

—If you want, I can iron your shirt and pants — she offered.

Noctis denied.

—No need, beautiful, I... -—Tifa took them from his hands with a carefree smile.

—Don't worry, it's nothing —she soothed him—. Go to get the shower.

Noctis couldn't help but take her by the neck and bring her closer to kiss her intensely. Tifa sighed, pleased. Every kiss was a blessing. Especially when they didn't stop tasting better than the previous ones.

They smiled at each other as they parted and then he got into the shower while she took care of leaving his clothes in a minimally presentable state.

The two did not stop being assailed by thoughts of anguish and frustration. The two did not let themselves be defeated by them. Not at that moment. Not when they were still together. They would have time to do so as soon as they parted ways.

Noctis got out of the shower, dried himself off, and dressed in his black boxers and socks. Tifa gave him the rest of his clothes and watched him get dressed.

He was gorgeous in that suit. Much more than before because he now wore it in a more informal way. Not so fancy. Without the tie, the jacket, with messy hair and the first buttons open.

Just seeing him, Tifa felt the prevailing urge to pounce on him to make love to him again. But they no longer had time.

—Will you walk me to the bar before you leave? —both of them fell the pain that that word "leave", meant—You have to be hungry. I'll give you breakfast.

Noctis would have even agreed to go eat a plate of vegetables if it meant more time with her.

—Yeah, I'm starving —he agreed.

They were about to leave when Tifa remembered something.

—Oh...I have to go somewhere to pick up some flowers for a friend — She turned to Noctis—. It won't take me long... It catches us on the way and-

He stopped her with a gesture.

—I have time —he assured her—. I'm not in such a hurry.

"None, actually" he thought painfully.

Tifa smiled.

—Sorry... If I don't pick them up, she might strangle me —she giggled, picking up two wicker baskets that had been resting near the door.

Noctis immediately offered to take them. She gave him one and so they left the apartment.

Just like at night, they didn't need to talk during the walk. The silence was comfortable between them. Although storms, earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis were raging in their heads, the presence of the other still kept them from collapsing. As long as they were together, they would bear it.

They reached an area secluded from the bustle of newly awakened Midgar. There were several gardens with hundreds of flowers of many colors.

Tifa told him which ones to take and which ones to ignore.

—I'm not very good with flowers —he sighed.

—Nor me —she agreed—. But I have to pick them up from time to time, when Aerith can't do it.

—Oh... —Noctis simply said.

He wasn't interested in flowers at all, but the girl looked terribly beautiful surrounded by them. She looked like a forest nymph. Then he decided that, apart from taking the flowers that she had asked for, he would also take one to give it to her. As a gift before... Leaving.

He chose one that was set apart from the others. It was small but had a deep red color, like her eyes. It was delicate, but had grown where the others hadn't. It was strong too. And different. It seemed to him the perfect flower.

He put it carefully in the pocket of his jacket so it wouldn't spoil and met Tifa to go with her to the Seventh Heaven, the bar.

The two entered and she closed the door, keeping the "closed" sign. She turned on the lights and they left the flower baskets behind the bar.

—Sit down, I'll give you the best breakfast we have. And it will be on the house—she told him with a smile.

Noctis complied, taking a seat in the same spot he had done when he had first entered. Right in the center of the bar. From there he saw her prepare the breakfast for him. She moved as graceful and sure as before. But... There was something different. He couldn't say exactly what. But it seemed as if she did it with less energy. Heavier. As if it took her more work than necessary.

His heart felt the same. It was reluctant to beat the same before the certainty that he would not see her again. He felt heavy.

Yeah... No doubt they both felt the same.

Tifa finished preparing the little feast. Bacon, fried eggs, toast and a large coffee.

—It also has tomato slices, but I imagine you don't want them —she raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

Noctis blushed but nodded.

—You're right.

Tifa thought that if she could be with him, she would end up making him eat and enjoy vegetables. If cooked right, you could make really exquisite dishes with them.

"But he's not going to stay," she told herself, that hateful voice in her head.

Tifa made an effort to ignore that and poured herself a strong drink. Noctis looked at her with concern.

—You should eat something too... This is delicious —he pointed to the plate—. We can share it.

She denied. She didn't think she could eat anything. Not when her stomach was in knots.

—I do intermittent fasting —she lied with a shrug.

—I didn't think you drank at this hour —he insisted.

—You don't know me, it's normal that you don't know it— she regretted saying that as soon as she said it.

Noctis contracted his expression a little, hurted. That made her feel terrible.

—S-sorry —She walked toward him, but the counter separated them—. I didn't mean that —she apologized immediately.

—No. You're right —he replied. He didn't use a cold or angry tone of voice. Just defeated.

Tifa's world fell at her feet. She was about to insist that she was sorry when Noctis looked up at her, smiling softly at her, as he had been doing all along.

—But this is really delicious —he pointed at the food—.I would like to share it with you.

And there it was. That which Tifa needed so much. The thing that Cloud could never give her.

Warmth.

The claw that had gripped her heart released her. Noctis's smile had made it disappear immediately.

I love her.

Tifa walked around the counter and sat next to Noctis.

—I'm sorry —she couldn't help but mutter again.

Noctis couldn't blame her. She was right. She didn't know him and he didn't know her. He hadn't been hurt by what she had told him but by the fact that it was true. And that they couldn't do anything about it.

He reached his hand through her long, silky hair to tuck a lock behind her ear, just as he had wanted to do from the first moment he laid eyes on her. Tifa looked at him. She really hadn't meant to hurt him. Noctis took her by the chin and made her come closer to him to kiss her. She immediately responded very softly and delicately. He caressed her cheek and kissed her nose when they parted . That made her smile.

Noctis didn't have to say anything to her to take the blame off her. He just caressed and kissed her. Just... Smiled at her with love.

She clung to him and ate from the plate even though her stomach was still closed. During those minutes they did not speak. They just looked at each other, laughed and caressed each other. There were no words that could express what they felt. Talking would only spoil it, so they just enjoyed the moment. Together.

Then the time came.

Noctis couldn't put it off any longer. He had to go. Leave her. Abandon her.

She walked with him to the Audi R8, her hands shaking and her heart clenching like a ball of paper in a fist.

Noctis sighed. He loved that car, but in those moments he hated it because it would be the vehicle that would take him away from her. From that perfect girl. One that he could never forget for all that she had taken from him. For everything he had taken from her.

He turned to look at her and his heart sank. Despite everything, she was still smiling at him. Despite looking frail and weak, she was giving him a reassuring smile. As if she didn't want him to worry about her. As if she didn't want to make him feel guilty.

Too late.

Noctis pulled her into his body and she hugged him. Gently first. Then forcefully. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight, not hurting her, using the correct amount of strength.

—I've loved being with you, Stranger — she murmured against his chest —...I'll never...forget you.

A crack opened in Noctis's soul.

—I won't forget you either, beautiful, never —he assured her, trying to keep his voice from breaking.

It had been many years since he felt the need to cry as much as at that moment. Cry with anger and frustration. Not only because he had to part from her, but also because of the reasons why he had to. Being a prince, a king, a forced husband... he wanted none of it. He wanted a normal life. With her. He wanted to get to know her and make her his'. Know her name and shout it to the four winds. Burn it into his heart. In his mind.

Tifa was the one who separated from him. If she continued to hug him, she would burst into tears and she didn't want to do it in front of him. Noctis looked at her, broken.

However, they both smiled. It was the only thing they could do.

—Go now, you'll be late — she urged him while inside she screamed for him, please, to stay with her.

—Yes, you're right —Noctis nodded and opened the car door—.Wait... —he turned around and suddenly kissed her for the last time.

She clung to him, tasting his lips, trying to hold the taste of him in her mouth. Trying to remember each and every one of his movements to be able to dream about them.

Noctis breathed in her perfume once more, letting it intoxicate him. He didn't think there was a more exquisite aroma. He caressed her, paying special attention to how her skin felt against his fingers. Soft, smooth, perfect.

Then they separated quickly, as if they had agreed. And it is that they could not extend it any longer without it becoming torture.

Noctis got into the car and drove off as fast as he could. He didn't even waste time putting on the seatbelt. Immediately he merged into Midgar traffic, having to make herculean efforts not to look in the rearview mirror. He was afraid to see something that would force him to return. And so it would have been.

Tifa put a hand to her mouth, took several steps back and began to shed tears like never before. When he left, nothing prevented her from collapsing. Hardly able to think, she returned to the bar. There she dropped to the ground to begin to unleash her emotions.

Noctis slapped his hands on the steering wheel. Tifa kicked the ground with her boots. The two ran their hands over their faces, trying to wipe away the tears. But these did not stop falling. Tifa broke down completely. Noctis felt the insides of him fracture.

They had both known it would be a one night stand. Just a few hours. They had agreed to that. But no one had been prepared for this. They never thought they could mark the other so much in such a short time. That their time together could mean so much. That their separation was going to feel like hell. That they were so painfully compatible. That they found out how much they needed each other and then had to distance themselves.

They never thought they could fall in love.

But it had happened. The seed of love had germinated in them. And instead of watering it, they were letting it die.

The problem was that it would never go away. Tifa had fallen in love with Noctis. And Noctis had fallen in love with Tifa. And nothing was going to make them forget that feeling. Nothing. Nor nobody.

The days passed and Tifa had not smiled again.

She spent her days with a languid and empty expression. Her eyes hollow and dull. The ruby glow from them was gone.

She was paler than usual, with dark circles under her eyes and red eyes from crying.

She only talked if she had to and she didn't eat enough. Her friends were very worried about her, but she refused to tell them anything.

How could she explain to them that she had fallen in love with a stranger with whom she had only spent one night? That she didn't even know his name or provenance. That he had left nothing that could prove his existence. That all he had left behind was a mark on her heart, body and soul. That the only thing she knew about him was that he was made for her. She could not. Besides, she didn't want to share it with anyone. It was her stranger. Hers. And what they had lived together was a Secret. Their secret.

She was in her apartment, sitting on the floor and hugging one of the stuffed chocobos when someone knocked on the door. She did not answer.

—Tifa? —Cloud's voice reached her ears.

Tifa stared at the door.

Her heart pounded frantically and her body vibrated... Just for a second. A trick on her old feelings.

She closed her eyes and snuggled back into the stuffed animal. She didn't want anything to do with Cloud right now. He wasn't who she wanted to see. It wasn't his blue eyes that she longed to explore. It was not his body that she wanted to caress nor his lips that she wanted to kiss.

She had thought a lot during those days and she had come to the conclusion that she didn't deserve someone like Cloud. He was neither good nor bad. He just... wasn't made for her.

—Tifa, I know you're in there and that you keep the key under the rug —he reminded her—.You can open the door or I can open it.

She did not move.

It wasn't like her, that coldness. But she knew that her meeting with Cloud would end in an argument. That's why she was trying to put it off as long as she could, because she didn't feel like fighting. She was exhausted. Tired of crying so much and missing that boy who had turned her life upside down.

She then heard the key unlock the apartment door. Cloud saw her sitting on the ground as if she had homesickness. The first thing he thought was that she was angry with him for being gone for so long and that her discomfort would probably go away as soon as he took her into his arms. But then he noticed something. The photo she treasured of him, the one that had always been by her bedside, was gone. He realized that quickly because when she removed it from the wall it had left a black stain that contrasted too much with the general tone of the room.

He frowned and walked in slowly.

—Tifa, what's wrong with you? —he walked towards her.

Normally when he returned she was waiting for him with her arms open. She hugged him and kissed him tenderly, telling him how much she had missed him. Then she would invite him to take whatever he wanted from her.

That she wasn't even looking at him now only surprised him. She wasn't like that.

He squatted in front of her and reached out his hand to cup one of her knees. Tifa avoided contact, bending her legs to the side. She didn't think she could bear a caress that wasn't given by the stranger. And much less if the replacement was Cloud.

If anyone ever avoided contact between the two, it was him. Tifa had never refused any show of affection.

—Tifa —Cloud called her, coldly —. Are you going to tell me what's wrong or are you going to ignore me no matter what I do?

—It's over — then she looked at him.

He had never seen her so dull and haggard. Still, even he couldn't help but see that she was a terrifyingly beautiful woman.

The blond frowned, confused.

—What are you talking about? —he asked her without understanding.

She sighed.

—About this—her hand pointed at him and then at her—. To whatever that's between us. Its over.

Cloud was silent, processing what she had just told him. It took him a long time to understand and react. Meanwhile, she was looking at him without the light with which she used to look at him.

Noctis had taken it with him.

It wasn't like Cloud deserved it either. He had never done it.

His life had been linked to Tifa's since they were children but they had never joined in the way she would have wanted. Always next to each other but not together. Not in the way she needed it. Cloud was always late. He always ended up leaving her. He always put an unbridgeable distance between them. And it was something that Tifa couldn't take anymore. Not after feeling Noctis's warmth. Not after being with him. Cloud was no longer enough...he had never been, only that he was all Tifa had known.

—Why do you say that? —Cloud then asked her.

Tifa sighed, irritated and exhausted at the same time.

—Because I can't nor want to keep waiting for you any lonnger —she answered in a low but firm voice—. Because I don't want to feel like this anymore.

—Like what?

—Broken, Cloud, broken!— She yelled at him—. Sad and melancholy, guilty and stupid! —A couple of tears escaped from her eyes—. This is how I feel every time you leave and I'm filled up with it! —she held the chocobo close to her chest, as if it was a shield.

Cloud felt a lump form in his throat. She had never spoken to him like that.

—I always come back to you, Tifa — he reminded her.

She laughed bitterly.

—You come back and then you leave again. Besides, you're never quite with me. There is always something else that takes you away from me whether you are miles or inches away from me —She tried to suppress a sob—. Do you think I don't notice? That coldness. That distance. It is insurmountable. Always has been. And I can't take it anymore. I'm fed up.

Cloud sank to his knees on the ground and leaned towards her with the intention of hugging her but Tifa moved away from him. She didn't want him to touch her. Not him.

The blond stood still, not knowing what to do or what to say. He saw how she looked at him sadly again.

—You don't love me, Cloud —she whispered.

He looked at her gravely, ready to refute that because of course he loved her. He loved her more than anyone in the world. He would do anything for her. He would give her life for her.

—You are not in love with me— Tifa corrected herself.

That stopped him.

In love.

Cloud trembled at her sad smile, that reflected anything but happyness.

—You have never loved me as I have loved you — she murmured—. You won't be able to do it. You are not like that. At least not with me. Not for me.

He took a deep breath.

—You're the person I care about the most, Tifa —he confessed, making great efforts. It was hard for him to open up and talk about his feelings. But he could see that it was a moment of terrible importance for both of them. He couldn't keep quiet. Not when the girl that had defined so much of his life was at stake—. You have always always...

—I already know that —she cut him off—. And I would never leave you or ask you to leave me... I will always be by your side. You can always count on me —a hint of affection showed through her irritated eyes—. But I can't keep loving you. I cannot continue to maintain this relationship. It's breaking me, Cloud.

He had already broken her. Only she didn't want to worry him too much. Nor make him feel guilty. It's not like he could do anything to fix it, either. He no longer had that power. His eyes, corrupted by the Mako, could never comfort her again. Only ones the color of sapphire could do it. And they were very far from her.

Tifa contracted her expression in pain. God, she missed him so much...

Cloud thought that that reaction had been because of him and he felt even worse. But he couldn't say anything. There was nothing he could say to fix the problem.

Tifa was right.

He was not in love her. He hadn't loved anyone like that in his entire life. That degree of affection to which she referred... he had never felt it for anyone. She was right when she told him that there was always something that distanced them. And it wasn't her fault. Cloud wished he could be the man she needed. He would have given anything to be able to... Love her like she wanted. But he just wasn't like that. Not before, not now, and probably never.

—Do you want me to leave? —he asked her.

Tifa looked at him.

—Yes, please.

Cloud had endured a lot of pain in his life. But he didn't think those words could hurt him so much. It was the first time she had asked him to get away from her. The first time she had rejected his company. The first time she spoke to him without loving him. She wanted him, obviously. She would never stop doing it. But she no longer loved him.

Cloud staggered to his feet and stumbled out of her apartment unable to say a word. Something in him snapped too. He had failed her.

And somehow, he knew there was nothing he could have done to stop it. He was that way. There was nothing else. He couldn't give her what she wanted by being him. He just wasn't like that. She... she needed someone else.

Tifa closed her eyes, hugged herself and began to sob when she was alone again. She had known that this break would hurt her even if it was the best for both of them.

However, she cried harder because Cloud had left when she had told him to. That's how he was. Unable to understand anything. Unable to give her what she needed. It hadn't been a test. Tifa had already known what would happen. But she was destroyed by the thought that that sapphire-eyed stranger would never have left her no matter how much she had asked him to. That boy would have hugged her until she stopped crying. He would have stayed with her until he saw her sleep. He would have accompanied her in her pain and he would have let her see his' as well. They would have shared it.

I love her.

Tifa remembered.

Words she needed to hear again and that Cloud would never be able to say.

Noctis had not stopped thinking about that girl for a single minute. A couple of weeks had passed and he still couldn't get her out of his head. Not that he wanted to. Remembering her made him happy. She made him feel beautiful, pleasant, pretty things. Things he never felt in his daily life as prince of Insomnia, heir to the throne of the kingdom of Lucis.

He had hoped that by returning to his reality, his duties, his responsibilities, etc; he would stop thinking about her. But it was not like that. He was still anchored to that night. He kept seeing her pretty face everywhere. Her red eyes, her full lips, her chocolate hair, her divine body.

He couldn't concentrate on anything, not even when he was trying to study for his college's exams. His mind was taking him over and over again to that perfect date. The amount of food he ate had also decreased and the number of hours he slept had increased. He didn't want anything. He only sleept to dream about her. She was a dream he didn't want to wake up from. In doing so, he only found himself with a boring, anguishing and sterile reality. A nightmare.

Since he had returned, moreover, he had not stopped hearing the name of the princess of Tenebrae next to his'.

And that disgusted him. Everyone took that union as something good. No one took Noctis's feelings into account. Nobody cared if he wanted to marry a complete stranger. With a woman who wasn't even his type.

He admired her and respected her, of course. She was still his childhood friend. But he was repulsed by the idea of having to share with her what he had shared with that brown-haired, ruby-eyed girl.

He couldn't even imagine it.

Ignis and Prompto had asked him where he had gone and what he had done the day he left. He didn't tell them anything. But they both noticed the change in Noctis when he returned. It was not the same. He seemed more mature. Adult. But at the same time he looked as if the whole weight of the world had been placed on his back.

And that's how he felt. Since ever. But after meeting that girl even more.

He sighed, adjusting a white shirt. He was preparing to attend an event that would make his marriage to Princess Lunafreya official. There would be a press conference and then a brief celebration for the future of Insomnia and her prince. His father would be the one to make official the promise of marriage between his son and the princess of Tenebrae.

Noctis felt more miserable than ever. He clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, trying to adjust his tie correctly. He hated those damn bloody ties. And those parties full of nobles, false friends and empty talk.

He walked over to the bed, where his black jacket was resting. He took it to put it on. Then something slipped out of his pocket to fall to the floor without a sound.

Noctis discovered the flower that he picked to give it to the girl of his dreams. One that, in the end, for all the tidal wave of feelings, he had forgotten to give her.

He froze, his eyes fixed on the delicate and already dried petals of hers. It had flattened like a leaf from being in the pocket for so long, but it was still pretty. Lovely. Special. Noctis swallowed hard.

Go away. You will be late.

He heard her voice in his head.

"What am I doing?" he asked himself.

Yeah. He had to go. Already. He might arrive late.

He picked up the flower delicately and put it back in his pocket. He adjusted his jacket, picked up the keys to the Regalia, and left his room.

He walked quickly through the wide and long corridors of the palace until he reached his father's room.

He stopped at the door. He didn't usually talk to him much. He loved him like no one else in the world but... his relationship was very complicated. They had grown apart over time and hardly saw each other. Still... he wasn't that cowardly or spoiled. He took a breath and called.

—Come in —he heard from the other side of the door.

He stepped inside and met Regis's once-blue eyes. These had taken on a metallic gray hue with age. Old and tired but also wise and honest. fair. Good. Regis's expression softened at the sight of his only child.

—Noct —he smiled at him, but then he caught sight of the boy's serious, rueful face— Is everything fine, son?

Noctis closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

—I will marry Princess Lunafreya for the sake of Insomnia —he began—.But it will only be a symbolic marriage. And everyone must know and understand it.

Regis frowned, confused.

—What do you mean, Noctis?

He opened his eyes to face the king.

—I'm in love, father — he told him—. But not with Luna. And I won't act like I am. I will not be a husband to her. Luna won't be the one to carry on the Lucis lineage —He clenched his fists, feeling more and more sure of himself and his decisions—. I will save our people, but I refuse to sacrifice my entire life for it. I refuse to be an unhappy puppet at the orders of providence.

Regis walked over to him, more shocked than angry.

—Son, it's your duty...

—I said I would face my duty — Noctis stopped him —. But only symbolically. There may be a wedding. Parties. Banquets. Everything you wish. But I will not join her. Never —His eyes turned a soft red, defiant—. I belong to another woman.

The king's eyelids parted, impressed. He had no idea that his son had found someone special enough for him to feel owned by that person. As to have the courage to say it to his face.

Regis relaxed, something that surprised Noctis.

—I didn't want any of this for you, Noct —he sighed—. I appreciate the princess of Tenebrae. But I know very well that you could never find happiness with her. I know you more than you think — he smiled tiredly at his son's astonished look—. I will not allow you to put the lives of millions of people at risk. You will marry her, indeed. But...— He put a hand on the young Caelum's shoulder—. I won't stop you from being happy, either.

Noctis swallowed, the red in his eyes fading to return to a beautiful, brilliant sapphire blue.

—I-I have... —he cleared his throat — ...I have to go back for her — he said, speaking faster and faster—. If I don't hurry, she might end up forgiving that jerk and I... I love her —He stopped rambling to look at his father, who never thought he'd hear his son talk like that about a girl—... I have to go — he said—. I'll be back tomorrow.

—There's a press conference tonight, Noct — his father reminded him, tightening his grip on his shoulder.

Noctis looked at him, anguished. His father sighed. He loved his son too much. And he saw the love in his eyes. Whoever that girl was, she had made his son lose his mind. He knew that feeling. That sensation. That was how he himself had felt with Aulea, the mother of Noctis and always queen of Lucis despite her death.

He remembered what he had felt for that woman with long black hair and blue eyes like the sky. Yes... his heart vibrated remembering his wife. She... She would have let him go.

Regis smiled and patted Noctis affectionately.

—You were going to let me do all the talking and answer all the questions anyway, right?

A big and mischievous smile began to form on the prince's lips.

—Tell them that the prince of Insomnia is terribly busy studying for his university exams. That not even a marriage announcement is more important than education and academic life.

Regis shook his head, letting out a low laugh. His son would never change.

—Go, son. But come back tomorrow, as you promised me.

—I will, father — he assured him, beginning to turn on his shoes.

—Noct — he turned around—, what's her name?

Noctis scratched the back of his neck, happy but embarrassed.

—Don't know.

Regis blinked in confusion.

—How you do not know?

—It's a long story, I'll tell you later — he laughed—.But I swear to you that she is the most precious girl in the world —his eyes shone like two stars— I'll bring her with me so you can meet her —he turned around again.

Regis followed a few more steps.

—Does she know who you are?

Noctis grinned without stopping. He couldn't wait any longer.

—No! —he yelled, his voice echoing through the halls—.That's why I know she really likes me! —He broke into a run, leaving Regis speechless.

The king shook his head.

—These teens are getting weirder each generation.

Noctis had been driving over the speed limit the whole way. He had even jumped several traffic lights. He didn't mind paying a few fines. Getting to his destination as soon as possible was his priority.

His entire body vibrated with emotion. He felt like a kid running to get his Christmas presents. He even laughed at how good he felt. He was driving towards his happiness. Towards his heart.

He parked the car where he had first parked it and ran in the direction of Seventh Heaven only to find it locked. That surprised him. At those hours it should have still be open. He was not discouraged. He got back in the car and drove to park near the block of buildings where she lived. He got out of the car in a hurry again. He nearly fell several times but managed to keep his balance each time. After all, he was trained for it.

He practically lunged at the door with the number fifteen inscribed on it and knocked on it. He couldn't contain his excitement. The first thing he would do when he saw her would be to kiss her and tell her that he loved her. That he was sorry to have left and that, if she wanted, she could go with him. That they could... Be together.

Nobody opened the door.

Noctis frowned, nervous and annoyed.

—She is not here.

He turned quickly to see a boy who had just come out from the next apartment. He recognized it right away. He was the blond jerk.

He had imagined him taller, but he was even shorter than he was.

Noctis tensed. He was afraid to see the girl coming out of his room. He was terrified that something like this could happen.

It didn't happen.

Cloud studied him with his eyes.

—Who are you?

The prince faced him.

—My name is Noctis. Noctis Lucis Caelum — He felt strange saying all his offspring. It was usually the opposite. He wanted to be called "Noct". But this time he wanted the blond to know exactly who he was.

Cloud was familiar with that name. It didn't take long for him to understand who he was. He didn't care at all.

—And what do you want from her?

Noctis was shocked by the guy's level of insouciance. He didn't care that he was the prince of Lucis, something that had never happened before.

He looked at him with a little more respect.

—I don't want anything from her. I want her —he released with aplomb.

He wanted him to know and understand his intentions from the beginning.

Cloud's body tensed. He felt anger and... Jealousy. Who was that guy to declare that he loved Tifa? His Tifa?

Its over.

True.

She was no longer his'. The truth was that she had never been. She had offered herself to him countless times, but he had never taken her entirely. Always doubting, always running away.

Cloud looked at Noctis unable to hide his feelings. Noctis's eyes reddened.

—Are you sure about it? —Cloud then asked.

—Of course —Noctis responded immediately, something that made the blond flinch.

He hadn't hesitated for a split second. He had answered instantly and with a serious and sincere expression. He had no idea when Tifa might have met the prince of Lucis, but he knew that Noctis did know her. He knew it because he had the look that all the men attracted to Tifa had. The one he used to have and that he surely could never leave. The difference between all those suitors, including him, and Noctis, was that he was completely and hopelessly in love with Tifa. He just didn't like her. He loved her.

He was silent, not knowing what to say.

Noctis snorted and turned. He would wait for his girl elsewhere.

Cloud sighed, looking down the street.

—She's probably in a park, not too far from here — Noctis turned to look at him in astonishment. Cloud returned his gaze—. If you hurt her, I'll kill you.

That threat was not an empty one. He meant it very seriously and he would be quite capable of doing it. Noctis looked at him coldly.

—It's funny that you're the one to tell me that.

Both men looked at each other in silence, analyzing each other. They didn't like each other, obviously, but they did reach a minimum degree of respect. After all, the two had become intimate with Tifa. If she had opened her heart to them, it was for a good reason.

Cloud pursed his lips, annoyed by that comment. Because it was true. He had hurt Tifa countless times. He still loved her, althought.

Noctis then turned. He knew where he would find her. The information the blond had given him was more than enough. He was eager to go, but he stopped for a moment to look over his shoulder at Cloud.

—If I hurt her, I'll kill myself —he promised.

The soldier said nothing. He just leaned on the railing and watched the prince go. Leaving to meet the woman he loved and treasured the most. One he could never have. Cloud was like the wind, always moving, traveling, distancing. Tifa was a star. She belonged to the night sky. Always to it. She fixed and brilliant in the same position, every night. Everytime.

No... She had never been made for him. Neither before nor after meeting Noctis.

The prince did not take the car. It would only make it difficult for him. He ran through the deserted streets of Midgar in a hurry, his mind set on one thing. His heart pounding against his chest, his soul writhing with impatience, his mind utterly frantic.

He ran and ran, ignoring everything around him, until he reached the park.

In the soft light of a street lamp and with her back to him... There she was.

Noctis's heart skipped a beat.

He could only see her gorgeous body and her amazing hair but it was already enough to excite him like nothing ever before.

He wiped the sweat from his palms on his pants and, trembling like an autumn leaf, he approached her in silence.

Tifa was lost in her thoughts, isolated from the environment that surrounded her. Her mind was swarming through memories, taking refuge in those in which that unknown boy appeared.

She tried to remember what he made her feel when he touched her, when he held her, when he kissed her. Even when speaking...

—Beautiful.

Tifa shuddered.

That voice of his had sounded too real to have been heard in her head.

She spun around, bumping into Noctis's precious, glowing sapphire orbs. He gasped as he was stared at by those irresistible red irises. He could see that she was quite gaunt but she was still just as beautiful. She was beautiful.

Tifa's lips trembled. Her hands too.

—A-are you real? — she asked, fearing that it was a trick on her head and that he would vanish into thin air at any moment —. Stranger in Midgar?

Noctis's expression softened as never before.

—I don't want to be a stranger to you anymore —he told her softly, a soft, kind smile tugging at his lips—. My name is Noctis —he began to walk towards her—. But you, beautiful, you can call me Noct —He stopped just inches from her.

Tifa raised her head to look at him, tears in her eyes. But not like the ones that had been plaguing her for the past few weeks. No. These were not sadness.

He reached up a hand to caress her delicate face. The contact raised the skin on both of them. Tifa, before that electric shock, finally reacted.

In a second, she had thrown herself against Noctis's lips, which received her with pleasure and love. She held him tight and needy, as if she feared he would disappear at any moment. That would never happen. Noctis pressed her against his body and deepened the kiss, stealing her breath. They both moaned in pleasure. They had missed the taste of each other's lips. The smell of the other. The caresses of the other. Their hearts beat in unison, creating a beautiful melody. At last... they were back together.

Tifa gasped overwhelmed as she separated a little from him to lose herself in his eyes.

—I thought I would never see you again —she whispered, still unable to believe that he was here, with her.

Noctis nodded.

—Me neither, but... — He gave her a light, short kiss on her lips. God, they were so soft —...I can't live without you — he murmured, sinking his blue gaze into her red one—. These past few days have been hell. I couldn't stop thinking about you all the time. I... It may be too fast and crazy but... I love you —he confessed.

Tifa's legs gave way, but the prince's strong arms held her up and made her snuggle against him. She then cried with happiness and relief on his shoulder. Noctis comforted her, kissing the top of her head and stroking her hair. Pressing her against his body. Reassuring her by repeatedly saying how much he loved her in almost inaudible whispers. Almost. Tifa heard everything. All the "I love you" that had been missing throughout her life were given to her in that instant from the lips of... Noctis. That was the name of the Man she would love for the eternity.

She raised her head to look at him, filled with joy and love.

—Noctis —she called him, she also liked his name... Although she still didn't know that it belonged to the prince of Insomnia. He let out a moan of pleasure. His name sounded exceptional when said by that girl's lips—. I... My name is Tifa. Tifa Lockhart— She saw his pupils dilate a little— And I... I love you too.

Noctis's pupils ended up dilating completely. She had a beautiful name.

—Tifa — he tasted it on his palate, making her blush— Tifa Lockhart — She nodded, a sheepish smile on her lips—. Tifa Lockhart, the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my life... she loves me —he said, somewhat perplexed. She loves me — he repeated, as if he wanted to make it more real.

Her smile widened.

—I love you — she told her again.

—She loves me — he reiterated.

—I love you.

—She loves... —he couldn't finish.

Tifa had thrown herself at his lips again and he could only close his eyes and press her body against his own one, feeling the happiest and most complete man in the world.

Tifa, on the other hand, stopped feeling broken and fragmented. That stranger... No. Noctis, had put all the pieces of her heart back together. He had healed her. He had come back for her. He had saved her. He had made her believe in love again.

He was hers. Only hers. And she was his. Only his.

They stayed there, hugging, laughing, kissing, whispering, loving each other. Confessing to each other how much they had missed each other. How much they were needed. How much they wanted to get to know each other. How much they wanted to be together.

And when Noctis asked her to accompany him back to Insomnia... She agreed. She still didn't know he was the prince of Lucis, but it didn't matter.

She would never walk away from him again. Wherever he wanted him to go, there she would follow. Because he had become her home.

Noctis would always protect and love her. He would always be there for her. He would always come back for her.

Always.