Desert Night's Bliss
The amber glow of Cosmo Canyon enveloped the party as they arrived, weary and battle-scarred. Cloud watched Tifa's eyes glisten with wonder, reflecting the ethereal light of the crystals embedded in the canyon walls. The rhythmic beat of distant drums pulsed through the warm air, stirring a longing within him he had been attempting to ignore.
"Bugenhagen should be expecting us," Nanaki announced, his now youthful voice resonating through the canyon. "We'll meet with him and discuss our next steps."
As the group made their way towards the observatory, Cloud couldn't help but steal glances at Tifa. It had only been a few days since he'd bared his soul to her within the swirling depths of the Lifestream, and the intensity of those shared moments still lingered between them. The charged atmosphere seemed to only amplify their connection, making it harder for him to concentrate on anything else.
"Hey, Cloud?" Tifa's voice, gentle yet confident, pulled him from his thoughts. "Are you alright? You seem...distracted."
"Uh, yeah, I'm fine," he stammered, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks. He tried to focus on the path ahead, but his mind kept racing back to the tender words they had exchanged in that otherworldly realm. Their newfound vulnerability with one another had unleashed a torrent of emotions, leaving them both shy and unsure of how to navigate their relationship, more so than usual.
As they walked, Tifa brushed against him, her arm lingering just a moment longer than necessary. A shiver ran down his spine, and he found himself craving more of her touch, a feeling he'd been dealing with for weeks but that had become exacerbated since they emerged from the Lifestream. Their eyes met, dark red meeting glowing blue, and Cloud felt a jolt of electricity pass between them.
"Looks like we're almost there," Barret boomed suddenly, breaking the spell that had settled over Cloud. "Let's make this quick so we can rest up for whatever comes next."
"Right," Cloud agreed, trying to regain his composure. He focused on the task at hand, though he couldn't shake the feeling that Tifa's presence was now an ever-present force in his thoughts. As they entered the observatory and began their meeting with Bugenhagen, he found himself stealing glances at her, wondering how the shifting dynamics between them would continue to unfold.
But for now, there were more pressing matters to attend to – Sephiroth still loomed over them like an ominous shadow, and time was running out. As the drums of Cosmo Canyon continued to echo in the distance, Cloud forced himself to concentrate on the battle ahead, all the while yearning for the day when he could finally explore the confusing and now unearthed depths of his heart without the painful and gut-wrenching anxiety that had been clawing at him since they'd floated to the surface.
The amber glow of the bonfire flickered against the towering canyon walls, casting dancing shadows around the group as they gathered for a quiet dinner at Cosmo's bar. Cloud couldn't help but steal glances at Tifa throughout the meal, her carmine eyes gleaming like precious stones in the firelight. The air between them was thick with unspoken desires and lingering tension, making his heart race with every brush of their fingers or accidental meeting of their gazes.
"Man, been a while since I've had a meal like this," Barret woofed, breaking into Cloud's thoughts. "Y'all gotta try some of this stew."
"Pass it over," Yuffie demanded, reaching for the bowl that Barret offered her.
As the conversation flowed around him, Cloud found himself drifting back to the moment just days prior when he had bared his soul to Tifa within the depths of the Lifestream. His chest tightened at the memory, both from the weight of vulnerability and the newfound intimacy between them. He had never thought such a moment would come to pass between them, nor had he ever planned to show her what he'd kept buried for so long. But it was out there now, and she knew all of it.
They had yet to speak on it.
"Cloud, are you alright?" Tifa asked softly, her concern evident in the gentle furrow of her brow.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine," he stammered, trying to hide his inner turmoil. "Just lost in thought, I guess. A lot to think about, huh?"
Tifa gave him a knowing smile, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "Let's go watch the fire after dinner, okay?"
"Sounds good," he agreed, forcing a small smile in return.
Once the plates were cleared and the others began to disperse, Cloud and Tifa made their way to the edge of the canyon, where the Candle's massive bonfire roared beneath a canopy of stars. The two sat down side by side on the warm sandstone, their shoulders brushing together as they gazed into the crackling flames.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Tifa whispered, tilting her head towards the sky. "It feels like you could reach out and touch the stars."
Cloud followed her gaze, his eyes drawn to the celestial tapestry above them. The stars seemed to shimmer in unison, as if in their own celebration the connection he and Tifa shared. Maybe it was just his mind wandering to places unbidden, but his heart swelled with emotion, an overwhelming mixture of love and yearning that threatened to consume him.
As the night deepened and the temperature dropped, their friends gradually retreated to their rooms for the night. Cloud felt Tifa shiver beside him and instinctively wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. A few days ago, such instincts existed, but Cloud had been far more hesitant to act on them. Now, they were second nature, and she leaned into him, her body fitting perfectly against his side as they continued to stargaze in silence.
"Thank you," she murmured, nestling her head against his chest.
"For what?" he asked, his voice barely audible over the crackling fire.
"Being here with me," Tifa replied, her breath warm against his skin. "For everything."
Cloud's heart tightened with affection, and he squeezed her gently. What was she thanking him for? Despite everything that had happened, he still didn't feel like he was anything special or that he had done anything to deserve her affection and kindness. They sat there, entwined in each other's embrace, basking in the bonfire's glow and the radiant light of a love that was finally beginning to blossom.
The stars above seemed to dance and twinkle as if winking conspiratorially at Cloud, their celestial light bathing the two of them in a soft, ethereal glow. He couldn't help but steal glances at Tifa, her face illuminated by the mesmerizing play of starlight and fire. As they gazed skyward, the silence between them was heavy with tension, yet comforting in its intimacy.
As the night wore on, Tifa's eyes grew heavy, her head resting on Cloud's shoulder as she drifted toward sleep. He continued to watch the stars, his thoughts racing with questions and desires that he dared not speak aloud. Every touch, every shared breath between them ignited a slow-burning fire within him, threatening to consume him entirely.
"Hey, Tifa," Cloud said gently, nudging her awake. "You should get some sleep. Let's head back to the inn."
Tifa blinked up at him, her dark red eyes hazy with drowsiness. She nodded, smiling warmly. "Okay."
Carefully, he unwound their limbs and helped her to her feet, feeling a pang of longing as the warmth of her body vanished from his side. He took her hand in his, their fingers intertwining like the red threads of fate itself.
"Thanks, Cloud," she murmured, leaning into him as they trekked back to the inn. The quiet sound of their footsteps echoed through the canyon, mingling with the distant whispers of the wind.
Cloud's thoughts continued to whirl, a maelstrom of emotion that threatened to overwhelm him. The tawny glow of Cosmo Canyon's lights cast warm shadows on the walls as they approached the inn, their hands still clasped together. The intimate contact sent a shiver up Cloud's spine, making his heart race with anticipation and anxiety. As they entered the inn, the cozy scent of woodsmoke and freshly baked bread enveloped them, offering a sanctuary from the cool night air.
"Let's see about getting rooms," Cloud suggested, trying to keep his voice steady as he glanced at Tifa. She nodded, her eyes half-closed, the edge of exhaustion evident in her expression.
The innkeeper greeted them with a warm smile, but it faltered slighty as he delivered the news. "I'm afraid we're nearly full tonight. Your friends have already booked most of the rooms. We have just one left, if you don't mind sharing."
Cloud's heart leaped into his throat at the prospect of being so close to Tifa in such an intimate setting. He stole a glance at her, noting the faint blush that tinted her cheeks. They exchanged a hesitant look before Tifa nodded her consent.
"Alright," Cloud said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "We'll take it."
As they made their way to the room, Cloud couldn't help but be hyper-aware of every movement Tifa made, each soft sigh that escaped her lips. It had always been this way for him but everything had seemed heightened in the last few days, and it was rising the heat in his body to a full boil.
He unlocked the door to the small, rustic room, shouldering it open. A fire burned in a small hearth and the room was dimly lit by candlelight, the only other light flowing in from the moon above through the slatted window. The single bed that awaited them seemed both inviting and intimidating.
"Uh, I can sleep on the floor or in the chair by the window," Cloud offered, doing his best to alleviate the awkward tension that filled the room. He looked away, not wanting to appear too eager or presumptuous.
Tifa shook her head, her face flushed but her eyes determined as she folded her hands in front of her. Cloud couldn't help but peer at her out of the corner of his eyes, his heart pounding. "No, it's fine. We can share the bed. It's big enough for both of us, and it's just for one night, right?"
"Are you sure?" Cloud asked, his voice laced with concern and a hint of longing. He couldn't help but imagine the warmth of her body pressed against his as they slept. It was debilitating just thinking about it.
Tifa managed a small smile, digging the toe of her boot into the wooden floorboards. "Yes, I'm sure. It'll be fine."
Her voice was small, but Cloud couldn't help but wonder if he was crazy for hearing the slight eagerness masked within it.
"Okay," he agreed, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to calm his racing thoughts. They settled into their shared space, the silence between them heavy and charged.
The soft glow of the room's lantern bathed Cloud and Tifa in a warm, golden light as they stood on opposite sides, each facing away from the other. The air was thick with anticipation, and Cloud could feel his heart drumming wildly in his chest as he reached for his sleep clothes.
"I guess we should change," Tifa murmured, her voice barely audible above the sound of fabric rustling between them. She pulled an oversized t-shirt from her bag, holding it up in front of her before she began to pull off her armor and kick out of her boots.
Cloud couldn't help but steal furtive glances at her as she changed, her silhouette illuminated by the flickering light. He quickly turned his gaze away, cursing his racing thoughts and overreacting body as he began to pull off his own armor. He hated himself for the way the desire was flooding his bones. Tifa was his friend, he tried to remind himself. Despite his feelings, and despite the open intimacy of the Lifestream, they hadn't really confirmed anything more serious than that. With trembling hands, he donned his sweatpants and a simple t-shirt, feeling the weight of his desires settling heavily upon him.
He finally turned around, finding Tifa pulling at the hem of her shirt as she looked down awkwardly. Cloud's chest exploded with warmth at the sight of her bare legs, endlessly long and milky soft, begging for him to reach out and touch.
"Um, maybe we should have a nightcap before bed?" Tifa suggested hesitantly, her eyes darting nervously around the room. "To, you know, help us relax."
"Sure," Cloud agreed, welcoming the distraction as he willed himself not to stare at her body.. "That sounds like a good idea."
Tifa sat on the edge of the bed, picking up the phone and dialing the number for the bar downstairs, her fingers visibly shaking. As she placed the order for a bottle of hot spiced rum, Cloud couldn't help but be drawn to the curve of her neck and the delicate way strands of her onyx hair draped over her shoulder. His eyes avoided looking any further south than that, her soft t-shirt clinging to the lines of her breasts. He clenched his fists, trying to suppress the urge to reach out and touch her.
"Thank you," she whispered into the phone before hanging up. "It should be here soon."
As they waited, their eyes met briefly, and Cloud felt a jolt of electricity shoot through him. He tried to fill the silence with casual conversation. "So, uh, Cosmo Canyon is really something, huh? I feel like I really got to appreciate it this time."
Idiot, he admonished himself for his terrible attempt at conversation.
"Y-yeah, it is," Tifa stammered, the corners of her mouth lifting in a tentative smile. "I've never seen so many stars in my life."
"Me neither," Cloud admitted, his voice soft and full of wonder. The moment stretched between them like a taut thread, ready to unravel.
The knock on the door broke the spell and Tifa hurried to answer it, taking the tray with the bottle and mugs from the attendant. Tifa, ever the barmaid, set them out and poured their drinks for them, tossing tiny smiles over her shoulder at him as she worked.
They sat side by side on the bed, their fingers wrapped around their mugs of hot spiced rum. The fragrant steam rose and mingled with the delicate primrose scent of Tifa's hair, creating an intoxicating mixture that danced on the edge of Cloud's senses.
"Here's to us," Tifa murmured then, her voice barely above a whisper as she raised her mug in a small toast. Cloud could hear the faint tremble in her words, mirroring the trembling of his own heart.
"Us," he echoed with a small smirk, clinking his mug against hers before taking a cautious sip. The warmth of the rum spread through him, igniting a slow burn that only heightened the ache in his chest.
They drank together quietly at first, the silence punctuated only by the occasional sigh or shift in position. It was as though both were afraid that any sudden movement might shatter the fragile peace that had settled over them. It was nice to finally have a quiet moment in each other's company without interruptions or specters looming, but the weight of what sat between them was still heavy and full for Cloud.
But as the alcohol began to take effect, the tight knots inside them started to unravel. Tifa giggled softly, breaking the silence as she looked up at Cloud, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know, I've never been much of a drinker."
"Really?" Cloud asked, quirking an eyebrow as he took another sip. She was already giggly and beginning to waver where she sat. "I couldn't tell."
"Hey!" Tifa playfully nudged him with her elbow, her cheeks flushing a rosy pink. "I'm not that bad... yet."
"Yet?" Cloud smirked, feeling the tension between them loosen even further.
"Maybe after a few more sips," she teased, raising her mug to her lips once more. Her eyes lingered on Cloud, dark red pools filled with warmth and unspoken desire.
Cloud felt his pulse quicken as he watched her drink, his thoughts consumed by the curve of her lips and the delicate line of her throat as she swallowed. The mako in his veins did little to dull the effects of the alcohol, but it couldn't protect him from the onslaught of emotions and desire that threatened to swallow him whole.
"Hey, Cloud," Tifa said, her voice growing more animated as she grew tipsier. "Remember that time in Midgar when you first joined AVALANCHE? You were sooo serious and focused, like a man constantly on a mission."
"Hard not to be," Cloud replied with a small laugh, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over him. "I had a lot to prove back then."
"Maybe," Tifa conceded, her smile turning wistful. "But I think you've proven yourself many times over since then."
Heat flushed his neck, his palms sweaty as he clutched his mug and ran one down his thigh. Her words were so weighted that he felt himself unsure of how to even respond.
"Thanks, Tifa," he managed softly. He hated the way that his voice cracked, and it was not helped by the way that she laughed playfully in response, bumping her shoulder against his.
Their banter continued, light and flirtatious, the barriers between them fading with each shared laugh and lingering touch and the warmth of the rum. And as the night deepened, the amber glow of the Cosmo Canyon fire flickered, casting dancing shadows on the walls as their shared drinks loosened their tongues, allowing them to reminisce about the journey they'd undertaken together – the triumphs, the heartaches, and even the moments when they'd both been lost in the swirling chaos of the Lifestream. Cloud wasn't sure how they broached the conversation, but suddenly, it as on the table.
"Can you believe we actually made it through that?" Tifa mused, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she playfully nudged Cloud's arm. "I thought for sure we were goners."
"Hey, I promised I'd always be there to catch you, didn't I?" Cloud replied, his voice softening as he recalled the weight of her body pressed against his own, the way their hearts had raced as one in the midst of the ethereal green current.
Tifa blushed, her gaze dropping. "You certainly did," she murmured, her words sending shivers down his spine. "And you've never let me down, Cloud."
As their third round of drinks disappeared, the space between them seemed to shrink, their bodies inching closer until their legs brushed against one another. The heat emanating from her skin was intoxicating, igniting a yearning deep within him that threatened to consume him entirely. As Tifa grew tipsier, their flirtatious exchanges intensified, drawing them into a vortex of desire and longing that left Cloud feeling dizzy and disoriented. The world around them seemed to fade away until all that remained was the two of them, their hearts beating wildly in time with the flickering flames of Cosmo Canyon.
"Y'know," Tifa began, her voice husky and teasing as she leaned in close enough that he could feel her breath against his ear, "I've always wondered how well your training prepared you for... other things."
"Other things?" Cloud repeated, struggling to maintain his composure as his thoughts swirled like a tempest. He couldn't help but tease her back, the playful banter feeling both exhilarating and terrifying all at once. "Are you challenging me, Tifa?"
"Maybe I am," she replied coyly, her lips curving into a wicked grin as she traced her finger along the edge of his collarbone. "You're not afraid, are you?"
Cloud's heart raced as he realized what she was suggesting, and he couldn't resist the opportunity to engage in some lighthearted fun with her.
Maybe the alcohol was affecting him after all.
"Never."
With a wicked grin, he leaned over, reaching for her and launching a tickling assault on her sides, his fingers dancing over her sensitive flesh. Tifa squealed and squirmed beneath his touch, her laughter bubbling up like a sweet symphony in his ears.
"Cloud!" she gasped between fits of laughter, desperately trying to fend off his relentless attack while fighting back by grabbing at him with her own furious little hands. "St-stop!"
Her plea only fueled his determination, and he continued to tickle her mercilessly, reveling in the sound of her laughter and the way her body writhed beneath his fingertips. Their playful struggle eventually led to Tifa losing her balance and falling on top of him, their bodies pressed together in a tangle of limbs and shared warmth.
"Oof!" Cloud exhaled sharply as Tifa landed on him, the impact momentarily knocking the wind out of him as he fell back into the mattress. His mind raced, feeling the full weight of her body pressing against his, her curves molding against him like a missing puzzle piece. The tension between them skyrocketed, an electric current arcing through every point of contact as if their very souls were reaching out for one another.
"Sorry," Tifa whispered breathlessly, their faces mere inches apart, her eyes wide and vulnerable as she gazed into his stormy blue depths.
"Trust me, I'm not complaining," Cloud found himself murmuring, his voice barely more than a whisper as he lost himself in her gaze. Tifa laughed at his unabashed desire, her cheeks flushing as their centers pressed close together. Their breaths mingled, hot and sweet, the space between them narrowing and the magnetic pull of their desire drawing them ever closer.
In that moment, Cloud felt as if he were standing at the edge of a precipice, his heart thundering like a raging storm within his chest. He knew that one small push would send them both hurtling over the edge, free-falling into the unknown depths of passion. But even as the flames of desire threatened to consume him, a small voice inside reminded him of his love and respect for Tifa – and his determination to protect her from any harm, even if it meant denying his own desires.
Tifa's warm breath caressed his lips like a gentle breeze, her dark eyes shimmering as she hovered above him. The flickering candlelight cast a soft glow upon her flushed cheeks, accentuating the delicate curve of her neck and the tender vulnerability in her gaze.
"Cloud…"
His heart was pounding like a drum against his ribcage, echoing the rhythm of the Cosmo Canyon drums in the distance. His fingers traced the outline of her jaw, gently tilting her face towards him as they fell into a slow, tentative kiss that sent shivers down his spine.
Their lips moved together, exploring each other with a tender curiosity that soon ignited into a passionate dance of desire. Cloud's hands found their way to Tifa's waist, pulling her closer as if trying to meld their bodies into one. Her fingers tangled in his soft blond hair, tugging gently as they deepened the kiss.
The flickering glow of the bonfire illuminated Tifa's face as he leaned in closer to her. His heart thundered - it was their third kiss and the first since they'd kissed in the Lifestream together, but it felt brand new to Cloud, as if he were being reborn every time her tongue swiped across the gap of his lips. He found himself becoming lost in her embrace, the softness of Tifa's skin against his own sending shivers down his spine.
"Cloud," Tifa whispered breathlessly, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest as she pulled him closer, her tongue dragging across his as they separated slightly. "I... I need you."
"Are you sure?" Cloud asked hesitantly, his thoughts racing. Her words seemed oddly and distantly familiar, bringing back the weights of the verdant oasis they'd floated through to mind. He found his mind at war again, torn with his desperate desires and the fear of overwhelming her, of crossing a line that would finally change everything between them.
"More than anything," she replied, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him into another passionate kiss.
As their lips danced together, Cloud's couldn't stop his hand from sliding beneath the hem of Tifa's oversized t-shirt, exploring the smooth skin of her back and the curve of her waist. She arched and shivered against his touch, encouraging him to continue, her own hands roaming over his shoulders and chest with a boldness that surprised and excited him.
"Cloud..." Tifa breathed, her voice low and sultry as she pressed her body against his. "I never thought we'd be like this after… but after everything…"
"Neither did I," he admitted, his heart pounding wildly in his chest as he reveled in the heat of her touch. The alcohol and the soothing warmth of her body were emboldening him, and the words spilled out. "But now that we're here, I... I don't want to let you go."
"Then don't," she murmured, entwining her fingers in his spiky blond hair and pulling him closer still.
As their bodies pressed together, their shared desire reaching an almost unbearable crescendo, Cloud couldn't help but marvel at how far they had come since their reunion. The painful memories and secrets they had endured, the battles they had fought side by side, all seemed to fade away in the face of this heated and electric connection.
"Remember," Tifa whispered against his lips, her breath warm and intoxicating as she bit gently into his, "No matter what happens, we'll always find our way back to each other."
Cloud couldn't respond with anything more than a deeper kiss, drawing lines along her spine with his fingertips, his body taking over where his words were beginning to fail. His hands looped around to the front of her body, caressing her warm skin under her shirt, finding the flat planes of her belly and the heavy softness of her breasts. He felt his erection bend against her thigh, and she arched into him, her nipples stiffening and seeking out the friction of his chest.
The flickering firelight danced across Tifa's skin, casting her in an almost otherworldly glow as she leaned into Cloud, her tongue looping around his and sending surges of fiery heat to his groin. The warmth of her body against his was intoxicating, her hands roaming over him with a boldness that sent shivers down his own spine.
"Cloud," she breathed, pulling away just enough to look into his eyes. Her pupils were dilated with desire, but there was something else there too – the unmistakable haze of alcohol.
The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning, and he knew he had to make a choice. As much as he wanted her, as much as every fiber of his being yearned to lose himself in her, he couldn't do it like this. Not while she was intoxicated and vulnerable, not when their first time together should be something special they could both fully consent to and remember.
"Tifa," he murmured softly regretfully, his thumb gently brushing her cheek. "We... we should stop."
She blinked, a hint of confusion clouding her features before she seemed to understand. "Oh," she whispered, her expression softening with appreciation. "Um, I… I guess you're right."
"Let's get some sleep," he suggested, his voice low and tender as he nudged her nose with his and then guided her back to lay on the bed. The sheets rustled beneath them, the sound strangely intimate in the quiet room.
As they settled in, their bodies still pressed close, Cloud allowed himself a moment of vulnerability. "I want our first time to be perfect, Tifa," he confessed, his breath warm against her ear. "When we're both completely… present, with no barriers between us. Okay?"
Her eyes softened as she smiled sleepily, the disappointment that glowed behind them beginning to fade. "Okay, Cloud," she finally whispered, her fingertips tracing idle patterns on his chest. "Th…thank you."
In the dim light, Cloud watched as Tifa's lashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks, her breaths slow and steady. Her whine of disappointment still echoed in his ears, but he knew he had made the right decision. Determined to make her feel cherished and loved, he cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs tracing the curve of her cheeks, capturing her mouth in another soft, lingering kiss. Their breaths mingled, warm and sweet, as their bodies pressed closer together.
Tifa's hands found their way to his shoulders, her fingers tracing the contours of his muscles before slipping around his neck, drawing him deeper into the embrace. Cloud let himself get lost in the sensation – the taste of spiced rum lingering on her tongue, the silky glide of her hair against his fingertips, and the heat radiating from her body.
As the kiss came to an end, they pulled away just enough for their foreheads to rest against one another. Cloud's heart thrummed wildly in his chest, a symphony composed of love, desire, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the woman in his arms.
"Let's get some sleep," he whispered, brushing his nose against hers in an affectionate nuzzle.
"Sleep sounds good," Tifa agreed, her voice slightly breathless as she shifted onto her side, snuggling into the pillow. Cloud mirrored her movement, pulling her in close, the warmth of their bodies creating a cocoon of comfort and intimacy.
"Goodnight, Tifa," he breathed, his fingers intertwining with hers as their legs tangled together beneath the sheets.
"Goodnight, Cloud," she whispered back, her eyes fluttering closed as sleep began to claim her.
As the night deepened, the fire outside dwindled to embers, casting flickering shadows on the walls. The flickering candlelight painted a warm, golden aura around Tifa's face as she lay beside him, her eyes heavy with a drowsy haze. Cloud couldn't help but be captivated by the sight of her; even in her slightly tipsy state, she remained so breathtakingly beautiful.
"Cloud," she murmured, her voice slurred and soft as silk. "In the Lifestream, I could… I could hear everything inside your heart. I… I want to hear that again."
His chest tightened at her words, staring down at her as she snuggled in closer, the implications of her words landing in the center of his chest. She wanted to be comforted by his words, the revelations of which he had given her and her alone access to in the green depths of the earth's core. It seemed silly and impossible at the same time, but Cloud knew what she wanted and that if he gave it to her, it would deepen their bond in a way that even sex could not.
She hummed contentedly, her eyelids fluttering as she fought the encroaching grip of sleep. Cloud sighed as he mulled her request over, knowing that with the alcohol in her system, Tifa might not remember their intimate moment in the morning, but he didn't mind. He just wanted to share his heart with her, even if only for this brief instant.
"Did you know," he whispered, tracing the curve of her cheek with his fingertips, "that ever since we were kids, I've always admired your strength and determination? You've been my inspiration, Tifa."
Her lips curved into a sleepy smile, and she snuggled closer to him. "Is that so?"
"Absolutely," he replied, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her temple. "And when we found each other again, I realized how deeply I care for you. Your kindness, your warmth... they're like a beacon guiding me through the darkest times."
Tifa's breath hitched at his words, and she tightened her grip on his hand. "Cloud..."
"Being with you makes me feel alive, like the world is full of possibilities. I want to protect you, stand by your side, and face whatever challenges come our way – together." Cloud's voice was barely audible, yet each word resonated with certainty and devotion.
"Promise me?" Tifa's voice wavered, her vulnerability shining through the haze of alcohol.
"Of course," he vowed, sealing his promise with another tender kiss.
As they lay entwined, Cloud continued to whisper sweet nothings into her ear, his words a soothing lullaby that carried her toward the realm of dreams. He spoke of their shared memories and laughter, the warmth of her embrace, and the way her eyes seemed to hold the entire cosmos within their depths.
With every moment that passed, Tifa's breathing grew slower, more even, until at last she succumbed to sleep. As Cloud felt her body relax against his, a sense of peace washed over him. He pressed one final, lingering kiss to her forehead, pulling her close as he allowed himself to drift off as well.
—
The first light of dawn crept through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on the tangled cocoon of bedsheets that enveloped Cloud and Tifa. Their limbs intertwined, their hearts beat in sync as they breathed in each other's warmth.
"Morning," Tifa mumbled, her voice soft and groggy as she slowly opened her eyes.
"Hey," Cloud replied, his voice equally hushed. He brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, the tenderness in his touch making her heart flutter.
"Ugh, my head," Tifa winced, her hand coming up to cradle her temple.
"You said you weren't much of a drinker," Cloud smirked, his fingers tracing delicate patterns on her arm. "How are you feeling?"
"Besides the headache, I'm okay. Just… give me a sec."
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm golden glow onto Cloud and Tifa, still entwined in each other's arms. Their eyes met, and without a word, they leaned in for a soft, lingering kiss, as if to reaffirm the intimacy they had shared the night before.
As they slowly untangled themselves from each other, the reality of their situation began to sink in – they needed to get dressed and face the day ahead. Their movements were hesitant and awkward, as they attempted to navigate the delicate balance between newfound vulnerability and the need for privacy.
Cloud turned away, trying to give Tifa some space as she pulled on her tank top and skirt. He couldn't help but steal glances at her reflection in the mirror, admiring the way the sunlight played on her skin and how her hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of silk.
"Cloud?" Tifa asked, noticing his lingering gaze.
"Sorry," he stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I just... you look beautiful."
"Thank you," she said, a blush spreading across her own cheeks. "You're not so bad yourself." Her eyes twinkled with mischief, and for a moment, the tension between them dissolved into playful banter.
"Hand me my toothbrush, would you?" Tifa requested, gesturing toward the small bag on the table. Cloud complied, handing it over along with the toothpaste. They stood side by side at the sink, brushing their teeth in companionable silence, stealing shy glances at each other in the mirror.
"Ready?" Cloud asked as they finished their morning routine. There was something oddly satisfying in sharing such mundanely domestic moments together, and Cloud wasn't sure why it made him feel giddy inside. Tifa nodded, and with a deep breath, they stepped out of the room and descended the staircase to rejoin their friends.
As they reached the bottom step, Tifa hesitated for a moment before entwining her fingers with Cloud's. He looked down at her in surprise, his heart skipping a beat at the warmth of her touch. She leaned in close, her breath tickling his ear as she whispered, "Thank you for last night."
"Wha–" Cloud stammered, taken aback by her words.
"Everything you said," she continued, her voice soft but steady, "I heard it all, and I remember. I just wanted you to know that your thoughts and your feelings mean more to me than anything else in this world."
She turned away with her cheeks bright. Stunned but moved by her warmth and sincerity, Cloud squeezed her hand gently, the emotions swelling within him almost too much to bear.
As they walked into the lobby to face the day ahead, he knew that no matter what challenges awaited them, Cloud knew that every step forward was one he would take with her by his side.