"I'll do anything for the right price."
Cloud had only meant the line to mean that for this merc no job was too dirty, no monster too tough, no distance too far. So long as he was properly compensated of course. Hell, he even went looking for cats with Tifa one lazy afternoon for a local girl in sector 7. But never once did he think people would mistake him for a prostitute.
The Soldier couldn't believe that such an innocent statement...could so terribly be misconstrued. When he had first arrived in Midgard, and had woken up from his coma, he had hoped to set himself up as a mercenary. Potentially even make enough gil to get out of the city if he got bored and decided to travel somewhere. But he soon found out that people in the slums were distrustful of outsiders, especially to someone who was an ex-Soldier. People would even start whispering as he walked by as if he couldn't see them. They weren't saying anything good, he was sure, deciding then and there he would ignore all gossip about himself. It wasn't exactly a "hit the ground running" start he had envisioned for his budding career.
Thankfully, he was able to find work helping the terrorist group Avalanche, having made a connection through Tifa's association with them. He didn't really know what to expect at first...but he supposed he shouldn't have been surprised that they wanted to do terrorist-like things. But really blowing up a reactor! Take about high risk, low rewards. And he still hadn't been paid in full for that job yet.
Thinking about it now, he fixed Tifa's leaky kitchen pipe yesterday and hasn't gotten paid for that yet either!
'Damn Avalanche.'
Fortunatley, he started to gain some traction based on the power of Tifa's endorsement when she was giving him the grand tour. It seemed to open doors for him that he didn't realize were closed. Everyone seemed to need his skills, or at least his time and effort.
'It's not about what you know but who you know.' She'd remind him, trying to give him lessons for life on the ground floor, along with other rules. 'Be sure to get a full night's sleep.' and 'Be nice!.' He was sure there were others but that last one in particular stuck considering how often she said it to him.
Lessons in mind, he took on all the types of odd jobs when they were offered, managing to build a good reputation and establish trust with the locals. The change in attitude towards him was almost instantanious. People greeted him with a happy wave or nod as he walked by now. All of them praising his selflessness for taking all the long-standing jobs or thanking him for another day of hard work that kept him late into the night. Heck, even the item shop douchebag sometimes gave him free samples when he dropped by.
Life was good under the plate.
Though...Cloud's current conversation was making him question all that. It had him genuinly questioning what kind of impression he had been giving off to end up here. Maybe it was the way he dressed? He didn't think he was showing that much skin.
Maybe he should start paying more attention to the rumors about him?
With that last thought, the merc could only shake his head in disbelief at the redhead in front of him, as she finished her spiel. It had him wondering if he had misheard her request. Perhaps she was using some new city lingo that he didn't know? His small village boy roots coming back to bite him in the ass once again?
Cloud could already tell that this was going to be one of the longest conversations of his life.
000
"Excuse me?" Cloud ventured, thinking it might just be one horrible mistake.
"I asked how much?" The pretty redhead asked unabashed, as if it was a totally normal conversation they were having in public.
"Yeah...no, I heard that part. But let's dial it back a bit. What was that about getting a bundle for your friend's birthday party?"
"Oh, I see! I just meant if you had any bulk pricing for services. And if not...maybe we can have some wiggle room to negotiate?" She asked boldly, unaware of his increasing distress. "I know you have pretty reasonable prices, like a 100 gil right? I figured...this party is gonna give you at least a dozen customers, so~o it'd be totally worth your time. Bu~ut, that almost 20,000 gil...and I was hoping we could come to a compromise..."
"And what exactly is it you want me to do again?" Cloud interjected, really hoped that he was just developing an ear infection and didn't actually hear what he thought he heard. "Something...about a cake?"
"Well, we're not hard set on that yet. Still need to find a baker capable of making it that big." The stranger mused to herself miming the cake size with her hands, as if that was Cloud's biggest concern. "For now...some stripping and dancing to set the mood. I'll leave the outfit and any other party tricks to the dealer's choice."
He had wondered if he was in a fever dream, that maybe his mako poisoning was acting up again.
"Definitely some sex at the end of the night." The woman continued. Katie, he remembered her introducing as he continued to stare at her morbid fascination. "But please be gentle with her, she's only ever had two boyfriends from like forever ago. Sarah's really been trying to break through her shell! A pretty thing like you would be just the thing she needs to get out of her rut. I know at least a few of us would definitely like a taste when we get a chance." She added, giving him a shy smile. "The others want to play it by ear and see where the night takes them."
Katie finished her deranged rant with a grin, looking at him expectantly as she waited for the next round of questions.
'Or maybe for me to tell her my going rate is.'
His...first reaction was to tell the dumb slut to take a hike. That even if he was selling ass, she and her friends would be the last people he'd whore himself out to. Instead, he took a deep breath.
' Be nice!'
Cloud could practically hear his childhood friend begging him in his head. She'd tell him not to ruin all his hard won connections by having a knee-jerk reaction to this unfortunate situation. That this could all be one big misunderstanding. A simple case of miscommunication gone wry...and to try, gently prodding for answers. She'd caution that even if it was what it seemed like...to please consider the other woman's feelings and try not to make her feel bad when he told her no.
But considering the redhead had been staring at his crotch the entire time he was having his mini-crisis; Cloud couldn't imagine there was a whole lot of misunderstanding on her part.
Still he'll try Tifa's way first. And exhale.
"Katie..." He started and stopped, not sure how to continue. Truthfully, Cloud was having mixed emotions at this unexpected encounter. A weird sense of pride, a not so insignificant amount of anger, and an almost crippling feeling of embarrassment. "You do know I'm a mercenary, right?"
Raising her eyes she blinked owlishly at him as if he was intentionally trying to confuse her. As if this was a trick question that she had to answer correctly in order to get into his pants.
"I know that silly! Hard not too since you've pretty much become our go to guy for monster hunting and handyman work." She said, giving him a look that asked where this twenty-question game was going but humored him anyway. "I know you do other stuff too if there's a need. "Anything for the right price" right? Although...a little on the nose, don't you think?" She added a giggle at that last part.
"True..." Cloud nodded slowly, cringing a little at his tagline, perhaps he was giving people the wrong impression. "But there are also many things that I don't do. That I won't do." He made sure to emphasize the word to her. "You get me?"
Another blink and a beat before realization dawned on Katie's face.
"Oh! For sure, yeah!" She exclaimed, shaking her curls vigorously. "I totally get you! I would never think to have you do something you're uncomfortable with. Like...duh Katie! You shouldn't just assume things about people, it just ends up being awkward for everyone."
She chuckled as she gave herself a quick dope slap on the forehead, deeply regretful over her social misstep.
'Okay...' Cloud thought, breathing a little easier at the idea that it truly was just one big misunderstanding. 'Point to Tifa. I guess I really should listen to her more.'
So lost in his thoughts about maybe buying his friend a "thank you" card for indirectly helping him out of probably one of the most stressful conversations of his life, Cloud almost missed that Katie was still talking to him.
"Sorry I spaced for a moment." He apologized, refocusing his attention back on her. "What were you saying?"
"I was just wondering if you had a list or if this was more of a negotiation kind of thing." She responded, not really helping Cloud's comprehension. "Like, me and my partners usually go the safe word route, but you being a professional...I figured, you probably got a list of every sex act imaginable! So your clients can, you know like, mark all their dos and don'ts." She finished with a grin, as if already in awe of his perceived "professionalism".
Feeling his brain starting to drip out of his ears at the woman's words, he stared back at Katie's serene smile. And he laughed! Laughed in sheer disbelief at the situation in front of him. Laughed at whatever events and actions had led people to believe he, Cloud Strife was a prostitute!
It was then, standing in this dank alleyway only two hundred feet away from Tifa's bar, Cloud came to a not-so humorous realization.
Now he was about to have the longest and most stressful conversation of his life.
000
Hearing the sound of the front door opening, Tifa tried to suppress the frown that had started to form on her lips. She had been hoping to close-up a little early tonight, even having gotten a head start on most of the closing time chores in anticipation. She had wanted to go searching around sector 7 for Cloud when she noticed he wasn't at his usual stool by the counter. The barmaid hadn't seen her friend all day, which...wasn't too unusual as he had begun to stay out later and later to handle jobs across the slums. But what kind of jobs left her with more worry than she'd care to admit.
Tifa had reassured herself that her neighbor would tell her if he was strapped for cash. That he knew he could come to her if he needed help with anything. But...the questions that had been plaguing her all week had started to become harder to contain. Today had been especially strange and she was anxious to see him. Truthfully, the last few days had been something out of a fever dream and she needed to speak with him, if only to get answers.
She could only hope he wasn't out late, doing something unsavory for money.
'Come on girl, ten out of ten service, you can do this.' She thought, trying to psych herself up the upcoming conversation. Taking a quick breath, she forced a smile on her face as she turned to greet her newest customer. Only to break out into a real smile at seeing it was Cloud, stumbling across the interior towards his seat. After he grunted a greeting her way, the smiling lips quickly dropped back into another frown when she saw how out of it the blonde seemed to be.
'What happened? He looks like he's been through the ringer.' Tifa fretted, trying not to gnaw her bottom lip bloody in worry. But it didn't look like the usual episodes, more like he was just deep in thought. Leaning closer she looked over the rest of him. Hair in its usual state of spikiness, no injuries anywhere, clothes worn but not rumpled. No evidence indicating that he had just rolled out of bed either.
That helped to relax her...just a little.
Realizing that now was going to be as good as any, Tifa took a quick look around the building to make sure there weren't any stragglers. Confirming that they were alone, she gave him a quick brush across his back, as she briskly strolled across the building to change the closed sign and lock the doors. Batting down the final latch she took a moment to close her eyes and lean her head on the entrance, trying to collect her thoughts. How does one even begin to start a dialogue on such a sensitive topic?
'Start with a question, any question.' The brunette concluded, already feeling her face starting to turn red. 'You have questions and he's got answers. Hopefully.'
Stealing her nerves, she stalked back to him ready to take that plunge.
"Are you hungry?" The words already out of her mouth before she could stop them. Only the belated snapping her jaw shut could be heard, her brain willing her stupid mouth to take back the words. Feeling frantic, she was already writing the whole attempt tonight as a bust. Tomorrow was just as good as today she found herself already reasoning.
'Dammit Tifa that wasn't the plan!'
Unaware of the internal struggle playing out near him, Cloud turned towards her with a nod and a smile.
"Yeah, I could eat. What were you serving today?" He looked around the room as if he could catch a hidden clue scattered somewhere. She couldn't help but smile fondly at the gesture. It reminded her of the time their schoolteacher had asked him where his homework was and for him to look around helplessly as if was going to magically appear.
"Beef roast with carrots and cranberry puree on the side." She supplied, already moving towards the kitchen behind the bar to get it ready. "And make sure you eat the vegetables, they really add flavor to the whole thing!"
Tifa didn't need to turn around to image the disgusted face he was no doubt already making. Laughing to herself, she began pulling out plates to make dinner for two.
'Perfectly cooked.' She thought, humming to herself as checked for any meat discolorations on the slices. Satisfied, she neatly arranging it in a pattern along the rim of Cloud's plate. Three thick slices, it'll keep a grown man full without causing indigestion, especially if he'll be in bed soon. Only half a ladle of puree to add flavor but not too much sugar, you're never too young to watch out for the silent killers. Especially if you didn't want complications in your old age. And a reasonable six carrot cuts to balance the meal, making it hearty and healthy.
Nodding to herself she set to work arranging her own smaller meal, only stopping once to add a couple more carrots to Cloud's plate.
'Just in case.'
In hindsight this might have been the best scenario for the two of them to have their conversation and if needed intervention. Her mama always said that a man was at his happiest when he had a full stomach and a pretty girl at his side. Tifa quickly squashed that train of thought, tonight needed to be a serious night, no time for fantasies. There might be a lot of crying, there might be a lot of yelling, but she needed to be there for him as a friend and help guide him through his troubles.
Finally ready she pushed through the kitchen door to begin their late dinner. Seeing that her friend had already migrated over to one of the dining tables she beelined over to him. The fighter was surprised to see he was opening a bottle of wine and pouring out a glass for two.
"I hope you paid for that."
Cloud looked up towards where he was measuring the cups and gave her a smirk.
"What, I don't get the childhood friend discount?" He teased before settling the cups down and helping her set the table. In contrast, Tifa could only move stiffly as they set the silverware down. Once again thrown into a state of internal turmoil on how to respond.
'Discount? Was that a cry for help?' Tifa wondered, trying to puzzle over the word the moment he said them, not even hearing his playful tone. Maybe this was a sign that she was waiting for? Cloud had never been the most open with his feelings even as kids, always keeping his thoughts to himself. It had led to many one-sided conversations in their young lives. To compensate, she had to be able to look deeper into the words he would be willing to say, trying to discern meaning in every syllable and long silence.
Once they finally settled into their seats to begin dinner, conversation had lapsed into quiet small talk. Only the gentle buzzing of the overhead light and ambient noise of the distant streets for company. Eventually conversation petered out. She had a lot on her mind and so much she wanted to say, but not how to start. And Cloud looked like he was just as lost in his own head at the moment. The barmaid wondered if he had a particularly bad day out in the slums.
Maybe someone had been rude to him?
'Alright Lockhart, enough stalling.' She thought, mentally hyping herself up once they both had scooped the last of their meals into their mouths and began the short trip home. 'Talk to him and get to the bottom of these rumors. See if there is any truth to them. If it's false, then the two of you are going to kick the ass of whoever started spreading them. And if they're true…I'll deal with it. Somehow.'
Taking a deep breath, Tifa turned slightly to her companion as they walked in the artificial night light.
"Hey Cloud, I had some really strange customers come in today asking about you." There, she'd ease into it so he didn't think she was accusing him of anything. Had to make sure he knew she was on his side. "They were asking about some special services that you provided, asking me what your best moves were. They also wanted to know how much it would cost. What kind of service do you think they might have wanted?"
That made him stumble, barely catching himself before her to look back at her in surprise. His face tensed for a brief moment before relaxing, from what she could only assume was embarrassment. The sight made her heart sink further into her body than she thought was possible. She stiffened her spine, preparing for the worst to be said.
Then he smiled.
"Haven't you heard? It's common knowledge that I'm a hooker." Cloud chuckled, looking like he was struggling with every word that got past his grin. "One of the best the continent's ever seen! I'd sex up anyone in Midgar, from sector zero to eight, all for the reasonable price of a 100 gil. Heck, Madam M from wall market has me on speed dial! Calls me in on slow nights. Sometimes people hire me out to parties for crazy nights of orgies! That's probably what those people at your bar wanted."
Tifa could only stare in horror at how casually he admitted to all of this!
He was laughing as if this was the biggest joke in the world! She had thought it might have been a secret that somehow had gotten around. Had even wanted to be delicate if it was all true. But the words flowed out of him as if he was as if it was no more inappropiate than talking about the weather. Where had her sweet boy from Nibelheim gone?!
No, he was still there, Tifa decided as she watched him chuckle.
Her resolve hardened as the second passed. She knew he was just in a bad situation, that he had been out of the village for too long, and let his morals decay. But that wasn't his fault! He was only human like the rest of them, despite his Soldier enhancements. Tifa needed to do everything in her power to help him out of this vicious cycle of debauchery. Over the years she had seen too many young folks succumb to the pressure of poverty and desperation. Thinking that joining gangs or selling their bodies were the only options left for them, these people of little skill and no education. Some just did it for fun.
But Tifa couldn't judge.
Life on the ground floor was hard enough for even the most privileged and prepared. And the temptations were too many. From a certain point of view, it may even seem glamorous to some. What with all the money, fancy clothes, and attention. Had she not been raised on the values of her village; she might have succumbed as well. But a good Nibelheim girl waited till she was married.
'To a good Nibelheim boy.' She finished sadly.
Tifa still remembered how even Johnny had almost resorted to selling five gil blowjobs, a result of too many failed business ventures that had left him rock bottom. The image of him kneeling in front of some Shinra middle manager behind her bar was forever burned into her synapse. Whenever she took out the trash, the fighter couldn't help but throw a rock into the alley to make sure the coast was clear. Thankfully, seeing her had snapped him out of his depression. It made him realize what he was about to do and finally seek help. She did what she could for him, even helping the redhead move back in with his parents the next day and letting him work odd hours at the bar when she could afford it. He had made tremendous strides since then.
Although...she was suspicious that he still refused to button up his shirt.
Eyeing Cloud laughing himself silly as they made their way up to the apartments, she knew she had to do something. If she could do that much for Johnny, who had been basically a stranger at the time, then she could do more for her best friend! But what could she do? And why was he doing it? She got him an apartment, so he had a home. She gave him food from the bar, so he wasn't starving.
'Money, it had to be a money problem or he's addicted to sex.' The fighter concluded, neither of them realizing that she had followed Cloud into his apartment. She lost in her thoughts, him still chuckling in mirth as he removed his armor and gauntlets. It was only when Tifa realized where she was standing, she knew what she had to do. Whether it was one or the other, it didn't matter because she was going to be his salvation. Mind made up, she locked the front door and kicked off her boots near where he had left his own. Back staight and head held heigh, she approached him in the middle of the room.
"Oh Tifa, are you ok? Did you still want to talk?" Cloud asked, looking a little uncertain as she didn't say anything and kept approaching, taking her gloves off. She ended up backing him to the edge of his bed, mentally going over how she was going to get him to accept her help. What she would even say. But truthfully, there was no way she could have discussed it with him, she was just too embarrassed and he was Mr. Grunt-As-A-Greeting.
But she'd give him everything, Tifa decided. Things she never let anybody else have. Mind, body and soul if only he'd let her help him. Allow her to keep him safe and happy, and more importantly by her side. Clicking off the bedside lamp and plugging the room in semi darkness she decided she'd instead let her actions speak for her.
Tifa leaned forward and kissed him.
000
Cloud couldn't believe this was happening right now!
It was too much. It was not enough.
Cloud wrapped his arms around her, trying to deepen the kiss. A hard press of lips, as if he was trying to cover as much of the soft skin as he could. Should he move his lips? How does one move their lips in a kiss? Was he overthinking this? Absolutely he was...but he couldn't stop his thoughts from running rampant. Where are they together now? Does he say something to her? Maybe call her baby or sweetheart?
It was Tifa!
"Please be gentle with me." She whispered to him, eyes pleading for understanding and comfort. But how much comfort could a virgin like him give to a city girl like her? Tifa probably had all types of encounters over the years that he could only dream of. He just hoped he didn't embarrass himself and disappoint her.
She was kissing him so fiercely, like she was trying to convey something to him through her lips. His mind started to overheat as he felt her wrapping her arms around him like he was a lifeline, and she was drowning in the ocean. And he had no intention of letting go and drift away. She was pushing her body closer and closer into his, rubbing together so hard till he thought one of them might end up cracking a rib. Not a very sexy description, he thought.
But he had no time to contemplate his terrible way with words because she was now shoving her tongue down his throat!
His knees gave out from shock, dragging her down with him. Silently, he thanked the gods that his bed was right behind him. Cloud was pretty sure that him getting a concussion from hitting the ground would kill the mood. The mood! How is the mood going? What should he do with hands? Hands dammit! Don't just lay there like a dead fish!
"Tell me what you want, baby?" He whispered, a little afraid she might get angry with his inexperience when he saw her turn red, but he needed some directions dammit!
They didn't exactly encourage this sort of behavior in Nibelheim.
"Touch me." She practically begged, already pulling her tank and bra off. Cloud frantically tried to get his own sweater off when he saw her doing this. Her body looked like the second coming of Shiva in the dim glow of his room. "Touch me everywhere. Give me the full service."
No need to be told twice.
Of course, he ended up going straight for her boobs like fucking teenager. Almost want to kick himself for being too eager.
But that made her moan through their kiss, almost breaking their tonsil wrestling from how far she arched and twisted on his lap. Encouraged, he started exploring more of the wonderful body in front of him. Kneading, twisting and palming her breasts. They were magnificent, the subject of a thousand fantasies, now coming true for him. He wanted to touch more of her, letting his hands drift south. Rubbing her flat stomach and tracing fingers over the ridges of her hard abs, practically fantasizing her doing crunches in his mind. Maybe even grating some cheese on them.
'Awesome.'
"You're so beautiful Tifa, better than any girl I know." Cloud said earnestly, hoping to let her know how much this means to him. To let her know that appreciated this happening between the two of them. That all of this was truly a dream come true. He'd tell her how great she was every day.
Did she just frown?
Must be a trick of the light.
He knew he was doing something right because she was rubbing his chest, grinding down between their pelvis with wonderful friction. Egging him on, letting him know he could go further. And further he did. Clutching hard at her wide hips, he let his hands drift past them. Grubby mitts finally on her perky ass, fingers sliding under all her clothing to get to the skin and squeeze. He could practically feel the recoil as he loosened his grip. Damn she was firm! He was loving this.
He could tell she was loved it too.
'Alright, not bad Strife, but now what?' Cloud thought, as he pinched a nipple hearing her squeal louder. 'Think man, how do these things usually progress? How do we have sex?'
It wasn't like any of the other people in his life would have taught him after all. Good Nibelheim kids waited till they were married. The village burnt to the ground before he was anywhere near the age to approach the men for advice. What the older boys told him as a child sounded fanciful at best and like lies at worst. Never mind trying to ask his mom about it, he'd die of embarrassment before he could even get the words out.
Thankfully the decision had been made for him as Tifa shoved him on to his back and stood, finally breaking contact between the two. She gave him a mischievous smile, twirling slightly in front of him, shaking her hips through the whole show. She slowly peeling away her skirt, tossing the useless thing into a corner of his bedroom. He dry swallowed a little as she was shimmying out of those tight shorts one inch at a time.
He didn't even realize it was medically possible to get even harder.
Ending her dance with her back to him, Tifa shot him a shy smile over her shoulder. She leaned forward as she tugged the straps of her panties down, leaving a connection of dew a mile long. Body finally bare, she turned back to face him, standing naked in her full glory. Every inch is perfect, soft, smooth, and firm. So flawless. Her eyes were smoldering. If those rubies burn any hotter, he might just combust. And she left her stockings on.
Now Cloud knew he was in love.
Throughout the entire show Cloud had been trying to work his belt off to no success. He was distracted and fingers were numb. Still fumbling the lock on his belt, he was getting desperate! He was considering if it was worth it to just rip the whole thing off and deal with the consequences in the morning. He looked back up to see naked Tifa standing there, making eye contact with him.
"Take this off." Cloud growled out loud to himself, glaring at his buckle and not noticing her startled look. Tugging at his pants, he decided that yeah, it was worth it. He noticed that she suddenly seemed nervous, getting red in the face. She was biting her lip and trying to look anywhere but at him. If she was having second thoughts, then he had to hurry up! But before he could start tearing at the seams of his pants a small hand landed on his belt. He looked up in surprise to see that Tifa was kneeling in front of him, eyes intent and working on his belt. Pulling both his pants and boxers off in one go.
'Look at this sexy minx.' He thought, blood running hotter by the sight of her in between his legs. 'Experienced girls are on a whole other level!'
But then he noticed her looking at him, mouth agape as a hand slowly traced him. What was wrong? Did it look weird from what she was used to? Was the arch unattractive? Was it because it was leaning left? It was, wasn't it...
Dammit little Cloud why did you masturbate so much!?
He noticed Tifa was mumbling something as she held him in her palm, tightening her grip. So much pleasure shot to his brain from that, he almost didn't notice her holding her forearm against his length with a look of disbelief in her eyes. Was that supposed to be a signal? In his haze he just didn't understand! Not for the first time in his life, he cursed Nibelheim's backwater ways. How is a man supposed to read the signs? Where were the books on this stuff?
Thank gods, Zack at least told him you can't get a girl pregnant your first time.
Wait, who's Zack?
Not important, because the girl of his dreams was climbing on top of the bed again. A little maneuvering and he was on top of her, staring down at the love of his life. They looked at each other in silent anticipation. The quiet stretched on as the two struggled to say something before the plunge. A joining of two bodies and one soul. He wanted to say something to her, any of the thousands of things that were on his mind.
I'm happy. You're beautiful. I love you. Where do I aim?
Thankfully she was already showing her experience again by taking him in her hand and placing it by her entrance. They held their stare for what felt like eternity, breath held in their chest and blood pumping in their eardrums. And then he pushed forward.
If there was a heaven, then he was in it.
Warm, tight, smooth. Nothing like he had ever felt before. Yet strangely comfortable like this was meant for him, almost as if he was returning home. A true melding of body and mind on a level he couldn't have anticipated. Cloud wasn't a godly man, believing most summons to just be really powerful monsters. But if you asked him now, he'd tell you he found his religion.
After a few dozen pumps, he was about to blow his load.
'Dammit!' Cloud thought, chest to chest with Tifa, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. It was happening too fast, he had to figure out a way to last longer! Just a minute, just a second even. He couldn't stop his hip, didn't think he would even if he could. But he had to do something! He had to change position.
Manganging to untangle their limbs, he turned Tifa on her side, propping her left leg on his shoulder. He was hoping the awkward angel would buy him some extra time. And for the first few seconds he thought it would, then he felt his balls tightening again. It didn't matter how loud she moaned, he knew he wasn't going to last longer than her. He was fucking doomed.
But he had to keep trying!
Every position he could think of, every filthy fantasy he ever had as a teenager with his pretty neighbor as the star. Front, back, sideways, upside down! A gambit of different moves until he was back to where he started on top of her. All in an effort to enjoy as much as he could. A last ditch effort to gain a few more seconds of ecstasy. Just one more second.
Shit he was coming. It was coming, he was coming!
"I'm coming!"
That didn't sound like him.
Legs, with the power to choke a baby cow to death, clamped down on his lower back. Damn near breaking his spine. And he was undone. Every liquid in his body felt like it was being pulled out of him into a vortex. Cloud was certain that there wasn't going to be anything left but skin and bones after this. He might very well collapse into dust.
He also might've black out.
Because the next time he opened his eyes it was light out. The sky shining in between the cracks of his curtains. It felt like any other morning he'd experienced. The voices of people ready to get to work. A hum of machinery warming up their engine. Noisey of children playing in the alleys. The sounds of bums fighting in the street.
What a beautiful morning.
Made even better by this wonderful goddess sleeping in his arms.
Surprisingly, after staring at her face for about five minutes in silence, Cloud didn't feel the least bit creepy. They were together after all, he was allowed to do these things now. Kiss, touch, and whatever they wanted to do. Sure they may have put the cart before the horse but they'll get married now. It was only natural after such a night. He had to make sure he added getting a ring on his list of things to do.
He'll make an honest woman out of her!
Tifa began shifting in his grip, slowly blinking open her crimson eyes the ravaged room. Slowly she turned to him, giving him a warm smile that melted his heart. He must be the luckiest guy in the world.
"Last night was so great, you really took charge." Tifa said, blushing a pretty hue. Gently they moved their bodies just a little closer together. Trying to feel as much of each other's skin as possible. Maybe do a little discrete dry humping as they stared into each other's eyes. "I never experienced anything like that before...I am so glad it was you."
'Yeah, fuck those other guys.' Cloud thought smugly, feeling pride in his chest swell. As if infused with liquid courage, he boldly told her. "You can have me anytime you want, baby. I'm at your service 24/7. I'll give you the whole package. You only have to ask."
Real smooth stuff.
"Well maybe when I can afford it." She murmured softly, face a bonfire. He wanted to slap himself on the head. Of course, he could't expect to have sex all the time like horny Tonberries. They were both working adults, they couldn't afford to spend all their time in bed. Wilting a little, he tried to apologize to her for being too eager but she had already moved out of the bed with a stiff roll.
Standing up unsteadily and stretching her beautiful form for the world, Tifa gave him a bright smile with her teeth.
"I'm going to shower at my apartment and get ready for work. I need to start preparing the menu for tonight. But want to walk with me later?" She asked as she stumbled a little, walking stifly as she rummaging around for her clothes, sliding them back on for the short walk home. His heart soared at her words. They were still good. Get their adult responsibilities done and out of the way and maybe tonight...
Cloud gave her an enthusiastic nod.
Laughing she gave him a short peck on the lips, placing something in his hands. He watched her walk until the door was shut firmly behind her. And kept staring for a few minutes more. What a night, he mused. Remembering she gave him something, Cloud glanced down at his hand.
It was a 100 gil.
000
Off in sector 5 there was a large gathering of slum dwellers, listening excitedly to the latest gossip. On a podium for everyone to see stood a young woman. Teenager? A nice news hat on her head, stripes on her stockings, and a sleeveless buttoned crop top. She was addressing the people passionately. With great depth and detail in every word. She walked the length of the stage with confident strides, hand moving in tandem with her enthusiasm.
Her words held a magnetic pull rarely seen even among the most accomplished orators.
And the crowd was lapping up every word.
"He's a sex god I tell you! No kink too dirty for our blonde merc, he'll bend you into a pretzel if you ask him. Give you the old helicopter maneuver if you're lucky! My sources confirmed that he once spent a whole week on a sex filled binge of depravity. With who you might ask? Now that'd be telling...but I will confirm that they were some slutty sorority girls in the mix. That many of them paid the merc an outrageous sum of gil to take them on the sunny beaches of Costa Del Sol! From dawn till dusk, the sands were filled with the moans of these lucky ladies! And afterwards he took on a job to go hunt down a red dragon that had been terrorizing the countryside! Talk about stamina ladies and gentlemen!"
That caused quite a stir to the crowd and more than a few scandalized giggles.
"This has been brought to you by Kyrie Canaan! Your source of trusted news in the slums, now pay up!" She said, sticking her hands out to the crowd expectantly. "It wasn't easy getting this quality information. Had to risk life and limb."
Surprisingly, some people actually began to fork over some their hard-earned money into her waiting arms. Many in appreciation for the fun news. Kyrie couldn't believe it worked! A greedy smile appeared on her face as she tidied up her loot from her seedy venture. It was more money than she had ever seen in one spot...at least through legal means.
'Forget Shinra and Avalanche!' Kyrie thought to herself, as she started shoving her new wealth into the hidden pockets of her coat for safekeeping. 'This is where the real moneys at!'
It was true.
Information about the mega corporation tended to make people angry. Any news about the terrorist organization made people scared. In trying to hone her scam, the young woman had stumbled upon a tried-and-true method of keeping people's attention.
Speculation and gossiping about celebrities and their sex life! Oh, and it kept people salivating for more! And who better than Cloud Strife, the current hot-topic of the slums?
The new arrival had soon proved himself willing and capable of attacking any jobs thrown his way, no matter how menial or dangerous, finishing all of them in record time. A true professional was something sorely needed in the slums. Coupled with his good looks and friendship with Tifa Lockhart, another minor celebrity, he was the talk of the town! It was because of this that the slum girl saw her opportunity to strike.
Making up rumors about the pretty blonde was easy enough. Kyrie started small, nothing too outrageous. She gave it enough time to circulate through the usual social cliques till it had spread far enough to become fact. From there it snowballed, and her upping the ante on each new salacious rumor that came down the pipeline. And of course, making sure everyone knew that she was the first to "hear" the news. That if people wanted the latest and greatest, she was their best source! For a good price of course.
Cause Kyrie Kanaan doesn't work for free or cheap!
Humming a little to herself, she made a hopped off the stage. In her devious mind, she was already strategizing on the next great sexual exploit of Cloud Strife!
000000
As you can tell, I'm terrible at writing smut.
9/10/24-I'm reediting this to make it easier to read. Because holy f*ck way to many commas the first time around.
Fun fact: Johnny in the original games was heavily implied to have been from Nibelheim before that got dropped. Probably to emphisize Cloud and Tifa as the sole survivors.