As Cloud's group pushed their way into the Seventh Heaven bar, shutting the door with a kick, he was greeted by an… odd sight.
(What's wrong with Tifa?)
The barmaid was just standing in the middle of the room, as stiff as a board with two halves of a broken plate in her hands and a thousand-yard stare. There was some brown-haired girl with a pink bow trying to coax the pieces of broken ceramic out of her hands and murmuring soothing words to his girlfriend. Kyrie was on her knees, trying to scoop up what looked like pancakes into a dustbin, and glancing nervously at Tifa.
Not that he was judging or anything.
The Soldier did, after all, enter the building with two ninjas and a terrorist at his back… all while carrying a giant cat hidden under a blanket in his arms.
They had drawn enough stares on their walk over, for him to know they looked like a walking circus.
But there was also a… weird tension in the room from all three girls. Nothing hostile, otherwise Cloud might have to start busting heads, but more…awkward? It had the same feeling you'd get at a middle school dance where all the boys and girls stood on opposite sides of the gym, obviously wanting to mingle but no one brave enough to start.
But as Cloud shifted his grip on Red's covered form, he had to wonder–
"Hey, it's you!" Three voices said at once.
Two of them were Kyrie and Yuffie, who were glaring at each other, looking very much like they were about to tussle and start pulling hair.
'Do they know each other?'
But it was the bow girl who spoke the loudest, addressed him specifically as she pointed a finger at the merc in surprise. "Wow, small city…are you Cloud?"
Tearing his eyes off the two Wutain girls, who at least looked like they weren't about to start swinging their fists just yet, he focused on Bowtop.
"Uh…yeah? Do I know you?" Cloud asked, even as he felt a niggling feeling in the back of his head that said they had met before. At her offended look, he was already mentally kicking himself for the misstep. He was so shit with names and faces, his memory being spotty even at the best of times. And Tifa introducing him to about half a hundred in his first week in Midgar certainly didn't help any.
Was she some shop owner? Or someone who gave him a job? Maybe a resident of sector 7 he waved to once?
But none of that sounded correct…
"Really? Am I that forgettable?"
"Um…"
(Well, isn't she just the prettiest little thing? I like her vibe... she's kind of my type, to be honest. Shame on you for forgetting that face.)
But as Cloud watched the girl's brow narrow, head tipped to the side as if in confusion, a memory of where he met her finally clicked in his head.
"Oh, yeah! You're that, uh…flower merchant on the plate, right? From sector 8?"
"My name's Aerith…but better late than never, I suppose," Pinkie said, muttering that last part as she ran a critical eye over his form, from head to toe. "But you're definitely that Cloud Strife right? Tifa's boyfriend?"
Before he could say yes, a choking sound drew everyone's attention back to Tifa.
The flower girl's words seemed to have snapped the barmaid out of whatever daze she had been under because she finally put down her broken plate to face him fully. She had a big smile on her face but a frantic look in her eyes, as she approached him.
"Cloud! I-I didn't see you there! Well, I saw you but…I …didn't recognize you? No that's not what I meant…umm.., Welcome home! I-I mean…welcome back to the bar! What's that in your arms…no, not important. Are you hungry? Did you get enough to eat this morning? Did Nayo feed you? How was your night? No no no, don't tell me right now, um…maybe later… Oh, I know! Let me introduce you to my new friends! But it…sounds like you already know them…so…they can introduce themselves to your friends! Girls?" She turned her ruby eyes to the people behind them, waving at them to approach but never taking her eyes off of Cloud. "Hi everyone, I'm Tifa, nice to meet you all! Please come in and take a seat anywhere, and I'll– ...wait, Nellie? "
The barmaid blinked her eyes a dozen times as if she couldn't believe the sight in front of her.
"Hey, Tifa." The little blonde said, stepping around Cloud to give the bigger girl an awkward hug, even as her eyes shifted nervously to the staring match on their right. "Um…do you know where the rest of our "team" is? Because we have one bizarre story to tell everyone. One related to our… extracurricular activities. And, uh…are those two about to fight? Should we step in?" She whispered the last bit, inclining her head towards Kyrie and Yuffie, who had begun throwing insults at each other.
'What the hell is going on with these two?'
"Girls? Is everything alri–?" Tifa began slowly, trying to play peacemaker.
"I see you finally ditched that dirty moogle cape," Kyrie said with a smirk, not even hearing the barmaid as she crossed her arms and looked down her nose at the ninja. "I'm glad you took my advice to heart and came to your senses. It always bleeds my heart to see someone who doesn't know how to dress themselves."
"Pssh, like I'd ever take your words seriously," Yuffie said, hands on her hips as she strained her back to gain an extra inch of height. "The best a slum girl like you can recommend to me is how to get a bargain sale on used hats. And judging by the food stains on your cap…maybe not even that."
"Why you–!"
"Bring it on–!"
"Both of you, shut up." Cloud gritted out, barely able to stop himself from shouting instead. He was already at his wits end with the long morning. He didn't need the bad atmosphere and pointless conflict the two teens were making on top of it. Well…maybe it wasn't pointless, since he didn't know the full story of why they were beefing. Still, now was not the time or place! "I don't know what's going on with you two but not here. I'm grateful for your help Yuffie, but this is a peaceful establishment! Kyrie…I've only known you for like three hours, but you're already on thin ice with me. So either…guys put a cap on it or both of you leave."
"She started it–!"
"She made fun of my–!"
But before he could sigh in frustration and tell everyone to knock it off, the planet decided to make a decision for him. A very bad decision. Because at that very moment, of all moments… Red decided to sneeze, the movement throwing the blanket off his furred head.
And everyone got an eyeful of the stupid animal.
The Scrapyard crew froze in surprise at the unintended reveal, and the bar girls stared confused at the big animal trying to pretend to be a statue.
"Cloud…why are you carrying a giant dog?" Tifa asked bewildered, one hand placed over her heart in uncertainty, but the other clenched in a fist in case Red started attacking. "Where on Gaia did you get that thing?"
"I think that's supposed to be a cat…" The flower girl piped in, leaning forward with avid interest. "Wolf maybe?"
"I don't care what it is! It's a cutie!" Kyrie gushed, eyes shining as she approached with her hands stretched out. Cloud stared at the teen, feeling a little whiplashed by her sudden change in demeanor. Was this really the same girl who looked like she was ready to strangle Yuffie just a second ago? "Come here sweetie, come to momma!"
"Grrrrrrr!" Red growled, jumping out of the merc's arms to face Kyrie, causing the girl to yelp at the aggression and back away terrified.
A beat of silence as most of the room watched the spectacle before an audible "click" resounded in the room. At the front entrance stood the White Rose, latching the final lock, before turning to face the room, or more specifically Kyrie.
"Well, well…it looks like it's just your unlucky day." Yuffie smiled grimly at the other teen, already reaching to unclasp her shuriken. "You just saw something you weren't supposed to see. I'd say it's been a pleasure knowing you…but let's not send you off with a lie…Better luck with the next reincarnation. Sonon you got the other one?"
The other ninja had his bo staff at the ready, although he looked queasy at what his leader wanted to do, and was shifting his hands indecisively along his weapon. "Uh, you sure this is the right call, boss?"
"Relax! We're not gonna kill them…but they're not Avalanche…and we were trying to keep Red a secret…it seems pretty clear cut to me that they can't leave the bar. Now how we achieve that, depends on them."
"Whoa, whoa! What do you think you're doing!?" Kyrie said, backing away with her hands up. "Look, look! I'm sorry I tried to touch your dog without permission, but that's not something that calls for violence! C'mon, put down the big star!"
"I agree…let's not do anything rash," Aerith said firmly, stepping in front of Kyrie with her own staff in hand, a slight glow coming from the tip. Where was she hiding that? And was that Materia? Could she be a mage? "We don't even know what we did wrong or who that cat is supposed to be…"
"Cloud…you have to step in," Nellie whispered frantically, tugging at his sweater. "Things are getting tense. And if we don't do something a fight might break out!"
But before he could respond, Tifa was already stepping into the middle of the conflict, adjusting her gloves as she glanced at the opposing sides.
"Please…everyone put your weapons down." The barmaid said, getting bodily in between the two groups, but with her front facing the ninjas. "Let's all just sit and talk this out. You…mentioned Avalanche? Are you part of the cause? Because I am too…and I can vouch for Aerith and Kyrie. So…let's just all take a deep breath and work something out."
"Sorry boobs, but no dice…" Yuffie began, weapon leveled as she addressed the barmaid. At least, before Cloud slammed his hands down on a table, startling everyone out of their stand-off.
(Mother of Cosmos, about damn time! Girls like these need a firm hand! Screw trying to be polite.)
"First off, get that goddamn shuriken out of Tifa's face." Cloud ordered the ninja, holding a staring match with the "freedom fighter" till she lowered it begrudgingly. "And second…I barely know half of you people in this room…" He looked over at Aerith and Kyrie. "But if Tifa's got your back…then I do too. Which means…" He stared back at Yuffie and Sonon. "If you two want to fight, then you go through me first ."
He leaned forward on his knuckles to reinforce the point, but really hoping he didn't have to take out the buster sword and make good on his promise. The merc really didn't want to make a mess of Tifa's bar over something so stupid.
'What a terrible fucking morning I'm having.'
Yuffie gained a mullish look on her face, but thankfully reupholstered her weapon, with Sonon doing the same. However, he looked relieved to not have escalated things... even if he had been ready to follow the teenager's orders At the very least, the bigger ninja definitely seemed the more level-headed of the two.
"And that goes for everyone…put them away," Cloud said, looking around to make sure everyone did as they were told. "Now we're all going to do what Tifa suggested and sit, then we'll talk." Looking down at the red cat, who had been watching the whole spectacle nervously, he said. "And Red? You wanna say something or should I just explain? Because as far as I'm concerned, trying to keep you a secret is pointless now that everyone's seen you."
The Soldier held eye contact with the animal till he got a stiff nod. Turning his one eye towards the bar girls, he said reluctantly. "Forgive me for the trouble…I am Red XIII. It was on my request that Cloud and the others keep the secret of my true nature to themselves. At least…till things could be discussed properly." He dipped his head apologetically at Tifa. "I did mean to cause such conflict in your establishment. But I needed to be cautious, this city has not treated me well."
"T-that's okay…" Tifa said faintly, as she stared at the intelligent feline in wonder.
"Holy smokes, it speaks!" Kyrie whispered to Aerith in glee. "I want one!"
It was too low for most people to hear, but Cloud heard every ridiculous word. And judging from the way Red narrowed his one eye at the teen, he did as well.
"Everyone… sit. " He said, herding the group deeper into the bar.
Everyone slowly took a seat at the circular center table by unspoken agreement, which…surprisingly had quite a bit of breakfast dishes scattered on it, albeit cold now.
Cloud sat down with Tifa hovering on his right and Nellie settling to the left. Kyrie and Aerith went to the barmaid's side, facing the ninjas who went to Nellie's. Although, the blonde seemed uneasy with being so close to Wutains after the almost-fight. Red hopped on his own seat across from Cloud.
There was a bit of an awkward air as everyone got comfortable.
"Okay…would everyone like some coffee?" Tifa said, looking a lot more at ease now that a fight wasn't going to break out. Though…if Cloud was a betting man, he'd give his girlfriend good odds of coming out of that conflict in better condition than the ninjas, even if he didn't interfere. Seeing a few nodded, that beautiful smile was back on her face. "Great! I'll make sure to lock up the rear door and bring back some cups for us. And…the last bit of the food from the morning rush if anybody's hungry?" That received a general shake of heads. "Just a pot then. I'll be back in a sec–."
Reaching out before he realized it, Cloud caught Tifa's wrist and pulled her back slightly to face him.
"Cloud?"
He wasn't quite sure what overcame him in that moment…maybe it was the heightened emotions everyone was still running off of? Or leftover adrenaline from the scrapyard fight? Perhaps it was that warm feeling of seeing Tifa after what felt like an eternity?
Whatever it was…Cloud couldn't help but tug Tifa closer to his level... and kiss her, long and deep. Maybe longer than was appropriate, but he couldn't seem to help himself when he was around her. It was just something about doing these things with his childhood crush, that was…such a balm for his soul. Like there was some unknown wound on his spirit that only her touch could heal. He was getting a little sentimental, but it was the truth! And even as he pulled back with a smile, hand still on her arm, he kept her close so no one else could hear the next words he whispered.
"I missed you."
The wide smile and beautiful blush were more than worth the stares they got from the rest of the table at the public display.
"I…missed you too," Tifa said breathlessly, putting her other hand over his and giving it a squeeze, as they just stared at each other for a moment…then another…and another.
At least, till a cough interrupted them. Cloud had been too focused to tell who did it, so he couldn't glare at anyone in particular. Instead, settling for an irritated eye roll at the lost intimacy. Tifa by contrast, looked as red as a tomato but very pleased, even giggling a little.
"Hurry back, we got a lot to talk about." He said, letting her go, their hands slowly trailing away from each other. Despite himself, he couldn't help but keep his eyes on her for just a bit longer as she walked away.
(Should've patted that ass before she left.)
He really should've, but too much public affection wasn't really his style…but maybe next time?
Cloud turned to look back at the rest of the group, noticing everyone quickly turning their heads and avoiding eye contact. Well, everyone but Aerith, who looked both impressed…yet also confused, as if she couldn't believe what she just saw.
'What's her problem?'
But he didn't have time to ponder the mage's strange reaction, because Tifa made good on her word and came back just a moment later. In one hand a tray full of mugs in one hand and a coffee jug in the other. After making sure everyone had a cup, she left the add-ons in the middle of the table and retook her seat.
"First things first, I'm not gonna sit here all day talking about my feelings." Cloud said plainly, not having much of a patience for secrecy after the failed attempt earlier. "So, let's just get into the meat of it. But I'll keep it short and simple." Looking at his girlfriend, he pointed to the two ninjas. "Tifa, this is Yuffie and Sonon. They're ninjas from Wutai who are trying to join up with your cell and do…I don't know, terrorist things. But they'll probably want to speak to Barret." Facing the shinobis again, he added. "This is Tifa, and you know Nellie. These two are the actual members of Avalanche and the people you would want to speak with to get an "alliance" going. I just help out on occasions."
Cloud let the four of them stare at each other awkwardly, giving them only a bit of time to absorb his blunt reintroduction as he looked at the feline across from him
"Everyone, once again, that's Red. Cat monster on the run from Shinra." He said, talking of his gauntlets and placing them on the table tiredly. He made sure Tifa got a good glance at his motion, and now bare hands. "Why do they want him? Besides the fact that he can talk? Haven't the foggiest idea and didn't really ask, but we fought with each other earlier, so…I guess we're kind of friends now and I owe him one. We're also going to have to figure out how to hide him in the meantime. You got anything to add to that Red?"
The scarred animal shook his head, looking a little stunned at being put on the spot. "Nothing I would like to share right now."
"And do you mind if I tell the rest of Avalanche so another misunderstanding doesn't happen?"
"I suppose not…"
"Good. Now you two…" Cloud looked at Aerith and Kyrie, who had been watching the impromptu meeting in silence. "We're not going to hurt you…" A scoff to his left, that he ignored. "But I think it'll go a long way if you two give us a brief summary of who you are so everyone can be on the same level. Especially now that you're in the thick of it and there's no turning back."
The two girls hesitated, taking a quick glance at each other and Tifa, before speaking up.
"Um…I'm Aerith if nobody heard me say it before…" The mage began, grinning awkwardly. "I live in sector 5, I sell flowers, and my favorite color is pink. I met Tifa and Jessie yesterday…I also might start selling bouquets to the bar." She finished, settling back into her seat.
Well... he did say to keep it brief.
"Kyrie…" The troublemaker started, glancing around nervously at the assembly. "Also met Tifa and Jessie yesterday. My favorite color is blue…and technically I also live in Sector 5 right now but I'm going to move to Stargazer Heights." She looked directly at Cloud, before adding, "As for work? I…guess I work for you and Tifa. She said she wanted someone to help manage your mercenary jobs, and…here I am. Your new assistant, I guess."
His eyes flickered over to Tifa, who gave a confirming nod at his questioning gaze.
"Cool," Cloud said, wanting to hurry things along when he saw that Tifa understood his unspoken question for her. The sight of her taking off her own gloves was making him very impatient to get things going. "It's unfortunate timing, but you two now know we're all basically terrorists and we hate Shinra. The question is…what are you girls gonna do about it?"
"Hey! You won't get any problems from me!" Kyrie said, shaking her head and hands enthusiastically. "I'm a slum girl, you know? As a general rule of thumb, people from the underplates don't like Shinra or what they represent. I don't have a whole "blow up a reactor" level of hate for them, but you won't catch me ratting anybody out."
"Same…" Aerith said slowly as if she wasn't certain if she should reveal her reasons. "I'm not the company's biggest fan either. And if I'm honest with myself, I'd even go as far as to say I kind of hate them. So if…you guys are against Shinra, you wouldn't hear any complaints from me."
"Well, there you have it. No need for violence." Cloud said plainly, before turning black to Yuffie. "That good enough for you? No more fighting for now?" Seeing her reluctant nod, the merc stood up to address everyone at the table. "Okay then. Nellie, you got a phone on you? Can you call Barret?"
(See? A lot easier to just tell people what to do... then let them make their own choices. The biggest mistake of my life was letting other people make decisions.)
000
While Tifa was able to get the word out that the Seventh Heaven was closed for the day due to a family emergency, that evening would see the bar still full to the brim.
"So…you guys are part of the Wutain resistance huh?" Barett said, looking over Sonon and Yuffie with a critical eye, from where they sat in a booth. "How old are you two anyway? Because you guys seem a little young to be in the thick of all this."
"Well… actually we are on the younger side. But trust us. –" Sonon began before he was cut off by his companion.
"I'll have you know, I'm a decorated officer of the Interim government!" Yuffie said in annoyance, puffing up her chest a bit. "I have 53 officially complete missions to my name and 12 unofficial as well. I'm not your average teen, baldy. I'm the cream of the crop, the elite of the elite. If Shinra ever found out about half of the stuff I've done, I'd be haunting their nightmares."
"Okay…I don't think–"
"So what? I've done some crazy shit too." Barret grumbled, looking as if he wasn't sure if he should be impressed or not. Idly, the gunman ran his hand over his hair, like he was checking someone didn't actually run a razor over his head in a prank. "And baldy? This is called a fade missy, and it is very in sty–"
Tifa turned her attention to the rest of the room, looking over at the girls seated around the long benches.
"-not how I would've wanted you to join," Jessie said, looking amused as Aerith finished explaining what happened, one of her arms hanging over Nellie's shoulder. "But hey! Welcome to the family you two! We have meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a small cookout on top of the bar every other weekend!"
"You can't be serious?" Aerith said, looking bewildered.
"She is," Nellie said, looking amused and embarrassed. "It's kind of a tradition that came out of nowhere. Although it did start off as a joke…"
"Joke for you maybe, but I never kid about barbeque Saturday," Jessie confirmed with a smile, one finger in the air for emphasis. "Once you newbies see it in action, you'll know what I mean. It's an epic battle in the kitchen between Tifa and Wedge–"
"Um…" Kyrie cut in, nervously wringing her hat in her hands. "Not that all of it doesn't sound great, but…does this mean me and Aerith are Avalanche now? Like…we're eco-terrorists now? Because I don't think I have it in me to blow stuff up."
"I agree." Aerith chimed back in, looking a little nauseous at the idea herself. "Do you guys have other positions? Maybe I can knit us some team sweaters? I'm not the best at stitching but…"
"You don't have to go that far," Nellie said, trying to reassure the Sector 5 girls. "Cloud didn't "unofficially" induct you to actually make anybody do anything! I was basically so Yuffie and Sonon wouldn't get so hostile. You guys were just in the wrong place, wrong time, so don't feel obligated or anything."
"Yup! And hey, no worries! We only blow things up on occasion." Jessie joked, mining an explosion with her hands. But upon seeing the uneasy expression on the Fivers' face, she backtracked. "But in all seriousness, we're not really focused on that type of stuff right now. We're cooking up a different plan right at the moment that's less…"explody." And even if we weren't, you two wouldn't get within a mile of the dangerous stuff. At best, you ladies would be considered "junior terrorist" or like "associate terrorist". That stuff wouldn't be your responsibility."
"So…what do you want us to do?" Kyrie asked, looking much more relaxed.
"Truthfully? Nothing." The redhead said, putting her hand on Kyrie's shoulder to reassure her. "From what I understand, it was kind of an unavoidable circumstance. You're kind of locked into this life because you know about us, but that doesn't mean–."
Tifa looked towards the far side of the room, where the boys stood in the corner, listening to Red XIII.
"So your organization fights for the planet?" Red asked, ignoring the awed looks of the men around him.
"Y-yeah, destroying mako reactors was kind of our big thing for a while," Biggs said shakily, half bent over as if he wasn't sure if she should kneel to the dog's level to speak. "We used to just protest and do awareness campaigns but…we weren't making a whole lot of headway. Especially once Shinra started cracking down on us. From there it kind of escalated."
"Mmmhhh, no shame in that," Red said, nodding his head sagely. "You tried the peaceful route but were met with violence. It only makes sense that you should respond in kind. Sometimes with must bleed the infection dry before any semblance of healing can begin."
"That's…a very eloquent way of putting it," Biggs responded genially, even if he still looked blindsided to be speaking with an animal. "But I'm glad you think so. At a certain point, it just started making sense that the bombing was needed. And we figured if we kept destroying the reactors, it'd hit Shinra in their wallet. Killing two birds with one stone. But if that–"
"How did you learn how to talk!?" Billy-Bob asked before Polk could cover his mouth, the tall blonde no longer able to hold back his curiosity, to the horror of the other Avalanche men.
"Bro! You can't just ask Red that! What if it's offensive?" Wedge jumped in, before turning to the warrior with an apologetic smile and clasped hands. 'I'm really sorry for my friend! It's…this is just such a novel experience, is all."
The Guardian sighed, before inclining his head. "Go on, then. Ask your questions so we can move on."
"What happened to your eye–?"
"Can other animals speak–?"
"Why is your tail on fire–?"
Eventually, Tifa turned her attention back to the girl in front of her, at the bar.
"-It was pretty great," Nayo said, finishing her spiel. "So…what do you think? D-do I..uh, have your permission to keep seeing him?"
Tifa took a long moment to look at the other girl, taking in every detail from head to toe. The short black hair, ample bust, slim waist, and long legs. Hips popped to the side and a subtle shifting on her feet, as if it was almost painful for her to stand for long periods of time. And after a night with the Soldier, that was a definite possibility. Just then the fighter imagined what Nayo might look like naked…but more importantly, what she looked like naked with Cloud between her legs. It made the barmaid wonder if the spy made the same stupid but sexy expressions Jessie did when her best friend put his cock in her.
Probably…
It also made the barmaid curious at what kind of faces she made when the Soldier rode her. In the middle of all the sex, she never really stopped to consider that kind of question. Never mind working up the nerve to Cloud or Jessie…
Maybe she should try taking a picture one of these days? Or a video? She remembered Jessie saying the newest PHS models record long videos…
Rubbing her neck a little as she looked back at the Avalanche girl, Tifa had to wonder over the specifics of the tryst.
Did Nayo wear her glasses during the lovemaking last night? No…that'd be ridiculous. The accessory would have fallen off the very moment Cloud started picking up momentum. When he found his rhythm and began truly smashing his pelvis into the poor sexy bookworm, Tifa doubted they could even keep still on the bed. But maybe they could figure a way around all that? Something to help keep the eyewear in place? Jessie could figure something out if she asks, surely…
The possibilities made her feel a little warmer…
"Tifa?" Nayo asked nervously. "If you're uncertain…is there anything I can sweeten the deal? Um…Jessie said this was like a hierarchy, so if that's what you're concerned about, just know I'm all for it! I'm okay with being third or..uh..however far down the totem pole you need me to be." Looking more anxious, as the barmaid's silence, she began playing with her fingers. "A-and I understand you're top girl! Your word is law in this group, so... And Cloud definitely said your name enough times last night to understand our dynamic."
Tifa just stared at her lips, barely hearing the spy's words. Only the movement at the back of the bar shook her attention. Because it was Cloud, returning from his preparation in the storeroom, to stare at her with intense eyes. And the sight of him turned that warm feeling in her stomach white hot.
But just to be sure…
She glanced down at his hands to see his gauntlets were still off. Which was perfect…because Tifa hadn't bothered putting her glove back on since she saw his signal earlier. And if that wasn't enough, the slight incline of his head towards the door and the very knowing smirk on his face, all but confirmed what he wanted. This was happening - right here, right now - with all of their friends none-the-wiser.
Or as soon as she could follow him behind the bar.
And Tifa wasn't going to keep him waiting.
"-maybe I can do something for the group?" Nayo continued with her ramblings, looking increasingly more desperate, as she began throwing out suggestions and seeing what stuck. "Cloud mentioned something about trying to find a house for you…so maybe I can help with that? We can try to renovate one of HQ's defunct warehouses–"
She cut off as Tifa gave her a hug.
"Welcome to the group Nayo." The barmaid whispered, eyes never leaving Cloud as she watched him sneak away. Pulling back but keeping her arms on the smaller girl's shoulders, she said. "And all of that isn't necessary. Just listen to me and Jessie when we need you to, treat Cloud nicely, and we're all good."
"Oh…yeah! I'm 100% behind that! And I don't think you have to worry about me mistreating him or something. Don't know if I could, even if I wanted to. Because that man is definitely into rough–"
"Great!" Tifa said, now getting a little needy and wanting the conversation to end. Somewhat rude of her to do to a friend, but she had things to do and places to be. She and Nayo could catch up when the barmaid didn't have an itch to scratch. "Look, I gotta get going but do me a favor…if anyone asks where I am, just say I went to the restroom or something."
"Oh, okay…sure? But where–?"
Tifa couldn't stick around for another second on chit-chat. She released Nayo's shoulder after one final squeeze and walked, not run, as quickly as she could behind the bar without attracting attention.
Pushing through the kitchen doors, she barely had enough time to close it before she got pulled into the side pantry and up against a wall.
Even as Tifa felt Cloud's mouth on hers, fingers pulling down her suspenders, she couldn't help but giggle at the sight of his "preparations". All he did was throw a blanket over a barrel and another one on the floor near it. Seeing that, it wasn't hard to guess at one of the positions he wanted her in tonight.
"That's what you spent all your time doing?" Tifa teased, before gasping out as she felt Cloud's tongue on her neck, his hands tugging her skirt higher up her waist. Her own fingers curled under his sweater to pull it over his head as he did the same with her tank top, before pushing him back a bit so she could take off her shorts and underwear in one go. "How very "romantic" of you to go through all the trouble. You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet!"
"Yeah, yeah laugh it, Lockhart." Cloud retorted, finally pushing his pants past his waist, and letting her real best friend out to play. "Next time, you can try finding us a spot to have sex in a bar full of people."
" I'd at least sweep up the dust first."
Grinning, Cloud closed the distance between them again. His hands already reaching up to fondle her breasts, letting his cock rest hot against her stomach. As they tried to swallow each other's tongues, Tifa almost wanted to laugh again as she felt him tweaking the nipples. He was so obsessed! But as she reached her hands down between their bodies to grab at his length to start jerking him, she could admit…she was too.
"You ready to put your mouth to work?." Cloud murmured against her lips, before angling his head down to kiss the peaks of her chest and teasing the tips with his teeth. Resting his chin on her cleavage, he looked up at her with the most infuriating smirk, like he knew she was already putty in his hand. The fact that her hands were still frantically working him over, didn't help her case. "Or do you want me to use mine? If you can afford the orgasm, that is…"
At that last statement, he was already bending his knees, ready to eat her out.
At least he was…till pulled him back on his feet.
"No?" Cloud asked in surprise, with an eyebrow raised in amusement.
"Shut up, we just don't have time." Which was true for the most part. They still had a building full of friends and guests on the other side of the wall. Although Tifa could admit to herself, she was already on the low end of sexual endurance compared to Cloud…so her cumming first, only for him to mount her afterward, would have left her in an embarrassing state. Stuff like that was for the bedroom, not a dusty pantry.
Still that look on his face, made Tifa want to bite the grin of his face. Instead, she gently shoved him away again, as she straightened up along the shelves. "Besides…Jessie's way better with her tongue."
Blowing a raspberry at his mock-offended look, she brushed past him to get into position. Tifa reached the cloth-covered barrel and leaned over it. One hand on the rim, the other braced against the wall. The fighter spread her legs just a little wider when she felt Cloud moving up behind her, in order to line up their hips. She felt his hands running over her thighs and backside, squeezing
"Good muscles." Tifa heard Cloud murmured, as she felt him rub one of her cheeks affectionately. Embarrassingly, the barmaid couldn't help but blush at the compliment. Even worse, she felt herself clenching hard, at the sudden praise. It didn't help that he began lazily rubbing his tip across her entrance. "I'll admit, Jessie is a wiz with her tongue. But I got things I'm pretty great at too."
Feeling needy and a little distracted, Tifa decided to just let the dork have his fun, and pretend to fall for his setup. "Yeah? Like what–?"
She almost choked on her words, as she felt Cloud spear into her, spreading her walls with all the grace of a caveman. And Tifa…loved it. Especially when he pushed another inch deeper, and then another… and then another. Till she was practically standing on her tiptoes. Face smushed into the dark plaster in front of her, as her best friend bottomed out.
Then slowly, barely at the speed of a glacier, Cloud pulled himself back…practically dragging Tifa back with him, as she held him in a vice.
Grabbing her hips, he forced himself back in, and back out. In and out. Gradually picking up steam and momentum as he established a rhythm. Tifa's focus narrowed to the sensations between her legs, completely lost to the waking word.
If she had to put words to her current feelings, it'd be bliss and every variation thereafter.
Then she felt Cloud speeding up.
Gods, now she was in heaven.
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Ah, the legendary Cloti encounter finally happens. And don't worry, the lemons continue next chapter. As well as some fun character interactions.
The first half of the chapter is a little lackluster, but I wanted to get the introductions out of the way and put everyone on the same page. Honestly, I didn't want Avalanche being a secret from Aerith and Kyrie to last too long. If that dragged out, I felt it'd push them further from the main plot, and thus, Cloud's bed.
Fun fact: Kyrie and Yuffie did meet each other in Intergrade, and their relationship was as contentious as it was here. Like literally, the first thing Kyrie did when they met was make fun of Yuffie's Moogle disguise.