Chapter Text
There was nothing remarkable about Cloud, nothing at all; he was your regular run-of-the-mill 14 year old kid. Yet, that didn’t stop him from pursuing his hopes and dreams like anyone else. That’s right, he was going to be powerful like the hero, Sephiroth, and make it to SOLDIER First Class—a group of elite operatives under the world-renowned Shinra Electric Power Company—whom everyone showered with pomp and grandeur.
Yes, he was to become SOLDIER, return home to Nibelheim with fame and glory under his belt; and win over the girl who had stolen his heart years ago.
However…
Cloud never made it into SOLDIER, never even got past the first screening process before being deemed “inept” by some middle aged man in a white lab coat.
The news was unbearable, so unbelievable, that the shock hadn’t fully worn off even after being escorted out of the facility. How in the hell was he supposed to return home? He had dreamed of being SOLDIER, promised to return as SOLDIER; yet in a matter of minutes both of those ambitions had been shattered.
Embarrassed and humiliated, Cloud had quickly decided that returning home with his tail between his legs just wasn’t an option. The thought of seeing the disappointed looks on their faces—on her face—was too much to bear.
He wasn’t completely out of options though, no, no. There was still the Shinra Infantry, not ideal, but it wasn’t completely unheard of that those who showed exemplary conduct managed to get a second chance with SOLDIER. Besides, after coming all the way to Midgar, after everything that was said; was he really just going to throw in the towel?
He couldn’t.
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Two years later and Cloud still hadn’t managed to make into SOLDIER, worse yet, he had just been reassigned to a mission in Nibelheim; with THE Sephiroth. Now there was the dilemma of the people in his hometown seeing he was a failure, and the man he idolized looking down on him.
The stress was enough to make his stomach turn sour.
He felt a tap on the shoulder, “Hey, man. Feelin’ any better?” asked the dark haired SOLDIER.
“I’m good…” Cloud mustered through gritted teeth.
The friendly SOLDIER was one, Zack Fair, a country bumpkin like him; but unlike him, Zack was someone who was able to realize their dreams. They had hit it off in one of their earlier missions together, and became fast friends; with Zack becoming somewhat of a role model for Cloud as the two developed their relationship. Needless to say, Cloud was thankful to have a friendly face on this mission; as his own confidence was spiralling downward as they drew closer to his hometown.
“Sure don’t look it,” prodded Zack. “Wish I could help, but never been motion sick. Sorry, man.”
If only it was motion sickness…
When they arrived in Nibelhiem, Cloud’s worst fears were instantly realized. Waiting by the front gate was none other than Tifa Lockhart—the girl of his dreams, the girl whom he had made an unbreakable promise to—who was scanning over the Shinra troops entering town. It had been two years since he last saw her, two very long years. Time had only made her more breathtaking in his eyes. Her long, silky raven hair was still draped down to the mid of her back. Her features had matured, but still held a glint of that innocence he remembered. The reserved smile she gave when she was nervous still sent butterflies in his stomach. Then of course-
Zack’s sudden slap to the back snapped him from his reverie, “Whatcha gawking at, Cloud?”
Cloud cleared his throat, “N-Nothing, man. Just nervous is all.”
He nodded in understanding, “I guess it has been a while for ya, huh?” However, a shit eating grin soon spread across his face. “Come on, man. Don’t think I didn’t see you checking out that girl over there.”
“Was not!”
“Was too,” he wrapped his arm around Cloud, the grin growing even wider. “So, is she your girlfriend or something? Why don’t you go say hi?”
That was the last thing he wanted; there was no way he could face her in this sorry state.
He shrugged off the brunettes’s arm, “Knock it off! She’s not my girlfriend, and I don’t want to say-“
His sentence was cut short from a waving hand, and a pair of garnet eyes that were mere inches from them.
It was her.
“Hi there you two,” the girl welcomed with a small smile.
Yes, those mahogany eyes that whenever they glanced his direction, noticed him, caused his breath to-
“Hey there, how are ya?” greeted Zack after an awkward pause, realizing Cloud wasn’t going to say anything.
Tifa’s eyes narrowed at the two for a moment before she said, “I’m good. I am going to be your tour guide tomorrow.”
“You are?”
She is?
Her smile grew as she put her hands on her hips, “Yup, I’m the best there is. You can ask anyone around here.”
Zack let out a hearty laugh, “We’ll be in your care. Well then, we better report in to our superior.”
Perfect, Cloud didn’t think his heart could last any longer in this situation. He needed to get out, now.
As the two were about to head up the stairs into town, Tifa had stopped in front of them again, her expression suddenly downcast; a contrast from her cheery persona just a moment ago.
“Actually…” her voice trailed off, quickly second guessing whether it was a good idea to ask two people she just met about something so personal to her.
“What’s wrong, Tifa?” prompted Zack.
She took a deep breath to cool her nerves before asking, “I know this is going to seem kind of random, but you two wouldn’t happen to know a, Cloud Strife, would you?”
Cloud swore he could hear the blood rushing to his ears, and he couldn’t be more thankful for the helmet and goggles that hid his face; because he was sure that all colour had drained from it.
“Funny you say that, I-“ when he looked over to the man in question, the dreadful air around Cloud was so palpable; his silent plea so deafening, that Zack ended up biting his tongue and rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry, not by name,” he deflected. “What does he look like? Why are you looking for him?”
“He’s got blonde, chocobo hair—“Zack barely managed to stifle a laugh at that accurate description, “—would be around your height, also in SOLDIER, and has blue eyes.” She then crossed her hands in front of her while keeping her gaze glued to the ground. “As for why… we made a promise a little over two years ago. I can’t tell you what it is, but I was hoping to see him among you guys, since Shinra never comes to a place like this.”
“I see… Sounds like you two are pretty close.”
“Were…” she corrected, her voice barely above a whisper.
Cloud could feel something deep inside him crack at Tifa’s confession.
Zack offered her a smile, “Now don’t say that,” he gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I’m sure Cloud is out there doing his best right now to fulfill that promise you two made.”
Tifa sighed, “I know he is, I just… miss him.”
Her confession struck something in Zack, because Cloud noticed how his smile faded into something almost sad, “Yeah… I know what you mean,” he replied solemnly before returning back to his easygoing smile and positive energy. “But hey, believe in him. I’m sure he misses you too, he’ll be back before you know it!”
Her expression softened at his encouragement, “Yeah, that’s what I want to believe too. Thank you.”
“No problem.”
She looked up at the sky, “It’s almost dinner time, so I should get going. See you tomorrow, remember, bright and early!”
After one final wave goodbye, she was gone.
Cloud felt a hand rest atop his helmet, “You gonna be okay?”
“Yeah…” he answered, unable to suppress a sniffle.
He tapped his helmet once before heading up the steps, “Let’s report in, then get some rest. Remember, bright and early!”
He nodded tersely, and followed in behind Zack, not another word spoken between them that night.
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Fortunately, the trip up to the reactor had been uneventful. Tifa’s guidance had proved invaluable, as the few times Zack offered to scout ahead, the group was met with dead ends or cliff edges.
Cloud could vividly recall how Sephiroth laughed and teased Zack on their ascent. He never expected the legendary super soldier to have a side like that to him.
I guess you never truly know someone.
And after Sephiroth emerged from the reactor, little did Cloud know, how true those words would ring.
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It had been several days since their first trek up to the reactor. After the party returned to town, Sephiroth had locked himself in the basement of Shinra Manor—an old building that was once used by their researchers to study—and barred any personnel from entering the place. Cloud had asked Zack what was going on, but even he didn’t know what was up with Sephiroth. It was until the fourth day that Zack decided he had enough waiting.
“You sure it’s a good idea to go in there?” asked Cloud. “Sephiroth told all of us that we aren’t allowed in there.”
Zack sighed as he continued to muse, “Something isn’t right, Cloud. None of this makes any sense.”
“What do you mean?”
He rubbed the back of his neck, “I can’t… tell you what we saw in the reactor, but the only way to make sense of it all is to ask the guy himself, don’t you agree?”
Cloud shrugged, “Better than standing around and kicking rocks I suppose.”
“I’ll be back,” he said, hoping Cloud couldn’t sense his own unease. “Don’t worry, I’ll get this figured out.”
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It had been an hour since Cloud had resumed his post at the front entrance. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t concerned for Zack; talking to the guy shouldn’t have taken an hour, right? But, it was important to remember that while Sephiroth was a legend, Zack was no push over either; not as SOLDIER First Class anyway.
It was then that Cloud heard the first of what would be many blood curdling screams that night. When he scurried into town to investigate, most of it was already up in flames; and in the centre of it all was none other than the man he idolized, executing everyone in sight.
The silver haired man’s cat like eyes darted to him before he could usher in a word, jade burning holes through him. With Masamune drawn, he stalked over to Cloud, smiling all the while.
“What have you done!?” Cloud demanded as Sephiroth drew closer, the quiver in his voice begetting his fear.
Sephiroth chuckled, “Just taking back what is mine by right.”
It was so fast that Cloud didn’t register what happened until it was too late. One moment Sephiroth was in front of him, the next there was a sea of red. Once realization hit him, the pain had already spread like a poison throughout his entire being. Cloud collapsed to the ground, writhing uncontrollably as he tried to remember how to breathe. It was the most pain he’s ever felt in his life.
Sephiroth then kicked him over, and ground his boot into the slash on his chest.
Cloud tried to scream, tried to do anything, but amidst the pain and the weight of the murderous stare he was frozen. However, before the killing blow could be made, fate had other ideas.
“Sephiroth!” a familiar voice bellowed from across the town square. “What are you doing!?”
Sephiroth’s eyes shifted over to the disturbance, Cloud followed his gaze, and realized that it was Zack who had entered the fray.
“Let him go, Sephiroth!” Zack bid. “Why are you doing this!?”
His smile twisted into something sinister before he wordlessly released his hold on Cloud, and retreated back into the flames toward Mt. Nibel.
“Can you stand?” asked Zack, who was already hovering over Cloud with a hand extended.
“Yeah,” he answered, accepting the offered help.
“Listen, I’m going after Sephiroth. You need to find shelter and get that wound looked at.”
Cloud shook his head, “No, I’m coming with you.”
Zack placed a hand on his shoulder, “Look at you, you’re in no condition to fight. Just let me handle this.”
“You’ve handled enough!” Cloud spat, causing Zack to recoil. “Look around you, my home is burning! Everyone I know is dead! Where have you-“ he clutched his chest as the pain surged along with his anger.
Zack’s expression turned apologetic, “You’re right, I messed up big time, but now’s not the time for this. We got bigger things to worry about.”
Cloud was instantly filled with regret, “Zack, I-“
“It’s alright, Cloud,” he interrupted. “I know what you mean.” He then cast his gaze towards the mountain, “Listen, I need to stop Sephiroth, he needs to answer for what he’s done,” there was a brief pause before he continued. “I won’t stop you, but I can’t promise I can protect you once we’re in there.”
“That’s alright. You do what you need to do, and I’ll be right behind you.”
He flashed the blonde a cocksure grin, “See you on the other side!”
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The adrenaline was in overdrive by the time Cloud made it to the reactor. While he was growing accustomed to the pain, the fact that he lost a lot blood was beginning to take its toll.
Just a little longer. Hold on just a little longer…
His vision was getting blurrier the further he went in, it was thanks to the clashing of swords that he was able to find his way to the heart of the reactor. Once inside, he took off his helmet and rubbed his eyes in attempt to reorient himself.
How he wish he hadn’t.
At the bottom of the steps that lead to where the fighting was taking place, there was a girl in a familiar cowgirl outfit lying in a pool of red.
“T-Tifa…?” he called to her, heart threatening to drop when there was no immediate response.
Cloud’s next movements were purely instinctual. He dropped to her side, and picked her up in his arms; quickly seeing the gash across her chest much like his own. He tried to put pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding, but her lifeless response only told Cloud that he was far too late.
“Tifa!” he cried out. “Open your eyes!”
Silence.
This wasn’t how things were supposed to be.
No.
Wasn’t he supposed to be her hero?
No!
The hot sting of tears bit at the corners of his eyes, “Tifa…”
Was he really going to break their promise?
“TIFAAAA!” he squalled, no longer able to stop the tears from flowing down his cheeks.
He never knew just how painful silence could be.
What Cloud wouldn’t give to turn back the clock, to take her place instead; anything to see those garnet eyes and infectious smile one more time.
The sudden blast from the inner sanctum at the top of the stairs drew his attention, and there was a familiar raven haired SOLDIER seen tumbling down them. Zack had gone on ahead to confront Sephiroth, but even he failed to get through to him.
“Cloud…” his voice rasp as he tossed the buster sword at Cloud’s feet. “Finish Sephiroth… off…”
He gave Tifa’s cheek one final caress before moving her out of harms way. With claymore now in hand, next was making Sephiroth answer for his crimes.
When he got to the innermost sanctum, Sephiroth had his back turned, and was completely unaware of Cloud’s presence; entranced by whatever was in the test tube in the middle of the chamber. With no hesitation, Cloud used the opportunity to pierce Sephiroth from behind. However, instead of a killing blow, he merely turned around and glowered at Cloud.
“How dare you!” his voice dripping with disgust as he kicked Cloud away, the wound barely affecting him.
“Sephiroth!” Cloud roared, as he charged at him with all the rage and hatred he could muster. “You killed my mom! You killed Tifa! My village—my home!”
“They were mine by right,” he declared before parrying Cloud’s attack and skewering him. “This planet too, for I have been chosen.”
White hot fire scorched where he’d been stabbed, the flames threatening to overpower all of his senses as Sephiroth raised him in the air.
Not… yet…
Cloud grit his teeth and pulled the blade deeper into him so his boots touched the ground, the action causing him to vomit more blood.
“This is… nothing…” he choked out before planting his feet and gripping the blade.
His eyes widened in disbelief, “No… impossible!”
Sephiroth remained frozen as Cloud summoned the last vestiges of his strength to lift him up off the ground, and toss him into the pool of mako below. After glancing down to make sure the deed was done, he turned his attention back to the entrance.
Tifa…
With the adrenaline having worn off, and the blood loss reaching levels far past what any normal person could endure, he could only make it to the edge of the stairs before reaching his limit; face planting and riding the momentum all the way down. As his world went dark, the last thing he could see was a muscular figure carrying Tifa away.
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Five years later…
It was just another night in Seventh Heaven—a bar in the sector 7 slums of Midgar—for Tifa, a place growing more dear to her as time passed. After some twists and turns she managed to scrape together enough gil to own the place, though not without the help from her friends of course.
There was: Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge, whom she met while serving steamed buns after she first awoke in Midgar five years ago. She had formed a quick, easy connection with the trio, and it had made the transition of settling into Midgar a lot easier for her. Though with Jessie, the two girls of the group had formed an especially close bond. Later on she met Barret, where the two’s first interaction was when Tifa first began waiting tables at Seventh Heaven; scolding him for scaring off the customers due to his loud, rambunctious behaviour.
After a series of events, Jessie had managed to recruit both Tifa and Barret to a faction known as Avalanche; a group seeking to save the plant from the misuse of mako energy and opposing the actions of the Shinra Electric Power Company. Once Tifa had purchased the bar, they began using Seventh Heaven as base of operations for their division. In order to fuel their escapades against Shinra, the group uses most of the funds generated from the bar; plus whatever other odd jobs they can scrounge together. It wasn’t easy, balancing between making ends meet and funding their extracurriculars, but it was satisfying, and it was a cause worth fighting for.
At least, that’s what Tifa thought at first.
Her initial reason to join Avalanche was fuelled by anger and resentment. Sure it was a good cause, but she could never forgive those responsible for taking everything from her. Avalanche was initially just a means to an end. However, as time wore on, and as Avalanche’s deeds became more extreme, there was a part of Tifa that started second guessing if she was doing the right thing. Barret’s impassioned speeches about righteousness aside, it was becoming harder and harder for her to justify the group’s actions, because if their actions ended up being similar to the tragedy in Nibelheim; where innocents were put in harms way, were they really any different from their so called enemy? Anger and resentment could only make her turn a blind eye for so long; even against her second family.
It was at times like this—like so many other times—that she’d look up at the steel sky; imagining it to be the same as the one as on that night at the water tower.
Despite not seeing him for seven years, Cloud had always been in the forefront of Tifa’s mind; his presence always instilling confidence in her when they were kids. The promise they made especially being her rock, her starlight in so many times of need, that she could no longer keep count. Without fail, she reads the newspaper every morning for any sign of news of him, then scans the Shinra website where they post the names of the deceased; hoping that she never sees his name pop up. When she goes for a run or does errands, she always keeps an eye out in hopes that she’d spot that familiar blonde chocobo hair, or pair of deep cerulean eyes unique to him.
There was so much she wanted to tell him, so much she regretted not saying when she had the chance. They had been close as kids, nigh inseparable, until a particular incident—that her memory is still hazy on—which changed their relationship. Ever since that incident, Cloud kept his distance, despite Tifa’s protests and attempts to reconcile. He’d knock on her door less often, use fewer words in conversation, and his distance from her only widened with each passing day; until it was that she could only feel that he was there was from his ever watchful gaze. If there was one thing that he never broke out of, even when they were close, was that she’d always catch him stealing glances at her; turning away in embarrassment whenever she caught him. Something that she always found endearing, as it wasn’t the same as the one the other boys gave her, it was one that was unique to Cloud.
If she ever saw him again, this time, she wouldn’t let go.
“Last call!” Tifa hollered to the remaining patrons before getting ready to close up shop.
“That reminds me,” remarked Jessie, as she saddled up on one of the free stools at the bar. “This is your seventh shift in a row closing up, is it not?”
She shrugged as she wiped the counter, “It guess it is, why do you ask?”
Her lips curved into a frisky smirk, “Well… I just so happened to talk to the boys, and…”
“And?” Her motion stopped, giving the brunette a sidelong glance.
“We figured we’d give the rest of the night off!” she cheered. “Isn’t that exciting!?”
Normally, one would think it would be cause for celebration, but for Tifa, it only meant more time to think; think about things she’s done enough of already.
She shook her head, and offered an apologetic smile, “No, it’s okay, you don’t have to-“
A singular finger pressed to her lips, effectively silencing her.
“I won’t be hearing any of it,” Jessie upbraided. “You’ve been working harder than any of us lately, you deserve a night to yourself.”
“Really, I’m fine. You don’t have to go out of your way for me,” Tifa tried to dissuade.
“Just accept it,” chimed in Biggs, who was leaning on the near wall. “You know this is a losing battle.”
“That’s right!” added Wedge as he downed another drink. “It’s three against one.”
“Make that four!” a voice echoed from across the lounge.
Tifa’s eyes snapped over to the familiar dark, bodybuilt man and sighed, “Barret? You too?”
He hummed his assent, “You know they’re right, we’re just worried about you is all. Come on now, take the night off, boss’s orders.”
She rolled her eyes, but ended up relenting, “When you put it that way, I guess I’ll have to take you up on that.”
“You do that,” he quipped, before waving his hand at her dismissively. “Now get outta here, the bar will still be here in the mornin’, don’t you worry.”
Guess I’ll take a walk.
It was something Tifa did a lot when she had free time, easier to get the mind off things. Though, her usual route through the slums betrayed that sentiment. Before she knew it, she was already at the train station.
She sighed, and cursed at her own habit.
He’s not going to be here. He never is…
It was undoubtedly wishful thinking, but Tifa couldn’t help hoping that the one time she did come by, she’d find those familiar strands of chocobo hair waiting for her. As she strolled through the station, the clock had just struck midnight; the last train long gone, not a soul in sight, just silence. It was an echoing reminder of her own loneliness. Not that she didn’t love her new family, it was just that some things couldn’t fill that void in her heart; no matter how hard they tried.
As she was getting ready to leave, her ears picked up muffled groaning nearby.
This wasn’t an uncommon thing in the slums. People passing out drunk in the street, or mako junkies getting high wherever were a regular occurrence. After all, there was no better way to forget about your problems these days. Not unless you went to the brothel in sector 6 Wall Market, but that required gil, gil that only certain people in the slums had. Very early on in her time in Midgar, Tifa made sure to give that sector a wide berth whenever possible; understanding all too well what happened to girls like her who got too curious. Just another reality in life she had to realize all too soon.
It wasn’t until she became a bartender herself, that a part of Tifa started feeling responsible for seeing people in such a state; even though she knew it was irrational. So, often times she’ll make sure they’re at least okay before carrying on with her business.
Once she rounded the corner to the source of the disturbance, her eyes widened, and her feet froze in place.
C-Cloud…!?
He looked ethereal the way he was resting against the light post, it was enough to make Tifa rub her eyes in disbelief.
She then took a tentative step closer, knowing her eyes have played tricks on her before. There had been too many times that she gave herself false hope thinking she saw him, only to find no trace.
She needed to say something, anything to confirm what she was seeing was real, but her voice refused to come. Afraid that it if she spoke, it would only tell her that she was dreaming again.
The sudden groans he emitted forced her to push away those thoughts, and without any further hesitation she was down by his side. However, she immediately began fearing the worst when she realized Cloud was not merely “resting”, but in a catatonic state.
“Cloud?” she called to him in a whisper, her voice uncertain.
No response.
She brushed his bangs away to get a better view of his face, “Cloud, it’s me, Tifa, do you remember me?” she asked, trembling in quandary.
Only barely audible moans were her reply.
This couldn’t be real, it had to be a nightmare.
She cupped his cheeks, and the tears quickly cascaded down her face when she saw his expression turn pained, “Who did this to you? Cloud, please, tell me everything is going to be okay,” she sobbed, as she cradled his head against her shoulder, her cries growing more desperate.
Fate couldn’t be this cruel, could it? After all that she had endured, after all those unanswered prayers, after all the times she had put herself second. Would fate really laugh, and snatch the last piece of her past?
She then felt him shift under her, “Cloud?”
He slowly opened his eyes, meeting hers; and what she saw had her take a sharp inhale. She had never seen eyes like the colour of mako before, they were foreboding, scary even. Nothing like the azure she remembered.
She hated it.
Cloud’s expression remained unfocused, “Clo… ud…?” he murmured, echoing Tifa.
“Yes, you’re Cloud,” she cooed as she combed through his hair. “Do you remember who you are?”
He clutched his head as the pain swarmed him again, a feeling he’d come to know for who knows how long, accompanied by green, green, and more green. Why was everything always green!? Memories he’d try to access only caused more pain, more confusion. Why couldn’t he remember?
As the pain began to grow, he suddenly felt himself being pulled away from its dark depths by a tender melody being hummed. The tune evoked warmth, love, and… familiarity within him. Indeed, Cloud had heard this melody before, not just once, but many times. He allowed himself to continue being enveloped by the comforting light, with the memory it produced bringing only one person to mind.
“Ti… fa…” he croaked.
Her heart soared when he opened his eyes again; and instead of mako green, she was met with pure sapphire.
The Cloud she’s always known.
“I’m here, Cloud. I’m right here. We’ll get you someplace safe, don’t worry,” she assuaged.
Her number one priority was ensuring Cloud survived until next morning. Judging from all of the signs that she’d seen so far, it had to be that he suffered from mako poisoning, and a severe case at that. Which meant that there was only one place they could go, one place she’d be willing to take him this time of night; her apartment at Stargazer Heights. There he can rest, there she can take care of him, there he’ll be safe.
“Cloud, can you stand? I’m going to take you somewhere you can rest, okay?”
He slurred indistinctly, his reaction forcing Tifa to spur her urgency and forgo consent. She could ask for forgiveness later. Wrapping one of his arms over her shoulders, and putting one of hers across his waist to help maintain balance; Tifa guided them both back home.
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While they hadn’t come across any trouble, Cloud’s episodes—where he’d writhe in pain and mumble incoherently—had made for a slow trek; which had caused Tifa to grow more antsy across its duration.
“We’re almost there, Cloud, hang in there just a little longer,” she said while fumbling for her keys.
Damn it! Why can’t these stu-
Gloved fingers caressing her cheek broke her from her thoughts.
“Tifa…” his low voice sending a shiver down her spine.
It had been the first semi-coherent thing Cloud had said all night, and hearing her name on his lips again for the first time in seven years had so memories flooding back. She turned to meet his gaze, noticing how verdant and azure battled in a vortex for dominance as he absentmindedly continued with his ministrations. Her expression turned empathetic as she leaned into his touch, and watched the war rage within.
What happened to you, Cloud?
Soon green overpowered blue, his hand fell from her face back to his side, inadvertently knocking the keys from Tifa’s hand; the sound of them crashing on the ground triggering another one of Cloud’s episodes.
She tightened her hold on him, hoping that this one would be quicker than the last.
Cloud soon fell silent, slumping back into a catatonic state; which allowed Tifa to dispel the breath she didn’t realize she had been holding.
Once inside, Tifa managed to strip Cloud of his armour and get him to her bed. Luckily, none of what he wore was intuitive to remove, in fact, she was more surprised that he wore so little; considering he was in a SOLDIER uniform.
A prideful smile tugged at her lips at the thought.
SOLDIER, huh? Guess you really did manage to realize your dream.
From what she knew, getting into SOLDIER was always Cloud’s ambition, though he never delved into the why. She would just have to add it to the mountain of questions she had for him when he was back on his feet. Removing her own bracers, Tifa then got to work on caring for Cloud; which mostly consisted of her checking if she had enough supplies for when he woke. The answer was, no.
It’s a tight month, but if I dip into my savings I should be able to get by.
After getting the rest of her affairs squared away, she rejoined Cloud by the bedside; watching him as he slept. She studied his facial features, noticing how that boyish innocence she remembered of him was completely gone; replaced with a prominent chin and squared jawline, toned cheeks and symmetrical nose. He was beautiful, almost too perfect; and it made her wonder if SOLDIER had anything to do with that. It was a thought that made her nose wrinkle.
It’s been seven years… I guess it’s no surprise that things will have changed, but…
But when he called her name, when he caressed her cheek, when she nearly drowned in those blue ocean depths of his; it was like they were kids again. Some things would never change. When she espied his ragged breathing and furrowed brows, Tifa knelt at the edge of the bed and brought her hand over his. It was a gesture that brought back bittersweet memories of when her parents used to do the same thing for her whenever she was sick, remembering how comforting it was to just have their presence there. She hoped she could provide the same sort of comfort for Cloud, and couldn’t stop herself from letting out a sigh of relief when shortly after his body to seem to relax. After failing to stifle a yawn, Tifa realized that her own body was calling for sleep; with the day’s events effectively wearing her out. While only living in a bachelor apartment, and not wanting to disturb Cloud to make room for herself, Tifa settled for resting her head by his shoulder while remaining at the bedside. She shifted so she wasn’t sitting on her knees, the action only making it slightly more comfortable, but it would have to do. After making sure that she was as comfortable as the circumstances allowed, she placed her hand back overtop of his and let sleep overtake her. Tifa wouldn’t realize until the next morning that it would be the best sleep she would have in seven years.