Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Learning Curve ❯ Once Bitten, Twice Shy ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: Definitely not mine; always returned to Square Enix in reasonably good condition.

 

A/N: The final installment. Hope that the fic entertained you!

 

Warnings: Wishful thinking, UST, snakes on a plain, conveniently-placed materia and enough WAFF to induce cavities.

 

Bouquets to my betas, Empath-eia, Ranuel and SilverOnTheRose

 

Learning Curve

Chapter Three: Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф

 

“The old bat... wasn't kidding... when she said... that this was... `steep and narrow'!”

 

Tifa glanced back at Cloud's dusty, sweat-streaked face and decided not to chide him for referring to their benefactress in less-than-polite terms. I have a few choice names I'd like to call her, too! Peering over the edge of the sheer drop that was only a matter of inches away from her boot and then above to eyeball the diminishing height of the cliff face they were inching themselves and the bike across, she said, “Not much further... I think.”

 

“For the love of Shiva... don't stop to look... or we'll lose... what momentum... we have,” he grunted out, straining to keep the heavy motorcycle from rolling back down the precipitous grade. Tifa blew her hair out of her eyes, took a firmer grip on the handlebar and gave the engine a little juice to keep the bike moving upwards.

 

After returning the key and reporting the dead Prowlers to the elderly couple - who were tickled pink that the annoyances had been permanently dealt with, and not at all perturbed by the hole in the roof of their shed - they had started the climb in the early morning chill down in the valley, but now they were being thoroughly baked as the sun rose higher into the clear blue sky. There was a light breeze, but it didn't do much in the way of cooling; rather, it only moved around the hot air reflecting off the rock wall beside them.

 

Tifa's hair stuck to her back as sweat rolled down between her breasts and trickled into her skirt, and her soaked socks were slipping inside her boots. I'll have blisters and a spectacular sunburn if we don't reach the top soon! Still, she didn't have it as bad as Cloud, who was being blasted by the exhaust from the dual ports as well as the atmospheric heat.

 

Finally, they reached the plateau, which turned out to be flat, covered with boulders and already so blistering hot that Tifa feared the soles of her boots might melt. Cloud smeared his sweaty face against his arm and pointed across the barren expanse at the deeply indented cliff face; the alluring sound of falling water was easily discernable. “Shade. Now. ” He swung into the saddle, swore at the heat radiating from the black surface through his thick trousers, and warned, “You'll burn your skin if you ride.”

 

“I'll run,” Tifa quickly offered, and took off towards the promise of cool relief. Behind her, Cloud had to slowly pick his way through the rocks; Tifa heard several metallic screeches as the skid plate took damage. A large amount of what appeared to be scraps of a netting-like material scattered among the boulders caught her attention, but she was in too much of a hurry to escape the sun to investigate.

 

She was absolutely drained by the time she staggered into the shadow of the escarpment and discovered that the waterfall disappeared into a deep crack in the plateau. Ugh. More climbing, darn it! However, the final scramble up to the ledge where the water began its vertical drop was in the shade and the going was easy by comparison to what they had just experienced; once up, she scouted both the dank cave mouth and a gentle slope that would allow Cloud to bring the motorcycle closer to the water's source. “Up here!” she shouted and waved; when she had the sweltering swordsman's attention, she pointed at the end of the natural ramp.

 

Tifa already had her boots and socks off and was wading in the shallow channel that started inside the cavern and meandered across the ledge when Cloud arrived. Rolling the bike to a stop against the cliff face, he practically leapt out of the saddle, but instead of joining her right away, he took his sword and repeated her reconnaissance of their immediate vicinity. “I checked,” she protested, mildly annoyed that he apparently didn't trust her judgement.

 

“There's something odd about this,” he answered, indicating the smooth surfaces of the ramp and the undulating face of the cliff towering over head.

 

“Water erosion?” she guessed, sitting on the side of the channel and swishing her legs in the cool liquid, while wondering if she dared strip down to her underwear and have a dip.

 

“Could be.” Apparently satisfied with this possibility, Cloud proceeded to do exactly what Tifa had been considering. After festooning the motorcycle with his clothing and armour, clad only in his boxers, he slid into the water and began sloshing upstream, in the direction of the cavern.

 

“What're you doing?”

 

“Hoping that it gets deeper... whoa!” No sooner having said it, he abruptly disappeared into a pothole. Cloud was a long time in reappearing, but when he did, he looked almost blissful. “You're not gonna get cooled down like that,” he scoffed as he shook the droplets out of his hair, since she was only immersed up to her knees.

 

“Well... all right.” Climbing out of the water, she shucked her skirt and left it hanging over the motorcycle's seat. He's already seen my panties once today, and this was my clean top, so no big deal if it gets wet. Hopping back in, she'd barely found her balance on the uneven bottom of the channel when Cloud pounced.

 

With a whoop, he caught her around the waist and dragged her backwards through the water, cheerfully ignoring her spluttering protests the entire way until they both plunged into the pothole. Tifa held her breath as the cool liquid closed over her head, relaxing into the welcome respite from the heat. Opening her eyes, she watched her hair floating up over her head like sinuous seaweed, until she noticed that she was in danger of losing the blue silk ribbon. Grasping after it, she ended up facing Cloud; he grinned before catching her by the hand and pulling her up to the surface.

 

“This is great!” he enthused, and Tifa had to agree. They floated close together for several long minutes, allowing the refreshing temperature to recharge their energies.

 

Tifa found the bottom of the outflow with her hands and pulled herself over to sit on it in the shoulder-deep water. “Should we try using the materia?” she asked, winding the ribbon around her wrist several times before knotting and tucking it into the top of her glove.

 

Cloud looked thoughtful as he sculled backwards. “No. We need the source, where the concentration of mako is highest.”

 

What did General Sephiroth say about mako...? Shuddering anew as a fragment of her nightmare sprang vividly to mind, she frowned and said, “Isn't too much mako dangerous?”

 

“Yeah... but the key words there are `too much'. We're only going to be in it for a couple of minutes - and SOLDIERs are exposed to small amounts, don't forget.”

 

“True.”

 

“I used to swim in a mako spring up in the hills behind Nibelheim. Didn't do me any harm,” Cloud said dismissively, now floating on his back.

 

Tifa avoided looking at his extremely perky breasts. “I hiked all over those hills and never....”

 

“It was well-hidden; I literally fell into it while exploring one day.” He then slyly added, “Great place for a skinny dip... kinda like here.”

 

As he rolled over in the water, his blue eyes full of mischief, Tifa gave him a quelling look. “In your dreams.”

 

“Easy to make a reality,” Cloud blandly suggested.

 

Rolling her eyes, she stood up in the channel, intending to extract the materia from the saddlebags and get on with the experiment, but sat back down in a hurry when she realized that her white garments had become transparent. I might as well be naked! A cautious peek in Cloud's direction made it clear that he'd noticed, judging by the leer plastered across his face. Argh. Okay, fine. So he can see my nipples - big deal. Right. Time to get this show on the road because we have to get back to Midgar. Squaring her shoulders, Tifa rose to her feet and purposefully strode through the water until she was opposite to the bike. Climbing out, she padded across the cool, smooth stone and rummaged through the saddlebags.

 

“Got your Bangle?” he murmured in her ear, making her `eep' in surprise at his unexpected proximity as he reached around her to collect his combat boots and the materia. Handing her two of the Restore, he swapped the smaller borrowed gloves for a larger pair, equipped the rest, then extracted the flashlight. “Put your boots back on; the cave floor could be covered with mako crystals, and they can be sharp.”

 

“Okay.” After he shouldered his sword, they followed the channel into the wide, low opening in the cliff face.

 

Several feet inside, the ceiling rose so high that the flashlight beam couldn't track it; Tifa stumbled as she stared upwards into the seemingly endless darkness, but that just gave Cloud an excuse to hold her hand. “Might want to shine that on the floor so we can see where we're going,” he suggested.

 

As it turned out, they didn't really need artificial light, because the heavy concentrations of mako crystals surrounding the outflow of the glimmering pool gave off a soft blue-green glow. “It's magical!” Tifa exclaimed, entranced by the otherworldly effect.

 

“Kinda normal for materia,” Cloud deadpanned before he broke off, staring intently at something. “Would you look at that!”

 

Following the line of his pointing sword, she saw a small, softly tinted orb half-submerged in a puddle off to the side. Carefully treading around the clumps of mako crystals, Tifa knelt to look at it. “Natural materia,” she breathed.

 

“What kind is it?” Setting aside his armload of gear and crouching beside her, Cloud poked at the ball. Peering closely at it, he frowned. “I think it might be a Poison materia. Make sure that one comes back with us; never know when it might come in handy.” Rising to his feet, Cloud surveyed the darkly glimmering pool. “Well? Ready to give this a try?” he asked, jamming the tip of his sword between two clumps of crystals before shucking the borrowed boots.

 

Doubt swept over Tifa as she looked at the mirror-like surface. I'm a fighter, not a mage - I don't know if I can do this!

 

Gentle fingers tilted up her chin. “What's the matter?” She bit her lip and couldn't look him in the eye; Cloud exhaled, then dragged Tifa to her feet and into a bear hug. When she remained stiff and silent, he nuzzled her ear and murmured, “Tell me.”

 

Hunching her shoulders, she held out as long as possible, but when it became clear that he wasn't letting go until she came clean, Tifa whispered, “I'm afraid that my magic levels aren't strong enough to be of any help.”

 

Cloud's embrace tightened. “That water has more energy in it than you, me and Aerith put together,” he said. “I brought you along because if my idea crashes and burns, I need a friend more than anything... you're the only one that I trust.” Keeping her pressed against him with one hand, he stroked her cheek with the other, his gaze heavy-lidded. “Only you, Tifa.” Her throat suddenly dry, she managed a jerky nod, and was rewarded with a quiet smile as he drew her towards the spring. “Let's do this.”

 

“Looks cold,” she commented.

 

He sat down on the damp stone, swung his legs into the spring and sucked in a sharp breath. “Damn cold,” he winced. “Gonna freeze my balls off... and my tits, too.” Sliding all the way into the neck-deep water, Cloud shuddered. “Shiva's effin' icicles!” Glancing up at Tifa, he gritted out, “Sh-share some b-body heat?”

 

“You're lucky I like you,” she replied, and joined him before she had second thoughts. “Oh...!” I can't catch my breath!

 

“C'mere... we'll m-make this q-quick.” Tifa clung to Cloud's shoulders, not really minding the intimate way he wound himself around her because any amount of warmth was welcome. “R-ready?” When she nodded, he said, “On m-my mark... one, t-two, three.”

 

Sputtering the spells in unison through chattering teeth, they were immediately engulfed in a crackling ball of green energy as the materia reacted to the mako-charged pool. One immediate side effect was the water warming to slightly less than bone-chilling temperatures; another became obvious when she was jerked off her feet as Cloud abruptly regained his original height.

 

Loosening her tight grip, she slid down his far less curvaceous body until she was again standing on the bottom. “It worked! Wait... what's wrong?”

 

Teeth clenched, Cloud fumbled desperately at his hip. A moment later, he relaxed, holding up the pin that had been securing his boxers around his previously much narrower waist. Tossing it aside, he grinned broadly. “Back in business.”

 

Tifa was about to say something when she let out an alarmed squeak instead. Ghostly fingers trickled across the outside of her thigh and she hastily batted at the sensation; the slimy streamer wound itself around her hand... and turned out to be the hair tie that Cloud had swiped from her to secure his braid, now no longer needed. Holding it up, she said, “Whew! For a minute there, I thought it was....”

 

“Me copping a feel?”

 

Shooting him a guilty look, Tifa admitted, “Something like that.”

 

He chuckled low in his throat, a distinctly masculine sound, and she peeked at him from under her bangs. His gaze had darkened, and even as she retreated a step until her back was against the pool's rocky side, he moved forwards. Her lips seemed to absorb his entire attention and he dipped his head, his intentions clear.

 

What happened next was certainly memorable, but for completely the wrong reasons.

 

The light from outside was blocked as something large filled the entrance; Cloud snatched the flashlight and pointed the narrow beam into the darkness. Tifa fought the urge to hide behind him as an enormous, milky yellow, vertical-slit eye was illuminated, and then did anyways when a flickering tongue that was easily as long as her arm tested the air. Grey, blue and brown densely patterned scales covered the blunt snout, forming a design that would otherwise be attractive if it wasn't part of a serpent that could easily swallow her whole.

 

The muscles of Cloud's back tightened under her hands. “Grab that Poison materia,” he tersely ordered. “Equip it while I distract this thing.”

 

“What're you going to do?”

 

“Give it a shot of Lightning.”

 

“And if that doesn't work?” Tifa couldn't quite keep the edge of hysteria out of her voice, nor stop herself from pressing up against Cloud when the snake's scales rustled over the crystals as it threw several coils ahead of itself. An impressive hood expanded behind its head as it arched, making it appear at least three times larger in the uncertain shadows.

 

“Poke it with my sword.” Peeling her trembling fingers off of his ribs, he wrapped them around the flashlight as he moved both of them to the side of the spring farthest from the intruder. “Keep the beam pointed at its eyes.” Bracing one hand on the edge of the pool, he sprang for his weapon, wrenched it out of the pile of crystals and charged.

 

The creature opened its mouth in a startled hiss, the interior ivory-white and strangely smooth-looking, its dark fangs and tongue stark against the pale flesh. Cloud suddenly blazed with blue electricity as he leapt into the air. A spitting ball of energy was literally shoved down the snake's throat, followed by a two-handed slash to the head. It snapped after him as he retreated and then unwound itself, its rapid withdrawal preventing a follow-up attack. “Get the materia!” he yelled, shaking Tifa out of her stunned immobility.

 

Scrambling out of the spring, she tried to keep the creature within the flashlight's beam while locating the materia. He's fighting the biggest snake I've ever seen in bare feet and his underwear. Can it get any worse? She fumbled the slick orb and watched in horror as it dribbled across the rough ground before disappearing beneath the glassy surface of the spring with a distinct `plop'. Glancing up, she saw that the battle had moved outside; panicking slightly, she scanned the depths. Crap!

 

Dropping the flashlight, Tifa jumped back into the icy water and went under. It took her two tries to find the bottom in the inky blackness, and then a third before she saw the materia's faint glow, tucked beneath an overhang. Urgency and cold made it hard to breathe; it felt like her heart was beating too fast for her lungs to keep up. Cloud needs my help! Attempting to calm herself, Tifa breathed in long and deep two or three times before positioning herself roughly above the location of the materia. Now. Slipping below the surface, she fought against her natural buoyancy and pulled herself down via handholds on the rocky side. A gentle current pushed against her, as if the spring was trying to protect its creation, but she kicked her feet and managed to grab onto the overhang with one hand and extract the materia with the other.

 

What should I remove? Popping back to the surface, Tifa momentarily hesitated over which materia to ditch so that she could equip the Poison. One of the Restore. The two balls were exchanged, with the discarded one stashed in a clump of crystals for later retrieval, and she bolted for the entrance, heedless of the pain from cuts on her feet. Giving a passing thought to the fact that this was the second time in one day that she was fighting in her skivvies, she arrived in time to see Cloud execute a Braver on the coiled serpent, but the creature simply hissed and bit at him.

 

“Poison it!” he roared as soon as he noticed her, and she instantly obeyed, the materia's power coating her fist with fluorescent light. Avoiding looking at the snake's deadly fangs as its head swung towards her, Tifa raced in, jumping over the water-filled channel along the way. Leaping up onto the fat coils curled around the creature's body, she delivered several powerful blows to the broad belly scales, the corrosive energy instantly eating away the smooth surface and dissolving the pale flesh beneath. Encouraged, Tifa aimed at the head as the snake writhed in agony; she heard Cloud's warning shout just as she realized that it was rearing upright. Kicking off from its throat, she controlled her fall as best she could and managed to land upright, but the impact of her bare feet on the stone made her stumble. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the creature's split tail sweeping towards her, and managed to dive out of the way, a move that brought her close to the miraculously undamaged motorcycle.

 

As she rolled up into a fighting stance, Cloud disappeared inside a massive fireball that erupted out of the serpent's mouth.

 

Screaming, Tifa threw herself at the snake, her entire body surrounded by a swirling aura that turned her fists into incandescent torches. The creature's coils churned as it tried to get away, succeeding only in exposing more of itself to her furious blows. It was only when they tumbled out into the scorching heat of the plateau and the soles of her feet were burned that she broke off her attack. The serpent seemed to want to put as much distance between them as possible; she noted that it was leaking a trail of dark fluid and its movements were markedly sluggish before it curled around a loose pile of boulders on the far side of the baking plain.

 

“Cloud!” Turning and racing back up onto the ledge, she was confronted by a nightmarish sight. He lay on his back, unmoving, his clothing burned to cinders and his skin charred. Several feet away, his sword smoked gently. “Shiva... no!” Leaping over the now dry channel, Tifa ignored the pain in her knees and her feet caused by the overheated rock as she knelt beside him and pressed her ear to his blackened chest.

 

Silence. No pulse, no breath.

 

I have to stay calm. Fighting down the anguished cry that was trying to claw its way out of her throat, Tifa bit her lip to the point of blood. Gauging the distance between herself and the saddlebags, and factoring in the extreme pain of her legs being roasted by the rock, she made a quick decision. Awkwardly gathering his limp body into her arms, she applied every ounce of strength she had left to pushing herself upright.

 

The channel was a challenge; the water had begun to refill it, amid much hissing and spitting as the cold water came into contact with the hot surface. Tifa wavered, struggling to keep her balance as she shifted from foot to foot. I can't jump it... but it's too hot to treat Cloud on this side. Setting her jaw, she hopped down into the shallow water and just as quickly leapt back out on the other side, her feet stinging. The cooler stone was a relief, and she put him down as gently as possible next to the motorcycle, then lunged for the saddlebags.

 

Lining up the precious flasks with shaking hands, she cracked open the case and administered a Phoenix Down. “Cloud... come back to me. Please.” Resting her hand over his heart, she waited anxiously for some sign of success.

 

A rasping intake of air and a long, low groan announced the swordsman's return to the world of the living; Tifa carefully eased his head and shoulders onto her lap and dribbled potions into his mouth, then drank a couple herself after making sure he'd swallowed the fluids. Casting Cure over him, she watched as the blackened outer layers flaked away, revealing healthy pink skin. Pale hair sprouted, grew and stuck out in every direction until Cloud finally opened his eyes.

 

“Shit. That hurt,” he croaked.

 

Overcome with relief, Tifa impulsively bent down and kissed him. Cloud appeared nicely stunned when she pulled back, but then he raised his hand and carefully touched her cheek. “Are you all right?”

 

“I'm fine. A few cuts and burns, but I'll live,” she replied, ducking her head in an attempt to hide her pink cheeks.

 

“Then let's get Cure happening - ow!” The materia dropped free of his carbonized glove and bounced off his forehead.

 

Tifa caught it, then cautiously reached over his metal gauntlet to retrieve the other materia, which was in similar danger of escaping. “Isn't your arm kinda hot?”

 

“Now that you mention it....”

 

She glanced at the channel and noted that it had refilled - but that the water was steaming. “We'll have to cool it off in the spring.”

 

“A nap would be good, too.” Cloud slowly sat upright and finally noticed that aside from his gauntlet, he was completely naked... and that almost fifty feet separated him from his sword. Contemplating the distance and the scorch marks, he treated Tifa to a thoughtful look.

 

“I'm not sure how safe it is; the snake was still alive the last time I saw it,” she said, distractedly trying to determine whether sticking the materia down her top for transport was the safest bet.

 

“If it isn't dead yet, it soon will be. Poison takes a while to work, but it never fails.” Wincing, he slowly rolled onto his knees. “Bastard packed a punch.” Tifa decided to keep the materia in her fist, tucked herself under his arm and helped him to his feet. They briefly staggered until they found their balance; after one painful encounter between his hip and the hot metal, Cloud was more careful about keeping his gauntlet away from his skin. “I want to know what the hell a Midgar Zolom is doing so far south.”

 

“What's their usual range?” She left him holding up the wall while she collected the bedrolls.

 

“The swamps surrounding the Mythril Mine outside Kalm.”

 

“Another ShinRa training exercise?” Tifa asked, again pulling his arm across her shoulders. Hesitantly sliding her arm around his nude waist, she guided him into the cavern.

 

“A full-fledged mission, and it sucked.” Cloud tried to straighten up. “I can walk.”

 

“Says the naked guy who keeps tripping over his own feet,” Tifa muttered, blushing brightly enough to outshine the cool glow of mako as she tried to watch their footing instead of his swinging anatomy. “I don't want you to fall into a clump of crystals.” Dropping the bedrolls on the high ground beside the still pool, she helped Cloud to sit down.

 

He immediately rolled into the water and submerged, surfacing a moment later looking relieved... until he saw the angry red blisters on her legs as she organized the bedrolls. “Get in here now.”

 

Tifa arranged the two materia beside the discarded Restore in the clump of crystals before obeying, then turned a pretty shade of pink when Cloud stood upright and lifted her into the pool like a small child. His hands lingered - just before he lost his balance, pressing Tifa up against the side. “Show off,” she grumbled, propping him up while trying to ignore both the intimate way he fitted against her and the rocks digging into her back.

 

His arm slid around her waist as he exhaled against her ear. “Gimme the materia.”

 

“You'll pass out,” she warned.

 

“Not before I fix you,” he insisted, his hand wrapping around her fist and prying at the orb.

 

“You're not easy to pick up, you know.”

 

“I've never been an easy pick-up.” Finally managing to winkle it free, he cast the spell.

 

Sighing in relief as the healing energy did its work, she poked him in the ribs. “Your turn.”

 

“Me? Why?” His knees were shaking and he was definitely holding onto her more tightly.

 

“Just a hunch.” Snorting quietly, Tifa took back the orb and returned the favour. “Okay, out you go.” Boosting him up onto the edge of the spring, she quickly followed in case he needed her support.

 

Cloud ran his hands through his hair and shook himself, his wet skin gleaming in the mako's glow, then flopped onto the nearest bedroll. Working his gauntlet off his arm, he put it aside, just in time to grab Tifa as she was about to lie down on the other bedroll and pulled her on top of him.

 

“What're you doing?” she yelped, instantly trying to escape, but he simply held on until she stopped thrashing.

 

“If we share this bedroll, we can use the other one for a blanket.”

 

Tifa gave the too-innocent swordsman a thoroughly exasperated look. “Couldn't you have just said something?”

 

“This is much more fun.”

 

“You must be feeling better.”

 

“Shouldn't have treated me with that last Cure.”

 

He laughed when she growled, loosening his grip only enough that she could slide off him, retrieve the other bedroll and unzip it. Meanwhile, Tifa was trying to not think about the fact that she was about to snuggle up with a completely naked Cloud and was really, really glad that none of their friends could see them. What's that saying? What happens on the road, stays on the road... right?

 

When she finally lay down beside him after fussing with the arrangement of the impromptu blanket, however, he made a face. “Your top's kinda cold... and wet....”

 

“Surely you're not suggesting that I take it off?” she frostily demanded.

 

“It'd be more comfortable... for both of us. Besides, I'm not sure that spending too much time in mako-soaked clothing is a good idea.”

 

“You're making that up!”

 

His gaze took on a distant quality. “No. I remember hearing someone talking about it....”

 

“Ugh. All right... but this isn't an invitation.”

 

Hurt flashed across his face. “If the idea freaks you out so much, then don't bother.” Kicking free of the blanket, he turned away and began pulling at the zipper on the bedroll he was lying on.

 

She immediately noticed how damp the makeshift mattress was, and instantly felt guilty. Not to mention the fact that he's made it clear that he trusts me... but this is different. Laying her hand on his shoulder, she said, “I'm sorry... it's just....”

 

“Just what?”

 

Taking a firm grasp on her courage, Tifa answered, “I don't know you very well.”

 

“What're you talking about? At the train station, you knew who I was right away!”

 

Shaking her head, she quietly clarified. “I recognized you; that's not the same as knowing a person.”

 

Realization dawned, and he flinched as if she'd slapped him. “You don't trust me.”

 

Choosing her words with care, she said, “I don't know you well enough to trust you.”

 

Cloud sat up and looked her straight in the eye. “Tifa, I promised to protect you years ago, and again yesterday, to Barret.” Lightly touching her hand, he added, “I'd be a pretty shitty protector if I turned around and attacked you.”

 

She shifted uncomfortably. “I just don't want you to think th-that I'm....”

 

Alerted by the tiny wobble in her voice, he offered, “That you're `easy'? Like hell. You're the farthest thing from that... I do know that much. Even though I've had a serious thing for you since I was six years old, I can control myself.” Tifa blinked rapidly as his words sank in; her eyes were so wide and her expression so stunned that Cloud couldn't help laughing a little. “I wanted to become a SOLDIER mainly to impress you.”

 

Her cheeks flushing and her ears reddening, she dropped her gaze to the scar on his chest. “Was it worth it?”

 

“Yes. SOLDIER gave me the power to protect you even more effectively,” he said earnestly. Grinning wryly, he added, “Not to mention the fact that you could break every bone in my body if I did try something is also a terrific deterrent.”

 

“Er, I see.”

 

Cloud laid back down, shuddering as he came into contact with the wet bedroll. “I need a nap if I'm going to get us back to Midgar in one piece.” Giving her a steady look, he bluntly said, “I'd really like you to join me.”

 

Making up her mind, Tifa flipped the blanket over him and turned around. Fighting her way out of her wet top, she shivered when her newly-bared skin came into contact with the chill air of the cavern. Should I leave my panties on, or take them off? Taking them off might send the wrong message... but I don't think that mako exposure on a very delicate area is a good idea, and we did just have a conversation about trust, so.... Shimmying out of the thin fabric, she wrung the dampness out both items before hesitantly sliding under the blanket with Cloud.

 

She crossed her hands over her breasts as he shifted onto his side and opened his arms, but he didn't pull, letting her decide how much distance to leave between them. Tifa cautiously settled in a position under Cloud's chin, her arms forming a defensive buffer between their chests, and her legs bent enough to keep her hips away from his. He carefully draped his arm over her waist, his hand resting lightly against her lower back. “Is this all right?” When she nodded, he sighed deeply, nuzzling her forehead. As Cloud's body relaxed, his arm somehow becoming heavier, he mumbled, “If I'd known that being fried to a crisp was all it would take to get you into bed with me, I'd go out looking for one of those damn snakes every single day.”

 

Tifa snorted, but before she could come up with a suitable response, Cloud fell fast asleep. The warmth radiating from his body was already banishing the clamminess from the bedroll and her eyes drooped lower with every blink until she, too, was asleep.

 

Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф

 

When she woke up, the blanket seemed inexplicably heavier and had developed angles. Tifa quickly realized that she was on her back, and that Cloud was sprawled half on top of her and half off. Her first impulse was to jab him in the ribs, because his leg now rested between hers and his hand lightly cupped the outer curve of her breast, but she stopped herself before she accused him of taking advantage because he was snoring softly in her ear. I know he fell asleep before me, so it isn't like he consciously did this. All the same, he's heavy and it's time to get moving. Considering how best to proceed, she took into consideration Cloud's hair-trigger defensive reflexes, so instead of doing something that might be misconstrued by his subconscious, she first gently displaced his wandering hand and then rubbed his shoulder. “Cloud... time to wake up.”

 

“Grrrmph?”

 

Chuckling at his muzzy expression when he raised his head, she couldn't help admiring his eyes. Instead of their usual bright intensity, they were the soft, misty blue of a summer morning. When he blinked, and some of the haziness dispelled, she asked, “Sleep well?”

 

His answering smile radiated contentment. “Next to you, who wouldn't?” Nestling closer, he made a pleased little humming sound and seemed inclined to go back to sleep, but instead he surprised her by confessing, “Sometimes it feels like there's too much noise inside my head, and it hurts, but when I'm close to you, the pain goes away.”

 

Maybe that's what's going on those times when he doesn't seem himself? “Is it just sounds?” she asked, genuinely curious.

 

“Coloured lights... sometimes I see things that aren't there.”

 

Sounds almost like a seizure of some sort. “Does this happen... often?”

 

“Enough that one of these days, someone's gonna get hurt because of me.”

 

Sliding her free arm around Cloud, Tifa gave him a reassuring hug. “How can I help?”

 

Rising up onto his elbow, he cupped her cheek, his fingers weaving into in her hair. “Just... stay by my side?” he asked quietly.

 

Touched by his vulnerability, she answered, “I-I can do that. Um... I hate to say this, but we have to go.”

 

Nodding, but not making any immediate move to leave, he studied her face with hooded eyes. Smiling quietly at her questioning expression, he leant down and brushed his lips, feather-light, over hers. “Thanks for being my friend.”

 

“Y-you're w-welcome.” Tifa was glad that she was lying down, because her knees were weakened by the tender gesture.

 

Smirking a little, as if he knew exactly the effect that the caress had on her, Cloud slid off and pulled her up to sitting. Chivalrously wrapping the bedroll around her, he stretched his arms up over his head and flexed. “All right; first order of business, get dress... ick!” Grimacing, he extracted something long, squishy and wet from under his heel. “Where's the flashlight?”

 

“Uhhh... not sure. I dropped it somewhere around here.” Peering into the dimness, Tifa thought she saw a metallic gleam a few feet away and reached for it, immeasurably relieved when her fingers closed around the flashlight's handle. “Got it.”

 

“Show and tell.” The beam of light revealed something that definitely resembled a blind cave worm, a rather unappetizing possibility, until Cloud pinched it between his fingers, sending beads of liquid running down the length and dripping onto his leg. Inspecting the clear fluid, he said, “I think this belongs to you,” and tossed it to Tifa, who promptly bungled the catch.

 

However, the texture definitely wasn't right for a worm, and she quickly identified it. “My hair tie!”

 

“Looks that it wasn't the only thing you dropped.” He held up the discarded materia.

 

“I needed a slot for the Poison.” Tifa gathered up her clothing and found her boots. She was about to put them on when a sixth sense warned; turning them upside down and shaking, something small and hard-shelled fell out, hit the ground and scuttled away in the darkness.

 

“What was that?”

 

“No idea, but dump your boots just in case.”

 

After she stood up, still bundled in the blanket, he slung the other bedroll over his shoulder, helped collect their gear and led the way out of the cavern. Outside, the stone had cooled but the scorch marks and blackened sword were stark reminders of just how bad it had been. As Tifa began looking through the saddlebags, Cloud enfolded her in a hug. “Thanks.”

 

“It was nothing. Um, despite what you said earlier... don't make a regular habit of losing to a Zolom, okay?”

 

“I'll do my best - but if you agreed to bunk in with me every night, that'd solve my problem,” he teased.

 

“Er... I'll think about it,” she replied, distracted. “Darn it!”

 

“What's wrong?”

 

“My clothing choices are either `damp' or `bloodied',” she grumbled.

 

Cloud reached into the bag and brought out his spare sweater. “You're welcome to this.”

 

“But then you don't have anything clean to wear!”

 

He shrugged. “Not the first time.” Slipping into her one mercifully clean pair of panties, Tifa quickly pulled on the sweater. As she tugged her hair free of the collar, Cloud paused in the process of buckling his belt. “You can borrow that any time you want,” he said with a wolfish grin, appreciating the way the snug garment accentuated her generous curves.

 

“I think it'll be kinda stretched,” she muttered, putting on her skirt and discovering that she had to tuck in the excess length of the sweater.

 

“I'll cope.” Clearing the channel in one easy jump, he collected his sword and returned in time to once again take over her hairbrush. Tifa happily gave in, feeling only slightly guilty over how much she enjoyed his attentions. After Cloud gathered the dark strands and tied them together with the rescued cording, he wound the length around her neck in preparation for departure. When his hands lingered on her shoulders, Tifa turned around and stood on tip-toe to kiss his cheek.

 

She wasn't surprised to be pulled into an embrace, but was soothed by the gentleness of his hold. Almost like he's... cherishing the moment. Blushing, because she highly doubted anything as sentimental as that was going through Cloud's mind, she hugged him back. The soft exhalation next to her ear and the way he gathered her closer were sweetly appealing, so the kiss that followed seemed a natural extension of this newly expressed affection. The second and the third were equally gentle, but the fourth and fifth took on a deeper intensity that momentarily blocked all thoughts of what they were supposed to be doing - at least until Tifa's sense of responsibility kicked in.

 

Reluctantly breaking the heated contact, she breathlessly murmured, “People are waiting for us.”

 

“I know,” he whispered, his mouth incredibly soft-looking, and she had to stop herself from kissing him again.

 

They slowly stepped away from each other to finish preparing for their departure, but found plenty of opportunities to stay close during a quick meal of rice balls and pickled vegetables, despite it being eaten standing up. While she packed the bags, Cloud wiped his hands off on his trousers and checked over the motorcycle. “We're good to go; woulda been a long walk back to Midgar otherwise.” Sliding into the saddle and firing the engine, he waited for Tifa to climb on behind and settle before backing up, then paused to put on the spare gloves she dangled over his shoulder.

 

Poised on the top of the natural ramp, he squinted against the blazing sun and let out a low whistle. Tifa craned her neck to see, and was stunned by the number of scavengers that had already arrived to gorge on the snake's body. Leathery, segmented wings fluttered and snapped as their owners squabbled over choice bits of viscera; a dozen or more took off after one that flapped away with a long, glistening section of what appeared to be intestine in its beak. Shaggy beasts prowled around the slackened coils, tearing away mouthfuls of flesh at every opportunity whilst driving off attacks by fangy reptilian predators.

 

“They're too busy eating to bother us - ready?” At her nod, he rolled the bike down the ramp and began picking his way through the rock field, taking the shortest line across to the path. They were buzzed twice by the winged creatures, but were obviously judged to be of no interest, because they were left alone.

 

Tifa kept a close eye to make sure that nothing else decided to leave the feast to check out their snack potential while Cloud swore fluently under his breath and continued navigating their way to safety. A streamer of that odd, net-like material fluttered from a jagged boulder; snagging it as they slalomed their way past, she realized that there had been warning signs everywhere, but that they'd ignored them. “Look at this,” she said, holding it where he could see it.

 

“What about it?”

 

“The Zolom's eyes were cloudy; I'll bet it came up here to shed its skin.”

 

“Well, shit. Lucky for us we found that Poison materia.” Finally reaching the path with only a few scrapes added to the skid plate, he lined up the front wheel with the centre of the narrow path and coasted a short distance downward until he had a feel for the bike's ability to handle the descent. “It's gonna be a hella faster trip down than it was up.”

 

“Wait.” Tifa tugged on the straps of his harness, staring at the distant black smudge marring the horizon.

 

Setting the brake, he gave her his full attention. “What?”

 

“I... I don't want to go back.”

 

Following her line of sight, he considered the dark cloud. “I don't particularly want to, either.”

 

Tifa hung her head. “When we get there, just... drop me off and keep going. This isn't your fight.”

 

Cloud twisted violently in the saddle and grasped her face between his palms. “Don't be stupid,” he growled, then kissed her fiercely. “Don't be stupid,” he repeated more gently, several moments later. “How'm I supposed to protect you if I'm not there?” Kissing her again, softly and tenderly this time, he said, “Let's go.”

 

Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф

 

Tifa had somewhat recovered her emotional equilibrium by the time they made it down onto the valley floor and approached the rest stop. “Pull in, Cloud - I want to tell them not to go anywhere near the plateau.”

 

“I doubt they've gone any further than the orchard for years,” he pointed out.

 

“I know, but if not for them, we wouldn't have found the spring in the first place.”

 

“All right... but be quick. If we leave now, we'll make it back for 7th Heaven's opening.” Bringing the bike to a stop, he left the engine running as a broad hint that they didn't have time for lengthy conversations.

 

Tifa bounced across the gravel to the shack, where the old couple looked remarkably happy to see her again. “Just wanted to let you know that there's a dead Midgar Zolom up on the plateau; the scavengers are already at work.”

 

“You're sure about it being a Midgar Zolom, young lady?” the man demanded.

 

“Yes. My boyfriend recognized it from a mission to Kalm.”

 

“Hrmph. Could be why Kalm Fangs are becoming a nuisance, if Zoloms are moving into their territory.”

 

“Actually, it looks like the Zolom was using the rocks up there to help shed its skin; there's tons of snakeskin all over the place.”

 

“When I was a girl, there were enough regular-sized snakes up there to discourage a body from staying too long,” the old woman interjected. “The Zoloms probably ate `em.”

 

“This one nearly ate us,” Tifa said.

 

While his wife made sympathetic noises, the old man scratched his chin, eying the colourful orbs embedded in her Bangle, then fumbled in his pocket and produced a golden-hued materia. “Here, miss. You or your young fella might be able to put this to good use,” he said, tossing it to her.

 

“Oh! Thank you, sir!”

 

He waved his hand. “Consider it a token of our appreciation for getting rid of those Prowlers. You'd better skedaddle if'n you're gonna make it back to Midgar before dinnertime.”

 

“Yes. Thanks again!” Returning to the motorcycle, she gave Cloud the small sphere as she slid onto the saddle.

 

He whistled softly. “A Steal materia... nice.” Handing it back, he saluted the elderly couple and revved the engine. “Hold on tight - we're gonna set a new land speed record.”

 

Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф

 

When they pulled into 7th Heaven's rear courtyard hours later, Tifa actually stumbled from the effects of being pummelled by the wind from the incredible speeds that Cloud had wrung out of the motorcycle's engine on the way back. I definitely know how it feels to be `scared half to death'! He caught her arm to steady her and made sure she was okay before handing her the saddlebags, but made no move to dismount. “What are you doing?”

 

“I have to return the bike.”

 

“Oh! You mean you really did borrow it?”

 

He grinned. “If I had that Steal materia yesterday, I wouldn't have had to embarrass myself.”

 

Propping her fist on her hip, Tifa demanded, “Exactly what did you promise this poor sap?”

 

Adopting a breathy falsetto, Cloud lisped, “I'd be ever so grateful if my big brother could use this bike to run an errand... I really love to ride big, powerful things, you know.”

 

“You didn't...!”

 

“Oh, yes, I did. He's probably been bragging to all his buddies about the hot little piece of ass he's gonna nail tonight... except it's her `big brother' who's returning the bike.”

 

“You're evil.”

 

Waggling his eyebrows, he smirked. “You love it.” When she shook her head in exasperation, he caught hold of her hand and drew her closer. Unwinding her hair from around her neck, he gently tugged in mute appeal, and Tifa gave in without hesitation, despite the risk of being discovered at any moment. The kiss was soft and sweet and full of promise; Cloud's eyes were dark when he finally pulled back, stroking his thumb over her lower lip. “Back in a few minutes,” he murmured huskily.

 

Tifa waved him off into Midgar's pitch-black environs, heaved the saddlebags onto her shoulder and went through the kitchen door....

 

... into a state of chaos.

 

“Tifa!” A small body flung itself at her.

 

“Marlene?”

 

“Where's Cloud?” the little girl tearfully asked, her tiara slipping down over one eye. “The soldiers are looking for him!”

 

“What?” Lifting Marlene onto her hip, Tifa strode across the kitchen and into the bar. The rest of the team was talking in loud, agitated voices around one of the tables - except Aerith, who immediately came towards her with a question on her lips.

 

“Why are you wearing Cloud's sweater?”

 

“Eh? Long story; it involves a snake.”

 

“A snake?”

 

“Tifa! Where's Spiky?” Barret roared. “ShinRa's shit is hittin' the fuckin' fan!”

 

“Daddy! Watch your language!” Marlene said primly, and the big man instantly became contrite.

 

“Cloud's returning the motorcycle,” Tifa informed them, handing the heavy saddlebags to Aerith, who nearly dropped them. “What's going on?”

 

“Fool shoulda kept it; might have to make an exit, stage left.”

 

Jessie broke in. “A ShinRa patrol showed up last night,” she said. “They were looking for a swordsman whose description uncannily fit Cloud.”

 

“How did you get rid of them?”

 

“Fed `em the mystery meat to see if it might be fatal, but it wasn't, so we just smiled and nodded until they left,” Wedge answered worriedly.

 

“7th Heaven is now on ShinRa's radar screens,” Biggs said, tightening the knot on his headband. “We have to move, and the sooner, the better.”

 

Cloud hurtled through the front door of the bar in time to hear Biggs' remark. “How about now? ShinRa's gonna drop the Plate.” When they all just stared at him, he growled, “Apparently ShinRa supplied Midgar with a built-in destruct option; instead of trying to flush out AVALANCHE, they're planning on crushing you... literally.”

 

“And everyone else!” Tifa gasped.

 

“Motherfu... er, they're not very nice, are they?” Wedge hastily amended at Barret's warning glare.

 

“Daddy...?” Marlene whimpered, even though she clung even tighter to Tifa.

 

Aerith put down the saddlebags and held out her hands to the little girl. “I'll take you to my mother's house. You'll be safe there.”

 

“Where is it?” Barret asked heavily.

 

“Sector Five. Cloud knows where it is.”

 

“Far enough that if anything does go wrong, it won't be hit by debris,” he ruminated. “Take her, but stay there, missy. We'll pick you up afterwards.” When Aerith opened her mouth to protest, he held up his hand. “The kind of fightin' we'll be doing isn't for ladies. Best that you stay clear of it.”

 

Jessie stage-whispered, “Guess you and me aren't considered `ladies', Tifa.”

 

Barret looked honestly confused, but before he could dig himself in deeper, Tifa said, “Never mind,” and handed Marlene over to Aerith. The teary little girl hugged her tightly around the neck before letting go. “We'll see you soon, sweetie.”

 

“Okay.” Marlene wiped her eyes and took Aerith's hand; the woman smiled reassuringly.

 

“Everyone has a job to do, and ours is to stay safe.”

 

“Bye, Daddy... be careful.”

 

“I will. You be good, princess.”

 

As they headed towards the door, Aerith stopped to lay her hand on Cloud's arm. “Don't do anything rash,” she implored.

 

“Tifa'll keep me in line. Wedge, you provide escort for these two and meet us at the Pillar. Warn as many people as you can while you're at it.” As the trio headed out into the shadows, Cloud glanced around at everyone else. “Grab as much weaponry, ammo, materia and potions as you can carry. We gotta haul ass if we're gonna stop these bastards.”

 

Barret didn't object to Cloud's assumption of leadership, instead confirming his orders and sending everyone scattering to collect what was needed. Tifa hefted the saddlebags and headed for the stairs.

 

Once in her room, she quickly emptied the bags and sorted through the remaining supplies with trembling hands. This is it. We're confronting ShinRa in the open. Can we win? Rather than think too much about their chances, or lack of them, Tifa concentrated on packing a knapsack with as many of the crucial items and materia as would fit. I have to assume that we won't be coming back, even if we do stop them. Stripping out of Cloud's sweater, she added it to the load and pulled on another of her tank tops, then rolled and stuffed other pieces of their clothing around the flasks to cushion them.

 

He was standing in the doorway when she shouldered the bag and turned to leave. They simply looked at each other for a long moment, until he muttered, “Helluva homecoming,” and crossed the short distance to wrap her in his arms. The embrace was brief and desperate, ending with a hard, fast kiss. “C'mon.” They met the assembled group downstairs; he cast a critical eye over their preparations before swinging his weapon onto his back. “Let's mosey,” he said, and led the way out of the bar.

 

Tifa came up the rear, making sure the `Closed for Business' sign was facing outward before shutting the door with a sense of finality. How long will it be before we have another place to call home? Turning her back on the dilapidated structure that been her refuge for most of the past five years, she ran to catch up with the group before they disappeared into the darkness.

 

Ф Ф Ф Ф Ф

 

~Post Script~

 

Years later, after the long, harrowing battles on so many fronts were over and a well-earned peace had taken hold, a wee girl with her mother's eyes and her father's unruly hair found a tattered, faded length of blue silk ribbon carefully wrapped up like a priceless relic in her mother's jewellery box. Curious, and sure that there must be a story to go with it, she took it to her parents for an explanation.

 

She was confused when her normally unflappable father turned an interesting shade of red, before hurriedly claiming that her baby brother required a fresh diaper - when he normally would do just about anything to avoid that often-odoriferous task - extracted the babe from her mother's arms and disappeared with amazing speed.

 

However, that was nothing in comparison to her surprise at the gales of laughter that erupted out of her usually reserved mother, and she was still trying to decide whether she should laugh as well or cry when Tifa wiped her eyes and scooped the little girl into her lap.

 

“That story will have to wait until you're older, sweetie,” she giggled, rocking her daughter until the worried look disappeared from the little one's face. Taking the ribbon from the dimpled hand and tucking it into her pocket for safekeeping, she added with a mischievous smile, “Shall we make Daddy a snack? I bet he'd like some sliced apples.”

 

~finis