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“Hey, you’re still awake.” Her voice is soft and soothing, just like the ocean waves. He likes hearing her talk, the words she uses and the way she delivers them with such sincerity is precious to him. The other boys would’ve laughed at him if they found out, that’s why he keeps it to him and himself only, not even to her. Obviously.
He looked away from the scenery and settled his gaze onto her. Cat-themed pajamas in the color teal, just like her everyday dress. Slightly tousled hair, enough evidence to say that she was tossing and turning before. She crossed her legs on the sand next to him. They stay quiet for a while, taking in the pearly moonlight.
Cloud developed a habit of watching her when it’s like this — in Nibelheim or anywhere else. Starry eyes mimicking the ones up above and expectant for the moon to be greater and greater each time she greets it, studying her expression deserves a thesis in its own right.
The Costa del Sol weather in the night is far chillier than it’s day counterpart, maybe it’s because of that his hands feel sweaty and his body hot all around. Yes, of course, the windy weather is the one that’s making him extremely anxious, and definitely not because of his very pretty best friend.
Who was he even fooling? Himself? Not even a carbuncle would believe the reasons he was spewing out in his mind. She’s going to be sad when I tell her, what do I-
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Her words cut off his distressed train of thoughts and he was almost pacified from all the disturbances. She still kept her eyes on the distant satellite, never a second off of it.
“What is?”
“The moon, you chocobo.” Oh, duh. Why did he even have to ask. He thinks of the moon as just alright, it’s pretty, just not that pretty. He knows she would have to disagree when he voices his opinion, but it’s the truth. There is something even prettier than that. “Ehh, It’s okay. I’ve seen prettier.” He put on that usual dorky smile of his, and her heart leapt.
She puffed her cheeks in response, whether it’s real or false agitation was unknown. Maybe it’s a little bit of both. “And that is? Because I already beg to differ.”
Cloud leaned back with both of his hands supporting his upper body. A shy look already appeared on his face. Not wanting fear to take control over his mind, he says it in a rushed manner. “You. You’re beautiful.”
Even though his words were near to incomprehensible, she still heard it loud and clear. She was dumbstruck like Maru when she failed to catch a bird. All these years… all these years thinking that he didn’t have any romantic feelings for her.
By the time she recollected her bearings, he’d already kept his face away. No doubt that his face was flaming red. Scooting closer to him, she touched his fingers gently. He can feel her soft breathing near his neck hair, and he shivers. “Cloud… do you like me?”
Sucking it up, he turned around and met her. His nerves were unruly and so did hers. Ruby eyes looked dead straight at him when he settled both of his hands on her shoulders.
“I love you, Tifa. I always have, ever since we were kids. But I didn’t know if you feel the same way and-“
“Oh Cloud, you’re so oblivious. Of course, I do!” She was in no place to say that he was the one who’s oblivious, when it was clearly the both of them. Pulling him in a tight embrace, she’s positive that he can feel her thumping chest. He grips her tighter as if he’s scared that she’ll poof away.
And somehow, he feels like he didn’t deserve her reciprocation when there’s a secret he’s hiding. He pulls her away, jolting her in the process. “Wait, Tifa. I got to tell you something.”
When she blinks in pure confusion, he continues. “I’m planning to go to Midgar, and I’m… wondering if you’re willing to go with me.” She smiles at his earnest request for a second before diving in to kiss him.
Hoo boy, was he struck by lightning. He puts a hand behind her head to deepen the kiss. The butterflies in her stomach seem to flutter at the gesture. Both of them weren't able to wrap their heads around it, kissing the person who you yearned over for so long wasn’t exactly porridge — being able to gulp it down with little to no difficulty.
She was the one who broke away. Moving his bangs from covering his forehead, she sighed in contentment. “I’ll always be by your side wherever you decide to go. Don’t worry about talking to my papa, I’ll handle it.” There’s going to be a whole lot of explaining to do to Brian, and he’s thankful he’s not carrying that burden all by himself.
He gave her a big grin that speaks volumes on how overjoyed he is. “I promise I’ll show you the entire world.” Tifa shakes her head in amusement. “As long as we stick together, that’s all that matters to me!”
Nodding in resoluteness, he kisses her palms and she giggles. “I want something hot to drink, wanna come in? I’ll brew your favorite tea, if you want.” He didn’t take any time to contemplate any other answers, as he immediately agreed.
“Sure, I can go for a cup.” She immediately stood up at his answer, patting away at the sand that clings to her pajamas. He grabs her hand when she reaches out to pull him up, and before he fully lands on his feet, she speeds through the night to her lodging and drags him along the way.
Huh, a pretty good night if he says so himself.