Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII with the characters, items, places, etc. are the property of Square Enix, Inc. No infringement is intended.

Author's Note: Prompt for Endless Summer 2019 for the CloTi-Zerith Week on Tumblr. I picked the quote, "Well that just happened," for the June 26th prompts.

I've had this story brewing in my head for awhile, and after the collaboration week was announced, I had to join! This story was inspired by two AU fics I love with Cloud making it into the SOLDIER program, with Zack and Aerith alive and the Shinra company in good public standing. Those two stories are Fidelity by sekiharatae and Stay With Me by ValentinesNinja. I also had some influence from Grey's Anatomy, which helped me with the cover I made. Shoutout to Denebola Leo, a great friend and author, for betaing this story. I hope you enjoy my first attempt at a new AU story! Please review.

The title of the story was inspired by The Lovin' Spoonful's song "Summer in the City".

-. Summer in the City .-

Chapter I: One Girl, One Drink

Cloud's eyes twitched with annoyance as he stepped closer to the seaside nightclub he was to meet his friends at that evening. Lamia Lounge wasn't his scene, but Aerith had picked the venue. It was her night after all, being recently promoted to a fully fledged biochemist at Faremis Labs, helping invent and create Gaia's supply of various potions.

Zack was determined for him to go out and socialize that weekend, and he only relented to his friend's whims when he was told it was a celebration for Aerith. After a few hours of running the Wutai simulator with his friend at Shinra HQ yesterday, his patience was wearing thin. He slashed away at digitized enemies while Zack rambled on and on about his lack of social life in between his own swings. Even though the two military men lived together off base, Cloud wasn't at the apartment much lately. Many nights were spent late at the training facility, hoping to be picked for top ranking missions. Currently a Second Class Soldier, Cloud was so close to his own promotion.

After the last round of enemies vanished into tiny blocks floating in the air, the brooding man finally gave in. One night out would get Zack to shut his mouth for the next few months, which would be a good amount of time to reach the next rank to First Class. His friend cheerfully jumped up in triumph, and was knocked down by a virtual behemoth in mid air. Cloud may or may have not timed that encounter, but he did take down the enemy swiftly before Zack hopped back up onto his own two feet.

The blond let out a heavy sigh once the view of the neon illuminated building was apparent, followed by the blaring music thundering from the inside. A crowd was out front, but at least there wasn't a long line to get inside. He was glad to see his choice of attire worked, as he didn't want to be overdressed. A black t-shirt, dark jeans and black utility boots is all he needed. Cloud just wanted to get this night over with as quickly as possible. Deep down inside he knew Zack's ulterior motive, and he wasn't going to put up with it. Not tonight, not ever. His friend was very invested in his...love life, or lack thereof.

It wasn't that he didn't want a girlfriend, he just didn't have time for one. Cloud was so close to making First Class, and he had made so much progress lately without a girl hanging onto his arm. So much improvement in four months without Jessie, his ex-girlfriend. Surely he wasn't still hung up on her, but an unnecessary distraction would be a waste of precious time.

His friend was worried about some 'pent up frustrations' he might have, certain ones of sexual nature. Cloud groaned in irritation when the topic was brought up, in the locker room of all places, but Zack was Zack. He was the older brother he never had, with a heart of gold for those around him but annoying all the same. Even if he meant well, the intrusion on his personal life wasn't welcomed. Any tension he supposedly had would've been unleashed in his daily training, and no one night stand that Zack was pushing on him was imperative. The idea of him picking up a random girl to sleep with made him chuckle.

His friend was a ladies' man before he settled down, but talking to a girl was never easy for himself. Cloud just happened to keep running into Jessie at a local coffee shop, over and over. Eventually after a few interactions he asked her out...for a cup of coffee. She laughed at him while accepting his offer. This took time though, not one night like Zack assumed was plausible for him to do.

Even if he did meet a girl tonight, it wasn't going to be able to go anywhere until he was done with his training. Jessie had made it clear why she decided to leave...by cheating on him. Back to back missions, Cloud wasn't in the city very much. Exhausted from all the monster hunting and co-op assignments abroad, the one night a week he had with Jessie was spent resting indoors. No amount of apologies or pleads to make her understand this was only temporary would get through to her. Not even a promise for a trip to themselves.

Bitterness had taken over her, and a man answered her door half naked the night he returned. A huge fight broke out between them, and it was over. Cloud threw himself into his training, and Jessie had a new guy. Any girl tonight would do the same thing, he assumed. Zack and Aerith had been worried about his refusals to go out, but he was pretty content with his solitude right now.

And that was how Cloud found himself here tonight, handing his ID card to the bouncer to get into the latest nightclub in Edge. He sent a text message to his friends that he was here, taking note of the time quickly. A few drinks, then back onto the train to Midgar. It would all be over and he wouldn't have to go out again for a long time. Just enough to satisfy his friends' unwanted worries. Slipping his ID back into his wallet, he stepped inside the entrance and found Aerith right away, the brunette giving him a friendly smile upon sight. She was sitting alone in the seating area lined with violet-colored couches, and small black tables in between with miniature golden cactuar lanterns. He was surprised how brightly colored the decor appeared even if the lighting inside the club was dimmed. Cloud approached his friend, who was waving him over to join her.

"I'm so glad you showed up! I had Zack get us some drinks to start with," the chestnut haired girl explained as he sat on the cushioned seat. This place had a modern flair to it, and with how boxy all the furniture appeared he was glad the seating was surprisingly comfortable. He didn't want to have to stand, because then he would be pushed to dance. And he hated dancing.

The charming girl next to him was wearing a stylish color block dress. The strappy top was bright white while the short flare skirt was a royal blue. Even for a nightclub, Aerith was still dressed classy. She began looking at him skeptically, a slightly amused look on her face as she tilted her head to the side. Aerith was still wearing her signature pink bow Zack gifted her on their first date. Cloud cleared his throat, realizing he must've been lost in his thoughts for a bit. "Well, we're celebrating, aren't we?" he replied. He was only here tonight for friends, nothing more.

"Perhaps," she chimed back, her emerald eyes sparkling a bit when she gandered past him. Blue eyes narrowed back at her 'oh so innocent' look, knowing she was up to something too. Before he could inquire, a lively voice interrupted to the right.

"Hey, Cloud! Glad you could actually join us," Zack greeted while placing down three tumblers holding dark amber liquid with a lemon slice garnished on each rim. The indigo eyed man was always dressed to impress. His choice of a navy blazer and white dress shirt with black slacks wasn't a surprise to the cadet. "I got us your favorite cocktail."

That confirmed it. Cloud did enjoy this drink, but with how smooth it went down and his history with it, his eyes widened a bit. Rum, gin, vodka, tequila, and a splash of cola was a genuine recipe for disaster for him. Zack point blank wanted him to get drunk tonight.

His eyes darted up to his friend, who sat on the small couch across from him. "You know how I get with Matra Magic Iced Tea."

"I do?" the raven-haired man feigned innocence. "You get pretty happy after a few."

"Cloud, we just want us all to have fun tonight," Aerith interjected cheerfully, trying to cover for her boyfriend.

He wasn't buying it at all. Picking up his glass, he spoke before taking a sip. "I'll have one, but that's it."

"Man, you need to live a little. All work and no play isn't good for you!" Zack began to chide. "If you aren't going to get drunk, at least buy a pretty girl a drink. Mingle a bit with the opposite sex."

Mingle? Cloud scoffed in return before finishing his cocktail. Two more drinks and he was out of here.

"One girl, one drink. That's all I'm asking for."

"No."

Aerith giggled while locking her arm around her boyfriend's, affectionately rubbing it with her free hand. "I'll even pick the girl for you, Cloud. What'dya say?"

Either Zack put her up to it or she was really worried about him. In any case, he ignored her and waved down a waitress for a glass of water to drink.

"Cloud, it's not nice to ignore my lady. Just talk to one girl, and buy her a drink. Then we won't bother you about it for a month, okay?"

Drinking his ice cold beverage to sober up a bit, he continued to ignore them. Now the offer for the one month evasion was tempting, but he didn't believe it, with how forward the couple was, to hold up to it.

As a new song began to play through the speakers, Zack stood up and warned his friend. "You leave me no choice."

Oh no. He wouldn't…

"But at night it's a different world. Go out and find a girl," the bold man began to sing. Aerith was delighted and clapped her hands in amusement, while laughing back at Cloud. "Come-on come-on and dance all night. Despite the heat it'll be alright!"

Oh he would. Palm flat against his face, he hid from Zack's antics. However, his friend took this as a challenge, grabbed his arm tightly to lift him up while still singing along to the song.

"And babe, don't you know it's a pity, that the days can't be like the nights," Zack resounded while wrapping his arm around Cloud's shoulder, beginning to sway. "In the summer, in the city. In the summer, in the city."

Pushing out of his grasp Cloud gave in to be saved from further open embarrassment as the other patrons around began to laugh. "Fine Zack. I will talk to one girl, and buy her one drink. Then, I'm getting the hell outta here."

Zack chuckled as he patted his back. "All right! Aerith, do the honors and find Cloud a woman."

"Hmm," the jade eyed girl stood up next to Zack, placing her hand against her chin as she observed the nightclub. After a moment of peering into the crowd, Aerith pointed to a girl leaving the dance floor and heading to the bar. "I think the lady in red will do."

Zack whistled at his girlfriend's choice of woman. "She's fine."

"Excuse me?" Aerith scowled back.

"Not as fine as you though," Zack corrected himself, appearing uneasy under her heated stare. He waved his hand out to emphasize. "Not even close."

Smiling once again, she turned to the spiky blond who was staring at the brunette she picked out for him. "Well Cloud, what are you waiting for?"

Sidestepping his friends, he moved slowly through the dancing crowd towards the bar. After slipping out he paused for a moment. Cloud settled his eyes on the woman he was supposed to woo. Her back was turned to him as she conversed with a short Wutaian girl in front of her. Sleek brown hair cascaded down her back, partially covering the scarlet colored dress she wore.

Lady in red, this must be her. A few steps forward, he was behind the said woman and tapped gently on her exposed shoulder. When she turned, he was met with carmine eyes fringed with thick lashes. They were both so familiar and captivating. He simply couldn't believe how beautiful she was. He couldn't believe even who she was either. The bright smile that spread across her porcelain cheeks confirmed she recognized him too.

"Tifa?!

"Well that just happened," her boyfriend commented as they both watched Cloud slip into the mass of people.

Aerith sat back down on the couch and patted the seat next to her for him to come back and join her. "It was easier than I expected."

"He's actually gonna do it!" Zack said excitedly as he made himself comfortable next to her. He placed his arm along the back of the couch as she settled closer to him.

"A little push in the right direction will do him good," Aerith mirthfully responded as she squeezed his thigh. When Zack brought up the idea to get Cloud to start dating again she had to play along, even if the night was supposed to be for her. A little fun never hurt nobody. However, with the brooding man's words declaring his rather soon departure she had to choose wisely. "I picked her for a reason."

"Oh really?"

"Mmhmm," she nodded. "She will hold his attention for more than one drink. I expect him to stay longer than he promised."

"She's exactly the kind of girl Cloud needs in his life," her boyfriend agreed as he observed the reserved man approach the sexy woman.

Aerith picked up her drink she barely had and took a sip before snuggling closer to the raven-haired man. "Zack, we can't spend the whole night worried about Cloud."

"I just wanna see him actually buy her the drink," Zack kissed her cheek quickly, before turning his gaze back over to the bar area. "Then all my attention will be on you."

Placing her drink back down, she leaned into Zack, her breath tickling his earlobe as he slightly shivered when she spoke. "I want your undivided attention now."

She knew he was smiling, his arm curling up behind her to tuck her in closer. He still didn't break his stare from their matchmaking attempt though. Aerith placed her hand on his opposite cheek to pull him in for a kiss, however this move was halted to her surprise.

Zack grabbed her hand on reflex, his blue-violet eyes widening. "Did he just say 'Tifa'?!"

Aerith snapped her attention over where her boyfriend was gawking at. "Who's Tifa?"

Together they observed the gorgeous brunette throw her arms around Cloud's neck, bringing him in for a close hug. For a moment he looked unsure at the gesture, then willfully returned the embrace.

"Holy shit! It is Tifa!"

"Again, who is Tifa?" she curiously reminded Zack of her question. He may have ignored her advances but she had to know who this mystery woman was that was clinging to Cloud right now.

"The girl next door! He had the hots for her in high school," Zack quickly related back when he turned to her. "Tifa is the reason he joined Soldier."

"Interesting. It doesn't look like it was a one-sided crush," Aerith said while tapping the air with her finger towards the recently reunited couple.

"He always thought so, but I had my suspicions."

"Cloud is going to stay the whole night."

"Cloud is getting laid," Zack corrected while wagging his eyebrows. "I'll have to stay at your place tonight."

"That's fine by me," Aerith began before she leaned into his ear and whisper playfully. "But for now, let's dance."

His indigo eyes twinkled back at her, a hint of mischief present in the look he gave her. Zack grasped her hand and gently kissed her knuckles, lifting her up with him as he stood. Teasing would take up most of the night by him, but she didn't mind as she would tease him right back.

Tifa moved to the beat of the music, shaking her head side to side while moving her hips. She hated to admit that a night out of dancing was what she needed, but Yuffie was indeed right. The past few months had been tense with her final semester of school and her last breakup with her ex. Being single for the first time since high school was new to her, but she hadn't allowed herself any fun for two months with her education being her priority. She threw herself into her books and excelled, then finally landed a career opportunity she couldn't pass up: an internship.

A new city, a new job, and a new place with Yuffie. She accepted the position last minute and was lucky that her college best friend offered her shared space. Yuffie transferred early to Midgar University, and Tifa was finally joining her for her final year. It was her first night free after the move, and Yuffie allow the first night of summer to pass them by as they hung out inside. Tifa rolled her eyes at her friend's excuse, as she really knew the short haired girl was just trying to make her own boyfriend jealous. She went out anyway when he cancelled on their date due to work.

"Looks like someone is having fun," Yuffie shouted to her on the dance floor while busting her own moves. She was wearing a black one shoulder dress that clung to her body except for the slit across her midriff. "And you wanted to stay in and watch TV."

"And you needed me to make Vincent jealous," the brunette winked back, still dancing.

"You're damn right I did! He picked paperwork over me," her friend admitted with a hint of bitterness.

"He's a Turk, isn't he?"

"Yeah, but that's not the point!"

"I think it is, and I know he'll make it up to you from what you told me about him," Tifa pointed out again. "Should we get something to drink?"

"Don't ya mean have some guys buy us drinks?" Yuffie corrected while still bouncing. "I'll be your wingwoman or whatever, for tonight if you need me too."

"Yuffie…" Tifa stopped dancing. The idea of a man in her life so soon was a real damper to her mood. Too soon after what Johnny did. She couldn't willfully trust someone again after the pain he caused her. "I'm not ready for a relationship."

"Relationship?" the younger girl interjected, sticking her tongue out in disgust before she continued. "I'm talking about you getting some!"

Tifa cheeks reddened, almost as dark as her scarlet halter strap dress. She should have figured her friend had a plan when she picked out this outfit for her. The neckline wasn't too low, but low enough. She crossed her arms before she rejected the idea. "I'm not having a one-night stand."

"Okay, okay! But maybe you could get a guy to buy us some drinks? Would there be any harm in that? Or having someone to dance with?" Yuffie pleaded with the questions while slowing down her dance moves.

"No one is going to buy me a drink."

"Sure they will, with you looking like dynamite! The dress really brings out your curves," Yuffie started, but decided to reel back a bit when she saw the brunette's flat look. "Let's go by the bar, and wait for five minutes! If nothing in those three hundred seconds happens, I'll get us the booze instead!"

"Fine."

"Yay! I win!" Yuffie clapped, and following closely behind Tifa to the bar area. "Right here is good, now turn around and wait."

Doing as she was told, the brunette turned to face her. "I don't think anything is going to happen."

"Yes it will! Now, straighten up. Pull those shoulders back, and...put your hand on your hip. Here," Yuffie directed, giving her a once over before approving. "Now you look like bait."

"Aren't I the one that is supposed to be baiting someone? Why would I be the bait?" she laughed.

"Cause guys are stupid," the raven haired girl laughed in return. Her friend immediately stopped being amused when she looked past her, turning serious. "Ohhhh here's a guy. Stay still. Stay seductive."

"The first guy just checking me out isn't buying me a drink," Tifa dismissed rather quickly. This whole charade to lure a guy at all just for free cocktails was ridiculous. She couldn't believe she was playing into this game, but either way, she would get a drink at the end of it, she mused. Then it happened.

A gentle tap on her shoulder. A wide grin across the young Wutaian's face. A man was standing behind her.

For the second time that evening, Yuffie was right. Damn it.

She turned around slowly to the unknown suitor, and her eyes connected with sharp cerulean orbs. Tifa was hypnotized for a moment with how brilliant and intense they were. The same eyes she had seen before, but yet they were so different right now. She had never been so enraptured by eyes before, both her heartbeat and breath quickened by them alone. He was her friend from her hometown, but also the one that got away. Tifa gave her long lost crush her biggest smile.

"Tifa?!" he asked, his blue eyes darted up and down in surprise.

"Cloud! I-I can't believe it's you," she genially responded, encircling her arms around his neck in a hug. It had been forever since she had seen him. Four years to be exact, when he graduated high school and left Nibelheim forever. She felt him stiffen at first, but then he warmed up to her embrace.

"You two know each other?" Yuffie interrupted, pointing her finger between Tifa and her friend that she was hugging.

Tifa turned to Yuffie who came up next to them, while still holding onto Cloud. "Yes. Cloud and I grew up in Nibelheim together. He was one year ahead of me and I haven't seen him since then." She loosened up her grip on him, slowly. "How are you doing in Edge?"

He gave a quick nod. "Good, but I'm in Midgar. I settled in shortly after I arrived."

"Did you make it into Soldier?"

"Uhh...I umm...business apprenticeship actually. I changed my mind," Cloud rubbed the back of his head shyly. Tifa smiled at the memory of his longtime habit. "And you?"

"I got into a medical internship and I start next week. I live in Midgar too, with Yuffie," Tifa replied, pointing to her friend.

"Hmm, interesting," the grey eyed girl tapped her chin, waving her hand between them. "Look, I hate to break up your little reunion, but did you want to buy us drinks?"

"Yuffie! Don't be rude."

"What?! Don't be naive, Teef! The reason he came over here was to buy you a drink anyway with how hot you look," Yuffie scoffed and then nudged the blond in the ribs with her elbow. "Right Cloud?"

"What will you two be having?" he offered, while waving the bartender over.

She found herself blushing again, watching him lean against the counter. His lean, powerful muscles could easily be made out under the black shirt he wore. He didn't answer, but him making the purchase said enough. Cloud was trying to pick her up tonight? Cloud...thought she was hot? Tifa shook her head, thinking she was reading too far into the gentlemen's actions. Really, it could be nothing…again.

"Matra Magic Iced Tea!" Yuffie answered excitedly. Taking notice of the man busy paying for the drinks, she tugged Tifa to the side. "So…he's the koibito, right? He's waaaay hotter than you described."

"Shhhh, and don't call him that," the brunette hushed. It was true, but Cloud didn't need to hear that. Tifa didn't know what she had in front of her until he was weeks away from leaving for the big city. She was afraid to say anything then, and it was a long time ago. Pleading with her friend, she continued to whisper. "Listen, I don't want him to know that I had, you know...feelings."

"Yeah, but this could be your second chance. He didn't ask you to prom like you wanted him to, but you could still dance tonight," her friend persuaded on the down low. "You're single, he's probably single. That's why he came up to you tonight. It was fate."

"You think so?" Tifa asked softly. She thought there might've been something between them when they were younger, but she placed it all on her being hopeful back then. But maybe now, that she was older and single...

"Yeah, fate for you to get down and dirty," Yuffie snorted, then turned her attention back to Cloud coming over with their drinks. "Hey Spiky, thanks!"

"I get a nickname so soon?" he gently teased.

"That's her way of an approval," Tifa explained, meeting him halfway to help with the beverages. She was surprised to see him carry three at once, but he managed with ease.

"I guess that's a good thing then. Here," Cloud handed them their drinks, then turned back to grab his.

"Thanks Cloud," Tifa said with a smile. "Next round is on me, okay?"

"Sure," he smiled back while clinking his drink with hers, motioning for a small cheer. Azure eyes stared back into hers, focused and absolute. The look alone made her heart skip a beat, sending a shiver down to the core of her spine. Even in just a few years apart, she was starting to realize her feelings were as strong as they ever were. Her cheeks began to color when she was becoming smittened like a silly teen again. However, Tifa was looking forward for what the night could bring.

Author's Note Continued: I snuck in the koibito line too for Cloti and Zerith fans alike. The song that Zack is singing is in fact the title of this fic, a good rock and roll song from the late 1960s. I hope you enjoy my first attempt at a new AU story! Please review.