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

Author's Note: This is my entry to February prompt the FinalHeaven Discord Server, my theme being Medieval. Thank you to Denebola_Leo for being the beta reader on my entry. This will continue in one more chapter, where the rating will definitely be applied.

The title of the story was inspired by Queen's song 'The Show Must Go On'.

-. The Show Must Go On .-

Chapter I

Tonight would be the night. The party may have traveled to the Gold Saucer to obtain the Keystone, but Tifa wanted to take advantage of the setting to spend time alone with Cloud. She went to his room earlier to get him to sneak out together for that purpose. During their time trekking across the Planet to find Sephiroth, she couldn't deny the moments between them. Aerith, her once presumed rival, even had a talk with her about the longing looks the mercenary had for her while at Cosmo Canyon.

The flower girl was waiting in her room that night at the Shildra Inn after she came back from the firepit. Tifa was taken aback finding her there but Aerith always had a knack for being too forward. She just didn't expect the topic that the lady in pink spouted from her mouth would be how Cloud is in love with her.

Her? Tifa? The idea sounded absurd.

The reasons the Cetra gave her made her smile a bit at the mention of them, but she had to be realistic with her friend. Dressing up as a woman to save her didn't necessarily mean love, it was Cloud being obligated to save a friend. When she mentioned the childhood promise between the two, Aerith squealed in delight about how much love Cloud has for her to uphold his word from such a young age. Something about how romantic it was, the need to be her knight in shining armor. Tifa dismissed it again, mostly for herself to not give into false hope. She had gone over this herself and it always ended with her rationalizing each word he said or each move he made into wishful thinking.

Cloud and her were just friends. Nothing more. Aerith was wrong and reading into things easily.

"His eyes glow a bit brighter when you're around, especially when he sneaks a look."

Tifa had seized her argument there with the green-eyed girl. Her mouth had been open, but she could form no words. Cloud had mako, but she knew how the mako effected his eyes. Extra adrenaline would pump through his veins from a battle, but outside of combat it could be from increased blood flow due to desire. The barmaid never noticed though as she kept shying away from looking at him while in his presence. She never fathomed he could possibly be checking her out this whole time, watching her. Standing there stuttering like a fool, Aerith had smiled in triumph that she had won in proving her argument.

And now Tifa had this nagging desire to know. She couldn't deny what Aerith was telling her made her heartbeat quickened, but she had to be sure. Enchantment Night had the perfect timing for her newfound courage thanks to her friend, including them being rounded up to star in the play at the Event Square. The flower girl had informed her of the festivities taking place at the theme park and helped her freshen up for the 'date' in her room. She wasn't interested in the mauve colored lipstick but to Aerith's insistence she put it on.

"He's totally going to kiss you tonight on your date. With those lips, he won't be able to help himself."

Tonight she would make her feelings towards the SOLDIER known. That is…if the signs pointed to him caring for her in return. Tifa did not notice any glow to Cloud's eyes yet, but she did spot his cheeks had reddened when the pair was called a 'couple' by the host to lead tonight's show.

This is how she found herself behind stage getting ready, hair and makeup ready along with a costume. Tifa recited her lines quickly after being briefed on the plot, learning she was to play 'Princess Rosa'. Her chocolate strands were let loose by the stylist as the costume designer placed a silver tiara on of her head. Picking a light blue medieval dress, she was helped into the large ensemble. The neckline was a square-cut and a little low, but in true fashion to the Middle Ages the event presented. She noticed the arm tippets that hung from her elbows made the sleeves flow longer and made of white satin, just as the panel inset in her skirt. The bodice was tightened with silver ribbons while the rest of the dress flared out and draped beautifully. Upon closer inspection she noticed the smooth fabric was accented with silver thread and beads.

She felt like a true princess, and smiled wider at the thought of Cloud dressed up as a knight. Her knight in shining armor, as Aerith referred to him earlier. The stylist added the finishing touches of her makeup before ushering her to the side stage next to a tall emerald wyvern.

"Good luck!" a female voice said through the mask.

"Thank you," Tifa curtsied as the director approached her. He guided her to the front of the monster, informing her she is the Evil Dragon King's prisoner and is to fall down halfway on stage around the 'X' indicator. Following the pointed finger she spotted the mark, nodding to the director that she understood.

Ruby orbs caught sight of golden spiky hair and endless blue eyes conversing to a fellow actor dressed as a sorcerer. A metal cuirass covered his torso only which left his perfectly muscled arms exposed. Attached to the plate armor was a metal tasset that protected his hips and upper thigh, a common accessory for any knight. They had supplied him with a new pauldron and fingerless gauntlets to wear, all in dull gray tone. Underneath the armored attire he was downing black trousers and a black sleeveless top.

Tifa could feel her cheeks warm up a bit but the makeup she had applied masked her natural blush. Her heart momentarily skipped a beat at how handsome he was.

He really looked the part of being her hero.

"Get ready Tifa, your entrance is coming up!" the director reminded.

"The power of love...is the only weapon that can withstand the fangs of the Evil Dragon King…" the wizard explained to Cloud's character.

The costumed dragon grabbed her arm to prepare to go on stage. "You lead, but remember you're my hostage."

"Oh what is going to happen next? Oh Legendary Hero...look!" The voice of the narrator echoed above them, prompting for the pair to move center stage. Tifa pretended to struggle as she walked with her green-colored captor. The blond warrior gave her a gentle smile when she stepped into the limelight.

"Gaaaaaah! I am the Evil Dragon King, Valvados! I have not harmed the Princess Rosa," her kidnapper roared while raising its reptilian arms high. Tifa took her queue to be the damsel in distress, and fell to the ground. She scooted away a bit while holding her hand to her chest to look intimidated. The dragon continued to speak. "I have been expecting you!"

"Please, help me Legendary Hero!" Tifa called out to her hero. She took a peek behind her for reassurance. "Like that?"

She got a quick nod from the dragon before they roared their lines again. "Gaaaaaah! Here I come, Legendary Hero Alfred!"

"And now, Legendary Hero! You need to act now to save the life of your beloved…" the wizard began. "And the only way is to show how you feel…with a kiss! Behold...the power of True Love!"

A kiss? She didn't remember that in the role of the Princess Rosa. Licking her lips she stood up nervously, lifting her gaze to Cloud. Her hand was still above her breast but served the purpose of slowing her breathing. Would he kiss her? Maybe it'll be a quick one, she mused. Even if he did opt for a chaste one, the anticipation of his lips on her skin was exciting.

Tifa's heart fluttered rapidly when his cerulean eyes met hers. Cloud's stare was sharp instead of soft, offering an intense brilliance she had never noticed before. Was this what Aerith was talking about? Or were his eyes brighter from the stage lighting? She took note to not look away from him in the future, and in a better setting too.

He began to approach her with something of a swagger. A look of determination dominated his face as the corner of his mouth cocked up and his eyes held a playful glint to them. Nervousness set in the pit of her stomach. The blond looked hungry.

He placed his one hand on the small of her back while the other cupped the back of her neck. His touch, the one she had longed for was warm and possessive. Tifa's senses began to electrify as she realized this kiss wasn't going to be chaste. Not in the slightest from what she read in his bright eyes.

Cloud Strife was going to kiss her. For real.

Ruby focused on sapphire as his face drew near. In an instant, the auditorium took a spin around her as Cloud gripped her more closely and boldly dipped her down in front of him. Her eyes were wide as she stared up at him, his spiky hair shielding her from the stage lights above. One arm had somehow held onto his back while the other met his shoulder. His hold anchored her in place, and with one last seductive glance, the hero kissed her.

Cloud slanted his mouth over hers, caressing her bottom lip with his tongue. Instantly she surrendered to his touch as she closed her eyes. Her lips parted immediately, luxuriating in what his kiss was doing to her. Taking the opportunity, he slipped his tongue inside to pleasure hers. Tifa let out a low hum and she could feel the smirk form with his mouth over her lips. Even if he was going to be smug about it, she wasn't going to stop him in the moment. Right now, Cloud Strife was hers.

A shiver rang through her body despite the heat emanating from his. She never imagined he would ever possibly kiss her, especially with the passion he was giving her. His hot lips continued to nuzzle against hers and his tongue took another swipe inside her mouth. She didn't want this kiss to stop, for them to go back to being 'just friends' on their adventures. This kiss could be just for the play, but the way his mouth moved with hers, this was anything but platonic.

"I wish my man would kiss me like that," the dragon mused out loud while tilting her head to the side. Cloud reluctantly broke contact while easing Tifa upright, his hands gently attached to her shoulder and forearm now. When her hopeful eyes opened she found piercing blue starring back and waiting with a sultry smile.

"Cloud…" Tifa exhaled a shaky breath, but it wasn't because of stage fright. The kiss literally took her off her feet. And that look he was giving her...

"Tifa?" He whispered her name softly, squeezing her hand. "The show must go on."

That's right…the play. If only they were really alone right now. She cleared her throat before speaking her line. "I mean…Alfred."

"Arrggaahhh!" the dragon cried out in pain, holding their heart in pain before falling dead to the floor. "Curses…the power of...love!"

The wizard and knight cheered out loud as the king stepped forward to speak. "Oh look! Love has triumphed! Now let's all return and celebrate."

His majesty began to twirl off the stage, with his royal court in tow. Tifa began to giggle at the silly theratics when Cloud's next surprising action of the night made her gasp. First the kiss and now he was carrying her bridal style.

"What're you doing?!" Tifa squeaked at Cloud. She was embarrassed at the persona of Prince Charming he seemed to be embracing. A cocky Prince Charming that was!

"Taking our leave, Princess," he smuggly answered as he looked at her reddened face.

"Cloud Strife, I can walk just fine."

"It's 'Alfred'," he corrected and held her closer in his arms. Seeing as his stubbornness wasn't going to budge anytime soon, she relented to his whims. The sooner they got off the stage the sooner they could be alone.

Stay tuned for Chapter 2!