AN: Sorry I meant to post last week but school work and work kicked my ass. Hope you enjoy it!

Ch 3: Back After All These Years

"Tiffaaaa!" Aerith calls out mindlessly. Soon after, the sound of something dropping goes off as a thud banged against the wall. "Have you seen my dairy?" She asks, sounding more muffled than before.

Barely catching what her friend said, Tifa grunts as she sets herself down from the pull up bar. Taking some tired breaths, she reaches over and grabs a white towel to wipe off her sweat. Peeking inside their apartment, she doesn't see Aerith so she slides the door open and walks inside.

She responds out randomly, "No I haven't. Did it fall behind your desk again?"

"No… I don't see it there. I don't know, I could've sworn— ow!" Aerith groans before coming out of her room while rubbing her head, "I could've sworn I left it on my desk."

Tifa wipes the sweat off her neck, "Have you checked under your bed?"

"Just did," her friend answers before walking out to the living and over to the couch, lifting up a cushion to check under it.

"Uuh… how about your bottom dr—"

"Not in the drawer."

"Or the ba—"

"Not in the bathroom either," she finishes her friend's sentence, yet again, before pacing around the house.

"Hmm…" Tifa rubbed her chin as she thought for a second before her face lit up. "Have you checked the garden yet? You said something about selling flowers after your date with Zack. I think you took your diary there to write down notes?"

Aerith snapped her fingers, "Oh you're right! Thanks Tif!"

Her friend quickly ran down stairs and around to the back. As Aerith did so, Tifa went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Grabbing a plain old, cool bottle of water, she drank some for a much needed hydration. But, just as she was almost satisfied with drinking water, she almost choked when she heard a loud yelp.

"Aaah!"

"Aerith?" Tifa cleared her throat while setting down the bottle and quickly walked over to the balcony, "Aerith?"

Aerith's voice was barely audible as she comically mustered out, "T-Tifaaaa! H-Helpppp!"

Tifa leaned over the ledge before her eyes snapped open, "Oh my god! Aerith what did you do?!"

Currently, Aerith was pinned down on the floor by one of their tall potted trees. Tifa honestly had no idea how that happened but her friend looked like she was in a pitch. Letting out a tired puff, she quickly climbed over the balcony and hopped down to ground level. She landed onto the pavement with a barrel roll before tumbling forward and quickly ran over to move the heavy ass pot off her best friend.

"How in the—" she grunts as she rolls the tree off of Aerith, "world did this happen!"

Once free, Aerith laughed nonchalantly. "Good question," she grabbed Tifa's hand and pulled herself up, "I was just grabbing my dairy and then I somehow knocked the pot over."

"'Somehow knocked the pot over' huh? You casually knocked this big pot over?"

Her friend had an innocent grin, "Yup."

Tifa shook her head softly, "Unbelievable, I swear you are so prone to accidents… wasn't it just yesterday that a pack of dogs was chasing you for no apparent reason?"

Aerith shrugged slightly, "I guess I'm just too popular and everything wants a piece of me." She winks before moving her diary behind her back and leans forward into Tifa's space, "But enough about me… how have you and Cloud been doing? I know you snuck out with him the other night." She wiggled her eyebrows, "Where'd you two go?"

Tifa's cheeks suddenly felt warm as she turned around, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Aww, don't be a bummer! Come on, tell me the juicy details! You've had this refreshed and lighter vibe around you these days! You've even been working out more! Before, you only worked out three days of the week but now you're doing five!"

Aerith ran after Tifa and nudged her arm, "Don't tell me you two have crossed the line," she set her diary between her arm and side before motioning a circle and a finger going into it. "Aah aahhhh."

Tifa became bright red, "W-What! N-No of course not! We haven't even kissed yet! We just watch movies together at the drive-in theater!" She freezes when she sees Aerith with a smug look on her face and immediately slapped her own face realizing what her friend did. "I hate you…"

"So that's what you two have been doing, look at you! You need to just kiss him already! Hue hue!"

"Aerith!" Tifa ran after her giggling friend before they winded up in their living room.

"No wonder you've been so cheeky these days! I wonder what you two naughty little kids have been doing out so late!"

"We're not doing anything!" Tifa exclaims.

Still laughing, Aerith casually says, "Then maybe that's your problem!"

Coming to a stop, Tifa jutted her lips before pouting. "Then what about you then miss oh so perfect! You've barely gone on one date with Zack and you're acting like an old married couple whipping out old photos!"

Aerith turned around and gave her a 'really' look. "Hey, you know you liked those pictures of Cloud. You even told me to text them to you so who's the sucker now!"

"That's—"

Her friend raised a brow.

Huffing in defeat, Tifa gave up before she dug herself in a deeper grave. "Just kill me now."

Giggling, Aerith went over to grab Tifa's chest from behind. "If I did that no one would get to play with these bad girls!"

"A-Aerith!" Tifa awkwardly shrugged off her friend before covering her chest defensively. "You pervert!"

"Ha ha ha, you're still too young. If I were you, I'd just swoon mister cool and aloof with your feminine woes already!"

Tifa's cheeks were feverish as she face palmed herself, "Since when was my best friend so lecherous."

"Since you became super easy to tease. Anywho!" She clasped her hands together, "Shouldn't you hurry and shower now? Weren't you going on a date with Cloud to Nibelheim?"

"Oh shit!" Tifa quickly turned around and bolted to the bathroom, "I'm gonna be late!" Once she was inside, she quickly began stripping out of her clothes and in the midst of her struggle, she could hear Aerith in the background.

"Don't forget to use protection if you say out late!"

Tifa was bright red when she screamed a response, "We've not having sex! We haven't even kissed yet!"

Aerith simply laughed before she walked away.

…

Currently, Tifa was waiting on a bench at the local park. She was mindlessly tapping her fingers on her elbow before she perked up seeing a familiar spiky, blonde hair. Getting up, her face lit up as she waved while saying: "Hey Cloud!"

Cloud walked over quickly, "Sorry, I didn't keep you waiting did I? There was a cat on the street and…"

Raising up her hands, "No! No no no, not at all! I just got here!" She smiled before getting close to him, "And cat? What about a cat?"

"There was a stray in the middle of the road so I pulled over to grab him off the street."

Tifa blinked before chuckling, "That's sweet of you."

"... thanks I guess."

Smiling, she clasped her hands together, "Well shall we get going then? It's gonna be at least a two hour ride with traffic to Nibelheim."

"Yeah sounds good."

They walked together towards the streets before Tifa looked over and said, "You wanna put your bike on my truck? I'm sure it'll be useful to have once we're in the city."

Cloud nodded.

...

By the time they reached Nibelheim, they decided to have a quick meal together before adventuring to Mt. Nibel. They quickly settled in at the local cafe and sat together at a small booth. Soon enough, the waiter quickly came and they ordered a small meal. Thankfully, it didn't take that long for it to arrive and they ate quietly until Cloud spoke up.

"This town really does look that same," he grabbed his glass and took a sip, "I don't recognize anybody so I'm quite surprised that this place looks… you know."

Tifa smiled softly, "I know. It's almost scary how it's pretty much an exact copy. They even have that nick that was on the windmill…"

"Seriously?"

"Yeah," she nodded.

"..."

"..."

"Anyways…" Tifa laughed nervously, "You ready?"

He nodded, "Let's go."

Once out of the cafe, their feet crunched as they walked across on the sandy gravel.

"Alright, now that we're full we should probably ask around about the safest path to Mt. Nibel. I've heard that because of the construction, it's made certain routes unsafe so we better be safe than sorry. This isn't the town we grew up in after all…"

"Good point." Cloud scanned the town before his eyes fell upon a rusty looking building that had a signing saying "Tourist" on it. "Over there," he pointed at the building, "Wait here okay? I'll go ask them about the safest path to Mt. Nibel."

Tifa nodded, "Okay, I'll wait over there."

He nods once before heading over to the building. Tifa watched him go inside before she mindless started kicking some pebbles on the floor. After a moment, it didn't take that long for someone to approach her with a lecherous voice.

"Hey there cutie pie. You alone?"

Tifa's eyes narrowed as she huffed and ignored him.

"Don't tell me your date stood you up?" He stepped in closer to her space, "Why don't you forget about him and come with me. I promise you it'll be the time of your life." He was about to grab her arm, making Tifa clench her fist and ready to fend him off before Cloud came out of nowhere and stepped in.

Cloud's hand snapped at the man's wrist, stopping it in place. He gave him a tight squeeze while practically growling out, "She's with me."

Tifa immediately relaxed at Cloud's presence while the man seemed to have flinched. Cloud roughly let him go and he immediately backed up. "Woah woah easy there man, I mean no harm."

"Then scram."

At that, he hightailed it out of there leaving the two alone. Tifa blinks before giggling in amusement. She looks at Cloud before teasingly saying, "My hero."

"..."

Cloud gruffs a bit but, before any of them could react an old lady's chuckle caught their attention. "Why aren't you two just adorable."

"Huh?"

They both straightened up and looked towards the source of the voice. "We're not—"

The old lady cut them off, "If you two don't mind me asking, where might this young couple be going?"

Tifa's cheeks were a bit pink as she looked at the ground. Cloud cleared his throat before saying, "We're not dating..."

The lady brushes him off, "Oh don't lie to me! I can see it in your eyes. Now tell me, where are you two heading off to this fine evening?"

"..."

Clearing her throat this time, Tifa rubbed her check. "We were going to hike to Mt. Nibel for stargazing. You see, we used to live here but now we live in Midgar."

"Oh ho ho ho ho," the lady covers her mouth with an amused look, "I see I see. What a cute date!"

Cloud and Tifa looked at each other before looking away bashfully.

"Anyways, if that's the case you two should look out for the ghosts that wander the mountain."

Tifa's brow twitched, "G-Ghosts?"

"Yes, ghosts my dear. Rumors have it, the ghost of children who passed from the fire now wander that mountain. Their playful spirits run free in the hills and they love to mess with the young ones!"

"..."

"Ho ho ho, now then," she rests her arms behind her back. "I should be on my way now. Don't get too rowdy up there or else you may wake them up!" With that, she slowly walks away leaving the two alone.

"..."

"..."

They both stood there for a second before Tifa turns to Cloud, "I-I guess we should get going then? H-How did it go? What did they say?"

Cloud rubs his neck, "Well… the tourist guy said the western path would be safest to hike through. We should use my bike to get to the base though. The gravel is too loose for your truck."

"Okay, sounds like a plan."

...

By the time they sorted things out, Tifa was hesitantly sitting behind Cloud. She was well aware of their close proximity as she sat behind him before slowly bringing up her hands, uncertain of what to do. For one, she could either hang on tight onto Cloud or two, awkwardly hold onto the seat somehow.

"..."

After a hot second, she decided to hold onto the seat and reached down to grab the bottom before Cloud spoke up.

"Hang on tight to me, I don't want you falling off okay?"

Tifa jumped slightly, "G-Gotcha." Gulping nervously, she leaned forward. She wrapped her hands loosely around Cloud's waist and prayed he couldn't hear her heart beat as she fell flush against his back. A million thoughts were running across her mind but that quickly faded when he spoke up.

"You ready?"

"Y-Yeah!" Her voice cracks making her slap herself mentally. Way a go Tifa. Real smooth.

Cloud glanced over his shoulder slightly and chuckled with a smile grin. That made Tifa's heart race even more before he started his bike.

"Let's go."

The ride was relatively short and sweet. A few bumps here and there of course but thankfully not enough to make Tifa have a heart attack. Who would've known she'd be such a hot mess? Half of her blamed it on her crush on Cloud but the other half blamed it on Aerith for implanting such embarrassing thoughts in her mind.

They made it to the base of the mountain in no time and they shared some small talk as they hiked up to the peak. When they were at the summit, it was just nightfall and the starry skies had shrouded the plains. Serenity had fallen over the mountain and only Cloud, Tifa and a few night creatures were roaming about. And, although as unsafe as it might have seemed, the two of them sat down comfortably on a rocky ledge. They were enjoying the night sky in peace which reminded them both of their childhood. However, Tifa was the one who broke their comfortable silence first.

In a soft voice, Tifa says "It's strange you know… the last time we were here was when we were kids."

"Yeah." Cloud glanced over at Tifa. Her eyes were shining along with the starry sky but, for some reason, he couldn't help but feel like something was off with her. That's why, in a concerned voice he called out her name. "Tifa."

She looked over at him with an unreadable face, "What?"

"..."

Waiting a second, Cloud said nothing and she blinked before smiling and looked back to the sky.

"It sure is beautiful."

Cloud was still looking at Tifa, "It sure is."

They sat there in a comfortable silence for quite some time. Tifa pointed out some stars and constellations here and there but overall, the majority of the noise came from the neighborhood crickets. After a moment, Cloud decided to speak up again.

"Tifa…"

Tifa turned around and faced him again but this time with an amused smile. "Yeah?"

"I…"

A hot second passes and Cloud remains silent. Judging from the look in his eyes, Tifa figures that Cloud was somewhat bashful so she turned away and pulled up her knees to her chest. She waited patiently and after a moment, Cloud looked up to the sky as well.

"You… you said you wanted to know what happened to me within the past five years."

She peaked over at him before saying in a soft voice, "Yeah… I did."

"It's a long story."

"And I've got time! If you… don't mind that is."

Cloud sighs as if he was debating something. After a second, he starts "It happened about three years back? I heard something I shouldn't have."

Confused yet intrigued, Tifa looks over at him attentively.

"I'm sure you heard it all over the news a few years back. About the whole Hojo case..." he pauses before speaking up again, "you know that victim who got kidnapped who eventually exposed the whole corrupted cop thing… that was me."

Tifa's mouth dropped slightly. She wasn't expecting that and she wanted to say something but something was telling her that Cloud wasn't done yet. And she was right. After a moment, he started talking again.

"I… I would've been dead if it weren't for Zack. He came for me, fought for me, carried me back…" he sighs before continuing, "I ended up suffering some pretty bad injuries but what messed me the most was a blow to my head. I was in a coma for quite some time and when I woke up, I knew something was wrong. I… I don't know how to describe it but I felt like I lost a part of me." Looking at his hand, he continued "For the longest time, I didn't feel like me. I became detached with my feelings and I wasn't sure who I was. Even now I…"

Tifa reaches over and grabs Cloud's hand, "Cloud..."

Cloud looked over, confused as Tifa pulled his hand in closer.

"Cloud… I can't even begin to imagine what you went through but… what I do know is that you are you. You're still the same Cloud I knew from back when we were kids," she gave him an endearing smile before continuing in a loving voice, "The Cloud I knew from the good old Nibelheim and the Cloud that I'm speaking to now is you. You haven't changed at all," she recalled her recuse back at the tourist shop and even of the cat, "You're still the hero who promised to come to my rescue."

"..." Cloud wasn't sure what to say. His mouth opened slightly but the only thing he could muster was her name, "Tifa."

She smiled sadly before letting go of his hand and rocked back and forth. "You know… I never apologized to you."

An eyebrow rose. Feeling slightly confused, he asks "What do you mean? Apologize for what?"

"For…" she looked down in shame, "for not contacting you sooner."

"Huh?"

She wrapped her own body in comfort, "We… we lost everything that day. I wasn't the only one who lost something important because of that fire. I lost my home. I lost my dad but, you also lost everything Cloud. You lost your home. You lost your mom and then what happened to you… everything. That fire took away our happiness. It took our bonds and thinking back now, I just… I just wished I tried harder to find you. We could've been there for each other. Midgar is a big city so I guess… I guess it was because our village was so small that I got overwhelmed and lost hope in finding you. I should've been stronger, I could've helped you in your time of need. If I was stronger, maybe I could've… maybe we'd be…"

Cloud's eyes narrow as he looks at her, "Tifa…"

Tifa gave him a soft yet sad smile, "Yeah?"

"If… if you wanna talk, I'm listening."

She blinks before giggling, "Huh? What's with you all the sudden?"

"With me?" He tilted his head.

"Like you're losing that hard edge."

"That bad?"

"Not at all-I like it. Maybe Marlene won't be so scared of you next time when I bring you over to visit the daycare with me. The kids were really scared of you when I first brought you over. I was even starting to think that it was a mistake to bring you to volunteer with me."

Cloud pouted as he shifted in place, "I'm not good with kids…"

Tifa started laughing happily, "I'm really glad to have you back, Cloud. Really glad…" yawning softly, she stretches before saying, "It's probably pretty late, huh?"

"I guess."

She looks over at Cloud feeling refreshed, "We should probably head home then. We still have to hike down the mountain and drive back to Midgar."

"Yeah. That sounds like a plan."

...

They proceeded to hike down the mountain which was practically pitch black now. The trail was barely visible in the complete darkness but they were making good time. At least… until a bush suddenly rustled making them come to a hard stop. They both looked around cautiously and tried shrugging it off as nothing before another rustle, that was even closer this time, made Tifa jump.

"W-What was that?" Tifa exclaims in a slightly nervous voice as she shifts closer to Cloud.

"..." a brow twitched, "probably some mountain rats or something."

She gulped nervously, "Y-Yeah ha ha ha… you're probably right."

They started walking again and after a moment, Tifa felt a cold gust of wind and could've sworn she heard some crunching footsteps behind them. She immediately came to another stop.

"C-Cloud! Did you hear that?!" She turned around, "I-I think I heard footsteps behind us!"

Cloud's face thinned out as he looked down the trail, "..." he clenches his fist by reflex, "I don't see anyone… it's dark, we can't see much so we should hurry."

"O-Okay…"

They continued hiking down the mountain again and after a moment, Tifa could've sworn she heard a child's laughter this time. Goosebumps covered her body before she jumped and latched onto Cloud's arm faster than a running chocobo.

"Please tell me you heard that too!"

They both stopped and Cloud froze. He definitely heard that voice too but there was no way there'd be a kid here during this time of night. But, rather than being scared, he needed to be strong. Even if he was nervous, he was mentally preparing himself to fight if needed because after all, that's why he left their village in the first place. To get stronger to protect Tifa.

"..."

That being said, fighting people were one thing and fighting ghosts were another. How exactly do you fight a ghost if you can't hit them? Sure, Cloud is well versed with kendo and can handle himself pretty well in a fight but ghosts… well that should be fun.

"Come on Tifa," he gently tugged her forward, "we don't want it to get completely pitch black. The path is starting to get too dark."

Tifa gulps as she pulls Cloud's arm closer to her chest. Not on purpose, of course, but Cloud couldn't help but glance down at Tifa's chest.

"..." this time he gulped before looking away.

"Y-Yeah you're right," Tifa's voice was gradually getting more high pitched.

Tifa wasn't really scared of much. She's always been like that, fearless. After all, she was well versed in martial arts so things like random thugs to even the common thief never scared her. Even things like rattlesnakes or giant spiders didn't make her flinch either. But, ghosts on the other hand were her one weakness. As fearless and strong as she was, she couldn't possibly defy gravity and logic by touching a ghost!

So yeah, ghosts scare her.

With Tifa attached to Cloud's arm, they continued walking cautiously down the sandy path. They were both on their guards and were tense enough that they ignored their skinship before the path became narrow. Of course, it was fine the first time they first passed by but, at this moment, Cloud didn't really have the heart to tell his childhood friend to let go. Tifa was a proud woman. She was strong and independent so it means something when that same woman is holding onto your arm in fear. Who would've known she was afraid of ghosts but, to be honest, who wouldn't be? It doesn't matter how strong you are if you can't hit them.

So, what exactly does that leave Cloud with?

"..."

Left with his very paranoid crush, Tifa was completely distracted by their surroundings as they shimmied down the path. She clearly gave up on any thoughts about their close proximity a long time ago. If Cloud was being honest, he found that kind of cute but at the same time the hairs on his neck were tingling.

Clearing his throat slightly, "Watch your step, the path is getting more narrow."

"G-Gotcha…"

Their boots were steadily crunching on the loose grave as they advanced a few steps forward. At least, that was until Tifa took a step a bit too close to the edge and slipped. Cloud's heart dropped. At the same time, Tifa saw her impending doom and quickly let go of Cloud so that she wouldn't drag them both down.

"Tifa!"

Cloud lunges forward and pulls Tifa into a tight embrace causing her to let out a yelp. In an instant, she slammed her eyes shut as Cloud wrapped his arms around her waist and head. She wasn't sure what happened but they were tumbling down the cliff for what felt like an instant even though she knew it was longer than that. The hill was steep but Tifa was a hundred percent distracted by Cloud's warmth. She wasn't sure how to react to be honest, her heart was racing like crazy and she knew it wasn't out of fear but rather from her long, nourished crush.

It didn't take long for the both of them to come to a hard stop. A cloud of dust envelopes them upon impact and Cloud grunts from the force. He took most of the brunt, leaving him at the bottom as he kept a tight grip on Tifa's body before mustering out, "T-Tifa you okay?"

At the same time, Tifa huffed in disbelief before quickly getting it together and pushed herself up from his chest. "Cloud! You okay?"

They both froze since they spoke at the same time before gazing into each other's eyes. After a weird moment of silence, Tifa started laughing happily which got Cloud to huff before chuckling a bit. He smiled at the sight of Tifa laughing, it made him feel calm for some reason. When they were kids, he would've given anything to see her smile so this was a bonus.

"Isn't this deja vu?"

Tifa giggled some more, "Yeah, this is just like the first time you saved me when we were kids. I was out messing around, slipped and then you came out of nowhere and broke my fall. I was really bruised afterwards…"

"Yeah, at least we're conscious this time."

"True..." a moment passes but it didn't take that long for Tifa to blush. She quickly became aware how close their bodies were and remembered she was on top of Cloud before quickly scrambling off. "Oh geez! Right. I'm sorry, I must be heavy."

Cloud abruptly became aware of how cold the air was. "N-No. Not at all," they both got up on their feet and dusted themselves off. He quickly gave her a head to toe scan, "You all right? Any discomfort or pain?"

Tifa stretched side to side and jumped up once, "Nope. Still in one piece. You?"

He cracked his neck before rolling his shoulders, "No problem here."

"Ah!" Tifa noticed something wet and quickly reached out to grab Cloud's bicep, "You're bleeding!"

"Huh?" He looked down at Tifa's hand and saw a dark red stain on her hand. "Oh," he raised his arm to examine it, "Guess I got a cut. It's fine. Let's hurry and go before the-"

"Oh no you don't! You're hurt Cloud," she quickly patted herself down in search of a piece of cloth. "Mmh…" she couldn't find anything and decided to rip a piece of her tank top, "Here."

Cloud gruffs when Tifa pulls his arm forward. She had a frown as she wrapped and tended to his wound. "Sorry… I should've been more careful."

"Hey, don't worry about it. I'm built tougher than I look."

"Still…"

Cloud felt bad. There goes keeping a smile on her face. He frowns just as Tifa finishes her tie.

"There we go, that should do for now. It's not too tight is it?" She looked up into his eyes.

"..."

She blinked. "Cloud?"

Feeling bashful, he looked away. It was hard to look Tifa in the eyes when she had that sad pout. "It's just right. Thanks."

Tifa smiled, "Good to hear! Now then…" she suddenly felt a chill which made her shoot upright. She flinches slightly before turning around to look back up to the peak, "C-Cloud! I-Is that…"

"Huh?" He glances over at Tifa before following her line of sight. His eyes immediately widened when he saw a child-like glowing figure walk on the path they were just on.

"W-Where did you park your bike again?" Tifa exclaims as she quickly runs to Cloud's side.

Cloud kept a flat smile, "It should be just past that rock over there."

"W-What are we waiting for then!"

The two of them quickly headed over to where they parked. Cloud immediately started his bike and Tifa hopped on faster than you could blink. In no time, they were on their way, leaving a trail of dust from their escape. Neither of them said much and they made it back to Nibelheim with no problems. They were both exhausted from this strange ordeal yet somehow they mutually and silently agreed to not bring this up.

...

By the time they made it back to Midgar, it was late but they were officially in the clear. Currently, Cloud was busy getting his bike off of Tifa's truck bed. As Tifa watched him roll it off to the side, she couldn't help but fiddle with her fingers as she thought back to what Aerith said.

Just kiss him already!

Maybe that's your problem.

"..." she bit her lip before hesitantly giving in, "Hey Cloud."

Cloud turned around, "Yeah?"

Within a split second, Tifa went on her tippy toes and gave Cloud a kiss. He froze in place and watched as she turned around and ran to her front door. Her cheeks were slightly pink as she quickly chirped out, "T-Thanks. I had a lot of fun tonight!" She opened the door and went inside before peeking out at him, "Text me when you get back?"

He finally blinked, "Y-Yeah. Goodnight Tifa."

"Good night Cloud!" She closes the door leaving him alone.

"..."

Cloud reaches up and touches his lips.

"..."

Turning around, he got onto his bike and started it. His bike purred alive and he ignored his heart which was beating at the same rate his engine was idling at. He gave Tifa's apartment one last look before kicking off and drove back home.

...

Tifa's cheeks were practically burning as she covered her mouth.

"..." she grazed her fingers across her lips, "oh my god… I just… I just did it— aah!" She jumped when the kitchen lights suddenly flicked on.

"Well looky here," Aerith had a smug look on her face as she gave her best friend an up and down scan, "Hmmmmmm…"

"W-What?!"

Her brow cocked as she noted the messy state her friend was in. "You sooooo just kissed him didn't you?"

Tifa was bright red now as she snapped back, "N-No I didn't!"

"Aha!" Aerith started laughing happily as she got closer, "You so did! Oh my god! Tell me the deeds! How was it? Were his lips soft? Did you initiate it?"

"W-We didn't kiss!"

"Don't lie to me! We're best friends aren't we!" She ran after TIfa while puckering her lips teasingly. She caught Tifa with little to no effort and faked some teasing kisses. "Mwua mwua mwua!"

"A-Aerith!"

"Come on tell me!"

Tifa was failing to push Aerith off of her, "N-No! Aerith! Come on, Aerithhhh!"

"Hahahaha!"