A/N: 'finale' part 2!! Sorry this took obnoxiously long (I guess maybe not so much to you, but to me..ugh). I guess I'm too much of a Cloti fan that I just had to get this just right...or something, it could be because I'm sick too, oh wells.

I BROKE 50!!! thanks you guys!! :

Breezestar, Skyhanhunter (ch9 too!! I posted 10 before I read it), Little Patch of Heaven, Kisdota-The Freak Gamer, Fatal Weakness, GaladrielofLorien, mikkimakka, and Cobaltcyrus.

Oh and sorry for the semi-OOC in the last one...I guess I was trying to convey how Yuffie affected Vincent's demeanor. Or V-day caught up with me :p

Anyway here's the fabulous Cloti that I love

Disclaimer: If I owned ff7, this stuff wouldn't be a fanfic.

enjoy!

The bar was spotless, Tifa's own reflection visible from the shine of the counter. The oatmeal in the bowl in front of her did not look appealing. She shoveled through the lumps, too tired to try and make an actual meal, and too distant to eat it. It was late in the afternoon, verging on 5, but she still hadn't seen Cloud. There was no use in making a nice dinner just for her. What's the point in that?

The bar was closed, the children were gone, and Cloud…Cloud seemed to be trapped in his bedroom. Maybe I should knock again?

But the first three times didn't go over well. At 11, when Vincent left, she heard no noise at all. Her only encouragement that Cloud was still there was the large motorcycle sitting in the garage. I don't know what I would do if he…

At 1, there was a large banging noise, like the First Tsurugi had fallen and went into pieces all over the hardwood floor. But there was still no answer from the blonde, not a whisper or a murmur.

That is until Tifa checked on him at 3:30. She was answered vaguely by a grunt and a couple of 'yeah, yeah's', making him seem rather occupied and unconcerned with her.

Is he avoiding me? The oatmeal from her spoon plopped back into the bowl. She had lost her appetite.

Don't tell me he's planning on leaving again. What would I tell the kids? …how would I—

Heavy boots were heard coming into the room. Tifa continued to focus on the counter, not wanting to face him directly. Something's wrong with him. She sensed it. A part of her loved his anonymity; it kept her on her toes, excited.

But over all, she couldn't help but feel slighted. They've known each other since her birth, albeit they weren't the best of friends then, but didn't they get past that? Didn't she show her devotion to him when he had Mako poisoning? When they fell into the Lifestream and his mind broke?

It goes both ways.

She thought about this constantly. He was there for her. No matter what Barret and Yuffie said, Cloud had done things for her. Saved her from Sephiroth, rescued her from Don Corneo, gave her a home.

He must feel something then. He must…

"Tifa." Cloud's voice was an inhibitor, stopping all rational thought that would flow.

She got up and retreated to the back kitchen, "Hmm? Had a nice nap?" More like 20 hour coma.

The blonde shook his head, his voice hesitant and low, "I wasn't napping."

Then what were you doing? "Oh."

Conversation then stopped, Tifa not wanting to talk and Cloud not knowing how to. His hair was in its typical spike, creating jagged edges soft to the touch. Tifa sighed, knowing how useless it was to look at him.

His Mako blue eyes always filled her with such sense of joy, but she saw nothing in return. Only the flicker of inhuman strength and Jenova cells. Why can't he see?

She handed him a white mug, already equipped with a black tea bag.

How can I say it?

She couldn't. The boiling water was the only noise in the room, besides the few thick breaths from the ex-SOLDIER. His hands were uncovered, his face seeming restless and exhausted. It worried her to see him like this. He always had so much on his mind. So much that he wouldn't tell her.

Yuffie's plan offered her no help either. Sure Cloud was over Aerith, but he still hadn't budged an inch in Tifa's direction. And although the knowledge that he didn't love Aerith was encouraging, it didn't mean that he loved Tifa. Or that he would ever say it if he did.

And I can't either.

She almost laughed. What if he does? What if he does and he won't say it? What if we just keep waiting for the other one? And that's all we'll ever do…just wait.

The thought killed, mostly because it seemed insanely plausible. Cloud may have liked her, as Yuffie had stated, but he may never say it. He wasn't one to communicate well, and Tifa knew that.

But she also knew she couldn't tell him. All the years of unreturned affection taught her that. She could be misreading him, which wouldn't be too surprising with Cloud. Telling him would shatter what they had, the foundation Tifa had spent years trying to create.

It would be horrible, devastating if she told him. Unrequited love is one thing, but he would run. He would run again, and how Tifa could go on…she didn't know if she could. Not if he's gone because of her.

The kettle sung, striking the air and Tifa's mind away from the silence. She picked it up with ease, and started pouring the water into Cloud's mug. Tifa almost felt the need to splash some in his face, waking him up from his obvious trance. In an attempt to get him to look at her.

She was wearing her black vest and shorts again, nothing glamorous or eye catching. Which could be why Cloud was blankly staring down at his tea, his mind full of unknown thoughts.

Tifa sat at the table, across from him. I can't take this… The silence was usually comforting, peaceful. But now, she felt the pressure digging in. "There's something wrong with you." It wasn't a question. Tifa already knew it was true.

Cloud's light blue eyes perked up, but he still offered no words in Tifa's direction

She continued nonetheless, all too used to one sided conversations, "You don't have to tell me, Cloud. I can see it…are you worried about something?"

"…No." His voice was still low and drained, like every word was painful to get out.

"Yes you are."

He shook his head. "I…I'm not worried."

Huh? It was obvious from his voice and behavior that he was.

Cloud took a heavy sip from the mug, "…I'm not worried because it'll never happen."

She blinked. What is he talking about? "Why wouldn't it?"

"It's…nothing." Cloud seemed to rethink that statement. "No…it's something. Something important, but it could be nothing." He huffed at himself, "It may as well be nothing."

Her hand glided across his, trying to show some reassurance. Tifa didn't know what was going on, but she had to make one thing clear. "…Just... please stay."

Cloud's head was fully focused on her now, shocked from her plea. "Why wouldn't I?"

"I…I don't know." She couldn't help but blush at the random request. It became clear to her. He didn't have to do or tell her anything. I just want him here. Her grip on his hand tightened, without her notice. Cloud looked down at their laced fingers. I just need him next to me…that's it.

"Are you hungry?" She smiled a little, glad that he seemed to acknowledge her now. Tifa got up from the table and walked towards the refrigerator, expecting a request.

"No." Cloud got up as well.

She turned to face him, "…just tell me if you want anything."

The corner of his mouth went up and he let out a soft whisper, "I want…" Cloud shook his head. "…Tifa."

The sudden grip on her arm felt cold, but made her face get viciously hot. Her brown eyes immediately shot to his, seeing the look of frustration and dismay. "What is it?" Cloud, tell me what's wrong.

"…I want…" He grabbed her other arm too, lightly this time, seeing her slight fear. "I want…to be able to tell you."

What? "Tell me what?" Her chest was heavy, like the pressure and tension from the air was fully enveloped inside her body. "You can tell me anything, Cloud."

He shook his head again and let go of her. Cloud's hands went back to his head, profusely grabbing golden spikes, as if his memory was once again fragmented. "I can't…" Cloud seemed more annoyed with himself.

Tifa caught her breath, realizing something. Take a chance. She grabbed his hand. Do it or it may never happen. Her voice was low, soft, and barely audible. She half-hoped he wouldn't hear. "…Then show me."

Whatever anxiety present on Cloud's face was quickly replaced with a new focus. Cloud grabbed her other hand and dragged her closer towards his chest. He half smiled, seeing her lack of resistance. "Can I?"

Tifa quickly nodded, fueled by their sudden proximity. Her throat was clogged with anticipation, and she had to focus on her knees to keep herself standing.

He let go of her hands and put them through her hair, hesitant in knowing that after this…

Cloud's head angled down towards Tifa, and all her expectations were met. She smiled at his kiss, fully elated. Her hands grabbed his shoulders and dragged them even closer to each other. They finally broke slowly, desperate to hold on to the connection. "You do, then?"

"Always, Tifa. I thought you knew." He scratched the back of his neck, a little flushed.

Tifa grinned, "I wasn't sure if you knew." She lightly kissed his cheek and embraced him strongly.

Cloud's face brightened, his eyes no longer masked with confusion or weary. He kissed her lips again, never wanting the moment to pass. But he soon let go, laughing at a sudden realization, "…But what about Vincent, Teef? You're choosing me over him?"

Her eyebrows furrowed at his sudden amusement. I can't believe it. She shook her head in annoyance. "You figured it out."

Cloud smirked, "You're no good at spying."

"It wasn't spying. I was trying to help Yuffie."

"And she was trying to help you?" He grabbed her hips, "You didn't need her help."

She smiled and pushed him away, playfully. "Says you. It finally made something happen. But now that you mention it, I might have to reconsider. Maybe I'll give Vincent a call…"

His half smile quickly diminished. "You wouldn't." Cloud's face read jealous.

"Oh, wouldn't I?" She giggled lightly, loving his boyish reaction. It swiftly turned to a frown. She hated to see his once happy demeanor turn dour. "Kidding, Cloud." She grazed his cheek with her fingertips. "How can you even think that?"

"I'd just hate to lose you Tifa," He said, removing her hand from his face and placing it in his own.

"You can't lose me."

His full smile met her own happy face with pure confidence. This was the Cloud she waited for. This was the man she cared for, who she loved. Her head burrowed into his neck, completely satiated with how well it felt. She had everything now.

The only thing she wished was that Yuffie was this happy. Something like this couldn't be taught; it was unmatchable. "Good. I really do, Tifa. I just couldn't…" His voice echoed throughout her ears, reminding her of his words before.

She kissed him again, interrupting any further speech. "Stop worrying!" Tifa laughed at his unrelenting concern. "I do too. Always."

A/N:

this was supposed to be not as long, but I got a little carried away...

I really can't believe this story's done :( I'm not so sure what I would write for an epilogue, that is if I even make one.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who saw this and said, "hey why not read this one" out of the other thousand possible fanfics out there. I really hoped you liked it as much as I enjoyed writing it (what will I do with my free time now???). And my reviewers? Thanks for your, comments, critiques, and overall motivation. This wouldn;t have existed without you :)

bye guys!..that is until my writer's block goes away

~Mira