I wasn't really tall. In fact, everyone seemed to tower me, a reason as to why the boys in the village would like to pick fights with me. But that never bothered me. What bothers me is that, even she, even Tifa is taller than me. How can I protect her if she's taller than me? Aren't boys supposed to be taller than girls?

It's another day of picking fights with the boys, and another day of being rescued by Tifa.

"Get off him! You should know better than to pick on someone smaller than you!" I hear her shout at the boys "you should pick on someone your own size! Now go before I tell you moms what you've been doing to Cloud!"

It was always the same. Once Tifa's made her point, the boys would retreat, but not until making remarks that they try to make sure I hear.

"He's pathetic, being saved by a girl"

"What a baby"

Then when Tifa gives them the second warning glare, they dash off. I hear the pound of their feet on the ground as they dash off. My shoulders were still hiding my face; I wait a little till I feel Tifa's soft hands pat away dirt from my hair, shirt and arms. I like the way her hands feel. They're really soft. And the way she would always mutter comforting words, she always makes being picked on a little bit worth it, as long as I get her to take care of me.

When she pulls my arm away from my face, I was welcomed with her small smile. I smile back, shyly though. She pulls me up to my feet, and I comply. When we managed to stand, I can see the difference in our height. Maybe an inch or two. The only thing making me equal to her is my hair. But, they don't measure how high your hair is with your height. If they did, we'd be equal in height. Sadly, the nurse in the clinic said that be cheating if they added my hair.

After Tifa finishes the last of the dirt on the shirt, she put her hands on her hips.

"Cloud! You need to stand up for yourself! You need to grow up a little more! Haven't you been drinking your milky?" there it goes, the usual scolding Tifa gives me. It's not really that bad, but I guess she's just worried about me. Mom did say people scold you because they love you. So Tifa loves me right?

"I drink milky everyday" I reasoned.

"Well you're not drinking enough! Look! I'm taller than you even if you're older than me!" this got me bowing my head. It's not my fault that I'm short. I drink milky every day. Sometimes I even finish three bottles and end up in the little boy's room for a really long time.

Even though Tifa was scolding me, she lets out a small giggle. I look up, wondering if she also thinks I'm pathetic. If she did, I might have that hurt feeling on my chest, just like the times I see her playing with those bully boys.

"But you know what? I like it when you're small" she smiled.

"Why?" I asked, a bit curious and happy. She likes me even if I'm small! Tifa likes me!

"Because I can do this!" in a spur of the moment she kisses my forehead. I can feel Tifa's lips being warm on my forehead, but I never knew even my cheeks would get warm.

She looks at me amused and then giggles "You look real funny Cloud. You're like a tomato!" she laughs.

For some reason, I end up laughing with her. Maybe one day when I grew up real big, I can kiss her forehead too. I can't wait.

I now understand the concept of being busy in college...so for a little treat, a three part one shot that will be completed on the same day. thank you to patient people and avid fans of my work :)