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Chapter Text

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1234567 – between friends

The early semester sun shone brightly over Midgar University, a sprawling campus where the gray concrete of modern buildings blended with green areas and murals graffitied by students. It was the first day of classes, and the central courtyard was packed with freshmen and seniors, all enveloped in the chaotic energy of a new beginning. An improvised stage displayed a colorful banner with 'Welcome, Freshmen!' written in vibrant hues. In the background, speakers played a playlist curated by the student radio representatives, carefully chosen to energize everyone.

Cloud Strife, a freshman with messy blond hair, dressed in a simple style with black shirts and jackets, gripped his backpack strap tightly, his blue eyes scanning the sea of unfamiliar faces. He wasn’t exactly the type to feel comfortable in crowds, but there was something about the campus’s energy that made him slightly curious.

Beside him, Tifa Lockhart walked with a more confident stride, though her eyes carried a melancholic glint. Her black and gray plaid skirt, paired with a long-sleeved black blouse and combat boots, marked her semi-alternative style, with impeccable eyeliner and silky, flowing hair. The end of her relationship with her ex still weighed on her, but Tifa was determined to embrace this new chapter.

The two had been friends since childhood, always hanging out at each other’s houses, eating snacks their mothers made while sharing their adventures. Cloud, though more inclined to listen than express himself, was Tifa’s greatest source of support. And she, with her upbeat attitude that could brighten even the grumpiest professors’ moods, never let him down. They were each other’s rock, and their years-long friendship had led them to where they were now: college.

It wouldn’t be a lie to say the blond was nervous — it had been the same on his first day of school. He always rubbed his hands on the sides of his wide-leg pants, his social anxiety evident and not unnoticed by Tifa.

“You okay, Cloud? You look like you’re lost on your own planet”, Tifa teased, nudging his shoulder with an encouraging smile.

“Me? I’m fine. Just… a lot of people”, Cloud replied, scratching the back of his neck, his voice low and shy. “And you? Are you really excited or just pretending?”

Tifa laughed, adjusting a strand of dark hair that fell over her shoulder. “A bit of both. New beginning, right?! But I’ll admit, I’m dying to see what it’s like to be a college student! There’s so much I want to do!" Her smile widened, now more dreamy. “I want to decorate my room, put up my posters, and check out the gym… did you see how huge it is?!” She didn’t wait for an answer before continuing to ramble about being eager to find out who her roommate would be. Cloud listened, nodding silently to each question.

As they crossed the courtyard, a voice echoed through the microphone on the stage:

“Hey, everyone! Welcome to the semester! I’m Kyrie, student council president, and we’ve got a ton of cool stuff planned! Tonight, there’s a welcome party at the Clubs HQ, with a performance by The Black Altar ! Don’t miss it!”

They had heard about the band in the freshmen’s messaging group. The Black Altar, a vintage band formed by four seniors, was practically a campus legend: always packed shows, lyrics blending melancholy and energy, and an alternative, somewhat experimental indie-pop vibe that made everyone want to dance. Whispers said the lead singer, Aerith, had a voice that melted hearts, and the guitarist, Vincent, was the kind of guy who looked like he stepped out of the most gothic music video ever made. Cloud hadn’t paid much attention to the comments, but Tifa was curious and excited about. 

The surrounding students cheered, and Tifa exchanged an excited glance with the blond. “We’ve got plans for tonight!” she said with a smile starting to form. Though Cloud gave a less enthusiastic smile, he nodded, giving in — it wouldn’t hurt to tag along with his friend on this first day.

∘₊✧🪩✧₊∘

On the other side of campus, at the Clubs HQ, The Black Altar was holding a last-minute rehearsal. Aerith Gainsborough, with her brown pigtails with red highlights, stood at the center of the stage, adjusting the microphone. Her pleated skirt and cropped blouse, paired with shiny piercings in her ears and gleaming silver rings on her fingers, gave her a striking aura; her friends often said she owned the whimsy goth style, and she, more than pleased, loved dressing up ornately to live up to the title. She sang snippets of a new song, her voice both soft and powerful, while Zack Fair, the bassist, plucked deep notes beside her.

Zack, wearing a ripped black t-shirt and leather bracelets on his wrists, smiled at Aerith, but there was a tension in the air. They had been dating for nearly two years, but the past few weeks had been marked by strange, empty moments that piled up like dust; their connection wasn’t the same anymore, but they hadn’t talked about it yet. Still, during rehearsal, they kept it professional — after all, the band was sacred.

At the edge of the stage, Vincent Valentine tuned his black Gibson, — his newest baby — with his long hair falling over his face. His black leather jacket and dark pants reinforced the emo vampire vibe he seemed to embrace with pride. He didn’t talk much, but his fingers danced on the strings with extraordinary skill.

Beside him, Noctis Caelum, the drummer, pounded the sticks with energy. With every arm movement, the moon pendant necklace around his neck swayed with his enthusiasm. Noctis was the most laid back of the group, always with an easy smile, especially when talking about Lunafreya, his long time girlfriend. 

“Vince, try not to melt the stage today, okay?” Noctis teased, twirling a drumstick.

Vincent merely raised an eyebrow with a half-smile appearing on his lips. “Focus on your drums, Noct. I don’t want to have to save you again”, he shot back with equal intensity, while memories of one of their last shows flooding back, where he vividly recalled covering a slip-up Noctis had made on the drums.

Aerith laughed, but her eyes met Zack’s for a second longer than necessary. She sighed and returned to the microphone. “Let’s rehearse one more time. I have a feeling tonight’s gonna be special!”

∘₊✧🪩✧₊∘   

That night, the Clubs HQ was packed. The warehouse, at the back of the Seventh Heaven fraternity, had been fully renovated, its walls covered in colorful graffiti and LED lights dancing in shades of purple, blue, and red, like a living organism. The air smelled of freshly baked pizza, fruity energy drinks, and perfume mixed with the sweat of excited bodies. In the center of the space, an improvised dance floor buzzed with students dancing, laughing, and taking selfies under the flashing lights.

Some freshmen, still shy, huddled in small groups in the corners, clutching plastic cups and exchanging curious glances, while seniors roamed confidently, greeting acquaintances with loud hugs and exaggerated toasts. A group of friends played beer pong at an improvised table, while others sang along to the pre-show playlist, shouting the lyrics like anthems of freedom. The energy was contagious, a mix of anxiety and euphoria for the semester ahead.

Cloud and Tifa managed to snag a strategic spot near the stage, squeezed among the crowd. Cloud, with hands in the pockets of his faded jeans, looked a bit out of place, his shoulders tense and the blue eyes scanning the room as if searching for the nearest exit. 

Tifa, on the other hand, swayed lightly to the background music, now wearing a flared skirt and a long-sleeved blouse with ripped details, plus a choker around her neck. Her combat boots tapped the floor lightly, almost as if she were holding herself back from diving onto the dance floor.

The warehouse lights dimmed, and a roar of applause erupted as The Black Altar took the stage. The buzz turned into enthusiastic screams, and cups raised in the air like offerings. Noctis took the drums with a passionate smile; he loved this — the feeling of stepping onto the stage and riling up the crowd with his first beats, smiling as if each one were a love letter to Luna, whom he always found watching from the front row.

Zack plucked the strings with a laid-back charm, winking at the audience. Vincent struck the first note, grinning with excitement at the screams from his many fans. And in the center, Aerith seemed to float. Her red-streaked hair glowed under the lights, her pleated skirt swaying gently, her entire look exuding a rebellious schoolgirl vibe. She gripped the microphone with confidence, smiling at the crowd.

“Good evening, Midgar!” she shouted, her crystalline voice cutting through the air. “Ready to kick off the semester with new music?” The crowd responded with a roar, and the band opened with '1234567', a track blending slow chords with a danceable beat.

Cloud, who had kept his head down until then, looked up at the band members; a faint smile forming as Tifa shook his arm, thrilled. His gaze lingered on Zack before he raised an eyebrow — he knew that guy. But then, he felt a shiver! Aerith’s voice was like a spell, pulling him in despite his usual shyness. He stood frozen, eyes fixed on her, because there was something in the way she moved, as if every gesture were an extension of the music and the performance. Her voice was hypnotic, shifting between soft and powerful, as if it could reach every corner of his soul.

He noticed the details: the way she tossed her hair to the side, her face with shimmery makeup catching the light, the glint of her rings as she gestured, the energy that seemed to light up the stage. He couldn’t look away, not because he was in love — or at least, he didn’t think he was, since he wasn’t the love at first sight type — but because the music and her presence made him feel something new, something he couldn’t name. It was as if, for a moment, the weight of his anxiety had vanished!

Beside him, Tifa was immersed in the music before noticing anything else. The sound of Vincent’s guitar enveloped her, each chord resonating in her chest as if telling a story she understood without words. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the melody guide her, then opened them and saw the guitarist; he played with a silent intensity, his fingers sliding over the strings with almost supernatural precision. The stage lights reflected off his bracelets and the glossy black guitar, and Tifa couldn’t help but think: this guy is insanely talented. It wasn’t attraction, it was pure admiration, as if she were watching someone transform raw emotion into sound.

Suddenly, Cloud and Tifa turned to each other; their gazes meeting in a moment of synchronicity. Cloud’s blue eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and fascination, while Tifa’s carried a blend of excitement and thrill. They hadn’t expected to be so captivated, so drawn in by such… extraordinary people.

“See this?!” Tifa whispered, leaning toward Cloud, as a shy smile formed. “They’re incredible!” 

Cloud nodded, still a bit dazed. “Yeah… the vocalist… she’s…” he trailed off, unable to find words, but the flush on his cheeks had said enough.

Tifa followed his gaze, and her smile shifted from excited to mischievous. “She’s pretty… reaaaaaaal pretty!”, she teased, nudging his shoulder subtly, and Cloud wanted to melt into the floor.

On stage, Aerith noticed Cloud’s stare. Her green eyes met his for a moment, and she tilted her head, curious, with a playful smile on her lips. There was nothing but genuine interest; she loved feeling the crowd’s energy, and something about that messy-haired blond guy caught her attention.

Vincent, on the other hand, noticed Tifa! His crimson eyes found her in the crowd, and he held her gaze a moment longer than necessary, with a lascivious smile curving his lips. It was as if he knew the effect he had, as if he were challenging her to keep looking. And she, feeling her face heat up, looked away, focusing on the music again, but her heart beat a little faster from the exchange.

When the song ended, the crowd erupted in applause, and Zack tossed a guitar pick into the audience. It landed near Cloud, who caught it, surprised.

Zack laughed, stepping off the stage, pointing at him. “Hey! Strifeeee! Long time no see, man!”

Cloud’s eyes widened, the pick warm in his hand as he looked at the man a few feet away, racking his brain to remember where he knew him from.

“Zack?! You… you’re in this band?!”

Tifa looked between them, confused but smiling. “You guys know each other?”

“We shared a cabin at scout camp!”, Zack shouted, his contagious energy making Tifa react with surprise as she recalled he was the kid from the summer camp Cloud talked about for days. “Cloud, come on, you and your friend, backstage later! I want to introduce you to the squad!”

They exchanged eager glances, Tifa more excited than usual, and as the band prepared to keep playing, she whispered in Cloud’s ear about already being at this level of intimacy, since it seemed not everyone was welcome backstage.  

∘₊✧🪩✧₊∘

The backstage was a messy corner of the warehouse, with stacked speakers, scattered cables, and a table with water bottles and energy drink cans. The Black Altar was there, relaxed but still carrying the show’s electricity. The room smelled of Aerith’s sweet perfume and a faint hint of cigarette smoke that seemed to come from Vincent’s leather jacket.

Cloud, still holding the pick Zack had tossed, tried to stay at ease, but the proximity to strangers made him fidget nervously with his jeans’ pockets.

Tifa seemed more comfortable, though her eyes still wandered to Vincent, who was leaning against a wall, pulling a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

Noctis was chatting with Luna, who had her arms around his neck, making him blush with the compliments she whispered, while Zack grabbed sodas, his radiant smile beaming as he handed two cans to his guests. Aerith finished carefully storing her microphone with great care before approaching.

Zack gave Cloud a friendly slap on the shoulder. “Man, I can’t believe you’re here! It’s been, what, five years? How’s life?”

Cloud scratched the back of his neck, shy. “I’m… starting out. First year, you know? And you... turned into a rockstar? I remember that was your dream…”

Zack laughed. “Almost there. These guys are my family now! Come on, let me introduce you.”

Aerith approached, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “So you’re Cloud? Zack’s mentioned you!” Her smile was genuine and welcoming. “Did you enjoy the show?” she tilted her head, her hair falling over her shoulder as she moves. Cloud felt his face heat up but managed to nod.

“It was… awesome. Your voice is…” he paused, awkward. “Really good.”

Aerith laughed, a sound as light as tinkling bells. “Thanks! Hope to see you at more shows!”

Tifa exchanged a quick glance with Vincent, who was calmly smoking his cigarette, seeming unbothered by everything. He raised an eyebrow, with the same lascivious smile from before playing on his lips, but this time, it seemed to appraise her. She swallowed hard.

The conversation flowed, with Zack’s easy smile and energy like he knew everyone, pulling Cloud into reminiscing about childhood stories, and Aerith asking excited questions about their majors, easily striking up a conversation with Tifa and finding common interests.

“Man, remember that time we tried to play at camp? You on the harmonica, me on a trash can as a drum…” Zack laughed loudly, patting Cloud’s shoulder.

Cloud grimaced, his voice lowering. “Don’t remind me. It was awful…”

Aerith, still chatting with her new friend, laughed and stepped closer. “Harmonica?! Seriously, Cloud?! Now I need to hear this story!" she leaned in, her playful gaze fixed on him.

Before Cloud could respond, Zack slung an arm around Aerith’s shoulders, pulling her into a casual hug. “This is my girl, by the way! Aerith, the best vocalist you’ll ever meet!"

Cloud blinked, processing the information. His what?! A slight chill ran down his spine.

“Oh, cool. You guys… match”, he said, his voice a bit quieter than usual now. Aerith smiled, not noticing the hesitation, and gave Zack a light punch on the arm.

“Sometimes he thinks we match more than I do”, she teased, but there was a subtle tone in her voice, as if something wasn’t entirely aligned.

Cloud didn’t notice; he was too busy trying not to seem out of place.

Tifa, watching the scene, caught the slight flush on Cloud’s cheeks. She raised an eyebrow, hiding a smile. Vincent, still in his own world, took a quick glance on her, as if sensing she was about to tease her friend but said nothing, though the corner of his lips curved into an almost imperceptible smile. 

“It was cool meeting you guys!” Tifa said, breaking the moment. “I think we’re heading out. Dorms, first day tomorrow… y’know how it is…” she stepped back, gently pulling Cloud by the arm.

“Come back for the next shows!” Aerith shouted as they walked away, and Vincent merely waved with two fingers, his eyes fixed on the girl in black.

Cloud managed to wave and mutter something like “see you” to Zack before being practically dragged out of the room by his friend.

∘₊✧🪩✧₊∘

On the way to the dorms, the campus was quieter, lit by streetlights casting long shadows on the sidewalks. The cool September breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass and the distant sound of laughter from a group of students returning from the party. Tifa walked with her hands in the pockets of her plaid skirt, her combat boots echoing on the concrete, while Cloud followed beside her, lost in thought.

“So…” Tifa began, and it was evident the mischievous tone in her voice. “You and Aerith, huh?! You got all goofy staring at her on stage. And… now you find out she’s dating Zack?! Who, by the way, is someone you know…” she shook her head, looking at him with curiosity and a hint of concern. “Oh, Cloud… this is tragic…”

Cloud nearly tripped, turning to her with his cute flushed cheeks. “What?! No, it’s not like that! I just… thought the music was good. Her voice is… I don’t know, different!”

Tifa laughed, nudging his shoulder. “Sure, sure, Spike. Her voice, obviously. Nothing to do with her exceptionally gorgeous hair and that sparkly fairy vibe, right?!”

“Cut it out”, Cloud muttered, but a shy smile slipped out. “And you? Staring at the vampire guy like he was gonna solve all your problems with that guitar.”

Tifa blushed but shrugged. “He’s talented, that’s all. Like… the guy plays like he’s possessed. It's not a crime to admire…”

They both laughed, the tension of the first day easing. When they reached the dorm buildings — brick structures with large windows and discreet graffiti on the sides — the reality of the new beginning hit. They said goodbye at the entrance; Cloud to the men’s block, Tifa to the women’s, with a promise to meet for breakfast.

Chapter Text

recommendation song for chapter:

get clean - baby jane

The following days were an immersion in the frenetic pace of Midgar University. The campus was a vibrant mosaic — glass buildings reflected the blue sky, gardens with wooden benches invited pauses between classes, and artistic murals, posters, and student-made announcements brought color to the concrete walls. The central courtyard, always bustling, was a meeting point for studying, gossiping, or playing guitar. Cliques were scattered everywhere, from the most alternative groups to the nerdiest ones. Cheerleaders practiced on the lawn, a speaker on a stone bench blasting the remix they were rehearsing for the upcoming basketball game.

Besides the well-meaning students, there were also those known as delinquents and troublemakers. A guy named Nyx was one of the leaders of this rough crowd, and many avoided crossing his path.

At the campus cafeteria, outdoor tables mixed the aroma of espresso with conversations and laughter. Sports courts echoed with games, and the main library, with its tall shelves and panoramic windows, was a haven for the more studious — or, in Cloud’s case, for those who wanted to escape crowds. 

Cloud, a Systems Engineering student, was getting used to spending hours in labs filled with blinking monitors and noisy keyboards. He liked the cold logic of programming, where everything made sense if you found the right pattern. But group dynamics made him uncomfortable; he preferred isolating himself with headphones, listening to instrumental playlists while deciphering code. His shyness kept him reserved, but he began to stand out in practical classes, where his attention to detail impressed professors.

Cloud shared a dorm room with Tidus, a Physical Education freshman with messy blond hair and a smile that seemed never to fade. Tidus was Cloud’s opposite — extroverted, passionate about sports, and always trying to drag him to basketball games or conversations about championships.

“Dude, you can’t just stay glued to your computer. Come play a game with me on the court!” Tidus said in the first week, tossing a basketball in the air.

Cloud mumbled a “maybe” and went back to his headphones, but secretly, he liked Tidus’s energy — it was hard not to get swept up in it.

Tifa, also a Physical Education student, shone in the gym. The space, with its polished wooden floor and smell of rubber, was her domain. She led exercises with confidence, running across the courts or adjusting postures in functional training classes. In theoretical classes like anatomy, she sometimes caught herself scribbling random thoughts — a habit she picked up from Cloud, realizing that putting ideas on paper made her feel lighter. Her recent breakup still hurt in quiet moments, but the campus rhythm — training, new friends, and constant events — kept her focused.

Tifa’s small dorm room already had her touch: purple and neon lights hung on the walls, posters of heavy metal and punk bands, a record player on the desk with pop singer records she secretly loved, a shelf with fantasy books, and a plant she swore she’d take care of but kept forgetting to water.

Her roommate, Jessie Rasberry, was a Graphic Design senior with brown hair and contagious energy.

Jessie was part of the Seventh Heaven fraternity but preferred the dorm, claiming the noisy members in a house were too much for her. “You have to come to the next frat party”, Jessie insisted one night, sticking glittery stickers on her laptop. “It’s like a The Black Altar show, but with more glitter and fewer rules.” Tifa made a mental note about it, happy to be easily included in these social circles.

In classes, Cloud and Tifa met new colleagues. At the cafeteria, Tifa befriended Selphie Tilmitt, a Communications freshman passionate about organizing events, always carrying a notebook full of ideas for campus festivals. Cloud’s theoretical classes were less lively, but he crossed paths with Professor Cid Highwind in an elective Introduction to Engineering course. Cid, a gray-haired man with a raspy voice and a seen it all attitude, was known for his practical mechanics lab classes, cursing at machines like old friends.

“These engines are stubborner than first week students!” Cid grumbled, but his eyes sparkled when explaining applied physics. Cloud, despite his shyness, found Cid inspiring; he seemed to understand the world in a way that made sense.

The Seventh Heaven fraternity was the epicenter of campus social life. The three-story house had walls covered in faded concert posters, worn-out sofas, and a pool table that was never actually used for pool. Christmas lights blinked on the ceiling year-round, giving it a somewhat magical vibe. The fraternity was known for parties that lasted until dawn, amateur DJs, impromptu karaoke, and rumors that got freshmen hyped about the academic year. 

Jessie tried to convince Tifa to join the fraternity, but she hesitated — she wanted to have fun but was still finding herself as a college student. Cloud, as expected, declined every invitation. “That’s not my thing”, he told Jessie, who rolled her eyes and promised to “convert him” before the semester ended.

Still, Cloud and Tifa found themselves drawn to the orbit of The Black Altar. One afternoon, while passing through the arts building hallway, they heard a rehearsal coming from a music room. Tifa stopped, recognizing Vincent’s chords. “They’re really good…”, she murmured, and Cloud nodded, feigning disinterest, more focused on the physics problem in his book.

Autumn began to paint the central courtyard trees in shades of orange and red, the air carrying a freshness that mixed the scent of dry leaves with coffee and herbs — that kind of herbs. Midgar University buzzed with freshmen adapting and seniors picking up the pace.

∘₊✧☀️✧₊∘

In the arts building’s rehearsal room, The Black Altar gathered on a Friday afternoon, sunlight streaming through high windows and illuminating a floor covered in faded stickers from old bands. The space was a creative sanctuary: stacked amplifiers, cables scattered like webs, and a chalkboard full of scribbled lyrics and setlists.

In the corner, an old sofa with torn upholstery served as a base for Prompto Argentum, the band’s self-proclaimed promoter, who fiddled with a camera, taking photos for the group’s Mooglegram profile. With messy blond hair and a stylized chocobo t-shirt, Prompto was a ball of energy, talking fast and gesturing as if he’d downed a liter of caffeine.

“Guys, this rehearsal is getting epic!” Prompto exclaimed, adjusting the camera angle to capture Noctis behind the drums. “The fans are gonna lose it! We’ve got a thousand likes on the last post, and people are begging for more covers. How about some Fall Out Boy for the next show?”

Noctis, serious until then, laughed and twirled a drumstick. “Fall Out Boy? Seriously, Prom? You want to turn us into an emo revival band?”

“Hey, revival is trendy!” Prompto shot back, pointing his fingers like a gun. “And Aerith slays any pop-punk vibe!”

Aerith, who was sitting cross-legged on a beanbag, laughed while writing in her notebook. She was working alone on a new and more emotional lyric she hadn’t yet dared to show her friends.

“I’m in, but only if Vincent doesn’t make a pained face playing overly happy chords!”, she teased, throwing a playful glance.

Vincent, sprawled awkwardly on a battered sofa with his Gibson on his lap, wore a leather jacket, with his long hair falling over his face, giving him a mysterious air. “If we’re doing pop-punk, at least pick something with soul. ‘Sugar, We’re Goin Down’, maybe. No generic ballads.”

Zack, tuning his bass with an easy smile, gave Vincent a playful punch on the shoulder. “Relax, man. You and your tastes… Let’s do a set that mixes our sound with something that gets the crowd going. Like our ‘Whispers’ with a more upbeat cover.” He turned to Aerith, his gaze softening. “What do you think, babe? Your voice will carry any song.”

Aerith smiled but hesitated subtly, fidgeting with her notebook. “Sure, babe, but we need to work on the new lyrics. The last one I wrote is kinda… heavy. Not sure it fits the weekend party vibe.” She paused, as if the words hid something more. Zack frowned, but before he could ask, Noctis hit the cymbals.

“Alright, people! Let’s rehearse ‘Altar’ first, this is taking too long, and I’ve gotta leave in an hour”, he said, checking his smartwatch.

“For…?” Prompto asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Going to the movies with my gorgeous girlfriend!” Noctis grinned, ignoring the teasing sounds that followed. “Ooooh, you’re all jealous, just admit it!!”

As the band played, their chemistry was undeniable. Zack and Aerith exchanged quick, affectionate glances, but there was something unspoken. He played with energy, leaning toward her during choruses as if to reaffirm their connection. She sang with passion, but at times her eyes drifted to the window, searching for something beyond the room. Vincent, immersed in his guitar, seemed oblivious, but his crimson eyes caught everything.

∘₊✧☀️✧₊∘

That afternoon, the frat house was relatively quiet, sunlight streaming through dusty windows, illuminating a sofa where Jessie had dragged Cloud, Tifa, and Tidus to chat, sharing nachos and sodas. The air carried a faint smell of weed from Jessie’s joint, the table littered with crumpled plastic cups and a flyer announcing The Black Altar’s next show. A speaker played smooth R&B beats, but the real soundtrack was the lively conversation.

Jessie took a drag from the joint, setting it in the ashtray, and laughed, waving a nacho in the air.

“Guys, is it just me, or do you also feel like something’s going on?”

Tidus, sprawled on the sofa in a basketball tank top, laughed loudly, grabbing a soda can. “You’re seeing drama where there’s none, Jessie! Zack and Aerith are the campus’s perfect couple. Always together, laughing, flirting on stage. But…” He leaned in, lowering his voice. “I heard in the cafeteria that some girls are speculating they’re fighting. An arts senior said she saw Aerith acting distant, and now everyone’s making theories…”

Jessie nearly choked, talking with her mouth full about Tidus’s gossiping spirit.

Cloud, with arms crossed, headphones hanging around his neck, and wearing a black t-shirt, frowned, uncomfortable. “Seriously? Don’t people have better things to do? It’s just a band, not their lives. They’re human, not TV characters…”

“TBA is like the campus Beatles, and Zack and Aerith are like John and Yoko. Everyone wants to know everything about them”, Tidus retorted, shrugging.

Tifa, who was quiet until then, picking at the rips in her jeans, gave him a playful tap on his shoulder, laughing. “Spill more, Jessie! Who are these girls? Are they, like, fans? Because I saw some at the last show screaming Vincent’s name like—”

Jessie laughed, nearly spilling her soda. “Oh, Tifa, you hit the nail on the head! Vincent’s fans are a whole thing! He’s like the gothic guitar god, and the girls gooooooo wild! There’s a Moogleweet community called ‘Valentine’s Vamps’ that posts photos of him at every show — zooms on his hand playing, his leather jacket, even his hair flying. It’s kinda creepy, y'know? They try to get his attention after shows, but Vincent… he enjoys the fame, you can see. He likes the screams, the looks, but never gives an opening. It’s like, ‘look, but don’t touch.’ ” She mimicked his pose, tilting her head with a serious look, drawing laughs.

Tidus shook his head, chuckling. “Yeah, Vincent knows how to play it. Stays all mysterious, playing solos that make everyone lose it, but I’ve never seen him hook up with any girl here. Now, Noctis…” He took a swig of soda, a mischievous grin. “When he started dating Luna, it was chaos. Some people got jealous, like, really jealous. Some journalism girls made a thread saying Luna ‘didn’t match’ him, that she was ‘ruining the band’s vibe.’ One even posted an old photo of Noctis with her in the crowd, trying to prove she was more ‘worthy.’ It was pathetic!”

Cloud rolled his eyes, but a half-ironic smile slipped out. “Seriously? That’s… kinda sick…”

“It is! But, back to it… Aerith’s a sweetheart. Always chats with the girls after shows, takes selfies, gives hugs. But some fans are kinda… weird. One gave her a necklace and said, ‘this is so you’ll remember me!’ Aerith was embarrassed but took it to be polite”, Jessie continued.

Tidus nodded, leaning back. “Zack has his crazy fans too. Some think he and Aerith are the dream couple, but when breakup rumors start, they go crazy!”

Tifa shook her head, grabbing another nacho. “That’s ridiculous. They’re so nice, but it’s like people forget they’re just… people. Zack’s all outgoing, but you can tell he’s always looking out for Aerith, staring at her like she’s his whole world. But now you’ve got me curious… is there really some drama going on?”

Jessie shrugged, her mischievous smile returning. “Who knows? They’re perfect together, but sometimes too much perfection feels… forced, right? Or maybe…” She paused dramatically, pointing the nacho like a wand. “Maybe there’s fire in the playground! I’m betting they break up in a week or two.”

Cloud choked on his grape soda, hiding his face in his hands. Tifa touched his shoulder, patting him and holding back laughter. “What makes you think that?” she asked Jessie.

“Oh, I feel it in my left breast!” Jessie replied, touching her chest with a serious expression, making Tidus laugh and throw a pillow at her. “Heeeey, I’m serious! I’m psychic!!”

Cloud stayed silent, thinking of Aerith on stage, the emotion in her voice, as if she felt every note. He wouldn’t admit it, but the idea of toxic fans bothered him, as if they were invading something that should be hers alone. “I think they deserve some peace”, he murmured, almost to himself.

Jessie smiled, nudging him. “Look at Cloud getting aaaaaall protective! And, oh, no need to say it, I know… you’re a fan of the muuuuuusic, not her! Got it!” She winked, and Tidus laughed, throwing another pillow.

“You guys are the worst.” Cloud said.

He stood, grabbing his backpack, and said goodbye, claiming he needed to pick up books at the library before it closed.

Cloud left the frat house, pulling his headphones from his neck and putting them on, smoothing out his slightly wrinkled black t-shirt, when he nearly bumped into someone while turning the corner of the mansion.

“Oops, sorry—” he started, stopping when he saw who it was.

Aerith was there with a canvas bag over her shoulder, she wore a pink dress and a black jacket, and seems surprised but smiling, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity and friendliness. “Cloud, right?” she said, her voice soft with a touch of excitement. “You almost knocked me over!” She laughed, adjusting her bag.

Cloud felt his face heat up and his heart skipping a beat. “Yeah, that’s me. Sorry, I was… distracted.” He scratched the back of his neck, looking away before meeting her gaze again. “You heading there?”

Aerith nodded, pointing at the mansion with her thumb. “Yup. Came to grab some notes from my room. And you? Already checked out the house? Getting used to campus?” She tilted her head, her friendly smile carrying genuine curiosity that made him feel a bit exposed.

He shrugged, trying to seem relaxed. “Just did that and… I’m trying. It’s… a lot different than I expected. Lots of people, lots going on.” His voice was low, and he mentally cursed himself for sounding awkward. Why did she make him so nervous? He barely knew her, but those green eyes seemed to see beyond what he wanted to show.

Aerith laughed again, that sound light and graceful, and leaned against a nearby wall, the breeze swaying her dress. “I get it. I was kinda lost at first too. Seventh Heaven is like a hurricane, right? Shows, parties, people shouting all the time…” She paused, studying him with a slight glint. “So, what did you think?”

Cloud hesitated, his heart beating faster under her gaze. “It’s… cool. I mean, your performance was amazing. The songs, the stage, everything…” He swallowed hard, trying not to think of her singing. “But, like, I’m not sure I’m much for parties. It’s kinda… suffocating.”

Aerith smiled, as if she understood perfectly. “Oh, I get it. Sometimes I prefer a quieter spot too!” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, the simple gesture making Cloud look away. “You’re finding your crowd, right? I saw you with Tifa. She’s awesome! Drags you into everything.”

Cloud gave a half-smile, relieved she shifted the focus. “Yeah, Tifa doesn’t let me sit still. She’s like a force of nature…” he hesitated, wanting to keep the conversation going but unsure how. “And you? What’s it like… being the center of attention? Here… on campus and all?”

Aerith grew thoughtful, her smile softening. “It’s… fun, but sometimes it’s kind of exhausting. Everyone’s watching, expecting you to always be ‘stage Aerith.’ But I love singing, showing feelings through the songs. It’s just…” she laughed, a bit embarrassed. “Sometimes I just want to grab a coffee without someone stopping me for weird conversations or asking if Noctis and Luna broke up…” she leaned in, whispering to him. “Believe me, that happens a lot.”

Cloud let out a puff of air through his nose, surprised by her honesty. “Yeah, that must be tough. But you… seem to handle it well.” He wanted to say more, maybe that he thought she was amazing, but the words stuck, and he felt like an idiot for not speaking properly.

Aerith smiled, noticing his nervousness but not commenting. “Thanks, Cloud! And, hey, if you need someone to show you around campus, just let me know. I’m good with shortcuts.” She winked, the gesture playful but sincere, tying his stomach in knots.

“Alright, I’ll… keep that in mind”, he said, his voice slightly hoarse and his face flushing again. “Good luck with… stuff at the frat house.”

She laughed, waving as she walked away. “Thanks! See ya!” She entered the mansion, leaving Cloud standing there, whit his heart beating too fast, and his head spinning with a mix of nervousness and relief for managing a conversation without saying anything stupid. For a little.

He sighed, put on his headphones but didn’t play any music, and kept walking, now paying attention to where he was going.

∘₊✧☀️✧₊∘

Tifa and Jessie walked across the courtyard toward the dorm, each holding a bubble tea from the campus kiosk. Tifa’s mango flavored iced tea with tapioca pearls swayed in the straw as she laughed at something Jessie said. Jessie sipped her strawberry tea enthusiastically, the pearls popping in her mouth.

“So, Tifa”, Jessie started, pointing her straw with a mischievous smile. “You and Cloud have always been just best friends, or… has there ever been something more?” She raised an eyebrow, her tone playful but fishing for gossip.

Tifa laughed loudly, nearly spilling her bubble tea, her loose hair swaying. “Seriously, Jessie?! Digging deep now!” She took a sip of the sweet drink and shook her head. “Alright… I’ll tell you, but don’t spread it! When we were teenagers, around fifteen, we… tried a kiss. Just one! Curiosity, y'know? But Cloud was so shy, he’d blush just by holding my hand! And, to be honest, back then I was more into girls, so it wasn’t a big deal.”

Jessie choked on her bubble tea, coughing dramatically while patting her chest, her eyes wide with shock and amusement. “Wait, what?! Tifa Lockhart, you’re saying you’re into girls and never told me?!” She laughed, stopping in the middle of the path, her cup swinging in her hand.

Tifa chuckled, her face flushing slightly but her smile confident. “Yeah… I’ve been dating a girl, Jessie. It’s not a secret, I just… don’t go announcing it.” 

Jessie opened her mouth, feigning indignation, and raised her index finger. “Tifa. I demand a kiss right now, just to test if you’re as good as you say!” She laughed loudly, tossing her hair back, clearly joking but with a mischievous glint. Tifa laughed too and kept walking, with Jessie trailing behind. “Seriously, girl! Spill mooooore! Who was the lucky one?”

Before Tifa could answer, they passed a group of students near a tree, where the smell of cigarette smoke lingering in the air. Tifa instinctively turned her head and saw Vincent leaning against the tree, chatting with friends; a cigarette between his fingers, smoke curling up in slow spirals. His crimson eyes met hers for a second, an intense look with a slight smirk that made her stomach flip. She quickly looked away, her face warming, and turned her attention back to Jessie, who was still chattering.

“Hey, Tifa, did you hear me?” Jessie nudged her, laughing. “I’m waiting for the rest of the story!”

Tifa huffed, hiding her blush with a sip of bubble tea. “About the story, there’s not much more… I dated a girl I met in martial arts class seriously, but we broke up a few months ago because she went on an exchange program… anyway!” She drank again, a bit uncomfortable.

Jessie smiled, bumping her shoulder to lighten the mood. “But, seriously, if you want to give me a kiss to practice… maybe for when you kiss Vincent… I wouldn’t say no!”

Tifa’s eyes widened, and she laughed loudly while shoving Jessie, glancing back almost afraid someone had heard. “You’re impossible, Rasberry! Keep dreaming about that kiss!”

They continued down the path, their laughter echoing through the courtyard, the cold bubble tea refreshing the afternoon heat and the memory of Vincent’s gaze still burning in Tifa’s mind.

∘₊✧☀️✧₊∘

Later that night, Aerith gathered her friends in her room, something they did weekly to escape the noise and whispers. Lunafreya, with her elegant bun and light dress, held a glass of juice, her serenity contrasting with the upbeat music they were listening to. Vanille Oerba was braiding her own hair, radiating an energy that lit up the room. Serah Farron was talking to her boyfriend on the phone, while Yuna, with gentle eyes and a long-sleeved blouse, offered cupcakes to Aerith.

“You looked amazing in the photos, Aerith”, Yuna said, her voice soft as a breeze.

“Thanks, Yuna!” Aerith replied, sitting on the bed and taking a cupcake, biting into it. She played with one of her silver rings, her gaze distant. “But… I don’t know, today’s been kinda tough.”

Luna sat beside her, her blue eyes full of concern. “What’s going on? You’re here… but you seem somewhere else.”

Aerith sighed, looking at her friends. Vanille stopped what she was doing and flopped onto a beanbag in the center of the room, while Serah put her phone away, leaning forward.

“Spill it, Aerith!” Vanille said, her tone playful but caring. “It’s obvious something’s bothering you.”

Aerith took a deep breath, while her green eyes shimmering with a mix of confusion and sadness. “It’s Zack. Some things are going on… It’s not that I don’t love him. I do, really. But lately, it feels like we’re not on the same wavelength. The band’s taking up all our time, and we barely talk about… us. When we’re together, it’s always about the next song or the next event. And I feel like he’s so… lost, y’know? Like he’s trying to hold everything together, the band, the relationship, life… and I don’t know how to help.”

She paused, biting another piece of the cupcake, her voice trembling slightly. “And I’m not helping either. I get so focused on the lyrics, the stage, that sometimes I forget to ask how he’s doing. And when I try to talk, he makes a joke or changes the subject. The other day, I tried to talk about the future, about what we want after college, and he just… laughed and said we’ll be ‘rockstars forever.’ But I don’t know if that’s what I want, or if he’s just dodging the conversation. I feel him pulling away, but I think I’m pulling away too, and neither of us is being honest.”

The words came out like a weight she’d been carrying for weeks, and Aerith covered her face with her hands for a moment, her eyes misty.

“I keep thinking… what if we had stopped to really talk? What if the band’s bringing us together on stage but pulling us apart off it? I don’t want to lose him, but I don’t know how to fix this either...”

Luna squeezed Aerith’s shoulder, her touch gentle. “Have you tried pulling him into a serious conversation? Like, no band, no distractions?”

“I tried”, Aerith admitted, her voice now low. “But he always deflects. And I don’t push either, because… I don’t know, maybe I’m scared of what he’ll say. Or what I’ll find out about myself!” She laughed, a sad little sound. “It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? We sing about feelings all the time… but we can’t talk about our own…”

Serah leaned forward, her pink hair falling over her shoulders. “It’s not ridiculous, Aerith. Relationships are complicated, and you two are dealing with a lot of pressure. The band’s amazing, but maybe you need some time just for you two, you get it? Off the stage.”

Vanille nodded, pulling Aerith into a hug. “Exactly! And, look, if you need a distraction, we’ll have a girls’ night. Popcorn, bad movies, and no talking about boyfriends!” She shot a sarcastic glance at Luna, who shrugged, smiling.

Aerith laughed, her smile slowly returning. “You guys are amazing. Seriously. I think I’ll try talking to him… for real this time.”

Yuna squeezed her hand, smiling. “You’ll find your way, Aerith. And we’re always here.”

Chapter Text

recommendation song for chapter:

be no body - alissic

📲

tifa 08:47

if the professor makes us run another 10 laps, im gonna collapse in a fetal position in the middle of the court  

cloud 08:48  

You’re literally in phys ed  

tifa 08:48  

and ur in systems engineering, but no one’s forcing you to build a bridge at 8 in the morning  

cloud 08:49  

It’s not a bridge. It's a robotic arm with a touch sensor  

Respect my suffering  

tifa 08:49  

respect me 

my muscles are screaming for help in latin  

cloud 08:49  

Talk to them. tell them tomorrow’s ramen will be worth it  

tifa 08:50  

only if you pay  

and carry my death-trap backpack to the restaurant  

cloud 08:50  

Your backpack weighs more than your track coach  

tifa 08:51  

its for endurance training  

im pulling double duty: discipline + drama  

cloud 08:51  

Classic.  

But deal. Only if you stop sending me moogletok videos of barely clothed people pretending it’s art  

tifa 08:52  

cant promise that  

its educational content  

cloud 08:53  

…I’m scared of your algorithm  

Cloud sighed, rubbing his face before heading into the classroom for more group project discussions. But before he could put his phone away, it buzzed with new messages.

📲

zack 08:55   

yo cloud 💥  

you coming to the game on Friday?  

heard you used to play too 👀  

we need some decent backups  

say yes pls

and if u don’t have a uniform, ill bring one

royal blue matches your academic trauma  

cloud 08:58  

Royal blue’s kinda tacky  

But I’m in  

Where and when?  

zack 08:59  

OLD GYM  

tonight at 7pm  

and if u complain, you’re going as the mascot 🐤  

Cloud hesitated, his thumb hovering over the screen. Basketball wasn’t exactly his thing, and the idea of socializing with a loud group didn’t seem all that appealing. But Zack had a way of making everything sound fun, and Cloud felt that maybe a bit of movement could clear his head.

“Alright, why not?” he muttered to himself, typing a quick reply: “Cool, I’ll be there.” He pocketed his phone, adjusted the earbuds around his neck, and walked into the classroom.

 ∘₊✧💥✧₊∘

The rehearsal room in the arts building was a mess. The band was preparing for a big performance at the campus autumn festival, and the tension in the air was palpable – not just from the pressure of the event, but from something subtler; something that echoed in the notes coming from the instruments.

Noctis seemed oblivious to the tension, focused on keeping the beat steady, occasionally flashing a smile at Luna, who watched from the doorway, clutching a notebook to her chest. Vincent played with his usual intensity, his long hair falling over his face as his fingers danced on the strings. Zack tried to maintain his usual energy, bobbing his head and shouting “Let’s go, guys!” between songs, but his eyes kept drifting to Aerith frequently.

Aerith gripped the microphone tightly. Her voice, usually crystalline, wavered at unexpected moments. During ‘BE NO BODY’, she missed the chorus cue, her voice cracking on a high note.

“Damn”, she muttered, stopping and rubbing her forehead. “Sorry, guys, can I try again?”

Noctis stopped the drums, frowning. “You okay, Aeris? You seem kinda… off today.”

She forced a smile, adjusting her pleated skirt. “I’m fine, just… distracted. Let’s go again!”

But as they restarted, she hesitated on a line, her voice trembling slightly, and Zack, trying to keep up, also missed a note on the bass, the dissonant sound cutting through the air.

Vincent stopped playing and raised an eyebrow. “Zack, you sleeping on the strings? And Aerith, where’s your head today?” His voice was calm but direct, with a hint of provocation that made the vocalist blush.

Zack laughed weakly, trying to lighten the mood. “My bad, man. I’m kinda out of it. Busy schedule, y'know?” He glanced at Aerith, waiting for a reaction, but she just nodded, her eyes fixed on the sheet music in front of her.

When they resumed, Aerith pushed herself, but her voice still carried a weight, as if every word was an effort to hide something. Zack, in turn, seemed to overcompensate with energy, but his subtle mistakes — a late note, an off-tempo rhythm — betrayed his distraction. The band finished the rehearsal with the song sounding good but not perfect, and everyone felt the difference.

As they packed up their instruments, Zack approached Aerith, touching her shoulder.

“Hey, you really okay?”

Aerith hesitated, fidgeting with one of her silver rings. “I’m fine, Zack. Just… tired. We’ve been rehearsing a lot, right?” She smiled but looked away, and Zack frowned, sensing the growing distance between them, unsure how to address it. He just nodded, leaning in to kiss her forehead.

∘₊✧💥✧₊∘

The Midgar gym was an old building with concrete walls covered in faded paint and posters from past events. The smell of polished wood and sweat hung in the air, mixed with the sound of sneakers squeaking on the floor and the basketball bouncing hard. The double doors were open, letting the late afternoon heat mingle with the weak air conditioning inside. The main court was lit by high spotlights, while the metal bleachers around it were mostly empty, except for a few scattered students watching or scrolling on their phones. In the center of the court, a group of guys played an animated game, shouts and laughter echoing.

Zack, shirtless, led one of the teams, his black hair messy and dripping with sweat. His black sneakers squeaked on the floor as he dribbled with agility, his athletic body gleaming under the lights, muscles defined with every quick pass. Beside him, Snow, another high-energy blond, also shirtless, laughed loudly while blocking an opponent. Biggs, shorter but surprisingly fast, ran with the ball, shouting something about “leaving the newbies in the dust.” On the other side, Tidus, shirtless with his blond hair plastered to his forehead from sweat, tried to steal the ball, his shell necklace bouncing as he moved.

Cloud paused at the court’s entrance, hesitant, whit his earbuds hanging around his neck, and his black t-shirt and jeans making him feel out of place among the shirtless guys. Zack spotted him and flashed a wide grin, waving.

“Cloud! You made it, man! Come play on my team, we need some backup!” He tossed the ball to Biggs, jogging over to Cloud with his usual energy, sweat dripping down his chest. “Thought you were gonna bail!”

Cloud gave a half-smile, scratching the back of his neck, his voice a bit reluctant. “Almost did. I’m not exactly a basketball guy, Zack.” He glanced at the court, the guys running and shouting, the ball’s echo reverberating. “But… alright, I’ll give it a shot.”

Zack raised his arms, slapping his shoulder. “That’s the spirit! Chill, it’s just for fun. Take off your shirt if you want, it’s hot as hell in here.” He winked, bounding back to the court with a leap, yelling to the others: “Guys, Cloud’s on my team! No one’s got a chance now!”

Cloud huffed but didn’t take off his shirt — he was already out of his comfort zone, and going shirtless wouldn’t help. He stepped onto the court and positioned himself, trying to recall the basic rules of basketball.

The game resumed, with Zack passing the ball to him almost immediately. “Go, Cloud, show what you know!” he shouted, laughing as he ran to guard Tidus.

Cloud hesitated, the ball heavy in his hands, but dribbled carefully, his body moving on instinct. He passed to Snow, who scored with a strong shot, making the court erupt in cheers and playful boos.

"That’s it, rookie!” Snow roared, pointing at Cloud. “You’re getting the hang of it!”

Little by little, Cloud started to loosen up. The frenetic rhythm of the court — the sound of the ball bouncing, sneakers squeaking, guys shouting taunts — was strangely infectious. He stole the ball from Tidus, who laughed and gave him a light shove. “Getting sneaky, Cloud!” he teased, chasing after him. Cloud managed an awkward shot, the ball circling the rim before dropping in, and Zack celebrated like it was a championship final, running over for a high-five.

“Look at that, the shy guy’s killing it!” Zack said, his smile gleaming, sweat dripping as he adjusted his headband. “Knew bringing you here would loosen you up!”

Cloud showed a small smile in response, out of breath, his face red not just from effort but from the surprise of actually having fun. “Alright, you win”, he said, panting, catching the ball Biggs tossed to him. “But don’t call me for this every day, okay?”

Zack laughed loudly, stealing the ball with a quick move. “No chance. You’re on the team now!” He dribbled to the basket, scoring with a leap.

The game ended with Zack and Cloud’s team winning by a narrow margin, and the guys scattered across the court, grabbing water bottles and wiping sweat with towels. Cloud sat in a corner, still panting, but with a faint smile on his face.

Zack flopped down beside him, his water bottle dripping as he took a swig. “So, admit it, that was fun, right?” he asked, nudging him with his elbow.

Cloud shrugged, but the smile gave him away. “It was… better than I expected. Thanks for the invite.”

Zack grinned, giving him another shoulder slap. “Anything to get you out of that lone wolf vibe, man.” He took another gulp of water and sighed deeply. "Y'know, sometimes I miss the days when we’d sit in the camp cafeteria planning stupid stuff, like starting a band or traveling the world. Life was simpler.”

Cloud nodded, his blue eyes softening with the memories. “Yeah. But you’re living the dream now, right?”

Zack seemed to hesitated, his smile faltering. He took another sip of water, while staring at the floor. “Yes and no. The band’s awesome, but… I don’t know, sometimes I feel like I’m chasing something I’m not sure exists. Like Aerith… she’s everything to me, but lately, it feels like we’re on different pages. The band takes up so much time that I don’t even know when we last really talked.” 

Cloud frowned, surprised by the vulnerability. “You guys… had a fight?”

“Nah, nothing like that”, Zack said, forcing a smile. “It’s more… silence. You know when you feel someone’s there, but not really? I want to fix it, but I don’t know where to start. And I’m not exactly helping…” He laughed, shaking his head. “Sorry, man, I’m dumping my problems on you. What about you? Getting used to life here?”

Cloud shrugged, relaxing a bit. “Trying to. Classes are cool, but… I don’t know, I like figuring out how things work. Code, systems… it’s easier than people. But sometimes I feel like I’m just going through the motions, not really choosing. It’ll take time to get used to all this noise, it’s totally different from school and camp… crowds kill me.”

Zack laughed loudly, the mood already lightening. “Chill, you’ll find your way! And, Cloud, you’re my brother!” He stood with a friendly smile. “Come back to the court more often and show up to rehearsals, alright? Maybe you’ll even play that awful harmonica again.”

Cloud rolled his eyes but laughed. “Never again.”

  ∘₊✧💥✧₊∘

On Saturday night, the fraternity house was on fire — not literally, but the energy was so intense it might as well have been. The walls vibrated with the beat of an indie remix spun by Gladio, the veteran DJ, who worked the controls with a grin like he knew the night would be epic. A disco ball sent colors dancing across the ceiling, reflecting off the red cups scattered on beer pong tables — never missing — where students shouted with every throw.

The air smelled of alcohol and sweet perfume, with a hint of bong smoke wafting from a group on the porch. Worn-out sofas were packed with couples making out, friends laughing loudly, and freshmen trying to fit in, while the makeshift dance floor pulsed with bodies moving to the rhythm.

Tifa went without Cloud this time. And she was in the middle of the chaos, feeling alive. Her black cropped top showed a sliver of her waist, and her skirt swayed as she danced with Jessie and Selphie. Jessie had some glittery stickers on her face, shouting the song lyrics, while Selphie, in a colorful dress, twirled like a kid. Tifa laughed happy, her loose hair flying around her face, but suddenly, her eyes were drawn to the stage when The Black Altar started a surprise performance.

Zack’s bass kicked off the first song of the night, blending with Noctis’s rhythmic beats, the intro lingering until Aerith began to sing, her voice now more melodic and lively than in rehearsal. And little by little, she loosened up, moving her body to the song’s sensual rhythm.

Each chord Vincent played seemed to ignite something in the air, a raw energy that made Tifa’s heart race. She didn’t realize she was frozen, her brown eyes fixed on him, absorbing every movement: the way his fingers slid over the strings with vivid precision, the slight sway of his long hair, and the glint of silver bracelets against pale skin. It was as if he were playing just for her; each note like a silent provocation. Tifa got lost in the music, the stage, in him, unaware that her eyes betrayed her, sparkling with a mix of fascination and something pretty deeper.

During a solo, Vincent looked up, his eyes finding hers effortlessly. A slow, lascivious smile curved his lips, as if he knew exactly what he was doing to her. Tifa felt her face heat up and her heart racing, but this time, she didn’t look away, caught in that silent game. The moment stretched, electric, until the song ended and the students applauded, breaking the spell.

Tifa tried to focus on Jessie, who was chatting excitedly about the party, but her eyes kept drifting back to the stage, where Vincent adjusted his guitar with deliberate calm.

Then, as if drawn by the weight of her gaze, he stepped off the stage and approached, ignoring the calls from female voices. He moved with a predatory grace that made the air feel denser. The smell of his leather jacket mingled with the party’s sweet perfume, and he stopped too close, with his eyes locked on hers as a dangerous smile stared to play on his lips.

“You couldn’t take your eyes off me all night, could you?” Vincent said, his voice deep and velvety, laced with a confidence that made Tifa’s pulse quicken. “Not that I’m complaining… it’s hard to ignore someone like you.”

Tifa felt her cheeks flushed, but lifted her chin, trying to keep her cool. “I was just… enjoying the show”, she retorted, shrugging, her voice steady but with a slight tremor that betrayed her nerves. “You play well. Hard not to notice.”

Vincent laughed, a low and husky sound that sent a shiver down her spine, and stepped closer; the space between them nearly nonexistent, the lights glinting in his predatory eyes.

“Enjoying the show, huh? Then why do I feel your eyes on me even when I’m not playing?” He tilted his head, his gaze briefly dropping to her lips before returning to her eyes, bold and provocative. “Admit it, Tifa”, — she nearly fainted hearing her name in his voice. Damn! — “you’re not just watching the guitar. And I’m pretty curious to see what else you want to see.”

Tifa swallowed hard, her heart pounding so loud she feared he could hear it. Trying to cling to her ‘good girl’ image, she crossed her arms against her chest and raised an eyebrow. “You’re pretty full of yourself, aren’t you, Valentine? Maybe I’m just judging your… technique.”

He laughed again, the sound deeper, more dangerous. “Judge all you want, but those eyes of yours are telling a different story.” He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper meant just for her. “Keep looking at me like that, and I might show you something that’ll leave you speechless.”

Tifa felt heat spread through her body but refused to back down. With a defiant smile, she shot back, “you talk a big game for someone who spends all his time looking like the world’s most mysterious man. Maybe I’m just trying to figure out what’s behind all that charm.”

He raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. “Charm, huh? Nice try, but I know what I saw. And I’m very willing to let you find out, Lockhart. Just let me know when you’re ready.”

He stepped back, his gaze still locked on hers, leaving her with a racing heart and a smile she tried, unsuccessfully, to hide. He returned to the stage with the same feline grace, leaving Tifa in the middle of the dance floor, with her mind reeling from his words.

Jessie, who had watched the scene from afar, approached laughing. “Wow, Tifa, what was that?! The guy practically devoured you with his eyes!”

Tifa huffed, trying to regain her composure. “He’s… cocky. That’s all.”

“Cocky, sure!” Selphie said, twirling beside her. “You’re red as a pepper. I think someone’s falling for the guitariiiist!”

Tifa just rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face gave her away.

∘₊✧💥✧₊∘

While Tifa navigated the electric tension with Vincent, Cloud was back at the dorms, avoiding the Seventh Heaven party as usual. He sat in his room, the small space lit by the soft glow of a desk lamp, and his laptop open with lines of code he was supposed to be debugging for his Algorithms class. Tidus was out — probably at the party or shooting hoops in the gym — leaving Cloud in blissful silence, with his earbuds playing a lo-fi playlist.

The dorm room was a mix of their personalities: Tidus’s side cluttered with sports gear and bright posters of beach scenes, Cloud’s side sparse with just a laptop, a stack of textbooks, and a single photo of him and Tifa from high school pinned to the wall.

His attention was diverted when his phone buzzed incessantly with new messages. He grabbed it, sighing, and raised an eyebrow.

📲

tifa 00:37  

cloudieeee im coming to your roommmm 

before you say “tifa its almost one in the morning”  

yes I KNOW.  

but the back door of block C was open because the frat boys are idiots  

00:38  

and IM looking cute and slightly tipsy  

and I dont want to sleep yeeeet  

i need to tell you about how i got flirted with by a gorgeous emo guitarist  

cloud 00:38  

…  

You’re gonna get expelled and I’ll get dragged into it  

tifa 00:39

id do it aaaaall again!!!!!!!  

im coming up if ur naked warn me.  

cloud 00:39  

Sadly for you, I’m in sweats and reading a turbine manual.  

Come quick before someone sees.  

Cloud opened the door just enough to let Tifa slip in like a tipsy, grinning ninja. Her hair was a bit messy, her eyeliner slightly smudged, and her skirt too short for the chilly night. She held her combat boots in one hand as she entered.

“Your room smells like burnt wires and male anxiety”, she said, tossing her boots into a corner and flopping onto his bed.

“Thanks, Tifa. I'm really feeling the love with that compliment”, he replied, locking the door again and returning to his beanbag.

She laughed, rolling onto her side on the mattress, propping her head on a pillow. “But listen, listen! The band played tonight… and Vincent… he was playing that slow song, the kind that feels like it’s gonna hypnotize you and pull you into a misty, sinful forest!” 

“That was… way too poetic for someone who’s clearly had three cups of jungle juice”, Cloud said, laughing a bit.

“Shut up. It was four!” she laughed alone. “But, ugh, it was seeeexy.” She gave a lopsided smile. “And then, I was watching. Like… discreetly. And he came", she paused dramatically, propping herself on her elbows, “with that face of his like ‘hi, I know what you did last summer.’ ”

Cloud brought his hand to his forehead, already laughing. “You’re completely lost!”

“I AM!” she raised her hand in the air. “He looked at me and said, ‘I noticed your eyes on me.’ Cloud. CLOUD! He said THAT. Not ‘hi,’ not ‘what’s your name?’ He hit me with an ‘I noticed your eyes on me’ WITH THAT VOICE!” She sounded hysterical. “I tried to play it cool, but… God, Cloud, he’s dangerous…” she said the last part oddly seriously, but couldn’t hold it for long.

Cloud leaned back in the beanbag, laughing. As much as he knew her, he knew she only talked like this because she’d been drinking. On any other occasion, she’d deny it to death!

“And I loved it”, Tifa confessed, laughing too, her eyes sparkling. “I was like… speechless. You know when you want to kiss someone but also thank them for existing?”

“Nope, but I’m happy for you”, he said with a genuine smile. “You seem really excited.”

She reached out toward him from the bed without getting up. “Cloud. If I fall for this guy and he disappears too, please, punch me!”

“With pleasure”, he gave a faint, protective smile. Though he wouldn’t say it, he didn’t want that happening to his friend again. “That’s what friendship’s for, right?”

“Loyalty and moderate violence, always.”

They laughed together, and Cloud went over to her, grabbing a blanket from the corner and tossing it over her. “Sleep here tonight.”

“Thanks, Spike”, she mumbled sleepily, snuggling in and leaving space for him on the bed. “Love youuu!”

“Love you”, he sighed, turning off the light and returning to his turbine manual on the beanbag, under the glow of Tidus’s football-shaped lamp.

∘₊✧💥✧₊∘

By the morning, Tifa closed Cloud’s dorm room door carefully, adjusting her skirt and trying to tame her messy hair with her hands. She was wearing his old t-shirt tied at the waist, her combat boots in hand, and a vague smile on her lips. The previous night’s buzz was fading into memory, but the warmth of the room, the laughter, and the conversations still echoed in her chest.

As she turned the corner toward the building’s exit, she ran into Aerith crossing the sidewalk, holding a red folder stuffed with papers and a coffee in the other hand. She wore a white button-up shirt, open enough to reveal a black tank top underneath, a pleated skirt, fishnet stockings, and her brown hair with red tips tied in her usual pigtails.

“Good morning, Miss Lockhart… sleep well?” she asked with a sly smile, raising an eyebrow.

Tifa froze for two seconds, blinking. “You… were you waiting for me?”

“Nope! I just have a nose for gossip and a knack for catching people in the act”, she replied, taking a sip of her coffee. “But, look, you walking out of the men’s dorm wearing a shirt that doesn’t look like yours…”

Tifa blushed and looked at the ground, holding back a laugh. “Nothing happened! I just… slept there. The party went late and…”

“And the guitarist of your dreams flirted with you?” Aerith finished with a grin. “I saw, okay?! You looked like a groupie in the second stage of conscious flirting!”

Tifa covered her face with one hand. “Aerith, for God’s sake!”

“No, no.” Aerith gently pulled her hand away from her face, holding it delicately. “I’m your friend now, I’ve decided! And that’s why you’re officially invited to my anti-romantic pajama party tonight.”

“Anti-romantic?”

“Yup. Just girls. Just chaotic energy, skincare, and maybe a bottle of wine.”

“Alright! I’m in”, she said, almost shyly.

“Good girl.” Aerith winked and spun on her heels. “I’ll text you later! See ya.”

Aerith entered the narrow hallway of the faculty room, red folder in hand, and her steps determined. She left the manuscript on the semiotics professor’s desk and turned to leave, her steps light and quick. Though it was Sunday, she did this often. Her professors always seemed attentive to one of the campus’s best students.

She headed to the band’s rehearsal room. She was finally going to show her new song. Though they had composed the melody together, the lyrics had stayed in her hands for weeks. It was time, she thought.

“Hey, Aeris”, Noctis called her with his voice low to avoid drawing attention. “You okay?”

Aerith sighed, adjusting a ring on her finger. “I’m fine, Noct. Just… tired. The festival’s coming up, and I’ve been busy with some assignments.” She looked at the floor, avoiding his eyes.

Noctis crossed his arms, his gaze concerned. “Luna mentioned you were talking about… stuff with Zack. I won’t push, but if you need to talk, you know me and her are here, right?”

Aerith smiled, but it was a fragile smile. “Thanks, Noct. It’s just… complicated. I can’t seem to find time for myself, and I feel him so… distant, even when he’s so close. I don’t know how to fix it.” She hesitated, her voice softening. “But I promise I’ll try. Just… give me some time.”

Noctis nodded, squeezing her shoulder. “Alright. Just don’t drown in the music, okay? You’re more than our vocalist!”

Meanwhile, Vincent, watching the scene from afar, packed away his guitar with his usual calm. He approached Zack, who was sitting on an amplifier, scrolling through his phone with a tense expression.

“You’re playing pretty badly, Fair”, he commented, his voice deep but with a hint of concern. “What’s going on?”

Zack laughed, but it was a forced sound. “I’m good, man. But I don’t know… too many rehearsals, the festival, that stuff.” He looked at Vincent, hesitating. “Or maybe… I’m just feeling her pulling away, and I don’t know what to do.”

Vincent raised an eyebrow, understanding instantly, his eyes studying Zack like he was reading a book. “Have you tried talking to her? Really talking, with no jokes?”

Zack shrugged, and his smile fade away. “I try, but… I don’t know. I’m not exactly great at stopping to talk, and I think that’s breaking us.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You ever felt that, Vincent? Like there’s something you want to hold onto, but it’s slipping away?”

Vincent stayed silent for a moment, his gaze distant. “Yeah. And the only way is to face it, even if it hurts. Talk to her, Zack. Before the music’s the only thing left.”

He gave Zack pat on the shoulder, a rare gesture of affection, before walking away, leaving the bassist with his thoughts.

∘₊✧💥✧₊∘

That night, Aerith hosted the girls' night in her dorm room. The space was cozy, with pink fairy lights hanging on the walls, posters of artists like ABBA, Roxette, and Fleetwood Mac, a succulent plant by the window, and a photo board with her friends. The floor was covered with blankets and pillows, with an improvised table full of popcorn, chocolates, and bottles of drinks.

Luna, wearing blue silk pajamas with her blonde hair loose, was finishing setting up a playlist on her phone. Vanille danced while opening a bag of chips. Serah, in pink pajamas with her hair tied in a messy bun, laughed at some joke from her friend, and Yuna, in simple gray pajamas, adjusted the portable karaoke machine she had brought.

Aerith, in star-patterned pajamas with her hair loose, hesitated before sending a message to Tifa.

“Is Tifa coming, any problem?” she asked, hearing the girls say she was welcome. Aerith wanted to include Tifa, feeling an affinity with her since the first days.

Serah smiled, a bit tense but sincere. “Oh… Tifa? She’s cool.” Despite her words, there was a slight discomfort in her eyes, but she nodded, encouraging.

Aerith replied to the message, and Tifa showed up minutes later, in black pajamas with a cat print, her hair loose and a shy smile.

“Thanks for the invite”, she said, hesitating and almost turning back upon seeing Serah. Yeah, she wasn’t expecting that, but she took a deep breath and sat on the blanket. “I didn’t know it was karaoke night!”

“It’s a surprise!” Vanille clapped, excited. “And no talking about boyfriends or drama. Just music and nonsense!” She handed the microphone to Tifa. “You start!”

Tifa smiled, taking the microphone hesitantly. “Alright, but don’t judge me if I’m off-key.” She chose ‘Out of Touch’ by Daryl Hall & John Oates, and the girls laughed as she sang, exaggerating her gestures like a stage diva.

Aerith went next, choosing ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac. Her soft voice filled the room, but with a touch of melancholy that made the girls exchange glances.

Luna sang a ballad version of ‘Simple Girl’ by Remy Bond, very calm, her angelic voice soothing the mood, while Vanille and Serah did a hilarious duet of ‘Wannabe’ by the Spice Girls, dancing and tripping over the blankets. Yuna closed with ‘My Heart Will Go On’ by Celine Dion, earning applause and laughter with every high note she poured her heart into.

Tifa, more at ease, felt the tension with Serah dissipate, and the two exchanged a shy smile during the songs.

“Hey… Serah!” she called, sitting beside her. “How you holding up? It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other… your hair’s grown.”

“Hi, Tifa!” Serah looked up, smiling. “I’m good, and thanks! It’s been a bit tough to manage it now.” She grabbed a pink strand, twirling it around her little fingers. “And you? How you dealing after… y'know, the breakup with Claire?” She tilted her head, her tone kind but direct, her blue eyes full of friendly concern.

Tifa sighed, playing with the wine glass in her hands, her smile softening. “I’m good, really. The breakup was… tough, but it’s been a while! I was lost back then, but now I’m focusing on myself, my friendships, my classes.” She smiled, besides her face flushed slightly. “And, well, the campus is full of distractions, right?” She paused, looking at Serah. “Speaking of which… have you heard from her? Is she still on the exchange program?”

Serah nodded, taking a sip of lemonade. “Yeah, I have. We talk almost every day. She said she’s loving it there. Seems like she’s enjoying her photography classes and meeting a ton of people! But… hmm, she mentioned you, Tifa. She wanted to know if you’re okay, like, really okay.” She smiled, with a hint of teasing in her eyes. “I know what happened was sudden, but she really cares…”

Tifa huffed lightly, clearly not buying that part entirely. “Well, I’m glad she’s doing okay. And I hope she enjoys the exchange program! I just want us to move forward, y’know?” If it were a few months ago, she would’ve said this with a lot of bitterness in her voice, but for the first time, it seemed to sound sincere.

Serah smiled, nudging Tifa with her elbow. “I know. And you’re moving forward just fine, by the looks of it. But, seriously, Tifa, you seem different, more lighter! I think college life is doing good to you!.” She raised an eyebrow, her tone playful but not pushy.

Aerith, who had been quiet until then, nudged Tifa with her shoulder, with a kind but teasing smile on her lips. “Come on, Tifa, confess. You’re thinking about Vincent now, aren’t you? I bet you’re imagining him calling you to—”

“Stop it, Aerith!” Tifa threw a pillow at her before she could finish the sentence, and the girls laughed. Her face was as pink as the room’s lights. “You guys are unbearable! Okay! He’s… attractive, and maybe I’ve thought about him once or twice. But that’s it! Nothing’s happening!” She tried to sound firm, but her smile betrayed her facade, and she buried her face in the pillow, laughing. “You’re gonna kill me with embarrassment!”

Vanille flopped beside her, laughing loudly. “Tifa Lockhart, the tough girl, all melted for the Midgar’s Dracula!” She couldn’t hold it in, laughing so hard she had to fan herself. “We’ll help you plan your Halloween costume, but until then, you can bet you’re already with him."

“WHAT?!” Tifa exclaimed, turning even redder as the girls laughed and insisted it would happen.

Luckily for her, the topic shifted when Luna and Yuna started talking about preparations for the Halloween party. Aerith poured more wine, filling the glasses, and they all sat in a circle, having fun. The night flowed with a lightness that covered the tension that had weighed on their shoulders at some point.

∘₊✧💥✧₊∘

The Midgar campus in early October was an explosion of autumn colors, with the Autumn Festival transforming the central courtyard into a vibrant scene — an event that would stretch throughout the entire week.

Strings of lights hung between the trees, paper lanterns in shades of orange and red swayed in the cool breeze, and the air carried scents of caramel apples, hot chocolate, and buttery popcorn. Stalls packed with students offered everything from temporary tattoos to cotton candy, while laughter, student voices, and the clinking of plastic cups echoed through the nights. Groups danced on the grass, played frisbee, or took selfies under an arch of decorated pumpkins, the youthful and free energy pulsing as if the world would end with each sunrise.

On Tuesday, Vincent surprised Tifa with a message saying:“Want to see a real rehearsal? Just me and the guitar. Arts room, 7pm." Tifa felt her heart race because the words on the phone screen seeming to carry an invitation that went beyond music.

Ignoring her curiosity about how he got her number, she replied with a casual “I’m in”,  trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach that grew with every minute until the meeting.

The rehearsal room in the arts building was silent — contrasting with the bustle in the courtyard — except for the faint hum of a connected amplifier. The dim light of fluorescent bulbs cast soft shadows on walls covered with faded stickers of old bands, and the smell of wood, metal, and cigarettes filled the space. Vincent was sitting on a cushioned chair, with his black guitar on his lap, wearing his usual leather jacket and his long hair falling over his forehead.

He looked up when Tifa entered, and a slow, dangerous smile curve his lips. “You came”,  he said, his voice sounding deep, almost a purr. “Thought you might run away.”

Tifa crossed her arms, her tight black blouse highlighting her curves, and her combat boots echoing on the floor as she approached. “Me? Run away? You’re dreaming, Valentine”, she retorted, trying to sound confident, but his intense, provocative gaze made her mouth dry.

Vincent laughed, a low, husky sound that reverberated in the room. “Sit here”, he said, pointing to a chair beside him. “I’ll show you that chord you can’t stop admiring at the shows.”

He strummed the guitar, the sound resonating like an electric current; a slow, hypnotic solo that seemed to pull Tifa into a trance.

She sat, and her eyes fixed on his fingers, which danced on the strings with ease, each note laced with raw emotion that made her heart beat faster.

“Come closer”, Vincent said soft but like a firm command. He handed her the guitar — his precious baby — and stood, positioning himself behind her, so close that Tifa felt the warmth of his body and the faint scent of leather mixed with a hint of masculine cologne. “Put your fingers like this” he murmured, guiding her hands on the strings; his long, calloused fingers brushing hers with a firmness that was both gentle and electrifying. “That’s the chord. Press harder… like that.” His voice was a warm whisper against her ear, each word carrying an intention that went far beyond the lesson.

Tifa swallowed hard. Her face warm, and her heart started pounding so loudly she feared he could hear it. “You… trying to teach me or distract me?” she asked, her voice attempting to sound defiant but trembling slightly, betrayed by the heat rising up her neck.

Vincent laughed, the sound vibrating against her, as his lips standing dangerously close to her ear. “Maybe both”, he said, deep and laced with provocation. “You’re quite a distraction yourself, Tifa. It's hard to focus on the music with you this close.”

He adjusted her fingers’ position, his touch lingering longer than necessary, his thumbs brushing her palm as he leaned in, and his chest almost touching her back. It was so much for her!

“Play it again. And don’t tell me you’re not enjoying this.” 

Tifa played the chord, the sound coming out shaky but correct, as she tried to maintain her composure. She turned her face, just to see her eyes meeting his just inches away; the air between them charged with tension. Vincent’s crimson irises gleamed with something wild, as his lascivious smile promising things that made her stomach flip.

“You’re dangerous… y’know that?” Exactly what she had told Cloud over the weekend, but now far less bold, her voice was so low, and her lips curves into a smile that tried to hide how much he was affecting her.

He raised his eyebrows in surprise before licking his lips slowly — and, God, very deliberately. “And you seem to like danger”, he retorted, sounding like a husky murmur, as he leaned even closer, his face so near that Tifa felt his warm breath against her lips. “I’m just getting started, Tifa. Want to learn more?”

Vincent held her gaze, his eyes slowly dropping to her mouth, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. Tifa felt the pull, the urge to give in, to close the tiny distance between them, his lips a whisper away from touching hers, the tension so evident it seemed to burn.

But before they could cross the line, the rehearsal room door opened with a loud creak, and Prompto stumbled in, holding his phone and a notebook.

“Vincent, man, you—oops!” The blond stopped, his eyes wide as he took in the scene, and a mischievous grin appearing. “Am I interrupting something? Cuz this looks like a very… exclusive rehearsal."

Tifa pulled away quickly, her face burning, while Vincent straightened up, his smile not fading but gaining a touch of frustration. “Prompto, your timing is impeccable”, he said, his voice dry but with a playful glint in his eyes. “Was just teaching a chord.”

“Sure, a chord” Prompto laughed, waving his phone. “Came to grab my backpack, don’t mind me.” He winked, clearly amused, and didn’t hesitate to enter the room to look for what he mentioned.

Tifa stood, carefully handing back the guitar and smoothing her blouse, trying to regain her composure. “Alright, I think I’ve learned enough for today”, she said, her voice a bit shaky but forcing a casual tone. She looked at Vincent, feeling her heart still racing. “Thanks for the lesson, Valentine. Not sure if I’ll come back for the next one.”

Vincent smiled, and his gaze still burning, as if the interruption were just a temporary pause. “You’ll want to come back, Tifa. And I’ll be waiting.” He gave her one last look before she left the room.

Maybe she’d take Jessie up on practicing a kiss now. 

Tifa left the arts building, greeting some girls passing by, heading toward the festival stalls. The campus was quieter near the dorms, with only the hum of streetlights and the rustle of leaves on the ground. That’s when she spotted Cloud, sitting on a wooden bench under a tree near the men’s dorm. He was in his usual black jacket, quiet and aloof, as his gaze was lost in the stars, with a calm expression in his face.

“Cloud!” Tifa called, relief evident in her voice as she ran to him, a smile lighting up her face. “Thank heavens I found you! I need a friend right now.” She plopped onto the bench beside him, letting her leather bag dropping to the ground.

Cloud turned, surprised but with a half-smile. “Tifa? You okay? You look like you just ran a marathon.” He adjusted his posture, his blue eyes studying her face, noticing the flush on her cheeks.

Tifa laughed, running a hand through her hair, trying to compose herself. “I’m fine, just… wow, what a night! I went to the rehearsal room with Vincent, he was teaching me a chord on the guitar, and…” She blushed, lowering her voice. “We almost kissed!” Her face warmed, but the relief of telling Cloud made her relax.

Cloud stared at her, mouth agape, his smile vanishing for a moment. “Tifa! In a classroom?! What if someone caught you? I won’t forgive you if you get expelled and leave me alone here!”

“Stop it, Cloud!” Tifa gave him a playful slap on the shoulder, laughing. “It’s not like that… I’d never let something like that happen. You have my word!” She sighed, leaning back on the bench. “And you? Sitting here all pensive, away from everything. You okay?”

Cloud snapped his fingers, his face flushing slightly as he looked away. “I’m good. I was with Tidus, but when I went to buy popcorn, he disappeared, so I came here.”

Tifa smiled, her gaze softening. “Hmm, I’m liking seeing you get out more!” She winked, teasing, but before the blond could retort, a soft meow caught their attention.

A white kitten with bright blue eyes emerged from the bushes near the bench. It approached, purring, and rubbed its head against Tifa’s leg.

“Look at this little cutie!” Tifa exclaimed, her face lighting up as she bent down to pet it, her fingers gliding over its soft fur. “Where’d you come from, huh?”

Cloud crouched too, hesitant but smiling as the cat stretched, asking for more affection. “Looks like it likes you", he said, gently petting the cat’s head. The kitten purred louder, climbing onto the bench between them, and they both laughed, the light moment easing the night’s tension.

“I’m gonna name you… how about Winter?”

“I prefer Pompom.”

“Pompom? Seriously, Cloud?” she teased, smiling at the feline and petting its fluffy ear. “What about Fluffy?”

“Fluffy? Sounds nice.”

The kitten meowed, seeming to agree, and they laughed.

“Perfect!”

 ∘₊✧💥✧₊∘

Later, during the Festival, Zack found Aerith near a hot chocolate stand, where she was blowing on the steam rising from her cup, her face illuminated by orange and red paper lanterns. Some people around were dancing to the cheerleaders’ performance on a smaller stage, but the corner where they stood was a calm oasis, with the sweet smell of caramelized sugar and the soft glow of lights creating a bubble of intimacy. Zack hesitated before approaching, his heart heavy.

“Hey, Aerith”, he called her, with his voice softer than usual, almost swallowed by the distant festival noise. “Can we… talk? For real, this time?”

Aerith looked at him, her green eyes shining with a mix of surprise and caution. She held the cup with both hands, as if it were her anchor, and nodded.

“Okay. Let’s go over there.” She pointed to a bench under a tree, away from the crowd, where the festival lights cast soft shadows on the fallen leaves.

They sat, the silence between them heavy, laden with words that had never found their way out. Zack rubbed his hands on his knees, his gaze fixed on the ground for a moment before he took a deep breath.

“I know things haven’t been right between us”, he started, his voice hesitant but firm. “You’ve been different, I haven’t been at my best either, and… I feel you so far away, Aerith. Like I can’t reach you anymore.”

Aerith swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around the warm cup. “I feel it too, Zack”, she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. “I hate it. It feels like we’re here, together, but we’re not. And I don’t know how I got to this point.” She looked at him, her eyes welling up. “You’re different. More… closed off. What’s going on?”

Zack ran a hand through his hair, his expression tense, as if the words were hard to let out. “It’s… me, I don’t know. Lately, I’ve been kinda lost. It’s not the band, it’s not you, it’s… me.” He hesitated, his gaze dropping to his hands. “I know what I said that day, but I’ve been thinking a lot about the future, y’know? Like, what I want after college, who I am outside of all this energy I put into the stage, friendships, everything. And sometimes I feel like I’m trying to be the guy everyone expects, the fun Zack, the guy who fixes everything, but inside, I’m scared I’m not enough. For you, especially.”

Aerith’s eyes widened, her heart tightening at his vulnerability. “Zack… you never told me that. Why didn’t you say anything?” Her voice was soft, filled with emotion. “I love you, but I feel you pulling away, and I keep thinking maybe I’m not what you need. I get insecure, I hold everything in, because I’m scared to ask and hear something I don’t want to…”

Zack looked at her, his blue eyes shining with a mix of guilt and relief. “It’s not you, Aerith. Never was. It’s just… I forget to tell you what’s in my head. Like, I’m scared of letting you down if I stop being… I don’t know, the guy everyone knows.” He took a deep breath, his voice steadier. “But I don’t want to lose you. Tell me what you’re feeling, because I want to fix this.”

Aerith felt a tear roll down, but she smiled, the gesture fragile but genuine. “I’m scared too, Zack. Scared of not being what you expect, of not knowing who I am outside of all this. Sometimes I feel like I’m hiding behind the Aerith who sings, because it’s easier than showing what’s messed up inside.” She touched her chest, her eyes locked on his. “I want us back. But we need to talk, even when it’s hard. No holding back.”

Zack took her hand, his touch warm and firm, as if clinging to another chance. “Alright. Let’s do this. Talk, even if it’s messy. I don’t want to lose you, Aerith. You’re… everything to me.” He smiled, a smile that mixed hope, nervousness, and a hint of hesitation. “I promise I’ll try to be more me, not just the guy who cracks jokes to escape.”

Aerith smiled, tears shining, but her smile was lighter now. “And I promise not to hide in the lyrics. Let’s try to be just… us, again.” They fell silent, their hands still joined, the festival sounds in the background a reminder that the world kept moving, but that moment belonged only to them.

At least, for a few days.

Chapter Text

recommendation song for chapter:
thorns - luna shadows

On Friday night, before the show that would close the festival, Zack and Aerith met outside the dorm, in a quiet corner near the campus’s artificial lake. Zack was wearing a black jacket with his hands in his pockets, looking more serious than usual. Aerith, bundled in a green coat and a scarf, held her arms as if trying to shield herself from the cold — or something more.

“Hey”, the bassist started, his hesitant voice reaching her ears. “We need to talk. Again… and I’m sorry for that.”

Aerith nodded, her green eyes fixed on him, filled with a mix of hope and fear. “Okay.”

They sat on the grass, the silence heavy for a moment. Zack took a deep breath, his exhale turning to vapor, and stared at the lake. “I’ve been thinking and rethinking, barely slept after our last talk, and… I love you, Aerith. I always have. But… I don’t know, it feels like we’re losing each other. It’s not just you missing notes or me being distant. It’s like we’re trying to be something that’s not working anymore.”

Aerith felt her chest tighten but nodded. “It feels like we’re holding on out of fear of letting go.” She hesitated, her eyes welling up, surprised by the topic resurfacing, feeling a twinge of annoyance deep down. “I keep wondering if I’m who you need, or if you’re with me because it’s comfortable.”

Zack looked at her, his eyes shining with emotion. “I don’t want to lose you, but I also don’t want to hold you back if we’re not on the same page. Maybe… we need some time. Not because we don’t love each other, but to figure out who we are on our own. To see if what we want is… us.” He smiled in response, the gesture fragile but sincere. “I think we need to breathe.”

Aerith nodded, her chest tight but relieved. “Okay. A break. But… if you ever need me, I’ll always be here. Always.” He nodded, echoing her words with a squeeze of her hand, the touch warm, before slowly letting go.

They stood, the silence between them less heavy. He kissed her forehead before saying goodbye and walked away first. Aerith stayed by the lake, wondering why she felt more relief than fear. Maybe she had thought the pain of pulling away would be greater, but after all, they hadn’t been acting like a couple anymore, it was more like old friends.

She definitely couldn’t be blaming herself for not being as sad as she should be.

But, let’s be honest, she was.

∘₊✧🍂✧₊∘

Later that night, Aerith was in Luna’s room, which had become the gathering spot for an impromptu support night. Yuna offered Aerith a cup of tea, who was curled up in a corner, her face pale and hands cold.

“Aerith, talk to us”, Luna urged, sitting beside her. “What happened?”

Aerith sniffled. “Zack and I… we’re taking a break.” The words came out easily, but she hugged her knees. “We didn’t fight, it wasn’t anything awful. We just… decided we need to find ourselves alone. I feel like we were holding on out of fear, y'know?”

Vanille plopped down beside her, pulling her into a warm hug. “Oh, Aerith, that’s so tough! But you guys were brave. Sometimes love needs space to breathe.”

Serah looked at her with gentle eyes. “Are you feeling guilty?”

Aerith nodded, her eyes welling up. “A little. What if I had talked more? What if I had been clearer? But… I also feel it was the right thing. It’s just that now it feels like a piece of me is missing, and I… I’m scared it’s the piece of me that doesn’t want to get back together.”

Yuna squeezed her hand. “Oh, Aerith. You’re just giving yourselves time to grow, don’t blame yourself for that. If breaking up is the right path, know that neither of you is at fault…”

Luna smiled, using a tissue to wipe the tears from her friend’s rosy cheeks. “Exactly. If that happens, know we’re here too. We’ll never leave your side, let alone blame you for being mature.”

Aerith smiled through her tears, the sound soft but genuine. “Okay… thank you, girls. It means a lot to me.” She lifted her face, set the cup aside, and leaned in for a group hug, knowing how much she needed it now. And only then did her heart seem to calm a little.

∘₊✧🍂✧₊∘

The news that The Black Altar would take a break after the festival show sparked rumors across the campus. In the cafeteria, students whispered false information, claiming they’d heard that “Aerith freaked out on stage” or “Zack and her had a huge fight.” At the headquarters, the absence of the band’s rehearsals left the warehouse strangely quiet, with only DJ Gladio playing remixes for a smaller pre-show crowd. Prompto, trying to quell the rumors, posted Instagram stories saying: "Guys, it’s just a break, The Black Altar will come back stronger!", but the mood was one of uncertainty.

After dodging a wave of cheerful and energetic cheerleaders hyped for the most anticipated day of the festival, Cloud ended up in the central courtyard in the early afternoon, trying to find Zack to talk, but it was when he saw Aerith sitting alone on a bench, staring at the lake. She looked smaller, wrapped in a brown jacket, with a notebook in her lap, and her fingers anxiously fiddling with her rings. For the first time, her hair looked messy, without a cute hairstyle. So, he hesitated but approached.

“Hey, Aerith… you… okay?”

She looked at him, surprised, but smiled, besides the gesture seemed fragile. “Hi, Cloud! I’m… so-so. Just needed some air.” She pointed to the bench. “Wanna sit?”

Cloud nodded, sitting beside her. “I heard the band’s on hold. And… about you and Zack. Not that I… care about gossip… just heard stuff…” He hesitated again, his eyes glancing hers with kind. “If you wanna talk, I’m here.” 

Aerith sighed, playing with a ring. “We took a break.” She paused, taking a deep breath before speaking again. “You know, Cloud… I believe that when love happens, even with all the differences and individual ways of being, we do adjust. Not because we’re forced to, but because we want to make space for that person in our lives. And I think that actually is one of the biggest proofs of love, I mean, the willingness to change, adapt, and grow together.” She looked at him, with a small smile forming. “Sorry, I’m dumping all this on you. You’re just easy to talk to, y'know?”

Cloud flushed slightly, shrugging. “I don’t mind. You make it easy to listen.” He couldn’t explain it, but hearing her talk like that sparked something in his chest. And he felt crazy for feeling that way, when in reality, he didn’t even know what it was.

She looked at him, a radiant smile forming on her lips, followed by a glint in her eyes that had been dim for a long time. “Thanks.” She closed her notebook and fixed her bangs. “You going tonight? It’s gonna be fun, no one ever misses the autumn festival!”

He, who hadn’t even thought about it, shrank a little before looking at her friendly face and nodding. “Alright… I can check out this festival thing, Tifa’s probably gonna drag me anyway”, he said with a humorous tone, and she laughed.

“Great! Then I’ll see you there, Cloud! I gotta go now… thanks for the talk.” She stood, catching his shy gaze, and waved before gathering her things, heading toward the mansion.

∘₊✧🍂✧₊∘

TBA was the main attraction, and the crowd was buzzing, holding cider cups and shouting the band members’ names. Aerith wore a red plaid dress with a black corset, boots, and her usual pigtails; she was already at the center, smiling gently at her friends in the crowd, but still felt the weight of the week on her shoulders. The conversation with Zack, the frustration with his lack of change, the sudden shift, and all the pressure of being the band’s “voice” left her with a knot in her chest.

The band started with upbeat songs, but midway through the set, Aerith asked to switch the order and play the new song, ‘Thorns.’ She then knelt in the middle of the stage, microphone close to her lips, her legs supporting her body, and her hair falling adorably over her shoulders.

“[...]  

What have we built here?

We, the troubled architects of this”

The melody was slow, melancholic, but also restless, with Vincent’s soft guitar chords and Noctis’s delicate drum rhythm. Zack, on bass, played with precision but kept his gaze low, as if feeling the weight of the lyrics.

“You loved it brokeeeeen 

Who are you to mourn?”

Aerith sang, her voice raw and delicate, each high note laden with a pain she could no longer hide.

“You spoke of rooooses…  

All I feel are thorns”

The crowd fell silent, mesmerized, some lighting lighters, creating a sea of small flames.

Cloud, in the audience next to Tifa and Jessie, couldn’t take his eyes off her. The way she sang, vulnerable yet powerful, seemed to open a space in his chest. He felt every word, as if she were singing directly to him, even without knowing why.

“In my sweet side 

In my sweet side”

Aerith looked up, her green eyes shining with unshed tears, and met Cloud’s. For a moment, the world seemed to pause — the crowd’s noise fading to whispers, the lights dimming, everything vanishing. His steady and kind gaze made her falter, her voice nearly breaking, but she continued, the melody wrapping around her like an embrace. Cloud, enchanted, felt his heart race; the pure, innocent connection with her was something he couldn’t explain but felt bigger than everything, even bigger than the music. 

When the song ended, the crowd erupted in applause, but Aerith remained seated for a second, microphone lowered, and her gaze lost. Zack watched her from the stage’s corner, guilt in his eyes but unsure how to reach her.

∘₊✧🍂✧₊∘

After the show, the fraternity house was ablaze with the epic party that closed the festival. All problems, all gossip, dissipated like the cigarette smoke from the guys in the garden. Colored lights pulsed on the walls, the floor sticky with spilled beer, and DJ Gladio spun remixes that kept everyone dancing. The usual beer pong tables crowded one corner, with shouts echoing at every throw, some cheerleaders dancing on tables, making the place a chaotic mess, far from welcoming for someone like Cloud, who had tried to slip away from Tifa three times, all unsuccessfully.

Aerith was still shaken by recent events and let herself get carried away by the night, drinking more hot cider than usual. Red cups piled up, and she laughed loudly with Vanille, but her green eyes carried a sadness the alcohol couldn’t erase. Feeling the weight of guilt, she escaped the dance floor, stumbling to the empty living room. Sitting on the couch, she hugged her knees, letting tears fall freely, the empty cup rolling beside her.

Zack, who was nearby with friends, saw her leave and felt his heart tighten. Despite the “break” they’d agreed on, the concern pulled him to her.

“Aerith, what’s wrong? You’re drinking too much, this isn’t you...”

Aerith looked up, her eyes already red from tears and alcohol, and her just let her voice sharper than intended while saying:

"W-Why do you care, Zack?! We’re on a break, remember? Or what, now you wanna play the hero?” She sniffled, wiping her face angrily. “Y-You can’t just show up like everything’s the same!”

Zack frowned, the hurt hitting him like a punch. “That’s not it, Aerith! I care, okay? I’ll always care. But you’re here, a mess, and I can’t stand seeing it!” His voice rose, raw. “You think this is easy for me? You think I wanted this ‘break’? I really love you, but one thing’s clear, we’re killing each other trying to be something we’re not anymore!”

Aerith stood, trembling, her face wet, and her voice breaking with anger and pain. “Then... why didn’t you say that before, Zack? Why did you let us get to this point?” She pointed at him, drunkenness unleashing truths she’d kept buried. “You stay all closed off, hiding behind your ‘everything’s fine’ act, and I’m left alone trying to figure out what I did wrong!”

Zack took a step forward, his eyes also shining with tears, his voice hoarse. “It’s not like that, Aerith! And you don’t talk either! You stay in your lyrics, your songs, and I’m left in the dark, trying to guess what you feel!” He took a deep breath, feeling his chest tight. “Maybe we tried too hard. Maybe… it’s just not working anymore.”

Aerith froze, feeling his words cutting deep. She wiped her tears, her voice now almost a whisper but firm: “You’re right. It’s n-not working, Zack... we’re hurting each other. It’s nobody’s fault, it just… doesn’t work anymore.” She looked at him, her eyes full of pain and love. “I think we should end it. For real, this time.”

Zack swallowed hard, the shock of reality crushing him, and nodded, tears finally escaping. “Okay. If that’s what you want… I want you to be happy too. Even if it’s not with me.” He hesitated, but his voice softened, and he stepped back. “I’ll get you some water, okay? I don’t want to leave you like this. Please, stay here.” He turned, heartbroken, and headed to the fraternity kitchen with tense shoulders.

While Zack fetched the water, Cloud, who had dodged Tifa to find a quiet corner, saw Aerith on the couch, alone and crying. He blinked, nervous and worried, and approached with a tight chest. “Aerith?” he called, crouching beside her, his voice sounding low, afraid to scare her. “What happened? Are you okay?”

She sniffled, her face wet, and her voice trembling. “No, C-Cloud. I’m not okay! I just… broke up with Zack. For good!” She covered her face, tears returning.

Cloud hesitated but touched her shoulder gently. “Hey... you’re not alone, okay? Breaking up is… heavy, but you’ll be okay!” He wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb, the touch tender, full of care, with no intention beyond comforting her. “I’m here, okay? You can count on me!”

Aerith looked at him, managing a weak smile. “Thanks, Cloud. Y-You… always show up when I need you most!” Crying more, she pulled him into a hug, her trembling hands gripping his shoulders with a distinct weakness that made his face contort in worry.

Zack returned with the water bottle but stopped at the scene: Cloud hugging Aerith, his face full of concern, his touch gentle on her back. Zack’s chest tightened, a wave of jealousy and confusion hitting him like a storm. “Cloud?” he called, his voice escaping loud, the tone stressed, almost aggressive. “What are you doing here?”

Cloud pulled away quickly, raising his hands, his face flushing with surprise and the awkwardness of the moment. “Zack, calm down! She was crying, I-I was just trying to help. It’s not what you’re thinking!”

Aerith wiped her face, her voice weak. “He’s j-just being a f-friend…” She nearly sobbed as she sniffled.

Zack took a deep breath, his gaze shifting between them, frustration easing as he saw the pain in Aerith’s eyes. He rubbed his face, lowering the voice now:

“Alright. Sorry.” He handed the water to Aerith, his gaze softening as he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “Cloud, take care of her, okay? Just… take good care of her. I can’t do this right now.”

The bassist stepped back, the weight of the breakup and the scene making him retreat, and left the room, his heart heavy but with a strange relief knowing Aerith wasn’t alone.

Cloud looked at Aerith, who held the water bottle, while tears still falling. “Wanna stay here for a bit?” he asked, gentle.

She nodded, and said with a weak voice: “Stay with me, Cloud. Just… for now.” He sat beside her, the silence between them comfortable, but she still trembled as her tears dried on her face. 

The empty red cup lay on the floor, and the water bottle Zack brought was in her hands, untouched. After the tense moment with him, the night felt heavier, but Cloud stayed calm, his eyes full of genuine concern.

“Hey, Aerith”, he called when he noticed she seemed to tremble less. “I think you need to rest. Want me to take you to your room?”

Aerith sniffled, wiping her face with the back of her hand. “Yeah… I think so. I’m a mess, right?” She tried to laugh, but the sound was weak, and Cloud shook his head.

“You’re not a mess. You’re just going through a lot...” He stood, offering his hand. “Come on, I’ll walk you.”

She accepted. His touch felt warm against her cold skin, and they walked in silence to the stairs, him matching her slow steps up to the third floor, where Aerith’s room was. Seventh Heaven still pulsed with the party, but the dorm hallway was quiet, with only the faint echo of music. Aerith opened her room’s door, revealing her cozy space, and collapsed onto the bed, exhausted, her hair splayed on the pillow.

“Sorry for making you my babysitter", she murmured, feeling her eyes heavy. “You didn’t have to.”

Cloud smiled, sitting in a chair beside her. “It’s nothing. I just want to make sure you’re okay.” He stayed there, waiting for her to relax, her breathing growing lighter as sleep took her.

When he was sure she was asleep, he grabbed his phone and sent a message to Tifa: "Im at Aerith’s room. She was upset, and I brought her here. Be back soon.” But the messages weren’t delivered.

Cloud covered Aerith with a blanket, left the water bottle on the nightstand, and slipped out quietly. His heart oddly tight but warm with the feeling of having helped her.

∘₊✧🍂✧₊∘

While Cloud took care of Aerith, Tifa was in the heart of the party, oblivious to the drama. The mansion vibrated with the DJ playing a remix of The Killers that kept everyone moving. She wore a another short skirt, heeled combat boots, and a low-cut blouse, laughing loudly with Jessie, who had tried to kiss her five times, but only on the sixth did Tifa give in with a lingering peck. She ignored her friend’s excited outburst, which somehow drew more people to them, and soon she was surrounded by a cool, three times more energetic crowd, holding cups and bottles of drinks she’d never heard of before.

Jessie came closer, pulling her to try something stronger. “Tifa, chill, it’s just one night!” she said, passing a joint that one of the guys had lit. Tifa hesitated but accepted, taking a drag, feeling the sweet smoke burning her throat. The world felt a little lighter after a few more puffs, the colors brighter, and she danced close with Jessie and Selphie — who had appeared at some point — her loose hair flying, her energy free and wild.

Vincent was leaning against a wall, watching Tifa from a distance for a few minutes, his eyes admiring with interest. He finished his beer, tossed the cup aside, and walked toward her, his magnetic presence cutting through the crowd and drawing looks.

“Lockhart”, his deep voice echoed, the lascivious smile already on his lips. “Looks like you’re having fun", he spoke low, but loud enough for her to hear, “but I think something’s missing...”

Tifa turned, her face flushed from the alcohol and weed, as a defiant smile spread on her lips. She gave the man in front of her a good look and, deliberately, ran her tongue over her front teeth, lingering slowly.

Vincent felt a jolt.

“And what’s missing, Valentine? You think you can make my night better?”

He stepped closer, so close that the scent of leather and cologne enveloped her. “I think we started something in the rehearsal room that we didn’t finish”, he murmured with the eyes locked on hers. “How about we fix that now?”

Without waiting for an answer, the guitarist took her hand, pulling her to a darker corner of the mansion, a narrow staircase leading to an empty hallway, far from curious eyes.

The air there was cooler, but the tension between them burned. Vincent pressed her against the wall, his hands braced on either side of her head, trapping her without touching.

“You haven’t stopped thinking about that night, have you?” he said, a little hoarse, his lips inches from hers. "Cuz I haven’t.”

Tifa felt her lungs prematurely and dramatically run out of air, the effects of everything she’d consumed mixing with adrenaline.

“You’re really too full of yourself”, she retorted, but her smile betrayed her good-girl facade, and worse, the way she pressed her thighs together did too! “But… maybe I thought about it a little.”

Vincent laughed, low and dangerous, and leaned in, his lips finally meeting hers.

And it wasn’t gentle. The kiss was hot, urgent, an explosion of pent-up desire! His hands slid to her waist, pulling her against him, fingers firm against the skin exposed by her blouse. Tifa responded with equal intensity, her hands moving to his long hair, tugging lightly; the taste of beer and something wilder mixing in the kiss, making her feel delusional.

The world shrank to the heat of their bodies, the muffled sound of music downstairs, and the touch of his rings against her skin. He deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth with a boldness that made her gasp, his body pressed against hers, each movement hotter than the last.

Tifa pulled back for a moment, breathless, her eyes shining. “You… weren’t kidding, were you?” she said, her voice trembling but with a satisfied smile on her wet lips.

“I never start something I don’t intend to finish, Tifa.” 

He brushed his lips against her neck, his warm breath sending shivers across every inch of the exposed skin, before kissing her again, slower now but just as intense, as if he wanted to memorize every second. When he kissed her jaw, Tifa closed her eyes, letting out an involuntary sigh as she felt a light nibble followed by a seductive, wet kiss on the curve of her neck — and he swore he saw a tattoo near her left ear, where he continued to kiss devotedly, completely surrendered. His hand slid up her back under her blouse, his cold fingers contrasting with the growing heat between them.

He looked at her with eyes dark as sin, his expression almost inhumanly raw. They were too close now, their bodies pressed together, breaths ragged, lips meeting again with an appetite bordering on damnation. Vincent moved them against the wall, her boots tapping lightly on the wooden floor as his hands pinning her wrists above her head. The kisses grew slower, deeper. He explored with his tongue, bit with his teeth, gripped with his hands. There was no rush, only intention. Each touch seemed meticulously calculated to leave her begging for more. 

Tifa tried to let out a moan, but he swallowed the sound with his mouth. His knee slotted between her legs — the gentle, charged friction sparking shivers through her body; sparking madness.

“If you keep this up, Tifa…” he growled between kisses, his voice faltering, as if holding himself back, “I might end up taking you right here.”

She smiled, surrendered as well. Her eyes sparkling, wordless, but wanting to beg him to make it that happen. 

They stayed like that, locked in a universe where only skin, heat, and lust existed, their bodies saying everything words still couldn’t. They only pulled apart when a muffled sound echoed from downstairs — laughter, a loud thud, someone shouting: “Come to the basement, there’s a game going on!”

Vincent pulled back just enough to look at her. His breathing was uneven, his gaze ablaze, his lips swollen. He released her wrists slowly, and she took a moment to move, caught in the haze of desire.

"Come with me”, he said, adjusting her blouse with a gentleness he didn’t even know he was capable of. “I’ll roll you a good joint, don't use that stuff from those guys…” 

She nodded, still dazed, unable to think about when he’d seen her smoking, and took his outstretched hand, following him back to where the heart of the party pulsed — and anyone looking from the outside would never imagine how close they’d come to the edge.

∘₊✧🍂✧₊∘

For the rest of the weekend, Aerith stayed more reclusive, spending time in her room, writing melancholic lyrics and poems in her notebook. The breakup with Zack, though necessary, left a void she didn’t know how to fill.

Sitting on her bed, with the pink fairy lights illuminating the room, she grabbed her phone and, hesitantly, sent a message to Cloud: “Hi, Cloud. I wanted to thank you for that night at the party. You were amazing. Sorry if I was a burden.”

Cloud, in his dorm, replied quickly: “You weren’t a burden at all, Aerith. I’m here if you need me. Take care of yourself, okay?”

On Tuesday night, Luna, worried, knocked on her door. “Aeeeeerith, enough hiding!” The blonde said, entering with a kind smile. “You need to get out, breathe. How about coffee at the kiosk? Just us, what do you think? Pleeeease!"

Aerith smiled, tired but accepting. “Alright, Luna! You win.”

They went out, the campus’s cold air somehow clearing her mind. Listening to her friends always seemed like the perfect remedy, and this time was no different — she even suggested Halloween decoration ideas before they repeated last year’s!

The Black Altar resumed rehearsals days later in the usual arts room. Aerith surprised them by sending a message to schedule a meeting, and they didn’t dare question it, just showed up before she changed her mind.

She and Zack avoided each other offstage, their gazes meeting only during songs. In the first rehearsal, the mood was calm but charged. Zack played the bass with precision but without his usual energy, while Aerith sang with a new intensity, the beautiful lyrics carrying the same emotion. Noctis and Vincent exchanged glances, sensing the tension but never commenting.

After a rehearsal, while packing up the instruments, they ended up alone for a moment.

“You okay?” he asked, quietly and affectionately, his blue full of care.

Aerith nodded, adjusting a ring. “I’m trying. You?”

“So-so”, he admitted with a half-smile. “It’s weird, isn’t it? Being so close but… so far.”

She smiled, sadly. And oh, if only he could understand it had been like that for a while. Poor Zack.

“Yeah. But… it was the right thing, Zack. I believe things will get better with time…”

They looked at each other, the silence more honest than it had been in a long time, without resentment, just with a love that still existed but no longer had a voice. Because the only feeling that remained and prevailed as evident was mutual affection.

∘₊✧🍂✧₊∘

On campus, Halloween preparations were taking shape. Posters for the ‘Seventh Heaven Night of Terror’ promised an epic party with costumes, a haunted house, and a show by everyone’s favorite band. Students were already discussing ideas — vampires, witches, anime characters — while decorated pumpkins popped up everywhere. The anticipation grew, but The Black Altar drama was still the main topic in the hallways.

Tifa walked through the central courtyard one morning, the cold biting her skin exposed by her tight black blouse and ripped jeans. Her leather bag swung on her shoulder, and her loose hair danced in the wind, but she felt a shiver that wasn’t just from the weather.

As she crossed the lawn, passing groups of students with coffee cups and backpacks, she noticed furtive glances in her direction. It wasn’t the first time, but only now did she pay attention. Two math seniors, sitting on a bench, whispered something when they saw her, one covering her mouth and giggling. A fraternity guy, holding a skateboard, turned his head as she passed, his look overly curious. Even at the kiosk, where she grabbed a hot chocolate, the barista gave a knowing smile, handing her the cup with a: "You’re glowing, huh, Tifa?"

She gripped the hot cup, her face flushing as she tried to ignore the feeling of being watched. Damn, is the whole campus talking about me and Vincent? she thought, her heart racing with the memory of the kiss at the party — his lips on hers, his firm hands on her waist, the heat of the moment that almost made her forget the world. Tifa shook her head, trying to focus on the path, but the gossip seemed to linger in the air like fog.

At the cafeteria, the smell of pancakes and bacon enveloped her, mixed with the sound of clattering trays and lively chatter. The tables were packed, students laughing and reviewing class notes. Tifa spotted Cloud, Jessie, Selphie, and Tidus at a corner table near a fogged-up window. Cloud was biting an apple distractedly. Jessie was gesticulating while telling a story, laughing loudly as always, and Selphie teased Tidus about some crush, while he tossed breadcrumbs at her, laughing.

“Hey, Tifaaa!” Jessie called, waving enthusiastically as soon as she saw her. “Come here, you legend! We need some hot details!” Her smile was mischievous, and Tifa already felt her face warm as she approached, pulling up a chair.

“Details about what?” she asked, trying to sound casual while setting her hot chocolate on the table, but her blush betrayed her. She glanced at Cloud, who raised an eyebrow, clearly confused.

Selphie leaned in, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Don’t play dumb! Everyone’s talking about you and Vincent hooking up at the party. And we saw him show up just to drag you off… like, you guys made out, right? How did you land the guy who rejects half the campus?” She laughed, clapping excitedly. “Seriously, a friend of mine got rejected by him three times!"

Tidus laughed loudly, tossing another crumb at her, which she dodged this time. He vividly remembered the incident.

"How’d you pull it off?” He leaned in, his shell necklace swinging with the movement, his tone playful but genuinely curious.

Cloud, who had been quiet until then, choked on his apple, his eyes wide. “Wait, you kissed? I mean… when did this happen?!”

Tifa covered her face with one hand, laughing despite the embarrassment. “Guys! Okay, yeah, there was a kiss at the party. But it’s not like I planned it! He pulled me aside, and, I don’t know, it just happened!” She lowered her hand, her face red but her smile showing she couldn’t stop thinking about the moment. “And, Selphie, it’s not like I ‘landed’ him. It just… there was chemistry.”

Jessie slammed the table, laughing loudly. “Chemistry?! Tifa! The whole campus is freaking out! The ‘Valentine’s Vamps’ are crying on Moogleweet now!” She pulled out her phone, showing a post with a broken heart emoji and the caption: "Vincent with someone? And worse, a freshman?! My world is over!!!!"

Selphie laughed, stealing Jessie’s phone to read it. “Wow, these chicks are obsessed!! But, seriously, Tifa, you’re killing it!! How was the kiss? Spill it!!”

Tifa huffed, her face as hot as her hot chocolate. “I’m not giving you guys details, you vultures! It was… good, okay? Really good.” She smiled, trying to deflect, and looked at Cloud, who still seemed to be processing the news. “And you, Cloud, you’re awfully quiet! What’d you think of the party? Or are you thinking about something else? Like…” She raised an eyebrow, teasing, trying to shift the focus off herself.

Cloud looked at the apple in his hands, his face flushing slightly. “I’m fine. The party was… cool. Just didn’t know you and Vincent had, like, become news, and I went back to the dorm early, so… anyways. You happy?”

Tifa narrowed her eyes at his overly casual tone after he’d literally messaged her saying he was in none other than Aerith’s room — but she’d settle for asking about that later.

“I am, Cloud. It’s new, it’s confusing, but… I’m happy.” She took a sip of her hot chocolate, relieved to share with her friends, even with the teasing.

Tidus laughed, tossing another crumb, which Jessie countered with a slap to the back of his head.

"STOP, IDIOT!" but he ignored.

“Alright, Tifa, but watch out for Vincent’s fans, they might try to scare you with fake cobwebs!” He winked, gesticulating, and the girls laughed, the conversation turning back to the festival’s craziness and Halloween plans.

∘₊✧🍂✧₊∘

After classes, Cloud walked across campus, the cold wind tousling his blond hair and making his black jacket flutter. His earbuds hung around his neck, playing music softly, but he was distracted, his mind almost blank. Passing the gym, where the sound of a basketball bouncing echoed, he heard a familiar voice.

“Hey, Cloud!” Zack called, stepping out from the gym’s side entrance, spinning a basketball on his finger like a toy. This time, he wore a gray tank top, his black hair messy, and a black headband holding back sweaty strands. His smile was the same as always — wide, contagious — but his blue eyes carried a tiredness Cloud hadn’t seen before. “You avoiding me, or is it just a coincidence we haven’t crossed paths since… y'know, the party?”

Cloud stopped, pausing his music. His face flushing slightly from the surprise, after all, it was the first time he’d seen Zack since that day.

“No, man, I’m not avoiding you”, he said, his voice a bit hesitant. “Just… been busy. And you? I see you’re keeping the court occupied.”

Zack blew out a laugh, bouncing the ball hard on the ground, making the sound echoing in the empty courtyard.

“Yeah, y'know how it is, basketball helps clear the head.” He stopped, holding the ball against his hip, his smile softening. “You heard, right? Me and Aerith… it’s over. For real this time.” He lowered his voice, the tone casual but with a hint of pain he tried to hide.

Cloud swallowed hard, feeling your shoulders tense, his eyes flicking away for a second before returning to Zack. “Yeah, she told me… sorry, man, I know it must be tough…” He didn’t really know; he’d never dated, but he could imagine the feeling. So he hesitated, hands in his pockets, trying to find the right words. “You… doing okay?”

Zack shrugged, the smile returning but without the same spark. “Okay is a figure of speech, right? I’m trying, at least. I really care about Aerith, but it wasn’t working anymore. It hurt more to stay together than to let go.” He bounced the ball again, the movement almost automatic. “And you looked out for her, right? Thanks for that, by the way. I know she needed a friend.”

Cloud felt his face warm. The memory of Aerith crying on the couch and his gentle touch on her shoulder making him restless for a moment.

“It was nothing, I just… didn’t want to leave her alone. She was upset.” He looked at Zack, trying to read his expression. “You’re not, like, mad at me, right? Because of that?”

Zack laughed, this time more genuinely, giving Cloud a light pat on the shoulder. “Mad? Nah, man, relax! You did what any friend would. And, look, if there’s anyone I trust to look out for her, it’s you.” He paused, his eyes meeting Cloud’s with a touch of seriousness. “Just… take good care of her, okay? She deserves someone who’s really there.”

Cloud nodded, his heart racing at Zack’s honesty. “Alright, I… promise.” He murmured, feeling a mix of relief and guilt, knowing his feelings for Aerith were truly confusing. But he felt comfortable knowing he was a good friend to her!

Zack smiled, bouncing the ball one more time before tossing it to Cloud, who caught it reflexively. “Alright, enough serious talk. How about a rematch of that basketball game? I need someone to humiliate on the court!” He winked, his energy returning, but Cloud could see the effort he was making to keep up the facade.

"Humiliate?" Cloud laughed, tossing the ball back with an awkward pass. "You got lucky last time, Zack. But, alright, I’m in.”

He followed the friend to the court, the sound of the ball bouncing and Zack’s laughter filling the air; their friendship intact.

∘₊✧🍂✧₊∘

On Friday, after an exhausting gym class, Tifa called Cloud to go to a pet shop together. Fluffy had been showing up regularly, and she had self-proclaimed the cat — which they discovered was female — as theirs. They walked down the main street leading to downtown Midgar, a few blocks from campus.

The late afternoon sun painted the sky orange, illuminating Tifa’s loose hair, as she twirled a chocobo keychain on her finger. Cloud, in his usual black jacket, carried an empty backpack for the cat food, his face a bit serious but with a touch of lightness from being with his friend.

As they crossed a corner, a senior in a fraternity hoodie and a colorful clipboard approached, handing out neon flyers with enthusiasm.

“Hey, guys! Don’t miss the ‘Night of Terror’ at Seventh Heaven next weekend! TBA show, haunted house, and costumes mandatory!” She winked, shoving the flyers into their hands before running to another group of students.

Tifa took the flyer, her eyes sparkling as she read the text in purple and green letters: "Night of Terror, with live show and epic scares… come in costume!”

Cloud looked at his with a grimace, already shaking his head. “No way. I’m not getting dragged to that party. The last one was… too much.”

Tifa laughed loudly, giving him a light slap on the shoulder. “Stop it, Cloud, you’re going! This party’s gonna be legendary, and you’re not staying in the dorm!” She said seriously, holding the flyer and pointing at the text with a finger. “Look, you could invite Aerith, how about that?! Like, ‘Hey, Aerith, wanna go to the party and have fun with me?’ It’d be cute!” She winked, teasing but with a friendly glint.

Cloud flushed, crumpling the flyer in his hand and giving her a sarcastic look. “Tifa, seriously? First, I’m not the type to invite anyone to a party. And second…” He pointed at the flyer, where the band’s name shone in big letters. “If the band’s playing, Aerith’s already gonna be there, genius. What kind of dumb invitation would that be?! ‘Hey, wanna… do what you’re already doing’?” He laughed weakly, his face red, the idea so absurd it was funny.

“Oh, Cloud, come on!” Tifa still laughing amused, nearly dropping her chocobo keychain. “Okay, but imagine you showing up all stylish, in a costume like… don’t know, Johnny Cash, and pulling her to dance after the show. It’d be preeeetty cute!” She waved the flyer in front of him, her mischievous smile persistent. “And, seriously, you’re smitten with her, aren’t you? Don’t fool me, Spike!” 

Cloud huffed, speeding up to hide his blush. “I’m not smitten with anyone! You forgot she just got out of a relationship?! We’re friends! She’s… cool, that’s all. And I’m not going to that party, Tifa, let alone dressed as… Johnny Cash!" But his smile betrayed that the idea of seeing Aerith on stage again wasn’t so bad. 

Tifa ran to keep up, still laughing. “You’re going, even if I have to drag you by the hair! And Fluffy needs owners who live a little, so let’s buy this cat food and plan your costume!" She gave him a playful shove on the shoulder, the flyer now folded in her pocket. “How about Van Helsing? It’d look cool, and you wouldn’t leave your comfort zone with black clothes and leather jackets!” He huffed again but nodded this time, considering it.

Maybe one more party wouldn’t be so bad at all.

Chapter Text

recommendation song for chapter:
altar - machineheart

📲

valentine 18:37 

ur missing, lockhart.

running away or keeping me curious on purpose?

tifa 18:38 

ur the one wholl have to keep up with my pace valentine 😏

valentine 18:39   

then maybe I need some incentive.

give me a hint of what’s waiting for me on sat?

Her mind got lost with each of his replies, and the thought of their last moment together warmed her as she fed Fluffy with salmon-flavored cat food. And when the kitten finished eating, she curled up happily in her lap, purring. Tifa petted the cat, but bit her lip in pure delight, feeling warm with the memories.

Taking advantage of Jessie’s absence, she got up and grabbed the costume from the door. She put it on and went to the mirror with her phone open on the camera. She took a photo zooming in on her thighs, showing only part of the purple leather skirt, where a generous slit hugged the curve of her strong thigh.

tifa 18:46   

[photo sent]  

what do you think?

valentine 18:49   

I think now I’m very curious to see the rest.

in every sense.

Tifa dropped the phone with a sigh, and her heart was pounding so loudly that she had to press a hand to her chest to feel it race. She was leaning against the bathroom door, still in socks and with the dress open at the back, exposing more than it should. But, for some reason, she wanted him to see. She wanted to be desired again. Not just looked at — felt, teased, celebrated. Vincent had this strange effect on her: the piercing gaze, the overly calm voice, and that kind of kiss that still burned in her memory. She bit her lip, trying to hide the silly smile threatening to escape. After so long running away, after all the time trapped in not sinking into the void left by Claire… maybe, just maybe, she was finally allowing herself to feel again.

∘₊✧🎃✧₊∘

Cloud spent his days immersed in engineering books, his high grades reflecting his silent focus. He studied in the library for hours on end, his jacket and earbuds thrown on the chair beside him while the desk was covered with books, and the notebook full of impeccable calculations. Every now and then, he paused with his eyes lost on the window, thinking of Aerith. Is she okay?, he wondered often, his fingers itching to send a message, but always hesitating, reluctant, ending up leaving the phone untouched beside him. 

At night, he helped Tifa take care of Fluffy, chuckling softly when the kitten climbed onto his backpack and demanded affection. His Ghost Rider costume — chosen by a draw — was starting to take shape with paint on the jacket and fake chains he tested alone in his room, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement for the party.

Carved pumpkins with grimacing faces lit by fake candles decorated the dorm hallways, fake cobwebs hung from the central courtyard trees, and neon posters plastered around the cafeteria announced the most anticipated party of the year. The fraternity, over the week, transformed the mansion into a horror movie set, with flashing lights, artificial fog creeping along the floor, and a schedule on the door: The Black Altar show at 9 PM, haunted house starting at 11 PM. The campus buzzed with a youthful and wild energy, ready to explode on the spookiest night of the year.

Friday arrived, and the week ended with an electric vibe. Tifa finished the dress, and Cloud completed his costume, pleased with the result and proud of his engineering mastery, because the glove with “flame” lights was one of the most fun gadgets to build! Besides the black leather jacket with painted flame details, he would wear ripped black pants, combat boots, and the fake chain dangling from his belt. His messy blond hair would stay loose, with gel to give a more rebellious look, and makeup that Tifa had already taught him how to apply. There was no way it could go wrong!

∘₊✧🎃✧₊∘

On Saturday, Tifa and Jessie’s dorm bathroom turned into a whirlwind of laughter and steam, with fogged-up mirrors and makeup scattered on the sink.

Tifa was finishing adjusting the long purple Sorceress dress. The flowing leather with cutouts at the back, chest, and legs, adorned with black lace at the sleeves and hem, highlighted her confident silhouette. The neckline at her breasts seemed a bit much, but she felt comfortable, though they didn’t seem to breathe much in that tightness .

Jessie transformed into Poison Ivy, wearing a tight green bodysuit with vinyl leaves glued on, long gloves, and a vine crown, her hair tied in a high ponytail with green eyeshadow and dark lipstick.

“Holy moly, Tifa, you’re killing it with that dress!” Jessie exclaimed, spinning Tifa by the shoulder to admire the cutouts. “Those lace details are gorgeous! You’re a seeeexy sorceress!”

Tifa laughed, adjusting the velvet-styled hat. “Thanks, Jess! But look at you too! You’re breathtaking! That green bodysuit is tight, huh…” Her smile was quite teasing, and she bit her lip, admiring her friend.

The other twirled with her vines around her arms, posing for the photos she was taking while Tifa finished putting on glossy black knee-high boots, with thin heels and tight material. Then, she went to apply dark lipstick to her lips.

“You gonna kiss with that lipstick?”

“What makes you think I’m gonna kiss…?”

Jessie laughed absurdly loud, almost a scream, startling Fluffy, who was sleeping on a pillow, and had to fan herself with her hands, her cheeks turning red.

“Tifa… you’re so funny !”

The central courtyard of the campus was lit by orange lanterns forming a path to the fraternity entrance. Tifa and Jessie left the dorm, the purple dress flowing and the green bodysuit gleaming under the lights. They found Cloud, already dressed as Ghost Rider with the jacket, gloves, and dark makeup around his eyes, making his face even paler, and Tidus, in a pirate look with a red bandana and fake sword, near the cafeteria.

“Wow, Tifa, you’re stunning with that dress!” Tidus exclaimed, circling around her. “Those cutouts and the lace? You’re gonna hypnotize everyone!” He whistled, pointing the sword at her.

Tifa laughed, admiring him back. “And you! You’re the best pirate I’ve ever seen!” They laughed goofily, while Cloud rolled his eyes, but with a slight smile.

“And Jessie, this Ivy is ready to entangle someone!” He put his hands to his forehead, adjusting the bandana, and kept teasing the friend. “I’m hoping to ask Yuna to dance tonight! If she shows up as a fairy, I’m done for!”

The girls laughed more, cheering him on, and Cloud huffed, crossing his arms, the movement making the costume chain hit his leg.

“I still can’t believe I’m going to this party.” He shot a look at Tifa, who raised an eyebrow and nudged him. “I already feel ridiculous with this makeup. And this chain keeps hitting my leg with every step I take!”

“Stop it, Cloud, you look great and you’re gonna have a blast, I’m sure!” Tifa teased, adjusting his chain in an almost maternal gesture. “Let’s go!”

“Okay…” he looked at his friend with a more excited smile. “You look like a real sorceress. That dress is… eye-catching.”

“Thanks!” Tifa smiled excitedly, giving him a pat on the shoulder and leaned in to whisper in his ear: “She’s gonna think you’re gorgeous, trust me. Now, let’s rock this party!”

The quartet headed to the fraternity, the sound of music already reaching their ears and causing anxiety.

∘₊✧🎃✧₊∘

The fraternity was already in full swing. The main room transformed into a Halloween spectacle with relentlessly flashing lights, fake cobwebs hanging from the ceiling, and dangling skeletons casting dancing shadows. The stage, decorated with fluorescent skulls and black curtains, was ready for The Black Altar’s performance. The anticipation hung in the air, and the hearts of those present beat faster, eager for the show that would mark the party’s peak.

The stage lit up with a dramatic glow, and the guests began to clap and scream when the band appeared.

The four had coordinated their costumes a month earlier, all themed around vintage culture, and each would represent a singer as a tribute!

Aerith emerged first, in a delicate vision that made the air feel more magical. Her long, flowing black skirt with silver details that caught the lights like shooting stars was a perfect homage to Stevie Nicks’ boho-chic style. Her blouse had wide sleeves that fell in layers, with fringes at the ends, flowing dramatically as she moved. On her feet, mid-calf black boots, and her hair was loose under a black felt hat with a few feathers, evoking the singer’s mystical look. The makeup, with smoky black eyeshadow and a subtle shine on her lips, highlighted her green eyes, full of sweet joy and fierce determination, completing the ethereal and powerful vibe she always brought to the band’s stage.

Vincent stepped up beside her with a magnetic aura, transformed into Jack White’s raw and stylish look. He wore a tight red cotton shirt, unbuttoned to the start of the collarbone, where a loose black tie adorned his chest, the crumpled fabric giving a sloppy and rebellious air. Over it, an unbuttoned black tailored vest, highlighting his broad shoulders. The pants were skinny black, ripped at the knees, paired with worn leather boots that creaked with each step. He also wore a black hat over his loose hair, combed with strands falling over his crimson eyes, which were intensified by subtle black eyeliner that sharpened his piercing gaze. He held the Gibson with a confident posture, fingers ready to dance on the strings like Jack in his most intense solos, and that predatory smile appearing as his eyes roamed the crowd.

Noctis stepped onto the stage with the contained energy and vintage charm of Elvis Presley in the iconic 1968 Comeback Special . The drummer wore a tight black leather jumpsuit, with silver details in the stitching and buttons gleaming like flashes, inspired by the bold look that marked Elvis’s return. The pointed black boots, polished to a shine, complemented the look, while his usually messy black hair was styled to the side with the bangs strategically over his forehead. He held the drumsticks high, greeting the crowd that shouted in response.

Zack dominated the stage with the exuberance and charisma of Freddie Mercury, adapted to an open black look that reflected his extroverted energy. He wore a long, unbuttoned black satin jacket, revealing a tight black leather vest underneath, open at the chest to show off his confidence and defined physique. The skinny black pants with subtle sequin details on the sides, paired with black platform boots that added height to his frame. His black hair was loose freely, and he had a fake microphone slung over his shoulder, a nod to Freddie’s performative style. He held the bass with a wide grin, swaying his hips like the artist in his epic shows just to draw screams and applause from the crowd.

Aerith smiled with her heart racing from the energy of the people, and raised her hands to greet everyone. “Hey, guys! Thanks for being here at the ‘Night of Terror’!” Her voice was warm, cutting through the noise. She waved beautifully to everyone, spotting Cloud in the crowd and smiling in his direction, barely knowing that this small act completely froze him!

Vincent’s guitar solo sliced through the air, and his eyes swept the crowd until they found Tifa, which wasn’t hard. Her dress, with the cutouts revealing her tanned skin and the lace dancing with each move, brought a wide and almost predatory smile to his face; a wave of desire and pride washing over him as he recalled their shared moments and how he longed for more. She’s really out to tease , he thought, his intense gaze locking with hers for a second, sending a shiver down Tifa’s spine, who blushed but returned the smile with a mischievous touch.

The music started with a low riff from Noctis, followed by Zack’s pulsing bass and Vincent’s soft guitar chords. Aerith raised her arms, making the black layers open like wings, her voice rising in a melancholic wail that echoed through the HQ. 

“I'm running up to the altar, drink from the water

'Til you show me some love, I am waiting”

The people sang along, but for Cloud, it was as if only he and Aerith existed. Each of her movements, the flowing sleeves, the shine on her boots, the way she closed her eyes, feeling the music, left him breathless. He felt a lump in his throat, and a desire to get closer, but his feet were glued to the ground, his heart screaming as she shone like an unreachable star.

“I've got a heart full of sorrow, chest that feels hollow

And I know I need someone to save me”

She’s beautiful… how can she be so perfect like this? he thought, captive and hypnotized, feeling his hands sweating inside the fake gloves. The makeup on his face seemed to fade before her glow, and he stood there, lost, wishing the show would never end so he could keep watching her eternally. 

Beside him, Tifa noticed her friend’s state and followed his gaze; her smile only growing as she saw Aerith return it. For now, she forgot she felt Vincent’s gaze burning on her.

Her dress seemed alive under the lights, the lace brushing her skin as she began to dance lightly; allowing her heart to race with the silent connection to the guitarist. And it was as if excitement flooded her, paving the way for the mischievous smile to grow as she decided she’d confront him later. 

“Oh, save my, save my

Save my soul (to the altar)”

The music hit its climax, and Aerith spun, making the outfit flare dramatically like a veil. The party’s energy soared, and the show was just the start of a night of intense emotions. Zack, oblivious to all the exchanged glances, kept his focus on the strings with a playful expression.

Noctis smiled at Luna, who waved and sang at the front of the stage, dressed as Dolly Parton , with white clothes and her blonde hair high and well-shaped.

The show ended with screams and applause, and as the band left the stage, Prompto, who dressed himself as David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust , all glam with glitter on his face, ran up to them, taking photos.

“Guuuuuuuuys, that was insaaaaaaane!” he shouted.

Jessie hugged Aerith. “You were possessed, girl! I love all these songs!!”

Tidus tossed a glow stick to Noctis, laughing and congratulating him. “Bro, you were hitting the drums like it was the last show of your life! And Luna there, she almost jumped on stage!”

Luna blushed, adjusting the blazer. “I was just… cheering!” she said shyly, as Noctis pulled her into a playful hug, followed by little kisses.

Cloud fixed his eyes on Aerith, who was now chatting with Yuna a few meters away from him. He took a deep breath, feeling his heart beating so fast he could hear the ringing in his ears; he also could barely hear the people around him. He was feeling like an idiot! But, gathering all the courage he could, he approached, his hands still sweating inside the fake gloves.

“Aerith”, he called, his voice unintentionally coming out huskier than intended, which made his face flush intensely. He looked down for a second, embarrassed, before raising his eyes to her. “Your costume… it’s incredible. And you were incredible on stage, truly!”

Aerith looked at him with a sweet smile lighting up her face as her green eyes met his. The compliment made her blush slightly.

“Thanks, Cloud! I’m glad you liked it! And, oooh, this Ghost Rider look is awesome, huh?” She smiled, looking at his costume more closely, noticing his flush and feeling a warmth in her chest from his shyness. So, she took a step forward, tilting her head with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Come on, let’s grab something to drink. I promise I won’t overdo it, it’s just… to relax a bit, okay?! You deserve to let loose after everything!”

Without waiting for a reply, she gently took his hand, leading him to the drink table; that light touch of e her making Cloud’s heart race even more. He was completely lost too!

At the table, Aerith poured two cups of jungle juice, handing one to him with an encouraging smile. “Sip slowly, it’s just to warm up!” she said, taking a sip and watching him with curiosity.

Cloud hesitated but took a bit, feeling the drink’s coolness ease his nerves. He watched her over the rim of the cup, seeing her blouse fluttering with the breeze from an open door, and felt another wave of courage rise, mixed with a deep respect for her.

“Aerith”, he called and set the cup on the table before rubbing his hands on his jeans. “Do you… want to dance? Er.. only if you want, of course. You don’t have to, if you don’t feel comfortable. I… just thought it’d be nice.” He even stepped back, giving space, looking down to avoid pressuring her. His face was stupidly hot.

Aerith smiled, happy with his kindness. “I’d love to, Cloud! Let’s take it slow, okay?”

She extended her hand, making it clear he could take it or not, and when he took it with hesitation, she led him to an area where some couples were dancing to a slow song playing for now.

She kept a respectful distance, limiting her movements to gentle steps, which made her skirt sway as she spun lightly. Cloud followed, his trembling hands carefully holding hers, his heart full of a mix of nervousness and happiness at being so close to her without crossing boundaries.

As they danced, Aerith giggled softly, leaning just enough to whisper: “You’re braver than you think, y’know?!” Cloud flushed even more, but the shy smile that escaped showed that, for the first time that night, he felt at home.

Tifa, who had been lost watching the scene with fondness and contained excitement, very proud of Cloud, jumped when she felt hands on her waist. She turned abruptly, only to face a Vincent with a sly and extremely goofy smile.

“Boo! ” he said, wiggling his eyebrows and making a slight pout.

“Vinc —” she almost let slip, her cheeks warming, but quickly composed herself. “What are you doing?!”

“Me? Nothing”, he sounded disinterested, but she could see a warmth overflowing in his dark eyes. “And you? You coming with me, or are you gonna keep playing cupid, or spy… or whatever it is you’re doing standing here like this?” He licked his lips, letting his eyes drop shamelessly to her breasts, tight in the leather dress.

“Hey, eyes up here, Valentine!”, she crossed her arms with a sarcastic smile spreading across her lips.

“You’re killing me with that costume”, he murmured, stepping dangerously close, letting his lips brush her ear.

Tifa smiled and looked at him with her eyes sparkling under the hat. “And you think you’re leaving me indifferent?” She stepped closer, sliding her hands up his chest, letting her fingers trace the open shirt.

“Come with me”, he said before taking her hand.

∘₊✧🎃✧₊∘

At 11 PM, the haunted house opened in the campus gym, which had been transformed into a maze of dark corridors, with flashing strobe lights and eerie sound effects. The set design was meticulous: fog machines created a ghostly mist, fake cobwebs hung from the ceiling, and students dressed as ghosts, killer clowns, and zombies jumped out to scare the groups. The schedule organized entries every 15 minutes, with activities like the ‘Coffin Challenge’, where participants had to “escape” a fake coffin, and the ‘Ghost Hunt.’

A senior dressed as Frankenstein guarded the entrance, roaring: “Get ready to tremble, you cowards!”

Cloud entered in a group with Aerith, Luna, Noctis, and Yuna, and during a dark corridor with glowing skulls, a loud bang followed by a flashing red light scared the group ghostily.

Aerith tripped over a fake bone, falling against Cloud, who caught her by the waist, steadying her. Their faces were inches apart, her hands on his shoulders, and her warm breath against his cheek.

“Sorry…” she whispered with wide eyes. The position was good enough for him to see the glint caused by the scare in her irises. “I’m kinda clumsy today.”

“It’s okay” he said, his voice almost muffled by the spooky soundtrack. “I’ve got you.” The moment stretched, their gazes locked with a new spark igniting between them.

His hands lingered a second longer on her waist before letting go, but he stayed close, almost afraid to step away and miss the fleeting warmth.

“GUYS! There’s a psycho clown over there!” Yuna’s shout broke the spell, and they laughed, moving forward, but with flushed cheeks and hands close, as if waiting for another chance to come together again.

Meanwhile, Vincent had already led Tifa into the maze, where they were in another group, but completely ignoring the scares. Tifa’s dress hugged her curves, and the guitarist couldn’t take his eyes off her. 

In a room set up as a creepy graveyard, with fog swirling among tombstones, a zombie jumped out, but Vincent didn’t flinch, as his focus was entirely on his girl. He pulled her behind a fake mausoleum, away from the group, with his hands on her waist. His lips didn’t wait any longer and met hers in a hungry, unrestrained kiss, only an explosion of pent-up desire.

Vincent’s hands roamed her back, pulling her against him, his fingers firmly tracing the skin exposed by the dress. Tifa tugged his long hair, deepening the kiss, and the sweet taste on her lips was driving him wild. His body pressed hers against the wall, every move always charged with urgency, and the sound of a rattling skeleton nearby was completely ignored.

His dark eyes scanned every inch of her as if seeing her for the first time — or the last. The purple dress rode up slightly with each move, and he seemed to drink in the sight with the hunger of someone who’d waited too long.

“You should’ve known what you were getting into when you sent that photo”, he said through gritted teeth, vibrating directly against the sensitive skin of her jaw.

Tifa bit her lip, holding his daring gaze, even though she was breathless. “Maybe I wanted to see what you’d do with it…”

“And did you like what you saw so far?” He teased, his hands now sliding over her thighs, exposed by the dress’s slits. He bent slightly, brushing his lips against the inside of her right thigh, and Tifa shivered when she felt his warm breath graze her skin.

She let out a low moan, her hand burying in his hair without pretext, making the small hat he wore fall. Vincent laughed softly and his firm fingers gripped her leg, lifting it, and with a precise move, he made her wrap it around his waist, her body fitting perfectly. The gesture exposed her thigh further, and his hands explored every curve with obscene care.

“You have no idea what you’re doing to me”, he whispered dangerously, pressing their bodies even closer, letting his heavy breathing crash against her lips.

The kiss that followed was fiercer — mouth against mouth, teeth, tongue, primal desire. His hands gripped her waist, sliding up her bare back to the sides of her breasts, covered only by the leather. She arched against him, seeking more, wanting everything.

“You’re a big problem, Tifa.” He managed to say between kisses.

“Ahh … and you’re exactly the kind of problem I want right now!” She replied, pulling him by the leather vest’s collar.

The fog swirled around them, and the screams of others’ scares were like background noise as the whole world shrank to the heat of their bodies, racing pulses, and increasingly bold touches. Vincent kissed her neck, down to her exposed collarbone, making her feel his teeth lightly graze her skin.

But before they could take the next step, whatever it was, the group ran by on the other side of the corridor, screaming from a maze scare.

Tifa choked on a laugh, trying to catch her breath. “I think our ghosts came to enforce some limits.”

Vincent rested his forehead against hers, chuckling softly. “I’m still gonna finish this. Slowly. And with all the doors locked!” She smiled, flushed, with her lips still red from the kiss and the traces of lipstick, the dress slightly askew, and her leg tingling.

∘₊✧🎃✧₊∘

Outside the haunted house, the party was still in full swing. Jessie was at a table mixing “potions” – which were cocktails with names like ‘Vampire’s Blood’ –. She handed one to Selphie and another to Tidus, who was recounting his “courage” in the maze.

“Man, that zombie almost got me!” he said, laughing. “But I ran faster than Prompto!”

The blond was adjusting the glitter on his face with the help of the front camera, and when he heard it, he snorted:

“Liar! I only tripped because I was filming!” He turned to Serah and Snow, who were sharing a glowing drink. “And did you see Serah’s face when the clown showed up? She practically climbed her boyfriend!”

Serah laughed, already a bit tipsy, adjusting her princess tiara. “Don’t exaggerate! And it’s not like he wasn’t scared too.” She turned to Snow with a pout. “You were all tough, but I saw you jump when the door creaked!”

He grinned, wrapping an arm around her. “Me?! Jump?! That’s fake news, love!” The blond kissed her, making Prompto fake a gag.

Jessie spotted Tifa and Vincent coming out of the haunted house, noticing her friend’s smudged lipstick and the guitarist’s hair messier than usual.

“Look at the lovebirds!” She teased, tossing a fake spider toward Tifa. “Did you face the monsters or just… face each other?”

Tifa blushed, swatting the spider away. “Shut up, Jessie! We… survived, okay?”

Vincent gave a half-smile, wrapping an arm around Tifa’s waist, keeping her in front of him and close in an almost possessive way.

“We survived. But I think the bigger scare was her trying to bite me…” he said with a voice loaded with playful insinuation, which made Jessie and Selphie laugh loudly.

“Guys!” Yuna came running. “I survived!” She hugged Serah, both celebrating. Tidus, for a moment, forgot how to speak, and then took a slap from Prompto, making the drink in his hand splash onto his shoes.

“Hey, Yuna, you look gorgeous… want a drink as a reward?”

Snow couldn’t hold back a laugh, joining the other loud blond in teasing the pirate.

“I’d love one!” She approached, and from afar, it was possible to see Aerith and Cloud coming in the same direction, followed by Noctis and Luna. The four were laughing about the scares, the girls gesturing animatedly.

“Guys, it’s almost time for Ghost Hunt! But first… who’s going in the coffin?” Aerith asked, clasping her little hands together in front of her body, waiting for an answer.

“Let’s do a zero or one, how about that?” Jessie suggested, ignoring the eye-roll Cloud gave. And he wasn’t alone; Vincent rolled his too.

And he did it twice.

“Vinceeeeeeeeeent, you loser, to the coffin!” Prompto pointed, laughing, seeing his friend lose at the game, and soon they started pushing a grumpy Jack White toward the coffin area.

∘₊✧🎃✧₊∘

Inside the fraternity, in a side room decorated with fake candles and machine fog, the “Haunted Coffin” game was happening. A fake wooden coffin, with a lid locked by a toy padlock, challenged a volunteer to enter and try to escape using internal clues — a paper map with symbols.

Vincent eyed the coffin with an ironic smile, and left his hat with Tifa, not minding stealing a quick kiss before turning and stepping into the coffin.

“Relax, folks, the vampire is gonna get out of this in a blink!” he shouted, adjusting the vest before the lid was closed.

Inside the coffin, the darkness was stifling, and Vincent felt his patience wane. The map was rolled up in a corner, and he groped with sweating hands.

“Okay, a skull symbol… but where the hell is the key?” He found a piece of rope, but pulling it triggered a click — the lid locked tighter. “Man, this isn’t fair!” He shouted, his voice sounding muffled, but with a tone of laughter.

Outside, Tifa was laughing and clapping. “Valentine, you’re stuck! Sing ‘Seven Nation Army’ to get out!” Vincent, inside, laughed loudly at the musical reference.

Cloud got tense, but Aerith calmed him, leaning a little closer, making the fabric of her blouse brush his arm. “He’ll get out, Cloud. Vincent’s dramatic, but he’s incredible”, she assured, and he nodded, giving a weak smile.

Jessie shouted: “Vince, use Jack White’s charm! Seduce the coffin!”

The people around laughed, and Tidus banged on the lid. “Come on, man, Tifa’s waiting!”

Inside, Vincent finally decoded the map, finding the fake key behind a panel. With an exaggerated bang, he opened the lid, emerging with messy hair and a triumphant smile.

“See? I never lose!” he boasted, making his friends and the other spectators cheer, but he barely looked around as he approached Tifa.

She smiled back, hugging him and laughing, the dress rustling as she stood on tiptoes to place the hat back on his head.

“Let’s go, guys! The ghost won’t catch itself!” She exclaimed as she turned, pulling her friends toward where the Ghost Hunt would happen.

It was simple: the new attraction challenged participants to find three glowing clues — plastic pendants with LEDs, scattered around the grounds, that would lead to a “ghost”, a fraternity volunteer dressed in a white sheet, to “capture” it with a shout or a funny dance.

“Jessie, you keep an eye on the bushes, Cloud, check near the benches, and Tidus, don’t get distracted by Yuna!”

Jessie laughed, pointing her phone’s flashlight at a bush. “Tifa, you’re too gorgeous to hunt ghosts, but I’ll follow you! Look at this clue!” She pulled a green pendant from the grass, holding it like a trophy. “One point for me!”

Cloud searched the bench with a reluctant expression, but his eyes sparkled with the fun. “This is ridiculous…” he murmured, but when he found a blue pendant, a smile escaped. He looked at Aerith, who was passing by with Noctis, Luna, and Zack.

Tidus shouted as he tripped over a bush, laughing. “Where’s my clue?!” He ran, nearly knocking Tifa over, who laughed and gave him a light push.

Aerith approached the group. “Hey, guys, you’re great at this! I saw a pendant near that tree!” She pointed, the movement making her skirt dance, and Cloud felt the need to look at her, unable to turn his eyes away from her and her magical and attractive aura.

“I’ll catch that ghost before you guys, get ready to dance!” Zack ran, but tripped over a branch, falling with a dramatic “Uh-huh!” that made the guys laugh, and even Prompto laughed so hard he forgot to snap a photo of the moment.

Noctis found the last pendant and handed it to Aerith. “For you, leader”, he said dryly, but with a smile.

The group gathered, and when they found the “ghost”, Tifa led a ridiculous dance, followed by Jessie and Tidus, who ended up forming a clumsy conga line. And Cloud, moved by the contagious energy and the happiness of seeing his friend having fun, ended up joining the dance too. 

For the first time, everything seemed right.

∘₊✧🎃✧₊∘

In the early hours, Tifa walked through the central courtyard with light steps and a silly smile lighting up her face. The party’s euphoria still coursed through her veins, the dress was slightly wrinkled, and the lace on the sleeves swayed as she held the hat as if it were a trophy. The cutouts revealed her skin, goosebumped by the night’s chill, but the inner warmth kept her cozy. 

Beside her, Vincent accompanied her with his arm around her shoulders. His eyes watched the girl beside him, the mischievous smile never leaving his face as he listened to Tifa ramble about the night.

Vincent tilted his head, his combed-back hair falling in rebellious strands over his forehead. “We’re here”, he whispered as they stopped in front of her dorm building, the night’s silence wrapping them comfortably. “Good rest, lady sorceress.”

She stepped closer, the mischievous smile returning as she placed a hand on his chest. Vincent gently pulled her by the waist, their lips meeting in a hot kiss, the taste of sweet drink still present mixing with the moment’s urgency. His hands slid along the curve of her back, the lace brushing his skin, and Tifa sighed. They parted for an instant, breathless, and shared another quick kiss, the kind that sped up her heart.

“See you later, Mr. Jack White!”  She said softly, before letting him go with one last intense look. Tifa waved, entering the building, feeling as light as a feather.

At the fraternity’s balcony, the early morning’s cold air carried the scent of damp wood and nearby garden flowers. Aerith was wrapped in a fluffy blanket, the black and silver Stevie Nicks outfit still majestic, with the sleeve fringes fluttering in the breeze, and the hat resting beside her as a silent testament to her performance hours earlier.

She held a steaming chamomile tea mug, the vapor rising in delicate spirals as her green eyes gazed at the horizon.

Beside her, Cloud settled into a wicker chair, the Ghost Rider jacket thrown over his shoulders, and the half-smudged makeup already revealing the natural flush of his cheeks. He held a cup of hot chocolate, the hands warming around the container, but his gaze was fixed on her with silent admiration. The party had ended, but footsteps and chatter could still be heard downstairs. That place never seemed to be quiet.

Aerith broke the silence between them, her voice coming out soft as a whisper of wind: 

“Have you ever noticed how the stars seem brighter after nights like this? I think it’s the contrast with all the chaos…” She smiled innocently, taking a sip, her fingers involuntarily playing with the tea bag.

Cloud nodded. His lips curving into a shy smile as he listened, absorbed. The dim light highlighted the contours of her face, and he felt an inner warmth that didn’t come from the chocolate. “It’s… beautiful”, he murmured. But maybe he wasn't referring to the sky... who knows?! But still he was enchanted by the way she turned the trivial into poetry. 

She continued, tilting her head. “Every time I’m on my room’s balcony, I think about how the trees here seem to dance with the wind. Have you ever tried to imagine what they tell each other?” Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she giggled softly, the sound echoing like bells. The question seemed silly, but she seemed genuinely curious.

He kept watching, fascinated by her vivacity, his heart pulsing with a tenderness he could barely name. “Never thought about it”, he confessed sincerely, “but now I’ll pay attention…” He took a sip and the rich chocolate taste mixed with the feeling of being completely captivated by her.

“Hmm…” Aerith adjusted the blanket, but the fabric slipped slightly off her shoulders. “And the autumn colors… they remind me of a painting I saw in a gallery, full of warm tones! Do you like art?” She turned to him, genuine interest lighting up her face.

His admiration grew with every word of hers, his eyes following the graceful movement of her hands as she gestured.

He hesitated but replied with a slight nod. “Not much, but… maybe I should. If it’s like you describe, it might be interesting.”

The silence fell for a moment, comfortable, as the tea and chocolate warmed their hands. Aerith looked at him with a soft smile on her lips.

“You’re a great friend, Cloud. I like that!” She leaned a little closer.

“You too” he whispered; his eyes shining with reverence as he watched her, lost in her magic that went beyond the fantasy.

A cozy silence settled, interrupted only by the distant chatter of residents. Then, Aerith gently leaned in, resting her head on Cloud’s shoulder in a natural move.

He stiffened for an instant, his body tense with surprise and nervousness, his heart racing as if trying to escape his chest. The warm touch of her forehead against his shoulder sent a shiver down his spine, but he stayed still, afraid to break the moment and not wanting to make her pull away.

“Aerith…?”

“It's just until I finish my tea…” she murmured with her tender little voice, and her half-closed eyes as she savored the tranquility. The blanket wrapped her like a shield, and she smiled, completely unaware of the stir she caused in him. 

Cloud swallowed hard, feeling his face burning, but let his shoulder relax slowly, allowing himself to feel the closeness.

“Okay… it’s fine.” He stammered, fixing his eyes on the horizon to hide the blush. But inside, a mix of euphoria and respect bloomed, grateful for her trust and the chance to share this precious moment.

Chapter Text

recommendation song for chapter:

whisper - ally nicholas

The Sunday after the party, the fraternity was still bustling. The residents held an after-party by the pool, but Cloud and Tifa didn’t show up. Noctis seemed on the verge of kicking everyone out; even though most lived there, he craved some peace and quiet. Luna had joined Aerith and her friends, both radiating an energy no one could quite pinpoint, but they seemed thrilled dancing together near the pool.

She and Zack seemed to be getting along bit by bit, the tension from before slowly fading, though no one asked or brought up the subject. It was no secret they had broken up, somewhat quelling the rumors as people realized the campus’s favorite couple was no longer together. Their strong friendship seemed to remain intact; after all, the band was family, and being at the HQ during rehearsals felt like being home.

Monday dawned cloudy, and Tifa returned to spending her mornings at the gym, sweating through strength training while trying to keep her mind occupied, which hadn’t been difficult in recent weeks, but now a certain someone kept popping into her thoughts. In the afternoon, she reviewed physical education notes in the cafeteria, laughing with Jessie and catching up on the party’s chaos.

For Cloud, returning to routine was never complicated. He dove into engineering calculations in the library, though he hated group projects, he felt more comfortable with academic demands.

“You and Vincent, huh? Is it serious?” he asked, as they sat on that same bench with the cat between them.

“No…” Tifa seemed hesitant and took a few seconds to continue. “We’re just… enjoying our time together, I guess. Honestly, I don’t know, I think it’s too early to… y'know?” She gestured anxiously, and he looked at her, offering a faint smile.

“It’s okay, Tifa, I get it. It’s just… he seems to like being with you, or… whatever you guys do together.” He gestured too, trying to say it wasn’t his business. “But I worry, you know. I don’t want to see you sad.”

She smiled, her eyes sparkling and her bangs swaying in the breeze. “Don’t worry, okay? I’ll be careful!” She reached out to stroke Fluffy’s soft fur. “I worry about you too, so I’ll just say I’m soooooo excited to see your thing with Aerith blossom. You like her, don’t you?! No need to lie to me!”

Cloud straightened his shoulders, looking away and focusing on the horizon. “I don’t know, Tifa. It feels too weird to like my friend’s girlfriend and—”

“Ex-girlfriend!” she raised a finger. “They’re not together anymore, Cloud. And it’s not a big deal… you didn’t even know that when you first set your pretty blue eyes on her.” She clasped her hands, sighing. “I’m sure it was love at first sight! And you just haven’t realized it yet because you’ve never fallen for anyone before… maybe—”

“Tifa”, his voice came out soft and shy. “We’re just friends, she needs a shoulder to lean on, and I…”

“And you like her”, she shook her head, pursing her lips and crossing her arms. “And when the time’s right, you two will figure it out!”

Tifa didn’t say more, respecting her friend’s moment of shyness, and Fluffy let out a long meow, demanding attention again. Tifa took it as an “I agree” and chuckled softly, resuming her petting of the feline.

On Thursday, during a break between classes in the central courtyard, a voice echoed through the microphone set up near the amphitheater. A veterinary student, Terra Branford, stepped onto a small makeshift stage, her uniform stained with dirt from a recent project.

“Hey, everyone! I’m Terra, from the veterinary course! We’re organizing a charity event on Saturday to raise funds for animal shelters. There’ll be stalls, games, and an adoption area. If you want to help, show up tomorrow to organize! We need volunteers!”

Tifa was sitting at a table with Cloud and immediately looked up from her notebook, intrigued. “An event for animals? I think Fluffy would approve!”

Cloud looked at her, his blue eyes shining with curiosity. “It’d be cool to help. I think I can make time.” They exchanged a nod, excited about the idea, already imagining how to contribute.

∘₊✧🐾✧₊∘

On Friday, Tifa helped set up a sweets stall in the courtyard, wearing a black t-shirt and denim shorts, her tied-up hair swaying as she tested a batch of frosting for the cupcakes. Vincent showed up with a backpack full of supplies, his leather jacket now swapped for an open gray shirt, revealing a fitted t-shirt underneath. “Need help, Lockhart?” he asked, setting down the backpack and sneakily grabbing a brownie.

Tifa smiled, handing him a spoonful of frosting. “Sure, but only if you promise not to eat everything.” She started decorating a cupcake, focused. “What do you think of this charity idea?”

Vincent sat beside her, tasting the frosting. “I think it’s cool. I like causes like this. Reminds me of some projects I did as a teenager”, he paused, looking at her for a moment, his eyes tracing her serene, focused face as she held the piping bag. “You know, Tifa, we’ve been seeing each other a lot, but… how about spending more time together? Like, outside of parties. You could come to my room to study or just talk.”

Tifa stopped, her hands trembling slightly as she tested the sprinkles. “Seriously? Like… just us?” She blushed inevitably, stirring the frosting with a bit of obvious nervousness.

Vincent nodded, leaning closer. “Yeah. I want to get to know you better, beyond the kisses.” He smiled, gently pulling her by the waist and kissing her with warm, firm lips.

Tifa sighed, returning the kiss, her hands nearly dropping the frosting. The kiss deepened, and he held her tighter, but she pulled back, laughing. “Someone might see! But… I’m in. Let’s try!”

He chuckled, brushing his nose against hers. “Perfect. Tomorrow night after the event, then?” Tifa nodded. And when he stepped away to let her continue her work, she couldn’t stop her thoughts, already imagining their time alone.

∘₊✧🐾✧₊∘

In an art room, Zack and Aerith were organizing boxes of supplies for the event, the heavy bags of pet food and some shelter supplies needing more than one person to carry. Zack stacked the boxes in a comfortable silence between them. “You weren’t kidding when you said this was heavy, damn!” he said, smiling faintly.

Aerith laughed as she folded a cloth. “I told you!” She placed the fabric in a box and added it to his pile, daring to chuckle softly when he stumbled in the process. “Careful!”

Zack paused, looking at her. “Thanks, Aerith!” he said good-naturedly, heading toward the door that opened at that moment.

Cloud appeared, looking shy and with his blue t-shirt slightly wrinkled. “Sorry to interrupt… Terra asked me to let you know they need help in the adoption area.”

Aerith smiled at him. “Oh, then let’s go!” She gave a light shove to Zack’s shoulder, and Cloud approached to help with the boxes.

In the adoption area, the blond started organizing cages but hesitated with the puppies. Aerith approached, tying her hair into a high ponytail and crouching beside him.

“You’re good with them”, she said, picking up a kitten. “I never pictured you like this.”

Cloud blushed, adjusting a food bowl to keep busy. “I’m not really an animal person, but… it’s nice. You seem to have more experience with this.” He smiled shyly.

Aerith giggled, sitting beside him. “I love taking care of them! Have you ever thought about adopting a pet?”

He hesitated, looking at her. “Never really thought about it, but recently Tifa and I kind of adopted a little cat that hangs around here. Her name’s Fluffy.”

“Oh, how sweet! Introduce me to her later, okay?!” she said, still holding the kitten. “I’ll bring some treats.”

Funny, he had no idea if she wore some kind of blush, but he loved how her cheeks glowed intensely when she smiled or got excited about something.

Focus, Cloud. But he could hear Tifa’s voice echoing in his head over and over. You like her!

Late that night, Tifa and Jessie collapsed onto the couch in their room, exhausted but happy. Tifa took off her frosting-stained t-shirt and sighed, staring at the ceiling.

“Jessie, Vincent asked me to spend more time with him. Like, he invited me to his room tomorrow… and I’m thinking… could something more happen between us? Or…”

Jessie frowned, a bit confused. “Seriously? Like… you mean… oh, wait, Tifa, are you a virgin?” She tilted her head, eyes widening.

“No! God, Jessie, that’s not it! It’s just… I think I’m nervous.” She blushed fiercely, but her gesture of hugging herself didn’t go unnoticed by the other.

Jessie noticed the insecurity, sitting closer and placing a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, stop that! You’re amazing, Tifa! Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Vincent’s crazy about you, that’s obvious! And if something more happens, it’ll be at your pace, okay?” She shook her shoulders, trying to cheer her up. “Let’s do a spa night tomorrow to make you feel confident, huh? Who needs insecurity when you have chocolate and face masks?”

“Okay… thanks, Jessie!” Tifa smiled, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease.

∘₊✧🐾✧₊∘

Saturday dawned with radiant sun over the campus, golden rays filtering through the treetops and warming the central courtyard, battling the chilly late-autumn breeze. After a week of intense preparations and little sleep since the ‘Night of Terror,’ the students gathered for the charity event for animal shelters. Colorful stalls adorned the space, exuding the aroma of chocolate, cotton candy, and fresh coffee, while an adoption area housed lively puppies and supply boxes.

The courtyard buzzed with the arrival of the first visitors at 10 a.m. Veterinary students like Terra circulated with clipboards, guiding curious onlookers through the cages. A curly-haired girl stopped in front of a brown puppy, her eyes shining. “Look how cute! Is he vaccinated?” she asked, crouching down.

Terra smiled, adjusting her glasses. “Yes, he has all his vaccines and a recent check-up. Want to fill out an adoption form? It’s over at that table.”

Nearby, a guy in a red cap examined a black cat, hesitant. “Does he get along with kids? I have a niece at home.”

A volunteer, with an apron stained with kibble, answered patiently: “This one’s super calm. We tested him with other animals and kids at the clinic. Want to take him to meet your family?” The guy nodded, excited, grabbing a form.

Kids from the nearby neighborhood ran between the stalls, pointing at a white rabbit hopping in a box. “Mom, can we take him home?” a girl who couldn’t be older than six shouted, pulling her mother’s hand. The mother laughed, approaching Terra. “He looks healthy. How much is the adoption?”

“It’s a voluntary donation, but any amount helps the shelter. We’ll guide you through the process!”

Tifa was at the sweets stall displaying brownies, cupcakes, and cakepops, and the sweet aroma drew an eager line.

“Here’s your brownie!” she said to a student with glasses, handing over a wrapped piece.

The girl smiled. “Wow, smells amazing! Thanks!”

A boy with a blue backpack approached, hesitant. “I only have one gil… can I get something?”

Tifa leaned in, winking. “Of course you can, what do you want?”

The boy grinned, pointing to the blue cakepop. “That one.” She handed him the treat and noted the donations in a notebook, proud as the cashbox grew.

In the adoption area, Cloud’s hands trembled as he handled a restless puppy. A family approached, and the father asked: “Is this pup healthy? My daughter wants one.”

He swallowed hard. “Uh… yeah, he’s been checked. Has vaccines and… everything.”

The daughter, a girl with bangs and a pink dress, clapped her hands. “I want him! How much is it?”

“It’s… it’s a donation.”

Aerith noticed his nervousness and approached. “Let me help you, Cloud,” she said softly, taking the puppy and turning to the family. “Hi! This pup is super healthy, vaccinated, and great with kids. Adoption is by voluntary donation, but any amount helps the shelter. Want to fill out the form?”

The father nodded, impressed. “Sure, thank you!” The girl hugged the dog, laughing.

Aerith turned to Cloud, smiling. “You okay? I saw you got tense.”

“I’m not great with so many people… Sorry.”

She shook her head, lightly touching his arm. “Don’t worry. You just need practice. We’ll do the next one together, okay? I’ll guide you.”

He nodded, relieved. “Thanks, Aerith.”

“I love seeing you try. It reminds me how good you are at listening. I feel… valued with you around.”

Cloud smiled, hesitant. “You deserve that. Always. And… I like being here with you.” The words came out as sincerely as possible, and they shared a prolonged look, their connection solidifying. Then, Aerith laughed gracefully and brushed her hands on her apron, a gesture that seemed somewhat shy, considering how her cheeks flushed.

By dusk, the event hit its peak, with over fifty adoptions and an impressive fundraising total. The students gathered in a circle, clapping. Terra climbed onto a crate, shouting: “Guys, we raised almost a thousand reais and found dozens of new homes for these animals! Thank you all!”

The crowd erupted in cheers. Tifa ran to hug Cloud and Aerith. “I can’t believe it worked! We made a difference!”

Cloud felt his body reset with the group hug, but a chuckle escaped as he saw the happiness plastered on both their faces — a sight that warmed his heart, and so, he smiled and celebrated too.

∘₊✧🐾✧₊∘

After the stalls were dismantled and the students returned to their rooms, Tifa and Jessie turned their little room into an impromptu spa, spreading fluffy towels on the floor and lighting scented candles that cast a soft light and a gentle orange scent.

Tifa mixed a clay face mask while Jessie, in patterned pajamas, connected her phone to a speaker.

“Let’s put on an upbeat playlist, I know you love pop divas!”

“Oh… you know how it is, I’m just a girl…”

The music filled the space, the catchy rhythm echoing as she spread the mask on Jessie’s face, laughing.

“Stay still, or you’ll look like a mud monster!”

“You will!!!” Jessie laughed back, applying the mixture to her face too. “But seriously, Teef, you need to relax after the event.”

She continued spreading the mixture on her rosy cheeks, laughing at herself when she tried to squint and felt her face dry.

“It feels like I got botooooooox!” Tifa laughed, feeling the mask crack on her chin.

The fun escalated when ‘Dancing Queen’ started playing. “Let’s dance, Tifa! No one’s watching us here!”

Jessie stood up and spun with her, tripping over a cushion and falling into a fit of laughter.

“You’re crazy, Jess!” They danced clumsily, singing loudly, making the room vibrate with their private joy until the masks dried, leaving them radiant and renewed.

∘₊✧🐾✧₊∘

Cloud walked through the dimly lit arts building corridor with his faded t-shirt wrinkled from the day’s work and his hands stuffed in the pockets of his cargo pants. He had just finished stacking chairs in a room. Fatigue weighed on his shoulders, but curiosity guided him as he heard a soft sound echoing off the walls.

It was Aerith, humming a delicate melody. Her voice floated like a whisper of wind between the notes of an unfamiliar song. He stopped, intrigued, and peeked through the slightly open door of a meeting room.

Inside, Aerith was bent over a stack of chairs, her now-loose hair cascading over her shoulders as she arranged the seats with graceful movements. The dim light of a hanging lamp illuminated her face, highlighting the subtle glow of her green eyes as she murmured the melody, lost in her thoughts. Cloud stood there hidden, his breath shallow at the beauty of the moment, until a creak in the floor betrayed him. He swallowed hard, pushing the door open cautiously.

Aerith turned, startled, her hands freezing in the air. “Cloud? I didn’t see you there!” she blushed slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her nervousness evident in the way she intertwined her fingers.

“Sorry… I heard you humming”, Cloud took a step forward, his eyes shining with sincerity. “It’s beautiful, Aerith. Your voice…” He lowered his gaze, feeling exposed by his own boldness, even though he hadn’t said anything grand.

She smiled shyly, her heart racing at the compliment. “Thanks, Cloud… it’s just something I was thinking about while tidying up here. I didn’t think anyone would hear…” Her eyes sparkled suddenly as an idea struck her like lightning. “Wait a sec!” She reached out, her delicate fingers brushing his, and pulled him gently. “Come with me! I want to show you something!”

Cloud let himself be led, her touch sending a tingle through his arm as she guided him down the corridor to the fraternity’s HQ. The wooden stage, lit by hanging lights, occupied the center, surrounded by coiled cables, and she entered with him, the smell of old wood and polish wax filling the air; the silence broken only by the sound of their footsteps.

Aerith let go of his hand, climbing the stage steps with her little boots, and picked up a guitar leaning against the wall, its strings humming softly as her skilled hands tuned it. She sat on the edge, legs crossed, the instrument resting in her lap.

“Sit there", Aerith said, pointing to the side and facing him, her encouraging smile easing his nervousness.

Cloud obeyed, settling stiffly, though his hands gripped his knees as his heart beat out of rhythm.

“I want to show you a song I’m working on", she announced, her fingers sliding over the strings in an opening chord, the sound reverberating through the empty space. Her eyes met his, and she began to sing, her voice flowing like a crystal-clear stream — each note laden with emotion.

“I’m sick of waiting, losing my patience  

Every day I’m losing my grip  

Tired of saying that I’ll be okay when  

I know I won’t, but”

The melody was soft, almost ethereal, starting with delicate picking on the strings, and Cloud didn’t know where to focus first, so he swallowed hard and stayed deathly still.

“Give me a reason to keep believing  

Things will be different, I just can’t see it”

She continued, her voice rising and falling in high and low notes that tightened Cloud’s chest. Her hair swayed lightly with the movement of her head, the red strands catching the light like threads of fire, and her fingers danced over the strings with graceful precision.

“What do you think it means?  

What do you think it means?  

What do you think of me?”

She closed her eyes, surrendering to the music, her expression vulnerable and beautiful. Cloud sat frozen, his eyes fixed on her, absorbing every detail. The way the light played on the curves of her face, the way her lips moved with the words, the slight tremor in her hands revealing her passion — it all left him dumbstruck, his face burning with shyness and nervousness. The guy barely breathed, letting the sound of her voice echo in his mind like a drug, and when she finished with a soft chord, he blinked, as if waking from a trance.

“Aerith… that was… incredible.”

Aerith lowered the guitar, her fingers resting gently on the strings as the final chord faded into the air. She smiled shyly, her cheeks flushed from the effort, and tucked a strand of hair that had fallen over her face.

“Thanks, Cloud. I’m glad you liked it”, she said, her voice tinged with sweet vulnerability. “It’s not finished yet, that’s just a part, so I need to keep working…”

Cloud nodded. He already loved the little he’d heard and thought he probably wouldn’t survive the whole song. But he didn’t know how to express that in words, so he just lowered his gaze, his hands gripping his knees, his nervousness evident in every movement.

She chuckled softly, sliding to the edge of the stage and letting her feet dangle, her faded jeans brushing the wood. “You know, I usually keep these things to myself, but with you… I feel like I can let them out.” Her eyes met his, shining with raw emotion. “Can I tell you something? Sometimes, I feel like my weaknesses define me more than my strengths. Like, I get lost in details easily… I get obsessed with fixing everything perfectly, and when I can’t, I feel… like I failed. I feel small.”

Cloud looked up, surprised, leaning forward slightly. “Small? Aerith, you don’t seem like that. I always see you as someone strong…”

She smiled, though with a touch of sadness mixed with gratitude. “Thanks, Cloud. But it’s true. I have this habit of carrying everything alone, y'know? I like things that calm me, poetry books, the sound of rain, and flowers… I love lilies and daisies! They mean a lot to me and remind me of lightness, something I sometimes forget to seek.” Her fingers traced invisible circles on the guitar, her eyes drifting to the past for a moment.

He nodded, fascinated. “Lilies and daisies… I never thought about that. I think they suit you, delicate but resilient.” The compliment slipped out naturally, and he blushed, surprised at himself.

Aerith laughed, her eyes lighting up. “You know what else? Lately, I’ve been feeling a relief I didn’t expect. Like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders. I’m rediscovering myself, exploring what makes me happy without feeling overwhelmed. It’s freeing, Cloud… like I can breathe deeply for the first time in months.”

Her voice trembled slightly, and her small hands gripped the guitar as discreet tears glistened in the corners of her eyes.

Cloud felt his chest tighten, moved by her sincerity. He approached slowly and extended his hand hesitantly. “Aerith, that’s… it’s okay! I’m glad you’re feeling this way. And if you need someone to share that with, I’m here.”

She took his hand, intertwining her warm fingers with his. “Thanks, Cloud. That means more than you know.” A tear fell, and she wiped it quickly, laughing to cover it up. “Sorry, I’m getting emotional! But it’s true, you make me feel safe to be like this.”

He squeezed her hand lightly, feeling his heart pounding in his chest. “You don’t need to apologize. I like seeing you like this… real.” They sat in silence for a moment, the HQ wrapped in an aura of deep connection, their gazes intertwined as if sharing something sacred.

“We should do more things together… what do you think about an amusement park? Or the theater?” She tilted her head, smiling with her eyes, waiting for a response.

He took a moment to react, blinking and clearing his throat before nodding. “Sounds good to me…”

“Great!”

∘₊✧🐾✧₊∘

At nine, Tifa arrived at the fraternity wearing a tight black blouse, denim skirt, and a faint lavender perfume. She was anxious, having texted Vincent moments earlier, but he hadn’t replied yet. The mansion was lively, with seniors gathered near the entrance, holding beers and chatting in groups. Some noticed her, their curious looks accompanied by sly smiles.

A senior with a scruffy beard, in a green t-shirt, waved. “Look at that, a freshman all alone! Lost, girl?”

Tifa forced a smile, feeling out of place, and couldn’t help shrugging. “Oh, just… hanging out", she murmured, checking her phone, no reply. It was weird being there without her friends.

Suddenly, Zack appeared carrying a box of cans. “Tifa? What are you doing here?” he asked, frowning. “Looking for Vincent?”

She nodded, relieved. “Yeah, I texted him, but he hasn’t answered. I’m kinda lost.”

Zack smiled. “Relax, he was helping tidy up inside. Said he’d show up soon. I’ll drop this box off and, if he’s not here yet, I’ll keep you company, okay?! Be right back! Make yourself at home.”

Tifa nodded, grateful, but before she could even sit on the couch, a tall senior with a red pompadour approached with a cheeky grin.

“Hey, I know you’re hanging with Vincent.” He winked, leaning in a bit. “But… how about—”

Tifa stepped back, uncomfortable, opening her mouth to respond, when a voice cut through the air:

“About what, exactly?” Vincent appeared, his crimson eyes flashing. He wrapped his arm around Tifa’s waist firmly, pulling her against him in a territorial gesture. “She’s already got company, go find your own”, he said to the senior, his tone low but harsh and authoritative. The guy raised his hands, laughing, and walked away.

Tifa felt the warmth of his body against hers, and the initial discomfort melted like wax. He had that effect on her! “Hey… you startled me", she whispered, looking at him with a flushed face.

He turned to her, softening his gaze. “Sorry for being late. Let’s go to my room, these people don’t know how to respect space.”

Vincent led Tifa up the stairs and through a dark corridor to his room, opening the door with an inviting gesture. The space was an intriguing mix of gothic and his personality, the walls covered with rock band posters and a metal crucifix hanging above the computer desk. A cluttered shelf displayed vintage guitars, one black with red details, and peculiar objects — a decorative skull, lit black candles, and old books. An iron bed occupied the corner, covered with dark sheets, and the air smelled of sandalwood incense.

Tifa entered, wide-eyed, turning slowly. “Wow, Valentine… this is incredible! These guitars… are they all yours?” She approached the black one, touching the strings carefully.

Vincent closed the door, chuckling softly. “Yeah, that one I got at a thrift shop. The others are my dad’s heirlooms. Like them?”

She nodded, fascinated. “Yeah! And this decor… so cool. It’s like a sanctuary!” She picked up the black-covered book, flipping through it carefully and discovering it was poetry. “You read this?”

He approached, leaning against the shelf. “Sometimes. It helps me think.” Turning to Tifa with a calm smile, his eyes caught hers in the candlelight. He noticed her stiff posture, her fingers twisting the fabric of her black blouse, and approached with deliberate steps, stopping at a respectful distance. “Hey, Lockhart", he called, his voice deep and comforting, “you okay?”

Tifa looked up, forcing a shy smile. “Yeah… it’s just different here. Out there, with everyone, I feel in control. Here… I don’t know, I feel kinda lost.” She lowered her gaze, feeling her cheeks flush slightly, and mentally cursed herself for acting this way. But she couldn’t help it, after all.

He tilted his head, studying her carefully, and reached out to lightly touch her hand, without pressing. “Look, I know we’re going at your pace. And we won’t do anything you don’t want! I just want you to feel safe with me, okay? You can relax.”

She let out a relieved sigh, squeezing his hand for a moment before letting go. “Thanks, Valentine! That helps… a lot.”

He smiled, stepping closer, and leaned in to kiss her rosy cheeks, but soon his lips brushed hers softly. Tifa reciprocated, the kiss starting as a whisper but gaining a deeper touch as she leaned into him. His hands rested on her shoulders, gentle, and he pulled back after a few seconds, his eyes shining as much as his lips.

“You know, Tifa, I like your kisses.” He gave a wink.

Tifa giggled, feeling any tension dissolve, and blushed even more. “Really? I think you’re pretty good at it too.” They shared another quick kiss, their lips meeting with a tenderness that warmed the air, before lying back on the bed, side by side.

Vincent grabbed a small case from the bedside table, pulling out papers and dried herb, starting to roll a joint with skillful movements that didn’t go unnoticed by her eager gaze. “Want?” he asked, lighting it and taking a drag before offering it.

She nodded and took a drag too, and as she held the smoke for an extra second, a thought crossed her mind.

“Hmm, I have a question… why do people keep looking at me curiously when I’m with you? I feel some weird stares out there.”

Vincent exhaled the smoke through his nose, his eyes fixed on the ceiling for a moment. “It’s a long story. I avoid getting involved with campus people because of a past situation. There was a girl who got obsessed after some casual hookups. Made my life hell… sent nonstop messages, spread rumors and gossip, and even showed up at my room uninvited. Since then, I’ve kept my distance and turn everyone down.”

Tifa turned her head, her eyes wide with surprise. “So… why did you get interested in me? After all that?” Her voice trembled slightly, and her heart raced with the vulnerability of the question. Why her?

Vincent turned to her, his intense and sincere gaze meeting hers, and set the joint down on the table. She looked forward again, daring to fear the answer.

“Because the way you look at me… it’s clearly different.” The words hit Tifa like a wave, and her brain seemed to short-circuit. What does that mean? “Not to mention, the first time I saw you, at the welcome show... I noticed your beauty, of course, but also noticed that you were really into the music… I saw you dancing… eyes closed…”

She wasn’t hearing anything else!

“…like you felt every melody. For real.”

Well, that explained why he was the one who made the first move, right?!

She turned her head to him, and without thinking, her voice escaped in a trembling whisper:

“Vincent…”

The name came out naturally, laden with surprise and tenderness, as if it had sprung from a deep place within her.

Vincent froze for a moment. His lips curved into a provocative smile, and she found his white teeth gleaming in the candlelight extremely attractive.

“Finally”, he murmured playfully, leaning closer.

Tifa blinked, confused, not realizing she had used his name for the first time in his presence. “What?” she asked, frowning with her face all flushed. Something he found cute.

He chuckled softly, his fingers lightly tracing the line of her jaw. “I liked hearing ‘Vincent’ in your voice. It sounds… good.”

His eyes shone with a mix of desire and affection, and before Tifa could respond, he closed the distance, capturing her lips in a kiss that started soft, almost hesitant, but soon deepened. His hands slid to her nape, pulling her gently, while Tifa surrendered, her fingers gripping his t-shirt with sweet urgency.

The kiss deepened, their lips moving in sync as the heat between them grew. Tifa sighed against his mouth, letting her body relax against the mattress, and Vincent let out a soft moan, pulling back just enough to rest his forehead against hers, breathless. He smiled, pulling her into another kiss, shorter but equally intense, before lying back beside her, their bodies aligned under the weight of the comforting silence and the scent of the herb clouding the room.

Chapter Text

recommendation song for chapter:

tender misfit - every time we kiss

Cloud was sitting at his desk, where he’d left a cup of coffee cooling beside his notebooks, staring out the window, watching the sun struggle to pierce a layer of low-hanging gray clouds. The autumn leaves, tinged with gold and crimson, fell silently, carried by the increasingly strong wind.

The muffled sound of a notification broke the silence, and the blond grabbed his phone with trembling hands, his heart leaping at the sight of Aerith’s name on the screen. He opened the message, his eyes scanning each word so quickly it left him dizzy.

📲

aerith 10:15  

Heyyy, Cloud!  

Are you free on saturday?

cloud 10:17

Hi, Aerith.  

Yeah, I’m free.

aerith 10:19

Great, because I’m planning to buy our tickets for Loveless at the municipal theater.  

7 p.m. work for you?  

We can go to the park afterward, like I mentioned!!!

cloud 10:21 

Yeah!  

The time sounds good.  

I’m cool with it.

aerith 10:22 

Great!  

I’m excited for this, Cloud! 🌸

He set the phone down on the desk, the device sliding slightly with the tremor in his hands. A sigh escaped his lips, laden with an emotion he could barely contain lately.

In recent days, he felt like a rope stretched to its limit — studies pressed him with endless calculations, the charity event had left him exhausted but fulfilled, and Aerith’s presence seemed to ignite a flame he feared extinguishing. He could hardly sort out these thoughts, mostly because he didn’t fully understand what he was feeling, but he at least knew he was feeling something!

The idea of walking beside her, perhaps laughing under the theater lights or facing a rollercoaster, brought a joy that battled the loneliness that sometimes haunted him since arriving on campus. But there was also fear — what if he wasn’t enough for her?

Driven by a mix of excitement and a need for support, he typed a message to Tifa, but her delay in responding puzzled him. She wasn’t usually slow to reply, though the response was as Tifa as possible.

📲

cloud 10:25  

Tifa  

Aerith and I are going out on Saturday.

tifa 10:58  

WHAT .

CLOUD  

ITS A DATE  

OMG OMG

IM so proud rn i paved this path brick by brick!!!!!  

u deserve this  

wear a cool jacket  

and tell me everything afterward!!!! 

xoxo lov u

Cloud laughed at the infectious messages and asked what she was doing, but frowned when he saw the “last seen” with no further reply. Tifa’s absence nagged at him, but the excitement for Aerith overshadowed his concern for now.

He stood up, his body feeling heavy but his spirit light, pocketing the phone and trying to focus on the present.

The engineering class started at 11:30 a.m., and Cloud entered the room with a divided mind. The professor handed out thermodynamics exercises, and he opened his notebook, the black pen dancing across the paper as he tried to decipher complex equations. The exam looming on Thursday occupied all his neurons, demanding focus, but his thoughts inadvertently drifted to Aerith when he least expected.

“Focus, Cloud!” he scolded himself, scribbling notes with an almost fierce determination. The date was Saturday, so he needed to balance academic pressure with the growing anticipation, a challenge that left him both motivated and overwhelmed.

After class, exhausted, he retreated to an isolated bench in the courtyard, grabbed his phone, and decided to call his mom, feeling a sudden longing for her calm voice. The ring echoed until she answered, her warm tone filling the void in his chest:

“Hello, Cloud! My boy, what a joy to hear from you! How are you holding up out there?” she asked, brimming with affection.

“Hey, Mom… I’m okay, I guess. Classes are cool but tough… and there’s an exam on Thursday that’s killing me. But the campus is starting to feel more like home, you know? I've made friends, helped with an event… and it’s been fun”, he replied softly, but the hint of melancholy didn’t go unnoticed by his mother.

“Fun is good, but it’s not just that, is it? I can tell there’s something more… is there a girl involved?” 

Cloud hesitated, his face flushing despite the privacy. “Maybe… there’s someone who makes me feel different. She’s kind, talented, and invited me out Saturday! I’m excited, but also scared. What if I let her down?” His voice trembled, revealing a vulnerability he kept hidden, one he hadn’t expected to share so easily. But it was his mom, after all!

“My dear, that’s beautiful! If she invited you, she already sees something special in you. Don’t try to be perfect, just be honest with her, like you are with me. And if you’re scared, breathe and keep going. You’ve always been stronger than you think.”

“Thanks, Mom… I’ll try.” He managed a small smile, feeling the tension ease from his shoulders with her loving words.

On Wednesday, Tifa’s absence became impossible to ignore. During breaks and breakfasts, the seat beside him remained empty, her usual scattered papers absent, and a sense of unease grew in his chest.

“She’s been gone for days”, Cloud tapped his fingers on the table, his mind wandering between fresh equations and curiosity — not to mention the concern already rising in his chest.

After class, he found Jessie standing near the entrance to the buildings, finishing a can of energy drink, which she quickly threw into the nearby trash can before walking again.

“Jessie, wait! Where’s Tifa? She’s skipping class again, and I’m worried”, his eyes met hers with urgency.

Jessie stopped, turning with an enigmatic smile, adjusting the bag on her shoulder. 

“Calm down, Cloud, she’s fine! She stopped by the dorm last night. Grabbed some clothes, played with Fluffy, fed her… but ran back to the fraternity. I think she’s enjoying some special time, if you catch my drift!” she winked mischievously.

Cloud raised his eyebrows, realization dawning slowly.

“Special… with Vincent?! She’s skipping class to hang out with him?!”

He looked dumbfounded for a second, unsure how to process the information, then grabbed his phone, his fingers dancing across the screen as he typed messages to his friend.

📲

cloud 15:27

Tifa.  

Go to class.  

You’re with Vincent, aren’t you?  

I’m not your dad, but for Shiva’s sake, go study.  

And I’m not saying you can’t have fun.  

Vincent will still be there when you’re done.  

The midterm exam won’t.

∘₊✧🔥✧₊∘

In recent days, Tifa had found unexpected comfort in Vincent’s presence. After his invitation to spend more time together, she started visiting him regularly, sometimes bringing a backpack with extra clothes or books she never really opened. They hadn’t crossed any physical boundaries beyond sleeping side by side, tangled in the dark sheets of his wrought-iron bed. Vincent proved to be an exemplary gentleman, keeping his hands respectfully within the bounds of a hug or a casual touch on her waist, and that patience helped her feel safe, his body beside hers becoming a safe haven little by little. She was starting to relax in the physical closeness, her tense muscles yielding to the trust he inspired with each careful gesture.

During those nights, Tifa dove into a silent exploration of the guitarist’s soul, uncovering layers he rarely revealed. Conversations about music, childhood memories in small towns, and even his dreams of traveling wove a fascinating mosaic that exuded his personality. But what captivated her most were the tattoos she accidentally discovered two days earlier!

Tifa entered his room after grabbing clothes from the dorm, her backpack hanging from one shoulder as she pushed the door open with her hip, and she froze upon seeing him with his back to her, changing shirts. The black shirt he was wearing fell to the floor, revealing a pair of black wings intertwined with fine chains tattooed across his shoulder blades, the detailed feathers rippling down to his shoulders.

“Holy shit…” she let out softly, her eyes already wide and seemingly hypnotized. Her backpack even slipped from her shoulder, hitting the floor with a soft thud.

“What?” Vincent turned his head, flashing a mischievous smile that curved his lips as he held the new shirt. “Oh… don’t you want to come see up close?” That was blatant flirting! And he turned his body, pulling his hair aside to show off the wings in all their glory.

Tifa hesitated, her mouth dry, but curiosity won out. She stepped forward, approaching cautiously, and raised her fingers, reaching to trace the outline of the dark feathers. His skin was warm under her touch, and she felt a shiver run down her spine.

“There’s more”, he said, raising his arm to reveal a serpent with vivid red eyes on his bicep, and her eyes followed the sinuous curves of the tattoo, mesmerized by the art. “And here…” Lower, near his waistline, almost hidden under the waistband of his jeans, she saw part of a Latin phrase and a dark figure — maybe a gun? —, only visible when he moved, but the intimacy of the position made Tifa look away, blushing. “This one… I’d rather save for later”, he chuckled, noticing her reaction.

Tifa couldn’t resist, letting her hands explore his shoulders gently, her fingers dancing over the black wings, feeling each line etched into his skin. She slid to his bicep, tracing the snake with the same admiration.

“This is beautiful, Vincent… You have incredible taste in art…” she whispered, and he saw her eyes shining with fascination. The closeness left her entranced, the warmth of his body enveloping her like a cozy flame. Then, a mischievous smile appeared on her face, and she tilted her head, brushing her hair aside to reveal a small crescent moon tattoo near her ear, almost imperceptible unless looked at closely. “I have some too. This one… you must’ve noticed, right?!”

Vincent raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and leaned in to examine the delicate moon, its simple yet elegant line gracing her skin.

“Indeed, I noticed something… but I wasn’t sure. It looks beautiful there.”

Tifa laughed, the sound light and teasing, and added: “And there’s another… but it’s more hidden.” The playful tone made his eyes widen, and his mind raced to more intimate possibilities, a wicked glint appearing.

“Hidden? You’re making me curious, Lockhart”, his smile widened, but she laughed loudly, shaking her head.

“Calm down! It’s not like that. It’s on my rib, it’s a constellation I love.”

Intrigued, Vincent sat on the edge of the bed, resting his hands on the mattress, the muscles of his back flexing under the tattooed wings.

“I want to see. Show me”, he asked softly, full of genuine interest. Tifa hesitated for a moment but then approached, standing in front of him.

With a slow movement, she lifted her black blouse enough to expose the left side of her rib, revealing a delicate constellation — Orion, traced in fine lines and tiny stars that seemed to glow against her skin. The design was subtle, almost poetic, and she held his gaze but swallowed hard.

“Can I… touch?” he asked gently, keeping his eyes fixed on the design, his hand hovering in the air with a gentleness that mirrored her touch on his tattoos. Tifa nodded, and he extended his fingers, brushing her skin with an almost reverent lightness. The tips of his fingers followed the constellation’s lines, tracing each star carefully, his breathing slowing as he absorbed the art. “This is beautiful. Just like you…”

In that moment, Tifa’s phone, buzzing with new messages, was ignored. She and Vincent were lying on the bed, their bodies relaxed after a session of laughter sparked by a joint he had rolled. The smoke still lingered in the air, mingling with the incense, as they exchanged mischievous glances, their bodies still warm from the shared heat.

Tifa rolled onto her side, propping her head on her hand, a goofy smile lighting up her face.

“Vincent, I need to go back to the dorm. I’ve already spent too much time in your vampire lair”, she said lightly, but with just a hint of reluctance.

“Huh? Vampire lair?! I like it”, he chuckled, nodding and exhaling the last drag before putting out the joint in the ashtray. “But seriously, Tifa, you can stay as long as you want. Just don’t skip classes, or your spiky-haired friend will think I kidnapped you.” He turned to her, his eyes shining with affection. “You’re feeling good here, right?”

She nodded. “Yeah… your company makes me want to stay…” She traced the air above his bicep, smiling. “But you’re right. I need to go back, at least to grab Fluffy and pretend I’m a good student!”

He leaned in, brushing his lips against her forehead. “Go then. But come back soon, okay? This lair gets too quiet without you.”

Tifa laughed, getting up reluctantly, her body instantly missing his presence as she prepared to leave the gothic sanctuary that was slowly becoming a refuge.

∘₊✧🔥✧₊∘

Tifa entered the dorm with light steps, her backpack hanging from one shoulder and her loose hair falling in waves over her wrinkled blouse. Fluffy leaped from the bed the moment she saw her, meowing loudly and rubbing her head against Tifa’s legs with insistent affection.

“Hey, my little one! Sorry for disappearing”, she crouched to scoop the kitten into her arms.

She hugged her, feeling the soft warmth against her chest, and carried her to the makeshift kitchen in the room. Carefully, she filled the bowl with crunchy kibble, mixing in some canned tuna the cat loved.

“Hungry, huh? Let’s get you smelling nice too”, she grabbed a damp cloth to clean the kitten’s paws, which purred contentedly.

Jessie appeared at the door, already in pajamas, holding a cup of tea. “Look who’s back! I thought you’d become a permanent resident of the fraternity in my place!” She teased, sitting on the chair beside her.

Tifa let out a laugh, setting Fluffy down after the quick bath. “Almost, Jess! These days with Vincent… they were so nice. He’s so different from what I imagined, y'know? We just sleep together, nothing more, but I feel so happy, so at peace. It’s like the world outside can wait…” 

Jessie smiled, blowing on her tea. “I’m happy for you, Tifa. Your eyes are sparkling, girl! But… Cloud was worried, asking around. He thought it was weird you disappeared from classes.”

Tifa sighed, scratching behind Fluffy’s ear. “I know, he must be mad. I’ll talk to him, I promise! I just needed some time to hide and figure out what I feel. But now… I think I’m ready to come back!”

The next morning, in the engineering building, Cloud faced the exam with almost superhuman focus. Sitting at a worn wooden desk, hunched over the paper, he let his pen glide with precision over the thermodynamics calculations. The silence of the room was broken only by the scratching of pens and the ticking of the wall clock, but his mind was sharp, each equation a battle he conquered with determination despite the accumulated fatigue. After an hour, he handed in the sheet, feeling his chest lighten but still tense with anticipation for the results.

Heading out to the hallway, he spotted Aerith leaning against the wall, wearing a pink buttoned dress and her hair in her usual pigtails. She had a lollipop in her mouth, which she held in her hand when she saw Cloud; her green eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Cloud! Done with the exam? How’d it go?” she approached with a radiant smile.

He rubbed his hands on the sides of his pants and met her gaze. “It went… well, I think. Still processing. And you, everything's okay?”

“Better now that I saw you! I’m super excited for Saturday! But… I need help. What outfit do you think I should wear? Something elegant or more casual?”

She tilted her head, biting her lip lightly, holding the lollipop like a magic wand, and he had to look at the candy to avoid thinking too much about the shine on her lips.

“Uh, I… think you’d look good either way, Aerith. Seriously. A nice blouse with pants would be perfect, or… even a dress, if you want. You’re always stylish…” The words came out rushed but sincere.

She let out a cute laugh and lightly touched his arm. “Thanks, Cloud! That puts me at ease. Hmm, now I have to get to my class… see you later, okay?!” With a wave, she walked off, leaving him dazed in the middle of the hallway.

Tifa watched the interaction a few meters away, leaning against a column with Fluffy in her arms. She felt a smile form as she saw Aerith’s excitement and Cloud’s shyness, and after the girl disappeared down the hall, she approached slowly, trying not to seem too suspicious.

“Cloud! Caught you in the act, huh?” she chuckled softly as she set the cat down.

Cloud turned, his eyes narrowing for a moment before he crossed his arms.

“Tifa! Finally! Where were you? You skipped class, barely answered… I was worried, did you know?! I thought something had happened!” His voice was firm, but the tone carried more concern than reprimand.

She lowered her gaze. “I know, Cloud, I’m sorry. You were right… I missed a lot of material these days. I’m kinda screwed now. But I just… needed to hide from the weird looks a bit… so I stayed with Vincent, and it was good! But I realized I overdid it.”

She slumped her shoulders, her eyes meeting his with a vulnerability that made Cloud soften his expression and step forward.

“Hey, you don’t need to apologize so much. I get it… sometimes we just want a safe corner. But… I’m glad you’re back! And about the classes, we’ll figure it out, I can help you catch up.” His smile was kind, his blue eyes conveying understanding.

“Thanks, Spike! You always get me!" Tifa smiled, relieved, and squeezed his hand. "Hmm, how about we grab lunch together?”

He nodded, picking up her backpack with a chivalrous gesture. “Deal. Let’s hit the cafeteria, there’s a quiet spot by the window. Get whatever you want, I’m paying today. And tell me all about this ‘hideout’ with Vincent.” He winked, leading her down the hall as Fluffy followed, meowing as if approving the truce.

In the cafeteria, they settled at a table by the window, sunlight dancing over plates of pasta and juice. Cloud poured water for Fluffy into a makeshift bowl, laughing as she lapped it up eagerly.

“Look at that, even she’s happy to have you back”, he teased, slicing a piece of bread.

“She gave me a silent lecture." She smiled, taking a forkful. "And you… seriously, thanks for not judging me.”

“Anytime you need to vent, I’m here, Tifa. And if he makes you happy, I’m glad. Just don’t let him distract you too much from exams, okay?” He looked at her kindly, and she nodded, feeling the weight lift from her shoulders.

Late that night, Tifa was hugging a pillow, her eyes fixed on the laptop screen but not paying attention to the movie she’d started, when a bold idea took hold of her. With a mischievous smile, she decided to have a little fun!

Vincent’s black shirt, which she’d borrowed, lay on the bed, and she could smell his scent on the soft fabric from a distance.

Tifa stripped down to just her black lace panties, letting his shirt cover her body provocatively, the long sleeves falling over her hands and the hem rising enough to expose the curve of her hips. She positioned herself in front of the mirror, tilting her body to capture an angle that highlighted her bare skin and the loose fabric. With a trembling sigh, she snapped the photo and sent it to Vincent, along with a message.

📲

tifa 22:43 

maybe this’ll be my pajama for the next few days.

valentine 22:45 

lockhart, are you trying to kill me?

tifa 22:47

maaaaybe i want to see how much you can handle…

valentine 22:47 

when I get my hands on you…

tifa 22:48  

come get me then.

valentine 22:49

oh, I will.  

sleep with one eye open.

By morning, she was leaving a theoretical physical education class, her mind tangled between notes and the upcoming practical exam the following week. She wore black gym shorts, a gray tank top, and her hair tied in a messy ponytail.

Turning the corner to leave the building, she felt a firm hand wrap around her wrist. Before she could react, Vincent pulled her into a small cleaning closet beside the hallway, closing the door with a soft click. The space was cramped, the air thick with disinfectant and humidity, but his hungry eyes turned the setting into a scene of tension. But it wasn’t bad.

“Tifa… you kept me up all night", was all he said before pulling her against his chest and capturing her lips in a ravenous kiss.

Their lips moved with urgency, the heat of his mouth invading hers as his hands slid down her back, pressing her with restrained desire. Tifa responded with equal fervor, her hands rising to his hair, pulling him closer as the kiss became a dance of ragged breaths.

His hands grew bolder, slipping under her tank top, tracing the line of her spine with firm fingers, while she tilted her head to brush her lips against his neck, leaving hot kisses that drew a low sigh.

“Tifa…” this time he moaned, his voice thick with longing, his hands sliding to her hips, hesitating for a moment. Their eyes met in a silent dialogue — a tacit request and an implicit consent in her gaze.

She nodded slightly, biting her lips anxiously, as he kissed her again. Gently, his hands ventured under her shorts, brushing her skin with an intent that made her body shudder.

My God, Cloud’s gonna have to forgive me for this… she thought, forgetting her own fear of being caught in a compromising moment, giving way solely to the need for the touch of the man before her. And she wanted all of him!

The kisses continued, hot and clumsy, the confined space amplifying every touch, every sigh. Vincent looked into her eyes as he touched her over her panties, his nimble fingers teasing her sensitivity and delighting in the trembling state she was already in just from the suggestion of the act. As the kisses trailed down her jaw, her sighs grew more intense, his hand exploring eagerly before, with a single motion, pushing the fabric aside and touching her directly, feeling her warm skin and wet center waiting for him.

Tifa gasped a bit too loudly, and he looked at her with serious eyes before bringing his mouth to her ear:

“Be quiet!”

And she obeyed, biting her lip harder, her eyes rolling back as his movements grew more precise; he stimulated her skillfully, using his free arm to support her body against the wall.

When he moved from simple, circular motions to exploring deeper, inserting one, then two fingers, Tifa gripped his shoulders tightly, her hand sliding down and trying futilely to push him away.

“H-Hm… Vince-”

“Shhh…” Vincent smiled wickedly, kissing her cheeks, as if his fingers weren’t literally thrusting deep inside her, reaching the spongy spot that made her see stars with a slow roll of her eyes.

Tifa felt her legs trembling, forcing him to muster more self-control not to take her right there. Her rapid breathing mingled with his, until the air felt thin, the intensity reaching a peak. She bit his shoulder over his shirt to stifle a moan as the orgasm hit her, letting her forehead rest in the crook of his neck as her body gave in.

Vincent pulled back slowly, the mischievous smile returning to his lips as he held her with a tenderness that hadn’t been there before. He withdrew his fingers with a slowness so agonizing it made her miss his touch, and he didn’t mind licking her remnants, oblivious to the shame that consumed her as she watched. That man was utterly depraved!

“Good girl”, he said softly, kissing her warm cheek as he adjusted her clothes, waiting for her full recovery before letting her leave first, as discreetly as possible.

∘₊✧🔥✧₊∘

Across campus, Cloud entered the gym in his athletic clothes, tossing his backpack onto a bench as he stretched, his muscles loosening with relief after a tense week of studies.

As he approached the basketball court, the distant sound of raised voices replaced the usual echo of bouncing balls. He frowned, quickening his pace, and spotted a cluster of students forming a semicircle around a heated argument.

In the center, Zack stood with clenched fists and a tense face, facing two other players from the basketball team. Apparently, a disagreement over an unresolved bet from a previous game had escalated, with one of the guys accusing Zack of cheating. The words had turned into personal taunts, and tempers were on the verge of a physical confrontation.

“You’re talking bullshit, man! I never cheated at anything!” Zack shot back, and Cloud could see from a distance the muscles in his arms flexing as he stepped forward. The other player, in a green shirt, responded with a light shove, and the guys around murmured, eager for a spark.

Cloud didn’t hesitate any longer and moved closer, hearing Biggs push through the onlookers, stepping between Zack and the opponents with raised hands.

“Hey, stop this! It’s not worth getting hurt over a stupid bet. Let’s settle this another way”, he tried to sound calm, but his voice was authoritative, his eyes darting between the involved parties.

The other players booed, stepping back, letting the tension dissipate with the intervention, and Cloud appeared at Zack’s side, pulling him by the arm:

“Hey, Zack, come on, let’s go over there”, he suggested, guiding him to a secluded corner of the court, near a bench under a leafy tree.

Zack let himself be led, his body still tense but his shoulders relaxing as they moved away from the commotion. He slumped onto the bench, running his hands through his messy hair, and let out a long sigh.

“Thanks, Cloud. Those guys are idiots…”

Cloud sat beside him, offering a reassuring smile. “Relax, it’s over. You okay?” He tilted his head, watching his friend closely, noting the lines of tension on his face.

“Yeah, I’m good now. Just needed to cool off”, Zack replied, leaning back and closing his eyes for a moment, the faint sun filtering through the air and warming his face.

The silence between them was comfortable, broken only by the distant chirping of birds and footsteps around, until Cloud decided to share his own restlessness.

“Zack… I’m going out with Aerith tomorrow night and… I wanted to know if that’s okay with you? I want to make sure everything’s cool", he began tapping his fingers nervously on his knee.

Zack opened his eyes, turning to Cloud with a serene, almost ethereal expression, as if the past had dissolved into a distant horizon. There was no trace of resentment, only a deep peace reflected in his gaze.

“Problem? No, Cloud, not at all.” He straightened his posture before continuing: “What I had with her was a beautiful chapter in my life, but it’s tucked away in the pages of the past, and I’m at peace with that.” His words were calm, flowing with newfound maturity. “Seeing that she’s in good hands, with someone who values her like you do… it puts me at ease. She deserves to smile, and you seem to bring that light to her. I’m genuinely happy.”

Cloud felt a knot unravel in his chest, relief mixing with silent gratitude. “Thanks, Zack”, he looked at his hands, a bit embarrassed. Maybe even feeling pathetic, but he couldn’t help it, and besides, he’d never do anything to make his friend uncomfortable.

Zack laughed, giving a friendly pat on his shoulder. “Just be yourself, man.” He winked, his humor returning to his tone, dispelling any lingering tension. “Hey, now that I noticed you’re dressed like that! Here to play?” The bassist was already standing, excited.

“Yeah… came to relax a bit”, Cloud gave a faint smile, standing too.

“So, let’s go!”

∘₊✧🔥✧₊∘

On Saturday, Aerith’s bedroom mirror reflected a scene of excitement and nervousness. She spun slowly, showing off the outfit chosen for the date with Cloud: a long-sleeved red dress, light as a spring breeze, that danced above her knees and highlighted the softness of her waist. A cute braid hung to one side, woven with red strands that accentuated the flush on her cheeks, while her silver rings adorned her slender fingers and delicate piercings gleamed in her ear.

She adjusted the collar, her hands slightly trembling, and turned to her friends scattered around the room with eager smiles and shining eyes:

“So, girls, what do you think? I think this dress works for the theater, right?” Her voice nearly faltered as she smoothed the fabric.

“Aerith, you’re look like a dream!” Luna leaped off the bed, clapping with enthusiasm. “This dress is perfect, Cloud’s gonna be enchanted!”

Yuna approached to adjust her braid with a gentle touch. “I agree, you’re radiant.” She smiled, noting the flush on her friend’s cheeks. “You’ve got butterflies in your stomach, don’t you?!”

Aerith flushed even more!

Serah nodded vigorously, her pink hair bouncing.

“SERIOUSLY, Aerith, you’re gorgeous!!”

Vanille gave a thumbs-up from where she was lying. “You’re like a princess! We’re so happy for you, it’s beautiful to see you like this, moving forward with someone who makes you feel good.”

Aerith lowered her gaze, laughing shyly. “Thanks, girls… I feel like I’m taking a new step, and you give me courage… it’s nice to move forward.”

She opened her arms, and the four enveloped her in a warm hug, their laughter filling the room with a welcoming energy.

“Go out there and shine, our star!” Luna exclaimed, gently pushing her toward the door.

Yuna waved, her smile serene. “We’re rooting for you! But send a signal if you need us!”

Serah blew a kiss, and Vanille shouted an enthusiastic “Good luck!” Aerith waved back, her smile wide as she left, the dress floating behind her as she sent a message to Cloud.

In Cloud’s dorm, the room was an organized chaos of clothes strewn across the bed. Tifa and Tidus were there, helping him get ready for the date, and he, wearing just a white t-shirt and jeans, held a black jacket in his hands.

“I don’t know, guys…” his eyes darted between the options.

Tifa stepped closer and took the jacket, helping him put it on. “Cloud, you’re gonna look great! This jacket with that shirt underneath is perfect, simple but stylish. And relax, she already likes you for who you are.” She adjusted the collar with a maternal look and an encouraging smile.

Tidus leaned over the dresser and grabbed a comb. “You’re nervous as hell, aren’t you?” The blond laughed, giving a friendly slap on Cloud’s back.

“Yeah… my stomach’s doing flips”, Cloud groaned, rubbing his hands over his face.

“Take it easy, man”, Tidus scoffed. “It’s a date, not a seminar presentation!” 

“It’s pretty much the same to him", Tifa replied, chuckling softly.

"You guys are not helping!”

Tifa held his shoulders.

“Look at me. You’re Cloud, brave, loyal, and cute when you want to be. She’s just as excited as you, I’m sure! Just be yourself, okay? Don’t try to mirror anyone… and if something goes wrong, we’ll save you.”

Tidus nodded, fixing Cloud’s hair. “Exactly! And we’ll walk you to her, to make sure.”

With the jacket and shirt aligned, he felt the tension ease a bit.

Suddenly, the phone buzzed on the table, and Cloud nearly knocked it over grabbing it, his hands pathetically shaky. It was Aerith.

“She’s coming… oh God”, he muttered, his face already flushing violently.

Tifa rolled her eyes but smiled and grabbed her bag. “I’m heading to the fraternity party now, but if you need me, text, okay? Anything, I’ll run to rescue you!” She gave a quick hug, and her familiar scent somehow comforted him.

Tidus grabbed the keys, opening the door. “Let’s go, hero! We’ll deliver you safely.”

The two walked Cloud to the courtyard, where Aerith was already waiting, and stood by as “third wheel” for a moment, watching from a distance.

Tifa waved to Aerith, who smiled back. “Take good care of himmm”, she teased, and Aerith nodded, giggling.

“I promise!”

After one last wave, Tifa and Tidus said goodbye, leaving the lovebirds alone.

Cloud turned to Aerith, and the world seemed to pause. She was stunning in that dress, the cute braid swaying in the breeze, her silver rings catching the sunset light and her face glowing like a star. Her green eyes met his, and a shy smile curved her lips. Both their cheeks were stupidly flushed!

For him, it was as if she were a living painting, every detail perfect, and his eyes filled with an admiring shine.

“Uh… er…”

“Cloud…?”

“You… look incredible, Aerith", he nearly lost himself in his own words as he stared, mesmerized with his mouth slightly open and his eyes burning from not blinking — almost afraid to miss the tiniest detail if he did.

Aerith laughed, playing with her braid. “Thanks… you look great too!” She stepped closer, offering her arm, and he took it, his fingers brushing hers with subtlety.

It took effort for him to make his legs move, and then together, they left the campus. Their steps synchronized as they walked toward the theater, and he kept her on his side of the sidewalk, half-lost in thought but attentive, listening to her talk about her excitement for the play.

The night awaited them, full of promises whispered in the cool air, and the shine in Cloud’s eyes reflected the hope of a new beginning with the girl who made his world feel brighter with every passing moment.

Chapter Text

recommendation song for chapter:

you are heavenly - sparklyel

Aerith and Cloud climbed the theater stairs together and handed their tickets to an attendant in a red uniform with a courteous nod. The interior was a spectacle in itself: crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting prismatic reflections over the red velvet seats, and the murmur of the audience created a symphony of anticipation. Cloud guided Aerith to their seats in the fourth row, a prime spot offering a perfect view of the stage. He let her pass first with an awkward but kind gesture, and she laughed softly, settling gracefully as he sat beside her, resting his restless hands on his knees.

The theater lights dimmed, and silence fell as the curtain rose, revealing an ethereal fantasy scene — a misty plain under a twilight sky, with stone ruins and a single red rose growing alone in the center of the stage. The play, titled Loveless, began with a poetic narration delivered by a bard in a silver cloak, his deep voice resonating like an ancient lament.

The story revolved around Princess Rosa, a young woman with brown hair wearing a beautiful white dress, whose beauty was overshadowed only by the burden of guarding a mystical rose — a gift from her love, the Knight Alphreid, sealed by a vow of eternal devotion. Alphreid was a warrior in gleaming armor who swore to protect her against the dark forces coveting the flower.

The plot unfolded with scenes of mesmerizing intensity. Rosa appeared under moonlight, dancing in circles around the rose, her trembling hands holding the petals as she recited a melancholic melody:

“Under the sky of promises, I guard your gift, but fate calls me to silence.”

Alphreid entered the scene, his sword raised as he faced shadowy warriors seeking to steal the flower and harm his beloved.

“For your smile, I will face the darkness, even if the cost is my soul!”

The audience held their breath when Rosa, to save Alphreid from a fatal blow, offered the rose to a hooded emissary, vanishing in a silvery light that left only petals falling slowly. Alphreid fell to his knees, clutching a single petal to his chest with tear-filled eyes of despair.

Aerith leaned toward Cloud during the intermission, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as the curtains fell. “This play is so beautiful… Rosa, with that flower, seems to carry a world of emotions.”

She fanned her face, feeling embarrassed for wanting to cry, but Cloud definitely didn’t mind. He simply moved closer and offered his hand for her to hold.

“But… imagine having a night as a princess, with a knight like Alphreid by my side, facing monsters to protect me", she continued softly, but vibrant with a dream that slipped straight from her soul in the most innocent way possible. She played with her braid, her fingers trembling slightly. “I imagine her dancing under the stars, and him arriving in that armor… it’s truly a fairy tale.”

Cloud listened to every word, his eyes fixed on her as he absorbed the passion in her voice. The image of Aerith as Rosa, delicate, needing a knight to protect her, etched itself in his mind like a living painting. It seemed silly, but to her, it was more than just a fantasy, and he loved that side of her.

“You already look like a princess”, he murmured, almost without realizing, and looked down at the program in his hands. “And… I kind of get Alphreid. I… would want to be someone who protects you like that.” He smiled shyly, finding it adorable how she got lost in the story. The shine in her eyes was enough to light up the entire darkened theater!

If she took it as a kind of confession, she didn’t say anything, just tilted her head to look at him, her fingers brushing his on the armrest. “Really? So you’d be my Alphreid, Cloud? That’s so sweet!” Her eyes sparkled with emotion. “Her music touched me… it’s like she sacrificed everything for love. I want to believe he found her again, somewhere beyond the shadows…”

“Maybe he did”, Cloud replied, and he genuinely seemed to ponder for a second before raising his eyes to hers. “If he loved her that much, I bet he crossed the void to reach her. Like… in an eternal dream.”

His words lingered in Aerith’s mind until the second act began, breaking their exchange of glances, and the play continued with Alphreid wandering desolate through devastated lands, carrying the petal as a beacon in his hands, until a vision of Rosa guided him to an ethereal garden where roses bloomed anew.

The ending was bittersweet; the lovers reunited in spirit, their silhouettes merging in a soft light as the bard recited the final verse:

“Their love is an echo in the stars, eternal beyond farewell.”

Aerith instinctively squeezed Cloud’s hand, finally letting silent tears fall as she whispered: “So beautiful… they found each other again, even after everything.”

Cloud squeezed her small hand back, feeling the warmth of her palm against his. “Yeah…” The shine in her eyes, mixed with the play’s emotion, left him even more captivated, every detail of that night etching itself into his soul like one of those unforgettable melodies she sang.

Reluctantly, they stood, joining the flow of people slowly heading to the corridors lit by golden chandeliers. They left the theater slowly, the cool night air caressing their faces as they descended the stone steps, their steps synchronized and steady. Their hands brushed with each movement, an accidental touch that sent shivers down Cloud’s arm, but neither pulled away — it was as if the space between their fingers begged for more.

Aerith held the play’s program against her chest, her dress swaying with the breeze, as she spoke animatedly, her voice full of enthusiasm:

“I loved how she trusted him until the end. Have you ever thought about something like that? A love that withstands anything?”

Cloud listened attentively, his eyes fixed on her as they walked side by side. “No, not really… but I think it’d be something pretty special, right?” He smiled shyly as she nodded, looking away to orient himself on the street, though she kept watching him.

They continued along the boardwalk, the streetlights illuminating the path leading to the park two blocks ahead, until the colorful lights of roller coasters and carousels, shining in the darkness from a distance, came into view. Aerith stopped, her eyes wide with excitement.

“Look, Cloud! We’re here!” She turned with a radiant smile. “Where do you want to go first? Carousel or Sky Wheel?” 

“Uh… you can choose, but first, don’t you want to eat something?”

“Oh… right, I got so excited I forgot we haven’t eaten, and I’m thirsty!” She replied, leaning forward with her arms behind her back, in that adorable, characteristic way he’d already noticed was uniquely hers.

“Then let’s go, but this time I’m paying for the tickets, I insist.”

Aerith protested lightly but gave in with a smile, accepting the gesture gracefully as they entered the park, where laughter and the clinking of machines filled the air around them.

∘₊✧🌹✧₊∘

At the fraternity, the night came alive with another lively party. The pulsing lights of the dance floor illuminated the room, where electronic music reverberated through the walls; deep beats mixing with the hum of conversations and laughter, while the floor vibrated with the steps of those dancing. Tifa was in a secluded corner, her body relaxed against the wall as she waited for Vincent, who appeared minutes later, carrying two colorful cups. The first thing she noticed was his black hair falling over his crimson eyes as he approached with a mischievous smile.

“Sorry for the delay, Lockhart. It was a mess where I was getting these, some exchange students arrived, and the gang’s celebrating their return over there”, he said, handing her a cup.

Tifa took the drink, feeling the cold liquid against her fingers, and laughed softly. “I noticed the commotion from here.”

She took a sip, the sweet taste dancing on her tongue, and began moving to the rhythm of the pop music, letting her hips sway casually, oblivious to the gazes she attracted even while accompanied. Vincent stayed by her side, nodding his head to the beat, but his eyes fixed on her the entire time.

“I love this songggggg!”

She spun happily with the drink in hand, her hair swaying as she bobbed her head, and the guitarist followed with his gaze and a faint smile, occasionally raising his cup in a silent toast. But then, in a slower spin, her eyes caught something suspiciously familiar. Her body froze for a moment, and she nearly let the cup slip from her fingers.

“What…?” Tifa murmured, her eyes widening, feeling dizzy from how quickly she moved her gaze. She convinced herself it was just an illusion. But, driven by a mix of curiosity and dread, she looked again, letting her eyes scan the dance floor more carefully… and there she was, in flesh and blood, none other than Claire Farron.

Her pink hair stood out among the crowd, glowing under the strobe lights, and she was laughing with a group of friends, as real as the memory Tifa tried to bury. The air seemed to vanish, the music turning into a distant hum, and a chill ran up her spine, paralyzing her like a statue.

Sure, she was traumatized, that was no secret. But did she really need to act like she was seeing a ghost? Well, yes! But it was worse than a ghost.

Vincent noticed the immediate change. Her smile vanishing, her shoulders stiffening, and her eyes, once joyful, fixing on a distant point with an intensity that alarmed him.

“Tifa?” He called, leaning toward her with concern. Following her gaze, his eyes found Claire’s figure, and an eyebrow arched in confusion. “You know Farron?” he asked, his tone gentle but inquisitive.

Tifa snapped back to reality as if waking from a bad dream, feeling her eyes dry and stinging from how long she’d gone without blinking. She looked down at her cup, swirling the liquid with a mechanical motion of her hand.

“Yeah… I know her. Hmm, I’m fine, okay?!” Her voice was low, almost hoarse, but her rigid body betrayed the lie, her slumped shoulders and slightly trembling hands around the cup only adding to it. She was anxious.

Vincent frowned, knowing she wasn’t okay just by how she avoided his gaze, the tension visible in every muscle.

“And you, do you know her?” Tifa asked, forcing a casual tone, her eyes still down.

“Yeah, a little”, he replied calmly and evasively. “She’s a senior, and she was well-known on campus before leaving for an exchange program, but I haven’t heard from her in months. That’s all.” The response was shallow, almost intentional, as if he sensed more details could hurt her.

Tifa nodded and took another sip, the liquid that once sweetened her mouth now burning her throat as she tried to swallow the lump forming. Still avoiding his eyes, she murmured: “I’m going to the bathroom… I’ll be right back!” And she turned, cup still in hand, weaving through the crowd toward the hallway leading to the restrooms.

But Vincent, ever attentive, noticed the subtle detour — she didn’t head where she said. Instead, her steps took her to the side exit of the house, her body disappearing among the crowd into the dimness of the outdoor courtyard, her silhouette swallowed by the night as he stood there. The cup was forgotten in his hand, and his chest tightened with a concern he barely understood.

Vincent took a deep breath, downed his drink, and went after her.

∘₊✧🌹✧₊∘

Cloud guided Aerith to a rustic stall exuding the sweet aroma of warm waffles and melted sugar from cotton candy. He bought a waffle for each, the two laughing as they tried to balance the plates, and then shared a pink cotton candy, their hands brushing as they pulled soft strands that melted in their mouths. Aerith licked a bit of sugar from the corner of her lips, an innocent gesture that caught Cloud’s attention, and he looked away to find a nearby bench, their legs touching as they sat.

While sipping a peach drink, Aerith began talking about the band. Her green eyes sparkled with nostalgia with each sentence about how they came together, how music was important to her, and how welcomed she felt by the guys who, at the time, needed a vocalist.

Aerith wrote her songs alone and the only instrument she mastered was the guitar, so the invitation came at the right time, and within months, they started calling her the leader, as she was the most responsible of the three and the one who brought order to the band, which before had a weird name chosen by Vincent, Dirge of something!

“You already know, Cloud, but I love singing and composing… every song I make is like a piece of my heart gaining recognition, and I feel like it’s the only way I can put my thoughts and feelings in order.” She smiled, playing with her drink cup. “But for now, we’re taking a break. The midterms are coming, and we need to focus!”

Cloud listened in silence, his eyes fixed on her with an almost wistful attention, each of her words weaving into his mind. He nodded several times, a shy smile lighting up his face.

“That’s amazing, Aerith. I can tell how much you love it.” His voice was low, filled with admiration, and he stored the image of her sharing more about herself like a gift, even if he didn’t yet know why she trusted him so much with it.

They decided to explore the rides, starting with a gentle roller coaster that made them laugh as the wind tousled their hair — though Cloud turned pale as paper by the end! Then they hopped on a spinning car ride, holding on as the world spun, their wide smiles reflecting the lightness of the moment. It was a silent dance of joy, their gazes meeting between the twists and turns.

Then they reached the Sky Wheel, an imposing structure whose white cabins gleamed under the lights. Cloud offered his hand to help Aerith into the spacious, private cabin that offered a cozy refuge. She accepted with a grateful nod, settling in as he sat beside her, the space allowing them to move freely. As the wheel slowly ascended, the park unfolded below like a tapestry of blurred lights, and Aerith stood.

“Come on, Clooooooud, look how beautiful it is from up here!” She called, approaching the window.

He joined her, their bodies leaning to admire the view, but an awkward movement made their shoulders bump and their feet step on each other. Cloud reacted instinctively, his hands finding her waist to steady her before she fell — and though the touch was firm, it was gentle. Aerith caught her breath, her flushed face inches from his, her eyes wide with surprise and shyness, and she was instantly reminded of a similar moment from days ago. He seemed to remember too, but grew even more flustered, his hands still resting on the delicate curve of her hips, the warmth of the closeness leaving him breathless!

She lowered her gaze for a moment, looking at the boy’s lips in front of her, making her cheeks burn even more, but soon raised her eyes, letting her vulnerable voice echo:

“Cloud… lately, I’ve been feeling different… you make me feel safe, like the world stops when you’re around. My heart races, and I can’t quite explain it, but… it’s like you light up my days and heal every part of me that needs it. You’re always so present, and I think you don’t even realize how much good you do to me…”

Her fingers hesitated before rising to rest on his shoulders, a light but meaningful touch, as she looked at him with a mix of courage and nervousness.

Cloud swallowed hard, the nervousness consuming him too, making his hands on her waist tremble slightly. His blue eyes dove into hers, drinking in every word. He felt the weight of the closeness, the warmth of her body against his, and the silence between them seemed to scream with so many possibilities. When she looked away, as if afraid she’d gone too far, he gathered all the courage he had and, with a gentleness he reserved only for her, raised his hand and touched her face, his fingers brushing the soft skin of her cheek, gently guiding her to look at him again.

“Aerith…”

The sound of his voice, soft and full of emotion, made her eyes lift, meeting his in a moment of mutual understanding. Everything around them grew heavy, charged with a shy but inevitable desire, and the moment seemed suspended in time, as if the world below had vanished, as she herself had said, and their presence was enough.

Without further words, Aerith leaned in, and Cloud met her halfway, their lips touching in a brief kiss, a delicate brush carrying the weight of newly discovered feelings. They didn’t move, just lingered in the subtle touch and the softness of each other’s lips, almost as if they were discovering what it was like to kiss in that moment! It was a fleeting but intense instant, their hearts beating in unison as they pulled away, their faces still close, their eyes shining with a mix of awe and joy. The wind circling the Sky Wheel caressed their hair, and the park below seemed to celebrate the birth of that first kiss with its twinkling lights.

The silence that followed was delicate, almost sacred, as the flush rose to both their faces. Aerith looked away first, moving one hand to nervously play with her cute braid, a shy smile curving her lips as she tried to process what had just happened.

Cloud, equally flustered, let out his breath slowly, his eyes dropping to his hands still on her waist before stepping back, his heart pounding like a clumsy drum. He had to mentally thank himself for not squeezing her too hard.

“I… uh, sorry if…” he began, his voice faltering, but she quickly shook her head, laughing softly.

“No, you don’t need to apologize”, her eyes met his for a brief moment before she pulled him to sit back in the cabin, the private space now charged with a new intimacy.

The Sky Wheel continued its slow spin, and the cool night air began to seep in, making Aerith shiver slightly, her arms wrapping around herself as if trying to warm up. Cloud noticed the gesture and, with a quick movement, removed his black jacket, still warm from his body, and placed it over her shoulders.

“Here, I don’t want you getting sick!” That was cute, she thought, and so she omitted that her nose was already itching a bit. Silly girl!

Aerith thanked him with a nod, pulling the jacket closer, his scent — a subtle mix of clean fabric and a comforting cologne — enveloping her like a hug. With a shy smile, she leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder, her hair brushing his skin as her arms gently wrapped around his. The contact was warm, serene, and he felt even warmer, a sensation that made him smile to himself. Carefully, he extended his hand, his fingers brushing hers before intertwining with a naturalness that felt destined. Aerith’s small hand fit perfectly in his, and he smiled seeing their little fingers laced as if they belonged to each other.

The Sky Wheel completed its cycle, and when the cabin returned to the ground, Cloud stood first, offering his hand to help her out, a gesture Aerith accepted with grace, her dress fluttering as she stepped down, and he held her hand firmly, their little fingers still intertwined in a now-natural gesture. Finally!

She was adorable, almost angelic under the park’s lights, her eyes always shining with happiness and shyness, and that smile lighting up her face like a shooting star. Together, they continued walking through the park, their joined hands guiding them among the stalls and attractions, the sound of laughter and machines mixing with the rapid beating of their hearts. They didn’t need words in that moment.

∘₊✧🌹✧₊∘

Tifa had found refuge sitting on a wooden bench against the side wall of the house, her body hunched as if shielding herself from an invisible blow. In that moment, she felt the urge to call Cloud for support, but she wouldn’t do anything to interrupt her best friend’s date, so taking refuge there under the night’s light would have to do.

Unruly tears streamed silently down her cheeks, leaving salty trails that gleamed in the faint light of a nearby streetlamp. The unexpected sight of Claire had unearthed buried memories, hitting her violently. The cup she held trembled in her hands, and with a quick, almost desperate gesture, she tilted her head and drank the contents in one go, the liquid burning her throat as she tried to drown the pain rising like bile.

Her shoulders shook, and her muffled sobs blended with the distant sound of the party, when soft footsteps approached. Vincent emerged from the dimness, his tall, silent figure moving like a discreet shadow. She didn’t need to look to know it was him.

He sat beside her on the bench, keeping a respectful distance, but his eyes watching her with concern and patience. He didn’t say a word, letting the silence envelop them, a safe space for Tifa to decide when to open her heart. The wind played with his black hair, and he crossed his arms, waiting calmly.

Minutes passed, the time stretching like a taut rope, until Tifa sniffed, wiping her face with the back of her hand, her sobs gradually subsiding as she tried to muster the strength to speak. Finally, with a choked, tearful voice, she began, her eyes fixed on a distant point in the darkness of her mind:

“I… didn’t expect to see her today. Claire… she… we dated for almost two years… I was still in high school when I met her at a martial arts course. She was kind, strong… I fell head over heels.” Her voice faltered, and a sob escaped before she continued: “Then she was selected for an exchange program a few months ago. The distance started to weigh, and… she broke up with me… over video call.” Her voice sounded dry. “She said she didn’t want to tie me down, that I deserved more than a relationship thousands of miles away.” Tifa took a deep breath, leaning back on the bench. “Today I understand it wasn’t malicious, but back then, I was so angry… it hurt so much…”

Tears fell faster, and she clutched the empty cup against her chest, as if it could contain the pain. “I loved her so much… maybe I even depended on her, I know, and when she ended it, it was like the ground vanished. I drank to try to forget, cried, and… spent the last seven months trying to move on, but seeing her now… brought it all back.”

Her voice was a constant hoarse whisper, her body trembling as the memories swallowed her — the nights of endless conversations, the hugs that warmed her days, and the coldness of that screen when Claire said goodbye.

Vincent remained silent, his eyes now fixed on her, absorbing every word with an understanding that needed no words. When she stopped, he leaned slightly, letting his low, warm voice break the silence:

“Tifa… I’m so sorry you went through that.” He extended his hand slowly, resting it gently on hers, a firm and comforting touch.

It was clear Tifa hadn’t fully moved on; the past months had been a slow walk toward healing, each step marked by attempts to rebuild herself, and her recent happiness with Vincent was starting to fill the empty spaces, but the unexpected reappearance of the pink-haired girl, like a specter from the past, had shaken that fragile reconstruction, throwing her back into a sea of uncertainties. She liked Vincent, yes, and that scared her as much as it comforted her, for she feared Claire’s shadow could extinguish what was blooming now.

Tifa raised her eyes, meeting his, and a sob escaped before she leaned into him, accepting the hug he offered without hesitation. He wrapped her carefully, his strong arms creating a refuge against the night’s cold and the persistent memory, and she let her tears wet his shirt, feeling embraced without judgment.

Her crying began to subside, the sobs turning into trembling breaths as she pulled back slightly, wiping her face with the back of her hand. A wave of shame enveloped her, heat rising to her cheeks as she laughed softly, a weak, humorless sound, almost as if mocking herself. She’d never shown such a vulnerable side to him before.

“Sorry… what a stupid breakdown”, Tifa murmured, her eyes avoiding his as she nervously played with the empty cup. “I don’t know why I let myself get carried away like this.”

Vincent turned to her, his face serious, his eyes locking onto the fragile girl beside him with intensity. “You’re not to blame for this, Tifa, you can’t control everything. And you don’t need to apologize for feeling…”

Tifa looked at him. Vincent, a man with magnetic presence, features carved like marble, who, despite the enigmatic and stoic expression he sometimes showed others, had a heart that pulsed with rare kindness. At least with her! He was a refuge, a companion who lifted her with every look, and in that moment, she realized she didn’t need to keep drowning in tears over what had been before. The remorse began to fade, replaced by the strength of this wonderful man who chose her at every moment.

She sighed, feeling the weight lift from her shoulders as she looked at him, her eyes still wet but clearer. “I think… I needed to cry. Get this out of me. I’ve been holding it in for so long.”

Vincent nodded, a faint smile curving his lips. “It’s okay. Sometimes the soul needs to empty itself to find peace again. You did what you needed.” He squeezed her hand lightly, the comforting touch anchoring her to the present.

A few minutes passed, the silence between them now comfortable, broken only by the distant pulse of the party’s music. Tifa, little by little, let out a shy smile, her lips trembling as a spark of lightness returned to her brown eyes. “You know, a strong shot would hit the spot right now”, she said, her voice gaining a playful tone, though still laced with emotion.

Vincent raised an eyebrow, his serious look returning for a moment. “Drinking won’t fix what you’re feeling now, Tifa. It’ll only delay it.” His voice was calm, almost professorial, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes.

She laughed softly, leaning closer, the warmth of his body enveloping her. “Maybe not, but drinking with you… that would fix it!” Her smile widened, and she looked at him with a challenging yet shy gaze.

Vincent’s smile opened, a rare flash of joy lighting up his austere features. He leaned in too, and their lips met in a soft kiss, first hesitant, then more certain.

The kiss was a revitalizing balm, her warm lips against his, the salty taste of her tears mixing with the sweet remnants of her cherry lipstick. They pulled away slowly, keeping their faces close, their ragged breaths dancing in the cool air.

Vincent reached into his pocket, pulling out his car key and dangling it in the air with a casual but intentional gesture, the metal jingling. “Want to go for a drive?”

She didn’t even think twice. “Yes, please! Take me anywhere… but here.”

Her eyes sparkled, her outgoing smile returning as she stood, already extending her hand to him, ready to leave the fraternity and its shadows behind.

∘₊✧🌹✧₊∘

To Cloud, Aerith was like a ray of sunshine piercing through the clouds of his shyness, a presence that made him want to be more than just the reserved boy he’d always been. Every smile of hers, every accidental touch, planted seeds of courage in his chest, and the brief kiss on the Sky Wheel had awakened a longing he could hardly wait to fully understand. But it was something like a desire to protect her, to be by her side!

To Aerith, Cloud was a safe harbor amid the storms of her own soul, a gentle contrast to the intensity of her campus life. The way he listened to her, the way his captivated eyes followed her with admiration, made her feel truly seen, and the kiss had ignited a flame that warmed every corner of her being.

With their hands intertwined and their little fingers delicately crossed, they left the amusement park, the colorful lights fading behind them as they walked back to campus. The chilly night air enveloped them, and Cloud kept a steady but gentle pace, guiding her with a gentleman’s care. Aerith walked beside him, her dress flowing with the breeze, her angelic smile lighting the way as they exchanged shy glances, the silence between them comfortable.

As they approached the fraternity, however, a shadow crossed the moment. A scrawny kid in a hoodie with an arrogant attitude emerged from a nearby group, his narrowed eyes staring at them. With a mocking laugh, he spat out:

“Look at that, the new boy toy taking the princess home! She’s using you as a rebound, huh, Strife? Poor guy!” The tone was laced with malice, and the three guys behind him laughed, fueling the discomfort.

Aerith tensed, the hurt hitting her, her eyes lowering as a lump formed in her throat. The cruel words struck like an arrow, wounding the purity of that moment. On the other hand, Cloud felt a rage he rarely experienced rise like lava through his veins. His fists clenched, knuckles whitening, and he stepped forward, pulling Aerith behind him with a protective movement.

The tone that came from his mouth was different — low, sharp, a restrained growl he’d never used before!

“Shut your damn mouth! Don’t ever talk about her like that again… she’s worth more than you’ll ever understand, and I won’t let anyone insult her.” His blue eyes sparked with fierce intensity, his body rigid like a barrier, confronting the jerk without hesitation.

The kid backed off, his bravado wilting under Cloud’s gaze, and with a frustrated grunt, he turned and left with the three idiots behind him, leaving a tense silence in the air.

Aerith stayed behind him, her shoulders hunched, and when Cloud turned to her, still with his chest rising and falling with anger, he asked in a hoarse voice:

“You okay?” His face was tense, his features marked by adrenaline, his still-clenched hands revealing the strength that had overtaken him.

She raised her eyes, her face flushed with embarrassment, and stepped closer, her delicate fingers touching his face. “You… you’re cold…” she whispered. “I’m sorry about this… I didn’t want to drag you into something like that!”

But the cold of his anger contrasted with his warm, burning hands from clenching them so tightly in her defense, and Cloud shook his head firmly, his eyes softening as he held her hands to calm her.

“Don’t need to apologize, Aerith. I don’t care about stupid comments. But… I could tell it hurt you. I won’t let that slide!” His voice was gentle, filled with determination, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, guiding her toward the fraternity house.

At the entrance, Cloud stopped, adjusting the jacket on her shoulders carefully. 

“Keep it, okay? It’s too cold for you.”

Their eyes met, and with a tenderness that dispelled the anger from moments before, he held her face in his hands, his thumbs gently brushing her cheeks. He leaned in slowly, and their lips met in a longer kiss, a sealing of comfort, the warmth of the contact warming them both. When they pulled away, he smiled shyly.

“Thanks for the amazing night, Aerith. Call me if you need me, okay?”

She nodded. “Thank you, Cloud!” her angelic smile returned, and she waved as he walked away, the jacket wrapping her with affection, their hearts still pulsing with the intensity of that encounter and the end of the night, and then she entered the house.

As he walked back to the dorm in slow steps, Cloud’s mind dove into what had happened earlier — the incident in the courtyard, the whispered gossip from the group of students pointing at Aerith, suggesting she was still tied to her past with Zack. He stopped for a moment, his chest rising and falling with a deep breath.

A dark, persistent part of him wanted to compare himself to Zack — the charismatic, naturally outgoing ex-boyfriend who seemed to have left an indelible mark. Was she seeing him as a shadow of him?

“That’s nonsense…” His fingers gripped the fabric of his pocket, and he shook his head, his blond hair swaying with the movement. He wouldn’t let himself be swayed by those stupid thoughts, he decided, his inner voice firm, though the whispers of insecurity lingered; a murmur he forced himself to ignore as he moved forward, his heart still racing from being close to her.

For now, the tingling sensation of their lips united, made for each other, was enough to warm his chest and push away any unwanted thoughts.

Chapter Text

recommendation song for chapter:

god.drugs.u - luna shadows

The city lights flickered like shooting stars as Vincent’s black Cadillac – his other baby – glided through the streets. The engine purred with a deep rumble, and inside the car, they sang jovially with the energy of a USB drive playing an eclectic playlist. Tifa was perched on her knees in the passenger seat, leaning out the window, the wind playing with her hair in slow waves, almost as if, for her, time slowed into a cinematic frame.

Her eyes sparkled, capturing the lights dancing on the buildings, the golden and red reflections stretching in gentle arcs, as she laughed softly, the adrenaline of escaping the fraternity pulsing through her veins.

At the wheel, Vincent cast furtive glances at her with narrowed eyes while taking a drag from his cigarette. The smoke curled out in delicate spirals through the half-open window, and he kept one hand steady on the wheel, the other resting casually on the gearshift, splitting his attention between the road and the vibrant figure beside him. Each of her laughs seemed to ignite something in his chest, a comfort he didn’t even know he needed until he met her. In a way, it contrasted with the mask of impartiality he wore most of the time, and he liked that.

After a few minutes, Tifa pulled her head back inside, her hair tousled framing her flushed face. She turned to him, her eyes sparkling with excitement, her body still buzzing from the adrenaline and the magnificent view he offered her — and not just of the city, but of the feeling of being with him! Vincent felt the intensity of that gaze and turned his head for a moment, a subtle smile curving his lips before returning to the road.

“I’m taking you to a bar I hang out at”, she heard him say over the music. “It’s outside the city, but not too far, it’s a chill place.” 

The destination revealed itself as a rustic bar nestled in a discreet motel, its red lights blinking on an aged wooden sign. He parked with precision in a spot, the Cadillac coming to a smooth stop, and got out to open Tifa’s door, offering his hand with natural courtesy. She accepted his warm hand, and he guided her to the entrance, his firm hand resting on her waist in that territorial, protective way that was uniquely his, his fingers brushing the fabric of her blouse as they walked.

Inside the bar, the air was steeped in an earthy scent of wood and whiskey, and a few heads turned to greet Vincent. He nodded back with a minimal gesture, guiding Tifa to the counter, where they sat on worn leather stools. She ordered a shot of tequila, promising herself and him, with a mischievous smile, that it would be just one, to relax. The liquid burned as it went down, warming her chest, and she laughed, her eyes shining as she leaned toward him.

“You know, I took a bartending course once”, she confessed excitedly. “I learned some tricks. How about I suggest a drink for you? Something strong, with… a touch of cinnamon! I know you’ll like it.” Vincent raised an eyebrow, intrigued, but nodded.

The bartender prepared the drink under her instructions, and he watched it being made with his face casually propped on his hand. When Vincent tasted it, he didn’t know what it was, but it burned his throat and went down smooth as honey. A rare smile of approval lit up his face as he felt the spicy flavor dancing on his tongue, and he turned to Tifa’s scrutinizing gaze.

“Okay… pretty delicious.”

“Ooooh, I told you!” Tifa clapped her hands and leaned in to take his glass, sipping it herself just to make sure he wasn’t lying. And well, he wasn’t, so she licked her lips and flashed a very smug smile.

The night wore on, and as Tifa began to feel the warmth of the drink and the company, she stood and pulled Vincent by the hand.

“Come on, let’s dance!” She knew he didn’t dance, but she didn’t seem to care as she led him straight to the dance floor, bathed in amber light, pulsing with the slow chords of an almost melancholic jazz, the notes sliding like caresses through the air.

He followed, reluctant at first, but soon gave in, his hands finding her waist as she nestled against him. Little by little, their bodies began to move in sync, their eyes locked in a silent dialogue, the world around them blurring until the tension between them became unbearable. Their hips met in a slow, suggestive rhythm, his hand sliding along the exposed side of her body, making her shiver with the subtle touch, and in a mutual impulse, their lips met. Tifa leaned toward him, standing on her toes, and the kiss began softly but soon grew in intensity, like a fire consuming the remaining barriers.

They exchanged glances filled with intent but didn’t pull away. They shared another heated kiss, complete with hands meeting hair, shoulders, and backs, and when they blinked, they were already in the hallway leading to the rooms, in such a hurry, almost as if they were late for something they’d waited their whole lives for, their bodies bumping against the wall, laughing between kisses, their fingers already impatient with each other’s clothes, their hungry mouths devouring each other in hot, clumsy kisses. Vincent’s hands slid along the curve of her back, guiding her to the door of the room he’d rented, and when they entered, the click of the lock echoed like a warning of what was about to happen.

Inside the room, the dimness was broken only by the soft light of a lamp, and the heavy curtains muffled the outside world, creating a scene solely for their excitement. Vincent pressed her against the wall with a calm movement, almost too calm compared to the hunger he felt for her; he fixed his eyes on hers and paused for a moment, his serious face lit by a deep determination, the space between them pulsing with an almost tangible tension.

“You’re too beautiful…” he let slip, his voice hoarse with raw desire.

In response, Tifa surged forward. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of hunger and sharpness. Her trembling hands slid over his shirt, eager fingers seeking to feel him across the cotton surface until they found the button of his pants, brushing the hardened bulge pulsing beneath the fabric.

Vincent froze under her touch, his quickened breath tracing a visible path in the cool air. Gently, he took her hands, pausing the movement, and his palms rose to her face, framing it in his hands, his thumbs brushing her flushed cheeks as his eyes traced every detail — the long lashes shadowing her reddish-brown eyes, the parted lips still wet from the previous kiss, the soft curve of her chin. To him, she was a vision of overwhelming beauty, a delicate force that left him both speechless and eager to recite the most ridiculous poetry.

He leaned in to brush his lips against her forehead. “Tifa”, his voice low and deep, “are you sure about this?” His fingers tightened slightly, a half-protective gesture, before continuing, his eyes locked on hers: “I’m asking not because I don’t want to. Because I want you, I want you more than I can say… but I need to be sure this is what you want too.”

With a subtle nod, she pressed her hands against his chest, feeling the rapid heartbeat beneath his shirt, and a shy smile curved her lips. But Vincent shook his head, lifting her chin with his fingertips and stepping closer, smiling.

“Use your voice, my love.”

She felt her heart leap to her throat under his intense gaze, and a crystalline certainty filled her soul. Yes, she wanted this — she wanted to lose herself in him, and above all, let him erase the scars of the past with the warmth of the present. Her eyes roamed over him, tracing his angular jaw, the tangled black hair, the defined muscles beneath the shirt she now tore off with urgency, revealing the broad chest speckled with subtle muscles and tattoos that adorned his skin like pure art. He was an enigma, a blend of strength and softness that drew her like a magnet, and in that moment, she knew she was ready to surrender completely.

Tifa swallowed hard before licking her lips. “I want it. I want you, Vincent, right now. Please, make me yours!”

That was all he needed to lean in and seal her response with a deep kiss, his hands sliding to her back as he pulled her closer. The world around them dissolved, leaving only the sound of their ragged breaths and the heat binding them.

“I’m going to make you forget all about her”, he whispered against her lips, feeling her soften in his arms, and he guided her to the bed with a practical, fluid movement, his eyes fixed on hers, his serious face lit by a deep determination. She fell back onto the bed, her hair fanning out across the red sheet, her skirt hiked up to her waist, and Vincent stood there for a second, watching her as if witnessing a rare eclipse. “Every memory, every doubt, every shadow… it’ll be just us”, he said, his voice low and firm, each syllable carrying meanings that made her heart pound, alive as never been before.

Tifa felt her legs weaken, her entire body melting under the weight of that gaze and those words. A wave of excitement coursed through her, heat rising to her cheeks as she surrendered to the moment.

He climbed onto the bed on his knees, positioning himself between her legs, never breaking eye contact for a second, and began slowly and respectfully, his hands sliding along her exposed thighs, moving up to find the clasp of her skirt and pulling it down. Tifa lifted her hips to assist, and soon her jacket and cropped top met the same fate, forming a pile of clothes on the room’s rug. Then, he traced her shoulders, his gaze burning over her chest, his breath faint at the stunning sight of the woman beneath him.

He brushed the strap of her black lingerie before pushing it aside with his fingers, the touch warm, intimate, as careful as it was wild, and as he pressed his lips to Tifa’s skin, she felt a shiver run down her spine. As his hands roamed her soft, silky skin, she gasped softly, feeling every hair stand on end under his touch. The bra was removed, and Vincent didn’t hesitate to touch her breasts with the utmost reverence, his fingers playing with her nipples, delighting in the soft sounds she made. She arched as she felt his lips sucking the skin on her collarbone and leaving a trail of kisses that moved from her breasts, down the side of her body, where the constellation tattoo lay perfectly, to her stomach, then the curve of her hip, and finally lower, drawing a ragged sigh from her.

She pressed her lips to stifle a giggle because his hair tickled her ribs, but when his kisses reached the inside of her thighs, she swore she saw stars, the contact of his lips on her skin feeling almost magical — for both her and him. The guitarist’s hands easily pulled off the last remaining piece on her body, and Tifa felt exposed, as if only then realizing the intensity and reality of the moment.

“Tsk, tsk…” Vincent shook his head in disapproval and gently took her hands, which had dared to cover her body, kissing the back of each one and letting them rest by her sides on the bed. “You’re beautiful.”

With an eager gaze, he settled better between her, finishing sliding her panties down her silky legs, and on the way back, kissed each one. Kisses followed along her calves back to her thighs, where he lingered, biting and leaving faint marks. When Vincent reached the heat between them, the intimacy pulsing in anticipation, his breath hit the sensitive skin before his wet tongue could do the same. Tifa moaned loudly, and he took his time — exploring, learning the sounds she made, the involuntary tremors, the taste, the heat. She cried out, her hands gripping the sheet beneath her as he tasted her, his tongue exploring her swollen, sensitive lips, savoring her with a devotion that made her tremble.

“Ah-ahh… hmm…”

When Vincent introduced one of his long fingers, she gripped his hair tightly, and he had to hold her hip with his free hand to keep her still. A laugh escaped him as he continued circling her clit with his tongue, and Tifa was under such immense pleasure that it didn’t take long for an orgasm to hit her hard; his name escaping her lips like a melody.

Vincent laughed hoarsely and low, pulling away from her, already shedding the shirt that hung open on his shoulders, his hair cascading down his back. He kissed her again, now slower, deeper, letting her taste herself, and her fingers, which had been running through his hair, now slid down his toned back and shoulders, her nails scratching the ivory, tattooed skin, until they finally found the waistband of his pants. This time, he didn’t stop her, and both moaned when her hand slipped inside the remaining clothes, firmly grasping the pulsing erection in her small hand.

He covered her hand with his own and guided her at first, satisfied when she found a rhythm, and it took only a few back-and-forth movements for him to pull away with a ragged moan, finishing removing his clothes himself, then reaching for a condom in his wallet and tearing the packet with his teeth. Tifa could feel the ferocity radiating from the man before her, who sheathed himself almost absentmindedly. Vincent looked at her after finishing and positioned himself over her again.

His left hand found hers, intertwining their fingers, and the space between them dissolved in a tangle of sighs and caresses. Vincent thought about teasing, stimulating and brushing only her wet, begging entrance, but he himself felt almost at his limit, so he began pushing into her slowly, moaning softly. Tifa felt him penetrate her with firmness and care, their bodies fitting together with a mutual sigh. Once fully inside her, he waited, kissing her entire face to distract her from any discomfort, and when she shifted, he understood he could start moving.

The intensity of the movements made them forget where they were — it was skin against skin, sweat, muffled moans, her hand on his nape, his fingers buried in her waist and thighs, his palms marking her soft skin as he guided her in a rhythm alternating between tenderness and savagery, their bodies colliding with a wet, rhythmic sound.

She was holding back so hard not to say she loved the man right then and there, just from hearing his moans.

“Tifa…” Vincent growled, his voice hoarse near her ear, and she moaned loudly when he hit her G-spot, her eyes rolling back with such pleasure and connection. The bed creaked under the weight of their rhythm, and he locked his eyes on hers as he took her deeper, closer, more intensely. Her legs wrapped around him, pulling him closer, making him thrust even deeper.

He was truly making her forget. Everything. Even herself.

Time seemed to stretch, each touch a poem written on skin and each breath a verse of mutual desire. Their union was an act of total surrender, a refuge where the past dissolved, leaving only the promise of a future woven with threads of passion and trust.

“Vince… ah…” she dug her nails hard into his shoulders, and Vincent groaned eagerly, his face buried in her neck, where he began leaving kisses, bites, and hickeys.

Tifa reached her limit with a muffled scream, her nails raking down his back, leaving red marks, the pleasure exploding in waves that made her tremble beneath him, her inner muscles gripping him tightly, and though unintentional, the tightness around him only pushed him to join her with a moan that made her eyes roll back — what a magnificent voice he had — their gasps and erotic sounds blending until Vincent’s hips slowed.

He lingered inside her for a moment, spending the last seconds gazing at her flushed, sweaty face, where the makeup, once smudged from crying, now reflected the pleasure of the act in her expression.

They settled silently, their bodies still pressed together, their breaths mingling, the world distant. Tifa relaxed with her head resting on her beloved’s chest, while he traced her back as her breathing returned to normal.

The quiet of the room enveloped them like a cloak after their mutual surrender, the air still heavy with a residual warmth that seemed to dance between them. Vincent pulled away for a moment, disposing of the condom and returning with a water bottle. Tifa didn’t miss the chance to admire the man’s bare torso and the ethereal beauty he exuded, her eyes traveling from his shoulders and back, admiring the scratches and tattoos, until he turned to hand her the bottle, a playful smile blooming on his lips. Tifa accepted the water with a silent gesture, her fingers trembling slightly as she drank, the cool liquid soothing her ragged breathing.

He watched her closely, his eyes softened, and with a gentle movement, he scooped her into his arms, carrying her to the room’s bathroom. Tifa’s legs trembled, but he was kind and kept her against him as the cold water washed away the remnants of sweat and any lingering pain.

Back in bed, Vincent tucked the sheet over her, covering her carefully before lying beside her. “Rest now, okay?” he said, sounding quite affectionate, and indeed he was, finally pulling her to him. Tifa nestled against his chest, still feeling the warmth radiating from his body even after the cold shower. His arms wrapped around her like a shield as exhaustion led them into a deep sleep.

∘₊✧🖤✧₊∘

Morning crept into the room with a faint, golden light filtered through the heavy curtains, and Tifa woke alone, her naked body now wrapped in Vincent’s oversized jacket, the black fabric hanging loosely over her shoulders but open at her chest. Her hair was disheveled, rebellious strands framing her face as she approached the window, her bare feet touching the cold floor. She looked outside, seeing the day timidly rising over the horizon, where tree silhouettes swayed gently in the wind, and a serene smile curved her lips, her heart calm for the first time in months.

Vincent appeared at the door, carrying a steaming cup of coffee in one hand, her phone — forgotten in the car — in the other, and a lit cigarette between his lips. His steps were silent, and he approached calmly, leaning in to place a soft kiss on her forehead.

“Good morning”, he handed her the coffee and the device.

“Good morning. Smoking this early, Vincent?” He shrugged, and she tilted her face with a sarcastic smile, stepping closer to steal the cigarette from his lips, placing it between her own and taking a drag he found particularly sensual.

She returned the cigarette after blowing out the smoke and looked at the cup warming her hands as the coffee’s aroma filled the air. The faint sunlight bathed her face, highlighting the nearly invisible freckles and the natural glow of her reddish-brown eyes.

Vincent stood there, admiring her, his eyes tracing every detail as if she were a newly discovered work of art. “Your eyes… they’re incredibly beautiful.”

Tifa blushed, and she didn’t know how she could still blush so much with the guitarist, but the flush rising to her cheeks was inevitable as she lowered her gaze to the coffee, taking a sip to hide her shyness. The bitter taste mingled with the sweetness of those words, and she laughed softly, amused with herself.

“Thanks. Yours are too.”

She checked some messages from Cloud and bit her lip, and Vincent seemed to notice, breaking the tranquility, his voice returning to a practical tone: “I think we need to head back to the city. The day’s starting out there.”

Tifa nodded, still holding the cup, her smile lingering as she looked at him. “Alright… but let me drive this time!”

“Hm? My baby?”

“Uh… who’s your baby?” She looked confused.

“My precious car.”

“Oh no, Vincent!”

He laughed loudly and playfully tossed the Cadillac’s keys to her.

“Promise you’ll be careful.”

∘₊✧🖤✧₊∘

The women’s dormitory hallway was cloaked in silence, broken only by the distant echo of footsteps and muffled laughter. Cloud was leaning against the wall by Tifa’s door, waiting for her, his fingers nervously tapping against his thigh, his blue eyes fixed on the floor as anxiety gnawed at his insides. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other and let out short sighs, as if trying to expel the restlessness consuming him.

His phone vibrated occasionally, but the messages to Aerith remained unanswered, the “seen” bubbles absent, and it was driving him to the edge of a nervous breakdown. He tapped his fingers incessantly, the irregular rhythm reflecting his mental agitation. The thoughts he’d suppressed after the date returned with force, now deepened by her absence.

Had he rushed things? Damn, she just broke up with Zack… What if she was pulling away because of that?

Insecurity and guilt began to settle in, a knot tightening his stomach as he stewed. What if he’d scared her? Cloud didn’t want to push her away; the girl was all he’d thought about for weeks on end. Damn it!

His fingers slid through his hair, messing up the blond strands as he leaned harder against the wall, his body tense. Regret consumed him — what if Aerith really saw him as a mistake or a failed substitute? What if her past with Zack still held her, making him irrelevant? Cloud closed his eyes for a moment, breathing deeply to try to calm his racing heart, but the doubt lingered like a shadow he couldn’t fully shake, let alone escape or hide from.

He was so grateful for having taken those steps, not to mention he could still vividly feel her lips against his… And she had confessed! That was a confession, right? And now his throat closed at the thought of losing Aerith, when he hadn’t even fully had her for himself…

The sound of boots echoing in the hallway made his head snap up, and there was Tifa, standing a few meters away, her hair still messy and her eyes sparkling with excitement, but her face betraying exhaustion.

For a moment, time seemed to stop. Their gazes met, and a heavy silence hung between them, charged with a tacit understanding only they shared. Then, as if pulled by an invisible cord, they ran to each other, their bodies colliding in an awkward but intense embrace. Tifa’s arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders, her face burying in Cloud’s neck, while he gripped her waist, his fingers digging into the fabric of her blouse as if afraid to let go. It was such a pure, instinctive gesture, as if they knew that contact was what they needed to sustain them in that chaotic moment.

“Hey, you goof”, Tifa murmured, pulling back just enough to smile, her eyes dancing with relief as she lightly tapped his chest. “You stayed here this whole time?”

“Yeah… you took a while”, Cloud laughed hesitantly, scratching the back of his neck before following her into her room.

Jessie wasn’t there, but Fluffy greeted them with meows. Tifa scooped her up and tilted her head, gesturing for him to sit as she watched him. “Why’re you so tense?”

Cloud sighed, slumping onto the edge of the bed, rubbing his face before answering. “It’s Aerith… she’s not answering my messages. I’m thinking she hated the date yesterday.”

His voice was low, laced with an insecurity that Tifa knew all too well, and he stared at the floor, his fingers gripping the phone as if he could force a response.

Tifa raised an eyebrow, sitting beside him with the kitten in her arms and giving his shoulder a playful nudge. “Impossible! Aerith wouldn’t hate a date with you, Cloud! How was it?” Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she flashed an encouraging smile.

Cloud blushed, looking away for a moment before mumbling, almost tripping over his words: “It was… really great! The play at the theater was really beautiful. Then we went to the park, and… we… kissed on the Sky Wheel.”

The flush spread to his ears, and he lowered his head, but Tifa let out an excited squeal, clapping her hands like an eager child.

“SERIOUSLY?! That’s amazing, Cloud! You two are so adorable together!” She gestured animatedly and leaned in to poke him, her enthusiasm nearly knocking the kitten off in the process.

Cloud shook his head, his shy smile giving way to a shadow of worry. “But there was this guy in the courtyard after… he said some nasty things. Like she was using me… and I think that might’ve gotten to her.” He frowned, his fists clenching instinctively at the memory, and for now, he didn’t want to mention the feeling of comparison eating at him.

Tifa nodded, the sparkle in her eyes softening with understanding. “I get it… comments and looks like that bug me a ton too. She’s probably processing it, y’know? Maybe she needs some space for now. But laaaater you can check on her and see how she’s doing!” She gave his knee a comforting pat.

Cloud nodded and relaxed a bit, letting out a long sigh before changing the subject, his curious eyes now fixed on her.

“And you? How was your night?”

Tifa visibly melted, her eyes lost in a dreamy haze as a wistful smile took over. “It was… the most incredible night in the world! Vincent took me to a place outside the city, and… well, it was special!” She let out a giggle, the sound almost musical, but then her expression grew hesitant, and her smile faltered: “But something happened before at the party, Cloud… Claire… she’s back.”

The name dropped between them like a stone thrown, and Cloud straightened, his muscles tensing, his eyes wide with surprise and concern. He knew the story all too well, knew how much that name was a sensitive wound for his friend, and his protective instinct made him lean forward. 

“Tifa… you okay?”

She nodded quickly, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine, really. I’m over it! I’m happy now, and I don’t hold grudges.”

The words came out rushed, as if repeating them could make them true. But Cloud stayed silent, his lips pressed, his scrutinizing gaze revealing he didn’t entirely believe her.

Tifa stood abruptly, stretching her arms as if to dispel the tension. “I’m gonna take a full-body shower. Watch Fluffy for me, okay?” She pointed at the feline, who meowed for attention, and disappeared to the bathroom, leaving Cloud alone.

He crouched, grabbing a sachet of food and pouring it into the kitten’s bowl, who purred gratefully as she ate.

Sitting again, he picked up his phone, his thumbs hovering over the screen as he reread his last messages to Aerith. “Hey, just wanted to check how you’re doing. Let me know when you can, okay?” The words felt empty now, and he frowned, having about five anxious thoughts per second!

Cloud didn’t want her to isolate herself, let alone blame herself for something she couldn’t control. Maybe a gesture, a face-to-face meeting, could break that silence. With a sigh, he pocketed the device, resolved to find her later, as the kitten rubbed her paws on his knee, asking for more affection.

∘₊✧🖤✧₊∘

The week started dragging like sticky taffy for Cloud and Tifa, glued to each other to the point of seeming like Siamese twins trying to learn to walk separately. They moved through the university hallways and grounds with the grace of two complete klutzes.

But they were on a mission, so it was fine. Though the situation was worthy of a low-budget sitcom — and, God, they didn’t know how to hide!

Conspiratorial whispers in the middle of hallways, peeks through potted plants that barely hid their noses, and sudden detours that invariably made them bump into some poor student carrying stacks of books.

It had been like this for the past few days, simply because Tifa didn’t want, under any circumstances, to see or be seen by Claire! Cloud, on the other hand, seemed to understand but also didn’t. Well, he respected his friend’s wishes, and the last thing he wanted was for her to feel uncomfortable in the place she’d been so eager to finally attend.

On Tuesday, the mission reached the height of absurdity. All because Cloud urgently needed to talk to Aerith, but she was nowhere to be found! And after eavesdropping on gossip in the cafeteria, they learned Claire was a resident of Seventh Heaven, which sparked a silent panic between them. So, at that moment, they crouched behind a flimsy, small bush in the courtyard, which, luckily, faced the mansion’s door. But, unluckily, Claire and her friends were there. Their voices were relatively loud, probably still greeting the woman who had just returned from her exchange program.

Cloud was wearing sunglasses, but Tifa was hiding in a jacket she’d stolen from him and a cap too big for her head. She definitely looked three times more pathetic!

“Okay, plan?” Cloud half-grumbled, his knees already numb.

“Get in without her seeing us”, Tifa replied with the seriousness of a secret agent, though she had dry leaves stuck in her hair.

“Great plan. Can’t possibly go wrong”, he rolled his eyes but stayed glued to her in the same hiding spot.

Before they could react, a snap of branches made them jump like startled rabbits, and Jessie and Tidus appeared, tripping over each other with laughter.

“What the hell are you guys doing?! Hiding from Wutai?!” Tidus exclaimed, doubling over with a laugh that shook the bush.

“What’s going on?” Jessie asked, crouching to join in, though she had no idea what was happening.

“Ah!” Tifa pulled back, brushing leaves from her hair. “Tch, fine…” She peeked before looking around. “See the pink-haired girl? She’s my ex—”

“WHAT?!” Both exclaimed in unison. “Your ex is Claire fucking Farron?!” They were drawing curious looks from passing students, and for a moment, Cloud and Tifa’s flimsy hiding spot seemed on the verge of being hopelessly compromised.

“You’re gonna give us away, you idiots!” Cloud yanked Tidus into the bush and took a deep breath before trying to shift focus. “Actually, we’re looking for Aerith. Noctis told me she didn’t go to class yesterday or today, said she had a cold… but anyone who knows Aerith knows a random flu wouldn’t stop her from studying, let alone rehearsing with the band.”

“You think she might be stuck in her room?” Jessie asked, curiosity replacing her initial amusement. “At the fraternity.”

Cloud nodded. “It’s the last place Noctis saw her. But… I’d feel a bit uncomfortable going in there alone…”

Tifa sighed. “And I don’t want Claire to see me.”

The other two exchanged conspiratorial glances. “Well, I think we can help!”

Jessie, however, frowned thoughtfully. “Tifa, you need to face this at some point, y’know? Act indifferent, maybe? Sooner or later, this meeting’s gonna happen…” She shrugged. “But… you forgot I’m a resident too! I can just guide you to the mansion like normal people.”

With that, she grabbed her friend’s hands, urging her to stand, and despite Tifa’s reluctance, they moved forward.

The makeshift quartet headed to the fraternity. Cloud and Tifa tried to maintain a casual, nonchalant posture, though their movements were still quick and slightly uncoordinated. Beside them, Tidus visibly struggled not to burst into laughter at their hesitant steps.

But as they approached the main door, the scene took an even more comedic turn.

Vincent, with his usual mysterious aura, appeared literally at the door, accompanied by Prompto, whose loud, blond energy shouted:

“WASSUP, GUYSSSS!!!”

They froze in place.

Vincent, however, seemed completely oblivious to the spy drama unfolding. His eager eyes went straight to Tifa, as if no one else was there to claim his attention.

“What are you guys doing here?”

“Uh— er— nothing! I mean… we’re looking… for Aerith!” Tifa replied, her voice stumbling.

But a second later, all the tension she’d built up dissolved the moment the guitarist smirked. Tifa ran to him, throwing herself into his arms as if she hadn’t seen him in days, their lips crashing in a clumsy, hungry kiss, her legs nearly giving out, her body pressing against his with a muffled moan — at that point completely forgetting the mission and everything else!

Prompto let out an exaggerated whistle, and Jessie grabbed Cloud by the arm, pulling him inside with a “come on, silly!” and a giggle.

Cloud sighed in relief as he crossed the threshold, his chest rising and falling as he looked around, his eyes searching for signs of Aerith. “Thanks”, he murmured to Jessie, already heading to the stairs with hurried steps echoing in the hallway.

When Tifa managed to part from Vincent, who was heading the other way with Prompto, she and Tidus joined Jessie in the living room. The latter exchanged looks with the blond, and both crossed their arms.

"Vincent said Aerith is in her room. Cloud has already gone—" Tifa noticed and crossed her arms too. “What?”

“Tifa… you didn’t even notice the piercing look Claire gave you out there, did you?!”

“Huh?” She froze for a second before bringing her hands to her mouth in surprise. “My Goodneeeeeeess! I completely forgot about everything when Vincent showed up!”

Jessie slapped her own forehead, and Tidus laughed, shaking his head and gesturing exaggeratedly. “If we’d known it was just a matter of calling the guitarist, we would’ve done it sooner!”

Smacking the boy’s shoulder, Jessie rolled her eyes and grabbed her friend’s hand. “Come on, let’s go to the kitchen and grab a drink after all this nonsense.”

As they laughed, heading to the kitchen, Cloud wandered down Aerith’s hallway, with his heart nearly jumping out of his throat. Remembering exactly where the door was, he stopped in front of it, hesitating, his fingers tapping the wood before knocking softly, his mind torn between turning back and putting his plans to bring her out of her worrying isolation into action.

When the door creaked open, Aerith appeared, her face marked by a weary expression, her green eyes dull and circled by faint shadows. She jumped at the sight of him, her hand flying to her chest as if to contain the startle, but she stepped back, opening the door with a hesitant gesture.

“Cloud… come in”, her voice was almost swallowed by the heavy air in the room.

“Aerith, sorry for the bother…” He entered, his worried gaze scanning her from head to toe as he closed the door behind them.

The room was in dimness, the closed curtains casting shadows over the cluttered furniture, and Aerith seemed small, curled in on herself, her hair disheveled, falling in careless strands over her shoulders.

She sniffed, wiping her nose with her sleeve, and looked away, guilt dancing across her features. “Sorry for disappearing… I didn’t mean to worry you”, she said, and Cloud noticed her voice trembled slightly as he saw her fingers twisting the hem of her pajamas.

He stepped closer, unable to ignore her fragility, and reached out, taking her hand gently. Her skin was warm, a clear sign of the flu afflicting her, but there was something deeper in her withdrawal.

“How are you, Aerith?” he asked in the softest, most caring voice possible, his thumbs brushing her knuckles in a comforting gesture.

She hesitated, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment before dropping again. “I’m sick, yeah… but it’s not just that…”, Aerith managed to confess, letting him guide her to the bed.

They sat side by side, the mattress sinking under their weight, and only then did she continue, her words coming out like a fragile thread:

“I was scared to face you after that day. Sorry, Cloud… I don’t know how to handle this.” Her shoulders trembled, and she sniffed again. Aerith wanted to say she thought she knew, because gossip was a recurring part of her academic life, but she didn’t know she’d be so shaken by them talking about him like that. So this time, she didn’t know what to do.

Cloud stayed calm, silent amidst her storm, his eyes fixed on her with a serenity that contrasted with his own inner turmoil.

“You don’t need to apologize, Aerith”, he said softly, raising his hand to touch her forehead, feeling the heat that betrayed her fever. “I’ll take care of you, okay? Don’t worry about anything right now, please!” His touch was tender, and he brushed a strand of hair from her face with a discreet smile.

Aerith still resisted, her lips trembling as she searched for the right words: “I… like you, Cloud. Really. But… if you believe those rumors, I’ll… understand…” The vulnerability in her voice was clear, amplified by the flu that left her weak, and she lowered her gaze, as if expecting judgment.

Cloud didn’t take the bait, aware that her fragility wasn’t the moment to confront such insecurity. Instead, he stood, walking to the desk, where he grabbed a bottle of medicine and a glass of water.

“Take this”, he instructed, placing the pill in her palm, and after she took it, lingering a few seconds to swallow the water, he helped her lie down, pulling the blanket over her and tucking it carefully, praying her body heat would start to dissipate under the fabric. “I’m staying here with you”, he sat on the edge of the bed and let his hand rest on hers in a comforting silence.

Time passed, and exhaustion finally overtook Aerith, her heavy eyes closing as she slipped into a light sleep, the soft sound of her breathing filling the room.

Some time later, the door creaked again, and Luna entered, carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of soup and a warm roll.

“Hey, Cloud”, the blonde greeted with a kind smile, setting the tray on the side table. “Good thing you’re here.”

“Hey, Luna!” Cloud stood, stretching his stiff shoulders. “Is Tifa still here?” he asked quietly, not to disturb Aerith’s sleep.

Luna nodded, adjusting her friend’s blanket with a maternal gesture. “Yeah, she’s in the kitchen with the others. You need to go?” He nodded, and she smiled. “Alright, I’ll take care of her now. Go rest too!” Her eyes shone with a mix of concern and encouragement before turning to her sleeping friend.

Cloud looked at Aerith, asleep and vulnerable on the bed, and thanked the blonde before cautiously leaving through the door just in time to see Luna sitting by the bed.

“You don’t need to be so hard on yourself, Aerith”, she murmured, gently running her hand through her hair. “It’s okay if you need some time.”

Aerith, still asleep, let out a sigh, as if the words reached her even in her dream.

Cloud descended the stairs, and upon reaching the ground floor, he heard laughter echoing from the kitchen before spotting the trio. Tifa, Jessie, and Tidus were gathered around the table, where a fourth bottle of beer — a cheap one with a faded label — was already open. The smell of alcohol hung in the air, mixed with the aroma of fried potato chips a resident had just cooked.

“Guys… it’s still Tuesday”, Cloud crossed his arms with a disapproving expression. He squinted and wrinkled his nose at the strong smell of the drink.

Tidus took a swig from his glass. “Tuesday, Wednesday, who cares? Life’s short!”

Jessie winked, flailing her arms, clearly already half-drunk. “Relax, boooooss! It’s post-spy therapy!”

He rolled his eyes. “I’m heading back to the dorm. Aerith’s really sick and needs real rest…” His voice carried a noticeable tinge of worry, and he only waved to the group before turning to leave.

Tifa watched him go, her eyes following him to the door, when a movement in the corner of her vision made her flinch. Her eyes met Claire’s, who was passing through the outer hallway, and her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly looked away. If she thought too much, she’d end up interrupting the joy of the two in front of her, and after all, she was having fun with that awful beer and the unnecessarily salty chips.

“Isn’t there something stronger? This beer is terrible!”

“Oh… calm down, Miss Demanding, I’ll… uh… make a drink!” Jessie stood to grab the ingredients but not before chugging the beer bottle like it was juice.

Oh, heavens!

Cloud walked back to the dorm, his mind spinning around the encounter with Aerith. Every word of hers hammered his poor head relentlessly, and all her recent confessions about liking him warmed his chest — he was totally in love, yeah, and that was a truth that both scared and excited him!

Seeing Aerith so vulnerable, isolated because of gossip and the flu, left him restless. Probably that same feeling mixed with the unconscious desire to protect her. But though the worry lingered, he felt a bit relieved by their brief conversation, as somehow his insecurity managed to ease. Still, he decided to wait and give her space to recover but planned to talk to her clearly when she was well and healthy again.

He'd just need to wait a little longer.

Chapter Text

recommendation song for chapter:

wait for something better - prom

A few days had passed since then, the cold only intensified, and the campus hallways began to hum with conversations about Thanksgiving and the approaching year-end festivities.

That night, under the soft, warming light of a lamp near the dormitories, Tifa and Cloud sat on the same wooden bench where so many conversations had already taken place. He was talking a bit about the latest test they had taken that week, and Tifa occasionally teased him for not being able to stop thinking about physics calculations even during the time he should’ve been using to rest, but she knew part of that chatter was just a façade to hide all his inner struggles. Fluffy purred on her lap, sleeping peacefully, and the silence that fell shortly after was comfortable, broken only by the rustling of leaves in the wind, until Tifa decided to change the subject and open up:

“I’m more relaxed now, Cloud. Finally at peace. And I think… I’m in love with Vincent…” That certainty filled her with a happiness she couldn’t contain, her thoughts revolving around him even when he was so far away. “I really didn’t expect this when I set foot in this college.” She gave a little laugh, running her hand through the cat’s fur.

“Yeah… your guitarist is something else…” Cloud smiled, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. “But I… I’m also…” He swallowed hard, making Tifa look at him full of expectation. Come on, Cloud, you can do it! “I’m… in love with Aerith.” He finally let out, probably driven by the same courage as his friend, and she smiled broadly. “I just can’t stop thinking about her, Tifa! And I didn’t… imagine this would happen like this, in… my first year.” His eyes sparkled with something rare, and he scratched his shoulder, embarrassed. “It’s weird, right? But I think it’s good… I mean, I’ve never… felt like this before.”

“I’m trying not to make a scene, but you know what I think!” Cloud rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, ignoring his friend’s giggle. But then, Tifa tilted her head, becoming a bit serious, and continued: “Cloud… that's why you can't let Aerith give up on you. I know you’re giving her space, and that’s right, but it’d be good if you expressed yourself to her. Tell her you want to be with her. She needs to hear that!”

“I know that, Tifa, I was really going to talk to her when she was feeling better… but—”

“But you’re backing out! Cloud, I know you, the longer you wait, the more you’ll lose your courage!” Tifa crossed her arms too. “You guys are acting like fools, and I know she might want space, but maybe you need to be more persistent. Seriously, go after her! Do something!”

Her words came out with a conviction that made him nod, and unexpectedly, a plan began to form in his mind.

“You’re right…” Cloud thanked her with a hurried nod, standing up quickly and lightly squeezing her shoulder. “Thanks, Tifa! I need to go… I need to do something.”

He grabbed his backpack from the bench and practically ran across the courtyard, leaving her there with the cat purring on her lap, heading off with determined steps as his mind filled with ideas.

Tifa laughed to herself, only looking away from her best friend when he disappeared from sight, then she started talking to Fluffy as if the cat would naturally respond.

“Look at that, little one… me and Vincent, who would’ve thought, huuuuh? He’s out today, dealing with things in the city, but I’m already counting the minutes until we see each other again!”

Her smile was genuine and distracted, but the sound of footsteps made her look up, and her heart jolted when she recognized Claire approaching.

Tension gripped Tifa, because after all, she hadn’t spent days avoiding an encounter with her ex just for Claire to come looking for her! This couldn’t be happening!

Claire stopped a few steps away, where the lamp cast flashes of light on her pink hair. She put her hands in the pockets of her cargo pants and hesitated before speaking:

“Hey… can I talk to you?”

Tifa nodded, stiff, her fingers gripping the cat’s fur as she kept her gaze fixed on the animal. Claire sat beside her, and the space between them became heavy with an oppressive silence. Tifa felt the discomfort like a knot in her throat, her body tense, shoulders hunched, as her ex’s presence stirred painful memories.

“How are you?” Claire started, turning to meet her eyes, but Tifa kept looking down and answered in a neutral, almost mechanical tone:

“I’m fine. Much better now, actually.” She paused, not even noticing that one of her legs started trembling restlessly. “And the exchange program? How was it?”

Claire relaxed a bit, and a faint smile finally appeared. “It was cool. I saw amazing places, learned a lot. It was a unique experience…” Her words carried a nostalgic tone, but the atmosphere remained tense, and Tifa felt the urge to get up and run away, but she stayed.

Then, Claire changed her tone, sounding hesitant or cautious — it didn’t matter, because Tifa was nervous enough to think of anything beyond the discomfort she felt.

“I saw you with Vincent the other day… and I thought it was funny, because, from what I remember, he was closed off, didn’t give anyone the time of day…” A light laugh escaped her, and she didn’t seem to realize the weight of her words, until Tifa got stiffener, feeling the discomfort turn into irritation. 

“What do you want, Claire?” Her eyes finally met the other’s in a defensive stance.

Claire raised her hands, surprised. “I don’t want anything. I just… wanted to know how you’re doing. And if you still hold a grudge against me…” Her tone was almost conciliatory, but Tifa felt the anger explode, after all, it was a valve she’d never had the chance to open in all those seven months since the breakup.

And if Claire wanted to hear, then Tifa would speak.

She stood up, irritated, and Fluffy jumped from her lap with a surprised meow. “You’re really funny, Claire! I suffered so much with that breakup! Ending it over a video call was pathetic! I was happy about your exchange, I didn’t mind waiting for you to come back. You were so damn selfish!” 

Tifa just clenched her fists and let the words pour out like a torrent.

Claire stood up too, her eyes, once calm, now flashing with irritation. “I knew a long-distance relationship would hurt you, Tifa! That’s why I ended it! I didn’t know things would change so much out of nowhere. I only thought of your well-being when I decided to put an end to it.”

Tifa shook her head, incredulous, her anger mixing with painful confusion. “If that was the case, you could’ve ended it with me before you left! You didn’t have to leave me waiting like an idiot!” She shouted, feeling her eyes well up.

Claire took a step forward, frustrated but still driven by concern, but by now she couldn’t hold back her words either, so the argument escalated:

“I didn’t know it would be so hard! I just wanted to protect you when I saw it wasn’t working anymore!”

“Protect? Without any explanation?!”

“Tifa, I tried. And you blocked me on everything!”

“Yeah! Because YOU broke up with me over a fucking video call!”

Tifa felt her stomach churn, the anger taking over and stirring her insides. She had dug her nails hard into her palms, trying to steady herself, but her body trembled with evident spasms.

“But look, Claire… I don’t care anymore. And you didn’t need to come try to fix things now. I’ve moved on, and… I could never be even your friend after everything!” She started to walk away, determined to leave.

“I didn’t come to fix anything! Don’t think I came to ask to get back together! I’m doing great in my new relationship!”

Those words stopped Tifa mid-step, and her body froze, as if she’d been hit by an invisible blow. Or something more metaphorical, like a shock of reality.

She slowly raised her face, eyes pretty wide. “New relationship…? You’re with someone?” Tifa mustered the strength to ask, even though she didn’t want to hear anything more.

Claire nodded, her face hardening. “Yes. I met someone during the exchange, and she came with me. I’m happy.” Her tone was firm, but there was a hint of defensiveness.

Tifa laughed, bitter and scornful, and felt her eyes begin to sting with the force of holding back the tears, refusing to cry in front of the woman. But inside, she felt like vomiting.

“I see”, she murmured. “How long?”

“Four months.”

The first tear rolled down Tifa’s face.

Claire sighed, softening her tone: “Teef… I only came here because I care about you. I didn’t want to leave any bad blood or anything unresolved. You were important to me—”

“First, don’t ever call me that again!” Tifa interrupted, furious and agitated. “And spare me! You came to see if I still hold a grudge against you… well, know that I hate you!” She spat the words, turning away for good and walking quickly. 

“Tifa! Tifa, wait!”

Her footsteps echoed as she ignored Claire’s desperate calls, her heart broken, with anger and regret speaking louder than anything else.

∘₊✧⚡✧₊∘

Cloud raced against time through the bustling streets of the city center. His footsteps echoed on the sidewalks, only making his poor heart beat at a frantic pace, driven by an urgency that transcended the simple desire to find Aerith.

He burst into a small flower shop, the bells jingling with his hurried entry, and asked, almost out of breath, for the yellow lilies and white daisies he knew were her favorites. The flowers were carefully wrapped, their vibrant colors embraced by kraft paper, and he completed the purchase with a box of fine chocolates. Finally, he gathered everything into a bag he held firmly and crossed the sidewalk in a hurry, determined to find her. 

The messages he sent to Aerith weren’t getting through, and frustration drove him to look for her in person. First, he headed to the arts building, following the sound of laughter escaping from the rehearsal room. He opened the door without ceremony, interrupting a lively conversation between Noctis, Prompto, and Zack. The three turned, surprised, and Cloud, panting, asked:

“Have you seen Aerith?”

Noctis raised an eyebrow, while Prompto pouted, shaking his head.

“She’s probably at the HQ”, the drummer replied. “She loves rehearsing there.”

Before Cloud could thank them, Zack leaned forward with scrutinizing eyes. “Is everything okay, man?” 

Cloud nodded quickly, forcing a smile. “Yeah, I just… really need to talk to her. Thanks, guys!”

With a hurried wave, he left. Well, he could’ve thought of the HQ earlier if his social anxiety hadn’t been screaming louder, but at that moment, he needed to push it aside and do what was necessary! The need to see her, the woman he was in love with, propelled him, and so Cloud ignored the curious glances from students as he entered Seventh Heaven alone — a territory that once intimidated him.

He descended the stairs quickly, nearly tripping over his own feet. Cloud felt like a mess. He had thought and thought so many times, but only now did he forget that he hadn’t confessed his deepest feelings to Aerith. He hoped God would forgive him, because, man, he didn’t even know what he was feeling. So it was okay, right? There was always a first time for everything, and Cloud knew this was the moment to finally open up. Aerith had done it, and he needed to reciprocate before she left him for lack of courage.

Lost in all these thoughts, that’s when he heard her — the ethereal voice cutting through the air like a celestial melody.

Aerith was on the HQ stage, alone, immersed in her own world. She wore a long black skirt that hugged her curves and a faded blue cardigan that hung loosely over her shoulders, her hair tied in a loose ponytail, with a few strands escaping to frame her face. She was wearing headsets, and her eyes were closed, surrendering to a song that seemed to come from her soul.

“[…]

it feels like you, you feel it too”

The notes were deep, melancholic, and Cloud recognized it immediately — it was about him. It had to be.

“I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow

I don't know, but I’m with you right now”

Each verse carried her vulnerability, conflict, and longing, and he felt a shiver run down his skin, making him part his lips in pure ecstasy and nothing more.

“and I hope right now lasts forever”

Standing in the center of the floor, alone, he held the bouquet with both hands, feeling the lilies and daisies trembling slightly between his fingers. His blue eyes, pure and crystalline, fixed on her, filled with a glow of admiration and tenderness as he watched, mesmerized by the strength and fragility she exuded.

“or maybe something better,

wait for something better…”

When the song ended, Aerith opened her eyes and could only muster a startled expression upon seeing him. She yanked off the headsets, the abrupt movement making her hair sway, and gasped loudly, her uneven breathing hitting the microphone for a moment, sending a hiss echoing through the room.

Aerith stared at him, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

“Cloud…?”

“Aerith!”

Cloud advanced until he stood in front of the stage and extended his hand, fingers open in a silent invitation, while the bouquet was still in his other arm. Aerith hesitated, ran her tongue over her parted lips, feeling her heart visibly racing, and took his hand. Her delicate palm sliding into his.

She stepped down from the stage with a trembling step, stopping face to face with him, and the only space left between them was filled by their breaths.

Her green eyes met his, shimmering with emotion, and inevitable tears threatening to escape as she absorbed his presence. Cloud swallowed hard, feeling his throat stupidly tight, and spoke with a softness that contrasted with the intensity of his gaze:

“It was hard to find you, Aerith. It felt like you were avoiding me…” His words carried a hint of relief, and he raised the bouquet, placing it between them.

Aerith nearly crumbled at the sight of the flowers, the yellow lilies and white daisies evoking sweet memories. With a suppressed sob, she took the bouquet, hugging it against her chest, burying her face in the petals as she inhaled deeply, and a trembling smile lit up her features.

“C-Cloud…” she whispered, and her eyes lifted to meet his, filled with gratitude and something deeper.

Cloud shook his head. He wouldn’t let her speak; after all, his feelings were overflowing like a river breaking through dams, and he needed to do something about it!

“Aerith, I don’t want you to pull away because of stupid rumors. I don’t care about what they say… because I want to be with you!” He wet his lips, feeling a knot in his stomach, and took a deep breath before continuing: “Since the first day, you caught me off guard… and your smile, your voice… everything about you made me want to be different. I felt like I needed to be someone who…” His voice cracked for a moment, and he blinked, anxious. “I want to protect you and build something real with you, be the refuge you need, and maybe your inspiration too…” His words came out in a sentimental flow, his blue eyes shining with a devotion that made her tremble.

Aerith let the bouquet slip into her arms and threw herself into Cloud’s arms in a desperate embrace. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her warm body pressing against his, and she cried, burying her face in his neck, where her tears wet his exposed skin. “I’m sorry… sorry for everything”, she managed to murmur, her voice muffled, her sobs shaking her shoulders.

But she didn’t give Cloud time to comfort her and pulled back slightly, looking at him with red eyes but utterly sincere.

“I was scared, Cloud! You’re so kind, so different from anything I’ve ever known… I didn’t want them to compare you to Zack! I… I had my time with him, yes, I loved him and still care about him… he’ll always be important! But… you’re not him. And… now… I can’t stop thinking about you. Because I want to be with you, and no one else. Just you.”

Her words came out in a thread, vulnerable but laced with a resolve that made her shine, and Cloud let out the breath he didn’t even know he was holding, feeling his chest lighten as if a weight had been lifted and evaporated like mist.

He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs wiping her tears while gently brushing her flushed cheeks, and said:

“I’m in love with you, Aerith. From the moment I saw you, you’ve been circling my mind like one of those melodies you sing… Maybe I… should’ve believed in love at first sight before, because now I’m sure you’re the love I needed… and you were right in front of me this whole time.” 

All Aerith could do was cry more! The tears flowed freely, streaming down her cheeks and lingering over a radiant smile that broke through any anguish. And then she leaned in, letting her lips meet his in a kiss that exploded with depth. Cloud’s mouth responded with a hunger that had been held back for so long, his tongue sliding against hers in a slow, passionate rhythm, exploring her with a need that had been suppressed but could now be unleashed. His hands slid to her waist, pulling her against him, his fingers digging into the fabric of her cardigan as she gripped his shoulders, her nails grazing his skin through his shirt. The kiss was like a release, a dive into everything they had held back, where the warmth of their bodies mingled in an embrace that seemed to fuse them into one!

When they pulled apart, Aerith laughed against his lips. “You were holding this the whole time?” she asked, almost breathless, her eyes dancing with mischief, referring to the overwhelming kiss.

Cloud gave a smirk. “To be honest, I was holding more than that”, he teased before pulling her into another, softer kiss, their lips now brushing with tenderness. They embraced, and Aerith rose onto her tiptoes, her delicate body stretching to reach him, her hands intertwined behind his back, still holding the bouquet. Later, one hand moved to his soft blonde hair, which she had so longed to run her fingers through.

Then, in a sweet gesture, Cloud leaned in, rubbing his nose against hers in an Eskimo kiss, their gazes meeting in a moment of complicity.

Aerith turned to the flowers, holding the bouquet with reverence. “They’re beautiful… I loved them so much”, she whispered, letting the wide smile he adored light up her face.

“There’s one more thing”, Cloud stepped back to grab the bag and pull out the box of chocolates.

Aerith smiled but made a face, hesitant. “Thank you! But… I still can’t taste things properly… I caught a faint scent of the flowers, but…” she stopped, bringing her hand to her mouth, and her eyes widened. “Cloud! I kissed you while I’m not fully recovered from the flu!”

Cloud laughed, completely unconcerned. “I don’t care, Aerith! Seriously.”

“But…” She stepped closer, her fingers tracing his cheek with a tenderness that seemed to dance over his skin, her green eyes overflowing with love.

“It’s okay! My immune system’s good!” She laughed at the statement and let herself relax, her shoulders loosening.

Cloud took her small hand, holding it firmly, and took a deep breath before asking:

“Aerith… are we, like… are we going to…” He scratched his throat, already kicking himself for stuttering, and thought for a moment. “Are we… like, going to date?” The question came out hesitant, but his gaze was filled with hope. “Maybe it’s a bit soon, I know, and I’ll respect—”

“Yes!” Aerith flashed a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with tears of joy, relief, and comfort combined. “Yes… yes! Of course we will, Cloud!” She exclaimed hurriedly, throwing herself against him in a new kiss, their lips colliding with renewed passion, sealing the commitment they both longed for.

∘₊✧⚡✧₊∘

Vincent had parked the Cadillac but remained leaning against the black car’s body, the glow of his nearly finished cigarette’s ember dancing in the dim light. He took slow drags, the smoke escaping in delicate spirals from his slightly parted mouth, while his half-closed eyes gazed at the horizon.

A sharp meow broke the silence, and he turned his head, spotting Fluffy weaving between the cars, her big eyes anxiously searching for her owner. A rare smile curved Vincent’s lips, and he crouched down, extending his hand.

“Hey, little one”, his deep voice softened as the kitten purred and leapt into his lap. He lifted her carefully, his fingers stroking her soft fur, and looked around, noting Tifa’s unsettling absence. “Let’s go find your mom, huh?” He adjusted the kitten against his chest before standing, discarding the extinguished cigarette in a nearby trash can, and headed toward the courtyard.

The floor had become their place, after all, it was there they had first seen each other. They were stretched out on a checkered blanket Aerith had placed in the center of the floor, sharing a sweet moment of intimacy. The atmosphere was exclusively theirs, a refuge surrounded by memories.

Between them, the open box of chocolates spread the rich aroma of cocoa, and two glasses of iced tea, which Cloud had brought, glistened with condensation droplets. Aerith was leaning against his chest, between his legs, her back relaxed against the firmness of his muscles, and her head resting under his chin as she spoke.

“Can I say something? That song I just sang… it was about you. I already showed you a piece before, but now it's ready!” She confessed softly, her fingers tracing distracted circles on the fabric of his shirt. “I put everything I felt these past days into it.”

“I… noticed.” Cloud’s hands instinctively tightened around her waist in a protective caress. “But when it’s like that, you can tell me, okay? Your thoughts…”

She laughed and turned to hide her face in his chest. “I know! But I’d never miss the chance to write a song about you, Cloud!”

“Oh… umm… I feel very honored, then.” The statement left him flustered, and he felt his face heat up as he looked away, but his hands continued to hold her, caring for her with silent devotion.

The sweet moment was abruptly interrupted by the sharp ring of Aerith’s phone, the sound cutting through the tranquility like a signal. She frowned, grabbing the device and raising an eyebrow upon seeing Vincent’s name on the screen. The man rarely called; he was practically unreachable!

“Strange…” she murmured, hesitating before answering. “Hello?”

Vincent’s deep voice echoed from the other side: “Aerith, are you with Cloud?” The question came direct, laced with an urgency that made her frown even more.

“Yes, I am… why?” Aerith replied, confusion tinging her words. 

Vincent sighed, audible even over the line. “Pass it to him or put it on speaker. I need to talk.”

Cloud leaned in, feeling a bad premonition snaking down his spine like a cold shiver. Aerith activated the speaker and placed the phone in the middle of them.

“Go ahead, he’s listening…”

“I can’t find Tifa anywhere on campus, and she’s not answering any calls. I found Fluffy alone in the parking lot and left her with Jessie, but she hasn’t heard anything either. I think something’s wrong.”

Cloud’s body tensed, his muscles rigid as worry settled in. What?!

“I was with her a few hours ago, near the dorms. She seemed fine and didn’t mention anything about going anywhere…” Cloud said, but his voice was already faltering slightly, his mind inadvertently imagining possible scenarios for his friend’s disappearance.

Aerith bit her lip, the tension mirrored in her eyes. Cloud stood up suddenly, pulling her with him.

“Where are you, Vincent?” he asked urgent.

“I’m heading to the mansion. Let’s meet there”, he replied, and the line cut off with a dry click.

Aerith decided to send a message to Tifa, but upon opening the message app, she felt a weight in her chest seeing the unread notifications she’d ignored in the previous days, and she couldn’t help but feel bad; guilt mixing with worry. “Tifa, where are you? Please answer!!!!” she wrote, sending it repeatedly before putting the phone away. 

Cloud ran a hand through his hair, contorting his face. “Sorry for interrupting our moment…”

She shook her head, looking at him with firm, encouraging eyes. “It’s okay! Let’s help find her.” Aerith grabbed his hand, and together they ran to the main hall of the mansion.

There, they found Vincent, and instantly the tension settled heavily with the gravity of the situation.

Searching for Tifa randomly would be pointless — Vincent had already scoured the campus — and her prolonged absence fueled their dread. Cloud felt his shoulders tense, his mind racing for alternatives. Could this have something to do with Claire? But she was doing so well in her recovery, wasn’t she?! What could’ve happened to make her disappear so suddenly? Tifa wasn’t like that, except when…

Before Cloud could speculate further, his phone vibrated in his pants pocket, and he grabbed it.

It was Tifa!

He answered immediately.

“Tifa?! Where are you?”

On the other end, a drunken, slurred voice responded, in almost unintelligible words: “Spiiiiiiiikieeee… did you… sort things out with Aerith?”

She laughed in a disjointed sound, and Cloud frowned, looking at the other two and whispering: “She’s drunk.”

Aerith’s eyes widened, and she clasped her hands against her chest, feeling tense, while Vincent remained still. The only sign of tension was the way his jaw was clenched, his eyes burning with worry.

Cloud cleared his throat and tried to sound firmer: “Tifa, send me your location. Now.”

But she ignored him, continuing: “You and Aerith… are you together now? Tell me everything! I wann-aa knooow!”

“This isn’t the time for that, Tifa! Send your location!” He repeated, and by now frustration was mixing with desperation.

Aerith stepped closer and took his phone, adopting a softer, almost maternal tone: “Tifa, it’s me, Aerith. Hi, sweetie, is everything okay there?”

On the other end, Tifa let out an excited squeal, as if she were about to gossip with her friend. “Aerith! Oh, that’s great… you and Cloud… are you doing gooood? Tell me, come on!” She laughed, excited and slurring.

“Of course, I’ll tell you everything” Aerith said, trying to calm her. “But first… send us your location, please.”

There was a silence, followed by a drawn-out sigh.

“You… won’t tell Vincent, right?” Tifa asked in a hushed voice.

Aerith side eyed Vincent, who had become a statue of tension with his arms crossed, and bit her lip, knowing the promise would be broken. “Of course, don’t worry”, she lied, exchanging a quick look with him. With noticeable effort, Tifa sent the location, and Aerith kept the call active. “Tifa, stay where you are, and keep talking to me, please”, the vocalist encouraged, while sending the location to Vincent.

Tifa started mumbling nonsense, her voice wavering between laughter and sighs. “Oh, okay, I’ll tell you what I saw today that made me laugh soooo much… hihihi… I saw a doooog…” Her words came out disjointed, interrupted by giggles and long pauses, while Aerith listened with a heavy heart.

Vincent was already out of the mansion, heading to his car, followed by the couple. Aerith ran to the front seat, and Cloud settled in the back. The black Cadillac’s engine roared as Vincent accelerated, barely finishing buckling his own seatbelt. The guitarist’s eyes narrowed as he recognized the destination on the GPS — a notorious, crowded nightclub in the slums, known for attracting a shady clientele.

The city lights blurred into orange streaks through the windows, and Aerith held the phone with trembling fingers, still hearing Tifa’s drunken voice echoing in her ear. Her friend’s disjointed words drew hysterical laughs from herself, but they mingled with long, worried sighs, until a particular phrase made Aerith freeze. “There are some guys here… staring at me… I don’t know if I like this…” Tifa’s voice faltered, but before the call dropped abruptly, silence replaced the static.

Aerith tried calling back, feeling her heart pounding in her throat, but the phone only emitted a monotonous beep — battery dead. “Shit”, she cursed softly, her eyes wide with panic, her hands gripping the device until her fingers turned white.

In the back seat, Cloud was a bundle of raw nerves, his fists clenched on his thighs, the knuckles whitening as his mind spun in a whirlwind of dark possibilities. Images of Tifa alone, lost, or worse, flooded his head, and he bit his lower lip hard, to the point where the taste of blood burned on his tongue. She has to be okay… she has to be. Cloud repeated mentally, though his inner voice trembled like hell, his protective instinct roaring like a caged beast.

In the front seat, Vincent kept his eyes fixed on the road. His jaw remained tense, and his hands gripped the steering wheel with a force that made his tendons stand out. His thoughts were a barely controlled chaos — Tifa, his Tifa, lost and vulnerable. And, by God, woe to anyone who dared touch her! The man was blind with worry, speeding through red lights without hesitation, the engine’s roar echoing like thunder as he cut through traffic, and though he was driving at high speed, each second felt like an eternity.

When the Cadillac finally stopped near the nightclub, Vincent turned off the engine and turned, speaking in an authoritative voice:

“You two stay in the car. This place isn’t for you.”

“No!” Cloud didn’t even blink, opening the door with a brusque gesture. “Tifa is my best friend. I’m going, yes.” He turned to Aerith, who nodded with equal resolve.

“I’m going too!” she declared, stepping out behind him. 

“Curse!” Vincent cursed under his breath as he opened his door and followed them with heavy steps. “Stay close to me”, he ordered, his rigid body moving ahead like a protective wall.

Cloud positioned himself beside Aerith, his arm wrapping around her waist with instinctive possessiveness, his muscles taut, and his gaze scanning the surroundings like a hawk.

The nightclub swallowed them like a hungry beast as they entered, and inside, the air was stifling, saturated with sweat, smoke, and the acrid smell of illicit substances. The music pulsed directly into their chests, almost deafening, and the bright lights cast dancing shadows over a chaotic crowd. Bodies writhed,  some with noses sniffing cocaine, faces transformed into pure ecstasy, others holding bottles and sharing a hookah that clouded the space with an unpleasant smelling haze, and to make matters worse, the floor was completely sticky with spilled drinks!

Cloud felt his stomach churn just thinking that his friend had been in that environment for hours; discomfort crawling over his skin like insects, but his focus remained sharp, splitting his concern between her and Aerith’s well-being, who clung to his arm as if it were an anchor against the sea of strangers. He shoved a drunk who got too close, giving an unfriendly glare that made the man back off, while Vincent forged ahead; his imposing figure parting the crowd like a predator.

In the middle of the dance floor, Aerith stopped abruptly. “There! It’s Tifa!” she exclaimed, pointing with a trembling finger so the two men could see.

Cloud and Vincent followed her gaze, and the shock hit them like a punch.

Vincent’s eyes widened, filled with worry and fury, while Cloud slapped his forehead with his palm, letting out a “My God!” in despair.

Tifa was on top of a pool table, dancing clumsily, her body swaying dangerously due to her drunkenness. The short skirt she insisted on wearing, even in the cold, rode up perilously with each movement, revealing her toned thighs, and her hair fell in messy strands over her flushed face.

Vincent felt rage boil, clenching his fists until it hurt as he noticed the lecherous stares devouring her. Sweaty men with depraved expressions drooled like predators, their eyes fixed on her exposed curves, some even whistling, shouting obscenities that got lost in the music. In another moment, Vincent might have found her dance alluring and sensual, considering how she swayed her hips and raised her arms, revealing the soft skin of her waist, but now, the danger was evident! She was so drunk that one misstep could make her fall, and the risk of her getting hurt or taken advantage of by those scoundrels made the scene unbearable!

Cloud surged forward, unable to contain his protective instinct any longer, while Aerith ran beside him; the three of them pushing through the people. Vincent led the way, shoving bodies with a force that made others back off, and he didn’t care about his own furious, unapproachable expression — he just wanted to reach the girl.

The scene was a living nightmare — the stifling heat, the smell of alcohol and sweat, bodies rubbing together in disarray, and Tifa in the center, vulnerable as never before. Vincent reached the table first, aggressively pushing a bald man aside and raising his long arms toward her.

“TIFA!!! Come here!”

Vincent didn’t even hear the grumbles and protests directed at him; he just grabbed Tifa by the waist, firm but not forceful enough to hurt her, lifting her easily to pull her off the table with an agility that made her let out a surprised squeal.

“Tifa…?” Vincent called, setting her on the ground and holding her steady, ignoring her drunken and dizzy protests. “Tifa!”

“Tifa!!!”

“Tifa… wait!”

She kicked a pebble on the ground, the impulsive gesture reflecting the rage bubbling inside her, and pressed forward, ignoring the calls, crossing the university gate; her muffled sobs mingling with the distant sound of cars.

The pain consuming her wasn’t directed at Claire herself but at the shattered mirror of her ego, fragmented by the abrupt breakup months ago. That ending, imposed by a cold, impersonal video call, without proper closure, had left invisible scars — a rejection that cut deeper due to its lack of resolution. Now, knowing Claire was already with someone else, a woman she brought back from the exchange, ignited a burning flame of humiliation.

Tifa paused for a moment near a deserted bench, her hands trembling as she wiped her tears with the sleeves of her jacket. “Replaced… so quickly…” she murmured to herself, her voice choked.

Rationally, she knew she had moved on, and that Vincent filled her heart with a new, vibrant passion, but emotionally, the feeling of not having been “good enough” for Claire — of being discarded like a used object — gnawed at her from within.

As she crossed the main street, she glanced at the buildings around her and saw the flickering signs of a bar in the distance, still feeling the anger overflow. This inner conflict pushed her toward impulsive behavior — the need to drown the pain in something tangible.

“I need a drink”, Tifa whispered, quickening her steps as reason fought in vain against the torrent of emotions overwhelming her, leading her deeper into the night.

The hatred Tifa had verbalized against Claire wasn’t pure — it was armor, a projection to mask the vulnerability eating away at her. As she walked, with her sobs giving way to silent crying, she tried to convince herself that contempt was the right response, a barrier against the sadness threatening to swallow her!

“She doesn’t deserve my forgiveness”, she repeated mentally, with her eyes fixed on the ground, avoiding her own reflection in the dark shop windows.

But, come on, why did she want to crucify Claire? Just because she moved on first? Did that make her the evil villain in the pathetic series that was her life? It was so humiliating, so shameful, and Tifa knew it damn well!

She stopped in front of a modest bar, where the half-open doors revealed yellowish lights and muffled laughter, and took a deep breath, trying to deny the fragility she felt, but her broken heart begged for relief. Entering there was an act of surrender, the decision to drink no longer about Claire but about silencing the inner voice screaming her pain.

Tifa sat in a dark corner, ordering a double whiskey with trembling hands, and the amber liquid shook in the glass as she brought it to her lips. The alcohol burned her throat, a welcome sensation that numbed the emotional turmoil, but it was nothing more than an escape valve for the vulnerability she didn’t want to face.

“Another”, Tifa murmured to the bartender, her red eyes fixed on the empty glass, feeling her body start to relax under the drink’s effect.

But the pain didn’t go away — it only became more diffuse, and she knew she needed more. So, Tifa stood with an entire bottle of whiskey. Though her balance was shaky, she stumbled out, ignoring some flirts. Her search for another place led her to a busier street, where the neon lights of the nightclub flickered like a promise of oblivion. 

The narrow streets of the slums swallowed her, the sounds of laughter and engines mixing with her occasional sobs. When she spotted the building — a den of pulsing lights and deafening music — Tifa’s heart raced, and not from fear or caution, but from a desperate desire to lose herself.

She entered, stumbling with each swig from the bottle’s mouth, and the stifling heat and smell of sweat and alcohol enveloped her like a suffocating cloak. The crowd swallowed her, and it didn’t take long for her to lose her senses. After calling Cloud — which seemed to be the only rational thing she thought to do that night! — and after that jumbled conversation with Aerith, her dead phone was forgotten in her jacket pocket.

Soon, Tifa let herself go and started dancing. Her memory was already fragmenting when she climbed onto the pool table, where her short skirt began to ride up dangerously as she danced, her clumsy movements reflecting the drunkenness consuming her.

The lecherous stares of the men around her surrounded her, but by then she barely noticed, lost in a state of self-imposed anesthesia; the narcissistic pain, the unresolved grief, the projected anger, and the compulsion merging into a silent scream that the nightclub offered, as dried tears marked her face under the strobe lights.

“Tifa!”

She knew that voice.

Lost in the alcoholic haze, she followed the voice with bleary eyes, fixing on the man without immediate recognition. Her flushed, sweaty face showed a childlike confusion, her head tilted as if trying to decipher who he was.

Suddenly, a high-pitched squeal escaped her lips, the drunkenness turning the scene into a happy delirium, and she looked from one to another. “Vincent! Cloud! Aerith! You came to party with me!” Tifa exclaimed, laughing loudly, raising her arms as if inviting everyone to dance.

Vincent frowned and shook his head, holding her more firmly. “No, Tifa. We came to get you out of here”, he said sternly, positioning her in front of him and starting to guide her toward the exit, his hands supporting her as she stumbled.

Before they could take another step, a coarse voice interrupted. A burly man with scars on his face and foul breath approached, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Tifa.

“Hey, let the girl dance, man! She’s hot like that, let her have fun!” His tone was provocative, a crooked smile revealing yellowed teeth, and he reached out as if to grab her.

Vincent turned slowly, his gaze sharp as a blade. “She’s going home”, he growled, his voice low and menacing, ignoring the man as he tried to guide Tifa through the crowd.

But the guy didn’t back down, laughing with a group of cronies approaching, their voices rising in a chorus of taunts.

“What a bossy tough guy! Leave her there, come on!” The damn bald man shouted, while he tried to grab Tifa’s arm, and those filthy fingers grazed her skin!

That’s when Vincent’s patience completely ran out.

With a swift, precise movement, the guitarist spun and landed a punch straight to the face of the man who touched her, the impact echoing with a dry sound of bone against bone. The guy fell like a rock, his nose gushing blood, and a muffled groan escaped him before he collapsed onto the dirty floor.

“I said she’s going home!” Vincent roared, his voice reverberating through the nightclub and drawing more attention. He clenched his fists, not even feeling the pain in his bruised tendons, and prepared to throw another punch at anyone who dared come closer to continue the confrontation.

“Vincent, no!” Aerith screamed, panic evident in her voice as she rushed forward, digging her hands into her friend’s arm and pulling him back. “Calm down! Don’t do this!”

Cloud grabbed Tifa before she could collapse unbalanced onto the floor, her drunken body nearly slipping, and his arms wrapped around her tightly. He held her firmly, his face contorted with worry, but before the fight could escalate, he noticed the man on the ground wouldn’t be getting up anytime soon, seeing the blood forming a small dark pool around him.

“Let’s get out of here! Now!” Cloud shouted, tense as hell, pulling the group back with his free hand while Vincent finally stepped away and lifted Tifa into his arms, ignoring the protests of the others. The guitarist carried her carefully, feeling his tense muscles flexing under his leather jacket, and forged a path out, ignoring the hostile stares following them like poisoned arrows. The crowd slowly dispersed, but the incident left a trail of tension in the air.

Outside the nightclub, the cold air hit their faces, immediately bringing relief after the stifling heat. Vincent stopped beside the Cadillac, tossing the keys to Aerith with a quick motion.

“You drive, but be careful with my car!” He ordered, his voice still laced with adrenaline, as his eyes locked onto the vocalist for a moment before turning back to Tifa.

Aerith gave a nervous laugh, catching the keys with trembling hands, and got in, waiting for the others to do the same. As soon as she turned the key, the car roared elegantly. But when she shifted into first gear, it lurched so abruptly that Cloud’s face slammed into the dashboard.

“I TOLD YOU TO BE CAREFUL!” Vincent bellowed, gripping the front seat with wide eyes.

“I’M BEING CAREFUL!” Aerith shot back, panicked, turning the wheel the wrong way.

The Cadillac swerved, making Tifa roll from side to side in the back seat, laughing loudly.

“WOOOOOOOH!”

“Damn it!” Cloud heard Aerith mutter beside him, and he had to hold onto the seat tightly because he hadn’t even managed to buckle his seatbelt.

One final jolt made the Cadillac finally pull out of the nightclub’s narrow street, tires screeching, and Vincent ran a hand over his face, muttering:

“Never again. Never again in my life.”

After Aerith managed to control the car, the tension hung so heavily on her shoulders that she felt dizzy, on the verge of crying from the pressure, if not for the hand Cloud cautiously placed on her thigh, calming her. She gave a smile and signaled, pulling out of the alley and onto the main road.

In the back seat, Vincent settled Tifa with a gentleness that contradicted the fury from minutes before, sitting beside her and pulling her to rest in his lap. She was pale as a ghost, her skin cold and clammy with sweat, her lips trembling as she mumbled incoherencies that he ignored — his entire focus on keeping her safe. He held her firmly, one hand supporting her neck, and the other resting on her hip, feeling the dehydration in every shallow breath.

Suddenly, Tifa squirmed, letting out a displeased groan. “I wanna throw up…” she warned, her eyes half-closed.

Vincent cursed under his breath, tilting her toward the window, but Aerith, alert through the rearview mirror, spotted a gas station ahead. With a quick motion, she parked the car by the curb and turned. “Here!”

Vincent helped Tifa out, supporting her by the shoulders to steady her weak, trembling steps. He guided her to some nearby bushes, where she doubled over, and he stayed by her side, one hand firm on her back, the other holding her hair, keeping his eyes fixed on the horizon as her stomach emptied.

Inside the car, Cloud drummed his fingers on his knee, as his mind revisited the image of Tifa in the nightclub. He couldn’t help feeling his heart tighten and a bit of helplessness for not having done anything to prevent this.

“She’ll be okay!” Aerith said, but she herself was tense and worried. “Don’t worry!” He nodded, frustrated, trying to relax against the seat.

The unexpected privacy, with Vincent busy caring for Tifa, opened a window for a more intimate connection. Aerith turned in the driver’s seat, her body leaning slightly to the side, her elbow resting on the backrest as her green eyes met his with curious gentleness. She reached out, her delicate fingers sliding over his hand, which rested tensely on his knee, and began tracing slow circles with her fingertips in a comforting gesture to calm him.

“Let’s distract ourselves… tell me more about you, Cloud!” She asked in a soft, welcoming voice, tilting her head to watch him closely. “And about Tifa too… I want to understand you both.” Her fingers continued the motion, gently squeezing his hand, encouraging him to open up.

Cloud relaxed his shoulders, exhaling slowly, and turned his palm to intertwine his fingers with hers, the warmth of her skin blending with the coldness of his.

“Well… my teenage years were kind of a mess”, he began awkwardly, but soon took on a nostalgic tone. “I grew up in a small village, always pretty reclusive and… never had many friends. Tifa at most, because she was my neighbor. Then there was that camp where I met Zack… and he was, like, the natural leader, always dragging me into trouble.” A shy smile curved his lips as he recalled, his blue eyes lost in the memory for a moment. “It was one of the best times. I was included in a lot of things, despite my shyness…”

Aerith smiled, her face lighting up as she listened, and her fingers squeezing his affectionately. She leaned closer and asked softly: “And your mom?” Her thumbs brushed the rough skin of his hand, continuing the comforting gesture.

“She lives in another city. And I’ll probably see her at Christmas. She’s a really strong woman, but kinda worried about me.” He paused, hesitating, before continuing. “Would you… like to meet her?” The question slipped out almost involuntarily, but he quickly looked away at the dashboard, the embarrassment evident in the blush creeping up his cheeks.

Aerith laughed softly, a light sound that warmed the atmosphere, and squeezed his hand tighter, leaning in until their knees almost touched because at some point she had pulled her legs onto the seat.

“I’d love to, Cloud! It’d be soooo special!” Then, she adjusted herself in the seat, her shoulders relaxing as she shared: “My mom’s quite different… she’s strict, you know? She’d probably keep an eye on you, since you’re a new guy she doesn’t know. But… she’s already heard about you.” Her eyes sparkled with a bit of shyness and pride.

Cloud turned abruptly. “What?! You already talked about me to your mom?” The surprise made him sit up straighter, but he kept his hand in contact with hers.

Aerith nodded, laughing and covering her face with her other hand for a moment before looking at him. “Of course! I told her you’ve been a great friend, always looking out for me… and she got curious!” 

Cloud smiled and leaned closer, now relaxing his shoulders. “I’ve talked about you to my mom too. I said you’re… special.” The words came out hesitantly, and he lowered his gaze, knowing damn well the blush on his face was only intensifying.

Aerith blushed too, and for a moment, their mutual embarrassment hung between them. But determined to resolve it, she leaned in, letting her lips meet his in a gentle kiss. Their bodies tilted toward each other in the confined space, where Cloud cradled her face in his palm, deepening the kiss but not intensifying it too much. It was a calm act, a relief in contrast to the somewhat chaotic night, and when they pulled apart, their breaths mingled amid shy smiles.

“Cloud… sorry for asking…” Aerith adjusted herself in the seat, still holding his hand, and adopted a more serious tone. “But Tifa… does she have a problem with alcohol?” She asked, her eyes searching his with genuine concern, and her fingers paused for a moment before resuming the caress.

Cloud tensed for the thousandth time that night, feeling his shoulders stiffen, and instinctively squeezed her fingers. He took a deep breath, looking away at the windshield.

“When she ended her relationship… she did get, yeah, kinda dependent. She used to stay at my home drinking alone because I was never really into that. I had to take care of her several times… she’d cry, have breakdowns… But over time, she got better. Started therapy, and spent a lot of time trying to find herself again…”

Aerith could sense the frustration in his tone. It was easy for her to read someone just by their voice, after all, she was a master at expressing feelings in her own, so she could feel the protectiveness and care in those words.

She leaned in, her fingers moving to touch his arm in a comforting gesture. “You two have an amazing friendship, Cloud. You’re a huge support for her! And, um… if I may say, Vincent… was sooooo quiet and on his own before! I think Tifa’s opening his heart. They can be good for each other!” Her fingers slid back to his hand, squeezing it affectionately. 

Cloud got lost for a moment as his eyes traced her face — the soft curve of her cheeks, the long lashes framing her green eyes, and her full lips still moist from the previous kiss. He leaned closer, deliberately letting their shoulders brush.

Aerith noticed his gaze and smiled, tilting her head. “Just like us, right?” Her voice came out as a whisper, and she intertwined her fingers with his more firmly, sealing the connection that was blooming.

Cloud nodded, ignoring the pounding in his chest and leaning in to seal his lips with his beloved’s once more.

“Yes. Just like us.”

∘₊✧⚡✧₊∘

The icy air sent shivers across Tifa’s exposed skin as she slumped against the cold concrete curb a few meters from the Cadillac, her legs folded, arms wrapped around her knees, and shoulders shaking with low whimpers that escaped amid muffled sobs. Her hair fell in disheveled strands over her pale face, her red, swollen eyes fixed on the ground, as if the weight of her own actions had crushed her, and indeed, that was exactly the case.

Vincent knelt beside her for a moment, his eyes scanning her with deep concern, but with a tenderness that spoke louder than anything else.

“Stay here, my love”, he asked. His voice, which minutes ago had been hoarse and deep, now softened as he called her that, and Vincent lightly brushed his fingers over her shoulder before standing. “I’m going to get you some water, okay?”

He went to the small convenience store attached to the gas station a few meters away, walking with firm steps and keeping her in the corner of his eye through the glass window, and in less than two minutes, he returned with a water bottle in hand. The plastic crinkled as he opened it, and he knelt beside her again, leaning down to meet her eyes.

“Tifa, my love, look at me”, Vincent called softly, holding out the bottle with one hand while the other rested on her arm, his fingers gently squeezing to offer support.

She slowly raised her face, and her bleary eyes met his as if seeing him for the first time that night. Then, a flicker of confusion gave way to a renewed crying. Tears fell faster, and she hid her face in her hands, murmuring between sobs:

“A-Aerith lied to m-me…” Her voice came out weak, almost inaudible, filled with betrayal and helplessness.

Vincent let out a short, hoarse laugh. A sound that carried more relief than amusement, and he nodded, allowing his lips to curve into a crooked smile.

“That’s more or less what happened, yeah” he admitted, and moved his hand to stroke the top of her head, sliding his fingers through her messy strands. “But calm down, my love. I’m not judging you, I’m just worried.” Vincent tried to sound as comforting as possible and leaned closer, hoping the warmth of his body would gradually warm her.

Carefully, he guided the bottle to her lips, supporting it with one hand while the other held her chin, gently tilting it to help her drink. Some water dribbled down the corner of her mouth, and he used his thumb to wipe it, the gesture tender as he tucked away some strands of hair clinging to her sweaty skin.

“Feeling better? Still need to throw up more?” Vincent asked, his eyes fixed on her, concern evident in the furrow of his brow.

Tifa shook her head in denial, the movement slow and uncoordinated, and raised her wet eyes to him.

“Ready to go home?”

She shook her head again, and her lips trembled as she said: “No… I don’t w-want to go.” Her tone was somewhat childish, almost pleading, and she hunched her shoulders even more.

Vincent frowned, his eyes narrowing with confusion and alarm. “Then what do you want, Tifa?” He leaned forward, close enough for their knees to brush.

Tifa raised her face, her expression transformed into a mask of drama, anguish, and despair. She managed to widen her already red, tear-filled eyes even further and whispered brokenly:

“I wanna die!” she raised her hands, gesturing anxiously in the air, her fingers trembling as she shook. “It’d be better that way… no one would miss me.” 

The words came out in a jumbled rush as she leaned her body forward, still resting her elbows on her knees, her head drooping as if the weight of her soul pulled her down.

Vincent was momentarily taken aback. He wasn’t expecting that, so his eyes widened for a moment before softening again, and the understanding replaced confusion. He knew she was drunk, vulnerable, and that those words didn’t reflect a real intention but rather a cry of pain and a plea for help. He didn’t get angry, much less seem upset; instead, he took a deep breath, adjusting his posture to get closer, their knees now fully touching as he placed a hand on her shoulder, his fingers squeezing with comforting firmness.

“Tifa, look at me”, he asked, trying to make his voice even gentler, almost adapting to her childish state. “If you were gone, how would Cloud be without you?” 

Tifa slowly turned her face, her red eyes meeting his, and Vincent pressed his lips together at the sight of the tears streaming endlessly down her face, unable to bear seeing her like this. So, he moved his hand to her cheek and wiped the heavy tears with his thumb.

“He has Aerith…” she murmured weakly.

“Hmm… and what abou Fluffy? Who would take care of her?” Vincent asked, as a faint smile curved his lips.

Tifa sniffled, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. “She’d stay with Cloud… or Jessie.”

Her shoulders rose and fell sloppily, and Vincent slid his hand to stroke them before laughing softly, shaking his head, making his black hair dance over his forehead. “And me, Tifa? How would I be without you?” This time, he moved until their faces were almost touching. 

Tifa looked, and though the movement was slow and unsteady due to her drunkenness, she squinted, seeming to evaluate him. “You’d be fine… you have the band, the guitar you love, your weird fans… I’m… just some random girl who just started college… and easily r-replaceable.” She said it in a defeated tone, her small hands falling limply onto her knees, but she began to press her nails tightly into her palms.

Vincent furrowed his brow and narrowed his eyes as he processed her words. “What makes you think that?” he asked, bringing his hand to hold her chin, gently lifting it to force her to look at him.

Tifa shrugged. “It’s true… if Claire did it, anyone could.”

“This was about her?”

A sob escaped, and she nodded. “We fought today…”

Vincent grew thoughtful, his fingers still holding her chin, and he needed a few seconds to ponder as he tried to grasp the weight of that revelation. He hadn’t considered that a fight with her ex could have led to a silent escape and a disappearance that nearly gave him a heart attack. After all, like Cloud, he thought Tifa was past that phase. And though he understood the feeling and behavior, and even knowing the moment wasn’t ideal for a deep conversation, her vulnerability compelled him to act.

“Tifa, I’m not Claire”, Vincent locked his eyes on hers and took her trembling hands, making it impossible for her to continue digging her nails into her palms like that. “And you’re not replaceable. You’re an incredible, strong, brave, unique person… and I may not know exactly everything that happened back then, but I know I would never do that to you.”

His words carried a conviction meant to lift her spirits, even without knowing half the story of her last relationship; all the guitarist could think about was making her understand, somehow, that he was different!

“And… you could’ve called me before running off like that.”

“But… you were busy… I didn’t want—”

“But I would’ve come to you, Tifa.”

With a slow movement, Vincent leaned in before she could continue babbling, tilting forward to kiss her forehead, feeling the warm, sweaty skin under his lips. Then, he wrapped her in an embrace, his strong arms encircling her shoulders, pulling her against his chest as his fingers stroked her back in comforting circles.

“Let’s go back to the car, my love”, he asked softly. “It’s too cold for you out here.”

Carefully, Vincent helped her stand, supporting her by the waist as she clung to him. Tifa’s arms wrapped around his neck with clumsy strength, her body trembling against his as they walked back to the Cadillac.

Aerith jumped at the sound of the door opening and pulled away from Cloud’s shoulder, who also turned his head to check on his friend’s condition. Vincent entered with Tifa clinging to him like a baby koala and sighed, nodding to answer the silent questions from both about whether she was okay. Cloud gave one more glance at the huddled figure before turning forward and buckling his seatbelt, while Aerith started the car again, this time calmer as she drove.

∘₊✧⚡✧₊∘

Tifa fought against the weight of drunkenness pulling her into a restless sleep, her head drooping against Vincent’s shoulder, eyes half-closed and body limp. When they arrived, he helped her out, supporting her by the waist as they entered the fraternity house and climbed the stairs to his room.

Aerith and Cloud followed behind, holding hands. Upon entering Vincent’s room, he left them there for a moment, saying he was going to get some medicine from the kitchen, but Aerith knew very well the guitarist would also take a moment to smoke his good old cigarette, as the anxiety was visible in every muscle of his body.

Aerith took the initiative, guiding Tifa to the bathroom with her gentle hands, helping her remove the dirty, sweat and vomit soaked clothes. The hot water from the shower cascaded over Tifa, cleansing her pale skin, and Aerith kept a firm hand on her shoulder, preventing the younger girl from slipping.

“It’s okay, Tifa, I’m here”, she whispered calmly as she washed Tifa’s hair with a mild-scented shampoo she found there, her fingers carefully massaging her scalp.

After the shower, Tifa put on an oversized T-shirt and sweatpants that Vincent had left on the bed; the clothes were extremely loose but comfortable and warm enough to embrace her trembling body. She curled up on his bed, her body coiled into a ball, knees against her chest, and arms wrapped around herself as Aerith and Cloud sat beside her, making the mattress sink under their weight.

“How are you, Tifa?” Cloud asked, reaching out to nudge his friend. His expression was now much more relaxed, but words weren’t needed to convey how worried the blond was to see his best friend in that state.

Tifa slowly raised her face, her eyes still blurry. Sobriety was starting to creep back, though nausea and exhaustion kept her weak.

“Bad…” she managed to murmur. “Sorry…” she added, clutching the fabric of the T-shirt.

Cloud sighed, running a hand through his blond hair, the gesture revealing his tension. “I was worried, Tifa. You shouldn’t have gone out like that alone!” His words carried a gentle tone of reproach, but his eyes shone with relief.

Aerith reached out, her fingers sliding through Tifa’s damp hair, brushing the strands away from her face with maternal care.

“It’s okay now, Tifa”, her melodious voice trying to bring comfort. To cheer her up, Aerith smiled and added: “By the way… you were curious, right? Well… Cloud and I are kind of dating!” The words came out sincerely, and both Tifa and Cloud widened their eyes, surprised, but unlike him, she started to cry!

Tifa’s sobs came out muffled, but there was genuine emotion there, her shoulders trembling as she was moved by her friends’ happiness.

“I’m… so happy!” Which was a bit funny, but they believed her!

But Tifa remained curled up, and the two exchanged a look, knowing her fragility still dominated her, but they didn’t blame her and never would.

“Rest now, Tifa.” Cloud urged, standing to grab the water bottle from the bedside table, handing it to her with a careful gesture.

Aerith continued stroking her hair, her fingers sliding to the nape of her neck, smoothing the skin gently. “These things happen. No one’s going to judge you, okay? Just rest now.”

Tifa lowered her eyes, feeling her face burn with shame at the thought of the next day, as the fragmented memories of the nightclub already haunted her. Before they could move away, though, she raised her trembling arms. “A hug… p-please?”

Cloud chuckled softly, feeling the tension dissipate, and Aerith smiled, leaning in to embrace her. The three hugged, their bodies enveloping hers in a collective warmth, Cloud’s hands supporting Tifa’s shoulders, and Aerith’s wrapping around her head.

The moment was brief but comforting, until they pulled away when Vincent returned, the medicine clinking in his hand as he placed it on the desk.

“Thanks for the help”, he said, glancing at Aerith and Cloud. “I’ll take care of her now. Good night.”

“Rest too, Vincent!” Aerith stepped closer to hug her friend, and he returned it with a pat on the shorter girl’s back, bending to place a gentle kiss on the top of her head. “Good night.”

“Thanks, man!” Cloud waved, exchanging a mutually grateful look with the guitarist before leaving through the door with Aerith.

Tifa barely raised her gaze, curling up under the blankets, her small body under the weight of the fluffy fabric, her face hidden as if she wanted to disappear. Which was exactly what she wanted! Vincent gave a faint laugh and ran a hand through his black hair.

“I’m going to take a shower, but I’ll be right back”, he announced as he headed to the bathroom.

When he returned, he turned off the lights, leaving only the lamp casting a warm, yellowish glow over the room. He knew she wasn’t asleep, because the soft sniffles betrayed her suppressed tears. He simply lay beside her and turned his face to her, finally relaxing his shoulders against the pillow.

“Tifa”, Vincent called, reaching out to touch the blanket over her shoulder. “It’s cold in here, did you know? Come here.” He left the suggestion in the air, calm, lightly tapping his fingers on the fabric, waiting for her to react.

After a moment, Tifa peeked through the gap she opened in the blanket, her red eyes glinting in the dim light, and the corner of Vincent’s mouth lifted in a smile. Carefully, he reached out, pulling the blanket to widen the gap, but she shrank back like a frightened kitten, hiding again. Vincent found it adorable, letting a silent laugh escape, having never seen her so vulnerable before. He reached out, poking her cheek through the fabric, and she swatted his hands away with a quick motion, her eyes finally meeting his.

Tifa sat up suddenly, in a very clumsy movement, and took his hand, her trembling fingers brushing the bruised knuckles, marked with purple and scratches from the punch at the nightclub. A flash of memory hit her, fragments of the chaos returning, and she sniffled, feeling her eyes well up for the thousandth time that night.

“Sorry… for this”, her thumbs traced the marks carefully.

Vincent shook his head, his lips curving into a calm smile. “It doesn’t even hurt. Probably hurt that jerk more”, he said, half-neutral, half-humored, trying to lighten the mood for her.

Still, Tifa insisted, her eyes fixed on his hands. “We should put some ointment on it”, she suggested, and he nodded, standing to grab a tube from the bedside table.

“Go ahead” he conceded, sitting back down and offering his hand.

Tifa took the ointment with slow movements, the tube trembling between her fingers as she opened the cap, and carefully, she applied the cream to his knuckles, her touches cautious and extremely gentle, spreading the ointment over the bruised skin. The focus helped ground her, though she was still quite confused, and Vincent watched her calmly, his eyes never leaving her pretty face.

“Thanks”, he murmured and returned the ointment to the table, but when he came back, he opened his arms in an inviting gesture. “Enough hiding, my love.”

She hesitated, involuntarily pouting her lips, but finally gave in and lay against his chest, her body curled up against his warmth. She hugged him tightly, her arms wrapping around his waist, and her face buried in his shirt as she sniffled softly, inhaling his comforting scent despite her stuffy nose. “Thank you…”

Vincent began to stroke her, his hand sliding through her damp hair, his fingers combing the strands gently, his other arm wrapping around her shoulders. The steady rhythm calmed her, and he felt immensely grateful and proud as her sobs gradually subsided until Tifa fell asleep.

He stayed awake for a few more minutes, his mind swirling with frantic thoughts. The night had confronted him with his own emotions — the fear, the anger, and the deep, unexpected love that was growing. With a sigh, Vincent closed his eyes, his arm still wrapped around Tifa, and only after much thought did he let himself drift into sleep, peace finally settling in.

In the hallway, Aerith and Cloud walked in silence to her door, and she turned to him with a shy smile, her fingers playing with the hem of her shirt.

“Come to my room? I don’t want to sleep alone… and tomorrow we can check on Tifa. It’d be more practical, right?!”

Cloud found the invitation unexpected, and his face burned as if he’d just eaten a chili pepper. Sleep with Aerith? He had never entered another girl’s room besides Tifa’s — and, well, those times were to take care of her, wipe her tears, and hold her hair during tough nights. Not to mention that every time he’d been to Aerith’s room was for almost the same reason — that time he took care of her… and that other time he also took care of her!

But sleep? That was new, and the thought made his stomach flip. Still, he recognized the mischievous glint in her eyes — he got her little game!

“Okay” Cloud nodded, a shy smile curving his lips as he followed her inside.

Aerith smiled radiantly, pulling him by the hand with an enthusiasm that made him chuckle softly. She disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Cloud alone for a moment. He settled into the huge pink beanbag in the center of the room, his hands resting on his knees, and his eyes wandering to the ceiling as he tried to ease the ache in his shoulders from all the earlier tension.

Within a few minutes, he found himself thinking about how everything had changed so quickly and how some things continued to surprise him, even if those things were about himself!

When Aerith returned, she was wearing soft, pink, long-sleeved pajamas with a delicate floral pattern. Before Cloud could stand, she sat on his lap, curling her body against his chest, and her legs crossed over his thighs. Her warmth enveloped him, and Cloud tensed for a moment, his muscles stiffening under his shirt, but he soon relaxed, moving his arms to hold her firmly and affectionately.

The silence was calm, filled only by the sound of their breaths mingling, where the floral scent of her shampoo invaded his senses. Cloud opened his mouth to say something but stopped when he realized she wasn’t responding. Looking down, he saw that Aerith was asleep, with her head adorably resting on his shoulder, her lips slightly parted, and her breathing soft. A relieved smile curved his lips, softening the lines of tension on his face, and carefully, he stood, holding her in his arms, and carried her to the bed.

Cloud laid her down gently, settling her body on the mattress, and pulled the soft comforter, a blue fabric with embroidered stars, over her like an embrace. He took off his shoes, left his phone and dorm key on the dresser, and finally lay beside her, turning onto his side with his arm under his head, watching Aerith sleep. Her brown hair spread across the pillow, some strands falling over her face, and he resisted the urge to brush them away, afraid of waking her.

His thoughts wandered until Cloud thought of Tifa’s safety, now under Vincent’s care, and again of Aerith, and the peace they were finally finding together. The insecurities that haunted him — the fear of not being enough, of not fitting into her vibrant world — seemed to have been carried away by the cold late autumn breeze. He closed his eyes, sleep arriving as a long desired relief, and let himself drift, his heart lighter than it had ever been. 

Chapter Text

recommendation song for chapter:

walking on air - pg roxette

Aerith’s eyes opened with a sleepy softness as she turned in bed. Beside her, Cloud slept peacefully, his face relaxed against the pillow, his blond hair slightly stuck to his forehead, and his lips parted, letting out light breaths. She lingered for a moment, propped up on one elbow, letting her gaze trace the soft lines of his face. A delicate smile curved her lips, and she reached out, her fingers brushing his cheek in a caress before carefully getting up and slipping on her pink slippers.

The idea of preparing breakfast for Cloud and Tifa spurred her to leave the room, her heart light with the happiness that the night, despite its chaos, had brought.

In the hallway, she found Luna and Noctis talking near the stairs, and they turned at the sound of her footsteps. Aerith ran to hug them, her arms wrapping tightly around Luna before pulling Noctis in too, letting out a silly laugh as she squeezed them.

“Good mooooorning!” her face was radiant, her eyes shining.

“Good morning, Aeris!” Noctis let out a chuckle.

“Good morning!” Luna raised an eyebrow, exchanging a knowing glance with her boyfriend, who smirked, both seeming to catch the reason for her joy.

“I’m so happy… and inspired!” Aerith continued, letting them go and fixing her hair. “Later, I’m calling a meeting to plan the rehearsals for the end of year parties, okay?! Keep an eye ouuuuut!”

“You’re the boss”, Noctis nodded, and Luna ruffled Aerith’s hair before letting her go on her way.

In the kitchen, the aroma of fresh coffee began to spread as she turned on the machine. The day awakened the fraternity, with resident boys making noise by the pool area, their voices mixing with the sound of splashes in the heated water. They waved from afar, some with towels over their shoulders, others holding morning drinks, and Aerith responded with waves and polite smiles, focused on her task.

She was stirring sugar into the coffee when a familiar presence made her turn. Zack was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, his characteristic smile lighting up his face.

“Good morning, Aerith.”

“Oh, Zack! Good morning. How are you?”

“Good. And you?” His voice was warm, his blue eyes scanning her with curiosity. “Cloud was looking for you yesterday… everything okay?”

Aerith nodded, grabbing a piece of toast. “Yeah… we managed to talk. Everything’s fine now!” She answered cautiously, but her green eyes sparkled with an intensity that wasn’t imperceptible, so Zack tilted his head, noticing the change, and took a step forward, adopting a playful tone as he spoke:

“You’re happier than usual… wanna tell me something?” the drummer teased, his wide grin only growing.

Aerith blushed and pressed her lips into a straight line, blinking a few times with the toast still raised in her hand. She cleared her throat and put the bread in the toaster before wiping her hands on a cloth and turning to him again.

“Zack…” her smile faded slightly as she looked at him seriously, leaning her hands on the counter, quite restless. “Is it okay with you… me and Cloud being together?” Her fingers tapped nervously on the granite.

Zack relaxed his shoulders and softened his smile as he approached. “It’s fine, yeah. Cloud and I already talked too”, he answered honestly. “If you’re happy, that’s enough for me!” He paused before the meticulous smile returned even wider. “Sooo… you guys are really together?”

She blushed, laughing softly, and covered her face for a moment before looking at him. “Yeah… kind of.”

Zack chuckled and gave her a light pat on the shoulder. “I’m happy for you, Aerith, really.”

Aerith felt her eyes well up and took a step forward, hugging him. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and in response, his arms gently encircled her waist.

“I hope you don’t hold any grudges from the past.”

Zack shook his head. “No regrets. I learned a lot from us… and now I just want peace.” His voice sounded full of sincerity between them, and Aerith pulled back, patting the sides of his arms.

“You’ll find your path, Zack!”

He laughed, half-relaxed but also a bit embarrassed, and looked away at the counter. “Right now, I’m gonna steal this toast”, he grabbed it from the tray with a quick movement, and Aerith protested, lightly swatting his hand.

“Hey! That was for Tifa!” Zack raised his eyebrows, curious.

“Tifa’s here? With Vincent?” He took on a mischievous tone.

Aerith rolled her eyes, grabbing the tray. “Yeah… she slept here.”

“Hm, I’ll make sure to bug him about it later then!” Zack joked.

“You definitely will, Zack!” She laughed, turning to head up the stairs. “See you later!” Aerith said, disappearing down the hallway.

At Vincent’s door, Aerith knocked softly with one hand while balancing the tray with the other. A few minutes passed before the door opened, revealing Vincent with disheveled hair, sleepy half-closed eyes, and a wrinkled T-shirt hanging off his shoulder.

“Aerith… how do you manage to wake up so early?” the guitarist grumbled, rubbing his eye with his fist.

Aerith arched her eyebrows and tilted her head. “Vincent, it’s almost noon!” she pointed out, handing him the tray with coffee, toast, and other tasty little things. “This is for you to make Tifa eat. Take care of her, okay?”

He huffed, taking the tray with one hand while the other gestured. “Alright, alright… get outta here”, he shooed her with a friendly gesture, ignoring her giggling antics.

Aerith knew full well he’d go back to sleep! She peeked at Tifa still curled up in bed before Vincent could close the door, then headed back downstairs to prepare a tray for herself and Cloud.

Back in the room, she found her almost-boyfriend sitting on the bed in an adorably cute position. Cloud was cross-legged, his shoulders hunched like a lost puppy, his eyes fixed on the floor. Aerith’s first reaction was to laugh adorably.

“Good morning, Cloud! Why didn’t you come downstairs?” She walked to the front of the dresser and set the tray down, then approached until she was standing in front of him.

Cloud fidgeted with his fingers and spoke in a soft voice: “I was embarrassed…”

Aerith’s knees brushed against his as she moved closer and wrapped him in a warm hug, her arms encircling his broad shoulders, her fingers automatically moving as they traced imaginary lines over his shirt.

Cloud nestled his face in her neck and breathed her in deeply.

“It’s okay! We’ll eat here then! But tell me, did you sleep well? Oh… wanna spend the day here? I know my room seems boring to you, but I have some games, I have books… we can watch a movie, and later we can eat something! Do you like pie?” She rattled off.

Cloud rested his hands on her waist and pulled her back just enough to look into her eyes. “Aerith…” the call came with a muffled chuckle. “I… we can do all that! I’ll stay here, yeah.”

She grinned widely and gave a little hop before practically throwing herself into his arms, hugging him but knocking him back onto the bed at the same time. “Yayyyyy!”

Aerith kissed Cloud’s pale cheeks, making him laugh so much they turned rosy. As red as the streaks in her hair; something she found adorable.

“Aaaah, you’re so cute!”

“I’m not…” He closed his eyes and puckered his lips, which she promptly kissed with the utmost affection and attachment.

“You are…” She gave another kiss. “But so, do you like pie?! What flavor? My favorite is red berry. But I also like blueberry with lemon, and apple too! My mom makes a blackberry one that’s so delicious, you have to try—”

Cloud couldn’t stop laughing.

“What’s wrong?” Aerith pouted.

“You… you talk too much.” He took a deep breath, feeling his cheeks warm.

“Oh… you… is that bad? I can stop…” She was already propping herself up on her elbows to pull away when Cloud pulled her harder and hugged her.

“No. I don’t want you to stop, I want to hear it. It’s nice.”

“Oh…” suddenly Aerith went quiet, and he knew she’d gotten embarrassed.

“What? Not gonna keep talking about your mom’s pie? I want to hear!”

“U-uh… okay… but give me a moment.” He chuckled softly, making her laugh along as she felt his chest rise and fall beneath her. And when she grumbled, the only thing Cloud thought to do was pull her into a long, love-filled kiss.

∘₊✧💫✧₊∘

Tifa woke slowly. Her body felt relatively heavy under the blankets, and she felt a throbbing pain pulsing at her temples. Her eyes opened with difficulty, blinking against the faint light of the still-lit lamp, and she let out a low groan, feeling her mouth dry and her stomach churning. The room was silent, except for Vincent’s rhythmic breathing beside her, lying on his back, sleeping with both arms crossed over his chest.

She turned her head slowly, though her neck muscles protested, and watched him. He slept in a weird way, she thought, and the thought almost made her laugh. His hair was splayed out, his face serene, and his wrinkled shirt riding up to reveal the pale skin of his abdomen.

Inadvertently, memories of the previous night began to fragment in her mind, and a flush of embarrassment rose to her cheeks. She pulled the blanket over her face, curling up again.

The mattress creaked as Vincent turned, his eyes half-opening. “Tifa?” He called and reached out to touch her shoulder. She didn’t respond right away, but he persisted, his fingers sliding to the curve of her neck, giving a gentle squeeze. “You’re awake, aren’t you? Hungry? There’s coffee here.”

He sat up, stretching like a cat, and grabbed the tray Aerith had brought. Tifa emerged from her hiding spot, her face red, eyes puffy, and hair messily falling over her shoulders. “I… I look awful”, she sat up with effort, resting her hands on the mattress.

“I don’t think so”, Vincent shrugged, filling a cup with coffee from the thermos and handing it to her. The dark liquid steamed, warming her cold palms, and Tifa took a hesitant sip, grimacing as the bitter taste mixed with the dry aftertaste of a hangover. Her eyes timidly lifted to Vincent, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, their knees brushing.

He watched her closely, his eyes always fixed on her but occasionally flicking to the floor or the window, almost in a subtle effort not to embarrass her.

Tifa lowered the cup, though her fingers gripped the ceramic tightly, and took a deep breath. “Sorry… about last night”, she murmured, avoiding his eyes and focusing on the folds of the blanket, especially far from his bandaged hand. “It won’t happen again…”

Vincent tilted his head, a faint smile curving his lips as he waved a hand dismissively. “It’s okay, Tifa. No need to worry”, his eyes returned to her for a moment before looking away, giving her space.

He grabbed a piece of toast and began spreading some blackberry jam with a spoon. Extending his arm, he brought the toast to her lips. 

“Open your mouth.”

Tifa gave a weak laugh and opened her mouth, taking a bite. The sweet taste of the jam mixed with the coffee, and she chewed slowly, her eyes starting to shine with amusement. Vincent finished the rest of the toast, biting into it with casual pleasure, and licked his fingers to clean off the jam; the movement slow and nonchalant.

Tifa followed him with her gaze, tracing his jaw, the curve of his lips, the hair falling over his left eye… And for the thousandth time, she found herself lost in his beauty. A tingling stirred her stomach — that new, intense sensation that made her blush.

Vincent noticed her fixed stare and turned, his eyes meeting hers with curiosity. “What is it?” He leaned slightly, their knees now pressing together.

Tifa hesitated. The urge to kiss him was strong in her chest, but the embarrassment from the previous night paralyzed her. “Nothing… just…” she stammered, looking back at the cup.

Come on, Tifa, you’ve never been this shy before.

Vincent seemed to notice her hesitation and narrowed his eyes, analyzing her, before they softened with understanding. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say he’d learned to read Tifa just by her body language.

With a slow movement, he leaned closer, using one hand to gently hold her chin; his long fingers lifting her face. His lips met hers in a soft kiss that made her gasp. Tifa’s eyes widened, surprised, her body tensing before relaxing, and little by little, her lips responded timidly.

When he pulled back, she took a deep breath. “I thought you’d want to pull away…” Tifa confessed, her hands finally letting go of the cup to rest on the mattress and turn toward him.

Vincent furrowed his brow. His eyes roamed her entire face, which he still held by the chin. “No”, he said simply, with considerable firmness and his eyes seriously locked on hers. “In fact, I want to be closer.”

The declaration caught her off guard. Tifa blinked, exhaling slowly and feeling surprise give way to relief, and he smiled, sliding his hand from her chin to her neck.

“Relax, my love. I’ll only send you away if you don’t want anything more to do with me.”

Tifa felt the weight in her chest lift, and a shy smile appeared as she moved, climbing onto his lap. Her knees encircled his thighs, and she hugged him, her arms wrapping around his broad shoulders, her face nestling against his neck.

“I don’t want to go anywhere”, she whispered.

Vincent relaxed, his relief mirroring hers as he hugged her back, his hands resting on her back, though one presumptuously slid down to give a light smack on her thigh.

“Then eat, or Aerith’s gonna kick my ass!” He clicked his tongue, joking, as he grabbed another piece of toast and offered it to her.

Amid slow chewing, Tifa started laughing as she remembered something, and Vincent raised his eyebrows, curious.

“What?”

“You… you sleep…” she could barely speak, trying to hold back laughter. “You sleep like a vampire…!”

“Oh.” He crossed his arms, which unintentionally made her laugh more. “And what does that mean?”

“Well, I think”, she looked around, “it’s relatable…”

“Okay. In two weeks, you’ll be sleeping the same way.”

She laughed loudly, crossing her arms like him. “Are you cursing me?!”

“Maybe. My lovely vampire wife.” He simply pulled her against him, sealing their lips before she could say anything, and as always, Tifa melted.

∘₊✧💫✧₊∘

Autumn gave way to an early winter, tinting the campus in shades of gray as snow began to fall.

Little by little, Tifa got back into her routine. And all the remorse contained in a night of impulsive actions gave way to a clearer mind as she received support from her friends.

She and Jessie spent more time together. Though Jessie avoided direct questions about recent events, she knew Tifa was dealing with internal struggles and respected her space. They spent hours painting their nails, doing skincare, and pranking Tidus, who had become their favorite target for teasing.

Her bond with Aerith also deepened, becoming a solid friendship over time. One late afternoon, Tifa opened up about the older Farron sister. For the first time, she admitted out loud her share of the blame in that story. It had been bad, yes, but she was fully aware she didn’t want to reconnect and that, at that point, she had started learning from her own mistakes. Aerith was a great source of support and compassion. She not only offered support but promised Tifa she’d be there if she ever had a crazy idea or wanted to act impulsively again. They hugged, and Tifa allowed herself to be vulnerable once more, knowing she needed that comfort.

Sometimes she thought she wished she’d met Aerith sooner.

Cloud, meanwhile, dove into his studies, the final weeks before exams keeping him locked in his room, surrounded by open books on the desk, bed, and dresser. He ignored Tidus’s teasing about his romantic conquests but occasionally paid attention when his friend mentioned Yuna, recognizing well that he was in love.

But during breaks, Cloud was planning something bigger: asking Aerith to be his girlfriend officially!

He asked Luna for help, who was thrilled to collaborate, and one afternoon after classes, she offered to go with him to a jewelry store downtown. Luna suggested designs she knew would suit Aerith, and Cloud rubbed his hands nervously on the sides of his pants every five minutes, trembling even when the clerk measured his own finger.

Fortunately, everything went well, and now he had a beautiful pair of delicate rings that matched not only her but him too.

After one of the rehearsals, Aerith received a call from her mother while putting away the microphone. Elmyra’s voice was firm but warm when she said: “You can invite Cloud for our Christmas Eve dinner at home.” And when Aerith hung up, she ran down the hallway laughing joyfully while looking for the blond.

She found Cloud in the courtyard, with books open on a table on the grass. “Cloud!” she called, approaching with a radiant smile, her hands outstretched to hold his. “My mom said you can come for Christmas Eve at our house!”

His eyes sparkled, but his body stiffened like a rock as he thought it over. “Really? I… I’d be honored…” he stammered, squeezing her hands.

Aerith nodded incessantly, hopping excitedly. “And on Christmas, I’ll go with you to see your mom, what do you think?”

“She’ll love it, actually. I’m sure of it!”

Aerith stood up and sat on the table to keep talking and planning details. And once again, Cloud found himself lost in the warm feeling in his chest as he listened to her talk, sometimes playing with the ends of her hair, sometimes twisting the rings on her fingers. He already knew every one of her mannerisms and could hardly wait to learn and know even more.

∘₊✧💫✧₊∘

In mid-December, Tifa resumed therapy, and the weekly sessions brought a clarity she began to embrace. That day, Cloud was waiting for her in the reception area, listening to music on his headset. Aerith had given him a flash drive with her favorite tracks, and he listened devotedly, though he admitted the songs were really good.

When Tifa came out of the room with slightly teary eyes and a bit withdrawn, he approached and touched her arm.

“Hey… it’s gonna be okay, Tifa.” She hugged him, her arms wrapping around his neck, and Cloud embraced her trembling body as she sniffled.

“Thanks… I still feel so guilty about what happened”, Tifa confessed softly, her voice almost muffled against his shoulder.

He hugged her tighter, sliding his hands down her back. “You don’t need to. You’re doing well, you’re showing you want to improve, and that’s what matters.” He let go with an encouraging smile and pointed to the exit. “Let’s go.”

It was only on the way back to campus, walking side by side, that Tifa broke the silence. “How are you and Aerith doing?”

“We’re doing well… but I want to make it official at Christmas, with a… ring and all,” Cloud revealed, smiling briefly but tapping his fingers on his palms to hide the anxiety he felt just thinking about the fateful moment.

Tifa stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and looked at him with a smile. “I’m really happy for you, Cloud!”

“Thanks…” They exchanged a look so friendly it felt, in a way, nostalgic.

“Yeah… first time we won’t be spending Christmas together, huh?” Tifa murmured, trying not to sound too melancholic.

He nodded and gave her a pat on the shoulder. “But we’ll see each other after, I promise. I need to give you your gift, by the way.”

“Oh, God, if it’s another scarf, I’ll strangle you with it, Cloud!” She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms, but the comment was enough to make her stifle a laugh.

“Hey, you know it’s tradition!” he shot back.

“Yeah, but I already have every color”, she almost growled.

“Lie, you don’t have pink yet!”

“And I don’t want it! Give it to Aerith, I’m sure she’ll love it!”

Tifa started walking again, leaving Cloud chuckling foolishly behind her.

“Wait! I’ll get you another gift then, you picky lady.”

That only amplified the presumptuous pout on her lips. Finally, things seemed to be getting back to normal.

Upon arriving at the campus, Tifa said goodbye to him with a tight hug, mentioning she needed to find Vincent, and Cloud watched her leave before heading to the dorm to organize his things.

In the courtyard, she spotted Claire walking with another girl whose name she didn’t even know. But it wasn’t like she wanted to know either! Besides, it wasn’t the first time she’d seen her ex since that day. Tifa just looked for a few seconds, squared her shoulders, and headed to the parking lot. As Jessie had said some time ago, she needed to face the facts and deal with it, and now she was handling it better.

The memory of all that tantrum made her laugh at herself. Feeling embarrassed and even selfish, but Vincent reassured her whenever possible; his steady presence dispelling any insecurity.

Running to the parking lot, Tifa saw him leaning against the Cadillac, his lean frame resting against the hood as he finished a cigarette. She quickened her pace, jumping to hug him, her arms wrapping around his neck, her body pressing against his with an impact that made him laugh.

They kissed, their lips meeting with passion and longing, Vincent’s hands gripping her waist, his fingers digging into the fabric of her coat while Tifa clutched his shoulders.

They were practically together, though Tifa wanted to take it slow and have a few more therapy sessions before committing to anything, fearing she might hurt his feelings. Vincent didn’t mind; in fact, he was crazy about her! His desire for Tifa only grew with each passing day — something he hadn’t yet confessed out loud, but felt in every touch.

They wore a matching gothic style: Tifa in a lacy, Victorian black dress — which he had chosen himself, claiming she’d look cute as a little witch or vampire — heavy combat boots, necklaces and chokers adorning her neck, and a furry coat. Vincent was slightly simpler, with a red bandana tied over his forehead, black eyeshadow accentuating his eyes, a tight vest that she ran her hands over with delight, and a black leather overcoat that reached his calves.

“Am I really pretty? You think so?” Tifa asked for the third time since they left the campus, and Vincent, for the third time, turned to his beloved and said:

“You’re gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. The most gorgeous in the world.” His eyes roamed over her with admiration, his hand holding hers as they walked to his favorite band’s concert.

At the venue, he kept her pressed against his chest, his arms wrapped around her from behind as their bodies swayed to the rhythm of the heavy guitars. Vincent raised his fists, making rock’n’roll signs, his face lit up with an enthusiasm that made her laugh in pure admiration.

Tifa watched, feeling her heart race and beat in a way that didn’t seem caused by the loud instruments. She loved this man, and the question was: how hadn’t she realized it before? The certainty enveloped her, warm and unexpected, as the music, once again, brought them together.

∘₊✧💫✧₊∘

Christmas week arrived, and the club headquarters turned into a whirlwind of energy with The Black Altar’s performance. Aerith commanded the microphone, her vibrant voice filling the hall with a song everyone sang along to. Her eyes never left Cloud, who, for the first time, gathered the courage to stand at the front of the stage. He was more relaxed, calm, and visibly comfortable, keeping his eyes fixed on her and absorbing every note and every glance she threw his way.

At the end of the set, with the final chord echoing, the band announced a group trip to Costa del Sol for New Year’s, where anyone could join by contributing to a fundraiser the medical graduates were organizing.

Zack grabbed the microphone and practically shouted: “Guuuuuys, big news, huh, we’re gonna play in Costa del Soooooool for New Year’s! So get ready!”

It didn’t take much to get the crowd erupting into a wave of applause and cheers. Soon, the students were waving their arms as the post-show party began, filling the hall with dancing and laughter.

Aerith stepped off the stage, glowing with makeup and the natural pink of her cheeks, and ran to Cloud, wrapping her arms around his neck. Without hesitation, she kissed him, pressing her warm, firm lips against his, ignoring the curious looks around them. Cloud blushed intensely, his hands hesitating before holding her waist, but he soon relaxed, letting her lead the kiss and hugging her so tightly that the idea of them merging didn’t seem so impossible. The two were finally immune to the comments, lost in each other.

They left early, saying goodbye to their friends in the hallway. Vincent just waved, but Tifa smiled, excited and animated. “Good luck with her mom, Cloud. Have fun!”

With laughter, the couple caught a ride to Aerith’s house.

∘₊✧💫✧₊∘

Cloud was in the living room of Aerith’s house, a modest home with wooden walls and large windows overlooking a blooming garden even in winter. Elmyra Gainsborough, her mother, was a woman of imposing presence — gray hair tied in a neat bun, keen and piercing eyes like her daughter’s, and a straight posture that spoke of years of authority.

She had greeted them at the door and sized him up from head to toe, her lips pursed in a restrained smile. “So you’re Cloud”, Elmyra extended her hand for a handshake that was more a test of strength. He shook back, nervous to the point of sweat beading on his forehead, and offered a shy smile before letting go of her hand.

“Mom, don’t scare him!” Aerith pleaded and hugged the older woman, and with the interruption of their silent battle, the tension dissipated like dust, and soon the girl pulled him along to show him the house and get settled.

During dinner, the oak table was laden with delicious foods: roasted turkey, golden potatoes, steamed vegetables, and a fine bottle of red wine. Elmyra sat at the head of the table, her eyes never fully leaving Cloud.

Aerith sat beside him, busy filling glasses and debunking some of her mother’s exaggerated stories.

“Aerith was an impossible child. Every time I tried to put her in time-out, she’d always hide in the garden or nearby, but she never stepped on the flowers! To this day, I don’t know how she managed to balance out there!” Elmyra pointed to a photo on the wall of a young Aerith holding a basket of flowers in the garden.

Cloud smiled. And his smile only grew when he could look at the photos up close and appreciate a teenage Aerith, smiling, happy, and loving in the precious photographs.

He also shared stories of his childhood in the village, talking about his mother and his adventures with Tifa. At some point, when Aerith had leaned her head to rest on Cloud’s shoulder, Elmyra leaned forward, elbows on the table, and asked:

“And what are your intentions with my daughter, young man?” The direct question made Cloud choke on his wine, but Aerith intervened, sliding her hand across his back in soothing circles.

“Mom!”

Elmyra laughed, dropping her tough demeanor. “Well, I can see how he looks at you, dear. I know his intentions are pure.”

Cloud would have choked again if he hadn’t set his glass down. But this time, the words reassured him. It was important to him to know that his future mother-in-law understood he had no intention other than making her daughter happy!

Late that night, Aerith took Cloud to the garden, where the cold air nipped at their skin as they walked along a stone path lined with yellow, white, and red flowers, illuminated by the stars. The floral scent mingled with her perfume, and Cloud thought that even if all the flowers in the world had an enchanting aroma, none could compare to Aerith’s unique scent.

“Aerith…” Driven by courage, he stepped closer with only one thought in mind. She was murmuring something about the stars that night, her hands behind her back, before turning to him.

He pulled a velvet box from his pocket, his fingers trembling with anticipation as he opened it, revealing two silver rings with their initials engraved in a delicate font.

“Aerith, will you be my girlfriend? Like, officially? Um… for real?”

She covered her mouth and nodded vigorously. Her eyes filled with tears at the little he said, and though it wasn’t anything grand, she would still be moved by the smallest of Cloud’s actions!

“Yes, Cloud!” was all she said before stepping closer.

Their lips met in a romantic kiss. His body leaned back as she pressed her weight against him. His hands cupped her face, his thumbs brushing her damp cheeks. The stars seemed to dance above them, and the cold breeze became a distant presence, as their warmth was enough to counter any discomfort.

“My God!” Aerith exclaimed as he delicately placed the ring on her finger. And as she did the same, her small hands trembled from her blurred vision, but happiness pulsed in her chest.

“Merry Christmas, Aerith!”

“Merry Christmas, my love!”

She kissed him again. And again, and again.

Back in her room, and with restrictions imposed by Elmyra, Cloud lay beside her, phone in hand. He sent a message to Tifa, wishing her a Merry Christmas, but got no reply. Well, he expected that!

The phone vibrated on the floor of the Cadillac, ignored, as Tifa was lost in a moment of lust.

The car was parked on a mountainous ramp above Midgar, where the city lights stretched out like a shimmering sea below, and Tifa straddled Vincent. Their bodies moved in near-perfect sync, making the leather seats creak. Her hair fell over her face, clinging to her cheeks, her eyes half-closed with pleasure, her hands braced on his chest as he held her by the waist. She didn’t have a single thought in her mind at that moment.

The phone vibrated again, but Tifa didn’t notice, lost in the intensity and the muffled moans that mingled with the distant Christmas morning breeze. And oh… God help her, because this was the greatest gift she could have received!

∘₊✧💫✧₊∘

On Christmas morning, on the road to the Strife household, Aerith felt her heart race. In a way, she now understood exactly how her boyfriend felt. Their hands were intertwined in her lap as she looked out the window, and the car’s interior was warm, the pine scent of the air freshener on the rearview mirror mingling with the soft Christmas music on the radio. Cloud drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting on her thigh, his fingers lightly tapping to keep her distracted. Something he’d learned from her!

“She’s going to love you, Aerith”, he insisted. She nodded, taking a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing as the car climbed a hill, revealing more frost-covered bare trees.

An hour later, they arrived at Claudia Strife’s house, a modest wooden structure with a porch wrapped in blinking red and green Christmas lights. The door opened before they could knock, revealing Claudia — a middle-aged woman with blonde hair tied in a loose bun, her face strikingly similar to Cloud’s, glowing with emotion. She ran to hug her son, her hands patting his broad back before turning to Aerith.

“So you’re Aerith! My goodness, what a joy to meet you!” The older woman didn’t hesitate to pull Aerith into a tight hug, making her laugh, surprised, but returning the maternal embrace.

Inside, the house was cozy, with polished wooden walls, old photos, an antique piano, and a crackling fireplace spreading golden warmth. The kitchen, the heart of the home, was an organized chaos of sizzling pots and spice aromas.

Claudia and Aerith worked together, laughing as they chopped vegetables, Aerith’s hands skilled with the knife, Claudia’s fingers experienced as she seasoned the filling.

“Cloud was terrible in the kitchen as a kid”, Claudia shared, laughing loudly. “And I know he hasn’t changed much today, but back then, he’d burn cakes when his only job was to watch the oven…”

Aerith laughed and turned toward him, where he leaned against the counter with his arms crossed. He rolled his eyes. “I was sleepy!”

“Oh no. You’re, in fact, cute, Cloud!” Aerith teased.

He rolled his eyes again but smiled and stepped closer to tuck a strand of hair that fell over her face.

The conversation flowed, light and familiar, with childhood stories exchanged between laughter and sips of hot chocolate. After lunch, served on a table with an embroidered tablecloth, Cloud gave his mother gifts, and that year’s choice was a light blue wool cardigan and new shoes, which Claudia unwrapped with tears in her eyes. Just that, apparently never changing!

Aerith gave Cloud a braided leather bracelet with a stylized sword pendant, and she had to explain that she saw in the gift a symbol of his strength and the adventures they shared.

“Hm, Cloud. How do you hide from me that you literally play the piano?” Aerith crossed her arms in front of him and pouted.

“But I don’t play…”

“Your mom told me!” She rolled her eyes lightly and continued: “And I bet that idle piano misses you. Play for me!”

“But it’s been so long since I played anything on the piano, Aerith. I’m rusty…”

“Pleaseeee”, she took his hand and pulled him to stand from the couch. Hopping and swinging his hand, she continued: “Please, pretty pleaseeee.”

“Ugh… you really want me to do this?” Cloud asked, his voice laced with doubt but with a softness only she could draw out of him.

“I do! Come on, Cloud, I know you can do it. Play something from the heart!”

He huffed softly but couldn’t resist her gaze. With a sigh, he walked with Aerith following to where the piano stood and sat down, leaving space for her. He hesitated for a moment, his fingers hovering over the yellowed keys, his brow furrowed in concentration. It wasn’t something he did often — in fact, he could barely remember the last time he’d played. And he was certain piano lessons had been more effective for Tifa, who was always much better than him, so he was genuinely nervous.

The first notes came out hesitant, a bit clumsy, but soon began to form a simple, delicate melody. It was a song he didn’t know where it came from — maybe something he’d heard in childhood, or maybe something his heart created in that moment, just for her. Either way, Aerith loved what she heard, and she couldn’t even blink, not wanting to miss a single hesitant movement of Cloud’s careful fingers over the worn keys of the instrument.

When he finished, and after Aerith had been completely absorbed the whole time, she turned to him and gave him a sly hug. “That was beautiful!”

Cloud looked away, scratching the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed. “It’s not a big deal… just some notes.”

“It’s not just some notes”, Aerith retorted, lightly nudging his shoulder. “It was special. You played for me, and that makes all the difference.” She leaned a bit closer, enough for Cloud to catch the faint floral scent that always seemed to follow her. “And I didn’t think it was rusty at all…”

She spoke so softly near his mouth that it could have been a flirt. And either way, they didn’t get to kiss because Claudia entered the room with a tray of warm cookies, and Cloud turned beet red, realizing his mother had caught him at the exact moment he was about to kiss his girlfriend.

He needed to brace himself, because soon his mother would be bombarding him with warnings and advice he’d practically heard his whole life from Tifa!

They spent the day playing card games in the living room with the fire warming them and taking short walks in the frozen garden, until the sun set, painting the sky orange, and they only returned to the city at nightfall the next day.

∘₊✧💫✧₊∘

The organization of the New Year’s trip to Costa del Sol turned the campus into a frenzy. Rented vans parked in the courtyard, waiting for students to load bags and equipment. The air was chilly, with light snowflakes falling, and laughter mingled with the clinking of objects.

Vincent, Zack, and Noctis were carrying the instruments, moving carefully. Vincent lifted amplifiers with ease, while Zack supervised, waving his arms as he gave instructions. Noctis adjusted the cables, his nimble fingers ensuring nothing got damaged. The three worked in sync, their breaths visible in the cold air.

Jessie tossed bags into the luggage compartment with an excited shout,  while Tidus ran around, now much more careful after dropping a box of cups, which, luckily, were plastic. In the vans, the trip began with impromptu singing — Aerith leading a lively rendition of “Sweet Child o’ Mine”, getting the others to join in, creating a symphony of voices that echoed through the open windows as the snowy landscapes gave way to green hills.

In Costa del Sol, the tropical sun’s heat contrasted with the salty breeze, the golden sand stretching to the turquoise sea. Zack barely stepped out of the van before running, cutting through with long strides, ripping off his button-up shirt and tossing it over his shoulder, his tanned chest gleaming.

“Let’s go, guys!”

“Woooooooooo!” Prompto ran after him, ignoring Noctis’s shouts, dropping his backpack in the sand and laughing as he dove into the water.

“Set up the stuff first, you useless idiots!” Noctis scolded.

Tifa and Aerith slipped away to buy bikinis, returning adorned — Tifa in a black set with little bows, the neckline highlighting her tanned skin, and Aerith in a light pink set with a sarong tied around her waist, hugging her curves. Eyes turned to them, whistles echoing, but they laughed, confident, and walked hand in hand to where the group had settled on the soft sand.

Cloud was dumbfounded seeing Aerith, and after a shy glance up and down, he cleared his throat and said: “You… look amazing!”

“And you need sunscreen! Your cheeks are already red, Cloud!” She teased, touching him, knowing it wasn’t exactly the sun that had him flushed.

In contrast, Vincent stared at Tifa with total shamelessness! His eyes roamed her neckline and curves, like an eagle keenly observing everything. His focus was so intense that his jaw tightened before a crooked smile appeared. Tifa laughed, pulling him into a kiss, resting her knee on the lounge chair where he was sprawled.

“Come to the water with me!” She insisted, tugging his hand.

Vincent grumbled. “The sun’s already killing me”, he complained, shaking his neck, making his hair cover his eyes, but she brushed the strands away affectionately.

“But the water must be cold!”

“Even worse, love!” he retorted.

“But! Vincent!” Tifa laughed in disbelief and gave his shoulder a light smack. She grabbed the sunscreen tube, silently asking him to apply it to her back, which Vincent did willingly, massaging her shoulders, his strong fingers easing the tension.

The vibe in Costa del Sol was hot, the sun burning the skin, but the sea water stayed cold, with monotonous waves breaking in white foam. Tidus and Jessie dove in, shouting and laughing, their soaked bodies splashing water at each other.

The basketball guys played beach volleyball, with Zack leading the match, celebrating with Snow, their bare chests colliding in a dramatic, masculine jump. Luna dragged Noctis to set up a parasol, while she, Serah, and Vanille planned a sandcastle.

Aerith and Cloud walked hand in hand, their bare feet sinking into the sand. To him, Aerith looked even more beautiful under the sun, where the rays highlighted her radiant face, and the flowers in her little braid made her angelic — or more like a little sunflower he followed, as if they depended on each other to survive!

∘₊✧💫✧₊∘

After hours on the sand and preparations for the New Year’s show, Aerith and Cloud retreated to their hotel room — a cozy space on the third floor of a beachfront resort, with white walls, light wood furniture, a large open window revealing the sea, and linen curtains fluttering in the salty breeze. The king-size bed, covered in white sheets, took center stage, and a balcony held wicker chairs with colorful cushions.

Exhausted, they both decided to shower before the lively night. Aerith went into the bathroom first, taking a while to get all the sand off her body. When she came out, she wrapped herself in a towel before choosing a pink silk pajama set, which was nothing more than a short top that left her midriff bare and tiny shorts that hugged her thighs.

Cloud wore only gray shorts, opting to leave his defined chest bare, and towel-dried his damp blond hair haphazardly as it fell over his forehead. They lay on the bed, and Aerith turned on her side, her body pressing against his, her hand resting on his chest, her fingers already tracing slow circles on his warm skin.

The sound of his breathing calmed her, but the touch kept her awake, and when her hand slid up his neck, seeking more areas to caress, she felt driven by desire. Aerith leaned in to kiss Cloud, each brush of lips starting soft, then deepening as their tongues met in a hesitant but firm rhythm. The excitement escalated, their bodies drawing closer, and Aerith sat up, sinking her knees into the mattress. She looked at Cloud, her green eyes shining with courage and tenderness.

“Want to keep going?” she asked, biting her lower lip, as if already holding herself back for asking, though her hands rested gracefully on his thighs.

Cloud swallowed hard, feeling a bit tense. “Yes… but I don’t know how… I’ve never—”

“It’s okay”, Aerith leaned in to kiss him. “I can guide you”, she whispered, letting confidence show as she knelt before him.

Aerith started with soft kisses on his neck, trailing her lips down his slightly salty skin, each touch sending waves of heat through his body, making him shiver.

“Relax, okay?” she murmured against his collarbone, her hands gripping his broad shoulders, feeling the tension in his muscles.

Cloud was nervous, that was a fact, but his heart was beating so erratically it was almost concerning! His hands fidgeted on his thighs, but the excitement began to overpower the fear, his eyes closing as he surrendered. Aerith rose, positioning herself between his legs, still seated on the edge of the bed.

“Can I do something?” Her eyes sought his, and she pressed her lips in anticipation. Cloud nodded, his confidence wavering but present, his hands rising to hold her waist, fingers pressing into the silky fabric.

“Go ahead…”

With that, Aerith knelt on the soft rug, and when Cloud realized her intention, his eyes widened.

“Aerith, you don’t have to do that!” He tried to pull her away, but she touched his lips with her fingers, silencing him.

“Hey, calm down… I asked you to relax, Cloud!” she urged again in a gentle tone, and when he relented, she started slowly.

Aerith unbuttoned his shorts, her nimble fingers sliding the fabric down, and as she took his growing erection in her hand, she touched him with intentional delicacy, waiting for him to adjust. His gasps echoed gradually, letting her know when he began to give in to the pleasure despite his apprehension, and finally, his body relaxed, making her smile, satisfied with the response.

After stimulating him with her hands, she replaced them with her mouth, moving with patience. The first contact of the warm, wet sensation drew a loud moan from Cloud, echoing freely through the room. Aerith smiled again with her mouth wrapped around his girth, continuing, guiding him sometimes deep, sometimes shallow, and sucking with her tongue until she heard him call her name, his body trembling under her control.

Aerith stood with her face far more flushed than before, and Cloud pulled her by the waist, his fingers digging into her as he slid her shorts down, revealing her soft, bare skin. He lifted her top enough to kiss her small, delicate breasts, his lips exploring the gentle curve, his hands sliding up to caress her ribs and waist.

“You can… do this…” she encouraged, returning to his lap, wrapping her legs around his thighs, and guiding his hands to touch her intimately. Aerith led Cloud’s hand to her clitoris, biting her lip to stifle a giggle when he seemed a bit lost. “And this…” She taught him the touches until his fingers learned from the moans she let out, and soon Aerith’s body writhed under the inexperienced touch that stimulated her entrance with slow, deep thrusts.

“Do you have a condom?” she asked with her breath colliding close to his mouth, and Cloud nodded.

“Yeah… in the dresser.”

And by a hair’s breadth, he almost didn’t, having refused the pack Tidus had tossed at him three or four times, but when Jessie and Tifa insisted it was good to be prepared, he accepted. Maybe he should thank them later… or not. It didn’t matter because, at that moment, he only could think about Aerith, who smiled and reached for the condom in the drawer.

She opened the packet carefully before putting it on him, her nimble fingers adjusting it with care. Still on his lap, Aerith positioned herself, lowering slowly, aided by his slender hands firmly holding her waist. The initial pain made her wince, and a low moan escaped, causing Cloud to hesitate.

“Are you okay?” His hands moved up to cradle her face, searching for any sign that she wanted to stop.

“Yes…” she nodded, guiding him with gentle movements until she had Cloud fully inside her. “It’s okay…”

He kissed her until the discomfort faded, keeping their lips pressed together until Aerith began to move, and when she did, her hips rose and fell in slow bounces, Cloud’s expressions turning to pure pleasure. He knew she was being careful, but he didn’t know he’d feel a sensation as delightful as the one he felt now with Aerith in his arms, giving herself to him.

But Cloud had in mind that the one truly giving himself was him!

Aerith pushed him by the shoulders, and he fell back onto the bed. She continued on top, sinking her knees into the mattress, guiding the rhythm with confidence, and Cloud began to follow, tensing his thigh muscles and lifting his hips to meet her.

When she grew more sensitive around him, Cloud gripped Aerith’s waist with a sudden movement and simply flipped their bodies without pulling out, his surprising strength leaving her lying beneath him.

“Ahn!” Aerith exclaimed, surprised.

“I love you”, Cloud whispered firmly against her breath, keeping his eyes locked on hers the entire time, trying his hardest to ignore his heart, which felt like it might explode with emotion.

“Cloud… I… I love you too”, Aerith stammered, and it was hard to tell if it was from the surprise of hearing those words or because he hadn’t stopped thrusting inside her even as he said it. “I love you! I love you so much… hm…!”

Cloud kissed her passionately, devouring her broken moans, until the pleasure gradually intensified, and Aerith softened as her orgasm hit her. He continued at the same pace until he reached it too, their bodies trembling in sync and harmony.

When the blond pulled back and looked down at their still-joined sexes, he couldn’t help but blush more. He avoided Aerith’s gaze and got up to discard the condom, but he didn’t take long to return and hug her tightly, feeling both their chests rise and fall, their bodies intertwined, and their sweat mingling on their skin.

He didn’t know what to say, nor did he think he needed to say anything. Fortunately, Aerith did it for him.

“Did you like it?” She propped herself up on her elbows and stroked his flushed cheeks.

“A lot”, Cloud replied in an almost silent whisper, and she smiled, still breathing slowly. “And you?”

“I loved it!” Aerith nestled against his chest again and closed her eyes. “We should probably take another shower, but this time… together!”

Cloud didn’t know how he managed to get even more embarrassed. He didn’t even need to, after all, he’d crossed a major barrier, but Aerith apparently would always have that power over him, and, well, he didn’t mind anyway! It was nice to be himself with the girl he loved.

“Sounds good to me—”

Then, a knock at the door.

“Oh, Cloud, my bro, enough sleeping, you’re gonna miss—” Tidus started.

“I don’t think he’s sleeping”, Jessie interrupted.

A deafening silence fell over the hallway before a strangled laugh echoed.

“My God, Cloud!” Tidus exclaimed.

“Hey, you idiots!” Tifa shouted. “Let them have their moment, get out of here!”

The voices faded, but it was easy to imagine Tifa practically dragging them by the ears, and Aerith giggled softly, hiding her face in her boyfriend’s neck, even though they hadn’t seen or heard anything.

Cloud huffed.

“I hate them!”

Chapter Text

The night of New Year’s Eve in Costa del Sol reached its peak, the warm, salty beach air vibrating with the energy of the crowd gathered before the stage set up on the golden sand. The sky reflected the colorful lights dancing over the gentle waves, while speakers scattered around played an instrumental version of “Another Day in Paradise”, setting the mood for the turn of the year.

The stage, built with polished wooden planks and adorned with strings of white lights, was empty for now, but anticipation hung in the air as if they were under the roof of Seventh Heaven on an ordinary day.

Tifa and Cloud arrived together after sharing a few shots of tequila with lime at the resort bar.

She wore a red long-sleeved blouse with lace details, highlighting her matching red lips, paired with a tight leather skirt and ankle boots, her hair loose in natural waves.

Cloud opted for a white dress shirt with rolled-up sleeves, jeans, combat boots, and his blond hair combed back, revealing his bright blue eyes. He had even put his stone earring back in, feeling at ease.

They joined the other friends in the middle of the sand. Jessie, with her mischievous smile, wore a sparkly dress, but Tidus had gone for a white Hawaiian set, his shirt open at the chest, with Yuna by his side drawing attention in her flowing blue dress; he kept it simple so she could shine — his own words! Serah and Snow laughed alone, slightly tipsy from the drinks in their hands, and Prompto waved a camera, capturing every moment and coaxing Selphie to be his model for the night.

Tidus opened a bottle of champagne, and he wasn’t careful at all, as the fizzy liquid sprayed out, soaking the sand and prompting laughter.

“Careful, Tidus, you’re drunker than the bottle!” Jessie shouted, wiping drops from her face with her sleeve, while the blond laughed uncontrollably, raising his glass.

“It’s the New Year’s spirit, Jess! Drink or get wet”, he retorted, accidentally spilling more champagne on Serah.

“TIDUS!—”

“Dude, that doesn’t even make sense…” Jessie trailed off, as slow as her friend.

“—You klutz, now I’m gonna be sticky!”

The two laughed at the pink-haired girl, leaving her cheeks the same color, and she only didn’t lunge because her boyfriend held her back.

“Easy, love!”

Suddenly, the spotlights lit up, announcing the arrival of The Black Altar. The band took the stage, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Aerith appeared in that ethereal vision that always captivated, now in a long, flowing white dress swirling around her legs, the light fabric highlighting her delicate silhouette. Her hair, with vibrant red streaks woven through chestnut waves, fell over her shoulders, and her makeup — eyes lined with silver shadow and rosy pigment on her lips — only enhanced her natural beauty.

Beside her, Vincent, who wore an open linen shirt over a tank top and light pants — the result of playful threats from the band to wear something in the same tone as the others —, seemed restless, almost as if he hadn’t smoked a cigarette yet, but a crooked smile softened his expression as he adjusted the strap of his Gibson.

The countdown began, led by Zack on the microphone: “Ten, nine, eight…” the crowd joined in, and when the clock struck midnight, fireworks exploded in the sky, shattering it with vibrant colors as the students shouted and hugged.

Glasses clinked in toasts, bodies collided in embraces, and the sound of laughter mingled with the distant booms.

Tifa and Cloud found each other in the chaos, their emotional eyes locking onto one another. They hugged, holding each other so tightly that their hearts beat against each other’s chests in unison.

“I love you, Cloud”, Tifa whispered with her voice choked, her fingers gripping his shirt.

“And I love you too, Tifa”, he replied with his eyes misty. “Thank you for another year together.”

She sniffled, lowering her gaze. “Sorry for all the trouble I caused…” Before she could continue, Cloud interrupted, holding her face with his hands, brushing his thumbs over her cheeks.

“I’d never blame you for anything! You’re my best friend. And if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am now.” He pulled her into another hug, where Tifa felt safe enough to shed a few tears and receive all the comfort possible from her best friend.

After pulling away from the embrace, Zack appeared, handing champagne to Cloud with a pat on the shoulder. “Here you go, bro!” He served Tifa too. “HAPPY FUCKING NEW YEAR, GUYS!!”

Aerith slipped through the crowd, holding her white dress as she walked, and wrapped Cloud in a hug, her delicate arms around his neck.

“Happy New Year, Aerith!”

“Happy New Year, my love!” she whispered in his ear, her lips brushing his earlobe before turning her face and kissing him; a deep kiss full of promises yet unspoken.

She pulled back, her eyes sparkling, and tilted her head slightly to the side.

“Cloud… when I realized something was missing in me, it was you who was missing! You filled the empty space, and I… finally found my missing piece.”

Cloud pulled her closer, stunned by the confession. He slid his hands down her back, almost dancing with her in the middle of the sand, the people, and the noise of the fireworks on the horizon. “Aerith… I’m so happy to hear that, because… I can’t imagine a life without you anymore", he confessed too. “It was your voice that brought us together, and I couldn’t be prouder of myself for going to that welcome party. Even if I had met you at another time… I think that was the right moment. Thank you.”

“Oh… Cloud!” Aerith had to blink her eyes and tilt her head back to keep from dissolving into tears. “I love you so, so much!”

Cloud pulled his girlfriend into another kiss before they could exchange more emotional words.

It was lips meeting again, love overflowing, and eyes silently conversing, reciprocating all the new feelings they discovered together.

Nearby, Tifa and Vincent clinked their champagne glasses, and he watched her, his sharp eyes scanning her face.

“How you doing, Lockhart?”

Oh.

She smiled seductively and replied, “Couldn’t be better, Valentine.”

He grew pensive as a glint of happiness sparked in his eyes and suggested: "We should travel together later… just the two of us, somewhere special.”

“I’d love that!” Tifa stepped closer, pressing her body against his, and kissed him with her warm, soft lips. She looked at him intently, tracing the line of his jaw with her fingers, and gathered her courage. “I love you, Vincent.”

He froze and widened his eyes.

“You… love me?” he asked, surprised, raising his hand to hold hers. Tifa laughed.

“Yes, I love you!”

“Strange… I didn’t think you’d say that. I thought it was just the guitar that caught your attention.”

Tifa hid her face, laughing and rolling her eyes at his nonchalant tone. “Sure, just the guitar!” She licked her lips, adopting a more serious expression. “It took me a while to accept it, but it’s true. And also… you healed a wound in my heart with that guitar, and every chord settled in my chest until I realized there was still room for love.”

He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist, and admitted: “I love you too, Tifa! You know, I never imagined finding a woman like you, but now I feel like the luckiest man in the world…” She smiled, moved by his words, and closed the remaining distance, sealing the moment with another kiss.

“Vincent, stop making out and get on stage!”

Zack shouted into the microphone, drawing curious looks and cheers toward the two. Aerith laughed loudly beside Noctis, who was eagerly tapping the drums, and the guitarist pulled away, joining his friends. His family.

The melody of “Silver Springs” began to play, its soft and melancholic notes filling the air.

Aerith sang, the song chosen by her because she believed it was meaningful. Her eyes were fixed on her boyfriend, watching him as her voice evoked the first time they saw each other and all those shy glances.

“[…]

I’ll follow you down ‘til the sound

of my voice can haunt you.”

Cloud stood frozen, more in love than ever, remembering her voice guiding him. That same voice that had won him over.

Vincent played the guitar, his eyes also locked on Tifa. She watched him, enamored, also recalling the day she first laid eyes on that mysterious figure — the man behind the chords that had healed her. She smiled, reading “I love you” on his lips, and her heart raced as it hadn’t in a long time.

“Oh, just give me a chance

You’ll never get away from the sound

of the woman that loves you

[…]”

The night stretched on like an eternal dream under the Costa del Sol sky, where colorful fireworks traced arcs of light over the dark waters, each explosion an echo of promises whispered to the wind.

The music floated like a tapestry of memories, woven with the threads of the first notes that united hearts, and the vocalist’s voice danced for the awkward freshman like a lighthouse that had guided his steps since that first shy glance, now transformed into a love that transcended time.

In the same way, the guitarist and the melancholic girl had their eyes intertwined, carrying the weight of healed wounds and the rebirth of a passion that blossomed beyond the chords of a guitar. Each glance was a verse of a song they wrote together.

They all danced and laughed, but there, in that circle of friends, there was more than celebration: there was a symphony of bonds forged in adversity, of shared laughter and dried tears, a story of growth that echoed like the waves on the rocks.

Under the fireworks painting the firmament, the night marked not just the end of a semester but the beginning of an eternal melody, where every heart had found its home, and every wounded soul, its redemption.

∘₊✧🤍✧₊∘

The End.