InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "the trash heap has spoken "

heaven_hart (heaven_hart) wrote in makebelievelog,
@ 2014-02-03 19:31:00

Entry tags:

!log, cloud strife, tifa lockhart

Who: Cloud and Tifa
What: Camping
When: Early February
Where: Mountains
Rating/Warnings: Cuteness/tbc
Status: In progress/Closed

Tifa had been looking forward to the camping trip since Cloud had mentioned going away together. They'd never had the time back home and, of course, they had the kids. Barrett would have looked after them had he been asked, or Yuffie though Tifa imagined that Cloud wouldn't have been too happy about that one. But they also would have felt bad leaving the kids at home while they enjoyed a break. Here Tifa was clinging to the knowledge that the kids wouldn't even know they were gone, it made things like this easier to do without too much guilt.

She had packed them up food and Cloud had sorted out the camping gear. One tent. She couldn't believe they had agreed on it. She was trying not to read too much into it. Tifa had accepted her feelings for Cloud a long time ago, but she knew better than to read too much into the things he did. They were best friends and that should be enough for her.

Hiking up the trail she looked around and realised they had already come pretty far. It was a beautiful view and she smiled happily.

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yourlegacy
2014-02-03 09:14 pm UTC (link)

The mountains were so different from the Nibel range where Cloud and Tifa had grown up. The slopes were covered by trees, and the local wildlife hadn't been mutated and driven mad by mako pollution. It was said there were dragons in parts of the mountains, but Cloud wasn't certain either he or Tifa should be worried. After all, they had been raised in the shadow of Nibel dragons and faced Bahamut, not to mention the Planet's WEAPONs. Still, it was better not to tempt fate. The trail they were on would take them through an area that was safe enough for visitors, even ones who didn't have mako enhancements or extraordinary martial arts skills.

"It's peaceful, isn't it?" Cloud remarked as they walked. He moved nearly silently, in spite of the heavy pack he carried. Loading the most weight onto Cloud's back was a simple enough decision, given his strength, and one he had argued with logic instead of masculine conceits. Compared to the weight of First Tsurugi on his back, it was almost nothing.

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heaven_hart
2014-02-03 10:37 pm UTC (link)

If trouble came looking for them it would find them both prepared and able to deal with it. They'd both proved that more than once over the years back at home and together they made a formidable team.

"It is" she replied, "And very beautiful too" Tifa smiled as she looked over at Cloud. She had tried to convince him she was capable of carrying more but he had presented her with points she simply couldn't argue against. And in the end she knew he was more than aware of her capabilities. "This really was a great idea"

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yourlegacy
2014-02-04 01:48 am UTC (link)

"Guess it's a good thing we've learned to take time off." It wasn't just opportunity that slowed them down back home. It was Cloud's lack of willingness to take a break from work. Here, he had fewer excuses, but more than that, he'd had time for his friend's lessons to sink in. Cloud was going to make time for the people close to him. He just needed an occasional reminder to do it.

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heaven_hart
2014-02-04 09:19 am UTC (link)

"It's taken us long enough. I guess we're both slow learners when it comes to certain things" she half joked. It wasn't just Cloud, she knew she could be as focused on work as Cloud. And of course, she'd had the children to look after too. Tifa didn't mind, she enjoyed her life and was thankful for everything she had but she couldn't help but wonder 'what if' sometimes.

What if things had been different? What if she and Cloud...

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yourlegacy
2014-02-04 08:21 pm UTC (link)

What ifs were Cloud’s specialty. What if he’d made SOLDIER? What if he’d stayed in Nibelheim? What if Professor Gast had stayed in charge of the Jenova project instead of Hojo? What if Sephiroth had held together, or Cloud had been stronger, or Zack had stayed safely home in Gongaga? What if he’d saved Tifa in the mountains all those years ago, or his father had been around, or Tifa’s mother hadn’t died? So many things could have changed how their lives had unfolded.

“Better late than never.” Cloud shifted the strap of his backpack to a more comfortable position over his shoulder. “Or that’s what Cid would probably say.” Cloud didn’t really know. Did he want things to change? Yes, but … what he had now was something special, too.

He could almost feel Zack driving an elbow into his ribs while whispering, “Make a move, man!” in his ear.

“Looks like there’s a good camp site just up ahead,” Cloud noted, eyes following the path of a stream. Okay, so it wasn’t a move, but if Zack really were watching from the afterlife, he could just deal with it. Cloud was the one who actually had to come up with the words.

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heaven_hart
2014-02-04 09:59 pm UTC (link)

Tifa tried not to dwell on What if's too much but sometimes they just crept up on her and she found her mind wandering. But what happened, happened and without it they wouldn't be here now and she was glad for what they did have.

Tifa smiled and nodded, "He would and he's right - not that we ever tell him that" she winked. Whatever Tifa and Cloud had would always be special, at least in her eyes.

"Perfect" she agreed, "Looks like we're the only ones around too. No noisy neighbours" she laughed setting off towards the site he'd pointed out.

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yourlegacy
2014-02-06 11:21 pm UTC (link)

Cloud snorted at the thought of anyone admitting Cid was right. The diatribe that would follow would probably be worse than simply enduring the usual surly glares and curses. Then again, it might get them out of being forced to drink tea …

The path wore away underfoot, gradually becoming only the faintest trail. Cloud let Tifa lead as the trail narrowed until, at last, they reached a clearing partially sheltered by trees and near enough to the stream for water to be easily obtained. He shrugged out of his pack, setting it aside and rolling his shoulders. “Sunset shouldn’t be too far off.”

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	heaven_hart 2014-02-06 11:32 pm UTC (link)
	Tifa put her own pack down and looked out across the view, it really was stunning scenery and she was glad they were here. She nodded as she turned to him, "I think we should be able to get the tent up in time to sit and watch it, right?" she smiled. It would be a rather nice way to round off their day of hiking up here. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	yourlegacy 2014-02-07 02:00 am UTC (link)
	"We've had plenty of practice." He almost smiled, no longer bitter about the time they had spent chasing after Sephiroth. The memories still saddened him, but they didn't overwhelm him as they had once upon a time. Cloud made quick work of getting the tent unpacked and tossed a few things to Tifa, content to work with her in silence as they put up the shelter. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	heaven_hart 2014-02-07 09:43 am UTC (link)
	"Yes we have" she agreed, noticing that he didn't seem to be finding it as hard to talk about as he once had. It lightened her own heart that he truly was moving on from the past. They worked well together, they always had and the tent was soon up and everything was in order. Standing back she looked at it and then at the sun, "Plenty of time" she smiled. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

yourlegacy
2014-02-07 10:20 pm UTC (link)

“Come on.” Cloud offered a gloved hand. “Let’s go up a little higher for a better view.” Tifa didn’t really need his help up the trail, but it was the intent behind the gesture that was important. He wanted to do this together, and he wanted to do something for Tifa, rather than her doing everything for him, for a change.

The lookout Cloud had in mind was just a brief walk up a gently twisting trail that led to an overlook. He’d spotted it thanks to the small gap in the trees that allowed for a spectacular view off the mountain. It would be nice, he reflected, if the Nibel mountains looked more like this one day, though he didn’t expect them to ever become so hospitable.

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heaven_hart
2014-02-07 10:43 pm UTC (link)

Tifa took his hand in hers and let him lead them up the trail, she understood that it was more about the gesture than anything else and wasvwarmed by the thought. It was nice to walk hand in hand with him.

The scenery was truly incredible and Tifa hoped they could make sure they came here again. It was how the mountains at home should look.She hadn't spotred the overlook that Cloud had so didn't have a clue where he was leading them but she trusted him completely.

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yourlegacy
2014-02-07 11:04 pm UTC (link)

How long would it take for the Planet to look like this again? Cloud had to wonder. Would they see it in their lifetimes? Nanaki might, and maybe Vincent, if whatever had stopped his aging stuck after what had happened with Chaos and Omega. They were on the right path, though, and that was what mattered. Denzel and Marlene could enjoy a better future than the one Cloud and Tifa had faced as kids.

The trees at last thinned into a semicircle of new growth where an old tree had fallen. Cloud smiled a little and tugged gently at Tifa's hand. It wasn't the old water tower, but they'd found better places to watch the sky since then. The old trunk was still in good enough shape to act as an impromptu bench for sitting.

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heaven_hart
2014-02-07 11:21 pm UTC (link)

They probably wouldn't live to see the planet heal, but it would be well on its way by the time the kids were grown and hopefully their children could enjoy something like this.

Tifa chuckled as she saw the makeshift seat and sat down bext to Cloud, keeping her hand in his as she lay her head on his shoulder to look at the view. "You did wonderful Cloud, this is perfect for a sunset"

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yourlegacy
2014-02-10 10:12 pm UTC (link)

Sometimes, as hard as Cloud found it to believe, he did get lucky. He glanced down at Tifa, eyes warm with affection, and circled her waist with one arm. “Looks like all that traveling’s taught me something.” It was only recently, though, that his travels had taught him to appreciate what he was leaving behind. More and more, he found himself thinking of Tifa and the kids as soon as he was out of sight of Seventh Heaven. There were even nights when, away from home and spending the night at an inn or a campsite, Cloud would imagine the sound of Tifa downstairs or in her room, her reassuring presence in their shared home, and drift off to sleep imagining her voice.

“Are you warm enough?” he asked after a protracted silence, during which the sun slowly crept toward the horizon, its colors not yet at their peak.

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heaven_hart
2014-02-10 10:40 pm UTC (link)

"Looks like it has" she agreed, she no longer felt as she had about Cloud's trips. She used to resent them taking him away from her and the children, as well as worry he might not return but she knew now that he had needed that time and space. Now when he went away she knew unequivocally that he would return to them as soon as he was able.

"Mmmhmm" she nodded, snuggling into his side, "I'm fine" she told him,"never felt better" she smiled up at him happily.

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yourlegacy
2014-02-11 11:32 pm UTC (link)

Cloud’s cheeks warmed, and he looked away, embarrassed. Not for long, though. A moment later, he ducked his head as he failed to suppress the upward turn of his lips. Yuffie would be all over them right about now, crowing about how Cloud was smiling and pointing enthusiastically at Tifa snuggled against him. H really hoped he didn’t have a Zack ghost hanging around doing the same. This was hard enough to do in private, let alone with an audience, invisible or otherwise.

“Remember that night on the water tower?” he ventured, the thought popping up unbidden.

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	heaven_hart 2014-02-11 11:57 pm UTC (link)
	Clouds smile made Tifa's grow just that little bit brighter, her own cheeks were red but she didn't mind. This was perfect and she was very glad they were here together. "When I made you promise?" she nodded her eyes closing for a moment, "Of course I do. I'll always remember" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	yourlegacy 2014-02-12 12:24 am UTC (link)
	His smile broadened, and he found himself leaning in ever so slightly. Almost of its own volition, his free hand moved to brush Tifa's hair away from her face, tucking the dark locks behind her ear. "I'm glad we kept it." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	heaven_hart 2014-02-12 09:36 am UTC (link)
	Tifa automatically leaned into Cloud's touch the soft smile staying on her face as her eyes locked with his. "Me too. And my hero keeps on rescuing me" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

yourlegacy
2014-02-14 08:07 pm UTC (link)

They were so close, and Cloud couldn’t bring himself to pull away. Tifa was warm against him, her presence steady and reassuring. The sunset was nearly forgotten. “Hey, Tifa?” he questioned softly. “If you’re ever in trouble, I’ll come for you. Okay?” It was the first time he’d spoken the words himself, the first time he’d offered the promise instead of simply agreeing to it.

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	heaven_hart 2014-02-14 09:19 pm UTC (link)
	Tifa gave him a watery smile, as tears formed in her eyes, "You promise?" she whispered her hand raising to lay her palm against his cheek. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	yourlegacy 2014-02-15 03:28 am UTC (link)
	"I promise." He reached up to wipe away a tear. "No dilly dallying this time." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	heaven_hart 2014-02-15 11:43 am UTC (link)
	That made Tifa laugh softly, "No dilly dallying" she agreed with a smile. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	yourlegacy 2014-02-15 03:48 pm UTC (link)
	Before he realized it, Cloud found himself closing the small distance between them, and very softly touched his lips to Tifa's in a gentle, chaste kiss. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	heaven_hart 2014-02-15 04:50 pm UTC (link)
	Tifa closed her eyes as she gently pressed her lips to Cloud's, it was a moment she had wanted for a long time and couldn't quite believe was happening now. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	yourlegacy 2014-02-16 05:28 pm UTC (link)
	Slowly, Cloud drew back, though his touch lingered on Tifa's skin, reluctance to pull away in the touch of his of his fingers and palms. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	heaven_hart 2014-02-16 06:26 pm UTC (link)
	Tifa smiled as Cloud moved back, her own hand, which had moved to the back of his head, continued to stroke the hair at his nape. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	yourlegacy 2014-02-16 11:54 pm UTC (link)
	"Is this okay?" he asked, after a false start in which he couldn't quite manage to find his voice. He wanted to be sure that he was reading the situation correctly. Usually, Tifa would tell him if he wasn't, but sometimes, he worried that she held her tongue out of a desire not to hurt him. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	heaven_hart 2014-02-17 12:29 am UTC (link)
	"More than okay" she told him before kissing him again. He was reading the situation right as she hoped she was. "Is it okay with you?" she asked when she pulled back slightly. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	yourlegacy 2014-02-17 12:46 am UTC (link)
	"Yeah." He smiled. "It's good. We should probably do this again." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	heaven_hart 2014-02-17 01:07 am UTC (link)
	"No argument from me" she grinned, obviously happy before she hugged him, feeling lighter than she had in a while. (Reply to this) (Parent)