Tifa felt the wind kissing her face as her long, brown hair carressed her smooth cheeks. It was such a nice day, only a little bit colder than usual. The cold, crisp breeze made a shiver on her, creating goosebumps up her arms. She hugged herself for a while as she clutched the thick blanket she had on her back, trying to keep her balance on the railings of the window. She and Cloud had just moved in Cloud's villa in Costa del Sol. Neither wanted to go back to Nibelheim, both wanting to erase the painful memories they had in the place. Knowing that turning back from your past wasn't easy, they just stick to the one that they have had eversince before they could remember, each other. The only thing that reminded them of their past. Tifa closed her eyes, reminiscing about those long forgotten times. Deep in thought, her dreaming was interrupted by a loud sound.

"Aaa--chooo!!!"

      Cloud's sneezing had been bugging her since this morning, plainly because it doesn't sound like regular sneezing. Tifa got down, fixed the hair on her face and went outside.
"Cloud, are you alright?" she asked with concern. Walking further more, she finally saw a glimpse of his body all shivering and sniffling on one of the chairs in the kitchen.

"Aaachoo!"

      Tifa shook her head. She took off the thick blanket from her shoulders, feeling the coldness of the surroundings from the careful lost of warmth. Cloud's having a cold and he's staying in this cold place without something to cover his arms?
"Thanks, Tif" he said in full gratitude, savoring the warmth of the cloth around him. "And to think I thought this place never gets cold" he complained. Being near the ocean, it's supposed to be real warm. Strange enough, the place seemed cold. Or probably the two of them had much too many sun their bodies could handle and had developed some kind of sensitive skin against the cold. Whatever was wrong, it couldn't change Cloud's state.
"How are you feeling?" she asked him, slowly patting him on the back. A cough escaped his throat as he shut his eyes closed. Cloud sniffled again and pinched his nose.
"Not so well" he replied hastily, his eyes getting wet with the burden up his nose. He sighed, only to worsen himself as another cough was let out again.
"Tsk tsk...you have to take a rest" she said, leading him down the hall to tuck him in bed. "I'll be here, I'll take care of you" Tifa said reassuringly with a smile. She then walked out to prepare him some soup and lots of liquids.

      "Hey!" Yuffie greeted, slowly peeking in the door. Cloud had been in bed for three days and still no improvement. "I heard Cloud's sick, so I brought some herbs for him to get better" she said cheerfully. The others followed her from behind.
"So how's he?" Vincent asked. He didn't look as if he cared at all, but at least he asked.
"I don't know. I can't tell, but he's not yet recovering" Tifa answered. Barret then came 'waltzing' up the stairs to Cloud's room.
"Barret wait, he's still as---" Tifa's words were cut off by Barret's loud shouting.
"Yo, Cloud!"
"--leep" Tifa said with a groan, seeing that the continuation of her sentence wasn't much help as she heard Cloud's loud complain.
"Damn it, Barret, I was sleeping! How did you get in here?! Tifa!!!" Cloud yelled, suddenly making Tifa leap from her place. She ran up the stairs as the others followed.
"Yes?" she asked, half panting and half hurrying. Cloud stared at the crowd behind Tifa.
"Great, so what's the occassion?" Cloud asked, meekly groaning at the sight of more people. Not that he didn't appreciate his friends' concern but...he didn't want much people at the moment. He could only accept Tifa as the one taking care of him, nothing more. Well, afterall, they didn't look THAT concern anyway. Vincent was still the usual Vincent, Cid and Barret as loud as ever, Nanaki still the same, and Cait Sith's probably in Midgar, after all, Reeves has nothing else to do with that little stuffed toy.
"Oh, come on, aren't you happy to see us?" Yuffie asked with a little pout.
"Delighted" Cloud replied ironically. Barret slapped him on the back, earning Cloud a few sudden coughs.
"Oh come on, don't be such a kill-joy" he said, shifting his mouth on a wide grin. Cid nodded behind him.
"Hey, afterall, it's not everyday you see the guy who saved the planet sick in bed" Cid added with a grin much as wide as that of Barret's.
"Stop teasing him, you guys" Vincent said, giving the two a hard glare.
"Yeah, the guy's sick, give some respect" Red...er, Nanaki said as well. The two finally calmed down and just sat themselves on Cloud's bedside, unconsciously, throwing Cloud in the air as they dropped their behinds at the same time. Cloud coughed again at the slight 'disturbance'.
"Uh...guys?" Tifa asked, trying to sound thoughtful at the words. She tried to silence her voice, hoping she won't add up to Cloud's interruptions. "I don't think Cloud's in the mood to talk right now" she said. They all heard another sneeze from the sick guy with them.
"I agree, I don't want to catch anything vile in here" Vincent said as he walked out the room. The lion-like animal beside him followed him as well with a slight bow.
"Might as well" Nanaki said he he leapt out with Vincent. Yuffie could only stare at the two and sigh.
"Okay, Tifa. Take good care of Cloud, and get well soon to you" she said, glancing at Tifa and Cloud's direction and hopped on her way. Tifa and Cloud then turned on the two still sitting beside Cloud.
"Oh, bah! Fine! Guess the two love birds need some time alone, huh?" Barret said teasingly. Tifa blushed slightly.
"Barret!" she said dejectedly, glancing at Cloud at the corner of her eyes. He didn't seem to mind anyway, he even looked amused about it. Add to that the fact that he didn't say anything about it. Tifa blushed even more. Before she could gain back her mind, Barret had pulled Cid away with him. Loud crashings were heard from below, probably Barret and Cid's racket. Cloud also noticed the large, deep pit that marked on his bed where Barret and Cid had been sitting. He laughed and yawned sleepily.
"Thanks, Tifa" he thanked again, slowly slipping beneath the covers of his bed. The peaceful state of his eyes convinced Tifa to get out of the room and leave him alone.
"I'll leave you for now, I must prepare these herbs that Yuffie gave for you" she said and then disappeared behind the wall. As Cloud traced her path with his eyes, he smiled to himself and fell deep in to slumber.

      More days have passed, but still Cloud's state kept the same. Tifa was getting tired, but she kept her composure and just let herself drain away as she nursed the guy she was with. Everyday, Cloud had resisted the urge to push the bowl of herbal soup from Tifa's hand away, suffering from the salty-bitter taste of the leaves. The color gave him the creeps, being dark green and almost creamy-like goo, he felt a sudden hit of nausea just thinking about it. Fortunately, he hasn't been irritating Tifa by the throwing up problem, he always kept himself from doing so, knowing that doing it might turn Tifa off. Afterall, girls are kinda annoyed with such things.

      "Cloud, please?" Tifa asked with tired eyes as another serving of Yuffie's herbs came into matters again. "This'll make you feel better" she said, trying to convince him some more.
"Please Tifa, I'm begging you" he said, keeping his distance away, trying to keep the horrible stench from entering his nostrils. His head grew dizzy as the odor of the so called 'medicine' touched even the tip of his nose. What would happen if he even TASTED it. "Tifa"

      Tifa gave up. It was clear to her, she wasn't much of a nurse to him. He seem to be worsening day by day. She couldn't help but blame herself, knowing that his state might probably worsen even more. Maybe it was her. Was he starting to get tired of her? If that's the case, all he had to do was to tell her. After all, she would listen to every word he'd say. That was how much she loved him.

      "Cloud, if there's a problem you could always tell me. If the problem is me, I wouldn't mind" she said, sounding a bit hurt. Cloud was startled at the sudden change of her tone, feeling it was his fault why her voice had seem so disappointed.
"No, that's not it" he defended hastily, trying to erase the skeptimism in her eyes. He placed his hand on her shoulders but he was painfully shrugged off.
"It's okay, Cloud, I'll be out for a while" she said and ran out the door. Cloud could only watch her go, feeling the weakness he had. Even though, he tried standing up, but only to be failed by his legs and fall on the hard, cold floor. Trying to lift himself up back to bed, he saw through the wall, hoping to see her come back. But she didn't. He could only whisper her name in apology. Telling himself she'd be back later on gave him a little bit of comfort as he willed himself to sleep, hopefully, she'd be back before he wakes up.

      The painful thought hit Tifa's head like lightning. If she really was the problem why he's not getting better, it didn't matter. The pain of the thought had hurt her too much, she didn't want to be with him for some time. Standing in front of Nibelheim, she only had one more choice. Let someone take care of him. She couldn't ask Red XIII, he had too much fur that might bother Cloud's nose, as if he doesn't have much too many burden on that part of his body. He couldn't ask Barret, Cid nor Yuffie because they're much too loud. She couldn't ask Reeve either, he's probably too busy back in Midgar. The only option was Vincent. As if he would do a good job, but Cloud might probably be more comfortable with someone his own attitude. Both hates talking, which is good. Cloud didn't want to talk because he said it gives his eyes a little pain and causes him to sneeze. Even if Vincent may be cold to take care of someone, she didn't have a choice. After all, he's not that bad anyway. She took a deep breath as she readied herself on the haunted mansion. She still couldn't believe Vincent wanted to be in a place. Even after the world has regained peace, the place was still haunted for some reason. Readying herself from any unexpected enemies, she entered.

      "Hey" a voice from somewhere called. She was relieved to see who it was, luckily, she didn't have to fight any enemies.
"Hey, Vincent, can I ask you a favor?"

      Cloud opened his weary eyes. He rubbed them twice to see a clearer view, expecting to see Tifa beside him. The only thing that surpprised him was someone in a red cloak and long black hair who has his back on him.
"What the---" Cloud muttered, slowly shifting his gaze at the sides, trying to see who it was.
"She's not here" a familiar voice said. The man suddenly turned his back, letting Cloud see his face. He had his cloak down on his neck, showing his whole face. It was seldom that Cloud saw his face, he didn't even see it at all before. He could only stare at him.
"What are you doing? Don't you know it's rude to stare?!" Vincent asked with a pang of annoyance in his voice. "I'm doing Tifa a favor here already"
"What are you doing here?" he asked. "Where's Tifa?" the slight sound of worry from Cloud's voice amused Vincent. This was actually the first time he heard him use a different tone.
"She's with Yuffie in Wutai...I think. She seem rather disappointed when she came to me" he explained, looking up as if trying to remember what happened. "She asked me to take care of you while she's there"
"Why did she go there?" Cloud asked, the worry in his eyes still not changing.
"Dunno. She said she wanted to have some time alone for a while. She also said you didn't look like you wanted her company anyway" Vincent added. Didn't want her company? Cloud repeated in his mind. What does she mean by that? There was a little misuderstanding in here, and it's making his mind spin.
"No! Vincent you have to get her back!" Cloud ordered, tears welling up again due to the sudden outburst. He felt his strength drain away as he leaned on the back of the bed. "She didn't understand"
"I can't do that" Vincent said sadly, shaking his head. "She told me not to disturb her. After all, I don't know where she is"
"You said she's in Wutai!"
"I said I THINK she's in Wutai. If you think about it, she's probably with anyone right now, but Yuffie's the best choice" he replied. "Or maybe she ran off with another guy" he teased, a glimpse of malice in his eyes.
"VINCENT!!!" Cloud yelled. The thought of his best friend leaving him for someone else scared him. He couldn't let her go away. "Please, go get her"
"Can't do that. I was kidding about that running off part, but she promised she'll be back in a week" Vincent said as he turned his back to him again. He then handed Cloud a glass of juice. "Tifa also told me you hated the herbal medicine Yuffie brought, so I shouldn't give you anymore" he said. A relieved sigh escaped Cloud's lips as he heard what he said. It might not be that bad. After all, it's just a week, how long could it get?

      It was the longest week in Cloud's life. He thought it won't take long, but it seemed like a thousand years had passed by but she still hasn't come back. He knew Tifa was wrong. He felt much better when he was being taken cared of by her. He felt a lot worse. He didn't think it was a cold anymore. It was something worse. Vincent was getting worried as well. Cloud knew Vincent was doing his best, but he didn't think physical nursing was what he needed. Vincent couldn't possibly give him what he needs, neither could anyone else. He missed his best friend, he kept repeating the thought over and over in his mind. How he wished she could be by his side again. He missed her so much.

      "Cloud, you're pathetic" Barret complained, giving him a disgusted look. Cloud could only shrug the comment off. He felt more pathetic than anyone could ever think of. Without Tifa, he couldn't feel better anymore.
"I thought Tifa would be back in a week, it's already two and a half weeks and she still hasn't come back" Cloud muttered sadly, his voice so low it's barely audible, accompanied by the swelling of his throat that gave him problems with talking. The sudden shot of guilt blew inside him. It was his fault she left anyway. Vincent knew the little phrase was meant for him.
"That's what she said but I didn't think she'd be a little bit delayed" he said sadly, giving back the same tone of voice as Cloud's. Cloud shook his head.
"You call a week and a half a little delay?" He asked sadly, tears welling up in his eyes. Only, they weren't caused by the talking anymore, they were caused by the mere factor that Tifa was missing. Yuffie had been off looking for her, but she couldn't find her. He couldn't bear the thought that Tifa really left him. And just because of a lame misunderstanding. The others could only watch him as his shoulders shook violently at the need for her. He needed her. Everything in his body calls out for her touch. The only sight of her may make him feel a lot better.

      A sudden outburst then sounded form downstairs. The others went down to find out what it was and was relieved to see that it was a 'who' instead of a 'what'. Tifa panted on the door, falling on her knees in a sudden gasp.
"Help" she muttered like a child as she fell down on the floor on fours. The others peeked behind her to see a mob of monsters behind her. "I'm sorry, but I kind of disturbed them" Tifa said with a sheepish smile. The others laughed and readied themselves to fight.

      Tifa sighed tiredly. Wiping the cold sweat she had on her forehead, she decided to help the others out.
"No need, Tifa. Go to Cloud" Cid yelled without facing her. Tifa backed off. Hasn't he been well yet?
"How's he?" she asked with a worried voice. Just trying to make sure.
"Awful! Even worse!" Vincent replied. Tifa couldn't understand. What is his problem? She quickly ran upstairs, carefully peeking inside the quiet room only to see a figure curled up in a ball on one side...obviously in pain. The mere sight of him gave her heart a sudden stab, like a cold knife deepening inside her chest. She could see how his brows met in the middle, eyes shut, trying to supress the tears that were about to fall.
"Cloud" she called. Cloud's eyes suddenly burst open and he quickly sat up.
"Tifa!" he exclaimed happily, the excitement in his voice evident. "I missed you" he said as he held out his arms to her. Tia could feel the abnormal warmth his fever gave him. He was so warm. Vincent was right, he was worse.
"Cloud what's wrong with you?" Tifa asked him. Cloud paused for a while.
"Before, I didn't want to get better because I noticed I get more attention from you now that I'm sick" he explained sheepishly with a slight smile. Tifa tilted her head on the side.
"Haven't you been getting too much attention from me yet?" she asked jokingly. Cloud smiled.
"Somehow I wanted more. But then you left, you can't imagine the way I felt when I found out. I waited for you because Vincent told me you'd be back in a week, but it took more than a week for you to come back" he said sadly. He pitied himself once he realized the pain he had gone through. Tifa tilted his head up to to meet hers.
"I'm sorry, I just thought I'm not that good for you. You seem to be just getting worse when I'm here. That's what I thought. I'm really sorry Cloud. I missed you too" she said as she embraced him tight. Cloud was too happy that she was with him again, almost not believeing that she was hugging him. He always had a burning desire to do so. He cupped her cheeks then and kissed her. Both pairs of eyes closed as they savored each other's embrace. The others decided to leave the two alone for the better. Only, snickers were inevitably heard from behind, but neither minded it at all.

      Everything went out pretty well. Tifa had been nursing Cloud again. Both were happy about it and it didn't take long for Cloud to get well. The only problem was, neither expected what the kiss and the closeness of themselves had caused until Tifa's rambles had been heard from all over the house, just as Cloud had gone better...

"AA--CHOO!!!"

~owari~