Forgiveness - Ch.3

Cloud arrived at Forgotten City. He stopped near the lake to think for a while. However, he wasn't alone.

"You can come out now." He said as he turned his gaze over his shoulder. A figure in a cape appeared from the shadows and approached him from behind. It was none other than Vincent Valentine; a former Turk of the Shinra Company and one of Cloud's old friends.

"How long have you've been standing there?" Cloud asked.

"A while." He replied. "Tifa called. She said that you left 7th Heaven. She's worried about you."

"I'm not going back." Cloud frowned.

"Are you guys fighting?"

Cloud said nothing in response and simply lowered his head to avoid the question.

"I see."

Vincent was not exactly the type of person who could hold a conversation. Like Cloud, he was a man of few words and let his actions speak for themselves; but in this case, it was different. Cloud needed to talk things out and had no choice but to trust him.

After the long silence, Cloud let out a few words.

"I'm losing her, Vincent…"

Vincent turned his head to gaze at Cloud while he began to explain what happened. He listened carefully to his side of the story as Cloud's face began to fill with sadness.

"I still love her…" Cloud's voice trailed off.

"Did you tell her that?"

"No." he lowered his head.

"Then you should." Vincent replied.

"How can I- after what she did to me…" Once again he frowned. Vincent became silent for a moment and began to speak.

"Don't blind yourself with anger. There may be a reason of why she did what she did. But don't do something that you'll regret afterwards."

Cloud's face changed as he listens to his words. Although Vincent has never been a very eloquent person, somehow, he always managed to find the right words when the time was needed. He was a good friend in times like these and Cloud knew it was best for him to listen to his advice.

"Sometimes forgiveness can be hard," Vincent paused, "…but it’s also a way to start something new."

Within those words, Cloud realized that his behavior might have caused her to look in Noctis, something that he didn't give her. He also understood that maybe this was not entirely her fault and it wouldn't have happened if he was there instead of making additional deliveries.

Cloud stood up from the ground and watched the ripples from the water. He closed his eyes and inhaled to cool his head and opened his eyes with a slight smirk in his face.

"Thanks Vince. I'll do what I can to make this work…"

Vincent nodded his head in approval and Cloud walked off to Fenrir to leave the Forgotten City ; determined not to give up on her now.
                                         
                                                                                   
[Back at 7th Heaven.]

The phone rang and Tifa ran to answer it.

"Hello? Cloud?!" Tifa's eyes trailed off after hearing that it was only Barret who was calling. "…Oh, it's you Barret. I see… Well, thanks for calling me back." She hung up.

"Any luck?" Noctis asked her.

"No… there's still no sign of him." Her hands held her face as she sat on the barstool. She was getting impatient as the night was getting heavier. She wanted to stay awake for a little longer but was too tired she couldn't keep her eyes open. Noctis saw her fatigue and immediately suggested her to go upstairs to get some sleep.

"I know this might be difficult for you now," he approached her. "But I think it's better for you to go get some rest."

"But what if he comes back? What if he calls and I'm not-"

"Don't worry." He interrupted her. "We'll keep looking for him in the morning." He smiled gently. Tifa sighed in relief upon hearing his words and gave him a warm smile.

"I guess you're right." She was still concerned about Cloud, but somehow felt really calm around Noctis. In some ways, he reminded her of Cloud.

"Well in that case, I should probably get back to my apartment." He stood up from his chair and went to the entrance.

"Thanks for staying here with me," she said as she walked him to the door. "I don't know what I would've done if it wasn't for you."

"Don't mention it. Although, I wish I could have been more useful…" he trailed off from her gaze. Tifa chuckled after hearing his sincere words and cupped his cheek in her hand to gain his attention while she caressed his face with her thumb.

"You've done more than enough." She said with a warm smile. Noctis looked into her eyes and he also replied with a slight smile, getting lost in the moment and without thinking, threw his arms around Tifa to embrace her. Tifa was surprised at first, but then wrapped her arms around him as well.

"No matter what happens… I want you to know that I'm here for you…" he whispered in her ear.

Tifa tightened her grip as she buried her face in his shoulder. She couldn't help but feel guilty for having allowed this to happen. She more than anyone, knew about his feelings towards her and didn't want to hurt him because of her confusion. She began to weep softly in his shoulder and Noctis placed his hand on her head to secure her. They parted and once again, he dried her tears. Tifa admired the feeling of his hands stroking her face, but deep down inside, wanted those caresses from Cloud instead of him.

Noctis on the other hand, was struggling against his desire to kiss her and taste the sweet nectar that emanated from her lips. There was nothing he could ever want more than to feel her lips against his and be able to express all his affection for her through them; but all he could do now was comfort her with his touch. He once again, placed his hands beside her face to see her eyes.
She got lost in those red eyes of his and couldn't help the blush. Noctis smiled at her and leaned forward to press a soft kiss on her forehead. Tifa closed her eyes when she felt the contact with his lips.

"Good-night Tifa." He said while he parted.

"Good-night." She nodded.

Noctis left the bar and walked back to his apartment.

To be continued...