( a kiss on the cheek out of the blue | @carrythat )
gives a smoochum on the cheek
she hated it when they separated. she knew it was a necessity–––– they had always been a big group of travelers, but now she found herself wondering how they covered as much ground as they did every day–––– but that didn't lessen her disapproval. they had a lot to do before leaving town, & it just wasn't possible for them all to move together. if nothing else, it would be nice to get to catch up with barret one––––on––––one for a little while. she hadn't had the opportunity to check on him in far too long.
the groups were beginning to disperse, & tifa watched their backs as they moved ahead to the fork in the path. the tail end of barret & yuffie's playful argument had everyone's amused attention.
well, almost everyone's.
even if she hadn't had her eyes on the group, tifa would have known without a doubt that it was cloud who had approached her. she knew his footsteps, his shadow, his presence–––– it was all but instinct now. his closeness was a comfort, so she didn't bat an eye when he stood a bit closer than usual. she simply sent a smile in his direction before continuing to watch their companions.
with everyone in good spirits, it was easy for tifa to feel relaxed. to take in the moment. her guard was down, & that was why cloud's sudden gesture was such a surprise.
❛ oh. ❜
a hand at her waist. lips pressed against her cheek. she hardly had time for a soft, surprised gasp before it was over, & all she could see was the back of cloud's head as he moved forward to end the argument himself. she lingered. still. the ghost of his touch on her skin & unable to see from where she stood if there was any redness on his face like she knew there was on her own.
it was a wave from barret that had her moving. there was no time to return the gesture, nor could she complete it with the same stealth that he had. there were eyes on them now, & she had no desire to spend the rest of the day suffering questions & teasing. so she settled for something simpler. her fingers laced with his as she passed, her hand squeezing his own before she let him go. she tried to sound as casual as she could, but there was a bit too much laughter in her tone, her simple words tinged with hope & promise.
❛ see you when we get back, okay? ❜











