My Dearest Friend

Pairing: Tifa x Aerith

Genre: Romance

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy or any of its characters.

Author's Note: With the full game of the remake now released, I was motivated. Don't know if I'll buy it or not though. XD Watching little clips is enough for me. Anyways, here's a short little one-shot. That's all I can do.

It's late at night. Tifa and Aerith are at the apartment that belongs to the flower salesman, on the balcony, watching the stars. The brawler takes several glances at her best friend, who is smiling at the clear night sky. Aerith is so beautiful and so sweet to all those around her, even to her. She's so important to the team, it'll be devastating if they lose her now, especially when they go up against tougher enemies, including Sephiroth. She reaches out and puts a hand on hers, grabbing the brunette's attention.

"What is it, Tifa?" she asks. "Something on your mind?"

The brawler gives a gentle smile and squeezes her best friend's hand. "Sort of. I just want to…stay as close to you as possible."

"Hehe! What's this all of a sudden?" Aerith says.

"Let's just say…I don't want to lose sight of you…inside or outside of battle," Tifa replies. "It's complicated to say, but…"

Aerith gives a sweet smile and steps toward the chair to sit on, gesturing Tifa to do the same. "Listen…we're best friends. We're inseparable. You, me and Cloud work together to help each other survive. But most of all…" She gestures toward herself. "You are here to protect me. It's always been this way. Cloud protects you, yes, but you protect me. As long as you two keep it up, none of us will be lost."

"Aerith…" Tifa gazes into her best friend's emerald eyes. The flower woman's smile never leaves her.

Aerith gently takes the brawler's hands in hers, squeezing them firmly, but gently. "No matter who or what we encounter, just remember that we always have each other's backs. We protect each other."

Tifa nods with her own gentle smile. "You're absolutely right, Aerith. I shouldn't be worrying so much, then. None of us have been lost just yet."

"And it will never happen," the flower woman assures her. "Trust me, if we do it right, we'll win every time. Finish a battle and then go to the bar for a celebration."

"That's right~" Tifa nods again. "I'm so glad I have you, Aerith."

"Same here," the brunette leans close to the raven haired girl. "Because you know what? I have another thing to say…" She leans a bit closer. "I like you~"

Before Tifa can react, Aerith's lips press against hers, and it turns into a full on, passionate kiss. Her lips feel so soft and moist that she fully accepts the kiss and returns the favor while embracing her at the same time. This is the most wonderful moment the two had and they want it to last forever.

Once they pull away, Aerith caresses her new lover's cheek with a gentle smile. "Tifa…my dearest friend…"

"I love you, too…" Tifa says. "Now and forever…"

The two lean in to share a passionate kiss again.

"Now…and forever…" Aerith repeats.