FF7: Happy Memories of Us

I love Tifa and Aerith equally.

For years after FF7 was released, there were the childish "Tifa hates Aerith" and "Aerith hates Tifa" and rivalries and all kinds of bashing. But seriously?

They were the best of friends, even if Cloud was the dumb blond in the way. They shared adventures, laughter, hopes and dreams. I think Tifa knew Aerith better than anyone. I love them so much I centred a fanfiction around them (Love Not Often - its on Fanfiction.net! And hugely popular - as is the sporadically updated sequel Heart Less Love)

This is one of those happier times, with Tifa taking the sometimes unworldly Aerith around the Gold Saucer (as Cloud goes off to deal with the emo Barrett!)...

"Take a picture, Tifa," Aerith said suddenly, pulling away from the side of their small viewing platform, where you could see the dome for the Chocobo Racing and the fireworks that lit up the dark sky against faint, misty wisps of heavenly cloud.

"Sure, let me find my camera," the darker haired girl began to rummage through their packs, glancing up to see Aerith's happy little smile, "You like it up here." It wasn't a question, the joy in the Ancient's smile was plain.

"I love it, it's so clear and the air is so different. I feel like if I stepped off, I could jump from star to star," Aerith laughed softly, "that'd be one magic I'd love to know."

"I'd like x-ray vision personally," Tifa made a face, "I think you packed it so deep I can't get to it without braving your underwear!"

"Oh it's only underwear, don't be so shy, here," Aerith came closer and thrust her small, fragile looking hands in and shoved her clothing about for a couple of minutes, then withdrew a hand that held triumphantly the digital camera she'd bought before they left Kalm. "This'll be a great picture for the scrapbook."

"You want to get the fireworks in?"

"Yeah!" The ancient bounded upright and then posed, arms held up over her head, "if you get it this way, it looks like my hands are exploding with them!"

Tifa smiled dryly, "from this angle down here, it looks more like your armpits are exploding with them."

"Ew," the green eyed beauty lowered her arms and tucked her hands back to her skirt which was willfully trying to expose her panties to the world - the wind this high up was playful this evening.

In a few quick steps, Tifa was next to Aerith, grabbed her by her waist and held the camera up, snapping the look of surprise on the ancient's face and the fireworks that suddenly bloomed from nowhere behind them. Their hair was also caught up in the wind, blowing about them. Tifa chuckled, and checked out the image on the viewfinder.

"Oh, we look special."

"Special?"

"Spe-shaaaaal" Tifa emphasised, and smiled faintly, "you look like a deer caught in headlights!"

Aerith laughed and stuck her tongue out at her, "Hah, but a cute deer... come on, lets go find a drinks stall and then we can do something you wanna do!"

Tifa smiled, feeling warm; this was a best friend, it seemed like forever since even the warmth of a close friend from her childhood. She tucked the camera back into their shared backpack and hoisted it up, "Okay, but I didn't think the Speed Square was your style..." as she tried to maintain a straight face, jauntily walking back inside.

Aerith called after her, "WHAT?!"

I love 'em so.

B xxxx