Kendra sat in the back of the luxurious tour bus and stared at the laptop computer screen, laughing. Her small fingers danced over the keyboard typing her reply.

TifaLockhart: Cloud! Be serious. What do you think of her?

CloudStrife: Ok, please forgive me Tifa, I’m in a weird mood. She’s pretty but she doesn’t have much of a personality. Why do you care what I think of Britney Spears?

TifaLockhart: I’m just wondering. At least you prove my point that not all guys are about appearances!

Kendra had been glued to her computer since right after the show in Hamburg, Germany. She was a Backstreet Dancer. Kendra was very shy which was often mistaken for snobbery. She didn’t look that special with her thick brown hair that reached to the middle of her back and her cloudy blue-gray eyes that often resembled a raging storm. Her size 5 frame was small yet muscular. She often talked on the Internet knowing that was the only place she could truly be herself. None of the other dancers really conversed with her and the Boys, well they had enough to worry about. Kendra’s best friend in the whole world had to be Cloud Strife, a guy she met in a gaming chat room. The two instantly started chatting about Final Fantasy VII where their screennames had came from. Both had agreed to not get too personal and just be what they need, friends.

CloudStrife: Who said I’m not about appearances? I love a pretty girl as much as the next guy but she needs to have a personality. I don’t wanna feel like I’m talking to a wall!

TifaLockhart: Sometimes I wonder about you, Cloud! I’ll admit it-I like cute guys! So sue me but they have to be able to talk about something important and not who had the better game last night the Bulls or the Bucks.

CloudStrife: But Tifa, that is important!!!!!

TifaLockhart: You know I like my basketball just as much as the next guy but I don’t want to ONLY talk about that. I wanna be able to talk about big stuff! Abortion, politics, war, famine-that important stuff.

CloudStrife: Well you always got me! :-P

TifaLockhart: Thanks but sometimes I’d rather feel a warm hug rather than a cold computer.

CloudStrife: I know what you mean. Some times a little human touch is in order. I gotta get going. You know me, work, work, work.

TifaLockhart: What exactly do you do?

CloudStrife: nope-remember nothing personal.

TifaLockhart: OK, talk tomorrow? Same yahoo time, same yahoo chat room?

CloudStrife: See you here tomorrow, Sweet Lady.

TifaLockhart: You bet, Sugar.

Kendra shut down her computer and climbed into her top bunk wondering just who CloudStrife was and what he did.

“And it’s two, three, four and spin!” shouted the Boys choreographer, Fatima. Kendra spun out and stopped perfectly in sync with the rest of the dancers. Though she was focused on her dancing she couldn’t wait until after the show tonight to talk with Cloud.

“Kenny, come up here,” commanded Fatima. Kendra walked up and heard one of the dancers whisper ‘teacher’s pet’. Kendra ignored it and met Fatima at the front of the stage “Now can you show Nick the way to do the two-four combo-he’s having some trouble?”

“Sure,” she whispered as her and Nick walked to the back of the stage where they could work in peace. The both did the combo together but Kendra noticed he wasn’t concentrating.

“Nick, what’s on you mind? Your problem isn’t that you don’t know the steps but that you’re not concentrating on them,” she commented.

“Wow, you talk!” he exclaimed as Kendra turned bright red “Sorry didn’t mean to embarrass you but I was wondering if you spoke at all.”

“Yeah I do speak but that doesn’t answer my question,” she replied.

“I kind of got something going on after the show tonight. I’m just a little excited,” he said beaming a bright smile her way.

“A date?” she asked softly. Nobody knew that she had a huge crush on Nick. She always had and was always to shy to tell him. The possibility that he had a girl was tearing her up. The girls he dated always hurt him and Kendra wanted to be the one to pick up the pieces not to get him on the rebound but to show him that she really did care about him and wanted the best for him.

“I guess you could call it that,” he smiled again “Come on, let’s work on this, I think telling somebody about my excitement might have helped.”

Kendra once again sat in the back of the bus chatting on her laptop to Cloud. She sat on the couch with one foot propped up on the seat. She pushed glasses up on her nose as she intently read Cloud’s response having just taken out her contacts.

CloudStrife: So Tifa why are you bummed? You’re usually more talkative.

TifaLockhart: Don’t ask, Cloud. I’ll only take out my frustration on you.

CloudStrife: Isn’t that what I’m here for? Isn’t that why we are friends? You can talk to me, Tif. I promise I won’t tell anyone!

TifaLockhart:

CloudStrife:

TifaLockhart: CLOUD!!!!!!

CloudStrife: Sorry, really I am-go ahead spill!

TifaLockhart: You PROMISE to be good????

CloudStrife: Tifa, it’s me Cloud! When aren’t I good?

TifaLockhart: Don’t go there, Mr. Wannabe Bad Ass! Anyway, there is this guy I sort of have a crush on and I don’t know for sure but I think he may have a woman as in girlfriend. CloudStrife: Ouch, I’ll bet that hurts.

CloudStrife: Does he know how you feel?

TifaLockhart: It does and no he doesn’t I never told him.

CloudStrife: Why not?

TifaLockhart: I don’t know....he really doesn’t know me that well and he kind doesn’t notice me.

CloudStrife: Well being a member of the male species I know how guys think. I do the same thing with girls, if I’m into them I’ll pretend I really don’t notice them and let them make the first move. I’m kind of shy that way.

TifaLockhart: That’s just perfect cuz I’m shy as all hell! I usually don’t make the first move.

CloudStrife: And that’s why you’ll never get him. He’s probably like me and just scared you’ll say no. Maybe he doesn’t know that your not snobby but thinks that cuz you’re shy.

TifaLockhart: Thanks for the support, Cloud! Aren’t you supposed to be supportive? I mean since you are my FRIEND and all.

CloudStrife: I’m not telling you this to be mean I just know you and you are shy. If you want something go after it, fight for it, and when you get it cherish it like nothing else.

TifaLockhart: And who fed that line to you?

CloudStrife: Wow, you really do know me. A friend of mine always spurts out words of wisdom to anyone who will listen. Sometimes I keep an ear open since those lines get him all the hot chicks!

TifaLockhart: lol! Cloud, you will never cease to amaze me!

CloudStrife: Thank you! Not a JC thank you but a regular thank you

TifaLockhart: Oh OK! Look I’m really tired-had a hard day at work so I’m going to go.

CloudStrife: I had a hard day too! I need sleepy. Hey Tif?

TifaLockhart: Yeah Cloud,

CloudStrife: I usually don’t get all mushy and stuff but I thought since you’re feeling down I’d let you know that you are one of my best friends! I don’t know what I’d do without you.

TifaLockhart: Thanks!!!! That means so much to me right now you can’t possibly know! You’re one of my best friends too! If I didn’t have you I’d probably be a basket case by now!

CloudStrife: What are you talking about? You’re already a basket case! J/P :-D

TifaLockhart: Thanks Cloud! Now I gotta go and tear my hair out!

CloudStrife: NO!!!!! Not the hair! You know how much I love long hair!!!!

TifaLockhart: OK, fine-for you I’ll keep it!

CloudStrife: Thanks babe! Talk to you tomorrow!? TifaLockhart: You bet, sweetie! Hasta Luaego!

“Kenny! Kendra! Wait up!” yelled Nick as she walked behind the stage after the show had ended.

“Um, hi,” she said tucking a loose piece of hair behind her ear.

“Hey, I just wanted to say thanks for the extra help with steps and being someone to talk to,” she smiled falling in step with her.

“No problem, it’s kind of my job,” she whispered.

“To dance, not be my shrink,” stated Nick stopping at her dressing room.

“Well, I’m glad to help. Feel free to come to me at anytime,” she said smiling. Nick was finally talking with her.

“I’ll remember that. I gotta run, another one of my “dates”,” he said with a huge smile.

“Have fun,” stated Kendra the smile falling from her face as Nick ran off.

CloudStrife: Have you hugged your online best friend today?

The instant message screen popped up onto Kendra’s computer. A smirk formed on her full red lips. She pulled her legs under her as she typed her hello.

TifaLockhart: Hey Cloud! No but I will!

CloudStrife: Thanks! So what new, Sue?

TifaLockhart: Not much just chillin’ ya know the usual.

CloudStrife: Sounds like fun, wish I could join you!

TifaLockhart: Some day Cloud, some day. Hey can I ask you a really personal question?

CloudStrife: Boxers

TifaLockhart: Huh?

CloudStrife: The answer to your question: Boxers or briefs?

TifaLockhart: Um...thanks but no thanks! I was going to ask you what you’ve always wanted in a girl. I was just wondering cuz my friends and I were talking about what we look for in guys today.

CloudStrife: Well I feel dumb and embarrassed! That’s just me for ya! What do I look for in a woman? Well she’s gotta like to be at home and just to chill. She’s gotta have a sense of humor and be honest and trustworthy. Um....she’s gotta like video games (duh!) and be able to act like a little kid. This is going to sound weird but she’s gotta kind of be like you.

TifaLockhart: Me?!?!?

CloudStrife: Now before you go and get the wrong idea I mean that she’s gotta be someone I can talk to freely. Someone I can tell all my problems to and she’ll be there to hug it away. Someone who will support me and love me for me and not what I do.

TifaLockhart: You mean all that?

CloudStrife: No I just said all that to impress you, of course I mean it! You are the only person that I can tell that to and know that you won’t laugh.

TifaLockhart: Why Cloud, are you an incurable romantic? Ya know midnight walks on the beach with your lady of choice?

CloudStrife: Not my lady of choice-just my soulmate. What about you? What did you tell you friends you wanted in a man?

TifaLockhart: Just a guy that will respect and appreciate everything I have to offer. My mind, my opinions, my body, my beliefs-all that stuff. A guy that will hold back my hair when I get sick, a guy that will be there to pick up the pieces when I fall apart. Somebody that will complete me. I’m know it sounds lame but it’s what I want. I WANT to live a fairy tale! CloudStrife: You will, Tifa, I promise! You deserve it!

TifaLockhart: Thanks Cloud but my luck with men proves you different.

CloudStrife: Oh I don’t believe that! You’ve gotta have some hot guy lined up

Kendra laughed pulling up her brown hair into a messy bun. If he only knew the truth. Kendra started typing something but stopped and deleted it. She started typing something new.

TifaLockhart: Cloud how long have we known each other?

CloudStrife: About a year and a half, why?

TifaLockhart: Why haven’t we met yet?

Kenny bit on her thumbnail awaiting his answer. She had always wanted to meet him. Not only did she have a crush on Nick but a slight one was starting with her friend Cloud. He was always there for her and made her laugh but the last thing she wanted to do was scare him off with her ‘let’s meet’ idea.

CloudStrife: You’ve been wondering that too huh? I guess because we never wanted to be too personal.

TifaLockhart: Little late for that now, huh?

CloudStrife: I’d say. So do you really want to do this???

TifaLockhart: Sure if you want to!

CloudStrife: Well I’m out of town right now but I live in Florida so how about you come down here and visit me?

TifaLockhart: No way! I live in Florida too! In O-town!

CloudStrife: Well I’m in Tampa but I can give ya directions. This is going to be cool! I can honestly say I can’t wait to meet you.

TifaLockhart: I can’t believe I’m actually doing this!

CloudStrife: Me neither.

Kendra and Cloud kept talking and finalized details about their meeting. The tour had ended which depressed Kenny even more. Pretty soon the adorable Nick Carter would just be a distant and fond memory. Kendra stuck the key into her apartment after arriving back in the states. She immediately plugged her laptop in and set it to sign on while she took out her contacts. When she walked back into her room, an IM had popped up on her screen.

CloudStrife: Hey there! It’s been awhile!

TifaLockhart: Yes, it has! I’ve been busy with my job. Sorry I haven’t been on more :-(

CloudStrife: It’s OK-I haven’t been around all that much either! So are you excited about tomorrow?

TifaLockhart: Are you kidding-we are going to have a blast!!!!!

CloudStrife: Totally-well we better get going if we are going to be awake tomorrow! I’ll see ya then OK!

TifaLockhart: You bet!

Kendra sat at a table outside the small coffeeshop in downtown Tampa. It was 12:30pm and Cloud still hadn’t shown up. Kenny glanced at her watch again and sighed, placing a hand under her chin. She stared out at the street as people passed her by.

“Kendra??” asked a sweet and smooth voice. Kenny turned around and saw Nick Carter behind her.

“Nick? What are you doing here?” she asked a surprised look on her delicate face.

“I’m supposed to meet someone here but they haven’t shown up yet.”

“Yep, me too! Wanna hang until they get here?” Kendra asked sweetly.

“Sounds great to me,” said Nick settling into a seat next to her.

The two talked and completely forgot about the people they were supposed to meet. They talked about the tour and Nick had asked her to be in the new video they were shooting. The friends also chatted about their families and friends. Kendra checked her watch and sighed.

“I guess he’s not coming,” she commented.

“Oh you were waiting for a he,” stated Nick with a jealous tone to his voice.

“Yeah, I was supposed to meet a friend of mine.”

“Just a friend?” Nick interrogated.

“Maybe. Why do you wanna know-writing a book?”

“No, no, I’m just a concerned friend. Just want the best for you,” he said smiling as Kendra blushed.

“So who were you meeting?” asked Kenny.

“Same as you, just a friend,” he said obviously not wanting to get into it.

“Oh,” was that Kendra could say.

“Hey, since we both got stood up how about we hang out. We can go out on my boat since it’s so nice. Do you have you suit with you?” he suggested.

“Yep, underneath this,” replied Kendra pointing to the sundress she wore.

“Cool, let’s motor.”

“God, Nick, this is absolute heaven!!!!!” exclaimed Kendra off the back of his boat. Nick had dropped anchor a couple of minutes ago, leaving them in the middle of nowhere with no one else around.

“I figured you’d like it. Feel free to sunbathe or something. I’m going to go down below and get us some food,” said Nick disappearing into the cabin. Kendra pulled the sundress over her head revealing a pretty emerald green bikini. She stepped onto the front of the boat and carefully laid out the towel that Nick had borrowed her. A few minutes later she heard Nick whistling.

“Hey you want some?” Kendra looked up, shielded her eyes from the sun and saw Nick holding a plate of fruit.

“Sure,” she stated going to get up.

“No need to get up, I can come to you,” he replied making his way onto the front of the boat next to her. He crouched down next to her and showed her the plate. Watermelon, strawberries, pineapple and cantaloupe adorned the plate. She pulled a piece of pineapple off the plate and popped it into her mouth staring out over the massive ocean.

“This is amazing, Nick,” she commented. “Fairy-tale like, huh?” he asked. The comment made Kendra’s head whip around in confusion.

“What did you say?”

“I said ‘Fairy-tale like, huh?’” he replied smiling with a look that said I-know-something-you-don’t. Kendra just stared at him in shock “Yeah, Tifa, it’s me-Cloud.”

A gasp escaped Kendra’s lips. Nick was her Cloud? The man she had poured her heart out to online was her crush object?

“How...how did you know I was Tifa,” she asked never once taking her eyes away from Nick.

“When we were at the coffeeshop. I told Tifa to where a flower in her hair so I would know who she was. I saw you with the flower and figured I’d just play it off and surprise you later.”

“I...ah....I don’t know what to say,” she giggled nervously.

“Say you’re glad it’s me. Say that you hoped and prayed and wished on stars that it would be me. Say that you fell in love with Cloud,” he whispered softly a scared look on his face. Kenny looked deep into his eyes and saw the hope and apprehension that laid there. ‘Could he have fallen for me?’ Kendra asked herself.

“I’m so glad it’s you. I hoped and prayed and wished on stars that it would be you. I mean that. I fell in love with you, Cloud,” said Kendra so softly it was barely audible. She looked down onto the boat afraid of what Nick’s reaction would be. He put a finger under her chin and lifted her gaze to meet his.

“Kendra, I had the biggest crush on you when we were on tour. The only thing I prayed for would that you could be that pretty and still have the personality of my friend Tifa and I guess God decided to answer. I fell in love with you too, Tif,” replied Nick putting down the fruit tray and caressing her face with his hands. Things moved in slow motion after that. Nick leaned down to Kendra and pressed his lips to hers. It was the long awaited reunion of two fractured souls finally becoming whole again. And what would make this modern day fairy-tale complete but to say that they lived happily ever after.

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