Home (Tifa/Private)

[Cloud Strife]

The hustle and bustle of the city made him uncomfortable. Too many people around probably, he preferred solace. The blond haired warrior marched silently through the city, surrounded by plenty of souls but still alone. Finally, it was looking completed, fewer half completed buildings occupied space, and everyday the citizens seemed closer to assimilating to their new existence. He supposed that before the stigma, everyone had been plagued with the memories of Meteor…but now, he could sense a quiet acceptance from the inhabitants of Gaia. Acceptance. That was easier said than done.

His bright blue eyes wandered aimlessly, through the town as he walked, not quite focusing on anything in particular instead looking past the physical, as his thoughts transcended the petty nuisances of the carnal world. If anyone was to look at him right now, he may even seem slightly insane, wandering without a clear destination as his eyes darted to anything that moved.

Just another day in Edge... if only that could be true. Life was a funny thing, it seemed to enjoy teasing him... dangling concepts like normalcy and peace infront of his face, before recanting quickly and throwing a curve ball his way. He had almost gotten used to it over the years, but it still irritated him. He had thought, or rather had fleetingly hoped, that once the planet had rid itself of the stigma that life would return to normal. As if that would ever happen. Instead the rumblings of chaos were once again sounding off, like a dark symphony warning the inhabitants of Gaia of what was to come.

As if anyone needed something supernatural to alert them of the changes that were rapidly occuring. Once again, small villages around The Planet were being destroyed, violently obliterated and ripped from existence. It was an odd reminder of another tragedy. The Nibelheim incident. It had been years ago, but he could never forget that time again... his memories had been corrupted once before, but never again. And if he remembered anything about his home, and it's destruction he knew the man responsible for this new insurgence of violence.

...Sephiroth. Not a name he fondly remembered. From a childhood hero, who Cloud held in the highest esteem, to a terrible nemesis. He gritted his teeth, and glanced down at his hand which had instinctively clenched. He was still out there. Every time Cloud attempt to destroy the ghost of his past, he always seemed to reappear. Maybe it was his destiny, to continuously fight against Sephiroth for all eternity. Sephiroth who represented more than just evil in Clouds mind. He gritted his teeth tighter, his eyes flaring with slight anger, before he breathed a sigh of release. No. Not now… if that man showed up again, he would deal with it, but he wouldn’t wallow in his hatred of the dark angel.

Besides, he had other things to think about now, particularly the resurgence of Shinra. Another grimace, this time not out of pure anger but more or less annoyance. Ah well. They were searching for Sephiroth, and with any luck they would take each other out. He chuckled darkly at the thought. Not likely but it was still a fun thought.

He snapped out of his pseudo trance. His vibrant blue eyes for once glancing around, for once actually taking in his surroundings. He looked around. It was late... how long had he been wandering around? She would be worried. And she would probably be waiting up for him. Bah. How annoying… He sighed, and turned on the spot. He needed to get back to the 7th Heaven, besides there could be a job waiting for him when he got there. He sighed, before placing his hands leisurely behind his back and heading back home.

He quietly opened the door to the bar, and quietly stepped inside. The kids and Tifa should be waiting for him. And he had to admit, it felt good… to have a home and all. He wasn’t used to it, not since he had his mother, having a family and all.

OOC: Bah. This sucks I know. >> -isn't good at starting threads- The next will be longer and more detailed I promise.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Just another day on the job. The same job that Tifa had so much pride in despite how difficult -and at times vulgar- that it was. There were a few times when she had thought about getting a body guard, but her pride wouldn't allow it, especially since she could handle any of the drunkards on her own. Barret would sometimes come by to check on her, but it was still very lonely working the same job everyday with the same people everyday. There was no way in hell she would make friends with any of these people, other than the old man who enjoyed giving her advice. He had a wife, so there was no harm done with having the occasional chat with him. Even Reno had come by a few times, which was awkward considering her standing with Shinra. Thinking of company, it had been a while since she had seen that crazy ninja, Yuffie.

All the others came and went, even Cloud. Funny, she had lived with him for so many years, yet they were like strangers in their own home. She had hoped that he would have brightened up a bit since the geostigma ended, but with the fallout of another planet, and the strange happenings going on around in other towns, she knew that his thoughts would be focused on the one who man who had caused do much pain in all of their lives.

A name that she didn't feel like speaking, so she let the thought of him slip away. Instead she went back to focusing on taking care of the orders that she had from her customers. Denzel and Marlene had went out to play, and her mind worried her about them. She didn't feel safe letting them play in Edge on their own, but thankfully since the attack of Bahamut SIN there had been more patrols around their sector. "Hey lady, get me another 'en," one of her customers called out, snapping her out of thoughts.

Spinning on her heel, she walked back over to the bar, pouring a drink and sent it over to the man. Quickly, she sat the drink down on the table, nodding at the man. "Uh uh, don' walk away from me. This ain't the right kind o' drink, lady." Rolling her eyes, she took the glass from him and went to get him his right order. While pouring the mans drink, she heard the bell on the door, indicating that another person had walked in. Sighing deeply, she finished pouring the mans drink. Spinning around once more, she saw a very familiar face. Cloud. Knowing him, he would probably run upstairs to take a shower then wait for her to make food, then go to bed, then leave again in the morning on another job. Pah.

Despite all of that, she gave him a soft smile, nodding her head at him as she took the drink over the guy, and plopped it down for the last time. Like hell she was going to run back to the bar if this one wasn't right. The man made a disgruntled sound, but because of Tifa's posture and facial expression, he kept his mouth shut. Smirking in victory, she made her way over to Cloud.

"Cloud, how have you been?" she questioned with true curiosity, stopping just a little ways from him. In order not to disappoint her customers with her blabbering to the guy who they saw so often, she began wiping another empty table of a person who had left not too long ago. Denzel and Marlene had still not returned, and her brow furrowed with thoughts of what they could be getting into. Barret would have her hide if he were to find out that they were out playing unsupervised. Still, she trusted that Denzel would take care of the little girl.

Once she finished wiping the table, she stood straight, hands on her lower back and she tilted back slightly, trying to pop it, but no relief came. Bending over all the time to clean things up was wrecking havoc on her body. By now, her feet had become accustomed to standing up all the time, she rarely getting a break to sit down at the stool behind the bar. She felt like getting a drink herself right now. Maybe she would close a little early. "I'll make you some food soon, okay? Get some rest." Really, she treated him too well sometimes. But, it was best to kill people with kindness. Turning away from him, she let a small smile come across her tired face, happy that he was safe and home, for a while anyway.

[Cloud Strife]

---

The familiar ring of the 7th Heaven’s bell signified that he had indeed arrived to his ‘home’. He glanced around, spotting many of the usual customers at and around the bar. His bright blue irises took on the sight with a slight smile, so slight that it was virtually invisible. He glanced around, his eyes moving from person to person before he caught on to one in particular. They locked eyes for a brief second, his vibrant azure eyes meeting her brown, and he nodded at her in recognition.

He watched her work, not actually saying anything. He didn’t need to… after all the years of living together, they had an unspoken agreement… she understood him. She knew that he was damaged. He was glad that he never felt the need for idle conversation with her. Not that he would know what to say anyway. He sighed, and made his way to the actual bar, passing by his old friend idly.

How had he been? If only that could be expressed in words… and no matter how much he searched for a proper explanation of how exactly he was he settled on his ever reliable response. “Fine.” He said, not try to be short with her, but it probably came out that way.

He took his seat at the bar, and rested his elbows on the smooth surface, glancing around and watching the other member of his family. He glanced around, not seeing the other kids… not that they would be hanging out in the bar area, but he didn’t hear them playing up stairs either. He hoped fleetingly that everything was okay with them. Denzel was his responsibility, and Barrett would be on his ass if anything happened to Marlene in their care. “Where are Denzel and Marlene?” He murmured.

He supposed that he should be a bit more sociable with her. After all, they had known each other for virtually their entire lives. And so, he uncharacteristically decided to continue the conversation rather than just fading into his own memories. “And… how have you been?” He muttered, attempting to be genuinely interested.

He watched her as she worked, and wondered why she never complained. She was obviously tired, obviously aching from a long days work. “I’m not hungry.” The golden haired warrior said firmly. He had said it before, and she would probably just insist that she made him something to eat, but hey worth a shot right? “Besides. It’s getting late… no one would complain if you closed the bar now. You need to rest as well.” It was true. He didn’t want to be selfish in this situation, and to tell the truth work had been quite mundane for him. A quick delivery job, that was it, in and out. He had spent the majority of the day idly reminiscing about the past and feeling sorry for himself while she was laboring, slaving away here at a bar at the service of others. He almost found it annoying that she could still care enough for him even now. Not that he deserved it… promises aside; he was pretty useless to her at the moment.

He decided to be sociable, more for her benefit than his. The silence never bothered him much, and he found it very comforting to keep his own counsel. But sometimes he had to attempt not to be so selfish towards her, and he was sure that she could use some conversation now and again. “But while you’re up, could I get something to drink?”

[Tifa Lockhart]

Fine. That is what he had always said no matter what he was feeling, minus a few occasions when he had decided to be more talkative with her. His tone was dark and brooding a lot of the time, but she could understand. Running her fingers through her hair, she watched as he sat down at the bar. Sighing quietly to herself, she too made her way over the bar, when she checked to see that everyone was satisfied with their service. A small chatter was going on around the room like usual. Old friends meeting up with each and exchanging stories was always something fond to listen to.

Reaching the bar, she sat down on the stool for the first time all day. How she wished she could take her shoes off and just relax, but as soon as that were to happen, someone would either step on her toe or she would have a chair smashed on top of her foot. It hurt bad enough with shoes on. Cloud seemed relatively worried about the kids when he questioned her, though he always seem to have a care for them. Denzel looked up to him as a hero, and for good reason. A shame that Cloud couldn't see himself as a suitable rolemodel. "Oh, they're probably out back playing.

Standing up from her stool with great displeasure, she made walked around to the back where the back exit was. Opening up the metal door, she peered outside and spotted the two sitting outside, bored and tired. Frowning at herself, she felt horrible for them sitting outside all day. Waving to them, she told them to take a shower then go to bed. Naturally the kids did not want to come in, but they knew better than to argue with her, so they listened and made their way inside.

Tifa followed behind them as they avoided the customers and made their ways upstairs. They didn't seem to notice Cloud this time, but they were tired. "They're just tired," she reassured him, not wanting him to think that the kids were mad at him. Making her way back over to the stool, she sat down once more, making herself a glass of vodka and orange juice. Gently, she swirled the glass in her hand, mixing everything that she had put in before taking a small sip of the drink.

The alcohol stung her throat, but it gave a warming sensation to her chest. No matter how much juice she put into the drink, she could never make it perfect so that the taste of the vodka would die down a bit. The brown-eyed woman looked up at Cloud, half surprised that he had asked her a question, though she didn't let it show on her face. No, that would give him a bad feeling, and she didn't want that. "Fine, she spoke, her voice stern though she was teasing him. She let a few moments pass before she began to speak again. "Lonely and bored," she replied, looking down into her glass. "But I'll make it."

For once, Tifa almost took him up on the offer to not make him food, but she was stubborn and she would make sure that he was well fed. Smirking over at him, she stood to go the fridge. She opened the door, and pulled out a pot of vegetable soup that she had made the day before. She poured a bit of it into a bowl and stuck it into the microwave for about a minute. Managing the bar on her own was difficult, but she managed, understanding that she had kids to care for, and a man to feed whenever he felt like coming home.

"Yeah.. I guess I can close up for the night." It was twelve thirty, and she needed rest. Everyday she ran the bar without end, even though the holidays, though she opened later, and stayed open later. With the microwave going off, she looked over at the crowd, knowing that they would be displeased that she would close thirty minutes early. "Okay everyone, I'm closing up early tonight, so out you all go," she spoke out loudly. Immediately all eyes went to her, and she heard voices throughout the room of 'oh come on' and 'you gotta be kidding me' among other things about a man getting in her way of work. "Shoo, all of you!" she snapped, her brows creasing in displeasure of their disrespect. She knew she would lose no customers, and that they would all be back tomorrow. Slowly, they all got up and left, leaving their glasses at their tables and on the bar for her to clean up once more.

Smiling at Cloud, she pulled out a bottle of bourbon from the counter, pouring it into a plastic cup and sitting it in front of him as she went to pull his food from the microwave. Sticking a large spoon into the bowl, she sat it down in front of him, hoping that he would eat something. Moving out from behind the bar, she began to clean up the nightly mess. Thankfully there was no vomit tonight..

[Cloud Strife]

His azure eyes watched as she sat down, noting the relief in her form as she rested. Probably the first time all day… the 7th Heaven was rarely without customers, and at times even when it was closed they would have unexpected visitors searching. It was a decent atmosphere, if you enjoyed the company of others, since unlike so many of the other bars inside of Edge, there was rarely any major strife between the patrons even when they were intoxicated with near harmful levels of alcohol.

“Out back eh?” He muttered, more to himself than anything. He enjoyed being around the kids, as they gave him some semblance of happiness. However, whenever the thought of them, or more particularly Denzel, crossed into his mind he couldn’t help but feel the familiar inklings of failure seeping back into his mind. He wasn’t even sure what he was to them… he and Tifa had adopted the boy, and Marlene was Barret’s (Their good friend and comrade) adoptive kid, but still… he definitely wasn’t fit to be anyone’s father, even if the children did look up to him. One day…. maybe… Slowly, he was becoming less and less damaged. He had Tifa to thank for that. Since the death of Zack, and more recently the death of Aeris she had been there for him. He didn’t really wish to admit it, but he had to be grateful towards her, since she had selflessly taken care of him for the better part of five years, and he had done nothing more than to selfishly accept her kindness without any thought for her well being.

Soon… it would get better soon. He withdrew from his thoughts, and reentered the world his eyes darting to where she was sitting, only to find her gone and out the door fetching the youngest members of their makeshift family. There was happiness in the house now, and it had replaced the feeling of hopelessness that they had gone through when both he and Denzel were suffering from the Stigma. And happiness was always good. He smiled softly in the direction of the kids, preparing to raise his hand in greeting, but before he could lift it high enough, or get their attention they were already off to bed. His hand lowered, and his expression fell slightly, wondering if his absence from the general house dynamic were beginning to get to his young companions, but before his thoughts could take an even darker turn, they were interrupted by Tifa’s words. He glanced at her, meeting the deep brown briefly before he turned away. “Yeah…” He muttered. She knew him too well, reacted to his thoughts without him showing any out word indication of what he was musing over.

At least she seemed a bit more relaxed, and even playful at his next words. He allowed himself a sarcastic laugh as she responded to his question with the all too familiar ‘fine’. Mocking him of course, but not in a bad way. It was just her next words that were cause for concern. He always had to remind himself that not everyone was as self reliant as him. Others were healthier, when it came to emotional and social interactions. He wanted to promise to stick around more, and keep her company, but he knew he couldn’t. At least not right now. Tomorrow a call would come, and he would be back on Fenrir racing off to complete the day’s errands and deliveries. His business also helped keep their house up, and the bar doors open. But… at the very least, he could apologize right? “Sorry.” He said his voice no louder than anything he had said previously, but now it was directed at her. His line of thought did an about face. Naw. He could take a few days off here and there… maybe spend some more time with Denzel and Marlene, kids who he saw much of his old friends Zack and Aeris in. And, maybe if he stuck around just a little more he could help Tifa with her loneliness. After all, she did deserve better.

He smiled inwardly as, even with his assertions that he would be fine without food she went ahead and prepared it for him anyway. Thinking of others first. Like always. But at least she was taking his advice today, and he swiveled briefly in his chair to watch the occupants of the bar gruffly clear out, thirty minutes earlier than they would normally. He couldn’t help himself but smile at their reactions, and at the way Tifa dealt with it. Must be nice. For all these people, the 7th heaven was more than a place to drink and maybe have a little to eat. It was a home away from home, an escape from life’s daily problems. He had always found it comforting, that their little place of residence was also a place of reassurance for dozens of people outside of their family.

Nice thoughts. An improvement from his normally dark memories and with that he turned back to the bar and began to eat some of the food Tifa had made for him graciously. Obviously, he had been lying when he had claimed that he wasn’t hungry, just his own attempt at lessening her load. But there seemed to be no end to the woman’s laborious nature, as right when cloud took a sip of his favorite alcoholic beverage (Once again, something she had known without him asking), she had begun to clean up after the nights patrons.

Without asking, he sprang up and began to help. He moved swiftly over to where she was working and gently took over what she was doing. “I got it. Only one job today and I finished it relatively early….. you take a break,” He muttered, and without waiting for her answer stubbornly began to clear and wipe the areas tables. He wasn’t good with the small talk, and hadn’t ever been. But she was lonely right? Might as well try and change that while he was around. “Did you hear about the village attacks? He muttered as he worked. “They say it’s him….” He continued. She would know exactly who he meant when he used the word ‘him’, but he was careful not to use his actual name. Tifa never seemed particularly fond of talking about those aspects of their past.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Her brown depths caught the sadness in his eyes when the kids had not seemed to notice him. "Cloud, lighten up," Tifa spoke gently, smiling softly at him as she leaned over to place her hand on his shoulder. "I tell them to look at the floor when there are customers in here." She didn't want the kids to ever have to see the kind of people that she dealt with on a daily basis. Yes, she had trained the kids pretty well when it came to living in a bar. Removing her hand from Cloud's shoulder, she sat back down on the stool, her ears catching the sound of the shower running, knowing that the kids were listening to her and doing as they were told. Once she finished with the bar, she would probably take a shower too. She was exhausted, but whenever Cloud came by, she never wanted to sleep. Though he didn't talk much, she still found comfort in being around him. It was peaceful, and she wished that their relationship could be like how it was before when they were younger. After the death of Zack, he changed. For the worse, and not for the better, though overtime that attitude of his changed back into the old Cloud's, though with more angst.

The sound of his laugh, albeit sarcastic, made her grin larger than what she had in a while, and she too shared in it with a small giggle. Looking away with a smile still on her face, she took another drink of the alcohol, feeling the burn go down to her chest once more. How could people drink this stuff all of the time? "No need to apologize, Cloud. I know that you're doing all that you can for us," she commented, her eyes gleaming with all that he went through, just for them. The kids missed him dearly, but, she had explained to them that Cloud did it for them. She explained how he sacrificed himself day in and day out so that they could be provided for. Sure, Tifa made money, but not nearly the amount that the blonde-haired man made with his deliveries. "You're a wonderful delivery boy," she teased, winking in his direction.

Tifa raised her brow at Cloud as he ate, knowing that he was hungry. Had she known that he would have returned, she would have made him a better meal, though warm soup was good for this time of year. Most of the time she made just an average meal, though when she felt bored she would get creative and make something weird. Once she began getting to work, the man who she had admired for almost all of her life actually stood up to help her. She couldn't help but to smile at him, always feeling inwardly giddy like a young girl who felt like she was in love. "Cloud, you should eat, I'll be fine," she replied as she went off to continue her work, washing the dishes behind the bar while he wiped the tables. Sooner or later, the topic had to come up about the ex-SOLDIER who Cloud used to admire. Gritting her teeth, she hated to talk about him. Still, she would bare it since it was Cloud. He rarely talked to her about his worries, so now was the time to go on ahead and discuss the man. Sephiroth.

"Sephiroth..." she whispered to herself, though it was still audible. For now, she could drop the dishes as this was a more serious matter. Rubbing at her eyes, she took her seat at the stool again, picking up the glass and downing the whole thing in one go. Shameful that she was drinking. If the town were to be attacked tomorrow, she would be hindered by a hang over."I don't understand how he could be so fast in this kind of work, but there's a lot of things I don't understand about him." Cloud on the other hand, may know more. Tifa knew about some things that happened in Cloud's past, though she didn't know everything. If she were to know, then she could try and piece together everything, but she was not the type to be nosy and butt into people's tortures.

"Do you think we should try to round up the gang.. or wait it out?" she questioned him despite that she wanted to go on ahead and call everyone as soon as possible. Even if she were to do that, she would have no leads on where to go or what to do. For right now, it was a lost cause, and everyone had a habit of appearing from nowhere as soon as something went down. With the new threat of Sephiroth, it made her heart clinch with fear. She could not lose the children like she had lost everyone else. Thanks to that bastard, she already lost a part of Cloud that she feared she could never get back. What was she thinking in letting them play outside today on their own? What kind of motherly figure was she? Not a good one, she knew that. At any moment, he could appear from the sky and everything would be lost. She would rather give her whole life than to have the kids taken from this world, as cruel of a world as it may be. How she wished she could have given half of her soul to Cloud the day that he lost the half of his...

Sighing deeply, she started to make herself another drink. Just randomly picking anything from the bar that was within her reach. Bailey's. Always a good fall back alcohol; not too strong, and just the right taste. Opening the bottle and pouring the drink into her glass, she plopped a few pieces of ice in it. If she had any milk, she would have enjoyed the nice taste of Kahlua, but alwell. The ice cubes bobbed in the liquor as she brought the drink to her lips. Taking a long drink of it, the burning sensation was far less with this. Tonight, she would probably be wasted. Hell, she was legal now, so she might as well drown her worries in a glass of alcohol.

"I am worried, Cloud," she began, ready to let all of her worries flow out of her mouth like silk so that he may hear her. Yet, she didn't feel like telling all, not right now. Too stubborn to admit how she shouldn't be fit as a caretaker, she knew that kind of talk would not be good for his emotional thoughts. Knowing him, he would think that if she thought she wasn't fit, then she would think that he was shit. Ha, what a lovely rhyme so late at night. [color=[pink]"How am I supposed to keep the children safe?"

[/color] With that, she shook her head, placing her hand on her forehead, her brown eyes staring down into the chocolate colored drink. This, would be a bad few months, if the world were to even last that long.[/blockquote][/size]

[Cloud Strife]

Was it strange that he found it oddly comforting that she laughed along with him? Though his laugh was pretty forced and sarcastic, hers was almost joyous and certainly more authentic. He attempted to hold back an odd smile, but his lips twitches upwards anyway. She was right however, and he took a drag of the bourbon in front of him at her words. He just wished that his inner most thoughts agreed. No matter how many times people said that he was doing a good job, or helping out… the feeling and remembrance of how it felt to fail always came back… He would try though. And keep working at it. One day he would fill that role of the ideal man that he so craved, a man that Tifa and the kids deserved. One day soon hopefully.

And at least he had found a job that suited him. No matter how much he wanted it, he would probably never have the mindset needed to work in the bar, or do any other job in the city. His delivery service was one of the few things he took pride in…. and one of the few things that brought him true joy. Traversing the vast endless high ways of the still healing planet, in Solitude with only his thoughts. He had to admit that such a job cleared his mind. That, along with her company was healing him…. He was almost whole again, he had almost returned to his true self. It was a refreshing idea…. To no longer be damaged, and no longer be a made up persona based on misplaced memories. And he had to admit, he had Tifa to thank for it. His slight smile grew a little bigger at her wink. “Thanks…” He said genuinely, not referring to her words, but rather everything else she had been in his life.

Cloud continued his cleaning of the tables, and wanted to do the dishes as well, but her words seemed pretty clear. He knew better than to push too far, besides… despite the fact that she was usually tired and drained after a full day tending to the patrons of the 7th Heaven, he knew that she also enjoyed her work as well as the pleasures that came with it. And so he quickly finished up, cleaning the tables diligently, hoping to match her worth ethic before returning to his stool and his food. He took another drink of his cool beverage, and caught himself grimacing as he felt it slipped down his throat. There was a reason that he rarely drunk alcohol… despite its… benefits, it could also be a little discomforting.

He felt the mood between them darken as she mentioned his name. The ex-soldier. It was funny how life was… years ago, in Cloud’s youth he had been obsessed with the famous soldier. Now it seemed to be the other way around. He could still remember those words… “tell me what you cherish most”, and even still they not only gave him chills but strength as well. Before he could drift too far into his thoughts, and get lost in memories of the past Tifa’s voice brought him out of it. Her concern was a fair one, it wasn’t even something Cloud understood all the way. The blond haired man shook his head. The concept wasn’t easily to explain so he settled on saying, “He’s more than he seems. But if he’s back… I’ll stop him.” Both true statements, and both were saying a lot. Sephiroth already seemed as close to a god as man could come to those who didn’t know him. But the blue eyed man had beaten him before… and he would do it again… and again, and again. No way in hell would he let Zack and Aeris’ sacrifices would go in vain.

As for the gang, she already knew his answer, just how he already knew how she wanted to respond. He considered his words for a moment, and was unable to go against his nature. “Sure.” He said simply, before he sighed and continued, “Call them up. There is strength in numbers.” His words were clear, but there was a deeper meaning behind them. He was agreeing with her for her benefit, however, as much as he trusted the old team… he didn’t want to drag anyone else into this. When it came down to Sephiroth it would be one on one like before. He didn’t want to risk losing anyone he cared about in such a battle… after all he was a lone wolf.

He watched her pour her second drink, and silently rose his own cup in the air. As she drunk, he took a long gulp as well. Damn… he might end up getting wasted tonight. The mood in the bar was almost foreshadowing. He reached over and placed a hand on Tifa’s shoulder, this time allowing a genuine smile to come through. She needed it. “It’ll be okay. I promise.”

[Tifa Lockhart]

Taking drinks was contagious, because as he took his, Tifa took a drink of hers as well. Her brown eyes were diverted from his for fear of the alcohol making her say something that she may later regret. Damn him and his gorgeous face. Still, she knew that trouble would come if anything were to happen between them now. His constant absence and his still healing mind would make things strained. But for now, she wouldn't think of that. It would be all on him, not on her, for certain reasons. As the silence lingered, she heard the water turning off from the shower, knowing that whichever kid had taken one was now heading off to bed. The small pitter patter of wet feet from upstairs was comforting. Tomorrow they would get ready for school, and they needed their sleep, so the brunette would keep her voice down from now on.

Tifa only nodded at his thanks as she continued to clean the dishes and placing them into the appropriate cabinets. Soon, she finished her work, and she took her seat at the bar once more, her higher stool overlooking all the tables that would be filled with customers ready to take their leave from the bar. By now, she would be cleaning, and getting ready for bed herself. Taking out a bottle of lotion from behind the counter, she squirted a few drops of it onto her hand and began to massage them. It was the only way that her hands remained as soft as they did. The thought of having rugged old lady hands was an odd fear of hers.

Picking up her glass once more, she took the last few drinks of the bitter tasting alcohol, and placed the glass into the sink. Tonight, she felt more lazy than usual. Thankfully, Cloud had helped her out despite her dislike of him doing so. He needed his rest, and so did she. In a few more minutes, she would go to sleep, and hopefully he would too. Tifa looked over at Cloud as he spoke, knowing that he knew more about the silver-haired man than what she did. She could never understand the ex-SOLDIER's motives, though it apparently had something to do with his 'mother'. The same mother than Cloud, and all of the others apparently shared. With Kadaj and his brothers gone, how many more of them could be out there with the same desire to do whatever it was to Jenova?

Maybe it was information that the woman didn't want to know. Though she was young, she felt as if she was getting too old for all of this crap that she had to deal with. "I know you will, Cloud. You always do." Her words were low as though she was lost in thought, but she could never shake the worry of losing him. A never ending battle between good and evil, how cliche. And why did he of all people have to be thrown into this battle? It was not a fair or desirable life. Tifa shifted in her chair uncomfortably. Oh Cloud... she felt useless in this battle between he and the mass murderer.

Tifa pulled out her phone as Cloud spoke, desperate to call all of them. But it was too late just for a meeting of sorts. Still, she held all of the numbers within her phone, so she would call them tomorrow once Cloud had left. He needed all the help and reassurance that he could get. Getting in touch with Nanaki would seem a bit difficult since he was a... mix of whatever he was. Last she had seen of him, he had a family of his own to take care of. Dephe.. Dophe.. the brunette couldn't remember the name of Nanaki's supposed lover and mother of his children. Maybe she just wouldn't include him in this one. Cid would be ready to go, though he would complain and cuss for a few moments. All the others weren't too far away, she didn't think.

Closing her phone, she placed it back into her pocket. Finishing up her second drink, she too placed that glass into the sink. Hopefully, that would be all for her tonight, though she could never be certain. She was tired, but her thoughts wouldn't allow her to fall into a peaceful sleep tonight, and she feared that more nightmares would come as they had in the past. She placed her head back onto the palm of her hand, her fingers swirling in her hair, creating knots and tangles, but she didn't care right now. Her hair was a wreck when ever she woke in the morning anyway. She thought of leaving the bar closed tomorrow, but she knew that would upset her customers, and she didn't feel like arguing with the men. At times she wished that she could have a job like Cloud's; to just be free on the open road without care and worry. But, she was a 'mother' and that's not what mothers did. Her bottom lip pouted a bit.

Her eyes went over to Cloud as he placed his hand on her shoulder, an automatic calm coming from his touch. How she wished that she could just reach out and hug him, and let him know that it would be okay too. All that she could do was place her hand on top of his for a few lingering seconds before removing it and placing it back on her lap. Her lips curved into a gentle, yet tired smile. "We should go to sleep soon, if you desire." She needed to wake up early for him tomorrow and make his breakfast, and then the kids.

[Cloud Strife]

The gentle silence that had taken over the bar, since it’s patrons departure was soothing to the blue eyed warrior. He liked the quiet, far more comforting than the chaos that his world has been thrown in too in recent years. All he could hear was Tifa’s quiet breath, as well as the gentle foot steps of the children from above. He was beginning to find himself happy once more… he had settled into a nice daily routine, and the ritual was becoming mundane. Something he thoroughly enjoyed. He had changed from his childhood… he still loved adventure, still loved the feeling that he got whenever he explored the unknown, however he could also feel the same joy here, at this home. The fact that he always knew what would be waiting for him when he came home… quite a sensation.

His bright eyes watched as she went about her business, completing her own daily ritual which consisted of opening the bar, caring for him and the kids, and cleaning up after, and he wondered fleetingly if she was enjoying herself. He could tell that she was lonely, but Cloud knew that his job was just as important (if not more) to their families well being as the operation of the bar was… he was going to have to continue being selfish for just a little while longer. His excursions to deliver packages to parts sometimes unknown and desolate since the meteor incident, was also a true joy in life. The solace of the road…. Was amazing. A smile flickered on his lips. For some reason watching her lotion her hands amused him… perhaps it was the realization that she had her own insecurities as well.


He drank deeply again, guiltily enjoying the liquid. The bar was the perfect place for a broken soul to recuperate. Especially a bar containing only him, and someone he deeply cared about. In a way, he was already healing. He no longer felt insanely guilty about the deaths of his friends, Aeris and Zack. Had he been alone, he may have not made it, however much he didn’t wish to admit it Tifa had been a great help to him.

“If you believe that, then please stop worrying,” He said quietly at her next words. He could read deeper than what he actually heard. He knew her well enough, after all he had spent his entire life around her… He could hear the quiet contemplation in her voice, as well as the worry. “It will all be fine. I’ve told you before, and I can promise this.” His own voice was quiet as well, however he kept it steady. He knew her well… she needed to believe it, or at least believe that he believed it. She would probably always worrying about his well being, however he would do whatever he could to lessen that worry. Tifa had enough on her mind, what with the bar and the kids. He didn’t need to be a hindrance to her.

And he had to be slightly amused as she immediately pulled out her phone. No doubt the brunette wouldn’t be completely satisfied until she knew that all of the old crew was on one accord. “Calm down, Tifa…” he muttered, just as she closed her phone. Probably not in reaction to his words, but still he was glad to see her acting rationally towards the situation. She could get in touch with the whole crew… no doubt they would all immediately jump at the chance to meddle in the situation for their own reasons. Annoying, but also comforting in their own way… it was always good to know that you had allies. Even still, Cloud knew that when it came down to it… it would be him versus Sephiroth. One on one. That’s how it always was, that’s how it would always be. No matter how many times he killed the SOLDIER, he would be back, it was Cloud’s burden to bear… Cloud’s endless waltz to dance.


As her hand covered his, he felt a very slight chill go up his spine. He knew where it was stemming from. His body was confused that the contact soothed him, rather than made him nervous as it would have before. Life was cruel… right as he was beginning to settle down, things were getting bad again. He wouldn’t let things end up like before. Before he had been weak… before ‘he’ was able to strike where Cloud could not defend. No longer. This time it would be different, he was no longer defenseless. He would let no harm befall his kids, or Tifa.


His eyes passed over her face, sensing her tiredness before she opened her mouth to speak. He took another long drain of his beverage, draining the remainder of her bottle. “If there’s nothing else troubling you…” He muttered. Sleep or not sleeping didn’t mean anything to him. Sometimes he did it, sometimes he didn’t. It all depended on how his gears were turning on that particular night, but he was never actually ‘tired’ as far as sleepyness went anymore. “Then we should probably head to sleep…” best thing to do when you had no opinion was to agree. Besides, she was tired. And she should be, she spent all day working and taking care of the kids, and then when he got home she felt the need to take care of him as well.