No Forgiveness

By: Wildfire Sky

This is my first Final Fantasy fanfic, but not, by far, my first fic ever. I saw the movie, was deeply impressed, and decided to try and branch out from Gundam Wing and Rurouni Kenshin fanfics into the realm of video games. Hope you enjoy it as much as I'll enjoy writing it! If you'd like to be a beta reader, please send me a message!

This fanfic follows after FFVII: Advent Children…the disease Geostigma has not been diminished as thought, and now it has taken on a greater potency. There is a cure…but is Cloud willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to get it?

A/N: Warnings for language and violence. Reviews welcomed always.

No Forgiveness

Chapter One


Tifa raised the glass to the dirty sunlight filtering into the 7th Heaven, examining the recently cleaned glass for any streaks or smudges. With a satisfied nod, she handed the glass down to the eagerly waiting hands next to her and reached for another. Marlene clasped the glass tightly as she rushed over to where the blonde, spike haired Cloud stood just behind and to the right of Tifa, assisted Denzel in putting away the glasses. The fighter had actually managed to stay for more than a few days this time, his stay extended for just over a week. Tifa glanced at him from the corner of her eye, watching as he gently plucked the glass from Marlene's hands and placed it among the rest on the counter. He had her paranoid…it couldn't be denied. Every night she stayed awake, listening for his footsteps when he'd finally leave her and go back to doing…whatever it was he did. He never left without some sort of hint, more of a courtesy to her than anything else, but still she couldn't help but think he'd been there one moment, and gone the next without any warning.

"Tifa?"

She blinked, realizing that Cloud had been returning her heated stare for quite sometime, Denzel and Marlene ignorant to it all as they continued putting away the glasses. Sharp aqua-blue stared at her, slightly narrowed in their observation, the owner patiently waiting for an explanation. Blushing inwardly, Tifa turned quickly returned to what she was doing. He didn't need to know that he made her nervous…it might be taken the wrong way and then he'd really leave. Tifa turned to hand Marlene the glass, only to see her and Denzel dashing out of the bar and into the busy city.

Damn it all to hell…

Tifa sighed, turning and brushing past an unmoving Cloud to put the glass away herself. "Those two…they always want to play and not do anything around here."

Cloud's eyes followed her. "Tifa…"

"Cloud, hand me that plate on the counter will you?"

The fighter paused, considering her even as he hand moved to comply. "What's the matter with you?"

There was a small laugh. "Nothing's wrong with me Cloud…glass please."

Cloud tossed it over and Tifa plucked it expertly from the air. She didn't want to talk…that much was obvious. Moving closer to her he put a hand on her arm and forced her to turn and look at him. Reluctantly, Tifa turned, her eyes sliding over his face briefly before looking away and glancing towards the door then lowering. He felt a tiny shudder pass through her body as she removed her arm from his insistent grasp.

"Tifa." Cloud frowned at her. What was the matter? Even as he tried to approach again, Tifa shied away quickly moving towards the tables scattered about the bar with a broom, never glancing in his direction as she began to sweep, the dust billowing in small puffs around her feet. He walked over with a small dustpan, kneeling down in front of her so she might sweep up the dirt and grime. The broom hesitated in its forward progress before obediently scooting the waste into the dustpan. Even as Cloud moved the pan further back so she could sweep up the remnants, the broom didn't move from the floor. Slowly, his slid his blue eyes upwards until he was staring up into her reserved look.

"Why are you here?" Tifa demanded, the broom still griped in her hands.

He blinked, looking around to see if someone had entered without his knowing. Finding the bar empty he looked back up at Tifa, utterly confused. "What?"

"I said…" Tifa took a deep breath, her grip tightening, "Why are you here, Cloud? You've never stayed this long before and I was wondering why you hadn't left yet."

Cloud stared. Was that why she'd been so uptight earlier? "Is that what's bothering you?" He stood up, moving to the trashcan and dumping the pan's contents.

"Yes."

Cloud walked back towards her, brushing by with a quick: "Well don't let it." He tossed the dustpan on the counter and moved to the back stairs leading up to the second floor. His heavy boots clomped loudly across the woodworks, confident and proud…Cloud's walk. It was a distinguishing stride that left no room for wondering. He was defined by the way he held himself and no one could deny who or what he was…it was an attractive trait.

Tifa watched him leave, listening as he stomped across the hallway overhead, small particles of dust dislodging from the ceiling and falling down around her. So much for sweeping…she thought to herself, leaning the broom against the far wall.

It didn't matter. As soon as Denzel and Marlene returned, they'd be covered in dirt and the bar would go back to being just as dirty. Replacing the dustpan, she knelt down behind the bar in front of a small safe built into the counter. Reaching for the dial, with a few quick flicks of her wrist, she pulled open the thick door and reached for the long leather money pouch inside. Her eyes barely looked at the small handgun next to it, pulling out the pouch and sliding the folds of gil inside. She could fight, yes, but it was always a good idea to have an extra weapon around…just in case.

The high-pitched sound of a ring caused her to look up and towards the stairs. Once…twice…the third ring was abruptly cut off as Cloud answered, his words made incoherent by the wood floor separating them. Replacing the money book and closing the safe, Tifa made her way over to the stairs, pausing at the bottom and listening to the conversation above. It was another delivery no doubt…something to take Cloud away again for weeks on end.

"To the Outer Banks? I didn't realize people still lived there…" Cloud was speaking. "No, it's not a problem. When do you need it by...I can make that, but it'll be tight…No, I charge for both ways, delivery and pick-up…Fine, I'll be there. Thanks."

Tifa closed her eyes and leaned her shoulder against the wall. So this is it then. He was finally leaving, and all the way to the Outer Banks…so far across the continent. It was a week's trip there at least, and that was without stopping. She turned her forehead against the wood grain, inhaling a shaky sigh. Denzel would be so disappointed and she hated trying to calm him down whenever Cloud left for these extended periods of time.

"It won't take me long."

Tifa turned to look at him disapprovingly. "You're going to the Outer Banks, Cloud. It'll take a long time." She smiled softly at the strained look that crossed the ex-SOLDIER's face. "Don't fret, Cloud…you told me not to worry, so I won't. I trust you to come back." Eventually…

She didn't need to add that last part. They both knew what she was thinking and they both knew it was true. Nearly half a year had passed since Kadaji and his gang had been defeated, and Cloud had only been around for two months of that…total. His stays were in short bursts, this last one being the longest. It was disappointing, but inevitable. They both had businesses to run, and the name was Strife Delivery Services…not Lockheart. He was his own boss, and she could only influence his decisions to stay or go.

"All good things must come to an end, as the saying goes…" Tifa said, moving up the stairs. "I only wish that this good thing didn't have to end so soon with your leaving." She stopped a step below the landing, staring up at Cloud. "Just be careful alright? I've heard about the Outer Banks and lately…"

"I know about that as well." Cloud interrupted, giving a stiff nod. "I can handle it. If they want to pick a fight, let them."

Tifa pressed her lips into a thin line. Confidence was good, but being over confident was dangerous. In the past few months, the tiny region called the Outer Banks, which lay in the peninsula just off of Fort Condor, had been invaded by droves of infidels, criminals, and gangs escaping from Midgard, turning what had at one time been a vacation destination into a haven for violence and crime. When it'd become a threat, the government had bombed one of the cities there, leaving nothing but ruin and a ghost town. People still came, mostly for militaristic exercises every now and then, but they couldn't keep the ever-dangerous warlords from having their fun with those passing through.

But if Cloud wanted to ignore the dangers…well, there wasn't much she could do about it was there? Giving a slight shake of her head, Tifa moved past. "Fine then. Do what you want."

Cloud turned at her sharp tone, his eyebrows lowering. "Tifa, wait a minute…"

Tifa held up a hand, continuing to walk. "I'm tired, Cloud. I'll see you when you get back in two weeks."

"I'll be back before then!" Cloud insisted, wincing slightly as the door to the room slammed closed. He'd have to be dumb as a brick not to see she was pissed at him. Why he didn't understand. What had he done wrong? Cloud quickly ran through everything he'd done today. Got up. Washed. Got Dressed. Got Denzel and Marlene up, washed, and dressed. Ate breakfast. Helped Tifa at the bar. Helped clean up the bar. Went up stairs and answered the phone. Took job. Pissed off Tifa.

Somewhere in there he'd made a serious miscalculation in Tifa's attitude. Was it because he'd told her not to worry about him she was so mad? Or was it because of the job? Or was it because of both? Maybe neither? Maybe he just had it coming.

Or maybe you should stop standing here and go talk to her damn it! His mind screamed in frustration. Cloud told it to shut-up…he needed to think through this. If Tifa was pissed, he didn't want to just go in there and say something that screws him further…plus, he added with a shiver, she might have a weapon or something. Taking a deep breath, Cloud turned on his heel and slowly approached the door. It was open a crack and he peered through cautiously as he opened it, ready to dodge whatever came flying at him.

He expected to see a fuming Tifa burning holes in walls and playing with the tips of her hair, a nervous habit she'd picked up sometime ago. Instead, the sight that greeted him was that of Tifa on her side, her head cradled in the nook of her arm and her eyes closed in a relaxed state. Slowly, Cloud approached the sleeping girl, silently cursing his loud boots as they caused the floorboards to creak. Kneeling down, Cloud observed her sleeping body, running an appreciatory look over it. No man could deny she had an attractive body, he'd seen the lustful stares of men at the bar, but for him to even consider what they dreamed of…was like betraying the memory of Aeris. It left him filled with want, but also disgust in himself.

Reaching out, he hesitated a moment before gently brushing away a few strands of hair from her face. He needed to go, the trip was long as it is, but to leave Tifa in such a distressed state…well, the fact of the matter was he wanted to be welcomed back with open arms like he always was. Like she always did.

"I thought you were leaving."

Cloud jerked his hand away, his face burning as he quickly stood. "Sorry…I didn't mean to wake you up."

Tifa opened her eyes but didn't look at him, just his at his feet. "I was barely asleep anyways. I was hoping to hear one of those midnight apologies that people do in the movies." She shrugged one shoulder. "But I wasn't counting on it."

Ouch. Cloud thought with an inner wince. That was a sucker punch right below the belt. "I'm about to leave now…I just wanted to---"

"Don't apologize, Cloud."

"You're mad at me." Cloud looked away. "And I'm sorry about it."

Tifa sat up on her elbow, finally looking into his eyes. "Are you sorry about making me mad or because you're leaving again?"

Cloud blinked. Damn it…what's the right answer? He hated playing these 'women' games! "Because I made you mad?" he guessed nervously.

The dark look that fell over her face told him that yes, he had officially screwed himself. Cloud lowered his head, waiting for whatever verbal abuse he had coming. It wasn't necessarily that she would yell at him, but Tifa had a way of speaking that made you fell like you were two years old, getting caught eating cookies before dinner. He heard her shift in bed.

"It's fine, Cloud. This is what you do and it's fine with me." Tifa sighed, a slow exhale, "Someday, Cloud, you'll realize how foolish all of this is, your constant running. You have a home…a family, or friends at least, people who care about you. And yet, you run away from all of these good things. Whatever you're looking for, it's not just hurting you…"

Cloud didn't answer. What was he going to say? That she was wrong when she was undoubtedly right? If he wanted to get to his destination on time, he had to go. Now. Approaching Tifa, he knelt down, reaching out and running a hand down her cheek. "Wait for me…" she looked away. "Please, Tifa…wait for me and forgive me." Standing he strode quickly to the door. "Tell the children that I promise to come back soon."

"I know the routine."

Cloud's body gave a small jerk before he nodded and left the room, gently closing the door behind him. As soon as the door closed, Tifa finally broke down, slamming her fist against the mattress. The entire frame shook as she pounded into it over and over again, venting her frustrations on the inanimate object. This was getting old…


Denzel clutched Marlene's hand in his own as they walked down the crowded streets of Midgar, making their way home before the sun settled behind the towering ruins of former skyscrapers and massive frames of what used to be buildings. Marlene held a cup of chocolate ice cream in her hand; a gift from Denzel with the little pocket money Tifa gave him at the beginning of each week to spend as he wanted. Now they were heading home to a warm dinner and bed as well as endless enjoyment with Cloud and Tifa. He couldn't believe how long Cloud had stayed…it was like an early birthday present! All those times he stood by the front windows, staring out and looking for Cloud, now he wouldn't have to anymore. Maybe tomorrow Cloud would take him for a ride outside the city, or maybe to a park, or maybe to the market to look at the cool things the vendors placed out. There was so much to do…

"Denzel…" Marlene tugged at his sleeve, "Cloud said he was staying, right?"

The young boy nodded, his wispy hair fluttering in the slight breeze. "He promised he would this time." He looked up, seeing the sign of the 7th Heaven in the distance. "Come on! Last one home is a loser!"

He dropped Marlene's hand and made a dash for home. Setting her face in a tight frown, Marlene refused to go chasing after the boy, instead composing her dignity and following at a brisk pace, insuring that while she might not be the first one home, she would certainly not be the least composed.

Denzel dodged around the various people still occupying the streets with briefs shouts of 'excuse me' and 'sorry pops!' His eyes were wide with excitement, his breath coming in short spurts as he slowed to a jog, glancing behind him for Marlene. Spotting her he raised a hand and beckoned for her to hurry. Rather than comply, Marlene simply stuck out her tongue and continued at her set pace. Denzel scowled at her and began walking towards the bar, his hands shoved in his pockets. As much as he wanted to come bursting through the doors and tackle Cloud, he and Tifa would most likely scold him for leaving Marlene out in the streets alone. Kicking at a stone, he paused just outside the front door, impatiently waiting on his smaller, younger charge.

"Why do you do that?" he demanded angrily as Marlene finally came within speaking distance and stopped next to him.

The young girl scooped up another spoonful of her frozen treat, holding it in front of Denzel temptingly. "Because I didn't want to spill my ice cream." She smiled. "Want some?"

Grudgingly, Denzel glanced at the tempting food before opening his mouth and allowing Marlene to guide the slowly melting ice cream inside. Closing his mouth and using his tongue to scoop it up, Denzel couldn't help but return Marlene's carefree smile. Ice cream was the best cure for unhappiness.

"Let's go inside," Denzel said, placing a hand on Marlene's shoulder, "Cloud's probably waiting for us."

Marlene nodded, holding up her half empty cup. "We can give him some!" She turned to open the door, but before she could move, it opened itself, revealing a disheveled looking Cloud. For a moment, they stood there staring at each other, the children's faces filled with confusion.

"Cloud?" Denzel said in a low voice, staring up at his hero. Then, his eyes fell on the traveling bag and keys held in Cloud's hand, and his heart plummeted. "Cloud…where are you going…?"

Cloud shifted, moving past Denzel and around the side of the building. Denzel released a still confused Marlene, trotting in front of Cloud and hopping backwards in order to look at his face. Cloud refused to look down at him, his eyes locked on Fenrin and escape. If Tifa could barely deal with Denzel, how could he?

"Cloud! Where are you going?" Denzel demanded again, the panic growing. "You're not leaving again are you? Wait! Let me get my stuff, I'll come with you!"

Cloud continued to stride towards Fenrin. "You stay here with Tifa and Marlene and watch them while I'm gone."

"No!" Denzel said, watching painfully as Cloud mounted his bike. "Tifa can watch Marlene, just let me come with you this once. Please?"

Cloud backed his bike out from the alley as Denzel walked along side, still trying to convince Cloud to let him come. The ex-SOLDIER sighed inwardly. No wonder Tifa hates this…Cloud started the engine, slipping on his riding goggles. He glanced toward where Marlene stood, a cup of something in her hand and tears streaming down her face. The cup slipped from her lax grasp, toppling to the ground and spilling the now melted ice cream across the ground. Without a word, she rushed into the 7th Heaven, wet drops of tears plummeting to the ground. It took everything in Cloud's will not to jump off his bike and rush in after her to apologize.

Denzel moved into his line of vision, quickly following after the distressed Marlene. He tossed a final look over his shoulder, raising his hand in an obedient wave before entering the bar and closing the door after him. Cloud sighed again. Maybe he should stop coming home…

Or stop leaving.

Cloud shook his blonde covered head. He would deal with it all later. Right now, he had a business to run.


And that's the end of chapter one! Please tell me if you liked this…or if I made you puke all over yourself. If you think I don't have what it takes to be a FF7 writer, then by all means tell me…but if you think I do…that's nice to hear as well.

It is my firm belief that ice cream is the cure-all for anger. Trust me on this…if you piss off your best friend or whatever; take them to get ice cream. Everything, and I mean everything¸ will be completely forgotten about! Works on parents too. Failed a test? Say: "Lets have some ice cream!" and enjoy your precious freedom!

Remember to read and review!