Chapter One: Cloud's Thoughts
Even though it had been a few weeks since the demise of Sephiroth, Kadaj, Yazoo, & Loz, the events of what had occurred back then continued to linger within Cloud Strife's mind. Moving in with Tifa to continue the Strife Delivery Service felt as if it were a double-edged sword. On one hand, Cloud would be able to think less about a heavy commute between work and a place to stay. However, the thoughts of nomadically experiencing exciting unknowns and new challenges out there on his motorcycle would have to dissipate. The only new experiences left with his decision would be the deliveries he would have to make to his clients. On the other hand, the idea of taking a break and concentrating on what he felt would be a new passion brought a little spark of relief to help calm any second thoughts. Still in the process of moving the rest of his belongings into Tifa's new tavern, Cloud decided to stay with Barrett in North Corel for a few days. Living with Barrett proved to be easier than he thought, however, as Cloud noticed a growth of maturity in the big man.
Deciding to take Denzel in with him was truly generous. Making somewhat of a spectacle of himself tonight during dinner, however, by challenging Denzel to a pie eating contest…was NOT.
A small laugh escaped from his previously sealed lips, the memory of Barrett covered completely in apple and crust remnants dripping from his face onto his clothes being the culprit to such an outburst. Remembering to quiet himself, Cloud covered his mouth quickly with his hands with a few snickers still slipping through his fingers as Barrett was in the room nearby sound asleep. Hearing the snoring resonate through the walls did not bother Cloud however, as he continued to lie comfortably on his back on top of his perfectly made bed. The former second leader of AVALANCHE stared densely into the white ceiling; the bright full moon brought its beams through his bedroom window, hitting the still fully dressed Cloud across his body. Many images of people and events from the past few years flashed onto the pale backdrop as if it were a movie projector from a movie theater displaying a particular movie to an anxious audience. The projection of Aerith walking into the bright void with Zack after looking back at the blonde man replayed on that "screen" with Cloud's response to Aerith's last words to him echoing numerous times as if they were traveling through an echo chamber. As if they were haunting him.
I know I'm not alone…
I know I'm not alone…
Not anymore…
Not anymore…
The emotional burden of the geostigma being released from Cloud's body after the water pooled within Aerith's church touched his skin made the blonde warrior feel as if the entire world had been lifted off of his shoulders.
No more pain…but Aerith was right…
I feel like I have to move on…
I'm not alone…not anymore…
I've got Barret…Cid…Nanaki…Yuffie…
A little chuckle slipped out of Cloud's lips after murmuring the young woman's name in his head, but as quick as his laugh was he was able to regain his composure.
Cait Sith…Reeve…
Tifa…
…Tifa
Tifa.
The two syllables that vibrated softly within Cloud's mind to create the name of the brunette he has known since childhood created somewhat of a soft, yet tingly warm feeling inside his heart. He had known that he had what were hidden, yet deep feelings for Ms. Tifa Lockheart. Those emotions did not reach the surface, however, due to the emergence of Aerith Gainsborough. Sighing at Aerith's name floating through the recesses of his thoughts, Cloud wiped a few beads of sweat off of his brow and continued to stare into the colorless space hanging above him.
The feelings for her…I can't explain in words. She will always remain in my heart. She was special. I'll admit that.
But Tifa…
Tifa…
An epiphanic volcano erupted within Cloud Strife's mind as the final mention of her name brought his own interpretations of the lava-filled truths and thoughts from Aerith's last message flowing and ebbing to form the last things needed to start the idea that had not been pondered before.
Maybe…
Yeah…
Now I know what Aerith meant…
Tomorrow…is the day I make my move.