A/N: After watching Advent Children, reading many stories on fanfic here, researching on 'finalfantasy wikia' & getting a good sense/few idea's from the games, I decided to try & write a story focusing on the pairing: Tifa & Vincent.

I also would really like to try my best to capture Tifa's strong, fiery personality/spirit; a lot of the stories I've come across on here, I've felt as though (the stories themselves are amazing) it didn't quite show enough of her strength- So, I suppose you can say that in this story, this is how I see Tifa as.

Please comment/review.

This story will take place after AC, Crisis Core & Dirge of Cerberus. A few things will obviously stray from the movies & games- its intentional.

WARNING: Story is rated M for Violence, language & for future, graphic sexual content.

DISCLAIMERS: I do not own anything Final Fantasy, nor any of it's characters.

CHAPTER 1:

A year had passed since the fight against 'Deepground' had come to an end; the world was at peace once again, everyone continued on with their lives with the help of Rufus, Reeve and the turks, who worked alongside with Shelke in rebuilding the cities and keeping a watchful eye out in hopes of keeping the world safe once and for all. As for AVALANCHE members, after a big celebration, everyone went their own paths; Yuffie had returned to Wutai, Barrett took Marlene with him back to Corel, Cid and Shera had returned to Rocket town and Nanaki returned to Cosmo Canyon...

As for Vincent Valentine?

After his fight against Omega, lets just say he had been more... Strange than usual.. Yet... He somehow seemed much more at ease.. Vincent remained silent throughout the celebration, but we knew it was best not to ask him what had happened.

Vincent had never mentioned where he would go; he had refused my offer for him to stay with us at the bar- I feared that he might return to the Shinra mansion and go crawling right back into that dreaded coffin..

As for Cloud and myself? We returned to Seventh Heaven, now located in Edge, along with Denzel...

Unfortunately, things between Cloud and I began to slowly crumble apart within that year.. He grew distant, never returning our calls, always out on the road whether its due to work or simply because he "needed time to clear his mind"...

"...T...fa..."

"...f...ah..."

"TIFA!"

The young boy yelled out, tugging on the bar hostess' arm.

The brunette gasped, snapping back from her deep thoughts, "What is it, Denzel?"

The bar was closed, her customers all had left a while ago, leaving her to clean. She found cleaning to be of great help in distracting her from her own thoughts and worries, but sometimes, her mind still wandered off, asking the same questions over; Was he okay? Why was he growing so distant and cold towards her? Why does Cloud refuse to open up and talk to her? After all, they are together... Right?

"Tifa? Did you hear what I said?" Denzel tilted his head, examining the expression on her face carefully, "Are you thinking about Cloud, again?"

She sighed before setting down the towel that was in her hand. Tifa took in a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself before turning her attention to the boy. She forced a smile towards her adopted son, "Yes.. I am worried about Cloud, but I'll be fine."

He knitted his brows together, sensing the sad tone in her voice, "Tifa.. Cloud is always gone! Why is he doing this again!? Doesn't... He like us anymore?"

"Denzel!" Tifa pressed her lips together into a fine line, "That's enough.."

"Its true..." He lowered his head, "Cloud... H-he always leaves without letting us know... And... He makes you so sad.."

The barmaid was surprised by the boy's words and how observant he had been about the whole situation - despite his age. He was right, Cloud never wanted to sit down and talked things out with her, no matter how hard she tried. It killed her even more to know that Denzel is affected by all of this as well.

She raised a pale hand to brush back a few, stray strands of her nearly-black hair. Slowly, she crouched down in front of Denzel and hugged him tightly. "Cloud.. Just needs time to figure things out.. I'll be fine, I promise," She whispered, "But for now, you should get back to bed, I'll be upstairs in a few minutes with your glass of water, okay?" Without a word, he nodded and made his way back upstairs to his room.

Tifa swiftly finished wiping down the last table in her bar before returning to the back of the counter, grabbing a cup of water that the boy had requested.

She froze when she felt her eyes began to water.

The fighter was always worried about Cloud, but he had been ignoring her more than ever. For him to not even look at her in the eyes and tell her why he's treating her this way, made her angry. He would push himself past her, then takes off on fenrir without a word.

"Look at yourself, Tifa.." She mumbled to herself, "What happened to the old you? You would never let anyone put you down like this.. Where's your spirit..?" Tifa sighed, drying her eyes before ascending the stairs to Denzel's room.

The night was quiet and calm, unusual for a place like Edge. The cool, strong winds blew against his dark, long ebony hair and crimson cloak. Standing there was a tall, pale man, his golden gauntlet and the sabatons on his boots reflected beneath the moonlight.

Slowly lifting his gaze, he stared at the sign up ahead.

Seventh Heaven.

He continued walking, approaching the bar.

Tifa had just tucked Denzel into bed. Grabbing the empty cup, she slowly closed his bedroom door behind her as she left, making her way back down the stairs.

The sound of a firm knock on the front door forced the maiden to raise an eyebrow in question as to who could be here at such an ungodly hour. The bar had been closed a few hours ago, it couldn't possibly be a customer. If it was some punk trying to mess with her or even had the nerves to try and rob her, she wouldn't have any problems defending herself and teaching them a lesson they'll never forget.

Maybe it was someone who needed help? Someone who was injured?

The knocking came again.

Setting the empty cup down in the sink, she cautiously approached the door and folded her arms in front of her chest, "We're closed," She said firmly.

"Tifa?... Its me.."

"...Vin... Vincent..?" Tifa gasped, reaching over to unlock the door, pulling it slightly open; she tilted her head to the side, stealing a quick glance of the gunslinger.

"Vincent!" She pulled the door back further and stepped aside, allowing him entrance.

He nodded and made his way past her, walking towards the center of the room. Looking around, Vincent noticed how everything had remained the same since the last time he was here.

"Wow, Its great to see you again, Vincent.." Tifa spoke softly, shutting and locking the door before turning her attention to the man. She smiled faintly, "How have you been? Is everything alright?"

"I've been... better.."

It was then, when his eyes had found its way back to her, that he noticed something was different about Tifa - something was off, but he decided it would be best not to ask her, not right now, "I was hoping to find Cloud here."

Tifa lowered her head.

Vincent confirmed his previous suspicions. Judging by her facial expression and body language, there was something definitely wrong here. It had been a year since he had last seen her and the rest of the AVALANCHE members, he rarely kept in contact, but that was to be expected from someone like himself. He continued to eye her intently, noting how she seemed to have gotten thinner, her eyes no longer carried the fire they once had, her fiery aura and personality had vanished.

But why?

"Cloud.. Has been out for the past couple weeks.." She did her best to conceal the sadness in her tone, avoiding the gunslinger's gaze, "I'm not sure when he'll return, he hasn't answered any of my calls.."

"I see..." He took a few steps closer to her, "...Care to talk about it?"

Tifa wasn't the slightest bit shocked that Vincent would be able to tell if something was wrong. The man's senses had been enhanced by all the Mako treatments he received during the awful days of being Hojo's experiment. He would somehow just know if she was lying or hiding something, so she found it useless to even try anymore. As much as she didn't want to burden him with her problems, he would eventually, somehow, pry the answers out of her.

Her lips pulled into an awry smile before she turned towards the counter, pulling down two of the bar stools and seating herself, gesturing for Vincent to take the seat next to her.

Without a single word, he did.

She leaned forward, resting her elbows on top of the counter, her hands cupping her face. Tifa took in a deep breath, and before she knew it, the barmaid began pouring everything out to him. Hot tears streamed down the side of her face as she opened up, telling the gunslinger what had happened between her and Cloud after the fight against 'Deepground'.

Vincent had chose to remain silent until she finished. He listened carefully to every words, nodding every now and then in understanding. When Tifa finished, she let out an audible sigh as her tensed body had begun to relax a little, feeling a sense of relief after being able to vent to him about what had been eating away at her mind and emotions for the past year.A grim smile tugged on the side of her lips then, she couldn't believe she was sitting next to the dangerous and mysterious, Vincent Valentine; explaining to him about her problems with the blonde swordsman.

Even though, Vincent always came off as a cold and dark person, she found that being around him was not as bad as she had once thought. During their time together on board the airship with the rest of the AVALANCHE members, Tifa would notice how he would stray from the group. The guys - especially Cid, would constantly poke and tease at the poor man - and it always made her upset to see that.

Tifa, being a compassionate and caring woman, pushed aside her fear and discomfort about Vincent and attempted to try to understand him a little more; she would spend a little time with him every so often, though, she knew he preferred to be alone. Vincent, was too much of a gentleman to walk away or tell her to leave.

After a while, the gunslinger didn't seem to mind her presence around him anymore. The fighter knew there are still times when he honestly did needed to be left alone with his thoughts - and so Tifa gave him his space, wishing not to push things to the point of ruining their developing friendship. As the years passed them by, Vincent and the martial artist had become close friends. Whenever the fighter had things on her mind, he was always there to listen and offer her his opinion or advice.

Deep down, the 'always stoic' Vincent Valentine, is a caring man with a good heart - he just doesn't show it.

"I... Don't know what to do," She wiped away the tears with the back of her hand. Not once, had she looked at the crimson-eyed man who sat beside her; she was too embarrassed, "I don't know how he feels about me anymore, Vincent.." 'Gods, he must think I'm pathetic right now..'

The gunman had been watching her from the corner of his eyes the whole time she was venting to him. Tifa had been suffering because of Cloud, just as he, had once suffered when the woman he had loved, ripped out his heart and left him to fade within the shadows of the background while she ran into the arms of the mad scientist. She was a beautiful lady, bright and graceful, always believing in whatever she wanted too. Unfortunately, her obsession and love for science had gotten the better hold of her judgment. After his fight, Vincent had decided to visit Lucrecia's cave one last time to thank her before his departure. From there, he was finally able to sort out his thoughts as his nightmares no longer haunted him. Vincent found the strength he needed to leave all of that behind, and moved on with his life.

"Tifa," Vincent spoke in his usual deep, monotone voice. 'Here it goes..'

"I know this is going to be difficult, but you have to move on.."

Tifa pushed away from the counter, "I..."

"If I am correct, you're miserable because of Cloud.. He constantly refuses to listen to you and put in any effort to save the relationship," Vincent continued, "If you insist on continuing this... You may be reduced down to nothing more but an empty shell... Or worse."

She sat there and thought deeply about his words. 'Vincent is right... He had suffered from a heartbreak before.. But he had gone through so much worse than what I'm currently going through at the moment..'

Because of Cloud, she had not only lost her strong, fighting spirit, but also sleep, her appetite and her hopes and dream of being a happy family. Tifa felt her eyes begin to water, tears threatening to fall again at any given moment. What ever happened to the boy she grew up with back in Nibelheim? The one who had promised to protect her?

She mentally kicked herself.

As life goes on, people and things change - and she knew this. But, could she do it? Could she move on from Cloud? He was her childhood friend, her first crush, her first lov-

"Tifa..."

She shook her head, "Vincent.. I-I don't know if I can do it.. I... Don't know if I can..." Her voice trailed off.

Slowly, Vincent reached out to her with his left, golden clawed hand, resting it gently on her shoulder, "I.. Never said it will be an easy task, Tifa... But.. I will help you - If you would like my help, that is." 'What am I saying?'

She tensed slightly at his touch.

It was rare for the gunslinger to display his feelings or concerns. For him to actually try and comfort her, made Tifa feel honored, but mostly surprised. The barmaid quickly relaxed, "Vincent..." she stood up and faced him, "I would really appreciate your help.. Thank you!" Without thinking, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly, causing the man's body to stiffen from the contact.

"Oh! I'm sorry!" She pulled away, as if he was a large piece of hot coal. Tifa turned her head to the side, hoping the gunslinger didn't see the blush that stained her face.

The corner of his lips twitched slightly in amusement, he saw the hint of red that graced her cheeks but chose not to tease her about it this time. "Hmm.."

A moment of silence stretched between the two before the maiden gathered enough confidence to speak up again, "So..." She cleared her throat, "Earlier.. You said you were looking for Cloud, right? Is there something wrong?"

"..."

"...Vincent?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Reeve had contacted me a while back.." He began, tearing his gaze away from hers, "Apparently, there had been some reports of.. strange activities going on recently."

"..Strange activities?"

Vincent gave a slight nod, staring at nothing in particular, "Rufus had sent the turks to do some detective work.. What they had found, made them all worried."

"And... What exactly did they find?"

He sighed, knowing he might regret telling her this, "Signs that the remnants may somehow, still be alive - Loz and Yazoo, to be exact."

At those very words, Tifa felt as if her heart had dropped to her stomach.

After all these years, how could that be possible? Did the lifestream refused to keep their bodies? The thought of there being a possibility that the monster, who had killed her father and burned down her home, could return again made her stomach churned. She clenched her fists as her body shook. She was furious, scared, confused and shocked; she truly hoped, with all her heart that this was all false.

"Reeve and Rufus wanted Cloud and I to go meet with them soon, to discuss more of this..."

"I... I Understand.."

Vincent cursed himself mentally.

He knew this would cause Tifa to worry even more - knowing that Sephiroth might have a chance to return again. But, he couldn't find it in himself to lie to her, especially since she had always treated him so kindly and with much respect - unlike the others.

Then it dawned on him: perhaps, this is exactly what she needed to bring back her old self and give her the strength to move on from Cloud.

He can only hope he was right...

"I apologize, Tifa.. I did not wish to- You already have much to worry about," he pushed himself up to stand.

"Don't apologize, Vincent... I'm glad you told me," She glanced to the side before turning her attention back to the gunslinger, "So, how about it?"

"Hm..?" He raised his delicate eyebrows at her. 'How about what?'

"I clearly remember offering you a place to stay here with us, before everyone separated," Tifa placed her hands on her hips, giving him a small smile, "Stay here, at least until Cloud gets back. Besides, I can't just send you off into the night like this."

"Tifa, I-"

The martial artist held up a hand in protest, "Nope! You're not going to say no to me, Mr Valentine," She proceeded to fold her arms over her chest and grinned, "After all, you said you would help me, right?"

"..."

"...Vincent...?" She stared at him.

"...What about the boy?"

"Denzel wont mind, I'm sure of it." She nodded.

"And Cloud..?"

She shrugged her shoulders lightly, "This is my bar, Vince... You also needed to talk with him, might as well wait here until he returns... He'll understand."

"...Very well, Miss Lockhart.. You win this round." He sighed in defeat.

Tifa's grin widened.

Having Vincent around would help keep her mind off Cloud, she would be more than happy to have someone, other than Denzel, with her to talk with - don't get her wrong, it's not that she doesn't like talking or spending time with the boy, but she needed another adult around - a friend from AVALANCHE.

"Great! I'll go get you a few things," She rushed past him and ascended the stairs to grab the pale gunman a pillow and blanket.

Vincent stood there quietly, watching, as she disappeared around the corner. He shut his eyes and sighed softly.

'What have I got myself into?'