The December morning seemed colder as the friends and family of Barret Wallace stood at his grave. Six-year-old Marlene stood next to Denzel and Tifa. Cloud looked at the young girl. Her brown hair pulled back into a braid with a black bow instead of the normal pink one. Cloud looks at the rest of Avalanche even Vincent Valentine seemed in a sad mood. Usually no one could tell what mood he was in except for today. When the funeral ended Marlene ran from the group. Vincent sighed and walked after her his long hair had been cut so it was short like when he used to be a Turk.

"Marlene?" said Vincent walking up to the young girl.

Marlene wiped the tears away from her eyes. She was shivering from the cold. Vincent knelt down and picked her up. As they walked past the grave of their fallen friend Vincent muttered softly,

"Good bye old friend."

They went back to 7th Heaven the bar Tifa ran with Cloud's help. They sent the kids up to Denzel's room. Then Tifa spoke,

"Who is going to take care of Marlene? We don't have enough room for her here."

For a moment no one spoke then the one person they thought would stay out of the whole situation spoke up.

"I'll look after her," said Vincent walking over from a dark corner of the room.

Cloud looked up his spiky hair still up in every direction. For a second no one spoke. Vincent sighed and said,

"Shinra manor should be big enough for the two of us."

Tifa nods and looks at Cloud who shrugged. Cid looks up from his drink.

"I don't see why he can't." said Yuffie who was sitting next to Cid and his wife.

"Alright.I'll go get Marlene," said Tifa slowly as she walks up the stairs.

"Marlene can you come down stairs please." said Tifa opening the kid's door.

Tifa and Marlene walk back down stairs. Marlene's eyes are red from rubbing at them. Cloud stands up and kneels so he's at Marlene's level.

"Marlene your going to live with Vincent ok." said Cloud his blue eyes looking into her brown ones.

Marlene nods to Cloud before hugging him. Cloud knew she would be safe with Vincent but he would still miss having Marlene there all the time.

"Go get your things," said Vincent coldly.

"Vincent!" said Yuffie sharply.

"Huh?"Said Vincent looking at Yuffie.

"Act a little nicer she's only six!" said Yuffie hitting him outside the head.

Marlene comes down accompanied by stands with Tifa who is wiping her eyes. Cloud knew Tifa would really miss Marlene. Marlene walks up to Vincent who softly smiles at her as she takes his hand. Vincent and Marlene arrive at Shinra Manor. They walk inside the old mansion.

"Come on I'll show you to your room." said Vincent who was trying to be nice…well nicer anyways.

They walk down one of the hallways to a small bedroom. Vincent puts Marlene's stuff on the bed before walking out of the room.

"Vincent?" said Marlene.

"Yes, Marlene?" asked Vincent calmly.

"Thanks for taking me in." said Marlene walking up to him.

Vincent kneels down so he's at her level.

"Sure thing." smiled Vincent as Marlene hugs him.