He was truly a mystery to her.

He obviously wanted to hang out with them, but when they approached, he fought back. Still, they made fun of him, so it didn't really count, did it?

Okay, fine – he'd look at her all the time when he didn't think she was looking, but when she tried to talk to him, he'd run away. It made her wish he'd scream and yell at her – at least that would be actual contact – but no, mister Cloud Strife is too…. Ah, there was just no use getting mad at him.

Tifa wondered why everyone thought he and his name were in contradiction. She thought it was perfect for him. When you say 'cloud', you think of those ugly, grey, rainy ones – only little kiddies thought of the fluffy, white ones. And he was always brooding or excluding himself or whatever and grey was truly his color. Now if his name was Sky or Sunshine – she giggled a bit at this – that would be a different story entirely. Though his hair did look a little like sunrays, but that's beside the point.

The meeting at the well was their first – and last, Tifa realized sadly – real conversation. He was honest and open with her, telling her where he's going and when, and what he wants to be. The only thing he didn't tell her – and it hurt, because it was the most important to her – is why he decided to become SOLDIER. Seriously, beating up people and being feared isn't a reason. It's a… consequence.

And that promise! Jeez, it felt like she was putting the words in his mouth! Nevertheless, it was their promise, and she was going to hold onto it. It'd be good for him if he does, too…

She was just so lost! Apparently, he wasn't who she thought he was and… and nothing! He knows who she is, but he's just so different! But she has to believe it's him. Who else could it be? And besides, years change people – she isn't exactly the little girl she was back when he left. That's it. She has to be strong for him, to help him through this.

She just has to hope she's strong enough to help herself…

What does he think he's doing, running away from them? Does he think that's the best he can do? Is that it? Man, she thought he was stronger than that. But, whatever. The kids believe in him, and she'll believe in him, too. He definitely has a good reason, right? He'll tell her when he gets back. If he gets back…

She thought he was going to die. Die! He'd never do that… Instead, he saved the world for the second time, and promised to stay with them this time. Everything's been happening so fast these past few days, she hardly had time to catch a breath, but now that their lives are back to normal – well, as much as they can be such – it'll all be easier. She never knew happy endings could mean so much…

Okay... she was kind of scared when he fought that Scarlet woman and the rest of the Tsviets. Not that she thought he wouldn't win, she was just… worried. It seems it's all she's capable of doing lately…

That was… unexpected. But far from unwished for or unwelcome. Rather, it was… sweet Gaia, Cloud just kissed her!

Their date went awfully wrong, but what came afterwards was… amazing, terrific, beyond her wildest dreams and fantasies! How he touched her and kissed her… she thought she was going to melt right then and there… Luckily, she didn't, and there are more nights to come…

Family life with four kids and an equally immature husband wasn't exactly easy, but she would handle it. She would handle anything, too keep things the way they are. They talked on a regular basis now, and both their son and daughter were the sweetest and nicest and… most any good thing in the world.

Tifa figured him out, read him like a book – no mysteries anymore.