Faith (After Reminiscence)
"He's coming back."
It was the words she seldom uses. Tifa gently lays the phone on the table and looked at the little kid staring intently at her, who reflected in his face what she feels.
"Is he scheduled to be in another delivery for today?" asked the excited Denzel.
"Not this time. He says we can close for today," Tifa answers.
"Cloud's coming! Cloud's coming!" Apparently, Marlene has heard what they were talking about.
Now, no need to get excited, Tifa thought to herself as she placed one hand on the little girl's head. She just smiled back, hiding her glee. While she knows that there is a lot to celebrate about, she sat down, uncertain of what to really feel.
It has always been this way. Just when happiness is finally within her grasp, it eventually slides away again, like grains of sand mocking her every desire to hold it. Ever since she lost Nibelheim, she has yet to experience a contentment that can only be felt at a genuine home. Will this time be any different? Her thoughts were disturbed as the cheerful voices of two children filled the bar. Standing there with them is a blonde man, not much taller or older than she is, smiling back at the children. The sight gave her some degree of comfort.
It's a smile she knows she will die trying to help him get it back.
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It has been a very long time since they can sit back and relax without worry. The day has certainly been a pleasant one, and now that thenight has come, Tifa cannot help but feel that disturbing restlessness that has haunted her. The stars and the dark sky are threatening to take back what was, for a while, hers. Her uneasiness is only contrasted by Cloud, who is peacefully staring at the pictures on his table, and then locked his eyes on the flower lying in front of them while sitting on his bed.
Gone is that look of pain. The same silence is there, yet this time it just feels lighter than before.
"I have a lot to make up for."
Tifa nearly jumped with surprise at Cloud's words. She nearly forgot that she is still in his room, standing the whole time. Just watching him.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Do you want to rest now?", she asked.
"It has been a tiring day.", answered Cloud. "Well, I guess I'm still tired after all that's happened."
"Yes. I know. A lot has happened. I'll see you tomorrow then", Tifa minced her words as she headed for the door.
"I am not alone now." Cloud's words were sincere. It was just like what he declared after his last battle with Sephiroth and the Geostigma.
"You never were, and you will never be.", said Tifa.
"We will go back."
"I will make adjustments to your sche—Pardon me?"
"Together with Denzel. With Marlene. With Tifa.", he blushes after the last name.
It would seem like a weird moment, if not for Tifa who is blushing harder. She decided to turn around and go over to Cloud's side, getting her head close to his as if trying to hear his voice more clearly.
"Yeah. Nothing's changed that much.", Cloud utters with a soft chuckle.
Tifa placed her hand on top of his. "I think this time, something has, and it is something good. I can assure you that."
"Yeah. Maybe."
Cloud was still his usual quiet self when he clasped his hand on Tifa's. She's fighting back tears as she felt the warmth that she longingly seeks. The words want to come out, but she just kept it to herself this time. It will say it all.
"Welcome home, Cloud."