Summary: Cloud thought it was all over.... His troubles were just beginning. He thought he'd heard the last of that sick psycho Sephiroth and his mother Jenova... But he didn't. He thinks he'll finally have peace. But he won't. Cloud forgot one simple thing. Dormant Jenova cells that lie sleeping in his body. Jenova cells that have just now awaken due to the tremendous strain on his heart because of Tifa. The Jenova cells in him began to change this once strong-minded hero... First, the physical appearance, then his mental state....and finally his life.

Sea of Tears.

By CJP

Closing his eyes silently, Cloud mouthed the words Ice3 and as soon as he did, he felt a cold breeze rush pass him as he felt a surge of power run through his veins and out his fingers. He opened his eyes to reveal that the monster that once stood before him was now on the ground twitching as it died. A smirk spread across Cloud's face, twirling his Ultima Weapon into the air after his apparent win, he took the remaining money that the monster had probably stolen off of one of his victims, and walked away a more experienced man. His eyes gleamed, as he walked off.

"Think you're good enough to fight me?" Cloud said

He had sensed another presence long before... Watching his every move. He didn't like to have people watching him make a living. The wind blew as he waited for a response. He didn't even turn around, but he could feel the eyes on his back... burning a hole deep into his dark, tormented soul. The reddish-brown eyes of the one who challenged him flickered, and with a grin on their face they walked from the safety of the shadows.

"Cloud....you know, you don't have to be so mean." said the sound of a woman's voice

Cloud chuckled to himself. He hadn't seen her in months, nor had he heard her voice. He was suprised to say the least, but did not let his guard down. More than likely, she wanted a fight. Tifa Lockheart was known for her superior martial art skills, and Cloud knew that if he fought her, it would very well be a tough match indeed. So if she caught him off guard, there was no guarentee that he would win. Tifa smiled and hugged her childhood friend. Cloud, not knowing how to react just stood there silently.

"Its been almost a year Cloud..." Tifa said laying on Cloud's chest, "What have you been you been up to?"

Cloud pulled her away and looked away.

"I got some girl pregnant..." he said without looking at her

"YOU WHAT?!" Tifa shouted "CLOUD STRIFE! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU!!"

Her face was evident of both jealousy and anger. How could he? Go get some nameless girl pregnant? She raised her hand to smack him and as soon as she did, he grabbed her hand and pushed it behind her back. She yelped in pain, not expecting Cloud to do something like that to her. He just smiled and laughed.

"I'm just kidding Teef, can't you take a joke?!"

He gently let her go, and she stumbled to the ground. She looked at him with the evilest glare, and growled a little. Her eyes flickered she was about to seriously hurt him. Standing up, she looked down and slowly her head rose until she stared him in the face. A smile spread across her face.

"You tell a joke?! Ha! That's really funny Cloud. Really funny. Now, don't you ever make a joke that serious again unless you don't plan on having kids.." Tifa snapped

Cloud stopped laughing and back away. He could tell she was jealous, but it didn't get through to him why. He looked in the direction of the village and that's when Tifa had realized she'd been talking to him to long..

"Oh oh!!" said Tifa clasping her hands over her mouth, "Vincent wishes to see you! He's been worried and believes that something bad has happened."

Cloud looked at the sky. Was there ever a day when he wasn't needed somewhere? He left in search of a purpose in life. He couldn't find one, so he came home... to Nibelheim. He had expected for everyone to be there...especially seeing as he HAD told Tifa a month ago, that he'd be comming home. He had been training alone, feeling that it was necessary in order for him to reach his goal... To protect the ones he loved. The more he thought about it, the more it hurt him... He looked at her and with a sign of resentment, he followed her into the village.

"A lot has changed since you last visited this place.. Since we last saw each other." Tifa said looking down

"Like what?" Cloud asked "Its not too drastic of a change I hope." he said

"I'm....getting married...."

"You're WHAT?!" Cloud said suprised

"Yes....he's the most wonderfulest man....and I really love him..."

Cloud glared, looking around at every man he could. Who...who would dare marry Tifa? Not that she wasn't pretty enough, or nice enough.. But he had always hoped that.... Well, it didn't matter what he hoped. Tifa was getting married. He had to show some kind of support.

"WHAT THE HELL YOU MEAN YOU LOVE HIM?! WHO IS HE?!" Cloud growled

Tifa sighed. She thought he'd take it well.... She thought he'd be happy for her. It saddened her that he didn't approve of it. Of all the people she hoped to please, he was the number one person. His opinion was so highly valued in her eyes. Because she had known him the longest, she felt that he needed to know....

"I mean I love him and I expected you to congradulate me instead of being pissed off about it! Why can't you be happy for me?!" she asked

Tifa's voice was dripping with anger, confusion. Her friend, the one she known the longest didn't even like the fact that she was getting married... It put a scar on her soul, and inside she felt herself caving in and crying. She didn't know he'd be so pissed. But then again, she didn't really know Cloud.

To Be Continued

Authors Notes: Eh...not meh best work... But its gotta be one of meh favorites... Its a Clotif, and I wuv that so pwease R&R. Lemme know what you think. And who yer predictions as to who Tifa's husband is.