(A/N: Just a little something i wrote after rewatching the movie for the millionth time...R&R!)
(Disclaimer: I own nothing...)
Early Mornings.
Cloud lay awake one morning ignoring the faint feeling of sadness from the loss of warmth. Tifa had gotten up early... Cloud stared up at the ceiling with a soft sigh of exhaustion.
He had returned from a delivery earlier that morning, and after a much needed shower and a brief fight with the first aid kit, he'd retired to his bed ready for a good long nap.
(He'd fought a slim shooting monster and gotten more than his fair share of bruises. And had a slight tussle with the roll of tape...)
Cloud dragged a hand down his face tiredly at the memory. A soft creak of old wood from out in the hall alerted him of another presence outside the door.
"Cloud?" Marlene called through the door, her soft knuckles meeting the cool wood momentarily. He gave no response as he rolled onto his side, closing his eyes.
"Maybe he's still asleep." She mumbled opening the door a crack, and peering around it.
"There's no way he's still sleeping... He's like a ninja. Bolts up at the slightest sound." Denzel countered, defending his hero figure.
Marlene scoffed softly tiptoeing into the room. She turned to her brother with a pout. "Look! He's still asleep." Marlene whispered jabbing a finger in the direction of the dozing figure on the mattress.
Denzel stared in disbelief as Marlene made her way over to the bed, climbing on it. "So much for being a ninja." Marlene giggled, staring down at her foster father as he slept.
Suddenly Cloud flipped over, tackling Marlene. "AH!" She squealed as she was wrapped up in his arms, crushed against his chest.
"You liar! You were awake the whole time!" Marlene cried out, slapping his arm lightly as Denzel hopped on to the bed laughing at Marlene's surprise.
"Hm." Cloud chuckled easing back as Marlene poked his cheek with a giggle. Denzel climbed up next to Cloud, sandwiching him between the two hyper children.
Cloud reached a hesitant arm up around Denzel's shoulders, ruffling his already messy bedhead hair. The family's conversation lapsed into silence with the occasional giggle here and there. Just enjoying each other's presence.
Cloud's eyes fluttered a moment, blinking the tiredness out of them. After a moment he broke the quiet they'd settled into. "Where's Tife?" his gaze turning up to the ceiling again.
"Kitchen." Marlene muttered suppressing a yawn, as she shut her eyes. "Supposed to open up soon." Denzel grumbled burying his face in the blanket as he pulled it up over them.
"Ah." Cloud nodded, his eyes drooping closed as they all drifted off to sleep.
oOoOo.
Tifa breathed a heavy sigh as she made her way up the stairs, her feet dragging under her. She'd been exhausted from the weekend rush of customers in the bar. And the lack of sleep was starting to get to her, so instead of opening the up she'd given herself the day off.
Tifa quickly peeked into Denzel and Marlene's room, empty. "Huh?" She tilted her head in confusion, her eyes raking over the room a second time. "Where are they?"
She shook her head turning as she walked over to her room door, freezing at the sight before her. She blinked, a giggle bubbled up her throat. She started happily at the adorable picture. Cloud and the kids were snuggled up under the blankets, cuddling.
Now that had just made her day.
END.
(A/N: Hope you enjoyed!)