Whew, okay...this is the same story as before, with some slight grammatical changes, only because for some reason it wasn't being updated, so I just decided to delete it and start over again. re-read if you've already read it, the only difference is some grammatical corrections and a couple of xXxXxXx's. Enjoy once again :)

"…And then the fairy prince asked her to marry him. She agreed, and they lived happily ever after." I closed the book and smiled at Marlene, who had just drifted off to sleep. Considering this was the third book I read to her tonight, I was glad she finally went to sleep. I slowly got up from the bed, walked out of the room and closed the door.

I tip-toed down the stairs as quietly as I could until I reached the living room, checking my wristwatch as I dropped into the beige leather armchair. 10:23.

"Maybe I should watch a little T.V. or something before Barret gets home," I said to myself quietly. A yawn escaped my lips. I had worked out all day today, and was definitely in need of some rest, if not a nap. No materia would give me my strength back tonight, no sir!

I flipped through the channels until I found a game show to watch. Boy, it's been awhile since I've watched T.V., considering I'm much more of an outdoor person anyway; nothing thrills me more than getting into a great fight, whether practice or real. Ever since I started martial arts as a young girl, my master Zangan has always given me great advice. He's told me many times, "Tifa, don't go looking for trouble, just be prepared for it when it finds you. This way, no harm may come to you, inside or out." I've always taken this advice to heart, since my master is a very wise man.

Suddenly, I heard a rustling outside the living room window, right next to the front door. Could Barret be home early? No, he was extremely excited to go on this date tonight, there's no WAY he could be home this early. I walked over to the window and peered outside. The streets of Nibelheim glanced back at me, with the streetlights shining brightly so cars can find their way back to their homes. After moving back to Nibelheim, I was so glad that Barret moved close by; it was nice to be able to see him on a daily basis. He was like my big brother, after all. In Barret's front yard there was a huge oak tree, about as tall as a three story building. I looked up to see if perhaps a cat was prowling about. I saw nothing.

How strange, I could have sworn I heard something, I thought to myself as I curled in the armchair, shivering at the coldness of the leather and trying to find a comfortable position. Ever since Avalanche defeated Sephiroth, my senses have grown very keen, and every little sound I hear gets my attention. It wasn't the best way to live, but hey, it's better to be safe than sorry. Besides, even if there was something lurking about, there was no monster or mugger I couldn't handle. Why, only a year ago did I fight the world's biggest monster in a huge crater; I fear nothing after that glorious day.

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

"Tifa! I'm back, and you'll never believe what happened!" I opened my eyes sleepily and glanced toward the sound of the bellowing voice of Barret.

"Good evening Barret. How was your date"? I asked him.

"It was incredible! We went out to dinner at that little joint near 7th Heaven, and then went out to see a movie, and you'll never guess what happened!" He yelled.

"Shh, Marlene is asleep upstairs! Anyway, what happened?" I said sluggishly, having just woken up from a short nap.

"Guess." Said Barret.

"She asked you to take her out again?" I asked with a sly smile. I had met this woman before; her name was Hannah, and she seemed to have taken a great interest in Barret, especially after his actions in defeating Sephiroth. Ah, women, all it takes is a hero, and they melt like butter. I'm glad I'm not one of those women, I thought to myself as I cracked my knuckles. I could take care of myself, no problem. Who needs a hero, anyway?

His eyes widened. "How'd ya guess!" He cried.

My smile widened. "Just a woman's instinct I suppose. Besides, who wouldn't want to go on a second date with you?" I added, lightly punching his massive arm.

Barret's cheeks turned a light shade of crimson. "Aw Tif, don't do that! I'm a tough guy, and there's no room in a tough guy's life to blush, remember that!" He said sternly, although I detected a faint twinkle in his eyes.

"Whatever you say, 'tough guy', I'll catch up with you later, ok? Right now, I just need to get a good night's sleep." I said as I crossed the living room towards the door.

Before I could open the door, Barret walked over and put a huge, rough hand on my shoulder. "Hey Tif, is everything alright? You seem a little out there," said Barret with concern.

"Everything's fine." I lied. The faint rustling I heard earlier was still lingering on my mind, but there's no sense in ruining Barret's dreamy mood he was in. "I'll give you a call when I get home." I added.

"You're sure you want ter walk now? I could drive ya if ya wanted," he offered.

"Hey, come on. I know this town like the back of my gloves, I'll be fine." I said with a smile and a thumbs-up.

"Aw, aright, don't forget to call when ya get home, and thanks again for stayin' with Marlene." He replied as I opened the door.

"Anytime!" I shouted as I closed the door behind me.

I made my way into the summer night, as a cool breeze fluttered across my face. It's so nice out, I thought as I walked slowly down the path that led downwards toward my house. I made my way towards the forest, which was my favorite way back to my house; there was a little creek that flowed through it that I could walk next to. How I loved walking next to it, listening to the random crickets which lived near there. As I entered the forest, I could just barely hear the trickling of the water, and I quickened my pace to reach it faster.

Upon reaching the creek I noticed the beauty of the forest. The tall trees seemed to reach forever, with sparkling green leaves covering every one. The leaves rustled together as if fighting to reach the sky. The sky was clear, and I could see every star, twinkling to its maximum brightness. The sounds of the night were music to my ears. I listened to the owls in the trees, conversing with their acquaintances; I also heard the blades of grass brushing up against one another, dancing in the cool breeze. It was indeed a wonderful night.

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

"Cloud, why do you insist on torturing me while I'm working!" I shouted as Cloud continued to yell out random comments at the pinball machine, causing my customers to raise their eyebrows and stare at the rambunctious 22 year old.

"Damn! And I almost won, too. If it weren't for you yelling at me I could've had the high score!" Cloud ran up to me and put me in a headlock and messed up my long silky brown ponytail. "This is what you deserve for ruining it!" He cried.

"Clooooooud!" I shouted and wrestled him off. I guess this is what I get for having Cloud as a best friend. We had dated for about a month after our night in front of the Highwind, but we decided to be best friends rather than boyfriend and girlfriend. We both agreed it was much better to have a best friend for life than risk a failed relationship. Ever since last year, Cloud has become much more relaxed, now that Sephiroth is no longer around. He's become much more playful and, well, fun. It's a nice change from the old Cloud, who seemed tormented by…well, let's not talk about that. Although he isn't exactly a happy-go-lucky boy, it's nice to be able to joke around with him once in a while, when he's in a good mood; although not while I'm working!

I grabbed at his ear under his spiky blonde hair and once having it in my grasp; I asked him in a motherly tone, "Now, do you think you can behave like a good boy? Or do I have to throw you out of the bar?"

"Owww! Alright, alright! No need to pinch!" He said as he rubbed his red ear.

"Thank you," I said triumphantly.

"Anyways, what are you doing tonight, Tifa? Do you feel like coming with me and Nanaki to Cid's place? He fixed the Tiny Bronco, so now it can actually fly, rather than being used just for a boat." He explained to me. "He's absolutely thrilled about it."

I tossed my hair back into a neat ponytail and turned to him.

"I'm sorry, Cloud, I already told Barret that I'd baby-sit for him again tonight." I said with some disappointment. I really would have liked to go to Cid's house, too. It's been awhile since I've seen him in a good mood, it would have been nice. But, a promise is a promise.

"Alright then, I'll let him know you wanted to come," said Cloud. He walked over to the window and looked outside. He seemed to be distracted.

"Are you okay, Cloud?" I asked him.

"…" He turned to me. "It's kind of hard to believe all the stuff that happened last year, you know? I mean, with…Sephiroth. And me." He sounded rather sullen.

I put my hand on his, the hand he uses his sword with. "It is hard to believe. But the important thing is that it's over now; we can't continue letting it affect us so." I said to him gently. It was probably the hardest for Cloud to get over what happened, with all of the visions, and battles. I knew my words wouldn't do anything at a time like this.

He continued staring out the window. I hate it when he feels like this. We've all been through so much, and the sad part is, the memories will just never fade away.

There we go :) Chapter 2 has been revised also...please R&R :)