Premonition

by Cloud and Tifa

Tifa considered not picking up her phone. It had been the fifth time since he called her today and it was only eleven. She had the sense to get a new phone just so she couldn't hear it ringing every ten minutes and was even contemplating about making a stop at the store to sell it. Of course, she knew she couldn't do that. It has been a few months since she had seen anyone from their group. They were always diligent in their work but in her eyes their cautiousness often irked her.

She heaved a sigh and reached over to the night stand, her fingers finding her phone and opened it without checking.

"What?" She groaned.

"Tifa?"

"Cloud?" She sat up immediately. "Hey."

"Hey. You busy?"

"No. Why?"

"Can you do something for me?" He asked.

Tifa almost said no. Her legs were aching as they were still sore from her jog. When she returned to Seventh Heaven, she had dropped on her bed and her body hadn't even begun to cool off.

Instead, she sighed. "Uh, sure. What is it?"

"Go in my desk—"

She stood up and went to his room.

"—and check the right drawer, there should be a folder."

Cloud was right, of course.

"Why do you need it?" She asked, placing the thick folder on his desk.

"I got a ticket this morning."

Her eyes widened. "For what?"

"...Speeding, and my license expired."

"Oh, Cloud," she sighed, exasperated. She looked down at his desk and frowned when she spotted his cellphone. "Don't tell me you're calling me through one of those payphones."

"Would you be mad at me if I said yes?"

"Don't ask questions you already know the answer to," she replied, shaking her head. "Are you paying your fine now?"

"Yeah," Cloud sighed, "I'm sorry, Tifa."

"Don't worry. As long as you're fine, right?"

Cloud grunted. "Fenrir doesn't look fine. They were inspecting it; saying it's not a safe bike."

Tifa could almost imagine his distressed expression and chuckled. "Anything else you need me to do?"

"Well, uh..."

"What is it?"

"Can you come down to the DMV building?"

Tifa looked up. The board hanging on Cloud's wall showed a map of Edge and another one of the Planet. Red pins were on various cities with a blue thread connecting them. Her finger found the map of Edge and she roamed around until she located the DMV building; it was on the other side of the city.

"Tifa?"

She bit her lip. "Can't you do this another day?"

"I can but–"

She chuckled. "Let me guess, they won't let you leave with Fenrir?"

"...Yeah."

Tifa shook her head but the corners of her lips tilted up. "Alright, I'm coming."

"Thanks, Tifa." She could hear the smile in his voice just as he hung up.

Cloud had the sudden urge to get up from his seat and start pacing. He despised waiting but here he was in a waiting room, in the newly refurbished building of Edge's DMV. His morning had started off fine until a police officer pulled him over because he was pushing the speed limit. And as luck would have it, he realized his license had expired and his bike was taken from him. He had to delay his package for another day and upon informing his customer of the news, he was greeted with scorn. It happened all in the span of two hours and it wasn't even noon yet.

Being the savior of the Planet had its perks but even then he wasn't given the privilege of (as Barret calls it) free shit. Not that Cloud would take advantage if he had such benefits but it would have really helped especially when Fenrir was in the hands of the police so thus he was forced to suffer like any other citizen.

Tifa took her sweet time coming. Some of the workers in the DMV building were already returning from lunch when she arrived. Judging by her leisure stride she must have had lunch, too. He was sitting on the bench waiting to be called then he glanced up when Tifa stepped in.

Immediately, heads turned at the sight of her. She must have not been concerned about her appearance because all she had on was a red sports bra, black mid thigh shorts and sneakers. Despite the hot weather Cloud wished she had bought a sweater. He knew that she went exercising on her day off but the workout clothes she wore was revealing. Maybe not as much as that mini skirt she used to wear but at least they didn't hug her voluptuous figure. Seeing as it was the only thing separating her from naked flesh, the workout clothes were tight against her every curve and muscle. Even after years of living with her, Cloud took great pains just to focus on her face but it was other people that bothered him. He never failed to ward off men who catcalled Tifa but he was always worried when she was alone.

Cloud shifted in his seat but nodded at her in thanks as she approached.

"Took you long enough," he greeted.

Tifa smiled. "It's not exactly easy, seeing as we live on the other side of Edge."

Cloud snorted and noticed her sweat tinted skin. It gave her a pleasant glow that made his insides curl.

Despite this, he grimaced. "Don't tell me you ran all the way here."

Tifa fixed him with an irritated look but handed over his folder.

"And you're the reason why I'm here," she quipped. She sat next to him and removed the sweatband from her wrist. After a moment of silence, she asked, "You have any deliveries left?"

Cloud shook his head.

Tifa smiled at him. "That's good."

"Why's that?"

"I was thinking we could take the kids out to eat." Her smile seemed to widen at the prospect. "It's been a while since we ate out and I'm sure they'll like that. And I kind of don't want to cook tonight."

Cloud smirked at that. "Hang on for a bit," he said, standing up with the folder in his hand. "Let me take care of this and then we'll go." Hopefully, with Fenrir.

"Uh," Tifa looked up at him and smiled apologetically, "I have to do something in an hour."

Cloud blinked down at her.

"So, I'll see you whenever I get home," she finished.

Well, that was unexpected.

Staring, Cloud studied her. For some reason, his throat became dry and there was a terrible aching growing in the pit of his stomach. He had the sudden urge to ask her what she was up to. However, he could only nod stiffly.

She tilted her head at him," Is something wrong?"

"No. Uh, I'll...see you later."

It was only after he stepped near the booth that he heard Tifa's phone go off.

An hour later, Cloud was relieved to return home with Fenrir. On the way to Seventh Heaven, his thoughts bought him to Tifa, and frowned. Whatever she was doing, he wished that she'd return soon. He wanted to spend the day with her doing... Well, he didn't know what they'd do yet it irked him when his plans were thwarted. Although, if he was being honest with himself he knew that her lack of presence didn't bother him.

I have to do something in an hour.

Like what? He groaned and mentally kicked himself for not asking. Now, he was stuck wondering what she was doing. For some reason, his mind conjured up scenarios of Tifa secretly meeting someone... someone special and handsome—

He shook his head. Thoughts like that only left him miserable. He knew better.

And yet, his eyebrows furrowed as he considered the idea that there was someone special in Tifa's life. Someone strong, emotionally and physically like she was cut out to be. Someone stable and well-grounded. His mind conjured up a tall man wearing a wide but kind smile. He would be charismatic, rich, with high cheekbones and eyes that made women swoon. He was someone who people looked up to and leaned on when they needed support. Someone that was everything Cloud wasn't.

He pulled to a stop in front of Seventh Heaven and kicked the stand in. With one leg on the ground, he sat back and removed his riding googles. He felt his chest tighten at the idea that there was someone other than him that filled Tifa's thoughts. He managed to roll his eyes at that. She's probably out shopping for Marlene's birthday present or working out at the gym. But even if she wasn't, it's not like Tifa was ever his. There was always a we or us when it came to them but not in a romantic way. They were a family. Besides, whoever she dates was not for him to decide.

But no matter how many times Cloud told himself that it didn't bother him he grew rigid.

Sounds of giggles interrupted his inner turmoil and he glanced over his shoulder to see two grinning faces looking up at him.

"Boo!"

"Got you!"

Denzel smiled broadly while Marlene hugged Cloud around his waist and snuggled her face into his back. "You were busy staring into space you didn't notice us. Did we scare you?"

Cloud snorted but smiled as he got off his bike. "No. How was school?"

"Boring," Denzel said.

"Yeah. There's nothing interesting going on." Marlene pulled away and sighed before she looked up at him pleadingly. "Can't we just skip school for the rest of the week? It's only two weeks until summer."

Cloud chuckled. They already knew his answer but that never deterred them from asking.

"Well, if you skip school I guess that means we can't eat out tonight," Cloud said.

Tifa was right. It had been a while since they ate at a restaurant because suddenly the kids wanted to go to their favorite restaurant and the word "no" or "maybe" seemed to fall upon deaf ears. Their cries of protest ended as soon as he promised them that they would, in fact, eat out and Cloud shook his head at their excited, grinning faces. Not that Tifa's cooking wasn't top notch (she cooked stew much better than his mother) but Cloud figured that the kids wanted something nice for a change.

Speaking of.

Tifa returned around five. Cloud had taken Marlene and Denzel to the park and when they arrived home and Tifa was already waiting for them. She smiled at them and the kids greeted her cheerily before she rushed them upstairs to prepare to eat out.

"So, where were you, Tifa?" Denzel asked innocently.

"Yeah," Marlene looked up with questioning brown eyes. "You're always waiting for us when we get back from school."

"I wasn't gone long," Tifa replied, exasperated.

"But we missed you," Marlene whined, "and Cloud didn't bring money to the park so he couldn't buy us candy!"

"And?" Tifa prompted.

"Denzel tried climbing up a tree and Cloud didn't do anything about it."

Denzel glared at Marlene, not expecting the strange betrayal as Tifa gave Cloud a pointed look. Putting a hand on her hip, she asked, "Is that true? First, the ticket and now this?"

"What ticket?" Denzel asked.

"Nothing, sweetie," Tifa said before she quirked an eyebrow at Cloud. "Well?"

"The kids suggested that they skip school for the rest of the week," was all he said.

That kept her busy long enough for Cloud to slip into his room, unnoticed. Their voices were clear as he closed the door and began to dress up. He smiled as the kids tried to keep Tifa from going into her room, her silence obviously throwing the kids into a panic.

Cloud had learned that she was better off angry than staying silent and this especially went for Marlene and Denzel. After the Geostigma was cured, they seemed more at ease... and mischievous. Always eager, their constant energy was oddly refreshing but also draining. As for their streak of getting into trouble, Cloud figured that since he wasn't that great growing up it was a phase. Tifa thought it was ordinary and sometimes she'd play along with them until something got out of hand.

The kids had started talking sweetly to Tifa, telling her how much they missed her while she was gone. Cloud couldn't help but frown. The two hours he spent with the kids without Tifa he felt like something was missing. Obviously it was her. Her reassuring presence and devotion was what kept their family together. When they were at the park, Cloud felt that their activity outside was empty. Maybe the kids hadn't felt it but the spot on the bench next to where Cloud sat as he watched the kids sure felt like it.

As he dressed, Cloud recalled what happened earlier. Maybe if he told her about his day, she'd do the same. That's usually how it went. If he bought it up during dinner, there was no way she could dodge his questioning gaze. It was added bonus that the kids would be there. They're better at coaxing things out of her. He just hoped that whatever she did during those two hours was something he wouldn't lose sleep over.

By the time they were walking back to Seventh Heaven, Marlene fell asleep. Cloud was grateful that she was still small enough for him to carry however she kept her knees pressed against his stomach, causing him discomfort. Tifa was silent, thinking deeply but she didn't voice her thoughts and between them Denzel was making an effort to stay awake as he tried to stifle his yawns.

Dinner had gone not as Cloud had expected and he wanted to groan in frustration. He was hoping the kids would help him out in getting Tifa into telling what she did earlier however they kept asking questions about his day. But they were worried about him and the whole time they spent it discussing school, their friends, or trivial matters.

Tifa unlocked the front door to Seventh Heaven and held it open. After going upstairs and waking up Marlene, the kids fell into the routine of changing into their pajamas and brushing their teeth. Tifa kissed their foreheads when she tucked them in bed and closed the door to their room.

"Goodnight," Tifa said, smiling drowsily at Cloud before turning the doorknob to her room.

"Night."

Instead of going to bed, Cloud went straight to his desk and slumped in his chair. He placed his elbows on the table and put his head between his arms, the movement knocking over several items. Lifting his head, he readjusted the framed portrait but paused to examine it. The picture was taken two months ago where they spent their spring break in Wutai. Yuffie had taken the picture of just him and Tifa. He stared at himself as a smiling Tifa sat next to him and tilted her head so it rested on his shoulder. Seeing it reminded him of the time they spent together under the Highwind.

Cloud bit his lip. He vividly remembered that day on their vacation. Marlene and Denzel were playing with Shelke Rui and the former Tsviet attracted the attention of the local kids while he and Tifa sat down on a nearby bench watching them, and basked in the silence of one another's company. He remembered wrapping his arm around her waist and how warm the spot of his lower back was where she had placed her hand. The proximity had rendered him breathless. It always did. The times that they shared intimate moments were few since neither of them were openly affectionate with each other. Sure, he received hugs from Marlene and Denzel and occasionally Yuffie but with Tifa, he was always tense. After years of living with her and he felt like there was an impenetrable barrier between them.

Cloud sat back in his seat and placed his foot over his bended knee. As much as he loved his family, he wondered if it was enough. There was no doubt that the kids loved having him around and Tifa was happy because they were all safe and sound and living a comfortable life, but what did Tifa want? Did she... want more?

Cloud's eyes closed. He knew he wanted something more than just friendship when it came to Tifa. The problem was he couldn't determine if she wanted the same thing. After all, it was always difficult to tell with her. Maybe she had felt that way before the Geostigma; before Meteor. He was too afraid to confront her about it so he resolved that something (whatever that may be) was going to happen eventually between them.

Yet it seemed like neither of them was willing to cross the border of their friendship. And Gaia, it was killing Cloud just to sit and think about how to approach her about it. There was the possibility of strengthening their care for each other and forming it into something more but then there was the fear of ruining it. She had seen him at his best and his worst. He left her to fend for herself and when he came back she accepted him with open arms. Talk about loyalty. But there were times when he wondered maybe that's not just unrelenting dedication; it's love.

And then he'd scoff at the idea.

"Cloud?"

Cloud's eyes snapped open and looked at his door to see Denzel. He grew concerned as he saw Marlene standing behind him, clutching her pillow. "Denzel, Marlene, what are you doing up?" he asked.

Denzel looked over his shoulder before looking back at him. They both stepped into his room and made a show of closing the door without making it squeak.

Cloud raised a skeptical eyebrow. He tried to keep his expression placid but his breath got caught in his throat. "Alright, what's wrong?" He asked.

"Uh, can we talk to you about something?"

"'Bout what?"

"It's about Tifa."

Cloud turned his desk chair around. "What about Tifa?"

Marlene stepped closer. "She's been acting kind of weird."

No, she hasn't, Cloud almost said. At least, that's what he thought. But since he was usually busy with his deliveries, he didn't see her every minute of the day so he couldn't be certain.

Cloud gestured them over to his bed and both of them sat down. "How so?" He asked.

"Well," Denzel's eyes roamed around the room, "sometimes, when we're helping her downstairs her phone keeps ringing."

"And it can't be you calling because if it was then she'd smile and pick up."

Cloud raised his eyebrows. Well, that's nice to know.

"And you only call when you're gonna be late which rarely happens." Denzel added.

Cloud frowned. "Wait, so someone calls her phone and she doesn't pick up?"

"Yeah," Denzel concurred. "And the other time I caught her sneaking out."

"What?"

"What!" Marlene looked as shocked as Cloud. The little girl rounded on Denzel. "You never told me that."

"Sorry!" Denzel looked over to both of them with hunched shoulders.

"What happened?" Cloud asked, rubbing the boy's back.

"A few days ago, I woke up to use the bathroom. It was around two o'clock and I heard the door downstairs open. When I went down to check, Tifa told me to go back to bed." Denzel paused. "And when I did, I waited for her to come back upstairs but she didn't."

Denzel bit his lip then looked at Cloud, waiting. As much as Cloud wanted to believe the story, he rationalized that the kids were just worrying. Despite their age, they grew anxious whenever something strange happened to their family. Considering their past experiences, it was only natural.

"Do you think Tifa's gonna leave us?" Marlene wondered.

Cloud instantly shook his head. The concept of Tifa leaving was inconceivable but the heavy silence seemed to add to the children's apprehension.

Cloud stood up. "Alright, back to bed."

"But—"

"I'll talk to her about it. Besides, you two have school tomorrow and Tifa would—"

"Would what?"

Cloud had opened the door as he softly spoke to the kids. Without paying attention, he almost bumped into Tifa.

Cloud studied her. "Hey."

"Hey," Tifa greeted, clearly amused. She tilted her head at Marlene and Denzel and jerked her head to their room. "Back to bed, you two."

After tucking the kids in Cloud ignored their probing looks and noticed that Tifa was avoiding his gaze. They shut the children's bedroom door and stood awkwardly in the hallway in silence.

"How much did you hear?" He finally asked.

Tifa shrugged. "Not much. Just the last part. I went into the kids room to check on them."

He nodded, satisfied, before looking away. "Tifa, you mind if we talk?"

She didn't seem surprised.

"Downstairs," she sighed.

Following behind her, they entered the living room and sat on the sofa. Next to him, Tifa's posture appeared relaxed but her eyes told a different story. Her expression was a mix of guilt and apprehension. Her hands were on her lap and her feet were tucked under her legs. She didn't even look at him.

This was one thing they had agreed on when he returned after the Geostigma was cured. As she was the one who pushed the idea, they both would talk about whatever was bothering them. Perhaps the intention was that there would be no secrets between them but Tifa explained it as a way of opening up and for neither of them to take any heavy burdens alone. It had to work both ways and usually it was him that needed a sit down but now it was her.

"Denzel says you... sneak out." Cloud began.

Tifa took in a deep breath before letting it out. "I wouldn't call it sneaking out," she confessed. "I just go for a walk."

"A walk?" he repeated blankly.

"Yeah. I have to say it's nice," she admitted. "Getting away and just walking...thinking. Don't worry, I only leave when you're here and I stay out for at least half an hour." She paused and struggled to find the right words. "It's just... when I go out, I feel, um," she looked around the room, "how can I put this...?"

"No, it's alright; I get it."

"You do?"

"Yeah."

It made perfect sense. He had done it himself. He knew better than anyone that it felt good to get away from it all. To be free from responsibilities and indulge in that carefree feeling.

Tifa glanced at him, her rich reddish brown eyes filled with an emotion that Cloud had come to familiarize.

Suddenly he felt selfish. Tifa always spent time worrying over others that she didn't have time for herself. Cloud was sure that if she won the lottery she'd store it in the bank and use it for emergencies. There was not a time in her schedule that she spent without catering to the kids or tending the bar. Sure, she started exercising in the gym on her day off but he could understand why a walk alone in the middle of the night could ease her mind.

Cloud's pursed his lips. He recalled the time when he had left the day that the first signs of Geostigma started appearing on his arm. As troubled as he was, he found that getting away from Tifa and the kids had been refreshing but it was the sickness that kept him from going back. Tifa went out for a walk to clear her head and... and he couldn't be selfish enough to take that away from her.

"You could have told me," he finally said.

The sad expression melted from her face to form into a sheepish and relieved grin. "Sorry. I didn't know how to bring it up."

"Don't apologize. But you got the kids concerned."

"I'll talk to them tomorrow," Tifa reassured, "I just hope they don't get the idea that it's okay to go out at night." She laughed mirthlessly.

Cloud considered that. "Well, at least you come back."

Tifa grimaced. "Hey—"

"I know, I know. It's behind us. Sorry. I—just... be careful."

Tifa reached over and squeezed his hand. "When am I not?"

So, drop a review if you liked it. I will definitely update but it won't be anytime soon.