Cloud was exhausted. Tifa had taken Denzel with her to visit Cid and Sheri, leaving the ex-SOLDIER to watch Marlene. So, he had taken her to pick daisies at the church, to the playground, for an ice-cream cone, and to the store to pick out a birthday present for Denzel. He had just sat down, when a soft voice called from the bottom of the stairs, "Cloud, can you help me? I have to brush my hair, but I can't reach it all." He closed his eyes for a second, then sighed and stood. "Are you sure you don't just want to cut it?" he teased, "I have my sword right here, it'll just take a second..." "No! I like my hair!" she squealed, as he picked her up and carried her up the stairs.
Two minutes and a crash-course later, Cloud stood gently brushing out the tangles in Marlene's hair as she chatted animatedly about their adventures of the day. He marveled at how soft and fine her hair was, and wondered if this was what fathers did. If so, he really didn't think he would mind it. Not a bit. "Cloud?" she said sleepily. "Yeah, Marlene?" "Can you tuck me in?" He stood, puzzled, for a moment. "Tifa usually does, but she's not here." "Uh, okay."
She was asleep before he turned off the light. He stood at the door, wanting to go back downstairs, to ignore the thoughts racing through his mind; he stayed, watching the moonlight playing over the beautiful little girl's face. No, being a father wouldn't be bad at all.
A/N: This is my first fanfiction, and I tried to keep them in-character. Concrit definitely accepted, but flames will be used to grill hamburgers.