Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII or any of its characters.

Warnings: None

Author's Note: The other day I went school shopping (although school doesn't start until the end of the month), and you know how expensive it was? It was almost 40 or so dollars. And I was buying the cheap stuff that won't hold up longer than three weeks. Anyway, enjoy!

Idolized: School Supplies

Denzel walked to the kitchen sink, his gait similar to that of his hero's. Returning a stray piece of auburn hair to its rightful place with one hand, he disposed of the used fork into the metal tub. Opening the cabinet door, he carelessly tossed the empty plastic tray, the remnant of his TV dinner, into the trash can. Despite their claims of caring for the planet, Tifa and Cloud hardly recycled. The ironic realization made him smile.

From outside, he heard Cloud holler, "Ready to go?"

Both of their voices had changed as the years went by. Denzel, just like any other boy, suffered the horrible cracking that most teenagers dreaded. Luckily, it had passed quickly, leaving him with a somewhat deep, rich voice, that would continue to descend the scale for a few more years. The tone of Cloud's voice, however, held stress and weariness. Cloud was never able to cope with stress easily, and the combined weight of parenting, supporting his family, and keeping his business successful while balancing that with family time was almost too much for him.

However, one tradition never faltered.

"Yeah," Denzel agreed, walking out to greet his childhood idol.

"That time again, already?" Cloud asked, frowning as he pondered about how quickly years passed.

Denzel nodded, disappointment on his features. Like any other student, he liked summer vacation. No, he adored it. Nearly three months of free time after nine months of pain and torture and headaches was his second favorite gift. The first was the motorcycle, similar to Fenrir but quieter, which he had received as a birthday present a month ago, when he turned sixteen.

The two arrived at the store sooner rather than later when Denzel questioned, "Did you bring Tifa's list?"

"...A list?" Cloud replied, as clueless as his hair color implied.

"I take that as a 'no,'" Denzel sighed. He began rattling things off from memory, "Your deodorant, some romance novel, stickers, notebooks, pencils, erasers, highlighters, binders, folders...are you listening?"

"Stickers?" Cloud asked, almost chuckling. "Why does she need stickers?"

"I've learned it's best not to question her," Denzel laughed, a smile on his face, thinking about times come and gone.

"I'll go get her stuff," Cloud said. "Why don't you get your school stuff? Want me to come with you?"

"Nah, I'm good," Denzel replied, his eyes focused on a cute woman about his age. "I'm sure I'll bump into you somewhere, anyway."

Some time passed, and Cloud aimlessly wandered the store, blue eyes showing some contentment as he watched children with their mothers and fathers spending time together. He had been like that once, with himself, Denzel and Tifa. They used to be together, always wanting the other's company. However, with age comes independence, and Cloud soon saw Denzel being with his friends more than his family.

"I'm back," Denzel announced, snorting as he noticed Cloud's surprised expression. "Scared you?"

"No," Cloud responded curtly. "What the hell?"

"Told you I was taking a lot of classes," Denzel playfully teased, shifting the weight of his colorful array of notebooks.

"Guess so," Cloud agreed, never having a chance at education himself when he was growing up. He didn't pay much attention as Denzel began rattling off his list of classes. However, he was shoved back into reality as the cashier said, "44.39."

--

Short, sweet, to the point. In case you haven't figured it out, Denzel just turned sixteen. As far as I'm aware, no one has ever announced an official birthday for Denzel, so I gave him mine. Feel free to request!