Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait. I was experiencing a writer's block. Thank you so much for the reviews! You guys are awesome, keep them coming!

Answering you questions and comments.

Gilmaxter: As for what happened to Cloud, I guess you'll have to keep on reading to find out, ;P Thanks for reading

H.luna: Well, I hope this story doesn't scare him away either, Trying my best to even out the confusion and happiness. I know it's starting off kind of sad but you got to see it from Cloud's point of view.

Well I hope you enjoy this chapter!!

Chapter three

Daddy's daycare


Washing the dishes in the sink and continuing to replaying Cloud's leaving act in her mind. The bar is dim; the sunlight shines through the windows giving it some life to it. The vans on the ceiling spin in motion and the air-conditioner is off. The front door is open with the screen door closed; soft breeze blows into the bar and cooling off the warm air that lingers in the bar. The day is sunny but with a cool breezes which is one of Tifa favorite days. The kids remain asleep in their beds and baby Zachary was given a bottle not before falling back to sleep. A small white baby monitor rests on top of the counter with the sounds of a soft snoring. A small smile expands on her lips to the vocal sounds of her son's soft snoring. Glancing her eyes at the clock on the back wall under the air-conditioner; 7:38.

Sighing deeply as hands are within the hot water, scrubbing away the food off the plates from last night dinner. Stream rises from the hot water as well as the clean dishes that are now drying off on the wooden dish rack. Cloud has not return from his sudden departure on Fenrir. Being rather irate at Cloud and his leaving act, wondering why he would do such a thing considering those selfish deeds diminished three years ago. Ever since Demetria was born Cloud seemed to be happier and was able to be a good father to their other children.

"Maybe I should cut him some slack, he doesn't remember how to be a father." Thinking to herself before snapping out of her thoughts when hearing a motorcycle approaching the alley. Glaring through the window to find the blonde warrior entering into the alleyway. Once he is out of her sight, she quickly dries her hands with a white dry rag. At the corner of her eye, Cloud walls causally into the bar until seeing Tifa. Coming to a quick stop as her expression fumes and keeps her eyes away from the supposable husband. Roughly, drying her hands as the rag creates an irritating friction upon her soft hands.

Even though she know Cloud has amnesia and acting like his old self, Tifa couldn't help but be mad. "Have a nice drive?" Asking uninterested and trying to keep her temper in tack. A fire boils within her and she tries very hard to keep in under her control.

Cloud notices the bitterness in her voice and can not blame her for being angry. A guilty expression pregnant on his face and his heart sinks to the dark depths of guilt. But everything is moving to fast for him, things he can not explain are happening. Being suddenly married to a somewhat childhood friend is a lot to swallow. Can not start comprehending the fact that he has three kids and one on the way, it's as if a large quantity of his memory is taken from him leaving him blind. Everything is suffocating him and he need to run.

Drifting his eyes to the floor with shame growing on him and feeling not worthy to look upon such a being. His feelings and guilty are tearing him apart and wishes he can remember or at least how to be the man she wants him to be.

Shifting her sadden eyes at the blonde warrior with a glare shining off the tear that shields her eyes. Feeling her hormones from being pregnant taking control of her as he angry diminishes and sadness enlarges within. "Were you at her church?" Tifa asks in the quietest whisper and in a soften tone. With her question, it immediately grasps Cloud's attention. A daze expression elopes his face while furrow his eyebrows slightly. Staring into her eyes and watches the light reflection shimmers in her chocolate eyes.

Debating on telling her the truth or not, especially with her crazy hormones. "Yes." Answering truthfully and awaits for the outburst of her reaction.

Pursing her lips and looks away quickly. Placing her hand on the counter to lean against her arm and uses the other arm to wipe away the tears. Warm tears burns her eyes as the escape her open eyes. Throat becomes tight and cheeks become red. Releasing a short of breath before hearing Cloud speak up. "It's not what you think." Saying in a haste answer.

"Isn't it?" Replying quickly, reconnecting their trance again. Her face show and sadden and pleading expression. Memories of these before their marriage threatens their strong bond and fears Cloud is disappearing on her. "You would rather talk to her than me?" Speaking in a forcefully tone but not shouting. Feeling her heart slowly breaking to the awful truth that she has to face. Wondering if she'll have to battle the flower girl again. Before Cloud can speak up Denzel and Demetria come running down the stairs. As usually Demetria takes her time down the steps, fearing heights and knowing her legs are not strong enough to run a fast pace similar to Denzel.

"What's wrong mom?" Denzel asks in concern as his eyes scan her face and eyebrows are lifting up. Tifa looks down at Denzel and sees his worry face and could not help but smile at he sweet concerns. A content smile twitches on her lips.

"Nothing sweetheart, there's nothing to worry about." Tifa coos in a maternally voice as she softly wipes away the remaining tears away.


ring...ring...ring

"Hello?" Tifa answers into the black phone that rests on a desk of Cloud's old room that is now Denzel's room. With Marlene living with Barret in Coral, Denzel had to move out of his room so the younger ones can sleep in his, considering his old room is bigger. "Cid?...What? Really!?...Yes...Yes...I'll be out in a minute." Quickly hanging up the phone and urgently bursting into her room where Cloud is lying on their bed. His forearm was over is his eyes until a burst of wind thrusts into his body detaching his arm flesh from his eyes with a bewilder expression. Tifa flicks the light switch on the wall, allowing light to illuminate the dark room. Instantly closes his eyes with a stinging pain of the brightness while turning his head away. Using his body muscle to lift is upper body to a sitting position and swings his legs over the edge of the bed. Firmly placing his boots onto the floor and leaning forward to rest his elbows on his thighs. The tips of his fingers rub intensively over his decreasing pain in his eyes. Hearing Tifa moving around the room and unzipping a bag. Cracking his eyes open, allowing the dark spots in his vision disappear from his view and sees Tifa packing clothes into a bag. Without a second thought, Cloud goes pale and his nerves come to a stop. "Is she leaving...me? Cloud first thought comes to his mind as he quickly gets up and approaches Tifa from behind. "Are you leaving?"

"Yes." Tifa says quickly as she hastily puts her clothes into the dark blue bag. Her body is slightly tilting forward. Keeping her attention on her packing as Cloud heart begins to sinking far low.

"If this is because of me..." Cloud begins to say but stops when he does not know how to continue. Tifa stops packing and stands up straight. Turning in place to face him with a confuse look.

Hearing his words, she sighs quickly with a small smile growing on her face following by a soft giggle. "No, I am not leaving you, Shera going into labor I'm her midwife." Cutting into Cloud's sentence with a sweet tone and trying her best to suppress a giggle. Tilting her head to an angle and performing a caring smile on before saying, "Well, I need to hurry Cid will be here with the Shera." Turning back to her opening duties and making sure everything in her bag is folded and neatly put away. Zipping up the back and heaving the strap onto her shoulder and feeling her shoulder strain to the heavy load upon it. Feeling the bag leaning against her hip as she turns back to face Cloud again. Unexpectedly, the heavy load upon her shoulder is relieved from its strain when Cloud takes the bag for her.

"You shouldn't be carry heavy stuff when you're pregnant." Stating the facts while Tifa gives another smile to him for his caring. Swinging the strap onto his own shoulder before saying, "So are you taking the kids with you?" Asking with glee, and can not wait for a moment of peace from them. All day they been asking him all kinds of questions, sure he is use to Marlene and Denzel but Demetria has a nag for prying. Zackary been crying for his attention and not wanting to be out of his sight.

"Nope, their staying with you." Responding with a cocky smile as Cloud's face literally fall at the fact he'll have to watch them...alone. "I won't be back until tomorrow or the next day depends on how the birth goes." Finishing her sentence while walking past Cloud with her hands clasping before her and strolling proudly. A Satisfaction smile grows on her face knowing that he'll pay for his sudden disappearance by spending many hours with demanding children. Giving him a piece of what she does everyday.


Sitting on the dark blue comfy couch with the kids sitting on the ground staring at him intently. It's been no more then a few minutes since Tifa has vanish to fulfill her duties as a midwife. The living room is the farthest room on the second level of the building. The blue couch is place at the northern wall with a large window with see through silver curtains. A blue chair sits slantways next to the couch. A television is set a few feet away from the couch and a large shelf is place at the east wall with many books and novels. The southern wall contains the door leading to the corridor and a countless family photos hang on the cream wall. Zackary sits in his playpen that is place at the nearby the television and playing with his toy. Being rather fond of his toy he once awhile he'll screech a blistering sound of enjoyment.

The sun light shines through the curtains giving a less blinding enlightment to the dim room. Warmth lingers all through the house and with the aid of the air-conditioner a soft cool draft brushes against their skin. Leaning his elbows on his thighs and eyes glances at both children before him. Cloud remains speechless and dumbstruck to what to do with the children. Demetria is dress in a pink dress with little faces of bears on them. Her bare legs relax against the cold wood, bestowing chills through out her body along with growing goosebumps. Her small body shakes energetically with a fascination expression ranks on her face.. Trying her best to keep her swelled up of energy from eruption.

Denzel dress in his in a pair of blue jeans and a simple grey shirt. His eyes remains intently on Cloud with an awe smile on his face always admire and copy Cloud movement. Waiting for Cloud to do something spontaneous and so he keeps his eye unblinking.

Noticing Denzel strong gaze, Cloud could not help but feel uncomfortable with the attention. Demetria is about to the breaking point of her patience. Swallowing hard before a high pitch voice is spoken. "Daddy! Want to do my dolly!" Bursting in to the enthusiasm as she jumps onto her bare feet and runs to her room before Cloud can even object. His mouth opens but soon closes when Demetria is out of his sight. Tilting his head down to be able to massage his temple. Hearing distance foot stomps that are becoming louder, Cloud instantly raises his head to find Demetria running back into the living room. "Here daddy! See!" Shoving the doll into his arms as Cloud Reluctantly takes the doll and stares at it with a puzzle glare. Arching an eyebrow before shooting his eyes to smiling Demetria. "I named her Demi." Speaking with her innocent voice and continuing on about her and her doll but Cloud is fading out to even realize what she is saying. "How can such a little thing talk so much?" Thinking to himself and is broken out of his trance when smelling a disgusting smell. Similar to the one yesterday, furrowing his face and he looks around the room to find the stink bomb.

Hearing soft giggle as Cloud directs his eyes at Demetria. "Baby did doodie." Saying with an amusement, bring her doll's brown hair to her chin and tilting her head slightly down with her eyes peering at Cloud. Cloud is taken back be her comments and knowing that he'll have no other choice but enter the realm of the doodie. Looking at Zackary who hands are gripping the edge of the crib and standing on his feet. Staring at Cloud with a large grin on is face. The smell becomes even more intense as it lingers in the room.

"Eww! Zack!" Denzel screeching in a disgust tone while pinch his nose to avoid the horrific smell. Using his lower body to back away from the stinking baby and hopes to escape the gross smell.


Laying down Zackary on a changing table and trying to hold his breath while seeking a zipper or buttons. Wearing his one piece outfit that reveals his bare white legs and having small sleeves. The fabric is a soft blue with white stripes going diagonal and having white socking on. His cubby arms and legs wiggle all over that place as Cloud desperately trying to hold him in place. The changing table mattress is covered with a white pillow case. Made out of wood with little shifts beneath the mattress and fill with baby supplies. Another small shift is above the changing table and a wooden crib is to the eastern wall. Large closets with wooden sliding doors are on the western wall and the paper wall has pictures of variety of animals. Toys are sprawl out on the floor; it was a challenge for Cloud to even cross the room. Of course helping rising two older children isn't all that hard but a baby and a three year old is a different game.

Inhaling a deep breath before continuing to hold his inhalation as his slightly lifts Zackary's body upward to find a zipper. The back of the outfit is solid, softly lowering back down onto the cold mattress and his scan the front of his outfit. Furrowing his eyebrows and starting to get irate when not find what he is looking for. Getting rather angry at Tifa for leaving him here to do her dirty work. Soon, his eyes come across three buttons at the bottom end of his outfit, between his legs. Quickly unbuttoning his outfit and feeling the soft fabric brush against his bare hands. Lifting the clothing upward until it reaches his lower stomach and staring strangely at the white diaper that looks heavy at the end. Removing the tape at the ends and lifting the front off his skin to a whiff of the horrific smell. Releasing a disgust sound as Cloud quickly turns his head away. Looking back at Zackary with a disturbing face and Zackary returns a grin. "How can so much come out of a tiny thing?" Asking astonish while looking at the mess before him and showing a exasperate feature. "Ok how do I do this?" Asking himself out loud as he looks around the room to find something to use.

Searching frantically for anything useful as his eyes glance at the shelve before him to find a box of Q-tips. Not really sure if that is what mothers use but it's all he can find. Reaching for a hand full of Q-tips and begins to gentle wipe way what Demetria calls doodie. Abhorrence tugs on his face, trying his best to keep his body away from the changing table. Having very little success with the Q-tips and drops the Q-tips on the changing table with frustration. Allowing the Q-tips to fall across the changing table. Releasing an irate sighs and grabs a clean diaper to help with the wiping process. At last, majority of Zackary bottom is clean, picking up the dirty diapers with his finger tips barely touching the diapers. Throwing them away in the small garage can that's nearby the changing table. Looking at the small shelve before him again and grabs a small bottle that gasps his attention. Reading the label on the "Diaper powder, place on before putting on a new diaper." Finish reading the label as his right eyebrow arches and looks down at the year old baby. Shaking the powder out of the lid that has small holes. Roughly forcing out the white powder to land on Zackary's bottom. Hearing the powder within the small white container thrust against the lid. Powder dust flows into the air and involuntarily within Zackary's nostril. An irritating feeling within his nose causing him to furrow his nose and mouth as a forcefully sneeze blows out of his nostril passage. In the mist of harsh torture of the powder rushing into their noses the lid of the container pops off the rims of the white bottle. The powder descends out and lands in a mass of white on top of Zackary's legs. The powder weld onto Cloud's black shirt showing patches of white and Zackary's skin remain hidden beneath the white powder.

Sighing in frustration and rolling his eyes. Having a displeasing expression growing on his face. High pitch sounds exit Zackary's vocal box as he japes his legs into the air with excitement. Lifting his ungloved hand and roughly rubs his face. Trailing the palm of his hand down his cheek to the back of his neck and soft rubs that nape of his neck. Unexpectedly before his eyes yellow liquid flows straight into the air like a fountain. Slightly flitching to this event and realizes Zackary is urinating. Grasping Zackary's chubby leg and lifting it up slightly to aim the urine towards the wall. Releasing another sigh before thinking, "Where's Sephiroth when you need him?"


Walking out Zackary's room and walking into the corridor with a cool air lingering. The hard wood creaks to his weight that rings in his ears until hearing a clacking sound that grasps his attention. Turning in place towards Tifa room with Demetria sauntering through the door frame with Tifa's black high heels on. Her tiny feet can barely fit in the shoes, the back of the shoes threaten Demetria to walk unbalance and so Demetria scraps the bottom of the shoe against the floor. Having a bewildering feature and not really sure what to say to this performance, never remembering catching Marlene in Tifa's shoes and so he not sure if this is normal. Hearing the scraps of the shoes as she approaches Cloud in a slow steady pace with her head tilting down. Keeping her eyes on her feet and once while she'll glance her eyes at Cloud. Being within a few inches from Cloud, Demetria raises her small head up to glare at Cloud. A large grin appears on her face and staring at bewildering Cloud. "Do I look like mommy?" Asking in her high pitch voice with a hint of enthusiasm. Large blue eyes watch every curve of Cloud's face.

Taking a step back from the smiling child before stammering, "Umm,...su...sure" Responding in a stammering tone and very confuse about females and their ways. Also, kind of admiring the fact that she want to be like her mother gives him a hint of glee.

"Yeah, now I just need boobs." Declaring as she looks down at her body and placing her hands on her small chest. Dropping her arms to her side and returns her glare at Cloud before continuing, "Do you think I'll get boobs?" Asking curiously, once again excepting the adults to have all the answer.

Taken back by her declaration and his face went pale. Her question went beyond the line. Eyes peering at the small child with awe and not really sure how to respond. Clearing his throat before saying, "Umm, how about you ask you mother about that." Mumbling his sentence and avoiding her gaze and hopes to get out of her exotic questions. Blushing a deep pink color from her question and hopes that Denzel will walk by. Shifting in place and feeling very comfortable to be in his daughter's presence. "Go put your mother's shoes away." Saying in a fatherly tone as she nods her head once and scrappers off. Releasing deep sigh and sweeping his hand through his spiky hair, feeling his soft hair sliding between his fingers.

The day gone by in a slow pace, giving Cloud a slow torture. The evening sun reaches the ends of Gaia as the moon rises to the sky. The dark sky reveals a better view of shimmering star. Sitting in his room, with his old desk place in the far corner of the room. The door is wide open, recently got Zackary to bed and now is enjoying the peace and quiet. "How do women do this?" Feeling exhausted for the days of work. Body feeling limply and sore from the constant of holding Zackary in his arms. Now really appreciating what Tifa does and putting up with the constant demands of the children. Thinking how can three year old talks so clearly.

Just a moment ago, Cloud was rampaging through the closet and can across a photo album. Having it wide open with his face smashing into the palm of his hand and glaring at every picture in the book. Staring at a picture of Tifa and his wedding, Tifa is wearing a long white elegant dress with a train and Cloud wear a black tuxedo. Their hands are clasped together and his jaw line resting against her temple. A tingling feeling grows in his gut when seeing her large smile on her ivory face. Realizing that he never really took time to really look at her beautiful face. A guilty feeling grows in his gut knowing that he never returned her affections. Removing his face from the clutches of his palm and leans back into the chair. An aching feeling swells in his heart, wanting to see more of her angelic smile. Reaching to the top of the book, having the tips of his fingers grab a hold of the page and flips it over. Several other pictures of their wedding day are shown to his eyes. Wishing that he could have some kind of a memory of what happen that day.

Continuing to flip through the pictures and comes across a picture of Tifa being pregnant. Having a red thin strap shirt on with lose pants. The back ground is a beach with the cream color sand and the ocean streaming across the surface. Cloud stands behind Tifa with his ungloved hands on her round belly and seeing Tifa hands upon his. A tiny smile is on his face with Tifa smiling largely. Another picture catches his eyes. In the hospital where Tifa is lying in bed with baby Demetria sleeping in Tifa's eyes. Demetria body was very tiny and face is scrunched. Her body is hidden by a pink blanket that is wrapping around her small body. Tilting her head towards Demetria face with a large smile on her face and sweat droplets shine across her forehead.

While enjoying seeing these picture a voice is heard behind him. "Dad?" Denzel voice is soft and calm as it breaks Cloud's trance. Turning in his chair to look at the boy and not feeling in the mood to be bothered by anyone. However, not wanting to hurt the children's feeling he'll give Denzel his full attention. Denzel stands in the door frame with his hand resting against the white wood. A plan expression is being performed to Cloud as he is having a hard time determining what's on his mind. "Do you want to play catch?" Asking curiously, almost afraid to be rejected.

"Maybe later." Saying in mechanically, having a dull tone as he rubs his face. His tired body demands resting and mind wants a break.

"But...you promised." Saying almost hurt, keeping his voice calm. Dropping his arm to his side and feeling his heart sink. Knowing that he father still doesn't remember much but still want to do what they always did. Releasing an inward sad sigh while his eyes soften and showing a softer side of himself.

"Denzel, I am tired will do it another day." Saying slowly, hoping that Denzel with catch his drift. Watching his sadly nods his head and sulks away from Cloud's door frame to be out of sight. A Moment passes by as he lets out a long sigh knowing that he had hurt Denzel's feeling. Quickly rising to his feet to follow in Denzel tracks to apologize. The corridor is dark and the wood creaks to his weight. Passing Zackary's door as a small voice his heard behind him once again.

"Daddy?" Demetria speaks up while holding her doll in her arm and having her thumb in her mouth. Turning in place to find Demetria standing behind him and staring at him with her large blue eyes. Seeing her stand stiff and slightly shivering to the cold wood that her bare feet are resting against. "I need a bath."

Suck in the moment of time looking at Demetria with awe. "OK, go ahead." Managing to speak out in an uncertain tone.

"You need to help me." Stating the facts and draws out her thumb from her lips to drop her arm to her side. Standing before the child in pure terror, knowing that he'll have to perform his fatherly duties.

"Do you really need a bath tonight?" Asking uninterested voice.

"Yes!" Shouting in a loud pitch voice that made Cloud slightly flitch to the blistering tone. Her fury is shown on her ivory face as her eyebrows furrow lividly along with her furrowing lip. Her skin develops goosebumps from the cold air that lingering in the air. Staring at her father in a demanding glare and he sighs in defeat. Sulking towards his demanding daughter and reaches out his hand for her little hand to grab.


Forcing her to wear her pink bathing suit as she sits in the warm water and watching her dip her doll into the water. The doll fake hair drips with larges amount of water as Demetria pretends to have her walk on water. Her own hair is soaking wet and sleek shines off her ebony hair. The bathroom reflects a little color to her dark hair. Sitting with her leg cross and the warm water moving in a soft motion against her ribcage. The warm water makes her skin tingle with her upper body slightly shiver from the lack of warmth.

Sitting on the toilet next to the bath tub and watching her play with her doll. Having his elbow resting against his knee cap and his chin in the clutches of his palm. "Are you done?" Asking gruffly.

"But your pose to wash my hair." Demanding in her high pitch voice as she looks at hr father. Shifting in the tube as the water moves rapidly by the direct movement of the flesh within its grip. A light thrust of water shoves against her tiny body but is unfazed by it. Hearing him sigh as his turns his body to face the tube and grabs the cup that on the edge of the tube. Sinking the cup into the water and hearing the water filling the isolated confinement. Rising the cup above her wet head and gentle using his hand to tilt her head back. Pouring the water freely against her head as it thrusts against the hard structure of her head as the water sprawl in all direction. The water reunites with the colorless liquid with the sound of a long splash. Dropping the cup into the water as the cup flows aimless across the surface. Placing a large gush of shampoo in the middle of his palm, placing his hand on the top of her head and begin to spread the white launder on her sleek hair. Trying his best to be as gentle as possible and Demetria squints to his rough hands. Hair become slightly thick to the gooey launder as streaks of white is appearing on her ebony hair. "Daddy? Why is mommy sad?" Breaking the barrier of silence as Cloud stops his harsh massaging. Staring at Demetria with a bewilder expression, trying to find an answer but is lost in awe. Blinking several time, remaining still and quiet. "Maybe you should do something to make her happy." Saying brightly, with her eyes lighting up to the thought. Thinking in thoughts as he drops his gooey hands from her slimy hair.

"What should I do?" Asking, almost desperate to the thought of making Tifa laugh. Always stun to what she really likes considering he had never asked her. Demetria stares at Cloud as a large grin grows maturely upon her small lips.


To be continued...

My gosh! That Chapter was a pain! It took me forever, so I hope you liked this chapter. I tried to make is funny but writing humor isn't my best suit. Anyways thanks for reading! Leave a review!