A/NYeah, I had a writer's block. At first I felt I should discontinue the story but something kept calling back to write this. My GF inspire me to keep writing by writing a fic on her own. The Sweet Sunshine thing. Anyway, new chapter!

Chapter 4:

The week went by a bit slower than usual for Cloud. With all the preparation of going on the trip, Cloud began to think more and more at the decision he made. 'Yeah,' Cloud thought lying on his bed. He could not tell if he was mad at himself, mad at situation or mad at all. He stared at the ceiling of his room like he was lying down on grass watching clouds in the sky flow by. His mind wondered from Tifa, to the kids, to the trip, to himself. 'Why does Tifa wants to go?' He already knew the answer but it did not stop him from asking futile questions. 'Why did she get so worked up like that when I did not even said that I did not want to go? It's not like I don't want to see them but….I just…'

He stumbled at the exact reason why. But he could not finish his thoughts to his standard when he heard his phone rang. He looked towards the phone that was on the floor and began to think whatever he would answer it or not. In the end he let it ring to the answering machine. He really did not want to be bothered by anyone.

He covered his hands over his face and let out a sigh. Both his head and his stomach were in pain. "Oh man," He said out loud as if letting the pain escape through his month. He heard his phone rang again and like before, he didn't bother to pick up. But out of ennui, he decided to guess who was calling him. Yuffie and Barret faces came up in his head.

He sighed slightly and tried to continue his thoughts in regarding the state he placed himself in. The more he tried to think about it, the more he felt depress and confused. He groaned over the effects of the situation. He tried to think of something to do, so he picked up his phone to listen to the voicemail.

beep

"Hey skinny! This is Barret! I want ya to do me a favor! I want ya ta bring my deck of cards! We're going to play when we all meet up together! Don't forget! And tell Marlene I said hi!"

beep

'I was right about Barret,' Cloud thought. He shook his head and put that on his mental note, to do list.

beep

"Hey former leader, this is Cid. Just callin' to tell you that you and Tifa we'll be the last ones we're going to pick up."

beep

'One out of two,' Cloud thought.

As the day went by, so did his thoughts and depression but he remained clam and quiet like he was normally. When it was time for dinner, they all gather up. The children were excited about the trip, talking about what they were going to do. He wanted to groan from witnessing the children excitement about the trip. He did not blame them, but it was constantly reminding him of it.

Without really paying attention to what he was doing, he turned his head towards Tifa and caught a glimpse of Tifa eyes gazing towards him. With that slight glimpse, he had a feeling that Tifa thought something was wrong. He thought it was something about his hair. 'Is it messy? No…it's always messy.' Cloud wanted to shrug it off but he could not. His mind wondered towards the other day when Cloud reluctantly said yes. Did she notice? Would she say anything?

After the dinner, Tifa and Cloud sent the kids to bed. Cloud wanted to take this time alone to talk to Tifa. He wanted to bluntly say that he does not really want to go, but he could not bring himself to say anything. They both went to clean up the bar. Tifa was cleaning the tables while Cloud was cleaning the counter. Through out, they both remain silent. It was a bit awkward for him, knowing that he had to let out what he has been thinking. While cleaning, he wondered if she would say anything. But at the same time, she probably did not know what was wrong, so he should just institute the problem.

He looked at Tifa, opened his mouth but nothing came out. He closed it, and began cleaning again, trying to act natural. He tried to think about what he was going to say if he brought it up. He felt that he was going to hurt her feelings if he said that he did not want to go with them. The more and more he thought about it, the more and more he felt that he should not bring it up.

"Errgh," He groaned out loud without realizing it. When he became conscious of his groan, he cursed himself. He knew Tifa was looking at him but didn't bother to move.

"What happen?" She asked.

Even by her voice, Cloud gets a chill down his spine. His body slightly shook over of what he thought was sweet voice. He hoped she did not notice. "Nothing," Cloud said. Without looking at Tifa, he felt that it his answer did not please her. He tried to think of an excuse but could not. "…It's nothing." He repeated the lie again, as if trying to make himself to believe than her.

It did not help the conversation any better. Soon it was quiet again.

"Oh by the way," Tifa said breaking the silence as she grab a seat on a chair. "Cid called me, he said he was going to pick us up last."

"I know." He responded.

"Oh really? How?"

"He called me." Cloud said.

All of sudden Cloud felt like he wanted to be alone. The mention of Cid just got him really worked up. He did not turn to face Tifa. He felt like staying in the position he was in, it will keep a border between them. It was strange how his feelings change from a simple reminder.

"Cloud," He heard Tifa called his name. And by the tone of her voice he knew it was his cue to turn away regardless of what he felt.

A/NI did not intend to end the chapter like this but I figure this way would be the best way to end it. I'm going pretty slow though. I hope you liked it. Feel free to review and tell me you didn't like about it and what you like.