Chapter 4

Cloud walked into Seventh heaven having just arrived back from Rocket Town. Walking into the kitchen he observed the scene before him, Tifa was busy preparing dinner, Denzel and Marlene were sat around the table drawing away.

A smile played across his lips, as Tifa tucked a few stray hairs back behind her ear. Cloud rested up against the doorframe and just watched her work. He'd never taken time out to appreciate her before. She was kind, caring and compassionate, yet strong, independent, and beautiful. She really was amazing.

"CLOUD!" Denzel and Marlene had noticed him at the same time. Tifa turned round to see the kids jumping out of there chairs to welcome Cloud home clambering at his legs, both eagerly talking in unison filling him in their days activities. Cloud however was still looking at Tifa. Her eyes locked with his, she noticed they were awash with a glow, and for a second she didn't think had anything to do with the mako. Red rising in her cheeks Tifa turned back to what she was doing.

Cloud remembered Cid's parting words. "…so why are you still here you dumb shit?" lifting himself off the doorframe he chuckled to himself as he eagerly listen to the children.

"Look what I've drawn!" Shouted Marlene.

Cloud walked over the to table and picked up the picture. Staring back at him was himself, standing next to Tifa, holding hands, Marlene and Denzel stood with them, smiles on all their faces. Great! He thought. Everyone 'got it' before me. Denzel handed Cloud his picture, it was of Cloud fighting a man with a long sword, dressed in black with long silver hair. Behind Cloud, were Tifa, Denzel and Marlene. Cloud looked at the young boy.

"It's you protecting us all, Tifa told us how you've always protected her and now you protect us too!" the boy smiled.

Cloud looked up at Tifa, she just smiled at him and giggled.

"Alright you two, Go wash up, dinner will be ready in about an hour." Tifa told the kids, and they quickly ran off upstairs. Turning to Cloud she asked,

"Good days deliveries?"

"Er, yeah. Kind of…" Cloud had actually only managed to deliver the one package to Rocket Town, his run in with Cid had wiped any thoughts of other packages from his mind.

Tifa arched her eye brows, "Kind of?" she enquired.

"Well…I got to Rocket Town and ran into Cid."

"Yeahhhhhhhh?"

Cloud froze, unsure how to continue. Scratching the back of his head he tried to search for the right words. He chickened out.

"I guess I kind of forgot about the other packages" Cloud shrugged. Turned and headed towards the stairs.

"What's going on with you Cloud?"

Cloud stopped, and faced Tifa. Blinking blankly at her.

"I..er.." Cloud scratched the back of his head again " I better go finish those deliveries"

Tifa watched as Cloud practically ran out of the door and shook her head.