Disclaimer: I don't own anything. FFVII belongs to SquareEnix :)

Author's note: I'm glad you guys like the previous chapter! :D

To Omegaxis1: Denzel and Marlene as a couple? Yeah, that's what I thought too the first time I watched AC ;)


Chapter 7: Guilt


August 11, 0013

The Mako-blue eyes fluttered open. Again, the same crack stared down at him. However, the crack seemed different today. It's like it's smiling down at me. A thin smile curled up.

There was a gentle knock on the door, and it opened mere inches. Ruby eyes glanced at the blue ones.

"Could I come in?" Tifa asked softly.

Cloud sat up in his bed and nodded. The barmaid stepped into the room and closed the door behind her, looking sheepish. She stared at the man and blushed. He was shirtless again.

"Oh, sorry," Cloud muttered hastily, as he went to grab a shirt from the chair.

"Mmm hmm," Tifa shook her head and sat by the end of the bed.

For a while, she just sat there, eyes on her lap. Cloud scratched his head in confusion.

"Rufus left."

Blue eyes stared at her in shock. And guilt. "W-what?"

"I told him. About us." Tifa bit her lips and smoothed the bed covers beside her absentmindedly. "He wasn't happy. But, he's happy for me."

"I see..." Cloud replied awkwardly. He was relieved the man accepted them. But, for a long while, he was pretty certain that the man was going to fight him for Tifa. I guess he just wants Tifa to be happy...

"Cloud? Umm, happy birthday."

"Thanks."

"Cloud...?"

"Yes, Tifa?"

The barmaid looked uncomfortable. "Are you ever going to leave again?" There was hurt in her eyes.

Knowing he needed to rebuild trust and confidence, Cloud shuffled over to the woman. He noticed the ring with the big shiny stone was still on her finger. A green monster squirmed. Stabbing the devil in his mind, he took her hands in his, murmuring, "no, I won't. Never again."

\*

"Wow what a change in events..." Yuffie said, awestricken. "Wait, we don't really need to go shopping stuff for tomorrow anymore. So why are we out here in the heat?" she asked suspiciously.

Tifa shrugged. "Well, I thought fresh air might do some good..."

"What's wrong Tifa?" Shelke asked. "You seem sad, even though you and Cloud got things straight."

"Hey, wait a mo'," the ninja suddenly stopped. She stared at Tifa's hand. "You still got the ring?!"

The barmaid flushed and waved her hand frantically in front of her. "Only because I couldn't get it off! I tried it with soap, but it just won't come off..."

"Did Rufus ask for the ring back?" Yuffie smirked.

"No!" Tifa defended. "He didn't at all. In fact, he told me to keep it, as a memento..."

"Tifa," Yuffie narrowed her eyes and crossing her arms, "don't let me catch you having doubts..."

"Well, it can't be helped, can it?" Shelke said. "After all, Tifa's been dating the President for two years now. And you know they were close. And they were happy."

"You brat!" the ninja bellowed at the shorter girl. "You're supposed to help the chocobo-butt!"

"Well, that's the truth," the girl said icily.

"You've always had a soft spot for Shinra!" the ninja snapped back.

"What?! That's because you're always picking on him!"

"Oh, come on! Who are you helping here?"

"Girls, stop!" Tifa closed her eyes in frustration. Her head was spinning under the burning sun. She felt dizzy...her body, her arms, her legs went limp...

"Tifa!"

\*

"Good thing you were around, Mr. Shinra."

Mr. Shinra?

"Is she all right?"

"Don't worry, it's just the heat."

Is it him?

...Hmm...This bed...So soft...So comfortable...I don't want to get up... ...Don't...make me get up...

Tifa stirred. "Mmm..." Her red eyes opened slowly and saw icy blue ones staring at her.

"Hey."

"Hey."

The two watched each other for a moment.

"Your friends are down at the cafeteria. Do you want to join them?" The Shinra President said. His hair was slicked back ever-so-smoothly, with a single strand of blonde hair hanging in front of his aqua-blue eyes. Tifa caught herself staring at the shiny fineness of golden threads.

"Oh, um," the martial artist stammered as she sat up, "sure -"

"Tifa."

The woman was afraid to return the glance. Her eyes fluttered to the sparkling stone set on her finger -

"Rufus - here, take it -" Tifa pulled the ring as hard as she could, but it would not budge. She grimaced in pain as her finger bruised from the pulling.

"Stop." The blonde grasped the woman's struggling hands. "Stop it, Tifa."

The same strange calmness in his voice...She stopped. She felt the piercing blue eyes scrutinize her every little movement. She wanted to disappear. She couldn't face this man anymore.

"I told you. It's fine." Rufus' voice was gentle, but firm. "As long as it makes you happy." He paused, controlling the rage screaming inside him. He took a deep breath and looked away. "Promise me he'll make you happy."

Angry tears welled up in the ruby eyes. Tifa bit her lips as she fought back tears. This man was her everything for the past two years...He was there for her from the beginning. He saved her from a bottomless pit. He guided her to the light. He held her hand tightly through ups and downs, never letting go. He never disappointed her. But now she disappointed him.

\*

"Yuffie, they dated for two years for Gaia's sake," Shelke said.

"What do you know about love, you emotionless-transparent-computer-kid?!" the ninja snapped. She was pissed at her friend for constantly helping the "other blonde."

"I do think I know more than you do," the other girl replied cooly. "After all, I felt all of Lucrecia's feelings toward Vinnie."

"Hey, only I get to call him that!" Yuffie glowered.

"Yo, what's with the commotion from two little gals?" a drawling voice piped up.

"Fuck you, Reno," the two girls bellowed.

"Whoa!" The red-haired's eyes went wide. "Shelke, I told ya Yuffie's a bad influence on you."

"Seriously, fuck off, turkey-face!" Yuffie glared at the man.

"Turkey-face?" Shelke giggled.

"Watch your language yo, we're surrounded by civilized elders," Reno smirked and raised his eyebrows. "So, what brings ya two here at the lounge? Not lookin' for a room, are ya?"

"Tifa fainted," the smaller girl said. "Mr. Shinra saw us and took us here."

Reno whistled. "Tifa, Tifa, Tifa..." he shook his head, "man, I bought a nice suit just for tomorrow's party too."

The ninja narrowed her eyes at the man. "Well, you could save it for next time. Tifa and Cloud's engagement party."

"Psh, don't think Boss would let Cloud off just like that," Reno sneered.

"Why not?"

The light blue eyes widen at the sound of the smooth voice. He closed his eyes miserably, the red marks on his cheeks twitching. Slowly, he turned around to face a glowering Rufus Shinra.

"Hiya, Boss, I was jus' gettin' back to work." Reno gave a shaky grin. "I'll go now!"

The remaining three stared after the lanky figure disappeared behind the glass door.

"Dumbass," Yuffie muttered.

Rufus sat down across from the two young women. He watched them with a calm, yet authoritative expression that gave the girls goosebumps.

"Tifa woke up," he said quietly.

"Oh goody, err, let's go, Shelke." Yuffie started to stand up, but the man motioned for her to remain seated.

"I'm sure you two know what happened with Tifa and Cloud," the president spoke in the same quiet voice. "It's not like I wasn't expecting it, when she told me she wanted to invite Strife for the party."

The brown and blue eyes widen in surprise.

"You mean, you knew it's gonna end up like this?" Yuffie asked in wonder.

Rufus nodded and narrowed his eyes bitterly. "They've gone through so much together. It's no wonder Tifa's still trapped. But if it makes her happy, I'll respect her decision."

The girls nodded in unison.

"So I'd appreciate it if the topic ends here. I do not wish Tifa to regret her choice. I, especially, do not wish to regret my choice."

The girls nodded again.

"Then, that's all." The Shinra President stood up and straightened his polished white suit graciously. He slicked back his hair, smoothing loose strands of blonde threads away from his icy blue eyes. A strange air of newfound-triumph glowed around him. He stared down at the girls. "Tifa's at the lobby waiting."

He started toward the glass door when he stopped and added, "take care of Tifa for me." With that, he left the two awestricken women staring after him.

"He's got gusto..." Yuffie murmured, brown eyes shining with admiration.

"He's mine to admire. You got Vinnie already," Shelke snapped.


August 12, 0013

Splash splash splash.

The barmaid was washing her hands frantically with soap. It still won't budge. She glared angrily at the shiny stone. Sighing irritably, she wiped her hands and returned to the box of orange juice. With the engagement party called off, business was opened as usual. Tifa glanced around the bar anxiously. The pink and white hearts that previously decorated the windows were pulled down by Yuffie and Shelke. The roll of white tablecloth sat by the door of the storage room. Even the large vase of yellow flowers seemed to be wilting. No one spoke of the event. Customers didn't know of the party, so they came in as usual, not one bit surprised that the bar opened, despite previous notifications that it would be closed today.

It wasn't like she was sad, sad. She still felt guilty for leaving Rufus. After all, it had been two years. In fact, very happy two years. He had been a very caring lover. Never once did he failed her. Never once did he made her shed a tear. Never once did she return such intensely strong feelings for the man...that was why she was guilty. But she wouldn't had figured out her true feelings if Cloud didn't return. It's Cloud all over again...

Cloud...Tifa smiled softly as she unpacked the box of juice. She didn't think things would turn out this way. She really did hope to marry Rufus...Are you sure? Weren't you secretly wishing that Cloud would snatch you back right under Rufus' nose? The barmaid smirked. She was glad that Cloud finally revealed his true feelings. But when did he realize it? Did he really love her? She sighed. There were still too many questions and uncertainty with Cloud...but she felt the man making an effort to prove to her. For that, she was grateful.

Marlene and Denzel sat by the counter swinging their legs as they ate their lunch. The girl observed the barmaid, who appeared to be in a daze. What's wrong with Tifa? She whispered to the boy beside her, "do you think Tifa's sad, because the party is canceled?"

"No way!" Denzel hissed. He took a large bite of his tuna sandwich. "She likes Cloud!"

"Yeah, you're right..." Still, Marlene was worried. "But that doesn't mean she can't be sad!"

"Why not?" the boy asked, puzzled.

"Boys are boys," Marlene rolled her eyes. "I think she's afraid that Cloud would leave again!"

Denzel considered for a moment. "Well, that's easy, all we have to do is just make Cloud stay!"

The girl's face brightened, revealing a small dimple.

\*

Cloud sat in his office in deep thought. He wasn't sure what to do, or what he could do, now that he was back with Tifa. What now? He scratched his head frustratingly and stared out the window.

Knock knock.

The blonde turned to the door and saw the two children grinning at him.

"Could we come in?" Marlene asked sweetly.

Cloud nodded.

The two walked toward him, still with those weird grins on their faces.

"What's wrong?" the chocobo-head asked uncertainly.

"Cloud, are you going to live with us again?" Marlene asked.

The question surprised the man. To be honest, he didn't give much thought to it. Actually, he did, but, he was afraid to discuss this with Tifa, since she still had that ring on her finger...Cloud made a smug face.

"Cloud?" Denzel raised his eyebrows.

"Hmm...do you want me to?" the blonde asked.

"Of course!" the two beamed gleefully.

"But first, you need to bring all your stuff back, right?" Marlene said excitedly.

That's true...The blonde nodded and smiled. "You're right, Marlene." He ruffled the girl's head. "I should get going then."

He stood up and exited the office.

"What does that mean?" Denzel asked, puzzled.

"I think he meant...he's going back to get his stuff?" Marlene murmured in equal confusion.

\*

Tifa heard footsteps behind the door leading to the stairs. Expecting to see the children when the door opened, she was surprised to see Cloud instead. Cloud. With his duffel bag on his shoulder.

What the fuck?!

She stared at the man. And his duffel bag. He was fully packed, ready to travel. Ready to leave. Again.

"You're...leaving?" the barmaid asked, unmistakable pain in her voice.

"Yeah."

"But...why?" Tifa was angry. She couldn't believe it. After all that had happened in these three days, he was still leaving? Remind me why I dumped Rufus for this man?!

"Got some...some stuff to do," the man said as he scratched his head.

Stuff?! What stuff?! The red eyes were glowing in fury.

"I promise I'll be back," Cloud smiled. He was oblivious to the burning fire emitting from Tifa. "Trust me on this one."

He gave the glowering woman a quick hug. The touch of his skin froze her. Slowly, his head leaned toward the woman's red lips and kissed her. Tifa closed her eyes, goosebumps running down her arms. He tasted like...mint. A smile fluttered on the barmaid's face. He must have just brushed his teeth.

With a wave of his hand, the blonde stepped into the summer heat, where Fenrir was waiting for him.


Author's note: I hope you guys understand Tifa's feelings right now. As Shelke said, she and Rufus had dated for two years. Two years may seem short (compared to Tifa's six years of waiting for Cloud), but if those were happy two years, it's no wonder to feel guilty – especially if the other guy treated you very well. And it really is difficult to just "forget" someone you've spent two years together with. :'(

And um, I'm writing Rufus as if he's really a changed man lol. He doesn't appear to be a player to me anyway (in the game).