Hello Readers! Thank you, once again, to cupofteaforaliceandhatter for the nearly immediate review. As far as Vincent and Yuffie go, they will soon have their own chapter, hang tight. Vincent is one of the most difficult characters for me to portray in words. He's so mysterious! As far as my 'guest' reviewer goes, its been years since aeriths death, so if they were best friends, then that was long ago. I never portrayed either of them as hating one another either. Tifa is unsure what to think of her at this point in time. as far as Zack and Cloud go, Cloud is still accepting thy Zack is alive, and he is almost afraid of him. Zack is a bit angry at Cloud but that doesn't make him love him less. if you don't like the story, don't read it! i have other reviewers and readers who do! this is purely for fun not for being factual to the actual storyline to the T. If that were the case, Zack and Aerith would be dead and Tifa and Cloud would be together. thank you everyone for taking time to read this, it means a lot. please continue to review, I love reading what you have to say, it makes me want to update quicker!

Chapter 9: Have you ever considered Zack?

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It was later in the evening, and Tifa was reflecting on the events of the day Waiting for Cloud to return with Marlene. The breakfast had been quite enjoyable, with Yuffie loudly pestering Vincent. Denzel laughing at the stories Zack told him about Cloud. Zack's wide and cunning smile. It was refreshing, to see so many smiles around, and Zack's was... something else. Refreshing, was the word that came to mind when she thought about Zack and his personality. He was so different than Cloud, it was nice. He was loud, outspoken and happy. Well, he seemed happy.

"Hey, Tifa?" Denzel asked walking into the living room where Tifa was sitting on the couch folding a bit of laundry.

"Oh hey, did you have a nice nap?" Tifa asked, giving him a warm smile.

Denzel nodded before speaking again. "You think Zack could hang out with us more?"

Tifa was a bit torn inside, she wanted him to have a good male influence, and Zack seemed to be a fantastic fit, but Cloud was still part of his life, whether he wanted to be or not. It was a difficult question for her to answer. "Well... You can't forget about Cloud, you know. I'm sure Zack would like it if you hung out with him and Cloud."

"I really like Zack." Denzel said as he sat himself next to Tifa.

"How bout this, if you give Cloud a chance, and really try, I'll make sure Zack comes over sometimes, okay? And that includes Aerith, too." Tifa said, placing her hand on Denzel's back.

Denzel sighed, and thought for a minute. From what Tifa had always taught him and Marlene, it was to always be kind and try to forgive. He had seen Tifa forgive Cloud again, and again. Deep down, past Tifa's strong demeanor, he knew she was hurt, and that angered him. Tifa had shown him love when no one else would. He felt responsible for her. He almost viewed Cloud as the Demon he had faced about four years back when he still had Geostigma. he would do what it took to protect her. He almost saw Cloud as a threat to her, as a danger to her heart. But he wanted to be strong and be able to forgive also, and if Tifa asked him, he would try his best.

"Alright. I guess I can try." he said, somberly.

"That's all I ask." Tifa said with another smile.

Almost as if it were on cue, Cloud, Marlene and Aerith Walked through the front door. Tifa stood promptly and walked to the three.

"Did you have fun?" Tifa asked as she examined the giddy girl. Her hair was braided and was adorned with flowers. It seemed as though she had an excellent time.

"Yes! We had so much fun!" Marlene exclaimed. "You missed out, Denzel! We went to the new aquarium! Then we went to eat and then Aerith braided my hair!"

"Thanks for letting us take her, Tifa." Aerith said kindly.

"I'm glad you did. Seems like she had fun." Tifa said, putting an arm around Marlene.

"Hey, Denzel." Cloud said, walking over to the young man who seemed to be a stranger to him.

"Hey, Cloud." Denzel replied, doing his best to be polite For Tifa's sake.

"Would it be alright if we hung out sometime, like you come visit me?" Cloud asked softly. Tifa knew it must have been difficult for Cloud to ask, he must have felt a little hurt by Denzel's rejection earlier in the day. It was pleasing to see Cloud trying though, despite their own broken relationship.

"Well, if it's okay with Tifa, maybe we could stay at your place tonight?" Denzel suggested.

The statement shocked both Tifa, and Cloud. Although, Tifa was quite proud of Denzel for it. Cloud smiled then turned to his former love.

"Absolutely, they need you" Tifa responded. A moment later, Tifa gasped in shock as she felt Cloud's arms wrap around her and pull her close. This was a huge surprise to Tifa. It felt like old times, with a hint of awkwardness in the room seeing as how Aerith was still present. But something felt different, as Tifa hugged back. There wasn't the same spark, no butterflies that seemed to always flutter even after ten whole years. it almost relieved her that she wasn't feeling that way, but at the same time, he felt so familiar in her arms and she savored the moment while it lasted

"Thank you, Tifa. I'm gonna do my best to be there for them, I promise." Cloud whispered as he took in her sweet and familiar scent.

"You better mean that, Strife." Tifa said with a smirk. Somehow this felt like a bit of closure for her, but she couldn't shake the sting of rejection she felt when he picked Aerith over her.

Cloud nearly bit his own tongue off when he found himself beginning to say 'I love you' out of habit but he stopped, right at the 'I' and paused. "I promise." He finished.

"Alright kids, go get your things together." Tifa said, breaking the awkward embrace.

Marlene and Denzel scurried upstairs to gather their things, leaving Tifa downstairs with Aerith and Cloud. Tifa looked between the two and gave them a smile as best as she could. She, although still broken hearted, wanted to see Cloud happy, and it looked as though he was.

Cloud linked hands with Aerith and sighed.

"Tifa." Aerith started, breaking the silence.

"Yes, Aerith?" Replied Tifa.

"Have you ever... " Aerith began but then she looked at Cloud a bit uncomfortably. She let go of his hand and pulled Tifa into the Kitchen for some privacy. Aerith admired the kitchen. It looked clean and elegant, and simple. Much like Tifa. The coloring was white, black and gray with a few splashes of red here and there. "Sorry about that. Have you ever considered... Zack? I mean... The two of you together would be.."

Tifa interrupted. "Aerith, I appreciate the advice but... I'm really not thinking of.. " Tifa began, but before she could finish, Zack Fair himself walked past the kitchen window, around to the front door and let himself in.

Upon entering, Zack yelled: "I'm here, boss!"

Tifa's cheeks pinked out of embarrassment and the fact that they literally were just talking about him.

Zack caught a glimpse of Cloud and quirked an eyebrow.

"Zack." Cloud said with a nod. "Boss, huh?"

"Hey blondie." Zack said, followed by a scratch on the back of his head. "Yeah, I've been helping Tifa out at the bar."

Before Tifa knew it, she was being shoved out of the kitchen back into the living room by an overly enthusiastic Aerith.

"Speak of the devil." Tifa mumbled to herself.

"So you've been working at Seventh Heaven with Tifa?" Cloud asked curiously, his voice laced with confusion.

"Yeah, well this will be my second night. Hey Tifa." Zack said with a wave as he looked over a the brunette.

Tifa gave him a shy smile that she didn't mean to, but she also couldn't help it. she was embarrassed by the situation. She could tell that something about Zack helping Tifa out didn't sit well with Cloud.

Cloud was a bit surprised that Zack had been helping Tifa out, but he just shook it off. "You might be pretty slow tonight." He said. "Everyone is downtown checking the new aquarium out. "

"Oh, He's right." Aerith said putting a finger to her chin.

"I'll see how it goes." Tifa replied.

A few moments later, Marlene and Denzel came downstairs ready to go."Hey Zack!" Denzel exclaimed in excitement upon seeing the soldier he viewed as an amazing superhero.

Cloud, once more became perplexed. "How does Denzel know you?" Asked Cloud.

"Oh, we met this morning and we went to breakfast with Tifa, Yuffie and Vincent." Zack said with a smile. "Good to see you buddy." Zack said as he fist bumped Denzel.

"He's handsome!" Marlene said with a blush, followed by a giggle.

Aerith smiled. She couldn't agree more with the girl, but something inside her let to of Zack when he died, and it never returned.

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After an introduction for Marlene and Zack, and goodbyes between Tifa and the kids, the night at the bar began. Tifa began tidying up and sweeping.

"Let me do that, Tifa." Zack said, coming up behind her and grabbing the handle of the broom. Goosebumps covered Tifa's arms and she turned to look at Zack. He was close, too close.

"Alright, sweep away then." She said with a slight shutter before handing off the broom. She moved on to wiping down the tables.

Zack swept quickly and efficiently, taking up about half the time it would a normal human being. After collecting all the particles of dust in the dust pan, he discarded them and walked over to Tifa with his confident stride yet again. He smiled as he watched her wiping the tables. Her dark tresses hanging in her face, swaying with each movement she made. Her tight fitting blue jeans with gloves poking out the back right pocket. Her signature white tank that seemed to fit her just right.

"Let me do that." He said, kindly as he snatched the rag away from her.

"No! You're supposed to be sweeping, don't be a slacker." Tifa said with a chuckle as she reached for the Rag.

Zack lifted it high into the air and a smirk graced his well defined face. "No. I'm not a slacker, actually. And I intend to finish cleaning these tables."

Tifa frowned as the rag became out of her reach. "That's my job, go do your own!" She said, jumping to grab the rag once more.

Swiftly, Zack pulled away, Causing Tifa to stumble forward a bit. He chuckled as he watched her struggle. "Nah, I got this, Tifa. You can't get the rag anyway." He challenged.

Tifa accepted this challenge willingly. Quickly, she stepped onto a chair, leapt onto a nearby table to Zack's right and jumped to his side, grabbing for the rag. Zack saw this coming and simply stepped to his left about a foot with a smirk and a 'hm'.

Tifa narrowed her eyes and gave a smirk of her own. "Okay, You're on." She said, taking what looked to Zack like a fighting stance.

The way she stood made him smile and shiver at the same time. Before he had a chance to continue his thoughts, Tifa kicked at his legs, causing him to stumble backward slightly, but there was not enough force to knock him down. While Zack stumbled, Tifa delivered a heavy blow to his abdomen, only to grab her right hand in pain. She grimaced and Growled.

"Ahh.." Tifa yelped.

"Oh, Tifa! Are you okay?" Zack asked, putting his arms down and grabbing her hand.

"Gotcha!" Tifa smirked, yanking the rag right from out of his hands.

Zack's blue eyes widened but soon his surprised expression turned into a smile.

"So you did." Zack chuckled.

Tifa let out a small giggle before looking at the clock. She gasped when she realized they had been 'tidying' for an hour past opening, and not a single customer, not even a single regular, walked in. "Looks like Cloud was right. We're an hour past opening and not a soul has come through these doors." She pouted.

"Well..." Zack started. "What do ya say we close up the bar and go see what all the fuss is about, hm?"

Tifa deliberated for a moment. She had never closed the bar on a weekend night. Especially not a Saturday, her busiest night. But it was slow, and she knew it would be nice to have the night off.

"C'mon, you know you want to." Zack tempted.

"Well.. I dunno.. The bar is my responsibility." Tifa replied, twirling the cleaning rag around.

"So are the kids, but every now and then, you need a break. So why not a two in one. Let's go." Zack said, walking to the door.

"Ah, alright." Tifa smiled, tossing the rag behind her shoulder.