Chapter Summary: The ShinRa Corporation was known for its corruption and greed, and the control Hojo had over ShinRa Senior. The WRO has tried to stand for honesty and integrity, putting the people first in all considerations. But there are a lot of unanswered questions about ShinRa and how they abused their power. Tifa finds herself embroiled in the controversy because of her connection to Cloud Strife…

Chapter 10: Secrets

Tifa was worried.

Though she tried to shrug it off, there was tension between her and Cloud that she didn't understand. Over a week had passed since his return to active duty for the World Regenesis Organization. She knew Reeve, as President of the WRO, relied heavily on both Sephiroth and Cloud to keep the daunting task of rebuilding their environment on track. So the distance that seemed to grow with each passing day was to be expected as his attentions were directed into other matters.

After all, she was just a bar owner and bartender. What did she know of world shattering events unless it dealt with missing homework or the disappearing shoes of her children?

But she missed being able to take care of him, of seeing that he got the rest he needed, the food and supplements necessary for his complete recovery. No matter his strengths, there was a vulnerability to Cloud that pulled and tugged at her heart strings.

And he was genuinely open to her in ways she hadn't realized - until she had the opportunity to see him working with his peers and subordinates. Though he wasn't cold or standoffish like Sephiroth could be sometimes, there was a reserve about him that didn't invite familiarity to those not included in his tightly-knitted circle of friends.

All serving under him, from his personal assistant down to the lowest of pages, were afforded respect. At no time did Cloud raise his voice, speak to them harshly, or criticize their work in front of others. Building moral was imperative if the WRO was to succeed, and Cloud did all he could to raise the self-esteem of those around him.

As for the working relationship with his friends, it was very evident he walked a fine line between the two. He might joke and carry on after hours, but on the clock he was a different person entirely. Genesis and Angeal were treated with dignity and respect, Zack and Kunsel the same - although he wasn't above an occasional head-slap if they got too out of hand. Sephiroth and surprisingly Vincent were greeted with warmth and a restrained type of affection. And he went out of his way to keep Nanaki talking during meetings, constantly asking him questions and waiting patiently while he deliberated how to answer.

These encounters finally made Tifa believe Aerith's words on the matter. Cloud really was unguarded around her.

But he wasn't staying at the bar at night anymore, and her children were starting to complain over his absence at bedtime. They were used to Cloud helping to tuck them in and missed the way he read to them, often acting out scenes until they laughed helplessly at his antics. Tifa herself missed sneaking downstairs and snuggling up to him on the cot, exchanging kisses and soft whispers until his warmth and scent made her drift off to sleep held so tenderly in his arms.

Was she losing him? Was he drifting away from her? Tifa didn't know, and the thought was terrifying.

Forcing herself out of such unproductive thoughts, she smiled at the man sitting at the bar and refreshed his drink on his signal. Tifa wasn't really paying much attention to his conversation, but mentally she was rolling her eyes at the woe-is-me attitude he projected. Apparently he was having some 'troubles' at home. But instead of being at home trying to deal with those 'troubles', he was sitting at her bar basically whining over everything. Why was common sense so lacking in some? Drowning his problems in alcohol was not a solution.

Then her day got a whole lot brighter when Cloud unexpectedly walked into Seventh Heaven.

It was a surprise to say the least. It was in the middle of the day, for starters. Although he rarely missed coming in the evening with the other SOLDIERs, arriving at this time wasn't a normal occurrence since his schedule tended to be so hectic. The second was his outfit - he was wearing the standard SOLDIER uniform instead of the much more casual one designed by the WRO. Even though it was a bit loose as he preferred, it still highlighted his figure in a way that had every female head in the room turning to gawk.

And they gawked even more when he went right up to Tifa and leaned over the bar to press a soft kiss on her lips.

She had learned he wasn't one for personal displays of affection in public, preferring privacy for kisses and snuggles unless it was just friends present. But it was hard to think when he was grinning at her, those too-blue glowing eyes twinkling in a face of open-hearted mischief. "Good afternoon, Tifa," he greeted her in that warm, sensual voice he sometimes used to tease her. "I was in the area and decided to stop by."

Laughing at his manner, she asked, "Can you stay for a few minutes and have something to drink, or do you have to go?"

"Can't stay, I'm afraid. We're meeting with the representatives from Mideel shortly at HQ. Could I talk to you in the kitchen just a moment?" There was nothing alarming in his tone or posture, so she nodded to her part-time bartender for that afternoon and followed Cloud into the kitchen.

The second the door shut behind them, Tifa found her back to the wall beside it and a hot mouth closing over hers, just as she had done to him weeks ago on his return from Wutai. Heat flared to life as one of his hands cupped the back of her neck, urging her to tiptoe to make the contact all that much more potent. Surrounded by the warmth and scent of him, she didn't struggle against his possession of her lips but rather urged it on by twining her arms around his neck and leaning into his hard, toned frame.

When they finally parted, she couldn't quite resist breathing out, "Wow. What did I do to deserve such a greeting?"

"I've missed you," he said plaintively. "And I'm hoping you won't mind if I stay the weekend. I've gotten too used to being here, with you and the kids. The barracks feel so cold and lonely now, even though I'm surrounded by people when I'm there. I even miss hearing the kids whining about chores and homework. And I especially miss cuddling up with you."

The words so completely stopped her earlier feelings of panic that she staggered from having the weight lifted from her shoulders. Sighing with relief, she let her head fall against his chest as she admitted, "I thought you were pulling away from me, Cloud. I was so afraid I was losing you." The feeling of his arms tightening their hold was the most beautiful sensation she had ever known.

"Pulling away?" Cloud repeated in an incredulous tone. "Tifa... No, I just..." Pausing to take a deep breath, he said in a low voice that sent shivers down her spine, "I need you as I've never needed anything before in my life." Leaning in, his forehead touching hers, he told her, "There's so much going on at Headquarters right now. So many lies are coming to light. ShinRa concealed its vile nature so carefully that the truth is devastating, and we have to keep reminding Rufus that he isn't being held accountable for the actions of his father. I honestly think he's in more danger of collapse than Sephiroth ever was. Tseng is at his wits end right now."

Tseng was the head of the Turks that guarded Rufus, even though ShinRa was no more. And Tifa remembered he was the one to warn Aerith to run to Wutai when Hojo was after her.

"But Seph is doing okay?" she asked as she brushed the pale blonde hair out of his eyes.

The worry was there, revealed by the tightness of his skin and the faint lines visible around his eyes. Those lines hadn't been there a week ago and were stark evidence that he wasn't sleeping well.

Cloud smiled gently at her, "You are so fond of him. But don't worry, he's fine. In fact, I came today just to tell you he's changed his name - or added to it, I should say. He's now listed as Sephiroth Crescent in the WRO database."

The acknowledgment of his mother brought tears to her eyes, "Then he's accepted what you told him as truth. Oh, Cloud, how wonderful that is!" And Tifa embraced him enthusiastically, squeezing with all her might in her joy.

"Yes, I feel so victorious to have finally destroyed that last remaining lie of Hojo's. But I have to get back, so let me tell you the other news I have. I don't know how you will feel about it, though."

To see him worrying his bottom lip with his teeth was a new experience. There was apprehension in his gaze she hadn't seen in a while, and it had her tensing. "What is it, Cloud?"

"Godo and Yuffie should be here this afternoon. I promised to let her visit me soon, and Godo isn't convinced I'm fully healed from the sting. He wants to have a look at me for himself." There was a bit of eye-rolling over the antics of the leader of Wutai.

"So, I'm to be invaded by not only your adopted father but your younger sister as well?" Laughing, Tifa slipped from his grasp and asked, "Will Sephiroth be staying, too? After all, he IS your other father!" She chuckled at his expression and told him firmly, "They are coming for dinner tonight. And invite Seph as well, okay?" Already mentally planning the meal, she was a bit surprised when he caught hold of her hair and very gently tugged.

Cloud smiled as he urged her back into his arms. After another kiss that jumbled what brain cells she had left, he breathed into her ear, "I've already arranged their stay at the hotel down the street, near Aerith's Flower Shop. I meant what I said earlier; I miss you and the kids." Something in the way he looked at her left her even more breathless than his kiss as his hands wandered up and down her back in a way that made her tremble.

Cloud wasn't touching her to soothe this time.

"I told you before I'm not good at this, the whole 'you-me-bed-now' thing. But darn it all, I want you, Tifa. I want to wake up with you in the morning and not see you panicking because the kids might catch us again. I want to tuck the kids into bed then climb into yours without having to wait an hour to make sure Denzel and Marlene are really asleep before you sneak down here, to cuddle on a cot that's too small for the things I want to do to you. I want to make love to you."

Pressing another knee-weakening kiss on her, Cloud strode out the door of the kitchen, leaving Tifa behind to try to sort out her brain enough so she could think. All her fears of losing him where gone, as the man had effectively thrown down the gauntlet about their living arrangements. He might have asked to stay the weekend, but Cloud had made it clear he wanted to move in - and become her lover.

And he planned all this at the same time his adopted family descended upon the city of Edge?

Goddess but her head was swimming.

Reaching out, she snagged the phone and dialed the number of a friend she could talk to about this most sensitive of subjects. After two rings, it was picked up with a cheery, "Good morning! Gainsborough Flower Shop, how may we serve you today?"

"Aerith, you will not believe what just happened."

"Ah, Tifa. Let me take a wild guess. Cloud asked you to marry him and fly off to Costa del Sol for a month long honeymoon of sun and sand and sex on the beach."

Blowing out a breath, Tifa countered with, "How about wanting to move in and become my lover?"

"Hot damn, that's close enough! Give me two seconds to put Nate on the register and I'll be right there to hear the details. I know he probably kissed you senseless, as he's so talented at it, but was there any heated groping to go along with it?"

Laughing helplessly, Tifa sank into one of the kitchen chairs and accused, "You're just awful, you know that?"

"Well, rats. Obviously he's still being entirely too prim and proper. That man has got to learn to be spontaneous once in a while. But that's all right; I have some lingerie you can wear that will take care of that reserve of his in a flash. Shiva knows it sure worked on Zack."

"AERITH!"

"TIFA!" she shouted back in the same tone. "I'll be right there. And we will be having a nice little talk about missed opportunities when I get to the bar." And she hung up.

This left Tifa alone to have a good cry first. It was about the only way she could possibly release all the joy she felt right at that moment.

Cloud, however, wasn't feeling the least bit joyful. Huddled in a conference room at the WRO's Headquarters, he listened in mounting alarm as Jaycynda gave her report on Rufus. Some of the more obscure medical terms might need the universal translator before he could comprehend them, but the message itself was clear. Stress, paranoia, anxiety and a raging guilt complex - Rufus was quite literally tearing himself up from the inside out.

There were so many similarities to Sephiroth's case Cloud was honestly feeling déjà vu all over again.

Beside him, face grim, Reeve sat with his elbows propped on the table, hands clasped and chin resting on his fists.

The catalyst that started it all had been benign enough. While doing research, Kunsel had come across a reference to 'Deepground', one of Hojo's pet projects. In the study Cloud decoded, it became apparent the mad scientist was trying to create an even more powerful super-SOLDIER by deliberately addicting infantrymen with a certain genetic factor to mako. Once dependent, he theorized they would better tolerate the Jenova cells being implanted into their bodies, making the whole process quicker and with fewer losses.

There was also the added bonus of being able to control the SOLDIERs through their mako addiction.

But it was Rufus that had signed off on the financial proposal, since the paperwork included with the request stated the project was to expand the train network's tunnel system for improved maintenance. But the tunnel entrance created for this supposed venture was in fact the one that horrific scorpion-like creature had emerged from weeks ago. When Rufus put two and two together and decided he was in all likelihood responsible for the twelve infantrymen that died during the attack, and the three more that had perished since from poison inhalation, he had closed himself off in his quarters several days ago and refused all calls or offers of help.

Reeve had gotten desperate enough that morning to have a locksmith break into the apartment. Rufus was taken into the WRO infirmary for treatment for severe depression and dehydration, complicated by low vitamin levels and too-rapid weight loss. The complete physical and mental evaluation ordered by Jaycynda revealed the same type of readings recorded for Sephiroth prior to his meeting with Strife in Wutai.

Jaycynda was currently hammering home that they must face the facts: if something wasn't done, they were going to lose Rufus to either a complete breakdown or a suicide attempt. And at the moment, the son of the former President was an important bridge between the ShinRa that was and the WRO that now existed.

This was made even harder because every time someone began researching, more atrocities were uncovered. The deeper they waded into ShinRa the more horrendous the truths coming to light.

The meeting with representatives from Mideel was a case in point. Over thirty years ago the town of Banora was reportedly destroyed by an upwelling of the Lifestream. Detailed accounts revealed the town was actually the test site of a bomb utilizing the destructive capabilities of materia. One reason the town was chosen; it was the location of another of Hojo's secret labs.

Cloud firmly believed Hojo was trying to make sure all evidence of his experimentation was utterly annihilated.

And Jaycynda and her assistant Starr had forcefully impressed upon Cloud that he couldn't handle everything personally, as he was trying to do with Sephiroth. His injury had reminded him of his own mortality, and that he too was entitled to a life. Nearly forfeiting it to save the General of the WRO had made him realize he didn't want to die. Not when there was so much more to live for, namely Tifa and her adorable children, but also his adopted father and sister, Sephiroth and the friends he had made since coming to Edge.

At some point he was going to have to step back, he just couldn't figure out when that would be. Every time he turned around a new crisis was developing, and it had gotten to the point his distraction had made Tifa think he was moving away from her.

Never going to happen, he vowed. Cloud didn't think they were actually ready for the next step in their relationship -the physical aspect of it- but there was no way in Hades he was allowing her to slip through his fingers. He wanted and needed to be near her, and moving in would give him more time for her comforting presence to ease his anxieties over the fact he was just one man.

Straightening his shoulders, Cloud nodded to Jaycynda as she rounded out her report and started gathering up her papers. "Thank you so much, Jaycynda. I promise we will take your recommendations into consideration. Please keep us updated on his progress, and I'll authorize the information blackout on Rufus' terminal."

Pleased, the Head Nurse of the WRO's infirmary left the room to return to her patients.

It was interesting to watch Genesis' eyes follow her departure all the way down the hallway. Apparently, the auburn-haired SOLDIER was acting more than just a little smitten ever since the strip poker game in the infirmary a couple weeks ago. It was a situation that amused everyone, since all of a sudden that aggravating arrogance Genesis was prone to was absent. As far as Cloud knew, Genesis had yet to approach Jaycynda or infer his interest in her. What he did know was he had no intentions of getting involved in it.

Genesis could sink or swim on his own with that one.

When Cloud caught Zack's eye, he nodded in encouragement. The black-haired SOLDIER swallowed nervously, but still gamely rose to his feet amid the soft murmurs caused by Jaycynda's report. Grabbing his notes, Zack walked to the podium and faced the crowded room with determination. With Kunsel at his right and Nanaki sitting on the floor at his left, he began his presentation in a voice that wavered just a little on the opening words. "In regards to Strife's recent hiatus due to his injury; it has come to light that..."

He suddenly stopped speaking, made one of those comical faces he was so known for, and tossed the neatly typed sheets over his shoulder in exasperation. His expression was one of frustration as he said honestly, "Frak it. I don't need a formal report to tell you what happened. With Cloud and Sephiroth out of action, all work here in Headquarters ground to an absolute halt. The two of them are so stupendous that this entire organization basically relies on them to tell us what to do, when to do it, and how it should be done."

When Reeve would have spoken, Zack pointed a finger at him and snarled, "And neither of them asked for that kind of power. With what they've both been through in the past six or so years, the last thing they need is more pressure piled on top of what they already shoulder. The rest of us have perfectly good minds and ideas, and we need to get off our butts and start suggesting and volunteering so the two of them aren't completely overwhelmed. Tseng over there has an entire network of agents and spies that do nothing but watch Rufus all day. With him in the infirmary for an indefinite amount of time, you are essentially out of a job. We can use you and your expertise, along with your knowledge of the infrastructure of ShinRa. And you know where a lot of the bodies are hidden, so to speak. Nanaki, here," and he gestured to the red lion-like creature at his side. "His people have been studying the life of the planet for decades. Why not confer with them as to what direction to take now that all the reactors have been dismantled? He would be the perfect liaison between the WRO and Cosmo Canyon."

Continuing his rant, Zack began to go around the table, pointing out strengths that weren't being utilized. "Any of those with Jenova cells have the ability to copy knowledge from others. With the amount of cells Hojo injected into me, Cloud and Kunsel, that talent was an absolute horror at first until we were taught how to turn it off. As a result, Kunsel here is practically a walking encyclopedia. One of our biggest worries is that the schools are having problems keeping kids in class, and the grade point average is dropping fast. We have to make sure our children are educated if there's any hope for the future. I say Kunsel can help there. He knows what to look for in both students and staff -after all, he was our expert at what trooper was best for what position during the Wutai war- so turn him loose on the academics at the high school and college. One foray through and he can tell you who needs to stay and who must go. Let him help plan out the curriculum and I can guarantee you'll see better grades and less drop-outs as he introduces new electives that are interesting and give them a better chance to make a living."

The General was next in line as Zack turned to him and said respectfully, "And Sephiroth should be spearheading our recruitment drives for the various divisions of WRO - let him be seen and heard by the people. They respect him, but he's considered a nearly mythological figure by so many and it makes no sense. He's a human being just like the rest of us. Maybe the SOLDIERs have just a bit more added to our genetics in some cases, but we're still human. Quit hiding what was done to him. He's a big boy, he can take it." That was said more to Cloud than anyone else. "And Cloud is the same in many ways. I've seen grow men shocked speechless when they find out who he is, and that he's so young - and short."

That earned him a growl from the former General of Wutai, but those too-blue eyes were twinkling. Any way one looked at it, Cloud was pretty much average height.

"Zack, I appreciate your thoughts on the subject..." Reeve started to say.

But Zack was on a roll, and there was no stopping him at that point. "And don't get me started on you, Reeve. You've got Angeal and Genesis dancing attendance on you without looking at their true strengths. Angeal is a people person, so get him out of this office and into the community! Let him organize training sessions for the youths of the city. Give them direction and self-confidence by teaching them to protect not just themselves, but their families and neighbors as well. Genesis can then work with the ones that really stand out, the ones that could become the future leaders of our country."

Observing the rather mutinous look on Reeve's face, Zack told him bluntly, "The WRO cannot continue to be the one running to the rescue all the time; the people have to learn to handle their own crisis whenever possible. I'm not saying we should leave them to fend for themselves, but the more we allow them to lean on us the less they can stand on their own. We are trying to heal this world, Reeve, starting with small steps at a time. We've built the city of Edge; we've shut down every single mako reactor in existence - kudos for us. But if you truly want this organization to grow and prosper, you've got to start using everyone that works here to their full potential. We all have different life experiences that make us unique. Let's draw on those talents."

Off to the side, the often-times profane pilot of the 'Highwind' airship waved an unlit cigarette at the black-haired SOLDIER and said, "That's telling the fuck-head right! Let me start taking some of the hopeful asshole recruits out into the wilds to see what life is like for them as live in the fucking backwoods. One week out there and the survivors will better appreciate all the comforts and shit that we have in fucking Edge and that might actually keep them here instead of running off to fucking Junon or Rocket City."

Nodding in satisfaction, he pulled out a lighter to get his smoke going. The way Cloud's head whipped around made him gulp and shove the lighter back into his pocket real quick. Cloud might not be able to stop Cid Highwind from cursing a blue streak every ten words, but he had no intentions of letting the man light up in a hot, over-crowded room occupied by several people with enhanced senses.

Smiling a little at the interplay, Reeve tried again to speak. "What I was going to say before you interrupted me, Zack, was not that I disagree. I think you're absolutely right. But I also know we can't just suddenly thrust all this on the populous. While the WRO isn't hurting for money, starting all those projects at one time would strain our budget enormously. Add the staff necessary for each step and it would become a circus very quickly."

A snort sounded as Zack turned around and started gathering his report off the floor. "I'm not an imbecile, Reeve. I've got everything sorted out into possible start dates and projected costs as far as staff and materials." Thanking his foresight to number the pages, he got them in order and handed them over. "And..."

Zack took a deep breath before he broached the next subject. "We need to start updating the people every time we run across stuff like Deepground, and what happened in Banora." Holding out his hands, he spoke over the sudden babble in the room. "We have to take a page out of our own book, everyone. We aren't responsible for the horrors of ShinRa anymore than Rufus is. The more the population understands just what we're trying to overcome, the more they will go out of their way to help us. Yes, there are those who will look at the situation and still blame us. You are always going to have people who want to point fingers. But the more honest we are, the more we will be trusted. And trust is something in very short supply."

Kunsel balked openly at the suggestion, "Some of this stuff gives me nightmares, Zack, in spite of everything Hojo did to us in Wutai! What do you think a normal person's response is going to be?! It will terrorize them, possibly even scar them."

A deep, rumbling voice entered the conversation as Nanaki stood up on his hind legs and put his front paws on the tabletop. "It would not be wise to underestimate the capabilities of the common man, Kunsel. They are far more aware of the situation than you give them credit. Give them the information as Zack requests. I do not think any will be surprised by what is revealed." A nod of his head made the beads braided into his mane jingle softly.

Everyone took a moment to consider his words. Nanaki seldom spoke during meetings despite Cloud's expressed desire for his opinion. So the few and rare times he chose to join the conversation, anyone present tended to listen closely. The two males were not dissimilar in this manner, for Cloud also rarely talked during such gatherings.

Cid snorted, "Just fucking tell them, Tuesti. Maybe they'll understand better why that bastard Hojo deserved to die. I've heard some assholes talk about how Rufus had him executed without a trial, when every damn body knows there was a shitload of video footage that showed how he carved the fucking President up with a standard issue SOLDIER sword like he was a bitching Thanksgiving Day turkey." He ground to a halt when he noticed the closed-off looks on Cloud, Kunsel and Zack's faces. Reddening slightly, he chewed on his unlit cigarette and muttered, "Sorry, mates," and lapsed into silence.

Trotting around the table, Nanaki thrust his head under the lax hand of the former General of Wutai. When Cloud looked down, Nanaki told him softly, "You have raised yourself above all his insanity, Cloud-san, and become such a man as he could never imagine. Do not let his failure affect your success."

The gentle smile he gave Nanaki had eyebrows rising all around the table. For just a brief second, they were allowed to see the child that still lived within isolated pockets of his being. Cid and Lazard Deusericus -Director of the SOLDIER Division and the illegitimate son of President ShinRa- were particularly taken off guard as they weren't close friends and seldom encountered him outside of meetings.

Into the issuing silence, Sephiroth leaned forward and tapped the tabletop to get everyone's attention. "Strife and I will work together this weekend outlining our histories. Putting it into words will make it all the more real, and give the people some perspective into our mindset. Yes, Zack, we are human." And to hear him say it with such pride had several in the room taking deep breaths to combat the sudden emotion that flooded them. "But we are also something else, something more. They need to understand that 'something more' puts us in a position to protect them better. It does not, however, make us superior to them, and that too has to be understood."

"I have notes that may help you in that endeavor, General," Vincent offered quietly, and Sephiroth nodded to thank him.

Reeve blew out a breath and said, "Then this meeting is adjourned." Rising, he held out a hand to Zack, "I promise to look over your proposals carefully. But I'll need a little time to consider releasing information as you've asked. Some of it will have to be classified because I don't want some maniac getting hold of the wrong data and picking up where Hojo left off."

"I don't have a problem with that, Reeve. As one of those experiments, I can truthfully say I don't want anyone to ever suffer what I've been through."

A little concerned about the hollow tone in his friend's voice, Kunsel clapped a hand on Zack's shoulder and informed him, "And you just volunteered to take a tour with me through the college and high school. Meeting the teachers and Professors won't cost a thing but patience." Ignoring Zack's sputtering, Kunsel proceeded to drag him off down the hallway despite his protests.

Apparently the famous puppy-dog eyes did not work well on fellow SOLDIERs.

As the group began to file out of the conference room, Angeal motioned to Cloud. "Perhaps Tifa would allow another poker game soon. There was a great deal of discussion over it last time, and it gives everyone a chance to see us as just friends enjoying a game of cards." Angeal was being pretty brave to suggest such a thing.

Seph had humbled more than one person with his skill, and Cloud was as much a card-shark as the General of the WRO.

Strife was just nicer about it. A little.

"I'll mention it to her, Angeal. Now if you will excuse me, I need to talk to Seph for just a minute then head back to the bar. My father and sister are arriving today and I need to make some plans." Cloud would never disrespect Angeal by just saying 'get lost', but he really did need to discuss something with the General.

"Of course, Cloud. Seph," and with a nod Angeal walked off to join Vincent, who would be leaving shortly on Cid's 'Highwind' for his bi-weekly visit to Lucrecia's cave near Nibelheim.

"Do you have any objections to what I suggested?" Sephiroth asked quietly.

"No, I don't. I think it's a good idea. So many people now associate me with SOLDIER that I'm running into some of the prejudice they have for anything that involves ShinRa. What I wanted to ask is if you're available for dinner tonight. Tifa's cooking something special for Godo and Yuffie and I'd like for you to be there - if you think you can stand my bratty sister." Cloud said that last so affectionately that Sephiroth had to laugh.

Clapping him on the shoulder, Sephiroth promised, "Yes, I'll be there. It will be wonderful to meet the two of them, and from what I understand Tifa's cooking is extraordinary. But I'll need to talk with you afterwards, Cloud. I... have something I want to suggest and would prefer speaking with you about it first."

His tone and manner were so serious Cloud felt alarmed. "Why don't we step into one of these offices and..."

Sephiroth just smiled. "It's not that urgent. Go home to Tifa. When is dinner?"

Startled that Seph referred to the bar as Cloud's 'home', he didn't respond at first. Then, as a smile began lighting up his face, he answered, "Around seven. You know what I'm planning, don't you?"

"What, moving in? Cloud," and he cuffed his 'son' upside the head in mock frustration, "you should never have come back to the barracks once you were fully healed. Any idiot could see you were right where you belonged." And with that he walked off, humming softly to himself as he headed for the infirmary.

Having been in the exact same state of mind Rufus was now experiencing, Sephiroth hoped to reassure the man that recovery was possible. He was not Cloud Strife, but Seph believed he could be just as encouraging.

Working the bar, Tifa found, was soothing after her embarrassing talk with Aerith. The Flower Shop owner had badgered, yelled and cajoled to get the full story out of her, driving Tifa to suggest Aerith put in an application for the job of interrogator with the WRO. Smiling, she passed the glass of draft beer to her customer and felt just a little smug.

Her friend hadn't left with all the information she wanted, and that naughty lingerie went with her indignant exit.

Tifa shuddered, remembering the tiny scraps of lace Aerith presented, and her immediate response of, "Oh, hell no!"

'Woe-is-me' was still at the end of the bar, and whining even more since Tifa had cut him off. She would now serve him only water, tea or coffee -on the house- with as much alcohol as he had ingested already. Just because she owned a bar didn't mean she would allow one of her patrons to drink himself sick, no matter how verbally abusive this one was becoming. Two or three more comments from him would earn a swift departure out the door, though.

"Think you're so hot, with that SOLDIER sniffing round," the man slurred out, glaring at her with reddened, bloodshot eyes. "Must be 'special wiff one of ShinRa's dogs on you. Whaddaja do with the bar closed an' all? They pay for ya ta nurse Strife? Bet he hammered you good, ain't he? Rotten, filthy whore, laying it out for ShinRa. Ya'll get what ya'll deserve, ya will. That company's worsen anything, killin' people an' never paying."

Shocked speechless, Tifa didn't notice both her bartenders moving past her, angry and determined. Ben and Tony weren't in any way muscle bound hulks, but they were mad as all Hades and snatched 'Woe-is-me' right off his bar stool before Tifa could step in and do the honors herself. The man might have given the young men some trouble, but at least three of her regulars pitched in to help get him tossed out the door.

It opened just as they reached it and Cloud stepped inside to witness the obviously drunken man twisting and turning in the grasp of five others.

"Git your filthy hands off er me!" He was shouting in a badly-slurred voice.

"You insult Tifa, out you go," Ben gritted through clenched teeth, ducking to avoid a flailing fist.

The too-blue eyes went hard as Cloud demanded, "What did he say to her?"

One of the regulars snapped out, "All this crap about her being a whore for ShinRa, which is a load of dragon dung. Guy's been cheating on his wife, and she found out and tossed his sorry ass onto the streets. Now he's blaming every woman he sees for his stupid mistakes. It's the final straw when he starts calling a woman as fine as Tifa filthy names."

Those glowing eyes narrowed to slits of blue fire. His hand shot out, fisting hold of the man's shirt. In one smooth, flowing motion, Cloud pivoted and physically threw the man -who probably out-weighed him by at least thirty pounds- out the open door and down the street for a good hundred yards. He landed right in the middle of a pile of cardboard waiting for recycle-pickup with an almighty -foomp- and a thin screech of astonishment.

Cloud watched as the drunken man fumbled his way out of the crumpled boxes and muttered softly to himself, "Should have aimed better." Since there was a mountain of rank, reeking garbage bags next to the cardboard recycle, the others knew exactly what he was talking about and laughed.

"Just what he deserved," another regular stated. "And it was a pleasure seeing him get it. Amos Hampton, Mr. Strife. I'm a clerk in Reeve's City Revision Department. It's an honor to meet you, sir." Amos held out a hand to Cloud and smiled at the firm grip he got in return. "I heard about the conference earlier this morning with the Mideel representatives, and I'd like to say I'm excited that the Banora White groves are being replanted. Not only will they be available in the market again, but that's a lot of jobs created for the locals."

"I think the outcome was positive," Cloud agreed. "But I'd like to speak with Tifa now, so excuse me."

As everyone moved off, Amos put a hand on Cloud's shoulder. "That drunken wastrel said some really hurtful words, Mr. Strife, and none of them were deserved. Tifa is one of the most wonderful people I've ever had the pleasure to meet, and all those that come here regularly do so because of her warm personality." Straightening his tie, he admitted frankly, "My son was one of your prisoners during the Wutai war. Like many, he believed the propaganda of ShinRa when he enlisted - until he experienced the kindness of his captors. While he was denied freedom of movement in the camp, he was never mistreated or disrespected. Food and medication were in short supply at that point from the blockade, but he wasn't allowed to go hungry and his wounds were treated and kept clean. Because of that I have always admired you. Nothing I've seen since has changed that perception."

Watching Amos walk off, Cloud reflected on his words for a moment. A man who had never met him felt obligated to speak in his defense because of his actions in the past. The acknowledgment lightened his spirits, a welcome sensation after the boiling rage instigated by the drunk's verbal attack on Tifa.

Speaking of her…

She wasn't in the bar proper, so he peeked into the kitchen downstairs. Ben noticed and said softly, "She went upstairs for a moment, Cloud. That guy really rattled her." Ben was a normally cheerful fellow, but his expression was down-right murderous at the moment.

Nodding, Cloud headed up the steps and knocked with some hesitation on Tifa's bedroom door. Although he had stayed at the bar during his illness, the only time he had been in her room was during her nightmare.

She didn't immediately answer. So Cloud waited patiently until the sound of slow footsteps finally approached the door. It opened just a crack to begin with, but was flung wide when Tifa saw who was standing there. "Oh, Cloud!"

It was the first time he had ever seen her so emotional as she threw her arms around his neck with such force he ended up with his back to the wall on the opposite side of the hallway. Her tears totally defeated him, reducing him to awkwardly patting her back while rocking gently. He didn't know a single thing to say that could stop those crystalline drops from sliding down her face and piercing his heart.

"I'm so sorry, Tifa," he muttered into her hair.

"For what?" she sniffled loudly then gave a watery laugh when he offered her a handkerchief.

"He used my association with the WRO, therefore to ShinRa, to hurt you." When she leaned back slightly, he could see how badly her beautiful eyes were reddened from crying, and the red, roiling rage threatened to overtake him again. Clamping down on his protective instincts, he gently took the handkerchief from her and wiped her face.

It made her laugh softly. "Here you are, a big strong SOLDIER, wiping up tears with this terrified look in your eyes."

"Men are emotionally stunted numskulls with no clue just how powerful women really are," Cloud retaliated with a grin.

"Finally, a man that is intelligent enough to realize the truth!" But try as she might, the tears kept leaking. "I know I shouldn't let what he said get to me, but it was just so unexpected I can't get past it." Tifa tucked her head between his shoulder and chin and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Cloud paused for a brief second before making a decision that had his heart thumping in his chest. For the first time in his life he was the one about to initiate an intimate relationship, and he was absolutely petrified over the fear of rejection. The apprehension couldn't stop him from asking her quietly, "May I come in, Tifa?"

She froze. She even stopped breathing for a moment because she understood what he was implying. Tifa had to wonder if she was ready for that next step. But when she thought back to everything they had been through, how close she had come to losing him just a few weeks ago, and the answer was clear.

"Yes." Looking up at him, she firmed her voice and told Cloud again, "Yes."