Four months after the incident and Everyone went back their own ways. Tifa reopened the bar, although balancing her job with her family was harder. Yuffie managed to come and help her with the newborns. Cid had been kind enough to build them cradles, and Barret even brought them toys.

Tifa washed the bar one evening after work. The twins had been put to bed. Marlene and Denzel were at the park and would return soon. Yuffie sat at the bar, chatting with Tifa.

"So, any news from Cloud?" Yuffie asked.

Tifa shook her head. "No. I guess he took Artemis back to Midgar."

"How can you raise a one-year-old, when your knee has bee shattered…again?" Yuffie asked. She picked up her glass and took a big drink.

Tifa shrugged, "Maybe you should ask me how I managed to stay in business, raise two newborns, two other children, and still manage to get up every morning?"

"Well you had help. The older two know everything here and they helped you out before I got here." Yuffie answered.

"So how do we know Cloud didn't get help?" Tifa asked.

"Cause Cloud's too proud to let any of us help him out." Yuffie answered.

Marlene and Denzel burst through the front door with excitement. "Is he here?"

"Is who here?" Tifa asked.

"Cloud! Is he here?" Marlene asked.

"Oh sweetie, Cloud's not here." Tifa answered.

"Why would you think he's here?"

"Cause we saw his bike out front and-"

"Fenir's out front?" Yuffie asked.

Tifa jumped over the bar and ran to the door. There in the lamp light, was Fenir. Tifa walked out of the bar and took a closer look. She felt the engine, still warm.

Maybe he's nearby. Tifa turned to the bar. Yuffie stood in the doorway, she look surprised ad hopeful.

"Tifa!" Denzel pointed to the street. Vincent was walking down the street, carrying Artemis in his arms. Tifa and Yuffie ran to meet Vincent.

"What are doing here?" Tifa asked.

"I came to deliver something from Cloud." Vincent handed Artemis to Yuffie and pulled out a letter. "It's from Cloud."

Tifa took the letter, "Which way did he go?" Vincent pointed towards the alley. Tifa took off, but Vincent stopped her for a brief moment.

"He may've already left there."

"He can't get far on foot." Tifa ran towards the alley, leaving everyone else behind her. She turned down into the alley. It was dark and damp. She slowly walked further in.

"Cloud?" Tifa asked. No response. Tifa sighed and leaned against the wall. She looked at the letter in her hand and opened it.

Tifa,

I can't tell you're wondering why I left Artemis with Vincent. I need you to look after him for a wile. I have some things to take care of, and I can't watch him. I trust you with my son, because I trust you most of all. Don't concern yourself in what I have to do, I'll come back.

I'm sorry I just left after we returned to Edge, but I've had a lot of things to fix up. And I'm sorry for leaving you the way I did two years ago. I was so wrapped up in Aerith, I didn't realize how much I was needed. How much you needed me. I will make everything up to you one day. That I can promise you.

Take care of yourself. And I'll see you soon.

Your friend,

Cloud Strife.

P.S. Don't let Yuffie's Shuriken's away from Artemis. I don't want her teaching him anything. And in case you need a little luck, here's something.

A small bracelet fell out of the envelope. Tifa looked at it carefully, it was Aerith's bracelet. She latched it onto her wrist. Tifa smiled and folded the letter back up. She looked around again and noticed a flower on the ground. She picked it up, it was one of Aerith's flowers. Tifa smiled and looked up. She saw a hint of Cloud turned from the roof and run off. "You better keep that promise." She turned and walked back to the bar.

End

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tada! How did you like it? I know the ending was a cliffy, but I have an idea about that. I just hope I don't fall off my own cliffy, I may not be able to write it then. Oh well, R&R please!!! And If you want me to write about how Aerith became sick, just leave me a notice and I'll take care of it.

rika08

Love ya'll