Chapter 14

Detox

Tifa's hand trembled as it hovered above the number pad. The other hand clutched a piece of paper with ten digits written on it. Above the number was the name Jake Marshall. Yuffie was next to her to provide support, and Cloud waited outside the room, believing it best he wasn't there for this.

In truth, the vibrant martial artist wished her boyfriend was close by right now, but she knew it would be better for her to do this on her own. Finally finding the courage she needed, she quickly dialed the number in and the phone started ringing.

"Please go to voice mail, please go to voice mail...," Tifa pleaded silently in her head.

"Hello?" Only to have her prayer unanswered. Tifa locked up, so Yuffie stepped in.

"Jake, it's Tifa!" the young mischievous ninja yelled so the headset would pick it up.

"Tifa!?"

Tifa glared at Yuffie, but found she was now able to speak herself. "Yes, Jake, it's me."

There was a bit of silence before the conversation continued. "It's good to hear from you; how are you?"

"A lot better, but there's a long story."

"I've got nothing to do; go ahead, I'd like to hear it."

Tifa smiled as she dragged over a comfortable chair. She went over everything that had happened since their encounter at the beach, of course after an apology was made for her outburst. She also told him about her trip to the hospital serving as her wakeup call and Cloud's return and rescue of her. Finishing with a summary of the past few days at the ShinRa mansion, she left out the part about the Gateway machine, but told him about her moment of weakness the first night they were there.

"I'm happy for you, Tifa; it looks like you're finally on the right path."

"Thanks, Jake. What have you been up to these past few months?"

"I moved to Junon and I'm sort of settling down with my girlfriend here."

Tifa was so happy Jake had found someone she nearly squealed. "That's great news, Jake! You deserved this."

"Thanks, but you know I'm not perfect either."

"Well, we did meet at a substance abuse class. How have you been doing?"

"Haven't touched Valium since then, and I don't plan on it either."

"And I've been sober a whole week now, and counting, of course."

"That's wonderful, Tifa! I'll be cheering for you. Let me know if you ever want to come visit us; I'd love to see you and meet this Cloud fella."

"Actually... I know it's far off, but I wanted to invite you to the Christmas party next December."

Jake laughed. "Tifa, we just got by the start of summer a few days ago. You're already planning a Christmas party?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know, but I'll be celebrating being sober for a year then. So try and make it, ok?"

"I'll keep it in mind. Let me know a date around August, ok?"

"Ok, Jake. Thanks for being there for me."

"Would have done it all over again if I had to; take care of yourself, ok?"

"I will; you do the same."

Tifa slowly hung up the phone and a smile overcame her features. Yuffie gave her a hug.

"I'm getting better."

"Yep, now let's go get chocobo head."

Tifa giggled. "You better hope he didn't hear that."

Opening the door Cloud was standing there, waiting. A concerned expression adorned his face.

"How did it go?"

"Very well."

Cloud gave Tifa a quick kiss and gently intertwined her fingers with his as they walked down the hall. When he saw Yuffie try and walk past them, he tripped her.

"Hey! What was that for?"

"Chocobo head?"

"Humpf; better treat me nice or it'll become your new name."

Cloud released Tifa's hand and got close to the young ninja's face, his expression emotionless. "Oh, the things I'd do if that happened."

Yuffie gulped and ran down the hall. Tifa was laughing and Cloud couldn't contain his smile.

"Well, it looks like I turned the tables on her; let's go grab breakfast."

---

The roar of numerous 2-cycle engines filled the air around the ShinRa mansion as the group departed towards the ocean shore. Cloud and Tifa on their ShinRa Banshee ATV blazed onward, followed by Barrett, Cid, and Yuffie and Vincent, whom also shared an ATV.

After breakfast Jeeves had mentioned to the group about a private beach north of the mansion that Rufus used as an ATV race course. Cid had jumped at the opportunity to take on the "muscular shitbag" in a race to prove who the better driver was. Barret, of course, didn't back down on the challenge, and the other two groups decided it would be fun to watch.

Once they reached the course, Cid and Barret quickly lined up at the starting point. Cloud and Tifa parked their ATV near Vincent and Yuffie's on a grass hill overlooking the course. The young ninja sprinted off towards the starting point to play the flag girl, while Cloud and Tifa took a seat near Vincent, Tifa relaxing in Cloud's lap.

"Looks like your girlfriend is excited."

"Yes, she's been looking forward to this since we left."

Tifa was confused. "Why's that?"

"We placed a small wager: my money's on Cid."

Cloud was surprised. "I never thought you were the betting type."

"I did it for her."

Tifa smiled. "That's nice of you to let her win."

Without his trademark outfit on, Cloud was able to see a smile cross Vincent's face. "I just made the bet to make her happy. I have no intention of losing my money, however."

"Go!"

The group snapped their attention to the racecourse, where both men made a quick jump off the line. With Cid's experience and weight, the pilot was able to easily take turns and use his lighter weight to attain a faster speed. This advantage didn't go unseen by Barret, who decided to start cutting through the course to make up for it.

"I hope you agreed on some rules to your bet, Vince."

"I'm afraid we didn't."

Soon the two racers came off the last jump… well, Cid took the jump and Barrett just went around it like the others. They were practically neck and neck when they came down the straightaway towards the finish line. Tifa was watching intently as they both crossed, seemingly at the same time; however, to Tifa, she was able to see Cid crossed a little before Barrett.

"Hmm; that seemed too close to call," said Vincent, unsure who won the bet.

"Teef?" Cloud smiled as he asked his girlfriend. "I know you could see who won."

Tifa nodded. "Cid crossed first, but it wasn't by much."

You could read the astonishment on Vince's face. "So even the ability of sight is heightened by Mako infusion."

Tifa scooted closer to Cloud, growing a little self-conscious. Cloud wrapped his arms around her and lifted her face to his so she could see his smile. "No; that's just my Tifa."

The two snuggled close as they watched their two friends down on the track argue who won the race as the sun set in the distance.

---

Lunch was over. Cloud had talked to Vincent about going into town with the guys for the afternoon. Tifa had protested; she missed the city, but Cloud made sure Yuffie would keep her at the mansion while he was away. Today, Cloud had to make a purchase, and the poor blonde swordsman wasn't going to live down the taunts of a certain pilot and muscle-bound, gun-armed man.

"You're buying a what?" Barret had to hear it one more time, thinking the car's engine had made him hear things.

"I'm buying her an engagement ring, but I'm not giving it to her right now."

"The fuck why not?" the married pilot exclaimed.

"It's too soon."

Vincent turned from his place in the driver's seat. "Then perhaps you should wait on making this purchase. These things aren't cheap."

Cloud smiled. "I know, but I've just had these weird thoughts lately... about family life." Cloud glared at the back seat when he heard Cid about to say something, silencing the pilot. "She's been doing very well lately, and I'm not sure when I'll feel right about asking her, but I know I want to be ready."

The blonde swordsman felt a heavy arm on his shoulder. When he turned to spot its owner he was face-to-face with a grinning Barret. "Spike, that's got to be the most grown-up thing I've ever heard you say. We'll help you out."

Cid stepped in. "Yeah, it's the least we can do for you kids. After that adventure you got us involved in, we got multimillion-a-year jobs. At least let us help you pay for the ring."

"That's alright guys, I've got enough saved."

"Spike, come on. This little guy says a lot of shit, but at least he's got a decent idea this time. Heck, Rufus offered you a job as head of security; that makes more than I do. So why didn't you take it?"

Cloud sighed. "Tifa would have killed me."

Vincent chuckled. "That makes sense."

Cloud put his hands behind his head. "She said that all the money in the world wouldn't change her mind about ShinRa."

"They a whole different bunch now. I wouldn't be workin' for 'em if they were still destroy'n the planet."

Cid reached in his jacket and slapped on another patch. "I got it, Spike: how about we try and convince Tifa about ShinRa? Hell, even that little punk Rufus would help ya out. He told us he still hasn't filled the job."

"I don't know, guys..."

Vincent smiled, knowing he held the ace. "It would mean no more delivery runs."

Barret quickly caught on "No more nights alone for Tifa."

Cid relaxed, feeling the patch work. "And a regular nine to five job means home for breakfast and for dinner."

---

Tifa and Cloud wished everyone goodnight as they left the den. Everyone had gathered downstairs to watch a movie together, and with it over, the group started to head out to their respective bed rooms.

Walking down the hallway, Tifa grabbed on to Clouds arm playfully. "I like what you said today."

Cloud smiled at his girlfriend's enthusiasm, but didn't understand what she was talking about. "What did I say?"

"You said 'my Tifa'." Tifa kissed Cloud and ran to the bedroom with Cloud in hot pursuit.

When they got inside, Cloud playfully pushed Tifa onto the bed and pinned her down. Tifa's smile turned into a sly grin.

"Mr. Strife; what are you planning on doing to me?"

"Talk."

Cloud gently got off of her and the two sat up on the bed.

"Fair enough; what's on your mind?"

"My job."

Tifa's expression got more serious knowing the conversation was going to get serious. "I'd like to talk about that, too."

"I want to support you, and Denzel, and even provide for Marlene while she lives with us, but that's hard to do on what I earn."

"Cloud, you know I'll always contribute with the money the bar makes. We'll get by."

"But Tifa, it isn't just that. I've realized while we've been here that it isn't just the money. It's the time apart my job causes between me and you."

Tifa broke her eye contact with Cloud and rubbed her elbow. "Yeah... there is that."

Cloud gently grabbed her hand. "I know you hate ShinRa, Teef, but it's changed. Even Barret works for them now. Heck, Cid's their chief pilot, and we know Rufus personally! How do you think we got this place?"

"I know, Cloud, and I've been trying to let go of things... like my hatred and things in my past... but I'll always remember what happened that day in our hometown. What happened to my father, my house, and later on our lives."

"Teef, you can't blame them for everything, though. Sephiroth was the reason your dad died and our hometown burned that night." Cloud placed his hand under Tifa's chin and guided it till her eyes met his again. "Our lives are for us to make. I want to make changes, just like you do, and this time I want to be with you all the time."

"I understand; but what does ShinRa have to do with this?"

"Tifa, Rufus offered me the job of head of security again."

"Oh, Cloud, you know how I feel about you working for them! Especially now that we're together; can't you see that?"

"I know, Tifa, but think about how much this would help us. I'd be gone from nine in the morning till five at night: that means everyday I'd eat breakfast with you and dinner. I'd be off on weekends, two weeks paid vacation every year and even a week off on Christmas and New Years."

"...It's tempting, Cloud."

"And no more of me leaving. I'll always be sleeping in the same bed." Cloud kissed Tifa to make sure his last point hit home. "With you beside me every single night."

Tifa smiled. "Well, in that case, can I at least think about it?"

Cloud smiled. "I figured on that, so I've got someone to come over and talk to us about it tomorrow."

"Who?"

"Why, President Rufus Shinra himself!"

Tifa giggled. "My! If the President himself wants my man so bad, I'll have to keep an open mind."

Cloud kissed Tifa goodnight. "That's all I'm asking."

---

A long limo pulled up to the ShinRa mansion. Jeeves approached it through the front entrance and opened the door. A large black man wearing a black suit with shades stepped out, followed by a smaller man with red hair dressed in a suit matching the other man's. They looked around, and then the red-haired man motioned inside the car in a few seconds. Another man in a white suit and blonde hair stepped out of the car. Jeeves closed the door behind him.

"Master Rufus; I'm glad to see you."

"Jeeves, please, I'm the one who pays you. Can't you just call me Rufus?"

"Old habits die hard, sir."

Rufus sighed. "Just promise me you'll work on it."

"Yes, sir."

The red-haired man laughed. "What's wrong, Rufus? All these titles and sirs make you feel old?"

Rufus glared at the red haired man. "Reno, you can just call me master for the rest of the day."

Reno's face changed from a smile to a frown instantly. His usually stoic partner chuckled quietly to himself. Reno, frustrated, went and punched him in the gut. The black man's expression immediately sobered as he pushed Reno to the ground and then followed Rufus inside.

"You oversized muscle-head! Rude, wait up!"

Reno ran inside to catch up with the group.

---

"This isn't what I was expecting."

Tifa jabbed Cloud in the side, reminding him he was being rude. "We're glad you could all make it. We haven't seen Rude or Reno in a long time."

Reno smiled. "Well, babe, if you want that to change, I can give you my number." Cloud glared at Reno, who quickly backed off. "But it looks like you've already got someone."

Tifa smiled and hung onto Clouds arm. "Let's get down to business, shall we?" Rufus called the room to order. "Cloud, as Cid and Barret informed you, my job offer to you is still on the table, but some things have changed from the original offer."

"Like?"

Rufus pulled out a folder and laid it on the table. "We've upped your benefits to make it more attractive."

Tifa frowned. "The benefits or pay isn't the problem. I'd like to know about what steps ShinRa is making to make sure it doesn't repeat past mistakes."

Rufus smiled. "Perhaps I should offer you a job as well, Ms. Lockhart, in our public relations department. Yes, I came prepared for that question as well; some of our plans might actually shock you."

Reno pushed a few buttons on a remote and the screen in the den brought up a power point presentation. Rufus narrated.

"First, ShinRa has been switching over all our plants to fusion power, which we developed shortly after the Sephiroth accident. We're in the process of shutting down the last reactor in the old Midgar right now."

Tifa wasn't really convinced. "What does this new fusion power run off of?"

"It's a combination of atom splitting and splicing. We use nuclear means to split atoms and then slam them into each other. It's environmentally safe, as we don't use enough nuclear material to cause a disaster, and the power produced is actually more powerful than mako."

"What are you doing to help the community?"

"We've managed to restore Midgar completely, and now we're starting to renovate the slum areas. We've already set up a wonderful community in sector 1 and installed ventilation systems to keep the pollution out of the area. We're trying to do the rest with the other sectors, but we've run into trouble with crime and stopping our people from working in the slum areas."

"What about the money, where's it all coming from? You're not taxing the citizens of the slums higher to pay for it?"

"Of course not! My father lived a little more lavishly than I care to, so we've been selling off some of his possessions and properties. That alone is more than enough to pay for the slum revitalization project, plus with the extra revenue we're making off of fusion power, since it doesn't cost as much to produce, we've got plenty of plans waiting, too. We're planning on designing a huge amusement park for kids and families. We're putting together ideas for a mass air transportation network to link all the major cities of the world, but there's just one huge problem."

Tifa was a little concerned where this was going. "What would that be?"

"Crime: there're criminal groups all over the world, and some of them have managed to get a hold of our technology from old sights. Worse yet, we've even heard of some of Hojo's experiments getting loose with a few rouge groups."

"And how does this concern Cloud?"

"Your boyfriend has a ton of military experience, plus the fact he's the lone remaining soul with a Mako infusion percentage of over 23 makes him one of the most effective fighters on earth. He'd be the perfect man to run our security division."

Rufus turned off the presentation. "We need him, Tifa."

A silence filled the room then Tifa began to smile. "Let's talk about benefits."

Rufus smiled. "Cid called me last night about some particulars. I've agreed to the following: Cloud can only be sent out on assignment for as long as I'm willing to give him a paid vacation. Plus, that may not exceed two weeks unless there's a state of war."

"Go on."

"That's in addition to his two weeks paid vacation, already making the possibility for a full month off paid vacation. Your entire family is covered under our health insurance program, and since Cloud would be an officer, we'd pick up all your deductibles. His retirement is kept with sharing in our corporate stock. Your entire family will be under Turk watch to prevent anything from happening to them." Rufus caught Cloud's worried look. "The team would be Elena and our new member, Sion." Cloud looked relieved and Rufus continued. "Your pay would exceed one billion gil a year, that plus profit sharing in the corporation would take care of you for quite some time."

"What about living arrangements?"

"I understand how close your bar is to you, Tifa, but I was also made aware of the reason you came down here. Included with my offer is a large spacious house with more than enough room for you and your family near ShinRa headquarters and away from the slums, at least until the revitalization project is complete. Schooling at the best schools will be provided as well."

"Transportation?"

Rufus sighed. "With what I'm paying you, I'm sure you can handle that yourselves. I'm giving you a three million gil signing bonus."

Cloud looked at Tifa for an answer. The raven haired martial artist carefully weighed the decisions before a smile crossed her face. "Go ahead, Cloud; if you want."

Rufus pushed some papers towards Cloud, but the blonde swordsman didn't sign. "One more thing."

Rufus eyebrows perked. "That being?"

"I stay here with Tifa until years' end."

Reno choked on the drink he had prepared for himself. Rude cringed in anticipation of Cloud's request for over half a year's vacation.

"I'll give you the signing bonus, but you won't be on salary until you start in January."

"Agreed." Cloud signed the papers and both he and Rufus stood.

"Welcome to Shinra, Chief of Security Cloud Strife."

Cloud shook Rufus' hand. "Just call me Cloud."

Rufus smiled. "Trust me, I hate titles just as much as you do, but welcome to the new ShinRa."

Tifa walked between the two men. "Would you all like to stay for dinner?"

Reno spoke up. "Love to, babe."

Rufus turned and glared at the red haired Turk. "Reno?"

"Yes… Master?"

"I'd like you to eat your dinner separately, early with Rude, and watch the perimeter while we dine."

Rude jabbed Reno in the ribs. "Oww! Man, sorry, I get it."

"Reno?"

"Yes, Master, understood, Master."

Once Rude and Reno had disappeared, Cloud and Tifa laughed.

"'Master'?"

Rufus smiled. "Sometimes, I just have to keep him in line."

Tifa hugged Cloud. "I know what you mean."

Jeeves walked into the room, holding a phone. "Master Rufus, Mrs. ShinRa is on the phone for you."

Now Cloud laughed. "I never would have thought the president of ShinRa would find a woman to keep him in line."

Rufus went to grab the phone but turned to Cloud and Tifa before he left the room. "I can say the same for you, Cloud."

Wow that went fast. I had this thing at three pages for over a week and sat down here in the living room of my beach house and bam wrote the rest in under an hour…guess that's what inspiration will do to you. Wonder what movie inspired me this much? Well long onto my message board's members only section to find out. Its free and a great place to meet people.

Thanks to all my reviewers and my BETA Calistar Heir for the great job she did on this.

PS The next chapter is the last…want a sequel? Well SIGN UP FOR THE MESSAGE BOARD AND VOTE!!!