I do not own Final Fantasy VII.

Change of Heart

Chapte XXXVII: The Will to Try

Despite going to bed much later, Cloud was up and about before Denzel had even stirred that morning. He didn't want to acknowledge it, but he was in fact excited to have breakfast with Cissnei. It was a strange feeling, since he'd not been so eager to see a woman since Aerith was alive. There was no rhyme or reason for it, except the fact that he was enthusiastic to gain another friend, especially one that understood him like she seemed to.

That thought however made his stomach twist as he considered that Tifa was his friend and that she claimed to understand what he felt. He couldn't say that she didn't; Tifa had lost her father to Sephiroth and also bore some of the pain and hardship brought on by Aerith's death, but at the same time, she was not on quite the same level as Cloud. Cissnei on the other hand appeared to be even with him in her feelings toward life and the memory of her lost love. Perhaps that was why he felt a slightly closer connection to her even though he'd known Tifa much longer.

Once he'd packed up his sleeping bag and scattered the fire pit, he went to Denzel's side. "Denzel…come on buddy, let's go."

Still half asleep, Denzel got up and milled around while Cloud rolled up his sleeping bag. The boy was so adorable when he was sleepy, even Cloud was no match for him. Denzel could've walked by himself, not mention he was getting too old and too big to be held, but Cloud gave in and carried him to the motorcycle where he cradled him against his chest in the saddle and started up the engine. He was surprised that he continued to sleep the entire way back to town, thinking that for sure the roar of the engine would keep him awake.

Once back to the Nibelheim Inn, he dragged Denzel off the bike and placed him on his feet. It was a little comical, even to Cloud, as he guided the child inside toward the tiny dining room.

"Hey Cloud!" Cissnei waved from her booth.

As soon as her voice reached his ears, Denzel's eyes snapped open. He was instantly met with the heavenly sight of Cissnei's face. He felt heat rise in his face and he quickly covered his cheeks with his hands lest she see him blush. She chuckled at how cute he was being and smiled even wider when they sat down across from her.

"I'm glad you could join me."

"Thanks for inviting us." Cloud picked up the small paper menu placed conviently before him. She must have told the host she was expecting company. "I'm glad to see you made it back safely."

"Come on, Cloud, I was a Turk remember? I might be a girl, but I can make it on my own. I don't need a man to take care of me." She bit her lip and bowed her head demurely, making herself look small and fragile despite her big talk. "But…thank you for your concern."

"No problem."

"Well I wasn't worried one bit! I know a little about the Turks, so I was sure you'd be okay no matter what!" Denzel exaggerated; he'd been half asleep when she left, so he was just talking nonsense.

Cloud just reached over and gave him a flick on the forehead.

"And thank you for your confidence in me." Cissnei giggled.

Denzel hid his face in his menu to hide from her; he couldn't let her catch him blushing!

Tifa flipped to a marked page in the catalog, earning a gasp of awe from Lucretia.

"I love it!" She cried, her hands flying to her mouth.

"I knew you would! I was just thumbing through and I found it."

The picture was of an elegant wedding gown. Not too over the top and yet not too plain. It was a perfect reflection of Lucretia: elegant and refined, but with a little spunk. It held a vintage look, made from dull satin with a lace overlay. It had a sweetheart neckline and ¾ length lace sleeves, a pleated cummerbund sash around the waist and full tea-length skirt was fluffed up with a tulle petticoat.

Lucretia's eyes sparkled as she imagined herself wearing such a gorgeous work of art, but as she considered it, she felt her gut clench. She instantly remembered her first marriage and the pain and torment that'd come with it. She strained to remember the wedding, or lack thereof. She'd worn a wedding dress, but it was just a plain white sheath with no form or embellishment, in fact it looked like a hospital gown. She'd held no bouquet nor wore a veil; it was just a quick "I do" and the signing of the marriage license, or at least that's what she recalled. She couldn't even remember if she consummated the marriage on the actual wedding night…no…she hadn't, Hojo was too busy working on his experiments to spend any kind of time like that with her…in fact, she didn't recall being intimate with him at all. Swallowing and taking a deep breath, she blew the negativity away. This time she was going to get it right and marry the man she should've married 30 years ago. This time she was going to have a real wedding, wearing a real wedding dress, she'd have a real wedding night, and be forever happy with her new husband.

But then the notion struck her. Where was Hojo anyway? Was he still alive? She was about to ask Tifa, but as she looked up at her brightly smiling face, Lucretia turned down the idea. Hojo? Who's he? She cast him away along with the bad memories. She didn't care if he was dead or alive, she would consider him dead regardless; it made her life much simpler that way.

"How much is it?" Lucretia's thoughts returned to the present.

"Only 300 gil!"

"That's a bit much, isn't it?"

"Not at all! At least not for your wedding!"

"You know this is my second marriage." Lucretia loved the idea of going all out, but she didn't want to impose on Tifa's tight budget, since Tifa had fervently insisted that she would pay for it. "Do you think a big dress is really necessary?"

"Of course it is!" Tifa dropped the catalog on the table, grabbing her by the shoulders. "Yeah you were married before, but not to someone who cared, so this time you've got to it right for the right man!"

Oh good, so I'm not crazy for thinking it too. Lucretia abruptly wrapped her arms around Tifa and pulled her in for a firm, warm hug. "Thank you, Tifa. How can I repay you for this?"

"Don't worry about that. It's not a big deal; you're a member of the family now."

"Tifa," She pulled back and looked at her smiling face, "Can I ask you one more big favor?"

"Anything."

"After we're finished with my wedding…Can we start planning yours?"

Tifa's eyes grew wide with surprise and her cheeks flushed bright red. "M-my…but…Sephiroth hasn't asked me…"

"Of course…" Lucretia's smiled faltered for a brief moment before she regained it once more, "…I'm sorry, I'm just so excited about my son finding a good woman. I guess I'm just in a hurry for you to officially become my daughter-in-law."

"All in good time, Mother." Sephiroth appeared from the stair, immediately joining them at their table. "After all, Tifa and I've only recently said 'I love you'."

"You're right, it's a bit too soon to be thinking of marriage, at least for you two." Lucretia's face misted over dreamily. "It's just that the two of you are so beautiful together."

"Thank you." Sephiroth reached over to touch Tifa's hand. "One day we'll get to that point." He was speaking to his mother, but he was looking at Tifa, as if hoping to catch and gauge her reaction and let her know that he was in no way rejecting her or the idea of being her husband, but that he felt it was yet too soon in their relationship to pursue such a goal. Tifa's blush only grew brighter at this and she inclined her head toward him and he replied with a kiss to her forehead.

Lucretia's heart fluttered at the sight of them together. She was so proud of her son, and she couldn't be more approving of his choice in a partner. Tifa was just as kind and caring as she was beautiful and she was sure that she'd take care of Sephiroth for the rest of their lives together. Apart of her felt as though she should be a little envious and jealous, as Lucretia was never able to care of her son, but now he was in no real need of her and was seeking a different kind of comfort in the arms of another woman. It was heartbreaking, though at the same time it was reassuring and it put her mind at ease to know he had somewhere he belonged.

Barret snorted under his breath, "I don't know, Cid…I told her I'd keep my mouth shut, but I still just don't like this one bit."

"I can't believe it! Talk 'bout sleepin' with the enemy!"

"We just got done fightin' this bastard and this happens."

"Well, I can't pass no judgment. I have to see the asshole first, but you say she insists he's changed?"

"She does. And though I ain't actually talked to him yet…damn, Cid, I hate to admit it but she does look pretty happy with him and he ain't done nothing but be just as gentle and sweet on her…But it just seems a bit off to me."

"I guess we gotta get the whole story from her."

"I guess so." Barret rubbed his forehead. He looked up at Marlene who was busy transplanting Sephiroth's flowers from the pots to the flower bed. "Not to mention, the kids are completely crazy about him. And Cloud's not even worried 'bout leavin' them alone with'im."

"Huh? I don't know what to say, Barret. Maybe he has changed."

"Will you will be here for the party in the spring?" He changed the subject.

"Of course! I've been at the last two, I won't be missin' the third. Speakin' of parties, didn't you say Vincent was gittin' married?"

"Yeah, turns out his old flame is still alive. Apparently Sephiroth rescued her and now she and Vincent are gettin' hitched."

"Heh…I guess we're just one big happy family, ain't we?"

"Yeah." Barret yawned as he turned his gaze back to Marlene. Sephiroth had joined her, having not alerted Barret to his presence. He observed them, feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the situation, but refused to make a scene for both Marlene and Tifa's sake. He watched them closely, almost forgetting that he was still on the phone to Cid."Hey man, Imma letcha go. Talk to ya later."

Slowly, he got up and approached them cautiously. Sephiroth looked up as Barret's shadow fell over them. Standing, Sephiroth could feel the negativity that encircled him, but smiled.

"Hello, Barret." Sephiroth extended his hand. "I'm sorry we haven't had a moment to speak."

"Yeah…same here." Barret at least found the strength to shake his hand. "Good to meet ya."

"I know it's hard to accept me." He stated matter-of-factly. "But I hope we can be friends."

"Got that right, but…" Barret nodded and dropped his head, "…after all we been through with you, it's kinda hard to imagine us as friends." He glanced down at Marlene, who was looking at him from the corner of her eye. "But, I'm willin' to try."