Title: Meaning of Strength
Words: 932
Summary: When Cloud and Tifa argue, they're not the only ones who get riled up.
A/N: I thought this would be... somewhat appropriate for the fifteenth day of the Chinese/Lunar New Year, Chap Goh Mei. This is the day when eligible young ladies throw tangerines into the sea for their future husbands to pick up. It's been called the Chinese Valentine's Day as well although there is another day called that - the festival of Qi Xi. In Japan, that would be known as Tanabata. If you like to find out more, Wikipedia's a good source of info.
In any case, this is also for the up and coming February 14. Happy Valentine's Day to all of you in advance!
"…Marlene."
The girl looked up at Denzel. "Yes?"
Denzel had stiffened, looking up at the room door and frowning. "…they're fighting again."
Terran saw the colour literally drain from Marlene's face. "What?"
The older boy was confused as both children rushed to the door and pressed their ears against the wood. Their faces were an almost comical mix of concern, slight fear and tension. It was a good thing the others were already asleep or there would have been a stampede of running footsteps to join the two so they could figure out what was going on.
"…okay, before you two suddenly explode out of stress, who's fighting and how did you suddenly do that whole sixth sense thing?"
"Cloud and Tifa are," began Denzel since Marlene was biting her lower lip. "And we can just tell."
"…Denzel, did you eat that bread Orion was trying to trade off? Because I know for a fact it's been sitting in his lunch bag for at least two weeks and if you did eat it, then I can obviously understand why what you're saying is total gar-"
"No, I didn't!" hissed the red headed boy. "We just know, okay? They don't fight often but when they do, it gets too quiet. Didn't you notice the water's stopped running? Not to mention I thought I heard someone slam the counter just now."
Terran's eyebrow rose. "They were fine at dinner earlier."
Marlene turned to look at him. "That's why we're so worried."
Terran was unconvinced. But Denzel and Marlene were generally rational, sensible kids. If they got worried, it was probably for a good reason…
Putting one ear to the door, he nudged Denzel with his elbow. "Move over."
-ººº-
"Don't you ever listen to reason?"
Cloud stubbornly looked away. "What you're saying…"
"Don't you dare say I'm being illogical…!" Tifa gritted her teeth. "Look. It doesn't make sense for you to work yourself to death when you're needed here. Regardless of your reasons, getting yourself sick is not an option. Not at this time!"
"I'm not sick."
"You aren't invincible, Cloud!"
Cloud's blue eyes bore into hers. "Tifa, why won't you trust my capabilities?"
"What…"
"Why can't you trust me when I say I'm alright?"
Tifa somehow got uprooted from her anger and tumbled into confusion. "But…"
"I know I'm not invincible. I know my strengths and my weaknesses. I know when I can break." He didn't glare, but looked sternly at her. "I thought you knew that."
"…how could I know when you don't seem to, yourself?" She set her mouth in a grim line. "You work your butt off for more than 12 hours, come home to only have a few hours of rest, then you're off again working. Even on days off, you're sorting things out, helping matters here, doing errands... I know you're an ex-would be-soldier and you've a lot more stamina than the average Joe. But you have to understand that even the kids notice whenever your face is paler than usual and you've gotten more scars from fighting."
"…and you?" Cloud leaned forward a little. "What do you say about yourself who works everyday, taking care of this bar and the children? You don't seem to know the meaning of rest either. And neither do you seem to know the meaning of tiredness."
Silence filled the air after Cloud's quiet voice trailed away.
Then Tifa sighed. "…maybe what both of us need is a babysitter of our own."
"…we already have ten."
She couldn't help but smile a little. "And it's still not enough."
"That is why you keep working… and I as well."
"…still doesn't mean I won't nag you if you look too tired, you know."
Cloud smiled slightly as well. "And it doesn't mean I won't argue back."
"Oi!"
They turned to look at Terran who'd had it up to here with his two new guardians. Denzel and Marlene were beside him, grimacing at his sudden intrusion.
"Are the both of you done scaring all of us to deathwith your arguing?"
Tifa smirked as Cloud raised an eyebrow. "Yes, wise guy. We're finished. Now go to bed unless you want to mop the bar floor for a week as punishment."
All three scrambled back inside the room, the younger two berating Terran for his lack of tact and subtlety.
Cloud and Tifa looked back at one another.
"So… what was the whole point of our great debate?" ventured Tifa.
Drawing in a long breath, Cloud leaned back in his chair. "If we are to continue taking in more orphans, we need to remember that we have to stay in proper health so we can look after them."
"Does that mean you won't overwork yourself anymore?"
"Will you stop working harder for the sake of the children?"
Tifa looked at him for a while and sighed. "We are two very stubborn asses."
Which is why there's no point discussing this any more. I will take care of myself…"
"Right."
"And you-"
Tifa's heart skipped a beat. She didn't dare look up from her hands.
"…and you…"
"…and I…?"
She could hear the hesitation, could almost see the consideration going on in his head as he weighed the words he was going to say…
"…ought to get some rest. It's been a long evening."
Tifa felt a sense of disappointment joining the peculiar feeling of slight relief within her. She nodded as she got up from her chair, heading up to her room with a quiet goodnight.
Cloud remained behind, watching her leave and sighed slightly.
.
End.
