The Family We Lean On
This…ended up longer than I expected
Marle wrung her hands as she paced the hallway, the sterile scent filling her nostrils as she tried to control her breathing, her eyes flicking toward the door whenever she passed it, waiting for someone to come out of the room to tell her what was going on.
Her gut tightened with nervousness and fear as she closed her eyes, praying.
It had been a long time since she prayed, long time since she had felt this way, this hopeless and helpless.
The sound of the door opening had Marle spinning around to see Cloud rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well?" Marle asked sharply as Cloud exited the room looking exhausted.
"She's fine." A tired smile crossed his face. "She's sleeping for now."
Marle closed her eyed as her hand went to her throat in a silent prayer of thanks to whatever deity was looking out for them.
She did not think she would get over the fear that surged through her when she heard the crash as the glass shattered into fine small pieces, scattering when it hit the ground.
The blood that followed, thick and red and slippery…
Her heart missed a beat then began racing as she grabbed Tifa, holding her close as her hands trembled – trembled – reaching for the phone to call for help.
"You can go in and see her," Cloud's voice broke into her thoughts and Marle looked up to him to see the knowing look in his eyes.
"You said she was sleeping," Marle told him.
"But you need to see her for yourself," Cloud pointed out. "You won't disturb her. She's out cold."
Marle looked at the door where Tifa lay on a bed and hesitated.
"I should let her sleep."
"You should see her." Cloud placed a hand on the small of her back, gently pushing her forward. "See for yourself that she is alright."
She opened the door, the handle cool and real underneath her hand before the door swung open to reveal Tifa lying on the bed, a machine beeping steadily off to the side.
Marle vaguely noticed Cloud disappearing down the corridor as she stepped fully into the room, shutting the door behind her as she drank in Tifa's form.
She wished she could say that the image before her was not familiar, that it did not send her back in time, but it did, and it made her heart clench and her throat thick.
Slowly and carefully, she made her way over to the side of the bed, looking down at the still woman and sighed softly.
"My dear, dear girl," Marle whispered as she pressed her lips to Tifa's forehead, smoothing back Tifa's hair before sitting on the chair next to the bed, taking Tifa's still hand in between hers and held it to her lips.
"I remember the first time I met you," Marle told her. "All dark hair, dark eyes, and a stubborn attitude. You were scared at first, but you stuck it out, made a life for yourself."
15 years old and alone in a strange city after losing so much of her life.
Marle had not known, none of them had known until Tifa had told her, long after they had saved the world.
Cloud had known though. Cloud always knew.
She had taken Tifa under her wing, taught her how to push her emotions down, how to focus, and channel that anger.
Barret also had a hand in that, telling her to hold onto that anger, to use it to fuel her.
Cloud…Cloud had taken her to the side, had listened, had let her cry, and grieve and allowed her to let go of her emotions.
Marle shook her head. So many emotions locked up in this tiny woman who managed to slip her way into so many people's hearts.
She had once told Cloud that Tifa was the granddaughter she never had, getting a funny look from the blond in return.
It had not bothered her, but it had stuck to the back of her mind. It was not until after they had saved the planet that dawned on Marle what that funny look had been.
He wondered if she knew of Tifa's history, had known what Tifa had suffered.
Bits and pieces of it, she admitted to herself, it was hard not to hear the nightmares the young girl would suffer, begging and pleading for her father, her mother, even for the boy not to leave her.
Marle would hug and soothe Tifa when she was younger but as she grew older, more self-reliant, she did not accept comfort easily anymore, preferring to bury it down deep where no-one could reach them.
Until Cloud Strife walked back into her life; turning everything they knew about Tifa Lockhart on its head.
Vibrant and excited, Tifa would glow when she talked about Cloud. She remembered Barret's bewildered expression as he watched as Tifa came alive for the first time in 2 years he had known her.
She had been bewildered herself. 5 years she had known Tifa. 5 years of watching her throw herself into work and quests and fighting.
A smile on her face, eager to help, but never once happy. Never once letting anyone past her guard and her tight shields.
Cloud Strife slipped through those guards and shields like he was meant to.
He made her smile from within, listened to her when she needed to be heard and she let him comfort her when she needed the comfort, trusting him in a way none of them had when they first met him.
Marle rubbed Tifa's knuckles, spotting the engagement ring and wedding band on Tifa's other hand, smiling softly at the memories.
"He finally asked you to marry him?" Marle asked as she cast an admiring eye on the ring that adorned Tifa's finger.
"What do you mean 'finally'?" Tifa asked. "Cloud and I have been dating for a year."
"More like since you were kids," Marle remarked, smiling at Tifa's flushed cheeks.
"Marle!"
"I may be an old woman, Tifa, but I'm neither blind nor deaf." She smirked. "I saw the way the two of you looked at each other when you reunited back in Midgar."
Tifa looked away, lifting the glass of water to her lips.
"And did I mention Stargazer's Height wasn't soundproof?"
Water sprayed from Tifa's in shock as she coughed, her eyes wide as she stared at Marle, who cackled while Tifa covered her mouth.
"Marle!" Tifa managed to get her coughing under control, her voice scandalized.
"Thought you wouldn't get found out," Marle remarked with a smirk. "Besides, it's not like you're the only one who was noisy."
"What?!" Tifa turned to her sharply, looking at little too interested.
"What?" Marle parroted, taking the opportunity to tease her, and got flushed cheeks in return.
"Nothing," Tifa was quick to deny.
Marle just chuckled, making Tifa blush harder as she took another skip of her drink.
"Are you happy?" Marle found herself asking and Tifa blinked, looking at her before she smiled, slow and sure before she nodded.
"I'm happy." She took Marle's hand. "Cloud makes me happy. He always did."
"Good." Her throat felt impossibly tight, but she managed to force the word through.
Cloud Strife kept his promise. That was all that mattered.
~_TWC_~
Tifa slowly woke up, resisting the urge to stretch as she sensed a difference with her body.
The white walls and the scent of antiseptic let her know where she was, bringing back a lot of memories for her, making her nose wrinkle with displeasure.
Memories of being a young girl lost and alone and a deep scar carved into her.
Memories of looking after Cloud while he was deep in his mako coma, feeling lost and alone, grieving for her loss.
Now she was in the hospital.
Her hand felt warm and she turned her head to see Marle was sleeping the best she could on that uncomfortable chair, and it all came back to her.
Oh, she must have worried Marle that bad if she was in the room with her.
Marle, for all she was tough and gruff, was such a softy at heart. Tifa softened as she ran her thumb over Marle's knuckles. So much like many of her companions.
The door opening broke into Tifa's thoughts and she turned to see her husband opening the door, looking tired.
She could not remember the last time she had seen him this tired.
Tifa watched as Cloud carefully entered the room, his blue eyes lighting up when he saw she was awake.
"Hey," his voice was soft and hushed, slowly making his way over to her other side, leaning over to drop off a soft kiss on her lips.
Tifa hummed in response, smiling when he pulled away and nuzzled their noses together before he sat down on the other chair, taking her free hand.
"How are you feeling?" He lifted her hand, holding it close to his lips.
"Hmm, sore," she admitted, shifting her head to watch him. "How are you?"
"Tired," he admitted, and she smiled.
"You look like it." She scanned his face.
"It wasn't easy, watching you in pain." He rubbed the back of his neck and her smile softened.
"I know," she whispered, squeezing his hand. Cloud was never the best when it came to her being in pain, always needing to protect her.
Tifa glanced to the side at Marle before looking at Cloud.
"How is Marle?" Tifa asked. She watched as he looked at Marle before sighing.
"Drained probably," Cloud shook his head. "She was near hysterical when she phoned me to let me know what happened."
"That bad?" she asked. Cloud shrugged softly.
"It looked pretty bad," Cloud admitted. Tifa winced. "It took a bit to calm her down."
A guilty look crossed his face and Tifa narrowed her eyes.
"What?"
Cloud glanced over at Marle before he leaned in, lowering his voice even further.
"Yuffie might have drugged her tea."
Tifa choked on air as she stared at Cloud with wide eyes.
"Yuffie did what?" she hissed. Cloud nodded. "Why?!"
"Because she was worried about you, Tifa. She had your blood on her hands."
"I…" Tifa shook her head bewildered, "Blood?"
Cloud nodded.
"You cut yourself when you dropped your glass and you were bleeding heavily. Marle ended up trying to stem the blood." He sighed. "The paramedic said it looked bad when they walked in."
Tifa bit her bottom lip before she turned to look at Marle when a whimper started up next to Cloud, who immediately turned to the noise, fondness crossing his face.
That was a look she knew. She saw it when he would look at Marlene and Denzel. He saw it when he would look at some of their companions, even saw it herself late at night, just staring at him.
Letting her hand go, Cloud reached into the bassinette and withdrew a squirming pile of blankets, adjusting carefully so it was cradled protectively and securely in his arm.
Cloud turned to her and she smiled at the sight of him looking so happy yet so nervous that it made her heart overflown with happiness.
"How long did you practice holding?" Tifa gently teased him, knowing him. A small flush covered Cloud's cheeks as he looked away, embarrassed.
"Maybe a little," he muttered under his breath, glancing at her out the corner of his eyes.
She hummed softly, letting it go as she watched him gently rocked the blanket.
"Can't believe how much trouble this one gave us."
"Well, with us as parents, I'm not sure it could have gone any other way."
Cloud hummed thoughtfully.
"That's true, you can be troublesome yourself."
"Hey!" she mocked glared at him, getting a smirk in return. "You're just as much trouble as I am."
She got a glare from him as a result and she smirked, knowing she made her point when there was a soft knock at the door and they turned to see the door opening and a nurse standing in the doorway.
"Sorry, Mr. Strife. We need you to sign some paperwork."
"Now?" he groused. The nurse held firm and Tifa giggled at Cloud's flat look.
"You better go," Tifa told him, gently adjusting herself so she could sit up a bit, "You know what nurses are like."
Cloud grumbled as he transferred the bundle to her arms, waiting until she adjusted to the weight and gave him a soft nod before he kissed her and left, following the nurse.
Tifa watched him go before she looked down at the click of the door and smiled.
This was something she never thought would happen. Even though she and Cloud had discussed it, holding off until they were older, more secure she had still held doubts if she would ever be able to give him this.
Fighting and use of Materia did take its toll on her body. Not to mention the trauma she had endured when she was 15.
But now, their dream was real and Tifa wiped away her tears as she watched the bundle shift and stretch, sleeping away, completely at peace in Tifa's arms.
Tifa knew their family was going to go crazy when they discover the new addition.
Cloud and Tifa had decided that when she went into labor, they would keep it between them until after the birth, wanting to give Tifa time to recover and Cloud time to bond with the child before their family descended on them.
Gaia knew, once the family got a hold of the child, it might be a while before either parent saw the baby again.
A thought that brought a smile to her lips.
"Our family can't wait to see you. Marlene and Denzel are already waiting to become the best brother and sister."
Marlene and Denzel had been overcome with emotions when she and Cloud confessed to them that they were pregnant. Marlene had been over the moon with joy, hugging both.
Denzel had been a little hesitant but they both assured him that he will always have a place with them, and they would love it if he could accept the new child as a sibling but they would understand if he didn't feel ready.
It had taken time, but Denzel had come round, warming up to the idea of being a big brother.
It was different, he had told Tifa, one late night while he was curled up in her arms and both had been stargazing.
Marlene was 6 when they first met. She had been secure in her place within hers and Cloud's heart. She never once had doubts.
Denzel had lost his parents, had been an orphanage, and had lost friends because of the Geostigma.
This, he gently touched her stomach, was different. It was new and young. Vulnerable. It would be depending on them to look at them, to protect them.
Tifa had confessed she felt the same. She was excited because she was carrying a little Mini-Cloud within her – and they all knew it was a Mini-Cloud even though Cloud had protested it was more of a Mini-Tifa – but she had been worried, and scared.
They knew how dark the world could be, how dangerous. How could she be expected to bring a child into the world knowing what it was like?
But she had Marlene and Denzel to remind her of the good things in life. She had Cloud, who would bring things back from his trips that would make her light up in wonder.
Together, they would protect the child, to love and nurture them.
Denzel agreed, declaring he would be the best big brother he could be and she kissed him on the forehead before they both fell asleep under the stars, much to Cloud's worry as he lectured them the next day.
"And Barret, he's not going to know if he should be an uncle or a grandfather."
She thought about the man who had taken her under his wings after living in Midgar for three years. This gruff old man who had let her into his heart and brought Marlene to her.
He had tried, in his way, to comfort her the best he could even when filled with regret and anger.
Sure, he might have gone about it the wrong way a few times, but his heart was always in the right place and he was always there when she needed him, even if it was to scold her for being reckless.
He was not her father, but he was not her brother. He was a mix in between and Tifa was grateful at whoever had brought him into her life.
"Nanaki is eager to meet you too. He was already protecting you when you were within me, much to his confusion," Tifa laughed softly, "But he is one of the best you could ever meet."
She remembered Nanaki coming round for a visit shortly after she discovered she was pregnant and noticed that Nanaki had been extra protective of her, especially around the Turks.
It hadn't bothered her – none of them liked the Turks much, especially after Rufus had come back to the fold – and Nanaki was already protective of her but when he started growling when Reno had tried to touch her arm to get her attention, that confused them both and startled Reno into shying away, not eager to be bitten.
Later, Nanaki had admitted to them – after Cloud had gotten over his laugher when they recounted the tale to him – that he was finding himself quite protective of Tifa when Cloud just smirked, making them both confused.
It is because she is pregnant had been Cloud's statement. It slowly dawned on Tifa what Cloud had meant and Nanaki had been surprised before he sniffed her and understood.
Tifa had been embarrassed, apologizing to Nanaki who had shaken it off and said he did not mind having an excuse to finally growl at the Turks for trying to touch her, making Cloud laugh, deep and loud.
"Yuffie is going to be bouncing off the walls," Tifa sighed at the thought, remembering the exuberant girl's excitement when Tifa had told her that she was pregnant.
It had resulted in a loud squeal – making Yuffie's father pop his head into the room in surprise – and a tight hug before Yuffie started making plans on how to paint the rooms, and how many outfits Tifa would need, and just how many teddy bears could she buy the kid before it would be considered too many.
Tifa's head had been swimming with the questions but never-the-less had been happier knowing that Yuffie was excited with the newest addition.
And true to her word – Yuffie had taken her out on many outing to prepare for the baby – even turning up at the crack of dawn to drag her out of the house, resulting in Cloud grumbling that even Yuffie was joining the list of people trying to steal her away from him.
That had resulted in a playful smack to his shoulder as Yuffie dragged her away.
"Cid might be a foul-mouth grumpy jerk but don't let that fool you. The man can be soft as a teddy bear and he will love you. He is going to want to be your uncle, and he might fight Vincent for that," Tifa mused to herself.
Cid had quickly endeared himself to Tifa, taking her on as a little sister. He always had her back, supporting her when she needed it, especially when she and Cloud had been at loggerheads during their travels.
And Cid had become a close companion to her. She had confessed her fears to him, about Aerith, about Cloud, about their future and Cid had never once held it against her.
He always assured her that they would find a way, together. They always did. No matter how bleak their prospect looked, they would always find a way to achieve their dreams.
And they did.
"And Vincent…well, he might have a little hard time letting you in but no doubt, once you are in, he would protect you fiercely with everything he has."
She thought back to the young man they had discovered deep within Shinra's Mansion. Another experiment of Hojo, who had destroyed so many lives.
It had taken time for Vincent to open but in time, he had. He had become another steady presence in her life, supporting her when she needed the support
He understood the depth of her feelings for Cloud – even when she was still grappling with those feelings herself. He understood far more than any of them had realized.
And over in time, he had become a best friend and close confidant to Cloud, both knowing what it was like to be used as a tool, a means of entertainment for that sick bastard.
"Aerith…" A tear slipped free, "Aerith would love you so much. She would hum you to sleep, making you feel safe and secure in her arms. She probably would have sung too and given you flowers."
Her heart hurt at the thought of her best friend not being there to see their child.
Both Aerith and Zack had gone into the Lifestream, feeling a peace after 5 years of not knowing what happened.
Once they had defeated the menace who had threatened their world once again, they had destroyed him, his hold over Cloud, and allowed him to fade completely.
Cloud had told her that Aerith and Zack had been there, in the church, watching them.
He told her that Aerith told him that everything was alright now in that knowing tone of hers, making Cloud grumble and Tifa laugh as she could hear Aerith's voice clear as a bell in her head.
Then she and Zack had walked into the light and he knew. They both knew.
Aerith had finally found peace. After 5 years of not knowing what happened to Zack. After encasing herself in a shield of denial overhearing Zack's death. After being plagued with doubts if what she was doing was the right thing to do.
Aerith had found peace.
And it had eased their guilt. Allowing them to move on with their lives.
They cut the ribbon off their arms, putting them in a box and placing it at the base of the sword that belonged to Zack – Cloud's true hero – in the church.
They would never forget her, ever. But they would not let their guilt consume them.
Aerith would have never let them hear the end of it if they did. And the girl could be brutal when scolding them when she wanted to.
Barret and Cid could attest to her tongue-lashing.
"Yeah, Aerith would have been the best Aunt you could have. And I know, I just know, that she will be looking out for you. No matter how far away she might be."
A surge of warmth flood Tifa's body when the baby opened their eyes and she smiled.
"Hello sweetheart," she stroked the baby's forehead. "I'm so glad to meet you."
The baby started fussing and Tifa gently rocked, humming softly under her breath.
"Oh I know," she soothed, adjusting so she could pull down her hospital gown, freeing one breast before she gently guided the baby to her nipple, watching as the baby latched on eagerly, soft gums and cheeks working furiously to get the milk.
Tifa felt the relief as milk flow from her into her baby's waiting mouth and had to smile when the baby made soft content noises.
Tifa noticed the sounds of cooing slowly awakening Marle, watching as blue eyes opened, blinking when they met Tifa's and warmth flooded through Marle's eyes.
"Tifa," her voice rough with sleep and Tifa smiled.
"Hey, I thought you said sleeping was the for the weak," she teased.
Blue eyes narrowed at her, making Tifa giggle.
"Don't sass me after the scare you gave me."
"Sorry." Tifa's smile turned soft. "I didn't mean to scare you."
"You always do," Marle mumbled as she sat up, stretching her stiff body before she looked at Tifa, taking in for herself that Tifa was indeed still healthy and whole.
"So, this is the troublemaker?" Marle's eyes slid down to Tifa's chest, her eyes softening and Tifa's smile grew brighter.
"Yeah, this is our little troublemaker." Tifa's eyes slid down to the baby's nursing.
Tifa's fingers skimmed the baby's features, the small nose, the chubby little cheeks, little ears, and the soft feathery locks that reminded her so much of Cloud's.
She remembered Cloud's chagrined groan when the nurse remarked on the baby's hair.
Tifa's fingers gently touched the baby's fist, watching with an overwhelming heart as the hand loosened and small fingers grasped hers.
So much strength in that little hand.
"How are you feeling?" Marle asked.
"Overwhelmed," Tifa admitted without hesitation and Marle smiled. "But happy, so happy." Her cheeks felt like they were going to crack from how hard she was smiling.
"How can I possibly love her as much as I do and I've just laid eyes on her?" Tifa asked breathlessly.
"Because she is easy to love," Marle told her, looking at Tifa, "Just like her mama." Tifa rolled her eyes as a blush kiss her cheeks before she smiled.
"Thank you," Tifa told her.
Marle's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Thank you for everything you did. You took me in, gave me a home. You took care of me, taught me so many lessons."
Nights when her nightmares became so bad that Marle would sneak into her apartment, holding her close and stroking back her hair.
The soft yet firm encouragement of words, a gentle hand at the small of her back, pushing her forward. To keep walking.
You can look back at the past, Marle had once said, just do not let the past consume you as you do.
The swift and cutting words Marle would have whenever Tifa felt unsure of her place in the world, unsteady on her feet, feeling like her wounds are growing, twisting her.
You own your pain. The pain does not own you. Find your balance, one foot in front of the other and you control your pain. Never bow to it, make it bow to you.
"You became the grandmother I never had," Tifa told her, unaware that she was echoing a statement Marle had made to Cloud so long ago. "Thank you, for loving me."
Marle had tears in her eyes when Tifa finished, smiling at her before she reached out her hand.
Marle grasped it, almost as if it was a lifeline.
"And you finally got your wish. Cloud gave you a grandbaby."
"That's not funny!" Marle glared through tears. Tifa laughed.
"It is a little funny. Poor Cloud was mortified by you lecturing him on not spending enough time with me in bed if I wasn't pregnant by then."
"I was drunk!" Marle was quick to blame the alcohol she had consumed.
Tifa rolled her eyes as she thought back to that night.
"So, Marle looked after you after your Master dumped you in Midgar?" Yuffie asked from where she was perched on the stool in front of the bar, watching Tifa eagerly as she mixed some non-alcoholic drinks for Yuffie to try.
He didn't dump me." Tifa was quick to defend her master. Yuffie arched an eyebrow before she rolled her eyes.
"Fine, left you in a strange city all by yourself, at the age of 15, while you were still recovering from the trauma of losing your home-town, your family and healing from a wound that not even a cure Materia could heal to protect you." Yuffie waved her hand at Tifa's offended expression. "Back to the actual conversation. Marle was the one who took care of you?"
"Yes," replied Tifa, feeling put out.
"She seems like a cool lady." Yuffie nodded, watching Marle's lecture Cid about something.
Must be embarrassing by Cid's chagrined expression and hunched shoulders.
Shera seemed to be torn between wanting to intervene and wanting to hide.
Poor Cid. Tifa could only imagine what Marle was tearing into him for.
The woman did like her lessons.
"She is," Tifa agreed.
"Not to the guys she wasn't," Barret spoke up from where he was sitting next to Yuffie, keeping one eye on Marlene and Denzel as they played darts with Cloud at the other side of the bar, Nanaki watching them too.
The other eye was locked on Cid, watching as the pilot's cheeks turn red.
"What guys?" Yuffie asked. Tifa frowned, also curious to what Barret was talking about.
"Oh, Marle used to beat the guys back with her broom whenever they ventured too close to Tifa," Barret smirked at Tifa's shocked expression.
"She did not!" Tifa denied. Barret arched an eyebrow.
"Tifa, the apartment next to you would be empty for months. The only time she rented it out was to a woman."
"She let Cloud stay there," Tifa corrected.
"And how long did you have to beg for her to let him stay?"
Too long, Tifa thought internally as she remembered Marle rebuffing her efforts to let Cloud rent the place next to her.
"With the number of people looking for a place to stay, you didn't find it weird that the spot next to yours was always empty?" The knowing look in Barret's eyes made her puff out her cheeks and look away.
No, she had not noticed. Too busy throwing herself into work and quests so she did not have to think about the things she did not want to remember.
And to be honest, she was glad she did not have to deal with a neighbor, few and far in between as they were.
It meant she did not need to worry about her waking them up with her nightmares.
"She sounds awesome!" Yuffie's voice cut into her thoughts, making Tifa roll her eyes in amusement. "With a broom?" she asked Barret, who nodded.
"Anyone who ventured too close to Tifa's door, whack!" Barret mimed the broom coming down hard, making Yuffie laugh and Tifa look at him skeptically.
"I'm being serious," Barret promised and Tifa's jaw dropped.
"She did not!" Tifa protested.
"She did. I had to listen to them complain about how hard she could hit."
"Yuffie laughed harder, nearly teetering off the stool, making Barret place his hand on her back, preventing her from falling.
Tifa was bewildered. This was completely new to her.
Of course, Marle had protested over renting the spot next to her to Cloud but that was not because she was being protective of Tifa. She was merely looking after her apartments.
There had been cases where the renter would go a little crazy and end up wrecking the place so Marle would have to toss them out on their ear.
But surely Marle hadn't been that protective of her?
"Everything okay?" She heard Cloud's voice in her ear, a soft warm hand slid over the small of her back and around her waist, hugging her close to him.
"Just discussing how awesome Marle is," Yuffie managed to calm her laughter as she leaned forward, her hands on the counter. "Did Marle ever hit you with a broom when you got close to Tifa's room?"
"No," Cloud smirked, "Tifa would be the one to come to my room."
Yuffie cackled. Barret arched an eyebrow at Tifa, who merely sighed and rolled her eyes.
Cloud was possessive, they all knew that.
Marle's voice cut into the din as they saw her make her way toward the bar, obviously finished chewing out Cid, who was grumbling under his breath from what Tifa could see over Marle's shoulder.
"And you two!" She brought up her finger, making Cloud stiffen and Tifa's eyes widened. "What is your hold up?!"
"Excuse me?" Tifa asked, confused.
"You heard me, girl, I know you're not deaf." Marle glared at her. Yuffie let out a snicker. "What is your excuse on you two waiting?"
"Waiting?" Cloud asked, bewildered.
"At least you got the guts to ask Tifa to marry you." Marle wagged a finger in Cloud's face. "So, what's the hold up on my grandbabies?!"
"Marle!" Tifa exclaimed, her jaw-dropping in shock.
Cloud just stuttered before mumbling out an 'I'm trying my best' under his breath, getting a pinch from Tifa.
Thankfully Marle did not seem to hear him.
"You're both so young and so pretty. Such beautiful babies to be made and you're slacking on the job?"!
Her hands went to her hips as she glared at Cloud…or at least glare at the wall behind him as her gaze grew unfocused.
"Marle, sit down." Tifa rounded the bar to take Marle's elbow and guided her over to the chair and helped her to sit down.
"Is it too much to ask for?" Marle hiccupped, "For pretty grandbabies?"
Tifa – for once – was at loss for words while their family snickered around them and Cloud just dropped his face into his hands.
It was going to be a long night.
A night Marle didn't remember due to how much she had consumed, much to Cloud's amusement as he had used it to tease Marle for days afterward, telling Marle that he hadn't known she had held him in such high esteem and worthy enough to impregnate Tifa.
Resulting in an indignant Tifa showing him just how worthy he was to impregnate her.
"Marlene and Denzel did have questions for us after that night. I thought Barret was going to have a heart attack."
"That's not funny."
"It was, once I got over the shock of you demanding that I should be having babies," Tifa laughed out. "I never knew how much you felt about it."
"Neither did I," she admitted and Tifa smiled.
"Well, we have a new addition to the family," Tifa looked back down at the child, fussing and she soothed the baby, bringing the small fist to her lips.
The door opening revealed Cloud looking even more tired and irritable. Tifa bit the inside of her cheek as she tried not to smile. The hospital was not Cloud's favorite places and the nurses bossing him around made him hate it even more.
Marle stood up and pulled Cloud into an embrace, holding him close.
Tifa smiled at the panicked look on Cloud's face and rolled her eyes at the 'help me' look he gave her, rocking their child instead.
After a moment, Cloud wrapped his arms around Marle, hugging her back and Tifa felt her heart melt at the scene before Marle pulled away to look at Cloud.
"I take it all back," Marle told him. Cloud looked at her curiously. "You do have skills, wits, and charm."
Cloud rolled his eyes as Tifa laughed.
"Thank you," Marle told him. "For looking after Tifa when I couldn't. And for giving me a grandbaby."
"You know, we didn't have a baby just to give you a grandbaby, right?" Cloud asked, getting a glare from Marle.
"You're just lucky I like you," Marle muttered. Cloud shrugged. "Plus, you scare off the admirers better than I can."
Cloud got a pleased smile on his face while Tifa rolled her eyes.
Marle let Cloud go, watching as Cloud rounded the bed and gently sat down next to Tifa, who shifted so she was now in his arms.
"Marle," Tifa drew her attention, "Would you like to hold your grandbaby?"
A smile lit up Marle's face before she moved forward. Tifa sat up further, mindful of her body, and carefully transferred the child into Marle's arms.
"Hello sweetheart," Marle breathed, "And what is your name little one?"
"Amelia," Cloud told her, "Amelia Lockhart-Strife." He kissed Tifa's forehead as she leaned into him.
"Welcome to the family little Amelia," Marle whispered and Tifa felt tears prick her eyes.
Welcome to the family indeed.
The End.
I wanted to thank you all for the reviews you have left me. They encouraged me, and I am so glad that you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
And I want to thank Krispy for asking me to write a story regarding Tifa and Marle.
This might not have been what he was thinking when he asked of it but it did help me to expand on my ideas when it came to Tifa and allowed me to have fun when it comes to writing about Tifa (my fave girl).
Thank you all again and I hope to see you again when I post a new story (whenever that might be…)
And yes, I did not add in Cait Sith. Those who know me understand why.