Chapter 1: Reminiscing – Cloud
It's early in the morning; it will be a long delivery day, but that's fine.
I left Seventh Heaven while Tifa was starting to settle everything up for her usual daily routine.
I tend to wake up after her in order to have the time to take a shower and get ready without interfering with her agenda.
"Have a nice day Cloud".
"You too, Thanks Tifa!".
My hand slips onto hers, this leads to an inevitable and strong eye contact, her crimson eyes gaze through me like they usually do.
"Will you come back home late today?" Tifa breaks the silence; by her tone I can see that she is visibly concerned.
"Yeah, probably; today is a pretty busy delivery day" I say in a very disillusioned way, making me suddenly more sulky.
She can clearly sense my drastic change. After all these years she can read every single one of my actions without actually needing words.
Her left hand goes to my back in a very gentle way; I let my right hand go over her back hugging her.
She steps back a little just to eye me in her usual yet loving way.
"So, will we wait you for dinner?" A smile grows on her face.
"Yeah, I think I should make it in time" I can't help but smile back at her.
This particular delivery day will be pretty long. I have to deliver some packages to a supplier located in a small village near Rocket Town; this implies that I will need to travel to Junon. Once there I'll take a cargo ship headed to Costa del Sol. Once there I will resume my travel via motorcycle.
On the way to Junon I can't help but to remember a lot of events that happened during these years after Meteorfall.
The geostigma outbreak really changed my perspective on everything.
I made some questionable choices, and I'm really thankful to Tifa; she really puts a lot of effort into everything, as a bartender at 7th Heaven, but also, especially as a motherly figure towards Marlene and Denzel.
In retrospect, I am also really thankful for the kids; thanks to their support and their genuine interest towards us, Tifa and I really put a lot of effort in order to overcome a lot of communication issues that were pretty much left unsolved.
This aspect was really crucial, but being open to confrontation was the first step towards finding a solution.
During these 2 years the bond between Tifa and Denzel has really strengthened; now he really opened himself to her, and I'm really glad considering the fact that, during the first period after his adoption, he was really reluctant to the idea of talking about personal subjects to her. That was comprehensible, considering what he went through before joining our family.
I can clearly remember the very short sentences the he used to describe his life after the collapse of Sector 7; I also remember him slowly opening up to me. Due to the Geostigma infection, he was really frail, and his health was in a precarious state.
Back then, the thought of a family wasn't really that usual for me; I wasn't in a good place at all.
I felt like I couldn't be happy, especially after everything that happened just before.
It was a vicious circle. More like a spiral; a downward spiral caused by the sense of guilt about Aerith's death, about Zack's death, and about the damages that we had done as Avalanche.
I can still clearly remember Tifa breaking up in a heartbroken cry at the Forgotten Capital right after Meteorfall; her sense of guilt eventually overcoming her.
She has always been a strong person, but after Meteorfall she was struggling with a heavy sense of guilt and insecurity.
At the time Barrett and I sensed her emotive turmoil; after helping us rebuild Seventh Heaven, before departing, he entrusted us Marlene, knowing that probably, this could have had some positive consequences for us and our relationship, and as well for Marlene; in retrospect, I'm glad he did it.
Sometimes we can still feel the reminiscence of the past guilt, but time has a very unique way to heal those wounds.
Everything just seemed to get worse after I contracted Geostima.
I was really afraid.
Afraid of the idea of letting Tifa and the kids know that I was dying; I couldn't cope up with the grief that I could have given to them.
But now I am really satisfied about what we have built together, but I also have to thank Tifa for keeping everything up during my darkest times.
At this point I'm really accustomed to the idea of a family that it doesn't sound out of place anymore; it just gave us a type of stability that we couldn't even imagine in the first place.
After the long distance travel and having delivered the packages to the supplier, I notice the fact that the Fenrir's fuel tank is starting to get pretty empty.
The only way to obtain some fuel is to stop by Rocket Town.
4 years ago, this small town was the center of the researches made in order to find a sustainable energy source different from Mako.
We still have a huge debt to pay to the planet; Holy helped by purifying (apparently) Gaia from Jenova, so we couldn't keep up the unhealthy rhythms of Mako extractions that, during the past years, became an infamous Shinra trademark.
In order to preserve the planet's wellbeing, Cid, Shera and even Barrett (as he once told us after one of his usual visits at 7th Heaven) with their research team opted for oil, even though, during the first times, it felt like a strong regression compared to Mako; but ultimately, it was the best choice for everyone.
After entering into Rocket Town I start to look around for a gas station.
Nowadays people are starting to get accustomed to the idea of a gas station, which can provide fuel to anyone that needs it; after the initial hesitation, especially about the potentials of this new resource, people really started to get this idea.
I eventually start to wander around a bit into the small but active town.
After a few minutes I notice the gas station, and I head towards it.
After parking Fenrir and turning off the engine, I pull away my driving goggles, and I approach the place owner, to which I buy a fuel tank.
On my way to Fenrir a voice caught my attention; I flinch at first, but then realizing who that voice belongs to I can't help but to relax.
"Hey, you likely Strife, I'd never thought I would have seen you here!"
That gruff voice belongs only to a person, and that person is no one except Cid Highwind.
I turn to see him, he is grinning as usual; that typical mocking grin that really defines him.
"Here for business?"
"Not really". I declare, showing the fuel tank in my right hand.
"Well, I was here for the same reason".
"Anyway, how's Tifa doin'? Is she at home dealin' with your two little runts?"
I can't help but snicker at his question.
"Hope you're treating her well; c'mon by now you're pretty much a married couple".
"I hope I'm doing well" I shrug, eventually unable to contain a smile.
"Well, you're just the usual Cloud".
"I always said that, between the two of you, she was the one wearing the pants" after saying this, he bursts in a very friendly (typical Cid's) laughter.
"How is Shera doing? Is she fine?" I can't help but ask him this question. I know this could probably sound like a usual routine question, but after she contracted Geostigma, four years ago, the situation became pretty tense for her, and I know Cid also became very attentive in her regards.
Even though by now she is completely healed, I can't help but ask about her health; probably because during the past I emphasized with her condition.
"Yeah, ever since she came in contact with the church's water, she eventually got better".
"That goddamn Stigma… That thing really put her to a very hard test. I remember the constant pain that she felt during those nights, it was pretty awful".
The Cid's expression is becoming increasingly more gloomy; I know the subject matter isn't necessarily pleasant, and I can fully understand him.
"But now everything's fine, so that's the best we can hope so far… and the planet's still healing, but that's normal after all". His expression has started to lighten up again.
"Well, anyway, don't be a stranger, if ya need anything, just let me know. See ya 'round". He then proceeds to step towards the gas station, disappearing into it, wavering with a small hand gesture.
After refilling Fenrir's fuel tank, I put my goggles back, deciding to travel back to Seventh Heaven, knowing that it will take me some hours.
Being back in Edge is always a strange experience.
After the Sephiroth's remnants attack and the Deepground incident, everything has become so calm to an uncanny degree, which is a possibility that I would have never taken into account.
The city's architecture has become eerily familial. I've grown accustomed to it over these years as a resident; from here we can still see a glimpse of what once was Shinra; its building still visible from a distance, now serves as a reminder in order to never forget what happened during the recent past.
Thanks to Reeve and WRO, Edge which once was just a small city built to the east of the remains of Midgar in the outskirts of what once were Sectors 3 and 4, now has become a more welcoming place; during these years, a lot of new infrastructures were built, much to the city and the people's wellbeing.
One of the most important investments made by WRO was directed towards the construction of a public school, and even a hospital; after Geostigma, a lot of thought was put into the sanitary aspect of the town; not to mention the fact that the stigma had some serious leftovers. Besides, the school was built for the many kids who live in Edge, a great number of them being orphans, in order to provide for their education; even Marlene and Denzel attend this institute.
Crossing Edge's main road, I notice there are a few people wandering through the city streets; that's perfectly normal considering it's pretty much dinner time.
After a couple hours long travel, I finally arrive at Seventh Heaven.
I park Fenrir in the garage located in the back of our house, and I decide to enter by the front door, noticing that the bar is still open (even though I suppose Tifa is about to close, given the late hour).
Entering the bar, I look around for Tifa, noticing that she is behind the counter, where the sink is located, washing some dishes; there are a few customers left at the tables.
I eventually get closer to it.
"Good evening Tifa, I'm home". I say in my usual quiet way, not hiding a faint smile.
Tifa's face shifts towards me.
I can clearly see her smile growing with each second that passes.
"Welcome back Cloud" her eyes shine brighter.
"I was about to close, so I was cleaning the last dishes while the dinner is in the oven"
"Marlene and Denzel?"
Her right hand reaches towards my left hand, which is leaning over the counter, placing it upon mine.
"They are ending with their homework upstairs, they will be really happy to see you". Her tone is loving as usual.
I can't help but smile brightly at her words.
"That's good. I think I will go upstairs so I can change and I will help you with the dishes".
My clothes are pretty dirty from all the traveling, so I decide to change into a very simple black shirt and jeans, and then I head downstairs.
After a few minutes, while I'm helping with cleaning the dishes, so that Tifa can focus on the dinner, Marlene and Denzel also head downstairs.
"Hey, welcome back Cloud!" Marlene and Denzel practically shouting at the unison.
With a very quick rush they hug me, asking all kinds of questions about my day at work.
"How long did it take?"
"Did you encounter any monster along the way?"
"Which places did you visit today?"
Hugging them back and ruffling their hair, I decide to answer their questions in my typical short answered way; they seem to enjoy the description of the places that I visited, even though I usually tend to describe them with few words in order to explain better their peculiarities.
"Well, Rocket Town is a very small village; it's very active despite not so many people living in it. It also has a very huge rocket, from which the town takes his name".
Meanwhile, I notice that Tifa is closing the bar, and then she is proceeding to clean up the tables.
Marlene and Denzel also join her in the task, making it easier.
I just watch them from behind the counter; there is something about this particular moment that is so comforting… I would even define it heartwarming.
After dinner, despite my intentions about getting a little break from work, especially at night, I decide to arrange some maps for the next delivery days.
Like usual, I decide to work on them in one of Seventh Heaven's tables, in order to stay with Tifa and the kids, and not to disappear into my office.
Denzel and Marlene are sitting beside me, meanwhile Tifa is cleaning the dishes that we used to eat dinner.
They always seem to be very interested in this part of my job; they scrutinize every single aspect of my maps, especially the very minimal painting of the towns that I draw in order to create an essential mental reference for my deliveries.
With her face still concentrated on the map Marlene asks: "Cloud, this place, Nibelheim, is this the small town from which you and Tifa come from?"
"Yeah, that's it". I try to not sound so cold, despite most of the time my intentions don't fit with the actual realization.
"How is it? Was it peaceful?". She decides to inquire a bit more, her curiosity taking over.
"Well… in reality, not so special. It's a small village located between the Nibel Mountains; few people still live there, so it is indeed pretty quiet and peaceful".
I can't mention, for obvious reasons, the fact that Shinra rebuilt the whole town after the infamous incident involving Sephiroth.
"And that's where me and Cloud met each other when we were kids" adds Tifa leaving the back of the counter to get closer to us, the washing cloth still in her hands.
"How was Cloud as a child?" Marlene's curiosity is really starting to overcome her.
"Well, I would tell you that he wasn't so different from now. Yeah, of course he grown up since then, but he is still the quiet kid that I once knew in Nibelheim". She says, unable to contain the huge smile across her face.
Her answer eventually satisfies Marlene's curiosity; she seems really happy about hearing this little detail from Tifa.
I also notice that Denzel is listening really carefully; I can understand him. He usually tends to not ask so much questions about our personal life, so he is very eager to hear every single one of our anecdotes, most of the times about our journey across the planet, or about our life.
"I think it's starting to get late, it's time to go to bed, or you won't get up in time for school". Declares Tifa, always keeping her typical calm and loving nuance to her voice.
After saying this, the kids proceed to go upstairs, in order to get ready to go to bed, leaving us alone.
"I believe you should take a break, you are overworking Cloud".
She isn't wrong at all; usually Tifa is the one who tends to overwork, and if she says so, I should take it into consideration.
"I guess you're right, I'm starting to feel pretty tired".
"I can imagine it, after the long travel that you've made today, you must be really tired".
We then decide to head upstairs.
Once there, Tifa proceeds to tuck in both Marlene and Denzel.
I just stand in the doorway, smiling inwardly at the sight of this moment; by now it has become a routine, but every time I'm amazed by the nurturing side of Tifa's personality; it is definitely one of her natural qualities.
"Good night and sweet dreams".
"Good night Tifa; good night Cloud!" the both exclaimed, giving a very happy smile to the both of us.
"Good night" I say in my usual calm tone; I can't help but notice that I'm smiling like a goof.
We then head to our bedroom.
I decide to wear a casual T-shirt with trousers, while Tifa usually puts on a white tank top and shorts.
It's been a while since we decided to share a bedroom; after all the travels around Gaia and the countless nights spent between tents and various inns, usually sharing rooms, this hasn't felt so out of place.
But when it comes to Tifa, it actually feels very natural.
We both slip under the covers, deciding to not fall asleep right away.
Sometimes we use these moments during bedtime to talk about our day and other personal subjects; it's more kind of an unusual "ritual" to reconnect with each other after long days at work.
"So… how was your day?" Tifa begins.
"It was pretty smooth; It took me some hours and a cargo ship to reach the village; aside from that it wasn't that much of a deal. I didn't even encounter a lot of monsters".
"What about you Tifa?" I'm usually really curios about her stories concerning the regulars at Seventh Heaven; she is very considerate when it comes to her customers, especially the ones that patronize frequently.
"Today was a very active one, which is kind of strange considering it's a weekday. Lots of customers came in just to stay at the bar and drink with their friends, maybe to relax after a tiring day at work."
"I think, that is the part the I love the most: seeing people happy in a home like environment." Her eyes sparkling with joy.
"I can see it from your eyes; you do a lot for them, even if it's just listening to their anecdotes".
"Oh… you think so?"
"Yeah, definitely" I try my best to convey exactly what I feel about her; but, as usual, Tifa understands what I want to communicate, even without words; that's probably one of the qualities that I admire the most about her.
I wrap my right arm around her, almost in a protective way.
She raises her right hand, which for the rest of the time was laid on my chest, up to my collarbone, her grip subtly getting tighter.
Leaning onto each other, finally our lips meet in a slow kiss.
We stayed like this for an indefinite amount of time, which felt like an eternity; when our lips divide, she is visibly blushing, despite the numerous intimacy moments we have had during these years together.
"Cloud…"
"Thank you… for being here; you know that I am grateful about everything that we have; starting from our family, and going to the job at Seventh Heaven, but you know, sometimes I don't know if I'm doing my best, especially when it comes to raising Marlene and Denzel; probably these words will be useless but…".
"No words are useless, you know; if you wanna talk, I'm listening. You don't have to worry, I'll be here if you'll need it".
"You're doing your best, and the results of your actions actually show this, especially considering how things turned out so well despite everything we went through in the past".
"Thank you…". She seems really uplifted, almost like if a weight had been lifted off of her.
Leaning onto each other for a second time, our lips meet again.
After our lips divide another time, I can't do anything but observe Tifa's gaze.
"If there is a person who should thank someone else, that is me; thank you for being so patient with me for all these years". I blurt this out without even overthinking that much about it.
"I couldn't let someone down; especially if that someone is the person that I love, and is also part of my family". She is looking directly into my eyes, a huge smile across her face.
Her words are so soothing and sincere that I instinctively smile back.
We decide to stay folded into each other until sleep overwhelms us.
Tifa is the first one to fall asleep; I can feel her quietly shifting under my grip, she must dreaming.
This is the kind of night in which everything is so calm to a strange degree, no thoughts of the past invading this close and intimate moment.
After a few glances at her sleeping face, I get a little bit closer to Tifa; I then let my head sink into the pillow, sleep eventually taking over me.