================================================================
Hi, welcome to Cheesy Charlie's. Heil Hitler!
-- The Family Guy
================================================================
Cloud Strife pushed his bike silently up the driveway, his boots crunched the gravel as
the heavy vehicle rolled into the garage. He wanted to park it outside but besides having
to endure a wet seat, there were other dangers too. This was no simple makou vehicle he
was driving.
Internal combustion was not his preference, but he resigned himself to it. He didn't want
anymore to do with killing Planet, not anymore.
Not after Crater.
And sure as hell not after Mideel.
He sighed and put down the kickstand. The young man stood back up and stretched, he
reached inside his pocket with a free hand and sighed again at the warm touch of the fuzzy
boxes.
Well, I hope they like it, he thought ruefully. That was the last shop I could find at this
hour.
Damn it, he stifled a yawn. What a day.
He groaned lightly as he remembered the promise he made earlier.
And I owe Yoko one tomorrow.
The young man brought a 500 Gil note from his billfold and scribbled lightly on it before
slipping it onto one of the bike's dials. Cloud yawned again as he thought about his day.
His key barely hit the lock when it flew open in a rush.
"EEK!"
"Hey," Cloud gave Aeris a quick peck on the cheek.
The small woman had her long hair bundled up into a tight bun, and her arms were full of
laundry.
"Oh Cloud," she put a hand on her chest, "I didn't hear you come in."
"Yeah, I shut the thing off before I came in," he gave her a grin and washed his hands, "I
know its stench ain't on the top of anyone's lists. Mine included."
"Um hmm," Aeris gathered herself from her husband's surprise entrance, "How's your
new partner?"
"Yoko?" Cloud frowned, "She's okay."
"I'm glad to hear it," the slender woman smiled back, "She'll make Breya proud."
"Yeah," he began to empty the dryer.
Aeris saw him sag slightly and bit her lip, "Sorry love. I didn't--"
"It's okay."
She swayed slightly as he sought to change the subject.
"Wouldn't you know? Yoko's her cousin."
"Breya's?"
"Nah, Yuffie's."
"Oh."
Cloud cursed under his breath as he remembered how Elmyra died trying to save the
little materia thief.
"Damn. Guess I should be the one sorry this time, huh?"
"Don't," Aeris patted his cheek, "You three are my family now. And don't you swear."
"Yes dear," he droned.
She hid a smile as Cloud reached into the washer.
"Well, how was your day?" he asked as and he moved the wet clothes from one machine
to the other.
"Horrendous," came her reply.
The healer weeded through the batch of dirty laundry, emptying pockets of napkins and
other knick-knacks before dumping the clothes into the washer.
"That new guy not working out?" Cloud chuckled.
"It's a she," Aeris playfully bumped her hips into his, "Fresh in from Corel I think."
"Oh?" he wrinkled his brow, "You going to keep her then?"
"I'll give her time," Aeris finished her laundry and pulled the lever to start the washer,
"Everyone deserves another chance."
"Yeah," Cloud had to agree. Afterall, Planet gave all of them this chance to be a family.
Marlene. Tifa. Aeris. And me, the young man smiled stupidly when a glorious aroma
reached his nostrils.
"What's Tiff cooking?" his nose twitched.
"Dunno. But she said it's pretty special," the small woman replied as she headed back in,
"Thank you Cloud."
"Yeah," he turned on the dryer, "Don't mention it."
"Hey tiger!" Tifa's sing song greeted him as he stepped in, "You're home early for once!"
"Yup. Nice of you to notice," he sauntered over and took a look at what she was
cooking.
Several pieces of lightly charred meat sat simmering in hot oils in the pan. Fresh greens
peppered the meat's flaky surface, giving off an aromatic flavour.
"Wow," Cloud joked, "Good stuff for once."
Tifa stuck her tongue out as he gave her a soft pat on her butt.
"Now, now," she mimicked her companion, "Behave yourself or no nookie t'night."
"Like that's stopped you two before," he undid his sword and leaned it against the wall.
He headed over to the sink and began to clear the dishes.
"Hey tiger," Tifa's arms encircled his waist, "Did you forget?"
"Nope," he patted her hands, "That's why I left early."
"Won't your new partner tattle on you?" she teased.
"Can't," Cloud scrubbed furiously at a troublesome stain, "Buying -- her -- arrgh -- lunch
-- t'morrow."
"Ohhh. I seeeee," Tifa gave him a playful squeeze, "A bribe."
"Not really," he grinned, "And look on the bright side. I came home early enough to help
you two out."
"It'd be nice if you'd come home early now n'then and give us a hand," Tifa gave him a
hard smack on the ass before turning back to her cooking, "Luckily I don't have so much
work at the worksite anymore, otherwise poor Aeris would be left to face this house
alone."
"Well she's doing okay right?" Cloud suddenly scowled, "She isn't is she?"
"Tiger, tiger, tiger," she berated, "Haven't you noticed how much sleep she gets now?
We go to bed at what? Ten maybe eleven?"
"And? We all sleep at the same time," he made a face, "If what we do in bed can be
called 'sleep'."
"She gets up in the middle of the night dummy."
"Huh?" he looked up, "Wha-whatever for? You two sneaking out on me again?"
"No!" Tifa dimpled her cheeks, "Even if we did, could y'blame us?"
She dipped in and out of her mountain patois as she harried her husband, "D'you know
you tend to hoard the whole damn bed?"
"You never told me about it," the young man looked crossed, "Heck, I thought
everything was fine."
"'Course you do, you big slob," Tifa flipped the steaks over, "Planet could explode and
y'still be snoring away."
"Okay I get the point," Cloud sighed, "So what do you want me to do? Sleep by myself?"
"Tifa! I asked you not to tell!"
They both looked up and saw Aeris standing among them, her arms akimbo. The busty
woman smiled shyly and murmured a soft apology as the young man shook his head.
"How about buying a bigger bed?" he suggested.
"Now there's an idea," Tifa brightened, "How 'bout it?"
"Oh no you don't," Aeris scolded, "Gil's rather tight now. We make do without it for
now, understand?"
"I'll see if I can find something affordable," Cloud attempted to settle the argument, "In
the mean time I'll sleep out here."
"And I won't have it," Aeris shook her head, "I know you need the rest after, well ---"
the three of them passed each other an impish grin, "--- ahem, a *long* day."
"I'll say," Tifa giggled, much to Cloud's chagrin.
"I'll sleep in Marlene's room for a while," Aeris finished.
Cloud was about to protest when Tifa spoke up, "Better settle tiger. She's not taking 'no'
for an answer."
"Fine," he dipped his head in resignation, "Whatever you want."
"Thank you," Aeris grinned as he gave her a hug.
"Hey now, what's this you're hiding?" he reached behind her and brandished a book.
"Oh," the small woman reddened, "It's Marlene's. She wanted to know something about
it but I just couldn't find her an answer."
"Is she having you do her homework again?" Tifa asked as she tiptoed to reach
something in the cupboard. Cloud batted her hand gently away and fetched it for her.
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it."
Tifa sighed, "I thought I was the one who's always spoiling her."
"I'll say," Cloud chided her, "You and your 'beadies'. Y'know she hasn't worn the ones
you bought her last time."
"Give her time," the dark haired woman grinned, "She's waiting for the right occasion."
"Uh huh," the young man rolled his eyes, "Like that dress you had made for Cid and
Shera's nuptials but forgot to wear."
"Now tiger," she began.
"Come to think of it, it's a good thing you didn't wear it," Cloud went on, "You would've
looked better than the bride."
"Well it would have helped," Aeris grinned, "Poor Shera. She was ready to fall over at
the altar, remember?"
Tifa suppressed a smile, "Oh yeah. See? And you had me wear that awful one I had on
for your birthday."
"I liked it," he tried to fish for something nice to say.
"Yeah me too," the healer chewed her lip absently, "Darn it!"
She sat down at the table in a huff, spreading the book wide in front of her.
"I know the answer's here somewhere," her sea green eyes skimmed the book quickly as
the phone rang.
"I got it," Tifa snatched the receiver before Cloud even took a step. He shrugged and
ventured one look at the page at the book Aeris was reading.
"Well, I give up," he winced.
She patted his hand absently, "It's okay, love. I'll get it sooner or later."
"Tiger," Tifa tugged his arm, "It's Reeve."
'I think you're in trouble', she mouthed silently.
Cloud soured immediately, "So much for keeping secrets, Yoko."
Aeris looked up with worry as he picked up the phone.
"Here, lemme try," Tifa wiped her palms across her apron before taking it off, "He'll take
care of it."
"I hope so," Aeris tapped her foot nervously, "You know how hard it's been on Reeve
lately and --- why are you smiling?"
Tifa's infectious grin spread to the healer's face as Cloud hung up the phone.
"Well I'm glad that's over," he sat down and wiped his brow, "This's the last time I can
duck out early. I just got suspended."
Something was wrong. Cloud wasn't disappointed or unhappy. In fact, he was anything
but.
"Cloud? Tifa?" Aeris knitted her brow, "Something you're not telling me?"
Tifa held back a wry grin as Cloud smiled.
"Ilyana's pregnant."
"Wha-what!?" Aeris blinked, "Oh wow. Th-that's great! How long ago?"
"Almost two months."
"Strange, I didn't notice ---"
"Reeve said she took to wearing oversized clothing lately so he didn't notice until just
two days ago," Tifa said softly.
"Why?"
"Something about the Elders coming for her again," Cloud sighed, "You know Ilyana."
"Yeah," Aeris pursed her lips, "So, how did he find out?"
"You mean besides having her throw up every morning?" Tifa grinned, "I guess he
noticed her gaining a little weight in bed."
"Oh," Aeris' eyes widened slightly as she covered her mouth, "Ohhh."
"Yeah y'see?" Tifa clacked her nails on the table top, "The wedding's next week, while
she can still fit in something slim."
"Well! I---I'm speechless," Aeris clapped her hands, "Does he need anything?"
"Two bridesmaids and a best man," Tifa replied promptly.
"He'll ask you for the floral arrangement later tonight. He just ducked out of a meeting to
call us," Cloud added, "And since Cid and Shera aren't coming back until the week after --
-"
Aeris groaned and held her head, "I'll be alone with that horrible new help."
"Well if anything," he stood up and clapped a hand on her, "This will certainly help
business."
"Aaargh," the slender woman beat lightly against her thighs, "Why's it always the last
minute!? Can't people plan ahead anymore!? It's going to be hectic!"
"Well considering I won't be going to work for three days," Cloud kneaded her
shoulders, "Why don't I help out at the store?"
"Hey, why'd he suspend you again?" Tifa elbowed him.
"Leaving early," Cloud smiled lop-sidedly.
"What?" Aeris soured, "That doesn't sound like him."
"Well, he found out from the chief who somehow wormed it out from Yoko. And since
Reeve knows this wedding is on short order, he'd figure you'd need help in the store filling
out the order," Cloud explained, "Don't worry, I'll get half pay anyway."
"Well that's a relief," Aeris relaxed and went back to her reading.
The young man went back to watch over the stove as the two women sat down and
scrutinized the book.
"Well it can't be that," Tifa shook her head.
"Or that either. See?" Aeris pointed.
"How about that?"
"Nope. Oh wait! I got it," the dark haired woman stabbed a spot on the page, "That's it."
Aeris squinted her eyes and grinned.
"Only you Tifa," she gave her a kiss.
Tifa blushed and dared a look at Cloud. He only rolled his eyes and sighed.
"I'll finish here if you want, Tiff. You two go on ahead."
Tifa reddened even more as Aeris giggled and fondled the woman's chest through her
clothes.
"Wait! H-here?!"
"Yeah," Aeris smiled shyly, "Marlene'll hear us if we go into the bedroom."
Tifa's eyes glittered as her companion ran her fingers across her sizable chest. The
slender woman unfastened her bun and shook her locks of light brown hair loose. She bent
forward for another kiss before she whispered softly in Tifa's ear.
"Besides, I think he likes to watch."
The black haired beauty glanced up and saw Cloud quickly snapped his head back to the
stove as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world. Tifa hid a small grin as she
cradled the healer's face gently between her hands.
"You know what?" she murmured as Aeris slid her hands under her shirt, "I think ----
unnngghhh --- you're --- right ---- oohhh."
"Aren't I --- all --- ways?" the petite woman smiled and kissed her deeply. Tifa let a
muffled groan as Aeris parted her lips gently and flicked her tongue in the busty woman's
mouth.
"Hey," Cloud suddenly whistled, "Stop it you two, NOW."
"Humnh?"
"Shit! It's Marlene!"
Aeris quickly stood up as Tifa straightened herself out before the girl lumbered into their
midst, a stuffed mog trailing behind her.
"Aun-tee!!" she yawned, "Haff you finished my homework?"
Aeris's ears instantly turned pink as the other woman shot her a disapproving glance.
"Ah-hah!" Tifa folded her arms, "Just as I thought!"
"I was going to show her afterwards --- honest!"
"Okay enough," Cloud shook his head, "Marlene, you know Auntie Aeris or any one of
us will gladly help you but you do your own work, understand?"
"Yessum," Marlene looked dejectedly at the ground.
"Are you finished with your other work?" he gave her an even stare.
The girl shook her head as she scuffed the faded carpet.
"Go back to your room and get some more done before dinner," he said sternly.
"Now Cloud," Aeris looked at him with disapproval as she hugged the girl, "Don't be too
hard on her now."
"Yeah tiger, soften your voice a little," Tifa elbowed him in the side, "You know how
touchy she is."
"Right," Cloud rubbed his neck, "Sorry. You okay, Marlene?"
The tiny girl nodded as she began to totter out to the garden.
"What the--?" he soured, "Dammit! Where're you going?"
"I'll get her," Aeris gave him a dark frown before following Marlene outside.
"Ti-gerrr," Tifa jabbed him lightly again, "Didn't I just tell you--?"
"I was gentle," the young man interjected with a soft growl, "And no wonder she's doing
so well in school. You were doing the work for her."
"Not always," Tifa reached up and massaged his shoulders, "Besides, you know Marlene.
She needs to be loved, not yelled at."
"I wasn't yelling," Cloud made a face, "C'mon Tiff. I expected some discipline from you,
if not Aeris. Do I have to be the bad guy?"
"Looks that way," she laughed as he rolled his eyes.
"Tifa, I'm serious."
"C'mon tiger," she sighed, "Live a little."
"And when she grows up?" he growled, "What then?"
"Oh, don't be such a hard ass," she finally snapped, "Now go out and say you're sorry."
"What?" he turned around to protest but Tifa wouldn't hear of it as she grabbed him by
one ear.
"OW!" he winced as she half led, half dragged him out the kitchen.
"Now go and give her a big hug, you big dope."
"Tif--aayyggh!" Cloud grimaced as she gave his ear a final twist and pushed him outside
before locking the door.
'Go,' she mouthed past the window before she turned and headed back to her cooking.
Cloud rubbed his ear and headed around the corner of the house. He found Aeris with
Marlene on the porch swing which Tifa had "acquired" from an abandoned site several
months ago.
"Hey," the small woman greeted him and edged a little closer to Marlene.
"Hey yourself," he stood watch over them. The small girl clutched her ragged mog
tightly as he gave her a disarming grin.
"Hiya kiddo," he rubbed her hair gently. Marlene glanced at him briefly then went back
to her world. Aeris arched a brow then chided her gently.
"Where's your manners, hun? Say 'hello' now."
"Huwwo," the little girl mumbled timidly. She huddled even closer to the healer despite
his best efforts.
Good Planet, he wondered. Is she afraid of me now?
"Promise me you won't raise your voice again," Aeris said suddenly.
The young man looked down and saw her looking at him with concern in her sea-green
eyes. When he didn't answer immediately, she became indignant.
"Cloud."
"Okay," he put a reassuring hand on her, "I won't do it again."
"Better," Aeris murmured and turned her attentions back to their ward.
They said nothing more until Tifa came out and called them in for supper.
================================================================
**NOTE** This was intended as the transition-piece for the
Zelda/Castlevania/FF7 x-over, but was left on the
side after a few months into the project. With part
four of Zelda being worked on and future parts being
planned out in my tiny, pea-sized brain on the low
bank of 640 kB (conventional memory, it used to be
called), I figure I make this piece semi-autonomous.
Contact: Maximillian Zhang grey228@hotmail.com
================================================================
Hi, welcome to Cheesy Charlie's. Heil Hitler!
-- The Family Guy
================================================================
Cloud Strife pushed his bike silently up the driveway, his boots crunched the gravel as
the heavy vehicle rolled into the garage. He wanted to park it outside but besides having
to endure a wet seat, there were other dangers too. This was no simple makou vehicle he
was driving.
Internal combustion was not his preference, but he resigned himself to it. He didn't want
anymore to do with killing Planet, not anymore.
Not after Crater.
And sure as hell not after Mideel.
He sighed and put down the kickstand. The young man stood back up and stretched, he
reached inside his pocket with a free hand and sighed again at the warm touch of the fuzzy
boxes.
Well, I hope they like it, he thought ruefully. That was the last shop I could find at this
hour.
Damn it, he stifled a yawn. What a day.
He groaned lightly as he remembered the promise he made earlier.
And I owe Yoko one tomorrow.
The young man brought a 500 Gil note from his billfold and scribbled lightly on it before
slipping it onto one of the bike's dials. Cloud yawned again as he thought about his day.
His key barely hit the lock when it flew open in a rush.
"EEK!"
"Hey," Cloud gave Aeris a quick peck on the cheek.
The small woman had her long hair bundled up into a tight bun, and her arms were full of
laundry.
"Oh Cloud," she put a hand on her chest, "I didn't hear you come in."
"Yeah, I shut the thing off before I came in," he gave her a grin and washed his hands, "I
know its stench ain't on the top of anyone's lists. Mine included."
"Um hmm," Aeris gathered herself from her husband's surprise entrance, "How's your
new partner?"
"Yoko?" Cloud frowned, "She's okay."
"I'm glad to hear it," the slender woman smiled back, "She'll make Breya proud."
"Yeah," he began to empty the dryer.
Aeris saw him sag slightly and bit her lip, "Sorry love. I didn't--"
"It's okay."
She swayed slightly as he sought to change the subject.
"Wouldn't you know? Yoko's her cousin."
"Breya's?"
"Nah, Yuffie's."
"Oh."
Cloud cursed under his breath as he remembered how Elmyra died trying to save the
little materia thief.
"Damn. Guess I should be the one sorry this time, huh?"
"Don't," Aeris patted his cheek, "You three are my family now. And don't you swear."
"Yes dear," he droned.
She hid a smile as Cloud reached into the washer.
"Well, how was your day?" he asked as and he moved the wet clothes from one machine
to the other.
"Horrendous," came her reply.
The healer weeded through the batch of dirty laundry, emptying pockets of napkins and
other knick-knacks before dumping the clothes into the washer.
"That new guy not working out?" Cloud chuckled.
"It's a she," Aeris playfully bumped her hips into his, "Fresh in from Corel I think."
"Oh?" he wrinkled his brow, "You going to keep her then?"
"I'll give her time," Aeris finished her laundry and pulled the lever to start the washer,
"Everyone deserves another chance."
"Yeah," Cloud had to agree. Afterall, Planet gave all of them this chance to be a family.
Marlene. Tifa. Aeris. And me, the young man smiled stupidly when a glorious aroma
reached his nostrils.
"What's Tiff cooking?" his nose twitched.
"Dunno. But she said it's pretty special," the small woman replied as she headed back in,
"Thank you Cloud."
"Yeah," he turned on the dryer, "Don't mention it."
"Hey tiger!" Tifa's sing song greeted him as he stepped in, "You're home early for once!"
"Yup. Nice of you to notice," he sauntered over and took a look at what she was
cooking.
Several pieces of lightly charred meat sat simmering in hot oils in the pan. Fresh greens
peppered the meat's flaky surface, giving off an aromatic flavour.
"Wow," Cloud joked, "Good stuff for once."
Tifa stuck her tongue out as he gave her a soft pat on her butt.
"Now, now," she mimicked her companion, "Behave yourself or no nookie t'night."
"Like that's stopped you two before," he undid his sword and leaned it against the wall.
He headed over to the sink and began to clear the dishes.
"Hey tiger," Tifa's arms encircled his waist, "Did you forget?"
"Nope," he patted her hands, "That's why I left early."
"Won't your new partner tattle on you?" she teased.
"Can't," Cloud scrubbed furiously at a troublesome stain, "Buying -- her -- arrgh -- lunch
-- t'morrow."
"Ohhh. I seeeee," Tifa gave him a playful squeeze, "A bribe."
"Not really," he grinned, "And look on the bright side. I came home early enough to help
you two out."
"It'd be nice if you'd come home early now n'then and give us a hand," Tifa gave him a
hard smack on the ass before turning back to her cooking, "Luckily I don't have so much
work at the worksite anymore, otherwise poor Aeris would be left to face this house
alone."
"Well she's doing okay right?" Cloud suddenly scowled, "She isn't is she?"
"Tiger, tiger, tiger," she berated, "Haven't you noticed how much sleep she gets now?
We go to bed at what? Ten maybe eleven?"
"And? We all sleep at the same time," he made a face, "If what we do in bed can be
called 'sleep'."
"She gets up in the middle of the night dummy."
"Huh?" he looked up, "Wha-whatever for? You two sneaking out on me again?"
"No!" Tifa dimpled her cheeks, "Even if we did, could y'blame us?"
She dipped in and out of her mountain patois as she harried her husband, "D'you know
you tend to hoard the whole damn bed?"
"You never told me about it," the young man looked crossed, "Heck, I thought
everything was fine."
"'Course you do, you big slob," Tifa flipped the steaks over, "Planet could explode and
y'still be snoring away."
"Okay I get the point," Cloud sighed, "So what do you want me to do? Sleep by myself?"
"Tifa! I asked you not to tell!"
They both looked up and saw Aeris standing among them, her arms akimbo. The busty
woman smiled shyly and murmured a soft apology as the young man shook his head.
"How about buying a bigger bed?" he suggested.
"Now there's an idea," Tifa brightened, "How 'bout it?"
"Oh no you don't," Aeris scolded, "Gil's rather tight now. We make do without it for
now, understand?"
"I'll see if I can find something affordable," Cloud attempted to settle the argument, "In
the mean time I'll sleep out here."
"And I won't have it," Aeris shook her head, "I know you need the rest after, well ---"
the three of them passed each other an impish grin, "--- ahem, a *long* day."
"I'll say," Tifa giggled, much to Cloud's chagrin.
"I'll sleep in Marlene's room for a while," Aeris finished.
Cloud was about to protest when Tifa spoke up, "Better settle tiger. She's not taking 'no'
for an answer."
"Fine," he dipped his head in resignation, "Whatever you want."
"Thank you," Aeris grinned as he gave her a hug.
"Hey now, what's this you're hiding?" he reached behind her and brandished a book.
"Oh," the small woman reddened, "It's Marlene's. She wanted to know something about
it but I just couldn't find her an answer."
"Is she having you do her homework again?" Tifa asked as she tiptoed to reach
something in the cupboard. Cloud batted her hand gently away and fetched it for her.
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it."
Tifa sighed, "I thought I was the one who's always spoiling her."
"I'll say," Cloud chided her, "You and your 'beadies'. Y'know she hasn't worn the ones
you bought her last time."
"Give her time," the dark haired woman grinned, "She's waiting for the right occasion."
"Uh huh," the young man rolled his eyes, "Like that dress you had made for Cid and
Shera's nuptials but forgot to wear."
"Now tiger," she began.
"Come to think of it, it's a good thing you didn't wear it," Cloud went on, "You would've
looked better than the bride."
"Well it would have helped," Aeris grinned, "Poor Shera. She was ready to fall over at
the altar, remember?"
Tifa suppressed a smile, "Oh yeah. See? And you had me wear that awful one I had on
for your birthday."
"I liked it," he tried to fish for something nice to say.
"Yeah me too," the healer chewed her lip absently, "Darn it!"
She sat down at the table in a huff, spreading the book wide in front of her.
"I know the answer's here somewhere," her sea green eyes skimmed the book quickly as
the phone rang.
"I got it," Tifa snatched the receiver before Cloud even took a step. He shrugged and
ventured one look at the page at the book Aeris was reading.
"Well, I give up," he winced.
She patted his hand absently, "It's okay, love. I'll get it sooner or later."
"Tiger," Tifa tugged his arm, "It's Reeve."
'I think you're in trouble', she mouthed silently.
Cloud soured immediately, "So much for keeping secrets, Yoko."
Aeris looked up with worry as he picked up the phone.
"Here, lemme try," Tifa wiped her palms across her apron before taking it off, "He'll take
care of it."
"I hope so," Aeris tapped her foot nervously, "You know how hard it's been on Reeve
lately and --- why are you smiling?"
Tifa's infectious grin spread to the healer's face as Cloud hung up the phone.
"Well I'm glad that's over," he sat down and wiped his brow, "This's the last time I can
duck out early. I just got suspended."
Something was wrong. Cloud wasn't disappointed or unhappy. In fact, he was anything
but.
"Cloud? Tifa?" Aeris knitted her brow, "Something you're not telling me?"
Tifa held back a wry grin as Cloud smiled.
"Ilyana's pregnant."
"Wha-what!?" Aeris blinked, "Oh wow. Th-that's great! How long ago?"
"Almost two months."
"Strange, I didn't notice ---"
"Reeve said she took to wearing oversized clothing lately so he didn't notice until just
two days ago," Tifa said softly.
"Why?"
"Something about the Elders coming for her again," Cloud sighed, "You know Ilyana."
"Yeah," Aeris pursed her lips, "So, how did he find out?"
"You mean besides having her throw up every morning?" Tifa grinned, "I guess he
noticed her gaining a little weight in bed."
"Oh," Aeris' eyes widened slightly as she covered her mouth, "Ohhh."
"Yeah y'see?" Tifa clacked her nails on the table top, "The wedding's next week, while
she can still fit in something slim."
"Well! I---I'm speechless," Aeris clapped her hands, "Does he need anything?"
"Two bridesmaids and a best man," Tifa replied promptly.
"He'll ask you for the floral arrangement later tonight. He just ducked out of a meeting to
call us," Cloud added, "And since Cid and Shera aren't coming back until the week after --
-"
Aeris groaned and held her head, "I'll be alone with that horrible new help."
"Well if anything," he stood up and clapped a hand on her, "This will certainly help
business."
"Aaargh," the slender woman beat lightly against her thighs, "Why's it always the last
minute!? Can't people plan ahead anymore!? It's going to be hectic!"
"Well considering I won't be going to work for three days," Cloud kneaded her
shoulders, "Why don't I help out at the store?"
"Hey, why'd he suspend you again?" Tifa elbowed him.
"Leaving early," Cloud smiled lop-sidedly.
"What?" Aeris soured, "That doesn't sound like him."
"Well, he found out from the chief who somehow wormed it out from Yoko. And since
Reeve knows this wedding is on short order, he'd figure you'd need help in the store filling
out the order," Cloud explained, "Don't worry, I'll get half pay anyway."
"Well that's a relief," Aeris relaxed and went back to her reading.
The young man went back to watch over the stove as the two women sat down and
scrutinized the book.
"Well it can't be that," Tifa shook her head.
"Or that either. See?" Aeris pointed.
"How about that?"
"Nope. Oh wait! I got it," the dark haired woman stabbed a spot on the page, "That's it."
Aeris squinted her eyes and grinned.
"Only you Tifa," she gave her a kiss.
Tifa blushed and dared a look at Cloud. He only rolled his eyes and sighed.
"I'll finish here if you want, Tiff. You two go on ahead."
Tifa reddened even more as Aeris giggled and fondled the woman's chest through her
clothes.
"Wait! H-here?!"
"Yeah," Aeris smiled shyly, "Marlene'll hear us if we go into the bedroom."
Tifa's eyes glittered as her companion ran her fingers across her sizable chest. The
slender woman unfastened her bun and shook her locks of light brown hair loose. She bent
forward for another kiss before she whispered softly in Tifa's ear.
"Besides, I think he likes to watch."
The black haired beauty glanced up and saw Cloud quickly snapped his head back to the
stove as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world. Tifa hid a small grin as she
cradled the healer's face gently between her hands.
"You know what?" she murmured as Aeris slid her hands under her shirt, "I think ----
unnngghhh --- you're --- right ---- oohhh."
"Aren't I --- all --- ways?" the petite woman smiled and kissed her deeply. Tifa let a
muffled groan as Aeris parted her lips gently and flicked her tongue in the busty woman's
mouth.
"Hey," Cloud suddenly whistled, "Stop it you two, NOW."
"Humnh?"
"Shit! It's Marlene!"
Aeris quickly stood up as Tifa straightened herself out before the girl lumbered into their
midst, a stuffed mog trailing behind her.
"Aun-tee!!" she yawned, "Haff you finished my homework?"
Aeris's ears instantly turned pink as the other woman shot her a disapproving glance.
"Ah-hah!" Tifa folded her arms, "Just as I thought!"
"I was going to show her afterwards --- honest!"
"Okay enough," Cloud shook his head, "Marlene, you know Auntie Aeris or any one of
us will gladly help you but you do your own work, understand?"
"Yessum," Marlene looked dejectedly at the ground.
"Are you finished with your other work?" he gave her an even stare.
The girl shook her head as she scuffed the faded carpet.
"Go back to your room and get some more done before dinner," he said sternly.
"Now Cloud," Aeris looked at him with disapproval as she hugged the girl, "Don't be too
hard on her now."
"Yeah tiger, soften your voice a little," Tifa elbowed him in the side, "You know how
touchy she is."
"Right," Cloud rubbed his neck, "Sorry. You okay, Marlene?"
The tiny girl nodded as she began to totter out to the garden.
"What the--?" he soured, "Dammit! Where're you going?"
"I'll get her," Aeris gave him a dark frown before following Marlene outside.
"Ti-gerrr," Tifa jabbed him lightly again, "Didn't I just tell you--?"
"I was gentle," the young man interjected with a soft growl, "And no wonder she's doing
so well in school. You were doing the work for her."
"Not always," Tifa reached up and massaged his shoulders, "Besides, you know Marlene.
She needs to be loved, not yelled at."
"I wasn't yelling," Cloud made a face, "C'mon Tiff. I expected some discipline from you,
if not Aeris. Do I have to be the bad guy?"
"Looks that way," she laughed as he rolled his eyes.
"Tifa, I'm serious."
"C'mon tiger," she sighed, "Live a little."
"And when she grows up?" he growled, "What then?"
"Oh, don't be such a hard ass," she finally snapped, "Now go out and say you're sorry."
"What?" he turned around to protest but Tifa wouldn't hear of it as she grabbed him by
one ear.
"OW!" he winced as she half led, half dragged him out the kitchen.
"Now go and give her a big hug, you big dope."
"Tif--aayyggh!" Cloud grimaced as she gave his ear a final twist and pushed him outside
before locking the door.
'Go,' she mouthed past the window before she turned and headed back to her cooking.
Cloud rubbed his ear and headed around the corner of the house. He found Aeris with
Marlene on the porch swing which Tifa had "acquired" from an abandoned site several
months ago.
"Hey," the small woman greeted him and edged a little closer to Marlene.
"Hey yourself," he stood watch over them. The small girl clutched her ragged mog
tightly as he gave her a disarming grin.
"Hiya kiddo," he rubbed her hair gently. Marlene glanced at him briefly then went back
to her world. Aeris arched a brow then chided her gently.
"Where's your manners, hun? Say 'hello' now."
"Huwwo," the little girl mumbled timidly. She huddled even closer to the healer despite
his best efforts.
Good Planet, he wondered. Is she afraid of me now?
"Promise me you won't raise your voice again," Aeris said suddenly.
The young man looked down and saw her looking at him with concern in her sea-green
eyes. When he didn't answer immediately, she became indignant.
"Cloud."
"Okay," he put a reassuring hand on her, "I won't do it again."
"Better," Aeris murmured and turned her attentions back to their ward.
They said nothing more until Tifa came out and called them in for supper.
================================================================
**NOTE** This was intended as the transition-piece for the
Zelda/Castlevania/FF7 x-over, but was left on the
side after a few months into the project. With part
four of Zelda being worked on and future parts being
planned out in my tiny, pea-sized brain on the low
bank of 640 kB (conventional memory, it used to be
called), I figure I make this piece semi-autonomous.
Contact: Maximillian Zhang grey228@hotmail.com
================================================================