Chapter Four – Farewell

Tifa knelt down to be standing face to face with both the kids which she had grown to love unconditionally. They were the two in which she saw as her own children, in which she had watch grow and learn. Pulling them into her arms, she almost crushed them in a warm embrace. Marlene had wrapped herself around both Tifa and Denzel. The three of them tangled their arms around one another, forming a group hug. They had forever been by her side, never once abandoning her even though they weren't her real children. She understood that they had been through rough times together, but eventually they had pulled through for the better. It made her further realize that these two children was everything she had.

Marlene gazed up at Tifa, and saw the sadness in her eyes. She then shifted her gaze to her other guardian who stood a few feet away, appearing a little awkward. Her big innocent eyes met his unreadable ones and he presented one of his rare smiles just for her. Waving her small hand at him, it was a gesture that invited him to join. At first, Cloud seemed hesitant, but then reality hit him. It occurred to him that it was his last chance to see them in a while, so he closed the gap between them.

The little girl was the first to pull away from the warm hug Tifa offered. She grabbed onto Denzel's hand and the both of them ran up to Cloud, hands, legs, torsos flying at the blonde spiky haired man. He didn't see them, but felt their small hands enfolded around his body, getting a hold onto him as if never going to release him to be free. Cloud found himself reacting to their touch. It wasn't astonishing to find him softening towards these sweet children. He pulled Marlene in his arms, as she sat on his waist securely. Using one hand to support her, Cloud, with his free hand sited it onto the boy that was encircling his legs. Denzel gazed up at Cloud, the one he had looked up to, the one who was in his heart a true hero. Cloud ruffled his brown, curly hair in a fatherly way, and Denzel grinned.

Tifa studied the image before her. The children were glued to Cloud, and she smiled. He always seemed to have this effect on children of all ages. For the entire week, Tifa had spent most of her time with the children. She had been opening the bar after six in the evening in order to spend the first half of the day with the kids. They had gone out for uncommon picnics, and talked about everything like they had just seen the world for the first time. In fact, she and the kids got so carried away that they soon started going for long walks to quiet, deserted places to explore.

Most of these deserted places were full of green grassy areas, wondrous hills, and pretty flowers nearby as well as a river flowing. Tifa would spend hours with the children just lying there looking up at the sky. Denzel was always the one to start the laughter. He would roll down the hill, and just before he rolled too far away to be able to reach Marlene, he grabbed onto her hand, pulling her down the hill with him. Marlene who would be scared at first would also tug onto Tifa and the three of them would roll down the grassy hill, screaming with delight.

Now as she gaped at the three all cuddled tightly, she couldn't resist the urge to jump in and join them. Cloud was the only one facing her, whilst the kids were hugging him, their backs unable to turn to her. Her eyes studied the children slowly, as if to memorize every little thing about them. And then finally, with a hint of reluctance, her eyes rested onto his all too familiar gaze.

He was staring back at her with his ocean blue eyes, with a particular emotion held into them. Like normal there was a solemn look in his eyes, but this time it was mixed with something else. A look of pain perhaps? No, it wasn't. It was a solemn gaze mixed with a look of encouragement, as if to show her that she was not alone. Tifa understood, and gradually a smile tugged onto the corner of her lips. At long last, it felt like normal. She sensed that things were how they used to be with Cloud.

Running to them, Tifa flung her body into his waiting arms and encircled them all with her own particular embrace. Marlene and Denzel wrapped an arm around Tifa, invitingly as Tifa buried her face into the nearest shoulder she could find. It was obviously his. She felt so tranquil, and wished so hard that things would remain like this forever. If not, then just a little longer so she could be with the people she loved. The people she came to think of as her family.

The four bodies rested in that position before being interrupted by Barrett's rough tone which brought them out of their wonderland.

"It's gettin' dark," came his gruff voice, as Cloud's head nodded in reply.

After a couple of moments, the four broke a part. Tifa gave Denzel one final embrace. "Be good now alright? Show those kids what you're made of," she encouraged.

Denzel gave a curt nod in answer, already picking up one of Cloud's trademarks.

"Cloud, you will come and visit right?" Marlene asked softly.

Cloud glanced at her, "Two months isn't that long." He replied. It was the most he said for the whole day. "Besides, I'll visit you and Denzel."

"You won't forget us?" Denzel coughed, entering the conversation as Tifa just stood and observed.

"Never."

That comment brought a big warm grin onto the little boys face. After bidding their farewells, Barrett took the kids to the car which he had managed to borrow off Cid. He twisted back to his two good mates.

"Take care of them," Tifa ordered beginning to feel the lump in her throat rising.

Barrett threw her a serious look, "Won't let 'em outta my sight Tiff." He answered.

"Anything happens to them and I'll cut you in two," Cloud commented.

Barrett chuckled. Many people couldn't tell when Cloud was serious or joking, but knowing him for so many years, Barrett could tell the difference. "I'll make sureVincent hears that one." With a wave of his hand, he joined the children in the car and within seconds he drove off.

The children waved all the while, as Cloud and Tifa stood waving back until they disappeared down the road.

Tifa never stopped waving. Even after the car had gone and couldn't be seen, her hand kept moving. Cloud just watched her for a moment, tears filling her eyes, her hand moving helplessly. He caught her hand in his, and studied her face. Tears that filled her eyes were spilling down her porcelain cheeks. Tears always seemed to do the trick, especially coming from her. He pulled her to him, and pushed her head down onto his waiting shoulder, never letting go of her hand.

"They'll be back," Cloud assured her.

She sniffed, "I know. But I miss them already."

A/N: I've been busy typing away (and pray that I still am) in order to get this story finished! I've been racking my brain for missing parts and pieces. So please be patient with me, for I need to read and re-read chapters numerous times! And yet I can still spot some mistakes! Aish! --" Forgive me...Take care guys! And I'll be back with yet another chapter! Promise! Oh, and also review! Thanks :)

Sorry for those Anonymous reviewers who can't review... I honestly don't know how to set it back up for EVERYONE to review! If anyone could help, I'd really appreciate it.