Cloud rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, unable to win the battle against the roaring alarm clock beside him. He roughly slammed a hand on the stopper before the clock woke the whole house up. He rolled over on his other side and found that Tifa was still sleeping peacefully. Her soft rhythmic breathing soothed him and he wanted nothing more than to go back to bed while listening to the cadence. But, he knew that was not possible.

Tossing the covers aside, Cloud quickly walked to his drawers and randomly tossed on a black sweater and a pair of dark blue jeans. He didn't even bother combing his hair because that would mean he had to look into the mirror and he did not want to do that. Deep dark circles were evident under his eyes, making him look like the living dead. His usual Mako eyes were vibrant, filled with energy, but the ones he bore now were simply seeking sleep. He ALMOST felt as drained as taking on Bahamut and Sephiroth but that was an entirely different story.

The blonde literally had to drag himself into the bathroom to get cleaned up. Groaning, his hands felt the walls as they guided him to the sink. It was 4 AM and pitch black outside. Turning on the lights would ignite attention and he did not want that. He found his toothbrush in the dark and clumsily covered the bristles with a layer of toothpaste. He quickly brushed his teeth with foams forming around the corner of his mouth. Filling a glass with water, he gurgled and spat out the waste.

Nothing like a nice minty mouth after THREE hours of sleep he thought sarcastically.

Cloud sighed. He tried to refrain himself from being so critical of his job. The pay was good and he would finally see Tifa's face light up with joy the following evening when he would present her with the sapphire and ruby necklace. The thought of her smile alone managed to dispel some of his crankiness. He left the washroom after splashing his face with cold water, not bothering to wipe off the drippings. He had more important things to do like opening the check downstairs.

The leader cursed softly to himself as the creakings erupted underneath his steps. He made a mental note to himself that he would have to do some repairing around the Seventh Heaven after Christmas. Downstairs, he grabbed his coat and fished out the sealed envelope in the pocket. He was suppose to have opened the envelope last night, but fatigue overwhelmed him to the point where even visualizing became difficult.

Walking to the counter, he turned on a tiny light in the corner, just bright enough for him to read the content. Carefully tearing the edges, he finally got the check out. When he saw the numbers written on the paper, his jaws dropped open in shock. It was not in awe, more like astonishment.

Astonished at the fact that he realized he was still 10,000 gils short after doing some quick mathematical calculations in his head. He angrily gripped the paper, being careful at the same time to not tear the check. Something was wrong. How could he still need 10,000 gils after all the work he had done for the past month at the Strife Delivery Service? Sure he took some hours off during the beginning of the month, but he tripled his shifts for the past few days.

Damnit! I shouldn't have slacked off in the beginning! How am I going to get 10,000 gils by tomorrow?

"There's still today I guess. If I work around 15 hours, I can get about...8,000 gils, but where am I going to get another 2000?" he whispered to himself.

Actually, he could only get around 8,000 gils hypothetically speaking if business bloomed. If not, he could end up with even less. Sighing, he poured himself a glass of warm tea and sat at the counter idly staring at the stack of mails and papers with little interest. He had to come up with a way to earn the rest of the money...and fast! His first logical thought was taking out a loan in the bank, but all the banks in Midgar City were not yet running. He hated the thought of calling up his old AVALANCHE friends to ask for money for he hated others pitying him. Gulping down the soothing mildly hot liquid, he stared at the clock plastered against the wall. He was suppose to be out the door in five minutes or so.

With a look of despair written across his face, he pushed himself back from the counter and grabbed his coat in the closet. Cloud took a quick look out the window. The snow seemed to have ceased, leaving behind thick blankets of white fields. The air outside was frigid, making him bundle up tighter as he carefully shut the door behind him after sticking a note on the inside for Tifa. He really hated to leave her and the kids alone, especially when it was so close to Christmas, but what other choice did he have if he wanted the money? He watched with slight amusement as his feet sunk into the deep snow, leaving behind firm imprints of his track. He was enjoying the 'swish' sounds that sounded from his walks and looking down on the ground caused his eyes to catch a glimpse of an article in the newspaper. More specifically a job offering.

With curiosity, he bent down and picked up the paper, dusting off the bits of snow that sprawled across the page. On the front cover was a black and white picture of a Santa Clause surrounded by gigantic gift boxes with a huge bright Christmas tree in the background. Cloud smirked at the picture but it was the words below the image that sparked his interest.

'Santa Clause and Elf needed for Christmas Picture taking at the Midgar Mall located in Sector 5 Slums. Generous Pay. Please contact 1757-239-7667 for more information. Deadline is Christmas Eve. We hope to hear from you soon.'

Santa Clause huh? And generous pay...perhaps...

"What do I have to lose?" Cloud grinned as he dug into his coat pocket, pulling out his phone. He quickly dialed the buttons while gripping on to the newspaper as if it was his only source of hope as he walked to work.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Marlene, please eat your noodles before they get cold!" Tifa scolded gently while dragging up the Christmas tree from the basement. She grunted out loud, obviously struggling with the weight of the tree while trying to prevent her skin from being scratched at the same time. She tossed a quick glance at Marlene and found her jumping up and down next to the counter.

"Tifa! Let us help! Please?" Marlene begged. Her noodles were already cold and she was not in the mood for anything. Her eyes roamed to the stack of presents that laid neatly against the window sill. Christmas was tomorrow, but the excitement was truly getting to her. Her lips curved into a pout as an adrenaline rush nearly forced her to rip open the gifts.

"Okay. You can go downstairs and pick up the boxes of ornaments while I set this down...right over here..." Tifa planted the solid tree in a lonesome corner of the bar before throwing herself down on a nearby couch, huffing and wheezing. I must be losing it due to the lack of training.

She fanned herself with her hands and smiled as she watched Marlene and Denzel hurrying up the stairs from the basement with their hands occupied with the old boxes of sparkling decorations. "Thanks you two! I guess we'll start whenever Cloud comes home, okay?"

"I hope he comes home early today because I reaaaaaaaallly wanna open my presents," Marlene squealed.

"OKay okay! But remember, this will be the ONLY Christmas where you guys get to open your gifts on Christmas Eve!" Tifa had finally agreed to abide by the kids' wishes to open their gifts earlier simply because they were pleading her almost every minute of the day. They pulled puppy faces, whined, pouted, anything that would break her heart if she said "No".

"He should be home any minute now, shouldn't he?" Denzel asked, looking at his watch. It was almost seven, the usual time when Cloud arrived home. However, tonight was a special occasion and if anything, he should be home sooner.

"Yes...he should be home any minute now..." Tifa said slowly. She recalled the note she picked up at the door in the morning. He stated in the note that he remembered decorating the Christmas tree and he would be home as soon as possible for it. Too bad it was too blunt. When exactly was 'As soon as possible'? Last night, he showed up at after midnight.

Marlene climbed on to the chair and rested herself on Tifa's lap. The woman gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about me honey."

"Then why do you look so sad Tifa?"

"Sad? I look sad?" Tifa tried her best to grin widely, or at least attempt to put on a fake one.

Marlene nodded. "Is it because of Cloud?"

Truthfully, she didn't know why she was getting all depressed. Maybe it was seeing everyone on the streets with their loved ones--together on the special holiday. She saw families walking down the streets together, admiring the lights and simply enjoying the first taste of snow in Midgar. Or maybe it was because she closed down the bar early and worked hard to make preparations so that everything would be perfect when he came come. The only problem was that he was constantly late.

No Tifa. He was only late last night! she reminded herself. She had to stop herself. She was being way too critical and harsh on Cloud. She knew his job was very important to him and flexibility with time was just not possible during this season.

"Hey. Let's all read a book shall we?" Tifa said energetically, obviously changing the subject. She extended a hand, guiding Denzel towards her as she picked up a storybook in one of the boxes of ornaments. "How about reading Midgar Bell Carols?"

"Isn't that a song?" Marlene inquired.

Tifa nodded. "Yes, it's a song, but it's also one of the best Christmas stories I had ever read."

"What's it about?" Denzel asked as he also made his way on to the chair and sat on the other side of the woman.

"Well...let's find out shall we?" The brunette smiled and turned to the first page.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So that means I can start tomorrow then?"

"Yes you may sir. It looks like you are the perfect candidate for the job. Just come by really early in the morning tomorrow so you can have time to change into your costume. The picture taking session will start at 9 AM sharp!"

"Thank you so much. I really need the job." Cloud bowed his head to emphasize his gratitude. "I'll be back tomorrow morning as soon as possible."

"We look forward to having you." The manager of the mall gave the blonde a light pat on the shoulder and escorted him out of the mall. "If you have any more questions or concerns, please contact me."

"I will. Good night," Cloud said as he left the plaza. He was pleased that he got the job. It looks like he would be able to buy the necklace for Tifa after all with the money that he was going to earn tomorrow.

The entire day had been hectic and crazy. He must have stopped by fifty houses or so to deliver presents, mails, candy, mysterious packages, and more. His legs were aching horribly as he trudged through the snow. The journey home was going to take forever.

I need a break...

He looked around Sector 5 to see if there were any places where he could stop to take a breath, but found none. Most of the stores and restaurants were closed. Even the inns weren't open. Everyone was probably at home spending their time with their family and he he WAS, walking around like a beggar on the streets.

He felt his shoulders slouching, his rigid form slowly collapsing as he weakly walked aimlessly around the streets. He needed somewhere to rest before he had enough energy to make it back to the bar. The entire city became a whirlwind to him as he visioned buildings spinning out of control. The multi-colored lights only added to the headache. Each blink confused his sense of sight even more, almost to the point where he couldn't even properly perceive his surroundings.

Minutes passed as he wandered through the empty streets. If people were to see him at that moment, they would've thought he was drunk. His eyes were half opened, the other half longed for sleep as he forced his body to be pulled along the stores and buildings. He momentarily paused when his bare hands felt a very familiar material. It was dry and coarse wood, a wood that would forever be etched in his head for the place would always bear a special memory in his heart.

Cloud Strife suddenly became alert has he stood before Aerith's church. The last time he was in there was only a couple of weeks ago when he saw her spirit leave the physical world. He truthfully did not want her to go, but it was time he started to forgive himself for his mistakes. Aerith would have wanted that and he couldn't feel more content than giving her what she wanted...she deserved at least that and much more.

Maybe I'll say a small prayer for her...

The door creaked when he pushed it open as he silently walked in with keen eyes observing the church. It looked pretty much the same. Nothing has changed except for a few flowers that were now withering, but he knew Tifa came here often to look after the wild life as a way to keep Aerith's memory burning alive.

Cloud knelt beside a small patch of yellow flowers. Their strong fragrance immediately enveloped his nostrils as he breathed in the sweet smell. He plucked up a single yellow rose from the cluster and held it between his index finger and thumb, twirling it around as if he was trying to examine some obscure detail of the plant. The blooming flower itself seemed to be illuminating a strong golden aura whenever its soft petals faced the direction of the moonlight as it was being rotated. It was truly a delicate beauty.

"I hope you are happy where ever you are Aerith...and Merry Christmas..." he whispered as he lied down on the wooden planks that made up the floor. He brought the rose closer to his face as his fingers continued to twirl the flower around. His eyes blankly stared at the ceiling, roaming from one barrel to the next as a surge of memories came rushing back to him. He had no idea how long he had been watching the fixed kegs...it was as if he was lost in time, mesmerized by ordinary mundane objects.

I had a feeling he was going to be here...

Tifa didn't know what to feel first. The fact that she saw Cloud lying in her best friend and rival's church or the fact that he had completely forgotten about her and the kids. She blinked back a couple of tears as she watched with blurred vision at the blonde sleeping peacefully on the floor.

"Maybe this is where he wants to be..."

After waiting for him for three hours and receiving no messages from him, Tifa decided it was time to take action. She spent the last hour running around Sector 7 and when she couldn't find anyone who had seen Cloud, she purchased a ticket and took the train to the Sector 5 Slums. So why should she be shocked? She already had a feeling that he would be here, but she had to see it to believe it...and now she did.

At least he's safe...

Defeated, she turned around, preparing to walk out of the church when her foot got caught between a crack in the planks. She struggled to slide her boot out of the hole in the dark and as a result tripped over and landed on the ground with a thud.

The ruckus vibrated, sending the sound waves throughout the entire chapel, which eventually reached the ears of the sleeping blonde. His heart jumped as his blue eyes instantly snapped open. His first thought was that there were intruders in the church. The area was too dark to see, but there was enough light for him to make out a tall slim figure at the entrance who appeared to be injured on the floor.

"Is anyone there?"

When the figure did not respond, he stood up. Tifa must have detected his actions because she immediately forced herself to stand with the aid of the rows of benches beside her. She quickly rushed for the door, but Cloud was too fast. He jolted behind her and grabbed her shoulders, forcing her around.

"Who are you?" he demanded. He couldn't see the person's face but he could tell she was a female from the way her face was structured underneath the thick black hood.

"Let go of me!" Tifa yelled in frustration. She pulled her arms out of his grasp and made a reach for the wooden doors.

"Tifa...?" Cloud asked as if he couldn't believe it was his childhood friend standing in front of him. The venom in her voice left him dumbfounded. "What...what are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" The brunette easily turned around and pointed an accusing finger towards him. Was he so out of it that he really didn't know why she was in the church? Or maybe he did but was simply trying to play innocent so she wouldn't know what he was up to. The latter definitely hurt more. "The question is...what are you doing here? Is my bar not good enough for you or something that you have to come here and sleep in HER church?" she spat. She knew she was being too harsh on the dead flower girl and tried to pray to her for forgiveness, but unfortunately her anger was just too strong.

"I...Oh god...what time is it?" Cloud looked at his wrist and found that it was well over midnight. I must have fallen asleep here when I was suppose to be on my way home!

"Don't make excuses for yourself Cloud..." Tifa whispered. She could feel her cheeks burning and her eyes stinging with tears as she prepared to take hold of the door again.

"Tifa! Wait!" Cloud blocked her from taking another step towards the front entrance. "Please...forgive me. I am SO sorry! I was on my way home, but I was just so tired that I had to rest. I must have fallen asleep! I never meant to do this to hurt you..."

"Did you also forget that you were suppose to come home early to help set up the Christmas tree?" she snapped. "Get out of my way. I want to go home, but you are free to stay here if you wish."

"Tifa! I didn't do this on purpose! I hope you're not thinking that I want to move away from you and stay here! I only left you before because I had Geostigma, but I'm cured now!" he reminded her. "Please..." he pleaded as he held on to her tightly.

"Let go!" she demanded again.

"I'm so sorry about the Christmas tree. The thing is that..I lost track of time at work. It's just been so busy..." he continued sincerely. Inside, he wanted to kill himself. How could he forget the special moment Tifa wanted to spend with him and the kids? He could feel his own eyes burning with tears as well from the guilt that was consuming him inside.

"Right. That's what you said last night. Sure Cloud, I believe you," Tifa said sarcastically. "Now get out of my way!" She furiously brushed away the tears that were cascading over her swollen face. Thankfully, the chapel was too dark to clearly see the details. With a final shove, she violently forced him to the side as she dashed out into the cold, leaving him standing to watch her run.

Fuck...

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Author's Notes: Final chapter is coming up soon. I'm sorry that I couldn't get this done by Christmas. I have been pretty busy, especially with school starting again. I hope you all had a great holiday and Happy New Year! I believe one of my reviewers commented that Cloud seems a little bit out of character. I do agree with that. He does seem more cheerful. Forgive me. I don't have the time to deeply explore his character since I want to finish this Christmas fic ASAP. It just wouldn't seem right if I finish this fic in March so I'm sorry if it seems rushed. Thank you all for reading and please leave a review. I enjoy reading them very much!