Chapter Ten – Depart

Tifa dismounted Fenrir as she stepped onto the steps of Nicholas' house. She turned to face Cloud who was staring at her with a soft, questioning look. Are you sure you don't want me to stay? Was what the look on his face was asking. She shook her head in reply, managing a weak smile to ensure him that she'd be okay.

Making her way slowly to the front door, she rang the door bell, standing mutely, waiting for Nick to answer the door. When soft footsteps could be heard walking down the hallway of the house, Tifa turned back to face Cloud, giving him a brief nod meaning for him to go. Cloud looked at her for a while longer before he hesitantly drove off, leaving Tifa. He would be back for her in twenty minutes time, but he intended to return within ten. After hearing what Tifa had said to him about the conversation she had with Nick, he couldn't trust Nicholas with Tifa.

Now as Tifa stood and watched as the front door opened, Nicholas stood facing her, with a soft expression on his face.

"Tifa," He greeted as she looked up at him with awkwardness.

"Can we talk?" She questioned softly, her fingers twisted together from discomfort. She didn't want to start another argument with him, but she couldn't leave things the way they were between the two of them.

Nicholas saw the look of worry on her face as he stepped aside, opening the door fully for her to enter. "It's alright. No fights this time." He explained as she stepped into the house walking down the hallway and into the kitchen.

"Take a seat," Nick offered as Tifa sat down onto one of the leather chairs. He started to boil some water, as he took a seat across from her.

Sighing deeply, Tifa decided to be the first to start the conversation. "Nick, I finally remember everything…" She drifted before her eyes locked onto a large pile of cardboard boxes with all of Nick's belongings stacked neatly inside. Her brows creased together forming a frown, "What's all this?" She asked, fixing a serious gaze onto him.

At first Nick thought of lying to her, but he finally spoke the truth after a while of consideration. "I'm leaving Tifa."

Tifa couldn't seem to comprehend his words. Minutes lapsed before she finally responded. "L-leaving?" She repeated numbly, and sat forward in her chair. "Why? Where?" She shot at him.

Shaking his head at her, he spoke, "It doesn't matter where I'm going… I'm just trying to let you live a life without any complications." He explained.

She cocked an eyebrow up at him. "A life without complications? How is my life going to be less complicated if you leave?"

Nick gave a grunt. "You have your memory back Tiff. And somehow, this Cloud guy has managed to find you in such a big world. He's the one that helped you regain your past, and I can see that you're happy when he's around. I don-" He was cut off.

"I haven't forgotten about you." Tifa interrupted. "Why are you moving away so fast Nick? I understand that I've upset you with our last conversation, and I'm sorry for that. But we just had a small fight. All friends have small fights once in a while; it doesn't mean you have to leave." Tifa breathed, only to discover Nick wasn't looking at her. "Look at me Nick. If you think that I don't need you anymore, you're wrong. Everything I have here in Midgar is all because of you. You've given me the bar, you've looked after me and sheltered me. Everything around me is what you've provided me with. You can't just walk out now!"

Nicholas glanced back at her, just able to smile a tiny smile. "I want you to be happy." Was all he could say.

"And leaving will make me happy?" She countered.

Shaking his head at her, he sighed. "My life isn't equipped to stay and settle in one place Tifa. I don't belong here." He stated. "The only reason why I've been here in Midgar for so long is because I had to take care of you. But now that you have Cloud, and a steady place to stay, my job here is done. I can now continue in completing my adventures." He explained, speaking the truth, and yet half lying to her at the same time. Nicholas could only hope she wouldn't see through his lies.

Tifa was silent for a couple of seconds. "I can't take everything and give nothing in return." She whispered.

"I owe you Tifa. If I hadn't hit you with the car that fateful night, you would never have lost your memory, and you wouldn't have to wait two years before seeing Cloud again. So giving the bar to you is the least I can do to repay for the damage. Besides, if you don't keep the bar, it's going to be deserted and wasted." Nick replied, a pondering look still in her eyes.

"At least tell me where you're going."

"I'm travelling around the world. It's a dream I've always wanted to fulfil as a young boy. So far, all the places I've been don't feel like home sweet home for me." He answered and then raised an eyebrow at her. "Satisfied?"

Tifa shrugged. "Are you sure about this whole thing?" She queried. "About everything?"

Nick smiled. "There is no other person I know that deserves this bar more than you do. And I am definitely sure about my decision. Besides, even if I'm gone, it's not like you'll miss me right?" He teased.

Tifa's jaw fell. "I will miss you!" She half shouted as her eyes grew wide. "And you better call or send letters to me regularly or I will hunt you down to work my martial arts on you." She half threatened, attempting to look serious and deadly, but ending up giggling at Nick's expression.

Immediately after Tifa's outbreak of giggles, Nick grinned and laughed along with her.

"Use your martial arts on me?" He questioned, "And how will you defend yourself if I do this?" He got up out of his seat, and started tickling her.

It only made Tifa laugh even more as she attempted to fight back, but the laughter was making her weak. The both of them continued to act this way until a gentle knock interrupted them. Freezing, Nicholas stood, as Tifa gave a nod of her head.

"It's only Cloud…" She explained.

Nick nodded, "I'll get the door. You can make tea; I've got a lot of questioning and repairing to do around here. It's always great to make amends before leaving, especially when you started off on the wrong hand." He stated as he disappeared behind the wall.

Tifa only managed a tiny grin, she was happy that Nicholas Reeve was doing this for her. She understood that he didn't really have to make peace with Cloud, but he was doing it to be sure of Cloud's intentions. She had no doubt that once the two got along, they would become the best of friends. With that thought stuck in her head, she stood from her chair, and made her way to the now whistling kettle. A good conversation always required a good cup of tea.

A/N: Hrmm... One chapter left before this story is finally finished... I'm honestly sorry for the wait, but I thank you guys so much for your patience, and not to forget the constant support... I do indeed understand that this story wasn't really what some expected it to be, but it's a pre-quel to acknowledge 'A New Begginning' more. I promise my next fanfiction well be better! Definitely no more made up characters :D So review, and thank you!

Well I'm off! Meanwhile, you guys focus more on being safe!