Vincent glanced out into the night city of Midgar with dazed eyes. Days had gone by since the defeat of the creature that haunted their world. The once chaotic city was slowly returning to its normal state, with the running of cars and the laughter of children. It was beginning to look like nothing had come in and destructed their city. The scattered cement and pipes of destroyed buildings were removed thanks to some helpful people who offered their help. Though all this happiness was brewing in the city there was still the hero. The one who had saved them again.

The bar 7th Heaven remained closed now a days. There was simply no one to run it anymore. The owner had sat herself down beside the bed in which the hero slept on. He did not move, nor did he wake, but laid still sleeping soundly lost in his world of dreams. Everyday she would feed him carefully and dampen his forehead with a wet towel to ensure he was clean. As she watched over her lover, her belly began to grow bigger. From the corner of the room stood those who watched over her. They kept the bar intact and ensured that she had sufficient sleep and food.

Friends are those who stand up for you when no one else does. They are there much alike your lover, but slightly different. Their purpose is set in a different mode, where they lend a hand to pick you up when you fall. They are those who you laugh with and share jokes with. They are those who you share your memories with and laugh when a funny memory is remembered. They are there when you least expect, and most of all, they are always there when your lover isn't. They are the other half of love.

A successful relationship always begins with friendship.

As the brunette sat at the side of the hero, the darken shadows that stood at the window watched. The vampire glance his eyes in the direction of the other couple that occupied the room. Yuffie had awoken the day after with just mild bruising and slight damage of the legs that would fully heal in a month. She sat comfortably with Reno at her side each night. It was a wonder how a Turk could change so suddenly. Love did wonders to people sometimes. But it certainly did good causes to the Turk. In other words, it made him a better man. He and Yuffie fit well together. They both had the bubbly and giggly emotions. Although there was the occasional fight, they always made up in the end.

"I worry for her," the beefy voice of Barret spoke to Vincent. They had vowed never to leave 7th Heaven unless Cloud wakes up. Although they didn't fully confirm that with Tifa, it was better if she didn't know of their intentions. At the moment all she knew was that they were there to help rebuild the city.

Both men looked over at Tifa who had her hand sprawled over Cloud's side. Her face was down on the bed and she slept peacefully quiet whilst holding his hand firmly in hers.

"She loves him so much," Vincent replied. "If only there was something we could have done," he said angrily but quietly.

"I know she loves him, any blinded fool can see that," he muttered.

"Who is to say sleeping is the best medicine? It can also kill you," Vincent added.

Barret chuckled, "Too right you are Vincent."

The vampire smiled sheepishly. The sound of giggling and chuckling stirred the thoughts of the vampire and the man. They turned around and eyed the couple.

"Will you two shut up?" Barret scolded quietly to the other couple.

Reno looked up from the blankets and blushed. He looked back down at Yuffie and laughed as he mumbled, "I think it's time we get our own room Yuffie? What do you think?"

She giggled and nodded.

The vampire shook his head disgustingly and glanced out the window again. Another day, another hour. Friend or no friend, time was on their hands now and any day she would be facing the second trimester of her pregnancy. Life wouldn't be easy without Cloud there to help her. All he did best was lying there motionlessly with just the sound of his breathing. If only he could hold her hand, touch her stomach when their child kicked. If only.

The door swung open quietly and Cid walked in briefly. His usual smug smile planted on his lips as he entered the quiet room.

"What's got you smiling?" Barret asked as he scratched his chin.

"I swear if he ain't gonna wake up in a day or two, I'm personally going into his dreams and order him to wake up," Cid cursed as he settled on the chair nearest to Barret and Vincent.

Barret drew in a deep breath before releasing it and resting his head on the side of the windows frame. He lowered his eyes onto the streets and sighed, "It's sad to watch her like this."

"Tifa?" Cid asked.

"At least she smiles," Vincent added.

"But her heart doesn't," Barret replied. "She smiles, but not from the heart, she just smiles for us."

The soft yawn and sigh from Tifa startled them for a moment. Their eyes went over to watch as she slowly emerged from her sleepy state. Her hands went in the air as she stretched. She curled back into the chair and gazed over at her friends who stood at the window and sent them a small smile.

"Tifa maybe you should sleep for a while on the bed," Barret took a step forward nearer to the woman and extended his hand for her to take.

She shook her head, "No, it's ok."

"But-"

She took his hand and stood up, "I'll go check on Denzel and Marlene," she turned to Cloud and bent down to press a kiss to his forehead.

Vincent nodded, "We'll keep an eye on him."

"Thank you," she smiled, "Thanks for staying."

She turned and made her way out of the room. One could swear they saw tears seeping down her face as she made her fast exit. Vincent closed his eyes with grief, and silently summoned Cloud back to reality. Life wasn't easy for Tifa without him. Their child grew and so did her appetite, but her emotions were wearing thinner each day.

"Wake up soon Cloud, don't make her wait too long," Cid patted the sleeping hero's shoulder before exiting the room.

The vampire watched, and couldn't help but smile warmly at Cid's act of humanity. He wasn't usually the type that had the heart to do such a thing. But it seems, that no matter who we are or what we are like, somewhere in there is always a heart. A heart to care for someone, for his friends.

"Just another day," Barret mumbled and looked down at Cloud.

"Another day, another hour."