Chapter One – Both Circumstances

Big droplets of rain splattered onto the floor. In the distance loud thunder echoed throughout the grey sky, it was typical Midgar weather. Sitting under the warm cosy porch of 7th Heaven, two masculine figures sat silently on the steps, the entrance to the bar stood wide open. Standing in the wide opened doorway, behind the counter stood a brunette woman. She examined the scene outside the front, whilst waiting for the water to boil. A fresh cool breeze blew, passing every object, but lingered around the blonde, blue eyed man, as he sat perturbed, unaffected by the cold.

Cloud Strife remained quiet with nothing much to say as he listened to the rain. It wasn't because he didn't want to talk; it was the fact that Barrett sat in absolute silence that worried him. He'd known the dark, over muscular man too well… And silence from him, wasn't a good sign. Turning to face him, he found that Barrett had avoided his gaze. There was something really suspicious taking place as Cloud glanced down at his gloved hands that provided warmth.

"What's happening?" Cloud questioned, being the first to break the silent atmosphere, it was a big step he took just to make conversation.

Barrett continued to gape at the misty scenery for a while as he shook his head in reply. "Nothin'," he stated, feigning nonchalance. It was funny how he had felt so confident about this mission a couple of hours ago, but now that he had a chance to ask, he simply backed down.

At that word, Cloud already knew his best mate had lied, but he wasn't the type to persist, so he dropped the matter and gave a shrug. Leaning back onto his hands, he stared out at the wet grass, observing the newly borrowed car Barrett had driven in order to spend the day at 7th Heaven. The quiet atmosphere pursued as Barrett got frustrated.

Seeming to be fighting a raging battle within, Barrett finally managed to speak. "When ya tyin' the knot Spike?" He asked, shifting to face the blonde who was conveniently looking straight ahead. It was a good start for this mission of his, and now all he needed was an answer.

As the words reached Cloud's ears, he attempted to comprehend the sentence. Sensing awkwardness, he found himself wanting to stand and walk away. Why is Tifa taking so long? He thought, realising her missing presence as he tried to find a detour from this unwanted conversation. Although he wasn't facing Barrett, Barrett had spotted the way his brows raised up in surprise. Witnessing that expression running across Cloud's face, Barrett leaned away from his mate, some courage returning to him.

"Ya mean ya haven't thought 'bout it?" He said aghast, but still didn't get a reply. "Me an' the crew have all seen ya. I mean you an' Tiff are getting' pretty damn close. I'm jus' tryin' to make sure a weddin' is gonna happen ya know?" Barrett stated.

He wasn't going to lie to his mate, he was just going to reveal as much of the truth as possible, without mentioning anything about the crew sending him here. He knew his words came out a little too bluntly, but he was a very straight forward guy, unable to wind his way around things to get to the subject. Barrett Wallace didn't operate that way. Thankfully, he had a good cover for himself so that he caused no suspicions. Thanks to Marlene and Denzel, Barrett had used the excuse of 'the kids' for showing up at 7th Heaven unannounced.

As Cloud sat there engulfed in an awkward silence, he was astonished… It wasn't Barrett's question of marriage that caused him to feel the way he did, it was the fact that an answer was jammed inside his head that made him stunned. Since when had he thought of marriage? More importantly, when did he ever think of Tifa in that manner? With those two elements wedged in his head, he fell into an even more confused state.

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Tifa Lockheart stood and observed the event that was taking place before her very eyes. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop on the conversation, but it made her curious when she overheard Barrett's inquiries. She was more surprise than Cloud and when she noticed the hesitant expression on his face, she knew it was the right moment to save him. Taking a deep breath, she cleared her throat to announce her presence as she stepped out of the bar and into the chilli atmosphere.

Deep down inside, Tifa was dying to know what Cloud was going to say, but she knew that eavesdropping wasn't the right way to go about it. Settling the heavy tray, she placed it onto the floor. Kneeling down she grabbed a warm mug of hot chocolate and handed it to Barrett. With a warm, friendly smile on her face, she slowly handed the cup to Barrett, and he took the mug graciously. "What were you two talking about?" She asked casually.

"Marriage,"

"Nothing."

Both males shifted to face one another after their timely reply that drowned out each other's voice. Since Tifa was very close to both men, she had heard their words loud and clear. Purposely ignoring Cloud's comment, she glanced at Barrett with a weak grin on her face, signalling for the muscualr man to continue as she reached for Cloud's blue mug, filled with hot chocolate.

Barrett's heart started pacing as his eyes darted to Cloud. Spotting Cloud's look of discouragement, he took a sip from his cup nervously, waiting some time to clear out the tension. "We were just talking about the kids." He lied hoping Tifa wouldn't pry any further to his first comment.

Understanding the lie, Tifa dropped the matter. It was clear Cloud didn't want to discuss anything with her that involved marriage, she had been watching from the corner of her eyes. Giving a shrug of her shoulders, she decided to go with the flow. It was an easy thing to do since Barrett was intelligent enough to mention the kids. At those very words, she realised she had some unfinished business.

"We still have to open some letters from the children," she remarked, gazing at Cloud, meaning 'we' were him and her.

Cloud let out some pent up breath. He was lucky Tifa had believed Barrett's fib. Moving over a little so that there was enough room for her to sit down, Cloud's mind started reeling with thoughts, all the while watching Tifa. She carefully handed him his cup and he took it gratefully with a nod of 'thanks'. Their hands touched as he grab hold of the mug, suddenly feeling tingling sensations running up his arm. It was funny how he never noticed this tingling sensation before, he hadn't noticed anything about his body reacting towards her until now…

Taking a drink from his hot chocolate, Cloud watched Tifa as she conversed with Barrett. She was always so friendly and welcoming, never losing faith in people… Most importantly, she never lost faith in him, even when he felt like there was no hope. That was what made Tifa Lockheart special; it was what made her different.

"You're leaving so soon?"

At those words, Cloud broke out of his reverie as his eyes fixed onto Tifa, her brown ones already staring at him.

"Cloud, Barrett's leaving already." She mumbled, but when she got no response from him she leaned in closer to observe him. "Cloud?" She whispered in concern.

Blinking his eyes, Cloud felt himself panic a little. She was too close, and he felt as if the two of them were in the danger zone. "You okay?" She questioned with pure concern.

The only response he could give was a nod of his head as she got to her feet, widening the gap between them as she reached out her hand, pulling him up.

"You should get some sleep. You're lacking too much of it that it's finally caught up with you." She informed.

Before he could react, he was intercepted. "Don't you dare protest; I will take care of things." She stated and gave him an ordering look.

Gazing at Barrett, he saw a small knowing grin on the man's face, and he was annoyed. Barrett threw him a wave as he retired to his room. He felt different. It wasn't because he was tired that was causing him to feel this way, it was the weight of the undiscovered feelings he possessed for Tifa that made him so confused. If Barrett hadn't asked him about marriage, Cloud would have never unveiled the answer he had held locked within him for so long.

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As Barrett reversed out of the driveway, he gave Tifa one last wave before grinning to himself.

Mission complete… He noted in his head as he sped of into the distance. Although he hadn't received an answer from Cloud, but at least he was satisfied with the seed of hope and consideration he'd planted at 7th Heaven.

A/N: A little change in Cloud's attitude to show you how things have changed within a year's time. It's not a very big change, but it's enough in order for certain events to occur in the next couple of chapters! Do enjoy! And Review! Thanks :D

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