Chapter Four – Misunderstanding

Cloud sat immobile on the wooden floorboards as various scenes played in his head, fully convinced of how he felt towards Tifa. He recollected their childhood promise, knowing it was the very beginning to his collection of 'Tifa and Cloud moments'. As he remained silent, drowned in his own thoughts, he slowly digested all the information he was receiving. He had a new event to add to his collection of memories after last night's events that would be forever seared in his mind.

The 'healing water' seeped through his fingers as he watched with his blue eyes, a serious yet perplexed expression etched onto his handsome face. He'd been thinking, and it was only here that his mind worked properly. He was plagued by Barrett's words two days ago, but now it all made perfect sense. The answer he had in his head from Barrett's words, and the way he reacted when Tifa was around, he had found a solution for. All this time, he had buried feelings for Tifa but never knew about it until now.

Now that he discovered these feelings, he felt as if he owed Aeris an explanation, which was why he was spending his day here, in the run down church. He felt guilty because he thought that she was the only one he would ever love, but it appeared his contemplation was wrong. Although she'd been gone for a few years, he felt her presence around him, but lately, he couldn't sense her near. Did you know I felt this way before I even found out? Is that why you're nowhere? Cloud thought, feeling a guilty. Before he could even open his mouth to speak, a faint outline of a woman appeared, and slowly she came into view. A pair of emerald green eyes appeared to be smiling at him as he watched with wide, unblinking eyes, thinking he was dreaming.

"Hello," She greeted gently. It was a voice Cloud had never forgotten. "You wanted to see me?" She asked before giving a small grin with her cherry red lips.

Cloud remained frozen in position, only able to stare with wide ocean blue eyes at the image before him. Was he feeling so guilty that he was hallucinating? He didn't know. All he knew was that the one person in which he wanted to see and talk to was sitting right before his eyes. For moments, he was only able to stare. Gentle laughter filled the air before Cloud finally broke out of his reverie, not knowing what to say.

As her laughter died out, a rush of tranquillity took over as she studied the blonde's features. "You're not seeking forgiveness this time, you don't need it." She whispered and continued. "But I'll give you my blessing," she finished, standing to leave. She barely took three short strides before she was halted by Cloud's hoarse voice.

"Wait…" He breathed, staring at her still back. "I have something to say…"

With his heart pounding in his ears, and her words seeping into him, understanding what she meant, he felt as if he needed to explain himself one last time. As minutes passed, Cloud attempted to speak, desperately wanting to clarify certain issues before she left him forever.

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Tifa wiped down the last table, glancing every now and then at the clock hanging behind the counter. It was almost three as she started washing the tremendous amount of dirty dishes stacked messily in the sink. The bar was almost empty, with a little over three customers finishing their meals. She was sure that they'd be done within half an hour for they needed to get back to their jobs.

Standing quietly and washing a large ceramic plate, she knew that if she didn't leave soon, she may never go to the run down church. Rinsing off the soap suds on the plate, two customers paid and left, leaving a table of three behind. Making her way to the table, she grabbed the dirty dishes and brought them back to the sink. Luck appeared to be on her side as the three customers stood, paid and left. The moment they exited the bar was the moment Tifa locked the door, switching the sign to 'closed'. Glancing around at the dirty tables, she sighed to herself, rushing upstairs for a coat. Before locking the door to 7th Heaven, she took one last look at the messy bar. I'll come back to it. She thought as she half ran, finding transport to get to the neglected church.

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Cloud opened his mouth, his blue eyes locked onto Aeris' form. "We never forget…" He began, his gaze falling to his hands. "I-I mean, I never forget." He watched as she gave a soft laugh, the way she usually did as if nothing in the world would ever make her miserable.

"Never forget?" She repeated weakly. "But if you don't, you can't move on." She replied.

A soft wind swept through the broken church. "It's better to forget and move on. There are many people out there who care for you, that's why you have to go on and journey through life with no regrets. If you don't seize this chance, you may be left alone forever." Aeris explained.

Cloud looked up to find Aeris facing him, he was speechless.

She smiled warmly at him. "You have my blessing all the way, I couldn't be happier about you being united with another." She said the word 'another' in a funny tone, sounding as if she knew the person that was on his mind.

Cloud froze at Aeris last comment; it was obvious that she knew. His assumption of her knowing how he truly felt towards Tifa was proved correct, but things felt a little awkward since he still held some words locked within him, words that he needed to be expressed. Now that she was finally here, he was at long last going to release the guilt he had kept inside for many years, of not being able to save her. He took a while to think; managing to start a sentence which led on to what he really wanted to say.

"There are some things that I can't let go of. There are things that I won't let go of." He began, his chest tightening. "You'll always have a place in my heart; you'll always be dwelling within my memories." He said, his voice filled with tension, but after it was released, he felt as though his burden was gone, allowing him to finally be free. His eyes focussed onto the small pool of water as he summoned enough courage to say his last few words.

In the distance, a pair of innocent brown eyes observed everything that was happening. She couldn't see Aeris, but knew Cloud was talking to her for she sensed her presence. Tifa's heart was pounding in her ears, as tears stung her eyes. So he still hasn't forgotten about Aeris… He still loves her. She thought, turning away from the scene. She felt like such a fool for believing she would ever have a chance with Cloud. With her vision blurred she started to run, not wanting to hear anymore of Cloud's hurtful words. As the distance increased between her and Cloud, she didn't hear his last few words…

"But now I have to move on and let go, because I love Tifa…"

A/N: Okay... I'm a little worried and nervous now that I've got this chapter up... I was aiming for 'in character-ness', but I'm not sure if I've accomplished it or not. So what do you guys think? Have I changed Cloud a lot? If so, I really don't mean it (please forgive me), but it's hard because I needed to make him express. And I tried to use as little words possible... But anyways, please review to give me an indication of how I'm doing. Thanks

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