Chapter Eleven – Certainty

Loud laughter and clanking of beer mugs reverberated off the walls of 7th Heaven. The bar was full of familiar faces, as the occasional cheering for the barmaid shook some bottles resting on the countertop. It was a full house tonight. Half the clan were intoxicated, but the alcohol never stopped as Tifa topped up more drinks. She watched from behind the countertop, as Barrett, Cid, Nanaki, and a hesitant Vincent stood around a table, their mugs meeting each others with a loud clatter, the word 'cheers' escaping their mouths. Yuffie on the other hand, had been trying to join the circle, but was cut off from the table, forcing her to step back whilst muttering words under her breath. Throughout this, all Tifa could do was grin at the happy image before her, but the smile barely lasted for a split second before she realised the missing presence of Cloud.

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A blonde haired figure sat alone on the front porch in the dark. The only light that he had was coming from the full moon, and from the bar. The atmosphere within the bar was too wild and loud for his liking, so he had discreetly slipped outside for some peace. Things had finally cleared up for the better, and Tifa was now finally his. Although it was supposed to be a joyous time for him, a part of him felt guilty because he owed a certain person an announcement. The news of his engagement got to everyone, except for a woman that had been helping him in desperate situations. As his mind fell into another dimension, the door to 7th Heaven opened, and then closed.

Heavy footsteps made its way down the wooden boards before sitting down beside Cloud.

"So ye finally took my words, an' tied the knot." Came Barrett's rough tone, he gave a soft chuckle. "Never thought ya had it in ya spike." He grunted, taking another swig of beer. He shifted a little to spot Cloud's expressionless face, and nodded his head in understanding. "Aeris will be happy for ya." Barrett commented.

At the name, Cloud broke out of his trance and fixed his gaze onto Barrett. He had been thinking of Aeris a second ago. He'd been contemplating on the guilt that was now haunting him. Rising to his feet, he commenced walking to the garage, leaving Barrett in a dumbfounded state. Cloud needed to go to the church one final time; he wanted to make sure she would be there as well as another old friend. Their presence at the wedding were important to him, it was essential that they were there one last time.

"Ey, where ya goin'?"

"Tell Tifa not to worry," Cloud replied, but came to a halt at the feminine voice that responded to his sentence.

"Worry about what Cloud?" Came the feminine voice.

Blue eyes darted towards the entrance of 7th Heaven, spotting the brunette. His eyes fell back to Barrett, as the tanned skin man stood, clearing his throat, making sure Tifa and Cloud were aware of his presence.

"I better get in there. Ain't no party without me," he informed before slipping past Tifa as the wooden door clicked shut.

Silence engulfed the two remaining figures as the speck of doubt grew within Tifa. She had thought she'd be able to cope without an explanation from Cloud but now it was obvious she had thought wrong. She required an explanation of the events that occurred at the church to bring an end to the uncertainty that was eating her away. And now after hearing Barrett's words of Aeris, and witnessing Cloud's sudden reaction, she knew she couldn't settle without some reassurance from Cloud. With her eyes never leaving his dark form, she made her way down the front porch, a lump forming in her throat.

"Where are you going?" She asked, already knowing the answer. She gave Cloud some time to respond, but his silence made matters worse. "Is there anything I should worry about Cloud?" She inquired, her perfectly shaped eyebrow arched.

Her soft footsteps approached him as he remained frozen in position. A meter gap separated them, as his eyes averted to the floor, unable to reach hers.

Tifa bit her lip, "I'm not forcing you to stay here…" She breathed, "But before you go, I just need you to explain one last thing to me." She paused for a moment. "That day, at the church… I heard all that I could hear." The lump in her throat grew, as she fought to speak. "And now that I think about it, I'm scared Cloud." Tifa choked, watching as his eyes finally met hers. "All the things I've done, the person I've become, I'm scared that when you look at me, you don't see me." Tears built up behind her eyes, but she forced them down, refusing to admit defeat. "I'm not trying to make you forget her…" She explained, "And I'm not attempting to keep her out of your thoughts. But what I want is for you to just take a look at me, and tell me what is happening in here." She pointed at his heart; her hand was resting on his chest as she prayed with all her might that she would get a reaction from him.

A million thoughts ran through Cloud then and there as he stared at Tifa's hand in silence. It was tearing him apart to see her in the state she was in, and he couldn't blame her. She was everything to him, and he knew that he couldn't be selfish anymore. It was time he told Tifa the truth, it was time he explained everything to her, and it was time he learned to rely on her a little more. With his heart racing, he breathed in and clarified his words for the very first time.

"Courage is happening here." Cloud stated, as he enclosed her soft hand in his. "Courage to let go of the past, and to move on with you…" He replied with difficulty, watching as her brown eyes met his gaze.

She gave him a questioning look, but the solemn expression lingered on her features. "C-can you release the past?" She sputtered, anxiously waiting for a response. Even if he said 'no' she knew that she'd wait for him, no matter how long it would take, she'd wait.

Cloud gave a nod of his head. He'd been free of the past for a while; it was only recently that he had the courage to move on with Tifa.

"Tifa," Cloud whispered as he pulled her into his arms. "I meant every word I said…"

With her hands stuck between the embrace Cloud provided, all she could do was bury her face in his chest as she recalled those three words he said earlier in the day. Being the first to break apart from the hug, she glanced up at him.

"Let's go." She offered, watching his brows quirk up in question. She grinned, "I need to share my last words with her." She elucidated.

Cloud grasped her hand, never letting go of it as he led her to Fenrir. It appeared from now on, he was no longer a lone man.

A/N: Greetings fellow readers:D Yes, it is an update, and no this isn't the last chapter. But I predict that the end is to come very very soon. After reading the reviews(thanks so much for it), I decided to add this chapter for a little more 'CloTi' emphasis. I decided to update a little earlier since Easter is coming. Anyways, hope you enjoyed the chapter, review when you can, and infinite thanks for the support!

Happy Easter guys! 'Til next time, take care!