Chapter 09:
It was the first time they both wanted to smile their greatest smiles at the same time. It was the first time they both wanted to embrace each other at the same time. It was the first time they both wanted to kiss each other at the same time. It was the first time they both walked hand-in-hand, slowly through Midgar on their way back to Edge. Tifa dreamed of such a day coming true. Cloud felt Tifa and his situation was just right, as if it was bound to happen by fate. Every once in a while, Tifa would lean on Cloud's shoulder, purely relaxing her body against his. Cloud would do nothing in disapproval, allowing the two of them to take in each other's presence. He would occasionally smile to himself, thinking, hoping, perhaps he finally and truly will make things right.
"Tifa," Cloud spoke up after a long period of tranquil silence, "Remember you asked me if I thought we're a family?"
Cloud felt Tifa's head gently rubbing up and down on his shoulder, indicating a "yes." Cloud took a small breath and continued, "To be honest, I say we are. Yeah, we are like a small family." He looked to the side and found Tifa smiling at him. Perfect. He took in another small breath. "I was also thinking… that I might resign from my delivery service."
Tifa looked up and stammered, "Huh? W-Why would you want to do that, Cloud?"
"So I wouldn't be gone for who knows how long everyday."
"Cloud, it's your job… and if you need to do it, then you go and do it."
Cloud already made up his mind. "I don't need to. We saved enough money to last us for a very long time already."
Tifa sighed. We're finally together. And now, we're going to stay together. "This is too good to be true. Are you sure you're not making this choice just to please me?"
"I'm sure. I want to quit," Cloud said almost instantly.
"Okay, but it certainly is pleasing me…" Tifa said, trailing off as she leaned back on Cloud's shoulder, gripping his arm. She never thought herself as loving romance and cherishing intimate times, but the few moments she had shared with Cloud over the years filled parts of her heart slowly and slowly. Now Tifa felt her heart surge from every contact she makes with Cloud, she felt that her soul changed, and she loved the feeling.
"I love you too much, Cloud," she whispered. She had to say it before she exploded.
Cloud paused for a second before he said anything. He was not one who expressed his feelings in words. Still, he felt a compulsiveness to answer Tifa. "I… love you, too," he said, quite slowly. Never in my whole damn life have I said those words, he recalled. It feels weird to say it the first time. Tifa slipped her hand into his, as they continued their way back to Seventh Heaven, holding hands once more.
Not before long, the newly established couple turned a corner and saw Cid sitting right outside the bar, smoking a cigarette. Cid looked at the couple and smiled a silly-looking smile. "Well, well, look here! I see you two formed a little somethin', huh? Ooh, things won't be quite the same here at the bar, now, would it?" Cid gave Cloud and Tifa a casual wink and put out his cigarette. "Want me to tell the gang that you guys came back? We were all waitin'."
Tifa smiled and nodded, then turned to Cloud as Cid headed into the bar. "Did you notice he did not swear once that whole time?"
"Damnit, damnit, damnit!" A series of yells came from inside Seventh Heaven. Cloud knew who shouted and rolled his eyes.
Tifa shook her head. "Never mind. Cid? What happened in there?" she called. She saw Yuffie rampaging out from the bar and onto the corner of the street where Cloud and Tifa were standing, the two of them still hand-in-hand.
"Goddamnit, Yuffie! You don't have to kick me to the side and run me over!" Cid roared. Yuffie stuck out her tongue, which made Cid let out a string of more foul language.
Yuffie was beaming and giddily hopping up and down at the sight of the couple's joined hands. "Oh, gosh, oh, wow! Is it gonna be serious? You two are actually gonna stay together? Like for real together? Ahh!" Yuffie squealed.
Cloud smirked and Tifa replied, "Oh, Yuff," she glanced at Cloud and continued, "I know for sure things will be a little different around here from now on." Tifa smiled and Cloud smiled back. Yuffie let out another thrilled squeal of delight.
"Come on, come on! Let's go back inside!" she advised in a hyperactive manner.
Once back inside, Cloud and Tifa received a brand new welcoming cheer by all the members of AVALANCHE. Marlene and Denzel were dancing around the living room, while Barret could not stop laughing. "Oh, man, Spiky, my buddy! You really grew up now, didn't ya?" Barret slapped Cloud across the back with his non-prosthetic, non-metal hand. "Damn, I'll miss the naive, brick-headed fool you were before!"
Cloud sighed and chuckled softly. Why do they have to make such a big deal out of this? Besides Red and Vincent, at least they seem a bit more… reserved than the others. And well, the kids. How ironic, it's like the kids have much more mature personalities than some of the adults here. Cloud rolled his eyes towards Tifa, searching for a solution. Tifa just lightly shook her head.
"Let them have their fun, they'll most likely lose interest eventually," she murmured close to him. Cloud nodded and shut out his dissenting thoughts. The couple rejoined the party, this time with brand new attitudes.
"Another round of drinks, anyone?" Tifa inquired a while later.
"Hell yes!" Cid called out once again, "I've been pretty much sober the whole time you and Spikes were gone!"
Tifa grinned and shifted her attention to Yuffie. "Now Yuffie, you got a few more years to go… so, what would you like to drink?"
Yuffie giggled, "Yeah, I kind of realized that I drank the wrong drink a few hours ago. I don't know―I'll take anything, Tif, thanks!"
Tifa got up and set for the bar. Cloud stood up and followed to help. "Thanks, Cloud," said Tifa, taken by joy and appreciation.
"It's no problem," Cloud replied coolly.
I can definitely get used to this, Tifa thought to herself, smiling. The party, or reunion, whichever anyone would call it, lasted well into the night, even after Denzel and Marlene were put to bed. Barret suggested that the kids stay overnight for another day, before Barret takes Marlene on a weekend trip to the neighboring city of Kalm. As time flew by through midnight, the old friends left one by one, delighted to have been able to spend their times together in relaxation and peace.
When the last of the guests finally departed, Cloud and Tifa unhurriedly made their way upstairs…
