Chapter 1 The Winds Of Change

Cloud Strife sighed inwardly once again as Tifa Lockhart pulled back from him when he flinched from her attempted touch. Her eyes showed her hurt in response before she concealed it quickly.

Usually he just ignored these occurrences, not wishing to be confrontational and hurt people. But, clearly, this tactic was not working well in this situation with Tifa. The long-term likely results were in no way appealing to him. He was just tired of it all.

"Tifa," he spoke quietly, not wishing to be overheard by their friends. Or any of the rowdy customers that were in Tifa's bar on that particular Friday night.

She paused where she had been about to turn away from him, her expression changing, clearly surprised that he was speaking to her at all.

"Yes, Cloud?" she asked him with hope once more clear in her eyes.

"We need to talk later. Please, come upstairs after the bar closes."

"Alright. I will, Cloud."

"Thank you."


Cloud sat up waiting for Tifa on his bed in the corner of the room furthest from the door. His eyes were watchful despite the late hour, and he was clearly on edge about the upcoming conversation.

When her knock finally came at 3:30 in the morning, Cloud stood, a façade of calm descending over his face as he moved to open his door.

"Have a seat, Tifa," he said, gesturing to the small table and chairs set in his small kitchen.

"Of course, Cloud."

She sat, and he joined her at the table, though not close enough she would be able to touch him. He had made sure of that when he'd rearranged the chairs earlier in preparation for this.

"Tifa."

"Yes, Cloud?"

"I'm going to get my own place. It's time."

"What?!" she gasped, her eyes going wide. Her expression was obviously shocked and hurt in response to his statement. "But.. Denzel, Marlene. I thought that we were a family, Cloud. I thought.."

"I know what you thought, Tifa, and I'm sorry. I should have straightened this all out long before now, but I didn't wish to hurt you, and.. I was afraid of your reaction. We are a family, to a point. I love those kids. But I can't be with you like you want. I am homosexual, Tifa."

"What?!" Tifa gasped again, standing abruptly. She stumbled a little as her legs weakened beneath her with her shock. "I- I had no idea, Cloud."

"Of course not. I am a private person. You know that. Not many know. I would prefer it stay that way, Tifa."

"I- I understand, Cloud. No one will hear it from me."

"Thank you. I am sorry, Tifa. I will begin packing tomorrow."

"I see. Good- Goodnight, Cloud."

"Goodnight, Tifa."


The next day Cloud searched for a suitable and available place to stay using his phone while he packed his few belongings. An ex-soldier traveled light, he thought with a slightly twisted smile at the unwelcome and intrusion thoughts of his past.

Within five hours he was at his new place with his minimal furniture and his motorcycle unloaded and where it belonged and his things all unpacked and put away. After that was accomplished he locked all the doors and windows and fell into his bed to sleep uninterrupted for the first time in many years.