Chapter 7: Watchers of the night

Location: Seventh Heaven

Time: 9:00 pm Monday

Tifa's POV:

"So she just ran in?" Yuffie asked in disbelief as she stared at me questioningly across the table.

I nodded and took a sip of my water.

She looked away and shook her head, causing her silky long hair to fall partially over her left shoulder.

"Weird kid." She commented.

I frowned and lowered my glass to the table, "Yuffie please…it's been a long day…"

"I know, I know." She interrupted with a sigh.

I sighed too and then stood up to collect my dishes, sliding the chair out with the heel of my shoe.

Yuffie knew now was the best time to leave as I saw her quickly gulp down her water and pull out from the table. She hated anything that involved cleaning…apart from her usual one hour long shower every morning and every night.

"You better hurry…I'm almost to the sink." I teased with a smile.

But the likeliness of her even hearing my warning was slim to none, as she was almost certainly already making her way up the stairs.

I didn't mind that she never helped that much with keeping the house or bar tidy. It just wasn't who Yuffie was. I wasn't going to force her to do something she resented doing.

I on the other hand liked things kept in order. I just wouldn't be able to function otherwise. I guess it was just in my nature.

"Tifa?"

I almost dropped Yuffie's dishes from the sudden interruption.

Spinning around wide-eyed I saw Marlene rubbing one sleepy eye as she wondered over to me and unexpectedly wrapped her tiny little arms around my upper thighs.

"Tifa are you going to be my mummy now?" she asked sleepily with a little yawn at the end.

Her question shocked me. It truly did. Whether she was for real or was still asleep and had simply been sleepwalking, the question was obviously something that had been on her mind for a while now.

I held the cutlery in both hands, outstretched on either side of my body, which were up in line with my head, as I stared down at her little body still clinging onto me.

I remained silent for the next few seconds or so and then without another thought I placed the cutlery onto the counter and reached down to lift Marlene up into my arms. She was very light for a girl of her age, but then she was a very petite little thing, much like Yuffie.

"Lets get you to bed." I whispered softly so as to not disturb her.

It wasn't too long after that I had said this when I heard someone at the door.

I turned my head to the left to call back, "Who is it?"

"It's me…Reno."

Great timing Reno.

"Hang on a sec." I sighed as I shifted Marlene onto my left, feeling her little face fall into the left crook of my neck.

A few seconds later I opened the door and Reno brushed through hurriedly. Once inside he shut the door and leaned against it with what seemed like relief.

"You okay?" I asked with concern.

He looked up at me with solemn eyes and then suddenly averted his gaze towards the little bundle in my arms.

"Who's that?" he asked quietly.

I looked down at Marlene's little face, which was rather difficult to do so now because she had moved it to rest on my collarbone just underneath my chin.

"She's Barrett's daughter. Marlene." I told him.

He moved a little closer and then slowly raised a gloved hand and gently brushed her hair to the side.

"I'd like to have one of these some day." He whispered.

I wasn't quite sure what to say to that. It seemed he was speaking to himself more then me.

"Um…you've just missed Yuffie. She's gone upstairs but you can go up if you'd like." I offered.

"I might just do that actually." He said as he stood to his full height and adjusted his long black cloak.

I however noticed his expression seemed somewhat lost and I thought I saw a hint of fear in those eyes.

"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked with a frown.

"Yes Tifa I'm fine." He said in sudden anger.

I stood my ground but looked away.

He sighed and quickly apologised before running towards the stairs and disappearing from sight.

I turned my gaze towards the stairs and then turned towards the door. I peered through the tiny hole of glass and saw nothing but darkness and a few streetlights.

Locking the door once more I turned and headed towards the stairs.

Location: Yuffie's bedroom

Time: 9:15 pm

Yuffie's POV:

"Reno are you alright?" I asked, as I sat next to him on my bed, gently rubbing his back.

He seemed somewhat distant tonight and he had hardly said a word since arriving. He had simply walked in just as I was about to have a shower and plonked onto the bed.

Now fifteen minutes later he had finally begun to communicate with me at least.

"Just tired." He replied.

"Where'd you go today?" was my next question.

He remained silent so I prompted him once more, "Reno?"

"What?" he groaned.

"Where did you go today?"

He sat up so that he was now sitting on the edge of my bed with his head in his hands.

"That's my business."

"Why are you being so secretive tonight? Why can't you tell me?" I said standing up and growing slightly annoyed.

"Honestly Yuffie, you can't say that you didn't do anything today that you don't want to speak with me about." He answered.

Damn it. Now I was stuck.

"Well…"

"It's okay…we're even now. Lets just leave it at that." He said standing up also so that he was now directly in front of me.

Then unexpectedly he lowered his face to mine…

Location: Tifa's bedroom

Time: 10:00 pm

Tifa's POV:

It had been just over forty-five minutes or so since I had taken Marlene back to bed and shortly after I had retired to my own room. But now I was having trouble sleeping. Sure I had things on my mind, but it wasn't too often that they kept me from my sleep.

No. Tonight I was unable to sleep because of…ahem…certain interruptions every now and then. It had been going on since I had gotten into my room and I guessed it had most likely started since Reno met up with Yuffie.

"Honestly Yuffie…" I whispered underneath the pillows.

How is Marlene sleeping through this?

Sitting up in my bed, allowing my ears to endure unwanted cries of Yuffie and Reno I decided that I'd go for a walk.

Flipping the covers off of me and sliding my legs over the side of my bed I brushed my hair back away from my face and quickly slid on my shoes.

Then as fast as I could I left my room and began to make my way down the stairs two at a time.

Maybe when I get back they'll be asleep.

Location: Streets of Midgar

Time: 10:05 pm

A few minutes later I was outside and making my way down the deserted street. A light at the end of the street was all I could see and I decided that I would keep walking towards it until I reached it and then turn back.

I rubbed my arms as a cold breeze blew past and slightly ruffled my hair so that it blew into my face.

I pulled the strands away from my eyes and mouth where a few strands were wedged.

I stood for a minute or two right then just staring up at the pitch-black sky. I wish there were something more up there then just black. Something like the street light, except there would be millions of them so that they would light up the entire town. But not like the sun.

A noise behind me suddenly tore me away from my thoughts. I kept quiet and very still while I turned to try and see who or what was there.

I kept breathing normally and then slowly began to move to the side of one of the buildings.

Whatever it was, it was most likely still there. It sounded like feet tripping on the pavement.

It's okay. Just keep walking and then turn back like you planned.

I made it to an alleyway and that was when I knew someone was here. I turned my head to the right and that was when they pulled me into the alley and pinned me to the wall, with a hand over my mouth. I didn't try to fight back at the moment. It would only make their hold on me even stronger.

I closed my eyes and just stood there until I heard the person speak.

'Tifa. What are you doing out here huh?"

I furrowed my eyebrows at hearing the familiar voice and then reopened my eyes to get a closer look at whom it was.

I couldn't see their face through the darkness but I recognised the person's scent.

Liquor.

But it couldn't be. He sounded…different…and what would he be doing out here at this time of night…right around the corner of my home?

He couldn't be that addicted to the drink could he?

"Mmm!" I tried to speak, except it came out as a muffled noise underneath his gloved palm.

It was then that he pulled away but still kept a firm grasp onto my left upper arm.

"Cid?" I asked in disbelief only to be shushed quiet.

I was partly taken aback by his demand for silence, but that didn't keep me from continuing.

"What are you doing? Don't tell me you've finally gone insane and intend on killing the bar-keeper?" I tried to joke.

When he didn't answer I gulped and whispered, "It is you…right Cid?"

"Yeah it's me. I just thought I'd give ya a scare." He laughed.

"Okay…but what are you doing out here?" I asked getting back on topic.

I saw a cloud of cigarette smoke drift upwards from where his face seemed to be as he pushed out the air from his lungs with a sigh. He then flicked the butt onto the ground and stamped it out before walking with me still within his grasp towards the exit of the alley.

He stopped at the opening and peered around the corner and then a few seconds later he began to walk out with me behind.

"Cid?"

"Yeah?"

"Um…where are you taking me?" I asked timidly.

A drunk Cid was the only Cid I was used to. But this Cid was sober and I wasn't used to him at all.

"Home Teef. Home sweet home." He replied unenthusiastically but sounded like his mind was elsewhere at the same time.

"But…I just came from there. I couldn't sleep." I explained, trying to make him slow down his pace.

His grip on me tightened however and I was starting to get a little worried at where this was all headed.

I suddenly heard a rustle on the other side of the street, which startled me from my thoughts at that moment.

I affixed my gaze on the other sidewalk only meters away but it was then that Cid stood forward in front of me, as if hiding me away from whatever it was.

"What is it?" I enquired quietly.

There was silence as I watched his head scan up and down the street slowly.

"Ah nothing…just rats. Filthy little rodents." He answered in a disgusted tone.

The wind suddenly picked up and I quickly asked, "Can we stay out here for a while. I don't feel like going home yet."

"Nah not tonight Teef." He replied as we began to walk in the direction of home again.

"Honestly Cid, since when did you start taking care of me?" I asked in disbelief.

"Since…" he trailed off as if he were going to say something more. "Since now." he finished.

"I'm a big girl. I don't need you to hold my hand and walk me home." I sighed in annoyance that we were almost at my door.

He didn't speak for the remainder of the journey, which was only a few minutes or so.

When we finally came to a stop at my door he turned to me with a serious expression and said, "Now promise me you won't come out again tonight."

"Um…why?" I asked with a confused look; folding my arms and leaning against the doorframe.

"Look Teef you gotta get some sleep so that you can open up the bar early tomorrow." He smiled.

I shook my head and replied, "Right, whatever you say Cid."

It was then that a bump from above was heard and we both stared up startled.

"What was that?" he questioned in confusion.

Sighing I looked back to him and answered, "That was the reason I went for a walk…well tried to anyway."

Another noise was heard. It was that of Yuffie giggling and Reno making comments on…certain things.

I saw Cid's eyes widen and then quickly he turned away seeming shocked at what he'd just heard.

"Ah I see…well. Ahem…"

"This is awkward Cid." I stated bluntly.

"Yeah I reckon. I'm going now." He informed as he turned away from the door. "Don't let me see you come out again tonight little miss." He called back as he made his way down the street.

"Shh…people are trying to sleep." I laughed.

"Meh." he shrugged off without a care, "Good luck sleeping through that." He laughed, referring to my best friend and her lover's act.

"Like you care." I smiled.

"Goodnight Tifa." He called back once more; his black cloak being the last that I saw of him as he headed around a corner.

Then I was alone again.

Location: Streets of Midgar

Time: 10:25 pm

Cloud's POV:

There he is. Just standing there with that grin.

He was slipping away into the shadows now but I'd leave him tonight. He wasn't as dangerous as Kadaj. He was just an ass who wanted to create havoc and he kept SOLDIER on their toes. The perfect person for Kadaj. There was no point in doing anything tonight. Creating a distraction was what Rude wanted. He knew that Cid would be out and having me on the scene was just a bonus. He was trying to confuse us with his weird tactics.

Alerting people in the middle of the night was not something that I was going to do. It was too unsafe.

She had been there again.

I…I…

"Yo Cloud." Came a voice from my right.

I looked up and saw Cid headed my way.

"You look sick man." He commented.

I frowned and returned to my cold state again.

"That's great." I sighed unenthusiastically, as I began to make my way back to SOLDIER base.

"You can sound a little bit more upbeat when speaking you know."

"Can you just not speak?" I requested tiresomely.

"Can but won't." he replied arrogantly as he began to follow.

"If you're going to speak at all, tell me what you found out." I demanded in an annoyed manner.

Ignoring me, he shoved his hands into his pockets and breathed loudly, "Man it's cold tonight."

"Cid!" I growled through clenched teeth, "I am not in the mood for your antics tonight."

I heard him laugh quietly, "Ah Cloud. Since when are you ever in the mood for anything?"

"I just don't get why you always avoid the question at hand." I said getting even more annoyed; however I wouldn't show this. If I let him see that he was getting to me then he would be sure to continue with his game.

"Speak for yourself." He countered.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well…" he began with a dramatic sigh, as he began to walk forward a little more quickly, "You always avoid a certain topic when either me or Vincent bring it up."

"Look I'm not the one who fucked up while on duty two years ago." I shot back.

He suddenly stopped in his tracks but I continued to walk.

I walked past him and I swear I could feel his glare blaring into the back of my head.

"You know Cloud at times I wonder what happened to the old you. You used to be alive once." He stated seriously in a questioning way.

"Yeah…that was then. This is now." I replied bluntly and continued to walk while leaving him behind.

Location: Yuffie's bedroom

Time: 10:30 pm

Reno's POV:

Keep walking you snake. You come near here again and I'll slice that smug look off your face.

"Reno, what are you doing over there." Yuffie whined from behind.

Turning away from the window I saw her lying on her stomach, lazily trying to push the long strands of hair away from her face.

I smiled a fake smile and made my way back over to the bed.

She reached up to pull me on top of her for a kiss I suspected but I simply crawled over her and lay on my back.

She quickly turned over and began to kiss my neck in a frenzy and then went to kiss my mouth but I turned away and got out of the bed once more.

"Reno what is your problem tonight?" she asked growing angry like she had been before when I had first arrived.

"I'm just tired." I lied with a sigh; as I reached down to pick up my boxers off the floor.

In actual truth I was feeling sick about the fact that Rude had been so close to us just moments ago.

"Fine then, go to sleep, but don't lead me to believe that you're still up for more. How am I to know when to stop otherwise?" she grumbled, turning over into her pillows.

I made my way back over to the bed and slipped in next to her.

I didn't mean to make her feel like a fool. But she really didn't have the slightest clue about anything right now.

Things were just about to get out of hand.

Kadaj; although no longer my boss, was not the kind of man who would let me go free so easily. Sure when I started this job it was all for me and no one else. But I fell in love. Things were different now.

I couldn't risk losing Yuffie over some ancient feud that had not benefited me in the slightest.

"Yuffie?" I whispered, feeling the need to just be with her right now.

"Mmm?" She mumbled sleepily, as I slipped my arm around her small waist.

"Can I hold you for a little while?"

"Sure Reno…" she trailed off drowsily.

A/N: Okay this is slightly shorter by about 800 words but it couldn't be helped. The next chapter is where most of the action is and if it were to be put in this chapter it would be far too long for anyone to just sit and read continuously, without getting a headache from staring at the computer screen.

Anyway I hope that this was satisfactory. Please leave me a review. It'd be much appreciated.

Also from now on I will not be replying to reviews. There has been talk, about people getting warned or even getting their stories deleted for communicating with their reviewers personally in the chapter submitted.

But I would still like to thank all of you for reviewing and staying with me all the way so far.

Yunie Tidus