A/N: Here comes the least angsty chapter so far. I think you can already guess the Kadaj pairing I keep hinting at…..Please keep those reviews coming guys, remember feedback is every author's lifeblood and inspiration. I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Square Enix.

"Hey Rude, have you told Tifa yet?" Reno asked with a lopsided grin, leaning against the alley wall behind Seventh Heaven, one hand shoved in his trouser pocket. Rude gave no response, staring straight ahead in silence. It was hard to tell what the man was thinking; the hard chiseled face remained adamantly expressionless.

"You know you're ought to hurry up and tell her, man. One of these days she'll find someone more talkative to hook up with." Reno sneered softly.

Rude took a sidelong glance at his friend, than glanced down the length of the littered alleyway. Why did Reno constantly have to pick the most inappropriate times to bring up such a delicate subject? Rude wasn't in the mood for idle conversation let alone discuss the object of his desire.

"Good for her." He muttered dryly.

"So, you're gonna give her up just like that? Is that supposed to be a joke, cos I ain't laughing." Reno raised a red eyebrow.

"That's too bad."

Keep your eyes on the target, Rude thought, raising his shaded gaze across toward one of the upper windows of Seventh Heaven that overlooked the alley. He tensed up, alert and ready.

A silver-headed boy of about 18 years of age was peering out, quite intently, toward the derelict, industrial heart of the slums. He appeared to be in deep thought, a strange, blank obliviousness masking his features. Suddenly, he unlatched the window and prepared to jump. Rude, though alarmed, never once lost his cool calm, nudging his distracted partner.

Reno took the cue and focused his attention on Kadaj attempting to escape. The boy was scanning the area with narrowed eyes, assessing his chances of slipping undetected.

"Someone looks eager." Reno snickered, fingering his weapon, just when Kadaj spotted the two Turks.

Steely blue-green eyes narrowed to slits and clashed with Reno's clear cerulean ones as he curled a sly grin up at the disgruntled youth, who glared back for a long moment, before slamming the window shut and drawing the curtain. Smart kid, Reno thought, Kadaj probably realized it wasn't worth the effort.

"Bloody hell, we blew it! He wasn't supposed to see us!"

"Easy, Rude. Quite the opposite, actually. Let him know we're hounding his every step."

"Rufus won't be thrilled, this time."

"Rufus needn't know." Reno replied somberly, glancing heavenward as the first droplets of a cool rain began to fall from the leaden-cast sky rapidly darkening by the night's imminent descent.

"Let's get a move on shall we? Nothing better than a scotch in this weather." Reno smirked slightly.

"Only if you're buying." Rude said, the corner of his stern-edged lips crooking with mirth.

"Don't push it, Rude." Reno looked deadpan for a second, then slowly grinned, heading alongside the burly Turk toward Seventh Heaven, as the rain began to beat the earth and concrete.

Some distance away, a tall, black-clad silhouette stealthily disengaged himself from the devouring, writhing shadows of the street, and followed the two Turks soundlessly.

…………….

Darkness and rain was fast upon the city, and Seventh Heaven was buzzing with people at this time of the night, especially when it was bucketing like this outside. In a well-lit corner booth, a group of eco-warriors relaxed with a round of beer and a massive tray of wedges, voices raised with occasional laughter.

"Hey Cloud, what's holding that skinny-arsed remnant? I'm starving."

"What's wrong with wedges?" Yuffie piped up, deliberately ignoring the "remnant" bit.

"Wedges ain't a big fat bloody rump o' steak. A man's gotta have protein!" Barret grumbled, stuffing a handful of sour cream and sweet chili sauce laden wedges into his mouth.

"Gross as!" Yuffie wrinkled her nose and looked at Vincent for support. The ex-Turk shot the girl a blasé, don't-get-me-involved look, to which she dramatically rolled her eyes.

"Maybe one of us should go and check on him." Suggested Nanaki, who was settled rather comfortably next to the booth.

"Hmm." Cloud murmured, taking a swig of his beer.

Across at the bar, Tifa was preparing cocktails and serving customers, glancing anxiously at Cloud every now and then. Marlene and Denzel were in bed, Cait Sith minding them for the night. Of Kadaj, there was no sign.

"I've got a bad feeling about this." Vincent remarked offhandedly.

"Wouldn't be the first time." Yuffie murmured dourly, without a trace of her usual chatty, cheerful self, toying absently with a sodden potato wedge on her plate.

An uneasy silence descended over the booth. Even Cloud seemed to be restless, thoughtfully swirling the contents of his beer bottle.

"I told yewse one of us shouldda stayed with him." Barret stared meaningfully at Cloud.

"It's not right to baby-sit him, Barret. He's probably still getting ready." The blonde eco-warrior said without much conviction. Was he having second thoughts about Kadaj? Well, it was too late for that…

"He's takin' his sweet time doin that if yewse ask me."

"Do you think he's changed?" Nanaki asked casually.

"Who, spikey-arse here or the remnant creep?" Barret muttered moodily.

"Not now Barret!" Yuffie chided him for his brazenness, glancing at Cloud with concern.

"Don't blame me for sayin' what everybody's thinkin!"

Cloud stared at his bottle with a soft frown. "I just…I don't want to fail Aeris…not this time. I have to carry out her wishes…" He raised his vivid blue eyes and regarded his friends with an unwavering gaze. "Kadaj will change, you'll see. It's no use bringing him down all the time, Barret. Please, try to understand, I can't do this without you."

"Bloody oath you can't…" The robust warrior sighed, a rueful half smile cracking across his lips.

"Cloud's right. I think we all should give Kadaj a chance. Worst comes to worst, he'll just morph into Sephiroth again and summon up another meteor. Nothing we can't tackle, right Cloud?" Nanaki remarked lightly.

"What!" Yuffie gasped, her eyes growing wide.

"Wait till Cid hears this…" Barret elbowed Vincent.

"Damn right. I was getting itchy to try my new sword anyways." Cloud grinned, thankful the gloom was finally somewhat alleviated.

"Speak of the devil…" Yuffie mumbled, looking toward the stern young man making his way out of the back area. He went up to the counter and said something to Tifa, upon which she wordlessly pointed at where Cloud and his group were seated.

At a mere glance, anyone could tell Kadaj was an outsider. Though he was freshly showered and shaved, silver strands still dripping, he had not changed into his new clothes, which kind of beat the purpose of having a shower. He was still in his blood-stained black leathers, but the slim hands were ungloved and his skin-tight armored trench zipped halfway, exposing the scarred, muscled pale torso slightly. It seemed symbolic somehow to Cloud, Kadaj still held onto his previous life in a way, not yet ready to shed his old identity yet. Nonetheless he was relieved to see his ward hadn't tried anything foolish and had decided to stay.

Yuffie moved, deliberately squishing Vincent to the wall, making room for Kadaj as he sat down with a leisurely grace. Despite the outward calm, he seemed edgy and nervous.

"Glad you could join us." Cloud pushed a chilled bottle of beer in front of Kadaj, who sat stiffly, not knowing what to say. He made sure to avoid eye contact with anyone.

"Hey guys, I'm going to the Gold Saucer next week, got some money stashed from the chocobo races. Apparently there's gonna be a big event. Anyone up for it?" Yuffie offered chirpily. She was going out of her way to make Kadaj feel comfortable, and Cloud did not fail to notice. Good on you, Yuffie…

"I believe it might be interesting." Vincent looked intrigued. "I've been meaning to revisit the Ghost Square myself…"

"Bet you 'ave…" Barret cocked his eyebrows.

"Good idea. We can visit grandfather too, he was getting a little lonely in the Canyon." Nanaki agreed.

"Sounds like a plan." Terrific, Cloud smiled inwardly. Of course, Bugenhagen…If anyone, he would know what to do with Kadaj. Why didn't he think of that before? Besides it wasn't a bad idea to get Kadaj out of town for a while, what with the Turks breathing down their necks…They all could use a little break anyway.

"Yeah count me in. I bet Tifa'll be thrilled too. She's been overworkin' herself lately." Barret nodded, returning Cloud's knowing smile.

"Ever been to the Gold Saucer, Kadaj?" Vincent asked.

Kadaj shook his head quietly, his downcast, blue mottled green eyes fixed on the table.

"Yo sunshine, loosen up would ya?" Barret called across the table with a booming voice.

Kadaj lifted his head, finding the courage to examine each expectant face.

Guilt; sheer, unadulterated guilt struck him deep. If only they knew he'd just tried to escape…And he would have, if it weren't for the Turks' intervention. He felt sick…

Disgusted at himself, Kadaj decided it might be in his best interest to do as Cloud advised. He had never been close to anybody before, and now, maybe it was time to do exactly that. This was something beyond the cold, unspoken instinctive bond he had shared with his dead brothers; this was friendship, plain and simple.

Why do I feel this way…? Why does a part of me want to just run away and embrace Sephiroth's legacy as doomed as it sounds, while another part of my soul wants to hold onto what I have here, with these people…?

It was pouring outside, and here he was safely ensconced in the warmth and bright lights of Seventh Heaven, surrounded by people he barely knew…people he wanted to touch and laugh and cry with…A strange sense of peace and calm came over him as he leaned back.

"Can I have some wedges please?" He asked politely.

"Knock yourself out." Cloud pushed the steaming basket and the sauce bowls towards him. Kadaj selected a small piece and dipped it in sour cream and chilli sauce, popping it in his mouth, chewing contentedly. Nothing seemed to have tasted so good before…

"Hey Vincent, what are doing for your birthday? It's in two weeks eh?" Yuffie asked, reaching for a wedge.

"Nothing." Vincent replied, swallowing a mouthful of wine.

"Bull! Let's extend our trip and go to Costa Del Sol, it's nice and warm over there at this time of the year, and you sure could use a tan Vincent. What do you say everyone?"

"Far be it from me to deny a lady…" Vincent said dryly.

"Who's going to Costa Del Sol?" Tifa asked as she came over to join the group, leaving an assistant tender in charge of the bar. Cloud stood and helped Tifa with the overloaded plates of steak and pies, distributing the food.

Kadaj whipped his iridescent gaze toward her, his mouth suddenly too dry for some stupid reason. Tifa wiped her hands on her apron and sat next to Cloud and Barret.

"We all are! To celebrate Vincent's birthday." Yuffie grinned, reaching over and picking a steamed carrot.

"Apparently so." Vincent said flatly and shrugged.

"Yo, someone pass me the gravy." Barret said impatiently, inhaling the divine aroma of the steak with a sigh of satisfaction. Kadaj grabbed the gravy jug with trembling fingers and set it down next to the big man.

"When's your birthday, Kadaj?" Yuffie asked while the silver-haired youth picked at his steak and steamed vegetables silently.

"I don't know…" He looked up, setting his fork down. "I don't think I have one…"

"What do you mean you don't have a birthday?" A look of bewilderment knitted Yuffie's thin brows. "Everyone has a birthday!"

"I think he means he wasn't born from a human like the rest of us, Yuffie. Hence he doesn't have a birthday." Tifa said without looking up.

Barret cleared his throat loudly, scowling at his steak, Yuffie looked puzzled.

"I…I just remember waking up with my brothers in that cave one day, and I simply was…" Kadaj clarified tautly.

"Bugger me dead...!" Yuffie breathed.

"Do you remember what the date was?" Cloud interjected.

"I'd rather not." Kadaj said glumly.

"In that case today's as good as any. So how about it?" Cloud suggested. Everyone glanced at each other, then nodded. Kadaj, for the first time in his life, was slack-jawed.

"Well then everyone, I propose a toast." Cloud raised his bottle and everyone followed suit except Nanaki who perked his head up curiously and Tifa, who gazed at her glass with a deep frown, chewing her bottom lip. Eventually she too, raised her glass, slowly.

"Happy Birthday Kadaj…" They all said in unison, drawing curious glances from the nearby patrons.

Kadaj downed his beer as everyone applauded. Sephiroth had been wrong. He was home.

……………

After dinner, feeling significantly better and pleasantly full, Kadaj took his plate into the kitchen, where Tifa was busy rinsing the dirty dishes in the sink, her back turned to him. Upon his approach, her slender spine stiffened, but her eyes remained fastened on what she was doing.

"Excuse me." Kadaj mumbled, holding his plate under the water.

"Leave it." Tifa said and snatched the plate from his hand, her fingers briefly brushing against his. She shuddered.

"I can help…"

"Isn't it a bit too late for that?" Tifa mumbled bitterly.

Kadaj sighed in understanding, turning to leave. He didn't want to argue with her.

"You know, it wouldn't hurt to say thank you either." Tifa snapped softly. Was she trying to provoke him and start an argument on purpose? Come on Tifa, you're better than that…
"I thought you told me to thank Cloud, and I already did that!" Kadaj retorted sharply, his mood rapidly declining.

Tifa spun around to confront him. Her hands clenched.

"I don't think you're in any position to get smart with me!"

Kadaj raked his fingers through his hair. He just couldn't win…

"I try to be civil, but you're treating me like a piece of dirt. Everytime you look at me, you see him, and I wish you didn't!" He said in gentler tones.

"You can't hold that against me." Tifa muttered, wiping the bench.

"I know that." Kadaj took a breath, looking straight into Tifa's eyes as he spoke. Cloud's encouraging words came to him, and he felt himself growing bolder. "All I'm trying to say is I'm not…him. I did not kill your father, I did not set fire to Nibelheim. I understand you hold me responsible, and I can live with that. I just don't want you to hate me for something I can't help. Can't you just compromise?"

"You have some nerve to ask me that." Tifa kept on cleaning, not caring she was wiping the tabletop for the third time. She had to keep herself occupied, or she would lose it.

"I don't want to fight with you, Tifa."

A soft tremor ran down her spine when he said her name; she hated the feeling, hated his guts, hated everything about him. She hated the tiny lurch of her heart every time they made physical contact, and hated the horrid resemblance her eyes were perpetually drawn to against her will.

"Fine." Tifa said, quelling all the bitter words that came to her, and looking away. "Whatever you do, just don't let Cloud down, okay?"

"No…" Kadaj said gently. "I won't."

Suddenly Yuffie appeared in the kitchen, panting, looking all tense and worried.

"Tifa! You'd better come quick!" She turned to Kadaj, her eyes going huge. "And you hide! NOW!"

……………………

A/N: Whoopsie, beware the cliffhanger…Pressure's building up...Anyway, hope you liked this chap, leave me a review if you did and tell me what you think. See you all next chapter!