Story Title: After the Rain
Rating: K
Genre: Romance and Drama
Disclaimer: I don't own any characters appearing in this fanfiction.
A/N: Here it is, the much-awaited final chapter. I apologize for taking so long! I didn't want the ending to support so it took a lot of thinking. I want to thank everyone who was with me from the beginning, to the newcomers who stuck around, and to everyone who read this story. If it weren't for you, this story probably would have failed. Also, I'm glad that I myself didn't let schoolwork hinder the story's progress. This was, after all my longest story so far. I'm sad that it's ending but alas, every story has an ending. Auron speaks! Again, thank you and I hope you enjoyed your time. Well, until fate brings us together again…

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Chapter 20
As though to remove the somber doubts, look…

The apartment room where Cloud once dwelled was empty. His things were packed and gone. It seemed as if the room had been lifeless for a long time when he only recently left… to go home. When Cloud told Cid and Shera that he was returning home permanently, they both seemed rather sad. Shera gave him words of encouragement but Cid nearly grunted and told him not to show his face there again—just his way of saying that he'll miss him.

Before he boarded the train, Shera told Cloud, "The three of us will be waiting."

Cloud raised an eyebrow, confused. "Three?"

"Well, me, Cid, and…" Shera placed a hand on her stomach. "This little one, here."

"Ah…" Of course.

"I'll come back to visit someday." Cloud smiled.

"Oh, I better be dead when you come back." Cid murmured.

"I'll be back before that happens then." Cloud said, amused by Cid's complicated emotions. He bid them both goodbye and boarded the train. When he watched their figures grow smaller in the distance, he felt like he was saying goodbye to a second family. He surely will miss them.

Hours passed as the train traveled from station to station. Cloud felt himself falling asleep—and in his dream he felt many emotions. He saw endless months of rainy weather bringing pain and happiness. The visions within the dream broke his heart but also made it skip a beat. Familiar faces flooded his resting mind, all of which were smiling as if they were proud of him. One face he longed to see was the brightest. She had long raven hair and dark eyes, all accompanied with a warm smile. That was when the rain stopped, and in the sky was a rainbow.

Cloud awoke. It was his stop. Gathering his things, Cloud stepped off the train and went out into the station. He looked around for a face, just one familiar face. His heart pounded faster when his blue eyes met with Tifa's dark eyes. In a flash, she was in his arms. Immediately, he felt his shirt getting wet.

"…Why are you crying?" He gently wiped her face.

"I was afraid… that you wouldn't be coming back."

"Hey, I'm here aren't I?"

Tifa nodded slightly. "Mm. You are."

"Hey, lovebirds!"

Cloud and Tifa broke from their embrace. Zack, Aerith, and of course Cloud's mother and Tifa's father were there, watching the whole scene with loving eyes. Zack said, "Is it my turn yet?"

Cloud and Tifa laughed, a bit embarrassed.

"You're back." Said Cloud's mother, giving him a quick hug.

"I'm back." Cloud never noticed how young his mother's weary eyes looked when she smiled.

Tifa's father and Cloud exchanged glances, a secret message of understanding. "It's good to have you back."

"It's good to see you're doing well." Cloud replied.

"Cloud," Aerith approached him, her green eyes lighting up happily with tears. "Thing's weren't the same without you."

"I realized that, though it was a little too late." Cloud smiled. "Thanks."

"Don't forget about me." Zack slapped Cloud's back. "Your best friend missed you too, you know?"

"Yeah, I know." Cloud held out a fist.

"Heh, you never change, do you?" Zack's fist met Cloud's—a friendly gesture between them.

Cloud looked amongst the faces of the people who came to welcome him back—how fortunate he was to have such loving people in his life. "I'm glad you guys are here."

"Welcome home." Tifa said, the sound of her voice ringing sweetly in Cloud's ears.

He smiled. "I'm home."

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Ring… Ring… 'Your call has been forwarded to voice mail…'

"…Cid? It's me, Cloud. Sorry that I haven't kept in touch for a while, but I got your voice message yesterday. How is Shera? Tifa and I will be coming to visit you guys soon. She can't wait to see the baby. Oh, and to answer your question, Tifa and I moved out together four months ago. She's working at her bar, 7th Heaven. As for me, I'm doing an all-around job. My friends, Zack and Aerith, are going to be living with each other for a while too. They finally managed to get their relationship on track. Zack's having the best of his time with her and she seems happy too, so I'm glad that they settled everything. And if it's okay, can I they come along when Tifa and I visit? They really want to see the baby too. Don't worry; you don't have to let Zack hold the baby. And also… I hope you guys are doing okay. Knowing you though, there's probably nothing to worry about…Well, that's all. Tifa and I are looking forward to seeing you guys again. Until then, take care… uh, and I wanted to ask something, don't tell Tifa though but… what's it like being a father…?"