Tifa Lockheart stood in front of a large white house. The walls seemed new, but the house model was centuries old. The windows were paneled with light blue shutters and small flower gardens below them. The door was large and stained in a fine dark color.
I hope I'm at the right house. Tifa knocked on the door. Around her, she could hear the hustling of people of Midgar. It was only three years, but already the city had been built up once more and was busier than ever.
Tifa pushed the doorbell, but still no answer. Maybe he's not home. But then, where else would he be? Tifa grabbed the doorknob and turned; it was unlocked. Tifa took a deep breath and entered the house.
Inside, she made her way through the entry hall, leaving her small bag by the door. She came to a large living room. Around it, all kinds of chairs, benches, and couches were crafted. Tifa stopped at a rocking chair and took a closer look at a carving. She read the outline; AVALANCHE. Tifa smiled, So even he doesn't want to forget. Tifa looked around and found a stair case. The staircase spiraled up to the next level. Tifa quietly walked up the stairs. She came to a hallway next to the banister. All doors were shut, except one. Tifa walked down the hallway and came to the door. She peeked inside.
Tifa's stomach lurched as she looked at a bedroom. A king-size bed sat in front of her. Two dark wood nightstands stood on both sides of the bed. An armoire sat beside the right side. The bed covers were evenly spread and carried dust. It looked like it hadn't been slept in for days. From the dim lighting, Tifa made out patterns on the walls, a wallpaper of some sort. She entered quietly and looked around further. The light emanated from a large widow, leading to a balcony. Tifa pulled back the long green curtains and looked outside. Her stomach lurked a second time when her eyes fell onto a very familiar figure staring at the city.
Tifa walked onto the balcony, "Cloud."
Cloud spun around startled, "T-Tifa! When did you-"
"I just arrived. I came as soon as I got your letter." Tifa replied.
Cloud nodded and turned back to the city, "I wished you been here earlier. The ceremony was yesterday."
"Damn. I would've been there Cloud." Tifa said.
"I know. But, just having you here now, it still means a lot to me." Cloud replied. He turned his back to the city and looked at Tifa.
Tifa tried not to cry as she looked at Cloud more closely. She could tell he was really hurting inside. It had only been three weeks since she received the letter that Aerith was sick. Tifa had already planed on moving to Midgar to be with Aerith and Cloud during this. But two days ago, that's when Tifa snapped. She remembered ever moment when she read that letter.
Flashback:
Tifa stood behind the bar. Grabbing the glasses and putting them into boxes. She grabbed dishes and silverware and placed them into boxes of their own. She tapped up the boxes and put them by the door. Only second later did Denzel enter.
"Tifa, it's another letter from Cloud!" Denzel cried. He handed the letter to Tifa.
"Go tell Marlene." Tifa said. She leaned against the bar as Denzel rushed upstairs. Tifa looked at the letter. Outside it was marked; Don't read this to the children.
Tifa opened the envelope quickly and pulled out the letter. Her heart raced as she read through Clouds handwriting.
Tifa
As you already know, Aerith was sick. We were hoping you would be up here soon, but, unfortunately, you weren't. I hate to tell you this, especially when you're farther away, but I had no choice.
Aerith passed away, early Wednesday morning.
Tifa's heart seemed to stop. Aerith, dead? No! Oh, please God not Aerith! Not now! She felt tears swell up at her eyes. She continued to read on.
The doctor said that while she was sleeping, her heart just stopped. As he puts it, she felt no pain. I hope to see you, and the children, up here for the ceremony. I haven't decided when, but just by having you come, it would mean a lot. To Everyone.
Your Friend,
Cloud Strife
"Tifa? What's wrong?" Denzel asked.
Tifa could hear him. Tifa slid to the floor and broke into tears. She let go of the letter. Marlene knelt next to Tifa and tried to calm her down. Denzel had read the letter while Marlene tired. He handed the letter to Marlene, she read it, and soon had tears of her own fall.
"Tifa, I'm calling Barret." Denzel stood and grabbed the phone and dialed.
All Tifa could do was cry. She had lost her best friend. She hadn't been able to see her before she passed. And she had failed her, herself, and Cloud.
End Flashback:
Tifa looked at Cloud, trying to keep her tears down. His eyes were as blue as ever, but there was something missing. His eyes were sad, and scared. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. He still wore is funeral attire, wrinkled and slightly smudged.
"Cloud, I'm so sorry." Tifa said.
Cloud saw she tried not to cry as she spoke, "So am I. But, I wish she could've held on until you came. It would've meant a lot for her to see you again." He turned his head as a stray tear rolled from his eye.
Tifa turned as well, hiding her tears, "If there's anything I can do. Anyway I can help, just let me know."
Cloud nodded and smirked, "I will. After three years, you still haven't changed." He felt a hand gently squeeze his shoulder.
"Even if it had been twenty years ago, I still wouldn't change. And I'm glad you still haven't changed. But, sometimes, not changing if bad too. Cloud you're strong, and in situations like these, it's good to be strong, but...you don't always have to be. I can understand you being strong at the ceremony, but here, you don't need to." Tifa said.
Cloud couldn't help but smile and laugh a little. Tears rolled down his cheeks even more. "Well, I suppose you're right. But it's never easy letting go."
"If it was everyone would let go." Tifa replied.
"I just, wish I could've told her how much I loved her." Cloud said.
"Cloud, you two were married for two years. In those two years, I'm sure Aerith knew how much you loved her every second. Don't doubt anything you believed in when Aerith was with us." Tifa stated.
Cloud hugged Tifa tightly, "Thank you Tifa."
Tifa held onto Cloud back. She noticed the sun setting behind dark gray Clouds.
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Cloud woke up on his bed. He sat up and rubbed his eyes. When did I get here? Was I just dreaming Tifa was here? He stood up and stretched. He could hear rustling coming from the kitchen down stairs. Cloud walked out of the bedroom and looked below. He saw Tifa in the Kitchen cutting vegetables. Cloud walked downstairs and into the kitchen.
"Ouch!" Tifa cried. Tifa dropped the knife and examined her finger.
"What happened?" Cloud asked.
"Oh I cut myself." Tifa sucked the blood once and ran it underwater.
"Need any help, or would you like to mutilate the rest of your hand?" Cloud asked.
Tifa smirked, "Funny, you can finish chopping the onions. Then just drop them into the skillet."
Cloud picked up the knife and grabbed the onion, "Oh look, dressing."
"Shut up and chop." Tifa said. She stirred the skillet twice.
Cloud began chopping the onion faster than Tifa. He felt her eyes on him, but kept quiet.
"So, what's his name?" Tifa asked.
"Artemis. Aerith had her heart set on it, so I didn't stop her." Cloud answered.
"He's adorable. He looks so much like you too. I noticed he has the same spike in his hair that you do." Tifa laughed.
Cloud blushed, "Along with a blond tint to his hair. I'm hoping the spike will pass when he grows a bit more." He put the knife down and placed the onions into the skillet. The contents sizzled and Tifa stirred it again.
"How old is he? He couldn't be more than five months." Tifa said.
"Seven actually. But it seems like yesterday. You never experience something like at twice." Cloud said. He looked at Tifa as she starred at the floor. "But then, you'll know soon, won't you?"
Tifa's head shot up, "How'd you-"
"Easy, you're paler, you cut yourself, and it's starting to show slightly." Cloud motioned to Tifa's stomach.
Tifa sighed heavily, "I was going to tell you two when I moved up here. But when you told me Aerith was sick, I decided against it."
"May I ask who the father is?" Cloud asked.
"I'd rather forget who he is." Tifa replied.
"He ran out on you?" Cloud asked.
"You could say that." Tifa turned off the burner.
"Tifa, there's more. What happened?" Cloud said.
"I met him three years ago. Right after I reopened the bar. He would come in everyday. He asked me out, and we started dating. A year ago, he wanted to take our relationship to the next level. I wasn't ready so I told him no. He was pissed. He stopped showing up at the bar.
"Two weeks later he comes in with flowers and wine. I tell him to get out and he hits me with the bottle. When I wake up, he on top of me. The routine kept going for three more weeks until he stopped. That's when I found out I was pregnant." Tifa explained.
"Damn. If I ever meet the bastard-"
"You'll have to wait in line. Yuffie called first crack. Vincent even said he'd kill the bastard." Tifa said.
"That's why you decided to move to Midgar, so he wouldn't find you?" Cloud said.
Tifa nodded. "I'd hoped I could try to start again up here."
"Doesn't mean you still can't." Cloud said.
"Cloud, eventually I have to go back. I felt Denzel and Marlene with Yuffie. I still have to finish packing everything." Tifa replied.
"I'll worry about it. You're staying in Midgar now." Cloud stated.
"And just where am I going to stay?" Tifa asked.
"In the guestroom upstairs." Cloud answered.
Tifa opened her mouth the argue, but a cry stopped her. Both looked upstairs. Cloud smiled and walked upstairs. He opened the door and came back out carrying Artemis in his arms. The little infant looked up at Cloud and smiled.
"Tifa, meet Artemis." Cloud said.
"Hey there." Tifa answered. Artemis looked up at Tifa and laughed. His light brown hair spiked all over his head.
"Guess he wanted to join us for dinner." Cloud said.
Tifa smiled and pulled out a jar of formula and baby food for Artemis.