Chapter I: Changes

A few months earlier.

"Tifa!" Marlene burst into the bar with a large smile on her face. Tifa laughed lightly and asked, "What is it Marlene?"

"You won't believe what Cloud's done!" Marlene exclaimed. Tifa was puzzled, what in the world was she talking about? Marlene calmly explained to Tifa about the supposed surprise trip that Cloud had arranged for the four of them. It wasn't unusual for Cloud to plan things like this, especially when he felt that it was necessary for all of them to spend time together, since moments like these were becoming so rare as the children were getting older and developing their own interests.

In this case, it was Denzel who seemed to be one affect by ordinary trend of growing up. He started to spend more time with Cloud, rather than her. One would think that a mother would be sad to see her baby growing up, but this couldn't be farther from the truth in Tifa's case. She was happy that the nine-year-old boy looked up to Cloud more now, because he could provide knowledge in certain areas that she could never understand.

A smile came to Tifa's lips, "A trip sounds nice." She replied. Marlene smiled. It wasn't everyday that the family could spend time with one another. So this 'surprised' trip would be a wonderful occasion.

"Well, it looks like we'll have to act surprised." Tifa added. Marlene nodded in agreement. Once they both had enough of their moment of excitement both girls went back to doing their respective chores.

Marlene took care of sweeping and mopping the bar floor, while Tifa rearranged, the plates, the wine glasses, and utensils.

The day quickly changed to the night, and as usual Tifa cooked dinner for her family just as she did every night while she waited for Cloud to come home. Tifa glanced at the radio beside her, and looked at the digital analogy.

It was close to eight. Tifa knew he would be home any minute. Denzel and Marlene came down to setup the plates and the utensils on the bar counter.

Just as she predicted, Cloud's Fenrir was heard pulling up in the garage a few minutes later.

It had only been one week after the trip and Tifa started to notice Cloud's social withdrawal from her. She wondered, 'What made this trip so different from the others?' She closed her eyes as she tried to push these thoughts out of her mind.

There wasn't anything to worry about; maybe Cloud had a problem he wanted to take care on his own.

The radio flared to life as the news broadcast came in. Tifa walked over to the device and turned up the volume. She listened as the anchor announced several expansion projects around the cities, as well as a few demolitions of several foundations within Sector Five.

"Wait, wait! News just came in, there is a horde of screaming citizens protesting the destruction of one abandoned church within the former sector five ruins."

Tifa's eyes widen. Aerith's church was going to be destroyed? Could it be that's where Cloud went? She stopped doing whatever she was doing before she raced out of the bar.

Tifa ran, ran and ran as long as her legs would take her. She was shaken to the core as her whole being was filled with fear, concern and outrage.

Aerith's Church held so many memories to so many people, for most of the citizens it was the place where they miraculously found a cure for their Geostigma, it became a symbol of hope. For Cloud that church became the one location of a moment he cherished. For Tifa, the church became a salvation, it was the place that eventually that strengthen the bond of her 'family' back together.

"Please let me through!" Tifa urged as she pushed her way in through the sea of screaming protestors. To her surprise most of the protestors were children, more specifically the children that were inflicted with Geostigma nearly two years ago.

They all screamed and cursed at the demolition workers standing on the opposite of them. One very familiar brown haired girl holding her Moogle doll shouted, "You can't destroy this building because the spirit of the Flower Girl is still here!"

Much to her disappointment, the workers just laughed at the children—no they weren't laughing at the children, they were laughing at the children's tales. Tifa pushed her way through and stood in front of the kids.

The workers stopped to stare at her. The children stared at her as well. She looked back and smiled at them before turned to face the workers.

"Tifa!" Denzel's voice rang through the crowd as he pushed his way through to stand by her. She wrapped a protective arm around the boy's shoulder and looked at one the workers straight in the eye.

"We won't let you destroy this church." She declared. The protests then started again. The workers soon left, some of them declared that they'd be back. Tifa turned to Denzel, and the young boy knew he had some explaining to do on a later date.

She sighed in relief, despite her initial shock she was glad that Cloud wasn't here. The girl holding the moogle doll came up to them and said, "Thank you for helping us." Tifa smiled and replied, "You're welcome."

Soon all the protestors went home once they were certain that it was safe for them to leave. But Tifa and Denzel decided to stay a little longer.

She opened the door the church, and stepped inside. The floorboards started to creek.

Denzel walked over to pool of water where Aerith's flowers used to be and then he stopped at the edge to stare up at the Buster sword. Tifa walked over and stood beside him, and then she stared up at the sword too.

Denzel turned to her and saw the look on her face before he turned back to look at the sword.

"Should we move it?" He asked. Tifa shook her head. No, the sword will stay. This is where Cloud had placed it, therefore this where it belongs. She knew what was in Denzel's mind, what if they couldn't do anything to keep the church standing.

She knelt in front of him and said, "We just have to keep trying." She brushed away several strands of his fringe from his face. This church meant a lot to other people beside and Cloud and herself. There was no way she was going to let anyone destroy anything that was cherished such as this building.

Once Tifa had enough of her nostalgia, she turned the doorway and told Denzel it was time for them to go home.

'Hopefully Cloud would be back at the bar by the time we get back…' She thought.

The door opened and Cloud turned his head towards the entrance to the bar. Denzel hurried over to his side. Cloud smiled lightly, "Where'd you go?" He asked. Denzel then told him, but left out the details of the protest.

The young nine-year-old figured out it would be for Tifa to tell him later on.

Denzel then headed upstairs and left the two adults alone.

Tifa walked over and sat on the barstool next to one Cloud was sitting on, and then she turned to him and told him what really happened, "Aerith's church was going to be demolished."

Cloud closed his eyes for a second, "So you went there with Denzel?" He asked. She shook her head and explained, "I thought you did. But I was wrong."

She decided to that incident behind her and she got up, "Would you like anything to drink?" She asked. Cloud stood up and told her that he'll get it himself. Tifa nodded and watched as he walked behind the bar counter towards the wine cupboard. He pulled out a small glass, and one bottle before serving himself.

Cloud was satisfied with one cup, and stood up to clean it up. But Tifa took care of it. It was like déjà vu, only it wasn't a feeling. She recalled doing the same thing two years ago.

"Is something bothering you?" She asked. Cloud's shoulders stiffened, it was clear that something was wrong she could see through his body language, nonetheless he replied, "No."

'So it's one of his secrets again…' Tifa mentally sighed, she wanted to know what was wrong, but deep down she also knew pushing it will only make things worst. So she decided to leave the subject alone till he was ready to tell her.

"Well, in that case I'll clean and get the bar ready for tonight." Cloud stood up, and told her to call him if she needed help, although he knew she would most likely take care of everything herself.

Tifa smiled at his concern and nodded. Cloud turned away and walked to residential part of bar and then headed upstairs without muttering as much of single word.

She was partly glad that he talked to her, even if it was only for a few minutes. Maybe she was already starting to get through to him.

Cloud sat down on the edge of his bed, staring at the one photograph on his desk. The picture was taken in front of the bar right after Denzel's Geostigma had been cured inside Aerith's church.

Was there really a plan to tear it down, and build something else on top of its location? No, he couldn't let her memory be torn apart like it was nothing. Cloud decided to go over there tomorrow, very early in the morning.

Denzel called his name, and he immediately turned to the opened doorway. He nodded once, giving the boy silent permission to enter. Denzel came in, and immediate knew, "Tifa told didn't she?"

"Yeah." Cloud replied. "I want to help too!" Denzel declared. Cloud slowly turned to him and placed his hand on the top of his head. "Then stay here with Tifa and Marlene." He instructed.

He saw the shock on Denzel's face and then quickly added, "I don't want you to get to hurt." That was something the ten-year-old could understand. With one sigh, Denzel reluctantly agreed to stay.

Cloud slowly pulled his hand away from his head. Soon Marlene stood in the doorway.

"Come on in." Cloud told her. The young girl eagerly rushed inside and sat down on the spot next to Denzel.

She had overheard what had happened, and also told Cloud that she wanted to help as well, but then she added that she was going to stay here as well. "We'll be counting on you, Cloud." She said.

"I'll be counting you both too." Cloud replied. The children smiled and nodded.

"So Cloud how was your deliveries today?" Marlene asked. Cloud answered all the children's questions by keeping it clear to the point, and if either of the children didn't understand the answer he gave, Cloud would explain it in detail while trying to keep it simple as possible.

Cloud, Tifa, Denzel and Marlene marveled at the fireworks as the four of them rode of the Gondola. Tifa (who was sitting next to Denzel) smiled brightly as more fireworks were lit. Then she turned to see if Marlene was enjoying the scenery as much as she was. The little girl stared out the window in amazement. This was the first time the children had actually visited the Goldsaucer, and Tifa secretly hoped that it wouldn't be their last.

She turned to the person who sat next to Marlene. Cloud appeared more relaxed, which didn't come as shock to her. This was his second visit in nearly four years, so despite the wonderful sight, the sense of familiarity was already there. He noticed her prolonged stare and asked her, "Something wrong?" Tifa shook her head and went back to admiring the fireworks.

Cloud stared at her for a few seconds, before he turned to ground. Finally he turned back out the window and watched as the fireworks sparkled like multicolored wildfires.

Day turned to night, and the family had dinner before Tifa was ready to open the bar during Edge-city's nightlife.

Denzel ate his food while took several glances at both Cloud and Tifa. Something was different about them. Marlene noticed his glances at their guardians, and couldn't help but to join in.

There weren't that many words spoken between the two adults. Cloud would secretly turn his eyes to Tifa, but he stayed quiet and pretended that nothing happened.

Tifa would notice his stares, and she would turn back to him with a smile on her face. That's when she and the children saw the change in his eyes.

Cloud turned to face her again for a few seconds and then he turned and focused on his plate. All three of them could've sworn they saw a small smile on his face.

That was the smile that they all needed to see. It was the expression that gave Tifa reassurance that everything would be okay.

Cloud made sure that they knew everything was going to be okay, that he would do whatever it took to make sure that things would go back to the way it was before. A soft touch came to his hand, and he looked down.

Tifa's hand was on top of his, "You're not alone Cloud, remember that." She said. Had she overheard the conversation he had with Denzel earlier? The look in her eyes confirmed what he thought.

He nodded slowly, "Thanks…" He replied. Her smile brightened as she slowly pulled her hand away from his. Cloud continued to stare at her for a few more seconds before he returned to eating his meal.

He, Marlene, and Denzel found that Tifa's cooking tasted slightly different then the ones from the past. It wasn't a bad change of taste, but it was somehow the difference made the flavors taste lighter and yet richer than usual.

It wasn't a bad change after all.

[Author's note]

Well here it is folks, the first chapter to Through You.

Now, I'd have to say this was one of the most simplest chapters I'd every written, and yet it still fun to type. :D

For to the readers who might wonder why, the chapter ends with all them having dinner? It's because the food is a metaphor to represent, Tifa's feelings (a very cliché tactic...=_=') since she cannot verbally express her true emotions, the only option to bring those feelings out was obviously in her cooking.

The second thing I would like to add is, Denzel is actually nine-years-old in Chapter I, for those of you are confused of the timeline Chapter I starts off a few months before the prologue.

And that's it for now, please look forward to Chapter II: Stand. (Which I hope to get uploaded on Wednesday)

-SAga4000