Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children: Family

Author's Note: Hi everyone! I'm back from my stressful Winter quarter of college. I'm definitely in due for a break. I'm going to enjoy my spring break while I can before going back to school in one week. I heard next quarter will be a very challenging quarter with my major. Oh well, I'll stay strong and continue forward. I apologize for the cliché title. Though the title is cliché, I named this story that title for a reason. You'll find out as you read along. Please read the 2nd Author's note after you read this. Please be advised: circumstances like what I will describe in this story is DIFFERENT for everyone. Why? You'll see. I can't give it away you know. Happy reading everyone! ^_^

"Doctor…"

"If only….if only…" it was all the doctor could say like a broken record.

"Maybe we could of prevented her death…if…but…"

The doctor's figure started to blur as he stepped back, feeling suddenly dizzy. He was overwhelmed with mixed emotions, ranging from shock to sorrow. He didn't know how to react. He didn't know what to do. All he could do was look passed the doctor's solemn look to the person the on bed, with the delicate hands clasped lightly above her stomach.

"Why?" He knew very well of those delicate hands. They were the hands that cooked meals that made one's taste buds go numb. They were the hands that would delicately stich back a ripped whole on a favorite blanket. They were the hands he held in his, soft, warm, and gentle, just like her personality. However, behind their delicacy was a strength that no one knew.

He couldn't stop thinking about her. With such a thought in his mind, he couldn't hold it in much longer. He whirled around and slammed his fists onto a nearby wall.

"WHY?!?!"

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Chapter 2:

Circumstances…

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Tifa suddenly felt dizzy after she gave her customers a tray of her specially made alcoholic beverage. Slowly, she leaned against the counter, placing a hand over her forehead. A frown creased her normally cheerful face. "What is this feeling?"

"Tifa!" a little girl's voice called. Tifa dismissed her dizziness with a shake of her head. She turned to the little girl as she carefully kneeled to her small level, a bright smile appearing on her lips.

"Anything wrong, Marlene?" she asked.

"I got more orders," Marlene said as she scanned the list of orders she had on several pieces of paper. She looked at one before quickly grabbing another. The orders were scattered everywhere. "I also got orders for some tea, soda, juice, water, and today's special." Before she could go further into her orders, she accidentally dropped the tray and the orders scattered on the floor.

"Opps…" Marlene exclaimed, admonishing her clumsiness.

"Don't worry about it, Marlene," Tifa said with a smile as she easily grabbed the scattered orders and placed them neatly in one small pile. She looked through them. "Okay... can you at least get the appetizers and pass it to these tables? I still need to do some drinks over here."

"Right!" Marlene said. Tifa smiled as she watched Marlene scamper to the kitchen.

"Tifa!" Another tiny, slightly deeper voice called before Tifa could go back to work. She turned to the voice to see a 10 year old boy trying to sit himself on one of the empty bar stools. He blew his messy brown bangs up to get a clear picture of what was in front of him. His green-blue eyes looked at Tifa's.

"Denzel…let me guess…you accidentally got your clothes wet," Tifa said as she took a glance at his wet attire. His prized green overshirt and grey shirt with a brown collar and grey pants was drenched with water. He was still shaking the excess water from his pants. "Rough time?"

Denzel nodded. "Those kids over there are annoying. They play too much. They knocked the pitcher and soaked my clothes. I just got this washed too…" He looked at the new order of drinks that Tifa placed in front of him. "Wow! That many already after 2 minutes?"

"Snap to it," Tifa said. "Be sure to ask Marlene for help."

Denzel nodded enthusiastically and went to his work, calling Marlene in the process. She smiled at the two proudly. They were her two special helpers for the bar. Normally, Tifa would handle the bustling restaurant by herself. She didn't ask the two because of their school. She was also worried about them when they walk around drunks. But, certain circumstances made her lean on their support.

"Are you sure you guys are up to this?" Tifa asked when she spotted the two come out of the kitchen with the drinks in their hands. "I mean…you have a huge project to do for your school Denzel and you have a math test tomorrow, Marlene."

"That's okay. You need the help!" Denzel said with a smile.

Marlene nodded her head. "Mm!"

Marlene's little brow frowned a bit as she watched Tifa scrubbing the counter like there was no tomorrow. "Besides, wouldn't Cloud get worried when he finds you're working when you should be resting?"

Tifa froze at the mention of the name. "Cloud," she thought dazedly, a ghostly smile appearing on her lips. "I wonder what he's doing…"

"Oi! Tifa! Another round please?" It was the men at the bar. A gentle smile passed through her features as she recognized the familiar face of her usual customer among the mass of men at the bar.

"Of course, Mr. Matsu, but remember to control yourself," Tifa said as she gave another batch of her specially made alcoholic beverage.

"Thanks so much Tifa! I knew we could always count on ya! Especially today!"

"Today?" inquired Tifa curiously as she returned to scrubbing the counters. "What is so special about today?"

A huge grin passed his face. "We're celebrating the birth of my baby daughter!" Tifa's eyes widened in shock as the men toasted to the new father for the fifth time that night. His brothers all ganged up on him, giving him different noggies and punches, saying that he was one lucky person, and all kinds of praise.

She watched the huge family talk happily among each other. They were so happy. It seemed like they had no troubles coming their way. She looked around herself to find that the majority of her customers were with their families. One huge family took over the whole entire booth area on the right as they toasted to a newly engaged couple. She watched the exchange between the two. The two were smiling broadly as they gave their blessings to them. Her eyes shifted away from the family to a young couple with the woman holding their child. They were smiling lovingly at each other as they watched their little one sleep peacefully.

"Family…" Tifa thought fondly. It was always a normal occurrence in this bar as a lot of family members come here. Despite having some drunks run amok in this place, her restaurant was family friendly. After all, she made sure that none of them would bother them. Somehow, just thinking about the concept of family made her feel nostalgic.

Forgetting she didn't respond to her customer, Tifa shook her head and smiled. "Congratulations…"

"Thanks Tifa!"

"Tell me more about your little girl," she started the conversation.

She carried on the normal things she would do with her patrons, talking with them and making sure everyone was getting good service. Her job carried on until 7 'o' clock. Tifa was about to fix a drink when she felt dizzy again. She placed the cup gently on the counter and sat herself on a nearby chair. Maybe she was working herself too hard. She surveyed the area to see that it was a full house. She sighed. She hated closing early, but she had no choice. She was about to finish the drink before closing the store when she heard a familiar rumble. A smile crossed her features. Somehow, the night seemed lighter. Not wasting a minute, Tifa stood up and grabbed a clean, empty glass from the dish rack.

The moment that sound disappeared, the bells jingled from the entrance. The door opened to reveal a 25 year old man, wearing a black short-sleeved turtle-neck shirt with a pair of black pants that were slightly baggy on the ends. Two belts crossed his chest and held together a sword holster that was behind his back and the black cloth that covered his leg, cascading down to his ankles. His spiky blonde hair stood out from the pale color of the bar.

Both Marlene and Denzel perked up immediately and turned to the new customer. "Welcome! " As they turned to the new customer, ready to sit them on an empty table, they saw that familiar face.

"Cloud!!!" The man was taking a few steps into the bar when the two hugged him like no other.

"Okaeri!" Marlene greeted with a bright smile.

"You're home early!" inquired Denzel excitedly.

"Why are you home so early?"

"Did you already miss us?"

"Are you hungry? Tifa made some food! It's your favorite too!"

He looked back and forth from the two as they bombarded him with questions. He got lost on the way and gave up. Instead, he simply ruffled the two's head. "Tadaima," he said with a small, rare smile. Both kids smiled as they knew he wasn't much with words. They were about ask him another set of questions when they realized they neglected their work. Immediately, they went back to work, apologizing profusely to their customers.

Tifa was mixing the drinks slowly when she watched this little exchange. She smiled at them and watched them interact with the ever quiet Cloud. When she noticed the two went back to work, she knew what Cloud would do next. So, she pretended to look busy. In that moment, she could feel his eyes on her. She heard his heavy boots thud against the wooden floor until it stopped right beside her. She could feel him, eyeing her curiously.

"Okaeri," Tifa greeted with a smile as she handed him a drink. Cloud was caught by surprise. He blinked a couple of times before reaching it gratefully. "It's hot out there, isn't it? You must be thirsty from the long ride. Anyways, try to relax." He began to drink it before blinking once more after taking a taste of it.

"Green tea is better when it's cold. It's summer, you know."

Cloud greedily drank the drink down and placed the empty glass cup in the sink. Even though his eyes were covered from his sleek goggles, she noted the satisfaction on his lips. He took off his glasses and placed them in his pocket, exposing his blue, mako-infested eyes for the world to see. He noted that Denzel and Marlene were out there. Slowly, his eyes averted to Tifa who was now working on another drink. Judging the way Cloud was looking at her and the way he was standing there with his muscles slightly tense, she knew what he was going to ask and met his eyes in turn.

"Why am I working, you ask?" she said knowingly, with an amused look on her face. He nodded his head a bit reluctantly. "It's okay, I have everything under control."

Cloud looked around the place and then turned his gaze back to her. He was about to say something sternly, but Tifa beat him to it.

"Cloud, I can handle it. Trust me," she placed her hands on her hips. Cloud then gave her another stern look, his eyes slightly glowing as his gaze bore into her.

"Don't even think about saying I'm stubborn. Like I said before, I got it." He held his gaze on her for a moment while she did the same. Before long, she relented. She sighed, knowing she could never win against Cloud's intense stare.

"Alright, alright, I'll rest a bit. But, in turn, you manage the bar. I'll just be in the kitchen and cook. I'll ask Marlene and Denzel to serve it if necessary. Does that make you happy, Mr. Worry wart?" she asked, leaning forward with her hands behind her back, gazing intently into his face. A soft look passed through his features. He was definitely pleased what she was going to do. Cloud took her place and began to work.

"Don't forget to take off your gloves and wash your hands before touching anything!" Tifa warned before she left for the kitchen. Cloud immediately dropped the clean glass in the sink and hastily removed his gloves. Tifa was clearly amused when he started washing his hands aggressively. He was forgetful of little things. That was why she was here to fill in the little blanks. As she turned to leave, she noted the new customers who gave Cloud and her curious, observing looks. They were whispering among each other. She placed both her hands on her hips. She knew exactly what was going on through their minds. She decided to ignore whatever rumor they would make up and turned towards the kitchen.

"Oh, I forgot!" She whirled slowly to the counter. On the counter was a green bottle of Corel-brand wine. She hoped it would help with the taste of the food. She was reaching for the bottle when a rough hand grabbed hold of her wrist. Mr. Matsu and his friends were about to make another toast when they suddenly stopped to see who it was that grabbed hold of Tifa. People who were talking immediately stopped. Suddenly, the entire 7th Heaven was silent, let alone the running water Cloud was using. Tifa didn't have to look up as she knew who she was dealing with. None of the regulars in this bar would do this.

Maintaining her personality professionally, she looked at the newcomer and smiled. "Welcome to Seventh Heaven. May I help you?" she asked in her usual polite tone.

"What…pretty handshh ya got," he said as he began to rub her hand up and down like a leecher. She shivered a bit as she felt his warmth rubbing against her skin. Judging from the way he was talking, slow and slurred, she knew he had too much to drink. Luckily, this wasn't the only place to provide alcoholic drinks. She felt a threatening aura begin to form. She knew who it was as his body involuntarily stiffened beside her.

"And you got a prettiful face too. It goes well with yer smileful lips…"

Tifa inwardly winced. But she maintained her face neutrally. "T-thank you. I can…understand why. But, I'm more interested in what would like from the menu. Can tell me what you want?" Clearly, she was trying to refocus him back.

"What I want? Heh! I know what I want! How 'bout you goin' out a date with me? I'll make it worth yer while," he said courageously. People began to whisper to each other.

"What an idiot," Mr. Matsu said to his brothers.

"He doesn't know does he?"

Among all the whispers, a crude huff was heard from Tifa's right that drowned all the whispers. The man glowered at the intruder.

"What the hell's yer problem, blondie?!" the man asked, pointing an accusing finger at Cloud. Tifa took this time to wrench her arm away from the man's, rubbing it to make sure he didn't break anything. Cloud didn't flinch at all under the accusing finger and glare as he continued his work. He didn't bother saying a word and let him continue on his tirade.

The man obviously was angry at the display and growled as he sat back in his stool. He looked at Tifa again. A flirtatious smile appeared his lips. "So, how about it? Would go out with me?"

"Hm!" Cloud huffed again, like if he was coughing, as he placed a clean cup on the counter in front Mr. Matsu.

"Tch, whatevers. That guy's probably jealous anyways," the man justified arrogantly. "You lost yer chance pal. You've been livin' here for a while and never made a move. It's yer fault for being a tough guy instead being a soft guy like me. It's high time ya let other guys have a chance!" He looked at Tifa again, waiting for an answer.

Tifa closed her eyes. This guy was really irritating. Doesn't he realize the situation he was putting himself into, especially when she felt a strong, threatening aura coming from Cloud? Nonetheless, she put on a happy smile. "I'm flattered, but I must decline."

"What?! Why?! Is it because you hafta take care of those little stinky rugrats over there?!"

Denzel, who was apparently watching the whole exchange from his seat on the booths, suddenly stood up and narrowed his eyes angrily. "You son of a-"

"Denzel, watch your mouth," Tifa said before he said that word.

"Tch, managing the bar and taking care of kids. Must be a boring life…"

Boring life? He should really check his resources, dating back when Meteor almost came crashing down or when they fought the remnants. She didn't live a boring life.

"Or is it because blondie there forced you to stay…? Why don't ya ask blondie to watch over the rugrats?! He's got nothin' to loss!"

Deciding to end this charade, Tifa walked over to Cloud who gave her a curious look.

"Of course he won't let me go," Tifa said as she wrapped her arms around Cloud's arm.

"Cloud here is a major worry wart. So he'll be worried about me." She eyed Cloud carefully before looking at the man with determined eyes. "Especially now since I'm carrying his child," Tifa said casually.

Both the man and the new customers were surprised by this notion. They all took a better look at her. Tifa wasn't wearing her normal attire. She was wearing a sleeveless pastel yellow dress that ran down to her ankles. Under that dress, there was a noticeable swollen belly. With her left arm wrapped around Cloud's arm intimately, there was a white gold engagement ring with a beautiful green emerald on her left ring finger. These were all evidence that Tifa wasn't available as most thought.

But, apparently digging his own grave, he didn't bother looking at the signs. So, instead, he said this:

"You knocked my girl up!!!!" Tifa raised an eyebrow. Now he was just being crazy.

"I'll kill you, you bastard!" The man leapt from his place from the stool and began to jump at Cloud. Tifa took action and was about to deliver one of her blows when Cloud beat her to it. Dragging her behind his back, Cloud did one roundhouse kick and immediately hurled the guy out the door. Luckily, a customer was coming in and immediately ducked, leaving the door open in the process. Right then, he smashed into the wall on the building across from them and skidded down to a pile of trash on the ground.

"Please come again!" Marlene said as she waved to him before the door was shut. The silence continued as Cloud lowered his leg. No one could compare to Cloud's strength. Just one push could really push someone clear out of his space if he wanted to. Without another word, Cloud went back to his job as if nothing happened. Right then, people began talking again.

"P-pregnant? Are you serious?"

"When did they become a couple?"

"You mean engaged…"

"Geez, and I was going to say to her that she was gaining weight," one of Mr. Matsu's brothers said, which he got hit on the head from Mr. Matsu himself.

"When did this happen? I'd never heard of such an event happening…"

Tifa sighed as she listened to them as she placed her hips on her side. People always wondered where Cloud and her stand. They would always be seen together, but never held hands or kissed in public. It would seem that they would only pass as friends. He wasn't the type to show his emotions. It was hard for him since he lived a turbulent past life. Likewise, people tend to read outside the book and never inside the book. She dislikes this fact.

Suddenly, her thoughts were broken when she looked at Cloud to see him looking at her. He gave her a look that only Tifa knew too well. Slowly, she smiled at him and rubbed her belly gently, signifying to him that their child was all right. Cloud simply nodded and turned back to his work.

This was definitely Cloud Strife, the man she loves.

Author's Note: Hi everyone! And welcome back! You may have already guessed, but the story's topic is PREGNANCY. Yes, that's right my fellow readers. If you take a quick look at my profile, I'm a nursing student. My school continuously drills and drills all lectures, all scenarios, all case studies, and all skills into just 10 weeks of school (my college is quarter system). There are different departments of health crammed into the same major. Can you believe the amount of workload I have to go through? Anyways, this is the first time that a fic of mine has some of my nursing education into it. This is not your typical "Tifa's pregnant fic." I will go down right into the actual birthing process, although not graphical. So that is why the rating is TEENS. So, beware!

There is a reason for the creation of this fic. In my experience in clinical, OB is a place where it can be happy or it can be sad. By far, I've seen both sides in my clinical experience. It's tough for women to go through this stressful time. Especially for women who is about to have their first child. Imagine how hard it is to transition from being a single, married, or in a relationship status, enjoying life to a soon to be mother. Can you imagine what they would be thinking? It is important to have support from the people you love. I wanted to address this issue because I feel it is important. Having someone support someone can really change that person's perception of things. Imagine if someone isn't there through those tough times?

Another reason is that this would help me too to remember the material from OB, just to get ready to take the NCLEX. It's been…nearly 6 months since I have taken that course.

FYI, pregnancy is different for everyone, similar as to how experience is different for everyone. Pregnancy is quite unpredictable. You may do the right things, but sometimes things don't turn out as you want it to turn out. With that being said, I will address the normal birthing process with no complications, but keep in mind that everyone is different.

Some information: Pregnancy usually lasts for 9 months. Some 10 months. It really depends, honestly. Preterm is considered between 28-38 weeks. I have seen babies who are preterm. They're tiny and must be watched carefully. They have complications, especially respiratory. The lungs are not fully developed, so breathing is important to watch. 38-42 weeks is term baby. 42 weeks or more is post term. Babies who are post term, you might think they don't have problems either. That's a misconception. Post term babies do have complications as well.

Nothing much in the chapter. I wanted to set and introductory phase of the characters, especially Cloud and Tifa and where they're at. I was contemplating on whether they should be married or not, but decided with Tifa being engaged. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the story. Please review if you have any comments, questions, and such. See you next time! ^_^