Wooh! I've got to say I have some amazing readers and extremely faithful reviewers. It means so much to me when you all tell me that you're enjoying. That makes me soooo happy :3 thanks! XD by the way, I realized in my first chapter that the Kids are way older than they should be in my story, and for this I apologize sincerely! But I'm going to keep it the way it is :)

I DO NOT OWN FF VII (unfortunately)

Chapter 16: Birthday

.

.

.

.

.

Tifa woke up abruptly to the sound of Marlene giggling and Denzel shooshing her. She opened her eyes and turned to her side to see the two smiling at her sweetly. Tifa was thankful that Cloud had offered for them to come back with her, he needed time alone with Aerith to regroup and figure himself out.

"What are you two doing up so early?" Tifa asked as she looked upon them curiously.

"Well it's your birthday, silly!" Marlene exclaimed as she presented Tifa with a card. Tifa sat up and took the card delicately in her hands, appreciating the lack of pain throughout her fingers as she touched the paper. "Ah, thank you both so much." Tifa said before opening the card. If Tifa was honest, she had to admit she had forgotten all about her birthday.

"Hurry and open it! There's more!" Marlene blurted.

"Marlene..." Denzel mumbled.

Tifa smiled at their exchange and then opened up the envelope. The card was beautiful. It was covered in red glittery roses with a delicate lace covering. Tifa sighed happily and opened it up.

Happy Birthday! May your special day be filled with surprises and may your birthday wishes come true!

Dear Tifa, we are glad you're doing better! Thank you for always taking such good care of us. We hope that you have a great birthday! We love you so much!

Marlene and Denzel.

"I picked the card!" Marlene chimed happily as Tifa climbed out of bed.

"It was beautiful, Marlene. Thank you both so much it was very sweet of you." Tifa replied as she made her way to the kids. She then wrapped her arms around the two and held them close with a happy sigh.

"Good morning, birthday girl." Came Zack's voice from the doorway. Tifa looked up from her embrace and saw Zack leaning to the side and looking in. He had a soft, yet quirky smile on his face and he was wearing a navy blue tank and washed out baggy jeans. To complete the outfit, he was wearing a frilly, flour stained red apron with cupcake print.

"Well, good morning." Tifa replied with a smile. "Don't you look snazzy."

"Now, now. Don't make fun of my outfit. It goes good with my eyes." Zack said with an obviously fake pout.

"I like Zacky's apron!" Marlene said with a giggle as Tifa released her and Denzel. Denzel shook his head and gave a small smile.

"Why thank you, Marlene. C'mon Tifa, breakfast is waiting." Zack said as he turned to walk to the kitchen.

"Zack, how did you know it was my birthday?" Tifa asked, following him and the kids down the hall.

"Well, I knew for a while, I saw it in Cloud's calendar in his office." Zack replied, almost regretfully.

"Oh, I haven't been in there for a while. I actually think I have an extra pair of gloves in there. I'm gonna grab them." Tifa said, turning back around an heading for Cloud's office.

"Hey, Marlene, Denzel, can you two go set the table for me?" Zack asked kindly.

"Sure! We'll make it look nice!" Marlene said before dragging Denzel down stairs.

Quickly after dismissing the kids, Zack rushed after Tifa who had already made it to the office and was staring at the desk top calendar atop Cloud's cluttered and dusty office desk. The date, May 3rd, was circled with a red marker with some notes.

Tifa's b-day. Proposal. When Tifa read this, she placed both hands on the desk and stared at the paper blankly with her head down. A few days before that were marked also. Pick up ring. Make reservations. What? Tifa thought, in shock. She couldn't believe her eyes. Of course she knew this was all irrelevant now. Before Tifa could think anymore, she was surprised by a strong and assuring hand resting upon her shoulder.

"I'm sorry Tif..."

"Zack, for what?" Tifa said, cutting him off as she turned to look up at him.

"I..."

"Don't be sorry for anything, this is irrelevant now, Zack." Tifa replied gently, but firmly. Zack nodded and smiled. He believed her statement, although he could tell she was a bit bothered by the words on the calendar, he didn't want to push.

"Alrigt. Hey, let's get you some breakfast, birthday girl!" He said with a wink.

.

.

.

.

During breakfast, Marlene and Denzel both seemed to be glowing. Squeeing as if they were excited but doing their best to keep a lid on it. Zack seemed calm, but a bit happier than usual and Tifa was beginning to wonder what was up.

"Alright, what's going on guys?"

"We're going to the beach!" Marlene blurted before Denzel's hand could teach her mouth in time.

"Surprise." Zack said with a smile and a shrug.

"Beach?" Tifa asked, setting her fork down and looking at Zack.

"Yeah! Cid is flying us to Costa del roll!" Marlene exclaimed.

"Costa Del Sol." Zack corrected with a chuckle.

"The town the manufactures softs?" Tifa asked curiously, eyes lighting up a bit.

"That's the one." Zack said with a wink. "This was their idea." Zack said, gesturing to Marlene and Denzel who were both smiling from ear to ear.

"Really?" Tifa asked, a little teary eyed.

"Yeah, really!" Marlene chimed.

"You'll have to pack, Cid is on his way. Denzel informed.

"You guys are awesome." Tifa said with a large smile. She then stood from the table and looked over a Zack. "Thank you, Zack." She said before rushing upstairs. Once in her room, Tifa let out a sigh and closed her door. She was blown away atithe thoughtfulness of her family, Zack included. She smiled at herself when she thought about Zack as a family member. He had done so much to help her in her recovery selflessly. Now here he was arranging to take her to the beach. It had been so incredibly long since she had seen ocean water, but the beach was one of her favorite places. Qickly, Tifa grabbed a small suitcase and began throwing clothes in hurriedly. Excitement was overflowing from her. Zack... She thought with a contemplative sigh. Now she really owed him. "Ah." She said to herself as she took a few swimsuits and threw them in the suitcase as well. "Oops, almost forgot." She said, throwing in a a pair of old gloves, just in case and for good measure. Tifa then changed into a pair of red shorts and a tight fitting white v-neck, and of course her black high top sneakers.

"Teef! Get your ass down here! " Shouted a familiar raspy voice.

Tifa smiled. Cid. She sighed happily, grabbed her phone and bag and rushed downstairs to meet them.

"Now you know I don't like you using bad language around Marlene and Denzel." Tifa frowned teasingly.

"Happy birthday kiddo." Cid said, ignoring her statement. Marlene, Denzel and Zack had their things ready to go and were waiting by the door.

"Thank you, Cid." Tifa said with a warm smile, happy to see an old friend.

"Let's hit the skies.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Zack watched Tifa as she stared put the window of the air ship. She seemed like a whole different person, excited happy and full of energy. Like the old Tifa. The one he knew back then. It made him smile in admiration. Glints of sunlight illuminated golden red strands of Tifa's hair as they made their way toward Costa Del Sol. Zack estimated that they were close, but Cid never specified a time in which they would arrive. Zack approached Tifa and stood by her side, admiring the veiw along side her.

"Hey." He said with a smile.

"It's beautiful, huh?" Tifa said, turning to look at Zack who had a sweet smile upon his face.

"Seen prettier." Zack shrugged, closed his eyes and widened his smile. Tifa half smiled, sighed and popped her hip to the side.

"Where?" She said, curious to know what was more beautiful than a crystal blue sky and an approaching island.

Zack opened his eyes and made a serious face, he then took his right index finger and placed it on her nose. "You, miss Lockhart." He replied casually.

Tifa blinked a few times, giggled and blushed before pushing his hand away. "Oh come on now."

"Hey. I'm serious." Zack said with a slight pout.

Cid watched the two's playful exchange while still manning the wheel. Cid was a bit unsure of Zack, after all he was a die hard SOLDIER, who would so anything for Shinra. Of course, Cid knew that Zack had saved Cloud's ass and was the reason he was still alive. Helped him escape from Shinra's clutches and go back to living a "normal" life. He decided that was enough to trust the guy, but to trust him with Tifa was another story. If Cloud was a soldier from the same place and time, and he screwed up terribly with Tifa, just what was this guy capable of? Cid resolved that if Tifa had anything to say about his feelings, she would scold him and tell him to give Zack a chance. So for that reason, he did.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Ocean air filled Tifa's lungs as the walked onto the beach and toward the water, in search of the perfect set up spot. Palm trees lined a beautiful cobblestone walkway above the beach that circled the small island and it's shops. a few other people were out, but the beach was not too crowded at all. The sun was shining brightly, but not so much as to scorch or beat down upon them, and a light breeze was blowing through the air. Perfect conditions. This was by far, the most wonderful present she could think of. Marlene and Denzel were already rushing down the beach side, screaming and laughing in excitement. Zack carried the bags and followed Tifa who was walking rather slowly as she admired the golden shores and tranquilizing ocean waters. "Here should be good." Tifa said, suddenly turning and smiling brightly at Zack.

"Looks perfect." Zack replied. Damn, she is somethin' else. Zack thought with a smile as he set the bags down and began searching for a towel. Tifa walked to him and helped him find and lay out the towels.

"Marlene, Denzel!" Tifa called out. Shortly after, Marlene and Denzel came rushing van and Tifa looked at them sternly. "Don't go rushing too far from our sight, okay? Stay close."

"Alright, Tifa . We will." Denzel replied responsibly.

"Hey let's build a sand castle!" Marlene suggested.

"Yeah, will you guys help us?" Delzel plead.

"Sure!" Said Zack.

Tifa decided she would rather lay out in the sun a bit and watch the three play. Zack took off his shirt, folded it neatly, and put it away. He was already wearing his Hawaiian flowered swim trunks, which made Tifa giggle. Marlene and Denzel too, had their bathing suits on under their clothing, so Tifa ran to a local shop to change and grab some bottled water for everyone. She decided to wear a purple bombshell bikini with crossing straps and a bow in the middle, with black short shorts. The strings on her bikini bottoms hung out of the sides of her shorts and brushed gracefully along her upper thighs. When she finished changing and looked Ino the mirror, her jaw dropped. The wound on her stomach was completely healed, and the one on her shoulder was simply a scratch. she ran her fingers across her stomach, there wasn't even a scar. She was thrilled, confused, but thrilled. It must have had something to do with Zack, or visa versa.

When Tida returned from the changing room with the waters, Zack saw her approaching and his own jaw dropped. Sure he had seen her in a bikini at home when helping her shower, but she looked absolutely breathtaking. He shook his head and smiled. Damn damn damn. He thought to himself as she sat back down on the towel.

Their sand castle seemed to be coming along well. Marlene was by the shoreline, collecting shells and sea glass as decorations, Denzel worked on the moat, while Zack began creating the structure. Tifa smiled at Zack as he encouraged the kids and helped them with their castle. They laughed together and played together so well. Tifa pondered this for a while as she lay on her stomach. She propped her chin under her elbows, raised and crossed her legs as she admired the scene before her. I almost wih this had happened sooner. She thought with a longing smile.