CHAPTER 35: THE OPENED WAY

"Mom, I have enough eggs!" Cloud protested with a smile as Claudia heaped another helping onto his plate. His mother couldn't stop grinning and there was a definite bounce in her step as she poured his glass to the brim with apple juice.

"Nonsense! You're growing and you need your protein. You need to feed these giant muscles!" she said, squeezing his bicep as she placed the pitcher down on the table top. "Besides, you don't want to face Mr. Lockhart on an empty stomach, do you?"

He would have replied if he wasn't so nervous. Mom had been expecting his arrival since he had written to tell her he was coming home. She had welcomed him with such excitement that it made him feel guilty for leaving in the first place. Though a grown man like him could never say it out loud, he had missed his mother and found that being around her again had eased his anxieties—except one. After proposing to Tifa last night, Cloud thought it would be best to seek Brian out in the early morning. This way, he was more likely to be home, sober and level headed. Tifa would be out for her daily training, so he could properly approach the man alone to ask for his formal permission to marry his daughter. Cloud had never been so nervous in his entire life; gathering the courage to move to Midgar was nothing compared to facing the object of his childhood terrors.

Slowly, Cloud nibbled at a piece of toast feigning hunger while fighting nausea. He wished Zack was here; he'd know how to handle this situation. Zack was never nervous. Confidence radiated off of the man like warmth from the sun and Cloud wondered if he'd ever be able to believe in himself the way his friend did. He glanced up as his mother took her seat at the breakfast table.

"So why didn't you tell me you were going to propose?" Claudia asked as she raised a hefty forkful of eggs to her mouth. The way she was smiling made Cloud feel like she had known this would happen all along.

"I didn't know if she'd say yes or not…or if she was betrothed already or something." Cloud shrugged one shoulder. "I guess I didn't want you to be disappointed if it didn't work out."

She sat back in her chair, smiling as she held her glass of juice up to her lips. "It'll work out. Brian knows how much you love each other and honestly, just look at you! You're a handsome, responsible young man with a career in the big city! What more can he ask for in a son-in-law?"

Cloud didn't look convinced. He put down his toast and stared at his plate, leaning his head on his fist. "Mom, I really don't know the first thing about being a husband. What if I can't make her happy?"

"Look at me," Mom coaxed, and he reluctantly raised his head. When her son had started preparing to leave for Midgar and followed through on chasing his dream, it was easy to see Aren's rock hard determination in the boy. But now, he seemed to be stumbling, and she wasn't about to let him fall. "I know you feel like you're unequipped for this because you didn't grow up with your dad, but you have everything you need to make her happy. I promise."

"How do you know that?"

"I'm a woman, aren't I?" She snorted. "All she needs to be happy is your love, your loyalty and your support. Not a billion gil or a superhero. Sweet heart, you're more than enough."

With a sigh, he pushed his food around with his fork. "I hope Mr. Lockhart knows that."

"After watching you grow up I'm sure he does, even if it doesn't seem that way." Silence passed for a few moments between them until she prodded him under the table with her right foot. "He'd better approve. I want to be a grandmother soon!"

"Mom!"

… … …

After donning his uniform and boots as slowly as possible, Cloud dragged his feet out the front door. In the last letter she had sent to him, Tifa had said how afraid she was of growing up, but Cloud hadn't felt that way until he considered the enormity of marriage. It felt good to have some control over his own life and circumstances, although it did frighten him to realize that he would be responsible for Tifa's wellbeing as well. It was one thing if he messed up his own life, but to take her down with him was a scary thought. Tifa had always felt like home to him. Once they were bound together by law, she'd be his home wherever they ended up, and that fate suited him just fine.

One clammy hand tightened into a fist to knock on the Lockhart's front door. Cloud had thought that wearing his military blues would give him some courage or impress Brian, but now he just felt ridiculous and out of place as he stood there on the landing. Military training aside, he felt like a child beckoning a dragon from his lair and it took all his might to will himself not to tremble. There was too much at stake here to let his anxiety ruin his slim chance at victory. Cloud felt his limbs go numb as he heard heavy boot steps on the other side of the door. Every word of the speech he had practiced in his head vanished as he watched the doorknob turn.

Brian Lockhart looked much older than Cloud remembered. Grey hair dotted his short beard and streaked through his dark hair, and he wore the same defeated look in his eyes that his daughter did. With a grunt, his eyebrows drew together in a frown.

"Strife! You're in town?"

Cloud took a deep breath, steeling himself and strengthening his resolve. He was an adult; he could do this! Zack wouldn't be intimidated, and he wouldn't be, either!

"Good morning, Mr. Lockhart. I'd like to discuss something with you regarding your daughter."

The man leaned back to look at him properly, gruff expression laced with skepticism and judgement. Begrudgingly, he stepped aside and waved Cloud in with a quick flick of his wrist. Still stunned that the door hadn't been slammed in his face, the blonde hustled past him with a quick thanks. Brian gestured toward the couch and Cloud nervously took a seat as Brian sat across from him in his armchair. Swallowing mild panic, the boy put on a patient mask of serenity as Mr. Lockhart glowered at him.

"Go ahead, ask." The man fixed his dark eyes on Cloud. "We both know what you're here for."

Cloud cleared his throat before nervously returning Brian's gaze. "Now that Tifa is fifteen, I've come home with the intention of marrying her. I wanted to get your permission and blessing so that she can be my wife."

Silence followed. Cloud waited so long for a reply that he began to wonder whether the words that had been gathering in his heart had even passed his lips. He was about to speak again when the older man spoke.

"No."

Blue eyes widened. That was it?

"But sir, please consider it. I want to take care of her and make her happy and comfortable for the rest of her life!"

"And how can you do that working as a military dog in Midgar, of all disgusting places? That school teacher always talked about how bright of a student you were, but I beg to differ! Did you really think I'd be happy with you taking my little girl to a despicable, dirty city?"

An understandable point, but he didn't plan to keep her there long. It would only be temporary.

"I plan to file for a transfer, sir." Cloud kept his voice steady and eyes trained ahead. After dealing with drill sergeants and bullies in the military, Brian's insults bounced off of him easily. "If you approve, I plan to move to a post near Junon—near the sea. Tifa always wanted to see the ocean…"

Brian tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair. His first reaction was to think of Cloud as a foolish child for thinking it was a good idea to take Tifa from her home, but then he remembered how he had swept Lia away from her family, friends and culture to start a life in a foreign place. He remembered how guilty he had felt that she had chosen to give up so much for him, even when she reassured him that he was all she needed. The boy stared at him, unmoved by his resistance. Brian recalled how uncomfortable it felt to beg Lia's father for his blessing upon their marriage and he could almost hear his late wife screaming at him to finally do something that would make Tifa happy. Cloud's willingness to marry his daughter had left him mildly angry, but secretly relieved. If she could get out of here and live her own life, maybe it would silence the howling guilt that echoed in his mind day and night.

"How do I know you will take care of her?"

Cloud almost frowned at the question, for it was obvious that this man hadn't done anything to take care of his best friend. The years of neglect showed on her face and in the way that she carried herself. Aside from his biological relation to Tifa, he had no right to ask that question.

"I love her, sir." He lowered his gaze to the worn carpet. "Protecting her and treating her well are what I have always strived to do, even if you couldn't see it. I'll provide for her and look after her, I promise."

If Cloud took Tifa away from him, he'd be alone in this town. His friends were there and he had his job to keep him busy, but the girl was his only remaining family. The rational side of him knew that girls weren't meant to live in their father's house forever, but had he really squandered the time he had with her as he waded through his own misery? The crushing weight of regret and sadness made him sag further into his chair. There was no guarantee that anyone would marry Tifa if he denied the Strife boy. The boys her age had left Nibelheim for lives elsewhere, and there had been no interest in her from the young men of nearby villages. The truth that Cloud was her only real option made Brian's wounded pride bristle and he grimaced as he faced the only conclusion that made any sense. Cloud pushed and pushed his way further into his life, despite all attempts made to ward him off.

Lowering his head and rubbing his temple, Brian Lockhart admitted defeat.

"Take her."

Cloud lifted his head to stare with wide eyes, lips pressing into a straight line. "Sir?"

"Take her, and get out of my sight."

… … …

Cloud stepped out of the inn, blue eyes glancing at the hustle and bustle of town square.

It had taken much longer than he had expected to meet with the Mr. Taylor in his hot, cramped office on the second floor of the inn. Nibelheim was such a small village that there really was no proper mayor. Thomas's father lacked the official title, but carried out many of the duties that one would associate with a town official including the officiating of marriage ceremonies and the distribution of marriage licenses. Cloud had swallowed his nervousness, replaced it with steel will and pride in his decision to marry Tifa and his strides forward into adulthood.

Despite the fact that he and Thomas had never gotten along, Mr. Taylor hadn't given Cloud a problem and regarded him with more boredom than irritation. In the span of an hour, the necessary paperwork was filled out and the time and place of the wedding ceremony were set. The only thing the officiant found more strange than the hasty timing of the wedding was the fact that the bride and the groom wanted to keep it a secret. The young couple decided that the less prying, curious eyes and judgmental faces present, the better. It was the only way they could feel completely relaxed and happy as they melded their separate lives into one. The only people who would attend were those who truly wanted to be there.

Tifa was supposed to meet him here, but a quick sweep of his eyes across the cobblestone street told him that she was running late. Cloud's PHS vibrated in his pocket and he flipped it open, leaning against the wall. What he expected to be a message from ShinRA with the latest company updates was actually a text message from Zack. His friend had agreed to help him find off campus housing and Cloud hoped there had been some good news. Blue eyes scanned the little screen:

Hey, buddy! I hope motion sickness didn't kill you on your way home.
Are you hitched yet? Knock her socks off on your wedding night!

Blushing furiously, the blonde shoved his PHS back into his pocket. In the past, Cloud never had much luck befriending anyone, let alone other males. But Zack had shown him what it meant to be valued no matter what his family life was like or how weak or strong he was. The SOLDIER inspired Cloud and showed him that he was worthy of companionship and a life free of judgement or disdain. Townspeople passed, occasionally glancing his way to stare or nod at him with a 'good day'. Cloud always answered politely, wondering if they had even noticed he was gone until now. He didn't care whether they did or not. He hadn't made SOLDIER or even gotten close, but inspiration from Zack and the unconditional support from Tifa and his mother had given Cloud confidence that he never had before.

Neither he nor Tifa had made their wedding plans publically known but he knew that word spread extremely fast in Nibelheim. His return had set quite a fire in the ever burning social hearth of local gossip and their upcoming union would all be public knowledge soon enough. Weddings were usually a multi-day affair. Even if they wanted it that way, there simply wasn't enough time for that. He had planned to go back to Midgar and make living arrangements for them before coming back once again for his bride, but Tifa had begged him to take her with him. She seemed so desperate to escape and he didn't have the heart to do anything but agree. On their first night as a married couple, they'd begin their trek back to the eastern continent. Cloud was happy to be engaged, but now his mind was working on overdrive trying to prepare for their trip to Midgar and how he could sneak her into his dormitory until he found them an apartment.

"Sorry I'm late!" Tifa's voice snapped Cloud out of his thoughts as she bounced over to him. "How did it go?"

He immediately folded his hand into hers, intertwining their fingers. "It went perfectly. Come on, let's get some supper and I'll tell you what happened."

The way she smiled and nodded with vigor summoned bright childhood memories of laughing and running along forest paths and swimming in the creek. So much had changed since those days except the way she made his heart beat wildly in his chest.

"You know what?" Tifa tugged gently on their joined hands as they walked toward the Strife cottage. "I think you picked up an accent in Midgar. You sound so different!"

Blonde eye brows rose in surprise. Had he really? "The dialect is a little different over there. Sometimes it was hard to understand exactly what people were saying at first."

"Do you think I'll have trouble, too?"

"Nah, I'll be there to translate for you."

Her answering smile made Cloud's heart flutter in his chest as they approached the front door of his home.

"Hey, you're back!" Claudia called out from the kitchen as Cloud led Tifa inside.

The air was thick with a savory scent that made Cloud's stomach growl. His mother's cooking would be one thing he'd be very sorry to leave behind for military food. But now that he would have a wife of his own, maybe he could finally look forward to flavorful, familiar meals.

"Hi, Mom. Everything is all set for Friday—Mr. Taylor will be there at noon."

The table was already set with fresh rolls stuffed with cheese, lettuce and tomato slices and Cloud eagerly took a seat, prompting Tifa to do the same. Claudia left her place at the stove to greet the couple.

"Where exactly is there, Cloud?" she asked, picking up the pitcher and pouring icy water into the glasses. "I don't remember you telling me where your ceremony was being held."

"I chose the spot, ma'am." Tifa piped up. "I wanted to get married in our favorite spot by the stream."

"That way it's a little more private, too." Cloud finished her thought. "It's a little ways down the forest path, but it's not too far."

"It'll be beautiful," she said, finally taking her own seat across from the couple-to-be. "I can't believe you two are all grown up."

Cloud took a bite of his sandwich and watched his mother carefully. There was a giddy smile on her face, but he wondered what she was really feeling underneath. When he thought about it, there were few times that he had ever seen her look tired or sad; his mother was always vibrant and optimistic. She had lost so much, but still smiled through it all. Guilt pricked at his heart as he thought about leaving her behind for good without even Tifa to talk to on a daily basis. Ideally, he would've spoken to her privately about his uncertainty but before he could control himself, concern came bubbling out of his mouth.

"Mom…" Two pairs of blue eyes met. "Are you sure you'll be alright here?"

Her expression never lost its merriness and she answered without hesitation. "Of course I'll be alright. I'll miss you kids, but you'll come and visit, right?"

"Yeah, but—"

"Cloud, I'm not your responsibility. Tifa is." She smiled lovingly at her son, who continued to stare at her with uncertainty. "You should spend your energy focusing on your future together, right?"

He nodded, but didn't fully agree. He couldn't imagine his mother in Midgar, even though she was smart, adaptable, and had a tailoring skill that was useful anywhere. The city was dangerous and he knew she'd be safer in the quiet of the mountains, but something still felt wrong. After a few moments of silence, Tifa tried to turn the conversation in a more lighthearted direction.

"Ms. Strife, what is that delicious smell?"

"I thought you'd never ask!" she said, clapping her hands together in excitement. "I'm working on your wedding dinner—it's only two days away! I've already whipped up some gravy on the stove. Look forward to a delicious chicken dish with mashed potatoes, vegetables and plenty of bread!"

Tifa grinned and bounced in her seat, her fiancé wearing a look of concern instead. "Oh, thank you! Ms. Strife, you're so generous!"

"Chicken is expensive, Mom. Let me help you pay for it."

"Nonsense, Cloud. Your wedding celebration is a big deal!" She playfully pinched his cheek. "You need that money for your new life together. Plus, I can't send you off on your journey to Midgar without a hearty meal in your bellies."

… … …

"Master Zangan!"

The early morning birds were calling loudly in the pine trees as Tifa rapped on the door to the old man's house, smiling so wide that her cheeks were sore.

She had spent the past day or so with her head in the clouds, dreaming of her promising future with the love of her life. Her sighs were still laced with hope and happiness from trying on her mother's wedding dress an hour before. The way the gown hugged her curves and draped from her hips made her feel like a person of value—a wife, a woman! No longer was she the forlorn daughter of a despondent man; she would soon be the treasured bride of her closest companion. She'd leave this town, and her past would no longer define her.

Everything would be fresh and new.

"I'm coming! I'm coming." Master Zangan said in mock annoyance, voice heavy with amusement. Opening the door, his mustache lifted as he smiled. "What is it? I haven't seen you smile like that since you were small."

"I have big news!" Tifa said, shifting her weight from one foot to the other again and again.

"Is it big enough news to explain why you're late this morning?"

"Yes, it is!"

Master Zangan stepped aside and the girl bounced into his home, hastily removing her shoes and heading straight for the makeshift dojo. Calmly, he followed, heart feeling lighter than it had in ages. Tifa couldn't sit still as she kneeled in her designated spot on the mat. She was like a child, fidgeting and shifting with impatience and excitement as he took his seat before her. Zangan couldn't hide his amusement as his apprentice desperately tried not to start gushing her story before he allowed her to speak. She reminded him of a balloon about to pop.

"Alright, why were you late?"

"I was trying on my mother's wedding dress," she said, eyes shining. "Cloud came back, Master! He asked me to marry him!"

Indeed, there was an engagement ring twinkling proudly on her finger. Tifa stared at it, mesmerized, a contented smile on her face. Zangan's gentle smile spread into a grin and he leaned forward, ruffling her dark hair and scooping her into a brief hug. He released her when she started to giggle and he watched her fix her tousled locks.

"Congratulations, Tifa. You'll make a fine wife. Cloud is a lucky young man."

She blushed at the praise, remembering how happy Cloud had been when he met up with her at their secret place to tell her about her father's decision. It was one of the few times she had seen Cloud with a genuine smile that wasn't laced with uncertainty or bogged down by doubt. She was comforted by the familiarity of Cloud and his genuine nature, the sound of the flowing brook and the realization that there was a light at the end of this suffocating tunnel. He suggested that she gave him some time to make living arrangements for them in Midgar before getting married, but desperation had gripped her fiercely and she begged Cloud to take her with him now. Tifa couldn't bear even one more day in her father's house; there was no way that she could wait months for Cloud to return, even if it meant that they wouldn't have the time for a proper honeymoon.

"So, when is the big day?"

"Friday—uh, tomorrow," she answered as her smile faded a fraction. Folding her hands in her lap, Tifa let her gaze fall to the worn wood of the floorboards. "We are leaving the night of our wedding. I'm going to live with Cloud in Midgar."

"Why do you look ashamed?"

"I'm not ashamed, I'm just—" She swallowed before slowly looking up at her master. "It's a lot of change and I'm going to miss you."

"Change is good, especially in your case." He put a hand on Tifa's shoulder, his bright smile urging her to reflect it. "Are you ready for this? As wonderful and beautiful as marriage is, it also takes effort and endurance. You and Cloud love each other, but sticking together through everything life throws at you is no small task."

Head bowed slightly, she nodded as she absently played with the ring on her finger. Mama and Papa were so happy together before she died. Her parents had rarely argued about anything and seemed to live in harmony and contentment. Was there more to it all behind the scenes? Perhaps she had been too young to notice how the mechanics of marriage actually worked. What did it take to be a good and supportive wife to Cloud?

"It's only the beginning, but it feels like we've made it through so much already," Tifa admitted.

"That may be so. I know you are mature of mind enough to understand that marrying him involves giving up your freedom as an individual to walk beside him. He will be forsaking his freedom as an individual to love, protect and provide for you. You must learn to work together as an efficient team. It'll take a little getting used to but I know you'll do fine."

Tifa let his words sink in before leaning backwards with a smirk. "You sure know a great deal about marriage for an old bachelor!"

"Ha! That's my apprentice: smart as a whip, as always!" Zangan laughed. "I guess you won't need me for much anymore. I'm not sure there's much else I can teach you about martial arts."

"That's not true! I'll always need you, Master."

There was a brief silence as teacher and student came to understand that their relationship was about to change. The girl shifted uncomfortably as the man smiled wistfully.

"You were my best student. Did you know that?"

She looked up at him, disbelief on her features. "Me? But you've had so many!"

"I've watched you grow and push past your limits. You have remarkable physical and emotional strength and I'm proud of you. You've completed your training. The sun has set on this phase of your life and is rising upon another." He rose to his feet and beckoned her to follow him. "Come, I have something for you."

Tifa followed him to the large closet where he produced a little burlap parcel. With his encouragement, she undid the knot of twine holding it together and unveiled a beautiful pair of leather fighting gloves. Before she could protest, Zangan spoke.

"They're a gift for all your hard work and dedication. You've earned them."

Tifa launched forward to embrace him in a grateful hug, trying not to wonder if this would be the last time she'd feel the comfort of his embrace. "Thank you. This means so much to me."

After a moment he stepped back, fixing her with a cheeky grin. "Use them to protect that husband of yours in Midgar!"

He didn't even try to block Tifa's playful punch in the shoulder.

"So you're coming tomorrow, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world."

… … …

She sped back home, muscles fueled with excitement and satisfaction. The house felt empty, even though she knew it wasn't. Papa was ignoring her now, barely acknowledging her presence except for when absolutely necessary. He didn't respond with anything more than a grunt or two when she had crept into his workshop the night before, inviting him to her wedding ceremony.

Tifa yearned to make up with him; guilt ate away at her heart and she couldn't stop thinking about how he looked crumpled on the floor after her attack. Two sides of her mind fought for dominance over one another. One half whispered in her ear that she was an awful excuse for a daughter who didn't deserve the attentions of her one surviving parent. The other half screamed that it wasn't her fault: that Papa had been cruel…that life had been cruel.

Life had been cruel, indeed. Photographs lining the upstairs hallway reminded her of all that had been lost. On her way to her room, Tifa tried not to let her eyes fall upon faces that were framed and frozen in time. Years ago, she would have pointed out the exact spot where Mama would've hung their wedding photo. There was a space closest to Papa's room that would've been a perfect spot for a family portrait once she and Cloud had children of their own. When Tifa closed her eyes, she remembered Mama holding her on her hip and pointing out each family member or friend who had a space on the wall in their home. Now, it was just a hallway of ghosts and memories; Tifa knew that Papa no longer considered her family nor friend.

Her room was in a bit of disarray, for she was in the middle of packing for her new life over the sea. Tifa decided to take only what was necessary, for there wasn't much room in her small suitcase. She could always come back when they visited and take more with her. For now, she'd be taking a few sets of clothes, her undergarments, Mama's cream colored night gown and her lacquered wooden comb. Mama's little wooden recipe box was already packed, covered by her maroon sparring tunic. Something made her pick up the carved wooden horse that sat upon her piano. Crafted by her father's skilled hands, it had been a favorite toy of her childhood. Tifa pondered if she should try to fit it in with her other chosen belongings.

Papa wouldn't be attending her wedding: she was sure of it. There would be talk around town about it, but he wouldn't care. At one time, her father had been so concerned about how the Lockhart family appeared to outsiders and now he just seemed to have given up. Had she really shamed him so much in her life that he couldn't even be there the day she was wed? Wasn't he supposed to walk her down the aisle and give her away to Cloud? She expected Papa to act this way, but it didn't make it hurt any less. Oh how her heart ached. That ache threatened to bubble into anger but she snuffed it out with a loud exhale. She could get bitter and let it ruin her life as her father had thrown away his own, or she could turn her focus to hope and promise that had finally begun to bloom in her heart.

Frowning, she placed the toy back onto the piano lid, deciding there was no room for childhood baggage in her new life.

... ... ...

A/N: Big changes are coming our way! The official canon split had begun long ago, but now is where things get really different. Canon events are still relevant and will still happen, just with a different twist now that Cloud and Tifa will be married to one another.

I'm excited to hear from all of you and see how you feel about the events to come! Our favorite couple have a lot of growing to do. They will certainly be put to the test in future chapters! :)

Thank you for reading and reviewing; it really makes my day to hear from you! Happy reading!