Chapter 6

Normal Life

εγλ (Late) May 0014

The WRO headquarters looked the same as any other government building, with security guards and interns roaming the hallways, tending to menial assignments. TVs with a news channel assigned to every time zone lined the walls. Reeve's office was likely no different.

But Vincent wouldn't know because he'd been counting ceiling tiles while Reeve's frightened secretary shakily typed at her keyboard. If I'd wanted this life, I'd ask Rufus ShinRa to reinstate my Turk badge.

The woman cast wary glances Vincent's way every 15 seconds. He tucked his chin into his cowl and dug a fingernail into his palm, irritation rising as his patience dwindled. Voices echoed beyond the door, and the secretary turned her attention toward it, seemingly happy for the distraction.

The door to Reeve's office opened, and a sharp-looking man with Mako blue eyes and sandy-colored hair exited. He walked sideways as he spoke to Reeve on his way out. "Thank you, Commissioner. I'll see to it personally before the trip back to Wutai."

"I have no doubt, Kunsel," Reeve said as he shook Kunsel's hand. "When are you set to return?"

Kunsel checked the calendar on his phone. "Not until Thursday next, Sir. I can arrange sooner if its—"

"No, no. Not necessary, Kunsel. We're still coordinating the last shipment through New Harbor. I'd like for you to personally sign off that all cargo has been delivered as Godo requested," Reeve said as disappointment flashed across Kunsel's face. "I'm glad to see you eager to return, however."

"Thank you, Sir," Kunsel shook Reeve's hand again and nodded to Vincent as he exited the waiting room.

"Ah, Vincent," Reeve greeted. "That will be all for today, Carla. Why don't you head home?"

Carla scrambled for her purse and hurtled herself out of her chair, not chancing another look Vincent's way—even cowering from him as she darted from the room without a word in farewell.

Reeve chuckled awkwardly and cleared his throat. "I'm sorry that the meeting went over. But, as you can imagine, keeping Godo happy is as easy as keeping his daughter happy."

"Your protégé?" Vincent tilted his head in the direction Kunsel and Carla had just left.

"Yes, that was Kunsel. He was a SOLDIER, 1st Class before—well, the Meteor—" Reeve held his hand toward his office and followed Vincent inside. "He's with us now, a liaison in our consulate in Wutai. The way Godo sees it, he's there in exchange for Yuffie."

Reeve's office was decorated just as Vincent expected. Two TVs hung adjacent to the window. A large mahogany desk, littered with sealed documents awaiting his review, sat in front of a green couch and overstuffed chairs. Reeve politely pointed to a chair as he sat in the other.

"How was your trip to Cosmo Canyon? I hope you were able to shed light on any questions your research uncovered," Reeve offered Vincent a cigar from a box on the coffee table.

"Enlightening, but questions remain." Vincent declined as Reeve stood to open a window.

"I may be able to help with that," Reeve said, taking a leisure drag from his cigar. "As I mentioned to you previously, we'll need to return to the mansion for its archives. I would like you to head that mission."

Vincent studied Reeve, waiting for him to explain how collecting archives he's already researched would answer his lingering questions. Instead, the commissioner changed the topic and droned on about other projects in the works to provide infrastructure to outlying towns, including a new highway stretching east and west of Edge. The first will be built to the new sea village west of Edge called New Harbor. A second highway will extend to Kalm and Healen Lodge, repaving the existing roads and allowing Rufus ShinRa to provide additional funding, which Reeve regrettably wouldn't complain about since the WRO needs financing.

"But on to other matters." Reeve crushed his cigar in the ashtray before grabbing an envelope from his desk. "So, here's your keys and security badge. I took the liberty of using a picture Yuffie had on her phone from the wedding reception. Hope you don't mind. We can change it if you like. And if you'll come with me, I'll show you your office," Reeve said as he walked out.

"I don't need an office, Reeve." Vincent subdued the growl in his voice.

"Nonsense, Vincent. The intel wing has plenty of space. We're expanding, and the unit will see growth as you settle in—and I figure out what we're going to do with Yuffie."

Reeve turned from one corridor to another, winding toward the center of the building until they reached an elevator bank. "It's only one floor down, but access is limited. I wanted to see if your badge works—uh—do you mind?" He pointed toward Vincent's envelop. Once they stepped inside, Reeve used Vincent's badge on the scanner above the floor buttons, waiting for a beep before pressing the number 6.

The doors opened to a short hallway leading to another door locked to keycard entry. A small plaque centered above the security panel drew Vincent's regard.

World Regenesis Organization Intelligence Division

Headquarters of World Regenesis Intelligence Personnel (WRIP)

Access restricted to WRIP only

Reeve sighed, eying the same inscription.

"WRIP?" Vincent asked, the corner of his mouth ticking upward.

"Hm, yes. Princess Kisaragi's handiwork," Reeve grumbled. He shook his head and presented Vincent's badge.

"Oh—uh—here." Reeve reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small slip of paper. "There's your code," he said as he handed it to Vincent and pointed at the numbers. Vincent punched the numbers into the pad and heard a beep, followed by an audible metal click.

"That should do it." Reeve opened the latch and held the door open for Vincent. "This is the common area. A few couches for comfort, plants to add atmosphere and clean air. Behind those are the cubicles. You'll notice most sit empty."

Reeve led him through the office space, pointing at cubicles and pieces of furniture and motioning at office doors. "We've set up a couple of receptionist desks in the waiting rooms in front of the two corner offices. I'll show you that in just a moment. Over to the right is the small kitchen. There's a sink and refrigerator. Oh—looks like the microwave broke. We can order a new one."

Vincent viewed the space with apathy and felt he was back with ShinRa about to receive his first set of orders. The office felt like a prison, but he remained silent as Reeve continued his tour.

"The office in the right corner is Yuffie's for now," he said as he pointed to an office behind a set of windows lining the wall near the corner. A receptionist desk sat in a small waiting area directly in front of a door leading to another interior office. "And to the left, we have the mirror opposite, if you'll follow me."

Reeve backtracked and crossed the work floor to the far corner. Another receptionist's desk sat empty, and in front of it were two metal chairs. The furniture flanked another door, which Reeve stepped toward, and directed Vincent to use his keycard against the panel. Vincent punched in his code, and Reeve opened the door with a smile.

"And this is your office," he said with fanfare. "It's not much to look at now, but perhaps you'll think of some decor that appeals to you."

Vincent glanced around the sparsely furnished office and noted a single desk and chair. "Doubtful I'll spend much time here," His voice carried little enthusiasm. "But thank you for the privacy." He had to admit that it would be nice to have his own space if he needed to hang around.

Behind two doors.

With a lock.

"Yuffie doesn't have entry?"

"Your badge is the only one with access. Just let me know what furniture you prefer, and I'll—"

"And what do we have here?" Speak of the devil.

Yuffie strolled in, scrutinizing the paltry furnishings. "This is the saddest office I've ever seen. I can help you with that, Vinnie. We can add some color. Put Cerberus posters on the wall—maybe a coffin in the corner—"

"Yuffie," Vincent interrupted her rambling, and she looked at him, crossing her arms and canting her head with an attitude. "This is off-limits," he said, tone humorless with sincerity.

She huffed at him, placed a hand on her hip, and replied, "That's what you think. Anyway, Yuri just showed up with food. You guys hungry? Wanna share some sweet and sour frog legs?"

"As—appetizing as that sounds, Yuffie—I think we'll decline," Reeve answered.

"Your loss," she said with a wave of her hand.

As Yuffie turned to leave, Reeve said, "Uh—Yuffie? We talked about this. WRIP? Our agents shouldn't be saddled with a silly moniker—"

Yuffie's eyes rounded with innocence before narrowing at her boss. "What are we supposed to call ourselves? WROID?" She snorted, and Vincent had to suppress his own snicker as Reeve rubbed at his forehead. "Look, Reeve. We need a badass name. Something to let ShinRa and crime lords know we mean business."

The commissioner turned to look at Vincent with an apologetic expression as the princess continued her mini tirade. "What are we supposed to call our agents? WROIDers? I don't think so. Plus! WRIPers sounds a lot better than those idiot Turkeys."

With that final declaration, the door slammed behind her. Reeve's eyes lifted heavenward as he turned back to Vincent. He cleared his throat and pointed toward the envelope in Vincent's hand. "You'll notice a set of keys. We—uh—have assigned you a house," he said quickly and glanced at Vincent's face almost in regret.

"A house?"

"We have a housing division—well—a couple of housing divisions. I reserved a unit for you in the West Village. I think you'll find it a nice neighborhood and rather quiet."

"Reeve, this is too much. I don't need an office or a house." Vincent didn't like the direction this was going. Taking Reeve up on his offer to work for the WRO full-time was feeling more like the General Affairs Department of ShinRa. Next, the commissioner would ask him to provide security for crazed scientists making super babies in a petri dish.

Reeve linked his hands behind his back and dropped his chin toward his chest. "I understand this is probably overwhelming for you, Vincent. But, honestly, I didn't want you to feel lost or have you wandering around looking for a place to tuck your boots. It's patrolled every night. Use the office. Look at the house; you might like it. Here, I'll send you the address." He pulled his phone from a pocket and typed into the screen.

The notification buzzed on Vincent's own device. He read the address, eyeing Reeve with suspicion. "House number 13?"

"Yes, ahem—it's at the top of a hill—and trees are starting to grow in the yard." Reeve was hoping to convince Vincent of its merits.

"Lucky me."

"Well," Reeve said, clapping his hands together once to end the conversation. "Are you hungry? I thought we would head over to Seventh Heaven to see what's on the menu tonight."

At least Vincent could agree with Reeve on one thing today.

Cloud rolled his motorcycle into the garage and wiped down the leather seat and handlebars a second time. Denzel darted in front of him on a skateboard, nearly ramming his head as Cloud reached to pick up tools from the concrete.

"You got something against my head, speed skater?" Cloud tossed the dirty rag at Denzel. The boy ducked with expert skill, crouching on his board and spreading his arms for balance.

"Yeah! Your face!" Denzel glanced over his shoulder as he swept a foot on the ground to gain speed.

Cloud chased after him and kicked the board from beneath the boy's feet. Denzel let out a startled gasp as his body caught air and began to descend. Before the boy hit the ground, Cloud seized his shirt and slowly lifted him.

"What was that? I couldn't hear through all that girly screaming?" Cloud teased as he put Denzel in a headlock.

"I said—ugh—your—face looks like—argh—a chocobo's ass!" Denzel flailed in Cloud's grasp. The boy's smaller fists connected a couple of punches, stinging into Cloud's ribs and back.

Cloud chuckled at the effort. "Oh, you trying to tickle me—Huh? You better not let Tifa hear that dirty mouth—" He walked toward the garage with Denzel tucked in his arm, retrieving his tools without releasing the boy.

Barret and Marlene appeared at the doorway carrying trash bags. The girl shouted orders as they headed to the dumpster. "Tifa said you gotta put that stuff up and come inside and wash your hands cause we're having stew and cornbread, and the commissioner is coming with a surprise!" She didn't breathe once as the words continued to spill out, and Barret lifted the bags into the dumpster. They turned to head back inside, and she continued. "And then we're gonna eat some apple pie with ice cream, but she won't bring it out if anyone has dirty hands, so you gotta wash your hands!" The door slammed at her last words.

Dragging Denzel by the head, Cloud followed and walked through the hallway toward the family kitchen. Along the way, he shoved Denzel into a small half-bathroom, shaking the boy's head roughly before shutting the door. Denzel's muffled voice carried through the doorway, "That's what I thought!"

Cloud couldn't help the grin that spread across his face as he continued to the kitchen to wash his hands. Stirring the pot of stew, Tifa smiled at him over her shoulder. "What's got you grinning like a hedgehog pie?"

"Denzel," he replied, and she nodded.

She gave him another quick smile and focused her attention on the family dinner she had been preparing all afternoon. Tifa usually made extra effort to cook a big meal for Reeve. He didn't come every week, but predictably enough that she spent every Tuesday anticipating his arrival, treating everyone to a feast and sometimes a new recipe. He never brought a surprise, though.

"Need help with anything?"

She'd already cleaned up most of the mess; only a few dishes were left piled in the sink. Tifa's kitchen organization was always impressive; she liked to clean as she cooked.

When she didn't answer, Cloud began scrubbing and rinsing the dishes, placing them into the drying rack. He felt a hand at his back as she reached around him to put a cutting board and vegetable knives into the sink.

"Oh, thanks Cloud." She grabbed a mixing bowl filled with batter and poured it into a baking pan. "This will be ready in 20 minutes. Then we can eat!"

A knock rapped the kitchen side door as she placed the pan into the oven. Tifa titled her head toward the door, adjusting the timer. "Oh, that must be Reeve. Cloud, do you mind? I'm going to check on the bar really quick and make sure they don't need any help."

Cloud was startled to see that Reeve was not alone.

"Evening, Cloud." Reeve shook Cloud's hand briefly and pointed behind him. "I brought an extra mouth," he joked with a chuckle.

Marlene stomped through the kitchen and squeezed past Cloud to peer out. "Reeve!" She darted forward and hugged the commissioner, eyes widening as she noticed the other man. "Vincent!" Quickly forgetting Reeve, she launched herself from the steps of the small porch, slamming into Vincent's involuntary embrace.

Vincent carried Marlene past with a quick greeting. "Cloud."

"Vincent."

"Hey, little girl. Aren't you too big to be carried around?" Barret tore Marlene from Vincent's hold. "Go help Denz set the table. Hey Reeve. Vincent."

The group gathered around the table, talking about the last week since the wedding and Vincent's new office at the WRO. Marlene asked Vincent to borrow his phone, which he handed to her with some apprehension. She took a few selfies of herself and then settled in a seat next to him to find a game to play.

Cloud leaned against the counter as Tifa reentered the kitchen and grinned at Reeve and Vincent, who both stood up from the table when she appeared through the doorway.

"So, this is the surprise?" Tifa gave Reeve a quick hug and moved to stand in front of Vincent. "I wondered if you were gonna come by this time."

When she hugged Vincent, Cloud swore he caught a strange look flash over the former Turk's face. But the expression disappeared as quickly, replaced with his intense stare and usual mask.

"Alright, I don't know about y'all, but I'm hungry. Let's eat." Barret stood in front of the stew pot and grabbed a bowl. Marlene sidled close and yelled out, 'When!' as the soup reached a preferred level. Next, Barret filled a bowl for himself and motioned Denzel to do the same. "The rest'a y'all can get your own."

"Reeve, Vincent—please, come fill up." Tifa brought out pitchers of tea and water, filling glasses as the men settled at the table. Cloud waved her away when the oven beeped.

"That smells heavenly, Tifa." Reeve glanced toward the baking pan in anticipation. "Reminds me of my mother's homemade biscuits." She beamed at his compliment and helped Cloud spoon the bread into a cloth-lined basket.

With the bread passed around and the meal underway, Reeve turned the discussion to several projects underway at the WRO. Barret insisted Reeve continue to use his company for deliveries. He had purchased two more trucks, and they were working with a new company at the shipyard to begin building a fleet. And so, the dinner went on. Each sharing the boring details of their workday, homework, or plans for the next day. All the normal life stuff that used to be missing from all of their lives.

Cloud had missed too many of these meals during the months he'd hidden away in despair. He scanned the table, content with the crinkles of happiness smiling in their eyes. And Tifa enjoyed the extra company, which helped take the heat off anything he'd done wrong lately.

As they continued to eat and chat over recent events, Cloud didn't miss the fact that Tifa had remained conspicuously quiet throughout the meal, making her glances toward Vincent more obvious.

Even hidden behind the cowl, Cloud noticed the taller man's return regard at her. The glances were brief, a flicker of awkward curiosity—and they'd take a bite or sip from a drink.

Vincent.

Demon-possessed.

Cloud set his lip in a thin line but feigned ignorance to the exchange. It's probably nothing.

Barret urged the kids to eat up so they could get home and ready for bed early for school the next day. "Aww—" Marlene whined.

"Hey, Marlene. Let's tidy up before dessert." Tifa said, standing from her seat and taking plates in hand to the sink.

Cloud rose to help her. "Come on. Both of you." He nudged Denzel's shoulder and swiped the cutlery from the table, motioning for the two to follow suit.

The kids groaned in unison. Marlene jerked Vincent's phone to her chest as the man held out his hand for her to return the device.

"No! I need it just a minute!" She swiped across the screen, then held it aloft to snap more pictures, pretending to clean with a rag as she moved around the table. At one point, she managed to convince Tifa to crouch down and join her for a photo, both sticking out their tongues and giving a peace sign.

Cloud glanced in Vincent's direction when Barret asked how long he would be in town.

"Helping Reeve with a few things related to ShinRa's former Science Department. No other plans for a while." Vincent glanced briefly in Tifa's direction before sensing Cloud's gaze and returning his stare, neither looking away for a moment. Cloud tried to gauge meaning from his words, finding it strange that Vincent may stay in town for some time.

Vincent. Immortal.

"I hope to convince Vincent to make it permanent. We've even assigned a house for him in the West Village." Reeve carried his bowl to the sink, helping Tifa wash a few dishes as he continued. "I had also hoped that the rest of you would reconsider my offer to join the organization."

"You can always count on me, Reeve," Tifa said as she served apple pie onto her best porcelain plates and passed them into a makeshift assembly line. Denzel shoveled ice cream on top of each piece before the little girl handed the readied pastry down the table, just enough for everyone to enjoy.

They dug into their dessert as Tifa continued, "I'm not quite ready to give up the bar, but I have plenty of staff nowadays that I can help out with missions here and there."

Cloud remained quiet until Reeve looked at him, expecting an answer. "I'm focused on local deliveries for a while, but I'll help for the same missions as Tifa." He glanced toward Vincent at his last comment, who stared back with an unreadable expression, only looking away when Barret spoke to him directly.

"Hey Vince, if you're gonna be around a while, you should look into getting a house out in our neighborhood out past Edge." Barret counted off the qualities the area offered. "It's quiet. Lots of land. You can have privacy. Seclusion. Man, I love the quiet. Can't beat that. Can't beat the clean air, neither."

Marlene jumped into Vincent's lap. "Yeah! You should come live on my street, and then I can come over every day to keep you company." She made herself comfortable and used his phone to take more pictures of the two of them. Cloud found himself feeling a tinge of annoyance as the glances continued between Tifa and Vincent, despite Marlene's distraction.

Once dessert was over, Barret said they needed to head out. Marlene grumbled when Tifa told her to give Vincent his phone back. "But I'm almost at level 7." As she whined, Cloud gently took the phone out of her grasp and lifted her out of Vincent's lap, handing the phone back to its owner. "Can I come over to your new house to play after school?"

"Come on, Marlene, get ready so you can go. Ok?" Cloud pleaded with her as he carried her to the closet to grab her backpack and jacket.

"Cloud, she's too big to be babied like this anymore," Tifa spoke in a low tone to him as she reached into the closet and pulled out the kids' backpacks and jackets. Cloud scratched his head in confusion, unsure what he did wrong, and tried to help her hand the kids' things over to them, but she shooed him away. Cloud leaned back against the counter and swallowed his frustration as Barret and the kids said goodbye, Marlene complaining about the unfairness of life as the door shut.

"So, how long have the kids been living with Barret?" Reeve asked Tifa, and she hugged her shoulders defensively.

Across the table, Vincent looked on with a hint of concern darkening his eyes as Tifa answered. "Since last semester. Barret's house is closer to their school, so it makes it easier for everyone." She looked away and started wiping down the clean counter furiously.

It remained a sore topic that Cloud and Barret avoided at all costs. The kids came over quite often, so this was still their home. But he wasn't entirely sure Tifa would forgive Cloud and Barret for taking sides against her and deciding the kids should live closer to school—and not—over a bar. He felt Vincent's stare again and caught the feeling that Vincent had guessed the situation.

Vincent. Former Turk.

A phone rang in Reeve's pocket, and he moved to take the call on the porch. Vincent brought his dishes to the sink to wash away the remainder of the pie crust and ice cream he hadn't eaten. Cloud resented how Tifa told Vincent not to worry about it and smiled at him before taking the dishes out of his hands.

"I am sorry to eat and run, but duty calls. Tifa, that was a spectacular meal." Reeve pulled her into a quick hug and kissed her cheek, and then grasped Cloud's hand and promised to be in touch.

"Oh, wait—" Tifa reached into the refrigerator and pulled out a few containers full of stew and cornbread. "I made sure to save you some leftovers, so you're not eating out of food trucks during the day."

"After my heart," Reeve complimented, pressing his hand to his chest, and then gave her another hug before grabbing his food and heading out of the side door.

Carrying his leftovers, Vincent paused at the door and nodded at Cloud before turning his attention to Tifa. "Thank you for a lovely meal, Tifa. Not sure how I could've forgotten your culinary skills, but thanks for the reminder."

"Oh—well—you should come back anytime." Cloud thought she sounded a little too desperate but couldn't see her face since she stood at the door facing Vincent. He glanced up at Cloud as Tifa gave him a quick hug, then left quickly, following Reeve out to the car.

As the car pulled away, Tifa turned to face Cloud. "Well, that was a nice dinner. Don't you think?"

"Yeah, it was nice to have most of us at the table." He stared at her for a moment, debating if he wanted to ask about the situation with Vincent. His feelings were muddled, as usual. Especially concerning Tifa. Something about their looks at each other, their dances together, and the walk on the beach he had witnessed—had him worried.

But Vincent was his friend. Tifa's friend. Maybe I'm paranoid.

The sound of a motorcycle from the driveway interrupted his thoughts. As she put away dishes, Tifa asked if he was expecting Kunsel. Cloud opened the door just as the former SOLDIER walked up the steps.

"Hey, folks. Look who's here." Kunsel jumped up the steps and clapped Cloud on the shoulder. Then, he pulled Tifa into a bear hug and made a show of smelling her hair as she giggled and tried to pull away. Cloud rolled his eyes at the antics.

"Good to see you, Kunsel. Pull up a chair, and I'll pour you some stew." She moved around the kitchen, preparing a dish for him as he sat at the table with Cloud. "So, how's your girlfriend doing? Are you being good about calling her?" She set the bowl and plate of cornbread in front of Kunsel, then sat down, chin propped in her hands, staring him down with an eagerness for gossip.

"Girlfriend?" Cloud didn't hide his surprise as Kunsel's face flushed red. "Since when?"

Tifa covered her mouth, glancing between the two of them. "Oh, sorry. I didn't know it was supposed to be a secret."

Kunsel shook his head at her and smiled. "Nah, it's ok, Teef. Not really a secret from you guys. I'm not announcing it, though. I don't think Godo would appreciate SOLDIERs getting too comfortable in his country."

"So, you're dating a girl from Wutai?" Cloud assumed and crossed his arms across his chest. "Bet Godo would love to kick you guys out for no reason. Can't blame you for not advertising."

Once Kunsel finished eating, they meandered to the bar while Tifa returned to work. "Hey Rikku, I'll handle this side of the bar if you want to see to the tables." Tifa pointed to a table inhabited by ladies enjoying happy hour.

"Gotcha, Tifa," Rikku said with a wink as she took a tray of beers to their guests.

Cloud motioned Kunsel to the opposite end of the bar to let Tifa work in peace and helped himself to a bottle of beer for himself and his friend. He watched Tifa work for a few minutes, sipping his beer and ignoring his drinking buddy.

"So, you wanna share?" Kunsel nudged him with an elbow, and when Cloud looked up, Kunsel nodded toward Tifa. "What's going on?"

Cloud was reluctant but thought it might help to get another opinion. "I dunno—just kind of worried about Tifa."

"She seems ok to me. Anything specific bothering you?" Kunsel kept his voice low and turned his back to the bar to avoid glancing her way and hinting they were discussing her.

Cloud shrugged, taking a couple of steps away from the bar, also to keep her from hearing their conversation. "She's different lately. I dunno—you know how it is. Guys hit on her a lot." Cloud sipped his beer, intentionally avoiding more detail. He wasn't sure Vincent was hitting on her, but he was—different.

Kunsel smiled at him and set his beer on the bar. "You and I both know she gets a lot of attention. A woman that looks like that always has eyes on her. So why does this bother you now?" Kunsel asked with his head canted sideways. "Are you finally realizing she might look at someone else?"

Cloud looked down at his beer and kept his silence. As Kunsel tried to catch his gaze, Cloud could only shrug and shake his head slightly in denial.

Kunsel leaned back against the bar and gave him a knowing smile. "Look, this can't be easy for the two of you. It seems to me she's moving on without you." Cloud finally met his gaze as his friend put words to his thoughts. "Maybe it's time the two of you accept things the way they are. You know? Don't try to force something just because it was meant to be way back when. It's ok to admit things have changed." Kunsel gently shook Cloud's shoulder and reached back at the bar to grab his beer.

Cloud was relieved when they were interrupted by another former SOLDIER with jet black hair who suddenly jumped between the two of them and banged on the bar. "Hey, gorgeous! I'm here, gimme beer love," he teased Tifa, who smiled and laughed.

"If you break my bar, Pete, I'm calling your wife," she said as she winked and handed him a beer.

"Hey, no fair. You know how my wife abuses me," he pleaded with his hands locked together in prayer around his beer.

"Ha! You deserve it! Hey, when you get home later, remind Molly I'm coming by tomorrow, ok? She didn't answer my text earlier." Tifa looked at him with concern.

"Yeah, she probably fell asleep. She dozed all night and then yelled at me to get out. Apparently, I'm too noisy even when I'm sitting on the couch doing nothing!" Tifa laughed at him as she walked away to tend to more customers.

"Hey man, how is she feeling these days?" Kunsel asked Pete as they shook hands and clinked their beers together.

"Ah, she's doing ok, all things considered. We're just taking it day-by-day. Hopefully, doctors will figure something out soon. She has an appointment early morning." Pete looked down at his beer briefly, and Cloud noticed the shadow creep into his eyes as he worried about his wife. His demeanor changed suddenly as he shook his head. "But hey! Positive thoughts. Positive outcome. Am I right?" Pete asked and took a long pull from his beer.

"That's the spirit." Kunsel agreed and clapped him on the back.

"Now, we just need to get the two of you married, so I'm not suffering alone!" Pete teased, glancing between the two of them.

Cloud laughed at that and shook his head. "Well, I got nothing going on, but Kunsel seems to be a little busy these days." He folded his arms and allowed a small, crooked smile at Kunsel's discomfort.

"What, me?" Kunsel asked innocently and held an arm up defensively when Pete tried to ruffle his hair.

"The way I hear it, yo," a drawling voice called from a few seats away at the bar. "Kunsel here has a thing for short, little redheads. Ain't that right, Kunsel?"

The three men looked back at the bar. Reno and Rude had seated themselves comfortably two stools away, not hiding that they had been listening to the conversation for a few minutes unnoticed. Rude silently turned his head to watch Tifa behind the bar, drinking his beer with little concern as his partner continued to taunt Kunsel.

Reno chewed on a straw with an arrogant grin and seemed to enjoy Kunsel's irritation. "Oh, don't let me interrupt," the smaller Turk said innocently as he placed a hand to his chest. "Are we hearing correctly? Wedding bells, Kunsel?" Reno's grin widened as he glanced down at Kunsel's side. Cloud noticed his friend had balled his hand into a fist and held his beer bottle in the other so tightly he thought it might shatter.

The Turk reached out a hand as if to comfort Kunsel. "Hey, it's alright, yo. Take it easy. It's just what I heard. I can't be sure for myself because I haven't seen any cute little redheads lately." Reno's smirk stoked Kunsel's anger, whose mouth closed in a thin tight line.

"But hey," Reno continued, purposely oblivious to the ire he roused and the threat of his head smashed against the bar. "If you're not into 'em, maybe I will be—I know just where to look—"

Reno jumped back with a laugh as Kunsel lunged in rage. Anticipating the attack, Cloud and Pete grabbed onto Kunsel's shoulders and waist, moving in front of the man to keep him from reaching the annoying Turk.

"What's going on here?" Tifa asked as she walked up to the group with her arms crossed, eyeing each man individually with a warning on her face. Kunsel shrugged out of Cloud and Pete's hold, glaring at the two Turks before walking toward the back of the bar and through to the family kitchen.

"Nothing, babe," Reno smirked and tried to grab a lock of her hair, which earned him a swat on the hand. "Mm, still feisty—Here, take this, gorgeous." He laid a wad of gil on the bar and winked at her. "Drinks are on me, yo."

"It didn't look like nothing, Reno. I told you—this place isn't for your games." She glared at him before following Kunsel into the kitchen.

Reno looked to Cloud with a wide grin before he finished the rest of the beer. "Ah, good stuff. I guess we'll be going. Looks like the party is over, yo." He set the empty bottle down and puckered his lips in a kiss at Cloud before heading toward the door. "We are out, Rude."

Rude finished his beer quickly and nodded toward Cloud and Pete before following his partner.

Cloud motioned at Pete, and they walked into the kitchen to find Kunsel and Tifa at the table. "What was that about?" Cloud asked.

Kunsel's foot tapped frantically under the table as he looked to Cloud with worry etched in his face. "That was a message for my girlfriend."

"Why would the Turks have a message for your girlfriend?"

"She used to work for them," Kunsel admitted and then stormed out. Cloud glanced at Tifa in confusion as a motorcycle roared to life and sped away down the street.