Chapter four: Barret, the Father

Dinner went on without a hitch. They stayed away from the topic of Cloud's absence-lest there be an awkward silence again, and talked about what new job, or project was now occupying their time. Everybody had brought their appetite, leaving only one-half of a large pizza out of the seven, surprising Cloud since Vincent, Cait, and Red didn't eat. "Human food makes my breadbasket act most irregular." Red said as a matter of fact.

It was a quarter past one in the morning when everyone got ready to leave. "You taking me home right, Cids?" asked Yuffie in a baby voice, her eyes droopy with exhaustion.

Cid's head snapped to her. "What? Who said I was taking your bratty ass home! You came here on you own devises, you can leave here--" Cid got cut off with Yuffie's insistent whining. "But Cid..." Cid shook his head so hard, it looked like it'd fall off. "No! I've gotta go home too you know!" yelled Cid and made his way to the exit, still grumbling. Everyone, excluding Cloud, Barret, and Tifa, followed Cid. Cloud looked on, amused by the situation. Cid turned around upon hearing everyone following him. "When was I assigned fucking cab driver of the night!" Cid yelled, then continued on with hushed tones. "If I knew this was going to happen, I would've dragged my ass home earlier." As he made his way to the exit door, Vincent spoke with his deep, serious voice. "This might be the chance to show off Shera's, true abilities."

There was a dramatic pause, then Cid turned to them and exclaimed. "Well, what are you tired asses waiting for? Let's get a movin!" Cid clapped everyone on the back as they passed him and went out the door. The place was silent now.

"He sure is eccentric." Tifa said as she picked up the dirty dishes.

"Amen to that." Agreed Barret. Barret went to the other room and called out to Cloud. "Hey, come give me a hand over here."

Cloud entered the living area and saw Barret picking up Marlene. Barret nodded towards Denzel. "Get 'im would ya" Cloud nodded.

They both walked out with a child in hand and made their way up the stairs. They made it to the children's dark room, but left the light off as not to disturb them, letting the moon light be their guide. They put each child in their respective beds. Cloud tucked Denzel in and smoothed the boy's hair out of his face. Cloud bent up and watched Barret as he tucked Marlene in. Cloud never saw Barret so gentle. With his one hand he laid her head gently on the pillow then proceeded to tuck her in. Barret bent down and laid a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"I love you daddy." He heard Marlene whisper.

"Love you too, honey. Go to sleep now." Barret responded, but the words were lost on her as she was fast asleep already.

Barret let out a hushed sigh and looked down at Marlene. "I'm thinking about getting work closer to home, something more steady so I won't be gone for weeks on end." Barret scratched at his head with his metal arm. "Kids grow up so damn fast these days, ya know, I'm afraid I might miss something, something important." He looked at Cloud. "What do you think, Cloud?"

"Uh..." Cloud shrugged his shoulders. "I guess if I had a kid, I'd feel the same."

Barret chuckled. "When the hell you gonna have some spiky-headed kids, in fact when the hell you gonna fuckin settle down, son?" Barret asked with a sly grin. He offered the question, now what's the answer.

Cloud's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. He didn't like this question. Because honestly, he didn't see himself being happy with anyone; not in this life anyway.

"All right fish boy, no reason to choke on that damn tongue of yours." Barret said with amusement. Cloud cleared his throat. Barret grabbed him by the shoulders, turned him around and pushed him right out the door, then silently shut the door behind them. "All right kid, let's go get us a nice stiff drink downstairs." Barret started shoving Cloud down the hall, then down the stairs, all the while laughing at Cloud for the stupid faces he was making. Cloud's only protest. "Uh..."