Seventh Heaven

For a moment, Cloud wrestled with who to give the flower to. Tifa would be a clear sign of affection, but giving it to Marlene might make Cloud look like a family man, a provider. But he yielded to his focus, offering the flower to Tifa. She smiled.

"How sweet. Daddy ... I mean Barret ... would have to Marlene. But he's got us to look after, so it's different. But it's not how I remember you ... when did you get so thoughtful?"

"A lot can change over five years," Cloud said gruffly. He entered the bar. Tifa made it homey, but it still had the same feeling as the slums did, something cared for but on the edge of utter collapse.

"Daddy, the mako place blew up. Everyone on TV's talking about it," Marlene squeaked excitedly. She looked a lot like Tifa, Cloud thought morosely. How long had she been with Barret? Five years was a long time.

"Don't you worry about all that silliness," Barret said, waving it off. "Daddy's here and he's not going anywhere tonight. Now turn that thing off and let's get you to bed at Nana Marle's place, huh?" The pipsqueak saw Cloud, and her brown eyes got wide as she hid behind the bar. Barret turned, scowling at Cloud.

"Hey, the hell you think you're doing scaring my daughter like that!" he yelled.

"Daddy says never to talk to strangers ... but if one tries to talk to me, yell and Mommy will beat them up!" Marlene said, looking a little braver now.

"That's right honey, I do say that," Barret said, calming down and chuckling. "What agood girl you are remembering Daddy's lessons."

"So," Tifa said, leaning forward so Cloud could get an eyeful of bosom ... "What can I get you?"

"My money. I'm still waiting on it," Cloud said, crossing his arms. He walked out to the porch, ignoring Barret and Marlene. Tifa chased after him. Good, he thought, smiling slightly. Women secretly love standoffish men.

"Before we get to money," Tifa said slowly ... "There's an empty apartment in a place just down the road. It's nothing fancy, but ... I was thinking you could stay there for now. The landlady's a big friend of the cause, so you wouldn't even have to pay rent! Sounds good?"

"Tch ... fine," Cloud said. "But money tomorrow."

"Of course," Tifa said, looking pale for a second. "Let's go! How was the plate?" They walked up a dusty path to a dumpy, two story apartment building.

"Chaotic," he said. "Umm, Tifa ... about Marlene."

"Cloud," Tifa said, sighing. "I didn't tell you about her because I didn't think you'd join us. I'll explain it one day, but it's ... hard. It's complicated. And I'm sorry for dragging you into this. You were in danger and I'm sorry."

"Danger I can deal with," Cloud said, unhappy with Tifa's answer.

"And here we are," Tifa chirped, trying to sound chipper. "Stargazer Heights. You're on the second floor. Room 201 here is where I sleep. Room 202 will be your room. And I'm sorry in advance, Cloud, but I get loud. So hopefully you can sleep through it."

"I know, I know ..." Cloud said.

"I'm Barret's girl, Cloud."

"Whatever. Like I give a shit," Cloud said, walking into 202 and shutting the door.