I was too hard on him last night...Tifa rubbed her sore eyes. After she ran out of the church, she couldn't help but cry at the thought that Cloud had abandoned her again. When was he finally going to let go of the past and focus on the future. He had so much going for him and she wanted to help. However, how was she going to do that if he kept pushing her away? Maybe he didn't want her help? That was also a possibility.
Black glossy eyes remained fixed out the window as the train noisily made its way across the wayward tracks of Sector 7. The day was absolutely beautiful with fresh layers of snow piling over the tainted crusty ones that had been planted for the past couple of days. The sun wasn't too bright and a couple of night clouds were still evident in the sky. It was like dawn and dusk colliding , creating almost a surreal atmosphere that was too perfect to be found in real life. The brunette had only seen an environment she was witnessing now in fairy tales. According to old Nibelheim legends, the clouds would only be consumed by a morning glory when a couple find peace with each other.
Tifa Lockhart took another sip of her cup of coffee, not realizing that her favorite Christmas lipstick was being smeared at the rim as the train came to a sudden halt. Her fingers gripped tightly around the foam cup to prevent the hot liquid from splashing on the two children in front of her.
Marlene and Denzel looked up from their coloring books with confusion. Tifa only shook her head and smiled sheepishly. She mentally scolded herself for not getting a grip of reality. No matter how much she wanted to shift her attention, her mind kept wandering back to the maelstrom of memories from last night. There were so many questions running through her and there were so many answers she didn't know. That fact bothered her immensely. Because she didn't know WHY he left her and stayed at the church, she was drawing up her own conclusions and pushing herself to the brink of paranoia.
"You okay Tifa?" Marlene looked up from her coloring book the second time.
"I'm fine." Tifa tried her best to smile, but it was hard for the kids to see her usual radiating features that were now marred with dark circles underneath her eyes and her drained complexion. "I guess I just need more sleep."
"Are you sick?" Denzel asked with concern.
I'm sick of having to put up with this mess..."No Denzel. I'm perfectly healthy," she reassured the young boy. "Hey! Now it's not the time to get all worried! It's Christmas and you're going to see Santa soon. Marlene, you're going to see your father soon! He's waiting for us at the mall."
"I can't wait to see Daddy!" The young girl got up from her seat and embraced Tifa. "I have so much to tell him, especially how nice you have been to me and Denzel." Having Tifa was like having the mother she never had. She had been with her for as long as she could remember. Deep down, Marlene knew Tifa was upset about Cloud and about last night when he didn't show up. As the hours ticked away, they had no choice but to set up the tree without the last family member. "Tifa?"
"Hmm?"
"You're telling us that we should be happy that it's Christmas today. How come you're not happy?"
"Marlene...I..." She didn't know what to say. The girl was obviously wise beyond her ages and could probably tell if she was lying or not. "You're right. I am upset about Cloud, but let's not let it get to us."
"Did you find him last night?" Denzel asked.
"Yeah. I found him at Aerith's church..."
Marlene and Denzel immediately grew silent, realizing that they shouldn't probe anymore. Denzel didn't know the flower girl at all, but Marlene spent many nights telling him about the angel who sacrificed her life to save the Planet. She meant dearly to everyone, especially to Cloud. Marlene understood that Aerith had saved Cloud in ways that Tifa never could providing that she was not an Ancient. Was that why she felt so defeated? Like she was second best?
"Sector 5!" the conductor's voice roared through the speakers.
"Oh, it's our stop! Come on!"
Tifa gathered her belongings and held on to the children's hand on
either side of her. Perfect timing. Just when the situation was
becoming awkward... - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Man, you don't like happy. Act jolly damn it!" The manager gave a look of annoyance as he fixed the Santa beard for the tenth time. He took a step back and shook his head. Last night he could have sworn the blonde was the perfect candidate, but now he would give anything to replace him if he could.
Cloud was on the verge of tearing the whole costume apart. His face flushed with anger as he tugged on the beard and straightened it. "DAMN." He pulled a bit too hard and the rubber band snapped harshly against his chin. "I look ridiculous in this outfit..." he muttered under his breath while gently rubbing the tingling pain pricking at his jaw. He was doing this to get the money for Tifa's present. If he found another option, the costume would have already been shredded by his sword.
"Ah screw it. If that's the best you can do, you better get out there. You got a whole crowd of kids waiting to see you!" The manager slapped the blonde's back as a friendly gesture. He had to stifle a laugh as he watched Cloud walk towards the curtains with the big lumpy velvet costume that was bigger than him and brown boots that were made for Bigfoot. "You'll get your pay soon son! Merry Christmas."
"Yeah whatever..." Cloud grumbled as he threw the matching floppy hat on. "I can't wait until this is over..." Picking up his golden bell, he rattled it as he emerged from behind the red curtains to an endless line of kids and adults.
Oh God...help me."SANTA!" the kids cheered.
The leader immediately started to panic as he heard children calling out for him in all directions. He felt trapped, lost in a cyclone of ambient childish screams that was destroying his precious ears by the second. He wanted to curse in anguish and run back behind the curtains to avoid the sea of a bunch of seven year olds who still believe in the myth that Santa exists.
Get into the spirit! he scolded himself. Just because you had a huge fight with Tifa last night doesn't mean you have to ruin other people's happiness.
"OH...Ho ho ho...! Now now, if you would all just calm down!" Cloud yelled a bit too loud in frustration. When he saw that the innocent children opened their eyes in surprise at the rough and demanding statement, he immediately felt sweat pouring down his face. "Um...I mean...there's plenty of time to cheer Santa on later. I...yeah!" Cloud grimaced as he heard his voice hit an unbelievably high pitch that he didn't know he was able to produce. It hurt his throat and he had to swallow a couple of deep breaths to maintain his rigid stance.
With a forced grin, he turned to sit at his cozily decorated chair. Next to him was a plastic life size reindeer. To Cloud, the animal's facial features were painted in a way that made it look insane and psychotic. He couldn't help but shiver as he stared at the rather frightening two rows of pearly white teeth, which appeared to be saying "I want to take a bite out of you."
"Santa!"
The blonde's thoughts were interrupted when a little girl in a red dress came running up to him. Her short black hair bobbed up and down as she climbed up the stairs to pet the killer reindeer before climbing up the chair.
"Help her up you idiot!" The midget elf whispered in Cloud's ears.
"Huh? Ohh!" Cloud instantly caught on and helped the little girl into his lap. He was so glad that the gigantic beard was large enough to cover his whole burning face. The entire crowd of kids must've thought he was some loony. "And what would you like for Christmas this year? Ho ho ho..."
"Well let's see!" she squeaked. The brunette pulled out a scroll from her dress and opened it. The roll of paper freely cascaded to the floor as she started reading each item one by one. "I want a doll, a kitchen set, a box of candy, make up. Hmm...do you think I'm too young for make up? My mommy thinks so. Anyway, I want a car, a computer, my own phone..."
The last word Cloud heard was 'phone'. After that, his mind started to drift again while the girl kept reading on. He could've sworn she didn't look like a brat when she climbed her way up to greet him. His mako eyes widened as his gazed pierced through the swarm of people. What if all the kids were going to be like the one he had on his lap right now? Cloud felt his stomach churning.
I think I'm going to be sick... - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Barret! There you are!" Tifa cried in excitement as she saw her former AVALANCHE comrade. The feeling was mutual as the two close friends quickly exchanged hugs.
"I've been waiting in line here, savin a spot for all of ya! Merry Christmas." Barret's eyes lit up when he saw Marlene running towards him. He simultaneously opened his muscular arms as the girl came rushing into his embrace. Nothing felt better than having your own child in your hold.
"Daddy! I missed you so much! Hehe, your beard still tickles!" Marlene laughed while pushing away his chin at the same time. She planted a firm kiss on his cheek and pulled Denzel next to her. "This is Denzel. I think you two met before?"
Tifa smiled at their little conversation. She would join in but her mind kept wandering back to the fight she had with Cloud. He never came home. Today was Christmas and she had no idea where he was. She assumed he was still at Aertih's church. That thought brought pain to her heart. She loved the flower girl dearly, but why wasn't SHE the one in Cloud's heart and mind. She wish she could just be carefree and laugh with the people around her, but it wasn't possible.
"What's wrong Tifa?" Barret asked when he noticed the brunette standing coldly beside everyone else. "It's that spikey headed ass again."
Tifa sighed. He was going to find out sooner or later. "We had a fight last night and it was over something so stupid. He promised he would be home to help set up the tree, but he never showed up. I went to look for him and found him asleep in Aerith's church. I thought he had work and that's what he said but...I don't know. What if he just wants to be with her?"
"That's not true Teef. Look, I know that spikey headed ass can be a real jerk sometimes, but I also know you mean alot to him...more than just friends," Barret encouraged. He firmly gripped her shoulder and looked her into the eye. "Trust me."
Tifa's lips tugged into a tiny grin. "Thanks. I trust you...I guess."
Time appeared to be moving much faster now as the long Santa line was finally coming to a halt. They were only a couple of people ahead of them before Marlene and Denzel would get to meet Santa and have their picture taken.
"I can't wait to tell Santa what I want for Christmas this year. I hope he makes everything come true!" Marlene jumped up and down, trying to peer through the cracks in the gathering.
"Isn't that just some myth?" Tifa whispered to Barret. Marlene was still young. She didn't want to break her spirit.
"Heh. Who knows? I had all my dreams come true during Christmas, but I didn't wish for outrageous things."
"Really?"
"Yeah really. Teef. I know what you're thinking. It's hilarious, but you should try it." Barret turned away and laughed.
"Hey, what's so funny? It's reasonable isn't it?" Tifa couldn't help but laugh at her silly idea as well. "It's worth a try."
"What are you guys talking about?" Denzel asked curiously as he watched the two adults giggle amongst themselves. He shot Marlene a confused look and she returned an equal expression.
"Marlene, may I get a picture of Cloud so I can show Santa what I want this year?" Tifa asked sweetly. Marlene gave her a weird look but pulled out a group picture from her wallet.
"Here you go Tifa."
"Thanks sweetheart. I hope this works..." Tifa whispered as she gently clutched the picture between her fingers. Maybe it was time she started believing in Christmas miracles.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Oh my lord...is that Tifa, Barret, Denzel, and Marlene?
Cloud felt his sweat dripping by beads as he saw the familiar group of people just a couple of feet away from him. He had no idea they were going to be present for the photo shoot. Maybe if he had kept his eyes opened and didn't sleep through half the time the kids were reading their scrolls, he could've spotted them.
This is too awkward!He reached out and grabbed the elf, accidentally tipping over the reindeer in the process.
"You gotta help me! I need to take a break...NOW!" Cloud muttered through his teeth. The green elf slapped his arm away.
"What do you mean you need a break. We got just a few more people left. Stay and finish your damn job or I'm going to tell the manager to not pay you!"
Crap. What am I going to do?"Santa!"
It was too late to run. Marlene and Denzel were already running towards him with joy brimming in their eyes. Barret and Tifa lagged a little behind them until the elf pushed them next to the chair.
Cloud quickly scooped the kids into his lap but he couldn't take his eyes off of Tifa. She looked absolutely stunning in her simple black coat layered with buttons in the middle and a red scarf around her neck. Her dark eyes darted from side to side like a foreigner feeling out of place. The rims and corner of her orbs were somewhat red and Cloud instantly felt a pang of guilt. He knew why. She must have been crying after the quarrel they had last night. She tried hard to cover her flaw with makeup, but Cloud could see through all of it as his mako eyes traced the outline of her pink puffs.
"Uh...is there a reason why ya lookin' at the lady instead of doing your job?" Barret couldn't help but comment. He knew Tifa was an attractive lady and the guy behind the Santa suit was probably some sixty year old horny scum bag.
Cloud gulped and shook his head. He was relieved that the mall forbids the carrying of weapons or else his face would have met Barret's machine gun by now.
Tifa blushed as she felt her body tense up. She was still holding the small picture in her hand and was wondering whether or not she should go through with the childish idea. It seemed so silly, but maybe she was going to receive a miracle this Christmas. She waited patiently while Marlene and Denzel each spoke to Santa about their gifts and wishes. When they were done, the elf quickly ushered them off of Santa's lap.
"All right. You're next lady! You wait your turn man!" said the elf, obviously referring to Barret. He roughly pushed Tifa onto Santa's lap before she got a chance to protest.
Cloud's hands fumbled as he nervously caught the female before she tipped over on to the reindeer. Tifa blushed again as she sat uncomfortably on his lap.
"So um...ho ho ho...what would you like for Christmas this year...Ti- I mean...young lady!" His voice was breaking down and sweat was pouring all over his face behind the thick bush of white beard. He felt his hands shaking as he tried to hold her firmly to keep her from falling over.
"Hey man! This is your second warning! Git your hands off of the woman!" Barret knocked the elf out of the way and stood protectively beside the martial artist.
Cloud quickly threw up his arms in fear of Barret ripping off his costume in anger and exposing his true identity in the process.
Tifa shot Barret an annoyed look. Even though she knew his intentions were good, he had no right to scare off the poor man behind the costume. "I'm sorry about that. My friend can be a bit...hotheaded at times."
Barret opened his mouth, ready to rebuke when Tifa quickly changed the subject.
"Umm...anyway...you asked what I want for Christmas this year? Well, to tell the truth...I never really believed in miracles, but I decided to give it a shot today." She took a deep breath and unfolded her hands, revealing the glossy small picture of her, Cloud, and the kids. "Um...well...this is what I want." She ran her index finger over the blonde in the snapshot before preparing to withdraw the item. "Heh. Sorry, you must think I'm so childish. It's just that we had this huge fight last night...and I really regret what I told him. Things were just not...smooth this holiday."
Oh Tifa..."I'm so sorry!" Cloud blurted out and wrapped his arms tightly around the brunette. He leaned his chin against her shoulder as he inhaled her deep rose scent, letting himself drown in the moment with her and not having a care about anything else.
"Hey! Wha ya think ya doin'? Git off of her you scum!" Barret roared. This time Tifa did not object. Honestly, she was freaked out and frightened at the same time that the mysterious man clad in the Santa costume was all over her.
With a fierce yank, Barret pulled the Santa's arms away from the female, giving her the chance to escape. He easily lifted the 5'7 soldier into the air and shredded away his beard, hat, and all the buttons on his overall.
"Let go of me Barret!" Cloud gasped as Barret's grip tightened around his neck.
When the first sign of wild blonde hair poked out into full view, the gunman dropped the man in pure shock. Tifa and the kids rushed over to help up the Santa but their jaws dropped opened when they saw Cloud curling on the floor, doubling over in pain.
"Cloud!" Tifa exclaimed in horror. Her innocent eyes grew wide with shock before shooting him a demanding look. "What are you doing?"
"Tifa wait!' Cloud furiously waved his arms in front of him in defense. "I can explain all this! Really!" He stood up and was met by a crowd of people below him who all appeared alarmed at the situation. He saw security guards pouring in to ease the tension among the angry group of people while parents were comforting their crying kids, obviously devastated at the fact that the 'Santa' they met a few minutes ago was nothing but a simple citizen who looked like a zombie due to lack of sleep.
"Say cheese!" the elf laughed as he positioned the camera in front of him.
"What?" Cloud screamed.
SNAP
"Here's your damn picture with your lady, the kids, and this guy who looks like he's on steroids." The elf threw the picture into the air in which Tifa scrambled to catch between her hands.
"Steroids? I'll show you!" Barret picked up the measly midget with one hand and easily tossed him into the Christmas tree behind him.
"WHAT IS ALL THIS COMMOTION STRIFE?" The manager rushed out from behind the curtains. His face was beet red and his fists were curled so tight that Tifa thought his fingers were going to rip through his palms if he applied an ounce more of pressure.
"I can explain SIR!"
"DON'T BOTHER. YOU ARE FIRED."
"What? You can't fire me! I've been working this whole damn morning for the money so I can buy the necklace for Tifa!" Cloud angrily retorted. He chased after the manager, but stopped when he realized what he just slipped out. Spinning around, he found Tifa staring at him in awe. Her lips were slightly parted, but no words developed.
"I guess you were going to find out sooner or later..." Cloud murmured as the elf and manager dashed away behind the curtains. "I'm sorry..." he sincerely apologized again.
"Cloud..." Tifa whispered in a barely audible voice. She felt all her anxiety and fear melt away from the revelation, but only to be replaced by enormous guilt. He was working for HER all this time and she assumed otherwise. "Don't be sorry. It's my fault. Really, I'm the one who is sorry. I'm sorry for thinking the worst of you!" She rushed over and threw herself into his arms. This time, HE was taken by surprise. "Thank you so much Cloud! No wonder you look so exhausted..." she observed when she took a step back. Dark circles lined his dull blue eyes while his hair was caught in a harsh frenzy. She didn't know what else to do except to kiss him softly on the cheek. "Come home with me?"
"Of course Tifa...but you have nothing to be sorry about. I'm sorry I couldn't get you that necklace you had your eyes on for Christmas..." he sighed. He was thinking about running back to the manager to demand his remaining gils, but something inside of him told him it was futile to do so due to the ruckus he caused in the entire mall.
"Cloud! Didn't you hear what I told 'Santa' what I want for Christmas this year? I want...you...!"
"Heh, looks like someone got their wish after all!" Barret cheered. "Spike, you finally did something right for once in ya miserable life!"
"Thanks Barret...I think?"
"Great, so that means we're not gonna get the toys we want then?" Denzel pouted.
Marlene mimicked him before hugging Cloud's waist. "Nope! But at least we got Cloud for Christmas this year and I know how much he makes Tifa happy!"
The martial artist laughed. "And, we also got this!" She waved the goofy picture in the air for all to see. "The perfect picture."
"Oh we have to frame that one for sure!" Cloud exclaimed. "Heh...let's get out of here. We still have the whole day and I want to spend it with my family." He jumped out of the remnants of his suit and tossed it over the reindeer. I can breathe again."Where are we going to go?" Tifa asked.
"Home. Barret, come with us. We need to spend Christmas together as a family. Heh...the fresh snow is falling so maybe we can build a snowman together...or something fun like that. Besides, the sky is clear. There isn't a single cloud visible."
Tifa grinned. "Maybe miracles do happen..."
Author's notes: I am sooo sorry for taking so long, but I hope you all like the final chapter! Hehe...it looks like I am almost a month late, but I had alot of tests and midterms to study for so I apologize again. Thanks for reading and as always, your reviews are appreciated. Thanks everyone. Writing this piece was fun and I look forward to more CloTi!