Chapter One – Going?
The Geostigma Syndrome was gone, the kids were all cured, and so was Cloud. A week had lasped after the final battle with Kadaj and his brothers. It had also been a week since he saw her. Seeing her again had brought back many memories; both painful to recall and joyous to remember. He reminisced back to the time when she had made sure he was alright before departing with Zack in a blinding pool of light. Now he that was awake and preparing for work, he could hear Tifa's familiar footsteps descending the stairs.
Cloud didn't bother to look up; he simply resumed eating his breakfast in silence, waiting for her to approach him but her footsteps came to a halt, an audible 'thump' echoed as she took a seat at the stairway, releasing a muffled sigh.
"You're up early," Cloud finally greeted, breaking the absurdly long, silent atmosphere. It was funny and a little awkward because usually it would be her to speak first.
"…" Tifa didn't reply, she had opened her mouth but nothing escaped.
The brunette couldn't be rid of the feeling that something was wrong. She hadn't slept well since all she could think of was the unsettling thought of Cloud leaving again. Now that everything had returned to normal, and the disease was gone, would he leave to go and find himself? Would he go and find a life that was much more exciting than just delivering packages all day?
Sighing yet again, Tifa thought for a moment before finally speaking, her tone filled with insecurity. As hard as she tried to conceal the uncertainty, she couldn't. "You're going to leave now aren't you?" She began, pausing for a moment to summon more courage to clarify her question. "I mean, now that everything is back on track, you're going to leave and pursue your own dreams?" She whispered, waiting for his reply.
Cloud didn't respond, he had indeed intended on traveling, but not so soon.
It took him a while to answer but when he at long last did, he never so much as glanced at her. "Yes," he breathed and continued. "Yes Tifa, I am going. After I see that Denzel and Marlene are going to be okay," he finished and stood, carrying his dirty dishes to the sink.
Tifa followed suit and got to her feet too, observing as the blonde began the process of washing his dishes. "Of course," was all she could say. In fact, those were the only words that she would allow to escape her mouth, for it was the only thing she knew how to convey correctly.
Deep within she had hoped so much that he would at least mention her, that he would stay a little longer just for her, to ensure that she would be fine. But hope never seemed worthwhile in believing as she sauntered over to the vacant chair that was located right across from where Cloud was washing the dishes. Her eyes lingered on his handsome features, examining the way his lashes moved when he blinked.
His face was expressionless, his sapphire blue eyes guarded, protecting every emotion he felt, never revealing always concealing. He never talked much, and was most of the time silent, listening but never speaking unless necessary and forever so secretive. He had always been by her side, never faltering in protecting her. Just like he promised. She thought, remembering their childhood promise. She remembered it all, as if it just occurred yesterday.
"I'll protect you; I'll be here when you need me." Cloud assured in his childish voice.
Those words constantly reeled into her head, reminding her of his promise. The same words meant the world to her, the way he spoke with security in his voice even at such a young age made her feel like she could trust him. But eventually, promises are broken… No matter how long or what is said, promises are always broken. Just like flowers wilting after a certain period of time. She knew he missed Aeris and knew that he was only living for Aeris' sake. At the thought of Aeris, Tifa remembered feeling the woman's presence when Cloud disappeared in the exploding platform where he had defeated Kadaj and his gang. She had thanked her for Cloud's return, not knowing how she would continue life if something happened to him.
Deep within, Tifa knew that Aeris was constantly keeping an eye on Cloud, to guide him. And there were countless times when she wanted to speak about the flower girl, but whenever she attempted to, her voice failed her. Just like the time when she tried to confess the emotions she felt towards him, her voice had failed her then too.
Cloud turned off the tap and wiped his hands dry on the tea towel hanging on one of the cupboard handles. It was almost seven in the morning and he knew he had to set off to deliver his first package soon. He was a little concerned over Tifa's peaceful state, for she was never this silent. Maybe it was because he had admitted that he was leaving, but whatever the reason for her silent behavior, Cloud couldn't bring himself to ask. Whatever it was, he didn't like it. Trekking over to her, he watched the frowning expression on her features as she was in deep thought, not noticing him at all.
Cloud never liked to talk much, even with those around him. He preferred to keep himself isolated, away from others, never liking the thought of burdening people with his thoughts. Even Tifa didn't receive many of his confessions because he didn't know how to express himself. Expressing himself was always an issue. He never could acquire the correct words to communicate with others. Which was why some portray him as a cold, uncaring character, which sometimes seemed true.
Breathing in, he gazed at her and she appeared to be so drained of energy. "Tifa go get some rest. I'm off to work," he informed, unable to bring himself to ask her what was troubling her.
Starting to head for the door, her voice halted him.
"Please be careful," she wished and Cloud, like always nodded his head in answer.
She watched as he closed the door behind him, unsure if he took her words seriously, or found her annoying. Moving over to the window, she lifted the curtain slightly, just so it was enough to see him leave. The soft sputtering of his motorbike coming to life could be heard and then he zoomed passed the window and down the road, never looking back. Even though his figure disappeared behind the trees, Tifa sustained to watch for a few extra minutes, yet again hoping he would return very soon.
Falling onto the couch, she closed her eyes and soon fell into a peaceful slumber. Ever since the final battle, Tifa hadn't slept much; afraid that he would leave her. Now it seemed the lack of sleep had caught up to her as her breathing evened.
A/N: Enjoyed it? Or absolutely hated it? Please, give me a review to assist me further! Thanks! And I understand that it's a little slow, but it's the first chapter! Patience! I promise to work harder to make it better! Thanks!