Happy 3rd Anniversary

Disclaimer: Everything and everyone is copyrighted to someone else. If I owned these sexy beasts, would I really be writing this on here?

A/N: I got this idea when I got home from school after seeing "On the Way to a Smile: Denzel". Seeing the WRO and all, it just got me thinking, especially with Marlene's most important quote in Advent Children.

Summary: Thoughts of Sephiroth and the Remnants have plagued Marlene's dreams recently, sending the girl in to a state of unease. With Barret talking about Banora with the former heroes the girl cherishes dear, worries have her visiting a close friend's church more frequently. Following a promise of a midnight visitor and frustrated with no answers, the brunette sets off to end her nightmares, running in to the WRO and her ghosts of her father's past.

The party would be starting soon, and the newly eight year old couldn't contain her excitement. Cloud had returned from a job three days ago, and hasn't left since. The first night he made too much noise, waking the bar's occupants quite abruptly. The kids hadn't any care for the time, unlike the worn and worried Tifa. Denzel and Marlene had tackled the grimacing blonde ignoring the mud caked to his uniform, hoping to hear another story of one of his adventures.

Ignoring the sleepy glare from the bartender, the delivery boy complied, leading the two taste testers of the kid's menu to a booth before beginning the tale of an adventure from the previous year. The ten year old brunette was most fascinated by Vincent Valentine, whilst the adopted daughter of Barret took more interest in the people she hadn't met; Shelke for example. She sounded weird, heartless even at the beginning of the adventure.

Eventually the two couldn't keep their eyes open and dozed off leaning on one another. Tifa brought them upstairs herself, wanting Cloud to strip and shower before touching anything else. The next day said blonde slept well in to the afternoon, before rolling out of bed, eating and going right back under the covers. The young female hadn't been too pleased when her guardian told her not to disturb him, considering Denzel's party was literally around the corner and she needed answers.

By seven o'clock sharp the next day, the brown eyed child was on Cloud's abdomen, arms crossed with a displeased frown. Tifa merely groaned at the voices, pulling her comforter over her head, hoping to catch more sleep before another day of work. "Denzel's party is in two days Cloud. You're not leaving until Friday." There was no option. She was on summer break for school, and Cloud was terrible at hiding his exhaustion. Deliveries could be held off until then. Thursday was the third anniversary of the adoption of the ex-infantryman's son. June 29th came around yet again, and Cloud was forbidden to work until after the day passed. The eight year old had been planning this for about a month now, trying to figure out when the celebration should take place. Cid and Shera could only get there for about three at the earliest, and had to pick up Yuffie─who could only leave at that time.

Next on the list had been Barret. He was apparently busy with AVALANCHE business with the WRO over something in Banora. Either way, it didn't take much for the sweet voice to convince him to put off work for a day and stay alongside her and Denzel. Reeve and Cait Sith were easy enough to talk to, considering the caller ID said Tifa over the line. He picked up almost immediately to her luck, and agreed to show up for four. Last was Vincent, the red clad gunslinger that bought a phone after a brief conversation in the Forgotten City. He left his number to only a select few, luckily Tifa had been one of them. He was able to contact Nanaki for her, considering the beast was a challenge to reach in her eyes. Johnny, a previous friend of Denzel's had also been invited, but under strict conditions. The man might as well have signed a contract.

Marlene Wallace refused to have this day ruined. She spent too many days planning it beside Tifa during the slow hours of the day and received too many sores on her backside from leaning and sitting on Cloud's desk. Tired, bloodshot eyes met her glare, slowly raising an eyebrow to her words. The girl was too much like Tifa. There was no way he'd be able to get away with anything with her. Aid in the situation was hopeless, so with a rare smile and a messing of her long, tied back hair, Cloud agreed.

The third day was a breeze, Cloud taking care of everything else that needed to be done. Groceries for the cake and dinner were finally purchased, as well as missing decorations to hang around the area. The only thing left was to set up the bar and wait for everyone to come.

It was about half past three now, Barret, Nanaki and Vincent early to the event, leaving the martial artist to the cooking and following Marlene's directions. Yuffie, Cid and his newly pregnant wife Shera arrived after everything major needed to be done, allowing a break before energies raised. At the moment, Cloud was still out with his son killing time. Everything was to start at five sharp, which gave Reeve and Cait Sith an hour.

The two in question had arrived later than the girl would have liked, but were there nonetheless. Johnny had arrived later than them, but she Denzel hadn't returned before him, so it was fine. At exactly the promised time, Denzel returned hand in hand with his idol, expecting the party. It had been happening annually since he became a part of the family, though the amount of guests struck the brunette off guard. One year ago, he had met all of the AVALANCHE team when Cloud returned, but hadn't spoken to them since. Answering Tifa's calls didn't count.

The night went surprisingly well, everyone together without the worry of saving the world for once. Cloud, Marlene and Tifa each gave the boy their own gift, whilst the remaining guests gave a combined one. Reno had dropped by around ten, leaning against Rude drunk as per usual, hoping to get in on the event. But as quickly as the Turk arrived, the redhead left for work with his burly partner directing him roughly to Shin-Ra's new head office. Excluding the disruption, the night was perfect. Marlene retired first, allowing freedom from her arms to Cait Sith. Barret took the rare opportunity to tuck her in after she bid her friends good night, meeting her doubt as she crawled under the covers. "You're going away again." Again, a statement. The thirty-nine year old pat her head, denial unnecessary. Something strange was happening, and it was their job to scope it out.

"Are you going to fight again?" This she wasn't sure of. Tifa said Cloud wouldn't fight two years ago; perhaps this was the same case. She was sick of paying sadness to see peace. Aeris was one too many a person to lose; Marlene didn't want to risk another. Her first father gave no words, merely a confusing smile before turning off the light.

A/N: Sorry it sucks compared to the last one xD I'm trying this idea out, though I'm not sure how it'll go. I know this chapter is kind of pointless, but it does kind of have importance. I'm hoping this works out and I'm hoping even more I can update this on a regular basis... But good thing to look forward to: Chapter Two, when the plot starts!