What Makes A Man

Final Fantasy VII

For: Kelleyj17

Chapter One: Apprehension

The sleet fell heavily in Midgar. Drenching sheets came down swiftly and landed with hard knocks on the structures of the rebuilt, and now slowly flourishing, city.

On the outskirts, in the back of Seventh Heaven, Tifa was doing her usual duties of cooking and cleaning. While tending to a tough pot under scalding water a soft, rhythmic tune passed her upturned lips. The light hum exuded warmth, giving the exceptionally quiet place a welcoming feel.

Tifa's dark tresses moved forward as if someone was blowing a handheld fan on her. Pushing down her annoyance, she tucked her hair behind her ears, her slightly pruned fingertips brushing the silver studded earring she wore. That touch did it, it sent her mind into overdrive, making her surroundings blurry and the steam seem hotter.

The moment she gripped the edge of the sink, a sob erupted, coming out in a loud bawl. The rush from the facet crowded her ears, cutting all of her senses off. Again, this was happening again.

For what felt like the millionth time that day, though it was more like the second, her 'busy mode' was interrupted by a feeling or another, rather nonchalant, movement. Something about the rain, as of late anyway, always did this to her, and she didn't dare let the conscious side of her mind admit why.

The cold, stale air she felt behind her became stronger. Then the noise of spinning blades directly in her ears brought her crashing back down to reality with a hard jolt.

"Ahh, Denzel Strife!" Tifa screamed as she whipped around, fury flaring in her carmine colored pools. Though the semi dim lighting from the adjacent fans made them look more of a deep brown.

Said man flashed her a mischievous smirk, "Sorry, mom. You were spacing out again."

The athletic brunette gave the ageless beauty before him a soft, consoling smile. Raising a thumb to wipe away her hot tears, he added, "And crying." His smile faded right after, "What's wrong this time?"

This wasn't the first time she'd done this, cried her heart out, only to be knocked back into herself in one goofy way or another.

Tifa gathered herself, and with a subtle sniffle said, "I'm alright. Just had a long day." She looked at the ticking clock hung high on the far wall then back at him. "Time for bed. You've got school in the morning."

Denzel groaned, "Oh come on, this is the thanks I get for saving you from dad's smelly afterwork odor?"

She shot him a stern look, doing her best to stifle the boisterous laugh. "Yes, it is, Mr. Sneaky." She folded her arms over her chest, "Now, bed. Its nearly ten thirty, or do you want another lecture on the importance of sleep?"

Their emotional son rolled his eyes in protest but did as told, trotting up the stairs in defeat.

With the shake of her head and a slight chuckle she went back to the sudsy pan, relentlessly scrubbing away at it. This was ridiculous, who knew burnt cheese would be this much of an ass?

At the closing of the bar's front door, she became rigid. Tight knots formed in her stomach as her husband's steps pounded closer. Deciding to let the pan soak overnight, she quickly drowned it in soap and shut the water off after a few seconds.

"Tifa, I'm back."

There it was, his oh-so soothing voice. For the first time in months Cloud was back, truly home. As expected, her emotions were in a jumble. A mix of calm and vomit inducing panic flooded her from head to foot.

Not wanting to keep him waiting any longer Tifa turned to face him, nervously wiping her hands on a nearby dish towel. Mentally taking a breath her mind raced through all she wanted to say, but in that moment, only one thing stuck out... How to tell him?

To Be Continued...

WooHoo! My first FF7 fanfic! I hope you guys like it, and enjoy what's to come! ^^