A/N: I feel like a disclaimer on every page gets repetative so I shall state this once and sticks for the WHOLE story.

Disclaimer: I do not in any way shape or form own, affiliated nor took part in the creation distribution and production of Final Fantasy VII (or any final fantasy) games, films, media and merchandise. This story is purely fan made and is not to be used, distributed or sold and in general be used in a profitable way.

Just Keep Smiling

Unequivocally Assimilated

He was home. The fear of waking up to his empty room, and the endless questions that would ensue from the children; they would be no more. 'Our home', she could hardly believe the words as she repetedly whispered it under her breath. They could finally live together as a family as a single unit, no more lies, no more secrets and the children could finally feel at ease and not fearing the worst that he was hurt or worse- dead.

Tifa spun around at the sound of hushed whispers and giggles. Large blue and chocolate brown eyes stared back at her and for a moment Tifa forgot she had been muttering to herself. Turning back to fixing up breakfast she acted as if she didn't notice anything a small grin on her lips. Denzel and Marlene shuffled into the kitchen eying her as they sat on their respective stools glancing at each other and refusing to speak a word. They all remained silent u untill Tifa finally placed breakfast on their plates. She sat down across from the two, placing an extra plate beside her. It felt odd fixing breakfast for four rather than three. It had been three months since everyone was cured of Geostigma, the day where Sephiroth was once more defeated by Cloud... the day when he came back to them.

"Tifa you know talking to yourself isn't really healthy."

Denzel was the one to break the silence; Marlene had nudged him under the table, but the movement of her shoulders did not go unnoticed. Tifa remained silent slowly chewing her mouthful of eggs; eyeing Denzel while the smile had still remained transfixed on her lip. The children seemed eager for her answer and as she finished swallowing she parted her lip slowly waiting a few seconds before speaking keeping them on edge.

"Maybe I'm a bit crazy and talking to myself keeps me from going completely mad."

Satisfied with her answer she returned to eating while the children continued staring at each other, Marlene didn't hold back her giggle and wasn't afraid to give her two sense worth.

"I knew it Denzel! She's losing it! You owe me 100 gil!."

Denzel crossed his arms over ready to protest but the sounds of heavy footfalls from the staircase silenced them both eyes brightened as spikey blond hair appeared from behind the corner exhaustion still present on his mako infused eyes. Tifa smiled warmly as Cloud slowly made his way towards the family, ruffling Denzel and Marlenes head the two protesting. Moments like that Tifa fought for, she knew that her speach to Cloud was not in vain; he really was making it up for the two.

"Goodmorning, how was your sleep."

Cloud scratched the back of his head before picking up his plate he mummbled clearly he was barely awake.

"Mornin' was good."

He never spoke much Tifa had been accustomed to that fact since they were young; it was who he was. Cloud didnt spare them another moment he was gone as fast as he came climbing the stairs and an audible sound signifying that he shut the door. His habit wasn't unusual Cloud had to make phone calls for his delivery service and since the issue with monsters entering towns was growing rapidly he had also become an exterminator of sorts. The pay was good and the extra cash was always used on repairs for Fenrir and the kids. On occasion Cloud would surprise her with adjustments to the bar Tifa felt like everything was finally perfect, kids, a doting father figure.

While Tifa had grown accustomed to Clouds disappearances the kids looked at each other once more they had formed a bond that Tifa couldn't fully comprehend, but somehow she felt like the two understood each other without having to speak a single word.

"Why does Cloud eat by himself?"

Marlene had qipped a quick yeah after Denzel's question. Tifa wasn't sure how to respond; Cloud was always a lone wolf; being cast aside by the other kids in nibleheim Cloud learned to fend for himself.

"He's... not used to being in a big family like ours, but I bet if you guys keep smiling for him he'll join us eventually."

They were easily satisfied and their breakfast continued with the kids animatedly telling Tifa about all the new things they learned at school. Denzel had started talking about the properties of materia, clearly trying to impress Marlene, before the sound of the school bus pulling up out front was heard. Tifa watched as the kids quickly grabbed their lunches and books and hurried out the door, each placing a kiss on her cheek as they left.

Tifa watched leaning from the doorway not taking her eyes off the kids and remained at the door even long after the bus had disappeared down the street. It was for those children Tifa kept smiling and only for them would she allow her life and feelings take a backseat, she was the only mother those children had left. There was always Elmyra who had become a mother figure to Marlene the kind woman Tifa would still visit in Kalm along with the kids. It was in that moment did the soft smile of Aerith creep into Tifa's thoughts. Her head bowed in a momentary silence, her friend was taken away from them by the beast called Sephiroth. But Tifa knew deep down inside that the emerld-eyed beauty was still smiling over them. Her hand went to the ribbon tied at her arm.

"I wish you were still here to hold my hand and tell me it's going to be alright."

Even with the threat of Sephiroth and geostigma gone; Tifa had doubts which was only brought around by the children she had come to care for dearly. Would they ever know the love of a real family? Marlene had no troubles she had her father Barret and she Tifa was a mother to the young girl, but it was Denzel who worried Tifa.

It was the day after Family Day, the children returned from school Tifa fixing them a snack before it was time for supper. Usually, Tifa was used to the two running into the kitchen to hug her before utting their things away in their room. But the sound of a pair of feet running upstairs and Marlene's protest brought a frown on Tifa's face a door slammed shut. Setting the snacks aside, the door swung open Marlene hugging Tifa but her eyes looked sad and her brows were furrowed.

"Whats wro-."

Tifa was cut off by Marlene sniffling and all Tifa could do was hold the child closely.

"Denzel's being mean! I- I asked h-h-him about how his cl-class was and he told me to get away from him!"

Tifa was about to say something but Marlene continued.

"I showed him my drawing of me and you and daddy and Cloud and he was in, but he got even more mad that he called me a cry baby!"

Marlene immediately started to cry holding onto Tifa. Marlene was not easily sadened, but rejection by anyone in her family was always a soft spot for Marlene she was sensitive and still very young.

"I'm sure Denzel was just having a bad day sweetie, I'll go talk to him for you ok."

Wiping at her chocolate eyes she nodded her head and continued to sniffle sitting up on her barstood so she could start her snack.

Tifa was surprised at Denzel's actions, perhaps he was bullied at school, or maybe he hadn't done as well as he thought in a test. As she approached the closed Tifa knocked and paused, when there was no answer she slowly turned the handle and barely pushed identifying herself. Still no response. Tifa stepped inside Denzel sitting at the alcove arms wrapped around his knees and eyes fixed on something clearly not in this world. He never looked up, not for a second. Crossing the room Tifa sat by his side, looking out the window the children cured with geostigma were running around outside, one Tifa remembered well, clutched her moogle doll the brightest smile on her lips.

"Do you want to go outside and-"

"No."

Tifa was cut off by Denzel. His voice was cold and hollow, she tried once more, Tifa was almost sure she knew what was wrong.

"You know, I always thought I was alone. That no one would ever love me the way my father did, the way my mother did."

When she wasn't cut off she continued, eyes still fixed on the playing children below.

"When we lived in Sector 7..."

That had grabbed the attention of Denzel Tifa had never told him that she lived in Sector 7 slums, Denzel's family had lived in the cleaner parts of their sector. Denzel still did not interrupt the new piece of information intruiged him.

"It was just me Barret, Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge. I thought that with them maybe I'd have a purpose in live, but what would happen later when ShinRa was brought down? Who would be my family then? Would I be alone to care for the bar. I knew Barret would want to take Marlene somewhere better to live where he and his little girl could be happy, but I was scared I was going to be alone."

It was hard for Tifa to speak, she was unaware that outside on the other side of the door there was someone listening, brows furrowed and ako blue eyes staring through the small crack left from Tifa not fully closing the door.

"And then I saw him, I thought he was dead; I was told he was dead. And yet there he lay unconconcious, but still alive. I never thought I would see Cloud again. I knew that there was still someone I cared for in the past still alive. Maybe, just maybe I would have a friend who would always be by my side. If not for Cloud it would have only been myself and Marlene and Barret is her father he would always takes her away on trips, the same as he does for both of you now, but I would be alone."

Tifa smiled weakly placed a hand on Denzel's shoulder. He flinched, but did not move away just stared at Tifa trying to figure out where she was going with it.

"But, I have found my peace with everything, but one Denzel. We went by Avalance, the terrorist group that brought on the destruction of sector 7. Because of us, Sextor 7 is destroyed, because of us... your parents are gone."

Tifa got on her knees on the floor and bowed her head, tears threatening to escape her eyes. It was their fault Denzel didn't have his parents anymore.

"Could you ever forgive this fool of a woman for bringing sadness into your life?"

Tifa was expecting anger, she thought perhaps Denzel would lash out, but instead she felt the young boys arms wrap around her torso. She could feel his tears on her shirt, but he refused to make any sounds he was trying to hide his tears, Tifa knew Denzel wanted to be strong like Cloud.

"It's ShinRa's fault! It always was, and you've been so kind to me, and I forgive you even if you've been nothing but kind to me, but..."

She knew Denzel had doubt about his relationship with Cloud. In that moment the mako eyed warrior had slowly crept away; Tifa heard his footfalls, but pretended oblivion; for Denzel's sake.

She could read his mind, she knew Denzel saw Cloud as a father figure, but what the child wanted was out of her power.

"Denzel, Cloud and I we can never be like your parents. I love him... as a friend and and it's the same for him. But that doesn't mean we dont love you. You don't have to call me mom, and I will never replace Chloe, and I'm sure Cloud feels the same way. But Denzel I will, no, we will never abandon you."

She stroked the side of his cheek, smiling through the tears that she had already spilt, but Denzel still and doubt she could see it in his eyes.

"Will you and Cloud... ever get married? And then we can be like a real family?"

Tifa was caught off guard. She was good at responding to the kids, but for once she wasn't sure what to say, because she didn't believe Cloud loved Tifa in that way... not the way she did.

Tifa was about to part her lips, still unsure of what to say, but the young Marlene bursted through the door Tifa was so deep in thought she didn't hear the girl running up the stairs, but she was grateful.

"I'm sorry Denzel if I made you mad and I'm sorry for being a cry baby!"

Denzel had wiped away his tears at this point. He ran over and hugged Marlene, Tifa watching the display affectionately. Maybe... she was meant to be like a mother to these children; it was the greatest reward in her life.

"No Marlene, it's not your fault! I'm sorry for being a stupid bully. Let's go play outside and forget about it."

The two held hands and ran down the stairs and out the door. She saw them join the other kids and soon tifa had left the room making her way to the kitchen ready to prepare supper, but the opened back door caught her eye and she slowly crept out the door. He was in the garage, shirt thrown aside, a bead of sweat rolling down his neck as he leaned over fenrir.

He had detected her presence and went about unfazed by the 'intrusion' or so Tifa felt like she was intruding, but she was curious.

"He forgives us."

Cloud had stopped. He picked up a rag and wiped his greasy hands on them before finally turning to look at her. No matter how long it had been, and no matter how many times she looked at him, Clouds eyes always left her breathless. He didn't speak he just watched her for a minute before looking down at his hands.

"I know."

It was frustrating how he never said much, but Tifa had to accept it... it was how Cloud was now.

"Cloud he needs us... more than ever now. Will you promise me for the sake of that child that you will never leave again."

His brows furrowed it had been a month since he had permanently returned, Cloud had no intention of leaving them, only if he had business, but the worry in Tifa's eyes were evident.

"I... promise."

It was enough for Tifa. She crossed over to him and wrapped her arms around him, trying to make the hug as friendly as she could, but Cloud stood unmoving.

"Thanks Cloud, you're... a good friend."

Disappointment was in her eyes, but Cloud was oblivious. He stood there even after she had turned to leave, still surprised by the breif moment of physical contact he had with Tifa.

She was brought back to the present by the sound of heavy foot steps coming down the stairs. She half expected Cloud to be in his sweats, when he was staying home he always walked around in sweats and a t-shirt. But he was fully dressed, tugging at his leather gloves. It was Friday, Cloud always took Friday's off to pick the kids up from school, unless there was a desperate need of his skills, but she would have seen something on the news about monsters if it required immediate attention.

"You look like you're in a hurry. I thought you never made deliveries on Friday's."

She took a step back as he passed by her on the way out, stopping to turn and look at her, he put on his goggles and mounted fenrir.

"I have something else I need to do. I wont be late for Marlene and Denzel; you wont need to call the school."

It was the most he would ever say, a sentence from Cloud was rare and she never took it for granted. Her eyes flickered to his lips, he wouldn't notice he was too busy looking down at the blades lined up in Fenrir's compartments. When he finally looked up Tifa nodded her head and Cloud was gone. Like Marlene and Denzel she watched until he disappeared, her eyes sad. They would never be the perfect family Denzel wanted, but she supposed this would be good enough.

"If you were in my place, you'd have had him already. I wish I was half as brave as you were."

Closing the door behind her and turning the sign around so that it was open, she waited for her breakfast and lunch customers unaware of the drastic changes yet to come.

A/N: It's been AGES since I've been here and it feels good. This story was originally supposed to be a one shot, but I had this idea and so I've decided to make this longer. I plan on updating at least once a week, but I'm more likely to update every other day (unless I specify otherwise). If it's not clear the italicied part is a flashback of two months prior to the main story. There is a chance that the story might have time skips if I deem them necessary so please bear with me. Agh now I'm rambling, anyways I hope you enjoy it so far and reviews will be apreciated.