Uncertainty and Relief
Chapter 1: Uncertainty and Relief
Tifa Lockheart stumbled down the stairs of her new home.
She, Cloud, Barret and the rest of the bunch had moved there right after they had rescued the world. Flying around with the Highwind for a couple of days, everybody had quickly realized they had to stay together, at least for the first time, till things would get back to normal.
Tifa was very happy about this development, because she had always been the one to cheer everybody up, to care for everybody, and she was sure she couldn't live without her friends now. Not after all she had done for them... and they had done for her.
She rubbed her eyes and yawned before she entered the kitchen, where she was greeted by her friends taking in their breakfast.
Cloud looked up from his newspaper and gave her his cutest smile.
Tifa smiled back. This was what she would have missed the most. Lately, their relationship had improved a lot.
Smiling, Tifa remembered the day Cloud had confessed his feelings for her...
...It had been about a week after the group had saved the world. They had finally settled down in Midgar - well, what was still there of it - and though it had all still been new and unknown, things had been getting back to normal...
It was a wonderful evening, the party was again celebrating their triumph over Sephiroth and Meteor. With Cid, drunk like always, lying around on the floor, the others either already sleeping or having a loud conversation, Tifa went outside to get some fresh air before she would start cleaning up.
She was standing on the front porch, staring at the stars which were shining as if they knew what was going to happen.
Softly, the door behind Tifa opened and Cloud stepped beside her, his gaze directed up to the stars, just like Tifa's.
"Incredibly beautiful", he said.
Tifa turned toward him, then, smiling, turned back to the stars.
"Yes, they really are".
"...just like you." Cloud added, after hesitating a few moments.
Tifa blinked. Had Cloud really said those words? Was she probably dreaming?
She closed her eyes and opened them again, just to see Cloud was still there, now looking at her.
Was he waiting for her to reply? Tifa was so struck by those words that she didn't know what to say.
"You are always there for me, Tifa", he continued "when I feel bad, you just smile at me and everything in the world is right again. It's always been like that."
Tifa got more and more confused the more she heard. Did he actually care for her?
"I know I have never really thanked you for everything you've done for me, Teef. I just always took it for granted, I took you for granted..." Cloud took another long look at the stars, considering his next words, though he seemed to know what he wanted to tell her so dearly.
"Yet in the past few weeks, now that all the fighting is finally over, that the threat is gone, I had a lot of time to think about other things. I had time to sort out my feelings. Those feelings I kept hidden deep inside of me for so long, trying to suppress them..."
Tifa's mind was reeling.
What was this leading to?
How come Cloud could finally talk about his feelings openly?
"I finally realized it, Tifa. Realized that I love you. That I have loved you from the very first time we met, and that my feelings have only grown stronger since then, even though I tried to suppress them."
He now looked her directly in the eyes, his sparkling blue eyes scanning her soul, longing for confirmation.
Tifa stared at him in total disbelief, her mind almost being unable to cope with the information, yet her heart was already reacting: tears started streaming down her cheeks, making their way unstopped.
"Y... You... you l...love me?" Tifa stuttered und took a step towards him, her hand brought up to her heart.
Cloud gently smiled at her and nodded approvingly.
"Oh Cloud", Tifa cried and literally fell into his arms, embracing him with all her might.
"I love you too", she managed to say in between the sobs, releasing all the hurt and ache she had stored inside of her all those years.
Still smiling, yet his eyes glistening with fresh, unshed tears, Cloud took her head in his hands and brought her lips up to his.
The young couple finally shared its first kiss, a kiss full of passion, of love, of suppressed feelings that were finally able to break free in this explosion of emotions.
Hesitantly, Tifa woke from her daydream of memories and dove back into the pleasures of the present.
Still smiling, she took her seat next to her love and they gently shared a long kiss.
Everybody around the table was grinning widely, but they were all happy for their friends who had, after such a long time, finally been able to admit their love for each other. And even though they hadn't announced it yet, they were all sure they would seal their love with a marriage and mostly likely a few kids.
Tifa sighed, grabbed the coffeepot and filled her cup with the hot, steaming drink.
"I hate it when I sleep through. Why didn't anybody wake me?" she asked, looking up from the cup, eventually gazing in the eyes of her love.
He just smiled back at her and simply stated: "Well, you were sleeping so peacefully, I just couldn't wake you."
Tifa curled her lips, yet she just could not be mad at him, especially when he showed his sheepish smile. It always made her laugh, no matter how down she was.
She sighed once again and started sipping her coffee.
"You want nothing else? It took me an eternity to prepare those pancakes!" Cloud tried.
Cid snorted in return.
"Yeah, and that's an understatement! If it hadn't been for Marlene, it would've taken him till at least Christmas and about 100 tons of flour!"
Again Cloud grinned sheepishly and scratched the back of his head. Every time Cloud felt embarrassed, he made that move, no matter how much unlike him it was. Even though Cloud had changed a lot, had become somewhat softer, as he did not have to pretend to be someone else anymore. He had finally been accepted for who he was; he had finally accepted himself actually.
After everybody had finished laughing or giggling, depending on who it was, Cloud looked back at Tifa questioningly.
Tifa just shook her head and smiled back.
"No, thanks. I'm not really hungry today. The coffee will do", yet as she registered Cloud's worried look, she added "Plus lunch will be in less than 2 hours, so I surely won't starve."
"Yeah, guess you're right about that." Cloud stated and softly kissed her on the cheek, trying not to knock over the cup of steaming coffee. One hot shower a day was enough.
"So, any of you have plans for today?" Yuffie asked, curious as ever.
"Why you askin'? Something you wanna tell us, girl?" Cid replied, professionally preventing his cigarette from dropping out of his mouth.
The young girl grinned brightly as she answered.
"Well, it is not really anything that should be important to you, but I have a date today!"
Silence.
Nobody around the table said a word.
They simply stared at the ninja as if she had just told them she had met the reincarnation of Sephiroth while doing some shopping around the corner.
Red was the first one to regain his ability to speak and looked at the girl in a somewhat proud way.
"Well, I appreciate that you finally found your mate."
Cid started laughing furiously, hardly being able to breathe at all.
"That spoiled brat and 'finding a mate'? That's impossible! Don't cha think so? Hey Teef, what'd you say?"
Everybody turned around in order to listen to Tifa, who surely had some cheering words for Yuffie and would tell Cid not to judge a girl that easily.
Yet Tifa remained quiet. Her gaze was directed at the contents of her coffee cup, yet her eyes were closed.
"Teef", Cloud tried and softly touched her shoulder "Teef! You ok?"
He slightly shook her and Tifa slowly opened her eyes.
"Umm... well... I don't feel very well. I think I'm just gonna lay down for a bit."
Thus she rose from her chair and turned in the direction of the stairs. Yet Cloud stopped her in the middle of the motion, grabbing her wrist.
"You ok? Do you want me to come with you? Do you need anything?"
His face showed deep concern and worry. Now that he had finally found the love of his life and confessed his feelings to her, he was not going to lose her ever again to nobody and nothing.
But Tifa just shook her head and half-smiled.
"No, really. I'm ok. It's probably just a cold or flu or something like that. Don't worry."
After gently kissing him on the lips, she turned around and made her way up the stairs.
Cloud returned to his place at the table, meeting reassuring smiles.
"Hey Cloud, calm down. After all the tension lately, everybody should be allowed his or her 'day off'."
Cid tried to reassure his young friend, as he himself had been suffering from a strong headache lately. Although he was not really sure whether it was from the tension or more likely from the grave consume of alcohol.
Yet Barret's face was only a façade as his gaze followed the young woman ascending the stairs, not showing his inner turmoil. Surely had he noticed that Tifa was not doing well lately, and he was seriously concerned about her.
Later, he told himself, he would talk to her, and tell her to visit a doctor. Even if it were just a simple flu, one should not handle his health unconsciously.
***
Tifa sighed as she sat down on the bed she had left just a few minutes ago. Carefully, she lay down, trying not to let the dizziness overwhelm her.
What's wrong with me? she questioned herself. What's going on?
Even though she had told Cloud she might probably be suffering from flu or any other similar illness, she herself did not believe in it. It was more like an excuse until she was sure of what might be wrong with her.
Dizziness, sleepiness, morning nausea... Tifa was too experienced a woman not to have a suspicion about what might be wrong.
Well, not exactly wrong, but... different.
If only there were somebody she could talk to.
Aeris...
It was especially in moments like these that she missed her friend. Sure, one might say they had just been rivals for the love of Cloud, yet still Tifa had never hated Aeris. She might have been sad that Cloud had loved her that much, but she had always wanted what was best for Cloud. Plus Aeris had always been a friend to her, somebody that needn't be cheered up, but that pulled her out of depressions. She had been the only other woman that she could talk to about... well... women's stuff.
As if on cue, a knocking sounded from the door, followed by a small voice.
"Hey, Teef, can I come in?"
Tifa smiled. Yuffie. Probably not as good for a conversation as Aeris, but at least not one of the guys.
"Yeah, sure, come in", Tifa answered, pushing herself into a sitting position with a deep sigh.
The young ninja perked inside before entering the room, and, as she had made sure that it was ok to come in, she quickly slipped through the door opening, as if afraid that somebody might watch her.
Yuffie looked at her with an odd expression showing on her face.
"Umm... Tifa...", she started, sort of nervous, not sure whether she did the right thing, yet being too curious not to do it.
Tifa smiled at her reassuringly and gestured for her to go on with whatever she wanted to tell or ask her.
"Yeah... well... I kinda noticed... you know... the... state you're in lately and I ... umm wanted to make sure whether... you know..."
Yuffie tried, rubbing her knuckles nervously, which was a rare sight with the young girl, as she was normally over-self-confident, and thus did not question anything she did.
Yet to Tifa it was clear what she was about to ask.
"Ummm... I just wanted to know whether you... you know... you are... ummm..."
It seemed to be pretty embarrassing for the young girl to raise a topic like that.
"You wanted to know whether I'm pregnant, right?" Tifa asked, yet it was more a statement than a question, to ease the nervousness Yuffie was suffering from.
Yuffie exhaled visibly, nodding hesitantly to confirm what her friend had just said.
"Well... are you? I mean... you don't have to tell me if you don't wanna..."
Tifa giggled softly, yet the tension inside of her seemed to drive her crazy. She dearly wanted to tell somebody, and it actually helped her a lot to confess to her young friend.
Tifa sighed as she rose her gaze to the ceiling.
"I think I might be... that was my first guess, too."
Yuffie stepped closer to her friend and sat down next to her on the bed.
"You might be? So you didn't do a test yet, huh?"
Tifa shook her head in denial.
"No, not yet. It's just that... well, Cloud tells me to stay at home to get rest, so I can't go into town."
Yuffie smiled at her friend, dearly wanting to help her, even though it might seem odd to her.
"Well, if you want to, I can get you a test when coming back from my date. You won't have to leave the house and nobody will notice until you want them to."
Tifa smiled back at Yuffie, pulling her into a friendly hug.
"Oh, thanks. That would be great."
"Hey, no problem", Yuffie retorted, grinning "That's what friends are for, right?"
Waving goodbye at her friend, she left the room to get ready for her date and left Tifa sitting on the bed alone.
The young woman smiled in the direction her friend had just left. A great deal of the tension that had made her uneasy all the time had been taken from her.
Yet there were still questions that needed to be answered, even though she feared what their answers might be.
***
Cloud quietly closed the bedroom door behind him and walked out into the corridor. With a concerned frown, he made his way down the stairs into the living room.
Hearing his friend come, Barret turned his large head around and suspiciously eyed him.
"How's she doin?" he asked, his voice as rough as always.
Cloud fell down in an armchair close to the fireplace - the place that had become his favorite over the time - and rested his head on his right arm.
"She says she'll be fine. She's in bed now, I told her to take a rest."
Barret nodded thoughtfully, noticing the concern that wavered in the young man's voice.
"I just don't know what's wrong with her."
"Yeah, I know what you're talking 'bout. Well, I'd suggest that if she isn't feeling any better by the end of the week, you should just take her to the doc. That's the safest way." Barret suggested, sounding experienced, probably because of his little daughter Marlene whom he had to deal with when Tifa wasn't around.
Cloud sighed once more, staring at the flames. His mind was in a daze, his heart torn with worry and concern about his love. He would do everything if it helped her recover, if it made her feel better in any way.
Yet nothing he did seemed to help. No matter how much he tried, her state did not improve.
All he could do right now was hope that she wouldn't get worse.
"Hey, Cloud, you should get some rest yourself. You look pretty worn out, too."
Cloud's lips curved a half-smile as he ran his fingers through his spiky hair.
"I'm gonna get some rest soon enough. Till then, I guess coffee should do it", he sighed and rose from the armchair, stretching his aching muscles.
"It's up to you, man, but just don't overestimate your strength." Barret retorted, in the same second grinning about his own comment; telling the probably strongest man on earth, the one who had saved the planet, not to overestimate his strength...
Ironic... Barret thought to himself.
Yet Cloud in return only gave him a slight grin, while making his way to the kitchen.
There, he grabbed a cup and, discovering that the coffeepot was empty, started to fumble with the coffeemaker.
"You know he's right, Cloud." Came a soft, purring voice from the other end of the kitchen, near the window.
Red XIII, or Nanaki - which he preferred - rested with his head on his front paws, watching the scenery, and obviously overhearing the small conversation between Cloud and Barret.
Cloud gave up his small fight with the coffeemaker and sighed.
"Yeah, I know. It's just that, well... she's been there for me all the time, no matter how she felt, no matter how worn out she was. And this time she needs me, and I'm not gonna leave her or anything just because I'm tired. I'll help her recover this time."
Cloud's voice sounded decided. Yet he did not only consider it his moral duty to do so; he loved her with all his heart, and did not want to lose her anyhow.
"I totally understand you, believe me. I just advise you to take care of yourself as well. Don't take it too lightly."
Once again, Cloud sighed and closed his eyes.
If he only knew what was wrong with her...
If only she got better...
***
Yuffie slipped through the door opening quickly and sneaked over to the stairs as quietly as she could.
"Ah, the brat's back!"
The young girl jerked up uncontrollably, her heart nearly missing a beat.
"Back from your date already?" Cid snickered.
Yuffie inwardly exhaled.
Why did she feel like she had been caught in the act?
"Umm... yeah."
Without giving any more details, she quickly walked over to the stairs, completely ignoring Cid, her heart racing inside her chest.
The pilot only grunted and shook his head.
"That kid's something... else..."
***
Tifa slightly tensed up as she heard the footsteps approaching her room. The steps' volume increased, and, soon, the door opened and the young ninja entered, obviously as nervous and excited as she herself.
Tifa raised her eyebrows and shot her friend a questioning look.
Understanding the unspoken question, Yuffie started to fumble in her small bag, finally pulled out a small, rectangular box and held it at arms length, offering it to her friend.
Even though her hands were shaking, Tifa took the small box and eyed it nervously, anxiously even.
"You know... I'm not quite sure about this..." Tifa said, her voice quivery.
Yuffie walked over to her, looking her friend directly in the eyes, yet only after eyeing the test for an instance.
"Believe me, I'm as nervous about this as you. But you wanna be sure about this, don't you? No more guessing, right? Anyway, if you should be... you know... pregnant... it would show one day, you would not be able to just deny it anymore."
Tifa was surprised how grown up the girl sounded. Seemingly, she could be serious and dependable, if the situation recommended it. Which obviously wasn't the fact very often.
Exhaling deeply, Tifa took one last look at the box and walked over to the bathroom, which could only be reached through the bedroom.
Yet she stopped once more, glancing back at her friend.
Yuffie gave her a reassuring smile and gestured her to go on.
Thus, Tifa disappeared into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.
A couple of minutes later, the dark haired young woman exited the bathroom, the small tube kept in a strong grip, the arm just hanging limp at her side.
Her face was even paler than usual, expressionless.
"So...?" Yuffie started, without continuing the question at all, knowing Tifa could read her thoughts right in that moment.
Her facial expression did not change, the arm remained limp at her side, simply her head moved slowly up and down.
"Really??" Yuffie half-screamed.
Realizing the volume she had applied, she quickly put her hand over her mouth and snickered.
"Really?", she repeated, a lot quieter that time, nearly whispering. "That's great, Tif! You and Cloud are gonna have a baby! Awwww... Congratulations!!"
The girl could not condemn her joy anymore and ran over to her friend, hugging her tight, yet being careful enough not to hurt her.
A single tear running down her cheek, Tifa seemed to be melting finally.
The news - even though she had partially expected them - had shocked her. Deeply.
It took her some time to realize what was happening, what was happening to her.
Slowly but steadily, the tears were running down her cheeks now, yet it were not tears of pure joy.
Yuffie finally let go of her friend and eyed her curiously.
"What is it, Tif? Are you ok?"
Tifa forced herself to smile, even though she was not in the mood to do so.
"Ya... I am. I guess I'm just... somewhat... overwhelmed..."
Obviously accepting the explanation, Yuffie gave Tifa another short hug and walked back to give her some time for herself.
"Well... I guess you wanna be alone now", the teenage girl said, smiling brightly and rushed over to the door.
Yet before finally exiting, she looked back at Tifa once more, grinning happily.
"I'm just soooo glad for the two of you! Having a baby... awwww... I bet Cloud's gonna be proud like hell when you tell him!"
Thus, she left and shut the door behind her.
Tifa simply let herself fall down onto the big bed she and Cloud shared and let out a sigh, trying to prevent the tears from breaking all barriers. Nevertheless, it seemed to be impossible; just a few minutes later, the pillow was soaked wet, covered with the salty embodiments of Tifa's emotions.
How dearly did she wish she could just be happy like Yuffie and look forward to having her child. Her's and Cloud's. To have her deepest wish fulfilled.
Yet she was afraid, afraid of the consequences.
There were just too many uncertainties. Too many to just be happy.
Finally, Tifa gave up all resistance and started sobbing soundly, not minding if anybody heard her.
For once in her life, she did not care if the others might consider her weak.
For once in her life, she did care about her own feelings in the first place.
***
Cloud reentered the house, returning from one of his and Tifa's favorite places around, intending to check on her once again.
With dinner time drawing closer, a smell was expanding in the whole house, and loud noises could be made out from the kitchen. Yuffie was seemingly in a pretty good mood and consequently having another fight with Cid. Yet whether it was about her date or just the usual stuff Cloud could not find out.
And he did not really care about it either.
Hurriedly, he made his way up the stairs.
Upon taking the last step, he suddenly heard faint sobs coming from the direction of his and Tifa's bedroom.
Alarmed, Cloud dashed along the corridor and literally slammed into the room.
Tifa, still lying on the bed, looked up at him. Realizing who it was, she tried to hide her face from him, tried to hide her eyes glowing red from crying.
Cloud rushed to her side and immediately embraced his love protectively, decided to keep her safe from any harm that might be done to her.
Gently, he brought his hand up to her cheek and caressed it with his fingertips.
"What is it, Tifa? You know, whatever it is, you can tell me..." Cloud's voice sounded deeply concerned, probably as much as his facial expression.
"I... I'm...", Tifa tried, however, the tears were strong and another sob escaped her throat.
Cloud soothingly rubbed her back, trying to make her feel as comfortable as possible.
"Just take your time. We have no need to hurry."
Crying hard, she leaned onto his shoulder, searching for the strength she desperately needed.
After a few minutes, the sobbing had quieted down enough for Tifa to attempt another try.
Breathing heavily, she took his hand into hers and squeezed it, probably stronger than intended.
Finally, she found the courage to mouth those words she urgently needed to say.
"Cloud... I... I'm... I'm pregnant!"
Not even waiting for his reaction, Tifa was overwhelmed by her emotions again and pressed her face into his chest, frantically searching for comfort.
Cloud was most obviously taken aback by the news. Sure, he had imagined a lot of things she could tell him, but them... having a baby, it was ... great!
"But... Tifa... That's great news! There's no need to cry!" he tried soothingly, sure that what he said was the truth.
"No... Cloud... There... there is..." she managed to press out in between the sobs, breaking the hug to look him in the eyes.
Cloud eyed her curiously, unbelieving, not understanding what she was talking about.
"But... What is there to cry about? We love each other... both of us want the baby! We talked about that before!"
Tifa simply shook her head, her eyes stinging with the pain of tears constantly breaking free.
"Ya, but that's not it! Have you never thought of it before?"
Yet it was only another riddle Cloud was not able to solve, consequently he waited for her to go on.
While speaking, she wildly gestured with her arms, emphasizing her exclamations.
"You know, back then in Mideel, in the Lifestream... You had been suffering from that Mako-poisoning before... even before both of us fell into the Lifestream that had broken through the surface. Later, we recovered, both of us, feeling ok, yet the doctors said that there were still an extremely high amount of Mako inside of both of us. They said that it would be ok, that it didn't seem to affect our systems... but...", Tifa took a short pause to wipe away some of the flowing tears.
"But... well... when I asked them if it could... you know...", she lowered her gaze, oddly being embarrassed because of admitting she had asked that question "well... if I could still have children... and whether they would be affected... they... they said they didn't know... but... you know.... they... they said they couldn't exclude the possibility..."
Those last words, finally telling someone, cost her all of her strength, and she totally broke down in the arms of a startled Cloud.
Realization finally struck him.
But, why hadn't she told him before, when they had been talking about having kids? Probably she just hadn't wanted to upset him, protect him from any worries or concern, like it was her nature.
Thinking about what Tifa had just told him, the idea frightened him to the bone. He couldn't bear the thought that they might lose the child they had always wished for, the one to eternally seal their love.
Suppressing his own emotions from overtaking him, he shut his eyes close and hugged his love tighter.
"Don't worry about it, Teef. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the doctor and he'll tell us that everything will be alright, ok?" he asked, still Tifa only answered with a slight nod.
"I'm sure about that. I won't let anything happen to you or our baby ever."
This time, it was him who had to be strong. He had to support her, help her in any way possible.
That night, holding his crying love in his arms, Cloud made an oath to himself.
An oath that nothing would ever tear them apart.
Him, his Tifa and... and their child.
***
Tifa held her lover's hand tight, while the two of them were waiting for being led to the doctor.
Her eyes were getting smaller each minute, due to the lack of sleep the night before. Only after hours of sobbing into his chest, she had finally drifted off into an uneasy sleep, just to wake up again early in the morning.
Since then, she had been so nervous, that Cloud feared she would collapse or have a nervous breakdown.
All he could do was tell her that everything was going to be ok, and be at her side all the time.
The two of them had decided not to tell anybody about Tifa's pregnancy until they were sure that the baby would not be affected by the mako poisoning or anything else that could harm it. They just didn't want to make false hopes, and neither of them would be able to bear it.
"Miss Lockheart?" the young assistant asked, smiling at Tifa. "The doctor would like to see you now."
Tifa shot Cloud a most nervous glance, in return, he squeezed her hand reassuringly and they got up to follow the woman.
The doctor was a sympathetic looking man in the late forties who got up immediately to shake each Tifa's and Cloud's hands, greeting them politely.
"Well, Miss Lockheart, first I'd like to do a few tests on you to see whether you are pregnant and, if, how much along you are. Ensuing, I will do a couple of poison tests and analysis to check if everything is going the way it should be." He explained, after having Tifa express what she was worrying about.
After a couple of minutes, the young woman left the examination room and sat down next to Cloud.
He soothingly placed an arm around her, spending her consolation.
Tifa's mind was reeling with nervousness, her knees shaking hard enough to make it difficult for her to stand on her own feet. Even her fingers could only be kept quiet through being entwined in those of her love. She would go crazy if it took any longer to get the results. The waiting was unbearable.
A few minutes later, the doctor returned, a thin folder in his hands, smiling.
"Well, Miss Lockheart", he started, still smiling at the young couple. "The test confirmed that you are definitely pregnant, about two months along, I'd say."
Although the news should be happy, Tifa even tensed up inside, squeezing Cloud's hand a little stronger.
"And... what about the Mako poising? Will it affect the baby?"
The doctor shook his head and smiled at Cloud, then directed his gaze to Tifa.
"Miss, I can assure you that everything is right with you, and as well with your baby. I see no possible way in which the Mako energy in both of you could affect your child."
Tifa's facial expression changed within split-seconds: from overwhelming nervousness, to questioning to pure, relieved joy.
Finally freed from all uncertainties and worries, she let out a cry of relief and threw herself into the arms of her love.
Cloud buried his face in Tifa's hair, sharing her joy and happiness.
The doctor carefully cleared his throat, trying to arouse attention.
"Well, my congratulations. If you wish, we could now set the date for your next appointment, when you could as well have your first ultrasound."
Tifa nodded in agreement, starting a small conversation with the doctor, about the do- and do-nots during her pregnancy.
Even though there were lots of rules she would have to follow, lots of things she would not be able to do anymore, it was surely worth it.
Finally having hers and Cloud's baby.
No more uncertainties.
***
"Oh hey, love-bees. Finally back, huh?" Cid shouted in the direction of the door as he heard the voices of Cloud and Tifa. Seems like it wasn't anything serious, since Tif's already feeling much better obviously.
Yuffie, sitting on the couch, playing with her shuriken, had a hard time suppressing the grin that was growing on her face. For the curious and pretty talkative girl it was nearly impossible to contain the news. However, now that Cloud and Tifa obviously had confirmation, she wouldn't have to wait much longer.
The grumpy pilot looked over at Yuffie, her favorite opponent for any kinds of fights and shot her a questioning look.
"So you know anything, kid, huh? How come they told you? C'mon, talk!" he tried, demanding.
"Nope", Yuffie retorted, grinning, shaking her head, seemingly savoring the chance to mock her older 'friend'. "I promised Tifa I wouldn't."
"........."
***
"Why not let me help you?" the young girl offered, smiling at Tifa, who was just about to get all the food onto the table.
She just smiled in return, nodding thankfully as she went back to take her place at the table. She surely did not like to be treated like she desperately needed help and could not do things on her own, yet in that very moment she was far too excited to even think about that.
She was excited about the way her friends would react to the news she and Cloud would present to them now. Sure, her friends would most likely take the news pretty good, but Tifa could not wait for the expressions on their faces when they would tell them.
Smiling, almost grinning, she sat down next to Cloud and leaned in to kiss him lovingly on the lips, not taking her eyes off her love. Neither did he.
Barret commented his friend's behavior with a frown on his dark forehead.
"What's up with ya two? Ya seem pretty strange today. And, by the way", he added questioningly, "What did the doc say?"
"Yeah", Cid added, hardly being able to resist the wonderfully smelling food Yuffie put onto the table. "You seem a lot better since that appointment."
The young couple looked at each other, Tifa nodding at her love, a slight blush on her face, gesturing for him to tell the news.
The bunch followed Tifa's gaze and stared at Cloud, expectantly.
He carefully cleared his throat, even though he already had everyone's attention and straightened.
"Well", he began slowly, taking his love's hand, "Tifa and I got something to tell ya..."
Yuffie suddenly started giggling furiously, and thus attracted everybody's attention. Cid shot her a menacing look, obviously as much dying to know what was going on as Yuffie was dying to tell anyone about it. The young girl just shrugged and looked over at Cloud, giving him the chance to go on.
"Well... Teef and I, we're... we're gonna have a baby..." he voiced, pride showing on his face, lighting up his features as he glanced over at Tifa and kissed her softly on the lips.
If it hadn't been for Yuffie laughing and clapping crazily, there would have been a profound silence.
It took everybody some time to understand what was going on, to cope with the news.
Suddenly, they all started talking at once, congratulating the couple, patting Cloud on the back, hugging Tifa.
"I knew this was going to happen sooner or later. We all knew." Yuffie said, a grin widening all over her face, simply stopping because of her ears.
The others nodded approvingly, they all had known, for sure, since the first day the two of them had met.
"Hey! 's that wedding bells I hear ringing?" Cid grinned, loving to tease people, another fact everybody was aware of.
Tifa giggled in return, sticking out her tongue at her friend.
"Heh, how about you talking to Shera then? I think there's lots of stuff you two gotta sort out!" she retorted.
Cid simply grimaced. Sure, he did like to tease people, but he absolutely hated to be the one being teased.
Yet obviously, it was just what everybody else was thinking, so they all joined in Tifa's laughter, until even Cid could not take it anymore and cracked up.
This was most definitely a great day. For all of them.
