Shocking Surprise

Tifa had just posted the closed sign on the door. Her day was long and her mood was annoyed at the thought of working another shift on her own. She had no idea where Cloud was. He had completely changed after the battle. She closed her eyes at the flashbacks still rampant in her mind.

Aerith walked by herself through the streets. It had been a while since she had talked to anyone, and she was feeling very lonely, and then there was the fact that most of her old friends thought she was dead...
Suddenly, she saw a familiar figure; a smile lit up her face. "Tifa!"

She looked up immediately and her eyes watered. She couldn't believe it, Aerith. Her old friend, a comrade, and who she believed was Cloud's only love.

"Aerith" she whispered.

She ran towards her friend, not believing her luck.

She smiled and ran towards her opening her arms.

"I...I thought" she whimpered.

Aerith stepped into Tifa's embrace, and made to hug her old friend.
"I know..." she murmered.

She pulled back in shock.

"How? What? Oh! Come into the bar" she said

She nodded and waited for Tifa to show her inside.

She opened the door and let her in.

She's back. She's alive. Cloud will be so happy she thought

Aerith looked around at the interior, breathing a happy sigh at the familiar enviroment.
"It's been so long... how's everyone been?"

She bit her lip.

"Well, Marlene and Denzel now live with us" she said "Marlene is looked after us while Barett is away. Denzel has geostigma. Cloud, is .....he.......Aerith"

She looked down hiding her sadness.

"He.....he misses you so much" she said softly.

Aerith frowned slightly, seeing that something wasn't quite right. "Tifa, are you alright?"

She looked at her and nodded.

"I just know he misses your a lot" she said whispering "I can't wait for you two to reunite"

She patted Aerith's hand softly.

"Oh... well I've missed you all a lot as well." she smiled and gave Tifa's hand a comforting squeeze.

She smiled and walked over handing Aerith a drink.

She's just as pretty as I remember. Cloud will be so happy, he loves her so much....

She accepted gratefully and took a sip. "You've told me about the others, now how have you been?"

She smiled slightly.

"After the amount of adventures I have had, it seems that Seventh Heaven is now my habitat" she said softly. "I take care of the bar and the children along with Strife Delivery Service"

"I can understand that." she nodded. "It's wonderful to be back home."

She smiled brightly.

"Of course Aerith, we all missed you since you were out of our lives"

She smiled as well and gave Tifa another squeeze. "I'm so happy to have you all as friends."

She smiled and squeezed back.

"Well we are the lucky ones" she replied softly. "Everyone took it hard after you passed away, but Cloud....he took it the hardest"

"Is he alright?" she asked, looking concerned.

She nodded tentatively.

"I think so" she said softly. " He....he doesn't smile"

She looked down at her lap.

" He lives in the church more than he lives here" she whispered.

Aerith reached over and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "It seems that you're bothered as well as he is."

She looked up at her and smiled sadly.

"I miss his smile" she said softly.