When Tifa woke up, she was surprised to see she was not in her own room, or in her own bed. She panicked, wondering where she was, until she saw Cloud.

"Where am I!" she asked him, her voice a croak. He looked at her stonily. She felt afraid.

"Hospital." he said. His voice was cold, and she wondered why. He looked as if he hadn't slept, his eyes had dark circles under them and his clothes were the same from yesterday.

"Why? What am I doing here?" she asked him, scared. He gazed into her eyes, and she felt uncomfortable.

"You fell, yesterday. Barret found you. You'd lost a lot of blood." he told her. His eyes softened, and he looked down.

"Tifa, why didn't you tell me." he asked.

His voice wasn't hard anymore, he seemed sad. She had no idea what he was talking about.

"What?" she asked him, not sure if she wanted to hear the answer. He looked up again, and she saw confusion in his blue eyes. He swallowed, and looked away.

"That there was someone else." he said harshly. She gasped.

"What?! Cloud, what are you talking about?" she said. But she felt guilty, all the same, thinking of Sephiroth. She wasn't able to look at him.

He stood up. "Don't lie to me Tifa," he said coldly. She clutched at the sheets, biting her lip.

"I'm not lying. What makes you think..." she began, her voice rising, afraid of what he knew.

"You're pregnant, Tifa. I think it's pretty obvious the child isn't mine," he said, his voice harsh. He wasn't able to look at her, but if he had he would have seen how confused she was.

"I...can't be..." she said, not talking to him, but more to herself. He turned to face her, his eyes flashing angrily.

"That's what I said. But the doctor's did three damn tests!" he yelled at her, hitting the wall in his anger. She began to cry quietly, and her brought his hands up to hide his face.

"Cloud....it's not true..." she sobbed. He couldn't bear to look at her.

"Tifa," he said quietly. "Just tell me. Then I can leave, move out of the Seventh Heaven and you and him can be together. I don't care about anything else, just tell me who he is," Cloud said. Tifa gasped in despair, choking back tears.

"It's not true! I am not pregnant! Cloud, you're the only one..."

"Stop it Tifa! No more lies!" he shouted.

"I'M NOT LYING!" Tifa screamed back. Just then the door opened, and a scared-looking nurse entered.

"Um...is everything alright?" she asked, looking at the sobbing Tifa and the shaking Cloud.

Cloud dropped his hands from his face and turned to look at the nurse.

"I'm just leaving." he said bitterly, striding towards the door.

"No! Don't go, Cloud, I swear, it's not true..." Tifa begged him, her voice almost a shriek. He ignored her, and slammed the door as he left. Tifa was shocked. He was leaving her.

"What...what happened yesterday?" Tifa asked the nurse when she was able to speak in a normal voice again. The young nurse stepped forward.

"You were brought in with several deep slashes on your arm. You'd lost a lot of blood, and was unconscious. We thought you'd been attacked. Can you tell us what happened?" the nurse asked. She was certain Tifa had been beaten by her husband, and after the display of temper she had just walked in on, there was no doubt left in her mind. Tifa laid back on the pillows, and sighed.

"I fell. I had been carrying a bottle of wine. It must have smashed under me." she said weakly. The nurse nodded, but looked sceptical.

"Was your husband there?" she asked. Tifa noticed the sharp tone in her voice.

"You...you think Cloud did this?" she asked incredulously. The nurse shrugged, giving Tifa a sympathetic look.

"You don't have to protect him." she said. Tifa gasped.

"No! He would never! I told you what happened, I fell," she said. The nurse didn't react, instead checking the monitor Tifa was connected to. Tifa bit her lip.

"Am I...was what he said true?" she asked, her voice a whisper. The nurse looked confused. Tifa asked again.

"Am I pregnant?" she asked. The nurse smiled.

"Yes. Three months." she said warmly. Tifa let out a cry of disbelief, and buried her face in her hands. The nurse looked worried.

"Aren't you happy? I assume your husband isn't pleased." the nurse said sympathetically. Tifa laughed bitterly.

"We've only been together for a month." she said coldly. The nurse nodded, understanding.

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Cloud felt like fighting. Barret stepped back when he saw the young man leave Tifa's room,as Cloud looked furious.

"What's up?" he asked, worried for Tifa. Cloud looked at him coldly. Barret was confused.

"She gonna be awright?" he said. Cloud nodded slowly.

"Yes. I'm sure she'll be fine." he said, his voice thick with sarcasm, which Barret didn't miss.

"What's wrong wit' the girl?" he asked. Cloud sat down, shutting his eyes.

"Barret, when you were in Nibelheim, did Tifa meet up with anyone you didn't know? Anyone I didn't know?" he asked.

Barret shook his head.

"Nah. She was busy, like the rest o' us." he said. Cloud swallowed hard.

"Are you sure? No-one Tifa seemed close to?" he asked. Barret shook his head again.

"Whatcha getting at, Cloud?" he said. Cloud stood up.

"Tifa's pregnant." he said in a flat voice.

"That's great...isn't it?" said Barret. Cloud turned to face him, a look of anger on his face.

"No it damn well isn't Barret! She's three months pregnant!" he said viciously. Barret went over to him.

"Cloud...it can't be true! Tifa...she's not some kind o'..."

"Well, she's proved us wrong, hasn't she," said Cloud spitefully. He turned, and began walking quickly down the corridor.

Barret followed, calling for Cloud to wait. Cloud didn't slow down. Eventually he stopped in the car park of the hospital.

"Cloud! You're not gonna jes leave her there, are ya?" he asked. Cloud sighed.

"I need to think. I can't handle this right now. You...you stay with her. Make sure she finds whoever's baby this is. Make sure he takes care of her." Cloud said. Barret could see he was hurt deeply. Angrily, Cloud removed the leather glove on his left hand. Pulling off the thick gold ring, he threw it on the ground at Barret's feet.

"Give it back to her. I don't need it." he said, before turning away.

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Barret stood there, staring at the retreating figure of his friend. He had never ever seen Cloud that angry before. And he had good reason to. Barret stooped, picking up the heavy gold ring which had only been worn for four weeks. Only four weeks. It was sad, everyone thought Cloud and Tifa would be together forever.

Holding the ring he turned and walked slowly back to Tifa's room, to break the news to her as best he could without upsetting her further.

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Yuffie stared into the orange flames, the glow flickering over her face, making her eyes glint unnaturally. Red watched her from afar, wondering what could have happened to turn the exuberant girl into this deep-thinking woman he was faced with now. The change was not one he approved off, he missed the old Yuffie, the one who always wore too little clothing, who stole whatever she could, whenever she could, the one who teased him unmercifully.

"Where's that kleptomaniac we all know and love?" he murmured to himself, watching her. He was concerned. He wondered who this man was she had hinted at. Maybe he was married, and that was why she couldn't have him. But he didn't see Yuffie as going for middle aged men, she was far too free-spirited. Red had no idea how close he was to the truth.

He frowned as he saw a tear make its way down her smooth cheek, and saw her wipe it away angrily, She drew her knees up, wrapping her arms around them as she hid her face. Red fought the urge to run to her, instead he studied her, for any hint as to what was going on. Her blonde hair shone in the light of the fire, and he smiled despite himself. She had always been dark haired before, he had no idea she was really a blonde.

He crouched further behind the rock as she stood up, rubbing her eyes with both hands. Yuffie immediately saw him though.

"What are you doing? Watching me?" she asked wearily, a smile on her face. He came out into the open, putting his head on one side.

"Yes. I'm worried about you." he replied honestly. She shrugged.

"I'm fine. Just tired. Red, you know I'd tell you if I could...but I don't exactly know what's going on myself." she told him.

"Alright Yuffie. Take care, alright." he said gently. She nodded, and hugged him, burying her hands in his thick fur. He was surprised at the show of affection, although Yuffie was exuberant, she was rarely sincere.

"It's okay," he told her, as she began to cry.

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"Tifa," said Barret as he opened the door. His friend was sitting up in the bed, staring out the window. It was raining outside, and the glass was blurred. She looked pale, and Barret could tell she had been crying, even though she was calm now. She didn't look at him.

"I guess he told you." said Tifa. Barret took a few steps towards her.

"Yes. He's very upset." said Barret. Tifa nodded, and looked at him.

"I didn't cheat on him." she said. Barret couldn't look her in the eye.

"Hell, Tifa, y'know..yo can tell me..." he said awkwardly. Tifa sighed.

"I didn't sleep with anyone else! You should know! You were there with me in Nibelheim!" she said, raising her voice.

"Tifa...what other way is there?" he said, exasperated. She put her hand over her eyes.

"I...don't know." she said, feeling terrified.

***************************************************************************

Tifa leant against him as they entered the small surgery in the slums. It was smaller than the other hospital, but it was where Barret brought Marlene when she was sick, and was a reliable place. The receptionist at the desk greeted them with a nod.

"I need to see a doctor. I think my friend is pregnant...we wanna make sure." he said. The receptionist smiled, and pressed a button on the desk.

"We're not all that busy today. You'll probably be seen in about half an hour." she said warmly. Barret and Tifa sat down. She was out of breath, as she really hadn't been ready to leave the other hospital. Eventually a small door opened, and a male doctor came out.

"Miss Lockhart?" he said. Tifa corrected him.

"Mrs Strife." she said, standing up.Barret glanced at her, not having the heart to tell her Cloud had given her back his ring.

The doctor nodded in apology, and looked at Barret.

"Mr Wallace! Is Marlene well?" he asked warmly. Barret nodded, and looked at Tifa. The doctor took the hint, and ushered the two into the clinic.

Sitting down, Tifa explained the situation. The doctor looked grave.

"I don't see how they could make a mistake, but I'll certainly run tests for you." he said. Tifa smiled gratefully. The doctor continued. "And as you are three months pregnant, we can also run an ultrasound. That way you can see for yourself." he said. Tifa nodded, relieved that finally this could be cleared up.

"I'll need to take some of your blood." the doctor said, picking up a syringe. Tifa bit her lip, and rolled up her sleeve. She looked away as the doctor took the blood, wincing as she felt the needle pierce her skin.

"There..." said the doctor, rubbing Tifa's arm with a piece of gauze. He turned, and went into the next room, leaving Barret and Tifa alone. Tifa smiled at Barret weakly.

"We can...trust him," she said softly. Barret nodded.

"He has no reason to lie to us." he said, but then, neither did the other hospital. Tifa nodded, and looked down at her own stomach. She was alarmed to see there was a very slight bulge, as if she was indeed pregnant. She breathed in sharply as she felt a stab of pain, trying to ignore it. She put a hand over her stomach, willing the swelling to go down.

The doctor re-entered the room.

"You are pregnant." he said. Tifa frowned.

"I can't be! You don't understand...." she said in despair. The doctor held up his hand.

"It doesn't necessarily mean you are months pregnant. You could be only days gone." he told her. Tifa breathed out slowly, feeling her muscles in her stomach clench. The doctor appeared to notice her discomfort.

"Are you in pain?" he asked her. She shook her head.

"No. Can you do an ultra sound to check?" she asked.

"Yes. I was going to suggest it. Please follow me," he said, leading Tifa alone into the next room. She lay on the padded table and removed her skirt as the doctor told her. He put a sheet over her, and switched on a monitor.

"This is cold," he warned her, putting a green gel onto her bare stomach. She gasped as the cold gel touched her. The doctor then picked up something which looked like a microphone, and passed it over her stomach, pressing down gently.

He shook his head as he looked at the monitor.

"What is it?" Tifa asked nervously.

"Well, there was a mistake," he told her.He looked back at her. "You are at least five months pregnant." he told her. The words hit Tifa hard.

"No...." she moaned, placing her hands over the bulge in her stomach, ignoring the gel which stuck to her.

"Do you want to know what sex the baby is?" he asked her.

"I don't care," she said, her voice trembling as she tried not to cry.

"It's a boy," he told her. Tifa sobbed loudly. Barret came running in.

"What's goin' on!" he demanded, glancing at the doctor, then staring at Tifa as she sobbed. The prominent bulge in her stomach didn't go unnoticed either.

"Your friend is five months pregnant." the doctor told Barret. He looked at Tifa. Five months ago...that had been just after they had killed Sephiroth. Tifa and Cloud definitely weren't together then.

"What have you done," he asked her softly. Tifa was unable to reply, she just sobbed.

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Cloud stood there looking at the floor. It had been cleaned, but was still stained faintly red with Tifa's blood. He sat down heavily in one of the chairs, wondering if he was doing the right thing. He had decided to stay, until he was certain she was ok. However angry he was, he couldn't leave her if she was pregnant.

Just then, the door opened, Cloud looked up in surprise as Barret walked in, supporting a very pale Tifa. Cloud got to his feet in shock, staring at Tifa. She looked really ill.

"Cloud," she moaned as she saw him. He didn't react immediately, but stared at her.

"What's wrong with her," he asked Barret. Barret grunted.

"She...ah...I think Tifa you talk to you." he said, as Tifa sat in one of the chairs, facing Cloud.

Cloud went over to her, sitting opposite her. She searched his eyes, trying to find out what he was thinking. His blue eyes looked softer than before, more sympathetic.

"Cloud, I...went to another doctor. You must believe me, something horrible is going on. I have never cheated on you," she said, imploring him to believe her with her eyes. He looked down as she continued.

"He told me I was pregnant too. But five months." she said. Cloud's head shot up as he stared at her in amazement.

"Five months?!!" he said in astonishment. Tifa nodded, touching one of his gloved hands gently.

"Yes. But at the other hospital they said only three. And then there is this," she said, standing up. She pulled back the loose t-shirt, and Cloud stared at her stomach. There was a definite bulge.

"That wasn't there yesterday." she said quietly. Cloud nodded, and put a hand on Tifa's shoulder.

"Tifa.." he said, not knowing what to say. Five months made more sense, even if it didn't to Barret. Five months made a hell of a lot more sense.

"I heard you." he whispered to her. She looked at him with frightened eyes.

"You called his name." he continued. Tifa's breathing got faster, but she didn't say anything.

"You were dreaming of him, of..."

"Cloud, no..." she begged. He let his hand drop from her shoulder, and turned away.

"He was still alive five months ago." he said. Tifa looked worried.

"Cloud, I never...." she began, but she knew it was a lie. She had slept with him. In a dream. She knew that wasn't the same, but she still felt guilty.

"It was only a dream," she murmured. Cloud looked at her.

"Even in a dream, it's still betrayal." he said coldly. Tifa sighed.

"You can't mean that."

"It doesn't change anything, does it? You're still pregnant, and it still isn't mine. You should have told me. I wouldn't have judged you badly." he said, knowing what he said wasn't strictly true. If she had told him she had slept with Sephiroth, he would probably have been shocked, and disappointed.

Cloud turned away from her. He had made his decision.

"Tifa, I can't stay here. I don't want to be here anymore," he said flatly. She made no noise, so he continued.

"I'll continue to support you, if you want. And I'll be here for you if you need me. But I don't love you." he said. He felt a lump in his throat, and was unable to look at her.

"I've got someone else." he finally told her. He heard a gasp from behind, but walked out the door before she could question him further.

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Red watched the arrival of the golden chocobo, feeling a strange tension in the air. The rider was wearing a black cloak, so he couldn't see who it was, but he guessed it was Cloud. No- one else had such a spectacular animal. Chile, the female gold chocobo, was a perfect specimen. Red could recognise her from a mile off.

He bounded down the side of the cliff in order to reach Cloud, stopping at the entrance to Cosmo Canyon. "Cloud!" he called, his tail swaying to steady himself as he perched on the steps. Cloud walked towards him. Unsmiling. Red was mildly surprised.

"How are you?" Red asked as Cloud drew level.

"Fine. Is Yuffie still here?" he asked. Red nodded.

"Yes. She's at the Candle." he said. Cloud followed him as he led the way. Red was beginning to see what was going on. It was becoming clearer now, but still hard to believe. He watched silently as Yuffie stood to meet Cloud, neither speaking.

Cloud stepped towards her, and pulling her closer to him, kissed her deeply. Yuffie kissed him back, releasing all the tension she had felt the past few days. She put her arm around him, pulling him tightly towards her, her other hand on the back of his neck. She was crying, she didn't know whether it was from happiness, relief or shock. When he felt her tears on his cheeks,

Cloud drew away, wiping her cheekbone with his thumb.

"Yuffie...I've made my choice," he said quietly. She nodded, and put her head against his chest as he wrapped his arms tightly around her, her tears soaking through his shirt.

Red watched the exchange in amazement. This was totally unexpected...the last he heard, Cloud was married to Tifa. What had possibly gone so wrong between them to drive him to Yuffie? He moved away, walking back to his house, deep in thought.

***************************************************************************

"Cloud..." she whispered. He touched her hair lightly, rubbing her bare shoulder as they stood there, bathed in firelight. He sighed, and released her.

"Yuffie...I decided this morning...I can't go on with Tifa. I don't love her, and she's betrayed me." he said. The words still stung him, as did the memory of that morning and last night, but she needed to know. Yuffie looked incredulous.

"What? Tifa...had someone else?" she asked. Cloud nodded.

"She's pregnant." he told her. Yuffie sat down on the flat rock again.

"And it isn't your child." she said quietly. Cloud sat beside her.

"No. It's impossible. She's five months pregnant." he told her, a trace of bitterness in his voice.

"But that would mean..."

"I think I know whose baby it is. It sounds crazy...but.." he shook his head. "The more I think about it...the less likely it is, I mean, Tifa hated him. Didn't she?" Yuffie leant her head against his shoulder.

"Who?" she asked. Cloud sighed.

"Sephiroth."

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Tifa felt lonelier than she had ever felt before. Cloud was gone, Barret had gone, and the dreams wouldn't come. She was completely be herself. She had an argument with Barret earlier that day, over Cloud. He still didn't realise what was going on, or whose this baby was, but it was something Tifa could not explain to him. She couldn't even explain it to herself. What she had told Cloud was true, she hadn't slept with anyone five months ago. Before Cloud, she hadn't had a boyfriend for almost two years, much less slept around. She hadn't had the strength to act indignant when he accused her of it, because some part of her knew it was true

"Seph...." she whispered to the dark room. She was lying on her bed, too tired to undress, willing herself to sleep so she could dream of him. It made losing Cloud so much easier to bear. She sighed, covering her eyes with the back of her hand as she tried to sleep.

Eventually, she found herself with him again.

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"Sephiroth!" Tifa called, happily. The silver-haired man turned, the long tresses shimmering in the sunlight over the meadow. His large green eyes shone as he stepped towards her, taking her in his arms and kissing her lightly.

"You have been brave," he told her, pushing the hair back from her face. She smiled at him, resting her head against his shoulder. He put his arm around her, gently leading her to the edge of a stream which ran through the flower-filled meadow.

"You are going to have a son. My son." he told her softly, taking her hand. Tifa sat by the edge of the stream. She put one hand over her swollen stomach.

"So it is yours." she said quietly. It was a relief to know. Sephiroth nodded, and she turned to him, wrapping both arms around his neck.

"Please...can't I stay here with you? I don't want to go back." she said, her brown eyes filling with tears. A breeze sprung up around them, blowing Sephiroth silver hair around Tifa's shoulders like a cape, enveloping both of them.

"No...you must go back..." he said. She gazed into his Mako eyes, knowing she couldn't stay. He helped her to her feet.

"Go back. It's time." he said, a slight smile on his face.

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A scream rent the still air of the Seventh Heaven, waking Marlene. The little girl, who was now five, ran into Tifa's bedroom, where the noise was coming from. She stood in the door way, in shock as she saw her friend staring down at the pool of blood between her legs. Tifa looked up at Marlene, a terrified look in her eyes.

"Marlene....get help," she said, breathless. Marlene couldn't move, and stared, her eyes wide in horror as another contraction shot through Tifa. Tifa cried out in pain again, and the little girl turned and ran.

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By the time Marlene returned with Syia, one of the other barmaids, Tifa was sitting with a baby in her arms. She smiled as the two burst into her bedroom. Syia looked in shock at the blood and gore staining the sheets, and covering Tifa's lower body.

"Tifa....are you ok?" Marlene asked her tentatively. Tifa nodded, and looked down at her baby with a smile. Syia took a step towards them.

"Tifa...I didn't even know you were pregnant..." she said, confused. Tifa smiled.

"I didn't know myself until this morning. She almost laughed at the look of disbelief on Syia's face. Tifa sighed.

"I'm...really tired. Please, could you help me?" she asked Syia, looking down at the rumpled blood-stained sheets she was lying in. Syia nodded, and helped Tifa sit up. The baby gurgled, and Syia stared at it in wonder.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" she asked. Tifa smiled.

"A little boy." she answered. She passed the baby to Marlene, who was waiting expectantly. Marlene turned her nose up at the little thing.

"It's dirty," she said. Tifa laughed weakly.

"I haven't had a chance to wash him yet," she said. Marlene looked down at the tiny bundle.

"What's he called?" she asked. The smile left Tifa's face.

"I...haven't decided yet. I was hoping Cloud would...." she trailed off. Getting up off the bed, Tifa gripped the back of a chair near the bed as she felt faint. Syia, who was busy collecting the sheets didn't notice as Tifa collapsed in the chair.

"Syia...just leave them in the corner. I'll wash them later," she said weakly. Syia shook her head.

"You're too weak. I'll do it. I don't mind." she said, going to the cupboard to get fresh sheets. Tifa watched the blonde woman with a smile. Syia was younger than Tifa, and the two women had been friends ever since Tifa opened the Seventh Heaven . Marlene handed the baby back to Tifa, and ran into the bathroom to fetch some water.

"Here. Now you can clean him." she said simply as she put the bowl of water and the cloth next to Tifa. Tifa wiped gently at her baby's face, gazing lovingly into it. He looked so innocent, the wisps of fine dark hair on the baby's head the same colour as Tifa's own. She hadn't seen what colour it's eyes were yet, but she knew. They would be green. Glowing green with Mako energy. Just like his.

Tifa sighed as she cleaned the last of the blood off her child, wishing Cloud was there. She had always thought that at the birth of her first child her husband would be there, holding her hand, comforting her. But instead, her barmaid was cleaning up the sheets, her friends little girl was mopping the floor, and Tifa was alone with her baby.

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