[Video and then Action]

[loveandstrife.livejournal.com]

[Cloud is sat on the floor of his garage, working on his bike with a set of tools he has no idea how to use, but at least he hasn't broken it yet. The phone is on the floor beside him while he keeps working.]

Has anyone seen Cid Highwind? I haven't spoken to him in a while...

[He tries to start the bike engine... and there's nothing but a splutter and a whine. He sighs and accidentally smears oil on his face. Yeah, there's a reason for him asking after Cid.]

Vincent? Aerith? How've you been?

[Cloud actually looks a lot happier than he last did, and while it isn't like he's grinning there is a faint smile on his face.]

Yuffie, are things okay in Wutai? Did you manage to handle everything?

[He wrinkles his nose and just puts his tool down, facing the camera properly.] How are you, Genesis? Are your eyes still... um...

[He goes quiet and looks away.] Uh... if anyone's spoken to Cid, let me know.



[The phone has been picked up by this point and Cloud looks worried.]

Firion, did you make it to Treno okay? Did you find the orb yet? I've got to get to work soon, but I'll find time to reply to you.



[Action.]

[Cloud gives up on his bike, heading back through the house, after wiping his hands off, gathering up their puppy when he jumps at him, trying to find Tifa somewhere in the house. He wants to talk to her. Or at least just find her and... well, he hasn't planned for anything, he just wants to see her.]

Tifa? Are you home?

Comments

[action]

[heartofheaven.livejournal.com]

[A big smile.]

I love you too. And I want to do the same... That's why... Before I say anything more, I want to ask you... Is there anything I can do to make things better? What can I do to help you?

[action]

[loveandstrife.livejournal.com]

I... just don't know. I want to get better at... well, everything, really. I just don't know how to. I mean, give me a sword and I know what I'm doing. Give me a crying Marlene or Denzel and I'm just... lost.

[He laughs awkwardly, and rubs the back of his neck, much like Zack would.]

[action]

[heartofheaven.livejournal.com]

You mean you want me to help you with that? Cloud... I think you're a better father than you think. You're really great with them, honestly. But if you're ever unsure, you can always ask me.

[She shrugs, leaning back again.]

I mean, I'm just making this up as I go along too, you know? I didn't have a mother for a lot of my childhood. And we're both too young for this really... But we've managed, haven't we?

[action]

[loveandstrife.livejournal.com]

It's not just that, but that's one thing for sure.

[He sighs and shrugs a little.]

I guess we have. I kind of wish Barret was here, since he knows what to do better than we do...

[action]

[heartofheaven.livejournal.com]

I wish he was here too...

[action]

[loveandstrife.livejournal.com]

It'd make things better if he was... he wouldn't have AVALANCHE split up all over Gaia.

[Cloud sighs and empties his cup then leans over and strokes her cheek.] We'll talk some more when I'm back from work tonight.

[He leans in more, aiming to kiss her.]

[action]

[heartofheaven.livejournal.com]

Okay.

[She gives him a quick peck on the lips. They haven't quite covered everything she wanted to, but it feels like a start at least. It's better to work things out this way.]