#i don't know aerith this feels like heaven to me

[thelvadams]

CRISIS CORE FINAL FANTASY VII: REUNION

#ffedit #ffgraphics #gamingedit #final fantasy #final fantasy vii #crisis core #crisis core: reunion #zack fair #userwolfkissed #userlogan #thelvadams.gifs #i don't know aerith this feels like heaven to me

[silver-wield]

You know, Aerith in Remake had grown on me a little, but after Rebirth, I don't even know anymore. I don't hate her, sometimes I even like her, others makes me cringe etc, but in general I simply don't understand her anymore, the bad part of this, is that is not like with those kind of enigmatic characters with a lot of charisma, that makes you want to figure them out, it's more like a... "wtf girl".

First, she gives the flower to Cloud, and regardless of the convo you choose, later when she ask him if he give It away, she makes this little sound like "huUuuu" and happily ask to who, then she sees the flower in Seventh Heaven and smile, only to tell him a couple of days later that it was an jerk move. Then, at the beginning of the game she tells Cloud that he should appreciate Tifa, but then she is still upset that he gave the flower to her, and later claims to be having a date with him in her face, getting a sad reaction from her, and doesn't seem to care at all, enough to tell something like "it's not like that" or something like Cissnei do. Now, there are people who say she do this to make Tifa jealous and make her "act", but then later you see her flirting with Cloud, Tifa or not Tifa around, so Cloud, must appreciate Tifa, but at the same time he should date her despite Tifa's feelings?

After that, later in Gongaga, again, she doesn't seem concerned by the fact these two have had a moment enough to make Yuffie think they should kiss. But then later, when Tifa and Cloud are together she says she's jealous again, but when she and Cloud are together and Tifa clearly seems sad about it (again), she doesn't give a damn.

She says she knew things that no longer knows, but if she remember something so simple as the flower in Tifa's bar, then she rememberd all what happened before they part from Midgar right? But she doesn't remember she smile? Or how she felt when she saw the flower in that moment?

Is this bad writting? Or maybe I missing something?

She's two faced 🤷

Idk what else to say. I kept telling everyone she wasn't nice and wasn't Tifa's friend and nobody believed me. Well, now you see I was right.

#final fantasy 7 remake #ff7r #ffviir #final fantasy 7r #final fantasy viir

[hecate-valentine]

FF7 characters as my favourite song

Sephiroth - Monster by Lady Gaga

"Look at him, look at me

That boy is bad and honestly

He’s a wolf in disguise

But I can't stop staring in those evil eyes"

~

Vincent Valentine - Suspended in Dusk by Type O Negative

"Four centuries of this damned immortality

Yet, I did not ask to be made

Why?

I will never again feel your sun upon my face"

~

~

Cloud Strife - No Surprises by Radiohead

"A heart that's full up like a landfill

A job that slowly kills you

Bruises that won't heal

You look so tired, unhappy"

~

Aerith Gainsborough - First Love/Late Spring by Mitski

"The night breeze

Carries

Something sweet

A peach tree"

~

Tifa Lockhart - Cover Me in Roses by Holden Laurence

"Take me in your tender arms, roll me in the dirt

Cover me in roses, cover me in pearls

And then when the sun sets low, roll me in the dirt

Cover me in roses, cover me in pearls"

~

Red XIII - The Horror and the Wild - The Amazing Devil

"Think of all the horrors that I promised you I'd bring

I promise you, they'll sing of every time

You passed your fingers through my hair and called me child

Witness me, old man, I am the wild"

~

Yuffie Kisaragi - Silhouette by Pastel Ghost

"Pastel ghost you're sleeping

Soft teal in the evening

You won't leave me and nights just

Get colder and colder and colder"

~

Barret Wallace - Back to the Old House by The Smiths

"I would love to go

Back to the old house

But I never will

I never will"

~

Cait Sith - Little Dark Age by MGMT

"Oh-oh, I grieve in stereo, the stereo sounds strange

I know that if you hide, it doesn't go away

If you get out of bed and find me standing all alone

Open-eyed, burn the page, my little dark age"

~

Cid Highwind - Wrecking Ball by Mother Mother

"I made a wreck out of my hand

I put it through the wall

I made a fist and not a plan

Call me a reckless wrecking ball"

~

Lucrecia Crescent - Jobless Monday by Mitski

"He only loves me when

There's a means he means to end

Oh, I miss when we first met

He didn't know me yet" (Ouch, that hurt)

~

Reno - Evil by Interpol

"Rosemary

Heaven restores you in life

You're coming with me

Through the aging, the fearing, the strife"

~

Rude - I Bet on Losing Dogs by Mitski

"I bet on losing dogs

I know they're losing and I'll pay for my place

By the ring

Where I'll be looking in their eyes when they're down"

~

Tseng - This Charming Man by The Smiths

"I would go out tonight

But I haven't got a stitch to wear

This man said, "It's gruesome

That someone so handsome should care""

~

Rufus Shinra - Daddy Issues by The Neighbourhood

"And if you were my little girl

I'd do whatever I could do

I'd run away and hide with you

I know that you got daddy issues, and I do too"

~

Genesis Rhapsodos - Exit Music (For A Film) by Radiohead

"Breathe, keep breathing

Don't lose your nerve

Breathe, keep breathing

I can't do this alone"

~

Angeal Hewley - Viva La Vida by Coldplay

"I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin'

Roman Cavalry choirs are singin'

Be my mirror, my sword and shield

My missionaries in a foreign field"

~

Zack Fair - Come a Little Closer by Cage The Elephant

"Time shakes, found you at the water

At first you were my father

Now I love you like a brother

Earthquakes shake the dust behind you"

Take a shot for every Radiohead and Mitski song I put :)

#final fantasy 7 #final fantasy vii #final fantasy 7 remake #sephiroth #ff7 #cloud strife #ff7 aerith #aerith gainsborough #zack fair #angeal hewley #genesis rhapsodos #crisis core reunion #dirge of cerberus #vincent valentine #reno ffvii #rude ffvii #lucrecia crescent #cid highwind #tifa lockhart #barret wallace #cait sith #red xiii #rufus shinra #tseng ff7 #yuffie kisaragi #the rufus one was to call out all of his simps #music #cage the elephant #coldplay #radiohead

[mirintala]

Tagged by @missingmywing

Rules: Share the first lines of ten of your most recent fanfics and tag ten people. If you have written fewer than ten, don't be shy and share anyway.

It started out so noble. Justice. It made me sick to my stomach at first, knowing I’d killed a man. The simple act of writing down a name. (The Fall From Grace)

Rufus stared in the mirror and sighed, undoing the tie and starting from scratch again. This time he finally got it right. And just in time too, as a knock came at the door. He met Tseng at the door. The man shook his head and reached out his dark gloved hands to adjust the tie. Rufus gave him a slight nod of thanks but said nothing. Not out here, not where others could overhear. That would be showing weakness, and neither of them would permit that.  (The White Rose and the White Suit (Rare Pair Request))

"So how come," Reno said, tugging on a long strand of silver-grey hair, "you were always playing second fiddle when you're the one who looks more like the bastard?" (I'm Glad You're You, Even If It Means You're *You* (Rare Pair Request))

“Look, Wedge, we’ve known each other a long time,” Biggs began, after a deep breath, eyes closed for the moment. He hesitated for the moment, waiting for Wedge to coax him onward. When his companion didn’t say anything he cracked one eye open, then the other. And sighed. “Wedge, could… could you put the cats down for a second, I’m trying to be serious here for a minute.” (I Have Felines For You (Rare Pair Request))

“You’re supposed to be resting,” Elfe said, leaning on the door jamb as she stood in the middle of the doorway. (Give The Swords A Rest (Rare Pair Request))

It was the last place Cloud expected to seek refuge when he left Seventh Heaven. No, when he ran away . He needed to stop lying to himself about that. No matter how things were now, when he’d left he was running away. Running from dealing with explaining what was going on in his head, with dealing with the pity, the sympathy, the worried looks and the “we’ll figure this out somehow, like a family”. Running away most of all from the look of fear in the eyes of the children, especially Denzel, that their hero was dying and there was nothing to be done about it. And if he was dying… what hope was there for them? He was letting them down. So yes, he had run away. But the Turks had found him, had brought him here and he had found… had found that he had more in common with Rufus Gaia damned ShinRa than he had thought possible. (Running From Your Problems Only Finds You New Ones (Rare Pair Request))

Aerith was startled to see someone was in the church already when she arrived. The sun was just starting to cascade down through the hole in the roof, highlighting the man that was kneeling down in the flowers, brightening the already bright red of his hair. “What are you doing here?” she asked, hands on her hips, rousing the best imitation of irritation she could. (Keep Off The Damn Flowers (Rare Pair Week Request))

After the abandoned house with its long dried bloodstained floor, after I've shared my 'origin story', we've connected even more, after that, we end up at the diner. I see now what's keeping her here, in this town. Guilt. Not her own. She wants to burn this town down just as much as I do. I made a mistake leaving her at the party. "When I look at you, I know I can tell you the truth," I tell her. "I'm not afraid of these people. I'm not afraid anymore. You tell me that you want to burn it down, or you tell me you want to burn it to the ground-" (I'll Light The Match)

Kirsty takes the box from the detective, and forces a sad smile, and a thank you. She wonders how he possibly thinks she would even want “something to remember him by” when he had just finished telling her that he was a serial murderer. When she had just told him that the man had killed himself in front of her, and nearly killed her in a car wreck as a result. (After the Crash)

Ok that feels like a giant wall of text and the next one is the dracula daily responses, so I'll stop there. Gonna tag @idridian :D I'm not sure who else hasn't been tagged yet because I've been offline a few days. @allsortsoflicorice @the--calamity @wandererriha if you haven't already

#miri writes #asks and answers

[vinjaryou]

29. What songs would be (or are) on a playlist for most if not all of your OG FFVII story material? Explain your choices if you want! (Also, I'm personally curious as to how your music choice may differ between AUs, if it does. See if the characters may have different "theme music" depending on the AU and how it plays - all pun intended - into who they are.) 💕

Questions for Fic Writers Meme

Oh good lord, this might be a lengthy, link-filled ramble, please settle in and don't mind the abundance of '80s music *cracks knuckles* Once again, putting under a cut to save everyone's dashes!!

I have certain songs for scenarios I have planned/written, if that makes sense. For the general more canon goings-on, I tend to harken to the game's soundtracks - for example, if I'm writing Aerith and Reilena walking home from the Sector 5 train station, I'll have Hollow Skies playing to get me in the mindset, with it flowing into a soft variation of Aerith's Theme, or if it's a scene set in the 7th Heaven, then it's a mix of Tifa's Theme melding into general bar ambience.

And then there's times in which the song and the scenario just. make. sense. to me. Like... this specific version of The Nightmare Begins is what I'm using for when I write his and Reilena's confessions to each other, before they sleep together for the first time. Does that make sense? In general, probably not!, because it's sad as hell and this song legit made me sob the first time I heard it on its own and not in the background of a Machinabridged episode. It still does at times, because it's so gorgeous and tragic (and I am biased, for this is Vincent we're talking about, lol).

BUT. Listening to it again, I can see them both sitting together quietly in the flowers at Sector 5, Meteor still overhead, with her softly telling her life's story to him, and the first swell is when she confesses; when the song restarts in a sense, I see him trying to gather his thoughts while responding to her as best he can, because he knows how he feels, but he still can't SAY it, and when the music swells again, that's when he murmurs her name, and when she looks over, he leans in and kisses her, letting that speak for him; she returns the kiss, they deepen it, with them leaning into each other, holding each other, and the song ends as they part and she asks him in a whisper if he'll stay the night with her.

SO THERE'S THAT, TOO. It's very vivid in my mind, and it fits for me.

Another song for them - well, for Vincent in particular, when he's trying to figure out his feelings for Reilena - is Whitesnake's Is This Love. I even used it as a title for one of the pieces I wrote... dealing with this very thing, lol.

(Still of the Night is another Whitesnake song that makes me think of them, but this is when they're having a spicier, more Chaotic time~)

You might have seen my mini-ramble on the bird app about a feral Aerith telling a summon to tear a monster to shreds for hurting her friends? In This Moment's Big Bad Wolf is what gave me that imagery, and it's also a song I'm using as the backdrop for a miniseries I'd like to write of each member of the VII family going absolutely feral at some point during battle (if you click the link, there's a lot of flickering in the music video, so just listen to the song if that's better for you).

And then there's another miniseries I'd like to write titled "Good Night," and it would be about five (maybe six; five for certain) parts, each involving Vincent with someone, with the arc words in each piece being "good night," and just how good of a night it is... varies a lot (I'm sorry Vincent, I love you, I promise the final part is Very Good to you). Each piece has its own soundtrack, and fingers crossed I can get it started soon, as I have it outlined already, with each piece and song decided:

Part 1 is Come Undone, by Duran Duran. Part 2 is I Can't Make You Love Me, by Bonnie Raitt. Part 3 is both MONSTERS by Shinedown, and Mein Teil by Rammstein. Part 4 is Close My Eyes Forever by Lita Ford & Ozzy Osbourne. Part 5 is both Is This Love, and Listen to Your Heart by Roxette.

...I don't think I answered this correctly, as I kinda just went on a ramble about music and writing and hi. Let me know if there's specifics you'd like, and I'll answer them as best as I can... and try not to ramble too much! ♥

(I really need to sit and make an ACTUAL playlist for my writings and the AUs, yeesh)

#asheanon #thanks for the ask! #as i notice you asked about songs differing for AUs and yes they do i forgot to ramble about that here i'm so sorry! #i hope this was entertaining though and that it made an iota of sense somehow ♥ #t h e m #vinrei

[browniefox]

Crisis Core - The Nibelheim Mission

Alrighty, at long last I've gotten back to playing Crisis Core! And before we actually get to Nibelheim, we need to finish up saying goodbye to Aerith! Or, making her a flowercart, essentially the same thing. Also, another long one, so I added a break!

This games is just, it's so funny what it decides it needs to shove in here. 'Did you know that Zack actually named the bar Seventh Heaven, and that the guy who made it already knew it would have a secret room and be a base for terrorists'. Like, it's so funny but also c'mon, why'd ya do this?

Zack's little moments with Aerith are so nice. I think, you know, a more fleshed out game showing their relationship would be better, but they do have such a fun dynamic when they off each other, just this chemistry that is so likeable right away, at least for me.

Saying goodbye to my boyfriend Kunsel, who I'm sure I'll see again so so very soon ;-; I really love him. Again, like Aerith, i wish we could see more interactions with Zack and Kunsel, but you do still get the sense that these two are friends.

So, surprise surprise, I wish we got to see Zack interact with the Turks more. We've had a few interactions between Zack and the Turks - I think exactly three - and then we're told that he's hung out with them a lot since Angeal died. Still, i do like that we get to see Zack getting Tseng to more or less promise that he'll watch Aerith - not just for Shinra, but for Zack's own peace of mind.

The three flower carts <3 I love that Aerith loves the cute one, and Zack loves the cool one haha. And I just love the idea of Zack putting all of these together, trying to make Aerith happy. Even more, I want to imagine they actually built the later two together.

CLOUD SHORT LITTLE BABY BOY!!!! It's so weird to think that he's sixteen. In my mind, he's like 26 in FFVII and 21 here, because that's still pretty young but in my opinion a little more believable.

Can't believe they made Tifa stand so far back, she looks even shorter compared to the tall ass SOLDIERs! It's so weird to be that the climbing Nibelheim scene is just told through photos. I'm not even sure you can tell the bridge fell???

As good a place as ending to add I love that Sephiroth tells Zack he's considering of leaving Shinra. I think it goes with the trajectory of what's been going on that he's thinking about it, and to me Sephiroth specifically requesting Zack to come with him on this mission to me means he's hoping that Zack also leaves with him.

Weird way to ask someone if they're down to bang but whatever floats you boat.

For real, it's so funny that Genesis just kicks Zack and decides to have a moment with Sephiroth. He really is just flailing around trying to figure out something that is going to work. I don't think I totally hate him showing up here in concept, but the fact he reveals Sephiroth's true parentage like, a scene early, is just so weird and jarring and I do think I hate that.

I've been very vocal about hating how heavy handed the symbolism in this game is, but I do love this line and how it contextualizes further the connection between SOLDIERs and monsters and what makes one a monster, and also how Genesis is using this ongoing conversation to hit Sephiroth hard.

Tall Zack! They're fine, but thank's Tifa for taking care of Cloud.

I love most of this scene between the two, getting to talk about their anxieties, their fears, especially Zack getting to kind of vent to Cloud. Also I love Cloud's little pose. Zack's speech about being so frustrated and angry with the choices he's being forced to make, becoming disillusioned, I love it, but then the ending of the scene feels so weird, where Zack compliments the sword and Zack seems to have some revelation we don't?

I'M SORRY ZACK, YOU SEE A LIVING PERSON SLEEPING IN A COFFIN IN A LOCKED SECRET UNDERGROUND ROOM AND JUST DECIDE TO LEAVE HIM??? AND WHY DOESN'T HE HAVE A MODEL YOU COWARDS SHOW ME VINCENT!!

The montage of Sephiroth reading is one of my favorite things tbh, you really see him pacing and going a little crazy, I love it. I do *not* love how it throws you right into the Nibelheim fire???? The pacing of this whole section sucks ass.

Oh my god, how Tifa curls away from Zack in hate and in fear??? Brilliant stunning amazing, I love it.

And Sephiroth is going crazy! Sephiroth, who has lost so much, thinking that he's finally gained something, some kind of connection, that he's learned the answer to why he's had to go through so many bad things in his life, why he's so different. This game has definitely made me like him so much more.

FUCKIGN GET IT CLOUD HELL YEAH HELL YEAH HELL YEAH!

Being normal human, that had to have been so hard for him to life and fight Sephiroth, even just the few blows that he manages to land, but I love him getting this moment to finally act.

AND THEN HE OVER POWERS SEPHIROTH!

It is so importnat to me that Cloud, a normal human, managed to kill Sephiroth. That he's a normal guy, a regular joe, who killed him. It speaks to the power of all human people in the whole world of the game, in my opinion.

And Sephiroth, in his shock, doesn't even think to let go of his sword, like he can't even comprehend what is happening.

Seeing Cloud slide down the stairs tho was so fuckign funny.

I love that Zack's vision of Angeal shattering, those wings that mean freedom, was him shattering the glass and obtaining his own freedom. Beautiful, chef's kiss. I hope he killed that scientist.

Yay, Zack and his bestie Cloud! Watching Zack have to go through such lengths every step to get Cloud just out of the mansion gives you such a vivid picture of how hard the rest of it is going to be, getting Cloud to Midgar. He has to clear the way, then go back and drag Cloud through again. I don't even want to think about how hard getting Cloud up the ladder must have been.

He cares about him So Much. He doesn't even worry about himself, just tries to find a change of clothes for Cloud. Wonder what a First uniform is doing here, though. Maybe it was Zack's? I think in the original he slept in the mansion while Seph was going crazy in the basement. Also, Zack trying to get out of Nibelheim as people try to drag Cloud away??? Oh my god, so mean but also I love it? Again, Cloud is this dead weight right now, but leaving him behind isn't a choice, it's not something Zack ever considers.

Oh Cissnei, if only you had more screen time to I actually cared about this. I do love, though, that Zack is willing to kill her for his freedom. I mean he's not, like, excited about it or anything, but that he's fully accepted that Shinra and everyone associated with them is a threat to himself and Cloud, and he's not going to let anything happen to them again so long as he can help it. And god, how he jumps to Cloud's defense the second she sees him??? Everything I've ever wanted.

And then Cissnei, well, good move on your part for giving them a motorcycle. Why did she have a motocycle? We'll probably never find out, but still, thanks anyway.

Motorcycle boys! Further question on the motorcycle is why does it have a sidecare. My sister suggested that Tseng usually sits in the sidecar, which just makes me imagine him T-posing in the sidecar like Saionji does in Utena.

It really never ends with this fucking guy, huh. What has he been doing for the last five years??? That one of the things that's really bothering me is that so far we never get a sense of the passage of time. I mean, last we saw Genesis, he was dying. But I guess he wasn't dying too badly because it's been five years and he looks exactly the same. Personally, I feel like the Genesis stuff probably should have been wrapped up before Nibelheim, or have a better integration into the current time in the story.

Also fucked up what happened to the copy who ate Zack's hair. God, Genesis really doesn't view the copies as, like, people, does he? He's still searching for answers, but I'm not sure he's ever going to find what he's looking for at this point.

And somehow, we made it to Gongaga! I can't believe Zack didn't realize he was getting so close to home? Don't know what we're doing here, but maybe he'll run into his parents, so that's fun!

All in all, I have to say, this section of the game feels like we've lost the breaks. It's just going two miles a minute over here, and cutting out some stuff that I think should have been shown. It clearly expects you to have played the original game, and I don't think that's fair tbh. Oh well, at least it's still fun to play with friends and laugh at all of the terrible pacing issues and weird line reads.

#browniefox speaks #ffvii #ff7 #crisis core #criss core reunion #brownie plays ccr

[terra-fatalis]

FFVII AFFECTION MECHANICS LIST

Probably this article was better suited for Valentine's day but I'm not well known for my perfect timing... :)

I thought it could be useful to have a full list of the OG variables that affect the date mechanics, a description of the actual Remake mechanics and the differences between the two games all in one post.

I had initially planned to add here also the Wall Market dress mechanics but this post is long enough and the Remake dresses are just so amazing that they absolutely deserve their own post and my complete devotion💖

So...Let’s get to the list!  

OG AFFECTION POINTS

A reminder before reading:

Not all the optional choices of the game affect the scores.

Not all the optional choices that affect the score are mandatory.

Only four characters are associated to the affection mechanics and they start the game with different pre-set scores: Aerith 50, Tifa 30, Yuffie 10*, Barret 0. Aerith and Tifa are the most probable outcomes for the date.

The two main events influenced by the affection points are the Gold Saucer date and the scene under the Highwind. The charcter who has the highest score will spend a night with Cloud at the Gold Saucer; the dialogue between Cloud and Tifa before the final battle will be more explicitly romantic if Tifa has at least 50 points.

The characters are not in competition with each others, most of the choices affect the points of just one character at a time and sometimes they even affect uniformly more than a character. As a general rule, the points increase when Cloud tries to be a kind person and decrease when he's willfully mean.

The outcomes for the date and the HW scene can be different: it's not necessary to achieve Tifa's date to get the high affection HW scene, nor dating Aerith automatically triggers the low affection version. It is perfectly possible to get both Aerith's date and the high affection scene with Tifa.

MIDGAR:

1. On the train after the attack at the Reactor No. 1, when Jessie tells Cloud about the IDs:

Jessie: I know! Next time, I'll give you one I made myself.

"Thanks anyway" (No change)

"Looking forward to it" (-3 Tifa)

2. [Optional] At 7th Heaven, if Cloud bought Aerith's flower:

Tifa: But...A flower for me? Oh Cloud, you shouldn't have... - Cloud: No big.

"Give it to Tifa" (+5 Tifa)

"Give it to Marlene" (+5 Barret)

3. [Optional] If Cloud talks to Tifa when she's behind the bar:

Tifa: Sit down. How about......something to drink?

"I don't feel like it" (No change)

"Give me something hard" (+5 Tifa)

4. When Cloud tries to leave Seventh Heaven:

Tifa: So! You're really leaving !? You're just going to walk right out ignoring your childhood friend !? - Cloud: What......?

"How can you say that!" (+5 Tifa)

"...Sorry" (No change)

5. [Optional] The morning of the attack on the No. 5 Reactor:

Tifa: Good Morning! Cloud! Did you sleep well?

"Next to you, who wouldn't?" (+5 Tifa)

"Barret's snoring kept me up..." (+5 Barret)

6. On the way to the Reactor 5, getting through the train without being caught by the security system

Succeed (+5 Tifa, +5 Barret)

Fail (No change)

7. When Cloud is hanging after the explosion of the Airbuster in the Reactor 5:

Barret: Hey, you gonna be awright?

"(Be strong)" (+2 Barret)

"(I don't know if I can hold on)" (-3 Barret, +1 Tifa)

8. After falling in Aerith's church, when the girl is trying to run away from Reno:

Push a wrong barrel (-3 Aerith)

Tell her to fight the troopers (-1 Aerith)

Tell her to run (No change)

Tell her to run, but she has to fight (-1 Aerith)

Push the right barrel (+1 Aerith)

9. At Aerith's house, when Cloud says he wants to go back to Sector 7:

"No way!" (+1 Aerith)

Aerith: Is Tifa......a girl? - Cloud: Yeah. - Aerith: A girl...friend? - Cloud: Girlfriend?

"Yeah, that's right" (-5 Aerith)

10. When Cloud and Aerith are going to split up after getting to Sector 7 gate:

Cloud: Thanks. I guess this is goodbye. You gonna be all right going home? Aerith: Oh no! 'What ever will I do!?' ...isn't that what you want me to say?

"See her home." (No change)

"Go on to Sector 7" (+1 Aerith)

11a. [Wall Market option A] Talking to Aerith if Tifa is chosen as Don Corneo's bride

"You alright?" (+3 Aerith)

"We gotta help Tifa!" (-2 Aerith)

11b. [Wall Market option B] Talking to Tifa if Aerith is chosen as Don Corneo's bride

"You alright?" (-2 Tifa)

"We gotta help Aerith!" (+3 Tifa)

11c. [Optional] [Wall Market option C] If Cloud is chosen as Don Corneo's bride and acts hesitant

Don Corneo: You don't like me? There...there isn't someone else, is there?

No, only you (No change)

Yes, his name's Barret... (+5 Barret)

12. When Corneo throws the group in the sewer:

Talk to Aerith first (+3 Aerith)

Talk to Tifa first (+3 Tifa)

13. [Optional] After the plate fall, if Cloud talks to Marlene at Aerith's house:

Marlene: Guess what? Guess what? Aerith was asking me lots of questions. Like what kind of person Cloud is. I bet she likes you, Cloud!

"I don't know" (+3 Tifa, -3 Aerith)

"Let's hope so" (-3 Tifa, +3 Aerith)

14. At Shinra HQ, after meeting Red XIII and before fighting Sample H0512:

Cloud: We'll take care of that monster. Somebody take Aerith somewhere safe...

"Tifa, I'm countin' on you!" (-2 Tifa)

"Barret, take care of her!" (+2 Barret)

15. When party splits up to escape Shinra HQ:

Cloud: If all five of us go together, we'll be noticed. Let's break up in two groups.

Whoever is in the party gets a +2 boost

16. [Optional] Talking to Tifa in the jail (this option can be repeated indefinitely):

Tifa: Psst (Can we get out?)

"Leave it to me" (+1 Tifa)

"Kinda hard" (-1 Tifa)

17. In the jail, when Cloud thinks about the other party members:

I wonder how [Barret/Aerith/Red XIII] is doing

The first one gets a +3 boost (no change for Red XIII)

The second one gets a +1 boost (no change for Red XIII)

No change for the last one

18. After leaving Midgar:

Barret: ^#$^%......awright. Go Northeast to a town called Kalm. If something happens, we'll meet up there. 'Sides, we can't have 5 people strolling down the fields. It's too dangerous. Split us into 2 parties...

Whoever is chosen to join the party gets a +1 boost (no change for Red XIII)

KALM

19. After Cloud's flashback when Barret decides to leave the Inn:

Barret: Yo, Cloud! Let's get a move on!

"Right" (+1 Barret)

"Wait a sec" (Barret talks again) -> "Beautiful, just beautiful" (+3 Barret)

"Wait a sec" (Barret talks again) -> "Is that all?" (-1 Barret)

20. [Optional] If talking to the woman on the first floor of the house next to the Inn (the points change only if the characters are in the party. The dialogue can happen at any time before the GS dates):

Thanks to Mako energy, life's pretty darn convenient. Thanks to Shinra. Don't you think?

"Yeah, maybe" (-2 Barret, -1 Aerith, -1 Tifa, +1 Yuffie)

"You're full of it" (+2 Barret, +1 Aerith, +1 Tifa, -1 Yuffie)

21. [Optional] If talking to the woman on the second floor of the house next to the Inn (the points change only if the characters are in the party. The dialogue can happen at any time before the GS dates):

Mako energy's made things a lot more convenient......But seems like a lot of plants and animals have been disappearing at a rapid pace. I think the old life was better. Don't you think so?

"Yeah, maybe" (+2 Barret, +1 Aerith, +1 Tifa, -1 Yuffie)

"No way" (-2 Barret, -1 Aerith, -1 Tifa, +1 Yuffie)

FORT CONDOR

22. [Optional] If Cloud is the party leader and talks to the old guy (the choices affect everyone, even if the party hasn't recruited Yuffie yet):

It appears you have a problem with Shinra, too. After all, you climbed up here. Why not listen to what I have to say for a moment?

"I guess so" (+5 Barret, +3 Aerith, +3 Tifa, +2 Yuffie)

"Not interested" (-5 Barret, -3 Aerith, -3 Tifa, -1 Yuffie)

23. [Optional] After the old guy tells Cloud about his problem (the choices affect everyone, even if the party hasn't recruited Yuffie yet):

What do you think? You want to join us in our fight?

"All right" (+5 Barret, +3 Aerith, +3 Tifa, +2 Yuffie)

"Not interested" (-5 Barret, -3 Aerith, -3 Tifa, -1 Yuffie)

*MEETING YUFFIE

[Optional] The player can repeat the recruiting dialogue as many times as they want. Recruiting Yuffie on the first try will grant her 10 points, failing and repeating it will increase her points up to a max of 30 points (+2 for every correct answer).

CARGO SHIP

24. [Optional] Talking to Yuffie who asks for Tranquillizers for her motion sickness:

"Here, use this" (+4 Yuffie)

"Nope" (-2 Yuffie)

25. Talking to Aerith about the Highwind:

Aerith: That was REALLY something. Hey, do you think I could get on it?

"I'll take you someday" (+2 Aerith)

"I dunno..." (-2 Aerith)

26. Talking to Tifa about the war:

Tifa: ...But, you know what? I really hate this uniform. Uniforms, soldiers, war, I hate 'em all. They take away all the things and people you love... I wish they'd all disappear. Right, Cloud?

"Yeah..." (+2 Tifa)

"I don't know" (-2 Tifa)

GOLD SAUCER

27. After Barret leaves the group, Cloud can choose a partner. The choice will affect the score of the FIRST character he'll interact with. Only if the player declines Red XIII they'll still be able to affect one of the girls' score. If the player doesn't pick anybody, the character with the highest score will join him and the points won't be affected (Red XIII will join instead of Barret):

Go together (+3)

Don't go together (-2)

COREL PRISON

28. The character chosen to accompany Cloud and Barret to fight Dyne:

Cloud: So there it is, Barret. So I guess it'll be Barret, me, and......

(+10 Aerith, +3 Tifa, +2 Yuffie, no change Red XIII)

GONGAGA

29. [Optional] After meeting Zack's parents:

Cloud can talk to Tifa and/or Aerith (if they are in the party).

Ignore them (-3 Aerith / -3 Tifa)

Talk with Tifa (+1 Tifa)

Talk with Aerith -> "Poor guy" (+1 Aerith)

Talk with Aerith -> "(...jealous...envious...)" (+2 Aerith)

COSMO CANYON

30. [Optional] During the first visit the party splits up. If Barret was in the party Cloud can have a conversation with him:

Barret: There was this guy who studied 'Planetary Life' here. He couldn't take things the way they were, so he went to Midgar to form AVALANCHE. Wanna hear more?

Not really (no change)

"Go on" (additional dialogue) -> "And then" (Barret +6)

"Go on" (additional dialogue) -> "Yeah, whatever..." (Barret +3)

WUTAI

31. [Optional] Completing the first quest in Wutai until Yuffie returns the stolen Materia (Yuffie +10)

***

REMAKE AFFECTION POINTS

Even though the Remake covers just the Midgar section, the developers payed homage to the Gold Saucer dates including a beautiful "Resolution scene" at the beginning of Chapter 14, where Aerith, Tifa or Barret will appear and talk to Cloud.

What determines the optional cutscene this time is the number of side quests completed during Chapter 3 and Chapter 8, namely the two chapters spent building up Cloud's merc reputation with Tifa and with Aerith.

The Remake affection mechanics are very simple: 

Aerith and Tifa start as equals. 

The player can complete 6 Odd Jobs and 1 final Discovery Quest, each one granting to the related girl +2 points. 

The girl Cloud will interact first after landing in the sewers will gain an additional +1 point that will eventually serve as tiebreaker. 

As you can guess, the girl with the highest score will lead the optional cutscene but if both girls have less than 5 points then Barret's scene will be unlocked.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS:

The Remake affection mechanics are significantly different from those of the OG. Funnily enough some free-answer dialogues still exist, however not only they don't affect the score but they're also illusory choices as the plot is very linear (see below).

The Remake mechanics are less romance-based. Sure, accomplishing the side quests can be seen as Cloud spending valuable time with the girls, anyway they spend the day doing rough and mundane activities like defeat monsters, rescue kids and search for cats. The focus will always be to improve Cloud's reputation as a reliable merc. Moreover, it doesn’t really make sense to consider Barret as being positively impressed by Cloud refusing to help people in need. 

While in the original Cloud can have just one date and one of the two versions of the Highwind scene, the Resolution scenes are not mutually exclusive and it's perfectly possible that all of them take place during the same night.

***

OG AND REMAKE COMPARISON

Most of the situations linked to the affection points in the OG changed or were left out from the Remake. In general Remake-Cloud tends to be kind with both Aerith and Tifa and by the end of the game his relationship with Barret improves as well. 

#FFVII #date mechanics #affection points #tifa lockhart #aerith gainsborough #barret wallace #yuffie kisaragi #FFVII Remake #cloud strife

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #874: The Midgar Crew (Kingdom Hearts)

6:56 p.m. at Wayfinders' Residence.......

Chirithy: (Looks at Himself in the Mirror While Wearing Cait Sith) So this Cait Sith fellow.....Is it true that he that he possesses the abilities to foresee any events that could possibly happen in the future?

Aqua: (Adjusting to Chirithy's Costume While in Aerith's Attire) Well, I have heard from Mr. Barret that he used to be fortune teller at one point. So it could be a possibility.

Ventus: (Wearing Cid Highwind's Attire While Examining a Fake Spear) I can believe it happening. I heard he can decide his opponents fate with a roll of a dice.

Chirithy: Deciding one's fate in battle..... Fascinating.....

Aqua: I don't know......It seems like a dangerous power for anyone to have in hindsight.....

Chirithy: I'm sure it's in good hands. Which reminds me.....(Shows The Duo a Plushie of Cait Sith's Plushie) What exactly is this creature is supposed to be anyways?

Ventus: (Takes a Closer Look at the Plushie in Question) I.....think he's a part of the Moogie family?

Aqua: It doesn't really look like any Moogie I've seen before.....

?????: I'm ready!~

The trio turns their heads to Namine, walking out of her bedroom while wearing a costume of her Martial Artist mentor, Tifa Lockhart.

Namine: What do you think?

Aqua: (Smiles Softlyly at Namine and her Costume) Namine, you look wonderful.

Ventus: (Smiles Brightly) Yeah. You almost look exactly like Ms. Lockhart when she used to have long hair.

Chirithy: (Nodded in Agreement) It's lovely.

Namine: (Smiles Brightly) Thank you~ I love this costume so much that I almost considered dying my hair black at one point.

Aqua: (Giggles Softly) I'm sure the new hair color would look good on you. Though, I would be lying if I say I prefer it more over to the original.

Ventus: Yeah. It'll kinda be weird not seeing you with your blonde hair anymore. But hey, speaking of which, how's training lessons with Ms. Lockhart as of late, if you don't mind me asking.

Namine: It's going a lot well for the most part. (Eyes Begins to Glitter in Excitement) It's still a long road ahead, but I feel like every step I take will take me one step closer to finally learning the Final Heaven technique!~

Ventus: (Raised an Eyebrow in Confusion) "Final Heaven"? What kind of technique is that?

Namine: It's one of Ms. Lockhart's most well known attacks. A punch so powerful that it could cause any opponents, who gets hit by it, to explode immensely.

Ventus: (Eyes Widened in Complete Shock) Wait EXPLODE!?

Namine: (Happily Nodded) Mmhmm. Of course, you'll need to build up a lot of energy to fully master it completely. But I still think it's exhilarating all the same!~

Chirithy: A power powerful enough to leave a opponent into detonating state..... That does sound pretty interesting.

Ventus: I mean, yeah. But....You really think you have what it takes to master it?

Aqua: I think it's possible. (Turns to Namine) Just try not overwork yourself in your training sessions, okay?

Namine: Yes, ma'am.

Vantias: (Walks Out of His Bedroom While Wearing a Vincent Valentine Costume) ('Sigh') Okay, so.... what's the deal with this Vincent guy anyways? Is he some kind of vampire or something?

Ventus: (Turns to Vantias) Not really. He's a shape shifter that could transform into any monster of his choosing. Galian Beast, Death Gigas, Hellmaster, you name it and he'll probably have that too.

Vantias: Huh. The names sounds interesting enough.....What do they look like? I wanna see if I can have shadows transform into one of them.

Aqua: We can figure all of that out another time. Right now, we need to get to the mansion before it gets too dark. (Turns to Aqua and Terra's Bedroom Door) Terra! You're doing okay in there!?

Terra: (In the Room) Yeah! I'm good! Just.... getting the...last piece of the costume ready is all!

Aqua: You sure you don't any help? It seems like your struggling.

Terra: Don't worry, Aqua, I got it! Almost....there and.....DONE! (Comes Out of the Bedroom While Wearing a Blue and Violet Dress With a Sigh of Relief) Okay! Who's ready for the Halloween Party?

Everyone begins to gasps loudly at the sight of Terra in a beautiful dress, with Ventus letting his fake spear fall from his grasp.

Aqua: Terra!....(Starts Blushing) I-I-Is that really you!?

Terra: (Smiles Sheepishly) Yep. (Chuckles Awkwardly) Funny story about this actually. I was trying to find Cloud's costume in the Halloween Store in town the other day. Once I found out they were all sold out, the manager told me that this is only costume related to Cloud, that they have.....T-This...is the dress Cloud wore at one point on his adventures, right?

Ventus: I-It is! Really! It's just that.... We've....NEVER expected to see you in a dress before, you know?

Terra: ('Sigh') Yeah......I never expected it to ever happen either, but....here we are. I look pretty terrible, don't I?

Aqua: Don't say that, Terra. You look wonderful.

Terra: Yeah. I- (Eyes Widened in Genuine Shock) Wait. You really mean that?

Aqua: (Happily Nodded While Making her Way to Terra) Of course I do. Regardless how bizarre it to see you in a dress for the first time, I still think it looks great on you.

Namine: (Happily Nodded in Agreement) Mmhmm. It makes you look very pretty, Mr. Terra.

Chirithy: Exquisite even.

Ventus: Yeah. It makes you look even more cooler than you were before.

Vantias: Plus, it fits you pretty well. So there's also that at least.

Terra: (Looks Down at the Dress He's Wearing) Yeah. I'm kinda surprise I was able to put it on to begin with. (Looks Back Up at his Family With a Soft Smile on his Face) Still, I'm glad you guys like it. I just hope I don't become the laughing stock of the whole town.

Aqua: (Gently Hold Terra's Hand) Don't worry, Terra. I'm sure no one is going to go on their way to laugh at you.

Five Minutes Later.......

Demyx: (Laughs While Pointing at Terra) AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!

Terra: (Sighs While Having Deadpinned Look on his Face Along With Everyone Else) Well....So much for not being a laughing stock.....

Chirithy: Who is this clown again?

Vantias: Demyx. One of the members of Organization XIII with water powers. Want me to deal with him?

Aqua: No. Allow me. (Walks Up to Demyx)

Demyx: AHAHAHAHAHAHA! Hey, what's-

The laughing Organization member suddenly felt a sharpen pain once Aqua gives him a single, hard punch in the stomach. Instantly causing him to slowly go face down on the ground.

Aqua: (Walks Back With a Satisfied Smile on her Face) Now we can leave.

Terra: (Chuckles Lightly While Following Behind Aqua Along with Everyone Else) Thanks, Aqua.

Demyx: (Winces in Pain) Okay.......I think I might've deserved that one.....Ow...........

@26shann

@keyenuta

@caleb13frede

@khtext

@ma-lemons

@cyber-wildcat

@italian-love-cake

@albion-93

#kingdom hearts #aqua #terra #ventus #namine #vantias #chirithy #demyx #terra (mentioned) #cait sith (mentioned) #vincent valentine (mentioned) #fluff #humor #terra x aqua #namine is training under tifa #halloween month #edited

[lany-d-flow]

Thoughts: Barret as a Father Figure

I wanted to give my perspective on this topic, as it's one of many stigma-heavy thoughts about the actions of FF7 characters. I'll try to provide examples based on anecdotal experience and the circumstances surrounding Barret and Marlene's lives.

So, is Barret overall a bad father?

So, short answer: No, I don't think so.

Long answer:

Okay, anyway, anyone who has seen or played Final Fantasy 7 is probably aware of two characters: Barret Wallace and Marlene Wallace.

We first see their dynamic early in both Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake. We also see a bit of this written in further works of the Compilation of Final Fantasy 7 such as "On the Way To a Smile: Episode Barret and Episode Tifa".

On the surface, we see Barret's unconditional love for his daughter. So many quotes from the game reflect this:

"She's tougher than me"

"That's right, little angel, I am!"

"She's cute as a button, with the heart of an angel..."

...And many more quotes I could cite. As one more example, during the ending of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, we see a moment of Marlene taking care of reunion flowers while under Elmyra's care. After looking at them, Marlene and Barret call out to each other, foreshadowing a reunion in one of the next installments of Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

All right, so we see that these two love and think the world of each other. However, some view Barret as a poor father figure to Marlene for trusting her into someone else's care multiple times throughout the story, including but not limited to:

Having Tifa care for Marlene while AVALANCHE goes after mako reactors in Midgar; having Elmyra care for Marlene while Barret joins the crew to go after Sephiroth; and after defeating Sephiroth and Meteor, trusting Cloud and Tifa to act as parental figures to Marlene while Barret heads back to Corel to atone for his past and find a new purpose besides being a man with a weapon as his right arm.

All right, so based on these moments, one could argue that Barret is not being a good father due to how often he leaves Marlene in the care of someone else, and instead of truly settling down as her caretaker, pursues purpose(s) he thinks are more important.

However, I do not fully agree with this view, nor do I fully agree with other views that Barret's incapable of being a good father. Do I think he could be a better Father to Marlene? Perhaps, yes. Many of the roles that our heroes in Final Fantasy 7 have are not done perfectly. There are examples I could discuss now, but I'll save that for later. For now, I argue the reason Barret leaves Marlene in the hands of others is that...

Life’s answers for the greater good aren’t always as simple as they seem. To do what’s best for someone you look after--in this case, Barret’s daughter--there may come a time when someone else can fill in as a guardian if the person does not have enough emotional availability to care for an individual.

Allow me to demonstrate explain, first by starting with how long Barret has been her father figure in the first place: around 4 years. Barret adopted her to take his Dyne’s place as Marlene’s father figure. Dyne, his best friend, was lost when Shinra took their usual cover-up approach when a mako reactor incident occurred in Barret and Dyne’s hometown, Corel. Instead of owning up to their mistake, Shinra decided to destroy everything remaining in Corel, including its inhabitants. Barret tried to save Dyne, but his right arm that was holding Dyne was shot by a Shinra trooper, causing him to lose control of his forearm and leading to Dyne facing an unfortunate fall into the Corel prison. Among the inhabitants in Corel, Marlene was an infant when Barret took her in as an adopted daughter. Infact, here’s her character bio in a Final Fantasy Ultimania:

Barret’s four-year-old adopted daughter. She views Barret as her real father, having no memories of her birth father, Dyne (Barret’s old friend). Marlene is remarkably composed for a young child and even occasionally runs 7th heaven by herself. - Final Fantasy Ultimania Archive Volume 2 (Pg. 063).

So based on the context the story gives us, we can conclude Barret spent 4 years looking after Marlene while residing in Midgar. He was probably in the middle of taking on odd jobs during this time, of course, and could not see her 24/7. However, such action is necessary if he is to make a living for himself, and more importantly Marlene. Ultimately that part is up to interpretation. What’s not open to interpretation is when Tifa became a part of AVALANCHE, she was the one looking after Marlene during Barret’s missions with his crewmates (Wedge, Biggs, Jessie). While we know Barret was not always around to watch Marlene, we can conclude that he knew who to entrust his daughter’s safety towards, as someone like Tifa has many motherly qualities, and above many things, wants people to live, especially people she cherishes (And of course she eventually becomes Marlene’s mother figure along with Cloud acting as the father figure when Barret heads to Corel). Eventually, when the team decides to go after Aerith at Shinra HQ, Barret entrusts Marlene to someone else once again. This time. it’s Aerith’s step-mother Elmyra, who will continue to watch over Marlene until the end of our heroes’ journey. Perhaps we’ll get a moment of reunion near the end of Final Fantasy 7 Remake when the team returns to the people they are fighting for, but for the next month Marlene is without her father.

All right, we know the endgame of Final Fantasy 7. The team survives the Lifestream-Holy-Meteor clash and they are alive, but now they must find a purpose in their new lives. While Barret stays with Cloud, Tifa, and Marlene at edge for some number of months, helping to build a new Seventh Heaven bar and home for Cloud and Tifa, he eventually decides to embark to Corel and leave Marlene under the care of Cloud and Tifa.

Wow, what a way to not look after your child that you dote on so much, right? For being her adopted father, Barret sure does leave Marlene in the hands of someone else pretty often. For some people, this can lead to the conclusion that Barret is not a good father figure to Marlene and needs to learn how to settle down and act as a real parent for her. While it can be said that Barret’s not an amazing father, I believe what he’s doing does have a realistic approach. He has no job, he doesn’t feel fully available to watch his daughter, and in the midst of this there are two people who are more than willing--and happy--to look after the person he cares about so much. If Marlene can receive a better quality-of-life from someone close for the time being, isn’t it best to give her that better life for now?

Well, I want to get a bit anecdotal about this. I come from a family of 7 children so I got 6 siblings: 2 older half-sisters, 1 younger full-blooded sister, 1 younger half-brother, and 2 younger half-sisters (5 sisters, 1 brother). Well over a decade ago when there was 4 of us, my biological father and mother divorced, and the aftermath was extremely detrimental to everyone. My mother was in a heavy state of depression and lost a lot of money; there was very little food to come by; us children were pretty much doing as we pleased with little consequence at the time; and my birth father was hardly there to support anyone but my younger sister and me. 

So what action did my mother take for my older sisters? She sent them to another state for a year where our grandparents resided, as they were in a financially and mentally stable situation that could benefit my sisters for the time-being. 

I could be here all day talking about the outcomes in minute detail, but to make sure that doesn’t happen, I’ll give the general aftermath: Eventually my mother recovered, found someone who became a doting step-father for all of us, and has unconditionally supported all of us in what we do with our lives.

The point here is that life throws us in complicated situations, and parents sometimes hit said situations that involve their child(ren). Many parents will absolutely dote over their children. Barret absolutely dotes over Marlene and is extremely concerned for her safety. But like Barret, there arise decisions in one’s life that involve changing guardianship for children. Some people have to work overseas and cannot take their children with them, so for a little while they can entrust that duty to someone else they are close to. If I’m going to draw parallels from other games, then the Persona series is a good example. I’ll be more specific: Persona 4. The protagonist is sent to Inaba where his uncle, Ryotaro Dojima, resides with his daughter. This happens because the protagonist’s parents’ jobs require that they be sent overseas. But his parents do not have to worry about their son’s livelihood because he’s sent to be supervised under someone that they trust, and someone they’re related to.

Conclusion

Nobody is perfect, and life is complicated. Sometimes there are roles in our life that we want to accomplish, but when it involves someone you care about, especially your own child, you want to make sure they have the best life possible. Maybe Barret would love to spend his time with Marlene as much as possible, but before he can really do that, he needs to get his own life together first. When that happens, then he can return to the person he loves more than anyone else in Gaia. Let’s always remember: Children are brought into this world, and it’s a cruel world, just like the real world. We want them to be as prepared as possible for the challenges life throws at them, so while they’re still young, look for the greatest good they can get, like Barret does.

#ff7 #ffvii #ffviir #final fantasy 7 #final fantasy 7 remake #final fantasy #barret wallace #marlene Wallace #barret #life gives us interesting situations #anecdotal experience #ff7 remake #Ff7r

[sahbibabe]

A Growing Awareness

A Growing Awareness

Soulmate AU

Sephiroth/Fem! Reader

Reno offers you a job that requires your mercenary skills, requested by Rufus Shinra personally. You neither want to do it or obey his every whim.

Sephiroth is vulnerable, if only for a few moments, and allows you in, but you would never have known otherwise.

SO, [NAME], WE HAVE A proposition for you."

Reno, ever flashy in his nice suit, and Rude, who was carefully pouring you tea after refusing to allow you to do it, had cornered you in your shop sometime after closing. Sephiroth had made good on his promise to escort you, and told you in very simple terms that he would be back again to continue your conversation. If he came into contact with the two Turks, however, there would be bloodshed, you had no doubt; death was the last thing you wanted these days.

"Thank you, Rude," you said, thanking him when he handed you your cup of tea. He nodded imperceptibly at you. "What kind of proposition? I'm afraid there's not a lot I can do for you."

Reno grinned. "See, that's the thing--there's plenty you can do for us. You see, I've been digging up some of your old files--"

You went rock solid. Slamming the tea cup down on the table, you fixed him with a look that could curdle blood, mouth pulled into a firm line, daring him to continue. You felt Rude, beside you, spook just a little. "How dare you."

"--and I found out some very interesting tidbits about you. Would you like to hear them?"

"Do I even have a choice?" You sneered. Your amicable nature had taken the back burner and the mercenary was taking its place, ready to spill blood and cut throats. "I assume you're going to tell me anyway."

Reno produced a thick manila file from inside his blazer, slapping it down on the rickety table with an audible smack. There were red sticky tabs labeled on the parts he thought were important, yellow ones and blue ones and green ones that you didn't know the meaning of.

"[Name] [Surname]," he began in a mocking tone, flipping to your diagnostics page. "Twenty-three. Female. Originally born in Sector Two, moved to Sector Seven at nineteen. Daughter of [M/Name] and [F/Name], head Shinra executives."

You squeezed your eyes shut. "Stop."

"Form occupation: mercenary." His tone got more sardonic the more he read. The more he got closer to the information you tried to forget about for hours at a time, that never ceased bothering you every waking moment. "Charted casualties: six thousand. Known kill count: fifteen thousand. You were a busy woman, weren't you?"

"I said stop."

"And here's the interesting part," Reno hummed, flipping to another red tab, another part of your life that killed you to relive. "After a week in Hojo's lab, you suddenly retired. Packed up and shipped out to Sector Seven without any prior word otherwise. Set up a little tea shop. No one looks twice at the blind woman, except you aren't blind and you aren't as innocent as you make yourself out to be."

You couldn't take it anymore. You were across the table and wrapping your hands around Reno's pale throat, fingers digging into muscle and the hard cartilage of his esophagus, eyes boring holes into his own. Rude tried to pull you away, but you held fast, some supernatural strength rooting you there, threatened.

"I said, stop it," you seethed, ignoring the feel of scalding tea seeping into the skin of your abdomen. You would have burns there, later. "Shut the hell up and tell me what you want. There's no reason for you to educate me on my past."

When you finished speaking, you released him roughly, slowly reclining back in your chair when Rude released you, relieved you weren't going to lunge at his partner again.

"Sorry, [Name]," Rude began, no doubt referring to the giant imprints of his hands that would be left on your hips from his pulling you away from Reno. You hadn't even realized how hard until the pain set in, brutal and aching. "I'll get you a potion."

"No need," you huffed, pulling your shirt away from your stomach. The skin was already raw and hot; you guessed second degree burns by the feel of it. "Either you get to talking, Reno, or get out and never come back."

He was still rubbing his throat, red hair downcast over his eyes, and you made out the imprints of your fingers around his neck like a suffocating ring. You felt somewhat guilty about it and felt the urge to apologize, but the smug smile on his face made you take it back and want to give him a nice shiner in the eye.

"Fine then. President Rufus. He wants you to reinstate your merc services." He leaned back in his chair, though he kept a hand on his baton, you noticed. "He has need of your skillset."

"What?" You mocked, mimicking the tone he had used on you before. "Turks not good enough for the mighty Rufus Shinra that he has to hire a retired mercenary?"

You relished in the irritation beginning to show on Reno's face.

"Look. It's three million gil a gig. Take it or leave it. As for your answer, you have a few months before you'll be needed. I'm sure you can come up with a good one by then."

In short, you couldn't tell them no, and you were going to be seeing Rufus Shinra earlier than you had intended, which had just gone from never in a million years to right in a few months. Unless you wanted your life ruined, you had to go. Had to obey, like a dog.

"Get out," you hissed. "Get. Out."

Reno smirked and waved for Rude to stand, the both of them heading to the door.

"You have my card if you make your decision early."

Once the damned Turks were out of your building, you flipped the open sign to closed and began tearing your shirt off to let the burn breathe. You left it somewhere on the stairs and fumbled for your first aid kit, pulling out a sanitary wipe and burn gel that Tifa had helped you procure at an insanely cheap price.

"Damn," you cursed, feeling the scissors drop from your fingers. You instead ripped the packet of burn gel open with your teeth and spread it across your stomach generously, laying back on your bed and sighing in relief when the powerful sting of the burn went away in a rush of cold. "Much better…"

"Three million gil is a lot of money. You should take it."

You jerked upwards with a shriek, nearly shoving the first aid kit on the floor in your haste to cover your chest. Your shirt had been padded, so you hadn't worried too much about wearing a bra, but now you could very well say that you were regretting that decision now.

Sephiroth sat in the same chair he had before, one ankle crossed over his knee, an insanely long katana balanced on his thighs. He didn't seem particularly bored, or as if he had been waiting long. His cat-eye stare was fixed on your face, watching, waiting for an answer; he didn't even look down at your breasts once. You weren't sure if you should be disappointed, relieved, or both.

You swallowed thickly. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough." He gave you a shrug that seemed entirely out of character for him. "I see you were burned."

"I spilled some tea," you explained quickly, eyebrows furrowed,"but… What are you doing here? I didn't even hear you come inside--"

"I used teleportation materia." He leaned over and plucked a red orb from your letter drawer, rolling it between his fingers. "Your turn."

You huffed and, seeing he wasn't going to look at you in an intimate way anytime soon, went to the bathroom to pull on your robe. It was one you had splurged on at Aerith's urging, saying it was soft and comfortable. You had slept in it on many occasions, sometimes when the weather got too hot or the sun lamps were too concentrated.

With your back turned in the threshold of the bathroom, working furiously at the knot you had tied into the belt, you wouldn't have noticed those green-blue eyes admiring the panes of your back, darting from the back of your neck to the dip in your spine near the hem of your pants.

You finally got the belt untied and pulled on the robe with a grimace, adjusting the tightness so you wouldn't have the fibers sticking to the burn gel. You probably should have put gauze on it or something, but in your panic at seeing Sephiroth and being half naked, you had forgotten all about it.

The robe hung open as a result, but you could easily hide your chest by crossing your arms. When you were satisfied, you turned back and began picking up the burn gel and supplies, tucking them away in the first aid kit.

"You aren't going to take it?"

"Take what?" You asked.

"The Turk's offer."

"I don't really have a choice, do I?" You brushed hair away from your face and sat down parallel to him, reasonably positioned on the edge of your bed. "What Rufus Shinra wants, he gets. He'll make my life a living hell if I don't."

"You could always leave," Sephiroth suggested. "Leave Midgar. I doubt he would follow."

You smiled sadly and looked out your window where Seventh Heaven's lights glowed brightly. You could pick out Tifa and Cloud sitting on the steps, pointing towards Jessie and Wedge who were encouraging Biggs to guzzle a drink. You even saw Marlene and Barret sitting outside as well, but you weren't able to tell what they were doing.

"I can't leave." You stroked the soft cotton of your robe idly. "Even if I wanted to. I have friends here… Friends I consider family. I couldn't leave them like that. It wouldn't be right."

"Then you would have to take the offer," Sephiroth concluded, uncrossing his legs. He left his sword on the chair and approached you, standing uncomfortably close. You edged back and leaned against the window frame to allow him to see outside as well. "Rufus Shinra will go after them if you don't."

"I know. He's smarter than his father, I'll give him that."

"Smarter and nearly twice as clever." He shook his head. "What that Turk said--is it true?"

"What part?" You hummed, watching as Wedge approached Cloud and began talking animatedly. You would get nothing out of being dishonest; he had heard everything, after all. The least you could do was be honest. "The mercenary thing, or…"

"Both. The mercenary part, and Hojo's experiments."

He sounded testy, like he was weighing his options and those options rested on what you told him.

"The mercenary part is simple." You looked at him from underneath your lashes, somewhat startled by the intensity he was looking at you with. You had almost thought he had pilfered your personal files, but it seemed not. He knew as much about you as you did him. "I worked as one for about nine or so years, racked up an ostentatious kill count. Got sick, went to Hojo, and he screwed everything up. I left, he never pursued, to make a long story short. I doubt he even knew what he was doing. He only wanted a test subject."

"I see." Sephiroth went quiet, seemingly content with that answer. "You didn't have to tell me. So, thank you. [Name]."

You couldn't help the butterflies that erupted in your stomach at the sound of your name. It was better than you had imagined it to be. "It was a long time ago. It bothers me sometimes when I don't talk about it."

"Of course. Most things do."

When you looked up, you caught that glimmer in his eye--that spark of life and consciousness that he had never seemed to have before. An awareness of the world, you had to guess, or an appreciation of reality, as if he had come out of a long sleep and was just now seeing things for the first time.

You had to wonder what it was like to be a SOLDIER, to live in that mindset for so long that you couldn't distinguish between yourself and the weapon that you had become. Cloud had certainly struggled with it, but he had Tifa; Sephiroth had no one, would not allow himself to be vulnerable to you in that way. He seemed to be slowly coming out of in all on his own, that dangerous aura receding to allow something genuine and almost pure to rise to the surface: thankfulness.

But with that self awareness came problems. You had to face the bad things you had done and the things you would still do before you ever came to terms with your new existence. You would know; you had spent two years curled up in one of Merle's apartments, only eating, drinking, sleeping, and despairing over your previous actions. The people you had killed.

So you decided to make him an offer, even if he wouldn't accept it.

"Hey," you said, your voice a whisper. Any louder and it might break the silent peace that had developed in the room. "If you want to talk about it, I'm here. I might not know much about SOLDIER stuff, but…" You shrugged awkwardly. "I'll be here."

He didn't smile, but you could see a miniscule grin on his face, just the tiniest pull of his lips. He didn't acknowledge it, though, and continued looking out the window until you slumped against the sill with a yawn, eyes heavy lidded and hazy.

Sephiroth helped you to your bed when you stumbled, pulling the blankets over you when you flopped down onto your pillow with a groan at the pull of the burn on your abdomen.

As you closed your eyes and tried to force yourself to sleep, you felt the feather soft brush of lips on your cheek, felt his breath on your ear as he whispered.

"Thank you."

#final fantasy vii remake #sephiroth #red string au #red string of fate #soulmate au #sephiroth x reader

[vow-upon-a-star]

Yeah I'd love those quotes from Nomura/Nojima if you don't mind. There's so much nonsense out there from the other side (CAs) that always end up being completely out of context so I was just wondering what the people in charge have actually said about Cloud/Tifa in regards to the games, AC, and the compilation

Oh man I have 4 anons asking me to post the quotes! Where do I even start???

Ok, reposting these. 

–Were there two heroines from the outset?

Nomura: No, originally there was only Aerith, and Tifa was added as another heroine later. To make up for Aerith dying, we needed a heroine who would be by the hero’s side until the end. -WEEKLY FAMITSU ISSUE NO. 1224: TETSUYA NOMURA INTERVIEW

– It’s been 10 years since FFVII was released. I think the reason fans have continued to support it for so long is because it left that much of an impression on them, but what scenes stand out most in your memories as the creators?

Nomura: The scene that sticks out for me is the scene when Tifa going into Cloud’s mental realm and he remembers the truth about what happened in the past.

-The line “Words aren’t the only way to talk someone how you feel,” right? That was quite a mature conversation for a FF game.

Kitase: But I remember having to get another version that was too intense toned down.

Nojima: The original idea was more extreme. The plan was to have Cloud walk out of the Chocobo stable on board the Highwind, followed by Tifa leaving while checking around, but Kitase turned it down. But even with the line in question, maybe at that time none of us thought it would be something so important (laughs).

All of the above are from an interview located in the FF7 10th Anniversary Ultimania

“Inside, I felt one thing was for sure: Cloud and Tifa would be together. Everybody would be back home where they belonged.”-Nojima, Renuion files pg 70.

In Advent Children, the ultimania states that Cloud was happy living with Tifa and the children. Nojima and Nomura go into more detail about this, and why he left even before getting Geostigma. 

The more he realizes how happy he is living with Tifa and the children, the more the fear of losing that and regrets toward the past trouble Cloud…-FF7 10th Anniversary Ultimania, pg. 38 (40 in revised edition)

Cloud tried to move on once…but he was hurt by the losses he experienced in the battles he fought in the game story. Even after all of that he still found a peaceful life and that made him scared. He lost it all once already and he could lose it all again. even though he was there he couldn’t do anything to prevent it the last time. So the happier he is, the more lonely he becomes. - Nomura : in Distance, “The making of Advent Children” 

-At the end of FFVII, Cloud saved the world and was on the way to a happy ending but, in the two years towards AC, he returned to the way he was in the past. What happened to him?

Nojima: Cloud never had a candid personality to begin with, and although he started living with Tifa and even started working, he obtained a peaceful living he’s never experienced before, and this conversely made him anxious. And in the midst of this he contracts Geostigma himself, and rather than being able to protect the people dear to him, he instead was forced to face his own death, and so ran away -3N interview (The interview was with Nozue, Nojima, and Nomura…hence the name “3N interview”)

Nojima: “Even though he found peace, Cloud has lost a lot of people dear to him up until this point. Not only that, but looking at Cloud’s history, this is the first time he’s experienced a ‘peaceful’ environment in the true sense of the word. Cloud is a character who will always keep thinking, regardless of what’s going on around him.” -3N Interview

Cloud was happy with Tifa, even before he got Geostigma, what was making him nervous was his happiness. He was scared something bad would happen because of all his past trauma. When he got Geostigma, that took the cake. 

Some quotes about Tifa. 

There are many dimensions to Tifa’s character. She’s like a mother, a sweetheart, and a close ally in battle.- (Nomura) Reunion Files, pg. 19

Tifa is a strong woman. She doesn’t like what Cloud is doing, but instead of lecturing him about every little thing, she’s been waiting for him to realize for himself what his actions are doing. She’s remarkably strong, not only emotionally, but physically as well. I think that using words to help lead Cloud to his own conclusions, instead of constant lecture, is a defining quality of Tifa’s personality.-(Nomura) pg. 20

The director, Nomura, said he wanted me to make sure she wasn’t a clingy woman, but to portray her as though she’s been hurt emotionally in a way that others around her cannot easily detect. (Nojima) pg. 20

The creators saying Tifa is not clingy, she is remarkably strong both emotionally and physically. 

Now, let’s look at one more quote from Nomura. 

–“What is the relationship between Cloud and Tifa?”

Nomura: “I think that this volume is able to deeply grasp the relationship between the two. It would be simple to say in words, but …” - June 2004 issue (published May of 2004) of Famitsu PS2, on pg. 33 (In regards to AC) 

Let’s take a look at what the Ultimania’s have said. 

Cloud and Tifa move in together because of their feelings for each other.

The only woman who knows Cloud’s past. In FF7, Tifa is the only one who knows Cloud’s childhood, and furthermore, she holds the key to people involved in the story of Nibelheim’s burning down, which is also depicted in CC. She and Cloud came to realize their feelings for each other in the end of the story, and live together in AC and DC.- Tifa’s Profile, Crisis Core Ultimania, pg. 33

Cloud was happy living with Tifa, and experienced a peace with her he never had before.

(See above quotes) 

Cloud left because of his feelings of guilt and Geostigma.

(See above quotes. Here’s some additional quotes)

Now running a delivery business while helping out Tifa with the newly opened “Seventh Heaven” bar, Cloud, Tifa, Marlene and Denzel lived together like a family. However, when Cloud contracts Geostigma he disappears. Behind these actions lies feelings of guilt towards his past failure to protect people who were important to him, but through his battle with Kadaj’s gang, the legacy of Jenova, he regains the courage to face reality.- FF7 10th Anniversary Ultimania,Cloud Strife profile

Because he contracted Geostigma, Cloud left Tifa and the children, and began living in the Slum church. FF7 10th Anniversary Ultimania, Timeline

Because he contracted Geostigma, he left Tifa and the children, and began living in the Slum church. FF7 10th Anniversary Ultimania, Cloud Strife Profile.

When Cloud’s Geostigma and guilt are healed, he returns to living with Tifa and the children (See above quote stating his feelings for Tifa are still constant in DC)

When he awakes, there was his friends. There were the children, freed from their fatal illness. Tifa and Marlene, and Denzel asking for Cloud to heal his Geostigma — his family were waiting. Engulfed in celebration, he realizes where he is meant to live. He realizes that he was able to forgive himself. -FF7 10th Anniversary Ultimania, pg. 131 (133 in revised edition)

With the help of his friends, he defeated Bahamut SIN, which Kadaj’s gang had summoned. He defeated Sephiroth after his Advent, and returned to Tifa and the children.- FF7 10th Anniversary Ultimania, Cloud profile, Cloud’s timeline. 

At the end of a long struggle, she gently welcomes back Cloud on his return home after settling things with himself.-Tifa’s Dengeki profile.

I’d say it’s pretty clear what their relationship is. 

Now some quotes from Tifa and Cloud’s Japanese voice actors. 

“Tifa rarely opens up to show her weaknesses to others - although she does have some. In a sense she’s like a young girl, but she’ll do anything to protect those who are close to her.” -Ayumi Ito, Reunion Files pg. 23

Tifa is an amazing woman - emotionally tough and knows how to fight. -Ayumi Ito, Reunion Files, pg. 23

“I’m a “Tifa” man myself.” -Takahiro Sakurai, Reunion Files, pg. 14

“I did most of my recording alone, but a few times I was able to record with Ayumi Ito, who did Tifa’s voice. I’ve always been a Tifa fan, you know. One of my friends is an Aerith fan, and I’ve actually gotten into an argument with him about who the better woman is. Since she grew up with Cloud, there’s a subtle balance between her outer and inner self, I think Tifa is pretty special. I’m quite the simple man, aren’t I?” - Takahiro Sakurai, Reunion Files, pg. 14

Next, are comments in regards to Kingdom Hearts 2 from Nomura.

—”Speaking of Tifa, there’s an event after beating Sephiroth where she interacts with Cloud.”

Nomura: “In Nojima’s scenario, the connection between Cloud and Tifa was discussed more concretely, but I chose to erase that. I thought it would be more interesting for players to think about it instead. For example, with the meaning that ‘if Sephiroth is Cloud’s darkness, then Tifa is his light,’ one may take the understanding that Tifa isn’t human. It may be because Tifa isn’t human that she doesn’t talk with anyone but Sora’s group. Of course, since she was also presented in a way where she could be seen as a resident of Hollow Bastion like Cid, Aerith and the others, I think one can freely ponder that.” -pg. 724 of the Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania 

Tifa As a symbol of light, like Sephiroth, it’s possible that she too was incorporeal. That last scene where she goes off to search for Cloud, you could say, is a metaphor for how Cloud’s light still hasn’t lost him, even though he’s disappeared off with his darkness, and it is trying to shine on him again… I’m pretty sure I didn’t manage to get all that across very well.–Nomura, Kingdom Hearts Character’s report Vol. 2

Phew, that was quite a lot, wasn’t it? And these are just the ones I know about! Imagine the ones I don’t know about!

#Anonymous #cloti

[silver-wield]

“Jessie pulls her into avalanche activities using Tifa's hatred against Shinra and desire for a friend as tools to get her on their side doing what they want.” man, I always thought it was Barrett who recruited her, like it does feel weird when you see it at first? How much she is hesitant and doesn’t seem like someone who would go to join a group of terrorist. every time se shows her conflict about their actions i would just think “then why did you join? Tifa what did you think terrorism was about?” Why didn’t SE include this detail in the game? It would have made things make sense then? Also I didn’t know all of this about Jessie?? I knew she was just an insert for OG Aerith for Writers to use and send a hint to the OG CAs lol, but yeah what she did to Tifa is new to me

“Tifa even says she only noticed Jessie first of all because of the friendship between the avalanche trio and how it made her sad and envious because everyone she knew had been murdered and she needed someone to confide in and tell her she'd done her best.” This make the reunion between her and Cloud all the more important! It’s so sweet and sad and now if Jessie knew they had a thing going and how lonely Tifa feels but STILL tries to snatch Cloud that’s just awful, wth? Why does she hate her? Does the other two disagree? (Wedge and bigges) since wedge warn cloud and i think bigges have feelings for Jessie? He also give CT a room to hang out, but wow, i didn’t expect to walk in and come out realizing a whole new Jessie

Also the Tifa chapter is so cute?? I wish we got that:( it also shows how much Tifa pov and character is a lot more important by giving her her own chapter, I mean it still is sense they are including it in the alut lol she is the heroine and best best girl!

Tifa's level was cut for timing reasons but the devs have the assets so we're all hoping they'll put together a dlc and we can play Tifa's level. A lot of backstory was in it, so that's why we don't know all these details about Tifa and avalanche, but it's also why Nojima has those details in ToTP to show the background for Tifa's character.

It's definitely Jessie who brings Tifa in. And then Tifa joins roughly the same time as Barret. He was already looking for avalanche the same time Tifa was searching for Jessie, but it was Tifa who bought 7th heaven with her work savings so that Marlene would have a roof over her head. Jessie only does what she can profit from. She even uses Biggs and Wedge when it suits her. All she cares about is what's important to her with only a vague sense of guilt about it later.

Jessie is probably jealous of what she sees as Tifa having an easy life, and even after learning otherwise, Tifa is a stunning hard working girl and not someone who had to give up her stage dreams because Shinra made her father sick. It wouldn't make sense, but human nature is like that. Jessie can be resentful of Tifa without it having to be a perfect bow on her emotions. To her, Tifa is younger, prettier, smarter, nicer and then also has this hunky dude show up all into her. To Jessie, Tifa can never understand her pain. Which is dramatic af but that's how some asshats are. Jessie lacks empathy and only thinks about herself.

ToTP is full of so much awesome story info and really fills out what Tifa was doing those five years between the Nibelheim incident and the start of FFVII.

#final fantasy 7 remake #ff7r #ffviir #final fantasy 7r #final fantasy viir

[theplayersxp]

im done finishing the game FF7 remake. because its free download in PS4 when you subscribed to PS+.

in the beginning of the game, cloud is hired by the avalanche, a secret organization in sector 7 in midgar. they bomb a mako reactor inside the shinra building. because shinra, the power company or electricity company consuming the power of the planet without knowing of the citizen its negative effect and they think it will lead to destruction of their planet.

but they will discover more dark secret of shinra after they infiltrate it to save Aerith.

avalanche group is composed of, from left Wedge, Barret, Jessie and Biggs in front while cloud is being hired as a mercenary and a former soldier who adept in using of buster sword and skilled in driving.

and this is Tifa, one of original members also of avalanche. childhood friend of cloud. working in 7th heaven bar. so it means.. avalanche group has 5 original members.

what i like to Tifa is her very calm face even i am already in the middle of the game or the background song effect is intense. her face is still calm or maamo in tagalog. it seems like, when i catch her looking at cloud or i steal a glimps of her. i fell in love because she is really charming while looking at cloud and i feel melted with her look if i am cloud and Tifa is really looking at me like that and i catch her.

i'm not really a die hard fan of final fantasy 7, coz when i was young.. i saw many players playing FF7 and i like the name cloud and his hairstyle.. unfortunately i don't know how to play any final fantasy before.

i really don't have a plan to play this game coz im solid FF8 (hehe) but when i got a chance to play it by free downloading in ps+ games. i grab the opportunity also.

and i enjoy playing the game and fell in love with the female characters of the game. actually, i like all of them. that is why.. if i am cloud? i will really think for ages who really beating my heart. if aerith, tifa or jessie.

but i think.. base on final fantasy 7 remake, cloud likes Aerith but im not really sure. unlike to FF8, squall open her feelings to rinoa even rinoa is not awake in that moment.

while im continue the game and trying to finish it. in the middle of the game the only character you will be playing is barret, cloud and tifa.

time really flies in this picture, i feel so many years again have passed. before the character of this game is only 3D but now 3D with high graphics and resolution and seems like a seconds of cinematics in every game in ps1 before.

when i search this game in internet.. and compare the length of time of game play in old and new FF7. the older version has a longer length of time of game play.

so it means.. this game, in this kind of version is not all included in 1 CD only. like in ps1 before, sometimes the hard games or RPG games has 2 or 4 CD to finished.

after i finished the game, that's the time i learn who are the main characters, and i thought aerith is the extra but she is also included in main characters. 😅

so the main characters are, cloud, barret, aerith, tifa and red xiii in the end of the game.

and while im searching about final fantasy 7 remake. i saw some videos and website about the continuation of final fantasy 7 remake this year 2021!

maybe its another beautiful game again from square enix.

thank you ps4+ for free games and to square enix. :)

#games #ps4 #ff7r

[silver-wield]

Fan fiction dork is back again. This is long.

"No!"

The flat refusal made Aerith pull a face and roll her eyes. "Such a mood." She turned towards Tifa, stationed over by the grill and asked, "How do you put up with him?"

Tifa glanced up, a questioning look on her face. "Huh?" Her gaze went from Aerith to Cloud, who had his arms folded and was staring at her like he expected back up. She shrugged one shoulder and went back to staring at the burgers sizzling away. "He's got his charm," she replied in a light voice.

When Aerith glanced at Cloud she caught the tail end of a smug smile. "You're so easily pleased when you wanna be," she teased, poking his bicep.

Cloud leaned away and scowled. "Is there a reason you're here?"

Aerith's eyes widened. "Wow, rude." She looked around the new Seventh Heaven and smiled. The people of sector seven really loved Tifa. They rebuilt the whole bar by the time the group returned to Midgar. Even better, they added a daytime cafe where Aerith could help out and spend time with her bestie. "I'm here to collect on a date," she said with an evil grin.

Cloud choked and turned to look at Tifa. "What!?"

Aerith would've bet all the flowers in her garden that he was hoping she hadn't heard that. Letting him hang in suspense for a moment longer than she had to, she finally put Cloud out of his misery by saying, "Tifa and I have a date in sector eight later." She was evilly amused at the sigh of relief from him. Leaning closer and ignoring how he moved away, she added, "Did you forget I have a boyfriend? Zack doesn't like you enough to share." She giggled when she spotted Cloud's face turning red.

"Quit it!" He got up and went to sit at the counter.

He's such a kid. Aerith shook her head and smiled fondly at his back.

Tifa looked over her shoulder and smiled at him. "You okay?"

"I've been better," he replied, shooting Aerith a dirty look.

Tifa sighed. "Can I trust you two to play nice while I call everyone in?"

"Tifa--!" Cloud pouted.

"Sure thing!" Aerith waved Tifa's concerns away.

"Great. Be right back." With a friendly nod, Tifa swiftly plated the food, set it on the counter ready for pick up, and came through the swing door. On her way out, she paused beside Cloud and laid her hand on his back. "Be nice," she whispered in his ear in a teasing tone.

"I'm doing my best," he replied, a small smile appearing and disappearing like lightning. With Tifa so near, Cloud took the chance to sneak a swift kiss on her cheek, leaving her blushing and biting her lip.

"Be right back," she repeated in a soft voice, before jogging out of the bar.

Aerith clasped her hands together. "You two are so adorable!"

Cloud pulled a face and rolled his eyes.

"I told you she was someone special," she went on.

"You want a medal?" he asked, half joking.

"You got a medal?"

"Nope." He got up and started moving plates to a long table set up that morning.

Aerith watched him move with methodical precision. Even a casual black t-shirt and blue shorts couldn't hide his natural grace. Nothing Cloud did was without purpose. He used words sparingly before he was himself again, but Aerith half-expected him to become more chatty afterwards. She hadn't realised Cloud was Cloud, just a little less moody, more obviously kinder and even more stupidly in love with Tifa. She supposed that kindness was the reason she and Zack survived in the end, despite what she did to fate. She wanted him to live so badly, she defied the will of the planet. But, as she said to Cloud that night in her dream, everyone dies eventually. Whether she and Zack have years, months, weeks, days or less together before that happens, they still have so many moments more than what they did before. She was more happy now than she can remember being in her entire life. She has a life and can laugh with the people she loves. She has friends and Zack. She has Cloud and everyone else to thank for it. Tears gathered in her eyes and she swiftly brushed them away.

Not swiftly enough.

"You good?" Cloud paused between the bar and table.

Aerith gave him a bright smile. "Sure am!"

He raised a doubtful eyebrow, but didn't pry further.

Aerith ducked her head and laughed to herself. Cloud never cared enough about her to want to dig deeper. And she never trusted him enough to want to share. Not like Zack. That was who she'd been so desperate to see in him when they first met, but it was all too obvious she was deluding herself when the way he acted wasn't anything like Zack. Not deep down, anyway. A few similar poses, a uniform and mako infused eyes didn't turn Cloud into her one true love. She flushed with guilt and shame thinking about the way she acted. Did I ever apologise for that? "You know, Cloud," she began, finding she couldn't look at him.

"Yeah, I know Cloud," he said, stopping a foot away from her and crossing his arms.

When Aerith looked up she saw a friendly smile on his face. She laughed and shook her head. "I'm sorry."

Cloud frowned. "For what?"

"For not being all that nice to you when we first met." She pulled on her bangs, using the physical pain as a focus. "I was...trying to make you someone you weren't. Someone you could never be."

"S'alright," he replied, shrugging it off. "I was, too."

Aerith looked at him then and nodded. "Yeah, I guess you were." She laughed. They both missed Zack so much they fooled themselves. But now they didn't need to because he was here. Alive. With them.

Cloud nodded. "So, we good?" He turned to grab the last of the plates.

Aerith felt lighter. "Yeah. We're good."

"I spy an angel." Zack greeted Aerith with a broad smile as he entered the bar, using the shirt he held to wipe his sweaty face. "You should have joined us, Cloud. Barret kicked the ball at Red, so he burst it with his tail!" He laughed and shook his head.

"Maybe later," Cloud replied, shrugging. Exercising in hot weather reminded him of pointless drills Heidigger made the grunts do until they dropped.

"What? Not a fan of team sports?" Zack headed straight for Aerith and squatted a little. He tapped a finger to his cheek and said, "To the victor goes the spoils."

Aerith laughed and put her hands on her hips. "Oh, I'm a prize now, am I?"

He turned his head to meet her eyes. "Absolutely, yes."

Cloud snorted and turned his back on them, muttering, "Weirdos."

Aerith giggled and playfully pushed Zack. "Oh, you!" As Zack rocked backwards Aerith grabbed his hand and pulled him to her. She wrapped both arms around his waist and hugged him tight. "Ew, you're all sweaty."

"Ah, sorry," he said, stroking her hair. "It's really hot out today. You guys made the smart choice staying inside." He tried to untangle her from him, but she held on tighter.

"It's okay," she buried her face against his bare chest, "I don't mind."

Zack kissed the top of her head.

Tifa re-entered the bar, followed by Barret, who had Marlene on his shoulder, Red, Yuffie, Cid, Vincent, Biggs and Wedge, who carried Cait Sith. "Great, everyone's getting along," she said, smiling at Cloud.

"You were only gone five minutes," he replied, a smile tweaking one corner of his mouth up. "How much trouble do you think I can get into?"

She leaned forward and smiled. "Lots."

Barret let out a gut busting laugh. "She's gotcha there!" He jiggled Marlene until she giggled. "Right, baby?"

"Uh huh, yeah!" Marlene nodded and wagged a finger at Cloud. "You're trouble, so you gotta let Tifa look after you!"

Cloud nodded, a serious look on his face. "Yes, ma'am."

Marlene giggled and Tifa smiled.

"Why's this boy such a goddamn fool, would someone tell me that?" Cid barged past everyone and took a seat at the table. "Well, we eatin' or not?" He slapped a hand on the tabletop.

Tifa looked flustered for a moment, then saw the food laid out ready.

"Maybe if the rest of you losers get to the table!" Yuffie mocked from her seat.

Zack's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "When did she--?" He stepped back from Aerith and put his shirt on, much to her disappointment.

"Ninja!" Yuffie gave him a finger gun salute and winked.

"Okay, everyone, let's sit down and eat before the food gets cold." Tifa urged with a cheerful smile.

"You know I don't need to eat," Vincent muttered, though he sat anyway.

"I appreciate the adaptation," Red said, perching on a footstool.

"You guys are family, and family eats together," Marlene said, wagging a finger at them both.

"You heard her, and nobody argues with Marlene," Biggs said, taking a seat beside her.

"I'm starving! If Vinny doesn't wanna eat I'll have his!" Wedge gave Vincent a huge smile.

"That's not my--"

"He'll still do it," Cloud said, interrupting him.

"Aww, thanks for sticking up for me, bro." Wedge targeted Cloud with an even larger smile.

Cloud gestured at him and said, "See?"

Vincent snorted, but pushed his plate over to Wedge.

"Okay, who wants drinks?" Tifa moved to stand behind the bar and grabbed a cocktail shaker.

"Ooh, can you teach me how to make something?" Aerith bounced up from beside Zack and darted over to Tifa.

"Uh, sure, I guess." Tifa smiled and nodded. "What do you want to drink?"

"Can you make a pink one?" Zack asked, turning in his seat and resting his forearm on the back.

"Pink isn't a flavour," Cloud joked, also turning around. His gaze locked with Tifa's. "Something sweet?"

"Oh, how about grapefruit!?" Aerith bounced on her toes.

Tifa looked at Aerith and tipped her head to one side. "But...that's not sweet?"

"I didn't ask for sweet, he did." She grinned and jabbed a thumb over her shoulder towards Cloud.

"Aerith likes drinks with a kick." Zack frowned thoughtfully. "Pineapple?"

Aerith clapped her hands together. "Yes!" She half turned and blew Zack a kiss. "You know me so well."

Zack looked stupidly pleased at her praise.

"Can y'all hurry it up. Feels like you're taking forever for just one drink." Barret gestured as he spoke. "People dyin' of thirst over here."

"Ah, sorry!" Tifa ducked her head.

Cloud got up. "I'll give you a hand." As he walked towards the swing door separating the front of the bar from the back, he said over his shoulder, "Beer good for everybody?" It's what they'd get even if they said no. A round of murmurs had him nodding.

"And juice for the kids," Cid added. "Two cups."

"Hey! I'm not a kid!" Yuffie huffed and crossed her arms.

"You're pouting like one." Biggs reached across the table to poke her cheek. "You look twelve."

Yuffie leaned back and stuck her tongue out at him.

Biggs chuckled. "And now you look like a ten year old."

As those around the table laughed, bickered and joked, Cloud moved around them and placed drinks within reach. He then went back to the bar, where Tifa, Aerith and Zack were still discussing cocktail combinations that included a bunch of fruit he'd never heard of. He felt like he couldn't contribute, so sat and watched Tifa. A slap on the back jolted him from his thoughts and he automatically scowled at the culprit.

"Woah, what'd I ever do to you?" Zack acted hurt, then chuckled. "Looks like you had something important on your mind," he said in a low voice. "Wanna talk?"

Cloud grimaced and half-turned away from the girls, just in case Tifa overheard. "Not really."

Zack put his hands on his hips and laughed. "You know, for a minute there I thought you changed, but I guess you'll always be the same Cloud." He ruffled Cloud's hair until Cloud slapped his hand away.

"Cut it out. It's not like that," he said, glancing at Tifa again.

"What?" Zack laid a hand on Cloud's shoulder. "Trouble in paradise?" He put on his best confidant expression. "Need some dating advice?"

Cloud shook his head and replied in a low voice, "It's been three months since, you know..."

"Sephiroth found his promised land, Jenova dissolved and we won it all?" Zack said this in a light tone, but tears still gathered at the corner of his eyes. The Sephiroth he knew wasn't the one Cloud hated for so long. He couldn't feel victorious about losing a good friend. Though that friend seemed lost for a long time, at the very end Sephiroth smiled like the man Zack remembered. He found himself again, and peace. Angeal and Genesis better be looking out for you over there. He blinked away the tears and focused on Cloud. "Yeah, so...?"

Cloud drew in a deep breath and let it out. "So, how long is long enough?"

Zack frowned. "For what?" He tried not to think too far ahead. Aerith already explained the planet could take them both back at any time, so he lived from moment to moment, never taking anything for granted. He had a home in sector five with Aerith and Elmyra, friends, his life and the freedom to choose what he wanted to do with the time he had. He was overflowing with gratitude and good cheer. And he'd promised some of that time would be spent helping Cloud not be such an insecure dork around the love of his life. Three months of dating and he still thinks she isn't as crazy about him as he is her. Zack wished Cloud could see the look on Tifa's face whenever he wasn't paying attention to her, scant as those moments were. It made Zack feel like a voyeur, and Aerith laughed hysterically when he said it because she felt the same.

Cloud sighed again. "Forget it."

"Has anyone ever told you that you think too much?" He patted Cloud on the back.

"No, Aerith, wait, the lid isn't--!"

Too late. Aerith turned the blender on and pink liquid sprayed up in an impressive geiser, tossing lumps of fruit in its wake.

"Tifa!" Cloud vaulted the bar and tried to get her out of the way.

Tifa cringed and tried to duck, but somehow both ended up covered, despite Cloud blocking the worst of it.

"Oops!" Aerith put her hands up and shrugged. Despite being the one to turn the blender on, she didn't have a speck of drink on her pink top or white skirt. She shot Zack a split second wink and he smothered a laugh.

"That's one way to help," he said to her in a low voice.

Cloud scowled to himself, then looked at Tifa. "You okay?"

She tried not to smile at how the juice flattened his hair. Reaching slowly, she picked a piece of pineapple clinging to his cheek and put it on the side. "Yeah, thanks."

Cloud stared into her eyes until they were all he could see. "Tifa, I--"

"You guys okay?" Wedge half rose from his seat before Barret and Biggs shoved him back down.

"Dummy!" Cait Sith hopped onto the table and hit him with its megaphone.

"Ow! Hey, what did I do!?" The ow was for show, Wedge had an indestructible body thanks to Hojo's "helpful" interference after he fell from the Shinra building. He was lucky to be more than a splat on the sidewalk, but that didn't make him grateful to the monster who made him.

"Gonna need to go wash up," Barret said to Tifa and Cloud. "Don't worry about us, we'll be fine by ourselves for a bit."

"Yeah," Aerith added, circling around them both and pushing them towards the stairs. "Better get that out of your hair before you have to cut it off."

Tifa drew in a sharp breath. "Right." She stopped and looked at the mess behind them. "What about--?"

"Don't worry about the bar."

"We got this!"

Zack and Biggs gave her a thumbs up.

Tifa looked at Cloud, who looked bemused. "Uh, okay, I guess. We'll be right back."

"Take your time!" Yuffie and Aerith said in unison. They looked at each other and giggled.

"What are they laughing about?" Cloud crossed his arms and tried not to drip too much as he and Tifa stood in the hallway outside the bathroom. He tried not to assume it was him, but old habits died hard.

"Hmm? I'm not sure." Tifa shrugged. She knew exactly what they were laughing at, but she didn't want to say and risk her face looking like a tomato. "Do you want to go first or should I?"

"You go, I'll wait out here."

Though they'd spent the night together before the final battle, they hadn't actually repeated it since. Maybe neither of them expected to survive, so if one night was all they got they'd make the most of it. But, they had won. They saved the planet and everyone got to go home. Together. Cloud kept up his merc work alongside Zack. The pair were almost too popular, and Cloud regularly finished his day emptying his pockets of scrap paper that had hastily written phone numbers scrawled on them. He pushed the pile across the bar and Tifa had the bin already waiting on her side. He always finished up by asking her to go somewhere with him.

Dates were fun and had no theme. Just the two of them wandering Midgar or going out on his custom bike the seller named Fenrir and Cloud developed a habit of treating like a treasured pet. The guy got a lifetime supply of food and drink from Seventh Heaven in exchange when gil alone wouldn't persuade him to sell. Tifa couldn't refuse when she saw the look of longing on Cloud's face. He had so little joy in his life until recently, there was no way she'd be responsible for taking any of it away.

The first time Cloud took her out on Fenrir, showing off and doing insane moves, it made her heart race with excitement. She locked her arms around his waist and laid her cheek against his back. She trusted him to keep her safe. She whooped and laughed, which encouraged him to show off even more. It was fun. When he eventually pulled up on a ridge overlooking Midgar, Tifa swung herself round to sit facing him. The look of adorable, wide eyed surprise made her beam. This was the Cloud she remembered best. Her Cloud. She leaned forward the same moment he reached for her. Their kiss, sweet and electrifying, left them both breathless and resting their foreheads against each other.

Coming out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel after a hasty shower, Tifa smiled at the sight of Cloud leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He had his eyes closed, so she could look her fill, though she could still feel a blush heating her cheeks.

"You done?"

Tifa jumped. Does he know?

Cloud opened his eyes, glanced at her, then smiled and looked away. "Can I get in there now?"

"Uh, yeah." Tifa tucked a strand of wet hair behind her ear.

Cloud pushed away from the wall and she tried not to smile at the drink stain he left behind. He thinks he's so cool. But, she found her feet stuck to the floor as he moved closer. Her eyes lowered from his face, which didn't improve anything because it drew her attention to his loose limbed walked instead. She swallowed and glanced at him through her lashes.

Cloud stopped with an inch of space between them. "Can I...get by?"

Flustered, Tifa realised she was blocking the door. "Oh!" About to step away, she caught sight of a teasingly smug smile on Cloud's face. She stopped and smiled back. "I dunno, can you?"

This time, Cloud swallowed. A slow blush lit his cheeks before he looked away. "You're dripping on the floor," he mumbled, pointing to the small pool spreading around Tifa's feet.

"And you're all sticky," she replied, gesturing at the patch on the wall.

Cloud glanced at the wall, then her and back again. "Uhh..."

Tifa ducked her head and laughed. Cloud never could keep up the bravado for long. She preferred his sweetness, anyway.

Surprising her by clasping her upper arms, Cloud gently urged Tifa aside while holding her gaze. His head darted forward and he stole a swift kiss before releasing her and heading into the bathroom. "Be right back."

Tifa licked her lips and tasted something sweet. "Uh, sure," she replied in a faint voice.

Was three months a long time to date before taking the next step? Tifa hadn't thought about it. She'd never dated before. Not really. Cloud lived at Seventh Heaven with her, but they had separate rooms. After the first time, she hadn't wanted him to think she was easy, or she expected anything from him. She didn't want him to feel pressured to move faster than he was ready for. Or maybe she was just scared. She didn't want to push for more in case he suddenly left. What if he didn't really feel the same way?

"You're a coward." Tifa sighed and stared out of the window. She'd changed into an aqua coloured dress and left her hair loose so it could dry. Thanks to the heat it almost was. "Why can't you just ask him?" She glared accusingly at the washed out reflection of herself framed in the window pane.

"Ask who what?" Cloud appeared behind her, dressed in a white t-shirt and shorts and roughly drying his hair with a towel. The gravity defying spikes were already rearranging to stick up in his signature style. When she didn't answer, he stopped and stared, then swiped a finger along her upper arm.

Tifa turned, eyes widening as he put it to his lips.

"Punch," he said, referring to the sticky drink residue.

"Oh." Tifa laughed. "Guess I missed a spot." She tried to hold onto the playful mood, but worry made her frown. "So, I guess everyone's leaving soon." She crossed her arms under her breasts and tried to smile. "They couldn't stick around forever, right? Cid and Yuffie have homes that aren't here. Nanaki, too. Barret wants to rebuild Corel, so I guess he'll be gone for awhile. It'll be quiet."

"Hmm." Cloud tipped his head to the side. "Not that quiet. Marlene'll need looking after and there's still Biggs, Wedge and Vincent." He paused and added, "And did you forget about Zack and Aerith? You really think it'll be quiet with them around?"

Tifa shook her head and smiled. "Guess not." She looked up at him. "I guess...I just hate goodbyes."

"It won't be for good. They'll come back and visit."

She couldn't help but look at him with hopeful eyes. "You think?"

Cloud swallowed and nodded. "Yeah."

She nodded, but grew apprehensive as she asked, "And you?"

Cloud frowned. "What about me?" He took a step closer. "I live here. With you."

"Yeah, we're neighbours again," she joked, referring to their separate rooms. Though, right then, Cloud was in her room and came in as though it belonged to him. She hadn't noticed, but he did that a lot.

"Don't have to be." His eyes were earnest and hopeful. He took another step, then waited, leaving her to close the remaining distance between them. "Tifa...You don't have to be afraid. I'm not leaving." He smiled and added, "So, suck it up."

Tifa ducked her head and laughed. "Did I really say that?" She walked towards him and he was already opening his arms to draw her in.

"Yup." Pressing his face against her neck he mumbled, "Scared the shit out of me. Don't go places I can't follow, okay?"

Tifa got the sense he meant emotionally, since there wasn't any place he couldn't find her if he wanted to. Oh. She wrapped her arms around his neck, threading her fingers through his hair. "I won't," she promised. Feeling daring, she kissed his cheek, then whispered in his ear, "You wanna sleep in here tonight?"

For once, Cloud one-upped her into speechlessness when he replied, "Every night." Moving to press a kiss to her lips, he added in a murmur, "But, can we save the sleeping for later? There's something else I've been waiting for first..."

As night drew in and the guests of Seventh Heaven cleared out calling goodnight to each other and still passing jokes back and forth, Aerith slotted her arm through Zack's and snuggled into his side. "So?" She looked up at him, a huge smile on her face and her eyes shining like emeralds.

Zack chuckled and tapped her on the nose. "Good job today! Mission success!"

Aerith giggled. "Those two." She mock sighed and shook her head. She stopped suddenly and pulled a face. "I didn't get my date with Tifa!" She growled with disappointment, making her sound like Red. "Cloud better appreciate this!"

Zack laughed. "Oh, I guarantee he does."

Aerith shook her head. "You perv."

He pointed at himself, then her. "If I'm one, so are you. It wasn't me who said those two need to stop overthinking things and just do it."

Aerith squealed and laughed. "Don't say it like that! People will send us to jail!"

Zack wrapped both arms around her waist and picked her up. "Wherever we go, it'll be together, so that's fine by me!"

Linking her fingers behind his neck, Aerith urged Zack to lower her enough so she could kiss him. "Yeah," she agreed, coming up for air and trying not to blush. "We're together and that's all that matters." She hugged him tight. "Let's go home. Mom's probably waiting up to give you a lecture."

Zack chuckled. "I'll win her over some day."

Aerith nodded. "Yeah, you will."

#final fantasy 7 remake #cloti #Zerith #Final fantasy 7 remake fan fiction #Cloud Strife #tifa lockhart #zack fair #aerith gainsborough #Silver wields a pen

[silver-wield]

1. Tifa helped Cloud when she found him on the street. Not to mention, saves him from lying in a chair like a cucumber for the rest of his life. If Cloud doesn't "care" about her after this, he's an ungrateful bastard. 2. (I saw this in a question on your blog) If Cloud doesn't love Tifa, why he lives with her? Being able to leave her alone, so she can find someone who really loves her, or at least respects her enough and don't have her in this "half-love bullsh%t” situation.

3. Point 2 is twice as worse if he cares about Tifa, Triple, if he know Tifa does have feelings for him. 4. In the Remake, if A resolution were Tifa accepting her defeat, what kind of person stops "loving" another, just because a new pretty face came to your life about a day ago? (Not to mention that Tifa look like an idi%t, who just witnessed mass murder, but the only thing that matters to her is that his sweetheart is flirting with another girl.)

5. If A didn't realize that Cloud and Tifa have feelings for each other, she would be al least st%pid, or one of those silly cheerfull girls who can't see beyond their noses. 6. If A let something happen between her and Cloud, it would be the girl who took advantage of a guy with a messed head and an emotionally damaged girl with problems to express her feelings, to get in the middle of them, just because she liked the guy ...

7. If Aerith constantly follow Cloud even after she died, giving him "hope" to meet her again, she will be prolonging Cloud's pain, and subjecting him to a life where he would never be satisfied with the love people around him, and he wouldn't be able to love anyone fully. I mean A would be a selfish person who wants Cloud just for herself, regardless if that hurts him.

8. Why would A "ignore" Zack in the lifestream? I mean he sent him how many letters? and he waited for him for so long, and when she finally finds him again "Oh, sorry loser, this ship already sail. Oh they killed you trying to reach me after they experimented on you? What a shame, I just find someone cuter ... "

Finally,if this is the way people who support the C/A see this couple, that's fine,but to say is just lovebirds and beautiful, it is cover the sun with a finger. Personally I don't care, but the reason I don't like it, is because of how it portrays the characters. Especially A, because I really love her and I think it's a representation of selfless love and sacrifice. Her symbolism in the story goes far beyond his relationship with Cloud.

Sorry this one took a while to answer. It’s got a lot of parts and cping on my phone is a bitch with longer messages and I’m a lazy butt who only turns her computer on when she has to lol

Yup. Tifa absolutely cares for Cloud when he’s sick and healthy -- kinda like marriage vows lol

Yup. If he’s stringing her along then he’s a douchebag and we know he isn’t like that. He’d definitely be straight with his feelings for her after that confession between them one way or the other. If they’re not a couple, he doesn’t need to live with her and run his business out of 7th heaven or raise two kids with her.

Yeah, he’s a douchebag if he’s toying with her. We know he’s not, but for some people’s purposes it’s easier to have him be a douchebag to her and some kind of goddamn prince charming to Aerith. 

I mean, that’s just crazy talk either way. Tifa’s not admitting defeat because she’s not even aware that Cloud might possibly like Aerith or that she’d like him, so that makes no sense from that angle. They’re saying that Tifa’s got meta awareness for the purpose of winning. She hasn’t and it’s not implied at any point in the game that she does. The only time she gets visions is the final boss fight and everyone gets them. 

Aerith definitely knows. There’s way too much evidence to suggest otherwise.

Yup. Cloud’s not in the right headspace to have a relationship with anyone. By the time he is, it’s because of Tifa, who he always loved, so that kills the competition stone dead like Aerith lol

That’s creepy and makes Aerith the douchebag for constantly forcing Cloud into a guilt ridden depressive state, rather than let him be happy. Not the actions of someone who loves him.

She sent him a letter every two weeks for four years. That takes effort and thought and care. I think some people haven’t a clue how hard it is to write letters. Not send texts, not skype, actually write. Writing is fucking hard work, takes time and thought and consideration. Aerith seems like the type to be overly cheerful so she’d try and think of things that would keep Zack’s spirits up too. She loved and missed him for the entire five years she didn’t see him. He died recently and she’s still sad about it. People need to respect that.

People just use Aerith as their doll self-insert to get on Cloud. They don’t care about what any of these characters actually want. 

#ship war #long post

[sahbibabe]

death and the maiden

a final fantasy vii: remake fanfiction

chapter one. valkyrja.

LONG, SILKY HAIR一as pale as fine rays of true, genuine moonlight, tipped with mako green phosphorence and royal blue as deep as the darkest depths of the ocean一tumbled down the woman's back in a luxurious sheet. It shone underneath the fluorescent lights of the train, providing a multitude of colors to the visible eye, a brilliant sheen of pinks, blues, greens, gorgeous ultraviolets, and neon yellows. Many people stared at that hair, watched as it rustled underneath the vents in the car, transfixed when it fell over a cotton clad shoulder to rest delicately at her back.

     Wedge had never seen anyone like her before.

      She wore no gaudy clothing like the rest of Wall Market, which was from where she had boarded, and instead donned a fine cotton dress, sewn with sparkling, yet modest golden thread at the wrists, collar, and the hem that covered her bare toes, which had been painted the deepest of blacks, filed down to a neat precision. Upon her neck rested an ornate crest that appeared black but shone like oil whenever she jolted with the train; upon her wrists, unusually, were orbs of materia of various kinds, socketed into charms and chains that wound about her fingers and dangled delicately from her knuckles.

      Above the cotton dress she wore a shawl, embroidered in the same golden thread and made of the same cotton fabric. It clung to her shoulders, hiding the deep diamond shaped cuts that exposed the majority of her collarbones and upper arms, and from the bottom that clipped close to her knees dangled tassels of gold, their knots wrapped around shining orbs of golden materia.

     Her eyes were closed, but he had heard whispers from the other passengers that she had odd eyes, as violet as the sheen of her hair. A serene smile was upon her face, like she had left this plane of reality long ago, and she sat as still as a statue, her hands were folded primly, holding a small pouch that she refused to remove her fingers from. Then she reached up.

      In her ears, one side of her hair being gently swept back to pull the generous lengths of hair to one side, dangled earrings that threw him for a loop. Bright yellow chocobos stared back at him with winky faces, their wings raised in joy, feet kicking outwards as if they had jumped in midair. It was out of place on a woman so elegant, so mysterious, and Wedge couldn't help but silently gape at her.

       On first sight, he had almost mistaken her for that Sephiroth guy that Cloud had spoken about in his sleep. But it was difficult to mistake her for him when her hair held those colors, the way her skin seemed to repel the light instead of attract it, and that sweet smile upon her lips; no one that at peace could be Sephiroth.

       "Pretty, huh?" From beside him, Jessie spoke for the first time since the woman had gotten on the train. She had been watching, too, in the same mesmeric form as Wedge. "I've never seen her before. Do you think she's one of Madame M's girls?"

       "I doubt it." Wedge pulled his gaze away. "She seems too modest for that. Maybe one of the receptionists?"

       "No, too… boring. She seems like the kind of gal that runs a business or something." Jessie tapped her chin with her fingers, snapping them when she came up with something. "A priestess!"

       "That's all you could come up with?" Wedge deadpanned. He dug in his pocket to produce a peppermint and put it in his mouth to settle his aching stomach. "I don't think your mom's pizza agreed with me tonight, Jessie. I feel like I just ate a handful of nails."

      "Or you just ate too much," she laughed, elbowing him in the ribs. He groaned and scooted away. "Big baby. We'll get Tifa to make something when we get back."

      "I don't think I could take another tonic," he complained. He looked back over at the woman, only to find her looking straight at him with a small, polite smile. "Uh…"

       "What?" Jessie urged. She then caught sight of the woman, then at Wedge, who's cheeks were beginning to flush a pale pink. "Oh, wowza! What pretty eyes!"

       "Jessie!" Wedge hissed, elbowing her this time.

       The woman's smile widened just a bit. She opened her mouth, probably to speak, but then thought better of it and turned her head away. The smile was still there, though, and Wedge felt himself getting even more flustered.

      "What?" She responded, standing when the train slowed to a crawl near Sector Seven. "It's true! She has pretty eyes! I've never seen any that color before!"

      "Ugh, nevermind. Let's go get that tonic. I think I might throw up."

       "Is that your stomach or your crush talking?" She teased, but shoved him off the train anyways, directing him down the street to the series of rooftops they would use to get back to the slums discreetly. "Come on, we need to get back to Biggs and一"

       "Excuse me?" The woman stood a few feet from them, a hand clutching her shawl and the other holding the bag in a vice grip. Her eyebrows were furrowed, setting those pretty ultraviolet eyes into a slightly unnerved expression. Framed by pale lashes, her eyes were almost ethereal. "Can you direct me to a bar called Seventh Heaven? I'm looking for someone there."

        "W-who are you looking for?" Wedge stuttered. Jessie sighed. "Maybe we can help."

       "I'm looking for a man named Barret." She shifted, turning towards the street. Her shawl's tassels rustled with the movement. "He said I could find him at this place, but I'm afraid I don't know where it is… or how to get there."

       "You're one of Barret's friends?" Jessie asked, eyes wide in shock. "I didn't know he even had any."

       "So you know him?" The woman stepped a little closer. The scent of lilacs and lavender drifted off of her in the breeze. "Can you take me to him? I'll compensate you for your trouble."

       "How much are we talking?" Jessie inquired, stepping up to close the distance between them. It was then that she realized that the woman before her was quite tall, perhaps even as tall as Barret was, flat footed. "The route we're taking is pretty dangerous. We'll have to protect you if things get rough."

       "Would one hundred gil apiece suffice?" She asked, rummaging around in one of her pockets and producing two single, one hundred gil coins for them. From the extra clinking going on in her pocket, it sounded like she had a lot more. "I can protect myself. I'm an experienced magic user. All I need is for you to guide me."

       "I'm sold," Jessie chortled, taking the offered gil and turning to Wedge. "What about you? We can split up if you don't want to do the job."

       "It's fine with me, but can we hurry? My stomach is rumbling up a storm."

     "Yeah, yeah." Jessie rolled her eyes and turned back to the woman. "How well do can you deal with rooftops?"

      "Well enough." The woman smiled, a sparkle of mischief in her eye. "Shall we go?"

      They walked down the sidewalk to one of the nearby alleyways where Jessie had set up a ladder before they left to her mother's house. They bypassed several thugs and drunkards, who parted for them knowing who they were, and allowed the mysterious woman to climb up the ladder first.

      As she reached the third rung from the top, Jessie asked,"So what's your name? I'm Jessie and this is Wedge. It's only polite we get to know yours."

      She vaulted over the raised edge of the roof like she weighed nothing with the materia attached to her body. "My name? It's Valkyrja."

      "That's a weird name." Jessie went up next. "I've never heard of it before."

      "You wouldn't have." Valkyrja smiled at her secretively before moving aside to allow the girl to help Wedge up onto the roof, pulling him up by the hand. "How far do we have to walk across these roofs?"

       "Not long, just until we can get to the back paths. Then we'll be home free." Jessie patted Wedge's back and set off down the roof. "Come on! If we get back before eight, we can see if Tifa's made dinner! Wedge, move it!"

      "Yes ma'am!" He breathed, jogging to catch up with her rapidly moving form. Valkyrja was right behind him, keeping from one roof to another as gracefully as a deer. "Watch out for the nails, wouldn't want to get caught in any of those."

      "I'll remember that," Valkyrja laughed, turning her attention towards Jessie. The girl waved at them exuberantly, pointing to another ladder. "Are we almost there already?"

      "Yep! This way's much faster than taking the normal route. That way we won't miss Tifa's cooking." His stomach rumbled in protest. "Or, maybe not…"

       Valkyrja laughed politely and allowed him to help her keep her balance as she lowered her foot to the ladder. "Thank you."

       "You're welcome." Wedge flushed red once more, following her down when she reached the bottom.

      From there they walked in silence, finally reaching the telltale walls of the slums. People waved to them and greeted them as they passed, eyeing Valkyrja with some suspicion, and Jessie took them all the way to Seventh Heaven's doorstep.

      Barret was sitting on the steps with Marlene, laughing up a storm while she colored in one of her books. The doors behind him were open, exposing Tifa, Cloud, and Aerith inside; Jessie even spotted Biggs with them. She bounded inside before Wedge could stop her, motioning halfheartedly to Valkyrja.

       "Sorry," Wedge apologized sheepishly. The woman inclined her head with a small nod of acknowledgement. "Jessie gets too excited sometimes. Hey, Barret, you have a visitor!"

      His laughing abruptly cut off. "A visitor? Who in the ever一"

      "Aunt Val!" Marlene exclaimed, dropping her crayons and book. "Aunt Val!"

      Wedge looked over to see relief pouring over her features as the little girl ran over to her and slammed into her legs, jumping and holding her arms up to be lifted.

       "Valkyrja?" Barret mumbled, the visible parts of his face frozen with surprise. "Well I'll be damned. I thought you were dead. And here you are, in the flesh."

        "Marlene," Valkyrja cooed, scooping up the little girl and showering her with kisses to her forehead. "Has Barret been taking good care of you, honeybunches?"

        "Yeah!" She exclaimed, wiggling to be let down. "Look, look! I got a new coloring book! Come look at it!"

       When the pale haired woman released her, Marlene bounded towards the stairs, gathering up her supplies to eagerly show to her. Wedge, baffled, edged up to the doors.

       "It's good to see you both safe," Valkyrja sighed, moving to grab Barrett in a gentle hug. Wedge was even more surprised to see him respond to it. "I was worried. When that reactor blew up, I thought you didn't make it. I came as fast as I could."

       "I'm glad you came, Val," Barret replied. Wedge could hear the tiredness in his voice; something he had never heard from him before. "Marlene missed you."

       "Not you?" The woman teased, poking him in the shoulder. She laughed at the face he made. "I'm just kidding. I know you did. I missed the both of you too. The temple had to be shut down because of the reactor going down, so I'll be here until it's all cleaned up."

       "I'm sorry. Not for the explosion, for the temple. I know how much it meant to you." Barret sounded almost apologetic. "So, sorry."

      "It's okay." Valkyrja patted his shoulder. "A temple can be replaced. People can't. Now, let's meet you and Marlene's friends. Her letters made me curious about them all!"

       "I ain't got none." Wedge paused, a little sting in his chest. "I got family, though."

       "Your family, then." Valkyrja smiled, her happiness brilliant underneath the neon red sign of Seventh Heaven. "I've met Wedge and Jessie, but who are the rest? Marlene told me about a Tifa, an Aerith, even a Cloud…"

       "Eh… Just wait till you meet em'. They're a good bunch of people. "

       "Are they now?"

       "I dunno. Cloud's still pretty iffy."

       "You're just saying that. I'm sure he's nice."

       "Sure I am."

finis.

tell me your thoughts! what do you think of valkyrja? how do you think she is connected to marlene and barret? what did you like, what did you not like? let me know!

#final fantasy #final fantasy 7 remake #final fantasy vii remake #oc x canon #oc x cc #sahbibabe #fanfiction