Chapter Text
Cloud was doing the dishes while Tifa finished closing the bar down and Marlene did her homework in her room.
Cloud had thought that Denzel was also doing homework until he approached, looking surprisingly hesitant.
“Cloud? I have a question.”
“Yeah?”
“How did you know you loved Tifa?”
Cloud almost dropped the dish. “Oh- I don't know how much I’ll be able to help you with this one Denzel. I don't remember.”
“What?”
“Denzel, we grew up together. She lived next door to me. For a while, we played together every day. I can't remember a time when I didn't love her, let alone know her.”
“Oh,'' Denzel said, sounding disappointed.
“Why?”
“No reason,” Denzel said quickly.
“Really?'' Cloud asked, disbelieving.
“Yeah, no reason. I uh- have to go do my homework!”
Cloud raised an eyebrow as Denzel ran up the stairs, then turned to smile at Tifa as she entered the room and hugged him.
“What did Denzel want?”
“He wanted to know when I knew I loved you…” Cloud trailed off. He and Tifa exchanged looks and then looked at the stairs Denzel had just retreated up.
“This will be interesting,” Tifa said out loud.