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Story Start:
Halloween. All Hallows’ Eve. Whatever you called it was a staple in the small village of Nibelheim. Kids and adults alike get wrapped up in the festivities, whether it was making decorations, carving pumpkins, setting up haunted houses, baking and eating confections of various flavors, shapes and sizes. It was part of the autumnal traditions that you would partake in along with the yearly harvest festival.
In addition to all of the above, kids would often make costumes for themselves with assistance from their mothers. That is, for most families anyway. Kids like Emilio, Lester and Taylor were some such kids with that privilege. Tifa Lockhart on the other hand, was a different case. Tifa’s mother passed away earlier this year due to an unknown illness that she suddenly contracted. Tifa had been heartbroken and grief-stricken when it happened, but slowly she was learning to move on. However, times like these made it especially difficult as she remembered fondly when her mother and her would stitch outfits together that she had planned. The jokes and laughter, the needle pokes and fabric flying about in her room as they spent hours. Reaching into those memories brought her heart pain, especially now. As she was the only one in the village without a mom, she felt left out from getting to do those things.
Her dad unfortunately was busy this year planning and designing the haunted house that they were holding in the village square as well as other events of the night due to his responsibilities as village leader. And the other women were either tending to their own children or participating to spend time with her. Watching the hubbub from her bedroom window, she couldn’t help but feel left out, alone as she had not been asked to go anywhere, to help anyone, nor did anyone reach out to her. Her eyes watered at the thought, her mind then turned to her mom. ‘Mom…I wish you were here.’ Tifa thought, wiping away the tears already forming, holding back the others.
Her thoughts were cut off as she heard a *clink* as a pebble hit her bedroom window, looking down she could see a hand raised in the direction of her window. The hand was childlike, following the hand she could see it belonged to the boy she knew all too well. With blond spiky hair that was tied into a ponytail, shorts and a white t-shirt, she could see Cloud Strife waving at her, with a stoic look on his face. She blinked numbly as she saw Cloud waving at her trying to get her attention. Tifa waved in response as she saw the boy signalled to her left. Right on cue, she heard a knock on the front door which made her jump in shock. She heard a faint “Tifa!” from outside that door. Tifa was about to go answer the door, before she turned back to the window.
Where Cloud once stood, there was just ground. And in her periphery she could see him running back into his house. Tifa could hear a knock on the door once again as she ran out of her room and down the stairs. Reaching the window facing outside the house, she could make out blonde hair that matched the boy next door’s belonging to a woman wearing a dress and an apron and holding a basket and a plate. She recognized the woman as Cloud’s mom, Mrs. Strife. Curious about what she wanted, Tifa ran from the window and to the front door. Her small hand grabbed the door knob and twisted it open, to see the blonde motherly figure standing before her. Claudia smiled warmly at her as she saw the little girl.
“Hello Tifa. How are you doing?” Claudia asked. Tifa, who didn’t have time to wash her face, had slightly red and puffy cheeks from her brief crying episode. “Umm…I’m fine.” Tifa said, her eyes shifting downward, finding her white dress more interesting. “That’s good dear, is it ok if I come in?” she asked softly. Tifa nodded before moving to allow Claudia inside. Claudia smiled warmly and walked inside, Tifa closed the door behind the Strife matriarch. Claudia then walked over to the dining room to place the basket and plate down, with Tifa behind her. Claudia sat down at the dining room and gestured for Tifa to sit next to her, to which she complied. “Well I just came by to ask how you’re doing and to ask what you are planning to do for Halloween night? I also brought some cookies, please help yourself, save some for your dad though.” Claudia gestured to the plate as she removed the cloth covering revealing a fresh plate of cookies. Tifa couldn’t resist cookies, these ones had chocolate candies on them too. Smiling, she grabbed one and started munching on it. “Thanks Mrs. Strife!” Tifa exclaimed. After swallowing a bite, she started talking “I want to make a costume to go trick or treating this year but I’m still not good with sewing and…” Tifa trailed off.
Claudia smiled somberly “Oh I understand dear, I miss her too” she placed a hand on her shoulder. “Well you know I spoke to your father and he agreed to let me help if you still want it.” Claudia continued. Tifa’s ears perked up at hearing that. Was that why Cloud got her attention? She had heard some bad things regarding Cloud like that he had pushed her down the mountain after luring her up there. She also knew he kept his distance between her and her friends, starting from just before her mother died. Inwardly shaking her thoughts, Tifa looked into the warm blue eyes of the woman in her home. The warmth reminded her of her mom and she couldn’t resist accepting. “I would be very thankful if you can help Mrs. Strife” Tifa said politely, smiling.
Claudia smiled at that. She was surprised when Cloud asked her to go and help Tifa and she could see why. She was also asked to keep his asking as a secret between them so that Brian didn’t throw a fit or Tifa to feel like she was imposing on anyone. Claudia had wished her son wasn’t so shy, or that he took responsibility for something he didn’t do and kept his distance from the one and only friend he had in this village. He was headstrong and stubborn though, traits that he got from her and her deceased husband of which she was sure. “But what about Cloud?” Tifa asked. “Well that boy said he was too old for Trick or Treating, can you believe that? I just think he’s being a silly goose.” Claudia jokes, Cloud told her to say that when she was asked. Tifa was confused by that, that Cloud was an oddity to her, contributed by the distance he made between them except for small instances like just now.
“Tifa, do you have an idea of what you want?” Claudia asked. Tifa nodded her head before she ran out of the dining room to get her mother’s sewing kit and fabric arsenal as well as her notebook where she sketched her ideas, having already had a design made in advance. She raced downstairs with a gusto to return to get her costume sown out bringing the supplies with her. Claudia smiled seeing Tifa so excited, Tifa . Maybe Cloud had the right idea in convincing her to do this, she thought. Claudia was even more surprised at seeing Tifa’s sketches and the level of detail. “Tifa, I didn’t know you were such a great artist!” Claudia complimented drawing a smile and a blush from Tifa. “Thanks” Tifa said meekly. “I think I can get us something whipped up in a few hours for you to try.” Claudia suggested as she started getting her tools ready. They didn’t have anything electric but what they lacked in advanced tools they made up for in Claudia’s skills. Claudia proved to be just as effective if not more so with the needle than Thea as she showed Tifa more of the ins and outs of sewing clothing together.
Some time later
Six hours later, Claudia was watching Tifa try on her new costume in front of a full length mirror. It wasn’t elaborate by any means but it was surprisingly detailed. Tifa had wanted to dress as a traditional Wutai priestess. With a red hakama and white kimono that had sleeves reaching past her hands. There were red ribbons along her sleeves as well as around her neck. Her hakama was held together by a larger red ribbon. Tifa was told her mother’s ancestor came from Wutai and she wanted to dedicate this costume to her mother. Tifa looked extremely happy it came out so well. “Wow! You did a great job Mrs. Strife!” Tifa exclaimed as she admired the handiwork.
Claudia’s smile widened. “I wouldn’t have done it without my excellent helper.” she returned. “Do you think we missed anything?” Claudia asked as Tifa did another once over on herself. “No, I think it’s perfect!” Tifa said. She was happy to be able to go out and trick or treat. “Thank you so much Mrs. Strife!” She jumped and hugged the sides of motherly neighbor. Claudia was shocked at first impact but was able to return the hug. Claudia smiled warmly “Remember Tifa, Cloud and I will be here for you if you need anything.” Claudia said softly. Tifa nodded as tears welled up but she held them back, she could feel those words said unconditionally not like those that some of her friends or the rest of the villagers had said when her mother passed.
The two of them broke apart afterward, Claudia could see the clock striking 6pm which told her that she should be preparing dinner soon. “Well I guess, I’ll be off to prepare dinner, Tifa. I’ll be back to bring some for you and your father, I know he’s busy with planning the festivities and all.” Claudia went to gather her things and headed near there “See you later.” Claudia said, smiling as she left the Lockhart residence. Tifa smiled and waved her off before closing the door. She went back to her room to change into her regular clothes so she could clean up before dirtying the costume she and Claudia worked hard on for the past few hours.
Couple of hours later
True to Claudia’s word, she had returned with a pot of fresh stew and bread that she had made that would last the two of them for a few days. It was Claudia’s signature dish and one that the Lockharts were privy to enjoying as well from time to time due to being the sole neighbor’s to the Strifes. After dinner, Tifa then changed into her costume and was ready for trick or treating. Brian offered to come with her in lieu of manning the haunted house but she refused saying that she would be fine. She was a big girl and the villagers were good people, albeit too gossipy for her liking. Tifa left in a rush, basket in hand as she went to go trick or treating.
Sometime later
Tifa had caught up to a group of kids as she went door to door. Trick or treating as she went along. She did run into her friends Emilio, Lester and Taylor along the way however. They were being dragged on their ears by their angry moms for being caught egging the walls of the Shinra manor making her laugh at them. A relief for her, as she knew she might have gotten caught up in that even if she didn’t want to. Her basket, in other news, was filling up with candy. This year seemed to promise a good haul it turned out. As she returned home, her eyes cast toward the Strife house. The house was sparsely decorated for Halloween with a few Jack-O-Lanterns and purple lights outside. She remembered that didn’t go there yet, she assumed that the kids must have come by first before she joined up with them.
Resolving herself, she stepped to the doorway of the Strife residence. As she did, she saw the door open, making her jump in surprise. “Oh…hi” Cloud said nonchalantly. “You…you scared me!” Tifa exclaimed. Cloud looked puzzled at that. “An…anyway” Tifa said, shaking it off. “So what’s up?” Cloud said blankly. “Trick or Treat!” Tifa exclaimed hopefully “…Oh!” Cloud said as he left the doorway to get the bowl of candy. Tifa looked into the small one-story residence, immediately noticing that the house was missing one person. “Where’s your mom?” Tifa asked. Cloud shrugged. “She said she wanted to see how scary that haunted house really was.” Cloud said. He grabbed the bowl of candy that was situated in the kitchen. He returned to the doorway with candy in tow. Tifa smiled and raised her basket. Cloud gave a smile, a small one, and poured his candy into her basket.
“You look nice” Cloud complimented. Tifa blushed at that. Cloud, who was considered the most handsome among the Nibelheim boys, complimented her. “Th…thanks”. she shuttered. “Anyway…good night.” Cloud said as he closed the door. It wasn’t that he didn’t want her to stay, he was afraid if someone caught her here and she would get in trouble. “Wait!” Tifa said before Cloud closed the door. Cloud stopped his action to look at her. “Mind…mind if I come in?” Tifa asked hopefully. Cloud tilted his head to the side “What for?” he asked. Tifa was unsure how to proceed, she had asked him to wait before thinking. She felt bad that she asked so much of Cloud and his mom. Even if Cloud said he wasn’t planning on trick or treating, she didn’t like that Cloud was left out of this year’s activities. She knew Cloud had already isolated himself following the accident Tifa had that he took the blame for, though she had no memory of what happened. She wanted him happy and a chance to see him happy. Her eyes downcast to the basket of candy at her side. An idea flashed in her mind.
Looking Cloud in the eye. “Let's share the wealth!” Tifa exclaimed. Cloud looked even more puzzled at that. “What?” Cloud asked, puzzled again. “You didn’t go trick or treating right? Why don’t we split what I got? It’s the least I can do.” Tifa said. Cloud looked pensive for a moment before he shook his head.“Nah, It’s ok.” Cloud said “Goodnight Ti-“ Cloud paused once more seeing Tifa’s eyes change to a somber crimson. Tifa looked heartbroken. There were a few things that Cloud didn’t like in this world. One of the ones at the top of his list was seeing Tifa hurt or sad. He already saw that enough this year and that was why he convinced his mom to help Tifa. “On second thought, you got any 3 Knights bars?” Cloud said feigning renewed interest. Tifa’s eyes changed to shock before shining with happiness. “I think so!” Tifa said happily. “Let’s take a look and I’ll get us some juice.” Cloud said as he opened the door.
Tifa smiled as she came inside before Cloud closed the door.
In Cloud and Tifa’s eyes that Halloween night was the best one they would have in forever. It would also be the last they spent in Nibelheim together, as Cloud kept the distance between himself.
15 Years Later
Tifa is watching Marlene try on her Halloween costume. After everything that happened with Geostigma and the Sephiroth remnants, Edge and all of Gaia seemed to have calmed down somewhat. Allowing for special holidays and traditions to come back into the town consciousness. Halloween being one of them. The long forgotten tradition of trick or treating was just what the children needed after everything they went through. “You think we’re missing anything Marlene?” Tifa asks. Marlene shakes her head “It’s perfect Tifa! Thank you!” Marlene says. Tifa has a flash of deja vu hit her. A memory that had long been forgotten coming back to the surface. Tifa looks at the costume was wearing, a Wutai priestess. A lone tear escapes her as she remembers back to the time Claudia stood in her position, helping her get her own costume ready. To the time when she and Cloud shared candy together. Just as fast as those memories came, her mind cleared as she returned to the present.
Denzel came into the room with his own costume donned. He chose to wear a ninja outfit, in honor of Yuffie (mostly because she pestered him to). Complete with a ninja mask. “Ready to go!” Denzel exclaimed as he did a faux ninja pose and smiled. Marlene smiles as well. “So am I!” Marlene said. Tifa can’t help but smile as well seeing the two children all excited for Halloween. Remembering when she felt the same when she was their age. “Everyone ready?” she hears from the doorway. Turning her head, she smiles at seeing Cloud standing at the doorway, wearing his usual garb. Tifa nods her head, “The kids are ready but what about you?” Tifa asks. Tifa herself is just wearing a pair of cat ears and painted on whiskers and cat’s nose on her face on top of her regular clothing. “Do…do I have to?” Cloud asks. “Well if you want any 3 Knights candy bars, you better. Marlene and Denzel won’t share otherwise.” Tifa answers playfully before turning to the others “Right kids?”
“Uh huh!” They exclaim simultaneously. Cloud sighs, realizing he’s lost in the battle before smiling. “…Fine” he says as he digs into his pocket. Retrieving a pair of floppy dog ears, he puts it on his head. “Well?” Cloud asks. “Now we’re all set!” Tifa says as the kids cheer in response before running past Cloud. Tifa walks behind them, stopping to meet Cloud. She reaches to the ears to readjust them. “Much better!” Tifa says. Cloud’s eyes focused on Marlene as she ran off. “That costume…” he trails off. “Yeah…” Tifa chimes in as Cloud and her exchange glances. “Looks just as beautiful on her as it did on you.” Cloud continues as he looks at Tifa and smiles at her. Tifa grabs Cloud’s hand and returns the smile “Let’s go, shall we?” Cloud nods his head as the two of them follow them downstairs.