Two of a Kind (Cloud x Link)

Unexpected Arrival

Cloud Strife's POV

As the years went on, both Bee and Eris grew up into strong teenage warriors. They had been learning about my and Link's past more often, taking inspiration from our great feats. By that time, more fighters like Banjo & Kazooie and the Hero from Dragon Quest arrived. Everything seemed to be going fine... until the Master Hand made some changes to the Smash Mansion.

Just recently, the news board in the main hall was updated with important news, and all the fighters that lived in these parts with their new kids gathered around to read it. The notes said as followed:

"Thanks to the major adjustments to the Smash Mansion, we had made sure those who had spent years in our custody will now have the chance to return to their original homes, and they can always head back whenever they want. There will be no limit to how many times you can visit your friends and loved ones. Just be sure to make it back in time for our scheduled battles.

            -       Master Hand"

It finally happened. After all these years of waiting, I can finally be able to go back home to my girlfriend Tifa Lockhart. She could've been sick of waiting to run back into my arms... But what about Link? What about the life we rooted together in the Smash Mansion? Sure, Tifa was my girlfriend, but... what Link and I shared was more real. It felt more genuine and faithful. It felt more powerful. We had already admitted we were gay. What would Tifa think? Sooner or later, I was going to head back and explain everything, even the true reason for why I was gone for so damn long.

As soon as the other fighters walked to other sides of the mansion, with some even rushing back to their homeworlds, I looked back on my husband and children as I grabbed my things and walked outside the front door.

"Cloud...?" Link asked me. "Are you going back?" Knowing the remorse and guilt, I turned around to see Link hug me. When the Champion of Hyrule stepped away, Bee and Eris walked up to me.

"We'll miss you, dad," Bee said.

"Hopefully you're safe out there," Eris replied.

"...I know," I answered. "Listen to your mom, okay?" The two kids then hugged me as I walked to the door. Before I took one step out, Link ran up to me and planted a soft goodbye kiss on my lips.

"She's waiting for you," Link whispered, his eyes starting to tear up. He had spent years with me and was becoming heartbroken by the thought of me just leaving. I gently graced his face with my hand, my glowing cyan irises meeting his deep ocean orbs. With one final look back on my family, I walked out of the Smash Mansion with my things.

Tifa was busy working at the bar she ran with her friends, serving alcohol and beverages to her customers. Since this was also a sort of inn, the guests were content when they were accepted to spend the night. As she placed the sign that read "closed" on the front of her door, she opened the only available cash register and counted the money she received. She also took note of the refunds she made with the customers who complained about certain issues with her products.

"Didn't you read the sign? We're closed today," Tifa said as soon as she heard the door ring while opening. Her face lit up with joy as she saw me step in.

"Tifa..." My face lit up with joy as I saw my girlfriend again. It had been so long. She quickly ran up to me and hugged me. The problem of the return was when she kissed me.

"What's the matter, Cloud?" Tifa asked. She noticed I was more hesitant that before, as if I was backing away from her.

"Tifa... I have a confession to make..." I tried to tell her. How was I going to say it without her thinking I was gay? I can't screw this up with my answer... Fuck it. I'll let my mouth do the talking.

"Tifa, there's something I should tell you," I reluctantly spoke. "It's about what happened during the years I was gone. There's this new person, and we loved being together for a while. This person would really like to meet you."

"That's really fascinating," Tifa answered, her smile beaming across her face. "We can head to the Smash Mansion right away and see how you spent your time..."

I drove with Tifa Lockhart on my bike back to the Smash Mansion, and she was befuddled by the size. I then got off my bike, sweat dripping from my face as I looked back at my girlfriend, nervous.

"Just a little warning: you might find some things... unexpected," I told Tifa as Link opened the main doors and ran towards me in love.

"I can take it, Cloud," Tifa answered. Link then ran up to me and hugged me, glad that I was back.

"Link... not here..." I whispered in Link's pointed ear. "She must not know we're married or who knows what might happen? Plus, you need to tell the kids to pretend they're visitors until Tifa leaves. You remember her being my past girlfriend...?" Link obeyed, and he welcomed Tifa in.

When she entered inside, she was not expecting guests from other homeworlds due to the crazy new rule, and she didn't even notice Bee and Eris in the crowd. Only they seemed to notice me.

"We missed you so much, dad!" Eris wept as she and Bee hugged me.

"Listen, bumblebees," I told them. "My ex is here, and she could be mad if she knows Link and I are married and had you. Best to keep it a secret until she leaves, okay?" The two kids nodded, and more sweat was dripping from my face in nervousness, afraid that this might all blow over. However, as long as no one spills it out, it was fine.

I overlooked one tiny detail that night, however...