A teenage Denzel sat down on the stool next to Cloud, playing with the glass of water in his hands.

"Cloud, what’s love?"

Cloud turned to look at Denzel, surprised.

"I'm not sure if I'm the one you should be asking that..." Cloud trailed off looking away. He wished he had more of his own drink to distract himself with.

Denzel gave him an incredulous look.

"You're kidding me, right? Out of everyone I know, you're probably the best one to know."

Cloud looked at Denzel, thinking.

"…It's different for everyone. You love people for different reasons."

"Well, why did you love Zack and Aerith?"

Cloud paused, and his eyes took a far off look. It didn't hurt as much now to think of them, though it still pulled at his heart, but it was a slightly complicated question.

"Zack… he symbolized life for me. He was always energetic, and full spirit. He was optimistic, and everyone was cheered by him." Cloud's lips turned up in a smile, remembering.

"Aerith, was light. I felt so shrouded in darkness when I met her, but she brought her light to the deepest corners. It was over-whelming at times. You felt warm and safe in a way around her."

Denzel starred intently at his glass, contemplating.

"What about mom?" He asked hesitantly. The teen could remember when he was younger thinking that Cloud and Tifa were only together for himself and Marlene. He wondered if he'd finally get an answer.

He was surprised to see Cloud smiling softly.

"Hope." He said simply, getting up and patting Denzel on the shoulder as he walked off towards the stairs, heading to the top level.

The teen didn't quite understand, though he was sure that one word meant more than could ever be explained.

"I think I love Marlene," he said to the table after a few more minutes of thinking, giving a nod before getting up and going to search for his best friend.