[It's probably for the best that she draws Aerith back to the present. It's not exactly a topic she wants to broach too much on a night where they're supposed to have fun, because reminiscing about the past while they're here isn't. There have been a lot of things weighing on Tifa's mind, but hearing Aerith say all of that... it helps. It helps to know that she isn't alone in being scared, or worried, or that she's the only one asking all those questions.

Things would fall back into place when they are meant to, and they would all return home once this is over, but for now... It would be hypocritical of her to not follow the advice she begged Aerith to listen to only a month or two ago, wouldn't it?]

I guess I asked because...

[Tifa's voice falls away, the words not coming to her so easily as she'd hoped.]

Cloud's important to me... [Really important. There really aren't any words to describe it. At least, not things she'd rather say out loud to Aerith, or anyone for that matter. Not even herself, at the moment.] But...

[She glances sideways at Aerith and stuffs a piece of cheese in her mouth to chew.]

Mmm. When you and Balthier got together, what was it like?