Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Obsession ❯ Two ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: I do not Own Final Fantasy VII or its characters.

---

Rufus Shinra heir to the once thriving Shinra company, glanced out the seventh floor window of his newly-built penthouse and sighed wearily, further slumping in his chair.

He had been pouring over the usual paperwork in regards to the damage their company had caused racking his brain on how to fix things, when his phone rang. Now that in and of itself was odd, since he had specifically ordered Tseng to tell the others not to disturb him when he was in his office, while his bodyguards may have been a little on the rowdy side they werenever disobedient. They had learned the hard way on that particular subject during the days when Shinra had been active. And the fear hadn't quite vanished even till the crumbling of their empire.

Which meant it was either Reeve or ever the trouble magnet Cloud.

Finally deciding to answer it on the fifth ring he grabbed the vibrating contraption from the inner pocket of his suit and flipped it open with a command of “Speak.”

“Boss, please don't kill me. I promise, I didn't know! Honestly, it was an accident…a-and Rude made me do i--!“ Quickly cutting of the panicked rambles of Reno with a snap of “Pass the phone to Tseng” he closed his eyes and inhaled, mentally asking for patience to deal with whatever disaster the red headed had caused now.

Sounds of the phone being passed were heard before he was answered with a “Tseng here.” “Explain.”

When Tseng didn't speak for a while he made an impatient noise in his throat about to demand what the matter was when Tseng murmured a “ Reno lost the files.”

Files? What files? As far as he knew the files that he had instructed to be delivered to the oil companies had been done two days ago so what could--Wait, there was still another one.

Ah, yes. It all came back to him now. He had instructed Reno yesterday night, since Tseng and Elena were both busy with one of his orders leaving both he and Rude to be the only ones free.

The files.

The important irreplaceable files containing records of the clones' research.

Everything from Sephiroth till that of the names enlisted of the once elite forces of Soldiers injected with Mako. Elena had found it behind the cabinet in one of the hidden rooms in Nibelheim where their purpose was to ransack the place for more information, in case the other two clones, Cloud had claimed he wasn't sure truly died...survived.

It was to be given to Reeve as he was now declared the commissioner of Midgard and Reno had--

When Rufus continued to remain silent Reno, who looked to be permanently stuck to Tseng's side with his ear plastered on the hand Tseng used to hold up the phone, gulped in anticipation beads of sweat rolling from his forehead.

“PleasedontbemadPleasedontbemad” he quietly chanted under his breath. When he heard a snort he whipped his head around towards his partner so quick it almost gave him a whiplash. Narrowing accusing eyes to his once reliable buddy, he opened his mouth about to curse him when there was finally a quiet whisper of “Let me talk to Reno” on the other line.

Oh. Shit.

Coughing nervously and wetting his dry throat with saliva, he gulped and with shaky hands took the phone Tseng held out for him. Holding it up to his ear, he closed his eyes mentally saying a prayer and said a shaky greeting of “How ya doin boss?”

More ominous silence greeted him till finally in a voice that sounded like a crack of thunder from his point of view said “Tseng tells me youlost the files Reno. Remember what I said when I handed it to you?” a squeak of “Yes.”

“Well then. Would you care to tell me what it is you are waiting for! I don't care if you turn the whole Midgard upside down. I told you the importance of delivering it to Reeve. And now it might fall on the wrong hands! Unless you have an ambition to become my next target practice, I suggest you find it. Now.”

The line went dead.

---

That had been ten minutes ago. And now here he was looking out the glass tinted windows pondering on what physical and mental tortures he could inflict on his unsurprisingly dim bodyguard.

There goes another headache.

Looks like Tylenol hadn't be able to keep this stress at bay. He thought for a while then decided he needed a drink.

And he knew just where to get one.

---

Two bluebirds that had been bathing in a nearby fountain screeched, then quickly flew away when a rock came hurdling in their direction successfully disrupting their morning ritual.

The culprit?

An extremely pissed off Tifa Lockheart fairly stomping down the road.

Stupid birds. Why do they get to have everything peachy while she always gets stuck with situations like these? Stupid Cloud. Stupid Sephiroth. Everything was just so stupid!

She was this close to hating everything just as Sephiroth did.

Next thing you know the Sephiroth nightmare would be replaced by a Tifa Lockheart calamity, although not as deadly, it would definitely be just as devastating…she snorted.

Yeah Rriiigghht…

Her hands twitched. She needed to break something. Glancing about her surroundings, she took notice that she was at the park which meant-- her eyes landed on nine familiar statues. They were recently built and put up in commemoration of the heroes Avalanche for saving the world from destruction. Her mouth tilted upwards in a smile.

She had found her target.

Quickly scanning her surroundings for possible witnesses Tifa grinned when she found none. The park was still empty because it was too early. While it would've been crowded at noon, it was just her luck that she had come across it at a time like this. Quickly jogging towards the statues she stopped in front of the stone whose nameplate read Tifa Lockheart at its pedestal.

Looking her stony counterpart up and down, she nodded to herself then proceeded to wind her right hand, preparing it for the force needed to break the stone…and hit.

A satisfying crack was heard before the punch she landed on the abdomen of the statue quickly started forming cobweb patterns around her fist before dissolving into nothing more but a pile of dust.

One down, one more to go.

Quietly approaching the statue of a certain spiky haired blonde, she stood in front of it for awhile and thought. The likeness between the real Cloud and that of this monument was certainly uncanny. It even had the lion insignia Cloud wore on his clothes and accessories.

While other women in Midgard might have admired this and sighed conjuring up fantasies on how to be saved by their favorite knight, Tifa to be frankly honest, just felt annoyed.

It wasn't that she disliked Cloud per se, it's just that every glance she gave this particular sculpture left a bad taste in her mouth.

Bitter, one could say.

Perhaps it was the pose. It just looked so heroic with his sword being held in front of him by both hands as though he was defending something…or someone. She smiled grimly.

A knight in shining armor huh?

Winding her right once more but with little less force this time, she threw a punch hitting Cloud's statue on the head successfully beheading him.

Ah, that's better.

Now this is what she would call a masterpiece. Smiling when she finally found all strength and anger seeping out of her, she stepped down the stoned platform that held their statues and turned to go. At least now, she could control her moods just so that when she came back they wouldn't suspect a thing.

She smiled till she remembered something and paused in her walk, glancing at the statue situated on Cloud's left of a certain brown haired Cetran she frowned thinking “I wonder what you would think of me had you been alive. Would you understand me…of what I've become? You were always there to--No, that's not right. You're human too after all; you'd probably be horrified as well…”

Sounds of doors opening in the nearby houses indicated the park would be filled with people soon. Stopping her train of thought, she quickly sprinted towards seventh heaven.

She couldn't dally here. She had a bar to run.

---

Vincent glanced up from the spot he had been studying on the floor when he heard sounds of footsteps coming from the road approaching, he blinked till the person came to view. It was Tifa. And she was wearing a frown too he could see.

Hmm. Tifa was never one to frown. But then again, after the Reunion incident her smiles had seemed somewhat…forced.

It looked like she had yet to notice him since her head was bowed plus, he had been leaning in the shadowed part of the porch. Pushing himself up in a standing position he crossed his arms and faced her calling a murmur of “Tifa.” to get her attention.

---

So caught up in her thoughts she had assumed herself alone that when a gruff voice called her name she had leapt three feet off the floor pupils dilating wildly around in alarm.

Vincent.

It's just Vincent.

Quickly exhaling in relief and momentarily calming her beating pulse, she looked up at him and automatically smiled. “Sorry Vincent, I didn't know you were here. Are you here by yourself or is Cloud with you?” “He's inside”

Mentally berating herself for being so stupid she graced him a smile and turned the brass knob of the door to enter the bar.

And indeed there he was. Cloud turned in the stool he had been occupying when he heard voices coming from outside the door to find a cheerful Tifa walking in alongside a silent Vincent. Bringing the juice Marlene made to his lips for a sip, he placed it back on the table and stood to approach the duo.

Marlene, who had looked up from wiping the counters when the door opened, quickly slipped out and got to them first. “Tifa! Where have you been? You don't usually come home this late when Cloud's away...so I opened the bar for you! What do you think? Was I good? I didn't mess anything up did I? Gues--“Silencing the child with a quick kiss on the cheek, Tifa smiled and lifted a hand to wipe the perspiration gathering on the little one's forehead.

“Good morning! Thanks for opening the bar for me. I knew I could count on you.” Smile turning to a grin when Marlene blushed deeper at the praise, Tifa stood turning to face the man who's gaze had locked on her form the moment they entered the bar.

“Good Morning to you too Cloud. I'm glad to see you're safe.”

When said blonde didn't respond for awhile just continuing to observe her, she planted a worried expression in her face about to ask if everything was alright before he finally said “Where have you been?”

She knew he would ask her that if he was home to find her gone.

He was controlling that way. Always making sure to let the patrons know if they tried any funny business with her or the kids that he'd immediately come running.

When the women had responded with a sigh and a murmur of how chivalrous he was, she just took out a bottle of vodka and downed a drink. Chivalrous my ass.

When it looked like they were waiting for her answer, she shrugged and replied “Training.” before turning to walk towards the shelves underneath the countertop to take out the rags. And proceeded to wipe it clean. Marlene, who had been shifting foot to foot, quickly sprinted to action and took another rag helping Tifa in her chores.

Cloud continued to stare at her some more before finally deciding that was fine.

Tifa wasn't one to lie.

He even doubted if she knew how to. She was untouchable that way. Always one to be there for others, all the while asking for nothing in return.

Just like Aeris.

Unknowingly letting out a soft smile at the picture Marlene and Tifa made, he chuckled at the frustrated expression on Marlene's face when there was a particularly hard to remove stain on the table.

Glancing up when she heard his chuckle she took in the sight of a genuinely happy Cloud who had been watching both her and Marlene with a tender expression in his eyes. The hand clutching the rag involuntarily clenched the fabric and she was momentarily bombarded with emotions of panic, fear and guilt.

When the sound of her heart pounding was deafening in her ears, she tossed the rag she held at a surprised Cloud who quickly caught it and turned her back to them. Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. “Please take over for me Cloud. I think I'll take a bath for awhile. Call me when you need anything.”

Not waiting for his reply, she turned and left quickly sprinting up the stairs straight to the bathroom. She needed a hot bath. Her body was already so tense with stress of the events that had occurred.

If she didn't clean herself now she would surely go insane.

She could still smell the bastards scent on her. Though faint, it was besides the point.

She needed to scrub it all off. Now.

When the slam of the bathroom door closing was heard, Cloud quickly turned his gaze to the spot Tifa had been cleaning then proceeded to do as told. Was it him or did she seem much more stressed lately? Something seemed off too...

It was like she missed something but what--the ribbon. Yes. That was it.

All the members of Avalanche wore one. They wore it in memory of their fallen comrade since she had been so fond of using them. Face smiling slightly at the thought of Aeris, he unconsciously furrowed his brows all the while wiping the counter. As far as he knew Tifa never took it off so... “Cloud I'm done. Do you need help there?”

Blinking out of his thoughts he turned to Marlene and said “That's okay I'm almost finished. Why don't you go check the rice to see if it's ready?” “Okay.”

Banishing his worries about the missing accessory when he decided she probably went to wash it, he turned to Vincent who had remained quiet so far occupying the seat near the window. “Vince, are you thirsty? I could ask Marlene to fix breakfast for you too.”

He already knew the answer but nonetheless asked him out of courtesy. As far as they knew Vincent had never once ate a meal in their presence. It was strange at first but dismissed it as not being any of his business. As long as the weirdo didn't become homicidal on them that was fine.

Shrugging when Vincent replied a quiet “No” he walked towards the fridge taking out a pitcher of water and orange juice carrying it to a nearby table. Surprised when a clawed hand suddenly appeared placing four plates into separate settings along with the utensils, Cloud sighed and turned irritable eyes to his friend. “Oi, I thought I told you to stop sneaking around like that. Marlene almost had a heart attack the last time.” Glaring at the brunette when he was answered with a snort he broke off his glare when Marlene came in along with the rice.

Quickly taking the hot pot from the child, he placed it alongside the other dishes and said “Marlene, will you go fetch and Tifa tell her lunch is ready.” When the okay he expected to hear never came he turned around to find her already gone, just in time to hear a “Tifa! Lunch is ready! Hurry up please. I'm really really hungry.” coming from upstairs. Grinning he turned to Vincent who had an equal smile on his face at the child's loud proclamation.

---

After hurriedly wiping her hair with a towel then changing her clothes, she opened the door to face a grinning Marlene who quickly went down the stairs to eat. Following she entered the room to find Cloud and Marlene already seated, while Vincent sat at the nearby stool occupying himself by browsing through the newspapers.

Taking the empty seat besides Marlene, she frowned when she found someone missing. “Denzel isn't home yet?” It was Cloud who answered “He's at Nicky's house. I went by there earlier to fetch him but he said he'll be home in the afternoon. He'll be eating there so we don't have to worry.”

Nodding at his words she faced Marlene about to ask her for grace but found she didn't need to when the child clasped her hands in prayer saying a grateful murmur of thanks for the food, then proceeded to eagerly dig in.

Halfway through the meal, she smiled when Cloud complimented Marlene on her cooking skills and added a “He's right. You'd make a great wife someday.” to which Cloud interjected “Yep. I know I would marry someone who could cook something as delicious as this.” causing the child to flush in happiness.

This was nice.

It would be even better if it would stay like this forever. No worries, no pasts…

No secrets.

Just content with having each other the way they were now. It was too bad Denzel was absent. That's strange. Wondering why the boy had refused to go home when Cloud fetched him, she frowned. What could be so important as to miss a quiet meal along with Cloud?

Denzel idolized him and always made a point to spend more time with the blonde.

Especially since the times Cloud came home these days were somewhat few and far between...so what could he be doing?

Making a mental note to ask Denzel later her eyes softened when she caught the content smile on Cloud's face.

It would be great if he came home all the time too.

If he did the shadows that had always seem to encase his azure eyes would probably banish with time and hopefully maybeshe too could-- the sound of the phone ringing snapped her out of her thoughts.

Just as well, she didn't want to remember that particular subject yet. She would put it on hold for awhile. For as long as she could.

Tifa smirked, make that indefinitely.

Putting her spoon and fork down about to get up she stopped when she heard the ring being cut off meaning the caller either hung up or someone answered the phone. Turning to her head to glance at the spot Vincent had occupied, she sighed when she found him gone.

Figures, only he was able to walk around without so much as a sound. She always wondered how the man was able to sneak up like that. Especially since the red cloak he wore was virtually a red sign that just screamed target from her point of view. Ah, speaking of which.

Looking up at Vincent who stood in front of her he murmured a “It's for you.” at her silent inquiry. Standing she pushed her chair aside and approached the stairs, turning to the table that held the phone and picked it up. “Moshi moshi, Tifa Lockheart speaking. May I ask who this is?" Eyes absently scanning the pictures and papers adorning the table she tapped her foot impatiently waiting for a reply.

When she decided he kept silent long enough she opened her mouth about to berate the caller thinking it a prank when a horribly familiar voice finally answered from the other line

“Still impatient as ever I see. Sorry for interrupting your meal by the way, but I figured you were done.”

Straightening her spine shoulders rigid in anticipation, she turned around and approached the window in front her view quickly scanning her surroundings for a glint of silver hair. She growled when she found none and clenched her fists when rich chuckles answered her from the other line. Scanning the buildings nearby once more to make sure, she suppressed another growl when she still found nothing.

He had to be somewhere nearby. When he said he thought her finished it fully confirmed his location to be somewhere in the vicinity. Observing her too it seemed. A thought quickly formed in her mind causing her mouth to silently gasp in horror and stare at the building two houses on the left across the street.

Denzel.

What if he took-- “Don't worry Tifa I haven't done anything to the boy. I merely called to talk to you, that's all. I can't stay to chat with you longer I'm afraid. I just wanted to tell you something.”

Struggling to hold in the scream that just wanted to be let out, she clutched the chair with her right hand in a white knuckled grip, unknowingly causing the wood to form cracks and hissed in a low voice.“What the fuck do you want?”

When he let loose another round of velvety rich chuckles, the wood she had been gripping snapped leaving her right hand to clutch the broken piece of wood instead of the chair attached to it. “I want a lot of things Tifa but like I said I don't have much time. I'll get straight to the point. Meet me tonight. It doesn't matter what time as long as you come.”

When she was about to reply he quickly cut her off “Listen, I have something you want. Come tonight. I'll wait for you at the back exit of Muse. I have to go...Tonight, don't forget Tifa. Oh, and say hi to Big Brother for me will you” a beeping sound was heard and for a moment she just stood there stunned.

When the sound of footsteps from behind registered, she quickly crushed the wood she held and placed the phone back in its receiver turning to face Cloud just as he came to stand in front of her, she smiled at his frown “Sorry it took so long. It was one of those commercial companies again asking if we wanted to buy their new products. It's silly really. Don't worry I took care of it.”

Walking past him she didn't wait for an answer and headed for the bar, Cloud following from behind. Normally, she would've made an effort to engage Cloud in a conversation or some such things but today she just didn't feel like it.

It felt like she had just been poured a bucket of ice cold water. She knew she would have to confront him soon but she had hoped…Then again that was the problem wasn't it?

Hope.

Quickly entering the bar, she helped Marlene wash the dishes while Cloud said a “I'll tune the engine on Fenrir outside” to which she nodded and Marlene answered with an enthusiastic “Okay!”

---

After washing the dishes Marlene had gone out watching Cloud tweak and clean his motorcycle, leaving her alone with Vincent in the room. She was in the process of mixing juice with some gin when Vincent broke the silence “You're not wearing the ribbon.”

Raising an eyebrow at the statement she wondered what the hell he was talking about, to which he lifted his right hand making sure that the red ribbon that was tied to his arm covered through the cloth of his cloak was seen.

Oh that.

Aeris' ribbon. Quickly glancing down at the arm that was supposed to be tied with said ribbon, she scrunched her brows puzzled as to why it wasn't there.

She never took it off. And she was sure that it had still been there last nigh--Oh. Goddamnit!

Why do things like this always happen to her!?

It was probably what he had been talking about too. An item that she wanted…well she sure as hell didn't want anything to do with him making that point perfectly clear earlier, so it probably meant that right?

Bowing her head to continue shaking the mixed concoction of the drink she answered a “I washed it.” before putting down the drink and faced him “Vincent could you go fetch Denzel for me please? He's at Nick's house he's supposed to be back by now.” She watched as he nodded his assent and left.

It was just an excuse to be rid of his presence of course, maybe he probably knew it too.

Of all the people in Avalanche, Vincent had always been the most perceptive one. He always had this unnerving stare that felt like he could see through everything.

And to be frankly honest she was also really, really scared.

Vincent would find out first of that she was sure. He was just too smart for his own good. She also knew Vincent had a strange affinity with her. Almost the same as the one Cloud had when she was around.

Almost, but not quite.

She wasn't blind. She saw the stares he sent towards men who shot her appreciative stares from time to time.

It was like a protective blanket, sometimes comforting but during days like these…suffocating.

The thing with Vincent was that he was just so hard to read. You never knew what he thought. And that…

That made him dangerous.

Glancing up when Cloud entered she took a towel hanging from the rack and threw it at him. Opening the freezer when he caught it, she took out a bottle of mineral water and went around the bar towards him. Holding out the bottle for Cloud to take, Tifa took the towel he held and continued wiping the grease and sweat from his face while he drank.

“I just got a call from Mrs. Hoshigane. He said he has a job for me to do and the pay's probably high too. He always did give large tips. Will it be okay if--" Raising a hand to silence him she waved it in a dismissing motion and said “That's fine. Just come back safely.” Cloud looked surprised for a moment at her easy assent before smiling “Aa.”

They both emerged from the house after that and she watched as Cloud told Marlene he was leaving. Saddened but used to it Marlene had accepted with a defeated look and they waved as he sped away. Entering the bar with Marlene skipping ahead then sitting on a stool, she went back to the counter to mix more drinks.

---

For awhile they chatted about the new drawings Marlene had done and some of the children in the neighborhood when the sound of the door opening made them stop and glance to see who it was.

“Denzel!”

---

Read and Review.