I do care
For the many times he had gazed at her silently, he wanted to tell her. He would sit in the bar, a class of red wine in his hand, stare at her smiling happily. Some nights he noticed that she was despondent. Not by her face, but by her eyes. Whenever he, meets her gaze, she smiles politely. He always let her go, knowing that she will turn him away. But not tonight.
Once everyone turned to leave, the dark haired barmaid turned to the figure that had not moved He was still looking at her, his dark penetrating eyes looking trough hers.
"The bar is closed, Rufus."
"No time for another drink?"
"Just get out! As you can already tell, I'm having a bad enough day as it is without your snobbish nose poking around in my business!"
"No need to raise your voice Tifa. Tell me whats wrong?"
"Like you would care of how I feel."
"You would be very surprised." Rufus smiled to one side.
Tifa hesitated, looking at him with fire in her eyes then releasing a sigh while crossing her arms on her chest.
"Well…?" Rufus asked, stepping towards her.
"Is it Strife?" Tifa shot her head to him, her lips parted.
"What makes you say that?" Tifa asked making Rufus chuckle a bit.
"Word on the street says that he hasn't been seen in a few months." Tifa lowered her head and shot her eyes down.
"It's true." Tifa said in a low voice. "No one has seen him. Marlene missies him terribly and I do too. I am frightened that he is injured somewhere but, he can handle himself." Tifa finished and looked at Rufus who was now standing in front of her.
"Now you know what I am upset about, you can leave." Rufus smiled to one side again.
"You love him, don't you?"
"It's none of your business!" Tifa raised her voice again.
"Tell me, has he kissed you? Held you close?" Tifa was getting worried, why his asking these questions? The warm breath that gently touching her face was driving her insane. His beautiful eyes staring into hers.
"No he hasn't, no one has." Tifa replied, her voice weak, not even moving when she saw the raising hand to cup her cheek. Tifa leaned into it, feeling its warmth and rough but gentle touch.
"My I have the honour of being your first?" Rufus asked in a husky whisper. Tifa widened her eyes.
"What?"
"Must I repeat t myself?"
"No…no…its just…" She was totally lost for words as she saw the man in front of her lean closer and closer, hovering over her lips.
"Don't talk." Rufus ordered before taking Tifa's lips. It was very gentle and slow. Tifa thought different to what kissing was like, rough and wet.
Once they broke apart, Rufus hands held her face.
"Part your lips for me." Rufus said breathlessly. Tifa took a deep breath trough her nose and parted, slowly her lips. The next thing she knew, Rufus was kissing her again, but he had his tongue in her warm mouth. Tifa widened her eyes, full off shock. But then she closed them again, kissing him back.
They both soon parted, Rufus gazing into Tifa's eyes.
"I will see you again my love." Rufus quickly kissed her lips and walked out of the door with a sly smile Tifa stood there, surprised that Rufus had kissed her. She touched her lips with her fingertips, still feeling the power and passion of his kissing. She then soon smiled watching the figure disappear into the night.
