Author's Note: Thank you very much reviewers for all the reviews so far! I'm glad you're having as much fun reading as I am writing. :) I also plan to update this story at least once a month. So keep an eye out for updates! :D Please leave feedback, I'd love to read what your thoughts are on the story's progress!
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The Risks of Gambling
Summary: [AU] Tifa didn't know she had a gambling problem until she staked her freedom… and lost. [CloudTifa] [ZackAerith]
Chapter 3 – Charity Gala
It had barely been a week before Cloud contacted her.
Tifa had given him her phone number to call her when he needed her. Then, after giving a final thank you and goodbye to Aerith, Cloud walked her outside, where he approached the driver and told him to take her home, where Tifa currently found herself.
She was wiping down the counter with a damp towel when she heard the ring tone of her phone echoing down the hall. She walked over to it, taking the receiver off its hook as she placed the phone against her ear.
"Hello?"
"Tifa."
It took her a moment to recognize the low, cool voice. "Cloud, is that you?"
He grunted in response. "I need you tonight."
"What?"
"An event. There's one tonight. I need you to come with me."
So soon? thought Tifa. Knowing she had to fulfill her end of the bargain, she glanced at the hands of an analog clock that hung against the wall. 5:03 pm, it read.
"At what time?" she asked.
"The event starts at eight. The car will be there to pick you up at seven thirty sharp."
"Okay, got it—"
"Tifa, I need you to do one more thing."
Hearing the shift of tone in his voice heightened Tifa's curiosity. She raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "What is it?"
"I need you wear something… revealing."
A smile spread across her lips, hearing his struggle to find the last word. "What?" she asked, trying to stifle her giggle and her teasing tone. She could practically feel his discomfort.
"I need you to wear something that will turn heads," he clarified, his voice resuming back to its cool tone.
"Like what?" she asked, her voice becoming a soft, breathy whisper. "A dress with a low cut in the front? Or the back? Or a cut that goes down to my stomach, with a high slit?" She tried to repress her laughter when she heard Cloud's breath hitch in his throat. "Don't worry, Cloud, I'll have what you asked."
"Tifa—"
"I know, I won't wear anything too revealing that it's trashy," she finished, glancing at the clock once more. "Now, is that all?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. I'll see you tonight then, Cloud."
With a simple click, Tifa placed the phone back on its hook as she walked towards her bedroom. She giggled at the mental picture of Cloud's discomfort from her words. Too easy!
Cloud had just put the phone down when he heard the door open.
"Did I hear that right?"
The blonde turned around to find Zack leaning against his doorway, his arms crossed against his chest and a wide, foolish grin spread across his face.
"Hear what right?" Cloud asked nonchalantly.
Zack chuckled as he stepped inside the room. "Did you just ask someone to go to the charity gala tonight? So you actually listened to Sephiroth's advice." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively once he approached his friend. "Who's the lucky lady Cloud? Or should I ask, what's her pimp's name?"
Cloud scowled at his friend. "She's not a hooker, Zack."
"Oh, right, the high class ones are called 'escorts.'" The raven-haired man laughed at Cloud's pointed expression. "Don't worry buddy, your secret's safe with me," he added, winking as he walked over and plopped himself down against the edge of Cloud's bed, ignoring his friend's deepening glare. "So, what's your hooker's name?"
"She's not a hooker."
"So who is it, then?"
Cloud deliberately ignored his question as a silence fell between them.
"Did you invite Yuffie? Your secretary? That one girl a couple floors down who's face always gets super red whenever you walk by?" As Cloud continued to ignore him, Zack's sapphire eyes widened. "Did you invite that girl from the casino last week?"
"Does it matter, Zack?" snapped Cloud, his tone clearly frustrated.
Ignoring his tone, Zack pressed on. "So you did invite her. What was her name again?" He snapped his fingers a couple times. "Tiffy, Tufa, Tuna—"
"Tifa," the blonde corrected with furrowed eyebrows.
"Right, Tifa," said Zack. His face scrunched together slightly at the name. "Hm, that name… it seems familiar."
Cloud glanced at him. "Do you remember from where?"
Zack shrugged, shaking his head. "I have no idea. I just feel like I've heard it before."
"Me too," the blonde muttered under his breath. He looked at Zack, who was still sitting at the edge of his bed. "Don't you have something to do, Zack?"
Said male held a finger to his mouth. "Aerith wants to go shopping. I'm hiding from her."
Cloud shook his head, and as if on cue, Aerith's voice echoed throughout the home.
"Zack! Where are you?"
"Shit, she found me!" muttered Zack as he dashed out the room.
"Are you hiding again?" Aerith's voice called. "Zack, this isn't funny the fifth time!"
The car gradually came to a stop in front of the bar Seventh Heaven.
Hearing the brakes from inside, Tifa peered through the window drapes and glanced at the clock. 7:30, she thought to herself. Just like he said. She placed her foot in her other heel before moving towards door, exiting the bar as she locked the door behind her.
When she turned around, she saw Cloud emerge from the back of the black Mercedes SL 500. The driver remained seated in the front as Cloud buttoned up his suit.
When he finally glanced towards Tifa, his cerulean eyes widened.
She was dressed in a sleeveless black dress. Her long brunette hair rested against her shoulders and cascaded down her back to her mid-torso. As she walked towards him with a smile, he noticed there was a slit in the side of her dress that cut all the way up to her mid thigh. The front of her dress had a heart-shaped neckline, revealing a small amount of cleavage.
"You look…" he began, but found himself at a loss for words as he took in the sight of her.
Tifa smiled at his oblique compliment. "Your tie's a little loose," she replied as she reached up and tightened it for him.
When she lowered her arms back to her sides, Cloud's gaze remained fixated on her for a few moments. Tifa blushed at his scrutinizing stare as his eyes traveled up and down her figure. Though she knew men constantly ogled her figure, she couldn't ignore the intensity Cloud held in his gaze, nor the fact that she found her heart racing from his stare alone.
After a few moments that seemed to freeze time, Cloud cleared his throat. "We should get going."
She nodded as Cloud opened the door for her. She smiled at his gesture as she bent down to step inside the vehicle. As she did so, Cloud noticed the back of her dress was open, revealing the smooth skin of her back down to the swell of her backside.
Cloud swallowed as he tried to regain his composure. He had pictured how she could look (considering the suggestions she had given him earlier), but nothing compared to the actual sight of her.
When she settled inside, he quickly followed suit, taking a seat a few inches away from her.
"Go," he commanded the chauffeur who nodded as the car began to drive.
"So, explain to me again what my purpose here is," Tifa said as she shifted her chocolate brown gaze to Cloud.
"I'm going to be meeting a man, Gast Faremis. I need you to stay by my side the whole time."
The brunette nodded. "Okay. Do we need a back story or am I just your pretty date?"
Cloud pointed his gaze out the window. "We don't need a back story."
Tifa nodded once more, turning to glance out the window as well.
The car soon arrived at the destination, a large white mansion with the inside glowing from the various chandeliers lit inside.
As the driver parked the car on the curb, he emerged from his seat and opened the door where hundreds of paparazzi were set, their cameras ready as flashes already began to go off.
Cloud squinted at the bright light, turning away as he offered his hand to Tifa. Using one hand to block the barrage of flashes, she moved her other hand and grasped Cloud's as he lead her out the car. Once standing, he offered his arm to her as she wound her arm through his. She removed her hand from blocking the lights and gave a dazzling smile to each camera.
"Cloud! Over here!"
"Cloud! Cloud!"
"Cloud! Who's that woman with you? Is she your girlfriend?"
Tifa glanced at the blonde who kept his gaze forward, ignoring each of the paparazzo's questions as he lead Tifa through the crowd.
Who is he? she pondered to herself, considering the large amount of attention he was receiving from the paparazzi.
Once inside, it took Tifa a few blinks to adjust her eyes to the new light. The room was incredibly wide as people filled it with the sound of their idle conversations. Waiters walked around with platters in their hand as a long row of neatly arranged food stood against the wall. A large, grand staircase wrapped around the whole room as large windows were covered with silk white drapes.
As Tifa walked with Cloud, several people said hello to Cloud but she noticed he would only nod in return or mutter a short, "Hello," back.
"Don't you want to stop for conversation?" she asked.
He shook his head. "They're just distractions from the task at hand."
Tifa frowned at the answer. "Is everything just a business transaction to you?"
Tifa saw him turn his head towards her, watching her for a moment before he opened his mouth to answer. Just as he was about to reply, he heard a voice call to him from the distance.
"Yo, Cloud! You made it!"
The blonde glanced at the direction, seeing Zack dressed in a sharp navy blue suit as Aerith followed close behind him, donning a dark green floor length dress that hugged her figure. The back straps were crossed over one another in an 'x' formation as the bottom of the dress fanned out against the floor.
"Zack, Aerith," Cloud greeted simply.
When the pair reached them, Zack turned towards Tifa. "And this lovely woman must be Tifa," he said as he grinned, extending a hand towards her. "Nice to meet you. Zack Fair, CEO of Shinra." His other free arm snaked around Aerith' waist as he brought her to him. "And I'm sure you remember this beautiful woman."
Tifa smiled, accepting his hand as she shook it. "Nice to meet you, Zack," she answered before turning to the woman at his side. "And yes, I remember you, Aerith. How are you?"
"Fine, thank you," Aerith replied with a kind smile.
((SFX: ting ting ting))
The murmurs of the crowd soon came to a stop upon hearing the sound of a spoon against glass. Everyone glanced up to a man standing in the middle of the long staircase.
"Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming out to my little gathering tonight," the man said. He seemed in his early forties with short brown hair and a thick mustache. He wore clear circular shaped glasses with a thin black trim that framed most of his face. "My name is Gast Faremis for those of you I have yet to meet. As most of you know, this charity drive was to benefit children who lost their parents to war or disease. Each and every donation was appreciated. We accumulated over $500,000." Thunderous applause followed his announcement as he smiled and nodded, raising his glass as he concluded, "In celebration to that outstanding feat, I hope you all enjoy the party."
As the crowd drank to the toast, Zack turned towards Cloud.
"There he is. How do you want to do this? Got any ideas?" he asked.
Cloud said nothing; instead he began walking towards Gast, bringing Tifa along.
"Should we follow him?" asked Aerith, watching Cloud's retreating back before turning to her boyfriend.
"Nah," Zack replied, taking her hand as he led her towards the courtyard. "I'm sure he's got a plan."
Once approaching Gast, Cloud cleared his throat to get the man's attention.
"Congratulations on the success of your charity, Mr. Faremis."
"Thank you, and call me Gast," he replied with a kind smile. He extended his arm, adding, "And you are?"
"Cloud Strife," the blonde answered simply, then turned his head towards Tifa. Said woman returned his glance with a smile.
Following Cloud's stare, Gast shifted his gaze towards Tifa as well. "And who may this beautiful young woman be?"
"Thank you, that's very sweet," answered Tifa with a gracious smile. She extended her hand. "My name is Tifa. It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Faremis."
Tifa felt Gast studying her features, his brows furrowing together as though he was straining his mind to remember something. She shifted slightly under his gaze, feeling discomfort blossom within her. She also noticed Cloud's grip on her arm tighten.
"Have we met before?" asked Gast as he accepted her hand, shaking it.
"Not that I know of," replied Tifa with an uneasy smile. "Many people tell me I do have a familiar face, though."
"That sounds about right," said Gast with a nod, releasing her hand as he smiled at the pair. "I take it you two are enjoying yourselves so far?"
Cloud simply nodded.
Tifa glanced at her date, pondering mentally whether or not he was going to say anything more. As she noticed an uncomfortable silence take place, she piped in, "Your house is beautiful, Mr. Faremis."
Gast looked at her with another kind smile. "Thank you, Tifa. My wife helped decorate it."
"She did a beautiful job," the brunette added as she glanced around her surroundings. "Where is Mrs. Faremis—?" she asked before she felt Cloud squeeze her arm gently.
"I'm sorry for your loss," Cloud interrupted, muttering the words.
Tifa gasped, a hand covering her mouth. "Oh, I'm so sorry—"
Gast shook his head, waving it off with his hand. "It's all right, Tifa. Ifalna had been sick for a long time. She's in a better place now." A pained smile spread across his aged features, which Tifa assumed was from the stress of worrying about his wife.
Despite his comment, Tifa pointed her stare to the floor, feeling embarrassed for provoking the sullen memory.
Knowing she was feeling distressed based on her body language, Gast added, "Don't feel embarrassed, Tifa. You actually remind me a lot of her. It reminds me that she's still with me."
She lifted her head briefly, flashing him a quick smile.
"Gast!"
Said man glanced over his shoulder, finding a colleague of his waving him over.
"Thank you Cloud, Tifa, for the lovely chat," he said. "Excuse me for a moment."
And with that, he turned on his heel and walked towards his friend.
Tifa tugged her arm from Cloud's grip, covering her face with her hands, feeling mortified. "I'm sorry, Cloud," she mumbled into her palms. "I think I just ruined your chances for meeting with him again."
Cloud watched her carefully, arching a brow at the distress she felt over the situation. "Don't worry," he assured her, taking her arm and winding it through his own again as he lead her towards the front door. "You didn't do as much damage as you think."
Tifa sighed, glancing at him with a pout. "How do you know?"
As if on cue, they heard behind them, "Cloud! Tifa!"
The pair turned around, seeing Gast giving his friend a quick goodbye before he approached them.
"Are you two leaving?" he asked.
"Yes," answered Cloud concisely.
Gast nodded. "I see. I hope you two enjoyed the party."
"We did," Tifa said quickly, almost scrambling the words. In her haste, Cloud noticed her unconsciously press further against his side.
The brunette man smiled. "I'm glad. Listen, I would love it if you two would come to more events of mine."
"Really?" Tifa blurted out, ignoring the pointed gaze Cloud shot at her.
Gast chuckled at her reaction. "Yes. Believe it or not, I actually enjoy your company. I would like to get to know you two better." He smiled at Tifa who blushed, embarrassed. He then saw another colleague, excused himself, then began to walk towards them. After taking a few steps away, he turned back towards Cloud and Tifa, waving goodbye towards the pair as he added, "Take care! I hope to see you two again soon!"
Cloud nodded as Tifa watched his retreating back, stunned. She turned her brown eyes from his back to Cloud, meeting his deep cerulean blue gaze.
"I told you," he said flatly. He then pulled her along as they began to leave the party.
"That's it?" asked Tifa, her voice holding a hint of skepticism.
Cloud nodded. "For now."
The driver pulled the car up, stepping out of the vehicle as he opened the door for the couple. Tifa stepped inside first, followed by Cloud soon after.
As the car began to pull back into the streets, Tifa ran a hand through her long brunette hair, lolling her head against the seat as she looked at Cloud.
"Did I do all right?" she asked.
Cloud glimpsed at her briefly before turning his stare out the window.
"Exactly what I needed you to do."