Chapter 4: The Festival
The next morning Tifa awoke from the light streaming through her bedroom window. Refracted light danced across the floor and onto the bed bathing its occupant in warm glow. A smile crept to her lips, eyes still closed just to hold on to the euphoric feeling between sleeping and waking. A contented sigh escaped her lips as she stretched in bed, flexing her fingers and wiggling her toes as she did so.
'A girl could definitely get used to this.' Tifa thought as she rolled out of bed. Aeris's silk pajamas glided across her body in a feather-light caress, Tifa shivered at the feeling. She stood and made her way to the window, gazing out at the lively city of Ajito. From her vantage point she could make out people rushing from one side of the street to the other, children ran in circles, dancing in sync. 'Reminds me of home.'
A knock on the door stirred Tifa from her people watching. A chipper Aeris poked her head around the open door. "Good morning! Glad to see you're up. Sleep well?" Tifa nodded while trying to control some of her bed head.
"Very well, thank you."
"Good to hear! Now let's get you ready, Zack and Cloud should be here to pick you up any minute." With that the other woman hurried into the room and fussed about in her chest full of clothes. Tifa just stood in astonishment at the amount of clothes being thrown across the floor.
"Uh..Aer – "
"AH-HA! Found it!" she held up a white camisole and matching white skirt in two hands.
"Found…what?" Aeris turned and looked at Tifa; a mischievous twinkle in the depths of her glowing green eyes.
"My flower maiden's outfit! Now don't just stand there! Get dressed and I'll braid your hair!" The next few minutes was a flurry of clothes, hairbrushes and ties as Tifa dressed and Aeris pampered. Despite being tucked away in the bowels of a chest, the camisole and skirt had a crisp freshness to them. Light linen hugged the curves of her body, straining slightly at the bust. The flows of the skirt made Tifa feel like a little girl again, dancing around in circles just to see the skirt whirl around her.
As Tifa sat on the bed for Aeris to work her hair, the other woman went into an enthusiastic explanation of the festival. Apparently Aeris was a flower maiden for the church and would be spending most of the days of the festival within the hallowed halls preparing for the final night with prayers and flower offerings. The rest of the town, Tifa was informed, would be holding various street dances and the SOLDIER elites would be holding a tournament for those interested. Aeris's soothing voice and the simple strokes of the brush through her hair almost put Tifa back to sleep. Just as her eyes were drifting closed Aeris stood and walked in front of her. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes as a wide smile graced her angelic face.
"You look so beautiful." Tifa could only blush at the statement. "You just need one more finishing touch!" Aeris rushed out of the room, quickly as she left she returned with a single white lily in hand. Tifa gave Aeris a puzzled look as the other woman came to her side and placed the lily delicately behind her left ear; carefully weaving its stem into the thick braid. Aeris took a step back to admire her work. The flower in her hair contrasted well against Tifa's dark tresses in their low plait. A blush flooded her cheeks when Aeris placed a hand on her cheek, forcing them to lock gazes once more.
"You're the sister I've always wanted." Tifa pressed her cheek into Aeris's palm, and brought up a hand to cover the one on her cheek.
"Likewise, Aeris."
A knock on the door interrupted their touching moment. "That would be Zack and Cloud, mustn't keep them waiting. Grab anything you might need." Tifa made to grab her waist satchel but thought better of it and left it on the side table.
When she finally made her way down the stairs Aeris had two baskets of flowers in hand. She smiled up at Tifa and made her way to the door, coming face to face with a distracted Zack. "Good morning, Zack." The dark haired youth turned and scratched the nape of his neck, chuckling slightly.
"Morning, Aer."
"Is Cloud not coming?" Aeris peered to either side of the broad chested male in search of his companion.
Zack shrugged nonchalantly. "Cloud's covering for me at the square, we were stuck with patrol. Told him we'd only be a minute but he insisted."
"Well, seeing as you're here to escort Tifa I'll be on my way. Play nice with her now." She winked at Zack before passing by him. Tifa made her way to Zack's side as he watched Aeris stroll down a well made path to the side of the house.
"Heh, dedicated as always." He turned to Tifa, flashing a playful smile that caused heat to race. "And since you shall be accompanying me to today's festivities…" His right hand went behind his back only to reappear with a royal purple lily in hand; much like the white one Aeris gave her. He took a step closer, her nose barely touching his chest as he tucked the lily's stem into her hair. Pleased with his work Zack took a step back and offered his arm to Tifa, who took it with a girlish delight.
"Thanks, Zack."
-0-
The town square was filled with a hefty group of people, Tifa half wondered where they all came from. Streets were lined with shops as attendants shouting their wares at passing customers. Strung from house to house were banners of various colors. A large water fountain was the cornerstone of the town square and had a band at its feet, filling the air with its music. Those not walking to shops were dancing in sync, making it a sight to see. Tifa's warm cinnamon eyes danced in delight as other girls dressed in white twirled in an intricate pattern across the cobbled stone streets. Before she knew it Tifa began moving her feet in time with the beat, mimicking the dancing girls. Zack chuckled as he caught her hand and spun her. She laughed in return.
When Zack finally caught her hand to stop her spin, Tifa's joyful eyes locked with steel blue. A sharp intake of breath drew Zack's attention to the brunette, then back to his blonde friend. With his elbow he nudged Cloud, who grunted in return. "You…look nice." The faint indications of a blush rising to his pale cheeks, he then turned to look at something off to the side. Tifa smiled and curtsied.
"Thank-you, Cloud." The blonde just nodded, still keeping his gaze diverted.
Again a sharp nudge caused the blonde to groan as Zack bowed before Tifa. "I'm sorry about this Tifa, but duty calls. We'll be around towards the end of the day to pick you up. All the festivities are free, so please enjoy yourself." Zack winked at her and gave a mock salute before venturing off into the crowd. Cloud bowed as well and followed suit, leaving Tifa to her own devices. Once the two SOLDIERs were out of sight, Tifa spun on her heel, hands locked behind her back.
'Hmm, where to start?'
The sounds from the band picked up and no sooner was she dancing in the circle of similarly dressed girls; twirling and kicking in time to the music. Cheers and claps from the crowd added to the ecstatic energy flowing through her at that moment in time, it seemed as everything else just fell away. She only felt her feet on the ground and the music swirling about her with vibrant energy.
-0-
"Alright, so what is this all about, Cloud?" Zack asked irritated as he followed his companion further into the town, away from the crowds. The blonde remained silent, ignoring all of Zack's inquires as they walked. Nearing the end of his patience Zack felt like boxing Cloud in the back of the head when he abruptly stopped in front of a pale green door. Cloud turned to Zack, nodding toward the door.
Zack gave the house a once over, plain to be sure. From the looks of it, it could use a fresh paint job and a little window washing but nothing too offensive. A black eyebrow rose quizzically at the blonde who only huffed as he pushed open the door and made his way inside. Zack followed and took in an immaculate living space, a table with two chairs the only furniture gracing the space. A heavy boot slammed into the floorboards with a loud thump and a groan escaped a tight jaw. "What is it, Cloud?"
Cloud looked around a little more before crossing his arms and facing his frustrated friend. "Vincent isn't home." Was his simple reply.
Zack's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "That's it?" he bellowed. "Vincent isn't home? Well no shit chocobo-ass!" Another frustrated groan and the slamming of a heavy boot on the floor signaled his frustration. With an angry glare Zack looked at his close friend. Zack made to leave but was stopped by a cold tone.
"I'm serious, Zack. Vincent wasn't scheduled to leave on a mission, nor has he reported in for duty in the last week." Zack turned then, eyes softening at Cloud's offensive stance, whose own eyes shown with nothing but strong conviction.
"You want her gone that badly do you?"
Cloud's hands gripped into fists, the leather straining under the reflex. The scowl that graced Zack's face was now upon Cloud's whose features turned it into a more childish pout than a menacing frown. "I…" he mumbled. "I…just don't want to see someone so innocent be turned into an abomination of the planet!" he shouted at Zack who just stared back with sad eyes now. "The sooner she leaves, the better the chance she has of living! Sephiroth would do anything for a new toy!"
With a reassuring hand Zack calmed Cloud who could only stare back with cold determined eyes. "I'll speak with Angeal. And find out where Vincent is." He soothed, his grip tightening on the other man's shoulder. "We'll get her out, Cloud. Don't worry, contamination takes a day or two to settle in, she'll be fine."
A/N: Sorry it took so long to pull out an update. I wasn't too happy with this chapter, but I had other inspirations for the next few chapters. So cross your fingers on how good it is. Please R&R!