A/N: Guys, I'm sorry I took long to update. I thought I had all the time in the world. Turns out I was surprised with a very busy schedule. Aside from that, I also lack inspiration. Not now though. I made this chapter longer than the others. Once again, I'm sorry.
"Earth to Tifa!"
Tifa was slightly taken aback by Yuffie's exclamation. She turned to meet Yuffie's irritated expression. Her lips slightly parted in shock. She realized she was absentmindedly staring at the glass of red whine she was rocking in her hand the whole time.
Note to self: You're in Cloud and Aeris's wedding anniversary.
Although she seemed to be void of awareness, Tifa looked stunning in her black tube gown that night. The gown greedily hugged her voluptuous figure as it gracefully flowed unto the floor. Her hair was pinned up with a French bun. She was using simple diamond earrings, which perfectly go along with her simple diamond necklace. She wasn't dressed in a very extravagant manner. However, she successfully managed to look glamorous and yet simple at the same time.
Just like Tifa, the people in the gathering were in their best attire. The lights of the chandeliers complimented the enormous pillars surrounding the grand festivity. The high ceilings made the venue look bigger than it was in reality. Everyone was joyous that night, bidding their blessings to the perfect couple.
"I-I'm sorry, were you trying to say something?" Tifa asked Yuffie.
Yuffie crossed her arms and raised a brow. "Why, I thought you'd never ask. They have arrived." She then pointed towards Cloud and Aeris's direction. Tifa noticed an adorable baby boy in Aeris's arms.
Yuffie gently grabbed Tifa's arm and lowered her voice as she cautioned her friend. "If you're gonna keep acting like a moody bean then you'll suffer the reputation of a jealous exgirlfriend. Lighten up, okay?"
Tifa smiled at her and nodded. Yuffie smiled back at her in assurance. Both of them then approached the celebrating couple together. Tifa noticed that Aeris looked breath-taking in her pink off-shoulder gown. Her graceful smile stood out from the numerous people standing on their way.
Pink goes with Aeris well.
Yuffie was the first to greet the couple. She knew it would be best if she greeted them first. After bidding Aeris and Cloud hello she gave each of them a generous hug. Tifa greeted them as well. She gave Aeris a hug and -instead of giving Cloud a hug as well- she meekly gave him a handshake.
"How lovely the two of you look tonight!" Aeris declared. Cloud just nodded in agreement. "Oh by the way, Tifa." Aeris continued, "This is our baby boy Kurt." She held the bundle of joy higher for Tifa to take a better look.
Tifa's eyes widened as she smiled at the little boy. "Oh my gosh, he's so adorable!" She gleamed. She leaned closer towards Kurt and gently touched his smooth façade. She noticed he had marvelous blue eyes. "Hello there Kurt. I'm your auntie Tifa."
Kurt smiled at her and extended his small arms towards her. Yuffie noticed Cloud's smile as Tifa took his son's hands into hers. After playing with Kurt for a short while Tifa straightened up and cleared her throat. Her smile disappeared and she seemed to be wrestling with some thoughts in her mind. Yuffie held her breath as suspicion began to eat her.
"I'm very happy for the both of you." Tifa began slowly. Yuffie turned to look at her. "You two are perfect for each other. And…" Tifa trailed off, not sure what to say next. Cloud looked at her, the expression on his face unreadable. "I wish both of you the best. Please maintain a happy family." She continued.
For your sake and the child's.
Yuffie's eyes widened at her statement. She noticed the slight discomfort across the couple's faces. She fidgeted and while trying to maintain her calmness. What the hell is Tifa thinking? She thought.
Aeris gave Tifa a bittersweet smile and nodded. "Ofcourse Tifa. Thank you for your blessings."
"Well, we're really really hungry." Yuffie suddenly cut in with an urgent laugh. She quickly grabbed Tifa's arm and pointed towards the buffet table. "We'd really wanna eat right now." She said. She then bid the speechless couple a quick goodbye and dragged Tifa away with her.
The moment the girls reached the buffet table Yuffie looked back to make sure they were out of earshot. Then she turned to Tifa, who was silenced by what she had said herself. "Tifa, what the hell was that for? That was awkward! You knew the four of us are aware about the secret." Yuffie scolded.
"I'm…" Tifa stared at Yuffie helplessly. She decided not to reason out. She wasn't even sure if she had something to say. Nonetheless, she apologized. "I'm sorry. That was stupid." She looked away and sighed.
"It's okay Tiffie… You don't really need to apologize." Yuffie took Tifa's hand and smiled. "But that was…. Strange!" She continued exclaimingly.
Tifa however did not smile back. "Yuffie, I'll be in the balcony. I'll be back I promise." Without waiting for Yuffie's confirmation she began to walk away in a hurried manner. Tifa didn't know why, but she just couldn't stand witnessing all the celebrating people surrounding her. One thing was for sure, she knew that there was nothing to celebrate in the first place; that the perfection they were celebrating for was a fraud.
Yuffie on the other hand, was left staring at Tifa as the martial artist hurriedly walked out of the gathering; disappearing in the flood of well-dressed guests.
"Isn't that the stunt she also pulled during the wedding reception?"
Yuffie turned and saw Barret's expression of disapproval. He took a few more steps closer towards her and lowered his voice. "I don't mean to be a big meanie but- I don't think Tifa has moved on." He scanned his surroundings; making sure no one heard what he just said.
All Yuffie could do was sigh heavily and shook her head. He just didn't understand.
**
Oh how beautiful the night is.
The stars were shining on Tifa that night,as she looked up the endless sky. She imagined the sky swallowing her alive. Then she'd just suddenly disappear, taken away from everyone she knew, living a peaceful life alone. She heaved a heavy sigh as she leaned against the sturdy marble structure situated at the middle of the lavish balcony.
Should it really take loneliness to avoid pain?
Of course not, Tifa would tell herself firmly. She didn't want to give up on optimism. It was one of the last strings she had been holding on for a long time. However, she noticed that being optimistic was similar to living in happy delusions and senseless denial. She didn't know what she should believe in anymore.
"Hi, Tifa."
That voice…
Slowly and cautiously, Tifa turned to face her expected visitor. Standing in front of her was Cloud Strife, her childhood friend; her past lover; looking more handsome than ever in his expensive suite. He was looking at her intently, as if he was trying to read her mind. Tifa blinked and gulped.
"Hi." Her short greeting came out as a cornered squeak. She then realized she wasn't breathing the whole time after he approached her.
Cloud smiled softly and took a step closer towards her. "You seem to be a loner tonight."
And I thought he'd say I look lovely tonight.
"Actually, I just need to breathe in some air." Tifa replied with a nervous laugh. She knew what he was there for. No… Don't even think about talking about the wedding… She was pleading him silently in vain.
Cloud just looked at her; his brows slightly furrowed. "I see…" He said. She watched him slowly looked down the floor silently. She can tell he was deep in thought. No… Please don't… Silence followed their conversation afterwards. The silence consumed them long enough to trigger the awkwardness slowly beginning to form between them.
Tifa's eyes urgently began searching her surroundings like a cat looking for a way out. "You know, I think I'm gonna-"
Cloud, however didn't let her get away. "Tifa." His voice was gentle but demanding at the same time.
This is it, he said my name.
With her eyes wide open, Tifa almost bit her lip as she reluctantly acknowledged him. "Y-yes?"
"I'm sorry… About the wedding." Cloud's voice was even as Tifa stared back at his ocean-blue eyes. I knew it… She didn't know what she was supposed to say. She was tongue-tied and helpless.
We can't just run around ignoring the little voices in the back of our mind, now can we?
She blinked.
He looked away.
"That was silly. You do know I didn't mean it, right?" Cloud said with what seemed to be acasual laugh. He couldn't even look at her as he said his statement.
Tifa quickly looked away as well. "Ofcourse… Ofcourse, Cloud." Even if she did mention his name, she seemed to be talking to herself instead. She looked back at him and let out a quick laugh. "You didn't mean it. It was just…"
A joke. It was just a joke.
As Tifa looked pass Cloud absentmindedly, she imagined fate laughing at her mercilessly. Then fate would look down at her from the heavens, saying 'oh it was just a silly joke'.
Tifa Lockheart, you're pathetic.
She didn't know if she should be angry at fate, herself, or the joker himself. After telling her he was pretending she was his wife he'd then tell her it was just a joke. Was that supposed to be funny?
Hold it, Tifa. No use being a big bitch now.
Cloud took a few more steps towards her until he became too close for comfort. "I've been a big jerk." He said carefully. His masculine voice made Tifa blush as she heard him breathe in deeply. "I understand if you think so too." He continued. Tifa widened her eyes in silent panick.
Suddenly, Cloud stepped away in an instant; realizing that he was actually squeezing her. However, his gaze still stayed on her pretty face as he apologized for the last time. "I'm sorry. Let's forget about it. It's been a very long time, anyway."
Tifa, who was taken aback by what had just happened, only managed to give a nod. "Sure." She said.
Cloud gave her a genuine smile. "I'm glad we had that off our chest."
Tifa gave him an honest smile as well. She loved to see someone smile at her the way he did. She looked into his eyes; those eyes she lost herself into for so many times in the past. However, in the present it was different. She wasn't lost, she assured herself. She was just tantalized. She could still adore his unusual eyes even if indifference already existed between them.
"Am I interrupting something here, children?"
Both Tifa and Cloud turned to look at the scowling face of Mrs. Strife. Tifa awkwardly cleared her throat and took a few more steps away from Cloud. "Not at all, Mrs. Strife." She assured her promptly.
"Ma, is there something you wish to talk about?" Cloud asked his mother.
Mrs. Strife gave Tifa a partially disgusted look. Then she turned to Cloud, who was hesitating for her reply. "Actually, yes. " She said. She turned her gaze back to Tifa and gave her another intimidating look. "You don't mind now, do you, Tifa?"
Tifa smiled at her nervously and shook her head. "Not at all, Mrs. Strife." She said. She bit her lip and looked at Cloud as he watched her in pity. "A good evening to both of you." She bowed her head and urgently walked back to the continuously bustling gathering.
Cloud glared at his mother after Tifa disappeared into the crowd. "What was that all about, ma?"
Mrs. Strife scoffed and glared back at her son. "Remember this, Cloud. You're married and you have a happy family. You have a beautiful child and a beautiful wife. No one can take that away from you." Her glare became more intense and seemed to challenge Cloud. "Do you hear me? No one."
The scowling mother quickly walked away in a fit of anger, leaving an upset Cloud in the balcony.
A/N: I'm not gonna promise anything, but I swear I'll have the next chapter up as soon as I can manage. Thank you for reading and have a nice day. :D