Chapter 10

Things just got more and more bizarre as the evening wore on. Tifa tried with as much effort as possible not to fall asleep during dinner; no one could blame her really as the mayor of Wutai told the same dull story for the fourth time now. Whose idea was it for her to sit next to this guy, anyway? Oh well, he must be of some importance since he sat in such a close vicinity to Sephiroth.

The General had turned out to be a rather entertaining story teller; spinning tales in such a way that Tifa found herself on edge at his every word, wondering what would happen next. He had even made her laugh once, causing his smile to broaden at her complete attention to which she turned away, not wanting to stroke his ego any more than it already had been. He enjoyed this magnitude of attention more than was good for him.

Just as things had gotten interesting, Captain Valentine suddenly appeared as from no where at Sephiroth's unnoticeable summon to escort Tifa. She was tempted to object but was silenced as the General explained his need to "discuss business" with his other esteemed guests. He did so with such finesse that Tifa found herself leave more willingly than she should have allowed Valentine to direct her to.

They headed back through the lighted halls until a grand arch came into view, leading out into a rather quant and secluded garden she had not noticed before. She felt her disappointment from being sent away receding as she took in the lovely grounds covered with all sorts of greenery and blooms in every form she could think of. A smile slid across her face as she wondered what her young SOLDIER was up to and it only broadened as she thought of what was to come later in the evening.

The Captain's presence came to her attention as he stood some distance behind her, reminding her that first she had to get a few things taken care of before fun was allowed. Tifa turned to acknowledge the man's presence before turning back to the fountain in the center of the garden, trying to get an idea as to how she should go about this.

(Mainly Vincent POV)

Captain Valentine stood at attention a reasonable distance from the bar maid. He noticed how her hair moved in the slight breeze, brushing against her bare arms and saw her visibly shiver from the cold. Always the gentleman, he removed his long red cape and poised it over her shoulders, her body turning towards him as he was graced with a small of gratitude. He felt his lips curl up in response and quickly decided that being this close to the young woman might not be a good idea.

It was bad enough the way his men acted around her, always staring and confusing tactics during training sessions while she was observing. He did not need to be pulled into this maiden's spell, and so he kept away by keeping the fountain between them. This worked splendid until Tifa moved over to his side of the fountain and sat down next to him on a bench. He checked his impulse to stand when she asked,

"Captain, may I ask you what your first name might be?" The innocence of the inquiry caught him off guard as he found himself automatically respond with the truth. "Vincent."

"It suits you." He just stared at her blankly. He tried to figure out what purpose this conversation served to her and so did not respond to her comment. A few moments of silence passed and somehow during the time, the young woman seemed closer than he had recalled. Now he did stand to get some comfortable space between his body and those hazel eyes that looked at him with concern.

"Is something wrong, Vincent?"

His name on her lips was undeniably delightful and he found himself unable to think clearly as she moved towards him. Finally, his senses returned before she could get any closer and he moved out of her reach, shaken at his actions.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think this is such a good idea."

She feigned innocence as he wavered under her gaze. "All I want is to make some new friends, Vincent. Where is the harm in that?"

Her subtle movements betrayed her words and Vincent replied, "Friends are overrated," with some of his cold regularity back into his tone.

"Everyone needs someone to talk to, to confide in. You are no exception, Captain. You must have plenty that you keep bottled up inside, not letting anything escape to the surface."

"That is none of your concern, Miss Lockheart."

"Please, it's Tifa. And this denial is an unhealthy way to live, don't you think?"

"Not really, no. And once again, you know nothing of my life so why are you prying into my personal affairs?"

Sephiroth appeared two seconds too late and was left in the dark since he had missed the importance of the unfortunate incident between his second in command and his make believe girlfriend. Neither one had any plans of making the General any wiser since it would bring nothing but unneeded tension between the three "business partners" as it were. The group departed the garden in silence as Sephiroth led the way to Seventh Heaven, each with their own concerns to deal with.

Sephiroth had much on his mind as they walked in silence back to the base. Most of his affairs had gone through without hassle in regards to the regional leaders, but there were the select few who were threatening to become a nuisance and throw a quirk into his plans. It was not vital that all agree to stay out of his way when making the final stretch of this campaign, but the General did not want to have unnecessary losses and reach his destination short handed.

Tifa tried to ignore the annoyance she felt building at her failure with the Captain. Her employers would not be pleased with this latest information, and she was not looking forward to that conversation. She instead focused on how to deal with the Captain regarding the recent exchange and how the General would be involved. She would have to talk to Vincent alone and as soon as possible.

Vincent glanced at the General, his friend's face betraying nothing of the thoughts in regards to the events of the evening. Sephiroth was very skilled at hiding his concerns, not wanting to burden his friend with trivial matters but Vincent could still see the unease in those green eyes. The Captain then focused on the young vixen who had tried to play with his mind. He could not fathom any reason as to why she had even tried to pry where she did not belong, but it made him question her motives all the more. Perhaps he would gain some insight on the matter after a chat with Sephiroth in regards to Tifa's loyalty, since he seemed to vouch for her for the time being.