Chapter 11
The next day, we all agreed to meet up in the band room, to listen to the songs Vincent compiled the night before, prior to e-mailing them to the manager of the Gold Saucer Hotel. Upon arriving with Cloud, we found Aerith and Yuffie had also graced us with their presence on hearing the first ever recorded covers from AVALANCHE.
"Oh Tifa!" Aerith exclaimed upon realising we had arrived. "Are you excited or what?"
I shrugged with a small smile. Of course not, I'm terrified, I thought, as I'd never heard my recorded voice before.
Before she could reply, Vincent gathered everyone's attention, "alright, so I merged all the layers, and altered the volume levels slightly for Cloud's parts, and I reckon it's pretty much as good as editing can go…"
"Just play the damn thing," Zack joked, and with that, Vincent pressed the space bar to his laptop, which sounded the first opening guitar notes and drum beats to "Hoops".
It had seemed the 10 seconds before my voice was heard in the first verse, could have lasted a lifetime. However, I honestly was surprised. I imagined my voice to sound a lot rawer to when I heard myself sing in real time. In my peripheral vision I could see Cloud slightly turn toward, giving me an approving smile.
When the last note drew to a close, we all burst into an applause, with even Yuffie and Zack cheering. Zack was ecstatic, it was clear to see the goal he had shared with Vincent for so many years previously, had finally just begun to shine, whether we got the gig or not.
Before the applause died down, "Twilight Driving" then began to drift from Vincent's computer and we all listened intently one final time. I was more nervous about this song, considering I had had so much trouble with it in the beginning. But as soon as my voice could be heard in the first couple of seconds, more cheers were heard from everyone, including Cloud. The cheers grew louder and even Yuffie wolf-whistled when I nailed the timing into the chorus. I swear I could feel myself going red, however, I couldn't supress feeling proud of myself either. I had just completed something I never dreamt of doing, and considering from the rest of my friend's expressions, I believed I did it well. I could only go up from here.
After Vincent made a few minor final adjustments under Zack's instruction, the files were sent at exactly 12:03pm. Again pleased with the group's efforts, Zack suggested that we go out for drinks that night, which was immediately detested by Aerith.
"But it's Sunday," she contested. "We all have classes tomorrow."
"I'm sure we won't stay out for too long," Cloud reasoned. "Besides, it's a special occasion."
Giving a smug glance towards Zack, – which only meant trouble - Aerith agreed hesitantly, and it was final, drinks all round at Club Jenova.
Getting dressed up with Yuffie was probably the most fun I had ever had before any event. We cranked music up while we assessed each other's outfits for the night, applied our make-up and styled our hair. Even Aerith found her way to our room, insisting that I curl her hair. Aerith complete with her curls, wore a pastel knee high flowy dress with low heeled white sandals, while Yuffie went full out and paired her favourite leather pants with her heaviest-looking buckled boots and a long sleeved maroon shirt cut short to expose her midriff. Of course like her heavy clothing so was her eyeliner. Whereas for me, I decided on something fairly moderate pairing my ripped jeans with a stripped crop top and my well-worn khaki bomber jacket with black lace up boots.
When we finally made our way up to the band room we found the boys already finishing their pre-drinks. Vincent was dressed in his usual darker toned clothing consisting of dark jeans, converse shoes, a dark collared shirt and burgundy sweater. Zack on the other hand disregarded any thought of Autumn's fast approach as well as it's cooler nights that came along with it. With his white patterned singlet, he wore quite nice jeans, with white Nike sneakers. Cloud however, surprised me. He wore a nice casual Aztec printed shirt paired with nice jeans slightly rolled up at the ankle and slip on vans.
Luckily, it was only a short bus ride into Midgar's city centre, and the night was already well underway by 8:30pm. We started the night with a toast at the bar before we slowly migrated to the dance floor where music un-alike to our own, pounded from the surrounding speakers, and strobe lights flashed. Yuffie, however, seemed to approve of the DJ's choice in music and naturally was seen as the best dancer in the group.
The underground club was fairly medium sized which was surprisingly well packed with many party goers. Jenova's club theme was something that would have been straight out of something similar to Blade Runner with science fiction art and furniture placed around the dimly lit place. The bar was located to the right of the entrance/exit stairs, with the bathrooms to the left, around a corner and the packed dance floor front and centre. For a medium sized club, they used their space well, cutting private booths with tables into the dark walls and minimal lighting.
Aerith, experiencing her first beer bought by Zac, instantly seemed to relax a little beginning to sway to the energetic music, confirming everyone's suspicions that she was definitely a light weight. While Zack, Yuffie and Aerith were heavily immersed in the dance floor, the rest of us stuck to the outer rim, observing, I would have seriously been bewildered if I ever caught Vincent in such a scene, however I wouldn't have ever imagined him in such an environment in the first place.
"So what's the bet that Zack makes the first move tonight?" Cloud asked as he yelled over the music in my ear.
I shook my head, "I don't think Aerith is quite like that, she has a very sound moral backbone."
"Ah, but that's not what I asked, whether or not she agrees, do you still think he'll pull something?" He shouted again.
I examined the two on the dancefloor closely considering that Aerith did show some interest in him, in the first couple of weeks of the semester. However, whether or not she'd agree to any form of romance tonight was negative. Intoxicated or not, Aerith was true to herself, which was something extremely admirable. However, knowing Zack and his personality, I somehow knew he'd at least want to try and make a first move. It was in his nature to take the lead. Although, if he really did care about Aerith and wanted to have a decent go at a relationship, I truly believe he'd consider every one of Aerith's feelings or beliefs.
"Okay, you owe sushi if nothing happens between them tonight," I offered, holding out my hand.
Cloud looked surprised, "seriously, you don't think Zack will at least try something?"
I shook my head again, "not if he really cares about her, he won't, he'll understand this is not how Aerith would want to get to know him on a deeper level, this place is too sleezy for her."
He shrugged, shaking my hand to seal the deal, "fair enough, but just so you know I'll make sure to order the large sushi bento box when you lose."
I smiled in reply before we both downed that last of our drinks and he offered to buy another for both of us. Feeling honoured and somewhat excited, I agreed and joined him at the bar leaving Vincent who decided his phone was more interesting than the drunken behaviour that was happening before him.
Yuffie too ordered a few more drinks which were beginning to take effect on her speech as well as her hand-to eye co-ordination. When she passed Vincent, she began to sing loudly and dance with him. However, Vincent didn't seem like it was really his type of thing. He mainly just remained on the wall, pulling Yuffie back into balance whenever she seemed she was about to tumble over her own clumsy feet.
"And what about those too?" Cloud suggested pointing toward Yuffie who was trying to drag Vincent onto the illuminated dancefloor when "Roses" by Chainsmokers faded in from the previous song. Unable to slip from his grip my wildest dream of seeing shy and timid Vincent standing among sweaty dancing bodies then became a reality.
"What about them?" I asked puzzled.
He took another sip from his beer, "I mean I don't know Vincent all that well, but he seems strangely over protective over her."
"I noticed that too," I agreed.
"You reckon if something were to happen, you think it'd be Yuffie or Vincent to make the first move?"
I laughed, "definitely Yuffie."
We both laughed as "Never Be Like You" by Flume and Kai faded in. Feeling the beer starting to finally lift me, I downed the last quarter of the glass.
"Woah, calm down there," Cloud said before I decided it was time we joined the others on the floor. It was mainly us girls who danced, while the boys joked and protected our dancing space from intruders. With Yuffie's senses diminishing rapidly, Aerith and I relished in becoming the group's top dancers.
During the whole time, feeling the beer rise inside me, I began to give into the temptation to let go more and more, relaxing and enjoying myself like we were supposed to. Gig or none, we had definitely achieved something.
It wasn't until Yuffie fell backwards onto Vincent, unconscious, that we decided to head for the exit. Draping Yuffie's small arm around his neck it was lucky she was just able to carry herself up the stairs and out to a bus stop bench. Settling her on the bench, Vincent knelt in front of her, brows furrowed as he pushed her sweat soaked fringe out of her eyes.
"Yuffie?" Aerith asked, stroking her back soothingly. "You okay, sweetie?"
"You want to grab her some water, Tifa?" Vincent asked.
I nodded and approached the bouncers, showing my stamped wrist and re-entering the blasting club. Asking to take water to someone outside, a bar-tender handed me a flimsy plastic cup only half filled with water. Approaching Yuffie slouched on the Bench with everyone surrounded, I realised whatever Yuffie was drinking during the night – most likely vodka – had reappeared on the ground in front of her feet.
"Here Yuffie," I said handing her the cup. "Drink up."
"Is it vodka?" she groggily asked examining the clear liquid.
"Definitely not," Vincent said sincerely.
"Good," she said, taking small sips form the cup.
"I think it's best that we get her home," Vincent suggested, followed by a group's agreement.
Arriving back to the academy at 2:30am, Cloud and I helped Vincent settle an extremely tired Yuffie into bed. I felt sorry for Aerith momentarily as we had agreed on an early and non-messy night.
"You going to be okay with her?" Vincent asked worriedly.
"I'm pretty sure Tifa has it under control, Vincent," Cloud interjected meeting my eyes. "Yuffie will be fine."
"Alright, night' guys," Vincent said leaving Yuffie's collapsed form and heading for the door, "Oh and I'll let you guys know when hear word from Gold Saucer."
"Thanks Vincent, your work was amazing," I said as he exited the room.
As I unlaced Yuffie's heavy black boots, Cloud settled her empty desk bin beside her bed.
"I guess you won the bet by the way," he said with a smirk.
"Did I not tell you?" I said matching his smirk as I settled her boots at the end of her bed. "However, you know what this means don't you?"
Cloud's expression turned confused, "no."
I rolled my eyes, "I told you if Zack respected Aerith's moral backbone, not only would nothing have happened, it also suggests that he's interested in more than just a one-night stand."
Cloud shrugged in response, "so what will it be? Bento box?"
"And dessert," I added with a grin, relishing in winning a bet.
"Say tomorrow night, 6?" he suggested avoiding eye contact.
I froze momentarily, as hearing his proposition sounded more of an arranged date.
Clearing my throat and straightening I smiled suddenly shy, "I'd love that."
"I'll meet you in the corridor then," he said with what looked like a relived smile. "I'll probably get going then, are you all good to take care of the rest?"
"Of course, thank you," I said taking a seat next to Yuffie. "Night'."
"Night'."
As he closed the door behind him, I exhaled suddenly aware I'd be holding my breath for some unknown reason.
"Oh please," Yuffie mumbled. "I can hear your internal screaming from here."
"Shut up," I retorted. "you're drunk and eavesdrop too much, go to sleep."
Giving what was left in my water bottle to Yuffie, and helping her to the bin when the Vodka made a re-appearance, I basically slept beside her, squished on her single matrass, sitting upright with my head rested on the wall.
It was difficult to sleep that night, not only because of Yuffie's hurling intervals, but because the thought of Cloud prevented my eyelids from becoming heavy.
I awoke to the awful sound of Yuffie hurling into the bin loudly, followed by the stench of alcohol the next morning.
"You're obviously not going to class today," I said getting out of bed, grimacing at the reek. As Yuffie finished, she shook her head before collapsing back onto her pillow.
"Nah, Vincent messaged me and said because he doesn't have any classes until 2, so he's letting my dance instructors I'll be absent for me," she slurred. "Plus he's bringing me food too."
"Ah, so you'll be okay while I go to my piano lesson?" I asked as I picked the day's outfit from my bedside drawer.
Launching forward to heave into the bin again, she nodded her head slightly when she had finished, "to some degree."
Before getting ready I made sure to refill my bottle for her in the student kitchen on the lower floor, returning it to her and wishing her to feel better before making my way to Sherra's studio.
After my lesson of practising Bach's piano Prelude from the previous week, I exited finding I had a new message from Zack from 20 minutes ago. Opening it, it read:
Meet in the band room at 6pm! Amazing news from Vincent!
