Chapter 25: Final Shoot

"I absolutely approve of her new beau, Thomas. Have you seen the pictures of their date last night?" one of the commentators said on the show. Her blonde hair bounced with life as she turned her head to face her partner. Her partner shook his head and asked her where the date happened. "I'll just let the pictures show you," the lady host replied smartly queuing the picture slideshow.

Click. Tifa turned the TV off and turned her head to let Lazard curl her hair. She could feel her cheeks growing hot again. "You know, Cloud's really sweet. I'm so jealous." her stylist told her. "Your old friend never did anything like that."

"Ha, it was my first time to see a person walk around in his socks too, Lazard. It was really sweet, and touching. Plus his feet didn't smell!" Tifa replied, smiling broadly.

There were three short knocks on her room's door, and a familiar voice asked if he could come in. "Of course you can," Lazard said, beating her to it.

"I brought coffee," Cloud said as he walked in, holding tall cups of espresso. He handed Tifa her cup and said, "Good morning. Sorry I'm late. Traffic in the 101 was really bad." He was wearing a tight-fitting black shirt where Tifa could see the outline of his perfectly toned body.

My god, he's wearing a shirt and I'm getting turned on here. she thought.

"I'll see you later, Tifa. I've got to go and get my hair and make up done too. He he." Cloud said after a moment. He took her free hand and squeezed it for a second before leaving the room. His hand was warm, very warm. His palms were slightly rough and she liked it that way.

"See what I mean?" Lazard chided her. "Ah there, your hair's done! Let's get you in your dress now before I do your make up." The stylist led her to the changing room and gave her the dress she would be wearing that day. It was red, lacy with elbow-length sleeves. It gave the illusion of sheerness, but there was a skin tone dress underneath.

"I think I'm going to pair that up with Christian Louboutin heels and Cartier baubles." Lazard decided once she emerged from the changing room. "Since your dress is very detailed, your other accessories will be plain and simple. Come, sit."

When Lazard and his team finished prepping the whole group, the filming for Heart Locker's final commercial began. XY fashion house had decided to only have four commercials in order to have it on Midgar Fashion Week. The fashion week was one of the biggest, most anticipated events in the industry.

The theme was a posh party, almost like a promenade. Bart had rented out Rose Hotel's Diamond Ball Room for the filming. The opulent crystal chandeliers hung above, sending brilliant light all over. There were twelve round tables placed on the floor. Each table had been draped with rose red cloth and ivory white satin. Adorable bouquets of roses rested on each table.

"Heart Locker 'Posh' episode take one!"

All the models filed in the ballroom, making sure to walk closely by the cameras. They were all chatting, like they were all friends. Of course, there was some truth in that—a lot of them had become friends throughout the commercial-series.

"Tifa, it's time! Go!" a crew member said, pushing her gently towards the door.

The double doors opened slowly, dramatically. Tifa took out her invitation card, making sure that the cameras captured it. The invitation said:

Heart Locker : The Runway Show
March 3, 2012
Midgar Fashion Week
OFFICIAL PASS

"Very good Tifa! Now head over to where Cloud is!" Bart shouted. His knuckles were white against his chair's arm rests.

Ba-thump. Ba-thump.

The models moved and danced about, making it hard for Tifa to navigate her way to where Cloud was standing with his 'group of friends.' They were laughing and checking out girls to dance with. Cloud glanced at his watch and sighed.

"You're date's not here yet?" Zack asked, looking concerned. Aerith was standing right next to him wearing a pink dress with black lace details. Sephiroth had gone ballistic when she had finally asked him to stay away from her a few days ago. There were rumors that Sephiroth was hiding away in his house, reading all his books to cope. It was a pretty stupid rumor, but anybody without a brain would believe that.

"Nope, not yet." Cloud replied. He looked at his watch again.

Finally, the models let her pass. Tifa waved at Cloud and walked over to him with quick grace. "Hi, sorry I'm late." she said breathlessly.

Why don't we run out here and check in in one of their rooms, huh?

Cloud smiled gently and took her hand. "It's alright." Her hand was small, soft and delicate inside his slightly rough, big one. He'll never get tired of noticing that, for sure.

"And head out to the balcony!"

The couple walked slowly towards the balcony. Cloud was being careful, her shoes this time were really very high. He didn't want her to slip or something, not on his watch.

"And lean in closer to her Cloud!"

His hot breath fanned across her face. She could almost hear him breathing. He was not comfortable with onscreen kisses. She smiled, and closed her eyes.

"And cut!" Bart yelled. "That's a wrap everybody. Good work you two lovebirds! Where's the editing team?"

The director shook their hands and showered everybody involved with praise before heading over to the studio to start editing. This episode would be having a lot of graphics, he explained. The staff began to clean up the set, and the models started to file out of the ball room, to change out of their clothes.

The couple turned to face other when Lazard's shout made them jump out of their skins.

"Tifa! Come quick!" he shrieked. "Hurry!"

"Um, I'll be back." Tifa said, taking off her shoes and running towards her stylist. "What is it?"

Genesis was on the TV, looking really ruggedly hot. There were blaring words underneath him. 'GENESIS BREAKS HIS SILENCE!' He was wearing a tight black shirt and leather pants. Sure, you're making your fans hyperventilate, Tifa thought as she turned her head to look at Lazard.

"And so what if he's on TV?" she said nonchalantly.

"Don't tell me that you're not curious on how he's going to do his damage control." Lazard shot back.

"Alright. Maybe I am."

"Ssh, here it comes!"

"Tifa was right. I was really against her hiatus plan, but it was only because I was looking out for her career." The crimson haired man said. The reporter asked if he was happy for her and if he has seen her pictures lately. Genesis laughed. "Goddess no, I haven't seen any pictures of her lately. Sure, I'm happy for her. I hope she's happy."

"Turn that thing off right now." Tifa said, turning away. Her mouth was set in a thin line. Her eyes were slightly narrowed. Did he honestly think that she was miserable without him? The bastard!

"Hey Tifa take deep breaths, alright?" Lazard said, smiling nervously.

"That…. that egotistic bastard!" she snarled. "I hope a spot light falls on him while he's singing!"

"Is… anything wrong?" Cloud's voice suddenly drifted towards her. He was standing in the doorway, with his arms crossed. There was a crease of worry on his face. His cool blue eyes were dewy, and he had not changed out of his outfit yet.

"Uh, no, no, everything's alright." Tifa said, smiling broadly. Her heart was still beating really fast, and she could feel her skin growing hot. Her breath was going back to its normal pace. But why did she feel like she wasn't getting anywhere near calm?

"Really?" he asked. "Okay then."

"Um, excuse me, but sir Bart wanted me to tell you that the whole team will be having a celebratory dinner later at the Hyperion at eight." a staff member said.

"Okay. Thank you." They replied. The staffer spared them one smile and then scurried off to tell the models.

-Hyperion, 8:30 PM

The restaurant had been completely rented out for the night by XY fashions to celebrate the ending of the commercial shoot. Hyperion was a restaurant and bar with a Greek mythology theme, thus the name. Hushed chatter and occasional laughter filled the air inside. It was warm and very cozy inside. People lounged at the leather seats and drank champagne. Others danced.

But the girl of the moment and her boyfriend were not there. Yet.

"Where's your pet, Rufus? She's not here yet. It's already eight-thirty!" Bart asked quietly.

"Excuse me, but did you just refer to Tifa as my pet?" Rufus snapped, looking up from his martini. The blonde shook his head and added. "She is not my pet, Bart. She is my star."

"Yeah, cut the cheesy lines will you? Where is she?"

"She'll be here in a few minutes. Why don't you get yourself a glass of champagne and relax, Bart?" Rufus said. "I assure you that Tifa is on her way." Ten minutes later, she and Cloud had arrived. Tifa and Cloud were wearing the same clothes they had worn during the shoot.

Ysabelle came in a little later. She was wearing a pink long-sleeved blouse and a long lavender skirt, matched with nude peep-toe pumps and diamond-encrusted gold jewelry. "Tifa darling!" she called out.

"Ysabelle!" Tifa said, walking towards the famous designer. They embraced and kissed each other's cheeks. "How are you? It's been so long since we last saw each other!"

"I know! Oh, darling, your line's a big success! Congratulations!" Ysabelle gushed. She tilted her head a little and looked at Cloud, who was standing right next to Tifa. "And you must be her inspiration. Cloud is your name, isn't it?"

"Y-yes ma'am. Uh…" Cloud stuttered.

"Oh don't get nervous around me, young man." Ysabelle laughed, playfully pinching his cheek. "Now I know why everybody's going crazy and why she's happy again. I saw the pictures, you know, and I think that you two are meant for each other!"

Tifa blushed and smiled at Ysabelle's words.

"Now, honey, the fashion week is just a week away. Do you think you can handle it? I know that the shootings' have really taken a toll on you and everybody else."

They chatted on about the upcoming show. Ysabelle couldn't stop gushing about how beautiful Tifa and Cloud looked together. When the fashion mogul finally moved on, probably to terrorize Bart, the couple let their biggest smiles emerge.

It was already three in the morning when the party finally died down. Cloud held Tifa close as they walked out of the restaurant. "Hey lovebirds! Look here!"

There was a paparazzo sitting on top of a tree, with his camera ready. Actually, he was already furiously snapping away.

"Hey! Stop that!" the security personnel said. "Come down at once!"

Cloud frowned at the pap before leading Tifa into the car. Genesis would have actually started to pose, and ask if his angle was good.

His arm lingered gently on her shoulder, but she still felt the heaviness of his arm, and it reassured her that she was safe. She leaned on his shoulder and let her eyes close. To fall asleep beside him felt like sleeping in a very warm place.

"Finally, some peace." Cloud sighed, before drifting off to sleep as well.

Author's Note:

OMG. You guys. I am so terribly sorry for being a neglecting author! I've really been busy with my requirements—mainly the thesis, but it's finished, so here chapter twenty-five is now! Anywho, hell week is just beginning, I've got to review for exams. Uh.. I've been in a very foul mood lately, mainly because I haven't been sleeping properly haha. I hope my temper didn't reflect on the chapter. ;)

I hope you guys liked it. Please don't forget to review!

*We're almost at the 200 reviews mark! AWESOME!

Love,

VictoriaChrystallis