Liquor Licence

"Good evening, officer."

"Good evening, Miss Lockhart."

Tifa had to bite back a smile and fight the urge to stare as Lightning walked into the bar in her Guardian Corps dress uniform. She'd always loved the way Lightning looked in uniform, and this particular uniform was especially dashing and pleasing to the eye. It accentuated both Lightning's authority and her femininity, and the combination was making it very difficult to concentrate on the tidying up she was supposed to be doing.

Not far off, Aerith must have caught her staring because the Cetra rolled her eyes and gave Tifa a shooing gesture. She knew just as well as Tifa did that the bartender wasn't going to get any more work done now that Lightning had arrived.

"So…" Tifa murmured, leaning across the bar. "Did you just get back from some Guardian Corps ceremony?"

"As a matter of fact, I did," Lightning replied. "Apparently, the work I've been doing in this area hasn't gone unnoticed. I've been promoted." Her lips curved up into a slow smile as she leaned over the counter, almost close enough to kiss Tifa. "I was thinking of coming here to celebrate, but I'm afraid I can't do that just yet."

"Oh?" It was rare to here this kind of teasing tone from Lightning.

"Yes," Lightning said, straightening and taking on a more formal posture. "I understand that it's been some time since your liquor licence has been reviewed, Miss Lockhart."

"My liquor licence?" Tifa tilted her head to one side. "Seriously?"

"Yes. I'm afraid I'm going to have review it right away. Of course, I'll need to see all of the paperwork as well. I assume you have it."

"Oh." Tifa grinned. "The paperwork? That would be… upstairs… in my room."

"Then we'll have to go up there and get it. You understand that I can't let you go on your own. I wouldn't want you making a run for it. I'll have to escort you up there myself."

Off to the side, Aerith made a gagging sound. Honestly, could those two be any more obvious?

"I see. Well," Tifa said, turning and making a beeline for the stairs. "I would hate to disappoint you, office. Please follow me."

As Lightning followed Tifa up the stairs, Aerith giggled.

"I wonder if she'll use her handcuffs again."

X X X

Author's Notes

As always, I do not own Final Fantasy. I am not making any money off of this either.

Another Tifa x Lightning snippet. I'll probably just start posting any I come up with here.

As always, I appreciate feedback. Reviews and comments are welcome.